Search

Copyright of Texto & Contexto Enfermagem is the property of Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Programa de Pos-Graduacao de Enfermagem and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest or financial disclosures to report.

Beyond its actions on the nervous system, amitriptyline (AM) has been shown to lower inflammatory, angiogenic, and fibrogenic markers in a few pathological conditions in human and in experimental animal models. However, its effects on foreign body reaction (FBR), a complex adverse healing process, after biomedical material implantation are not known. We have evaluated the effects of AM on the angiogenic and fibrogenic components on a model of implant-induced FBR. Sponge disks were implanted subcutaneously in C57BL/6 mice, that were treated daily with oral administration of AM (5 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days in two protocols: treatment was started on the day of surgery and the implants were removed on the seventh day after implantation and treatment started 7 days after implantation and the implants removed 14 after implantation. None of the angiogenic (vessels, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) or fibrogenic parameters (collagen, TGF-β, and fibrous capsule) and giant cell numbers analyzed were attenuated by AM in 7-day-old implants. However, AM was able to downregulate angiogenesis and FBR in 14-day-old implants. The effects of AM described here expands its range of actions as a potential agent capable of attenuating fibroproliferative processes that may impair functionality of implantable devices., (© 2023 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.)

Mucositis is defined as inflammatory and ulcerative lesions along of the gastrointestinal tract that leads to the imbalance of the intestinal microbiota. The use of compounds with action on the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and their microbiota may be a beneficial alternative for the prevention and/or treatment of mucositis. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the association of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and arginine on intestinal damage in experimental mucositis. BALB/c mice were randomized into five groups: CTL (without mucositis + saline), MUC (mucositis + saline), MUC + FOS (mucositis + supplementation with FOS-1st until 10th day), MUC + ARG (mucositis + supplementation with arginine-1st until 10th day), and MUC + FOS + ARG (mucositis + supplementation with FOS and arginine-1st until 10th day). On the 7th day, mucositis was induced with an intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and after 72 h, the animals were euthanized. The results showed that association of FOS and arginine reduced weight loss and oxidative stress (P < 0.05) and maintained intestinal permeability and histological score at physiological levels. The supplementation with FOS and arginine also increased the number of goblet cells, collagen area, and GPR41 and GPR43 gene expression (P < 0.05). Besides these, the association of FOS and arginine modulated intestinal microbiota, leading to an increase in the abundance of the genera Bacteroides, Anaerostipes, and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05) in relation to increased concentration of propionate and acetate. In conclusion, the present results show that the association of FOS and arginine could be important adjuvants in the prevention of intestinal mucositis probably due to modulated intestinal microbiota., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Food allergy is a pathological condition that can lead to hives, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular and respiratory compromise, and even anaphylaxis. The lack of treatment resources emphasizes the necessity for new therapeutic strategies, and in this way, probiotics has been pointed out as an alternative, especially because of its immunomodulatory properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate the probiotic effect of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum 5 1A (BL5 1A ) in a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA) food allergy, as well as to investigate the effect of the dose and viability of the bacteria on the proposed model. For this purpose, the probiotic effect was assessed by clinical, immunological, and histological parameters in mice treated or not with the BL5 1A and sensitized or not with OVA. Oral administration of BL5 1A prevented weight loss and reduced serum levels of IgE anti-OVA and of sIgA in the intestinal fluid. Also, it reduced the intestinal permeability, proximal jejunum damage, recruitment of eosinophils and neutrophils, and levels of eotaxin-1, CXCL1/KC, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL13, and TNF. Furthermore, the treatment was able to increase the levels of IL10. Investigating different doses administered, the level of 10 8  CFU showed the best results in terms of protective effect. In addition, the administration of the inactivated bacteria did not present any beneficial effect. Results demonstrate that BL5 1A promotes a systemic immunomodulatory protective effect in a murine model of food allergy that depends on the dose and viability of the bacteria, suggesting its use as probiotic in such disease., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

For the first time, compounds developed from the 1,2,3-triazole scaffold were evaluated as novel drugs to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Four organic salts were idealized as nonclassical bioisosteres of miltefosine, which is used in the topical treatment for skin metastasizing breast carcinoma. Among them, derivative dhmtAc displayed better solubility and higher cytotoxicity against the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line and mouse 4T1 cell lines, which are representatives of TNBC. In vitro assays revealed that dhmtAc interferes with cell integrity, confirmed by lactate dehydogenase leakage. Due to its human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) toxicity, dhmtAc in vivo studies were carried out with the drug incorporated in a long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposome (SpHL-dhmtAc), and the acute toxicity in BALB/c mice was determined. Free dhmtAc displayed cardiac and pulmonary toxicity after the systemic administration of 5 mg/kg doses. On the other hand, SpHL-dhmtAc displayed no toxicity at 20 mg/kg. The in vivo antitumor effect of SpHL-dhmtAc was investigated using the 4T1 heterotopic murine model. Intravenous administration of SpHL-dhmtAc reduced the tumor volume and weight, without interfering with the body weight, compared with the control group and the dhmtAc free form. The incorporation of the triazole compound in the liposome allowed the demonstration of its anticancer potential. These findings evidenced 1,3,4-trisubstituted-1,2,3-triazole as a promising scaffold for the development of novel drugs with applicability for the treatment of patients with TNBC., (© 2022 Deutsche Pharmazeutische Gesellschaft.)

