Avaliação do impacto da orientação farmacêutica aos pacientes sobre os medicamentos prescritos / Evaluation of the impact of pharmaceutical orientation given to patients on prescribed drugs

O uso racional de medicamentos é considerado um dos elementos-chave recomendados pela Organização Mundial de Saúde, cuja ausência pode acarretar consequências como reações adversas, diminuição da eficácia do medicamento, perdas de ordem econômica para o governo e/ou indivíduo, interações medicamentosas e agravo do quadro clínico do paciente. O serviço de orientação farmacêutica que envolve esse contexto foi discutido por poucos estudos, considerando-se interessante a utilização de um instrumento validado para demonstrar o impacto do fornecimento de orientação farmacêutica direcionada a pacientes em uso de medicamentos prescritos, o que constitui o objetivo desse trabalho. A metodologia utilizada foi estudo transversal conduzido em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Diamantina/ MG. Foi utilizado um questionário para medir o grau do conhecimento do paciente sobre seus medicamentos nos momentos pré e pós a realização de orientação farmacêutica. Após a orientação farmacêutica, observou-se diminuição do percentual de usuários que não conheciam seus medicamentos (73,2%; 93 para 33,9%; 43) e aumento do nível de conhecimento suficiente (14,2%; 18 para 18,9%; 24) e ótimo (11,0%; 14 para 47,2%; 60). Houve aumento do conhecimento dos usuários em todos os itens que compõem o questionário. A orientação farmacêutica apresentou impacto positivo sobre o conhecimento dos pacientes sobre seus medicamentos e constitui uma prática essencial para o Uso Racional dos Medicamentos.

The rational use of drugs is considered one of the key elements recommended by the World Health Organization, the absence of which can lead to consequences such as adverse reactions, decreased drug efficacy, economic losses for the government and/or individual, drug interactions, and worsening of the patient's clinical condition. The pharmaceutical orientation service that involves this context has been discussed by few studies, and the use of a validated instrument to demonstrate the impact of providing pharmaceutical guidance to patients on prescribed drugs is considered interesting and constitutes the objective of this work. The methodology used was a cross-sectional study conducted in a Primary Care Center in Diamantina, MG. A questionnaire was used to measure the patient's level of knowledge about their medications before and after receiving pharmaceutical guidance. After pharmaceutical orientation, there was a decrease in the percentage of users who did not know about their medications (73.2%; n=93 to 33.9%; n=43) and an increase in the level of sufficient knowledge (14.2%; n=18 to 18.9%; n=24) and excellent knowledge (11.0%; n=14 to 47.2%; n=60). There was an increase in users' knowledge of all the items that make up the questionnaire. Pharmaceutical orientation had a positive impact on patients' knowledge about their medications and constitutes an essential practice for the Rational Use of Medications.

Determinantes de saúde mental e abuso de substâncias psicoativas associadas ao tabagismo. Estudo de caso controle / Determinants of mental health and abuse of psychoactive substances associated with tobacco use. A case-control study

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a força de associação entre tabagistas com variáveis referentes à saúde mental, à funcionalidade familiar e ao uso de outras substâncias psicoativas. Estudo caso-controle, observacional, desenvolvido nos meses de março a novembro de 2016. O campo de estudo foi um município no Centro-Oeste do país e constituiu-se por uma população de 646 indivíduos, sendo 323 casos. No modelo, o grupo caso compreendeu indivíduos com algum grau de dependência ao tabaco. O grupo controle envolveu indivíduos que não foram expostos ao tabaco. Em relação ao tempo de tabagismo, a média de exposição do grupo caso foi de 25,65 anos. No modelo de análise múltipla de regressão logística associaram-se positivamente cor de pele não branca (p = 0,002); anos de estudo ≤ 8 (p < 0,001); ter filhos (p < 0,001); trabalho informal (p = 0,024); não possuir plano de saúde (p < 0,001); elevada disfunção familiar (p = 0,007); AUDIT ≥ 8 (p < 0,001); depressão (p < 0,001); já ter usado droga ilícita na vida (p < 0,001); morar com outras pessoas (p = 0,003) e não possuir religião (p = 0,001). Este estudo reforça a vulnerabilidade dos fumantes investigados, ao associar variáveis correlacionadas ao âmbito da saúde mental, e inova ao discutir a influência das relações familiares na dependência nicotínica.

