25-Hydroxyvitamin D as a biomarker of vitamin D status in plaque psoriasis and other dermatological diseases: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem associated with several chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with plaque psoriasis. A comparison was made between vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and those with other non-inflammatory dermatoses without photosensitivity. In addition, it evaluated the effects of the patients' Fitzpatrick skin phototype and the season of the year on the serum levels of vitamin D. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A review of dermatology patients' demographic data, including skin phototype and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], over 12 months in 2016. RESULTS: This study included 554 patients: 300 patients allocated to the plaque psoriasis group and 254 control patients with other dermatological diseases. Regarding the season of the year, 229, 132, 62, and 131 participants were evaluated in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. As for the skin phototype, 397, 139, and 18 patients had phototypes III, IV, and V, respectively. The serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in the psoriasis group (24.91 ± 7.16 ng/mL) than in the control group (30.37 ± 8.14 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 76.66% of patients with psoriasis versus 53.94% of control patients. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was observed in 25% of the patients with psoriasis versus 8.66% in the control group (P < 0.001). The season and patient's skin phototype were independent predictors of serum vitamin D levels.

Protocol of HOTFy: randomised clinical trial to hyperbaric oxygen therapy in fibromyalgia.

INTRODUCTION: Fibromyalgia is a polysymptomatic syndrome with a prevalence between 0.2% and 13% of the population and causes work disabilities in approximately half of affected patients. Several treatments to fibromyalgia have been proposed with partial improvement. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and when it should be introduced to fibromyalgia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a protocol for an open-label, crossover, randomised clinical trial comparing treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy and standardised treatment to fibromyalgia. In the proposed study, 56 individuals with fibromyalgia will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio into a single, fixed, random block, in which one group will receive hyperbaric oxygen therapy and another will receive standard treatment. Subsequently, the groups will be crossed. Participants will be evaluated at baseline, eight and 16 weeks based on functional impairment assessed with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire-Brazilian Portuguese version, psychopathological symptoms questionnaire and short-form quality of life questionnaire. The improvement of symptoms concerning the moment of therapy used will be compared between groups. For sample size calculation, a moderate effect size, 80% power and 95% CI will be estimated, in a total of 46 patients. Considering a dropout of 20%, 56 patients should be recruited. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora Teaching Hospital ethics committee and assigned the number 53058421.9.0000.5133 (version 3). The results will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations in medical meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-6prps8g)/UTN U1111-1278-3224.

Is vitamin D status relevant to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? A retrospective cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory manifestations in the skin and joints. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a pandemic and is associated with comorbidities including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D] in patients with plaque psoriasis, with and without PsA, and of independent predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], family history, age at onset, disease duration, and the presence of PsA according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis), skin phototype, and season of the year were reviewed. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA (82.2% and 74.9%, respectively). An inverse correlation between PASI and vitamin D was found (without PsA r = -0.59 and, PsA r = -0.52, P < 0.001), and multivariate regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D was associated with disease severity, season, and phototype. It was confirmed by binary logistic regression between PASI and vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), (odds ratio, OR 1.78 CI: -0.20-0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in psoriatic patients with and without PsA. Season and skin phototype were associated with 25(OH)D levels. An inverse association between PASI and serum 25(OH)D levels was established.

Is vitamin D status relevant to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis? A retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory manifestations in the skin and joints. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a pandemic and is associated with comorbidities including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D] in patients with plaque psoriasis, with and without PsA, and of independent predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], family history, age at onset, disease duration, and the presence of PsA according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis), skin phototype, and season of the year were reviewed. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA (82.2% and 74.9%, respectively). An inverse correlation between PASI and vitamin D was found (without PsA r = -0.59 and, PsA r = -0.52, P < 0.001), and multivariate regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D was associated with disease severity, season, and phototype. It was confirmed by binary logistic regression between PASI and vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), (odds ratio, OR 1.78 CI: -0.20-0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in psoriatic patients with and without PsA. Season and skin phototype were associated with 25(OH)D levels. An inverse association between PASI and serum 25(OH)D levels was established.

