Copper-Catalyzed Synthesis of Pyrrolo[1,2-c]quinazolines and Pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines and Antiplasmodial Evaluation.

Reactions involving C(sp3)-H bonds of azaarenes have been widely studied in recent years as they allow direct functionalization of these N-heterocycles without the use of harsh reaction conditions. In this work, we describe the C(sp3)-H functionalization of 4-methylquinazolines and 1-benzylisoquinolines, employing α-substituted ß-nitrostyrenes catalyzed by inexpensive copper acetate. Under the optimized condition, 21 pyrrolo[1,2-c]quinazolines, as well as an imidazo[1,2-c]quinazoline and 4 pyrrolo[2,1-a]isoquinolines, were obtained in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, the biological activity of the pyrrolo[1,2-c]quinazolines was evaluated against Plasmodium falciparum, and promising results were obtained.

Case Report: Human Bertiellosis in Brazil.

The Anoplocephalidae family comprises a group of parasites that affect reptiles, birds, and mammals. Humans can be accidentally infected by ingesting contaminated mites. We present a case of human bertiellosis in Brazil. Our report reinforces the importance of correctly identifying the parasite to provide adequate treatment.

Conocimiento acerca del manejo inmediato del trauma dental en un grupo de docentes de preescolar y primaria en Costa Rica / Immediate management dental trauma knowledge of preschool and primary school teachers in Costa Rica

Objetivo. Determinar el grado de conocimiento en el manejo inmediato del trauma dental en los profesores de preescolar y primaria en la provincia de Cartago en Costa Rica. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal en el que se aplicó una encuesta enviada vía correo electrónico a un grupo de docentes. Se incluyeron variables sociodemográficas y de conocimiento referente a la atención del trauma dental en niños/as. El total de instituciones participantes fue de 11 (6 públicas y 5 privadas). La encuesta fue respondida por 60 docentes de instituciones públicas y 141 de centros privados. Se creó un puntaje de conocimiento, asignando 1 punto para las respuestas correctas y 0 puntos para las respuestas incorrectas. Las puntuaciones mayores a 4 fueron consideradas como "conocimiento adecuado" acerca del trauma dental y su manejo. Se realizó una estadística descriptiva de las variables y la prueba de chi cuadrado para determinar si existía diferencia en el grado de conocimiento de los docentes respecto a la atención inmediata del trauma dental según las variables sociodemográficas. Resultados. Solo un 24% de los docentes obtuvo una puntuación superior a 4. Además, se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre algunas variables: a mayor edad, mayor experiencia docente y haber sido testigo de situaciones de trauma dental, mayor es el conocimiento de los docentes en esta área. Conclusiones. Los docentes de preescolar y primaria del Circuito 1 de la provincia de Cartago poseen, en su mayoría, un bajo conocimiento para la atención inmediata del trauma dental

Objective. To determine the degree of knowledge in the immediate management of dental trauma in preschool and primary school teachers in the province of Cartago in Costa Rica. Methods. A cross-sectional observational study was performed. An electronic survey was sent via email to a group of teachers. Sociodemographic and knowledge variables regarding dental trauma care in children were included. Eleven schools participated in the study (6 public and 5 private). The survey was answered by 60 teachers from public institutions and 141 from private schools. A knowledge of score was created, assigning 1 point for correct answers and 0 points for incorrect answers Scores greater than 4 were considered as "adequate knowledge" about dental trauma and its management. Descriptive statistics of the variables and the chi-square tests were performed to determine if there was a difference in the degree of knowledge of the teachers regarding the immediate care of dental trauma according to the sociodemographic variables. Results. Only 24% of the teachers obtained a score higher than 4. In addition, a statistically significant relationship was found between some variables: the older they are, the more experienced they are in teaching, and having witnessed situations of dental trauma, the greater the knowledge of the teachers in this area. Conclusions. Preschool and primary teachers of Circuit 1 of the province of Cartago have, mostly, little knowledge for the immediate care of dental trauma.

Eating Patterns and Health Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes.

