Kahweol, a natural diterpene from coffee, induces peripheral antinociception by endocannabinoid system activation

Kahweol is a compound derived from coffee with reported antinociceptive effects. Based on the few reports that exist in the literature regarding the mechanisms involved in kahweol-induced peripheral antinociceptive action, this study proposed to investigate the contribution of the endocannabinoid system to the peripheral antinociception induced in rats by kahweol. Hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and was measured with the paw pressure test. Kahweol and the drugs to test the cannabinoid system were administered locally into the right hind paw. The endocannabinoids were purified by open-bed chromatography on silica and measured by LC-MS. Kahweol (80 µg/paw) induced peripheral antinociception against PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. This effect was reversed by the intraplantar injection of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM251 (20, 40, and 80 μg/paw), but not by the CB2 cannabinoid receptor antagonist AM630 (100 μg/paw). Treatment with the endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor VDM11 (2.5 μg/paw) intensified the peripheral antinociceptive effect induced by low-dose kahweol (40 μg/paw). The monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) inhibitor, JZL184 (4 μg/paw), and the dual MAGL/fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor, MAFP (0.5 μg/paw), potentiated the peripheral antinociceptive effect of low-dose kahweol. Furthermore, kahweol increased the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not of the other endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol nor of anandamide-related N-acylethanolamines, in the plantar surface of the rat paw. Our results suggested that kahweol induced peripheral antinociception via anandamide release and activation of CB1 cannabinoid receptors and this compound could be used to develop new drugs for pain relief.

Características de carcaça e carne de novilhos Aberdeen Angus submetidos à castração cirúrgica ou imunológica / Carcass characteristics and meat of Aberdeen Angus steers submitted to surgical or immunological castration

Objetivou-se avaliar as características de carcaça e carne de novilhos Aberdeen Angus castrados cirurgicamente em duas idades ou imunocastrados com dois protocolos. Foram utilizados 48 bezerros, monitorados a partir do nascimento e desmamados, com idade e peso médio inicial de seis meses e de 160±16,54kg, respectivamente. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos seguintes tratamentos: castração cirúrgica ao nascer; castração cirúrgica ao desmame; imunocastração com três doses da vacina Bopriva® e imunocastração com quatro doses da vacina Bopriva®. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso. Novilhos imunocastrados com três doses apresentaram maior quebra ao resfriamento e menor espessura de gordura ajustada para 100kg de carcaça fria que castrados cirurgicamente ao nascer (P<0,05). A imunocastração com três doses proporcionou incremento na participação de músculo, em relação às castrações cirúrgicas, mas reduziu a gordura em relação à castração cirúrgica ao nascimento (P<0,05). A relação músculo:osso foi superior nos imunocastrados com três doses em relação a castrados cirurgicamente no desmame (P<0,05). Apesar de variações na participação tecidual na carcaça, a castração imunológica mostrou-se viável em substituição à castração cirúrgica, não alterando os padrões qualitativos da carne.(AU)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and meat characteristics of Aberdeen Angus steers surgically castrated at two ages or immunocastrated with two protocols. Forty-eight calves we used, monitored from birth and weaned, with age and initial mean weight of six months and 160±16.54kg, respectively. The animals were randomly assigned to the following treatments: surgical castration at birth; surgical castration at weaning; immunocastration with three doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine and immunocastration with four doses of the Bopriva ® vaccine. The experimental design was completely randomized. Immunocastrated steers with three doses had a greater cooling break and lower fat thickness adjusted for 100kg of cold carcass than surgically castrated at birth (P< 0.05). Immunocastration with three doses provided an increase in muscle participation in relation to surgical castration but reduced fat in relation to surgical castration at birth (P< 0.05). The muscle:bone ratio was higher in the immunocastrated with three doses compared to surgically castrated at weaning (P< 0.05). Despite variations in tissue involvement in the carcass, the immunological castration proved to be viable to replace surgical castration, not changing the quality of the meat standards.(AU)

