Burden of non-communicable diseases and the achievement of the sustainable development goals in 2030 in Mercosur countries.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this article were to analyse the burden of NCDs and their RFs in the Mercosur countries between 1990 and 2019 and to project mortality trends for 2030. STUDY DESIGN: Epidemiological study of time series. METHODS: The present study used data from the Global Burden of Disease study. The absolute number of deaths, mortality rates, disability-adjusted life years, years of life lost, years lived with disability and the burden of premature mortality by NCD attributable to the RFs were evaluated. Projections were made up to 2030. Age-standardised rates were used to draw comparisons by years and by countries. The analysis was conducted using the RStudio software. RESULTS: Between 1990 and 2019, a decrease was found in the premature mortality rates caused by NCDs in all the countries, except for Paraguay, which remained stable. When analysing premature mortality rates due to NCDs up to 2030, it was predicted that none of the countries would achieve the sustainable development goal of a one-third reduction in premature mortality by NCDs. Regarding the impacts of the RFs for NCDs, smoking, dietary risks, high blood pressure (BP) and high body mass index (BMI) were the main risks attributable to premature deaths due to NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that mortality rates are declining in Mercosur countries; however, none of the countries are predicted to achieve the sustainable development goal of a one-third reduction in mortality due to NCDs by 2030. In addition to access to adequate treatment, progress is required in public regulation actions to reduce RFs, such as smoking, dietary risks, high BP and high BMI.

Identifying and managing patient–ventilator asynchrony: An international survey / Identificación y manejo de la asincronía paciente-ventilador: encuesta internacional

Objective To describe the main factors associated with proper recognition and management of patient–ventilator asynchrony (PVA). Design An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. Setting An international study conducted in 20 countries through an online survey. Participants Physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses and physiotherapists currently working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Main variables of interest Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish associations between all variables (profession, training in mechanical ventilation, type of training program, years of experience and ICU characteristics) and the ability of HCPs to correctly identify and manage 6 PVA. Results A total of 431 healthcare professionals answered a validated survey. The main factors associated to proper recognition of PVA were: specific training program in mechanical ventilation (MV) (OR 2.27; 95%CI 1.14–4.52; p=0.019), courses with more than 100h completed (OR 2.28; 95%CI 1.29–4.03; p=0.005), and the number of ICU beds (OR 1.037; 95%CI 1.01–1.06; p=0.005). The main factor influencing the management of PVA was the correct recognition of 6 PVAs (OR 118.98; 95%CI 35.25–401.58; p<0.001). Conclusion Identifying and managing PVA using ventilator waveform analysis is influenced by many factors, including specific training programs in MV, the number of ICU beds, and the number of recognized PVAs. (AU)

Objetivo Describir los factores asociados al correcto reconocimiento y manejo de la asincronía paciente-ventilador (APV). Diseño Estudio analítico transversal. Ámbito Estudio internacional realizado en 20 países mediante una encuesta a través de Internet. Participantes Médicos, terapeutas respiratorios, enfermeras/os y fisioterapeutas que trabajan actualmente en unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Principales variables de interés Se utilizó un análisis uni y multivariado para describir la asociación entre todas las variables (profesión, formación en ventilación mecánica, tipo de programa de formación, años de experiencia y características de la UCI en la cual trabajan los profesionales) con la correcta identificación y manejo de 6 APV. Resultados Un total de 431 profesionales respondieron una encuesta validada previamente. Los factores asociados a una correcta identificación de 6 APV fueron: haber completado un programa de formación específico sobre ventilación mecánica (OR: 2,27; IC 95%: 1,14-4,52; p=0,019), programa de formación con más de 100h (OR: 2,28; IC 95%: 1,29-4,03; p=0,005) y el número de camas de UCI (OR: 1,037; IC 95%: 1,01-1,06; p=0,005). El principal factor asociado a un adecuado manejo de la APV fue la correcta identificación de 6 APV (OR: 118,98; IC 95%: 35,25-401,58; p<0,001). Conclusiones La identificación y el manejo de la asincronía paciente-ventilador, mediante el análisis de las curvas del ventilador está influenciada por programas de formación, específicos sobre ventilación mecánica, el número de camas de la UCI y el número de asincronías identificadas. (AU)

