A novel binuclear copper complex incorporating a nalidixic acid derivative displaying a one-dimensional coordination polymeric structure

The identification of the antibacterial action of nalidixic acid (nx) was central to the development of the quinolone antibacterial compounds. The ability of the nx naphthyridyl ring to interact with and inhibit some proteins has encouraged the investigation of similar structures in the search for more active compounds with less adverse effects. The possibility of structural modification by attachment of other biologically active moieties to the naphthyridyl ring of nx allowed the development of new active antimicrobial molecules. Hydrazone derivatives of nx can be synthesized easily based on the condensation of the hydrazide derivative of nx with the desired aldehyde or ketone. Only a few complexes with nx hydrazone derivatives have been described but for none were the crystal structures elucidated. The synthesis of a new one-dimensional Cu(II) coordination polymer, namely catena-poly[[copper(II)-di-μ-chlorido-copper(II)-{μ-1-ethyl-N'-[(1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylidene]-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazidato}-[dimethanolcopper(II)]-{μ-1-ethyl-N'-[(1H-imidazol-3-yl)methylidene]-7-methyl-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carbohydrazidato}] dichloride methanol tetrasolvate], {[Cu3(C16H15N6O2)2Cl2(CH3OH)2]Cl2·4CH3OH}n, with the (1H-imidazol-4-yl)methylidene carbohydrazide derivative of nalidixic acid (denoted h4imi), is presented and its structure is compared to the density functional theory (DFT) optimized structure of free h4imi. The title structure presents an octahedral Cu(II) ion on an inversion centre alternating along a polymer chain with a square-pyramidal Cu(II) ion, with the two Cu(II) centres bridged by two chloride ligands. Hydrogen bonds involving chloride counter-ions and methanol solvent molecules mediate the three-dimensional packing of the polymer. Comparison of the geometrical results from the structure analysis with those derived from a DFT study of the free ligand reveal the differences that arise upon coordination.

Mother-to-Child Transmission of Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Viruses-1/2: What We Know, and What Are the Gaps in Understanding and Preventing This Route of Infection

Although human T-cell lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-1/2) were described over 30 years ago, they are relatively unknown to the public and even to healthcare personnel. Although HTLV-1 is associated with severe illnesses, these occur in only approximately 10% of infected individuals, which may explain the lack of public knowledge about them. However, cohort studies are showing that a myriad of other disease manifestations may trouble infected individuals and cause higher expenditures with healthcare. Testing donated blood for HTLV-1/2 started soon after reliable tests were developed, but unfortunately testing is not available for women during prenatal care. Vertical transmission can occur before or after birth of the child. Before birth, it occurs transplacentally or by transfer of virus during cesarean delivery, but these routes of infection are rare. After childbirth, viral transmission occurs during breastfeeding and increases with longer breastfeeding and high maternal proviral load. Unlike the human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, HTLV is transmitted primarily through breastfeeding and not transplacentally or during delivery. In this study, we review what is currently known about HTLV maternal transmission, its prevention, and the gaps still present in the understanding of this process.

The phase-resolved photoacoustic method to indicate chemical assignments of paracetamol

In this work, the phase-resolved photoacoustic method was applied to provide specific information on the chemical assignments of paracetamol in the near-infrared region. Two broad bands, centered at 1370 and 1130 nm, were well-resolved using this method, making it possible to assign the peaks centered at 1398, 1355 and 1295 nm to a C-H combination from a CH3 structure and the peak at 1305 nm to a C-H combination from the aromatic ring. This information represents a new finding in chemical studies regarding this medicament.

Resection of a rapid-growing 40-cm giant liver hemangioma

Hemangiomas are the most frequent benign tumors of the liver. Most hemangiomas are asymptomatic and therefore largely diagnosed only in routine screening tests. Usually they are small and require no specific treatment. In some situations they can reach great dimensions, causing some discomfort to the patient. Resection of liver hemangioma is indicated in cases of great dimension tumors causing symptoms such as pain, nausea or bloating caused by compression of adjacent organs. We report a case of a rare giant hemangioma with rapid growth in short time: a 50 year old female reported to our institution with a 40 cm giant liver hemangioma and then underwent a left hepatectomy.

