Biodistribuição do fitato de sódio marcado com tecnécio-99m em ratos esplenectomizados

O baço, como maior órgão linfóide do corpo humano, desempenha funções imunológicas relevantes, tais como depuração de bactérias da corrente sangüínea, produção de anticorpos e interação com a função hepática. A esplenectomia tem sido evitada sempre que possível, mas quando realizada pode provocar uma série de efeitos indesejáveis. O radiofármaco 99mTc-fitato é usado no diagnóstico de doenças, especialmente no fígado, através de exames de imagem, na dependência de sua biodistribuição. Algumas drogas e intervenções cirúrgicas podem interferir na biodistribuição de radiofármacos e inexistem na literatura dados sobre efeitos da esplenectomia no metabolismo do 99mTc-fitato. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar se a esplenectomia interfere na biodistribuição hepática do 99mTc-fitato e na função do fígado em ratos Wistar. Sob anestesia e técnica asséptica, os animais do grupo SP (n=6) foram esplenectomizados. No grupo C (controle; n=6) os animais não foram operados. Após 15 dias de observação, foi injetado de 0,1ml de 99mTc-fitato via plexo orbital (0,66MBq) em todos os animais. Após 30 minutos, foram retiradas amostras hepáticas para determinação do percentual de radioatividade/grama (% ATI/g), usando-se contador gama Wizard Perkin-Elmer. Realizou-se dosagem sérica de ALT, AST e LDH, e leucometria. Estatística pelo teste t, com significância de p>0,05. Observou-se diferença significativa (p=0,034) comparando-se o %ATI/g no fígado dos ratos esplenectomizados (0,990,2) com os controles (0,400,2). ALT, AST e LDH tiveram dosagens significativamente menores e houve leucocitose nos esplenectomizados (p=0,01), comparando-se com os controles. Concluiu-se que, em ratos, a esplenectomia provavelmente provocou alteração na captação de 99mTc-fitato pelo fígado, coincidindo com alterações na função hepática. A realização deste estudo teve caráter multidisciplinar, envolvendo pesquisadores de diversas áreas como Medicina Nuclear, Cirurgia, Análises Clínicas e Estatística. Este aspecto preencheu os requisitos da multidisciplinaridade do Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde

A importância da atividade física regular como estratégia complementar na promoção de resiliência de idosas e sua importância para suas vidas

O conceito de saúde, na concepção mais abrangente, é uma condição multidimensional de bem-estar físico, psicológico e social e não apenas a inexistência de enfermidades. Os benefícios da atividade física são tão relevantes quanto os benefícios psicológicos, porque ambos contribuem para a saúde. A literatura aponta um conjunto de ligações diretas e indiretas entre a atividade física e a qualidade de vida. Apesar destes benefícios, o processo de envelhecimento é caracterizado por grandes perdas biopsicossociais, que geram várias situações de adversidades que causam preocupação e podem colocar em risco a saúde do idoso. Deste modo, surge a resiliência como um conjunto de processos sociais e intrapsíquicos, que possibilitam o desenvolvimento saudável do idoso, mesmo diante de experiências negativas. Nesta direção, observou-se a necessidade de executar uma pesquisa de conhecimento multidisciplinar conciliando a Educação Física com a Psicologia, a Medicina, a Terapia Ocupacional e a Gerontologia, com o objetivo de investigar o efeito da atividade física sobre os níveis de resiliência em mulheres idosas, bem como conhecer a importância desta atividade para suas vidas. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo comparativo descritivo, de caráter transversal. Assim sendo, 230 mulheres idosas foram divididas em dois grupos: ativas (n=115; 65,8±5,8 anos de idade), constituído por idosas matriculadas em um programa de atividade física orientada para idosos com período de prática igual ou superior a dois anos, e sedentárias (n=115; 69,2±7,2 anos de idade). Em seguida, foram submetidas à avaliação do nível de resiliência psicológica e da aptidão física (resistência muscular de membros superiores e inferiores, flexibilidade e resistência aeróbia). As idosas ativas apresentaram valores significativamente (p=0,001) maiores do fator 3 da resiliência psicológica quando comparados àqueles do grupo de idosas sedentárias, o qual está relacionado à autoconfiança e à capacidade de adaptação a situações diversas. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas (p>0,05) entre os grupos para os demais fatores (1 e 2). Quando comparados os testes de aptidão física com o nível de resiliência psicológica moderada (n=28) e alta (n=202) do fator 3, observou- se que idosas com nível de resiliência psicológica alta apresentaram maior flexibilidade (p=0,004). E para a avaliação da percepção da importância da atividade física para as idosas foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado. A partir da Análise de Conteúdo proposto por Bardin (2009) os resultados foram: saúde/prevenção (85%), interação (47%), autonomia (40%), alegria/felicidade (33%), resiliência (33%), lazer (15%). E para avaliar a resiliência utilizou-se a Escala de resiliência de Wagnild e Young (1993). Quanto aos níveis de resiliência os resultados demonstraram que todas idosas apresentaram alto nível. Considerando os achados do presente estudo, sugere-se o emprego da atividade física como método de intervenção para melhora da saúde mental e, por conseguinte, da resiliência psicológica na população em questão, uma vez que os resultados apontam que idosas fisicamente ativas apresentam escores de resiliência psicológica superiores àquelas estratificadas como sedentárias. O resultado desse estudo possibilitou também concluir que a importância da atividade física parece estar relacionada, na sua maioria, às características de saúde/prevenção, interação social, autonomia, resiliência, alegria/felicidade e lazer. Além disso, as mulheres do presente estudo apresentaram um alto nível de resiliência quando comparado à tabela normativa

