Effectiveness of CoronaVac in the prevention of COVID-19, a test-negative case-control study in Brazil.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two doses of CoronaVac in preventing SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic disease with virological confirmation, as well as in the prevention of COVID-19 moderate and severe cases. A test-negative unmatched case-control design was used, in which cases were patients with suspected COVID-19 (presenting at least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, headache, cough, runny nose, olfactory or taste disorders) with virological confirmation, and controls were those whose SARS-CoV-2 test was negative. As for exposure, participants were classified as unvaccinated, or vaccinated with a complete schedule. Suspected COVID-19 cases were identified from March to November 2021, in two cities located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. All participants signed the Informed Consent Form before enrollment. RT-PCR results and vaccination data were obtained from the local surveillance systems. Up to two phone calls were made to obtain information on the outcome of the cases. A total of 2981 potential participants were screened for eligibility, of which 2163 were included, being 493 cases and 1670 controls. Vaccination, age, the reported contact with a COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case in the 14 days before symptoms onset, and the educational level were the variables independently associated with the outcome. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness for symptomatic COVID-19 (AVE) was 39.0 % (95 % CI 6.0-60.0 %). The AVE in the prevention of moderate and severe disease was 91.0 % (95 % CI 76.0-97.0 %). Our results were influenced by the waning of the Gamma variant, in the second trimester of 2021, followed by the increase in vaccination coverage, and a drop in the number of cases in the second half of the year. The study demonstrated the high effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing moderate/severe COVID-19 cases.

Effectiveness of CoronaVac in the prevention of COVID-19, a test-negative case-control study in Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two doses of CoronaVac in preventing SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic disease with virological confirmation, as well as in the prevention of COVID-19 moderate and severe cases. A test-negative unmatched case-control design was used, in which cases were patients with suspected COVID-19 (presenting at least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, headache, cough, runny nose, olfactory or taste disorders) with virological confirmation, and controls were those whose SARS-CoV-2 test was negative. As for exposure, participants were classified as unvaccinated, or vaccinated with a complete schedule. Suspected COVID-19 cases were identified from March to November 2021, in two cities located in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. All participa ~ nts signed the Informed Consent Form before enrollment. RT-PCR results and vaccination data were obtained from the local surveillance systems. Up to two phone calls were made to obtain information on the outcome of the cases. A total of 2981 potential participants were screened for eligibility, of which 2163 were included, being 493 cases and 1670 controls. Vaccination, age, the reported contact with a COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case in the 14 days before symptoms onset, and the educational level were the variables independently associated with the outcome. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness for symptomatic COVID-19 (AVE) was 39.0 % (95 % CI 6.0−60.0 %). The AVE in the prevention of moderate and severe disease was 91.0 % (95 % CI 76.0−97.0 %). Our results were influenced by the waning of the Gamma variant, in the second trimester of 2021, followed by the increase in vaccination coverage, and a drop in the number of cases in the second half of the year. The study demonstrated the high effectiveness of CoronaVac in preventing moderate/severe COVID-19 cases.

Effectiveness of coronavac in the prevention of COVID-19, a test-negative case-control study in Brazil

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two doses of CoronaVac in preventing SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic disease with virological confirmation, as well as in the prevention of COVID-19 moderate and severe cases. A test-negative unmatched case-control design was used, in which cases were patients with suspected COVID-19 (presenting at least two of the fol lowing symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, headache, cough, runny nose, olfactory or taste dis orders) with virological confirmation, and controls were those whose SARS-CoV-2 test was negative. As for exposure, participants were classified as unvaccinated, or vaccinated with a complete schedule. Suspected COVID-19 cases were identified from March to November 2021, in two cities located in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. All participa ~ nts signed the Informed Con sent Form before enrollment. RT-PCR results and vaccination data were obtained from the local surveillance systems. Up to two phone calls were made to obtain information on the out come of the cases. A total of 2981 potential participants were screened for eligibility, of which 2163 were included, being 493 cases and 1670 controls. Vaccination, age, the reported contact with a COVID-19 suspected or confirmed case in the 14 days before symptoms onset, and the educational level were the variables independently associated with the outcome. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness for symptomatic COVID-19 (AVE) was 39.0 % (95 % CI 6.0−60.0 %). The AVE in the prevention of moderate and severe disease was 91.0 % (95 % CI 76.0−97.0 %). Our results were influenced by the waning of the Gamma variant, in the second trimester of 2021, followed by the increase in vaccination coverage, and a drop in the number of cases in the sec ond half of the year. The study demonstrated the high effectiveness of CoronaVac in prevent ing moderate/severe COVID-19 cases.

