A proteção dos dados médicos e o acesso à informação de saúde em Portugal à luz do Regulamento (UE) 2016/679 / The protection of medical data access to health information in Portugal under (EU) Regulation 2016/679 / La protección de datos médicos y el acceso a la información sanitaria en Portugal según el Reglamento (UE) 2016/679

Objetivo: analisar a legislação e as principais questões pertinentes ao armazenamento das informações relativas à saúde do paciente em bancos de dados, bem como as exceções ao dever de sigilo, à luz do Regulamento (UE) 2016/679 (novo Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados) e da Lei n.º 58/2019. Metodologia: por meio de uma revisão legislativa e doutrinária, confrontamos os dispositivos que abordam o direito à privacidade do paciente, a proteção do sigilo médico e o acesso de dados, analisando as exceções ao dever de sigilo que decorrem da lei e dos estatutos das ordens profissionais que tutelam o exercício das profissões. Resultados: a dispersão das normas que tratam a proteção de dados pode criar obstáculos à efetivação do direito e dúvidas acerca da interpretação do novo Regulamento Geral de Proteção de Dados. Conclusão: o novo Regulamento e a Lei n.º 58/2019 têm o escopo de sistematizar a matéria concernente à proteção dos dados, mas deverão ser confrontadas com a legislação interna portuguesa que aborde outras questões transversais, a exemplo das tratadas na Lei de Bases da Saúde em Portugal, no Regime Geral dos Arquivos e do Património Arquivístico, dentre outros, o que implica uma dificuldade acrescida ao utilizador do direito.

Objective: to analyze legislation and key issues related to the storage of patient data in databases and exceptions to confidentiality under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (new General Data Protection Regulation) and Law No. 58/2019.Methods: through a review of legislation and doctrine, we contrast the provisions that address the patient's right to privacy, the protection of medical secrecy, and access to data, and analyze the exceptions to confidentiality arising from the law and the statutes of the professional codes that protect the practice of the professions. Results: the scattering of norms dealing with data protection may lead to obstacles in the realization of the right to data protection and to doubts in the interpretation of the new Regulation. Conclusion: the new Regulation and Law No. 58/2019 are suitable to systematize data protection. However, they must be confronted with Portuguese legislation that deals with other cross-cutting issues, such as the Portuguese Basic Health Law, the General Archives Law and others, which creates additional difficulties for the user of the law.

Objetivo: analizar la legislación y las principales cuestiones relevantes para el almacenamiento de información relacionada con la salud del paciente en bases de datos, así como las excepciones a la obligación de secreto, de acuerdo con el Reglamento (UE) 2016/679 (nuevo Reglamento General de Protección de Datos) y la Ley n.° 58/2019. Metodología: a través de una revisión legislativa y doctrinaria, confrontamos las disposiciones que atienden el derecho a la intimidad del paciente, la protección del secreto médico y el acceso a los datos, analizando las excepciones al deber de secreto, que se derivande la ley y los estatutos que protegen el ejercicio de las profesiones. Resultados: la dispersión de normas que tratan de la protección de datos puede generar obstáculos para la realización del derecho a la protección de datos y dudas sobre la interpretación del Reglamento. Conclusión: el Nuevo Reglamento y la Ley n.º 58/2019 tienen el alcance de sistematizar la materia relativa a la protección de datos, pero deben confrontarse con la legislación interna portuguesa que aborda otras cuestiones transversales, como las tratadas en el Ley de Salud en Portugal, en el Régimen General de Archivos, entre otros, lo que implica una dificultad añadida para el usuario del derecho.

Anatomia do sistema reprodutor feminino de Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766) / [Anatomy of the female reproductive system of the Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766)]

O conhecimento da anatomia de qualquer animal silvestre é de fundamental importância para sua preservação e proteção. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou descrever a morfologia do sistema reprodutor feminino de Alouatta belzebul. Foram utilizados seis espécimes de A. belzebul, fêmeas, adultas, e livres de lesões. Observou-se macroscopicamente que os ovários têm características morfológicas em formato ovoides, com superfície lisa, e, na análise histológica na região de córtex, evidenciou-se folículos ovarianos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. As tubas uterinas anatomicamente são finas e curvilíneas, apresentando uma camada mucosa, uma muscular e outra serosa. O útero possui formato simples, com fundo globoso, com um miométrio altamente vascularizado, sendo organizado em feixes de fibras musculares lisas. A estrutura anatômica da vagina apresentou-se como um tubo muscular longo de paredes finas, onde, na região vestibular, o óstio externo da uretra é marcado por uma papila uretral bilobada e, na região de vulva, em sua porção caudal, contatou-se um clitóris bem desenvolvido. No que concerne à análise histológica da vagina, verificou-se, em região de mucosa vaginal, um extrato basal composto por epitélio estratificado pavimentoso não queratinizado atrófico. As descrições morfológicas fornecem, de forma inédita, informações importantes relativas à anatomia macroscópica e microscópica do sistema reprodutor feminino dessa espécie.(AU)

