Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. tree oleoresin-induced antinociception recruits µ1- and κ -opioid receptors in the ventrolateral columns of the periaqueductal gray matter.

Popular medicine has been using oleoresin from several species of copaíba tree for the treatment of various diseases and its clinical administration potentially causes antinociception. Electrical stimulation of ventrolateral (vlPAG) and dorsolateral (dlPAG) columns of the periaqueductal gray matter also causes antinociception. The aim this study was to verify the antinociceptive effect of oleoresin extracted from Copaifera langsdorffii tree and to test the hypothesis that oleoresin-induced antinociception is mediated by µ1- and κ-opioid receptors in the vlPAG and dlPAG. Nociceptive thresholds were determined by the tail-flick test in Wistar rats. The copaíba tree oleoresin was administered at different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) through the gavage technique. After the specification of the most effective dose of copaíba tree oleoresin (200 mg/kg), rats were pretreated with either the µ1-opioid receptor selective antagonist naloxonazine (at 0.05, 0.5 and 5 µg/ 0.2 µl in vlPAG, and 5 µg/ 0.2 µl in dlPAG) or the κ-opioid receptor selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (at 1, 3 and 9 nmol/ 0.2 µl in vlPAG, and 9 nmol/ 0.2 µl in dlPAG). The blockade of µ1 and κ opioid receptors of vlPAG decreased the antinociception produced by copaíba tree oleoresin. However, the blockade of these receptors in dlPAG did not alter copaíba tree oleoresin-induced antinociception. These data suggest that vlPAG µ1 and κ opioid receptors are critically recruited in the antinociceptive effect produced by oleoresin extracted from Copaifera langsdorffii.

Transformations in the world of healthcare work: workers and future challenges. / Transformações no mundo do trabalho em saúde: os(as) trabalhadores(as) e desafios futuros.

This article addresses the world of healthcare work, especially in the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This study used data from the following surveys: "Working conditions of health professionals in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil" and "The Invisible health workers: working conditions and mental health in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil". Data analysis proves that the pandemic highlighted existing structural problems within SUS, involving the issue of healthcare workforce (HWF) management, which can be interpreted as another reflection of the socioeconomic inequalities that already exist in the country. This article highlights: the reduced provision of permanent education, the regulation of hybrid care, precariousness, a lack of protection in the work environment, as well as fragile biosecurity leading to tragic rates of illness and death of health workers. Our study concludes by showing the importance of formulating public policies in the scope of education and work management in SUS that ensure the discussion on hybrid care as a new way of acting without losing quality, together with the need to review issues related to permanent education, protection, valuation, and reduction of inequalities pointed out among the professional contingents analyzed in this article.

O artigo versa sobre o mundo do trabalho da saúde, especialmente no SUS no contexto da pandemia no Brasil. O artigo utilizou dados das pesquisas "Condições de trabalho dos profissionais de saúde no contexto da COVID-19 no Brasil" e "Os trabalhadores invisíveis da saúde: condições de trabalho e saúde mental no contexto da COVID-19 no Brasil". A análise dos dados comprova que a pandemia evidenciou problemas estruturais existentes no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, envolvendo a gestão da FTS o que pode ser interpretado como mais um dos reflexos das desigualdades socioeconômicas já existentes no país. Destacam-se: a reduzida oferta de educação permanente, a regulação do cuidado híbrido, precarização, desproteção no ambiente de trabalho, frágil biossegurança levando a trágicas taxas de adoecimento e mortes de trabalhadores da saúde. Conclui mostrando a importância de formulação de políticas públicas no âmbito da gestão da educação e do trabalho no SUS que assegurem a discussão sobre cuidado híbrido como nova forma de atuar sem perder qualidade, a necessidade de se rever questões referentes a: educação permanente, proteção, valorização e redução das desigualdades apontadas entre os contingentes profissionais analisados nesse artigo.

Transformações no mundo do trabalho em saúde: os(as) trabalhadores(as) e desafios futuros / Transformations in the world of healthcare work: workers and future challenges

Resumo O artigo versa sobre o mundo do trabalho da saúde, especialmente no SUS no contexto da pandemia no Brasil. O artigo utilizou dados das pesquisas "Condições de trabalho dos profissionais de saúde no contexto da COVID-19 no Brasil" e "Os trabalhadores invisíveis da saúde: condições de trabalho e saúde mental no contexto da COVID-19 no Brasil". A análise dos dados comprova que a pandemia evidenciou problemas estruturais existentes no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde, envolvendo a gestão da FTS o que pode ser interpretado como mais um dos reflexos das desigualdades socioeconômicas já existentes no país. Destacam-se: a reduzida oferta de educação permanente, a regulação do cuidado híbrido, precarização, desproteção no ambiente de trabalho, frágil biossegurança levando a trágicas taxas de adoecimento e mortes de trabalhadores da saúde. Conclui mostrando a importância de formulação de políticas públicas no âmbito da gestão da educação e do trabalho no SUS que assegurem a discussão sobre cuidado híbrido como nova forma de atuar sem perder qualidade, a necessidade de se rever questões referentes a: educação permanente, proteção, valorização e redução das desigualdades apontadas entre os contingentes profissionais analisados nesse artigo.

