Effects of maternal exposure to arsenic on social behavior and related gene expression in F2 male mice

BACKGROUND@#Arsenic is a developmental neurotoxicant. It means that its neurotoxic effect could occur in offspring by maternal arsenic exposure. Our previous study showed that developmental arsenic exposure impaired social behavior and serotonergic system in C3H adult male mice. These effects might affect the next generation with no direct exposure to arsenic. This study aimed to detect the social behavior and related gene expression changes in F2 male mice born to gestationally arsenite-exposed F1 mice.@*METHODS@#Pregnant C3H/HeN mice (F0) were given free access to tap water (control mice) or tap water containing 85 ppm sodium arsenite from days 8 to 18 of gestation. Arsenite was not given to F1 or F2 mice. The F2 mice were generated by mating among control F1 males and females, and arsenite-F1 males and females at the age of 10 weeks. At 41 weeks and 74 weeks of age respectively, F2 males were used for the assessment of social behavior by a three-chamber social behavior apparatus. Histological features of the prefrontal cortex were studied by ordinary light microscope. Social behavior-related gene expressions were determined in the prefrontal cortex by real time RT-PCR method.@*RESULTS@#The arsenite-F2 male mice showed significantly poor sociability and social novelty preference in both 41-week-old group and 74-week-old group. There was no significant histological difference between the control mice and the arsenite-F2 mice. Regarding gene expression, serotonin receptor 5B (5-HT 5B) mRNA expression was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the arsenite-F2 male mice compared to the control F2 male mice in both groups. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and dopamine receptor D1a (Drd1a) gene expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) only in the arsenite-F2 male mice of the 74-week-old group. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) gene expression was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the arsenite-F2 male mice of both groups, but plasma 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression were not significantly different. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA expression was significantly increased only in 41-week-old arsenite-F2 mice.@*CONCLUSIONS@#These findings suggest that maternal arsenic exposure affects social behavior in F2 male mice via serotonergic system in the prefrontal cortex. In this study, COX-2 were not increased although oxidative stress marker (HO-1) was increased significantly in arsnite-F2 male mice.

An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Standard Precautions Among Health Workers From a Hospital in Northern Cyprus

Background@#The objective was to assess the knowledge level, attitude, and practice of health care workers towards standard precautions, and to identify the related factors. Furthermore, it was attempted to identify the proportion of having the experience of needle stick injuries (NSIs) and associated factors among participants. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital among 233 health workers using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included eight knowledge items, seven practice items, and five attitude items. Based on the mean score of each category, responses were grouped into “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory”. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. @*Results@#The mean age of the participants 32.95 (SD ± 9.70) and 62.2% of them were women. 57.5% of the staff had a satisfactory level of correct knowledge (>5 correct answers), 37.3% had a satisfactory positive attitude (>3 correct answers), and 30.9% had a satisfactory practice (>3 correct answers) towards standard precautions. The occupation was one of the predictors as doctors were less likely to have satisfactory knowledge and practice compared to nurses (OR = 0.269, 95% CI: 0.10–0.70 and OR = 0.248, 95% CI: 0.08–0.77, respectively). Out of 174 participants, 31.6% of them reported experiencing NSIs and support staff were 71% less likely to experience NSIs compared to nurses & paramedics. @*Conclusion@#The findings revealed a substandard adherence of standard precautions among participants, which highlighted the necessity of the provision of a periodic, tailored training program based on the occupation and risk exposure.

An Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Standard Precautions Among Health Workers From a Hospital in Northern Cyprus

