Interlaminar endoscopic uniportal approach for implantation of a paddle lead larger than 10 mm for spinal cord stimulation: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: The authors aim to describe a new technique for implantation of a spinal cord stimulation paddle lead sized over 10 mm through an endoscopic uniportal approach. A new endoscopic cannula was developed for the passage of a paddle lead width between 10 and 13 mm. The distal portion of the cannula was designed with a larger opening, providing better visibility of the anterior portion of the adjacent structures, thus allowing a panoramic view of the electrode passage. An electrode was implanted in an 11-mm paddle. OBSERVATIONS: After searching PubMed, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases, the authors found no mention of the implantation of a paddle electrode with a width greater than 10 mm. The implantation of a paddle electrode less than 10 mm wide is possible via endoscopic access using 10-mm working channels. However, for electrodes with a width greater than 10 mm, access via endoscopy is impossible, since the working channel is only 10 mm. LESSONS: The authors concluded that it is possible to pass electrodes safely and effectively with a paddle width between 10 and 13 mm using spinal endoscopy via uniportal interlaminar access. However, it is necessary to expand studies to elucidate this technique of endoscopic implantation of electrodes for neurostimulation.

Intermittent food restriction upregulates critical hypothalamic genes involved in energy regulation imbalance.

The effect of intermittent food restriction (IFR) on the Central Nervous System is unclear, especially when alternated with an obesity-inducing diet (DIO). This study aimed to evaluate key genes involved in energy-regulation imbalance in the hypothalamus after IFR and DIO alternation. Therefore, 45-d-old female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: standard control (ST-C), fed with an ad libitum standard diet; DIO control (DIO-C), fed with a DIO in the first and last 15 d of the intervention and a standard diet between the 16th and 45th day; standard restricted (ST-R), fed with a standard diet in the first and last 15 d of the intervention followed by IFR at 50% of the ST-C diet between the 16th and 45th day; and DIO restricted (DIO-R), fed with a DIO in the first and last 15 d of the intervention and subjected to IFR under the same conditions as the ST-R group. At 105 d of age, animals were euthanized, and the hypothalamus was removed for quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The ST-R and DIO-R groups showed higher inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta (P < 0.001; P = 0.029) and nuclear factor kappa B (P < 0.001; P = 0.029) gene expression when compared with the ST-C group. The same held true for the JNK (P = 0.001; P = 0.003) and PPARα genes (both P < 0.001). Instead, the DIO-R group exhibited higher CCL5 gene expression than the ST-C (P = 0.001) and DIO-C (P < 0.001) groups, whereas all groups had higher SOCS3 gene expression than did the ST-C group. These data together suggest that IFR, whether combined with DIO or not, alters the expression of critical genes involved in energy regulation imbalance in the hypothalamus, which warrants caution and more research, because long-term usage might be hazardous.

Anthelmintic resistance in sheep in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Anthelmintic efficacy was evaluated among sheep that had become naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes in 17 flocks located in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Feces were collected individually from 1021 hairy sheep to determine the number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and for coprocultures to identify nematode genera the nematodes. Only the animals that presented EPG counts greater than or equal to 200 were included in the study (totaling 381 sheep). The animals were divided into three treatment groups: albendazole, ivermectin and levamisole. Fourteen days after the administration of anthelmintics, fecal samples were taken from all animals. In each flock, the pre-treatment and post-treatment arithmetic mean EPG were used to calculate the efficacy (FECR) for each of the treatment groups and the lower 95% confidence limit. Data were analyzed with the "eggCounts 2.3" package in RStudio, using a Bayesian model for paired design. The anthelmintics were classified as being efficacious (when the FECR was both equal to or above 95% and the lower 95% confidence limit was equal to or above 90%) or as encountering anthelmintic resistance (when the FECR was below 95% and the lower 95% confidence limit was below 90%) or inconclusive (when none of the other criteria were fulfilled). Albendazole and ivermectin were not effective in any of the flocks. Levamisole was effective against gastrointestinal nematodes in 25% of the flocks studied. Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum genera were identified in this study in a semiarid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The genus Haemonchus was the most prevalent, followed by Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum. After anthelmintic treatment, the most prevalent genus was Haemonchus, followed by Trichostrongylus; the genus Oesophagostomum was not detected. The highest percentage of Haemonchus larvae was observed after treatment with ivermectin, followed by albendazole and levamisole. This study revealed the existence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep that present multiple resistance to all three main classes of anthelmintic drugs.

