The schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic extracts from branches, leaves, flowers and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart. ex DC.) Mattos (Bignoniaceae) plant and metabolic profile characterization by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis.

Schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma mansoni Sambon, 1907, is a severe and widely distributed parasitic disease, affecting about 200 million people worldwide. The disease is recognized by elevated mortality rates, especially among those living in areas of poor sanitation. Currently, the chemotherapeutic treatment is solely based on using the praziquantel drug. Therefore, there is a need for the discovery of new medicines for the treatment of this parasitosis. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the schistosomicidal activity of ethanolic crude extracts from the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of Handroanthus impetiginosus (Mart ex DC.) Masttos and characterize its metabolic profile by UPLC-ESI-QTOF analysis. Evaluation of plant extract on S. mansoni was carried out in adult worms in vitro, in which the mortality rate was quantified, and the damages in the tegument of the worms were monitored. All extracts induced changes in the viability of adult males of S. mansoni, causing the death of the parasites, which was directly dependent of the concentration.

Electrochemical dissolution of nickel-titanium instrument fragments in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars using a small reservoir of electrolyte.

AIM: To evaluate the viability of the electrochemical dissolution of fragments of fractured NiTi instruments in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars, using two electrodes and the solution restricted to a small reservoir coupled to the pulp chamber. The primary hypothesis was that this method enables the reduction of fragment volume and re-establishment of the root canal path with a size 08 K-file, both in simulated canals and in extracted human maxillary molars. METHODOLOGY: Fragments of F1 ProTaper instruments were polarized in simulated root canals and in distobuccal root canals of extracted maxillary molars using a new method, with the solution restricted to a small acrylic microcell coupled to each resin block or pulp chamber. Two electrodes were used, where one was kept in contact with the intracanal fragment and another was positioned in the solution present in the acrylic microcell. After the tests, a size 08 K-file was used passively to verify the possibility of bypassing the fragment, which was also confirmed by radiographic analysis. Micro-CT analysis of the teeth was used before and after fragment dissolution to evaluate the volume, length and porosity of the fragments. The D'Agostino-Pearson normality test was used to verify the distribution of the data. A paired t-test (P < 0.05) was used to compare the volume, length and porosity of the fragments before and after the dissolution tests. RESULTS: After dissolution, all fragments could be bypassed with a size 08 K-file in both simulated canals and in extracted teeth. The dissolution process did not result in significant reduction of neither the fragment length nor the fragment porosity. However, it resulted in a significant reduction of fragment volume (paired t-test, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The electrochemical dissolution of fragments of NiTi files in root canals of extracted human maxillary molars using two electrodes, and the solution restricted to a small reservoir coupled to the pulp chamber resulted in a significant reduction of fragment volume. The re-establishment of the root canal path with the passive insertion of size 08 K-files was possible in all samples after the tests, both in simulated canals and in extracted teeth.

Analysis of two meteorite fragments (lunar and martian) using X-Ray microfluorescence and X-Ray computed microtomography techniques.

Meteorites have been arousing the curiosity of mankind since antiquity. However, the interest in these objects goes far beyond mere curiosity in the study of such materials, which has great importance due essentially to the information they can provide. The importance of studying meteorites is associated about the earliest conditions and processes during the formation and earliest history of the solar system. So, in this study, the characterization of two meteorite fragments was performed using X-ray computed microtomography (micro-CT) and X-ray microfluorescence (micro-XRF). These techniques were used for their non-destructive characteristics and the ability to provide information about the structure and composition the meteorites. The micro-CT images showed encrusted structures within both samples. However, while in Lunar meteorites spheroidal structures very similar to small grains internally grouped in clusters were found, in the Martian meteorite a very peculiar structure was identified. Besides that, the micro-CT it was also possible to evaluate the different density materials that compose the samples. The micro-XRF results accounted for the presence of the elements Si, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni and Sr in the Lunar sample, as well as of Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr and Y in the Martian sample. The results obtained are effective for the characterization of meteorites, proving thus that it is possible to obtain important information about the chemical composition, as well as about the distribution and the internal structure of these materials, evaluating aspects such as density and porosity.

