Meralgia Paresthetica: A Report of a Rare Case.

Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a painful condition caused by damage or constriction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This entrapment condition typically arises due to various factors, including trauma, pelvic tumors, external compression from belts or snug attire, and weight gain. The prognosis is generally favorable since most cases are self-limiting or respond to conservative treatment. We present the case of a 53-year-old overweight man, with no relevant medical history, who was a victim of a traffic accident in October 2023 which resulted in polytrauma, according to the Case Reports (CARE) checklist. The main complaint of the patient was tingling of the left thigh, with dysesthesia to gentle rubbing along the anterolateral surface. After a diagnostic study, a diagnosis of post-trauma MP was thus established, probably due to seat-belt compression of the LFCN, and physiatric treatment was initiated. With the assistance of ultrasound, a large hematoma was seen, above the inguinal ligament with drainage of 140ccc of serosanguineous fluid with resolution of the symptoms. This case emphasizes the importance of a physiatry consultation for a correct diagnosis and focuses on the main complaint of a polytrauma patient.

Ecotoxicological strategies employing biochemical markers and organisms to monitor the efficacy of malathion photolysis treatment.

The objective of this study was to assess the photolysis-mediated degradation of malathion in standard and commercial formulations, and to determine the toxicity of these degraded formulations. Degradation tests were carried out with 500 µg L-1 of malathion and repeated three times. The initial and residual toxicity was assessed by using Lactuca sativa seeds for phytotoxicity, Stegomyia aegypti larvae for acute toxicity, and Stegomyia aegypti mosquitoes (cultivated from the larval stage until emergence as mosquitoes) to evaluate the biochemical markers of sublethal concentrations. For the standard formulations the photolytic process efficiently reduced the initial concentration of malathion to levels below the regulatory limits however, the formation of byproducts was revealed by chromatography, which allowed for a more complete proposal of photolytic-mediated malathion degradation route. The degraded formulations inhibited the growth of L. sativa seeds, while only the untreated formulations showed larvicidal activity and mortality. Both formulations slightly inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity in S. aegypti mosquitoes, while the standard formulation decreased and the commercial formulation increased glutathione S-transferase activity. However, there were no significant differences for superoxide dismutase, esterase-α, esterase-ß and lipid peroxidation. These findings indicate that in the absence of the target compound, the presence of byproducts can alter the enzymatic activity. In general, photolysis effectively degrade malathion lower than the legislation values; however, longer treatment times must be evaluated for the commercial formulation.

Phase separation as a strategy to prevent sulfide-related drawbacks in methanogenesis: performance and energetic aspects.

The establishment of sulfate (SO42-) reduction during methanogenesis may considerably hinder the efficient energetic exploitation of methane, once removing sulfide from biogas is obligate and can be costly. In addition, sulfide generation can negatively impact the performance of methanogens by triggering substrate competition and sulfide inhibition. This study investigated the impacts of removing SO42- during fermentation on the performance of a second-stage methanogenic continuous reactor (R2), comparing the results with those obtained in a single-stage system (R1) fed with SO42--rich wastewater (SO42- of up to 400 mg L-1, COD/SO42- of 3.12-12.50). The organic load (OL) was progressively increased to 5.0 g COD d-1 in both reactors, showing completely discrepant performances. Sulfate-reducing bacteria outperformed methanogens in the consumption for organic matter during the start-up phase (OL = 2.5 g COD d-1) in R1, directing up to 73% of the electron flow to SO42- reduction. An efficient methanogenic activity was established in R1 only after decreasing the OL to 0.625 g COD d-1, after which methanogenesis prevailed by consuming ca. 90% of the removed COD. Nevertheless, high sulfide proportions (up to 3.1%) were measured in biogas. Conversely, methanogenesis was promptly established in R2, resulting in a methane-rich (> 80%) and sulfide-free biogas regardless of the operating condition. From an economic perspective, processing the biogas evolved from R2 would be cheaper, although the techno-economic impacts of managing the sulfur pollution in the fermentative reactor still need to be understood.

Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Hip Pain Due to Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) has a prevalence of 2.9% in Portugal and is a related cause of pain and disability. A sufficient number of patients report these symptoms even after total hip arthroplasty (THA), while others are contraindicated to such surgery and suffer from uncontrolled pain. Percutaneous denervation of hip nerve branches using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has emerged as a powerful therapeutic avenue to consider for patients with chronic hip pain. METHODS: Between January 2020 and March 2021, 26 patients with chronic hip pain received ultrasound-guided RFA with a pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block technique adaptation. Patients suffering from chronic hip pain for more than three months with radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis were included. A numeric rating scale (NRS) and pain medication reduction were defined as outcome variables assessed before treatment and at three-, six-, nine-, and 12-month follow-ups. RESULTS: All selected patients underwent the procedure. All the patients had hip osteoarthritis. Twelve-month follow-up data revealed a statistically significant decrease in the numeric rating scale. The mean NRS for pain was 2 after the procedure. Over 75% of patients reported >50% pain relief during the follow-up and 85% reduced pain medication consumption. No side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Hip sensory articular branch RFA is a treatment option with interesting outcomes for chronic hip pain, as demonstrated by our study.

Efficient reactivation of anammox sludge after prolonged storage using a combination of batch and continuous reactors.

Due to the slow growth rate of anammox bacteria, enriched sludge is required for the rapid start-up of anammox-based reactors. However, it is still unclear if long-term stored anammox sludge (SAS) is an effective source of inoculum to accelerate reactor start-up. This study explored the reactivation of long-term SAS and developed an efficient protocol to reduce the start-up period of an anammox reactor. Although stored for 13 months, a low level of the specific anammox activity of 28 mg N/g VSS/d was still detected. Experimental Phase 1 involved the direct application of SAS to an upflow sludge bed reactor (USB) operated for 90 d under varying conditions of hydraulic retention time and nitrogen concentrations. In Phase 2, batch runs were executed prior to the continuous operation of the USB reactor. The biomass reactivation in the continuous flow reactor was unsuccessful. However, the SAS was effectively reactivated through a combination of batch runs and continuous flow feed. Within 75 days, the anammox process achieved a stable rate of nitrogen removal of 1.3 g N/L/day and a high nitrogen removal efficiency of 84.1 ± 0.2%. Anammox bacteria (Ca. Brocadia) abundance was 37.8% after reactivation. These overall results indicate that SAS is a feasible seed sludge for faster start-up of high-rate mainstream anammox reactors.

Suprascapular Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency as an Effective Pain Relief Strategy in Supraspinatus Muscle Tendon Tears.

INTRODUCTION: The supraspinatus muscle tendon is the most frequently rotator cuff muscle torn. Reliable shoulder pain relief strategies are needed for patients with severe pain, refractory to conservative management, and without surgical indication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a Portuguese reference Rehabilitation Centre during the 1st of January 2020 and the 30th of June 2021, including all patients with partial or complete supraspinatus tendon tear, older than 50 years, who presented with severe pain and who were submitted to suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency. RESULTS: We included 32 patients in our retrospective analysis, mainly female (53%) with a mean age of 66.50 years old. Most of the patients reported right shoulder pain (21 patients, 66%). The mean baseline pain, reported on the numeric rating scale, was 8.00 ± 0.88. Compared to baseline, mean pain reduced 4.00 ± 3.19 at three months (p<0.001), 3.59 ± 3.13 at six months (p<0.001) and 2.94 ± 2.78 at 12 months (p<0.001). From the 3rd to the 12th month there was an increase of 1.06 ± 2.77 in mean pain (p=0.038). There was no difference (p>0.05) in average pain at 0, 3, 6, or 12 months between patients who were simultaneously submitted to an intra-articular shoulder injection. DISCUSSION: Our analysis revealed 36% average shoulder pain reduction for, at least, 12 months following suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency, with a peak pain reduction of 50% at three months. Slow fading of pain reduction in the following nine months was seen, however, compared to baseline, pain reduction was always statistically significant. Cortico-anaesthetic intra-articular shoulder injections seem not to add benefit in shoulder pain reduction when performed simultaneously with suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency. CONCLUSION: Suprascapular nerve pulsed radiofrequency seems to be an effective strategy for shoulder pain reduction, in patients with severe pain, refractory to other management modalities. Nonetheless, larger prospective studies, analyzing shoulder functionality and quality of life lost scores, besides pain reduction, should be pursued.

