Lychnopholide loaded in surface modified polylactide nanocapsules (LYC-PLA-PEG-NC) cure mice infected by Trypanosoma cruzi strain a prototype of resistance to benznidazole and nifurtimox: First insights of its mechanism of action.

Chagas disease (CD) remains neglected and causes high morbidity and mortality. The great difficulty is the lack of effective treatment. The current drugs cause side effects and have limited therapeutic efficacy in the chronic phase. This study aims to fulfil some gaps in studies of the natural substance lychnopholide nanoencapsulated LYC-PLA-PEG-NC (LYC-NC) and free (Free-LYC): the activity in epimastigotes and amastigotes to determine its selectivity index (SI), the therapeutic efficacy in mice infected with Colombian Trypanosoma cruzi strain and insight of the mechanism of LYC-NC action on T. cruzi. The SI was obtained by calculation of the ratio between the IC50 value toward H9c2 cells divided by the IC50 value in the anti-T. cruzi test. Infected Swiss mice were treated with 2 and 12 mg/kg/day via intravenous and oral, respectively, and the therapeutic efficacy was determined. The IC50 of LYC-NC and Free-LYC for epimastigotes of T. cruzi were similar. Both were active against amastigotes in cell culture, particularly Free-LYC. The SI of LYC-NC and Free-LYC were 45.38 and 32.11, respectively. LYC-NC 2 and 12 mg/kg/day cured parasitologically, 62.5% and 80% of the animals, respectively, infected with a strain resistant to treatment. The fluorescent NC was distributed in the cardiomyocyte cytoplasm, infected or not, and interacted with the trypomastigotes. Together, these results represent advances in demonstrating LYC as a potent new therapeutic option for treating CD.

Liquefying Flavonoids with Terpenoids through Deep Eutectic Solvent Formation.

The formation of deep eutectic solvents (DES) is tied to negative deviations to ideality caused by the establishment of stronger interactions in the mixture than in the pure DES precursors. This work tested thymol and menthol as hydrogen bond donors when combined with different flavonoids. Negative deviations from ideality were observed upon mixing thymol with either flavone or flavanone, two parent flavonoids that only have hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) groups, thus forming non-ionic DES (Type V). On the other hand, the menthol systems with the same compounds generally showed positive deviations from ideality. That was also the case with the mixtures containing the more complex hydroxylated flavonoid, hesperetin, which resulted in positive deviations when mixed with either thymol or menthol. COSMO-RS successfully predicted the behavior of the solid-liquid phase diagram of the studied systems, allowing for evaluation of the impact of the different contributions to the intermolecular interactions, and proving to be a good tool for the design of DES.

Echolocation variability of franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) between estuarine and open-sea habitats, with insights into foraging patterns.

Environmental and ecological factors can trigger changes in the acoustic repertoire of cetaceans. This study documents the first use of a well-established passive acoustic monitoring device (C-POD) to analyze echolocation sounds and behavior of franciscana dolphins in different habitats: estuary [Babitonga Bay (BB)] and open sea [Itapirubá Beach (IB)]. A total of 10 924 click trains were recorded in BB and 6 093 in IB. An inter-click interval < 10 ms (so called "feeding buzzes") was used as a proxy for foraging activity. The main difference in the acoustic parameters between the two habitats was related to the frequency spectrum, with higher maximum and lower modal and minimum click frequencies in BB, and a train frequency range of 17 kHz, against 10 kHz in IB. Also, the click emission rate (clicks/s) was almost 20% higher in BB. Both studied habitats showed a high proportion of feeding buzzes (BB = 68%; IB = 58%), but with a higher probability of occurrence in BB (p < 0.001) and at night (p < 0.001) in both habitats. The C-PODs showed great potential to monitor occurrence, bioacoustics parameters, and echolocation behavior of franciscana dolphins. Longer-term temporal and spatial monitoring are necessary for elucidating several issues raised in this study.

The use of nanovermiculite catalyst in the study of removal of the organic load and degradation of atrazine via ozone process in RPB reactor.

