Extenders and cryosolutions for Grumata (Prochilodus vimboides) sperm preservation.

BACKGROUND: Prochilodus vimboides populations are being reduced in rivers due to changes in their habitat, overfishing, urbanization, and pollution. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of sperm extender solutions for short-term storage and cryosolutions for freezing sperm of Prochilodus vimboides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For short-term storage, the sperm was diluted in 0.9% NaCl, 1.2% NaCl, 5% glucose, 5% BTS, or 6% MIII. Sperm motility was evaluated after 0, 24, 48, and 72 h of short-term storage at 4-6 degree C. For cryopreservation, sperm samples were diluted in the same extenders and factorially combined with three cryoprotectants (dimethylsulfoxide, methyl glycol, and ethylene glycol). After thawing, sperm motility and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Dilution of samples in BTS preserved sperm motility >40% for up to 48 h. Samples cryopreserved in 5% glucose and methylglycol presented higher sperm motility, lower catalase, and lipid peroxidation activities. CONCLUSION: Prochilodus vimboides sperm can be cooled for up to 48 h in an extender solution of 5% BTS and cryopreserved in 5% glucose and methyl glycol. doi.org/10.54680/fr22410110612.

Incidence of cardiovascular risk factors in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a 3-year follow-up cohort.

Objectives To evaluate the incidence and variability of traditional coronary artery disease (CAD) risk factors in a cohort of lupus patients and to investigate if prednisone use predicts an increase in the number of risk factors. Methods A total of 151 women, 37.8 ± 11.1 (mean ± SD) years old at baseline, were reevaluated after a median period of 39 (interquartile range 36.5-42.0) months. The cumulative incidence of traditional risk factors, the incidence rate (with 95% confidence interval) of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia, and the frequency of the risk factors' disappearance were calculated. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Framingham risk score (FRS) were computed. Logistic regression was used to investigate if maximum or cumulative prednisone dose used during follow-up predicted an increase in the cardiometabolic risk factors' number. Results The cumulative incidence of risk factors varied from 39.1% (abdominal obesity) to zero (smoking), and the incidence rate varied from 133.2 (87.8-178.6) per 1000 person-years (dyslipidemia) to 10.4 (1.3-19.5) per 1000 person-years (diabetes). The cumulative incidence for MetS was 18.8%, and 11.7% of 143 patients with low FRS at baseline (T1) were classified in the high-risk category at the end of the study (T2). Dyslipidemia was the most variable risk factor, with 43.5% disappearance at T2. The maximum prednisone dose used during follow-up was borderline ( p = 0.050) for prediction of an increase in the number of cardiometabolic risk factors in an adjusted model for antimalarial use, modified Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and age. Conclusion The authors described high incidence and variability of CAD risk factors in female lupus patients, with higher prednisone dose being borderline for an increase in the number of cardiometabolic risk factors.

Neurochemical effects of photobiostimulation in the trigeminal ganglion after inferior alveolar nerve injury.

Orofacial pain is associated with peripheral and central sensitization of trigeminal nociceptive neurons. Nerve injury results in release of chemical mediators that contribute to persistent pain conditions. The activation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), promotes release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) from trigeminal nerve terminals. CGRP and SP contribute to the development of peripheral hyperalgesia. The expression of SP and CGRP by primary afferent neurons is rapidly increased in response to peripheral inflammation. CGRP receptor activation promotes activation of AMPA receptors, leading to increased firing of neurons which is reflected as central sensitization. In this study we investigated whether inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) injury influences AMPA receptors, CGRP, SP and TRPV1 expression in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). The relative expression of the protein of interest from naive rats was compared to those from injured rats and animals that received low level laser therapy (LLLT). IAN-injury did not change expression of GluA1, GluA2 and CGRP, but increased the expression of TRPV1 and SP. LLLT increases GluA1 and GluA2 expression and decreases TVPV1, SP and CGRP. These results, together with previous behavioral data, suggest that IAN-injury induced changes in the proteins analyzed, which could impact on nociceptive threshold. These data may help to understand the molecular mechanisms of pain sensitization in the TG.