Identifying and managing patient-ventilator asynchrony: An international survey.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main factors associated with proper recognition and management of patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA). DESIGN: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out. SETTING: An international study conducted in 20 countries through an online survey. PARTICIPANTS: Physicians, respiratory therapists, nurses and physiotherapists currently working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to establish associations between all variables (profession, training in mechanical ventilation, type of training program, years of experience and ICU characteristics) and the ability of HCPs to correctly identify and manage 6 PVA. RESULTS: A total of 431 healthcare professionals answered a validated survey. The main factors associated to proper recognition of PVA were: specific training program in mechanical ventilation (MV) (OR 2.27; 95%CI 1.14-4.52; p=0.019), courses with more than 100h completed (OR 2.28; 95%CI 1.29-4.03; p=0.005), and the number of ICU beds (OR 1.037; 95%CI 1.01-1.06; p=0.005). The main factor influencing the management of PVA was the correct recognition of 6 PVAs (OR 118.98; 95%CI 35.25-401.58; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Identifying and managing PVA using ventilator waveform analysis is influenced by many factors, including specific training programs in MV, the number of ICU beds, and the number of recognized PVAs.

Ventilation distribution as a contributor to the functional exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease without pulmonary hypertension.

Phenotypic differences have been described between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) and SSc-associated pulmonary hypertension, including performance differences in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Moreover, the correlations between the 6MWT and traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are weak, indicating the need to search for new parameters that explain exercise performance. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the impact of ventilation distribution heterogeneity assessed by the nitrogen single-breath washout (N2SBW) test and peripheral muscle dysfunction on the exercise capacity in patients with SSc-ILD and limited involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma. In this cross-sectional study, 20 women with SSc-ILD and 20 matched controls underwent PFTs (including spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), and the N2SBW test) and performed the 6MWT and knee isometric dynamometry. The 6-min walking distance (6MWD, % predicted) was strongly correlated with the phase III slope of the single-breath nitrogen washout (phase III slopeN2SBW) (r=-0.753, P<0.0001) and reasonably correlated with the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=0.466, P=0.008) and DLco (r=0.398, P=0.011). The peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during exercise was not significantly correlated with any of the pulmonary or muscle function parameters. The phase III slopeN2SBW was the only predictive variable for the 6MWD, whereas quadriceps strength and FVC/DLco were predictive variables for SpO2. Ventilation distribution heterogeneity is one factor that contributes to a lower 6MWD in SSc-ILD patients. In addition, muscle dysfunction and abnormal lung diffusion at least partly explain the decreased SpO2 of these patients.

Ventilation distribution as a contributor to the functional exercise capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease without pulmonary hypertension

Phenotypic differences have been described between patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated interstitial lung disease (ILD) and SSc-associated pulmonary hypertension, including performance differences in the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Moreover, the correlations between the 6MWT and traditional pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are weak, indicating the need to search for new parameters that explain exercise performance. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the impact of ventilation distribution heterogeneity assessed by the nitrogen single-breath washout (N2SBW) test and peripheral muscle dysfunction on the exercise capacity in patients with SSc-ILD and limited involvement of the pulmonary parenchyma. In this cross-sectional study, 20 women with SSc-ILD and 20 matched controls underwent PFTs (including spirometry, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco), and the N2SBW test) and performed the 6MWT and knee isometric dynamometry. The 6-min walking distance (6MWD, % predicted) was strongly correlated with the phase III slope of the single-breath nitrogen washout (phase III slopeN2SBW) (r=−0.753, P<0.0001) and reasonably correlated with the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r=0.466, P=0.008) and DLco (r=0.398, P=0.011). The peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) during exercise was not significantly correlated with any of the pulmonary or muscle function parameters. The phase III slopeN2SBW was the only predictive variable for the 6MWD, whereas quadriceps strength and FVC/DLco were predictive variables for SpO2. Ventilation distribution heterogeneity is one factor that contributes to a lower 6MWD in SSc-ILD patients. In addition, muscle dysfunction and abnormal lung diffusion at least partly explain the decreased SpO2 of these patients.