The ring finger protein 213 gene (Rnf213) contributes to Rift Valley fever resistance in mice.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging viral zoonosis that primarily affects ruminants and humans. We have previously shown that wild-derived MBT/Pas mice are highly susceptible to RVF virus and that part of this phenotype is controlled by a locus located on distal Chromosome 11. Using congenic strains, we narrowed down the critical interval to a 530 kb region containing five protein-coding genes among which Rnf213 emerged as a potential candidate. We generated Rnf213-deficient mice by CRISPR/CAS9 on the C57BL/6 J background and showed that they were significantly more susceptible to RVF than control mice, with an average survival time post-infection reduced from 7 to 4 days. The human RNF213 gene had been associated with the cerebrovascular Moyamoya disease (MMD or MYMY) but the inactivation of this gene in the mouse resulted only in mild anomalies of the neovascularization. This study provides the first evidence that the Rnf213 gene may also impact the resistance to infectious diseases such as RVF.

Fasting and refeeding cycles alter subcutaneous white depot growth dynamics and the morphology of brown adipose tissue in female rats.

Intermittent food restriction (IFR) is used mainly for weight loss; however, its effects on adipose tissue are not known when alternating with an obesogenic diet. To demonstrate its effects on morphological dynamics of fat deposits, female Wistar rats were distributed into groups: standard control (ST-C), with commercial diet; DIO control (DIO-C), with a diet that induces obesity (DIO) during the first and last 15 d, replaced by a standard diet for thirty intermediate days; standard restricted (ST-R), with standard diet during the first and last 15 d, with six cycles of IFR at 50 % of ST-C; and DIO restricted (DIO-R), in DIO during the first and last 15 d, with six cycles of IFR at 50 % of DIO-C. At 105 d of life, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) deposits were collected, weighed and histology performed. The DIO-R group showed higher total food intake (DIO-R 10 768·0 (SEM 357·52) kJ/g v. DIO-C 8868·6 (SEM 249·25) kJ/g, P < 0·0001), energy efficiency during RAI (DIO-R 2·26 (SEM 0·05) g/kJ v. DIO-C 0·70 (SEM 0·03) g/kJ, P < 0·0001) and WAT (DIO-R 5·65 (SEM 0·30) g/100 g v. DIO-C 4·56 (SEM 0·30) g/100 g) than their respective control. Furthermore, IFR groups presented hypertrophy of WAT and BAT, as well as fibrosis in BAT. Thus, IFR can establish prospective resistance to weight loss by favouring changes in adipose tissue morphology, increased energy intake and efficiency. Finally, the DIO diet before and after IFR aggravates the damages caused by the restriction.

Effectiveness of an alternative intervention in the treatment of depressive symptoms.

BACKGROUND: There is a scarcity of studies in the international literature regarding alternative treatment to the pharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention in the face of depression symptoms. This study aimed to test a protocol based on natural therapy, alternatives to pharmacological and psychotherapeutic, through Mindfulness Meditation, Reiki, Acupuncture and Auriculotherapy, to treat the symptoms of depression for those who were with no pharmacological or psychotherapeutic treatment for these symptoms. METHODS: this is a randomized single-blind controlled pilot study. The final sample was 21 participants divided in two groups: experimental and control. Participants were evaluated by validated instruments during the screening process and after the intervention. The instruments were: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Intervention was performed in eight sessions, during two months. All the techniques were used in the experimental group. Analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to compare pre-intervention to post-intervention moments. RESULTS: the result of analysis indicates a significant reduction in the symptoms of depression after the intervention among the experimental group. LIMITATIONS: there is no way to determine which of the techniques used produced the most significant result. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol proposed in this study was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression to whom are not eligible for traditional treatment.