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between eating patterns and therapeutic target's achieving in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients underwent clinical, laboratory, and nutritional evaluations. Dietary intake was assessed by a quantitative food frequency questionnaire and eating patterns identified by cluster analysis. The therapeutic targets were as follows: blood pressure, <140/90 mm Hg; BMI, <25 kg/m2 (<27 kg/m2 for elderly); waist circumference, <94 cm for men and <80 cm for women; fasting plasma glucose, <130 mg/dL; HbA1c, <7%; triglycerides, <150 mg/dL; HDL-cholesterol, >40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women; LDL-cholesterol, <100 mg/dL. Results: One hundred ninety seven patients were studied. We identified two eating patterns: "unhealthy" (n = 100)-high consumption of refined carbohydrates, ultra-processed foods, sweets and desserts (P < 0.05); and "healthy" (n = 97)-high intake of whole carbohydrates, dairy, white meat, fish, fruits and vegetables (P < 0.05). The healthy group more frequently achieved therapeutic targets for fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and LDL-cholesterol than the unhealthy group. Poisson regression confirmed the association of healthy eating pattern with attaining the therapeutic target for fasting plasma glucose [PR, 1.59 (95% CI, 1.01 to 2.34); P = 0.018], HbA1c [PR, 2.09 (95% CI, 1.17 to 3.74); P = 0.013], and LDL-cholesterol [PR, 1.37 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.86); P = 0.042]. Conclusions: A healthy eating pattern, including the frequent intake of whole carbohydrates, dairy, white meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables, is associated with reduced fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

On the respiratory mechanics measured by forced oscillation technique in patients with systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary complications are the most common cause of death and morbidity in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The forced oscillation technique (FOT) offers a simple and detailed approach to investigate the mechanical properties of the respiratory system. We hypothesized that SSc may introduce changes in the resistive and reactive properties of the respiratory system, and that FOT may help the diagnosis of these abnormalities. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We tested these hypotheses in controls (n = 30) and patients with abnormalities classified using spirometry (n = 52) and pulmonary volumes (n = 29). Resistive data were interpreted with the zero-intercept resistance (Ri) and the slope of the resistance (S) as a function of frequency. Reactance changes were evaluated by the mean reactance between 4 and 32 Hz (Xm) and the dynamic compliance (Crs,dyn). The mechanical load was evaluated using the absolute value of the impedance in 4 Hz (Z4Hz). A compartmental model was used to obtain central (R) and peripheral (Rp) resistances, and alveolar compliance (C). The clinical usefulness was evaluated by investigating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The presence of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) was also evaluated. For the groups classified using spirometry, SSc resulted in increased values in Ri, R, Rp and Z4Hz (p<0.003) and reductions in Crs,dyn, C and Xm (p<0.004). Z4Hz, C and Crs,dyn exhibited a high diagnostic accuracy (AUC>0.90). In groups classified by pulmonary volume, SSc resulted in reductions in S, Xm, C and Crs,dyn (p<0.01). Xm, C and Crs,dyn exhibited adequate diagnostic accuracy (AUC>0.80). It was also observed that EFL is not common in patients with SSc. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides evidence that the respiratory resistance and reactance are changed in SSc. This analysis provides a useful description that is of particular significance for understanding respiratory pathophysiology and to ease the diagnosis of respiratory abnormalities in these patients.

EXTRACCIÓN Y MEDIDA DE ACTIVIDAD DE PECTIN METIL ESTEARASA EN PITAYA AMARILLA (Acanthocereus pitajaya), ENZIMA RELACIONADA CON EL ABLANDAMIENTO / Extraction And Assay Of Pectinmethyl Esterase From Pitaya Amarilla (Acanthocereus pitajaya), Enzyme Vinculated To Softening

En diversas técnicas aplicadas para la conservación en fresco de la pitaya amarilla (Acanthocereus pitajaya) se ha encontrado que el ablandamiento excesivo de su corteza contribuye al deterioro de su calidad. Puesto que pectinmetilestearasa (PME) se ha vinculado con el ablandamiento de frutos este estudio se desarrolló con el objeto de determinar el efecto de la incorporación de los aditivos tritón X-100, NaCl y cisteína en buffer fosfatos 20 mM pH 7,0 sobre la cantidad de proteína extraída y sobre la actividad de PME. También se evaluó la necesidad de recurrir al proceso de diálisis en buffer fosfatos 20 mM pH 7,0. En la medida de actividad se pusieron a punto el tiempo de incubación, la concentración del cofactor NaCl, pH, temperatura y concentración de sustrato (pectina cítrica). Se encontró que el mejor sistema de extracción fue el compuesto por buffer fosfato 20 mM, pH 7,0 con concentraciones de NaCl que pueden estar entre 0,0 a 1,0 M. La medida de actividad se puede realizar empleando pectina cítrica entre 0,40 a 0,75%, a valores de pH entre 5,0 a 8,0, con incubación a una temperatura entre 40 a 45 °C, durante 2,5 min.

