Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae) / Atributos fitoquímicos e biológicos de Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

A planta Bauhinia variegata é uma etnomedicina muito popular e tradicionalmente potente. Portanto, as características de melhoria de B. variegata foram estudadas. Foi avaliada a determinação dos teores antioxidantes e polifenólicos. O ensaio de letalidade do camarão de salmoura foi realizado para determinar a citotoxicidade preliminar e a atividade antiproliferativa contra linhas de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 usando protocolos de MTT. Além disso, foram detectadas atividades antimicrobianas. O ensaio da alfa-amilase foi realizado para monitorar o potencial antidiabético da planta. Dentre vinte amostras diferentes, o extrato metanólico (EM) da casca apresentou os maiores teores fenólicos totais. A EM das folhas apresentou excelente conteúdo de flavonoides, atividade antioxidante significativa foi exibida pelo extrato hexânico do caule. O extrato do caule de hexano exibe 77,40% como citotóxico em DL50 10,50 µg/mL quando avaliado através do ensaio de letalidade de artêmia. Extratos de hexano e acetato de etila de raiz e caule mostraram atividade antiproliferativa contra a linhagem celular MCF7 de câncer de mama humano (IC50 12,10-14,20 µg/mL). Para potencial antimicrobiano importante, vários extratos exibiram excelentes atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica, enquanto o extrato de n-hexano da raiz mostrou atividade antidiabética (60,80 ± 0,20% na concentração de 200 µg/mL). Em suma, estes resultados preliminares serão úteis para isolamento adicional de compostos a partir de partes de plantas selecionadas para a descoberta de candidatos a antibacterianos, antidiabéticos e anticâncer.

Phytochemical and biological attributes of Bauhinia variegata L. (Caesalpiniaceae)

Abstract Bauhinia variegata plant is a very popular and traditionally potent ethnomedicine. Therefore, it is need of hour to study ameliorative characteristics of B. variegata for novel secondary metabolites. The current study was designed to explore antiproliferative potential of B. variegata due to scant reports on this aspect. Extracts of various parts (flowers, leaves, bark, stem, and roots) were prepared by successive maceration using organic solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water). The determination of polyphenolic contents was done by using colorimetric methods while antioxidant potential was measured using reducing power assay. Brine shrimp lethality assay was performed for determining preliminary cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity against breast cancer MCF-7 cell line using MTT protocols. Moreover, antimicrobial activities were detected by using disc diffusion assay. The alpha-amylase assay was performed to monitor the antidiabetic potential of the plant. In case of phytochemical analysis methanolic extract of leaves and bark showed highest phenolic and flavonoids contents. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of stem and roots exhibited more than 90% mortality with LD50 ranges between 1-25 µg/mL when studied by brine shrimp lethality assay. n-Hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of roots and stem also showed antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer MCF-7 cell line with IC50 values ranges between 12.10-14.20 µg/mL. Most of the extracts displayed moderately high antibacterial and antifungal activities. The n-hexane extract of roots showed antidiabetic activity with 60.80 ± 0.20% inhibition of alpha-amylase. In sum, these preliminary results will be useful for further compound isolation from selected plant parts for the discovery of antibacterial, antidiabetic, and anticancer lead candidates.

