Uso da laserterapia de baixa potência no tratamento cutâneo da leishmaniose: um estudo quase-experimental / The use of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis: a quasi-experimental study

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos do laser de baixa potência na intervenção às lesões decorrentes da Leishmaniose Cutânea. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, duplo-cego e randomizado realizado em um centro de referência do Norte de Minas Gerais. Foram alocados aleatoriamente 07 pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento endovenoso e curativos locais da leishmaniose cutânea, a saber: 03 no grupo controle, onde fizeram uso do tratamento convencional, e 04 no grupo experimental, que foram submetidos a aplicação da laserterapia de baixa potência, além da terapêutica habitual. Foi avaliado como desfecho primário a redução do tamanho das lesões, por meio da adaptação da ferramenta Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio de uma estatística comparativa pareada com teste T. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e experimental. CONCLUSÃO: A laserterapia de baixa potência não parece favorecer a cicatrização das lesões por leishmaniose cutânea.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy in treating lesions resulting from cutaneous leishmaniasis. METHODS: This is a double-blind, randomized, quasi-experimental study conducted at a reference center in the northern region of Minas Gerais. Seven patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous and local wound care for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Specifically, three patients were assigned to the control group and received conventional treatment, while four patients were assigned to the experimental group and received low-level laser therapy plus standard therapeutic measures. The primary outcome measure was the reduction in lesion size as assessed by the adapted Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing. Paired comparison statistics using the t-test were used for data analysis. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed between the control and experimental groups. CONCLUSION: Low-level laser therapy does not appear to improve the healing of cutaneous leishmaniasis lesions.

Laccase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Added-Value Polymers from Cork and Grape Extracts.

The development of products from natural plant sources, including agriculture and food wastes, contributes significantly to the circular economy and global sustainability. Cork and grape wastes were employed as the primary sources in this study to obtain compounds of interest under mild extraction conditions. Laccase was applied to oxidize the cork and grape extracts, with the aim of producing value-added molecules with improved properties. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy was assessed to monitor the oxidation process, and characterization of the end products was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectroscopy. The antioxidant and antiaging properties were evaluated by means of ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and SPF testing. Overall, as compared to their monomeric counterparts, the polymeric compounds displayed remarkable antioxidant and antiaging characteristics after laccase oxidation, showing tremendous potential for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and textile industries.

Spirituality and religiosity for umbandist and candomblecist women: social representation and health implications. / Espiritualidade e religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas: representação social e implicações na saúde.

The object of study refers to the representations of spirituality and religiosity for women who belong to Afro-diasporic religions, specifically those who are faithful to Umbanda and Candomblé. The objective was to analyze the representational structure of spirituality and religiosity for Umbandist and Candomblecist women with the aim of thinking of an explanatory model of this symbolic construction and implications for the practice of care in the area of health. Qualitative study, in the light of Social Representations in its structural approach. Data collected with 207 Umbandist and Candomblecist women through free evocations of the inducing terms "spirituality" and "religiosity", in addition to the characterization and scale of religiosity. The evocations were submitted to prototypical and similarity analyses with Iramuteq, while quantitative data to descriptive statistics. The results show that the central elements for religiosity are faith, belief, God and love, while for spirituality, they are faith, Orixás, God, peace and love. The tree of similarity explains the centrality of faith for the structuring of this representation. The representations are organized around the idea of ​​a relationship between the human and the divine.

O objeto de estudo se refere às representações da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres que pertencem às religiões afrodiaspóricas, em específico às que são fiéis da umbanda e do candomblé. Buscou-se analisar a estrutura representacional da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas com vistas a se pensar um modelo explicativo dessa construção simbólica e as implicações para a prática de cuidado na área da saúde. Estudo qualitativo, à luz das representações sociais em sua abordagem estrutural. Dados coletados com 207 mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas por meio de evocações livres aos termos indutores espiritualidade e religiosidade, além da caracterização e da escala de religiosidade. As evocações foram submetidas às análises prototípica e de similitude com o Iramuteq, e os dados quantitativos, pela estatística descritiva. Os resultados mostram que os elementos centrais para a religiosidade são fé, crença, Deus e amor, enquanto para espiritualidade, fé, Orixás, Deus, paz e amor. A árvore de similitude explicita a centralidade da fé para a estruturação dessa representação. As representações se organizam ao redor da ideia de relação entre o humano e o divino.

