In Vivo

The species Kalanchoe brasiliensis, known as “Saião,” has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihistamine activities. It also has the quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, which exert their therapeutic activities. With extensive popular use besides the defined therapeutical properties, the study of possible side effects is indispensable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity in vitro and in vivo from the hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of K. brasiliensis. The action of the extract (concentrations from 0.1 to 1000 uL/100 uL) in normal and tumor cells was evaluated using the MTT method. Acute toxicity and subchronic toxicity were evaluated in mice with doses of 250 to 1000 mg/kg orally, following recognized protocols. The in vitro results indicated cytotoxic activity for 3T3 cell line (normal) and 786-0 (kidney carcinoma), showing the activity to be concentration-dependent, reaching 92.23% cell inhibition. In vivo, the extract showed no significant toxicity; only liver changes related to acute toxicity and some signs of liver damage, combining biochemical and histological data. In general, the extract showed low or no toxicity, introducing itself as safe for use with promising therapeutic potential

Spectrochemical analysis in blood plasma combined with subsequent chemometrics for fibromyalgia detection

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic condition characterized by multiple and chronic body pain, and other typical symptoms such as intense fatigue, anxiety and depression. It is a very complex disease where treatment is often made by non-medicated alternatives in order to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. Herein, we propose a method to detect patients with fibromyalgia (n = 252, 126 controls and 126 patients with fibromyalgia) through the analysis of their blood plasma using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with chemometric techniques, hence, providing a low-cost, fast and accurate diagnostic approach. Different chemometric algorithms were tested to classify the spectral data; genetic algorithm with linear discriminant analysis (GA-LDA) achieved the best diagnostic results with a sensitivity of 89.5% in an external test set. The GA-LDA model identified 24 spectral wavenumbers responsible for class separation; amongst these, the Amide II (1,545 cm−1) and proteins (1,425 cm−1) were identified to be discriminant features. These results reinforce the potential of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy with multivariate analysis as a new tool to screen and detect patients with fibromyalgia in a fast, low-cost, non-destructive and minimally invasive fashion

Liquid-base cytology: a new method for oestral cycle study in wistar's rats Citologia de base líquida: um novo método para o estudo do ciclo estral em ratas Wistar

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was the standardization of a collection technique and staining in liquid-base that allies the pratical and cytological wealth, making possible a larger reproductibility and microscopic easiness. METHODS: Female wistar rats (n=20) were submitted to the daily vaginal collection in saline and fastened washed (ether/alcohol) and stained in suspension with a solution of Evans Blue 0.025%. The sample was pondered by centrifugation and observed under lens of 40 x. RESULTS: The stained smears allowed clear differentiation of the phases of hormonal cycle (diestrus, proestrus, estrus and metestrus); besides the differentiation of the cellular types in relation to its maturation degree having as parameters the cellular size, nucleus / cytoplasm relationship (NCR) and ink reaction. The study demonstrated the existence of three basic cellular patterns: cells with low NCR, accentuated cyanophily and small size; cells with increment in NCR, cyanophilic loss and larger volume cytoplasmatic and without nuclei keratinization cells in squamous aspect. CONCLUSION: The staining of the material allowed, besides the cytological classification, the quantification possibility that would result in a perfected accompaniment of the cycle estrous.<br>OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi à padronização de uma técnica de coleta e coloração em meio líquido que alie a praticidade e a riqueza citológica, possibilitando uma maior reprodutividade e facilidade microscópica. MÉTODOS: Ratas wistar (n=20) foram submetidas à coleta vaginal diária em salina e o lavado fixado (éter/álcool) e corado em suspensão com solução de azul de Evans 0,025%. A amostra foi concentrada por centrifugação e observado sob objetiva de 40 x. RESULTADOS: Os esfregaços corados permitiram nítida diferenciação das fases do ciclo hormonal (diestro, proestro, estro e metaestro); além da diferenciação dos tipos celulares em relação ao seu grau de maturação tendo como parâmetros o tamanho celular, relação núcleo / citoplasma (RNC) e reação tintorial. O estudo demonstrou a existência de três padrões celulares básicos: células com baixa RNC, acentuada cianofília e pequeno tamanho; células com acréscimo na RNC, perda de cianofilia e maior volume citoplasmático e células queratinizadas anucleadas em aspecto de escama. CONCLUSÃO: A coloração do material permitiu, além da classificação citológica, a possibilidade de quantificação o que resultaria em um acompanhamento mais acurado do ciclo estral