Emulsões de óleo de copaíba: determinação do equilíbrio hidrófilo-lipófilo crítico (EHLC), propriedades e estabilidade físico-químicas

Durante as últimas décadas, as indústrias farmacêuticas têm despertado grande interesse em óleos vegetais e vários extratos de planta por causa da sua baixa toxicidade e alta biodegrabilidade. O óleo de copaíba (Cop) é usado in natura na medicina popular como anti-inflamatório e antimicrobiano para tratar várias doenças, tais como inflamação da garganta, úlceras e infecções urinárias e pulmonares. Emulsões são sistemas dispersos termodinamicamente instáveis que consistem em dispersões de gotículas microscópicas em outro líquido imiscível. O objetivo deste trabalho foi preparar diferentes emulsões de Cop, determinar o EHL crítico deste óleo e avaliar a sua estabilidade, além de realizar estudos comparativos entre diferentes métodos de construção de diagramas de fases. As emulsões foram preparadas pelo método de inversão de fases variando as proporções de EHL de 4,7 a 16,7. A estabilidade foi determinada por vários métodos e os diagramas de fases foram produzidos pelo método de titulação usando diferentes procedimentos de agitação. As emulsões a base de Cop com EHL entre 12,7 e 15,7 foram as mais estáveis. As emulsões apresentaram boa estabilidade em curto e longo prazo, aspecto leitoso e baixos valores de índice de cremagem. Diferentes sistemas coloidais foram produzidos a partir dos diagramas de fases dependendo do processo de agitação. Baseado nesses métodos, o valor determinado de EHL do Cop foi 14,8, as emulsões permaneceram estáveis por mais de um ano e estes resultados indicam que o estudo das emulsões de Cop pode ser um promissor veículo de liberação tópica de fármacos e ativos cosméticos

