New antitumoral agents I: In vitro anticancer activity and in vivo acute toxicity of synthetic 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadien-3-one and derivatives

This paper describes a new method for the preparation of 1,5-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,4-pentadien-3-one 1 and its derivatives 2-5. This set of synthetic compounds exhibited high antitumoral activities regarding in vitro screening against several human tumor cell lines as lung carcinoma NCI-460, melanoma UACC-62, breast MCF-7, colon HT-29, renal 786-O, ovarian OVCAR-03 and ovarian expressing the resistance phenotype for adriamycin NCI-ADR/ RES, prostate PC-3, and leukemia K-562. Compounds were also tested against murine tumor cell line B16F10 melanoma and lymphocytic leukemia L1210 as well as to their effect toward normal macrophages. Specific activity against colon cancer cells HT-29 was observed for all tested compounds and suggests further studies with models of colon cancer. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed significant cytotoxic activity with IC(50) values <= 2.3 mu M for all human cancer cell lines. Intraperitoneal acute administration of compound 1 and 2 showed very low toxicity rate. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficient sonochemical synthesis of novel 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboximidamides

An Ultrasound-assisted preparation of a series of novel 3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carboximidamides that proceeds via the efficient reaction of chalcones with aminoguanidine hydrochloride under clean conditions is described. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Environmentally friendly sonocatalysis promoted preparation of 1-thiocarbamoyl-3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles

An efficient and green synthesis of thiocarbamoyl-3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1 H-pyrazoles via the condensation of chalcones with thiosemicarbazide in ethanol and KOH under ultrasound irradiation is reported. The products were isolated in good yields after short reaction times. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The last glacial cycle from the humid tropics of northeastern Australia: comparison of a terrestrial and a marine record

A detailed pollen record from the Ocean Drilling Program Site 820 core, located on the upper part of the continental slope off the coast of northeast Queensland, was constructed to compare with the existing pollen record from Lynch's Crater on the adjacent Atherton Tableland and allow the production of a regional picture of vegetation and environmental change through the last glacial cycle. Some broad similarities in patterns of vegetation change are revealed, despite the differences between sites and their pollen catchments, which can be related largely to global climate and sea-level changes. The original estimated time scale of the Lynch's Crater record is largely confirmed from comparison with the more thoroughly dated ODP record. Conversely, the Lynch's Crater pollen record has assisted in dating problematic parts of the ODP record. In contrast to Lynch's Crater, which reveals a sharp and sustained reduction in drier araucarian forest around 38,000 yrs BP, considered to have been the result of burning by Aboriginal people, the ODP record indicates, most likely, a stepwise reduction, dating from 140,000 yrs BP or beyond. The earliest reduction shows lack of a clear connection between Araucaria decline and increased burning and suggests that people may not have been involved at this stage. However, a further decline in araucarian forest, possibly around 45,000 yrs BP, which has a more substantial environmental impact and is not related to a time of major climate change, is likely, at least partially, the result of human burning. The suggestion, from the ODP core oxygen isotope record, of a regional sea-surface temperature increase of around 4 degrees C between about 400,000 and 250,000 yrs BP, may have had some influence on the overall decline in Araucaria and its replacement by sclerophyll vegetation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Pulmonary Hypertension in Latin America Pulmonary Vascular Disease: The Global Perspective

Latin America is here defined as all of the Americas south of the United States. In the setting of pulmonary hypertension, there are social inequalities and geophysical aspects in this region that account for a high prevalence of certain etiologies. This review aimed to analyze some of these factors. Data were collected from the existing literature. Information also was obtained from local tertiary-care centers to where patients with pulmonary hypertension generally are referred. Further, local experience and expertise was taken into consideration. Three etiologies of pulmonary hypertension were found to be the most prevalent: schistosomiasis (similar to 1 million affected people in Brazil), high altitude (particularly in the Andes), and congenital heart disease (late diagnosis of congenital left-to-right shunts leading to development of pulmonary vasculopathy). The diversity in terms of ancestries and races probably accounts for the differences in phenotype expression of pulmonary hypertension when a given region is considered (eg, schistosomiasis-, high-altitude-, or congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary hypertension). Governmental measures are needed to improve social and economic inequalities with an obvious impact on certain etiologies, such as schistosomiasis and congenital heart disease. Early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and access to medication remain important challenges all over Latin America. CHEST 2010; 137(6)(Suppl):78S-84S