Antibody response dynamics to CoronaVac vaccine and booster immunization in adults and the elderly: A long-term, longitudinal prospective study.

Background: The long-term humoral immune response after vaccination varies between vaccines and is dependent on the accuracy of the antibody test. A better understanding of the vaccine immune response may help to define vaccination strategies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective: To investigate the long-term immunological response to CoronaVac vaccine and determinants of breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Methods: A long-term, prospective cohort study involving vaccinated adult and elderly subjects was conducted to investigate the presence of anti-RBD-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric protein IgG. Antibody level dynamics and risk factors associated with breakthrough COVID-19 infection were investigated. Results: In total, 3902 participants were included in this study. Vaccination with two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose increased the levels of anti-RBD-specific IgG, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG significantly. In adults, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG levels decreased significantly 7 months after the second dose. In adults and the elderly, the levels of anti-spike trimeric IgG and anti-RBD IgG decreased significantly 4 and 6 months after the booster dose, respectively. Previous exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and anti-spike trimeric IgG titres was independently associated with a lower probability of post-vaccination infection. Conclusions: A significant increase in antibody levels was found after two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose. Antibody titres declined significantly 7 months post-vaccination in participants who did not receive a booster dose. Higher levels of antibodies and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with protection against breakthrough COVID-19.

Antibody response dynamics to CoronaVac vaccine and booster immunization in adults and the elderly: a long-term, longitudinal prospective study

Background The long-term humoral immune response after vaccination varies between vaccines and is dependent on the accuracy of the antibody test. A better understanding of the vaccine immune response may help to define vaccination strategies against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objective To investigate the long-term immunological response to CoronaVac vaccine and determinants of breakthrough COVID-19 infection. Methods A long-term, prospective cohort study involving vaccinated adult and elderly subjects was conducted to investigate the presence of anti-RBD-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)G, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric protein IgG. Antibody level dynamics and risk factors associated with breakthrough COVID-19 infection were investigated. Results In total, 3902 participants were included in this study. Vaccination with two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose increased the levels of anti-RBD-specific IgG, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG significantly. In adults, anti-nucleocapsid IgG and anti-spike trimeric IgG levels decreased significantly 7 months after the second dose. In adults and the elderly, the levels of anti-spike trimeric IgG and anti-RBD IgG decreased significantly 4 and 6 months after the booster dose, respectively. Previous exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and anti-spike trimeric IgG titres was independently associated with a lower probability of post-vaccination infection. Conclusions A significant increase in antibody levels was found after two doses of CoronaVac and a booster dose. Antibody titres declined significantly 7 months post-vaccination in participants who did not receive a booster dose. Higher levels of antibodies and previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with protection against breakthrough COVID-19.

COVID-19 dynamics considering the influence of hospital infrastructure: an investigation into Brazilian scenarios.

COVID-19 dynamics is one of the most relevant subjects nowadays, and, in this regard, mathematical modeling and numerical simulations are of special interest. This paper describes COVID-19 dynamics based on a novel version of the susceptible-exposed-infectious-removed model. Removed population is split into recovered and death populations allowing a better comprehension of real situations. Besides, the total population is reduced based on the number of deaths. Hospital infrastructure is also included into the mathematical description allowing the consideration of collapse scenarios. Initially, a model verification is carried out calibrating system parameters with data from China outbreak that is considered a benchmark due the availability of data for the entire cycle. Afterward, Brazil outbreak is of concern, calibrating the model and developing numerical simulations. Results show several scenarios highlighting the importance of social isolation and hospital infrastructure. System dynamics has a strong sensitivity to transmission rate showing the importance of numerical simulations to guide public health decision strategies. Results also show that complex dynamical responses can emerge due to the oscillations of the transmission rate, being associated with distinct infection subsequent waves.

