Resumen La injuria o lesión renal aguda (LRA) es la mayor causa de mortalidad debido a las mordeduras por cascabeles Crotalus durissus terrificus. Se estudió la instalación precoz de LRA, en ratas, inducida por el veneno de Crotalus durissus terrificus después de 2 h de su inoculación y la atenuación por el antiveneno. Se utilizaron diversos biomarcadores para monitorear LRA en ausencia o presencia del antiveneno. Ratas Wistar machos fueron divididos en 5 grupos (n=5 por grupo): G1, ratas inoculadas con solución salina (control); G2, ratas inoculadas con veneno (6 mg kg-1 dosis, vía intraperitoneal), y sacrificadas después de 2 h para evaluar LRA; G3 y G4, ratas inoculadas con 0.9% de solución salina esterilizada o antiveneno luego de 2 h después de inoculado el veneno, respectivamente, y monitoreadas hasta su muerte o hasta 24 h después de inoculado el veneno; y G5, ratas inoculadas con antiveneno solo y monitoreadas durante 24 h. Las muestras de sangre, orina, y tejido renal fueron colectadas inmediatamente después de la muerte de los animales para evaluar estrés oxidativo, alteraciones hematológicas y bioquímicas, y daño histológico renal. El veneno causó LRA dentro de las 2 h (G2) persistiendo durante más de 8,2 ± 1,6 h (G3), estando esto confirmado por el incremento de urea sanguínea, creatinina, y proteinuria renal; estos aumentos disminuyeron con la aplicación del antiveneno. No se observaron alteraciones en las concentraciones de proteínas sanguíneas en G2 y G3, mientras que se encontraron incrementos en glutatión reducido sanguíneo, glutatión peroxidasa y TBARS plasmática (pero no en catalasa), que disminuyeron con la aplicación del antiveneno aunque en diferente grado. No ocurrieron alteraciones marcadas de plaquetas o leucocitos, mientras que el aumento de glóbulos rojos observado luego de 8,2 h de la inoculación con veneno, disminuyó con el antiveneno. El daño renal glomerular y tubular fue más importante luego de 2 h de la inoculación con veneno y posteriormente disminuyó. El veneno causó LRA precoz a las 2 h, con efectos variables sobre la peroxidación lipídica y el estrés oxidativo. El antiveneno redujo el daño renal, conforme lo demostrado por la disminución en la urea sanguínea y por la normalización de la proteinuria, aunque no se observó protección contra la peroxidación lipídica.

Abstract Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the major cause of mortality following bites by the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. We investigated the early onset of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom-induced AKI in rats within 2 h of venom injection and its attenuation by antivenom. Several biomarkers were used to monitor AKI in the absence or presence of antivenom. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=5 each): G1, rats injected with saline (control); G2, rats injected with venom (6 mg kg-1, intraperitoneally) and euthanized after 2 h to evaluate AKI; G3 and G4, rats injected with 0.9% sterile saline or antivenom 2 h after venom, respectively, and monitored until death or up to 24 h post-venom, and G5, rats injected with antivenom alone and monitored for 24 h. Blood, urine and renal tissue samples were collected immediately after death to assess oxidative stress, hematological and biochemical alterations, and renal histological damage. Venom caused AKI within 2 h (G2) that persisted for up to 8.2 ± 1.6 h (G3), as confirmed by increases in blood urea, creatinine, and renal proteinuria; these increases were attenuated by antivenom. There were no changes in blood protein concentrations in G2 and G3, whereas there were increases in blood reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and plasma TBARS (but not in catalase) that were attenuated to varying extents by antivenom. There were no marked changes in platelets or leukocytes, but an increase in erythrocytes after 8.2 h with venom alone was attenuated by antivenom. Renal glomerular and tubular damage was greatest after 2 h post-venom groups alone was attenuated by antivenom. Renal glomerular and tubular damage was greatest after 2 h post-venom and declined thereafter. Venom caused early-onset AKI, with variable effects on lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Antivenom attenuated the AKI, as shown by the decrease in blood urea and the normalization of proteinuria, without protecting against lipid peroxidation.