D-dimer as a possible prognostic marker of operable hormone receptor-negative breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most common cause of death in women by neoplasia. The mechanisms related to recurrence are unclear, specially the hemostatic alterations that occur during the development of the disease. Plasma D-dimer is a hypercoagulability and fibrinolytic system marker and is increased in patients with various solid tumors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic status assessed by plasma D-dimer in operable breast cancer patients and to investigate its value as a prognostic marker.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised 32 patients with operable hormone receptor-negative breast cancer and a control group with 43 healthy women. Variables included presence and absence of breast cancer, clinical and histopathology findings, and overall survival.

RESULTS

Plasma D-dimer level was normal in the control group and significantly higher in breast cancer patients (P = 0.001), as well as in nonsurvivors compared with survivors (P = 0.025). The results showed that plasma D-dimer levels were not correlated with clinical and histopathology findings (P > 0.213).

CONCLUSIONS

The results taken together indicate the presence of a hypercoagulability state in women with operable hormone receptor-negative breast cancer given the increased levels of D-dimer in this group. Therefore, considering higher levels of D-dimer in patients with a poor outcome, its evaluation may be a promising tool for prognosis in women with operable hormone receptor-negative breast cancer.

PCR identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in a clinical sample from a patient with symptoms of tuberculous spondylodiscitis

A 42-year-old male complaining of thoracic spine pain was admitted to the hospital for evaluation. An X-ray and computer tomography of the thoracic spine showed spondylodiscitis of the L3 lumbar and L2-L3 intervertebral disk. The tuberculin skin test (PPD) was strongly positive. A radioscopy-guided fine needle aspirate of the affected area was cultured but did not reveal the cause of the disease. Two biopsy attempts failed to reveal the cause of the disease by culturing or by acid-fast-resistant staining (Ziehl Neelsen) of the specimens. A third biopsy also failed to detect the infectious agent by using microbiological procedures, but revealed the presence of a 245-bp amplicon characteristic of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex after PCR of the sample. The result demonstrates the efficacy of PCR for the identification of M. tuberculosis in situations in which conventional diagnosis by culturing techniques or direct microscopy is unable to detect the microorganism. Following this result the patient was treated with the antituberculous cocktail composed by rifampicin, pirazinamide and isoniazid during a six-month period. At the end of the treatment the dorsalgia symptoms had disappeared.

Microbiological comparative study of isolates of Edwardsiella tarda isolated in different countries from fish and humans

It is difficult to use tissue culture assays to investigate adherence and other properties of Edwardsiella tarda because the organism is invasive and produces a potent hemolysin. We therefore relied on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the occurrence of genes for enterotoxins (LT-I, EAST-1), Shiga toxin (Stx-1, Stx-2), cytotoxic necrotizing factors (CNF-1, CNF-2), aerobactin, invasion plasmid of enteroinvasive Escherichia coli, EPEC adherence factor (EAF), intimin (Eae), enterohemolysin (EntHly) and hemolysin (Hly) in 53 isolates of E. tarda from humans and fish from several countries. All isolates were negative for all genes investigated by PCR. Adhesion to and invasion of HeLa cells were determined by using the unusually short incubation time of 1h or 30 min. All isolates adhered and invaded in these tests. Finally, a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) test distinguished, with a few exceptions, isolates of human and fish origin.

