A study regarding the anterior cruciate ligament remnant: Differences in balance and postural control between remnant-preserving and remnant-non-preserving patients

Introduction: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most frequently injured ligament of the knee. However, quantitative studies on evaluate the postural control influence resulted from the ACL remnant preservation or not are scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the postural control of patients submitted to ACL reconstruction with and without preservation of the injured remnant in pre and postoperative periods.MethodsEighteen patients underwent ACL reconstruction and separated into 2 groups according to the preservation or not of the remnant: (I) submitted to ACL reconstruction with preservation of the remnant (10 patients); (II) submitted to ACL reconstruction without preservation of the remnant (8 patients). They were assessed using the Lysholm score and force plate, which evaluated the patient's postural stability for remnant and non-remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction surgery.ResultsGroup I showed statistically significant subjective and objective improvements, both at 3 and 6 months. Additionally, improvement of the Lysholm test at 6 months in Group II was also statistically significant. Furthermore, the results of the Friedman test for the VCOP and VY variables of Group I, with support of the injured side in the force plate, showed a statistically significant difference both for pre and postoperative period at 3 months, compared to the 6-month postoperative period. The variables EAC and VX were statistically different for Group II, considering the preoperative period, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.ConclusionPreserving the ACL remnant in patients with ACL injuries has a positive impact on postural stability during recovery.(AU)

Introducción: El ligamento cruzado anterior (LCA) es el ligamento de la rodilla que se lesiona con mayor frecuencia. Sin embargo, escasean los estudios cuantitativos sobre la evaluación de la influencia del control postural derivada de la preservación, o no, del remanente del LCA. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el control postural de los pacientes sometidos a la reconstrucción del LCA, con y sin preservación del remanente lesionado, en los periodos previo y posterior a la cirugía.MétodosDieciocho pacientes sometidos a reconstrucción del LCA separados en 2 grupos, de acuerdo con la preservación o no preservación del remanente: I) sometidos a reconstrucción del LCA con preservación del remanente (10 pacientes), y II) sometidos a reconstrucción del LCA sin preservación del remanente (8 pacientes). Los pacientes fueron evaluados utilizando la puntuación de Lysholm y una placa de aplicación de fuerza, que evaluó la estabilidad postural del paciente para la preservación y no preservación del remanente en la cirugía de reconstrucción del LCA.ResultadosEl grupo I mostró mejoras subjetivas y objetivas estadísticamente significativas, transcurridos 3 y 6 meses. Además, la mejora de la prueba de Lysholm transcurridos 6 meses en el grupo II fue también estadísticamente significativa. Asimismo, los resultados de la prueba de Friedman para las variables VCOP y VY en el grupo I, con apoyo del lado lesionado en la placa de aplicación de fuerza, reflejaron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en ambos períodos pre y postoperatorio transcurridos 3 meses, en comparación con el período postoperatorio transcurridos 6 meses. Las variables EAC y VX fueron estadísticamente diferentes para el grupo II, considerando el periodo preoperatorio, y los 3 y 6 meses postoperatorios.ConclusiónPreservar el remanente del LCA en los pacientes con lesiones en dicho ligamento tiene un impacto positivo en la estabilidad postural durante la recuperación.(AU)

Analysis of Defense-Related Gene Expression in Citrus Hybrids Infected by Xylella fastidiosa.

