In vivo evaluation of the potential protective effects of prolactin against damage caused by methylmercury

Non-biodegradable metals such as mercury accumulate in living organisms during life (bioaccumulation) and also within trophic webs (biomagnification) and may reach high concentrations in humans. The contamination of humans by mercury in drinking water and food may be common, in particular in riverside communities that have a diet rich in fish. In vitro studies of human cell lines exposed to the cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of methylmercury have shown that prolactin has potential cytoprotective properties and may act as a co-mitogenic factor and inhibitor of apoptosis. The present in vivo study investigated the protective potential of prolactin against the toxic effects of methylmercury in the mammal Mus musculus. Histological and biochemical analyses, together with biomarker of genotoxicity, were used to verify the protective potential of prolactin in mice exposed to methylmercury. The reduction in kidney and liver tissue damage was not significant. However, results of biochemical and genotoxic analyses were excellent. After prolactin treatment, a significant reduction was observed in biochemical parameters and mutagenic effects of methylmercury. The study results therefore indicated that prolactin has protective effects against the toxicity of methylmercury and allowed us to suggest the continuation of research to propose prolactin in the future, as an alternative to prevent the damage caused by mercury, especially in populations that are more exposed.

Anthelmintic resistance in Creole horses in the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / [Resistência anti-helmíntica em equinos da raça Crioula no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the antiparasitic resistance against horse nematodes in the South of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results concerning the tests of anthelmintic efficacy on horses, stored in the database of the Parasitic Diseases Study Group (GEEP) - Veterinary Faculty, at the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), were carried out in the laboratory from 2018 to 2019. Stool samples were received from farms with breeding of adult female and male Criollo horses naturally infected, located in municipalities in the country's southern region. The antiparasitic agents tested were Triclorfon + Fenbendazole, Closantel + Albendazole, Ivermectin + Praziquantel, Fenbendazole, Ivermectin, Doramectin, Mebendazole and Moxidectin. Techniques such as Gordon and Whitlock, Coproculture and Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test were performed. Of all the antiparasitic drugs tested, it was observed that only treatments with Ivermectin 2% showed desired values. The observed results indicate that resistance to macrocyclic lactones is usual in equine parasites in this Brazilian region, despite the results with isolated Ivermectin.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a resistência antiparasitária contra nematodeos de equinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os resultados referentes aos testes de eficácia anti-helmíntica em cavalos, armazenados no banco de dados do Grupo de Estudos de Doenças Parasitárias (GEEP) - Faculdade de Veterinária, da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), foram realizados em laboratório, no período de 2018 a 2019. Amostras de fezes foram recebidas de fazendas com criação de cavalos Crioulos adultos fêmeas e machos naturalmente infectados, localizadas em municípios da região Sul do país. Os agentes antiparasitários testados foram triclorfon + fenbendazol, closantel + ivermectina + praziquantel, fenbendazol, ivermectina, doramectina, mebendazol e moxidectina. Técnicas como Gordon e Whitlock, coprocultura e teste de redução da contagem de ovos fecais foram realizadas. De todos os antiparasitários testados, observou-se que apenas os tratamentos com ivermectina 2% apresentaram os valores desejados. Os resultados indicam que a resistência às lactonas macrocíclicas é comum em parasitas equinos nessa região brasileira, apesar dos resultados com ivermectina isolada.(AU)

Episodic angioedema with eosinophilia (Gleich's syndrome) associated with urticarial vasculitis: a coincidence or a novel clinical entity?

