Doxorubicin-galactomannan nanoconjugates for potential cancer treatment.

In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of pH-responsive nanoconjugates for targeted drug delivery. Galactomannan extracted from D. regia seeds was oxidized to form aldehyde groups, achieving a percentage of oxidation of 25.6 %. The resulting oxidized galactomannan (GMOX) was then copolymerized with PINIPAm-NH2, yielding a copolymer. The copolymer exhibited signals from both GMOX and PNIPAm-NH2 in its NMR spectrum, confirming successful copolymerization. Critical association concentration (CAC) studies revealed the formation of nanostructures, with lower CAC values observed at higher temperatures. The copolymer and GMOX reacted with doxorubicin (DOX), resulting in nanoconjugates with controlled drug release profiles, especially under acidic conditions similar to tumor microenvironments. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated significant efficacy of the nanoconjugates against melanoma cells with reduced toxicity towards healthy cells. These findings underscore the potential of the pH-responsive nanoconjugates as promising candidates for targeted cancer therapy, offering improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic side effects.

Sulfonamide-chalcone hybrid compound suppresses cellular adhesion and migration: Experimental and computational insight.

In the present study, the effect of sulfonamide-chalcone 185 (SSC185) was investigated against B16-F10 metastatic melanoma cells aggressive actions, besides migration and adhesion processes, by in silico and in vitro assays. In silico studies were used to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile and possible targets of SSC185, using the pkCSM web server, and docking simulations with AutoDock Tools. Furthermore, the antimetastatic effect of SSC185 was investigated by in vitro experiments using MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide), colony, scratch, and cell adhesion assays, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molecular docking results show better affinity of SSC185 with the metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and α5ß1 integrin. SSC185 effectively restricts the formation of colonies, migration, and adhesion of B16-F10 metastatic melanoma cells. Through the AFM images changes in cells morphology was identified, with a decrease in the filopodia and increase in the average cellular roughness. The results obtained demonstrate the potential of this molecule in inhibit the primordial steps for metastasis, which is responsible for a worse prognosis of late stage cancer, being the main cause of morbidity among cancer patients.

Effectiveness of a formulation based on Ocimum gratissimum essential oil and cashew gum as inhibitors of quality loss and melanosis in shrimp.

In this study, two nanoemulsions were formulated with essential oil (EO) of Ocimum gratissimum with (EON) or without (EOE) cashew gum (CG). Subsequently, inhibition of melanosis and preservation of the quality of shrimp stored for 16 days at 4 ± 0.5 °C were evaluated. A computational approach was performed to predict the system interactions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for nanoparticle analysis. Gas chromatography and flame ionization detector (GC-FID) determined the chemical composition of the EO constituents. Shrimps were evaluated according to melanosis's appearance, psychrotrophic bacteria's count, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. EON exhibited a particle size three times smaller than EOE. The shrimp treated with EON showed a more pronounced sensory inhibition of melanosis, which was considered mild by the 16th day. Meanwhile, in the other groups, melanosis was moderate (EOE) or severe (untreated group). Both EON and EOE treatments exhibited inhibition of psychrotrophic bacteria and demonstrated the potential to prevent lipid oxidation, thus extending the shelf life compared to untreated fresh shrimp. EON with cashew gum, seems more promising due to its physicochemical characteristics and superior sensory performance in inhibiting melanosis during shrimp preservation.

Vacinar ou arriscar? A mensagem da Organização Mundial de Saúde para promover a vacinação contra a covid-19 / Vaccinate or taking chances? The World Health Organization's message to promote vaccination against COVID-19

Resumo Centrando-se no impacto que a comunicação de risco emitida pelas organizações de saúde pública tem na mudança dos comportamentos da sociedade, esta investigação pretende analisar as mensagens-chave que a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) definiu para promover o programa de vacinação contra a covid-19. Para cumprir este objetivo, enveredou-se por uma metodologia de estudo qualitativa, que privilegiou o uso da análise do conteúdo publicado nas páginas de Facebook e de Instagram da OMS, no período de 1 de abril a 31 de agosto de 2021. No total, foram analisadas 62 publicações. Os resultados mostraram que a OMS utilizou quatro eixo de comunicação para promover a importância da vacinação na sociedade: garantir a credibilidade e a transparência da informação transmitida; certificar a segurança e a eficácia da vacina; apelar ao sentido de responsabilidade coletiva; e associar a vacina à solução para pôr fim à pandemia. As conclusões do estudo mostram que, embora a equidade no acesso à vacina ainda seja uma realidade em construção, os quase 70% da população mundial vacinada sugerem que as mensagens enviadas pela OMS no contexto de comunicação de risco podem ter contribuído para a construção de uma imagem positiva do programa de vacinação.

