Beneficial effect of low-level laser therapy in acute lung injury after i-I/R is dependent on the secretion of IL-10 and independent of the TLR/MyD88 signaling.

The use of low-level laser for lung inflammation treatment has been evidenced in animal studies as well as clinical trials. The laser action mechanism seems to involve downregulation of neutrophil chemoattractants and transcription factors. Innate immune responses against microorganisms may be mediated by toll-like receptors (TLR). Intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (i-I/R) lead to bacterial product translocation, such as endotoxin, which consequently activates TLRs leading to intestinal and lung inflammation after gut trauma. Thus, the target of this study was to investigate the role of TLR activation in the laser (660 nm, 30 mW, 67.5 J/cm2, 0.375 mW/cm2, 5.4 J, 180 s, and spot size with 0.08 cm2) effect applied in contact with the skin on axillary lymph node in lung inflammation induced by i-I/R through a signaling adaptor protein known as myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88). It is a quantitative, experimental, and laboratory research using the C57Bl/6 and MyD88-/- mice (n = 6 mice for experimental group). Statistical differences were evaluated by ANOVA and the Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons test to determine differences among groups. In order to understand how the absence of MyD88 can interfere in the laser effect on lung inflammation, MyD88-/- mice were treated or not with laser and subjected to occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (45 min) followed by intestinal reperfusion (4 h). In summary, the laser decreased the MPO activity and the lung vascular permeability, thickened the alveolar septa, reduced both the edema and the alveolar hemorrhage, as well as significantly decreased neutrophils infiltration in MyD88-deficient mice as well in wild-type mice. It noted a downregulation in chemokine IL-8 production as well as a cytokine IL-10 upregulation in these animals. The results also evidenced that in absence of IL-10, the laser effect is reversed. Based on these results, we suggest that the beneficial effect of laser in acute lung injury after i-I/R is dependent on the secretion of IL-10 and independent of the TLR/MyD88 signaling.

GH response to hypoglycemia and clonidine in the GH-releasing hormone resistance syndrome.

GH secretion by the pituitary is the result of the balance between the stimulatory effect of GHRH and the inhibitory effect of SS. Patients with mutations in GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) gene (GHRH-R) offer a unique model to study the mechanism of action of different GH secretion stimuli. In the past, we have demonstrated a small but significant GH response to a GH secretagogue (GHRP-2) in a homogenous cohort of patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD) due to a homozygous null mutation in GHRH-R (IVS1+1G-->A). Now, we sought to determine if we could detect a GH response to hypoglycemia (ITT: insulin tolerance test) or clonidine (CL) in these patients. Nine young GHD subjects underwent both ITT and CL tests, and 2 additional subjects underwent only CL test. There was a small but significant GH increase during ITT, but not during CL test. These results indicate that a minimal albeit significant GH response to ITT can occur despite complete lack of GHRH-R function.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Phyllanthus singampattiyana. Leaf Extract.

We studied the anti-inflammatory activity of a petroleum ether extract of Phyllanthus singampattiana. Sebastine and A.N. Henry leaves, which was tested in Wistar rats with TPA-induced ear inflammation and carrageenan-induced paw edema. Carrageenan-induced paw edema was significantly reduced at a dose of 100 mg petroleum ether extract (p < 0.05%). From the crude extract, ß.-sitosterol was identified and confirmed.

[HTLV-I/II infection in the state of Bahia]. / Infecção pelo HTLV-I/II no Estado da Bahia.

The city of Salvador, capital of Bahia, presents a population with the highest prevalence of HTLV-I infection in Brazil. Until now, only one study has investigated this infection in other cities of this state, even though by using a small sample. With objective to evaluate the prevalence of HTLV-I/II antibodies in four cities of the state of Bahia. Serum samples from 1,539 individuals who lived in Catolândia, Ipupiara, Jacobina and Prado were screened by ELISA, and repeatedly reactive samples confirmed by Western Blot. Forty-seven (3.1%) samples were positive by ELISA, and 44 of them were tested by Western blot: 5 (0.3%) were positive, 8 (0.5%) were indeterminate (all of them from Jacobina) and 31 were negative. The overall prevalence of HTLV-I antibodies was 0.3%. This prevalence varied from 0.0% (Prado) to 0.7% (Jacobina), but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.21). None of these individuals presented HTLV-II antibodies. Jacobina showed the highest prevalence of HTLV-I infection among the cities studied, although the overall prevalence was low. In conclusion, further epidemiological, clinical and virological studies will be of paramount importance to obtain a better understanding of the natural history of this infection in Jacobina.

