Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay.

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay / Diminuição da genotoxicidade induzida por DXR e efeitos não genotóxicos de Theobroma cacao revelados pelo ensaio de micronúcleo

This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Reduction of doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity by Handroanthus impetiginosus in mouse bone marrow revealed by micronucleus assay / Redução da genotoxicidade induzida pela doxorrubicina por Handroanthus impetiginosus na medula óssea de camundongos revelada pelo ensaio do micronúcleo

Abstract Handroanthus impetiginosus has long been used in traditional medicine and various studies have determined the presence of bioactive chemical compounds and potential phytotherapeutics. In this study, the genotoxicity of the lyophilized tincture of H. impetiginosus bark (THI) was evaluated in mouse bone marrow using micronucleus assays. The interaction between THI and genotoxic effects induced by the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DXR), was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24 to 48 h after treatment with N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), sodium chloride (NaCl; 150 mM), and THI (0.5-2 g/kg). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using THI (0.5 g/kg) in combination with NEU or DXR. Analysis of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) indicated no significant differences between treatment doses of THI (0.5-2 g/kg) and NaCl. Polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratios did not indicate any statistical differences between DXR and THI or NaCl, but there were differences between THI and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCEs and PCE/NCE ratios was observed when THI was administered in combination with DXR. This study suggested the absence of THI genotoxicity that was dose-, time-, and gender-independent and the presence of moderate systemic toxicity that was dose-independent, but time- and gender-dependent. The combination of THI and DXR also suggested antigenotoxic effects, indicating that THI reduced genotoxic effects induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

Resumo Handroanthus impetiginosus tem sido usada durante um longo período pela medicina tradicional e vários estudos têm demonstrados a presença de compostos químicos e potencial fitoterapêutico. Esta pesquisa avaliou a genotoxicidade da tintura da casca liofilizada de H. impetiginosus (THI) usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre THI e os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos pelo quimioterápico doxorrubicina (DXR) também foram analisados. Grupos experimentais foram analisados a 24-48 h após o tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etiluréia (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (150 mM) e THI (0,5-2 g/kg). O ensaio antigenotóxico foi conduzido utilizando THI (0,5 g/kg) em combinação com NEU ou DXR. A análise de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostrou diferenças significativas entre as doses de tratamento (0,5-2 g/kg) e NaCl. As proporções de eritrócitos policromáticos (EPC)/eritrócitos normocromáticos (ENC) não revelaram diferenças estatísticas entre DXR e THI ou NaCl, porém houve diferenças entre THI e NaCl. Uma redução significativa em EPCMNs e na razão EPC/ENC foi observada quando THI foi administrado em combinação com DXR. Essa pesquisa sugere ausência de genotoxicidade de THI, dose-, tempo- e sexo-independente, e moderada toxicidade sistêmica dose-independente, mas tempo- e sexo-dependente. A associação do THI e DXR também sugere efeitos antigenotóxicos. Por conseguinte, THI pode reduzir os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos pelo quimioterapêutico.

Reduction of doxorubicin-induced genotoxicity by Handroanthus impetiginosus in mouse bone marrow revealed by micronucleus assay.

Handroanthus impetiginosus has long been used in traditional medicine and various studies have determined the presence of bioactive chemical compounds and potential phytotherapeutics. In this study, the genotoxicity of the lyophilized tincture of H. impetiginosus bark (THI) was evaluated in mouse bone marrow using micronucleus assays. The interaction between THI and genotoxic effects induced by the chemotherapeutic agent, doxorubicin (DXR), was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24 to 48 h after treatment with N-nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU; 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), sodium chloride (NaCl; 150 mM), and THI (0.5-2 g/kg). Antigenotoxic assays were carried out using THI (0.5 g/kg) in combination with NEU or DXR. Analysis of the micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) indicated no significant differences between treatment doses of THI (0.5-2 g/kg) and NaCl. Polychromatic erythrocyte (PCE) to normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratios did not indicate any statistical differences between DXR and THI or NaCl, but there were differences between THI and NaCl. A significant reduction in MNPCEs and PCE/NCE ratios was observed when THI was administered in combination with DXR. This study suggested the absence of THI genotoxicity that was dose-, time-, and gender-independent and the presence of moderate systemic toxicity that was dose-independent, but time- and gender-dependent. The combination of THI and DXR also suggested antigenotoxic effects, indicating that THI reduced genotoxic effects induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

