PATOGENICIDADE DOS FUNGOS BEAUVERIA BASSIANA (BALS.) VUILL. (CG 432) E METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE (METSCH.) SOROK (UEL50) EM LARVAS DE CORALIOMELA BRUNNEA THUMB. (COLEOPTERA: CHRYSOMELIDAE)

RESUMO A barata-do-coqueiro (Coraliomela brunnea) constitui numa das principais pragas para o coqueiro, podendo causar severos danos, quando medidas de controle eficientes não forem tomadas. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o efeito de duas espécies de fungos entomopatogênicos no controle de C. brunnea. As larvas foram coletadas em lavoura de coqueiro e transportadas para o laboratório. Suspensões de esporos em diferentes concentrações de Beauveria bassiana foram pulverizadas sobre as larvas, com aproximadamente 2 cm, em caixas de acrílico e foram acondicionadas a 26º C com fotoperíodo de 12 horas de luz. B. bassiana não apresentou nenhum efeito sobre as larvas da barata-do-coqueiro, Metarhizium anisopliae, emtodas concentrações testadas, foram patogênicas causando mortalidade significativa ao inseto (P < 0,001), as concentrações que causaram mortalidade acima de 50% foram: 1 x 108, 5 x 107, 1 x 107 conídios/mL sendo 85%, 63,8% e 51,3% das larvas após 19 dias do tratamento, respectivamente.

Innovative technique for the study of pneumoperitoneum in the evaluation of abdominal pain after chemical irritation with zymozan

PURPOSE

To assess the influence of pneumoperitoneum in mice submitted to peritoneal irritation provoked by the biological agent Saccharomyces cerevisae, by counting the number of abdominal contractions elicited.

METHODS

To study the effects of pneumoperitoneum analgesic action, 60 mice were divided into two groups: the experimental group, subjected to pneumoperitoneum; and the control group, without pneumoperitoneum. The both groups received intraperitoneal injection of zymosan at a dose of 1mg/0,2ml/mouse.

RESULTS

The sum of the number of abdominal contractions of the experimental group (with pneumoperitoneum) was significantly lower than that of the control group (without pneumoperitoneum). In the experimental group, a lower number of contractions occurred in each min compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

The observation of the analgesic effect of pneumoperitoneum using CO2 in mice submitted to peritoneal irritation by zymosan was verified.

Lippia sidoides and Myracrodruon urundeuva gel prevents alveolar bone resorption in experimental periodontitis in rats

In Brazilian folk medicine, Lippia sidoides (Ls) and Myracrodruon urundeuva (Mu) have gained popularity and reputation as effective antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of topical herbal gel from Ls 0.5% (v/w) and Mu 5% (w/w) in experimental periodontal disease (EPD) in rats. Wistar rats were subjected to ligature placement around the second upper left molars. Animals were treated topically with Ls and/or Mu-based gel, immediately after EPD induction and three times/day for 11 days until the rats were sacrificed (11th day). Saline-based gel was utilized as control for all experiments and doxycycline based gel 10% (w/w) was utilized as reference substance. Animals were weighed daily. Alveolar bone loss was measured as the difference (in millimeters) between the cusp tip and the alveolar bone. The periodontum and the surrounding gingivae were examined at histopathology, as well as the neutrophil influx into the gingivae was assayed using myeloperoxidase activity and cytokine production mainly tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels by ELISA method. The local bacterial flora was assessed through culture of the gingival tissue in standard aerobic and anaerobic media. Alveolar bone loss was significantly inhibited by Ls and Mu combined treatment compared to the saline control group. Ls and Mu combined treatment reduced tissue lesion at histopathology, with partial preservation of the periodontum, coupled to decreased myeloperoxidase activity as well as significantly inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production in gingival tissue compared to the saline control group. Ls and Mu combined treatment also prevented the growth of oral microorganisms and the weight loss. Ls and Mu combined based gel treatment preserved alveolar bone resorption and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities in experimental periodontitis.

[Limbal relaxing incisions during cataract surgery: one-year follow-up]

PURPOSE

To evaluate astigmatism variation between preoperative, 1st and 12th postoperative month of patients who underwent cataract surgery with limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) aiming to reduce the preoperative astigmatism.