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID), a lethal congenital diarrheal disease, results from loss of function mutations in the apical actin motor myosin VB (MYO5B). How loss of MYO5B leads to both malabsorption and fluid secretion is not well understood. Serum glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) regulates intestinal carbohydrate and ion transporters including cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). We hypothesized that loss of SGK1 could reduce CFTR fluid secretion and MVID diarrhea. Using CRISPR-Cas9 approaches, we generated R26 Cre ER;MYO5B f/f conditional single knockout (cMYO5BKO) and R26 Cre ER;MYO5B f/f ;SGK1 f/f double knockout (cSGK1/MYO5B-DKO) mice. Tamoxifen-treated cMYO5BKO mice resulted in characteristic features of human MVID including severe diarrhea, microvillus inclusions (MIs) in enterocytes, defective apical traffic, and depolarization of transporters. However, apical CFTR distribution was preserved in crypts and depolarized in villus enterocytes, and CFTR high expresser (CHE) cells were observed. cMYO5BKO mice displayed increased phosphorylation of SGK1, PDK1, and the PDK1 target PKCι in the intestine. Surprisingly, tamoxifen-treated cSGK1/MYO5B-DKO mice displayed more severe diarrhea than cMYO5BKO, with preservation of apical CFTR and CHE cells, greater fecal glucose and reduced SGLT1 and GLUT2 in the intestine. We conclude that loss of SGK1 worsens carbohydrate malabsorption and diarrhea in MVID.

Objectives: This study evaluates the performance of eight non-professional face masks sold in São Paulo, Brazil, to prevent aerial transmission of the SARS-CoV-2., Study Design: This was a case report with comparative testing., Methods: The masks manufactured with different materials and designs were quantified according to their performance to prevent COVID-19 using two indicators: filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure. The fabric grammage and microscopy of the layers were analyzed to understand their influence on the performance indicators., Results: The results show no correlation between grammage in the FE and increasing grammage can compromise breathability indicator. Masks manufactured with cotton widely commercialized during the pandemic have non-uniformized results in FE indicators., Conclusions: There was no evidence between grammage and the number of layers in the FE indicator. The results pointed out that the layer's composition and the microstructure are the best way to evaluate the performance of non-professional masks used to prevent the aerial transmission of the SARS-CoV-2., (Copyright © 2022 The Royal Society for Public Health. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The high prevalence of obesity and associated metabolic disorders are one of the major public health problems worldwide. Among the main causal factors of obesity, excessive consumption of food rich in sugar and fat stands out due to its high energy density. The regulation of food intake relies on hypothalamic control by the action of several neuropeptides. Excessive consumption of hypercaloric diets has impact in the behavior and in the gut microbiota. In the present study, we used a high-sugar and fat (HSB) diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity in C57BL/6 mice and to investigate its effects on the gut microbiota, hypothalamic peptides, and behavior. We hypothesize that chronic consumption of HSB diet can change the behavior. Additionally, we also hypothesize that changes in gut microbiota can be associated with changes in the transcriptional regulation of hypothalamic peptides and behavior. To evaluate the gut microbiota, we performed the sequencing of 16S rRNA gene, which demonstrate that HSB diet modulates the gut microbiota with an increase in the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phylum and a decrease of Bacteroidetes phylum. The real time qPCR revealed that HSB-fed mice presented changes in the transcriptional regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides genes such as Npy, Gal and Galr1. The Marble-burying and Light/dark box tests also showed an alteration in anxiety and impulsive behaviors for the HSB-fed mice. Our data provides evidence that obesity induced by HSB diet consumption is associated with alterations in gut microbiota and behavior, highlighting the multifactorial characteristics of this disease., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been involved in growth and metastases of human and canine mammary tumors. However, the prognostic importance of TAM specific location in canine mammary tumors (CMT) was not evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the potential role of TAMs in specific histologic locations - intratumoral (iTAM) and stromal (sTAM), as well as total macrophage (tTAM) counts - as prognostic indicators in CMT. Clinicopathologic data from 66 animals with mammary carcinoma and their tumors were used in this study. Samples were stained with anti-macrophage antibody for subsequent TAM count. High levels of iTAM, sTAM, and tTAM were related with advanced clinical stage and vascular invasion. Additionally, tTAM revealed a relation with larger tumor size, while high levels of sTAM and tTAM were also correlated with node metastasis and a poor prognosis based on survival analysis. CMT with aggressive features can reveal higher TAM counts. TAMs are associated with vascular invasion and nodal metastasis, and sTAM and tTAM counts are correlated with overall survival, suggesting they could be used as prognostic indicators in canine mammary carcinomas., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the possible risk factors related to pathophysiology of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and identify adequate treatment strategies available and success rates., Evidence Acquisition: We performed a search for publications about the treatment of BRONJ, published between 2003 and 2018 in the PubMed/Medline data base using the key words: "Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw" OR "Bisphosphonate Osteonecrosis" OR "BRONJ", based on the list of MeSH and DeCS., Evidence Synthesis: According to pre-established criteria for data collection concerning the treatment of BRONJ, we found 19 articles covering a total of 400 patients. Treatments that showed good outcomes were Ozone, PRF, PRP/Debridement/Laser bio-stimulation, Laser surgery and Laser surgery/Laser bio-stimulation. HBO did not achieve good results and was used in only 10 patients. BRONJ is a rare condition in patients with osteoporosis/other pathologies using BP orally. These patients had long exposure time and cumulative doses of BPs until onset of the lesion. The oncological patients were exposed to more potent intravenously administered BPs such as pamidronate and zoledronate. These patients had a shorter exposure time until onset of the lesion., Conclusions: The treatment of BRONJ is still under debate and there are promising treatments that need randomized trials with larger numbers of patients to confirm their results. Patients receiving BPs or those who will start treatment should be encouraged to perform preventive dental treatment and maintain good oral hygiene.

Marine plants have become an inexhaustible reservoir of new phytopharmaceuticals for cancer treatment. We demonstrate in vitro/in vivo antitumor efficacy of a standardized polyphenol extract from the marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum (TTE) in colon tumor cell lines (RKO, SW480, and CT26) and a syngeneic allograft murine colorectal cancer model. MTT assays revealed a dose-dependent decrease of cell viability of RKO, CT26, and SW480 cells upon TTE treatment with IC 50 values of, respectively, 175, 115, and 60 μg/mL. Furthermore, TTE significantly prevented basal and bFGF-induced angiogenesis in the chicken chorioallantoic membrane angiogenesis assay. In addition, TTE suppressed bFGF-induced migration of endothelial cells in a wound closure assay. Finally, TTE treatment abrogated CT26 colorectal cancer growth and increased overall organism survival in a syngeneic murine allograft model. Corresponding transcriptome profiling and pathway analysis allowed for the identification of the mechanism of action for the antitumor effects of TTE. In line with our in vitro/in vivo results, TTE treatment triggers ATF4-P53-NFκB specific gene expression and autophagy stress pathways. This results in suppression of colon cancer cell growth, cell motility, and angiogenesis pathways in vitro and in addition promotes antitumor immunogenic cell death in vivo.

