Acute Treatment with the M-Channel (Kv7, KCNQ) Opener Retigabine Reduces the Long-Term Effects of Repetitive Blast Traumatic Brain Injuries.

We investigated whether pharmacological increase of "M-type" (KCNQ, Kv7) K + channel currents by the M-channel opener, retigabine (RTG), acutely after repetitive traumatic brain injuries (rTBIs), prevents or reduces their long-term detrimental effects. rTBIs were studied using a blast shock air wave mouse model. Animals were monitored by video and electroencephalogram (EEG) records for nine months after the last injury to assess the occurrence of post-traumatic seizures (PTS), post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), sleep-wake cycle architecture alterations, and the power of the EEG signals. We evaluated the development of long-term changes in the brain associated with various neurodegenerative diseases in mice by examining transactive response DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) expression and nerve fiber damage ~ 2 years after the rTBIs. We observed acute RTG treatment to reduce the duration of PTS and impair the development of PTE. Acute RTG treatment also prevented post-injury hypersomnia, nerve fiber damage, and cortical TDP-43 accumulation and translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Mice that developed PTE displayed impaired rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and there were significant correlations between seizure duration and time spent in the different stages of the sleep-wake cycle. We observed acute RTG treatment to impair injury-induced reduction of age-related increase in gamma frequency power of the EGG, which has been suggested to be necessary for a healthy aged brain. The data show that RTG, administered acutely post-TBI, is a promising, novel therapeutic option to blunt/prevent several long-term effects of rTBIs. Furthermore, our results show a direct relationship between sleep architecture and PTE.

Influence of spray drying conditions on the properties of avocado powder drink.

Consumers are increasingly looking for foods with attractive taste, easy preparation, quick consumption and nutritious. Avocado is a nutritional fruit that presents a preservation challenge to food industry. The development of powder blends using spray drying of avocado as a powdered drink is an attractive option that generates products with high nutritional value and stable. Two avocado formulations were spray dried using a design of experiments to assess the influence of drying conditions on powder blends. Results showed higher drying temperatures in combination with smaller droplets resulted in higher yields, lower residual moisture, lower water activity, and in smaller, less dense particles with color green. The inclusion of maltodextrin proved to be vital in preserving high contents of protein, ascorbic acid, and phenolic compounds at any drying conditions possibly due to hydrogen bonding stabilization of those compounds. Using a scalable and efficient drying process, avocado high nutritional value was maintained.

Cellular effects of thirdhand tobacco smoke from smokers' homes.

After the cigarette is extinguished, many toxic compounds remain in the environment and accumulate in the air or on surfaces. This exposure is termed thirdhand smoke (THS) and its risks are poorly known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the cellular effects of THS from smokers' homes. Papers were placed in nine smoker's home and three nonsmoker's homes. An area equivalent to the paper size was cleaned with a cotton wipe. A549, Hep-2 and 3T3 cells were exposed to THS for 24 h and cellular functions were assessed by MTT, neutral red (NR) reuptake and trypan blue exclusion assays. High levels of nicotine were found in samples from smokers' homes. Cellular proliferation was similar in almost all samples after THS exposure. Few changes in the cellular functions were observed, mainly higher mitochondrial activity, in paper samples. We are able to detect markers of THS collected from smokers' homes, but a clear evidence of cellular toxicity cannot be demonstrated by the present assays. This is the first study to evaluate the cellular effects of THS samples collected from smokers' homes.

Assessment of factors related to smokers' adherence to a short-term support group for smoking cessation: a longitudinal study in a developing country.

