RESUMO

Bioinformatics tools are essential for performing analyses in the omics sciences. Given the numerous experimental opportunities arising from advances in the field of omics and easier access to high-throughput sequencing platforms, these tools play a fundamental role in research projects. Despite the considerable progress made possible by the development of bioinformatics tools, some tools are tailored to specific analytical goals, leading to challenges for non-bioinformaticians who need to integrate the results of these specific tools into a customized pipeline. To solve this problem, we have developed the BioPipeline Creator, a user-friendly Java-based GUI that allows different software tools to be integrated into the repertoire while ensuring easy user interaction via an accessible graphical interface. Consisting of client and server software components, BioPipeline Creator provides an intuitive graphical interface that simplifies the use of various bioinformatics tools for users without advanced computer skills. It can run on less sophisticated devices or workstations, allowing users to keep their operating system without having to switch to another compatible system. The server is responsible for the processing tasks and can perform the analysis in the user's local or remote network structure. Compatible with the most important operating systems, available at https://github.com/allanverasce/bpc.git .

Assuntos

RESUMO

Drug delivery selectivity is a challenge for cancer treatment. A hybrid pegylated pH-sensitive liposome-extracellular vesicle isolated from human breast cancer cell MDA-MB-231 was developed to investigate its in vitro activity against breast cancer cells of different molecular profiles to overcome this inconvenience. The hybrid nanosystem was produced by film hydration, and doxorubicin (DOX) was encapsulated in this system using the ammonium sulfate gradient method. The characterization of this hybrid nanosystem revealed a mean diameter of 140.20 ± 2.70 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.102 ± 0.033, an encapsulation efficiency of doxorubicin of 88.9% ± 2.4, and a great storage stability for 90 days at 4 °C. The fusion of extracellular vesicles with liposomes was confirmed by nanoflow cytometry using PE-conjugated human anti-CD63. This hybrid nanosystem demonstrated cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell lines with different molecular subtypes, enhanced anti-migration properties, and exhibited similar cellular uptake to the free DOX treatment. Preliminary acute toxicity assessments using Balb/C female mice indicated a median lethal dose of 15-17.5 mg/kg, with no evidence of splenic, liver, heart, bone marrow, and renal damage at a dose of 15 mg/kg. These findings suggest the hybrid formulation as a versatile nanocarrier for the treatment of various breast cancer subtypes.

RESUMO

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a neglected tropical disease. The treatment is restricted to drugs, such as meglumine antimoniate and amphotericin B, that exhibit toxic effects, high cost, long-term treatment, and limited efficacy. The development of new alternative therapies, including the identification of effective drugs for the topical and oral treatment of CL, is of great interest. In this sense, a combination of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with chloroaluminum phthalocyanine liposomes (Lip-ClAlPc) and the oral administration of a self-emulsifying drug delivery system containing fexinidazole (SEDDS-FEX) emerges as a new strategy. The aim of the present study was to prepare, characterize, and evaluate the efficacy of combined therapy with Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX in the experimental treatment of Leishmania (Leishmania) major. Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX were prepared, and the antileishmanial efficacy study was conducted with the following groups: 1. Lip-ClAlPc (0.05 mL); 2. SEDDS-FEX (50 mg/kg/day); 3. Lip-ClAlPc (0.05 mL)+SEDDS-FEX (50 mg/kg/day) combination; 4. FEX suspension (50 mg/kg/day); and 5. control (untreated). BALB/c mice received 10 sessions of topical Lip-ClAlPc on alternate days and 20 consecutive days of SEDDS-FEX or FEX oral suspension. Therapeutical efficacy was evaluated via the parasite burden (limiting-dilution assay), lesion size (mm), healing of the lesion, and histological analyses. Lip-ClAlPc and SEDDS-FEX presented physicochemical characteristics that are compatible with the administration routes used in the treatments. Lip-ClAlPc+SEDDS-FEX led to a significant reduction in the parasitic burden in the lesion and spleen when compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and the complete healing of the lesion in 43% of animals. The Lip-ClAlPc+SEDDS-FEX combination may be promising for the treatment of CL caused by L. major.