Episodic angioedema with eosinophilia (EAE) is a rare condition characterized by recurrent attacks of angioedema and urticaria accompanied by a marked elevation of peripheral eosinophil count. We report the case of a young female patient diagnosed with EAE associated with urticarial vasculitis. A 40-year-old female patient was admitted to our institution due to recurrent episodes of cheek and eyelid angioedema in the previous year. Episodes of facial angioedema lasted for two months with spontaneous remission afterwards. In addition, she presented pruritic and painful skin eruptions of erythematous circles, which persisted for longer than 24 h, that were palpable, somewhat purplish, and more pronounced on the face, arms, and trunk. Laboratory investigation showed a sustained elevation of white cell counts with marked eosinophilia. Serum IgM, IgE, and IgA were normal; IgG was slightly elevated. C1-esterase inhibitor and tryptase test were normal. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of FIP1L1-PDGFRA and BCR-ABL rearrangements. None of these alterations were found. Skin biopsies were suggestive of urticarial vasculitis. The patient was submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which showed mild chronic gastritis, with no eosinophilic infiltration. Cardiac dimensions and function were normal. Abdominal ultrasound and total body CT-scan failed to show lymphadenopathy, organomegaly, and tumors. We report the first case of association between episodic angioedema with eosinophilia and urticarial vasculitis. It is possible that both conditions share a physiopathological mechanism, suggesting that it is not just a chance association.

Epidemiologia e avaliação de risco associado à presença de ácaros hematófagos em galpões de granjas avícolas de postura / [Epidemiological and risk assessment associated with the presence of hematophagous mites in poultry farms]

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a epidemiologia da presença de ácaros hematófagos em granjas de postura no estado de Minas Gerais. Foi utilizado um banco de dados secundário, com informações de 402 galpões de 42 propriedades comerciais. As variáveis utilizadas para compor o modelo de correspondência foram selecionadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado (P≤0,05). Foi construído um índice para a presença de ácaros hematófagos, considerando alguns fatores de risco. Além disso, um estudo da análise espacial foi realizado para avaliar a presença de ácaros hematófagos em Minas Gerais. Observou-se a presença de ácaros hematófagos em 48% dos galpões, sendo a de O. sylviarum de 45,5%, O. bursa de 17,4% e D. gallinae de 2,7%. Houve associação entre o índice de risco com os intervalos de remoção de fezes e com a presença ou a ausência de aves sinantrópicas. Verificou-se que granjas mais tecnificadas não utilizam acaricida em seus galpões. A presença de ácaros hematófagos foi observada na mesorregião Sul/Sudoeste de Minas Gerais e entre as mesorregiões Oeste de Minas e Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte. Esses resultados fornecem conhecimento sobre a epidemiologia desses ectoparasitos e podem contribuir na tomada de decisões, reduzindo os riscos de possíveis infestações em aves de postura.(AU)

This study aimed to characterize the epidemiology of the presence of hematophagous mites in posture farms in the state of Minas Gerais. Was used a secondary database with information from 402 chicken houses in 42 commercial properties. The variables used to compose the correspondence model were selected through chi-square tests (P≤0.05). A risk index was built to the presence of hematophagous mites considering some risk factors. Additionally, a study of the spatial analysis was done to evaluate the presence of hematophagous mites in Minas Gerais. Was observed the presence of hematophagous mites in 48% of chicken houses, the presence of O. sylviarum was 45.5%, O. bursa 17.4% and D. gallinae 2.7%. There was an association between the risk index with the intervals for the removal of manure and the presence or absence of synanthropic birds. It was verified that more technified farms do not use acaricide in their chicken houses. The presence of hematophagous mites was observed in the Messoregions South/Southwest of Minas Gerais and between the West and Metropolitan Mesoregion of Belo Horizonte. These results provide knowledge about the epidemiology of these ectoparasites and may contribute to decision making by reducing the risks of possible infestations in poultry.(AU)

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) cultivated in Brazil on acute liver disease in dogs / [Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) cultivada no Brasil na doença hepática aguda em cães]

