Physical and physiological soybean seed qualities stored under different environmental conditions and storage bag depths

The Brazilian Midwest is responsible for 54.3% of the country's soybean production. Adequate storage technologies are essential to maintain physical, physiological, and sanitary seed qualities while also minimizing deterioration processes and consequent germination and vigor declines. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological potential and physical qualities of soybean seeds stored under different environmental conditions and storage bag depths. Assays were carried out in September 2021 employing Foco 74i77 RSF IPRO cultivar seeds stored from April to August 2021 under three conditions, as follows: chilled at an average temperature of ≤20 °C, at an average temperature of ≤25 °C using a with blanket, and in without blanket warehouse structure at an average temperature of ≥25 °C with no with blanket. A completely randomized 3x3 factorial experimental design was applied, comprising three storage environments and three bag positions (top, middle, and bottom), with three replication each. Physical, physiological, and biochemical tests were performed on the stored seeds. The findings indicate better seed preservation in the chilled environment or when using a with blanket, with significant differences noted for seeds stored the middle of the storage bag. Therefore, soybean seed storage in a chilled environment or using a with blanket aids in slowing down the seed deterioration processes, preserving physiological quality and vigor compared to a conventional storage environment. Additionally, the quality of soybean seeds stored under these conditions in the middle of storage bags is maintained.

Corrigendum: Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): a study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1087188.].

Characteristics associated with antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age fetuses: prospective cohort study nested within DESiGN randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical characteristics and patterns of ultrasound use amongst pregnancies with an antenatally unidentified small-for-gestational-age (SGA) fetus, compared with those in which SGA is identified, to understand how to design interventions that improve antenatal SGA identification.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of singleton, non-anomalous SGA (birth weight < 10th centile) neonates born after 24 + 0 gestational weeks at 13 UK sites, recruited for the baseline period and control arm of the DESiGN trial. Pregnancy with antenatally unidentified SGA was defined if there was no scan or if the final scan showed estimated fetal weight (EFW) at the 10th centile or above. Identified SGA was defined if EFW was below the 10th centile at the last scan. Maternal and fetal sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were studied for associations with unidentified SGA using unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. Ultrasound parameters (gestational age at first growth scan, number and frequency of ultrasound scans) were described, stratified by presence of indication for serial ultrasound. Associations of unidentified SGA with absolute centile and percentage weight difference between the last scan and birth were also studied on unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression, according to time between the last scan and birth.

RESULTS

Of the 15 784 SGA babies included, SGA was not identified antenatally in 78.7% of cases. Of pregnancies with unidentified SGA, 47.1% had no recorded growth scan. Amongst 9410 pregnancies with complete data on key maternal comorbidities and antenatal complications, the risk of unidentified SGA was lower for women with any indication for serial scans (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 0.56 (95% CI, 0.49-0.64)), for Asian compared with white women (aOR, 0.80 (95% CI, 0.69-0.93)) and for those with non-cephalic presentation at birth (aOR, 0.58 (95% CI, 0.46-0.73)). The risk of unidentified SGA was highest among women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 (aOR, 1.15 (95% CI, 1.01-1.32)) and lowest in those with underweight BMI (aOR, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.48-0.76)) compared to women with BMI of 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 . Compared to women with identified SGA, those with unidentified SGA had fetuses of higher SGA birth-weight centile (adjusted odds for unidentified SGA increased by 1.21 (95% CI, 1.18-1.23) per one-centile increase between the 0th and 10th centiles). Duration between the last scan and birth increased with advancing gestation in pregnancies with unidentified SGA. SGA babies born within a week of the last growth scan had a mean difference between EFW and birth-weight centiles of 19.5 (SD, 13.8) centiles for the unidentified-SGA group and 0.2 (SD, 3.3) centiles for the identified-SGA group (adjusted mean difference between groups, 19.0 (95% CI, 17.8-20.1) centiles).

