Uso de Tai Chi para la salud del adulto mayor: revisión bibliográfica / Use of Tai Chi for the health of the elderly: A bibliographic review / Uso do Tai Chi para a saúde de idosos: uma revisão bibliográfica

RESUMEN Introducción: La población de adultos mayores está incrementando y se observa la necesidad emergente de implementar estrategias dirigidas a recuperar o conservar su salud para que puedan gozar de una vejez plena. Técnicas como el Tai Chi podrían contribuir, ya que han mostrado tener múltiples beneficios para quien la práctica, tales como mejoras en la concentración, memoria, marcha, equilibrio, reducción del riesgo de caídas, fortalecimiento del sistema cardiovascular, reducción del estrés y la depresión, entre otros beneficios. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica del uso del Tai Chi para conservar la salud del adulto mayor. Desarrollo: Revisión bibliográfica realizada durante el periodo 2013-2019 en distintas bases de datos como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect y Google Académico. Se utilizaron las palabras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando los criterios de elegibilidad se seleccionaron 29 artículos. Resultados: Gran porcentaje de los artículos revisados estudian la atención de síntomas físicos que deterioran la movilidad del adulto mayor, sin embargo, también se encontraron investigaciones dirigidas a la parte psicológica, como el estrés, la ansiedad, el insomnio, la depresión y el enfado-tensión, en las cuales la práctica del Tai Chi demostró mejoría. Conclusiones: El Tai Chi es una terapia alternativa para prevenir y conservar la salud del adulto mayor, fácil de aprender y de bajo costo. En la revisión bibliográfica realizada no se reportan reacciones adversas durante ni después de la práctica de la técnica; el profesional de enfermería puede recomendarla ampliamente para ser implementada como un cuidado dirigido al adulto mayor.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The population of older adults is increasing and an emergent need to implement strategies aimed at recovering or maintaining their health is observed. In this sense, techniques such as Tai Chi could contribute because they have demonstrated bringing diverse benefits for those who practice them, including improvements in the concentration, memory, gait, and equilibrium, a reduction in the risk of falls, a strengthening of the cardiovascular system, and a reduction of stress and depression, among other benefits. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the use of Tai Chi as a health promoter and preserver among older adults. Development: This bibliographic review was conducted during 2013-2019 on the Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect and Academic Google databases. The keywords used were Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, and Tai Chi. After filtering through the eligibility criteria, 29 articles were selected for the review. Results: An important percentage of the articles were focused on the attention to physical symptoms which impair the mobility of older adults; nevertheless, some studies addressed psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and anger-tension, as well. In these studies, the practice of Tai Chi was associated with health improvements among older adults. Conclusions: Tai Chi is an alternative therapy to promote and maintain health among older adults. This technique is easy to learn, and its practice is not expensive. No adverse reactions during or after the practice of this technique were reported in the studies of this literature review. Therefore, the nursing professional can recommend Tai Chi practice to be implemented as a complementary healthcare measure for older adults.

RESUMO Introdução: A população de idosos está aumentando e observa-se a necessidade emergente de implementação de estratégias que visem a recuperação ou preservação da saúde para que possam desfrutar de uma velhice plena. Técnicas como o Tai Chi podem contribuir, dado que têm se mostrado múltiplos benefícios para quem o pratica, tais como melhora na concentração, memória, marcha, equilíbrio, redução do risco de quedas, fortalecimento do sistema cardiovascular, redução de estresse e depressão, entre outros benefícios. Objetivo: Analisar a evidência científica do uso do Tai Chi na preservação da saúde de idosos. Desenvolvimento: Revisão bibliográfica realizada no período 2013-2019 em diferentes bases de dados como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect e Google Academic. Foram utilizadas as palavras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando os critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 29 artigos. Resultados: Grande porcentagem dos artigos revisados estuda a atenção aos sintomas físicos que prejudicam a mobilidade do idoso, porém, as pesquisas também foram direcionadas à parte psicológica, como estresse, ansiedade, insônia, depressão e raiva-tensão, em que a prática do Tai Chi demonstrou melhora. Conclusões: O Tai Chi é uma terapia alternativa para prevenir e preservar a saúde do idoso, de fácil aprendizado e de baixo custo. Na revisão bibliográfica realizada, não foram relatadas reações adversas durante ou após a prática da técnica; o profissional de enfermagem pode recomendar veementemente que seja implementada como cuidado ao idoso.