RESUMO

PRCIS: Optic nerve head (ONH) changes were detected with swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) after intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering glaucoma surgeries. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to detect changes in the ONH with SS-OCT after IOP-lowering procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with progressing glaucoma who were referred for IOP-lowering procedures were included. The participants underwent a 24-2 visual field test and SS-OCT (DRI OCT Triton Plus; Topcon). IOP and SS-OCT scans were obtained during the preoperative period and up to 7 days and 30-90 days postoperatively. ONH parameters were measured with a B -scan at the center of the optic disc and an average of 5 central B -scans. The hypotenuse of the ONH cup (HOC) was calculated using the Pythagorean theorem: hypotenuse 2 = leg1 2 + leg2 2 , considering the length and depth of the cup as the legs of a right triangle. We also evaluated changes in Bruch membrane opening (BMO)-to-BMO diameter. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: A total of 15 eyes were included. The mean patient age was 70 (SD, 11.04) years. The mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer was 60.13 (SD, 23.21) µm and the visual field mean deviation was -13.29 (SD, 8.5) dB. The mean IOP at each visit was: 20.5 (SD, 4.99); 11 (SD, 4.95), and 15.7 (SD, 5.04), respectively. The mean HOC, the mean depth and length of the ONH cup, and the BMO-to-BMO diameter decreased significantly after the IOP-lowering procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The HOC evaluated with SS-OCT significantly decreased after IOP-lowering surgeries. This parameter was useful for evaluating short-term changes in the ONH.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Objective: To analyze the medical students' perception about simulated consultations before and after training using the SPIKES protocol. Methods: Quasi-experimental study, with a qualitative approach. It counted with the participation of 20 students as Simulated Physicians (SF), and 20 students as Simulated Patients (SP), all belonging to a medical course. Data were obtained from the responses given to a reflective question, applied before and after training with the SPIKES. The treatment and the analysis of the data were guided by the stages of thematic analysis. Results: In the category "Simulated Medical Student's Self-Perception", the subcategories "Nervousness and Insecurity" were predominant after the first consultation, while "Tranquility and Security" after the second consultation after training. In the category "Simulated Medical Student's Perception about the Educational Process", the subcategory "Reflective Learning" emerged in the students' speeches, especially after the second consultation. In the speeches of SP, it was evidenced the improvement of the care provided by SF after training. Conclusion: The strategy used for the development of communication skills showed evidence of short-term effectiveness. Innovation: The research resulted in a teaching protocol for students in pre-clinical stages that involves four stages: simulation, self-assessment, feedback and new simulations.

RESUMO

Emetic tartar (ET), was used in the treatment of leishmaniasis but its use was discontinued due to its low therapeutic index. Liposomes have been shown to be a promising strategy for delivery of bioactive substances in the region of interest, in order to reduce and/or eliminate undesirable effects. In the present study, liposomes containing ET were prepared and characterized to evaluate acute toxicity as well as their leishmanicidal action using BALB/c mice with an inoculum of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. Liposomes were composed of egg phosphatidylcholine and 3ß-[N-(N',N'-dimethylaminoethane)-carbamoyl]cholesterol, with an average diameter of 200 nm, zeta potential of +18 mV, and ET encapsulated into liposomes at a concentration near 2 g/L. Healthy mice were treated with ET or liposome containing ET (Lip-ET) in a single dose of 16 mg/kg of Sb3+ intravenously and observed for 14 days. The death of two animals in the ET-treated group and no deaths in the Lip-ET-treated group was observed. Higher hepatic and cardiac toxicity were observed in animals treated with ET when compared to animals treated with Lip-ET, blank liposomes (Blank-Lip) and PBS. The study of antileishmanial efficacy was conducted by intraperitoneal administration of Lip-ET, for ten consecutive days. It was observed by limiting dilution that treatments with liposomal formulations containing ET, as well as Glucantime®, led to a significant reduction in parasitic load in spleen and liver (p < 0.05) when compared to the untreated control group.