Abstract In a previous study, we reported the antispasmodic and gastroprotective effects of the Serjania caracasana (Jacq.) Willd., Sapindaceae, extract. In the present study, we evaluated the LD50, hemolytic and antispasmodic activities of its fractions and characterized its major constituents by isolation and GC–MS. The animals showed non-toxic symptoms with oral doses up to 2000 mg/kg, suggesting a safe oral administration. Furthermore, a low hemolytic activity was detected for the saponin fraction. Antispasmodic activity of the fractions was evaluated through carbachol-induced contractions in rat ileum. The hexane fraction was the most potent (IC50 68.4 ± 5.9 µg/ml) followed by the dichloromethane fraction (IC50 161.3.4 ± 40.7 µg/ml). Butanol fraction was the less effective (IC50 219.8 ± 60.3 µg/ml). The phytochemical study of the S. caracasana fractions afforded the isolation of friedelin, β-amyrin, allantoin and quercitrin. This is the first time that the presence of allantoin and quercitrin in the Serjania genus has been reported. Among the isolated compounds and those characterized by GC–MS, β-amyrin and β-sitosterol were present in the most active fractions, hexane and dichloromethane, and they may be related to its antispasmodic activity. In addition, spathulenol was only found in the hexane fraction and its presence might justify the highest antispasmodic activity observed for this fraction.

Abstract Liquid flow in the impeller swept region of vessels with a turbine-type agitator was examined for the flow path between the neighboring blades of the rotating impeller. Visualization of the flow and its measurement were done using particle tracking velocimetry with a camera rotating along with the impeller. Internal liquid flow of the impeller differed when the velocity magnitudes were compared in conditions with and without baffles. Larger circumferential and radial velocities were observed without the baffles and with the baffles, respectively, which was considered to result in the difference of impeller power transmission. Efficiencies produced, based on the flow-head concept, reflected the impeller power characteristics. The turbine-type impeller as an actuator was demonstrated to improve in the flow characteristics with viscous losses increased by the baffles. In terms of impeller efficiencies based on the power consumption, the effect of baffles for the energy was as a decreased transmission and an increased transport.

CONTEXTO: A melhor dose para o início do tratamento anticoagulante com varfarina vem sendo debatida nos últimos dez anos. Em nosso meio, não observamos nenhum estudo comparativo quanto a estas características.OBJETIVO: Comparar segurança e eficácia de dois esquemas de dosagem inicial de varfarina para tratamento anticoagulante.MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente 110 pacientes de ambos os sexos, consecutivos, com indicação de anticoagulação por tromboembolismo venoso ou arterial. Durante os três primeiros dias de tratamento, estes pacientes receberam doses adequadas de heparina (RT - razão dos tempos - alvo entre 1,5 e 2,5) e 5 mg de varfarina, cuja dose foi reajustada a partir do quarto dia pelo Razão Normatizada Internacional - RNI (alvo entre 2 e 3). Esse grupo foi comparado com série histórica de 110 pacientes que receberam 10 mg nos dois primeiros dias, 5 mg a partir do terceiro dia, com ajuste posterior de dose baseado no RNI. Os desfechos foram: recorrência do tromboembolismo, sangramentos e tempo para alcançar níveis terapêuticos.RESULTADOS: A eficácia, a segurança e o tempo de internação foram similares entre os grupos. O grupo que recebeu 10 mg atingiu níveis terapêuticos mais precocemente (média de 4,5 dias × 5,8 dias), sendo as doses na alta menores e os níveis terapêuticos mais adequados na primeira visita de retorno.CONCLUSÃO: O esquema de dosagem de 10 mg proporcionou menor tempo para alcançar nível terapêutico, com menores doses de varfarina na alta e RNI mais adequado no retorno.