Acid diterpenes from Copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera langsdorffii): Chemical and plasma stability and intestinal permeability using Caco-2 cells.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Copaiba oleoresin has been used in folk medicine in the treatment of bronchitis, syphilis, skin diseases and ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic activities, but there is no information about major compounds oral absorption to support the traditional use. AIM OF STUDY: Considering the potential of copalic (CA) and kaurenoic acid (KA) - major biological activity (in vitro) diterpenes found in the oleoresin, this study aimed to evaluate the intestinal permeability of CA and KA using Caco-2 cells model as predictive test for oral drug absorption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chemical stability at pH 1.2 and 7.4 and plasma stability were evaluated to mimic physiological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal permeability of CA and KA was evaluated in Caco-2 cells in the presence and absence of the P-glycoprotein inhibitor verapamil. RESULTS: CA and KA were rapidly degraded at pH 1.2 (0.2 M Clark-Lubs buffer). At pH 7.4 (0.1 M phosphate buffer), CA was stable for up to 24 h and KA for up to 6 h. In human plasma, CA and KA can be considered stable for 24 h and 12 h at 37 °C, respectively. Caco-2 cells were considered viable when incubated with CA or KA in the range of 3.9-250 µM for 24 h. CA and KA exhibited moderate apparent permeability (Papp) of 4.67 (±0.08) × 10-6 cm/s and 4.66 (±0.04) × 10-6 cm/s, respectively. Simultaneous incubation with verapamil showed that P-glycoprotein does not play a relevant role on CA and KA oral absorption, with Papp of 4.48 (±0.26) × 10-6 cm/s and 5.37 (±0.72) × 10-6 cm/s observed for CA and KA, respectively. CONCLUSION: The oral absorption of both CA and KA is driven by mainly passive permeability, is not limited by p-glycoprotein, but enteric-coated dosage forms should be used to avoid chemical instability in the gastric pH.

Plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone after intravenous and intraperitoneal administration in horses.

Intraperitoneal (IP) use of antimicrobial agents may lead to therapeutic effects with better clinical results than intravenous (IV) administration. The aim of this study was to compare plasma and peritoneal fluid concentrations of ceftriaxone after IP and IV administration in horses, and to evaluate possible adverse effects. One group of five horses received 25mg/kg ceftriaxone diluted in 1L saline solution by IP catheter once daily for 5 days, while a second group of five horses received 25mg/kg ceftriaxone diluted in 250mL saline solution by IV injection once daily for 5days and 1L saline solution by IP catheter once daily for 5 days. Peritoneal fluid and plasma were collected to determine ceftriaxone concentrations after the first and fifth administration. IP administration of ceftriaxone resulted in concentrations above a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1µg/mL for 24h in peritoneal fluid and for 12h in plasma, while IV administration of ceftriaxone resulted in lower peritoneal fluid concentrations, which remained above a MIC of 1µg/mL for 12h in peritoneal fluid and 10h in plasma. No adverse effects were observed. Comparisons of ceftriaxone concentrations, time of occurrence of the maximum (Tmax) and minimum (Tmin) concentrations, and the mean residence time (MRT), between the two groups showed that IP administration provided greater availability of cephalosporin in peritoneal fluid. The IP use of ceftriaxone (25mg/kg diluted in 1L saline solution once daily) may be useful for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of peritonitis in horses.

Cura húmeda de úlceras por presión. Atención en el ámbito domiciliar / Pressure ulcers humid healing: Attention within the home environment / Cura húmida de ulceras por pressão. Atenção no âmbito domiciliar

La necesidad de trabajar en el domicilio el tratamiento y prevención de las úlceras por presión (UPP) mediante sesiones basadas en cura húmeda es trascendente para la eversión y cicatrización en menor tiempo. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento de la cura húmeda en pacientes con UPP en un ambiente domiciliario. Método: Se realizó una intervención clínica con la técnica de cura húmeda en 11 UPP de 4 pacientes egresados del hospital con su problema de salud resuelto, pero no así las UPP observadas en puntos de presión, con lesiones grado II (n = 6) y grado III (n = 5). Se realizaron 12 curaciones, cada 72 h, en los domicilios de las personas. Se midió la severidad y su reversión con el instrumento Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH). Este instrumento tiene un alfa de Cronbach de 0.823. Resultados: Se curaron 9 UPP de 11; todas las de grado II (n = 6), mientras que de las de grado III se curaron 3 (n = 5). La cicatrización se dio en un lapso de 4 semanas, inferior a la cura tradicional que demora 2 veces más el tiempo de cicatrización. Conclusión: En el ámbito domiciliario, la cura húmeda fue eficaz para revertir las UPP de pacientes que las habían desarrollado durante su hospitalización y que egresaron sin tratamiento para ellas. La intervención se convierte en una opción para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas y un medio que las instituciones de salud pueden poner en práctica.

