ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem associated with several chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with plaque psoriasis. A comparison was made between vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and those with other non-inflammatory dermatoses without photosensitivity. In addition, it evaluated the effects of the patients’ Fitzpatrick skin phototype and the season of the year on the serum levels of vitamin D. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A review of dermatology patients’ demographic data, including skin phototype and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], over 12 months in 2016. RESULTS: This study included 554 patients: 300 patients allocated to the plaque psoriasis group and 254 control patients with other dermatological diseases. Regarding the season of the year, 229, 132, 62, and 131 participants were evaluated in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. As for the skin phototype, 397, 139, and 18 patients had phototypes III, IV, and V, respectively. The serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in the psoriasis group (24.91 ± 7.16 ng/mL) than in the control group (30.37 ± 8.14 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 76.66% of patients with psoriasis versus 53.94% of control patients. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was observed in 25% of the patients with psoriasis versus 8.66% in the control group (P < 0.001). The season and patient’s skin phototype were independent predictors of serum vitamin D levels.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory manifestations in the skin and joints. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a pandemic and is associated with comorbidities including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D] in patients with plaque psoriasis, with and without PsA, and of independent predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], family history, age at onset, disease duration, and the presence of PsA according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis), skin phototype, and season of the year were reviewed. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA (82.2% and 74.9%, respectively). An inverse correlation between PASI and vitamin D was found (without PsA r = –0.59 and, PsA r = –0.52, P < 0.001), and multivariate regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D was associated with disease severity, season, and phototype. It was confirmed by binary logistic regression between PASI and vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), (odds ratio, OR 1.78 CI: –0.20–0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in psoriatic patients with and without PsA. Season and skin phototype were associated with 25(OH)D levels. An inverse association between PASI and serum 25(OH)D levels was established.

RESUMO A manufatura aditiva, mais popularmente conhecida como impressão tridimensional, baseia-se no desenvolvimento de um objeto com a ajuda de um software de desenho assistido por computador seguido de sua impressão por meio da deposição de uma matéria-prima, camada por camada, para a construção do produto desejado. Existem vários tipos de técnicas de impressão tridimensional, e o tipo de processo de impressão escolhido depende da aplicação específica do objeto a ser desenvolvido, dos materiais a serem utilizados e da resolução necessária à impressão do produto final. A impressão tridimensional abriu perspectivas na pesquisa e revolucionou o campo das ciências da saúde, com a possibilidade de criação e de desenvolvimento de produtos personalizados de maneira rápida, econômica e de forma mais centralizada do que no processo de manufatura tradicional. As tecnologias de manufatura aditiva remodelaram os diagnósticos médicos; as medidas preventivas e pré-operatórias; o tratamento e a reabilitação, assim como os processos de engenharia de tecidos nos últimos anos. Na oftalmologia, as aplicações da impressão tridimensional são extensas. Modelos anatômicos para aplicação na área da educação e planejamentos cirúrgicos, desenvolvimento de implantes, lentes, equipamentos para diagnósticos, novas aplicações terapêuticas e desenvolvimento de tecidos oculares já estão em desenvolvimento. Por possuir um campo amplo e ser alvo de pesquisa constante, a área oftalmológica permite que a manufatura aditiva ainda seja amplamente utilizada a favor dos médicos e dos pacientes.