Background@#The objective was to assess the knowledge level, attitude, and practice of health care workers towards standard precautions, and to identify the related factors. Furthermore, it was attempted to identify the proportion of having the experience of needle stick injuries (NSIs) and associated factors among participants. @*Methods@#A cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital among 233 health workers using a self-administrated questionnaire. The questionnaire included eight knowledge items, seven practice items, and five attitude items. Based on the mean score of each category, responses were grouped into “satisfactory” and “unsatisfactory”. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. @*Results@#The mean age of the participants 32.95 (SD ± 9.70) and 62.2% of them were women. 57.5% of the staff had a satisfactory level of correct knowledge (>5 correct answers), 37.3% had a satisfactory positive attitude (>3 correct answers), and 30.9% had a satisfactory practice (>3 correct answers) towards standard precautions. The occupation was one of the predictors as doctors were less likely to have satisfactory knowledge and practice compared to nurses (OR = 0.269, 95% CI: 0.10–0.70 and OR = 0.248, 95% CI: 0.08–0.77, respectively). Out of 174 participants, 31.6% of them reported experiencing NSIs and support staff were 71% less likely to experience NSIs compared to nurses & paramedics. @*Conclusion@#The findings revealed a substandard adherence of standard precautions among participants, which highlighted the necessity of the provision of a periodic, tailored training program based on the occupation and risk exposure.

Time-Restricted Feeding And Brisk Walking in Overweight and Obese Adults

@#Introduction: Obesity and its associated metabolic consequences such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease are a global epidemic. Conventional treatment of obesity is daily calorie restriction which many patients find challenging. Time-restricted feeding (TRF) is an emerging alternative although very limited scientific evidence is available. Alternatively, brisk walking (BW) has been shown to reduce mortality risks. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of TRF (16 hour/day of fasting) and investigate the additional effects of BW with TRF (16 hour/day of fasting) in overweight and obesity management. Methods: Thirty-six (n=36) overweight and obese participants were enrolled equally into three different groups according to their preferences in this 16- week prospective experimental study; Group A (TRF combined with BW), Group B (TRF alone) and Group C (control group maintaining their lifestyle). Data collection was conducted at the beginning and end of the study for statistical analysis. Results: All Group A and Group B participants showed significant reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, visceral fat level, whole body subcutaneous fat percentage, trunk subcutaneous percentage, legs subcutaneous percentage and arms subcutaneous fat percentage as compared to their control counterparts (Group C) (all p<0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in all anthropometric measurements of Group A participants compared to Group B counterparts. Conclusion: TRF (16 hour/day fasting) can be adopted in weight reduction management of overweight and obese patients. BW for 16 weeks combined with TRF renders no additional effects in overweight and obesity management.

COVID-19 in children: a case series from Nigeria

Introduction: the global spread of COVID-19 remains unabated in the past few months with a rise in the number of available literature on the novel virus. There are very few paediatric studies and are mainly from developed countries with a paucity of information on the clinical manifestation of COVID-19 disease in African children, including Nigeria. Methods: we described the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome in a group of five Nigerian children managed at a COVID-19 isolation and treatment centre in Nigeria. Results: we managed a total of five children with an age range of 3 months to 8 years in the last four weeks (16th April to 15th May 2020). Three of the five children were males. All the children had close contact with family members that tested positive for COVID-19. Out of the five children, one had moderate disease, three had mild symptomatic disease, and one was asymptomatic. Two out of the five children had lymphocytosis. Out of the four children who had chest radiograph, two had features of pneumonia. Conclusion: COVID-19 is not uncommon in Nigerian children, and all had a confirmed family member with COVID-19. Besides, contrary to leucopaenia with lymphopaenia observed in the adult's population, we found lymphocytosis in this cohort and about 50.0% had pneumonic changes on chest radiograph

Effects of Long-term Thrombin Inhibition (Dabigatran Etexilate) on Spontaneous Thrombolytic Activity during the Progression of Atherosclerosis in ApoE−/−–LDLR−/− Double-Knockout Mice