The need to carry out prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PU) within the home environment by means of humid healing sessions is very important for the prompt eversion and cicatrization of the wounds. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the humid healing in patients with PU within the home environment. Method: A clinical intervention was performed using the humid healing technique on 11 PU in 4 discharged patients showing degree II lesions (n = 6), and degree III lesions (n = 5). Twelve healings every 72 h were carried out at the homes of these patients. The ulcers severity and progress were estimated using the Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH) instrument, which has a Cronbach alfa of 0.823. Results: Nine PU out of the total 11 healed-all degree II (n = 6) and 3 degree III (n = 5). The cicatrization process only took 4 weeks, a time which is much shorter than the usual 8 weeks which take the traditional healing. Conclusion: Within the home environment, humid healing was an effective method to address PU in patients previously discharged from hospitals. This kind of interventions represents an option which health institutions can promote in order to improve the quality of life of these patients.

A necessidade de trabalhar na residência o tratamento e prevenção das Ulceras por pressão (UPP) mediante sessões baseadas em cura húmida, é transcendente para a eversão e cicatrização em menor tempo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento da cura húmida em pacientes com UPP em um ambiente domiciliar. Método: Realizou-se uma intervenção clínica com a técnica de cura húmida em 11 UPP de quatro pacientes formados do hospital com seu problema de saúde resolvido, mas não assim as UPP observadas em pontos de pressão, com lesões grau II (n = 6) e III (n = 5). Realizaram-se 12 curas, cada 72 h nas residências das pessoas. Mediu-se a severidade e sua reversão com o instrumento Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH). Este instrumento tem um alfa de Cronbach de 0.80. Resultados: Foram curadas 9 UPP de 11, todas as de grau II (n = 6), enquanto que as de grau III, 3 (n = 5). A cicatrização deu-se em um lapso de 4 semanas, inferior à cura tradicional que demora duas vezes mais o tempo de cicatrização. Conclusão: No âmbito domiciliar, a cura húmida foi eficaz para reverter as UPP de pacientes que as tinham desenvolvido durante sua hospitalização e que se formaram sem tratamento para elas. A intervenção se tornou em una opção para melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas e um médio que as instituições de saúde podem pôr em prática.

Análisis retrospectivo de la ventilación mecánica no invasiva frente a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en pacientes con exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos / Retrospective analysis of the Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in front of mechanical ventilation invasive in patients with exacerbation of the disease chronic obstructive pulmonary in a Care Unit Intensive

Objetivo: Análisis comparativo de la ventilación no invasiva frente a la ventilación mecánica invasiva en la exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Diseño: Cohorte retrospectiva (enero 2006- diciembre 2012). Ámbito: Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos médico-quirúrgica. Pacientes: Se analizaron 142 pacientes con insuficiencia respiratoria aguda hipercápnica. Intervenciones: Ninguna. Variables de interés: Infecciones (bacteriemia, neumonía intrahospitalaria, infección urinaria), necesidad de traqueotomía, insuficiencia renal aguda, síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, estancias en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos y hospitalaria, duración de la ventilación mecánica y mortalidad en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, hospitalaria y a los 6 meses.Resultados: Ciento veintiún pacientes (86%) recibieron ventilación no invasiva y 20 (14%), ventilación invasiva. Un paciente no recibió soporte ventilatorio. Al ingresar, el grupo de ventilación invasiva presentaba mayor deterioro gasométrico, hemodinámico y neurológico que el grupo de ventilación no invasiva. No hubo diferencias en la tasa de infecciones, la necesidad de traqueotomía, las complicaciones, la duración de la ventilación mecánica, las estancias, ni la mortalidad. Los pacientes en quienes fracasó la ventilación no invasiva presentaron mayor mortalidad comparados con el otro grupo. Conclusiones: La ventilación no invasiva fue el soporte ventilatorio más frecuente en los pacientes con exacerbación de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica en nuestra Unidad. Los pacientes con ventilación invasiva tuvieron una evolución clínica muy semejante a la de aquellos sometidos a ventilación invasiva, sin que ello haya supuesto una mayor mortalidad. (AU)

