Effect of Dioscorea villosa extract and the phytoestrogen diosgenin on ovariectomized mice with zymosan-induced arthritis

Abstract Humans are exposed to natural compounds such as phytoestrogens primarily through diet and supplements. These compounds promote health by alleviating the symptoms and illnesses associated with menopause and arthritis. Diosgenin (DSG) occurs naturally in plants such as Dioscorea villosa (DV) and binds to estrogen receptors, so it may have similar effects to this hormone, including against arthritis. Thus, we investigated the effect of chronic treatment with dry extract of DV and its phytoestrogen DSG on ovariectomized mice with arthritis. We found that dry extract of Dioscorea villosa (DV) contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin (DSG) in its composition. Furthermore, arthritic mice treated with DV and DSG showed reduced neutrophil accumulation in the articular cartilage. Also, the dry extract of DV administered orally (v.o) did not alter the leukocyte count in the joints or promote changes in the reproductive tract. However, DSG altered these parameters, with possible beneficial effects by reducing symptoms related to reproductive aging. Thus, oral treatment with dry extract of DV and subcutaneous (s.c) treatment with DSG showed promise by acting against inflammation caused by arthritis and reducing symptoms in the reproductive tract due to menopause.

Nerolidol-beta-cyclodextrin inclusion complex enhances anti-inflammatory activity in arthritis model and improves gastric protection.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease with progressive degradation of cartilage and joints. Additionally, gastric ulcer affects many patients who make prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs widely used in the symptomatic treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nerolidol, a natural sesquiterpene, has several biological activities including anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic action. This study aims to develop and characterize a nerolidol ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complex and to evaluate its activity in an experimental arthritis model. Inclusion complex was prepared by the lyophilization method and characterized by NMR, term analysis, XRD and SEM. Neutrophil migration assays and histopathological analysis were performed on zymosan-induced arthritis model using Swiss mice. And the gastroprotective effect was evaluated in two models of gastric ulcers: induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Inclusion complex showed no cytotoxicity and free nerolidol at a dose of 100 mg/kg (p.o.) in the arthritis model reduced neutrophil migration in 56% in relation to vehicle, and this inhibition was more expressive in the inclusion complex (67%) at the same dose. Histopathological analysis of the joint tissue confirmed the reduction of inflammatory signs. In the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, free nerolidol reduced the relative ulcer area more expressively (4.64%) than the inclusion complex (21.3%). However, in the indomethacin induction model, the inclusion complex showed better results in gastric protection compared to free nerolidol. The action of nerolidol complexed in beta-cyclodextrin in reducing arthritis inflammation combined with its gastroprotective action make it a potential new drug.

Otoliths-composed gelatin/sodium alginate scaffolds for bone regeneration.

Evidence that otoliths, mineral-rich limestone concrescences present in the inner ear of bone fishes, can accelerate bone formation in vivo has been previously reported. The goal of this work was the development, characterization, and evaluation of the cytocompatibility of otoliths-incorporated sodium alginate and gelatin scaffolds. Cynoscion acoupa-derived otoliths were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FRX), particle size, free lime, and weight loss by calcination. Furthermore, otoliths were incorporated into sodium alginate (ALG/OTL-s) or gelatin (GEL/OTL-s) scaffolds, previously developed by freeze-drying. Then, the scaffolds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR), swelling tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity assays were run against J774.G8 macrophages and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Data obtained from TGA/DTG, DSC, and FTIR analyses confirmed the interaction between otoliths and the polymeric scaffolds. SEM showed the homogeneous porous 3D structure rich in otolith micro-fragments in both scaffolds. Swelling of the GEL/OTL-s (63.54 ± 3.0%) was greater than of ALG/OTL-s (13.36 ± 9.9%) (p < 0.001). The viability of J774.G8 macrophages treated with both scaffolds was statistically similar to the group treated with DMEM only (p > 0.05) and significantly higher than that treated with Triton-X (p < 0.01) at 72 h. Both scaffolds showed approximately 100% growth of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts by 24 h, similarly to control (p > 0.05). However, by 48 h, only ALG/OTL-s showed growth similar to control (p > 0.05), whereas GEL/OTL showed a significantly lower growth index (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the physicochemical profiles suggest proper interaction between the otoliths and the two developed polymeric 3D scaffolds. Moreover, both materials showed cytocompatibility with J774.G8 macrophages but the growth of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts was higher when exposed to ALG/OTL-s. These data suggest that sodium alginate/otoliths scaffolds are potential biomaterials to be used in bone regeneration applications. Graphical abstract.

