ABSTRACT
Introducción y objetivos: La valoración del efecto de la rehabilitación respiratoria domiciliaria (PRRD) en bronquiectasias no fibrosis quística (BQ no FQ) es un campo poco explorado hasta la fecha. El objetivo fue evaluar cómo influye un PRRD piloto en la disnea, la calidad de vida y en los trastornos del estado de ánimo así como su relación con la gravedad de la enfermedad. Material y métodos: Ensayo clínico no farmacológico en pacientes con BQ no FQ del Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena. Se aleatorizó en: 1) grupo estudio (GE): programa de entrenamiento (resistencia y fuerza) en domicilio durante 8 semanas, 2) grupo control (GC): medidas educacionales por escrito. Se evaluó la gravedad de la enfermedad con el E-FACED, síntomas (cuestionario de Leicester (LCQ) y disnea (escala mMRC)), la calidad de vida (cuestionario de enfermedades respiratorias de Saint George (SGRQ)) y ansiedad y depresión (cuestionario hospitalario de ansiedad y depresión (HADS). Resultados: Después de 8 semanas en el GE existió mejoría en disnea de 0,46 ± 0,80, p = 0,010 y en la esfera física del LCQ de -0,68 ± 1,2, p = 0,043. Se produjo una mejoría en SGRQ actividad (-9 puntos, p = 0,025) y en el SGRQ total un cambio clínicamente relevante (-7 puntos, p = 0,063). La escala de depresión descendió 2,3 ± 4,2 puntos, p = 0,044. La gravedad no se relacionó con ninguna variable. Conclusiones: El PRRD mostró un claro beneficio en calidad de vida, síntomas y depresión de nuestros pacientes con BQ no FQ. (AU)
Introduction and objectives: the assessment of the effect of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programmes (HPRP) in noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (non-CF BQ) is a field that has been little explored to date. Our objective was to evaluate how a pilot HPRP influences dyspnoea, quality of life and mood disorders and their relationship the severity of the disease. Material and methods: we present non-pharmacological clinical trial in patients with non-CF BQ at the Virgen Macarena University Hospital. It was randomized into1) study group (SG): received training program (resistance and strength) at home for 8 weeks and 2) control group (CG): received written educational measures. We assessed the impact of the program on disease severity (E-FACED), symptoms (Leicester Questionnaire (LCQ) and dyspnea (mMRC scale)), and quality of life (Saint George RespiratoryQuestionnaire) and anxiety and depression (Anxiety and Depression Hospital (HAD)). Results: after 8 weeks there was an improvement in dyspnoea of 0.46 ± 0,80, p = 0.010 and in the physical sphere of the LCQ of -0.68 ± 1.2, p = 0.043.There was an improvement in SGRQ activity (-9 points, p = 0.025) and in the total SGRQ a clinically relevant change (-7 points, p = 0.063).The depression scale decreased 2.3 ± 4.2 points, p = 0.044. There was no relationship between severity and any of the variables studied. Conclusions: the PRRD showed a clear benefit in quality of life, symptoms and depression of our patients with non-CF BQ. KeywordsMesH: Non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, homebased respiratory rehabilitation, impact quality of life. (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Young Adult , Adult , Middle Aged , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Bronchiectasis/rehabilitation , Dyspnea/rehabilitation , Quality of Life , Emotions , Spain , Control Groups , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Melanogenesis is a biosynthetic pathway for the formation of the pigment melanin in human skin. A key enzyme in the process of pigmentation through melanin is tyrosinase, which catalyzes the first and only limiting step in melanogenesis. Since the discovery of its methanogenic properties, tyrosinase has been the focus of research related to the anti-melanogenesis. In addition to developing more effective and commercially safe inhibitors, more studies are required to better understand the mechanisms involved in the skin depigmentation process. However, in vivo assays are necessary to develop and validate new drugs or molecules for this purpose, and to accomplish this, zebrafish has been identified as a model organism for in vivo application. In addition, such model would allow tracking and studying the depigmenting activity of many bioactive compounds, important to genetics, medicinal chemistry and even the cosmetic industry. Studies have shown the similarity between human and zebrafish genomes, encouraging their use as a model to understand the mechanism of action of a tested compound. Interestingly, zebrafish skin shares many similarities with human skin, suggesting that this model organism is suitable for studying melanogenesis inhibitors. Accordingly, several bioactive compounds reported herein for this model are compared in terms of their molecular structure and possible mode of action in zebrafish embryos. In particular, this article described the main metabolites of Trichoderma fungi, in addition to substances from natural and synthetic sources.