The beneficial effects of prebiotic, such as fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), in intestinal inflammation have been demonstrated in several studies. Herein, we evaluate whether joint treatment with FOS, both before and during mucositis, had additional beneficial effects and investigated the mechanisms underlying in the action of FOS on the intestinal barrier. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into five groups: CTR (without mucositis + saline solution), FOS (without mucositis + 6 % FOS), MUC (mucositis + saline solution), PT (mucositis + 6 % FOS supplementation before disease induction), and TT (mucositis + 6 % FOS supplementation before and during disease induction). Mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection (300 mg/kg) of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). After 72 h, the animals were euthanized and intestinal permeability (IP), tight junction, bacterial translocation (BT), histology and morphometry, and immunoglobulin A secretory (sIgA), inflammatory infiltrate, and production of short-chain fatty acids (acetate, butyrate and propionate) were evaluated. The MUC group showed an increase in the IP, BT, and inflammatory infiltrate but a decrease in the tight junction expression and butyrate and propionate levels (P < 0.05). In the PT and TT groups, FOS supplementation maintained the IP, tight junction expression, and propionate concentration within physiologic levels, increased butyrate levels, and reduced BT and inflammatory infiltrate (P < 0.05). Total treatment with FOS (TT group) was more effective in maintaining histological score, morphometric parameters, and sIgA production. Thus, total treatment (prophylactic and therapeutic supplementation) with FOS was more effective than pretreatment alone, in reducing 5-FU-induced damage to the intestinal barrier., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Brazil is the leader in poultry meat exports, in which most products are in the form of cuts. This study analyzed the exertion perception of poultry slaughterhouses workers when performing cutting tasks, as well as the influence of knife sharpness on the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders by Occupational Repetitive Action (OCRA) method. Participants ( n = 101) from three slaughterhouses were asked to rate their perceived exertion on the Borg scale during the cutting task when the knife was well and poorly sharpened. The OCRA results showed that the score for cutting with a dull knife was greater (43.57 ± 13.51) than with a sharp knife (23.79 ± 3.10) ( p < 0.001). Consequently, there was a significant increase in the risk level of acquiring upper-limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (UL-WMSD) by using a "poorly sharpened" knife (29%; p < 0.001; Borg scale 2-8). Thus, maintaining well-sharpened knives for optimal performance of the cutting task (fewer technical actions) is suggested, as well as including knife sharpening in the standard operating procedure to reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic processes involving a deregulated immune response against intestinal microbiota in genetically susceptible individuals. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an IBD restricted to colonic mucosa and its chronicity is a predisposing factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Probiotics have been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for UC, and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) was the focus of our investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of the EcN probiotic in an experimental model of chronic colitis in germ-free (GF) and conventional (CV) mice. CV female mice were used for clinical, immunological and permeability experiments. GF mice were used for a faecal microbiota transplantation assay. To induce colitis, three cycles of 3.0% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) were administered to the animals. For probiotic treatment, the mice received a daily intragastric gavage of 9.0 log 10 cfu of EcN, beginning 10 days before colitis induction and continuing until the end of the experiment. EcN presented beneficial effects when administered preventively. Daily Disease Activity Index (DAI) evolution demonstrated significant difference in remission periods after the first two DSS cycles and during the third one. Reduction in bacterial translocation after probiotic treatment indicated protection of the intestinal barrier. Associated with mucosal preservation, restoration of secretory immunoglobulin A levels and reduction of interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13, tumour necrosis factor and interferon-γ levels were observed in EcN treatment. Finally, when microbiota modification was verified, 16S rRNA-based compositional analysis showed variation of intestinal microbiota between the control and colitis groups. After faecal transplantation using GF mice, it was observed that EcN treatment in CV mice might result in modulated intestinal microbiota. This was observed indirectly in the reduced daily DAI, when colitis was compared with treated group. In conclusion, EcN presented beneficial effects in this model, suggesting its usefulness for treating UC.

Paclitaxel (PTX) has a great clinical significance as an antitumor drug, although several side effects are strongly dose-limiting. In this way, we prepared a PTX-loaded 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000] polymeric micelles (PM/PTX) in an attempt to improve safety and effectiveness of conventional PTX formulation (CrEL/EtOH/PTX). In this study, we evaluated from both formulations: stability after dilution, hemocompatibility, cellular uptake, acute toxicity in healthy mice, antitumor activity, and toxicity after multiple-dose treatment. PM/PTX appeared to be more stable than CrEL/EtOH/PTX after dilution. PM/PTX did not exhibit hemolytic activity (values <1%), even at high concentrations. In vitro cellular uptake study indicated that polymeric micelles were able to deliver more PTX (5.8 %) than CrEL/EtOH (2.7 %) to 4T1 cells. In the acute toxicity evaluation in healthy mice, CrEL/EtOH/PTX (single dose of 20 mg/kg) induced peripheral neuropathy, which was not observed in PM/PTX group. Similar results were observed after tumor-bearing mice received a multiple-dose regimen (seven doses of 10 mg/kg). Worth mentioning, we also evaluated vehicles, and CrEL/EtOH alone was not capable of inducing neuropathic pain. Besides, PM/PTX exhibited a higher antitumor activity with an inhibition ratio approximately 1.5-fold higher than CrEL/EtOH/PTX group. This study suggested that PM/PTX is safer than CrEL/EtOH/PTX, and was able to improve the antitumor effectiveness in a 4T1 breast cancer model., (Copyright © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Probiotics form a promising strategy to maintain intestinal health. Milks fermented with probiotic strains, such as the Lactobacillus paracasei ST11, are largely commercialized in Brazil and form a low-cost alternative to probiotic pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, we assessed the probiotic effects of milk fermented by L. paracasei ST11 (administered through fermented milk) in a Salmonella typhimurium infection model in BALB/c mice. We observed in this murine model that the applied probiotic conferred protective effects against S. typhimurium infection, since its administration reduced mortality, weight loss, translocation to target organs (liver and spleen) and ileum injury. Moreover, a reduction in the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-17 in animals that received the probiotic before challenge was observed. Additionally, the ileum microbiota was better preserved in these animals. The present study highlights a multifactorial protective aspect of this commercial probiotic strain against a common gastrointestinal pathogen.