Lower cost alternatives for molecular diagnosis of COVID-19: conventional RT-PCR and SYBR Green-based RT-qPCR.

In March 2020, WHO declared a pandemic state due to SARS-CoV-2 having spread. TaqMan-based real-time RT-qPCR is currently the gold standard for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, it is a high-cost assay, inaccessible for the majority of laboratories around the world, making it difficult to diagnose on a large scale. The objective of this study was to standardize lower cost molecular methods for SARS-CoV-2 identification. E gene primers previously determined for TaqMan assays by Colman et al. (2020) were adapted in SYBR Green assay and RT-PCR conventional. The cross-reactivity test was performed with 17 positive samples for other respiratory viruses, and the sensibility test was performed with 8 dilutions (10 based) of SARS-CoV-2 isolated and 63 SARS-CoV-2-positive samples. The SYBR Green assays and conventional RT-PCR have not shown amplification of the 17 respiratory samples positives for other viruses. The SYBR Green-based assay was able to detect all 8 dilutions of the isolate. The conventional PCR detected until 107 dilution, both assays detected the majority of the 63 samples, 98.42% of positivity in SYBR Green, and 93% in conventional PCR. The average Ct variation between SYBR Green and TaqMan was 1.92 and the highest Ct detected by conventional PCR was 35.98. Both of the proposed assays are less sensitive than the current gold standard; however, our data shows a low sensibility variation, suggesting that these methods could be used by laboratories as a lower cost molecular method for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

(-)-linalool-Loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules Are a Potential Candidate to Fibromyalgia Treatment.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease that has as main characteristic generalized musculoskeletal pain, which can cause physical and emotional problems to patients. However, pharmacological therapies show side effects that hamper the adhesion to treatment. Given this, (-)-linalool (LIN), a monoterpene with several therapeutic properties already reported in scientific literature as anti-depressive, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperalgesic also demonstrated therapeutic potential in the treatment of FM. Nevertheless, physicochemical limitations as high volatilization and poor water-solubility make its use difficult. In this perspective, this present research had performed the incorporation of LIN into polymeric nanocapsules (LIN-NC). Size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, cytotoxicity, and drug release were performed. The antihyperalgesic effect of LIN-NC was evaluated by a chronic non-inflammatory muscle pain model. The results demonstrated that the polymeric nanocapsules showed particle size of 199.1 ± 0.7 nm with a PDI measurement of 0.13 ± 0.01. The drug content and encapsulation efficiency were 13.78 ± 0.05 mg/mL and 80.98 ± 0.003%, respectively. The formulation did not show cytotoxicity on J774 macrophages. The oral treatment with LIN-NC and free-LIN increased the mechanical withdrawal threshold on all days of treatment in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, LIN-NC is a promising proposal in the development of phytotherapy-based nanoformulations for future clinical applications.

Macrophage profile and homing into breast milk in response to ongoing respiratory infections in the nursing infant.

Studies have shown that immune components of human milk can be changed during an infection in the nursing infant. Macrophages are abundant in human milk and they are classified into inflammatory (CD16-) and noninflammatory (CD16+) subsets. This study investigated CD16+ and CD16- macrophage homing into breast milk in response to ongoing infections in nursing infants. Peripheral blood and mature milk were collected from 33 healthy mothers of nursing infants with respiratory infections (Group I) and from 26 healthy mothers of healthy nursing infants (Group H). Blood and milk total, CD16- and CD16+ monocyte (Mo)/macrophage (Mφ) subsets, respectively, and CCR2 and CX3CR1 expression and cytokine levels were analyzed by flow cytometry. CCL2 and CX3CL1 were quantified by ELISA and cytokines by flow cytometry in serum and milk. There was an increase of total and CD16+ Mφ, and, also a decrease of CD16- Mφ frequencies in maternal milk from Group I compared to Group H, but absolute numbers analyses showed higher numbers of all subpopulations of milk Mφ in Group I compared to Group H. Higher numbers of CX3CR1+CD16+ and double-staining of CCR2 and CX3CR1 in both CD16+ and CD16- cells were observed in milk during infant infection, which weren't observed in the blood. CCR2 expression was hardly found in milk CD16- Mφ in both groups. CCL2 and CX3CL1 were both higher in milk than in blood from both groups, but Group I showed higher levels of these chemokines in milk than Group H. Breast milk showed higher IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations than serum, and infant infection caused an increase in these cytokines only in milk. Our findings suggest that milk Mφ profiles are different from blood Mo, and the ongoing infection in the nursing infant could change milk Mφ to a more anti-inflammatory profile compared to that in the healthy group, possibly as an additional strategy of infant protection.

