The potential of accelerator-based techniques as an analytical tool for forensics: The case of coffee.

We discuss how different accelerator-based techniques can be employed synergistically as a powerful analytical tool for forensic studies of foodstuff. Brazilian and Jamaican coffees were chosen as a showcase due to its popularity and potential risk of adulteration and/or falsification. Comprehensive characterization of major and trace elements, age since production and compound contents were achieved using different techniques, including PIXE (Particle-Induced X-ray Emission), FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), and AMS-14C (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry - Radiocarbon Analysis). While PIXE provides information on the elements present in the samples, FTIR probes the types of compounds through their vibrational spectra. Finally, AMS-14C is capable of dating organic samples regarding their harvesting time. Five different laboratories from research institutions around the world took part in the experiments. The integration of the results obtained with different techniques provided multifaceted perspectives on the coffee under study, thus allowing a direct assessment of the material for forensic purposes such as authentication, determination of provenance, and combat counterfeiting.

Efeito do extrato de Bidens pilosa L, Mel e pomadas homeopática e alopática na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / [Effect of Bidens pilosa L, Honey extract and homeopathic and allopathic ointments on the healing of skin wounds of Wistar rats]

Cicatrização de ferida é um processo dinâmico, que tem por objetivo restaurar a continuidade do tecido lesionado. No entanto, em alguns casos, é necessário favorecer condições adequadas para viabilizar o processo fisiológico. Neste estudo foram utilizados ratos Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente entre cinco grupos, com 12 animais cada, sendo eles: grupo P (Bidens pilosa L.), grupo mel, grupo Co1 (pomada comercial alopática), grupo Co2 (pomada comercial homeopática) e grupo CT (controle). As lesões foram geradas por incisão com punch de 8mm, sendo tratadas diariamente de forma tópica. Foram eutanasiados quatro animais por grupo, no terceiro, sétimo e 14º dias do experimento, e o material coletado foi armazenado em formalina 10% e encaminhado para processamento histológico. Posteriormente, realizou-se a contagem de leucócitos mononucleares, fibroblastos e neovasos e avaliou-se a arquitetura de fibras colágenas. Os resultados da contagem foram analisados pela ANOVA, seguida pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05). O modelo experimental proposto neste estudo demonstrou que todos os tratamentos apresentaram potencial cicatrizante, com exceção do mel. A aplicação tópica do creme do extrato de Bidens pilosa L. a 10% apresentou melhor perfil anti-inflamatório; a pomada alopática apresentou boa aderência à superfície da lesão e a pomada homeopática, grande potencial angiogênico, com menor tempo de cicatrização.(AU)

Wound healing is a dynamic process that aims to restore the continuity of injured tissue. However, in some cases it is necessary to favor adequate conditions to enable the physiological process. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 12 animals each, namely: group P (Bidens pilosa L.), group honey, group Co1 (commercial allopathic ointment), group Co2 (commercial homeopathic ointment) and group CT (control). The lesions were generated by an 8mm punch incision and were treated topically daily. Four animals per group were euthanized on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day of the experiment and the collected material was stored in 10% formalin and sent for histological processing, after which mononuclear, fibroblasts and neovascular leukocytes were counted and collagen fiber architecture was evaluated. Counting results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p <0.05). The experimental model proposed in this study showed that all treatments had healing potential, except honey. The topical application of 10% Bidens pilosa L. extract cream showed the best anti-inflammatory profile; Allopathic ointment showed good adhesion to the surface of the lesion and homeopathic ointment showed great angiogenic potential with shorter healing time.(AU)

Efeito do extrato de Bidens pilosa L, mel e pomadas homeopática e alopática na cicatrização de feridas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / [Effect of Bidens pilosa L, honey extract and homeopathic and allopathic ointments on the healing of skin wounds of Wistar rats]

