Assessing Arundo donax L. in vitro-tolerance for phytoremediation purposes.

Phytoremediation using high production crops could be an alternative for the recovery of metals polluted soils. In this sense, the Arundo donax L. energy crop has shown tolerance to moderate concentrations of heavy metals. The objective of this work was to test the tolerance of micropropagated plants of Arundo donax to increasing concentrations of cadmium, chromium, cooper, nickel and lead, in an in vitro culture medium. Biomass production and concentration of heavy metal in shoots and roots were analyzed. Results showed that heavy metals were accumulated mostly in subterranean organs. The increase in heavy metal concentration was dose dependent and not always follows a linear relationship. Arundo donax showed a broad tolerance to cadmium (0.5 mM), chromium (0.2 mM), cooper (2 mM), nickel (0.5 mM) and lead (1 mM). In relation to cooper, Arundo donax showed a hyperaccumulative potential. These results suggest the potential use of Arundo donax in the phytomanagement of polluted soils although further studies should be carried out using polluted soils.

Regulatory mechanisms involved in muscle and bone remodeling during refeeding in gilthead sea bream.

The tolerance of fish to fasting offers a model to study the regulatory mechanisms and changes produced when feeding is restored. Gilthead sea bream juveniles were exposed to a 21-days fasting period followed by 2 h to 7-days refeeding. Fasting provoked a decrease in body weight, somatic indexes, and muscle gene expression of members of the Gh/Igf system, signaling molecules (akt, tor and downstream effectors), proliferation marker pcna, myogenic regulatory factors, myostatin, and proteolytic molecules such as cathepsins or calpains, while most ubiquitin-proteasome system members increased or remained stable. In bone, downregulated expression of Gh/Igf members and osteogenic factors was observed, whereas expression of the osteoclastic marker ctsk was increased. Refeeding recovered the expression of Gh/Igf system, myogenic and osteogenic factors in a sequence similar to that of development. Akt and Tor phosphorylation raised at 2 and 5 h post-refeeding, much faster than its gene expression increased, which occurred at day 7. The expression in bone and muscle of the inhibitor myostatin (mstn2) showed an inverse profile suggesting an inter-organ coordination that needs to be further explored in fish. Overall, this study provides new information on the molecules involved in the musculoskeletal system remodeling during the early stages of refeeding in fish.

Análisis de la carga de trabajo y uso de los recursos enfermeros en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Analysis of the workload and the use of the nursing resources in an intensive care unit

Objetivo: Evaluar y valorar mediante 3 escalas las cargas de trabajo enfermero (TE) y determinar la relación enfermera/paciente teórica y real de una UCI polivalente. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal de julio del 2012 a junio del 2013, en pacientes mayores de 18 años, donde en días aleatorizados 3 enfermeras cuantificaron el TE mediante el Nursing Activities Score (NAS), el Nine Equivalents Manpower Score (NEMS) y la Valoración de Cargas de Trabajo y Tiempos de Enfermería (VACTE). Se calcularon parámetros de eficiencia del uso de los recursos enfermeros: «work utilization ratio» (WUR), «level of care» operative (LOCop) y planned (LOCp). Datos demográficos, estancia y número de enfermeras. Resultados: Se recogieron 720 registros. La media de edad fue 64 (13,6) años, el 73% eran hombres y la mediana de estancia de 3 (1-12) días. El 60% ingresaron por patología médica. La media total en puntos fue: NAS696,8 (111,6), NEMS: 311,8 (55,3) y VACTE: 4.978 (897,7). El número de enfermeras requerido según NAS fue de 7, según NEMS y VACTE de 6,7. La media real fue de 5,5. En las 3 escalas el WUR fue > 1 y el LOCop de 1,6 pacientes/enfermera. El LOCp fue de 2 pacientes/enfermera. Conclusiones: Evaluar las cargas de TE posibilita conocer la realidad de cada unidad. Según las escalas y los parámetros de eficiencia del uso de los recursos enfermeros utilizados, existe un déficit de enfermeras con relación al trabajo generado. NAS refleja más parámetros del TE