Espiritualidade e religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas: representação social e implicações na saúde / Spirituality and religiosity for umbandist and candomblecist women: social representation and health implications

Resumo O objeto de estudo se refere às representações da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres que pertencem às religiões afrodiaspóricas, em específico às que são fiéis da umbanda e do candomblé. Buscou-se analisar a estrutura representacional da espiritualidade e da religiosidade para mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas com vistas a se pensar um modelo explicativo dessa construção simbólica e as implicações para a prática de cuidado na área da saúde. Estudo qualitativo, à luz das representações sociais em sua abordagem estrutural. Dados coletados com 207 mulheres umbandistas e candomblecistas por meio de evocações livres aos termos indutores espiritualidade e religiosidade, além da caracterização e da escala de religiosidade. As evocações foram submetidas às análises prototípica e de similitude com o Iramuteq, e os dados quantitativos, pela estatística descritiva. Os resultados mostram que os elementos centrais para a religiosidade são fé, crença, Deus e amor, enquanto para espiritualidade, fé, Orixás, Deus, paz e amor. A árvore de similitude explicita a centralidade da fé para a estruturação dessa representação. As representações se organizam ao redor da ideia de relação entre o humano e o divino.

Abstract The object of study refers to the representations of spirituality and religiosity for women who belong to Afro-diasporic religions, specifically those who are faithful to Umbanda and Candomblé. The objective was to analyze the representational structure of spirituality and religiosity for Umbandist and Candomblecist women with the aim of thinking of an explanatory model of this symbolic construction and implications for the practice of care in the area of health. Qualitative study, in the light of Social Representations in its structural approach. Data collected with 207 Umbandist and Candomblecist women through free evocations of the inducing terms "spirituality" and "religiosity", in addition to the characterization and scale of religiosity. The evocations were submitted to prototypical and similarity analyses with Iramuteq, while quantitative data to descriptive statistics. The results show that the central elements for religiosity are faith, belief, God and love, while for spirituality, they are faith, Orixás, God, peace and love. The tree of similarity explains the centrality of faith for the structuring of this representation. The representations are organized around the idea of ​​a relationship between the human and the divine.

As imagens do isolamento: expressões imagéticas de calouros na pandemia / The images of isolation: imagery expressions of freshmen in the pandemic / Las imágenes del aislamiento: expresiones de los estudiantes de primer año en la pandemia

A imagem é uma collage de fotografias produzida por estudantes calouros participantes de uma pesquisa de Iniciação Científica que teve como objetivo propor uma reflexão sobre as experiências vivenciadas por estudantes ingressantes de uma universidade pública em 2020, durante o período de distanciamento e isolamento imposto pela pandemia de COVID-19 e os seus impactos. A partir do método de pesquisa-ação participativa do Photovoice e quatro encontros grupais com diferentes temas disparadores. Foi possível aproximar-se das experiências e percepções vivenciadas pelos estudantes, considerando as particularidades do momento atípico assim como, suas estratégias de enfrentamento, sentimentos e inseguranças com o futuro.

The image is a collage of photographs taken by freshman students participating in a Scientific Initiation survey that aimed to propose a reflection on the experiences of freshman students at a public university in 2020, during the period of distancing and isolation imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 and its impacts. Based on Photovoice's participatory action-research method and four group meetings with different triggering themes. It was possible to approach the experiences and perceptions lived by the students, considering the particularities of the atypical moment as well as their coping strategies, feelings and insecurities about the future.

La imagen es un collage de fotografías tomadas por estudiantes de primer año que participan en una encuesta de Iniciación Científica que tuvo como objetivo proponer una reflexión sobre las experiencias de los estudiantes de primer año de una universidad pública en 2020, durante el período de distanciamiento y aislamiento impuesto por la pandemia del coronavirus COVID. -19 y sus impactos. Basado en el método de investigación-acción participativa de Photovoice y cuatro reuniones grupales con diferentes temas desencadenantes. Fue posible abordar las experiencias y percepciones vividas por los estudiantes, considerando las particularidades del momento atípico así como sus estrategias de afrontamiento, sentimientos e inseguridades sobre el futuro.