The main objective of this study is the degradation of a synthetic solution of atrazine by a modified vermiculite catalyzed ozonation, in a rotating packed bed (RPB) reactor. A 0.5 L RPB reactor was used to perform the experiments, using a Central Composite Design (CCD) response surface to construct the quadratic model based on the factors: pH, catalyst concentration and reactor rotation frequency. The response variable was the removal of the organic load measured in terms of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). After the complete quadratic model was constructed through the response surface, the COD degradation process had an optimal removal of 41% under the following conditions: pH 8.0, rotation of 1150 rpm and catalyst concentration 0.66 g L-1.

Expression of potassium channels is relevant for cell survival and migration in a murine bone marrow stromal cell line.

S17 is a clonogenic bone marrow stromal (BMS) cell line derived from mouse that has been extensively used to assess both human and murine hematopoiesis support capacity. However, very little is known about the expression of potassium ion channels and their function in cell survival and migration in these cells. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize potassium ion channels using electrophysiological and molecular biological approaches in S17 BMS cells. The whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique has been applied to identify potassium ion currents and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to determine their molecular identities. Based on gating kinetics and pharmacological modulation of the macroscopic currents we found the presence of four functional potassium ion channels in S17 BMS cells. These include a current rapidly activated and inactivated, tetraethylammonium-sensitive, (IKV ) in most (50%) cells; a fast activated and rapidly inactivating A-type K + current (IK A -like); a delayed rectifier K + current (IK DR ) and an inward rectifier potassium current (IK IR ), found in, respectively 4.5%, 26% and 24% of these cells. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA transcripts for the alpha subunit of the corresponding functional ion channels. Additionally, functional assays were performed to investigate the importance of potassium currents in cell survival and migration. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analyses revealed a reduction in cell viability, while wound healing assays revealed reduced migration potential in cells incubated with different potassium channel blockers. In conclusion, our data suggested that potassium currents might play a role in the maintenance of overall S17 cell ionic homeostasis directly affecting cell survival and migration.

Evaluation of in vitro testing strategies for hazard assessment of the skin sensitization potential of "real-life" mixtures: The case of henna-based hair-colouring products containing p-phenylenediamine.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact dermatitis caused by henna-based hair-colouring products has been associated with adulteration of henna with p-phenylenediamine (PPD). OBJECTIVES: To develop a testing approach based on in vitro techniques that address key events within the skin sensitization adverse outcome pathway in order to evaluate the allergenic potential of hair-colouring products. METHODS: The following in vitro assays were used to test the sensitizing capacity of hair dye ingredients: the micro-direct peptide reactivity assay (mDPRA); the HaCaT keratinocyte-associated interleukin (IL)-18 assay; the U937 cell line activation test (U-SENS)/IL-8 levels; the blood monocyte-derived dendritic cell test; and genomic allergen rapid detection (GARD skin). Those techniques with better human concordance were selected to evaluate the allergenic potential of 10 hair-colouring products. RESULTS: In contrast to the information on the label, chromatographic analyses identified PPD in all products. The main henna biomarker, lawsone, was not detected in one of the 10 products. Among the techniques evaluated by testing hair dye ingredients, the mDPRA, the IL-18 assay, GARD skin and the U-SENS correlated better with human classification (concordances of 91.7%-100%) and were superior to the animal testing (concordance of 78.5%). Thus, these assays were used to evaluate hair-colouring products, which were classified as skin sensitizers by the use of different two-of-three approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the toxicological consequences of, and risks associated with, the undisclosed use of PPD in henna-based "natural" "real-life" products.

Open suprapubic versus retropubic prostatectomy in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia during resident's learning curve: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study compared the suprapubic (SP) versus retropubic (RP) prostatectomy for the treatment of large prostates and evaluated perioperative surgical morbidity and improvement of urinary symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single centre, prospective, randomised study, 65 consecutive patients with LUTS and surgical indication with prostate volume greater than 75g underwent open prostatectomy to compare the RP (32 patients) versus SP (33 patients) technique. RESULTS: The SP group exhibited a higher incidence of complications (p=0.002). Regarding voiding pattern analysis (IPSS and flowmetry), both were significantly effective compared to pre-treatment baseline. The RP group parameters were significantly better, with higher peak urinary flow (SP: 16.77 versus RP: 23.03mL/s, p=0.008) and a trend of lower IPSS score (SP: 6.67 versus RP 4.14, p=0.06). In a subgroup evaluation of patients with prostate volumes larger than 100g, blood loss was lower in those undergoing SP prostatectomy (p=0.003). Patients with prostates smaller than 100g in the SP group exhibited a higher incidence of low grade late complications (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: The SP technique was related to a higher incidence of minor complications in the late postoperative period. High volume prostates were associated with increased bleeding when the RP technique was utilized. The RP prostatectomy was associated with higher peak urinary flow and a trend of a lower IPSS Score.