OBJECTIVE:: The aim of this study was to determine which individual characteristics of smokers are associated with their adherence to a support group for smoking cessation. METHODS:: Smokers from Porto Alegre, Brazil, were invited to participate in a support group for smoking cessation consisting of four weekly sessions. Demographic data, smoking history, presence of tobacco-related diseases, severity of nicotine dependence, stage of motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated at baseline. Adherence was defined as attendance at group sessions and was measured at the second and fourth sessions of the program. RESULTS:: The study recruited 167 smokers who attended the first meeting and met criteria for admission to the study. One hundred and two of the participants returned to the second session and only 55 of those who attended the first meeting completed the four-week program. For immediate adherence (second session), adult smokers over the age of 35 were more likely to adhere to the treatment (p = 0.004), whereas smoking higher numbers of cigarettes per day was associated with lower adherence to attendance at group meetings (p = 0.031). For final adherence (fourth session), only minimal level symptoms of anxiety were associated with a higher likelihood of adherence (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS:: Older smokers, those who smoked fewer cigarettes per day, and those with lower levels of anxiety exhibited higher rates of adherence to a smoking cessation support group.

Assessment of factors related to smokers' adherence to a short-term support group for smoking cessation: a longitudinal study in a developing country / Avaliação dos fatores associados à adesão de fumantes a um grupo de apoio de curta duração para a cessação de tabagismo: um estudo longitudinal em um país em desenvolvimento

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study was to determine which individual characteristics of smokers are associated with their adherence to a support group for smoking cessation. Methods: Smokers from Porto Alegre, Brazil, were invited to participate in a support group for smoking cessation consisting of four weekly sessions. Demographic data, smoking history, presence of tobacco-related diseases, severity of nicotine dependence, stage of motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression were evaluated at baseline. Adherence was defined as attendance at group sessions and was measured at the second and fourth sessions of the program. Results: The study recruited 167 smokers who attended the first meeting and met criteria for admission to the study. One hundred and two of the participants returned to the second session and only 55 of those who attended the first meeting completed the four-week program. For immediate adherence (second session), adult smokers over the age of 35 were more likely to adhere to the treatment (p = 0.004), whereas smoking higher numbers of cigarettes per day was associated with lower adherence to attendance at group meetings (p = 0.031). For final adherence (fourth session), only minimal level symptoms of anxiety were associated with a higher likelihood of adherence (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Older smokers, those who smoked fewer cigarettes per day, and those with lower levels of anxiety exhibited higher rates of adherence to a smoking cessation support group.

Resumo Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar quais características individuais de fumantes estão associadas à sua adesão a um grupo de apoio para a cessação do tabagismo. Métodos: Fumantes de Porto Alegre, Brasil, foram convidados a participar de um grupo de apoio para a cessação do tabagismo realizado em quatro reuniões semanais. Dados sociodemográficos, história tabagística, presença de doenças relacionadas ao tabaco, severidade da dependência de nicotina, estágio motivacional e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão foram avaliados no início do estudo. Adesão foi definida como estar presente nas reuniões do grupo, e foi medida na segunda e na quarta sessões do programa. Resultados: O estudo recrutou 167 fumantes que compareceram ao primeiro encontro e preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Desses participantes, 102 retornaram para a segunda sessão, e apenas 55 completaram as quatro semanas do programa. Com relação à adesão imediata (segunda sessão), adultos com idade superior a 35 anos mostraram maior probabilidade de aderir ao tratamento (p = 0.004), enquanto um maior número de cigarros por dia foi associado com menor adesão (p = 0.031). Para a adesão final (quarta sessão), apenas um nível mínimo de ansiedade foi associado com maior probabilidade de adesão (p = 0.02). Conclusões: Fumantes mais velhos, que fumavam menos cigarros por dia, e com menores níveis de ansiedade exibiram maiores taxas de adesão ao programa de apoio para a cessação do tabagismo.

Thirdhand smoke: when the danger is more than you can see or smell.

