The last resort : spa therapy and the docile body in Victorian St. Catharines /

By relying on existing cultural models, the Victorian spa promoted health and wellness. Advertising, together with other forms of promotion, strengthened the legitimacy of its claims to cure a variety of health problems. By the use of some links to science and a mystical folk belief about the efficacy of the local mineral waters, three spas emerged in St.Catharines: the Stephenson House, the WeIland House, and the Springbank. As the twentieth century approached, the spa movement declined and institutionalized medicine struggled to establish a monopoly on health care. This thesis argues that the health spas in St. Catharines occupied that transitional space in nineteenth century medicine between home remedy and hospital. The interplay between scientific discovery and business enterprise produced a climate in which the Victorian health resort flourished. This phenomenon, combined with the various maladies brought on by industrialization, nineteenth-century lifestyle, and the absence of medical options, created a surge in the popularity of health spas and mineral spring therapies. By the tum of the twentieth century, interest in mineral water treatments had declined. The health resorts that had blossomed between 1850 and 1899 began to experience a serious decrease in business. This popular movement became outmoded in the face of emerging medical and scientific knowledge. In St. Catharines, the last resort to remain standing, the WeIland House, finished out the city's spa era as a hospital.

Addressing Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: Insights from hospital ethnography

L'épidémie de l'infection au virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH) constitue une crise majeure en santé publique de nos jours. Les efforts de la communauté internationale visent à rendre les traitements antirétroviraux (TARV) plus accessibles aux personnes vivant avec le VIH, particulièrement dans les contextes à ressources limitées. Une observance quasi-parfaite aux TARV est requise pour tirer le maximum de bénéfices thérapeutiques à l'échelle individuelle et à l'échelle populationnelle. Cependant, l’accroissement de la disponibilité des TARV s'effectue dans des pays africains qui disposent de systèmes de santé fragiles et sous-financés. Ceux-ci souffrent également d'une pénurie de personnel de santé, lequel joue un rôle central dans la mise en oeuvre et la pérennité des interventions, notamment celle du soutien à l'observance thérapeutique. La présente étude ethnographique relate l'expérience de personnel de santé dans la fourniture des services de soutien à l'observance dans un contexte de ressources limitées et d'accroissement de l'accès aux TARV. L'étude a été menée dans deux centres hospitaliers de la capitale du Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou. Trois conclusions principales sont mises au jour. Tout d'abord, une bonne organisation – tant logistique que matérielle – dans la provision de services de soutien à l'observance est capitale. L’infrastructure d’observance doit aller au-delà des unités de prise en charge et s’intégrer au sein du système de santé pour assurer un impact durable. De plus, la provision des TARV dans le cadre d'une prise en charge médicale exhaustive est essentielle pour un soutien à l'observance efficace. Ceci implique la présence de professionnelles de santé en nombre suffisant et disposant d‘outils pour soutenir leur pratique clinique (tests de laboratoire, traitements pour infections opportunistes), ainsi que des mécanismes pour leur permettre d’aider les patients à gérer la vie quotidienne (gratuité des services, programmes d’alphabétisation et soutien psychosociale). Enfin, une amélioration de la coordination des programmes VIH au niveau national et international est nécessaire pour assurer une prise en charge cohérente au niveau local. La programmation conçue dans les pays étrangers qui est incomplète et de courte durée a un impact majeur sur la disponibilité de ressources humaines et matérielles à long terme, ainsi que sur les conditions de travail et de prestation de services dans les unités de soins.

Occupational therapy and its relevance in social projects. relationships, learning and opportunities: collection of experiences of University of Alberta Mscot students in Bogotá, Colombia