Detecção e avaliação do perfil de sensibilidade antimicrobiana de enterobactérias isoladas de periquitos cara-suja (Pyrrhura griseipectus) em cativeiro / Detection and evaluation of the antimicrobial sensibility profile of enterobacteria isolated from captive Grey-breasted parakeet (Pyrrhura griseipectus)

This study was conducted to detect enterobacteria in captive Grey-breasted parakeet from a commercial breeding located in the state of Ceara. 25 individual cloacal swabs were collected and this material was subjected to microbiological processing to obtain the bacterial isolation, identification, and evaluation of the sensitivity profile to antimicrobials. The bacterial isolation in ten samples was determined, belonging to the genera Enterobacter, Hafnia, Serratia, Escherichia, Pantoea and Klebsiella, in which these last three corresponded to the bacteria most isolated, with respective percentages of 28.6%, 21.4%, and 21.4%. As for the sensitivity profile, antibiotics to which the bacteria showed more resistance were trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (57%), tetracycline (21%), and azithromycin (43%). Thus, it was shown that the parakeets were carriers of Enterobacteriaceae with resistance characteristics.(AU)

Correlations between forced oscillation technique parameters and pulmonary densitovolumetry values in patients with acromegaly

The aims of this study were to evaluate the forced oscillation technique (FOT) and pulmonary densitovolumetry in acromegalic patients and to examine the correlations between these findings. In this cross-sectional study, 29 non-smoking acromegalic patients and 17 paired controls were subjected to the FOT and quantification of lung volume using multidetector computed tomography (Q-MDCT). Compared with the controls, the acromegalic patients had a higher value for resonance frequency [15.3 (10.9-19.7) vs 11.4 (9.05-17.6) Hz, P=0.023] and a lower value for mean reactance [0.32 (0.21-0.64) vs 0.49 (0.34-0.96) cm H2O/L/s2, P=0.005]. In inspiratory Q-MDCT, the acromegalic patients had higher percentages of total lung volume (TLV) for nonaerated and poorly aerated areas [0.42% (0.30-0.51%) vs 0.25% (0.20-0.32%), P=0.039 and 3.25% (2.48-3.46%) vs 1.70% (1.45-2.15%), P=0.001, respectively]. Furthermore, the acromegalic patients had higher values for total lung mass in both inspiratory and expiratory Q-MDCT [821 (635-923) vs 696 (599-769) g, P=0.021 and 844 (650-945) vs 637 (536-736) g, P=0.009, respectively]. In inspiratory Q-MDCT, TLV showed significant correlations with all FOT parameters. The TLV of hyperaerated areas showed significant correlations with intercept resistance (rs=−0.602, P<0.001) and mean resistance (rs=−0.580, P<0.001). These data showed that acromegalic patients have increased amounts of lung tissue as well as nonaerated and poorly aerated areas. Functionally, there was a loss of homogeneity of the respiratory system. Moreover, there were correlations between the structural and functional findings of the respiratory system, consistent with the pathophysiology of the disease.

Isolation of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (O: 4, 5: i) and Salmonella enterica subsp. Typhimurium from free-living domestic pigeons (Columba livia) / Detecção de Salmonella enterica subsp enterica (O: 4, 5: i) e Salmonella enterica subsp. Typhimurium em pombo doméstico de vida livre (Columba livia)

The present study reports the isolation of Salmonella enterica in organs of free-living domestic pigeons. In the clinic examination, the presence of feces in the peri-cloacal and abdominal regions were observed, as well as symptoms such as cachexy, incoordination and opisthotonos. Before any therapeutic protocol was applied the bird died and a necropsy was then performed for the removal of spleen, liver, kidney and intestine for bacteriological examination and antibiotic sensitivity test. Salmonella enterica subsp.enterica (O:4,5:i-) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium were isolated from the liver and intestine and the sensitivity test demonstrated that these strains are sensitive to several antibiotics...

O presente trabalho relata o isolamento de Salmonella enterica em órgãos de um pombo doméstico de vida livre. No exame clínico foi observada a presença de fezes pericloacal na região ventral, caquexia, incoordenação motora e opistótono. Antes de iniciar um protocolo terapêutico, a ave foi a óbito, e, em seguida, foi realizada uma necropsia para remoção do baço, fígado, rim e intestino para exame bacteriológico e teste de sensibilidade a antibióticos. Foi isolado Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (O:4,5:i-) e Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica sorovar Typhimurium do fígado e intestino, e o teste de sensibilidade demonstrou que essas cepas são sensíveis a vários antimicrobianos...

