Pointing to potential reference areas to assess soil mutagenicity.

Several have been performed to evaluate the mutagenicity of soil samples in urban and industrial areas. The use of uncontaminated reference areas has been an obstacle to the study of environmental mutagenesis. The study aimed to indicate a methodology to define reference areas in studies of environmental contamination based on "Ambient Background Concentration" of metallic elements associated with the Salmonella/microsome assay. We looked at three potential reference areas, two of them close by the industrial sources of contamination (São Jerônimo reference, near the coal-fired power plant, and Triunfo reference, near the wood preservative plant), but not directly influenced by them and an area located inside a protected area (Itapuã reference). We also carried out chemical analyses of some metals to plot the metal profile of these potential reference areas and define basal levels of these metals in the soils. After examining the mutagenicity of the inorganic extracts using strains TA98, TA97a, and TA100, in the presence and absence of S9 mix, we indicated the São Jerônimo reference and the Itapuã reference as two sites that could be used in future studies of mutagenicity of soils in southern Brazil. The association between a mutagenicity bioassay and the "Ambient Background Concentration" seems to be a useful method to indicate the reference areas in studies of contamination by environmental mutagens, where these results were corroborated by canonical correspondence analysis.

Atividade antibacteriana de extratos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae) / Antibacterial activity of leaf extracts of Montrichardia linifera (Arruda) Schott (Araceae)

RESUMO O uso de plantas medicinais no tratamento de doenças é uma estratégia antiga utilizada por praticamente todas as populações do mundo, e, embora novos antibióticos tenham sido desenvolvidos para o controle de micro-organismos infecciosos, às vezes são ineficazes. Diversos extratos de plantas medicinais têm efeitos antimicrobianos, principalmente quando associados à antibióticos de uso clínico, representando alternativa terapêutica para doenças infecciosas. Montrichardia linifera, conhecida popularmente como aninga, é espécie macrófita, aquática emergente de hábito herbáceo, pertencente a família Araceae e ocorre em áreas alagáveis. A utilidade farmacológica desta espécie é diversificada tendo sido relatada como cicatrizante, antirreumático, antidiurético e expectorante. Devido à relevância no campo etnofarmacológico, ampla utilização na medicina popular e escassez de trabalhos relacionados à atividade antibacteriana desta espécie, objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar a atividade antibacteriana de extratos alcoólicos de folhas de Montrichardia linifera, coletadas na margem do rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba-PI. O extrato foi testado em oito cepas de bactérias: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae e Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de verificação da formação de halos de inibição e determinação das concentrações inibitórias e bactericidas mínimas. Os testes antibacterianos evidenciaram como principais resultados que o extrato metanólico seco (EMS), extrato metanólico fresco (EMF), e o extrato etanólico seco (EES), apresentaram ação antibacteriana, enquanto o extrato etanólico fresco (EEF) não apresentou atividade para as bactérias testadas. O EMS foi o mais eficiente, inibindo o crescimento bacteriano na concentração de 200 μg/mL para E. faecalis, 400 μg/mL para S. aureus, 400 μg/mL para S. epidermidis e 2.000 μg/mL para P. aeruginosa. O EMF obteve CIM de 2.000 μg/mL para E. faecalis e EES obteve CIM de 250 μg/mL para E. faecalis. Os resultados demonstraram que M. linifera constitui fonte eficiente de compostos bioativos antibacterianos. Os estudos sobre as propriedades farmacológicas de plantas da família Araceae são escassos, e os resultados deste trabalho são pioneiros em relação a atividade antibacteriana desta espécie.

ABSTRACT For a long time, medicinal herbs have been used in the treatment of diseases by almost all populations in the world, and although new antibiotics have been developed for the control of infectious micro-organisms, they are sometimes ineffective. Many herbal extracts have antimicrobial effects and represent a potential alternative therapy for infectious diseases, especially when associated with the clinical use of antibiotics. The Montrichardia linifera, popularly known as Aninga, is a robust, herbaceous, emergent aquatic macrophyte belonging to the Araceae family, appearing along rivers and stream margins in the tropical America. The pharmacological application of this species are several ones, having been reported to own a healing, antirheumatic, anti-diuretic and expectorant effect. Due to the relevance in the ethnopharmacological field, the spread use in popular medicine and the few researches related to the antibacterial activity of this specie, the study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of alcoholic leaf extracts of plants of Montrichardia linifera collected along the margins of Rio Igaraçu, Parnaíba, Piauí, Brazil. The extract was tested in eight strains of ATCC bacterial standards: Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The verification techniques used were the formation of inhibition halos, and the determination of minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC). The antibacterial tests showed, as main results, that dried methanol extract (EMS), fresh methanol extract (EMF) and dry ethanol extract (EES) exhibited antibacterial activity, while the fresh ethanol extract (EEF) was inactive against the tested bacteria. The EMS was the most efficient one, inhibiting bacterial growth at a concentration of 200 µg/mL for E. faecalis, 400 µg/mL for S. aureus 400 µg/mL for S. epidermidis and 2.000 µg/mL for P. aeruginosa. The EMF obtained a MIC of 2.000 µg/mL for E. faecalis and EES obtained a MIC of 250 µg/mL for E. faecalis. The results showed that M. linifera is an efficient source of bioactive antibacterial compounds. Studies about the pharmacological properties of plants of the family Araceae are scarce, and the results of this work are pioneer in regard to the antibacterial activity of this species.