Survival of children with malignant brain tumors receiving valproate: a retrospective study.

PURPOSE: The treatment of pediatric patients with malignant brain tumors has evolved considerably in the past decades. However, results are still unsatisfactory for some patients. Valproate has been shown to positively affect the survival of adult glioblastoma patients. We have been giving prophylactic antiepileptic drugs to newly diagnosed children with brain tumors. Since then, we noted a trend towards a better survival from our patients. In order to study this, we performed a retrospective evaluation in our institution. METHODS: Standard survival analysis was used, calculating survival until death by all causes or censoring. Comparisons were made by Cox's proportional hazards model regression. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2010, 94 patients were treated (12 with high-grade gliomas, 56 medulloblastomas, and 26 ependymomas); median and mean ages were 7.7 and 7.8 years. Median follow-up was 60 months (35 for treated and 109 for untreated patients). Of these, 47 received valproate 10-15 mg/kg/day every 8-12 h and 47 did not. Patients who received valproate had a median survival of 34 months, whereas the other group had a median survival of 24 months (hazard ratios = 0.99, 0.57-1.75, p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: These results do not prove that valproate prophylactic treatment in pediatric patients with malignant brain tumors had an influence on their survival. However, our cohort showed an effect of higher size than the recent European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial analysis, even though not significant. Clinical trials with valproate in pediatric malignant brain tumors should be carefully planned, in order to detect a possible effect of this drug in survival.

A multibiomarker approach in the clam Ruditapes decussatus to assess the impact of pollution in the Ria Formosa lagoon, South Coast of Portugal.

The Ria Formosa lagoon is an ecosystem whose water quality reflects the anthropogenic influence upon the surrounding areas. In this lagoon, the clam Ruditapes decussatus has a great economical importance and has been widely used as a biomonitor. A multibiomarker approach (δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, metallothionein, lipid peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase, alkali-labile phosphates, DNA damage) was applied to assess the environmental quality of this ecosystem and the accumulation of contaminants and their potential adverse effects on clams. Clams were sampled in different shellfish beds in the period between July 2007 and December 2008 and abiotic parameters (temperature, salinity, pH and dissolved oxygen of seawater and organic matter in the sediment), condition index, metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb), TBTs and PAHs concentrations were measured in clam tissues. Data was integrated using Principal Component Analyses and biomarker indices: IBR (Integrated Biomarker Response) and HSI (Health Status Index). This multibiomarker approach enabled discrimination of a time and space trend between sites with different degrees of anthropogenic contamination, identifying one of them (site 2) as the most stressful and summer months as the most critical period for clams due to an increase of environmental stress (anthropogenic pressure along with extreme environmental conditions, e.g. temperature, dissolved oxygen, organic matter in the sediments, etc). The selected biomarkers provided an integrated response to assess the environmental quality of the system, proving to be a useful approach when complex mixtures of contaminants occur.

Validation of 20-meter corridor for the 6-minute walk test in men on liver transplantation waiting list.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines established by the American Thoracic Society recommend the use of corridors 30 m in length for the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). However, not all institutions have such long corridors, which hinders or prevents 6MWT performance and use of its benefits. OBJECTIVE: To compare the distances walked by male patients with cirrhosis on the liver transplantation waiting list, we performed 6MWT on corridors 20 and 30 m long. METHODS: This prospective study included 10 patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation. They underwent 2 walk tests: the first test in a 20 m corridor and the second in a 30 m corridor. We assessed physiologic variables (heart rate, oxygen saturation, arterial blood pressure) and the subjective sensation of dyspnea at rest at 6 and 9 minutes after each walk. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Data are expressed as mean ± sd. Patient age was 59 ± 10 years. The distances walked by the patients were shorter than those predicted for their age and gender (586 ± 45 m) in both tests, no significant difference was observed between the first and the second 6MWT (437 ± 101 m vs 465 ± 80 m; P=.131) or among the physiologic variables. CONCLUSION: We concluded that a 20 m corridor can be used safely and effectively as an alternative to 30 m for the 6MWT for male patients with cirrhosis on the liver transplantation waiting list.