Resistance to Xylella fastidiosa was evaluated in 264 hybrids of crosses between Murcott tangor (Citrus reticulata × Citrus sinensis) and Pera sweet orange (C. sinensis) under field conditions. Uninfected hybrids were grafted with buds collected from Pera sweet orange plants infected with X. fastidiosa, forming a plant with two scions (i.e., hybrid branches and Pera sweet orange branches). From these plants, we chose 10 genotypes with three biological replicates. We evaluated gene expression, bacterial multiplication, and citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) symptom development in both scions. X. fastidiosa was not detected in most hybrid scions and none showed disease symptoms. In contrast, all Pera sweet orange scions were infected with X. fastidiosa and expressed symptoms of CVC. We quantified the expression of 12 defense-related genes by qPCR comparing resistant to susceptible scions. We suggest that some of these genes are involved in resistance of the hybrids to X. fastidiosa, since their expression was significantly higher in the resistant hybrid scions than in tolerant hybrids and scions originated from CVC symptomatic Pera sweet orange buds. However, we note that these data should be interpreted carefully, as the plant genotypes tested are related but necessarily distinct (hybrids of C. reticulata and C. sinensis, in relation to a C. sinensis control). A principal component analysis revealed a relationship between the expression of these genes and hybrid scions, and between scions that originated from infected buds and the presence of the bacteria and plant symptoms. Multiyear field trials are necessary to develop plant resistance to X. fastidiosa. While the experimental design used here had limitations, it allowed us to identify a set of genes potentially involved in Citrus sp. resistance to this pathogen. Future work on the role of these genes in plant defenses to X. fastidiosa infection is necessary to confirm their importance in the displayed resistance phenotype.

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca and fastidiosa Colonize Arabidopsis Systemically and Induce Anthocyanin Accumulation in Infected Leaves.

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa is a multihost pathogen that affects perennial crops such as grapevine, sweet orange, and olive tree worldwide. It is inherently difficult to study these pathosystems owing to the long-term growth habit of the host plant. Thus, the availability of model plants becomes essential to accelerate discoveries with economic impact. In this study, we uncovered evidence that the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana can be colonized by two different X. fastidiosa subspecies, pauca and fastidiosa. We observed that these bacteria are able to move away from the inoculation point as high bacterial populations were found in distant tissues. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis of bacterial movement inside the petiole revealed the ability of the bacterium to move against the net xylem flow during the time course of colonization forming biofilm. These findings provide evidence for the capacity of X. fastidiosa to colonize Arabidopsis. Furthermore, leaves inoculated with X. fastidiosa showed a significant accumulation of anthocyanin. We propose that the X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca or fastidiosa colonization pattern and anthocyanin accumulation in the Arabidopsis ecotype Col-0 can be used as marker phenotypes to facilitate further studies aimed at improving genetic components involved in X. fastidiosa-host interaction.

Ectopic Expression of Xylella fastidiosa rpfF Conferring Production of Diffusible Signal Factor in Transgenic Tobacco and Citrus Alters Pathogen Behavior and Reduces Disease Severity.

The pathogenicity of Xylella fastidiosa is associated with its ability to colonize the xylem of host plants. Expression of genes contributing to xylem colonization are suppressed, while those necessary for insect vector acquisition are increased with increasing concentrations of diffusible signal factor (DSF), whose production is dependent on RpfF. We previously demonstrated that transgenic citrus plants ectopically expressing rpfF from a citrus strain of X. fastidiosa subsp. pauca exhibited less susceptibility to Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, another pathogen whose virulence is modulated by DSF accumulation. Here, we demonstrate that ectopic expression of rpfF in both transgenic tobacco and sweet orange also confers a reduction in disease severity incited by X. fastidiosa and reduces its colonization of those plants. Decreased disease severity in the transgenic plants was generally associated with increased expression of genes conferring adhesiveness to the pathogen and decreased expression of genes necessary for active motility, accounting for the reduced population sizes achieved in the plants, apparently by limiting pathogen dispersal through the plant. Plant-derived DSF signal molecules in a host plant can, therefore, be exploited to interfere with more than one pathogen whose virulence is controlled by DSF signaling.

Perfect 1JCH-resolved HSQC: Efficient measurement of one-bond proton-carbon coupling constants along the indirect dimension.

A versatile 1JCH-resolved HSQC pulse scheme for the speedy, accurate and automated determination of one-bond proton-carbon coupling constants is reported. The implementation of a perfectBIRD element allows a straightforward measurement from the clean doublets obtained along the highly resolved F1 dimension, even for each individual 1JCHa and 1JCHb in diastereotopic HaCHb methylene groups. Real-time homodecoupling during acquisition and other alternatives to minimize accidental signal overlapping in overcrowded spectra are also discussed.

A Bowman-Birk inhibitor induces apoptosis in human breast adenocarcinoma through mitochondrial impairment and oxidative damage following proteasome 20S inhibition.