A new surgical technique to treat corneal perforations using amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive / Nova técnica cirúrgica para tratamento de perfuração de córnea utilizando membrana amniótica e adesivo cirúrgico

The objectives of this study were to compare surgical techniques and the effects of using n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate and bovine amniotic membrane to repair perforated lesions in corneas. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in sixty New Zealand White rabbits under general anesthesia. Group 1 (G1) was treated with n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, group 2 (G2) received a fragment of amniotic membrane through the anterior chamber and application of n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate over the lesion, group 3 (G3) was treated with the same technique as G2 with the addition of an amniotic membrane bandage covering the cornea and sutured in the limbus region, and group 4 (G4) was treated with an amniotic membrane sutured to the lesion and an amniotic membrane bandage sutured in the limbus region. Clinical, histological and histomorphometric examinations of the corneas were performed. The membrane acted as a barrier for aqueous humor in G2 and G3, thereby keeping the surface dry for adhesive application; it also prevented the adhesive from contacting intraocular structures. The groups treated with amniotic membrane and surgical adhesive showed better results than the groups treated with either material alone. Thus, the combination of the membrane with the adhesive is recommended for this type of lesion...

Os objetivos deste estudo foram comparar técnicas cirúrgicas e efeitos do n-butil 2-cianoacrilato e da membrana amniótica bovina na reparação de lesões perfuradas em córneas. Sessenta coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branca foram submetidos à ceratoplastia penetrante sob anestesia geral. O grupo 1 (G1) foi tratado com n-butil 2-cianoacrilato; o grupo 2 (G2) recebeu um fragmento de membrana amniótica pela câmara anterior e aplicação de n-butil 2-cianoacrilato sobre a lesão; o grupo 3 (G3) foi tratado com a mesma técnica aplicada ao G2, adicionando-se uma bandagem de membrana amniótica cobrindo a córnea e suturada à região do limbo; e o grupo 4 (G4) foi tratado com membrana amniótica suturada nas bordas da lesão e bandagem de membrana amniótica suturada na região do limbo. Foram realizados exames clínico, histológico e histomorfométrico. A membrana atuou como barreira contra o extravasamento do humor aquoso nos grupos 2 e 3, manteve a superfície seca para posterior aplicação do adesivo e impediu o contato do adesivo com as estruturas intraoculares. Os grupos tratados com o adesivo associado à membrana amniótica demonstraram melhores resultados do que aqueles tratados com cada material isoladamente. Assim, a combinação da membrana com o adesivo é indicada neste tipo de lesão...

Extrato de alho no controle in vitro e in vivo da antracnose da videira / Garlic extract in the in vitro and in vivo control of anthracnose of grapevine