Subject(s)
Melanins , Zebrafish , Animals , Humans , Melanins/metabolism , Zebrafish/metabolism , Monophenol Monooxygenase , Skin , Molecular StructureABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to compare the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with chronic Chagas disease with and without positive blood cultures for Trypanosoma cruzi. METHODS: This was a retrospective longitudinal study that included 139 patients with chronic Chagas disease who underwent blood culture for T. cruzi. Blood cultures were performed using Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle medium enriched with Schneider's medium. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis adjusting for age and sex was performed to identify if positive blood culture for T. cruzi was associated with all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The blood culture positivity rate was 30.9%. Most patients were born in the Northeast and Southeast regions of Brazil. Patients with positive blood cultures were older (52±13 vs 45±13 y; p=0.0009) and more frequently women (72.1% vs. 53.1%; p=0.03) than patients with negative blood cultures. The frequency of patients with cardiac or cardiodigestive forms was higher among patients with positive vs negative blood cultures (74.4% vs 54.1%; p=0.02). A total of 28 patients died during a mean follow-up time of 6.6±4.1 y. A positive blood culture was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 2.26 [95% confidence interval 1.02 to 5.01], p=0.045). CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher proportion of patients with Chagas heart disease among patients with T. cruzi-positive blood cultures. A positive blood culture was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Therefore T. cruzi persistence may influence Chagas disease pathogenesis and prognosis.
Subject(s)
Chagas Disease , Trypanosoma cruzi , Blood Culture , Brazil/epidemiology , Chagas Disease/diagnosis , Chagas Disease/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
In order to improve infection prognosis and reduce the existing microbial resistance problem (a challenge similar to that of climate change), a higher implication of the Administration, an increased level of social awareness and the development of specific corporate networks, including the pharmaceutical industry, is needed. However, we must first consolidate Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes with experts who seek to improve antibiotic therapy effectivity in severe infections and to reduce global antibiotic exposure.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Bacterial Infections/microbiology , Humans , Inappropriate Prescribing/prevention & controlABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Few studies have focussed on the transepidermal elimination of parasites in Jorge Lobo's disease (lobomycosis). OBJECTIVE: To identify the morphological features of the transepidermal elimination of parasites in lobomycosis. METHODS: Sections were obtained from paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of patients with lobomycosis and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for microscopic examination. Only the presence of parasites in epidermal structures was considered to constitute transepidermal elimination. RESULTS: Forty biopsies from 37 patients were included in the study (31 males and 6 females). The mean age of patients was 51.03 years (range 29-80 years). Biopsies performed over a period of 37 years (1967-2003) were used, from which 511 sections were obtained (a mean of 12.77 sections per case; range 2-39 sections per case). Transepidermal elimination of parasites was found in 110/511 (21.52%) and was absent in 401/511 sections (78.48%) (p<0.0001). Features consistent with the phenomenon were found in 15/37 patients (40.5%) and were absent in 22/37 (59.5%) (p>0.05). Parasites in the epidermis were detected within hyperplastic infundibula, either connected in chains or as isolated units, associated or not with inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: Features consistent with transepidermal elimination of parasites were found in a statistically nonsignificant number of patients in the sample (p>0.05), suggesting that in Jorge Lobo's disease, this phenomenon invariably occurs through the infundibular epithelium. Future studies are required to evaluate the significance of this finding in the epidemiology of mycosis.
