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This work identifies the application of the philosophical and theoretical basis of the social poetic in new conceptions of nursing care. Systematic review of 30 research works. Delimited categories: Dialogue in taking care of as technological instrument; To take care of in nursing as not invasive technology. In the new conceptions of to take care the client is considered the main target of the work in health. It was concluded that the social poetic basis were applied disclosing a perspective on the ethics of to take care, translated into respect with the clients and your knowledge for the self care, leads to the autonomy and solidarity between clients and professionals. The social poetic, as research method and social practice, discloses orienting aspects of a new perspective to be developed in nursing take care of.

Background: Omega-6 fatty acids are important to fetal development. However, during gestation/lactation, these fatty acids may contribute toward the development of fat tissue. Omega-9 fatty acids are associated with a reduction in serum lipids and protection from liver disease., Objectives: The present study investigated the effect of the maternal intake of omega-6 and omega-9 in hypercholesterolemic mothers on the liver of the offspring., Methods: LDL receptor-deficient mice were fed a diet rich in either omega-6 (E6D) or omega-9 (E9D) for 45 days prior to mating and until the birth of the offspring, evaluating the effect on the offspring liver in comparison to a standard diet (STD)., Results: Mothers fed with the E6D experienced an increase in total cholesterol (TC) and the offspring exhibited an increase in TC, hepatic triglycerides (TG), and CC-chemokine ligand (CCL)2/monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 as well as a reduction in HDL. Histological analysis on this group revealed steatosis, leukocyte infiltrate, and increased CCL2/MCP-1 expression. The ultrastructural analysis revealed hepatocytes with lipid droplets and myofibroblasts. The offspring of mothers fed the standard diet exhibited low serum TC, but microvesicular steatosis was observed. The offspring of mothers fed the E9D exhibited lower serum and hepatic TG as well as higher LDL in comparison to the other diets. The histological analyses revealed lower steatosis and leukocyte infiltrate., Conclusions: The findings suggest that hypercholesterolemic mothers with a diet rich in omega-6 fatty acids predispose their offspring to steatohepatitis, whereas a diet rich in omega-9 has a protective effect., (2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Purpose: To evaluate patellar kinematics of volunteers without knee pain at rest and during isometric contraction in open-and closed-kinetic-chain exercises., Methods: Twenty individuals took part in this study. All were submitted to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during rest and voluntary isometric contraction (VIC) in the open and closed kinetic chain at 15 degrees, 30 degrees, and 45 degrees of knee flexion. Through MRI and using medical e-film software, the following measurements were evaluated: sulcus angle, patellar-tilt angle, and bisect offset. The mixed-effects linear model was used for comparison between knee positions, between rest and isometric contractions, and between the exercises., Results: Data analysis revealed that the sulcus angle decreased as knee flexion increased and revealed increases with isometric contractions in both the open and closed kinetic chain for all knee-flexion angles. The patellar-tilt angle decreased with isometric contractions in both the open and closed kinetic chain for every knee position. However, in the closed kinetic chain, patellar tilt increased significantly with the knee flexed at 15 degrees. The bisect offset increased with the knee flexed at 15 degrees during isometric contractions and decreased as knee flexion increased during both exercises., Conclusion: VIC in the last degrees of knee extension may compromise patellar dynamics. On the other hand, it is possible to favor patellar stability by performing muscle contractions with the knee flexed at 30 degrees and 45 degrees in either the open or closed kinetic chain.

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to increased systemic inflammation and arterial hypertension. We hypothesize that OSA is frequent in patients with acute hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and is related to the perihematoma edema., Methods: Thirty-two non-comatose patients with a hypertensive ICH underwent polysomnography in the acute phase. Perihematoma edema volume was measured on CT scans at admission, after 24 h (early control) and after 4-5 days (late control). The Spearman coefficient (r(s)) was used for correlations., Results: OSA occurred in 19 (59.4%) patients. The apnea-hypopnea index was correlated with relative edema at admission CT (r(s) = 0.40; p = 0.031), early CT (r(s) = 0.46; p = 0.011) and at late CT (r(s) = 0.59; p = 0.006)., Conclusions: OSA is highly frequent during the acute phase of hypertensive ICH and is related to perihematoma edema.

Until recently, neuromyelitis optica (NMO) was considered to be a sub-type of multiple sclerosis (MS), which has a strong predilection for Caucasian populations, whereas NMO is more frequent in non-Caucasian individuals. The objective of this study was to compare the HLA-DRB profile in Brazilian Mulatto patients with NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) with that observed for Mulatto MS patients and healthy Mulatto controls. Twenty seven NMOSD patients (20 women), all seropositive for NMO-IgG, 29 MS patients and 28 Mulatto healthy blood donors were evaluated for HLA-DRB allele groups. HLA-DRB1*03 allele group was overrepresented in NMO patients compared with healthy controls (p = 0.0401; OR = 3.23, 95%CI: 1.07-9.82). In contrast, the HLA-DRB1*15 allele group was overrepresented in Brazilian MS patients (OR = 15.89, 95%CI: 3.51-71.85; p < 0.0001). DRB3 was overrepresented in NMO (p = 0.0064), and DRB5 overrepresented in MS patients (p = 0.0001). The low frequency of HLA-DRB1*15 alleles was associated with the presence of long and central cord lesions at magnetic resonance. In addition, DRB1*15 alleles were associated with the fulfillment of the Barkhof criteria. In conclusion, these results indicate that the DRB profile of NMO patients is different from that observed for MS patients, further corroborating the distinction between NMO and MS.

The genome sequence of the hemibiotrophic fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa revealed genes possibly participating in the RNAi machinery. Therefore, studies were performed in order to investigate the efficiency of gene silencing by dsRNA. We showed that the reporter gfp gene stably introduced into the fungus genome can be silenced by transfection of in vitro synthesized gfpdsRNA. In addition, successful dsRNA-induced silencing of endogenous genes coding for hydrophobins and a peroxiredoxin were also achieved. All genes showed a silencing efficiency ranging from 18% to 98% when compared to controls even 28d after dsRNA treatment, suggesting systemic silencing. Reduction of GFP fluorescence, peroxidase activity levels and survival responses to H(2)O(2) were consistent with the reduction of GFP and peroxidase mRNA levels, respectively. dsRNA transformation of M. perniciosa is shown here to efficiently promote genetic knockdown and can thus be used to assess gene function in this pathogen.