[Anatomic variants of biliary ducts detected by endoscopio colangiography]. / Variantes anatómicas de la vía biliar por colangiografía endoscópica.

INTRODUCTION: The gallbladder and bile ducts originate through a complex process during the 4th gestational week; there is a wide variety in their anatomy. OBJECTIVE: To identify the type, frequency, and association with certain pathologies of anatomic variations of bile ducts in patients in which endoscopic retrograde colangiography (ERC) was performed. METHODS: Six hundred and six patients in whom ERCs were performed from 2005 to 2007 in the Endoscopio Unit at the Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea González in Mexico City were included. Variations in bile duct anatomy seen in the X-ray taken during ERC were identified. Demographic characteristics of the patients, indications of the study, complications, treatments, and type of anatomic variant were registered. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the information. X2 and Fisher´s exact test were also performed for the comparison between patients with and without anatomic variations. RESULTS: We identified biliary anatomic variations in 5.1% of patients in the study. Among them, seventy- seven per cent were women, with a mean age of 41 years. The anatomic variation most frequently found was a low union of the cystic duct with the common hepatic duct. The main diagnosis during ERC was choledocholithiasis in 71% of patients. Bile duct injuries were found in only 3.2% of patients with anatomic variations. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic variations in bile ducts identified by ERC are frequent in Mexican population; nevertheless they were not associated with the occurrence of bile duct injuries.

[Hip pain in young adults - a case report and review of the literature]. / Anca dolorosa no adulto jovem - a propósito de um caso clínico.

A painful hip in a young adult may have its origin in different aetiologies, and both clinical history and physical examination are crucial for diagnostic guidance. The authors describe the case of a 28 year-old male, amateur football player, suffering from insidious progressive left cruralgia, with nocturnal and prolonged high-impact loading activities exacerbation, resulting in significant impairment of exercise tolerance, gait and other daily activities. He had a transitory response to non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. Besides slight limitation of hip internal rotation and an antalgic gait pattern, physical examination was normal. Laboratory tests and conventional X-ray of the left hip were normal. CT and MRI depicted findings compatible with an osteoid osteoma in the femoral cervico-cephalic transition and signs of a potential «cam¼ type femoro-acetabular impingement. The adopted therapeutic strategy consisted on radiofrequency excision of the nidus of osteoid, with complete clinical recovery after 6 months.

Foraminal L5-S1 disc herniation and conus medullaris syndrome: a vascular etiology?

A 56-year-old man presented with a conus medullaris syndrome lumbar magnetic resonance imaging showed only a right foraminal disc herniation at the L5-S1 level. Operative removal of the protrusion was followed by prompt neurological improvement. We postulate that the discrepancy between extent of compression shown by imaging and the neurological findings may reflect vascular compression of the artery of Desproges-Gotteron, an anatomical variant.

[Pressure ulcer management--Evidence-based interventions]. / Abordagem terapêutica das úlceras de pressão--intervenções baseadas na evidência.

Despite improved awareness and quality of care among health care personnel, pressure ulcers prevalence remains high especially in the inpatient setting. Pressure ulcers are associated with increased morbidity and mortality, affecting the quality of life of patients and their caregivers, and significantly increasing direct and indirect healthcare costs. Early risk assessment for developing a pressure ulcer is essential to decide on the appropriate preventive measures and for initiation of a tailored therapeutic approach. Interventions include strategies to reduce extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors associated with tissue ischemia, optimization of patient's nutritional status, and local wound care. This revision intends to review current evidence-based therapeutic interventions in pressure ulcer care, and support implementation of management protocols in an inpatient ward.

