Effects of physical exercise on skeletal muscles of rats with cerebral ischemia

Physical exercise is a known preventive and therapeutic alternative for several cerebrovascular diseases. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the motor performance and histomorphometry of the biceps brachii, soleus, and tibialis anterior muscles of rats submitted to a treadmill training program prior to the induction of cerebral ischemia via occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (OMCA). A total of 24 Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: Sham-Sed: sedentary control animals (n=6), who underwent sham surgery (in which OMCA did not occur); Sham+Ex: control animals exercised before the sham surgery (n=6); I-Sed: sedentary animals with cerebral ischemia (n=6); and I+Ex: animals exercised before the induction of ischemia (n=6). The physical exercise consisted of treadmill training for five weeks, 30 min/day (5 days/week), at a speed of 14 m/min. The results showed that the type-I fibers presented greater fiber area in the exercised ischemic group (I+Ex: 2347.96±202.77 µm2) compared to the other groups (Sham-Sed: 1676.46±132.21 µm2; Sham+Ex: 1647.63±191.09 µm2; I+Ex: 1566.93±185.09 µm2; P=0.0002). Our findings suggested that the angiogenesis process may have influenced muscle recovery and reduced muscle atrophy of type-I fibers in the animals that exercised before cerebral ischemia.

Enteroparasitosis en niños desnutridos graves de un hospital de la ciudad de Maracaibo, Venezuela / Intestinal parasitosis in severely malnourished children at a hospital in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela

Para comparar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos en niños con desnutrición severa de la Unidad de Recuperación Nutricional del Hospital Chiquinquirá de Maracaibo, Estado Zulia, con niños eutróficos que asisten a la consulta de niños sanos del mismo hospital; se realizó un examen coproparasitológico a 50 niños desnutridos graves y 50 niños eutróficos, mediante examen directo; técnica de concentración (Ritchie) y coloración de Ziehl Neelsen. Entre los protozoarios, Cryptosporidium sp. ocupó el primer lugar con un 14% en el grupo de los desnutridos graves y Giardia lamblia en los eutróficos con un 20%. De los helmintos identificados, Trichuruis trichiura prevaleció con 12% en los desnutridos, mientras Ascaris lumbricoides en los eutróficos ocupó el primer lugar con un 8%. No se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre la prevalencia de parásitos en general con la edad, el sexo o la desnutrición, ni entre poliparasitismo versus monoparasitismo. La medida en que se relacionan la desnutrición y las parasitosis intestinales es difícil de esclarecer, al ser la desnutrición una condición multifactorial ya que depende de la especie parasitaria presente, la intensidad de la parasitosis, las características inmunológicas y genéticas del hospedero, del medio socioeconómico en el que se desenvuelva el individuo, entre otros factores.

To compare the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children with severe malnutrition in the Nutritional Recovery Unit at the Chiquinquirá Hospital of Maracaibo, State of Zulia, with eutrophic children attending consult for healthy children at the same hospital, stool examinations were performed for 50 seriously malnourished children and 50 eutrophic children by direct examination, using the concentration technique (Ritchie) and Ziehl Neelsen. Among the protozoa, Cryptosporidium sp. ranked first, with 14% in the group of severely malnourished and Giardia lamblia in 20% of the eutrophic children. Of the identified helminths, Trichuris trichiura prevailed, with 12% in the malnourished group, while Ascaris lumbricoides took first place with 8% in the eutrophic group. No statistically significant difference was found between the prevalence of parasites in general with age, sex or malnutrition, or between polyparasitism versus monoparasitism. The extent to which malnutrition and intestinal parasites relate is difficult to clarify, since malnutrition is a multifactorial condition that depends on the parasite species present, intensity of the parasitosis, immunologic and genetic characteristics of the host, the socio economic environment in which the individual develops and other factors.

Prevalencia de enteroparasitos, rotavirus y adenovirus en niños aparentemente sanos / Prevalence of enteroparasites, rotavirus and adenovirus in apparently healthy children