Decrease of the DXR-induced genotoxicity and nongenotoxic effects of Theobroma cacao revealed by micronucleus assay

Abstract This study evaluated the genotoxicity of lyophilized glycolic extract of Theobroma cacao Linné seeds (TCL), using the micronucleus assay in bone marrow of mice. The interaction between TCL and doxorubicin (DXR) was also analyzed. Experimental groups were evaluated 24-48 h after treatment with N-Nitroso-N-ethylurea (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0.5-2 g/kg), and TCL (2 g/kg) in combination with DXR (antigenotoxic assays). Analysis of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) showed no significant differences between all the treatment doses of TCL and NaCl control. Mice experimentally treated with DXR and NEU significantly induced MNPCEs. However, a significant reduction of MNPCEs was also observed when TCL was administered in combination with the chemotherapeutic agent DXR. The analysis of the PCE/NCE ratio revealed no significant differences between the NaCl control, all doses of TCL, and DXR. However, there were significant differences in the PCE/NCE ratio between positive NEU control and all other treatments. The PCE/NCE ratio observed after treatment with TCL and DXR showed significant differences and intermediate values to controls (NaCl and NEU). This study suggests absence of genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TCL, regardless of dose, sex, and time. TCL reduced genotoxic effects induced by DXR, suggesting potential antigenotoxic effects.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a genotoxicidade do extrato glicólico liofilizado de sementes de Theobroma cacao Linné (TCL), usando o ensaio do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos. A interação entre TCL e doxorrubicina (DXR) foi também analisada. Grupos experimentais foram avaliados 24-48 h após tratamento com N-Nitroso-N-etilureia (NEU: 50 mg/kg), DXR (5 mg/kg), NaCl (145 mM), TCL (0,5-2 g/kg), e TCL (2 g/kg) em combinação com DXR (ensaio antigenotóxico). As análises de eritrócitos policromáticos micronucleados (EPCMNs) não mostraram diferenças significantes entre todas as doses de tratamento do TCL e o controle NaCl. Camundongos experimentalmente tratados com DXR e NEU induziram significativamente EPCMNs. Contudo, uma redução significante de EPCMNs foi também observada quando TCL foi administrada em combinação com o agente quimioterapêutico DXR. As análises da relação EPC/ENC (eritrócito policromático/eritrócito normocromático) revelaram ausência de diferenças significantes entre o controle NaCl, todas as doses de TCL e DXR. Contudo, houve diferenças significantes na relação EPC/ENC entre o controle positivo NEU e todos os outros tratamento. A relação ECP/ENC observada após o tratamento com TCL e DXR mostrou diferenças significantes e valores intermediários aos controles (NaCl e NEU). Este estudo sugere ausência de genotoxicidade e citotoxicidade de TCL, independentemente da dose, sexo e tempo. TCL reduziu os efeitos genotóxicos induzidos por DXR, sugerindo potencial efeitos antigenotóxicos.

Efficiency of small mammal trapping in an Atlantic Forest fragmented landscape: the effects of trap type and position, seasonality and habitat.

Trapping methods can strongly influence the sampling of mammal communities. This study compared the efficiency of the capture of small mammals in Sherman traps in two positions (at ground level and in trees) and pitfall traps in a fragmented landscape. Trapping sessions were carried out between October 2008 and October 2009 at two fragments (8 and 17 ha), an agroforest corridor between them, and the adjacent pasture. A total effort of 4622 trap-nights resulted in 155 captures of 137 individuals from six species. Pitfalls had greater success (4.03%), followed by Shermans on the ground (2.98%) and on trees (2.37%; χ2 = 6.50, p = 0.04). Five species were caught in Sherman ground traps, four in pitfalls and just two on trees. There was no difference among trap types for marsupials (χ2 = 4.75; p = 0.09), while for rodents, pitfalls were more efficient than Shermans on the ground (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.02). As a result, the efficiency of each trap type differed among habitats, due to differences in their species composition. Pitfalls were more efficient in the rainy season (Fisher's exact test, p <0.0001) while Shermans on trees were more efficient in the dry season (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.009). There was no difference between seasons for Shermans on the ground (Fisher's exact test, p = 0.76). Considering the results found, we recommend that future studies of forest mammal communities, particularly those designed to test the effects of forest fragmentation, include combinations of different trap types.

