Synergistic effect of sorafenib with Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extract on cervical cancer

The extracts of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco leaves have shown promising anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potency with the traditional knowledge of healing HPV associated warts. The purpose of this research is to assess the synergistic activity of sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extraction on cervical cancer cells. The cytotoxicity efficiency of different concentrations of Sorafenib and ethanol extract of Platycladus orientalis (L.) leaves were tested on HeLa cells by MTT and Trypan blue assays. The synergistic effect of the IC50 concentrations of Sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L.) on HeLa cell by MTT assay, and mRNA expression levels of tumor suppressor tazarotene-induced gene 3 (TIG3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene and apoptosis modulator (Bcl-2) gene by RT-PCR were evaluated with individual treatments. Combination treatment showed a relatively more expression of TIG3 and less expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA was observed. Growth factor-induced MAPKP activation was arrested by compound combination treatment, which and suppression of proliferation-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Based on the our results, the combination of sorafenib and crude leaf extract from Platycladus orientalis (L.) can effectively suppress cervical cancer cell growth, thereby providing an interesting rationale for further clinical trials and in-vivo studies.

Effect of dietary phytoestrogens on human growth regulation: imprinting in health & disease.

This group has advocated a return to the notional Palæolithic diet with fruits, vegetables, roots, leaves, seeds, phytochemical antioxidants and proteins, etc. Phytoestrogens, viz. lignans, isoflavonoids and flavonoids are weak oestrogenic constituents of such a diet and may have a considerable impact on human health and disease. The aim of this paper was to conduct a preliminary overview of about 2000 research-led studies from the 1930s to the present time reported in the literature on flavonoids/isoflavonoids/lignans and to assemble evidence for a future strictly formal literature review on the health benefits and risks of flavonoids in a variety of diseases.

The Adverse Effects of Wealth on Cardiovascular Health: A Scientific Statement of the International College of Cardiology.

Background and Aims: Increase in economic status may be associated with increased consumption of Western type of foods and sedentary behaviour. In the present review, we discuss that increase in wealth may be associated with adverse effects on health behaviour Study Design and Methods: Internet search and discussion with colleagues. Results: Review of studies indicate that with increase in wealth, there is increased consumption of high fat, ready prepared foods and decrease in physical activity in most of the countries resulting in obesity and metabolic syndrome, leading to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and other chronic conditions. Many experts during the United Nations High Level Meeting in Sept 2011, misinterpreted the WHO estimates and proposed that, of total deaths, 22·4 million arise in the poorest countries, and 13.7 million in high-income and upper-middle-income countries and therefore poverty may be the major cause of deaths due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). A recent study shows that 57.0 % of deaths in adults (aged 25-64 years) were due to CVDs and other chronic diseases, 25.5% due to communicable diseases and 15.9% due to injury and accidents. The deaths due to NCDs were highly prevalent among higher social classes compared to lower social classes who had greater deaths due to communicable diseases. It is interesting to know from new data from United States, that there is ‘Wealth’ without cardiovascular health in America. The whole world is likely to have the same scenario in the near future. Conclusions: Increase in wealth may be associated with altered health behaviour; greater consumption of unhealthy foods, tobacco consumption, mental load and sedentary behaviour resulting in increased risk of deaths due to CVDs and other chronic diseases which may change with knowledge about health education. Wealth may cause extension in life by buying of expensive drug therapy, intervention and surgery which are known to add income and employment in the west.

Anopheles gambiae no Brasil – 1930 a 1940

Fred L. Soper e D. Bruce Wilson lideraram uma campanha sanitária no Nordeste brasileiro que culminou com a erradicação, em tempo recorde – apenas 35 meses –, do mais eficiente dentre os vetores da malária, o mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Considerado leitura obrigatória para os interessados em saúde pública no Brasil, o relatório final dessa campanha – que descreve detalhadamente os procedimentos e métodos de trabalho sob o ponto de vista de seus diretores – foi originalmente publicado em inglês, em 1943. Pouco depois, em 1945, o relatório ganhou uma edição em português, mas não uma tradução fiel. Ela se voltava para as atividades do Serviço de Malária do Nordeste e a questão dos doentes de malária, enquanto o original era centrado nas ações da Fundação Rockefeller e na campanha de erradicação do mosquito. Decidiu-se, então, retraduzir o original – encontrado hoje em dia somente na seção de obras raras de bibliotecas especializadas –, incorporando alguns elementos de destaque da primeira versão em português

Anopheles gambiae no Brasil: 1930 a 1940 / Anopheles gambiae in Brazil - 1930-1940