Abstract Focusing on the impact that risk communication issued by public health organizations brings to changing societal behaviors, this research aimed to analyze the key messages that the World Health Organization (WHO) has defined to promote the COVID-19 vaccination program. In order to achieve this goal, a qualitative study methodology was used to analyze the content published on the WHO's Facebook and Instagram pages from April 1 to August 31, 2021. In total, 62 publications were analyzed. The results showed that the WHO used four key communication messages to promote the importance of vaccination in society: ensuring the credibility and transparency of the information transmitted; certifying the safety and efficacy of the vaccine; appealing to a sense of collective responsibility; and associating the vaccine with the solution to end the pandemic were the chosen communication axes. The conclusions of this study show that, although fair access to the vaccine is still a reality in the making, the fact that almost 70% of the world's population has been vaccinated suggests that the messages sent by the WHO in the context of risk communication may have contributed to building a positive image of the vaccination program.

Crotalaria juncea L. enhances the bioremediation of sulfentrazone-contaminated soil and promotes changes in the soil bacterial community.

Sulfentrazone (STZ) is an efficient tool for the pre- and post-emergence control of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous weeds in fields of crops such as pineapple, coffee, sugarcane, citrus, eucalyptus, tobacco, and soybean. However, this herbicide persists in the soil, causing phytotoxicity in the subsequent crop. Therefore, it is important to use efficient strategies for the remediation of STZ-contaminated areas. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Crotalaria juncea L. on the remediation of STZ-contaminated soil and on the microbial activity and bacterial community structure therein. The study was conducted in three stages: (i) cultivation of C. juncea in soil contaminated with 200, 400, and 800 g ha-1 STZ; (ii) determination of the soil microbial activity (basal respiration, microbial biomass carbon, and bacterial community structure); and (iii) cultivation of a bioindicator species and determination of the residual fraction of STZ. The soil microbial activity was impacted by the soil type and STZ dose. Soil previously cultivated with C. juncea (rhizospheric soil) displayed higher CO2 and lower qCO2 values than non-rhizospheric soil (no previous C. juncea cultivation). Increasing doses of STZ reduced the activity and lowered the diversity indices of the soil microorganisms. The bacterial community structure was segregated between the rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils. Regardless of soil type, the bioindicator of remediation (Pennisetum glaucum R.Br.) grew only at the STZ dose of 200 g ha-1, and the plant intoxication level was also lower in rhizospheric soil treated with this herbicide dose. All P. glaucum plants died in the soils treated with 400 and 800 g ha-1 STZ. Previous cultivation of C. juncea in soils contaminated with 200, 400, and 800 g ha-1 STZ reduced the residual fraction of the herbicide by 4.8%, 12.5%, and 17.4%, respectively, compared with that in the non-rhizospheric soils. In conclusion, previous cultivation with C. juncea promoted increases in the soil bacterial activity and diversity indices, mitigated the deleterious effects of STZ on the bioindicator crop, and reduced the residual fraction of the herbicide in the soil.

Production of galactan phthalates derivatives extracted from Gracilaria birdie: Characterization, cytotoxic and antioxidant profile.

The present work explores the esterification reaction in the polysaccharide extracted from the seaweed Gracilaria birdiae and investigates its antioxidant potential. The reaction process was conducted with phthalic anhydride at different reaction times (10, 20 and 30 min), using a molar ratio of 1:2 (polymer: phthalic anhydride). Derivatives were characterized by FTIR, TGA, DSC and XRD. The biological properties of derivatives were investigated by assays of cytotoxicity and antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydroxyl - DPPH and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt - ABTS). The results obtained by FT-IR confirmed the chemical modification, there was a reduction related to the presence of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups when compared to the in nature polysaccharide spectrum. TGA analysis showed a change in the thermal behavior of the modified materials. X-ray diffraction, it was shown that the in nature polysaccharide appeared as an amorphous material, while the material obtained after the chemical modification process had increased crystallinity, due to the introduction of phthalate groups. For the biological assays, it was observed that the phthalate derivative was more selective than the unmodified material for the murine metastatic melanoma tumor cell line (B16F10), revealing a good antioxidant profile for DPPH and ABTS radicals.