Subject(s)
Blastomycosis/parasitology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Dry matter degradability (DMD) parameters (a, b and c in the Ørskov and McDonald model) are usually determined by the nylon bag technique. The aim of this study was to estimate DMD parameters of ruminant mixed diets, which are in general unavailable, through multiple linear regressions on their chemical composition (ash, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL)). The regressions were based on data from 77 feeds. RESULTS: The prediction model for a was reduced to a simple linear regression on NDF (adjusted R(2) = 0.727, F test P < 0.001). A regression model for b was obtained with ADL as the sole predictor (adjusted R(2) = 0.691, P < 0.001). The model's upper asymptote (a + b) was predicted from ADL, NDF and ash (adjusted R(2) = 0.908, P < 0.001). Modelling c proved more difficult (adjusted R(2) with all five predictors = 0.481, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Regressing model parameters on feed chemical composition is a promising method for estimating the degradability of mixed diets, providing an alternative to invasive and expensive laboratory techniques.
Subject(s)
Animal Feed/analysis , Diet , Digestion , Linear Models , Ruminants , Animals , Dietary Fiber , Dietary Proteins , Lignin , Magnoliopsida , Models, TheoreticalABSTRACT
FUNDAMENTOS: A eliminação transepidérmica de parasitas (ETEP) tem sido pouco estudada na doença de Jorge Lobo. OBJETIVOS: Identificar aspectos morfológicos da ETEP na doença de Jorge Lobo. MÉTODOS: Recortes de biópsias de doença de Jorge Lobo emblocados em parafina foram corados pela hematoxilina-eosina e examinados. Considerou-se como ETEP, exclusivamente, a presença de parasitas em estruturas epidérmicas. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídas no estudo 40 biópsias de 37 pacientes (31 homens e seis mulheres, média de idade 51,03 anos, variação 29-80 anos) realizadas em um período de 37 anos (1967-2003), das quais foram obtidos 511 cortes (média de 12,77 cortes por caso, variação 2-39 cortes por caso). Observou-se ETEP em 110/511 (21,52 por cento) e não se observou em 401/511 cortes (78,48 por cento) (p < 0,0001). Em relação aos pacientes (37), em 15 se verificaram aspectos consistentes com ETEP (40,5 por cento), ao passo que, em 22 deles (59,5 por cento), isso não foi observado (p > 0,05). Os parasitas dispunham-se em infundíbulos hiperplásicos, formando catênulas, ou como unidades isoladas, associados ou não a células inflamatórias. CONCLUSÕES: Aspectos consistentes com ETEP, embora observados em número estatisticamente não significante de pacientes da amostra (p > 0,05), sugerem que, na doença de Jorge Lobo, o fenômeno, invariavelmente, ocorra através do epitélio infundibular. Estudos futuros serão necessários para avaliar sua eventual importância na epidemiologia da micose.