CONCLUSIONS

Unidentified SGA was more common amongst women without an indication for serial ultrasound, and in those with cephalic presentation at birth, BMI of 25.0-29.9 kg/m2 and less severe SGA. Ultrasound EFW was overestimated in women with unidentified SGA. This demonstrates the importance of improving the accuracy of SGA screening strategies in low-risk populations and continuing performance of ultrasound scans for term pregnancies. © 2022 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Home-based exercise program in the indeterminate form of Chagas disease (PEDI-CHAGAS study): A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

Background

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected endemic disease with worldwide impact due to migration. Approximately 50-70% of individuals in the chronic phase of CD present the indeterminate form, characterized by parasitological and/or serological evidence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection, but without clinical signs and symptoms. Subclinical abnormalities have been reported in indeterminate form of CD, including pro-inflammatory states and alterations in cardiac function, biomarkers and autonomic modulation. Moreover, individuals with CD are usually impacted on their personal and professional life, making social insertion difficult and impacting their mental health and quality of life (QoL). Physical exercise has been acknowledged as an important strategy to prevent and control numerous chronic-degenerative diseases, but unexplored in individuals with the indeterminate form of CD. The PEDI-CHAGAS study (which stands for "Home-Based Exercise Program in the Indeterminate Form of Chagas Disease" in Portuguese) aims to evaluate the effects of a home-based exercise program on physical and mental health outcomes in individuals with indeterminate form of CD.

Methods and design

The PEDI-CHAGAS is a two-arm (exercise and control) phase 3 superiority randomized clinical trial including patients with indeterminate form of CD. The exclusion criteria are <18 years old, evidence of non-Chagasic cardiomyopathy, musculoskeletal or cognitive limitations that preclude the realization of exercise protocol, clinical contraindication for regular exercise, and regular physical exercise (≥1 × per week). Participants will be assessed at baseline, and after three and 6 months of follow-up. The primary outcome will be QoL. Secondary outcomes will include blood pressure, physical fitness components, nutritional status, fatigability, autonomic modulation, cardiac morphology and function, low back pain, depression and anxiety, stress, sleep quality, medication use and adherence, and biochemical, inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers. Participants in the intervention group will undergo a home-based exercise program whilst those in the control group will receive only general information regarding the benefits of physical activity. Both groups will receive the same general nutritional counseling consisting of general orientations about healthy diets.

Conclusion

The findings from the present study may support public health intervention strategies to improve physical and mental health parameters to be implemented more effectively in this population.

Clinical trial registration

[https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10yxgcr9/], identifier [U1111-1263-0153].

The association of exercise test variables with long-term mortality in patients with chronic Chagas disease

Background

The identification of variables obtained in the exercise test (ET) associated with increased risk of death is clinically relevant and would provide additional information for the management of Chagas disease (CD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the association of ET variables with mortality in patients with chronic CD.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal observational study included 232 patients (median age 46.0 years; 50% women) with CD that were followed at the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and performed an ET between 1989 and 2000. The outcome of interest was all-cause mortality.

Results

There were 103 deaths (44.4%) during a median follow-up of 21.5 years (IQR 25–75% 8.0–27.8), resulting in 24.5 per 1,000 patients/year incidence rate. The ET variables associated with mortality after adjustments for potential confounders were increased maximal (HR 1.02; 95% CI 1.00–1.03 per mmHg) and change (HR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.06 per mmHg) of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) during ET, ventricular tachycardia at rest (HR 3.95; 95% CI 1.14–13.74), during exercise (HR 2.73; 95% CI 1.44–5.20), and recovery (HR 2.60; 95% CI 1.14–5.91), and premature ventricular complexes during recovery (HR 2.06; 1.33–3.21).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that ET provides important prognostic value for mortality risk assessment in patients with CD, with hemodynamic (increased DBP during exercise) and electrocardiographic (presence of ventricular arrhythmias) variables independently associated with an increased mortality risk in patients with CD. The identification of individuals at higher mortality risk can facilitate the development of intervention strategies (e.g., close follow-up) that may potentially have an impact on the longevity of patients with CD.

Quality of life and associated factors in patients with chronic Chagas disease

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with Chagas disease (CD) and the association between QoL domains and several clinical, socioeconomic and lifestyle characteristics of this population.

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study conducted from March 2014 to March 2017 including a total of 361 outpatients followed at Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Disease, Brazil. QoL was assessed using the Portuguese shorter version of the original WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF). Information about clinical CD presentation, presence of comorbidities, functional class, previous benznidazole treatment, socioeconomic profile and lifestyle was also obtained.

RESULTS

Environment and physical domains presented the worst QoL scores, while the social relationship domain presented the highest score. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that variables independently associated with QoL were functional class, sex, clinical presentation of CD, sleep duration, schooling, physical activity level, smoking, income per capita and residents by domicile.

CONCLUSIONS

The low socioeconomic status and the physical limitations imposed by the disease presented an important impact on the QoL reduction among CD patients, especially on environment and physical domains. Strategies to improve QoL among CD patients should be tailored and consider many different variables to maximise improvements not only of patients' physical but also of their mental health.