RESUMO

A infecção humana causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), diagnosticada como pneumonia de causa desconhecida originalmente na cidade de Wuhan (China), foi considerada como pandemia pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Com a inexistência inicial de uma vacina para proteção dos sadios, foi adotada a estratégia de isolamento social e tratamento com medidas de suporte geral e/ou avançado. Neste contexto, coube investigar a contribuição da terapêutica homeopática no enfrentamento da doença, notadamente no alívio dos sintomas desconfortáveis por ela provocados em sua fase inicial, com acompanhamento e registro dos resultados obtidos pelos médicos homeopatas. MÉTODO: Este estudo coletou, durante o período de maio a setembro de 2020 (após aprovação pelo CEP), informações de pacientes diagnosticados com a doença, tratados por médicos homeopatas com medicamentos homeopáticos escolhidos de acordo com a sintomatologia apresentada pelo paciente. Foram avaliados os efeitos no estado de saúde do paciente, por meio de escores e escalas clínicas, bem como aspectos relacionados à segurança do medicamento, variação na duração da doença e medicamentos mais associados a eventuais sucessos terapêuticos. Questionário padronizado e específico para a COVID-19 foi elaborado e e aplicado para preenchimento dos médicos colaboradores do estudo durante o acompanhamento dos pacientes. Os dados foram armazenados em planilhas eletrônicas e analisados com técnicas estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais. Os pacientes selecionados eram colaboradores do Hospital Santo Antônio - Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID) e foram submetidos a uma avaliação preliminar presencial no ambulatório de Otorrinolaringologia deste hospital. As consultas homeopáticas foram realizadas por plataforma de Telemedicina para seguimento e acompanhamento do caso. Foram avaliados 116 colaboradores, com faixa etária que variou entre 21 e 66 anos, sendo a média de idade 38 anos; destes, 84 (72%) eram do gênero feminino e 32 (16%) gênero masculino; 53 pacientes (70% dos colaboradores atendidos) eram profissionais da saúde (médicos, enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem); 63 (30%) eram colaboradores de áreas administrativas ou técnicas; 50 pacientes tinham critérios para inclusão no grupo de risco (43%). Quanto ao resultado do RT-PCR: 58 pacientes (50%) tiveram RT-PCR detectado (confirmados); 58 pacientes (50%) tiveram RT-PCR não-detectado - destes, 18 pacientes (31%) apresentaram anosmia em sua evolução. Dos 116 pacientes do critério de inclusão, 77 estavam incluídos na síndrome clássica da COVID19. Destes 77 colaboradores, 3 não usaram o medicamento homeopático (N=74). Os medicamentos homeopáticos mais indicados foram: Arsenicum album (42%); Bryonia (24%), Phosphorus (15%); Gelsemium (15%); Pulsatilla (2%); outros (4%). O Score médio de sintomas antes do tratamento foi 12,27 e após o tratamento foi 0,52 (p < xxxxx). Dos 57 pacientes que tiveram anosmia, houve recuperação total em 43 (75%) dos casos no momento da reavaliação. O tempo médio decorrido entre o uso da medicação homeopática e a recuperação dos sintomas foi de 9 dias. Apenas 3 pacientes (3,9%) necessitaram de internamento hospitalar sem necessidade de intubação, sendo 2 deles pertencentes ao grupo de risco. apesar destes resultados serem parciais (pois ainda existem sujeitos da pesquisa ainda em fase de avaliação), os resultados sugerem que o tratamento homeopático promoveu o restabelecimento do quadro infeccioso sem necessidade de internamento em 97% dos pacientes. A anosmia teve recuperação completa em 75% dos pacientes. Arsenicum album, Bryonia e Phosphorus foram os medicamentos predominantemente eleitos para o tratamento, o que corrobora com outros estudos homeopáticos.

The human infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19), originally diagnosed as pneumonia of unknown cause in the city of Wuhan (China), was considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization. With the initial lack of a vaccine to protect healthy people, the strategy relating to social isolation and treatment with general and/or advanced support measures was adopted. In this context, it was necessary to investigate the contribution of homeopathic therapy in coping with the disease, particularly in terms of relieving the uncomfortable symptoms caused by it in its initial phase, with monitoring and recording of the results obtained by homeopathic physicians. METHOD: This study collected information from patients diagnosed with the disease, treated by homeopathic physicians with homeopathic medications chosen according to the symptoms manifested by the patient, from May to September 2020 (after approval by the REC). The effects on the health conditions of patients were assessed using clinical scores and scales, as well as aspects related to the safety of the medication, variations in the duration of the disease and the medications most associated with any therapeutic successes. A standardized questionnaire specific to COVID-19 was drawn up and filled in by the physicians who collaborated in the study during patient monitoring. The data was stored in electronic spreadsheets and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The selected patients were employees of Hospital Santo Antônio - Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce (OSID) and underwent a preliminary in-person assessment at the otolaryngology outpatient clinic of this hospital. The homeopathic consultations were carried out via a telemedicine platform to follow-up and monitor the case. A total of 116 employees were assessed, ranging in age from 21 to 66, with the average age being 38; of these, 84 (72%) were females and 32 (16%) males; 53 patients (70% of the employees cared for) were health care professionals (physicians, nurses and nursing technicians); 63 (30%) were employees from administrative or technical areas; 50 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the risk group (43%). As for the RT-PCR result: 58 patients (50%) had RT-PCR detected (confirmed); 58 patients (50%) had RT-PCR not detected - of these, 18 patients (31%) had anosmia during their evolution. Of the 116 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 77 were included in the classic COVID-19 syndrome. Of these 77 collaborators, 3 did not use homeopathic medication (N=74). The most indicated homeopathic medications were: Arsenicum album (42%); Bryonia (24%), Phosphorus (15%); Gelsemium (15%); Pulsatilla (2%); others (4%). The average symptom score before treatment was 12.27 and after treatment was 0.52 (p < xxxxx). Of the 57 patients who had anosmia, there was full recovery in 43 (75%) of the cases at the time of reassessment. The average time elapsed between the use of homeopathic medication and the recovery of symptoms was 9 days. Only 3 patients (3.9%) required hospitalization without the need for intubation, 2 of whom belonged to the risk group. Although these results are partial (as there are still research subjects in the evaluation phase), the results suggest that homeopathic treatment promoted the re-establishment of the infectious condition without the need for hospitalization in 97% of the patients. Anosmia recovered completely in 75% of the patients. Arsenicum album, Bryonia and Phosphorus were the drugs predominantly chosen for treatment, which corroborates other homeopathic studies.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Exosome-liposome hybrid nanocarriers containing chemotherapeutic agents have been developed to enhance drug delivery, improve the efficacy of the treatment of metastatic cancer, and overcome chemoresistance in cancer therapy. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the toxicological profiles of exosomes fused with long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing doxorubicin (ExoSpHL-DOX) in healthy mice and the antitumor activity of ExoSpHL-DOX in Balb/c female mice bearing 4T1 breast tumors. The acute toxicity was determined by evaluating the mortality and morbidity of the animals and conducting hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses after a single intravenous administration of ExoSpHL-DOX. The results of the study indicated that the ExoSpHL-DOX treatment is less toxic than the free doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. ExoSpHL-DOX showed no signs of nephrotoxicity, even at the highest dose of DOX, indicating that the hybrid nanosystem may alter the distribution of DOX and reduce the kidney damage. Regarding the antitumor activity, ExoSpHL-DOX showed an antitumor effect compared to the control group. Furthermore, the hybrid nanocarrier of tumor-derived exosomes fused with long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes reduced the number of metastatic foci in the lungs. These results indicate that ExoSpHL-DOX may be a promising nanocarrier for the treatment of breast cancer, reducing toxicity and inhibiting metastasis, mainly in the lungs.

