Acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in HIMS, Hassan

Background: There is a growing need to understand the risk factors and prevalence of AKI in COVID-19 patients to better manage and prevent the condition. HIMS, Hassan is a hospital in India that has been treating COVID-19 patients since the onset of the pandemic. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in HIMS, Hassan, and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study that investigates the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who met the inclusion criteria in HIMS teaching hospital, Hassan. 300 patients were included, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed using mean with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and proportions and percentages for categorical variables. Results: Out of 300 patients, 68% had AKI. The age distribution was similar between the two groups, with the highest proportion of patients in the age group of 40-49 years. The proportion of AKI was higher among males than females, but the difference was not statistically significant. The need for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis was strongly associated with AKI. Patients with comorbidities such as DM and DM+HTN were at a higher risk of developing AKI. Laboratory parameters such as D-dimer, LDH, ferritin, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, Neutrophils / Lymphocytes ratio, and chloride levels were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of monitoring patients with comorbidities closely and implementing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of AKI in COVID-19 patients.

Incidence of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus among in-patients treated for COVID-19 infection in tertiary care centre

Background: Glucocorticoids are one of the most effective lifesaving treatments for severe COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to review the incidence of glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and its associated risk factors in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, Hassan institute of medical sciences, Hassan, Karnataka, from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2021. Data were collected from the medical record department of all RTPCR/RAT-positive cases of COVID-19 patients admitted and treated for COVID-19, with a sample size of 521 patients. Results: In the present study of 521 patients with COVID-19 who received glucocorticoid therapy, 72 (13.8%) of the patients experienced GI-DM. In our series of 521 patients treated with steroid for respiratory diseases, old age and chronic smoking was an independent risk factor for GI-DM. Glucose tolerance declines progressively with age, resulting in a high incidence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in the old population. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that 13.8% of in-patients treated for COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care centre developed GI-DM. The incidence of GI-DM was higher among patients who were older, had a history of smoking, and had hyperlipidaemia or malignancy. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels in patients receiving steroids for the treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, the results suggest that patients with certain risk factors may benefit from closer monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Acute kidney injury in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in HIMS, Hassan

Background: There is a growing need to understand the risk factors and prevalence of AKI in COVID-19 patients to better manage and prevent the condition. HIMS, Hassan is a hospital in India that has been treating COVID-19 patients since the onset of the pandemic. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in HIMS, Hassan, and to identify the associated risk factors. Methods: The study is a retrospective cohort study that investigates the clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of hospitalized COVID-19 patients who met the inclusion criteria in HIMS teaching hospital, Hassan. 300 patients were included, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed using mean with standard deviation (SD) for continuous variables and proportions and percentages for categorical variables. Results: Out of 300 patients, 68% had AKI. The age distribution was similar between the two groups, with the highest proportion of patients in the age group of 40-49 years. The proportion of AKI was higher among males than females, but the difference was not statistically significant. The need for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis was strongly associated with AKI. Patients with comorbidities such as DM and DM+HTN were at a higher risk of developing AKI. Laboratory parameters such as D-dimer, LDH, ferritin, urea, creatinine, SGOT, SGPT, Neutrophils / Lymphocytes ratio, and chloride levels were significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of monitoring patients with comorbidities closely and implementing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of AKI in COVID-19 patients.

Incidence of steroid-induced diabetes mellitus among in-patients treated for COVID-19 infection in tertiary care centre

Background: Glucocorticoids are one of the most effective lifesaving treatments for severe COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to review the incidence of glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and its associated risk factors in COVID-19 patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study, Hassan institute of medical sciences, Hassan, Karnataka, from 1st July 2020 to 31st December 2021. Data were collected from the medical record department of all RTPCR/RAT-positive cases of COVID-19 patients admitted and treated for COVID-19, with a sample size of 521 patients. Results: In the present study of 521 patients with COVID-19 who received glucocorticoid therapy, 72 (13.8%) of the patients experienced GI-DM. In our series of 521 patients treated with steroid for respiratory diseases, old age and chronic smoking was an independent risk factor for GI-DM. Glucose tolerance declines progressively with age, resulting in a high incidence of type 2 diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in the old population. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that 13.8% of in-patients treated for COVID-19 infection in a tertiary care centre developed GI-DM. The incidence of GI-DM was higher among patients who were older, had a history of smoking, and had hyperlipidaemia or malignancy. The study highlights the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels in patients receiving steroids for the treatment of COVID-19. Additionally, the results suggest that patients with certain risk factors may benefit from closer monitoring of blood glucose levels.