Background and Objectives@#Atherosclerosis is characterized by a hypercoagulable state, during which coagulation and fibrinolytic factors are activated simultaneously. However, details regarding the thrombolytic pathway in this context remain unknown. Here we investigated how direct long-term inhibition of thrombin influenced spontaneous thrombolytic activity during atherosclerotic progression in apolipoprotein E (ApoE)–/––low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)–/– double-knockout mice. @*Methods@#All mice received either standard chow (placebo group) or dabigatran-containing chow for 22 weeks, after which we evaluated them. The amount of atherosclerosis was estimated as the ratio of the atherosclerotic area to the total aortic intimal area. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in atherosclerotic regions. To evaluate thrombolysis, we used a He–Ne laser to induce thrombosis in vessels of the cremaster muscle and then measured the thrombus volume over time. @*Results@#The atherosclerotic area was smaller and thrombolytic activity greater in the dabigatran-treated group than in the placebo group. Furthermore, according to the thrombolysis model, spontaneous thrombolytic activity was increased in the dabigatran-treated mice compared with the placebo mice. In support of these results, immunohistochemistry demonstrated decreased expression of PAI-1 and TAFI but increased expression of eNOS in the dabigatran group compared with the placebo group. However, t-PA expression did not differ between groups. @*Conclusions@#Direct long-term inhibition by dabigatran etexilate of thrombin led to an increase in spontaneous thrombolytic activity decreasing the expression of PAI-1 and TAFI.

Effect of Workload on Job Stress of Ghanaian OPD Nurses: The Role of Coworker Support

BACKGROUND: Although the concept of workload is important to nursing practice, only a few nursing researchers have focused on the issue of workload within the nursing context. Knowledge of how the dynamics of workload affects the job stress of nurses working in a specific unit or department in a hospital setting, and the influence of coworker support on this relationship, still remains limited. This study, therefore examined the effect of workload on job stress of Ghanaian outpatient department nurses and the moderating effect of coworker support on this relationship. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used, and questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 216 outpatient department nurses from four major hospitals in Ghana. The data collected measured workload, job stress, and coworker support using National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index, job stress scale, and coworker support scale, respectively. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and hierarchical regression. RESULTS: High levels of workload were associated with high levels of job stress of the nurses. Also, higher levels of workload were related to higher levels of job stress for nurses who received high levels of coworker support, but this was not the case for those who received low levels of coworker support (reserve buffering effect). CONCLUSION: The finding reiterates the adverse effect of workloads on employees' health, and the reverse buffering effect implies that supporting a colleague at work should be conveyed in a positive manner devoid of negative appraisal.

Bioactive compounds; eggs; nutraceuticals; proteins

Traditional methods for soil remediation are often expensive and energy consuming and this has given rise to a new and ecologically safer method known as mycoremediation. A field experiment was carried out at the University of Ilorin Dam site to isolate and identify fungi present in organic amended plots which are capable of remediating heavy metal polluted soil of Asa River. Randomized Complete Block design in split plot arrangement was adopted using two treatments: Poultry Dropping (PD) and Abattoir Effluent (AE) at five levels i.e control, 1.3 t/ha, 2.6 t/ha, 1.3t/ha+NPK120KgN, 2.6t/ha+NPK120KgN for abattoir effluent, and poultry droppings at control, 10t/ha, 15t/ha, 10t/ha+NPK120KgN and 15t/ha+NPK120KgN having three (3) replicates. Soil samples collected before and after planting were analysed for heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Cd) using Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer. Result obtained showed thatorganic waste are effective in bioremediation of Asa River sediment with abattoir effluent having a reduction of 99.04% and poultry dropping 98.72% of heavy metal concentration in the soil which varied in the order of: Mn>Fe>Pb>Zn>Cu>Co>Ni>Cr>Cd. Result obtained also showed that eleven metal resistant Fungi were identified from abattoir effluent and poultry dropping amended plots i.e Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride,Fusarium solani, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichophyton verrusocum, Fusarium oxysporum, Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus ustus andMicrosporum nanum. Aspergillus niger was observedtohave the highest population (19% in poultry droppings and 19.6% in abattoir effluent).

