Anti-inflammatory potential of pyocyanin in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages.

Context: Pyocyanin is a typical Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor, a common Gram-negative rod responsible for a wide range of severe nosocomial infections. There is evidence indicating that pyocyanin has multiple biological activities, but little is known about anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: This study investigated pyocyanin effect on nitric oxide and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine peritoneal macrophages. Materials and methods: Macrophages were incubated in the presence and absence of pyocyanin (1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 µM) with and without LPS (1 µg/mL). Nitric oxide production was determined by Griess reagent and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1ß production was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, pyocyanin effects on zymosan A-induced peritonitis in mice were evaluated. Results: Pyocyanin (5 and 10 µM) decreased nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1ß production independent of macrophage death. On the other hand, in vivo, pyocyanin (5 mg/kg) was not able to affect leukocyte migration into the site of inflammation. Discussion and conclusion: Thus, our findings suggest that pyocyanin exerts anti-inflammatory effects on murine peritoneal macrophages, downregulating nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels, which seems to be independent of cell migration. These effects may represent a mechanism of immune evasion; nevertheless more detailed studies should be performed to confirm this hypothesis.

C-phycocyanin to overcome the multidrug resistance phenotype in human erythroleukemias with or without interaction with ABC transporters.

The phenotype of multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the main causes of chemotherapy failure. Our study investigated the effect of C-phycocyanin (C-PC) in three human erythroleukemia cell lines with or without the MDR phenotype: K562 (non-MDR; no overexpression of drug efflux proteins), K562-Lucena (MDR; overexpression of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family B/ABCB1), and FEPS (MDR; overexpression of ABCB1 and ATP-binding cassette, sub-family C/ABCC1). Using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, we showed that 20 and 200 µg/mL C-PC decreased K562 viable cells after 24 h and 200 µg/mL C-PC decreased K562-Lucena cell proliferation after 48 h. C-PC did not decrease viable cells of FEPS cells. On the other hand, the MTT assay showed that exposure of 2, 20, and 200 µg/mL C-PC for 24 or 48 h was not cytotoxic to peritoneal macrophages. At 72 h, the trypan blue exclusion assay showed that 20 µg/mL C-PC decreased K562 and K562-Lucena cell proliferation and in FEPS cells, only 200 µg/mL C-PC decreased proliferation. In addition, protein-protein docking showed differences in energy and binding sites of ABCB1 and ABCC1 for C-PC, and these results were confirmed by the efflux protein activity assay. Only ABCC1 activity was altered in the presence of C-PC and FEPS cells showed lower C-PC accumulation, suggesting C-PC extrusion by ABCC1, conferring C-PC resistance. In combination with chemotherapy (vincristine [VCR] and daunorubicin [DNR]), the sensitivity of K562-Lucena cells for C-PC + VCR did not increase, whereas FEPS cell sensitivity for C-PC + DNR was increased. In molecular docking experiments, the estimated free energies of binding for C-PC associated with chemotherapy were similar (VCR: -6.9 kcal/mol and DNR: -7.2 kcal/mol) and these drugs were located within the C-PC cavity. However, C-PC exhibited specificity for tumor cells and K562 cells were more sensitive than K562-Lucena cells, followed by FEPS cells. Thus, C-PC is a possible chemotherapeutic agent for cells with the MDR phenotype, both alone in K562-Lucena cells (resistance due to ABCB1), or in combination with other drugs for cells similar to FEPS (resistance due to ABCC1). Moreover, C-PC did not damage healthy cells (peritoneal macrophages of Mus musculus).

Analysis of a Minimally Invasive Intracranial Pressure Signals During Infusion at the Subarachnoid Spinal Space of Pigs.

OBJECTIVE: We developed a new minimally invasive method for intracranial pressure monitoring (ICPMI). The objective of this project is to verify the similarities between the ICPMI and the invasive method (ICPInv), for different components of the intracranial pressure signal-namely, the mean value (trend) as well as its pulsatile component. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 9 kg anesthetized pig was used for simultaneous ICP monitoring with both methods. ICP was increased by performing ten infusions of 6 ml 0.9% saline into the spinal subarachnoid space, using a catheter implanted in the lumbar region. For correlation analysis, the signals were decomposed into two components-trend and pulsatile signals. Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated between ICPInv and ICPMI. RESULTS: During the infusions, the correlation between the pulsatile components of the signals was above 0.5 for most of the time. The signal trends showed a good agreement (correlation above 0.5) for most of the time during infusions. CONCLUSIONS: The ICPMI signal trends showed a good linear agreement with the signal obtained invasively. Based on the waveform analysis of the pulsatile component of ICP, our results indicate the possibility of using the minimally invasive method for assessing the neuroclinical state of the patient.

