As tecnologias cuidativo-educacional como auxilio aos cuidadores de idosos / Care-educational technologies as a help to caregivers of the elderly / Tecnologías cuidado-educativas como ayuda a los cuidadores de ancianos

Objetivo:analisar a produção científica que aborda as tecnologias cuidativo-educacional destinadas aos cuidadores de idosos. Método:trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Após busca nas bases de dados,com aplicação de filtros e refinamento dos achados, foram selecionados seis artigos para compor a amostra deste estudo. Resultado: Os estudos evidenciaramque as tecnologias cuidativo-educacional podem se apresentar em três grupos distintos: materiais impressos, digitais e as relações interpessoais.Trabalham assuntos específicos eabrangentes, que contribuem, favoravelmente,com o conhecimento teórico e prático dos cuidadores de idosos, da comunidade e dos profissionais. Considerações finais:apesar da relevância da temática,percebe-seum baixo quantitativo de artigos relacionadosàs tecnologias cuidativo-educacional voltadas para os cuidadores de idosos. Compreende-se que o desenvolvimento de mais estudos que possam criar e validar tecnologias que possibilitempromoção do cuidado em saúde e qualidade de vida para idosos e seus cuidadores é importante à transformação do processo saúde doença.

Objective:to analyze the scientific production that addresses care-educational technologies aimed at caregivers of the elderly. Method:this is an integrative literature review. After searching the databases, applying filters and refining the findings, six articles were selected to compose the sample of this study. Result: The studies showed that care-educational technologies can be presented in three distinct groups: printed and digital materials and interpersonal relationships. They work on specific and comprehensive subjects,which favorably contribute to the theoretical and practical knowledge of caregivers of the elderly, the community and professionals. Final considerations:despite the relevance of the theme, there is a low number of articles related to care-educational technologies aimed at caregivers of the elderly. It is understood that the development of more studies that can create and validate technologies that enable the promotion of health care and quality of life for the elderly and their caregivers is important for the transformation of the health-disease process.

Objetivo:analizar la producción científica que aborda las tecnologías cuidado-educativas dirigidas a los cuidadores de ancianos. Método:se trata de una revisión integrativa de la literatura. Después de buscar en las bases de datos, aplicar filtros y refinar los hallazgos, se seleccionaron seis artículos para componer la muestra de este estudio. Resultado:Los estudios mostraron que las tecnologías cuidado-educativas pueden ser presentadas en tres grupos distintos: materiales impresos y digitales y relaciones interpersonales. Trabajan temas específicos y comprensivos, que contribuyen favorablemente al conocimiento teórico y práctico de los cuidadores de ancianos, de la comunidad y de los profesionales. Consideraciones finales:a pesar de la relevancia del tema, existe un bajo número de artículos relacionados con las tecnologías cuidado-educativas dirigidas a los cuidadores de ancianos. Se entiende que el desarrollo de más estudios que puedan crear y validar tecnologías que posibiliten la promoción del cuidado de la salud y la calidad de vida de los ancianos y sus cuidadores es importante para la transformación del proceso salud-enfermedad.

Glioprotective Effects of Resveratrol Against BMAA-Induced Astroglial Dysfunctions.

Astroglial cells play important roles in maintaining central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. The neurotoxin ß-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) has usually been associated with neurodegeneration due to its toxic effects on neurons. However, little is known about the effects of BMAA on astroglial cells. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol, represents a potential protective strategy against brain injuries. In the present study, we sought to investigate BMAA-induced astroglial dysfunctions and the glioprotective roles of resveratrol. BMAA did not impair astroglial cellular viability, but increased glutamate uptake, glutamate metabolism into glutamine, and reactive oxygen species production, while decreased glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-based antioxidant defenses and triggers an inflammatory response. In contrast, resveratrol was able to prevent most of these BMAA-induced functional changes in astroglial cells. Moreover, both BMAA and resveratrol modulated the gene expression of molecular pathways associated with glutamate metabolism, redox homeostasis, and inflammatory response, which characterize their roles on astroglial functions. In this regard, BMAA downregulated adenosine receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), and Akt, while resveratrol prevented these effects and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Our study, for the first time, demonstrates that BMAA directly impacts key astroglial functions, contributing to elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this toxin in the CNS. In addition, we reinforce the glioprotective effects of resveratrol against BMAA-induced astroglial dysfunctions.

Herpes Zoster Infection in an Immunocompromised Patient: A Case Report and Review of Corticosteroid's Role.

Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. Its incidence is significantly higher in this population when compared to immunocompetent individuals. The authors present a case of an 88-year-old man with a history of arterial hypertension and myelodysplastic syndrome. The patient was evaluated in the emergency department (ED) for edema of the frontal facial region with left periorbital involvement and multiple purulent vesicles. He was diagnosed with viral infection by herpes zoster and was prescribed valaciclovir and deflazacort. He returned two days later due to an increase in the lesions affecting the left hemi-cranium, with decreased visual acuity and painless purulent drainage in the ipsilateral eye. The ophthalmological evaluation revealed exuberant edema with associated chemosis and involvement of the cornea of ​​the affected eye. He was hospitalized and began antiviral therapy with intravenous acyclovir and chloramphenicol with topical ganciclovir. There was a progressive resolution of the skin lesions but no reversal of the loss of vision in the affected eye. Herpes zoster infection is more frequent and severe in the immunocompromised population. The clinical presentation is often similar to that of the immunocompetent population; however, it can have exuberant manifestations. The authors emphasize the need for close clinical monitoring of the immunocompromised patient with herpes zoster infection and review the role of corticosteroids when treating this particular population.

Analysing the distance decay of community similarity in river networks using Bayesian methods.

The distance decay of community similarity (DDCS) is a pattern that is widely observed in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Niche-based theories argue that species are sorted in space according to their ability to adapt to new environmental conditions. The ecological neutral theory argues that community similarity decays due to ecological drift. The continuum hypothesis provides an intermediate perspective between niche-based theories and the neutral theory, arguing that niche and neutral factors are at the opposite ends of a continuum that ranges from competitive to stochastic exclusion. We assessed the association between niche-based and neutral factors and changes in community similarity measured by Sorensen's index in riparian plant communities. We assessed the importance of neutral processes using network distances and flow connection and of niche-based processes using Strahler order differences and precipitation differences. We used a hierarchical Bayesian approach to determine which perspective is best supported by the results. We used dataset composed of 338 vegetation censuses from eleven river basins in continental Portugal. We observed that changes in Sorensen indices were associated with network distance, flow connection, Strahler order difference and precipitation difference but to different degrees. The results suggest that community similarity changes are associated with environmental and neutral factors, supporting the continuum hypothesis.

Gliotoxicity and Glioprotection: the Dual Role of Glial Cells.

Glial cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia) are critical for the central nervous system (CNS) in both physiological and pathological conditions. With this in mind, several studies have indicated that glial cells play key roles in the development and progression of CNS diseases. In this sense, gliotoxicity can be referred as the cellular, molecular, and neurochemical changes that can mediate toxic effects or ultimately lead to impairment of the ability of glial cells to protect neurons and/or other glial cells. On the other hand, glioprotection is associated with specific responses of glial cells, by which they can protect themselves as well as neurons, resulting in an overall improvement of the CNS functioning. In addition, gliotoxic events, including metabolic stresses, inflammation, excitotoxicity, and oxidative stress, as well as their related mechanisms, are strongly associated with the pathogenesis of neurological, psychiatric and infectious diseases. However, glioprotective molecules can prevent or improve these glial dysfunctions, representing glial cells-targeting therapies. Therefore, this review will provide a brief summary of types and functions of glial cells and point out cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with gliotoxicity and glioprotection, potential glioprotective molecules and their mechanisms, as well as gliotherapy. In summary, we expect to address the relevance of gliotoxicity and glioprotection in the CNS homeostasis and diseases.

Bayesian Methods to Analyze Historical Collections in Time and Space: A Case Study Using Cabo Verde Endemic Flora.

Biological collections, including herbarium specimens, are unique sources of biodiversity data presenting a window on the history of the development and accumulation of knowledge of a specific geographical region. Understanding how the process of discovery impacts that knowledge is particularly important for oceanic islands which are often characterized by both high levels of endemic diversity and high proportions of threatened taxa. The archipelagos of the Macaronesian region (i.e. Azores, Canaries, Savages, Madeira, and Cabo Verde) have been the focus of attention for scientific expeditions since the end of the 17th century. However, there is no integrated study describing the historical process of collecting, discovery and description of its flora. Using as a case study the Cabo Verde endemic angiosperm flora, we review the history of collecting in the flora and apply a Bayesian approach to assess the accumulation of species discovery, through time and space across the nine islands of the archipelago. Our results highlight the central role not only of natural characteristics (e.g. area, age, maximum altitude and average value of the terrain ruggedness index) but also historical factors (i.e. the location of major harbors) for the development of knowledge of the flora. The main factors that have determined the process of species description in the archipelago and how this impact our understanding of diversity patterns across archipelagos are discussed.