DOPE/CHEMS-Based EGFR-Targeted Immunoliposomes for Docetaxel Delivery: Formulation Development, Physicochemical Characterization and Biological Evaluation on Prostate Cancer Cells.

Docetaxel (DTX) is a non-selective antineoplastic agent with low solubility and a series of side effects. The technology of pH-sensitive and anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) immunoliposomes aims to increase the selective delivery of the drug in the acidic tumor environment to cells with EFGR overexpression. Thus, the study aimed to develop pH-sensitive liposomes based on DOPE (dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine) and CHEMS (cholesteryl hemisuccinate), using a Box-Behnken factorial design. Furthermore, we aimed to conjugate the monoclonal antibody cetuximab onto liposomal surface, as well as to thoroughly characterize the nanosystems and evaluate them on prostate cancer cells. The liposomes prepared by hydration of the lipid film and optimized by the Box-Behnken factorial design showed a particle size of 107.2 ± 2.9 nm, a PDI of 0.213 ± 0.005, zeta potential of -21.9 ± 1.8 mV and an encapsulation efficiency of 88.65 ± 20.3%. Together, FTIR, DSC and DRX characterization demonstrated that the drug was properly encapsulated, with reduced drug crystallinity. Drug release was higher in acidic pH. The liposome conjugation with the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab preserved the physicochemical characteristics and was successful. The liposome containing DTX reached an IC50 at a concentration of 65.74 nM in the PC3 cell line and 28.28 nM in the DU145 cell line. Immunoliposome, in turn, for PC3 cells reached an IC50 of 152.1 nM, and for the DU145 cell line, 12.60 nM, a considerable enhancement of cytotoxicity for the EGFR-positive cell line. Finally, the immunoliposome internalization was faster and greater than that of liposome in the DU145 cell line, with a higher EGFR overexpression. Thus, based on these results, it was possible to obtain a formulation with adequate characteristics of nanometric size, a high encapsulation of DTX and liposomes and particularly immunoliposomes containing DTX, which caused, as expected, a reduction in the viability of prostate cells, with high cellular internalization in EGFR overexpressing cells.

Lemon gum: Non-toxic arabinogalactan isolated from Citrus × latifolia with antiproliferative property against human prostate adenocarcinoma cells.

Lemon gum (LG) obtained from Citrus × latifolia in Brazil was isolated and characterized. In addition, gum biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro and in vivo by Galleria mellonella and mice model. The cytotoxicity against tumor cells was also evaluated. The ratio of arabinose:galactose: rhamnose:4-OMe-glucuronic acid was 1:0.65:0.06:0.15. Small traces of protein were detected, emphasizing the isolate purity. Molar mass was 8.08 × 105 g/mol, with three different degradation events. LG showed antiproliferative activity against human prostate adenocarcinoma cancer cells, with percentage superior to 50 %. In vivo toxicity models demonstrated that LG is biocompatible polymer, with little difference in the parameters compared to control group. These results demonstrate advance in the study of LG composition and toxicity, indicating a potential for several biomedical and biotechnological future applications.

