Usability study of a smartphone app entitled: Living with Parkinson's disease.

Background: Mobile healthcare apps have transformed the healthcare industry and these apps can now be used for educational and preventive purposes, as well as providing valuable information for self-care. Apps related to Parkinson's disease can help from diagnoses to treatment, however the purpose of the app in this study is to inform and to educate. Objective: To describe user appraisal of the refinement of a Parkinson's Disease app through a technical evaluation by researchers in the technological area of Human-computer Interaction HCI and usability from the perspective of the end user. Methods: Technological development research of heuristic evaluation and user experience study carried out for usability testing, where the profile of users were surveyed and usability was evaluated by HCI researchers and end users. Results: Parkinsonians with a recent diagnosis showed the greatest interest in the app. The final version of the app was ready after modifications proposed by experts and users. The app achieved an excellent usability rating, when rated on the Brooke scale in regard to user evaluation. Conclusion: Structured strategies to promote greater adherence contribute to increased usability, and may allow for greater autonomy in care and early identification of symptoms.

Use of activated carbon obtained from sugarcane straw for PAH adsorption - a comparative study with commercial materials.

This work evaluates the performance of activated carbon obtained from sugarcane straw (SCAC) as an adsorbent for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in model wastewater. Two commercial samples of activated carbons with different textural properties were also studied for comparison. The activated carbon prepared from sugarcane straw presents a well-developed porosity with a high surface area, which was comparable to that of one of the commercial samples studied. For all the studied carbons, adsorption followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, and the higher rate constants were found for the SCAC sample for the four PAHs. Sips and Hill isotherms best fitted the adsorption equilibrium data of the PAHs on all activated carbons investigated. The activated carbon obtained from sugarcane straw (SCAC) presented a higher adsorption capacity (2.08 mmol g-1 for naphthalene, 1.26 mmol g-1 for fluorene, 1.14 mmol g-1 for phenanthrene, and 0.98 mmol g-1 for fluoranthene) when compared to the commercial carbon samples studied in this work as well as for those related in the literature. It confirms that its use of SCAC as an adsorbent for PAHs is a promising application for the valorization of this biomass waste.

Hipotermia perioperatória: conhecimentos e intervenções da equipe de enfermagem / Perioperative hypothermia: knowledge and interventions by the nursing team / Hipotermia perioperativa: conocimientos e intervenciones del equipo de enfermería

Objetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento e intervenções da equipe de enfermagem sobre hipotermia perioperatória no paciente cirúrgico. Método: Estudo descritivo-exploratório com corte transversal de abordagem quantitativa. Foi realizada a coleta dos dados com 77 profissionais entre enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem atuantes no bloco operatório e da sala de recuperação pós-anestésica de um hospital de referência em cirurgias de alta complexidade. Resultados :A pesquisa evidencia que os participantes obtêm conhecimento básico sobre o assunto, principalmente sobre o conceito, os sinais, os sintomas e como intervir quando o paciente apresenta o problema. As complicações e o seu manejo apresentam-se como uma dificuldade. Conclusão: O conhecimento sobre hipotermia perioperatória e as intervenções da equipe enfermagem apresenta lacunas. Esperase contribuir no planejamento de ações educativas que norteiem as estratégias de assistência de qualidade ao paciente cirúrgico.(AU)

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and interventions of the nursing team about perioperative hypothermia in surgical patients. Method: Descriptive-exploratory study with a cross-sectional approach using a quantitative approach. Data were collected from 77 professionals, including nurses and nursing technicians working in the operating room and in the postanesthetic recovery room of a reference hospital in overly complex surgeries. Results: The research shows that the participants obtain basic knowledge about the subject, mainly about the concept, the signs, the symptoms and how to intervene when the patient presents the problem. Complications and their management present themselves as a difficulty. Conclusion: The knowledge about perioperative hypothermia and the interventions of the nursing team has gaps. It is expected to contribute to the planning of educational actions that guide quality care strategies for surgical patients.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento y las intervenciones del equipo de enfermería sobre la hipotermia perioperatoria en pacientes quirúrgicos. Método: estudio descriptivo-exploratorio con un enfoque transversal utilizando un enfoque cuantitativo. La recopilación de datos se realizó con 77 profesionales, incluidas enfermeras y técnicos de enfermería que trabajan en la sala de operaciones y en la sala de recuperación postanestésica de un hospital de referencia en cirugías altamente complejas. Resultados: La investigación muestra que los participantes obtienen conocimientos básicos sobre el tema, principalmente sobre el concepto, los signos, los síntomas y cómo intervenir cuando el paciente presenta el problema. Las complicaciones y su manejo se presentan como una dificultad. Conclusión: El conocimiento sobre la hipotermia perioperatoria y las intervenciones del equipo de enfermería tiene lagunas. Se espera que contribuya a la planificación de acciones educativas que guíen las estrategias de atención de calidad para pacientes quirúrgicos.(AU)