Broad-spectrum cannabis oil ameliorates reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model in mice.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is an idiopathic disorder characterized by generalized pain and associated symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Cannabis sativa shows different pharmacological activities, such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory. Associated with this, the use of an oil with low concentrations of THC can reduce the psychomimetic adverse effects of the plant. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the analgesic effect of broad-spectrum cannabis oil with low THC concentration in an experimental model of FM. Mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal allodynia, depressive- and anxious-related behavior, and locomotor activity were evaluated after reserpine (0.25 mg/kg; injected subcutaneously (s.c.) once daily for three consecutive days) administration. Our results showed that oral administration of broad-spectrum cannabis oil (0.1, 1, and 3 mg/kg, p.o.) in a single dose on the 4th day inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal allodynia induced by reserpine. Relevantly, treatment during four days with broad-spectrum cannabis oil (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced mechanical hyperalgesia 1 h after reserpine administration. Intraplantar treatment with cannabis oil significantly reversed mechanical and heat thermal nociception induced by reserpine injection. Interestingly, spinal and supraspinal administration of broad-spectrum cannabis oil completely inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal sensitivity induced by reserpine. The repeated cannabis oil administration, given daily for 14 days, markedly mitigated the mechanical and thermal sensitivity during the FM model, and its reduced depressive-like behavior induced by reserpine. In summary, broad-spectrum cannabis oil is an effective alternative to reverse the reserpine-induced fibromyalgia model.

Aplicações da manufatura aditiva em oftalmologia / Applications of additive manufacturing in ophthalmology

RESUMO A manufatura aditiva, mais popularmente conhecida como impressão tridimensional, baseia-se no desenvolvimento de um objeto com a ajuda de um software de desenho assistido por computador seguido de sua impressão por meio da deposição de uma matéria-prima, camada por camada, para a construção do produto desejado. Existem vários tipos de técnicas de impressão tridimensional, e o tipo de processo de impressão escolhido depende da aplicação específica do objeto a ser desenvolvido, dos materiais a serem utilizados e da resolução necessária à impressão do produto final. A impressão tridimensional abriu perspectivas na pesquisa e revolucionou o campo das ciências da saúde, com a possibilidade de criação e de desenvolvimento de produtos personalizados de maneira rápida, econômica e de forma mais centralizada do que no processo de manufatura tradicional. As tecnologias de manufatura aditiva remodelaram os diagnósticos médicos; as medidas preventivas e pré-operatórias; o tratamento e a reabilitação, assim como os processos de engenharia de tecidos nos últimos anos. Na oftalmologia, as aplicações da impressão tridimensional são extensas. Modelos anatômicos para aplicação na área da educação e planejamentos cirúrgicos, desenvolvimento de implantes, lentes, equipamentos para diagnósticos, novas aplicações terapêuticas e desenvolvimento de tecidos oculares já estão em desenvolvimento. Por possuir um campo amplo e ser alvo de pesquisa constante, a área oftalmológica permite que a manufatura aditiva ainda seja amplamente utilizada a favor dos médicos e dos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Additive manufacturing, more popularly known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is based on the development of an object with the help of computer-aided design software followed by its printing through the deposition of a material, layer by layer, to create the desired product. There are several types of 3D printing techniques and the type of printing process chosen depends on the specific application of the object to be developed, the materials to be used, and the resolution required to print the final product. 3D printing has brought new perspectives to research and revolutionized the field of health sciences, with the possibility of creating and developing customized products in a faster, more economical, and more centralized way than in the traditional manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing technologies have reformulated medical diagnostics, preventive, preoperative, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as tissue engineering processes in recent years. In ophthalmology, the applications of 3D printing are extensive. Anatomical models for application in education and surgical planning, development of implants, lenses, diagnostic equipment, new therapeutic applications, and development of ocular tissues (3D bioprinting) are already under development. As it has a wide field and is the subject of constant research, the ophthalmic area allows additive manufacturing to still be widely used in favor of doctors and patients.

Antidepressant-like effect of rosmarinic acid during LPS-induced neuroinflammatory model: The potential role of cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathway.

Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic acid and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenyllactic acid, has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Herein, this study investigated in silico the drug-likeness and the potential molecular targets to RA. Moreover, it tested the antidepressant-like potential of RA in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression model. RA (MW = 360.31 g/mol) meets the criteria of both Lipinski's rule of five and the Ghose filter. It also attends to relevant pharmacokinetic parameters. Target prediction analysis identified RA's potential targets and biological activities, including the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 . In vivo, RA's acute, repetitive, and therapeutic administration showed antidepressant-like effect since it significantly reduced the immobility time in the tail suspension test and increased grooming time in the splash test. Further, the pretreatment with antagonists of CB1 , CB2 , and PPAR-γ receptors significantly blocked the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Altogether, our findings suggest that cannabinoid receptors/PPAR-γ signaling pathways are involved with the antidepressant-like effect of RA. Moreover, this molecule meets important physicochemical and pharmacokinetic parameters that favor its bioavailability. RA constitutes a promising, innovative, and safe molecule for the pharmacotherapy of major depressive disorder.

Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis among patients with plaque psoriasis: a Brazilian retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis is the most frequent and impactful comorbidity among psoriatic patients and appears in most cases after skin disease. Dermatologists play a key role in its early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis and associated variables among patients with plaque psoriasis seen at a reference center for treating psoriasis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. METHODS: Standardized records of 300 patients with plaque psoriasis were examined. Demographic data and medical variables relating to psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), family history, age at onset and disease progression) and psoriasis arthritis (CASPAR criteria) were evaluated. Laboratory and radiographic tests in the medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-three (24.3%) of these 300 patients with plaque psoriasis had psoriatic arthritis. Asymmetric oligoarthritis (58.9%) was the most common clinical form, followed by polyarthritis (20.5%), distal interphalangeal arthritis (15.2%) and spondyloarthritis (5.4%). Dactylitis was present in 21.9% and enthesitis in 35.6% of patients. Compared with patients without arthritis, patients with arthritis had higher average age, higher frequency of positive family history of psoriasis, longer duration of evolution and higher PASI rates. CONCLUSION: Psoriatic arthritis is often underdiagnosed. Since dermatologists perform the initial approach, these professionals need to be trained to diagnose this comorbidity and treat it, together with rheumatologists.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel: toxicological assays, biological activities, and elemental analysis of organic compounds.

Jaboticaba, Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, is a Brazilian berry traditionally used in folk medicine as treatment for some health conditions. Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins have previously been detected in the fruit. This current study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of jaboticaba peel extract (JPE) on Artemia salina, L929, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Besides, JPE antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase, and antifungal activities, and elemental analysis CHNS were also tested. JPE had moderate toxicity (LD50 = 360.92 µg mL-1) on A. salina, non-toxic effect on L929 cell line, and decreased the viability of cancer cell line MDA at 1,000 µg mL-1 and 500 µg mL-1 concentrations. The antioxidant activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) performed IC50 = 37.45 ± 0.17 µg mL-1, whereas 45.7% of acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited. By its elemental composition, JPE is an alternative food supplement and dermocosmetic component. Antifungal potential toward Candida strains was not observed.

Effects of resveratrol on the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of deciduous dental pulp stem cells from neurofibromatosis type 1 patient.

PURPOSE: We aimed at verifying whether resveratrol can decrease cell proliferation and change osteogenic differentiation of cells obtained from patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1). METHODS: Deciduous dental pulp derived stem cells were isolated from NF1 patient and healthy volunteer. These cells were subjected to increasing concentrations of resveratrol and evaluated for proliferation and mineralization of osteogenic differentiation. RESULTS: The results showed that resveratrol reduced the difference in proliferation between CNT and NF1 cells in a dose-dependent manner and this property was more prominent in affected cells than in healthy cells. Resveratrol showed no statistically significant changes in mineralization in osteogenic differentiation of NF1 cells, at low doses tested. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, in a dose-dependent manner, resveratrol displays interesting properties that could be applied in a possible treatment aimed at decreasing cellular proliferation in neurofibromatosis. Furthermore, it is selective concerning healthy cells and not affecting cell differentiation. Further research to cell selectivity, differentiation to other tissue types, and cell cytotoxicity are needed.