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência in vitro e in vivo do extrato bruto de alho no controle da antracnose da videira (Elsinoe ampelina). No primeiro experimento in vitro, adicionaram-se doses de 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 ou 30 mL L-1 de extrato bruto de alho em meio batata-dextrose-ágar (BDA) antes da esterilização em autoclave e em meio fundente. Após 3, 5, 7 e 9 dias de incubação a 24 ± 2ºC e fotoperíodo de 16 horas, mensurou-se o crescimento micelial de E. ampelina. No segundo experimento in vitro, repetiu-se a metodologia de adição de extrato em meio fundente acrescentando 2,5 mL L-1 de óleo vegetal e uma testemunha absoluta somente com BDA. Avaliação da germinação de E. ampelina foi realizada após duas horas e após quatro horas de incubação a 24ºC e luz constante. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os experimentos in vitro foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e parcela experimental constituída por uma placa de Petri. No experimento a campo, logo após a poda da videira cv. Isabel pulverizou-se semanalmente, sobre as folhas da planta, as doses de extrato bruto de alho acrescida do óleo, exceto na testemunha absoluta (sem tratamento). A partir dos primeiros sintomas da antracnose da videira, avaliou-se a severidade que foi expressa em área abaixo da curva do progresso da doença (AACPD). O delineamento foi em blocos ao acaso com cinco repetições. Constatou-se que o extrato bruto de alho reduziu o crescimento micelial do patógeno, principalmente ao adicioná-lo em meio de cultura, antes da esterilização, quando expressou o máximo potencial antifúngico. Ao adicionar o óleo vegetal às doses de extrato, constatou-se inibição total nas doses de 25 ou 30 mL L-1. Este efeito aditivo entre esses compostos também foi constato no teste de germinação de E. ampelina. Em condições de campo, o extrato bruto de alho reduziu a AACPD em 83,59% na dose de 25 mL L-1.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of the crude extract of garlic in controlling anthracnose of grapevine (Elsinoe ampelina). In the first experiment in vitro, 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 mL L-1 crude extract of garlic were added to potato-dextrose-agar medium (PDA) before autoclaving for sterilization and to melting media. After 3, 5, 7 and 9 days of incubation at 24 ± 2ºC and photoperiod of 16 hours, the mycelial growth of E. ampelina was measured. In the second experiment in vitro, we repeated the methodology of adding the extract to the melting medium plus 2.5 mL-1 of vegetable oil and an absolute control with PDA only. After two and four hours of incubation at 24ºC and constant light, germination of E. ampelina was assessed. The experimental design for in vitro experiments was completely randomized with four replicates and the experimental plot consisted of a Petri dish. In the field experiment, after pruning of the grapevine cv. Isabel, the levels of crude extract of garlic plus oil were weekly sprayed on the leaves of the plant, except on the absolute control (no treatment). From the first symptoms of anthracnose of grapevine, the severity that was expressed as area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was evaluated. The design was in randomized blocks with five replicates. The crude extract of garlic reduced the mycelial growth of the pathogen, especially when added to the culture medium prior to sterilization, when it expressed its maximal antifungal potential. When the vegetable oil was added to the extract levels, there was complete inhibition at the levels 25 or 30 mL L-1. This additive effect of these compounds was also noted for the germination test of E. ampelina. Under field conditions, the crude extract of garlic reduced the AUDPC by 83.59% at 25 mL L-1.

Doença granulomatosa sistêmica em bovinos no estado de Santa Catarina associada ao pastoreio de ervilhaca peluda (Vicia villosa) / Systemic granulomatous disease in cattle in Santa Catarina, Brazil, associated with grazing of vetch (Vicia villosa)

Spontaneous intoxication in three dairy cows grazing pasture contaminated with Vicia villosa in two different farms was reported. Hyperthermia, skin alopecia and pruritus were the main clinical signs. Macroscopically, gray to white up to 5cm nodules were detected, especially in kidney and lymph nodes, which correspond to mild to severe multifocal granulomatous infiltrate. This is the first report of systemic granulomatous disease due to consumption of hairy vetch in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

A vivência do enfermeiro em terapia intensiva: estudo fenomenológico / The experience of nurses in intensive care: phenomenological study

Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender a percepção dos enfermeiros acerca de sua vivência no processo de cuidar de pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Pesquisa descritiva/exploratória, qualitativa, de abordagem fenomenológica proposta por Heidegger. Participaram 7 enfermeiros intensivistas de um hospital universitário, em Natal/RN, que responderam a entrevista semiestruturada. Revelou-se que a vivência do enfermeiro apresenta aspectos relacionados ao ambiente físico da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva, ao sofrimento dos clientes, ao vínculo com o cliente e a família, como também as dificuldades cotidianas no ambiente de trabalho. Conclui-se que o cuidado de enfermagem proporciona a formação de um elo de amizade e solidariedade entre o profissional, o paciente e seus familiares. Para desenvolver esse cuidado, os profissionais de enfermagem necessitam de um suporte emocional que amenize o estresse causado pela rotina desgastante da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva.