Adipokines, tumor necrosis factor and its receptors in female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the association of adipokines and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and its receptors with characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate the correlation between adipokines and the TNF system. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six SLE women, aged ≥18 years old, were assessed. TNFα, soluble TNFα receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) and adipokines were analyzed by ELISA kits. RESULTS: The median (IQR) of age was 41.5 (33.0-49.7) years old and of disease duration 11.3 (7.8-15.8) years. The median (IQR) of disease activity was 0 (0-4) and of damage index was 2 (1-3). Higher levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were associated with nephritis (p < 0.001 for both), and sTNFR1 (p = 0.025) and TNFα (p = 0.014) were positively associated with arthritis. Higher sTNFR1 levels were found in participants that were not using antimalarial drugs (p = 0.04). Independent correlation was found between sTNFR1 (ß = 0.253; p = 0.003) and sTNFR2 (ß = 0.297; p < 0.001) levels and disease activity and damage index (sTNFR1: ß = 0.367; p < 0.001; sTNFR2: ß = 0.335; p < 0.001). Higher adiponectin levels were independently associated with nephritis (p = 0.009) and antimalarial drugs use (p = 0.015). There was a positive correlation between leptin and sTNFR2 levels (p = 0.002) and between resistin levels and sTNFR1 (p < 0.001) and sTNFR2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The correlation between adipokines and TNF system allows a better understanding of the role of adipokines in the inflammatory response in SLE patients.

Investigating genetic diversity in sapucaia using inter simple sequence repeat markers.

Sapucaia is a tree species originating from the Brazilian Amazon and is widely distributed in Brazil, especially in the mid-north region (Piauí and Maranhão states). Its seeds are rich in calories and proteins, and possess great potential for commercialization. Little is known about the genetic variability in the germplasm of most Lecythis species. Here, 11 inter-simple sequence repeat primers were used to estimate the genetic variability among 17 accessions, and to determine the levels of genetic variation and the standards of population structure in sapucaia. The accessions were obtained from the active germplasm bank (AGB) of Embrapa Meio-Norte, Teresina, PI, Brazil, and corresponded to four occurrence areas. Ninety-six loci were analyzed among the studied individuals. High variation was found at the species level, where the percentage of polymorphic bands was 94.79%, Nei's genetic diversity (h) was 0.3110, and Shannon's index (I) was 0.4732. In the analyzed populations, the percentage polymorphism ranged from 20.83 to 94.79%, Nei's genetic diversity ranged from 0.0863 to 0.2969, and Shannon's index ranged from 0.1260 to 0.4457. Significant genetic differentiation was detected among the populations (ΦST = 10.66%); however, the greatest genetic differentiation was found within the populations (89.34%), between which there was an intermediate level of gene flow (Nm = 1.10). Accessions BGS 2 and BGS 4 were the most divergent, whereas accessions BGS 14 and BGS 15 were the most similar. Therefore, sapucaia analyzed from the AGB present an elevated level of genetic diversity and may have potential use in genetic breeding programs.

Selection for wide adaptability and high phenotypic stability of Brazilian soybean genotypes.

Advances in genetic enhancement techniques have led to an increase in soybean production. Thus, soybean is currently one the most economically important cultured species worldwide. The objectives of the present study were to study the interaction of soybean genotypes per environment in terms of grain productivity and to evaluate their phenotypic adaptability and stability, with the final aim of selecting lineages with high productivity, wide adaptability, and high stability. Seven soybean genotypes, consisting of five lineages developed by the soybean genetic enhancement program of the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (Brazil) and two controls, were evaluated during several annual cycles in seven different environments. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates was adopted in each site. This study followed the methodology proposed by Eberhart and Russel and Lin and Binns, with modifications by Carneiro, and the AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model) analysis. The average productivity of soybean cultivars in the trials was 2739.26 kg/ha. The L01V13 genotype and the UFUS Guarani cultivar had wide adaptation according to the methodology proposed by Eberhart and Russel and Lin and Binns, with modifications by Carneiro. When analyzed with the AMMI model, the UFUS Guarani cultivar showed high stability. In general, the methodologies studied are complementary and, when used together, increase the reliability of the classification, providing support for the use of specific soybean cultivars in different environments.