Knowledge of the anatomy of any wild animal is of fundamental importance for its preservation and protection. In this context the present study aimed to describe the morphology of the female reproductive system of A. belzebul. We used 6 specimens of A. belzebul, female, adult and free of lesions. It was macroscopically observed that the ovaries are ovoid with smooth surface and the histological analysis in cortical region showed ovarian follicles in different stages of development. The fallopian tubes are anatomically thin and curvilinear, with one mucous layer, one muscular and one serous layer. The uterus was presented in a simple format with a globular fundus, with a highly vascularized myometrium, being organized in bundles of smooth muscle fibers. The anatomical structure of the vagina presented itself as a long thin-walled muscular tube where in the vestibular region the external orifice of the urethra is marked by a bilobed urethral papilla and in the caudal portion in its caudal portion a well-developed clitoris. Regarding the histological analysis of the vagina, a basal extract composed of atrophic non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium was found in the vaginal mucosa region. The morphological descriptions provide important information regarding the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the female reproductive system of this species in an unprecedented way.(AU)

Composição química e cinética de degradação ruminal in vitro de aveia branca cv. URS guapa sob diferentes níveis de adubação nitrogenada / Chemical compounds and kinects of in vitro ruminal degradation of white oats URS Guapa under distinct levels of nitrogen fertilization

Avaliaram-se as doses de nitrogênio 0, 60, 120 e 240kg ha-1 sobre a composição bromatológica e os parâmetros da cinética de degradação ruminal da aveia branca obtida de dois anos de cultivo (2013-2014). Foram realizadas as análises de matéria seca, matéria mineral (MM), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro (aFDNmo), lignina, carboidratos solúveis (CHOs) e proteína insolúvel em detergente ácido (PIDA). Não foi observado efeito da adubação nitrogenada sobre as variáveis em nenhum dos anos de cultivo. As variáveis bromatológicas foram influenciadas pelos fatores ambientais. A cinética de degradação ruminal foi correspondente à composição bromatológica. No ano de 2013, foram observados valores superiores para as variáveis PB, MM, PIDA, CHOs e carboidratos não fibrosos, o que influenciou positivamente nos parâmetros da cinética de produção de gás in vitro, Vf 1 e k 2. A composição da cultivar em 2014 tendeu a maiores teores de aFDNmo, lignina e carboidratos totais e a valores superiores para os parâmetros Vf 2 e L. O parâmetro k 1 não foi significativo nos períodos avaliados. Em 2014 o valor nutritivo foi negativamente influenciado pelo atraso na semeadura e pela soma de períodos de restrição hídrica combinados com a elevação da temperatura.(AU)

Doses of Nitrogen were evaluated: 0, 60, 120 and 240kg ha-1 on the chemical composition and rumen degradation kinetics of white oats obtained from two consecutive years (2013-2014). For nutritional characterization the following parameters were analyzed: dry matter; ash, crude protein, ethereal extract, neutral detergent fiber, lignin, soluble carbohydrates and insoluble acid detergent protein. No effect of nitrogen fertilization was observed on the variables analyzed in any of the growing years. The nutritional variables were influenced by environmental factors that occurred in the respective experimental periods and the parameters of ruminal degradation kinetics corresponded to the effects in these compounds. In year 2013, higher values were observed for the variables crude protein, ash, insoluble acid detergent protein, soluble CHO and no fibrous carbohydrates, resulting in higher values also for the in vitro gas production kinetics, Vf1 and k2. Nutritional contents in 2014 tended to higher levels of NDF, lignin and total carbohydrates, and higher values for the parameters Vf2 and L. The parameter k1 was not significant in any of the experimental periods evaluated. In 2014 the forage has its nutritive value negatively influenced by the delay in sowing and the periods of water restriction combined with higher temperatures.(AU)

Morfogênese de braquiárias sob estresse hídrico / Morphogenesis of Brachiarias species under water stress

Objetivou-se avaliar Urochloa spp. submetida a duas situações de estresse hídrico: déficit e alagamento. As forrageiras estudadas foram: U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. humidicola cv. Llanero, U. brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk e U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy, e os parâmetros avaliados foram relacionados às características estruturais e morfogênicas. O trabalho foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação pertencente à Unidade Universitária de Aquidauana. Os tratamentos consistiram em diferentes condições de umidade do solo: 50 e 80% da capacidade de retenção de umidade do solo, e lâminas de 0cm, 1cm e 5cm de água acima do solo, com quatro repetições, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. O modelo considerou o efeito de umidade do solo para cada espécie forrageira a 5% de significância. As características estruturais e morfogênicas do capim-tully não foram afetadas pelas diferentes condições hídricas aqui avaliadas. O capim-llanero não reagiu ao alagamento. O capim-piatã foi tolerante às condições de déficit hídrico e apresentou mecanismos de adaptação ao alagamento. A U. decumbens cv. Basilisk apresentou respostas adaptativas que melhoram sua tolerância ao alagamento. A U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy apresentou-se inapta às condições de alagamento e de déficit hídrico.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate braquiarias submitted to two situations of water stress: deficit and flood. The studied forages were: U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. humidicola cv. Llanero, U. brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, U. brizantha cv. Xaraés, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk and U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy, and the parameters evaluated were related to the structural and morphogenic characteristics. The work was carried out in a greenhouse at the University Unit of Aquidauana. The treatments consisted of different soil moisture conditions: 50 and 80% of the moisture retention capacity of the soil, and slides of 0cm, 1cm and 5cm of water above the soil, with four replications, in a completely randomized design. The model considered the effect of soil moisture for each forage species at 5% of significance. The structural and morphogenic characteristics of grass-tully were not affected by the different water conditions evaluated here. The grass-llanero did not react to flooding. The grass-piatã was tolerant to water deficit conditions and presented adaptation to flooding. The U. decumbens cv. Basilisk presented adaptive responses that improved its tolerance to flooding. The U. ruziziensis cv. Kenedy was unfit for flood and water deficit conditions.(AU)