Effect of metal primers on the bond strength of resin cement to Co-Cr alloy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of adhesive systems and primer systems on microshear bond strength of chemically activated resin cemented to Co-Cr cast dental alloy. METHODS: Seventy-two rectangular blocks of Co-Cr metal alloy were manufactured and air-abraded with 50-µm Al2O3 particles. Metal primers (alloy primer [AP] or Clearfil ceramic primer [CP]) and adhesives (Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive activated by Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose Adhesive Catalyst [SASC], or Primer & Bond 2.1 activated by Self Cure Activator [PBCA]) were applied and subsequently divided into six groups (SASC; AP+SASC; CP+SASC; PBCA; AP+PBCA; CP+PBCA; N.=12). Then, resin cement (Enforce) was applied. Data about microshear bond strength values were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance and Tukey's test. RESULTS: The bond strength was lower (P<0.001) in groups with adhesive system alone (SASC and PBCA) compared with groups with addition of primers alloy primer (AP+SASC and AP+PBCA) and ceramic primer (CP+SASC and CP+PBCA). CONCLUSIONS: The application of primers improves the bond strength of the cement resin to the Co-Cr metal alloy.

Anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of citral with ß-cyclodextrin and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes in animal models.

Citral (CIT) is a monoterpene formed by the geranial and neral stereoisomers. CIT is the major compound of Cymbopogon citratus essential oil, commonly known as "lemongrass", and has demonstrated potential antihyperalgesic, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. However, CIT shows high volatility, low solubility in water and consequent low bioavailability, which limits its use. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate cell viability, anti-hyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of inclusion complexes of CIT on ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) and hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HP-ß-CD). Initially, physical mixture (PM) and freeze-dried inclusion (FD) complexes of CIT/ß-CD and CIT/HP-ß-CD were obtained in the molar ratio (1:1). The samples were characterized by DSC, TG/DTG, FT-IR, XRD, SEM and the complexation efficiency were performed by HPLC. Cell viability assay was performed by rezasurin reduction technique in J774 macrophages cell line. The motor activity through rota rod apparatus, mechanical hyperalgesia and pleurisy induced by carrageenan were evaluated in mice. The complexation of CIT was evidenced with ß-CD and HP-ß-CD by the characterization techniques analyzed. The complexation efficiency of CIT/ß-CD and CIT/HP-ß-CD were 78.6% and 71.7%, respectively. The CIT, CIT/ß-CD and CIT/HP-ß-CD showed cell viability in macrophages and did not interfere in the motor activity of mice. Besides that, the samples demonstrated antihyperalgesic and anti-inflammatory activity due to the reduction in total leukocytes and TNF-α levels. However, CIT/ß-CD has better pharmacological effects among the three samples evaluated. Therefore, CIT/ß-CD has potential for the development of products to treat inflammatory and pain reactions.

Molluscicidal activity of Manilkara subsericea (Mart.) dubard on Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818).

Schistosomiasis is promoted for species from Schistosoma genus affecting over 200 million people worldwide. Molluscicides are an efficient method to control this disease, being able to reduce intermediate host snail Biomphalaria glabrata number. In function of resistance cases using niclosamide, natural products are promisors to discover new drugs. Manilkara subsericea is endemic to Brazilian sandbanks of Rio de Janeiro State and wide ranges of biological activities. However, there is no studies evaluating its effects as molluscicidal agent. We tested crude extract from leaves of M. subsericea molluscicidal action, as well it ethyl-acetate fraction and isolated substances against B. glabrata. M. subsericea leaves crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction induced 80±4.13% and 86.66±4.59% mortality of adult snails at concentrations of 250ppm after 96h, and their LD50 values were 118.7±1.62 and 23.41±1.15ppm respectively. Isolated substances from M. subsericea were also considered active. Quercetin, myricetin and ursolic acid, at concentration of 100ppm (96h), were able to induce mortality levels of 100%, 80% and 53.33%, respectively. Our results suggest that M. subsericea can be considered promising as a molluscicide agent.

