Evaluation of the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activity of the sesquiterpene nerolidol.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm activities of nerolidol. The antioxidant activity of nerolidol was determined using the total antioxidant activity method. Antibacterial activity was performed using the microdilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against seven standard strains of the ATCC and four bacterial clinical isolates with a resistance profile, following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The antibiofilm activity of nerolidol was performed using the crystal violet method. The results of the antioxidant test revealed a total antioxidant activity of 93.94%. Nerolidol inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 1 mg/mL), Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 4 mg/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL). For clinical isolates, nerolidol showed an inhibitory potential against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (MIC = 0.5 mg/mL), methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MIC = 2 mg/mL), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MIC = 2 mg/mL). Nerolidol showed similar antibacterial activity against ATCC strains and hospital clinical isolates with resistance profile, suggesting that even though these strains are resistant to antibiotics, they are still sensitive to nerolidol. Nerolidol exerted a dose-dependent effect on the inhibition of biofilm formation, even at subinhibitory concentrations. Nerolidol inhibited bacterial biofilms of ATCC strains at a rate ranging from 51 to 98%, at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4 mg/mL. For clinical bacterial isolates, biofilm inhibition ranged from 6 to 60%. Therefore, the present study showed the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm properties of nerolidol.

Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity of the latex extracted from Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel (Apocynaceae).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Himatanthus drasticus is a tree popularly known as janaguba. Endemic to Brazil, it is found in the Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, rock fields, and rainforests. Janaguba latex has been used in folk medicine for its antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiallergic activities. However, studies investigating the safety of its use for medicinal purposes are limited. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of the latex extracted from H. drasticus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The latex was extracted from H. drasticus specimens by removing a small area of bark (5 × 30 cm) and then dissolving the exudate in water and lyophilizing it. Phytochemical screening was performed by TLC and GC-MS, protein, and carbohydrate levels. Cell viability was performed by the MTT method. Acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and mutagenicity assays were performed in mice. RESULTS: TLC showed the presence of saponins and reducing sugars, as well as steroids and terpenes. The GC-MS analysis of the nonpolar fraction identified lupeol acetate, betulin, and α/ß-amyrin derivatives as the major compounds. The latex was toxic to S-180 cells at 50 and 100 µg/mL. No signals of toxicity or mutagenicity was found in mice treated with 2000 mg/kg of the latex, but genotoxicity was observed in the Comet assay. CONCLUSIONS: H. drasticus latex showed toxicity signals at high doses (2000 mg/kg). Although the latex was not mutagenic to mice, it was genotoxic in the Comet assay in our experimental conditions. Even testing a limit dose of 2000 mg/kg, which is between 10 to 35-fold the amount used in folk medicine, caution must be taken since there is no safe level for genotoxic compounds exposure. Further studies on the toxicological aspects of H. drasticus latex are necessary to elucidate its possible mechanisms of genotoxicity.

Plants and Phytocompounds Active Against Bothrops Venoms.

Snakebite envenomation is an important health problem in tropical countries, with severe human and social consequences. In Latin America, the Bothrops species constitute the main threat to humans, and the envenomation caused by these species quickly develops into severe local tissue damage, including swelling, hemorrhaging, myonecrosis, skin ulceration, and pain. The systemic effects of envenomation are usually neutralized by antivenom serum therapy, despite its intrinsic risks. However, neutralization of local tissue damage remains a challenge. To improve actual therapy, two major alternatives are proposed: the rational design of new specific antibodies for most of the tissue damaging/ poor immunogenic toxins, or the search for new synthetic or natural compounds which are able to inhibit these toxins and complement the serum therapy. Natural compounds isolated from plants, mainly from those used in folk medicine to treat snakebite, are a good choice for finding new lead compounds to improve snakebite treatment and minimize its consequences for the victims. In this article, we reviewed the most promising plants and phytocompounds active against bothropic venoms.

