Behavioral effects of a low molecular weight peptide fraction from Phaseolus vulgaris in rats

Seminal studies stated that bean proteins are efficient neuronal tracers with affinity for brain tissue. A low molecular weight peptide fraction (<3kDa) from Phaseolus vulgaris (PV3) was previously reported to be antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, and capable of reducing reactive oxygen species and increasing nitric oxide in cells. We evaluated the effects of PV3 (5, 50, 100, 500, and 5000 µg/kg) on behavior and the molecular routes potentially involved. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments were performed before testing Wistar rats: i) in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) to assess the anxiolytic-like effect; ii) in the open field (OF) to evaluate locomotion and exploration; and iii) for depression-like behavior in forced swimming (FS). Catecholaminergic involvement was tested using the tyrosine hydroxylases (TH) enzyme inhibitor, α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (AMPT). Brain areas of chronically treated groups were dissected to assess: i) lipid peroxidation (LPO); ii) carbonylated proteins (CP); iii) superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activities. Neuronal nitric oxide synthases (nNOS) and argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) protein expression was evaluated by western blotting. Acute treatment with PV3 increased the frequency and time spent in the EPM open arms, suggesting anxiolysis. PV3 increased crossing episodes in the OF. These PV3 effects on anxiety and locomotion were absent in the chronically treated group. Acute and chronic PV3 treatments reduced the immobility time in the FS test, suggesting an antidepressant effect. TH inhibition by AMPT reverted acute PV3 effects. PV3 decreased LPO and CP levels and SOD and CAT activities, whereas nNOS and ASS were reduced in few brain areas. In conclusion, PV3 displayed central antioxidant actions that are concomitant to catecholaminergic-dependent anxiolytic and antidepressant effects.

Oxidonitrergic and antioxidant effects of a low molecular weight peptide fraction from hardened bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) on endothelium

About 3000 tons of beans are not used in human food due to hardening. Several studies on bean-derived bioactive peptides have shown potential to treat some diseases, including those relying on oxidative dysfunctions. We assessed the effects of peptides extracted from hardened bean Phaseolus vulgaris (PV) on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) production, cytotoxic and cytoprotective effects in endothelial cells, and oxidonitrergic-dependent vasodilating effects. Extract was composed by peptide fraction <3 kDa (PV3) from hardened common bean residue. PV3 sequences were obtained and analyzed with bioinformatics. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with 10, 20, 30, and 250 µg/mL PV3. Oxidative stress was provoked by 3% H2O2. Cytotoxicity and cytoprotective effects were evaluated by MTT assay, whereas, ROS and NO were quantified using DHE and DAF-FM fluorescent probes by confocal microscopy. NO- and endothelium-dependent vasodilating effects of PV3 were assessed in isolated aortic rings. We found 35 peptides with an average mass of 1.14 kDa. There were no cell deaths with 10 and 20 μg/mL PV3. PV3 at 30 μg/mL increased cell viability, while cytotoxicity was observed only with 250 μg/mL PV3. PV3 at 10 μg/mL was able to protect cells from oxidative stress. PV3 also increased NO release without causing cell death. It also reduced relative ROS production induced by H2O2. PV3 vasodilating effects relied on endothelium-dependent NO release. PV3 obtained from low-commercial-value bean displays little cytotoxicity and exerts antioxidant effects, whereas it increases endothelial NO release.