Designing and characterization of curcumin-loaded nanotechnological dressings: A promising platform for skin burn treatment.

Burns affect the skin and appendages, impair their function, and become favorable regions for bacterial infections. Owing to time-consuming and costly treatments, burns have been considered a public health problem. The limitations of the treatments used for burns have motivated the search for more efficient alternatives. Curcumin has several potential properties such as anti-inflammatory, healing, and antimicrobial activities. However, this compound is unstable and has low bioavailability. Therefore, nanotechnology could offer a solution for its application. This study aimed to develop and characterize dressings (or gauzes) impregnated with curcumin nanoemulsions that were prepared using two different techniques as a promising platform for skin burn treatment. In addition, the effect of cationization on curcumin release from the gauze was evaluated. Nanoemulsions were successfully prepared using two methods, ultrasound and a high-pressure homogenizer, with sizes of 135 nm and 144.55 nm, respectively. These nanoemulsions exhibited a low polydispersity index, adequate zeta potential, high encapsulation efficiency, and stability for up to 120 d. In vitro assays demonstrated a controlled release of curcumin between 2 and 240 h. No cytotoxicity was observed at concentrations of curcumin up to 75 µg/mL, and cell proliferation was observed. The incorporation of nanoemulsions in the gauze was successfully achieved, and the evaluation of curcumin release showed a faster release from cationized gauzes, whereas the non-cationized gauze promoted a more constant release.

Melatonin regulates antioxidant defense and inflammatory response by activating Nrf2-dependent mechanisms and inhibiting NFkappaB expression in middle-aged T. cruzi infected rats.

Oxidative stress with higher levels of leptin and inflammatory response are key processes related to pathogenesis of both T. cruzi infection and aging. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) controls the expression of several genes implicated in the oxidative stress response in many pathological conditions. Melatonin is a pleiotropic hormone with, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging actions. Then, we hypothesized that Nrf2 response is impaired during the acute T. cruzi (9 days) infection and that melatonin rescues Nrf2 responses. Young (5 weeks-old) and middle-aged (18 months-old) male Wistar rats were infected with T. cruzi. Nrf2 translocation and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed in blood and spleen. Increased apoptosis levels and oxidative stress indicators were observed in the rat spleen during T. cruzi infection. These responses were accompanied by decreased Nrf2 expression and increased expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB). Melatonin (5 mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage) attenuated the superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production induced by T. cruzi infection. Increased expressions of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were detected in the spleen of melatonin-treated rats infected with T. cruzi. Melatonin treatment inhibited the spleen NF-κB activation and downregulates the levels of circulating interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in T. cruzi middle-aged infected rats. Increased levels of the chemokine CXCL1 in middle-aged control rats was observed, confirming that aging alters the production of this chemokine. In T. cruzi infected young animals, CXCL1 was up-regulated when compared to non-infected young ones. For young or middle-aged animals, melatonin treatment had no significant effect on CXCL1 levels. Our findings demonstrate an important role for Nrf2/NF-kB regulation as a possible mechanism by which melatonin attenuates oxidative stress, and provide new insights for further studies of this indoleamine as a therapeutic co-adjuvant agent against T. cruzi infection.

Effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on cytokines, chemokines, and growth factor in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The modulating effect of vitamin D on cytokine concentrations in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on cytokines, chemokines, and growth factor in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. METHODS: This is a post hoc, ancillary, and exploratory analysis from a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 were recruited from 2 hospitals in São Paulo, Brazil. Of 240 randomly assigned patients, 200 were assessed in this study and randomly assigned to receive a single oral dose of 200,000 IU vitamin D3 (n = 101) or placebo (n = 99). The primary outcome was hospital length of stay, which has been published in our previous study. The prespecified secondary outcomes were serum concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The post hoc exploratory secondary outcomes were IL-4, IL-12p70, IL-17A, IFN-γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-8, IFN-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß (MIP-1ß), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and leukocyte count. Generalized estimating equations for repeated measures, with Bonferroni's adjustment, were used for testing all outcomes. RESULTS: The study included 200 patients with a mean ± SD age of 55.5 ± 14.3 y and BMI of 32.2 ± 7.1 kg/m2, of which 109 (54.5%) were male. GM-CSF concentrations showed a significant group-by-time interaction effect (P = 0.04), although the between-group difference at postintervention after Bonferroni's adjustment was not significant. No significant effects were observed for the other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the use of a single dose of 200,000 IU vitamin D3, compared with placebo, for the improvement of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factor in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04449718.

