Allogenic platelet-rich plasma in induced ulcers in rat's cornea / [Plasma rico em plaquetas alogênico em úlceras de córnea induzidas em ratos]

The objective in this study was to evaluate the clinic effect of applying allogenic platelet-rich plasma (PRP) heated or not, for treating cornea ulcers, including the dosage of PDGF-BB in the cornea. The ulcers were induced, standardizing the left eye from 81 rats (Ratus norvegicus, albinus variety), assigned randomly into three groups (N=27): control group (CG) which did not receive any topic treatment; heated PRP group (GA) and PRP group (GP), which received topical treatment every eight hours for five days. Each group underwent evaluation at 24 hours (M1), three days (M3) and five days (M5). The clinical exam evaluated the opacity, vascularization and corneal repair. The corneal PDGF-BB was dosed through the ELISA method. The corneal opacity was decreased in PRP-treated animals (GA and GP) and corneal repair time reduced when compared to CG at M1 and M5. Furthermore, GP showed greater vascularization at M3 compared to M1. Applied allogenic PRP eye drops, heated or not, speed up corneal healing, and reduce corneal repair time. However, the corneal PDGF concentration was not altered in any of the treatments.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito clínico da aplicação de plasma rico em plaquetas alogênico (PRP) aquecido ou não, no tratamento de úlceras de córnea, como a dosagem de PDGF-BB na córnea. As úlceras foram induzidas, padronizando-se o olho esquerdo de 81 ratos (Rattus norvegicus, variedade albinus), aleatoriamente, nos três grupos (N = 27): grupo controle (CG), que não recebeu nenhum tratamento tópico; grupo PRP aquecido (GA) e grupo PRP (GP), que receberam tratamento tópico a cada oito horas, durante cinco dias. Cada grupo foi subdividido em 24 horas (M1), três dias (M3) e cinco dias (M5). O exame clínico avaliou a opacidade, a vascularização e o reparo corneano. O PDGF-BB corneano foi dosado pelo método Elisa. Houve diminuição da opacidade da córnea nos animais tratados com PRP (GA e GP) e diminuição do tempo de reparo da córnea em comparação com CG, M1 e M5. Além disso, foi observada maior vascularização no GP no momento M3 em relação ao M1. A aplicação de colírios de PRP alogênico, aquecidos ou não, acelera a cicatrização da córnea, além de reduzir o tempo de reparo da córnea. No entanto, a concentração de PDGF na córnea não se alterou em nenhum dos tratamentos.(AU)

Patient needs four years after first psychiatric hospitalization in a Brazilian cohort

Knowledge about the needs of psychiatric patients is essential for mental health care planning. However, research on met and unmet needs is still scarce, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to describe the patients' needs (met and unmet) at least four years after their first psychiatric hospitalization and to verify the role of demographic and clinical features as possible predictors of these needs. Patients who had their first psychiatric admission between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007 at an inpatient unit in the city of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, were eligible to participate in the study. Patients were contacted and face-to-face interviews were conducted by psychologists using the Camberwell Assessment of Need. Data were analyzed using zero-inflated negative binomial regression model. Of 933 eligible patients, 333 were interviewed. The highest level of needs was related to welfare benefits (32.4%, unmet=25.5%), followed by household skills (30.3%, unmet=3.0%), psychotic symptoms (29.4%, unmet=9.0%), psychological distress (27.6%, unmet=8.4%), physical health (24.3%, unmet=5.4%), daytime activities (19.5%, unmet=16.5%), and money (16.8%, unmet=9.0%). Fewer years of schooling, living with relatives, and unemployment at the moment of the first admission were significantly associated with a higher number of both met and unmet needs in the follow-up. Unmet needs were also more often reported by patients living alone. In conclusion, socioeconomic indicators were the best predictors of needs. The unmet needs related to welfare benefits point to the need for specific social and health policies.

Análise evolutiva da morfologia e da irrigação do timo de javalis (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) / Evolutionary analysis of morphology and irrigation of the thymus of boar's (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758)

Objetivou-se descrever comparativamente as artérias responsáveis pela irrigação dos lobos tímicos cervicais e torácicos dos javalis, determinando-se também as características morfológicas do referido órgão nessa espécie, a ponto de correlacioná-las evolutivamente com os demais representantes da família Suidae. Os lobos tímicos cervicais direito e esquerdo receberam ramos distribuídos pelas artérias carótidas comuns direita e esquerda e cervicais superficiais direita e esquerda e, por vezes, pelas artérias torácica externa esquerda e subclávia esquerda. Essa característica vascular foi mantida ao longo da evolução, estando presente em linhagens e raças mais recentes de suídeos. A irrigação dos lobos tímicos torácicos direito e esquerdo foi realizada predominantemente por ramos diretos e indiretos ipsilaterais e contralaterais das artérias torácicas internas direita e esquerda, e também por ramos da artéria subclávia esquerda. Ramos diretos das artérias cervicais superficiais direita e esquerda e ramos diretos da artéria torácica interna direita foram encontrados para o lobo tímico médio, sendo essa uma descrição única nessa espécie, o que demonstra uma característica evolutiva primitiva nesse ancestral.(AU)

The objective of this study was to comparatively describe the arteries responsible for the irrigation of the cervical and thoracic thymus lobes of Boars, also determining the morphological characteristics of this body in this species to the point of evolutionarily correlating them with other representatives of the Suidae family. The left and right cervical thymic lobes received branches distributed by common right and left, superficial right and left carotid arteries, and neck and, sometimes, the outer left chest and left subclavian arteries. This feature was vascular maintained throughout evolution and is present in more recent strains and breeds of swine. Irrigation of the right and left thoracic thymic lobes was performed predominantly by direct and indirect ipsilateral and contralateral branches of the right and left internal thoracic arteries and also by branches of the left subclavian artery. Direct branches of the right and left superficial cervical artery and right branches of the right internal thoracic artery were found for the average thymic lobe, this being a unique description in this species, demonstrating a primitive feature in this evolutionary ancestor.(AU)

Evolutionary aspects on the origin, distribution and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) / Aspectos evolutivos sobre as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos do tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