Recent discussion has focused on another form of exposure to tobacco - thirdhand smoke (THS) - consisting of residual pollutants from cigarette smoke that remain in environments. The main concern with THS is based on the presence and persistence of many toxic compounds, some specific nitrosamines from tobacco that have carcinogenic activity. Little is known about THS, and few people are aware of its existence and potential health repercussions, thus highlighting the need to shed light on the subject and incorporate it into the public health debate, as was done with passive smoking several years ago. THS is a form of passive smoking, together with secondary or involuntary exposure to cigarette smoke. Recentemente, passou a ser discutida mais uma forma de exposição ao tabaco - thirdhand smoke (THS) - que consiste nos poluentes residuais da fumaça de cigarro que permanecem nos ambientes. A principal preocupação com o THS é embasada na presença e longa persistência de muitos compostos tóxicos, algumas nitrosaminas específicas do tabaco que têm atividade carcinogênica. Além de se saber pouco sobre o THS, poucos sabem de sua existência e preocupante repercussão na saúde. Coloca-se em destaque a necessidade de trazê-lo à luz e incluí-lo nas discussões, assim como foi feito com o tabagismo passivo alguns anos atrás, até mesmo porque o THS se caracteriza como uma forma de tabagismo passivo junto à exposição secundária ou involuntária da fumaça de cigarro.

Thirdhand tobacco smoke: procedures to evaluate cytotoxicity in cell cultures.

The risks associated to tobacco smoking are not ceased with smoke extinction. Many toxic compounds remain in the environment after the cigarette is extinguished and accumulated in the air or on surfaces. However, little is known about the risks of this exposure. The aim of this study was to evaluate procedures to collect thirdhand smoke (THS) and prepare the samples to perform three in vitro toxicity tests. Cellulose papers and cotton wipes were used to impregnate with nicotine solution and smoke cigarette in a chamber or in smoker's home. Samples were immersed in methanol or Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) to expose Hep-2 cells. MTT, neutral red uptake (NRU) and trypan blue assays were performed. The concentration of nicotine in DMEM extract of THS in paper and cotton was similar to those in methanol extract (p > 0.05). Alterations in the mitochondrial and lysosomal functions were found in both paper and cotton samples; however, the cytotoxic effect was not always observed. There was a decrease of 21-31% in MTT assay and 38-56% in NRU assay (p < 0.003). There was a dose-response relationship between the amount of cigarettes and lysosomal viability; the correlation was higher for cotton samples (r = -0.843, p < 0.001). As a dose-response relationship was found only in NRU assay, this test may be a more suitable choice rather than the MTT assay. Paper and wipe sampling can be reliable markers of tobacco smoke contamination. Moreover, these materials, if properly prepared, can be used as substrate providers to perform cellular assays.

Thirdhand smoke: when the danger is more than you can see or smell / Thirdhand smoke: cuando el peligro va más allá de lo que se ve o se siente / Thirdhand smoke: quando o perigo vai além do que se vê ou sente

Recent discussion has focused on another form of exposure to tobacco - thirdhand smoke (THS) - consisting of residual pollutants from cigarette smoke that remain in environments. The main concern with THS is based on the presence and persistence of many toxic compounds, some specific nitrosamines from tobacco that have carcinogenic activity. Little is known about THS, and few people are aware of its existence and potential health repercussions, thus highlighting the need to shed light on the subject and incorporate it into the public health debate, as was done with passive smoking several years ago. THS is a form of passive smoking, together with secondary or involuntary exposure to cigarette smoke.

Recientemente comenzó a ser discutida otra forma de exposición al tabaco -thirdhand smoke (THS)- que consta de contaminantes residuales de humo de cigarrillo que permanecen en el medio ambiente. La principal preocupación con la THS se basa en la presencia y larga persistencia de muchos compuestos tóxicos, como algunas nitrosaminas específicas que tienen actividad cancerígena. Pocos saben de la existencia de los THS y su impacto preocupante en la salud. Se plantea la necesidad de sacarlo a la luz e incluirlo en las discusiones, como se hizo con el tabaquismo pasivo hace unos años, incluso porque el THS se caracteriza como una forma de tabaquismo pasivo por la exposición secundaria o involuntaria de humo de cigarrillo.