Robotic cardiac surgery in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Brazil, the largest country and economy in South America, is a major driving force behind the development of new medical technologies in the region. Robotic cardiac surgery (RCS) has been evolving rapidly since 2010, when the first surgery using the DaVinci^® robotic system was performed in Latin America. The aim of this article is to evaluate short and mid-term results in patients undergoing robotic cardiac surgery in Brazil.

METHODS

From March 2010 to December 2015, 39 consecutive patients underwent robotic cardiac surgery. Twenty-seven patients were male (69.2%), with the mean age of 51.3±17.9 years. Participants had a mean ejection fraction of 62±5%. The procedures included in this study were mitral valve surgery, surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation, atrial septal defect closure, resection of intra-cardiac tumors, totally endoscopic coronary artery bypass and pericardiectomy.

RESULTS

The mean time spent on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during RCS was 154.9±94.2 minutes and the mean aortic cross-clamp time was 114.48±75.66 minutes. Thirty-two patients (82%) were extubated in the operating room immediately after surgery. The median intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay was 1 day (ranging from 0 to 25) and the median hospital length of stay was 5 days (ranging from 3 to 25). For each type of procedure, endpoints were individually reported. There were no conversions to sternotomy and no intra-operative complications. Patient follow-up was complete in 100% of the participants, with two early deaths unrelated to the procedures and no re-operations at mid-term.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the heterogeneity of this series, RCS appears to be feasible, safe and effective when used for the correction of various intra- and extra-cardiac pathologies. Adopting the robotic system has been a challenge in Brazil, where its limited clinical application may be related to the lack of specific training and the high cost of technology.

Does being an Olympic city help improve recreational resources? Examining the quality of physical activity resources in a low-income neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro

OBJECTIVES

To assess the quality of public physical activity resources (PARs) in a low socio-economic community in the Olympic city of Rio de Janeiro.

METHODS

The Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) instrument was used to assess all 29 public PARs located in this community. A quality indicator (QI) was developed based on PARA results.

RESULTS

The average QI of the areas assessed was 1.3 ± 6.40 and the median 1 point, a considerably low score if compared to scores of public PARs across the city (13.6 ± 4.91 and 13 points).

CONCLUSIONS

The urban regeneration necessary for hosting mega-sport events is frequently promoted as an opportunity to enhance PARs and therefore to improve health through physical activity (PA) participation. Findings indicate that the high number of elements that can discourage the use of these spaces may help explain the low level of PA during leisure time that has been previously reported of residents of the same neighborhood. Whether using the Olympic Games as catalyst or not, policies designed to encourage PA should focus also on the built environment.

Physical activity overcomes the effects of cumulative work time on hypertension prevalence among Brazilian taxi drivers

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity profile of taxi drivers and its relationship with hypertension prevalence in this group of workers.

METHODS

Cross sectional exploratory study. Between November 2008 and April 2009, 491 taxi drivers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, answered a questionnaire focusing on previous hypertension diagnosis, occupational characteristics and physical activity habits. Two logistic models were developed to determine risk factors related to hypertension and to find variables associated with a higher probability of sedentarism.

RESULTS

Hypertension prevalence was 22.6%. The workload of the group investigated was high. Results indicate that 'age', 'Body Mass Index', 'physical activity', and 'years as a taxi driver' are related to the probability of hypertension. Physical activity was shown to be a protection factor for hypertension, even considering the deleterious effect of time as a taxi driver. Our results also determined that the practice of physical activity is influenced by age, level of education and workload.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that programs to combat sedentary lifestyles as well as measures to reduce workloads be developed as strategies to prevent hypertension.

Intravarietal polymorphisms reveal possible common ancestor of native Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi populations in Brazil