Lesões traumato-ortopédicas no desporto paraolímpico

O desenvolvimento do esporte paraolímpico nacional e internacional tem estimulado maior participação das pessoas com deficiência em praticar atividades desportivas, exigindo dos atletas incrementos na intensidade e freqüência nos treinamentos e competições, o que impulsiona, ainda mais, os índices de lesões esportivas traumato-ortopédicas. Objetivamos neste estudo descritivo analisar as lesões traumato-ortopédicas mais frequentes nos atletas paraolímpicos, sua localização nos segmentos corporais, correlacionando-as com as modalidades esportivas praticadas pelos integrantes das Seleções Brasileiras Paraolímpicas. O presente estudo foi realizado com 82 atletas paraolímpicos da Seleção Brasileira de Atletismo, Halterofilismo, Natação e Tênis de mesa, de ambos os sexos, com deficiências motoras, visual e intelectual, participantes dos Campeonatos Mundiais, no ano de 2002, sendo os mesmos selecionados de forma não probabilística intencional os quais atenderam os critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos para o estudo. Para a avaliação clínica das lesões traumato-ortopédicas foram utilizados como instrumentos de medida o Prontuário do Departamento Médico do Comitê Paraolímpico Brasileiro (técnica da observação através da história clinica esportiva do atleta / anamnese e exame físico), entrevistas com os atletas e exames complementares das lesões traumato-ortopédicas quando necessárias. Os resultados do estudo com os atletas paraolímpicos revelaram prevalência de lesões no atletismo (MMII = 64,9%, coluna = 19,3% e MMSS = 15,8%); halterofilismo (coluna = 54,5%, MMSS = 36,4% e MMII = 9,1%); natação (MMSS = 44,4%, coluna = 38,9 e MMII = 16,7%) e tênis de mesa (MMSS = 56%, coluna36% e MMII = 8%), com predomínios das lesões músculotendineas em todos os esportes pesquisados. Os resultados apresentados nos permitem concluir que em todos os esportes pesquisados os atletas paraolímpicos apresentaram um predomínio das lesões músculo-tendíneas, tendo como localização no atletismo, lesões nos membros inferiores, no halterofilismo na coluna vertebral e membros superiores, na natação e no tênis de mesa, nos membros superiores e coluna vertebral

Síndrome metabólica e fatores de risco relacionados em crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso na cidade do Natal

Nas últimas décadas, houve grande aumento da prevalência de obesidade, inclusive na faixa etária pediátrica. Com isso, aumentou o número de crianças e adolescentes afetados por síndrome metabólica (SM), diabetes tipo 2 (DM2) e doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), doenças anteriormente consideradas quase exclusivas de adultos. Os objetivos do estudo foram identificar e correlacionar marcadores antropométricos (IMC- índice de massa corpórea, CA- circunferência abdominal, RCQ- razão cintura/quadril, RCArazão cintura altura e PSE- prega subescapular), PAS e PAD- pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, respectivamente, e laboratoriais (CT- colesterol total, HDL, LDL, TGL- triglicérides, I/G- razão insulina glicose, HOMA- homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance) de risco para o desenvolvimento de SM e observar a sua prevalência em crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso. Foi conduzido estudo transversal, em amostra aleatória, de conveniência, onde foram avaliadas 60 crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso, atendidas no ambulatório de endocrinologia pediátrica do Hospital de Pediatria da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) com idade mínima e máxima de 7 e 15 anos, de maio de 2009 a abril de 2010. Foram admitidos os indivíduos que apresentavam sobrepeso (IMC P > 85 e < 95) ou obesidade (IMC P > 95) (CDC, 2000) e história familiar positiva para DM2 em parentes de primeiro ou segundo grau ou algum dos sinais de resistência insulínica (acantose, hipertensão arterial, dislipidemia, síndrome de ovários policísticos). 2 O componente individual para SM mais prevalente foi o percentil da CA ≥ 90 (58,3%), seguido de HDL ≤ 40 mg/dl (36,6%). Na regressão linear simples, observaram-se as variações para mais nos parâmetros laboratoriais e de PA para cada unidade de aumento de IMC, CA, RCA, RCQ e PSE, sendo significantes as seguintes correlações: CA com TGL, HOMA IR, I/G, PAS e PAD; RCQ com TGL, HOMA, I/G, LDL e glicemia; RCA com TGL; PSE com TGL, HOMA-IR, I/G e PAS; e IMC com HOMA IR, I/G, PAS e PAD. De acordo com os critérios da IDF (Federação Internacional de Diabetes International Diabetes Federation) 2007, o diagnóstico de SM foi encontrado em seis indivíduos (10%). Do total, oito (13,3%), estavam em situação de sobrepeso e 52 (86,6%), obesos. As evidências de correlação CA e RCQ, medidas de obesidade centrípeta, com vários marcadores como TGL e HOMA, já sabidamente relacionados à SM, chamam atenção para a necessidade de utilização dessas medidas de forma mais rotineira na prática pediátrica, por serem de fácil obtenção, baixo custo e método não invasivo. Os valores de CA, RCQ, RCA e PSE, quando elevados devem justificar maior detalhamento na avaliação laboratorial de possível resistência insulínica. É importante a identificação de crianças e adolescentes que preencham os requisitos para o diagnóstico da SM, pois são indivíduos de maior risco metabólico e devem ser adequadamente acompanhados.