Para determinar la prevalencia de parásitos intestinales, rotavirus y adenovirus en niños aparentemente sanos, se realizó el estudio parasitológico de 101 muestras fecales de individuos de uno u otro sexo, con edades comprendidas entre 2 meses y 14 años, así como el estudio virológico en 70 muestras de los niños menores de 5 años. A cada espécimen fecal se le realizó un examen coproparasitológico directo, concentración de Formol-Éter y coloración de Kinyoun. Para determinar Rotavirus y Adenovirus se empleó la técnica de Ensayo Inmunoenzimático (ELISA). Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el Ji-cuadrado (χ²) y la prueba Z. Se observó un elevado porcentaje de individuos parasitados (85,15 por ciento), los protozoarios más frecuentes fueron: Blastocystis hominis (52,47 por ciento), Giardia lamblia (26,73 por ciento) y Entamoeba coli (20,79 por ciento) y entre los helmintos Trichuris trichiura (50,49 por ciento), Ascaris lumbricoides (48,51 por ciento) y Strongyloides stercoralis (7,92 por ciento). Se observó una frecuencia de Rotavirus del 2,86 por ciento y ausencia de infección por Adenovirus. La elevada prevalencia parasitaria demuestra las condiciones de insalubridad de la comunidad, a pesar de ello, lo contrario ocurrió con los virus estudiados. Para Rotavirus quizás influyó la adquisición de anticuerpos a través de la lactancia materna, mientras que para Adenovirus entéricos, probablemente el desarrollo de anticuerpos a edad temprana

To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, rotavirus and adenovirus in apparently healthy children, a parasitological study of 101 fecal samples from persons between 2 months and 14 years from both sexes was performed, as well as a virological study of 70 samples of less than 5 years of age. For each fecal specimen, a direct coproparasitological examination was performed, with Formol - Ether concentration and Modified Zielh-Nielsen tincture techniques was made. To determine the Rotavirus and Adenovirus, the immunoenzymatic assay technique (ELISA) was used. The Ji-square (c2) and the Z test were used for statistical analysis. A high percentage of people with parasites was found (85.15 percent). The most frequent protozoan species were: Blastocystis hominis (52.47 percent), Giardia lamblia (26.73. percent) and Entamoeba coli (20.79 percent); among the helminthes were Trichuris trichiura (50.49 percent), Ascaris lumbricoides (48.51 percent) and Strongyloides stercoralis (7.92 percent). Rotavirus frequency was 2.86 percent, while Adenovirus infection was absent. The high prevalence of parasites demonstrates unhealthy conditions in the community; despite these, the opposite occurred regarding the virus being studied. Perhaps the acquisition of antibodies through maternal lactation influenced the Rotovirus percentages, whereas development of antibodies at an early age probably influenced the enteric Adenovirus

Prevalencia de enteroparásitos y factores ambientales asociados en dos comunidades indígenas del estado Zulia / Prevalence of enteric parasites and related environmental factors in two native communities of Zulia state

El objetivo de la investigación fue relacionar la prevalencia de enteroparásitos con los factores ambientales en dos comunidades indígenas del Estado Zulia. Para ello se analizaron muestras fecales, mediante examen coproscópico y concentrado, de 168 individuos Japrería ubicados en la Sierra de Perijá y 283 Añú en la Laguna de Sinamaica. Se evaluaron muestras de suelos de las zonas respectivas, midiéndose pH, carbono orgánico, conductividad eléctrica, fósforo extraíble, calcio, magnesio y potasio intercambiables, y textura. Datos de precipitación también fueron analizados. Se encontró una elevada prevalencia de enteroparásitos en ambas comunidades (Japrería 83,93 por ciento, Añú 85,16 por ciento). Predominaron los protozoarios y el poliparasitismo, observándose Blastocystis hóminis en primer lugar en ambas poblaciones. En relación a los helmintos, Ancylostomídeos prevaleció en los Japrería y Trichuris trichiura en los Añú. El suelo de la localidad Japrería fue menos arenoso que el de la Añú, registrándose en la primera, mayor precipitación promedio anual. Se concluye que dentro de los factores ambientales evaluados, el suelo es importante en función de su textura, cobertura vegetal y precipitación, que influyen directamente en su capacidad para retener la humedad, constituyéndose en un elemento que determina diferentes patrones de distribución en la prevalencia de geohelmintos.

The objective of the investigation was to relate the prevalence of enteric parasites to environmental factors in two native communities of Zulia State. Fecal samples were analyzed using the copro-parasitology test and concentration technique, for 168 Japrería individuals located in the Perij  Mountain Range and 283 Añú in the Sinamaica Lagoon. Soil samples from the respective zones were evaluated, measuring pH, organic carbon, electric conductivity, extractable phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, interchangeable potassium and texture. Precipitation data were also analyzed. A high prevalence of enteric parasites was found in both communities (Japrer¡a 83.93 percent, Añú 85.16 percent). Protozoa and polyparasitism dominated, observing Blastocystis hóminis in first place for both populations. Regarding helminths, Ancylostom¡deos prevailed among the Japrer¡a and Trichuris trichiura among the Añú. Soil at the Japrería locality was less sandy than that of the Añú and received greater annual average precipitation. Conclusions were that among the environmental factors evaluated, the soil is important because of its texture, vegetable cover and precipitation, influencing its capacity to retain humidity, an element that determines different distribution patterns in the prevalence of geohelminths.