Resumo A planta Bauhinia variegata é uma etnomedicina muito popular e tradicionalmente potente. Portanto, as características de melhoria de B. variegata foram estudadas. Foi avaliada a determinação dos teores antioxidantes e polifenólicos. O ensaio de letalidade do camarão de salmoura foi realizado para determinar a citotoxicidade preliminar e a atividade antiproliferativa contra linhas de células de câncer de mama MCF-7 usando protocolos de MTT. Além disso, foram detectadas atividades antimicrobianas. O ensaio da alfa-amilase foi realizado para monitorar o potencial antidiabético da planta. Dentre vinte amostras diferentes, o extrato metanólico (EM) da casca apresentou os maiores teores fenólicos totais. A EM das folhas apresentou excelente conteúdo de flavonoides, atividade antioxidante significativa foi exibida pelo extrato hexânico do caule. O extrato do caule de hexano exibe 77,40% como citotóxico em DL50 10,50 µg/mL quando avaliado através do ensaio de letalidade de artêmia. Extratos de hexano e acetato de etila de raiz e caule mostraram atividade antiproliferativa contra a linhagem celular MCF7 de câncer de mama humano (IC50 12,10-14,20 µg/mL). Para potencial antimicrobiano importante, vários extratos exibiram excelentes atividades antibacteriana e antifúngica, enquanto o extrato de n-hexano da raiz mostrou atividade antidiabética (60,80 ± 0,20% na concentração de 200 µg/mL). Em suma, estes resultados preliminares serão úteis para isolamento adicional de compostos a partir de partes de plantas selecionadas para a descoberta de candidatos a antibacterianos, antidiabéticos e anticâncer.

Medical students' perceptions of pathology and a proposed curricular integration with histology: a future vision of curricular change / Percepciones de los estudiantes de medicina sobre patología y una propuesta de integración curricular con histología: una visión futura de cambio curricular

Students' perceptions and feedback have a significant impact on academic progress. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of medical students regarding the cumulative effects of the first year general histology course and the sophomore pathology introductory course, in addition to their perceptions regarding the curricular integration of histology and pathology. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was given to second-year and third-year medical students in the middle of second semester. The questionnaire comprised several items on students' attitudes toward anatomic pathology, their feedback on the first year general histology and the sophomore pathology courses, and their perceptions regarding the integration of histology and pathology courses. A five-point Likert scale was used. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) v 20 software. Two hundreds and fourteen of the 236 questionnaires distributed were analyzed (response rate = 90.7 %). More than 51 % of the respondents reported that they couldn't identify the normal tissue counterpart of most practical pathology cases. Only 31.3 % thought their practical histology knowledge was beneficial for them in practical pathology. More than 87 % agreed or strongly agreed that pathology cases need to be copresented with normal tissue examples. A significant proportion of the respondents (60.7 %) were with merging histology and pathology in integrated courses. Pathology was of career choices for only 15.4 % of the participants. The curricular integration of histology and pathology in the first year needs to be tested, and much effort is needed to increase students' affinity for anatomic pathology.

Las percepciones y comentarios de los estudiantes tienen un impacto significativo en el progreso académico. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las percepciones de los estudiantes de medicina con respecto a los efectos acumulativos del curso de Histología general de primer año y del curso introductorio de Patología de segundo año, además de sus percepciones con respecto a la integración curricular de Histología y Patología. En este estudio transversal, se entregó un cuestionario a estudiantes de medicina de segundo y tercer año, a mediados del segundo semestre. Asimismo, el cuestionario comprendió varios aspectos referente a la actitud de los estudiantes hacia Patología Anatómica, sus comentarios sobre la Histología general en el primer año y los cursos de Patología de segundo año. Además se incorporaron las percepciones de los estudiantes con respecto a la integración de los cursos de Histología y Patología. Se utilizó una escala de Likert de cinco puntos. Los datos se analizaron utilizando el paquete Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v 20. Se analizaron 214 de los 236 cuestionarios distribuidos (tasa de respuesta = 90,7 %). Más del 51 % de los encuestados indicaron estar de acuerdo o totalmente de acuerdo, en que no lograron identificar el tejido normal, en la mayoría de los casos de Patología práctica. Solo el 31,3 % observó que su conocimiento de Histología práctica era beneficioso para ellos durante la Patología práctica. Más del 87 % estuvo de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo en que los casos de Patología deben ser analizados con muestras de tejido normal. Un grupo importante de los encuestados (60,7 %) consideraba incorporar la Histología y la Patología en cursos integrados. Patología fue de elección en la carrera para el 15,4 % de los participantes. La integración curricular de Histología y Patología en el primer año, debe ser evaluada con el propósito de incrementar la afinidad de los estudiantes con la Patología Anatómica.

