Resultados clínicos del tratamiento de la metatarsalgia mecánica sin afectación del primer metatarsiano / Clinical results of treatment of mechanical metatarsalgia without first metatarsal involvement

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar los resultados clínicos de las metatarsalgias tratadas con osteotomías metafisarias metatarsales distales (DMMO) por vía percutánea. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo y continuo de 29 pacientes afectados de metatarsalgia mecánica aislada unilateral, intervenidas con una DMMO, con un seguimiento medio de 38 meses. La edad media de los pacientes fue 58 (rango: 50-67) años y sólo dos hombres. Utilizamos la escala AOFAS, anotamos la fórmula digital y metatarsiana sobre la radiografía. Registramos la valoración subjetiva del cirujano y del paciente al final del tratamiento. Resultados: La mejoría de la puntuación final superó los 80 puntos en todos los metatarsianos (p = 0.000), con una mejoría significativa del dolor (p = 0.000) y de las callosidades (p = 0.000), mejorando la estabilidad articular metatarso-falángica e interfalángica y la alineación de los metatarsianos. El tipo del calzado no cambió después de la cirugía, no encontramos variación de la movilidad, ni en las articulaciones metatarso-falángicas (p = 0.382), ni en las interfalángicas (p = 0.672). Después de la cirugía aumentaron los pies cuadrados (p = 0.027). La fórmula metatarsiana sufrió pocas modificaciones, 96% de los pacientes y de los cirujanos se mostraron «muy satisfechos¼ o «satisfechos¼. Conclusión: La DMMO consigue un alto grado de satisfacción en pacientes y también en el cirujano, elimina el dolor y la hiperqueratosis bajo la cabeza de los metatarsianos dolorosos que mejora significativamente la capacidad funcional de los pacientes.

Abstract: Objective: To analyze the clinical results of metatarsalgia treated with percutaneous distal metatarsal metaphyseal osteotomies (DMMO). Material and methods: Prospective and continuous study of 29 patients with isolated unilateral mechanical metatarsalgia, operated on with DMMO, with a mean follow-up of 38 months. The mean age of the patients was 58 (range: 50-67) years and only two men. We use the AOFAS score, we obtained the digital and metatarsal formulas on the X-rays. We record the subjective assessment of the surgeon and the patient at the end of the treatment. Results: The improvement in the final score exceeded 80 points in all cases (p = 0.000), with a significant improvement in pain (p = 0.000) and calluses (p = 0.000), improving metatarsal-phalangeal joint stability and interphalangeal and metatarsal alignment. The type of footwear did not change after surgery, we found no variation in mobility, neither in the metatarsophalangeal joints (p = 0.382), nor in the interphalangeal joints (p = 0.672). After surgery increased the square foot morphology (p = 0.027) but the metatarsal formula underwent few modifications. Patients and surgeons were in 96% of the cases «very satisfied¼ or «satisfied¼. Conclusion: DMMO achieves a high degree of satisfaction in patients and in the surgeon, pain and hyperkeratosis under the head of the painful metatarsals disappear and that significantly improves the functional capacity of patients.

Estrategias de Comunicación para el control de criaderos de Aedes aegypti resultantes del brote epidémico de Dengue de 2017-2018 en Asunción y Central, Paraguay / Communication Strategies for controlling Aedes aegypti breading sites as a result of Dengue epidemic 2017-2018 in Asunción and Central, Paraguay

Introducción: Los criaderos del mosquito vector Aedes aegypti que impactaron en el brote epidémico de Dengue de 2017-2018, en Asunción y Departamento Central, Paraguay, son los mismos apuntados desde el 2011, pero la relación de la población con los criaderos se ha modificado en el transcurso de esos años. Objetivo: Describir evidencias de la relación población-criaderos y apuntar estrategias de comunicación para el control del vector Aedes aegypti. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo-analítico que tomó dos aportes, siendo el primero los registros de criaderos en base de datos en el período de 2 de enero a 5 de abril de 2018, compilados a partir de Rastrillaje realizado por el Servicio Nacional de Erradicación del Paludismo (SENEPA) durante el brote epidémico, y el segundo las técnicas cualitativas empleadas durante la Misión Internacional de OPS a Paraguay entre 2 a 13 de abril de 2018 para apoyo técnico al brote de Dengue. Resultados: Se denotó que para el control más efectivo de los criaderos de Aedes aegypti la atención debe estar centrada en estrategias de comunicación que sean segmentadas por audiencia. De un lado porque las conductas para el control vectorial están asimiladas por la población en grados diferenciados y por otro porque cada criadero impacta una audiencia específica. Conclusión: La información obtenida con este estudio descriptivo-analítico permite impulsar acciones y estrategias de comunicación segmentada por audiencia que pueden realizarse por intermedio de la Estrategia de Gestión Integrada (EGI-Dengue/Vectores) de Paraguay. Palabras Claves: Comunicación; Aedes aegypti; Criaderos; Paraguay