Induction chemotherapy reduces extracellular heat shock protein 72 levels, inflammation, lipoperoxidation and changes insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Recently, the levels of extracellular heat shock protein 72 (eHSP72) were found to be elevated in ALL, and its elevation associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, considering the possible role of eHSP72 as a modulator of the immunological system and metabolism, the aim of this study was to describe the response of eHSP72 to the induction phase of chemotherapy, along with metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, in children and adolescents newly diagnosed with ALL. Methods: Nineteen patients were recruited and analysed before and after the induction phase of chemotherapy (with 28 days of duration). Blood samples were taken for the analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP), levels of lipoperoxidation, insulin (and HOMA-IR), cortisol, glucose, lipid profile and eHSP72. Results: We found that induction phase of chemotherapy leads to a drop in glucose levels (from 101.79±19 to 75.8±9.7 mg/dL), improvements on inflammation (CRP levels, p<0.01) and oxidative stress (TBARS levels, p<0.01), reduction on eHSP72 (p=0.03) and improved insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR, p=0.02). Conclusion: Our results indicate that eHSP72 may have an immune and metabolic role and could be used as a marker of the treatment success and metabolic changes in children with ALL

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Aggressive or Protective Factor for the Retina? Evaluation of Macular Thickness and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layers Using High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography

Objective. To compare macular thickness (MT) and retinal nerve fiber layers (RNFL) between women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and healthy women. Materials and Methods. The study included 45 women with PCOS and 47 ovulatory women undergoing clinical-gynecological and ophthalmic evaluations, including measurement of MT, RNFL, and optic disc parameters using optical coherence tomography. Results. The superior RNFL around the optic nerve was significantly thicker in PCOS than in healthy volunteers (P=0.036). After stratification according to insulin resistance, the temporal inner macula (TIM), the inferior inner macula (IIM), the nasal inner macula (NIM), and the nasal outer macula (NOM) were significantly thicker in PCOS group than in control group (P<0.05). Both the presence of obesity associated with insulin resistance (P=0.037) and glucose intolerance (P=0.001) were associated with significant increase in the PC1 mean score, relative to MT. A significant increase in the PC2 mean score occurred when considering the presence of metabolic syndrome (P<0.0001). There was a significant interaction between obesity and inflammation in a decreasing mean PC2 score relative to macular RNFL thickness (P=0.034). Conclusion. Decreased macular RNFL thickness and increased total MT are associated with metabolic abnormalities, while increased RNFL thickness around the optic nerve is associated with hormonal changes inherent in PCOS

Técnicas de cuidado de profissionais da estratégia de saúde da família em Natal/RN

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-8042.2016v28n49p15The objective of the research was to identify techniques that healthcare professionals have developed to take care of themselves, to collaborate with building reflections that provide attention to your own body and that can contribute to the care of others. 24 health professionals from a Natal Health Unit / RN completed questionnaires, with closed and open questions. With the results identified that health professionals interviewed are aware of the many pleasures of everyday life, in addition to sexual pleasures. And what's more, most can taste their food, even in everyday rush. Nevertheless, the techniques of self care used by them are preferably based on biomedical parameters, especially laboratory tests, walking and gymnastics.  El objetivo de la investigación fue identificar las técnicas que los profesionales sanitarios han desarrollado para cuidar de sí mismos, para colaborar con la construcción de reflexiones que proporcionan atención a su propio cuerpo y que puede contribuir al cuidado de los demás. 24 profesionales de la salud de una Unidad de la Salud de Natal/ RN completaron cuestionarios, con preguntas cerradas y abiertas. Con los resultados identificados que los profesionales de la salud entrevistados son conscientes de los muchos placeres de la vida cotidiana, además de los placeres sexuales. Y lo que es más, la mayoría puede degustar su comida, incluso en punta todos los días. Sin embargo, las técnicas de autocuidado utilizados por ellos se basan preferentemente en parámetros biomédicos, especialmente las pruebas de laboratorio, caminar y gimnasia.http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-8042.2016v28n49p15O objetivo da pesquisa foi identificar técnicas que os profissionais de saúde têm desenvolvido para cuidarem de si mesmos, no sentido de colaborar com a construção de reflexões que propiciem uma atenção ao próprio corpo e que possam contribuir com os cuidados com os outros. 24 profissionais de saúde de uma Unidade de Saúde de Natal / RN responderam a questionários, com perguntas fechadas e abertas. Com os resultados obtidos identificamos que os profissionais de saúde entrevistados estão atentos a diversos prazeres do dia a dia, além dos prazeres sexuais. De mais a mais, a maioria consegue saborear seus alimentos, mesmo na correria cotidiana. Apesar disso, as técnicas de cuidado de si utilizadas por eles são preferencialmente fundamentadas em parâmetros biomédicos, destacando-se os exames laboratoriais, a caminhada e a ginástica