BACKGROUND: Few studies have focussed on the transepidermal elimination of parasites in Jorge Lobo's disease (lobomycosis). OBJECTIVE: To identify the morphological features of the transepidermal elimination of parasites in lobomycosis. METHODS: Sections were obtained from paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens of patients with lobomycosis and stained with hematoxylin-eosin for microscopic examination. Only the presence of parasites in epidermal structures was considered to constitute transepidermal elimination. RESULTS: Forty biopsies from 37 patients were included in the study (31 males and 6 females). The mean age of patients was 51.03 years (range 29-80 years). Biopsies performed over a period of 37 years (1967-2003) were used, from which 511 sections were obtained (a mean of 12.77 sections per case; range 2-39 sections per case). Transepidermal elimination of parasites was found in 110/511 (21.52 percent) and was absent in 401/511 sections (78.48 percent) (p<0.0001). Features consistent with the phenomenon were found in 15/37 patients (40.5 percent) and were absent in 22/37 (59.5 percent) (p>0.05). Parasites in the epidermis were detected within hyperplastic infundibula, either connected in chains or as isolated units, associated or not with inflammatory cells. CONCLUSION: Features consistent with transepidermal elimination of parasites were found in a statistically nonsignificant number of patients in the sample (p>0.05), suggesting that in Jorge Lobo's disease, this phenomenon invariably occurs through the infundibular epithelium. Future studies are required to evaluate the significance of this finding in the epidemiology of mycosis.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Blastomycosis/parasitology , SkinABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV), affects 0.6 % of world population and 0.3 % of the adult population in Mexico. Pain, in this group, is frequently not identified by the health care team, is poorly defined, and undertreated. Our objective was to evaluate the prevalence of pain and its characteristics in Mexican HIV patients. METHODS: HIV diagnosed patients were included. Social and demographic information about pain characteristics, response to analgesic treatment and the presence of comorbidities were analyzed. The illness status was identified and CD4 cell count was documented. RESULTS: Pain was identified in 11 of 55 cases. Mean time of pain onset was 26 months (SD 28.6). Mean pain intensity by visual analogue scale was 7 (SD 2.3), and by verbal analogue scale proportions were reported as follows: 18 % mild, 36.5 % moderate, and 45 % severe pain. CONCLUSIONS: We observed that pain appeared in 20 % of subjects. CD4 count was observed to be related to pain decrease. Type of study and sample size does not permit a definite interpretation of the results; therefore a generation of prospective studies with larger samples is needed.
Subject(s)
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/complications , Pain/epidemiology , Adult , Aged , Female , HIV Infections/complications , Humans , Male , Mexico , Middle Aged , Pain/etiology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and its risk factors in the less developed regions of Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and its associated factors in the population > 18 years in São Luís, state of Maranhão according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7) criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in São Luís, MA, from February to March 2003, with 835 individuals >18 years who completed a structured household questionnaire. Measurements of arterial pressure (AP), weight, height and waist circumference were taken, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease were assessed. The Poisson regression method was used for the identification of factors associated with AH, with an estimate of the prevalence ratio (PR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Age varied from 18 and 94 years (mean age was 39.4 years), 293 (35.1%) individuals were normotensive and 313 (37.5%) were pre-hypertensive. The AH prevalence was 27.4% (95% CI--24.4% to 30.6%), and it was higher among men (32.1%) than among women (24.2%). In the adjusted analysis, the following remained independently associated with AH: male gender (PR 1.52, 95% CI, 1.25-1.84), age > or = 30 years, with PR=6.65, 95% CI, 4.40-10.05 for > or = 60 years of age, overweight (PR 2.09 95% CI 1.64-2.68), obesity (PR 2.68, 95% CI, 2.03-3.53) and diabetes (PR 1.56, 95% CI, 1.24-1.97). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the need to control overweight, obesity and diabetes, especially among women and individuals > or = 30 years of age in order to reduce the prevalence of arterial hypertension.
Subject(s)
Hypertension/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Blood Pressure/physiology , Body Mass Index , Brazil/epidemiology , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Epidemiologic Methods , Female , Humans , Hypertension/etiology , Male , Middle Aged , Obesity/epidemiology , Sex Distribution , Young AdultABSTRACT
FUNDAMENTO: No Brasil, a prevalência de hipertensão arterial (HA) e seus fatores de risco são pouco conhecidos nas regiões menos desenvolvidas. OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência da hipertensão arterial na população > 18 anos em São Luís - MA e fatores associados, de acordo com os critérios do Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7). MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo transversal em São Luís - MA, de fevereiro a março de 2003, em 835 pessoas com idade > 18 anos que responderam a um questionário estruturado em domicílio. Foram medidos pressão arterial (PA), peso, altura e circunferência abdominal. Avaliaram-se outros fatores de risco para doença cardiovascular. Na identificação dos fatores associados à HA foi utilizado o modelo de regressão de Poisson, com estimativa da razão de prevalências (RP) e seu respectivo intervalo de confiança de 95 por cento. RESULTADOS: A idade variou entre 18 e 94 anos (média de 39,4 anos), sendo 293 (35,1 por cento) pessoas normotensas e 313 (37,5 por cento) pré-hipertensas. A prevalência de HA foi de 27,4 por cento (IC95 por cento 24,4 por cento a 30,6 por cento), maior no sexo masculino (32,1 por cento) que no feminino (24,2 por cento). Na análise ajustada permaneceram independentemente associados à HA: sexo masculino (RP 1,52 IC95 por cento 1,25-1,84), idade > 30 anos, sendo RP=6,65, IC95 por cento 4,40-10,05 para idade > 60 anos, sobrepeso (RP 2,09 IC95 por cento 1,64-2,68), obesidade (RP 2,68 IC95 por cento 2,03-3,53) e diabete (RP 1,56 IC95 por cento 1,24-1,97). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de controle do sobrepeso, obesidade e diabete, sobretudo em mulheres e pessoas com idade maior ou igual a 30 anos para a redução da prevalência da hipertensão arterial.