Abstract This article addresses the world of healthcare work, especially in the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (SUS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. This study used data from the following surveys: "Working conditions of health professionals in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil" and "The Invisible health workers: working conditions and mental health in the context of COVID-19 in Brazil". Data analysis proves that the pandemic highlighted existing structural problems within SUS, involving the issue of healthcare workforce (HWF) management, which can be interpreted as another reflection of the socioeconomic inequalities that already exist in the country. This article highlights: the reduced provision of permanent education, the regulation of hybrid care, precariousness, a lack of protection in the work environment, as well as fragile biosecurity leading to tragic rates of illness and death of health workers. Our study concludes by showing the importance of formulating public policies in the scope of education and work management in SUS that ensure the discussion on hybrid care as a new way of acting without losing quality, together with the need to review issues related to permanent education, protection, valuation, and reduction of inequalities pointed out among the professional contingents analyzed in this article.

Rotina para prevenção de pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica em uti / Routine for prevention of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation in icu

Introdução: Infecções Relacionadas à Assistência à Saúde são eventos adversos graves que acometem pacientes hospitalizados, principalmente em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. De acordo com a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária, Pneumonia Associada a Ventilação é infecção do parênquima pulmonar, diagnosticada após 48 horas de ventilação mecânica, por meio do uso de um tubo endotraqueal ou traqueostomia, até sua suspensão, sendo associada a critérios radiológicos, clínicos e laboratoriais. Dentre as medidas propostas para prevenção deste tipo de pneumonia, estão a manutenção da pressão do cuff, entre 20 e 30 cmH2O; higiene bucal com solução de clorexidina oral 0,12% como antisséptico e a elevação da cabeceira de 30 a 45 graus. Objetivo: Avaliar a realização da Prevenção de Pneumonia Associada à Ventilação Mecânica, por meio da verificação da "pressão do cuff", antes e após o banho de pacientes. Método: Estudo transversal com delineamento descritivo e abordagem quantitativa, realizado na Uidade de Terapia Intensiva - adulto, com dados coletados nos meses de março a julho de 2022. Enfermeiros e fisioterapeutas verificavam e anotavam a pressão do cuff antes e após banho. Foram analisadas a adesão ao protocolo e o preenchimento das fichas, sendo os dados correlacionados ao índice de Pneumonia Associada a Ventilação. Resultados: Em abril, a taxa de adesão foi de 56,05% em relação aos 380 dias analisados. Maio foi o mês com menor taxa de adesão e o mês de junho o segundo mês com menor taxa de não conformidade, enquanto Julho apresentou a maior taxa de adesão ao estudo. Ao analisar a incidência de Pneumonia Associada a Ventilação, observa-se uma queda,de março a abril, e aumento da taxa de adesão da rotina padronizada; aumento dos casos de abril a maio, decréscimo de maio a junho e, de junho a julho, queda na densidade de incidência desse tipo de pneumonia e aumento da taxa de adesão à rotina. Conclusão: A partir de um treinamento sobre rotina padronizada e acompanhamento dos profissionais da unidade, observou-se uma melhora significativa na adesão, contribuindo para a redução da incidência de Pneumonia Associada a Ventilação. É preciso que haja um acompanhamento constante e sistemático da adesão desses profissionais à rotina, para que os resultados sejam efetivamente satisfatórios

Introduction: Infections Related to Health Care are serious adverse events that affect hospitalized patients, mainly in Intensive Care Units. According to, National Health Surveillance Agency, Pneumonia Associated with Ventilation and infection of the lung parenchyma, diagnosed after 48 hours of mechanical ventilation, due to the use of an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, is subject to suspension, being associated with radiological, clinical and laboratory criteria. Among the measures proposed for the prevention of this type of pneumonia, it is to maintain the cuff pressure, between 20 and 30 cmH2O; Oral hygiene with oral chlorexidine solution 0.12% as antiseptic and elevation of the head from 30 to 45 degrees. Objective: Ensure the implementation of the Prevention of Pneumonia Associated with Mechanical Ventilation, by verifying the "cuff pressure", before and after bathing patients. Method: Cross-sectional study with descriptive outline and quantitative approach, carried out in the Intensive Care Unit - adult, with data collected during the months of March to July 2022. Nurses and physiotherapists verified and recorded the pressure of the cuff before and after bathing. In addition, protocol adhesion and cards were analyzed. The data were correlated to the Ventilation Associated Pneumonia index. Results: In April, the adequacy rate was 56.05% in relation to the 380 days analyzed. May was the first month with the lowest taxa of adesão and the second month was the lowest taxa of non conformity, while July presented the highest taxa of adesão to the study. To analyze the incidence of Ventilation-Associated Pneumonia, we observe a trend, from March to April, and an increase in the rate of adequacy of standardized routines; two cases increased from April to May, decreased from May to June and, from June to July, there remains a density of incidence of this type of pneumonia and an increase in the taxa of disease. Conclusion: Based on training on standardized routines and the accompaniment of the unit's professionals, significant improvement has been observed in this area, contributing to the reduction of the incidence of Ventilation-Associated Pneumonia. It is necessary that there be constant and systematic accompaniment of these professionals in the routine, so that the results are effectively satisfactor