A Prospective Study of Conventional and Expanded Coagulation Indices in Predicting Ulcer Bleeding After Variceal Band Ligation

BACKGROUND & AIMS: There is controversy over whether coagulation status predicts bleeding caused by ulceration after esophageal varices band ligation (EVL). METHODS: EVL was performed for primary (n = 45) or secondary (n = 105) prophylaxis in 150 patients with cirrhosis (Child A, n = 74, 49%; Child B, n = 42, 28%; Child C, n = 34, 23%). International normalized ratio (INR) and platelet counts were assessed in all. In 92 patients, levels of factor V, fibrinogen, D-dimer, protein C and protein S, von Willebrand factor, and thromboelastography (TEG) were assessed. Platelet count < 50 x 10(3)/mm(3) and INR > 1.5 were considered high-risk cutoff for bleeding. Conversely, platelet count >= 50 x 10(3)/mm(3) with INR <= 1.5 were safe cutoffs. RESULTS: Overall, 11 patients (7.3%) had post-EVL ulcer bleeding. Bleeding occurred in S patients with Child A/B (4.3%) and 6 patients with Child C (17%) (P = .0174 for Child A/B versus Child C). Eight patients with bleeding were among the 110 below the cutoff for INR and platelet count, whereas only 3 of the patients with bleeding were among the 40 patients with purported high-risk values (P = 1.0). Among the 92 patients with expanded coagulation tests, bleeding occurred in S. There was no difference in any of the coagulation parameters, including overall TEG patterns, between patients who did and did nor bleed. CONCLUSIONS: Post-EVL ulcer bleeding was associated with Child C status but not with conventional or expanded coagulation indices in cirrhotic patients without renal failure or infection undergoing elective EVL. These results call into question the common use of prophylactic procoagulants in the elective setting.

Isolated lymphadenitis due to Histoplasma capsulatum diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and immunohistochemistry

In the disseminated form of histoplasmosis, isolation and further identification of Histoplasma capsulatum can be performed by several methods, namely, bone marrow aspiration, blood culture, and liver biopsy. Lymph node disease usually is diagnosed by excisional biopsy. Although fungal stains can identify this fungus, detection of specific antigens by immunohistochemistry shows a higher specificity and sensitivity. This approach can use the cell block method when the material is not sent to fungal cultures or fresh staining.

Effects of Mandibular Fixed Implant-Supported Prostheses on Masticatory and Swallowing Functions in Completely Edentulous Elderly Individuals

To evaluate the effect of oral rehabilitation with immediately loaded fixed implant-supported mandibular prostheses on chewing and swallowing in elderly individuals. Materials and Methods: Fifteen completely edentulous patients aged more than 60 years (10 women and five men), wearing removable dentures in both arches, had a mandibular denture replaced by an implant-supported prosthesis. All individuals were evaluated before surgery and again 3, 6, and 18 months later with regard to mastication and swallowing conditions. Examinations entailed an interview, evaluation of tactile sensitivity of the face, and observation of food intake, masticatory type, formations of bolus, and pain during mastication. The swallowing evaluation comprised observation of clinical signs related to the oral and pharyngeal stages of swallowing, as well as the presence of oral residue. The findings of different evaluations before and 3, 6, and 18 months after the surgical-prosthetic procedure were statistically compared by analysis of variance for repeated measurements at a significance level of 5%. Results: The questionnaire revealed a reduction in complaints of masticatory and swallowing disturbances, a decreased need for liquid ingestion, and reduced choking and coughing. Clinical evaluations showed improved oral function and bolus propulsion for both solid and paste-consistency foods; pain during mastication was also resolved. Conclusion: Treatment with mandibular implant-supported dentures had positive effects on the clinical aspects of mastication and swallowing in elderly individuals. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2009; 24:110-117