There is an increasing tendency to add natural antimicrobials of plant origin into food. The objective of this work was to develop a microbial sachet incorporated with allyl isothiocyanate (AIT), a volatile compound of plant origin, and to test its efficiency against growth of yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus sp. and psychrotrophic bacteria on sliced mozzarella cheese. Another objective was to quantify the concentration of AIT in the headspace of cheese packaging. A reduction of 3.6 log cycles was observed in yeasts and molds counts in the mozzarella packed with the antimicrobial sachet over 15-day storage time. The sachet also showed an antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus sp., reducing 2.4 log cycles after 12-day storage. Psychrotrophic bacteria species were the most resistant to the antimicrobial action. The highest concentration of AIT (0.08µg.mL(-1)) inside the active packaging system was observed at the 6(-)day of storage at 12 ºC ± 2 ºC. At the end of the storage time, AIT concentration decreased to only 10% of the initial concentration. Active packaging containing antimicrobial sachet has a potential use for sliced mozzarella, with molds and yeasts being the most sensitive to the antimicrobial effects.

The gastrointestinal activity of hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Salvia officinalis was evaluated in a model of ethanol-induced gastric lesion. HE showed excellent activity, with ID(50) 84.0 (54.8-128.9) mg/kg. The acetic acid-induced ulcer and the total acidity of the gastric secretion were also reduced by HE, and, in vitro experiments, the H(+),K(+)-ATPase activity was inhibited. Carnosol was identified as a possible active constituent for the gastroprotective effect of HE.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of ulnar nerve sonography in leprosy neuropathy with electrophysiologic correlation., Methods: Twenty-one consecutive patients with leprosy (12 men and 9 women; mean age +/- SD, 47.7 +/- 17.2 years) and 20 control participants (14 men and 6 women; mean age, 46.5 +/- 16.2 years) were evaluated with sonography. Leprosy diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical, bacteriologic, and histopathologic criteria. The reference standard for ulnar neuropathy in this study was clinical symptoms in patients with proven leprosy. The sonographic cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the ulnar nerve in 3 different regions were obtained. Statistical analyses included Student t tests and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis., Results: The CSAs of the ulnar nerve were significantly larger in the leprosy group than the control group for all regions (P < .01). Sonographic abnormalities in leprosy nerves included focal thickening (90.5%), hypoechoic areas (81%), loss of the fascicular pattern (33.3%), and focal hyperechoic areas (4.7%). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that a maximum CSA cutoff value of 9.8 mm(2) was the best discriminator (sensitivity, 0.91; specificity, 0.90). Three patients with normal electrophysiologic findings had abnormal sonographic findings. Two patients had normal sonographic findings, of which 1 had abnormal electrophysiologic findings, and the other refused electrophysiologic testing., Conclusions: Sonography and electrophysiology were complementary for identifying ulnar nerve neuropathy in patients with leprosy, with clinical symptoms as the reference standard. This reinforces the role of sonography in the investigation of leprosy ulnar neuropathy.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex. Reissek (Celastraceae) is widely used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat gastric disturbances., Aim of the Study: This work intended to characterize the effects of Maytenus ilicifolia on gastrointestinal motility., Materials and Methods: Gastric emptying and intestinal transit were measured in the same animal. Mice received a semisolid marked with phenol red, half an hour after treatment with extracts. The amount of marker in the stomach and the distance reached in the intestine after 15 min were measured as index of gastrointestinal emptying and intestinal transit, respectively., Results: Intraperitoneal administration of a flavonoid-rich extract potently reduced the gastric emptying (ED(50)=89 mg/kg) and the intestinal transit (ED(50)=31 mg/kg) of mice. Bio-guided purification of the flavonoid-rich extract by chemical partition with solvents of decreasing polarity yielded fraction insF with about 12-14 times higher activity than the initial flavonoid extract in both the gastric emptying and the intestinal transit. The inhibitory effects of the insF (9.7 mg/kg, i.p.) on gastric emptying and intestinal transit were reversed by co-administration of bethanechol (10 mg/kg, s.c.) but not by co-administration of metoclopramide (30 mg/kg, p.o.) indicating muscarinic but not dopaminergic interaction of the compounds of Maytenus. Chemical investigation of the insF fraction by HPLC-MS allowed the identification of 4 free flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and kaempferol), 29 flavonol glycosides and 8 tannins. The flavonol glycosides ranged from 1 to 4 monosaccharide units, having mainly quercetin and kaempferol as aglycone moieties, and the tannins were composed by catechin/epicatechin and/or afzelechin/epiafzelechin., Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that the components of Maytenus ilicifolia have a potential use in the treatment of gastrointestinal motility disturbances such as diarrhea.

PDT has been used in the treatment of malignant brain tumors for the last 2 decades. It is based on the interaction of a photosensitizer (PS) and light of an appropriate wavelength, with generation of oxygen species, mainly singlet oxygen. Brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress; therefore the study of PDT effects on cerebral mitochondria might provide mechanistic insights into the action of the therapy, contributing to its optimization. In the present study, we addressed the mitochondrial toxicity of the second generation PS, zinc phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate (ZnPcS4), on rat brain isolated mitochondria, by investigating both intrinsic toxicity and photodynamic action. At higher concentrations (15 and 25 microM/mg protein) ZnPcS4 caused (a) inhibition of state-3 respiration and (b) decrease of RCR and ADP/O. Electrochemical potential, state-4 respiration and Ca2+ retention capacity were not affected. Cytochrome c release was not observed. Coupled with 600 or 1800 mJ/cm2 laser irradiation, ZnPcS4 (5 microM/mg protein) caused more intense effects on state 3, RCR and ADP/O; moreover state-4 respiration and membrane potential were affected. Besides that, Ca2+ and cytochrome c release were induced. Cyclosporine A (CsA) decreased Ca2+ release and ameliorated the electrochemical potential, suggesting that membrane permeability transition (MPT) might be involved in the photodynamic effect. The low intrinsic toxicity and the high photodynamic effect on rat brain mitochondria induced by ZnPcS4, allied to its improved photophysical properties, might indicate its potential for the treatment of malignant brain tumors.

Neurotoxicity induced by reactive oxygen species can appear as an adverse effect of chemotherapy treatment with platinum compounds, such as cisplatin. The use of this drug in clinical practice is limited due to its adverse effects, including nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity and genotoxicity. Functional foods or nutraceuticals have demonstrated potential neuroprotective activity in several experiments and models. This study aimed to investigate the possible cytotoxicity and genotoxicity/antigenotoxic effects of curcumin in PC12 cells exposed to cisplatin. Cell viability and genotoxicity/antigenotoxicity were evaluated by the MTT assay and micronucleus test, respectively. PC12 cells were treated with different concentrations of cisplatin and curcumin (0.5 -- 128 microg/mL). Analysis of the results showed that high concentrations of curcumin were cytotoxic and increased micronuclei frequency compared to the control group. In the associated treatments, at all three concentrations evaluated, curcumin significantly reduced the total frequency of micronuclei induced by cisplatin. Determining the cytotoxic and genotoxic/antigenotoxic effects of this frequently used antioxidant in a neuronal model is important to assess possible hazards when combined with other chemical agents, including chemotherapy drugs used in cancer therapy.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal plant known in Brazil as "Paratudo" and "Brazilian ginseng" and is commonly used as tonic, antidiabetic and to treat gastric disorders., Aim of the Study: This study evaluates the possible mechanism by which hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Pfaffia glomerata exerts its antinociceptive effect., Materials and Methods: The HE was evaluated in acetic acid and glutamate models of pain or by biting behavior following intrathecal (i.t.) administration of agonists of excitatory aminoacids (EAA) receptors glutamate and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha in mice., Results: Oral administration of HE produced dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced visceral pain and glutamate-induced pain, with ID(50) of 64.6 (47.7-87.5)mg/kg and ID(50) of 370.8 (253.4-542.7)mg/kg, respectively. The HE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) antinociception, in the acetic acid test, was not affected by i.p. treatment of animals with naloxone. In addition, HE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the pain-related behaviors induced by i.t. injection of trans-ACPD and TNF-alpha, but not by NMDA, AMPA, kainate or IL-1beta., Conclusions: Our results suggest that inhibition of glutamatergic metabotropic receptors and TNF-alpha may account for the antinociceptive action reported for the HE in models of chemical pain used in this study.