Recentemente, passou a ser discutida mais uma forma de exposição ao tabaco - thirdhand smoke (THS) - que consiste nos poluentes residuais da fumaça de cigarro que permanecem nos ambientes. A principal preocupação com o THS é embasada na presença e longa persistência de muitos compostos tóxicos, algumas nitrosaminas específicas do tabaco que têm atividade carcinogênica. Além de se saber pouco sobre o THS, poucos sabem de sua existência e preocupante repercussão na saúde. Coloca-se em destaque a necessidade de trazê-lo à luz e incluí-lo nas discussões, assim como foi feito com o tabagismo passivo alguns anos atrás, até mesmo porque o THS se caracteriza como uma forma de tabagismo passivo junto à exposição secundária ou involuntária da fumaça de cigarro.

Assessment of changes in nicotine dependence, motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among smokers in the initial process of smoking reduction or cessation: a short-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: The first days of a quit attempt represent an important challenge to long-term abstinence, especially because of the changes that take place over this period. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether smokers who have recently changed their smoking behavior show changes in the intensity of nicotine dependence, motivational stage, or symptoms of anxiety and depression relative to smokers without recent changes in smoking behavior. METHODS: Smokers attending a support group for smoking cessation in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, were invited to participate. The program consisted of four weekly sessions. Smokers answered questionnaires covering intensity of nicotine dependence, stage of motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression at baseline and in the fourth week. Urine was collected at both time points, tested for cotinine concentration, and used to determine the final status of smokers. RESULTS: Of the 54 smokers included in the study, 20 (37%) stopped smoking or decreased tobacco use. Both smokers who stopped or reduced tobacco use and those who did not change their behavior presented a decrease in nicotine dependence scores (p = 0.001). Conversely, only the smokers who changed behavior presented an increase in scores in the maintenance stage (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: When modifying tobacco use, smokers face a difficult process, marked by several changes. A better understanding of these changes and their implications for treatment are discussed.

Assessment of changes in nicotine dependence, motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression among smokers in the initial process of smoking reduction or cessation: a short-term follow-up study / Avaliação de mudanças na dependência da nicotina, motivação e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão em fumantes no processo inicial de redução ou cessação do tabagismo: estudo de seguimento de curto prazo

Introduction: The first days of a quit attempt represent an important challenge to long-term abstinence, especially because of the changes that take place over this period. Objective: To examine whether smokers who have recently changed their smoking behavior show changes in the intensity of nicotine dependence, motivational stage, or symptoms of anxiety and depression relative to smokers without recent changes in smoking behavior. Methods: Smokers attending a support group for smoking cessation in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, were invited to participate. The program consisted of four weekly sessions. Smokers answered questionnaires covering intensity of nicotine dependence, stage of motivation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression at baseline and in the fourth week. Urine was collected at both time points, tested for cotinine concentration, and used to determine the final status of smokers. Results: Of the 54 smokers included in the study, 20 (37%) stopped smoking or decreased tobacco use. Both smokers who stopped or reduced tobacco use and those who did not change their behavior presented a decrease in nicotine dependence scores (p = 0.001). Conversely, only the smokers who changed behavior presented an increase in scores in the maintenance stage (p < 0.001). Conclusion: When modifying tobacco use, smokers face a difficult process, marked by several changes. A better understanding of these changes and their implications for treatment are discussed.

