Evaluation of polycaprolactone nanofibers' spinnability using green solvent systems by solution blow spinning (SBS).

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a promising alternative to produce fibrous matrices for a wide range of applications, such as packaging and biomedical devices. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable polyester commonly used for spinning. The usual choices for producing PCL solutions include chlorinated solvents (CS), such as chloroform. However, the high toxicity of CS makes it difficult for biological and green applications. This work evaluates the influence of two less toxic solvents, acetic acid (AA) and acetone (Acet), and their mixtures (AA/Acet) on the properties of PCL fibers produced by SBS. The results showed that Acet does not cause degradation of the PCL chains, in opposition to AA. Furthermore, adding acetone to the acetic acid tended to preserve the size of PCL chains. It was not possible to produce fibers using PCL in 100% acetone. However, the AA/Acet mixture allowed the efficient production of PCL fibers. The proportion of Acet and AA in the mixture modulated the fiber morphology and orientation, making it possible to use this green solvent system according to the desired application.

Giant lipofibromatous hamartoma of median nerve in a child

Lipofibromatous hamartoma (LFH) is a rare fibrofatty tumor of adipocytes within peripheral nerves, affecting mainly children. It typically presents as a palpable mass surrounding the nerves of the upper limbs, causing pain and neurological deficits in the affected nerve distribution. We report the case of a child with a 2-years presentation of a mass in the right wrist associated with pain and paresthesia, who underwent investigation with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It showed thickening of the median nerve with spaghetti-like appearance associated with lipomatous tissue in a coaxial cable-like pattern, both features characteristic of LFH. This case illustrates the importance of MRI in the differential diagnosis of limb masses in the pediatric population.

Treatment of depression in the elderly with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation using theta-burst stimulation: Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Introduction: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a consolidated procedure for the treatment of depression, with several meta-analyses demonstrating its efficacy. Theta-burst stimulation (TBS) is a modification of TMS with similar efficacy and shorter session duration. The geriatric population has many comorbidities and a high prevalence of depression, but few clinical trials are conducted specifically for this age group. TBS could be an option in this population, offering the advantages of few side effects and no pharmacological interactions. Therefore, our aim is to investigate the efficacy of TBS in geriatric depression. Clinical trial registration: [https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/], identifier [NCT04842929].

Assistência de enfermagem na depressão pós-parto: Revisão Integrativa / Nursing care in postpartum depression ­ Integrative Review / Cuidados de enfermería en la depresión posparto: Revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Objetivo: Diante da necessidade do aprofundamento da temática para a enfermagem, o objetivo do presente estudo foi revisar produções científicas que investigaram como é realizada a assistência de enfermagem na depressão pós-parto e sua importância para a saúde da puérpera. Método: O estudo trata-se de uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura. As bases de dados consultadas foram BVS, SciELO, LILACS, Ministério da Saúde e OMS. Resultados: De acordo com o texto foram encontrados durante a pesquisa 58 artigos, os quais sofreram seleção e 11 compõem a amostra final. Os estudos foram publicados num intervalo de tempo de cinco anos, no entanto, não existem estudos suficientes que padronizem uma ferramenta para o diagnóstico e nem que mostrem como têm sido realizados esses diagnósticos nas unidades de saúde. Sendo notória a necessidade de realização de mais estudos sobre o assunto, esclarecendo as principais dúvidas, solucionando os problemas encontrados e possibilitando a agregação de conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde neste processo. Conclusão: Os profissionais da saúde devem buscar mais conhecimento se habilitando para um atendimento cada vez melhor, proporcionando tratamento precoce, favorecendo uma rápida e surpreendente recuperação da puérpera

Objective: Given the need to deepen the theme for nursing, the aim of this study was to review scientific productions that investigated how nursing care is performed in postpartum depression and its importance for the health of the puerperal. Method: The study is an Integrative Literature Review. The databases consulted were VHL, SciELO, LILACS, Ministry of Health and WHO. Results: According to the text, 58 articles were found during the study, which were selected and 11 compose the final sample. The studies were published within five years, however, there are not enough studies to standardize a diagnostic tool or show how these diagnoses have been made in health units. The need to conduct more studies on the subject is notorious, clarifying the main doubts, solving the problems encountered and enabling the aggregation of knowledge of health professionals in this process. Conclusion: Health professionals should seek more knowledge by enabling themselves to better care, providing early treatment, favoring a rapid and surprising recovery of the puerperal woman.