[Cerebrovascular disorders: analysis of 190 autopsy cases]. / Acidente vascular cerebral: Análise de 190 casos autopsiados.

A retrospective study of 190 postmortem examinations of cerebrovascular disease from the Department of Pathology was carried out. We found 94 cases (49.47%) of hemorrhage, 67 (35.26%) of infarction and 29 patients (15.26%) with hemorrhage and infarction; both were more frequent in males. Among the hemorrhagic cerebral vascular disease the intracerebral hemorrhage was more frequent. The cerebral infarction was more frequent in the territory of the middle cerebral artery. Arterial hypertension was the most common cause of cerebral hemorrhage and the cause in the great majority of the cerebral infarction cases was atherosclerosis.

[Thrombosis of the basilar trunk caused by syphilis]. / Trombose do tronco basilar pela sífilis.

The authors describe a case of cerebrovascular accident by syphilis in a 37 years-old man. The clinical features were headache, right hemiparesis and ptosis of the left eyelid. Blood and spinal fluid tests for syphilis were positive. The angiography showed a basilar trunk occlusion with revascularization of the cerebellar culmen. The autopsy disclosed a sub-total occlusion of the basilar artery and a fresh left cerebellar infarct.

[Nutritional status of children and teenagers with chronic renal failure]. / Avaliação do estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com insuficiência renal crônica.

BACKGROUND: the purpose of this study is to evaluate the nutritional status of children and teenagers with chronic renal (CRF) failure using anthropometric measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 41 children and adolescents with (CRF) (creatinine "clearance" < 50 ml/min/1,73m(2)) followed at the Pediatric Nephrology Unit (HC-UNICAMP), between January 1995 and November 1996, were evaluated by the assessment of anthropometric measurements, mid upper arm circunference (MUAC) and triceps skinfold (TSF). With these measurements, mid arm fat area (MUAFA) and arm muscle area (AMA) were calculated and its z-scores. These measurements were performed twice at least, ranging from 0.21 to 1.3 years (0.88 +/- 0.04). RESULTS: all the z-scores (MUAC, TSF, MUAFA and AMA) were very low, and only the AMA z-score was statistically significant (p= 0,03 Wilcoxon test). The patients were divided in to groups, according to their treatment, and the MAC z-score for the renal transplantation group was statistically significant (p= 0,02 Wilcoxon test). CONCLUSIONS: these data demonstrate a compromised nutritional status from both muscle and fat stores, with an improvement in muscle stores.

In vivo growth inhibition of sarcoma 180 by Kielmeyera rugosa Choisy (Calophyllaceae).

The plant Kielmeyera rugosa Choisy (family Calophyllaceae), popularly known as 'pau-santo', is traditionally used in Brazilian folk medicine. Recently, the dichloromethane extract-dichloromethane partition from stems of K. rugosa (KR) has shown positive results in our cytotoxic screening programme. Therefore, the aim of this study was to validate the antitumour activity of KR on sarcoma 180 tumour-bearing mice. KR showed antitumour activity with both administration routes: intraperitoneal (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) and oral (100 and 200 mg/kg/day). Tumour growth inhibition rates were 40.8-34.9% and 25.4-51.8% after intraperitoneal and oral administrations, respectively. Treatment with KR did not significantly affect body mass, macroscopy of the organs or blood leukocyte counts. In conclusion, KR exhibited an in vivo antitumour effect without substantial toxicity.

An ethnobotanical survey of naduvil panchayat in kannur district kerala.

The present paper reports the ethnobotanical uses of 32 plant species belonging to 31 genera of 25 families being practiced by tribals in Naduvil panchayat near "Paithalmala" hills in kannur district in kerala. The researchers collected information form the tribals about their medicinal practices. Vernacular name, botanical name, family, morphology of the useful parts and uses of medicinal plants and preparations of medicines are given. This study throws light on the plant human interaction.

A comparison of habitual and derived optimal voice fundamental frequency values in normal young adult speakers.

