In this work, iron chloride (FeCl3.6H2O), a single reagent, was used to create the phases of hematite (α-Fe2O3) and akaganeite (β-FeOOH) without the need of organic solvents using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal technique (HM). X-ray diffraction demonstrated the efficacy of the HM technique in the generation of crystalline phases of α-Fe2O3 at 180oC and β-FeOOH at 120oC. The development of pseudo-cunic and stick-like particles was a result of changes in experimental variables, which also had a substantial impact on the materials structural characteristics. The nitrogen (N2) adsorption/desorption isotherms of the samples containing akaganeite and hematite phase resembled those of mesoporous materials. Hematite has a surface area of 25.44 m2 g-1, while akaganeite has a surface area of 110.60 m2 g-1, according to the calculation. Thermodifferential and thermogravimetric techniques were used to assess thermal degradation. The use of microwave hydrothermal synthesis was promoted as being quick, easy, affordable, and safe for the environment.

Abstract Introduction The deficiency of ADA2 (DADA2) is a rare autoinflammatory disease provoked by mutations in the ADA2 gene inherited in a recessive fashion. Up to this moment there is no consensus for the treatment of DADA2 and anti-TNF is the therapy of choice for chronic management whereas bone marrow transplantation is considered for refractory or severe phenotypes. Data from Brazil is scarce and this multicentric study reports 18 patients with DADA2 from Brazil. Patients and methods This is a multicentric study proposed by the Center for Rare and Immunological Disorders of the Hospital 9 de Julho - DASA, São Paulo - Brazil. Patients of any age with a confirmed diagnosis of DADA2 were eligible for this project and data on clinical, laboratory, genetics and treatment were collected. Results Eighteen patients from 10 different centers are reported here. All patients had disease onset at the pediatric age (median of 5 years) and most of them from the state of São Paulo. Vasculopathy with recurrent stroke was the most common phenotype but atypical phenotypes compatible with ALPS-like and Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) was also found. All patients carried pathogenic mutations in the ADA2 gene. Acute management of vasculitis was not satisfactory with steroids in many patients and all those who used anti-TNF had favorable responses. Conclusion The low number of patients diagnosed with DADA2 in Brazil reinforces the need for disease awareness for this condition. Moreover, the absence of guidelines for diagnosis and management is also necessary (t).

RESUMO Antecedentes: Infecções estão entre as principais causas de morte de pacientes com doenças desmielinizantes do sistema nervoso central (DDSNC). Vacinas são métodos eficazes para reduzir internação e morte por doenças infecciosas, porém são desafiadoras em pacientes com DDSNC tanto pela autoimunidade quanto pela imunossupressão. Objetivos: Resumir o racional fisiopatológico e as principais evidências para as recomendações de vacinas em pacientes com DDSNC. Métodos: Especialistas com diferentes formações no tema: um neurologista especialista em doenças desmielinizantes, um infectologista e um imunologista, apresentam uma revisão crítica narrativa da Literatura de vacinação em pacientes com DDSNC, com destaque a quais vacinas devem ou não ser administradas e o melhor momento para isso. Resultados: Pacientes com DDSNC têm risco aumentado para infecções imunopreveníveis virais e bacterianas. Vacinas podem prevenir herpes zooster, reativação de hepatite B, verrugas e tumores associados ao HPV, pneumonias virais e bacterianas, além de meningites. Vacinas de vírus vivos atenuados não devem ser usadas quando o paciente está em uso de imunossupressão. Vacinas devem ser evitadas durante surtos. A maior eficácia vacinal é dada antes do tratamento ou ao final de doses de medicações. Conclusão: Os pacientes com DDSNC necessitam de imunização diferenciada em relação a vacinas adicionais, vacinas contraindicadas e melhor momento de vacinação.