Susceptibility profile of vaginal yeast isolates from Brazil

Vaginal specimens for culture were obtained from two hundred and five immunocompetent, non-hospitalized patients selected among all women attending the Gynecology and Obstetric Ambulatory Clinic of the University of Espírito Santo, Brazil, during a 2-year period (From 1998 to 1999). Patients were checked for signs and symptoms of vulvovaginitis and previous use of topical and systemic antifungal drugs. Yeast isolates were identified by classical methods and the antifungal susceptibility profile was determined according to NCCLS microbroth assay. The prevalence of vaginal yeast isolates from asymptomatic women was 25% (30/121) and 60% (50/84) among patients with symptoms of vulvovaginitis. Candida albicans was the most frequently isolated species in both groups (46% and 90%, respectively), followed by C. glabrata (13% and 6%, respectively). All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B. Only ten isolates had dose dependent susceptibility (DDS) or resistance to azoles; and seven of these were non-albicans species. Based on our results we suggest that species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing need not be routinely performed in immunocompetent women, and may be reasonable only for the minority of patients with complicated vulvovaginal candidiasis that fail to respond to therapy.

[Lessons for the history of science in Brazil: São Paulo's Pasteur Institute]

The article highlights the role played by São Paulo's Pasteur Institute (1903-16) in the development of microbiological science in Brazil and in the emergence of a pharmaceutical industry owned by Brazilian capital.

[Effects of cisapride and chest physical therapy on the gastroesophageal reflux of wheezing babies based on scintigraphy]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cisapride and chest physical therapy on the gastroesophageal reflux of wheezing babies. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the presence of technetium ((99)Tc) in the upper, middle, and lower esophagus of 25 wheezing babies (13 with GERD and 12 without GERD) using scintigraphy. Both groups underwent clinical investigation, including laboratory, X-ray and scintigraphy tests, for the etiology of the wheezing baby syndrome (WBS) and GERD. Expiratory Flow Acceleration (EFA) was performed before and after treatment with cisapride. The total time of GER episodes was accounted for each portion of the esophagus during scintigraphy and during EFA. RESULTS: Cisapride significantly reduced the total reflux time in the upper esophagus (P<0.05), but showed no influence during EFA. After cisapride therapy, EFA increased the total reflux time in the upper and medium esophagus; however, no statistical significance was found. Infants with GERD presented a shorter total reflux time in the distal esophagus (P<0.05) during EFA. After cisapride treatment, no statistical significance was found. Infants without GERD also presented reduced total reflux time in the distal esophagus during EFA (P<0.05). Those with GERD had increased total reflux time in the distal esophagus (P<0.05) before and after cisapride treatment during EFA and scintigraphy. CONCLUSIONS: Cisapride was effective in reducing the total reflux time, mainly in the upper esophagus. EFA apparently increased the number of episodes of GER, without achieving statistical significance. Further studies are necessary to investigate the effects of chest physical therapy according to body positions.

Evaluation of the longitudinal musculature of segments of the distal colon interposed following extended jejunum-ileum resection

Several morbid conditions may necessitate extensive intestinal resection, leading to short-bowel syndrome. When clinical treatment becomes inefficient, a surgical approach is necessary. Distal colon interposition is one of the viable techniques. The interposition of colon segments between remnants of the small bowel improved lifestyle, increased transit time, and diminished diarrhea. The aim of this study is to observe the longitudinal muscular contractions after distal colon interposition. Sixteen male Wistar rats (EPM-1) were submitted to an 80% small bowel resection associated with a partial colectomy of the distal colon immediately after the bifurcation of the middle colic artery followed by a 3-cm isoperistaltic distal colon interposition. After 70 days, the animals were submitted to euthanasia and segments of the jejunum, ileum, remnant colon, and interposed colon were prepared for pharmacological tests. The isometric contractions were measured by a polygraph. After 30 minutes, the dose/effect curves were obtained for both metacholine and barium chloride stimulation through the extraluminal surface (serosa). After this period, we observed a significant increase in the length, diameter, and thickness of the intestinal wall. Regarding the sensibility (pD(2)), no difference was found (interposed colon = 7.21 +/- 0.2; remnant colon = 7.65 +/- 0.1; remnant jejunum 7.46 +/- 0.1; and remnant ileum 7.57 +/- 0.1), even though the animals were submitted to different procedures. In relation to the maximal effect (E(max)), the longitudinal muscle contraction responses (interposed colon = 11.79 +/- 0.1; remnant jejunum = 15.42 +/- 0.2; and remnant ileum = 11.48 +/- 0.2) were lower than those of the remnant colon (E(max) = 22.42 +/- 0.1). This means that there was a possible adaptation of colonic segments to their new location.