This work aimed to describe the origin, distribution, and ramifications of the ischiadicus nerve in the giant anteater and to provide anatomical data which could explain not only the evolutionary aspects but also provide important information for other related works. For the present study, four specimens were used, prepared by perfusion of 10% formaldehyde solution via the femoral artery, for conservation and dissection. The origin of the right and left ischiadicus nerves in the giant anteater from the ventral ramification of the third lumbar (L3) and the first (S1), second (S2), and third (S3) sacral spinal nerves. These nerves were symmetrical in all animals studied. The distribution and ramification occurred to the superficial, middle, and deep gluteal, gemelli, piriform, quadratus femoris, tensor fasciae latae, caudal crural abductor, cranial and caudal parts of the biceps femoris, adductor, semitendinous, and cranial and caudal parts of the semimembranous muscles. Based on the origins of the ischiadicus nerves, there is a caudal migration in the nerve location in animals in a more recent position on the evolutionary scale due to reconfiguration of the lumbosacral plexus, resulting from the increase in a number of lumbar vertebrae. There is no complete homology of the muscle innervation.(AU)

Objetivou-se descrever as origens, distribuições e ramificações dos nervos isquiáticos no tamanduá-bandeira, disponibilizando, assim, dados anatômicos que possam não só elucidar os aspectos evolutivos como também fornecer informações importantes para áreas afins. Foram utilizados quatro espécimes preparados por meio da perfusão de formaldeído 10% via artéria femoral, para conservação e dissecação. As origens dos nervos isquiáticos direito e esquerdo no tamanduá-bandeira foram provenientes dos ramos ventrais dos nervos espinhais lombares três e sacrais um, dois e três, sendo simétricos em todos os animais estudados. As distribuições e ramificações ocorreram nos músculos glúteos superficial, médio e profundo; gêmeo; piriforme; quadrado femoral; tensor da fáscia lata; abdutor crural caudal; bíceps femoral parte cranial; bíceps femoral parte caudal; adutor; semitendíneo; semimembranáceo parte cranial e semimembranáceo parte caudal. Notou-se que houve uma migração caudal na localização deste nervo nos animais mais recentes na escala evolutiva, devido a uma reconfiguração do plexo lombossacral decorrente do aumento no número de vértebras lombares, não havendo uma homologia total quanto à inervação dos músculos.(AU)

Alternative food sources for the ladybird Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) / Fontes de alimento alternativo para a joaninha Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract The predator Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) has been naturally found in plants infested by mealybugs. In this study, the striped mealybug Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) and Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) eggs were evaluated as diets for the development and reproduction of B. foudrasii. Brumoides foudrasii immatures developed faster when fed with A. kuehniella eggs than when fed with F. dasylirii. However, the survival and longevity of B. foudrasii adults were not affected by the diets. Oviposition was more frequent when B. foudrasii females were fed with F. dasylirii (95%) than those fed with A. kuehniella eggs (65%). Brumoides foudrasii females fed with F. dasylirii were 2.5 times more fecund than those fed with A. kuehniella eggs. Although both diets may be considered proper for B. foudrasii, A. kuehniella eggs were more suitable for immature development, while F. darsyrili provided more nutritious resources for adult biological parameters as oviposition period, egg viability and fecundity. These results suggests that this predator can play an important role in regulating populations of the stripped mealybug F. dasylirii in the field.

Resumo O predador Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) tem sido encontrado naturalmente sobre plantas infestadas por cochonilhas. Neste estudo, a cochonilha listrada Ferrisia dasyliri (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) e ovos de Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) foram avaliados como dietas para o desenvolvimento e reprodução de B. foudrasii. Formas amaturos de B. foudrasii desenvolveram-se mais rapidamente quando alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella do que quando alimentados com F. dasyliri. No entanto, a sobrevivência e longevidade de adultos de B. foudrasii não foram afetadas pelas dietas. A oviposição foi mais freqüente em B. foudrasii alimentadas com F. dasylirii (95%) do que aqueles alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella (65%). Fêmeas de B. foudrasii alimentadas com F. dasylirii foram 2,5 vezes mais fecundas do que aquelas alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella. Embora ambas as dietas possam ser consideradas apropriadas para B. foudrasii, ovos de A. kuehniella foram mais adequadas para o desenvolvimento de imaturos, enquanto F. dasylirii proporcionou mais recursos nutritivos para os parâmetros biológicos do adulto, tais como período de oviposição, viabilidade de ovos e fecundidade. Estes resultados sugerem que este predador pode ser potencialmente eficiente na regulação populacional da cochonilha F. dasylirii em campo.

Ceratoconjuntivite nodular em um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina: relato de caso / Nodular keratoconjunctivitis in a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis: case report

Relata-se um caso de leishmaniose visceral canina com ceratoconjuntivite nodular como queixa exclusiva do proprietário. O diagnóstico se deu pela observação de formas amastigotas de Leishmania sp. no exame parasitológico direto de citologia aspirativa conjuntival. Lesões oculares raramente são queixas principais únicas de cães com leishmaniose, como o caso em questão, o que demonstra a variabilidade de apresentação clínica da doença e a importância da realização de testes laboratoriais diagnósticos para leishmaniose como triagem para pacientes de áreas endêmicas.(AU)

We describe a case of canine visceral leishmaniasis with nodular keratoconjunctivits as the owner's only complaint. Diagnosis was made by the observation of Leishmania sp. amastigotes in parasitological examination from conjunctival aspirative cytology. Eye lesions are rarely the only complaint of dogs suspected of leishmaniasis, as the case reported, demonstrating the variability of clinical presentation of the disease and the importance of performing screening diagnostic laboratorial tests for leishmaniasis in endemic areas.(AU)

Alternative food sources for the ladybird Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)

Abstract The predator Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) has been naturally found in plants infested by mealybugs. In this study, the striped mealybug Ferrisia dasylirii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) and Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) eggs were evaluated as diets for the development and reproduction of B. foudrasii. Brumoides foudrasii immatures developed faster when fed with A. kuehniella eggs than when fed with F. dasylirii. However, the survival and longevity of B. foudrasii adults were not affected by the diets. Oviposition was more frequent when B. foudrasii females were fed with F. dasylirii (95%) than those fed with A. kuehniella eggs (65%). Brumoides foudrasii females fed with F. dasylirii were 2.5 times more fecund than those fed with A. kuehniella eggs. Although both diets may be considered proper for B. foudrasii, A. kuehniella eggs were more suitable for immature development, while F. darsyrili provided more nutritious resources for adult biological parameters as oviposition period, egg viability and fecundity. These results suggests that this predator can play an important role in regulating populations of the stripped mealybug F. dasylirii in the field.