Introdução: Os primeiros dias de uma tentativa de parar de fumar representam um desafio importante para a abstinência a longo prazo, especialmente por causa das mudanças que ocorrem nesse período. Objetivo: Examinar se fumantes que mudaram recentemente seu hábito de fumar mostram mudanças na intensidade da dependência à nicotina, no estágio motivacional ou nos sintomas de ansiedade e depressão em comparação com fumantes sem mudanças recentes em seu hábito de fumar. Métodos: Fumantes participando de um grupo de apoio para a cessação do tabagismo em Porto Alegre, sul do Brasil, foram convidados a participar do estudo. O programa consistia de quatro sessões semanais. Os fumantes responderam a questionários que avaliaram a intensidade da dependência à nicotina, o estágio motivacional e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão no início do programa e na 4ª semana. Amostras de urina foram coletadas nos dois momentos para avaliar a concentração de cotinina para determinar o status final dos fumantes. Resultados: Dos 54 fumantes incluídos no estudo, 20 (37%) pararam de fumar ou reduziram o uso de tabaco. Tanto os fumantes que pararam ou reduziram o uso de tabaco quanto aqueles que não mudaram seu hábito apresentaram diminuição nos escores de dependência à nicotina (p = 0,001). Por outro lado, apenas os fumantes que mudaram seu hábito apresentaram aumento nos escores do estágio de manutenção (p < 0,001). Conclusão: Ao modificar o uso de tabaco, os fumantes enfrentam um processo difícil, marcado por várias mudanças. Um melhor entendimento dessas mudanças e suas implicações para o tratamento são discutidas.

Tobacco chippers seeking assistance for smoking cessation: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a series of cases of tobacco chippers (TCs) who sought assistance for smoking cessation. DESCRIPTION OF CASES: We describe the case of three TCs who participated in a free quit-smoking support group. Smokers answered self-administered questionnaires covering sociodemographic data, smoking history, nicotine dependence, perceived health status, and motivational stages. Of the 183 smokers enrolled in the program, three (1.6%) were considered TCs. All three were women and reported alcohol use, although at low frequencies. Two of them reported the presence of potentially tobacco-related disease. All TCs presented light nicotine dependence and reported difficulties quitting smoking. All dropped out after the first group meeting. COMMENTS: This study describes a subgroup of smokers not extensively described in the literature: TCs seeking assistance for smoking cessation, with some degree of nicotine dependence, and who do not adhere to regular group therapy. Interventions aimed at this population may be an interesting strategy for smoking cessation.

Tobacco chippers seeking assistance for smoking cessation: a case series / Tobacco chippers em busca de auxílio para parar de fumar: série de casos

OBJECTIVE: To describe a series of cases of tobacco chippers (TCs) who sought assistance for smoking cessation. DESCRIPTION OF CASES: We describe the case of three TCs who participated in a free quit-smoking support group. Smokers answered self-administered questionnaires covering sociodemographic data, smoking history, nicotine dependence, perceived health status, and motivational stages. Of the 183 smokers enrolled in the program, three (1.6%) were considered TCs. All three were women and reported alcohol use, although at low frequencies. Two of them reported the presence of potentially tobacco-related disease. All TCs presented light nicotine dependence and reported difficulties quitting smoking. All dropped out after the first group meeting. COMMENTS: This study describes a subgroup of smokers not extensively described in the literature: TCs seeking assistance for smoking cessation, with some degree of nicotine dependence, and who do not adhere to regular group therapy. Interventions aimed at this population may be an interesting strategy for smoking cessation (AU)

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma série de casos de tobacco chippers (TCs) que buscaram auxílio para cessação do hábito de fumar. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: São descritos três casos de TCs que participaram de um grupo de apoio terapêutico a tabagistas. Os participantes responderam questionários autoaplicados que incluíam questões sobre dados sociodemográficos, histórico de tabagismo, dependência à nicotina, estado de saúde percebido e estágios motivacionais. Dos 183 tabagistas inscritos no grupo, três (1,6%) foram considerados TCs. Todos os três casos eram mulheres e relataram o uso de álcool, embora em frequências baixas. Duas relataram a presença de doenças potencialmente relacionadas ao uso do tabaco. Todas apresentavam baixos níveis de dependência à nicotina e relataram dificuldades em parar de fumar. Todas desistiram do tratamento após a primeira sessão. COMENTÁRIOS: Este estudo descreve um subgrupo de fumantes ainda não muito explorado na literatura: TCs que buscam auxílio para cessação do hábito de fumar, apresentam algum grau de dependência à nicotina e não aderem à terapia de grupo tradicional. Intervenções direcionadas especificamente a essa população podem ser uma estratégia interessante para a cessação do hábito de fumar (AU)