The Role of Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy in the Treatment of Muscle Injuries: A Systematic Review.

Muscle injuries commonly occur in sports and can be classified as indirect and direct, according to the 2013 Munich Consensus Statement (MCS). Since recent evidence suggests that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) improves muscular microcirculation and may increase regeneration after acute muscle injury, we performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement guidelines to access the efficacy and safety of ESWT in the treatment of patients with muscle injuries. PubMed and Cochrane were searched to screen for potentially relevant articles and the literature search was last updated in June 2023. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials, observational studies, or case controls published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish that studied the effect of ESWT on indirect and direct muscle injuries in individuals aged ≥18, with at least one of the following reported outcomes: pain on the visual analog scale (VAS), functionality assessed either with disability scales or subjectively, time for return to play (RTP), re-injury rate, and ultrasonographic evaluation. The exclusion criteria were literature reviews, systematic reviews, studies in animals, studies in other languages, studies that failed to meet the targeted population or intervention and studies that didn't report any of the outcomes of interest. The quality of the studies was analyzed using the Cochrane Assessment Tool, the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale, and the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Eight studies were included in the systematic review (two randomized controlled trials, one prospective observational study, two retrospective observational studies, and three case reports), with a total of 143 adult participants. ESWT was associated with less pain on VAS, better function, reduction of size of lesion on ultrasound evaluation, faster RTP and/or lower re-injury rate in patients with indirect and direct muscle injuries and muscular hematomas, a frequent secondary complication of muscle injuries. The evidence regarding the use of ESWT for these types of injuries is therefore promising. Nevertheless, higher-quality studies are needed in the future to prove its efficacy, better comprehend its mechanisms of action and define treatment protocols (timing, type and parameters of ESWT).

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly: A case report and a comprehensive review of literature.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome, also known as obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA), is a Müllerian duct anomaly. It is a rare clinical condition consisting of a duplicated uterus with an oblique vaginal septum that causes partial genital tract outflow obstruction. A urinary tract anomaly, most commonly renal agenesis, is usually present on the obstructed side. The diagnosis of genital tract outflow obstruction is often delayed due to the normal functioning of the unaffected side. The most frequent complications are dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, infection, infertility and endometriosis. This report describes a 17-year-old G0P0 patient with a history of severe dysmenorrhea and left-sided renal agenesis, who was admitted for complaints of foul vaginal discharge over the past 3 months that was unsuccessfully treated with antibiotics. Transrectal ultrasound revealed the presence of 2 separate hemicavities on transverse and longitudinal views. A cystic lesion with ground-glass opacities was detected between the bladder and a normal-appearing cervix, which was determined to be hematocolpos. The diagnosis of OHVIRA was made. This case highlights the importance of excluding a Müllerian anomaly in the presence of renal system abnormalities. Being aware of the type of anomalies, combinations and variants is crucial to determine the diagnosis and the best surgical approach. Ultrasound was an invaluable imaging exam to determine the type of anomaly and its complexity. Awareness of this syndrome and its variants will prevent misdiagnosis and will help to define the appropriate treatment for these patients.

Strategies to control pH in the dark fermentation of sugarcane vinasse: Impacts on sulfate reduction, biohydrogen production and metabolite distribution.