Effect of Smoking on Serum Lipid Profile among University’s Students in Dhamar City, Yemen

A cross sectional study was performed to evaluate the changes on serum lipid profile and associated risk factors in apparently healthy smoker and non-smoker students at the University of AlHikma Dhamar city, Yemen during the period between November 2021 to March, 2022. Two hundred five students were randomly selected, 104 students were smokers and 101 nonsmokers. Sociodemographic data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements and laboratory analysis for lipid profile were assessed using standard techniques. The results revealed that smokers had significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of TC (164.93 mg/dl), TG (149.63 mg/dl), LDL (71.60 mg/dl) and VLDL (29.58 mg/dl) and lower level of HDL (64.70 mg/dl) compared to the non-smokers group. Duration and numbers of cigarette smoked were positively correlated with lipid profile values of participants (r=.300; P=.000 and r= .317; P.=000) and (r=.210; P=.003 and r=.213; P=.002) for TG and VLDL respectively; while none with other values. Significant association was observed between weight (r=.235; P=.001 and r=.145; P=.000); heartbeat (r=.205; P=.003 and r=.256; P=.000); diastolic (r=.151; P=.030) and BMI (r=.155; P=.027) indices and lipid profile (TG and VLDL); (TC and LDL); (HDL and TC) of the participants respectively; whereas, none with height and systolic indices. In conclusion, smoking is clearly associated with increase serum lipid and lipoprotein values with exception HDL which significantly decreased in smoker compared to non-smokers students. This association is dependent on number of sociodemographic and anthropometric factors. Adopting anti-smoking programs among University`s students to prevent the harmful effects of smoking are urgently required.

Susceptibility of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi and Shigella spp to Ethanoic Extract of Lawsonia inermis

Background: The acceptance of traditional medicine as an alternative form of healthcare and the development of microbial resistance to the available antibiotics has led researchers to investigate the antimicrobial activity of plant extracts. Aim: This was to evaluate antibacterial activity and potential effect of Lawsonia inermis leaves against three tests organisms namely: Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, and Shigella. Methodology: Ethanoic extracts of Lawsonia inermis was obtained. The extracts were boiled, macerated, soaked and the implementation of the extracts to determine the antimicrobial activities on culture was performed by diffusion method. Three antibiotics (Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin and Cefataxime) were used as control for the test organisms respectively. Results: The inhibition of each test organism was achieved in one or two extracts. Escherichia coli had the highest (7.25mm) zone of inhibition from soaked extract with lowest (5.00mm) zone of inhibition from boiled extract, Salmonella typhi had the highest (11.63mm) zone of inhibition from boiled extract with lowest (8.25mm) zone of inhibition from macerated extract, and Shigella had the highest zone of inhibition 19.50mm from soaked extract, and had the lowest zone of inhibition 12.63mm from boiled extract. Furthermore, the soaked ethanoic extract had a zone of inhibition ranging from 7.25mm- 19.50mm. Also, the ethanoic extract boiled had zones of inhibition ranging from 5.00mm – 12.63mm, and the ethanoic extract macerated had a zone of inhibition range of 6.63mm- 17.75mm. The zones of inhibition produced by the controls are; gentamicin produced zones of inhibition ranging from 25.00mm – 26.00mm, ciprofloxacin produced zones of inhibition ranging from 20.00mm – 22.00mm, and cefataxime produced zones of inhibition ranging from 18.00mm – 21.00mm. The Statistical analysis was applied to the result using the one-way ANOVA test to compare the differences in the means. Conclusion: The results indicated that there was no significant difference in the effects of the ethanoic extracts of Lawsonia inermis on the tests organisms S. typhi, E. coli and Shigella and the controls. (p<0.05, F Cal = 0.103, F Tab = 4.257).

Understanding Experiences of Young Adult Males with Below-Knee Amputation

@#PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the experiences of young adult males with below-knee amputation at surgical wards and clinics in Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. DESIGN: The study used the phenomenology design of qualitative research. METHODS: Face-to-face interviews were conducted for data collection using a theme list with a saturation point reached at 16 participants. The duration of an interview was 30-45 minutes and was recorded on audiotape and transcribed later. Phases of familiarization with the data, coding, searching for themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming themes, and writing up were conducted accordingly to thematic analysis. FINDINGS: The young adult male below-knee amputees showed changes in lifestyle with dependence on others, supporting aids, and experiencing discomfort. They showed mental distress with dissatisfaction with life and suffering of life. Additionally, they lacked power with identity changes and encounter economic problems in their lives. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: It is essential to give special education to the staff caring for the below-knee amputees to minimize their unpleasant and challenging experiences. Health staff can motivate family members and friends for individuals' mental adjustment to their new life. Additionally, the social attitude of the community should be changed positively regarding amputated patients.