Proteasome inhibitors are emerging as a new class of chemopreventive agents and have gained huge importance as potential pharmacological tools in breast cancer treatment. Improved understanding of the role played by proteases and their specific inhibitors in humans offers novel and challenging opportunities for preventive and therapeutic intervention. In this study, we demonstrated that the Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor from Vigna unguiculata seeds, named black-eyed pea trypsin/chymotrypsin Inhibitor (BTCI), potently suppresses human breast adenocarcinoma cell viability by inhibiting the activity of proteasome 20S. BTCI induced a negative growth effect against a panel of breast cancer cells, with a concomitant cytostatic effect at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and an increase in apoptosis, as observed by an augmented number of cells at the sub-G1 phase and annexin V-fluorescin isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide (PI) staining. In contrast, BTCI exhibited no cytotoxic effect on normal mammary epithelial cells. Moreover, the increased levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential in cells treated with BTCI indicated mitochondrial damage as a crucial cellular event responsible for the apoptotic process. The higher activity of caspase in tumoral cells treated with BTCI in comparison with untreated cells suggests that BTCI induces apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. BTCI affected NF-kB target gene expression in both non invasive and invasive breast cancer cell lines, with the effect highly pronounced in the invasive cells. An increased expression of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in both cell lines was also observed. Taken together, these results suggest that BTCI promotes apoptosis through ROS-induced mitochondrial damage following proteasome inhibition. These findings highlight the pharmacological potential and benefit of BTCI in breast cancer treatment.

Kinetic study of biodegradation of BTX compounds in mono- and multicomponent systems in reactor with immobilized biomass.

In this study, kinetic parameters were determined for the biodegradation of BTX compounds in a fixed-bed reactor with immobilized biomass, fed with mono- and multicomponent systems. The parameter estimation was achieved through an algorithm using the finite volume method. Different kinetic models were evaluated. The Monod model proved to be suitable to predict the experimental data for the biodegradation individual BTX compound. In multicomponent systems, it was found that the presence of more than one compound tends to cause competitive inhibition. To identify the models that best fit the experimental data, a statistical analysis using the F test was applied. For the two- and three-component systems the presence of more than one compound tends to cause competitive inhibition. In this study, it was possible to predict kinetic parameters in mono- and multicomponent systems as well as different operation conditions for a fixed-bed reactor with immobilized biomass.

Traceability from governmental producers of radiopharmaceuticals in measuring (18)F in Brazil.

Since the inception of its proficiency test program to evaluate radionuclide measurement in hospitals and clinics, the National Metrology Laboratory of Ionizing Radiation-LNMRI, that represents Brazilian National Metrology Institute (NMI) for ionizing radiation has expanded its measurement and calibration capability. Requirements from the National Health Surveillance Agency from Ministry of Health (ANVISA), to producers of radiopharmaceuticals provided an opportunity to improve the full traceability chain to the highest level. Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-(18)F) is the only radiopharmaceutical simultaneously produced by all Brazilian radiopharmaceutical production centers (RPCs). By running this proficiency test, LNMRI began to provide them with the required traceability. For evaluation, the ratio of RPC to reference value results and ISO/IEC17043:2010 criteria were used. The reference value established as calibration factor on the secondary standard ionization chamber was obtained from three absolute measurements systems, and routinely confirmed in each round of proficiency test by CIEMAT/NIST liquid scintillation counting. The γ-emitting impurities were checked using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector. The results show that Brazilian RPCs are in accordance with (accuracy within ±10%) the Brazilian standard for evaluation of measurements with radionuclide calibrators (CNEN NN 3.05., 2013). Nevertheless, the RPCs should improve the methodology of uncertainty estimates, essential when using the statistical criteria of ISO/IEC 17043 standard, in addition to improving accuracy to levels consistent with their position in the national traceability chain.