Clinicopathological correlation of cancer stem cell markers Oct-4 and CD133 expression as prognostic factor in malignant lesions of gallbladder: An immunohistochemical study

Background: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most frequent biliary tract cancer, with high morbidity and poor prognosis, and shows early metastasis and invasiveness. No reliable biomarkers are available for detection of GBC progression. Aim: To investigate the immunohistochemical expression of Oct-4 and CD133 in malignant and nonneoplastic lesions of gallbladder and to analyze the clinical significance of the expressions related to clinicopathological parameters. Settings and Design: This is a prospective case control study, conducted in medical college background. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 cases of gallbladder were grouped into malignant lesions (n = 48) and nonneoplastic lesions (simple epithelial hyperplasia; n = 35 and chronic cholecystitis; n = 20). All tissue samples were evaluated for expression of Oct-4 and CD133 using immunohistochemistry in an effort to elucidate the correlation between their expressions with clinicopathological parameters. Statistical Analysis: The final score was calculated by multiplying the intensity to the percentage of positive cells. The scores ?2 were considered as positive. Results: Significant positive correlation of higher expression levels of Oct-4 and CD133 were observed in malignant as compared to nonneoplastic lesions of gallbladder (P < 0.0001). High expression of Oct-4 and CD133 were significantly associated with tumor grading (Oct-4, P = 0.04; CD133, P = 0.02), staging (Oct-4, P = 0.03; CD133, P = 0.02), and liver metastasis (Oct-4, P = 0.01; CD133, P = 0.007). Significantly reduced survival was observed with high expression of Oct-4 (P = 0.002). No significant correction was observed between CD 133 and survival. Conclusion: This study revealed that high expression level of Oct-4 may provide a new insight for the prognosis of the disease in terms of clinical staging and grade.

Comparing the profile of respiratory fungal pathogens amongst immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts, their susceptibility pattern and correlation of various opportunistic respiratory fungal infections and their progression in relation to the CD4+T-cell counts

Introduction: Invasive fungal infections are increasingly common in the nosocomial setting. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups immunocompetent and immunocompromised that is, patients with significant neutropenia <500 neutrophils/?l for longer than 10 days. microscopy, culture, identification of isolates were done and some specilised tests on serum and BAL for antigen detection were performed. Results: Majority of the patients were young adult males in this study. A higher prevalence of 26.7% was seen in immunocompromised patients. Amongst yeasts, Candida albicans was the predominant species followed by the National AIDS Control that is, Candida glabrata, Candida dubliniensis, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis in the same order. Amongst moulds, Aspergillus fumigatus was the most common species followed by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Mucor and Penicillium marneffei were seen in a lower prevalence. By Broth microdilution method, isolates of Candida spp. were most sensitive to caspofungin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole in the same order. Isolates of Aspergillus spp. were most sensitive to caspofungin, amphotericin B and itraconazole in the same order. By disc diffusion method, resistance to fluconazole was observed in 6.9% isolates of C. albicans. 50% of C. dubliniensis and 20% of C. glabrata showed resistance to fluconazole. A total mortality of 27.7% was observed during this study. This was distributed as 24.1%, 26.7%, 50%, 50%, 100% and 0% among by patients of candidiasis, aspergillosis, cryptococcosis, pneumocystosis, mucormycosis and penicilliosis. Fifteen per cent were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: Patterns of invasive fungal infections are changing in many ways. In the midst of these evolving trends, IFI of the respiratory tractcontinue to remain important causes of morbidity and mortality. Diagnostic tools can be adequately used only if the treating physician is aware of the propensity of patients to acquire a fungal infection. Thus, continuous awareness and education is crucial for successful management of patients. Judicious use of antifungal medications as prophylactic measures must be employed, particularly in the critically ill and patients of HIV.