Diversidade e equitabilidade de Plantas Alimentícias Não Convencionais na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Diversity and equivalence of unconventional food plants in rural zone of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil

O presente estudo analisou a diversidade e equitabilidade de plantas alimentícias não convencionais (PANCs) na zona rural de Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. A pesquisa foi conduzida utilizando a amostragem Bola de Neve com entrevistas semiestruturadas aplicadas à 20 moradores de nove comunidades rurais. Avaliou-se a frequência relativa de citação das espécies (Fr); a diversidade e equitabilidade das mesmas, utilizando os índices de Shannon-Wiener (H') e de Pielou (J'), respectivamente. As espécies foram listadas pela família, nome científico, nomes populares, ambiente de propagação, hábito de crescimento, formas de consumo, estado de domesticação, ciclo de produção e registro por meio de consultas em herbários do bioma Mata Atlântica. Foram encontradas 59 espécies de PANCs, distribuídas em 30 famílias botânicas e 48 gêneros. As famílias asteraceae e myrtaceae se destacaram pela riqueza florística, contribuindo com 11 e 7 espécies, respectivamente. Espécies da família asteraceae obtiveram as maiores frequências relativas (32,2). Obteve-se índice de diversidade Shannon-Wiener de 1,65 (Base 10), e de equitabilidade de Pielou de 0,93. Os resultados encontrados estão similares à de outros estudos desenvolvidos no bioma Mata Atlântica, observou-se ampla diversidade de PANCs na área de estudo, e o conhecimento sobre estas encontra-se distribuído uniformemente entre os moradores

This study analyzed the diversity and the equity of unconventional food plants (UFPs) in the rural area of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The research was performed using the Snowball sampling with semi-structured interviews, applied to 20 residents from nine rural communities. We evaluated the relative frequency of citation of the species (Fr); the diversity and equity of the same species, using the Shannon-Wiener (H') and Pielou (J') indexes, respectively. The species were listed by its family, scientific name, common denominations, propagation environment, growth habit, application methods, domestication state, production cycle and finally registration through consultation in herbaria in the Atlantic Forest biome. We found 59 species of UFPs, distributed in 30 botanical families and 48 genera. The Asteraceae family and the Myrtaceae one stood out for their floristic richness, contributing to 11 and 7 species, respectively. Species from the Asteraceae family got the highest relative frequencies (32.2). It was obtained the Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 1.65 (Base 10), and the Pielou equity index of 0.93. The results are similar to other studies developed in the Atlantic Forest biome, where there was a wide diversity of UFPs in the study area, and the knowledge of these plants is evenly distributed among the residents

Efeito da enrofloxacina sobre a interação blastocisto endométrio e seu reflexo no desenvolvimento placentário e fetal em ratas / Effect of enrofloxacin on the blastocyst endometrial interactions and their impact on placental and fetal development in rats

Estudos têm mostrado efeitos tóxicos da enrofloxacina em diversos tecidos. Assim, testou-se a hipótese de que a enrofloxacina pode interferir no desenvolvimento placentário e gerar efeitos adversos ao feto. A enrofloxacina (Baytril(r)) foi administrada em ratas, na dose de 5mg/kg, diariamente, IM, durante toda a gestação. As placentas foram analisadas morfologicamente, morfometricamente e imuno-histoquimicamente aos sete, 14 e 21 dias de prenhez. Os resultados mostraram que a enrofloxacina reduziu o número de sítios de implantação, o peso e a área total do disco placentário aos 14 e 21 dias de desenvolvimento, além dos elementos constituintes da placenta. A análise histoquímica não revelou alterações significativas no teor de fibras colágenas, elásticas e reticulares. O teste de Tunel mostrou atividade apoptótica apenas nas placentas com 14 dias de desenvolvimento de ambos os grupos, sendo mais intensa no grupo tratado. Não foi observado nenhum indício de malformação na cabeça, no tronco e nos membros dos neonatos. No entanto, houve uma redução significativa no número e no peso dos neonatos no grupo tratado, porém sem afetar o seu comprimento. Assim, concluiu-se que a enrofloxacina administrada na dosagem de 5mg/kg durante prenhez em ratas interfere no número de embriões implantados e no desenvolvimento placentário. Isto sugere cautela na administração da enrofloxacina durante a gestação, pois a exposição contínua a esse antibiótico pode ter reflexos na redução do número e do peso da prole...

Some studies have shown the toxic effects of enrofloxacin in various tissues. Thus, the hypothesis that enrofloxacin could interfere with placental development and generate adverse effects to the fetus was tested in this study. Enrofloxacin (Baytril(r)) was administered in the dose of 5mg/kg daily, i.m., throughout gestation in rats. The placentas were analyzed morphologically, morphometrically, and immunohistochemically on the 7, 14, and 20th days of pregnancy. The results showed that enrofloxacin reduced the number of implantation sites, weight, and placental disk total area at 14 and 20 days of development, in addition to the element components of the placenta. The histochemical analysis did not reveal significant changes in the content of collagen, reticular, and elastic fibers. The TUNEL test showed apoptosis only in placenta development at 14 days in both groups and more intense in the treated group. Head, trunk, and limb malformations were not observed in the neonates. A significant reduction in the number and weight of neonates were observed in the treated group, however, without affecting their length. Thus, it was concluded that the administration of enrofloxacin, at the dosage of 5 mg/kg during pregnancy in rats, interferes in the number of implanted embryos and placental development. This suggests caution in the administration of enrofloxacin during pregnancy because continuous exposure to this antibiotic may have adverse effects, reducing the number and weight of the offspring...

