Antiparasitic drugs and lactation: focus on anthelmintics, scabicides, and pediculicides.

Infections involving helminths or parasitic worms affect more than 25% of the population worldwide. Because lactating women and their infants are often affected by the complications of these infections such as iron deficiency anemia and malnutrition, they benefit the most from drug therapy. However, scientific literature offers little information regarding transfer of anthelmintics in breast milk and its effects in lactating infants.

Temporal evolution and functional outcome of no reflow: sustained and spontaneously reversible patterns following successful coronary recanalisation.

Objective: To identify in humans the temporal patterns of no reflow and their functional implications.

Methods: 24 patients with first acute myocardial infarction and successful coronary recanalisation by recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (n = 15) or primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n = 9) were studied by myocardial contrast echocardiography within 24 hours of recanalisation and at one month's follow up. Myocardial contrast echocardiography was performed by intermittent harmonic power Doppler and intravenous Levovist.

Clinical, electrocardiographic and electrophysiological predictors of atrial fibrillation development in different cardiac substrates.

We performed a review of the current literature in order to evaluate clinical, electrocardiographic and electrophysiologic parameters predictive of atrial fibrillation development. Clinical parameters were obtained from two large observational studies (the Framingham heart study and the Cardiovascular health study). Different laboratoristic predictors were also reviewed: ECG-derived predictors, among which we separately evaluated those derived from the 12-lead surface ECG and those derived from the signal averaged P-wave, and other electrophysiologic predictors as atrial monophasic action potential analysis.

Inflammatory gene polymorphisms and ischaemic heart disease: review of population association studies.

Inflammation and genetics are both prominent mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis. Accordingly, a number of population studies have explored the association of ischaemic heart disease with gene polymorphisms of the inflammatory molecules tumour necrosis factors (TNF) alpha and beta, transforming growth factors (TGF) beta1 and 2, interleukin (IL) 1 and its receptor antagonist (IL 1ra), CD14 (the receptor for lipopolysaccharide), P and E selectins, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) 1. Although they are very preliminary and partly conflicting, the data provide some evidence that alterations in the genetics of the inflammatory system may modify the risk of ischaemic heart disease.

Removal of phenobarbital during continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis in a child.

A 2.5-year-old child receiving phenobarbital for a history of seizures while on continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) had persistent subtherapeutic serum levels despite progressive dosage increases. Phenobarbital concentration was measured in the peritoneal dialysate effluent and peritoneal clearance was calculated.

[Reflections on nursing personnel and its work].

This paper aims at analyzing the findings from nurses speeches who experience, in their assistance praxis, the problematic concerning professionals who work for the nursing service at a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro and the quality of services provided to clients. I hope to have contributed for a reflection on nursing matters from the view of those who experience them in a critical dialect perspective.

[Duration of bronchodilator effect of inhaled Salmeterol (dry powder x metered dose inhaler) in children with acute asthma attack].

Patients during a mild to moderate acute attack of asthma (FEV1: 50 - 80% of predicted) were treated with Salmeterol MDI - 50mcg or Rotadisk - 50mcg or Salbutamol (MDI -200mcg). The children were followed by Spirometry, measuring FEV1 (basal) and after treatment: at 30 minutes, 60 minutes and thereafter every 60 minutes until 780 minutes, if the patients maintained the FEV1 above 80% of the predicted value and/or an increment of 20% in the VEF1 basal value. The Salmeterol group showed a significant bronchodilation at 60 minutes which was maintained in half of the patients up to 9 hours.

[Flow cytometry for the determination of DNA in head and neck carcinomas].

The technique used for DNA determination in tumoral cells from carcinomas of head and neck is described. Results obtained are commented on as is too the future of this technique for the better understanding of the behavior of the tumor and consequently of its treatment.

[Acoustic trauma from firearms: study of auditory function].

This article deals with the shift in audiometric tracings brought about by the discharge of firearms (acute acoustic trauma). The study included 60 subjects with normal hearing, between 18 and 20 years of age. Each individual shot 25 bullets in about 5 minutes, at an intensity level calculated at 163 dB.