Rotavirus gastroenteritis in children in 4 regions in Brazil: a hospital-based surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Rotavirus is a major cause of gastroenteritis in children. Knowledge of rotavirus genotypes is important for vaccination strategies. METHODS: During 2005-2006, rotavirus surveillance studies were conducted in São Paulo, Salvador, Goiânia, and Porto Alegre, Brazil. Stool samples were collected from children <5 years of age who had diarrhea and were screened by the Rotaclone Enzyme Immunoassay for the presence of rotavirus. Confirmed rotavirus-positive samples were characterized for P and G genotypes by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 510 stool samples were collected. Of these, 221 (43.3%) were positive for rotavirus. Overall, G9 was the predominant G type, followed by G2, and G1; P[4] and P[8] were the predominant P types. The most frequent G/P genotype combination detected was G2P[4], followed by G9P[8], G9P[4], and G1P[8]. G2P[4] was the predominant type in Goiânia and Salvador; G9P[8] and G1P[8] were predominant in São Paulo and Porto Alegre, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence, seasonality, and genotype distribution of rotavirus infection varied in different regions in Brazil. With immunization programs, continuous monitoring of rotavirus types is important to detect novel and emerging strains.

Serological and molecular diversity of human rotavirus in São Paulo, Brazil

From a total of 187 fecal samples from children with ages between 0 and 5 years, collected in the Hospital Universitário -USP, Brazil, from 1994 to 1996, 54 (28.9 percent) were positive for rotavirus. Positive samples were characterized by electropherotyping, subgrouping, G serotype and genotype and P genotype. Rotavirus electropherotypes were characterized in four different long genome patterns (38.9 percent), one short genome pattern (34.0 percent) and 18.0 percent were characterized as an unusual pattern. Subgroup I was found in 38.9 percent strains, subgroup II in 50.0 percent and 7.7 percent was subgroup nonI-nonII. For G serotypes, G2 was found in 59.3 percent, G1 was identified in 33.3 percent of strains, two samples showed mixtures of G1+G2 and one sample was G1+G3. Ten samples characterized as serotype G2 showed a long eletropherotype. Genotype G2 was the most frequently and was found in 37 (44.0 percent) samples (23 samples as a single genotype and 14 as mixtures of genotypes). G1 was found in 15 samples. G3 and G4 was detected mainly in mixtures of genotypes and G5, G6 and G9 were identified only in mixtures. A total of 20 (38.5 percent) samples were characterized as G genotype mixtures and P mixtures were found in 16 (29.6 percent) samples. P[4] was found in 55.6 percent of samples, P[8] in 51.9 percent and P[6-M37 like] in 22.3 percent of cases. P[6-Gottfried like] and P[11] were detected only in mixtures. One sample with G6 specificity, mixed with a G2 rotavirus and a P[11] strain, mixed with P[4] and P[8]strain was described for the first time in Latin America.

De um total de 187 amostras fecais de crianças com idades entre 0 e 5 anos, coletadas no Hospital Universitário -USP, Brasil, de 1994 a 1996, 54 (28.9 por cento) foram positivas para rotavírus. As amostras positivas foram caracterizadas quanto ao eletroferótipo, subgrupo, sorotipo G e genotipo G e P. Foram identificados quatro diferentes eletroferótipo longos em 38.9 por cento das amostras, um eletroferótipo curto (34,0 por cento) e 18,0 por cento foram caracterizadas como um eletroferótipo não usual. O subgrupo I foi encontrado em 38,9 por cento amostras, o subgrupo II em 50,0 por cento e nãoI-nãoII em 7,7 por cento. O sorotipo G2 foi encontrado em 59,3 por cento e G1 em 33,3 por cento. Duas amostras apresentaram misturas de G1+G2 e outra amostra G1+G3. Dez amostras caracterizadas como sorotipo G2 mostraram perfil eletroferótico longo. O genotipo G2 foi o mais freqüente, encontrado em 37 amostras (23 como único genotipo e 14 associados a outro genotipo). G1 foi encontrado em 15 amostras; G3 e G4 foram detectados principalmente em misturas e G5, G6 e G9, identificados somente em misturas. Um total de 20 (38,5 por cento) amostras foram identificadas como misturas de genotipo G e foram encontradas 16 (29,6 por cento) amostras com misturas de genotipo P. P[4] foi encontrado em 55,6 por cento das amostras, P[8] em 51,9 por cento e P[6-M37 like], em 5,5 por cento das amostras. P[6-Gottfried like] e P[11] foram detectados somente em misturas. Uma amostra com especificidade G6, associada ao genotipo G2 e outra P[11] misturada com P[4] e de P[8] foram identificadas pela primeira vez na América Latina.

