Farming technology, biochemistry characterization, and protective effects of culinary-medicinal mushrooms Agaricus brasiliensis S. Wasser et al. and Lentinus edodes (Berk.) Singer: Five years of research in Brazil

The biotechnology, biochemical characterization, and protective effects of the himematsutake and shiitake mushrooms were studied for the Thematic Project, from 1998 to 2003. A new species, Agaricus Brasiliens is Wasser et al. (= A. blazei Murrill ss. Heinem.), was proposed for the cultivated lineages in Brazil. Interactions among lineages, substrates, casing layers, and fructification inductions (temperature alternations) significantly increased the productivity of A. brasiliensis in Brazil (from 40 g to 200 g of fresh mushroom kg -1 moist compost). However, pests and diseases (mainly Sciaridae flies and false truffle), drastically reduced the productivity of A. brasiliensis (below 50 g kg -1). Biochemically for each mushroom species, the polar extracts, no polars, and medium polarity presented the same organic substances; however, their concentrations differed as a result of the lineages, maturation of the fruit bodies, and cultivation conditions. In this aspect, concentration of linoleic acid in A. brasiliensis (added to animal food) was related directly to the chemical protection against carcinogenic drugs in mice. Aqueous extracts of Lentinus edodes (= Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) and A. brasiliensis may be preventive chemical protectors against mutagenic and carcinogenic drugs, depending on the lineage and extraction method (tea or juice). However, immunomodulator effects and tumor reduction were only observed with concentrated fractions (hexanic, methanolic, and ATF extracts). Aqueous extracts of A. brasiliensis and L. edodes have antibiotic-like substances and substances able to act as elicitors of resistance responses in some plants (local and systemic) and show a potential to be used in the alternative control of plant pathogens. © 2005 by Begell House, Inc.

Inhibitory effect of deferoxamine on Paracoccidioides brasiliensis survival in human monocytes: Reversal by holotransferrin not by apotransferrin

The mechanisms used by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis to survive into phagocytic cells are not clear. Cellular iron metabolism is of critical importance to the growth of several intracellular pathogens whose capacity to multiply in mononuclear phagocytes is dependent on the availability of intracellular iron. Thus, the objective of this paper was to investigate the role of intracellular iron in regulating the capacity of P. brasiliensis yeast cells to survive within human monocytes. Treatment of monocytes with deferoxamine, an iron chelator, suppressed the survival of yeasts in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of deferoxamine was reversed by iron-saturated transferrin (holotransferrin) but not by nonsaturated transferrin (apotransferrin). These results strongly suggest that P. brasiliensis survival in human monocytes is iron dependent.

Genetic variation in growth traits and yield of rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) growing in the Brazilian state of São Paulo

Analysis of variance and covariance was preformed on growth traits (stem girth, bark thickness, total height gain and rubber yield) of 22 open-pollinated progenies of the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis from an Asian Hevea collection introduced to Agronomic Institute (Instituto Agronômico, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil; IAC) in 1952. This progeny trial was replicated at three sites in São Paulo state and it was found that at three years from sowing there was statistically significant variation for girth, bark thickness, height and rubber yield. An individual test sites, values of individual plant heritability for girth ranged from ĥ i 2 = 0.36 to ĥ i 2 = 0.89 whereas values for heritability for progeny means ranged from ĥ i 2 = 0.77 to ĥ i 2 = 0.87. These moderate and high heritabilities suggest that a combination of progeny and within-progeny selection would be effective at increasing girth in this population at individual sites. Across sites, values of individual-plant heritability for girth ranged from ĥ i 2 = 0.36 to ĥ i 2 = 0.47, whereas values for heritability of progeny means girth ranged from ĥ x̄ 2 = 0.77 to ĥ x̄ 2 = 0.87. There were high positive genetic correlations between increased girth and bark thickness suggesting that breeding aimed at increasing girth would also increase bark thickness and possibly height. Copyright by the Brazilian Society of Genetics.

Eficácia e segurança da atorvastatina no tratamento de pacientes com hipercolesterolemia primária

Introduction: Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the first cause of death and third reason for hospital admissions in Brazil. The reduction of serum cholesterol levels reduces morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in the treatment of Brazilian patients with primary hypercholesterolemia (types IIA and IIB dyslipidemias). Patients and methods: After a 4-week wash-out period, 152 patients were treated with atorvastatin at the initial dose of 10 mg/day. According to treatment efficacy within the first 8 weeks this dose could be increased to 20 mg/day. Treatment lasted for a total of 16 weeks, and its efficacy was evaluated by the reduction of serum levels of LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as by the propotion of patients that achieved the target levels recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program - Adult Treatment Panel II (NCEP ATP II) Results: The analysis of efficacy was conducted in 145 patients. Atorvastatin led to significant reductions in the levels of LDL-cholesterol after 8 and 16 weeks of treatment (P<0.001 for both comparisons). The relative reduction of such levels was 38% (P<0.001 after 8 and 16 weeks). Atorvastatin also led to significant reductions of total cholesterol and triglycerides. At the end of the study, 81% of patients achieved the target LDL-cholesterol levels recommended by NCEP ATP II. Treatment was well tolerated, and was interrupted due to creatine phosphokinase elevation in only one patient. Conclusion: Atorvastatina is efficacious and safe in the treatment of patients with primary hypercholesteromia. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Interação de Paracoccidioides brasiliensis com células endoteliais