Density and distribution of western chimpanzees around a bauxite deposit in the Boé Sector, Guinea-Bissau.

The Boé sector in southeast Guinea-Bissau harbors a population of western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) that inhabits a mosaic of forest and savanna. The Boé sector contains a substantial bauxite deposit in a region called Ronde Hill, and there are plans for the construction of a mine, which may endanger the chimpanzee population. In 1-week survey in May 2013, we used the standing crop nest counts method to obtain the number of chimpanzee nests and from that estimate the density and abundance of chimpanzees. We carried out five 1-km line transects that covered the bauxite deposit and surrounding valleys. We used density surface modeling to analyze habitat preferences, then predicted chimpanzee nest density and distribution based on environmental variables. We found the projected location of the mine partially coincides with an area of high predicted abundances of chimpanzee nests and is surrounded by highly suitable areas for chimpanzees (northeast and southwest). We conclude the mine could have significant direct and indirect effects on this population of chimpanzees whose impacts must be carefully considered and properly mitigated if the mine is built.

Use of a subdermal plexus flap to reconstruct an upper eyelid following radical tumor resection in a cat.

CASE DESCRIPTION A 15-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was examined for treatment of a recurrent neoplastic mass in the left upper eyelid that had been excised 6 months earlier by the referring veterinarian. CLINICAL FINDINGS An apparently nonpainful firm cutaneous mass (approx 2 × 2 mm) was located on the lateral third of the left upper eyelid near the scar from the previous surgical excision. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Approximately one-third of the left upper lip was used as a subdermal plexus (lip-to-lid) flap to cover the defect created by en bloc excision of the eyelid mass. A bridge incision between the donor and recipient sites was used so that the eyelid could be reconstructed in 1 procedure. Histologic evaluation confirmed that the mass had been completely excised. Both the donor and recipient flap sites healed well without complications. The procedure resulted in excellent functional and cosmetic results with no recurrence of the mass at 14 months after surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The described lip-to-lid technique was a simple 1-stage method for reconstructing an upper eyelid of a cat following radical tumor resection that provided excellent functional and cosmetic results.

Landscape dynamics in Mediterranean oak forests under global change: understanding the role of anthropogenic and environmental drivers across forest types.

The Mediterranean region is projected to be extremely vulnerable to global change, which will affect the distribution of typical forest types such as native oak forests. However, our understanding of Mediterranean oak forest responses to future conditions is still very limited by the lack of knowledge on oak forest dynamics and species-specific responses to multiple drivers. We compared the long-term (1966-2006) forest persistence and land cover change among evergreen (cork oak and holm oak) and deciduous oak forests and evaluated the importance of anthropogenic and environmental drivers on observed changes for Portugal. We used National Forest Inventories to quantify the changes in oak forests and explored the drivers of change using multinomial logistic regression analysis and an information theoretical approach. We found distinct trends among oak forest types, reflecting the differences in oak economic value, protection status and management schemes: cork oak forests were the most persistent (62%), changing mostly to pines and eucalypt; holm oak forests were less persistent (53.2%), changing mostly to agriculture; and deciduous oak forests were the least persistent (45.7%), changing mostly to shrublands. Drivers of change had distinct importance across oak forest types, but drivers from anthropogenic origin (wildfires, population density, and land accessibility) were always among the most important. Climatic extremes were also important predictors of oak forest changes, namely extreme temperatures for evergreen oak forests and deficit of precipitation for deciduous oak forests. Our results indicate that under increasing human pressure and forecasted climate change, evergreen oak forests will continue declining and deciduous oak forests will be replaced by forests dominated by more xeric species. In the long run, multiple disturbances may change competitive dominance from oak forests to pyrophytic shrublands. A better understanding of forest dynamics and the inclusion of anthropogenic drivers on models of vegetation change will improve predicting the future of Mediterranean oak forests.

Wound healing using ionic silver dressing and nanocrystalline silver dressing in rats.