Methods for evaluation of masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers: a systematized review.

The objective of this study was to present a systematized review of different methods used to evaluate the masticatory efficiency in conventional complete denture wearers. A survey was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane, seeking scientific articles according to the previously selected terms: "Masticatory performance", "Masticatory efficiency" and "Chewing ability complete denture". Moreover, complementary studies have been carried out with library manual search/databases, which included studies related to different ways to assess masticatory efficiency, specifically as it related to conventional complete denture wearers. Forty three papers were selected to be used in the present review. Despite the wide variety of methodologies in the literature, the sieves method is currently considered the gold standard method to evaluation of conventional complete denture wearers masticatory efficiency, since it is the simplest, does not depend on specific devices (beyond the set of sieves), allows for a rational assessment, and it has been widely reproduced in various types of oral rehabilitation. More, the almond, as natural test food, and the optocal (made from the molding material Optosil), as artificial test food, are the most constantly employed test foods to evaluate masticatory efficiency.

Bioinspired superamphiphobic surfaces as a tool for polymer- and solvent-independent preparation of drug-loaded spherical particles.

Superamphiphobic surfaces were evaluated as a tool to prepare spherical particles from polymers and solvents of very diverse nature, under mild conditions and with 100% drug encapsulation yield. Different from bioinspired superhydrophobic surfaces suitable only for aqueous dispersions, the superamphiphobic platforms allowed the formation of spherical droplets when solvents of any polarity were deposited onto them. Spherical poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles were synthesized by placing drops of PLGA/ciprofloxacin suspensions in dioxane on a superamphiphobic surface followed by solvent evaporation. The particles prepared covering a wide range of PLGA/ciprofloxacin weight ratios delivered a 20% dose in the first 24h and then sustained the release of the remaining drug for more than 1month. The particles, both freshly prepared and after being 26days in the release medium, showed efficiency against different types of microorganisms. The developed polymer- and solvent-independent approach could be useful for microencapsulation with very high efficiency of active substances of varied nature into size-tunable particles for a wide range of applications in an affordable and cost-effective manner.

Atividade Antimicrobiana da Uncaria Tomentosa (Willd) D. C. / Antimicrobial activity of Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC

A Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) D. C. (unha de gato) é uma planta amplamente utilizada na medicina popular, originária da Amazônia. Possui atividades biológicas, como anti-inflamatória, antimutagênica e antioxidante. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato de U. tomentosa, seco e hidroalcoólico, obtido comercialmente, utilizando-se 12 cepas de microrganismos (6 Gram-positvas e 6 Gram-negativas). Os testes antimicrobianos foram realizados em ágar BHI pela técnica de difusão em ágar. Também foram determinadas a Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Microbicida Mínima (CMM). Os testes demonstraram que os extratos inibiram o crescimento de bactérias Gram-positivas e Gram-negativas, sendo o extrato hidroalcoólico mais eficiente que o extrato seco. Conclui-se que o extrato de U. tomentosa possui atividade antimicrobiana podendo ser utilizado como uma alternativa terapêutica de baixo custo...

The plant Uncaria tomentosa (Willd) DC. (cat's claw), found in the Amazon region and widely used in popular medicine, has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to test the antimicrobial activity of two commercially prepared extracts of U. tomentosa, one dried extract of bark and the other hydroalcoholic leaf extract, against 12 strains of bacteria (6 Gram-positive and 6 Gram-negative). The antimicrobial tests were conducted by diffusion in BHI agar. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and the Minimum Microbicidal Concentration (MMC) were also determined. The tests showed that both extracts inhibited the growth of Gram-positive bacteria, but the hydroalcoholic extract was more effective and also inhibited Gram-negative bacteria. It is concluded that the U. tomentosa extract has an antimicrobial activity and can be used as a low-cost alternative treatment...