Association between dietary patterns and renal function in a cross-sectional study using baseline data from the ELSA-Brasil cohort

Previous analyses of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) identified four main dietary patterns (DP). The aim of this study was to explore the association between the previously defined DP and renal function (RF). A cross-sectional study using the ELSA-Brasil baseline data was carried out. DP ("traditional", "fruits and vegetables", "bakery", and "low sugar/low fat), metabolic syndrome (MS) using the Joint Interim Statement criteria, microalbuminuria (MA), and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) through the CKD-EPI equation were evaluated. Abnormal RF was defined as eGFR<60 mL·min-1·(1.73 m2)-1 and MA≥3.0 mg/dL. Factors associated with RF were determined and mediation analysis was performed to investigate the association between DP, MS, and RF. A total of 15,105 participants were recruited, with a mean age of 52±9 years; 8,134 participants (54%) were females. The mediation analysis identified indirect associations between "bakery" and "fruits and vegetables", and both were associated with decreased eGFR and albuminuria in both genders, compared with "traditional" and "low sugar/low fat" patterns in the general population. There was a direct association of the "bakery" pattern with MA in men (OR: 1.17, 95%CI: 1.92-1.48). The "fruits and vegetables" pattern also showed a direct association with reduced eGFR in women (OR: 1.65, 95%CI: 1.28-2.12), although there was no significance after adjustment. The "fruits and vegetables" and "bakery" DPs were associated with renal dysfunction. The only independent, direct association was between "bakery" DP and MA in men, raising concerns about DP and renal damage in men.

A Genetic Algorithm Approach for Semi-Supervised Clustering Algorithm

Introduction:A semi-supervised clustering algorithm is proposed that combines the benefits of supervised and unsupervised learningmethods. The approach allows unlabeled data with no known class to be used to improve classification accuracy [2]. The objectivefunction of an unsupervised technique, e.g. K-means clustering, is modified to minimize both the cluster dispersion of the inputattributes and a measure of cluster impurity based on the class labels. Minimizing the cluster dispersion of the examples is a form ofcapacity control to prevent over fitting [4]. For the output labels, impurity measures from decision tree algorithms such as the Gini indexcan be used. A genetic algorithm optimizes the objective function to produce clusters. Experimental results show that using classinformation improves the generalization ability compared to unsupervised methods based only on the input attributes [6]. Trainingusing information from unlabeled data can improve classification accuracy on that data as well. Genetic Algorithms (GAs) have beenwidely used in optimization problems for their high ability in seeking better and acceptable solutions within limited time. Clusteringensemble has emerged as another flavour of optimal solutions for generating more stable and robust partition from existing clusters [1].GAs has proved a major contribution to find consensus cluster partitions during clustering ensemble. Currently, web videocategorization has been an ever challenging research area with the popularity of the social web. In this paper, we propose a framework forweb video categorization using their textual features, video relations and web support [3]. There are three contributions in this researchwork. First, we expand the traditional Vector Space Model (VSM) in a more generic manner as Semantic VSM (S-VSM) by including thesemantic similarity between the features terms [5]. This new model has improved the clustering quality in terms of compactness (highintra-cluster similarity) and clearness (low inter-cluster similarity). Second, we optimize the clustering ensemble process with the helpof GA using a novel approach of the fitness function. We define a new measure, Pre-Paired Percentage (PPP), to be used as the fitnessfunction during the genetic cycle for optimization of clustering ensemble process [7]. Third, the most important and crucial step of theGA is to define the genetic operators, crossover and mutation. We express these operators by an intelligent mechanism of clusteringensemble. This approach has produced more logical offspring solutions [9]. Above stated all three contributions have shown remarkableresults in their corresponding areas. Experiments on real world social-web data have been performed to validate our new incrementalnovelties [8]

Feather mites (Acari: Astigmata) of captive Psittaciformes in Brazil / Ácaros de pena (Acari: Astigmata) de Psittaciformes de cativeiro do Brasil