Avaliação morfológica de plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. desenvolvidas em diferentes temperaturas / Morphlogical evaluation of Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. saplings grown in different temperatures

O principal objetivo da pesquisa foi a avaliação de aspectos da anatomia foliar, da morfologia dos órgãos vegetativos, bem como a produção de biomassa em plantas jovens de Copaifera langsdorffii desenvolvidas sob diferentes temperaturas. Foram coletadas sementes e colocadas para germinar em câmara BOD a 30ºC. Após trinta dias as plântulas, com o primeiro par de folhas completamente expandidas, foram transplantadas para copos contendo plantimax®, e aclimatizadas durante quinze dias em casa de vegetação, quando foram transferidas para BODs com temperaturas T1-15ºC, T2-25ºC, T3-35ºC, e a testemunha (T) que permaneceu em casa de vegetação (29ºC). O experimento foi conduzido por um período de 120 dias. Foram observadas diferenças significativas no tamanho e frequência dos estômatos, nas dimensões das cavidades secretoras de óleo, na espessura do mesofilo, nos aspectos morfológicos externos, e na produção de biomassa. A produção de mudas sob temperatura de 25ºC foi apropriada, sendo a condição onde as plantas tornaram-se mais vigorosas, com morfologia mais uniforme nos órgãos vegetativos e houve maior produção de biomassa seca.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate aspects of leaf anatomy, morphology of vegetative organs and biomass production in Copaifera langsdorffii saplings developed under heat shock treatment. Seeds were collected and germinated in BOD chamber at 30 ºC. After thirty days, the seedlings with the first pair of fully expanded leaves were transplanted into cups containing Plantimax®, acclimatized for two weeks in a greenhouse and transferred to growth chamber with the temperatures T1-15 ºC, T2-25 ºC, T3- 35 ºC, and the control (T) remained in a greenhouse (29 ºC). The experiment was conducted over a period of 120 days. Significant differences were observed in size and frequency of stomata, size of the oil secretory cavities, thickness of the mesophyll in the external morphology and biomass production. The production of seedlings at 25 ºC is suitable, a condition in which the plants become more vigorous with a more uniform morphology in the vegetative organs and higher production of biomass.

Determinants of self-monitoring of blood glucose in patients with Type 1 diabetes: a multi-centre study in Brazil.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the daily frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose and glycaemic control, demographic and socio-economic status in patients with Type 1 diabetes under routine clinical care in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multi-centre study conducted between December 2008 and December 2010 in 28 public clinics in 20 Brazilian cities. The data were obtained from 3176 patients, aged 22 ± 11.8 years, of whom 56.3% were female and 57.4% were Caucasian. The mean time since diabetes diagnosis was 11.7 ± 8.1 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-monitoring of blood glucose was 88.5%. There was a significant increase in self-monitoring frequency associated with female gender, lower ages, more intensive diabetes management and higher socio-economic status. A correlation between HbA(1c) levels and the daily frequency of self-monitoring was observed (r(s) = -0.13; P = 0.001). The mean HbA1c levels were related to the daily frequency of self-monitoring (P < 0.001) without additional benefit to patients who performed self-monitoring more than four times daily (9.2, 11.2, 10.2,15.2 and 15% for one, two, three, four, five or more self-monitoring tests daily, respectively; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of our patients (88.5%) performed three or more self-monitoring tests daily, with more frequent testing reported by females, younger patients, those on intensive insulin regimens and of higher socio-economic status. No additional benefit was found in patients who performed self-monitoring more than four times daily. The diabetes care team must improve patients' education regarding self-monitoring of blood glucose and its benefits.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil from the leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima / Composição química e atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de folhas e flores de Aloysia gratissima

Volatile oils from leaves and flowers of Aloysia gratissima were investigated for their chemical composition and antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Candida albicans yeast. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the oils were determined by the micro-dilution method, while the chemical composition was determined by GC-MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry). The fresh leaves and inflorescence were subjected to hydrodistillation for 120 min using a Clevenger-type apparatus, and the essential oil was tested against microorganisms. High concentrations of sesquiterpenes were observed for the inflorescence, and monoterpenes were observed for the leaves. The main compounds of the inflorescence essential oil were E-caryophyllene, germacrene B, guaiol and bulnesol, while in the leaves the main compounds were trans-pinocamphone, trans-pinocarveyl acetate, and guaiol. The essential oil from the leaves showed an effect against P. aeruginosa and S. pneumonia, and the essential oil of the inflorescence showed an effect against P. aeruginosa, S. pneumonia, and Candida albicans.