Objective: To evaluate and assess the nursing workload (NW) scales by means of three scales and to determine the theoretical and real nurse/patient relationship in a polyvalent ICU. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study between July 2012 and June 2013 in patients over 18 years old, for which 3 nurses quantified, in randomized days, the NW by the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), Nine Equivalents Manpower Score (NEMS) and Valoración de Cargas de Trabajo y Tiempos de Enfermería (VACTE). Efficiency parameters of nursing resources were calculated: “work utilization ratio” (WUR), “level of care” operative (LOCop) and planned (LOCp). Data on demographics, length of stay and number of nurses were collected.Results720 records were collected. The mean age was 64 (13.6) years. 73% were male and the median of length of stay was 3 (1- 12) days. 60% were admitted for medical causes. The average total score was NAS: 696.8 (111.6), NEMS: 311.8 (55.3) and VACTE: 4,978 (897.7). The required number of nurses according to NAS was 7 and 6,7 according to NEMS and VACTE. The actual average was 5.5. On all 3 scales the WUR was > 1 and LOCop was 1.6 pacients/nurse. The LOCp was 2 patients/nurse. Conclusion: Assessing NW allows to know the reality of each unit. According to the scales and efficiency parameters of the nursing resources used, there is a shortage of nurses in relation to the work generated. NAS reflects more parameters of NW

[Analysis of the workload and the use of the nursing resources in an intensive care unit]. / Análisis de la carga de trabajo y uso de los recursos enfermeros en una unidad de cuidados intensivos.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and assess the nursing workload (NW) scales by means of three scales and to determine the theoretical and real nurse/patient relationship in a polyvalent ICU. METHODOLOGY: Cross-sectional descriptive study between July 2012 and June 2013 in patients over 18 years old, for which 3 nurses quantified, in randomized days, the NW by the Nursing Activities Score (NAS), Nine Equivalents Manpower Score (NEMS) and Valoración de Cargas de Trabajo y Tiempos de Enfermería (VACTE). Efficiency parameters of nursing resources were calculated: "work utilization ratio" (WUR), "level of care" operative (LOCop) and planned (LOCp). Data on demographics, length of stay and number of nurses were collected. RESULTS: 720 records were collected. The mean age was 64 (13.6) years. 73% were male and the median of length of stay was 3 (1-12) days. 60% were admitted for medical causes. The average total score was: NAS: 696.8 (111.6), NEMS: 311.8 (55.3) and VACTE: 4,978 (897.7). The required number of nurses according to NAS was 7 and 6,7 according to NEMS and VACTE. The actual average was 5.5. On all 3 scales the WUR was >1 and LOCop was 1.6 pacients/nurse. The LOCp was 2 patients/nurse. CONCLUSION: Assessing NW allows to know the reality of each unit. According to the scales and efficiency parameters of the nursing resources used, there is a shortage of nurses in relation to the work generated. NAS reflects more parameters of NW.

Ultrasound (US) measurement of the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle in equinus infantile deformity.

OBJECTIVE: To study the distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial neurovascular bundle via ultrasound (US) - Doppler, with the goal of preventing neurovascular bundle injuries. METHODS: We studied 36 feet with equinus deformity (18 cases on the right and left side) in children with a mean age of 20.9 months. The distance between the Achilles tendon and the posterior tibial artery was intraoperatively measured using linear US at 10 MHz with Doppler. The measurement was made 1 cm proximal to the calcaneus insertion of the Achilles, where we planned to perform the tenotomy. The patient's weight and height were also recorded. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t test, and Pearson correlation analyses were applied. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean distance between Achilles tendon and posterior neurovascular tibial bundle was 7.3 mm, and no differences between sexes or sides were observed. The distance was significantly correlated with weight (r = 0.54, p = 0.01) but not height or age. CONCLUSIONS: The distance between the Achilles tendon and the tibialis posterior neurovascular bundle is small, and there is a risk of surgical injury during tenotomy of the Achilles tendon.

