Evaluation of an Experimental Gel Containing Euclea natalensis: An In Vitro Study

Objective. To evaluate the effect of an experimental gel containing Euclea natalensis extract on dentin permeability. Methods. Thirty-six dentin discs, 1-mm-thick. The discs were prepared from the coronal dentin of extracted human third molars that were divided into 3 groups (n = 10). The dentin discs in each group were treated with the groups following experimental materials: (FG): 1.23% fluoride gel, pH 4.1; (EG): Euclea natalensis extract gel, pH 4.1; (CG): control gel, pH 4.1. The gels were applied to the occlusal slide of the dentin under the following conditions: after 37% phosphoric acid and before 6% citric acid. The hydraulic conductance (HC) of each condition was determined four times using a fluid flow apparatus (Flodec). The data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P < 0.05). Results. The greatest mean reduction in HC was produced in group EG dentin discs (61.2%; P < 0.05). Even after acid challenge with 6% citric acid the great reduction occurred in group EG (66.0%; P < 0.05) than other groups (CG-77.1%, FG-90.8%). Conclusion. E. natalensis gel not only reduced dentin permeability, but also resisted posttreatment citric acid challenge without changing its permeability. Further research has to confirm this promising result in the clinical situation.

Anti-Atherogenic Effects of a Phenol-Rich Fraction from Brazilian Red Wine (Vitis labrusca L.) in Hypercholesterolemic Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice

Moderate wine intake (i.e., 1-2 glasses of wine a day) is associated with a reduced risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic effects of a nonalcoholic ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) from a South Brazilian red wine obtained from Vitis labrusca grapes. Experiments were carried out on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice, which were subjected to a hypercholesterolemic diet and treated with doses of EAF (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. At the end of the treatment, the level of plasma lipids, the vascular reactivity, and the atherosclerotic lesions were evaluated. Our results demonstrated that the treatment with EAF at 3 mg/kg significantly decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL plus very low-density lipoprotein levels compared with control hypercholesterolemic mice. The treatment of mice with EAF at 3 mg/kg also preserved the vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine on isolated thoracic aorta from hypercholesterolemic LDLr-/- mice. This result is in agreement with the degree of lipid deposit on arteries. Taken together, the results show for the first time that the lowest concentration of an EAF obtained from a red wine produced in southern Brazil significantly reduced the progression of atherosclerosis in mice.

A clinical and hemogasometric survey of neonatal lambs

In order to provide adequate medical assistance to neonates, the extent of vitality impairment has to be investigated through complementary exams, as well as clinical assessment. This investigation aimed to identify the physiological changes that occur during neonatal adaptation and to develop a clinical approach that can be performed during the first hour of life in neonatal lambs born through vaginal eutocic labor. The neonatal vitality of 14 Santa Ines lambs was verified using the Apgar system and rectal temperature at birth and after 5 and 60 min after birth. From the total number of neonates, 7 lambs were randomly selected for blood gas analysis and glucose immediately at birth and 1 h after birth. The lambs had hypoglycemia immediately after birth, as well as acidosis due to metabolic and respiratory causes. Given their hypoxemia at birth, lambs immediately exhibit tachycardia and tachypnea. However, neonatal lambs reached Apgar score superior than 7 after 5 min of birth. Ovine neonates are relatively mature at birth, with adequate thermoregulation and active mechanisms to compensate for physiological acid-base imbalances. In conclusion, a systematic clinical examination of newborn sheep should include the implementation of the Apgar score coupled with the confirmation of any acid-base imbalances. Further research should evaluate neonatal adaptation to this critical period over a longer period of time. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Contrasted crustal sources as defined by whole-rock and Sr-Nd-Pb isotope geochemistry of neoproterozoic early post-collisional granitic magmatism within the Southern Brazilian Shear Belt, Camboriu, Brazil