Feather samples were obtained from the following Psittaciformes birds: Amazona amazonica, Amazona aestiva, Aratinga jandaya, Brotogeris spp., Ara ararauna and Ara chloropterus (total of 37 individuals). These birds were housed at the Wild Animal Screening Center of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil. Four feathers were taken from the following regions: head, back, wings, belly/breast, thighs, and tail/covert. Mites were found on 17 birds (45.94%). Astigmatid mites belonging to the genera Fainalges (Xolalgidae), Chiasmalges (Psoroptoididae) and Tanyaralichus (Pterolichidae) were identified. The highest dominance coefficient was for the mite Fainalges sp. (DC= 96.29). Chiasmalges sp. was obtained only from Ara chloropterus, and Tanyaralichus was found in A. aestiva. The genus Fainalges was obtained from all the species of Psittaciformes studied, except for A. ararauna. In evaluating mite density according to body region, statistical differences were found between the back and wing regions (P= 0.041), back and thighs (P= 0.02), wings and tail (P= 0.002), belly and tail (P= 0.031) and thighs and tail (P= 0.001). The morphological variations observed in Fainalges spp. suggested the existence of three species that probably have not been described yet. This was the first record of the genus Tanyaralichus in Brazil.(AU)

As amostras de penas foram obtidas das seguintes aves da ordem Psittaciformes: Amazona amazonica, Amazona aestiva, Aratinga jandaya, Brotogeris spp., Ara ararauna e Ara chloropterus, totalizando 37 aves, alojadas no Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres do Maranhão, São Luís, Brasil. Colheram-se quatro penas de cada uma das regiões: cabeça, dorso, asas, ventre/peito, coxas e cauda/crisso. Verificou-se a presença de ácaros em 17 aves (45,94%). Foram identificados ácaros Astigmata, pertencentes aos gêneros Fainalges (Xolalgidae), Chiasmalges (Psoroptoididae) e Tanyaralichus (Pterolichidae), sendo o maior coeficiente de dominância correspondente ao ácaro Fainalges sp. (CD= 96,29). Chiasmalges sp. foi obtido apenas de Ara chloropterus, e Tanyaralichus foi encontrado em A. amazônica. O gênero Fainalges foi obtido de todas as espécies de Psittaciformes estudadas, exceto em A. ararauna. Na avaliação da densidade de ácaros por região do corpo, verificou-se diferença estatística entre regiões dorsal e asas (P= 0,041), dorsal e coxas (P= 0,02), asas e caudal (P=0,002), ventral e caudal (P= 0,031) e coxas e caudal (P= 0,001). Variações morfológicas observadas em Fainalges spp., sugerem a existência de três espécies provavelmente ainda não descritas. Este é o primeiro registro do gênero Tanyaralichus no Brasil.(AU)

Safflower oil: an integrated assessment of phytochemistry, antiulcerogenic activity, and rodent and environmental toxicity

Gastric ulcers are a significant medical problem and the development of complications lead to significant mortality rates worldwide. In Brazil, Carthamus tinctorius L., Asteraceae, seeds essential oil, the safflower oil, is currently used as a thermogenic compound and as treatment for problems related to the cardiovascular system. In this study, by Raman spectroscopy, it was shown that oleic and linoleic acids are the compounds present in higher concentrations in the safflower oil. We demonstrated that safflower oil (750 mg/kg, p.o.) decrease the ulcerogenic lesions in mice after the administration of hydrochloric acid-ethanol. The gastric ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in mice treated with cholinomimetics were treated with four different doses of safflower oil, of which, the dose of 187.5 mg/kg (p.o.) showed significant antiulcerogenic properties (**p < 0.01). Moreover, the safflower oil at doses of 187.5 mg/kg (i.d.) increased the pH levels, gastric volume (**p < 0.01) and gastric mucus production (***p < 0.001), and decreased the total gastric acid secretion (***p < 0.001). The acute toxicity tests showed that safflower oil (5.000 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on mortality or any other physiological parameter. Ecotoxicological tests performed using Daphnia similis showed an EC50 at 223.17 mg/l, and therefore safflower oil can be considered “non-toxic” based on the directive 93/67/EEC on risk assessment for new notified substances by European legislation. These results indicate that the antiulcer activity of Safflower oil may be due to cytoprotective effects, which serve as support for new scientific studies related to this pathology.

Parâmetros nutricionais e padrões nictemeral do comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Somalis Brasileira alimentados com diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável / Nutritional parameters and nycterohemeral patterns of ingestive behavior of Brazilian Somali lambs fed different levels of metabolizable energy

O presente estudo foi conduzido para determinar o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, bem como o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Somalis Brasileira, alimentados com diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável (EM). Foram utilizados 40 animais, não castrados, com peso vivo médio de 13,47±1,76kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com cinco dietas com diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável (1,18; 2,07; 2,25; 2,42 e 2,69Mcal/kg de MS). O consumo de MS, PB, FDN, CF (g/dia), MS (g/kg0,75) e FDN (%PC e g/kg0,75) apresentaram efeito quadrático (P<0,05), assim como os coeficientes de digestibilidade (P<0,05) da PB, da FDN e dos CF. Foi averiguado efeito linear crescente (P<0,05) para digestibilidade da MS, da MO e dos CNF com o aumento da EM na dieta. Os tempos de alimentação e ócio (h/dia) foram influenciados pelos níveis de energia (P<0,05), e as eficiências de alimentação e ruminação (g FDN/h) apresentaram efeito quadrático (P<0,05). Conclui-se que o aumento dos níveis de EM das rações influencia o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, bem como o comportamento ingestivo de cordeiros Somalis Brasileira...