Objetivo: Dada la necesidad de profundizar el tema de enfermería, el objetivo de este estudio fue revisar las producciones científicas que investigaron cómo se realiza el cuidado de enfermería en la depresión posparto y su importancia para la salud del puerperal. Método: El estudio es una Revisión Integrativa de la Literatura. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron BVS, SciELO, LILACS, Ministerio de Salud y OMS. Resultados: Según el texto, durante el estudio se encontraron 58 artículos, los cuales fueron seleccionados y 11 componen la muestra final. Los estudios fueron publicados dentro de los cinco años, sin embargo, no hay suficientes estudios para estandarizar una herramienta diagnóstica o mostrar cómo se han realizado estos diagnósticos en las unidades de salud. La necesidad de realizar más estudios sobre el tema es notoria, aclarando las principales dudas, resolviendo los problemas encontrados y posibilitando la agregación de conocimientos de los profesionales de la salud en este proceso. Conclusión: Los profesionales de la salud deben buscar más conocimientos permitiéndose una mejor atención, proporcionando un tratamiento temprano, favoreciendo una recuperación rápida y sorprendente de la mujer en el posparto

Suscetibilidade à cinetose em crianças de oito a onze anos / Susceptibilidad al cinetosis en niños de 8 a 12 años de edad / Susceptibility to motion sickness in children from eight to eleven years of age

RESUMO A cinetose se caracteriza pela intolerância ao movimento, resultante de um conflito sensorial entre os sistemas visual, proprioceptivo e vestibular. Na população infantil, a cinetose é frequente, porém o difícil diagnóstico acaba subestimando a prevalência nesse grupo específico. As alterações vestibulares pediátricas têm importante influência no desenvolvimento infantil. O objetivo do artigo foi analisar a suscetibilidade à cinetose em crianças e verificar possíveis fatores associados, bem como identificar diferenças entre as respostas, quando comparados os sexos, as faixas etárias e a autopercepção dos pais. Trata-se de um estudo transversal. A amostra de conveniência consecutiva foi constituída por crianças de ambos os sexos, com idade entre oito e onze anos. Para avaliar a suscetibilidade à cinetose, foi aplicado o motion sickness questionnaire short form (MSSQ), realizado individualmente com cada criança. A análise estatística foi realizada por meio do SPSS Versão v.21. Adotou-se nível de significância de 0,05. Utilizaram-se os testes estatísticos Kolmogorov-Smirnov; T de Student; Anova e teste de Friedman. Ao total, foram analisadas 223 crianças. Observou-se que 89,7% das crianças avaliadas eram suscetíveis à cinetose. Houve diferença significativa na comparação da suscetibilidade à cinetose entre os sexos, sendo as meninas, mais suscetíveis em relação aos meninos (p=0,001). Na comparação entre as faixas etárias, não houve significância estatística. Crianças com onze anos apresentaram maior suscetibilidade à cinetose. Houve diferença nas respostas relatadas pelas crianças e pais sobre a suscetibilidade das crianças à cinetose.

RESUMEN El cinetosis es la intolerancia al movimiento pasivo, resultado de un conflicto sensorial entre los sistemas visual, propioceptivo y vestibular. La población infantil padece con frecuencia del cinetosis, pero su prevalencia se subestima debido al difícil diagnóstico en este grupo específico. Los trastornos vestibulares en niños influyen significativamente en su desarrollo. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar la susceptibilidad al cinetosis en niños y sus factores asociados, así como identificar las diferencias entre las respuestas en la comparación entre los sexos, los grupos de edad y la autopercepción de los padres. Se trata de un estudio transversal. La muestra de conveniencia consecutiva estuvo compuesta de niños de ambos sexos, con edades comprendidas entre 8 y 12 años. Para evaluar la susceptibilidad al cinetosis, se aplicó el motion sickness questionnaire short form (MSSQ) de manera individual en cada niño. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el software SPSS, versión 21.0. El nivel de significancia adoptado fue de 0,05. Se utilizaron pruebas estadísticas de Kolmogorov-Smirnov; T de Student; Anova y test de Friedman. Participaron en total 223 niños. Se observó que el 89,7% de los niños evaluados eran susceptibles al cinetosis. Hubo una diferencia significativa en la comparación de la susceptibilidad al cinetosis entre los sexos, en la cual las niñas eran más susceptibles que los niños (p=0,001). En cuanto a los grupos de edad, no hubo significación estadística. Los niños de 12 años fueron más susceptibles al cinetosis. Hubo una diferencia en las respuestas informadas por los niños y los padres sobre la susceptibilidad de los niños al cinetosis.