Genetic dissection of Rift Valley fever pathogenesis: Rvfs2 locus on mouse chromosome 11 enables survival to early-onset hepatitis.

Infection of mice with Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) reproduces major pathological features of severe human disease, notably the early-onset hepatitis and delayed-onset encephalitis. We previously reported that the Rvfs2 locus from the susceptible MBT/Pas strain reduces survival time after RVFV infection. Here, we used BALB/cByJ (BALB) mice congenic for Rvfs2 (C.MBT-Rvfs2) to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms impacted by Rvfs2. Clinical, biochemical and histopathological features indicated similar liver damage in BALB and C.MBT-Rvfs2 mice until day 5 after infection. However, while C.MBT-Rvfs2 mice succumbed from acute liver injury, most BALB mice recovered and died later of encephalitis. Hepatocytes of BALB infected liver proliferated actively on day 6, promoting organ regeneration and recovery from liver damage. By comparison with C.MBT-Rvfs2, BALB mice had up to 100-fold lower production of infectious virions in the peripheral blood and liver, strongly decreased RVFV protein in liver and reduced viral replication in primary cultured hepatocytes, suggesting that the BALB Rvfs2 haplotype limits RVFV pathogenicity through decreased virus replication. Moreover, bone marrow chimera experiments showed that both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells are required for the protective effect of the BALB Rvfs2 haplotype. Altogether, these results indicate that Rvfs2 controls critical events which allow survival to RVFV-induced hepatitis.

Self-reported lipodystrophy, nutritional, lipemic profile and its impact on the body image of HIV-1-infected persons, with and without antiretroviral therapy.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 227 adults, 162 using antiretroviral therapy (ART), both sexes, in Secondary Immunodeficiency Outpatient Clinic of the Department of Dermatology of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Faculty of Medicine of University of São Paulo. The patients were grouped into 92 under ART and self-reported lipodystrophy (G1); 70 under ART and without self-reported lipodystrophy (G2); 65 without ART (G3). We evaluated: (1) self-reported lipodystrophy, self-perception and feeling about body image; (2) Anthropometric and lipemic profile. We included 67% (n = 152) male; 33% (n = 77) female. There was a negative impact of self-reported lipodystrophy on body image, where female was more critical, although it was significant for male (p = 0.014). BMI revealed excess weight in female (p = 0.058). Hip waist ratio was shown to be a better parameter than abdominal perimeter when measuring fat in central region of male and lipohypertrophy was characterized in both sexes. There was lipoatrophy in upper and lower limbs for individuals of the (G1) and the male of this group presented hypertriglyceridemia, (p = 0.012). There was a difference in sex, pattern of self - perceived morphologic alterations and feeling in relation to body image when associated with self - reported lipodystrophy, ART use, anthropometric and lipemic profile.

Bolhas de informação e a comunicação da saúde pública / Information bubbles and public health communication

Este artigo propõe uma revisão de literatura sobre as chamadas bolhas de informação e temas correlatos. O objetivo é identificarcomo a existências dessas bolhas pode afetar a Comunicação em Saúde e endereçar novos caminhos de pesquisa científica. Ofenômeno é complexo, pois envolve tanto aspectos tecnológicos quanto psicológicos dos cidadãos. As implicações das bolhastêm sido discutidas no âmbito da política, eleições, saúde e de intolerância de um modo geral. A "desinformação" sobre doençasgerada nas bolhas impulsiona riscos concretos à vida. São discutidas também estratégias para evitar o impacto das bolhas

Vamos falar sobre sexo: o discurso da sexualidade nas mídias digitais para a promoção da saúde / Let's talk about sex: the discourse of sexuality in digital media for health promotion

Este trabalho busca investigar as relações entre comunicação e saúde na contemporaneidade. Com as mudanças tecnológicas e os avanços epistemológicos, as definições de ambos os campos sofreram alterações e, por isso, sua análise se torna importante para desenvolver melhores ferramentas comunicacionais voltadas para a promoção da saúde. O objetivo dessa investigação foi o de traçar pistas acerca dessa temática utilizando a sexualidade como objeto de discussão. Para tal, como proposta de aplicação dos conceitos, são explicitadas três experiências midiáticas que tratam da sexualidade em diferentes contextos: a série da Netflix "Sex Education", o perfil do Twitter do Doutor Maravilha e as possibilidades existentes em desenvolver o diálogo em aplicativos de relacionamento. Com isso, buscamos discutir as questões que envolvem os discursos em torno desses temas e abarcar toda a complexidade necessária para a discussão da comunicação de saúde.

