O discurso do humor politicamente incorreto no mundo contemporâneo

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Longitudinal effects of physical activity on self-efficacy and cognitive processing of active and sedentary elderly women

Previous studies support that regular physical activity in aging contributes as a protective factor against cognitive decline and improves mood states. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies in this area. Objective: To observe possible changes in cognition related with physical activity. METHODS: This study reassessed, after one-year period, 31 elderly women divided into two groups, sedentary versus active, using behavioral scales and cognitive tests. RESULTS: The active group exhibited significantly enhanced performance in general cognitive function, particularly on tasks of episodic memory and praxis, and also on the mood states scale compared to the sedentary group. The active women also reported higher self-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Long-term physical activity promoted improvement on quality of life in the elderly women.

Elementos constitutivos do humor em sitcoms: uma análise à luz dos estudos da tradução baseados em corpus

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Humanização da saúde: impacto de estratégias lúdicas e anímicas no estado de humor de trabalhadores do SUS

Humanization is a decisive factor for the positive conditions in the work environment related to the health sector, however, few initiatives take into consideration this aspect in different areas of knowledge, including the field of Human Kinetics. Thus, this study, which has a qualitative nature, aimed to identify the mood of employees from Sistema Únicos de Saúde - SUS, using evidences based on experiences of a playful and animistic activities. The study was conducted through bibliographical and exploratory research, using as a tool two-phase data collection the Brunel Questionnaire (BRUMS). Part of this study included an international sample compose of SUS participants from Araras city, having as criteria employees associated with SUS longer than one year. Participants experienced an animistic and recreational activities program and the instrument was applied before and after these experiences. Data was descriptively analyzed through the Thematic Content Analysis Technique. The results showed that the recreational and animistic activities can positively improve the mood of workers in the health sector, indicating the importance of developing new humanization strategies in health ambit. This study suggests new actions in public policy, able to encourage longer or even continuous interventions in the daily journey of health workers

THE HOUSE OF JOANA DARK: DRAMA AND PRODUCTION

While discussing images of Our Lady and of the mothers and women of the Garden of Flowers (or "Devils' Hole"), a peripheral district of a city in the interior of Sao Paulo state, this paper intends to explore the specificity of dramatic aesthetics. Rather than depend upon the aesthetics of social drama, as discussed in the works of Victor Turner, the present paper deals with a concept of montage that is inspired by the cinema of Sergei Eisenstein in order to illuminate a selection of field notes... and, along with Eisenstein, Julia Kristeva, Walter Benjamin, Michael Taussig and Antonin Artaud. Wit regards to those readers interested in hearing what these women may have to say, caution is suggested, for the words of these women may ring in our ears as the sounds of musket shots

Blood transfusions increase circulating plasma free hemoglobin levels and plasma nitric oxide consumption: a prospective observational pilot study

Introduction: The increasing number of reports on the relation between transfusion of stored red blood cells (RBCs) and adverse patient outcome has sparked an intense debate on the benefits and risks of blood transfusions. Meanwhile, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this postulated relation remain unclear. The development of hemolysis during storage might contribute to this mechanism by release of free hemoglobin (fHb), a potent nitric oxide (NO) scavenger, which may impair vasodilation and microcirculatory perfusion after transfusion. The objective of this prospective observational pilot study was to establish whether RBC transfusion results in increased circulating fHb levels and plasma NO consumption. In addition, the relation between increased fHb values and circulating haptoglobin, its natural scavenger, was studied. Methods: Thirty patients electively received 1 stored packed RBC unit (n = 8) or 2 stored packed RBC units (n = 22). Blood samples were drawn to analyze plasma levels of fHb, haptoglobin, and NO consumption prior to transfusion, and 15, 30, 60 and 120 minutes and 24 hours after transfusion. Differences were compared using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for dichotomous variables, or an independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous data. Continuous, multiple-timepoint data were analyzed using repeated one-way analysis of variance or the Kruskall-Wallis test. Correlations were analyzed using Spearman or Pearson correlation. Results: Storage duration correlated significantly with fHb concentrations and NO consumption within the storage medium (r = 0.51, P < 0.001 and r = 0.62, P = 0.002). fHb also significantly correlated with NO consumption directly (r = 0.61, P = 0.002). Transfusion of 2 RBC units significantly increased circulating fHb and NO consumption in the recipient (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively), in contrast to transfusion of 1 stored RBC unit. Storage duration of the blood products did not correlate with changes in fHb and NO consumption in the recipient. In contrast, pre-transfusion recipient plasma haptoglobin levels inversely influenced post-transfusion fHb concentrations. Conclusion: These data suggest that RBC transfusion can significantly increase post-transfusion plasma fHb levels and plasma NO consumption in the recipient. This finding may contribute to the potential pathophysiological mechanism underlying the much-discussed adverse relation between blood transfusions and patient outcome. This observation may be of particular importance for patients with substantial transfusion requirements.