A case report palatal implant for molar distalization

Implants obtained popularity in Orthodontics by to make easy the maximum anchorage with the minimal patient׳s compliance. In this context, osseointegrated implants has been frequently used as auxiliaries of orthodontic treatments, substituting in some cases inter maxillaries elastics and extra oral appliances. These implants show as advantage a independence in opposite the patient׳s compliance, the anchorage possibility in periodontal loss cases, over there an esthetic improvement and the comfort propitiated, showing more expected results. This article approach the orthodontic treatment of a clinic case of Class II, division 1 malocclusion, non-extraction accomplished and with palatal implant to distalization of latter teeth.

A concept-environment for computer-based augmentative and alternative communication founded on a systematic review

AbstractIntroductionLocked-In Syndrome is admittedly the worst case of motor and speech impairment, it seriously damages the ability of oral and gestural communication of patients. In recent years, alternative and augmentative communication technology has provided resources to restore these patients' ability to communicate.MethodsIn order to relate and classify the main methods with that purpose, this work conducted a systematic review on several journal databases.ResultsWe found 203 related papers and 55 of them were selected to compose the study. After that, we classified them into three major groups and we identified the main difficulties when using each approach.ConclusionIn order to overcome these difficulties, we propose a new system concept to develop an adaptive, robust and low cost communication environment. The proposed system is composed of five modules: data entry, communication, aid to the caregiver and external interaction.

Non-volant mammals from Núcleo Santa Virgínia, Serra do Mar State Park, São Paulo, Brazil / Mamíferos não voadores do Núcleo Santa Virgínia, Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, São Paulo, Brazil

This study presents data on the composition and species richness of non-flying mammals in the northern part of the Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, called Núcleo Santa Virgínia (NSV - around 17000 hectares of Atlantic Forest), São Paulo state, southeastern Brazil. The species list was based on ca. 660 km of line-transects, 25512 hours of cameras traps, 7740 trap.nights for small mammals, and 394 track-station.days, as well as occasional records and registers from local people (period 2002 to 2009). Based on these complementary methods, a total of 58 species were recorded from the 85-104 possible. Eighteen taxa are listed in the Brazilian endangered species list, 29 in the state list. The high species richness of non-volant mammals and the presence of threatened species show the importance of NSV for the conservation of Atlantic Forest mammals.

Este estudo apresenta dados de composição e riqueza de espécies de mamíferos não voadores da porção norte do Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar, que corresponde è região do núcleo Santa Virgínia (NSV - cerca de 17.000 hectares de Floresta Atlântica), estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil. A listagem de espécies foi elaborada durante o período de 2002 a 2009, por meio de ca. 660 km de transecções lineares, 25.512 horas de armadilha fotográfica, 394 armadilhas-de-pegada.dia, registros ocasionais e relatos de moradores da região (entrevistas) para mamíferos de médio e grande porte, e 7.740 armadilhas.noite para pequenos mamíferos. Foram registradas 58 espécies de 85-104 de possível ocorrência dada suas potenciais distribuições. Dezoito espécies fazem parte da lista nacional da fauna ameaçada de extinção e 29 da lista estadual. A elevada riqueza de mamíferos não voadores com a presença de várias espécies ameaçadas, indica a importância do NSV para conservação da mastofauna regional.