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is a perennial native from Atlantic forest. It is of high ecological plasticity and is used in traditional medicine. Based on promising reports concerning its bioactivity, it was included as a species of great interest for distribution through the National Health System. A number of agronomic studies to guide its crop production are therefore underway. This study examined diversity and phylogenetic relationships among native S. terebinthifolius populations from different Brazilian ecosystems: Cerrado; sandbanks; dense rainforest; and deciduous forest. The intergenic regions rpl20-5'rps12, trnH-psbA, and trnS-trnG were sequenced from cpDNA and aligned using BLASTn. There were few fragments for comparison in GenBank and so only region trnS-trnG was informative. There were variations among and within populations with intravarietal polymorphisms and three distinct haplotypes (HpSM, HpDDO, HpNE), once populations from NE (sandbanks and rainforest) clustered together. Sequences from HpSM, HpNE, and HpDDO returned greater similarity to haplotypes A (AY928398.1), B (AY928399.1), and C (AY928400.1), respectively. A network, built by median-joining among native haplotypes and 10 available on GenBank, revealed HpSM as the origin of all other haplogroups. HpDDO showed the most mutations and was closely related to haplogroups from Argentina. While this could indicate hybridization, we believe that the polymorphisms resulted from adaptation to events such as deforestation, fire, rising temperature, and seasonal drought during the transition from Atlantic forest to Cerrado. While more detailed phylogeographical studies are needed, these results indicate eligible groups for distinct climates as an important step for pre-breeding programs before field propagation.

Phenolic compounds of Hibiscus sabdariffa and influence of organic residues on its antioxidant and antitumoral properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic and flavonoids contents and the antioxidant and antitumoral activity of leaf and calyx methanolic extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) cultivated with poultry litter and organosuper® under three modes of application. The total phenolic content in the each extract was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and for aluminium chloride flavonoids. The antioxidant parameters were analyzed using a 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH.) free radical scavenging assay. An antitumor colorimetric assay using sulforhodamine B. The highest contents of phenolic and flavonoids were observed in leaf extracts (389.98 and 104.52 mg g-1, respectively) and calyx extracts (474.09 and 148.35 mg g-1, respectively) from plants cultivated with organosuper®, although these values did not differ significantly from those observed for the other treatments. The average IC50 of leaves (43.48 μg mL-1) and calyces (37.15 μg mL-1) demonstrated that both have substances that may contribute to free radical scavenging action. The methanol extract from calyces showed significant selective activity against a leukemia line (K-562), with IC50 values of 0.12 mg mL-1 (organosuper®) and 1.16 mg mL-1 (poultry litter), with concentration-dependent, cytotoxic and cytocidal effects.

Physical activity levels of economically disadvantaged women living in the Olympic city of Rio de Janeiro

The objective of this study was to analyze the physical activity patterns of women living in a low-income community located in close proximity to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Park. Data (N = 140) were collected in June and July 2012 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Findings indicated that the majority (54.8%) of participants reported high levels of physical activity. The domains that contributed the most to this pattern were occupational and household physical activity. Significantly, 88.1% of participants reported low physical activity levels during their leisure-time. In the transport-related domain, participants were relatively more active, but more than half of them (57%) spent less than 600 MET-minutes/week in this domain. The results highlighted the discrepancies between different physical activity domains. In addition, the findings also suggested that low-income women in our study engaged little in physical activity during their leisure time. Therefore, the proposed commitments found in the Rio de Janeiro Candidature File to host the 2016 Olympic Games to increase sport/physical activity participation within low-income communities in Rio de Janeiro need to be implemented effectively if this physical activity behavior during self-directed time is to be changed.

Network meta-analysis of longitudinal data using fractional polynomials

Network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often based on one treatment effect measure per study. However, many studies report data at multiple time points. Furthermore, not all studies measure the outcomes at the same time points. As an alternative to a network meta-analysis based on a synthesis of the results at one time point, a network meta-analysis method is presented that allows for the simultaneous analysis of outcomes at multiple time points. The development of outcomes over time of interventions compared in an RCT is modeled with fractional polynomials, and the differences between the parameters of these polynomials within a trial are synthesized across studies with a Bayesian network meta-analysis. The proposed models are illustrated with an analysis of RCTs evaluating interventions for osteoarthritis of the knee. Fixed and random effects second order fractional polynomials were applied to the case study. Network meta-analysis with models that represent the treatment effects in terms of several parameters using fractional polynomials can be considered a useful addition to models for network meta-analysis of repeated measures previously proposed. When RCTs report treatment effects at multiple follow-up times, these models can be used to synthesize the results even if reporting times differ across the studies.

