Mercury biomagnification in the food chain of a piscivorous turtle species (Testudines: Chelidae: Chelus fimbriata) in the Central Amazon, Brazil.

Due to their natural history and ecological attributes, turtles are excellent organisms for studies of heavy metal contamination. Turtles have a large geographical distribution, occupy different aquatic habitats, and occupy various trophic levels. The present study investigated mercury bioaccumulation in the carnivorous chelonian Chelus fimbriata (Matamata turtle) and Hg biomagnification in relation to its aquatic food chain in the middle Rio Negro, AM-Brazil. Tissue samples of muscle, carapace and claws were collected from 26 C. fimbriata individuals, as well as collections of autotrophic energy sources found in the turtle's aquatic habitat area. The samples were collected in February-March/2014 and analyzed for THg concentrations and carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. The highest THg levels were found in claws (3780 ng.g-1), carapace (3622 ng.g-1) and muscle (403 ng.g-1), which were found to be significantly different [F(2.73) = 49.02 p < 0.01]. However, THg concentrations in muscle tissue were below the consumption threshold indicated by the WHO and Brazilian Health Ministry. The average δ13C and δ15N values in Matamata samples were -31.7‰ and 11.9‰, respectively. The principal energy source sustaining the food chain of C. fimbriata was found to be terrestrial shrubs, with smaller contributions from emergent aquatic herbaceous plants and algae, while δ15N values showed its trophic position to be two levels above the autotrophic energy sources. There was a positive correlation between THg and turtle size, while a significant relationship was found between THg and δ15N, showing strong biomagnification in the food chain of C. fimbriata: y = 0.21x + 0.46; r2 = 0.45; p < 0.001, for which the slope presented a value of 0.21.

Intervenciones para el desarrollo infantil basadas en el Modelo Touchpoints: revisión de alcance / Interventions for child development based on the Touchpoints Model: scoping review / Intervenções para o desenvolvimento infantil baseadas no Modelo Touchpoints: revisão de escopo

Objetivo: mapear las características de las intervenciones para promover el desarrollo infantil que utilizaron el Modelo Touchpoints. Método: se trata de una revisión de alcance, guiada por las recomendaciones del JBI Reviewer's Manual, realizada en nueve bases de datos, en la literatura gris y en la lista de referencias de los estudios seleccionados. La pregunta de investigación fue "¿cuáles son las características de las intervenciones con padres/cuidadores y niños para promover el desarrollo infantil, desde el embarazo hasta los seis años, con base en el Modelo Touchpoints?". Se utilizó el Rayyan para la selección de los estudios y un guión para la extracción de datos. El análisis se realizó de forma descriptiva. Resultados: se incluyeron doce publicaciones. Las intervenciones fueron heterogéneas; concentradas en el período comprendido entre el embarazo y los tres años de edad; priorizó la difusión del contenido de los Touchpoints según la edad y los aspectos de parentalidad; la mayoría fueron realizadas por enfermeros, en la Atención Primaria de Salud y durante las visitas domiciliarias. Las intervenciones se relacionaron con el desarrollo general, una mayor comprensión del desarrollo y una mayor interacción con el niño. Conclusión: los estudios han demostrado potencial para obtener resultados favorables para el desarrollo infantil y la parentalidad. La variabilidad de las intervenciones dificultó el mapeo de las características más efectivas."

Objective: to map the characteristics of interventions to promote child development that used the Touchpoints Model. Method: this is a scoping review, guided by the recommendations of the JBI Reviewer's Manual, carried out in nine databases, in the gray literature and in the reference list of the selected studies. The research question was "what are the characteristics of interventions with parents/caregivers and children to promote child development, from pregnancy to six years of age, based on the Touchpoints Model?". Rayyan was used for the selection of studies and a standard form for data extraction. The analysis was carried out descriptively. Results: twelve publications were included in the review. Interventions were heterogeneous; concentrated in the period from pregnancy to three years of age; prioritized the dissemination of Touchpoints content according to age, and parenting aspects; most were performed by nurses, in Primary Health Care, and during home visits. Interventions were related to overall development, greater understanding of development and greater interaction with the child. Conclusion: studies have shown potential for favorable outcomes for child development and parenting. The variability of interventions made it difficult to map more effective characteristics.