Impact of maternal stress on metabolism and penile morphology in young offspring rats.

Exposure to prolonged stress in pregnancy and/or lactation can lead to the future development of diseases. We aimed to study the effects of maternal stress on the biometry, metabolism, and penile morphology of young Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C) - pups from control mothers, without any intervention (n=5); and Chronic Stress Group (S) - pups from mothers who suffered variable stress in the third week of pregnancy (14th to 21st day; n=5). Food intake and body mass of the pups (n=10, in the C group and n=9 in the S group) were checked; at euthanasia (three months old), fat deposits and penis were removed. At birth and weaning, S animals were lighter than C animals, [-33.72% (p=0.0422) and -17.07% (p=0.0018)], respectively. However, the final body mass and body mass delta showed no differences. Food intake and fat deposits also did not differ. However, the S group was hyperglycemic at 30 and 60 days of life [+20.59% (p=0.0042) and +14.56% (p=0.0079), respectively], despite the glycemia measured at 90 days showing no difference between groups. Penile areas and surface densities of the corpora cavernosa components were similar between groups. The results indicate that maternal stress is an important metabolic programmer, which generates low birth weight and accelerated recovery of body mass after birth (catch-up). However, in an early analysis (90 days of life), exposure to gestational stress did not change the morphology of the offspring's penis in adulthood.

Ascorbic acid prevents stress-induced hypercoagulability in overweight and obese individuals.

Ascorbic acid (AA) may contribute to restoring hemostatic balance after mental stress (MS) in overweight/obese adults. We aimed to determine the effects of AA administration on hemostatic responses to MS in overweight/obese men. Fourteen overweight/obesity men (27 ± 7 years; BMI: 29.7 ± 2.6 kg m-2) performed the Stroop color-word stress task for 5 min after non-simultaneous infusion of placebo (PL, 0.9% NaCl) and AA (3 g). Blood was collected at baseline, during MS, and 60 min after MS to measure: activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen concentration, by coagulometer; platelet-derived microvesicles (PMV, mv/µL), by flow cytometry; nitrite (µM), by chemiluminescence. In PL session, MS led to decreases in PTs (stress, p = 0.03; 60 min, p < 0.001), PT-INR (stress, p < 0.001; 60 min, p < 0.01), aPTTs (60 min, p = 0.03), aPTT ratio (60 min, p = 0.04) and fibrinogen (60 min, p = 0.04), while increased PT activity (60 min, p = 0.01) when compared to baseline. Furthermore, AA increased PTs (60 min, p < 0.001), PT-INR (60 min, p = 0.03) and decreased PT activity (60 min, p < 0.001) and fibrinogen (stress, p = 0.04) when compared to PL. Nitrite was increased in response to stress during AA session (p < 0.001 vs PL). There was no difference in PMV. Ascorbic acid prevented the impaired hemostatic profile and improved nitrite response to stress in the overweight and obese adults.

AT1R blocker prevents mental stress induced retrograde blood flow in overweight/obese men.

The main goal was to determine the impact of mental stress (MS) on blood flow regulation in overweight/obese men. Fourteen overweight/obese men (27 ± 7 years; 29.8 ± 2.6 kg/m2 ) participated in two randomized experimental sessions with oral administration of the AT1R blocker Olmesartan (40 mg; AT1RB) or placebo (PL). After 2 h, a 5-min acute MS session (Stroop Color Word Test) was administered. Blood flow was assessed at baseline and during the first 3 min of MS by vascular ultrasound in the brachial artery. Blood was collected before (baseline) and during mental stress (MS) for measurement of nitrite (chemiluminescence) and endothelin-1 (ELISA kit). The AT1R blocker was able to reverse the MS responses observed in the placebo session for retrograde flow (p < 0.01), retrograde SR (p < 0.01) and oscillatory shear index (p = 0.01). Regarding vasoactive substances, no differences were observed in ET-1 (p > 0.05) responses to MS between experimental sessions. However, for nitrite responses, the administration of the AT1R blocker was able to increase circulating levels of NO (p = 0.03) Blockade of AT1R appears to prevent the decrease in endothelial function by reducing low shear stress and maintaining the vasoactive substances balance after MS in overweight/obese men.