ABSTRACT Motion sickness is characterized by intolerance to movement, resulting from a sensory conflict between the visual, proprioceptive and vestibular systems. In the child population, motion sickness is frequent, but the difficult diagnosis ends up underestimating the prevalence in this specific group. Pediatric vestibular changes are of great importance in child development. The objective was to analyze the susceptibility to motion sickness in children and to verify possible associated factors, as well as to identify differences in the responses when compared to sex, age group and parents' self-perception. This is a cross-sectional study. The consecutive convenience sample consisted of children of both sexes, aged between eight and eleven years old. The motion sickness questionnaire short form (MSSQ) was applied individually with each child. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Version v.21 (Chicago: SPSS). A significance level of 0,005 was adopted. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Student's T, Anova and Friedman's were the statistical tests used. In total, 223 children were analyzed. 89.7% of the sample was susceptible to motion sickness. There was a significant difference in the comparison of susceptibility to motion sickness between genders, with girls being more susceptible, compared to boys (p=0.001). When comparing age groups, there was no statistical significance. Eleven-year-old children were more susceptible to motion sickness. There was a difference in the responses reported by children and parents about the children's susceptibility to motion sickness.

Psicanálise, infâncias e vulnerabilidades: as crianças nos espaços da cidade / Psicoanálisis, niñecesy vulnerabilidades: los niños en los espacios de la ciudad / Psychoanalysis, childhood and vulnerability: children in the spaces of cities / Psychanalyse, enfances et vulnérabilités: les enfants dans les espaces de la ville

Este artigo tem como objetivo traçar um panorama acerca dos lugares de vulnerabilidade que as crianças têm ocupado nos cenários da pólis e identificar possíveis modos de cuidados para com elas. Trata-se de uma reflexão teórica que problematiza a maneira como as dinâmicas sociais interferem na constituição subjetiva dos sujeitos. Foram retomados alguns conceitos fundamentais para Freud, como o desamparo e o mal-estar civilizatório, refletindo sobre como estes se presentificam na formação dos laços sociais na conjuntura contemporânea das infâncias. Coube, ainda, enfatizar o processo de segregação e a desigualdade social que compõem a construção das cidades no Brasil, colocando em cena a situação das crianças nestes cenários. Finalmente, considerou-se as possibilidades de cuidado à infância, interessando à psicanálise o sujeito do inconsciente e a circulação da palavra

Este artículo tiene como objetivo hacer un panorama acerca de los sitios de vulnerabilidad en los que los niños han ocupado en los escenarios de la polis e identificar posibles maneras de cuidarlas. Dice respecto a una reflexión teórica la que problematiza la manera como las dinámicas sociales interfieren en la constitución subjetiva de los sujetos. Han sido revistos algunos conceptos basales para Freud, como el desamparo y el malestar civilizacional, reflexionando sobre cómo estos se presentificaron en la formación de los lazos sociales en la coyuntura contemporánea de las niñeces. Cabe poner énfasis todavía en el proceso de segregación y en la desigualdad social constituyentes de la construcción de las ciudades en Brasil, dando enfoque la situación de losniños en esos escenarios. Por último, se consideró las posibilidades de cuidado a la niñez, lo que toca al psicoanálisis y a la difusión de la palabra

This article aims at outlining places of vulnerability that children have been occupying in the polis scenery as well as to identify possible ways of attending children's needs. It is a theoretical reflection that approaches the different methods social dynamics interfere in the subjective constitution of subjects. Some central concepts for Freud were employed, such as helplessness and the discontent in civilization in order to analyze how they are present in the shaping of social bonds in the contemporary childhood conjuncture. It was also necessary to emphasize the process of segregation and social inequality manifested in the construction of cities in Brazil, placing a spotlight on the situation of the children living these environments. Finally, the possibilities of childhood care were considered with psychoanalysis being interested in the subject of the unconscious and the circulation of the word

Cet article vise à donner un aperçu des places de vulnérabilité que les enfants ont occupés dans les scénarios de la polis à identifier les moyens possibles de les prendre en charge. Il s'agit d'une réflexion théorique qui problématise la manière dont les dynamiques sociales interfèrent dans la constitution subjective des individus. Quelques concepts fondamentaux ont été repris pour Freud, comme l'impuissance et le malaise de civilisation, en réfléchissant sur la façon dont ils se présentent dans la formation des liens sociaux dans le contexte contemporain de l'enfance. Il a également souligné le processus de ségrégation et l'inégalité sociale qui composent la construction des villes au Brésil, en mettant en évidence la situation des enfants dans ces scénarios. Enfin, les possibilités de prise en charge de l'enfance ont été envisagées, la psychanalyse s'intéressant au sujet de l'inconscient et de la circulation de la parole

Assistência de Enfermagem à Idosas em Residências Terapêuticas / Nursing Care for the old Women in Therapeutic Residences / Cuidados de enfermería para las ancianas en residencias terapéuticas

