Advantages of treating sponge-gourd waste by mechanical refining on the properties of fiber-based poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)/polylactide biocomposites.

This study compares the morphology, thermal, and dynamic-mechanical properties of composites based on polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactide biocomposites with sponge gourd waste treated code as R, and non-treated sponge gourd, coded as NR, by mechanical disc refining after milled process. Extrusion followed by compression molding was used to produce biocomposites with fiber contents of 0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15% wt/wt for R and NR sponge gourd fibers. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that NR has the morphology of a rigid tubular shape, whereas R is a thinner, twisted, and fibrillated fiber. Regardless of the type of sponge gourd fiber used, the thermal stability of the composite decreases as the sponge gourd content increases. At 25°C, the biocomposite with 10%wt/wt R fiber has the highest storage modulus value. The comparison of Tangent  peak values reveals that the presence of sponge gourd fibers reduces the energy dissipation of the biocomposites. The analysis of the loss modulus at 25°C reveals that R fiber contributes more to the reduction of energy dissipation of the biocomposites than NR. Furthermore, the Cole-Cole plot shows that R and NR fibers are dispersed and do not significantly change the homogeneity of the biopolymer systems.

Thyroid Function in Human Obesity: Underlying Mechanisms.

Obesity is associated with several metabolic and endocrine disorders; and changes in plasma concentrations, secretion patterns, and clearance of various hormones are observed in obese patients. In this context, recent research has shown that overweight can influence the function of the thyroid gland, usually leading to increased thyrotropin concentrations and changes in the ratio between the hormones triiodothyronine and thyroxine, though within the normal range. The etiology of these changes is still unclear; however, several mechanisms have been proposed including the adaptive process to increase energy expenditure, hyperleptinemia, changes in the activity of deiodinases, the presence of thyroid hormones resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance. Although the clinical implications have not been clarified, studies suggest that these changes in the thyroid function of obese individuals may contribute to the worsening of metabolic complications and the development of diseases in the thyroid gland.

Effects of laser-weld joint opening size on fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V structures with several diameters.

This study was conducted to evaluate the fatigue strength of Ti-6Al-4V laser-welded joints with several diameters and joint openings. Sixty dumbbell rods were machined in Ti-6Al-4V alloy with central diameters of 1·5, 2·0 and 3·5 mm. The specimens were sectioned and then welded using two joint openings (0·0 and 0·6 mm). The combination of variables created six groups, which when added to the intact groups made a total of nine groups (n = 10). Laser welding was executed as follows: 360 V per 8 ms (1·5 and 2·0 mm) and 380 V per 9 ms (3·5 mm) with focus and frequency regulated to zero. The joints were finished, polished and submitted to radiographic examination to be analysed visually for the presence of porosity. The specimens were then subjected to a mechanical cyclic test, and the number of cycles until failure was recorded. The fracture surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn test (α = 0·05) indicated that the number of cycles required for fracture was lower for all specimens with joint openings of 0·6 mm, and for 3·5-mm-diameter specimens with joint openings of 0·0 mm. The Spearman correlation coefficient (α = 0·05) indicated that there was a negative correlation between the number of cycles and the presence of porosity. So, laser welding of Ti-6Al-4V structures with a thin diameter provides the best conditions for the juxtaposition of parts. Radiographic examination allows for the detection of internal voids in titanium joints.

Development of fluorogenic probe-based PCR assays for the detection and quantification of bovine piroplasmids.

This paper reports two new quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, developed in an attempt to improve the detection of bovine piroplasmids. The first of these techniques is a duplex TaqMan assay for the simultaneous diagnosis of Babesia bovis and B. bigemina. This technique is ideal for use in South America where bovids harbour no theilerids. The second technique, which is suitable for the diagnosis of both babesiosis and theileriosis worldwide, involves fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes. In FRET assays, Babesia bovis, B. divergens, Babesia sp. (B. major or B. bigemina), Theileria annae and Theileria sp. were all identifiable based on the melting temperatures of their amplified fragments. Both techniques provided linear calibration curves over the 0.1fg/microl to 0.01ng/microl DNA range. The assays showed good sensitivity and specificity. To assess their performance, both procedures were compared in two separate studies: the first was intended to monitor the experimental infection of calves with B. bovis and the second was a survey where 200 bovid/equine DNA samples from different countries were screened for piroplasmids. Comparative studies showed that duplex TaqMan qPCR was more sensitive than FRET qPCR in the detection of babesids.