Cicatrização de ferida é um processo dinâmico, que tem por objetivo restaurar a continuidade do tecido lesionado. No entanto, em alguns casos, é necessário favorecer condições adequadas para viabilizar o processo fisiológico. Neste estudo foram utilizados ratos Wistar, divididos aleatoriamente entre cinco grupos, com 12 animais cada, sendo eles: grupo P (Bidens pilosa L.), grupo mel, grupo Co1 (pomada comercial alopática), grupo Co2 (pomada comercial homeopática) e grupo CT (controle). As lesões foram geradas por incisão com punch de 8mm, sendo tratadas diariamente de forma tópica. Foram eutanasiados quatro animais por grupo, no terceiro, sétimo e 14º dias do experimento, e o material coletado foi armazenado em formalina 10% e encaminhado para processamento histológico. Posteriormente, realizou-se a contagem de leucócitos mononucleares, fibroblastos e neovasos e avaliou-se a arquitetura de fibras colágenas. Os resultados da contagem foram analisados pela ANOVA, seguida pelo teste de Tukey (P<0,05). O modelo experimental proposto neste estudo demonstrou que todos os tratamentos apresentaram potencial cicatrizante, com exceção do mel. A aplicação tópica do creme do extrato de Bidens pilosa L. a 10% apresentou melhor perfil anti-inflamatório; a pomada alopática apresentou boa aderência à superfície da lesão e a pomada homeopática, grande potencial angiogênico, com menor tempo de cicatrização.(AU)

Wound healing is a dynamic process that aims to restore the continuity of injured tissue. However, in some cases it is necessary to favor adequate conditions to enable the physiological process. Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups with 12 animals each, namely: group P (Bidens pilosa L.), group honey, group Co1 (commercial allopathic ointment), group Co2 (commercial homeopathic ointment) and group CT (control). The lesions were generated by an 8mm punch incision and were treated topically daily. Four animals per group were euthanized on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day of the experiment and the collected material was stored in 10% formalin and sent for histological processing, after which mononuclear, fibroblasts and neovascular leukocytes were counted and collagen fiber architecture was evaluated. Counting results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (p <0.05). The experimental model proposed in this study showed that all treatments had healing potential, except honey. The topical application of 10% Bidens pilosa L. extract cream showed the best anti-inflammatory profile; Allopathic ointment showed good adhesion to the surface of the lesion and homeopathic ointment showed great angiogenic potential with shorter healing time.(AU)

PA27†Characteristics of hospitalizations of patients with cancer in brazil: analysis of data from 2008-2013.

BACKGROUND: Cancers figure among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil, with approximately 576,000 new cases and around 200,000 cancer related deaths in 2013. According to the Brazilian National Oncological Policy (Decree GM/MS 2.439/2005) cancer control, like other chronic diseases, must involve all actions and health services available in the National Health System (SUS): health promotion, rehabilitation and palliative care, following the principles of the SUS: Universality, Equity and Completeness of health care. AIM: 1) Outline the profile of all cancer patients admitted to the hospitals of the Unified Health System (SUS) between 2008-2013; 2) Estimate the number of cancer patients with palliative care needs in the population. METHOD: The present methodology has a quantitative approach, with descriptive exploratory, retrospective and observational studies of hospitalised cancer patients. Data was collected from the hospital information system of the Unified Health System (SIH/SUS), obtained from the database of the Health Information Department of SUS (DATASUS). RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2013, there were almost 4 million hospitalizations (3,705, 024) of patients with cancer in Brazil. From this total 2,661,118 (71.8%) had malignant cancer and 286,566 (7.73%) resulted in hospital death. CONCLUSION: Estimating resources and specific parameters to structure and tailor palliative care assistance in countries whose health policies do not provide this mode, as the case of Brazil, has been a difficult task, considering the existing diversities between curative and palliative assistance and understanding regarding the combination of different types and criteria of care.

Mineral content is related to antioxidant and antimutagenic properties of grape juice.