Digestive tract neural control and gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the neural control of digestive tract and describe the main gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy (CP), with attention to the importance of early diagnosis to an efficient interdisciplinary treatment. SOURCES: Systematic review of literature from 1997 to 2012 from Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, and Cochrane Library databases. The study included 70 papers, such as relevant reviews, observational studies, controlled trials, and prevalence studies. Qualitative studies were excluded. The keywords used were: cerebral palsy, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrostomy. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The appropriate control of the digestive system depends on the healthy functioning and integrity of the neural system. Since CP patients have structural abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, they are more likely to develop eating disorders. These range from neurological immaturity to interference in the mood and capacity of caregivers. The disease has, therefore, a multifactorial etiology. The most prevalent digestive tract disorders are dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation, with consequent recurrent respiratory infections and deleterious impact on nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CP can have neurological abnormalities of digestive system control; therefore, digestive problems are common. The issues raised in the present study are essential for professionals within the interdisciplinary teams that treat patients with CP, concerning the importance of comprehensive anamnesis and clinical examination, such as detailed investigation of gastrointestinal disorders. Early detection of these digestive problems may lead to more efficient rehabilitation measures in order to improve patients' quality of life.

Controle neuronal e manifestações digestórias na paralisia cerebral / Digestive tract neural control and gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy

OBJETIVOS: Abordar as peculiaridades do controle neuronal digestório e descrever as principais manifestações digestórias na paralisia cerebral, atentando-se à importância do diagnóstico precoce para intervenção interdisciplinar eficaz. FONTES DOS DADOS: Revisão sistemática de 1997 a 2012 das bases de dados MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO e Cochrane Library. Incluem-se 70 artigos, como revisões relevantes, estudos observacionais, ensaios clínicos e estudos de prevalência. Excluíram-se pesquisas qualitativas. Os termos pesquisados foram: paralisia cerebral, disfagia, doença do refluxo gastroesofágico, constipação intestinal, infecção respiratória e gastrostomia. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O controle adequado do trato digestório depende do funcionamento e integridade do sistema nervoso. Como indivíduos portadores de paralisia cerebral possuem anormalidades estruturais evidentes no sistema nervoso central e periférico, estão mais propensos a desenvolver distúrbios do trato digestório, com repercussões nutricionais. As alterações vão desde imaturidade neurológica até interferência do estado de humor e capacitação dos cuidadores. Trata-se, portanto, de etiologia multifatorial. As desordens digestórias mais prevalentes são disfagia, doença do refluxo gastroesofágico e constipação intestinal, com consequentes quadros de infecções respiratórias de repetição e repercussão deletéria no estado nutricional. CONCLUSÕES: Indivíduos com paralisia cerebral apresentam alterações neurológicas do controle do sistema digestório, portanto manifestações digestórias são frequentes. As questões abordadas são fundamentais para profissionais das equipes interdisciplinares que atendem indivíduos com paralisia cerebral acerca da importância da anamnese ampla, exame clínico e complementar detalhado que incluam investigação das desordens gastrointestinais associadas e suas consequências. A detecção precoce dessas alterações digestórias pode respaldar medidas de reabilitação mais eficientes no sentido de melhoria da qualidade de vida desses indivíduos.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the neural control of digestive tract and describe the main gastrointestinal disorders in cerebral palsy (CP), with attention to the importance of early diagnosis to an efficient interdisciplinary treatment. SOURCES: Systematic review of literature from 1997 to 2012 from Medline, Lilacs, Scielo, and Cochrane Library databases. The study included 70 papers, such as relevant reviews, observational studies, controlled trials, and prevalence studies. Qualitative studies were excluded. The keywords used were: cerebral palsy, dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, recurrent respiratory infections, and gastrostomy. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The appropriate control of the digestive system depends on the healthy functioning and integrity of the neural system. Since CP patients have structural abnormalities of the central and peripheral nervous system, they are more likely to develop eating disorders. These range from neurological immaturity to interference in the mood and capacity of caregivers. The disease has, therefore, a multifactorial etiology. The most prevalent digestive tract disorders are dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation, with consequent recurrent respiratory infections and deleterious impact on nutritional status. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CP can have neurological abnormalities of digestive system control; therefore, digestive problems are common. The issues raised in the present study are essential for professionals within the interdisciplinary teams that treat patients with CP, concerning the importance of comprehensive anamnesis and clinical examination, such as detailed investigation of gastrointestinal disorders. Early detection of these digestive problems may lead to more efficient rehabilitation measures in order to improve patients' quality of life.

