Chlorine determination in medicinal plants by potentiometry with ion-selective electrode after microwave-induced combustion

A method based on microwave-induced combustion (MIC) was applied for medicinal plants digestion allowing further chlorine determination by potentiometry using ion-selective electrode (ISE). Sample masses ranging from 500 to 1000 mg were evaluated for MIC digestion. Water and 10, 25, 50, and 100 mmol/L NH4OH were investigated as absorbing solutions. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by using certified reference materials (CRMs), by recovery tests (500 µg/g), and also by comparison with the results obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave-assisted alkaline extraction (MAE). Using water or NH4OH solutions (10 to 100 mmol/L), recoveries close to 100% and relative standard deviation lower than 5% were obtained. Results were in agreement with CRMs values (better than 95%) and also with those values obtained by using the MAE method. The main advantage of the proposed method was the complete combustion of high sample mass (1000 mg) resulting in low quantification limit (12.5 µg/g) and chlorine determination at low concentration by ISE. Another advantage of the proposed method was the high chlorine stability in digests (up to 30 days of storage) even using water as absorbing solution, which is in agreement with green analytical chemistry recommendations. Finally, the proposed MIC method was applied for commercial medicinal plants and the chlorine concentration was in the range of 59.4 ± 1.4 to 2038 ± 70 µg/g. The proposed MIC method was considered suitable for quality control for chlorine determination in medicinal plants

Viral metagenomics in blood donors with post-donation diseases and negative tests for dengue and Zika viruses RNA detection during a major outbreak of arboviruses in Sao Paulo State in 2016

Not Applicabl

Rehabilitación de las funciones ejecutivas: implicaciones y estrategias

Las funciones ejecutivas constituyen un conjunto de habilidades que incluye la resolución de problemas, la planificación, la iniciación, el autocontrol, la conciencia ante situaciones nuevas y la capacidad de modificar los planes si es necesario. Se trata de funciones de alto nivel cognitivo, que son cruciales para que una persona mantenga sus actividades diarias y para la promoción de una buena calidad de vida. El déficit en estas funciones se conoce como síndrome disejecutivo (SD). Hay muchos modelos teóricos sobre SD; sin embargo, la literatura no es muy clara en relación con los componentes involucrados ni con la forma de investigar y resolver este problema. Varios estudios muestran que la edad, el consumo de sustancias y la psicopatología pueden afectar a algunas de estas funciones a través de daños en los circuitos frontales asociados a ellos. El efecto de este daño puede poner en peligro las actividades rutinarias del día a día, imponer dificultades en la socialización y afectar su vida laboral. Hay un cuerpo creciente de estudios que tratan de determinar las causas, consecuencias y modelos que son capaces de dar cuenta de estos efectos y promover estrategias de tratamiento más eficaces. Este artículo pretende hacer una revisión de la SD, centrándose en los aspectos relacionados más importantes, tales como las comorbilidades, la reserva cerebral, la reserva cognitiva y los programas de rehabilitación

Reabilitação das funções executivas: Implicações e estratégias

Executive Functions (EF) concern a range of abilitiesincluding problem-solving, planning, initiation, selfmonitoring,conscious attention, cope with new situationsand the ability to modify plans if necessary. It’s ahigh cognitive function that is crucial for a person to getengaged and maintain daily activities whilst keeping agood quality of life. Problems in the EF were formerlyknown as Dysexecutive Syndrome (DS). There are manymodels concerning DS, although the literature on thesubject still remains unclear. Several works appoint theeffects brought by elderly life, as well as abuse of drugsand some psychopathologies. These factors are knownto increase the distress of the frontal circuits and thatcould be associated to executive deficits. The effects ofDS would compromise individuals in day-to-day routine,academic, social and labor fields. There is a growingbody of studies trying to determine the causes, implications,associations and the best way to take care of theseeffects. This work intends to review DS, focusing on themost important fields related to this area, such as psychopathologyassociations, cognitive reserve, assessmentand cognitive rehabilitation programs.Las funciones ejecutivas constituyen un conjunto de habilidades que incluye la resolución de problemas, la planificación, la iniciación, el autocontrol, la conciencia ante situaciones nuevas y la capacidad de modificar los planes si es necesario. Se trata de funciones de alto nivel cognitivo, que son cruciales para que una persona mantenga sus actividades diarias y para la promoción de una buena calidad de vida. El déficit en estas funciones se conoce como síndrome disejecutivo (SD). Hay muchos modelos teóricos sobre SD; sin embargo, la literatura no es muy clara en relación con los componentes involucrados ni con la forma de investigar y resolver este problema. Varios estudios muestran que la edad, el consumo de sustancias y la psicopatología pueden afectar a algunas de estas funciones a través de daños en los circuitos frontales asociados a ellos. El efecto de este daño puede poner en peligro las actividades rutinarias del día a día, imponer dificultades en la socialización y afectar su vida laboral. Hay un cuerpo creciente de estudios que tratan de determinar las causas, consecuencias y modelos que son capaces de dar cuenta de estos efectos y promover estrategias de tratamiento más eficaces. Este artículo pretende hacer una revisión de la SD, centrándose en los aspectos relacionados más importantes, tales como las comorbilidades, la reserva cerebral, la reserva cognitiva y los programas de rehabilitación.As funções executivas constituem um conjunto de habilidades que envolvem o planejamento e a resolução de problemas, desde a iniciação, consciência e auto controle de comportamentos frente a novas situações, além da capacidade de modificar tais planos quando necessário. As funções executivas envolvem um alto grau de controle cognitivo e são cruciais para atender as atividades diárias e manter uma qualidade de vida. Os déficits associados a estas funções é denominado Síndrome Disexecutiva (SD). Existem muitos modelos teóricos que procuram elucidar a SD, no entanto, a literatura não é muito clara quanto os componentes envolvidos, formas de investigar e estratégias para resolver estes déficits. Vários estudos apontam que os efeitos da idade, do consumo de substâncias e de psicopatologias podem contribuir para a deterioração de circuitos frontais associados aos déficits executivos, comprometendo ainda mais o funcionamento diário, acadêmico, social e laboral. Existe um vasto campo de estudos visando determinar as causas, implicações, fatores associados e a melhor forma de lidar com estes efeitos. O presente artigo busca revisar estudos acerca da SD, focando em aspectos centrais como psicopatologias, reserva cognitiva e programas de reabilitação cognitiva