Grape juices are an important source of food antioxidants. Unfortunately, there is little data about the mineral composition and the antioxidant, mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of grape juice in eukaryote cells. We evaluated the mineral contents (Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Si, S, Cl) of grape juices, the antioxidant, mutagenic and/or antimutagenic activities of the juices in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and looked for a possible association between mineral content and antioxidant, mutagenic and/or antimutagenic activities of juice samples. Eight commercial grape juices, four purple (Bordo variety) and four white (Niagara variety), were evaluated. Most of the minerals were in similar concentrations in purple and white grape juices, except for calcium and copper; purple grapes had more calcium content and white grapes had more copper content. All grape juices had important antioxidant and antimutagenic activities in S. cerevisiae and prevented the oxidative damage provoked by hydrogen peroxide (P < 0.05). Positive correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between antioxidant and antimutagenic activities and mineral content. In this context, we concluded that the grape juices, white and purple, are an important mineral source, and these contents explain, in part, the important antioxidant and antimutagenic activities.

SERUM PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN CATTLE EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH Trypanosoma evansi / Proteinograma sérico de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com Trypanosoma evansi.

Trypanosoma evansi é patogênico para diversas espécies de animais em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. No Brasil, a doença é endêmica no Pantanal Mato-Grossense.  Este estudo analisou o perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de bovinos infectados experimentalmente com T. evansi. Foram utilizados oito bovinos, mestiços, com idade aproximada de oito meses, clinicamente sadios e soronegativos (RIFI) para T. evansi. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, G1: cinco bovinos inoculados via intravenosa com 2,2 x 107 tripomastigotas de T. evansi, e G2: três bovinos mantidos como controles. Sangue para obtenção do soro foi coletado diariamente até o 15º dia após a inoculação (DAI), e posteriormente a intervalos semanais até o 204º DAI, a cada 14 dias até o 372º DAI e a cada 30 dias até o 522º DAI. Para o fracionamento das proteínas foi utilizada a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Por meio da prova biológica, detectou-se T. evansi nos bovinos 01, 06 e 08 no 15º DAI, 06 e 07 no 30º DAI, 01 e 06 no 45º DAI,

Proteinograma sérico de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com Trypanosoma evansi / Serum protein concentrations in cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Trypanosoma evansi é patogênico para diversas espécies de animais em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. No Brasil, a doença é endêmica no Pantanal Mato-Grossense. Este estudo analisou o perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de bovinos infectados experimentalmente com T. evansi. Foram utilizados oito bovinos, mestiços, com idade aproximada de oito meses, clinicamente sadios e soronegativos (RIFI) para T. evansi. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, G1: cinco bovinos inoculados via intravenosa com 2,2 x 107 tripomastigotas de T. evansi, e G2: três bovinos mantidos como controles. Sangue para obtenção do soro foi coletado diariamente até o 15º dia após a inoculação (DAI), e posteriormente a intervalos semanais até o 204º DAI, a cada 14 dias até o 372º DAI e a cada 30 dias até o 522º DAI. Para o fracionamento das proteínas foi utilizada a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Por meio da prova biológica, detectou-se T. evansi nos bovinos 01, 06 e 08 no 15º DAI, 06 e 07 no 30º DAI, 01 e 06 no 45º DAI, 06 no 60º DAI e 01 no 75º DAI. Vinte e seis proteínas com pesos moleculares variando de 20 a 245 kDa foram encontradas nos bovinos, sendo que oito foram identificadas nominalmente: imunoglobulina A (IgA), ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, imunoglobulinas G (IgG) de cadeia pesada e de cadeia leve, haptoglobina e glicoproteína ácida.(AU)