METHODS

Sixteen patients who underwent cataract surgery by the phacoemulsification technique with a 5.5 mm escleral incision, at the Altino Ventura Foudation, between April and July of 2002. The limbal relaxing incisions were performed according to Gills' modified nomogram (1D - 1 LRI of 6 mm; 1-2D - 2 LRI of 6 mm; 2-3D - 2 LRI of 8 mm). They were done in the most curved meridians, determined by preoperative corneal topography.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in preoperative astigmatism was observed in the 1st postoperative month in 2 limbal relaxing incisions of the 6 mm group (57% topographic astigmatism and 87% refractional) and in 2 limbal relaxing incisions of the 8 mm group (50% topographic astigmatism and 65% refractional), maintaining the reduction with no significant alteration until the 12th postoperative month. The 1 limbal relaxing incision of the 6 mm group did not yield significant astigmatism reduction, but there was no significant alteration until de 12th postoperative month. There were also no complications such as postoperative discomfort, glare, aniseiconia, diplopia, incision infection and corneal thinning or ectasia.

CONCLUSION

Two limbal relaxing incisions of 8 and 6 mm aiming to correct preoperative astigmatism of 2 to 3D and 1 to 2D, respectively, were safe and effective with a stable effect in the first postoperative follow-up year. The 1 limbal relaxing incision of 6 mm aiming to reduce 1 diopter of preoperative astigmatism was not effective, but it did not induce any significant postoperative complications.

ADIÇÃO DE NÍVEIS CRESCENTES DE COMPLEXO ENZIMÁTICO EM RAÇÕES COM SOJA INTEGRAL DESATIVADA PARA FRANGOS DE CORTE

O presente experimento foi conduzido com objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de níveis crescentes de complexo enzimático em rações com soja integral desativada sobre o consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP) e conversão alimentar (CA) defrangos de corte no período de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 480 pintos de corte, machos da linhagem Ross distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, contendo 4 tratamentos, com 6 repetições, cada uma com 20 aves. As aves foram alojadas em galpão convencional, dividido em boxes com piso de maravalha e receberam água e ração àvontade. As rações experimentais foram formuladas à base de milho, farelo de soja e soja integral desativada, obedecendo a níveis nutricionais utilizados pela indústria brasileira. O complexo enzimático (xilanase, âglucanase, mannanase, pectinase e protease) foi adicionado em níveis crescentes de 0; 25; 50 e 75 g/t de ração. A suplementação com 50 g/t do complexo  enzimático, em dietas formuladas com soja integral desativada demonstrou aumento de 3% no consumo de ração e 2,5% no ganho de peso em comparação com a dieta sem suplementação. De acordo com a análise de regressão o nível ótimo de adição decomplexo enzimático para ganho de peso e para consumo alimentar (1 – 42 dias de idade) obtido nestas condições experimentais foi de 45,94g/t e 49,30g/t de enzima na ração respectivamente. O nível de inclusão do complexo enzimático foi próximo de 50 g/t

Effect of mast cells depletion on the failure of neutrophil migration during sepsis

The possible role of mast cell in neutrophil migration failure during sepsis was examined in a polymicrobial sepsis model in mice. Mast cells were depleted by compound 48/80 or lysed by distilled water, both preventing the neutrophil migration failure. This phenomenon was accompanied by reduction of bacteria in the peritoneal cavity and blood, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and nitrate (NO3) and by an increase in mice survival rate. Neither neutrophil migration failure nor significant mortality was observed when lethal inoculum was injected into the air-pouch model, a cavity poorly populated by mast cells. Confirming that neutrophil migration failure is a phenomenon induced by systemic circulating mediators, it was observed that i.p. administration of lethal inoculum induced a neutrophil migration failure to the air pouch inoculated with non-lethal bacterial challenge. These results suggest that mast cells have a key role in the genesis of neutrophil migration failure, and, consequently, contribute to the systemic inflammatory response and mortality in severe sepsis.

Indicações de ceratoplastia penetrante em Pernambuco

PURPOSE

The indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PK) vary in different regions of Brazil. Keratoconus is the main indication in the state of São Paulo. However, in the state of Amazonas the main indication is ulcerative conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the indications for PK in two reference centers of ophthalmology in the state of Pernambuco. The possible frequency differences in PK indications were also analyzed regarding other Brazilian states and other countries.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the records of 814 patients who underwent PK at the "Fundação Altino Ventura", and "Hospital de Olhos de Pernambuco" from January 1998 to December 2002 was performed.

RESULTS

The leading indications for PK were ulcerative conditions (21.3%), bullous keratopathy (19.9%), keratoconus (18.6%) and corneal scarring (17.8%). In 2001 the frequency of the PK indications was altered by the high frequency of regraft. This happened because of a programmed recall of these patients by the Pernambuco Transplantation Center.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no significant differences between the frequencies of the leading indications during the period of study. On the other hand, the frequencies of those indications were different from those of other centers. It should be stressed that Pernambuco and Amazonas states show greater frequencies of ulcerative conditions, not similar to other centers. This fact is associated with poverty in these states.