Objective: Comparative analysis of non-invasive ventilation versus invasive ventilation in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Design: Retrospective cohort (January 2006-December 2012). Setting: Medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit. Patients: One hundred and forty-two patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were analyzed. Variables of interest: Infections (bacteremia, nosocomial pneumonia, urinary infection), need for tracheostomy, acute renal failure, acute respiratory disease syndrome, lenght of stay at the Intensive Care Unit and hospital, duration of mechanical ventilation and mortality at the Intensive Care Unit, hospital and after 6 months. Results: One hundred and twenty-one patients (86%) underwent non-invasive ventilation and 20 (14%) received invasive ventilation. One patient did not receive ventilatory support. At admission, blood gases, and hemodynamic and neurological parameters were worse in the invasive ventilation group compared with the non-invasive ventilation group. Infection rate, need for tracheostomy, complications, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and mortality did not show differences. Mortality was higher in patients who failed non-invasive ventilation. Conclusions: Non-invasive ventilation was the most common ventilatory support in patients with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in our Intensive Care Unit. Patients with invasive ventilation had the same clinical course compared to the non-invasive group, without entailing increased mortality.(AU)

Alcohol intake may impair bone density and new cementum formation after enamel matrix derivative treatment: histometric study in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Alcohol intake may interfere with bone metabolism; however, there is a lack of information about the outcomes of regenerative approaches in the presence of alcohol intake. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used in periodontal regenerative procedures resulting in improvement of clinical parameters. Thus, the aim of this histomorphometric study is to evaluate the healing of periodontal defects after treatment with EMD under the influence of alcohol intake. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly assigned to two groups: G1 = alcohol intake (n = 10) and G2 = non-exposed to alcohol intake (n = 10). Thirty days after initiation of alcohol intake, fenestration defects were created at the buccal aspect of the first mandibular molar of all animals from both groups. After the surgeries, the defects of each animal were randomly assigned to two subgroups: non-treated control and treated with EMD. The animals were killed 21 d later. RESULTS: G1 showed less defect fill for non-treated controls. Bone density (BD) and new cementum formation were lower for G1 when compared to G2, for EMD-treated and non-treated sites. EMD treatment resulted in greater BD and new cementum formation in both groups and defect fill was not significantly different between groups in the EMD-treated sites. The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts was significantly higher in G1 when compared to G2 and in EMD-treated sites of both groups. CONCLUSION: Alcohol intake may produce a significant detrimental effect on BD and new cementum formation, even in sites treated with EMD. A limited positive effect may be expected after EMD treatment under this condition.

Proceso enfermero a recién nacido con hiperbilirrubinemia basado en el modelo de adaptación de Roy / Roy's adaptation model based nursing process on the attention to the newborn with hyperbilirubinemia / Processo enfermeiro a recém-nascido com hiperbilirrubinemia baseado no modelo de adaptação de Roy

Posterior al nacimiento el recién nacido cursa por un periodo de transición para ajustarse a los cambios fisiológicos que implican el estar fuera del vientre materno. Durante este periodo es común la aparición de complicaciones como la ictericia neonatal, padecimiento común a nivel mundial, que se define como la coloración amarilla de la piel resultado de los altos niveles circulantes de bilirrubina. Representa una de las principales causas de morbilidad, tanto en recién nacidos de término como en pretérmino. Su etiología se encuentra relacionada con distintos factores de riesgo maternos y/o neonatales y, aunque sus índices de mortalidad son bajos, el retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento conlleva severas complicaciones, como el kernicterus . Dentro de los factores de riesgo maternos la hiperbilirrubinemia por incompatibilidad sanguínea entre la madre y el recién nacido, como en el presente caso, requiere de la inmediata y oportuna atención del profesional de enfermería que labora dentro de los servicios de cuidados neonatales, con el objetivo de limitar el daño, favorecer la pronta recuperación, la reunión del binomio y la posterior integración del recién nacido a la dinámica familiar. El presente estudio de caso fue elaborado bajo el marco conceptual del modelo de adaptación de Roy, y a través del proceso enfermero, como herramienta metodológica para priorizar el cuidado. Aunque no fue posible documentar una disminución considerable en los niveles de bilirrubina, los resultados obtenidos se consideraron satisfactorios, ya que se logró mejorar el nivel de adaptación del recién nacido en el modo adaptativo fisiológico.