Fred L. Soper e D. Bruce Wilson lideraram uma campanha sanitária no Nordeste brasileiro que culminou com a erradicação, em tempo recorde – apenas 35 meses –, do mais eficiente dentre os vetores da malária, o mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Considerado leitura obrigatória para os interessados em saúde pública no Brasil, o relatório final dessa campanha – que descreve detalhadamente os procedimentos e métodos de trabalho sob o ponto de vista de seus diretores – foi originalmente publicado em inglês, em 1943. Pouco depois, em 1945, o relatório ganhou uma edição em português, mas não uma tradução fiel. Ela se voltava para as atividades do Serviço de Malária do Nordeste e a questão dos doentes de malária, enquanto o original era centrado nas ações da Fundação Rockefeller e na campanha de erradicação do mosquito. Decidiu-se, então, retraduzir o original – encontrado hoje em dia somente na seção de obras raras de bibliotecas especializadas –, incorporando alguns elementos de destaque da primeira versão em português

Anopheles Gambiae no Brasil 1930 a 1940 / Anopheles Gambiae in Brazil 1930 to 1940

Fred L. Soper e D. Bruce Wilson lideraram uma campanha sanitária no Nordeste brasileiro que culminou com a erradicação, em tempo recorde – apenas 35 meses –, do mais eficiente dentre os vetores da malária, o mosquito Anopheles gambiae. Considerado leitura obrigatória para os interessados em saúde pública no Brasil, o relatório final dessa campanha – que descreve detalhadamente os procedimentos e métodos de trabalho sob o ponto de vista de seus diretores – foi originalmente publicado em inglês, em 1943. Pouco depois, em 1945, o relatório ganhou uma edição em português, mas não uma tradução fiel. Ela se voltava para as atividades do Serviço de Malária do Nordeste e a questão dos doentes de malária, enquanto o original era centrado nas ações da Fundação Rockefeller e na campanha de erradicação do mosquito. Decidiu-se, então, retraduzir o original – encontrado hoje em dia somente na seção de obras raras de bibliotecas especializadas –, incorporando alguns elementos de destaque da primeira versão em português. O resultado desse esforço é este novo volume da Coleção História e Saúde; Clássicos e Fontes.

In vitro inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum by substances isolated from Amazonian antimalarial plants

In the present study, a quassinoid, neosergeolide, isolated from the roots and stems of Picrolemma sprucei (Simaroubaceae), the indole alkaloids ellipticine and aspidocarpine, isolated from the bark of Aspidosperma vargasii and A. desmanthum (Apocynaceae), respectively, and 4-nerolidylcatechol, isolated from the roots of Pothomorphe peltata (Piperaceae), all presented significant in vitro inhibition (more active than quinine and chloroquine) of the multi-drug resistant K1 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Neosergeolide presented activity in the nanomolar range. This is the first report on the antimalarial activity of these known, natural compounds. This is also the first report on the isolation of aspidocarpine from A. desmanthum. These compounds are good candidates for pre-clinical tests as novel lead structures with the aim of finding new antimalarial prototypes and lend support to the traditional use of the plants from which these compounds are derived.

O processo de humanização do ambiente hospitalar centrado no trabalhador / The humanization process of the hospital environment centered around the worker

A humanização do ambiente hospitalar não se concretiza se estiver centrada unicamente em fatores motivacionais externos ou somente no usuário. Um programa de humanização necessita ser assumido como um processo de construção participativa que requer respeito e valorização do ser humano que cuida. Pautado em valores e princípios humanos e éticos e em idéias de Freire, este trabalho tem por objetivo explicitar como se desencadeou um processo de humanização, numa instituição hospitalar, centrado, inicialmente, no trabalhador, mediante a problematização coletiva da realidade concreta e a construção de relações dialógicas, horizontais e reflexivas. A proposta possibilitou maior compreensão do significado de humanização, com o resgate de iniciativas anteriores de humanização já adotadas, a adoção de um Banco de Idéias como um espaço para a emersão de subjetividades, a organização de ambientes coletivos acolhedores e uma maior aproximação entre a direção e trabalhadores.

The humanization of the hospital environment cannot be achieved if the focus is directed only to external motivational factors or just to the user. A humanization program needs to be assumed as a participative constructionprocess that demands respect and valuing of the human being that provides care. Based on human and ethics values and principles and on Freire’s ideas, this study aims to describe how a humanization process was unchained ina hospital, initially centering on the worker, through the collective discussion of concrete problems and the construction of horizontal, reflective dialogical relations. The proposal madepossible a better comprehension of the meaning of humanization, with the rescue of previous initiatives of humanization, the elaboration of a databank in which there is room for subjectivity, the creation of warm collective areas and a closer relationship between directors and workers.