Avaliação dos parâmetros hematológicos, oxigenação periférica e capacidade respiratória em fumantes / Assessment of hematological parameters, peripheral oxygenation and respiratory capacity in cigarette smokers

As substâncias encontradas no cigarro agem sobre vários órgãos e sistemas, constituindo um fator de risco para doenças vasculares. Frequentemente, a concentração de cotinina tem sido usada como marcador bioquímico de exposição ao tabaco. O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar a influência do hábito de fumar nos parâmetros hematológicos, oxigenação periférica, capacidade respiratória e concentração de cotinina urinária. Vinte não fumantes e vinte fumantes com dependência de nicotina classificada como acima de moderada foram comparadas quanto aos parâmetros estudados. O volume globular , a concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média e a contagem de monócitos foram maiores em fumantes (p=0,007 e p = 0,028, respectivamente ), bem como a concentração de cotinina urinária (p< 0,001). O aumento no valor do volume globular e na concentração de cotinina urinária ocorreu de maneira dose-dependente. Os outros parâmetros não se mostraram diferentes entre os dois grupos. O hábito de fumar traz diversas consequências aos indivíduos, incluindo alterações nos parâmetros hematológicos que podem estar relacionados a complicações vasculares.

Analysis of leukocytes in medication-overuse headache, chronic migraine, and episodic migraine.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number of immune cells in the peripheral blood of medication-overuse headache (MOH), chronic migraine (CM), and migraine without aura (MWA) patients, as well as from controls. BACKGROUND: Migraine has been linked to immunologic disturbances, but the role of the immune system in chronic forms of headache that evolve from migraine has not been studied. Psychiatric co-morbidity has been related to both headache chronification and immunologic alterations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprised 68 subjects divided in 4 groups: MOH, CM, MWA, control. Subjects were gender-matched, had no physical co-morbidity, and were taking only acetaminophen. Clinical and psychological data were recorded in a standardized protocol. Samples of peripheral blood for hematological analysis were obtained in the morning during the ictal (MOH, CM, and MWA groups) and interictal periods (MWA group), as well from control group. RESULTS: A higher lymphocyte count was measured in MOH patients relative to the MWA patients (mean ± standard deviation: 2448.7/mm3 ± 775.8 vs. 1859.7/mm3 ± 564.7; P = .027). The numbers of blood lymphocytes for CM and control subjects were 2086.1/mm3 ± 540.5 and 1961.7/mm3 ± 385.6, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that only MOH and MWA groups remained associated with lymphocyte count (B = 540.7; CI 95%: 55.2-1026.1; P = .03; R2 = 19.2%). Analysis for linearity of variables in the spectrum control/MWA/CM/MOH resulted positive for body mass index (from 23.5 ± 3.25 in controls to 26.5 ± 4.49 in MOH patients; P = .034), scores on Beck Depression Inventory (from 3.29 ± 3.05 to 14.65 ± 11.21; P < 0.001) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (from 4.29 ± 3.93 to 23.24 ± 11.01; P < 0.001), hemoglobin (from 13.7 ± 0.79 to 14.6 ± 1.31; P = .022), and lymphocyte count (from 1961.7 ± 385.6 to 2448.7 ± 775.8; P = .01), but negative for CD8+ T lymphocytes (from 34.0 ± 8.82 to 30.0 ± 6.64; P = .046). CONCLUSIONS: A higher lymphocyte count in the MOH group relative to the MWA group may indicate a chronic inflammatory state. Several clinical and laboratorial characteristics have a range along a spectrum extending from healthy subjects to patients suffering from chronic forms of migraine.