Occupational therapists are equipped to promote wellbeing through occupation and to enable participation and meaningful engagement of people in their social and physical environments (WFOT, 2012). As such, the role of the occupational therapists is profoundly linked to the social, cultural and environmental characteristics of the contexts in which occupations take place. The central role that context plays in occupational performance creates an interesting dichotomy for the occupational therapist: on one hand, a profound understanding of cultural and social factors is required from the Occupational Therapy (OT) in order to develop a meaningful and successful collaboration with the person; on the other hand, the ability of the occupational therapists to recognize and explore the contextual factor of an occupation-person dyad transcends cultural and spatial barriers. As a result, occupational therapists are equipped to engage in international collaboration and practice, and as such face unique and enriching challenges. International fieldwork experiences have become a tool through which occupational therapists in training can develop the critical skills for understanding the impact of cultural and social factors on occupation. An OT student in an international fieldwork experience faces numerous challenges in leading a process that is both relevant and respectful to the characteristics of the local context: language, cultural perceptions of occupation and personhood, religious backgrounds, health care access, etc. These challenges stand out as ethical considerations that must be considered when navigating an international fieldwork experience (AOTA, 2009). For more than five years now, the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine (FRM) of the University of Alberta (UoFA) and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Universidad del Rosario (UR), Bogota, Colombia, have sustained a productive and meaningful international collaboration. This collaboration includes a visit by Dr. Albert Cook, professor of the FRM and former dean, to the UR as the main guest speaker in the International Congress of Technologies for Disability Support (IBERDISCAP) in 2008. Furthermore, Dr. Cook was a speaker in the research seminar of the Assistive Technology Research Group of the Universidad del Rosario. Following Dr. Cook’s visit, Professors Liliana Álvarez and Adriana Ríos travelled to Edmonton and initiated collaboration with the FRM, resulting in the signing of an agreement between the FRM and the UR in 2009, agreement that has been maintained to this day. The main goal of this agreement is to increase academic and cultural cooperation between the UR and the UofA. Other activities have included the cooperation between Dr. Kim Adams (who has largely maintained interest and effort in supporting the capacity building of the UR rehabilitation programs in coordinating the provision of research placement opportunities for UR students at the UofA), an Assistive Technology course for clinicians and students led by Dr. Adams, and a research project that researched the use of basic cell phones to provide social interaction and health information access for people with disabilities in a low-income community in Colombia (led by Tim Barlott, OT, MSc, under the supervision of Dr. Adams). Since the beginning, the occupational therapy programs of the Universidad del Rosario and the University of Alberta have promoted this collaboration and have strived to engage in interactions that provide further development opportunities for students and staff. As part of this process, the international placement experience of UofA OT students was born under the leadership of: Claudia Rozo, OT program director at UR, placement and academic leadership of Elvis Castro and Angélica Monsalve, professors of the occupational therapy program at UR; and Dr. Lili Liu, OT department director at UofA, Cori Schmitz, Academic coordinator of clinical education at the UofA; and Tim Barlott and Liliana Álvarez leading the international and cross-cultural aspect of this collaboration.This publication summarizes and illustrates the process of international placement in community settings in Colombia, undertaken by occupational therapy students of the University of Alberta. It is our hope that this document can provide and document the ethical considerations of international fieldwork experience, the special characteristics of communities and the ways in which cultural and social competences are developed and help international students navigate the international setting. We also hope that this document will stimulate discussion among professional and academic communities about the importance and richness of international placement experiences and encourage staff and students to articulate their daily efforts with the global occupational therapy agenda.

Hematoporphyrin-based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a haematoporphyrin derivative (Photogem (R), General Physics Institute and clustes Ltda) as photosensitizer and light emitting diodes (LEDs) as the light source was evaluated in 12 cats with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Lesions were illuminated with LEDs, (300 J/cm for 30 min) 24 h after the administration of the photosensitizer. Clinical responses were classified as complete disappearance of the tumour with total re-epithelialization; partial response (a reduction greater than 50%); and no response (less than 50% reduction). Tumours localized to the pinna treated with one (n = 3) or two (n = 4) applications of PDT yielded no response. Highly invasive tumours of the nose and nasal planum also showed no response, after two treatments (n = 2). A combination of PDT and surgery was performed in three cases. Two cats showed partial response and one complete response with one application of therapy 30 days after nasal surgery. Small and noninfiltrative lesions (n = 3) of the nasal planum showed a PR with one application (n = 2) and a CR with two applications (n = 1). This study shows that PDT using Photogem (R) and LEDs can provide local control of low-grade feline squamous cell carcinoma. The addition of PDT to surgery in more invasive cases may help prevent recurrence.

NUCEL (Cell and Molecular Therapy Center): A multidisciplinary center for translational research in Brazil

Social and economical development is closely associated with technological innovation and a well-developed biotechnological industry. In the last few years, Brazil`s scientific production has been steadily increasing; however, the number of patents is lagging behind, with technological and translational research requiring governmental incentive and reinforcement. The Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (NUCEL) was created to develop activities in the translational research field, addressing concrete problems found in biomedical and veterinary areas and actively searching for solutions by employing a genetic engineering approach to generate cell lines over-expressing recombinant proteins to be transferred to local biotech companies, aiming at furthering the development of a national competence for local production of biopharmaceuticals of widespread use and of life-saving importance. To this end, mammalian cell engineering technologies were used to generate cell lines over-expressing several different recombinant proteins of biomedical and biotechnological interest, namely, recombinant human Amylin/IAPP for diabetes treatment, human FVIII and FIX clotting factors for hemophilia, human and bovine FSH for fertility and reproduction, and human bone repair proteins (BMPs). Expression of some of these proteins is also being sought with the baculovirus/insect cell system (BEVS) which, in many cases, is able to deliver high-yield production of recombinant proteins with biological activity comparable to that of mammalian systems, but in a much more cost-effective manner. Transfer of some of these recombinant products to local Biotech companies has been pursued by taking advantage of the Sao Paulo State Foundation (FAPESP) and Federal Government (FINEP, CNPq) incentives for joint Research Development and Innovation partnership projects.