Introduction: The Aedes aegypti breeding sites that affected the 2017-2018 Dengue outbreak, in Asunción and Central Department, Paraguay, are the same as those reported since 2011. However, the relationship between people and breeding sites has been modified in the course of those years. Objective: Describing evidence of the populationbreeding site relationship and the communication strategies for Aedes aegypti prevention and control. Methodology: A descriptive-analytical study considering data about breeding sites from January 2 to April 5, 2018, compiled by SENEPA, and the results of the qualitative technics used by PAHO International Mission in Paraguay from April 2 to 13, 2018, aiming technical support for the Dengue outbreak. Results: For a more effective control of Aedes aegypti breeding sites, attention should be given to communication strategies segmented by audience. On one hand, individuals in different degrees have already assimilated conducts, and on the other because each breeding sites affects a specific audience. Conclusion: The information obtained with this descriptive-analytical study can be used as a baseline for actions and communication strategies that are segmented by audience. They could be implemented through the Integrated Management Strategy (EGIDengue/ Vectors) of Paraguay. Keywords: Communication; Aedes aegypti; breeding site; Paraguay

Reflexión crítica epistemológica sobre métodos mixtos en investigación de enfermería / Epistemological critical reflection on nursing research mixed methods / Reflexão crítica e epistemológica sobre métodos mistos em pesquisa de enfermagem

La justificación del uso de métodos mixtos es para dar explicación de un fenómeno cuando un enfoque u otro no alcanzan a resolver la problemática planteada. El objetivo es reflexionar sobre los métodos mixtos desde una perspectiva epistemológica y paradigmática de los enfoques que los integran. Los paradigmas que sustentan la investigación cualitativa es el comprensivo mientras que para la cuantitativa es el explicativo. Desde la epistemología de la investigación ambos enfoques poseen características distintas que pueden abonar a un fenómeno por caminos distintos. En realidad un fenómeno puede ser estudiado desde ambos enfoques y al final se puede complementar bajo miradas fundamentadas en los propios paradigmas que los sustentan. Basado en esta reflexión paradigmática de los diseños y en asumir que hay distintos caminos para acercarse a la realidad, se aboga a favor de los diseños complementarios; cada uno con su propio sustento paradigmático y con aporte a la comprensión del fenómeno desde su perspectiva.

The purpose of the use of mixed methods is to give an explanation of a phenomenon when other methods fail to reveal the nature of it. The objective is to reflect on mixed methods from an epistemological and paradigmatic perspective of their integrated focuses. The paradigms which sustain qualitative and quantitative research are the comprehensive and the explicative respectively. From the epistemology of research, both focuses have distinctive characteristics which can address the phenomenon of study from different routes. Moreover, a phenomenon can be studied with both focuses since they can complement each other under their sustaining paradigms. Based on this paradigmatic reflection, and considering that there are different forms to approaching reality, it is possible to favor those designs which are complementary; each with its own sustenance and paradigmatic contribution to the understanding of the phenomenon from their perspective.

A justificação do uso de métodos mistos é dar explicação de um fenómeno quando uma abordagem u outra não atingem a resolver a problemática proposta. O objetivo é refletir sobre os métodos mistos desde a perspectiva epistemológica e paradigmática das abordagens que os integram. Os paradigmas que sustentam a pesquisa qualitativa é o compreensivo, enquanto para a qualitativa é o explicativo. Desde a epistemologia da pesquisa ambas as abordagens possuem caraterísticas diferentes que podem defender a um fenómeno com caminhos diferentes. Na realidade um fenómeno pode ser estudado desde ambas abordagens e no final pode-se complementar sob olhares fundamentados nos próprios paradigmas que os sustentam. Baseado nesta reflexão paradigmática dos desenhos e considerando que há diferentes caminhos para se aproximar à realidade, fala-se a favor dos desenhos complementários; cada um com seu sustento paradigmático para a compreensão do fenómeno desde sua perspectiva.