Assessment of the impact of salinity and irradiance on the combined carbon dioxide sequestration and carotenoids production by Dunaliella salina: A mathematical model.

Current anthropogenic activities have been causing a significant increase in the atmospheric concentration of CO2 over the past 60 years. To mitigate the consequent global warming problem, efficient technological solutions, based on economical and technical grounds, are required. In this work, microalgae are studied as important biological systems of CO2 fixation into organic compounds through photosynthesis. These microorganisms are potential sources of a wide variety of interesting chemical compounds, which can be used for commercial purposes, reducing the cost of CO2 capture and sequestration. Specifically, Dunaliella salina culture was studied aiming at the impact evaluation of operational conditions over cellular growth and carotenoid production associated with the CO2 sequestration on focus. The main experimental parameters investigated were salinity and irradiance conditions. The experimental results supported the development of a descriptive mathematical model of the process. Based on the proposed model, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to investigate the operational conditions that maximize CO2 consumption and carotenoid production, in order to guide further development of technological routes for CO2 capture through microalgae. A preliminary cost estimation of CO2 sequestration combined to carotenoids production for a 200 MW power plant is presented, based on the growth rates achieved in this study.

Model-based optimization of a sequencing batch reactor for biological nitrogen removal.

An optimal operating mode for a sequencing batch reactor was determined via a model-based optimization. Synthetic wastewater containing mainly organic matter (as glucose) and nitrogen (as ammonium chloride) was treated without any addition of an external carbon source to accomplish denitrification step. A simplified model was used to describe process dynamics, comprised of six ordinary differential equations and an empirical correlation for oxygen consumption rate. Batch cycle time was the chosen objective function to be minimized for a fixed volume of waste to be treated. Furthermore, as SBR operation is divided in two major phases - aerobic and anoxic, to achieve total pollutants removal within minimum time, these phases can be repeatedly alternated. To ensure availability of organic matter necessary for denitrification, these two phases were combined with feed steps. Different feed strategies were tested using one, two or three feed steps. A successive quadratic programming algorithm was used, and maximum values for final COD, nitrate and ammonium concentrations, as well as maximum feed pump flow rate were some the process constraints. One step feed strategy was indicated by the optimization leading to a batch cycle time of 5h.

[Complete congenital atrioventricular block]. / O bloqueio aurículo ventricular completo congénito.

Congenital atrioventricular block is defined (Yater) as a documented conduction defect in a young subject with unquestionable bradycardia in the absence of a history of infection which might have caused the condition. This condition may be isolated or associated with structural cardiac disease. Isolated block is often observed in patients with mothers suffering from autoimmune disease, often clinically latent. Anti-Ro/SS-A and La/SS-B antibodies cross into the fetal circulation and cause inflammation of the fetal conduction system. The diagnosis of the conduction defect is sometimes made during fetal life by echocardiography. Echocardiography assesses fetal hemodynamic status and may detect signs of fetal deterioration. Long-term follow-up studies have revised the previously considered good prognosis of isolated congenital atrioventricular block but advances in cardiac pacing provide satisfactory treatment. Follow-up by Holter monitoring, exercise testing and echocardiography is justified in children and adolescents; the patients may become symptomatic at any age. Indications for permanent pacing in pediatric patients have been difficult to determine due to the lack of data from controlled studies and multicenter trials. Pacing is not always easy in children. Epicardial pacing is advocated in small patients (< 5 years of age or 30 kg in weight). A pacing mode which restores the normal atrioventricular sequence is theoretically superior to single ventricular pacing even with rate responsive frequency.

State observers for a biological wastewater nitrogen removal process in a sequential batch reactor.