The early phase of post-collisional granitic magmatism in the Camboriu region, south Brazil, is represented by the porphyritic biotite +/- hornblende Rio Pequeno Granite (RPG; 630-620 Ma) and the younger (similar to 610 Ma), equigranular, biotite +/- muscovite Serra dos Macacos Granite (SMG). The two granite types share some geochemical characteristics, but the more felsic SMG constitutes a distinctive group not related to RPG by simple fractionation processes, as indicated by its lower FeOt, TiO2, K2O/Na2O and higher Zr Al2O3, Na2O, Ba and Sr when compared to RPG of similar SiO2 range. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes require different sources. The SMG derives from old crustal sources, possibly related to the Paleoproterozoic protoliths of the Camboriu Complex, as indicated by strongly negative epsilon Nd-t (-23 to -24) and unradiogenic Pb (e.g., Pb-206/Pb-204 = 16.0-16.3; Pb-207/Pb-204 = 15.3-15.4) and confirmed by previous LA-MC-ICPMS data showing dominant zircon inheritance of Archean to Paleoproterozoic age. In contrast, the RPG shows less negative epsilon Nd-t (-12 to -15) and a distinctive zircon inheritance pattern with no traces of post-1.6 Ga sources. This is indicative of younger sources whose significance in the regional context is still unclear; some contribution of mantle-derived magmas is indicated by coeval mafic dykes and may account for some of the geochemical and isotopic characteristics of the least differentiated varieties of the RPG. The transcurrent tectonics seems to have played an essential role in the generation of mantle-derived magmas despite their emplacement within a low-strain zone. It may have facilitated their interaction with crustal melts which seem to be to a large extent the products of reworking of Paleoproterozoic orthogneisses from the Camboriu Complex. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of effective number of pulses on the morphological structure of teeth and bovine femur after femtosecond laser ablation

Femtosecond lasers have been widely used in laser surgery as an instrument for contact-free tissue removal of hard dental, restorative materials, and osseous tissues, complementing conventional drilling or cutting tools. In order to obtain a laser system that provides an ablation efficiency comparable to mechanical instruments, the laser pulse rate must be maximal without causing thermal damage. The aim of this study was to compare the different morphological characteristics of the hard tissue after exposure to lasers operating in the femtosecond pulse regime. Two different kinds of samples were irradiated: dentin from human extracted teeth and bovine femur samples. Different procedures were applied, while paying special care to preserving the structures. The incubation factor S was calculated to be 0.788 +/- 0.004 for the bovine femur bone. These results indicate that the incubation effect is still substantial during the femtosecond laser ablation of hard tissues. The plasma-induced ablation has reduced side effects, i.e., we observe less thermal and mechanical damage when using a superficial femtosecond laser irradiation close to the threshold conditions. In the femtosecond regime, the morphology characteristics of the cavity were strongly influenced by the change of the effective number of pulses. (C) 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). [DOI: 10.1117/1.JBO.17.4.048001]

Application of an active attachment model as a high-throughput demineralization biofilm model

Objectives: To investigate the potential of an active attachment biofilm model as a highthroughput demineralization biofilm model for the evaluation of caries-preventive agents. Methods: Streptococcus mutans UA159 biofilms were grown on bovine dentine discs in a highthroughput active attachment model. Biofilms were first formed in a medium with high buffer capacity for 24 h and then subjected to various photodynamic therapies (PACT) using the combination of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs, Biotable (R)) and Photogem (R). Viability of the biofilms was evaluated by plate counts. To investigate treatment effects on dentine lesion formation, the treated biofilms were grown in a medium with low buffer capacity for an additional 24 h. Integrated mineral loss (IML) and lesion depth (LD) were assessed by transversal microradiography. Calcium release in the biofilm medium was measured by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: Compared to the water treated control group, significant reduction in viability of S. mutans biofilms was observed when the combination of LEDs and Photogem (R) was applied. LEDs or Photogem (R) only did not result in biofilm viability changes. Similar outcomes were also found for dentine lesion formation. Significant lower IML and LD values were only found in the group subjected to the combined treatment of LEDs and Photogem (R). There was a good correlation between the calcium release data and the IML or LD values. Conclusions: The high-throughput active attachment biofilm model is applicable for evaluating novel caries-preventive agents on both biofilm and demineralization inhibition. PACT had a killing effect on 24 h S. mutans biofilms and could inhibit the demineralization process. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cyclopropane- and spirolimonoids and related compounds from Hortia oreadica