Presentación de nueva técnica: ecografía tridimensional dinámica endorrectal (Ecodefecografía) en el estudio de pacientes con síndrome de obstrucción del tracto de salida. Técnica y resultados. Primera experiencia en la Argentina / Presentation of new technique dynamic three dimensional endorectal ultrasound (Echodefecography) in the patients study with obstructed defecation syndrome. Technique and results. First experience in Argentina

Objetivos: describir un reciente método para evaluar pacientes con síntomas de obstrucción del tracto de salida, y mostrar nuestra experiencia inicial y resultados obtenidos. Material y Métodos: se estudiaron, en el período comprendido entre mayo 2011 y mayo 2013, a pacientes con síntomas de dificultad evacuatoria utilizando la ecografía anorrectal dinámica según la técnica descripta. Los estudios fueron efectuados por 2 operadores entrenados en el método. Resultados: se realizaron 89 ecodefecografías en 88 pacientes, en un período de 24 meses. La ecodefecografía detectó rectocele en el 65% de los pacientes estudiados, seguido de intususcepción y anismo en el 54 y 45%, respectivamente. Conclusión: la ecodefecografía es un método útil para evaluar pacientes con síntomas de obstrucción del tracto de salida. Permite obtener los mismos resultados que la videodefecografía. Es un estudio mínimamente invasivo, evita la exposición a radiación y pone en evidencia todas las estructuras anatómicas involucradas en la evacuación.

Purpose: to describe a novel method to assess Obstructed Defecation Syndrome (ODS) and to show the results of our experience. Material and Methods: patients referred with symptoms of ODS between May 2011 and May 2013 were studied by anorrectal dynamic ultrasonography technique. We use the technique of echodefecography described by Murah-Regadas et al. The test was analyzed by two experienced investigators. Results: we performed 89 echodefecography in 88 patients in a period of 24 months. EDF revealed rectocele in 65%, intussusception in 54% and anismus in 45% of patients. Conclusion: echodefecography may be used to assess patients with obstructed defecation, as it is able to detect the same anorrectal dysfunctions found by defecography. It is a minimally invasive, well tolerated method, that avoids exposure to radiation and clearly shows all the anatomical structures involved in defecation.

Sleep pattern and learning in knockdown mice with reduced cholinergic neurotransmission

Impaired cholinergic neurotransmission can affect memory formation and influence sleep-wake cycles (SWC). In the present study, we describe the SWC in mice with a deficient vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) system, previously characterized as presenting reduced acetylcholine release and cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Continuous, chronic ECoG and EMG recordings were used to evaluate the SWC pattern during light and dark phases in VAChT knockdown heterozygous (VAChT-KDHET, n=7) and wild-type (WT, n=7) mice. SWC were evaluated for sleep efficiency, total amount and mean duration of slow-wave, intermediate and paradoxical sleep, as well as the number of awakenings from sleep. After recording SWC, contextual fear-conditioning tests were used as an acetylcholine-dependent learning paradigm. The results showed that sleep efficiency in VAChT-KDHET animals was similar to that of WT mice, but that the SWC was more fragmented. Fragmentation was characterized by an increase in the number of awakenings, mainly during intermediate sleep. VAChT-KDHET animals performed poorly in the contextual fear-conditioning paradigm (mean freezing time: 34.4±3.1 and 44.5±3.3 s for WT and VAChT-KDHET animals, respectively), which was followed by a 45% reduction in the number of paradoxical sleep episodes after the training session. Taken together, the results show that reduced cholinergic transmission led to sleep fragmentation and learning impairment. We discuss the results on the basis of cholinergic plasticity and its relevance to sleep homeostasis. We suggest that VAChT-KDHET mice could be a useful model to test cholinergic drugs used to treat sleep dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders.

Separação e identificação de ácidos graxos em formulações cosméticas contendo óleo de castanha do Brasil por eletroforese capilar / Separation and identification of fatty acids in cosmetic formulations containing Brazil nut oil by capillary electrophoresis

An analytical method based on capillary electrophoresis (CE) with a partially aqueous electrolyte system was developed to enable the free fatty acids of Brazil nut oil to be identified in cosmetic formulations. In this study, a gel cream formulation was developed and its oil phase was extracted with a mixture of chloroform-methanol-water (1:2:0.8 v/v/v). The chloroform layer was saponified with a methanolic solution of NaOH (0.5 mol L-1) at 75-80 °C for 25 minutes. Experiments were carried out on a Beckman PACE/MDQ CE system (Fullerton, CA, USA) equipped with an on-column, diode-array detection system set at 254 nm and at 25ºC. The electrolyte consisted of 12.5 mmol L-1 sodium tetraborate buffer pH 7.0, 12.5 mmol L-1 polyoxyethylene 23-lauryl ether, 7.5 mmol L-1 sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (used as chromophore for indirect UV detection) and acetonitrile (35% v/v). The proposed method allowed the separation and identification of the fatty acids of Brazil nut oil in a cosmetic gel cream, as well as enabling possible interference by the oily phase components in the formulation to be identified.