A communicating branch between the dorsal and superficial ramus of the ulnar nerve (Kaplan's anastomosis): clinical and surgery discussion / Ramo comunicante entre los ramos dorsal y superficial del nervio ulnar (anastomosis de Kaplan): discusión clínica y quirúrgica

The Kaplan´s anastomosis represents the communication between the dorsal and superficial branch of the ulnar nerve distal to ulnar canal. In the present study, a case about this nerve communication, found in a male adult cadaver, is reported. Information about brachial plexus distal anastomosis is fundamental for interpretation of clinical and electrophysiological findings, in order to establish the precise diagnosis of neurological lesions at this level. Its relations with flexor carpi ulnaris muscle's tendon and with pisiform bone exposes it to iatrogenic lesions during surgery.

La anastomosis de Kaplan representa la comunicación entre la rama dorsal y superficial del nervio ulnar distal al canal ulnar. En el presente estudio se informa de un caso de esta comunicación nerviosa, encontrado en un cadáver adulto de sexo masculino. Información sobre el plexo braquial y sus anastomosis distales son fundamentales para la interpretación de los hallazgos clínicos y electrofisiológicos, a fin de establecer el diagnóstico preciso de las lesiones neurológicas a este nivel. Sus relaciones con el tendón del músculo flexor ulnar del carpo, como con el hueso pisiforme, pueden facilitar la ocurrencia de lesiones iatrogénicas durante la cirugía.

Output relations of humeral circumflex arteries and its variations / Relaciones de las arterias circunflejas humerales y sus variaciones

A large range of variability marks the branching pattern of the axillary artery. The knowledge of the anatomical variations and this pattern is essential to diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including surgery, of the axillary region. The aim of this study was to observe the different possible origins of circumflex humeral arteries and to measure the length and diameter of each vessel. In our study, 24 armpits from adult cadavers (fixed in tamponed formalin 10%) were dissected. The data were analyzed with a digital caliper and the results expressed as Mean ± SD. In majority of specimens, posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) arose from subscapular artery (SSA) (54.16%) and had an average diameter of 3.92±0.41 mm. The anterior circumflex humeral artery was a branch from axillary artery (AA) in the majority of the specimens (62.5%) with an average diameter of 1.83±0.68 mm. Circumflex humeral arteries can arise from SSA, deep brachial artery and AA. The result of this study is an interesting data for origin, length and diameter of these vessels, contributing to the knowledge of these variations occurrence.

Una amplia gama de variabilidad marca el patrón de ramificación de la arteria axilar. El conocimiento de las variaciones anatómicas de este patrón es esencial para enfoques de diagnóstico y terapéuticos, incluyendo la cirugía de la región axilar. El objetivo fue observar los diferentes orígenes posibles de arterias circunflejas humerales y medir la longitud y el diámetro de cada vaso. En el estudio se disecaron 24 axilas de cadáveres adultos (fijados en formalina tamponada al 10%). Los datos se analizaron con un calibrador digital y los resultados se expresaron como Media ± DS. En la mayoría de los especímenes, la arteria circunfleja humeral posterior surgió de la arteria subescapular (ASE) (54,16%) con un diámetro medio de 0,41±3,92 mm. En la mayoría de los especímenes (62,5%), la arteria circunfleja humeral anterior era una rama de la arteria axilar (AA) con un diámetro medio de 0,68±1,83 mm. Las arterias circunflejas humerales pueden surgir de la ASE, de la arteria braquial profunda y AA. El resultado de este estudio es un dato interesante para el origen, la longitud y el diámetro de los vasos, lo que contribuye al conocimiento de la ocurrencia de estas variaciones.

Capim-piatã adubado com fontes de fósforo de diferente solubilidade em água / Piata palisadegrass fertilized with different sources of phosphorus for solubility in water

The development of piatã grass fertilized with phosphorus sources with different solubilities in water was evaluated. The experiment was developed in the unit of Aquidauana of UEMS, MS, from February to August, 2012. Four treatments were evaluated: control (without phosphorus fertilization), slow solubility, fast solubility (readily available), and mixed solubility sources of phosphorus (FH Pasture(r)). It was adopted a randomized blocks design with four blocks and four replicates in a total of 16 pastures (0.5 ha each one). Measurements were performed weekly to evaluate structural characteristics and morphogenic variables of the plants. Data were submitted to a variance analysis according to the model. When necessary, the means of treatments with different phosphorus fertilizer sources were compared with the control using the Dunnett test and with other treatments by using student's t test. The significance level of 5% was adopted in all analysis. No significant effect was observed (P 0.05) in the evaluated traits in the first year of the experiment.