Salud y Enfermedad Mental: Del Corpus Hippocraticum a una aproximación termodinámica / Health and Mental Illness: From Corpus Hippocraticum to a thermodynamic approach

Se establece una relación entre conceptos básicos acerca de salud y enfermedad mental en los Tratados Hipocráticos y los elementos actuales de la termodinámica y de la cibernética, enlace que se formula a través de los aportes de autores como Maturana y Valera (autopoiesis y teleonomía) o Bergson (regularidades vs indeterminsmos). Se definen y caracterizan los fenómenos anancásticos y los estocásticos, destacándose su relación complementaria. Con un enfoque termodinámico se define a la enfermedad mental como una estructura que se impone hegemónicamente sobre el resto de las actividades mentales y consume la energía que regula el metabolismo restante de la persona afectada. Se aportan evidencias clínicas de las bondades de esta óptica, presentándose, por ejemplo, la ansiedad como una crisis entrópica y la depresión como interferencia de la teleonomía , al tiempo que los trastornos obsesivo-compulsivos son descritos desde una perspectiva cibernética. A lo largo del texto se le confiere mayor relevancia a la noción de la enfermedad mental como pathos hegemónico que absorbe recursos energéticos y disminuye las posibilidades de adaptación del afectado a su medio externo y de éxito en el afrontamiento de sus propias tensiones.

A link is traced between the basic concepts on health and mental illness in the Hippocratic Treaties and the current elements of thermodynamics and cybernetics, through the contributions of authors such as Maturana and Valera (autopoiesis and teleonomy) or Bergson (regularities vs. indeterminism). Anankastic and stochastic phenomena are defined and characterized, highlighting their complementary connection. Following a thermodynamic approach, a mental illness is defined as a structure that imposes itself on the rest of the mental activities and consumes the energy that regulates the remnants of the affected person s metabolism. Clinical evidences of the benefits of this perspective are given, presenting, for instance, anxiety as entropic crisis and depression as an interference of teleonomy , while obsessive-compulsive disorders are described from the cybernetic perspective. Throughout the text, the greatest relevance is conferred to the notion of mental illness as a hegemonic pathos that absorbs energy resources and diminishes the affected individuals possibilities of adaptation to their external environment, and of successfully coping with their own tensions.

Comparative study of some analytical methods to quantify lignin concentration in tropical grasses.

OBJECTIVE: Lignin plays a relevant role in the inhibition of cell wall (CW) structural carbohydrate degradation. Thus, obtaining accurate estimates of the lignin content in tropical plants is important in order to properly characterize the mechanism of lignin action on cell wall degradation. Comparing conflicting results between the different methods available for commercial use will bring insight on the subject. This way, providing data to better understand the relationship between lignin concentration and implications with tropical forage degradation. METHODS: Five grass species, Brachiaria brizantha cv Marandú, Brachiaria brizantha cv Xaraés (MG-5), Panicum maximum cv Mombaça, Pennisetum purpureum cv Cameroon and Pennisetum purpureum cv Napier, were harvested at five maturity stages. Acid detergent lignin (ADL), Klason lignin (KL), acetyl bromide lignin (ABL) and permanganate lignin (PerL) were measured on all species. Lignin concentration was correlated with in vitro degradability. RESULTS: Highly significant effects for maturity, lignin method and their interaction on lignin content were observed. The ADL, KL and ABL methods had similar negative correlations with degradability. The PerL method failed to reliably estimate the degradability of tropical grasses, possibly due to interference of other substances potentially soluble in the KMnO4 solution. CONCLUSION: ADL and KL methods use strong acid (H2SO4) and require determination of ash and N content in the lignin residues, therefore, increasing time and cost of analysis. The ABL method has no need for such corrections and is a fast and a convenient method for determination of total lignin content in plants, thus, it may be a good option for routine laboratory analysis.

Insights into soy lecithin and egg yolk-based extenders for chilling canine spermatozoa.