RESUMO

The reduction in the cost of DNA sequencing and the total time to perform this process has resulted in a significant increase in the deposit of biological information in public databases such as the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). The production of large volumes of data per run has culminated in the need to develop algorithms capable of handling data with this new feature and assisting in analyses such as the assembly and annotation of prokaryotic genomes. Over the years, several pipelines and computational tools have been developed to automate this task and consequently reduce the total time to know the genetic content of a given organism, especially non-model organisms, collaborating with the identification of possible targets with biotechnological applicability. In the case of automatic annotation tools, the accuracy of the results is widely observed in the literature, however, this does not excludes the manual curation process, where the information inferred in the automatic process is verified and enriched by the curators. This task requires a time which is directly proportional to the number of gene products of the target organism under study. To assist in this process, we present the ReNoteWeb web tool, endowed with a simple and intuitive interface, to perform the assembly enhancement process, with the possibility of identifying the missing products in the original genomic sequence. In addition, ReNoteWeb is capable of performing the annotation process for all products, based on information obtained from highly accurate external databases. The engine responsible for performing the data processing was developed in JAVA and the web platform uses the resources of the Yii framework. The annotation produced by this platform aims to reduce the overall time in the manual curation process. Twenty-three organisms were used to validate the tool. The efficiency was verified by comparing the annotation of these same organisms available in the NCBI database and the annotation performed on the RAST platform. The tool is available at: http://biod.ufpa.br/renoteweb/.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is among the main oleaginous crops used in Brazil. During January, 2017, at CCA/UFPB laboratory and greenhouses (Areia/Brazil, 6°58'12″ S; 35°42'15″ W), we observed various sunflower seeds (cultivar Olisun 3, 2017-2018 crop) highly infested with Fusarium. Those seeds were from crops in the municipality of Alagoinha -PB/Brazil (06º57'00'' S; 35º32'42'' W), supplied by Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária/EMBRAPA. The emerged seedlings from these seeds were also contaminated, with 5% to 26% of them exhibiting stunting and malformation. Fusarium strains were isolated from symptomatic plants, and a single spore was used to grow pure colonies on potato-dextrose-agar (PDA) and synthetic-nutrient-poor-agar (SNA) media. Mycelia of PDA colonies were floccous and dense varying from yellow to orange. Fungal colonies developed aerial mycelium, producing orange pigments. On SNA, hyaline macroconidia, measuring 2.9-4.1 x 32.4-65.0 µm, slightly falcate with three to six septa. Oval microconidia, measuring 2.4-3.6 x 5.1-9.0 µm, were abundant in false heads forming on monophyalides. Chlamydospores were absent. Sterile hyphae were rarely formed. Colectively, the morphological features corresponded to species that belong to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (Leslie & Summerell, 2006). To assure the species identity, we sequenced the elongation factor 1α region of two representative isolates (i.e., F2 and F3, GenBank access numbers: MZ666934 and MZ666935, respectively) and compared them to the other Fusarium species found at Fusarium-ID and GenBank databases. Subsequently, we performed a maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis including previously published sequences (Nicolli et al., 2020). Both isolates exhibited 100% similarity with Fusarium pseudocircinatum (MN386745), and clustered with its ex-type at 100% bootstrap values. The isolates were then grown on PDA amended with manitol to adjust the osmotic pressure to -1.0 Mpa, at 25 ± 2 ° C, for seven days (Sousa et al., 2008). A total of 100 disinfested sunflower seeds (cultivar Olisun 3, 2018-2019 crop) were distributed over the colonies and 48h later they were sown on sterile substrate maintained inside a greenhouse. About 30 days after inoculation, the emerged plants exhibited symptoms of stunting and malformation (60%) compared to controls, which were healthy. F. pseudocircinatum was reisolated from the symptomatic plants, completing Koch's postulates and identified based on above morphological and molecular biological methods. This test was performed twice. Fusarium pseudocircinatum is a broadly distributed and ecologicaly diverse species that infects several wild and cultivated plants. For instance, it was reported on seeds of the wild 'Peroba Rosa' (Aspidosperma polyneuron Muell. Arg.) in Brazil (Mazarotto et al. 2020). Infection of sunflowers may cause plant stand failures, thus resulting in yield and economic losses for Brazilian growers. The correct identification of any pathogen, especialy a generalist one such as F. pseudocircinatum, is crucial to develop eficient management strategies. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of F. pseudocircinatum causing stunting and malformation of sunflower plants in Brazil.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism (Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo, ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals. CONCLUSION: This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Objetivou-se buscar evidências de validade baseadas em critérios externos do Teste Informatizado e Dinâmico de Escrita - TIDE, em relação à ortografia e cognição. Participaram 304 alunos, entre 10 e 17 anos. Foram utilizados o TIDE, o instrumento Ditado Balanceado de Moojen e os subtestes: "Dígitos, Informação, Compreensão e Vocabulário" do WISC III. Em relação ao critério ortográfico, o módulo pré-teste esteve negativamente associado aos erros do Ditado, com exceção dos erros relacionados a irregularidades da língua. O módulo instrucional correlacionou-se de forma significativa negativa com os três tipos de erro do ditado. Em relação aos aspectos cognitivos, o módulo pré-teste não esteve associado. O módulo instrucional correlacionou-se com os quatro subtestes do WISC-III, demonstrando relação com aspectos cognitivos, memória, atenção, julgamento e o conhecimento lexical dos sujeitos. (AU)