Objetivo: mapear as características das intervenções para a promoção do desenvolvimento infantil que utilizaram o Modelo Touchpoints. Método: revisão de escopo, guiada pelas recomendações do JBI Reviewer's Manual realizada em nove bases de dados, na literatura cinzenta e na lista de referências dos estudos selecionados. A questão de pesquisa foi: quais são as características das intervenções com pais/cuidadores e crianças para promoção do desenvolvimento infantil, da gestação até os seis anos de idade, baseadas no Modelo Touchpoints? Foram utilizados o Rayyan, para a seleção dos estudos, e um roteiro, para a extração de dados. A análise foi realizada de forma descritiva. Resultados: foram incluídas doze publicações. As intervenções eram heterogêneas; concentradas no período da gestação até os três anos de idade; priorizaram a disseminação de conteúdo dos Touchpoints segundo idade e aspectos de parentalidade; a maioria foi realizada por enfermeiros na Atenção Primária à Saúde e na visita domiciliar. As intervenções foram relacionadas ao desenvolvimento global, à maior compreensão sobre o desenvolvimento e à maior interação com a criança. Conclusão: os estudos evidenciaram potencial para resultados favoráveis ao desenvolvimento infantil e à parentalidade. A variabilidade das intervenções dificultou mapear características mais efetivas.

Interventions for child development based on the Touchpoints Model: scoping review. / Intervenciones para el desarrollo infantil basadas en el Modelo Touchpoints: revisión de alcance.

OBJECTIVE: to map the characteristics of interventions to promote child development that used the Touchpoints Model. METHOD: this is a scoping review, guided by the recommendations of the JBI Reviewer's Manual, carried out in nine databases, in the gray literature and in the reference list of the selected studies. The research question was "what are the characteristics of interventions with parents/caregivers and children to promote child development, from pregnancy to six years of age, based on the Touchpoints Model?". Rayyan was used for the selection of studies and a standard form for data extraction. The analysis was carried out descriptively. RESULTS: twelve publications were included in the review. Interventions were heterogeneous; concentrated in the period from pregnancy to three years of age; prioritized the dissemination of Touchpoints content according to age, and parenting aspects; most were performed by nurses, in Primary Health Care, and during home visits. Interventions were related to overall development, greater understanding of development and greater interaction with the child. CONCLUSION: studies have shown potential for favorable outcomes for child development and parenting. The variability of interventions made it difficult to map more effective characteristics. (1) Interventions in the period of pregnancy until the child's 3 years of life predominated. (2) Interventions by nurses in Primary Care and home visits predominated. (3) The interventions were mostly delivered individually and face-to-face. (4) The participating parents had a greater understanding of child development. (5) There was more interaction with the child, use of toys and learning materials.

Comparison of different small molecular weight alcohols for sustaining sulfidogenic bioreactors maintained at moderately low pH.

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) catalyse the dissimilatory reduction of sulfate to hydrogen sulfide using a wide range of small molecular weight organic compounds, and hydrogen, as electron donors. Here we report the effects of different combinations of small molecular weight alcohols on the performance and bacterial composition of a moderately low pH sulfidogenic bioreactor (pH 4.0-5.5) operated at 35°C in continuous flow mode. Ethanol alone and methanol or ethanol used in combination with glycerol were evaluated based on their equivalent amounts of carbon. Although evidenced that methanol was utilised as electron donor to fuel sulfidogenesis at pH 5.5, rates of sulfate reduction/sulfide production were negatively impacted when this alcohol was first introduced to the system, though these rates increased in subsequent phases as a result of adaptation of the microbial community. Further increased dosage of methanol again caused rates of sulfidogenesis to decrease. Methanol addition resulted in perturbations of the bioreactor microbial community, and species not previously detected were present in relatively large abundance, including the sulfate-reducer Desulfovibrio desulfuricans. Ethanol utilization was evidenced by the increase in rates of sulfidogenesis as the dosage of ethanol increased, with rates being highest when the bioreactor was fed with ethanol alone. Concentrations of acetate in the effluent liquor also increased (up to 8 mM) as a result of incomplete oxidation of ethanol. This alcohol continued to be used as the electron donor for sulfate reduction when the bioreactor pH was decreased incrementally (to pH 4.0), but rates of sulfidogenesis decreased. The relative abundance of Dv. desulfuricans diminished as the bioreactor pH was lowered, while that of the acidophilic Firmicute Desulfosporosinus acididurans increased. This study has shown that all three alcohols can be used to fuel microbial sulfidogenesis in moderately acidic liquors, though the cost-effectiveness, availability and toxicity to the microbial community will dictate the choice of substrate.

Development and validation of an assay for the measurement of gentamicin concentrations in dried blood spots using UHPLC-MS/MS.