Assessment of Heat and Mass Transfers by the Evaporation of a Large Impoundment under Dry and Hot Climate: Case of Burkina Faso

This paper aims to report a numerical study of the assessment of heat and mass transfers by evaporation of a large impoundment under Burkina Faso climate conditions. This impoundment is considered as a parallelepiped which upper face, in contact with the ambient environment and subject to solar radiation, is the seat of a natural convection-based evaporation. The intensity of this evaporation is modeled by a correlation in the literature. Transfers into water are made by natural convection. They are caused by temperature differences due to solar radiation and ambient conditions (wind, hygrometry of the air,) on water. These transfers are described by the Navier-Stokes equations and energy and the initial and boundary conditions associated with them. The finite volume method and the SIMPLE algorithm were used for speed-pressure coupling. The systems of algebraic equations deduced from the discretization of transfer equations and boundary conditions associated with them are solved with Thomas’ algorithm, the SIMPLE algorithm and an iterative procedure because evaporated water quantity depends on the temperature and concentration of water vapor at the surface of the impoundment which are the unknowns of the problem. The numerical model developed is validated in relation to previous work and experimental data from Burkina Faso meteorology. The results obtained concern the evolution of the evaporated water flux under dense solar flows, a relative humidity of the air proportional to the wind speed and also the evolution of the evaporated water flux against the solar flux density for high relative moisture content. Also the evolution of the evaporated water flow against the depth of the impoundment for a solar flux density, relative humidity and the temperature of the surface of the body of water is given. The determination of evaporated water flux for typical years was calculated on a 10-year period. The results obtained show that the flux of evaporated water increases with a high solar flux rate and decreases for a high relative humidity level.

Prevalence and the factors influencing soil transmitted helminths among school age children of 5 to 14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district

Background: Highest intensity of soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is seen among school age children. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with STH infection among school age children of 5-14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district.Methods: After getting ethical clearance, five of the fourteen villages of Vedapatti were selected by cluster sampling method. Totally 819 participated in the survey conducted between November 2015-July 2016 in the field practice area. Consent from parents and assent from child were obtained. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Totally 610 gave one adequate stool sample. Early morning samples were collected and transported to the laboratory within four hours. Formal ether concentration method was performed and examination was done. Data analysis was done with SPSS-19 software. Prevalence is expressed in percentage with 95% confidence interval (CI). Univariate and Multivariate analysis were performed. Strength of association was expressed in terms of odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. P value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of STH was 7.70% (95% CI: 5.58- 9.82). Ascaris lumbricoides was highly prevalent 6.9% (4.89% to 8.91%) followed by hook worm 0.2(0.15% to 0.55%) and Trichuris trichura 0.7%(0.04% to 1.36%). Uni variate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pucca houses offered protection against STH.Conclusions: STH is still a public health problem in Coimbatore. When regular deworming is accompanied by appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities designed to prevent re infection of STH, a long-term impact can be achieved.

A community based study to assess the prevalence and sociodemographic factors influencing undernutrition among children aged 6 to 14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore

Background: Globally, malnutrition among school age children is a major public health concern. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of under nutrition (thinness and stunting) among children aged 6 to 14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district; to determine the socio-demographic factors influencing under nutrition (thinness and stunting) among these children.Methods: A community based- cross sectional study was conducted from December 2015 to July 2016 in the field practice area of PSG Rural Health Training Center Vedapatti. Out of the 14 villages in this area, five villages (clusters) were selected by cluster sampling. Data was collected from 702 children aged 6 to 14 years in these five villages using a structured questionnaire. Z score was used to calculate nutritional status. Thinness is defined as the BMI for age (BAZ) <-2SD.Stunting is defined as the Height-for-age (HAZ) <-2SD.The association of Thinness with socio-demographic factors were studied by univariate analysis. The association of Stunting with socio-demographic factors were studied by univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis.Results: The prevalence of Thinness was 15.5% (95%CI: 12.82% to 18.18%) and that of stunting was 18.8% (95%CI: 15.91% to 21.69%). In univariate analysis there was no statistically significant association between thinness and socio-demographic factors. Stunting showed statistically significant association with educational status (illiteracy) of mothers and working mothers in logistic regression analysis.Conclusions: The current study revealed that undernutrition as indicated by thinness and stunting was prevalent to some extent among these children. Stunting was significantly higher among those children whose mothers were illiterate and working. Health education and encouraging working mothers will help to solve this.