Abstract This study aimed to estimate the strength of association among smokers with variables regarding mental health, family functionality, and use of other psychoactive substances. This is a case-control observational study developed from March to November 2016. The study was conducted in a Brazilian Midwest municipality with 646 subjects, of which 323 were cases. In the model, the case group comprised subjects with a certain degree of tobacco dependence. The control group included subjects that were not exposed to tobacco. Concerning tobacco use time, the mean exposure of the case group was 25.65 years. In the multiple logistic regression analysis model the following were positively associated: non-white skin color (p = 0.002); years of study ≤ 8 (p < 0.001); having children (p < 0.001); informal work (p = 0.024); not having a health plan (p < 0.001); high family dysfunction (p = 0.007); AUDIT ≥ 8 (p < 0.001); depression (p < 0.001); having illicit drug in lifetime (p < 0.001); living with other people (p = 0.003) and no religion (p = 0.001). This study reinforces the vulnerability of smokers, associating variables correlated to the field of mental health, and innovates by discussing the influence of family relationships on nicotinic dependence.

Determinants of mental health and abuse of psychoactive substances associated with tobacco use. A case-control study. / Determinantes de saúde mental e abuso de substâncias psicoativas associadas ao tabagismo. Estudo de caso controle.

This study aimed to estimate the strength of association among smokers with variables regarding mental health, family functionality, and use of other psychoactive substances. This is a case-control observational study developed from March to November 2016. The study was conducted in a Brazilian Midwest municipality with 646 subjects, of which 323 were cases. In the model, the case group comprised subjects with a certain degree of tobacco dependence. The control group included subjects that were not exposed to tobacco. Concerning tobacco use time, the mean exposure of the case group was 25.65 years. In the multiple logistic regression analysis model the following were positively associated: non-white skin color (p = 0.002); years of study ≤ 8 (p < 0.001); having children (p < 0.001); informal work (p = 0.024); not having a health plan (p < 0.001); high family dysfunction (p = 0.007); AUDIT ≥ 8 (p < 0.001); depression (p < 0.001); having illicit drug in lifetime (p < 0.001); living with other people (p = 0.003) and no religion (p = 0.001). This study reinforces the vulnerability of smokers, associating variables correlated to the field of mental health, and innovates by discussing the influence of family relationships on nicotinic dependence.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a força de associação entre tabagistas com variáveis referentes à saúde mental, à funcionalidade familiar e ao uso de outras substâncias psicoativas. Estudo caso-controle, observacional, desenvolvido nos meses de março a novembro de 2016. O campo de estudo foi um município no Centro-Oeste do país e constituiu-se por uma população de 646 indivíduos, sendo 323 casos. No modelo, o grupo caso compreendeu indivíduos com algum grau de dependência ao tabaco. O grupo controle envolveu indivíduos que não foram expostos ao tabaco. Em relação ao tempo de tabagismo, a média de exposição do grupo caso foi de 25,65 anos. No modelo de análise múltipla de regressão logística associaram-se positivamente cor de pele não branca (p = 0,002); anos de estudo ≤ 8 (p < 0,001); ter filhos (p < 0,001); trabalho informal (p = 0,024); não possuir plano de saúde (p < 0,001); elevada disfunção familiar (p = 0,007); AUDIT ≥ 8 (p < 0,001); depressão (p < 0,001); já ter usado droga ilícita na vida (p < 0,001); morar com outras pessoas (p = 0,003) e não possuir religião (p = 0,001). Este estudo reforça a vulnerabilidade dos fumantes investigados, ao associar variáveis correlacionadas ao âmbito da saúde mental, e inova ao discutir a influência das relações familiares na dependência nicotínica.