Trypanosoma evansi is pathogenic to several animal species in tropical and subtropical areas. In Brazil, the disease is endemic in Pantanal mato-grossense. This study aimed to determine the electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in experimentally infected cattle. Eight crossbred animals, aged approximately eight months, clinically healthy and seronegative (IFAT) for Tripanosoma evansi were used. The animals were divided into two groups, G1: five animals inoculated intravenously with 22 x 106 trypomastigotes of T. evansi, and G2: three animals kept as controls. The blood used to obtain serum samples was collected daily until the 15th day after inoculation (DAI), and subsequently, at weekly intervals until the 204thDAI, every 14 days until the 372ndDAI and every 30 days until the 522ndDAI. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) was used for the purification of proteins. Through the biological test, T. evansi was detected in animals 01, 06 and 08 on the 15th DAI, 06 and 07 on the 30th DAI, 01 and 06 on the 45th DAI, 06 on the 60th DAI and 01 on the 75th DAI. Twenty-six proteins with molecular weights ranging from 20 kDa to 245 kDa were found in cattle. Eight of them were nominally identified as immunoglobulin A (IgA), ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin G (IgG), haptoglobin and acid glycoprotein.(AU)

Proteinograma sérico de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com Trypanosoma evansi / Serum protein concentrations in cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Trypanosoma evansi é patogênico para diversas espécies de animais em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. No Brasil, a doença é endêmica no Pantanal Mato-Grossense. Este estudo analisou o perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de bovinos infectados experimentalmente com T. evansi. Foram utilizados oito bovinos, mestiços, com idade aproximada de oito meses, clinicamente sadios e soronegativos (RIFI) para T. evansi. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, G1: cinco bovinos inoculados via intravenosa com 2,2 x 107 tripomastigotas de T. evansi, e G2: três bovinos mantidos como controles. Sangue para obtenção do soro foi coletado diariamente até o 15º dia após a inoculação (DAI), e posteriormente a intervalos semanais até o 204º DAI, a cada 14 dias até o 372º DAI e a cada 30 dias até o 522º DAI. Para o fracionamento das proteínas foi utilizada a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Por meio da prova biológica, detectou-se T. evansi nos bovinos 01, 06 e 08 no 15º DAI, 06 e 07 no 30º DAI, 01 e 06 no 45º DAI, 06 no 60º DAI e 01 no 75º DAI. Vinte e seis proteínas com pesos moleculares variando de 20 a 245 kDa foram encontradas nos bovinos, sendo que oito foram identificadas nominalmente: imunoglobulina A (IgA), ceruloplasmina, transferrina, albumina, imunoglobulinas G (IgG) de cadeia pesada e de cadeia leve, haptoglobina e glicoproteína ácida.

Trypanosoma evansi is pathogenic to several animal species in tropical and subtropical areas. In Brazil, the disease is endemic in Pantanal mato-grossense. This study aimed to determine the electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in experimentally infected cattle. Eight crossbred animals, aged approximately eight months, clinically healthy and seronegative (IFAT) for Tripanosoma evansi were used. The animals were divided into two groups, G1: five animals inoculated intravenously with 22 x 106 trypomastigotes of T. evansi, and G2: three animals kept as controls. The blood used to obtain serum samples was collected daily until the 15th day after inoculation (DAI), and subsequently, at weekly intervals until the 204thDAI, every 14 days until the 372ndDAI and every 30 days until the 522ndDAI. Electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) was used for the purification of proteins. Through the biological test, T. evansi was detected in animals 01, 06 and 08 on the 15th DAI, 06 and 07 on the 30th DAI, 01 and 06 on the 45th DAI, 06 on the 60th DAI and 01 on the 75th DAI. Twenty-six proteins with molecular weights ranging from 20 kDa to 245 kDa were found in cattle. Eight of them were nominally identified as immunoglobulin A (IgA), ceruloplasmin, transferrin, albumin, heavy and light chain immunoglobulin G (IgG), haptoglobin and acid glycoprotein.