Resumo O predador Brumoides foudrasii (Mulsant) (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae) tem sido encontrado naturalmente sobre plantas infestadas por cochonilhas. Neste estudo, a cochonilha listrada Ferrisia dasyliri (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) e ovos de Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae) foram avaliados como dietas para o desenvolvimento e reprodução de B. foudrasii. Formas amaturos de B. foudrasii desenvolveram-se mais rapidamente quando alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella do que quando alimentados com F. dasyliri. No entanto, a sobrevivência e longevidade de adultos de B. foudrasii não foram afetadas pelas dietas. A oviposição foi mais freqüente em B. foudrasii alimentadas com F. dasylirii (95%) do que aqueles alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella (65%). Fêmeas de B. foudrasii alimentadas com F. dasylirii foram 2,5 vezes mais fecundas do que aquelas alimentados com ovos de A. kuehniella. Embora ambas as dietas possam ser consideradas apropriadas para B. foudrasii, ovos de A. kuehniella foram mais adequadas para o desenvolvimento de imaturos, enquanto F. dasylirii proporcionou mais recursos nutritivos para os parâmetros biológicos do adulto, tais como período de oviposição, viabilidade de ovos e fecundidade. Estes resultados sugerem que este predador pode ser potencialmente eficiente na regulação populacional da cochonilha F. dasylirii em campo.

Mensurações do bulbo ocular e cálculo do poder dióptrico da lente intraocular em miniporcos / Ocular bulb measurements and diopter power calculation of the lens in minipigs

Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o poder dióptrico da lente intraocular (LIO) em miniporco e as dimensões do bulbo do olho. Foram utilizados 17 miniporcos, sadios, adultos, machos e fêmeas, com peso médio de 70kg. Em todos os olhos foram realizadas a ultrassonografia modo A, a ceratometria e a medida da distância limbo a limbo. O cálculo do poder dióptrico da LIO foi obtido utilizando-se as fórmulas Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, Holladay I e Holladay II e o software Holladay IOL Consultant(r). Na comparação entre o sexo e a lateralidade do olho, não houve diferença nas variáveis biométricas e poder da LIO. A aplicação das fórmulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK/T e Hoffer Q) possibilitou o cálculo do poder da LIO. A Holladay II, fórmula que melhor individualiza o bulbo do olho do miniporco, estima valor dióptrico ao redor de 41 D. Os miniporcos têm potencial como modelo experimental em oftalmologia, relacionado ao seu menor porte e à facilidade no manejo, especialmente em experimentos de longa duração.

The aim of this study was to determine the refractive power of intraocular lens (IOL) of mini pigs and the dimensions of the eyeball. A total of 17 (34 eyes) healthy, adult, males and female animals, with average weight of 70kg were used. For every eye, A-mode ultrasound, keratometry and the measurement of limbo-to-limbo distance were conducted, all variables for calculating the refractive power of the IOL. The value was obtained using different formulas and Holladay IOL Consultant(r) Software. Additionally, the ocular measurements were compared per sex, laterality of the eye and the different formulas used in this study (Haigis, Hoffer Q, SRK / T, Holladay I and Holladay II). In the comparison between sex and laterality of the eye, there was no difference in biometric variables and power of the IOL. The application of the employed formulas (Haigis, Holladay II, Holladay I, SRK / T and Hoffer Q) allowed the IOL power calculation for this specie, and the observed value ranged between 39.58±2.15 and 46.60±2.81 diopters. Mini pigs play an important and growing role as an experimental model for study and practice of ophthalmic procedures, specially related to their smaller size and easy management in long-term experiments.

Effects of Inorganic Mulches on Achillea millefolium L. Sesquiterpene Lactones.

Aims: Sesquiterpene lactones are one of the most important groups of bioactive substances in Achillea millefolium, a perennial herb cultivated because of its medicinal interest. We sought to determine if the use of inorganic mulches for weed control in A. millefolium crops could lead to differences in their sesquiterpene lactones (SLs) content. Study Design: A field experiment using a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted to determine the effect of black polypropylene, black polyethylene of 100 µm and black polyethylene of 175 µm on A. millefolium SLs content. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Crop Production, University of Santiago de Compostela, between September 2004 and August 2005. Methodology: LC/MS analysis of A. millefolium flower heads grown over the three different inorganic mulches and in control plots was carried out in order to determine SLs. Results: Chromatographic analysis of A. millefolium flower heads grown over polypropylene and in control plots revealed the highest diversity of SLs, whereas those developed over black polyethylene showed the least. Polypropylene mulches were shown to be the most efficient with a 2-3 fold increase of total SLs (P < 0.001). The effects of inorganic mulches on individual SLs were of limited relevance. However, the use of black polyethylene (100 µm) resulted in an increase of 8-desacetylmatricarin (P = 0.005), a SL of biological and pharmacological interest. In contrast, concentrations of three unidentified SLs decreased in yarrow plants grown over black polyethylene. Conclusion: Weed density did not show as a major factor influencing the total amount of SLs but growth parameters such as yarrow dry matter were inversely related.

