The concept of participation in a program of bronchial asthma control

An experiment involving the participation of mothers of asthmatic children was carried out at the Child Institute of the University of São Paulo, Brazil, a Children's Teaching Hospital. The experiment emphasized an intensive educational program input based on dialogue and problem solving involving both mothers and health professionals. The study demonstrated the possibilities of adoption of an open educational attitude by health professionals which permits participation of patients in a self-care process. It also helped to improve knowledge, attitudes, and practice of the mothers of asthmatic children.

A highly thermostable trehalase from the thermophilic bacterium Rhodothermus marinus

Trehalases play a central role in the metabolism of trehalose and can be found in a wide variety of organisms. A periplasmic trehalase (alpha,alpha-trehalose glucohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.28) from the thermophilic bacterium Rhodothermus marinus was purified and the respective encoding gene was identified, cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant trehalase is a monomeric protein with a molecular mass of 59 kDa. Maximum activity was observed at 88 degrees C and pH 6.5. The recombinant trehalase exhibited a K(m) of 0.16 mM and a V(max) of 81 micromol of trehalose (min)(-1) (mg of protein)(-1) at the optimal temperature for growth of R. marinus (65 degrees C) and pH 6.5. The enzyme was highly specific for trehalose and was inhibited by glucose with a K(i) of 7 mM. This is the most thermostable trehalase ever characterized. Moreover, this is the first report on the identification and characterization of a trehalase from a thermophilic bacterium.

Revascularization of the ischaemic hand using in situ veins

Chronic severe ischaemia of the upper limb is rare, due to the low incidence of arterial disease and to the presence of an adequate pre-existent collateral network. However, sometimes it occasionally occurs, dictating the need for revascularization. Since 1990, the authors have revascularized five upper extremities with severe ischaemic changes, employing the cephalic and/or basilic veins, used in situ. The aetiology of the arterial disease was autoimmune in one case and late sequelae of trauma in the others. Of the in situ venous bypasses performed, three were brachial-radial, and two sequential grafts (one axillary-radial-ulnar and one axillary-brachial-radial-ulnar). One concomitant sympathectomy was performed. All patients had excellent early and late results which leads the authors to recommend such revascularization of the forearm and hand, especially in the presence of severe ischaemia.

Changes in oxygen saturation during inhalation induction of anaesthesia in children

Changes in oxygen saturation (SaO2) were studied during induction of anaesthesia in 48 healthy children receiving halothane or isoflurane for outpatient dental extractions. Substantial reductions in SaO2 occurred in more than 50% of the children given isoflurane and were associated with the irritant effects of this agent on the airway. SaO2 was largely unaltered during the use of halothane. These findings indicate that the airway complications caused by isoflurane may be associated with decreases in SaO2.

A karyological study of turtles from the Brazilian Amazon region

The karyo types of five turtles of the genus <i>Podocnemis </i>from the Amazon Region of Brazil were determined. Four species, <i>P</i>. <i>cayennensis, P</i>. <i>expansa, P</i>. <i>sextuberculata </i>and <i>P</i>. <i>unifilis </i>have 28 (2n) chromosomes and one, <i>P</i>. <i>dumeriliana, </i>has 26 (2n). No morphologically distinguishable sex chromosomes could be observed. The difference in number in <i>P</i>. <i>dumeriliana </i>can be explained by the occurrence of a centric fusion. The chromosome numbers in this genus are extremely low when compared with the range previously found in Chelonia (2n = 50 to 64).