Conhecimento e práticas de usuários com diabetes mellitus sobre a automonitorização da glicemia capilar no domicilio / Knowledge and practices of users with diabetes mellitus on capillary blood glucose self-monitoring at home / Conocimientos y prácticas de los usuarios con diabetes mellitus en sangre capilar glucosa autocontrol en casa

Objective:To analyze the knowledge and practices of users with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) on the capillary blood glucose self-monitoring (AMGC) held at home. Methods: descriptive-exploratory study with qualitative methodology, developed in April and May 2013, with users with DM in the public health system of an interior. The data were collected through interviews and categorial analysis verified the sample. The theme was selected by saturation of the speech totaling 12 DM users that perform AMGC at home. Results: the content analysis of data made it possible to identify three categories: realization of non-rational AMGC; The absence of educational programmes to steer on the realization of AMGC; Insufficient availability of inputs to users who perform AMGC. Conclusion: Despite advances legally reached by public policies, users with DM are unaware of the legislation and how it directly interferes in the conduct of AMGC's

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento e as práticas de usuários com Diabetes Mellitus (DM) acerca da Automonitorização da Glicemia Capilar (AMGC) realizada no domicílio. Métodos: Estudo descritivo-exploratório, com metodologia qualitativa, desenvolvido em abril e maio 2013, com usuários com DM atendidos pelo sistema público de saúde de um interior pernambucano. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas e verificados por análise categorial temática, a amostra foi selecionada por meio da saturação do discurso totalizando 12 usuários com DM que realizam a AMGC no domicílio. Resultados: A análise de conteúdo dos dados possibilitou identificar três categorias: Realização da AMGC de forma não racional; Ausência de programas educativos para orientar sobre a realização da AMGC; Disponibilização insuficiente de insumos aos usuários que realizam a AMGC. Conclusão: Apesar dos avanços legalmente alcançados pelas políticas públicas, os usuários com DM desconhecem a legislação e como está interfere diretamente na realização da AMGC

Objetivo: Analizar los conocimientos y prácticas de los usuarios con Diabetes Mellitus (DM) de la glucosa en sangre capilar Self-monitoring (AMGC) llevó a cabo en casa. Métodos: estudio descriptivo exploratorio con metodología cualitativa, desarrollado en abril y mayo de 2013, con usuarios con DM en el sistema de salud pública de un interior. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas y análisis categorial verificado que el tema de la muestra fue seleccionado por la saturación del discurso por un total de 12 DM usuarios que realizan la AMGC en casa. Resultados: el análisis del contenido de los datos permitió identificar tres categorías: realización de AMGC no racional; La ausencia de programas educativos para orientar en la realización de AMGC; Disponibilidad insuficiente de insumos a los usuarios que realizan AMGC. Conclusión: A pesar de los avances alcanzados legalmente por las políticas públicas, usuarios con DM desconocen la legislación y cómo está directamente interfiere en la AMGC de conducta

Renal effects of Bunodosoma caissarum crude extract: Prostaglandin and endothelin involvement.

Sea anemones contain a variety of interesting biologically active compounds, including some potent toxins. PLA2 from Bunodosoma caissarum, a sea anemone endemic in the Brazilian southern coast, has shown renal alterations on isolated kidney. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal and vascular effects of B. caissarum crude extract (BcE) on isolated perfused kidney and arteriolar mesenteric bed, as well the involvement of prostaglandins and endothelin. BcE did not show any effect on arteriolar mesenteric bed, but increased perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate and decreased the percentage of sodium tubular transport on isolated perfused kidney. Indomethacin blocked the renal effects induced by BcE and tezosentan only partially blocked these effects. These results demonstrate the effects of BcE on kidney in situ, suggesting the involvement of prostaglandins and endothelin.