CONTEXT: The question of what is the best loading dosage of warfarin when starting anticoagulant treatment has been under discussion for ten years. We were unable to find any comparative studies of these characteristics conducted here in Brazil.OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of two initial warfarin dosage regimens for anticoagulant treatment.METHODS: One-hundred and ten consecutive patients of both sexes, with indications for anticoagulation because of venous or arterial thromboembolism, were analyzed prospectively. During the first 3 days of treatment, these patients were given adequate heparin to keep aPTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) between 1.5 and 2.5, plus 5 mg of warfarin. From the fourth day onwards, their warfarin doses were adjusted using International Normalized Ratios (INR; target range: 2 to 3). This prospective cohort was compared with a historical series of 110 patients had been given 10 mg of warfarin on the first 2 days and 5 mg on the third day with adjustments based on INR thereafter. Outcomes analyzed were as follows: recurrence of thromboembolism, bleeding events and time taken to enter the therapeutic range.RESULTS: Efficacy, safety and length of hospital stay were similar in both samples. The sample that were given 10 mg entered the therapeutic range earlier (means: 4.5 days vs. 5.8 days), were on lower doses at discharge and had better therapeutic indicators at the first return appointment.CONCLUSIONS: The 10 mg dosage regimen took less time to attain the therapeutic range and was associated with lower warfarin doses at discharge and better INR at first out-patients follow-up visit.

Thin films of PbTiO3 were deposited at a temperature of 400°C onto Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si <100> substrates by the aerosol assisted CVD method using organometallic precursors. With the purpose of stabilizing and homogenizing the Perovskite phase, the films were annealed at 550°C, in a Pb-rich atmosphere, for 12 h. Thermogravimetric analysis of the precursors were performed to determine the theoretical temperature of deposition. The crystallinity of the phase before and after annealing was characterized by grazing incidence x-ray diffraction. Additionally, microstructural analysis using scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy was also performed.

Se depositaron películas delgadas de PbTiO3 (PT) a temperatura de 400°C en un sustrato de Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si <100> por el método de depósito químico asistido por aerosol (CVD-AA) usando precursores organometálicos. Con el propósito de estabilizar la fase Perovskita, la película fue recocida a temperaturas de 550°C por 12 horas, en una atmósfera rica en Pb. Se realizaron análisis termogravimétricos de los precursores con la finalidad de conocer la temperatura teórica de depósito. La cristalinidad de la fase antes y después del recocido fue caracterizada por difracción de rayos-X a incidencia rasante. Por otro lado, también se realizó análisis microestructural por microscopias electrónicas de barrido (MEB) y de trasmisión (MET).

O trabalho consiste na re-investigação dos frutos de Iryanthera juruensis e Virola pavonis e das folhas de V. michelii, bem como no estudo dos frutos de V. mollissima. A partir de I. juruensis foram isoladas uma neolignana ariltetralínica (1) e uma neolignana tetraidrofurânica (2), enquanto que de Virola pavonis foram isoladas neolignanas benzofurânicas (6-9), tetraidrofurânicas (2, 11-13, 17), bifenílica (10), diastereoisômeros de uma hidróxi-neolignana 8.O.4'(14-15) e outras. V. mollissima acumula a neolignana ariltetralônica 4 ou o seu derivado seco (5). As folhas de V. michelii apresentaram a ocorrência de lignanas furofurânicas (18-19). Os lignóides 1 e 2 obtidos dos arilos de I. juruensis apresentaram atividade leishmanicida contra a forma promastigota de Leishmania amazonensis.