The aim of this study was to investigate evidence of validity based on external criteria for the Computerized and Dynamic Writing Test - TIDE, in relation to spelling and cognition. Participants were 304 students, aged between 10 and 17 years. The TIDE, the Moojen Balanced Dictation instrument and the "Digits, Information, Understanding and Vocabulary" subtests of the WISC III were used. Regarding the orthographic criterion, the TIDE pre-test module was negatively associated with Dictation errors, with the exception of errors related to language irregularities. The instructional module presented significant negative correlations with the three types of dictation error. The pre-test module was not associated with the cognitive aspects. The instructional module correlated with the four WISC-III subtests, demonstrating a relation with cognitive aspects, memory, attention, judgment and the lexical knowledge of the subjects. (AU)

Se objetivó buscar evidencias de validez basadas en criterios externos del Test de Escritura Computarizada y Dinámica - TIDE, con relación a la ortografía y la cognición. Participaron 304 estudiantes, entre 10 y 17 años. Se utilizaron TIDE, el instrumento de Dictado Equilibrado de Moojen y las subpruebas "Dígitos, Información, Comprensión y Vocabulario" de WISC III. En cuanto a los criterios ortográficos, el módulo de prueba previa se asoció negativamente con los errores del Dictado, a excepción de los errores relacionados con las irregularidades del idioma. El módulo de instrucción se correlacionó significativamente de manera negativa con los tres tipos de errores del dictado. Con respecto a los aspectos cognitivos, el módulo de prueba previa no se ha asociado. El módulo de instrucción se correlacionó con las cuatro subpruebas de WISC-III, demostrando una relación con los aspectos cognitivos, la memoria, la atención, el juicio y el conocimiento léxico de los sujetos. (AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

PEGylated liposomes are largely studied as long-circulating drug delivery systems. Nevertheless, the addition of PEG can result in reduced interactions between liposomes and cells, hindering liposomal internalization into target cells. The presence of PEG on the surface of pH-sensitive liposomes is not advantageous in terms of biodistribution and tumor uptake, raising the question of whether the indiscriminate use of PEG benefits the formulation. In this study, two doxorubicin-loaded pH-sensitive liposomal formulations, PEGylated (Lip2000-DOX) or non-PEGylated (Lip-DOX), were prepared and characterized. Overall, the PEGylated and non-PEGylated liposomes showed no differences in size or morphology in Cryo-TEM image analysis. Specifically, DLS analysis showed a mean diameter of 140 nm, PDI lower than 0.2, and zeta potential close to neutrality. Both formulations showed an EP higher than 90%. With respect to drug delivery, Lip-DOX had better cellular uptake than Lip2000-DOX, suggesting that the presence of PEG reduced the amount of intracellular DOX accumulation. The antitumor activities of free-DOX and both liposomal formulations were evaluated in 4T1 breast tumor-bearing BALB/c mice. The results showed that Lip-DOX was more effective in controlling tumor growth than other groups, inhibiting tumor growth by 60.4%. Histological lung analysis confirmed that none of the animals in the Lip-DOX group had metastatic foci. These results support that pH-sensitive liposomes have interesting antitumor properties and may produce important outcomes without PEG.