Optimization of the exposure parameters in digital mammography using contrast-detail metrics.

PURPOSE: Optimization studies in digital mammography aid to assure the image quality and radiological protection of the patient. The aim of this work is to test effectiveness and applicability of a method based on a Figure of Merit (FOM=(IQFinv)2/AGD) to improve all the exposure parameters (Target/Filter combination, kVp and mAs) in order to improve the image acquisition technique that will provide the best compromise between image quality and the average glandular dose (AGD). METHODS: A contrast-detail analysis, employing the test object CDMAM, was carried out for the digital mammography unit manufactured by Lorad Hologic - model Selenia. We simulated two breast thicknesses using phantoms and a Figure of Merit as optimization tool, which includes an indicator of image quality, the IQFinv and the average glandular dose. Images of the ACR and TORMAM phantoms were obtained with both, automatic and optimized exposure parameters. In order to compare the image quality, the SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) was measured in each image. RESULTS: In the two phantoms, for both 4.5 and 7.5cm thicknesses, the AGDs obtained with the optimized parameters show a reduction. In addition, the images obtained with the optimized exposure parameters, had the same or a better image quality when compared to the images obtained using the automatic mode. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed optimization methodology proved to be an effective tool to improve the digital mammography unit, due to the use of objective metrics for evaluation and validation of the results.

A simple equation to estimate the osmolarity of neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions.

UNLABELLED: A predictive equation of osmolarity that correlates closely with the measured osmolality was determined. Taking into account that an osmometer is not available in most clinical settings, the proposed equation appears to provide a quick and simple osmolarity calculation of neonatal parenteral nutrition solutions. OBJECTIVE: We measured the osmolalities of neonatal parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions to determine if these values may be predicted by a simple equation for calculation of their osmolarity values. METHODS: The osmolalities of 101 consecutive different final PN admixtures, prepared for 36 neonates, were measured by the freezing point depression method. The respective intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation were always <2.1%. Linear multivariate regression analysis was used to determine a predictive equation of osmolarity that correlates closely with the value of measured osmolality. RESULTS: The mean (SD) osmolality of the final PN admixtures was 749.7 (165.4) mOsm/kg. The best-fitted equation, with a coefficient of discrimination R2 = .95 (R2 = .90 for samples between 500 and 1000 mOsm/L) is osmolarity (mOsm/L) = (nitrogen x 0.8) + (glucose x 1.235) + (sodium x 2.25) + (phosphorus x 5.43)-50, with the concentration of components in mmol/L. Adapting the equation in our daily practice, using g/L for glucose and amino acids, mg/L for phosphorus, and mEq/L for sodium, the equation is osmolarity (mOsm/L) = (amino acid x 8) + (glucose x 7) + (sodium x 2) + (phosphorus x 0.2) - 50, with a similar R2. CONCLUSIONS: Taking into account that an osmometer is not available in most clinical settings, the proposed equation appears to provide a quick and simple osmolarity calculation of neonatal PN solutions, thus allowing more accurate decisions to be taken regarding the choice of route and rate of administration of PN solutions.

Osmolality of solutions, emulsions and drugs that may have a high osmolality: aspects of their use in neonatal care.

OBJECTIVE: Administration of some hypertonic substances to neonates has been associated with a variety of adverse effects. This study was conducted to determine the osmolality of intravenous drugs and solutions used in neonates receiving intensive care. METHODS: Osmolality was measured by freezing point depression. Vasoactive drugs, diuretics, anticonvulsants, antimicrobials, and glucose and electrolyte solutions were some of the substances analyzed. RESULTS: The osmolalities of 90 substances were measured; the respective intra-assay and interassay coefficients of variation were always less than 5%. A few drugs were found to be extremely hypertonic (> 8000 mOsm/kg), and most of them contain propylene glycol as vehicle (e.g. digoxin, phenytoin, diazepam and phenobarbital). Other drugs, at the same concentration, evidenced a significant discrepancy of osmolality depending on the trademark. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of some extremely hypertonic drugs highlights the need for further investigation in order to study their potential adverse effects in neonates, as well as to evaluate any advantage in diluting, infusing slowly or even avoiding such substances. Given the fact that there exists a discrepancy in osmolalities in some drugs at the same concentration depending on the trademark, the more isotonic solutions should be the preferred choice for intravenous administration.