Plasticidade fenotípica de Baccharis genistelloides subsp. crispa (Spreng. ) Joch. Müll. (2006) - Asteraceae - sob manejo orgânico / Phenotypic plasticity of Baccharis genistelloides subsp. crispa (Spreng. ) Joch. Müll. (2006) - Asteraceae - under organic management

O objetivo deste trabalho, relacionado a produção orgânica, utilizou preparados homeopáticos visando incremento na biomassa e no teor de flavonóides em plantas dióicas de carqueja. Os tratamentos foram: controle com água, controle com álcool 70%, Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH, e a combinação destas homeopatias. Variações fenotípicas foram registradas a partir da análise de crescimento, realizada quinzenalmente durante 60 dias e dos caracteres morfológicos, tais como: como altura, número de ramificações, comprimento do ramo principal, diâmetro do caule e ala caulinar mediana. Na colheita foram medidos: a fitomassa fresca/seca e o volume de raiz. Posteriormente, foi quantificado o teor de flavonóides totais conforme as análises prescritas pela Farmacopéia Brasileira. O experimento foi avaliado em delineamento de blocos casualizados (2x5x2), sendo suas médias avaliadas pelo teste Tukey e o coeficiente de variação ambiental para estimar a plasticidade. Quanto ao estudo do crescimento da planta ao longo do tempo, verificou-se aumento linear simples para a maioria das variáveis nos dois sexos. Foram detectadas respostas plásticas na maioria dos caracteres avaliados. De acordo com os resultados, em ambos os sexos, 60 dias de cultivo são suficientes para obtenção de matéria prima com teor aceitável de flavonóides, bem como para verificação dos efeitos de patogenesia e similitude na aplicação de preparados homeopáticos Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH e sua combinação Phosphorus 12CH + Sulphur 6CH. A fitomassa e o teor de flavonóides totais foram semelhantes entre plantas dióicas durante o período de estudo.

This study looked at organic production, in addition to the use of homeopathic preparations, in order to increase biomass and flavonoid content in dioecious plants of Baccharis genistelloides. The adopted treatments were: water control, control with 70% alcohol, Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH and a combination of them. Phenotypic changes were recorded for the growth analysis, performed biweekly for 60 days, of the morphological features, such as height, number of branches, length of the main branch, diameter of the stem and median stem wing. At harvest, we measured the fresh/dry phytomass and root volume. Subsequently, we quantified the content of total flavonoids according to the analyses required by the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia. The experiment was evaluated in a randomized block design, and its averages were evaluated by the Tukey's test and environmental variation coefficient to estimate plasticity. As for the study of plant growth over time, there was a simple linear increase for most of the variables in both genders. We could detect phenotypic plasticity traits in most features analyzed. According to these results in both genders, 60 days after inoculation are sufficient to obtain raw material with acceptable level of flavonoids, as well as pathogenesis and similar effects in the application of homeopathic preparations of Phosphorus 12CH, Sulphur 6CH and their combination. Phytomass and content of total flavonoids were similar between the dioecious plants during the study period.

Crescimento e produção de cumarina em plantas de chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq. ) tratadas com isoterápico / Growth and production of coumarin in the plants of chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq. ) treated with isoterapic

Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a resposta a dinamizações do isoterápico Justicia no crescimento e na produção de cumarina em Justicia pectoralis. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal de Viçosa. O delineamento estatístico foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições e seis tratamentos, totalizando 24 parcelas experimentais, sendo cada parcela constituída de uma planta por vaso. Os tratamentos foram constituídos das dinamizações 3CH, 6CH, 12CH, 18CH, 24CH e 30CH, do isoterápico Justicia. A aplicação dos tratamentos iniciou após o plantio das mudas, sendo pulverizada a parte aérea, em intervalos semanais. Após quatro meses do plantio as plantas foram colhidas. Foram avaliadas a matéria fresca e seca das folhas e caules a matéria fresca e seca da inflorescência, e a matéria fresca e seca total. Foram pesadas amostras de 200 mg das folhas e caules das plantas secas. As amostras foram devidamente armazenadas até a realização das análises químicas. A quantificação da cumarina (1-2 benzopirona) nas amostras foi feita em Cromatógrafo Líquido de Alta Eficiência. A matéria fresca de folhas e caules, a matéria fresca total e o rendimento de cumarina variaram em função das dinamizações do isoterápico. Os resultados confirmam o efeito de preparações homeopáticas na planta demonstrando que a homeopatia nos vegetais, mesmo na Lei da Igualdade tem efeitos potenciais.

