The Antioxidant and Immunomodulatory Potential of Coccoloba alnifolia Leaf Extracts.

Oxidative stress has been associated with different diseases, and different medicinal plants have been used to treat or prevent this condition. The leaf ethanolic extract (EE) and aqueous extract (AE) from Coccoloba alnifolia have previously been characterized to have antioxidant potential in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we worked with EE and AE and two partition phases, AF (ethyl acetate) and BF (butanol), from AE extract. These extracts and partition phases did not display cytotoxicity. The EE and AE reduced NO production and ROS in all three concentrations tested. Furthermore, it was observed that EE and AE at 500 µg/mL concentration were able to reduce phagocytic activity by 30 and 50%, respectively. A scratch assay using a fibroblast cell line (NHI/3T3) showed that extracts and fractions induced cell migration with 60% wound recovery within 24 h, especially for BF. It was also observed that AF and BF had antioxidant potential in all the assays evaluated. In addition, copper chelation was observed. This activity was previously not detected in AE. The HPLC-DAD analysis showed the presence of phenolic compounds such as p-cumaric acid and vitexin for extracts, while the GNPS annotated the presence of isoorientin, vitexin, kanakugiol, and tryptamine in the BF partition phase. The data presented here demonstrated that the EE, AE, AF, and BF of C. alnifolia have potential immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant effects, as well as in vitro wound healing characteristics, which are important for dynamic inflammation process control.

Effect of an exercise program with blood flow restriction on the muscular strength of patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is performed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients before hemodialysis, who may benefit from exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an exercise program associated with partial limb blood flow restriction (BFR) on handgrip strength (HGS) and forearm circumference of CKD patients. METHODS: A total of 26 patients with CKD were randomized to the BFR experimental group (EG, n = 12) and to the non-BFR control group (CG, n = 14) prior to AVF, and underwent isometric exercises for the flexor muscles of the fingers and elbow where the AVF will be performed. RESULTS: There were no differences at the end of eight weeks of training between the EG and CG groups [F (1.23) = 0.03, p = 0.96] regarding the HGS and the forearm circumference [F (1.23) = 0.90, p = 0.76], however muscle strength [F (1.23) = 189.84, p < 0.001] and forearm circumference [F (1.23) = 540.90, p < 0.001] improved between baseline and the results at the end of the program. CONCLUSION: Partial BFR training was not superior to the CG for the outcomes evaluated in this study. Further studies should be conducted so that an indication of an exercise protocol for the evaluated outcomes is prescribed in order to be effectively offered in clinical practice.

Insights of antiparasitic activity of sodium diethyldithiocarbamate against different strains of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and affects thousands of people. Drugs currently used in therapy are toxic and have therapeutic limitations. In addition, the genetic diversity of T. cruzi represents an important variable and challenge in treatment. Sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) is a compound with pharmacological versatility acting as metal chelators and ROS generation. Thus, the objective was to characterize the antiparasitic action of DETC against different strains and forms of T. cruzi and their mechanism. The different strains of T. cruzi were grown in LIT medium. To evaluate the antiparasitic activity of DETC, epimastigote and trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi were used by resazurin reduction methods and by counting. Different response patterns were obtained between the strains and an IC50 of DETC ranging from 9.44 ± 3,181 to 60.49 ± 7.62 µM. Cell cytotoxicity against 3T3 and RAW cell lines and evaluated by MTT, demonstrated that DETC in high concentration (2222.00 µM) presents low toxicity. Yet, DETC causes mitochondrial damage in T. cruzi, as well as disruption in parasite membrane. DETC has antiparasitic activity against different genotypes and forms of T. cruzi, therefore, representing a promising molecule as a drug for the treatment of Chagas disease.

In Vitro Antitumor Potential of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Seaweed Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata.

Seaweeds are important source of bioactive compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides (SP). Because of their structural heterogeneity, these compounds are promising sources of anticancer compounds. SP from brown and red seaweeds have shown antimelanoma activity in different in vitro and in vivo models. However, SP from green seaweed are still poorly evaluated. Therefore, SP were extracted from the green alga Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata, and their antiproliferative, anti-migratory, and inhibitory effect on melanin production on B16-F10 melanoma cells was evaluated. Cell assays, including flow cytometry, demonstrated that SP (100-1000 µg mL-1) are non-cytotoxic, do not induce apoptosis or necrosis, and do not interfere with cell cycle. However, SP (1000 µg mL-1) were found to significantly inhibit cell colony formation (80-90%), cell migration (40-75%), and melanin production (~ 20%). In summary, these results showed that SP inhibited important melanoma development events without cytotoxicity effects, suggesting that C. cupressoides may be an important source of SP with antitumor properties.