Complicated malaria: relationship of complications and parasite load to outcome

Background: The pregnant women are more commonly affected with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) than non-pregnant women and its progression could lead to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. The study was designed with an aim to know the prevalence of ASB and its effects on maternal and perinatal outcome.Methods: In this prospective study, 300 antenatal women attending Anil Neerukonda Hospital were screened for ASB. Urine culture was performed using standardized Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method on blood agar, Mac Conkey抯 agar for antibiotic sensitivity testing. The screened antenatal women were divided into two subgroups viz. asymptomatic bacteriuria positive (Group I) and asymptomatic bacteriuria negative (Group II) depending on the culture study and were followed till delivery for maternal and perinatal outcomes.Results: The prevalence of ASB was 11.33%. Out of 34 cases of ASB positive, 8 cases (23.5%) were delivered with birth weight <2500 grams as compared to 11 cases (4.1%) in unexposed cases (RR 5.68, 95% CI; 2.46-13.15; p<0.05). Preterm low birth was noticed in 5 (14.7%) cases of ASB positive pregnant women with compared to unexposed cases (RR 1.5, 95% CI; 0.61-3.65, p=0.36). Regarding maternal outcomes, premature labour was observed in 8 cases (23.5%) of ASB exposed women whereas 22 (8.3%) in non-exposed cases (RR 2.84, 95% CI; 1.37-5.88, p=0.004). A significant number of women have developed hypertension (17.6%) and preeclampsia (8.8%) in ASB positive cases as compared to ASB negative cases (4.9% and 2.3% respectively).Conclusions: The prevalence of ASB was 11.33% in the present study. As one third of the cases were identified in early and late trimesters, regular and trimester wise screening need to be incorporated in routine antenatal screening for safe motherhood and new born health.

The effectiveness of optical coherence tomography for evaluating peri-implant tissue: A pilot study

PURPOSE: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been investigated as a novel diagnostic imaging tool. The utilisation of this equipment has been evaluated through several studies in the field of dentistry. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine through basic experiments the effectiveness of OCT in implant dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assess detection ability, we captured OCT images of implants in each of the following situations: (1) implants covered with mucosae of various thicknesses that were harvested from the mandibles of pigs; (2) implants installed in the mandibles of pigs; and (3) implants with abutments and crowns fixed with temporary cement. The OCT images were captured before cementation, after cementation, and after removing the excess submucosal cement. RESULTS: If the thickness of the mucosa covering the implant body was less than 1 mm, the images of the implants were clearly detected by OCT. In the implants were installed in pigs' mandibles, it was difficult to capture clear images of the implant and alveolar bone in most of the samples. Remnants of excess cement around the implants were visible in most samples that had a mucosa thickness of less than 3 mm. CONCLUSION: Currently, OCT imaging of implants is limited. Cement remnants at the submucosal area can be detected in some cases, which can be helpful in preventing peri-implant diseases. Still, though there are some restrictions to its application, OCT could have potential as an effective diagnostic instrument in the field of implant dentistry as well.

Effectiveness, safety and acceptability of the method of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy based single-visit approach to cervical cancer prevention (CCP) in Kungyangon Township, Yangon Region, Myanmar.

Cervical cancer is the second most frequent cancer occurring among the women in Myanmar. Being a preventable cancer, it is crucial to have an organized screening program in place that uses simple, practical and cost effective technology so as to ensure that the screening services have a wide coverage and it is universally accessible. The aim of this study is to fi nd out the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of the method of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and cryotherapy based single-visit approach for use in cervical cancer prevention (CCP) programmes in Myanmar. The study is a descriptive community-based study conducted from July 2013 to October 2014. A well trained central CCP mobile team from Central Women’s Hospital (CWH) of the University of Medicine 1 visited Kungyangon Township fortnightly during the weekends to carry out the study. During the 6 visits undertaken by the team, 1,617 married women between the ages of 30 - 49 years were screened for cervical cancer using VIA method. The screening coverage achieved was 8.97%. The VIA tests were positive in 121 women and the screening positive rate was 7.5%. Cryotherapy was given to 119 eligible women after proper counseling. The treatment rate was 98.35%. Two women needed loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) surgery. Another two women had invasive cancer on screening. Watery vaginal discharge for 2 to 3 weeks after cryotherapy was the only symptoms reported at the time of one month follow-up. At the time of 1 year follow-up visit, the defaulter rate was 13.45% and 3 women had persistent VIA positive lesions. The overall cure rate was 97.09%. Twenty local basic health staff (BHS) were trained during screening visits of the Central CCP team. A local CCP team was also formed to sustain the screening program at the community level. All women that participated in the study were happy with the single-visit approach and they have been supported by their husbands in their efforts to obtain treatment. In addition, it was found that the women undergoing cryotherapy successfully adhered to home-care instructions prescribed by the CCP team. The study has shown that the screen and treat single-visit approach can be successfully implemented and expanded to other areas so that a universal coverage can be obtained to control cervical cancer in Myanmar.

