Influence of two remineralizing agents on bleached enamel surface morphology and mineral composition – An In Vitro study

Aim: To investigate the effects of bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide on the structure of tooth enamel and the role of two remineralizing agents for their potential to remineralize any damaged regions of enamel. Materials and Methods: Freshly extracted 32 mature permanent central incisors were selected and sectioned at the level of the cemento?enamel junction. The teeth were divided into four groups consisting of eight teeth each: No bleaching (control) [Group 1], bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide [Group 2], bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide followed by application of casein phosphopeptide amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride paste [Group 3], and bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide followed by application of xylitol?coated calcium phosphate fluoride varnish [Group 4]. The enamel surfaces were analyzed under the scanning electron microscope and quantitative energy dispersive X?ray analysis. Results: Results were statistically analyzed by one?way analysis of variance and Tukey’s posthoc test. Group 2 revealed changes in enamel surface morphology and a statistically significant decrease in mineral content. Groups 3 and 4 showed statistically significant remineralization potential. Intergroup comparison showed that samples in Group 4 had a higher mineral content compared to Group 3. Conclusions: The application of the tested remineralizing agents following bleaching was effective in repairing the enamel surface morphology with higher efficacy for the fluoride varnish product. Since bleaching regimes with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide adversely affect the enamel surface, these findings can translate to clinical practice to reduce the long?term damaging effects of tooth bleaching

Characterization of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Variables in Patients with Endomyocardial Fibrosis after Endocardial Resection / Caracterização das Variáveis do Teste de Esforço Cardiopulmonar em Pacientes com Endomiocardiofibrose após Cirurgia de Ressecção Endocárdica

Abstract Background: Endomyocardial fibrosis (EMF) is a rare disease, characterized by diastolic dysfunction which leads to reduced peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been proved to be a fundamental tool to identify central and peripheral alterations. However, most studies prioritize peak VO2 as the main variable, leaving aside other important CPET variables that can specify the severity of the disease and guide the clinical treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate central and peripheral limitations in symptomatic patients with EMF by different CPET variables. Methods: Twenty-six EMF patients (functional class III, NYHA) were compared with 15 healthy subjects (HS). Functional capacity was evaluated using CPET and diastolic and systolic functions were evaluated by echocardiography. Results: Age and gender were similar between EMF patients and HS. Left ventricular ejection fraction was normal in EMF patients, but decreased compared to HS. Peak heart rate, peak workload, peak VO2, peak oxygen (O2) pulse and peak pulmonary ventilation (VE) were decreased in EMF compared to HS. Also, EMF patients showed increased Δ heart rate /Δ oxygen uptake and Δ oxygen uptake /Δ work rate compared to HS. Conclusion: Determination of the aerobic capacity by noninvasive respiratory gas exchange during incremental exercise provides additional information about the exercise tolerance in patients with EMF. The analysis of different CPET variables is necessary to help us understand more about the central and peripheral alterations cause by both diastolic dysfunction and restrictive pattern.

Resumo Fundamento: A endomiocardiofibrose (EMF) é uma doença rara, caracterizada por disfunção diastólica que leva à redução consumo de oxigênio (VO2) pico. O teste de esforço cardiopulmonar (TECP) tem se mostrado uma ferramenta fundamental na identificação de alterações centrais e periféricas. No entanto, a maioria dos estudos prioriza o VO2 pico como a variável principal, em detrimento de outras importantes variáveis do TECP que poderiam identificar a gravidade da doença e direcionar o tratamento clínico. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar limitações centrais e periféricas em pacientes com EMF sintomáticos por meio de variáveis do TECP. Métodos: Vinte e seis pacientes com EMF (classe funcional III, NYHA) foram comparados com 15 indivíduos controle saudáveis (CS). A capacidade funcional foi avaliada por TECP e funções sistólicas e diastólicas por ecocardiografia. Resultados: A idade e o gênero foram similares entre pacientes com EMF e CS. A fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo foi normal em pacientes com EMF, porém diminuída em comparação aos CS. Os picos de frequência cardíaca, carga de trabalho, VO2, pulso de oxigênio (O2) e da ventilação pulmonar (VE) estavam diminuídos em pacientes com EMF em comparação aos CS. Ainda, os pacientes com EMF apresentaram Δ frequência cardíaca /Δ consumo de oxigênio e Δ consumo de oxigênio /Δ taxa de trabalho aumentados em comparação aos CS. Conclusão: A determinação da capacidade aeróbica por troca respiratória não invasiva durante exercício progressivo fornece informações sobre a tolerância ao exercício em pacientes com EMF. É necessária uma análise das diferentes variáveis do TECP para nos ajudar a compreender mais acerca das alterações centrais e periféricas causadas tanto pela disfunção diastólica como pelo padrão restritivo.

