Pluralismo bioético: contribuições latino-americanas para uma bioética em perspectiva decolonial / Bioethical pluralism: Latin American contributions to bioethics from a decolonial perspective / Pluralismo bioético: aportes latinoamericanos a la bioética en perspectiva decolonial

Resumo Este ensaio pretende apresentar subsídios para proposta bioética em perspectiva decolonial como parte da expansão de projetos epistêmicos, políticos e estéticos latino-americanos para além dos projetos hegemônicos eurocentrados. Para tanto, o trabalho inicia com breve discussão a respeito da autorrepresentação que o conhecimento produzido na Europa faz de si mesmo, problematizando sua "vontade de poder", além das estruturas pelas quais se legitima(ra)m epistemicídios. O debate avança no sentido de expor alguns dos elementos comuns à perspectiva decolonial para, então, aportar suas contribuições para o debate bioético contemporâneo, desaguando no chamado pluralismo bioético como potência para um pensamento outro.

Abstract This essay presents benefits of a bioethical proposal from a decolonial perspective as part of the expansion of epistemic, political and aesthetic projects in Latin America beyond European-centered hegemonic projects. To that end, the work begins with a brief discussion on the self-representation that European-produced knowledge makes of itself, questioning its "will for power" and the structures by which it justifies epistemicide. The debate continues by exploring some of the common elements in the decolonial perspective to then provide its contributions to the contemporary bioethical debate, arriving at the so-called bioethical pluralism as the source for alternate thinking.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo presentar elementos para una propuesta bioética en perspectiva decolonial como parte de la expansión de los proyectos epistémicos, políticos y estéticos latinoamericanos más allá de proyectos hegemónicos eurocentrados. El trabajo comienza con una breve discusión sobre la autorrepresentación que el conocimiento producido en Europa hace de sí mismo, cuestionando su "voluntad de poder", así como las estructuras mediante las cuales se legitiman epistemicidios. El debate prosigue exponiendo algunos de los elementos comunes a la perspectiva decolonial para, a continuación, aportar sus contribuciones al debate bioético contemporáneo, sobre todo, al llamado pluralismo bioético como potencia para un pensamiento otro.

Free radical scavenging activity of three different flowers-Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Quisqualis indica and Senna surattensis

Objective To evaluate three flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (H. rosa-sinensis), Quisqualis indica (Q. indica) and Senna surattensis (S. surattensis) for their antioxidant activity by different methods in addition to total phenolic, flavonoid and pigment contents. Methods Antioxidant activity of water, ethanol and absolute ethanol extracts of three flowers; H. rosa-sinensis, Q. indica and S. surattensis was evaluated. The antioxidant activity was assessed by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, ferrous chelating activity, reducing power, nitric oxide scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity as well as total antioxidant capacity. Total flavonoids, total phenols and total pigments including chlorophylls and carotenoids were measured for the three flowers. Results The results showed that the highest total antioxidant capacity at concentration of 500 mg/L was found in S. surattensis as 0.479 ± 0.001. Scavenging activity of H. rosa-sinensis, Q. indica and S. surattensis flower extracts against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical showed the highest activity of (90.20 ± 0.29)% with 500 mg/L. Phytochemical screening of the three flowers extracts were carried out for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, steroids, glycosides, terpenoids, amino acid and mucilages. H. rosa-sinensis showed the total phenolic in water extract of (235.77 ± 14.31) mg/100 g, the other two flowers Q. indica and S. surattensis had the total phenolic in ethanol extracts of (937.70 ± 25.06) and (850.30 ± 13.81) mg/100 g, respectively. On the other hand total flavonoids were identified in absolute ethanol extracts in the three flowers [(32.83 ± 1.34), (49.24 ± 4.87) and (2.79 ± 0.23) mg/100 g, respectively]. Conclusions The extracts in the constituents of the three flowers could be used as additives as supplement fractions in foods.

histological and immunohistochemical study on human penile cavernosal tissue with viewpoints of venogenic erectile dysfunction

To determine the histological and immunohistochemical alterations of human penile cavernosal tissue in venogenic erectile dysfunction [ED] compared with potent controls regarding collagen fibres, elastic fibres, smooth muscle content and inducible nitric oxide synthase [i-NOS] expression. Cavernous biopsies were obtained from four potent men [two with penile fracture and two with congenital penile curvature] regarded as controls and from 15 patients with venogenic ED undergoing implantation of penile prosthesis. The specimens obtained were subjected to haematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome and orcein stains and antismooth muscle alpha-actin and i-NOS immunostaining. Evaluation was carried out using computerized morphometric analysis and results were statistically compared. A significant increase of collagen fibres with reduced smooth muscle and elastic fibre content was shown in patients with venogenic ED compared with controls. There was also an increased expression of i-NOS immuonoreactivity. Histological alterations of cavernosal tissue structure in venogenic ED point to progressive fibrosis. Early diagnosis by penile biopsy may help to combat fibrosis and preserve the integrity of erectile tissue and accordingly the penile erection