SummaryThe aim of this study was to compare different concentrations of soy lecithin (LEC0.01%, LEC0.05% and LEC0.1%) with egg yolk (Control) in cooling extenders during the storage of semen at 5ºC for 5 days. Twelve dogs (n = 12) were selected, and semen was cooled and assessed after 2, 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. At each time point, sperm were analyzed for kinetic patterns (using computer-assisted sperm analysis), mitochondrial activity (3'3- diaminobenzidine assay), lipid peroxidation (TBARS assay), DNA fragmentation (SCSA®) and plasma and acrosome membrane integrity (eosin/nigrosin and fast green/rose Bengal stains, respectively). The Control group (1814.4 ± 197.2) presented the highest rates of lipid peroxidation at 120 h. Conversely, progressive motility (42.8 ± 4%), linearity (45.4 ± 1%), and VAP (88 ± 3%) were higher in the Control group. In addition, there was lower mitochondrial activity in the Control group at 72 h. Therefore, our data show that lecithin used at these concentrations was not able to maintain sperm viability at as high qualities as would egg yolk. Moreover, the decrease in high mitochondrial activity and the persistence of sperm motility may indicate a compensatory mechanism in canine spermatozoa (i.e., glycolytic pathway). Furthermore, these higher lipid peroxidation indexes could indicate the necessity for future therapy using extenders and antioxidants over a long cooling time for dog sperm.

Anthology of Venezuelan psychiatry.

Reception of Psychiatry in Venezuela since the 19th Century to the late 20th Century merits a historical approach. The following work proposes to research some of the very origins of Venezuelan psychiatry and its possible influence on contemporary mental health practice. Through documental research, the early works of local authors from the 19th Century through 20th Century finals: Carlos Arvelo, Lisandro Alvarado, Francisco Herrera Luque, Jose Luis Vethencourt and Jose Solanes, are subjected to study. This journey illustrates a descriptive panoramic view which allows to better comprenhend the current state of our psychiatry. In a brief introduction the most important events are described, since the arrival of Pinel's ideas, followed by the early research paperworks published and the beginnings of the academic teachings of this specialty in Venezuela and displaying the main contemporary research groups thorough the country.

Incisão vertical para remoção de osso autógeno da sínfise mentual: relato de dois casos clínicos / Vertical incision to autogenous bone removal from the mental symphysis: report of two clinical cases

O presente artigo apresenta o relato de dois casos clínicos onde através de uma técnica alternativa de incisão vertical foram removidos tecidos ósseos da região de sínfise mentual para aumento de volume ósseo em outra região para posterior reabilitação com implante osseo integrado. No primeiro relato em um paciente de 40 anos foi removido osso autógeno em bloco da sínfise mentual com a técnica da incisão vertical para aumento vertical na região da pré-maxila associado com biomaterial e posteriormente instalados dois implantes cilíndricos na região dos 12 e 22. O segundo relato, em paciente com 72 anos, removeu osso particulado da região de sínfise mentual e procedeu-se a enxertia do seio maxilar através da técnica da janela lateral e ambas as áreas utilizaram a técnica da incisão vertical.Constatou-se em ambos os casos minimização de edemas e sintomatologia dolorosa pós-operatórias e nenhum paciente relatou parestesia na região doadora, algo comum em casos com a remoção pela técnica tradicional.

This paper presents a report of two cases where using an alternative technique of vertical incision were removed bone tissue of the symphysis chin region to increase bone volume in another region for later rehabilitation with osseointegrated implant. The first report on a 40 year old patient was removed autogenous bone in the chin symphysis block with the vertical incision technique for vertical increase in pre maxilla associated with biomaterial and then installed two cylindrical implants in the region of 12 and 22. The second account in patients with 72 years removed particulate bone symphysis chin region and decided to graft the maxillarysinus through the lateral window technique and both areas have used the technique of vertical incision. It was found in both cases minimizing swelling and postoperative painful symptoms and no patients reported numbness in the donor area, something common in cases with removing the traditional technique.