Assessment of the responsiveness of a public health service from the perspective of older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of health care of older adults using as a parameter the assessment of the responsiveness of the service. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a reference unit of the Brazilian Unified Health System at the outpatient level. The sample was probabilistic and had 385 older adults; data collection occurred in 2014. The domains assessed were: choice, autonomy, confidentiality, dignity, communication, physical facilities, and fast service. To this end, we used Pearson correlation test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: The domains of dignity, confidentiality, and communication reached the highest level of adequate responsiveness. On the other hand, freedom of choice and fast service received the worst assessments. Participation in decision-making regarding treatment was significantly lower among the older adults who had no education. In addition, the older adults that self-reported as black receive a lower quality of care regarding clear explanation and respected privacy in the appointment, when compared to users of any other race. CONCLUSIONS: Although most domains studied have receive a positive assessment, we have found a need for an equal care by the health professionals, regardless of race, education level, or any other adjective characteristic of older adults, users of public health services. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade da atenção à saúde da população idosa usando como parâmetro a avaliação da responsividade do serviço. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, realizado em uma unidade de referência do Sistema Único de Saúde em nível ambulatorial. A amostra foi probabilística composta por 385 idosos e a coleta de dados ocorreu em 2014. Foram avaliados os domínios: escolha, autonomia, confidencialidade, dignidade, comunicação, instalações físicas e atendimento rápido. Para tanto, foram utilizados o teste de correlação de Pearson e o teste de Fisher. RESULTADOS: Os domínios dignidade, confidencialidade e comunicação atingiram o maior nível de responsividade adequada. Por outro lado, a liberdade de escolha e o atendimento rápido receberam as piores avaliações. A participação na tomada de decisões a respeito do tratamento foi significativamente menor entre os idosos que não frequentaram a escola. Além disso, os idosos que se autodeclararam negros receberam um atendimento de menor qualidade no que diz respeito à explicação clara e a privacidade respeitada mediante consulta, quando comparados aos usuários de outra raça. CONCLUSÕES: Apesar de a maioria dos domínios estudados receberem uma avaliação positiva, evidenciou-se a necessidade de um atendimento igualitário por parte dos profissionais de saúde, independentemente de raça, nível de escolaridade ou qualquer outra característica adjetiva referente aos usuários idosos atendidos nos serviços de saúde públicos.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and topical antiinflammatory activities of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)

Croton cordiifolius is widely used in Brazilian Caatinga folk medicine to treat general inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal disturbances. Currently, its medicinal properties are not well understood, owing to the absence of chemical and pharmacological studies. The aims of this work were to analyze the chemical composition of C. cordiifolius stem bark and evaluate its in vitro antioxidant and in vivo anti-inflammatory activities. C. cordiifolius ethanolic extract (CcEE) was obtained by maceration, while essential oil (CcEO) was extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The chemical composition was evaluated by thin-layer chromatography and GCMS. Total phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity were quantitated by spectrophotometry. Topical anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by different ear edema models in mice. The major compounds in CcEO were α-pinene (51.76%) and ß-pinene (19.08%). CcEE analysis indicated the presence of alkaloids, mono- and sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, triterpenes, steroids, and coumarins. CcEE showed antioxidant activity in vitro. In a topical anti-inflammatory assay, CcEO showed no activity. On the contrary, CcEE inhibited ear edema induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), arachidonic acid (AA), ethyl phenylpropriolate (EPP), and phenol. Probable mechanisms include inhibition of AA metabolite biosynthesis, vasoactive amine activity, and cytokine release/activity. These results corroborate the popular reputation of C. cordiifolius as an anti-inflammatory remedy.(AU)

Assessment of the responsiveness of a public health service from the perspective of older adults / Avaliação da responsividade de um serviço de saúde público sob a perspectiva do usuário idoso

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of health care of older adults using as a parameter the assessment of the responsiveness of the service. METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a reference unit of the Brazilian Unified Health System at the outpatient level. The sample was probabilistic and had 385 older adults; data collection occurred in 2014. The domains assessed were: choice, autonomy, confidentiality, dignity, communication, physical facilities, and fast service. To this end, we used Pearson correlation test and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS The domains of dignity, confidentiality, and communication reached the highest level of adequate responsiveness. On the other hand, freedom of choice and fast service received the worst assessments. Participation in decision-making regarding treatment was significantly lower among the older adults who had no education. In addition, the older adults that self-reported as black receive a lower quality of care regarding clear explanation and respected privacy in the appointment, when compared to users of any other race. CONCLUSIONS Although most domains studied have receive a positive assessment, we have found a need for an equal care by the health professionals, regardless of race, education level, or any other adjective characteristic of older adults, users of public health services.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar a qualidade da atenção à saúde da população idosa usando como parâmetro a avaliação da responsividade do serviço. MÉTODOS Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, realizado em uma unidade de referência do Sistema Único de Saúde em nível ambulatorial. A amostra foi probabilística composta por 385 idosos e a coleta de dados ocorreu em 2014. Foram avaliados os domínios: escolha, autonomia, confidencialidade, dignidade, comunicação, instalações físicas e atendimento rápido. Para tanto, foram utilizados o teste de correlação de Pearson e o teste de Fisher. RESULTADOS Os domínios dignidade, confidencialidade e comunicação atingiram o maior nível de responsividade adequada. Por outro lado, a liberdade de escolha e o atendimento rápido receberam as piores avaliações. A participação na tomada de decisões a respeito do tratamento foi significativamente menor entre os idosos que não frequentaram a escola. Além disso, os idosos que se autodeclararam negros receberam um atendimento de menor qualidade no que diz respeito à explicação clara e a privacidade respeitada mediante consulta, quando comparados aos usuários de outra raça. CONCLUSÕES Apesar de a maioria dos domínios estudados receberem uma avaliação positiva, evidenciou-se a necessidade de um atendimento igualitário por parte dos profissionais de saúde, independentemente de raça, nível de escolaridade ou qualquer outra característica adjetiva referente aos usuários idosos atendidos nos serviços de saúde públicos.