The impact of sediment dumping sites on the concentrations of microplastic in the inner continental shelf of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.

The marine environment is constantly being impacted by anthropogenic activities. Nowadays, microplastics (MPs) representing one of the most deleterious material among of all substances and material from anthropogenic origin. The Microplastics (MPs) are particles smaller than 5 mm. This study presents information on abundance, distribution, type and colour of microplastics in the bottom sediments of the continental Shelf of Rio de Janeiro State. This area is strongly impacted due to its location in front of one of the most polluted coastal bays in the Brazilian Coastline. It receives untreated sewage from an Ipanema Beach submarine emissary and also a great amount of sediments dredged from Rio de Janeiro Harbour, which strongly influences the distribution of MPs in the area. The analyses detected the presence of MP in 100% of the samples, composed mainly by secondary microplastics, and almost 50% were fibers, followed by plastic films, plastic fragments and pellets. Based on the nature of the sources of the MP, a great variety of colours was shown, dominated by four main colours: blue, white, transparent, and black, this pattern could potentially increase their bioavailability due to resemblance to prey items, especially to visual raptorial species.

Oral solution of fructose promotes SREBP-1c high-expression in the hypothalamus of Wistar rats.

Objective: We evaluate whether the consumption of fructose for 8 weeks affects enzymes and transcription factors of the lipogenic and inflammatory pathways in the hypothalamus of Wistar rats. Methods: At 30 days, the animals were divided into groups: Control (C) and Fructose (F) and maintained with free access to feed and filtered water (C) or aqueous solution of purified fructose at 20% (F). RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed for the target genes and proteins. Results: In F group, results showed a lower feed intake, an increase in glycemia (146.20 ± 6.09 vs. 102.32 ± 4.58; n: 9) and triacylglycerol (F: 191.65 ± 13.51 vs. C: 131.69 ± 6.49; n: 9) and there was no difference in water and energy consumption. We identified a higher content of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) (F: 133.93 ± 5.58 vs. C: 100 ± 0.0; n: 9-10) and NFκB (F: 125.5 ± 8.85 vs. C: 100 ± 0; n: 14) in group F, whereas fatty acid synthase (FAS) was lower (F: 85.90 ± 4.81 vs. C: 100 ± 0.0; n: 4-6). SREBP-1c gene expression was higher in F vs. C group (F: 4.08 ± 0.44 vs. C: 1.13 ± 0.15; n: 5-6), although we did not found difference between groups in the gene expression for ACC, SREBP-2, and NFκB. Discussion: Dietary fructose can change important lipogenic and inflammatory factors in the hypothalamus of rats and it leads to regulation of transcription factors before changes in body mass are evident.

Restricción alimentaria intermitente: repercusiones en la regulación de la homeostasis energética hipotalámica y tejido adiposo / Intermittent food restriction: repercussions in the regulation of hypothalamic energy homeostasis and adipose tissue

La práctica de restricción alimentaria intermitente (RAI) bien como sus variaciones, es utilizada por individuos con intensión de pérdida de masa corporal. Existen evidencias científicas favorables a esta práctica; no obstante, son insuficientes los estudios que muestren las consecuencias a largo plazo y sus repercusiones en el control de la homeostasis energética en el sistema nervioso central (SNC). Considerando su creciente utilización, tanto como su recomendación y además de la controversia existente en la bibliografía, la presente revisión tiene como objetivo mostrar los efectos de la RAI sobre la regulación central de la homeostasis energética registrados en la literatura.