Objetivo: buscar na literatura científica dados para especificar as dificuldades encontradas pela equipe de enfermagem e ressaltar a importância da assistência de Enfermagem. Método: trata-se de revisão integrativa da literatura científica, utilizando coo critérios de inclusão artigos publicados em português; textos completos e disponíveis nas bases de dados; e período estipulado de 1992 e 2021, priorizando a organização das ideias por ordem de importância e a sintetização destas que visou a fixação das ideias essenciais para a solução do problema da pesquisa. Resultados: obtiveram-se informações relevantes sobre a inovação na perspectiva da saúde mental das idosas, assim como a criação do processo de ressocialização deste paciente que começa a instigar a necessidade de novas análises, reflexões e práticas de saúde. Discutiu-se então sobre o envelhecimento populacional e suas influencias sobre a saúde mental dos idosos, a importância da reforma psiquiátrica em prol do fim dos manicômios e por fim a necessidade da constante melhora na assistência de enfermagem prestada a idosas em residências terapêuticas. Conclusão: é notória a escassez de materiais atualizados abordando o assunto proposto, sendo assim, é de extrema importância que sejam realizados estudos a respeito desta temática em prol de preparar melhor os profissionais e familiares para a institucionalização de idosas em residências terapêuticas

Objective: to search the scientific literature on data to specify the difficulties encountered by the nursing team and to highlight the importance of nursing care. Method: this is an integrative review of the scientific literature, using coo inclusion criteria articles published in Portuguese; full texts and available in the databases; and stipulated period of 1992 and 2021, prioritizing the organization of ideas in order of importance and the synthesis of these aimed at fixing the essential ideas for the solution of the research problem. Results: relevant information was obtained about innovation from the perspective of the mental health of the elderly women, as well as the creation of the process of resocialization of this patient that begins to instigate the need for new analyses, reflections and health practices. It was then discussed about the population aging and its influences on the mental health of the elderly, the importance of psychiatric reform in favor of the end of asylums and finally the need for constant improvement in nursing care provided to elderly women in therapeutic homes. Conclusion: it is notorious the scarcity of updated materials addressing the proposed subject, so it is extremely important that studies on this theme be conducted in order to better prepare professionals and family members for the institutionalization of elderly women in therapeutic residences

Objetivo: buscar en la literatura científica los datos para especificar las dificultades encontradas por el equipo de enfermería y resaltar la importancia de los cuidados de enfermería. Método: se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura científica, utilizando artículos de criterios de inclusión coo publicados en portugués; textos completos y disponibles en las bases de datos; y período estipulado de 1992 y 2021, priorizando la organización de las ideas en orden de importancia y la síntesis de estas encaminadas a fijar las ideas esenciales para la solución del problema de investigación. Resultados: se obtuvo información relevante sobre la innovación desde la perspectiva de la salud mental de las ancianas, así como la creación del proceso de resocialización de esta paciente que comienza a instigar la necesidad de nuevos análisis, reflexiones y prácticas de salud. Luego se discutió sobre el envejecimiento de la población y sus influencias en la salud mental de los ancianos, la importancia de la reforma psiquiátrica a favor del fin de los asilos y, finalmente, la necesidad de una mejora constante en la atención de enfermería prestada a las mujeres mayores en hogares terapéuticos. Conclusión: es notorio la escasez de materiales actualizados que aborden el tema propuesto, por lo que es sumamente importante que se realicen estudios sobre este tema con el fin de preparar mejor a los profesionales y familiares para la institucionalización de las ancianas en residencias terapéuticas.

Biomimetic Mineralization on 3D Printed PLA Scaffolds: On the Response of Human Primary Osteoblasts Spheroids and In Vivo Implantation.

This study aimed to assess the response of 3D printed polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds biomimetically coated with apatite on human primary osteoblast (HOb) spheroids and evaluate the biological response to its association with Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (rhBMP-2) in rat calvaria. PLA scaffolds were produced via 3D printing, soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution to promote apatite deposition, and characterized by physical-chemical, morphological, and mechanical properties. PLA-CaP scaffolds with interconnected porous and mechanical properties suitable for bone repairing were produced with reproducibility. The in vitro biological response was assessed with human primary osteoblast spheroids. Increased cell adhesion and the rise of in vitro release of growth factors (Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) was observed for PLA-CaP scaffolds, when pre-treated with fetal bovine serum (FBS). This pre-treatment with FBS was done in a way to enhance the adsorption of serum proteins, increasing the number of bioactive sites on the surface of scaffolds, and to partially mimic in vivo interactions. The in vivo analysis was conducted through the implantation of 3D printed PLA scaffolds either alone, coated with apatite (PLA-CaP) or PLA-CaP loaded with rhBMP-2 on critical-sized defects (8 mm) of rat calvaria. PLA-CaP+rhBMP2 presented higher values of newly formed bone (NFB) than other groups at all in vivo experimental periods (p < 0.05), attaining 44.85% of NFB after six months. These findings indicated two new potential candidates as alternatives to autogenous bone grafts for long-term treatment: (i) 3D-printed PLA-CaP scaffold associated with spheroids, since it can reduce the time of repair in situ by expression of biomolecules and growth factors; and (ii) 3D-printed PLA-CaP functionalized rhBMP2 scaffold, a biocompatible, bioactive biomaterial, with osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity.

