Analise estrutural do galactano acidico dos ovos de pomacea lineata e avaliacao de suas atividades proliferativa e antiinflamatoria

The acidic galactan (AG) was obtained by extraction and proteolysis by acetone precipitation of the eggs of the mollusc Pomacea lineata. Its structure was elucidated by a combination of chemical analysis, the intrinsic viscosity and NMR spectroscopy 1D and 2D. Biological aspects of AG were evaluated by in vivo testing of healing and peritonitis induced (anti-inflammatory activity) and in vitro assays of cytotoxicity (MTT). This polymer showed a simple structure without the presence of sulfate and uronic acids in its structure. Its intrinsic viscosity and relative were evaluated at 0.44 ± 0.05 and 1.744± 0.07 dl.g-1. Spectroscopy showed that the AG has a constitution composed predominantly of β-D-galactosis, and β-D-glucosamine-NAcetil that comes in a smaller proportion in chain. The character of this acidic polysaccharide is given by the presence of pyruvate in the molecule, forming a cyclic acetal of six states, located in β-D-galactosis. The involvement of AG in the healing process was evaluated and the histological analysis revealed that there was so early in the process of healing, a great stimulation of macrophages with granuloma formation. Suggesting that AG may have promoted the advance of biological events required for tissue healing. In the trial of the GA-induced peritonitis showed dose dependent, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory effect at concentrations above 20 mg/kg, and confirming its inflammatory character and the concentration of 1mg/kg. In vitro tests used in the GA concentration of 1000 μg/mL showed proliferative activity by stimulating the growth of 3T3 cells, corroborating the findings in vivo and demonstrating the absence of cytotoxic activity

Hemiparesia congênita e adquirida na criança: interrelação entre presença de crises epilépticas, os achados eletrencefalográficos e de neuroimagem por ressonância nuclear magnética

The purpose of this paper was to study patients with congenital and acquired hemiparesis, their clinical aspects, the presence or not of epileptic seizures, and electroencephalographic (EEG) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) findings. We analyzed the interrelation between etiology, the presence and seriousness of epileptic seizures (ES) and the possible causes of refractoriness. This is a prospective study using the clinical diagnosis of a child neurologist, who attested to the presence of unilateral motor lesions. We compared the electroencephalographic findings in patients with or without epileptic seizures, and investigated if among the former, these seizures were controlled or not, their likely etiology and risks of refractoriness. EEG background activity on the lesion and contralateral side was analyzed, in addition to the presence of concomitant epileptiform activity. Encephalon MRIs of all the patients were studied to correlate etiology and the control or not of epileptic seizures. The disorganization of bilateral EEG activity correlated with the difficult-to-control epileptic seizures. Suitably organized background activity contralateral to the lesion is a good prognosis in relation to epileptic seizures. Focal epileptogenic activity does not necessarily predispose to epileptic manifestation. The MRI is more important in determining etiology than in prognosing epileptic seizures. This study used a multidisciplinary approach involving child neurologists, a physical therapist and a neuroradiologist. This meets the criteria of multidisciplinarity of the Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences

Perfil epidemiológico dos distúrbios hipertensivos na gravidez

The preeclampsia is a disease that evolves to high death rate for the mother and for the fetus. The incidence of this disease in the world is variable and there are no data of this disturb in the Brazilian population. This paper had the objective to determine the incidence and risk factors for development of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in a neighborhood in Natal, RN, Brazil, taking place a prospective study, cohort type, with the objective of evaluating the entire pregnancy of 242 women that got pregnant between 2004-2007. The incidence of hypertensive disorders was of 17%, while the incidence of preeclampsia was of 13.8%. The age average of women that developed the hypertensive disorders was of 27.4 years (SD±.9), whilst those that developed preeclampsia was of 26.6 (SD ±7.8) years and the normotensive was of 23.9 (SD±5.8) (p=0.002). It is noted a significant increase of the hypertensive disorder with age (p=0.0265). The gestational age for those who developed preeclampsia was lower than the women that developed normotensive pregnancy (p=0.0002). The body mass index (BMI) of the group of women that developed the hypertensive disorder was of 25.8 (SD±3.9), significantly higher than the group of normotensive women with 23.5 (SD±3.7) (p=0.02). The levels of triglycerides and cholesterol tended to be higher on women with preeclampsia than on normotensive, p=0.0502 and p=0.0566, respectively. Six (6) women presented with severe preeclampsia and one (1) developed HELLP Syndrome. The resolution of the pregnancy was performed by cesarean section in 70% of women that developed hypertensive disorders, whilst the normotensive was of 23.6% (p<0.0001). A subgroup of the studied subjects was reassessed one year after labor, revealing that 50% of the patients were still hypertensive. There were no larger complications nor mother death during labor. The incidence of hypertensive disorders are above the levels noted in other studies and 30% of the women were within the poles of greater risk for the hypertensive disorders; the elevated BMI in the beginning of the pregnancy is a risk factor for hypertensive disorder. The risk of severe complication in preeclampsia is high, with imminence of eclampsia occurring in 20.1% of women who developed hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. The adequate prenatal care and the opportune labor assistance may minimize the complications of the pregnancy hypertension and avoid mother death, although the risk of women remaining hypertensive is elevated

Seleção de categorias da Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde para avaliação do paciente com acidente vascular cerebral em reabilitação

Stroke represents the first cause of disabilities among adults. Although different professions work together in treatment of stroke patients, all they use different terminologies for the description of the patients problems and it can constitute an impediment in the communication between the staff members. Thus, the multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary work would be facilitated if using a reference common tool, as the new International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). However, the ICF is very extensive and complex and due to its complexity, it has been evidenced the necessity to select its categories to become it more practical. The aim of the study was to investigate which categories of the ICF are more suitable to evaluate and to describe the stroke patient in the view of teachers and municipal public health professionals. It was a descriptive research, which involved 5 professors and 11 professionals of Physiotherapy that have worked at the health public area in Natal / RN. It was used the Delphi Technique in 3 rounds and the Likert Scale to select the categories among the ICF components. As result, from the 362 IFC categories, 94 were selected. The selected categories correspond to rehabilitative characteristics of Stroke patients in the universe of the Physiotherapy performance. The methodology applied was suitable to the studied object emphasizing the necessity of future studies for validation of the chosen categories

Periurbanização da leishmaniose visceral e emergência da coinfecção HIV/leishimania, no Rio Grande do Norte

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has undergone changes in terms of clinical and epidemiological presentation worldwide. Urbanization has been described in different regions of Brazil and the world, as well as in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. These changes have impacted in the clinical outcome of Leishmania infection. A new clinical entity called co-infection of HIV/Leishmania has been described as a consequence of overlapping areas of occurrence of VL and HIV / AIDS in different countries including Brazil. The aim of this study was to define the process of periurbanization of the LV and describe a case series of co-infection HIV / Leishmania in Rio Grande do Norte. A new demographic pattern of VL was detected, with an increase in the number VL adult male subjects. Analysis of spatial distribution of VL in the state of Rio Grande do Norte showed that in the past 20 years VL tends to occur in larger cities and therefore the highest risk disease is greater in the eastern and western regions. The first region included Natal, the state capital, where the process of suburbanization began in 1990, and more recently the city of Mossoró, the second largest state, where periurbanization began in the last five years. In 1990, the emergence of co-infection HIV/Leishmania in the state was observed. Case-control study revealed that the new clinical entity affects adult males, who acquired HIV through sexual intercourse, 40% of those with a preivous history of leishmania infection Relapse and death from LV is increased in HIV positive compared with HIV-negative patients matched by sex and age. This pattern is similar to the observed in Europe, except of the route of transmission, where in Europe occured concomitantly, by parenteral route in drug users. Analysis of spatial distribution identified overlapping new areas of occurrence of HIV / AIDS and LV potentially signaling to increased risk of this new clinical entity as described above. Therefore, epidemiological surveillance for co-infection HIV / Leishmania should be adopted in all areas of risk of VL. At the same time, it is necessary to evaluate drug resistance currently used in the treatment of VL, as well as parenteral transmission of L infantum/ chagasi in areas where drug dependence is a risk factor for HIV acquisition

Significados e percepções do homem diante da gravidez de sua companheira com síndromes hipertensivas