Effect of a Single High Dose of Vitamin D3 on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients With Moderate to Severe COVID-19: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unclear. Objective: To investigate the effect of a single high dose of vitamin D3 on hospital length of stay in patients with COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 2 sites in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study included 240 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who were moderately to severely ill at the time of enrollment from June 2, 2020, to August 27, 2020. The final follow-up was on October 7, 2020. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to receive a single oral dose of 200 000 IU of vitamin D3 (n = 120) or placebo (n = 120). Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was length of stay, defined as the time from the date of randomization to hospital discharge. Prespecified secondary outcomes included mortality during hospitalization; the number of patients admitted to the intensive care unit; the number of patients who required mechanical ventilation and the duration of mechanical ventilation; and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, total calcium, creatinine, and C-reactive protein. Results: Of 240 randomized patients, 237 were included in the primary analysis (mean [SD] age, 56.2 [14.4] years; 104 [43.9%] women; mean [SD] baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, 20.9 [9.2] ng/mL). Median (interquartile range) length of stay was not significantly different between the vitamin D3 (7.0 [4.0-10.0] days) and placebo groups (7.0 [5.0-13.0] days) (log-rank P = .59; unadjusted hazard ratio for hospital discharge, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.82-1.39]; P = .62). The difference between the vitamin D3 group and the placebo group was not significant for in-hospital mortality (7.6% vs 5.1%; difference, 2.5% [95% CI, -4.1% to 9.2%]; P = .43), admission to the intensive care unit (16.0% vs 21.2%; difference, -5.2% [95% CI, -15.1% to 4.7%]; P = .30), or need for mechanical ventilation (7.6% vs 14.4%; difference, -6.8% [95% CI, -15.1% to 1.2%]; P = .09). Mean serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D significantly increased after a single dose of vitamin D3 vs placebo (44.4 ng/mL vs 19.8 ng/mL; difference, 24.1 ng/mL [95% CI, 19.5-28.7]; P < .001). There were no adverse events, but an episode of vomiting was associated with the intervention. Conclusions and Relevance: Among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, a single high dose of vitamin D3, compared with placebo, did not significantly reduce hospital length of stay. The findings do not support the use of a high dose of vitamin D3 for treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04449718.

Propolis: A useful agent on psychiatric and neurological disorders? A focus on CAPE and pinocembrin components.

Propolis consists of a honeybee product, with a complex mix of substances that have been widely used in traditional medicine. Among several compounds present in propolis, caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), and pinocembrin emerge as two principal bioactive compounds, with benefits in a variety of body systems. In addition to its well-explored pharmacological properties, neuropharmacological activities have been poorly discussed. In an unprecedented way, the present review addresses the current finding on the promising therapeutic purposes of propolis, focusing on CAPE and pinocembrin, highlighting its use on neurological disturbance, as cerebral ischemia, neuroinflammation, convulsion, and cognitive impairment, as well as psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. In addition, we provide a critical analysis, discussion, and systematization of the molecular mechanisms which underlie these central nervous system effects. We hypothesize that the pleiotropic action of CAPE and pinocembrin, per se or associated with other substances present in propolis may result in the therapeutic activities reported. Inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cascade, antioxidant activity, and positive neurotrophic modulatory effects consist of the main molecular targets attributed to CAPE and pinocembrin in health benefits.

The Effect of Temperature and Growth Regulators on Callus Induction in Watermelon Anthers

HIGHLIGHTS Callogenesis was induced from watermelon anthers The auxin 2,4-D at 2.0 and 5.0 μM concentrations induced callus formation. Anthers' responses to the pre-treatment at 4 °C varied according to the watermelon genotype.