Controlled Release and Cell Viability of Ketoconazole Incorporated in PEG 4000 Derivatives.

In recent years, polymeric materials have been gaining prominence in studies of controlled release systems to obtain improvements in drug administration. These systems present several advantages compared with conventional release systems, such as constant maintenance in the blood concentration of a given drug, greater bioavailability, reduction of adverse effects, and fewer dosages required, thus providing a higher patient compliance to treatment. Given the above, the present work aimed to synthesize polymeric matrices derived from polyethylene glycol (PEG) capable of promoting the controlled release of the drug ketoconazole in order to minimize its adverse effects. PEG 4000 is a widely used polymer due to its excellent properties such as hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and non-toxic effects. In this work, PEG 4000 and derivatives were incorporated with ketoconazole. The morphology of polymeric films was observed by AFM and showed changes on the film organization after drug incorporation. In SEM, it was possible to notice spheres that formed in some incorporated polymers. The zeta potential of PEG 4000 and its derivatives was determined and suggested that the microparticle surfaces showed a low electrostatic charge. Regarding the controlled release, all the incorporated polymers obtained a controlled release profile at pH 7.3. The release kinetics of ketoconazole in the samples of PEG 4000 and its derivatives followed first order for PEG 4000 HYDR INCORP and Higuchi for the other samples. Cytotoxicity was determined and PEG 4000 and its derivatives were not cytotoxic.

Neuromuscular defects after infection with a beta coronavirus in mice.

COVID-19 affects primarily the lung. However, several other systemic alterations, including muscle weakness, fatigue and myalgia have been reported and may contribute to the disease outcome. We hypothesize that changes in the neuromuscular system may contribute to the latter symptoms observed in COVID-19 patients. Here, we showed that C57BL/6J mice inoculated intranasally with the murine betacoronavirus hepatitis coronavirus 3 (MHV-3), a model for studying COVID-19 in BSL-2 conditions that emulates severe COVID-19, developed robust motor alterations in muscle strength and locomotor activity. The latter changes were accompanied by degeneration and loss of motoneurons that were associated with the presence of virus-like particles inside the motoneuron. At the neuromuscular junction level, there were signs of atrophy and fragmentation in synaptic elements of MHV-3-infected mice. Furthermore, there was muscle atrophy and fiber type switch with alteration in myokines levels in muscles of MHV-3-infected mice. Collectively, our results show that acute infection with a betacoronavirus leads to robust motor impairment accompanied by neuromuscular system alteration.

Imidazolium Chloride Ionic Liquid Mixtures as Separating Agents: Fuel Processing and Azeotrope Breaking.

Relevant chemical separations for the petrochemical and chemical industries include the removal of aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatics, the desulfurization and denitrification of fuels, and the separation of azeotropic mixtures containing alkanols. In an attempt to contribute to the development of novel technologies, the potentialities of imidazolium chloride ionic liquid (IL) mixtures as separation agents were investigated. Selectivities, capacities, and solvent performance indices were calculated through the activity coefficients at infinite dilution of organic solutes and water in the imidazolium chloride IL: [C8mim]Cl, [C12mim]Cl, and the equimolar mixture of [C4mim]Cl and [C12mim]Cl. Results show that the imidazolium chloride IL might be appropriately tailored for specific purposes, in which an increase in the proportion of cations containing larger alkyl chains tends to increase the overall affinity with organic solutes. The IL designer solvent concept was explored by comparing the IL equimolar mixture results with the intermediary [C8mim]Cl. The COSMO-RS thermodynamic model was also applied, showing it to be a promising tool for a fast qualitative screening of potential separation agents for specific separation processes.