Diagnóstico e educação em saúde no uso de plantas medicinais: relato de experiência / Diagnosis and health education in medicinal herbs use: experience report / Diagnóstico y educación en salud em el uso de las plantas medicinales: informe experiencia

The use of medicinal plants associated to popular culture spread over generations, whether in traditional or contemporary communities through empirical knowledge, the result of observations and experiences, providing important field generator of knowledge. The objective of this study was to report the experience the identification of medicinal plants used traditionally for the treatment of diseases in general, the population of Japaratuba - SE and develop and implement a plan in the field of health education with the construction of a road map for intervention in health-themed medicinal plants. It was interviewed 30 seniors residents in Japaratuba - SE who had greater knowledge about the use of herbal medicine, selected through appointment of local residents during the course of "Projeto Rodon ­ Operação Rio do Siris", from Ministério da Defesa in 2011. The interviews took place-using questionnaires, open-ended, and then workshops for guidance on care in cultivation / use of medicinal plants were delivered in a systematic manner, with production of a draft analysis of interventions. 25 ethnospecies were mentioned, 52% of common usage in the visited communities; featuring some ("erva cidreira" - Melissa spp, indicated by users to gastrointestinal problems and high blood pressure and "aroeira" - Myracodruon spp, as indicated by the same healing), handling errors (clinical herbal preparation), this being corrected with the workshops and methodological evaluation of interventions. This plan can be a guideline reproducible in several communities, guiding health professionals in relation to the patient and guidelines on conscientious and safe use of medicinal plants, improving therapeutic success on primary care through training of multipliers of knowledge and minimizing exposure and health risks.(AU)

O uso de plantas medicinais está relacionado à cultura popular com disseminação ao longo de gerações, em comunidades tradicionais ou contemporâneas, através do conhecimento empírico, fruto de observações e experiências vivenciadas, constituindo importante campo gerador do conhecimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a experiência na identificação das plantas medicinais utilizadas tradicionalmente para o tratamento de enfermidades em geral, pela população de Japaratuba - SE e elaborar e executar um plano na área de educação em saúde, com construção de um roteiro de intervenção em saúde com a temática de plantas medicinais. Foram entrevistados 30 moradores de Japaratuba - SE, idosos que possuíam maior conhecimento sobre a utilização da fitoterapia, selecionados através de indicação de moradores da região durante a realização do "Projeto Rondon ­ Operação Rio dos Siris", do Ministério da Defesa, 2011. As entrevistas ocorreram por meio de questionários, tipo aberto e, em seguida, foram ministradas oficinas para orientação sobre cuidados no cultivo/uso de plantas medicinais, de forma sistematizada, com produção de uma proposta de análise das intervenções realizadas. Foram citadas 25 etnoespécieis, sendo 52% de uso comum nas comunidades visitadas (erva cidreira - Melissa spp., indicadas pelos usuários para problemas gastrointestinais e pressão alta; e aroeira - Myracodruon spp., indicada pelos mesmos como cicatrizante), apresentando alguns erros de manipulação (preparação clínica de fitoterápicos), sendo isto corrigido com as oficinas realizadas e avaliação metodológica das intervenções. Este plano pode ser um guia reprodutível em diversas comunidades, norteando profissionais de saúde na relação com o paciente e orientações sobre o uso consciente e seguro das plantas medicinais, melhorando o sucesso terapêutico na atenção primária, através da formação de agentes multiplicadores do conhecimento e minimização da exposição e riscos à saúde.(AU)