Lipoprotein Status And The Influence Of Age On Lipoprotein Status Among The Essential Hypertensives And Normotensives.

Abstracts: Background: Hypertension, hyperlipidaemias and ageing are considered major independent risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although independent as risk factors, the three entities are closely related and often operate simultaneously to affect the cardiovascular system adversely, resulting eventually damage to various organs most notably heart, kidneys and brain. As the average blood pressure tends to rise progressively with increasing age, the prevalence of hypertension and atherosclerosis increases with ageing. Methodology: The present study comprised of 50 hypertensive and 50 normotensive subjects with Body Mass Index (BMI) less than 30. The controls selected were matched for age, sex, and dietary habits. The subjects with co-existing disorders of hypertension like diabetes, smokers, pregnancy and children are excluded. After overnight fasting of 12 to 14 hours, 5 ml of blood is collected from the subjects and selected biochemical parameters are measured and the data is statistically analysed. Results: The evaluation of lipid profile patterns in above subjects showed hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia, increased LDL-C, total cholesterol / HDL-C ratio in hypertensives and decreased HDL-C levels in hypertensives when compared with normotensives. The Age influence on lipid profile patterns in above subjects showed significant increase in total cholesterol levels in normotensives with ageing than in hypertensives. There is significant increase in serum triacylglycerol levels in normotensives and hypertensives with ageing. There is also significant increase in total cholesterol / HDL-C ratio in normotensives with ageing than in hypertensives. Conclusion: This shows strong evidence for the increase in the risk for coronary artery disease with ageing in normotensives and once hypertension sets in there is no significant influence of age on associated dyslipidaemias. As age is a non-modifiable risk factor for coronary heart disease special care should be taken for the management of hypertension and abnormal lipid profiles in elderly subjects. The modifiable risk factors should be controlled by life style modification and pharmacological treatment of hypertension and dyslipidaemias.

Myanmar diabetes care model: Bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare delivery / Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies

@#There has been significant magnitude of problems of diabetes in Myanmar, according to the estimates of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the recent National Survey on the prevalence of diabetes. There has been a wide gap of equity between the urban and rural healthcare delivery for diabetes. Myanmar Diabetes Care Model (MMDCM) aims to deliver equitable diabetes care throughout the country, to stem the tide of rising burden of diabetes and also to facilitate to achieve the targets of the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs (2013-2020). It is aimed to deliver standard of care for diabetes through the health system strengthening at all level. MMDCM was developed based on the available health system, resources and the country's need. Implementation for the model was also discussed.

Antioxidant capacity and fatty acid composition of different parts of Adenocarpus complicatus (Fabaceae) from Turkey / Capacidad antioxidante y composición de ácidos grasos de diferentes partes de Adenocarpus complicatus (Fabaceae) de Turquía