Técnica de fatiamento do ovário para obtenção de oócitos em cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) / Ovarian slicing technique to obtain oocytes from agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

As biotécnicas da reprodução são importantes ferramentas para conservação de espécies domésticas e silvestres, pois permitem a recuperação e uso futuro de material reprodutivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar parâmetros morfológicos de CCOs de cutias, obtidos pela técnica de fatiamento do ovário para utilização em protocolos de maturação e fecundação na produção in vitro de embriões. Foram utilizadas dezessete cutias fêmeas do NEPAS, CCA- UFPI, com idade e peso médios de 3,9 anos e 2,16Kg, respectivamente, que foram submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia. Os ovários após dissecados e pesados em balança de precisão, foram fatiados individualmente. Procedeu-se a busca e seleção dos CCOs em estereomicroscópio, os quais foram identificados e quantificados por cada ovário, além de classificados quanto a sua morfologia segundo a quantidade de camadas de células do cumulus e ao citoplasma em quatro graus. Verificou-se que a técnica de fatiamento do ovário possibilitou a obtenção de CCOs de cutias, com recuperação de grande quantidade e de variados graus de qualidade. Não houve correlações entre a idade dos animais e o peso dos ovários; a idade e o número de CCOs obtidos; entre o peso das cutias e o peso dos ovários e o número de CCOs obtidos.

The reproductive biotechnologies are important tools for conservation of domestic and wild animal species, because they allow the recovery and future use of reproductive material. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological parameters of COCs of agoutis obtained by slicing the ovary for using them in maturation and fertilization protocols in vitro production of embryos. Seventeen female agoutis NEPAS, CCA-UFPI, age and weight average of 3.9 years and 2.16 kg, respectively, were underwent ovariossalpingohisterectomy. The ovaries after dissected and weighed on a precision balance were sliced individually. We proceeded the search and selection of COCs in stereomicroscope, which were identified and quantified by each ovary, and classified as to their morphology, by the quantity of layers of cumulus cells and the cytoplasm into four degrees. It has been found that the technique of slicing ovarian possible to obtain agouti COCs with recovery of loads and varying degrees of quality. There was no correlation between age and weight of animal ovaries, age and the number of COCs obtained; between the weight of agoutis and weight of ovaries and the number of COCs obtained.

Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes que sofreram queimaduras no Brasil: revisão de literatura / Epidemiological profile of patients who suffered burns in Brazil: literature review

Objetivo: Realizar revisão da literatura sobre os índices estatísticos de acidentes com queimaduras no Brasil, identificando o perfil epidemiológico da população que sofre queimaduras; analisando as principais causas de queimaduras e identificando os fatores: graus, idade, local, agente causal e sexo mais acometido. Método: Foi realizado levantamento bibliográfico por meio de publicações de periódicos indexados (MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO e PubMed), no período de 2000 a 2011, com enfoque no tema em questão. Resultados: Há maior enfoque sobre tipos, profundidade e extensão da queimadura, áreas atingidas, sequelas, circunstâncias do acidente, local de ocorrência e presença ou não do responsável no momento do acidente. Poucos estudos focalizam a perspectiva dos pais ou responsáveis pela vítima sobre os possíveis aspectos que podem ter levado à ocorrência do acidente. Conclusão: O estudo mostrou o quanto são necessários mais estudos específicos sobre o perfil do queimado e a importância da aplicação efetiva de programas de prevenção a queimaduras que possam atingir os lares e escolas, objetivando a queda de índices de queimaduras nos domicílios e o principal afetado, as crianças.

Objective: To review the literature on the statistical indices of accidents with burns in Brazil, identifying the epidemiological profile of the population that suffers burns; analyzing the main causes of burns and identify factors: grades, age, location, sex and more causal agent affected. Methods: We conducted a literature through publications in indexed journals (MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO and PubMed) in the period from 2000 to 2011, focusing on the issue at hand. Results: There is greater focus on types, depth and extent of the burn, the affected areas, sequels, circumstances of the accident, place of occurrence and the presence or absence of charge at the time of the accident. Few studies focus on the perspective of parents or guardians by the victim about the possible issues that may have led to the accident. Conclusion: The study showed how much more research is needed on the specific profile of the burned and the importance of implementing effective prevention programs to burns that can reach the homes and schools, aiming to drop rates in households and burns primarily affected, the child.