SERUM PROTEIN CONCENTRATIONS IN CATTLE EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED WITH Trypanosoma evansi / Proteinograma sérico de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com Trypanosoma evansi

Trypanosoma evansi é patogênico para diversas espécies de animais em áreas tropicais e subtropicais. No Brasil, a doença é endêmica no Pantanal Mato-Grossense.  Este estudo analisou o perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de bovinos infectados experimentalmente com T. evansi. Foram utilizados oito bovinos, mestiços, com idade aproximada de oito meses, clinicamente sadios e soronegativos (RIFI) para T. evansi. Os animais foram divididos em dois grupos, G1: cinco bovinos inoculados via intravenosa com 2,2 x 107 tripomastigotas de T. evansi, e G2: três bovinos mantidos como controles. Sangue para obtenção do soro foi coletado diariamente até o 15º dia após a inoculação (DAI), e posteriormente a intervalos semanais até o 204º DAI, a cada 14 dias até o 372º DAI e a cada 30 dias até o 522º DAI. Para o fracionamento das proteínas foi utilizada a eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida contendo dodecil sulfato de sódio (SDS-PAGE). Por meio da prova biológica, detectou-se T. evansi nos bovinos 01, 06 e 08 no 15º DAI, 06 e 07 no 30º DAI, 01 e 06 no 45º DAI,

CONTRIBUTION TO THE STUDY OF CUTANEOUS PYTHIOSIS IN EQUIDAE / Contribuição ao estudo da pitiose cutânea em equideos do Pantanal Norte, Brasil.

Estudo clínico, epidemiológico e terapêutico da pitiose em equideos é relatado em três rebanhos distribuídos no Pantanal Norte de Mato Grosso. O diagnóstico de pitiose foi confirmado por exames patológicos e sorológicos. Animais enfermos foram submetidos à imunoterapia como tratamento base. O monitoramento dos casos tratados de pitiose foi realizado por um período de três anos. Os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos em sua maioria apresentam similitude com outras regiões. De um total de dez animais tratados, a imunoterapia se mostrou eficaz na cura cabal de 70% dos casos e associando à cirurgia em 90%, sendo uma alternativa de tratamento exequível em animais de campo.  SUMMARY Clinical and epidemiological study of pythiosis in the Equidae family is reported in three herds from the Northern region of Pantanal, Mato Grosso. The diagnosis of pythiosis was confirmed by pathological examinations and serological tests. Sick animals were submitted to immunotherapy as basis treatment. Clinical and epidemiological data mostly showed similarity with other regions. From a total of ten treated animals, immunotherapy was effective with complete cure in 70% of the cases, and when associated to su

Contribution to the study of cutaneous pythiosis in equidae from northern Pantanal, Brazil / Contribuição ao estudo da pitiose cutânea em equídeos do Pantanal norte, Brasil

Clinical and epidemiological study of pythiosis in the Equidae family is reported for three herds from the Northern region of Pantanal, Mato Grosso. The diagnosis of pythiosis was confirmed by pathological examinations and serological tests. Sick animals were submitted to immunotherapy as basis treatment. Clinical and epidemiological data mostly showed similarity with other regions. From a total of ten treated animals, immunotherapy was effective with complete cure in 70% of the cases, and reached 90% when combined with surgery, being a feasible choice of treatment for animals in the field.

Estudo clínico, epidemiológico e terapêutico da pitiose em equideos é relatado em três rebanhos distribuídos no Pantanal Norte de Mato Grosso. O diagnóstico de pitiose foi confirmado por exames patológicos e sorológicos. Animais enfermos foram submetidos à imunoterapia como tratamento base. O monitoramento dos casos tratados de pitiose foi realizado por um período de três anos. Os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos em sua maioria apresentam similitude com outras regiões. De um total de dez animais tratados, a imunoterapia se mostrou eficaz na cura cabal de 70% dos casos e associando à cirurgia em 90%, sendo uma alternativa de tratamento exequível em animais de campo.

Pulmonary tuberculosis associated with the reversed halo sign on high-resolution CT.

We describe the case of a 32-year-old woman with pulmonary tuberculosis in whom a high-resolution CT scan demonstrated the reversed halo sign. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made by lung biopsy and the detection of acid-fast bacilli in the sputum smear and culture. Follow-up assessment revealed a significant improvement in the lesions.