A produção de conhecimento e o conceito de saúde numa graduação em educação física / Knowledge production and health concept at the undergraduate in physical education

Introdução: No âmbito acadêmico percebe-se grande valorização curricular do Projeto Pedagógico do Curso de Educação Física no que se refere à produção de conhecimento, a qual, em forma de Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (TCC) pelo qual o graduando tenha a oportunidade de discutir com maior profundidade os conhecimentos desenvolvidos ao longo da graduação. "O TCC será proposto e desenvolvido de modo a referendar, aprofundar, enriquecer, recriar ou avançar a cultura acadêmica que está representada na Matriz Curricular para formação profissional no Curso de Graduação em Educação Física". Nesse sentido, apresenta-se como pertinente um estudo que permita a compreensão de como a saúde é entendida num curso com estas características de projeto pedagógico. Objetivos: pretendeu-se analisar o conceito de saúde presente nos trabalhos de conclusão de curso do curso de Educação Física da Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Campus Baixada Santista e evidenciar a relação do conceito de saúde com o Projeto Pedagógico de Curso de Educação Física da instituição. Método: para tanto foi desenvolvida uma análise documental de todos os trabalhos de conclusão de curso da instituição defendidos até 2015. O único critério de inclusão foi que o termo "saúde" deveria estar no título, em qualquer parte do resumo ou nas palavras-chave. A amostra consistiu em 62 trabalhos de conclusão de curso de 180 trabalhos existentes. Resultado e Discussão: o conceito de saúde presente nos trabalhos de conclusão de curso foi de perspectiva restrita, com ênfase na dimensão físico-biológica. Além disso, o conceito de saúde possuiu relação mais estreita com a tradição científica da área da EF do que com o projeto pedagógico do curso da instituição. Conclusão: embora haja limites sobre o conceito de saúde, concluiu-se que não há falha no modelo formativo proposto pela instituição, apenas um fator restrito sobre o conceito de saúde, que, inclusive, permeia outras áreas de formação. (AU)

Introduction: Academically it is perceived a great curriculum value of the Pedagogic Project for the Physical Education Course in relation to the production of knowledge, which, in the form of Course Conclusion Monography (TCC) by which the graduate student has the opportunity to discuss with greater depth knowledge developed during graduation. "The CBT will be proposed and developed to countersign, deepen, enrich, rebuild or move the academic culture that is represented in the Curriculum Matrix for training in undergraduate Physical Education course." In this sense, it is relevant to study how health is understood in a course with these pedagogical features. Objective: the aim of this study were to analyses the "health concept" in the Research Project for Course Completion as a final stage of undergraduate Physical Education course and to evaluate the relationship between this "health concept" with the Pedagogical Project Course this course investigated. Method: it was conducted a documental analysis of all Researches Projects for Course Completion at the Physical Education course of Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Campus Baixada Santista (from 2009 up 2015). The inclusion criteria was the presence of term "health" in the title, abstract or keywords. The sample consisted of 62 Researches Projects for Course Completion from a total of 180 researches. Result and discussion: as a result, the "health concept" present in Researches Projects for Course Completion was the restricted view with emphasis biological dimension. Besides, the "health concept" had relationship with the scientific tradition from Physical Education field than the Pedagogical Project Course from the Institution. Conclusion: although the "health concept" may be limited, the model of professional training by Institution is not failure but the "health concept" in all health fields is restrict. (AU)

Formação profissional em Educação Física e saúde na Universidade Federal de São Paulo / Professional formation in Physical Education and health at Universidade Federal de São Paulo

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar o curso de Bacharelado em Educação Física - Modalidade Saúde da Universidade Federal de São Paulo - Campus Baixada Santista. O referido curso iniciou suas atividades em 2006, almejando a formação de um profissional que esteja habilitado às demandas do universo do sistema de saúde. Em sua estrutura curricular, o curso apresenta 4 eixos: O ser humano em sua dimensão biológica; O ser humano e sua inserção social; Trabalho em Saúde, e; Aproximação à prática específica de Educação Física. Após formatura de quatro turmas o curso passa por avaliação de seu Projeto Pedagógico, entendendo a necessidade de adequações que permitam fortalecer a formação em Educação Física e saúde na instituição. Contudo, os resultados iniciais suportam a continuidade do projeto pedagógico, o qual se compreende adequado para a formação de um profissional disposto ao diálogo interdisciplinar e ao trabalho interprofissional no sistema de saúde.