In vitro antitumor and anti-angiogenic activities of a shrimp chondroitin sulfate.

Thrombin triggers cellular responses that are crucial for development and progression of cancer, such as proliferation, migration, oncogene expression and angiogenesis. Thus, biomolecules capable of inhibiting this protease have become targets in cancer research. The present work describes the in vitro antitumor properties of a chondroitin sulfate with anti-thrombin activity, isolated from the Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp (sCS). Although the compound was unable to induce cytotoxicity or cell death and/or cell cycle changes after 24 h incubation, it showed a long-term antiproliferative effect, reducing the tumor colony formation of melanoma cells by 75% at 100 µg/mL concentration and inhibiting the anchorage-independent colony formation. sCS reduced 66% of melanoma cell migration in the wound healing assay and 70% in the transwell assay. The compound also decreased melanin and TNF-α content of melanoma cells by 52% and 75% respectively. Anti-angiogenic experiments showed that sCS promoted 100% reduction of tubular structure formation at 100 µg/mL. These results are in accordance with the sCS-mediated in vitro expression of genes related to melanoma development (Cx-43, MAPK, RhoA, PAFR, NFKB1 and VEGFA). These findings bring a new insight to CS molecules in cancer biology that can contribute to ongoing studies for new approaches in designing anti-tumor therapy.

Immunostimulatory Effect of Sulfated Galactans from the Green Seaweed Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata.

Sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) obtained from green seaweeds are structurally heterogeneous molecules with multifunctional bioactivities. In this work, two sulfated and pyruvated galactans were purified from Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata (named SP1 and SP2), and their immunostimulatory effect was evaluated using cultured murine macrophage cells. Both SPs equally increased the production of nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. NMR spectroscopy revealed that both galactans were composed primarily of 3)-ß-d-Galp-(1→3) units. Pyruvate groups were also found, forming five-membered cyclic ketals as 4,6-O-(1'carboxy)-ethylidene-ß-d-Galp residues. Some galactoses are sulfated at C-2. In addition, only SP2 showed some galactose units sulfated at C-4, indicating that sulfation at this position is not essential for the immunomodulatory activity of these galactans. Overall, the data showed that the galactans of C. cupressoides exhibited immunostimulating activity with potential therapeutic applications, which can be used in the development of new biomedical products.

Functional health standards in adults with COVID-19 in intensive care: a rationale for nursing diagnoses / Estándares de salud funcional en adultos con COVID-19 en cuidados intensivos: una justificación para los diagnósticos de enfermería / Padrões funcionais de saúde em adultos com COVID-19 na terapia intensiva: fundamentação aos diagnósticos de enfermagem

Objective: to identify the main nursing diagnoses in adult patients confirmed with the new coronavirus admitted to intensive care units in the light of functional health standards. Method: descriptive study, reflective analysis of the literature in the light of the theory of functional health standards. Results: The main nursing diagnoses according to NANDA-International are: Imbalanced nutrition less than body needs (00002), Risk of unbalanced liquid volume (00025), Diarrhea (00013), Impaired gas exchange (00030) , Impaired bed mobility (00091), Risk of ineffective peripheral tissue perfusion (00228), Risk of infection (00004), Risk of aspiration (00039), and Risk of pressure injury (00249). The nursing actions are related to the diagnoses presented, based on comfort, harm reduction and preventive measures to the patient with conformation of the new coronavirus. However, there is no identification of clinical studies in the area with the specificity of these diagnoses or with the effectiveness of these proposed interventions. Conclusion: Nursing can present strategies based on the patient's responses to the new coronavirus, translated into the nursing diagnoses that are the basis for interventions. Therefore, clinical studies are suggested to identify the accuracy of each of these diagnoses and the effectiveness of these interventions.