Utilização experimental de hidroxiapatita sintética em alvéolos dentários de gatos domésticos (Felis catus): estudo clínico, radiográfico e histomorfométrico / Experimental application of hydroxyapatite in feline (Felis catus) dental sockets: clinic, radiographic, histologic and histomorphometric studies

A fim de avaliar a resposta biológica da hidroxiapatita sintética (HAP-91) nos alvéolos de felinos domésticos, este biomaterial foi implantado após extração do terceiro pré-molar inferior direito em 12 gatos e mantida por meio de uma membrana de celulose bacteriana. No lado esquerdo, os alvéolos foram apenas recobertos com a membrana de celulose bacteriana, formando o grupo-controle. Observou-se, durante a avaliação clínica, que todos os animais voltaram a comer normalmente ração úmida, sem apresentarem sinais de dor ou desconforto após a recuperação anestésica. A cicatrização da ferida cirúrgica ocorreu de forma satisfatória, sendo que a membrana de celulose bacteriana evitou a saída precoce da hidroxiapatita. Radiograficamente, aos 50 dias, todos os animais apresentaram radiopacidade óssea homogênea em ambos os lados. À análise histomorfométrica, observou-se adiantamento do processo de reparo do osso alveolar nos oito primeiros dias do grupo-tratado quando comparado ao grupo-controle, bem como atraso aos 30 dias, porém, aos 50 dias, ambos os grupos apresentavam porcentagem de tecido ósseo semelhante e morfologicamente normal. Os resultados sugerem que a hidroxiapatita é biocompatível, integra-se ao tecido ósseo alveolar e pode ser utilizada em felinos.

The biocompatibility of a material depends on its characteristics, as well as the species and the environment recipient. In order to evaluate the biological response of the synthetic hydroxyapatite (HAP-91) in feline dental alveoli, it was implanted in the right inferior third premolar after extraction in 12 cats and maintained through a bacterial cellulose membrane. On the left side the alveoli was covered with a bacterial cellulose membrane (control group). During clinical evaluations it was observed that the animals started to eat after the anesthetic recovery time, without clinical signs of pain. There was a satisfactory cicatrization of the surgical wound and the bacterial cellulose membrane aided in repairing the gum, avoiding the loss of the hydroxyapatite. Radiographs taken 50 days post surgery presented homogeneous bone radiopacity on both sides. The histological and histomorfometrical analysis showed a positive progress of the alveolar repair in the first 8 days in the treated group when compared to the control group and a delay at 30 days, however at 50 days both presented a similar and morphologically normal percentage of bone tissue. These findings suggest that HAP-91 is biocompatible and integrates into the feline alveolar bone.

Three-dimensional kinematic analysis of upper and lower limb motion during gait of post-stroke patients

The aim of this study was to analyze the alterations of arm and leg movements of patients during stroke gait. Joint angles of upper and lower limbs and spatiotemporal variables were evaluated in two groups: hemiparetic group (HG, 14 hemiparetic men, 53 ± 10 years) and control group (CG, 7 able-bodied men, 50 ± 4 years). The statistical analysis was based on the following comparisons (P ≤ 0.05): 1) right versus left sides of CG; 2) affected (AF) versus unaffected (UF) sides of HG; 3) CG versus both the affected and unaffected sides of HG, and 4) an intracycle comparison of the kinematic continuous angular variables between HG and CG. This study showed that the affected upper limb motion in stroke gait was characterized by a decreased range of motion of the glenohumeral (HG: 6.3 ± 4.5, CG: 20.1 ± 8.2) and elbow joints (AF: 8.4 ± 4.4, UF: 15.6 ± 7.6) on the sagittal plane and elbow joint flexion throughout the cycle (AF: 68.2 ± 0.4, CG: 46.8 ± 2.7). The glenohumeral joint presented a higher abduction angle (AF: 14.2 ± 1.6, CG: 11.5 ± 4.0) and a lower external rotation throughout the cycle (AF: 4.6 ± 1.2, CG: 22.0 ± 3.0). The lower limbs showed typical alterations of the stroke gait patterns. Thus, the changes in upper and lower limb motion of stroke gait were identified. The description of upper limb motion in stroke gait is new and complements gait analysis.

Plantas medicinais cultivadas em quintais de comunidades rurais no domínio do cerrado piauiense (Município de Demerval Lobão, Piauí, Brasil) / Medicinal plants cultivated in homegardens of rural communities in the domain of Cerrado in Piaui (Demerval Lobão Municipality, Piauí State, Brazil)

O conhecimento terapêutico acumulado por populações rurais através de séculos de estreito contato com o meio possibilita a obtenção de informações acerca do uso dos recursos naturais. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um inventário das plantas medicinais cultivadas em quintais do município de Demerval Lobão, Piauí, bem como, conhecer o emprego e a importância dessas espécies na comunidade. Foram amostrados 21 quintais em nove comunidades da zona rural do município de Demerval Lobão com vegetação de cerrado. O trabalho foi conduzido com os mantenedores dos quintais a partir de entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observação direta, associada à técnica de turnê-guiada. As plantas medicinais coletadas foram catalogadas, identificadas, e depositadas no Herbário Graziela Barroso (TEPB) da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Foram referidas 100 espécies botânicas, predominantemente herbáceas e cultivadas, distribuídas em 49 famílias, sendo Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae e Lamiaceae as mais representativas em número de espécies. Na preparação dos remédios, as folhas foram as mais utilizadas, sendo a decocção a principal forma de preparo. As doenças mais frequentes tratadas por remédios caseiros referem-se ao sistema respiratório e digestivo. Observou-se que não há rigidez quanto à posologia e a duração do tratamento, ficando este a critério do hábito de cada pessoa entrevistada. As plantas que apresentaram índice de importância relativa e concordância de uso (CUP) acima de 60% foram cansansão (Cnidosculus urens), boldo (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews), jurema-preta (Mimosa verrucosa Benth) e cidreira (Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson). P. barbatus foi a mais citada e também a que apresentou os índices mais altos de CUP (100%), fator de correção - FC (1,00) e concordância de uso corrigido - CUPc (100%) para dores no estômago e problemas no fígado. Observou-se a necessidade de resgatar o conhecimento acerca das plantas medicinais para contribuir na melhoria da qualidade de vida dos moradores da zona rural, como primeiro passo para a valorização e adequação dos recursos da medicina popular para o tratamento de doenças mais frequentes.