RESUMO

Liposomes can increase plasma half-life, enhance targeting, and diminish the side-effects of loaded drugs. On the downside, physical and chemical instabilities of dispersions often result in a reduced lifespan, which limits their availability on the market. Solid formulations obtained by freeze-drying can immobilize vesicles and provide extended shelf life. For both processes, the choice of excipients and process parameters are crucial to protect the carrier layers against tension caused by freezing and/or dehydration. The aim of this work is to evaluate the influence of freezing and drying parameters, besides excipient choice, to obtain solid long-circulating and fusogenic liposomes (LCFL-PTX/DXR) co-encapsulating paclitaxel (PTX) and doxorubicin (DXR) at a synergistic ratio (1:10). METHODS: LCFL-PTX/DXR was evaluated by freeze-drying microscopy (glass transition, Tg'), differential scanning calorimetry (collapse temperature, Tc), freeze-thawing and freeze-drying processes. Freeze-dried samples were evaluated by thermogravimetry (residual moisture) and the resuspended liposomes were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), and drug content. Liposomes morphology was evaluated by cryomicroscopy. RESULTS: Trehalose protected PTX cargo upon freeze-thawing and more than 80% of the original DXR retention. The formulations with trehalose resulted in a cake with 5-7% of moisture content (200-240 nm); 44-60% of PTX retention, and 25-35% of DXR retention, with the variations caused by cryoprotector concentration and process changes. CONCLUSIONS: Trehalose protected liposome integrity, maintaining PTX retention and most of DXR upon freeze-thawing. Freeze-drying reduced the retention of both drugs inside all liposomes, whereas formulation with trehalose presented minor losses. Therefore, this frozen formulation is an alternative product option, with no need for manipulation before use.

RESUMO

OBJECTIVES: To circumvent cisplatin (CDDP) toxic effects and improve the antitumoural effect, our research group developed long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing CDDP (SpHL-CDDP). This study aimed to evaluate whether SpHL-CDDP is associated with intestinal protection under in-vitro conditions in the presence of host-microbiota, compared with free CDDP. METHODS: The cytotoxicity of CDDP and SpHL-CDDP were evaluated by colorimetric MTT and sulforhodamine B (SRB) assays. Epithelial proliferation was assessed by using an in-vitro wounding model in the presence of host-microbiota with intestinal epithelial cell line 6 (IEC-6) monolayers. Cytokines were determined by ELISA. KEY FINDINGS: Reduced cytotoxicity of SpHL-CDDP in IEC-6 cells (minimum of 1.3-fold according to the IC50 values) was observed when compared with CDDP. The presence of microbiota or CDDP reduced the wound healing. The association of microbiota and SpHL-CDDP improved the wound healing and cell number in IEC-6 cells when compared with control. These beneficial results can be associated with increased IL-6 and IL-10 levels induced by SpHL-CDDP which were affected by the presence of microbiota. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the presence of microbiota associated with SpHL-CDDP provided less intestinal cellular damages compared with CDDP and constitutes a promising candidate for clinical use.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumo: Introdução: A comunicação é uma competência essencial para o(a) médico(a) e outras categorias profissionais, e deve ser desenvolvida durante sua formação profissional. A elaboração de um projeto de comunicação, incluindo um consenso brasileiro, visou subsidiar as escolas médicas a preparar os estudantes de Medicina para se comunicarem efetivamente com os(as) cidadãos/cidadãs brasileiros(as), de características plurais intra e inter-regionais, pautando-se no profissionalismo e nos princípios do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Objetivo: Este manuscrito apresenta o consenso para o ensino de comunicação nas escolas médicas brasileiras. Método: O consenso foi construído colaborativamente com 276 participantes, experts em comunicação, docentes, profissionais de saúde e discentes, de 126 escolas médicas e cinco instituições de saúde, ao longo de nove encontros presenciais em congressos e de encontros virtuais quinzenais ou mensais. Nos encontros, compartilharam-se as experiências dos participantes e o material bibliográfico, incluindo os consensos internacionais, e apresentou-se o consenso em construção, com discussão em grupos para elencar novos componentes para o consenso brasileiro, seguida por debate com todos para pactuá-los. A versão final foi aprovada em reunião virtual, com convite a todos(as) os(as) participantes em julho de 2021. Após submissão, diversas alterações foram requeridas, o que demandou novos encontros para revisão da versão final do consenso. Resultado: O consenso tem como pressupostos que a comunicação deve ser centrada nas relações, pautada nos princípios do SUS, na participação social e no profissionalismo, e embasada nas Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do curso de graduação em Medicina, em referenciais teóricos e nas evidências científicas. São descritos objetivos específicos para desenvolver a competência em comunicação nos estudantes, abrangendo: fundamentos teóricos; busca e avaliação crítica da literatura; elaboração e redação de documentos; comunicação intrapessoal e interpessoal no ambiente acadêmico-científico, na atenção à saúde em diversos contextos clínicos e na gestão em saúde. Recomenda-se a inserção curricular da comunicação do início ao final do curso, integrada a outros conteúdos e áreas de saber. Conclusão: Espera-se que esse consenso contribua para a revisão ou implementação da comunicação nos currículos das escolas médicas brasileiras.