Adenocarpus complicatus is distributed throughout the Anatolian peninsula and is widely used for human and animal nutrition. The purpose of this work was to study the antioxidant properties and fatty acid composition of different parts of this plant (fruits and mixed materials). The species was collected from Golyuzu village of the Seydisehir district near Konya province, Turkey. Fruit and mixed parts obtained from this species were ground and a 15g sample was used to prepare methanolic extracts. Powdered plant samples were extracted with 100mL methanol in a mechanical shaker. The obtained extracts were filtered and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure and were subsequently stored at -20°C. Antioxidant components, namely total phenolic and flavonoid content, were detected for each extract using spectrophotometric methods. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by various assays including phosphomolybdenum, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, and ferric and cupric ion reducing power. The fatty acid profiles of plant parts were also determined by using gas chromatography. The total phenolic content of fruit (36.21mgGAE/g) was higher than that of mixed materials (13.79mgGAE/g). The methanolic extract of mixed material had higher amounts of flavonoid than fruit extract. The free radical scavenging activity of extracts was expressed as IC50 value (μg/mL) (amount required to inhibit DPPH radical formation by 50%). The lower IC50 value reflects better free radical scavenging action. The radical scavenging activity of the samples was compared with BHT, it showed the mixed material to be almost two times more potent than the fruit extract. However, BHT is an excellent free radical scavenger with an IC50 of 34.061μg/mL. The ferric and cupric reducing power potentials of the extracts were expressed as EC50 value (the effective concentration at which the absorbance was 0.5). Fruit extract exhibited strong ferric reducing power with an EC50 of 871.25μg/mL. The metal chelating activity of the extracts increased with concentration. Chelating effect was 83.60% for fruit extract at 1mg/mL concentration. Oil content of fruit and mixed parts were detected as 6.71 and 6.14%, respectively. A total of 32 fatty acids were found in the oil. Essential fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic acid) were identified as the most abundant fatty acids in the oil. These results demonstrated that this plant species can be considered as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants. Likewise, the oil obtained from the plant can be used as a source of essential fatty acids for food and pharmacological applications. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 337-346. Epub 2014 March 01.

Adenocarpus complicatus se distribuye por toda la península de Anatolia y es ampliamente utilizado para la nutrición humana y animal. El propósito de este trabajo fue estudiar las propiedades antioxidantes y la composición de ácidos grasos de diferentes partes de la planta (frutos y partes mezcladas). Las especies fueron recolectadas en Golyuzu, Seydisehir, cerca de la provincia Konya en Turquía. Para preparar los extractos metanólicos se tomó una muestra de 15g de frutas y partes mezcladas de esta especie. Muestras de plantas en polvo se extrajeron con 100ml de metanol en un agitador mecánico. Los extractos obtenidos se filtraron y se concentraron a sequedad bajo presión reducida y posteriormente se almacenaron a -20°C. Para cada extracto, mediante métodos espectrofotométricos se detectaron los componentes antioxidantes, llamados contenido total de fenoles y flavonoides. La capacidad antioxidante se evaluó mediante diversos ensayos: fosfomolibdeno, capacidad de captación de radicales libres DPPH, actividad quelante de metales y poder reductor de iones férricos y cúpricos. También se determinaron los perfiles de ácidos grasos de partes de la planta mediante el uso de cromatografía de gases. El contenido fenólico total de la fruta (36.21mgGAE/g) fue mayor que la de los materiales mezclados (13.79mgGAE/g). El extracto metanólico de material mezclado tenía una mayor cantidad de flavonoides que el extracto de la fruta. La actividad captadora de radicales libres de los extractos se expresó como valor de IC50 (mg/ml) (cantidad necesaria para inhibir la formación de radicales DPPH en un 50%). El valor bajo de IC50 refleja mejor acción eliminadora de radicales libres. La actividad captadora de radicales de las muestras se comparó con BHT, se mostró que el material mezclado es casi dos veces más potente que el extracto de la fruta. Sin embargo, BHT es un excelente eliminador de radicales libres con una IC50 de 34.061μg/mL. El potencial de reducción férrico y cúprico de los extractos se expresó como valor de CE50 (la concentración efectiva a la que la absorbancia fue de 0.5). El extracto de la fruta exhibe fuerte poder reductor férrico con una EC50 de 871.25μg/mL. La actividad quelante de metales de los extractos aumentó con la concentración. El efecto quelante de extracto de fruta fue de 83.60% en una concentración de 1mg/ml. El contenido de aceite del fruto y partes mixtas fue 6.71 y 6.14%, respectivamente. Un total de 32 ácidos grasos fueron encontrados en el aceite. Los ácidos grasos esenciales (ácido linoleico y α-linolénico) fueron identificados como los ácidos grasos más abundantes en el aceite. Estos resultados demostraron que esta especie vegetal se puede considerar como una alternativa a los antioxidantes sintéticos. Del mismo modo, el aceite obtenido de la planta se puede utilizar como una fuente de ácidos grasos esenciales para alimentos y aplicaciones farmacológicas.