Qualidade e duração de sono entre usuários da rede pública de saúde / Calidad y duración del sueño en usuarios del sistema de salud pública / Quality and sleep duration among public health network users

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade e tempo de sono entre usuários da rede pública de saúde e fatores associados. Métodos Estudo transversal, realizado com 775 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, em um município da região Centro-Oeste do Brasil. Aplicou-se questionário semiestruturado para avaliar as características sociodemográficas, os hábitos de vida, as condições de saúde, o binge drinking e qualidade e duração do sono, avaliadas pelo Índice de Qualidade de Sono de Pittsburgh. Aplicou-se a regressão de Poisson para identificação dos fatores associados à qualidade do sono ruim e à duração de sono (curta e longa). Resultados Na análise múltipla, os fatores associados à qualidade de sono ruim foram sexo feminino (razão de prevalência: 1,10; intervalo e confiança de 95% − IC95% 1,05-1,16; p<0,00), binge drinking (razão de prevalência: 1,08; IC95% 1,03-1,13; p<0,01), uso de substâncias ilícitas (razão de prevalência: 1.06, IC95% 1.00-1.12; p=0.03), angina (razão de prevalência: 1,10;, IC95% 1,03-1,18; p<0,01) e depressão (razão de prevalência: 1,07 IC95% 1,00-1,14; p=0,02). A obesidade associou-se à curta duração do sono (razão de prevalência: 1,10 IC95% 1,02-1,17; p<0,01). Idade > 55 anos associou-se à longa duração do sono (razão de prevalência: 1,39, IC95% 1,00-1,92; p=0,04). Conclusão Ser mulher, ter idade >55 anos, consumir bebida alcoólica, usar substâncias ilícitas, angina, obesidade e depressão foram fatores de risco para alterações na qualidade e duração de sono. Os resultados do presente estudo reforçam a necessidade do desenvolvimento de ações voltadas para a prevenção dos agravos relacionados às alterações no sono na população estudada.

Resumen Objetivo evaluar la calidad y tiempo de sueño en usuarios del sistema de salud pública y factores asociados. Métodos estudio transversal, realizado con 775 individuos de ambos sexos, en un municipio de la región Centro-Oeste de Brasil. Se aplicó un cuestionario semiestructurado para evaluar las características sociodemográficas, los hábitos de vida, las condiciones de salud, el binge drinking y la calidad y duración del sueño, evaluadas mediante el Índice de Calidad del Sueño de Pittsburgh. Se aplicó la regresión de Poisson para identificar los factores asociados a la mala calidad del sueño y a la duración del sueño (corta o larga). Resultados en el análisis múltiple, los factores asociados a una mala calidad del sueño fueron sexo femenino (razón de prevalencia: 1,10; intervalo de confianza de 95% − IC95% 1,05-1,16; p<0,00), binge drinking (razón de prevalencia: 1,08; IC95% 1,03-1,13; p<0,01), uso de sustancias ilícitas (razón de prevalencia: 1.06, IC95% 1.00-1.12; p=0.03), angina (razón de prevalencia: 1,10;, IC95% 1,03-1,18; p<0,01) y depresión (razón de prevalencia: 1,07 IC95% 1,00-1,14; p=0,02). La obesidad se asoció a una corta duración del sueño (razón de prevalencia: 1,10 IC95% 1,02-1,17; p<0,01). La edad > 55 años se asoció a una larga duración del sueño (razón de prevalencia: 1,39, IC95% 1,00-1,92; p=0,04). Conclusión ser mujer, tener >55 años, consumir bebida alcohólica, usar sustancias ilícitas, angina, obesidad y depresión fueron factores de riesgo para alteraciones en la calidad y duración del sueño. Los resultados del presente estudio refuerzan la necesidad de desarrollar acciones orientadas hacia la prevención de los perjuicios relacionados con las alteraciones del sueño en la población estudiada.