Bidens pilosa L. is a medicinal plant popularly used for treatment of liver diseases. In this study, the dry extract of aerial parts of Bidens pilosa and Silymarin, a phytocomplex obtained from the Silybum marianum fruits and marketed as hepatoprotective, were tested in dogs experimentally acutely intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride. The liver activity was evaluated by hematological and biochemical profiles, and histological and ultrasound analyzes. It was observed that the lowest serum activities of ALT and serum concentrations of total bilirubin occurred in the groups treated with the dry extract of Bidens pilosa, while only decreased serum concentrations of total bilirubin occurred in the group treated with Silymarin. Best liver recovery was also observed for the dry extract of B. pilosa at a 400mg/Kg dose by ultrasonography. This study showed that the dry extract of Bidens pilosa acted more efficiently in the treatment of acute toxic hepatitis induced in dogs than Silymarin.(AU)

Bidens pilosa L. é uma planta medicinal utilizada popularmente para tratamento de doenças hepáticas. Neste trabalho, o extrato seco das partes aéreas da Bidens pilosa e a silimarina, um fitocomplexo obtido dos frutos da Silybum marianum e comercializado como hepatoprotetor, foram testados em cães intoxicados experimentalmente de forma aguda com tetracloreto de carbono. A atividade hepática foi avaliada por meio dos perfis hematológico e bioquímico, análises histológica e ultrassonográfica. Observou-se que, nos grupos tratados com o extrato seco da Bidens pilosa, ocorreram as menores atividades séricas da ALT e de concentrações séricas de bilirrubina total, enquanto no grupo tratado com silimarina, ocorreu apenas diminuição de concentrações séricas de bilirrubina total. Melhor recuperação hepática também foi verificada para o extrato seco de B. pilosa na dose de 400mg/kg por ultrassonografia. Este estudo evidenciou que o extrato seco da Bidens pilosa atuou de forma mais eficiente no tratamento da hepatite aguda tóxica induzida em cães do que a silimarina.(AU)

Virulence, resistance, and genetic relatedness of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from mule foals / Virulência, resistência e relação genética de Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isoladas de potros de muar

Respiratory diseases are common in young horses but little is known about such infections in mule foals. This study aimed to characterize Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp. isolated from tracheal wash (TW) and fecal samples (FS) of mule foals, with or without cytological evidence of respiratory disease. Strains were analyzed against 13 antimicrobials, for presence of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), and virulence genes. Phylogrouping and Randomic (RAPD)-PCR profiles were used to evaluate their genetic relatedness. E. coli strains from TW and FS showed greatest resistance to tetracycline, while Klebsiella strains were mainly resistant to ampicillin; multidrug resistance and ESBL production were also detected. The blaCTX gene prevailed among the E. coli isolates, while the blaSHV gene was more frequently found in K. pneumoniae. The fimH gene was detected in most of the isolates and multiple virulence factors were identified in three E. coli isolates. Most of the E. coli isolates belonged to the B1 phylogroup, but B2 strains displayed more virulence genes. The RAPD assay revealed genetic diversity among strains and was able to distinguish FS isolates from TW isolates. Knowledge of the bacteria associated with the respiratory tract of mule foals is important in the treatment of sick animals.(AU)

Doenças respiratórias são comuns em potros de equinos, porém pouco se sabe sobre tais infecções em potros de muar. Este estudo buscou caracterizar Escherichia coli e Klebsiella sp. isolados de lavados traqueais (TW) e amostras fecais (FS) de potros de muar com e sem evidências citológicas de doença respiratória. As amostras bacterianas foram testadas contra 13 antimicrobianos, para a presença de genes de resistência estendida às betalactamases (ESBL) e de virulência. Filogrupagem e perfis de PCR randômicos (RAPD) foram usados para avaliar sua relação genética. As amostras de E. coli de TW e FS mostraram maior resistência à tetraciclina, enquanto as amostras de Klebsiella foram mais resistentes à ampicilina; multirresistência e produção de ESBL também foram detectadas. O gene blaCTX foi mais frequente entre E. coli, enquanto o gene blaSHV foi mais encontrado entre K. pneumoniae. O gene fimH foi detectado na maioria dos isolados de E. coli, enquanto múltiplos genes de virulência foram identificados em três isolados de E. coli. A maioria dos isolados de E. coli pertenceu ao filogrupo B1, porém somente isolados do filogrupo B2 apresentaram mais genes de virulência. Os ensaios de RAPD demonstraram a diversidade genética entre as amostras e distinguiram amostras TW e FS. O conhecimento de bactérias associadas a infecções de trato respiratório de potros de muar é importante no tratamento de animais doentes.(AU)