Epidemiologia das intoxicações por plantas notificadas pelo Centro de Assistência Toxicológica de Pernambuco (CEATOX-PE) de 1992 a 2009 / Epidemiology of plant poisoning cases reported at the Toxicological Assistance Centre of Pernambuco (CEATOX-PE) between 1992 and 2009

Objetivou-se com este estudo, caracterizar os aspectos epidemiológicos das intoxicações humanas, ocasionadas por plantas no Estado de Pernambuco (PE), através de uma abordagem transversal e descritiva a partir de notificações obtidas no Centro de Assistência Toxicológica deste Estado, no período de 1992 a 2009. Foram analisados 214 prontuários com base nas variáveis: sexo, faixa etária, agente tóxico vegetal, sazonalidade, zona de ocorrência, local do acidente, via de exposição, circunstância, tipo de atendimento, evolução clínica. As intoxicações predominaram no sexo feminino (52,34%), faixa etária de 1 a 4 anos (42,52%), e a maioria ocorreu nos meses de fevereiro, agosto e outubro. A maioria das intoxicações foi na área urbana (74,30%), em acidentes nas residências (72,90%), através de plantas, sendo que 85% por via oral. A família Araceae foi responsável por 35,98% das intoxicações, seguida das famílias Euphorbiaceae 23,83% e Solanaceae com 5,60% dos casos. Os pacientes foram atendidos e a gravidade dos casos, em sua maioria, evoluiu para melhora de saúde, não sendo possível fazer o registro de cura, pelo fato de os mesmos deixarem o hospital sem a devida alta. Espera-se alertar os profissionais de saúde da importância das plantas, como fator de risco de intoxicação, possibilitando o estabelecimento de políticas públicas de prevenção e promoção da saúde.(AU)

The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiological aspects of human poisoning caused by plants in the State of Pernambuco. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study from notifications obtained in the Toxicological Assistance Centre of Pernambuco (CEATOX), between 1992-2009. 214 records were analyzed using these variables: sex, age group, vegetal toxic agent, seasonality, occurrence zone locations, poisoning site, way of contamination, circumstances of poisoning, type of treatment, and the outcome. Poisoning predominated in females (52.34%) aged 1 to 4 years (42.52%) and the majority occurred in February, August and October. Most poisonings took place in the urban zone (74.30%), caused by home accidents (72.90%) by the oral ingestion of the toxic agent (85%). The family Araceae accounted for (35.98%) of poisonings, followed by Euphorbiaceae families (23.83%) and Solanaceae with (5.60%). Patients were treated and mostly evolved into health improvement, but we lack data regarding cure due to the fact that the patients left the hospital without proper medical release. We hope to alert health professionals of the importance of poisonous plants as a risk factor, enabling the establishment of new public policies for health promotion and prevention for the general public.(AU)

Composição química e concentração mínima bactericida de dezesseis óleos essenciais sobre Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica / Determination of minimum bactericidal concentration of sixteen essential oils on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

RESUMO Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito bactericida in vitro de dezesseis óleos essenciais sobre Escherichia coli enterotoxigênica (ETEC). Dentre os óleos essenciais estudados, três foram extraídos in situ por arraste a vapor e treze foram adquiridos comercialmente. Todos os óleos foram analisados por CG-EM e CG-DIC. A atividade bactericida foi avaliada pelo método de microdiluição utilizando-se caldo triptona de soja e microplacas de poliestireno de 96 poços, com posterior plaqueamento das culturas em ágar triptona de soja. Os óleos essenciais de Cinnamomum cassia e de Thymus vulgaris apresentaram concentração mínima bactericida (CMB) de 0,12% e 0,25%, respectivamente. Já os óleos comerciais de Syzygium aromaticum e Origanum vulgare apresentaram ambos CMB de 0,50% e os óleos extraídos in situ de Cymbopogon citratus e Origanum vulgare apresentaram ambos CMB de 1,00%. Os dezesseis óleos essenciais apresentaram composição química qualitativa e quantitativa distintas. As análises químicas dos óleos essenciais de Cinnamomum cassia e de Thymus vulgaris tiveram a presença majoritária de E-cinamaldeído (84,52%) e timol (50,89%). Conclui-se que os óleos de C. cassia e T. vulgaris foram os mais eficazes na inibição do crescimento in vitro dessa bactéria, a qual possui diferentes níveis de sensibilidade dependendo da composição química do óleo.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the bactericidal effect in vitro of sixteen essential oils on enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). Among the essential oils, three were extracted in situ by steam distillation and thirteen were purchased commercially. All oils were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. The bactericidal activity was evaluated by the microdilution method using tryptone soy broth, and 96-well polystyrene microplates with subsequent plating of the cultures in tryptone soy agar. Cinnamomum cassia and Thymus vulgaris essential oils showed minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) 0.12% and 0.25%, respectively. Both commercial oils of Syzygium aromaticum and Origanum vulgare showed MBC of 0.50% and the oils extracted in situ Origanum vulgare and Cymbopogon citratus showed both MBC of 1.00%. The sixteen essential oils pointed out distinct qualitative and quantitative chemical composition. Chemical analysis of Cinnamomum cassia and Thymus vulgaris oils had the predominant presence of E-cinnamaldehyde (84.52% ± 0.07%) and thymol (50.89% ± 0.31%). In conclusion, T. vulgaris and C. cassia oils were the most effective in inhibiting in vitro growth of this bacterium, which has different sensitivity levels depending on the chemical composition of the oil.