The practice of intermittent food restriction (IFR) along its variations, is used by individuals with an intentional loss of body mass. There is scientific evidence favorable to this practice; however, studies showing the long term consequences and their impact on the control of energy homeostasis at the level of the central nervous system (CNS) are insufficient. Considering the increase in its use, as well as in its recommendation and the great controversy existing in the bibliography, the present review aims to show the effects of RAI on the central regulation of energy homeostasis reported in the literature.

Intermittent food restriction in female rats induces SREBP high expression in hypothalamus and immediately postfasting hyperphagia.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of intermittent food restriction (IFR) cycles on hypothalamic expression of lipogenic proteins and induction of overeating. METHODS: Female Wistar rats were distributed in three groups: free access to feed (control, C), 2 d feed restriction at 50% of C intake followed by 3 d (restricted 3, R3) or 5 d (restricted 5, R5) ad libitum feeding. After 6 wk, the rats were submitted to euthanasia and collected the hypothalamus and blood. The deposits of retroperitoneal, mesenteric, and gonadal fat were weighed. The expression of the mRNA for sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP) 1c and 2 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the hypothalamus were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and glucose and triacylglycerol were evaluated by a commercial kit. Body mass and food intake were measured daily. RESULTS: IFR promoted increased expression of SREBP-2 in both treated groups and, in R5, increased expression of SREBP-1c. The serum triacylglycerol, mesenteric deposit, and total fat content were higher in R3. Neither of the treatment intervals altered the expression of the mRNA of acetyl-CoA carboxylase enzyme but induced hyperglycemia and higher food intake immediately after food restriction. CONCLUSION: IFR affected the expression of SREBP-1c in R5 and SREBP-2 in the hypothalamus and caused overeating immediately after fasting in both groups. We suggest that hypothalamic and peripheral alterations, coupled with compulsive eating behavior in the ad libitum period, indicate risks for diabetes mellitus and recovery of body mass after interruption of IFR.

High-monosaccharide intake inhibits anorexigenic hypothalamic insulin response in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research is to evaluate if intake of 20% fructose solution is able to change the anorexigenic hypothalamic insulin action. METHODS: Thirty day-old male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: standard chow and water for the rats (Control group, C) and standard chow and 20% fructose solution for the rats (Fructose group, F).These treatments lasted 8 weeks. Three-month-old rats from group C and F received insulin or saline intracerebroventricular injections for evaluation of 24 h food intake, phosphorylated forms of the IR (p-IR) and Akt (p-Akt) proteins and quantified hypothalamic insulin receptor (IR) and insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) proteins. RESULTS: Insulin injection was able to decrease food intake in group C compared to 0.9% saline. However, insulin infusion failed to inhibit 24 h food intake in group F compared to 0.9% saline. The hypothalamic content of the IRS-1 was 37% higher in group F as well as p-Akt protein was significant higher vs. group C. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the 20% fructose solution compromised insulin signaling considering that it inhibited the anorexigenic hypothalamic response to acute injection of this hormone and increase of IRS-1 and p-Akt content.

Effects of fructose consumption on food intake and biochemical and body parameters in Wistar rats. / Efeitos do consumo de frutose sobre ingestão alimentar, parâmetros bioquímicos e corporais em ratos Wistar.

INTRODUTION AND OBJECTIVE: Increased fructose consumption is associated with various metabolic changes that favor the onset of obesity and related comorbidities. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of chronic fructose consumption on body weight and adipose tissue, as well as on serum glucose and triglyceride levels. METHODS: Thirty-day-old Wistar rats were divided into two groups: fructose (F) and control (C), which had free access to commercial chow and either water or a 20% fructose solution. Body mass was measured weekly and food consumption at 30, 60 and 90 days. At 90 days, the animals were killed by decapitation and fat deposits (mesenteric, epididymal and retroperitoneal) were removed and blood collected for measurement of glucose and triglyceride levels. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in body weight gain, but the percentage of body fat was higher in group F. This group also consumed less feed at 60 and 90 days and had higher consumption of fructose solution than water in group C at 30 and 60 days. This meant higher calorie intake in group F and lower feed efficiency. Retroperitoneal and epididymal fat deposits and triglycerides were higher in group F than in group C. CONCLUSION: Consumption of fructose solution for eight weeks, while not directly reflected in body weight gain, did increase abdominal fat in group F compared to group C, as well as changing triglyceride levels. These two factors increase risk of cardiovascular disease.