The studied aimed to evaluate the responses to dynamizations of Justicia isoterapic in growth and coumarin production in Justicia pectoralis. The studies were carried out at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. The statistical design was completely randomized, with four replicates and six treatments, 24 experimental plots, one plant per pot. The treatment were dynamizations 3CH, 6CH, 12CH, 18CH, 24CH and 30CH Justicia isoterapic. The applications of the treatments begun are planting seedlings, the aerial part being sprayed, at weekly intervals. After four months of planting, the plants were harvested. Were evaluated fresh and dry matter of stem and leaves, fresh and dry matter of inflorecense, and fresh and dry matter total. Were weighed samples on 200 mg of leaves and stems of dried plants. The samples were properly stored at quimical analyses. The quantification of coumarin (1-2 benzopyrone) in the samples was done in High Resolution Liquid Chromatography. The fresh matter of leaves and stems, the fresh matter total and a production of coumarin varied as a function of dynamization of isoterapic. The results confirm the effect of homeopathics preparations in the plants demonstrating that homeopathy in vegetables even in the Equality Law has potential effect.

Efeito de dinamizações de Arnica montana L. no metabolismo de chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq. ) / Effect of dynamizations of Arnica montana in metabolism of chambá (Justicia pectoralis Jacq. )

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a resposta do crescimento e do metabolismo secundário de Justicia pectoralis, expresso em produção de cumarina, a crescentes dinamizações de A. montana. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Federal de Viçosa. O delineamento estatístico foi inteiramente casualizado, com seis repetições e cinco tratamentos, totalizando 30 parcelas experimentais, sendo cada parcela constituída de uma planta por vaso. Os tratamentos foram as dinamizações 3CH, 30CH, 60CH, 100CH e 200CH do preparado homeopático A. montana. Os tratamentos foram aplicados às plantas via pulverização, em intervalos semanais, iniciando logo após o plantio. Após quatro meses do plantio as plantas foram colhidas. As características de crescimento avaliadas foram matérias fresca e seca de folhas e caules, matérias fresca e seca de inflorescências e matérias fresca e seca total. No estudo fitoquímico foi avaliada a produção da cumarina (1-2 benzopirona). Não houve resposta nas variáveis de crescimento aos tratamentos. As dinamizações de A. montana causaram alterações no metabolismo secundário das plantas. Os conteúdos de cumarina das plantas com A. montana 3CH e 30CH foram próximos e mais baixos, aumentando progressivamente a partir de 60CH, chegando ao máximo em 100CH, seguido de redução em 200CH. A preparação homeopática A. montana causa alterações no metabolismo secundário de chambá, sendo as repostas dependentes da dinamização.

Were evaluated the responses to dynamizations of Arnica montana in the growth and in the secondary metabolism of Justicia pectoralis expressed as coumarin production. The studies were carried out at the Universidade Federal de Viçosa. The statistical design was completely randomized, with six replicates and five treatments, 30 experimental plots, one plant per pot. The treatments were dynamizations 3CH, 30CH, 60CH, 100CH and 200CH homeopathic preparation of A. montana. The application the treatments begun are planting seedlings, the aerial part being sprayed, at weekly intervals. After four months of planting, the plants were harvested. The evaluated growth characteristics were: fresh and dry matter of leaves and stems, fresh and dry matter of inflorecenses, and fresh and dry matter total. In the phytochemistry study, the production of the coumarin 1,2-benzopyrone was evaluated. Were no responses of growth characteristics. The dynamizations of A. montana caused changes in secondary metabolism of plants. The coumarin production with A. montana plants 3CH and 30CH were lower, increasing progressively from 60CH, and coming to increased in 100CH, followed by a large reduction in the 200CH. The homeopathic preparation A. montana cause change in secondary metabolism of chambá, and the responses depend on dynamizations.