Objetivo: identificar los principales diagnósticos de enfermería en pacientes adultos confirmados con el nuevo coronavirus ingresado en unidades de cuidados intensivos a la luz de los estándares de salud funcional. Método: estudio descriptivo, análisis reflexivo de la literatura a la luz de la teoría de los estándares funcionales de salud. Resultados: los principales diagnósticos de enfermería según NANDA-International son: nutrición desequilibrada inferior a las necesidades corporales (00002), riesgo de volumen de líquido desequilibrado (00025), diarrea (00013), intercambio de gases deteriorado (00030) , Movilidad de la cama alterada (00091), riesgo de perfusión periférica ineficaz del tejido (00228), riesgo de infección (00004), riesgo de aspiración (00039) y riesgo de lesión por presión (00249). Las acciones de enfermería están relacionadas con los diagnósticos presentados, basados ​​en la comodidad, la reducción de daños y las medidas preventivas para el paciente con la conformación del nuevo coronavirus. Sin embargo, no hay identificación de estudios clínicos en el área con la especificidad de estos diagnósticos o con la efectividad de estas intervenciones propuestas. Conclusión: la enfermería puede presentar estrategias basadas en las respuestas del paciente al nuevo coronavirus, traducidas en los diagnósticos de enfermería que son la base de las intervenciones. Por lo tanto, se sugieren estudios clínicos para identificar la precisión de cada uno de estos diagnósticos y la efectividad de estas intervenciones.

Objetivo: identificar os principais diagnósticos de enfermagem em pacientes adultos confirmados com o novo coronavírus internados em unidades de terapia intensiva à luz dos padrões funcionais de saúde. Método: estudo descritivo, tipo análise reflexiva da literatura à luz da teoria de Padrões funcionais de saúde. Resultados: Os principais diagnósticos de enfermagem de acordo com a NANDA-Internacional são: Nutrição desequilibrada menor do que as necessidades corporais(00002), Risco de volume de líquido desequilibrado(00025), Diarreia(00013), Troca de gases prejudicada(00030), Mobilidade no leito prejudicada(00091), Risco de perfusão tissular periférica ineficaz(00228), Risco de infecção(00004), Risco de aspiração(00039), e Risco de lesão por pressão(00249). As ações de enfermagem são relacionadas aos diagnósticos apresentados, embasados no conforto, redução de danos e medidas preventivas ao paciente com conformação do novo coronavírus. Entretanto, não há identificação de estudos clínicos na área com a especificidade desses diagnósticos ou com a efetividade dessas intervenções propostas. Conclusão: A enfermagem pode apresentar estratégias com base nas respostas do paciente com o novo coronavírus, traduzidas nos diagnósticos de enfermagem que são a base para as intervenções. Sugere-se, portanto, estudos clínicos para a identificação de qual a acurácia de cada um desses diagnósticos e efetividade dessas intervenções.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticle Employing Corn Cob Xylan as a Reducing Agent with Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi Activity.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease, also known as American Trypanosomiasis, is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. It is occurring in Americas, including USA and Canada, and Europe and its current treatment involves the use of two drugs as follows: benznidazole (BNZ) and nifurtimox, which present high toxicity and low efficacy during the chronic phase of the disease, thus promoting the search for more effective therapeutic alternatives. Amongst them xylan, a bioactive polysaccharide, extracted from corn cob. METHODS: Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FITR), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), dynamic light scattering (DLS) have been used to characterize the silver-xylan nanoparticles (NX). Their cytotoxicity was evaluated with 3-bromo(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) test. MTT and flow cytometry were used to ascertain the anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity. RESULTS: UV-Vis spectroscopy gave plasmon resonance ranging between 400 and 450 nm while FITC and Raman spectroscopy proved nano interface functionalized with xylan. ICP-OES data showed NX with xylan (81%) and silver (19%). EDS showed NX consisting of carbon (59.4%), oxygen (26.2%) and silver (4.8%) main elements. Spherical NX of 55 nm average size has been depicted with SEM and AFM, while DLS showed 102 ± 1.7 nm NX. The NX displayed negligible cytotoxicity (2000 µg/mL). NX (100 µg/mL) was more effective, regardless of experiment time, in affecting the ability of parasites to reduce MTT than BZN (100 µg/mL). In addition, NX (100 µg/mL) induced death of 95% of parasites by necrosis. CONCLUSION: This is the first time silver nanoparticles are presented as an anti-Trypanosoma cruzi agent and the data point to the potential application of NX to new preclinical studies in vitro and in vivo.

