Pharmacokinetics of isoniazid in Wistar rats exposed to ethanol

Abstract Tuberculosis treatment consists of a drug combination, where isoniazid is the core drug and alcoholism is a factor highly related to poor patient compliance with the therapy. CYP2E1 is an enzyme involved both in the metabolism of ethanol and in the formation of hepatotoxic compounds during the metabolism of isoniazid. The shared metabolism pathway accounts for the possibility of pharmacokinetic interaction in cases of concomitant alcohol use during tuberculosis treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of repeated exposure of Wistar rats (males, 250 g, n=6) to ethanol on the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of isoniazid in combination with pyrazinamide and rifampicin (100 mg/kg, 350 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg, respectively). An animal group received the combination of drugs and ethanol and was compared to a control group, which received the combination of drugs without exposure to ethanol. The plasma concentrations of isoniazid were determined by a UHPLC/UV bioanalytical method that was previously validated. Biochemical markers of liver function were measured to assess potential damage. A lower elimination half-life of isoniazid was observed in the ethanol group than in the control group (t1/2 0.91 h versus 1.34 h). There was no evidence of hepatotoxicity through the biomarker enzymes evaluated. The results allow us to infer that although there are no biochemical changes related to liver damage, there is a slight influence of ethanol exposure on the pharmacokinetic profile of isoniazid. This change may have a relevant impact on the efficacy of isoniazid in the outcome of tuberculosis treatment.

Leveduras do gênero Candida isoladas de sítios anatomicamente distintos de profissionais militares em Cuiabá (MT), Brasil / Species of Candida isolated from anatomically distinct sites in military personnel in Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: Alguns fungos são habitantes do organismo humano e podem vir a causar alguma doença, quando há condições propícias para seu desenvolvimento. Infecções por leveduras são comuns e frequentes em pele e mucosas; contudo, espécies emergentes têm alterado o perfil epidemiológico. A habilidade de colonizar diversos sítios anatômicos tem sido associada à patogenicidade do gênero Candida, quando as condições ambientais são particularmente favoráveis. No caso de climas quentes e úmidos, os atritos sofridos pela pele ou as defesas imunitárias debilitadas podem fazer com que as leveduras deixem de ser comensais para se tornarem organismos patógenos. OBJETIVO: Diagnosticar candidíases em profissionais militares e avaliar a frequência dessas infecções nesses indivíduos. MÉTODOS: Os materiais clínicos analisados foram semeados em duplicata nos meios Sabouraud Dextrose-ágar (Difco) e Mycosel (Difco). Identificaram-se os agentes etiológicos por meio da observação de tubo germinativo, microcultivo e caracteres fisiológicos, assimilação de fontes de carbono (auxanograma) e fermentação de fontes de carbono (zimograma). RESULTADOS: De um total de 197 pacientes estudados, 91 (46,2 por cento) apresentaram quadros clínicos de candidíases. A região genitocrural foi considerada a mais acometida (47,7 por cento), seguida pelas regiões interdactilares (mãos e pés, 27,8 por cento). C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata e espécies emergentes, como C. krusei e C. guilliermondii, foram identificadas. CONCLUSÃO: No ambiente de trabalho, o uso de calçados e de uniformes por longos períodos de tempo, associado ao estresse e à sudorese, foi considerado fator predisponente para o desenvolvimento das infecções fúngicas.

BACKGROUNDS: Some fungi are natural inhabitants of the human body but may result in disease when conditions are conducive to their development. Yeast infections are common and often occur in the skin and mucous membranes; however emerging species have changed this epidemiological profile. The ability to colonize different anatomical sites has been associated with the pathogenicity of Candida when environmental conditions are particularly favorable. In the case of hot, humid climates, the attrition suffered by the skin and weakened immune defenses may result in yeasts becoming pathogenic rather than commensal organisms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to diagnose yeast infections in military personnel and to evaluate the frequency of these infections in the individuals evaluated. METHODS: The clinical material analyzed was seeded in duplicate in Sabouraud dextrose agar (Difco™) and Mycosel medium (Difco™). The etiological agents were identified by observing the germ tubes, microculture and physiological characteristics, assimilation of carbon sources (auxanogram) and fermentation of carbon sources (zymogram). RESULTS: Of a total of 197 patients evaluated, 91 (46.2 percent) had episodes of candidiasis. The genitocrural region was the most commonly affected area (47.7 percent) followed by the interdigital regions (between the toes or fingers) (27.8 percent). Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata and emergent species such as Candida krusei and Candida guilliermondii were found. CONCLUSIONS: In the work environment, having to use shoes and uniforms for extended periods of time, in addition to stress and perspiration, were considered predisposing factors for the development of fungal infections.

Estilos de pensar e criar em universitários das áreas de humanas e sociais aplicadas: diferenças por gênero e curso / Thinking and creating styles in students of Humanities and Social Sciences Applied areas: differences by gender and course / Estilos de pensamiento y crear en los estudiantes de las areas humanas y ciencias sociales aplicadas: diferencias por género y curso

A avaliação dos estilos de pensar e criar pode apresentar informações importantes sobre a preferência dos indivíduos e seu comportamento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os estilos de pensar e criar de universitários, de acordo com o curso de origem e gênero. A amostra foi composta por 439 estudantes (79 homens, 360 mulheres) dos cursos de Administração e Psicologia, com idades entre 18 e 55 anos. A escala "estilos de pensar e criar" de Wechsler foi administrada coletivamente, e os resultados da análise da variância indicaram que as variáveis gênero e curso não tiveram influência significativa nos estilos, mas somente a interação destas em relação ao estilo relacional-divergente. Os dados apontam a necessidade de mais estudos sobre os estilos de pensar e criar, envolvendo estudantes de outros cursos, para obtenção de conhecimento a respeito das preferências cognitivas e comportamentais dos universitários brasileiros.

The assessment of styles of thinking and creating can provide important information about the preferences of individuals and their behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate styles of thinking and creating on undergraduate students according course of origin and gender. The sample was compounded by 439 students (79 men and 360 women) studying Administration and Psychology courses, ages between 18 and 55. The scale "Styles of Thinking and Creating" of Wechsler was administered collectively. The results of Analysis of Variance indicated that the variables gender and course didn't have a significant influence on the styles, only the interaction between these variables in relation to the relational-divergent style. The findings indicate the need for further studies on the styles of thinking and creating involving more students to obtain knowledge about the cognitive preferences and behavior preferences of Brazilian undergradutates.

La evaluación de los estilos de pensar y de crear puede tener importantes informaciones acerca de las preferencias de los individuos y su comportamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los estilos de pensar y crear de los estudiantes de la universidad de acuerdo con el curso y género. La muestra fue compuesta por 439 estudiantes de Administración de Empresas y Psicología (79 hombres, 360 mujeres), con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 55. La escala de "estilos de pensamiento y crear" de Wechsler fue administrada colectivamente. Los resultados de las análisis de varianza denotaran que las variables gênero y curso no tuvieran influencia significativa en los estilos, sólo la interacción de estos en relación con el estilo relacional-divergente. Estos resultados demuestran la necesidad de nuevos estudios sobre los estilos de pensar y crear envolviendo estudiantes de otros cursos para obtener conocimientos sobre las preferencias cognitivas y de comportamiento de los Estudiantes universitarios brasilenos.