After being born, the baby goes through a period of transition of physiological changes and adjustments. During this period, the newly born can experience neonatal jaundice, an imbalance characterized by the yellow pigmentation of the skin as the result of the high levels of circulating bilirubin. This problem is one of the main causes of both on-term and pre-term neonatal mortality. There are different maternal and neonatal risk factors involved in the issue and, although its mortality rates are low, a delay in diagnosing and treating neonatal jaundice leads to severe complications such as kernicterus. A hyperbilirubinemia due to blood incompatibility between the mother and the baby, like in this particular case, requires immediate attention from the neonatal-care nursing professional in order to limit the damage, and to favor a prompt recovery, the reunion of the mother and her baby, and the integration of the baby into other family dynamics. This study was conducted within the conceptual frame of the Roy's Adaptation Model and through the nursing process. Although, a considerable decrease in the bilirubin level was not achieved, the obtained results were considered satisfactory since the level of physiological adaptation of the newborn improved significantly.

Posterior ao nascimento, o recém-nascido mantém um período de transição para se ajustar aos câmbios fisiológicos que implicam estar fora do ventre materno. Durante este período, é comum a aparição de complicações como a icterícia neonatal, padecimento comum a nível mundial, que se define como a coloração amarela da pele, resultado dos altos níveis circulantes de bilirrubina. Representa uma das principais causas de morbidade tanto em recém-nascidos de término e pré-término. A sua etiologia encontra-se relacionada a distintos fatores de risco maternos e/ou neonatais e, ainda que seus índices de morbidade seja baixos, o retraso no seu diagnóstico e tratamento envolve severas complicações, como o kernicterus. Dentro dos fatores de risco maternos, a hiperbilirrubina por incompatibilidade sanguínea entre a mãe e o recém-nascido, como no presente caso, requer da imediata e oportuna atenção do profissional de enfermagem que trabalha dentro dos serviços de cuidados neonatais, com o objetivo de limitar o dano, favorecendo a rápida recuperação, a reunião do binômio e a posterior integração do recém-nascido à dinâmica familiar. O presente estudo de caso foi elaborado sob o marco conceitual do Modelo de Adaptação de Roy e através do Processo Enfermeiro, como ferramenta metodológica para priorizar o cuidado. Ainda que não foi possível documentar uma diminuição considerável nos níveis de bilirrubina, os resultados obtidos consideraram-se satisfatórios, já que conseguiu melhorar o nível de adaptação do recém-nascido no modo adaptativo fisiológico.

Effects of morphine on brain plasticity.

INTRODUCTION: Morphine shares with other opiates and drugs of abuse the ability to modify the plasticity of brain areas that regulate the morphology of dendrites and spines, which are the primary sites of excitatory synapses in regions of the brain involved in incentive motivation, rewards, and learning. OBJECTIVE: In this review we discuss the impact of morphine use during the prenatal period of brain development and its long-term consequences in murines, and then link those consequences to similar effects occurring in human neonates and adults. DEVELOPMENT: Repeated exposure to morphine as treatment for pain in terminally ill patients produces long-term changes in the density of postsynaptic sites (dendrites and spines) in sensitive areas of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, the limbic system (hippocampus, amygdala), and caudate nuclei and nucleus accumbens. This article reviews the cellular mechanisms and receptors involved, primarily dopaminergic and glutamatergic receptors, as well as synaptic plasticity brought about by changes in dendritic spines in these areas. CONCLUSIONS: The actions of morphine on both developing and adult brains produce alterations in the plasticity of excitatory postsynaptic sites of the brain areas involved in limbic system functions (reward and learning). Doctors need further studies on plasticity in dendrites and spines and on signaling molecules, such as calcium, in order to improve treatments for addiction.

Cigarette smoke inhalation increases the alveolar bone loss caused by primary occlusal trauma in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Occlusal trauma (OT) and smoking are both factors that alter alveolar bone metabolism and therefore could synergistically act on alveolar bone loss. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the influence of short-term cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI) on inter-radicular alveolar bone loss promoted by primary OT in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight animals were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on treatment type: OT + CSI (n = 16), animals were exposed to CSI three times per day, for 8 min per exposure, and they concomitantly received unilateral vertical augmentation creating an occlusal interference inducing experimental OT; OT (n = 16), animals received only unilateral vertical augmentation; negative control (NC; n = 16), animals maintained for equal periods to achieve periodontal baseline values of periodontal ligament dimension. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 8) based on treatment length: 7 or 14 d. RESULTS: After 7 d, the OT + CSI group exhibited significantly higher bone loss compared to the NC group (p = 0.0022). After 14 d, the OT (p < 0.0001) and OT + CSI (p < 0.0001) groups presented significantly higher bone loss compared to the NC group, and OT + CSI resulted in significantly higher bone loss than OT alone (p = 0.0241). The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells on the linear surface of the bone crest after 7 d was significantly higher in the OT + CSI group as compared to the NC and OT groups (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0045, respectively) and remained significantly higher in the OT + CSI group after 14 d, compared to the OT group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Short-term CSI increases early bone loss in association with OT after 7 d, and this worsens in severity after 14 d of exposure.