Evaluation of bone marrow stem cell response to PLA scaffolds manufactured by 3D printing and coated with polydopamine and type I collagen.

The majority of synthetic polymers used in 3 D printing are not designed to promote specific cellular interactions and hence possess limited bioactivity. Most of the strategies proposed to overcome this limitation demand multiple and expensive processing steps. This study aimed to evaluate the surface modification of 3D-printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds with polydopamine (PDA) coating as an alternative strategy to enhance their bioactivity and to facilitate the immobilization of type I collagen (COL I) onto the implant surface. Physical and chemical properties of PLA scaffolds coated with PDA, COL I or both were evaluated. The response of porcine bone marrow stem cells (MSCs) to the coatings was also investigated. The PDA layer improved COL immobilization onto the surface of the PLA scaffolds by 92%. The combination of PDA and COL functionalizations provided the best conditions for early-stage (<7 days) cell response. In addition, the PDA plus COL surface facilitated the robust deposition of extracellular matrix in the first 14 days of cell culture. Although the behavior of the MSCs appeared to be similar for both uncoated PLA and PDA plus COL-coated scaffolds by day 21, cells seeded onto PDA plus COL scaffolds produced substantially higher amounts of alkaline phosphatase. These results indicate that the osteoinductivity of 3D-printed PLA scaffolds can be enhanced by PDA and type I collagen coatings. This surface modification of polymeric scaffolds represents a promising strategy for bone tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 107B: 37-49, 2019.

Toxicity effects of the organic UV-filter 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor in zebrafish embryos.

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are widely used in personal care products and due to their lipophilicity these chemicals tend to bioaccumulate in the aquatic biota. 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) is one of the most used UV-filters, and it is commonly detected in freshwater fish tissues. This substance is suspected to be an endocrine disruptor due to its interaction with Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) and HP-Thyroid (HPT)-axis. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of 4-MBC on apical endpoints, biochemical markers and on genes involved in endocrine pathways in Danio rerio. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 4-MBC (0.083-0.77 mg/l) from 0 to 96 h post-fertilization (hpf). Hatching, heart rate and malformations were the apical endpoints assessed. Alterations on neurotransmission and oxidative stress were evaluated through acetylcholinesterase (AChE), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymatic activities. Endocrine effects were analysed by the expression of genes involved in HPG and HPT-axis of embryos exposed 96 h to the EC10 of 4-MBC (0.19 mg/l). Exposure to 4-MBC induced morphological abnormalities during embryonic development, including notochord curvature, delayed absorption of yolk sac and pericardial oedema. Concentration of 0.77 mg/l 4-MBC decreased embryo heart rate at 48h. At neurotransmission level, an induction of AChE at concentrations above 0.15 mg/l was observed. Malformations and decreased heart rate along with alterations observed at neurotransmission level might have compromised zebrafish larvae equilibrium. Glutathione S-transferase induction above 0.15 mg/l 4-MBC suggests activation of detoxification processes. Furthermore, observed brain aromatase gene down-regulation by 4-MBC suggests impairment of normal functioning of HPG axis in zebrafish.

Use of human cadavers in teaching of human anatomy in brazilian medical faculties / Utilização de cadáveres humanos no ensino da anatomia humana nas faculdades de medicina do Brasil

The Human Anatomy is the study of human body structure and it has been related to the use of cadavers through the history. The aim of this research was to investigate the use of human cadavers in practical classes of human anatomy in Brazilian medical schools, and it was also made the identification of alternative methodologies and new technologies applied to the teaching of Anatomy. The research was conducted at the Faculdade Integral Diferencial from January to December of 2015. The population studied was composed by professors responsible for the Human Anatomy sector of the Brazilian medical faculties. It was addressed all the 242 medical colleges of the Brazil. It was obtained 81 answers. 96% of respondents reported make use of human corpses in its practical lessons of anatomy. It can be observed that 42% of the surveyed medical schools make use of only formaldehyde. 81% of faculties reported to face some difficulties to acquire human cadavers. 84% of medical schools make use of artificial models. 46% of faculties make use of diagnostic images. It can be concluded that human bodies, artificial models and new technologies are widely used in practical classes of anatomy in Brazil, since there is a difficulty to obtain cadavers.

