Point-of-Care Electrochemical Immunosensor Applied against Nosocomial Infection: Staphylococcus aureus Detection in Human Hand Skin.

Staphylococcus aureus is an important pathogen that causes nosocomial infections, resulting in unacceptable morbidity and mortality rates. In this work, we proposed the construction of a nanostructured ZnO-based electrochemical immunosensor for qualitative and semiquantitative detection of S. aureus using simple methods for growing zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) on a sensor board and immobilizing the anti-S. aureus antibody on ZnO NRs through cystamine and glutaraldehyde. The immunosensor detected S. aureus in the 103-107 colony-forming unit (CFU) mL-1 range and showed a limit of detection (LoD) around 0.792 × 103 CFU mL-1. Beyond a satisfactory LoD, the developed immunosensor presented other advantages, such as high versatility for point-of-care assays and a suitable selective factor that admits the detection of the S. aureus concentration range in human hand skin after washing. Moreover, the immunosensor showed the potential to be an excellent device to control nosocomial infection by detecting the presence of S. aureus in human hand skin.

Neuroinflammation and neuroprogression produced by oxidative stress in euthymic bipolar patients with different onset disease times.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with systemic toxicity, represented by changes in biomarkers associated with mood episodes, leading to neurological damage, which may reflect cognitive functions and functionality and the progression of the disease. We aimed to analyze the effect of four biomarkers, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS), related to oxidative stress in BD and to correlate them with cognitive functions and functionality. We studied 50 bipolar types I/II patients in the euthymic phase, which was divided into two subgroups with 25 patients each (≤ 3 years and ≥ 10 years of diagnosis, from the first episode of mania) and 25 control patients. To analyze frontal cognitive functions and functionality, we used the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) tests, respectively. The scores of the FAST and FAB tests showed an increase and decrease respectively, in both bipolar groups, when compared to the control group, demonstrating impairment in cognitive functions and functionality since the disease onset. In addition, changes occurred in all six domains of the FAST test, and in four domains of the FAB test in bipolar patients when compared to the control group. Regarding oxidative stress biomarkers, we did not find changes in SOD and GSH-Px activities; however, a significant increase in CAT activity and lipid peroxidation was observed in both groups, although the patients were euthymic and medicated. These results allow us to raise the hypothesis that since the beginning of the disease, the euthymic bipolar patient has presented a level of oxidative stress, which gets worse with the evolution of the disease, promoting impairments in the frontal cognitive functions and functionality gradually.

Concepts of Neuroinflammation and Their Relationship With Impaired Mitochondrial Functions in Bipolar Disorder.

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic psychiatric disease, characterized by frequent behavioral episodes of depression and mania, and neurologically by dysregulated neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, growth factor signaling, and metabolism, as well as oxidative stress, and neuronal apoptosis, contributing to chronic neuroinflammation. These abnormalities result from complex interactions between multiple susceptibility genes and environmental factors such as stress. The neurocellular abnormalities of BD can result in gross morphological changes, such as reduced prefrontal and hippocampal volume, and circuit reorganization resulting in cognitive and emotional deficits. The term "neuroprogression" is used to denote the progressive changes from early to late stages, as BD severity and loss of treatment response correlate with the number of past episodes. In addition to circuit and cellular abnormalities, BD is associated with dysfunctional mitochondria, leading to severe metabolic disruption in high energy-demanding neurons and glia. Indeed, mitochondrial dysfunction involving electron transport chain (ETC) disruption is considered the primary cause of chronic oxidative stress in BD. The ensuing damage to membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA further perpetuates oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, creating a perpetuating pathogenic cycle. A deeper understanding of BD pathophysiology and identification of associated biomarkers of neuroinflammation are needed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disorder.