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of the healing process on surgical wounds in the back of Wistar rats using nanocristaline and ionic silver dressing. METHODS: Sixty rats Wistar were submitted to surgical wounds with punch of 8 mm in diameter. In 30 animals (groups PN - nanocristaline and AD - control) two surgical wounds were done diametrically opposite on the upper back side. On the right side was used nanocristaline (PN) silver dressing and on the left side, distilled water dressing (AD). On the other group of 30 rats, only one wound was made with the punch, on the right side, and was used ionic silver dressing. So, the groups were divided into three subgroups, according to the day of death (7(th), 14(th) and 21(st) day). In each of these days the wounds diameter were measured to evaluate the wound contraction. Microscopic data were analyzed using the H&E staining to verify the inflammatory process and neovascularization. The Masson trichrome staining was used to verify the fibrosis. RESULTS: Macroscopically only the subgroup of 21(st) day showed statistical significance; between the groups AD and PI inflammatory process appeared in the 7(th) day subgroup in 90% of the cases. In neovascularization there was statistical significance between the groups PN and AD in the subgroup of 7(th) day. Fibrosis did not show statistical significance in the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In relation to wound contraction, PN and PI groups showed better results than the AD group. In regard to histological analysis, H&E staining showed that there was presence of inflammation in all groups, and at the end, the control group (AD) on 7(th) day, was superior to PN and PI groups. In relationship to fibrosis, no differences were obtained among groups.

Wound healing using ionic silver dressing and nonocrystalline silver dressing in rats / Cicatrização de feridas em ratos utilizando curativos com prata iônica e nanocristalina

PURPOSE: To investigate the results of the healing process on surgical wounds in the back of Wistar rats using nanocristaline and ionic silver dressing. METHODS: Sixty rats Wistar were submitted to surgical wounds with punch of 8mm in diameter. In 30 animals (groups PN - nanocristaline and AD - control) two surgical wounds were done diametrically opposite on the upper back side. On the right side was used nanocristaline (PN) silver dressing and on the left side, distilled water dressing (AD). On the other group of 30 rats, only one wound was made with the punch, on the right side, and was used ionic silver dressing. So, the groups were divided into three subgroups, according to the day of death (7th, 14th and 21st day). In each of these days the wounds diameter were measured to evaluate the wound contraction. Microscopic data were analyzed using the H&E staining to verify the inflammatory process and neovascularization. The Masson trichrome staining was used to verify the fibrosis. RESULTS: Macroscopically only the subgroup of 21st day showed statistical significance; between the groups AD and PI inflammatory process appeared in the 7th day subgroup in 90% of the cases. In neovascularization there was statistical significance between the groups PN and AD in the subgroup of 7th day. Fibrosis did not show statistical significance in the studied groups. CONCLUSIONS: In relation to wound contraction, PN and PI groups showed better results than the AD group. In regard to histological analysis, H&E staining showed that there was presence of inflammation in all groups, and at the end, the control group (AD) on 7th day, was superior to PN and PI groups. In relationship to fibrosis, no differences were obtained among groups.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os resultados da cicatrização de feridas cirúrgicas em dorso de ratos, utilizando curativos de prata nanocristalina e iônica. MÉTODOS: Sessenta ratos Wistar foram submetidos à feridas cirúrgicas com punch de 8mm de diâmetro. Foram confeccionadas duas lesões diametralmente opostas nos animais dos grupos prata nanocristalina (PN) e controle água destilada (AD). Na lesão do lado direito foi utilizado curativo com prata nanocristalina e na do lado esquerdo curativo com água destilada. No outro grupo de 30 ratos, apenas foi realizada uma lesão com o punch no lado esquerdo e curativo com prata iônica. Os grupos foram divididos em subgrupos conforme o dia da morte (7º, 14º e 21º dias), o que caracterizou a existência de três subgrupos, nos quais foram tomadas as medidas do centro das lesões para estudar macroscopicamente a contração da ferida Microscopicamente foi utilizada a coloração H&E, através da qual foi observado o processo inflamatório e a neovascularização. Com a coloração Tricômio de Masson, foi estudada a fibrose. RESULTADOS: Macroscopicamente apenas o subgrupo 21 dias apresentou significância estatística entre os grupos AD e prata iônica (PI), porém quando comparados os dias de avaliação, dois a dois, dentro de cada tratamento, todos os subgrupos apresentaram significância estatística (p<0,05). A variável intensidade da inflamação apresentou-se de forma acentuada no subgrupo sete dias em 90% dos casos, entre os grupos AD e PI. Na variável neovascularização houve significância estatística entre os grupos PN e AD no subgrupo sete dias. A variável fibrose não apresentou significância estatística nos subgrupos estudados. CONCLUSÕES: Em relação à contração da ferida, os grupos PN e PI apresentaram resultados superiores ao grupo AD. Com relação à análise histológica, na coloração H&E observou-se que houve presença de processo inflamatório nos grupos estudados sendo que, ao final, o grupo controle (AD) no 7º dia mostrou-se superior aos grupos PN e PI. Com relação à variável fibrose, não houve diferenças entre os grupos.