Um método de análise por eletroforese capilar com sistema de eletrólito parcialmente aquoso foi desenvolvido para identificar os ácidos graxos livres do óleo de Castanha do Brasil em formulações cosméticas. No presente trabalho foi desenvolvida uma formulação cosmética (gel creme) cuja fase oleosa foi extraída com uma mistura de clorofórmio-metanol-água (1:2:0.8 v/v/v). A camada de clorofórmio, foi saponificada com solução de NaOH em metanol (0,5 mol L-1) a 75-80 °C durante 25 minutos. Os experimentos foram realizados em sistema de eletroforese capilar Beckman PACE/MDQ (Fullerton, CA, USA), com detecção de arranjo de diodos a 254 nm e a 25 ºC. O eletrólito utilizado foi 12,5 mmol L-1 de tetraborato de sódio tampão a pH 7,0, 12,5 mmol L-1 de éter de polioxietileno 23-lauril, 7,5 mmol L-1 de dodecilbenzenosulfonato de sódio (utilizado como agente cromóforo para detecção UV indireta) e acetonitrila (35% v/v). O método proposto permitiu a separação e a identificação dos ácidos graxos do óleo de Castanha do Brasil em formulações cosméticas, bem como possibilitou a identificação de interferências presentes na fase oleosa da formulação.

Fatores interferentes na taxa de adesão à farmacoterapia em idosos atendidos na rede pública de saúde do Município de Salto Grande - SP, Brasil / Factors interfering with the medication adherence rate of elderly patients in the public health system in the town of Salto Grande, São Paulo State, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a taxa de adesão à farmacoterapia e identificar os fatores que interferem nesta taxa em pacientes idosos atendidos em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) no município de Salto Grande, São Paulo. Foram recrutados 120 pacientes idosos para participar de estudo transversal, desenvolvido no período de maio a setembro de 2009. Foi aplicado questionário para determinar a taxa de adesão (MMAS-8) e identificar as características sócio-econômicas, de saúde autorreferidas, da farmacoterapia utilizada e da satisfação dos pacientes com os serviços de saúde da UBS estudada. Um total de 102 pacientes completo o estudo, sendo que a maioria dos indivíduos apresentou taxa de adesão insatisfatória (14,7% alta adesão, 48,0% adesão média e 37,3% baixa adesão). Apresentaram forte correlação com adesão, satisfação com os serviços de saúde (r= 0,884; p < 0,0001) e o Índice de Complexidade da Farmacoterapia (ICFT) (r= - 0,705; p < 0,001). O número de medicamentos consumidos (r= - 0,604; p < 0,001), número de doenças relatadas (r = - 0,604; p < 0,001) e número de moradores por residência (r= 0,428; p < 0,001) apresentaram correlação intermediária com adesão. Foi encontrada uma correlação fraca entre adesão e escolaridade (r= 0,263; p < 0,001), raça (r= 0,090; p < 0,001), sexo (r= 0,080; p < 0,001), renda familiar (r= 0,054; p < 0,001) e idade (r= -0,090; p < 0,001). Esses resultados indicam que a população estudada não adere adequadamente à farmacoterapia, com forte influência da satisfação dos pacientes com os serviços de saúde e ICFT nesses resultados.

The aim of this study was to determine the rate of adherence to pharmacotherapy and to identify the factors that interfere with this adherence in elderly patients attended at a local Health Center (BHU) in Salto Grande, a country town in Sao Paulo. One hundred and twenty patients were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional study, conducted from May to September 2009. A questionnaire was used to determine the adherence rate (MMAS-8) and to identify the socio-economic factors, health condition (self-reported), medication used and satisfaction of the patients with the health services provided at the BHU. A total of 102 patients completed the study, most of whom showed unsatisfactory adherence rates (14.7% high adherence, 48.0% mean adherence and 37.3% poor adherence). Adherence was strongly correlated with patient satisfaction with health services (r= 0.884; p < 0.0001) and the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) (r= - 0.705; p < 0.001). The number of drugs consumed (r = - 0.604, p <0.001), number of reported diseases (r = - 0.604, p <0.001) and number of residents per house (r = 0.428, p <0.001) showed intermediate correlation with intermediate adherence. Weak correlation was found between adherence and education level (r = 0.263, p <0.001), race (r = 0.090, p <0.001), sex (r = 0.080, p <0.001), family income (r = 0.054, p <0.001 ) and age (r = -0.090, p <0.001). These results indicate that the population does not adhere adequately to medication prescribed at the BHU and that patients? satisfaction with health services and the MRCI influence these results strongly.