Using diverse techniques applied to keep the freshness of yellow pitaya (Acanthocereus pitajaya) fruit it has been found that excessive softening of its crust leads to quality deterioration. Since pectinmethyl esterase (PME) has been related to fruit softening in this study we evaluated the protein levels and the PME activity after the addition of Triton X-100 1% and NaCl in concentrations from 0 to 2 M in buffer 20 mM phosphate pH 7.0. Effects of cysteine addition and dialysis were also evaluated for the extraction processes. Factors that can affect the activity of PME such as incubation time, different NaCl concentration, as value level of pH during the incubation, temperature and pectin (citric pectin) concentration were evaluated. The best system found in this study for PME extraction was buffer phosphate 20 mM, pH 7.0 and NaCl from 0.0 to 1.0 M. The best system for the activity measurement is to use pectin from 0.40 to 0.75%, keep the pH between 5 and 8 and incubate from 40 to 45 °C during 2.5 min.

Efeito do Flutter® VRP1 na mecânica respiratória de indivíduos saudáveis e portadores de DPOC, asma e bronquiectasia / Respiratory mechanic effects of Flutter® VRP1 in healthy subjects and COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis patients

Introdução: O Flutter® VRP1 é um dispositivo que combina pressão positiva expiratória e oscilações de alta freqüência com objetivo de manter as vias aéreas pérvias. Apesar de sua utilização rotineira na prática da fisioterapia, seu efeito na mecânicarespiratória é escasso na literatura. O presente estudo investigou o efeito, a curto prazo, do uso deste dispositvo em indivíduos saudáveis e em pacientes portadores de Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC), asma e bronquiectasia. Metodologia: Os pacientes foram submetidos à utilização do Flutter® VRP1 por um período de 5 a 10 minutos. Para análise da mecânica respiratória, a técnica de oscilações forçadas (FOT) e a espirometria foram realizadas antes e imediatamente após o uso do dispositivo. Resultados: O uso do Flutter® VRP1 não resultou em alterações significativas nos parâmetros avaliados pela FOT nos grupos estudados. Considerando-se a espirometria, a única variável que apresentou diferença significativa (p<0,05) foi VEF1 (L) no grupo controle. Conclusão: Com o protocolo utilizado, nos grupos de indivíduos saudáveis e de portadores de DPOC, asma e bronquiectasia, o uso do Flutter® VRP1 não introduziu modificações, a curto prazo, na mecânica respiratória.

Introduction: The Flutter® VRP1 is a device that combines expiratory positive airway pressure with high frequency oscillations to keep airway clean. In spite of the widely clinical use, the effect analyze of this device in the respiratory mechanics of obstructive patients is little. The aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term effect of the use of the Flutter® VRP1 in healthy subjects and patients with Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive (COPD), asthma and bronchiectasis.Methodology: The patients were submitted to a protocol where the Flutter® VRP1 was used for a period of 5 to 10 minutes. Changes in pulmonary mechanics were analyzed by the forced oscillations technique (FOT) and spirometry, which were performed before and immediately after the use of the device. Results: The use of Flutter® VRP1 didn’t result in significant alterations in the evaluated parameters of FOT in the studied groups. Considering spirometry, the only variable that presented significant difference (p <0.05) was VEF1 (L) in healthy group. Conclusion: With the used protocol, in the studied populationof healthy subjects and patients with COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis, the use of the Flutter® VRP1 do not introduced shortterm modifications in respiratory mechanics.

Oscilações forçadas na avaliação funcional de indivíduos portadores de esclerodermia / Forced oscillation technique in the functional evaluation of patients with scleroderma

Introdução: O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial do uso da técnica das oscilações forçadas (FOT) para detectar o efeito das alterações introduzidas pela esclerose sistêmica nas propriedades resistivas e reativas do sistema respiratório. Metodologia: O estudo foi realizado em um grupo controle, formado por 23 adultos saudáveis, e em um grupo de 23 pacientes portadores de esclerose sistêmica, os quais foram avaliados por FOT e espirometria. Resultados: Considerando os parâmetros resistivos da FOT, houve um aumento significativo na resistência total do sistema respiratório (R0) (p<0,001) e na resistência média (Rm) (p<0,001), além de uma tendência não significativa de aumento da inclinação do componente resistivo da impedância (S), no grupo de indivíduos portadores de esclerodermia. O parâmetro reativo avaliado, a complacência dinâmica (Crs,dyn), mostrou-se significativamente (p<0,000001) menor no grupo de pacientes. Conclusão: Os resultados do presente estudo são coerentes com a fisiopatologia da esclerodermia e a FOT descreveu adequadamente estas alterações, demonstrando o seu elevado potencial na avaliação da mecânica pulmonar de indivíduos portadores de esclerodermia.