El uso de plantas medicinales está relacionado con la difusión de la cultura popular a través de las generaciones, sea en las comunidades tradicionales sea en la comunidad contemporáneas por medio del conocimiento empírico, resultado de las observaciones y experiencias de la vida, lo que constituye un importante campo generador de conocimiento. El objetivo de este estudio ha sido relatar la experiencia en la identificación de plantas medicinales usadas tradicionalmente por la población de Japaratuba-SE para tratar las enfermedades en general , además de desarrollar e implementar un plan en el área de educación para la salud con la construcción de un guía de intervención en salud bajo el tema de las plantas medicinales. Se han ntrevistado a 30 moradores de Japaratuba - SE, mayores que poseían amplio conocimiento sobre el uso de la fitoterapia, seleccionados a través de la nominación de los demás moradores locales durante la realización del "Projeto Rondon ­ Operação Rio de Siris", del Ministério de Defensa, 2011. Las entrevistas se llevaron a cabo a través de cuestionarios, de composición abierta y luego se han dado talleres de orientación sobre el cuidado en el cultivo/uso de plantas medicinales, de manera sistemática, con la producción de una propuesta de revisión de las intervenciones. Han sido citados 25 etnoespecieis, siendo el 52% de consumo común en las comunidades visitadas, tales como "Erva cidreira"/"melisa" - Melissa spp, indicado por los usuarios para solucionar problemas gastrointestinales y problemas de tensión arterial alta; y "aroeira" - Myracodruon spp, citada por las personas para cicatrización). Se han observado algunos errores de en cuanto a la manipulación de las hiervas (preparación clínica de hierbas), lo que se ha corregido en los talleres y las evaluaciones metodológicas de las intervenciones. Este plan puede ser una guía reproducible en varias comunidades, guiando profesionales de la salud hacia el paciente y ofreciéndoles orientaciones sobre el uso consciente y seguro de las plantas medicinales, desarrollando el éxito terapéutico en la atención primaria a través de la formación de multiplicadores de agentes del conocimiento y la minimización de la exposición y riesgos a la salud.(AU)

Uso de plantas medicinais por pessoas com hipertensão / Uso de plantas medicinales por personas con hipertensión / Use of medicinal plants by people with hypertension

Objetivo descrever o uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento da hipertensão arterial por pessoas com hipertensão, cadastradas no Programa Saúde da Família em um município do interior de Pernambuco. Métodos estudo descritivo, cujos dados foram obtidos através de roteiro de entrevistas semiestruturado aplicado a 172 pacientes. Resultados o uso de plantas medicinais para controle de hipertensão foi relatado por 39,5%, dentre os quais 57,4% usavam apenas uma planta medicinal. Entre as espécies citadas predominou uso do chuchu [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.-34,8%]. Conclusão plantas medicinais constituem terapia adjuvante no tratamento de hipertensão, entretanto exigem monitorização do manuseio e espécies elencadas.

Objetivo describir el uso de plantas medicinales en el tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial por personas con hipertensión inscritas en el Programa de Salud Familiar en una ciudad del interior de Pernambuco. Métodos estudio descriptivo, cuyos datos se obtuvieron a través de guía de entrevistas semiestructuradas aplicada a 172 pacientes. Resultados el uso de plantas medicinales para el control de la hipertensión fue informado por 39,5%, de los cuales 57,4% utiliza sólo una planta medicinal. Entre las especies citadas predominó el uso de chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.-34.8%]. Conclusión plantas medicinales constituyen terapia coadyuvante en el tratamiento de hipertensión, sin embargo requiere monitoreo del manejo y de las especies seleccionadas.

Objective to describe the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of high blood pressure for people with hypertension enrolled in the Family Health Program in a city in Pernambuco State. Methods a descriptive study, whose data were obtained through semi-structured interview script applied to 172 patients. Results the use of medicinal plants for hypertension control was reported by 39.5%, of which 57.4% used only one medicinal plant. Among the species cited, there was predominant use of chayote [Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.-34.8%]. Conclusion medicinal plants constitute an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of hypertension. However, there is need for monitoring of handling and listed species.