Trypanosoma cruzi: tripomastigotes en líquido pleural de un paciente con SIDA / Trypanosoma cruzi: trypomastigote forms in pleural fluid of a patient with AIDS

The presence of numerous trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi in the pleural fluid of a patient with AIDS from Santiago del Estero, Agentina, was detected. Chagas disease is endemic in some countries of Latin America. To our knowledge, the finding of trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi in the pleural fluid has not yet been described in the literature.

Se detectó la presencia de numerosos tripomastigotes de Trypanosoma cruzi en el líquido pleural de un paciente con SIDA proveniente de Santiago del Estero, Argentina. La enfermedad de Chagas es endémica en algunos países de América Latina. Según nuestro conocimiento el hallazgo de tripomastigotes de T. cruzi en el líquido pleural no ha sido previamente descrito en la literatura médica.

Políticas públicas de nutrição para o controle da obesidade infantil / Policies on nutrition for controlling childhood obesity

OBJETIVO:Analisar criticamente as políticas públicas de nutrição brasileiras no controle da obesidade infantil. FONTES DE DADOS: Buscaram-se artigos, ensaios, resenhas, resoluções e legislações nas bases SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Sistema de Legislação em Saúde e Legislação em Vigilância Sanitária, que abordavam políticas públicas de nutrição brasileiras no controle da obesidade infantil, publicados entre 1990 e 2010. Foram utilizadas as palavras-chaves: "obesidade", "sobrepeso", "criança", "escolar(es)", "políticas públicas", "política de saúde", "política de nutrição", "cantina escolar", "alimentação escolar", "propaganda de alimentos", "publicidade de alimentos", "rótulos alimentares", em português e em inglês. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O governo brasileiro, nos últimos anos, tem promulgado ações de promoção de saúde que visam ao combate da obesidade infantil, como o Programa Saúde na Escola, o Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar, a Regulamentação dos Alimentos Comercializados nas Cantinas Escolares, o Projeto Escola Saudável, a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável nas Escolas, os Dez Passos para a Promoção da Alimentação Saudável nas Escolas e a Regulamentação de Propaganda e Publicidade de Alimentos. Observa-se a necessidade de implementar e de fiscalizar as leis e regulamentações para o controle da obesidade infantil no Brasil, além de promover a alimentação saudável, nos aspectos que envolvem o público infantil. CONCLUSÕES: O projeto, o planejamento, a implementação e a gestão dessas políticas devem se apoiar na busca da transformação do problema social da obesidade.

OBJECTIVE:To analyze the Brazilian nutrition public policies on the control of childhood obesity. DATA SOURCES: Articles, essays, reviews and laws in SciELO, Lilacs, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, System Health Legislation and Sanitary Surveillance Legislation between 1990 and 2010, about Brazilian nutrition public policies for control of childhood obesity were searched. The keywords "obesity", "overweight", "child", "schoolchildren", "public policy", "health policy", "nutrition policy", "school canteen", "food school", "food advertising", "food labels", in Portuguese and English. DATA SYNTHESIS: The Brazilian government was active in designing health promotion programs aimed at combating childhood obesity in the recent years, such as the School Health Program, the National School Feeding Program, the Food Regulatory Marketed in School, the Healthy School Project, Promoting Healthy Eating in Schools, Ten Steps for Promoting Healthy Eating in Schools, and the Regulation of Advertising and Advertising of Foods. There is a need for implementation and enforcement of these laws and regulations for the control of childhood obesity in Brazil in order to promote healthy feeding habits. CONCLUSIONS: The design, planning, implementation and management of these policies should aim the transformation of the social problem of obesity.

Study of Cryptococcal Meningitis in HIV Seropositive Patients.

Cryptococcal meningitis is an emerging opportunistic fungal infection among HIV infected patients and important risk factors for the morbidity and mortality of these patients. A total of 8 specimens of CSF out of 45 from known HIV positive patients samples yielded Cryptococcus neoformans during the period of one year. The prevalence of cryptococcal meningitis among HIV seropositive patients in this region is 17.78%.