Behavioral effects of Bj-PRO-7a, a proline-rich oligopeptide from Bothrops jararaca venom

The heptapeptide Bj-PRO-7a, isolated and identified from Bothrops jararaca (Bj) venom, produces antihypertensive and other cardiovascular effects that are independent on angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, possibly relying on cholinergic muscarinic receptors subtype 1 (M1R). However, whether Bj-PRO-7a acts upon the central nervous system and modifies behavior is yet to be determined. Therefore, the aims of this study were: i) to assess the effects of acute administration of Bj-PRO-7a upon behavior; ii) to reveal mechanisms involved in the effects of Bj-PRO-7a upon locomotion/exploration, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. For this purpose, adult male Wistar (WT, wild type) and spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR) received intraperitoneal injections of vehicle (0.9% NaCl), diazepam (2 mg/kg), imipramine (15 mg/kg), Bj-PRO-7a (71, 213 or 426 nmol/kg), pirenzepine (852 nmol/kg), α-methyl-DL-tyrosine (200 mg/kg), or chlorpromazine (2 mg/kg), and underwent elevated plus maze, open field, and forced swimming tests. The heptapeptide promoted anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects and increased locomotion/exploration. These effects of Bj-PRO-7a seem to be dependent on M1R activation and dopaminergic receptors and rely on catecholaminergic pathways.

Efeito da intervenção em esteira motorizada na aquisição da marcha independente e desenvolvimento motor em bebês de risco para atraso desenvolvimental / Treadmill training effects on walking acquisition and motor development in infants at risk of developmental delay / Efecto de la intervención en caminadora automática en la adquisición de la marcha independiente y desarrollo motor en bebés de riesgo para retraso de desarrollo

OBJETIVO: Examinar o efeito de intervenção em esteira motorizada na idade de aquisição da marcha independente em bebês de risco para atraso de desenvolvimento. MÉTODOS: Estudo experimental com 15 lactentes a partir do 5º mês de idade, sendo cinco deles com risco de atraso de desenvolvimento submetidos a sessões de fisioterapia e intervenção em esteira motorizada (Grupo Experimental); cinco com risco de atraso de desenvolvimento submetidos apenas a sessões de fisioterapia (Grupo Controle de Risco); e cinco bebês sem risco de atraso (Grupo Controle Típico). As sessões de fisioterapia ocorreram duas vezes por semana, seguidas de intervenção em esteira motorizada para o grupo experimental. Todos os bebês foram avaliados mensalmente pela Alberta Infant Motor Scale e os participantes do grupo experimental foram filmados durante a realização das passadas na esteira. Comparações entre os grupos ao longo do tempo foram realizadas por análise de variância (ANOVA) e de multivariância (MANOVA). RESULTADOS: Os bebês do Grupo Experimental adquiriram a marcha independente aos 12,8 meses e os do Grupo Controle de Risco aos 13,8 meses de idade corrigida, sendo que a aquisição do Grupo Controle de Risco ocorreu mais tarde em relação ao Grupo Controle Típico (1,1 meses; p<0,05). Os bebês do grupo experimental apresentaram padrão alternado das passadas na esteira, que aumentou ao longo da intervenção (p<0,05), e mostraram melhora do desenvolvimento motor global em relação aos bebês do Grupo Controle de Risco. CONCLUSÕES: A esteira pode ser considerada um agente facilitador para a aquisição do andar independente e do desenvolvimento motor global de bebês com risco de atraso de desenvolvimento.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of motorized treadmill intervention on independent walking acquisition and other motor milestones in infants at risk of developmental delay. METHODS: Experimental study with 15 infants, observed since the 5th month of age: five infants at risk of developmental delay submitted to both physiotherapy sessions and intervention in motorized treadmill (Experimental Group); five infants at risk of developmental delay submitted to physiotherapy sessions only (Risk Control Group); and five infants without risks of developmental delay (Typical Control Group). Physiotherapy sessions occurred twice a week, followed by motorized treadmill intervention for the Experimental Group. Motorized treadmill intervention began when infants acquired cephalic control and was interrupted by independent walking or at 14 months post-conceptual age. All babies were monthly assessed with Alberta Infant Motor Scale and the Experimental Group was filmed during the exercise on the motorized treadmill. Comparisons among groups and months were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariance (MANOVA). RESULTS: Experimental Group infants acquired independent walking at 12.8 months and the Risk Control Group infants at 13.8 months of corrected age, which was delayed compared to the Typical Control Group (1.1 months; p<0.05). Experimental Group of infants showed alternated walking steps on the treadmill, which increased during the intervention period (p<0,05). They also improved their global motor development compared to Risk Control Group of infants. CONCLUSIONS: Motorized treadmill intervention facilitates independent walking acquisition and improves global motor development of infants at risk of developmental delay.