The effect of sodium fluoride preservative and storage temperature on the stability of cocaine in horse blood, sheep vitreous and deer muscle

The in vitro stability of cocaine in horse blood, sheep vitreous humour (VH) and homogenised deer muscle is described. The stability of cocaine in horse blood was of interest because many toxicology laboratories utilise horse blood for the preparation of calibration and check standards and the latter are typically stored during routine use. The storage stability of cocaine in human VH and muscle has not been previously reported. In the absence of blank human VH and muscle, cocaine stability under varying conditions was demonstrated in animal tissues. Blood and VH were stored with and without addition of NaF at room temperature (RT), 4 degrees C and -18 degrees C for 84 days. Muscle homogenates were prepared in water, water/2% NaF, and phosphate buffer (pH 6.0)/2% NaF, and stored for 31 days at RT, 4 degrees C and -18 degrees C. Cocaine stability in human muscle obtained from cocaine positive forensic cases was assessed following storage at -18 degrees C for 13 months. Cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BZE) were extracted using SPE and quantified by GC-MS/MS. Cocaine was stable for 7 days in refrigerated (4 degrees C) horse blood fortified with 1 and 2% NaF. In the absence of NaF, cocaine was not detectable by day 7 in blood stored at RT and 4 degrees C and had declined by 81% following storage at -18 degrees C. At 4 degrees C the rate of cocaine degradation in blood preserved with 2% NaF was significantly slower than with 1% NaF. The stability of cocaine in horse blood appeared to be less than that reported for human blood, probably attributable to the presence of carboxylesterase in horse plasma. Cocaine stored in VH at -18 degrees C was essentially stable for the study period whereas at 4 degrees C concentrations decreased by >50% in preserved and unpreserved VH stored for longer than 14 days. Fluoride did not significantly affect cocaine stability in VH. The stability of cocaine in muscle tissue homogenates significantly exceeded that in blood and VH at every temperature. In preserved and unpreserved samples stored at 4 degrees C and below, cocaine loss did not exceed 2%. The increased stability of cocaine in muscle was attributed to the low initial pH of post-mortem muscle. In tissue from one human case stored for 13 months at -18 degrees C the muscle cocaine concentration declined by only 15% (range: 5-22%). These findings promote the use of human muscle as a toxicological specimen in which cocaine may be detected for longer compared with blood or VH. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Clinical and image findings in bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws

Abstract: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is characterized as exposed bone in the jaws for more than 8 weeks in patients with current or previous history of therapy with bisphosphonates (BPs) and no history of radiotherapy in the head and neck. We report a case series of 7 patients with BRONJ and analyze the variations of clinical and imaging signs, correlating them with the presence or absence of bone exposure. Among the patients, 6 were women and 1 was a man, aged 42–79 years. Five of the patients were using zoledronic acid and the other 2 alendronate. The use of BPs varied from 3 to 13 years. In 5 patients, tooth extraction was the triggering event of injuries. Panoramic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were evaluated by a radiologist blinded to the cases. There were persistent unremodeled extraction socket even several months after tooth extraction in 3 of the cases that were consistent wit CT findings that also showed areas of osteosclerosis and osteolysis. Patients were treated according to the recommendations of the AAOMS, with surgical debridement and antibiotic coverage with amoxicillin in the symptomatic patients. The follow-up of these patients ranged from 8 to 34 months, with a good response to treatment. The image findings in this case series were not specific and showed no difference between each stages of BRONJ (AAOMS, 2009). The image features were similar in presence or absence of exposed bone.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy: initial experience in Brazil and a review of the literature

CONTEXT AND PURPOSE: Partial nephrectomy has become the standard of care for renal tumors less than 4 cm in diameter. Controversy still exists, however, regarding the best surgical approach, especially when minimally invasive techniques are taken into account. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN) has emerged as a promising technique that helps surgeons achieve the standards of open partial nephrectomy care while offering a minimally invasive approach. The objective of the present study was to describe our initial experience with robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and extensively review the pertinent literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2009 and February 2010, eight consecutive selected patients with contrast enhancing renal masses observed by CT were submitted to RALPN in a private institution. In addition, we collected information on the patients' demographics, preoperative tumor characteristics and detailed operative, postoperative and pathological data. In addition, a PubMed search was performed to provide an extensive review of the robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy literature. RESULTS: Seven patients had RALPN on the left or right sides with no intraoperative complications. One patient was electively converted to a robotic-assisted radical nephrectomy. The operative time ranged from 120 to 300 min, estimated blood loss (EBL) ranged from 75 to 400 mL and, in five cases, the warm ischemia time (WIT) ranged from 18 to 32 min. Two patients did not require any clamping. Overall, no transfusions were necessary, and there were no intraoperative complications or adverse postoperative clinical events. All margins were negative, and all patients were disease-free at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is a feasible and safe approach to small renal cortical masses.Further prospective studies are needed to compare open partial nephrectomy with its minimally invasive counterparts.