Ethnic differences in women's body satisfaction: an experimental investigation.

This investigation was conducted so that a clearer picture of the complex relationship between ethnicity and body satisfaction could be obtained. Although body satisfaction has recently been shown to be influenced by several factors, such as mood, no studies investigating the stability of body satisfaction (to date) have examined whether there are ethnic differences in how such factors influence body satisfaction. Eighty-four White women and 33 Black women (U.S. undergraduates) were given bogus positive or negative social feedback so that the effect of the feedback on their body satisfaction could be determined. Results indicated positive feedback increased and negative feedback decreased the body satisfaction of White women in the expected directions, but there was no such effect for the Black women. The relevance of these findings in the understanding of bulimia nervosa and eating disorders is discussed, as is the need to differentiate between ethnic groups.

Gender and ethnic differences in the relationship between body esteem and self-esteem.

Gender and ethnic differences in the relationship between body esteem and self-esteem were examined to assess the degree to which these variables change in relation to each other over time. Difference scores (between Time 1 and Time 2, 1 week apart) were obtained using the Self-Esteem Scale (M. Rosenberg, 1979) and the Body Esteem Scale (S. L. Franzoi & S. A. Shields, 1984) for 163 White women, 140 White men, 55 Black women, and 37 Black men. The results indicated that the correlation of the difference scores was stronger for the group of White women than for the other 3 groups, suggesting that changes in self-esteem parallel changes in body esteem more for White women than for White men, Black men, and Black women. The findings are discussed in relation to the prevalence of bulimia nervosa among White women.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Portuguese version of the Living with Asthma Questionnaire.

OBJECTIVE: To translate and culturally adapt the Living with Asthma Questionnaire (LWAQ) to the Portuguese language and to test its reliability and validity. METHODS: The Portuguese version of this disease-specific health-related quality of life measure was obtained with forward/backward translations, consensus panels and a pre-test. The Portuguese LWAQ and Medical Outcomes Study - 36 item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaires, and a form for the characteristics of the patients were administered to 61 subjects with asthma. RESULTS: Reliability of LWAQ scores was good with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.97 [with the exception of "preoccupation" (0.62) construct, and "sleep" (0.67) and "effects on others" (0.47) domains] and intraclass correlation coefficients between 0.86 and 0.99. Construct validity was supported by the confirmation of predefined hypotheses involving expected significant correlations between LWAQ total, constructs and domains, and SF-36 dimensions with similar content. CONCLUSION: The Portuguese LWAQ exhibited suitable psychometric properties, in terms of internal consistency, reproducibility and construct validity.

Passive fit of frameworks in titanium and palladium-silver alloy submitted the laser welding.

This study evaluated the precision of fit of implant frameworks cast in titanium (cp Ti) and palladium-silver alloy (Pd-Ag), made by the one-piece cast and laser welding techniques. From a metal matrix with five implants, 20 master casts were obtained, to which replicas of implants were incorporated. On these masters 10 frameworks were made for each type of material (cp Ti and Pd-Ag alloy). Half of these were made by the one-piece cast technique and the other half by the laser welding technique. The implant/prosthesis interface was analysed and measured in the vestibular and lingual regions of the central and distal implants with the help of a measuring microscope. The results indicated that in the central cylinders, the Tukey test (P<0.0005) showed a significant difference in the passive fit between the laser-welded frameworks (34.73 microm) and those one-piece cast frameworks (151.39 microm), and as regards materials, the palladium-silver alloy (66.30 microm) showed better results than the titanium (119.83 microm). In the distal cylinders there was no significant difference between the frameworks cast in titanium and palladium-silver by the one-piece technique. However, after laser welding, there was a significant difference for the frameworks cast in titanium (31.37 microm) and palladium-silver (106.59 microm).