ABSTRACT Background: Infections are among the main causes of death in patients with demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNSDD). Vaccines are effective methods in reducing hospitalization and death from infectious diseases, but they are challenging in patients with CNSDD because of autoimmunity and immunosuppression. Objectives: To summarize the pathophysiological rationale and main evidence for vaccine recommendations in patients with CNSDD. Methods: Specialists with different backgrounds on the subject: a neurologist specialized in demyelinating diseases, an infectious diseases specialist and an immunologist, presented a critical narrative review of vaccination literature in patients with CNSDD, highlighting which vaccines should or should not be administered and the best time for it. Results: Patients with DDSNC are at increased risk of vaccine-preventable viral and bacterial infections. Vaccines can prevent herpes zoster, hepatitis B reactivation, HPV-associated warts and tumors, viral and bacterial pneumonia, and meningitis. Live attenuated virus vaccines should not be used when the patient is on immunosuppression. Vaccines should be avoided during relapses. The greatest vaccine efficacy is given before treatment or at the end of medication. Conclusion: Patients with DDSNC need differentiated immunization in relation to additional vaccines, contraindicated vaccines and timing of vaccination.

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Adverse reactions associated with prick tests are rare but may be present as serious systemic reactions. CASE REPORT: A 38-year-old female nursing technician complained of three episodes of anaphylaxis in one year, all in the workplace. To investigate latex allergy, the patient underwent the prick test with latex, and immediately developed a rash, itchy skin, hoarseness, dyspnea and dry cough. Her condition improved promptly after appropriate measures were established for controlling her anaphylaxis. CONCLUSION: The skin test must be performed under medical supervision, since complications that can lead to life-threatening reactions, if support measures are not readily implemented, have been attributed to this test.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da indução de danos ao DNA em células monocelulares do sangue periférico de pacientes com doença falciforme, genótipos SS e SC, tratados com hidroxiureia. Métodos Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram divididos em dois grupos: um de 22 pacientes com doença falciforme genótipos SS e SC tratados com hidroxiureia, e o outro controle, composto por 24 pacientes com doença falciforme que não eram tratados com o fármaco. As amostras de sangue periférico foram submetidas ao isolamento de células mononucleares do sangue periférico para avaliação da genotoxicidade pelo ensaio de micronúcleo citoma com bloqueio da citocinese, tendo sido quantificados os biomarcadores de danos ao DNA – micronúcleos, pontes nucleoplasmáticas e brotamento nuclear. Resultados Os pacientes com doença falciforme tratados com hidroxiureia apresentaram média de idade de 25,4 anos, enquanto aqueles com doença falciforme não tratados com hidroxiureia tiveram média de idade de 17,6 anos. A dose média de hidroxiureia utilizada pelos pacientes foi de 12,8mg/kg/dia, por período médio de 44 meses. A frequência média de micronúcleos por 1.000 células de 8,591±1,568 foi observada no Grupo Hidroxiureia e de 10,040±1,003 no Grupo Controle. Adicionalmente, a frequência média de pontes nucleoplasmáticas por 1.000 células e brotamento nuclear por 1.000 células para o Grupo Hidroxiureia e Controle foi de 0,4545±0,1707 versus 0,5833±0,2078, e de 0,8182±0,2430 versus 0,9583±0,1853, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos. Conclusão Na população estudada de pacientes com doença falciforme com tratamento em dose padrão de hidroxiureia, não houve evidência de indução de danos ao DNA.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the induction of DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with sickle cell disease, SS and SC genotypes, treated with hydroxyurea. Methods The study subjects were divided into two groups: one group of 22 patients with sickle cell disease, SS and SC genotypes, treated with hydroxyurea, and a Control Group composed of 24 patients with sickle cell disease who were not treated with hydroxyurea. Peripheral blood samples were submitted to peripheral blood mononuclear cell isolation to assess genotoxicity by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay, in which DNA damage biomarkers – micronuclei, nucleoplasmic bridges and nuclear buds - were counted. Results Patients with sickle cell disease treated with hydroxyurea had a mean age of 25.4 years, whereas patients with sickle cell disease not treated with hydroxyurea had a mean age of 17.6 years. The mean dose of hydroxyurea used by the patients was 12.8mg/kg/day, for a mean period of 44 months. The mean micronucleus frequency per 1,000 cells of 8.591±1.568 was observed in the Hydroxyurea Group and 10.040±1.003 in the Control Group. The mean frequency of nucleoplasmic bridges per 1,000 cells and nuclear buds per 1,000 cells for the hydroxyurea and Control Groups were 0.4545±0.1707 versus 0.5833±0.2078, and 0.8182±0.2430 versus 0.9583±0.1853, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups. Conclusion In the study population, patients with sickle cell disease treated with the standard dose of hydroxyurea treatment did not show evidence of DNA damage induction.