Gentamicin sulfate (GEN) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic with a narrow therapeutic range of plasma concentrations. The collection of venous blood represents a significant burden for patients, especially in neonatology. Dried blood spots (DBS) obtained from capillary blood can be an alternative for drug measurements in this particular population. This study aimed to develop and validate an assay for the quantification of GEN in DBS using UHPLC-MS/MS. Total GEN concentrations were obtained by adding the individual concentrations of the GEN forms C1, C1a, and C2. The assay used a DBS disk containing approximately 17 µL of blood for GEN quantitation in the range of 0.1-40 mg L-1. Measurement accuracy for total GEN was in the range of 102.6-108.6%, inter-assay precision was 11.3-13.1% and intra-assay precision was 9.1-12.8.% GEN was stable for 21 days at - 20 and 8 °C, but only for 24 h at room temperature. Blood Hct affected the accuracy within acceptable limits (93.8-95% at Hct% of 30, 104.3-113% at Hct% of 50). Blood spotted volume did not affect GEN measurement accuracy. Concentrations of GEN in DBS obtained after heel pricks were correlated to plasma levels in a small cohort of neonatal patients. However, percentual differences between estimated plasma concentrations and actual plasma levels presented values between - 64-35.3% (average difference of - 1.9%). The use of DBS for the measurement of GEN concentrations can increase access to TDM of this antibiotic due to the ease of sample collection and the facilitated specimen transportation logistics when testing is not available onsite.

Sensitive determination of gentamicin in plasma using ion-exchange solid-phase extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS analysis.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of gentamicin sulfate (GEN) is usually recommended, particularly in critical patients. Only a few reports had described the determination of GEN in plasma or plasma using LC-MS/MS. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and validate a sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) assay for the quantification of GEN in small volumes of human plasma. RESULTS: The use of a very low concentration of the ion-pairing agent HFBA allowed significant retention of the very polar GEN forms in a reversed phase UHPLC column. The solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure allowed clean extracts, with no interferences detected in blank samples, and high sensitivity. The assay was linear on the range of 0.2-40 mg L-1 of GEN complex. The combined GEN complex had inter-assay CV of 8.8-10.0%, intra-assay CV of 10.2-11.0%, and accuracy of 96.8-104.0%. The assay was applied to 17 clinical samples obtained from neonate patients. Measured concentrations were in the range of 0.15-3.57 mg L-1 for GEN C1, 0.12-3.55 mg L-1 for GEN C1a, 0.20-5.77 mg L-1 for GEN C2, and 0.47-12.88 mg L-1 for the GEN complex, all within the linear range of the assay. CONCLUSION: A sensitive assay for the quantification of gentamicin in plasma using anion-exchange SPE and UHPLC-MS/MS was validated. The assay can be used for TDM of gentamicin, particularly in centers with access to proper instrumentation and with a low demand for gentamicin measurements, where immunoassays are not cost-effective.

Bioleaching of Transition Metals From Limonitic Laterite Deposits and Reassessment of the Multiple Roles of Sulfur-Oxidizing Acidophiles in the Process.

Using acidophilic bacteria to catalyze the reductive dissolution of oxidized minerals is an innovative process that facilitates the extraction of valuable base metals (principally cobalt and nickel) from limonites, which are otherwise often regarded as waste products of laterite mining. The most appropriate conditions required to optimize reductive mineral dissolution are unresolved, and the current work has reassessed the roles of Acidithiobacillus spp. in this process and identified novel facets. Aerobic bio-oxidation of zero-valent sulfur (ZVS) can generate sufficient acidity to counterbalance that consumed by the dissolution of oxidized iron and manganese minerals but precludes the development of low redox potentials that accelerate the reductive process, and although anaerobic oxidation of sulfur by iron-reducing species can achieve this, less acid is generated. Limited reduction of soluble iron (III) occurs in pure cultures of Acidithiobacillus spp. (Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus caldus) that do not grow by iron respiration. This phenomenon ("latent iron reduction") was observed in aerated cultures and bioreactors and was independent of electron donor used (ZVS or hydrogen). Sufficient ferrous iron was generated in the presence of sterilized hydrophilic sulfur (bio-ZVS) to promote the effective reductive dissolution of Mn (IV) minerals in limonite and the solubilization of cobalt in the absence of viable acidophiles.

Chromium (VI) Inhibition of Low pH Bioleaching of Limonitic Nickel-Cobalt Ore.