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Endometriosis in a Brazilian Population.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in candidate genes or candidate regions and the development of endometriosis in Brazilian women. METHODS: A total of 30 women between 25 and 64 years old with a diagnosis of endometriosis participated in the present study, as well as 30 matched control women from the same age group, asymptomatic and without family history of the disease. The patients genotypic and allelic frequencies of polymorphisms in the GREB1 gene (rs13394619) and in the intergenic region at position 7p15.2 (rs12700667) were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the frequency of genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs13394619) in the GREB1 gene between the two groups. However, the distribution frequencies of the genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs12700667) in an intergenic region on chromosome 7 were different for control patients and for patients with endometriosis, with higher frequency of the AG genotype compared to the GG between patients with the disease (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49; confidence interval [CI] = 1.47-8.26). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that the polymorphism in the intergenic region of chromosome 7 is associated with the risk of developing endometriosis in a population of Brazilian women from Juiz de Fora.

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and endometriosis in a brazilian population / Associação de polimorfismos de único nucleotídeo com a endometriose em uma população brasileira

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in candidate genes or candidate regions and the development of endometriosis in Brazilian women. Methods A total of 30 women between 25 and 64 years old with a diagnosis of endometriosis participated in the present study, as well as 30 matched control women from the same age group, asymptomatic and without family history of the disease. The patients genotypic and allelic frequencies of polymorphisms in the GREB1 gene (rs13394619) and in the intergenic region at position 7p15.2 (rs12700667) were analyzed and compared. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs13394619) in the GREB1 gene between the two groups. However, the distribution frequencies of the genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs12700667) in an intergenic region on chromosome 7 were different for control patients and for patients with endometriosis, with higher frequency of the AG genotype compared to the GG between patients with the disease (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49; confidence interval [CI] = 1.47-8.26). Conclusion The present study suggests that the polymorphism in the intergenic region of chromosome 7 is associated with the risk of developing endometriosis in a population of Brazilian women from Juiz de Fora.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a associação de polimorfismos genéticos em genes candidatos ou regiões candidatas com o desenvolvimento da endometriose em mulheres brasileiras. Métodos Um total de 30 mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose, com idade entre 25 e 64 anos, participaram da presente pesquisa, bem como 30 mulheres controle, na mesma faixa etária, assintomáticas e sem história familiar da doença. Foram analisadas e comparadas as frequências genotípicas e alélicas de polimorfismos no gene GREB1 (rs13394619) e na região intergênica na posição 7p15.2 (rs12700667) nessas pacientes. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na frequência dos genótipos para o polimorfismo A > G (rs13394619) no gene GREB1 entre os dois grupos. No entanto, as frequências de distribuição dos genótipos para o polimorfismo A > G (rs12700667) em uma região intergênica no cromossomo 7 foram diferentes entre as pacientes controle e com endometriose, com frequência mais alta do genótipo AG comparado ao GG entre as pacientes com a doença (odds ratio [OR] = 3,49; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% = 1,47-8,26). Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que o polimorfismo na região intergênica do cromossomo 7 foi associado com o risco do desenvolvimento de endometriose em uma população de mulheres de Juiz de Fora.

Esporotricose brasileira: desdobramentos de uma epidemia negligenciada / Brazilian sporotrichosis: development of a neglected epidemic

A esporotricose é uma micose subcutânea de distribuição mundial, sendo observada em surtos de proporções variáveis, com predominância em áreas de clima temperado e tropical. Algumas áreas de endemicidade já foram relatadas. No Brasil, seus agentes etiológicos encontraram não só condições climáticas e estruturais ideais, mas também fontes de infecções extremamente eficientes. Nas últimas décadas, o país tem observado um aumento exponencial no número de casos de esporotricose humana e animal. Esse aumento e o surgimento de resistência aos antifúngicos tornam a situação alarmante. Apesar de essa epidemia se perpetuar há anos, existem poucas políticas de saúde no Brasil para o controle dos casos de esporotricose humana e animal, principalmente na atenção primária à saúde. Assim, intervenções sociais, ambientais e populacionais devem ser feitas para conter essa epidemia negligenciada.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous mycosis with a worldwide distribution, which has been observed in outbreaks of variable proportions in all continents, with predominance in temperate and tropical climate zones. Some areas of endemicity have already been reported. In Brazil, its etiological agents found not only ideal climatic and structural conditions, but also extremely efficient sources of infections. In the last decades, the country has suffered an exponential increase in the number of human and animal cases of sporotrichosis. This increase, combined with the emergence of antifungal resistance makes the situation alarming. Although this epidemic has been perpetuating for years, there are few health policies in Brazil to control it/the disease, especially in primary health care. Therefore, social, environmental and population-based interventions should be organized in order to contain this neglected epidemic.