A anatomia humana é o estudo da estrutura do corpo humano e tem sido relacionada com a utilização de cadáveres durante a história. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar o uso de cadáveres humanos em aulas práticas de anatomia humana em escolas médicas brasileiras e foram identificadas metodologias alternativas e novas tecnologias aplicadas ao ensino de anatomia. A pesquisa foi conduzida na Faculdade Integral Diferencial, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2015. A população estudada foi composta pelos professores responsáveis pelo setor de anatomia humana das faculdades médicas brasileiras. Foram abordadas todas as 242 faculdades de medicina do Brasil. Obtiveram-se 81 respostas. 96% dos entrevistados relataram fazer uso de cadáveres humanos em suas aulas práticas de anatomia. Observou-se que 42% das escolas médicas pesquisadas fazem uso apenas de formaldeído; 81% das faculdades relataram enfrentar dificuldades na obtenção de cadáveres humanos; 84% das escolas médicas fazem uso de modelos artificiais, 46% das faculdades fazem uso de imagens diagnósticas. Pode-se concluir que os cadáveres humanos, modelos artificiais e novas tecnologias são amplamente utilizados nas aulas práticas de anatomia no Brasil, uma vez que existe dificuldade para obter cadáveres humanos.

Compreensão oral e leitora e consciência sintática nas alterações de leitura e escrita / Listening and reading comprehension and syntactic awareness in reading and writing disorders

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a presença de déficits de habilidades metassintáticas em escolares com dificuldades de aprendizagem e analisar possíveis correlações entre essas habilidades e as de leitura e a compreensão oral. Métodos: foram avaliadas 29 crianças, indicadas por seus professores, por não apresentarem queixas relacionadas à aprendizagem escolar - Grupo I (GI) e com queixas de comunicação, oral e/ou mediada pela escrita, que constituiram o Grupo II (GII). As idades das crianças variaram entre 9 anos e 11 anos e 7 meses, de 4º e 5º ano do Ensino Fundamental. As crianças foram avaliadas por meio de testes de compreensão oral, consciência sintática e morfossintática, taxa e acurácia de leitura e compreensão leitora. Para a análise estatística foram utilizados: teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney, para caracterização da amostra e comparação dos grupos com e sem queixa escolar quanto às variáveis, e Coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, usado para medir o grau de associação entre as variáveis em cada grupo. Resultados: observaram-se diferenças significantes entre os grupos, nas tarefas de compreensão oral, consciência sintática e morfossintática, de maneira geral, taxa e acurácia de leitura e na prova de compreensão leitora, com melhor desempenho do do GI em todas as tarefas. Conclusão: com estes resultados, enfatiza-se a relevância da estimulação de habilidades metassintáticas para o desenvolvimento da leitura e a inclusão de provas metassintáticas na avaliação da leitura, tanto quanto a utilização de atividades metassitáticas como recurso terapêutico.

ABSTRACT Purpose: it was investigated deficits in syntactic awareness in students with learning disabilities and were analyzed correlations between these reading and listening comprehension skills. Methods: 29 children were assessed, nominated by their teachers for not having any academic learning problems - Group I (GI) and with oral and/or writing communication disabilities, who formed the Group II (GII). The children's ages fluctuated from 9 years to 11 years and seven months and they were in fourth and fifth grade of elementary school. The assessment was composed by listening comprehension tests, syntactic and morphosyntactic awareness, reading average and accuracy and reading comprehension. Were used for the statistical analysis: non-parametric Mann-Whitney test for sample characterization and comparison of patients with and without problems and Spearman's correlation coefficient, used to measure the degree of association between the variables in each group. Results: were observed significant differences between the groups. Listening and reading comprehension, syntactic and morphosyntactic awareness in general, average and accuracy of reading tests were better in GI. Conclusion: these results show the importance of stimulating metasyntactic skills to reading development and the inclusion of metasyntactic tests in the reading assessment, as well as the use of related activities as a therapeutic resource.

Hydroxylation of 1,8-cineole by Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger.

The monoterpenoid 1,8-cineole is obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and it has important biological activities. It is a cheap natural substrate because it is a by-product of the Eucalyptus cultivation for wood and pulp production. In this study, it was evaluated the potential of three filamentous fungi in the biotransformation of 1,8-cineole. The study was divided in two steps: first, reactions were carried out with 1,8-cineole at 1 g/L for 24 h; afterwards, reactions were carried out with substrate at 5 g/L for 5 days. The substrate was hydroxylated into 2-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole and 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole by fungi Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger with high stereoselectivity. Trichoderma harzianum was also tested but no transformation was detected. M. ramannianus led to higher than 99% of conversion within 24 h with a starting high substrate concentration (1 g/L). When substrate was added at 5 g/L, only M. ramannianus was able to catalyze the reaction, but the conversion level was 21.7% after 5 days. Both products have defined stereochemistry and could be used as chiral synthons. Furthermore, biological activity has been described for 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of M. ramannianus in this reaction.