The influence of the S19W SNP of the APOA5 gene on triglyceride levels in southern Brazil: interactions with the APOE gene, sex and menopause status.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hypertriglyceridemia is an important independent risk factor for coronary artery diseases and is determined by a wide range of factors, both genetic and exogenous. The A5 apolipoprotein, which is associated with the synthesis and removal of triglycerides (TG), is encoded by the APOA5 gene. One of the polymorphisms of this gene that has been the focus of a large number of studies, and which appears to be associated with increased TG, is S19W (rs 3135506). In this study, we examined the influence of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on TG levels of a sample of southern Brazilians. METHODS AND RESULTS: Samples obtained from 567 people of European descent were genotyped; interactions between this variant and anthropometric variables were analyzed, and the effects of lifestyle, sex, menopause, and variations of the APOE gene were evaluated. We found that the 19W allele is associated with increased TG (p = 0.025) and that this influence was modulated by sex (p = 0.003), menopause (p = 0.022) and the presence of the E*4 allele (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our data showed, for the first time, the importance and magnitude of the influence of the S19W variant in a southern Brazilian population.

Sudden cardiac arrest due to puerperal transient left ventricular apical ballooning syndrome.

A 37 year old woman with chest pain was admitted to the emergency room 40 days after normal delivery with ventricular fibrillation due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy.

Potencial alelopático de extratos aquosos de Melissa officinalis L. e Mentha x villosa L. na germinação e vigor de sementes de Plantago major L. / Allelopathic effect of extracts of Melissa officinallis L. and Mentha x villosa L. on seed germination and vigor of Plantago major L.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos extratos aquosos de hortelã e melissa na germinação e vigor de sementes de tanchagem. O experimento foi conduzido no Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, no mês de abril de 2011. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (testemunha, 25 por cento, 50 por cento, 75 por cento e 100 por cento do extrato aquoso de hortelã e melissa) e quatro repetições. Os extratos foram preparados utilizando a parte aérea das plantas, na proporção de 100g de planta para 1 L de água destilada. Foram utilizadas 50 sementes de tanchagem em cada caixa gerbox, previamente umedecido com os extratos aquosos (correspondentes aos tratamentos), estas foram levadas para germinar em câmara de germinação, em temperatura de 20°C, fotoperíodo de 16 horas luz e 8 horas escuro, por 14 dias. Durante esse tempo foram feitas às contagens diárias das sementes germinadas para calcular o índice de velocidade de germinação e ao final dos 14 dias foi calculada a porcentagem de germinação. Sementes de tanchagem não submetidas aos extratos aquosos de melissa e hortelã apresentaram-se mais vigorosas quando comparado com as concentrações, evidenciando o potencial alelopático de melissa e hortelã sobre a sua qualidade fisiológica.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Melissa officinallis and Mentha x villosa for the germination and vigor of Plantago major seeds. The experiment was conducted at the Plant Science Department, Federal University of Viçosa, in April 2011. The design was a completely randomized design with five treatments (control, 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent and 100 percent of the aqueous extract of Mentha x villosa and Melissa Officinallis) and four replications. The extracts were prepared utulizando the shoots of plants at the rate of 100g of plant to 1 L of distilled water. We used 50 Plantago major seeds in each box incubator and these were subsequently placed in a germination chamber. 14 days during the counting of germinated seeds per day to calculate the index of germination speed and the end of 14 days was the germination percentage. Plantago major seeds not subjected to aqueous extracts of lemon balm and mint showed higher values in the variables studied when compared to other concentrations, showing the allelopathic potencial of Melissa officinallis and Mentha x villosa on the development of plantain, determined by germinating.

Prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la osteoporosis inducida por corticoides Patrones de conducta en reumatólogos del caribe colombiano / Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis Patterns of conduct in rheumatologist of Colombian Caribean