pH is notably known as the main variable defining distinct metabolic pathways during sugarcane vinasse dark fermentation. However, different alkalinizing (e.g. sodium bicarbonate; NaHCO3) and/or neutralizing (e.g. sodium hydroxide; NaOH) approaches were never directly compared to understand the associated impacts on metabolite profiles. Three anaerobic structured-bed reactors (AnSTBR) were operated in parallel and subjected to equivalent operational parameters, except for the pH control: an acidogenic-sulfidogenic (R1; NaOH + NaHCO3) designed to remove sulfur compounds (sulfate and sulfide), a hydrogenogenic (R2; NaOH) aimed to optimize biohydrogen (bioH2) production, and a strictly fermentative system without pH adjustment (R3) to mainly evaluate lactic acid (HLa) production and other soluble metabolites. NaHCO3 dosing triggered advantages not only for sulfate reduction (up to 56%), but also to enhance the stripping of sulfide to the gas phase (75-96% of the theoretical sulfide produced) by the high and constant biogas flow resulting from the CO2 released during NaHCO3 dissociation. Meanwhile, molasses-based vinasse presented higher potential for bioH2 (up to 4545 mL-H2 L-1 d-1) and HLa (up to 4800 mg L-1) production by butyric-type and capnophilic lactic fermentation pathways. Finally, heterolactic fermentation was the main metabolic route established when no pH control was provided (R3), as indicated by the high production of both HLa (up to 4315 mg L-1) and ethanol (1987 mg L-1). Hence, one single substrate (from which one single source of inoculum was originated) offers a wide range of metabolic possibilities to be exploited, providing substantial versatility to the application of anaerobic digestion in sugarcane biorefineries.

Co-digestion of biofuel by-products: Enhanced biofilm formation maintains high organic matter removal when methanogenesis fails.

Ethanol and biodiesel industries generate large volumes of by-products, such as vinasse and glycerol, which are suitable for biogas exploitation. This paper assessed the applicability and process performance of the anaerobic structured-bed reactor (AnSTBR) for the mesophilic (30 °C) continuous (105 days) anaerobic co-digestion of sugarcane vinasse and distilled glycerol under increasing organic loading rates (OLR) (0.5-5.0 kgCOD m-3d-1). The highest methane yield (211 NmL g-1CODrem.) and volumetric production (668 NmL L-1d-1) occurred at an OLR of 3.5 kgCOD m-3d-1. The performance of the AnSTBR showed high removal efficiencies of total COD (77.1%), carbohydrates (81.9%), and glycerol content (99.7%). Biofilm growth enhancement within the reactor offset the impairment of methanogenesis activity at high organic loads. The prompt biodegradability of glycerol reinforced the importance of gradually increase the organic load to prevent the buildup of volatile acids and maintain a stable long-term co-digestion system.

Hemodialysis catheter heparin lock related bleeding: Hemorrhagic shock every other day.

Catheter dysfunction is an important cause of catheter loss. In order to prevent this, locking solutions with minimal risk of systemic anticoagulation are used to ensure catheter patency. At present the most commonly used solutions are either heparin or sodium citrate. According to the literature use of sodium citrate may be advantageous in reducing bleeding events. We report a case of hemorrhagic shock following hemodialysis catheter lock with heparin, reversed after switching solution to sodium citrate.

Conservative Management of Asymptomatic Adnexal Masses Classified as Benign by the IOTA ADNEX Model: A Prospective Multicenter Portuguese Study.

This prospective multicentric study aiming to determine the incidence of complications (malignant transformation, torsion or rupture) during conservative management of adnexal masses was performed in two Portuguese tertiary referral hospitals. It included ≥18-year-old, non-pregnant patients with asymptomatic adnexal masses (associated IOTA ADNEX risk of malignancy < 10%) sonographically diagnosed between January 2016 and December 2020. Conservative patient management consisted of serial clinical and ultrasound assessment up to 60 months of follow-up, spontaneous resolution of the formation or surgical excision (median follow-up: 17.8; range 9-48 months). From the 573 masses monitored (328 premenopausal and 245 postmenopausal adnexal masses), no complications were observed in 99.5%. The annual lesion growth rates and increases in morphological complexity were similar in the premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. Spontaneous resolution, evidenced in 16.4% of the patients, was more common in the premenopausal group (p < 0.05). Surgical intervention was performed in 18.4% of the cases; one borderline and one invasive FIGO IA stage cancer were diagnosed. There was an isolated case of ovary torsion (0.17%). These data support conservative management as a safe option for sonographically benign, stable and asymptomatic adnexal masses before and after menopause and highlight the need for expedite treatment of symptomatic or increased-morphological-complexity lesions.