Atividade biológica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Bauhinia forficata Link sobre Herpetomonas samuelpessoai (Galvão. ) Roitman / Biologic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia forficata Link on Herpetomonas samuelpessoai (Galvão. ) Roitman

Inúmeros esforços têm sido dirigidos para conferir às plantas seu real papel e valor na terapia. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana, mutagênica, toxicidade, e os efeitos no crescimento e diferenciação de Herpetomonas samuelpessoai, do extrato hidroalcoólico de Bauhinia forficata. Para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana foi realizado o teste de difusão em ágar, bem como a determinação das concentrações inibitória (CIM) e microbicida mínimas (CMM). O potencial clastogênico e/ou aneugênico, in vivo, foi avaliado usando o teste do micronúcleo em medula óssea de camundongos Swiss albinus. Foi determinada também a dose letal média (DL50). O extrato inibiu o crescimento de oito bactérias, mostrando-se mais ativo para Gram-positivas e não foi eficiente para os fungos, tendo sido ativo nas concentrações de 2000, 1000, 500 e 250 mg/mL contra os microrganismos testados. Os resultados mostraram que nas concentrações administradas (500, 1000 e 2000 mg/Kg), não houve aumento estatisticamente significativo de micronúcleos. Não houve ação no crescimento e diferenciação de Herpetomonas samuelpessoai nas concentrações testadas. Com relação a DL50, o extrato não apresentou toxicidade.

Numerous efforts have been directed to discover the role and the value of plants in therapy. This work aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity, mutagenicity, toxicity and effects on growth and differentiation of Herpetomonas samuelpessoai of the hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia forficata. To evaluate the antimicrobial activity it was performed the agar diffusion test, minimum inhibitory (MIC) and microbicidal (MMC) concentrations. The in vivo clastogenic and / or aneugênic potential was evaluated using the micronucleus test in mice bone marrow Swiss albinus. It was also determined the median lethal dose (LD50). The extract inhibited the growth of eight bacteria, being more active against Gram-positiveones, and was not active against fungi. The microorganisms tested had MIC concentrations of 2000, 1000, 500 and 250 mg / mL. The results showed that the tested concentrations (500, 1000 and 2000 mg / kg) had no statistically significant increasedthe micronucleus. There was no action on the growth and differentiation of Herpetomonas samuelpessoai at the concentrations tested. In respect to the LD50, the extract showed no toxicity.

Perfil do conhecimento de cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos sobre medicamentos prescritos / Profile of the knowledge of pediatric patient caregivers about prescribed medicines

O raro contato entre os profissionais de saúde e o cuidador do paciente pediátrico, associado ao pouco tempo disponibilizado pelo profissional farmacêutico durante a dispensação, não são suficientes para a geração de informações significativas, podendo acarretar falhas no fluxo de informação e não adesão involuntária do paciente ao tratamento. O objetivo do trabalho foi coletar dados sobre o perfil do conhecimento dos cuidadores de pacientes pediátricos a respeito de medicamentos dispensados na Farmácia Ambulatorial do Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin (HIAS), com enfoque para os medicamentos do Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica nas especialidades de Neurologia e Pneumologia. Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo. A coleta de dados ocorreu entre novembro de 2007 e maio de 2008, utilizando-se um questionário semiestruturado. De acordo com os dados coletados, 87,7% (n=50) eram do gênero feminino; o grau de escolaridade, predominante, foi o ensino médio completo; a renda média familiar ficou compreendida entre um e dois salários mínimos, equivalente a 63,1% dos casos. As questões sobre informações sobre os medicamentos dispensados configuraram-se dessa forma: 12% desconhecem o nome do medicamento prescrito; 14% desconhecem a indicação do medicamento; 7% desconhecem como administrá-lo; 29,8% desconhecem o tempo de tratamento; 82,5% desconhecem o que é reação adversa a medicamento. Foram consideradas como respostas insatisfatórias aquelas que não foram condizentes com as informações contidas nas bulas e/ou receituários médicos dos medicamentos. A análise dos dados permitiu verificar que há, em relação à falta de informação dos entrevistados, dados significantes que podem comprometer a terapia, prejudicando a saúde do paciente.