Hematoporphyrin-based photodynamic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in cats

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Local application of tetracycline solution with a microbrush: An alternative treatment for persistent periodontitis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

PDGF-B gene therapy accelerates bone engineering and oral implant osseointegration

Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulates repair of healing-impaired chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and periodontal lesions. However, limitations in predictability of tissue regeneration occur due, in part, to transient growth factor bioavailability in vivo. Here, we report that gene delivery of PDGF-B stimulates repair of oral implant extraction socket defects. Alveolar ridge defects were created in rats and were treated at the time of titanium implant installation with a collagen matrix containing an adenoviral (Ad) vector encoding PDGF-B (5.5 x 10(8) or 5.5 x 10(9) pfu ml (1)), Ad encoding luciferase (Ad-Luc; 5.5 x 10(9) pfu ml (1); control) or recombinant human PDGF-BB protein (rhPDGF-BB, 0.3 mg ml (1)). Bone repair and osseointegration were measured through backscattered scanning electron microscopy, histomorphometry, microcomputed tomography and biomechanical assessments. Furthermore, a panel of local and systemic safety assessments was performed. Results indicated that bone repair was accelerated by Ad-PDGF-B and rhPDGF-BB delivery compared with Ad-Luc, with the high dose of Ad-PDGF-B more effective than the low dose. No significant dissemination of the vector construct or alteration of systemic parameters was noted. In summary, gene delivery of Ad-PDGF-B shows regenerative and safety capabilities for bone tissue engineering and osseointegration in alveolar bone defects comparable with rhPDGF-BB protein delivery in vivo. Gene Therapy (2010) 17, 95-104; doi: 10.1038/gt.2009.117; published online 10 September 2009

Susceptibility of Candida albicans to photodynamic therapy in a murine model of oral candidosis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Quantification of fibrosis and mast cells in the tissue response of endodontic sealer irradiated by low-level laser therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) accelerates tissue repair. Mast cells induce the proliferation of fibroblasts and the development of local fibrosis. The objective of this study was to quantify fibrosis rate and mast cells in connective tissue after endodontic sealer zinc oxide and eugenol (ZOE) was implanted and submitted to LLLT, immediately after implant and again 24 h later. Sixty mice were distributed into three groups: GI, GII, and GIII (n = 20). In GI, the tubes filled with Endofill were implanted in the animals and were not irradiated with LLLT. In GII, the tubes containing Endofill were implanted in the animals and then irradiated with red LLLT (InGaAIP) 685-nm wavelength, D=72 J/Cm(2), E = 2 J, T=58 s, P=35 mW, and in GIII, the tubes with Endofill were implanted and irradiated with infrared LLLT (AsGaAl) 830-nm wavelength, D=70 J/Cm(2), E = 2 J, T=40 s, P=50 mW. After 7 days and 30 days, the animals were killed. A series of 6-mu m-thick sections were obtained and stained with Toluidine Blue and Picrosirius and analyzed under a standard light microscope using a polarized light filter for the quantification of fibrosis. The statistics were qualitative and quantitative with a significance of 5%. The irradiation with LLLT did not offer improvement in the fibrosis rate, however, it provided a significant decrease in the concentration of independent mast cells for the period studied.

Effect of continuous and pulsed therapeutic ultrasound in the appearance of local recurrence of mammary cancer in rats

Purpose: Ultrasound (US) therapy is an elect rot hermotherapeutic modality that uses US energy to provoke physical and chemical alterations. US therapy has been widely used in physical therapy. However in clinical practice, it is contra-indicated in cancer patients due to the possibility of exacerbating tumor growth.Methods: Sixty-eight female Sprague-Dawley rats bred in UNIFAE vivarium were studied. At 50 days of age, 7, 12-dimetylbenz(a)anthracene (7, 12-DMBA) was administered to 35 rats by gastric gavage to induce mammary cancer After 90 days the mammary glands of the rats belonging to the group with mammary cancer induction and stimulated by US were removed. Animals received either continuous or pulsed US. US waves were generated at a frequency of 1 MHz during 10 days, with an intensity dose of 0.5 W in the continuous group, and 0.9 W (duty cycle: 20%) in the pulsed group.Results: Among the rats treated with continuous US, 44.4% developed local recurrence, while among the rats treated with pulsed US, 22.2% had local tumor recurrence (p < 0.05). No evidence of distant metastases was shown in any of the rats studied.Conclusion: The use ofcontinuous and pulsed therapeutic US promoted the development of local recurrence of mammary cancer in female Sprague-Dawley rats in the postoperative period.

Effect of maintenance therapy with or without the use of chlorhexidine in teeth restored with composite resin in patients with diabetes mellitus

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maintenance therapy with or without the use of 0.12% chlorhexidine in the periodontal tissues of patients with diabetes mellitus who had carious lesions restored with composed resin. Twenty patients were selected, all of whom had diabetes mellitus in addition to carious cervical lesions in previously treated teeth. After 90 days, improvement in plaque and gingival indices and probing depth were noticed among patients in the group that received 0.12% chlorhexidine.

Estudo longitudinal da terapia antibiótica local de bolsas periodontais residuais. Análise clínica e microbiológica

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Efeito do tratamento local de vesiculite seminal sobre a qualidade e longevidade so sêmen equino

Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - FMVZ

Low-level laser therapy for osteonecrotic lesions: effects on osteoblasts treated with zoledronic acid

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)