Myrciaria tenella (DC.) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) Leaves as a Source of Antioxidant Compounds.

Myrciaria species are widely studied to identify their chemical composition and evaluate their biological activity. Since evidence supporting the potential antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of Myrciaria tenella is lacking, the aim of this work was to evaluate these activities in six different leaf extracts: hexane (CHE), chloroform (CCE), ethanolic (CEE), methanolic (CME), aqueous final (CFAE), and only aqueous (CAE). The presence of phenolic compounds, tannin, saponin, and ursolic acid was determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC). CEE, CME, and CFAE showed in vitro antioxidant activity at the initiation, propagation, and termination stages of oxidative damage. Moreover, no toxicity was observed in the 3T3 non-cancerous cell line. On the other hand, all extracts promoted cell death in the tumor cell lines human cervical adenocarcinoma cell line (HeLa) and human stomach gastric adenocarcinoma cell line (AGS). Based on these results, the effect of CEE on the AGS cell line was analyzed using flow cytometry, and necrosis and late apoptosis were observed. Finally, the Caenorhabditis elegans model showed that CEE was able to reduce the basal reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) analysis showed rutin as the major compound in CEE. Therefore, Myrciaria tenella fresh leaves may be potential sources of molecules possessing antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

Caulerpa Cupressoides Var. Flabellata.

Green seaweeds are rich sources of sulfated polysaccharides (SPs) with potential biomedical and nutraceutical applications. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunostimulatory activity of SPs from the seaweed, Caulerpa cupressoides var. flabellata on murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. SPs were evaluated for their ability to modify cell viability and to stimulate the production of inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cytokines. Additionally, their effect on inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) gene expression was investigated. The results showed that SPs were not cytotoxic and were able to increase in the production of NO, ROS and the cytokines, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). It was also observed that treatment with SPs increased iNOS and COX-2 gene expression. Together, these results indicate that C. cupressoides var. flabellata SPs have strong immunostimulatory activity, with potential biomedical applications.

Effects of daily inspiratory muscle training on respiratory muscle strength and chest wall regional volumes in haemodialysis patients: a randomised clinical trial.

Purpose: Evaluating the effects of interdialytic daily inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory muscle strength, chest wall regional volumes, diaphragmatic mobility and thickness, pulmonary function, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in haemodialysis (HD) patients.Method: A randomised, and double-blind clinical trial composed of 24 chronic kidney disease patients undergoing HD. Patients were allocated into the IMT group (n = 12) or sham group (n = 12) and performed daily IMT twice per day with a load of 50% inspiratory muscle strength for the IMT group and 5 cmH2O for the sham group during 8 weeks. Respiratory muscle strength, diaphragm thickness and mobility, chest wall regional volumes, functional capacity, and QoL were measured.Results: At the end of the study, an increase in inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength was observed for both groups, but no significant difference was found between them. Changed volume distribution was also observed in the IMT group, with significantly increased inspiratory capacity in the pulmonary compartment compared to the sham group.Conclusions: Daily interdialytic IMT promoted a change in chest wall regional volumes, with an increase in the inspiratory capacity of the pulmonary rib cage. Both groups had increased inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength with daily respiratory exercise.Trial registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov; study number: NCT02599987; name of trial registry: IMT in Patients with End-stage Renal Disease.Implications for rehabilitationMuscular impairment in chronic kidney disease patients results from a series of common alterations, affecting respiratory muscles.Patients with chronic kidney disease have low values of diaphragmatic thickness.The daily inspiratory muscle training (IMT) or breathing exercise over a period of 8 weeks provided increased respiratory muscle strength.The daily inspiratory muscle training presented a change in tri-compartment distribution of lung volume compared to the sham group, with increased inspiratory capacity of the pulmonary rib cage.