Rationale: Increased IL-8 levels and neutrophil accumulation in the airways are common features found in patients affected by pulmonary diseases such as Asthma, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, Influenza-A infection and COPD. Chronic neutrophilic inflammation is usually corticosteroid insensitive and may be relevant in the progression of those diseases., Objective: To explore the role of Ladarixin, a dual CXCR1/2 antagonist, in several mouse models of airway inflammation with a significant neutrophilic component., Findings: Ladarixin was able to reduce the acute and chronic neutrophilic influx, also attenuating the Th2 eosinophil-dominated airway inflammation, tissue remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness. Correspondingly, Ladarixin decreased bleomycin-induced neutrophilic inflammation and collagen deposition, as well as attenuated the corticosteroid resistant Th17 neutrophil-dominated airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness, restoring corticosteroid sensitivity. Finally, Ladarixin reduced neutrophilic airway inflammation during cigarette smoke-induced corticosteroid resistant exacerbation of Influenza-A infection, improving lung function and mice survival., Conclusion: CXCR1/2 antagonist Ladarixin offers a new strategy for therapeutic treatment of acute and chronic neutrophilic airway inflammation, even in the context of corticosteroid-insensitivity., (Copyright © 2020 Mattos, Ferrero, Kraemer, Lopes, Reis, Cassali, Oliveira, Brandolini, Allegretti, Garcia, Martins, Teixeira and Russo.)

Inflammation triggered by influenza A virus (IAV) infection is important for viral clearance, induction of adaptive responses, and return to lung homeostasis. However, an exaggerated immune response, characterized by the overproduction of chemokines, can lead to intense lung injury, contributing to mortality. Chemokine scavenger receptors, such as ACKR2, control the levels of CC chemokines influencing the immune responses. Among the chemokine targets of ACKR2, CCL5 is important to recruit and activate lymphocytes. We investigated the role of ACKR2 during IAV infection in mice. Pulmonary ACKR2 expression was increased acutely after IAV infection preceding the virus-induced lung dysfunction. ACKR2-knockout (ACKR2 -/- ) mice were protected from IAV, presenting decreased viral burden and lung dysfunction. Mechanistically, the absence of ACKR2 resulted in augmented airway CCL5 levels, secreted by mononuclear and plasma cells in the lung parenchyma. The higher chemokine gradient led to an augmented recruitment of T and B lymphocytes, formation of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and production of IgA in the airways of ACKR2 -/- mice post-IAV. CCL5 neutralization in ACKR2 -/- mice prevented lymphocyte recruitment and increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels and pulmonary dysfunction. Finally, CCR5 -/- mice presented increased disease severity during IAV infection, displaying increased neutrophils, pulmonary injury and dysfunction, and accentuated lethality. Collectively, our data showed that ACKR2 dampens CCL5 levels and the consequent recruitment of CCR5 + T helper 1 (Th1), T regulatory cells (Tregs), and B lymphocytes during IAV infection, decreasing pathogen control and promoting lung dysfunction in wild type mice. Therefore, ACKR2 is detrimental and CCR5 is protective during IAV infection coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses in mice.

Introduction: The aim of this literature review was to determine the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy after bone reconstruction procedures in humans and identify information that may be useful for the development of optimal protocols for hyperbaric oxygen therapy to stimulate bone healing., Evidence Acquisition: We searched the electronic database PubMed/Medline for studies published between January 1999 and December 2018, using the key words: "bone" or "bone graft" and "mandible reconstruction" or "jaw reconstruction" and "hyperbaric oxygen" or "HBO." First, the titles and abstracts of the studies found were evaluated and those that corresponded to the aims of this review were pre-selected for analysis of the full text. Subsequently, the full texts were analyzed, and those that met the eligibility criteria were pre-selected for the review. The full texts of studies whose abstracts did not provide enough data for decision were also evaluated. Two examiners independently assessed eligibility, risk of bias and extracted data., Evidence Synthesis: A total of 2237 studies were found according to pre-established criteria for data collection, of which only 5 studies were included in this systematic review. Although we observed positive results in the included studies, there are still few standardized clinical studies in the literature, assessing hyperbaric oxygen therapy after extensive bone reconstructive procedures., Conclusions: It is difficult to compare results found in different studies due to the variety of methodological and clinical conditions assessed.