In vitro biological screening of the anticholinesterase and antiproliferative activities of medicinal plants belonging to Annonaceae

The aim of this research was to investigate the antiproliferative and anticholinesterase activities of 11 extracts from 5 Annonaceae species in vitro. Antiproliferative activity was assessed using 10 human cancer cell lines. Thin-layer chromatography and a microplate assay were used to screen the extracts for acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitors using Ellman's reagent. The chemical compositions of the active extracts were investigated using high performance liquid chromatography. Eleven extracts obtained from five Annonaceae plant species were active and were particularly effective against the UA251, NCI-470 lung, HT-29, NCI/ADR, and K-562 cell lines with growth inhibition (GI₅₀) values of 0.04-0.06, 0.02-0.50, 0.01-0.12, 0.10-0.27, and 0.02-0.04 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, the Annona crassiflora and A. coriacea seed extracts were the most active among the tested extracts and the most effective against the tumor cell lines, with GI₅₀ values below 8.90 µg/mL. The A. cacans extract displayed the lowest activity. Based on the microplate assay, the percent AchE inhibition of the extracts ranged from 12 to 52%, and the A. coriacea seed extract resulted in the greatest inhibition (52%). Caffeic acid, sinapic acid, and rutin were present at higher concentrations in the A. crassiflora seed samples. The A. coriacea seeds contained ferulic and sinapic acid. Overall, the results indicated that A. crassiflora and A. coriacea extracts have antiproliferative and anticholinesterase properties, which opens up new possibilities for alternative pharmacotherapy drugs.

Physical activity overcomes the effects of cumulative work time on hypertension prevalence among Brazilian taxi drivers

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess the physical activity profile of taxi drivers and its relationship with hypertension prevalence in this group of workers.

METHODS

Cross sectional exploratory study. Between November 2008 and April 2009, 491 taxi drivers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, answered a questionnaire focusing on previous hypertension diagnosis, occupational characteristics and physical activity habits. Two logistic models were developed to determine risk factors related to hypertension and to find variables associated with a higher probability of sedentarism.

RESULTS

Hypertension prevalence was 22.6%. The workload of the group investigated was high. Results indicate that 'age', 'body mass index', 'physical activity', and 'years as a taxi driver' are related to the probability of hypertension. Physical activity was shown to be a protection factor for hypertension, even considering the deleterious effect of time as a taxi driver. Our results also determined that the practice of physical activity is influenced by age, level of education and workload.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended that programs to combat sedentary lifestyles as well as measures to reduce workloads be developed as strategies to prevent hypertension.

Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Annona Species on the Development and Reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) causes significant losses in corn crops and necessitates the use of alternative control strategies, such as the application of bioinsecticides. We report the effect of methanolic leaf extracts of Annona dioica, Annona cacans, and Annona coriacea on the development and reproduction of S. frugiperda. A quantitative analysis was carried out to determine the total concentration of phenolics, flavonoids, and condensed tannin (CT) in leaf extracts. Corn leaves were immersed in a 1% methanolic leaf extract solution and fed to second instars of S. frugiperda. Leaf disks dipped in the synthetic insecticide Connect® (Bayer CropScience Ltda) composed of a neonicotinoid (imidacloprid) and a pyrethroid (β-cyfluthrin), which are harmful to S. frugiperda, was used as positive control. Distilled water was used as a negative control treatment. The leaf extract of A. coriacea decreased larval survivorship, arrested pupal development, and affected the weight gain of S. frugiperda. A. dioica also affected larval survivorship, but its effects were more pronounced for the adult stage, as fecundity, fertility, egg hatchability, and embryonic development were severely affected. Leaf extracts from A. cacans had no effect on S. frugiperda. The leaf extracts of A. dioica and A. coriacea showed a higher content of flavonoids and phenols, respectively. Our results indicated that both A. dioica and A. coriacea have the potential for development as botanical insecticides.

Chemical composition and free radical-scavenging, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oil from Ocimum kilimandscharicum

OBJECTIVE

The essential oil from the leaves of Ocimum kilimandscharicum (EOOK), collected in Dourados-MS, was investigated for anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and chemical composition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and the chemical composition was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The essential oil was evaluated for free radical-scavenging activity using the DPPH assay and was tested in an anticancer assay against ten human cancer cell lines. The response parameter (GI50) was calculated for the cell lines tested. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced pleurisy in mice.

RESULTS

The chemical composition showed 45 components with a predominance of monoterpenes, such as camphor (51.81%), 1,8 cineole (20.13%) and limonene (11.23%). The EOOK exhibited potent free radical-scavenging activity by the DPPH assay with a GI50 of 8.31 μg/ml. The major constituents, pure camphor (IC50=12.56 μg/ml) and mixture of the limonene: 1, 8 cineole (IC50=23.25 μg/ml) displayed a potent activity. The oral administration of EOOK (at 30 and 100 mg kg(-1)), as well as the pure camphor or a mixture of 1,8 cineole with limonene, significantly inhibited the carrageenan (Cg) induced pleurisy, reducing the migration of total leukocytes in mice by 82 ± 4% (30 mg kg(-1) of EOOK), 95 ± 4% (100 mg kg(-1) of EOOK), 83 ± 9% (camphor) and 80 ± 5% (mixture of 1,8 cineole:limonene 1:1). In vitro cytotoxicity screening against a human ovarian cancer cell line displayed high selectivity and potent anticancer activity with GI50=31.90 mg ml(-1). This work describes the anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant effects of EOOK for the first time.