Abstract Callus induction is one of the pathways required for haploid plant regeneration through anther culture. Pollen viability, as well as the effect of growth regulators and cold pretreatment on anthers of two watermelon lines (Smile and Sugar Baby) to induce callus formation were herein evaluated. Pollen viability was estimated through the staining technique using 2% acetic carmine. Male flower buds were collected and disinfested to allow removal anthers. These anthers were placed on Murashige and Skoog medium, which was supplemented with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic (2,4-D) at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 5.0 μM or with 6-benzylaminopurine at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 μM, in combination with 2.0 μM of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic. Anthers were pretreated at 4 °C, for two days and then placed in vitro. Both watermelon lines provided high pollen viability rates (from 93 to 98%). The 2.0 and 5.0 μM concentrations of 2,4-D stimulated higher friable callus formation. The optimal concentration of 2,4-D was estimated at 3.78 μM and 4.17 μM, which had callus induction rates of 64% and 52%, respectively. The combination of 2.0 μM of 2,4-D and 6-benzylaminopurine did not lead to increased anther response to callus induction. The pre-treatment applied to flower buds at 4 °C enabled callus induction and the anther response to callus induction was genotype-dependent.

La Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria para la promoción del arte y la cultura: reflexiones desde el proyecto Tienda Cultural / Community-based Occupational Therapy for the promotion of art and culture: reflections from the project Tienda Cultural / A Terapia Ocupacional comunitária para a promoção da arte e da cultura: reflexões a partir do projeto Tenda Cultural

Se presenta el proyecto de extensión universitaria Tienda Cultural: una ventana abierta para el arte, la ciencia y la ciudadanía, y las reflexiones derivadas de su implementación. Su objetivo fue promover, a partir del compromiso ético y político de la Terapia Ocupacional, la accesibilidad, la ciudadanía y la participación sociocultural a través de acciones artísticas, culturales y educativas. Fue una práctica de Terapia Ocupacional en el ámbito de la cultura desde una perspectiva comunitaria crítica y comprometida con la transformación social. La gestión cultural fue coordinada entre equipos transdisciplinarios y comunidades, y la programación se realizó en territorios periféricos de una ciudad mediana brasileña. Se incluyeron talleres artístico-culturales y educativos, exposiciones, cine, espectáculos con artistas y producciones culturales centradas en las demandas, los intereses y la producción artística de cada comunidad. Se generaron reflexiones sobre la cultura como derecho, el rol de la Terapia Ocupacional comunitaria y cultural, y la función social de la universidad pública. La Terapia Ocupacional y la cultura pueden contribuir a promover la diversidad, el reconocimiento y el acceso a la cultura; asimismo, a ampliar la participación social y la ciudadanía en estrecha colaboración con, para y desde las comunidades que enfrentan procesos de desigualdad y exclusión.

This article presents the university extension project "Cultural Store: an open window for art, science, and citizenship" and the reflections derived from its implementation. Based on Occupational Therapy's ethical and political commitment, the objectives were to promote accessibility, citizenship, and socio-cultural participation through artistic, cultural and educational activities. The project was an occupational therapy practice within a cultural environment from a critical community perspective, committed to social transformation. Cultural management was coordinated between transdisciplinary teams and communities, and the cultural programming was carried out in peripheral areas from a mid-sized Brazilian city. The programming included socio-cultural and educational workshops, exhibitions, cinema, shows with artists, and cultural productions focused on each community's demands, interests, and artistic production. The results generated reflections on culture as a right, the role of community and cultural Occupational Therapy, and the social function of the public university. Occupational Therapy and cultural activity can contribute to promote cultural diversity, recognition, and access. They also expand social participation and citizenship for communities experiencing exclusion and unequal processes, by intimately collaborating with, for, and within them.

Apresenta-se o projeto de extensão universitária "Tenda Cultural: janela aberta para arte, ciência e cidadania", assim como as reflexões derivadas de sua implementação. A partir do compromisso ético político da Terapia Ocupacional, seu objetivo foi promover acessibilidade, cidadania e participação sociocultural por meio de ações artísticas, culturais e educativas. Foi uma prática da Terapia Ocupacional no campo da cultura a partir de uma perspectiva critica comunitária e comprometida com a transformação social. A gestão cultural foi realizada entre equipes transdisciplinares e comunidades e a programação cultural em territórios periféricos de uma cidade de médio porte brasileira. A programação incluiu oficinas artístico-culturais e educativas, exposições, cine, espetáculos com artistas e produções culturais baseadas nas demandas, interesses e produção artística de cada comunidade. Os resultados demonstraram reflexões da cultura como direitos, o papel da Terapia Ocupacional comunitária e cultural e a função social da universidade pública. A Terapia Ocupacional e a cultura podem contribuir significativamente para a promoção da diversidade e o reconhecimento e acesso à cultura, assim como ampliar a participação social e a cidadania em consonância com, para e a partir das comunidades que enfrentam cotidianamente processos de desigualdades e exclusões.