Cross-cultural adaptation of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire for brazilian children / Adaptação transcultural do Questionário de Transtorno do Desenvolvimento da Coordenação para crianças brasileiras

BACKGROUND: Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is considered a major health problem among school-aged children worldwide. Although there are several instruments to identify children with DCD, none of them are translated into Portuguese and validated to be used in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: Considering that a parent questionnaire is a simple and effective method to screen children with DCD, this study describes the adaptation of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) and the pilot testing with Brazilian children. METHODS:Translation of the DCDQ into Portuguese was conducted according to current guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of instruments. The questionnaire was completed by parents of 15 children with motor coordination problems and parents of 30 children who were typically developing, matched for age. Five parents randomly selected from each group completed the questionnaire twice, to examine test-retest reliability. The parent's opinion regarding the quality of the questionnaire was recorded. RESULTS: 91 percent of Brazilian parents reported no difficulty in completing the DCDQ. Examination of psychometric properties revealed that two items had limitations due to cultural differences. After item substitution, sensitivity increased from 0.66 to 0.73 and test-retest reliability from 0.95 to 0.97. Internal consistency also increased from 0.91 to 0.92. CONCLUSIONS:The translated instrument shows potential as a screening tool for children in Brazil and should be further examined. Research with a larger sample is needed in order to define cut-off scores and verify the instrument's validity and clinical utility. The use of the DCDQ will allow the comparison of epidemiological data from different countries.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O transtorno do desenvolvimento da coordenação (TDC) é considerado, em vários países, um grande problema de saúde para crianças. Apesar de existirem vários instrumentos para identificar o TDC, nenhum deles foi traduzido e validado para uso no Brasil. OBJETIVOS: Considerando que um questionário de pais é um método simples e eficiente para fazer triagem de crianças com TDC, este estudo descreve a adaptação do Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ) e o teste piloto com crianças brasileiras. MÉTODOS: A tradução do DCDQ para o português foi feita de acordo com normas atuais para adaptação transcultural de instrumentos. O questionário foi respondido pelos pais de 15 crianças com problemas de coordenação motora e 30 crianças com desenvolvimento típico, emparelhadas por idade. Cinco pais de cada grupo, selecionados aleatoriamente, responderam ao questionário duas vezes para examinar a confiabilidade teste-reteste. A opinião dos pais sobre a qualidade do questionário foi registrada. RESULTADOS: 91 por cento dos pais brasileiros reportaram que não tiveram dificuldade para responder ao DCDQ. Exame das propriedades psicométricas revelou que dois itens apresentavam limitações devido a diferenças culturais. Após a substituição desses itens, a sensibilidade aumentou de 0,66 para 0,73, e a confiabilidade teste-reteste passou de 0,95 para 0,97. A consistência interna aumentou de 0,91 para 0,92. CONCLUSÕES: O questionário final mostrou bom potencial para ser examinado como instrumento de triagem no Brasil e deve ser melhor examinado. É necessário coletar mais dados para definir o ponto de corte e verificar a validade e a utilidade clínica. O uso do DCDQ vai contribuir para a comparação de dados epidemiológicos de diferentes países.

Vegetative compatibility and parasexual segregation in Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, a fungal pathogen of the common bean

The heterokaryotic and vegetative diploid phases of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum are described using nutritional and biochemical markers. Nitrate non-utilizing mutants (nit), derived from R2047, R89, R73, R65, and R23 isolates, were paired in all possible combinations to obtain heterokaryons. Although pairings R2047/R89, R2047/R73, R65/R73, and R73/R23 showed complete vegetative incompatibility, prototrophic heterokaryons were obtained from pairings R2047/R65, R2047/R23, R65/R89, R65/R23, R73/R89, R89/R23, R2047/R2047, R65/R65, R89/R89, R73/R73, and R23/R23. Heterokaryons gave rise to spontaneous mitotic segregants which carried markers corresponding to one or the other of the parental strains. Heterokaryons spontaneously produced prototrophic fast-growing sectors too, characterized as diploid segregants. Diploids would be expected to yield auxotrophic segregants following haploidization in basal medium or in the presence of benomyl. Parental haploid segregants were in fact recovered from diploid colonies growing in basal medium and basal medium containing the haploidizing agent. Although barriers to the formation of heterokaryons in some crosses were detected, the results demonstrate the occurrence of parasexuality among vegetative compatible mutants of C. lindemuthianum.

