bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes em reação hansênica
Authors: Queiroz Tatiane Aparecida , Carvalho Francisca Patrícia Barreto de , Simpson Clélia Albino , Fernandes Amélia Carolina Lopes , Figueirêdo Débora Lúcia de Araújo , Knackfuss Maria Irany
Published: April 2016

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico de pacientes em tratamento para reações hansênicas. Método Estudo quantitativo, descritivo, transversal, realizado entre outubro de 2013 e abril de 2014, com 61 usuários, em um centro de referência de um estado nordestino. Os testes estatísticos utilizados consideraram um nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados Predominou o sexo masculino (57,38%), com baixa renda familiar (50,82%) e ensino fundamental incompleto (75,41%). No diagnóstico, 52,45% já apresentava algum grau de incapacidade física. Houve associações entre a forma clínica e o momento de manifestação das reações (p= 0,034). A análise de resíduos apontou que a forma neural pura associa-se às reações antes do tratamento e a dimorfa associa-se às reações durante o tratamento. Conclusão A divulgação do quadro clínico da forma neural pura e a detecção precoce dos casos contribuiriam fortemente para a promoção da saúde da população, possibilitando o cumprimento do objetivo de erradicar a Hanseníase.
Associação entre estado nutricional, aleitamento materno exclusivo e tempo de internação hospitalar de crianças
Authors: Breigeiron Márcia Koja , Miranda Maitê Nunes de , Souza Ana Olívia Winiemko de , Gerhardt Luíza Maria , Valente Melissa Tumelero , Witkowski Maria Carolina
Published: April 2016

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a associação entre estado nutricional, aleitamento materno exclusivo e tempo de internação hospitalar de crianças. Método Estudo transversal. Amostra por conveniência, com 146 crianças de 1-48 meses e seus responsáveis. Dados coletados em unidades pediátricas de um hospital do sul do Brasil, entre janeiro e agosto de 2012. Para análise, utilizaram-se os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson e de Spearman. Resultados As crianças foram classificadas em: eutróficas (71,9%), risco para sobrepeso (13,0%); obesidade (6,2%); magreza (4,1%); sobrepeso (2,7%) e magreza acentuada (2,1%). O aleitamento materno exclusivo demonstrou ser um fator de proteção contra a magreza acentuada (P=0,029); estar sendo amamentado (P=0,024) ou ter sido amamentado (P=0,000) foram identificados como fatores de proteção contra sobrepeso, risco para sobrepeso e obesidade. O tempo de internação hospitalar foi maior para sobrepeso/obesidade e menor para magreza acentuada/magreza (P=0,785). Conclusão Inadequado estado nutricional e desmame precoce não foram fatores de risco para o maior tempo de internação nesta amostra.
Brachiaria decumbens intraspecific hybrids: characterization and selection for seed production
Authors: Monteiro Lenise Castilho , Verzignassi Jaqueline Rosemeire , Barrios Sanzio Carvalho Lima , Valle Cacilda Borges , Fernandes Celso Dornelas , Benteo Gleiciane Lima , Libório Cláudia Barrios
Published: April 2016

Abstract: Brachiaria decumbens has great importance in the national beef cattle scenario due to its high forage yield potential and high adaptability to acid soils and low fertility. In order to obtain new cultivars, intraspecific hybrids, previously selected by the Brachiaria breeding program, were evaluated in 2013 and 2014 for phenological characteristics and seed production potential through their production components, aiming to obtain cultivars with satisfactory production agronomic characteristics and forage yield, resistant to 'cigarrinhas-das-pastagens'(Tomaspia sp.) and good seed production. Estimates of phenotypic correlation and analysis of variance were performed using the SAS 9.3 software. From the results obtained in both consecutive years, it was observed that there was a correlation between the reproductive tiller number (RT) and the pure seeds (PS) weight in the seedbeds of the second year of production around 70% (p < 0.01), which can be considered as a parameter to estimate the production of pure seeds before the start of flowering.
Educación Superior Comparada: Tendencias Mundiales y de América Latina y Caribe
Authors: Segrera Francisco López
Published: April 2016

Resumen El objetivo de analizar las principales tendencias mundiales y regionales de la educación superior - a partir de las propuestas de las Conferencias Mundiales de educación superior de UNESCO de 1998 y de 2009 y de su consideración como un bien público - es contribuir a promover las transformaciones necesarias de sus tendencias principales. Tales como: la expansión cuantitativa; una privatización creciente; la diversificación institucional; su internacionalización y el crecimiento de las restricciones en el financiamiento público.
Currículo universitário: do México ao Brasil neoliberais
Authors: Champangnatte Dostoiewski Mariatt de Oliveira
Published: April 2016

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi discutir e comparar percepções e ações curriculares de professores universitários mexicanos e brasileiros. Contextualizando as realidades socioeconômicas dos dois países e, principalmente, as políticas governamentais voltadas ao ensino superior, observa-se, nas várias falas dos professores, uma abordagem simplista de currículo, significando-o apenas como preocupações de conteúdos administrados em disciplinas e planos de ensino. Aspectos da realidade social, política e econômica são desatrelados do pensamento e prática curriculares, onde o maior objetivo se tornou a adequação ao mercado de trabalho. Nota-se, direta e indiretamente, influências do pensamento e práticas neoliberais no posicionamento desses professores tanto quanto ao currículo como com a própria funcionalidade do ensino superior, refletindo e reproduzindo, em seus discursos e práticas, as políticas governamentais neoliberais vigentes.
Percepções de coordenadores de curso superior sobre evasão, reprovações e estratégias preventivas
Authors: Diogo Maria Fernanda , Raymundo Luana dos Santos , Wilhelm Fernanda Ax , Andrade Sílvia Patricia Cavalheiro de , Lorenzo Flora Moura , Rost Flávia Trento , Bardagi Marúcia Patta
Published: April 2016