"É uma porta que se abre": reflexões sobre questões conceituais e de identidade profissional na construção do raciocínio clínico em terapia ocupacional / "And a door opens": reflections on conceptual and identity issues on clinical reasoning in occupational therapy

Resumo Introdução Colocar a prática em palavras é tarefa árdua para terapeutas ocupacionais, considerando os aspectos narrativos da prática nas relações complexas e multifacetadas entre seres humanos e sociedade. A linguagem favorece a nomeação e a conceituação daquilo que se faz e abre esse espaço de compreensão e aprofundamento do conhecimento. Objetivo Discutir a necessidade de conceituação de termos para melhor delinear a prática profissional. Método Uma pesquisa-ação participativa, organizada como comunidade de prática para o desenvolvimento do raciocínio clínico, com participação de terapeutas ocupacionais iniciantes e experientes, teve seus dados analisados tematicamente, explicitando a construção de sentidos sobre a assistência em terapia ocupacional em saúde mental (especificidades práticas, teóricas e conceituais), à luz do Método Terapia Ocupacional Dinâmica. Resultados A reflexão sobre a prática compartilhada favoreceu a identificação de dilemas em torno de narrativas sobre a atividade terapêutica e, na medida em que foi ganhando clareza conceitual, favoreceu a valorização do contexto e das ações em terapia ocupacional. Conclusão Quando a prática é colocada como objeto de estudo, identificando-se enunciados capazes de representá-la, nosso campo profissional e de saber ganham clareza e possibilitam visibilidade a comunidades epistêmicas e de práticas mais críticas, delimitadas, coerentes, significativas e complexas.

Abstract Introduction Placing practice in words is an arduous task for occupational therapists by considering the narrative aspects of practice in the complex and multifaceted relationships between human beings and society. Language favors the naming and conceptualization of what is done and opens up space of understanding and deepening of knowledge. Objective To discuss the need to conceptualize terms to better delineate professional practice. Method A participatory action research, organized as a community of practice for the development of clinical reasoning, with the participation of novice and experienced occupational therapists, had its data analyzed thematically, highlighting the construction of meanings about care in occupational therapy in mental health (practical, theoretical and conceptual specificities), in the light of the Dynamic Occupational Therapy Method. Results The reflection on the shared practice favored the identification of dilemmas around the therapeutic activity and, as it gained conceptual clarity, favored the valuation of the context and the actions in occupational therapy. Conclusion When practice is placed as an object of study, identifying statements capable of representing it, our professional field of knowledge and practice gain clarity and provide visibility to practice and epistemic communities more critical, situated, coherent, meaningful and complex.

Does Diet Affect the Symptoms of ADHD?

INTRODUCTION: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric diagnosis in childhood and adolescence, with an estimated worldwide-pooled prevalence of 5,29%. The type of treatment depends on several factors. Psychopharmacological treatment entails undesirable side effects, with unclear long-term benefits, which has led the scientific community to investigate other therapeutic approaches, such as dietary interventions. METHOD: The authors conducted a classical review on the current treatment recommended in individuals with ADHD diagnosis, their dietary patterns, as well as dietary factors possibly implicated in the etiology and treatment of this disorder. An extensive bibliographic research was carried out in the databases PubMed, The Cochrane Library and the National Guideline Clearinghouse. DISCUSSION: The most common dietary interventions in the case of ADHD are food supplementation diets (e.g. PUFAs, vitamins) and elimination diets. Supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs lacks further studies that can validate them as an effective therapeutic approach in this disorder. Also, regarding vitamin supplementation, studies are not consistent as to their role in the etiology of ADHD. Elimination diets are unclear as to the benefits provided in individuals with ADHD. Children with ADHD are less likely to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors than non-ADHD youth. CONCLUSION: There is no clear evidence that supports dietary interventions for the treatment of ADHD. The effects of unhealthy diet patterns in ADHD individuals are not yet fully understood and, like the general population, children with ADHD may benefit from a healthy lifestyle.