Emisión de Conductas de TDAH por Niños "Normales" en Opinión de Maestros Argentinos / Emission of ADHD Behaviors by "Normal" Children according to Argentinean Teachers

Resumen Según el DSM-IV un niño que emite "a menudo" seis de 18 conductas debe etiquetarse con TDAH. Los maestros generalmente reportan la frecuencia de emisión "anormal". El estudio averiguó la frecuencia de emisión de conductas del TDAH por niños "normales". Maestros de primaria (N = 113) señalaron la frecuencia (0 = nunca; 3 = muy frecuentemente) con la que un niño "normal" emite en clase las conductas del TDAH incluidas en el DSM-IV. Según el 25.7% de los maestros, los niños normales emiten frecuentemente (más de cuatro veces por hora) seis o más conductas del TDAH. Las características sociodemográficas de los maestros y variables del contexto escolar se relacionaron con la frecuencia considerada como normal. Se concluyó que las conductas del TDAH son emitidas muy frecuentemente en clase por los niños normales. El juicio sobre si dicha frecuencia es o no anormal dependerá del subgrupo al que pertenecen los maestros. Por tanto, una misma conducta puede juzgarse como anormal por un maestro y como normal por otro. Los resultados son congruentes con la aproximación psicológica a la conducta anormal que postula que cada observador juzgará como normal o anormal una conducta conforme su propio criterio, determinado por factores culturales.

Abstract According to the DSM-IV a child that "often" emits at least six of 18 behaviors should be diagnosed with ADHD. Generally teachers are the first to report the "abnormal" frequency of behaviors of their students. The study aimed at determining the frequency of emission of ADHD behaviors by a "normal" student during class hours. Elementary school teachers (N = 113) reported in a 4-point scale (0 = never; 3 = very frequently) the frequency with which a "normal" child emits in class the ADHD behaviors included in the DSM-IV. Results showed that according to 25.7% of the teachers, "normal" children emit frequently (i.e., more than four times per hour) six or more ADHD behaviors. Results also showed that the sociodemographic characteristics of the teachers and school-situational variables were related to the frequency of a beha vior that was deemed as normal. It was concluded that ADHD behaviors are emitted quite frequently by normal children du ring class hours. The judgment on whether that frequency is or not normal will depend of the subgroup to which each teacher belongs. Thus, a same behavior could be judged as normal by one teacher and as abnormal by another. The results are in accordance with the psychological approximation to abnormal behavior that states that each observer will judge a behavior as normal or as abnormal according to his/her own criteria determined by cultural standards.

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage and other complications

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a serious complication; if not managed properly, it could be life threatening. To evaluate the incidence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding. A Retrospective Study. ENT Department, King Hamad University Hospital, Bahrain. Seven hundred twenty-nine patients operated for tonsillectomy from February 2012 to February 2014 were included in the study. Patients who had tonsillectomy in other hospitals were excluded from the study. Some surgeons used hot technique, others used cold technique. Some patients had been operated for adenoidectomy and turbinate reduction by laser. Data documented were age, gender, type of tonsillectomy technique used, type of hemorrhage [primary or secondary], type of management postoperatively and other postoperative complications. Seven hundred twenty-nine patients were operated for tonsillectomy from February 2012 to February 2014. Twenty-eight [3.8%] patients had post-tonsillectomy bleeding, 9 [1.2%] were children and 19 [2.6%] were adults. Two [0.2%] were primary and 26 [3.6%] were secondary bleeding. Twelve [1.6%] patients underwent tonsillectomy by hot technique and 16 [2.2%] by cold technique. Twenty [2.7%] patients were managed by admission and observation. Eight [1.1%] were managed by cautery or ligation in the operation theater. The female to male ratio was 11:17. Other complications encountered were broken tooth, neck pain, nasal bleeding, and fever. In this study, the incidence of post-tonsillectomy bleeding was 3.8% and no mortality was recorded during the period of the study. Further multicentric study with a larger sample is recommended

A Rare Case Of Primary Lymphonodular Cryptococcosis In Hiv Positive Patient On Anti-Retroviral Therapy

Cryptococcal infection is the most common life threatening opportunistic fungal infection in Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected individuals. (1) An early diagnosis is essential for a prompt treatment and to prevent dissemination, which is fatal. Pulmonary, intestinal, bone marrow and CNS involvement have been reported. There are only few cases of lymphonodular Cryptococcosis have been reported, we report a rare case of primary lymphonodular cryptococcosis without any pulmonary or CNS involvement. (2)