Analysis of a Non-invasive Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Method in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare the invasive (iICP) and a non-invasive intracranial pressure (nICP) monitoring methods in patients with traumatic brain injury, based on the similarities of the signals' power spectral densities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recorded the intracranial pressure of seven patients with traumatic brain injury admitted to Hospital São João, Portugal, using two different methods: a standard intraparenchymal (iICP) and a new nICP method based on mechanical extensometers. The similarity between the two monitoring signals was inferred from the Euclidean distance between the non-linear projection in a lower dimensional space (ISOMAP) of the windowed power spectral densities of the respective signals. About 337 h of acquisitions were used out of a total of 608 h. The only data exclusion criterion was the absence of any of the signals of interest. RESULTS: The averaged distance between iICP and nICP, and between arterial blood pressure (ABP) and nICP projections in the embedded space are statistically different for all seven patients analysed (Mann-Whitney U, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The similarity between the iICP and nICP monitoring methods was higher than the similarity between the nICP and the recordings of the radial ABP for all seven patients. Despite the possible differences between the shape of the ABP waveform at radial and parietal arteries, the results indicate-based on the similarities of iICP and nICP as functions of time-that the nICP method can be applied as an alternative method for ICP monitoring.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

Mortality and adverse neurologic sequelae from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) remains high due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) high opening pressure occurs in more than 50% of HIV-CM patients. Repeated lumbar puncture with CSF drainage and external lumbar drainage might be required in the management of these patients. Usually, there is a high grade of uncertainty and the basis for clinical decisions regarding ICP hypertension tends to be from clinical findings (headache, nausea and vomiting), a low Glasgow coma scale score, and/or fundoscopic papilledema. Significant neurological decline can occur if elevated CSF pressures are inadequately managed. Various treatment strategies to address intracranial hypertension in this setting have been described, including: medical management, serial lumbar punctures, external lumbar and ventricular drain placement, and either ventricular or lumbar shunting. This study aims to evaluate the role of a non-invasive intracranial pressure (ICP-NI) monitoring in a critically ill HIV-CM patient.

Noninvasive intracranial pressure monitoring for HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis

Mortality and adverse neurologic sequelae from HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis (HIV-CM) remains high due to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) complications. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) high opening pressure occurs in more than 50% of HIV-CM patients. Repeated lumbar puncture with CSF drainage and external lumbar drainage might be required in the management of these patients. Usually, there is a high grade of uncertainty and the basis for clinical decisions regarding ICP hypertension tends to be from clinical findings (headache, nausea and vomiting), a low Glasgow coma scale score, and/or fundoscopic papilledema. Significant neurological decline can occur if elevated CSF pressures are inadequately managed. Various treatment strategies to address intracranial hypertension in this setting have been described, including: medical management, serial lumbar punctures, external lumbar and ventricular drain placement, and either ventricular or lumbar shunting. This study aims to evaluate the role of a non-invasive intracranial pressure (ICP-NI) monitoring in a critically ill HIV-CM patient.

Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct shows in vitro activity against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis associated with a reduction in IL-6 and IL-10 but independent of nitric oxide.