Food with Influence in the Sexual and Reproductive Health.

BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction and infertility are conditions with high prevalence in the general population. Nutritional factors have been reported to have an impact on sexual and reproductive health. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to summarize the data on nutritional factors that have influence on male and female sexual and reproductive function, including nutritional status, specific foods (e.g. dairy food), nutrients and other food components and dietary supplements. METHOD: A literature search was performed using Cochrane Library, Medline and Science Direct databases without time limitations. RESULTS: Obesity has a negative influence on male fertility, and weight loss improves male fertility. Food insufficiency is associated with increased sexual risk behaviours, more significant in women. Regarding macronutrients and group foods, trans-fatty acids, high glycemic index food, high carbohydrate diet and high animal protein intake prejudices fertility; omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, low glycemic index food and low carbohydrate diet, vegetable proteins and antioxidants improve fertility. Isoflavones have a negative impact on men fertility and improve sexual health of menopausal women. Whole milk improves women fertility, but men benefit from skim milk. Concerning dietary supplements, there is weak evidence sustaining efficacy, and the most promising supplements are yohimbine, vitamin B, L-arginine and vitamin D. CONCLUSION: The compiled results indicate that despite the multifactorial etiology of sexual/ reproductive dysfunction, nutritional factors may affect the sexual and reproductive health in both men and women. However, it is necessary to further study to clarify this association and simultaneously improve the approach and treatment of patients with sexual and/or reproductive problems.

Práticas integrativas e complementares aplicadas aos trabalhadores de uma unidade básica de saúde: relato de experiência / Ingration of complementary practices applied to workers of a basic health unit: experience report

Introdução: Um dos desafios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) é conseguir com que os seus trabalhadores e gestores do SUS, nas práticas cotidianas, incorporem ações de autocuidado. Objetivo: Descrever a experiência do projeto CuidAR-TE realizado com trabalhadores da Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) Dr. Antônio Carlos Costa, Teresina, Piauí. Materiais e Métodos: Relato de experiência do projeto CuidAR-TE desenvolvido em 2018, com 65 trabalhadores da UBS e estudantes da Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Família e Comunidade, da Universidade Estadual do Piauí. Foram realizados encontros mensais, com início no mês de agosto de 2018, e foram discutidas e aplicadas práticas complementares integrativas, a saber: biodança, dança circular, bioenergética, meditação, ioga, eutonia, musicoterapia, arte e saúde, práticas manuais e liangong. Conclusão: A realização dessa experiência mobilizou as equipes a refletirem sobre estratégias para o cuidado dos trabalhadores através de tecnologias leves e das práticas integrativas e complementares que demonstraram resultados positivos para a saúde e qualidade de vida dos atores envolvidos.

Introduction: One of the challenges of the Unified Health System (SUS) is to get its workers and SUS managers, in daily practices, to incorporate self-care actions. Objective: To describe the experience of the Care-TE project carried out with workers from the Basic Health Unit (UBS) Dr. Antônio Carlos Costa, Teresina, Piauí. Materials and Methodology: Experience report of the Care-TE project developed in 2018, with 65 workers from UBS and students from the Multiprofessional Residency in Family and Community Health, State University of Piauí. Monthly meetings were held, beginning in August 2018, and complementary integrative practices were discussed and applied, namely: biodance, circular dance, bioenergetics, meditation, yoga, eutonia, music therapy, art and health, manual practices and liangong. Conclusion: This experience mobilized the teams to reflect on strategies for the care of workers through light technologies and integrative and complementary practices that demonstrated positive results for the health and quality of life of the actors involved.