Comparative Effect between Infiltration of Platelet-rich Plasma and the Use of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective and Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma obtained from the peripheral, autologous blood of the patients in pain complaints reduction and functional improvement of knee osteoarthritis compared with the standard treatment with injectable corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone. Methods The patients were followed-up clinically at the preinfiltrative visit, with quantitative evaluation using the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and the Kellgren and Lawrence scales. In addition, they were reevaluated with the same scales after 1 month and 6 months of intervention with 2.5 mL of triamcinolone acetate or 5 mL of platelet-rich plasma. The study was performed on 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated at the Medical Specialty Center and randomly divided into equivalent samples for each therapy. Results The present study verified the reduction of pain scores, such as the WOMAC score, and elevations of functional scales, such as the KSS, evidenced in 180 days when using platelet-rich plasma, a therapy that uses the autologous blood of the patient and has fewer side effects. Conclusion Although both platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid therapies have been shown to be effective in the reduction pain complaints and functional recovery, there was a statistically significant difference between them at 180 days. According to the results obtained, platelet-rich plasma presented longer-lasting effects within 180 days in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Comparative Effect between Infiltration of Platelet-rich Plasma and the Use of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective and Randomized Clinical Trial / Efeito comparativo entre a infiltração de plasma rico em plaquetas e o uso de corticosteroides no tratamento de osteoartrite do joelho: Estudo clínico prospectivo e randomizado

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma obtained from the peripheral, autologous blood of the patients in pain complaints reduction and functional improvement of knee osteoarthritis compared with the standard treatment with injectable corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone. Methods The patients were followed-up clinically at the preinfiltrative visit, with quantitative evaluation using the Knee Society Score (KSS), the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and the Kellgren and Lawrence scales. In addition, they were reevaluated with the same scales after 1 month and 6 months of intervention with 2.5 mL of triamcinolone acetate or 5 mL of platelet-rich plasma. The study was performed on 50 patients with knee osteoarthritis treated at the Medical Specialty Center and randomly divided into equivalent samples for each therapy. Results The present study verified the reduction of pain scores, such as the WOMAC score, and elevations of functional scales, such as the KSS, evidenced in 180 days when using platelet-rich plasma, a therapy that uses the autologous blood of the patient and has fewer side effects. Conclusion Although both platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid therapies have been shown to be effective in the reduction pain complaints and functional recovery, there was a statistically significant difference between them at 180 days. According to the results obtained, platelet-rich plasma presented longer-lasting effects within 180 days in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a eficácia do uso de plasma rico em plaquetas, obtido do sangue periférico e autólogo dos pacientes, na redução das queixas álgicas e melhoria funcional dos pacientes portadores de osteoartrite de joelhos, em comparação com o tratamento padrão com injeção de corticosteroides de depósito, como a triancilonola. Métodos Os pacientes foram acompanhados clinicamente na consulta pré-infiltrativa, com avaliação quantitativa através das escalas Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), e Kellgren and Lawrence. Além disso, os pacientes foram reavaliados com as mesmas escalas após 1 mês e 6 meses de intervenção com 2,5 mL de acetato de triancinolona ou 5 mL de plasma rico em plaquetas. O estudo foi feito em 50 pacientes portadores de osteoartrite de joelhos atendidos no Centro de Especialidades Médicas, divididos em amostras equivalentes randomizadas para cada terapia. Resultados No presente estudo, verificaram-se redução dos valores em escalas álgicas, como a WOMAC, e elevação das pontuações em escalas funcionais, como a KSS, evidenciadas em 180 dias após o uso de plasma rico em plaquetas, uma terapia feita a partir do sangue autólogo do paciente e com menos efeitos colaterais. Conclusão Embora ambas as terapias com plasma rico em plaquetas e corticosteroides tenham se mostrado eficazes na redução das queixas álgicas e na recuperação funcional, houve diferença significativa entre as terapias aos 180 dias. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, no tratamento da osteoartrite do joelho, o plasma rico em plaquetas demonstrou efeitos mais duradouros em 180 dias.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective This research aims to study the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff impingement syndrome compared with the treatment with subacromial injection of corticosteroids. Methods This is a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial. The patients were clinically evaluated with the use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) on the day of application, and then again after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results No statistically significant differences were found ( p < 0.05) when comparing the results of the DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale and CMS of the two groups at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment with subacromial injection. After the treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the DASH and UCLA scores ( p < 0.05) when compared with the baseline. However, the CMS at 6 months after treatment with steroids was lower than the baseline. Concusions These findings suggest that PRP is a safe treatment and can be a useful tool in the therapeutic arsenal against of the rotator cuff diseases, for there was no significant difference between the subacromial use of PRP and corticosteroids.

Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroid in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Randomized Clinical Trial / Plasma rico em plaquetas e corticoide no tratamento da síndrome de impacto do manguito rotador: Ensaio Clínico randomizado

Abstract Objective This research aims to study the effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of patients with rotator cuff impingement syndrome compared with the treatment with subacromial injection of corticosteroids. Methods This is a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial. The patients were clinically evaluated with the use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale and Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) on the day of application, and then again after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results No statistically significant differences were found (p < 0.05) when comparing the results of the DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale and CMS of the two groups at baseline and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment with subacromial injection. After the treatment, both groups showed a significant improvement in the DASH and UCLA scores (p < 0.05) when compared with the baseline. However, the CMS at 6 months after treatment with steroids was lower than the baseline. Concusions These findings suggest that PRP is a safe treatment and can be a useful tool in the therapeutic arsenal against of the rotator cuff diseases, for there was no significant difference between the subacromial use of PRP and corticosteroids.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a eficácia do uso de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) no tratamento de pacientes portadores de síndrome de impacto do manguito rotador em comparação ao tratamento com injeção subacromial de corticosteroides. Métodos O estudo é de caráter comparativo, longitudinal, duplo cego e randomizado. A evolução clínica dos pacientes foi quantificada pelas escalas The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale e Constant-Murley shoulder outcome score (CMS) no dia da aplicação, e novamente após 1, 3, e 6 meses. Resultados Não foram encontradas diferenças etsatisticamente significativas (p< 0.05) ao comparar os resultados do DASH outcome measure, UCLA shoulder rating scale, e CMS dos dois grupos na admissão. Após o tratamento, ambos os grupos apresentaram melhora significativa tanto do DASH, quanto do UCLA (p< 0,05). Entretanto, o escore do CMS referente ao tratamento com corticoide mostrou-se pior no 6° mês em comparação com o escore à admissão. Conclusão Esses achados sugerem que o PRP é um tratamento seguro e que pode ser uma ferramenta útil no arsenal terapêutico contra doenças do manguito rotador, uma vez que não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos que receberam PRP e injeção subacromial de corticosteroides.

Como o crack e outras drogas podem influenciar no desenvolvimento de crianças que foram expostas durante o período gestacional / How crack and other drugs can influence in the development of children who have been exposed during the gestational period / Cómo el crack y otras drogas pueden influenciar en el desarrollo de los niños que fueron expuestas durante el período gestacional

Diante de pesquisas realizadas em base nacional e internacional, a alta incidência de gestantes usuárias de crack tem conotado importante debate acerca de suas consequências, principalmente para a criança. Portanto, este artigo procura descrever os efeitos do crack, que podem gerar consequências desde a formação do feto e prolongar-se ao longo do desenvolvimento da criança. Observou-se que o crack, durante o período pré-natal, interfere diretamente no desenvolvimento cognitivo do feto e que fatores externos podem colaborar para que esses efeitos perdurem pela infância. Entre as consequências, têm-se problemas com aprendizagem e atenção, problemas sociais, na formação neurológica, além de raras malformações. Compreende-se que o uso de crack durante a gestação implica questões psicossociais e está relacionado a patologias comportamentais.

In the face of national and international research, the high incidence of pregnant women users of crack has connoted important debate about its consequences, especially for the child. This article describes the effects of crack, which can have consequences since the formation of the fetus and can be prolonged throughout the development of the child. It has been observed that crack during the prenatal period directly interferes with the cognitive development of the fetus and that external factors can contribute to the effects of these effects on children. Among the consequences, there are problems with learning and attention, social problems, neurological formation, and rare malformations. It is understood that the use of crack during pregnancy involves psychosocial issues, and is related to behavioral pathologies.

Ante la investigación realizada a nivel nacional e internacional, la alta incidencia de gestantes usuarias de crack ha connotado importante debate acerca de sus consecuencias, principalmente para el niño. Este artículo describe los efectos del crack, que pueden generar consecuencias desde la formación del feto y pueden prolongarse a lo largo del desarrollo del niño. Se observó que el crack durante el período prenatal, interfiere directamente en el desarrollo cognitivo del feto y que factores externos pueden colaborar para que estos efectos perduren por la infancia. Entre las consecuencias, se tienen problemas con el aprendizaje y la atención, problemas sociales, en la formación neurológica, además de raras malformaciones. Se entiende que el uso de crack durante la gestación implica en cuestiones psicosociales, y está relacionado con patologías comportamentales.

