Abstract Background: Rheumatic carditis is a challenge for treatment and secondary prophylaxis, due to severe valve sequelae. Objective: To evaluate the cases of rheumatic carditis in patients under 18 years old treated with corticosteroids. Methods: An observational, longitudinal and retrospective study was carried out on the profile of patients, in the period of 2000-2015. We selected those who received corticosteroid therapy at immunosuppressive doses, for the treatment of carditis and were aged 5 to 18 years. Data were extracted from medical records. Calculations of: averages, standard deviations, medians and interquartile ranges, ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained. Chi-square and Wilcoxon tests were applied for comparisons. The level of significance was 5%. Results: Of the 93 cases, 93.53% developed moderate or severe carditis. Mitral regurgitation was detected in 100% of the sample. Pulse therapy was administered in 11.83%. Surgery was performed in 23.69% of patients: mitral, aortic and/or tricuspid valve repair or replacement. The evolution of the cases was favorable in 70.96%. There was a good response among those who received only clinical treatment and those who belonged to the surgical group. The comparison of the initial and posterior valve lesions to the corticoid use was statistically significant (p < 0.001). A difference between the ejection fraction medians was observed (p = 0.048). Hospitalization was required twice or more for 45.16% of the patients. The mortality rate was 5.38%. Conclusions: The patients showed significant clinical improvement. The treatment was effective, reducing trivalvular impairment.

ABSTRACT In spite of advances in colorectal cancer treatments, approximately 1.4 million new global cases are estimated for 2015. In this sense, Brazilian plant diversity offers a multiplicity of essential oils as prospective novel anticancer compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the essential oils from four Lippia species in CT26.WT colon tumor cells, as a measurement of cell cycle phase distribution and microRNA expression. CT26.WT showed cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase after treatment with 100 µg/ml of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E.Br. ex Britton & P. Wilson, Lippia sidoides Cham., and Lippia lacunosa Mart. & Schauer, Verbenaceae, essential oils and, at the same concentration, Lippia rotundifolia Cham. essential oil caused an augment of G0/G1 phase. The miRNA expression profiling shows change of expression in key oncogenic miRNAs genes after treatment. Our findings suggest growth inhibition mechanisms for all four essential oils on CT26.WT cells involving direct or indirect interference on cell cycle arrest and/or oncogenic miRNAs expression.

Abstract Prior studies demonstrate that a proteinase fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V.M. Badillo, Caricaceae, exhibits wound healing activity in gastric and cutaneous models and antitumoral/antimetastatic effects. Here, we present the toxicity, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution data for this proteinase fraction following a single dose into Swiss mice by i.v., s.c. or p.o. routes. The i.v. and s.c. toxicity assays demonstrate that proteinase fraction at ≤20 mg/kg is non-lethal after single injection, while parental administration (p.o.) of ≤300 mg/kg does not cause death. Based on p.o. acute toxicity dose using Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development protocols, proteinase fraction ranks as Class IV “harmful” substance. Proteinase fraction shows high uptake determined as Kp (distribution tissue/blood) in organs linked to metabolism and excretion. Also, high bioavailability (≈100%) was observed by s.c. administration. The blood contents following i.v. dose fits into a pharmacokinetic bi-compartmental model, consisting of high removal constants – kel 0.22 h−1 and kd 2.32 h−1and a half-life – t½ = 3.13 h. The Ames test of proteinase fraction (0.01–1%) demonstrates absence of mutagenic activity. Likewise, genotoxic evaluation of proteinase fraction (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) shows no influence in micronuclei frequency. In conclusion, the acute doses for proteinase fraction lack mutagenic and genotoxic activity, clearing the way for clinical assays.