The study was conducted to determine the intake, nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of Brazilian Somali lambs fed different levels of metabolizable energy (ME). Forty non-castrated Brazilian Somali lambs with average weight of 13.47±1.76kg were used. The animals were assigned to a randomized block design with eight replications per block and five diets with increasing metabolizable energy (1.18, 2.07, 2.25, 2.42 and 2.69 Mcal/kg DM). The quadratic effect (P<0.05) of the ME level was determined for DM, CP, NDF and FC (g/day) and DM (g/kg0,75) and NDF(%PC and g/kg0,75) intake, as well as the digestibility coefficients (P<0.05) for CP, NDF and CF. A linear effect (P<0.05) was observed for digestibility of DM, OM and NFC with the increase of ME in the diet. Eating and idle results (hours/day) were influenced by the energy levels (P<0.05) and efficiencies of feeding and rumination (g NDF/h) showed a quadratic effect (P<0.05). It is concluded that the increase of ME levels in the diet influences intatke, nutrient digestibility and ingestive behavior of Brazilian Somali lambs...

Efeito analgésico e anti-inflamatório do extrato aquoso das folhas de trevo-roxo (Scutellaria agrestis A. St. -Hil. ex Benth. - Lamiaceae) em roedores / Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect of the aqueous extract of "trevo-roxo" (Scutellaria agrestis A. St. -Hil. ex Benth. - Lamiaceae) leaves in rodents

Scutellaria agrestis é utilizada por comunidades ribeirinhas do Amazonas principalmente para o tratamento de otites por via tópica utilizando-se o extrato bruto obtido por maceração. O presente trabalho visou investigar preliminarmente o perfil fitoquímico, a segurança toxicológica e as ações analgésica, anti-inflamatória e antiedematogência do extrato aquoso das folhas de S. agrestis. Foram coletados 80 indivíduos da espécie no horto medicinal da Universidade Nilton Lins, Manaus, Brasil. O perfil fitoquímico foi obtido por meio de prospecção da droga vegetal para heterosídeos cianogênicos, terpenos, compostos fenólicos e alcaloides. A toxicologia foi avaliada pelo teste de toxicidade aguda. As atividades analgésicas/ anti-inflamatórias foram analisadas por meio dos testes de formalina em camundongos e a atividade antiedematogência, pelo teste de edema de pata em ratos. Os metabólitos detectados foram fenóis (taninos hidrolisáveis, cumarinas e várias classes de flavonoides) e terpenos (esteroides livres, saponinas). Não foi possível estabelecer DL50, haja visto que o extrato não provocou a morte de nenhum animal durante o teste de toxicidade aguda, provavelmente devido à ausência de heterosídeos cianogênicos na sua composição. Apesar de não provocar morte, considerou-se que o extrato apresenta uma discreta toxicidade, uma vez que foi observada a ocorrência de espasmos na primeira hora de observação dos animais. O extrato apresentou ainda efeito analgésico e anti-inflamatório significativo nas doses de 30, 100 e 300 mg/kg pelo teste da formalina, sendo o resultado na maior dose equivalente ao obtido com a droga padrão (fentanil). No entanto, não observamos efeito antiedematogênico nas doses testadas durante as 5 horas de registro do edema de pata. Os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa conferem base científica preliminar quanto à segurança e ao efeito analgésico e antiinflamatório da droga vegetal, o que indica que tal espécie é promissora e expressamente recomendada para maiores estudos farmacológicos in vitro e in vivo.

The Scutellaria agrestis is used by Amazonas riverine communities, especially for otitis externa topical treatment, by using the crude extract obtained by maceration. This study aimed to investigate the preliminary phytochemical profile, the safety/toxicity and the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activities of the aqueous extract of the S. agrestis leaves. Eighty individuals were collected at the Nilton Lins University medicinal garden, Manaus, Brazil. The phytochemical profile was obtained through a plant drug survey for cyanogenic heterosides, terpenes, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. The extract safety was evaluated by acute toxicity test. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were accessed using formalin test in mice and the antiedematogenic activity, using paw edema test in mice. We detected phenolic (hydrolysable tannins, coumarins and several classes of flavonoids) and terpenoid (free steroids, saponins) metabolites. We could not establish LD50 because no animals died during the acute toxicity test, probably because of the absence of cyanogenic glycosides on the composition of the extract. However, we found that the extract is slightly toxic as animal spasms were observed in the first hour of the test. The extract showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity on the formalin test (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg p.o.), and the highest dose result was equivalent to the standard drug (Fentanyl). However, no significant antiedematogenic effect was observed during the paw edema test. The results obtained in this study provide preliminary scientific basis about the safety and analgesic/anti-inflammatory actions of the aqueous extract of S. agrestis, which indicates that this species is a promising option for further in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies.