Determination of ambient ethanol concentrations in aqueous environmental matrixes by two independent analyses.

A new method for the determination of ethanol in aqueous environmental matrixes at nanomolar concentrations is presented and compared to an existing method that has been optimized for low-level alcohol determinations. The new analysis is based upon oxidation of ethanol by the enzyme alcohol oxidase obtained from the yeast Hansenula sp. which quantitatively produces acetaldehyde after reaction for 120 min at 40 °C and pH 9.0. The acetaldehyde reacts with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine forming a hydrazone that is separated from interfering substances and quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection at 370 nm. Comparison of initial acetaldehyde concentration with that after enzymatic oxidation yields the ethanol concentration with a corresponding detection limit of 10 nM. Analytical results were verified by intercomparison with a completely independent technique utilizing a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) Carboxen/PDMS SPME fiber. A 12 mL aqueous phase sample was heated at 50 °C for 10 min prior to loading onto the SPME fiber. Extraction of ethanol was performed by introducing the fiber into the headspace above a pH 4.4 buffered sample containing 30% NaCl for 20 min. Samples were agitated during heating and extraction by magnetic stirring at a rate of 750 rpm. The fiber was thermally desorbed for 1 min at 230 °C in the injection port of a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) set at 250 °C. The resulting ethanol detection limit is 19 nM. Results of an intercomparison study between the enzymatic and SPME analyses produced a trend line with a slope of unity demonstrating that methods produced statistically equivalent ethanol concentrations in several natural waters including rainwater, fresh surface waters, and sediment pore waters.

Concentração plasmática de diclofenaco sódico em cães, submetidos à fonoforese / Plasma concentration of diclofenac sodium in dogs submitted to diclofenac phonophoresis

Com o objetivo de avaliar a concentração plasmática de diclofenaco sódico (DS) emulgel em cães com ou sem o uso de fonoforese e de verificar se a fonoforese induz à maior absorção desse fármaco, foram utilizados cinco cães, e todos eles passaram por oito grupos distintos. Um grupo recebeu, via oral, um comprimido de DS, 40mg, por animal, e sete grupos receberam aplicação transdérmica de diclofenaco sódico emulgel por ultrassom. Pela via transdérmica, a área de aplicação era de 20cm². A frequência do ultrassom foi de 1MHz, modo contínuo, com intensidade de 0,4Wcm-2. Colheram-se amostras de sangue antes de se executarem os protocolos - tempo zero -, após uma hora - tempo 1 - e após quatro horas da aplicação - tempo 2 - em todos os grupos, e realizou-se análise das amostras por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. Houve diferença (P<0,05) apenas nas amostras no tempo 1 do grupo que recebeu dose oral de DS em relação às outras amostras. Não foi possível verificar concentração plasmática de diclofenaco sódico com aplicação tópica em cães submetidos ou não à fonoforese, apenas quantificou-se o diclofenaco sódico pela administração via oral. A facilitação da penetração transdérmica pelo ultrassom não foi verificada sob o protocolo especificado nesta pesquisa.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentration of diclofenac sodium (DS) in dogs submitted to diclofenaco phonophoresis and to evaluate if phonophoresis induces greater absorption of this drug in dogs. Five dogs were used in eight different groups at different times: One group received oral administration of 40mg of DS per dog and seven groups received topical application of emulgel DS. The topical application area was 20cm². A continuous ultrasound frequency of 1MHz and intensity of 0.4W cm-2 was used. Blood collections were performed before the treatment (T0), and 1h (T1) and 4h (T2) after ultrasound application for all groups. DS concentrations in plasma were measured by high performance liquid choramatohraphy (HPLC). There was significant increase of DS plasma concentration only at T1 in the oral administration group. It was not possible to detect any concentration of DS in the plasma of dogs after topical application of DS, even after DS phonophoresis. The facilitation of transdermal penetration by ultrasound has not been verified under the protocol specified in this research.

[Techniques available for hemodynamic monitoring. Advantages and limitations]. / Técnicas disponibles de monitorización hemodinámica. Ventajas y limitaciones.

The pulmonary artery catheter has been a key tool for monitoring hemodynamic status in the intensive care unit for nearly 40 years. During this period of time, it has been the hemodynamic monitoring technique most commonly used for the diagnosis of many clinical situations, allowing clinicians to understand the underlying cardiovascular physiopathology, and helping to guide treatment interventions. However, in recent years, the usefulness of pulmonary artery catheterization has been questioned. Technological advances have introduced new and less invasive hemodynamic monitoring techniques. This review provides a systematic update on the hemodynamic variables offered by cardiac output monitoring devices, taking into consideration their clinical usefulness and their inherent limitations, with a view to using the supplied information in an efficient way.