Delivering Resveratrol on the Buccal Mucosa Using Mucoadhesive Tablets: A Potential Treatment Strategy for Inflammatory Oral Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Resveratrol is a polyphenol that has gained momentum in therapeutics in the last few years. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we hypothesised that resveratrol could act prophylactically and/or treat inflammatory lesions of the oral cavity after being delivered by two different formulations of buccal mucoadhesive tablets (F1 and F2, which differed in terms of viscosity agents used). METHODS: This hypothesis was assessed through permeation studies, to verify diffusion of the drug through the buccal mucosa using a porcine model to predict human in vivo behaviour. RESULTS: F2 (tablet with less viscosity agent) presented better permeation than F1, but the amount of drug that crossed the mucosa was still low compared to the amount retained within it (35.90 µg found in the receptor medium and 15.63 mg quantified within the mucosa). CONCLUSION: This accounted for a local effect rather than a systemic one, which is desirable for local processes, such as oral mucositis, lichen planus, erythema multiforme, nicotinic stomatitis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, among others. In this sense, resveratrol-loaded mucoadhesive tablets appear to be a prominent alternative to prevent and/or cure inflammatory lesions of the oral cavity.

Determinantes das patentes em ciências da vida e da saúde nas universidades federais de Minas Gerais, Brasil: uma análise de dados em painel para o período 1995-2016 / Determinants of patents in the life sciences and health sciences at federal universities in Minas Gerais State, Brazil: an analysis of panel data for 1995-2016 / Determinantes de las patentes en el ámbito de las ciencias de la vida y la salud en universidades federales de Minas Gerais, Brasil: un análisis de datos de panel durante el período 1995-2016

Na década de 1990, com o desenvolvimento da microeletrônica e das tecnologias de comunicações, emergiu o paradigma da tecnologia da informação, caracterizado pela intensidade de informação que, transformada em conhecimento e inovação, desempenha um papel crucial para o desenvolvimento. Entretanto, para que isso ocorra, é necessário que os países construam arranjos institucionais apropriados. Com isso, surge o modelo de sistemas de inovação da Tríplice Hélice, que compreende a inovação e o progresso técnico, em uma Economia do Conhecimento, como o resultado de um conjunto complexo de relações entre universidade, empresa e governo. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem o objetivo de identificar o impacto da produção de conhecimento e das políticas públicas para a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores pertencentes ao domínio científico Ciências da Vida e da Saúde, no âmbito das universidades federais de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A análise considerou o período de 1995 a 2016, e utilizou técnicas de econometria em painel de dados. Os resultados mostram que fatores educacionais (orientações em pós-graduação), econômicos (produtos tecnológicos e prestação de serviços tecnológicos) e políticos (arcabouço legal, recursos financeiros e políticas de estímulo) impactam a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores selecionados. Por meio da análise dos resultados, podem-se perceber os esforços do governo, mesmo que ainda incipientes, na tentativa de promover o salto tecnológico.

In the 1990s, the development of microelectronics and communication technologies spawned the information technology paradigm, characterized by an intensity of information which, transformed into knowledge and innovation, plays a crucial role for development. In order for this to occur, countries need to build appropriate institutional arrangements. This led to the Triple Helix model for systems innovation, which views innovation and technical progress in a Knowledge Economy as the result of a complex set of relations between universities, companies, and government. In this context, the current study aims to identify the impact of knowledge production and public policies for the production of patent applications by life sciences and health sciences researchers affiliated with federal universities in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis covered the years 1995 to 2016 and used econometric techniques in panel data. According to the findings, educational factors (thesis supervision), economic factors (technological products and the provision of technological services), and political factors (legal framework, financial resources, and incentive policies) impact the production of patent applications by the selected researchers. The results reveal efforts by government, although incipient, in the attempt to promote a technological leap.