This work revisits the fruits of Iryanthera juruensis and Virola pavonis and the leaves from V. michelii, as well as describing a study of the fruits of V. mollissima. In I. juruensis aryltetraline neolignan (1) and tetrahydrofuran neolignan (2), were found while from V. pavonis neolignans of benzofuran type (6-9), the tetrahydrofuran type (2, 11-13, 17) and the biphenyl type (10), in addition to diastereoisomers of the 8.O.4'-oxyneolignan type (14 and 15) and others were isolated. The V. mollissima accumulates the aryltetralone neolignan 4 and its seco derivative (5). The lignoids 1 and 2 obtained from I. juruensis arils possess antileishmanial activity against the promastigote form of Leishmania amazonensis.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia e segurança da profilaxia com heparina de baixo peso molecular (enoxaparina) versus heparina não fracionada (HNF). MÉTODOS: Setenta e cinco pacientes (59 homens e 16 mulheres ), submetidos a amputação maior dos membros inferiores (30 acima do joelho e 45 abaixo do joelho ), foram tratados ao acaso com HNF subcutânea (5,000 IU -2x/dia ) ou enoxaparina subcutânea (40mg/dia ) durante a hospitalização . A profilaxia teve início 12 horas antes da cirurgia ou , em casos emergenciais , no primeiro dia de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Os dois grupos de tratamento foram comparáveis em termos de características gerais . A avaliação da TVP foi feita por meio de exame clínico diário e pelo mapeamento dúplex antes e 5-8 dias após a cirurgia . A TVP foi documentada no lado operado em 9,75% dos pacientes tratados com enoxaparina e em 11,76% dos pacientes tratados com HNF (p=0,92) e houve um caso de TVP bilateral em cada grupo . Sangramentos não foram verificados nos 2 grupos . CONCLUSÃO: A enoxaparina e HNF foram igualmente eficientes e seguras para a profilaxia da TVP em pacientes submetidos à amputação de membros inferiores .

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) with unfractionated heparin (UH) in this prophylaxis. METHODS: Seventy five patients (59 men and 16 women), undergoing major lower extremity amputation (30 above-knee and 45 below-knee), were randomized to be treated with subcutaneous UH (5,000 IU t.i.d.) or enoxaparin (40mg/day) during hospitalization. Prophylaxis was started 12 hours before surgery or, in emergency cases, in the first postoperative day. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable with regard to baseline characteristics. Evaluation of DVT was performed by daily clinical examination and by duplex scanning before and 5 to 8 days after surgery. DVT was documented in the operated limb in 9.75% in patients treated with enoxaparin and in 11.76% in patients treated with UH (p=0.92) and there was one bilateral thrombosis in each group . Bleeding complications were not observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Enoxaparin and UH were both efficient and safe for the prophylaxis of DVT in patients submitted to lower extremity amputation.

Testes em placas de CCDC reveladas com solução de beta-caroteno mostraram a presença de duas substâncias com propriedades antioxidantes no extrato hexânico. Elas foram isoladas e identificadas como 3-metil-sargacromenol (1) and sargacromenol (2). O extrato hexânico forneceu ainda o ácido 3-metil-sargaquinóico (3) e o ácido sargaquinóico (4). O comportamento eletroquímico destas substâncias foi investigado em CH2Cl2/Bu4NBF4 sobre eletrodo de carbono vítreo. A oxidação do grupo fenólico nos tocotrienóis 1 and 2 é responsável por um pico anódico em potenciais de +0.23V e +0.32V, os quais são correlacionados com sua atividade antioxidante. O mecanismo de oxidação é comparado com o comportamento eletroquímico do antioxidante alfa-tocopherol.

TLC autographic assays revealed in the hexane extract of Iryanthera juruensis (Myristicaceae) the presence of two compounds, with antioxidant properties towards beta-carotene. They were isolated and identified as 3-methyl-sargachromenol (1) and sargachromenol (2). Further investigation of the hexane extract led to isolations of 3-methyl-sargaquinoic acid (3) and sargaquinoic acid (4). The electrochemical behaviour of these compounds was studied in CH2Cl2/Bu4NBF4 at glassy carbon electrode. The phenolic group in both tocotrienols 1 and 2 are oxidized at +0.23V and +0.32V and their oxidation potentials are correlated with the observed antioxidant activities and oxidation mechanism of alpha-tocopherol. The reductive voltametric behaviour of quinone function in both plastoquinones 3 and 4 is discussed.