An Evaluation of Kinetic Models in the Biodesulfurization of Synthetic Oil by Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277.

Biodesulfurization is an eco-friendly technology applied in the removal of sulfur from fossil fuels. This technology is based on the use of microorganisms as biocatalysts to convert the recalcitrant sulfur compounds into others easily treatable, as sulfides. Despite it has been studied during the last decades, there are some unsolved questions, as per example the kinetic model which appropriately describes the biodesulfurization globally. In this work, different kinetic models were tested to a batch desulfurization process using dibenzothiophene (DBT) as a model compound, n-dodecane as organic solvent, and Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277 as biocatalyst. The models were solved by ODE45 function in the MATLAB. Monod model was capable to describe the biodesulfurization process predicting all experimental data with a very good fitting. The coefficients of determination achieved to organic phase concentrations of 20, 80, and 100 % (v/v) were 0.988, 0.995, and 0.990, respectively. R. erythropolis ATCC 4277 presented a good affinity with the substrate (DBT) since the coefficients of saturation obtained to reaction medium containing 20, 80, and 100 % (v/v) were 0.034, 0.07, and 0.116, respectively. This kinetic evaluation provides an improvement in the development of biodesulfurization technology because it showed that a simple model is capable to describe the throughout process.

Desulfurization and denitrogenation of heavy gas oil by Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277.

Some of the noxious atmospheric pollutants such as nitrogen and sulfur dioxides come from the fossil fuel combustion. Biodesulfurization and biodenitrogenation are processes which remove those pollutants through the action of microorganisms. The ability of sulfur and nitrogen removal by the strain Rhodococcus erythropolis ATCC 4277 was tested in a biphasic system containing different heavy gas oil concentrations in a batch reactor. Heavy gas oil is an important fraction of petroleum, because after passing through, the vacuum distillation is incorporated into diesel oil. This strain was able to remove about 40% of the nitrogen and sulfur present in the gas heavy oil. Additionally, no growth inhibition occurred even when in the presence of pure heavy gas oil. Results present in this work are considered relevant for the development of biocatalytic processes for nitrogen and sulfur removal toward building feasible industrial applications.

Amygdalar neuronal activity mediates the cardiovascular responses evoked from the dorsolateral periaqueductal gray in conscious rats.

There is ample evidence that both lateral/dorsolateral periaqueductal gray (l/dlPAG) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) are essential for the regulation of the autonomic responses evoked during innate reactions to threatening stimuli. However, it is not well established to what extent the BLA regulates the upstream functional connection from the l/dlPAG. Here we evaluated the role of the BLA and its glutamatergic receptors in the cardiovascular responses induced by l/dlPAG stimulation in rats. We examined the influence of acute inhibition of the BLA, unilaterally, by injecting muscimol on the cardiovascular responses evoked by the injection of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) into the l/dlPAG. We also evaluated the role of BLA ionotropic glutamate receptors in these responses by injecting antagonists of NMDA and AMPA/kainate receptor subtypes into the BLA. Our results show that the microinjection of NMDA in the BLA increased the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Injection of NMDA into the l/dlPAG caused similar increases in these variables, which was prevented by the prior injection of muscimol, a GABAA agonist, into the BLA. Moreover, injection of glutamatergic antagonists (2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoate (AP5) and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX)) into the BLA reduced the increase in MAP and HR induced by l/dlPAG activation. Finally, the inhibition of the central amygdala neurons failed to reduce the cardiovascular changes induced by l/dlPAG activation. These results indicate that physiological responses elicited by l/dlPAG activation require the neuronal activity in the BLA. This ascending excitatory pathway from the l/dlPAG to the BLA might ensure the expression of the autonomic component of the defense reaction.