Abstract Curcumin (CMN) is the principal active component derived from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (Curcuma longa L.). It is a liposoluble polyphenolic compound that possesses great therapeutic potential. Its clinical application is, however, limited by the low concentrations detected following oral administration. One key strategy for improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs is solid dispersion, though it is not known whether this technique might influence the pharmacological effects of CMN. Thus, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of CMN formulated in a solid dispersion (CMN SD) compared to unmodified CMN delivered to Wistar rats. Cisplatin (cDDP) was used as the damage-inducing agent in these evaluations. The comet assay results showed that CMN SD was not able to reduce the formation of cDDP-DNA crosslinks, but it decreased the formation of micronuclei induced by cDDP and attenuated cDDP-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, at a dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. both CMN SD and unmodified CMN increased the expression of Tp53 mRNA. Our results showed that CMN SD did not alter the antigenotoxic effects observed for unmodified CMN and showed effects similar to those of unmodified CMN for all of the parameters evaluated. In conclusion, CMN SD maintained the protective effects of unmodified CMN with the advantage of being chemically water soluble, with maximization of absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the optimization of the physical and chemical properties of CMN SD may increase the potential for the therapeutic use of curcumin.

Objetivo: Estudar a qualidade de vida, resultados e satisfação em pacientes que se submeteram à cirurgia de catarata. Métodos: O trabalho foi realizado no Serviço de Oftalmologia do Hospital Universitário Bettina Ferro de Souza, Belém, Pará, Brasil. O desenho experimental consistiu em séries de casos comparados. O estudo incluiu 60 indivíduos com catarata. Metade dos pacientes foi submetida à extração de catarata extracapsular convencional (ECEE) e a outra metade à extração de catarata por facoemulsificação (PHACO). Os pacientes foram entrevistados usando-se o questionário Visual Function 14 (VF-14) para determinar a qualidade de vida antes e 30 dias depois da cirurgia. Os resultados do exame oftalmológico foram registrados no arquivo de cada paciente e disponibilizados ao longo do trabalho. Foram usados análise de variância simples e comparação post-hoc com teste de Tukey e teste dos sinais para a análise estatística dos resultados. Resultados: O índice de satisfação médio VF-14 foi 38,0 e 89,4 antes e após a cirurgia, respectivamente, para o grupo ECEE, sendo 47,0 e 94,1 para o grupo PHACO. A melhora na qualidade de vida após a cirurgia foi significativa em ambos os grupos de pacientes (p<0,0001), tendo sido semelhante em ambos os grupos. Conclusão: A melhora observada na qualidade de vida avaliada foi significativa e diretamente relacionada à satisfação dos pacientes com os resultados da cirurgia, a qual também foi significativa (p<0,0001). A satisfação e a qualidade de vida são fatores individuais. Consequentemente, as respostas dos pacientes relativas à melhoria em cada atividade são subjetivas e dependem unicamente da percepção individual.

Purpose: To study the quality of life, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction in patients who have undergone cataract surgery Methods: This comparative case series study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Service of the Bettina Ferro de Souza University Hospital, Belém, Pará, Brazil. Totally, 60 patients with cataract were included; 50% underwent conventional extracapsular cataract extraction (ECEE) and 50% underwent cataract extraction by phacoemulsification (PHACO). Patients were interviewed using the Visual Function 14 (VF-14) questionnaire to determine the quality of life before and 30 days after surgery. The results of ophthalmological examination were recorded in the patients' files and were available throughout this study. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post-hoc comparison, and the sign test were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean VF-14 satisfaction index was 38.0 and 89.4 before and after surgery, respectively, for the ECEE group and 47.0 and 94.1, respectively, for the PHACO group. The improvement in patient quality of life after surgery was significant in both groups (p<0.0001), with a similar amount of improvement in both groups. Conclusions: The observed improvement in quality of life was significant (p<0.0001) and directly related to patient satisfaction with surgical outcomes, which was also significant (p<0.0001) as assessed using the VF-14. Satisfaction and quality of life are individual factors; consequently, patient responses to questions regarding improvements in the ability to perform each activity are subjective and depend uniquely on individual perception.