O extrato etanólico das folhas de Nectandra grandiflora coletadas na Mata Atlântica, Brasil, mostrou atividade antioxidante frente ao b-caroteno em teste usando cromatografia em camada delgada. O fracionamento biomonitorado levou ao isolamento do ácido protocatecuico e de dois flavonóides glicosilados: afzelina e quercetrina, os quais exibiram atividade sequestradora de radicais livres frente ao DPPH (DA 32, 16 e 73% a 50 µmol L-1) e foram comparados aos antioxidantes comerciais rutina (81% a 50 µmol L-1) e BHT (9% a 50 µmol L-1), usados como substâncias de referência. Além disso, três neolignanas inativas, incluindo a nova neolignana biciclo[3.2.1]octânica 2'-oxo-piperol B, foram obtidas e caracterizadas por métodos espectrométricos.

The EtOH crude extract from the leaves of Nectandra grandiflora collected in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil, showed antioxidant activity towards b-carotene in a TLC assay. The bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of protocatechuic acid and two flavonol glycosides: afzelin and quercetrin, which showed free radical scavenging activity towards DPPH (DA 32, 16 and 73% at 50 µmol L-1) and were compared to commercial antioxidants rutin (81% at 50 µmol L-1) and BHT (9% at 50 µmol L-1), used as standard compounds. Additionally, three inactive neolignans, including the new bicycle[3.2.1]octane neolignan 2'-oxo-piperol B were obtained and characterized by spectrometric methods.

Las propiedades físicas y químicas de los polvos cerámicos dependen grandemente de la morfología y de la composición química de las soluciones precursoras. Por lo tanto, las propiedades de los polvos cerámicos están esperando ser mejoradas controlando los parámetros que más influyen en la morfología como son la composición de las soluciones precursoras, temperatura y flujo de aire. Algunas de las técnicas que ofrecen producir polvos cerámicos con morfología controlada son: sol gel, coprecipitación y pirólisis. Dentro de estas técnicas la aspersión pirolítica es una de las más adecuadas para el control de la morfología y la composición química de las partículas, ya que la aspersión pirolítica integra la evaporación, precipitación, descomposición y estado de sinterización para la síntesis de polvos en un sólo proceso continuo. En este trabajo, los polvos obtenidos son esféricos y han sido preparados a partir de acetilacetonato de circonio y acetato de calcio en solución; mediante la técnica de aspersión pirolítica utilizando un aspersor neumático. La morfología y el tamaño de partícula cambian con las variaciones del flujo de aire, temperatura y la concentración molar de la solución.

Physical and chemical properties of ceramic powders are highly dependent on the morphology and chemical composition of the precursor powders. Therefore, properties of ceramic powders are expecting to be improved by controlling the most important parameters of morphology such as composition of precursors, temperature and airflow. Promising techniques to produce ceramic powders with controlled morphology are sol-gel, coprecipitation, and pyrolysis. Among these techniques, spray pyrolysis is one of the most suitable to control the morphology and the chemical composition of the particles, because the spray pyrolysis technique integrates the evaporation, precipitation, decomposition and sintering stage of powder synthesis into a single continuos process. Spherical powders were prepared from acetylacetonate of zirconium and acetate calcium hydrated solutions by pneumatic spray pyrolysis. The morphology and size of the powders change with variation of airflow, temperature, and solution concentration.

Aproximadamente 400 pacientes de hemodiálise tratados em 5 diferentes unidades no Rio de Janeiro foram acompanhados durante 1 ano para presença de marcadores virais de hepatite B e C. Durante o mesmo período, amostras foram também de 35 pacientes ambulatoriais de diálise peritonial contínua (CAPD) e de 242 funcionários das unidades. Dependendo da unidade em estudo foram detectadas prevalências de anti-HCV variando de 47% a 82% (média 65%). Pacientes de CAPD demonstraram uma baixa prevalência de 17%. A prevalência de anti-HCV em funcionários foi de 2.9%. Observamos uma taxa de ataque de hepatite C de 11.5% por ano na população paciente de hemodiálise anti-HCV-negativo. Uma média de 9.4% de pacientes de hemodiálise eram portadores crônicos do vírus da hepatite B (VHB) (taxa de 1.8% a 20.4%), enquanto 48.9% apresentaram marcadores de infecção passada de HBV. A taxa de ataque de HBV foi de 4.5% por ano (taxa de 0% a 6%). Esses resultados indicam uma alarmante prevalência alta de anti-HCV em pacientes de hemodiálise dessa região estudada.