Resumo Buscou-se investigar as concepções de coordenadores de cursos de uma universidade pública brasileira acerca dos determinantes da evasão e reprovação e as estratégias de intervenção desenhadas para intervir nesses fenômenos. Foram entrevistados individualmente coordenadores de 10 cursos de graduação com elevados índices de reprovação e evasão. Percebeu-se que a evasão e a reprovação são aspectos claramente diagnosticados no cotidiano dos entrevistados, contudo os relatos apresentaram discrepâncias na eleição de determinantes e nas estratégias adotadas ou planejadas para o enfrentamento da questão. De modo geral, os determinantes da evasão e reprovação citados foram, prioritariamente, externos ao curso. Ainda, a maioria dos cursos não realizava avaliações institucionais, assim a coordenação não possuía um diagnóstico contextual do problema. Percebeu-se nas entrevistas iniciativas isoladas e bem intencionadas que buscavam minimizar problemas, mas que podem ter efetividade reduzida uma vez que estavam desarticuladas dos planos estratégicos da universidade.
Avaliando o portfólio do estudante: uma contribuição para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Camargo das Neves Andressa Soares de , Guerreiro José Manoel Amadio , Azevedo Gisele Regina de
Published: April 2016

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é analisar e adaptar um Questionário de Avaliação de Portfólio do Estudante na Área de Atenção Primária à Saúde, para uso de estudantes e professores de uma instituição de ensino superior (IES) e detectar a percepção do estudante de graduação sobre a definição de portfólio, suas vantagens e desvantagens para ser usado no ensino superior. O Questionário de Avaliação de Portfólio do Estudante na Área de Atenção Básica à Saúde, foi submetido à avaliação de juízes do programa do Instituto FAIMER-Brasil e professores de uma IES por meio da aplicação de um instrumento que continha na Escala de Likert de 4 e 6 pontos e seu conteúdo foi revisado e adaptado para a realidade da IES estudada. Na descoberta da percepção dos estudantes do 2º ano dos Cursos de Medicina e de Enfermagem sobre o tema portfólio utilizou-se a técnica de entrevista grupal estruturada, gravada por áudio. O escore da Escala de Likert abrangeu um conceito “BOM” e “MUITO BOM” com um nível de confiabilidade de 0,8 a 0,9 (Alpha de Cronbach) entre os juízes e professores. Entre os principais achados nos relatos apresentados por estudantes e professores destacou-se a necessidade da realização de capacitação teórica sobre o tema “portfólio” e a possibilidade de padronização de um Questionário de Avaliação de Portfólio do Estudante na Área de Atenção Primária à Saúde.
Avaliação do ensino: modelo de análise da série histórica de resultados
Authors: Lemos Filho Arnaldo , Bariani Isabel Cristina Dib , França Carlos Marshal , Trevisan Claudia Lucia , Granja Ivan , Rodrigues Kátia Regina Martini , Pádua Elisabete Matallo Marchesini de
Published: April 2016

Resumo A Pró-Reitoria de Graduação da PUC-Campinas, desde 2007, implantou um sistema de Avaliação do Ensino semestral realizado por estudantes e bianual, pelos professores, cujo escopo abrange as atividades dos docentes, da gestão e das condições de ensino. O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar um novo método de análise da série histórica dos resultados derivados das respostas dos estudantes. Para essa análise trabalhou-se com cinco categorias - plano de ensino da disciplina, desenvolvimento da disciplina, avaliação da aprendizagem, formação do aluno, postura do professor - e delas foram extraídos 19 aspectos incorporados nas questões. Mesmo que ao longo do tempo o questionário tenha passado por reformulações na sua redação, a essência dos elementos avaliativos, apresentados nessa análise, foi preservada. A qualidade obtida das respostas dadas para as questões fechadas configurou-se como um indicador definido para o modelo. Outro indicador diz respeito ao grau de participação dos alunos. Os dois indicadores podem ser observados juntos, em perspectiva bidimensional; é possível visualizar os dados obtidos em todos os semestres, o que mostra a tendência e a evolução de cada um dos aspectos em toda a série histórica. Os gráficos resultantes da aplicação deste modelo estabelecem um referencial visual que permite o rápido reconhecimento tanto das situações de excelência como de cenários de atenção, traduzindo-se em um mecanismo de rápida consulta e identificação por parte dos gestores e professores. A análise dos dados da série histórica tornou-se um importante instrumento para a melhoria da qualidade de ensino na Instituição.
O impacto das avaliações disciplinares no ensino superior
Authors: Santos Marisa Aparecida Pereira , Souza Benedito Felipe de , Basso Ilda , Luchesi Daniela , Zambelo Elisabete Aparecida , Bosqui Rafael Henrique
Published: April 2016

