In vivo assessment of a new multifunctional coating architecture for improved Mg alloy biocompatibility.

Magnesium alloys are regarded as potential biodegradable load-bearing biomaterials for orthopedic applications due to their physico-chemical and biomechanical properties. However, their clinical applicability is restricted by their high degradation rate, which limits the physiological reconstruction of the neighbouring tissues. In this work, a multifunctional coating architecture was developed on an AZ31 alloy by conjoining an anodization process with the deposition of a polymeric-based layer consisting of polyether imine reinforced with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, aiming at improved control of the corrosion activity and biological performance of the Mg substrate. Anodization and coating protocols were evaluated either independently or combined for corrosion resistance and biological behaviour, i.e. the irritation potential and angiogenic capability within a chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, and bone tissue response following tibia implantation within a rabbit model. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis showed that coated Mg constructs, particularly anodized plus coated with AZ31, exhibited excellent stability compared to the anodized alloy and, particularly, to the bare AZ31. Microtomographic evaluation of the implanted samples correlated with these degradation results. Mg constructs displayed a non-irritating behaviour, and were associated with high levels of vascular ingrowth. Bone ingrowth neighbouring the implanted constructs was observed for all samples, with coated and anodized plus coated samples presenting the highest bone formation. Gene expression analysis suggested that the enhanced bone tissue formation was associated with the boost in osteogenic activity through Runx2 upregulation, following the activation of PGC-1α/ERRα signaling. Overall, the developed multifunctional coatings appear to be a promising strategy to obtain safe and bioactive biodegradable Mg-based implants with potential applications within bone tissue.

Usuário da estratégia de saúde da família: conhecimento e satisfação sobre acolhimento / Family health program user: knowledge and satisfaction about user embracement

Objetivo: Analisar o conhecimento e a satisfação dos usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde acerca da estratégia do acolhimento. Métodos: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, realizado em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde, Fortaleza-CE, Brasil, onde eram efetuadas as atividades práticas do Programa de Educação pelo Trabalho para a Saúde da Universidade de Fortaleza. Participaram 58 usuários do serviço, estabelecendo-se como critérios de inclusão: estar presente no período da coleta de dados, idade acima de 18 anos, independente do sexo, e a participação voluntária. A coleta de dados ocorreu em dezembro de 2009, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados associados à identificação dos usuários foram processados no Microsoft Office Excel 2007, sendo organizados estatisticamente em tabela. Os dados relacionados aos aspectos qualitativos foram analisados conforme a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: 56 (97%) eram mulheres, com faixa etária variando entre 21 e 40 anos; 34 (59%) eram casadas; e 53 (91%) alfabetizadas. Sobre a renda familiar, 55 (95%) recebiam menos de dois salários mínimos por mês. Com o objetivo de facilitar o entendimento das falas dos usuários, estas foram avaliadas sob a perspectiva de duas categorias: conhecimento sobre acolhimento e satisfação com o acolhimento. Conclusão: Os usuários têm uma visão limitada do que vem a ser o acolhimento e sua magnitude para prover o cuidar. Apesar de satisfeitos com o atendimento, os entrevistados relatam como aspectos negativos: a carência de profissionais; a relação profissional-usuário prejudicada, devido aos constantes atrasos do profissional; e a desumanização no atendimento.

Objective: To assess the knowledge and satisfaction of users of a Basic Health Unit about the strategy of embracement. Methods: Descriptive study with qualitative approach, carried out in a Basic Health Unit, Fortaleza, Brazil, where practical activities of the Education Program of Work for Health of the University of Fortaleza were performed. Fifty eight service users were involved, following inclusion criteria: being present during the data collection, age over 18, regardless of sex, and voluntary participation. Data collection occurred in December 2009, through semi-structured interview. The data associated with the identification of users were processed in Microsoft Office Excel 2007, being organized statistically in table. Data related to qualitative aspects were analyzed according to the technique of content analysis. Results: 56 (97%) were women, with ages ranging between 21 and 40 years, 34 (59%) were married and 53 (91%) are literate. On family income, 55 (95%) received less than two minimum salaries per month. In order to facilitate understanding the speech of users, these were evaluated from the perspective of two categories: knowledge about embracement and satisfaction with embracement. Conclusion: Users have a limited view of the significance and magnitude of the embracement to provide the care. Although satisfied with the service, respondents report as negative aspects: the shortage of professionals, the professional relationship with user impaired due to constant delays of the professional, and the dehumanization of