The dichloromethane extract from taproots of Hortia oreadica afforded six limonoids, these are 9,11-dehydro-12 alpha-acetoxyhortiolide A, hortiolide C, 11 alpha-acetoxy-15-deoxy-6-hydroxyhortiolide C, hortiolide D, hortiolide E, 12 beta-hydroxyhortiolide E, in addition to the known limonoid, guyanin. The dichloromethane extract from stems of H. oreadica also afforded two limonoids 9,11-dehydro12 alpha-hydroxyhortiolide A and 6-hydroxyhortiolide C. As a result of this study and literature data, Hortia has been shown to produce highly specialized limonoids that are similar to those from the Flindersia (Flindersioideae). The taxonomy of Hortia has been debatable, with most authors placing it in the Toddalioideae. Considering the complexity of the isolated limonoids, Hortia does not show any close affinity to the genera of Toddalioideae. That is, the limonoids appear to be of little value in resolving the taxonomic situation of Hortia. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Polymyxin B-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Polymyxin B (PMB) is a cationic polypeptide antibiotic with activity against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. PMB-induced nephrotoxicity consists of direct toxicity to the renal tubules and the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with oxidative damage. This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) against PMB-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Adult male Wistar rats, weighing 286 +/- 12 g, were treated intraperitoneally once a day for 5 days with saline, hemin (HO-1 inducer; 10 mg/kg), zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP) (HO-1 inhibitor; 50 mu mol/kg, administered before PMB on day 5), PMB (4 mg/kg), PMB plus hemin, and PMB plus ZnPP. Renal function (creatinine clearance, Jaffe method), urinary peroxides (ferrous oxidation of xylenol orange version 2 [FOX-2]), urinary thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), renal tissue thiols, catalase activity, and renal tissue histology were analyzed. The results showed that PMB reduced creatinine clearance (P < 0.05), with an increase in urinary peroxides and TBARS. The PMB toxicity caused a reduction in catalase activity and thiols (P < 0.05). Hemin attenuated PMB nephrotoxicity by increasing the catalase antioxidant activity (P < 0.05). The combination of PMB and ZnPP incremented the fractional interstitial area of renal tissue (P < 0.05), and acute tubular necrosis in the cortex area was also observed. This is the first study demonstrating the protective effect of HO-1 against PMB-induced nephrotoxicity.

Diversity and Adaptation of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Genotypes Circulating in Two Distinct Communities: Public Hospital and Day Care Center

HRSV is one of the most important pathogens causing acute respiratory tract diseases as bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants. HRSV was isolated from two distinct communities, a public day care center and a public hospital in Sao Jose do Rio Preto - SP, Brazil. We obtained partial sequences from G gene that were used on phylogenetic and selection pressure analysis. HRSV accounted for 29% of respiratory infections in hospitalized children and 7.7% in day care center children. On phylogenetic analysis of 60 HRSV strains, 48 (80%) clustered within or adjacent to the GA1 genotype; GA5, NA1, NA2, BA-IV and SAB1 were also observed. SJRP GA1 strains presented variations among deduced amino acids composition and lost the potential O-glycosilation site at amino acid position 295, nevertheless this resulted in an insertion of two potential O-glycosilation sites at positions 296 and 297. Furthermore, a potential O-glycosilation site insertion, at position 293, was only observed for hospital strains. Using SLAC and MEME methods, only amino acid 274 was identified to be under positive selection. This is the first report on HRSV circulation and genotypes classification derived from a day care center community in Brazil.

Determination of labile barium in petroleum-produced formation water using paper-based DGT samplers

A polyacrylamide hydrogel containing the Chelex-100 resin has traditionally been used as the binding agent for the diffusion gradients in thin films (DGT) technique. The Chelex-100 resin, although important for the determination of various transition metals, is unsatisfactory for the determination of alkaline earth metals, particularly Ba. In this paper, a cellulose membrane, treated with phosphate (P81 membrane), was evaluated as a binding agent for DGT devices for the determination of Ba in produced formation water (PEW) samples. In addition, diffusive layers of filter paper (cellulose) were tested to diffuse Ba through the DGT devices. Experiments to evaluate the key variables of the technique (pH, deployment time, and ionic strength/salinity) were performed. The Ba sampled by these DGT devices was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Aiming to generate information (related to bioavailability of Ba) on the reuse of PEW for irrigation, the determination of Ba in onshore and offshore samples was performed. The new approach was effective for determination of Ba in onshore samples. To determine Ba in offshore samples, it was necessary to use an alternative calibration procedure due to the high NaCl concentration in these samples. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Characterization of atmospheric aerosols in the city of So Paulo, Brazil: comparisons between polluted and unpolluted periods

The objective of this study was to determine the size and composition of atmospheric aerosols in the downtown area of the city of So Paulo, Brazil, for a polluted and an unpolluted period. Aerosols were sampled with a portable air sampler (PAS), Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI), and Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer. At the study site, air quality is poor, especially during the winter, high concentrations of pollutants being emitted primarily by the light- and heavy-duty vehicle fleet. We analyzed mass, black carbon (BC), Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sn, Zr, and Pb. During the polluted period, diurnal PM(10) was higher than nocturnal PM(10), whereas the inverse was true during the unpolluted period. The FPM was rich in BC, S, and Pb, whereas CPM was rich in Al, Si, Ca, Ti, and Fe. Mass balance was performed by category: ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, crustal material, BC, and other. The PAS-determined FPM was mainly BC. The MOUDI-determined FPM crustal material explained more mass than did ammonium sulfate and BC during the polluted period, whereas ammonium sulfate had the largest mass during the unpolluted period. Crustal material was the major CPM component, followed by ammonium sulfate and BC. During the unpolluted period, FPM concentrations were lower, whereas those of ammonium sulfate were relatively higher, especially at night, and particle number was inversely proportional to particle size. Aerosol growth was more intense during the polluted period.