Serological and molecular diversity of human rotavirus in São Paulo, Brazil

From a total of 187 fecal samples from children with ages between 0 and 5 years, collected in the Hospital Universitário -USP, Brazil, from 1994 to 1996, 54 (28.9%) were positive for rotavirus. Positive samples were characterized by electropherotyping, subgrouping, G serotype and genotype and P genotype. Rotavirus electropherotypes were characterized in four different long genome patterns (38.9%), one short genome pattern (34.0%) and 18.0% were characterized as an unusual pattern. Subgroup I was found in 38.9% strains, subgroup II in 50.0% and 7.7% was subgroup nonI-nonII. For G serotypes, G2 was found in 59.3%, G1 was identified in 33.3% of strains, two samples showed mixtures of G1+G2 and one sample was G1+G3. Ten samples characterized as serotype G2 showed a long eletropherotype. Genotype G2 was the most frequently and was found in 37 (44.0%) samples (23 samples as a single genotype and 14 as mixtures of genotypes). G1 was found in 15 samples. G3 and G4 was detected mainly in mixtures of genotypes and G5, G6 and G9 were identified only in mixtures. A total of 20 (38.5%) samples were characterized as G genotype mixtures and P mixtures were found in 16 (29.6%) samples. P[4] was found in 55.6% of samples, P[8] in 51.9% and P[6-M37 like] in 22.3% of cases. P[6-Gottfried like] and P[11] were detected only in mixtures. One sample with G6 specificity, mixed with a G2 rotavirus and a P[11] strain, mixed with P[4] and P[8]strain was described for the first time in Latin America.

De um total de 187 amostras fecais de crianças com idades entre 0 e 5 anos, coletadas no Hospital Universitário -USP, Brasil, de 1994 a 1996, 54 (28.9%) foram positivas para rotavírus. As amostras positivas foram caracterizadas quanto ao eletroferótipo, subgrupo, sorotipo G e genotipo G e P. Foram identificados quatro diferentes eletroferótipo longos em 38.9% das amostras, um eletroferótipo curto (34,0%) e 18,0% foram caracterizadas como um eletroferótipo não usual. O subgrupo I foi encontrado em 38,9% amostras, o subgrupo II em 50,0% e nãoI-nãoII em 7,7%. O sorotipo G2 foi encontrado em 59,3% e G1 em 33,3%. Duas amostras apresentaram misturas de G1+G2 e outra amostra G1+G3. Dez amostras caracterizadas como sorotipo G2 mostraram perfil eletroferótico longo. O genotipo G2 foi o mais freqüente, encontrado em 37 amostras (23 como único genotipo e 14 associados a outro genotipo). G1 foi encontrado em 15 amostras; G3 e G4 foram detectados principalmente em misturas e G5, G6 e G9, identificados somente em misturas. Um total de 20 (38,5%) amostras foram identificadas como misturas de genotipo G e foram encontradas 16 (29,6%) amostras com misturas de genotipo P. P[4] foi encontrado em 55,6% das amostras, P[8] em 51,9% e P[6-M37 like], em 5,5% das amostras. P[6-Gottfried like] e P[11] foram detectados somente em misturas. Uma amostra com especificidade G6, associada ao genotipo G2 e outra P[11] misturada com P[4] e de P[8] foram identificadas pela primeira vez na América Latina.