O óleo essencial de folhas e de flores de Aloysia gratissima foi avaliado quanto à composição química e ação antimicrobiana contra as bactérias Bacilus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, e a levedura Candida albicans. A concentração mínima inibitória (MIC) dos óleos essenciais foi determinada pelo método da microdiluição e a composição química determinada por CG-EM (Cromatografia Gasosa acoplada a Espectrômetro de Massas). Folhas e inflorescências frescas foram hidrodestiladas por 120 minutos em aparelho Clevenger sendo o óleo essencial testado contra microorganismos. Para as flores foi observada maior concentração de sesquiterpenos, enquanto que as folhas apresentaram maior concentração de monoterpenos. Os principais constituintes do óleo essencial da flor foram: E-cariofileno, germacreno B, guaiol e bulnesol; e das folhas foram: trans-pinocamfona, acetato de trans-pinocarveol e guaiol. O óleo essencial da folha mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa e S. pneumoniae, e o óleo essencial da flor mostrou atividade contra P. aeruginosa, S. pneumoniae e Candida albicans.

Efeito do BAP no cultivo in vitro de Ocimum selloi Benth / Effect of BAP on in vitro culture of Ocimum selloi Benth

Visando promover a proliferação de brotações em segmentos apicais e nodais de Ocimum selloi em diferentes concentrações de BAP, plantas jovens de 60 dias serviram de doadoras de segmentos apicais e nodais. Os segmentos foram inoculados em meio MS preparado com a metade da concentração dos sais, e acrescido de 1,5% de sacarose e diferentes concentrações de BAP. O experimento foi conduzido no delineamento fatorial, 3 x 4, sendo 3 as posições dos segmentos de O. selloi (segmento apical, primeiro e segundo segmentos nodais) e 4 concentrações de BAP (0 - controle; 2; 4 e 6 mg L-1). Aos 30 dias, foram avaliados o número, comprimento e biomassa fresca e seca de brotos e raízes. Os primeiros e segundos segmentos apresentaram melhores resultados na indução de brotos de O. selloi, 7 e 8 brotos/explante, nas diferentes concentrações de BAP; porém, não houve formação de raízes na presença da citocinina. Nas condições testadas, recomenda-se o uso do primeiro e segundo segmento nodal suplementando o meio de cultivo com BAP para a proliferação in vitro de brotações de O. selloi.

The present study was undertaken to develop the proliferation of sprouts in apical and nodal segments of Ocimum selloi with different BAP levels. Young plants aged 60 days were used as donors of nodal and apical segments. The segments were inoculated in MS medium at half the concentration of salts supplemented with 1.5% of sucrose and different BAP levels. The experiment was in 3 x 4 factorial arrangement, 3 positions of O. selloi segments (apical segment; first and second nodal segment) and 3 BAP levels (0 - control; 2; 4 and 6 mg L-1). After 30 days, the number, the length, and the fresh and dry biomass of sprouts and roots were evaluated. The first and the second segments showed better results in inducing O. selloi sprouts, 7 and 8 sprouts/explant, at the different BAP levels, but there was not root formation in the presence of the cytokinin. Under the tested conditions, use of the first and the second nodal segments is recommended in addition to supplementing the culture medium with BAP for in vitro proliferation of O. selloi sprouts.

Effect of different exercise protocols on histone acetyltransferases and histone deacetylases activities in rat hippocampus.