Tinea nigra palmaris: presentación de un caso clínico en la República Argentina

Se presenta el caso clínico de una paciente que consultó por una mancha oscura en la palma izquierda. El examen micológico permitió determinar que la infección había sido producida por un hongo pigmentado, Hortaea werneckii, agente etiológico de la tinea nigra palmaris. Esta es una infección benigna que puede ser rápidamente diagnosticada y tiene tratamiento eficaz. La paciente fue tratada con econazol durante un mes, con remisión completa de las lesiones. Frente a la sospecha de una infección fúngica por la presencia de manchas de color pardo es muy importante practicar el estudio micológico, ya que mediante una técnica no invasora es posible establecer un diagnóstico diferencial y descartar fácilmente otras patologías más graves con las que puede confundirse en el examen clínico.

A clinical case of a female patient with a black spot on the palm of her left hand is presented. The infection was due to a black fungus identified as Hortaea werneckii, the aetiological agent of tinea nigra palmaris. This infection can be easily diagnosed and it is important to establish the differential diagnosis from other skin pathologies. Normally, the treatment has a successful outcome. In this case, the patient was treated with econazole locally applied during one month, with complete remission of the lesions. In conclusion, the early diagnosis of this disease is very important since the mycology procedures are fast and non-invasive and cure is obtained with local treatment.

Prevalencia de enteroparásitos en dos comunidades de Santa Rosa de Agua en Maracaibo estado Zulia Venezuela 2006 / Prevalence of enteroparasites in two communities of Santa Rosa de Agua in Maracaibo Zulia Venezuela 2006

Para determinar la prevalencia de enteroparasitos en dos comunidades de Santa Rosa de Agua en el Estado Zulia, se analizaron 216 muestras fecales de individuos de ambos sexos, con edades comprendidas entre 1mes a 73 años. A cada espécimen fecal se le realizó un examen coproparasitológico directo con SSF (0,85 por ciento), coloración temporal de lugol y método de concentración de Formol-Eter; para la búsqueda de coccidios intestinales se aplicó la tinción de Kinyoun. Se observó un elevado porcentaje de individuos parasitados (86,58 por ciento), en donde predominó el poliparasitismo (68,98 por ciento) con asociación entre especies comensales y patógenas. En cuanto al grupo etario, el estrato de los adultos jóvenes (20 a 39 años) resultó mayormente parasitado (20,83 por ciento). A través del Ji (X²) no se observó diferencia significativa entre las enteroparasitosis y sexo; al relacionar los grupos etarios con las infecciones parasitarias, si hubo diferencia entre éstas dos variables. Las especies de protozoarios más prevalentes fueron: Blastocystis hominis (64,07 por ciento), Entamoeba coli (26,73 por ciento), Giardia lamblia (22,45 por ciento). Dentro de los helmintos: Trichuris trichiura (56,68 por ciento), Ascaris lumbricoides (44,09 por ciento), Hymenolepis nana (5,34 por ciento) ocuparon los primeros lugares. Las comunidades estudiadas de Santa Rosa de Agua presentan elevada prevalencia por enteroparásitos, situación similar a la observada en otras comunidades con condiciones socio-sanitarias e higiénicas deficientes.

Zinc and water intake in rats: investigation of adrenergic and opiatergic central mechanisms