Asexual Recombination in a uvsH Mutant of Aspergillus nidulans

Mutations in the gene uvsH of Aspergillus nidulans result in increased spontaneous chromosome instability and increased intragenic and intergenic mitotic recombination in homozygous diploids. The aim of the present work was to obtain a uvs mutant of A. nidulans and to use it for the isolation of asexual recombinants (parameiotic segregants). The mutant uvsH, named B511, showed normal frequency of meiotic recombination in sexual crosses and high frequency of parameiotic segregants in the parasexual crossings with master strains (B511//A757 and B511//A288). Asexual haploid recombinants (parameiotic segregants), diploid and aneuploid segregants were recovered directly from the uvs//uvs+ heterokaryons (B511//A757 and B511// A288). Parameiotic segregants originated through mitotic crossing-over and independent assortment of chromosomes.

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria isolated from corneal ulcers of dogs

A total of 22 clinical specimens were obtained from 19 dogs with corneal ulcer (16 unilateral and three bilateral) for isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility evaluation of the isolated bacteria. Bacterial growth was observed in 100 percent of the samples (n=22). Staphylococcus intermedius was the predominant species (35.5 percent), followed by Corynebacterium xerosis (19.3 percent). Gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tobramycin had a high efficacy against all of the isolated bacteria. The results evidenced that 80.7 percent of the isolates were Gram positive cocci and Gram positive bacilli, and that those microorganisms were sensitive to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol and tobramycin.

Utilizaram-se 22 amostras de material, obtidas de 19 cães com úlcera de córnea, sendo 16 unilaterais e três bilaterais, para isolamento e avaliação da susceptibilidade antimicrobiana das bactérias isoladas. Observou-se crescimento bacteriano em 100 por cento das amostras (n=22). A espécie predominante foi Staphylococcus intermedius (35,5 por cento) seguido de Corynebacterium xerosis (19,3 por cento). Gentamicina, ciprofloxacina, cloranfenicol e tobramicina apresentaram alta eficácia contra todas as bactérias isoladas. Os resultados evidenciam que 80,7 por cento dos isolados foram cocos e bacilos Gram positivos e que estes microrganismos foram sensíveis à gentamicina, ciprofloxacina, cloranfenicol e tobramicina.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en niños con diabetes tipo 1 y su relación con el control de la glucemia / Cardiovascular risk factors in children with type 1 diabetes and their relationship with the glycemic control

Diabetics have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The objective of this work was to evaluate the cardiovascular risk factors in infant-juvenile type 1 diabetics and their association with the degree of glycemic control. A total of 52 patients, aged 5-15 years, were studied and compared with 37 control subjects. The degree of glycemic control, lipid profile, plasma fibrinogen, microalbuminuria and blood pressure were investigated. The patients were grouped in diabetics with good glycemic control [DGGC, glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA1c) < 8%] and poor glycemic control [DPGC, HA1c > or = 8%]. Diabetic patients presented incremented values of total cholesterol (4.1 +/- 0.9 vs. 3.1 +/- 0.7 mmol/l, p = 0.0008), LDL-cholesterol (2.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 1.7 +/- 0.7 mmol/l, p = 0.0001), HDL-cholesterol (1.2 +/- 0.3 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.2 mmol/l, p = 0.0002), with respect to control group. Eighty three per cent of diabetics showed a poor glycemic control. There were not significant differences in lipid profile between DGGC and DPGC, excepting HDL-cholesterol which was higher in DPGC group (p = 0.007). Plasma fibrinogen levels were similar in diabetics and controls, but they were higher in DPGC than in DGGC (265 +/- 46 vs. 229 +/- 22 mg/dl, p = 0.02). Three patients with microalbuminuria and none with hypertension were detected. In these patients the most pronounced risk factors for CVD were dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia, which justify the need for the early detection of these factors as well as strict metabolic control.