Introducción: Las infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia a la salud son eventos adversos graves que afectan a los pacientes hospitalizados, principalmente en Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. De acuerdo con la Agencia Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria, Neumonía asociada a la ventilación e infección del parénquima pulmonar, diagnosticada después de 48 horas de ventilación mecánica, por medio del uso de un tubo endotraqueal o traqueostomía, con su suspensión, sendo asociado a criterios radiológicos, clínicos y de laboratorio. Entre las medidas propuestas para la prevención de este tipo de neumonía, se debe mantener presionado el manguito entre 20 y 30 cmH2O; Higiene bucal con solución de clorexidina oral al 0,12% como antiséptico y elevación de la cabeza de 30 a 45 grados. Objetivo: Evaluar la implementación de la Prevención de Neumonía Asociada a la Ventilación Mecánica, mediante el control de la "presión del manguito", antes y después del baño del paciente. Método: Estudio transversal con diseño descriptivo y enfoque cuantitativo, realizado en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos - adultos, con datos recolectados de marzo a julio de 2022. Enfermeros y fisioterapeutas verificaron y registraron la presión del manguito antes y después del baño. Se analizó la adherencia al protocolo y la cumplimentación de los formularios, correlacionándose los datos con el índice de Neumonía Asociada al Ventilador. Resultados: En abril, la tasa de adherencia fue del 56,05% en relación a los 380 días analizados. mientras Julho presentó a maior taxa de adesão ao estudo. Al analizar la incidencia de neumonía asociada a la ventilación, observemos lo que queda de marzo de abril y el aumento de los taxones de adherencia de la rotina padronizada; aumento dos casos de abril a mayo, decréscimo de mayo a junio e, de junio a julio, queda na densidade de incidencia de este tipo de neumonía y aumento da taxa de adesão à rotina. Conclusión: A partir de un entrenamiento sobre rotación padronizada y acompañamiento de dos profesionales de la unidad, observemos una mejora significativa en el avance, contribuyendo a la reducción de la incidencia de neumonía asociada a la ventilación. Es preciso que haya un acompañamiento constante y sistemático del acompañamiento de los profesionales de la rotación, para que los resultados sean efectivamente satisfactorios

Evaluation of quality of life (QOL) of young patients with primary hyperhidrosis (PH) before and after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS).

BACKGROUND: Primary hyperhidrosis (PH) affects young patients and may cause emotional distress and a negative quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the QOL of children and adolescents with PH treated by endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy. METHODS: A study of 220 patients was performed, based on submitted QOL questionnaires from their first consultation. Patients were evaluated within 1 week and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: Before endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy, the QOL in relation to PH was declared very poor by 141 patients, and poor by the remaining 79 (P = .552). Postoperative cure was reported in 100% of palmar and axillary PH cases, and in 91.7% of facial PH. After 24 months, the QOL was described as much better by 212 patients, a little better by 6 patients, and 2 patients reported no change. LIMITATIONS: Convenience sampling was used and patients were taken from private practice only, raising the possibility of bias in gathering the data. CONCLUSION: Onset of PH symptoms was mainly before the age of 10 years and substantially affected daily activities. Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy cured PH and promoted significant improvement in the QOL of these young patients.

Occurrence of Apicomplexa protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast region of Brazil.

Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes.

The blockade of µ­opioid receptors in the lateral hypothalamus enhances panic attack­like behaviour and diminishes defensive antinociception.

The lateral hypothalamus (LH) sends neural pathways to structures involved on predator­related defensive behaviours, escape and antinociception. The aim of this study was to investigate the role played by µ-opioid receptors located on LH neurons in defensive behaviour and unconditioned fear­induced antinociception elicited by electric stimulation of LH. To achieve the goals, the µ1-opioid receptor selective antagonist naloxonazine was administered at different concentrations in the LH, and the defensive behaviour and fear­induced antinociception elicited by electrical stimulation of LH were evaluated. The electrical stimulation of LH caused escape behaviour followed by defensive antinociception. Microinjections of naloxonazine in a concentration of 5.0 µg/0.2 µL in the LH decreased the aversive stimulus­induced escape behaviour thresholds, but diminished defensive antinociception. These findings suggest that µ-opioid receptors of LH can be critical to panic attack­related symptoms and facilitate the unconditioned fear­induced antinociception produced by LH neurons activation.