Manganese exposure and the neuropsychological effect on children and adolescents: a review / Exposición al manganeso y su efecto neurosicológico en niños y adolescentes: una revisión

OBJECTIVES: Manganese (Mn) is an essential element, but overexposure can have neurotoxic effects. METHODS: In this article, we review and summarize studies on exposure to Mn and nervous system impairments in children. RESULTS: We identified 12 original articles published between 1977 and 2007. Overexposure to Mn was suspected to occur through diverse sources: infant milk formula, drinking water, industrial pollution, and mining wastes. The most common bioindicator of exposure to Mn was hair Mn content, but some studies measured Mn in blood, urine, or dentin; one study on prenatal exposure measured Mn content in cord blood. Most studies indicate that higher postnatal exposure to Mn is associated with poorer cognitive functions and hyperactive behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The limitations of the existing studies are numerous: most were cross-sectional, had a modest sample size, and lacked adjustment for important confounders. Future investigations should be performed on a larger sample size and include a more detailed exposure assessment, addressing multiple sources of exposure such as food, water, and airborne particulates.

OBJETIVO: El manganeso (Mn) es un elemento esencial, pero la sobreexposición puede tener efectos neurotóxicos. MÉTODOS: En este artículo se hace una revisión y un compendio de los estudios publicados sobre la exposición al Mn y los trastornos del sistema nervioso en niños. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 12 artículos originales publicados entre 1977 y 2007. La sobreexposición al Mn puede haber ocurrido a partir de diversas fuentes: leche en polvo o maternizada, agua de beber, polución industrial y desechos de la producción minera. El bioindicador de exposición utilizado con mayor frecuencia fue el contenido de Mn en el pelo, aunque algunos estudios lo midieron en la sangre, la orina o la dentina; un estudio sobre exposición prenatal midió su contenido en la sangre del cordón umbilical. La mayoría de los estudios indican que una mayor exposición posnatal al Mn se asocia con deficiencias en las funciones cognitivas y el comportamiento hiperactivo. CONCLUSIONES: Las limitaciones de los estudios publicados son numerosas: la mayoría de ellos eran transversales, se basaban en muestras pequeñas y en ellos no se ajustaron los resultados por importantes factores de confusión. Se requieren investigaciones adicionales con muestras mayores y que hagan una evaluación más detallada de la exposición, tomando en cuenta múltiples fuentes, como los alimentos, el agua y las partículas suspendidas en el aire.

Photo-voice as a tool for analysis and activism in response to HIV and AIDS stigmatisation in a rural KwaZulu-Natal school

Objective: This paper focuses on the use of participatory approaches to research and intervention and explores the uses of photo-voice as a methodology and a means of promoting childhood and youth activism in the context of HIV and AIDS. Method: Photo-voice; a visual participatory methodology; was used with 21 Grade 8 and 9 learners in one of three schools participating in a larger project; to identify; understand and interpret incidents related to stigma and discrimination against people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS; as well as the strategies proposed by the learners to possibly reduce stigma. Results: Three themes emerged: awareness of HIV and AIDS; awareness of HIV-related stigma and its impacts; and acceptance of personal agency and taking action. Conclusions: Understandings of and perceptions about HIV and AIDS are improving; yet significant pockets of ignorance about the dynamics of HIV infection still remain among the youth. Negative attitudes towards people infected with and affected by the virus remain; and stigmatisation continues. The use of photo-voice and other participatory methodologies offers alternative strategies for involving youth in their own knowledge production; as well as in the development of an individual sense of agency for taking action

Transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica em uma população de obesos mórbidos candidatos a cirurgia bariátrica do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz, em Recife - PE / Binge eating disorder in a population of morbid obese candidates to bariatric surgery at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital in Recife, PE / Binge eating disorder in a population of morbid obese candidates to bariatric surgery at the Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital in Recife, PE