Unilateral choanal atresia

We report a 24-year-old male, known case of right hemifacial microsomia and microphthalmia with right eye prosthesis who presented to ENT clinic with history of unilateral nasal blockage and rhinorrhea since birth. Physical examination and CT scan imaging confirmed the diagnosis of unilateral bony choanal atresia. He had right endoscopic transnasal repair of the choanal atresia and Mitomycin C application. A palatal perforation complicated the procedure which required surgical repair. The patient was discharged on antibiotics and nasal douches. Six months follow-up revealed a patent nasal airway and complete healing of the palatal perforation. No dilatation was required

Laparoscopic Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: A Case Control Comparative Study with Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.

This case control study was conducted in the department of Gynae & Obstetrics, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital (SSMC & MH), Dhaka, during the period of January 2008 to December 2008 to compare the length of operation, blood loss, length of hospital stay, drug requirements for pain and post-operative pain and activity levels between Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) & Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH). A total of 50 patients who met some eligibility criteria were consecutively included in the study and matched in a case control manner for age, weight, diagnosis & uterine size. The procedures were performed by the same surgeon. On average, LAVH operations took significantly longer than TAH operations (P<0.001). Equal number of patients of both groups (40%) needed blood transfusion. No significant difference about haemoglobin level compared to TAH group on 3rd POD (P=0.246). However total amount of analgesics needed was much higher in the TAH group than that of the LAVH group (243.7 ± 40.3VS 182.1 ± 69.6 mg; P= 0.005) and the total cost of operation was significantly less in the TAH group (4500 ± 500 takas) than in the LAVH group (6500 ± 500 taka) (P<0.001). It was observed that LAVH group produced earlier relief from pain in terms of pain VAS on 3rd POD, (P<0.001). LAVH is less painful, has a shorter length of hospital stay and quicker return to work than TAH. Moreover LAVH does not increase intra or postoperative complications.

Serum Ferritin in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: A Case Control Study.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific, multi-system disorder of unknown etiology characterized by new onset of elevated blood pressure & proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Globally preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. But the exact pathophysiology is yet to be explored. It was a case control study and was conducted during the period of January 2010 - December 2010 in the department of Obs & Gynae DMCH and dept. of Biochemistry of BSMMU. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the association of serum ferritin and iron in preeclampsia & eclampsia. A total 100 pregnant women were included in this study. Of them 50 preeclamptic or eclamptic, nonanaemic patients not in labour (26-40weeks) were taken as case and 50 normotensive pregnant women were taken as control. Mean Serum ferritin level in case and control group was 100.03 ± 123.52 μgm/L and 31.53 ± 20.86 μgm/L respectively which is highly significant (P< 0.001). Out of 50 cases ferritin level was raised in 10 cases (20%). In 80% cases ferritin level was below the cut-off value that is normal or below normal but in 100% of controls had ferritin level below the cut off value.

Caesarean Myomectomy is No Longer a Dreaded Job: a Case Control Study in Multiple Specialized Centre.

Removal of uterine myoma during caesarean section (CS) is not commonly done due to fear of severe haemorrhage which may lead to hysterectomy. Contradicting the previous belief many studies have been showing that myomectomy during caesarean section is a safe procedure without significant increase of risk. The objective of this study is to analyze the safety and clinical outcome of caesarean myomectomy. This is a prospective study carried out in different hospitals of Faridpur district, Bangladesh from 01.01.10 up to 31.12.12. Total 16 (study group) patients had undergone caesarean myomectomy. Operation time, peroperative blood loss, post operative complications and length of hospital staying was compared with that of 32 women (control group) with caesarean section alone. The result shows that peroperative blood loss was average 350±100 ml in study group which is 50 ml more than control group. Operation time was 20 minutes more and length of hospital staying was 1 day more than control group. There was no post partum haemorrhage, no hysterectomy was done at the time of CS and there was no maternal or perinatal mortality. So, caesarean myomectomy is safe and convenient to patient and cost effective without increasing any extra risk.