Integrative and complementary practices: use by community health agents in self-care.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the use of integrative and complementary practices (ICPs) by community health agents working in family health teams. METHODS: Cross-sectional, quantitative research, conducted in the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. An structured form was used for the characterization of participants and use of ICPs. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Use of ICPs was referenced by 94 (40.7%) agents. The use of medicinal plants was predominant (32.5%). There were associations between: ICPs in general and negative self-perception of health (p=0.032), homeopathy and higher education (p=0.015), massage and living with partner(p=0.024), chiropractic care and income equal to or greater than four minimum wages (p=0.031), relaxation/meditation and religion (p=0.028). CONCLUSION: The use of ICPs was verified in the healthcare of community agents. It is necessary to strengthen these practices for the promotion of health and prevention of diseases.

Treatment of mucositis with combined 660- and 808-nm-wavelength low-level laser therapy reduced mucositis grade, pain, and use of analgesics: a parallel, single-blind, two-arm controlled study.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent oral malignant neoplasia. As consequence of OSCC treatment, oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common adverse effects of OSCC treatment. Currently, there is no consensus for OM treatment. The purpose of the current study was to test the combination of red and infrared low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for OM treatment. Primary culture of human fibroblast was performed to identify LLLT dose. After laboratory tests, a two-arm parallel, single-blind, controlled study was conducted. The two arms were group 1, both 660- and 808-nm wavelengths (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2), and group 2, only 660-nm wavelength (300 J/cm2, 9 J of total energy, 100 mW, spot size 3 mm2). Both treatments were performed twice a week. Group 1 presented a reduction of mucositis grade in comparison to group 2. Group 1 also presented reduction of analgesics prescription. But no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 were observed according to the pain scale. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that a combination of red and infrared at a higher dose (300 J/cm2) reduced both oral mucositis grade and analgesics prescription. The effects of the combination of RT and LLLT are unclear and need more studies.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of hemicellulose and phenolic compounds from bamboo bast fiber powder.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of hemicellulose and phenolic compounds from bamboo bast fibre powder was investigated. The effect of ultrasonic probe depth and power input parameters on the type and amount of products extracted was assessed. The results of input energy and radical formation correlated with the calculated values for the anti-nodal point (λ/4; 16.85 mm, maximum amplitude) of the ultrasonic wave in aqueous medium. Ultrasonic treatment at optimum probe depth of 15 mm improve 2.6-fold the extraction efficiencies of hemicellulose and phenolic lignin compounds from bamboo bast fibre powder. LC-Ms-Tof (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-time of flight) analysis indicated that ultrasound led to the extraction of coniferyl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, vanillic acid, cellobiose, in contrast to boiling water extraction only. At optimized conditions, ultrasound caused the formation of radicals confirmed by the presence of (+)-pinoresinol which resulted from the radical coupling of coniferyl alcohol. Ultrasounds revealed to be an efficient methodology for the extraction of hemicellulosic and phenolic compounds from woody bamboo without the addition of harmful solvents.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) dietary intake affects plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, cholesteryl ester transfer to high-density lipoprotein and redox metabolism: A prospective study in women.

The açai fruit (Euterpe oleracea Martius), which is native to the Brazilian Amazon region, was shown to have high polyphenols and MUFA contents. In this study, we aimed to assess the effects of açai consumption on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, the transfer of lipids to HDL (which is a relevant HDL function), and some biomarkers of redox metabolism. Forty healthy volunteer women aged 24 ± 3 years consumed 200 g of açai pulp/day for 4 weeks; their clinical variables and blood sample were obtained before and after this period. Açai pulp consumption did not alter anthropometric parameters, systemic arterial pressure, glucose, insulin and total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein (apo) B, but it did increase the concentration of apo A-I. Açai consumption decreased the ROS, ox-LDL and malondialdehyde while increasing the activity of antioxidative paraoxonase 1. Overall, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was increased. Regarding the transfer of plasma lipids to HDL, açai consumption increased the transfer of cholesteryl esters (p = 0.0043) to HDL. Unesterified cholesterol, phospholipids and triglyceride transfers were unaffected. The increase in apo A-I and the cholesteryl ester transfer to HDL after the açai intake period suggests that an improvement in the metabolism of this lipoprotein occurred, and it is well known that HDL is protective against atherosclerosis. Another important finding was the general improvement of the anti-oxidant defences elicited by açai consumption. Our data indicate that açai has favourable actions on plasma HDL metabolism and anti-oxidant defence; therefore açai could have a beneficial overall role against atherosclerosis, and it is a consistently good candidate to consider as a functional food.