Determination of diflubenzuron residues in milk and cattle tissues / Determinação de resíduos de diflubenzuron em leite e tecidos bovinos

Diflubenzuron (DFB) is used to control ectoparasitic infestation by inhibiting larvae development in the manure and feces of treated animals. It is also currently been used to control tick infestations. In this study, milk and tissues from cattle treated orally with DFB for a 77-120 day period with a commercial product containing the compound were analyzed for the presence of residues. DFB residues were determined by using extraction with acetonitrile, cleanup with C18 SPE and chromatographic analysis by HPLC with UV detection (254nm). DFB was not detected in any of the analysed samples (<0.006mg kg-1 for fat, <0.014mg kg-1 for muscle, <0.015mg kg-1 for kidney, <0.016mg kg-1 for liver and <0.0006mg kg-1 for milk). In this manner, the use of this compound, according to the manufacturer's suggested doses may result in cattle milk, liver, kidneys, fat and muscles being considered safe regarding the presence of DFB residues.

O diflubenzuron (DFB) é um inibidor de desenvolvimento de insetos que inibe a síntese de quitina com atividade ovicida e larvicida e está sendo utilizado na pecuária para o controle do carrapato. Leite e tecidos provenientes de bovinos tratados por um período de 77 a 120 dias com um produto comercial contendo DFB foram analisados quanto à presença de resíduos. Os resíduos de DFB foram determinados utilizando-se extração com acetonitrila, limpeza por SPE C18 e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência com detecção por UV (254nm). DFB não foi detectado em nenhuma das amostras analisadas (<0.006mg kg-1 para gordura, <0,014mg kg-1 para músculo, <0,015mg kg-1 para rim, <0,016mg kg-1 para fígado e <0.0006mg kg-1 para leite). Dessa forma, a utilização do princípio ativo conforme recomendado pelo fabricante e em níveis suficientes para se obter o efeito larvicida desejado deve resultar em leite, fígado, rins, gordura e músculos que podem ser considerados seguros para o consumo em termos da presença DFB.

Effect of Petroleum Crude Oil on Mineral Nutrient Elements, Soil Properties and Bacterial Biomass of the Rhizosphere of Jojoba.

Aims: This study is to evaluate the effect of petroleum crude oil contaminated soil on the mineral nutrient elements, soil properties and bacterial biomass of the rhizosphere of jojoba plants (Simmodsia chinensis). Methodology: A pot experiment was carried out. The soil was treated with different levels of crude oil: 1, 2 and 3% v/w either alone or in combination with inorganic fertilizers. Results: Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased in jojoba leaves when grown in petroleum oil polluted soil especially at 2% and 3% crude oil. It was noted that, Na, Mg and Ca decreased while K increased in shoots of jojoba. In roots Na and Ca increased however K and Mg decreased with increasing crude oil concentration in the soil. Heavy metals, Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb increased in both shoot and root with increasing crude oil concentration while, Zn decreased comparing with the control. In soil, N and K decreased meanwhile Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn as well as organic matter increased with increasing crude oil concentration. Soil was free from P while, the addition of inorganic fertilizers improved P content. Bacterial account was significantly increased at the end of the experiment at 1% and 2% crude oil especially after addition of inorganic fertilizers. The electric conductivity and MDA of the leaves increased with increasing crude oil concentration. The addition of inorganic fertilizers to crude oil contaminated soil decreased the electric conductivity and MDA comparing with crude oil only. Conclusion: The observed changes in composition of mineral elements in jojoba plants in the present study could be attributed to the cell injury and disruption in the cell membrane, heavy metal accumulation and toxic nature of the petroleum oil. Also this study has demonstrated that soil contamination with crude oil has a highly significant effect of reducing some mineral element composition of Jojoba plants.