Expression of Xylella fastidiosa RpfF in citrus disrupts signaling in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri and thereby its virulence.

Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri, that cause citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) and citrus canker diseases, respectively, utilize diffusible signal factor (DSF) for quorum sensing. DSF, produced by RpfF, are similar fatty acids in both organisms, although a different set of genes is regulated by DSF in each species. Because of this similarity, Xylella fastidiosa DSF might be recognized and affect the biology of Xanthomonas citri. Therefore, transgenic Citrus sinensis and Carrizo citrange plants overexpressing the Xylella fastidiosa rpfF were inoculated with Xanthomonas citri and changes in symptoms of citrus canker were observed. X. citri biofilms formed only at wound sites on transgenic leaves and were thicker; however, bacteria were unable to break through the tissue and form pustules elsewhere. Although abundant growth of X. citri occurred at wound sites on inoculated transgenic leaves, little growth was observed on unwounded tissue. Genes in the DFS-responsive core in X. citri were downregulated in bacteria isolated from transgenic leaves. DSF-dependent expression of engA was suppressed in cells exposed to xylem sap from transgenic plants. Thus, altered symptom development appears to be due to reduced expression of virulence genes because of the presence of antagonists of DSF signaling in X. citri in rpfF-expressing plants.

Blunted GABA-mediated inhibition within the dorsomedial hypothalamus potentiates the cardiovascular response to emotional stress in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD) present an exaggerated endocrine response to stress conditions, which, like obesity, show a high correlation with cardiovascular diseases. Meanwhile the GABAergic neurotransmission within the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) is involved in the regulation of the physiological responses during emotional stress. Here we evaluated the influence of obesity, induced by a HFD, on the cardiovascular responses induced by air jet stress in rats, and the role of the GABAergic tonus within the DMH in these changes. Our results showed that consumption of a HFD (45% w/w fat) for 9 weeks induced obesity and increases in baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). Moreover, obesity potentiated stress responsiveness, evidenced by the greater changes in MAP and HR induced by stress in obese rats. The injection of muscimol into the DMH reduced the maximal increases in HR and MAP induced by stress in both groups; however, the reduction in the maximal increases in MAP in the HFD group was less pronounced. Moreover, the injection of muscimol into the DMH of obese rats was less effective in reducing the stress-induced tachycardia, since the HR attained the same levels at the end of the stress paradigm as after the vehicle injection. Injection of bicuculline into DMH induced increases in MAP and HR in both groups. Nevertheless, obesity shortened the tachycardic response to bicuculline injection. These data show that obesity potentiates the cardiovascular response to stress in rats due to an inefficient GABAA-mediated inhibition within the DMH.

Plantas medicinais como opção terapêutica em comunidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Medicinal plants as a therapeutic option in the community Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Este trabalho objetivou identificar a importância de plantas medicinais como primeira linha de ação para enfermidades em população residente no território da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) de Montes Claros/MG, Brasil. A pesquisa foi transversal e descritiva, realizada em 2010, sendo a coleta de dados obtida por questionário semi-estruturado. O cálculo amostral do cenário do estudo embasou-se no número de famílias da ESF. O tratamento estatístico considerou o nível de significância p<0,05. Para cada família (N=253) foi entrevistada uma pessoa. Dos entrevistados, 75,5 % utilizam plantas medicinais; sem associação com renda, cor de pele, escolaridade e sexo (p>0,05). Quase a metade dos entrevistados (45,1 %) informou que utiliza mais de uma planta por vez. No caso de doença, após consulta e prescrição médica, uma parcela importante dos usuários de plantas (48,7 %) usa apenas o medicamento alopático. Concluiu-se que a utilização de plantas medicinais como recurso terapêutico independe de escolaridade e renda familiar, sugerindo incorporação cultural da prática integrativa na comunidade nortemineira estudada.