Everyday representations of young people about peripheral areas. / Representações cotidianas de jovens sobre a periferia.

OBJECTIVES:: to understand everyday representations of young people about the peripheral areas, with the purpose of establishing topics to drug education media programs. METHOD:: Marxist approach, with emancipatory action research and the participation in workshops of 13 youngsters from a public school of the peripheral area of São Paulo. RESULTS:: there are contradictory everyday representations about the State's role, which, on the one hand, does not guarantee social rights and exert social control over the peripheral areas and, on the other hand, is considered the privileged interlocutor for the improvement of life and work conditions. CONCLUSION:: the action research discussed mainly topics related to social rights context, claim of the young participants. It is necessary to expand the discussion beyond the citizenship rights sphere, which is only part of the debate about social inequalities inherent in capitalist exploitation and the necessary transformations to build equality policies.

Representações cotidianas de jovens sobre a periferia / Las representaciones cotidianas de jóvenes acerca de la periferia / Everyday representations of young people about peripheral areas

RESUMO Objetivos: compreender as representações cotidianas de jovens sobre a periferia, com a finalidade de compor os temas para programas midiáticos de educação sobre drogas. Método: abordagem marxista, com pesquisa-ação emancipatória e participação em oficinas de 13 jovens de uma escola pública da periferia de São Paulo. Resultados: entre os jovens há representações cotidianas contraditórias sobre o papel do Estado, que, de um lado, se ausenta para os direitos sociais e se apresenta para exercer o controle social na periferia e, de outro, é colocado como o interlocutor privilegiado para a melhoria das condições de trabalho e vida. Conclusão: a pesquisa-ação discutiu centralmente temas que circulam na esfera dos direitos sociais, alvo de reivindicação dos jovens participantes. Nota-se que é preciso ampliar a discussão para além da esfera do direito à cidadania, que constitui apenas parte do debate sobre as desigualdades sociais inerentes à exploração capitalista e às transformações necessárias à igualdade.

RESUMEN Objetivo: entender las representaciones cotidianas de jóvenes acerca de la periferia con el fin de crear temas para programa educativos sobre drogas en los medios de comunicación. Método: enfoque marxista, investigación participativa y emancipadora en talleres de trece jóvenes de una escuela pública en la periferia de São Paulo. Resultados: los jóvenes mostraron representaciones cotidianas contradictorias sobre el papel del Estado, que, por un lado, está ausente en los derechos sociales, pero presente para ejercer control social en la periferia y, por otro, es el interlocutor privilegiado para mejorar las condiciones laborales y de vida. Conclusión: la investigación-acción planteó temas que son comunes en los derechos sociales, principal reivindicación de los jóvenes participantes. La discusión necesita ampliarse, ir más allá del derecho a la ciudadanía, que es una parte del debate acerca de las desigualdades sociales inherentes a la explotación capitalista y a los cambios necesarios a la igualdad.

ABSTRACT Objectives: to understand everyday representations of young people about the peripheral areas, with the purpose of establishing topics to drug education media programs. Method: Marxist approach, with emancipatory action research and the participation in workshops of 13 youngsters from a public school of the peripheral area of São Paulo. Results: there are contradictory everyday representations about the State's role, which, on the one hand, does not guarantee social rights and exert social control over the peripheral areas and, on the other hand, is considered the privileged interlocutor for the improvement of life and work conditions. Conclusion: the action research discussed mainly topics related to social rights context, claim of the young participants. It is necessary to expand the discussion beyond the citizenship rights sphere, which is only part of the debate about social inequalities inherent in capitalist exploitation and the necessary transformations to build equality policies.

Development of thalidomide-loaded biodegradable devices and evaluation of the effect on inhibition of inflammation and angiogenesis after subcutaneous application.