Alterations that could lead to the cancer development may also be related to an adverse development of offspring in experimental animals. Some functional foods, which contain the polysaccharide beta-glucan, have been described as being effective in the prevention of clastogenic damage. Based on that finding, the aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of this sugar polymer in the mutagenic and teratogenic damage control. Two sets of females, pregnant and non-pregnant, were evaluated. The results indicated that beta-glucan was effective in preventing clastogenic damage in pregnant as well as non-pregnant females. In addition, pregnant females were more susceptible to mutagenic damage. However, teratogenic effects were not prevented effectively, although there was a trend toward a reduction in level of malformations. Despite beta-glucan did not prevent malformations, it increased fetal viability and reduced number of post-implantation losses and resorption, thereby enhancing reproductive performance in females.

The present study assessed the possible antinociceptive action of the hydroalcoholic extract, fractions and pure compounds obtained from the aerial parts of Baccharis illinita DC (Asteraceae) in behavioural models of chemical nociception in mice. The hydroalcoholic extract and fractions (hexane and aqueous but not EtOAc fraction) obtained from B. illinita (30-1000 mg/kg orally) produced a dose-related inhibition of the acetic acid-induced nociceptive response. However, the hexane fraction was more potent than the hydroalcoholic extract and the aqueous fraction. The hexane fraction derivatives baurenol, alpha-spinasterol and oleanolic acid (0.00001-10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) also caused potent inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain. The hexane fraction (300-1000 mg/kg orally) produced inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced pain. Moreover, the hexane fraction (30-600 mg/kg orally) also caused a dose-dependent inhibition of glutamate-induced pain. Nevertheless, the hexane fraction only at the dose of 300 mg/kg orally, produced partial inhibition of the paw oedema caused by carrageenan. Furthermore, the hexane fraction (300 mg/kg orally) caused inhibition of the nociceptive response induced by intrathecal injection of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta. In contrast, the hexane fraction did not affect the biting response induced by the metabotropic or ionotropic glutamatergic receptor agonist (+/-)-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid and kainate, respectively. In addition, the antinociception caused by the hexane fraction (300 mg/kg orally) in the acetic acid test was not affected by intraperitoneal treatment of mice with naloxone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist). The precise mechanism responsible for the antinociceptive effect of the hexane fraction remains unclear, but appears to be partly associated with an inhibition of glutamatergic transmission and an inhibition of pathways dependent on pro-inflammatory cytokines. Finally, baurenol, alpha-spinasterol and oleanolic acid have an important role in the antinociceptive effects of the hexane fraction. Moreover, the antinociceptive action demonstrated in the present study supports the ethnomedical uses of this plant.

This work presents the use of sequential injection analysis (SIA) and the response surface methodology as a tool for optimization of Fenton-based processes. Alizarin red S dye (C.I. 58005) was used as a model compound for the anthraquinones family, whose pigments have a large use in coatings industry. The following factors were considered: [H(2)O(2)]:[Alizarin] and [H(2)O(2)]:[FeSO(4)] ratios and pH. The SIA system was designed to add reagents to the reactor and to perform on-line sampling of the reaction medium, sending the samples to a flow-through spectrophotometer for monitoring the color reduction of the dye. The proposed system fed the statistical program with degradation data for fast construction of response surface plots. After optimization, 99.7% of the dye was degraded and the TOC content was reduced to 35% of the original value. Low reagents consumption and high sampling throughput were the remarkable features of the SIA system.

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family and a target for new drugs, is modulated by reactive oxygen species in several types of neoplasms including leukemias. The aim of this study is to find mechanisms to enhance sensitivity to imatinib in imatinib-responsive cells. In this study, we demonstrated through fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled annexin V for apoptotic cells detection and western blotting that by inhibiting catalase activity, imatinib apoptosis induction was significantly enhanced (P<0.05) through diminishing survivin expression in K562 cells. These findings might be of clinical relevance and might help improve the chemotherapeutic use of imatinib mesylate.

Tentorial meningiomas comprise 3-5% of the intracranial meningiomas. Different locations and sinus invasion require special surgical skills. This study aimed to analyze factors influencing the outcome of 29 patients (30 tumors) with tentorial meningiomas surgically treated. The study included 22 female and seven male patients, with age of 18-76 years old, and a follow-up of 6-179 months. Eight tumors were located on the inner tentorial ring, 15 on the outer ring, four were falcotentorial, and three attached/invading the torcula. Outcome was analyzed using survival and recurrence-free survival (RFS) curves. Twenty-seven tumors were WHO grade I and three were grades II-III. Total and subtotal resections were reached in 87.5% and 12.5% of tumors. Survival was better for patients with grade I tumors and similar according to sex, location, size, and extent of resection. Recurrence/regrowing rate was 12.5%. RFS curves were better for patients with grade I or with radical resection and similar according to sex, location, and size. There was no operative mortality. Permanent postoperative cranial nerve deficits occurred in 9.7% (all inner ring tumors). Despite being many times large-sized, surgical treatment of tentorial meningiomas gives good results. Prognostic factors for recurrence were histopathologic grade III and subtotal resection. Radical resection allowed better results. Nevertheless, subtotal resection may be acceptable for cases with cranial nerves or sinuses invasions.