We have demonstrated that central administration of zinc in minute amounts induces a significant antidipsogenic action in dehydrated rats as well as in rats under central cholinergic and angiotensinergic stimulation. Here we show that acute third ventricle injections of zinc also block water intake induced by central ß-adrenergic stimulation in Wistar rats (190-250 g). Central inhibition of opioid pathways by naloxone reverses the zinc-induced antidipsogenic effect in dehydrated rats. After 120 min, rats receiving third ventricle injections of isoproterenol (160 nmol/rat) exhibited a significant increase in water intake (5.78 ± 0.54 ml/100 g body weight) compared to saline-treated controls (0.15 ± 0.07 ml/100 g body weight). Pretreatment with zinc (3.0, 30.0 and 300.0 pmol/rat, 45 min before isoproterenol injection) blocked water intake in a dose-dependent way. At the highest dose employed a complete blockade was demonstrable (0.54 ± 0.2 ml/100 g body weight). After 120 min, control (NaAc-treated) dehydrated rats, as expected, exhibited a high water intake (7.36 ± 0.39 ml/100 g body weight). Central administration of zinc blocked this response (2.5 ± 0.77 ml/100 g body weight). Naloxone pretreatment (82.5 nmol/rat, 30 min before zinc administration) reverted the water intake to the high levels observed in zinc-free dehydrated animals (7.04 ± 0.56 ml/100 g body weight). These data indicate that zinc is able to block water intake induced by central ß-adrenergic stimulation and that zinc-induced blockade of water intake in dehydrated rats may be, at least in part, due to stimulation of central opioid peptides

Central lead administration inhibits water intake and sodium appetite in rats

We have demonstrated that acute third ventricle injections of lead acetate (PbAc) exert a powerful antidipsogenic effect and induce a significant increase in renal sodium excretion. In the present study we confirm the antidipsogenic effect of lead and demonstrate that central administration of this metal, in minute amounts, significantly reduces salt intake both during dehydration and after central angiotensinergic stimulation. Adult male Wistar rats had the third ventricle cannulated seven days before the experiments. During this period they had free access to distilled water and hypertonic saline solution (1.5 percent). After a 24-h period of fluid deprivation, experimental animals received third ventricle injections of PbAc (0.3, N = 8 and 3.0 nmol/rat, N = 14) while controls received sodium acetate (NaAc; 3.0 nmol/rat, N = 10). Rats treated with PbAc at the highest dose showed a significant reduction both in water and hypertonic saline intake when compared to controls. When the effect of lead administration on angiotensin II-induced water and salt intake was studied, normohydrated animals received third ventricle injections of angiotensin II (9.6 nmol/rat) after pretreatment with 3.0 nmol/rat of PbAc (experimental group, N = 10) or NaAc (controls, N = 8). The group pretreated with PbAc presented a significant reduction in both water and salt intake compared to controls. Thus, this study confirms the antidipsogenic effect of central lead injections and demonstrates that the presence of lead in the brain exerts a significant inhibition of sodium appetite

Proximal duodeno-jejunostomy for the safe management of the difficult duodenal stump

Seven patients with peptic ulcer disease had severe scarring of the duodenum, making its closure at the time of gastrectomy difficult. They were managed intraoperatively with proximal duodeno-jejunostomy as a means to avoid the catastrophic complication of disruption of the duodenal stump closure with its consequent peritonitis. The jejunum used for this anastomosis was an extension of the long limb of a Roux en Y which is brought up to perform the gastrojejunostomy. The end to end duodeno-jejunostomy is performed proximal to a side to side gastrojejunostomy, hence the name, proximal duodeno Jejunostomy. These seven patients had no unexpected immediate postoperative complications during the thirty days following surgery and were all discharged from the hospital well. During the same three and a half year period twenty five other patients were submitted to gastrectomy and had two duodenal stump leaks after conventional closures. One patient died and the other survived after prolonged intensive care stay. These differences were not statistically significant. These duodenojejunostomies are non-functional anastomoses and should consequently stricture, but in one patient it remained open and he developed bile reflux gastritis in spite of the Roux en Y gastrojejunostomy constructed to avoid this complication. These anastomoses should be constructed as stenotic as possible

Tratamiento de la hidatidosis abdominal extrahepática / Treatment of the extrahepatic abdominal hydatidosis

Se analiza una serie de 10 pacientes operados por hidatidosis abdominal extrahepática. La serie estaba formada por 5 pacientes de sexo masculino y 5 pacientes de sexo femenino, con un promedio de edad de 51 años. El síntoma más frecuente fue una masa abdominal palpable y dolor abdominal. El 40% de los pacientes tenía cirugía previa por quistes del abdomen y el 50% por quistes del hígado. En la mayoría de los casos el tratamiento fue quirúrgico resectivo (75). La morbilidad es alta en relación a otras localizaciones; siendo en su mayoría complicaciones severas. El promedio de hospitalización fue de 13 días. Fallece 1 paciente por anafilaxia. Se concluye que esta localización de la hidatidosis es poco frecuente, que su tratamiento tiene alta morbilidad, y que la mejor forma de tratamiento es la prevención de la siembra peritoneal durante la cirugía original por quiste hidatídico .