What is the effect of dizziness on the quality of life for patients with Meniere's disease?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of dizziness on quality of life (QOL) in Meniere's disease (MD) patients.

METHODS OF STUDY

Fifty definite MD patients were submitted to the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), in and out of crisis. The DHI scores were correlated to age, sex, race, disease duration, unilateral/bilateral labyrinth involvement, duration/frequency of vertigo attacks, vestibular and auditory function, aural fullness, tinnitus, imbalance and functional disabilities. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA.

RESULTS

During crisis, all DHI aspects scores were statistically higher (p < 0.001) than out of crisis. Out of crisis, a statistically significant correlation was found between physical, functional and total scores and bilateral involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

QOL impairment is worse during a Meniere's crisis. Out of crisis, QOL impairment is greater in patients with bilateral involvement.

Genetic Selection for Susceptibility to Oral Tolerance Leads to a Profound Reduction of the Acute Inflammatory Response

Strains of mice obtained by genetic selection to extremes of phenotype for susceptibility or resistance to oral tolerance were investigated for possible genetic correlations with acute inflammatory response using different models of inflammation. The results show a strong genetic association.

A study of the fish community structure in a tidal creek

The fish assemblage in a mangrove tidal creek was studied in monthly collections between August 1998 and July 1999 in the quadrature low tide and high tide, using a fyke net of 30 m x 1.5 m and meshes of 8 and 10 mm. Simultaneously with the biological collections, temperature, salinity, pH, water transparency, and current speed data were obtained. The collections resulted in the capture of 36,873 fish representing 22 families and 52 species. Immature individuals abounded (63.8%), and among the adult specimens there was a larger number of females. The species Anchoa parva, Harengula clupeola, Genidens genidens, and Bairdiella ronchus, contributed to 84.9% of the total capture of fish, however the contribution in mass was of 55.2%, indicating a predominance of small individuals. A smaller number of fish and species seem to occupy the area in the period between August and December, in comparison to the period between February and July, when the larger aggregations appear, mainly of the species Anchoa parva, Harengula clupeola, Opisthonema oglinum, Genidens genidens, Diapterus rhombeus, and Bairdiella ronchus. The environmental factors, pH, water transparency, and rainfall seem to have an influence in the structure of the observed biological patterns.

A role for IL-18 in neutrophil activation

IL-18 expression and functional activity has been identified in several autoimmune and infectious diseases. To clarify the potential role of IL-18 during early innate immune responses, we have explored the capacity of IL-18 to activate neutrophils. Human peripheral blood-derived neutrophils constitutively expressed IL-18R (alpha and beta) commensurate with the capacity to rapidly respond to IL-18. IL-18 induced cytokine and chemokine release from neutrophils that was protein synthesis dependent, up-regulated CD11b expression, induced granule release, and enhanced the respiratory burst following exposure to fMLP, but had no effect upon the rate of neutrophil apoptosis. The capacity to release cytokine and chemokine was significantly enhanced in neutrophils derived from rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid, indicating differential responsiveness to IL-18 dependent upon prior neutrophil activation in vivo. Finally, IL-18 administration promoted neutrophil accumulation in vivo, whereas IL-18 neutralization suppressed the severity of footpad inflammation following carrageenan injection. The latter was accompanied by reduction in tissue myeloperoxidase expression and suppressed local TNF-alpha production. Together, these data define a novel role for IL-18 in activating neutrophils and thereby promoting early innate immune responses.

[Health care: a critical review]

Historic review of the medical care in a marketing context as part o Welfare State as claimed by economists. The medical work in our century may be inserted in services domain and it is no more a preoccupation of administrative neoliberal schedule. Instead, the financial issues entirely hold heart and mind of our governors.

Primary antiphospholipid syndrome presented by total infarction of right kidney with nephrotic syndrome

We report the case of a young woman with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), which presented with acute renal failure, hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and nephrotic proteinuria. Investigations showed total infarction of right kidney by extensive arterial and vein thrombosis and presence of anticardiolipin antibodies IgG isotype (anti-beta2-glycoprotein I-positive). She was submitted to right nefrectomy and initiated anticoagulant therapy. After nefrectomy, the postoperative period was marked by the development of arterial hypertension and persistence of nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension was treated with antihypertensive drugs (IECA, beta-blocker and calcium antagonist). As the nephrotic syndrome persisted despite anticoagulant and antihypertensive therapy, the patient was treated with oral corticosteroids. Her renal function improved, hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia corrected to normal values and proteinuria decreased to subnephrotic value. We discuss the unusual presentation of this case of primary antiphospholipid syndrome with total unilateral renal thrombosis and nephrotic syndrome that respond to anticoagulant, antihypertensive and corticosteroid therapy.