Interstitial cells of cajal in normal human alimentary tract: an immunohistochemical study

Objectiver lnterstitial cells of Cajal [ICC] are c-kit positive immunoreactive cells which are thought to play an important role in the control of gut motility. The work aimed at studying the morphology of ICC and precisely localize their regional and transmural pattern of distribution in normal human alimentary tract. The study included 102 normal human alimentary tract specimens obtained from male patients with a mean age 37.92 +/- 8.53. All sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and c-kit immunohistochemical staining. Immunohistochemically stained sections were submitted for a computer aided image analytical study to detect the area percent of immunoreactive cells. The data obtained was statistically analyzed. ICC could not be demonstrated in H and E stained sections. Immunohistochemically, two morphological subtypes of ICC were recognized, a spindle bipolar and stellate multipolar forms. ICC were detected in the myenteric plexus layer of the esophagus, corpus, pylorus, small intestine, colon and rectum. Intramuscular ICC could be demonstrated in the esophagus, fundus, corpus, pylorus, colon, rectum and anal canal. ICC at the deep muscular plexus were found only in the small intestine. In the pylorus, colon and rectum, ICC were also found at the submucosal border of the circular muscle layer. The wide distribution of ICC all over the human alimentary tract is compatible with their physiological role being important mediators of gut motility

Internal fixation of aseptic non-united fractures of tibia after implant failure by interlocking nail and bone grafting

This study was performed to evaluate the results of internal fixation of non-united fractures of the tibia by interlocking nailing after implant failure. Fourteen patients were included in the study, 10 males and 4 females who were admitted to the Suez Canal university hospital. The average age was 36 years [21-68]. Patients who had non-united fracture tibia after implant failure were the material of this work. Eleven patients had been treated with plate and screws and three by locked intra-medullary nailing. Twelve patients had closed fractures and two had open fractures Gastilo I. The diagnosis of nonunion was made on the absence of progression of the radiological signs of union and the persistence of pain at the fracture site. The mean interval between fracture and secondary surgery was 13 months [6 to 21]. Open technique was used in all patients for removal of tibial plating and Locked intra-medullary nailing and also laying down an iliac bone graft at the non-united fracture Site. Clinical union was proved in all patients with pain-free weight-bearing and this precede radiological union which occurs in all patients after 3 to 9 months with an average of 4 months. Angular and rotational deformities were corrected in all patients and 4 patients had shortening of 1 to 2.5 cm. One patient developed infection but debridement and frequent dressing and antibiotics resulted in relieve of infection after one month and union occurred radiologically after 9 months. Locked nailing, providing stable fixation, with iliac bone graft in patients with aseptic nonunion of the tibia allows physiologic early weight bearing stresses at the fracture site, together with the osteogenic potential of the bone graft, stimulate healing of the nonunion

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Fractures of Distal Radius in Adults by Volar T Plate

The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional results of internal fixation of unstable fractures of distal radius in adults by volar T plate. This study included 15 patients [4 Males and 11 Females] who attended to the emergency department in the Suez Canal University hospital during the period from November 2003 to April 2005. The average age of patients was 53.3 years [range 33-70 years]. Patients included in this study had an intra-articular fractures or extra-articular fractures with angulation more than 200, shortening [impaction] greater than 5 mm. and metaphyseal comminution. The scoring system according to MissaKian et al., [4] is designed to assess the final result was graded and it depends on clinical and radiological assessment. The overall functional results of all patients are excellent results in eleven patients [73%], good results in three patients [20%], and fair results in one patient [7%]. The overall anatomical results were found to be as follows, twelve patients [80%] achieved excellent results, two patients [13%] had good results and only one patient [7%] had fair results. The overall final scores for all patients were twelve patients [80%] had excellent results, two patients [13%] had good results and only one patient [7%] had fair results. Patient with a fair result had a deformity and swelling of the hand on using it in heavy work. Internal fixation of distal radial fractures by volar T plate using an extended volar approach is a good technique and early motion increases the efficacy of functional results

Ephedrine HCL as treatment of nocturnal enuresis

There are many different treatment modalities for nocturnal enuresis. Options of treatment include behavior modifications and pharmacotherapy. The latter includes a scope of drugs like 1-deamine - 8 - D arginine vasopressin [D D A V P], tricyclic antidepressants. anticholinergics and other drugs. Aim of work is to study the efficacy of sympathomimetics [e.q ephedrine] in the treatment of nocturnal enuresis. Two hundred patients selected after complete history, examination, laborator, radiological and urodynamic study, those patients were given ephedrine HCL according to their age for 2 months and followed for 6 months. Complete dry bed: 172 patients [86%] within the first 2 weeks of treatment and the number increased to reach 189 patients [92%] after 2 months of treatment. Eight patients [4%] complained of relapse after 3 months of stoppage of treatment and the number increased after 6 months of stoppage of treatment to 13 patients [6.5%]. Alpha sympathomimetics [ephedrine HCL] is a cheap, simple, easy, effective and safe method for nocturnal enuresis treatment