Neurovascular manifestations in patients with COVID-19: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cerebrovascular manifestations in patients hospitalized for treatment of severe COVID-19, highlighting the comorbidities observed, and those that may play a relevant role as risk factors for severe outcomes. METHODS: This case series retrospective analyzed, from June to November, 2020, ten patients admitted to the emergency department, with positive nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction assay for SARS-CoV-2, presenting with neurological symptoms and positive findings at brain imaging studies. RESULTS: In this sample, the clinical severity of the symptoms varied from mild to critical. Ischemic stroke was observed in four patients, hemorrhagic events occurred in five cases. Three patients evolved with large parenchymal hemorrhage, and one presented petechial bleeding foci. In one case, we observed subarachnoid hemorrhage associated with bilateral hypodensity in both globus pallidus. Typical posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome findings were observed in one patient on brain computed tomography. CONCLUSION: Patients with neurovascular complications related to COVID-19 had positive findings in brain imaging and neurological symptoms. The pathological entities observed drew attention to the neurological risk of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including worse outcomes in individuals whose medical history includes clinical comorbidities, especially hypertension and obesity.

Importance of computed tomography angiography in acute/hyperacute ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the importance of computed tomography and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in stroke protocols, as well as their impact on endovascular treatment and on the determination of the etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Were evaluated 28 patients with acute/hyperacute stroke in the anterior circulation who underwent intracranial and cervical CTA between April 2018 and August 2019. The parameters evaluated were the degree of stenosis, plaque characteristics, type of infarct, treatment, etiology, and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). RESULTS: Of the 28 patients evaluated, 16 (57.1%) had an ASPECTS of 10 (the maximum score, indicative of normality). Four patients (14.3%) underwent thrombolytic treatment, and seven (25.0%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The etiology was atherosclerosis in 32.1% of the patients, cerebral small-vessel disease in 7.1%, cardioembolic in 7.1%, and undetermined in 53.6%. Regarding plaque, 17.9% of the patients presented stenosis ≥ 50%, 21.4% presented stable plaques, and 42.9% presented vulnerable plaques. Patients with a lower ASPECTS were more likely to have relevant stenosis and were more likely to have a total infarct. CONCLUSION: In the evaluation of patients with acute/hyperacute strokes, CTA provides important information, identifying occlusion, as well as helping define the etiology and inform decisions regarding treatment.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a importância da tomografia computadorizada e angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) no protocolo de acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e o seu impacto no tratamento endovascular e na determinação da etiologia.Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliados 28 pacientes com AVE agudo/hiperagudo da circulação anterior que realizaram ATC intracraniana e cervical, no período de abril de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Os parâmetros avaliados foram grau de estenose, placa, tipo do infarto, tratamento, etiologia e classificação Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). RESULTADOS: A maioria dos casos (16; 57,1%) apresentou ASPECTS de 10. Quatro pacientes (14,3%) realizaram tratamento trombolítico e sete (25%) foram submetidos a trombectomia mecânica. A etiologia foi aterosclerose em 32,1% dos pacientes, doença de pequenas artérias em 7,1%, cardioembólico em 7,1% e indeterminada em 53,6%. Em relação à placa, 17,9% apresentaram estenose maior que 50%, 21,4% apresentaram placas estáveis e 42,9%, placas instáveis. Pacientes com ASPECTS mais baixo apresentavam maior probabilidade de ter estenose relevante e apresentavam maior chance de ocorrência de infarto total. CONCLUSÃO: A ATC fornece informações importantes na avaliação do paciente com AVE agudo/hiperagudo, identificando a oclusão e auxiliando na definição da etiologia e no direcionamento do tratamento.

Importance of computed tomography angiography in acute/hyperacute ischemic stroke / Importância da angiotomografia computadorizada no acidente vascular encefálico isquêmico agudo/hiperagudo