Her-2/neu expression in prostate adenocarcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: HER-2/neu has been linked to the clinical progression of hormone independent prostate cancer. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic impact of HER-2/neu over expression in patients with prostate adenocarcinoma, and its correlation with other pathological and clinical variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, CancerLit and ASCO abstract databases for published studies of HER-2/neu protein expression in primary prostate cancer tissue with a median followup of greater than 2 years and data on survival in patients with and without HER-2/neu over expression. We separately analyzed studies reporting HER-2/neu soluble receptor levels in patients with prostate cancer. RESULTS: We included 38 articles with a total of 5,976 patients. The overall RR of death in those with HER-2/neu over expression in the primary tumor was 1.63 (95% CI 1.47-1.82, p <0.0001). In the presence of over expression the recurrence RR was 1.87 (95% CI 1.59-2.21, p <0.0001). High HER-2/neu extracellular domain levels also correlated with death (RR 2.01, 95% CI 1.21-3.35, p = 0.007) and recurrence (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.41-2.15, p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a consistent association of HER-2/neu over expression and Gleason less than 7 with a higher RR of death and recurrence in patients with prostate cancer. Further clinical trials should test the hypothesis that HER-2/neu is a marker of a clinically worse outcome in patients with prostate cancer and a potential target for therapy.

Factors predicting hospital admission and death in older adults with cognitive impairment: a longitudinal study / Factores predictivos de hospitalización y muerte en ancianos con deterioro cognitivo: un estudio longitudinal / Fatores preditores de hospitalização e óbito em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo: um estudo longitudinal

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify sociodemographic factors, clinical conditions and sarcopenia parameters that predict hospital admission and death in older adults with cognitive impairment. Method: this is a longitudinal observational study carried out with 170 older adults with cognitive impairment assessed between 2019 and 2021. Predictor variables were sociodemographic characteristics, clinical conditions and sarcopenia parameters. Sarcopenia was operationalized through handgrip muscle strength (dynamometry), muscle mass (calf circumference) and the Timed Up and Go test. Occurrence of hospital admission and death within one year after assessment of older adults were the predicted variables. Analyzes were carried out using descriptive statistics, independent Student' t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test and univariate logistic regression. Results: most participants were female (±77.57 years old), with low education, sedentary, 15.9% with sarcopenia and 13% with a history of hospital admission. It was identified that education level had an effect on occurrence of hospital admission (U=1,423.5, p=0.027) and death (U=647.0, p=0.025) within one-year follow-up. Furthermore, there is an association between history of hospital admission in the last 6 months and occurrence of hospital admission [χ2(1)=4.729; p=0.030] and death [χ2(1)=3.919; p=0.048] within one year follow-up. It was identified that history of hospital admission in the last 6 months was associated with occurrence of hospital admission within one-year follow-up (OR=2.963; 95%CI 1.076-8.165, p=0.036). Conclusion: history of hospital admission in the last six months is associated with occurrence of hospital admission over a year in older adults with cognitive impairment.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar factores sociodemográficos, condiciones clínicas y parámetros de sarcopenia que predicen la hospitalización y la muerte en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo. Método: estudio observacional longitudinal realizado con 170 personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo evaluados entre 2019 y 2021. Las variables predictoras fueron las características sociodemográficas, las condiciones clínicas y los parámetros de sarcopenia. La sarcopenia se puso en práctica mediante la fuerza de los músculos de prensión manual (dinamometría), la masa muscular (circunferencia de la pantorrilla) y la prueba Timed Up and Go. La ocurrencia de hospitalización y muerte dentro del año posterior a la evaluación del anciano configuró las variables predichas. Los análisis se realizaron mediante estadística descriptiva las pruebas t de Student independiente, U de Mann-Whitney, chi-cuadrado y regresión logística univariada. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes fueron del sexo femenino (±77,57 años), con bajo nivel educativo, sedentarios, el 15,9% con sarcopenia y el 13% con antecedentes de hospitalización. Se identificó que el nivel de escolaridad tuvo efecto en la ocurrencia de hospitalización (U=1.423,5, p=0,027) y muerte (U=647,0, p=0,025) al año de seguimiento. Además, existe asociación entre el antecedente de hospitalización en los últimos 6 meses y la ocurrencia de hospitalización [χ2(1)=4,729; p=0,030] y muerte [χ2(1)=3,919; p=0,048] al año de seguimiento. Se identificó que el antecedente de hospitalización en los últimos 6 meses se asoció con la ocurrencia de hospitalización en un año de seguimiento (OR=2,963; IC95% 1,076-8,165, p=0,036). Conclusión: un antecedente de hospitalización en los últimos seis meses se asocia con la ocurrencia de hospitalización mayor a un año en personas mayores con deterioro cognitivo.