Durante la década de 1990, con el desarrollo de la microelectrónica y las tecnologías de la comunicación, surgió el paradigma de la tecnología de la información, caracterizado por la intensidad de información que, transformada en conocimiento e innovación, desempeña un papel crucial para el desarrollo. No obstante, para que esto ocurra, es necesario que los países construyan marcos institucionales apropiados. Por ello, surge el modelo de sistemas de innovación de Triple Hélice, que abarca innovación y progreso técnico en una Economía del Conocimiento, como resultado de un conjunto complejo de relaciones entre universidad, empresa y gobierno. En este contexto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo de identificar el impacto de la producción de conocimiento y de las políticas públicas, con el fin de producir depósitos para patentes de investigadores, pertenecientes al campo científico de las Ciencias de la Vida y la Salud, en el ámbito de las universidades federales de Minas Gerais, Brasil. El análisis consideró el período de 1995 a 2016, y utilizó técnicas de econometría de panel de datos. Los resultados muestran que los factores educacionales (orientación durante el posgrado), económicos (productos tecnológicos y prestación de servicios tecnológicos) y políticos (marco legal, recursos financieros y políticas de estímulo) impactan en la producción de depósitos para patentes de los investigadores seleccionados. Mediante el análisis de los resultados, se pueden percibir los esfuerzos del gobierno, aunque sean incipientes, en la tentativa de promover el salto tecnológico.

Avaliação ex vivo da obliteração de túbulos dentinários humanos pelo uso comparativo de agentes dessensibilizantes convencionais e dessensibilizantes contendo biovidro / Ex vivo evaluation of obliteration of human dentinal tubules by comparative use of common desensitizing agents and desensitizing agent containing bioglass

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia ex vivo de um dentifrício dessensibilizante contendo biovidro (Sensodyne® Repair & Protect, GlaxoSmithKline Brasil Ltd., Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), quanto ao potencial de obliteração dos túbulos dentinários e compará-lo com os dentifrícios convencionais (Colgate® Sensitive Pro-Alívio™, Colgate-Palmolive, São Paulo, SP, Brasil e Sensodyne® Rápido Alívio, GlaxoSmithKline Brasil Ltd., Rio de Janeiro, Brasil). Foram utilizados 12 pré-molares humanos divididos em: G1 (n=4) - escovação com Colgate® Sensitive Pró-Alívio; G2 (n=4) - escovação com Sensodyne® Rápido Alívio; e G3 (n=4) - escovação com Sensodyne® Repair & Protect. As amostras foram submetidas à simulação de escovação de um período de oito semanas, com duas escovações diárias e analisadas em microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), quanto à presença e características dos túbulos dentinários; a espectroscopia de raios-X por dispersão em energia (EDS), a fim de avaliar os elementos químicos presentes nos túbulos dentinários. A análise qualitativa da obliteração dos túbulos dentinários foi avaliada por meio das fotomicrografias. Para verificar a distribuição normal dos dados da EDS, utilizou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk (p<0,05). De acordo com a normalidade apresentada, foram executados teste t-Student de amostras pareadas e teste de Wilcoxon. No grupo G1 foi verificada diminuição na luz dos túbulos dentinários, enquanto no G2, além da diminuição dos túbulos, nítida deposição de partículas obliteradoras foi observada. No G3, foi detectada não só a obliteração dos túbulos, mas também a diminuição na quantidade dos mesmos; além da formação de uma camada de hidroxidocarbonato de apatita (HCA) sobre a dentina. A análise conjunta dos dados permitiu concluir que os dentifrícios testados foram capazes de ocluir os túbulos dentinários e que o dentifrício Sensodyne® Repair & Protect apresentou melhor eficácia na obliteração dos túbulos dentinários, seguido respectivamente dos dentifrícios Sensodyne® Rápido Alívio e Colgate® Sensitive Pró-Alívio.