Imbalance of naive and memory T lymphocytes with sustained high cellular activation during the first year of life from uninfected children born to HIV-1-infected mothers on HAART

The immune consequences of in utero HIV exposure to uninfected children whose mothers were submitted to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) during gestation are not well defined. We evaluated 45 HIV-exposed uninfected (ENI) neonates and 45 healthy unexposed control (CT) neonates. All HIV-infected mothers received HAART during pregnancy, and the viral load at delivery was <50 copies/mL for 56.8 percent. Twenty-three ENI neonates were further evaluated after 12 months and compared to 23 unexposed healthy age-matched infants. Immunophenotyping was performed by flow cytometry in cord and peripheral blood. Cord blood lymphocyte numbers did not differ between groups. However, ENI neonates had a lower percentage of naive T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 76.6 vs 83.1 percent, P < 0.001; CD8+, 70.9 vs 79.6 percent, P = 0.003) and higher percentages of central memory T cells than CT neonates (CD4+, 13.9 vs 8.7 percent, P < 0.001; CD8+, 8.6 vs 4.8 percent, P = 0.001). CD38 mean fluorescence intensity of T cells was higher in ENI neonates (CD4+, 62.2 vs 52.1, P = 0.007; CD8+, 47.7 vs 35.3, P < 0.001). At 12 months, ENI infants still had higher mean fluorescence intensity of CD38 on T cells (CD4+, 34.2 vs 23.3, P < 0.001; CD8+, 26.8 vs 19.4, P = 0.035). Despite effective maternal virologic control at delivery, HIV-exposed uninfected children were born with lower levels of naive T cells. Immune activation was present at birth and remained until at least 12 months of age, suggesting that in utero exposure to HIV causes subtle immune abnormalities.

TNF-a and IL-10 levels in tracheobronchial lavage of ventilated preterm infants and subsequent lung function

The role of airway inflammation in ventilated preterm newborns and the risk factors associated with the development of chronic lung disease are not well understood. Our objective was to analyze the association of the airway inflammatory response in ventilated preterm infants by serial measurements of TNF-a and IL-10 in tracheobronchial lavage (TBL) with perinatal factors and lung function measured early in life. A series of TBL samples were collected from ventilated preterm infants (less than 32 weeks of gestational age) and concentrations of TNF-a and IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Pulmonary function tests were performed after discharge by the raised volume rapid compression technique. Twenty-five subjects were recruited and 70 TBL samples were obtained. There was a significant positive association between TNF-a and IL-10 levels and length of time between the rupture of the amniotic membranes and delivery (r = 0.65, P = 0.002, and r = 0.57, P < 0.001, respectively). Lung function was measured between 1 and 22 weeks of corrected age in 10 patients. Multivariable analysis with adjustment for differences in lung volume showed a significant negative association between TNF-a levels and forced expiratory flow (FEF50; r = -0.6; P = 0.04), FEF75 (r = -0.76; P = 0.02), FEF85 (r = -0.75; P = 0.03), FEF25-75 (-0.71; P = 0.02), and FEV0.5 (r = -0.39; P = 0.03). These data suggest that TNF-a levels in the airways during the first days of life were associated with subsequent lung function abnormalities measured weeks or months later.

Evaluation of the humoral immune response in BALB/c mice immunized with a naked DNA vaccine anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is the major pathogen involved in nosocomial infections, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality in hospitals worldwide. The methicillin resistance occurs due to the presence of an additional penicillin-binding protein, PBP2a, which has low affinity for b-lactam antibiotics. In the past few years, vancomycin has been the only antibiotic option for treatment of infections caused by multiresistant MRSA; however, reports of vancomycin-resistant strains have generated great concerns regarding the treatment to overcome these infections. In the present study, we report preliminary results regarding the humoral immune response generated in BALB/c mice by two different doses of naked DNA vaccine containing an internal region, comprising the serine-protease domain, of the PBP2a of MRSA. The immunization procedure consisted of four immunizations given intramuscularly within 15-day intervals. Blood was collect weekly and anti-PBP2a-specific antibodies were screened by ELISA. BALB/c mice immunized with DNA vaccine anti-PBP2a have shown higher antibody titers mainly after the fourth immunization, and intriguingly, no correlation between the humoral immune response and DNA dose was observed. Our results suggest that the DNA vaccine anti-PBP2a induced an immune response by production of specific antibodies anti-MRSA in a non-dose-dependent manner, and it could represent a new and valuable approach to produce specific antibodies for passive immunization to overcome MRSA infections.