Abstract Objective To assess the quality and sleep time between public health network users and associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study of 775 individuals of both genders in a city in the Center-West region of Brazil. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, life habits, health conditions, binge drinking, and quality and sleep duration assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Poisson regression was used to identify the factors associated with poor sleep quality and sleep duration (short and long). Results In the multiple analysis, the factors associated with poor sleep quality were female gender (prevalence ratio: 1.10, 95% Confidence Interval and 95%CI 1.05-1.16, p <0.00), binge drinking (prevalence ratio: 1.08; 95%CI 1.03-1.13; p <0.01), illegal drug use (prevalence ratio: 1.06, 95%CI 1.00-1.12, p=0.03), angina (prevalence ratio: 1.07, 95%CI 1.03-1.18, p <0.01) and depression (prevalence ratio: 1.07 95%CI 1.00-1.14, p=0.02). Obesity was associated with short sleep duration (prevalence ratio: 1.10 95%CI 1.02-1.17, p <0.01). Age> 55 years was associated with long sleep duration (prevalence ratio: 1.39; 95%CI: 1.00-1.92; p=0.04). Conclusion Being a woman, being over 55 years old, consuming alcoholic beverages, using illegal substances, angina, obesity and depression were risk factors for changes in quality and sleep duration. The results of the present study reinforce the need for the development of actions aimed at the prevention of diseases related to sleep disorders in the study population.

Frank-Starling mechanism and short-term adjustment of cardiac flow.

The Frank-Starling law of the heart is a filling-force mechanism (FFm), a positive relationship between the distension of a ventricular chamber and its force of ejection, and such a mechanism is found across all the studied vertebrate lineages. The functioning of the cardiovascular system is usually described by means of the cardiac and vascular functions, the former related to the contractility of the heart and the latter related to the afterload imposed on the ventricle. The crossing of these functions is the so-called 'operation point', and the FFm is supposed to play a stabilizing role for the short-term variations in the working of the system. In the present study, we analyze whether the FFm is truly responsible for such a stability within two different settings: one-ventricle and two-ventricle hearts. To approach the query, we linearized the region around an arbitrary operation point and put forward a dynamical system of differential equations to describe the relationship among volumes in face of blood flows governed by pressure differences between compartments. Our results show that the FFm is not necessary to give stability to an operation point. Thus, which forces selected and maintained such a mechanism in all vertebrates? The present results indicate three different and complementary roles for the FFm: (1) it decreases the demands of a central controlling system over the circulatory system; (2) it smooths out perturbations in volumes; and (3) it guarantees faster transitions between operation points, i.e. it allows for rapid changes in cardiac output.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Criminal Behavior Among Illicit Drug Users: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies indicate high rates of criminal behavior, violent activities, and legal problems among illicit drug users (IDU) in Brazil. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with criminal behavior among IDU undergoing treatment for chemical dependency in Central Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with IDU undergoing treatment for chemical dependence. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interviews and analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the total participants (n = 274), 46.7%, 15.7%, and 10.9% reported involvement in robbery, drug trafficking and homicide, respectively. Robbery was associated with young age, withdrawal symptoms, prison record, sex work, and crack use, while drug trafficking was associated with young age, low education, and marijuana use. Homicides were associated with cocaine and marijuana use. CONCLUSION: The results show high rates of criminal behavior among drug users, demonstrating associations between socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, illicit drug use, and practices of illegal activities. These variables must be considered when planning programs and policies to reduce harm related to drug use and abuse.