O aumento nas aplicações das radiações ionizantes pode produzir exposição de pessoas e objetos a campos de radiação, onde a intensidade depende do tipo da fonte e da atividade desenvolvida. Nesse trabalho, perfis de espalhamento de amostras liofilizadas de plasma, matriz celular e sangue total foram estudados. Os perfis de espalhamento foram obtidos com um difratômetro de raios X Shiamadzu (XRD6000) no Laboratório de Instrumentação Nuclear, LIN/Coppe. As amostras foram irradiadas com valores de dose de 2cGy a 100cGy no Inca, no Rio de Janeiro, e todas as amostras de plasma, matriz celular e sangue total foram liofilizadas a -60°C e 780 mmHg até completa eliminação de água. Os ângulos de espalhamento de 5° a 35° foram varridos em passos de 0,05° com tempo de integração de 3 segundos. Os perfis de espalhamento das amostras irradiadas foram comparados com os perfis de amostras não irradiada. Nesse estudo observou-se que os perfis das amostras de matriz celular e sangue total são bastante parecidos. O perfil de espalhamento do plasma é muito característico porque em adição ao primeiro e ao segundo pico essas amostras mostraram mais dois picos estreitos.Os valores de θ1 e θ2 das amostras de plasma irradiado são maiores que os obtidos pelas amostras de plasma não irradiado e os valores de θ1 e θ2 das amostras de matriz celular irradiada são menores que os obtidos pelas amostras de matriz celular não irradiada.

The increase in ionizing radiation (IR) applications can expose people and objects to radiation fields, where the intensity depends on the type of source and the activity. In this work, scattering profiles of lyophilized samples of plasma, cellular matrix and total blood were studied. The scattering profiles were obtained using a Shiamadzu X-Ray diffractometer (XRD 6000) at the Laboratório de Instrumentação Nuclear, LIN/Coppe. The samples were irradiated with doses of from 2cGy to 100cGy at Inca in Rio de Janeiro and all the samples of plasma, cellular matrix and total blood were lyophilized at -60°C and 780 mmHg until the water was totally eliminated. Scanning involved scattering angles of from 5° to 35° in steps of 0.05° with an integration time of 3 seconds. The scattering profiles of the irradiated samples were compared with non-irradiated sample profiles. In this study it was observed that the cellular matrix and total blood sample profiles are similar. The scattering profile of plasma is very characteristic because in addition to the first and second peaks, these samples show two other narrow peaks. The 1 and 2 values of irradiated plasma samples are greater than non-irradiated ones and the 1 and 2 values of the irradiated cellular matrix samples are smaller than ones obtained using non-irradiated cellular matrix samples.

We studied with morphological tools the effects of different doses of Losartan upon the cardiovascular remodeling in nitric oxide deficient rats. At 15 weeks of age, thirty Wistar rats were separated in six groups: control (C), L-NAME (LN), and four groups were LN was given plus Losartan at different doses (1, 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg/day). The L-NAME was given for 9 weeks, the Losartan administration starting on the 2nd week of experiment. We studied the heart, thoracic aorta and superior mesenteric artery with light microscopy and stereology. The blood pressure (BP) increased since the first week of L-NAME administration, the Losartan treatment at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg/day was efficient to reduce BP after the 7th week of treatment. The cardiac adverse remodeling in the LN group was characterized by intense interstitial fibrosis, impairment of the myocardial microvascularization, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and consequent loss of cardiomyocytes. The aortic wall structure (density per area of smooth muscle cell nuclei and surface density of lamellae), and the superior mesenteric artery media/lumen ratio were also strongly affected by L-NAME administration. Only in the dose equal or higher than 20 mg/kg/day Losartan showed beneficial effects treating these alterations. In conclusion, both the heart and the arterial wall of NO deficient rats suffer a marked adverse remodeling process that is efficiently treated by a dose-dependent Losartan administration. The efficiency of Losartan treatment in this model of NO synthesis blockade correlates with the hypotensor effect of the drug mainly in the high dose treatment