Health-related quality of life is associated with COPD severity: a comparison between the GOLD staging and the BODE index.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent disease. Currently, severity Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria are used to diagnose the severity of COPD, but a new grading system, the body mass index, bronchial obstruction, dyspnea, exercise (BODE) index, was recently proposed to provide useful prognostic information. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and COPD severity assessed by two criteria: the GOLD classification and the BODE index. Sixty-four patients with COPD were examined with lung function tests and specific and generic HRQOL questionnaires (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ], Nottingham Health Profile [NHP]). Participants were divided into four severity groups using the GOLD guidelines and the BODE index quartiles. The association between NHP and SGRQ subscales, and the BODE index was significant (P < 0.01). However, the GOLD classification shows a correlation only with SGRQ total score (P < 0.05) but not with NHP or SGRQ subscales. There was an association of the SGRQ total score between the severity groups of BODE (P = 0.0001), but there was no difference in the SGRQ total score between the severity groups of GOLD classification (P = 0.244). The present study suggests that COPD severity assessed by the BODE index can be more directly related with HRQOL.

Quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the predictive validity of the BODE index.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the fourth cause of mortality and morbility in the developed world. Patients with COPD experience a progressive deterioration of health-related quality of life (HRQOL). A new model of severity classification, the body mass index, bronchial obstruction, dyspnoea, exercise (BODE) index, has recently been proposed. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between HRQOL and the BODE index, and the predictive ability of BODE on HRQOL measurements. METHODS: Two HRQOL questionnaires were administered, namely the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), in a sample of 67 patients with severe COPD. RESULTS: Pearsons correlation coefficient analysis shows a positive correlation between the BODE index and the total scores of the specific (P < 0.001), and general HRQOL (P < 0.001); the analysis shows a significant correlation between the BODE index and the subscales of symptoms, activity and impact of SGRQ (P < 0.001) and the subscales energy and physical mobility of the NHP (P < 0.001). The regression analysis shows that the BODE index is a significant predictor of HRQOL, explaining 46,1% of the total score of the SGRQ (P < 0.001) and 14.8% of the total score of the NHP (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The BODE index is good at predicting the worsening of HRQOL in patients with severe COPD.

Tratamiento psicológico del dolor en el cáncer infantil / Psychological treatment of pain in pediatric cancer

Uno de los síntomas asociados con mayor frecuencia al cáncer infantil es el dolor, causado por la propia enfermedad y/o por los tratamientos médicos. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una revisión sobre el dolor en el niño oncológico. Se examinan los aspectos psicológicos del dolor, la forma en que los niños manifiestan las sensaciones dolorosas y los procedimientos más adecuados para su evaluación. Se detallan los principales tratamientos psicológicos utilizados para paliarlo: técnicas de distracción, relajación, respiración, visualización y control de contingencias. Finalmente se proporcionan algunas sugerencias para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento y conseguir una mejor calidad de vida en los niños que padecen la enfermedad

Pain is one of the most common symptoms of cancer in children, caused by the own illness or by the medical procedures. The aim of this paper is to carry out a review on the pain in pediatric patients with cancer. The psychological aspects of the pain, the painful sensations and the assessment instruments are examined. The main psychological techniques to reduce the pain, like distraction, relaxation training, breathing exercises, imagination and contingency control are reviewed. Finally, some instructions to improve the adherence to the treatment and some suggestions to get the pediatric patient have a properly quality of life are provided

Contribución de la economía de fichas a la eficacia de las escenificaciones emotivas en el tratamiento de la fobia a la oscuridad / Contribution of the token economy to the efficacy of emotive performances for treating phobia of the dark

Se presentan los resultados de un trabajo que examina la contribución de la economía de fichas a la eficacia del programa de escenificaciones emotivas. Los participantes fueron 65 niños, con una edad media de 6 años y 3 meses, y una distribución aproximadamente igual por géneros (50,65% de varones). Fueron asignados de forma aleatoria a las 3 condiciones experimentales: a) tratamiento con el programa de escenificaciones emotivas, b) tratamiento con el programa de escenificaciones emotivas sin economía de fichas, c) grupo de control en lista de espera. El tratamiento fue aplicado por los padres, durante 12 sesiones de 30 minutos de duración, tras un breve entrenamiento. Se hallaron diferencias significativas entre las 3 condiciones experimentales. El tratamiento completo alcanzó resultados significativamente superiores al programa sin economía de fichas, lo que revela la importancia de dicho componente en la eficacia del programa. Los niños del grupo de control manifestaron conductas de evitación y expresaron un grado elevado de miedo a la oscuridad al finalizar el periodo de espera, mostrando diferencias significativas con los tratamientos activos. Estos hallazgos demuestran la eficacia de las escenificaciones emotivas y la importancia de la economía de fichas en el tratamiento de la fobia a la oscuridad en la infancia