Ajuda terapêutica a indivíduos em uso e abuso de substâncias psicoativas / Therapeutic help to individuals using and abusing of psychoactive substances

Objetivo: descrever a procura por ajuda terapêutica de indivíduos em uso e abuso de substâncias psicoativas. Métodos: epidemiológico transversal, realizado com indivíduos da região centro-oeste do Brasil, com histórico de uso abusivo de substâncias psicoativas. Realizaram-se entrevistas face a face nos locais da pesquisa em ambiente privativo. Os dados passaram por análise estatística. Resultados: foram entrevistados 266 indivíduos, sendo 85,3% do sexo masculino e idade de início de uso ≥18 anos. A maioria dos entrevistados relatou busca por ajuda em clínicas de reabilitação. A oração foi a ação de intervenção mais frequente, e o profissional com maior influência foi o farmacêutico. Conclusão: homens foram prevalentes dentre aqueles que procuraram ajuda, e o crack foi a droga em uso relatada pela maioria (AU).

Fatores associados à probabilidade de transtorno mental comum em gestante: estudo transversal / Factors associated with the probability of common mental disorders in pregnant women: a cross-sectional study

Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência de probabilidade de transtorno mental comum em gestantes e os fatores associados. Métodos: Estudo transversal, quantitativo e descritivo com 330 gestantes cadastradas em um Serviço de Atenção à Saúde da Mulher localizado no Brasil Central. Os dados foram obtidos por meio de um questionário que abordou características sociodemográficas, antecedentes familiares e pessoais. No rastreamento de transtorno mental comum, aplicaram-se o Self-Reporting Questionnaire e a regressão de Poisson, para verificar os fatores associados a ele. Resultados: A prevalência de probabilidade do desfecho transtorno mental comum em gestantes foi de 57,1% e esteve associada com as variáveis estado civil, idade gestacional, gravidez planejada e sangramento. Conclusão: A prevalência de gestantes com probabilidade de transtorno mental comum e a média do escore do Self-Reporting Questionnaire estimados nesta pesquisa foram superiores às outras encontradas em estudos com amostras de população geral.

Prevalência de readmissões de usuários de álcool e outras drogas e fatores associados / Prevalence of readmissions of users of alcohol and other drugs and associated factors / Predominio de readmisiones de usuarios de alcohol y otras drogas y sus factores asociados

Objetivo: estimar a prevalência de readmissão de indivíduos que abusam de álcool e outras drogas, e os fatores associados. Método: estudo transversal, realizado no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) e em clínicas de reabilitação, com indivíduos com histórico de abuso de substâncias psicoativas, situados na região sudeste do Estado de Goiás, Brasil Central. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto de 2013 e fevereiro de 2014, por meio de um questionário sociodemográfico e padrão de uso de drogas lícitas e/ou ilícitas. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se o programa Stata Software Package, versão 10.0. Resultados: foram entrevistados 268 indivíduos; destes, 68,7% foram readmitidos. Na análise multivariada, verificou-se associação, em mais de uma readmissão, com as variáveis "usuário de cocaína" e "usuário de álcool". Conclusão: foram altas a prevalência de readmissões e a procura por tratamento por usuários de drogas.(AU)

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of readmissions among individuals who abuse alcohol and other drugs and associated factors. Method: cross-sectional study conducted in a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) and in rehabilitation clinics, with individuals with history of psychoactive substance abuse, located in the southeast region of the state of Goiás, central Brazil. Data were collected between August 2013 and February 2014, using a socio-demographic questionnaire and pattern of licit and/or illicit drug use. Data were analyzed using the Stata Software Package program, version 10.0. Results: 268 individuals were interviewed; among them, 68.7% were readmitted. Multivariate analysis showed an association, in more than one readmission, with the variables "cocaine user" and "alcohol user". Conclusion: the prevalence of readmissions and the search for treatment by drug users were high.(AU)