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of four root canal sealers

P>Aim To assess the physicochemical properties and the surface morphology of AH Plus, GuttaFlow, RoekoSeal and Activ GP root canal sealers. Methodology Five samples of each material were evaluated for setting time, dimensional alteration, solubility and radiopacity tests, according to ANSI/ADA Specification 57. A total of 50 mL of deionized distilled water from the solubility tests were used to measure the metal solubility by atomic absorption spectrometry. The morphologies of the external surface and the cross-section of the samples were analysed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way anova and post hoc Tukey-Kramer tests with the null hypothesis set as 5%. Results AH Plus had the longest setting time (580.6 +/- 3.05 min) (P < 0.05). Activ GP did not have a mean value on the radiopacity and solubility tests (1.31 +/- 0.35 mm and 11.8 +/- 0.43%, respectively) in accordance with ANSI/ADA, being significantly different from the other materials (P < 0.05), which had mean values for these tests in accordance with the ADA`s requirements. GuttaFlow was the only sealer that conformed to the Specification 57 concerning the dimensional alteration test (0.44 +/- 0.16%) (P < 0.05). The spectrometry test revealed significant Ca2+, K+, Zn2+ ion release from Activ GP sealer (32.57 +/- 5.0, 1.57 +/- 0.22 and 8.20 +/- 1.74 mu g mL-1, respectively). In SEM analysis, the loss of matrix was evident and the filler particles were more distinguishable in all groups. Conclusions The setting time of all sealers was in accordance with ANSI/ADA`s requirements. Activ GP did not fulfill ANSI/ADA`s protocols regarding radiopacity, dimensional alteration and solubility. GuttaFlow was the only sealer that conformed to the Specification 57 in all tests. SEM analysis revealed that the surfaces of all sealers had micromorphological changes after the solubility test.

Quality of care of patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes

Background: Measurement and improvement of quality of care is a priority issue in health care. Patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) constitute a high-risk population whose care, if shown to be suboptimal on the basis of available research evidence, may benefit from quality improvement interventions. Aim: To evaluate the quality of in-hospital care for patients with ACS, using explicit quality indicators. Methods: Retrospective case note review was undertaken of 397 patients admitted to three teaching hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, between 1 October 2000 and 17 April 2001. The main out-come measures were 12 process-of-care quality indicators, calculated as either: (i) the proportion of all patients who received specific interventions or (ii) the proportion of ideal patients who received -specific interventions (i.e. patients with clear indi-cations and lacking contraindications). Results: Quality indicators with values above 80% included: (i) patient selection for thrombolysis (100%) and discharge prescription of beta-blockers (84%), (ii) antiplatelet agents (94%) and (iii) lipid-lowering agents (82%). Indicators with values between 50% and 80% included: (i) timely per-formance of electrocardiogram (ECG) on admission (61%), (ii) early coronary angiography (75%), (iii) measurement of serum lipids (71%) and (iv) discharge prescription of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (73%). Indicators with values <50% included: (i) timely administration of thrombolysis (35%), (ii) non-invasive risk assessment (23%) and (ii) formal in-hospital and post-hospital cardiac rehabilitation (47% and 7%, respectively). Conclusion: There were delays in performing ECG and administering thrombolysis to patients who presented to emergency departments with ACS. Improvement is warranted in use of non-invasive procedures for identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from coronary revascularization as well as use of serum lipid measurements, ACE inhibitors and cardiac rehabilitation.

Quality of care of patients hospitalized with congestive heart failure

Background: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is an increasingly prevalent poor-prognosis condition for which effective interventions are available. It is -therefore important to determine the extent to which patients with CHF receive appropriate care in Australian hospitals and identify ways for improving suboptimal care, if it exists. Aim: To evaluate the quality of in-hospital acute care of patients with CHF using explicit quality indicators based on published guidelines. Methods: A retrospective case note review was -performed, involving 216 patients admitted to three teaching hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, between October 2000 and April 2001. Outcome measures were process-of-care quality -indicators calculated as proportions of all, or strongly -eligible (ideal), patients who received -specific interventions. Results: Assessment of underlying causes and acute precipitating factors was undertaken in 86% and 76% of patients, respectively, and objective evaluation of left ventricular function was performed in 62% of patients. Prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was used in only 29% of ideal patients. Proportions of ideal patients receiving pharmacological treatments at discharge were: (i) angiotensin--converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) (82%), (ii) target doses of ACEi (61%), (iii) alternative vasodilators in patients ineligible for ACEi (20%), (iv) beta-blockers (40%) and (v) warfarin (46%). Conclusions: Opportunities exist for improving quality of in-hospital care of patients with CHF, -particularly for optimal prescribing of: (i) DVT prophylaxis, (ii) ACEi, (iii) second-line vasodilators, (iv) beta-blockers and (v) warfarin. More research is needed to identify methods for improving quality of in-hospital care.