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the importance of computed tomography and computed tomography angiography (CTA) in stroke protocols, as well as their impact on endovascular treatment and on the determination of the etiology. Materials and Methods Were evaluated 28 patients with acute/hyperacute stroke in the anterior circulation who underwent intracranial and cervical CTA between April 2018 and August 2019. The parameters evaluated were the degree of stenosis, plaque characteristics, type of infarct, treatment, etiology, and the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Results: Of the 28 patients evaluated, 16 (57.1%) had an ASPECTS of 10 (the maximum score, indicative of normality). Four patients (14.3%) underwent thrombolytic treatment, and seven (25.0%) underwent mechanical thrombectomy. The etiology was atherosclerosis in 32.1% of the patients, cerebral small-vessel disease in 7.1%, cardioembolic in 7.1%, and undetermined in 53.6%. Regarding plaque, 17.9% of the patients presented stenosis ≥ 50%, 21.4% presented stable plaques, and 42.9% presented vulnerable plaques. Patients with a lower ASPECTS were more likely to have relevant stenosis and were more likely to have a total infarct. Conclusion: In the evaluation of patients with acute/hyperacute strokes, CTA provides important information, identifying occlusion, as well as helping define the etiology and inform decisions regarding treatment.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a importância da tomografia computadorizada e angiotomografia computadorizada (ATC) no protocolo de acidente vascular encefálico (AVE) e o seu impacto no tratamento endovascular e na determinação da etiologia. Materiais e Métodos: Foram avaliados 28 pacientes com AVE agudo/hiperagudo da circulação anterior que realizaram ATC intracraniana e cervical, no período de abril de 2018 a agosto de 2019. Os parâmetros avaliados foram grau de estenose, placa, tipo do infarto, tratamento, etiologia e classificação Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Resultados: A maioria dos casos (16; 57,1%) apresentou ASPECTS de 10. Quatro pacientes (14,3%) realizaram tratamento trombolítico e sete (25%) foram submetidos a trombectomia mecânica. A etiologia foi aterosclerose em 32,1% dos pacientes, doença de pequenas artérias em 7,1%, cardioembólico em 7,1% e indeterminada em 53,6%. Em relação à placa, 17,9% apresentaram estenose maior que 50%, 21,4% apresentaram placas estáveis e 42,9%, placas instáveis. Pacientes com ASPECTS mais baixo apresentavam maior probabilidade de ter estenose relevante e apresentavam maior chance de ocorrência de infarto total. Conclusão: A ATC fornece informações importantes na avaliação do paciente com AVE agudo/hiperagudo, identificando a oclusão e auxiliando na definição da etiologia e no direcionamento do tratamento.

Prednisolone associated with doxycycline on the hematological parameters and serum proteinogram of dogs with ehrlichiosis / Efeitos da influência da prednisolona associada à doxiciclina nos parâmetros hematológicos e proteinograma sérico de cães com erliquiose

ABSTRACT: The objective of the present study was to assess the treatment of dogs with ehrlichiosis (tropical canine pancytopenia (TCP)) with doxycycline hydrochloride associated or not with prednisolone on the hematological profile and serum proteins. Ten dogs with TCP were selected in the Small Animal Medical Clinic Veterinary Hospital, Federal University of Campina Grande-UFCG-PB, Brazil. The diagnosis was obtained by clinical examination, hemogram and immunochromatographic test (with anti Ehrlichia canis antibodies). Samples were distributed randomly in two experimental groups of five animals each (n = 5), named GD and GDP. The GD group was treated with doxycycline (5 mg/kg, VO, BID for 28 days) and the GDP group was treated with doxycycline at the same dose and duration and prednisolone (2 mg/kg, VO, BID, for five days). Four blood collections were made during the treatment period: a base collection (M0), one at 10 days (M10), a second at 21 days (M21) and another at the end of the treatment (M28). These samples were used for the tests erythrogram, leucogram, plateletgram and proteinogram (dose of total proteins, pre-albumin, albumin, albumin, α-1 globulin, α-2 globulin, ß-globulin, ɣ-globulin and C- reactive protein) in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Veterinary Hospital-UFCG-PB. Results, that presented normal distribution, was submitted to the Tukey test (P<0.05). Comparison of treatments GD and GDP showed that both promoted discreet and similar response in the hematological parameters at different times. Results obtained allowed the conclusion that both therapeutic protocols resulted in clinical, hematological parameter and proteinogram improvement, but the use of prednisolone at the dose administered during the first five days of treatment did not show more beneficial effects than isolated administration of doxycycline.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos do tratamento de cães com erliquiose monocítica canina (EMC) com cloridrato de doxiciclina associada ou não à prednisolona sobre o perfil hematológico e de proteínas séricas. Foram selecionados, na Clínica Médica de Pequenos Animais do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Campina Grande (UFCG), 10 cães com EMC. O diagnóstico foi obtido através de exame clínico, hemograma e teste de imunoensaio imunocromatográfico (com anticorpos anti Ehrlichia canis). As amostras foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos experimentais, com cinco animais cada (n=5), denominados GD e GDP. O grupo GD foi tratado com doxiciclina (5 mg/kg, VO, BID durante 28 dias) e o grupo GDP, tratado com doxiciclina na mesma dose e duração e prednisolona (2 mg/kg, VO, BID, durante 5 dias). Durante o período de tratamento, foram realizadas quatro coletas de sangue; uma coleta basal (M0), uma com 10 dias (M10), uma aos 21 dias (M21) e outra ao final do tratamento (M28). Dessas amostras foram realizados eritrograma, leucograma, plaquetograma e proteinograma (dosagem de proteínas totais, pré-albumina, albumina, α-1 globulina, α-2 globulina, ß-globulina, ɣ-globulina e proteína C-reativa) no Laboratório de Patologia Clínica do Hospital Veterinário da UFCG. Os resultados que apresentaram distribuição normal foram submetidos ao teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Ao comparar os tratamentos GD e GDP, observou-se que os dois promoveram resposta discreta e semelhante dos parâmetros hematológicos nos diferentes momentos. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que ambos os protocolos terapêuticos resultaram em melhora clínica e dos parâmetros hematológicos e do proteinograma. Porém, o uso da prednisolona na dose empregada durante os primeiros cinco dias de tratamento não demonstrou efeitos mais benéficos do que a administração isolada da doxiciclina.