Sorbitan Monolaurate-Containing Liposomes Enhance Skin Cancer Cell Cytotoxicity and in Association with Microneedling Increase the Skin Penetration of 5-Fluorouracil.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) represents 20% of cases of non-melanoma skin cancer, and the most common treatment is the removal of the tumor, which can leave large scars. 5-Fluorouracil (5FU) is a drug used in the treatment of SCC, but it is highly hydrophilic, resulting in poor skin penetration in topical treatment. Some strategies can be used to increase the cutaneous penetration of the drug, such as the combination of liposomes containing penetration enhancers, for instance, surfactants, associated with the use of microneedling. Thus, the present work addresses the development of liposomes with penetration enhancers, such as sorbtitan monolaurate, span 20, for topical application of 5-FU and associated or not with the use of microneedling for skin delivery. Liposomes were developed using the lipid film hydration, resulting in particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and 5-FU encapsulation efficiency of 88.08 nm, 0.169, -12.3 mV, and 50.20%, respectively. The presence of span 20 in liposomes potentiated the in vitro release of 5-FU. MTT assay was employed for cytotoxicity evaluation and the IC50 values were 0.62, 30.52, and 24.65 µM for liposomes with and without span 20 and 5-FU solution, respectively after 72-h treatment. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis evidenced high cell uptake for the formulations. In skin penetration studies, a higher concentration of 5-FU was observed in the epidermis + dermis, corresponding to 1997.71, 1842.20, and 2585.49 ng/cm2 in the passive penetration and 3214.07, 2342.84, and 5018.05 ng/cm2 after pretreatment with microneedles, for solution, liposome without and with span 20, respectively. Therefore, herein, we developed a nanoformulation for 5-FU delivery, with suitable physicochemical characteristics, potent skin cancer cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake. Span 20-based liposomes increased the skin penetration of 5-FU in association of microneedling. Altogether, the results shown herein evidenced the potential of the liposome containing span 20 for topical delivery of 5-FU.

Nanoemulsion of cashew gum and clove essential oil (Ocimum gratissimum Linn) potentiating antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.

In this study, nanoemulsions of essential oil from Ocimumgratissimum (Linn) (EO) were produced using low and high energy techniques using cashew gum (CG) as a co-surfactant. The main constituents of the EO were determined by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), and their presence in the EO and in the formulations verified by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV-visible spectrophotometry was observed the encapsulation efficiency (EE%), with colloidal stability. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to study cashew gum. Dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) determined the nanoemulsion Z means, polydispersity index and the Zeta potential value, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were determined. The nanostructured EO showed better antibacterial action against the pathogenic gastroenteritis species Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica when compared to free EO. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used for morphological analysis of the nanoparticle and study of the action of the nanoemulsion through images of the cellular morphology of S. enterica. The antioxidant activity was evaluated against the ABTS radical (2,2'-azino-bis diazonium salt (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)). The encapsulation of EO in a nanostructured system improved its antibacterial and antioxidant activity, the low energy synthesis showed greater storage stability, remaining stable for 37 days.

Acetylated cashew gum and fucan for incorporation of lycopene rich extract from red guava (Psidium guajava L.) in nanostructured systems: Antioxidant and antitumor capacity.

Industrial application of lycopene is limited due to its chemical instability and low bioavailability. This study proposes the development of fucan-coated acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles (NFGa) and acetylated cashew gum nanoparticles (NGa) for incorporation of the lycopene-rich extract from red guava (LEG). Size, polydispersity, zeta potential, nanoparticles concentration, encapsulation efficiency, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to characterize nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity was determinated and cell viability was evaluated in the human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) by MTT assay. The toxic effect was evaluated by hemolysis test and by Galleria mellonella model. NFGa showed higher stability than NGa, having a size of 162.10 ± 3.21 nm, polydispersity of 0.348 ± 0.019, zeta potential -30.70 ± 0.53 mV, concentration of 6.4 × 109 nanoparticles/mL and 60% LEG encapsulation. Microscopic analysis revealed a spherical and smooth shape of NFGa. NFGa showed antioxidant capacity by ABTS method and ORAC assay. The NFGa presented significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 from the lowest concentration tested (6.25-200 µg/mL) and did not affect the cell viability of the HaCaT. NFGa showed non-toxic effect in the in vitro and in vivo models. Therefore, NFGa may have a promising application in LEG stabilization for antioxidant and antitumor purposes.

Dual responsive dextran-graft-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)/doxorubicin prodrug via Schiff base reaction.