EXÉRESE DE TUMOR MAMÁRIO MISTO EM FÊMEA DE Caviaporcellus

Guinea pigs are used in experiments across various fields, such as pharmacology and nutrition. Additionally, they are popular as pets, leading owners to seek specialized veterinary care. Although the incidence of mammary tumors in guinea pigs is low, it has been consistently documented. This paper reports a case of a mammary tumor in a fertile, 3-year-and-8-month-old female guinea pig weighing 820g, kept as a pet. Ultrasound and cytology were crucial for diagnosis and treatment guidance. The recommendation for tumor removal (excision) is often the best option, considering the specific characteristics and progression of the neoplasm. Furthermore, the importance of regular veterinary follow-up to detect neoplasms early and improve prognosis is emphasized.As cobaias são utilizadas em experimentos em vários campos, como farmacologia e nutrição. Adicionalmente, são populares como animais de estimação, levando os proprietários a procurar atendimento veterinário especializado. Embora a incidência de tumores mamários em porquinhos-da-índia é baixo, tem sido consistentemente documentado. Este artigo relata um caso de tumor mamário em cobaia fêmea, fértil, de 3 anos e 8 meses, pesando 820g, mantida como animal de estimação. A ultrassonografia e a citologia foram cruciais para o diagnóstico e orientação do tratamento. A recomendação para tumor a remoção (excisão) é muitas vezes a melhor opção, considerando as características específicas e a progressão do neoplasia. Além disso, a importância do acompanhamento veterinário regular para detectar precocemente neoplasias e melhorar o prognóstico é enfatizado.   &nbsp

PROLÁPSO CLOACAL E CONSTIPAÇÃO INTESTINAL POR CORPO ESTRANHO EM JABUTI-PIRANGA

Tortoises belong to the class Reptilia and the order Chelonia (Tesudinata or Testudines), being animals commonly found as pets. The present work aims to report a case of intestinal constipation due to a foreign body in a tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria), which presented cloacal prolapse and underwent clinical-surgical management for resolution in a female raised as a pet. On physical examination, the patient presented normally colored oral and ocular mucous membranes, with normal hydration. On examination of the digestive tract, cloacal prolapse was observed with the presence of tissue necrosis. From this, additional tests were requested and surgical correction was recommended. Providing an adequate habitat and management is essential to prevent reproductive health problems and promote overall well-being.As tartarugas pertencem à classe Reptilia e à ordem Chelonia (Tesudinata ou Testudines), sendo animais comumente encontrados como animais de estimação. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de constipação intestinal por corpo estranho em um jabuti (Chelonoidis carbonaria), que apresentou prolapso cloacal e foi submetido a manejo clínico-cirúrgico para resolução em uma fêmea criada como animal de estimação. Ao exame físico, o paciente apresentava coloração oral e mucosas oculares, com hidratação normal. Ao exame do trato digestivo, prolapso cloacal foi observado com presença de necrose tecidual. A partir disso, foram solicitados exames complementares e correção cirúrgica foi recomendado. Fornecer um habitat e manejo adequados é essencial para prevenir a saúde reprodutiva problemas e promover o bem-estar geral. &nbsp

Upregulation of hsa-miR-125b in HTLV-1 asymptomatic carriers and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis patients