Resumo O artigo traduz a pesquisa relacionada ao estudo da aplicabilidade do Exame Nacional de Avaliação do Desempenho do Estudante - ENADE - no Curso de Administração da Universidade Sagrado Coração. A análise abrangeu fundamentação teórica sobre os conceitos de vários autores para a consecução dos objetivos propostos. A metodologia foi sustentada em três vertentes, sendo elas: a) quanto ao objetivo da pesquisa: pesquisa exploratória; b) quanto aos procedimentos da pesquisa: estudo de caso e pesquisa quantitativa; e c) quanto às fontes de informação: pesquisa de campo e pesquisa bibliográfica. O instrumento norteador foi um questionário fechado com doze questões, abordando assuntos concernentes a conhecimentos, procedimentos e demais parâmetros relacionados às provas do ENADE.
Desenvolvimento de instrumentos virtuais para obtenção e caracterização de propriedades físicas
Authors: Rosa Patrícia F.O. , Silva Filipe S. , Benyosef Luiz , Papa Andrés R.R.
Published: April 2016

Cada vez mais, o uso de computadores (especialmente utilizando programas de acesso livre) é aproveitado no ensino de ciências em geral e, em particular, de física. Por outro lado, a instrumentação científica continua sendo cara e de difícil manutenção. Finalmente, é desejável que os estudantes consigam ir além da simples reprodução de resultados conhecidos e que, com as ferramentas ao seu alcance, consigam resolver problemas novos ou desenhar equipamentos que possam representar avanços originais. Por esta razão, sistemas versáteis de simulação (a custos relativamente baixos) são muito bem recebidos pela comunidade científica e acadêmica, seja para fins puramente didáticos, seja para fins de pesquisa científica ou desenvolvimento instrumental. Seguindo estas linhas, este artigo descreve a construção de um instrumento virtual usando um sistema de aquisição de dados que integra um conhecido software e um método físico particular. O dispositivo permite plotar as curvas dos dados adquiridos e fazer diferentes análises sobre os mesmos. Mesmo tendo sido desenvolvido para uma aplicação particular (obter curvas de histerese de fitas magnéticas macias), o sistema é suficientemente flexível como para ser utilizado, após pequenas mudanças, em outras aplicações magnéticas, ou após mudanças um pouco mais trabalhosas, em instrumentos para a medição de outras grandezas físicas. O artigo, por fim, dá os passos necessários para a abordagem de outros problemas que envolvam a aquisição de dados e o processamento dos mesmos.
Geração de imagens animadas GIF com o Mathematica®: Simulações didáticas de ondas eletromagnéticas e polarização da luz
Authors: Santos Maria Aparecida da Conceição dos , Passos Marinez Meneghello , Arruda Sergio de Mello , Viscovini Ronaldo Celso
Published: April 2016

As animações e simulações são importantes ferramentas didáticas para o ensino da física. Elas podem auxiliar na visualização e na compreensão de fenômenos físicos complexos. Neste artigo é apresentado o uso do Mathematica® para a produção de imagens animadas para simular ondas eletromagnéticas propagando, atravessando polarizadores e meios opticamente ativos. As imagens são no formato GIF (Graphics Interchange Format), que se notabiliza pela facilidade de inclusão em softwares de apresentação, como o PowerPoint®, ou em navegadores de internet, como Explorer® ou Chrome®. E apresentada, também, uma aplicação pedagógica, utilizando as animações, filtros polarizadores, solução opticamente ativa de sacarose e um monitor de cristal líquido (LCD), que teve seu polarizador de saída retirado.
Clima espacial e choques interplanetários
Authors: Oliveira D.M. , Silveira M.V.D.
Published: April 2016

São discutidos nesse artigo alguns conceitos básicos relacionados ao clima espacial no ambiente próximo da Terra. Devido ao desenvolvimento tecnológico dos anos recentes, o clima espacial tornou-se um tema importante de pesquisa. Os avanços da área se devem principalmente à sua aplicabilidade nos sistemas tecnológicos tanto no espaço próximo quanto na superfície da Terra. Dentre os diversos temas abordados pelo clima espacial está a investigação de como perturbações no meio interplanetário, decorrentes da variabilidade solar, afetam o campo magnético da Terra. Os efeitos de tais variações podem ser observados em solo através de medidas de magnetômetros e no espaço próximo à Terra, por exemplo, as auroras. Alguns aspectos de uma perturbação solar em particular, a saber choques interplanetários, são brevemente revisados. Um evento real com atividade geomagnética intensa é simulado por um código magneto-hidrodinâmico (MHD). Resultados da simulação numérica concordam bem com dados observados por magnetômetros em solo. A importância de simulações globais MHD no desenvolvimento de modelos de previsão de clima espacial é enfatizada.
Explorando a conexão entre a mecânica dos fluidos e a teoria cinética
Authors: Vasques Edson José , Menegasso Paulo , Souza Mariano de
Published: April 2016