Biodistribuição do pertecnetato de sódio (Na99mTcO4) em ratos submetidos à ressecção extensa de intestino delgado

Massive resection of the small intestine results in short bowel syndrome with anti-absorptive effect and repercussions on the metabolism. Morphologic and functional evaluation may be necessary in order to control wrapped organs. Scintigraphy an examination with little invading and no biologic damage can be used. The purpose were to assess the biodistribution of sodium pertecnetate in organs of rats subjected to massive resection of the small intestine, the intestinal adaptation of the remnant intestinal mucosa and weight curve evaluation in the postoperative period. Twenty-one Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 7). The operated group named short bowel (SB) after anesthetized was subjected to massive resection of the small intestine; the control group (C), and sham group (SHAM). On the 30th postoperative day, 0.l mL of sodium pertechnetate was injected into the venous orbital plexus. After 30 minutes, the rats were killed with an overdose of anesthetic, and fragments of the liver, spleen, pancreas, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, thyroid, lung, heart, kidney, bladder, muscle, femur and brain were harvested. The percentage of radioactivity per gram of tissue (%ATI/g) was determined using Gama Counter WizardTM 1470, PerkinElmer to all samples. Biopsies of 3 cm remaining jejunum were removed to histological analyses. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test for multiple comparisons were used, considering p<0.05 as significant. The study had the participation of some departments and laboratories, as Nucleus of Experimental Surgery, Department of Surgery, Laboratory of Radiobiology, Department of Pathology and Service of Nuclear Medicine, certifying the character of a multidisciplinary research. The results were no significant differences in %ATI/g of the sodium pertechnetate in the organs of the groups studied (p>0.05). An increase in the weight of the SB rats was observed after the second postoperative week. The jejunal mucosal thickness of the SB rats was significantly greater than that of C and sham rats (p<0.05. The biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate was not affected by massive intestinal resection in rats. An adaptive response by the intestinal mucosa probably contributed to the reversion of weight loss and the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate was not affected by the surgery

Avaliação do sistema conservante em formulação com extrato hidroalcóolico de schinus terebinthifolius raddi nacardiaceae

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is used in the treatment of skin and mucosal injuries, infections of respiratory, digestive and genitourinary systems. Currently one of the biggest problems faced for the industry of phytopharmaceuticals with regard to the quality of raw materials is the microbial contamination. The aim this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial action of the hidroalcoholic extract of aroeira, beyond testing the effectiveness of the preservative system in hidrogel to the base of this extract. The extracts were prepared by maceration in the ratio of 1:10 of solvent plant/with alcohol 40%. The methods for microbial count were pour plate and test for specific microorganisms, analyzing in third copy each one of the samples. The antimicrobial activity of aroeira extracts was performed using an agar diffusion method, using strains of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, B. subtilis, C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. krusei, C. guilliermondii, T. rubrum, M. gypseum, A. flavus and A. niger. The formula with aroeira was evaluated by the challenge test. This method consisted of artificial contamination the sample with separate inóculos of A. niger, C. albicans, E. coli e S. aureus aeruginosa and determinations of survivors for the method of counting for pour plate , during times 0, 24h, 48h, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. How much to the results, one verified that the extract of aroeira in the 13,5 concentration mg/mL presented antimicrobial activity for cepas of E. coli, B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, producing inhibition zone, on average with 13 mm of diameter. However it did not present no fungi activity. The formula with aroeira containig both methylparaben and propylparaben showed a good efficacy in challenge test front to strains of A. niger, C. albicans, E. coli, S. aureus. The A criteria of European Pharmacopoeia, adopted in this work, was verified that this product revealed the good preservative efficacy for the challenge test, time interval of the 28 days. However, it is interesting to extend this study, in order to carry through the sped up stability and the test of shelf, to establish the validity of this formularization