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar fatores sociodemográficos, condições clínicas e parâmetros de sarcopenia preditores de hospitalização e óbito em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo. Método: estudo observacional longitudinal realizado com 170 idosos com comprometimento cognitivo avaliados entre 2019 e 2021. As variáveis preditoras foram características sociodemográficas, condições clínicas e parâmetros de sarcopenia. A sarcopenia foi operacionalizada por meio da força muscular de preensão palmar (dinamometria), da massa muscular (circunferência da panturrilha) e do teste Timed Up and Go. A ocorrência de hospitalização e óbito até um ano após a avaliação do idoso configuraram as variáveis preditas. Procedeu-se análises por estatística descritiva, testes t-student independente, U Mann Whitney, Qui-Quadrado e de regressão logística univariada. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino (±77,57 anos), de baixa escolaridade, sedentários, 15,9% com sarcopenia e 13% com histórico de internação. Foi identificado que o nível de escolaridade teve efeito sobre a ocorrência de hospitalização (U=1423,5, p=0,027) e de óbito (U=647,0, p=0,025) no seguimento de um ano. Além disso, há associação do histórico de internação nos últimos 6 meses com a ocorrência de hospitalização [χ2(1)=4,729; p=0,030] e de óbito [χ2(1)=3,919; p=0,048] no seguimento de um ano. Identificou-se que o histórico de internação nos últimos 6 meses associou-se com a ocorrência de hospitalização em um ano de seguimento (OR=2,963; IC95% 1,076-8,165, p=0,036). Conclusão: o histórico de internação nos últimos seis meses está associado à ocorrência de hospitalização ao longo de um ano em idosos com comprometimento cognitivo.

Plantas medicinais, saúde bucal e SUS: uma difícil integração das políticas públicas no interior da Bahia? / Medicinal Plants, Oral Health and Brazilian Unified National Health System: a difficult integration of public policies in the inner Bahia State?

Resumo Estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa que buscou analisar os conhecimentos, percepções e práticas de equipes de Saúde Bucal e de agentes comunitários de saúde acerca das políticas públicas que regulamentam a utilização de plantas medicinais e fitoterápicos no contexto das práticas integrativas e complementares, incluindo sua incorporação, reconhecimento, desafios e possibilidades no cotidiano local do SUS. Foram selecionadas oito Unidades Básicas de Saúde no município de Itabuna, Bahia, Brasil, com a realização de entrevistas com oito cirurgiões-dentistas, oito auxiliares/técnicos de saúde bucal e oito agentes comunitários de saúde, totalizando 24 participantes. Para a análise da dados, empregou-se a técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Os conhecimentos, percepções e práticas dos atores envolvidos no estudo sobre as políticas públicas de inserção das plantas medicinais no SUS mostraram-se permeados pela cultura hegemônica, pela formação em saúde tradicional e fragmentada, pelo (des)interesse administrativo do município e por subjetividades individuais que são produzidas e reproduzidas nos serviços de saúde bucal da APS local.

Abstract This exploratory and qualitative study aimed to analyze the knowledge, perceptions and practices of Oral Health Teams and Community Health Agents about public health policies that regulate the use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines in the context of integrative and complementary practices, including their incorporation, recognition, challenges and possibilities in the local routine of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS). Eight Basic Health Units were selected in the municipality of Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil, and interviews were conducted with 8 dentists, 8 oral health assistants/technicians and 8 community health agents, totaling 24 participants. For data analysis, the Collective Subject Discourse technique was used. The knowledge, perceptions and practices of the actors involved in the study about public policies for the introduction of medicinal plants in the SUS were permeated by the hegemonic culture, traditional and fragmented health education, the administrative (un)interest of the municipal authorities, and individual subjectivities that are produced and reproduced in the local oral health services and the primary care.