prevalence of different classes of lupus nephritis in Jordan university hospital

Systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] is a systemic autoimmune disease involving almost all organs of the body. There is a high incidence of renal involvement during the course of the disease with varied renal pathologic lesions. A renal biopsy contributes towards diagnosis, prognostic information, and appropriate management. To study the prevalence of different classes of SLE using the International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society [ISN/RPS] 2003 classification in our facility. This study was carried out at the Jordan University Hospital [JUH] in June and July 2011. We acquired an approval for this study from the IRB [Institutional Review Board] of the Jordan University Hospital. We retrieved 36 renal biopsies from our files beginning from 2002- 2010 that have the diagnosis of SLE and they were reviewed and reclassified by two pathologists. Of the 36 renal biopsies, only one was classified as class I, 5 were class II, one was class III, 23 were class IV, 6 were class V, and none of the biopsies were classified as class VI. Class IV was the most prevalent class in the JUH cases with almost equal numbers of class IVS and IVG subclasses, while there was only a single case of class III [IIIS] which is very low compared to other studies

Fatores de risco para uso do tabaco em adolescentes de duas escolas do município de Santo André, São Paulo / Risk factors for tobacco use in adolescent students of two high schools of Santo André city, São Paulo, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar fatores de risco para uso de tabaco em estudantes de duas escolas do ensino médio do município de Santo André (SP) em 2005, bem como traçar o perfil do adolescente experimentador do fumo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com questionário padronizado, autoaplicável e anônimo aplicado a adolescentes escolares de ambos os sexos, matriculados no primeiro ano do ensino médio de duas escolas de Santo André, uma particular e outra pública. Foram levantadas as seguintes variáveis: idade, sexo, raça, prática de esportes, religião e hábitos do adolescente e da família. Definiu-se como "experimentador do fumo" o adolescente que experimentou cigarro (tabaco) e não continuou o hábito tabagista. Foi feita a análise descritiva com o teste do qui-quadrado e os fatores de risco para "experimentar fumo" foram analisados por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Dos 232 questionários aplicados, 226 (90 por cento) foram respondidos, sendo 137 (61 por cento) na escola particular e 89 (39 por cento) na estadual. Dentre os entrevistados, 54 (24 por cento) referiram já ter experimentado tabaco uma vez na vida (35 na escola privada e 19 na pública). Foram fatores de risco significativos para experimentar fumo na escola particular: mãe fumante (OR 12,4; IC95 por cento 4,1-37,8) e amigos fumantes (OR 9,6; IC95 por cento 3,1-29,9). Na escola pública, os fatores de risco para a mesma variável foram: consumo de bebida alcoólica (OR 8,8; IC95 por cento 1,9-40,1), amigos fumantes, (OR 7,9; IC95 por cento 1,9-31,3) e contato com fumaça do cigarro (OR 6,4; IC95 por cento 1,6-26,2). CONCLUSÕES: Observou-se influência significativa do meio ambiente do adolescente, inclusive social e familiar, para a experimentação do tabaco.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors for tobacco use in high school students of two schools of the city of Santo Andre (São Paulo, Brazil) in 2005, as well as to describe the profile of the adolescent who uses tobacco. METHODS: Cross sectional study that applied a standardized anonimous self-answered questionnaire in adolescents of both genders registered in the first year of a public and a private high school of the city of Santo André (Brazil). The following variables were collected: age, gender, race, practice of sports, religion and habits of the family/adolescent. "Tobacco trier" was defined as those who tried cigarette and did not continue with smoking habits, excluding those who inhaled illicit drugs. Statistical analysis applied chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 226 (90 percent) questionnaires were answered: 137 (61 percent) in the private and 89 (39 percent) in the public school. Among the adolescents, 54 (24 percent) used tobacco (35 - private school and 19 percent - public school). Significant variables associated with tobacco use in the private school were: maternal smoking (OR 12.44; 95 percentCI 4.10-37.79) and friends who are smokers (OR 9.58; 95 percentCI 3.10-29.98). In the public school, the risk factors for smoking were: alcoholic beverage use (OR 8.78; 95 percentCI 1.92-40.06), smoking among friends (OR 7.90; CI95 percent: 1.99-31.29) and contact with cigarette smoke (OR 6.40; 95 percentCI 1.56-26.22). CONCLUSIONS: A significant influence of social and family environment was observed regarding the use of tobacco by adolescents.