O entendimento das propriedades físicas dos fluidos permitiu diversos avanços tecnológicos. Como exemplo, merece destaque a fabricação de aviões, navios e carros com perfis otimizados, os quais diminuem dramaticamente a chamada força de arrasto. São discutidos aqui os conceitos fundamentais da mecânica dos fluidos, como a força de arrasto experimentada por uma partícula se movendo num fluido viscoso proposta por Stokes em 1851, velocidade terminal, número de Reynolds e sua conexão com a teoria cinética dos gases. Fenômenos contra intuitivos, como a não variação da velocidade terminal de uma partícula se movendo sob a ação da gravidade em meios gasosos com densidades distintas para número de Reynolds baixos, são discutidos em detalhe.
Medindo a aceleração de um elevador
Authors: Franco Rodrigo da Silva , Marranghello Guilherme Frederico , Rocha Fábio Saraiva da
Published: April 2016

Apresentamos neste trabalho o processo de medição da aceleração de um elevador utilizando recursos eletrônicos e computacionais disponíveis em umtablet através de um aplicativo chamado Physics Toolbox Accelerometer desenvolvido para o sistema operacional Android. Os dados coletados com o uso dos sensores eletrônicos embarcados notablet foram convenientemente tratados através do programa computacional SciDAVis . A metodologia utilizada se mostra potencialmente promissora para práticas de ensino de física que busquem a inovação no laboratório didático através do uso de tecnologias emergentes e de baixo custo.
A brief study of instabilities in the context of space magnetohydrodynamic simulations
Authors: Evangelista Edgard de F.D. , Domingues Margarete O. , Mendes Odim , Miranda Oswaldo D.
Published: April 2016

The study of the hydrodynamic instabilities in the context of the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) is very important in many branches of physics. Particularly, we can mention geophysical and astrophysics, where we have several processes involving hydrodynamic effects, such as shock waves, plasma flows and the propagation of waves. In these scenarios it is frequent the onset of instabilities. For example, let a system be formed by two phases with different densities and relative velocities. Besides, consider these phases are in contact with each other by means of a tangential surface, that is, an interface where there is no transference of matter and where there are only relative tangential velocities. In this case, under certain circumstances, we will have a particular type of phenomenon, the so-called Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability. In this paper we will address to the basic theory of such instabilities, explaining how they arise from the hydrodynamic equations and showing the numerical simulation of a particular case. Besides, we show examples of other MHD instabilities which are usually found in astrophysical processes.
Revising the musical equal temperament
Authors: Hinrichsen Haye
Published: April 2016

Western music is predominantly based on the equal temperament with a constant semitone frequency ratio of 21/12. Although this temperament has been in use since the nineteenth century and in spite of its high degree of symmetry, various musicians have repeatedly expressed their discomfort with the harmonicity of certain intervals. Recently it was suggested that this problem can be overcome by introducing a modified temperament with a constant but slightly increased frequency ratio. In this paper we confirm this conjecture quantitatively. Using entropy as a measure for harmonicity, we show numerically that the harmonic optimum is in fact obtained for frequency ratios slightly larger than 21/12. This suggests that the equal temperament should be replaced by a harmonized stretched temperament as a new standard.
Influência da lei de Zipf na escolha de senhas
Authors: Araújo Leonardo Carneiro de , Sansão João Pedro Hallack , Yehia Hani Camille
Published: April 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma análise sob a ótica de teoria da informação de algumas maneiras de criar senhas para dificultar um ataque por força bruta. A lei de Zipf é observada nas línguas naturais e, por conseguinte, a entropia é reduzida quando as utilizamos ao criar uma senha. Muitas das empresas utilizam a política de restringir o número de caracteres de uma senha. Além disso, queremos criar senhas que não sejam demasiadas longas, nem que sejam difíceis de se memorizar. Mostraremos que, dado este cenário, a melhor estratégia (relação de compromisso entre criar uma senha forte e uma senha de fácil memorização e utilização) é a utilização de acrônimos, senhas formadas pela combinação (aparentemente sem nexo) da primeira letra de palavras em uma frase. Com esta abordagem podemos aumentar em aproximadamente 80% a entropia por caractere.
Phototest for neurocognitive screening in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pinto Joana , Lopes Emanuela , Gonçalves Gerly , Silva Ângela , Carnero-Pardo  , Peixoto Bruno
Published: April 2016

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most common neurological disorders. Cognitive dysfunction is considered a clinical marker of MS, where approximately half of patients with MS have cognitive impairment. Objective : The Phototest (PT) is a brief cognitive test with high diagnostic sensitivity, accuracy and cost-effectiveness for detecting cognitive deterioration. Our aim was to test the utility of the PT as a neurocognitive screening instrument for MS. Methods : The study enrolled 30 patients with different types of MS from an outpatient clinic as well as 19 healthy participants. In conjunction with the PT, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Barthel Index (BI), Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were administered. Results : The MS group obtained significantly lower results on all domains of the PT, except for the naming task. The PT showed good concurrent validity with the MoCA. In direct comparison to the MoCA, PT showed a greater area under the curve and higher levels of sensitivity and specificity for MS neurocognitive impairments. A cut-off score of 31 on the Phototest was associated with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 76.7%. Conclusion : The PT is a valid, specific, sensitive and brief test that is not dependent on motor functions. The instrument could be an option for neurocognitive screening in MS, especially in identifying cases for further neuropsychological assessment and intervention.
Influence of age and education on the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT) among healthy elderly
Authors: Steibel Nicole Maineri , Olchik Maira Rozenfeld , Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Finger Geisa , Gomes Irênio
Published: April 2016