The general aim of the research was to comprehend the Social Representations constructed by the man in the face of his companion s risk pregnancy caused by hypertensive syndromes. The study is of exploratory and descriptive character in a qualitative approach developed at two public maternity hospitals, both located in Natal-RN, with 65 men whose wives had undergone high-risk pregnancy. The project was submitted to the Ethics on Research Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil (CEP-UFRN), with favorable report no. 81/07. For data collection, the following multimethods were employed: a word free association test; a projective test for registering mental images; and a semistructured interview schedule. The speech contents were analyzed in accordance with the Theory of Social Representations and complemented by the Central Nucleus Theory. The discussion of the results was grounded on literary findings of the companion s participation in pregnancy as well as in risk pregnancy associated with hypertensive syndromes. The data showed fear as representation s central nucleus, while recollections of that feeling referred to death of both companion and child in addition to fear of the unknown. The categories preoccupation and carefulness, other feelings, and clinical picture of the disease represented components of the peripheral nucleus. The results concerning mental images followed the same category criteria of the word free association test fear, other feelings, preoccupation, carefulness, and clinical picture of the disease. After being processed in accordance with the principles of content analysis, the statements originated three thematic unities: fear and insecurity in the presence of the companion s risk pregnancy; attitudes of carefulness to the risk pregnancy of the partner; and humanized assistance during the companion s risk pregnancy. Considering the results, the conclusion is that the partner s risk pregnancy caused by hypertensive syndromes represents, for the man, feelings of fear, preoccupation, insecurity, lack of acceptance and information, as well as attitudes of carefulness. The results reveal necessity of reorganizing the obstetric assistance with an eye to including the man as participant in the reproductive process. That demands extension of humanized carefulness to the companion with a view to make him an active coadjutor in the assistance of high-risk pregnant

Tradução, adaptação e validação da versão brasileira do questionário utian quality of life (uqol) para avaliação da qualidade de vida no climatério

The present study had as objective translates, to do equivalence and validation of the Utian Quality of Life (UQOL) for the Brazilian population through methods internationally accepted, in which the original questionnaire was translated for the Portuguese by three teachers and the consensual version was translated back for English by two American teachers (back translation). A multidisciplinary committee evaluated all versions and the final version in Portuguese was applied to climacteric women for the process of adaptation. Validation of the instrument was performed by measuring the reliability and validity properties. Construct validity was examined through the comparison between UQOL and the general measuring scale of quality of life Short Form-36 (SF-36). The final version of translation process was easily recognized by the target population, that didn't tell understanding problems. The results obtained for the reliability intra and interobserver showed significant agreement in all of the subjects. The construct validity was obtained through correlations statistically significant among the domains occupational, health and emotional of UQOL with the SF-36 domains. For the exploratory factorial analysis, it was verified that three factors explain 60% of the total variance of the data, the present study allowed concluding that UQOL was appropriately translated and adapted for applicability in Brazil, presenting high reliability and validity. In that way, the executed project provided the involvement of different areas as gynecology, psychology and physiotherapy (interdisciplinary). Thus, this instrument can be included and used in Brazilian studies to assessment the quality of life during the climacteric years

Sistemas de informação geográfica e análise espacial de dados como ferramentas para determinação de agregação espacial de doenças: a hanseníase como modelo

This work demonstrates the importance of using tools used in geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis (SDA) for the study of infectious diseases. Analysis methods were used to describe more fully the spatial distribution of a particular disease by incorporating the geographical element in the analysis. In Chapter 1, we report the historical evolution of these techniques in the field of human health and use Hansen s disease (leprosy) in Rio Grande do Norte as an example. In Chapter 2, we introduced a few basic theoretical concepts on the methodology and classified the types of spatial data commonly treated. Chapters 3 and 4 defined and demonstrated the use of the two most important techniques for analysis of health data, which are data point processes and data area. We modelled the case distribution of Hansen s disease in the city of Mossoró - RN. In the analysis, we used R scripts and made available routines and analitical procedures developed by the author. This approach can be easily used by researchers in several areas. As practical results, major risk areas in Mossoró leprosy were detected, and its association with the socioeconomic profile of the population at risk was found. Moreover, it is clearly shown that his approach could be of great help to be used continuously in data analysis and processing, allowing the development of new strategies to work might increase the use of such techniques in data analysis in health care