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a freqüência de transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica (TCAP) e dos principais transtornos psiquiátricos associados à obesidade mórbida em indivíduos à espera de cirurgia bariátrica. MÉTODOS: Estudo de corte transversal. Foram entrevistados pacientes do programa de cirurgia da obesidade do Hospital Universitário Oswaldo Cruz e avaliados o perfil sócio-demográfico, a qualidade de vida (escala SF-36), o TCAP (Binge Eating Scale ­ BES) e os transtornos psiquiátricos (Mini International Neuropsychiatry Interview ­ M.I.N.I./DSM-IV). RESULTADOS: Dos 400 pacientes inscritos no programa, 67 (16,8 por cento) foram entrevistados. O IMC variou de 36,1 a 81,8 kg/m² (média 48,5 ± 8,8). Todos os entrevistados apresentavam doenças associadas, sendo a HAS, os distúrbios do sono e as osteopatias as mais freqüentes. Os transtornos psiquiátricos mais freqüentes foram: 47,8 por cento transtorno de ansiedade generalizada; 29,9 por cento depressão atual e 34,3 por cento depressão no passado. Verificou-se TCAP em 56,7 por cento dos pacientes (25,4 por cento TCAP moderado e 31,3 por cento, grave) e esses apresentaram os piores escores em todos os domínios de qualidade de vida da escala SF-36. CONCLUSÕES: Constatou-se elevada prevalência de TCAP. Grupo com TCAP apresentou maior número de tratamentos realizados com objetivo de perder peso, elevada prevalência de depressão maior no momento da avaliação, piores escores em todos os domínios da escala de qualidade de vida SF-36. Visto que os portadores de TCAP apresentam vasta psicopatologia e maior probabilidade de comprometimento nos resultados da cirurgia, deve-se aprimorar a detecção desses distúrbios a fim de proporcionar-lhes o tratamento adequado.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the frequency of binge eating disorder (BED) and of the main psychiatric disorders associated with morbid obesity in individuals on the waiting list for bariatric surgery. METHOD: Cross sectional study. Interviews with patients from the Surgery for Obesity Program of Oswaldo Cruz University Hospital were conducted evaluating socio-demographic profile, quality of life (SF-36 scale), BED (Binge Eating Scale ­ BES) and psychiatric disorders (M.I.N.I./DSM-IV). RESULTS: 67 out of 400 patients enrolled in the program were interviewed (16.8 percent). The BMI varied from 36.1 to 81.8 kg/m² (average 48.5 ± 8.8). All have associated diseases, the most frequent being systemic arterial hypertension, sleeping disorders and osteopathies. The most frequent psychiatric disorders were: 47.8 percent generalized anxiety disorder, 29.9 percent major depressive disorder, single episode, 34.3 percent recurrent major depressive disorder. In this group 56.7 percent showed BED (25.4 percent moderate and 31.3 percent severe) and the worse scores in all the domains of quality of life (SF-36 scale). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of BED. The compulsive eaters showed a higher number of obesity treatments, higher prevalence of actual major depression, and the worse scores in all the domains of the SF-36 scale. Considering the ample range of psychopathology associated with BED and the greater probability of jeopardizing the surgery results it is very important to improve the detection of these disorders in order to provide adequate treatment.

Estrategia exitosa del programa 5 al día en España / Successful strategy of the 5 a day program in Spain

La Asociación ®5 al día¼ fue fundada en el año 2000. Su objetivo es fomentar el consumo de frutas y hortalizas frescas entre la población y mostrar sus beneficios para la salud. Para ello realizamos distintas actividades en las áreas de Marketing y Comunicación que nos permiten trasladar nuestro mensaje a la sociedad. Actualmente nuestro proyecto más importante es el Programa Educativo. Este programa enseña a los niños la importancia de consumir frutas y hortalizas.

Social and behavioral factors associated with Clonorchis infection in one commune located in the Red River Delta of Vietnam.

Social behavioral factors associated with Clonorchis infection are needed for control measures. The population in Nga Tan commune were randomly sampled and questioned to determine knowledge, perception, and health behavioral factors associated with Clonorchis infection among heads of households. The cellophane thick smear method was applied to examine their stool samples. Seven hundred and seventy-one cases were examined, the positive rates were 17.2%, 66.9%, 78.7%, 15.9%, and 0.14% for Clonorchis sinensis, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, hookworm, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum respectively. There was no significant difference between the infection rate of clonorchiasis, education level, and family income groups (p > 0.05). But there was significance difference between the infection rate of clonorchiasis and people living in different family sizes (p < 0.01). Thirty-four clonorchiasis patients treated with praziquantel 25 mg/kg/day for three days showed a cure rate in 30 days of 97.1%.

