Abstract Nanocellulose (BNC) is a natural polymer produced by bacteria. Its structure has only glucose monomer, it has various properties such as high water holding capacity, unique nanostructure, high crystallinity and high mechanical strength. Pure BNC or in combination with different components can be used for a wide range of applications. Aloe vera is a medicinal plant with polysaccharides in its composition that has a potential for tissue regeneration and repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of incorporating Aloe vera (A. vera) into BNC membranes produced with three fractions of A. vera extract (BNC-Aloe) on the behavior of epithelial cells. Human fibroblasts and keratinocytes were shown to have increased metabolic activity and proliferation when cultured on BNC-Aloe membranes compared to control. Quantification of collagen biosynthesis was significantly higher in BNC-Aloe membranes. In conclusion, BNC-Aloe membranes are suggested as a material for the purpose of skin tissue repair.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) in reducing the volume of cystic and mixed thyroid nodules. Materials and methods A total of 36 patients with nodules treated with PEI and 13 individuals who declined PEI and were followed clinically or received other non surgical treatment (control group). Assessments were performed at baseline (immediately before treatment in the PEI group or evaluation of the nodule on ultrasonography in the control group) at short-term (on average 30 days after the last injection in the PEI group), and long-term (on average 14 months after baseline in the PEI group or 26 months after baseline in the control group). Results In the PEI group, the mean baseline volume of 10.4 ± 9.8 cm3 reduced at short-term follow-up to 2.9 ± 3.1 cm3 (67.7 ± 19.9%, p < 0.001) and at long-term follow-up to 2.0 ± 2.5 cm3 (78.2 ± 19.5%, p < 0.01 versus baseline and p = 0.009 versus short-term follow-up). Both types of nodules showed similar degrees of reduction. In the control group, mean volume was 5.8 ± 3.4 cm3 at baseline and 6.2 ± 3.0 cm3 at long-term follow-up (p = 0.507). Compared with the control group, the PEI group showed larger reduction (p < 0.001). Conclusions PEI is effective in reducing the volume of cystic and mixed benign thyroid nodules, with sustained long-term efficacy and better outcome when compared with conservative therapies. Treatment with PEI is a safe alternative, with minimal, transient and self-limited adverse events.

ResumoObjetivo:avaliar a relação entre diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), depressão e sintomas depressivos e seu impacto no controle clínico do DM2.Métodos:foram avaliados 214 pacientes ambulatoriais, 105 com DM2 e 109 não diabéticos, com idade entre 55 e 75 anos (grupo DM2 65,1±5,6 anos e grupo controle 63,4±5,8 anos). Considerou-se depressão o uso de tratamento antidepressivo ou escore ≥16 no inventário de Beck (BDI). Complicações do DM2 e escore total de sintomas (TSS) para neuropatia periférica foram questionados aos pacientes.Resultados:o grupo DM2 apresentou maior frequência de depressão (35,2%) em relação aos controles (21,1%) (p=0,021), com um risco 2,4 vezes maior de apresentar depressão. A presença de sintomas depressivos também foi superior no grupo DM2 (média BDI 9,5±8,8 versus 6,9±6,2; p=0,039). Os sintomas de neuropatia diabética foram superiores nos depressivos. O controle metabólico e a presença de complicações no grupo DM2 não foram associados à depressão.Conclusão:o DM2 determinou um maior risco de depressão; porém, essa associação não influenciou o controle metabólico e a presença de outras complicações da doença.

SummaryBackground:the aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between type 2 diabetes (T2DM), depression and depressive symptoms and their clinical impact on T2DM.Methods:the authors evaluated 214 outpatients, 105 with diabetes (T2DM group) and 109 non-diabetics (control group), with ages ranging between 50 and 75 years (T2DM group 65.1 ± 5.6 years, control group 63.4 ± 5.8 years). Use of antidepressant treatment or score ≥ 16 on the Beck depression inventory (BDI) was considered depression. Complications of diabetes and total symptom score (TSS) for peripheral neuropathy were reported by patients.Results:diabetes group had a higher frequency of depression (35.2%) compared to controls (21.1%) (p=0,021), with 2.4 times increased risk of depression. The presence of depressive symptoms was also higher in T2DM group (mean BDI 9.5 ± 8.8 versus 6.9 ± 6.2; p=0.039). Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy were higher in depressed subjects. The metabolic control and presence of complications in T2DM group were not associated with depression.Conclusion:T2DM led to an increased risk of depression, but this did not influence the metabolic control or the presence of other complications.