Objetivo: estimar el predominio de readmisión entre individuos que abusan de alcohol y otras drogas, además de los factores asociados. Método: estudio transversal, realizado en el Centro de Atención Psicosocial (CAPS) y en clínicas de rehabilitación, con individuos con antecedentes de abuso de sustancias psicoactivas, situadas en la región sudeste del Estado de Goiás, Brasil Central. Los datos fueron recolectados entre agosto de 2013 y febrero de 2014, por medio de un cuestionario sociodemográfico y estándar de uso de drogas lícitas y/o ilícitas. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el programa Stata Software Package, versión 10.0. Resultados: fueron entrevistados 268 individuos; de los cuales el 68,7% fueron readmitidos. En el análisis multivariado, se verificó asociación en más de una readmisión con las variables "usuario de cocaína" y "usuario de alcohol". Conclusión: ha sido alta la prevalencia de readmisiones y la búsqueda por tratamiento de usuarios de drogas.(AU)

Identification of novel genes associated with renal tertiary lymphoid organ formation in aging mice.

A hallmark of aging-related organ deterioration is a dysregulated immune response characterized by pathologic leukocyte infiltration of affected tissues. Mechanisms and genes involved are as yet unknown. To identify genes associated with aging-related renal infiltration, we analyzed kidneys from aged mice (≥20 strains) for infiltrating leukocytes followed by Haplotype Association Mapping (HAM) analysis. Immunohistochemistry revealed CD45+ cell clusters (predominantly T and B cells) in perivascular areas coinciding with PNAd+ high endothelial venules and podoplanin+ lymph vessels indicative of tertiary lymphoid organs. Cumulative cluster size increased with age (analyzed at 6, 12 and 20 months). Based on the presence or absence of clusters in male and female mice at 20 months, HAM analysis revealed significant associations with loci on Chr1, Chr2, Chr8 and Chr14 in male mice, and with loci on Chr4, Chr7, Chr13 and Chr14 in female mice. Wisp2 (Chr2) showed the strongest association (P = 5.00×10(-137)) in male mice; Ctnnbip1 (P = 6.42×10(-267)) and Tnfrsf8 (P = 5.42×10(-245)) (both on Chr4) showed the strongest association in female mice. Both Wisp2 and Ctnnbip1 are part of the Wnt-signaling pathway and the encoded proteins were expressed within the tertiary lymphoid organs. In conclusion, this study revealed differential lymphocytic infiltration and tertiary lymphoid organ formation in aged mouse kidneys across different inbred mouse strains. HAM analysis identified candidate genes involved in the Wnt-signaling pathway that may be causally linked to tertiary lymphoid organ formation.

Control of metabolic rate is a hidden variable in the allometric scaling of homeotherms.

The allometric scaling exponent of the relationship between standard metabolic rate (SMR) and body mass for homeotherms has a long history and has been subject to much debate. Provided the external and internal conditions required to measure SMR are met, it is tacitly assumed that the metabolic rate (B) converges to SMR. If SMR does indeed represent a local minimum, then short-term regulatory control mechanisms should not operate to sustain it. This is a hidden assumption in many published articles aiming to explain the scaling exponent in terms of physical and morphological constraints. This paper discusses the findings of a minimalist body temperature (Tb) control model in which short-term controlling operations, related to the difference between Tb and the set-point temperatures by specific gains and time delays in the control loops, are described by a system of differential equations of Tb, B and thermal conductance. We found that because the gains in the control loops tend to increase as body size decreases (i.e. changes in B and thermal conductance are speeded-up in small homeotherms), the equilibrium point of the system potentially changes from asymptotically stable to a centre, transforming B and Tb in oscillating variables. Under these specific circumstances the very concept of SMR no longer makes sense. A series of empirical reports of metabolic rate in very small homeotherms supports this theoretical prediction, because in these animals B seems not to converge to a SMR value. We conclude that the unrestricted use of allometric equations to relate metabolic rate to body size might be misleading because metabolic control itself experiences size effects that are overlooked in ordinary allometric analysis.