Morphometric and quantitative analysis of theafferent renal artery variation

The kidney is a retroperitoneal organ that weight from 125 to 170 g in the adult men and 115to 155 g in adult women. Irrigation kidney is characterized by the presence of large anatomical variability thatmay be influenced by ethnic and to a lesser extent by gender. Among the variations, there may be the presenceof an accessory renal artery that is projected into the upper or lower end of the kidney. This research aimsto observe the incidence of anatomical variations of the afferent renal artery and quantify both right and leftkidney weight.Materials and Methods:We analyzed kidney weights and accessory renal artery variations in48 adult kidneys of both genders obtained from Institute of Anatomy of the University of Severino Sombra.Subsequently, we compared the mean weights of kidneys in order to ascertain whether there was significantdiscrepancy between the left and the right kidney. For this, we performed the Student t test considering aP < 0.05.Results:The mean weight of the right kidney was 140.4 ± 22.6 g and the left was 148.8 ± 20.5 g.In 40% of right kidneys was observed anatomic variation with the presence of accessory renal artery. To the leftkidney was observed a variation of 35%.Conclusion:We found that the accessory renal artery, when present,was more closely related to the end of the kidney especially in the right kidney.

Aluminium localization and toxicity symptoms related to root growth inhibition in rice (Oryza sativa L.) seedlings.

We correlated root growth inhibition with aluminium (Al3+) localization and toxicity symptoms in rice roots using seedlings of two genotypes (tolerant and sensitive) that were exposed to different AlCl3 concentrations. Al3+ localization was evaluated by hematoxylin in primary roots and by morin in cross-sections of the root tips. Neutral invertase enzyme activity and callose (1→3, β-D-glucan) accumulation were observed and compared with Al3+ accumulation sites. Root growth was inhibited by Al3+ in a concentration-specific manner and proportional to the increase of hematoxylin staining, being more pronounced in the sensitive genotype. Morin staining showed the presence of Al3+ deep within the roots of the sensitive genotype, indicating that the metal was able to penetrate beyond the first few cell layers. In the tolerant genotype, Al3+ penetration was restricted to the first two cell layers. Ruptures in exodermis and epidermis layers by lateral root protrusions in both genotypes allowed Al3+ to enter into the roots. More intense activity of invertase in roots of the tolerant genotype was also observed, which could be related to greater root growth of this cultivar when submitted to Al3+ stress. Moreover, Al3+-induced callose accumulation was a late response occurring in the same areas where Al3+ was present.

Knee extensor torque of men with early degrees of osteoarthritis is associated with pain, stiffness and function / Homens com graus iniciais de osteoartrite apresentam correlação entre torque extensor do joelho e dor, rigidez e função

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic-degenerative disease. The knee is the most commonly affected joint and the symptoms are generally attributed to quadriceps muscle weakness. However, few studies have evaluated this relationship in a population with early stages of knee OA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether a correlation among the knee extensor torque and the three subscales of the WOMAC questionnaire in men with early stages of knee OA exists. METHOD: Twenty-one men with knee OA grades I or II (according to Kellgren and Lawrence criteria) participated in this study. The concentric and eccentric knee extensor torque were assessed using a Biodex System 3 Pro® isokinetic dynamometer, at a speed of 90º/s. Self-reported symptoms and disability were assessed using the WOMAC questionnaire. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to test the relationship between the dependent variables (three subscales of WOMAC questionnaire) and the independent variables (average knee extensor peak torque). RESULTS: We found a strong negative correlation between the concentric extensor torque and pain (r=-0.7, p<0.001) and a moderate and negative correlation among the concentric extensor torque and stiffness (r=-0.62, p=0.002) and physical function (r=-0.54, p=0.011). Eccentric extensor torque presented a moderate and negative correlation with the three subscales of the WOMAC (r=-0.40 to 0.69, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The concentric and eccentric knee extensor torque is significantly correlated with self-report symptoms of patients in initial stages of knee OA. Therefore, the strengthening of the quadriceps muscles, through concentric and eccentric exercise is indicated for these patients in order to minimize these symptoms.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A osteoartrite (OA) é uma doença crônico-degenerativa. O joelho é a articulação mais afetada, e os sintomas geralmente são atribuídos à fraqueza do músculo quadríceps. Entretanto, poucos estudos têm avaliado essa relação em indivíduos com graus iniciais de OA. OBJETIVO: Verificar se existe correlação entre o torque extensor do joelho e as seções dor, rigidez e função física do questionário WOMAC de homens com OA de joelho nos graus iniciais. MÉTODO: Participaram deste estudo 21 homens com OA de joelho graus I ou II (segundo critérios de Kelgren e Lawrence). Foi avaliado o torque extensor concêntrico e o excêntrico do joelho por meio do dinamômetro isocinético (Biodex System 3 Pro®), na velocidade de 90º/s. O autorrelato de sintomas e incapacidades foi avaliado por meio do questionário WOMAC. O Coeficiente de Correlação de Spearman foi utilizado para detectar a relação entre as variáveis dependentes (três seções do questionário WOMAC) e as variáveis independentes (média dos picos de torque). RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se correlação forte e negativa do torque extensor concêntrico com a seção dor (r=-0,7, p<0,001) e moderada e negativa com as seções rigidez (r=-0,62, p=0,002) e função física (r=-0,54, p=0,011). O torque extensor excêntrico correlacionou-se moderada e negativamente com as três seções do questionário (r=-0,40 a -0,69, p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES: Os torques extensores concêntrico e excêntrico correlacionaram-se com os sintomas autorrelatados pelos indivíduos com graus iniciais de OA de joelho. Assim, o fortalecimento do músculo quadríceps, por meio de exercícios concêntricos e excêntricos, é indicado para esses pacientes para minimizar tais sintomas.