Acute oral toxicity of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent leaf extract (Ulmaceae) in rats and mice / Toxicidade oral aguda do extrato de folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq. ) Sargent em ratos e camundongos

RESUMO Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent is popularly used to treat urinary infections, kidneys, breast, body aches, rheumatism, asthma, cramps, poor digestion and as a diuretic medicine. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous leaf extract of Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent in rodents. After the collection processes, identification, drying and grinding, the lyophilized powder of the leaves produced, by infusion, the aqueous extract and it was dissolved in saline 0.9%. The administration was made by gavage at a dose of 2000 mg kg-1to rats and mice of both genders. The oral toxicity was determined according to the OECD 423 guide. Signs of toxicity were observed for 15 days and classified from 0 to 4 respectively as missing, rare, mild, moderate and severe. The weight of the animals and the physiological parameters such as food intake and excrements production were observed. All animal tissue samples were collected for histological analysis. The extract was included in Type 5 (substance with LD50 higher than 2000 mg kg-1 and less than 5000 mg kg-1), being considered of low toxicity, but the histopathologycal findings suggested nephrotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. The absolute weight of the kidneys and the heart of the male rats and mice increased, but there was no significant raise in the relative weight of the animals’ organs.

RESUMO Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent é uma planta usada popularmente para tratar infecções do trato urinário, rim, mama, dores no corpo, reumatismo, asma, cólicas, má digestão e também é usada como diurético. Este trabalho objetivou determinar a toxicidade aguda do extrato aquoso de folhas de Celtis iguanaea (Jacq.) Sargent em roedores. Após os processos de coleta, identificação, secagem e moagem, o pó liofilizado das folhas da planta foi utilizado para produzir o seu extrato aquoso por infusão e então dissolvido em solução salina a 0.9 %. A administração foi feita por gavagem na dose de 2000 mg kg-1 em ratos e camundongos de ambos os sexos. A toxicidade oral foi determinada de acordo com o guia 423 da OECD. Sinais de toxicidade foram observados por 15 dias e tabulados de 0 a 4, respectivamente, como ausentes, raros, leves, moderados e graves. Foi acompanhado o peso dos animais e parâmetros fisiológicos tais como alimentação e excreções. Amostras do tecido de todo o animal foram coletadas para análise histológica. A toxicidade encontrada para o extrato foi incluída na classe 5 (substâncias com DL50 superior a 2000 mg kg-1 e menor que 5000 mg kg-1) sendo considerada baixa, porém, as observações histopatológicas sugerem nefrotoxicidade e cardiotoxicidade. O peso absoluto dos rins e coração de ratos e camundongos machos aumentou, porém, não houve aumento significativo no peso relativo dos órgãos dos animais.

Atividade larvicida de Anacardium occidentale como alternativa ao controle de Aedes aegypti e sua toxicidade em Rattus norvegicus / Larvicidal activity of Anacardium occidentale as an alternative to control Aedes aegypti and its toxicity in Rattus norvegicus