Does blood flow restriction training increase the diameter of forearm vessels in chronic kidney disease patients? A randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION:: Blood flow restriction training can be used as an alternative to conventional exercise in chronic kidney disease patients with indication of arteriovenous fistula. OBJECTIVE:: Evaluating the efficacy of blood flow restriction training in the diameter and distensibility change of the cephalic vein and the diameter and flow of the radial artery, muscle strength and forearm circumference in chronic kidney disease patients with arteriovenous fistula pre-creation. METHODS:: A blind randomized clinical trial consisting of 26 chronic kidney disease patients allocated into a blood flow restriction training group (blood flow restriction; n = 12) and a group without blood flow restriction training (control group; n = 14). Blood flow restriction was performed at 50% of systolic blood pressure and using 40% of handgrip strength as load for the isometric exercises in both groups. RESULTS:: An increase in the diameter of the cephalic vein in the 2 cm (p = 0.008) and 10 cm segments (p = 0.001) was observed in the control group. The diameter of the radial artery increased in all segments in the blood flow restriction group (2, 10 and 20 cm; p = 0.005, p = 0.021 and p = 0.018, respectively) and in the 10 and 20 cm segments (p = 0.017 and p = 0.026) in the control group. Handgrip strength only increased in the control group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION:: Physical training associated with blood flow restriction increased cephalic vein diameters in both groups and was effective in increasing the diameter of the radial artery; however, it did not demonstrate superiority over the exercise group protocol without blood flow restriction.

Quality of life and duration of hemodialysis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD): a cross-sectional study / Qualidade de vida e tempo de hemodiálise em pacientes com doença renal crônica (DRC): um estudo transversal

Abstract Introduction: Quality of life (QoL) of hemodialysis patients is a major evaluative marker currently measured, while treatment time is a clinical determinant associated with impaired QOL. Objective: To evaluate QOL in individuals undergoing hemodialysis (HD) considering treatment time and the presence of comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted in the hemodialysis unit of the Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (HC-UFPE). We studied patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) of both genders over the age of 18 years, at any level of education and undergoing HD for at least 6 months. We evaluated the demographic/socioeconomic and clinical data, followed by application of the quality of life questionnaire (KDQOL-SF). Results: Participants were 47 patients with a mean age of 50.94 ± 13.33 years, 55.3% were male and average treatment time of 57.35 ± 61.46 months. Hypertension (59.6%) was the most frequent underlying disease. According to the responses obtained through the KDQOL-SF, the situation at work and physical limitation scored worse. Sexual function (85.83) and encouragement by the team had the best performance. There were no differences in dimensions of questionnaire and treatment time. Conclusion: The presence of comorbidities and HD duration were not found to be possible factors for changing QoL in this study. However, we suggest that future studies evaluate other factors such as laboratory, emotional and functional data to check for changes in QoL in these patients related to HD duration.

Resumo Introdução: A qualidade de vida (QV) dos pacientes hemodialíticos é um dos principais marcadores avaliativos atualmente e o tempo de tratamento é um determinante clínico associado à QV prejudicada. Objetivo: Avaliar a QV em indivíduos submetidos à hemodiálise (HD) considerando o tempo de tratamento e a presença de comorbidades. Métodos: Estudo transversal desenvolvido no setor de hemodiálise do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (HC-UFPE), realizado em pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, em qualquer nível de escolaridade e em HD a pelo menos seis meses. Foram avaliados os dados demográfico/socioeconômico e clínico, seguidos da aplicação do questionário de QV (KDQOL-SF). Resultado: Participaram do estudo 47 pacientes, com média de idade de 50,94 ± 13,33 anos, sendo 55,3% do sexo masculino e média do tempo de tratamento de 57,35 ± 61,46 meses. A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) (59,6%) foi a patologia de base mais frequente. De acordo com as respostas obtidas através do KDQOL-SF, a situação no trabalho e a limitação física apresentaram piores resultados. A função sexual (85,83) e o encorajamento da equipe apresentaram o melhor desempenho. Não se observou diferenças no comportamento das dimensões do questionário com o tempo de tratamento. Conclusão: A presença de comorbidades e o tempo de HD não se apresentaram como possíveis fatores para alteração da QV em nosso estudo. No entanto, sugerimos que estudos futuros possam avaliar outros fatores como dados laboratoriais, emocionais e funcionais para verificar a existência de alterações na QV nesses pacientes relacionadas ao tempo de HD.

