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

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

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

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

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

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

A comparison of survival, pneumonia, and hospitalization in patients with advanced dementia and dysphagia receiving either oral or enteral nutrition.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate, pneumonia incidence, and hospital admissions among elderly patients with advanced dementia and to compare these outcomes between patients receiving enteral and oral nutrition. DESIGN: An observational, prospective, non-randomized, and unblinded study, with a minimum follow up of 6 months. SETTING: Inpatient wards as well as ambulatory and emergency units run by a Brazilian university. PARTICIPANTS: Dysphagic elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years with advanced dementia (classified as at least 7A according to the Functional Assessment Staging [FAST]). Both patients with gastrostomies and nasogastric feeding tubes were included in the alternative feeding group. MEASUREMENTS: Following informed consent, a complete clinical examination was performed upon recruitment, and the primary caregiver was interviewed. Data concerning the major outcomes described above, as well as other demographic and clinical information, were recorded at admission and during follow-up phone calls. Survival analysis was performed using a Kaplan-Meier curve and a stepwise Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-seven elderly patients were recruited: 36 (53,7%) for oral feeding and 31 for alternative feeding (n = 28 nasogastric tube). Of these, 57 (85.1%) were classified as at least FAST 7C. They were, on average, 84.79 years old, mostly women (85.1%), and with a low level of education (2.9 years). Mortality at 3 months was 11.1% among the oral feeding group and 41.9% among the alternative feeding group (p = 0.004). At 6 months, the mortality rate increased to 27.8% and 58.1%, respectively (p = 0.012). The following variables persisted in the regression model at the end of the analysis: feeding route (p = .018; RR = 2.33; CI: 1.158-4.667), duration of dementia (p = .014; RR = .88; CI: .786-.974) and number of pressure ulcers (p = .007; RR = 1.250; CI: 1.063-1.470). A higher incidence of aspiration pneumonia was observed in the alternative feeding group (p = 0.006), but no difference in the number of hospital admissions was detected between the groups (p = 0.365). CONCLUSION: The use of alternative feeding, along with the number of pressure ulcers were associated with an increased risk of death in elderly patients with advanced dementia. A higher incidence of aspiration pneumonia was also observed in the alternative feeding group. The number of hospital admissions was not different between the feeding routes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chemical Analysis and Study of Phenolics, Antioxidant Activity, and Antibacterial Effect of the Wood and Bark of Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud.

Maclura tinctoria (L.) D. Don ex Steud. has one of the highest qualities among the coefficients for Brazilian woods (up to 9.6) and resistance rates equivalent to Indian teak (Tectona grandis). In this study, the macromolecular constituents and total phenols compounds as well as the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of this wood were evaluated. Total phenols and proanthocyanidin levels were higher in wood when compared with bark levels. The antioxidant activity of wood extracts (IC(50) = 18.7 µg/mL) was more effective than that of bark extracts (IC(50) = 20.9 µg/mL). Wood and bark extracts revealed a high potential for inhibition of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The bark extracts were the most active (MIC from 20 to 60 µg/mL). Both antioxidant activity and high potential for bacteria inhibition turn these extracts promising for drug formulations, especially as antibacterial agent.

Diuretic activity and acute oral toxicity of Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K Schum.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Palicourea coriacea (Cham.) K Schum, is an endemic plant used in the Midwestern Region of Brazil, popularly known as "douradinha do campo" and "congonha do campo". This plant has been used in traditional medicine for several ailments, especially to treat kidney diseases. Since no formal studies on the biological activities and medicinal properties of the ethanolic extract of Palicourea coriacea (PCEE) have been carried out previously, the present study represents the first research into the efficacy of this plant as a diuretic agent employing laboratory rats as test animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For diuretic activity evaluation we assayed three doses of PCEE (20, 40 and 80mg/kg) and measurement of the urinary volume and electrolytes (Na(+), K(+)) concentration were taken. The acute oral toxicity of PCEE was investigated according to OECD Guideline 423. RESULTS: The oral administration of a single dose of PCEE significantly increased the urinary volume in 24h. Additionally, the treatment with PCEE increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the excretion of both, Na(+) and K(+). No sign of toxicity was observed in the animals. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirmed the ethnopharmacological use of Palicourea coriacea as a diuretic agent in the experimental condition tested here. Additionally, this work supports the importance of the preservation of local knowledge as well as the conservation of Brazilian biodiversity.

[Vestibular evoked myogenic potential findings on multiple sclerosis]. / Hallazgos de potenciales vestibulares miogénicos evocados en la esclerosis múltiple.

INTRODUCTION: Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) elicited by acoustic stimulation, has been proposed in the assessment of vestibulospinal pathways. AIM: To research the clinical utility of VEMP on multiple sclerosis (MS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-four individuals were evaluated (30 normal state and 14 had MS). The acoustic stimuli were short tone burst (1 kHz, 118 dBNa, rise-fall 1 ms, plateau 2 ms) presented through a supra-aural earphone. The stimulation rate was 5 stimuli per second. RESULTS: All the healthy subjects showed a normal VEMP response. In the MS group, abnormal VEMP was recorded among 92.8% of patients and normal in just one case. The P13-N23 increased of prolongation which was the most frequently alteration (57.1%), followed by absence of response among four (28.5%) cases. CONCLUSION: VEMP was considered a good method of diagnostic support of vestibulospinal tract in cases of MS.