Os répteis possuem um sistema porta-renal, o qual pode desviar parte do sangue proveniente das porções caudais do corpo aos rins antes que a mesma atinja a circulação sistêmica. Em vista disto, vem sendo aconselhada a administração de medicamentos injetáveis nos membros torácicos, para que se evite a filtração imediata pelo parênquima renal, causando redução do efeito esperado. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar aspectos qualitativos e quantitativos da associação de cetamina (30 mg/kg) e xilazina (1 mg/kg), injetada no membro torácico ou pélvico, em jacarés-do-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) juvenis. Oito animais machos com peso médio (±DP) de 1,3 (±0,3) kg e, aproximadamente, dois anos de idade foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões distintas com intervalo de sete dias. Em cada ocasião, os animais receberam, de forma aleatória, a associação anestésica por via intramuscular em membro torácico (tratamento MT) ou pélvico (tratamento MP). Foram avaliados os intervalos de tempo entre a administração do tratamento e a perda do reflexo de endireitamento (período de indução), entre a perda e o retorno desse reflexo (duração do efeito clínico importante) e entre o retorno do reflexo de endireitamento e os primeiros movimentos de deambulação (duração do efeito residual), as frequências cardíaca e respiratória e as temperaturas ambiental e cloacal. Os escores de sedação/anestesia foram avaliados através de uma escala com variação de 0 (alerta/consciente) a 10 (anestesia profunda/sobredosagem). No tratamento MP, dois animais não apresentaram perda de reflexo de endireitamento. Considerando somente aqueles que apresentaram a perda desse reflexo, o tempo de indução (21±9 e 17±5 minutos) e a duração do efeito clínico importante (35±19 e 43±21 minutos) e residual (28±31 e 12±11 minutos) foram similares entre os tratamentos MT e MP (média±desvio padrão). O escore de sedação foi significativamente maior que o basal de 20 a 50 minutos nos dois tratamentos e, aos 30 minutos (pico de efeito), o escore mediano (interquartil) foi 3,5(2,3-4,0) no tratamento MT e 3,0(2,0-4,0) no tratamento MP. Assim como nos escores de sedação, diferenças entre tratamentos nas variáveis fisiológicas não foram observadas. Em ambos os tratamentos, o reflexo de retirada de membro ao pinçamento digital não foi abolido. A administração da associação de xilazina e cetamina em membro pélvico ou torácico de jacarés-do-papo-amarelo juvenis promove efeitos similares, sugerindo que a influência do sistema porta-renal não é clinicamente relevante. Nas doses empregadas, tal protocolo não promove anestesia cirúrgica e a imobilidade/contenção farmacológica é imprevisível e de curta duração.

Reptiles possess a renal portal system which can divert part of the blood from the caudal portions of the body to the kidney before it reaches the systemic circulation. In view of this, it has been recommended the administration of injectable medications in the forelimbs, in order to avoid immediate glomerular filtration, which might result in a reduction of the expected effect. The aim of this study was to compare qualitative and quantitative aspects of the pharmacological restraint provided by the combination of ketamine (30mg/kg) and xylazine (1mg/kg), injected into the forelimb or hindlimb, in broad-snouted caiman juveniles (Caiman latirostris). Eight male animals, with a mean weight (±SD) of 1.3 (±0.3) kg, and aged about 2 years old, were anesthetized on two separate occasions with an interval of 7 days. On each occasion, the animals were randomly assigned to receive the anesthetic combination intramuscularly into the forelimb (FL treatment) or hindlimb (HL treatment). The time intervals between administration of treatment and loss of the righting reflex (induction time), between the loss and return of this reflex (duration of important clinical effect), and between the return of the righting reflex and first movements of ambulation (duration of residual effect) were measured as well as heart and respiratory rates and cloacal and environmental temperatures. Sedation/anesthesia scores were evaluated using a scale ranging from 0 (alert/conscious) to 10 (deep anesthesia/overdose). In the HL treatment, loss of righting reflex was not observed in two animals. Considering only those animals whose loss of righting reflex was observed, the induction time (21±9 and 17±5 minutes), the duration of important clinical effect (35±19 and 43±21 minutes), and the duration of residual effect (28±31 and 12±11 minutes) were similar between the FL and HL treatments, respectively (mean±SD). Sedation/anesthesia scores were significantly higher than at baseline from 20 to 50 minutes in both treatments and, at 30 minutes (peak sedative effect), the median score (interquartile range) was 3.5(2.3-4.0) in the FL treatment and 3.0(2.0-4.0) in the HL treatment. Differences between treatments in physiological variables were not observed. In both treatments, withdrawal reflex in response to digital clamping was not absent at any timepoint. The administration of xylazine-ketamine combination in the forelimb or hindlimb of broad-snouted caiman juveniles provides similar effects, suggesting that the influence of the renal portal system is not clinically relevant. At the doses used, such combination does not induce surgical anesthesia and the immobility/pharmacological restraint is unpredictable and of short duration.