Knowledge regarding the prevention of chronic kidney disease in hypertensive and diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study / Conhecimento sobre a prevenção da Doença Renal Crônica em hipertensos e diabéticos: estudo transversal

Abstract Introduction: Hypertension (HT) and diabetes mellitus (DM) lead to functional and structural changes in target organs such as the kidneys, characterizing the need for preventive actions to avoid Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Objective: To verify cardiologists' and endocrinologists' knowledge, indications and practices regarding prevention of CKD in patients with HT and DM. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 14 cardiologists and 5 endocrinologists applying a questionnaire about the conduct of these professionals regarding the prevention of CKD in hypertensive and diabetic patients. Results: One hundred percent of the cardiologists and endocrinologists did not request specific tests for CKD screening (albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), although 92.9% of the cardiologists and 60.0% of the endocrinologists report referring hypertensive and diabetic patients with impaired renal function to nephrologists. One hundred percent of the interviewees recognize the importance of physical exercise for their patients; however, only 68.6% of cardiologists and 60% of endocrinologists indicated a physiotherapist and/or physical trainer to implement these exercises. Conclusion: The professionals evaluated in this study do not request microalbuminuria and GFR examinations for hypertensive and diabetic patients as a follow-up routine, despite having found cases of renal function impairment in these patients; in contrast to what is proposed in the guidelines for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. They recognize the importance of physical exercise and report indicating their patients to a physiotherapist and/or physical trainer. We suggest continuing the study in order to ascertain the reasons for their not complying with the respective guidelines.

Resumo Introdução: A hipertensão arterial (HAS) e o diabetes mellitus (DM) ocasionam alterações funcionais e estruturais de órgãos alvo como os rins, caracterizando a necessidade de ações preventivas para evitar a Doença Renal Crônica (DRC). Objetivo: Verificar o conhecimento, indicação e prática de condutas dos cardiologistas e endocrinologistas quanto a prevenção de DRC em pacientes com HAS e DM. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 14 cardiologistas e 5 endocrinologistas, através de questionário referente a conduta desses profissionais quanto a prevenção da DRC entre hipertensos e diabéticos. Resultados: Cem por cento dos cardiologistas e endocrinologistas não solicitam os exames específicos para o rastreamento da DRC (albuminúria e estimativa da taxa de filtração glomerular - TGF), embora 92,9% dos cardiologistas e 60,0% dos endocrinologistas relatem encaminhar pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos com comprometimento da função renal ao nefrologista. Cem por cento dos entrevistados reconhecem a importância do exercício físico para seus pacientes, no entanto, apenas 68,6% dos cardiologistas e 60% dos endocrinologistas indicam o fisioterapeuta e ou educador físico para a realização dos mesmos. Conclusão: Os profissionais avaliados neste estudo não solicitam exames microalbuminúria e de TFG para pacientes hipertensos e diabéticos como rotina de acompanhamento, embora tenham encontrado casos de comprometimento da função renal nesses pacientes, diferentemente do proposto nas diretrizes para hipertensão arterial e diabetes mellitus. Reconhecem a importância do exercício físico e referem indicar seus pacientes ao fisioterapeuta e ou educador físico. Sugerimos continuidade do estudo a fim de averiguar as razões para o não cumprimento das respectivas diretrizes.

Levantamento de casos de pitiríase versicolor em Goiânia-GO, Brasil / Research on pityriasis versicolor cases of Goiânia-GO, Brazil

A pitiríase versicolor é uma infecção fúngica superficial e cosmopolita, provocada por leveduras do gênero Malassezia. Indivíduos humanos, após a puberdade, são os mais suscetíveis à manifestação dessa micose, devido à característica lipofílica do fungo. Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado no período de janeiro de 1998 a dezembro de 1999, sendo analisadas 1.805 fichas de pacientes atendidos no setor de micologia de um laboratório da rede privada de Goiânia-GO, Brasil. No grupo de indivíduos humanos acometidos de micoses superficiais, a prevalência de pitiríase versicolor foi de 17,0 por cento. No estudo realizado a maioria dos pacientes com essa micose era do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 31 e 40 anos, pele de cor morena e possuía lesões furfuráceas hipopigmentadas na região dorsal do corpo. Assim a pitiríase versicolor continua sendo uma das doenças fúngicas relevantes dentro das micoses que acometem a superfície da pele do homem.