Memory is a cognitive domain extensively evaluated in the neuropsychiatric setting. Assessment tools with appropriate norms for age and educational level are necessary for the proper interpretation of results. Objective : To present normative data for older adults stratified by age and education for the Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test (RBMT). The effect of age and education on the total and sub-test scores was also analyzed. Methods : A cross-sectional study involving a sample of 233 healthy elderly from a third-age group in Porto Alegre with an average age of 70 (SD 7.9) years and 10.7 (SD 4.8) years of education was carried out. The RBMT is considered an ecologically valid memory test, since it includes tasks similar to everyday situations. The sample was stratified into the following age groups: 60-69 years, 70-79 years and > 80 years. The sample was also divided into individuals with < 8 years and ≥ 8 years of education. Pearson's Chi-squared test and Spearman correlations were used. Results : The elderly participants with low educational level had worse performance on all sub-tests, except the Pictures, Messages, Belongings and Orientation. Older elderly performed worse for total RBMT score and on the Face Recognition, Immediate and Delayed Route, Messages and Belongings subtests (p ≤ 0.005). Conclusion : Education and age significantly influenced RBMT scores. Therefore, norms for this test should be stratified according to these factors.
Does previous presentation of verbal fluency tasks affect verb fluency performance?
Authors: Beber Bárbara Costa , Chaves Márcia L.F.
Published: April 2016

Background : Performance on the verb fluency (VF) task may be influenced by administration procedures and demographic factors of each population. Objective : The aim of this study was to verify whether the previous administration of semantic and phonemic verbal fluency tasks can influence performance on VF; and to analyze the correlation of VF performance with education, age and type of errors in Brazilian healthy elderly. Methods : Sixty-two participants were subdivided into experimental (semantic and the phonemic fluency tasks were administered before the VF) and control groups (VF only). The total score and the types of errors on the VF task were determined. Additional information was computed for the correlational analysis. Results : VF performance did not differ statistically between experimental and control groups, but correlated positively with education and negatively with intrusions. Conclusion : The lack of influence of other verbal fluency tasks on performance of the VF task in elderly individuals allows the use of this order of administration. A strong influence of educational level on VF task performance reinforces the need for further studies in different populations.
Knowledge and attitudes towards dementia in a sample of medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Jacinto Alessandro Ferrari , Boas Paulo José Fortes Villas , Mayoral Vânia Ferreira de Sá , Citero Vanessa de Albuquerque
Published: April 2016

An estimated 61% of the 24.3 million people diagnosed with dementia worldwide live in underdeveloped countries, including Brazil, where a public healthcare system covers the majority of the population. This care is usually provided by General Practitioners (GP) and in Brazil many doctors recently graduated from medical school and residents of different medical specialties practice as GPs. Objective : The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge and attitudes about dementia in a sample of Brazilian medical residents from a university-hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Methods : A total of 152 Brazilian medical residents participated in the study. Participants answered a "Knowledge Quiz" (KQ) and "Attitude Quiz" (AQ) about dementia issues, transculturally adapted for use in Brazilian physicians. A descriptive analysis of the correct answers on knowledge and of the attitude aspects was performed. Results : The medical residents showed poor knowledge (<50%) about dementia prevalence and incidence and a good knowledge on disease management and diagnosis. Participants tended to be optimistic about caring for demented patients. Conclusion : In this study, it is likely that the physicians' good knowledge about dementia issues is the reason for their optimism dealing with demented patients.
Risk factors for neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients and comparison of different screening tools
Authors: Souza Elisa Moreira de , Buoniconti Caroline Schleiffer , Valim Frederico Cunha , Moura Alexandre Sampaio
Published: April 2016

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is relatively frequent among HIV-infected patients and is often underdiagnosed. Assessment of HAND in daily clinical practice is challenging and different tools have been proposed. Objective : To evaluate risk factors and compare different screening tools for neurocognitive impairment in HIV-infected patients. Methods : HIV-infected patients were evaluated using the International HIV-Dementia Scale (IHDS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and a neurocognitive self-perception questionnaire recommended by the European AIDS Clinical Society. Sociodemographic, clinical and laboratory data were obtained through chart review and patient interview. Results : Among the 63 patients included, low performance on the IHDS was observed in 54.0% and IHDS score was inversely associated with age (OR 0.13; 95%CI [0.02-0.67]). Regarding cognitive self-perception, 63.5% of patients reported no impairment on the three domains covered by the questionnaire. Among those patients self-reporting no problems, 42.1% had low performance on the IHDS. None of the patients scored below the education-adjusted cut-off on the MMSE. Conclusion : IHDS scores suggestive of HAND were observed in more than half of the patients and lower scores were found among older patients. There was low agreement between the different tools, suggesting that the MMSE may be inadequate for assessing HAND. The self-assessment questionnaire had low sensitivity and might not be useful as a screening tool.
Cognitive functioning in adolescents with migraine
Authors: Costa-Silva Melissa Andréia , Prado Ana Carolina de Almeida , Souza Leonardo Cruz de , Gomez Rodrigo Santiago , Teixeira Antônio Lúcio
Published: April 2016