Objetivo: Establecer los factores asociados a la decisión clínica de implementar medidas diagnósticas y terapéuticas de OIC, por parte de los reumatólogos, en pacientes tratados con glucocorticoides, en la ciudad de Barranquilla- Colombia, febrero a mayo de 2004. Pacientes y métodos: Se escogieron 121 pacientes consecutivos en tratamiento con corticoides (P.O o IM) por más de 6 semanas que acudían a consulta de reumatología durante los meses de febrero a mayo de 2004. Los pacientes debían tener al menos dos o más consultas con su médico tratante para ingresar en el estudio. En los pacientes incluidos se implementó un formulario de recolección de datos que incluía variables demográficas y clínicas, así como la presencia o ausencia de factores de riesgo para OIC, además de la conducta empleada para el diagnóstico, prevención y/o tratamiento de los pacientes. Resultados: De 121 pacientes incluidos, 103 (85,1 por ciento) eran de sexo femenino y 18 (14,9 por ciento) eran de sexo masculino. 76 pacientes (62,8 por ciento) eran menores de 50 años, y 45 (37,2 por ciento) eran mayores de 50 años. Se indicaron corticoides en 68 pacientes con artritis reumatoide (56,2 por ciento) y en 31 pacientes con LES (25,6 por ciento). Se informó conducta diagnóstica en 50,41 por ciento de los pacientes, distribuidos así: DEXA periférico (Accudexa) 52,4 por ciento, DEXA central (fémur, cuerpo total, columna y columna y cadera) 16,3 por ciento, Ultrasonido de calcáneo (14,7 por ciento), DEXA antebrazo distal y UD (9,2 por ciento). Se informó conducta terapéutica en 96 pacientes (79,3 por ciento). De la población total, 17 pacientes (14 por ciento) recibieron calcio, 26 (21,5 por ciento) recibieron vitamina D y 53 (43,8 por ciento), calcio más vitamina D; 6 pacientes recibieron Bifosfonatos y 1 recibió Calcitonina. Conclusiones: En nuestra población el 50,41 por ciento de los pacientes recibió algún tipo de conducta diagnóstica y 79,3 por ciento, conducta terapéutica, cifras que se comparan favorablemente con las informadas internacionalmente. Sin embargo, para el diagnóstico y tratamiento se emplearon métodos y prescripciones de menor evidencia científica y menor costo que reflejan la capacidad económica de la mayoría la población atendida

A Rare Variation of the Retro-Aortic Left Renal Vein with Anastomotic Afluent from Inferior Mesenteric Vein / Una Variación Rara de la Vena Renal Izquierda Retro-Aórtica con un Afluente Anastomótico de la Vena Mesentérica Inferior

We report an uncommon anatomical variations of the left renal vein was found on dissected specimen in an elderly male cadaver: a retroaortic left renal vein. No other vascular anomalies were noted in this specimen. The anomaly result may be related to a particular pattern of left inferior vena cava. The abnormality have to be known for it may be undetected or be misleading in imaging. This anatomical curiosity should be kept in mind by clinicians and academics that may manipulate this anatomical area.

Relatamos una variación anatómica infrecuente de la vena renal izquierda, denominada vena renal retroaórtica, encontrada en un cadáver masculino disecado. No se observaron otras variaciones vasculares. Lavariación anatómica encontrada se puede relacionar con un patrón particular de la vena cava inferior izquierda. La variación debe ser conocida ya que puede pasar inadvertida o ser confundida en proyecciones de imágenes de la región. Los clínicos y académicos que actúen en la región, deben considerar esta eventual variación anatómica.

Association between -250G/A polymorphism of the hepatic lipase gene promoter and coronary artery disease and HDL-C levels in a Southern Brazilian population.

Hepatic lipase (HL) is a glycoprotein that plays a major role in remodeling high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The effect of the -250G/A promoter polymorphism on coronary artery disease (CAD) and lipid levels was studied in 231 male CAD patients and in a population-based sample of men and women (n = 514). A sample of 140 men was chosen among those included in the population-based sample as controls for the CAD sample. In the total group of CAD patients, the frequency of the -250A allele was somewhat lower (25% in CAD patients and 32% in controls; p = 0.06), but when the control samples were compared only with the CAD(+) sample (more than 60% of luminal stenosis in at least one coronary artery or major branch segment) the -250A allele was significantly less frequent (23% in the patients vs 32% in controls; p = 0.02). A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that this association was independent of classical CAD risk factors [odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, p = 0.025]. Using multiple linear regression analyses, it has been shown that this polymorphism was a significant factor affecting HDL-C levels in men from the population-based sample (p = 0.001), an interaction between -250G/A variant and wine consumption was also detected (p = 0.001). Thus, our results show that the -250G/A polymorphism in the HL gene is associated with significant variations in HDL-C levels and CAD risk in males.

Circumstances of post-neonatal deaths in Ceara, Northeast Brazil: mothers' health care-seeking behaviors during their infants' fatal illness.