Agronomic effectiveness of biofertilizers with phosphate rock, sulphur and Acidithiobacillus for yam bean grown on a Brazilian tableland acidic soil.

Phosphate rocks have low available P and soluble P fertilizers have been preferably used in plant crop production, although economic and effective P sources are needed. Experiments were carried out on a Brazilian Typic Fragiudult soil with low available P to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of phosphate rock (PR) compared with soluble phosphate fertilizer. Yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus) inoculated with rhizobia (strains NFB 747 and NFB 748) or not inoculated was the test crop. Biofertilizers were produced in field furrows by mixing phosphate rock (PR) and sulphur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus (S+Ac) in different rates (50, 100, 150 and 200 g S kg(-1) PR), with 60 days of incubation. Treatments were carried out with PR; biofertilizers B(50), B(100), B(150), B(200); triple super phosphate (TSP); B(200) without Acidithiobacillus and a control treatment without P application (P(0)). TSP and biofertilizers plus S inoculated with Acidithiobacillus increased plant growth. Soil acidity and available P increased when biofertilizers B(150) and B(200) were applied. We conclude that biofertilizers may be used as P source; however, long term use will reduce soil pH and potentially reduce crop growth.

Inhibition of glutamate uptake into synaptic vesicles from rat brain by 3-nitropropionic acid in vitro.

The exact mechanisms by which 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), a naturally occurring plant and fungal neurotoxin, exerts its neurotoxic effects are not fully understood. However, blockage of ATP synthesis by the irreversible inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity, increased production of free radicals, and secondary excitotoxicity have been implicated in its actions. In the present study, synaptic vesicle preparations from brain of adult rats were incubated with 3-NP at final concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 mM for the determination of glutamate uptake. The effect of 3-NP on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine uptake was also studied. Glutamate incorporation into vesicles was inhibited by 3-NP in a dose-dependent manner, whereas doses of up to 10 mM neurotoxin did not affect GABA or glycine uptake. Moreover, 3-NP did not inhibit the ATPase activity of synaptic vesicles. These findings indicate that low concentrations of 3-NP are able to selectively prevent vesicular glutamate storage, and this may represent at least one of the mechanisms responsible for the neurotoxic effects of 3-NP.

[Focal and total residual insecticide spraying to control Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma pseudomaculata in Northeast Brazil]. / Tratamentos focais e totais com inseticidas de ação residual para o controle de Triatoma brasiliensis e Triatoma pseudomaculata no Nordeste brasileiro.

To efficiently control the triatomines Triatoma brasiliensis and Triatoma pseudomaculata, a field trial was performed to compare conventional versus focal spraying of deltamethrin 5% SC at 25 mg a. i./m2 and the slow-release organophosphate malathion 8.3% SR at 2g a. i./m2. The assay took place in the county of Boa Viagem, Ceará State, with 1541 households, randomly separated into 4 groups. Two of them received focal spraying: PT, treated with deltamethrin indoors and in the peridomicile, and PL, which received slow-release malathion in the same circumstances. The other groups received conventional, i.e., total application: PT with deltamethrin in the intra- and peridomicile, and PL, which was treated with deltamethrin indoors and slow-release malathion in the peridomicile. Entomological surveys at 6 and 12 months post-treatment showed better results for mixed treatment, the PL group, probably due to good indoor performance for the pyrethroid and better performance of the slow-release formulation under the hostile peridomiciliary conditions. Domestic animal shelters underwent numerous modifications over the course of the year, fostering reduced insecticide performance in the peridomicile.

Inhibition of glutamate uptake into synaptic vesicles of rat brain by the metabolites accumulating in maple syrup urine disease.