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the prevalence of arterial hypertension (AH) and its risk factors in the less developed regions of Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of arterial hypertension and its associated factors in the population > 18 years in São Luís, state of Maranhão according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee (JNC 7) criteria. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in São Luís, MA, from February to March 2003, with 835 individuals >18 years who completed a structured household questionnaire. Measurements of arterial pressure (AP), weight, height and waist circumference were taken, and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease were assessed. The Poisson regression method was used for the identification of factors associated with AH, with an estimate of the prevalence ratio (PR) and its corresponding 95 percent confidence interval. RESULTS: Age varied from 18 and 94 years (mean age was 39.4 years), 293 (35.1 percent) individuals were normotensive and 313 (37.5 percent) were pre-hypertensive. The AH prevalence was 27.4 percent (95 percent CI - 24.4 percent to 30.6 percent), and it was higher among men (32.1 percent) than among women (24.2 percent). In the adjusted analysis, the following remained independently associated with AH: male gender (PR 1.52, 95 percent CI, 1.25-1.84), age > 30 years, with PR=6.65, 95 percent CI, 4.40-10.05 for >60 years of age, overweight (PR 2.09 95 percent CI 1.64-2.68), obesity (PR 2.68, 95 percent CI, 2.03-3.53) and diabete (PR 1.56, 95 percent CI, 1.24-1.97). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest the need to control overweight, obesity and diabete, especially among women and individuals > 30 years of age in order to reduce the prevalence of arterial hypertension.
Subject(s)
Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Hypertension/epidemiology , Age Distribution , Body Mass Index , Blood Pressure/physiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Diabetes Complications/epidemiology , Epidemiologic Methods , Hypertension/etiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Sex Distribution , Young AdultABSTRACT
Bibliographical study that sought to identify the scientific production about humanization and nursing assistance to normal childbirth. The sources were scientific articles from SCIELO-Brasil's database, from 2000 to 2007. We obtained 13 articles as result from the search, which were grouped in the following categories: childbirth medicalization, humanization of assistance to childbirth, companion during childbirth and performance of the obstetric nurse. The analysis pointed out that the current paradigm is centralized on childbirth intervention, despite of humanization movements defending the natural and physiological childbirth made by the nurse. We concluded that qualified and humanized assistance to childbirth and birth privileges women's respect, dignity and autonomy, regarding women's active role in the birth process.
Subject(s)
Delivery, Obstetric , Obstetric Nursing , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Delivery, Obstetric/nursing , Delivery, Obstetric/psychology , Delivery, Obstetric/trends , Female , Humans , Natural Childbirth , Pregnancy , Social SupportABSTRACT
Estudo bibliográfico que buscou identificar a produção científica sobre humanização e assistência de enfermagem ao parto normal. As fontes foram artigos científicos da base de dados da SCIELO-Brasil, período 2000 a 2007. Obtivemos como resultado da busca 13 artigos que foram agrupados nas seguintes áreas temáticas: medicalização do parto, humanização da assistência ao parto, acompanhante no parto e atuação da enfermeira obstétrica. A análise apontou que o paradigma atual é centralizado na intervenção do parto, apesar do movimento da humanização defender o parto natural e fisiológico realizado por enfermeira.. Conclui-se que assistência de qualidade e humanizada ao parto e nascimento privilegia o respeito, dignidade e autonomia das mulheres, com resgate do papel ativo da mulher no processo parturitivo.