Estudo de efeitos de um extrato de Arctium lappa (Bardana) na marcação dos constituintes sangüíneos com Tecnécio-99m, na biodisponibilidade do radiofármaco pertecnatato de sódio e na morfologia de hemácias de ratos Wistar

Radionuclides have been used in Nuclear Medicine for diagnostic and treatment. In basic research, cellular and molecular structures are labeled with technetium-99m (99mTc) and used as radiobiocomplexes. Some natural or synthetic drugs are capable to alter the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, as well as in the biodistribution of radiobiocomplexes. Arctium lappa (Bardana) has been used to treat inflammatory processes. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of an extract of Bardana on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, on the morphology of red blood cells, on the perimeter/area ratio of red blood cells and on the biodistribution of radiophamaceutical sodium pertechnetate in Wistar rats. Extract of Bardana was capable to alter the labeling of cellular compartment with 99mTc. Plasma and cellular proteins did not present alteration on the percentage of radioactivity (%ATI). Extract of Bardana was also capable to alter the morphology and the perimeter/area ratio of red blood cells. On the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate in animals treated with the extract of Bardana, it was observed a small and significant uptake in liver, tooth and tongue, and a high and a significant uptake in stomach, lung and testis (p<0.05). In conclusion, these findings could be justified due to the effects of some chemical compounds in the Bardana extract. This study was a multidisciplinary experimental research. It was developed with the contribution of the different Departments and Services of the Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto of the Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro

Sistemas microemulsionados como carreador lipídico para fármacos insolúveis

Several pharmaceutical products have been developed in recent years aiming to enhance the treatment of diseases by increasing the effectiveness of drugs. Many of these new products are based on new drug delivery systems. Among these, microemulsions, which were first studied in 1943 by Hoar and Schulman, is of great interest. Microemulsion can be defined as a thermodynamically stable, isotropic, translucent and transparent system of two immiscible liquids stabilized by a surfactant film located in the oil / water interface. The aim os this work was the incorporation of Amphotericin B and Simvasatin to a microemulsion system and analyzes its physicochemical properties and their therapeutical activity when incorporated into this system. Some very promising results were achieved as the reduction of the toxicity and maintenance of the efficacy of the Amphotericin B incorpored into a microemulsion, which was demonstrated in the in vitro pharmacotoxicological study. As for the incorporation of Simvastatin in microemulsion, it was observed a significant improvement in the potential antiinflammatory and anti-infective properties when the system was use to treat infected wounds (simvastatin pleiotropic effects). Therefore, it can be concluded that the incorporation of these drugs into microemulsion system reveal the potential of microemulsions as a promising and novel dosage form, qualifying them for future trials in order to make them available in the pharmaceutical market

Estudo de efeitos de um extrato aquoso de farinha de casca de maracujá (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) na marcação de constituintes sangüíneos com Tecnécio 99m, na morfometria das hemácias e na biodisponibilidade do radiofármaco Pertecnetato de Sódio em ratos Wistar

Blood constituents labelled with technetium-99m (99mTc) has been used with radiobiocomplexes in several procedures in nuclear medicine. Some natural and sintetic drugs are capable to interfere on the labeling of blood constituents with 99mTc, on the morphology of red blood cells (RBC) and on the biodistribution of radiobiocomplexes. The aim of this study was evaluate the effect of an extract of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa on the labeling of blood constituints with 99mTc, on the morphology of RBC and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium perthecnetate in Wistar rats. On the in vitro studies the Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa decreased significantly (p<0.05) the %ATI on plasma proteins and on the in vitro morhology of RBC, the passion fruit peel flour altered the shape and the perimeter/área ratio. On the in vivo estudies the extract did not altered the %ATI in blood constituents, and did not altered the shape of RBC. Although, on the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium perthecnetate (Na99mTcO4) this extract decreased significantly (p<0.05) the uptake in duodenum, spleen, pâncreas and blood, and increased the uptake in stomach. It can be suggested that the effects presented by this extract could be a result of some substances contained in this extract that could alter the binding of 99mTc to plasma proteins, the morphology of RBC and the biodistribution of the radiobiocomplex sodium perthecnetate. This study was multidisciplinary experimental research. It was developed with the contribution of different Departments and Services of the Hospital Universitário Pedro Ernesto of the Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro

Desmame em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso ao nascer no primeiro retorno ambulatorial após a alta hospitalar

Investigate intrahospital and neonatal determinants associated to the weaning of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: 119 VLBW (<1500g) infants 81 were monitored from July 2005 through August 2006, from birth to the first ambulatory visit after maternity discharge. This maternity unit uses the Kangaroo Method and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Results: Out of 119 VLBW infants monitored until discharge, 88 (75%) returned to the facility, 22 (25%) were on exclusive breastfeeding (EB) and 66 (75%) were weaned (partial breastfeeding or formula feeding). Univariate analysis found an association between weaning and lower birth weight, longer stays in the NICU and longer hospitalization times, in addition to more prolonged enteral feeding and birth weight recovery period. Logistic regression showed length of NICU stay as being the main determinant of weaning. Conclusion: The negative repercussion on EB of an extended stay in the NICU is a significant challenge for health professionals to provide more adequate nutrition to VLBW infants

Morte como desafio afetivo para o profissional da saúde: ansiedade e sentimentos de quem lida com o paciente terminal com câncer

It is a Cross-sectional and multi-disciplinary study whose population selection was made by department of human resources (composed by a Manager, an Oncologist and a Psychologist) from the hospital where this research was realized. They also collaborated with important information about the work of that professionals in the hospital. We also counted on a Statistic who made study design calculating the sample and analyzing data. This research issued Evaluating health professionals anxiety levels who care for cancer terminally ill and their feelings about that work as well as identifying the factors which have influence on it. 100 health professionals from the Hospital which is a reference on cancer caring in Brazil situated in the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, participated of this research. There was a sample loss of 21%. Data were collected through a questionnaire and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results showed that 15% of the professionals have low State Anxiety levels, 70% Medium State Anxiety levels and 15% high State anxiety levels. The Number of Patients and Working in another Institution have interfered in the anxiety levels. Doctors and Nursing Assistants and Technicians have got the highest high State Anxiety percentage (25%). 73% of them declare to feel some sort of different behavior and/or feelings in caring for terminally ill. The most remarkable professionals feelings were Suffering and Sadness, and Terminally ill Children was the most difficult age group to care for. We conclude that work overload and having more than one job can interfere in professional stress levels and anxiety. Dealing with terminally ill, specially children one, can cause on the professionals psychological suffering. It s recommended the development of supporting and training strategies to reduce and/or to prevent Stress and Anxiety high levels

Avaliação do efeito de um adoçante comercial com sucralose na marcação de constituintes sanguíneos com tecnécio-99m, na morfologia das hemácias e na biodisponibilidade dos radiofármacos pertecnetato de sódio e ácido dietilenotriaminopentacético-tecnécio-99m em ratos Wistar.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

A Humanização e a Formação Médica na Perspectiva dos Estudantes de Medicina da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte

The aim of this study is to understand the perception of medical students at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) about humanization in the context of their medical formation, using a qualitative approach. The focus group and participant observation techniques were used, involving a multidisciplinary team composed of professionals from the areas of anthropology and psychology, as well as professors from the medical course, who studied two groups of nine students in their final year. The data were analyzed using the categorical thematic content analysis technique, from which emerged three categories: student/patient relationship, teaching/learning and student/professor relationship. The first allows us to identify that student-patient contact is an essential experience for adopting a more humanized view of the disease process. The second category shows that unqualified professors in the pedagogic practices inherent to the teaching profession and the theory the practical dichotomy hinder the autonomous and holistic formation of knowledge. Similarly, the lack of practices outside the academic environment and the absence of multiprofessional stimulation interfere in the construction of an integral view of the individual. From the third category, the student/professor relationship, emerge two opposing subcategories (professor model and assymetric relationships), which reflect the importance of the professor`s ethical humanist position, as opposed to an authoritarian attitude, to form the professional attitude of the student. The results point important aspects of the medical formation that may open a discussion about humanization, in the context of new national curricular guidelines