Stimulus-responsive nanoparticles stand out in studies for cancer treatment since these systems can promote a selective release of the drug in tumor tissues and cells, minimizing the effects caused by conventional chemotherapy. Dextran-graft-poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymers were synthesized via Schiff base formation. The synthesis of copolymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and the analyses of dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the copolymers were thermal and pH dual-responsive. The chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) was conjugated to the copolymers via Schiff base formation, obtaining nanoparticles by self-assembling with size smaller than 130 nm. A higher percentage of doxorubicin was released at pH 5.0 (59.1 ± 2.1%) compared to physiological pH (34.9 ± 4.8%), confirming a pH-sensitive release profile. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that DOX-loaded nanoparticles can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and promote reduced cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells. The D45kP30k-DOX nanoparticles induced morphological changes in HCT-116 cells suggesting cell death and the cell uptake assay indicated that the nanoparticles can be internalized by endocytosis. Therefore, DOX-loaded nanoparticles exhibited potential as smart systems for cancer treatment.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) grafted cashew gum nanoparticles as an epirubicin delivery system.

Polysaccharide based copolymers have been the focus of several research, particularly for the development of drug delivery systems. This study reports on the preparation of nanoparticles from an amphiphilic copolymer obtained by the poly(ε-caprolactone) graft in the structure of cashew gum, via ring-opening polymerization. The synthesis of copolymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The copolymers exhibit self-organization capability in water, with critical association concentration of 42 and 50 µg mL-1. The nanoparticle hydrodynamic diameters (212 and 202 nm) revealed a decreasing trend with increasing poly(ε-caprolactone) graft percentage. Epirubicin was used as an anticancer drug model and incorporated into the nanoparticles. The encapsulation efficiency reached 50% and 5.0% drug load. Nanoparticles showed an epirubicin controlled release profile, with maximum release of 93.0 ± 4.0% in 72 h, as well as excellent biocompatibility, according to hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays.

Microwave-initiated rapid synthesis of phthalated cashew gum for drug delivery systems.

Chemical modification of polysaccharides is an important approach for their transformation into customized matrices that suit different applications. Microwave irradiation (MW) has been used to catalyze chemical reactions. This study developed a method of MW-initiated synthesis for the production of phthalated cashew gum (Phat-CG). The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of the modified biopolymers were investigated by FTIR, GPC, 1H NMR, relaxometry, elemental analysis, thermal analysis, XRD, degree of substitution, and solubility. Phat-CG was used as a matrix for drug delivery systems using benznidazole (BNZ) as a model drug. BNZ is used in the pharmacotherapy of Chagas disease. The nanoparticles were characterized by size, PDI, zeta potential, AFM, and in vitro release. The nanoparticles had a size of 288.8 nm, PDI of 0.27, and zeta potential of -31.8 mV. The results showed that Phat-CG has interesting and promising properties as a new alternative for improving the treatment of Chagas disease.

Iron and oxygen vacancies at the hematite surface: pristine case and with a chlorine adatom.

Defect complexes play critical roles in the dynamics of water molecules in photoelectrochemical cell devices. For the specific case of hematite (α-Fe2O3), iron and oxygen vacancies are said to mediate the water splitting process through the localization of optically-derived charges. Using first-principles methods based on density-functional theory we show that both iron and oxygen vacancies can be observed at the surface. For an oxygen-rich environment, usually under wet conditions, the charged iron vacancies should be more frequent. As sea water would be an ideal electrolyte for this kind of device, we have also analyzed the effect of additional chlorine adsorption on this surface. While the chlorine adatom kills the charged oxygen vacancies, entering the void sites, it will not react with the iron vacancies, keeping them active during water splitting processes.

Production of Long-Lived Benzene Dications from Electron Impact in the 20-2000 eV Energy Range Combined with the Search for Global Minimum Structures.

In this work, we report a systematic search of metastable C6Hn2+ (n = 1-6) dications from electron impact time-of-flight measurements of several benzene derivatives in combination with global minimum search based on the genetic algorithm. Our theoretical calculations reveal that the C6Hn2+ (n < 6) global minimum structures are completely different from that of the benzene dication, featuring linear carbon chains and/or cyclopropenylium moieties. Experimentally, the doubly charged species were investigated for a wide range of electron impact energies, from 20 to 2000 eV, for benzene and several monosubstituted compounds containing either electron-withdrawing or -donating groups. Furthermore, the C6Hn2+ production, evaluated from the yields of the dications with respect to that of the parent ion (or parent dication), was compared to those obtained from charge exchange in the doubly charged 2E spectra and electron impact experiments available in the literature. The yields of the long-lived benzene dications were contrasted to those analogues formed in chlorobenzene. Moreover, the formation of C6Hn2+ species is strongly dependent on the nature of substituent groups, with electron-withdrawing ones favoring the dication formation.