Algorithm for predicting macular dysfunction based on moment invariants classification of the foveal avascular zone in functional retinal images

Abstract Introduction A new method for segmenting and quantifying the macular area based on morphological alternating sequential filtering (ASF) is proposed. Previous studies show that persons with diabetes present alterations in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) prior to the appearance of retinopathy. Thus, a proper characterization of FAZ using a method of automatic classification and prediction is a supportive and complementary tool for medical evaluation of the macular region, and may be useful for possible early treatment of eye diseases in persons without diabetic retinopathy. Methods We obtained high-resolution retinal images using a non-invasive functional imaging system called Retinal Function Imager to generate a series of combined capillary perfusion maps. We filtered sequentially the macular images to reduce the complexity by ASF. Then we segmented the FAZ using watershed transform from an automatic selection of markers. Using Hu's moment invariants as a descriptor, we can automatically classify and categorize each FAZ. Results The FAZ differences between non-diabetic volunteers and diabetic subjects were automatically distinguished by the proposed system with an accuracy of 81%. Conclusion This is an innovative method to classify FAZ using a fully automatic algorithm for segmentation (based on morphological operators) and for the classification (based on descriptor formed by Hu's moments) despite the presence of edema or other structures. This is an alternative tool for eye exams, which may contribute to the analysis and evaluation of FAZ morphology, promoting the prevention of macular impairment in diabetics without retinopathy.

Abdome agudo obstrutivo causado por endometriose intestinal: relato de caso / Acute abdomen obstructive by bowel endometriosis: case report

Endometriose é definida como a implantação de tecido endometrial funcionante fora da cavidade uterina. Quando afeta os intestinos, ela pode se manifestar por estenose, levando ao abdômen agudo. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de uma paciente com dor abdominal, constipação intestinal e queixas ginecológicas. A paciente evoluiu com obstrução intestinal aguda e foi submetida à laparoscopia. Identificou-se estenose no sigmoide sugestivo de malignidade. Foi submetida a tratamento cirúrgico com anastomose colorretal mecânica, colostomia temporária e o coto retal foi sepultado. O estudo histopatológico revelou endometriose em submucosa intestinal e muscular própria. Sem intercorrências até o quinto dia após a cirurgia quando a paciente apresentou dor abdominal, taquicardia, falta de ar, sinais de irritação peritoneal e pneumoperitônio. Formas ectópicas da endometriose são difíceis de diagnosticar. Abdômen agudo obstrutivo secundário à endometriose é complicação incomum e de difícil manejo. Portanto, considera-se importante a investigação clínica e laparoscópica de pacientes com patologias intestinais crônicas e quadro ginecológico sem causa etiológica aparente, a fim de diagnosticar formas ectópicas de endometriose.

Endometriosis is by the implantation of functioning endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. When it affects the intestines, it can manifest by stenosis, leading to acute abdomen. This is a case study of a patient with abdominal pain, chronic intestinal constipation and gynecological complaints. The patient developed acute intestinal obstruction and underwent laparoscopy. We identified stenosis in the sigmoid suggestive of malignancy. Underwent surgical treatment with mechanical colorectal anastomosis, temporary colostomy and the rectal stump was buried. Histopathological study revealed endometriosis in intestinal submucosa and muscularis propria. It was uneventful until the fifth day after surgery, when the patient presented abdominal pain, tachycardia, shortness of breath, signs of peritoneal irritation and pneumoperitoneum. Ectopic forms of endometriosis are difficult to diagnose. Acute abdomen secondary to obstructive endometriosis is rare, so clinical and laparoscopic investigation are of great importance in patients with chronic intestinal and gynecological complaints without apparent etiology, in order to diagnose ectopic forms of endometriosis.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Aspects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, there are few epidemiological studies available about the demographic and clinical aspects of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to identify epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with IBD treated at the University Hospital (HU) of the Sergipe Federal University (UFS). METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in HU/UFS from October 2011 to January 2014. The sample consisted of 87 patients with IBD, who registered in the coloproctology clinic. We applied a questionnaire with sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS: Of the 87 patients, 40 (46%) had Crohn's disease (CD) and 47 (54%) had ulcerative colitis (UC). Women had a higher prevalence of IBD. Data obtained were significant (P < 0.05) in the variables: age, origin and level of education. CD patients were younger (< 25 years old), had higher prevalence of smoking habits and were associated with urban origin, conjunctivitis, palpable mass, appendectomy and intestinal complications. UC was more prevalent in older individuals (> 25 years old), with rural origin, bloody diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Location and initial behavior of CD were ileum-colic (L3), inflammatory behavior and penetrating form of the disease. There is higher prevalence of proctitis and mild and severe forms of the UC among women. Osteoarticular and systemic manifestations predominated in both diseases. CONCLUSIONS: IBD affected more women than men. The age, origin and level of education can interfere with early diagnosis. Demographic and clinical aspects were similar to the literature. Data differ in the time interval between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis, smoking habit, appendectomy and severity of UC for age and gender.