CONCLUSIONS

The essential oil exhibited marked anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer effects, an effect that can be attributed the presence of majorital compounds, and the response profiles from chemical composition differed from other oils collected in different locales.

Effects of domperidone on QTc interval in infants

AIM

To prospectively evaluate the effects of oral domperidone on the QTc interval in infants.

METHODS

Infants (0-1 year) with a diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) disease were included. A 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) was performed in all infants at baseline and 1 h after the intake of domperidone after 7-14 days; the corrected QTc interval was calculated by one investigator (MV) according to Bazett's formula.

RESULTS

Forty-five infants were enrolled in this study. The mean gestational age was of 38.6 weeks (35.5-42.0), and the mean age at the start of domperidone was 75.3 days (19-218 days). No statistically significant difference in corrected QTc was observed between baseline and the second ECG (0.389 ± 0.02 vs. 0.397 ± 0.31; p 0.130)). A trend was observed regarding gender: Although there was no difference in QTc change in girls (p 0.622), there was a strong trend in boys (p 0.051). Two infants (both boys) had a clinically significant QTc prolongation (> 460 msec) without symptoms. The Spearman correlation test showed no relation between the QTc change and age (r: -0.05822; p 0.7284). There was no relation between domperidone dosage and QTc change.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the group-analysis showed no statistical significant difference in QTc duration induced by domperidone. However, 2/45 (4.4%) infants had a prolonged QTc interval (> 460 msec) induced by domperidone. As a consequence, QTc measurement should be recommended in routine in infants when domperidone is started.

Anatomic study of the tricuspid valve in children

We performed an anatomic study of the right atrioventricular valve in children under one year of age using a conservative method of dissection of the heart valve. The main aspects studied were the number of cusps and their morphometric characteristics, such as the width of the base and the depth of the cusps. Other parameters studied were the number of papillary muscles, number of tendinous cords, and diameter of the fibrous ring and the last one were divided in three regions, anterior, posterior and septal for localization of cusps. Our results showed that the number of cusps varied from two to four. Three cusps was the commonest finding and the fourth cusp, if present, was classified as anterolateral in location. The anterior and septal cusps had bases bigger than those of the posterior and anterolateral cusps; the septal cusp was deeper than the others; and the number of tendinous cords was greater for the anterior and septal cusps than for the posterior and anterolateral cusps. In addition, the posterior region showed great variability: in 35.7% it was occupied by undeveloped valve tissue and the posterior valve in these cases was located anteriorly.

Kinetic parameters estimation for ascorbic acid degradation in fruit nectar using the Partial Equivalent Isothermal Exposures (PEIE) method under non-isothermal continuous heating conditions

With the purpose of testing the Paired Equivalent Isothermal Exposures (PEIE) method to determine reaction kinetic parameters under non-isothermal conditions, continuous pasteurizations were carried out with a tropical fruit nectar [25% cupuaçu (Theobroma grandiflorum) pulp and 15% sugar] to estimate the ascorbic acid thermal degradation kinetic parameters. Fifteen continuous thermal exposures were studied, with seven being cycled. The experimental ascorbic acid thermal degradation kinetic parameters were estimated by the PEIE method (E(a) = 73 +/- 9 kJ/mol, k(8)(0)( degrees )(C) = 0.017 +/- 0.001 min(-)(1)). These values compared very well to the previously determined values for the same product under isothermal conditions (E(a) = 73 +/- 7 kJ/mol, k(8)(0)( degrees )(C) = 0.020 +/- 0.001 min(-)(1)). The predicted extents of reaction presented a good fit to the experimental data, although the cycled thermal treatments presented some deviation. In addition to being easier and faster than the Isothermal method, the PEIE method can be a more reliable method to estimate first-order reaction kinetic parameters when continuous heating is considered.