Fumantes passivos: a cotinina urinária em crianças internadas / Passive smokers: urinary cotinine in hospitalized children

Objetivo: avaliar o fumo passivo como fator de risco para doença aguda do trato respiratório inferior(DTRI). Métodos: foi realizado estudo que avaliou a presença de nicotina, e de seu metabolito cotinina, em duas coortes de crianças internadas, com DTRI e com outras doenças (SDR). Foi previamente estabelecido que a seleção de casos abrangeria cerca de 35 crianças de zero até 5 anos de idade para cada grupo...

Perfil etiológico da diarréias agudas de crianças atendidas em São Paulo / Etiologic prosfile of acute diarrhea in children in the city of São Paulo

Objetivo: Determinar o perfil etiológico das diarréias agudas de um grupo de crianças de baixo nível socioeconômico atendidas em um serviço regional de pronto-atendimento pediátrico. Método: durante dois anos, as crianças com diarréia aguda atendidas durante um horário pré-estabelecido do dia e da semana foram incluídas no estudo. Os outros critérios seletivos eram: a)idade inferior a 5 anos; b)não utilização de antibiótico no mês precedente; c)ausência de viagem para fora da cidade no mês precedente. Foram pesquisados nas fezes: a)rotavírus (imunofluorescência e contra-imunoeletroforese); b)bactérias - cultura em ágar MacConkey, ágar SS, ágar Columbia, verde brilhante, soroaglutinação, detecção de toxinas - INV, LP, SP, SLT I, SLT II, teste de Séreny, detecção de fatores de virulência - EAF, eae, BFP; c)protozoários (Hoffman e Faust). No mesmo período, um grupo controle sem diarréia foi também avaliado para os mesmos patógenos fecais. Resultados: no período de março de 1994 a junho de 1996, foram selecionadas para o estudo 154 crianças com diarréia aguda (GDA) e 42 crianças sem diarréia (GSDA). Foram detectados agentes enteropatogênicos em 112 casos (72,8 por cento) do GDA, e em 9 (21,5 por cento) do GSDA. A associação de dois ou mais enteropatógenos ocorreu em 47 (30,5 por cento) casos do GDA, e em 3 (7,1 por cento) do GSDA. Os patógenos encontrados por caso, do GDA, foram: rotavírus 32 (20,8 por cento), bactérias 53 (34, 4 por cento), ambos 25 (16,2 por cento), e 2 (1,4 por cento) com Giardia lamblia (em um caso associada a rotavírus e noutro à bactéria). No GSDA, foram detectadas bactérias em 8 casos (19,1 por cento), e bactéria associada à Giardia lamblia em 1 (2,4 por cento) caso. Das 105 bactérias isoladas no GDA, 90 eram Escherichia coli (EPEC 27, DAEC 24, ETEC 21, EAEC 18), 12 eram Shigella sp, 2 eram Salmonella sp, e uma era Yersinia sp. As crianças com infecção mista - viral e bacteriana - apresentaram maior ocorrência de vômitos repetidos, desidratação e internação. Conclusões: as bactérias foram os enteropatógenos mais detectados nos casos de diarréia aguda, sendo a Escherichia coli a mais freqüente. Na maior parte, as cepas de Escherichia coli eram de biovariedade não-EPEC, habitualmente não investigadas nos laboratórios de patologia clínica. O rotavírus foi encontrado em grande parcela dos casos, muitas vezes em associação com as bactérias. Os protozoários tiveram importância reduzida