We demonstrated recently that P8A-CCL2, a monomeric variant of the chemokine CCL2/MCP-1, is unable to induce cellular recruitment in vivo, despite full activity in vitro. Here, we show that this variant is able to inhibit CCL2 and thioglycollate-mediated recruitment of leukocytes into the peritoneal cavity and recruitment of cells into lungs of OVA-sensitized mice. This anti-inflammatory activity translated into a reduction of clinical score in the more complex inflammatory model of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Several hypotheses for the mechanism of action of P8A-CCL2 were tested. Plasma exposure following s.c. injection is similar for P8A-CCL2 and wild-type (WT) CCL2, ruling out the hypothesis that P8A-CCL2 disrupts the chemokine gradient through systemic exposure. P8A-CCL2 and WT induce CCR2 internalization in vitro and in vivo; CCR2 then recycles to the cell surface, but the cells remain refractory to chemotaxis in vitro for several hours. Although the response to P8A-CCL2 is similar to WT, this finding is novel and suggests that despite the presence of the receptor on the cell surface, coupling to the signaling machinery is retarded. In contrast to CCL2, P8A-CCL2 does not oligomerize on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). However, it retains the ability to bind GAGs and displaces endogenous JE (murine MCP-1) from endothelial surfaces. Intravital microscopy studies indicate that P8A-CCL2 prevents leukocyte adhesion, while CCL2 has no effect, and this phenomenon may be related to the mechanism. These results suggest that oligomerization-deficient chemokines can exhibit anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and may represent new therapeutic modalities.

During fauna studies, thirty-six wild mammals were collected in adjacent areas of Itapecuru River and Environmental Preservation area of Inhamum, state of Maranhão, Brazil. They were sampled for ectoparasites. The following specimens of the order Rodentia and its respective ectoparasites were identified: Akodon sp. (Androlaelaps sp. and Laelaps sp.), Oecomys sp. (Androlaelaps sp. and Amblyomma cajennense), Oligoryzomys sp. (Androlaelaps sp. Laelaps sp. and Amblyomma sp.) e Oryzomys megacephalus (A. cajennense). In Calomys callosus no ectoparasite was found. It was observed infestation in the order Didelphimorphia as follows: Didelphis marsupialis (Androlaelaps sp., Laelaps sp. and larvae of Diptera Cyclorrhapha); Gracilinanus sp. (Laelaps sp. and larvae of Diptera Cyclorrhapha), Monodelphis domestica (Poplygenis (Polygenis)), Cummingsia sp., Amblyomma sp. and Androlaelaps sp.). Marmosa sp. e Thylamis sp. had no ectoparasites. From the captured hosts 56% were infested, 82% and 44% rodents and marsupials, respectively. Mites from the family Laelapidae presented the great diversity of hosts and genus.

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of hydro-alcoholic extracts of nim and citronela at 20% and eucalipto at 10% in Boophilus microplus engorged females collected in cattle naturally infected from the mesoregion West of Maranhão. At the laboratory the females were separated, weighted and distributed in six groups of 10, in duplicate. Each group was immersed in 10mL of the solution of the extracts, for two minutes. In the nim and citronela extracts there was 32% e 17%, respectively, while larval emergence the eucalipto extracts demonstrated 96% of efficacy. In the groups treated by Cipermetrina + Clorpirifós + Citronetal and Deltametrina (positive controls) the mortality occurred after 48h of treatment, while the groups immersed in distilled water (negative control) showed 100% of eggs mass and larval emergence. According to the results, it can be concluded that the extract of eucalipto could be used as acaricide in the control of B. microplus females since it was efficient in vitro, however to nim and citronela showed not efficacy. B. microplus females were not resistant to the chemical compounds used in this experiment.

Tabebuia avellanedae is commonly used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. We carried out this study with the ethanolic extract of bark from Tabebuia avellanedae (EET) (30-1000 mg/kg) to determine its gastroprotective activity and to clarify the pathways involved in this effect. Acute gastric ulceration in rats was produced by oral administration of ethanol and ibuprofen. After ethanol administration, the gastric wall mucus was examined. Chronic gastric ulceration was produced by injection of acetic acid in rat gastric subserosa. Anti-secretory studies were undertaken using Shay rat pylorus ligature technique and measurement of enzymatic activity of H+, K+-ATPase in vitro. Administration of EET p.o. or i.p. significantly inhibited gastric mucosa damage induced by ethanol and ibuprofen. The anti-ulcer effect was further confirmed by enhanced gastric mucus production. In pylorus ligature rats, EET significantly reduced the basal gastric acid secretion and total acidity; moreover, it inhibited the increase in total acidity induced by histamine. In addition, EET reduced the activity of H+, K+, ATPase. The results obtained in the present pharmacological assay indicate that this plant has a protective action against gastric lesions, involving the maintenance of protective factors, such as mucus and prostaglandin, besides the reduction of gastric total acidity.

Background and Purpose: Apart from the central nervous system parasitic invasion in chagasic immunodeficient patients and strokes due to heart lesions provoked by the disease, the typical neurological syndromes of the chronic phase of Chagas' disease (CD) have not yet been characterized, although involvement of the peripheral nervous system has been well documented. This study aims at investigating whether specific signs of central nervous system impairment might be associated with the disease., Methods: Twenty-seven patients suffering from the chronic form of Chagas' disease (CCD) and an equal number of controls matched for sex, age, educational and socio-cultural background, and coming from the same geographical regions, were studied using neurological examinations, magnetic resonance images, and electroencephalographic frequency analysis., Results: Nineteen patients were at the stage A of the cardiac form of the disease (without documented structural lesions or heart failure). Dizziness, brisk reflexes, and ankle and knee areflexia were significantly more prevalent in the patients than in the controls. The significant findings in quantitative electroencephalogram were an increase in the theta relative power and a decrease in the theta dominant frequency at temporal-occipital derivations. Subcortical, white matter demyelination was associated with diffuse theta bursts and theta-delta slowing in two patients., Conclusions: Our findings suggest a discrete and unspecific functional cortical disorder and possible white matter lesions in CD. The focal nervous system abnormalities in CD documented here did not seem to cause significant functional damage or severely alter the patient's quality of life.

Arctium lappa L. is used in folk medicine as a diuretic, depurative and digestive stimulant and in dermatological conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and the possible mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective effects of a chloroform extract (CE) of the roots from A. lappa and its fractions. Oral pretreatment with CE (10, 30 and 100 mg kg(-1)) significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by ethanol by 61%, 70% and 76%, respectively. Oral administration of CE (100 mg kg(-1) per day for 7 days) reduced the chronic gastric ulceration induced by acetic acid by 52%. Intraduodenal CE (100, 300 and 600 mg kg(-1)) reduced the total acidity of gastric secretion by 22%, 22% and 33%, respectively, while i.p. administration (10, 30 and 100 mg kg(-1)) inhibited total acidity by 50%, 60% and 67%, respectively. In-vitro, CE inhibited H+, K+ -ATPase activity with an EC50 of 53 microgmL(-1) and fraction A (30 and 100 microgmL(-1)) reduced this by 48% and 89%, respectively. CE had no effect on gastrointestinal motility. CE (250 microgmL(-1)) and fraction B (100 and 250 microgmL(-1)) had free-radical scavenging ability, inhibiting 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity by 50%, 20% and 55%, respectively. Collectively, the results show that the CE protects animals from gastric lesions by reducing gastric acid secretion via inhibition of gastric H+, K+ -ATPase.