Efeito do extrato aquoso e etanólico do angico preto sobre larvas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus / The effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the angico Preto about larvae of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus representa um grande problema na bovinocultura e o uso de acaricidas é a medida de controle profilático e terapêutico mais comum contra esses ectoparasitos. Os principais problemas relacionados com essa prática dizem respeito ao desenvolvimento de linhagens resistentes de carrapatos. Assim, objetivou-se determinar o efeito de extratos da casca de Anadenanthera macrocarpa sobre as larvas de R. (B.) microplus, obtidas de um pool de ovos, acondicionadas em tubo de polietileno. De acordo com os resultados, o extrato aquoso na concentração de 8,26mg.mL-1 causou 85% de mortalidade nas primeiras 12 horas. Quanto ao extrato etanólico, observou-se maior mortalidade nas concentrações 12,5; 6,25 e 1,56mg.mL-1, em torno de 84%, percentuais semelhantes ao amitraz. Os controles negativos não apresentaram mortalidade durante o experimento. Assim, tanto o extrato aquoso como o extrato etanólico apresentaram efeito larvicida, embora o extrato etanólico tenha sido mais eficiente para a espécie, podendo ser uma alternativa no controle desse ectoparasito.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus represents a major problem in cattle breeding and the use of acaricides is the most common prophylactic and therapeutic control measure against these ectoparasites. The main problems with this practice relate to the development of resistant strains of ticks. Thus, the objective was to determine the effect of bark extracts from Anadenanthera macrocarpa on the larvae of R.(B.) microplus, obtained from a pool of eggs packed in a polyethylene tube. According to the results, the aqueous extract at a concentration of 8.26mg.mL-1caused 85% mortality in the first 12 hours. As for the ethanolic extract, higher mortality of about 84%, a percentage similar to amitraz, was observed at concentrations of 12.5mg.mL-1, 6.25mg.mL-1 and 1.56mg.mL-1. The negative controls showed no mortality during the experiment. Thus, both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed larvicidal activity, although the ethanolic extract has been more efficient and could be an alternative to control this ectoparasite.

Viability of mesenchymal stem cells during electrospinning

Tissue engineering is a technique by which a live tissue can be re-constructed and one of its main goals is to associate cells with biomaterials. Electrospinning is a technique that facilitates the production of nanofibers and is commonly used to develop fibrous scaffolds to be used in tissue engineering. In the present study, a different approach for cell incorporation into fibrous scaffolds was tested. Mesenchymal stem cells were extracted from the wall of the umbilical cord and mononuclear cells from umbilical cord blood. Cells were re-suspended in a 10 percent polyvinyl alcohol solution and subjected to electrospinning for 30 min under a voltage of 21 kV. Cell viability was assessed before and after the procedure by exclusion of dead cells using trypan blue staining. Fiber diameter was observed by scanning electron microscopy and the presence of cells within the scaffolds was analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. After electrospinning, the viability of mesenchymal stem cells was reduced from 88 to 19.6 percent and the viability of mononuclear cells from 99 to 8.38 percent. The loss of viability was possibly due to the high viscosity of the polymer solution, which reduced the access to nutrients associated with electric and mechanical stress during electrospinning. These results suggest that the incorporation of cells during fiber formation by electrospinning is a viable process that needs more investigation in order to find ways to protect cells from damage.

Efeito do extrato aquoso do algodão de seda (Calotropis procera Aiton) sobre a eficiência reprodutiva do carrapato bovino / Effect of aqueous extract of silk cotton (Calotropis procera Ait. R.Br.) on the reproductive performance of Rhipicephalus microplus

O carrapato Rhipicephalus microplus é um dos principais parasitos dos rebanhos bovinos. Diferentes grupos de carrapaticidas sintéticos têm sido empregados para o controle desse ácaro, contudo, o uso constante desses produtos tem selecionado populações resistentes. Na tentativa de minimizar esses impactos tem-se buscado avaliar fitoterápicos para o controle desse parasito. Assim, objetivou-se analisar a eficácia in vitro do extrato aquoso do algodão de seda em diferentes concentrações no controle da postura e eclodibilidade dos ovos do R. microplus. Foram avaliados os efeitos das concentrações 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 e 100% do extrato aquoso obtido juntamente com controles com água destilada ou com cipermetrina, 12,5 mg L-1, associada a organofosforado, 150 mg L-1, sobre a eficiência reprodutiva do carrapato. Foi realizado o biocarrapaticidograma sendo que a eficácia acaricida das concentrações 5, 25 e 100% foram superiores àquela observada para o produto comercial utilizado, que correspondeu a 93,98%, indicando a importância de futuras pesquisas para avaliar o potencial toxigênico e a eficácia in vivo dessa planta para o controle do R. microplus .