Hydroxylation of 1,8-cineole by Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger

The monoterpenoid 1,8-cineole is obtained from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and it has important biological activities. It is a cheap natural substrate because it is a by-product of the Eucalyptus cultivation for wood and pulp production. In this study, it was evaluated the potential of three filamentous fungi in the biotransformation of 1,8-cineole. The study was divided in two steps: first, reactions were carried out with 1,8-cineole at 1 g/L for 24 h; afterwards, reactions were carried out with substrate at 5 g/L for 5 days. The substrate was hydroxylated into 2-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole and 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineole by fungi Mucor ramannianus and Aspergillus niger with high stereoselectivity. Trichoderma harzianum was also tested but no transformation was detected. M. ramannianus led to higher than 99% of conversion within 24 h with a starting high substrate concentration (1 g/L). When substrate was added at 5 g/L, only M. ramannianus was able to catalyze the reaction, but the conversion level was 21.7% after 5 days. Both products have defined stereochemistry and could be used as chiral synthons. Furthermore, biological activity has been described for 3-exo-hydroxy-1,8-cineol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the use of M. ramannianus in this reaction.

Endogenous interleukin-6 amplifies interleukin-17 production and corticoid-resistance in peripheral T cells from patients with multiple sclerosis.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been implicated in the induction of pathogenic IL-17-producing T cells in autoimmune diseases, and studies evaluating the role of this cytokine in T-cell function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) are lacking. Our objective was to evaluate the role of IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) signalling on in vitro functional status of T cells from patients with relapsing-remitting MS during clinical remission. Our results demonstrated that, even during the remission phase, activated T cells from patients produce higher levels of IL-17, and this cytokine was positively correlated with disease severity, as determined by Expanded Disability Status Scale score. In the MS group, the blockade of IL-6R signalling by anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibody reduced IL-17 production and elevated IL-10 release by activated CD4(+) T cells, but it did not alter the production of these cytokines by activated CD8(+) T cells. Blockade of IL-6R signalling also reduced the ability of monocytes to up-regulate T helper type 17 phenotype in patients with MS. Finally, both cell proliferation and IL-17 release by CD4(+) and, mainly, CD8(+) T cells from patients with MS were less sensitive to hydrocortisone inhibition than control group. Interestingly, IL-6R signalling blockade restored the ability of hydrocortisone to inhibit both T-cell proliferation and IL-17 production. Collectively, these results suggest that IL-6 might be involved in MS pathogenesis by enhancing IL-17 production and reducing corticoid inhibitory effects on activated T cells.

Dopamine favors expansion of glucocorticoid-resistant IL-17-producing T cells in multiple sclerosis.

Dopamine (DA) is a neurotransmitter produced mainly in the central nervous system (CNS) that has immunomodulatory actions on T cells. As the multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been regarded as an autoimmune disease of CNS mediated by T cells, the objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of DA on in vitro functional status of T cells from relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS patients. Peripheral T-cells from RR-MS patients were activated by mitogens and cell proliferation and cytokine production were assayed by [(3)H]-thymidine uptake and ELISA, respectively. Our results demonstrated that DA enhanced in vitro T cell proliferation and Th17-related cytokines in MS-derived cell cultures. In addition, this catecholamine reduced Treg-related cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-ß) release by activated CD4(+) T cells. These DA-induced effects on T cells were mainly dependent on IL-6 production by both polyclonally-activated CD4(+) T cells and LPS-stimulated monocytes. Furthermore, the production of IL-17 and IL-6 by MS-derived T cells was directly related with neurological disability (EDSS score), and the release of these cytokines was less sensitive to glucocorticoid inhibition in MS patients than in control group, mainly after DA addition. In conclusion, our data suggest that DA amplifies glucocorticoid-resistant Th17 phenotype in MS patients, and this phenomenon could be, at least in part, due to its ability to induce IL-6 production by monocytes and CD4(+) T cells.

Insulin resistance and associated factors in patients with Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of insulin resistance (IR) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) according to the estimated glucose disposal rate formula (eGDR) and the insulin sensitivity score (ISS) and to estimate the correlation between these two measures and identify the clinical and laboratory markers related to IR. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study of adults with T1DM (n = 135). The results of the formulas that estimate IR were separated into quartiles and correlated with demographic data, clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters. We analyzed the total and regional adiposity by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and skin fold thickness measurements. RESULTS: Two thirds of the patients were overweight or obese. A moderate correlation was found between eGDR and ISS (r = 0.612). The results of both formulas were positively correlated with BMI (r = -0.373 eGDR and r = -0.721 ISS), thoracic-abdominal fat (r = -0.484 eGDR and r = -0.758 ISS), waist/height ratio (r = -0.537 eGDR and r = -0.779 ISS), subscapular skinfold (mm) (r = -0.356 eGDR and r = -0.569 ISS), total dose insulin IU/lean mass (kg) (r = -0.279 eGDR and r = -0.398 ISS), age (years) (r = -0.495 eGDR and r = -0.190 ISS) and diabetes duration (years) (r = -0.428 eGDR and r = -0.187 ISS). A moderate agreement (Kappa 0.226) was observed between the 1st quartile of results determined by the formulas in 10.4% of the patients, but the 4th quartile presented a strong correlation (Kappa 0.679). The individuals with IR that were classified in the 1st quartile by the ISS formula had a higher chance of presenting with acanthosis nigricans (OR = 5.58, 95% CI =1.46-21.3). CONCLUSIONS: The correlations found in this study indicate the possibility of using clinical and laboratory data to estimate IR in patients with TDM1. The detection of IR in T1DM patients may allow early intervention and possibly impact on future diabetes complications.

