Antioxidant Effects of Quercetin and Catechin Encapsulated into PLGA Nanoparticles

Polymeric nanoparticles (PLGA) have been developed for the encapsulation and controlled release of quercetin and catechin. Nanoparticles were fabricated using a solvent displacementmethod. Physicochemical properties were measured by light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and zeta-potential, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release profiles were obtained from differential pulse voltammetry experiments. Antioxidant properties of free and encapsulated flavonoids were determined by TBARS, fluorescence spectroscopy and standard chelating activity methods. Relatively small (d approximate to 400 nm) polymeric nanoparticles were obtained containing quercetin or catechin in a non-crystalline form (EE approximate to 79%) and the main interactions between the polymer and each flavonoid were found to consist of hydrogen bonds. In vitro release profiles were pH-dependant, the more acidic pH, the faster release of each flavonoid from the polymeric nanoparticles. The inhibition of the action of free radicals and chelating properties, were also enhanced when quercetin and catechin were encapsulated within PLGA nanoparticles. The information obtained from this study will facilitate the design and fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles as possible oral delivery systems for encapsulation, protection and controlled release of flavonoids aimed to prevent oxidative stress in human body or food products.

Three-Dimensional Ultrasonographic Assessment of Fetal Total Lung Volume as a Prognostic Factor in Primary Pleural Effusion

Objectives-The purpose of this study was to predict perinatal outcomes using fetal total lung volumes assessed by 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) in primary pleural effusion. Methods-Between July 2005 and July 2010, total lung volumes were prospectively estimated in fetuses with primary pleural effusion by 3DUS using virtual organ computer-aided analysis software. The first and last US examinations were considered in the analysis. The observed/expected total lung volumes were calculated. Main outcomes were perinatal death (up to 28 days of life) and respiratory morbidity (orotracheal intubation with mechanical respiratory support >48 hours). Results-Twelve of 19 fetuses (63.2%) survived. Among the survivors, 7 (58.3%) had severe respiratory morbidity. The observed/expected total lung volume at the last US examination before birth was significantly associated with perinatal death (P < .01) and respiratory morbidity (P < .01) as well as fetal hydrops (P < .01) and bilateral effusion (P = .01). Conclusions-Fetal total lung volumes may be useful for the prediction of perinatal outcomes in primary pleural effusion.

A randomized controlled trial of fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion versus postnatal management of severe isolated congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Objective Severe pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension are associated with reduced survival in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We aimed to determine whether fetal endoscopic tracheal occlusion (FETO) improves survival in cases of severe isolated CDH. Methods Between May 2008 and July 2010, patients whose fetuses had severe isolated CDH (lung-to-head ratio < 1.0, liver herniation into the thoracic cavity and no other detectable anomalies) were assigned randomly to FETO or to no fetal intervention (controls). FETO was performed under maternal epidural anesthesia supplemented with fetal intramuscular anesthesia. Tracheal balloon placement was achieved with ultrasound guidance and fetoscopy between 26 and 30 weeks of gestation. All cases that underwent FETO were delivered by the EXIT procedure. Postnatal therapy was the same for both treated fetuses and controls. The primary outcome was survival to 6 months of age. Other maternal and neonatal outcomes were also evaluated. Results Twenty patients were enrolled randomly to FETO and 21 patients to standard postnatal management. The mean gestational age at randomization was similar in both groups (P = 0.83). Delivery occurred at 35.6 +/- 2.4 weeks in the FETO group and at 37.4 +/- 1.9 weeks in the controls (P < 0.01). In the intention-to-treat analysis, 10/20 (50.0%) infants in the FETO group survived, while 1/21 (4.8%) controls survived (relative risk (RR), 10.5 (95% CI, 1.5-74.7), P < 0.01). In the receivedtreatment analysis, 10/19 (52.6%) infants in the FETO group and 1/19 (5.3%) controls survived (RR, 10.0 (95% CI, 1.4-70.6) P < 0.01). Conclusion FETO improves neonatal survival in cases with isolated severe CDH. Copyright (C) 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Polymeric Nanoparticles as Oral Delivery Systems for Encapsulation and Release of Polyphenolic Compounds: Impact on Quercetin Antioxidant Activity & Bioaccessibility

A delivery system containing polymeric (Eudragit) nanoparticles has been developed for encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive flavonoids (quercetin). Nanoparticles were fabricated using a solvent displacement method. Particle size, morphology, and charge were measured by light scattering, electron microscopy and zeta-potential. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and release profiles were determined using electrochemical methods. Molecular interactions within the particle matrix were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. Antioxidant properties of free and encapsulated quercetin were analyzed by TBARS and fluorescence spectroscopy. Bioaccessibility of quercetin was evaluated using an in vitro digestion model. Relatively small (d a parts per thousand aEuro parts per thousand 370 nm) anionic polymeric nanoparticles were formed containing quercetin in a non-crystalline form (EE a parts per thousand aEuro parts per thousand 67 %). The main interaction between quercetin and Eudragit was hydrogen bonding. Encapsulated quercetin remained stable during 6 months storage and maintained its antioxidant activity. Quercetin bioaccessibility within simulated small intestinal conditions was improved by encapsulation. The knowledge obtained from this study will facilitate the rational design and fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles as oral delivery systems for encapsulation, protection, and release of bioactive compounds.

Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software que verifica a acurácia diagnóstica

Este artigo descreve o desenvolvimento e avaliação de um software que verifica a acurácia diagnóstica de alunos de enfermagem. O software foi baseado num modelo que utiliza conceitos da lógica fuzzy, em PERL, banco de dados MySQL para acesso pela internet e a classificação NANDA-I 2007-2008. Avaliou-se a qualidade técnica e a usabilidade do software utilizando instrumentos específicos. A atividade proposta no software possui quatro etapas nas quais o aluno estabelece valores de relação entre diagnósticos de enfermagem, características definidoras/fatores de risco e casos clínicos. Os valores de relação determinados pelo aluno são comparados aos de especialistas, gerando escores de desempenho para o aluno. Na avaliação, o software atendeu satisfatoriamente as necessidades de qualidade técnica e, segundo os alunos, trouxe benefícios ao aprendizado, podendo transformar-se em uma ferramenta educacional no ensino do diagnóstico de enfermagem.

Inovação educacional em pequeno município: o caso Fundação Casa Grande (Nova Olinda, CE, Brasil)

Este artigo apresenta os resultados de um estudo de caso de inovação educacional na atuação da Organização Não Governamental Fundação Casa Grande - Memorial do Homem Kariri junto a crianças e jovens do município de Nova Olinda, CE, Brasil. O principal problema da pesquisa que este artigo visa apresentar é: que fatores se conjugam na geração de ações de inovação educacional? A hipótese examinada pela pesquisa foi a de que fatores salientes que se conjugam na geração de ações de inovação são o tempo de experiência profissional de educadores(as), a estabilidade de sua equipe, o nível de qualificação e a atuação mobilizadora de líderes da Organização. São descritos os objetivos e características da atuação da Organização e são apontadas as características de líderes, agentes e equipes. Conclui que a hipótese levantada foi confirmada.

Contribuições para a construção da historiografia da Psicologia educacional e escolar no Brasil

Este artigo apresenta alguns dados sobre a história do campo de conhecimento e prática da Psicologia em sua relação com a educação no Brasil. Este estudo foi conduzido baseado no fundamento epistêmico-filosófico do materialismo histórico dialético e na nova história, utilizando fontes bibliográficas históricas e cinco relatos orais de personagens da Psicologia educacional e escolar. Os depoimentos e o material das fontes escritas constituíram o corpus documental, cuja organização seguiu a metodologia da história oral e da historiografia plural. Foi realizada análise descritivo-analítica compreendida em duas etapas: a) análise documental (fontes não orais) e b) construção de indicadores e núcleos de significação dos registros orais. A partir das análises, compôs-se uma periodização da história da Psicologia educacional e escolar brasileira por meio de marcos históricos que compreendeu as fases: 1) colonização, saberes psicológicos e educação (1500-1906), 2) a Psicologia em outros campos de conhecimento (1906-1930), 3) desenvolvimentismo - a Escola Nova e os psicologistas na educação (1930-1962), 4) A Psicologia educacional e a Psicologia do escolar (1962-1981), 5) o período da crítica (1981-1990), 6) a Psicologia educacional e escolar e a reconstrução (1990-2000) e 7) A virada do século: novos rumos? (2000-).

As ONGs e a responsabilidade governamental com a escola básica no Brasil

Este texto apresenta alguns dos principais significados que as ONGs assumiram no Brasil, os quais as posicionam diante do desafio do direito à educação. Desafio que abarca, especialmente, a escolarização pública e a definição do campo público e do privado. Nos dois aspectos deste desafio, são descritas as perspectivas seguidas pelas ONGs: a paliativa, a inovadora, a de mudança ou a de pressão política. Em conclusão, afirma que a atuação das ONGs tem vagado com diferentes sentidos, desarticuladamente, no que se refere às condições para realizar a educação como direito: o fortalecimento tanto do Estado quanto da sociedade civil, a interlocução entre estes polos e a influência recíproca entre educação e sistema político.