A busca por substitutos para os inseticidas sintéticos tem estimulado muitos trabalhos científicos contemplando inclusive a utilização de óleos, extratos, ou constituintes ativos provenientes de plantas. Esta procura pode ser justificada pelo potencial inseticida associado à fácil degradação de seus constituintes, menor toxicidade ao homem e uma alternativa mais segura para o meio ambiente. Após a coleta e aquecimento dos frutos de Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) a 40°C, obteve-se um líquido da castanha de caju (LCC) que, depois de testado quanto à sua atividade larvicida, foi fracionado em coluna de sílica gel dando origem a oito frações, as quais foram codificadas como AO1 a AO8 e submetidas a ensaios larvicidas. Avaliou-se também sua toxicidade oral aguda em Rattus norvegicus. O LCC e as frações AO2 e AO3 apresentaram atividade larvicida para Aedes aegypti. As concentrações letais, CL50 e CL90 do LCC foram, respectivamente, de 6,55 e 10,98 ppm. Para AO2 e AO3, as CL50 e CL90 foram de 3,18 e 7,80 ppm, e de 3,57 e 10,47 ppm, respectivamente. Não foi observada nenhuma toxicidade do LCC e das frações para R. norvegicus. O LCC e as frações foram administrados por via oral na dose de 2000 mg/kg. Esses produtos apresentaram potencial larvicida sobre Ae. aegypti e nenhum sinal de toxicidade foi evidenciado nos parâmetros analisados.

The search for substitutes for synthetic pesticides has been the subject of many scientific publications, including considering the use of oils, extracts and active constituents from plants. This demand can be justified by the insecticide potential associated with an easy degradation of its constituents, lower toxicity to humans and, consequently, a safer alternative for the environment. After collecting and heating the Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae) fruits at 40°C, they were tested to confirm their larvicidal activity. Then, it was fractionated in a silica gel column. The fractionation resulted in eight fractions, which were coded as AO1 to AO8. In this paper, the cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) and its fractions were evaluated as to their biological activity in the third instar larvae of Aedes aegypti. The acute oral toxicity in Rattus norvegicus also was evaluated. CNSL and the AO2 and AO3 fractions presented larvicidal activity. The lethal concentrations, LC50 and LC90, of CNSL were, respectively, 6.55 and 10.98 ppm. The active fractions, AO2 and AO3, presented LC50 and LC90 of 3.18 and of 7.80 ppm, and 3.57 and 10.47 ppm, respectively. The LCC and the fractions were orally administered at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. These products showed larvicidal potential against Ae. aegypti and no sign of toxicity was evident in the parameters analyzed.

Avaliação da toxicidade aguda e da atividade cicatrizante dos extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes da Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers (Bignoniaceae) / Evaluation of acute and healing activity of ethanol extracts of Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers (Bignoniaceae) leaves and roots

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers é uma espécie da flora do Cerrado cujas folhas e caules são utilizados popularmente no tratamento de feridas e úlceras externas, enquanto as raízes são empregadas para dores abdominais e no tratamento da sarna. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a toxicidade aguda dos extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes nas doses de 2000 e 5000 mg kg-1 em ratos e camundongos e a atividade cicatrizante das soluções aquosas contendo 2% desses extratos em feridas cutâneas em ratos. A contração das bordas das feridas foi avaliada por análises histológicas e morfométricas após 4, 7 e 14 dias de tratamento e por reação imunohistoquímica após 7 dias de tratamento. Os extratos etanólicos das folhas e raízes não apresentaram toxicidade na dose de 2000 mg kg-1 para ratos e camundongos e na dose de 5000 mg kg-1 para ratos. Nos camundongos, a dose de 5000 mg kg-1 dos extratos das folhas e raízes provocou alterações histológicas no fígado. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na contração das feridas entre os grupos tratados com os extratos das folhas e das raízes e o controle após 4 e 7 dias de tratamento. Após 14 dias de tratamento, 50% dos animais tratados com o extrato das raízes apresentaram reepitelização total das feridas e reconstrução parcial dos anexos. A alantoína, isolada do extrato etanólico da raiz, pode ser considerada como um dos metabólitos secundários responsáveis pela aceleração da reepitelização.