Biological removal of nitrogen is a two-step process: aerobic autotrophic microorganisms oxidize ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate, and the nitrate is further reduced to elementary nitrogen by heterotrophic microorganisms under anoxic condition with concomitant organic carbon removal. Several state variables are involved which render process monitoring a demanding task, as in most biotechnological processes, measurement of primary variables such as microorganism, carbon and nitrogen concentrations is either difficult or expensive. An alternative is to use a process model of reduced order for on-line inference of state variables based on secondary process measurements, e.g. pH and redox potential. In this work, two modeling approaches were investigated: a generic reduced order model based on the generally accepted IAWQ No. 1 Model [M. Henze, C.P.L., Grady, W., Gujer, G.V.R., Marais, T., Matsuo, Water Res. 21 (5) (1987) 505-515]-generic model (GM), and a reduced order model specially validated with the data acquired from a benchscale sequential batch reactor (SBR) specific model (SM). Model inaccuracies and measurement errors were compensated for with a Kalman filter structure to develop two state observers: one built with GM, the generic observer (GO), and another based on SM, the specific observer (SO). State variables estimated by GM, SM, GO and SO were compared to experimental data from the SBR unit. GM gave the worst performance while SM predictions presented some model to data mismatch. GO and SO, on the other hand, were both in very good agreement with experimental data showing that filters add robustness against model errors, which reduces the modeling effort while assuring adequate inference of process variables.

Robust soft sensors for SBR monitoring.

In wastewater treatment some process variables may be very difficult to measure directly because of the non-availability or excessive cost of sensors. An alternative is to use "soft sensors" that provide online estimates of these inaccessible variables by calculations based on auxiliary measurable variables. Two such sensors are proposed based on extended Kalman filtering or neural networks that could enable the monitoring of nitrate ion, ammonium ion and carbonaceous matter concentrations during nitrification of wastewater.

Associated or combined vaccination of Brazilian infants with a conjugate Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, a diphtheria-tetanus-whole-cell pertussis vaccine and IPV or OPV elicits protective levels of antibodies against Hib.

This study investigated the immunogenicity and safety of including a Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (polyribosylribitol phosphate conjugated to tetanus toxoid, PRP-T) in three different vaccination schemes: (1) PRP-T reconstituted with a combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-inactivated poliovirus vaccine (DTP-IPV//PRP-T); (2) PRP-T reconstituted with DTP and administered concomitantly with an oral poliovirus vaccine (DTP//PRP-T+OPV); and (3) PRP-T administered concomitantly with DTP at a different injection site and OPV (DTP+PRP-T+OPV). Vaccines were given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. A total of 252 infants were enrolled, and randomly assigned to one of the three vaccination groups (84 infants in each group); 241 infants were followed until the end of the study. Antibody production against PRP, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis antigens was satisfactory for each vaccination scheme used. A good response to Hib vaccine was elicited in each group, and 3 months after the third vaccine dose, at least 97% of children in each group had levels of PRP antibody considered to be seroprotective (>0.15 microg/ml), and over 90% of children in each group had levels over 1. 0 microg/ml. The solicited local and systemic adverse events following vaccination were mild in all groups and resolved within 4 days without medical intervention. With the exception of fever, which was more common after the second dose in children who received DTP-IPV//PRP-T, local and systemic reactions did not differ between the vaccination groups. Due to the practical advantages of combined vaccines, their use in routine immunization programs in developing countries is highly desirable. Our results show that Hib conjugate vaccine can be included in routine immunization programs that include either OPV or IPV with satisfactory immunogenicity and safety profiles. This flexible approach should facilitate the inclusion of the Hib conjugate vaccine in routine immunization programs on a world-wide scale.

Bounds for the Randic connectivity index

For a saturated hydrocarbon with n carbon atoms and m carbon-carbon bonds and with Randic connectivity index chi, two functions, L = L(n,m) and U = U(n,m), are determined, such that L < or = chi < U. These bounds are better than those previously reported; for most chemically relevant values of n and m there exist hydrocarbons for which chi = L or chi = U.