Limonitic layers of the regolith, which are often stockpiled as waste materials at laterite mines, commonly contain significant concentrations of valuable base metals, such as nickel, cobalt, and manganese. There is currently considerable demand for these transition metals, and this is projected to continue to increase (alongside their commodity values) during the next few decades, due in the most part to their use in battery and renewable technologies. Limonite bioprocessing is an emerging technology that often uses acidophilic prokaryotes to catalyse the oxidation of zero-valent sulphur coupled to the reduction of Fe (III) and Mn (IV) minerals, resulting in the release of target metals. Chromium-bearing minerals, such as chromite, where the metal is present as Cr (III), are widespread in laterite deposits. However, there are also reports that the more oxidised and more biotoxic form of this metal [Cr (VI)] may be present in some limonites, formed by the oxidation of Cr (III) by manganese (IV) oxides. Bioleaching experiments carried out in laboratory-scale reactors using limonites from a laterite mine in New Caledonia found that solid densities of ∼10% w/v resulted in complete inhibition of iron reduction by acidophiles, which is a critical reaction in the reductive dissolution process. Further investigations found this to be due to the release of Cr (VI) in the acidic liquors. X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy analysis of the limonites used found that between 3.1 and 8.0% of the total chromium in the three limonite samples used in experiments was present in the raw materials as Cr (VI). Microbial inhibition due to Cr (VI) could be eliminated either by adding limonite incrementally or by the addition of ferrous iron, which reduces Cr (VI) to less toxic Cr (III), resulting in rates of extraction of cobalt (the main target metal in the experiments) of >90%.

Association between Serum Uric Acid Levels, Nutritional and Antioxidant Status in Patients on Hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between uric acid (UA) and nutritional and antioxidant status in hemodialysis (HD) patients, given that hyperuricemia could be an indicator of good nutritional status possibly because of the antioxidant properties of UA. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 93 patients on HD. Hyperuricemia was considered as UA ≥6.0 mg/dL in females and ≥7.0 mg/dL in males. Nutritional variables were registered. Blood samples were taken before the dialysis session to determine oxidative damage as plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and antioxidant capacity measuring 2,2-diphenyl-piclrylhidrazil radical (DPPH●) scavenging activity and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value. RESULTS: Patients with hyperuricemia had higher creatinine (11.9 vs. 10.5 mg/dL; p = 0.004), potassium (5.5 vs. 5.0 mg/dL; p = 0.014) levels; phase angle (5.8 vs. 4.9; p = 0.005), protein consumption (normalized protein nitrogen appearance, nPNA, 1.03 vs. 0.83; p = 0.013) than normouricemic patients. DPPH● scavenging activity was higher in hyperuricemic subjects (1.139 vs. 1.049 mM Trolox equivalents; p = 0.007); likewise, hyperuricemic subjects had less oxidant damage measured by MDA (10.6 vs. 12.7 nmol/mL; p = 0.020). Subjects with normouricemia were at higher risk of having a reactance to height (Xc/H) ratio less than 35 (OR 2.79; 95% CI, 1.1-7.017, p = 0.028); nPNA < 1.0 (OR 3.78; 95% CI, 1.4-10.2, p = 0.007), diagnosis of cachexia (OR 2.95; 95% CI, 1156-7.518, p = 0.021), potassium levels <5 (OR 2.97; 95% CI, 1.136-7.772, p = 0.023) and PA < 5.5° (OR 3.38; 95% CI, 1.309-8.749, p = 0.012.) Conclusions: Patients with hyperuricemia had higher antioxidant capacity and better nutritional status. Purines and protein restrictions in HD patients with hyperuricemia need to be reviewed individually for each patient. More studies are needed to stablish a cut point of UA levels in renal population.

A Critical Review of Analytical Methods in Pharmaceutical Matrices for Determination of Corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are a class of hormones released by the adrenal cortex, which includes glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids have an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and calcium and effective anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity. Due to their intense immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activity, glucocorticoids are used in the treatment of various inflammatory, malignant, allergic conditions such as rhinitis, asthma, dermatological, rheumatic, ophthalmic and neurological diseases, as well as after organ transplants. They are the most widely prescribed drugs in the world. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the analytical methods in pharmaceutical matrices for determination of corticosteroids. In this study, the predominance of liquid chromatography methods for the analysis of corticosteroids from pharmaceutical products is evident for both liquid and semisolid dosage forms as well as for solids. The same can be said for topical, oral and parenteral formulations. Methods such as spectrophotometry are also used, but given the advantages of chromatographic methods such as better selectivity and sensitivity, they have become the choice for analysis of these drugs, however, most methods still do not meet the credentials of "green chemistry."

Airborne toluene exposure causes germline apoptosis and neuronal damage that promotes neurobehavioural changes in Caenorhabditis elegans.

Toluene is a highly volatile organic solvent present in gasoline. Exposure mainly occurs by absorption via the pulmonary tract and easily reaches the central nervous system, which causes toxic effects. Toluene toxicity has been described but not well established. The present work aimed to evaluate the effects of airborne exposure to toluene, the in vivo model Caenorhabditis elegans was assessed to determine whether nematode could be used to evaluate the effects of exposure to toluene and the possible mechanisms of toxicity of the solvent. Worms at the first or fourth larval stages were exposed to toluene for 48 or 24 h, respectively, in a laboratory-developed vapor chamber at concentrations of 450, 850, 1250 and 1800 ppm. We observed increases in worm mortality and significant developmental delays that occurred in a concentration-dependent manner. An increased incidence of apoptotic events in treated germline cells was shown, which was consistent with observed reductions in reproductive capacity. In addition, toluene promoted significant behavioural changes affecting swimming movements and radial locomotion, which were associated with changes in the fluorescence intensity and morphology of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons. We conclude that toluene exposure was toxic to C. elegans, with effects produced by the induction of apoptosis and neuronal damage.