The outcomes of a study that analyzes the contribution of the token economy to the effectiveness of the program of emotive performances are presented. The participants were 65 children, with an average age of 6 years and 3 months, similarly distributed by gender (50,65% boys). The subjects were randomly assigned to 3 experimental conditions: a) treatment with the complete program of emotive performances, b) treatment with emotive performances without token economy, c) control group in a waiting list. The program was applied by the parents at home during 12 sessions of 30 minutes, after being trained. The complete program reached better outcomes than the treatment without token economy, what means that this is an important component of the program. The control group showed avoidance behaviours and fear of the dark when the period of waiting finished, showing significant differences compared with the treated groups. These findings confirm the efficacy of the emotive performances and the relevance of the token economy in the treatment of the phobia of the dark in children

In vitro antiviral activity of thirty-six plants from La Réunion Island.

Methanol extracts of 36 medicinal plants from La Réunion Island were evaluated against two viruses: Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and poliovirus type 2 (PV). Five of them showed an effect against HSV-1 and five against PV, Senecio ambavilla being inhibitor for both viruses.

Antiviral and cytotoxic activities of some Indonesian plants.

Ten methanolic extracts from eight Indonesian medicinal plants were phytochemically screened and evaluated for antiviral (HSV-1 and Poliovirus) and cytotoxic activities on murine and human cancer lines (3LL, L1210, K562, U251, DU145, MCF-7). Besides Melastoma malabathricum (Melastomataceae), the Indonesian Loranthaceae species among which Elytranthe tubaeflora, E. maingayi, E. globosa and Scurrula ferruginea exhibited attractive antiviral and cytotoxic activities. Piper aduncum (Piperaceae) was found active on Poliovirus. S. ferruginea was selected for further studies because of its activity on the U251 glioblastoma cells.

Hsf1p and Msn2/4p cooperate in the expression of Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes HSP26 and HSP104 in a gene- and stress type-dependent manner.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae possesses several transcription factors involved in the transcriptional activation of stress-induced genes. Among them, the heat shock factor (Hsf1p) and the zinc finger proteins of the general stress response (Msn2p and Msn4p) have been shown to play a major role in stress protection. Some heat shock protein (HSP) genes contain both heat shock elements (HSEs) and stress response elements (STREs), suggesting the involvement of both transcription factors in their regulation. Analysis of the stress-induced expression of two of these genes, HSP26 and HSP104, reveals that the contribution of Hsf1p and Msn2/4p is different depending on the gene and the stress condition.

Antipoliovirus flavonoids from Psiadia dentata.

The search for antiviral agents against vesicular stomatitis virus, herpes simplex virus type 1 and poliovirus type 2 in plants extracts, led to the isolation of two antipoliovirus flavonoids from the medicinal plant Psiadia dentata (Cass.) DC, Asteraceae: 3-methylkaempferol and 3,4'-dimethylkaempferol. The antipoliovirus activity of both compounds was estimated by comparison with 3-methylquercetin, guanidine and Ro-090179. The most potent inhibitor of poliovirus replication was 3-methylkaempferol, and therefore we investigated its mechanism of action. We showed, using the inhibition of [3H]uridine incorporation in viral RNA and performing a dot-blot with one RNA probe specific for the poliovirus genomic strand RNA, that 3-methylkaempferol inhibits the genomic RNA synthesis of poliovirus.

Antiviral activity of south Brazilian medicinal plant extracts.

Brazilian plants are potential sources of useful edible and medicinal plants. Hydromethanolic extracts prepared from 54 medicinal plants used in folk medicine to treat infections were screened for antiviral properties against five different viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, poliovirus type 2, adenovirus type 2 and VSV). Fifty-two percent of the plant extracts exhibited antiviral against one or more tested viruses. More specifically, 42.6% showed activity against HSV-1 (herpes simplex virus type 1), 42.6% against HSV-2 (herpes simplex virus type 2), 26% against poliovirus and 24% against VSV (vesicular stomatitis virus). None of the extracts was active against adenovirus. Trixis praestans (Vell.) Cabr. and Cunila spicata Benth. extracts were further characterized for antiviral activity.