[Etiologic profile of acute diarrhea in children in São Paulo] / Perfil etiológico das diarréias agudas de crianças atendidas em São Paulo.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the etiologic profile of acute diarrhea in socioeconomically deprived children assisted at a regional pediatric emergency care service. METHODS: During two years all children with acute diarrhea assisted at a previously established day and week time schedule were included in the study. Other selective criteria were: a) age less than 5 years; b) nonuse of antibiotics in the previous month; and c) no travel outside the city in the previous month. Stool examination was used for the detection of the following microorganisms: a) rotavirus (immunofluorescence and counterimmunoelectrophoresis); b) bacteria - culture in MacConkey agar, SS agar, Columbia agar, bright green, serotyping, detection of toxins - INV, LT,ST,SLT I, SLT II, Sereny test, detection of virulence factors- EAF, eae, BFP; and c) protozoa (Hoffman and Faust). In the same period, a control group without diarrhea was also evaluated for the same fecal pathogens. RESULTS: Between March 1994 and June 1996, 154 children with acute diarrhea (AD) and 42 control children (WAD), that is, without acute diarrhea, were selected. In the AD group, intestinal pathogens were detected in 112 (72.8%) cases, and in 9 (21.5%) cases in the WAD group. The association of two or more intestinal pathogens occurred in 47 (30.5%) cases in the AD group, and in 3 (7.1%) cases in the WAD group. The pathogens identified in the AD cases were: Rotavirus: 32 (20.8%), bacteria: 53 (34.4%), both: 25 (16.2%), and 2 (1.4%) with Giardia lamblia (in one case associated with Rotavirus and in another one associated with bacteria). In the WAD group, only bacteria were detected in 8 (19.1%) cases, and bacteria associated with Giardia lamblia in 1 (2.4%) case. Altogether, there were 105 bacteria isolated in the AD group: 90 were Escherichia coli (EPEC 27, DAEC 24, ETEC 21, EAEC 18), 12 were Shigella sp, 2 were Salmonella sp, and one was Yersinia sp. Children with mixed infections (viral and bacterial) had increased incidence of severe vomiting, dehydration and hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Bacteria were the most frequent pathogens detected in acute diarrhea cases, among which Escherichia coli was highly predominant. The majority of Escherichia coli strains belong to non-EPEC varieties, strains that are not routinely evaluated in clinical laboratories of pathology. Rotavirus was found in a great number of diarrhea cases, often associated with bacteria. Protozoa showed reduced importance.

Febre no lactente jovem atendido em Serviço de Emergência: Aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos / Management of febrile infants younger than 2 months of age at the Emergency Care Unit: Diagnosis aspects and therapeutics

Os autores avaliaram 82 lactentes jovens febris, em estudo prospectivo, atendidos no Serviço de Emergência do Hospital Universitário da USP. As crianças foram internadas por 24 horas para esclarecimento causal, exploraçäo laboratorial e início de terapêutica. Foram diagnosticadas 18 infecçöes bacterianas potencialmente graves(21,9 por cento). Patologias significativas foram reconhecidas em 40 lactentes(48,8 por cento). Todos os pacientes foram seguidos até o término do episódio febril, 20 casos ficaram internados, e 62 foram acompanhados ambulatorialmente. Houve utilizaçäo de antimicrobianos em 38 crianças(46,3 por cento). A evoluçäo foi satisfatória em todos os pacientes. Os autores constataram no grupo estudado que os pequenos lactentes febris apresentaram patologias potencialmente graves, que necessitam observaçäo estrita, exploraçäo laboratorial e frequentemente antibioticoterapia. O período de observaçäo no Serviço de Emergência foi importante para realizar a investigaçäo diagnóstica dos casos, avaliar a repercussäo das patologias sobre o lactente, indicar a utilizaçäo de antibioticoterapia e a eventual necessidade de internaçäo.

Influência do tratamento de moldes de alginato sobre a dureza de gessos odontológicos / Influence of treatment of alginated moulds upon the hardness of dental stone

Os autores estudaram a influência de soluções sobre moldes de três marcas comerciais distintas de alginato e a respectiva dureza da superfície do modelo de três gessos de alta resistência tipo IV. Os resultados demonstraram a influência definida sobre a dureza de superfície dos gessos estudados, ora aumentando, ora diminuindo a dureza

Reparo das resinas compostas: seu efeito na resistência à tração / Repairing of composite resins: its effects on tensile strength

Os autores estudaram a resistência à tração de corpos de prova de três resinas compostas, com ou sem reparo, aplicando ou não um agente de união (selante). Para cada material, foram confeccionados e testados 70 corpos de prova, nas seguintes condições: 10 espécimes (não reparados); 60 emendados, dos quais 30 com agente de união (selante) e 30 sem agente de união (selante). Total de 210 corpos de prova. Os resultados demonstraram que: - a resistência à tração dos corpos de prova de resinas compostas reparados, é menor que a dos espécimes sem emenda; - a resistência dos corpos de prova emendados com selante, é maior, comparada aos corpos de prova reparados, sem a aplicação prévia deste agente de união