Vulvodínia: aspectos atuais / Vulvodynia: an update

Vulvodínia é um termo utilizado para descrever dor crônica em queimação na vulva, sem achados físicos objetivos que justifiquem os sintomas. Sua etiologia é desconhecida. Mulheres brancas, sexualmente ativas e na pré-menopausa são as mais acometidas. Entre os possíveis fatores envolvidos na gênese, estão anormalidades de desenvolvimento embrionário, aumento da excreção urinária de oxalato, fatores genéticos e imunológicos, fatores hormonais, anormalidades no assoalho pélvico e neuropatias. O exame clínico detalhado, com caracterização da dor, pesquisa de irritantes locais, inspeção cuidadosa da vulva e busca de pontos dolorosos, além de avaliação do assoalho pélvico, orienta o diagnóstico e o tratamento. Existem vários tratamentos citados, porém pouca evidência científica que comprove a sua eficácia. Deve-se descontinuar a utilização de produtos que possam funcionar como irritantes. O uso de citrato de cálcio pode diminuir a excreção de oxalato na urina. A fisioterapia pode ser empregada nas pacientes com instabilidade do assoalho pélvico. Os antidepressivos tricíclicos e anticonvulsivantes foram utilizados com boa resposta em vários estudos. Além destes, podem ser aplicados, topicamente ou por injeção local, substâncias como anestésicos, corticoides, estrogênios e interferon-alfa. A cirurgia fica reservada para casos extremos, sendo que os resultados na literatura são conflitantes.

Vulvodynia is a term used to describe chronic vulvar pain or discomfort, without signs that explain such symptom. Its etiology is unknown. It is more likely to occur in sexually active, white women in pre-menopausal period. Many factors may be involved in the onset of this condition (anomalies in embrionary development, increased urinary oxalate excretion, genetic and immune factors, hormonal factors, pelvic floor problems and neuropathies). A thorough clinical history must be done, with special attention to the pain characteristics and use of local irritants. Careful vulvar inspection, research of trigger points and pelvic floor evaluation will increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis. Many treatment options are described, but there is not enough evidence on their effectiveness. Local irritants should be discontinued. Calcium citrate may decrease urinary oxalate excretion. Physical therapy can be used to treat pelvic floor instability. Tricyclic antidepressants and anticonvulsants showed a good response in some studies. Besides systemic drugs, topic substances or local injections can be applied (anesthetics, estrogens, corticosteroids and alpha-interferon). Surgery should be reserved to unresponsive cases and its effectiveness has been inconsistent in the scientific literature.

Perfil dos usuários do serviço de teleatendimento sobre drogas de abuso VIVAVOZ / Profile of users of the VIVAVOZ telephone service on drugs of abuse

INTRODUÇÃO: O abuso de drogas é um problema importante de saúde pública, e intervenções telefônicas são utilizadas como uma modalidade de tratamento. Objetivou-se descrever o perfil sociodemográfico, o padrão de consumo e a dependência de substâncias psicoativas dos usuários que buscaram auxílio em um serviço de teleatendimento para drogas de abuso. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados os dados do 1º ano de funcionamento do serviço, coletados por consultores previamente capacitados, através de protocolo informatizado. Foram aplicados instrumentos para caracterização sociodemográfica, padrão de consumo e dependência dos usuários. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva para estimar a distribuição das variáveis, e os dados apresentam-se em freqüências. RESULTADOS: No período, foram atendidas 28.257 ligações, sendo 7.956 incluídas no estudo. No total, foi encontrada maior prevalência de mulheres, estudantes, solteiros, maiores de 35 anos, com ensino fundamental incompleto e renda familiar menor que cinco salários mínimos procurando o teleatendimento. Dentre os usuários de drogas, predominaram homens, de 18 a 25 anos. As drogas mais utilizadas foram tabaco, maconha, álcool e cocaína. O uso de tabaco foi semelhante para ambos os sexos. Indivíduos do sexo masculino usaram mais drogas ilícitas. A maioria dos usuários era dependente, sendo que os homens apresentaram maiores índices de dependência para tabaco e solventes. CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados traçam o perfil do usuário que procura auxílio telefônico para a questão de drogas, e revelam a importância desses serviços à população, auxiliando no direcionamento de ações preventivas.