Therapeutic knowledge accumulated by rural populations, through centuries of direct contact with the environment, makes possible the gathering of information concerning use of natural resources. The aim of the present study was to carry out an inventory of the medicinal plants cultivated in homegardens of Demerval Lobão Municipality, Piauí State, Brazil, as well as to learn their uses and importance in the community. A total of 21 homegardens in nine communities of the rural area of Demerval Lobão Municipality with Cerrado vegetation were sampled. The study was conducted by means of semi-structured interviews and direct observation, associated with the technique of a tour guided by the keepers of the homegardens. The collected medicinal plants were cataloged, identified and deposited in the Herbarium Graziela Barroso (TEPB) of Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). Of 100 botanical species, predominantly herbaceous and cultivated species distributed in 49 families, were cited, and the most representative families in number of species were Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae and Lamiaceae. For the preparation of medicines, leaves were most used and decoction was the main form of preparation. The most frequent diseases treated by homemade remedies are associated with the respiratory and digestive systems. There is no rigidity as to dosage and duration of treatment; it depended on the habit of each interviewed person. The plants that presented an index of relative importance and use agreement above 60% were the following: "cansansão" (Cnidosculus urens), "boldo" (Plectranthus barbatus Andrews), black-jurema (Mimosa verrucosa Benth) and "cidreira" (Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P.Wilson). P. barbatus was most cited and also the species that presented the highest indices of CUP (100%), FC (1,00) and CUPc (100%) for stomach pains and liver problems. There is the need of rescuing knowledge concerning medicinal plants to contribute to the improvement of the life quality of the inhabitants of the rural area, as a first step for the appreciation and adaptation of resources of folk medicine for the treatment of the most frequent diseases.

Diversidade e uso de recursos medicinais do carrasco na APA da Serra da Ibiapaba, Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil / Diversity and use of medicinal resources of "carrasco" in the EPA of Serra da Ibiapaba, Piauí, Northeast Brazil

O presente estudo foi realizado na Área de Proteção Ambiental da Serra da Ibiapaba no município de Cocal, Piauí. Objetivou-se realizar o levantamento das plantas utilizadas pela comunidade, das partes usadas, das indicações, das formas de uso e de administração dessas plantas. Foram realizadas 80 entrevistas com 100% dos moradores de notório saber, residentes no município que utilizavam e/ou comercializavam plantas de uso medicinal. Para definição da amostra utilizou-se o método de bola de neve. Em incursões guiadas por membros da comunidade, foram coletadas as etnoespécies citadas. Após essa etapa, as espécies foram identificadas em laboratório e calculado o Fator de Consenso dos Informantes (FCI) para cada categoria de doença. O material foi incorporado ao acervo do Herbário Graziela Barroso (TEPB/UFPI). Foram identificadas 76 espécies, distribuídas em 61 gêneros e 36 famílias. Sobresairam-se Leguminosae com 22 espécies (28,9%), seguida por Euphorbiaceae com 6 (7,8%), e Solanaceae 4 (5,2%). Os gêneros Croton L. e Hymenaea L. obtiveram o maior destaque, somando 8 (10,5%) do total de espécies. As espécies mais presentes nas indicações de uso foram Ximenia americana com 14 (5,9%), Tabebuia impetiginosa com 9 (3,9%) e Anacardium occidentale com 7 (2,9%). Observou-se que 80,5% dos entrevistados tinham mais de 50 anos e residiam no município a mais de 20 anos, sendo que 70% possuíam apenas ensino fundamental incompleto e 20 % eram analfabetos. Houve maior consenso entre os informantes para tratamento das doenças do sistema respiratório (0,66) e do aparelho digestório (0,65). A maioria das indicações de usos 81 (34,17%) relatados para 28 (36,8%) das espécies visavam curar males do sistema respiratório, tais como asma, bronquite, gripe, inflamação na garganta, pneumonia e sinusite. Para o preparo dos remédios, as partes mais utilizadas foram as cascas (30,5%), as folhas (29,4%) e as raízes (12,6%). As preparações mais comuns foram os chás, garrafadas e lambedores, administrados por via oral. Os resultados sinalizaram para a importância do potencial bioativo da vegetação do carrasco.

The present study was carried out in the Environmental Protection Area of Serra da Ibiapaba, in Cocal Municipality, Piauí. The study aimed to perform a survey of the plants used by the community, including used parts, recommended use, forms of use and administration of these plants. A total of 80 interviews were done with 100% of denizens with noteworthy knowledge who lived in that municipality and used and/or commercialized plants of medicinal use. To define the sample the snowball method was adopted. In tours guided by members of the community, the cited ethnospecies were collected. After this stage, the species were identified in the laboratory and the Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was calculated for each disease category. The material was incorporated in the collection of Herbarium Graziela Barroso (TEPB/UFPI). A total of 76 species were identified, distributed into 61 genera and 36 families. Leguminosae was the major family with 22 species (28.9%), followed by Euphorbiaceae with 6 (7.8%) and Solanaceae with 4 (5.2%). Croton L. and Hymenaea L. were the most important genera, comprising 8 (10.5%) of the total species. The species most commonly recommended for medicinal use were Ximenia americana with 14 (5.9%), Tabebuia impetiginosa with 9 (3.9%) and Anacardium occidentale with 7 (2.9%). The age of 80.5% of the interviewees was over 50 years and they had been living in the municipality for more than 20 years, while 70% had only incomplete elementary education and 20% were illiterate. There was greater consensus among the informants for treatment of respiratory diseases (0.66) and problems of the digestive system (0.65). The most common recommendation of use, 81 (34.17%), reported for 28 (36.8%) of the species, aimed to cure problems of the respiratory system, such as asthma, bronchitis, influenza, inflammation of the throat, pneumonia, and sinusitis. In the preparation of medicines, the parts most commonly used were the bark (30.5%), the leaves (29.4%) and the roots (12.6%). The most common preparations were tea, balm and lickers, administered orally. The results indicated the importance of the bioactive potential of "carrasco" vegetation.