Fibromyalgia (FM) has an inflammatory component, as elevated serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with its diagnosis. Treatments decreased pain, body temperature, improved quality of life and reduced serum levels of IL-6 in both groups; however, these beneficial effects were more pronounced in aquatic exercise (AE) + Far-Infrared (FIR) group. The findings of the present study suggest that the association of AE to FIR increases the benefits of aquatic exercise in patients with FM., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Nodal peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) is an aggressive and heterogeneous malignancy with poor prognosis. We studied the prognostic impact of the expression profile of genes related to cell proliferation ( CCNA2 , TOP2A , and CHEK1 ), pro-inflammatory activity ( NFkB1 and IKBkB ), and angiogenesis ( VEGF1 ) in nodal PTCL outcomes, as well as the ability of this genomic panel to discriminate different histological subtypes. We investigated the relative expression of regulator genes in 63 nodal PTCL patients. CCNA2, TOP2A, CHEK1, and NF-kB1 proteins were also assessed by immunohistochemistry. The median patient age was 47 years, 57.1% were male, 34.9% were diagnosed with PTCL-NOS, 28.6% with ALK-/ALCL, 22.2% with ALK+/ALCL, and 14.3% with AITL. The proliferative genes were associated with worse 3-year OS and PFS in PTCL-NOS and better 3-year PFS in ALK-/ALCL. Expression of CCNA2≥median and overexpression of CHEK1 protein (HR 3.793; p = 0.007) were associated with worse OS for all the cohort of nodal PTCL (HR 1.418; p = 0.001). The genomic expression profile tested in this study was not able to discriminate the different subtypes of nodal PTCL, although it showed a distinct prognostic significance between PTCL-NOS and ALCL-ALK. Overexpression of the CCNA2 gene and CHEK1 protein were associated with poor prognosis in the total nodal PTCL cohort., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Versican and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are involved in growth and metastases in several cancers. Here, we investigated the potential role of versican, a matrix proteoglycan, and its correlation with TAMs infiltrates in different stages of two different breast cancer models: spontaneous canine mammary gland carcinomas and the murine 4T1 breast cancer model. The stromal versican expression was correlated with TAMs accumulation in tumors with an advanced stage from spontaneous canine mammary carcinoma samples. Versican expression in mice, identified in late stages of tumor progression, was associated to a high number of peri-tumoral infiltrating TAMs. Indeed, TAMs were related to a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic state in the primary tumor. Furthermore, TAMs accumulation was related to versican expression in the lungs and an increased number of pulmonary metastatic nodules with pulmonary mechanical dysfunction, which was due to leukocyte influx in the airways and elevated growth factor levels in the microenvironment. Thus, we suggest that versican and TAMs as attractive targets for breast cancer therapy.

PI3K activation plays a central role in the development of pulmonary inflammation and tissue remodeling. PI3K inhibitors may thus offer an improved therapeutic opportunity to treat non-resolving lung inflammation but their action is limited by unwanted on-target systemic toxicity. Here we present CL27c, a prodrug pan-PI3K inhibitor designed for local therapy, and investigate whether inhaled CL27c is effective in asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. Mice inhaling CL27c show reduced insulin-evoked Akt phosphorylation in lungs, but no change in other tissues and no increase in blood glycaemia, in line with a local action. In murine models of acute or glucocorticoid-resistant neutrophilic asthma, inhaled CL27c reduces inflammation and improves lung function. Finally, inhaled CL27c administered in a therapeutic setting protects from bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, ultimately leading to significantly improved survival. Therefore, local delivery of a pan-PI3K inhibitor prodrug reduces systemic on-target side effects but effectively treats asthma and irreversible pulmonary fibrosis.

This study analyzed the finger temperatures of poultry slaughterhouse workers and its association with personal and organizational variables, bodily discomfort perception, and cold thermal sensation. The study included 143 poultry slaughterhouse workers. A thermograph was used to measure finger temperature and an interview to collect worker data. There were two groups: workers who used a tool and those without. The binary logistic regression, Friedman and Wilcoxon tests were used ( p ≤ 0.05). Most workers presented at least one finger with an average temperature ≤15 °C (66.4%) and ≤24 °C (99.3%), perceived their cold hands, and wore three overlapping gloves (57.3%). There were no associations between finger temperatures (≤15 °C) and the analyzed variables. The chance of feeling cold for a worker who used a tool was greater than for a worker who did not (OR = 3.19, 95% CI 1.46; 6.94). There was a difference between the finger temperatures of each hand on both surfaces and the analyzed groups ( p < 0.01). The temperature of each finger with its respective contralateral was different in the little fingers (no tool), index, middle, ring, and little fingers (using a tool) ( p < 0.05). The use of several overlapping gloves was not sufficient to promote thermal insulation of the hands.

Background: Studies have showed the protective effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on intestinal epithelium, modulating host immune and inflammatory responses on intestinal diseases., Objective: To evaluate the preventive effects of CLA on the intestinal mucositis induced by 5-FU in a murine model., Methods: Sixty-four BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: Control (CTL), fed a standard chow diet; CLAs, fed a diet supplemented with CLA; Mucositis (5-FU), fed a standard chow diet and underwent mucositis induction and CLAs 5-FU, fed a diet supplemented with CLA and underwent mucositis induction. Mucositis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 300 mg/kg 5-FU. After 72 h, the animals were euthanized and intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, inflammatory mediators, and intestinal histology were evaluated., Results: Mice in the CLAs 5-FU group showed reduced weight loss compared to those in the 5-FU group (p < 0.005). Furthermore, the results also showed that the treatment with CLA reduced intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, and biomarkers of inflammatory response besides minor damage to ZO-1 and occludin with maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and a favorable balance between the inflammatory and regulatory cytokines., Conclusion: This study suggests that CLA reduced the adverse effects from 5-FU administration on the intestinal mucosa., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic agent widely used in several anticancer protocols for instance head and neck, testicle, ovarian, lung and peritoneal carcinomatosis. According to the literature, the use of CDDP is associated with several side effects; among them, we highlighted the mucositis. CDDP, when administered by IP, promoted significant intestinal epithelium alterations in an experimental model. Our research group has proposed that the incorporation of CDDP into long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes (SpHL-CDDP) could help to overcome some side effects induced by this drug. Thus, we evaluated signs of intestinal toxicity 24h and 72h after the administration of a single i.p dose of free CDDP or SpHL-CDDP to healthy Swiss mice. Twenty-four hours after administration of free CDDP, the mice showed signs of intestinal toxicity, principally weight loss, increased intestinal permeability associated with a decrease in expression of tight junctions, and histological damage with the presence of inflammatory infiltrates and activation of ERK1/2 and NF-κB. These changes persisted after 72h. While signs of intestinal toxicity were also observed 24h after administration of SpHL-CDDP, after 72h body weight and intestinal permeability of mice in this group were similar to those of mice in the control group. In comparison with the free CDDP treatment group, 72h after treatment mice in the SpHL-CDDP group showed better histological parameters, lower levels of inflammatory infiltrate with increased IL-10 and IgA levels, and less activation of caspase-3, ERK1/2 and NF-κB. These differences could account for the recovery of the intestinal epithelium observed in mice treated with SpHL-CDDP but not in mice treated with free CDDP. In conclusion, here we show that encapsulation of CDDP in SpHL lessens intestinal damage and that, as such, SpHL-CDDP is a promising candidate for clinical use., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Ingestion of milks fermented by Lactobacillus strains showing probiotic properties is an important tool to maintain gastrointestinal health. In this study, Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1 and Lactobacillus plantarum B7, isolated from Brazilian artisanal cheese, were used as starters for the functional fermented milks to assess their probiotic properties in a gnotobiotic animal model. Male germ-free Swiss mice received a single oral dose of milk fermented by each sample, and were challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium five days afterwards. Milk fermented by both Lactobacillus strains maintained counts above 10 8 cfu/ml during cold storage. Lactobacillus strains colonised the gut of the germ-free-mice, maintaining their antagonistic effect. This colonisation led to a protective effect against Salmonella challenge, as demonstrated by reduced pathogen translocation and histological lesions, when compared to control group, especially for Lactobacillus rhamnosus D1. Additionally, mRNA expression of inflammatory (interferon gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor alpha) and anti-inflammatory (transforming growth factor β1) cytokines was augmented in animals previously colonised and then challenged, when compared to other experimental groups. Lactobacillus plantarum B7 colonisation also promoted higher expression of IL-17, showing a proper maturation of colonised germ-free-mice immune system. IL-5 was stimulated by both strains' colonisation and not by S. Typhimurium challenge.