INTRODUCTION: Drug abuse is a major public health problem. Telephone interventions have been used as a treatment method. This study aimed at describing the sociodemographic profile, consumption pattern and dependence on psychoactive substances of individuals seeking help in a telephone service on drugs of abuse. METHODS: Data were collected by previously trained consultants using an electronic protocol throughout the first year of the service. Instruments were applied to find the sociodemographic profile, consumption pattern and dependence of drug users. Descriptive statistics was used to estimate distribution of variables, and the data are presented as frequencies. RESULTS: Throughout the study period there were 28,257 calls, of which 7,956 were included. In total there was higher prevalence of women, students, single individuals, older than 35 years, with incomplete primary education and family income lower than five minimum wages. Men aged 18-25 years were prevalent in the sample. The most frequently used drugs were tobacco, cannabis, alcohol and cocaine. Tobacco use was similar for both genders. Males used more illicit drugs. Most drug users were dependent, and men had higher rates of addiction to tobacco and solvents. CONCLUSIONS: These results outline the profile of individuals who seek care through a telephone service, showing the importance of these services for the population and guiding preventive actions.

Características das visitas domiciliares realizadas pelo médico de uma equipe de PSF-Tiradentes-MG / Characteristics of the home visits by a PSF team doctor-Tiradentes-MG

O município de Tiradentes-M.G. conta com duas equipes do Programa de Saúde da Família (PSF), que cobre 100 por cento de sua população (6498 habitantes). A equipe 1, Saúde é Vida, é composta por um médico, um enfermeiro, um técnico de enfermagem e seis agentes comunitários (ACS). Uma das atividades realizadas é a visita domiciliar (VD) para acompanhamento de pacientes triados pelos ACS, por estarem impedidos, a princípio, de comparecer à unidade de atendimento. Este estudo tem como objetivo traçar o perfil sócio-econômico dos pacientes acompanhados em domicílio, verificando o real motivo da visita domiciliar, a prevalência das doenças entre os visitados, além de investigar o impacto da visita realizada pelo médico sobre o paciente que não sofreu triagem prévia pelos profissionais da enfermagem. Dos pacientes visitados (todos os 42 selecionados), 68,8 por cento são mulheres; 79,2 por cento são maiores de 60 anos; 76 por cento residem na zona urbana; 76 por cento recebem benefício do INSS; 61,6 por cento não se encontram restritos ao leito. Os principais motivos para a necessidade de acompanhamento domiciliar foram a idade avançada (28,6 por cento), doenças osteomusculares (24 por cento) e seqüelas neurológicas (19,2 por cento). As principais comorbidades verificadas foram HSA (hipertensão arterial sistêmica) (32,2 por cento), DM (diabetes mellitus) (11,2 por cento) e cardiopatias (9,8 por cento). Em 66,4 por cento das VD, não houve necessidade de qualquer intervenção médica. Os resultados apontam para a necessidade de ajustes técnicos, principalmente referentes à programação/execução dessas visitas, com o intuito de otimizar tempo e recursos do PSF(AU)

Effects of Chlorella vulgaris extract on cytokines production in Listeria monocytogenes infected mice.

In this study, we have investigated the effects of the unicellular-green-algae Chlorella vulgaris on the production of INF-gamma, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in normal and Listeria monocytogenes infected mice. Our results demonstrated that in normal/non infected mice, CVE administration produced no effects in the levels of all cytokines studied. However, Listeria monocytogenes infection enhanced the production of INF-gamma and IL-2 at 48 and 72 h after the bacteria inoculation. Interestingly, the treatment with five consecutive doses of 50 mg/Kg/day of Chlorella vulgaris given previously to infection, led to further increases in INF-gamma and IL-2 levels at 48 and 72 h in relation to the presence of infection alone. No changes in IL-4 and IL-10 production were observed in Listeria monocytogenes and CVE treated/infected mice. These results are in accordance with the literature, which shows that CVE is a biological response modifier that enhances resistance to Listeria monocytogenes through augmentation of IL-2 and IFN-gamma.