The rare contacts between health professionals and adult caregivers of pediatric patients in a hospital outpatient pharmacy, together with the short time available during the dispensing, are insufficient to generate a meaningful flow of information, and can lead to an unintentional lack of patient compliance to the treatment. The objective of the study was to collect data on the profile of knowledge of pediatric patient caregivers, regarding medicines dispensed in the outpatient pharmacy at the Hospital Infantil Albert Sabin (a childrens hospital), focusing on those who obtain medicines from the Specialized Pharmaceutical Care component of the Public Health Service, in the specialties of Neurology and Pulmonology. This prospective study was based on data collected from November 2007 to May 2008, using a semi-structured questionnaire. According to the results, 87.7% of the caregivers (n = 50) were female; they were predominantly educated to high school level; the median family income was between one and two times the ?minimum wage? (inflation-adjusted official subsistence wage), 63.1% of incomes falling within this range(?). Questions of fact about the medication dispensed elicited the following profile of respondents? knowledge: 12% did not know the name of the drug, 14% the reason for taking the drug, 7% how to administer the medicine, 29.8% the treatment time and 82.5% did not know about adverse reactions to the medication. Answers considered unsatisfactory were those that were inconsistent with the information contained in the package inserts and / or medical prescriptions of the drugs. Data analysis showed that there was a significant lack of information among the respondents that could impair the adherence to drug therapy and affect patient health.

Rhinocladiella aquaspersa, proven agent of verrucous skin infection and a novel type of chromoblastomycosis.

We report a case of chromoblastomycosis which resembled sporotrichosis due to the presence of warty nodules and lymphatic distribution on the forearm in a 56-year-old male. Mycological and histopathological investigation of exudates and biopsy tissue samples revealed a granulomatous lesion with muriform cells, the hallmark of chromoblastomycosis. The infection showed only localized expansion with verrucous plaques suggesting a new clinical type of the disease. The causative agent was identified as Rhinocladiella aquaspersa. This case prompted a study of the clinical spectrum of R. aquaspersa, through which we identified a second case caused by this fungus in a 62-year-old Brazilian female. The case was unusual in that R. aquaspersa exhibited hyphae rather than muriform cells in tissue. Given the difficulties treating chromoblastomycosis and other infections caused by melanized fungi, we evaluated the in vitro activities of extended-spectrum triazoles, amphotericin B, and echinocandins against these clinical isolates of R. aquaspersa. Itraconazole (MIC; 0.063 mg/l) and posaconazole (MIC; 0.125 mg/l) had the highest in vitro activities, while voriconazole and isavuconazole had somewhat lower activities (MICs; 2 mg/l) against the isolates. Amphotericin B and anidulafungin each had an MIC of 1 mg/l, whereas the MIC of caspofungin was 8 mg/l.

O Efeito da crioterapia e compressão interminente no músculo lesado de ratos: uma análise morfométrica / The effect of intermittent cryotherapy and compression on muscle injuries in rats: a morphometric analysis