Reliability and validity of digital assessment of perifoveal capillary network measurement using high-resolution imaging.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of the perifoveal capillary network (PCN) might indicate macular function and could reflect the systemic microcirculation. The quantification and reliability of this measurement is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to validate quantification of the PCN by a non-invasive technique from high-resolution retinal images. METHODS: Ten healthy volunteers were included in this validation study. At least 320 high-resolution retinal images were used for assessment of inter- and intra-observer reliability. Non-invasive capillary perfusion mapping was performed using a retinal function imager. After the images were enhanced and segmented, the reproducibility was verified by comparing the values of two independent examiners and of a single examiner at two different time points. RESULTS: The inter-observer concordance coefficients were highly significant for PCN (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.901, 95% CI 0.655 to 0.975, p<0.001) and normalised PCN (ICC=0.727, 95% CI 0.262 to 0.923, p=0.004). The intra-observer measurements at two different time points were also highly concordant for PCN (ICC=0.879, 95% CI 0.598 to 0.968, p<0.001) and for normalised PCN (ICC=0.960, 95% CI 0.851 to 0.990, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The reliability of PCN measurement is reproducible and could be used as a new tool to quantify the capillary perfusion network of the macular area.

Doenças terminais, conhecimento essencial para o profissional da saúde / Terminal diseases, essential knowledge for the health professional

Saber lidar com paciente em fase terminal é, ainda, extremamente difícil, mesmo com os avanços na tecnologia e da medicina, na medida em que a morte é enfrentada como um tabu pela sociedade, as probabilidades de reversão da doença são mínimas e os profissionais da saúde carecem de treinamento para lidar com essa questão. Esse último fator é preocupante, porque os indivíduos que se encontram nessa fase vivenciam diversos conflitos, entre eles sentimentos de impotência, angústia e temor em relação à vida e necessitam de um suporte ativo por parte da família e da equipe médica. O presente artigo visa desse este assunto, enfatizando a atuação desses profissionais que devem estar atentos para as questões presentes na vivência cotidiana de seus pacientes. Inicialmente serão expostos alguns conceitos de “paciente terminal” e a problematização do tema, que sustentam uma discussão importante para entender o assunto com clareza e cientificidade. Serão apresentados também alguns métodos bastante discutidos e questionados na área de saúde como a eutanásia e a distanásia, sem deixar de abordar durante todo o trabalho a parte do paciente terminal, “sujeito” central de todo o processo. Por fim, esta pesquisa tem como intuito enriquecer conhecimentos para futuros profissionais da saúde, já que essa preparação se faz necessária para oferecer auxílio aos envolvidos nessa questão

Dealing with terminally ill is, still, extremely difficult, even with advances in technology and medicine, because death is dealt with as a taboo by society, odds of reversal disease are minimal and health professionals lack the training for this issue. This latter is a worrying factor, because individuals who are experiencing this stage have various conflicts, including feelings of helplessness,anguish and fear about life and require an active support from family and medical team. This article aims to address on this subject, emphasizing the role of these professionals should be aware of the issues present in the daily life of their patients. Initially will be exposed to some concepts of "terminally ill" and questioning the subject, who hold an important discussion to understand the subject with clearly and scientifically, then some rather discussed and questioned in the midst of health such as euthanasia and futility, while to address all the work during the part of the terminal patient "subject" core of the whole process. Finally this research has the intention to enrich knowledge for future health professionals, since this preparation is necessary to provide assistance in the midst of this issue.

