[Leprosy and sexuality: living with a difference]. / Hanseníase e sexualidade: convivendo com a diferença.

The present article is based on a research that analysed the social effects of leprosy in men and women, identifying the effects in their family life. 10 men and 10 women with leprosy registered in a specific health service were part of this study. The methodology was qualitative, through semi-structured interviews. Data analysis pointed out the fact of the disease perceived as a reason for family disorders and, also, impairing these subjects sexual relationships.

[Information and education on sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS and human sexuality--a case report after 14 years of experience]. / Informação/educação em DST/AIDS/sexualidade humana--um relato de experiência de 14 anos.

The authors present their 14-year experience about Information/education on sexually transmitted diseases/Aids and human sexuality. They describe the actions implemented, emphasizing the positive and negative points. Concerning the positive results they mention the divulgation of information about preventive measures against HIV infection/Aids, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and human sexuality to several people from scientific and non scientific community. Another positive point is the transmission of knowledge gotten in such experiences at undergraduation and graduation teaching, as well as the development of research. Concerning the negative aspects, the difficult to evaluate the information actions, specially lectures was perceived, mainly because it is a communication tool basically unilateral. The authors mention some facts that historically influenced the implementation of the official actions.

[Culture and perspectives of university extension in Brazilian nursing schools]. / As perspectivas da cultura e extensão nas escolas de enfermagem no Brasil.

The present study focused the development of activities or cultural proposals and university extension in 14 Brazilian Nursing Schools, utilizing an instrument with six open questions, that were analyzed in a descriptive way. Data showed that Nursing Schools develop several cultural and university extension activities. However, these activities are not considered priority in relation to teaching and research.

[Peri-ungual capillaroscopy in atherosclerosis]. / Capilaroscopia peri-ungueal na aterosclerose.

The pathology of the major vessels also affects microcirculation, making possible to evaluate at the distal sector the consequences of an ischaemia, due to an artery disease, for instance. This work had as its main aim to evaluate by peri-ungueal capillaroscopy (PUC) the lesions due to an atherosclerotic process and the prognosis and/or diagnosis value of this exam. We studied 210 patients with either risk factors for atherosclerosis or atherosclerotic disease, who were divided into groups according to the severity of the lesions seen in PUC. Finally, we were able to conclude that although the capillaroscopic lesions found are not specific, they appear very early in the process and are more serious in the more severe cases.

[Knowledge about AIDS among rural workers]. / O conhecimento sobre AIDS entre trabalhadores rurais.

The objective of the present study was to identify the knowledge rural workers have about AIDS in order to develop a specific educational projects. It was observed that part of the population which spontaneously participated in the study presented characteristics of misinformation and alienation about AIDS, as well as about situations that may pose risks to workers. On the basis of the responses obtained, an educational project about AIDS was elaborated to reach 1300 workers employed at a Sugar and Alcohol Mill.

PIP: The principal objective was to identify the knowledge that Brazilian rural laborers have about AIDS in order to develop a specific education project. The data were collected among sugar can cutters in a sugar and alcohol plant in the interior of the State of Sao Paulo. 96 workers were interviewed during their lunch hour using a pretested questionnaire. 81.3% were males and 18.7% were females with the majority of males (72.8%) aged 17-40 and females aged 21-40. 67.7% were married and only 3.1% were separated, cohabiting, or widowed. Concerning the question about the character of AIDS, 26 (27.1%) states that it was the disease that could not be cured, 25 (26%) did not know, 15 (15.6%) said it was dangerous, 10 (10.4%) said it was evil, 9 (9.4%) said it was to be feared, and 7 (7.3%) said it was cured and stubborn. As to the question about contracting AIDS, 42 (43.7%) said by sex, 28 (29.1%) did not know, 9 (9.4%) said by walking in the street with strangers, 6 (6.2%) said from dirt, 5 (5.2%) said from diseases blood, and 4 (4.2%) said from dirty needles. Regarding the question how to avoid AIDS, 24 (25%) said not to walk with anyone, 23 (23.9%) did not know, 16 (16.6%) said to use condoms, 12 (12.5%) said to use protection. 8 (8.3%) said to stay with the spouse, 7 (7.3%) said to be clever, 5 (5.2%) said not to have sex with anyone, and 2 (2.1%) said not to participate in hedonistic practices. In connection with the question if they believed in the existence of AIDS, 23 (23.9%) of men said yes, 26 (27.1%) said no, and 29 (30.3%) were not certain. Among women, 9 (9.4%) said yes, 5 (5.2%) said no, and 4 (4.1%) were not certain. These highly fragmented replied with the characteristics of misinformation about AIDS are also compatible with situations that could carry risks for the laborers. These data served as the basis of an education project involving 1300 laborers in the sugar plant during 4 weeks with the didactic means of a video film followed by group discussion about the subject.

[Sexually transmitted diseases: concepts, attitudes and perceptions among dustmen]. / Doenças sexualmente transmissíveis: conceitos, atitudes e percepções entre coletores de lixo.

The concepts regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STD) of 41 (63.07%) dustmen of a country town in S. Paulo State, Brazil, are presented in order to provide support for the preparation of health education programmes on STD for this and similar populational groups. The data collected from interviews with these workers show that a considerable number of them have inadequate concepts about STD. These results demonstrate the lack of information and education on this subject, and the need to implement educational activities.

[Controversies in cardiology on dietary regimes from dietary fibers to fish oils]. / Controvérsias do regime dietético em cardiologia das fibras alimentares aos óleos de peixe.

For the last decades, there has been an increase and aggravation of cardiovascular diseases due to alterations of the lipid metabolism which are mostly caused by nutritional errors. Concerning this problem, the most discussed nourishment are fish oil and fibres (Plantix). In this article, will be discussed the most recent knowledges, sometimes quite contradictory, on the effect of these nutrients over the heart and arteries.