INTRODUÇÃO: Embora a crioterapia associada à compressão seja recomendada como tratamento imediato após lesão muscular, o efeito de sessões intermitentes desses procedimentos na área de lesão muscular secundária não é bem estabelecido. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da aplicação intermitente de crioterapia e compressão (três sessões de 30 min a cada 1h30min) na área de lesão do músculo tibialis anterior direito (TAD) do rato. METODOLOGIA: A lesão muscular foi induzida por criolesão no TAD. Vinte e quatro ratos Wistar (340 ± 20g) foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais: a) O grupo Lesão + Crioterapia (L+C) recebeu tratamentos intermitentes de crioterapia e compressão; b) O grupo Lesão + Placebo (L+P) recebeu tratamento placebo; c) O grupo Lesão (L) não foi submetido a nenhum protocolo de tratamento; e d) o grupo Crioterapia (C) que permaneceu intacto e foi submetido a tratamentos de crioterapia e compressão. Os animais foram sacrificados 24h pós-lesão, sendo os músculos seccionados em criostato e os cortes histológicos corados com Azul de Toluidina para posterior mensuração da área muscular lesada (morfometria). A análise estatística constou da ANOVA e do teste Tukey (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A morfometria aplicada 24 horas pós-lesão indicou redução significante da área de lesão muscular no grupo L+C (35,87 ± 4,9 por cento) quando comparado aos grupos L+P (46,4 ± 3,9 por cento; p= 0,001) e L (46,5 ± 4,1 por cento; p= 0,002). CONCLUSÃO: Três sessões de crioterapia e compressão foram eficientes na prevenção do aumento da área de lesão, enquanto somente a compressão não apresentou a mesma efetividade.

INTRODUCTION: Although cryotherapy associated with compression has been recommended as an immediate treatment for muscle injuries, the effect of intermittent sessions of these procedures in the area of secondary muscle injuries has not been clearly established. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intermittently applying cryotherapy and compression (three 30-minute sessions at 90-minute intervals) on an injured area of the right tibialis anterior (RTA) muscle in rats. Method: An injury was induced in the RTA muscle by means of cryoinjury. Twenty-four Wistar rats (340 ± 20g) were divided into four experimental groups: a) Injury + Cryotherapy (I+C), which received intermittent cryotherapy and compression; b) Injury + Placebo (I+P), which received placebo treatment; c) Injury (I), which did not undergo any treatment protocols; and d) Cryotherapy, which remained intact and underwent cryotherapy and compression treatment. The animals were sacrificed 24 hours after the injury, and the muscles were sectioned in a cryostat. The histological sections were stained with toluidine blue for subsequent measurement of the area of the muscle injury (morphometry). The statistical analysis consisted of the ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: The morphometric analysis 24 hours after the injury indicated that there had been a significant reduction in the area of the muscle injury in the I+C group (35.87 ± 4.9 percent), in comparison with the I+P group (46.4 ± 3.9 percent; p= 0.001) and the I group (46.5 ± 4.1 percent; p= 0.002). CONCLUSION: Three sessions of cryotherapy and compression were efficient in preventing an increase in the injured area, while compression alone did not achieve such effectiveness.

Onychomycosis in João Pessoa City, Brazil.

Onychomycosis epidemiology is a combination of various factors which include, among others, clinical presentation, etiologic agents of the infection and the patient's history background. Out of a total of 672 nail samples examined, 460 (68.4%) were microscopy positive for fungi and 306 (66.5%) of these were culture positive, including Candida (82%), dermatophytes (13.4%), Trichosporon spp (3.6%) and nondermatophyte molds (1%). Onychomycosis was more frequent in females (79.7%) than in males (20.3%). These were more common in fingernails (96.1%) than in toenails (60%) and yeasts were the most isolated etiologic agents. Among the clinical presentations, paronychia (CP) (57.2%) and onycholysis (CO) (24.8%) were the most common, caused frequently by C. albicans in 52.6% and 60.5% of the cases, respectively. T. rubrum (44.4%) and Trichosporon spp (22.2%) were the most frequent species in the case of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO). Fusarium spp was the agent responsible for 33.3% of the cases of proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) and for 14.3% of white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), whereas Acremonium spp was responsible for 14.3% of the cases of WSO.