Polyethylene wrap for thermoregulation in the preterm infant: a randomized trial.

We compared the response of temperature adaptation in preterm infants using the polyethylene wrap with and without previous drying versus the sterile preheated field. Both groups of polyethylene use achieved a mean axillary temperature of 36.5C at 30 minutes compared with 75 minutes for the group of traditional care. At 120 minutes, the incubator temperature was higher in those using preheated field, compared with infants in the polyethylene wrap with or without previous drying, (35.15C, 34.20C and 34.20C respectively; P = 0.0001). No difference in axillary or incubator temperature was found between the groups using the polyethylene wrap.

C/EBPbeta is over-expressed in gastric carcinogenesis and is associated with COX-2 expression.

The CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPbeta) transcription factor has been associated with several cancer models. In this study, the expression of C/EBPbeta was analysed in a series of 90 gastric carcinomas (GCs). We also assessed the effect of C/EBPbeta on COX-2 expression. In normal gastric mucosa, C/EBPbeta expression was restricted to cells in the proliferative zone. In intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and GC of the intestinal and atypical subtypes, C/EBPbeta was over-expressed (p < 0.0001, for the association with histological type). C/EBPbeta and Ki67, a marker of cell proliferation, were also co-expressed in primary GC. We also observed an overlap between C/EBPbeta and COX-2 expression in GC. Using GC cell lines we show that C/EBPbeta can regulate the expression of endogenous COX-2 and transactivate the promoter of the COX-2 gene, depending on its methylation status. These results suggest that C/EBPbeta may be a marker of neoplastic transformation and also play an active role in gastric tumourigenesis by regulating COX-2 expression.

Influence of interleukin-1alpha and COX-2 over the metabolism of arachidonic acid and glucose in isolated uterus of restricted diet rats.

Isolated uteri from rats fed with a normal diet convert [14C]arachidonate into eicosanoids: PGE(2), PGF(2alpha), TXB(2) and 6-keto-F(1alpha). Restricted diet (50% of the normal diet, during 25 days) diminishes the levels of PGE(2), PGF(2alpha) and TXB(2). The addition of Interleukin-1alpha to the Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate medium increases sharply the production of eicosanoids. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester or aminoguanidine, do not prevent eicosanoids increase. Conversely, NS-398 (a selective inhibitor of COX-2) blocks the increase of eicosanoids while PGE(2) blocks eicosanoids production mediated by IL-1alpha. Other experiments with uteri of underfed rats confirm that interleukin-1alpha produces an increase in the glucose metabolism. The addition of Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, aminoguadinine or NS-398 blocked such stimulation. It is concluded that Interleukin-1alpha produces an increase of glucose metabolism in uteri isolated from underfed rats by two different mechanisms, both involving COX-2: (1) nitric oxide independent and (2) nitric oxide dependent.

Effect of interleukin 1alpha and interleukin 2 over glucose metabolism in isolated uterus of restricted diet rats. Influence of NO and COX-2.

A 25-day dietary restriction (50% of the normal diet) produce a fall in the production of 14CO2 from 14C-glucose in rats isolated uteri. The addition of 10 or 20 ngml(-1) interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha) or interleukin 2(IL-2) to the Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution medium stimulates glucose metabolism in uteri from underfed rats. Such concentrations are not effective in control rats. The addition of Nomega-nitro-L arginine methyl ester--an inhibitor of both the constitutive and inducible forms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS)--and of aminoguadinine--a preferential inhibitor of the inducible form of NOS--block such stimulation. In other experiments, the addition to the medium of arginine-a substrate for the formation of nitric oxide-increases interleukin stimulation of glucose metabolism, which is blocked by NOS inhibitor. At the same time, NS-398--a selective inhibitor of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX)--eliminates the interleukin metabolism stimulation. We conclude that IL-1alpha and IL-2 produce an increase of glucose metabolism in uteri isolated from underfed rats. Nitric oxide produced by the inducible form of NOS mediates the interleukins-induced glucose metabolism stimulation with the participation of inducible COX.

Opioid effects on glucose and eicosanoid metabolism in isolated uterus of ovariectomized and non-ovariectomized restricted diet rats.