Loss of heterozygosity by mitotic recombination in diploid strain of Aspergillus nidulans in response to castor oil plant detergent

A recombinação somática em células diplóides heterozigotas pode atuar como agente promotor de neoplasias por induzir homozigose de genes deletéreos. Por meio desse processo, genes supressores de tumores podem ser completamente suprimidos em células recombinantes. O presente trabalho avaliou a genotoxicidade do detergente derivado do óleo da semente da mamona (Ricinus communis) em células diplóides heterozigotas do fungo filamentoso Aspergillus nidulans. Trabalhos anteriores avaliaram a aplicação dessa solução no tratamento de canais radiculares como líquido irrigador. O potencial recombinagênico desse composto foi estudado pela origem de células homozigotas para os marcadores nutricionais: riboA1, pabaA124, biA1, metA17 e piroA4. A solução, diluída em 1:40, 1:20 e 1:10, induziu alterações morfológicas e atraso no desenvolvimento dos conidióforos da linhagem UT448//UT196 e aumento nas freqüências de recombinação mitótica. Embora trabalhos anteriores relatem a atividade antimicrobiana da solução em estudo, nossos resultados evidenciam a citotoxicidade e o potencial recombinagênico dessa substância.

Nephrotoxicity of Bence-Jones proteins: interference in renal epithelial cell acidification

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acidification of the endosome-lysosome system of renal epithelial cells after endocytosis of two human immunoglobulin lambda light chains (Bence-Jones proteins, BJP) obtained from patients with multiple myeloma. Renal epithelial cell handling of two BJP (neutral and acidic BJP) was evaluated by rhodamine fluorescence. Renal cells (MDCK) were maintained in culture and, when confluent, were incubated with rhodamine-labeled BJP for different periods of time. Photos were obtained with a fluorescence microscope (Axiolab-Zeiss). Labeling density was determined on slides with a densitometer (Shimadzu Dual-Wavelength Flying-Spot Scanner CS9000). Endocytosis of neutral and acidic BJP was correlated with acidic intracellular compartment distribution using acridine orange labeling. We compared the pattern of distribution after incubation of native neutral and acidic BJP and after complete deglycosylation of BJP by periodate oxidation. The subsequent alteration of pI converted neutral BJP to acidic BJP. There was a significant accumulation of neutral BJP in endocytic structures, reduced lysosomal acidification, and a diffuse pattern of acidification. This pattern was reversed after total deglycosylation and subsequent alteration of the pI to an acidic BJP. We conclude that the physicochemical characteristics of BJP interfere with intracellular acidification, possibly explaining the strong nephrotoxicity of neutral BJP. Lysosomal acidification is fundamental for adequate protein processing and catabolism

Avaliaçäo do potencial recombinogênico do antibiótico danofloxacina em células diplóides de Apergillus nidulans / Evaluation of the recombinogenic activity of danofloxacin in diploid cells of Aspergillus nidulans

Estudou-se o potencial recombinogênico da danofloxacina, novo antimicrobiano pertencente ao grupo das 4-fluoroquinolonas e de uso exclusivo em medicina veterinária, no fungo filamentoso Aspergillus nidulans. A linhagem mestra UTl96 e o mutante Z1 foram utilizados para formar o diplóide Z1/UT196. Conídios desse diplóide foram inoculados em placas de Petri contendo meio mínimo suplementado com 2,5, 5,0 e 10,0 µg/ml de danofloxacina. As placas foram incubadas por cinco dias a 37§C. Segregantes mitóticos foram isolados das colônias tratadas com o antimicrobiano e as análises de seus fenótipos evidenciaram o efeito recombinogênico da danofloxacin na dose de 10,0 µg/ml. Recombinantes para vários intervalos dos cromossomos I e II foram identificados entre os segregantes analisados

Prevalência e intensidade da infecção por parasitas intestinais em crianças na idade escolar na Cidade de Salvador (Bahia, Brasil) / Prevalence and intensity of infection by intestinal parasites in school-aged children in the City of Salvador (Bahia, Brazil)

As part of a major study to evaluate the relationship between environmental changes and occurrence of the infection, prevalence and intensity of infection by intestinal parasites was studied in a sample of school children aged 7 to 14 years living in the City of Salvador. The prevalence of infection by at least one species of protozoa or helminth was 66.1%. Prevalence of infection by helminths increased with age. For all helminth species male children presented the highest prevalence.

Como parte de um estudo para avaliar as relações entre mudanças ambientais e ocorrência de infecções, estudou-se a prevalência e intensidade de parasitas intestinais em uma amostra de crianças em idade escolar, residentes em Salvador. A prevalência de infectados por pelo menos um protozoário/helminto foi 66,1%. A prevalência da infecção por helmintos, se eleva com o aumento da idade das crianças, sendo os meninos mais intensamente infectados.