ABSTRACT Additive manufacturing, more popularly known as three-dimensional (3D) printing, is based on the development of an object with the help of computer-aided design software followed by its printing through the deposition of a material, layer by layer, to create the desired product. There are several types of 3D printing techniques and the type of printing process chosen depends on the specific application of the object to be developed, the materials to be used, and the resolution required to print the final product. 3D printing has brought new perspectives to research and revolutionized the field of health sciences, with the possibility of creating and developing customized products in a faster, more economical, and more centralized way than in the traditional manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing technologies have reformulated medical diagnostics, preventive, preoperative, treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as tissue engineering processes in recent years. In ophthalmology, the applications of 3D printing are extensive. Anatomical models for application in education and surgical planning, development of implants, lenses, diagnostic equipment, new therapeutic applications, and development of ocular tissues (3D bioprinting) are already under development. As it has a wide field and is the subject of constant research, the ophthalmic area allows additive manufacturing to still be widely used in favor of doctors and patients.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Hypovitaminosis D is a public health problem associated with several chronic inflammatory and immunological diseases, including psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with plaque psoriasis. A comparison was made between vitamin D levels in patients with psoriasis and those with other non-inflammatory dermatoses without photosensitivity. In addition, it evaluated the effects of the patients’ Fitzpatrick skin phototype and the season of the year on the serum levels of vitamin D. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora (MG), Brazil. METHODS: A review of dermatology patients’ demographic data, including skin phototype and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], over 12 months in 2016. RESULTS: This study included 554 patients: 300 patients allocated to the plaque psoriasis group and 254 control patients with other dermatological diseases. Regarding the season of the year, 229, 132, 62, and 131 participants were evaluated in summer, autumn, winter, and spring, respectively. As for the skin phototype, 397, 139, and 18 patients had phototypes III, IV, and V, respectively. The serum levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower in the psoriasis group (24.91 ± 7.16 ng/mL) than in the control group (30.37 ± 8.14 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was present in 76.66% of patients with psoriasis versus 53.94% of control patients. Vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) was observed in 25% of the patients with psoriasis versus 8.66% in the control group (P < 0.001). The season and patient’s skin phototype were independent predictors of serum vitamin D levels.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a systemic, immune-mediated disease characterized by inflammatory manifestations in the skin and joints. Vitamin D deficiency is currently considered a pandemic and is associated with comorbidities including psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D [25(OH)D] in patients with plaque psoriasis, with and without PsA, and of independent predictors of serum 25(OH)D levels. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data (psoriasis area and severity index [PASI], family history, age at onset, disease duration, and the presence of PsA according to Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis), skin phototype, and season of the year were reviewed. RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in patients with psoriasis with and without PsA (82.2% and 74.9%, respectively). An inverse correlation between PASI and vitamin D was found (without PsA r = –0.59 and, PsA r = –0.52, P < 0.001), and multivariate regression revealed that hypovitaminosis D was associated with disease severity, season, and phototype. It was confirmed by binary logistic regression between PASI and vitamin D deficiency (< 30 ng/mL), (odds ratio, OR 1.78 CI: –0.20–0.53, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hypovitaminosis D (< 30 ng/mL) was highly prevalent in psoriatic patients with and without PsA. Season and skin phototype were associated with 25(OH)D levels. An inverse association between PASI and serum 25(OH)D levels was established.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Psoriatic arthritis is the most frequent and impactful comorbidity among psoriatic patients and appears in most cases after skin disease. Dermatologists play a key role in its early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis and associated variables among patients with plaque psoriasis seen at a reference center for treating psoriasis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cross-sectional study conducted among 300 patients at an outpatient clinic in a university center in Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil. METHODS: Standardized records of 300 patients with plaque psoriasis were examined. Demographic data and medical variables relating to psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), family history, age at onset and disease progression) and psoriasis arthritis (CASPAR criteria) were evaluated. Laboratory and radiographic tests in the medical records were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-three (24.3%) of these 300 patients with plaque psoriasis had psoriatic arthritis. Asymmetric oligoarthritis (58.9%) was the most common clinical form, followed by polyarthritis (20.5%), distal interphalangeal arthritis (15.2%) and spondyloarthritis (5.4%). Dactylitis was present in 21.9% and enthesitis in 35.6% of patients. Compared with patients without arthritis, patients with arthritis had higher average age, higher frequency of positive family history of psoriasis, longer duration of evolution and higher PASI rates. CONCLUSION: Psoriatic arthritis is often underdiagnosed. Since dermatologists perform the initial approach, these professionals need to be trained to diagnose this comorbidity and treat it, together with rheumatologists.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a associação de polimorfismos genéticos em genes candidatos ou regiões candidatas com o desenvolvimento da endometriose em mulheres brasileiras. Métodos Um total de 30 mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose, com idade entre 25 e 64 anos, participaram da presente pesquisa, bem como 30 mulheres controle, na mesma faixa etária, assintomáticas e sem história familiar da doença. Foram analisadas e comparadas as frequências genotípicas e alélicas de polimorfismos no gene GREB1 (rs13394619) e na região intergênica na posição 7p15.2 (rs12700667) nessas pacientes. Resultados Não houve diferença significativa na frequência dos genótipos para o polimorfismo A > G (rs13394619) no gene GREB1 entre os dois grupos. No entanto, as frequências de distribuição dos genótipos para o polimorfismo A > G (rs12700667) em uma região intergênica no cromossomo 7 foram diferentes entre as pacientes controle e com endometriose, com frequência mais alta do genótipo AG comparado ao GG entre as pacientes com a doença (odds ratio [OR] = 3,49; intervalo de confiança [IC] 95% = 1,47–8,26). Conclusão O presente estudo sugere que o polimorfismo na região intergênica do cromossomo 7 foi associado com o risco do desenvolvimento de endometriose em uma população de mulheres de Juiz de Fora.