Memora nodosa (Silva Manso) Miers is a Brazilian Cerrado species whose leaves and stems are commonly used to treat external wounds and ulcers and the roots are used for abdominal pain and to treat scabies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of ethanol extracts from the leaves and roots of M. nodosa at 2000 and 5000 mg kg-1 doses in rats and mice and to evaluate the healing activity of aqueous solutions containing 2% of these extracts on skin wounds in rats. The contraction of the wounds was evaluated by histological and morphometric analysis after 4, 7 and 14 days of treatment and by immunohistochemistry analysis after 7 days of treatment. The ethanol extracts of leaves and roots presented no toxicity at a 2000 mg kg-1 dose for rats and mice, and at a 5000 mg kg-1 dose for rats. Histological changes in the liver of mice were verified with a 5000 mg kg-1 dose of the leaf and root extracts. Macroscopic and histological differences were not observed in the contraction of wounds between the groups treated with leaf and root extracts and the control group after 4 and 7 days of treatment. After 14 days of treatment, 50% of the animals treated with the root extract presented total re-epithelialization of wounds and partial reconstruction of the annexes. Allantoin, isolated from the root ethanol extract, can be considered one of the secondary metabolites responsible for accelerating re-epithelialization.

Distribution of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtypes in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, and subtype C identification

Few studies have reported the molecular epidemiological characterization of HIV-1 in the Northern region of Brazil. The present study reports the molecular and epidemiological characterization of 31 HIV-1 isolates from blood donors from the State of Amazonas who donated blood between April 2006 and March 2007. Serum/plasma samples from all donors were screened for HIV antibodies by ELISA and the results confirmed by Western blot analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buffy coat using the Super Quik-Gene-DNA Isolation kit. Nested PCR was performed on the env, gag, and pol regions of HIV-1 using the Gene Amp PCR System 9700. Sequencing reactions were performed using the inner PCR primers and the DYEnamic™ ET Dye Terminator Kit, and phylogenetic analysis was performed using the gag, pol, and env gene sequences. We collected samples from 31 blood donors who tested positive for HIV-1 in confirmatory experiments. The male:female ratio of blood donors was 3.4:1, and the mean age was 32.4 years (range: 19 to 61 years). Phylogenetic analysis showed that subtype B is the most prevalent among Northern Brazilian HIV-1-seropositive blood donors. One HIV-1 subtype C and one circulating recombinant form (CRF_BF) of HIV-1 were identified in the State of Amazonas. This is the first study showing the occurrence of a possible "homogenous" subtype C in this region of Brazil. This finding could contribute to a better characterization of the HIV-1 strains that circulate in the country.

Use of the caffeine-halothane contracture test for the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia in Brazil

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. Deaths due to MH have been reported in Brazil. The first Malignant Hyperthermia Diagnostic and Research Center in Latin America was inaugurated in 1993 at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The center followed the diagnostic protocols of the North America MH Group, in which the contractures of biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle are analyzed after exposure to caffeine and halothane (CHCT). CHCT was performed in individuals who survived, their relatives and those with signs/symptoms somewhat related to MH susceptibility (MHS). Here, we report data from 194 patients collected over 16 years. The Southeast (N = 110) and South (N = 71) represented the majority of patients. Median age was 25 (4-70) years, with similar numbers of males (104) and females (90). MHS was found in 90 patients and 104 patients were normal. Abnormal responses to both caffeine and halothane were observed in 59 patients and to caffeine or halothane in 20 and 11 patients, respectively. The contracture of biopsies from MHS exposed to caffeine and halothane was 1.027 ± 0.075 g (N = 285) and 4.021 ± 0.255 g (N = 226), respectively. MHS was found in patients with either low or high blood creatine kinase and also, with a low score on the clinical grading scale. Thus, these parameters cannot be used with certainty to predict MHS. We conclude that the CHCT protocol described by the North America MH Group contributed to identification of MHS in suspected individuals at an MH center in Brazil with 100 percent sensitivity and 65.7 percent specificity.