Increase of global DNA methylation patterns in beauty salon workers exposed to low levels of formaldehyde.

Formaldehyde (FA) is a carcinogenic aldehyde illegally added to creams as a hair straightening agent for the Brazilian blowout (BB). This study aimed to investigate the possible effects of occupational exposure to FA on global DNA methylation in salon workers with different exposure levels. FA exposure was monitored using environmental and biological measurements. The study included 49 salon workers divided by FA levels in the workplace into group A (FA < 0.01 ppm; n = 8), group B (0.03 ppm < FA < 0.06 ppm; n = 15), and group C (0.08 ppm < FA < 0.24 ppm; n = 26). The global DNA methylation levels were 3.12%, 4.55%, and 4.29% for groups A, B, and C, respectively, with statistically higher values for groups B and C compared to group A (p = 0.002). A correlation was found between FA in passive samplers and global DNA methylation (rs = 0.307, p = 0.032). Additionally, when only taking into account the hairdressers that performed the BB on clients instead of the whole group, a stronger correlation was observed between FA in personal passive samplers and global DNA methylation (rs = 0.764, p = 0.006). For the first time, an increase in DNA methylation was observed in subjects occupationally exposed to FA. In conclusion, our results indicated that even low levels of FA exposure could cause a disturbance in DNA methylation, leading to epigenetic changes, which is associated with cancer development. These data suggest a possible contribution of FA to cancer development through occupational exposure.

Analytical Methods for the Determination of Rosuvastatin in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids: A Critical Review.

Rosuvastatin calcium (ROS), ( Figure 1 ) belongs to the "statins" group, which is the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor. This drug is indicated for dyslipidemias treatment and can help to decrease the level of "bad cholesterol" and can consequently reduce the development of atherosclerosis and the risk of heart diseases. ROS was developed by Astra-Zeneca and it was approved in 2003 by the FDA in the United States. In 2015, under the trade name Crestor®, it was the fourth largest selling drug in the United States with sales above $5 billion. This study presents a literature review of analytical methods for the quantification of ROS in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. The major analytical methods described in this study for ROS were spectrophotometry, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to ultraviolet (UV) detection, and tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

Considerations for an Access-Centered Design of the Fever Thermometer in Low-Resource Settings: A Literature Review.

BACKGROUND: The lack of adequate information about fever in low-resource settings, its unreliable self-assessment, and poor diagnostic practices may result in delayed care and under-or-overdiagnosis of diseases such as malaria. The mismatches of existing fever thermometers in the context of use imply that the diagnostic tools and connected services need to be studied further to address the challenges of fever-related illnesses and their diagnostics. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to inform a product-service system approach to design a reliable and accessible fever thermometer and connected services, as well as contribute to the identification of innovative opportunities to improve health care in low-resource settings. METHODS: To determine what factors impede febrile people seeking health care to access adequate fever diagnostics, a literature search was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed with relevant keywords. Next, these factors were combined with a patient journey model to design a new product-service system for fever diagnostics in low-resource settings. RESULTS: In total, 37 articles were reviewed. The five As framework was used to categorize the identified barriers. The results indicate that there is a poor distribution of reliable fever diagnostic practices among remote communities. This paper speaks to the global public health and design communities. Three complementary considerations are discussed that support the idea of a more holistic approach to the design of fever diagnostics: (1) understanding of the fever diagnostics patient journey, (2) identifying user groups of the thermometers in a specific health care system, and (3) assessing different needs and interests of the different users. CONCLUSIONS: Access to basic, primary health care may be enhanced with better information and technology design made through the involvement of system users.

A enfermagem e o relacionamento com os cuidadores dos portadores de esquizofrenia / Enfermería y las relaciones con los cuidadores de pacientes con esquizofrenia / Nursing and relationships with caregivers of patients with schizophrenia

Identificar as representações sociais que os profissionais de enfermagem possuem a respeitodo relacionamento com os cuidadores dos portadores de esquizofrenia. Métodos: De natureza descritiva,qualitativa, aborda as representações sociais segundo Mary Jane Spink. Os dados foram coletados noperíodo defevereiro a junho de 2014, com população de amostra composta por 18 profissionais deenfermagem atuantes no SERSAM, em Divinópolis-MG. Todos os profissionais aceitaram participar dapesquisa e corresponderam aos critérios de inclusão. Foi utilizado questionário semiestruturado e asrespostas foram gravadas por aparelho eletrônico. Resultados: Os sentimentos de respeito, empatia,amizade e paciência surgem como importantes e positivos durante o contato com o cuidador. Acomunicação que ocorre no tempo curto junto com o relacionamento construído no tempo vivido temconsequências na continuidade do tratamento. Há destaque quanto ao aparecimento da família notratamento após a Reforma Psiquiátrica. Conclusão: A partir do que se observou neste estudo, a equipede saúde pode auxiliar a família e cuidadores a compreender o transtorno e enfrentar as demandas,contribuindo, assim, para o emponderamento...