Antinociceptive Effect of the Essential Oil Obtained from the Leaves of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice.

Croton cordiifolius Baill. is a shrub known as "quebra-faca" and is used to treat inflammation, pain, wounds, and gastrointestinal disturbances in the semiarid region in the northeast of Brazil. In an ethnobotanical survey in the state of Pernambuco, "quebra-faca" use was cited in 33% of the interviews. Thus, we decided to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from C. cordiifolius (CcEO). Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 1,8-cineole (25.09%) and α-phellandrene (15.43%) as major constituents. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using murine models of chemically induced pain (writhing induced by acetic acid, formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate tests). Opioid and central nervous systems (CNS) involvement were also investigated. Regarding antinociceptive activity, CcEO (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid and decreased the licking times in both phases of the formalin test. CcEO also was evaluated in capsaicin- and glutamate-induced nociception. While no effect was observed in the capsaicin test, CcEO (100 mg/kg) was effective in the glutamate test. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, did not affect the antinociceptive activity of CcEO in writhing test. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effect of CcEO could be explained, at least in part, by inhibition of the glutamatergic system.

Antinociceptive and wound healing activities of Croton adamantinus Müll. Arg. essential oil.

Leaves of Croton adamantinus have been used to treat inflammation and skin wounds in the semi-arid area of the Northeast of Brazil. In order to evaluate if the essential oil (EO) was responsible for the claimed activities; antinociceptive, wound healing and antimicrobial tests were carried out. Twenty constituents were identified in C. adamantinus EO by GC-MS, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR, the major compounds being methyl-eugenol (14.81%) and 1,8-cineol (13.74%). Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by the formalin test and the abdominal contortion assay in mice. The EO (50 and 100 mg/kg) decreased the licking time of both phases of the formalin test when compared to the vehicle, but not to morphine (7.5 mg/kg). In the abdominal contortion assay, the EO (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of contortions compared to the vehicle and to indometacin (10 mg/kg). The wound healing activity was verified also using two experimental models: excisional wound and dead space. Topical treatment with the EO (1%) increased the wound contraction from the third day of treatment (compared with nitrofurazone 0.2%), while systemic treatment (50 mg/kg/day) increased granulation tissue formation and reduced the water content. C. adamantinus EO also showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus in disk diffusion method. These results corroborate the ethnobotanical use of this specie by Brazilian population.

Purification and renal effects of phospholipase A(2) isolated from Bothrops insularis venom.

Bothrops insularis venom contains a variety of substances presumably responsible for several pharmacological effects. We investigated the biochemical and biological effects of phospholipase A(2) protein isolated from B. insularis venom and the chromatographic profile showed 7 main fractions and the main phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) enzymatic activity was detected in fractions IV and V. Fraction IV was submitted to a new chromatographic procedure on ion exchange chromatography, which allowed the elution of 5 main fractions designated as IV-1 to IV-5, from which IV-4 constituted the main fraction. The molecular homogeneity of this fraction was characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and demonstrated by mass spectrometry (MS), which showed a molecular mass of 13984.20 Da; its N-terminal sequence presented a high amino acid identity (up to 95%) with the PLA(2) of Bothrops jararaca and Bothrops asper. Phospholipase A(2) isolated from B. insularis (Bi PLA(2) ) venom (10 microg/mL) was also studied as to its effect on the renal function of isolated perfused kidneys of Wistar rats (n=6). Bi PLA(2) increased perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), urinary flow (UF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Sodium (%TNa(+)) and chloride tubular reabsorption (%TCl(-)) decreased at 120 min, without alteration in potassium transport. In conclusion, PLA(2) isolated from B. insularis venom promoted renal alterations in the isolated perfused rat kidney.

The renal effects of alginates isolated from brown seaweed Sargassum vulgare.