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an evaluation instrument for tablet arm chairs based on ergonomic requirements, focused on user perceptions and using Item Response Theory (IRT). This exploratory study involved 1,633 participants (university students and professors) in four steps: a pilot study (n=26), semantic validation (n=430), content validation (n=11) and construct validation (n=1,166). Samejima's graded response model was applied to validate the instrument. The results showed that all the steps (theoretical and practical) of the instrument's development and validation processes were successful and that the group of remaining items (n=45) had a high consistency (0.95). This instrument can be used in the furniture industry by engineers and product designers and in the purchasing process of tablet arm chairs for schools, universities and auditoriums.

In the current study, carrageenan (CG; 100-1000 μg/site) was injected intraorally in the cheeks of Holtzman or Wistar rats to evaluate the consequences of administration of a non-immunogenic stimulus in the orofacial region. Subsequent inflammation was measured as oedema (increased thickness of the cheek wall using digital calipers), relative to the other cheek injected with saline. Oedema formation and tissue collection for histopathological studies were assessed at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h after injection. In parallel, other groups of rats were injected with CG in the hind paw, to provide a reference response. The inhibitor of prostaglandin biosynthesis, indomethacin, and antagonists of histamine, serotonin and NK1 receptors were injected s.c., 0.5 h before CG. CG induced a dose-related oedema more rapidly from 0 to 2 h which lasted for at least 72 h, showing a biphasic profile (peak at 2 and 24 h), compared with the monophasic oedema induced in rat paws (maximal duration of 24 h). Histopathological analysis of the CG-injected cheek revealed oedema formation with little leukocyte recruitment at 1-3 h, mast cell degranulation at 6 h, and a mixed polymorphonuclear and mononuclear cell infiltrate by 24 h. Histamine and serotonin antagonists and indomethacin, but not the NK1 antagonist, decreased cheek oedema in the first 4 h following carrageenan. Taken together, our data indicated important differences in the pattern of inflammation between the oral cavity and the paw which will determine the therapeutic approach to the treatment of inflammatory conditions in the oral cavity.

Purpose: Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the USA. This is mainly because of the chemoresistance of this type of tumor; thus, the development of novel therapeutic modalities is needed., Methods: Long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes containing cisplatin (SpHL-CDDP) were administered systemically into pancreatic tumor-bearing mice for a period of 14 days. The antitumor efficacy and toxicity of this new treatment method on the basis of cisplatin-loaded liposomes was compared with the classical free-CDDP method. Tc-HYNIC-βAla-bombesin(7-14) tumor uptake and histopathologic findings were used to monitor and compare the two treatment modalities., Results: The antitumor activity of SpHL-CDDP treatment was shown by (a) decrease in tumor volume, (b) development of tumor necrotic areas, and (c) decrease in Tc-HYNIC-βAla-bombesin(7-14) tumor uptake. Toxicity was evaluated by the development of inflammation and necrotic areas in the kidneys, liver, spleen, and intestine: toxic effects were greater with free-CDDP than SpHL-CDDP., Conclusion: SpHL-CDDP showed significant antitumor activity in pancreatic cancer-bearing mice, with lower toxicity in comparison with free-CDDP.

Introduction: The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 22 (SNOT-22) is an important tool in assessing the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with a validated version in Brazil. The eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) represents most of the cases of nasal polyposis (85-90%) and belongs to the group of chronic rhinosinusitis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the QoL of patients, not only causing localized symptoms, but also resulting in a general malaise. The standard treatments (corticosteroids and nasal endoscopic surgery) lead to partial control of symptoms, but relapses are frequent. Macrolide acting as an immunomodulator is a promising tool for more effective control of this disease. Studies are still lacking to assess the real impact on the QoL in patients treated with macrolides., Objective: To evaluate the improvement of QL, evaluated using SNOT-22, in patients with PNSE treated with immunomodulatory dose azithromycin., Methods: This is a paired experimental study in patients with ENP. Comparison of pre-treatment and post-treatment with azithromycin was performed. Patients completed the SNOT-22 questionnaire before the start of treatment and returned for evaluation after eight weeks of treatment. Azithromycin was prescribed at a dose of 500 mg, orally, three times a week, for 8 weeks., Results: SNOT-22 score decreased 20.3 points on average. There was a significant decrease in the SNOT-22 (difference greater than 14 points) in 19 patients (57.6%). There was no significant difference in improvement in SNOT in subgroups with or without asthma/aspirin intolerance., Conclusion: Azithromycin resulted in significant improvement of QoL, assessed by SNOT-22, in the studied population., (Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Macrolides used as immunomodulators are a promising tool for chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Eosinophilic nasal polyposis (ENP) is still considered a disease that is difficult to control with the currently standardized treatments., Objectives: To evaluate prolonged treatment with low-dose azithromycin for ENP based on clinical and histopathologic variables., Methods: The present investigation was a self-paired case study of 33 patients with ENP. A comparison was performed between patients before and after treatment with azithromycin for 8 weeks. The patients were subjected to clinical examinations, staging (three-dimensional imaging by endoscopy), application of the questionnaire, and biopsy of nasal polyps at the beginning and at the end of the treatment., Results: The treatment yielded a clinical improvement regarding the two variables studied: polyposis staging (69.7%) and questionnaire (57.6%). We did not find significant differences in the inflammatory pattern and in the percentage or absolute number of eosinophils per field between samples obtained before and after the treatment (p > 0.05). There was no difference between the answers obtained from groups with and without asthma and/or aspirin intolerance (p > 0.3). The patients with advanced initial staging exhibited lower subjective improvement index and staging reduction (p = 0.031 and p = 0.012, respectively)., Conclusion: Based on this study, azithromycin may be considered as another therapeutic option for ENP. However, further studies are necessary to define the real mechanism of action involved., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare pertaining to this article