The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is one of the main parasites of bovine herds. Different groups of synthetic acaricides have been used to control this mite; however, the constant use of these products has selected resistant populations. In an attempt to minimize these impacts, researchers have tried to evaluate herbal remedies to control this parasite. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the in vitro efficacy of aqueous extract of silk cotton at different concentrations to control the hatchability of R. microplus eggs. The effects of the concentrations 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100% aqueous extract together with controls with distilled water or with cypermethrin, 12.5 mg L-1, associated with organophosphate, 150 mg L-1, were assessed on the reproductive efficiency of the tick. Immersion test was performed and the acaricide efficacy of the 5, 25 and 100% concentrations were higher than that obtained for the commercial product, which corresponded to 93.98%, indicating the importance of further research to assess the toxigenic potential and the in vivo efficacy of this plant to control R. microplus .

Avaliação da inibição da acetilcolinesterase por extratos de plantas medicinais / Evaluation of acetylcholinesterase inhibition by extracts from medicinal plants

Neste trabalho foi avaliada a atividade inibitória da acetilcolinesterase (AChE) pelo método de Ellman, modificado por Rhee, de extratos aquosos e etanólicos de oito plantas utilizadas na medicina popular da região Nordeste do Brasil. O extrato aquoso de E. velutina não apresentou atividade inibitória enquanto o extrato aquoso de Maytenus rigida apresentou baixa atividade inibitória (percentual de inibição de 4%). Detectou-se atividade inibitória moderada com o extrato aquoso de P. piperoides (percentual de inibição de 40 %), enquanto o extrato de V. agnus-castus L. inibiu 74% da atividade da AChE, caracterizando-se como potente atividade inibitória. A avaliação da inibição da AChE com os extratos etanólicos demonstrou que os extratos de Sideroxylon obtusifolium, Erythrina velutina, Vitex agnus-castus, Phoradendron piperoides, Chrysobalanus icaco, Bauhinia cheilantha e Orbignya phalerata não apresentaram atividade inibitória. Baixa atividade inibitória foi observada com os extratos etanólicos de Maytenus rigida (percentual de inibição de 7%) e de Hyptis fruticosa (percentual de inibição de 11%). O extrato etanólico de Moringa oleifera apresentou atividade inibitória moderada, inibindo 47% da atividade dessa enzima. Nenhum dos extratos etanólicos testados apresentou atividade inibitória potente da AChE. Os resultados dos estudos de inibição da acetilcolinesterase permitem concluir que o extrato aquoso de V. agnus-castus L. mostrou-se o mais eficaz quanto a inibição da AChE. Este resultado reforça a necessidade da continuidade do estudo desse extrato, de forma a realizar a partição do extrato e a purificação das frações para isolar a molécula responsável pela inibição observada.

In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) according to Ellman's method, modified by Rhee, for ethanol and aqueous extracts from eight plants used in folk medicine in the northeast region of Brazil. E. velutina aqueous extract did not have inhibitory activity, while Maytenus rigida aqueous extract showed low inhibitory activity (percentage of inhibition of 4%). Moderate inhibitory activity was detected for Phoradendron piperoides aqueous extract (percentage of inhibition of 40%), while V. agnus castus L. extract inhibited 74% AChE activity, characterized as a potent inhibitory activity. Evaluation of AChE inhibition by ethanol extracts indicated that the extracts from Sideroxylon obtusifolium, Erythrina velutina, Vitex agnus-castus L., Phoradendron piperoides, Chrysobalanus icaco, Bauhinia cheilantha and Orbignya phalerata did not show inhibitory activity. A low inhibitory activity was observed for ethanol extracts from Maytenus rigida (percentage of inhibition of 7%) and Hyptis fruticosa (percentage of inhibition of 11%). Moringa oleifera ethanol extract showed moderate inhibitory activity, inhibiting 47% of the activity of this enzyme. None of the tested ethanol extracts showed potent inhibitory activity against AChE. Results of the studies of acetylcholinesterase inhibition allow the conclusion that V. agnus-castus L. aqueous extract showed to be most effective in inhibiting AChE. This result reinforces the need for continued study of this extract in order to make the partition and the purification of fractions to isolate the molecule responsible for the observed inhibition.

Neutralization of pharmacological and toxic activities of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and isolated myotoxins by Serjania erecta methanolic extract and its fractions

Most of the snakebites recorded in Brazil are caused by the Bothrops genus. Given that the local tissue damage caused by this genus cannot be treated by antivenom therapy, numerous studies are focusing on supplementary alternatives, such as the use of medicinal plants. Serjania erecta has already demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing properties. In the current study, the aerial parts of S. erecta were extracted with methanol, then submitted to chromatographic fractionation on a Sephadex LH20 column and eluted with methanol, which resulted in four main fractions. The crude extract and fractions neutralized the toxic activities of Bothrops jararacussu snake venom and isolated myotoxins (BthTX-I and II). Results showed that phospholipase A2, fibrinogenolytic, myotoxic and hemorrhagic activities were inhibited by the extract. Moreover, the myotoxic and edematous activities induced by BthTX-I, and phospholipase A2 activity induced by BthTX-II, were inhibited by the extract of S. erecta and its fraction. The clotting time on bovine plasma was significantly prolonged by the inhibitory action of fractions SF3 and SF4. This extract is a promising source of natural inhibitors, such as flavonoids and tannins, which act by forming complexes with metal ions and proteins, inhibiting the action of serineproteases, metalloproteases and phospholipases A2.