Alginates isolated from Sargassum vulgare, present a strong antitumor activity, associated with kidney reversible damage, as analysed by histopathology of treated animals. In the present study, the renal alteration mechanisms of S. vulgare alginates were investigated using the isolated perfused rat kidney and the isolated perfused rat mesenteric blood vessel methods. The results showed that the effects of Sargassum vulgare low viscosity (SVLV) alginate were more potent than those of Sargassum vulgare high viscosity (SVHV) alginate in the isolated rat kidney. The SVLV alginate caused considerable changes in renal physiology, as shown by an increase in parameters such as perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, glomerular filtration rate, urinary flow and sodium, potassium and chloride excretion and by reduction of chloride tubular transport. The effects of SVHV were weaker than those of SVLV. The effects of SVLV on kidney could be related to direct vascular action as demonstrated with SVLV alginate on mesenteric blood vessels. In conclusion, the Sargassum vulgare alginate altered the renal function parameters evaluated. S. vulgare low viscosity alginate renal effects were more potent than S. vulgare high viscosity alginate. It is suggested that physicochemical differences between SVHV and SVLV could explain the differences found in the results.

Renal effects and vascular reactivity induced by Tityus serrulatus venom.

Tityus serrulatus, popularly known as yellow scorpion, is one of the most studied scorpion species in South America and its venom has supplied some highly active molecules. The effects of T. serrulatus venom upon the renal physiology in human showed increased renal parameters, urea and creatinine. However, in perfused rat kidney the effects were not tested until now. Isolated kidneys from Wistar rats, weighing 240-280 g, were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6% (g weight) of previously dialysed bovine serum albumin. The effects of T. serrulatus venom were studied on the perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), urinary flow (UF), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), sodium tubular transport (%TNa+), potassium tubular transport (%TK+) and chloride tubular transport (%TCl-). Tityus serrulatus venom (TsV; 10 microg/mL) was added to the system 30 min after the beginning of each experiment (n=6). This 30 min period was used as an internal control. The mesenteric bed was perfused with Krebs solution kept warm at 37 degrees C by a constant flow (4 mL/min), while the variable perfusion pressure was measured by means of a pressure transducer. The direct vascular effects of TsV (10 microg/mL/min; n=6), infused at a constant rate (0.1 mL/min), were examined and compared to the infusion of the vehicle alone at the same rate. TsV increased PP (PP30'=127.8+/-0.69 vs PP60'=154.2+/-14 mmHg*, *p<0.05) and RVR (RVR30'=6.29+/-0.25 vs RVR60'=8.03+/-0.82 mmHg/mLg(-1)min(-1)*, *p<0.05), decreased GFR (GFR30'=0.58+/-0.02 vs GFR60'=0.46+/-0.01mLg(-1)min(-1)*, *p<0.05) and UF (UF30'=0.135+/-0.001 vs UF60'=0.114+/-0.003mLg(-1)min(-1)*, *p<0.05). Tubular transport was not affected during the whole experimental period (120 min). On the other hand, the infusion of TsV (10 microg/mL/min) increased the basal perfusion pressure of isolated arteriolar mesenteric bed (basal pressure: 74.17+/-3.42 vs TsV 151.8+/-17.82 mmHg*, *p<0.05). TsV affects renal haemodynamics probably by a direct vasoconstrictor action leading to decreased renal flow.

Análise laboratorial do líquido céfalo-raquidiano (líquor/LCR) / Clinical laboratory analysis cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Diversos trabalhos científicos publicados descrevem que, a exemplo do exame sumário de urina, os testes e os resultados do líquor, particularmente a citobioquímica, são realizados e descritos de diferentes formas nos laboratórios clínicos. Certamente, essa situação introduz a possibilidade de erros sistemáticos, provocados ou não pelo analista, além de dificultar a compreensão e a correta interpretação, do resultado por parte dos médicos assistente e/ou solicitante. A padronização de procedimentos é o único meio e, de fundamental importância, para se obter a precisão e a exatidão dos resultados, levando o laboratório a aumentar e melhorar o desempenho, no sentido de executar cada vez melhor sua função social a serviço do usuário. O presente artigo é uma revisão de vários trabalhos, publicados na literatura sobre o assunto, com a intenção de descrever o exame do líquido céfalo-raquidiano quanto às técnicas de coleta da amostra, características físicas, contagens celulares e análises bioquímicas, imunológicas e microbiológicas, bem como, apontar os problemas mais freqüentes nas etapas pré-analítica, analítica e pós-analítica e descrever o quadro característico das meningites, diante do resultado de alguns parâmetros laboratoriais.