Concentrations of organohalogens (PCBs, DDTs, PBDEs) in hunted and stranded Northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Alaska from 1992 to 2010: Links to pathology and feeding ecology.

Many organohalogen compounds (OHCs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in appreciable concentrations in marine predators. While production of some POPs has declined or ceased in recent decades, their capacity for global transport and bioaccumulation results in observations of unchanging or increasing concentrations in marine systems. Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) have been advocated as an environmental sentinel for contaminants due to their longevity, site fidelity and prey species that often overlap with human consumption. Using archived (1992-2010) samples of livers from Northern sea otters (n = 50) from Alaska we examine concentrations of chlordanes (CHLs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and associated metabolites. We found some evidence for declining ΣPCBs over the two decades, however for most animals concentrations were low compared to toxicological thresholds. Six animals had relatively high concentrations of ΣPCBs (mean = 262,000 ng/g lipid weight), ΣDDTs (mean = 8,800 ng/g lw), and ΣPBDEs (mean = 4,600 ng/g lw), with four of these six animals experiencing hepatic parasitism or hepatitis. In order to assess whether differences in POP concentrations are associated with feeding ecology, we examined stable isotopes of C and N in archived muscle and whisker samples. In general, there were no significant relationships between ΣPOP concentrations and stable isotope ratios. There were small differences in stable isotope profiles in animals with high POP concentrations, although it was unclear if these differences were due to feeding ecology or disease processes. This study highlights the importance of considering feeding ecology and necropsy (health and disease status) data while conducting contaminant surveys, and confirms some previous reports of trends in OHCs in Alaska marine mammals.

Physical exercise alters hepatic morphology of low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout ovariectomized mice.

To explore the effects of physical exercise on the liver of animals in menopause, we analyzed the histomorphometric parameters of the hepatic tissue in ovariectomized and dyslipidemic female mice. The animals were distributed in six groups (n = 5): sedentary control (SC), sedentary ovariectomized control (SOC), trained ovariectomized control (TOC), sedentary LDL knockout (LDL-S), sedentary ovariectomized LDL knockout (LDL-SO), and trained ovariectomized LDL knockout (LDL-TO). At the end of the experiment, the liver and the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of animals were removed for morphometric and stereological studies. In the LDL-S and LDL-SO animals, both sedentary, results showed reduction in the area (µm2) and major and minor diameters (µm) of hepatocytes and reduction in the portions of large hepatocytes, and increase in the percentage of Kupffer cells. The trained group showed a tendency of increase in the area and diameter and in the percentage of hepatocytes, as well significant reduction in the percentage of Kupffer cells and interstitial tissue. We suggested that training can prevent cell and tissue damage caused by the process of increase in hepatic fat, lipoperoxidation, and tissue inflammation in animals with privation of estrogen and dyslipidemia, apparently reflecting a better metabolic response of the hepatic tissue in organisms undergoing training.

Vivências de adultos com infarto agudo do miocárdio / Experiences of adults with acute myocardial infarction