Identificação dos princípios ativos presentes no extrato etanólico de cereus jamacaru e avaliação em ratos dos possíveis efeitos tóxicos e/ou comportamentais da exposição prolongada

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Avaliação in vitro e in vivo da Atividade Antioxidante do Extrato Hidroetanólico de Folhas de Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae)

Recently, it has been a increasing interest in the antioxidative role of natural products to aid the endogenous protective biological systems against the deleterious effects of oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) reactive species. Many antioxidant compounds, naturally occurring from plant sources. Natural antioxidants can protect and prevent the human body from oxidative stress and retard the progress of many diseases in which free radical are involved. Several plants used in the folk medicine to treat certain disorders that are accompanied by inflammation and other pharmacological properties have been proved their attributed properties, such antioxidant activity. Turnera ulmifolia Linn. var. elegans (Turneraceae), frequently employed by population as a medicinal plant, demonstrated antioxidant activity by in vitro and in vivo assays, using its leaf hydroethanolic extract (10%) he in vitro DPPH radical-scanvenging activity showed a strong antioxidant activity (86.57% ± 0.14), similar to Carduus marianus and catequine effects. For the in vivo assays, adult female Wistar rats (n=48) with carbon tetrachloride hepatic injury induced (2,5mL/kg i.p.) were used, Six groups or rats were uses (n=8) [G1 = control (1,25 mL/kg i.p. vehicle); G2 = CCl4 (2,5 mL/kg i.p.); G3 = CCl4 + extract 7 days (500 mg/kg p.o.); G4 = CCl4 + Legalon® 7 days (50 mg/kg p.o.), G5 = CCl4 + extract 21 days (500 mg/kg p.o.) e G6 = CCl4 + Legalon® 21 days (50 mg/kg p.o.)]. The hepatic oxidative injury was evaluated through biochemical parameters [alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transferase (AST)] histopathological study, while thiobarbituric acid reactive products (TBAR), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were used to evaluate proantioxidant parameters. The plant extract tested was found effective as hepatoprotective as evidenced by a decreasing in the ALT and AST activities (p<0.001) and TBAR (plasma, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001). Levels of GSH (blood, p<0.001 and liver, p<0.001) and antioxidant enzymes [CAT erythrocyte (p<0.05) and hepatic (p<0.01); SOD erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001); GPx erythrocyte (p<0.001) and hepatic (p<0.001)] were also significantly increased. Histopathological changes induced by CCl4 were significantly reduced by the extract treatment. The data obtained were comparable to that of Legalon®, a reference hepatoprotective drug. The results showed that T. ulmifolia leaf extract protects against CCl4 induced oxidative damage. Therefore, this effect must be associated to its antioxidant activity, attributed to the phenolic compounds, present in these extract, which can act as free radical scavengers

Caracterização e quantificação de marcadores químicos do extrato hidroetanólico das folhas de Kalanchoe brasiliensis Cambess