Several Lippia species have been used in folk medicine mainly for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases. Their biological properties have been partially associated to the terpenoids found in their essential oils. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and is described as a complex group of diseases with several hallmarks. One of its acceptable defining features is the cell proliferation beyond their boundaries forming the tumors. Importantly, some drugs currently available were discovered by the investigation of plant secondary metabolites. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate in vitro cytotoxic effect of the essential oils extracted from five Lippia species against tumor cell lines. The results indicated that mouse colon carcinoma CT26.WT cell line viability was significantly reduced showing an IC50 of 19.05, 30.20 and 36.30 µg/ml when treated with the essential oils of L. sidoides, L. salviifolia and L. rotundifolia, respectively. Human lung carcinoma A549 cell line also had a compromised viability to the action of L. alba carvone chemotype essential oil. The tested essential oils did not compromise viability of the normal cell line CHO. These finds suggest that the studied Lippia essential oils might be good candidates for further in-depth studies.

Cinco espécies de Siluriformes foram registradas no sistema fluvial do rio Ubatiba, Pimelodella lateristriga foi a espécie dominante seguida de Hypostomus gr. punctatus, Rineloricaria sp., Callichthys callichthys e Rhamdia sp. Análises de correlação simples entre as densidades das espécies e as variáveis de hábitat indicaram que a hidrologia explicou os padrões de densidade de quatro espécies; as densidades de Pimelodella foram negativamente correlacionadas com a presença de poças, as densidades de Callichthys e Hypostomus foram positivamente correlacionadas com os rápidos e as densidades de Rhamdia foram positivamente correlacionadas com as corredeiras; as densidades de Rineloricaria não responderam a nenhum dos parâmetros hydrológicos analisados. O substrato foi um importante fator para todas as espécies, mas preferências específicas foram observadas. A vegetação marginal foi positivamente correlacionada apenas com as densidades de Pimelodella. A análise de dissimilaridade de Sorensen indicou que os grupos de localidades que se formaram com base tanto na composição de espécies como nas variáveis de hábitat foram muito semelhantes e corroboraram os resultados das análises de correlação, sugerindo que a composição de Siluriformes do rio Ubatiba pode ser explicada por várias características do hábitat. As análises de co-variância das densidades das espécies em cada momento amostral mostraram-se significativamente similares em todos (100%) os casos analisados, indicando que a composição de Siluriformes é persistente e se mantém em escala temporal.

Five species of Siluriformes were registered in the Ubatiba system. Pimelodella lateristriga was the dominant one, followed by Hypostomus gr. punctatus, Rineloricaria sp., Callichthys callichthys and Rhamdia sp. Simple correlation analysis between species density and habitat parameters indicated that hydrology explained density patterns of four species. Pimelodella densities were negatively correlated with pools, Callichthys and Hypostomus densities were positively correlated with runs and Rhamdia densities were positively correlated with riffles; Rineloricaria densities did not respond to any hydrological parameter. Substrata were an important factor to all species, but specific preferences were observed. Marginal vegetation was positively correlated only to Pimelodella densities. Sorensen dissimilarity analysis indicated that site groups, based on both species composition and habitat parameters, were very similar and corroborated the correlation analysis suggesting that Siluriformes composition should be explained by many habitat parameters. Analysis of co-variation of species densities at each sampling occasion showed to be statistically similar in at least all (100%) analysed cases indicating that Siluriformes composition was strongly persistent in time.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é explorar as vivências de crianças e adolescentes com câncer, durante a fase de quimioterapia intratecal, através de abordagem qualitativa com coleta de dados empíricos realizada a partir de entrevista semi-estruturada. Participaram do estudo onze crianças/adolescentes que receberam quimioterapia intratecal, na faixa etária de 07 a 16 anos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos em um hospital-escola do interior do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados convergiram para os seguintes temas: rotina da intratecal; medo, dor e fantasias e estratégias de alívio. Este trabalho possibilitou o acesso a informações de real interesse para a assistência às crianças/adolescentes, durante a fase da quimioterapia intratecal, situação tida como uma das mais estressantes. Quanto às implicações para a enfermagem, identificou-se que a informação é vital para crianças/adolescentes com câncer, pois ela poderá minimizar incertezas e sentimentos negativos, levando-os a colaborar e a participar do tratamento.