PURPOSE: To develop thalidomide-loaded poly-lactide-co-glycolide implants and evaluate its in vivo release and biological activity against inflammation and angiogenesis after subcutaneous administration. METHODS: Implants were prepared by the hot molding technique and characterized using stereomicroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. Swiss mice, divided in groups 1-3, received a subcutaneous implant containing 25% (w/w), 50% (w/w) or 75% (w/w) of thalidomide, respectively (n=6). The drug levels were determined during a 28-day study period. The toxicity associated with the implants was evaluated by light microscopy. The potential of the developed implant in the inhibition of inflammation and angiogenesis was evaluated in vivo using the sponge model. RESULTS: Thalidomide implant was developed and its characterization proved the stability of the drug and the polymer during preparation. Release profiles in vivo demonstrated an extended release of thalidomide from the implants during the 28 days. Histological evaluation did not show any sign of intense local inflammatory response to the presence of the implants in the subcutaneous pouch. The thalidomide implant reduced the number of vessels and N-acetyl-b-glucosaminidase (NAG) in vivo. CONCLUSION: The biodegradable implants delivered safe doses of thalidomide that were also effective to induce angiogenesis and inflammation regression.

Prática da atividade física como facilitadora da promoção de saúde: relato de experiência exitosa do Pró-saúde e Pet saúde da UNIFOR / Physical activity practice as health promotion help: report of a successful experience of Pró Saúde and Pet Saúde UNIFOR

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de um ano do programa de atividade física com os usuários do CSF Maria de Lourdes Jereissati na cidade de Fortaleza-CE. Síntese dos dados: Alguns pontos de fundamental importância foram destacados e relatados como: público-alvo, local, critérios de inclusão e exclusão, implantação do projeto, descrição das aulas, integração entre graduação e pós-graduação, interdisciplinaridade, relato dos bolsistas e alunos, perfil dos participantes, avaliação do programa e desafios. O programa é desenvolvido no espaço Viva a Vida, situado na Regional VI, cujo público-alvo era indivíduos de meia-idade e idosos atendidos pelo CSF Maria de Lourdes Jereissati. As atividades iniciaram no ano de 2009 e eram realizadas duas vezes por semana, tendo duração de 60 minutos, com abordagem teórica (relacionada a diversos temas relevantes para a promoção da saúde) e prática (exercícios aeróbicos, de força, flexibilidade, equilíbrio e consciência do corpo). Além do professor responsável, estavam inclusos no programa bolsistas do PRÓ-Saúde, PET-Saúde e alunos de algumas disciplinas práticas do curso de Educação Física. A interdisciplinaridade estava sendo desenvolvida de forma efetiva entre as áreas de Educação Física e Nutrição. Conclusões: Durante um ano de programa, foi possível desenvolver o trabalho em duas vertentes de maneira significativa, atuando no desenvolvimento e na implantação de um programa de promoção da saúde para a população local, proporcionando rica experiência acadêmica para os alunos da graduação.

Objective: To report the experience of one year of physical activity program with users of Family Health Unit (FHU) Maria de Lourdes Jereissati in Fortaleza-CE. Data Synthesis: Some very important points were highlighted and reported as: target public, location, inclusion and exclusion criteria, implementation of the project, description of lessons, integration between undergraduate and graduate studies, interdisciplinarity, reports of the fellows and students, profile of participants, program evaluation and challenges. The program is developed within the Viva Vida, located in Region VI, whose target public was middle-aged people and elderly assisted by FHU Maria de Lourdes Jereissati. The activities started in 2009 and were performed twice a week, lasting 60 minutes, with theoretical approach (related to various topics relevant to health promotion) and practice (aerobic exercise, strength exercises, flexibility, balance and conscience of the body). Besides the teacher in charge, were included in the program Fellows PRO-SAÚDE, PET-SAÚDE and students of some practical disciplines of Physical Education course. Interdisciplinarity was being developed effectively across fields of Physical Education and Nutrition. Conclusions: During a year of the program, it was possible to develop the work into two parts significantly, working in the development and implementation of a program of health promotion for the local population, providing rich academic experience for undergraduate students.