Low-grade mucinous appendiceal neoplasm mimicking an ovarian lesion: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal tumors are rare lesions that may not be easily differentiated from primary ovarian lesions preoperatively, despite the use of advanced diagnostic methods by experienced clinicians. CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old G2P2 woman, with chronic pelvic pain, underwent a pelvic ultrasound that revealed an adnexal mass measuring 58 mm × 34 mm × 36 mm, with irregular borders, heterogeneous echogenicity, no color Doppler vascularization and without acoustic shadowing. Normal ovarian tissue was visualized in contact with the lesion, and it was impossible to separate the lesion from the ovary by applying pressure with the ultrasound probe. Ascites, peritoneal metastases or other alterations were not observed. With the international ovarian tumor analysis ADNEX model, the lesion was classified as a malignant tumor (the risk of malignancy was 27.1%, corresponding to Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting Data System category 4). Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a right adnexal mass, apparently an ovarian tumor measuring 65 mm × 35 mm, without signs of invasive or metastatic disease. During explorative laparotomy, normal morphology of the internal reproductive organs was noted. A solid mobile lesion involved the entire appendix. Appendectomy was performed. Inspection of the abdominal cavity revealed no signs of malignant dissemination. Histopathologically, the appendiceal lesion corresponded to a completely resected low-grade mucinous appendiceal neoplasm (LAMN). CONCLUSION: The appropriate treatment and team of specialists who should provide health care to patients with seemingly adnexal lesions depend on the nature (benign vs malignant) and origin (gynecological vs nongynecological) of the lesion. Radiologists, gynecologists and other pelvic surgeons should be familiar with the imaging signs of LAMN whose clinical presentation is silent or nonspecific. The assistance of a consultant specializing in intestinal tumors is important support that gynecological surgeons can receive during the operation to offer the patient with intestinal pathology an optimal intervention.

Why 20% of the students fail in the oral exam "fresh heart"? / ¿Por qué el 20% de los alumnos suspenden el examen oral de "corazón fresco"?

Introduction: In the 2nd grade of medical school in the University of Beira Interior, there is a "heart" exam, the only oral exam of the course. The observation that about 1 out of 5 students failed the exam, propelled an investigation. Subjects and methods: We conducted two questionnaires, before and after the exam, that assessed multiple factors. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and after the exam and in a non-stress situation. Two different teachers assessed students. Descriptive statistical tests, t-test, chi-square test and Mann-Whitney test were applied. Results: Of a total of 1042 students, between 2005 and 2014, 19.96% failed in the oral exam. In 2015 (n = 144), there was a 100% response rate to the questionnaires. The male gender is associated with a higher failure rate (p = 0.04). The parameters "I was nervous for watching my colleague's exam" (p = 0.041) and "The presence of a colleague in the room left me nervous" (p = 0.014) were associated to failure. The heart rate (p = 0.028) and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.030) after the oral exam were related to failure. Conclusions: It is suggested that students wait outside the room during the exam. It is crucial to avoid differences between teachers, so it is suggested, an initial pre-training on the structure and parameters of evaluation

Introducción: En el segundo año de medicina en la Universidad de Beira Interior, se realiza un examen sobre el corazón, el único examen oral de la carrera. La observación de que uno de cada cinco estudiantes suspendía el examen fue la razón que impulso esta investigación. Sujetos y métodos: Se aplicaron dos cuestionarios, antes y después del examen, que evaluaron varios factores. La presión sanguínea y la frecuencia cardíaca se evaluaron antes y después del examen y también en una situación sin estrés. Los estudiantes fueron evaluados por dos profesores diferentes. Se aplicaron pruebas de estadística descriptiva, test t, chi al cuadrado y test de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: Del total de 1.042 estudiantes, entre los años 2005 y 2014, un 19,96% suspendieron el examen oral. En 2015 (n = 144) hubo un 100% de respuesta a los cuestionarios. El sexo masculino se asoció con una mayor tasa de suspensos (p = 0,04). Los parámetros "Estaba nervioso por ver el examen de mi colega" (p = 0,041) y "La presencia de un colega en la sala me puso nervioso" (p = 0,014) se asociaron con el suspenso. La frecuencia cardíaca (p = 0,028) y la presión arterial diastólica (p = 0,030) después del examen oral se relacionaron con los suspensos. Conclusiones: Se sugiere que los estudiantes esperen fuera de la sala durante el examen. Es crucial evitar las diferencias entre los profesores, por lo que se sugiere un preentrenamiento inicial sobre la estructura y los parámetros de la evaluación