Kinetic parameters of calcium currents in maturing acutely isolated CA1 cells

Calcium currents were recorded in CA1 hippocampal cells from immature (P(4-10)) and older (P(22-55)) rats, using whole-cell voltage clamp techniques. Parameters defining the voltage-dependence of activation (tau(m)) and inactivation (tau(h)), steady-state inactivation and activation were determined at both stages of maturation. Current density increased with maturation. A transient low voltage activated (l.v.a.) current was found in P(4-10) cells, but not in the older cells. At voltages less negative than -30 mV, current inactivation was best described by two exponentials (tau(hf), tau(hs)); the ratio of the amplitudes of the two components changed with maturation, with a dominance of the faster component (tau(hf)) in the younger cells. The voltage dependence of tau(hf) followed a simple dependence model, decreased with increasing depolarization, in all cells at both stages of maturation. In P(4-10) cells, tau(hs) was voltage insensitive (range -25 to +30 mV); in P(22-55) cells, the voltage dependence of tau(hs) was found to be complex. Two current components were identified from the voltage dependence of the conductance in both groups. The first, more hyperpolarized component, the l.v.a. current found in P(4-10) cells; this was absent in the older cells, in which we found a component with a different voltage dependence. The voltage dependence of the conductance of the second, more depolarized component did not differ in younger and older cells. In the course of maturation, the steady-state inactivation of the second component underwent a hyperpolarizing shift and a decrease in voltage sensitivity.

[Public health and chemical-pharmaceutical companies]

This article is concerned with the establishment of the Brazilian pharmaceutical industry. It addresses some issues of relevance to social-economic history, such as the emergence of the public health system, procedures for combating infectious disease, the relations between disinfection campaigns and the chemical industry, serotherapy and the production of serums and vaccines by public research institutions and private pharmaceutical companies. Focusing on the private pharmaceutical industry in Brazil, with special reference to the Instituto Pinheiros - Produtos Terapêuticos S.A., this article highlights the relations between scientists technology and product development. It also considers the debate which involved the scientific community and some governmental research institutions for public health policy development in the state of São Paulo.

[The angioplasty of chronic coronary occlusions with the excimer laser for debulking followed by stent implantation]

Coronary angioplasty (PCI) of chronic total occlusions (CTO), even when successful, are associated to less favourable long term results. The recent use of coronary stents has improved the long term outcome of those interventions.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the short term results and long term occurrence of major adverse coronary events (MACE): death, MI, urgent revascularization and the need for a new target vessel revascularization (TVR) in patients with CTO who had previously been submitted to a PCI with excimer laser for plaque debulking followed by a provisional stent.

POPULATION

From our database, we selected 19 patients with a mean age of 51 +/- 13 years (18 male) submitted to PCI between 1994 and 1998. Of those patients, 10 had had of a previous MI. Hypertension, smoking habits and hypercholesterolemia were present in 9 patients (42%). Two patients had diabetes. The main reason for PCI was stable angina in 16 patients (84%) and unstable in 3 patients (16%). Single-vessel disease was present in 18 patients (94%) and multiple-vessel in 1 patient (6%); left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved in 18 patients (94%). Single vessel PCI was performed in 16 patients (84%) and double vessel in 3 patients. Plaque debulking with excimer laser was performed in all patients, followed by 23 stents (Multilink--8; Gianturco Roubin--5; Palmaz Schatz--4; others--6). The mean clinical follow-up was 19 months.

RESULTS

There were no major short-term clinical events (death, MI or urgent revascularization). During follow-up, TVR was only required in 5 patients (26%), all of them in the first 7 months after PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

In the highly selected population, PCI for chronic total occlusion, with excimer laser plaque debulking followed by provisional stents, was a safe procedure with a very acceptable rate of new target vessel revascularization in the follow-up period.