La humanización del ambiente hospitalario no se concretiza si estuviera centrada únicamente en factores de motivación externas osolamente en el usuario. Un programade humanización necesita ser asumido como un proceso de construcción participativa que requiere respeto y valorización del ser humano que cuida. Basados en valores y principios humanos y éticos y en ideas de Freire, este trabajo tuvo por objetivo explicitarcómo se desencadenó el proceso de humanización, en una instituciónhospitalaria, centrado, inicialmente, en el trabajador, mediante la problematización colectiva de la realidad concreta y la construcción de relaciones dialógicas, horizontales y reflexivas. La propuesta posibilitó mayorcomprensión del significado de humanización, con el rescate de iniciativas anteriores de humanizaciónya adoptada, la adopción de un Banco de Ideas como un espacio para la emergencia de subjetividades, la organización de ambientes colectivos acogedores y una mayor aproximación entre la dirección y los trabajadores.

A humanização hospitalar como expressão da ética / Hospital humanization as an expression of ethics

A prática dos profissionais de saúde, no âmbito hospitalar, vem desumanizando-se frente à atenção à doença, e não ao ser doente, à complexificação tecnológica crescente associada ao crescimento de custos. A ética requer a implementação de um processo reflexivo acerca dos princípios, valores, direitos e deveres que regem a prática dos profissionais de saúde, inserindo-se, aí, a dimensão de um cuidado entendido como humanizado. Assim, o presente estudo teve por objetivo refletir acerca de considerações éticas que necessitam fundamentar as ações de humanização, destacando a importância da dimensão humana nas relações profissionais

Hemorragia subaracnoidea grave (grados IV y V): mejoría del pronóstico con el tratamiento agresivo en agudo / Severe subarachnoid hemorrhage (IV and V degrees): improved prognosis with aggressive treatment in acute

La Hemorragia Subaracnoidea continua siendo una enfermedad muy grave, con elevada morbimortalidad a pesar de los continuos avances en el diagnóstico y tratamiento. Sea cual sea la opción terapéutica que se tome en consideración para cada caso en particular, lo que queda por definir y continua siendo motivo de discusión, es si tratar o no a los pacientes que ingresan con HSA muy graves, o sea los catalogados como grados IV y V. Muchos trabajos se han publicado en los últimos años al respecto, con resultados contradictorios. Los autores han puesto en práctica en los últimos 10 años un tratamiento agresivo de los pacientes con HSA graves, estableciéndose algunos criterios de selección de pacientes para cirugía y otros para terapia endovascular. Los resultados se exponen a continuación, así como también se hace una revisión de la bibliografía al respecto.

Evolución del concepto de lepra e instituciones en Colombia / Evolution of the concept of leprae and institutions in Colombia

Este trabajo refleja la evolución del concepto de lepra que dependió de circunstancias históricas determinadas y estrechamente relacionadas con el manejo institucional. Notamos que a pesar de los avances científicos no se ha logrado determinar muchos aspectos de la enfermedad tan importantes como los postulados de Koch. Desde los leprocomios iniciales, con los cuales se intentó solucionar el problema de salud pública que reemplazaba la lepra hasta el manejo individualizado, integral y ambulatorio actúal, se evidencia una inadecuada e irregular enfoque del problema que da como resultado en que su control no haya sido el esperado y que aún en el momento no se cuente con una estadística veráz acerca de la mágnitud del mismo en el País

Hipovitaminose A em pre-escolares internados em uma instituicao na capital do Estado de Sao Paulo, Brasil. / Vitamin A deficiency in institutionalized preschool children of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil

Estudou-se o estado nutricional, em relacao a vitamina A, de criancas de 2 a 6 anos de idade, internadas em uma instituicao para menores. Foram realizados exames clinicos e bioquimicos. Os exames clinicos revelaram alta prevalencia de xerose cutanea (75,8%) e prevalencia moderada de hiperceratose folicular (18,3%). Exames oftalmologicos realizados sem o auxilio de corante vital revelaram uma prevalencia de 20,7% de xerose conjuntival, enquanto que aqueles realizados com auxilio de colirio de Rosa Bengala a 1%, nas mesmas criancas, revelaram 31,7% de xerose conjuntival.Os exames bioquimicos mostraram que 39,4% dos examinados apresentaram niveis plasmaticos de vitamina A de 10 micro g/100ml ou menos, e 73,9% de 20 micro g/100ml ou menos

Bulawayo city council programme to prevent sexual transmission of HIV among vulnerable groups : final report phase one