Anti-proliferative profile of Anacardium occidentale polysaccharide and characterization by AFM.

This paper explores the application of cashew gum (CG) as an in vitro antiproliferative, firstly by isolating and characterizing the gum using elemental analysis, gel-permeation chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The molar mass of isolated CG was in the order of 103-104 g/mol, with small protein traces present. Polymer characterization by NMR identified key signals correlating to galactose, glucose, rhamnose and acid-related groups. Three distinct conformational stages were observed by AFM. The impact of CG on cell morphology and viability with both tumor and non-tumor cell lines was studied by AFM and 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazole)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay respectively. Antiproliferative activity was confirmed for HCT116 (colorectal carcinoma), B16F10 (melanoma) and HL60 (promyelocytic leukemia) cancer cell lines. A change in cell morphology was demonstrated as an increased surface roughness for HL60. Considering that a CG does not exhibit cytotoxicity to non-tumor lines, it can be seen that the CG shows selectivity for tumor cells and can be a promising biomaterial for future studies.

Prevalência de parasitose intestinal em uma comunidade quilombola do semiárido baiano / Parasitosis intestinal prevalence on a semiarid baiano quilombola community

Comunidades quilombolas são espaços habitados por descendentes de escravos, ex-escravizados e negros livres, com infraestrutura e condições sanitárias precárias. A maioria não possui água tratada, esgoto sanitário e acesso aos serviços de saúde. Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência das parasitoses intestinais no quilombo Pau D'Arco, Malhada/BA, Brasil. O método foi analítico descritivo com delineamento transversal, epidemiológico e amostra de conveniência. Realizou-se análise macroscópica e microscópica de fezes de 390 participantes, pelos métodos Kato-Katz e HPJ e aplicação de um instrumento estruturado para levantar as características sociodemográficas e econômicas dos sujeitos estudados. Os dados foram analisados usando o SPSS software versão 18.0. Os resultados mostraram uma prevalência de parasitoses de 45,9% na população analisada. Conclui-se que é alta a prevalência dos protozoários intestinais. Apesar dos esforços da saúde pública em combater enteroparasitas, este ainda é um grave problema presente nas populações quilombolas.(AU)

Quilombo communities are inhabited spaces by descendants of slaves, ex-slaves and free blacks, with poor infrastructure and sanitary conditions. Most do not have clean water, sewage and access to health services. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasitoses in Quilombo Pau D'Arco, Malhada/Ba, Brazil. The method was descriptive analytical with a cross-epidemiological design and convenience sample. A macroscopic and microscopic stool analysis of 390 participants was performed using the Kato-Katz and HPJ methods and the application of a structured instrument to raise the socio-demographic and economic characteristics of the subjects studied. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 18.0. The results showed a prevalence of parasitosis of 45.9% in the analyzed population. It was concluded that the prevalence of intestinal protozoa is high. Despite public health efforts to combat intestinal parasites, this serious problem is still present in this population.(AU)

Perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase no período de 2009 a 2013 no município de Montes Claros (MG) / Epidemiological profile of leprosy in the period 2009 to 2013 in thecity Montes Claros (MG), Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o perfil epidemiológico da hanseníase nomunicípio de Montes Claros (MG), no período de 2009 a 2013.MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, retrospectivocom variáveis quantitativas em que os dados foram extraídosda ficha de notificação/investigação de hanseníase do Sistema deInformação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN). RESULTADOS:oram notificados 230 casos durante o período estudado.Observou-se a predominância de casos no sexo masculino e dacor parda, sendo que o grau zero de incapacidade foi detectadoem 79,56% dos pacientes. A maioria era multibacilar, pertencenteprincipalmente às formas clínicas dimorfa e virchowiana.CONCLUSÃO: Nos últimos anos, houve uma redução expressivano número de casos da hanseníase na população estudada,sendo atingida a meta proposta pela Organização Mundial daSaúde nos anos de 2012 e 2013. Para que esse índice seja sustentadonos próximos anos, é necessário que as campanhas deconscientização, a busca ativa de casos, e o tratamento precoce eeficaz sejam trabalhados e mantidos.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological profile ofhanseniasis in Montes Claros (MG), Brazil, from 2009 up to2013. METHODS: n observational, retrospective study withquantitative variables showing data which were obtained from the record files dealing with notification and investigationabout hanseniasis from the Sistema de Informação de Agravosde Notificação (SINAN). RESULTS: A total of 230 caseswere reported during the studied period. We observed thepredominance of cases in males and mulatto, whereas the zerodegree of disability was detected in 79.56% of the patients,the majority of them being multibacillar, belonging mainly todimorphal and the virchowiana clinical forms. CONCLUSION:In the last years an significant reduction in the number ofhanseniasis cases in the studied population was evident. Thedesirable goal proposed by World Health Organization wasattained in the years 2012 and 2013. For this reason, in order tomaintain this index in the coming years, it is necessary to keepthe awareness campaigns, the active search for positive cases, aswell as the early and effective treatment.(AU)

Segurança e preditores de sucesso da alta hospitalar no mesmo dia apósintervenção coronária percutânea eletiva / Safety and predictors of same day discharge after elective percutaneous coronary intervention

Apesar de a alta hospitalar no mesmo dia (AHMD) após intervenção coronária percutânea(ICP) eletiva não complicada ser adotada mundialmente, ela permanece pouco estudada em nosso meio.Objetivamos, assim, avaliar nossa experiência inicial com a AHMD após ICP eletiva, em relação à suas egurança e aos preditores de sucesso. Métodos: Foram incluídos 161 pacientes consecutivos para AHMD, de único centro, selecionados em ambulatório especializado. Para a identificação dos fatores associados ao sucesso da AHMD, foram ajustados modelos de regressão logística simples e múltipla. Resultados: A AHMD foi realizada com sucesso em 114 pacientes (70,8%), tendo os 47 pacientes restantes permanecido internados (45 com alta na manhã seguinte e 2 pacientes após 2 dias). Nenhum paciente com AHMD apresentou evento cardíaco adverso maior ou complicação vascular importante aos 30 dias e no seguimento mediano de 12 meses. No grupo internação, ocorreu apenas um caso de infarto agudo do miocárdio por oclusão de ramo lateral e dois hematomas > 5 cm relacionados ao sítio de punção. Os preditores de sucesso da AHMD foram: via de acesso radial (OR = 5,92; IC95% 1,73-20,21; p = 0,005), presença de lesões tipo A/B1 (OR = 14,09; IC95% 1,70-116,49; p = 0,01) e volume de contraste (OR = 0,76;IC95% 0,65-0,88; p < 0,001). Conclusões: A AHMD foi segura e pôde ser realizada com sucesso na maioria dos pacientes selecionados para ICP eletiva, sendo seus preditores de sucesso o acesso radial, as lesões menos complexas e um volume menor de contraste...

Background: Although same-day discharge (SDD) after elective uncomplicated percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) be adopted worldwide, it remains poorly studied in our country. We aim to evaluate our initial experience with SDD after elective PCI, regarding its safety and predictors of success. Methods: A hundred and sixty-one single-center consecutive patients, selected in a specialized out patient clinic, were included for SDD. To identify the factors associated with SDD, single and multiple logistic regression models were adjusted. Results: SDD was successfully performed in 114 patients (70.8%) and the remaining 47 patients remained hospitalized (45 with discharge in the following morning and 2 patients after 2 days). No patient with SDD presented major adverse cardiac events or major vascular complications at 30 days or at a median follow-up of 12 months. In the inpatient group, there was only one case of acute myocardial infarction due to a lateral branch occlusion and two patients with > 5 cm hematoma related to the access site. The SDD predictors were radial access route (OR = 5.92; 95%CI 1.73-20.21; p = 0.005), presence of type A/B1 lesions(OR = 14.09; 95%CI 1.70-116.49%; p = 0.01) and contrast volume (OR = 0.76; 95%CI 0.65-0.88; p < 0.001). Conclusions: SDD was safe and could be successfully performed in most patients selected for elective PCI, and its predictors were the radial access, less complex coronary lesions and a and lower contrast volume...