Multigenerational Brazilian family with malignant hyperthermia and a novel mutation in the RYR1 gene

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic disease triggered in susceptible individuals by the administration of volatile halogenated anesthetics and/or succinylcholine, leading to the development of a hypermetabolic crisis, which is caused by abnormal release of Ca2+ from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, through the Ca2+ release channel ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1). Mutations in the RYR1 gene are associated with MH in the majority of susceptible families. Genetic screening of a 5-generation Brazilian family with a history of MH-related deaths and a previous MH diagnosis by the caffeine halothane contracture test (CHCT) in some individuals was performed using restriction and sequencing analysis. A novel missense mutation, Gly4935Ser, was found in an important functional and conserved locus of this gene, the transmembrane region of RyR1. In this family, 2 MH-susceptible individuals previously diagnosed with CHCT carry this novel mutation and another 24 not previously diagnosed members also carry it. However, this same mutation was not found in another MH-susceptible individual whose CHCT was positive to the test with caffeine but not to the test with halothane. None of the 5 MH normal individuals of the family, previously diagnosed by CHCT, carry this mutation, nor do 100 controls from control Brazilian and USA populations. The Gly4932Ser variant is a candidate mutation for MH, based on its co-segregation with disease phenotype, absence among controls and its location within the protein.

Relação entre a disfunção temporomandibular e a ansiedade em estudantes do ensino fundamental / Relationship between temporomandibular disorders and anxiety in elementary education schoolchildren

Objetivo: Estudar a disfunção temporomandibular e os diferentes níveis de ansiedade em crianças. Método: Foi realizado um levantamento epidemiológico em escolares do ensino fundamental de escolas particulares do município de Jaboticabal/SP. Para o estudo, foram selecionados 304 alunos, sendo 83 da 4a série, 117 da 6a série e 104 da 8a série (Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa: 200501873). A amostragem composta por crianças de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 9 a 15 anos foi avaliada por meio de três questionários auto-aplicáveis, sendo um deles para quantificar o grau da disfunção temporomandibular (Índice de Fonseca) e, outros dois para determinar o nível de ansiedade (IDATE): Ansiedade-Estado ("Como estou me sentindo") e Ansiedade-Traço ("Como eu geralmente me sinto"). O questionário, que avalia a ansiedade-estado, indica como a criança sente-se em um determinado momento. O questionário ansiedade-traço determina como geralmente ela se sente durante sua vida. Resultados: Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e permitiu-se chegar aos seguintes escores médios a respeito do Índice de Fonseca, Ansiedade-Estado e Ansiedade-Traço: 25,61 (13,25); 31,35 (5,03) e 38,61 (5,29), respectivamente. Conclusão: Grande parte das crianças do ensino fundamental possui sinais e sintomas de DTM e apresenta-se bastante ansiosa. Além disso, a análise dos dados mostrou que existe uma correlação positiva entre a disfunção temporomandibular e a ansiedade (p<0,01), principalmente quando se comparou a ansiedade-traço, que é aquela relacionada com a personalidade.

Purpose: To investigate the temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the different levels of anxiety in children.Method: An epidemiological survey was performed in elementary education schoolchildren from private schools of the city of Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. A total of 304 students were enrolled in the study, being 83 from the 4th grade, 117 from the 6th grade and 104from the 8th grade (Ethics in Research Committee: 200501873).The study population comprised children of both sexes aged 9 to15 years. The participants were evaluated by means of three selfapplicable questionnaires, one of them being used to quantify thedegree of TMD (Fonseca's index) and, other two being used to determine the level of anxiety (IDATE): anxiety-status (“How I amfeelingã) and anxiety-trace (“How I usually feelã). The anxietystatus questionnaire indicates how the child feels in a certain moment. The anxiety-trace questionnaire determines how the child usually feels during his/her life.Results: The gathered data were tabulated and allowed reaching the following mean scores regarding the Fonseca's index, anxietystatusand anxiety-trace: 25.61 (13.25); 31.35 (5.03) and 38.61(5.29), respectively. Conclusions: Great part of the elementary education schoolchildren presented signs and symptoms of TMD and were very anxious. In addition, data analysis showed a positive correlation between TMD and anxiety (p<0.01), mainly when comparing the anxiety-trace, which is the one related to theindividual's personality.