Regular and moderate exercise has been considered an interesting neuroprotective strategy. Although the mechanisms by which physical exercise alters brain function are not clear, it appears that neuroprotective properties of exercise could be related to chromatin remodeling, specifically the induction of histone acetylation through modulation of histone deacetylases (HDAC) and histone acetyltransferases (HAT) activities. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of exercise on HDAC and HAT activities in rat whole hippocampus at different times after treadmill. Adult male Wistar rats were assigned to non-exercised (sedentary) and exercised groups on different protocols: a single session of treadmill exercise (running for 20 min) and a chronic treadmill protocol (running once daily for 20 min, for 2 weeks). The effects of exercise on HDAC and HAT activities were measured immediately, 1 h and 18 h after the single session or the last training session of chronic treadmill exercise using specific assay kits. The single session of treadmill exercise reduced HDAC activity, increased HAT activity and increased the HAT/HDAC balance in rat hippocampus immediately and 1 h after exercise, an indicative of histone hyperacetylation status. The acetylation balance was also influenced by the circadian rhythm, since the HAT/HDAC ratio was significantly decreased in the early morning in all groups when compared to the afternoon. These data support the hypothesis that exercise neuroprotective effects may be related, at least in part, to acetylation levels through modulation of HAT and HDAC activities. We also demonstrated circadian changes in the HAT and HDAC activities and, consequently, in the acetylation levels.

Anatomical variation of the anterior belly of the digastric muscle: case report and clinical implications

The digastric muscle is a suprahyoid muscle composed of two bellies connected by an intermediate tendon.This muscle participates in deglutition and mandibular movements. The anterior belly of the digastric muscleis localized superficially to the mylohyoid and deeply to the platysma muscle. During dissection of this regionof an embedded cadaver, an accessory anterior belly of digastric muscle was observed bilaterally. The accessorybellies were similar but not symmetrical. They were composed of two segments, one long and one short, onboth sides, and when observed together these appeared to form the letter “X”. The accessory fibers, on bothsides, originated from the anterior digastric muscle and inserted medially to the digastric fossa. Anatomicvariations of the digastric muscle may influence mastication and deglutition. Moreover, the accessory digastricmuscle affects diagnostic imaging and therapeutic procedures in head and neck surgery and must be consideredin procedures involving this area.

Produção de mudas de Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook. ) Tronc. por meio da propagação sexuada e assexuada / Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook. ) Tronc. seedling production through sexual and asexual propagation

A alfazema-do-Brasil é planta de importância medicinal, como produtora de terpenos. A principal descrição etnofarmaco-botânica aponta como sendo eficaz para infecções brônquicas, pulmonares e da bexiga. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a propagação de A. gratissima visando a obtenção de mudas. Na propagação sexuada estudou-se a influência da temperatura na presença e ausência de luz e três épocas de coleta das sementes (março, junho e setembro). Na propagação via semente foram testados três diferentes substratos (areia, palha de arroz carbonizada, Plantmax®). Na propagação vegetativa foram testados dois tipos de estacas (herbáceas e semi-lenhosas) e de dois substratos (areia e Plantmax®). Os resultados indicaram que na propagação sexuada, a germinação das sementes foi maior nas temperaturas constantes de 20 e 25°C, e a melhor época de coleta de sementes foi em março. O substrato comercial mostrou-se superior para o crescimento das plântulas, atingindo 93,25 por cento de emergência das sementes e 100 por cento de sobrevivência. Para a propagação assexuada, as estacas herbáceas em substrato comercial e areia apresentaram 96 e 95 por cento de enraizamento, respectivamente.

Brazilian-lavender is a medicinally important plant since it produces terpenes. As regards ethnopharmacology, it is mainly efficient against bronchial, lung and bladder infections. The aim of this work was to study Aloysia gratissima propagation for seedling production. In sexual propagation, temperature influence in the presence and absence of light and three seed harvesting times (March, June, and September) were studied. Three different substrates (sand, carbonized rice husk, Plantmax®) were also evaluated for seed germination. In vegetative propagation, two cutting types (herbaceous and semihardwood) and two substrates (sand, Plantmax®) were tested. Seed germination was higher under constant temperatures of 20 and 25ºC, and March was the best seed harvest time for sexual propagation. The commercial substrate was the best for seedling growth, peaking 93.25 percent seedling emergency and 100 percent survival. For asexual propagation, herbaceous cuttings in the commercial substrate and sand presented 96 percent and 95 percent rooting, respectively.