Identify the social representations that nursing professionals have about the relationshipwith caregivers of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: The estudy is descriptive, qualitative andaddresses to the social representations according to Mary Jane Spink. Data were collected betweenfebruary to June 2014, with sample population composed of 18 nursing professionals active on SERSAM inDivinópolis-MG. All professionals agreed to participate and met the inclusion criteria. It used semistructuredquestionnaire and the answers were recorded by electronic device. Results: The feelings ofrespect, empathy, friendship and patience emerge as important and positive during contact with thecaregiver. The communication that takes place in short time with the relationship built in the time livedhas consequences in the continuity of treatment. There is emphasis on the family's appearance on thetreatment after the Psychiatric Reform. Conclusion: From what was observed in this study, the healthteam may help family and carers to understand the disorder and cope with the demands, thuscontributing to empowerment...

Identificar las representaciones sociales que los profesionales de enfermería acerca de larelación con los cuidadores de los pacientes con esquizofrenia. Métodos: Descriptivo y cualitativo, seocupa de las representaciones sociales de acuerdo con Mary Jane Spink. Los datos fueron recogidosentre de febrero a junio de 2014, con la población de la muestra compuesta por 18 profesionales deenfermería que trabajan en SERSAM en Divinópolis-MG. Todos los profesionales de acuerdo en participary se reunieron los criterios de inclusión. Se utilizó un cuestionario semiestructurado y las respuestas seregistraron por el dispositivo electrónico. Resultados: Los sentimientos de respeto, la empatía, laamistad y la paciencia surgen como importante y positivo durante el contacto con el cuidador. Lacomunicación que se lleva a cabo en el corto tiempo con la relación que se construye en el tiempovivido tiene consecuencias en la continuidad del tratamiento. Hay un énfasis en la apariencia de lafamilia en el tratamiento después de la Reforma Psiquiátrica...

Avaliação de uma nova composição de agente clareador sobre a microdureza do esmalte: associação do trimetafosfato de sódio e fluoreto de sódio ao peróxido de hidrogênio a 10% / Evaluation of a new composition of bleaching agent on enamel microhardness: an association of sodium trimetaphosphate with sodium fluoride at 10% hydrogen peroxide

Objetivos: avaliar a ação do trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP)+fluoreto de sódio (NaF) em duas concentrações 3%TMP+0,1%NaF e 0,3%TMP+0,05%NaF, adicionados ao peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) 10%, em inibir a desmineralização do esmalte em contato com dentifrício fluoretado (DF) ou não (DP). Métodos: Blocos de esmalte bovino (4.0 x 4.0 mm) foram obtidos, planificados e polidos para leitura da microdureza superficial Knoop (SH) inicial (25g/5seg). 72 blocos selecionados (320-380KHN) foram divididos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos (n=12), de acordo com o gel clareador e o dentifrício: PH+DF; PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DF; PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DF; PH+DP; PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DP; PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DP. O clareamento foi realizado por 30min/dia, seguido da imersão das amostras em dentifrício (1min) durante 14 dias e entre as sessões, mantidos em saliva artificial à 37oC. Em seguida, foi realizada a leitura da SH final e os blocos foram seccionados ao meio para análise da dureza em profundidade (ΔKHN) (5g/5seg). O cálculo da perda de dureza foi realizado a partir dos valores de SH/ΔKHN e submetidos à análise estatística. Imagens de Microscopia de Luz Polarizada (MLP) foram obtidas do corte longitudinal das amostras. Resultados: O PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DF demonstrou os melhores resultados, seguido pelo PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DF. O PH+DF e PH+DP apresentaram os menores valores de SH/ΔKHN. No entanto, a ΔKHN do PH+DF foi estatisticamente superior ao do PH+DP. As imagens qualitativas de MLP mostraram nitidamente uma desmineralização subsuperficial para os grupos PH+DF e PH+DP. Significância: A adição do TMP+NaF ao gel de PH foi eficaz na diminuição da perda de dureza. A aplicação do SF foi benéfica à ação do TMP+NaF no gel clareador