OBJETIVO: Examinar el efecto de intervención en caminadora automática en la edad de adquisición de la marcha independiente en bebés de riesgo para retraso de desarrollo. MÉTODOS: Estudio experimental de 15 lactantes a partir del 5º mes de edad, siendo 5 con riesgo de retraso de desarrollo sometidos a sesiones de fisioterapia e intervención en caminadora automática (grupo experimental); 5 de riesgo de retraso de desarrollo sometidos solamente a sesiones de fisioterapia (grupo control de riesgo); y 5 bebés sin riesgo de retraso (grupo control típico). Las sesiones de fisioterapia ocurrieron 2 veces en la semana, seguidas de intervención en caminadora automática para el grupo experimental. Todos los bebés fueron evaluados mensualmente por la Alberta Infant Motor Scale y los del grupo experimental fueron filmados realizando los pasos en la caminadora. Comparaciones entre los grupos a lo largo del tiempo fueron realizadas utilizando análisis de variancia (ANOVA) y de multivariancia (MANOVA). RESULTADOS: Los bebés del grupo experimental adquirieron la marcha independiente a los 12,8 y los del grupo control de riesgo a los 13,8 meses de edad corregida, siendo que la adquisición del grupo control de riesgo ocurrió más tarde que en el grupo control típico (1,1 meses; p<0,05). Los bebés del grupo experimental presentaron estándar alternado de los pasos en la caminadora, que aumentó a lo largo de la intervención (p<0,05) y mostraron mejora en el desarrollo motor global respecto a los bebés del grupo control de riesgo. CONCLUSIÓN: La caminadora puede ser considerada un agente facilitador para la adquisición de la marcha independiente y del desarrollo motor global de bebés de riesgo de retraso de desarrollo.

Weight of preterm newborns during the first twelve weeks of life

A longitudinal and prospective study was carried out at two state-operated maternity hospitals in Belo Horizonte during 1996 in order to assess the weight of preterm appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns during the first twelve weeks of life. Two hundred and sixty appropriate-for-gestational-age preterm infants with birth weight <2500 g were evaluated weekly. The infants were divided into groups based on birth weight at 250-g intervals. Using weight means, somatic growth curves were constructed and adjusted to Count's model. Absolute (g/day) and relative (g kg-1 day-1) velocity curves were obtained from a derivative of this model. The growth curve was characterized by weight loss during the 1st week (4-6 days) ranging from 5.9 to 13.3 percent (the greater the percentage, the lower the birth weight), recovery of birth weight within 17 and 21 days, and increasingly higher rates of weight gain after the 3rd week. These rates were proportional to birth weight when expressed as g/day (the lowest and the highest birth weight neonates gained 15.9 and 30.1 g/day, respectively). However, if expressed as g kg-1 day-1, the rates were inversely proportional to birth weight (during the 3rd week, the lowest and the highest weight newborns gained 18.0 and 11.5 g kg-1 day-1, respectively). During the 12th week the rates were similar for all groups (7.5 to 10.2 g kg-1 day-1). The relative velocity accurately reflects weight gain of preterm infants who are appropriate for gestational age and, in the present study, it was inversely proportional to birth weight, with a peak during the 3rd week of life, and a homogeneous behavior during the 12th week for all weight groups

