RESUMO: Amburana cearensis A. C. Smith (Fabaceae) é uma planta comum na Caatinga cearense, onde é popularmente conhecida como cumaru. Vários compostos têm sido isolados de A. cearensis, incluindo ácido protocatecúico, taninos, cumarina, flavonóides e heterosídeos fenólicos, como por exemplo os amburosídeos A e B. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o potencial antimicrobiano e caracterizar o perfil químico do decocto da casca do caule de A. cearensis, visando a sua possível utilização na conservação de alimentos. A caracterização dos compostos químicos foi realizada pelas análises de RMN uni e bidimensionais de 1H e 13C, e cromatografia líquida acoplada à espectrometria de massa. Foram identificados a cumarina, os amburosídeos A e B, e o ácido (Z)-o-cumárico glicosilado. A atividade antimicrobiana foi realizada pela metodologia de microdiluição em placa sobre Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus e Listeria monocytogenes. O decocto mostrou atividade antimicrobiana sobre bactérias Gram-positivas. Antimicrobianos naturais podem oferecer vantagens para a produção de alimentos, inibindo microorganismos patogênicos e melhorando a qualidade higiênico-sanitária.

ABSTRACT: The plant, Amburana cearensis A. C. Smith (Fabaceae), commonly called cumaru, is widespread in the Caatinga cearense, a less known ecosystem in Brazil. A. cearensis is rich in several compounds like protocatechuic acid, tannins, coumarin, flavonoids and phenolic heterosides, such as amburosides A and B, that have been isolated. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial potential and draw the chemical profile of the distinct characteristics of A. cearensis stem bark decoction, for its possible potential as a food conservation agent. The chemical compounds were characterized by one- and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR analyses and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS). The compounds of coumarin, amburosides A and B, and glycosylated (Z)-o-coumaric acid. Using the plaque microdilution technique, the antimicrobial action was tested on Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The decoction demonstrated antimicrobial activity on Gram-positive bacteria. This was encouraging because natural antimicrobials are beneficial for food production, as they can inhibit the pathogenic microorganisms and boost the quality of hygiene and cleanliness.

OBJECTIVE - To investigate the initial energy level required for electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS - We studied patients undergoing electrical cardioversion in the 1st Multicenter Trial of SOCESP. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the initial energy level of electrical cardioversion: 100J and > or = 150J. We compared the efficacy of the initial and final shock of the procedure, the number of shocks administered, and the cumulative energy levels. RESULTS - Eight-six patients underwent electrical cardioversion. In 53 patients (62%), cardioversion was started with 100J, and in 33 patients (38%), cardioversion was started with > or = 150J. Groups did not differ regarding clinical features and therapeutical interventions. A tendency existed towards greater efficacy of the initial shock in patients who received > or = 150J (61% vs. 42% in the 100J group, p=0.08). The number of shocks was smaller in the > or = 150J group (1.5±0.7 vs. 2.1±1.3, p=0.04). No difference existed regarding the final efficacy of electrical cardioversion and total cumulative energy levels in both groups. In the subgroup of patients with recent-onset AF (<=48h), the cumulative energy level was lower in the 100J group (240±227J vs. 324±225J, p=0.03). CONCLUSION - Patients who were given initial energy of > or = 150J received fewer counter shocks with a tendency toward greater success than those patients who were given 100J; however, in patients with recent-onset AF, the average cumulative energy level was lower in the 100J group. These data suggest that electrical cardioversion should be initiated with energy levels > or = 150J in patients with chronic AF.

OBJECTIVE: To identify useful clinical characteristics for selecting patients eligible for mapping and ablation of atrial fibrillation. METHODS: We studied 9 patients with atrial fibrillation, without structural heart disease, associated with: 1) antiarrhythmic drugs, 2) symptoms of low cardiac output, and 3) intention to treat. Seven patients had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation and 2 had recurrent atrial fibrillation. RESULTS: In the 6 patients who underwent mapping (all had paroxysmal atrial fibrillation), catheter ablation was successfully carried out in superior pulmonary veins in 5 patients (the first 3 in the left superior pulmonary vein and the last 2 in the right superior pulmonary vein). One patient experienced a recurrence of atrial fibrillation after 10 days. We observed that patients who had short episodes of atrial fibrillation on 24-hour Holter monitoring before the procedure were those in whom mapping the focus of tachycardia was possible. Tachycardia was successfully suppressed in 4 of 6 patients. The cause of failure was due to the impossibility of maintaining sinus rhythm long enough for efficient mapping. CONCLUSION: Patients experiencing short episodes of atrial fibrillation during 24-hour Holter monitoring were the most eligible for mapping and ablation, with a final success rate of 66%, versus the global success rate of 44%. Patients with persistent atrial fibrillation were not good candidates for focal ablation.