Investigation of different shellac grades and improvement of release from air suspension coated pellets

Shellac is the purified product of the natural polymer Lac. Shellac types, from different origins and with different ages, all purified by the solvent extraction process were compared in this study. Their physicochemical properties acid value, glass transition temperatures, color numbers and molecular sizes were determined. Metoprolol tartrate pellets were coated by air suspension coating with these different grades of shellac. Two coating levels 20% w/w and 25% w/w were applied and then subjected to in vitro dissolution testing. Enteric resistance was achieved for all tested brands for the two coating levels. At pH 6.8, 7.2 and 7.4, significant variations were obvious between the brands. rnMoreover the molecular size of shellac has a pronounced effect in that shellac types with larger molecular size show a higher and faster release than others, while the one with the smaller molecular size show the opposite effect on the release of metoprolol.rnIn this study commercially available ready for use aqueous shellac solutions (SSB AQUAGOLD), which are based on shellac SSB 57 (Dewaxed Orange Shellac, Bysakhi-Ber type refined in a solvent extraction process), with different manufacturing dates were used. rnTo improve the enteric coating properties of films from aqueous shellac solutions, different aqueous polymeric solutions of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), carboyxmethyl cellulose (CMC), gum arabic and polysaccharides (Pullulan®) were used. These water soluble polymers will act as pore formers to enhance drug release from pellets coated with the combination of shellac and these polymers. The influence of these polymers on the gloss of the shellac films, mechanical properties of the films and drug release from metoprolol tartrate pellets were studied.rnThe potential of ethanol to alter the rate of drug release from shellac coated pellets was assessed by using a modified in vitro dose dumping in alcohol (DDA) method and the test concluded that shellac coated dosage forms can be co-administered with alcohol beverages containing ≤ 5% with no effect of alcohol on the shellac coat.rnPellets coated with shellac sodium salts, showed higher release rates than pellets coated with shellac as ammonium salt forms. rn

[Swiss registry for TNF-alpha blockers in children and adolescents with rheumatological diseases]

We created a registry to evaluate long term outcome, efficacy and adverse events for children treated wit TNF-alpha inhibitors in Switzerland. 106 patients (68 female/38 male) were included. 61 patients were treated with Etanercept (Enbrel) and 45 with Infliximab (Remicade). Concomitant treatment at baseline included corticosteroids in 26% and Methotrexate in 75% of the patients. Subjective disease activity three months after initiation of TNF-alpha was better in 81%, worse in 4% and stable in 15% of the patients. In total 24 adverse events in 21 patients were reported. Treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors seems to be safe and effective for children and adolescents with rheumatologic diseases.

Is it safe to discontinue primary Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis in patients with virologically suppressed HIV infection and a CD4 cell count <200 cells/microL?

Current guidelines suggest that primary prophylaxis for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PcP) can be safely stopped in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients who are receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and who have a CD4 cell count >200 cells/microL. There are few data regarding the incidence of PcP or safety of stopping prophylaxis in virologically suppressed patients with CD4 cell counts of 101-200 cells/microL.

Steerable intravitreal inserts for drug delivery: in vitro and ex vivo mobility experiments

The progress of wet age-related macular degeneration can now be controlled by intravitreal drug injection. This approach requires repeated injections, which could be avoided by delivering the drug to the retina. Intraocular implants are a promising solution for drug delivery near the retina. Currently, their accurate placement is challenging, and they can only be removed after a vitrectomy. In this paper, we introduce an approach for minimally invasive retinal drug delivery using magnetic intraocular inserts. We briefly discuss the electromagnetic-control system for magnetic implants and then focus on evaluating their ability to move in the vitreous humor. The mobility of magnetic intraocular implants is estimated in vitro with synthesized vitreous humors, and ex vivo with experiments on cadaver porcine eyes. Preliminary results show that with such magnetic implants a vitrectomy can be avoided.

Longer prior exposure to zidovudine/lamivudine-containing combination antiretroviral therapy, age, and male gender are each associated with reduced subcutaneous adipose tissue

Whether zidovudine (AZT)-associated lipoatrophy occurrence differs by concomitant exposure to protease (PIs) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) remains unclear. Baseline body composition data from a randomized trial in subjects stable on first-line AZT-based therapy were used to explore this issue.