Bibliographical study that sought to identify the scientific production about humanization and nursing assistance to normal childbirth. The sources were scientific articles from SCIELO-Brasil's database, from 2000 to 2007. We obtained 13 articles as result from the search, which were grouped in the following categories: childbirth medicalization, humanization of assistance to childbirth, companion during childbirth and performance of the obstetric nurse. The analysis pointed out that the current paradigm is centralized on childbirth intervention, despite of humanization movements defending the natural and physiological childbirth made by the nurse. We concluded that qualified and humanized assistance to childbirth and birth privileges women's respect, dignity and autonomy, regarding women's active role in the birth process.
Estudio bibliográfico que buscó identificar la producción científica sobre humanización y asistencia de enfermería al parto normal. Las fuentes fueron artículos científicos de la base de datos de SCIELO-Brasil, de 2000 a 2007. Obtuvimos 13 artículos como resultado de la búsqueda, que fueron agrupados en las siguientes categorías: medicalización del parto, humanización de la asistencia al parto, acompañante en el parto y actuación de la enfermera obstétrica. El análisis apuntó que el paradigma actual es centralizado en la intervención del parto, a pesar de movimientos de la humanización defender el parto natural y fisiológico realizado por enfermera. Concluimos que asistencia de calidad y humanizada al parto y nacimiento privilegia el respecto, dignidad y autonomía de las mujeres, y también el papel activo de la mujer en el proceso de parto.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Delivery, Obstetric , Obstetric Nursing , Delivery, Obstetric/methods , Delivery, Obstetric/nursing , Delivery, Obstetric/psychology , Delivery, Obstetric/trends , Natural Childbirth , Social SupportABSTRACT
Although immediate results are good to excellent in great majority of patients who undergo biofeedback treatment (BFT) for chronic constipation and fecal incontinence, they tend to loose the benefit over a period of time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term sustainability of results after successful biofeedback treatment. Two groups of patients who successfully completed BFT at our institution from 1995 to 1997 were created based on the date of completion. The first had a mean follow-up of 35 months and the second group was followed for an average of 12 months. Both groups were questioned as to the presence of constipation and incontinence. The questioning was focused depending on the patient's diagnosis. This information was then compared with the initial BFT results. Overall, all patients were satisfied by the initial BFT results. All patients initially had an excellent or good response to BFT. However, after a mean of 35 months, in the first group, 19 of 22 patients had a near complete regression back to their pre-biofeedback status. In the 14 patients in the second group with mean follow-up of 12 months, 11 had a significant decay in benefits. Only time was a significant factor in the decay of BFT benefits. In conclusion, BFT is highly effective in the treatment of selected patients with complex defecation disorders. Although there is a high initial success rate, there is a clear loss of the immediate benefits over time. Other factors such as dietary habits, pelvic floor exercises, manometry, invasive EMG, and rectal sensation did not correlate with long-term outcomes. The comparison between the two groups reveals a linear model describing the time decay of the benefits of BFT. Based on the linear model, patients may need reevaluation after one year and may benefit from additional BFT.