Onychomycosis in João Pessoa City, Brazil

Onychomycosis epidemiology is a combination of various factors which include, among others, clinical presentation, etiologic agents of the infection and the patient's history background. Out of a total of 672 nail samples examined, 460 (68.4) were microscopy positive for fungi and 306 (66.5) of these were culture positive, including Candida (82), dermatophytes (13.4), Trichosporon spp (3.6) and nondermatophyte molds (1). Onychomycosis was more frequent in females (79.7) than in males (20.3). These were more common in fingernails (96.1) than in toenails (60) and yeasts were the most isolated etiologic agents. Among the clinical presentations, paronychia (CP) (57.2) and onycholysis (CO) (24.8) were the most common, caused frequently by C. albicans in 52.6 and 60.5 of the cases, respectively. T. rubrum (44.4) and Trichosporon spp (22.2) were the most frequent species in the case of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO). Fusarium spp was the agent responsible for 33.3 of the cases of proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) and for 14.3 of white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), whereas Acremonium spp was responsible for 14.3 of the cases of WSO.

Onychomycosis in Joõo Pessoa City, Brazil

Onychomycosis epidemiology is a combination of various factors which include, among others, clinical presentation, etiologic agents of the infection and the patients history background. Out of a total of 672 nail samples examined, 460 (68.4) were microscopy positive for fungi and 306 (66.5) of these were culture positive, including Candida (82), dermatophytes (13.4), Trichosporon spp (3.6) and nondermatophyte molds (1). Onychomycosis was more frequent in females (79.7) than in males (20.3). These were more common in fingernails (96.1) than in toenails (60) and yeasts were the most isolated etiologic agents. Among the clinical presentations, paronychia (CP) (57.2) and onycholysis (CO) (24.8) were the most common, caused frequently by C. albicans in 52.6 and 60.5 of the cases, respectively. T. rubrum (44.4) and Trichosporon spp (22.2) were the most frequent species in the case of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO). Fusarium spp was the agent responsible for 33.3 of the cases of proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) and for 14.3 of white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), whereas Acremonium spp was responsible for 14.3 of the cases of WSO.(AU)

Determination of total chromium traces in tannery effluents by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and UV-visible spectrophotometric methods.

Three different analytical methods comprising colorimetric method with 1,5-diphenyl-carbazide, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry were utilized in a study to determine traces of chromium (Cr) in synthetic tannery effluent from laboratory scale treatment process variations. All the results obtained using the three different methods showed good agreement and met the requirement of Brazilian regulation for total Cr for effluent discharges (<0.5 mg l(-1)). However, ET AAS has been the proposed method because it was faster, less laborious, needed smaller volume of sample and presented lower limit of quantification (LOQ=2.2 mug l(-1)).

Onychomycosis in JoÒo Pessoa City, Brazil.

Onychomycosis epidemiology is a combination of various factors which include, among others, clinical presentation, etiologic agents of the infection and the patients history background. Out of a total of 672 nail samples examined, 460 (68.4

) were microscopy positive for fungi and 306 (66.5

) of these were culture positive, including Candida (82

), dermatophytes (13.4

), Trichosporon spp (3.6

) and nondermatophyte molds (1

). Onychomycosis was more frequent in females (79.7

) than in males (20.3

). These were more common in fingernails (96.1

) than in toenails (60

) and yeasts were the most isolated etiologic agents. Among the clinical presentations, paronychia (CP) (57.2

) and onycholysis (CO) (24.8

) were the most common, caused frequently by C. albicans in 52.6

and 60.5

of the cases, respectively. T. rubrum (44.4

) and Trichosporon spp (22.2

) were the most frequent species in the case of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO). Fusarium spp was the agent responsible for 33.3

of the cases of proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) and for 14.3

of white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), whereas Acremonium spp was responsible for 14.3

of the cases of WSO.

Piedra Negra: relato de casos / Black piedra: case report

Piedra negra é uma infecção causada por um ascomiceto, Piedraia Hortae que se caracteriza pelo aparecimento no terço distal dos cabelos de nódulos fusiformes de consistência dura e coloração preta constituídos por massas compactas e organizadas de fungos. No homem, a piedra negra ocorre em regiões tropicais e subtropicais com precipitações pluviais abundantes, temperaturas elevadas e alta umidade do ar. No presente trabalho, os autores apresentam seis casos de piedra negra observados em pacientes atendidos no Laboratório de Micologia da Universidade Federal da Paraíba - Paraíba - Brasil.