N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate Embolization with Blood Flow Control of an Arterioportal Shunt That Developed after Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

We present a case of a patient with rapid deterioration of esophageal varices caused by portal hypertension accompanied by a large arterioportal shunt that developed after radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma. We used n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) as an embolic material to achieve pinpoint embolization of the shunt, because the microcatheter tip was 2 cm away from the shunt site. Under hepatic arterial flow control using a balloon catheter, the arterioportal shunt was successfully embolized with NBCA, which caused an improvement in the esophageal varices.

Características do leite cru consumido pela população de Pires do Rio – GO / Characteristics of raw milk consumed by the population of Pires do Rio – GO

INTRODUÇÃO: O consumo de leite cru é bastante alto em todo território nacional, especialmente em comunidades rurais e em pequenos municípios, o que representaum risco à saúde da população.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade do leite clandestino distribuído na cidade de Pires do Rio, GO, por meio dos testes de alizarol, acidez, densidade, crioscopia, lipídeos,extrato seco total e extrato seco desengordurado.MÉTODO: Foram coletadas seis amostras de leite comercializado por leiteiros regulares de diversos pontos da cidade nos meses de março, abril e maio de 2012, totalizando 18 amostras.RESULTADOS: os resultados encontrados indicam as más condições higiênicosanitárias na obtenção e transporte do leite cru comercializado no município em estudo. Além disso, foram observadas amostras com indício de fraude por aguagem e adição de produtos neutralizadores do leite.CONCLUSÃO: Dessa forma, verifica-se o quanto a população consumidora deste leite está suscetível a doenças veiculadas por alimentos, quando ocorre o consumo do leite cru.

BACKGROUND: Raw milk consumption is quite high throughout the country, especially in rural communities and small towns, which poses a risk to public health.AIMS: To evaluate the quality of the underground milk distributed in the city of Pires do Rio, Goiás, Brazil, through the following tests: alizarol, acidity, density, freezing point, lipids, total solids, and solids-not-fat.METHOD: We collected six samples of milk marketed by regular milkmen in various points of the city during the months of March, April and May 2012, totaling 18 samples. RESULTS: The results found indicate poor sanitary conditions in obtaining and transporting the raw milk. In addition, we observed samples with fraud characterized by adding water and neutralizer products to the milk. CONCLUSION: Thus, it shows how the consumers of this milk are prone to foodborne illnesses when they consume raw milk.

Estudo da qualidade de vida nos pacientes com urticária crônica / Quality of life assessment in patients with chronic urticaria

FUNDAMENTOS: A urticária crônica compromete o doente por interferir nas atividades diárias, prejudicar a autoestima e as relações interpessoais. Os profissionais de saúde subestimam seu impacto na qualidade de vida dos doentes. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a qualidade de vida com questionário específico e genérico. Compará-la entre os tipos clínicos de urticária crônica e avaliar se o angioedema piora a qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS: Participaram 62 doentes com urticária crônica, com sinais e sintomas da doença até 7 dias da consulta, que foram divididos em urticária crônica comum, urticária crônica física e urticária crônica mista. RESULTADOS: Observou-se predominância de mulheres (72,6 por cento), idade média de 39,8 anos, angioedema associado em 75,8 por cento dos doentes. Apresentaram mais angioedema doentes com urticária crônica comum (p=0,011) e mulheres (p=0,024). Quanto aos tipos clínicos, 32,3 por cento apresentaram urticária crônica comum, 27,4 por cento urticária crônica física e 40,3 por cento urticária crônica mista. O escore médio total do questionário específico foi 10,4. No questionário específico, os domínios mais comprometidos foram "Sintomas e sentimentos" e "Atividades diárias", e, no SF-36, "Aspectos físicos" e "Vitalidade". Houve comprometimento da qualidade de vida nas mulheres, nos doentes com até 30 anos, em primeira consulta, nos mais escolarizados, naqueles com até 1 ano de doença e naqueles com angioedema. CONCLUSÃO: A urticária crônica compromete a qualidade de vida medida pelos questionários específico e genérico. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na qualidade de vida entre os tipos clínicos. A presença do angioedema conferiu pior qualidade de vida aos doentes. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre os escores do questionário específico e do questionário genérico.