Exercício físico versus programa de exercício pela eletroestimulação com aparelhos de uso doméstico / Physical exercise versus exercise program using electrical stimulation devices for home use

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os efeitos da eletroestimulação por aparelhos de uso doméstico sobre o condicionamento neuromuscular. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi composta por 20 mulheres voluntárias, sedentárias, destras, com idades entre 18 a 25 anos em Maceió, estado de Alagoas, em 2006. As mulheres foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: as do grupo A foram submetidas a eletroestimulação passiva com aparelhos comerciais e as do grupo B, a exercício físico com resistência. O programa de treinamento dos grupos totalizou 16 sessões em dois meses, com duas sessões semanais. As comparações do peso corporal, da cirtometria, fleximetria, e da força muscular antes e após os exercícios, foram utilizadas utilizando-se o teste T pareado. Nas comparações entre os grupos A e B, foi utilizado o teste t de Student. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: A comparação da força muscular medida de forma subjetiva antes e após cada um dos procedimentos, mostrou que ocorreu aumento da força em ambos os grupos. Foram observados aumentos significantes na massa e na força muscular apenas nos indivíduos que realizaram exercício voluntário. O exercício físico resistido de flexo-extensão dos joelhos foi efetivo em aumentar massa e força muscular, ao contrário das sessões de eletroestimulação com correntes de freqüência de pulsos de 87 Hz, que não tiveram o mesmo efeito. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados encontrados mostraram que os aparelhos de eletroestimulação para ganho passivo de condicionamento físico comercializados são menos eficientes do que a prática de exercício físico voluntário.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of electrical muscle stimulation with devices for home use on neuromuscular conditioning. METHODS: The study sample comprised 20 sedentary, right-handed, voluntary women aged from 18 to 25 years in the city of Maceió, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: group A included women who underwent muscle stimulation using commercial electrical devices; group B included those women who performed physical activities with loads. The training program for both groups consisted of two weekly sessions for two months, in a total of 16 sessions. Comparisons of body weight, cirtometry, fleximetry, and muscle strength before and after exercise were determined using the paired t-test. For the comparisons between both groups, Student's t-test was used and a 5 percent significance level was adopted. RESULTS: Muscle strength subjectively assessed before and after each intervention was increased in both groups. Significant increases in muscle mass and strength were seen only in those subjects who performed voluntary physical activity. Resisted knee flexion and extension exercises effectively increased muscle mass and strength when compared to electrical stimulation at 87 Hz which did not produce a similar effect. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that electrical stimulation devices for passive physical exercising commercially available are less effective than voluntary physical exercise.

[Physical exercise versus exercise program using electrical stimulation devices for home use]. / Exercício físico versus programa de exercício pela eletroestimulação com aparelhos de uso doméstico.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of electrical muscle stimulation with devices for home use on neuromuscular conditioning. METHODS: The study sample comprised 20 sedentary, right-handed, voluntary women aged from 18 to 25 years in the city of Maceió, Northeastern Brazil, in 2006. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups: group A included women who underwent muscle stimulation using commercial electrical devices; group B included those women who performed physical activities with loads. The training program for both groups consisted of two weekly sessions for two months, in a total of 16 sessions. Comparisons of body weight, cirtometry, fleximetry, and muscle strength before and after exercise were determined using the paired t-test. For the comparisons between both groups, Student's t-test was used and a 5% significance level was adopted. RESULTS: Muscle strength subjectively assessed before and after each intervention was increased in both groups. Significant increases in muscle mass and strength were seen only in those subjects who performed voluntary physical activity. Resisted knee flexion and extension exercises effectively increased muscle mass and strength when compared to electrical stimulation at 87 Hz which did not produce a similar effect. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that electrical stimulation devices for passive physical exercising commercially available are less effective than voluntary physical exercise.