Técnica de Criação e Aspectos Biológicos de Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) em Frutos de Coqueiro / Rearing Technique and Biological Traits of Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phyci.. dae) in Coconut Fruits

Rearing Technique and Biological Traits of Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) (Lepidoptera: Phycitidae) in Coconut Fruits. Larvae of the coconut moth Atheloca subrufella (Hulst) develop in flowers and fruits of coconut, Cocos nucifera, causing precocious abscission of these structures and, hence, yield decrease. This work studied a feasible and suitable rearing technique for A. subrufella using fruits of coconut. We first determined the appropriate density of larvae to be reared per coconut fruit (among two, three, four or five larvae) and later tested the suitability of this rearing technique for three successive generations. The storage of egg and pupal stages during 0, 5, 10 and 20 days was also studied at 12ºC. Based on the fertility life table parameters, the best results were achieved by rearing two or three larvae per fruit as they yielded the best net reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of population increase. In addition, eggs and pupae of A. subrufella can be stored at 12ºC up to five days with viability higher than 90 percent. Adult moths emerged from pupae stored for five days at 12ºC produced an average of 219.4 eggs and lived 18.8 days. Storage periods for eggs and pupae over 10 days significantly reduced egg viability and adult fecundity, respectively. Thus, the technique in here described was shown to be suitable for the continuous rearing of A. subrufella in laboratory conditions.

Plantas medicinais utilizadas em comunidades rurais de Oeiras, semiárido piauiense / Medicinal plants used in rural communities from Oeiras Municipality, in the semi-arid region of Piauí State (PI), Brazil

O estudo foi realizado no período de fevereiro de 2007 a maio de 2008, em vinte e uma comunidades rurais do município de Oeiras (07º00'54''S e 42º08'06''W), localizadas em área de transição vegetacional Caatinga/Cerrado, onde predomina a Caatinga. Objetivou-se conhecer as plantas tradicionalmente utilizadas pela população com fins terapêuticos. As coletas botânicas seguiram metodologia usual e os exemplares identificados foram incorporados ao acervo do Herbário Graziela Barroso (TEPB). Como procedimento metodológico realizou-se entrevistas semi-estruturadas com formulários padronizados a 20 moradores indicados por líderes comunitários locais como pessoas de reconhecido saber, que acompanharam as coletas. As espécies citadas foram agrupadas em de17 categorias de acordo com a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS). Os dados quantitativos foram obtidos através do cálculo da Importância Relativa (IR) para cada espécie e do Fator de Consenso dos Informantes (FCI). Assim, identificou-se 167 etnoespécies, distribuídas em 59 famílias botânicas e 143 gêneros, sendo 65,86 por cento nativas. As famílias com maior representatividade em número de espécies foram a Leguminosae (28) e a Euphorbiaceae (18). Os gêneros mais representativos foram Croton L. (9), Senna Mill. (5), Jatropha L. e Solanum L. (4). Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Ximenia americana L., Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem. e Lippia alba L., obtiveram os maiores valores de IR de 1,79; 1,86; 1,21; 1,14; respectivamente. Salienta-se a elevada frequência de usos terapêuticos destas espécies, concentradas no tratamento dos transtornos do sistema respiratório (56 espécies) e das doenças infecciosas intestinais, hepáticas e helmintíases (65), sendo gripe e diarréia as doenças mais citadas. A folha é a parte do vegetal mais utilizada na medicina caseira local (31,5 por cento dos casos) e as formas de preparo mais utilizadas são a decocção (32,2 por cento dos casos) seguida por infusão (23,8 por cento). Estes dados possibilitam ...

This study was performed between February 2007 and May 2008 in twenty-one rural communities from Oeiras Municipality (07º00'54''S and 42º08'06''W) located in a transition area of Caatinga/Cerrado vegetation, where Caatinga predominates. The aim was to know the plants traditionally used for therapeutic purposes by the population. The botanical harvests followed the usual methodology and the identified specimens were incorporated into the collection from the Herbarium Graziela Barroso (TEPB). As methodological procedure, semi-structured interviews by using standardized forms were done with 20 dwellers indicated by local community leaders as people presenting notorious knowledge and who accompanied the harvests. The cited species were grouped into 17 categories, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Quantitative data were obtained by calculating the relative importance (RI) for each species and the informant consensus factor (ICF). We identified 167 ethnospecies, distributed into 59 botanical families and 143 genera, from which 65.86 percent were native. The most representative families in number of species were Leguminosae (28) and Euphorbiaceae (18). The most representative genera were Croton L. (9), Senna Mill. (5), Jatropha L. and Solanum L. (4). Caesalpinia ferrea Mart., Ximenia americana L., Myracrodruon urundeuva Allem. and Lippia alba L. had the highest RI values: 1.79, 1.86, 1.21 and 1.14, respectively. It must be emphasized the high therapeutic use of these species, mainly for the treatment of respiratory system disorders (56 species) and intestinal, hepatic and helminthic infectious diseases (65), from which flu and diarrhea were the most cited. The leaf is the most used plant part in the local folk medicine (31.5 percent of cases). The most frequently used preparation procedures are decoction (32.2 percent of cases) and infusion (23.8 percent). These data allow inferring that dwellers of rural communities have knowledge about the plants ...

Valor de la secuencia de difusión en el estudio de cáncer de próstata en pacientes con antígeno prostático específico elevado / Value of diffusion-weighted sequences in the study of prostate cancer in patients with increased prostate specific antigen levels

En el carcinoma prostático la arquitectura glandular es reemplazada por células cancerosas, produciendo barreras al movimiento del agua, que pueden ser estudiadas con resonancia magnética potenciada en difusión. Para evaluar el aporte de estas secuencias en el estudio de la próstata, realizamos estudio descriptivo e inferencia!, utilizando difusión en 26 pacientes con tacto rectal anormal y antígeno prostático elevado. Se analizó sensibilidad, especificidad y curvas ROC basadas en coeficiente aparente de difusión (CAD). Se realizó biopsia prostática en 14 pacientes; 7 resultaron positivos. Con CAD <1000 um2/s, se encontraron altas sensibilidades con bajas especificidades y valores predictivos moderados. Incorporando T2 mejoraron: certeza diagnóstica, especificidad y valores predictivos. Al comparar los valores CAD en zonas con y sin cáncer, obtuvimos diferencias para CAD promedio y mínimo. Las curvas ROC mostraron áreas elevadas y significativas, sugiriéndose valores de corte de 1059 um2/s y 969 um2/s entre "normales" y con cáncer; LR(+) para valores de corte: 6,97 y 5,23 respectivamente. Nuestros resultados permiten proponer que se obtiene mayor ganancia diagnóstica en la interpretación conjunta de imágenes T2 y secuencias de difusión y que CAD permite diferenciar entre tejido normal y cáncer, por lo que se debiera incorporar en el estudio prostático.