A Phase I clinical trial of lodenafil carbonate, a new phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, in healthy male volunteers.

UNLABELLED: Lodenafil carbonate is a new phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor used in treatment of erectile dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of lodenafil carbonate after administering ascending (1 - 100 mg) single oral doses to healthy male volunteers (n = 33). METHODS: The study was an open label, dose-escalation, Phase I clinical trial involving the administration of single oral doses of lodenafil carbonate. Lodenafil carbonate was administered sequentially, escalating in single doses of 1 mg - 100 mg with a washout period of at least 1 week between each dose. The progression to the next dose was allowed after clinical and laboratory exams, Ambulatory Monitoring of Arterial Pressure (AMAP) without relevant clinical modifications and adverse events without clinical relevancy. Blood samples were collected at pre-dose, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 20 and 24 h post-dosing. Plasma samples for measurement of lodenafil carbonate and lodenafil were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: No serious adverse events were observed, and none of the subjects discontinued the study due to intolerance. The AMAP measurements, clinical and laboratory exams and ECG revealed no significant changes even at higher doses. Lodenafil carbonate was not detected in any samples, indicating that it acts as a prodrug. The mean lodenafil pharmacokinetic parameters for tmax and t1/2 were 1.6 ( ± 0.4) h and 3.3 ( ± 1.1) h, respectively. This study demonstrated that lodenafil carbonate was well tolerated and showed a good safety profile in healthy male volunteers.

Structural evaluation of sugar cane bagasse steam pretreated in the presence of CO2 and SO2.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies on the use of SO2 and CO2 as impregnating agent for sugar cane bagasse steam treatment showed comparative and promising results concerning the cellulose enzymatic hydrolysis and the low formation of the inhibitors furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural for the use of CO2 at 205°C/15 min or SO2 at 190°C/5 min. In the present study sugar cane bagasse materials pretreated as aforementioned were analyzed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) aiming a better understanding of the structural and chemical changes undergone by the pretreated materials. RESULTS: SEM and TEM data showed that the structural modifications undergone by the pretreatment with CO2 were less pronounced in comparison to that using SO2, which can be directly related to the combined severity of each pretreatment. According to XRD data, untreated bagasse showed, as expected, a lower crystallinity index (CI = 48.0%) when compared to pretreated samples with SO2 (CI = 65.5%) or CO2 (CI = 56.4%), due to the hemicellulose removal of 68.3% and 40.5%, respectively. FTIR spectroscopy supported SEM, TEM and XRD results, revealing a more extensive action of SO2. CONCLUSIONS: The SEM, TEM, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy techniques used in this work contributed to structural and chemical analysis of the untreated and pretreated bagasse. The images from SEM and TEM can be related to the severity of SO2 pretreatment, which is almost twice higher. The crystallinity index values obtained from XRD showed that pretreated materials have higher values when compared with untreated material, due to the partial removal of hemicellulose after pretreatment. FTIR spectroscopy supported SEM, TEM and XRD results. CO2 can actually be used as impregnating agent for steam pretreatment, although the present study confirmed a more extensive action of SO2.

Reproduction and structure of the population of the Chaetognath Parasagitta friderici in Guanabara Bay (Brazil) based on short term sampling.

The aim of this study was to describe the total density, densities of developmental stages and the reproduction period of Parasagitta friderici. Weekly samples were collected at one station in the channel of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, during one year. Three vertical hauls were made for each sample, and P. friderici was separated, the developmental stages were identified, and body length (BL), ovary length (OL) and seminal vesicle width (SVW) were measured. Throughout the year P. friderici was the most abundant chaetognath species occurring in all four developmental stages, the densities of which varied from week to week. Higher densities of adults occurred in the spring, followed by peaks of juveniles in the summer. Although P. friderici seems to reproduce continuously in Guanabara Bay, a reproductive peak was apparent during the spring. The intensification of reproduction during the spring, with juveniles occurring in the summer, seems to be related to the period of higher food supply during the rainy season and intrusions of the South Atlantic Central Water.