Levels of C-reactive protein in serum samples from healthy children and adults in São Paulo, Brazil

C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured by ELISA in the sera of 165 healthy blood donors and 125 normal children 1 to 14 years old. The serum levels of blood donors ranged from 0.05 to 57.6 mg/l with median and mean values of 1.8 mg/l and 4.86 mg/l, respectively. CRP levels ranged from 0.02 to 14.4 mg/l in the children's sera, the median being 0.45 mg/l and the mean 1.65 mg/l. No individual lacking CRP was detected. The high CRP levels observed in the present study suggest that the population of the State of São Paulo may usually be exposed to subacute infections and/or inflammation without presenting clinical symptoms.

Evaluation of diagnostic tests for human leptospirosis

The IgM-PK-ELISA, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for immunoglobulin M employing a proteinase K-treated antigen, and the "Leptoteste-S" macroagglutination test were evaluated for use in a rapid serodiagnosis of human leptospirosis. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was used as reference. The three serological tests were applied to serum samples from patients with leptospirosis (N = 89), typhoid fever (N = 8), malaria (N = 19), syphilis (N = 20), hepatitis (N = 16) and from clinically healthy donors (N = 92). The overall results of the IgM-PK-ELISA and the "Leptoteste-S" are comparable to those of the MAT. However, both tests differed statistically from MAT in terms of the positivity of the acute-phase sera, with approximately 38% of the patients with leptospirosis being identified earlier than when MAT was used. The IgM-PK-ELISA, with 89.9% sensitivity and 97.4% specificity, could be the test of choice for those laboratories which are equipped to perform ELISA. The "Leptoteste-S", with 89.9% sensitivity and 94.8% specificity, seems to be easier to perform and the most accessible to peripheral laboratories for rapid screening of human sera. Both techniques present the important characteristic of detecting early antibodies against leptospires, thus providing a diagnosis during the early stages of the disease.

Dot-ELISA for human leptospirosis employing immunodominant antigen

A dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay which uses a proteinase-K resistant antigen (PK-Dot-ELISA) to detect antileptospiral IgM antibodies was compared to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). The assay was evaluated in serum samples from patients with leptospirosis (n = 89), typhoid fever (n = 10), malaria (n = 19), syphilis (n = 20), hepatitis (n = 16) and clinically healthy individuals (n = 92). The PK-Dot-ELISA presented a sensitivity of 92.1% and a specificity of 97.5%. The overall results of the PK-Dot-ELISA were similar to those of the MAT. However, the PK-Dot-ELISA was capable of detecting antibody activity in 43% of acute-phase sera which were negative by the MAT. Our data suggest that PK-Dot-ELISA can be used as an important portable field serodiagnostic assay for acute leptospirosis.

Potassium currents in acutely isolated maturing rat hippocampal CA1 neurones

Whole-cell voltage clamp techniques were used to characterize the postnatal development of current amplitude and inactivation and activation kinetics of two potassium currents in acutely isolated CA1 cells from rats P4 to P52: the A-current (IA) and a slow-rising, slow inactivating current (IK). In the course of maturation, changes in the relative proportion of IA and IK currents were observed, the latter becoming a dominant current in older cells. The half-maximal point (Vh) of steady-state inactivation and activation of IA and IK shifted in the course of the first and second postnatal weeks. The shifts were hyperpolarizing in the case of IK, whereas IA shifted to less negative values. The shifts in steady-state inactivation Vh were accompanied by a change in the slope factor (Vs), which is an indication of a modification in the voltage sensitivity of the steady-state inactivation. The kinetics of IK evolve after birth in a fashion that matches the changes in action potential parameters previously reported.