The retrovirus human T lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) promotes spastic paraparesis, adult T cell leukaemia and other diseases. Recently, some human microRNAs (miRNAs) have been described as important factors in host-virus interactions. This study compared miRNA expression in control individuals, asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy (HAM)/tropical spastic paraparesis patients. The proviral load and Tax protein expression were measured in order to characterize the patients. hsa-miR-125b expression was significantly higher in patients than in controls (p = 0.0285) or in the HAM group (p = 0.0312). Therefore, our findings suggest that miR-125b expression can be used to elucidate the mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenic processes.FAPESP [06/59388-4]FAPESPCNPqCNPqFUNDHERPFUNDHER

Oral health profile in patients infected with HTLV-1: Clinical findings, proviral load, and molecular analysis from HTLV-1 in saliva

Human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is associated with adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) and has also been implicated in several disorders, including periodontal disease. The proviral load is an important biological marker for understanding HTLV-1 pathogenesis and elucidating whether or not the virus is related to the clinical manifestation of the disease. This study describes the oral health profile of HTLV-1 carriers and HAM/TSP patients in order to investigate the association between the proviral load in saliva and the severity of the periodontal disease and to examine virus intra-host variations from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and saliva cells. It is a cross-sectional analytical study of 90 individuals carried out from November 2006 to May 2008. Of the patients, 60 were HTLV-1 positive and 30 were negative. Individuals from the HTLV-1 positive and negative groups had similar mean age and social-economic status. Data were analyzed using two available statistical software packages, STATA 8.0 and SPSS 11.0 to conduct frequency analysis. Differences of P?<?0.05 were considered statistically significant. HTLV-1 patients had poorer oral health status when compared to seronegative individuals. A weak positive correlation between blood and saliva proviral loads was observed. The mean values of proviral load in blood and saliva in patients with HAM/TSP was greater than those in HTLV-1 carriers. The HTLV-1 molecular analysis from PBMC and saliva specimens suggests that HTLV-1 in saliva is due to lymphocyte infiltration from peripheral blood. A direct relationship between the proviral load in saliva and oral manifestations was observed. J. Med. Virol. 84:1428-1436, 2012. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.FAPESB [303/03]Brazilian Ministry of Health [306/04, 307/04

Association between Knops blood group polymorphisms and susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of the Brazilian Amazon

Complement receptor 1 (CR1) gene polymorphisms that are associated with Knops blood group antigens may influence the binding of Plasmodium parasites to erythrocytes, thereby affecting susceptibility to malaria. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genotype and allele and haplotype frequencies of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Knops blood group antigens and examine their association with susceptibility to malaria in an endemic area of Brazil. One hundred and twenty-six individuals from the Brazilian Amazon were studied. The CR1-genomic fragment was amplified by PCR and six SNPs and haplotypes were identified after DNA sequence analysis. Allele and haplotype frequencies revealed that the Knb allele and H8 haplotype were possibly associated with susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum. The odds ratios were reasonably high, suggesting a potentially important association between two Knops blood antigens (Knb and KAM+) that confer susceptibility to P. falciparum in individuals from the Brazilian Amazon

DC-SIGN (CD209) gene promoter polymorphisms in a Brazilian population and their association with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 infection

This study evaluated four polymorphisms located in the DC-SIGN (CD209) gene promoter region (positions −336, −332 −201 and −139) in DNA samples from four Brazilian ethnic groups (Caucasians, Afro-Brazilian, Asians and Amerindians) to establish the population distribution of these single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and correlated DC-SIGN polymorphisms and infection in samples from human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected individuals. To identify CD209 SNPs, 452 bp of the CD209 promoter region were sequenced and the genotype and allelic frequencies were evaluated. This is the first study to show genetic polymorphism in the CD209 gene in distinct Brazilian ethnic groups with the distribution of allelic and genotypic frequency. The results showed that −336A and −139A SNPs were quite common in Asians and that the −201T allele was not observed in Caucasians, Asians or Amerindians. No significant differences were observed between individuals with HTLV-1 disease and asymptomatic patients. However, the −336A variant was more frequent in HTLV-1-infected patients [HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP), 80 %; healthy asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers, 90 %] than in the control group (70 %) [P=0.0197, odds ratio (OR)=2.511, 95 % confidence interval (CI)=1.218–5.179). In addition, the −139A allele was found to be associated with protection against HTLV-1 infection (P=0.0037, OR=0.3758, 95 % CI=0.1954–0.7229) when the HTLV-1-infected patients as a whole were compared with the healthy-control group. These observations suggest that the −139A allele may be associated with HTLV-1 infection, although no significant association was observed among asymptomatic and HAM/TSP patients. In conclusion, the variation observed in SNPs −336 and −139 indicates that this lectin may be of crucial importance in the susceptibility/transmission of HTLV-1 infections