Arterial blood pressure of term newborns during the first week of life

The progressive behavior of the blood pressure of term newborns during the first week of life was assessed by the simultaneous use of oscillometric and Doppler methods. A total of 174 term neonates born at the Municipal Hospital Odilon Behrens in Belo Horizonte, from March 1996 to February 1997, were prospectively assessed. The oscillometric and Doppler ultrasonic methods were simultaneously used for four consecutive recordings obtained at 12 ± 6, 24 ± 6 and 72 ± 24 h and on the 7th ± 1 day of life. The combined use of the two methods simplified the procedure, with automatic cuff inflation and deflation, and speed was properly controlled with an automatic pressure monitor. The procedure was performed using a Y-connection to the mercury sphygmomanometer, with blood pressure being recorded with an automatic device and systolic blood pressure being measured simultaneously by Doppler ultrasound. The newborns were awake, not crying and in the supine position. A statistically significant increase in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed between the first and second, and the third and fourth measurements by Doppler and oscillometric methods. No significant correlation between birth weight, length, ponderal index and blood pressure was observed. The technique used represents a simpler and more accurate procedure for blood pressure measurement

Alguns preditores de mortalidade cardiovascular na populaçäo idosa da cidade de Botucatu (SP) / Some predictors of cardiovascular mortality among the elderly population of Botucatu (SP)

OBJECTIVE: To detect factors associated with cardiovascular mortality in the elderly of Botucatu. METHODS: We evaluated 29 variables of interest in a cohort of patients aged ³60 using data from a survey conducted between 1983/84. The elderly cohort was analyzed in 1992 to detect the occurrence of cardiovascular deaths. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis. Three models were adapted for each group of variables, and a final model was chosen from those variables selected from each group. RESULTS: We identified predictor for cardiovascular death according to age for elderly males not supporting the family, not possessing a vehicle, and previous cardiovascular disease. In elderly females, the predictor variables were previous cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic indicators (family heading and vehicle ownerrship) may be added to well stabilished medical factors (diabete mellitus and hypertension to select target groups for programs intended to reduce deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in elderly people

Tumor de celulas gigantes da extremidade distal do peronio.Tratamento por resseccao do maleolo lateral.Apresentacao de caso. / Giant cell tumor of the distal fibula. Treatment by resection of the lateral malleolus. Report of a case

Um tipo nao convencional de tratamento resseccao do maleolo lateral - foi adotado em um caso de tumor de celulas gigantes.Decorridos 7 anos da cirurgia, o paciente evolui bem, sem queixas, podendo-se considerar estavel a articulacao e boa a funcao do tornozelo

Estimulacao ultra-sonica do calo osseo. Aplicacao clinica. / Ultrasonic stimulation of callus. Clinical use

Em uma investigacao clinica, iniciada em 1979, no Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirao Preto - USP, os autores avaliaram o uso da estimulacao ultra-sonica do calo osseo em 27 pacientes portadores de pseudartrose e/ou retarde de consolidadcao de fraturas. Todos os casos tratados foram periodicamente reexaminados tanto clinica como radiologicamente.O tempo de estimulacao variou entre um minimo de 45 e um maximo de 120 dias. Na maioria dos casos, as aplicacoes foram realizadas diariamente por 20 minutos, nao ocorrendo reacao anomala sistemica ou local. O metodo da estimulacao ultra-sonica do calo osseo, na forma por nos utilizada, oferece as seguintes vantagens: 1) nao e invasivo, 2) e seguro; 3) e promissor. Na nossa causistica, o indice de cura obtido foi de 70% nas pseudartroses do tipo hipertrofico

Enxerto osseo cortical retardado.Aplicacao clinica. / Delayed autogenous cortical bone graft: its clinical use

Os autores relatam sua experiencia com o enxerto osseo cortical autologo retardado, na correcao de grandes falhas osseas de diversas origens. Sete casos sao relatados e varios aspectos da tecnica, bem como vantagens e desvantagens, sao discutidos