The purpose of this study was to compare habitual (modal) and derived optimal pitch (fundamental frequency) values in 40 young adults. The individual habitual F0 values of 20 male and 20 female nonsmokers with normal larynges, normal voices, and no history of laryngeal pathology or formal vocal training were obtained from high-quality recordings of spontaneous monologue, oral reading, and sustained phonation. Optimal fundamental frequency (F0) was derived from each individual's phonational range using the 25% Method (Fairbanks, 1960; Pronovost, 1942). Using correlative analyses, the predicted optimal F0 values that were derived were compared to habitual F0 values for the male and female speaker groups, and for specific vocal tasks used to identify habitual F0 (i.e., spontaneous monologue vs. oral reading vs. sustained phonation). Results indicate that habitual F0 was not consistent with derived optimal F0 values using the 25% Method; rather, habitual F0 in our normal adults occurred between 8% and 10% up the phonational range from basal F0. Clinical implications of these data and the related limitations associated with the concept of optimal pitch (F0) are discussed.

Chemical composition of certain tribal pulses in South India.

Raw seeds of tribal pulses Atylosia scarabaeoides, Canavalia gladiata, Lablab purpureus var. lignosus, Neonotonia wightii var. coimbatorensis, Rhynchosia filipes, Vigna trilobata and Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata were investigated for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and certain anti-nutritional substances. The seeds of L. purpureus var. lignosus and V. trilobata had a higher content of crude protein than the commonly consumed Indian pulses. The seeds were found to be a rich source of minerals like potassium when compared with recommended dietary allowance values. The total free phenolics, tannins, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine and hydrogen cyanide were also analysed.

The use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal surgery--a criteria audit.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of nasogastric tubes after gastrointestinal surgery. METHOD: Prospective criteria audit. RESULTS: In this study, 32.5% of patients (65/200) undergoing laparotomy had a nasogastric tube inserted during the perioperative period. Of these patients, 20% vomited whilst the tube was in situ and there was a poor correlation between the volumes of fluid aspirated and the timing of tube removal. These results suggest that nasogastric tubes were inserted too often and then left in situ for too long.

Quantitative in vitro assay for crustacean chromatophorotropins and other pigment cell agonists.

An in vitro crustacean (freshwater shrimp, Macrobrachium potiuna) erythrophore bioassay for chromatophorotropins and other pigment cell agonists is described. The present assay is a quantitative method that determines the pigment responses with the aid of an ocular micrometer. The pigment granules within the erythrophores are dispersed out into the dendritic processes of the cells when the isolated carapace is placed in physiological solution. This bioassay provides, therefore, a method for measuring the response of the pigment cells to aggregating agents such as pigment concentrating hormone (PCH). This bioassay is sensitive to PCH at a concentration as low as 3 x 10(-12) M. Calcium ionophore A23187 mimics the actions of PCH, but, unlike the hormone, the ionophore-induced pigment aggregation is irreversible after physiological solution rinses. Therefore, chromatophorotropic activities of pigment dispersing agents, such as pigment dispersing hormones (PDH), can be determined on ionophore-treated erythrophores. The potencies of alpha-PDH and beta-PDH show a threefold difference (not significant). Because of its convenience and its ability to make an objective determination of the bidirectional pigment movements within erythrophores, this bioassay is a suitable method for further structure-activity studies of the various chromatophorotropins and their analogs.

Chemical and chemotaxonomical studies on Dicranopteris species.

Clerodane glycosides and flavonoids in Dicranopteris pedata and three varieties of D. linearis were investigated. All the ferns contained a new glycoside, (6S,13S)-6-[6-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->4)-alpha-L-rhamnopy - ranosyloxy]-13-[alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->4)-beta-D-fucopyra nosyloxy]- cleroda-3,14-diene, as a chemical marker of this group. Flavonoids were limited to flavonol 3-O-glycosides. The ferns and isolated flavonoids are as follows; D. pedata: afzelin, quercitrin. D. linearis var. brevis: afzelin, quercitrin. D. linearis var. tenuis: quercitrin, isoquercitrin. D. linearis var. sebastiana: astragarin, isoquercitrin, rutin, kaempferol 3-O-(4-O-p-coumaroyl-3-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-alpha-L-rhamn opy ranosyl- (1-->6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside.