In prostatic carcinoma, the glandular architecture is replaced by cancer cells producing barriers to water motion, anomaly that can be studied through diffusion-enhanced MRI technique. To assess the contribution of these sequences in the prostate cancer exploration, we conducted a descriptive and inferential study using diffusion-enhanced MRI technique in 26 patients with abnormal digital rectal examination (DRE) and increased prostate specific antigen (PSA) values. We analyzed sensitivity, specificity and ROC curves based on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). Seven out of 14 biopsies were positive in patients undergoing prostate biopsy. When applying ADC <1000 _m2/se, high sensitivity with low specificity levels, as well as moderate predictive values were obtained. By incorporating T2-weighted images, improved diagnostic accuracy, specificity and predictive values were achieved. When comparing ADC values in tissues with and without cancer, average and minimum ADC appeared to exhibit different values. ROC curves depicted increased and significant values, suggesting cutoff values of 1059 um2/s and 969/um2/s for healthy and malignant tissues, respectively; LR (+) for cut-off value: 6.97 and 5.23, respectively. Our results enable us to propose that improved diagnostic outcomes are attained through combined interpretation of T2-weighted images and diffusion-weighted sequences and that the ADC permits discrimination between normal and malignant tissues. Therefore, we strongly support that these criteria should be taken into account when performing prostate explorations.

Hallazgos de imagen en tomografia computada de voluntarios fumadores de larga data / Findings on computed tomography imaging of long-standing volunteer smokers

The finding of pulmonary nodules in computed tomography is extremely common, with a reported prevalence ranging between 8 percent and 51 percent in volunteers, usually around 25 percent. Of these, about 2 percent to 13 percent are malignant nodules. Age, medical records of extra thoracic cancer existing 5 years before nodule detection, spiculated edges, big size, upper location and a recorded history of tobacco consumption are major risk factors for malignancy. Among these, smoking is one of the most common, with a known increased risk of malignancy (Odds ratio= 2.2). Working with the hypothesis that in smokers a higher prevalence of lesions is expected when compared to the normal population, we conducted a thoracic computed tomography study in 239 volunteers over 38 years (103 men and 135 women), who had been consuming more than 15 cigarettes a day over more than 10 years. Data were analyzed with statistical parametric and multivariate analyses. Some types of lesions were found in 82.5 percent of men and in 87.4 percent of women, being lung (53.7 percent) and mediastinal (13.8 percent) injuries the most frequent ones. Among these, bulls, scars, mediastinal lymphadenopathy and nodules constituted the main lesions (between 21.4 percent and 44.7 percent of the injuries). Nodules accounted for 21.4 percent of lesions in men and 25.2 percent in women, which falls within the normal range as described in volunteers. The cluster analysis, applied in conjunction with Jaccard coefficient of association, showed that nodules do not exist in isolation but in conjunction with other signs, forming a cluster that contains bulls, nodules, scars, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, aortic calcifications, and pleural thickening. Among lesions of potential oncological relevance, an overall finding of 5.83 percent in men and 4.44 percent in women is documented. Solitary nodules were found in 12 males and in 29 females, of whom 7 (58.3 percent) and 10 (34.5 percent), respectively...

El hallazgo de nodulos pulmonares en tomografía computada es extremadamente común, habiéndose reportado prevalencias entre 8 y 51 por ciento en voluntarios, habitualmente alrededor de 25 por ciento; de éstos, 2 a 13 por ciento serían malignos. La edad, antecedente de cáncer extratorácico más de 5 años antes del nodulo, bordes espiculados, gran tamaño, localizador superior y antecedente de consumo de cigarrillos son los principales factores de riesgo de malignidad. El cigarrillo es uno de los más comunes, con conocido aumento del riesgo (Odds ratio= 2.2). Trabajando con la hipótesis que en fumadores se espera mayor prevalencia de lesiones que en la población normal, estudiamos con tomografía computada de tórax 239 voluntarios mayores de 38 años (103 hombres, 135 mujeres), consumidores de más de 15 cigarrillos diarios por más de 10 años. Se analizaron los datos con estadística paramétrica habitual y multivariada. Encontramos 82,5 por ciento hombres y 87,4 por ciento mujeres con alguna lesión; las más frecuentes: pulmonares (53,7 por ciento) y mediastínicas (13,8 por ciento); las principales: bulas, cicatrices, adenopatías mediastínicas y nodulos (21,4 a 44,7 por ciento de las lesiones). Los nodulos correspondieron a 21,4 por ciento de las lesiones en hombres y 25,2 por ciento en mujeres, en rango habitual para lo descrito en voluntarios. El análisis de conglomerados con índice de asociación Jaccard mostró: los nodulos no se presentan aislados, evidenciándose un conglomerado que contiene: bulas, nodulos, cicatrices, adenopatías mediastínicas, calcificaciones aórticas y engrosamiento pleural. Entre las lesiones de posible importancia oncológica destacan: 5,83 por ciento en hombres y 4,44 por ciento en mujeres; 12 nodulos solitarios en hombres y 29 en mujeres, de los cuales 7 (6,8 por ciento) y 10 (7,4 por ciento) constituirían indicaciones de acciones diagnóstico-terapéuticas de mayor agresividad.