Os desafios da implantação da notificação de uso de antimicrobianos em um hospital de grande porte

INTRODUÇÃO: Visando implantar um método de vigilância epidemiológica ativa das infecções hospitalares e promover o uso racional de antimicrobianos (AM), foi desenvolvido um modelo de ficha de notificação de uso de antimicrobiano de forma a garantir que todo tratamento iniciado fosse notificado à Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CCIH).OBJETIVOS: Implantar um método ativo de vigilância epidemiológica, conjugando ações da CCIH e do SF; Promover o uso racional de antimicrobianos.MÉTODO: A CCIH juntamente com o SF desenvolveu um novo modelo de ficha de notificação de AM que incluiu as informações sobre o esquema antimicrobiano empregado no rodapé da própria prescrição médica. O novo modelo foi aprovado em reunião com a direção médica do hospital, todos os chefes de clínica e a supervisão da enfermagem. Foi idealizado bloco de prescrição em duas vias, onde a primeira (branca) ficasse na clínica e a segunda (amarela) fosse encaminhada ao SF. Todas as prescrições contendo notificação são separadas ao fim do dia para serem fotocopiadas no dia seguinte e então encaminhadas à CCIH. RESULTADOS:A exigência da notificação de AM forneceu uma série de vantagens para o SF e para a CCIH: acesso à notificação do AM; controle de estoque dos AMs notificados; análise criteriosa de todo o esquema terapêutico empregado, intervenção da CCIH e SF em esquemas desnecessários ou incompatíveis com estoque do AM, patologia ou justificativa. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: A mudança na maneira de se notificar o esquema antimicrobiano proposto foi suficiente para a criação do hábito da notificação por parte da equipe médica, apesar da grande resistência e dos questionamentos surgidos no início da implantação do protocolo. A exigência da notificação gerou benefícios não só para o hospital, como também para o paciente, uma vez que a CCIH passou a emitir seu parecer para cada notificação encaminhada, identificando erros e sugerindo modificações no tratamento proposto. Para o SF, este protocolo permitiu uma redução nos custos e garantiu o uso racional desses medicamentos. Todavia, o modelo ideal de notificação de AMs ainda está para ser encontrado, já que no modelo desenvolvido, as notificações dos AMs só chegam à CCIH um dia após o início do tratamento em dias úteis ou em até três dias nos casos de feriados e finais de semana e, portanto, um tratamento iniciado com AM inadequado, demora a sofrer intervenção por parte da CCIH, aumentando as chances de seleção de resistência microbiana e também o custo para o SF

Estudo preliminar do uso de albumina em hospital geral de grande porte do Rio de Janeiro

Introdução: A albumina é a proteína mais abundante no plasma. Sua síntese ocorre nos hepatócitos. Suas principais funções no organismo são o transporte de moléculas, a manutenção da pressão osmótica, neutralização de radicais livres, inibição da função plaquetária com conseqüente efeito antitrombótico e possuindo também grande influência na permeabilidade vascular. Existem ainda muitas controvérsias em relação aos benefícios que a suplementação com albumina intravenosa pode trazer. Albumina é ainda o expansor plasmático mais utilizado, principalmente em bebês prematuros. Muitas outras indicações existem para sua administração, como choque, hiperbilirrubinemia, ascite, síndrome nefrótica, síndrome hepato-renal. Objetivo: Traçar o perfil de uso de solução de albumina humana 20% no Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso. Materiais e métodos: Durante o ano de 2004, foi feito um levantamento dos pacientes que fizeram uso de albumina humana nessa unidade. O levantamento dos dados foi feito através de receituários especiais que acompanham as prescrições deste medicamento. Esses receituários são imprescindíveis para dispensação desta. Resultados: Foram recebidas 1862 prescrições de albumina, com receituário especial, pelo Serviço de Farmácia. Através desses, foram dispensados 6266 frascos para 537 pacientes. O perfil de uso por clínica pode ser demonstrado através do gráfico abaixo. Nota-se através do gráfico, que a clínica que mais prescreveu a albumina foi o CTI (25,2%). Logo após podemos notar as clínicas médicas masculina e feminina que, somadas, correspondem a 24,2% do total consumido. A posologia mais prescrita é de 3 vezes ao dia (49,5%), seguida da posologia de 2 vezes ao dia (21,5%).Discussão e conclusão: O alto consumo desse medicamento se deve ao fato de esse hospital atender pacientes com patologias de alto grau de complexidade. Esses pacientes são provenientes de centros cirúrgicos, portadores de hepatite e cirrose, insuficiência renal, recém nascidos com pré-maturidade, os de transplantes renal e hepático. Isto é confirmado, ao observarmos que o maior consumo ocorre no CTI, que apesar de possuir um pequeno número de leitos (9) em relação às outras, utilizou 25% de toda albumina consumida no hospital no período de 1 ano