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) + sodium fluoride (NaF) in two concentrations 3%TMP+0.1%NaF and 0.3%TMP+0.05%NaF, added to hydrogen peroxide (HP) 10% by inhibiting demineralization of enamel in contact with fluoridated dentifrice (FD) or not (PD). Methods: Bovine enamel blocks (4.0 x 4.0 mm) were flat and polished in order to perform the initial Knoop surface microhardness (SH) analysis (25g/5s). Seventy two selected blocks (320-380KHN) were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n=12), according to the bleaching gel and slurry: HP+FD; HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+FD; HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+FD; HP+PD; HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+PD; HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+PD. Bleaching was carried out 30min/day, followed by immersing the samples in dentifrice (1min) for 14 days and between sessions, stored in artificial saliva at 37oC. Then, the final SH reading was taken and the blocks were cut in halves to analyze cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN) (5g/5s). The calculation of the loss of microhardness (%SH) was carried out from the values of SH/ΔKHN and subjected to statistical analysis. Images from Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) were obtained from the longitudinal section of the samples. Results: HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+FD showed the best results, followed by HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+FD. HP+FD and HP+PD showed the lowest values of %SH/ΔKHN. However, ΔKHN of HP+FD was statistically higher than HP+PD. Qualitative PLM images clearly showed subsurface demineralization for groups HP+FD and HP+PD. Conclusion: The addition of TMP+NaF to the gel of HP was effective in reducing the loss of hardness. Applying FD was beneficial to the action of TMP+NaF of the bleaching gel

Avaliação de uma nova composição de agente clareador sobre a microdureza do esmalte: associação do trimetafosfato de sódio e fluoreto de sódio ao peróxido de hidrogênio a 10% / Evaluation of a new composition of bleaching agent on enamel microhardness: an association of sodium trimetaphosphate with sodium fluoride at 10% hydrogen peroxide

Avaliar a ação do trimetafosfato de sódio (TMP)+fluoreto de sódio (NaF) em duas concentrações 3%TMP+0,1%NaF e 0,3%TMP+0,05%NaF, adicionados ao peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) 10%, em inibir a desmineralização do esmalte em contato com dentifrício fluoretado (DF) ou não (DP). Métodos: Blocos de esmalte bovino (4.0 x 4.0 mm) foram obtidos, planificados e polidos para leitura da microdureza superficial Knoop (SH) inicial (25g/5seg). 72 blocos selecionados (320-380KHN) foram divididos aleatoriamente em 6 grupos (n=12), de acordo com o gel clareador e o dentifrício: PH+DF; PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DF; PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DF; PH+DP; PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DP; PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DP. O clareamento foi realizado por 30min/dia, seguido da imersão das amostras em dentifrício (1min) durante 14 dias e entre as sessões, mantidos em saliva artificial à 37oC. Em seguida, foi realizada a leitura da SH final e os blocos foram seccionados ao meio para análise da dureza em profundidade (ΔKHN) (5g/5seg). O cálculo da perda de dureza foi realizado a partir dos valores de SH/ΔKHN e submetidos à análise estatística. Imagens de Microscopia de Luz Polarizada (MLP) foram obtidas do corte longitudinal das amostras. Resultados: O PH+3TMP+0,1NaF+DF demonstrou os melhores resultados, seguido pelo PH+0,3TMP+0,05NaF+DF. O PH+DF e PH+DP apresentaram os menores valores de SH/ΔKHN. No entanto, a ΔKHN do PH+DF foi estatisticamente superior ao do PH+DP. As imagens qualitativas de MLP mostraram nitidamente uma desmineralização subsuperficial para os grupos PH+DF e PH+DP. Significância: A adição do TMP+NaF ao gel de PH foi eficaz na diminuição da perda de dureza. A aplicação do SF foi benéfica à ação do TMP+NaF no gel clareador...

To evaluate the effects of sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) + sodium fluoride (NaF) in two concentrations 3%TMP+0.1%NaF and 0.3%TMP+0.05%NaF, added to hydrogen peroxide (HP) 10% by inhibiting demineralization of enamel in contact with fluoridated dentifrice (FD) or not (PD). Methods: Bovine enamel blocks (4.0 x 4.0 mm) were flat and polished in order to perform the initial Knoop surface microhardness (SH) analysis (25g/5s). Seventy two selected blocks (320-380KHN) were randomly assigned into 6 groups (n=12), according to the bleaching gel and slurry: HP+FD; HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+FD; HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+FD; HP+PD; HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+PD; HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+PD. Bleaching was carried out 30min/day, followed by immersing the samples in dentifrice (1min) for 14 days and between sessions, stored in artificial saliva at 37oC. Then, the final SH reading was taken and the blocks were cut in halves to analyze cross-sectional hardness (ΔKHN) (5g/5s). The calculation of the loss of microhardness (%SH) was carried out from the values of SH/ΔKHN and subjected to statistical analysis. Images from Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) were obtained from the longitudinal section of the samples. Results: HP+3TMP+0.1NaF+FD showed the best results, followed by HP+0.3TMP+0.05NaF+FD. HP+FD and HP+PD showed the lowest values of %SH/ΔKHN. However, ΔKHN of HP+FD was statistically higher than HP+PD. Qualitative PLM images clearly showed subsurface demineralization for groups HP+FD and HP+PD. Conclusion: The addition of TMP+NaF to the gel of HP was effective in reducing the loss of hardness. Applying FD was beneficial to the action of TMP+NaF of the bleaching gel...