Mechanism of antiviral activity of triterpenoid saponins.

Triterpenoid saponins are naturally occurring sugar conjugates of triterpenes possessing various biological activities, including antiviral action. Two substances isolated from natural sources were tested against herpes simplex virus type 1 replication. They did not show evidence of cytotoxicity under antiviral test conditions. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Brazilian plant (s21), represents the oleanane group and inhibited herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA synthesis. The triterpenoid saponin, isolated from a Chinese plant (s17), represents the ursane group and seemed to inhibit viral capsid protein synthesis of herpes simplex virus type 1.

Antipoliovirus structure-activity relationships of some aporphine alkaloids.

A series of 18 aporphinoids have been tested in vitro against human poliovirus. The aporphines (+)-glaucine fumarate (1), (+)-N-methyllaurotetanine (4), (+)-isoboldine (7), and (-)-nuciferine, HCl (10) were found to be active with selectivity indices > 14. The nature of the 1, 2-substituents of the isoquinoline moiety appeared to be critical for antipoliovirus activity. An SAR study demonstrated the importance of a methoxyl group at C-2 on the tetrahydroisoquinoline ring for the induction of antipoliovirus activity. Molecular modeling of some compounds in this series revealed the close similarities between the three-dimensional conformational features of the inactive 1,2-substituted derivatives (+)-boldine (6) and (+)-laurolitsine (5) with derivatives containing the 1,2-(methylenedioxy) moiety, which were generally found to be inactive as exemplified by (+)-cassythicine (9).

Screening of larval/pupal P-element induced lethals on the second chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster: clonal analysis and morphology of imaginal discs.

We have carried out screens for lethal mutations on the second chromosome of Drosophila melanogaster that are associated with abnormal imaginal disc morphologies, particularly in the wing disc. From a collection of 164 P element-induced mutations with a late larva/pupa lethal phase we have identified 56 new loci whose gene products are required for normal wing disc development and for normal morphology of other larval organs. Genetic mosaics of these 56 mutant lines show clonal mutant phenotypes for 23 cell-viable mutations. These phenotypes result from altered cell parameters. Causal relationships between disc and clonal phenotypes are discussed.

Anti-herpes virus activity of aporphine alkaloids.

We evaluated, in cell cultures, the action of a series of 19 aporphine alkaloids against Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). On the basis of viral titre reduction, six alkaloids were found to be active. The mode of action of the three most potent inhibitors, oliverine HCl, pachystaudine, and oxostephanine, was studied. These compounds did not have any virucidal or prophylactic effect but they were shown to interfere with the viral replicative cycle. Although DNA synthesis was reduced, their exact target remains to be elucidated. In the discussion, some structure-activity relationships are considered.

[Puerperal endometritis: study of 52 clinically and microbiologically diagnosed cases]. / Endometritis puerperal: estudio de 52 casos con diagnóstico clínico y microbiológico.

BACKGROUND: To know the epidemiologic features, clinical manifestations and etiology of puerperal endometritis in our environment in addition to the use of endometrial cultures in the microbiologic diagnosis of this infection. METHODS: A retrospective study of 52 cases of puerperal endometritis, clinically and microbiologically diagnosed over a 4-year period. RESULTS: Fifty percent of patients had undergone a cesarean, 36.5% presented puerperal anemia and 23% presented upper amniorrhexis at 12 hours. All the patients presented puerperal fever greater than 38 degrees C, 46% uterine subinvolution and 24% fetid lochia. The most frequently isolated microorganisms in the endometrial aspirate were Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae and Bacteroides spp. The association of ampicillin plus cefoxitine and clindamycin plus tobramycin presented in vitro efficacy in more than 85% of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The practice of endometrial aspirate and blood cultures in patients suspected of having puerperal endometritis effectively contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of this infection.

Comparison of the anti-herpes simplex virus activities of propolis and 3-methyl-but-2-enyl caffeate.

The in vitro activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 of 3-methyl-but-2-enyl caffeate isolated from poplar buds or prepared by synthesis was investigated. Under conditions of one or multiple multiplication cycles, this compound, which is a minor constituent of propolis, was found to reduce the viral titer by 3 log10, and viral DNA synthesis by 32-fold.