Current treatments for different clinical forms of leishmaniasis are unsatisfactory, highly toxic and associated with increasing failure rates resulting from the emergence of resistant parasites. Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main aetiological agent of different clinical forms of American tegumentary leishmaniasis, including the mucosal form for which treatment has high failure rates. The aim of this work was to investigate the activity of the Morita-Baylis-Hillman adduct, methyl 2-{2-[hydroxy(2-nitrophenyl)methyl])acryloyloxy} benzoate in vitro against isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis obtained from patients with different clinical manifestations of tegumentary leishmaniasis: localized cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucosal leishmaniasis and disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis. The adduct effectively inhibited the growth of promastigotes of the different isolates of L. (V.) braziliensis (IC(50) ≤ 7·77 µg/ml), as well as reduced the infection rate of macrophages infected with these parasites (EC(50) ≤ 1·37 µg/ml). It is remarkable to state that the adduct was more effective against intracellular amastigotes (P ≤ 0·0045). The anti-amastigote activity correlated with an immunomodulatory effect, since the adduct was able to decrease the production of IL-6 and IL-10 by the infected macrophages. However, its effect was independent of nitric oxide production. This work demonstrates the anti-leishmanial activity of methyl 2-{2-[hydroxy(2-nitrophenyl)methyl])acryloyloxy} benzoate and suggests its potential in the treatment of human infections caused by L. (V.) braziliensis.

Immunomodulatory activity of ouabain in Leishmania leishmania amazonensis-infected Swiss mice.

Ouabain is a cardiotonic steroid identified as an endogenous substance of human plasma, being produced by the adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamus. Despite the studies demonstrating the ability of ouabain to modulate inflammation and other aspects of the immune response, the effects of this substance in Leishmaniasis is unknown. The purpose of this work was to understand the immunomodulatory activity of ouabain in experimental Leishmaniasis in Swiss mice. It was demonstrated that ouabain reduced total cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity as a reflex of the inhibition of neutrophil migration induced by Leishmania (L.) Amazonensis. Furthermore, ouabain reduced TNF-α and IFN-γ levels, without cytotoxicity against peritoneal macrophages. These data showed the anti-inflammatory role of ouabain in the early events of the immune response triggered by Leishmania (L.) Amazonensis infection in murine model.

Tuberculous submasseteric abscess: case report.

Tuberculosis is still the most fatal infectious disease worldwide.Although it can affect every organ in the body, non cervical and extralaryngeal head and neck tuberculosis is considered rare. We report a case of tuberculous submasseteric abscess:a very unusual site.

[The experience of institutionalized children]. / Conhecendo a experiência de crianças institucionalizadas.

The aim of this study was to know the experience of the institutionalized child and was guided by the theoretical referential of the "Symbolic Interactionism" and by the methodological referential of the "Grounded Theory". The data had been collected in two stages: the first one understood group activities and second stage consisted of personal interviews. The results had shown that the institutionalization occurred for abandonment and reject of the parents or for legal decision as a measure of child protection, having as context the poverty of its family. The child's experience is conflicting in relation to being institutionalized, because while he/she perceives the necessity of material gain, they miss their family, their home, their friends, and simply life outside.

[Development and evaluation of an educational software for pediatric nursing education]. / Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software educacional para o ensino de enfermagem pediátrica.

Computer Science is being introduced in education at an accelerated pace, thus forcing educators and students to become familiarized with such technology. This study aimed at the development and evaluation of the educational software "Children and medication". The program utilizes multimedia resources in four topics: the child, medication, the person who administers and administration of medication. The evaluation showed a large acceptance of the program, with most of the items being rated as excellent. We emphasize the importance of the development of teaching strategies utilizing computer resources in nursing education and in the development of nurses for the new millenium.

[Internet and nursing: development of a site on drug administration]. / A internet e a enfermagem: construção de um site sobre administração de medicamentos.

This study identified existent sites in the internet about Administration of Medications and developed and evaluated a specific site of this thematic. Of the 158 existent and available sites in the database of the Alta Vista search, 17 of these presented some relationship with pharmacology, marketing and information about drugs, technologies and rules of the medication. After that a site was developed and named The process of Administration of Medications in focus which goal was to present investigations conducted by a group about the following topics: errors, technology, complications, study group and the team. The evaluation of this site was made by 2 analyst of systems, 2 computer science technicians and 4 nursing professors and it showed that the quality of the pages, the time of answer, the link, images and content were considered between excellent and satisfactory.

[Children and medications: educational software on drug administration in pediatrics]. / A criança e o medicamento: software educacional sobre administração de medicamentos em pediatria.