O uso do desenho em terapia de casal / The use of drawings in couple therapy / El uso del dibujo en la terapia de pareja

A terapia de casal tradicionalmente restringiu seu interesse pela linguagem verbal, considerando pouco outras formas linguísticas. A fim de investigar alternativas terapêuticas, este estudo buscou compreender os processos relacionais de coconstrução de sentidos mediante a criação de desenhos na clínica de casal. Metodologicamente os dados foram coletados usando a vídeo-gravação de três casais em atendimento terapêutico. A análise dos dados, fundamentada na poética social, incluiu as transcrições de todas as sessões, seguidas de sua leitura, que possibilitou a identificação de diferentes usos do desenho, caracterizados como forma de: (a) promover a conversa inviabilizada pela tensão; (b) sinalizar o foco e a seleção da conversa; (c) explorar o ainda não-dito na conversa; (d) fortalecer descrições e narrativas na conversa e (e) sintetizar o processo avaliatório. A conclusão foi que o desenho consiste em uma nova linguagem que, incorporada à usual, permitirá a aprendizagem de novos gestos e a produção de novos sentidos.

Couple therapy has traditionally restricted its interest to verbal language, giving little consideration to other linguistic forms. In order to investigate alternative therapeutics, the present study sought to further understand the relational processes of co-construction of meaning through the creation of drawings, in the clinical setting. Methodologically, the data were collected using video recordings of three couples. Data analysis, grounded in social poetics, included the transcripts of all sessions, followed by readings of these transcripts that enabled identification of different uses of the drawings. These included: (a) promote discussion inviable because of tension; (b) signal the focus and selection of the discussion; (c) explore the as yet unsaid in the discussion; (d) strengthen descriptions and narratives of the conversation and (e) summarize the evaluative process. It was concluded that the drawing constitutes a new language, which when incorporated into the usual, allows for the learning of innovative attitudes and the production of new meanings.

Terapia de pareja tradicionalmente restringida su interés por los recursos del lenguaje verbal, dando muy poca consideración a otras formas lingüísticas. En un intento por investigar las alternativas terapéuticas, este estudio ha tratado de comprender los procesos relacionales de co-construcción de significado a través de la creación del dibujo en la clínica de la pareja. Metodológicamente la recolección de datos se llevó a cabo a través de grabaciones de video de tres tratamientos terapéuticos. El análisis de datos, basado en la poética sociales, incluido las transcripciones de todas las sesiones, seguidas por las lecturas que permitieron la identificación de los diferentes usos del dibujo, que se caracteriza por ser una forma de: (a) promover la conversación frustrada por la tensión; (b) señalar el enfoque y la selección de la conversación; (c) explorar la aún no dicho en la conversación; (d) fortalecer las descripciones y narraciones en la conversación y (e) sintetizar el proceso evaluativo. La conclusión fue que el dibujo consiste en un nuevo lenguaje, que cuando se incorporen a la habitual, permite el aprendizaje de nuevos gestos y la producción de nuevos significados.

Pesquisa em psicologia da saúde: avaliação da produção de um programa de pós-graduação / Health psychology research: assessment of a postgraduate program production

Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão das dissertações defendidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia concernentes à Psicologia da Saúde. No total, 16 dissertações foram examinadas em função de um conjunto de dimensões de análise. Os resultados possibilitam a obtenção de um panorama acerca das dissertações em questão e o delineamento de novas perspectivas. Sugere-se, por exemplo, a opção por temáticas relativas à Psicologia da Saúde Pública em dissertações futuras, buscando-se contribuir para a formulação de propostas para a gestão de serviços ou para o aprimoramento de intervenções em diferentes níveis de atenção. E tal sugestão se estende aos pesquisadores brasileiros em geral, pois se revela potencialmente proveitosa para o avanço da Psicologia da Saúde no país, particularmente no sentido de promover uma maior articulação entre a produção do conhecimento científico e as demandas da realidade social no contexto nacional