In October 1989; Dr B Nyati; Director of the Bulawayo City Health Services Department undertook to implement a community-based intervention for sexually vulnerable groups; including sex workers; clients and STD patients in Bulawayo; Zimbabwe's second largest city (pop. 710 000). The programme has the following components: policy dialogue; definition of target groups; baseline research; identification of messages; training of health and community workers; peer education; community outreach; condom distribution; improved STD services; drama/musicgroups; support for PWA groups; income generating activities; evaluation; expansion and replication. Over 60 peer educators have been recruited and trained and have spearheaded a vigorous communtiy outreach. To date; the programme has held over 2732 meetings and distributed 151 2857 condoms. Including repeat participoants; 236 533 males habe participated in meetings; 8 000-10 000 of whom may be clients and 30 896 of whom are STD patients. 52 974 women habe participated in meetings; of whom 15000 to 2000 may be sex workers and 3774 are STD patients. The programme has reached far more sex workers; clients and STD patients than it undertook to and it has been extended to include vigorous community-wide programmes and to develop and test models for workplace and youth projects. Income generating activities have also been initiated to share some of the costs of peer education; expand the pool of peer educators and tackle the economic underpinnings of sexual vulnerability among women. [abstract terminated]

A community-level AIDS prevention programme among sexually vulnerable groups and the general population in Bulawayo; Zimbabwe

"Epidemiology models demonstrate the efficacy of interventions among ""core"" or vulnerable groups. However; in central Africa; where interventions among vulnerable groups omit large secondary risk groups; an optimal STD/HIV prevention strategy may be to combine targetted interventions among vulnerable groups with community-wide outreach. This paper describes such a community-level intervention in Bulawayo; Zimbabwe's second largest city (population 719 000); where vulnerable group members; including men and women involved in commercial sex; have been recruited and trained as outreach workers and condom distributors; both to their peers and the wider community. The programme's theoretical foundations lie in social diffusion theory; which argues that interpersonal communication is most effective in changing behaviour and that interventions may hasten behaviour change by encouraging interpersonal and community discourse about AIDS. It has 11 intergrated components: baseline research; training of educators; peer education; community outreach; condom provision; improved STD services; drama/music activities; support for PWAs; income generating activities; evaluation; and replication. [abstract terminated]"

Community-level HIV prevention among sexually vulnerable groups and the general population in Gweru; Zimbabwe

Mathematical models show that members of groups especially vulnerable to HIV including prostitutes; clients; STD patients; and very mobile groups - contribute disproportionately to HIV transmission. Several studies demonstrate the cost effectiveness of interventions targeting vulnerable groups. However; in areas of high HIV infection; an optimal strategy may be to combine intensive targetted intervention among vulnerable groups with community-wide outreach. Since 1989; the Bulawayo City Council; supported by the University of Zimbabwe; have recruited and trained members of sexually vulnerable groups as peer educators; who inform their peers about AIDS; counsel at STD clinics; organize meetings; present educational drama/music perfomances; spearhead community outreach programmes and distribute condoms. To date; 80 peer educators have been recruited; 1;51 million condoms have been distributed and 2732 meetings have been held; attended; (including repeat participants) by 236 533 males; 8 000-10 000 of whom may be clients and 30 896 of whom are STD patiens and 52 974 women; of whom 1 500-2 000 maybe prostitutes and 3774 are STD patients and distributed 151 2857 condoms. The Bulawayo programme has learned key lessons about interventions among vulnerable groups and developed a sound training capacity. It has since been replicated in several sites; most recently in Mutare; where; within four months; 40 peer educators have been recruited; almost 500 000 condoms distributed and over 1000 meetings held; attended by over 50 000 people. Thus; whereas the original intervention reached per capita meeting attendance figures of 1:3 and condom distribution of 1.5:1 after 12 months; the most recent replication reached per capita meeting attendance levels of 1:2 and a condom distribution of nearly 5:1 after 4 months. However; while these interventions have excellent educational outreach; their STD interventions have been more cautious. [abstract terminated]

Ethnographic and quantitative research to design a community intervention among long-distance truckers in Zimbabwe

"Ethnographic and survery methods were combined to determine the behavioural risks of Zimbabwean truckers and to design an intervention with them. 70 drove long-distance within Zimbabwe and 30 drove internationally. 84 were married; but less than half their wives lived all year in town. 60 had girlfriends and 64 visited prostitutes when away. 66 had used condoms with prostitutes; but condom use with wives or girlfriends was markedly lower. In their last commercial encounter; 48 were drunk. Most knew of AIDS; mostly via radio; but knoledge was uneven: e.g only 50 knew condoms afforded protection. Trucking and prostitution were closely interwoven: prostitutes knew truck stops; frequently provided companioship and sex for free transportation and ""brothels"" often abutted trucker's hostels; Bar and hotel owners along highways encourage prostitutes because they attract the patronage of truckers. The nature of work underpinned sexual risks. Truckers were away over 14 days a month; with individual journeys often exceeding 10 days. Few truckers had home phones and were therefore isolated from their families for the duration of each trip. Truckers hired prostitutes because of loneliness; tedium; the dreariness of hostels and predominaly male ""anti-community"" environments. CONCLUSION: HIV susceptibility is deeply rooted in the singular character of trucking work. Intensive condom-oriented interventions; led; for empathy and credibility; by peer educators; are essential."