Subject(s)
Biofeedback, Psychology , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Constipation/therapy , Fecal Incontinence/therapy , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Recurrence , Time Factors , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The main focus of the present study was to define the rotational response of 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats to dopaminergic agonists to separate the partially lesioned rats from those having complete substantia nigra (SN) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) lesions. Animals were challenged by amphetamine and L-DOPA for 10 consecutive weeks. There was a correlation between rotational behavior and extent of midbrain cell loss. Rats with complete SN and < 40% VTA lesion turned more than 5 times/min after amphetamine administration, but not after L-DOPA; animals with complete SN and 40-80% VTA lesions turned vigorously following amphetamine and began turning after L-DOPA administration. Rats with complete SN and VTA lesions turned less after amphetamine than the other two groups, while their turning after L-DOPA administration increased. Extracellular dopamine (DA) measured by microdialysis, intracellular DA measured by postmortem tissue punches, and tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive cell count in SN and VTA were also evaluated. It appears that the dopaminergic cells in the lateral VTA affect DA concentration in the medial caudate nucleus. In the nucleus accumbens of the lesioned side, DA release and metabolism substantially increased with the larger VTA lesion. Dopamine turnover rate in the caudate was also higher in the group with < 40% VTA lesion.
Subject(s)
Brain/metabolism , Carbidopa/pharmacology , Dopamine/metabolism , Levodopa/pharmacology , Motor Activity/physiology , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/physiopathology , Amphetamine/pharmacology , Animals , Brain/pathology , Caudate Nucleus/metabolism , Corpus Striatum/enzymology , Corpus Striatum/pathology , Drug Combinations , Functional Laterality , Immunohistochemistry , Male , Mesencephalon/enzymology , Mesencephalon/pathology , Models, Neurological , Motor Activity/drug effects , Nucleus Accumbens/metabolism , Oxidopamine , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/metabolism , Parkinson Disease, Secondary/pathology , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Rotation , Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/analysis , Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolismABSTRACT
'Naturally' activated (NA) or resting T lymphocytes obtained from the spleen of normal BALB/c mice were compared in their capacity to mount a syngeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (SMLR). Both T-cell subsets were able to proliferate and secrete IL-3/GM-CSF in SMLR cultures. IL-2 was present in 'resting' T-cell SMLR supernatants, and barely detectable in NA T-cell SMLR supernatants. Both NA and 'resting' T-cell SMLRs were inhibited with anti-class II, anti-CD4, or anti-IL-2R MoAbs. NA T cells exhibited a background proliferative and secretory activity in the absence of syngeneic accessory cells. This autonomous activity was susceptible to anti-CD4, but poorly inhibited with anti-class II MoAbs. Both NA and 'resting' T lymphocytes displayed strong responsiveness to allogeneic stimuli. The analysis of the relative frequency of proliferating cells in the SMLR (BALB/c), or allo-MLR (B10, B10.A, B10.D2) from NA or 'resting' T cells indicated an enrichment for syngeneic reactivity among NA T lymphocytes. The meaning of these results for NA T-cell function and repertoire is discussed.
Subject(s)
Lymphocyte Activation/immunology , T-Lymphocytes/immunology , Animals , Antibodies, Monoclonal , CD4 Antigens/immunology , Female , Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology , In Vitro Techniques , Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed , Lymphokines/analysis , Lymphokines/metabolism , Male , Mice , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunologyABSTRACT
1. Nanomolar concentrations of opiates inhibit phagocytosis in the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila. 2. Naloxone and naltrexone counteract the effect of the opiate agonists tested. 3. The dose-response curves are U-shaped, with no detectable effect at low or high concentrations. 4. An increase in extracellular calcium and dopamine counteract the inhibition caused by metenkephalin. 5. The recognition mechanism for opiates in Tetrahymena cannot be classified as belonging to any of the mammalian opiate receptor subtypes and is perhaps a primitive receptor.
Subject(s)
Naloxone/pharmacology , Narcotics/pharmacology , Phagocytosis/drug effects , Tetrahymena/drug effects , Animals , Tetrahymena/physiologyABSTRACT
Os autores desenvolvem um estudo comparativo da solubilidade e desintegração do cimento de silicato em diversas soluções de imersão (resumo da Tese de Mestrado do Curso de Pós-Graduação em Materiais Dentários da FO/Piracicaba/UNICAMP)