Use of fluorescent probes to follow membrane traffic in nerve terminals

Optical tracers in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy have become widely used to follow the movement of synaptic vesicles in nerve terminals. The present review discusses the use of these optical methods to understand the regulation of exocytosis and endocytosis of synaptic vesicles. The maintenance of neurotransmission depends on the constant recycling of synaptic vesicles and important insights have been gained by visualization of vesicles with the vital dye FM1-43. A number of questions related to the control of recycling of synaptic vesicles by prolonged stimulation and the role of calcium to control membrane internalization are now being addressed. It is expected that optical monitoring of presynaptic activity coupled to appropriate genetic models will contribute to the understanding of membrane traffic in synaptic terminals.

The renal and hepatic distribution of Bence Jones proteins depends on glycosylation: a scintigraphic study in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate renal and liver distribution of two monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. The chains were purified individually from the urine of patients with multiple myeloma and characterized as lambda light chains with a molecular mass of 28 kDa. They were named BJg (high amount of galactose residues exposed) and BJs (sialic acid residues exposed) on the basis of carbohydrate content. A scintigraphic study was performed on male Wistar rats weighing 250 g for 60 min after iv administration of 1 mg of each protein (7.4 MBq), as the intact proteins and also after carbohydrate oxidation. Images were obtained with a Siemens gamma camera with a high-resolution collimator and processed with a MicroDelta system. Hepatic and renal distribution were established and are reported as percent of injected dose. Liver uptake of BJg was significantly higher than liver uptake of BJs (94.3 vs 81.4 per cent) P<0.05). This contributed to its greater removal from the intravascular compartment, and consequently lower kidney accumulation of BJg in comparison to BJs (5.7 vs 18.6 per cent) (P<0.05). After carbohydrate oxidation, there was a decrease in hepatic accumulation of both proteins and consequently a higher renal overload. The tissue distribution of periodate-treated BJg was similar to that of native BJs: 82.7 vs 81.4 per cent in the liver and 17.3 vs 18.6 per cent in the kidneys. These observations indicate the important role of sugar residues of Bence Jones proteins for their recognition by specific membrane receptors, which leads to diffedential tissue accumulation and possible toxicity.

Paraventricular nucleus administration of DuP753 or PD123319 inhibits the effects of angiotensin on water and sodium intake

We determined the effects of DuP753 and PD123319 (both nonpeptides and selective antagonists of the AT1 and AT2 angiotensin receptors, respectively), and [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II (a non-selective peptide antagonist of angiotensin receptors)on water and 3 per cent NaCl intake induced by administration of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of sodium-depleted Holtzman rats weighing 250-300 g. Twenty hours before the experiments, the rats were depleted of sodium using furosemide (10 ng/rat, sc). The volume of drug solution injected was 0.5 mul over a period of 10-15 sec. Water and sodium intake were measured at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 h. Pre-treatment with DuP753 (l4 rats) at a dose of 60 ng completely abolished the water intake induced by injection of 12 ng of ANG II (15 rats) (6.4 ñ 0.6 vs 1.4 ñ 0.3 ml/2 h), whereas [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II (l2 rats) and PDl23319 (10 rats) at the doses of 60 ng partially blocked water intake (6.4 ñ 0.6 vs 2.9 ñ 0.5 and 2.7 ñ 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). In the same animals, [Sar(l), Ala(8)]ANG II, DuP753, and PDl23319 blocked the sodium intake induced by ANG II (9.2 ñ 1.6 vs 3.3 ñ 0.6, 1.8 ñ 0.3, and 1.4 ñ 0.2 ml/2 h, respectively). These results indicate that both DuP753 and PD123319, administered into the PVN, blocked the water and sodium intake induced by administration of ANG II into the same site.

Otimizaçäo das operaçöes sobre o pé e tornozelo / Optimization of surgical treatment of foot pathology

Os autores propoem um programa de atendimento aos pacientes portadores de patologias do pé, com indicaçao de tratamento cirúrgico, que visa diminuir custos e limitar ao mínimo o tempo de permanência hospitalar. Para isso há necessidade da interaçao das diversas equipes profissionais, tais como assistente social, enfermagem, médicos e familiares. A participaçao médica neste protocolo inclui o emprego do bloqueio anestésico regional e utilizaçao de técnica cirúrgica apropriada. Baseado em 23 casos, a eficácia do programa é analisada e o método, recomendado.