Immunological factors in milk from Brazilian mothers delivering small-for-date term neonates

Breast milk samples from three groups of Brazilian women were evaluated: G1, mothers delivering term babies of low birth weight (n = 16); G2, mothers delivering preterm babies of appropriate birth weight (n = 20); G3, mothers delivering term babies of appropriate birth weight (n = 30). Milk samples were obtained at 48 h and on the 7th, 15th, 30th and 60th days after delivery and they were analyzed for lysozyme and total IgA levels and for the presence of specific antibodies against Poliovirus types I, II, III, Rotavirus, Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster and Cytomegalovirus. The groups were not statistically different in relation to mother's age, parity, type of delivery or socio-economic levels. IgA levels were higher in both low-birth-weight groups (G1 & G2) compared to the control group (G3) throughout the study period. Lysozyme levels decreased up to the 15th day, increasing thereafter up to the 60th day in all groups. Specific antibodies were detected throughout the study period, with no differences among groups. We conclude that breast milk composition of mothers delivering low-birth-weight babies (G1 & G2) was similar despite the different gestational ages.

Slow and medium afterhyperpolarizations in maturing rat hippocampal CA1 neurones

The postnatal evolution of the signals underlying the afterhyperpolarization (slow-AHP and medium-AHP) was studied in rat CA1 hippocampal neurones (P10-16, P17-23 and P greater than 26) using in vitro slices. Noradrenaline (NA) and signal subtraction were used to decompose the AHP (m-AHP and s-AHP). The amplitude of the s-AHP was found significant between P10-16 and P17-23 cells; the m-AHP showed no significant change. The time to peak of the s-AHP of the P greater than 26 cells was found to be significantly different from the remaining groups; the m-AHP showed no significant change. The changes in waveform and amplitude of the AHP at this stage were found to be mainly due to the modifications of the slow-AHP.

Cerebrospinal fluid levels of lysozyme, IgM and C-reactive protein in the identification of bacterial meningitis

Lysozyme (LZM), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients classified on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings into three groups: bacterial meningitis (n = 33), lymphocytic meningitis (n = 21) and controls (n = 54). IgM and CRP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and LZM by the lysoplate method. Discriminant analysis demonstrated that 93.94% (31/33) and 96.97% (32/33) of patients with bacterial meningitis were correctly classified on the basis of CSF determinations of IgM and LZM, respectively. However, the measurement of CRP levels in CSF correctly classified 100% of these patients (33/33), thus representing a useful additional marker for the screening of bacterial meningitis. Moreover, no more than 4% (3/75) of patients were incorrectly classified as belonging to the bacterial group on the basis of the CRP test. Thus, CRP titres less than or equal to 80 identify cases belonging to one of the non-bacterial groups, whereas titres greater than or equal to 640 classify the bacterial group, with a very low chance of misclassification. The authors recommend that CSF IgM or LZM levels be also measured for patients with CSF CRP titres of 160 and 320, for a more accurate diagnosis. The probability of these cases being of bacterial aetiology, as calculated from the combined results of these measurements, is presented.

Afterpotential characteristics and firing patterns in maturing rat hippocampal CA1 neurones in in vitro slices

The postnatal evolution of depolarizing after-potentials (DAPs) and after-hyperpolarizations (AHPs) was studied in rat CA1 hippocampal neurones (5-68 days of age) using in vitro slices. Results were pooled into 4 age groups: P5-9, P10-16, P17-24 and P26-68. In P5-9 cells, DAPs were seen as passive signals, with a time constant similar to the time constant of the membrane. The evolution of the DAP was characterized by a decrease in amplitude, an increase in duration and a change in contour. In P10-16 and P17-24 cells, the DAPs often had a plateau or a hump-like shape which increased the probability of firing and the occurrence of spike doublets. The firing pattern and bursting behaviour of P10-16 CA1 neurones differed from the pattern typical of the adult. P5-9 and P10-16 cells had post-burst AHPs with a smaller amplitude and a more prolonged early phase than at late stages of development.