Promotion of oral rehydration therapy (ORT) for the treatment of diarrheal diseases and the WHO case management strategy for acute respiratory infections (ARI) have contributed to significant reductions in infant mortality, but these two conditions remain the leading causes of infant deaths in most developing countries. Identification of the factors contributing to these deaths may contribute to reduce infant mortality from preventable causes. To gain insight into the circumstances and maternal and health services factors that may contribute to infant deaths we used a verbal autopsy method to interview mothers of all infants who died during the previous 12 months (June 1995-May 1996) in 11 municipalities in the State of Ceara, Northeast Brazil. Our results revealed that one-third of the deaths occurred in a hospital and two-thirds at home. Almost all the infants who died at home, however, had been examined one or more times by a doctor, and 36% of them had been hospitalized during the disease episode that resulted in death. For most (85%) of these children the causes of death were diarrhea or acute respiratory infection, and it is likely that death could have been averted if appropriate treatment had been initiated promptly. Three major groups of factors that alone or in combination appeared to contribute to most deaths were delays in seeking medical care on behalf of the parents, medical interventions reported as ineffective by mothers and delays in providing medical care to children who arrived at the hospital too late in the day to be scheduled for consultation. Our findings suggest that government efforts to further reduce infant mortality in Ceara should focus on health education interventions that address quality of home care, recognition of signs of severity and danger and importance of seeking timely medical care: and on improving the quality of care provided at community health centers and hospitals. Measures likely to improve infants' chance of survival include: ensuring prompt access to medical consultation for young children brought to health centers or hospitals with potentially life-threatening symptoms related to infections, health education to mothers on the need for continued home care after discharge and to return to the medical care facility if the child does not recover, and that they have access to medicine prescribed by hospital physicians. Further benefits could be obtained by using community health workers, now integrated into the Family Medicine Program (PSF) health teams, to provide health education, supervise home care, refer mothers to health centers and facilitate their access to hospitals.

Association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism with plasma lipids and Alzheimer's disease in a Southern Brazilian population

Apolipoprotein E (protein: apo E; gene: APOE) plays an important role in the multifactorial etiology of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lipid level concentrations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the APOE gene polymorphism in 446 unrelated Caucasians, among them 23 AD patients, and 100 Afro-Brazilians living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The frequencies of the APOE*2, APOE*3 and APOE*4 alleles were 0.075, 0.810 and 0.115 in Caucasians and 0.075, 0.700 and 0.225 in Afro-Brazilians, respectively (c2 = 8.72, P = 0.013). A highly significant association was observed between the APOE*4 allele and AD in this population-based sample. The APOE*4 frequency in AD patients (39 percent) was about four times higher than in the general Caucasian population (11.5 percent). The influence of each of the three common APOE alleles on lipid traits was evaluated by the use of the average excess statistic. The E*2 allele is associated with lower levels of triglycerides and of total and non-HDL cholesterol in both men and women. Conversely, the E*4 allele is associated with higher levels of these traits in women only. The effect of APOE alleles was of greater magnitude in women.

Association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism with plasma lipids and Alzheimer's disease in a Southern Brazilian population.

Apolipoprotein E (protein: apo E; gene: APOE) plays an important role in the multifactorial etiology of both Alzheimer's disease (AD) and lipid level concentrations. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to investigate the APOE gene polymorphism in 446 unrelated Caucasians, among them 23 AD patients, and 100 Afro-Brazilians living in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The frequencies of the APOE*2, APOE*3 and APOE*4 alleles were 0.075, 0.810 and 0.115 in Caucasians and 0.075, 0.700 and 0.225 in Afro-Brazilians, respectively (chi2 = 8.72, P = 0.013). A highly significant association was observed between the APOE*4 allele and AD in this population-based sample. The APOE*4 frequency in AD patients (39%) was about four times higher than in the general Caucasian population (11.5%). The influence of each of the three common APOE alleles on lipid traits was evaluated by the use of the average excess statistic. The E*2 allele is associated with lower levels of triglycerides and of total and non-HDL cholesterol in both men and women. Conversely, the E*4 allele is associated with higher levels of these traits in women only. The effect of APOE alleles was of greater magnitude in women.

High heterogeneity of apolipoprotein E gene frequencies in South American Indians.

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism was investigated in 186 individuals from six South American Indian tribes, and the results integrated with those previously presented for this ethnic group. The three APOE alleles commonly reported in other populations were also observed in South Amerindians with a highly heterogeneous distribution. As in other populations, APOE*3 was the most common allele (51-98%) followed by APOE*4 (2-47%). These two isoforms were identified in all tribes, but APOE*2 was observed among the Wai Wai (2%) and Mataco (4%) only. No previous indications of inter-ethnic admixture were observed among the Wai Wai, but the introduction of this allele among the Mataco through non-Indian sources cannot be excluded.