Helicobacter pylori em placa dental / Helicobacter pylori in dental plaque

Helicobater pylori, bactéria Gran-negativa espiralada, é aceito atualmente como o principal agente de gastrite em seres humanos e fator essencial na patogênese da úlcera péptica, desempenhando também papel fundamental no desenvolvimento de carcinoma gástrico e linfoma gátrico tipo MALT. Além da afinidade pelo epitélio do antro e pela mucosa duodenal inflamada, H. pylori pode ser encontrado na cavidade oral de pacientes portadores destas dispepsias. O presente trabalho foi realizado com os objetivos de isolar H. pylori em placa bacteriana e relacionar o estado de saúde periodontal e grau de higiene bucal com o isolamento deste microrganismo em 24 pacientes portadores de dispepsias e com suspeita desta bactéria no trato gastrointestinal. Destes 24 pacientes, 18 tiveram biópsias gástricas coletadas e submetidas a exame histopatológico. Em somente 4 destas amostras foram obtidos resultados negativos para Heliocobacter pylori. Para a coleta de lplaca bacteriana foram usadas curetas periodontais esterilizadas. O material coletado foi submetido à semeadura em placas de Petri contendo meio seletivo para H. pylori. As placas semeadas foram incubadas à 36 graus centígrados, em atmosfera de microaerofilia. A identificaçäo foi realizada através da microscopia óptica e testes bioquímicos da urease, catalase e oxidase. Nenhuma amostra de placa bacteriana mostrou-se positiva para H. pylori e em 19 amostras houve crescimento de fusobactérias, sobre as quais sugere-se que H. pylori adere seletivamente

Efectos potenciales del dipéptido aspartame sobre el aprendizaje y la memoria en ratones / Potential effects of the dideptide aspartame on learning and memory in mice

Muchos productos alimenticios contienen edulcorantes como el dipéptido aspartame y diversas investigaciones han mostrado que este edulcorante tiene efectos deletéreos sobre el Sistema Nervioso Central. Se realizó esta investigación con el objetivo de evaluar los efectos del aspartame sobre el aprendizaje y la memoria en ratones albinos jóvenes, de ambos sexos con un peso aproximado de 25-30 gramos, distribuidos en cuatro grupos de estudio: control hembras (n= 4) y tratadas con aspartame (n= 6) control machos (n= 4) y machos tratados con aspartame (n= 6). El aspartame se suministró a los animales tratados, en una solución diluida y fue administrado en dosis progresivas 50 mg/100g de peso (primera semana), 100 mg/100 g de peso (segunda y tercera semanas), 150 mg/100 g de peso (cuarta y quinta semanas) hasta 200mg/100 g de peso (sexta y séptima semanas). El aprendizaje y la memoria se evaluaron a través la observación y medición del número de equivocaciones y tiempo de recorrido. Para medir dichos par metros se diseño un laberinto de madera, en el cual eran colocados los ratones después de 12 horas de ayuno (sesiones repetitivas). Este laberinto tenía señales (flechas) de colores, que orientaban hacia el alimento (vía correcta) y dos trampas (timbre de sonido intenso y una descarga eléctrica) como castigo si tomaban vías incorrectas. Los resultados indican que el aspartame a partir de la dosis de 150 mg/100 g de peso indujo cambios significativos en el aprendizaje y la memoria, tanto en los ratones machos como en las hembras, puesto que hubo un significativo incremento en el tiempo de recorrido en el laberinto y el número de equivocaciones; estos resultados podrían alertar sobre las posibles alteraciones neurológicas que pueden ocasionar el consumo de aspartame

Epidemiology, symptoms and treatment of paragonimiasis in Sin Ho district, Lai Chau province, Vietnam.

Sin Ho is a district of the northern mountainous province of Lai Chau, Vietnam, where the people have the habit of eating undercooked crabs. A study on paragoniamiasis carried out from 1994 to 1995 with 1,642 persons in this endemic area, showed that the rate of eating raw-crab was 72.5%. Crab examination (Ranguna kimboiensis) showed an infection rate of Paragonimus metacercaria of 98.1%. With 624 stool samples examined by Kato technique, the infection rate of Paragonimus in humans was 6.4%. With 338 sputum samples examined by direct and centrifuge methods, the infection rate of Paragonimus was 7.4%. Most of the patients were children (63.2%). The infection rate of Paragonimus in dogs was 18.2 - 33.3%. Adult worms, collected from the dogs in the field and from the cats in laboratory, were identified as Paragonimus heterotremus. The main symptoms of Paragonimus patients were cough and hemoptysis (92%), discontinuously developed (96%), without fever (94%), chest pain (70%), pleural effusion (26%), neurogical symptoms (8%), eosinophilia (88.9%), nodular ring shadows in the lungs, as shown by chest X-ray examination and more in lower lobe, (76.2%). Paragonimiasis patients were treated by (a) Praziquantel 25 mg/kg/day x 3 days; the cure rate was 68.8%. (b) Praziquantel 50 mg/kg/day x 3 days; the cure rate was 75%.