Kalanchoe brasiliensis Cambess (Crassulaceae), commonly known as saião , coirama branca , folha grossa , is originally from Brazil and commonly found in São Paulo to Bahia, mainly in the coastal zone. Regarding of biological activities, most preclinical studies were found in the literature, mainly about the anti-inflammatory activity of extracts obtained from leaves and / or aerial parts of K. brasiliensis. As regards the chemical constitution, it has been reported mainly the presence of flavonoids in the leaves of the species, but until this moment did not knows which are the active compounds. Although it is a species widely used in traditional medicine in Brazil, there is no monograph about the quality parameters of the plant drug. In this context, this study aims to characterize and quantify the chemical markers of hydroethanolic extract (HE) from the leaves of K. brasiliensis, which can be used in quality control of plant drug and derivatives obtained from this species. The methodology was divided into two parts: i. Phytochemical study: to fractionate, isolate and characterizate of the chemical (s) marker (s) of the HE from the leaves of K. brasiliensis; ii. To Developed validate of analytical method by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)-diode array detector (DAD) to quantify the chemical (s) marker (s) of the EH. i. The EH 50% was prepared by turbo extraction method. It was then submitted to liquid-liquid partition, obtaining dichloromethane, n-butanol and ethyl acetate (AcOEt) fractions. The AcOEt fraction was selected to continue the fractionation process, because it has a chemical profile rich in flavonoids. The acOEt fraction was submitted to column chromatography using different systems for obtaining the compound Kb1. To identify this compound, it was submitted to UV analysis ii. For quantitative analysis, the EH was analyzed by HPLC, using different methods. After selecting the most appropriate method, which showed satisfactory resolution and symmetrical peaks, it was validated according to parameters in the RE 899/2003. As result, it was obtained from the AcOEt fraction the compound Kb1 (2.7 mg). Until this moment, the basic nucleus was characterized by UV analysis using shift reagents. The partial chemical structure of the compound Kb1 was identified as a flavonol, containing hydroxyls in 3 , 4 position (ring A), 5 and 7 free (ring B) and a replacement of the C3 hydroxyl by a sugar. As the analysis were performed in the HPLC coupled to a DAD, we observed that the UV spectrum of the major peaks of EH from K. brasiliensis shown similar UV spectrum. According to the literature, it has been reported the presence of patuletin glycosydes derivatives in the leaves of this species. Therefore, it is suggested that the compound Kb1 is glycosylated patuletin derivative. Probably the sugar (s) unit(s) are linked in the C3 in the C ring. . Regarding the development of HPLC analytical method, the system used consists of phase A: water: formic acid (99,7:0,3, v / v) and phase B: methanol: formic acid (99,7:0,3, v / v), elution gradient of 40% B - 58% B in 50 minutes, ccolumn (Hichrom ®) C18 (250x4, 0 mm, 5 μm), flow rate 0.8 mL / min, UV detection at 370 nm, temperature 25 ° C. In the analysis performed with the co-injection of thecompound Kb1 + HE of K. brasiliensis was observed that it is one of the major compounds with a retention time of 12.47 minutes and had a content of 15.3% in EH of leaves from K. brasiliensis. The method proved to be linear, precise, accurate and reproducible. According to these results, it was observed that compound Kb1 can be used as a chemical marker of EH from leaves of K. brasiliensis, to assist in quality control of drug plant and its derivatives

Avaliação da composição química, atividade antioxidante, antibacteriana, antinoceptiva, antiinflamatória e toxicidade do extrato metanólico e frações de folhas de Spondias sp. (Anacardiaceae)

Spondias sp. (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as cajá-umbu, is an endemic plant from Northeastern Brazil, where their leaves are widely used in folk medicine to treat inflammatory processes, while their fruits have a great agro industrial potential. This study was designed to evaluate hepatoprotective, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as the acute toxicity and repeated dose 28, using a methanolic extract (MES), a fraction rich in flavonoids (FRF) and a precipitate from Spondias sp.leaves. The antioxidant activity of them was valued to evaluate their free radical scavenger capacity by DPPH test, whereas MES and FRF were used to evaluate while the preventive action on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Seven groups (n=5) of female Wistar rats were used as follows: control group, CCl4-intoxicated group treated with EMS (500 mg/kg) for 7 days, three CCl4-intoxicated groups treated with FRF (25, 50 and 75 mg/kg) for 7 days and the CCl4-intoxicated group treated with Legalon ® (silimarina; (phytotherapeutic reference) (50 mg/kg; 7 days). MES and FRF showed a protective action against liver injury induced by CCl4, being observed a significant reduction of serum enzyme activity marker of liver damage (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase). On the other hand, the lipid peroxidation (SRAT) decrease, as well as the increase of glutathione content and enzyme activity of antioxidant defense system (SOD, CAT, GPx) toward near normal values indicated the ability of EMS to restore the oxidative imbalance induced by CCl4. The histological analysis confirmed the hepatoprotection, compared to degenerative changes in CCl4-treated group. This hepatoprotetor effect was similar to that shown by Legalon®. The in vitro high antioxidant capacity of extract (93.16 ± 1.00%) showed analogous results to those obtained by Carduus marianus BHT (reference standard). This fact explains the obtained results in vivo. Although no antimicrobial activity was detected, EMS and FRF promoted the antinociceptive effect induced in the second phase by the intraplantar formalin test, evidencing the anti-inflammatory action; confirmed by the carrageenan-induced peritonitis model. The evaluation of the mechanical allodynia (CFA a 80%) demonstrated the involvement of the Spondias sp. chemical composition in the anti-inflammatory activity toward the acute processes. The acute exposure and repeated dose during 28 days did not produce significant changes in the parameters that evaluate toxicity. Together the experimental results reveal, that Spondias sp. leaf extracts have a promising potential in pharmaceutical area, and due to its non-toxic condition present efficiency and security