Paracoccidioidomycosis has a variety of clinical manifestations and Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the causative agent, may infect many tissues, most importantly the lungs. Migration of pathogenic yeasts to the endothelial cell layer is considered a prerequisite for multiple organ invasion and dissemination of the fungus. In this study of the adhesion of P. brasiliensis to endothelial cells in vitro, we investigated whether this adhesion could represent a mechanism of dissemination. To this end, as well as using conventional optical microscopy, an alternative in vivo technique was developed, to detect the presence of fungal cells in umbilical cords embedded in paraffin wax. An experiment on the migration of P. brasiliensis through an endothelial cell monolayer was carried out, and the migration of yeast cells was greater, and took less time, in control wells with no cells. The fungus crossed the monolayer, but, compared to control wells, the migration-rate was about 30% lower. This shows that the monolayer only partially blocked migration of the fungus. In these experiments, we had great difficulty finding P. brasiliensis adhered to the cell monolayer, when it was examined at different times, suggesting that migration of the fungus across the endothelial layer is very fast, and cannot normally be observed in cell culture in vitro. Thus, P. brasiliensis can cross the endothelium rapidly and probably invades deeper tissue.

Efeito do tratamento com algumas vitaminas B na potencializaçã o do efeito antiinflamatório e antinociceptivo do diclofenaco e da talidomida

The effects of some B vitamins on chemical nociception in mice or paw edema in rats were investigated. A combination of thiamine (B1), pyridoxine (B6) and cyanocobalamin (B12), in doses of 100,100 and 5mg/kg, i.p., respectively, potentiated the inhibition by diclofenac or thalidomide of paw edema induced by carrageenin in rat. Antinociceptive effects of diclofenac and thalidomide inhibition of abdominal contortion were also potentiated by the combination of the vitamins B1, B6 and B12. Thiamine, pyridoxine and cyanocobalamin given singly were effective in potentiating antinociceptive effects of thalidomide, but only cyanocobalamin potentiated these effects of diclofenac, probably reflecting the differing mechanisms of action of the two drugs. The results document the positive influence of B vitamins on antinociceptive effects of diclofenac or thalidomide and support the use of B vitamins to shorten the treatment time and reduce the daily dose of anti-inflammatories.

Obstrução nasolacrimal congênita - Diagnóstico e tratamento

This article assembled the congenital lacrimal obstruction according embryology, clinical presentation, propedeutic exams and other differential anomalies.

Blefarospasmo essencial e espasmo hemifacial: Características dos pacientes, tratamento com toxina botulínica A e revisão da literatura

Purpose: To evaluate the characteristics of the essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm patients and the feasible treatment with botulinum toxin. A. Methods: Thirty-four essential blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm patients were evaluated according to gender, ocular complaint, time of disease, treatment outcome and complications. Results: Age median was 63 years and the mean was 61 years, with no difference regarding sex; 66.66% of the patients had hemifacial spasm and 33.33%, essential blepharospasm. Many patients complained of dry eye associated with involuntary spasm. Botulinum toxin A showed a positive outcome in 91.30% of the treated patients and complications observed after treatment were eyelid ptosis (8.33%) and buccal angle deviation (8.33%). Conclusion: Essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm occurred in the elderly, of both sexes. Treatment with botulinum toxin A was useful, with very low complication rates.

Effect of prostaglandins on the production of H2O2 and cytokines that modulate the fungicidal activity of human monocytes against Paracoccidioides brasiliensis

Human monocytes lack fungicidal activity against high virulent strains of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, the etiological agent of paracoccidioidomycosis, even after IFN-γ activation. However, monocytes treated with indomethacin (INDO) or INDO plus IFN-γ effectively killed this fungus, suggesting an inhibitory role of prostaglandins in this process. Thus, the purpose of this work was to test if this regulatory effect of prostaglandin was associated with alterations on H2O2 production and/or on modulatory cytokines levels, such as TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-6. Peripheral blood monocytes obtained from 10 healthy donors were incubated for 18 hours in the presence or absence of IFN-γ, INDO, or IFN-γ plus INDO, and further challenged with a high virulent strain of P. brasiliensis (Pb18) for 4 hours. Then, the monocytes cultures were evaluated for H2O2 release and fungicidal activity calculated by counting the colony forming units after plating. Moreover, on supernatants of the same cultures, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, and PGE2 concentrations were evaluated by ELISA. Monocytes treated with INDO or INDO plus IFN-γ presented higher fungicidal activity associated with the release of higher levels of H2O2 and TNF-α, but lesser levels of PGE2, when compared to nontreated cells. However, the levels of IL-10 and IL-6 were similar between treated and nontreated cells. The results suggest that human monocytes when challenged with high virulent strains of P. brasiliensis produce prostaglandins that inhibit the fungicidal activity of these cells by reducing H2O2 and TNF-α levels.