The propose of this paper is to present the course of Bachelor of Physical Education - Health Modality of Federal University of São Paulo - Campus Baixada Santista. This course began activities in 2006, aiming the formation of a professional who is qualified to the demands of the health care´s universe. The curriculum of the course has 4 axes: The Human in its Biological Dimension; Human Being and their Social Integration; Health Work, and; Approach to the Specific Practice of Physical Education. After graduation of four classes, the course undergoes to a curricular reevaluation, understanding the need for adjustments for strengthening the formation in Physical Education and Health at the institution. However, the initial results support the continuity of the education program, which it shows suitable to the formation of a professional willing to the interdisciplinary dialogue and to the interprofessional work in the health system.

Laser phototherapy at high energy densities do not stimulate pre-osteoblast growth and differentiation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of red and infrared lasers at high energy densities on pre-osteoblast MC3T3 proliferation and differentiation. BACKGROUND DATA: The acceleration of bone regeneration by low intensity laser irradiation may hold potential benefits in clinical therapy in orthopedics and dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cells were irradiated with red (660 nm) and infrared (780 nm) lasers (90 and 150 J/cm2, 40 mW). The control group did not receive irradiation. Cell growth was assessed by a colorimetric test (MTT) (24, 48, 72, 96 h) and cell differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) quantification after growth in osteogenic medium (72, 96 h; 7, 14 days). RESULTS: None of the irradiation groups had an enhancement in cell growth (p<0.05). The production of ALP was not influenced by irradiation at any period of time (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The low intensity laser stimulated neither cell growth nor the production of alkaline phosphatase.

Transgressão, crime, neurociências: impasses aos saberes da psicanálise? / Transgression, crime, neurosciences: impasses to the knowledge of psychoanalysis?

O presente artigo trata de algumas questões despertadas pelo florescimento das neurociências, de um suposto desgaste da psicanálise diante dessa revolução, articulando as posições epistemológicas tanto de um quanto outro campo de saber sobre o sujeito, a sociedade contemporânea e a criminalidade. Problematiza também a construção de diagnósticos “criminais” precoces e fartamente divulgados pela mídia sem fundamentos empíricos para tanto, o que resulta em uma mistificação do criminoso e constrói uma representação “mágica” da área psi sobre seu modo de trabalho. Por fim, aponta os impasses da psicanálise diante das demandas contemporâneas e dos discursos totalitários, tanto místico/religiosos quanto neurocientíficos radicais, indicando ser a ética o necessário fio condutor para uma reflexão sobre as políticas de existência e a manutenção da área psi como veiculadora destas práticas de modo implicado.(AU)

This article addresses some issues developed by the flourishing of neuroscience, an assumed consuming of psychoanalysis in face of this revolution, articulating an epistemological position from both fields of knowledge on the subject, contemporary society and criminality. It discusses also the construction an early "criminal" diagnostic and abundantly spread by the media without empirical foundations, resulting in a wrong perception of the criminal and builds a "magical" representation of the psi area and the way it works. Finally, it points to the difficulties of psychoanalysis in the face of contemporary needs and totalitarian speeches, both mystical / religious as radical neuroscience, indicating that ethics is the necessary way for a reflection about the existential polices and maintenance of the psi area as responsible for spreading these practical in an implied way.(AU)

Indications, usage, and dosage of the transfer factor.

The transfer factor (TF) was described in 1955 by S. Lawrence. In 1992 Kirkpatrick characterized the specific TF at molecular level. The TF is constituted by a group of numerous molecules, of low molecular weight, from 1.0 to 6.0 kDa. The 5 kDa fraction corresponds to the TF specific to antigens. There are a number of publications about the clinical indications of the TF for diverse diseases, in particular those where the cellular immune response is compromised or in those where there is a deficient regulation of the immune response. In this article we present our clinical and basic experiences, especially regarding the indications, usage and dosage of the TF. Our group demonstrated that the TF increases the expression of IFN-gamma and RANTES, while decreases the expression of osteopontine. Using animal models we have worked with M. tuberculosis, and with a model of glioma with good therapeutic results. In the clinical setting we have worked with herpes zoster, herpes simplex type I, herpetic keratitis, atopic dermatitis, osteosarcoma, tuberculosis, asthma, post-herpetic neuritis, anergic coccidioidomycosis, leishmaniasis, toxoplasmosis, mucocutaneous candidiasis, pediatric infections produced by diverse pathogen germs, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and otits media. All of these diseases were studied through protocols which main goals were to study the therapeutic effects of the TF, and to establish in a systematic way diverse dosage schema and time for treatment to guide the prescription of the TF.