Effects of the hydrological regime on the ichthyofauna of riverine environments of the Upper Paraná River floodplain / Efeitos do regime hidrológico sobre a ictiofauna de ambientes fluviais da planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná

In this work, spatial and temporal variations in the diversity (species richness and Simpson's Diversity Index) and abundance (indexed by the capture per unit effort - CPUE; total and for reproductive groups) of fish from three rivers (Baía, Ivinheima and Paraná) located in a floodplain of the Upper Paraná River basin were analyzed over a period of 20 years (1987-2007). In addition, we evaluated the relationships of these ecological attributes with variations in the hydrologic regime, considering the possible effects of natural (climatic events) and artificial (discharge control by dams) disturbances. Annual variations in hydrometric attributes were calculated using PULSO software and daily water level data. We applied analysis of covariance to determine the relationships between ecological and hydrometric attributes, the latter summarized in axes of a principal component analysis. Lower values of the fish assemblage attributes (diversity and abundance) were registered in the Paraná River. Species richness, total CPUE and CPUE of long-distance migratory species were positively related to the duration of the floods and the connectivity of the area. Variations in the annual hydrological cycle and their effects on fish assemblage appear to be affected by extreme natural (ENSO) and artificial (discharge control by dams) events.

Nesse trabalho foi avaliada a variação espaço-temporal na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e Índice de Diversidade de Simpson) e abundância (indexada pela captura por unidade de esforço - CPUE; total e por grupo reprodutivo) de espécies de peixes de três rios (Baía, Ivinheima e Paraná), localizados na planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná, ao longo de 20 anos (1987-2007). Ainda, avaliamos as relações desses atributos ecológicos (diversidade e abundância) à variação anual do regime hidrológico, considerando a influência de distúrbios naturais (eventos climáticos) e artificiais (regulação hidrológica por barragens). Para representar a variação anual do regime hidrológico de cada rio, foram utilizados os atributos hidrométricos calculados pelo programa PULSO, a partir de medidas do nível hidrométrico diário. Análise de covariância foi aplicada para avaliar a relação entre os atributos ecológicos das assembléias de peixes e a variação no regime hidrológico, esta sumarizada em eixos de uma análise de componentes principais. A riqueza de espécies, a CPUE total e a de migradores de longa distância foram relacionadas positivamente à duração das cheias e conectividade, sendo que o Rio Paraná apresentou os menores valores médios desses atributos. Dessa forma, as variações constatadas no ciclo hidrológico anual e seus reflexos sobre a estrutura das assembléias de peixes do rio Paraná parecem decorrer do efeito combinado de eventos naturais (El Niño - ENSO) e artificiais (controle da vazão pelas barragens).

Effects of the hydrological regime on the ichthyofauna of riverine environments of the Upper Paraná River floodplain

In this work, spatial and temporal variations in the diversity (species richness and Simpson's Diversity Index) and abundance (indexed by the capture per unit effort - CPUE; total and for reproductive groups) of fish from three rivers (Baía, Ivinheima and Paraná) located in a floodplain of the Upper Paraná River basin were analyzed over a period of 20 years (1987-2007). In addition, we evaluated the relationships of these ecological attributes with variations in the hydrologic regime, considering the possible effects of natural (climatic events) and artificial (discharge control by dams) disturbances. Annual variations in hydrometric attributes were calculated using PULSO software and daily water level data. We applied analysis of covariance to determine the relationships between ecological and hydrometric attributes, the latter summarized in axes of a principal component analysis. Lower values of the fish assemblage attributes (diversity and abundance) were registered in the Paraná River. Species richness, total CPUE and CPUE of long-distance migratory species were positively related to the duration of the floods and the connectivity of the area. Variations in the annual hydrological cycle and their effects on fish assemblage appear to be affected by extreme natural (ENSO) and artificial (discharge control by dams) events.

Nesse trabalho foi avaliada a variação espaço-temporal na diversidade (riqueza de espécies e Índice de Diversidade de Simpson) e abundância (indexada pela captura por unidade de esforço - CPUE; total e por grupo reprodutivo) de espécies de peixes de três rios (Baía, Ivinheima e Paraná), localizados na planície de inundação do Alto Rio Paraná, ao longo de 20 anos (1987-2007). Ainda, avaliamos as relações desses atributos ecológicos (diversidade e abundância) à variação anual do regime hidrológico, considerando a influência de distúrbios naturais (eventos climáticos) e artificiais (regulação hidrológica por barragens). Para representar a variação anual do regime hidrológico de cada rio, foram utilizados os atributos hidrométricos calculados pelo programa PULSO, a partir de medidas do nível hidrométrico diário. Análise de covariância foi aplicada para avaliar a relação entre os atributos ecológicos das assembléias de peixes e a variação no regime hidrológico, esta sumarizada em eixos de uma análise de componentes principais. A riqueza de espécies, a CPUE total e a de migradores de longa distância foram relacionadas positivamente à duração das cheias e conectividade, sendo que o Rio Paraná apresentou os menores valores médios desses atributos. Dessa forma, as variações constatadas no ciclo hidrológico anual e seus reflexos sobre a estrutura das assembléias de peixes do rio Paraná parecem decorrer do efeito combinado de eventos naturais (El Niño - ENSO) e artificiais (controle da vazão pelas barragens).