BACKGROUND: Chronic urticaria affects patients by interfering with their daily activities, damaging their self-esteem and negatively affecting their interpersonal relationships. Healthcare professionals may underestimate the impact of the condition on patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate quality of life using one generic and one disease-specific health-related quality of life instrument; to compare quality of life between the different clinical types of chronic urticaria and to evaluate whether angioedema further impairs quality of life. METHODS: Sixty-two patients with chronic urticaria, who had had signs or symptoms of the disease within the preceding week, were divided into groups according to whether they had ordinary chronic urticaria, physical chronic urticaria or mixed chronic urticaria. RESULTS: There was a predominance of women in this study (72.6 percent). The mean age of patients was 39.8 years and angioedema was associated with chronic urticaria in 75.8 percent of cases. Associated angioedema was more commonly found in patients with ordinary chronic urticaria (p=0.011) and in women (p=0.024). With respect to the different clinical types, 32.3 percent of the patients had ordinary chronic urticaria, 27.4 percent had physical chronic urticaria and 40.3 percent had mixed chronic urticaria. Mean overall score for the disease-specific questionnaire was 10.4. In this questionnaire, the most affected domains were "symptoms and feelings" and "daily activities", while the most affected domains in the SF-36 were "physical role" and "vitality". Quality of life was found to be impaired in women, in patients of up to 30 years of age, in those attending a first consultation, in those with higher education levels, in patients who had had the disease for up to one year and in those with angioedema. CONCLUSION: Chronic urticaria affects quality of life, as measured using a disease-specific questionnaire and a generic questionnaire. There was no statistically significant difference between the clinical types. The presence of angioedema impaired patients' quality of life even further. There was a statistically significant correlation between the scores obtained using the disease-specific questionnaire and those obtained using the generic questionnaire.

Terapias coadjuvantes ao tratamento periodontal de fumantes / Adjunctive therapy to the periodontal treatment in smokers

0 fumo é o maior fator de risco em prevalência, extensão e severidade das doenças periodontal. Fumantes apresentam maior profundidade de sondagem, perda clínica de inserção, perda óssea alveolar e perda dentária do que não fumantes. Além disso, a resposta ao tratamento periodontal em indivíduos fumantes é inferior à de não fumantes e ex-fumantes. 0 objetivo desta revisão da literatura foi discutir o fumo como fator de risco para a doença periodontal, seus efeitos sobre o tratamento periodontal, possíveis abordagens para o tratamento periodontal do paciente fumante e benefícios do abandono deste hábito.

gloved hand as a thermal sensor during intra-operative peritoneal lavage: is it accurate and reliable?

The gloved hand is the tool used to determine the warmth of fluids used for peritoneal lavage at operation. Is it accurate and reliable? We recruited 24 surgical staff comprising of an equal number of senior and junior abdominal surgeons as well as experienced and junior surgical scrub nurses. We presented to them a simulated scenario of peritonitis due to abdominal gunshot and asked them to produce solutions for peritoneal lavage using double and single pairs of surgical gloves to produce twenty samples of warm saline, each of whose temperatures were independently measured and analyzed. We arbitrarily chose 39[degree sign] C +/- 1[degree sign]C as the target temperature range for peritoneal lavage. We obtained an overall accuracy of 40% in producing saline with a temperature in the targeted range. Temperatures below 36 [degree sign] C and temperatures above 41 [degree sign] C were produced in 41% and 15%, respectively. We found no evidence of significantly superior performance between the groups, however, we found a significant tendency to produce temperatures above 41 [degree sign] C when using a double pair of gloves than when using a single pair. We conclude that the gloved hand is inaccurate as a thermal sensor and should not be relied upon to gauge the temperature of irrigation fluids. We recommend the routine utilization of the microwave oven in the operating room