Texto para discuss??o 10: qual Estado?

A Constitui????o de 1988 modelou um Estado nacional grande e fr??gil. Constitucionalmente, grande empreendedor econ??mico e banqueiro, mas fr??gil porque sem condi????es para insistir no rumo estatizante anterior, contr??rio ?? tend??ncia vigente no atual crep??sculo dos ide??rios coletivistas. Constitucionalmente, grande respons??vel pela felicidade social do povo, mas fr??gil porque a Uni??o (a grande protagonista do Estado brasileiro) ?? prejudicada pelas sangrias e vincula????es que a constrangem, pelo desequil??brio entre autoridade e responsabilidade dos Poderes, pelas imperfei????es da Federa????o e pelas mazelas do servi??o p??blico. Os resultados s??o insufici??ncias claras no que ?? inerente ao Estado nacional: seguran??a e defesa, infra-estrutura transregional (energia, transportes, comunica????es), algumas responsabilidades sociais (previd??ncia b??sica, sa??de, educa????o, saneamento, habita????o), rela????es internacionais, ci??ncia e tecnologia e poder normativo, fiscalizador, mediador e sinalizador de rumos s??cio-econ??micos (sinaliza????o exigente de instrumentos de est??mulo que dependem de recursos).

O desenho da criança de cinco anos : investigando/refletindo as formas produzidas a partir de imagem da arte

O desenho infantil comprova significados e sentidos estabelecidos historicamente e revela experiências comuns da criança pensar e idealizar o mundo. Diante dessa constatação, o cerne desta pesquisa é investigar e refletir sobre as nuances no desenho da criança de cinco anos quando apresentadas às imagens de arte, analisando e compreendendo como ela se expressa verbal e graficamente diante de informações mediadas pelo professor de arte, quando manifestam suas experiências individuais e/ou em grupo, representando suas vivências e apropriando-se da linguagem artística, e assim constituindo-se como autoras. Para sustentar a pesquisa, adotamos os princípios da pesquisa qualitativa utilizando como recurso a observação participante em sala de aula, que vem ao encontro às nossas propostas por oportunizar o registro de dados in locus, potencializando assim, a estratégia da produção de dados. Os sujeitos dessa pesquisa são vinte e uma crianças de cinco anos que frequentaram o Grupo Cinco, do Centro de Educação Infantil Criarte/Ufes. A pesquisa buscou entender o desenho infantil como expressão intrínseca da criança, que, oportunizado por ações que colaboram para esse fazer, dará significados ao objeto, que, associado a sua história, sua vivência, possivelmente contribuirá para a formação artística e imagética da criança, significando sua expressão e criação. Trazemos para esse estudo conceitos do desenho infantil, bem como questões que abarcam todo o processo de elaboração e maturação do desenho, fundamentados nas pesquisas de Rosa Iavelberg, Analice Pilar, César Cola, Arno Stern e Viktor Lowenfeld, dentre outros, os quais possibilitaram nossa análise a partir do desenho e da fala das crianças. As reflexões apresentadas procuram contribuir para compreendermos o processo de diálogo, envolvimento e representação gráfica das crianças com as imagens de arte.

Adequação e verificação de procedimentos para determinação de mercúrio em amostras de fígado e rim de rato utilizando a técnica CV-GF AAS

O mercúrio é um elemento que ainda necessita constante monitoramento devido sua capacidade tóxica em concentrações em níveis de traço com possibilidade de contaminação e exposição por uma variedade de formas e compostos presentes no ambiente. Esse estudo possuiu como objetivo a obtenção de um procedimento simplificado e eficiente para a determinação de teores de mercúrio em tecidos de rato Wistar a partir da otimização de um método de determinação, utilizando um sistema de geração de vapor frio acoplado a espectrometria de absorção atômica com forno de grafite (CV-GF AAS). Houve a comparação entre métodos de digestão, comparação de métodos de amalgamação, otimização, verificação do método a partir da obtenção de figuras de mérito e análise de amostras de fígado e rins de ratos tratados com exposição crônica ao mercúrio. Os resultados comprovaram que o método de digestão em bloco digestor, a utilização de amalgamação por recobrimento de tubo em ouro em conjunto com rede de ouro e adição pré-análise à solução de simeticona e isopropanol apresentou os melhores resultados, com teores de recuperação médios entre 92 e 114 %, viabilizando a utilização do procedimento proposto.