Temperature effects on a whole metabolic reaction cannot be inferred from its components.

Changes in temperature affect the kinetic energy of the constituents of a system at the molecular level and have pervasive effects on the physiology of the whole organism. A mechanistic link between these levels of organization has been assumed and made explicit through the use of values of organismal Q10 to infer control of metabolic rate. To be valid this postulate requires linearity and independence of the isolated reaction steps, assumptions not accepted by all. We address this controversy by applying dynamic systems theory and metabolic control analysis to a metabolic pathway model. It is shown that temperature effects on isolated steps cannot rigorously be extrapolated to higher levels of organization.

Conditions for pathogen elimination by immune systems.

A continuous harvest effort can lead a population to extinction. How an "unconscious" immune system would perpetrate such an effort in order to eliminate a self-replicating antigen (a pathogen) becomes an intriguing problem if the system responses are functions of the pathogen population: the responses cannot be a continuous effort as the pathogen vanishes. On theoretical grounds, we show some qualities an immune response must have to support pathogen elimination. Then, three specific mechanisms are addressed: a pathogen-independent positive feedback loop among the responding cells of the system (e.g., B-lymphocyte and T-helper); the persistence of antigen bound to presenting cells; and the programmed expansion/contraction of a pool of responding cells. The maintenance of responding cells due to these mechanisms is the essential feature to the effective clearance of self-replicating agents. Thus, evolutionarily, the primary function of a helper lymphocyte would be to amplify a response and the primary function of memory would be the very elimination of pathogens.

A theoretical model for estimating the margination constant of leukocytes.

BACKGROUND: Blood leukocytes constitute two interchangeable sub-populations, the marginated and circulating pools. These two sub-compartments are found in normal conditions and are potentially affected by non-normal situations, either pathological or physiological. The dynamics between the compartments is governed by rate constants of margination (M) and return to circulation (R). Therefore, estimates of M and R may prove of great importance to a deeper understanding of many conditions. However, there has been a lack of formalism in order to approach such estimates. The few attempts to furnish an estimation of M and R neither rely on clearly stated models that precisely say which rate constant is under estimation nor recognize which factors may influence the estimation. RESULTS: The returning of the blood pools to a steady-state value after a perturbation (e.g., epinephrine injection) was modeled by a second-order differential equation. This equation has two eigenvalues, related to a fast- and to a slow-component of the dynamics. The model makes it possible to identify that these components are partitioned into three constants: R, M and SB; where SB is a time-invariant exit to tissues rate constant. Three examples of the computations are worked and a tentative estimation of R for mouse monocytes is presented. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes a firm theoretical basis for the estimation of the rate constants of the dynamics between the blood sub-compartments of white cells. It shows, for the first time, that the estimation must also take into account the exit to tissues rate constant, SB.

Temperature effects on energy metabolism: a dynamic system analysis.

Q(10) factors are widely used as indicators of the magnitude of temperature-induced changes in physico-chemical and physiological rates. However, there is a long-standing debate concerning the extent to which Q(10) values can be used to derive conclusions about energy metabolism regulatory control. The main point of this disagreement is whether or not it is fair to use concepts derived from molecular theory in the integrative physiological responses of living organisms. We address this debate using a dynamic systems theory, and analyse the behaviour of a model at the organismal level. It is shown that typical Q(10) values cannot be used unambiguously to deduce metabolic rate regulatory control. Analytical constraints emerge due to the more formal and precise equation used to compute Q(10), derived from a reference system composed from the metabolic rate and the Q(10). Such an equation has more than one unknown variable and thus is unsolvable. This problem disappears only if the Q(10) is assumed to be a known parameter. Therefore, it is concluded that typical Q(10) calculations are inappropriate for addressing questions about the regulatory control of a metabolism unless the Q(10) values are considered to be true parameters whose values are known beforehand. We offer mathematical tools to analyse the regulatory control of a metabolism for those who are willing to accept such an assumption.