Nearly 400 hemodialysis patients treated at 5 different hemodialysis units in Rio de Janeiro were tested for one year for the presence of hepatitis C and B markers. During the same period, samples were also obtained from 35 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and from 242 health care workers. Depending on the hemodialysis unit studied, anti-HCV prevalence rates ranging from 47% to 82% (mean 65%) were detected. CAPD patients showed a lower prevalence of 17%. The prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among health care workers was 2.9%. We observed a hepatitis C attack rate of 11.5% per year in the anti-HCV-negative hemodialysis patient population. An average of 9.4% of the hemodialysis patients were chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) (range 1.8% - 20.4%), while 48.9% showed markers of previous HBV infection. The HBV attack rate was 4.5% per year (range 0% - 6%). These results indicate an alarming high prevalence of anti-HCV among hemodialysis patients of this studied region.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and C infection has been determined in a seroepidemiological survey among blood donors from the south of Brazil (Florianópolis, State of Santa Catarina). These markers has also been correlated with the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a surrogate marker to prevent post-transfusion hepatitis. Sera from 5000 donors were randomly collected in the period of April to November 1991. The prevalences of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were respectively 0.78, 7.02 and 13.98. The anti-HCV prevalence after confirmation testing with line immunoassay (LIA), was 1.14. Normal values of ALT ( < = 32 U/ml) were found in 59.78, values slightly above the mean (ALT between 32-70 U/ml) in 37.74 and high values of ALT ( > = 70 U/ml) in 2.48. The positivity of anti-HCV antibodies increased with the elevation of ALT levels. This correlation was not observed in relation to HBsAg. There exists a diversity in the recognition of HCV epitopes among HCV positive donors. Via the confirmation test used, we could observe that 94.7 of donors recognize the structural core antigen. Besides that, we observed that 5.26 of the HCV reactive sera recognized only epitopes located in the NS4 and/or NS5 region, indicating the importance of these epitopes for the improvement of assays.

A resposta imune contra vacina de hepatite B (CLB-3mg) foi avaliada em 59 pacientes de hemodiálise e 20 funcionários de risco em adquirir infecção. A soroconversão foi observada em 52,5% e 70,0%, respectivamente. Um ano após a primeira dose, os níveis de anticorpos anti-HBs foram determinados em 37.5% dos pacientes e 60.0% dos funcionários. Os níveis de anticorpos foram expressos em unidades de radioimunoensaio (SRU = contagem da amostra sobre o controle negativo). Considerando apenas os indivíduos que responderam à vacina, no grupo de pacientes, 38.7% tiveram resposta baixa de anticorpos (2,1 - 9,9 SRU), 32,3% resposta média e 29,0% uma resposta elevada (> SRU), enquanto que no pessoal de risco, os valores foram 14,3%, 64,3% e 21.4%, respectivamente. Os autores sugerem o uso de vacinas de HBV com concentrações de HBsAg mais elevada ou um reforço no esquema de imunização para melhorar a resposta de anti-HBs, não só para pacientes como também para pessoas sadias.

Immune response against hepatitis B vaccine (CLB 3mg) was evaluated in 59 hemodialysis patients and 20 occupational risk personnel. Seroconversion was induced in 52.5% and 70.0% respectively. Twelve months after the first dose, 37.5% of patients and 60.0% of occupational risk personnel had detectable anti-HBs level. Antibody level was expressed in sample ratio units (SRU). Considering only the responders, in the patients group 38.7% had a low anti-HBs response (2.1-9.9 SRU) 32.3% a medium response (10-99.9 SRU) and 29.0% a high response (>100 SRU) while in occupational risk personnel these values were 14.3%, 64.3% and 21.4% respectively. The authors suggest the use of HBV vaccines with more elevated HBsAg concentration or a reinforced immunization schedule to improve the anti-HBs response not only for patients but also for healthy persons.