The purpose of this study is the development and evaluation of an educational software on the administration of pediatric medicaments called "Children and medication". The pedagogical framework of Robert M. Gagné and the Three Stages Model, proposed by Price (1991) to develop CAI programs, were used. The software utilizes multimedia resources and is composed of four topics: the child, the medicament, the person who administers it and the administering of the medication. After the development of the program, it went through an evaluation process which was divided in three phases and had the participation of system analyst professionals and the target population to which the software was designed. Data analysis of the software showed that most of the items received excellent approval by the evaluators. It was observed that the software was accepted by the users and that it contributed for the nursing teaching of pediatric medicament administering through a new resource.

[Seeking to guarantee the rights of children and adolescents: our experience]. / Buscando garantir os direitos da criança e do adolescente: relato de experiência.

This report discusses the nursing activities developed by a group of professionals within the family context. Children and their families maintain relationships determined historically by the social context within which they live. According to the National Survey by Address Sampling, 53.5% of Brazilian children and adolescents live in families whose monthly income per capita is under one half of a minimum salary. The consequences of the country's recessive economy have a serious effect upon the entire population, potentially interfering in the family's health and, thus, in that of children and adolescents. When working with families we must consider what the family believes to be its function, since, despite the fact that the Children's and Adolescent's Statute gives the legal definition of family obligations, it is the family's beliefs that actually direct or define the role it plays in caring for and protecting each of its members. The "Support Couples" project, directed by this group, takes into consideration a family's particular characteristics so that it can offer support to the family to help it meet those legal requirements related to child and adolescent care. The objective of this work is to divulge the Project itself, and to place professional nurses in activities that are directly related to the promotion and maintenance of children's and adolescent's rights as citizens inserted into a family and social context.

Two thermal methods to measure the energy fluence of a brief exposure of diagnostic x rays.

This paper describes two simple thermal methods for measuring the energy fluence in J/cm2 from a diagnostic x-ray exposure. Both detectors absorb essentially 100% of the radiation and give a signal that is directly proportional to the energy fluence of the x-ray beam. One detector measures the thermal effect when a pulse of x rays is totally absorbed in the pyroelectric detector of lead-zirconium-titanate (PZT). The other detector measures the expansion of a gas surrounding a lead disk detector in a photoacoustic chamber. The increased pressure of the gas is transmitted through a 1-mm duct to a sensitive microphone. Both detectors have previously been used to measure the energy fluence rate of continuous x-ray beams in the same energy region using a chopped beam and a lock-in amplifier. Measurement of the energy fluence of a pulse of radiation eliminates the need for the beam chopper and lock-in amplifier and results in a simple, rugged, and inexpensive dosimeter. Either method can be combined with the area of the beam to give an estimate of the imparted energy to the patient from a diagnostic x-ray exposure.

Quality assessment of coffee beans with ESR and gamma-ray irradiation.

Peroxy radical formation in raw coffee beans of different qualities and origins from all over the world has been studied with electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis. The gamma-ray equivalent absorbed dose (ED) which creates the same concentration of radicals is obtained by the additive gamma-ray irradiation of the coffee beans. The ED and the cup quality is somewhat inversely related suggesting that the peroxidation of the unsaturated fatty acid is somewhat indicative of the degree of the aromatic decomposition and rancidity.

Electron spin resonance dosimetric properties of bone.

The characteristics of electron spin resonance (ESR) dosimetry using bovine bone samples are described. The number of paramagnetic centers created by gamma radiation in the inorganic bone matrix was measured as a function of absorbed dose. The minimum detectable dose was 0.5 Gy for 60Co gamma rays. The response was linear up to the maximum dose studied (30 Gy) and independent of dose rate up to the maximum dose rate used (1.67 Gy min-1). For different bone samples the reproducibility was 5%. This method may be valuable for nuclear accident dosimetry.

A new radiation dosimeter using a pyroelectric detector.

We describe a new type of radiation dosimeter, for the diagnostic x-ray region, using a pyroelectric detector. It consists of a PZT ceramic crystal thick enough to absorb all the incident radiation at 33 keV. This pyroelectric radiation dosimeter (PERD) produces an electrical signal when exposed to a chopped beam of x-ray photons. The PERD is basically a microcalorimeter. It has the following characteristics: (1) it responds linearly to the energy fluence rate of the radiation; (2) it responds linearly to the radiation intensity for a given radiation spectrum; (3) it has excellent stability; (4) it is simple to construct and inexpensive; and (5) it is rugged.