Synthesis and characterization of nano-encapsulated black pepper oleoresin using hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin for antioxidant and antimicrobial applications.

Previous studies have reported antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of black pepper oleoresin which is associated to its phenolic compounds and piperine. The ability of cyclodextrins to form an inclusion complex with a guest molecule could improve black pepper oleoresin application, bioavailability, and stability in foods. Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPBCD) inclusion complex with black pepper olereosin were synthesized using the kneading method and characterized for its physico-chemical properties and its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Inclusion complex size was 103.9 ± 7.6 nm and indicated to be a polydisperse system. The entrapment efficiency was 78.3 ± 3.6%, which suggests that other constituents in black pepper oleoresin have higher affinities for HPBCD than piperine (major compound in black pepper oleoresin). Thermograms showed the disappearance of oxidation peaks of black pepper oleoresin, proving complex formation with HPBCD. Phase solubility results indicated 1:1 stoichiometric inclusion complex formation and an increase of black pepper oleoresin aqueous solubility with HPBCD concentration. Nano-encapsulation with HPBCD did not affect (P > 0.05) total phenolic content; however, it enhanced (P < 0.05) black pepper oleoresin antioxidant activity. Black pepper oleoresin and its inclusion complex were analyzed for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium LT2. Both free and encapsulated black pepper oleoresin effectively inhibited bacterial growth within the concentration range tested. Black pepper oleoresin encapsulated in HPBCD was able to inhibit Salmonella at lower (P < 0.05) concentrations than its corresponding free extract. Therefore, black pepper oleoresin-HPBCD nanocapsules could have important applications in the food industry as antimicrobial and antioxidant system.

High in vitro immune reactivity to Escherichia coli in neuromyelitis optica patients is correlated with both neurological disabilities and elevated plasma lipopolysaccharide levels.

The pathogenesis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including infectious agents. Several infectious diseases can both trigger or exacerbate autoimmunity. The objective of the present work was to evaluate the in vitro immune responsiveness to Escherichia coli (EC), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Candida albicans (CA) in remittent-recurrent NMO patients, and correlate it with the level of neurological disability. Our results revealed that the extent of lymphoproliferation and cytokine profile in response to SA- and CA-stimulated PBMC cultures was similar between NMO patients and healthy individuals. Nevertheless, a higher in vitro CD4(+) T cell proliferation associated with elevated IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-17 release was observed in NMO-derived EC-stimulated cell cultures. Additionally, in these last cultures, the IL-10 production was significantly lower as compared with control group. The in vitro EC-induced levels of IL-6 and IL-17 were positively related with neurological disabilities. This higher tendency to produce Th17-related cytokines was proportional to the production of IL-23 and IL-6 by LPS-activated monocytes. Interestingly, elevated LPS levels were quantified in the plasma of NMO patients. The results suggest that a higher Th17-responsiveness to E. coli could be involved in the NMO pathogenesis.

Low sensitivity to glucocorticoid inhibition of in vitro Th17-related cytokine production in multiple sclerosis patients is related to elevated plasma lipopolysaccharide levels.

Exogenous glucocorticoid plays an important role in controlling clinical relapses of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the response to this treatment differs among patients. In this study, T-cell proliferation and IL-17 production were less sensitive to hydrocortisone (HC) inhibition in MS patients than healthy individuals, mainly in CD8(+) compartment. Furthermore, in vitro IL-17 production was positively related with neurological disability and its release was proportional to IL-23 and IL-6 productions by LPS-activated monocytes. Interestingly, elevated LPS levels were quantified in the plasma of MS patients, and their levels were directly related to in vivo IL-6 production. Finally, HC-resistance in reducing IL-17 production by polyclonally-activated CD8(+) T cells was particularly observed among MS patients with higher in vivo LPS levels. In summary, the results indicate that T-cells derived from MS patients show an enhanced Th17-like phenotype that is directly associated with neurological disability, resistance to glucocorticoid inhibition and elevated bacterial translocation.