In vitro antifungal activity of organic compounds derived from amino alcohols against onychomycosis

Abstract Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail caused by high densities of filamentous fungi and yeasts. Treatment for this illness is long-term, and recurrences are frequently detected. This study evaluated in vitro antifungal activities of 12 organic compounds derived from amino alcohols against standard fungal strains, such as Trichophyton rubrum CCT 5507 URM 1666, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 11481, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antifungal compounds were synthesized from p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4a-4f) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (9a-9f). Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols M38-A2, M27-A3, and M27-S4. The amine series 4b-4e, mainly 4c and 4e compounds, were effective against filamentous fungi and yeast (MIC from 7.8 to 312 µg/mL). On the other hand, the amide series (9a-9f) did not present inhibitory effect against fungi, except amide 9c, which demonstrated activity only against C. albicans. This allowed us to infer that the presence of amine group and intermediate carbon number (8C-11C) in its aliphatic side chain seems to be important for antifungal activity. Although these compounds present cytotoxic activity on macrophages J774, our results suggest that these aromatic compounds might constitute potential as leader molecules in the development of more effective and less toxic analogs that could have considerable implications for future therapies of onychomycosis.

Prevalências de doenças de grande impacto na saúde pública em idosos frágeis residentes na Zona da Mata Mineira-Brasil: um estudo de base populacional / Prevalence of major Public Health impact diseases among frail elderly residents in the Zona da Mata region in the state of Minas Gerais-Brazil: a population-based study

O objetivo deste estudo transversal, descritivo, observacional e de base populacional foi identificar as prevalências de certas doenças de elevado custo e impacto no setor de Saúde Pública e de alguns hábitos de vida de idosos frágeis residentes na zona da Mata Mineira (Brasil). A pesquisa envolveu 7.113 idosos frágeis, de ambos os sexos, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. As informações foram obtidas, a partir do banco de dados eletrônico mantido e organizado pelo Centro Mais Vida. Observou-se um maior número de idosos do sexo feminino (67,6%), com idade entre 60 a 69 anos (40,4%) e casados (48,5%). 9,3% da população pesquisada apresentavam comprometimento cognitivo leve, 11,8% incapacidade cognitiva, 5,0% depressão, 9,0% demências, 7,9% insuficiência cardíaca, 21,6% diabetes Mellitus, 44,5% dislipidemias. Quanto aos hábitos de vida, 69,6% eram sedentários, 11,1% fumavam tabaco e 2,7% eram etilistas. Esses dados permitem comparações em nível internacional e são essenciais para a elaboração de políticas efetivas e intervenções primárias, secundárias e terciárias a nível populacional.

This cross-sectional, descriptive, observational and population-based study aimed to identify the prevalence of costly diseases and their impact on the public health sector, as well as lifestyle habits of frail elderly residents in Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais (Brazil). The research involved 7,113 frail elderly of both genders, aged over 60 years. Data were obtained from the electronic database maintained and organized by the institution Centro Mais Vida. A greater number of frail elderly females (67.6%) aged from 60 to 69 years old (40.4%) and married (48.5%) was observed. 9.3% of the surveyed population had mild cognitive impairment, 11.8% had cognitive disability, 5.0% had depression, 9.0% had dementia, 7.9% had heart failure, 21.6% had diabetes Mellitus and 44.5% had dyslipidemia. For lifestyle, 69.6% were sedentary, 11.1% smoked tobacco and 2.7% were alcoholics. Such data allow comparisons at international level and are critical for the development of effective policies as well as primary, secondary and tertiary-level interventions among the population.

Qualidade da dieta de estudantes de uma universidade pública brasileira / Diet quality of students at a brazilian public university