Capacidade antioxidante in vitro e avaliação da toxicidade aguda in vivo de extratos de folhas de Licania rígida Benth., Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch e Couepia impressa Prance (Chrysobalanaceae)

Licania rigida Benth., Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch, and Couepia impressa Prance (Chrysobalanaceae family) plants have long been used medicinally by the people from Northeastern Brazil. Crude extracts and infusions of these plants have been applied in the treatment of several conditions such as diabetes and rheumatism, degenerative diseases with involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous, ethanolic, and hydroethanolic leaves extracts antioxidant capacity of these species, using several in vitro assay systems (reducing power, DPPH● scavenging, the β-carotene linoleate model system and lipid peroxidation inhibition in rat brain homogenate, using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS). The oral acute toxicity of aqueous extracts was also evaluated in vivo. Results revealed that these extracts possess a potent reducing power and DPPH scavenging ability, as well as the ability to prevent TBARS formation in rat brain homogenate in a concentration-dependent manner. Regarding in vivo oral acute toxicity of the aqueous species extracts, no toxic effects were observed upon evaluating physiological, hematological and biochemical parameters. The presence of high levels of phenolics and flavonoids was determined mainly in the ethanol extract. However, the C. impressa hydroethanolic extract, fractionated with hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate for analysis by NMR 1H, showed more efficient results than the reference antioxidant Carduus marianus. The classes of organics compounds were determined were phenolics in the fraction of ethyl acetate and terpenes in chloroform and hexane fractions. The ethil acetate fraction had the highest content of flavonoids and increased scavenging capacity of DPPH●, possibly by the presence of phenolic compounds. Therefore, a detailed investigation of the phytochemical composition and in vivo study of the C. impressa hydroethanolic extract is suggested to characterize the active compounds of the species

Representações sociais e práticas discursivas de profissionais do programa saúde da família sobre o pré-natal

The present study had the objective to identify to the Social Representations of the professionals of medicine and nursing superior level of the Program Health of the Family concerning the assistance for the gestation. The research was qualitative under the optics of the Theory of the Social Representations of Serge Moscovici, of the Central Nucleus of Jean-Claude Abric and of the Analysis of Content of Laurence Bardin. We worked with the following instruments for the collection of data: Questionnaires, with social-demographic data; Free association of Words, with the inductive terms Pregnancy, Assistance for Gestation and Care; Production of mental image and half-structuralized Interview, with the following question: What does the assistance for the gestation represent for you? . We interviewed all the professionals of nursing and medicine of the Program Health of the Family in the city of Santa Cruz /RN (ten for each profession) in the period of February and March of 2007. From the analysis of the social-demographics data, we respectively identified the following percentages for nursing and medicine: the feminine sex for nursing predominated (90%); the age between 24 and 33 (70 and 60%); the religion catholic (80 and 50%) and 50% of the two groups has up to two years of formation and work in the score of the research. The analysis of the others instruments resulted in two categories: Institutionalized vision and Vision of the Common-sense. In the free association of words, the category institutionalized vision is configured as Central Nucleus and of the common sense one as nucleus Peripheral, demonstrating that the Social Representations of the assistance for the gestation attendance are in the universes consensual. In the mental images, we identified to this same construction. In the content of the interviews, the institutionalized vision is permeated by the responsibility of making and the availability of having - assistance for the gestation is recommended by the Health department and necessary genders - while the vision of the common-sense can be represented by the category sort, whose role of professionals of the assistance for the gestation is to strengthen the responsibility for the woman of a maternity socially constructed. In short, the analyzed speeches reflect that, to the knowledge acquired in the academy, are incorporated in the knowledge of the daily professional, and conducted by popular myths. Medicine and nursing recognize the importance of the attendance in such a way for the chance to educate the women for the maternity as for the possibility to prevent complications, but in its speeches they had excluded from this process the masculine figure. We conclude that the meaning of the inductive term take care, part of the common-sense and is incorporated the institutionalized speech to humanize the assistance. However, the pregnancy ceases from being seen in its natural biological direction and starts to be analyzed as a moment of fragility and predisposition the illnesses. Finally, the social nursing and the central nucleus representations for the assistance in gestation for medicine is anchored in the speeches institutionalized and of the common-sense, reflecting the concern in establishing a humanized assistance with quality