This study aims to explore the experiences of children and adolescents with cancer during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, by means of a qualitative approach. Empirical data were collected on the basis of semi-structured interviews. Study participants were eleven children/adolescents who received intrathecal chemotherapy, between 07 and 16 years old, from both genders, attended at a hospital school in the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil. Results converged towards the following issues: intrathecal routine; fear, pain and relief fantasies and strategies. This study gave access to important information with a view to caring for children/adolescents during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, which is considered as one of the most stressing situations. With respect to nursing implications, we identified the vital nature of information for children/adolescents with cancer since this makes it possible to minimize uncertainties and negative feelings and makes them collaborate and participate in treatment.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es el de explorar las vivencias de niños y adolescentes con cáncer durante la etapa de quimioterapia intratecal, mediante la aproximación cualitativa con colección de datos empíricos efectuada a partir de entrevista semi-estructurada. Participaron del estudio once niños/adolescentes que recibieron quimioterapia intratecal, entre 07 y 16 años, de ambos los sexos, atendidos en un hospital escuela del interior del Estado de São Paulo. Los resultados convergieron en los siguientes temas: rutina de la intratecal; miedo, dolor, fantasías y estrategias de alivio. Este trabajo posibilitó el acceso a informaciones de real interés para atención a los niños/adolescentes durante la etapa de quimioterapia intratecal, que es considerada una de las más estresantes. Al respecto de las implicaciones para la enfermería, identificamos que la información es vital para niños/adolescentes con cáncer ya que, mediante ella, es posible minimizar incertidumbres y sentimientos negativos, llevándoles a colaborar y participar del tratamiento.

This study aims to explore the experiences of children and adolescents with cancer during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, by means of a qualitative approach. Empirical data were collected on the basis of semi-structured interviews. Study participants were eleven children/adolescents who received intrathecal chemotherapy, between 07 and 16 years old, from both genders, attended at a hospital school in the interior of São Paulo State, Brazil. Results converged towards the following issues: intrathecal routine; fear, pain and relief fantasies and strategies. This study gave access to important information with a view to caring for children/adolescents during the intrathecal chemotherapy phase, which is considered as one of the most stressing situations. With respect to nursing implications, we identified the vital nature of information for children/adolescents with cancer since this makes it possible to minimize uncertainties and negative feelings and makes them collaborate and participate in treatment.

El objetivo del presente trabajo es el de explorar las vivencias de niños y adolescentes con cáncer durante la etapa de quimioterapia intratecal, mediante la aproximación cualitativa con colección de datos empíricos efectuada a partir de entrevista semi-estructurada. Participaron del estudio once niños/adolescentes que recibieron quimioterapia intratecal, entre 07 y 16 años, de ambos los sexos, atendidos en un hospital escuela del interior del Estado de São Paulo. Los resultados convergieron en los siguientes temas: rutina de la intratecal; miedo, dolor, fantasías y estrategias de alivio. Este trabajo posibilitó el acceso a informaciones de real interés para atención a los niños/adolescentes durante la etapa de quimioterapia intratecal, que es considerada una de las más estresantes. Al respecto de las implicaciones para la enfermería, identificamos que la información es vital para niños/adolescentes con cáncer ya que, mediante ella, es posible minimizar incertidumbres y sentimientos negativos, llevándoles a colaborar y participar del tratamiento.

O objetivo do presente trabalho é explorar as vivências de crianças e adolescentes com câncer, durante a fase de quimioterapia intratecal, através de abordagem qualitativa com coleta de dados empíricos realizada a partir de entrevista semi-estruturada. Participaram do estudo onze crianças/adolescentes que receberam quimioterapia intratecal, na faixa etária de 07 a 16 anos, de ambos os sexos, atendidos em um hospital-escola do interior do estado de São Paulo. Os resultados convergiram para os seguintes temas: rotina da intratecal; medo, dor e fantasias e estratégias de alívio. Este trabalho possibilitou o acesso a informações de real interesse para a assistência às crianças/adolescentes, durante a fase da quimioterapia intratecal, situação tida como uma das mais estressantes. Quanto às implicações para a enfermagem, identificou-se que a informação é vital para crianças/adolescentes com câncer, pois ela poderá minimizar incertezas e sentimentos negativos, levando-os a colaborar e a participar do tratamento.