Buscando una curva general de respuesta a la quimioterapia basada en la evaluación radiológica con criterio RECIST / Looking for a general response curve to chemotherapy based on radiological evaluation with RECIST criteria

Radiological evaluation of response to chemotherapy can be carried out by applying the RECIST (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria, currently considered the most objective method for monitoring lesions. Aimed at finding a general response curve, 21 patients with lung and kidney tumors, as well as colorectal carcinoma were studied between 2006 and 2008. Statistical proceedings included variance (ANOVA), co-variance (ANCOVA) and logarithmic regression analysis. Target-lesion size reduction, duration of response and overall response of different types of tumors did not differ significantly A general response curve was obtained: log (RR)= 1,897-0,0281, where RRt is the relative RECIST count, and t is time (expressed in months). As an expected outcome -because of variety of drugs, type of tumors and variability rates in individual response- the determination coefficient in regression was 10.9 percent. However, it constitutes a first approach to solid tumors response and proves the accuracy and usefulness of RECIST methodology.

La evaluación radiológica de respuesta a la quimioterapia se puede hacer con el criterio RECIST, considerado actualmente el método más objetivo de seguimiento de lesiones. Con el objetivo de buscar una curva general de respuesta, entre los años 2006 y 2008 estudiamos 21 pacientes con tumores pulmonares, renales y cáncer colo-rectal. La estadística consistió en análisis de varianza (ANOVA), covarianza (ANCOVA) y regresión logarítmica. La reducción en tamaño y el tiempo de respuesta no difirieron significativamente, así como tampoco la respuesta global de los diferentes cánceres. Se obtuvo una curva general de respuesta: log (RR)= 1,897 -0,028 t, (RR= evaluación RECIST actual dividida por inicial y t= tiempo en meses). El coeficiente de determinación de la regresión fue 10,9 por ciento, esperable por la diversidad de fármacos, tipo de tumor y respuesta individual; sin embargo constituye una primera aproximación a la respuesta esperada mostrando la utilidad y objetividad del método.

Dois métodos diferentes para análise cinemática dos movimentos de cabeça durante a coordenação viso-cefálica de lactentes / Two different methods for kinematic analysis of head movements relating to eye-head coordination in infants

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A análise cinemática é um método de avaliação quantitativa empregada em diferentes áreas de estudo. Na área do desenvolvimento motor, essa análise pode proporcionar uma melhor compreensão da aquisição e do desenvolvimento das habilidades motoras. OBJETIVOS: Desenvolver e comparar dois arranjos experimentais para análise cinemática dos movimentos de cabeça durante a coordenação viso-cefálica (CVC) em lactentes. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram testados dois arranjos experimentais (A e B) que diferiam quanto ao número e posicionamento das câmeras, bem como quanto ao volume do sistema de calibração. RESULTADOS: A acurácia dos dois arranjos experimentais foi de 2,47mm, indicando que ambos podem fornecer uma reconstrução verossímil do movimento. As três câmeras usadas no arranjo B favoreceram a visualização de toda a amplitude do movimento por pelo menos uma das câmeras. Isso levou à melhora da análise qualitativa e à redução do tempo de processamento dos dados quantitativos, reduzindo-o em 33 por cento quando comparado ao arranjo A. Além disso, o arranjo B apresentou melhor relação custo-benefício. CONCLUSÕES: Ambos os arranjos são adequados para a análise cinemática dos movimentos de cabeça durante a CVC de lactentes, entretanto, o arranjo B é mais vantajoso. A metodologia do arranjo B pode ser empregada em estudos que investigam o movimento de cabeça de lactentes, sejam eles típicos ou atípicos. Os resultados de tais estudos poderão ser empregados para complementar a avaliação de lactentes de risco e, conseqüentemente, auxiliar na intervenção precoce destes.

BACKGROUND: Kinematic analysis is a method for quantitative assessment applied in different fields of study. In the field of motor development, this analysis may promote better understanding of the acquisition and development of motor skills. OBJECTIVE: To develop and compare two experimental set-ups for kinematic analysis of head movements relating to eye-head coordination (EHC) in infants. METHODS: Two experimental set-ups (A and B) were tested. They differed from each other regarding the numbers and locations of the cameras, and regarding the volume of the calibration system. RESULTS: The accuracy of the two experimental set-ups was 2.47mm, thus indicating that both can provide realistic reconstructions of the movement. The three cameras used in set-up B made it possible to view the full range of motion with at least one of the cameras. This led to improvement of the qualitative analysis and reduction of the time taken to process quantitative data, which was 33 percent shorter than seen with set-up A. In addition, set-up B presented a better cost-benefit relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Although both set-ups were adequate for kinematic analysis of head movements relating to EHC in infants, set-up B is more advantageous. The methodology for set-up B can be used in studies investigating head movements in either typical or atypical infants. The results from such studies could be used to complement assessments on at-risk infants and consequently could assist in implementing early interventions.

Informe para el Tribunal Constitucional sobre los aspectos científicos y éticos del uso del levonorgestrel como anticonceptivo de emergencia / Report for the Constitutional Court on the scientific and ethical aspects of the use of the levonorgestrel like emergency contraceptive

Las normas de regulación de la fertilidad, propuestas en el documento del Ministerio de Salud de Chile, plantean diversos problemas biomédicos en el contexto de una cierta visión de la procreación humana, de la sexualidad y de la familia. Hay serias objeciones desde una antropología que respeta la naturaleza personal de la mujer y del hombre, especialmente en el riesgo que existe en la promoción de métodos que podrían afectar la vida de seres humanos inocentes en sus etapas iniciales de desarrollo. Del análisis de la literatura se ha concluido que existen antecedentes científicos importantes, que se analizan en este documento, y que indicarían que el uso de la llamada “píldora del día después” podría estar poniendo en riesgo la vida del embrión humano preimplantacional.

Fertility regulation rules, proposed by the Chilean Health Ministry, involve several biomedical problems within the context of a given view point of human procreation, human sexuality and family. There are serious objection from an anthropology that respects the personal nature of woman and man, particularly in the danger that the life and survival of preimplantational human embryo could be affected by such methods. From an exhaustive analysis of the scientific literature, that are discussed in this document, it was concluded that the so called “emergency contraception pill” could be jeopardizing the life and survival of the preimplantation human embryo.