Purpose: To compare the effect of preserving sclera samples in either 95% ethanol or freeze-dried., Methods: Ninety-six samples of human sclera were studied. Half of them were freeze-dried and half preserved in 95% ethanol. Preservation periods of 18, 45, 90 or 174 days were studied. Automated immunostaining was carried out in the Ventana BenchMarkR LT platform using collagen 1 and fibronectin antibodies. Histological staining was also performed with hematoxilin-eosin and Masson trichrome. Samples were classified according to the degree of collagen fiber parallelism (0-2), intensity of Masson staining (0-2), and the expression of both antibodies (0-3). Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were applied to compare preservation methods and p-values below 0.05 were considered to ensure statistical significance., Results: Relevant results were found in three situations: (i) Friedman's test showed better collagen fiber integrity in the freeze-dried group rehydrated after 174-days as compared to the 90-day group; (ii) Wilcoxon's test showed better collagen fiber integrity in the freeze-dried group after 18 and 174 days as compared to the ethanol group; (iii) the freeze-dried group disclosed higher immunohistochemical expression for COL-1 antibody in the sclera samples rehydrated after 45, 90 and 174 days as compared to the ones rehydrated after 18 days., Conclusion: Histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed freeze-drying to be a superior method for sclera preservation as compared to 95% ethanol. This technique provides an easy method to manipulate tissue, with longer shelf life, and storage at room temperature.

Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents. However, at higher doses liver injury may occur. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the hydroxyl radical scavenger dimethylthiourea (DMTU) protects against cisplatin-induced oxidative damage in vivo and to define the mitochondrial pathways involved in cytoprotection. Adult male Wistar rats (200-220 g) were divided into four groups of eight animals each. The control group was treated only with an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of saline solution (1 ml/100 g body weight). The DMTU group was given only DMTU (500 mg/kg body weight, i.p), followed by 125 mg/kg body weight, i.p. (twice a day) until sacrifice. The cisplatin group was given a single injection of cisplatin (10 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). The DMTU+cisplatin group was given DMTU (500 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), just before the cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg body weight, i.p.), followed by injections of DMTU (125 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) twice a day until sacrifice (72 h after the treatment). DMTU did not present any direct effect on mitochondria and substantially inhibited cisplatin-induced mitochondrial damage in liver, therefore preventing elevation of AST and ALT serum levels. DMTU protected against (a) decreased hepatic ATP levels; (b) lipid peroxidation; (c) cardiolipin oxidation; (d) sulfhydryl protein oxidation; (e) mitochondrial membrane rigidification; (f) GSH oxidation; (g) NADPH oxidation; (h) apoptosis. Results suggest that antioxidants, particularly hydroxyl radical scavengers, protect liver mitochondria against cisplatin-induced oxidative damage. Several mitochondrial changes were delineated and proposed as interesting targets for cytoprotective strategy.

Purpose: To describe the ophthalmic findings of fibrous dysplasia of the orbit., Methods: Prospective case series. Twenty-one patients with fibrous dysplasia with orbital involvement underwent a complete ophthalmic examination and orbital imaging by CT., Results: Four of the 21 patients had McCune-Albright syndrome and 1 had tuberous sclerosis. In 17 patients (81%), the disease was restricted to the craniofacial region. Facial distortion, proptosis, and eye dystopia were detected in 62% of the patients. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction and strabismus were detected in only 1 and 2 patients, respectively. Of the 34 orbits affected, the roof was affected in 67.6%. The floor was the least affected wall. For most orbits, the disease was seen in more than 1 wall, and in 9 orbits (26.5%) all 4 walls were involved. Twelve orbits (35.2%) showed cysts on CT within the affected bones. In 19 orbits (55.9%), the optic canal was circumferentially narrowed. Blindness was detected in only 1 patient who had undergone optic canal decompression., Conclusions: The main consequences of orbital involvement in fibrous dysplasia are eye dystopia and proptosis. Apical involvement is a common feature. Optic canal narrowing does not necessarily induce vision loss. We believe that patients with apical involvement should be carefully followed and have their apices decompressed only when their vision is clearly deteriorating. Our data do not support prophylactic optic canal decompression as a therapeutic measure.

Monocrotaline is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid present in plants of the Crotalaria species, which causes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, including hepatotoxicity in animals and humans. It is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 in the liver to the alkylating agent dehydromonocrotaline. We evaluated the effects of monocrotaline and its metabolite on respiration, membrane potential and ATP levels in isolated rat liver mitochondria, and on respiratory chain complex I NADH oxidase activity in submitochondrial particles. Dehydromonocrotaline, but not the parent compound, showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of glutamate/malate-supported state 3 respiration (respiratory chain complex I), but did not affect succinate-supported respiration (complex II). Only dehydromonocrotaline dissipated mitochondrial membrane potential, depleted ATP, and inhibited complex I NADH oxidase activity (IC50=62.06 microM) through a non-competitive type of inhibition (K(I)=8.1 microM). Therefore, dehydromonocrotaline is an inhibitor of the activity of respiratory chain complex I NADH oxidase, an action potentially accounting for the well-documented monocrotaline's hepatotoxicity to animals and humans. The mechanism probably involves change of the complex I conformation resulting from modification of cysteine thiol groups by the metabolite.

Unlabelled: Rhinosinusitis is a severe sickness and may have serious complications. Orbital complications happen more often, due to anatomical particularities and are lethal in 5% of patients. They vary from inflammatory signs to proptosis, loss of ocular motility and blindness., Aim: We propose a new classification of acute rhinosinusitis complications., Methods: A review of 83 patients with CT scan and clinical reports. Patients were evaluated at HCFMRP-USP between 1995 and 2005 and were diagnosed with complicated rhinosinusitis., Results: In sixty-six patients, were identified three types of orbital complications: orbital cellulitis (46.9%), subperiosteal abscess (40.9%) and orbital abscess (12.1%). Seventeen were considered as eyelid infections and excluded from this new classification system., Conclusions: The existing classifications of orbital complications, as Chandlers, do not consider the orbits anatomical characteristics and became obsolete after the development of the CT scan. This study proposes a new, more objective classification to guide the physician in establishing lines of conduct for each case.

The goal of this study was to assess the presence and surfactant potential of naturally occurring microbes from a tropical soil with petrochemical contamination. Microorganisms in a soil sample from a Brazilian landfarm were isolated and grown on petroleum as the sole carbon source. Of 60 isolates screened for petroleum-based growth, 7 demonstrated surfactant activities by the drop-collapse methodology over various types of oils. From their growth profiles in liquid culture during 132 h, all had their first detection of surfactant activity after 96 h. Little is currently known about biosurfactant-producing microorganisms in tropical environments contaminated by hydrophobic compounds, and the search for them is essential for bioremediation and for oil recovery enhanced by microbes. Our results indicate that different petroleum-grown microorganisms showing surfactant activity can be recovered from landfarm soil in a tropical environment.