Avaliaçäo do estado nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com insuficiência renal crônica / Nutritional status of children and teenagers with chronic renal failure

A desnutriçäo está freqüentemente relacionada com doenças crônicas. O diagnóstico precoce realizado por técnicas práticas e simples favorece o tratamento, minimizando as complicaçöes. OBJETIVO: avaliar a situaçäo nutricional de crianças e adolescentes com insuficiência renal crônica (IRC) utilizando parâmetros antropométricos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliadas 41 crianças e adolescentes com IRC ("clearance" de creatinina abaixo de 50 ml/min/1,73m2) acompanhadas no Ambulatório de Nefrologia Pediátrica do HC-Unicamp, de janeiro de 1995 a novembro de 1996, pelas medidas do perímetro braquial (PB) e da prega cutânea tricipital (PCT), com as quais calculou-se a área de gordura braquial (AGB) e área muscular braquial (AMB) e os respectivos escores z. Estas medidas foram realizadas pelo menos duas vezes, com intervalo de 0,21 a 1,3 anos (0,88 ± 0,04). RESULTADOS: Os escores z obtidos tanto para PB, como para PCT, AGB e AMB apresentaram valores muito baixos, sendo que, na evoluçäo, apenas o escore z de AMB apresentou melhora estatisticamente significativa (p= 0,03 teste de Wilcoxon). Quando selecionados quanto ao tratamento de substituiçäo renal, apenas os transplantados renais apresentaram melhora estatisticamente significativa para o escore z de PB (p= 0,02 teste de Wilcoxon). CONCLUSÄO: Estes dados mostram uma situaçäo nutricional comprometida tanto em relaçäo à reserva de gordura, quanto de músculo, com melhora no acompanhamento apenas em relaçäo à área muscular

Infecção pelo HTLV-I/II no Estado da Bahia / HTLV-I/II infection in the state of Bahia

A cidade do Salvador, capital do Estado da Bahia, apresenta a população com maior prevalência da infecção pelo HTLV-I no Brasil. Todavia, somente um estudo incluiu uma cidade do interior deste Estado, mesmo assim com número amostral pequeno. O objetivo foi o de avaliar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-HTLV-I/II na população de quatro cidades do interior do Estado da Bahia. As amostras de soro proveninentes de 1.539 indivíduos residentes em Catolândia, Ipupiara, Jacobina e Prado foram triadas através do ELISA, e a confirmação dos resultados nas amostras repetidamente positivas foi realizada através do "Western blot". Quarenta e sete (3,1%) amostras foram positivas pelo ELISA, e 44 destas foram submetidas ao Western blot, com 5 resultados positivos (0,3%), 8 (0,5%) indeterminados (todos da cidade de Jacobina) e 31 negativos. A prevalência geral de anticorpos anti-HTLV-I, nas cidades estudadas, foi de 0,3%. Esta prevalência variou de 0,0% (Prado) a 0,7% (Jacobina), porém não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p > 0,21). Nenhum indivíduo apresentou anticorpos anti-HTLV-II. Em conclusão, a prevalência da infecção pelo HTLV-I no interior do Estado da Bahia foi baixa, contudo, a população da cidade de Jacobina apresentou a maior prevalência. No entanto, outros estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e virológicos serão necessários para a melhor compreensão da história natural desta infecção em Jacobina.

The city of Salvador, capital of Bahia, presents a population with the highest prevalence of HTLV-I infection in Brazil. Until now, only one study has investigated this infection in other cities of this state, even though by using a small sample. With objective to evaluate the prevalence of HTLV-I/II antibodies in four cities of the state of Bahia. Serum samples from 1,539 individuals who lived in Catolândia, Ipupiara, Jacobina and Prado were screened by ELISA, and repeatedly reactive samples confirmed by Western Blot. Forty-seven (3.1%) samples were positive by ELISA, and 44 of them were tested by Western blot: 5 (0.3%) were positive, 8 (0.5%) were indeterminate (all of them from Jacobina) and 31 were negative. The overall prevalence of HTLV-I antibodies was 0.3%. This prevalence varied from 0.0% (Prado) to 0.7% (Jacobina), but differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.21). None of these individuals presented HTLV-II antibodies. Jacobina showed the highest prevalence of HTLV-I infection among the cities studied, although the overall prevalence was low. In conclusion, further epidemiological, clinical and virological studies will be of paramount importance to obtain a better understanding of the natural history of this infection in Jacobina.