This study aimed to identify the importance of medicinal plants as a first line of action when treating diseases in populations residing in the territory of the Family Health Strategy (FHS) in Montes Claros,/state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.tThis is a cross-sectional descriptive research. Data collection took place by means of a semi-structured questionnaire in 2010. The sample size calculation was based on the number of families in the FHS study setting. For statistical analysis, the significance level considered was p <0.05. One personofrom each family (253) was interviewed. Of the respondents, regardless of income, skin color, education and sex, 75.5 % stated they use medicinal plants (p> 0.05). Almost half of respondents (45.1 %) reported the use of more than one plant at a time. In the event of illness, 42.3 % reported to use medicinal plants and visit the doctor. In case of illness, after consultation and prescription, a significant portion of the plant users (48.7 %) uses only allopathic medicine.sWe concluded that the use of medicinal plants as a therapeutic resource is independent of education and income, which suggestg cultural incorporation of the integrative practice in the community studied.

Electrocardiographic profile of guinea pig heart submitted to Ginkgo biloba extract and its terpenoids / Perfil eletrocardiográfico do coração de cobaia submetido ao extrato de Ginkgo biloba e seus terpenóides

Electrocardiographic effects produced by Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) and by ginkgolides A (GA) and B (GB), and bilobalide (BB) were investigated in guinea pig heart mounted in Langendorff apparatus (Tyrode, 34 ± 0.1 ºC, 95% O2, 5% CO2). Electrocardiographic parameters were evaluated in the conditions: 1) control with Tyrode and DMSO, 2) EGb (n=4), GA (n=5), GB (n=5) or BB (n=6), and 3) washout. The results showed that 0.1 and 1.0 mg/ml of EGb do not change the electrocardiographic parameters. However, 10 mg/ml of EGb increased the PR interval (PRi) at 21% (p<0.001). This increase was also observed for 50 mM GA (20%, p<0.001) and 70 mM BB (13%, p<0.001), which indicates Ca2+ channel block. However, the 50 mM GB reduced the PRi at 11 % (p<0.001). The GA (23%, p<0.001), GB (16%, p<0.001), and BB (40%, p<0.001) reduced the QT interval (QTi), which suggests the activation of the potassium channel. However, EGb increased QTi (6%, p<0.001). The EGb (28%, p<0.05) and GB (13%, p<0.05) reduced the heart rate. Atrioventricular (AV) block was observed with EGb, GA, and BB. We can conclude that EGb and its terpenoids alter the ECG parameters inducing AV block, which indicates possible arrhythmogenic potential.

Os efeitos eletrocardiográficos produzidos pelo extrato de Ginkgo biloba (EGb) e gingkolídeos A (GA) e B (GB), e bilobalide (BB) foram investigados em coração de cobaia montado sistema de Langendorff (Tyrode, 34 ± 0.1 ºC, 95% O2, 5% CO2). Os parâmetros do ECG foram avaliados nas condições: 1) Tyrode e DMSO, 2) EGb (n=4), GA (n=5), GB (n=5) ou BB (n=6) diluídos em DMSO e 3) washout. Os resultados demonstram que 0,1 e 1,0 mg/mL de EGb não alteraram os parâmetros eletrocardiográficos. Entretanto, 10 mg/ml de EGb aumentaram o intervalo PR (PRi) em 21% (p<0.001). Esse aumento também foi observado com GA a 50µM (20%, p<0,001) e BB a 70 mM (13%, p<0,001) indicando bloqueio de canais de cálcio. Por outro lado, GB reduziu o PRi (11%, p<0,001). O intervalo QT (QTi) foi reduzido por GA (23%, p<0,001), GB (16%, p<0,001) e BB (40%, p < 0.001) sugerindo uma ativação de canais de potássio. Entretanto, EGb aumentou o QTi (6%, p<0.001). A frequência cardíaca foi reduzida por EGb (28%, p<0.05) e GB (13%, p<0.05). Bloqueios átrio-ventriculares (BAV) foram observados com EGb, GA e BB. Podemos concluir que EGb e os terpenos alteram parâmetros eletrocardiográficos induzindo BAV e demonstrando possível potencial arritmogênico.