Intubación endotraqueal: complicaciones inmediatas en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Endotracheal intubation: inmediate complications in two pediatric intensive care units

RESUMENIntroducción. La intubación endotraqueal es uno delos procedimientos de mayor frecuencia en las unidadesde cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Hay pocostrabajos que evalúan las complicaciones que lamisma ocasiona, y la mayoría de ellos están realizadosen pacientes adultos.Objetivos. Identificar las complicaciones relacionadascon la intubación endotraqueal en dos unidadesde cuidados intensivos pediátricos.Conocer la forma de realización del procedimiento.Determinar las drogas más frecuentemente utilizadasen el mismo.Población, material y métodos. Criterios de inclusión:Todos los pacientes internados entre el 01 de enerode 2001 y el 31 de diciembre de 2001 que requirieronintubación endotraqueal.Diseño: Estudio descriptivo y prospectivo.Resultados. Se evaluaron 116 procedimientos. Lamedia de edad de los pacientes fue de 24,3 meses;53 por ciento menores de 6 meses. La causa más importantede intubación fue patología respiratoria: 83pacientes (71,6 por ciento). La intubación fue orotraquealen el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. El tamaño de tuboendotraqueal fue adecuado en un 81 por ciento y se necesitómás de un intento en el 22 por ciento. Se registraron 54complicaciones (46,5 por ciento): leves 42 y graves 12 (22 por ciento).El tubo endotraqueal desplazado detectado porclínica fue la complicación más frecuente, seguidopor bradicardia, tubo endotraqueal desplazadodetectado por Rx de tórax, intubación en bronquiofuente derecho y atelectasia de vértice derecho.Las intubaciones fueron no programadas(emergencia) en 65 oportunidades (56 por ciento) y lasprogramadas en 51 (43,9 por ciento). La incidencia de complicacionesfue más elevada en las intubacionesno programadas (61,5 por ciento) que en las programadas(27,4 por ciento). Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa(RR= 2,24; IC95 por ciento: 1,38 menos 3,64). Las drogas más utilizadas fueron midazolam (81por ciento),fentanilo (50,8 por ciento), ketamina (44,8 por ciento) y pancuronio(34,4 por ciento).Conclusiones. La mayoría de las complicacionesfueron leves, hubo 22 por ciento de complicaciones gravesy ninguna fatal. Todos los pacientes fueron monitorizadosdurante el procedimiento. Midazolam,fentanilo y ketamina fueron las drogas más utilizadas.Palabras clave: intubación endotraqueal, complicaciones,efectos adversos, terapia intensiva pediátrica

Intubación endotraqueal: complicaciones inmediatas en dos unidades de cuidados intensivos pediátricos / Endotracheal intubation: inmediate complications in two pediatric intensive care units