Resumo: A maneira como as pessoas vivenciam um episódio de Infarto Agudo do Miocárdio (IAM) interfere diretamente na busca pelo cuidado à saúde e a sua compreensão é importante para a capacitação dos profissionais de saúde no atendimento a esses pacientes, com vistas a proporcionar um melhor prognóstico. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi: descrever a vivência das pessoas após o infarto agudo do miocárdio. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de natureza qualitativa descritiva. Participaram da pesquisa 12 adultos de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária entre 36 a 65 anos acometidos por infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), moradores no município de Cascavel-Paraná que tiveram o seu primeiro atendimento em uma Unidade de Pronto Atendimento e foram transferidos para o hospital de referência em cardiologia. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de fevereiro a maio de 2018, sendo incluídas todas as pessoas que atenderam aos seguintes critérios: possuir diagnóstico de IAM registrado em prontuário e autodeclarado pelo participante ou familiar, ser morador do município e ter sido atendido na Unidade de Pronto Atendimento. O recrutamento ocorreu em dois momentos: o primeiro, nas Unidades de Pronto Atendimento com o acesso aos formulários e documentos de internação, e o segundo, no domicílio, após a realização de contato telefônico e agendamento da visita domiciliar para apresentação da proposta da pesquisa. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Seres Humanos, do Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, da Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, sob o Parecer nº 3.127.897. Utilizou-se como instrumento para a coleta de dados o diário de campo, roteiro de caracterização dos participantes e formulário semiestruturado de entrevista. As entrevistas foram audiogravadas e transcritas na íntegra. Para a análise de conteúdos dos relatos utilizou-se as etapas propostas por Creswell (2014) que consistiu em: 1) pré-análise; 2) exploração do material ou codificação; e 3) tratamento dos resultados e interpretação, e estes foram codificados com o auxílio do software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires©. Os participantes eram adultos jovens, com faixa etária entre 36 a 65 anos, casados, com predominância do sexo masculino e escolaridade do ensino fundamental ao superior incompleto. Da análise lexical dos dados emergiram seis classes que foram nominadas como: (Des)cuidado e (Des)conhecimento; Estilo de vida e o adoecimento; Heranças e crenças no adoecimento; Idas e vindas, na busca para o cuidado à saúde; Antecedentes e consequentes; e (In)certeza para o futuro. Evidenciou-se a dificuldade dos participantes em conseguirem receber o atendimento nos serviços de saúde, bem como o apoio dos familiares no momento da busca pelo cuidado e na continuidade do tratamento. Percebeu-se a que as crenças em relação ao adoecimento e ao tratamento das doenças crônicas persistem nas narrativas dos participantes, como a utilização chás para o controle da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e diabetes mellitus (DM). A vivência do IAM levou os participantes a considerarem a possibilidade de mudanças nos hábitos de vida e adesão ao tratamento, além da incerteza no futuro e a constatação da sua finitude.

Abstract: The way people experience an episode of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) episode interferes directly in their search for health care; its understanding is important in behalf of training health professionals on how to care of these patients and in order to provide a better prognosis. This study aimed to describe the consciousness of people in relation to acute myocardial infarction. It is a descriptive qualitative research. Twelve adults participated from the study; from bot sex, in the age range of 36 to 65 years old, who have suffered from acute myocardial infarction, live in Cascavel-Paraná and have been taken care at a Unidade de Pronto Atendimento and been transfered to a reference hospital in cardiology. The data collection occurred from February 2018 to May 2018, being included in it all of the people who fit in the following criteria: own an AMI diagnoses registered in medical records and self-declared by the patient or a relative, live in Cascavel and have been attended at a Unidade de Pronto Atendimento. The recruiting took place in two different times: first, at the Unidades de Pronto Atendimento along with the access of hospitalization forms and documents; second, at the patient's home, after a phone call scheduling the visit to present the research's proposal. This project has been approved by the Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa em Seres Humanos, of Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, of Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, by the Parecer nº 3.127.897. To collect the data it was used a field journal, a description script over the attendees' and a semi-structured interview questionnaire. These interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed in its entirety. For the analysis of the reports contents, it was used the steps proposed by Creswell (2014) which constitutes itself in: 1) pre-analysis; 2) material reconnaissance or coding; and 3) processing and interpretation of the results, later they were codified with the support from the software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires©. The attendees were in the age range of 36 to 65 years old, married, most of them were man and from elementary school to incomplete degree. From the data lexical analysis arose six classes named as: Care(less) and (un)awareness; Lifestyle and illness; Inheritance and illness beliefs; Comings and goings, in the search for health care; Precedent and subsequent; (un)certainty about the future. It was noticed certain difficulty among attendees to receive the treatment in health care departments, as well as family support at the time when they search for caring and continuing the treatment. Moreover, beliefs regarding the illness and chronic diseases treatments have been found in the attendees' narratives, for instance, the usage of teas to control the systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM). The attendees' understanding of AMI, has taken them to consider the possibility of life habits' changes and to join the treatment, despite the uncertainty of a future and the awareness of its finitude.

Retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the reduction in quality of life (QoL) caused by the persistence of primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) symptoms and the level of satisfaction in PPH patients after retroperitoneoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (RLS). The efficacy, safety, and procedure of bilateral RLS in both sexes are also described in this study. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study of consecutive patients who sought specific treatment from a private practitioner for severe PPH as classified on the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) from October 2005 to October 2014. The patients were asked to report the symptoms of PPH experienced in the immediate preoperative period and to complete a standardized QoL questionnaire developed by de Campos at least 12 months after RLS. Disease outcomes, recurrence of symptoms, and any adverse effects of surgery were evaluated after 30 days and at least 12 months after RLS. RESULTS: Lumbar sympathectomy was performed 116 times in 58 patients; 30 days after surgery, PPH was resolved in all patients. Three patients (5.2%) reported transient thigh neuralgia, and 19 (32.7%) reported transient paresthesia in the lower limbs. There were no reports of retrograde ejaculation. At a minimum of 12 months after RLS, 49 of the 58 patients had fully and correctly answered the follow-up questionnaire and noted a mild (HDSS 2) to moderate (HDSS 3) increase in pre-existing compensatory sweating. One patient had a PPH relapse within 6 months. Improvement in QoL due to the resolution of PPH was reported in 98% of the 49 patients. None of the operations necessitated a change in the laparotomy approach, and none of the patients died. CONCLUSIONS: RLS is safe and effective for the treatment of severe PPH in both sexes. There were no reports of retrograde ejaculation after resection of L3 and L4 ganglia. There was a mild to moderate increase in compensatory sweating in about half of the patients, but without any regret or dissatisfaction for having undergone the surgery because of a significant improvement in QoL.

Evaluation of pharmacotherapy complexity in residents of long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional descriptive study.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is a reality in long-term care facilities. However, number of medications used by the patient should not be the only predictor of a complex pharmacotherapy. Although the level of complexity of pharmacotherapy is considered an important factor that may lead to side effects, there are few studies in this field. The aim of this study was to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy in residents of three long-term care facilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the complexity of pharmacotherapy using the protocols laid out in the Medication Regimen Complexity Index instrument in three long-term care facilities in northeastern Brazil. As a secondary result, potential drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, medication duplication, and polypharmacy were evaluated. After the assessment, the association among these variables and the Medication Regimen Complexity Index was performed. RESULTS: In this study, there was a higher prevalence of women (64.4%) with a high mean age among the study population of 81.8 (±9.7) years. The complexity of pharmacotherapy obtained a mean of 15.1 points (±9.8), with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 59. The highest levels of complexity were associated with dose frequency, with a mean of 5.5 (±3.6), followed by additional instructions of use averaging 4.9 (±3.7) and by the dosage forms averaging 4.6 (±3.0). CONCLUSIONS: The present study evaluated some factors that complicate the pharmacotherapy of geriatric patients. Although polypharmacy was implicated as a factor directly related to complexity, other indicators such as drug interactions, potentially inappropriate medications, and therapeutic duplication can also make the use of pharmacotherapy in such patients more difficult.

Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Baccharis trimera on the proliferation of hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy in rats.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera leaves on the proliferative capacity of the liver after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. METHODS:: Twenty Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 450g were divided into two groups: control (HP) and test (HP100-rats that received the aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera for four days at a dose of 100 mg / kg / day). On the fifth day, animals from both groups underwent resection of 70% of the liver. Twenty-four hours later, they were sacrificed and the remnant liver was removed and prepared for studied through PCNA immunohistochemistry. Data analysis for comparison between the two groups was made through the non-parametric statistical test Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS:: In all the animals studied was found most abundant nuclear immunostaining positive hepatocytes interlobular located in regions of the liver. Quantitative analysis of PCNA-positive cells revealed positivity rate significantly higher mean (p = 0.02) in HP100 group (77.1 ± 13.6) compared to the HP group (45.8 ± 12.9). CONCLUSION:: DAdministration of aqueous extract of the leaves of Baccharis trimera 100 mg/kg of animal has a significant positive effect on liver regeneration in rats, 24 hours after hepatectomy (70%).

Effect of aqueous extract of the leaves of Baccharis trimera on the proliferation of hepatocytes after partial hepatectomy in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera leaves on the proliferative capacity of the liver after partial hepatectomy (PH) in rats. Methods: Twenty Wistar rats weighing between 300 and 450g were divided into two groups: control (HP) and test (HP100-rats that received the aqueous extract of Baccharis trimera for four days at a dose of 100 mg / kg / day). On the fifth day, animals from both groups underwent resection of 70% of the liver. Twenty-four hours later, they were sacrificed and the remnant liver was removed and prepared for studied through PCNA immunohistochemistry. Data analysis for comparison between the two groups was made through the non-parametric statistical test Mann-Whitney test. Results: In all the animals studied was found most abundant nuclear immunostaining positive hepatocytes interlobular located in regions of the liver. Quantitative analysis of PCNA-positive cells revealed positivity rate significantly higher mean (p = 0.02) in HP100 group (77.1 ± 13.6) compared to the HP group (45.8 ± 12.9). Conclusion: DAdministration of aqueous extract of the leaves of Baccharis trimera 100 mg/kg of animal has a significant positive effect on liver regeneration in rats, 24 hours after hepatectomy (70%).