Doenças terminais, conhecimento essencial para o profissional da saúde / Terminal diseases, essential knowledge for the health professional

Saber lidar com paciente em fase terminal é, ainda, extremamente difícil, mesmo com os avanços na tecnologia e da medicina, na medida em que a morte é enfrentada como um tabu pela sociedade, as probabilidades de reversão da doença são mínimas e os profissionais da saúde carecem de treinamento para lidar com essa questão. Esse último fator é preocupante, porque os indivíduos que se encontram nessa fase vivenciam diversos conflitos, entre eles sentimentos de impotência, angústia e temor em relação à vida e necessitam de um suporte ativo por parte da família e da equipe médica. O presente artigo visa desse este assunto, enfatizando a atuação desses profissionais que devem estar atentos para as questões presentes na vivência cotidiana de seus pacientes. Inicialmente serão expostos alguns conceitos de “paciente terminal” e a problematização do tema, que sustentam uma discussão importante para entender o assunto com clareza e cientificidade. Serão apresentados também alguns métodos bastante discutidos e questionados na área de saúde como a eutanásia e a distanásia, sem deixar de abordar durante todo o trabalho a parte do paciente terminal, “sujeito” central de todo o processo. Por fim, esta pesquisa tem como intuito enriquecer conhecimentos para futuros profissionais da saúde, já que essa preparação se faz necessária para oferecer auxílio aos envolvidos nessa questão.

Dealing with terminally ill is, still, extremely difficult, even with advances in technology and medicine, because death is dealt with as a taboo by society, odds of reversal disease are minimal and health professionals lack the training for this issue. This latter is a worrying factor, because individuals who are experiencing this stage have various conflicts, including feelings of helplessness,anguish and fear about life and require an active support from family and medical team. This article aims to address on this subject, emphasizing the role of these professionals should be aware of the issues present in the daily life of their patients. Initially will be exposed to some concepts of "terminally ill" and questioning the subject, who hold an important discussion to understand the subject with clearly and scientifically, then some rather discussed and questioned in the midst of health such as euthanasia and futility, while to address all the work during the part of the terminal patient "subject" core of the whole process. Finally this research has the intention to enrich knowledge for future health professionals, since this preparation is necessary to provide assistance in the midst of this issue.

Efeito da quercetina sobre o extravasamento plasmático no sistema nervoso dura-mater de ratos

Estudos recentes têm demonstrado que os bioflavonóides afetam vários sistemas enzimáticos nos mamíferos. A dura-máter é um tecido que recebe inervação peptidérgica. No cérebro, a inflamação neurogênica envolve a liberação da substância P (SP) por terminais nervosos sensoriais e é modulada pela endopeptidase neutra (NEP) e pela enzima conversora da angiotensina (ECA). Neste estudo, avaliamos o efeito da quercetina, que representa mais de 50 por cento dos bioflavonóides, sobre o extravasamento plasmático induzido pela SP em tecidos selecionados no sistema nervoso central de ratos e dura-máter. Também examinamos o efeito da inibição seletiva das enzimas metabolizadoras da SP (NEP e ECA). A administração de SP (10 nmol/kg e 30 nmol/kg, i.v.) aumentou o extravasamento plasmático de maneira dose dependente na duramáter, não apresentando nenhum efeito nos outros tecidos; este efeito foi potencializado por inibidores seletivos da NEP e da ECA. A quercetina (30 mg/kg v.o.) aumentou o extravasamento plasmático em relação ao controle em todos os tecidos. O prétratamento com quercetina potenciou significativamente o extravasamento plasmático induzido pela SP (10 nmol/kg) na dura-máter. Resultados obtidos com o pré-tratamento com antagonistas específicos para receptores da substância P e bradicinina (NK-1 e B2) sugerem que o aumento do extravasamento plasmático induzido pela quercetina e a potenciação da resposta à SP foram devidos ao acúmulo deste neuropeptídeo na dura-máter.