Kinetic disposition of (+)-S- and (-)-R-sotalol enantiomers in cardiac patients with tachyarrhythmias using an improved HPLC-fluorescence stereoselective method.

Since the enantioselective pharmacokinetic profiles of R,S-sotalol in cardiac patients are controversial, the present investigation aimed to study the kinetic disposition of sotalol enantiomers in patients with tachycardia. Thirteen cardiac patients, who gave their written consent, were included (6F/7M; 53 +/- 12 yrs, 66 +/- 13 kg, 163 +/- 8 cm height). They had tachycardia, normal renal function and had been chronically treated with tablets of sotalol 160 mg b.i.d. The patients were submitted to blood samples collection at zero, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 h after drug administration. The quantitation of sotalol enantiomers were performed by a stereoselective HPLC method with fluorescence detection previously published. A one open compartment model was applied and the main pharmacokinetic parameters obtained for R-/S-sotalol were, respectively (Mean +/- SD): CSSMAX = 1007 +/- 307/1040 +/- 340 ng/mL; TMAX = 1.82 +/- 0.6/1.83 +/- 0.6 h; AUCSST = 6959 +/- 2153/7388 +/- 2563 ng.h/mL; CISSr/F = 2.7 +/- 1.2/2.5 +/- 1.2 mL/min/kg and VdSS/F = 1.9 +/- 0.9/2.0 +/- 1.0 L/kg. The pharmacokinetic parameters of R,S-sotalol were within the published range and the kinetic parameters for the isomers were grouped as two independent samples and statistically compared. In conclusion, stereoselective pharmacokinetic for sotalol was not observed in cardiac arrhythmic patients, i.e., both R- and S-sotalol enantiomers have the same pharmacokinetic profile.

An improved HPLC-fluorescence stereoselective method for analysis of (+)-S- and (-)-R-sotalol enantiomers in plasma sample.

A simplified high performance chromatographic method (HPLC) was performed for sotalol enantiomers in plasma samples for purposes of investigation of the kinetic disposition of racemic sotalol in cardiac arrhythmic patients under multiple dose and multidrug therapy regimens. After addition of NaCl:Na2CO3 (4:1) and plasma protein precipitation by acetonitrile:methanol mixture (1:1) the supernatant was evaporated. The residue containing sotalol racemate was submitted to derivatization reaction with (-)-menthylcloroformate to R(-)- and S(+)-sotalol diastereoisomers. The diastereoisomers were resolved in HPLC, by a C18 column with fluorescent detection under lexcitation = 235 nm and lemission = 310 nm. The retention times for R- and S-sotalol were 20 and 22 minutes while that of internal standard S(-)-atenolol, was 17 minutes. The detection limit for each enantiomer was 12.5 ng/mL and intra-day/inter-day coefficients of variation were less than 10% for each enantiomer within a concentration range of 200 and 2000 ng/mL. The method was appropriate for the objective proposed.

Characterisation of riverine particulate organic matter by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Particulate matter samples were collected in the mountainous section and river mouth at the Tech River basin, south France, during flood (December 1996) and summer (September 1997) periods. Suspended material was analysed by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) and 23 identified pyrolysis products were divided into five main fractions: aminosugars, aromatic hydrocarbons, polysaccharides, phenols and nitrogenous compounds. Analysis of relative amounts of these fractions revealed neither significant spatial nor temporal changes in the particulate organic matter composition. Nevertheless, their specific composition showed that during flooding there is a certain homogeneity in the composition of the riverine particulate organic matter, with more degraded material of pedogenic (allochthonous) character, and during the summer the results suggest the presence of two components, allochthonous and autochthonous.

Rotavirus associated diarrhoea during infancy in the city of S. Luís (MA), Brazil: a two-year longitudinal study.

A total of 479 diarrhoeic children and 337 children without diarrhoea (controls) less than 5 years old were investigated in a two-year study in the city of S. Luís (MA), with the purpose to determine the incidence, the age distribution and the seasonality of rotaviruses, as well as to establish the severity of the disease in this region between the North and the Northeast of Brazil. rotavirus incidence was highest in children of the 1st. year of life, showing an average of 25% per year among the diarrhoeic patients attending the two main hospitals and three health units at the periphery of the city. It was shown that rotaviruses are significant enteropathogens in children less than 18 months old. Frequency of rotaviruses dropped in diarrhoeic patients 18 to 23 months old to only 4%, the same percentage observed in children of the control group. A typical seasonal distribution of rotaviruses was not seen during the two years of study. There was a peak in the incidence of rotaviruses in 1986, during the rainy season, and two peaks in 1987, one in the rainy season and one in the dry season. It was also shown that severity of diarrhoea in rotavirus positive cases was higher than in the negative cases. Rotavirus diarrhoeic patients had more loose stools per day, and higher frequencies of vomiting and fever, resulting more often (> 2 times) in moderate or severe dehydration. Finally, it is concluded that the introduction of immunoprophylaxis may reduce significantly the high mortality rates in early childhood observed in S. Luís.