Inibidores da HIV-integrase: Potencial abordagem farmacológica para tratamento da AIDS

AIDS has the HIV as its etiological agent. Researches has been done to find new pharmacological agents to be used in therapy, because of problems of resistance and side effects. The HIV-integrase inhibitors are some of those new agents that are being studied. This updating focusses on the fundamental information about HIV and HIV-integrase and the main methods being used to develop these new drugs, with examples for each case.

Tratamento de esgoto sanitário utilizando reatores anaeróbios operados em bateladas sequenciais (escala piloto)

The performances of two anaerobic sequencing batch reactors (1.2 m 3) containing biomass immobilized in inert support and as granular sludge in the treatment of domestic sewage from the Campus of São Carlos-University of São Paulo were evaluated. The experimental phase lasted seventy days. During this period, the reactors presented quite similar performances in respect to COD and total suspended solids removal, achieving average efficiencies of approximately 60% and 75%, respectively. The analysis using molecular biology techniques on biomass samples taken at 35 th and 70 th showed differences in the bacterial community in the reactors indicating that the type of biomass immobilization selected the populations differently. A higher similarity was found for the Archaea domain probably because these microorganisms utilize specific substrates formed at the end of the anaerobic process.

Distúrbio de hiperatividade e déficit de atenção na síndrome de apnéia obstrutuiva do sono: Há melhora com tratamento cirúrgico?

Neuropsychological disorders are frequently associated with obstructive ventilatory disorders (OVD). Aim: To analyze the incidence of neuropsychological disorders in Brazilian children with OVD, using a screening questionnaire and to compare the answers given before and after surgery. Patients and Methods: We studied 30 children with clinical diagnosis of OVD. The children were divided into 3 groups: group I, children aged 4 to 7; group II, from 8 to 10; and group III, children over 11. The applied questionnaires were answered by the parents or tutors, and comprised 30 questions, 10 for each disorder: attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The children were diagnosed with one of the disorders when presented 3 or more positive answers. The follow up interview occurred 6 months after adenotonsillectomy. Results: There was a predominance of male gender (60.6%) over female gender (39.4%). Group II presented the highest number of significant changes, with reductions raging from 87.5% to 33.3% of patients with attention deficit, 75% to 50% of the hyperactive patients, and 50% to 33% of the impulsive patients. Conclusion: There was neuropsychological improvement after the surgery, which occurred mainly in the children from group II. More interaction among health professionals is necessary when diagnosing and following up similar cases.

Associação do hidróxido de cálcio e metronidazol no tratamento de dentes de cães com lesão periapical crônica

One of the primary objectives of endodontic treatment of teeth with pulp necrosis is the elimination of microorganisms from the root canal system, as effectively as possible, especially in cases with chronic periapical lesions. AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the response of the periapical tissue of dogs' teeth with chronic periapical lesions to endodontic treatment performed with utilization of metronidazole, calcium hydroxide, and an association of both as root canal dressings. METHODOLOGY: Forty root canals were submitted to pulpectomy and the root canals were kept exposed to the oral environment for 6 months. Then, they were submitted to biomechanical preparation and divided into 4 study groups with 10 specimens: group I - no root canal dressing; group II - calcium hydroxide; group III - metronidazole; group IV - calcium hydroxide associated to metronidazole. After 15 days, the root canals were filled with Fill Canal sealer. After 90 days, the animals were killed and the especimens processed for histological analysis. RESULTS: Calcium hydroxide dressing provided a significantly better outcome compared to other experimental groups (α = 0.01). Also, the results of the association of metronidazole and calcium hydroxide were similar to those observed for the metronidazole group. The worst results were obtained by the no root canal dressing group. CONCLUSION: The use of metronidazole alone or associated with Calcium hydroxide, did not improve periapical healing when compared to Calcium hydroxide dressing.

Distribuição e tamanho populacional do papagaio-de-cara-roxa Amazona brasiliensis no estado de São Paulo

The Red-tailed Amazon Amazona brasiliensis is one of most threatened psitacid in the world. In the state of São Paulo, SE Brazil, it is restricted to a narrow coastal zone. The total population of A. brasiliensis has been estimated to be around 4,000 birds, but no detailed information is known for São Paulo. We studied the population status and mapped the distribution of A. brasiliensis in the state of São Paulo. Simultaneous censuses were carried out in three main islands (Cananéia, Ilha do Cardoso and Ilha Comprida) with A. brasiliensis populations in 2003 and 2004. We searched the parrots in an area of 1413.28 km2 and visited 69 sites. Amazona brasiliensis were recorded in 55 localities and 12 sleeping roosts. Our census estimated a population of at least 1,221 parrots in the stronghold of their distribution in the state of São Paulo. The highest number of parrots were recorded outside the main protected areas in the region (64% of the population), which may threaten the future of this population. Urban growing is the main threat for the population of São Paulo, and the creation of protected areas in Cananéia and Comprida island is critical for the future of the A. brasiliensis in the area.