Influence of pretreatment of cotton yarns prior to biopolishing.

Cellulase is one of the enzymes most commonly used in the textile industry for the biopolishing process. The appropriate choice of pretreatment is a possible route to promoting enzymatic attack in situations in which this is not favored due to the effects of packing. In order to evaluate the influence of pretreatment the yarn was maintained in water for 24h before biopolishing to promote greater spacing between the chains. In the tensile testing the pretreated Combed 13/1 yarn showed a greater percentage reduction in the maximum breaking force following biopolishing, evidencing a stronger enzymatic attack. Also, the Combed 13/1 and OE 14/1 yarns without pretreatment had an approximately 22% reduction in the shrinkage and after pretreatment the Carded 13/1 yarn had the best shrinkage reduction values (18%). These data demonstrate that the introduction of the pretreatment promotes a change in the access of the enzyme to the fiber.

Small-angle X-ray scattering and in silico modeling approaches for the accurate functional annotation of an LysR-type transcriptional regulator.

Xylella fastidiosa is a xylem-limited, Gram-negative phytopathogen responsible for economically relevant crop diseases. Its genome was thus sequenced in an effort to characterize and understand its metabolism and pathogenic mechanisms. However, the assignment of the proper functions to the identified open reading frames (ORFs) of this pathogen was impaired due to a lack of sequence similarity in the databases. In the present work, we used small-angle X-ray scattering and in silico modeling approaches to characterize and assign a function to a predicted LysR-type transcriptional regulator in the X. fastidiosa (XfLysRL) genome. XfLysRL was predicted to be a homologue of BenM, which is a transcriptional regulator involved in the degradation pathway of aromatic compounds. Further functional assays confirmed the structural prediction because we observed that XfLysRL interacts with benzoate and cis,cis-muconic acid (also known as 2E,4E-hexa-2,4-dienedioic acid; hereafter named muconate), both of which are co-factors of BenM. In addition, we showed that the XfLysRL protein is differentially expressed during the different stages of X. fastidiosa biofilm formation and planktonic cell growth, which indicates that its expression responds to a cellular signal that is likely related to the aromatic compound degradation pathway. The assignment of the proper function to a protein is a key step toward understanding the cellular metabolic pathways and pathogenic mechanisms. In the context of X. fastidiosa, the characterization of the predicted ORFs may lead to a better understanding of the cellular pathways that are linked to its bacterial pathogenicity.

Qualifying instrument for evaluation of food and nutritional care in hospital.

Establishing criteria for hospital nutrition care ensures that quality care is delivered to patients. The responsibility of the Hospital Food and Nutrition Service (HFNS) is not always well defined, despite efforts to establish guidelines for patient clinical nutrition practice. This study describes the elaboration of an Instrument for Evaluation of Food and Nutritional Care (IEFNC) aimed at directing the actions of the Hospital Food and Nutrition Service. This instrument was qualified by means of a comparative analysis of the categories related to hospital food and nutritional care, published in the literature. Elaboration of the IEFNC comprised the following stages: (a) a survey of databases and documents for selection of the categories to be used in nutrition care evaluation, (b) a study of the institutional procedures for nutrition practice at two Brazilian hospitals, in order to provide a description of the sequence of actions that should be taken by the HFNS as well as other services participating in nutrition care, (c) design of the IEFNC based on the categories published in the literature, adapted to the sequence of actions observed in the routines of the hospitals under study, (d) application of the questionnaire at two different hospitals that was mentioned in the item (b), in order to assess the time spent on its application, the difficulties in phrasing the questions, and the coverage of the instrument, and (e) finalization of the instrument. The IEFNC consists of 50 open and closed questions on two areas of food and nutritional care in hospital: inpatient nutritional care and food service quality. It deals with the characterization and structure of hospitals and their HFNS, the actions concerning the patients' nutritional evaluation and monitoring, the meal production system, and the hospital diets. "This questionnaire is a tool that can be seen as a portrait of the structure and characteristics of the HFNS and its performance in clinical and meal management dietitian activities."