THE INTERNATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING PRACTICES - CIPESC (R): A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL FOR EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES

The CIPESC (R) is a tool that informs the work of nurses in Public Health and assists in prioritizing their care in practice, management and research. It is also a powerful pedagogical instrument for the qualification of nurses within the Brazilian healthcare system. In the teaching of infectious diseases, using the CIPESC (R) assists in analyzing the interventions by encouraging clinical and epidemiological thinking regarding the health-illness process. With the purpose in mind of developing resources for teaching undergraduate nursing students and encouraging reflection regarding the process of nursing work, this article presents an experimental application of CIPESC (R), using meningococcal meningitis as an example.

Cyanobacterial diversity in the phyllosphere of a mangrove forest

The cyanobacterial community colonizing phyllosphere in a well-preserved Brazilian mangrove ecosystem was assessed using cultivation-independent molecular approaches. Leaves of trees that occupy this environment (Rhizophora mangle, Avicennia schaueriana and Laguncularia racemosa) were collected along a transect beginning at the margin of the bay and extending upland. The results demonstrated that the phyllosphere of R.similar to mangle and L.similar to racemosa harbor similar assemblages of cyanobacteria at each point along the transect. A.similar to schaueriana, found only in the coastal portions of the transect, was colonized by assemblages with lower richness than the other trees. However, the results indicated that spatial location was a stronger driver of cyanobacterial community composition than plant species. Distinct cyanobacterial communities were observed at each location along the coast-to-upland transect. Clone library analysis allowed identification of 19 genera of cyanobacteria and demonstrated the presence of several uncultivated taxa. A predominance of sequences affiliated with the orders Nostocales and Oscillatoriales was observed, with a remarkable number of sequences similar to genera Symphyonemopsis/Brasilonema (order Nostocales). The results demonstrated that phyllosphere cyanobacteria in this mangrove forest ecosystem are influenced by environmental conditions as the primary driver at the ecosystem scale, with tree species exerting some effect on community structure at the local scale.

A TRAINING COURSE ON BIOETHICS FOR FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY PROFESSIONALS IN SANTO ANDRE, SP

This case report presents the experience of a training course on bioethics for nurses and physicians of the Family Health Strategy in Santo Andre, SP. This study is based on problem-based learning and deliberative bioethics, and aimed at presenting the deliberation procedure as a means of handling ethical issues. Contents were addressed in a cross-section manner through five sequential activity sessions at two different moments of concentration with one dispersion interval. In the first moment of concentration, key concepts and deliberative bioethics contents were developed. The second involved deliberation sessions on moral conflicts, which were selected and prepared during the dispersion interval. Participants evaluated the deliberation as an appropriate instrument to deal with the ethical issues they are faced with. Problem-based learning was an effective educational strategy for continuing education in deliberative bioethics.

Dillapiole as Antileishmanial Agent: Discovery, Cytotoxic Activity and Preliminary SAR Studies of Dillapiole Analogues

In this paper, the isolation of dillapiole (1) from Piper aduncum was reported as well as the semi-synthesis of two phenylpropanoid derivatives [di-hydrodillapiole (2), isodillapiole (3)], via reduction and isomerization reactions. Also, the compounds' molecular properties (structural, electronic, hydrophobic, and steric) were calculated and investigated to establish some preliminary structureactivity relationships (SAR). Compounds were evaluated for in vitro antileishmanial activity and cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. Compound 1 presented inhibitory activity against Leishmania amazonensis (IC50?=?69.3 mu M) and Leishmania brasiliensis (IC50?=?59.4 mu M) and induced cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells mainly in high concentrations. Compounds 2 (IC50?=?99.9 mu M for L. amazonensis and IC50?=?90.5 mu M for L. braziliensis) and 3 (IC50?=?122.9 mu M for L. amazonensis and IC50?=?109.8 mu M for L. brasiliensis) were less active than dillapiole (1). Regarding the molecular properties, the conformational arrangement of the side chain, electronic features, and the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance seem to be relevant for explaining the antileishmanial activity of dillapiole and its analogues.