Treatment of acral persistent papular mucinosis with electrocoagulation.

BACKGROUND: Acral persistent papular mucinosis is a rare localized form of lichen myxedematosus with few case reports and no documented therapeutic options. OBJECTIVE: To report full resolution of acral persistent papular mucinosis after electrocoagulation. METHODS: Case report of a 51-year-old white female diagnosed with an acral persistent papular mucinosis. The clinical and histopathologic features, treatment provided, and response to treatment are detailed. RESULTS: Acral persistent papular mucinosis presented as multiple asymptomatic normochromic papules on the wrists. Treatment with topical and intralesional steroids was unsatisfactory. Gentle electrocoagulation led to complete resolution of the lesions and negligible scarring. The favorable results remained for 6 months of follow-up, and no new lesions have emerged. CONCLUSION: Our case of acral persistent papular mucinosis was successfully treated with electrocoagulation and long-lasting, excellent cosmetic results.

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.

Feeding ecology of carnivores (Mammalia, Carnivora) in Atlantic Forest remnants, Southern Brazil / Ecologia alimentar de carnívoros (Mammalia Carnivora) em Fragmentos de floresta Atlantica do Sul do Brasil

The diet of some sympatric carnivore species in three Atlantic Forest remnants of Southern Brazil was studied in order to assess their food niche. We conducted monthly field trips between February 2003 and January 2004 to collect fecal samples that were subsequently examined together with others collected sporadically between November 1994 and January 2003. Of the 416 samples analysed, 198 had the "author" species identified through microscopic analysis guard hairs, which revealed the presence of 10 carnivores and some information about their diet. Puma yagouaroundi had the largest dietary niche breadth, whereas Leopardus tigrinus and Nasua nasua showed the lowest values. Extensive niche overlap was observed between L. tigrinus and N. nasua, L. tigrinus and L. wiedii, and between L. tigrinus and L. pardalis. Data presented here not only increases the understanding of carnivore feeding ecology, but also contributes towards their conservation in the study region and other fragmented landscapes in Brazil and neighboring countries.

Este trabalho apresenta informações sobre a dieta, a amplitude e a sobreposição de nicho alimentar de algumas espécies simpátricas de carnívoros em três fragmentos de Floresta Atlântica do Sul do Brasil. A coleta de material fecal foi realizada com periodicidade mensal de fevereiro de 2003 a janeiro de 2004. No entanto, amostras obtidas esporadicamente entre novembro de 1994 e janeiro de 2003 também foram incluídas nas análises. Das 416 amostras analisadas, 198 possibilitaram a identificação de 10 espécies "autoras" por meio da análise microscópica de pelos-guarda, bem como informações sobre sua dieta. Puma yagouaroundi teve a maior amplitude de nicho, enquanto Leopardus tigrinus e Nasua nasua apresentaram os menores valores. Maiores sobreposições de nicho foram observadas entre L. tigrinus e outras espécies: N. nasua, L. wiedii e L. pardalis. Espera-se que estes dados, além de contribuírem para incrementar o conhecimento sobre a ecologia alimentar de carnívoros neotropicais, possam auxiliar de forma efetiva na conservação das espécies encontradas na região de estudo e em outras paisagens fragmentadas do território brasileiro e países limítrofes.

Tratamento cirúrgico do paciente com síndrome de Barraquer-Simon: revisão bibliográfica e relato de caso / Surgical treatment of patient with Barraquer-Simon syndrome: review of literature and related case