Possíveis causas de hepatotoxicidade relacionada ao extrato industrializado de kava-kava

Após a detecção de 3 casos suspeitos de hepatite fulminante relacionados ao uso de kava-kava no Hospital Geral de Bonsucesso, foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica, pelos residentes de farmácia, sobre este fitoterápico. As formas de manipulação, assim como a parte da planta utilizada para produzir o medicamento, influenciam a concentração final das substâncias presentes no extrato, alterando sua toxicidade hepáticaIntrodução: O fitoterápico kava-kava é derivado da raiz da planta Piper methysticum G Forster da família Piperaceae, sendo utilizado como bebida cerimonial nos países do sul do Pacífico e, mundialmente, no tratamento de estresse emocional, ansiedade e insônia. Até recentemente, não era atribuída à kava-kava a ocorrência de toxicidade severa, exceto a kava-dermopatia, que ocorre devido ao seu uso excessivo. Mais tarde, 40 casos de hepatotoxicidade, aparentemente associados ao uso de kava-kava, foram descritos na Europa, EUA e outros países, o que fez com que alguns governos europeus suspendessem a venda de tais produtos. Objetivo: Investigar na literatura as possíveis causas de hepatotoxicidade relacionada à utilização do extrato padronizado de kava-kava. Métodos: Tendo em vista os 3 casos de hepatite fulminante possivelmente relacionados ao uso deste medicamento em um hospital geral, foi feito um levantamento bibliográfico sobre reações adversas e formas de utilização da planta. Resultados e Discussão: O extrato tradicional de kava-kava é preparado na forma de decocto ou através da maceração do rizoma em uma solução de etanol/água a 25% e tem sido utilizado há séculos pelos povos do Pacífico, sem problemas de hepatotoxicidade. O extrato padronizado, utilizado pela indústria, ao qual estão relacionados todos os caso de falência hepática, utiliza ramos e folhas da planta e é preparado com acetona (³60%) ou etanol (³60%). Os extratos preparados com acetona ³80% ou etanol 96% contêm 100% de kavalactonas. A extração com etanol 25%, contém 15% e os extratos preparados com água, menos de 3%. Acredita-se que a toxicidade esteja relacionada à concentração de kavalactonas. Do extrato tradicional, foi isolado o glutation na proporção de 1:1 em relação às kavalactonas, enquanto que nos extratos industrializados este não foi encontrado. Acredita-se que o glutation tenha participação nos mecanismos de detoxificação através de sua ligação às kavalactonas pela CYP2D6, exercendo um efeito hepatoprotetor. Além disso, foram isoladas do caule substâncias que não estão presentes no rizoma, como o alcalóide pipermetisticina, supostamente responsável pela hepatotoxicidade das cápsulas de kava-kava industrializadas. Devido à baixa incidência dos efeitos hepatotóxicos, acredita-se que estes possam estar relacionados a uma rara reação imunológica ao metabólito, que pode estar associada a fatores genéticos. Em um pequeno subgrupo da Europa caucasiana, 7% a 9% dos indivíduos são homozigotos deficientes da CYP2D6, a principal enzima metabolizadora de kavalactonas. Já em moradores das Ilhas do Pacífico Sul, este índice é de 0%. Conclusão: A extração de kavalactonas e as partes da planta utilizadas influenciam sua concentração final e sua toxicidade hepática. Além disso, a genética parece ser um fator determinante para o desenvolvimento dessa toxicidade