Diagnostic investigation and multidisciplinary management in motor neuron disease.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, involving motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord, presenting with a combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs. Etiology remains undetermined, although a multifactorial origin is widely accepted including genetic factors, auto-immunity, oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity and abnormal neurofilament aggregation. The absence of specific diagnostic testing, and variable clinical presentations make the diagnosis of ALS challenging, relying upon correlation of clinical, electrophysiological and neuroimaging data. The disease is relentlessly progressive, with dysarthria, dysphagia, tetraparesis, and respiratory insufficiency due to ongoing respiratory muscle paresis. There is no specific treatment for ALS. Riluzole, a glutamate antagonist, is the only FDA approved drug for ALS, but has only a modest effect on survival. The multiplicity and progressiveness of the disabilities in ALS, highlights the need for a coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation program managing symptoms, respiratory care, dysphagia and nutrition, dysarthria and communication, physical and occupational therapy. The main goals are to prolong independence, prevent complications and improve quality of life.

Trypanosoma cruzi: lack of T cell abnormalities in mice vaccinated with live trypomastigotes.

We have previously shown that inoculation of Trypanosoma cruzi clone-CL-14 generates efficient protective immunity against virulent T. cruzi and no infection or histopathology per se, indicating that it induces an immune state different from that exhibited by infected animals. To understand the basis of this difference, we screened CL-14-vaccinated mice for T cell abnormalities thought to be involved in the genesis of pathology. Lymphocytes from vaccinated mice present normal proliferative responses to concanavalin A; enhanced responses to T. cruzi antigens; do not show evidence of polyclonal activation (increased blast transformation and lymphocyte numbers) or changes in the density of CD4, CD8 and TCR-beta expression. Also, vaccinated mice display transient expansion of CD8+ lymphocytes expressing activated phenotypes (CD11a(hi) CD45RBlo CD62Llo). In view of the absence of pathology in vaccinated animals, the absence of immunosuppression and the restoration of a resting immune state reinforce the benign nature of this immunization.

Parasitoses intestinais em crincas de 0 a 11 meses de idade atendidas no Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco. / Intestinal parasitic disease in children from 0 to 11 months assisted in the Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco

Observou-se a frequencia de enteroparasitas em um grupo de 600 criancas de 0 a 11 meses de idade, atendidas no ambulatorio do Hospital Geral de Pediatria do Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco (HGP/ IMIP). Analisou-se uma amostra de fezes de cada paciente, pelos metodos de Hoffman, Pons e Janer, Faust e Baerman-Moraes, alem da pesquisa de Enterobius vermicularis pelo metodo de Graham.Obteve-se um percentual de positividade de 16,7% para protozoarios e helmintos. Ascaridiase, giardiase e tricuriase foram as parasitoses mais comuns

Adolescencia e saude: inquerito entre 5.223 adolescentes de 10 a 20 anos de idade matriculados em colegios publicos e privados da Cidade do Recife, setembro de 1981. / Adolescence and health: survey among 5.223 adolescents of 10 to 20 year old enrolled in public and private schools of Recife City, September l98l

Foram investigados 5.223 adolescentes de 10 a 20 anos de idade, matriculados em Colegios da rede publica e privada da cidade do Recife, quanto ao grau de conhecimento das suas necessidades de saude,preferencia por tipo de medico, caracteristicas do atendimento e assuntos a serem abordados na consulta. Os resultados evidenciaram que, de modo geral, os adolescentes desconhecem a necessidade de asistencia primaria de saude e um percentual muito baixo entre eles recebem esse tipo de assistencia, nao fazem opcao pelo atendimento isolado, preferem ser atendidos por medicos de adultos, desconhecendo significativamente que o pediatra esta indicado para atende-lo e relacionam a consulta medica exclusivamente com os problemas de doencas organicas rechacando a hipotese de abordar problemas de relacionamento intra e extrafamiliares assim como de sexo

Parasitoses intestinais em criancas atendidas no ambulatorio do Instituto Materno - Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP). / Intestinal parasitosis in children assisted in the Instituto Materno-Infantil of Pernambuco(IMIP)

Quatro mil trezentos e doze criancas de 0 a 14 anos, atendidas no ambulatorio do Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco (IMIP), tiveram uma amostra de fezes examinada pelo metodo de Hoffman, Pons e Janer. O percentual de positividade para protozoarios e/ou helmintos foi de 75,3%.No 1o. ano de vida,ascaridiase e giardiase incidiram mais comumente. Nos outros grupos etarios, a ascaridiase continuou como a parasitose mais encontrada e a trichuriase assumiu o segundo nivel de frequencia

Allylestrenol: three years of experience with Gestanon in threatened abortion and premature labor.

Allylestrenol was used to treat 375 women with threatened pregnancies. Results show that this drug is capable of maintaining pregnancy in a large series of ambulant patients and is safe for both mother and child. Allylestrenol does not maintain pregnancy if placental dysfunction is present, however. Newborns whose mothers are treated with allylestrenol have slightly higher birth weights than controls. The possible role of allylestrenol in this process is discussed. At high doses, allylestrenol effectively stops premature labor, suggesting a selective action on the myometrium.