Macro and microscopical identification of four species of Baccharis from trimera group

Different species of Baccharis belonging to the Trimera group are commonly named as carqueja and employed for their digestive and diuretic properties. Since the members of this group are alike, this work has aimed to study the macro and microscopical characters of Baccharis articulata, B. cylindrica, B. gaudichaudiana and B. trimera, in order to contribute for the drug analysis and to complement taxonomic knowledge for the Trimera group. These species are shrubs and have three-winged stem, except for B. articulata which possesses two wings. B. gaudichaudiana axis reveals ribs, B. articulata has oval contour and B. cylindrica and B. trimera stem is circular. In B. cylindrica and B. trimera, included phloem has been observed in older basal regions. Calcium oxalate crystals are seen in the four species, being styloid in B. articulata and B. cylindrica and prismatic in B. gaudichaudiana and B. trimera. The other microscopical features observed are similar.

Diferentes espécies de Baccharis pertencentes ao grupo Trimera são comumente denominadas como carqueja e empregadas por suas propriedades digestivas e diuréticas. Como os membros desse grupo são semelhantes, este trabalho objetivou estudar as características macro e microscopicas de Baccharis articulata, B. cylindrica, B. gaudichaudiana e B. trimera, como forma de contribuir à análise das drogas e complementar o conhecimento taxinômico do grupo Trimera. Estas espécies são arbustos e tem caules trialados, com exceção de B. articulata a qual possui duas alas. O axis de B. gaudichaudiana revela nervuras, de B. articulata tem contorno oval e de B. cylindrica e B. trimera stem são circulares. Em B. cylindrica e B. trimera, floema incluso tem sido observado em regiões basais antigas. Cristais de oxalate de calico são vistos nas quarto espécies, do tipo estilóide em B. articulata e B. cylindrica e prismáticos em B. gaudichaudiana e B. trimera. As outras características microscópicas observadas são similares.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults submitted to endoscopy in southern Brazil

The most important characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection were studied in 96 patients submitted endoscopic examination at the University Hospital of the Federal Unlversity of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis southern Brazil. As diagnostic method of the infection we used the presence of Helicobacter pylori on histologic examination, stained by hematoxilin-eosin and Giemsa stains ("gold standard"), immunologic test (ELISA Roche), bacteriologic slide (Gram stained), and urease biopsy test. The rnedian age of the series was 44.6 years (range 14 to 84 years, SD = 18.1), with 56 (58.3 per cent) males. The prevalence of the infection was 78.1 per cent 75/96 and Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with gastritis in 96.6 per cent of the cases (68/75, p < O.0 1). Sixteen of 17 patients with peptic ulcer disease tested positive for the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The infection proportionally more prevalent in the older groups, and there was no statistical gender difference.

Endocardite infecciosa. Acometimento neurologico em cinco casos. / Infectious endocarditis. Neurological involvement in 5 cases

Dando maior enfase as alteracoes neurologicas, sao analisadas as caracteristicas clinicas de cinco pacientes com endocardite infecciosa. Os disturbios neuropsiquiatricos, em muitos casos desta patologia, sao os que abrem a cena clinica do enfermo ou sao as alteracoes que dominam a atencao do examinador, na fase inicial dificultando o reconhecimento da verdadeira origem dos achados de exame clinico.A presenca de sindromes neurologicas, na endocardite infecciosa, ensombrece o prognostico, sendo responsavel por morbidade e mortalidade. Os achados de exame fisico, de tomografia computadorizada cerebral, de cirurgia e de necropsia sao apresentados, demonstrando a multiplicidade e gravidade desta ocorrencia que parece nao ter diminuido com a introducao dos antibioticos.Nesta enfermidade, mesmo em presenca de queixas pequenas, tais como cefaleia persistente, estados confusionais, disturbios psiquiatricos ou, ainda, de discretas alteracoes liquoricas torna-se cada vez mais premente que realizemos uma investigacao completa, incluindo tomografia computadorizada cerebral e estudos angiograficos, para esclarecimentos e/ou determinar a conduta medica a ser seguida