Efeito de exercícios terapêuticos no equilíbrio de mulheres com osteoartrite de joelho: uma revisão sistemática / The effects of therapeutic exercise on the balance of women with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

OBJETIVO: Fornecer evidências relacionadas ao efeito de exercícios terapêuticos sobre o equilíbrio de mulheres com osteoartrite (OA) de joelho. MÉTODOS: A busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI web of knowledge, PEDro e Colaboração Cochrane. Foram utilizadas as palavras-chave: knee, balance, women, rehabilitation em combinação com osteoarthritis. Foram selecionados ensaios clínicos aleatórios e controlados dos últimos dez anos, em língua inglesa, portuguesa e espanhola. Para verificar a qualidade dos ensaios clínicos selecionados, aplicou-se a Escala PEDro. RESULTADOS: Encontrou-se um total de 20 estudos a partir da busca eletrônica. Desses, apenas nove satisfizeram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados integralmente. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos nove estudos incluídos permitiu classificar oito deles como de alta qualidade metodológica. Os métodos e as intervenções para o equilíbrio variaram amplamente, no entanto a maioria dos estudos encontrou melhora significativa no equilíbrio de mulheres com OA de joelho. CONCLUSÃO: Como os estudos incluídos nesta revisão sistemática têm uma alta qualidade metodológica, pode-se concluir que os exercícios terapêuticos utilizados pelos estudos melhoraram o equilíbrio de mulheres com OA de joelho.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to examine evidence regarding the effects of therapeutic exercise on the balance of women with knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The search was conducted in Pubmed, Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI web of knowledge, PEDro and the Cochrane Collaboration. We used the keywords: "knee", "balance", "women" and "rehabilitation" in combination with "osteoarthritis". We selected randomized controlled clinical trials published in English, Portuguese and Spanish over the last 10 years. To verify the methodological quality of selected clinical trials, the PEDro Scale was applied. RESULTS: A total of 20 studies were found in the electronic search. Of these, only 9 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in full. Eight of these 9 studies were classified as having high methodological quality on the PEDro Scale. Although the methods and interventions regarding balance varied widely in these studies, most found significant improvement in the balance of women with knee OA. CONCLUSION: Since the studies included in this systematic review were of high methodological quality, we can conclude that the therapeutic exercises they used improved the balance of women with knee OA.

Smoking habits of medical students in a private medical college of Bangladesh.

Objective: To assess trends of smoking and the relation between smoking behavior of undergraduate medical students and their attitudes towards smoking and treatment of tobacco dependence. Methodology: Data was collected from the medical students of Rajshahi Islami Bank Medical College, Bangladesh. A total of 200 male students completed the anonymous questionnaire. Response rate was 80.0%. Results: Of the respondents 20% and 80% were regular smokers and non-smokers respectively. Only 32.50 % of the regular smokers smoke less than ten cigarettes, 30.0 % smoke ten to twenty cigarettes whereas, 37.50% smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day. 25% started smoking at nineteen years of age, 22.5% started before this age and 27.5% and 25.0 % started at twenty and twenty one years of ages respectively. 70% started smoking just for pleasure. Only 29.72% smoke light cigarettes whereas 33.78% and 36.48% smoke medium and heavy cigarettes respectively. Almost 75% smokers agreed with the fact that smoking is harmful to health and 45% realized that their cigarette smoke bother others and again 70% of smokers have attempted to quit smoking but failed and 42.5% still wanted to quit smoking. About 55% of smokers complained that they suffer from chronic cough, 60% were lacking concentration in their studies and 45% felt that they were short of memory. Conclusions: Attitudes of smokers were significantly different on most items of tobacco, but knowledge of tobacco problem in the undergraduate medical students was not sufficient. Teaching about tobacco and related issues remains essential in the undergraduate medical course.