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is important in oncology because of its high mortality rate. Deaths may be avoided if an early diagnosis could be achieved. Several types of tumors overexpress gastrin-releasing peptide receptors (GRPr), including pancreatic cancer cells. Thus, a radiolabeled peptide derivative of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) may be useful as a specific imaging probe. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using (99m)Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin(7-14)as an imaging probe for Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Xenographic pancreatic tumor was developed in nude mice and characterized by histopathological analysis. Biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images were carried out in tumor-bearing nude mice. The two methods showed higher uptake by pancreatic tumor when compared to muscle (used as control), and the tumor-to-muscle ratio indicated that (99m)Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin (7-14)uptake was four-fold higher in tumor cells than in other tissues. Scintigraphic images also showed a clear signal at the tumor site. The present data indicate that (99m)Tc-HYNIC-βAla-Bombesin (7-14) may be useful for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

This work proposes a simple and inexpensive method to prepare a new series of β-diketonate-tantalum complexes. The method is based on the use of a [TaF7](2-) solution, as the tantalum precursor, thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA), hexafluoroacetylacetone (HFA), and benzoyltrifluoroacetylacetone (BFA) in basic medium; basic pH is achieved by adding urea to the reaction medium. Elemental analysis, H(1)-NMR spectroscopy, potentiometric measurements conducted with a fluorine-selective electrode, conductivity measurements, vibrational spectroscopy based on quantum chemistry calculations, and electronic spectroscopy helped in determining the molecular structure of the complexes. At room temperature in the solid state and in solution upon irradiation with UV light, the complexes exhibited blue emission, probably as a result of the heavy atom effect. On the basis of the structures, luminescence properties at room temperature, and solvent-dependent changes in the electronic properties of the complexes, these β-diketonates are potentially applicable as optical ethanol or humidity sensors and are promising materials for the development of luminescent devices.

Background: Primary microvascular angina (PMA) is a common clinical condition associated to negative impact on quality of life (QOL) and reduced physical capacity. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of aerobic physical training (APT) on myocardial perfusion, physical capacity, and QOL in patients with PMA., Methods: We investigated 12 patients (53.8 ± 9.7 years old; 7 women) with PMA, characterized by angina, angiographycally normal coronary arteries, and reversible perfusion defects (RPDs) detected on (99m)Tc-sestamibi-SPECT myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (MPS). At baseline and after 4 month of APT, the patients underwent MPS, cardiopulmonary test, and QOL questionnaire. Stress-rest MPS images were visually analyzed by attributing semi-quantitative scores (0 = normal; 4 = absent uptake), using a 17-segment left ventricular model. Summed stress, rest, and difference scores (SDS) were calculated., Results: In comparison to the baseline, in the post-training we observed a significant increase in peak-VO2 (19.4 ± 4.8 and 22.1 ± 6.2 mL·kg(-1)·minute(-1), respectively, P = .01), reduction of SDS (10.1 ± 8.8 and 2.8 ± 4.9, P = .008), and improvement in QOL scores., Conclusions: Physical training in patients with PMA is associated with reduction of myocardial perfusion abnormalities, increasing of physical capacity, and improvement in QOL. The findings of this hypothesis-generating study suggest that APT can be a valid therapeutic option for patients with PMA.

Carboplatin, efficient cytostatics for cancer therapy, could induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of vascular endothelium in several tumor cell lines and xenograft models. It has been suggested that the antitumor effect of chemotherapy could be increased by combining it with an antiangiogenesis agent in anticancer strategy. The present study explored the potential to increase the antitumor effect of carboplatin by combining it with thalidomide in mouse 4T1 breast cancer models, and the underlining mechanism was investigated. The systemic administration of carboplatin and thalidomide significantly decreased tumor growth through increased tumor cell apoptosis compared with either control group. Collectively, these findings suggest that combined treatment has shown synergistic suppression in tumor progression according to the analysis. Furthermore, also was observed reduction in number of lung metastases as compared to isolated treatments and increased survival of the animals. The present study may be important in future exploration of the potential application of the combined approach in the treatment of breast cancer., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

New imidazole derived thiosemicarbazones and hydrazones were prepared by condensation of 4(5)-imidazole carboxaldehyde, 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzaldehyde and 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone with a thiosemicarbazide or hydrazide. All compounds were characterized by quantitative elemental analysis, IR and NMR techniques. Eight structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The antifungal activities of the compounds were evaluated. None of the compounds exhibited significant activity against Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans, while 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (ImT) and 4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzaldehyde thiosemicabazone (4ImBzT) were highly and selectively active against Cladosporium cladosporioides. 4(5)-Imidazolecarboxaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImPh), 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde-para-chlorobenzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImpClPh), 4(5)-imidazolecarboxaldehyde-para-nitrobenzoyl hydrazone (4(5)ImpNO2Ph), 4-(imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone-para-chloro-benzoyl hydrazone (4ImAcpClPh) and 4-(imidazole-1-yl)acetophenone-para-nitro-benzoylhydrazone (4ImAcpNO2Ph) were highly active against Candida glabrata. 4(5)ImpClPh and 4(5)ImpNO2Ph were very effective against C. cladosporioides. In many cases, activity was superior to that of the reference compound nystatin.