Corrosion-fatigue life of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloys in different storage environments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Removable partial dentures are affected by fatigue because of the cyclic mechanism of the masticatory system and frequent insertion and removal. Titanium and its alloys have been used in the manufacture of denture frameworks; however, preventive agents with fluorides are thought to attack titanium alloy surfaces. PURPOSE: This study evaluated, compared, and analyzed the corrosion-fatigue life of commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy in different storage environments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For each metal, 33 dumbbell rods, 2.3 mm in diameter at the central segment, were cast in the Rematitan system. Corrosion-fatigue strength test was carried out through a universal testing machine with a load 30% lower than the 0.2% offset yield strength and a combined influence of different environments: in air at room temperature, with synthetic saliva, and with fluoride synthetic saliva. After failure, the number of cycles were recorded, and fracture surfaces were examined with an SEM. RESULTS: ANOVA and Tukey's multiple comparison test indicated that Ti-6Al-4V alloy achieved 21,269 cycles (SD = 8,355) against 19,157 cycles (SD = 3, 624) for the commercially pure Ti. There were no significant differences between either metal in the corrosion-fatigue life for dry specimens, but when the solutions were present, the fatigue life was significantly reduced, probably because of the production of corrosion pits caused by superficial reactions.

Marked increases in psychopathology found in a 30-year cohort comparison of suicide attempters.

BACKGROUND: Although several epidemiological studies have found increases in the percentages of people who have made a suicide attempt, few cohort comparisons have been conducted to determine changes within this population over time. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if there have been changes in the clinical profile of suicide attempters in recent decades. METHOD: Comparisons between a sample of 258 suicide attempters evaluated between 1970 and 1973 and a second sample of 179 suicide attempters evaluated between 1999 and 2002 were made on depression, hopelessness, suicide intent, drug use, history of suicide attempts and subsequent suicide attempts. RESULTS: Present-day suicide attempters were found to exhibit greater levels of depression (p = 0.031), hopelessness (p = 0.008), suicide intent (p < 0.001), and had much higher rates of illicit drug use (p < 0.001). Almost twice as many of the present-day suicide attempters had histories of four or more suicide attempts (p < 0.001), and the present-day suicide attempters made subsequent suicide attempts at close to four times the rate in the year following the index attempt (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present-day suicide attempters exhibited greater levels of psychopathology on every major variable assessed. Replication is necessary and public health implications are discussed.

Surface roughness of acrylic resins submitted to mechanical and chemical polishing.

Surface roughness is extremely important as it influences micro-organism accumulation and consequently oral health. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of mechanical polishing (MP) and chemical polishing (CP) on surface roughness of four heat-cured denture base acrylic resins. Twenty sample discs were prepared for each of the following acrylic resins: Classico (CL), QC 20 (QC), Acron MC (AC) and Onda Cryl (ON). The first two are boiling cured resins and the latter two are microwave cured. After curing and deflasking, samples were ground and subdivided into two groups: MP, which received pumice slurry, chalk powder, soft brush and felt cone, at a bench vice; and CP, which received fluid specifically for chemical polisher. Surface roughness was measured using a Surf Corder SE 1700 rugosimeter. Data collected were statistically analysed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey's test. Surface roughness means in mum were: CL-MP: 0.0350; CL-CP: 0.2298; QC-MP: 0.0307; QC-CP: 0.1792; AC-MP: 0.0312; AC-CP: 0.2700; ON-MP: 0.0321; ON-CP: 0.2949. It can be concluded that MP produced significantly smoother surfaces than CP and that surface roughness because of MP was not influenced by acrylic resin type, whereas this was not true of CP.

Soldering and remelting influence on fatigue strength of cobalt-chromium alloys.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: For laboratory production, it would be economically advisable to reuse excess cobalt-chromium alloys in manufacturing partial denture frameworks. Furthermore, discrepancies in fit, modifications, repairs, and also economic factors could lead to soldering procedure on the metal framework. PURPOSE: This study evaluated the influence of soldering and remelting procedures on the fatigue strength of Steldent, Dentorium, and Biosil cobalt-chromium alloys, as new alloys and in a mixture of new and previously casted alloy and when submitted or not submitted to conventional soldering procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The soldering procedure was conducted in rod specimens 1.7 mm in diameter made with new, or with a mixture of new and reused alloy (n = 10 per group). The results were compared with those of intact rods. The fatigue strength was carried out with a cyclic testing machine simulating the insertion and the removal of partial dentures. After failure, the fracture surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The soldered specimens revealed 1119 loading cycles before fracture. These means differed statistically from those of intact alloys, which disclosed 2733 cycles before failure (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis indicated that the soldering procedure reduced fatigue strength of all new alloys or those in a mixture of new and previously casted alloys. It was also found that the soldering procedure may cause premature failure of a removable partial denture. Photomicrographs from fracture surfaces revealed the presence of inclusions and voids. Conversely, there were no significant differences between new and reused specimens, soldered or not (p > 0.05), which suggested that it may be possible to reuse excess cobalt-chromium alloys without compromising the fatigue strength of the framework.