Although migraine is highly prevalent in children and teenagers, it often goes undetected in these patients, resulting in underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Several studies have investigated cognitive changes in adults with migraine. However, there are few studies focusing on children and adolescents. Objective : To investigate cognitive performance of adolescents with migraine. Methods : Twenty-eight adolescents diagnosed with migraine and twenty-six individuals without a history of headache were recruited for the study. All participants were evaluated using standardized neuropsychological tests. Results : Adolescents with migraine had worse performance on tests evaluating short- and long-term verbal memory, attention, executive function, and speed of processing information than controls. Conclusion : Cognitive dysfunction is common in adolescents with migraine. Since the cognitive deficits found in adolescents with migraine are similar to those reported in adults with migraine, cognitive impairment seems to persist throughout life.
Validity and reliability of a "simplified" version of the Taylor Complex Figure Test for the assessment of older adults with low formal education
Authors: Paula Jonas Jardim de , Costa Mônica Vieira , Andrade Giovanna de Freitas de , Ávila Rafaela Teixeira , Malloy-Diniz Leandro Fernandes
Published: April 2016

Objective : The assessment of visuospatial abilities and memory using tasks such as the Taylor Complex Figure Task (TCFT) is biased for older adults with low formal education. We devised a "Simplified" version of the TCFT designed to assess older adults with low educational background and provide preliminary evidence of its psychometric properties. Methods : We evaluated a heterogeneous sample of healthy older adults and patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease dementia using the simplified TCFT and other neuropsychological measures. Results : Our results suggest that the test copy, immediate and delayed recall have high inter-rater agreement and internal consistency, significant correlations with other tests of visuospatial abilities, memory and intelligence, and also detected significant group differences between controls and patients. Conclusion : Our study presents a new measure for assessing low-educated elderly with promising evidence of validity and reliability.
Hippocampus discovery First steps
Authors: Engelhardt Eliasz
Published: April 2016

The first steps of the discovery, and the main discoverers, of the hippocampus are outlined. Arantius was the first to describe a structure he named "hippocampus" or "white silkworm". Despite numerous controversies and alternate designations, the term hippocampus has prevailed until this day as the most widely used term. Duvernoy provided an illustration of the hippocampus and surrounding structures, considered the first by most authors, which appeared more than one and a half century after Arantius' description. Some authors have identified other drawings and texts which they claim predate Duvernoy's depiction, in studies by Vesalius, Varolio, Willis, and Eustachio, albeit unconvincingly. Considering the definition of the hippocampal formation as comprising the hippocampus proper, dentate gyrus and subiculum, Arantius and Duvernoy apparently described the gross anatomy of this complex. The pioneering studies of Arantius and Duvernoy revealed a relatively small hidden formation that would become one of the most valued brain structures.
A fully validated microbiological assay for daptomycin injection and comparison to HPLC method
Authors: Christ Ana Paula , Machado Mariana Souto , Ribas Karla Giacomelli , Schwarzbold Alexandre Vargas , Silva Cristiane de Bona da , Adams Andréa Inês Horn
Published: April 2016

abstract Daptomycin (DPT) was the first lipopeptide antibiotic available for commercialization. It is active against gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains. This work aimed to develop and validate a turbidimetric microbiologic assay to determine daptomycin in an injectable form. A 3x3 design was employed, at concentrations of 1, 2 and 4.0 µg/mL. The microorganism test used was Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538p, and Antibiotic Medium 3 was used as the culture medium. Method validation demonstrated that the bioassay was linear (r=0.9995), precise (RSD=2.58%), accurate (recovery 100.48± 2.11%), and robust. Degradation kinetics was also performed in an alkaline medium, indicating that daptomycin degradation follows first order kinetics under these conditions. The analyses of degraded solutions showed that daptomycin degradation products do not possess bactericidal activity. The bioassay was compared to HPLC method that was previously developed and no significant difference was found between them (p>0.05). The method proved to be appropriate for daptomycin injection quality control.
A critical analysis of the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature related to Herbalife (r) products
Authors: Zambrone Flávio Ailton Duque , Corrêa Cristiana Leslie , Amaral Ligia Mesquita Sampaio do
Published: April 2016

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the hepatotoxicity cases described in the literature, attributed to the consumption of Herbalife(r) products, and to determine whether a causal relationship exists between the reported cases of liver injury and the use of these products. A literature search was performed on the PubMed, LILACS and PAHO databases. Seven publications reporting a total of 53 cases of hepatotoxicity linked to the use of Herbalife(r) products were retrieved. All of the studies lacked sufficient information to some degree, whether related to patients' history, concomitant use of medication and/or other compounds (including alcohol), observations on interrupted use (dechallenge), results found with markers, viral serology and autoantibodies or observations concerning re-exposure to the products. In addition to these items, the lack of clear information on the type of products evaluated and their respective composition is an important factor to be considered. Furthermore, data quality was also questionable due to the presence of confounding factors, absence of proper exclusion of alternative explanations, and the use of questionable methods for attributing causality. Hence, an association between hepatotoxicity and consumption of these products cannot be proven based on the data collected and rigorous scientific analysis.
Stability-indicating RP-HPLC method for determination of beclomethasone dipropionate in nanocapsule suspensions
Authors: Chassot Janaíne Micheli , Ferreira Luana Mota , Gomes Felipe Pereira , Cruz Letícia , Tasso Leandro
Published: April 2016