Barraquer e Simon descreveram no começo do século uma doença caracterizada por progressiva atrofia da gordura do tecido subcutâneo, limitada à parte superior do corpo, incluindo face. É uma síndrome rara, de origem obscura, também conhecida como lipodistrofia céfalotorácica. Os pacientes com a síndrome perdem progressivamente sua gordura subcutânea em direção craniocaudal simetricamente, começando na face e progredindo até uma determinada área da coxa. Freqüentemente estes pacientes apresentam uma hipertrofia de tecido celular subcutâneo nas suas extremidades inferiores. A doença começa no final da primeira década de vida ou no começo da segunda década, e é rara em pacientes do sexo masculino. Os autores descrevem um caso da síndrome de Barraquer-Simon com envolvimento facial e torácico, sem outras anomalias. Durante o seguimento cirúrgico, foram realizadas lipoenxertias, cirurgia para colocação de bioimplantes malares e cirurgia ortognática. A síndrome de Barraquer-Simon, classificada como lipodistrofia parcial, ainda é pouco compreendida. Mais estudos serão necessários para confirmar a base genética.

Barraquer and Simon described at the beginning of the century a disease characterized by progressive atrophy of the fat tissue of the sub-cutaneous limited to upper body including face. It is a rare syndrome of obscure origin, also known as lipodystrophy cefalochest. The patients with the syndrome gradually lose their fat sub-cutaneous toward craniocaudal symmetrically, starting on the face and progresses to a certain area of the thigh. Often these patients have a hypertrophy of cellular sub-cutaneous tissue in their lower extremities. The disease begins at the end of the first decade of life or at the beginning of the second decade, and is rare in patients male. The authors describe a case of the syndrome Barraquer-Simon involvement with facial and chest with no other abnormalities. During the surgical follow up, was performed lipoenxertias, surgery for placement of bioimplantes malares and surgery orthognathic. The syndrome Barraquer-Simon, classified as partial lipodystrophy, is still little understood. More studies are needed to confirm the genetic basis.

Efficacy of topical permethrin as repellent against Aedes aegypti's bites.

Mosquitoes are the most important vectors of infectious diseases and their bites are related to several adverse skin reactions. Permethrin impregnated clothes are an efficient strategy against arthropods' bites; however, its topical efficacy as a repellent has not been well established. We studied the response to permethrin lotion 5 percent and N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) spray 50 percent applied to the unprotected forearms of 10 volunteers. Each arm was exposed to 20 female mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti. We performed 71 bilateral comparative measurements evaluating the timing for the first bites. The average times for the arm without the product, with permethrin 5 percent, and with DEET 50 percent were: 7.9 seconds, 336.2 seconds and 7512.1 seconds. The results showed a significant difference between repellency times between either product and unprotected controls. In addition, there was a significant difference in time to first bite between permethrin and DEET treated arms (p<0.01). Permethrin affords some repellent activity against Aedes aegypti bites in this experimental setting. However, permethrin's profile of repellency was significantly inferior to that of DEET.

Comparative bioavailability study with two pantoprazole delayed-released tablet formulations administered with and without food in healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the comparative bioavailability of two formulations (40 mg delayed-released [DR] tablet; test and reference) of pantoprazole (CAS 102625-70-7) in healthy volunteers of both sexes, with and without food. METHODS: The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 1-week washout interval, in two groups, with and without food. Plasma samples were obtained for up to 24 h post dose. Plasma pantoprazole concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization using multiple reactions monitoring (MRM). From the pantoprazole plasma concentration vs. time curves, the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC(last) and C(max) were obtained, with and without food. RESULTS: The limit of quantification was 5 ng/mL for plasma pantoprazole analysis. The geometric mean and 90% confidence interval CI of test/reference percent ratios were, without and with food, respectively: 104.6540% (90.8616%-120.5401%) and 99.9708% (90.9987%-109.8275%) for C(max), 95.6634% (85.2675%-107.3267%) and 89.3500% (83.6630%-95.4237%) for AUC(last). CONCLUSION: Since the 90% CI for AUC(last) and C(max) ratios were within the 80-125% interval proposed by the US FDA, it was concluded that pantoprazole 40 mg DR tablet (test formulation) with and without food was bioequivalent to the reference 40 mg DR tablet for both the rate and extent of absorption.