Retention force and fatigue strength of overdenture attachment systems.

This study evaluated retention force and fatigue resistance of two overdenture attachment systems. Twenty samples (O-ring and Bar-Clip) from two manufacturers (Conexão Sistemas de Prótese and Lifecore Biomedical) were prepared and divided into four groups: (i) Conexão/O-ring; (ii) Conexão/Bar-Clip; (iii) Lifecore/O-ring and (iv) Lifecore/Bar-Clip, with five samples in each group. They were submitted to mechanical fatigue test using a servohydraulic machine performing 5500 cycles of insertion and removal (f=0.8 Hz), immersed in artificial saliva. Retention force values were obtained three times (0, 3000 and after 5500 cycles) simulating the clinical service, using a tensile strength at 1 mm min(-1) and load cell of 1 kN. Data were analysed with analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% level. Results showed that Conexão/Bar-Clip specimens had significantly higher retention values than Lifecore/Bar-Clip (44.61 and 18.44 N, respectively), Conexão/O-ring specimens had significantly lower values than Lifecore/O-ring (13.91 and 19.75 N, respectively). Conexão/Bar-Clip values were always significantly higher than those of Conexão/O-ring group (44.61 and 13.91 N, respectively). Lifecore (O-ring and Bar-Clip) presented similar values (19.75 and 18.44 N, respectively). The systems evaluated showed satisfactory retention force values, before and after fatigue testing. Conexão/Bar-Clip specimens presented the highest values. A 5-year simulation of insertion and removal did not decrease retention values or fracture components.

Aminoglycoside levels in critically ill surgical patients: the implications of physiologic criteria of sepsis.

We retrospectively reviewed medical records and computerized critical care data for 40 consecutive critically ill surgical patients receiving "standard" doses (1.5 to 2.0 mg/kg loading dose and 3 to 5 mg/kg/day) of gentamicin or tobramycin for gram-negative infections. End points measured were serum drug levels and clearance of infection. Therapeutic serum aminoglycoside levels were achieved within 48 hours of therapy by only 7 patients (17.5%). Among the remaining 33 patients, significantly fewer septic than nonseptic patients had clearance of their infection (11% vs 92%). Specific physiologic criteria of sepsis may be used to identify critically ill patients who will most likely benefit from aggressive initial aminoglycoside dosing when these drugs are used to treat gram-negative infections.

Selectins mediate eosinophil recruitment in vivo: a comparison with their role in neutrophil influx.

The role of selectins in mediating eosinophil recruitment in vivo was assessed in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse pleurisy. LPS administration resulted in significant eosinophil influx at 24 hours, whereas neutrophil recruitment to the cavity peaked at 4 hours and persisted for 24 hours. The anti-L-selectin monoclonal antibody (MoAb) MEL-14 effectively inhibited (by 97%) eosinophil influx at 24 hours and also inhibited neutrophil recruitment at both times (75% to 95%). Eosinophil recruitment was partially reduced (54%) by the anti-P-selectin MoAb 5H1 but, in contrast, was unaffected by the anti-E-selectin MoAb 10E6. Neutrophil influx at 4 or 24 hours was not affected by the anti-P- or anti-E-selectin MoAbs. However, coadministration of anti-P-selectin and anti-E-selectin was very effective at inhibiting eosinophil influx at 24 hours (86%) and neutrophil influx at 4 (93%) and 24 hours (92%). These results show that all three selectins play a role in LPS-induced eosinophil and neutrophil recruitment in vivo, although P- and E-selectin show a degree of functional redundancy. The demonstration that P-selectin mediates eosinophil but not neutrophil influx suggests that suppressing the function of this adhesion molecule may be beneficial in blocking eosinophil accumulation in pleural inflammation.

Corrosion-fatigue of laser-repaired commercially pure titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy under different test environments.