Capsaicin: identification, nomenclature, and pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To provide a brief overview of the chemical history, analysis, nomenclature, biology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy of capsaicin. DATA SOURCES: Chemical Abstracts, Biological Abstracts, and a MEDLINE search were used to identify pertinent literature; selected literature was used in this review. DATA EXTRACTION: Original articles, reviews, and abstracts of articles were used to select material pertinent to the objectives of the review. The volume of material available prohibits comprehensive data extraction. CONCLUSIONS: A history of the use of Capsicum spp. and the predominant active ingredient, capsaicin, the parent compound of a group of vanillyl fatty acid amides, is presented. Distinct structural differences are noted between this compound and the capsaicinoids, especially the synthetic analog nonivamide, which has appeared as an adulterant in capsaicin-labeled products. Analysis shows that although some of these synthetic analogs eventually may prove to be true natural products, conclusive evidence based on isolation and structure elucidation is still absent after decades of attempted isolation from several potential natural sources. Although the crude, dark oleoresin extract of capsicum contains over 100 distinct volatile compounds and therefore may function in many ways dissimilar to capsaicin, the oleoresin continues to be marketed in products with a high degree of variability in efficacy. Capsaicin as a pure white crystalline material, however, acts specifically by depleting stores of substance P from sensory neurons, and has been successful in the treatment of several painful conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathies.

[Primary hyperaldosteronism. A report of 2 clinical cases]. / Hiperaldosteronismo primário. Apresentação de dois casos clínicos.

We describe two clinical cases of primary hyperaldosteronism caused by adrenal adenoma (Conn's syndrome) with very different forms of clinical presentation. Some theoretical considerations about diagnosis and treatment of the disease are made.

Patterns of prescribing isotretinoin: focus on women of childbearing potential.

OBJECTIVE: The primary objectives of this study were to determine how dermatologists currently prescribe isotretinoin and to determine if the potential for adverse effects, especially those affecting the fetus, has influenced dermatologists' prescribing patterns. DESIGN: A survey was mailed to 1618 dermatologists practicing in the US. The survey comprised 22 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions about the use of isotretinoin. Eight weeks were allowed for completion and return of the survey. SETTING: The setting of the study included dermatologists in private practice, those with academic appointments, those in administration, and a few dermatologists in other pursuits. PARTICIPANTS: The membership roster of the American Academy of Dermatology served as the sampling frame from which survey recipients were drawn. After arranging the list by zip code, a sample of dermatologists was taken by systematically choosing every fifth name on the list, giving the researchers the total sample of 1618 physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Questions were organized into the following sections: (1) practice status of respondent, (2) prescriber demographics, (3) influence of adverse effects on prescribing, (4) prescribing practices, (5) discontinuation of therapy, and (6) restriction of isotretinoin to dermatologists. The survey concluded by providing participants the opportunity to make further observations or comments. RESULTS: Of the 1618 surveys mailed, 670 usable responses were received (41.4 percent). Most respondents were in private practice. Data show that dermatologists were prescribing isotretinoin for indications other than those contained in the official labeling. Most physicians reported that they do perform a pregnancy test before prescribing the drug, and many require written informed consent before prescribing. Physicians report that, in general, their patients tolerate isotretinoin well. When therapy is discontinued, it is most often secondary to hypertriglyceridemia. Dermatologists believe that they should have sole authority for prescribing isotretinoin. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that there is still a need for emphasizing the limited indications for isotretinoin and a need for effective patient education for women of childbearing potential who may be prescribed this drug.

The interferons and their use in condyloma acuminata.

There are three naturally occurring interferons: alfa, beta, and gamma. Alfa, derived from lymphoblastic tissue, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of condyloma acuminata (genital or venereal warts). Genital warts are caused by human papillomaviruses, of which more than 50 subtypes have been described. Traditional therapies have centered on destruction of the lesions by either cytotoxic or physical modalities. Intralesional interferon exerts its antiviral effects on infected cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. In general, success rates with intralesional interferon alfa are comparable to traditional modalities. There is also evidence that interferon alfa might be particularly useful in the treatment of lesions that have failed to respond to other modalities.