Anastomose porto-cava em ratos: tecnica e resultado. / Portocaval anastomosis in rats: technic and results

Neste trabalho apresenta-se uma adaptacao da tecnica de anastomose porto-cava termino-lateral em ratos, originalmente descrita por Lee e Fisher. Salientam-se os detalhes, que sao minuciosamente explicados, com o objetivo de evidenciar a exequibilidade do modelo experimental com emprego de material extremamente simples e sem a utilizacao de lupa. Ressalta-se tambem que a cirurgia pode ser realizada por paramedicos ou tecnicos suficientemente treinados

Enxerto homologo de osso cortical granulado e descalcificado na correcao de falha ossea diafisaria. Estudo experimental em coelhos. / Homologous graft of granulated and decalcified cortical bone in the correction of diaphyseal bone defect. An experimental study in rabbits

No presente trabalho, foi investigada uma forma alternativa de correcao de falhas osseas diafisarias com enxerto homologo de osso cortical descalcificado, na forma de granulos. Tendo o coelho como animal de experimentacao, foram retirados cilindros de 2 cm de comprimentos da regiao medio-diafisaria de ambos os radios, preservando-se o periosteo. A falha criada foi sempre preenchida por enxerto osseo nao descalcificado a esquerda, que serviu como controle. Os animais foram estudados ate 9 semanas apos a cirurgia. Os resultados foram avaliados radiologicamente, atraves de incorporacao de corantes fluorescentes indicadores de osso neoformado, tendo como marcadores calceina azul, xilenol laranja e tetraciclina, possibilitando um estudo dinamico da osteogenese. Nas falhas preenchidas com osso descalcificado, ja havia neoformacao ossea na primeira semana, e apos 9 semanas, houve correcao completa da falha ossea em 89% dos casos, formando-se um ossiculo cilindrico, perfeitamente solidario com o restante do radio e apresentando canal medular em alguns casos

Lesoes traumaticas da coluna cervical.Artrodese por via anterior. / Traumatic lesions of the cervical spine. Anterior arthrodesis

Os resultados do tratamento cirurgico de 29 pacientes portadores de lesoes traumaticas da coluna cervical sao apresentados e comentados. Na maioria dos casos as etapas seguidas foram as seguintes: 1a. etapa - Reducao: manipulacao sob anestesia seguida de tracao; 2a. etapa - Manutencao: artrodese da coluna cervical por via anterior. As radiografias de controle realizadas entre o 2o. e 3o. mes de pos-operatorio mostraram a integracao do enxerto e boa estabilidade da coluna. Nos casos apropriados o retorno do paciente as suas atividades deu-se em torno do 4o.mes

Efeitos da isquemia sobre o musculo es queletico. Estudo experimental de caes. / Effects of ischemia on skeletal muscle.An experimental study in dogs

Os efeitos da isquemia sobre o musculo esqueletico foram estudados experimentalmente em caes adultos. Os animais foram subdivididos em dois grupos: grupo I - 35 caes - submetidos unicamente a isquemia de 1 a 10 horas. O grupo R - 20 caes - era constituido pelos animais submetidos a isquemia de 1 a 10 horas, seguido de revascularizacao ate o maximo de 10 horas. O estudo morfologico do material foi realizado visando a analise das alteracoes isquemicas, juntamente com a citometria das fibras, no membro isquemiado, no revascularizado e no controle. Os diametros das fibras musculares variam entre si, tanto na fase isquemica como pos-isquemica. Observou-se recuperacao parcial dos diametros quando a isquemia era de ate 2 horas. Os resultados obtidos atraves da correlacao entre o coeficiente de variabilidade dos diametros e as demais alteracoes teciduais revelaram que a fase isquemica de ate 2 horas pode ser suportada pelo tecido muscular. A partir deste tempo, as lesoes tornam-se irreversiveis