The analysis of genetic variation in the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA, provides unique information about the population diversity and human identification. In this study, the mitochondrial DNA sequences of the first hypervariable region (HV-I) were analyzed in 243 unrelated individuals of seven Afro-descendents populations of the Amazon Region. Sequence polymorphisms were detected using PCR and direct sequencing analysis. A total of 133 different haplotypes were found determined by 97 variable nucleotides. Each one of the three more frequent haplotypes was shared by 9 samples and 91 sequences were unique. The genetic diversity was estimated to 0.9898+/-0.0016 and the probability of two random individuals showed identical mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes were 1.2%.

Objective: The pathogenesis of idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (IHH) is mostly unclear. We characterized the clinical findings and molecular analysis of GnRHR and KAL1 genes in 26 Brazilian males with IHH with and without hyposmia/anosmia. Design Clinical assessment was performed for endocrine status, olfactory structure and function, renal lesion, and mirror movement. The diagnosis of Kallmann syndrome (KS) included HH and the clinical complaint of hyposmia/anosmia or decreased olfactory acuity obtained by the Smell Identification Test (SIT). We analysed GnRHR and KAL1 genes using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) direct sequencing method., Results: A variable degree of HH was observed, including various clinical abnormalities, such as cryptorchidism, hearing loss, strabismus, cleft lip/palate, high-arched palate, dental agenesis, psychiatric disorders, learning dysfunction, and bimanual synkinesia. Twenty-two out of 26 patients with IHH (85%) were classified as KS. Abnormalities of olfactory bulbs/sulci were observed in 79% of KS patients. One-third of KS patients had renal defects and 45.5% had a positive family history. GnRHR gene sequence analysis showed no mutations. KAL1 sequence analysis identified two novel missense mutations: c.1061A to G in exon 7 (N304S) and c.1583C to A in exon 10 (S478X). We also observed a 14-bp deletion within exon 11 that caused a premature termination. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)-Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) database, two previously described polymorphisms (rs808119 and rs809446) were detected., Conclusion: KAL1 mutations accounted for 12% of KS patients. This low prevalence of KAL1 mutations indicates that other genes, such as the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) gene or other as yet undiscovered genes, epigenetic events and/or environmental factors might be involved in the aetiology and phenotypic variability of KS.

Objective: The objective of this experimental prospective study on an animal model was to determine the rate of autologous fat graft absorption in 24 paralyzed canine left vocal folds 12 weeks after introduction., Methods: Forty mongrel dogs of both sexes weighing 15 to 20 kg were divided into three study groups (SGs) of eight dogs each whose larynges were grafted by vocal fold lipoinjection (VFL-SGA), vocal fold lipoinjection plus insulin (VFLi-SGB), and by fat graft medialization laryngoplasty (FGML-SGC) and observed for 12 weeks. Two control groups (CGs) of eight dogs each were submitted to fat graft medialization laryngoplasty (FGML-CG1) and by vocal fold lipoinjection (VFL-CG2), respectively, followed by immediate killing. All 40 dogs were submitted to left vagal and recurrent laryngeal nerve resection. All animals were confirmed to have a left vocal fold paralysis 4 weeks later when 2 mL of autologous fat graft was placed inside the left paraglottic space. The larynges were removed at preestablished times and studied for remaining fat graft volume by magnetic resonance imaging., Results: The mean volume obtained by imaging were 1.9388 mL for CG1, 1.0476 mL for CG2, 0.1924 mL for VFL, 0.336 mL for VFLi, and 0.565 mL for FGML. CG1 and CG2 did not differ significantly from one another but differed from the SGs, with statistical analysis suggesting a lower absorption of the fat graft in FGML., Conclusion: The absorption rate was 82% in SGA, 68% in the SGB, and 71% in SGC.

The analysis of genetic variation in the nucleotide sequences of mitochondrial DNA has been used as a tool in the study of history of different human populations, as Amerindians, Afro-descendents populations and furthermore admixed populations. In this study, the mitochondrial DNA was analyzed in 158 unrelated individuals in an admixed population of the Amazonian Region: Santarém-PA-Brazil. The polymorphisms were detected using both levels, analysis of restriction enzyme and direct sequencing. We observed a total of 49 different haplotypes were found determined by 46 variable nucleotides. The more frequent haplotypes (Hap03) was shared by five samples and 43 sequences were unique. The genetic diversity was estimated to 0.989+/-0.0067 and the probability of two random individuals showed identical mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes were 2.8%.

Sulindac is a non-steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) known to inhibit cyclooxygenases (COX) 1 and 2, and at present of interest for cancer prevention. However, its therapeutic use has been limited by its toxicity to the gastrointestinal tract and liver. We address the effects of sulindac, of the pharmacologically inactive metabolite, sulindac sulfone, and of the pharmacologically active metabolite, sudindac sulfide, on isolated rat liver mitochondria and HepG2 cells. Sulindac sulfide, but not sulindac sulfone or sulindac itself, caused mitochondrial uncoupling, released preaccumulated Ca2+ from the organelle, and decreased Hep-G2 cell viability in apparent association with cell ATP depletion resulting from mitochondrial uncoupling-associated membrane potential dissipation.

This paper describes the development and validation of a sequential injection (SI) anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) method using the hanging mercury drop electrode for accumulation of the heavy metal cations Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II). The method was applied to wastewater samples after proper acid digestion in open vessels to eliminate matrix effects. For a deposition time of 90 s at the flow rate of 10 microl s(-1), the detection limits of the method were 0.06, 0.09 and 0.16 micromol L(-1) for Cd, Pb and Cu, respectively. Under these conditions the linear dynamic range was between 0.20 and 9.0 micromol L(-1) and the sampling frequency was 30 analyses per hour. The relative standard deviation of the method was 3%(n=7) at the concentration level of 2.0 micromol L(-1). The accuracy of the method was evaluated by spiking the samples with known amounts of the metal cations, and by comparison with an independent analytical technique, the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Average recoveries were around of 84%, and the results showed no evidence of systematic errors in comparison to the ICP-AES.

UV radiation-induced skin damages may result in pre-cancerous and cancerous skin lesions, and acceleration of skin aging. It involves an imbalance of the endogenous antioxidant system that leads to the increase of free radical levels and inflammation. Therefore, antioxidant supplementation might inhibit such imbalance. In this regard, quercetin is a promising drug, this plant derived lipophilic flavonoid presents the higher antioxidant activity among flavonoids and multiple antioxidant mechanisms. Thus, the present study investigated the possible beneficial effects of topical formulations containing quercetin to inhibit UVB irradiation-induced oxidative damages. Quercetin was administered on the dorsal skin of hairless mice using two formulations, formulation 1 (non-ionic emulsion with high lipid content) and formulation 2 (anionic emulsion with low lipid content). The UVB irradiation (0.31-3.69 J/cm(2)) induced a dose-dependent increase in the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (4-2708%) and depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) (22-68%) in the skin of hairless mice after 6h. These results demonstrated that the UVB doses are not excessive, and additionally, they are lower than the doses used in other similar studies. Proteinases secretion/activity, detected by the qualitative sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis substrate-embedded enzymography (zymography), was also enhanced in the same manner as MPO activity using the UVB dose of 1.23J /cm(2). Formulations 1 and 2 inhibited the MPO activity increase (62% and 59%, respectively), GSH depletion (119% and 53%, respectively) and proteinases secretion/activity. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the effectiveness of topical formulations containing quercetin to inhibit the UVB irradiation-induced skin damages. Thus, these data suggest the possible usefulness of topical formulations containing quercetin to prevent UVB radiation skin damages.