Manifestaçoes neurológicas em crianças e adolecentes infectados e expostos ao HIV-1 / Neurological findings in a group of children and adolescents exposed and infected by HIV-1

The CNS infection by HIV-1 in infancy could be present immediately after infection or became manifest later. Microcephalia, mental retardation, pyramidal signs, humor and behavioral disorders and antiretroviral therapy complications are common. This is an observational, sectional and descriptive study about findings on neurological examination of 173 patients in a group of children and adolescents infected and exposed to HIV-1 in perinatal period. Most of them had more than one neurological finding or different diagnosis. The more common findings were: encephalopathy, mental retardation, language delay, pyramidal signs, hyporeflexia. The neurological examination was abnormal in 67% of all patients even in seroreverters. We suggest that this group has a high risk to neurological disease and the development of co-morbidity is directly correlated to clinical deterioration by HIV-1 infection.

O envolvimento do sistema nervoso central SNC na infecção pelo HIV-1 em crianças pode estar evidente desde o início ou demorar muitos anos para se manifestar. Microcefalia, rebaixamento cognitivo, sinais piramidais, distúrbios do humor e do comportamento e complicações pelo uso da terapia antiretroviral são comuns. Este é um trabalho observacional, descritivo e seccional cuja finalidade é descrever as alterações do exame neurológico em um grupo de crianças e adolescentes expostos pelo HIV-1 durante o período perinatal. Foram avaliados 173 pacientes. Muitos pacientes tinham superposição de alterações de exame neurológico e/ou mais de um diagnóstico. As alterações mais comuns foram: retardo do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, atraso de linguagem, deficiência mental, síndrome piramidal, hiporreflexia. O exame neurológico foi alterado em 67% dos casos, mesmo naqueles pacientes soro-revertidos. Sugerimos que existe alto risco para doença neurológica nesse grupo de pacientes e que a progressão da infecção pelo HIV-1 acentua o aparecimento de co-morbidades e comprometimento de seu prognóstico.

Seroprevalence of human herpesvirus 8 infection in children born to HIV-1- infected women in São Paulo, Brazil

Human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) appears to be transmitted mainly by sexual contact. However, several studies suggest that in developing countries the infection may be acquired early in life by routes other than sexual transmission. The present study estimated the seroprevalence of HHV-8 in Brazilian children born to HIV-1-infected mothers. The serum samples were collected in a cross-sectional cohort study from 99 children born to HIV-infected mothers (median age 3.27 years; range 1.5-13.8 years) attending the outpatient clinic of the Federal University of São Paulo. IgG antibodies to HHV-8 latency-associated nuclear antigen and lytic phase antigens were detected by immunofluorescence assays. The samples tested were collected from children aged 12 months or older to exclude the possibility of cross-placental antibody transport. The total prevalence of anti-lytic antibodies in this population (5/99; 5 percent) reveals that HHV-8 infection can occur during childhood. Children aged 1.5 to 2 years had a seroprevalence of 2 percent (1/50) and children aged 3.25 to 13.8 years had a seroprevalence of 8 percent (4/49). This difference was not statistically significant, probably because of the small size of the sample, but it suggests that HHV-8 infection occurs more commonly late in infancy. Further prospective studies are necessary to evaluate the timing and risk factors for primary HHV-8 infection in the pediatric population.