Efeito anti-helmíntico dos extratos aquosos e etanólicos da Annona squamosa L. (fruta-do-conde) sobre o nematóide Ascaridia galli / Anthelmintic effect of aqueous and ethanolic extracts from Annona squamosa L. (sweetsop) on the nematode Ascaridia galli

As plantas são fontes importantes de produtos naturais biologicamente ativos. Dentre as plantas usadas na medicina popular a Anonna squamosa conhecida como fruta-do-conde é citada como tendo várias ações medicinais, dentre elas a atividade inseticida e anti-helmíntica. Dentro desta perspectiva, objetivou-se determinar a atividade anti-helmíntica dos extratos aquosos (EA) e etanólicos (EE) das folhas da fruta-do-conde sobre o nematóide de aves Ascaridia galli, in vitro e in vivo. No primeiro, os nematóides foram colocados em placa de Petri contendo diferentes concentrações dos extratos e no segundo foram utilizadas seis galinhas poedeiras por grupo, as quais foram administrados10 mL Kg-1 dos extratos. No teste in vitro o EA da A. squamosa nas concentrações 2,4 e 9,6 mg mL-1 foi capaz de matar 63,33 por cento e 53,33 por cento dos nematóides, respectivamente. O EE não produziu efeito significativo. No teste in vivo, o percentual de eliminação do EA foi de 39 por cento e do EE de 20 por cento. Estes dados sugerem que neste caso a substância responsável pela mortalidade dos parasitos esteja em maior concentração na fração aquosa. Desta maneira, acredita-se que o EA de A. squamosa apresenta uma atividade anti-helmíntica potencial sobre o A. galli.

Plants are important sources of biologically active natural products. Among the plants used in popular medicine, Annona squamosa, known as sweetsop, is reported to have several medicinal actions such as insecticidal and anthelmintic activity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the anthelmintic activity of aqueous (AE) and ethanolic (EE) extracts from sweetsop leaves on the chicken roundworm Ascaridia galli, both in vitro and in vivo. In the former, nematodes were placed on a Petri plate containing different concentrations of the extracts; in the in vivo test, six egg-laying chickens per group received 10 mL Kg-1 of the extracts. In vitro results indicated that A. squamosa AE at the concentrations 2.4 and 9.6 mg mL-1 could kill 63.33 percent and 53.33 percent nematodes, respectively. However, EE did not have any significant effect. According to the in vivo test, the elimination percentage for AE was 39 percent and for EE, 20 percent. These data suggest that the substance responsible for parasite mortality was present at a higher concentration in the aqueous fraction. Thus, A. squamosa AE is believed to have a potential anthelmintic activity on A. galli.

Procoagulant properties of human MV3 melanoma cells

A correlation between cancer and prothrombotic states has long been described. More recently, a number of studies have focused on the procoagulant mechanisms exhibited by tumor cells. In the present study, we dissected the molecular mechanisms responsible for the procoagulant activity of MV3, a highly aggressive human melanoma cell line. It was observed that tumor cells strongly accelerate plasma coagulation as a result of: i) expression of the blood clotting initiator protein, a tissue factor, as shown by flow cytometry and functional assays (factor Xa formation in the presence of cells and factor VIIa), and ii) direct activation of prothrombin to thrombin by cells, as evidenced by hydrolysis of the synthetic substrate, S-2238, and the natural substrate, fibrinogen. This ability was highly potentiated by the addition of exogenous factor Va, which functions as a co-factor for the enzyme factor Xa. In contrast, prothrombin activation was not observed when cells were previously incubated with DEGR-factor Xa, an inactive derivative of the enzyme. Moreover, a monoclonal antibody against bovine factor Xa reduced the prothrombin-converting activity of tumor cells. In conclusion, the data strongly suggest that MV3 cells recruit factor Xa from the culture medium, triggering an uncommon procoagulant mechanism.