Maple syrup urine disease is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by tissue accumulation of branched-chain amino acids and their corresponding keto acids in the affected children. Although this disorder is predominantly characterized by neurological symptoms, only few studies were carried out to investigate its neuropathology. In this study we investigated the effect of the metabolites accumulating in maple syrup urine disease on the in vitro uptake of [3H]glutamate by synaptic vesicles of rat brain. Synaptic vesicle preparations from whole brain of male adult Wistar rats (200-250 g) were incubated with the branched-chain amino acids and their corresponding keto acids at final concentrations ranging from 0.25 to 10 mM for the determination of glutamate uptake. Glutamate uptake was significantly inhibited by L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-2-ketoisocaproic acid and L-2-keto-3-methylvaleric acid by approximately 60%, whereas L-valine and L-2-ketoisovaleric acid showed no effect. We also verified that the metabolites probably act by competitive inhibition. Therefore, it is possible that extracellular glutamate levels may be increased in maple syrup urine disease and that excitotoxicity may be involved in the neuropathology of this disorder.

Quinolinic acid inhibits glutamate uptake into synaptic vesicles from rat brain.

Quinolinic acid (QA) is an endogenous and potent neurotoxin associated with the neurotoxicity of various common diseases. The uptake of neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles is an important event involved in the storage and release of neurotransmitters by vesicles. The influence of QA on the uptake of glutamate, GABA and glycine into rat brain synaptic vesicles was investigated. QA (0.3-10 mM) significantly inhibited (>50%) the uptake of glutamate into synaptic vesicles, whereas QA at concentrations up to 10 mM had no significant effect on GABA or glycine uptake. Such results indicate that QA is able to selectively inhibit the vesicular uptake of glutamate, without interfering with the uptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitters GABA and glycine. These findings might be related to the neurotoxic effects of QA in the brain.

[Rescuing the professional trajectory of the male nurse: a phenomenological approach]. / Resgatando a trajetória profissional do enfermeiro do sexo masculino: um enfoque fenomenológico.

The purpose of this article is to report on the trajectory of male nurses graduated from a public school. In order to understand this experience, a qualitative study was chosen, based on the phenomenological method, utilizing the concept of "situated phenomena structure". To reveal this phenomena, eight nurses were interviewed. The interviews showed that the insertion of male nurses in the labor market is difficult. Many private hospitals in São Paulo do not hire these nursing professionals. Professionally, male nurses have a good relationship with other members of the nursing team and doctors value their work when they perform competently. Female patients accept being cared by male nurses. Regarding the relationship with female nurses, it was observed that there is some discrimination on the part of them.

[Utilization of the waste of sisal industry in the control of mosquito larvae]. / O aproveitamento do resíduo da indústria do sisal no controle de larvas de mosquitos.

The aim of this research was to utilize the waste residues of sisal fiber separation from Agave sisalana leaves to develop a larvicide for the combat of mosquito transmitting tropical diseases. Larvae of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed to different concentrations of the Agave extract for 24 hours to determine lethal concentrations. The LC50 for A. aegypti was 322 ppm and the LC50 for C. quinquefasciatus was 183 ppm. To detect the active substances, saponins were investigated. It was found that the various components of the extract were effective in eliminating the larvae. Under field conditions, this formulation can probably be used at 100 ppm, which causes 100% mortality of C. quinquefasciatus larvae after 3-4 days. The product is not recommended for use against A. aegypti due to the necessity for high concentrations and to the fact that the larvae of this species live frequently on drinking water. To avoid fermentation, Agave extract should be used in a dehydrated form which also represent a good formulation for practical use.

Efectos de la lactancia materna en el pronostico y evolucion de la enfermedad diarreica aguda del lactante. / Effects of breast feeding in the prognosis and evolution of the acute diarrheal diseases of infants

Se comparan dos grupos de lactantes alimentados al seno con diarrea aguda, tratados con TRO sin quitarle la lactancia a un grupo y otro con TRO solamente, encontrandose una mas rapida curacion en el primero, asi como menos remisiones, y menos complicaciones respiratorias, urinarias y oticas