Synthesis and antibacterial screening of some 2, 5, 7- triaryl-1, 2, 4-triazolo [1, 5-a]pyrimidines

Three novel series of 5,7-diaryl-2-[pyridyl]-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines were prepared as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The triazolopyrimidines [21-23]a-m were synthesized by reaction of the respective 3-amino-5-[2-,3- or 4-pyridyl]-1,2,4-triazoles [14-16] with substituted chalcones analogues [17a-m] in ethylene glycol. As the cyclocondensation reaction of such heterocyclic amines with alpha,[beta]-unsaturated ketones might produce isomeric triazolopyrimidines, the isolated products were identified by studying their IR, 1H-NMR and MS. Their purity have been ascertained through TLC and elemental analyses. The antibacterial activity of the prepared compounds was screened against several bacterial species in comparison to Amoxycillin. As general features the 2-pyridyl series [21a-m] exhibited higher activity than the corresponding 3- or 4-pyridyl analogues [22-23]a-m. The 3-pyridyl derivatives [22a-m], particularly those having electron-donating substituent on the phenyl nucleus, showed selective antibacterial activity against S. marcescens. The synthesized derivatives were tested for antifungal activity, in comparison to Clotrimazole but no activity has been observed

use of contraception among women with handicapped child

This work was carried out to study knowledge, attitudes and practices of family planning among women with handicapped child. The study included 215 women who were randomly selected from Maternal and Child Health Centers [MCH] and an institute for mentally retarded children. An interview format was used to collect data. The collected data included the socio demographic data, biological characters of women and the nature, severity of disabilities among handicapped children. Also, inquired about the usage of contraception among studied women. The study showed a defect in knowledge about family planning among studied women. Studying the attitudes of all women reflected a gap between family planning ideals and actual performance. The use of contraception was 63.79% among women with normal children compared to 77.78% among those with handicapped child. The usage of contraception among women with handicapped child varied according to the type of disabilities with the highest use recorded among women with mentally retarded children and those with muscloskeletal disabilities. Also, the use was parallel to the birth order of the handicapped child.The highest recorded reasons in the decision not to use contraception rather than husband traveling were the desire to have another child to compensate for handicapped one. On the other hand some women with handicapped child planned the contraceptive method as the cause for having handicapped child. It was recommended to integrate health education in family planning with every health activity in Maternal and Child Health Centers with increasing the number and training of family planning personnel

Evaluation of expanded program on immunization during the first year of life in Abu Dhabi

This study was intended to highlight the program of vaccination in the first year of life against the Expanded Program on Immunization [EPI] - target diseases and to determine the trend of these diseases in Abu Dhabi during 1984-1989. The data were collected from annual reports of Ministry of health. This retrospective study pointed out to the following results : [1] The average vaccination coverage [percent] during the first year of life against EPI-Target diseases increased gradually during 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989. [2] The vaccination coverage [percent] during the first year of life using BCG and measles vaccines are increased significantly [p < 0.001] during 1985-1989 compared with 1984. [3] The vaccination coverage [percent] during the first year of life using OPV and DPT at the third dose are increased significantly [p < 0.05] during 1987- 1989 compared with 1984. [4] The reported cases of measles and its incidence rate consequently decreased during 1988-1989 compared with 1987 and the differences are statistically significant [p < 0.001]. The reported cases of diphtheria and its incidence rate show significant increase [p < 0.01] during 1988 compared with 1984 other EPI target diseases do not show any statistically significant difference [p > 0.05] during 1985-1989 compared with 1984. Based on this study it can be concluded that with increase in average vaccination coverage [percent] from 58.5% in 1984 to 82.9% in 1989, the number of reported cases of EPI target diseases decreased

Plasma cross-linked fibrin degradation products [DDimer] in patients with acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina

Plasma D. Dimer level was estimated in 30 patients with acute myocardial infarction [AMI], 10 patients with unstable angina and 10 normal subjects. Significant elevation of mean plasma elevation of mean plasma D. dimer was detected in patients with AMI [703 +/- 92 ng/ml], unstable angina [741 +/- 7 ng/ml]. Compared to normal controls [1177 ng/mL], 7 patients with unstable angina had an elevated plasma D. dimer level above 500 ng/mL, while 3 patients had normal level. The results suggested thrombin generation and fibrin formation and degradation in the AML group. The later changes were also present in the majority of patients with unstable angina [70%]. The presence of prothrombotic state associated with thrombosis may mediate the pathophysiology of most cases of unstable angina. Antiplatelets, anticoagulants and thrombolytic therapy may benefit these groups of patients with an elevated plasma D. dimer level