Objective: To assess the epidemiological profile of tuberculosis in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State, from 2002 to 2008., Methods: For descriptive epidemiological study, the data were obtained from the municipal National Health Surveillance System, after obtaining approval from the Research Ethics Committee at the City Health Department. Incidence coefficient, average rates and stratified data analysis with significance level of p ≤ 0.05 were calculated., Results: About 7.590 new tuberculosis cases were reported between 2002 and 2008. There was a slight reduction in the number of cases throughout the historical trend, with an average annual incidence rate of 46/100,000 inhabitants. The study also showed a male gender ratio of 1.84:1, a higher incidence coefficient in the age group between 40 and 59 years old (73/100,000) and a higher incidence of tuberculosis among people who only had primary education level. Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most prevalent form in every year of the study (p < 0,001). Among the cases reported with associated diseases, alcoholism was registered in 47.9% and AIDS in 34.5%. Between 2002 and 2008, there was an increasing trend of cases treated under Directly Observed Treatment, accounting for 29.5% in total. Cure percentage rate was below the expected result (67.3%) and non-adherence to treatment showed a high total percentage (17.9%)., Conclusion: The results indicated that tuberculosis control actions need to be intensified with investments on professional training, systemic audits of the information system, improved integration between AIDS/tuberculosis programs and raising awareness of the disease with the goal of mobilizing the society.

Objective: to analyze the health vulnerabilities in adolescence associated with socioeconomic conditions, social networks, drugs and violence from the perspective of students., Method: cross-sectional study with 678 students between 14-15 years old in Contagem, Brazil. A self-administered questionnaire divided into modules by subject was used. Quantitative, descriptive and stratified analyses were performed by sex., Results: high percentage of adolescents (40.4%) were beneficiaries of Government financial support called "Bolsa Família" and 14.6% had a job, 57.1% and 23.6% had tried alcohol and tobacco, respectively. We identified 15% of aggression and 26.7% of bullying. The majority informed they never/rarely talk to parents about the daily difficulties (64.5%) and 22% reported insomnia and/or feelings of loneliness., Conclusion: the results indicated that there is a need to intensify educational activities that seek to develop cognitive, affective and social skills aimed at improving the way adolescents face the vulnerabilities, in these activities, nursing has a fundamental role.

Complexes [Bi(2Fo4Ph)Cl(2)] (1), [Bi(2Ac4Ph)Cl(2)] (2), [Bi(2Bz4Ph)Cl(2)] (3), [Bi(H(2)Gy3DH)Cl(3)] (4), [Bi(H(2)Gy4Et)(OH)(2)Cl] (5), and [Bi(H(2)Gy4Ph)Cl(3)] (6) were prepared with pyridine-2-carbaldehyde 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone (H2Fo4Ph), 1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone (H2Ac4Ph), phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methanone 4-phenylthiosemicarbazone (H2Bz4Ph), as well as with glyoxaldehyde bis(thiosemicarbazone) (H(2)Gy4DH) and its 4-Et (H(2)Gy4Et) and 4-Ph (H(2)Gy4Ph) derivatives. The complexes exhibited antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Coordination to Bi(III) proved to be an effective strategy to increase the antibacterial activity of the thiosemicarbazones and bis(thiosemicarbazones)., (Copyright © 2012 Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta AG, Zürich.)

This study was conducted with 90 poultry slaughterhouse workers, which perform the function of removing chicken parts from the conveyor belt, and sample was composed of 66 women (33.5 ± 6.5 years) and 24 men (35.7 ± 7.2 years), aiming to analyze the influence of anthropometry in the shoulder joint of these workers. Body discomfort was evaluated by a human body diagram, being applied at the end of the work shift. The anthropometric measurement of shoulder was performed by measuring the height of the acromion process, being compared with the height of the conveyor belt. Analysis of the results was performed by descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, percentage and percentiles 5%, 50% and 95%. It was found that the height of the conveyor belt was 1.74 meters, while the average shoulder height of workers was 1.38 meters for percentile 5%, 1.41 meters for percentile 50% and 1.65 meters for percentile 95%. The discomfort regions were shoulder 45%, neck 29%, column 26%, arms 23%, and wrists and hand 20%. The upper limb assessment was performed with percentile 5% through the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment method, resulting in a final score > 7, indicating the need for adjustments of the work organization. It was concluded that the workplace does not meet the workers' anthropometric characteristics, mainly affecting the shoulder joint, and correction ergonomics becomes necessary so that the workers involved in this study can perform their functions with health, comfort and safety.

Brazil has the main producers and exporters of chicken meat, which is classified as the third largest world chicken meat producer and lead exporter. This study aimed at analyzing the body discomfort perception in poultry slaughterhouse workers and its associations with the task characteristics. The study included 290 workers, 200 women (34.7 ± 7.7 years) and 90 men (36.8 ± 8.2 years). A body map for evaluating discomfort and an interview regarding organizational issues and criteria of the OCRA method were used. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05) were used. It was found that 87.6% of respondents performed repetitive tasks, 86.2% performed rest breaks, 82.8% performed job rotation (2-7 tasks) and 61% used tools. It was also found that 67.2% felt discomfort in at least one body region, and the symptoms most often reported were pain, fatigue and tingling. The body regions most frequently cited were: shoulders (62.6%), neck (46.2%), spine (36.4%), forearms (31.3%), arms (29.2%), wrists (25.6%) and hands (25.6%). In sectors artificially cold (n = 204), 54.1% felt cold. There was no association between body discomfort and gender, task characteristics, performance of rest breaks and job rotation, use of tools and time working in the company; however, there was association with cold perception (p = 0.035).