Thermal inactivation of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores under different temperature, soluble solids and pH conditions for the design of fruit processes

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, a thermoacidophilic, non-pathogenic and spore-forming bacterium has been detected in several spoiled commercial pasteurised fruit juices. A. acidoterrestris spores, besides being resistant to the pasteurisation treatment conditions normally applied to acidic fruit products, can germinate and grow causing spoilage. Therefore, this microorganism was suggested as the target to be used in the design of adequate pasteurisation processes. The objectives of this work were to investigate the influence of temperature (T: 85-97 degrees C), total soluble solids (SS: 5-60 degrees Brix or % by weight) and pH (2.5-6.0) on D-values (decimal reduction time) of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris (type strain, NCIMB 13137) spores, and to fit a model using response surface methodology. A central composite face-centred experimental design was used, and the response, D-value determined in malt extract broth, ranged between 0.498+/-0.045 and 94.9+/-6.7 min. Within the factor ranges studied, temperature was the parameter that most affected the D-value. Following this was the SS and, lastly, the pH value. A linear decrease in D-value was observed with decreasing SS and pH, and a non-linear decrease in D-value was noticed with increasing temperature. A second order polynomial was successfully fitted to the data (R2 = 0.98). In general, D-values measured in real fruit systems, such as orange, apple and grape juices, blackcurrant concentrates, cupuaçu (exotic fruit) extract and orange juice drink, were higher than those predicted by the malt extract broth model. This result emphasises the importance of experimental validation of any model-derived process.

[Angiography of the coronary venous system. Use in clinical electrophysiology]

PURPOSE

To study the angiographic anatomy of human coronary veins and the possibility of epicardial venous mapping through microelectrode catheters.

METHODS

We evaluated 30 patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia using a catheter which provided occlusion of the coronary sinus ostium during venous angiography. They were 25 males, 5 females, ages ranging from 24 to 76 years (mean = 52.7). The veins were studied according to their number, caliber and distribution in the anterior and posterior wall of the left ventricle.

RESULTS

Coronary sinus was catheterized in all patients. No discomfort or complication were observed. The number of veins from posterior wall of the left ventricle was 3.1 and anterior wall, 1.9, p < 0.05. The caliber of the coronary veins were: anterior interventricular vein (distal segment = 1.19 +/- 0.22 mm, middle segment = 1.65 +/- 0.35 mm), posterior interventricular vein (distal segment = 1.83 +/- 0.47 mm, middle segment = 2.00 +/- 0.52 mm), left posterior vein (distal segment = 1.45 +/- 0.25 mm, middle segment = 2.49 +/- 0.92 mm); p < 0.05.

CONCLUSION

The balloon occlusion technique for coronary venous angiography is feasible and safe. The number and the caliber (distal and middle) of the veins from the posterior wall of the left ventricle were significantly greater than those from the anterior wall. Anatomic conditions for venous epicardial mapping are more adequate in the posterior wall of the left ventricle.

Adsorption of protein from several commercial lipase preparations onto a hollow-fiber membrane module

Ten commercially available crude preparations of lipase from various microbial sources were adsorbed from aqueous buffers at several initial concentrations onto a bundle of hydrophobic hollow fibers made of poly(propylene) at pH 7.0 and 40 degrees C. The kinetics of adsorption were evaluated from measurements at various times of the protein content of the supernatant solution (using BSA as equivalent) in a well-mixed reservoir placed in series with the hollow fiber module. Preliminary tracer experiments have indicated that the module and the tank can be simulated as a system consisting of a plug flow reactor in series with a continuous stirred tank reactor. A mechanistic model based on the hydrodynamic assumptions associated with this system coupled with the postulation of two reversible first-order steps for the adsorption of protein was successfully fitted to the experimental data via nonlinear regression analysis. The statistical significance of the model was checked using tests for lack of fit. This work is useful in predicting the time period required to immobilize a (crude) lipase by adsorption onto a hydrophobic hollow fiber module, a configuration which has proved successful in the recent past for the performance of lipase-catalyzed reactions.

Linear growth after colectomy for ulcerative colitis in childhood

Eighteen children and adolescents, of a total of 90 treated in our unit between 1982 and 1992, underwent colectomy for ulceractive colitis. Six (6.7%) of the 90 patients had short stature, i.e., a height below the 3rd centile, and 8 of the 18 who had surgery had a subnormal height velocity, i.e., below the 25th centile for age at the time of surgery. Surgery was performed for resistance to medical therapy (n = 13) or toxic megacolon (n = 5). Surgery was followed by catch-up growth, i.e., increasing height velocity, in eight subjects and cessation of the trend of diminishing height velocity, but without catch-up growth, in five. In 11 of the subjects who were prepubertal, the median height velocity increased from 3.85 cm/year preoperatively to 7.35 cm/year postoperatively (p < 0.01). One year after surgery, 14 of the 18 patients were either asymptomatic or substantially improved. Surgery therefore led to improved linear growth and a prolonged symptom-free period in most of the children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis undergoing this treatment.