Epidemiologic study of cluster headache prevalence in a medium-size city in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of cluster headache (CH) in Barbacena, a medium-size city in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: The total population of Barbacena is 126,284 inhabitants and the Family Health Strategy Program covers 84,610 of them. In order to identify patients with cluster headache, 36,145 of these inhabitants were screened, following which, a questionnaire was completed by 181 health agents distributed throughout the 28 health posts belonging to the Family Health Strategy network. The completed questionnaires were selected based on the clinical criteria established by the International Headache Society, and those patients (18 years of age or older) with a possible CH diagnosis were later assessed by a headache specialist. This was an observational, cross-sectional study. RESULTS: In all, 15 patients were diagnosed as having CH, comprising a prevalence of 0.0414%; or 41.4/100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cluster headache in Barbacena was lower than that observed in many locations worldwide.

In vitro assessment of skin sensitization, photosensitization and phototoxicity potential of commercial glyphosate-containing formulations.

This study evaluated the applicability of a modified Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (DPRA) (OECD N° 442C, 2015) through the 10-fold reduction of reaction volume (micro-DPRA, mDPRA) for skin sensitization evaluation of six commercial glyphosate-containing formulations. In addition, another modification of DPRA was proposed by adding a UVA (5J/cm2) irradiation step, namely photo-mDPRA, to better characterize (photo)sensitizer materials. The phototoxicity profile of pesticides was also evaluated using the 3T3 Neutral Red Uptake Phototoxicity Test (3T3-NRU-PT) (OECD N° 432, 2004). The mDPRA could represent an environmentally acceptable test approach, since it reduces costs and organic waste. Peptide depletion was greater in photo-mDPRA and changed the reactivity class of each test material, in comparison to mDPRA. Thus, the association of mDPRA with photo-mDPRA was better for correctly characterizing human (photo)sensitizer substances and pesticides. In general, cysteine depletion was greater than that of lysine for all materials tested in both mDPRA and photo-mDPRA. Furthermore, while 3T3-NRU-PT is unable to predict (photo)sensitizers, it was capable of correctly identifying the phototoxic potential of the tested agrochemical formulations. In conclusion, mDPRA plus photo-mDPRA and 3T3-NRU-PT seem to be preliminary non-animal test batteries for skin (photo)sensitization/phototoxicity assessment of chemicals, agrochemical formulations and their ingredients.

Is the Use of Information and Communication Technology Associated With Aspects of Women's Primary Health Care in Brazil?

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) is on the increase in the health systems, representing a means of improving the quality of health care. This study analyzed the ICT incorporation in primary care in Brazil and identified the different aspects that may be associated with better quality in the care provided, in relation to certain aspects of women's care. We noted an unevenness regarding ICT incorporation in Brazil. However, the findings indicate an association between ICT and certain aspects of the quality provided in women's health care, which reinforces the need for further studies on this type of evaluation.

Saúde bucal na gestação: percepções e práticas da gestante na Estratégia Saúde da Família / Oral health in pregnancy: perceptions and practices of pregnant women in the Family Health Strategy / Salud bucal en el embarazo: percepciones y prácticas de la gestante en la Estrategia Salud de la Familia

A gestação é um período que pode predispor ou agravar algumas alterações bucais, uma vez que é caracterizado por mudanças hormonais, fisiológicas e psicológicas complexas. Apesar disso, o atendimento odontológico pré-natal ainda é negligenciado. Este estudo descritivo, transversal e de natureza quantitativa teve por objetivo analisar percepções e práticas das gestantes que utilizam os serviços de pré-natal de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família (USF) de Itabuna (BA) acerca da saúde bucal durante a gestação, bem como sobre o atendimento odontológico no decorrer do período gestacional. Em 2019, entrevistadores previamente treinados aplicaram questionário único a todas as gestantes residentes na área de abrangência da USF. Utilizou-se o programa estatístico IBM SPSS® Statistics versão 21.0 na análise descritiva. Para verificar a normalidade dos dados foi realizado o teste Kolmogorov-Smirnov, e para o teste de correlação dos dados não-paramétricos foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de postos de Spearman, adotando valor de p < 0,05. Dentre as 51 gestantes incluídas neste estudo, 92,2% nunca participaram de atividades educativas sobre saúde bucal na gestação, 76,5% não fizeram nenhum tipo de acompanhamento odontológico pré-natal, 70,6% consideraram que a gestação provoca problemas periodontais e 64,7% afirmaram que a gestação é responsável pelo aparecimento de cáries. Além disso, 94,1% das participantes afirmaram que gostariam de receber mais informações sobre como cuidar melhor da saúde bucal e 64,7% responderam que não existem restrições para a realização dos atendimentos odontológicos durante a gestação. Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre as condições de saúde e a renda (r_s = 0,291 e p = 0,038), e entre escolaridade e renda (r_s = 0,434 e p = 0,01). Ficou evidente a necessidade de uma melhor inclusão da odontologia no cuidado pré-natal da Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF), uma vez que o reconhecimento da importância da saúde bucal na gestação, tanto pelos profissionais da equipe quanto pelas mulheres grávidas, é fundamental para um cuidado integral nesse período singular da vida da mulher.