This study evaluated the corrosion-fatigue life of laser-repaired specimens fabricated from commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy, tested under different storage conditions. For each metal, 30 dumbbell rods with a central 2.3 mm diameter were prepared by lost-wax casting with the Rematitan System. Simulating the failure after service, corrosion-fatigue life in different media at room temperature (air, synthetic saliva and fluoride synthetic saliva) was determined at a testing frequency of 10 Hz for intact specimens and after laser repairing, using a square waveform with equal maximum tensile and compressive stress that was 30% lower than the 0.2% offset yield strength. For laser welding, the fractured specimens were rejoined using a jig to align the sections invested in type-IV dental stone. The adjacent areas of the gap was air-abraded with 100 microm aluminum oxide, laser welded and retested under the same conditions as the initial intact specimens. The number of cycles at failure was recorded, and the fracture surface was examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The number of cycles for failure of the welded and intact specimens was compared by anova and the Tukey test at a 5% probability level. Within the limitations of this study, the number of cycles required for fracture decreased in wet environments and the laser repairing process adversely affected the life of both metals under the corrosion-fatigue conditions.

Modesto efeito hipolipemiante do extrato seco de Berinjela (Solanum melongena L.) em mulheres com dislipidemias, sob controle nutricional / Modest hypolipidemic effect of Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) dry extract in women with dislipidemy, under nutritional control

Neste estudo, investigou-se o efeito hipolipemiante do extrato seco do fruto de Solanum melongena L. (Berinjela) em pacientes com dislipidemias, sob controle nutricional. Foi realizado no Hospital Universitário Lauro Wanderley/UFPB/PB, constituído de 28 mulheres voluntárias, dislipidêmicas, alocadas para o tratamento com cápsula de Berinjela (n=14) e placebo (n=14), após assinarem o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Cada voluntária recebeu diariamente três cápsulas contendo 360 mg de extrato seco de Berinjela ou 360 mg de placebo, em cada cápsula, oralmente, sendo acompanhada mensalmente. Após 3 meses de tratamento, ao se compararem os valores de colesterol total antes e após 90 dias, verificou-se que houve redução dos mesmos (p=0,023), fato que não ocorreu no grupo controle (p=0,778). Havendo diferença significativa também nos valores de colesterol HDL (p=0,03) entre os grupos na avaliação basal e após 90 dias no grupo controle (p=0,026). Nos parâmetros hepáticos e renais não foram verificadas diferenças significativas, fora da faixa de normalidade clínica. Concluindo que o extrato seco de Solanum melongena L. (Berinjela), exerce um modesto efeito sobre o perfil lipídico, de pacientes com dislipidemias, não apresentando efeito hepatotóxico, nem reações adversas para quem dela faz uso, salientando, entretanto, que a resposta clínica encontrada neste estudo não atingiu os valores estabelecidos pelas III Diretrizes Brasileiras sobre Dislipidemias e Aterosclerose, necessitando de ensaios clínicos mais aprofundados.

In this research, it has been investigated the hypolipidemic effect of the dry extract of Solanum melongena L. (Eggplant) fruit in patients with dislipidemy, under nutritional control. It was accomplished at the Lauro Wanderley Academical Hospital/UFPB/PB, composed by 28 voluntary women, dislipidemics, selected for the treatment with eggplant's capsule (n=14) and placebo (n=14), after they have signed the free and clear up consentiment term. Each volunteer has received daily three capsules with 360 mg of Eggplant dry extract or 360 mg of placebo, in each capsule, orally and they were monthly accompanied. After three months treatment, when compared the values of full cholesterol before and after 90 days, it was verified that these values were reduced (p=0,023), fact that did not happened in the control group (p=0,778). There was a significant difference in cholesterol values HDL (p=0,026) among these groups in basal evaluation and after 90 days in the control group (p=0,026). In hepatic and renal parameters, significant differences were not find out, remaining out of the clinical normality level. Concluding that the dry extract of Solanum melongena L. (Eggplant) has a modest effect over the lipidic profile of patients with dislipidemy, not intervening on other renal parameters, neither presenting toxic hepatic effect nor adverse reactions for those who use it, pointing out, however that the clinical answer found in this study it didn't reach the established values for the Third Brazilian Guidelines on Dislipidemies and Atherosclerosis, needing clinical rehearsals more deepened.