Effect of protein kinase inhibitors on the invasion process of macrophages by Trypanosoma cruzi

The interaction of Trypanosoma cruzi with different vertebrate cells involves two distinct steps, attachment and internalization. Genistein and staurosporine, drugs which inhibit protein kinases, specially tyrosine kinase, are able to block the infection of macrophages by T. cruzi, suggesting that protein phosphorylation is a key event on this process.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve in relation to the inferior constrictor muscle of the pharynx

The point of penetration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve into the larynx is recognized as the most frequent site of injury to the nerve during surgical procedures of the thyroid gland. The anatomical relationships of 25 right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves in 25 anatomical blocks from formalin-fixed human corpses have been studied. In 34 cases (68%), the recurrent laryngeal nerve penetrated into the larynx below the lower fibers of the inferior constrictor muscle of the pharynx (type 1 of penetration). In the remaining 16 cases (32%), the nerve crossed through those muscle fibers to penetrate into the larynx (type 2 of penetration). The thyroid gland was found to involve the recurrent laryngeal nerve at the penetration point into the larynx in 19 of 50 cases (38%).

Morphological study of one septal trabecula carnea of the left ventricle

This work was carried out in 50 hearts of human adult cadavers of both sexes, whose obit causes were not related to diseases which could have been directly involved with the heart. The septal trabecula carnea was identified in 45 hearts (90%), with origin in the superior portion of the interventricular septum and the other extremity was sited in 33 cases (61.1%) in the base of the anterior papillary muscle. It was unique in 37 hearts (82.2%) and dissociated in 8 hearts (17.8%). The more frequent length and width was 40 mm and 3 mm, respectively.

[Regional irrigation of the pericardium in children]

PURPOSE

To investigate the irrigation of both fibrous pericardium and the parietal layer of serosal pericardium in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The cadavers of 10 children of both sexes, under the age of one. In this study we adopted the regional divisions described by DI Dio, which considers a plane between the two phrenic nerves that divides the areas of pericardium into ventral and dorsal regions. We also refer to these regions as antephrenic and retrophrenic respectively. In addition, we consider the inferior pericardium to be that portion of pericardial sac related to the diaphragm.

RESULTS

The pericardium ventralis was more frequently irrigated by branches of the following arteries: thoracicae internae dextra and sinistra, pericardiacophrenica dextra in 9 cases; pericardiacophrenica sinistra in 8 cases; and less frequently, by branches of the arteriae phrenicae inferiores dextra and sinistra, epigastrica superior sinistra, thimica, rami thimici of the a. thoracica interna dextra, and rami thimicus and esophagealis of the a. subclavia dextra. The pericardium dorsalis was more frequently supplied b the following arterial branches: bronchiales in 9 cases; esophagealis of the aorta in 8 cases; and in a frequency inferior than 4 cases, we observed the following arteries: thyroidea inferior sinistra, intercostalis suprema, pericardiacophrenicae dextra and sinistra, subclavia sinistra, coronariae dextra and sinistra, phrenicae superior and inferior sinistra, thoracica interna dextra, intercostales posteriores primae dextra and sinistra, truncus costocervalis and rami esophageales of the a. gastrica sinistra. The pericardium inferior was irrigated by branches of the arteriae phrenicae inferiores dextra in 10 cases and sinistra in 9 cases.

CONCLUSION

Analysis of the results demonstrated that similar behavior in the pericardium regional irrigation offers a standard for intervention in the pericardium.

Anatomical study of the human tricuspid valve

An anatomical study of the tricuspid valve was carried out in 50 human hearts of both female and male individuals using a method of dissection which preserves the integrity of the valve. Morphometric criteria such as area of cusp, width of cusp base, relation between commissure depth and cusp depth and morphological criteria such as the presence of atrioventricular cusp node, number of tendinous cords, perimeter of fibrous ring, and properties of papillary m. were adopted for characterization of a cusp. In 64% of cases, commissural cusps were present independent of the number of tricuspid cusps. The tricuspid valve was not consistently tricuspid, but was observed to present 2, 4, 5 or 6 cusps in 72% of cases.