Seizure characteristics in Aicardi syndrome

We are describing a one year old Bahraini girl with Aicardi syndrome; she has agenesis of the corpus callosum, inter hemispheric cyst, neuronal migration disorder, ocular abnormalities and infantile spasm. She presented initially with focal seizure which later evolved into infantile spasm, her seizures were intractable to different anticonvulsant medications except for Vigabatrin which reduced her seizure episodes dramatically

Protective effect of liposomal formulation of tuftsin (a naturally occurring tetrapeptide) against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in mice.

Tuftsin, a naturally occurring tetrapeptide with a sequence Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg was evaluated for its in vivo protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice. The anticancer drug cyclophosphamide (CP) was administered intra-peritonially to induce mutagenic effect. The drug treatment caused significant increase in chromosomal aberrations, formation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE's), as well as oxidative stress and decrease in lipid peroxidation in liver of the animals. The pretreatment with tuftsin abolished such effects in dose-dependent manner and also increased mitotic index in the experimental animals. Results of the present study validated chemo-preventive properties of tuftsin against CP-induced chromosomal mutations and cellular injury of liver by oxidative stress.

Missed appointments at a university hospital in eastern Saudi Arabia: Magnitude and association factors

Missed appointment is a common problem in ambulatory settings that has serious clinical and economic impacts. The present study aims at quantifying the burden of missed appointments and revealing the factors associated with it at a teaching hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia. Two designs were used: a retrospective descriptive design to describe the magnitude of missed appointments during the year 2007, and a case-control design to identify factors associated with missed appointment. The association of socio-demographic, clinical, visit, and other factors with missed appointment was investigated through interviewing 150 cases and 150 controls. Univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the statistical significance of investigated factors. The rate of missed appointments at the study hospital in 2007 was 23.72%. Factors found to be associated with missed appointments were city of residence, duration from registration to appointment, reason of the visit and presence of pain at visit time. The main reasons given by patients for no-show were unavailability of transportation means [22.6%] and forgetting the appointment [17.3%]. The rate of missed appointment was high at the study hospital. Few factors were found to be significantly associated with missed appointments; many of them are not under the control of the hospital. Providing means of transportation and patient reminders can help reduce the problem

Hábitos alimentares, comportamentos de risco e prevenção de transtornos alimentares em adolescentes do Ensino Médio / Alimentary habits, risk behavviors and prevention of alimentary disorders in hight school adolescents

Objetivo: analisar hábitos alimentares, comportamentos de risco e prática de atividade física em adolescentes e comparar os resultados obtidos com dados da literatura nacional e internacional. Métodos: estudo descritivo, baseado em questionário de respostas fechadas, aplicado a 174 adolescentes do terceiro ano do Ensino Médio de escola particular do município de Santo André, São Paulo. Foram levantados os seguintes dados: sexo, idade, auto-imagem, dietas, uso de suplementos,a tividade física, lazer, preferências e hábitos alimentares. Foi realizada a análise comparativa das variáveis por meio de teste de quiquadrado, considerando-se significate p<0,05. Resultados: dos 174 adolescentes, 104 (60 por cento) eram do sexo feminino. A idade variou entre 16 e 20 anos. Eutrofia foi identificada em 83 por cento do total da amostra; 35 por cento não fabricavam atividade física; 40 por cento dos alunos substituíam refeições por lanches uma ou duas vezes por semana; 50 por cento consideraram seu peso como adequado; 12 por cento como abaixo e 36 por cento como acima de normal; 54 por cento gostariam de emagrecer, sendo a maioria feminina (76 por cento e 52 por cento fizeram dieta sem orientação...