Th-1 and Th-2 cytokine production in infants with virus-associated wheezing

Wheezing associated with respiratory viral infections in infancy is very common and results in high morbidity worldwide. The Th1/Th2 pattern of immune response in these patients remains unclear and previous studies have shown controversial results. The aim of the present study was to compare the type of Th1/Th2 cytokine response between infants with acute bronchiolitis, recurrent wheezing and upper respiratory infections from a developing country. Infants younger than 2 years of age admitted to Hospital São Lucas, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, between May and November 2001, with an acute episode of wheezing associated with viral respiratory infection were selected. Subjects with upper respiratory infections from the emergency department were selected for the control group. Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) levels from nasal aspirates were determined by ELISA from peripheral mononuclear cell cultures. Twenty-nine subjects with acute bronchiolitis, 18 with recurrent wheezing and 15 with upper respiratory infections were enrolled. There were no differences in family history of atopy or parental smoking between groups. Oxygen requirement was similar for the acute bronchiolitis and recurrent wheezing groups. The percentage of positive tests for the cytokines studied and the IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio was similar for all groups. Comparison of the polarized Th1/Th2 cytokine results for the various groups showed no specific pattern of cytokine production. Infants with wheezing from a developing country do not show any specific predominant pattern of Th1/Th2 cytokine production, suggesting that multiple factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of this illness.

Efecto hepato protector del selenio y de la vitamina E en ratas sometidas a ingesta alcohólica crónica / Effect hepato protective of the selenium and the vitamine E in rats submision a chronic alcoholic ingestion

En la presente investigación se estudió el efecto protector del selenio (Se) y de la VE (VE) administrados por vía oral sobre la aparición de alteraciones histopatológicas hepáticas en ratas Wistar machos jóvenes sometidas a la ingesta crónica de alcohol. Los animales con ingesta crónica de alcohol sin tratamiento antioxidante mostraron al estudio histológico: marcada esteatosis hepática conjuntamente con congestión, zonas de hemorragia y de necrosis lítica, edema, infiltrados inflamatorios agudos y crónicos, presencia de cuerpos de Mallory en los hepatocitos centrolobulillares y mitocondrias grandes y esféricas. En otros se observó fibrosis periportal y centrolobulillar. El hallazgo más significativo correspondió a las lesiones malignas (carcinoma hepatocelular) encontradas en tres ejemplares de este grupo. En los animales con ingesta crónica de alcohol y tratados simultáneamente con Se + VE, estas alteraciones no se pudieron detectar. En los animales tratados sólo con VE o con Se, los hallazgos histopatológicos fueron más evidentes al comparar con los animales que recibieron los dos nutrientes. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran el efecto crónica del alcohol. Se discute la participación de los radicales libres en la producción de estas alteraciones y se destaca el efecto antioxidante de la VE y sus interacciones bioquímicas con el Se y con la selenoenzima: glutatión peroxidasa (Gpx), un antioxidante preventivo

O ketoconazole por via sistemica em candidiase vulvovaginal: estudo multicentrico. / Ketoconazol by systemic route in vulvovaginal candidiasis: multicenter study

Neste estudo avaliou-se a acao terapeutica de ketoconazole por via sistemica em 105 pacientes com candidiase vulvovaginal, nas formas aguda e cronica. O ketoconazole foi administrado na dose de dois comprimidos de 200 mg por dia, durante cinco dias consecutivos. Realizou-se exame micologico a fresco (microscopia) e cultura em meio de Nickerson, antes do tratamento (para confirmacao diagnostica) e sete e trinta dias apos o termino do mesmo (para comprovacao da cura). Foi observado um percentual de cura micologica da ordem de 75,5%. Ocorreram efeitos colaterais em 19 pacientes (18,1%), tornando necessaria a interrupcao do tratamento em tres pacientes, sendo em um caso por cefaleia, vomitos e astenia moderados, e em dois casos por nausea e mal-estar tambem de grau moderado. Os investigadores consideraram o tratamento da candidiase vulvovaginal entre bom e excelente em 78,4% dos casos, enquanto que para as pacientes tal conceito situou-se em 81,2% dos casos

Diagnostico de hidrotorax fetal bilateral pela ultra-sonografia. / Bilateral fetal hydrothorax diagnosis by the ultrasound

Um caso raro de hidrotorax fetal bilateral foi diagnosticado pela ultra-sonografia gray-scale no terceiro trimestre da gravidez em paciente sem queixa e aparentemente normal. O neonato morreu menos de trinta minutos depois do parto insuficiencia respiratoria aguda