O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi avaliar as dietas de acadêmicos de uma universidade pública brasileira quanto à adequação energética, ao consumo de macro e micronutrientes e de fibras alimentares. A pesquisa foi realizada de março/2010 a dezembro/2011, utilizando-se o Registro Alimentar de três dias e o software Dietpro5i para a coleta e a determinação da composição das dietas, respectivamente. O estudo envolveu 278 indivíduos distribuídos em quatro grupos: Educação Física/feminino (n=66), Educação Física/masculino (n=69), Farmácia/feminino (n=79) e Farmácia/masculino (n=64). Realizou-se estatística descritiva e ANOVA/post hoc de Tukey (SPSS vs.14.0). Em todos os grupos, observou-se uma dieta hiperenergética, hiperproteica, hiperglicídica, adequada quanto à contribuição calórica dos macronutrientes e em ferro e deficiente em cálcio e fibras alimentares. Observou-se que 39,3% de todos os indivíduos apresentaram consumo insuficiente de zinco. Comparando estatisticamente os grupos, destaca-se que o maior consumo energético médio pertence ao grupo Educação Física/masculino (3.760,3±686,6 kcal/dia; p<0,002 para todos os grupos), sendo que 53,1% deles realizavam uma dieta hipercalórica. Esse grupo também apresentou o maior consumo médio de proteínas (1,7±0,7 g/kg/dia), carboidratos (358,8±91,4 g/dia), ferro (13,9±4,5 mg/dia) (p<0,05 para esses componentes de todos os grupos) e zinco (12,1±5,3 mg/dia; p=0,004 para Farmácia/masculino). Do grupo Farmácia/feminino, observou-se o menor consumo médio de cálcio (601,1±227,0 mg/dia; p<0,022 para homens de ambos os cursos), enquanto o grupo Farmácia/masculino apresentou o maior percentual de indivíduos com dieta deficiente em fibras alimentares (85,8%; p=0,022 para Farmácia/feminino). Essas constatações sinalizam algumas inadequações alimentares, as quais podem constituir um fator de risco, a longo prazo, para a saúde dessa população.

The aim of this study was to evaluate students' diets at a Brazilian public university with regard to energetic adequacy and the consumption of macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary fiber. This research was conducted from March/2010 to December/2011, using the Three-day Diet Record and Dietpro5i software, to collect and analyze the diet composition information. It was composed of 278 subjects, divided into four groups: Physical Education/ female (n=66), Physical Education/male (n=69), Pharmacy/female (n=79), and Pharmacy/male (n=64). Descriptive statistics and ANOVA/post hoc Tukey were performed (SPSS vs.14.0). All groups presented diets with high contents in energy, carbohydrates, and protein; adequate for macronutrient caloric contribution and iron; and low in calcium and dietary fiber. It was observed that 39.3% of all individuals presented low zinc consumption. Statistically comparing the groups, what stands out is that the highest mean energy consumption was found in the Physical Education/male group (3.760.3±686.6 kcal/ day; p<0.002 among all groups), and 53.1% of them were under a high-energy diet. This group also presented the highest mean consumption for protein (1.7±0.7 g/kg/ day), carbohydrates (358.8±91.4 g/day), iron (13.9±4.5 mg/day) (p<0.05 for this component among all groups), and zinc (12.1±5.3 mg/day; p=0.004 for Pharmacy/male). Pharmacy/female presented the lowest mean calcium consumption (601.1±227.0 mg/day; p<0.022 for both male groups), while the Pharmacy/male group presented the highest percentage of individuals with deficient dietary fiber intake (85.8%; p=0.022 for Pharmacy/ female). Some results indicate dietary inadequacy, which can become a risk factor for this population's health in the long term.

Chemical composition and antifungal activity of essential oil from Eucalyptus smithii against dermatophytes.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition of a commercial sample of essential oil from Eucalyptus smithii R.T. Baker and its antifungal activity against Microsporum canis ATCC 32903, Microsporum gypseum ATCC 14683, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, T. mentagrophytes ATCC 11480, T. mentagrophytes ATCC 11481, and Trichophyton rubrum CCT 5507. METHODS: Morphological changes in these fungi after treatment with the oil were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal activity of the oil was determined on the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values. RESULTS: The compound 1,8-cineole was found to be the predominant component (72.2%) of the essential oil. The MIC values of the oil ranged from 62.5µg·mL-1 to >1,000µg·mL-1, and the MFC values of the oil ranged from 125µg·mL-1 to >1,000µg·mL-1. SEM analysis showed physical damage and morphological alterations in the fungi exposed to this oil. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the potential of Eucalyptus smithii essential oil as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of dermatophytosis.