Introduction: Visual loss after Le Fort I osteotomy is a devastating complication the mechanism of which is not always clear., Methods: A case report of blindness following Le Fort I osteotomy is presented. The literature on the various skull base complications associated with Le Fort I osteotomies is reviewed and the mechanisms of these complications discussed., Conclusion: The radiological findings in this case are similar to those previously reported. They strongly support the hypothesis that an adverse transmission of forces associated with pterygomaxillary separation via the sphenoid bone to the intra- and extracranial portions of the skull base is the main reason for injury to the optic and other cranial nerves as well as to the branches of the carotid artery.

Objective: To verify the effects of a six-month non-supervised physical training program followed via the Internet on blood pressure and body composition in normotensive and borderline hypertensive individuals., Methods: One hundred and thirty five individuals were divided into two groups: 1) normotensive individual (n = 57), 43 +/- 1 years of age, systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 120 and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) < 80 mmHg (GI); and 2) borderline hypertensive individual (n = 78), 46 +/- 1 years of age, SBP 120 to 139 and DBP 80 to 89 mmHg (GII)., Results: After a three and six-month physical training, GII individuals showed a significant reduction in SBP (-3.6 +/- 0.94 and -10 +/- 0.94 mmHg, p < 0.05, respectively) and PAD (-6.5 +/- 1 and -7.1 +/- 0.9 mmHg, p < 0.05, respectively), body weight (-1.12 +/- 0.26 and -1.25 +/- 0.31 kg, p < 0.05, respectively), BMI (-0.79 +/- 0.4 and -0.84 +/- 0.41 kg/m2, p < 0.05, respectively) and waist circumference (-1.12 +/- 0.53 and -1.84 +/- 0.56 cm, p < 0.05, respectively). In the GI group, the physical training led to a decrease in waist circumference at the sixth month (-1.6 +/- 0.63 cm, p < 0.05)., Conclusion: This program decreases blood pressure, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference in borderline hypertensive individuals, and is therefore a safe and low-cost strategy in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases and improvement of health status of the population.

A survey was conducted with 521 undergraduate health sciences students from the Federal University in Amazonas, Manaus, Brazil. Lifetime alcohol consumption was reported by 87.7% students, as compared to 30.7% for tobacco, with the latter reported more frequently by males (39.7%). The most common illicit drugs were solvents (11.9%), marijuana (9.4%), amphetamines and anxiolytics (9.2% each), cocaine (2.1%), and hallucinogens (1.2%). The main reason for illicit drug use was curiosity. Lifetime use of anabolic steroids was reported by 2.1% of the students. Alcohol abuse in the previous 30 days was reported by 12.4% of the students. Events following drinking included: fights (4.7%), accidents (2.4%), classroom absenteeism (33.7%), and job absenteeism (11.8%). Another important finding was that 47.3% of students drove after drinking. Opinions on drug abuse and patterns agree with those from similar studies in other regions of Brazil.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the acaricide action of neem extract formulated as a pomatum in the treatment of acariasis in mice (Mus musculus var. albina L.) naturally infected by Myobia musculi Schranck and Myocoptes musculinus Koch. Twenty parasitized animals were chosen and distributed in four groups: control (vaseline), 5%, 10% and 20% of neem. The animals were treated at 48h intervals and maintained in cages with food and water ad libitum and accompanied daily for 24 days. There was a decrease in the mean number of mites recovered after 96h with 5% of neem when compared to de others concentrations (P < 0.05). From 120h on, the concentrations of 10% and 20% were also efficient and differed statistically from the control group (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01; respectively). From 168h on, the animals treated with neem concentrations of 10% and 20% showed significant results (P < 0.01). The animals exhibit signs of hair recuperation and the mites were not observed anymore. After 216h, the hair was completely recovered and the animals remained free of the infestation in the concentrations of 10% and 20%. The neem pomatum showed acaricide action in the concentrations of 10% and 20% for mice and when used as a topical remedy, had good phlogistic and cicatrizing activity and showed no side effects.

Background: Parasagittal meningioma is one that fills the parasagittal angle, with no brain tissue between the tumor and the SSS. Invasion of the SSS is a challenge for complete removal and, consequently, for recurrence of these tumors. The objective of this study was to analyze the factors that influenced the clinical outcome of patients with parasagittal tumors surgically treated., Methods: Review of data on 53 patients with diagnosis of parasagittal meningiomas surgically treated from 1984 to 2004. Thirty-four (64.2%) were female and 19 (35.8%) were male; age ranged from 18 to 81 years old (mean, 54.98 +/- 5.80). Follow-up ranged from 2 to 261 months (mean, 93.71 +/- 68.45). The patients were operated on using microsurgical techniques. Tumors in the anterior third (9) or occluding the SSS (5) were removed with the sinus; tumors touching/pouching the SSS (20) were removed and its dural attachment coagulated; tumors invading one sinus wall (10) were removed with partial excision and reconstruction of the sinus wall, and tumors invading more than one sinus wall in the posterior two thirds of the SSS (7) had a subtotal removal. No attempt at sinus resection and reconstruction was performed for tumors placed in the posterior two thirds of the SSS. Analysis of the patient outcome was done using survival and RFS Kaplan-Meier curves. The chi(2), Fisher exact, log-rank, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskall-Wallis ANOVA tests were used for comparing demographic data, survival curves, proportions, and medians, respectively., Results: Total and subtotal resection were achieved in 85% and 13.1%, respectively. Males had better survival than females (P = .0252). Total RF rates were 10%, 25%, and 100% at 5 years and 100%, 50%, and 100% at 10 years for patients with meningiomas WHO grades I, II, and III, respectively. The RF survival curve was better for patients with grade I meningioma (grades I vs II vs III, P = .0001). There was no difference between the RF survival curves according to age, histopathologic WHO grade, location along or invasion of the SSS, and extent of resection. Males (P = .0401), WHO grade I (P < .0001), total resection (P = .0139), and less sinus invasion (P = .0308) had better RFS curves. Operative, surgery-related, and overall mortality were 1.9%, 5.4%, and 26.4%, respectively., Conclusions: Recurrence of parasagittal meningiomas predominated in males, in grades II/III tumors, after subtotal resection, and with more invasion of the SSS. Subtotal or total resections without sinus resection were considered adequate for treating these patients.