Hospital de Pediatria da UFRN: resgatando memórias na construção da história

This study deals with a historical, descriptive and exploratory approach aiming to recall the origin and trajectory of the Pediatrics Hospital at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte. This research also deals with the insertion of the nursing department in the same Hospital. This was realized through existing records and discourse collected through interview of professionals-doctors, nurses, midwifes, nursing attendants and psychologists. Thus, a network was established and consisted of qualified informants, composed through reference analysis. Data treatment and analysis was performed based on the collection of oral data. The data was considered according to the font s context, all of which depending on process of comprehension and interpretation. The research was based on the main theme, through oral history used in order to build a historical background. These main themes were then subdivided and other discourses were made present such as: the historical scene, the dream came true and the insertion of nursing, present in the history construction; all of which enabled the research. Thus, in this process, it was possible to identify the most important characters of the origin of children s health services organization and assistance at Rio Grande do Norte. It was possible to perceive that this institution aimed to initiate health services that dealt with an education for future generations. This was observed through the creation of the Faculty of Medicine of Natal and as a consequence, the installation of a Pediatrics Hospital that dealt with medical education. The research made evident that the nursing contributed for a structuring of quality health assistance towards children, even though the resources and working conditions were scarce, extensive work shifts and low professional qualification. It was observed that the there was change in the category s profile, once nurses were introduced in the service. Once this happened, changes in mentality, and innovative processes as well as professional conducts were established. The distinctive relation between acting and doing of doctors and nurses were also dealt with. Thus, the first item is done towards the idealization, projection and prescription. The second issue deals with concretization in realization of something that was not projected and realized, causing suffering and unsatisfaction. At the end, it was possible to confirm that oral history is a very rich element and it is possible through subjects that build history, through their perceptation of the facts and the context in that their are inside

Avaliação do impacto do treinamento de clínica em hanseníase e sua contribuição para o aumento da detecção da doença no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte

Hansen´s disease is considered a serious public health problem. In 2006, the Ministry of Health reported that worldwide, Brazil ranked 2nd in the number of cases of the disease, surpassed only by India. The North region is the geographical area in Brazil that presents the most cases. In the state of Rio Grande do Norte, the disease is considered to be eliminated because its prevalence has been identified as 1 per 10.000 inhabitants, criteria established by the State Elimination Letter of 2005. Training programs have been offered by the Coordination for the Control of Hansen´s Disease Program of Rio Grande do Norte, PCH-RN since 1997, with the support of the English governmental agency Leprosy Relief Association, LRA, with no evaluation having been conducted. The objective of this study was to evaluate the training programs in clinical diagnosis of Hansen´s disease and their contribution to the detection of the disease in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The study was conducted in seven municipalities that are known as Regional Public Health Units (URSAPs): São José de Mipibu URSAP I, Mossoró URSAP II, João Câmara URSAP III, Caicó URSAP IV, Santa Cruz URSAP V, Pau dos Ferros URSAP VI and Natal, capital city of the State, in the Metropolitan Region. Physicians and nurses of the Family Health Program PSF were interviewed as to their perceptions of the implementation of the training program in clinica diagnosis of Hansen´s Disease conducted by the PCH-RN. They evaluated their own practice and the training program. These professionals presented a positive evaluation of the program and gave suggestions for future courses. The results of this study suggest the need for permanent education. Data of the disease obtained from the official records of the Secretariat of Health and from the interviews indicate that health education is the means to control Hansen´s disease effectively