Abstract: Introduction: Communication is an essential competence for the physician and other professional categories, and must be developed their professional training. The creation of a communication project including a Brazilian consensus aimed to subsidize medical schools in preparing medical students to communicate effectively with Brazilian citizens, with plural intra and inter-regional characteristics, based on the professionalism and the Brazilian Unified System (SUS) principles. Objective: The objective of this manuscript is to present the consensus for the teaching of communication in Brazilian medical schools. Method: The consensus was built collaboratively with 276 participants, experts in communication, faculty, health professionals and students from 126 medical schools and five health institutions in face-to-face conference meetings and biweekly or monthly virtual meetings. In the meetings, the participants' experiences and bibliographic material were shared, including international consensuses, and the consensus under construction was presented, with group discussion to list new components for the Brazilian consensus, followed by debate with everyone, to agree on them. The final version was approved in a virtual meeting with invitation to all participants in July 2021. After the submission, several changes were required, which demanded new meetings to review the consensus final version. Result: The consensus is based on assumptions that communication should be relationship-centered, embedded on professionalism, grounded on the SUS principles and social participation, and based on the National Guidelines for the undergraduate medical course, theoretical references and scientific evidence. Specific objectives to develop communication competence in the students are described, covering: theoretical foundations; literature search and its critical evaluation; documents drafting and editing; intrapersonal and interpersonal communication in the academicscientific environment, in health care and in health management; and, communication in diverse clinical contexts. The inclusion of communication in the curriculum is recommended from the beginning to the end of the course, integrated with other contents and areas of knowledge. Conclusion: It is expected that this consensus contributes the review or implementation of communication in Brazilian medical schools' curricula.

RESUMO

Durante o tratamento homeopático a melhora costuma ser identificada a partir de uma sensação inespecífica de bem-estar, denominada Sensação Subjetiva de Bem-Estar Geral (SSBEG). Este estudo qualitativo buscou compreender como sujeitos tratados com homeopatia percebem a SSBEG a partir de uma compreensão hermenêutica associada à visão da Medicina Centrada na Pessoa. Foram entrevistados sujeitos que faziam acompanhamento no ambulatório de Homeopatia de uma faculdade particular em Salvador-Bahia e utilizada a análise de conteúdo para avaliação dos resultados. A SSBEG apresentou-se como um estado de equilíbrio dinâmico no qual sujeito é capaz de gerir a sua vida, lidar com seus sofrimentos, buscando novas formas de sentir-se bem. Implica um estado de satisfação, de harmonia, de equilíbrio interno, não apenas uma ausência de sofrimento, mas uma sensação de estar vivendo inteiramente.

To evalu ate response to homeopathic treatment, improvement can be referred to as an unspecific sense of well-being. This sensation is named in homeopathic literature as Subjective Sensation of General Well-Being (SSGWB). This study so ught to qualitatively analyze how subjects treated with homeopathy perceive SSGWB after at least 6 months of treatment, based on a hermeneutic approach along with a Person-Centered Medicine perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with subjectswho were being followed up at the homeopathic outpatient clinic of the medical center of a private college in Salvador-Bahia and used content analysis to evaluate results. The SSGWB presented itself as a state of dynamic equilibrium in which the subject can manage his life, deal with his sufferings, looking for new ways to feel good. It implies a state of satisfaction, harmony, internal balance, not just an absence of suffering but a feeling of being fully alive.

Durante el tratamiento homeopático, la mejora generalmente se identifica a partir de una sensación de bienestar no específica llamada sensación subjetiva de bienestar general (SSBEG). Este estudio buscó comprender cómo los sujetos tratados con homeopatía perciben SSBEG, basado en una comprensión hermenéutica asociada con la visión de la Medicina Centrada en la Persona. Se entrevistó a sujetos que fueron monitoreados en la clínica ambulatorial de homeopatía de una universidad privada en Salvador-Bahía y se utilizó el análisis de contenido para evaluar los resultados. El SSBEG se presentó como un estado de equilibrio dinámico, en el que el sujeto es capaz de gestionar su vida, afrontar sus sufrimientos, buscar nuevas formas de sentirse bien. Implica un estado de satisfacción, armonía, equilibrio interior, no solo una ausencia de sufrimiento, sino una sensación de estar viviendo con plenitud.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Objective: To present an updated and evidence-based guideline for the use of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) to assess body composition in clinical practice. Materials and methods: This Official Position was developed by the Scientific Committee of the Brazilian Association of Bone Assessment and Metabolism ( Associação Brasileira de Avaliação Óssea e Osteometabolismo , ABRASSO) and experts in the field who were invited to contribute to the preparation of this document. The authors searched current databases for relevant publications in the area of body composition assessment. In this second part of the Official Position, the authors discuss the interpretation and reporting of body composition parameters assessed by DXA and the use of DXA for body composition evaluation in special situations, including evaluation of children, persons with HIV, and animals. Conclusion: This document offers recommendations for the use of DXA in body composition evaluation, including indications, interpretation, and applications, to serve as a guiding tool in clinical practice and research for health care professionals in Brazil.