The case of a 31-year-old man with an accidental grease-gun injury to his left orbital region is presented. CT and MRI showed a well-delineated intraconal cyst in the superior aspect of the left orbit surrounded by a significant inflammatory response. The patient was followed for 11 months. Diplopia was not reported at any time, and visual acuity, visual fields, and all other examinations remained normal. Uneventful surgical removal was performed at the patient's request. Histopathologic examination demonstrated a typical picture of lipogranulomatous inflammation. In a review of the accessible literature, only four cases of intraorbital grease-gun injuries were detected; all of them submitted to early surgical removal. We conclude, however, that an intraconal oil/grease cyst can be carefully monitored and--in the absence of symptoms--must not necessarily be removed.

Objectives: Although chronic calcified neurocysticercosis (NCC) has been considered a major cause of symptomatic epilepsy in developing countries, it can also be an incidental pathological finding in epileptic patients from endemic regions. The mechanisms of brain plasticity occurring in patients with NCC during and after the inflammatory process related to the parasite infection, death, degeneration, and calcification within the host brain might be an independent factor for cognitive impairment in patients with NCC and epilepsy. In order to assess this possibility cognitive performance of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy related to hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) with and without NCC was investigated through structured neuropsychological testing., Methods: Cognitive performance of long term MTLE-HS patients with (HS-NCC group, n = 32) and without NCC (HS only, n = 48) was compared. Imbalances between the two groups with respect to clinical, demographic, neuroimaging, and electrophysiological variables were adjusted by linear multiple regression analysis and Bonferroni correction for multiple tests., Results and Conclusions: There were no cognitive performance differences between HS-NCC and HS only patients, leading to the conclusion that chronic calcified NCC per se does not aggravate the cognitive performance of patients with long term MTLE-HS.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models multiple sclerosis (MS) and is characterized by marked mononuclear cell influx in the brain. Several studies have demonstrated a role for chemokines during EAE. It remains to be determined whether these mediators modulate EAE primarily by mediating leukocyte influx into the CNS or by modifying lymphocyte activation and/or trafficking into lymphoid organs. After induction of EAE with MOG(35-55), leukocyte recruitment peaked on day 14 and correlated with symptom onset, TNF-alpha production and production of CCL2 and CCL5. Levels of CXCL-10 and CCL3 were not different from control animals. Using intravital microscopy, we demonstrated that leukocyte rolling and adhesion also peaked at day 14. Treatment with anti-CCL2 or anti-CCL5 antibodies just prior to the intravital microscopy prevented leukocyte adhesion, but not rolling. Our data suggest that induction of leukocyte adhesion to the brain microvasculature is an important mechanism by which CCL2 and CCL5 participate in the pathophysiology of EAE.

Background: Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic mycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in paracoccidioidomycosis is higher than previously thought and 2 clinical presentations have been reported, meningitis and pseudotumoral., Methods: Twenty medical records of patients with CNS paracoccidioidomycosis treated from 1986 to 2003 were analyzed. The follow-up ranged from 1 to 18 years (mean = 8.9 +/- 4.2)., Results: Besides CNS paracoccidioidomycosis, all patients but one had the chronic systemic form and the pseudotumoral clinical presentation was the most frequent. Based on computed tomography scan findings, 4 image patterns were identified: low-density lesion with ring enhancement, lesion with calcification and ring enhancement, multiloculated low-density lesion with ring enhancement, and diffuse subarachnoid enhancement. The magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 3 patients and showed subarachnoid enhancement in 1 patient and heterogeneous lesion with ring enhancement in 2 patients. Eleven patients were submitted to medical treatment and 9 needed neurosurgical treatment; ventriculoperitoneal shunts in 4 patients, brain lesions resection in 3 patients, and partial resection of spinal cord lesions in 2 patients. Eleven patients had excellent outcome, 4 patients died, 3 are in good clinical condition with residual pulmonary dysfunction, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up., Conclusions: The diagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis with involvement of the CNS is difficult and clinical suspicion is a key point to achieve the correct diagnosis. Patients with early diagnosis have a favorable outcome with clinical or surgical treatment.

Background: Juvenile angiofibroma (JA) is a rare tumor that occurs exclusively in adolescent male patients. The mainstay treatment for JA is complete surgical excision. Acceptable surgical approaches for the resection of JA include transantral, transpalatal, combined, endoscopic, and Le Fort I procedures, among others. Because exposure of the entire extension of the tumor may not possible, the recurrence rates after surgical treatment of JA may be as high as 55%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results after using the Le Fort I technique for the resection of JA., Methods: We retrospectively studied 19 patients with JA submitted to surgical resection by using the Le Fort I approach from March 1983 to September 2002. Data regarding demographic characteristics, tumor topography, use of embolization, recurrence, and complication of treatment were obtained., Results: Patient age at the time of diagnosis ranged from 8 to 26 years with a mean age of 16 years. The most common tumor site was the nasopharynx in 100% of the cases, pterygopalatine fossa (95%), nasal cavity (84%), and sphenoid sinus (63%). Angiography and embolization were performed preoperatively in 57% of the patients. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 19 years (mean, 9.7 years; median, 8.0 years). One patient experienced malocclusion after surgery. However, we did not observe any recurrences during the follow-up period., Conclusion: We conclude that the Le Fort I approach is a safe technique that permits the total resection of the JA with a low rate of postoperative complications and a low rate of recurrence.

Cerebral infarcts in children present peculiar characteristics either due to their diversity of causes or due to the unknown nature of the causes. The etiologies of cerebral infarct were reviewed in children from zero to 15 years old, attended at a tertiary hospital, in Ribeirão Preto (Brazil), from 1990 to 1997, adopting the modified Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria of classification; 1-Atherosclerosis in large arteries; 2-Cardioembolic; 3-Occlusion of small vessels; 4-Other etiologies; 5-Undetermined cause. Thirty-nine children were included, 18 males and 21 females, aged 2 months to 15 years, mean age 5.67. The largest group, N=22 (56.4%), included children with "other etiologies", 7 of them aged under two years. The most common etiology was dehydration and septic shock leading to brain hypoperfusion and watershed infarcts. Nine (23%) children had "Undetermined etiology", 7 (17.9%) cardioembolic subtype and none had atherosclerosis. Laboratory improvement is needed for the large number of patients without a defined cause, and the high proportion of children with dehydration in the group with a determined cause emphasizes the need for preventive health actions among infants and children.

Meningiomas limited to the internal auditory canal (IAC) are rare. Acoustic neuroma is usually the diagnosis made when a tumor is found in this location because of its higher frequency. We report on a 58 year-old woman with a meningioma arising from the IAC and the difficulty to establish the pre-surgical diagnosis, based on clinical and radiological features. The perioperative suspicion and confirmation are very important to deal with the dura and bone infiltration in order to reduce tumor recurrence.