Se estudiaron con herramientas morfológicas, los efectos de diferentes dosis de Losartan sobre el remodelamiento cardiovascular, en ratas deficientes en óxido nítrico. 30 ratas Wistar, con 15 semanas de edad, fueron separadas en 6 grupos. control (C), L-NAME (LN), y 4 grupos en que administró LN junto con Losartan, en diferentes dosis (1, 5, 20 y 40 mg/kg/dia). El L-NAME fue administrado durante 9 semanas y la administración de Losartan se inició en la segunda semana de experimentación. Se estudiaron el corazón, la parte torácica de la aorta y la arteria mesentérica craneal, con microscopía de luz y estereología. La presión arterial (PA) aumentó desde la primera semana de administración de L-NAME. El tratamiento con Losartan, en las dosis de 20 y 40 mg/kg/día, fue eficiente para reducir la PA después de la séptima semana de tratamiento. El remodelamiento cardiaco adverso en el grupo LN se caracterizó por intensa fibrosis intersticial, disminución de la microvascularización miocárdica e hipertrofia y consecuente pérdida de cardiomiocitos. La estructura de la pared de la aorta (densidad por área de núcleos de células musculares lisas y densidad de superficie de lamelas), y la relación media/luz de la arteria mesentérica craneal, también fueron muy alteradas por la administración de L-NAME. Sólo en una dosis igual o mayor que 20 mg/kg/día, el Losartan tuvo efecto benéfico tratando estas alteraciones. En conclusión, tanto el corazón como la pared arterial de ratas deficientes en óxido nítrico, presentan un proceso de remodelamiento acentuado, y éste es eficientemente tratado con Losartan en diferentes dosis. La eficiencia del tratamiento con Losartan en el modelo de bloqueo de la síntesis de óxido nítrico se correlaciona con el efecto hipotensor de la droga, principalmente en las dosis más elevadas

Avaliar diferentes métodos radiológicos no diagnóstico de corpos estranhos (CEs) de madeira. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 11 frangos adultos. Realizou-se lesão perfurante, em cada sobrecoxa do animal. Em um dos lados, foi introduzida e deixada uma farpa de madeira e, na sobrecoxa contralateral, esse mesmo objeto foi introduzido e retirado (Grupo Controle). Após sete dias, os animais foram mortos e tiveram seus membros retirados para avaliação por radiografia simples (RS), ultra-sonografia (US), tomografia computadorizada (TC) e ressonância magnética (RM). Cada exame foi avaliado, independentemente, por dois radiologistas experientes. RESULTADOS: A sensibilidade foi 13,6% para RS, 63,3% para US, 59,1% para RM e 72,7% para TC, com especificidades de 100%, 100%, 95,5% e 95,5%, respectivamente. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 100% para RS e US, de 95% para TC e de 93,8% para RM, enquanto o valor preditivo negativo foi de 53,7%, 73,7%, 78,3% e 70,1%, respectivamente. A acurácia foi de 84,1%, para TC, de 81,8% para US, de 77,3% para RM e de 56,8% para RS. Comprovou-se, histologicamente, presença de reação inflamatória em todas as sobrecoxas que continham CE. CONCLUSÃO: RS apresenta pequena utilidade na detecção radiológica de CE de madeira em frango, devendo-se optar pelo emprego de US e TC, seguido por RM.

PURPOSE: To determine the usefulness of different radiological methods in the diagnoses of wooden foreign bodies (FB). METHODS: Eleven adult chickens were used. Each thigh received a puncture wound and in one of them a wooden splinter was introduced and left in place while in the contralateral it was introduced and removed (control group). After 7 days the animals where killed and the legs removed to be analyzed with conventional radiography (CR), ultrasonography (US), magnetic resonance and computed tomography. The results were viewed by 2 independent senior radiologists. RESULTS: Sensitivity was: CR - 13.6%; US - 63.6%; MR - 59.1%; and CT - 72.7%, with specificity of 100%, 100%, 95.5%, and 95.5%, respectively. The positive predictive value for CR and US was 100%, 95% for CT 95% and 93.8% for MR. CT had a negative predictive value of 78.3%, while US, MR, and CR had 73.7%, 70.1%, and 53.7%, respectively. The accuracy for CT was 84.1%, followed by US - 81.8%, RM - 77.3%, and CR - 56.8%. Inflammatory reaction was histologically demonstrated in all thighs containing FB. CONCLUSION: CR showed a poor performance to detect wooden FB in chickens, while US and CT seem to be the best option, followed by RM.