The effect of a 25-day restricted diet (50% of the normal food intake) on uterine glucose metabolism of ovariectomized (25 days) and non-ovariectomized rats, was studied. Underfeeding reduces (14)CO(2) production from U(14)C-glucose in intact animal. However, in spayed rats, results are the opposite. In intact rats receiving a low food intake, the effect of the addition to the KRB medium of various agonist opioids, was studied. Dinorphin A did not bring about any change. On the other hand, beta endorphin increased glucose metabolism. Also, the addition of Dago and Dadle increased (14)CO(2) production, while their corresponding specific blockers, beta-FNA and Naltrindole, reversed it. Ovariectomized rats subjected to food restriction are not affected by opioid agonists. In vitro morphine, like endogenous opioids, increased (14)CO(2) in intact restricted diet rats. Arachidonic acid metabolism in these rats show that underfeeding brings about a decrease in PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2), but the addition of morphine does not alter this situation, for which eicosanoids metabolites are not related to the effect of morphine. The morphine effect was not altered by naloxone. The subcutaneous injection of morphine increased glucose metabolism in intact underfed animals, while naloxone reduced (14)CO(2) in spayed rats subjected to underfeeding. It can be concluded that uteri from ovariectomized rats receiving a restricted diet are influenced by a mechanism of upregulation related to endogenous opioids. These likely originate in other tissues, and so prevent us from seeing the morphine effect.

Suitability of the NNIS index for estimating surgical-site infection risk at a small university hospital in Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To detect the occurrence of surgical-site infection (SSI) in our study sample, using the traditional variables of the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) index with a locally modified cut-off point for the "T time" defining length of surgical procedure; to compare the modified and the traditional NNIS index under the hypothesis that a cut-off point discriminating procedures of short and long duration, based upon the actual experience of the study sample, can adequately predict the risk of SSI. DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of 9,322 patients undergoing surgical procedures in the period January 1993 to December 1998. SETING: A small university hospital (UH) in southern Brazil. RESULTS: The composite index using the local sample procedure-duration cut-off point (UH-index) performed better than any of the individual components of the composite index (anesthesia risk index and surgical-wound class [SWC]). The UH-index also predicted adequately the risk of SSI when compared to the traditional NNIS index, particularly when stratifying by SWC. CONCLUSIONS: A modified NNIS index, using the sample cut-off point, can adequately predict the risk of SSI in a given population. Further studies are needed to compare and validate the NNIS index of risk for populations other than those of the NNIS-participating hospitals. Larger samples using different hospitals with similar characteristics are needed to investigate the risk of SSI associated with specific operations.

Expression of GABA(A) receptor subunits in rat brainstem auditory pathways: cochlear nuclei, superior olivary complex and nucleus of the lateral lemniscus.

Inhibition by GABA is important for auditory processing, but any adaptations of the ionotropic type A receptors are unknown. Here we describe, using in situ hybridization, the subunit expression patterns of GABA(A) receptors in the rat cochlear nucleus, superior olivary complex, and dorsal and ventral nuclei of the lateral lemniscus. All neurons express the beta3 and gamma2L subunit messenger RNAs, but use different alpha subunits. In the dorsal cochlear nucleus, fusiform (pyramidal) and giant cells express alpha1, alpha3, beta3 and gamma2L. Dorsal cochlear nucleus interneurons, particularly vertical or tuberculoventral cells and cartwheel cells, express alpha3, beta3 and gamma2L. In the ventral cochlear nucleus, octopus cells express alpha1, beta3, gamma2L and delta. Spherical cells express alpha1, alpha3, alpha5, beta3 and gamma2L. In the superior olivary complex, the expression profile is alpha3, alpha5, beta3 and gamma2L. Both dorsal and ventral cochlear nucleus granule cells express alpha1, alpha6, beta3 and gamma2L; unlike their cerebellar granule cell counterparts, they do not express beta2, gamma2S or the delta subunit genes. The delta subunit's absence from cochlear nucleus granule cells may mean that tonic inhibition mediated by extrasynaptic GABA(A) receptors is less important for this cell type. In both the dorsal and ventral nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, alpha1, beta3 and gamma2L are the main subunit messenger RNAs; the ventral nucleus also expresses the delta subunit. We have mapped, using in situ hybridization, the subunit expression patterns of the GABA(A) receptor in the auditory brainstem nuclei. In contrast to many brain regions, the beta2 subunit gene and gamma2S splice forms are not highly expressed in auditory brainstem nuclei. GABA(A) receptors containing beta3 and gamma2L may be particularly well suited to auditory processing, possibly because of the unique phosphorylation profile of this subunit combination.