RESUMENIntroducción. La intubación endotraqueal es uno delos procedimientos de mayor frecuencia en las unidadesde cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Hay pocostrabajos que evalúan las complicaciones que lamisma ocasiona, y la mayoría de ellos están realizadosen pacientes adultos.Objetivos. Identificar las complicaciones relacionadascon la intubación endotraqueal en dos unidadesde cuidados intensivos pediátricos.Conocer la forma de realización del procedimiento.Determinar las drogas más frecuentemente utilizadasen el mismo.Población, material y métodos. Criterios de inclusión:Todos los pacientes internados entre el 01 de enerode 2001 y el 31 de diciembre de 2001 que requirieronintubación endotraqueal.Diseño: Estudio descriptivo y prospectivo.Resultados. Se evaluaron 116 procedimientos. Lamedia de edad de los pacientes fue de 24,3 meses;53 por ciento menores de 6 meses. La causa más importantede intubación fue patología respiratoria: 83pacientes (71,6 por ciento). La intubación fue orotraquealen el 100 por ciento de los pacientes. El tamaño de tuboendotraqueal fue adecuado en un 81 por ciento y se necesitómás de un intento en el 22 por ciento. Se registraron 54complicaciones (46,5 por ciento): leves 42 y graves 12 (22 por ciento).El tubo endotraqueal desplazado detectado porclínica fue la complicación más frecuente, seguidopor bradicardia, tubo endotraqueal desplazadodetectado por Rx de tórax, intubación en bronquiofuente derecho y atelectasia de vértice derecho.Las intubaciones fueron no programadas(emergencia) en 65 oportunidades (56 por ciento) y lasprogramadas en 51 (43,9 por ciento). La incidencia de complicacionesfue más elevada en las intubacionesno programadas (61,5 por ciento) que en las programadas(27,4 por ciento). Esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa(RR= 2,24; IC95 por ciento: 1,38 menos 3,64). Las drogas más utilizadas fueron midazolam (81por ciento),fentanilo (50,8 por ciento), ketamina (44,8 por ciento) y pancuronio(34,4 por ciento).Conclusiones. La mayoría de las complicacionesfueron leves, hubo 22 por ciento de complicaciones gravesy ninguna fatal. Todos los pacientes fueron monitorizadosdurante el procedimiento. Midazolam,fentanilo y ketamina fueron las drogas más utilizadas.Palabras clave: intubación endotraqueal, complicaciones,efectos adversos, terapia intensiva pediátrica

Avaliação macro e microscópica da cicatrização de lesões experimentalmente provocadas em pele de coelhos tratadas com secreção mucoglicoproteica do escargot Achatina fulica / Evaluation of the Achatina fulica snail mucoglycoproteic secretion in surgical injury done in rabbits

Os escargots são animais capazes de produzir através de glândulas localizadas em toda superfície do seu corpo, uma secreção glicoproteica com um poder antibacteriano que participa na própria imunidade inata¹. O poder antimicrobiano de determinadas substâncias pode auxiliar nos processos de reparação de feridas de origens diversas. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de avaliar macroscopicamente e histologicamente, os efeitos reparadores do muco do escargot Achatina fulica, em lesões provocadas por instrumento cortante na pele de coelhos. Incisões de 10cm de comprimento foram realizadas na pele de 15 coelhos. Estes foram divididos em três grupos e submetidos aos respectivos tratamentos: 1) tratamento com o muco na forma pura, 2) tratamento com o muco sob a forma de pomada e 3) um grupo sem receber o tratamento (controle). As características macroscópicas da lesão foram registradas diariamente e para a análise histológica, uma biópsia foi realizada após 72 horas de tratamento. Os fragmentos processados rotineiramente e corados com Tricrômio de Masson. Histologicamente, a epiderme dos coelhos tratados mostrou uma camada basal de células cúbicas, enquanto os do grupo controle apresentaram uma camada basal de células cilíndricas com áreas desorganizadas e a derme apresentou um estágio mais avançado no processo de reparo quando comparado ao controle. A evolução macroscópica no processo de cicatrização ocorreu num menor espaço de tempo nos coelhos do grupo pomada, em relação aos demais tratamentos.

Escargots are animals capable to produce a glycoproteic secretion by glands located in all the surface of their bodies which among other functions presents anti-bacterial power and participation in the own immunity. The antimicrobioan power of certain substances may aid of repair of wounds with several origins. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate macroscopic and histologically the reparative effects of the mucus of Achatina fulica escargots on lesions made in the skin of rabbits. Incisions were performed in the skin of 15 rabbits, separated in three groups according to the treatment received. Immediately after the lesion, the respective treatments with pure mucus form and in ointment form were supplied, while the other group received no treatment (control group). The macroscopic characteristics of the lesion were registered daily and a biopsy was performed 72 hours after the treatments. The fragments were processed and stained with Masson's trichrome. The macroscopic evolution in the cicatrization process ocurred in a shorter period of time in rabbits from the ointment group, comparativity with the other groups. Histologically, the epidermis of the treated rabbits showed a basal layer of cubic cells, while rabbits of the control group presented a basal layer of cylindrical cells with cutaneous debris.