Comparative bioavailability study with two chlorpropamide tablet formulations in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the assessment of the bioequivalence of two formulations (250 mg tablet) of chlorpropamide (CAS 94-20-2) in 36 healthy volunteers of both sexes. METHODS: The study was conducted using an open, randomized, two-period crossover design with a 3-week washout interval. Plasma samples were obtained over a 72-h period. Plasma chlorpropamide concentrations were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with positive ion electrospray ionization using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). From the chlorpropamide plasma concentration vs time curves, the following pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained: AUC(0-72h), AUC(inf) and C(max). RESULTS: The limit of quantification was 0.1 microg/mL for plasma chlorpropamide analysis. The geometric mean and respective 90 % confidence interval (CI) of Test/ Reference percent ratios were 93.99% (87.11%-101.41%) for C(max), 92.45% (85.96%-99.44%) for AUC(0-72h) and 90.30% (83.35%-97.82%) for AUC(0-inf). CONCLUSION: Since the 90 % CI for AUC(0-72h), AUC(0-inf) and C(max) ratios were within the 80-125%interval proposed by the US FDA, it was concluded that chlorpropamide 250 mg tablet (test formulation) was bioequivalent to the reference 250 mg tablet for of both the rate and extent of absorption.

Estudo retrospectivo do resultado anatomopatológico de 100 polipectomias colonoscópicas realizadas na FMB-UNESP / Retrospective study of the anatomopathological results of 100 colonoscopic polypectomies performed at FMB-UNESP

OBJETIVO: Analisar retrospectivamente o resultado do estudo anatomopatológico de polipectomias colonoscópicas realizadas no Setor de Endoscopia da Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu - UNESP durante os anos de 2002 e 2003. Material e Métodos: Estudamos retrospectivamente, a partir de procedimentos colonoscópicos realizados em nosso serviço, as características dos pólipos retirados: tamanho, localização e distribuição, bem como o motivo da indicação do mesmo e o resultado do estudo anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: Num total de 100 polipectomias colonoscópicas realizadas em 75 pacientes, observamos que 63 por cento dos pólipos localizava-se em reto e sigmóide e 15,8 por cento no cólon descendente; o estudo anátomopatologico evidenciou que a grande maioria tinha características adenomatosas (54 por cento). A idade dos pacientes variou entre 6 e 92 anos, não havendo predominância quanto ao sexo; a principal indicação para a realização de colonoscopia foi sangramento. CONCLUSÃO: Constatamos o importante papel diagnóstico e terapêutico das colonoscopias no que diz respeito ao câncer colorretal; os achados demonstram que, em nossa casuística, a maioria os pólipos colônicos são adenomatosos, pequenos e de localização distal.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the retrospective results of the anatomopathological study of colonoscopic polypectomies performed at the Sector of Endoscopy of the School of Medicine of Botucatu - UNESP during the years of 2002 and 2003. Material and METHODS: We studied in retrospect the characteristics of the polyps found and removed during colonoscopies performed at our service, including: size, site of appearance and distribution, as well as the reasons for removal and the anatomopathological results. RESULTS: In 100 polypectomies performed in 75 patients we observed that 63 percent of the polyps were found in the area comprised by the sigmoid and the rectum and 15,8 percent were found in the left colon; the anatomopathological results showed that most of them had adenomatous features (54 percent). The patients' age varied between 6 and 92 years, with no predominance of any sex; the main indication for the colonoscopies was history of bleeding. CONCLUSION: We verified the important role of colonoscopies in diagnosing and treating the colorectal cancer; the results found showed that most of colonic polyps are adenomatous, small and distal in their localization.

Clonazepam quantification in human plasma by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry in a bioequivalence study.

A rapid, sensitive and specific method for quantifying clonazepam in human plasma using diazepam as the internal standard (IS) is described. The analyte and the IS were extracted from plasma by liquid-liquid extraction using a hexane/diethylether (20 : 80, v/v) solution. The extracts were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-MS). Chromatography was performed on a Jones Genesis C8 4 microm analytical column (100 x 2.1 mm i.d.). The method had a chromatographic run time of 3.0 min and a linear calibration curve over the range 0.5-50 ng/ml (r2 > 0.9965). The limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/ml. This HPLC/MS/MS procedure was used to assess the bioequivalence of two clonazepam 2 mg tablet formulations (clonazepam test formulation from Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd and Rivotril from Roche Laboratórios Ltda as standard reference formulation).