RESUMO

Objetivo: Averiguar o que diz a literatura quanto à satisfação das puérperas em relação à assistência recebida no trabalho de parto e parto nos serviços de saúde. Método: Estudo qualitativo do tipo revisão integrativa, nas Bases de Dados: MEDLINE/BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, e DOAJ, no período de 15 de janeiro a 20 de fevereiro de 2021. Foi realizada leitura analítica dos estudos identificando os pontos chave para hierarquização e síntese das ideias. Resultados: Foram selecionados 14 estudos. Os dados obtidos com a pesquisa apontam para a inexistência de unanimidade quanto à percepção e satisfação das mulheres em relação à assistência ao trabalho de parto e parto. Conclusão: Portanto, atenção, acolhimento, cuidado e vínculo são elementos fundamentais para uma melhor assistência e, consequentemente, para o alcance da satisfação destas mulheres em relação à assistência recebida(AU)

Objective: To investigate what the literature says about the satisfaction of postpartum women in relation to the assistance received in labor and delivery in health services. Method: Qualitative study of the integrative review type, in Databases: MEDLINE/BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, and DOAJ, from January 15th to February 20th of 2021. An analytical reading of the studies was carried out, identifying the key points for the hierarchy and synthesis of ideas. Results: 14 studies were selected. The data obtained from the survey point to the lack of unanimity regarding the perception and satisfaction of women in relation to care during labor and delivery. Conclusion: Therefore, attention, reception, care and bonding are fundamental elements for better care and, consequently, for achieving these women's satisfaction in relation to the care received.(AU)

Objetivo: Investigar lo que dice la literatura sobre la satisfacción de las mujeres posparto en relación a la asistencia recibida en el trabajo de parto y parto en los servicios de salud. Método: Estudio cualitativo del tipo revisión integrativa, en Bases de datos: MEDLINE / BVS, SciELO, BDENF, PubMed, y DOAJ, del 15 de enero al 20 de febrero de 2021. Análisis analítico Se realizó la lectura de los estudios, identificando los puntos clave para la jerarquía y síntesis de las ideas. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 14 estudios. Los datos obtenidos de la encuesta apuntan a la falta de unanimidad en cuanto a la percepción y satisfacción de las mujeres en relación al cuidado durante el trabajo de parto y parto. Conclusión: Por lo tanto, la atención, la recepción, el cuidado y la vinculación son elementos fundamentales para un mejor cuidado y, en consecuencia, para lograr la satisfacción de estas mujeres en relación con el cuidado recibido(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a serious confition that compromises the quality of life and survival of patients. Its main risk fator in adults is obesity and the gold standard test for diagnosis is polysomnography (PSG), mainly through the apneia-hypopnea index (AHI). Objective: to analyze the sleep pattern of obese patients with indication for bariatric surgery, determining the main polisomnographic parameters compromised by obesity. METHODS: This work is a cross-sectional study with analysis of polysomnography perfomed in patients with obesity in the peroperative period of bariatric surgery at a clinic in Vitória da Conquista/BA during 2017. The Epi Info 7 platform was used for analysis of the data. RESULTS: 58 polysomnographic reports were analyzed, with 56,9% morbdly obese and 43,1% non-morbid. The prevalence of OSAS was 70,68% and de AHI ranged from zero to 84,6 with a mean of 19,47±22,89 e/h. morbidly obese, compared to "non-morbid", had a longer saturation time below 80% and 90% (0,4±0,93 vs. 0,12±0,45 e 4,87±7,38 vs. 1,36±2,87 respectively; p-value=0,02 in both), worse index respiratory disorders ((29,24±25,36 vs. 16,88±16,21; p-value=0,02), higher AHI (24,71±25,68 vs. 12,56±16,67; p-value=0,02), higher hypopnea index values (16,41±17,10 vs. 6,99±8,52; p-value=0,006) and lower minimum saturation (78,24±9,80 vs. 85,24±6,33; p-value=0,004). CONCLUSIONS: the high prevalence of OSAS found confirms its indication in the preoperative period of bariatric surgery. The main respiratory event involved in most individuals with OSAS was the hypopnea index.

Assuntos