Relação entre estado nutricional e força de preensão manual em idosos do município de São Paulo, Braisil: Dados da Pesquisa SABE / The relationship between nutrirional status and handgrip strenght of elderly of the city of São Paulo. Brasil: Data from Sabe survey

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a relação do estado nutricional (EN) com a força de preensão manual (FPM)em idosos, do município de São Paulo, Brasil. Estudo epidemiológico transversal, de base populacional e domiciliar, parte de estudo multicêntrico (Pesquisa SABE), coordenado pela Organização Pan-Americana de Saúde. A Pesquisa SABE abrangeu 2143 idosos (> 60 anos), de ambos os sexos, no período de janeiro/2000 a março/2001, selecionados por amostragem probabilística; sendo que 1894 (88,4%), participaram deste estudo. O EN foi verificado pelo Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) e Área Muscular do Braço (AMB), variáveis independentes. A FPM (variável dependente) foi verificada por meio de dinamômetro. Foram feitas análises de regressão linear (simples) para homens e mulheres, segundo grupo etário (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 e ³ 80 anos). As mulheres apresentaram valores médios de IMC (kg/m2) superiores e AMB (cm2) e FPM (kg) inferiores aos dos homens. Ambos os sexosmostraram redução significativa do IMC, AMB e FPM com a idade. A FPM foi positivamente correlacionada como IMC (r = 0,135, em mulheres e r = 0,287, em homens) e AMB (r = 0,149, em mulheres e r = 0,421 , emhomens). Nas análises por grupo etário observou-se correlação entre FPM e : IMC para homens ( eõ 70 anos);AMB para homens (todos os grupos etários) e mulheres (eõ 80 anos). Os resultados permitem concluir queexiste uma relação linear entre estado nutricional e força de preensão manual é específica ao sexo, grupo etárioe indicador nutricional...

The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status (NS) and handgrip strength (HS) ofelderly of the city of São Paulo, Brazil. This cross-sectional epidemiological study, population- and householdbased,is part of a multi-center study (SABE Survey), which was coordinated by the Pan-American Health Organization. The SABE survey reached 2143 elderly (³ 60 yrs old), from both sexes, from january/2000 to march/ 2001, and for the present analysis a group of 1894 (88.4%) was selected by probabilistic sampling. NS was determined by Body Mass Index (BMI) and arm muscle area (AMA) as independent variables. HS (dependent variable) was measured by dynamometer. Linear regression analyses were used to correlate the NS and HS, for both men and women, according to the age group (60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and ³ 80 years). The mean BMI (kg/m2) was higher while AMA (cm2) and HS (kg) were smaller for women than for men. There was a significant decline in BMI, AMA and HS with age in both sexes. HS was positively correlated to the BMI (r = 0.135 for females and r = 0.287 for males) and to AMA (r = 0.149 for females and r = 0. 421 for males). The analyses by age group showed correlation between HS and BMI for men (eõ 70 years) and with AMA for men (all age groups) and women ( eõ 80 years). These results allowed to the conclusion that the relationship between NS and HS is specific to the sex, age group and nutritional indicator...

Anthropometry of elderly residents in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

The article presents gender and age-specific selected anthropometric data for a representative sample of elderly Brazilians in the city of São Paulo. This was a cross-sectional, population-based household survey. A total of 1,894 older adults (men and women, > 60 years) were examined from January to March 2001. Data were presented as means and percentiles for body mass (BM); height or stature (ST); body mass index (BMI); waist (WC), hip (HC), arm (AC), and calf (CC) circumferences; triceps skinfold thickness (TST); and arm muscle circumference (AMC), and differences were described according to age (all variables) and gender (BMI). Except for HC (men), all anthropometric variables were lower in the oldest than in the youngest individuals (p < 0.01) in both genders. BMI was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in women than men (all age groups). The observations suggest that there is loss of muscle mass and redistribution and reduction of fat mass with age (both genders). The data can be used in clinical practice and epidemiological studies based on interpretation of anthropometric measurements in the elderly in São Paulo.