abstract A simple stability-indicating RP-HPLC/UV method was validated for determination of beclomethasone dipropionate (BD) in nanocapsule suspensions. Chromatographic conditions consisted of a RP C18column (250 mm x 4.60 mm, 5 µm, 110 Å), using methanol and water (85:15 v/v) as mobile phase at 1.0 mL/min with UV detection at 254 nm. The calibration curve was found to be linear in the concentration range of 5.0-25.0 µg/mL with a correlation coefficient > 0.999. Precision was demonstrated by a relative standard deviation lower than 2.0%. Accuracy was assessed by the recovery test of BD from nanocapsules (98.03% to 100.35%). Specificity showed no interference from the components of nanocapsules or from the degradation products derived from acid, basic and photolytic conditions. In conclusion, the method is suitable to be applied to assay BD in bulk drug and in nanocapsules, and it can be employed to study stability and degradation kinetics.
A green approach for the quantification of daptomycin in pharmaceutical formulation by UV spectrophotometry
Authors: Tótoli Eliane Gandolpho , Salgado Hérida Regina Nunes
Published: April 2016

abstract Daptomycin is the first approved drug from a new class of antimicrobials, the cyclic lipopeptides, and is a very important antimicrobial agent in current clinical practice. Currently, there are no "green" analytical methods described in the literature to analyze the typical pharmaceutical dosage form of daptomycin. Thus, the aim of this work was to validate an environment-friendly spectrophotometric method in the UV region, for the analysis of daptomycin as a lyophilized powder. Water was used as diluent and the analyses were carried out on a spectrophotometer at 221 nm. The method met all validation requirements of the ICH guidelines, over a concentration range of 6-21 µg mL-1. A Student's t-test demonstrated that the proposed method was comparable to an HPLC method previously validated. Thus, the validated spectrophotometric method could quantify daptomycin in a powder form for injectable solutions, while being an economical, rapid, and "green" alternative for routine analysis in quality control.
LC-MS characterization of valsartan degradation products and comparison with LC-PDA
Authors: Pires Sumaia Araújo , Mota Letícia Martins , Garcia Jerusa Simone , Amaral Phellipe Honorio , Meurer Eduardo César , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Trevisan Marcello Garcia
Published: April 2016

abstract Valsartan was submitted to forced degradation under acid hydrolysis condition as prescribed by the ICH. Degraded sample aliquots were separated via HPLC using a Hypersil ODS (C18) column (250 x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm). Either photodiode array (PDA) detection or mass spectrometry (MS) full scan monitoring of HPLC runs were used. HPLC-PDA failed to indicate Valsartan degradation under forced acid degradation, showing an insignificant peak area variation and that Valsartan apparently remained pure. HPLC-MS using electrospray ionization (ESI) and total ionic current (TIC) monitoring did not reveal any peak variation either, but inspection of the ESI mass spectra showed the appearance of m/z 306 and m/z 352 ions for the same retention time as that of Valsartan (m/z 436). These ions were identified as being protonated molecules of two co-eluting degradation products formed by hydrolysis. These assignments were confirmed by ESI-MS/MS with direct infusion of the degraded samples. The results showed that the use of selective HPLC-MS is essential for monitoring Valsartan degradation. Efficient HPLC separation coupled to selective and structural diagnostic MS monitoring seems therefore mandatory for comprehensive drug degradation studies, particularly for new drugs and formulations, and for method development.
Phytoconstituents from Sidastrum micranthum (A. St.-Hil.) Fryxell (Malvaceae) and antimicrobial activity of pheophytin a
Authors: Gomes Roosevelt Albuquerque , Teles Yanna Carolina Ferreira , Pereira Fillipe de Oliveira , Rodrigues Luis Alberto de Sousa , Lima Edeltrudes de Oliveira , Agra Maria de Fátima , Souza Maria de Fátima Vanderlei de
Published: April 2016

abstract Sidastrum micranthum (A. St.-Hil.) Fryxell, a member of the Malvaceae family, is called malva preta in Brazil. As this species is commonly used to treat bronchitis, cough, and asthma, better knowledge of its chemical compounds is important. The phytochemical study of its hexane extract, using chromatographic techniques, led to isolation of six compounds: the triterpene isoarborinol, a mixture of sitosterol and stigmasterol, sitosterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, pheophytin a, and 132-hydroxy-(132-S)-pheophytin a. Structural identification of these compounds was carried out using spectroscopic methods such as IR and 1D and 2D NMR (HOMOCOSY, HMQC, HMBC, and NOESY). Compounds isolated from S. micranthum were screened for their in vitro antifungal and antibacterial activity against twenty fungal and bacterial standard strains. Pheophytin a exhibited antimicrobial action against all microorganisms tested.
Ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis Sims leaves inhibits protein glycation and restores the oxidative burst in diabetic rat macrophages after Candida albicans exposure
Authors: Martins Carolina Fernandes Ribas , Salles Bruno César Corrêa , Brigagão Maisa Ribeiro Pereira Lima , Rodrigues Maria Rita , Ferreira Eric Batista , Duarte Stella Maris da Silveira , Paula Fernanda Borges de Araujo
Published: April 2016

abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the ethanolic extract of Passiflora edulis leaves on blood glucose, protein glycation, NADPH oxidase activity and macrophage phagocytic capacity after Candida albicans exposure in diabetic rats. The Passiflora edulis Sims leaves were dried to 40°C, powdered, extracted by maceration in 70% ethanol, evaporated under reduced pressure and lyophilised. The biochemical tests performed were total phenolic content (TP) as determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, trapping potential DPPH assay and total iron-reducing potential. Diabetes was induced by alloxan injection. Protein glycation was determined by AGE and fructosamine serum concentrations. Extract-treated diabetic animals demonstrated lower fructosamine concentrations compared with the diabetic group. Our results suggest that ethanolic Passiflora edulis Sims leaf extraction may have beneficial effects on diabetes and may improve glycaemic control in diabetic rats.
Effects of caffeine, tea polyphenol and daidzein on the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole and its metabolites in rats
Authors: Wu Tao , Wu Ji , Gao Ping , Xiang Daochun , Liu Dong , Song Hongping
Published: April 2016

abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of caffeine, tea polyphenol and daidzein on the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole and its metabolites. Rats were intragastrically administered caffeine (30 mg·kg-1, once per day), tea polyphenol (400 mg·kg-1, once per day) or daidzein (13.5 mg·kg-1, once per day) for 14 days, followed by an intragastric administration of lansoprazole (8 mg·kg-1) on the 15th day. The plasma concentrations of lansoprazole and its two primary metabolites, 5-hydroxylansoprazole and lansoprazole sulfone, were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Tea polyphenol significantly elevated the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of lansoprazole from 680.29 ± 285.99 to 949.76 ± 155.18 μg/L.h and reduced that of lansoprazole sulfone from 268.82 ± 82.37 to 177.72 ± 29.73 μg/L.h. Daidzein increased the AUC of lansoprazole from 680.29 ± 285.99 to 1130.44 ± 97.6 μg/L.h and decreased that of lansoprazole sulfone from 268.82 ± 82.37 to 116.23 ± 40.14 μg/L.h. The pharmacokinetics of 5-hydroxylansoprazole remained intact in the presence of tea polyphenol or daidzein. Caffeine did not affect the pharmacokinetics of lansoprazole and its metabolites. The results imply that tea polyphenol and daidzein may inhibit the in vivo metabolism of lansoprazole by suppressing CYP3A.
Silver nanoparticles incorporated into nanostructured biopolymer membranes produced by electrospinning: a study of antimicrobial activity
Authors: Segala Karen , Nista Silvia Vaz Guerra , Cordi Lívia , Bizarria Maria Trindade Marques , Ávila Júnior José de , Kleinubing Sirlene Adriana , Cruz Deborah Cristina , Brocchi Marcelo , Lona Liliane Maria Ferrareso , Caballero Nelson Eduardo Durán , Mei Lucia Helena Innocentini
Published: April 2016

abstract This study examines the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles incorporated into nanostructured membranes made of cellulose acetate (CA) and blends of chitosan/poly-(ethylene oxide, CTS/PEO) and prepared by electrospinning. The formation of chemically synthesized Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) was monitored by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The size distribution of the AgNPs was measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), with an average size of approximately 20 nm. The presence of AgNPs on the surface of electrospun nanofibers was observed by field emission electron microscopy (FEG) and confirmed by TEM. The antimicrobial activity of AgNPs incorporated into nanostructured membranes made of CA and CTS/PEO electrospun nanofibers was evaluated in the presence of both Gram-positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 6919, and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Escherichia coli ATCC 25992 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 17933. Microbiological results showed that the presence of AgNPs in CA and CTS/PEO nanostructured membranes has significant antimicrobial activity for the Gram-positive bacteria Escherichia coli and Propionibacterium acnes.
Influence of monoolein on progesterone transdermal delivery
Authors: Quintão Wanessa de Souza Cardoso , Matos Breno Noronha , Reis Thaiene Avila , Barreto Lívia Cristina de Sá , Gratieri Taís , Gelfuso Guilherme Msrtins
Published: April 2016

abstract This work aimed to investigate in vitro the influence of monoolein (MO) on progesterone (PG) transdermal delivery and skin retention. Information about the role of MO as an absorption enhancer for lipophilic molecules can help on innovative product development capable of delivering the hormone through the skin in a consistent manner, improving transdermal therapy of hormonal replacement. MO was dispersed in propylene glycol under heat at concentrations of 0% (control), 5% w/w, 10% w/w and 20% w/w. Then, 0.6% of PG (w/w) was added to each formulation. Permeation profile of the hormone was determined in vitro for 48 h using porcine skin in Franz diffusion cells. PG permeation doubled when 5% (w/w) of MO was present in formulation in comparison to both the control and higher MO concentrations (10% and 20% w/w). An equal trend was observed for PG retention in stratum corneum (SC) and reminiscent skin (E+D). PG release rates from the MO formulations, investigated using cellulose membranes, revealed that concentrations of MO higher than 5% (w/w) hindered PG release, which indeed negatively reflected on the hormone permeation through the skin. In conclusion, this work demonstrated the feasibility of MO addition (at 5% w/w) in formulations as a simple method to increase transdermal PG delivery for therapies of hormonal replacement. In contrast, higher MO concentrations (from 10% to 20% w/w) can control active release, and this approach could be extrapolated to other lipophilic, low-molecular-weight molecules.