High Incidence of Complete Ossification of the Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament in Brazilians and its Clinical Implications / Alta Incidencia de Osificación Completa del Ligamento Escapular Transverso Superior en Brasileños y sus Implicancias Clínicas

The aim of this study was to verify the prevalence of the ossified superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) on dry bones of scapulae. 221 dry bones were analyzed, (111 rights and 110 lefts), proceeding from Rio de Janeiro and of Santa Catarina, Brazil. As exclusion criterion, were not analyzed bones of children or damaged. For the quantitative analysis of the data, the software Graphad Instat was used. Fisher exact test was used considering the p ≤ 0,05 as significant. After analysis of the scapulae, 30,76% (68/ 221) presented the ossified STSL (p ≤ 0,0001) of which, 52,94% (36/68) were ossified on the right side and 47,05% (32/68) on the left one. The 153 scapulae that did not present the ossified STSL, it was observed in 19,6 % (30/153) of these bones, the superior edge varying in the transverse plan, increasing superior angulation and, modified the width and depth of the scapular incisure. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians that approaches painful syndrome of the shoulder, as well as, this anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by students that may manipulate this anatomical area.

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la prevalencia del ligamento escapular transverso superior (LETS) osificado, en huesos secos. 221 escápulas secas (111 derechas y 110 izquierdas) fueron analizadas procedentes de Río de Janeiro y de Santa Catarina, Brasil. No fueron analizados huesos de niños o dañados. El tratamiento estadístico de los datos fue realizado con el software Graphpad Instat, siendo seleccionado el test Fisher, con un p ≤ 0.05 como significativo. El 30.76% (68/221) de las escápulas presentaron el LETS osificado (p ≤ 0,0001) de ellos, el 52.94% (36/68) correspondían a escáulas derechas y 47.05% (32/68) a escápulas izquierdas. Las 153 escápulas que no presentaron el LETS osificado, se observó en el 19.6% (30/153) de estos huesos. El margen superior que variaba en el plano transversal, incrementaba la angulación superior y modificaba así el ancho y la profundidad de la incisura escapular. Esta variación anatómica la deben tener presente los clínicos debido al síndrome doloroso del hombro, como también, los estudiantes que manipulan esta área anatómica.

Relative frequency, clinical, neuroimaging, and postsurgical features of pediatric temporal lobe epilepsy

We describe the relative frequency, clinical features, neuroimaging and pathological results, and outcome after pharmacological or surgical intervention for a series of pediatric patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) from an epilepsy center in Brazil. The medical records of children younger than 12 years with features strongly suggestive of TLE were reviewed from January 1999 to June 1999. Selected children were evaluated regarding clinical, EEG, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigation and divided into three groups according to MRI: group 1 (G1, N = 9), patients with hippocampal atrophy; group 2 (G2, N = 10), patients with normal MRI, and group 3 (G3, N = 12), patients with other specific temporal lesions. A review of 1732 records of children with epilepsy revealed 31 cases with TLE (relative frequency of 1.79 percent). However, when the investigation was narrowed to cases with intractable seizures that needed video-EEG monitoring (N = 68) or epilepsy surgery (N = 32), the relative frequency of TLE increased to 19.11 (13/68) and 31.25 percent (10/32), respectively. At the beginning of the study, 25 of 31 patients had a high seizure frequency (80.6 percent), which declined to 11 of 31 (35.5 percent) at the conclusion of the study, as a consequence of pharmacological and/or surgical therapy. This improvement in seizure control was significant in G1 (P < 0.05) and G3 (P < 0.01) mainly due to good postsurgical outcome, and was not significant in G2 (P > 0.1, McNemar's test). These results indicate that the relative frequency of TLE in children was low, but increased considerably among cases with pharmacoresistant seizures. Patients with specific lesions were likely to undergo surgery, with good postoperative outcomes.

Atividade anti-helmíntica de plantas em frangos de corte naturalmente infectados com Ascaridia galli / Anthelminthic activity of plants in broiler chickens naturally infected with Ascaridia galli

The anthelminthic activity of four plants - Allium sativum (garlic), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Tynnanthus labiatus (liana-carnation) and Cocus nucifera (coconut) with the activity of mebendazole was compared. Seventy Hubbard chickens, naturally infected with Ascarídia galli, divided in 5 groups of 10 chichens plus a control group (not treated, n=20) were used in the experiment. The vegetable matter was used in the forms of aqueous extract, juice and triturated, administered by probe or incorporated to the diet, in the doses of 2, 3 and 10glkg/day, for three days. A non parametric test was used to evaluate the anthelminthic effect of the plants. The eliminations of A galli for the garlic, pomegranate, lianacarnation, coconut and mebendazole were: 9.7; 6.6, 16.7; 19. 0 and 99. 0, respectively. The results showed that those plants do not have anthelminthic activity.

Triple Right Renal Vein: An Uncommon Variation / Vena Renal Derecha Triple: Una Variación Rara

We report an unilateral three renal veins the right kidney in an elderly male cadaver. They were three calibrous veins having independent courses up to the inferior vena cava. No other vascular anomalies were noted in this specimen. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians and academics that may manipulate this anatomical area.

Presentamos una variación anatómica consistente en tres venas renales unilaterales presentes en el riñón derecho de un cadáver de un individuo adulto de sexo masculino. Las tres venas eran de calibre considerable, las cuales tenían cursos independientes hasta la vena cava inferior. No se observó ninguna otra variación vascular en este individuo. Tanto los clínicos como los académicos deben tener presente esta variación anatómica cuando se acceda a esta área anatómica.