[Left ventricular pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relations in humans. Standardization and critical analysis of the method]

PURPOSE

To provide a critical analysis of the fluid filled manometric system and M-mode echocardiography and, by their association, to standardize the determination of left ventricular (LV) pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationships in humans.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The pressure curve and the LV M-mode image was obtained in 24 patients with cardiopathy. The dynamic characteristics of the fluid-filled system have been studied to define the amplitude, the resonance and the time gap of the pressure curve register. The delay of the pressure curve recording was determined in all cases by comparing pressure curve and echocardiographic aortic valve registers. The values of pressure, diameter, posterior wall thickness and LV meridional stress was calculated at every 0.02s.

RESULTS

Preliminary analyses of the fluid-filled manometric system indicated that this system has variable dynamic characteristics. The pressure-diameter and stress-diameter loops obtained were similar to those of the literature. The values of end-systolic stress, percentage of fractional shortening, ejection fraction and circumferential fiber shortening rate of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (n = 5) were significantly reduced when compared to the values of patients without left ventricular overload (n = 8) and patients with ventricular volume overload. It has been verified, also, that the retard of the pressure curve record introduced by the fluid-filled manometric system does not modify the values of these variables.

CONCLUSION

The LV pressure-diameter and stress-diameter relationships obtained by the association of echocardiography and LV manometry showed functional characteristics of the ventricle that could not appear by the use of the echocardiography or by the LV manometry themselves.

[Epidemiological research of a new case of visceral leishmaniasis in Greater São Paulo, Brazil]

Descreve-se uma investigação epidemiológica realizada em zona urbana do município de São Paulo, Brasil, para esclarecer um caso de leishmaniose visceral ocorrido em criança de 2 anos de idade, nascida e sempre residente no local. Afastou-se a possibilidade de transmissão por via transfusional e por vetor biológico, tendo como base os dados levantados da anamnese do doente, os resultados de inquéritos realizados na área em população humana, utilizando testes de imunofluorescência indireta, hemaglutinação passiva e intradermoreação de Montenegro, em população canina com o teste de imunofluorescência indireta, além de pesquisa entomológica em mata residual.

[Beta-glucuronidase activity in the gastric juice and gastric mucosa of rats subjected to protein deficiency]

The experiment was performed in order to evaluate the beta-glucuronidase activity in gastric juice and gastric mucosa of rats submitted to protein-free diet. A group of 36 young adult male wistar rats was fed a protein-free diet ad libitum for five weeks; a second group of 36 wistar rats ingested a purified isocaloric 12,5% casein diet for the same period. The concentration of proteins in plasma, gastric juice and gastric glandular mucosa and the beta-glucuronidase activity in the gastric juice and gastric glandular mucosa were determined. Protein deficient rats had lower plasma protein concentration and also a lower protein concentration in gastric juice and gastric mucosa. In these animals there was no significant change of beta-glucuronidase activity in the gastric juice, but there was a significant increase of the specific enzimatic activity in the gastric mucosa. The results suggest that protein restriction in young adult rats affects the gastric mucosa. The increase of the specific beta-glucuronidase activity might be due to heightened local catabolism or to a comparatively more severe protein depletion.

[Analysis of the socioeconomic and health data of families residing in the district of Botucatu (São Paulo, Brazil) in 1969]

Foi realizado, em 1969, um levantamento de dados sócio-econômicos e sanitários da zona urbana de Botucatu. Trezentas e cinco famílias amostradas foram entrevistadas sobre: constituição familiar, idade, ocupação, renda, grau de instrução, condições sanitárias dos domicílios, conhecimento e uso de vacinas, demanda e opiniões relativas aos serviços de saúde. Algumas respostas foram associadas ao "status" sócio-econômico das famílias. As condições de saneamento básico estavam dentro de padrões quantitativos razoáveis e era alto o desconhecimento sobre o valor e número de doses das vacinas. Constatou-se acentuada dispersão de recursos para saúde, indicando falta de coordenação dos órgãos assistenciais; a demanda ao Centro de Saúde era baixa, quase restrita às crianças, indicando distorsão da percepção da comunidade com relação aos serviços médico-sanitários e necessidade de desenvolvimento adequado desses serviços, além de educação sanitária sistemática.