Avaliação da eficácia do clareamento externo com peróxido de hidrogênio a 6% e 7.5% / Evaluation of the effectiveness of external bleaching using 6% and 7.5% hydrogen peroxide

O presente estudo avalia in vivo a eficácia do tratamento clareador caseiro e a presença ou não de sensibilidade (SE), comparando dois agentes de uso diurno: (1) peróxido de hidrogênio (PH) 6% e (2) PH 7,5% com o peróxido de carbamida (PC) a 10% de uso noturno, como controle. Para tal, 35 pacientes foram selecionados e, em cada indivíduo, a arcada superior ou inferior foi aleatoriamente designada para uso de um dos agentes clareadores, dando início ao tratamento de quatro semanas pela arcada superior. Elaboraram-se escores para comparar as colorações inicial e final, por meio de fotografias e escala Vita. Como resultado, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante do tratamento clareador e da percentagem da SE entre o PC10%, PH6% e 7,5%. Conclui-se que o uso do PH6% ou PH7,5% por menos tempo e durante o dia possibilita ao tratamento clareador ser tão eficaz quanto o PC10% da técnica noturna.

This in vivo study evaluated the effectiveness and sensitivity rates (SE) of home-made bleaching treatment comparing two agents for daytime use: (1) 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP) and (2) 7.5% HP, and 10% carbamide peroxide (CP) for overnight use as a control. For this purpose, 35 individuals were selected and each was randomly assigned the maxillary or mandibular arch for using one of the bleaching agentes. The treatment was made initially in the maxillary arch for 4 weeks. Scores were recorded to compare the initial and final shades by photographs using a shade guide (Vita Classical). The results showed no significant difference for bleaching treatment and percentage of SE between 10% CP, 6% HP, and 7.5% HP. It was concluded that using 6%HP or 7.5%HP for shorter periods of time during the day was as effective as 10% CP overnight bleaching technique using mouthguards.

Anti-inflammatory effect of extract and fractions from the leaves of Byrsonima intermedia A. Juss. in rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Byrsonima intermedia is commonly used for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery in Brazilian folk medicine. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia leaves. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats with carrageenan-induced paw edema and fibrovascular tissue growth, which was induced by subcutaneous implantation of a cotton pellet, were used as acute and chronic animal models of inflammation to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract and the individual ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia and catechin. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram of the aqueous extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia. RESULTS: The crude aqueous extract at test doses of 30-300 mg/kg p.o. clearly demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema, as did the ethyl acetate (100mg/kg) and aqueous fractions (30-100mg/kg). In the chronic inflammation rat animal model with fibrovascular tissue growth, the aqueous extract of Byrsonima intermedia (BiAE) at doses of 30-300 mg/kg and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions at doses of 30-100mg/kg and catechin significantly reduced the formation of granulomatous tissue. The presence of catechin and phenolic compounds in the extract and fractions of Byrsonima intermedia was confirmed using HPLC. CONCLUSION: BiAE and the individual EtOAc and aqueous fractions of Byrsonima intermedia exhibited chronic and acute anti-inflammatory efficacy in rats, which supports previous claims of its use in traditional medicine.

Evaluation of a new surgical light source for difficult visibility procedures.

A new lighting device for open surgery of difficult access wounds was designed: the Extender add-on. The performance of the Extender is evaluated and compared with the conventional solutions used in the operating room (OR) on illumination quality. A cylindrical setup was built to measure the distribution of light in a simulated pelvic wound. The light was provided by a head-mounted light, an OR light, and a pair of Extender prototypes. The results showed that the Extender prototypes provided 12.2 lumens inside the wound, whereas the head-mounted light gave 5.7 lumens. The Extenders provided smoothly angular distributed light from 0° to 180°, whereas the head-mounted light and OR light only provided light from 115° to 180°. The Extender prototypes had a promising performance in terms of light distribution. It is expected that a more accurately produced Extender will increase performance in terms of illumination quantity and illumination distribution smoothness even further.