Characterized by complex hormonal, physiological, and psychological changes, pregnancy can predispose or worsen some oral alterations; however, prenatal dental care is still neglected. This descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative study analyzed the perceptions and practices regarding oral health and dental care during pregnancy of pregnant women who procured prenatal services at a Family Health Unit (FHU) in Itabuna, Bahia, Brazil. In 2019, previously trained interviewers applied a single questionnaire to all pregnant women living in the area covered by the FHU. Descriptive analysis was performed via IBM SPSS® Statistics version 21.0 to verify data normality (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test) and for the correlation test of non-parametric data (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient), adopting p < 0.05. Of the 51 pregnant women interviewed, 92.2% had never participated in educational activities for pregnancy oral health, 76.5% did not attend prenatal dental care, 70.6% thought that pregnancy causes periodontal diseases, and 64.7% stated that pregnancy is responsible for the appearance of dental caries. Moreover, 94.1% of the participants showed interest in receiving more information on how to take better care of their oral health, and 64.7% stated no restrictions for dental care during pregnancy. Correlation between health conditions and income (r_s = 0.291 and p = 0.038) and between education and income (r_s = 0.434 and p = 0.01) were statistically significant. Dentistry must be better included in prenatal care within the Health Family Strategy (HFS), since recognition by both professionals and pregnant women of the importance of oral health during pregnancy is fundamental for comprehensive care in this unique period.

El embarazo es un período que puede predisponer o empeorar algunas alteraciones bucodentales, además de caracterizarse por complejos cambios hormonales, fisiológicos y psicológicos. A pesar de ello, la atención odontológica prenatal se sigue descuidada. Este estudio descriptivo, transversal y de tipo cuantitativo tiene como objetivo analizar las percepciones y las prácticas de las embarazadas que utilizan los servicios prenatales de una Unidad de Salud Familiar (USF) de Itabuna, en Bahía (Brasil), acerca de la salud bucal durante el embarazo, así como sobre la atención odontológica en ese período. En 2019, entrevistadores previamente capacitados aplicaron un único cuestionario a todas las mujeres embarazadas que residen en el área cubierta por la USF. Se utilizó el programa estadístico IBM SPSS® Statistics, versión 21.0, para realizar el análisis descriptivo. Para verificar la normalidad de los datos se utilizó la prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov, y para la prueba de correlación de los datos no paramétricos se aplicó el coeficiente de correlación de rangos de Spearman, adoptando un valor de p < 0,05. De las 51 embarazadas incluidas en este estudio, el 92,2% nunca participó en actividades educativas sobre salud bucal para embarazadas, el 76,5% no se sometió a ningún tipo de atención odontológica prenatal, el 70,6% consideró que el embarazo provoca problemas periodontales y el 64,7% afirmó que el embarazo es responsable de la aparición de caries. Además, el 94,1% de las participantes afirmó que le gustaría recibir más información sobre cómo cuidar mejor su salud bucodental, y el 64,7% respondió que no hay restricciones para la atención dental durante el embarazo. Hubo una correlación estadísticamente significativa entre las condiciones de salud y los ingresos (r_s = 0,291 y p = 0,038) y entre la educación y los ingresos (r_s = 0,434 y p = 0,01). Se hizo evidente la necesidad de una mejor inclusión de la odontología en la atención prenatal de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar (ESF), ya que el reconocimiento de la importancia de la salud oral durante el embarazo, tanto por los profesionales del equipo como por las mujeres embarazadas, es esencial para la atención integral en este período único de la vida de la mujer.