This study aims to present a review of dissertations submitted to the Psychology Postgraduate Program at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia concerning Health Psychology. In total, 16 dissertations were examined considering a set of analytical dimensions. The results can provide an overview about the Postgraduate Program production and the design of new perspectives. A suggestion is for the preference for new dissertations that focus on the theme of public health policies, hoping to contribute to new propositions for the different health care levels. This suggestion is valid for all Brazilian researchers, once it contributes to knowledge development in the area of health care in the country and, particularly, promotes a better articulation between scientific knowledge production and social needs

Pesquisa em psicologia da saúde: avaliação da produção de um programa de pós-graduação / Health psychology research: assessment of a postgraduate program production

Este estudo tem como objetivo apresentar uma revisão das dissertações defendidas no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia concernentes à Psicologia da Saúde. No total, 16 dissertações foram examinadas em função de um conjunto de dimensões de análise. Os resultados possibilitam a obtenção de um panorama acerca das dissertações em questão e o delineamento de novas perspectivas. Sugere-se, por exemplo, a opção por temáticas relativas à Psicologia da Saúde Pública em dissertações futuras, buscando-se contribuir para a formulação de propostas para a gestão de serviços ou para o aprimoramento de intervenções em diferentes níveis de atenção. E tal sugestão se estende aos pesquisadores brasileiros em geral, pois se revela potencialmente proveitosa para o avanço da Psicologia da Saúde no país, particularmente no sentido de promover uma maior articulação entre a produção do conhecimento científico e as demandas da realidade social no contexto nacional.(AU)

This study aims to present a review of dissertations submitted to the Psychology Postgraduate Program at the Universidade Federal de Uberlândia concerning Health Psychology. In total, 16 dissertations were examined considering a set of analytical dimensions. The results can provide an overview about the Postgraduate Program production and the design of new perspectives. A suggestion is for the preference for new dissertations that focus on the theme of public health policies, hoping to contribute to new propositions for the different health care levels. This suggestion is valid for all Brazilian researchers, once it contributes to knowledge development in the area of health care in the country and, particularly, promotes a better articulation between scientific knowledge production and social needs.(AU)

Ciprofibrate quantification in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry for pharmacokinetic studies.

A rapid, sensitive and specific method for quantifying ciprofibrate in human plasma using bezafibrate as the internal standard (IS) is described. The sample was acidified prior extraction with formic acid (88%). The analyte and the IS were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using an organic solvent (diethyl ether/dichloromethane 70/30 (v/v)). The extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Chromatography was performed using Genesis C18 4 µm analytical column (4.6 × 150 mm i.d.) and a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile/water (70/30, v/v) and 1mM acetic acid. The method had a chromatographic run time of 3.4 min and a linear calibration curve over the range 0.1-60 µg/mL (r>0.99). The limit of quantification was 0.1 µg/mL. The intra- and interday accuracy and precision values of the assay were less than 13.5%. The stability tests indicated no significant degradation. The recovery of ciprofibrate was 81.2%, 73.3% and 76.2% for the 0.3, 5.0 and 48.0 ng/mL standard concentrations, respectively. For ciprofibrate, the optimized parameters of the declustering potential, collision energy and collision exit potential were -51 V, -16 eV and -5 V, respectively. The method was also validated without the use of the internal standard. This HPLC-MS/MS procedure was used to assess the bioequivalence of two ciprofibrate 100mg tablet formulations in healthy volunteers of both sexes. The following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from the ciprofibrate plasma concentration vs. time curves: AUC(last), AUC(0-168 h), C(max) and T(max). The geometric mean with corresponding 90% confidence interval (CI) for test/reference percent ratios were 93.80% (90% CI=88.16-99.79%) for C(max,) 98.31% (90% CI=94.91-101.83%) for AUC(last) and 97.67% (90% CI=94.45-101.01%) for AUC(0-168 h). Since the 90% CI for AUC(last), AUC(0-168 h) and C(max) ratios were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the US FDA, it was concluded that ciprofibrate (Lipless 100mg tablet) formulation manufactured by Biolab Sanus Farmacêutica Ltda. is bioequivalent to the Oroxadin (100 mg tablet) formulation for both the rate and the extent of absorption.