Sensibilidade ao Látex e Dosagem de Anticorpos Específicos em Profissionais da Área da Saúde / Sensitivity to latex and the dosage of specific antibodies in professionals in the area of health

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência da reação de sensibilidade ao látex e realizar dosagem de anticorpos antilátex em profissionais dos cursos de odontologia, medicina e enfermagem da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitória-ES, Brasil. Estudo observacional, transversal. A amostra intencional foi composta por 295 profissionais. A sensibilidade foi avaliada por meio de questionário estruturado e validado, e a presença de IgE-látex por meio da coleta de 10ml de sangue submetido a análise com emprego do sistema Immunocap-Pharmacia®. Os valores IgE-látex foram distribuídos em diferentes classes. Resultados: 22,4, por cento (n=66) apresentaram sensibilidade ao látex, classe V IgE latex (17,6-42 KUA/L); 77,6 por cento (n=229) sem sensibilidade, classe 0 IgE-látex (<0,35KUA/L). O teste de Fisher mostrou correlação estatística significativa (p<0,05) em relação às seguintes variáveis: gênero; atopia; eczema nas mãos; alergia a medicamento; doença crônica; uso de anti-inflamatório; cirurgias anteriores. Conclusão: Observou-se valores positivos de IgE-látex nos profissionais com sensibilidade ao látex, sugerindo a necessidade de adoção de medidas profiláticas para a prevenção e ou adequação do ambiente de trabalho, preservando a saúde destes trabalhadores.

The scope of this study was to verify the occurrence of sensitivity to latex and conduct dosage of anti-latex antibodies in health professionals of the Dental, Medical and Nursing Schools of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional observational study. The intentional sample was composed of 295 professionals. Sensitivity was evaluated by means of a structured and validated questionnaire and the presence of IgE-latex by means of collection of 10 ml of blood submitted to analysis using the Immunocap-pharmacia® system. The IgE-latex values were categorized in different groups. Results: 22.4 percent (n=66) showed latex sensitivity, class V of the IgE latex (17.5-42 KUA/L); 77.6 percent (n=229) showed no sensitivity, class 0 or 1 of the IgE-latex (<0.35KUA/L-8,6KUA/L). Fisher's test showed a significant correlation statistic (p<0.05) in relation to the following variables: gender; atopy; eczema of the hands; allergy to medicination; chronic illness; use of anti-inflammatory; prior surgeries. Conclusion: Positive values of IgE were observed in the professionals with sensitivity, suggesting the adoption of prophylactic measures for the prevention and or adaptation of the work environment, preserving the health of these workers.

[Sensitivity to latex and the dosage of specific antibodies in professionals in the area of health]. / Sensibilidade ao Látex e Dosagem de Anticorpos Específicos em Profissionais da Área da Saúde.

UNLABELLED: The scope of this study was to verify the occurrence of sensitivity to latex and conduct dosage of anti-latex antibodies in health professionals of the Dental, Medical and Nursing Schools of the Federal University of Espírito Santo (UFES), Vitoria, ES, Brazil. This was a cross-sectional observational study. The intentional sample was composed of 295 professionals. Sensitivity was evaluated by means of a structured and validated questionnaire and the presence of IgE-latex by means of collection of 10 ml of blood submitted to analysis using the Immunocap-pharmacia® system. The IgE-latex values were categorized in different groups. RESULTS: 22.4% (n=66) showed latex sensitivity, class V of the IgE latex (17.5-42 KUA\L); 77.6 % (n=229) showed no sensitivity, class 0 or 1 of the IgE-latex (<0.35KUA\L-8,6KUA\L). Fisher's test showed a significant correlation statistic (p<0.05) in relation to the following variables: gender; atopy; eczema of the hands; allergy to medicination; chronic illness; use of anti-inflammatory; prior surgeries. CONCLUSION: Positive values of IgE were observed in the professionals with sensitivity, suggesting the adoption of prophylactic measures for the prevention and or adaptation of the work environment, preserving the health of these workers.