Abstract Objective To investigate the association between genetic polymorphisms in candidate genes or candidate regions and the development of endometriosis in Brazilian women. Methods A total of 30 women between 25 and 64 years old with a diagnosis of endometriosis participated in the present study, as well as 30 matched control women from the same age group, asymptomatic and without family history of the disease. The patients genotypic and allelic frequencies of polymorphisms in the GREB1 gene (rs13394619) and in the intergenic region at position 7p15.2 (rs12700667) were analyzed and compared. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs13394619) in the GREB1 gene between the two groups. However, the distribution frequencies of the genotypes for the A > G polymorphism (rs12700667) in an intergenic region on chromosome 7 were different for control patients and for patients with endometriosis, with higher frequency of the AG genotype compared to the GG between patients with the disease (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49; confidence interval [CI] = 1.47–8.26). Conclusion The present study suggests that the polymorphism in the intergenic region of chromosome 7 is associated with the risk of developing endometriosis in a population of Brazilian women from Juiz de Fora.

Na década de 1990, com o desenvolvimento da microeletrônica e das tecnologias de comunicações, emergiu o paradigma da tecnologia da informação, caracterizado pela intensidade de informação que, transformada em conhecimento e inovação, desempenha um papel crucial para o desenvolvimento. Entretanto, para que isso ocorra, é necessário que os países construam arranjos institucionais apropriados. Com isso, surge o modelo de sistemas de inovação da Tríplice Hélice, que compreende a inovação e o progresso técnico, em uma Economia do Conhecimento, como o resultado de um conjunto complexo de relações entre universidade, empresa e governo. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem o objetivo de identificar o impacto da produção de conhecimento e das políticas públicas para a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores pertencentes ao domínio científico Ciências da Vida e da Saúde, no âmbito das universidades federais de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A análise considerou o período de 1995 a 2016, e utilizou técnicas de econometria em painel de dados. Os resultados mostram que fatores educacionais (orientações em pós-graduação), econômicos (produtos tecnológicos e prestação de serviços tecnológicos) e políticos (arcabouço legal, recursos financeiros e políticas de estímulo) impactam a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores selecionados. Por meio da análise dos resultados, podem-se perceber os esforços do governo, mesmo que ainda incipientes, na tentativa de promover o salto tecnológico.

In the 1990s, the development of microelectronics and communication technologies spawned the information technology paradigm, characterized by an intensity of information which, transformed into knowledge and innovation, plays a crucial role for development. In order for this to occur, countries need to build appropriate institutional arrangements. This led to the Triple Helix model for systems innovation, which views innovation and technical progress in a Knowledge Economy as the result of a complex set of relations between universities, companies, and government. In this context, the current study aims to identify the impact of knowledge production and public policies for the production of patent applications by life sciences and health sciences researchers affiliated with federal universities in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis covered the years 1995 to 2016 and used econometric techniques in panel data. According to the findings, educational factors (thesis supervision), economic factors (technological products and the provision of technological services), and political factors (legal framework, financial resources, and incentive policies) impact the production of patent applications by the selected researchers. The results reveal efforts by government, although incipient, in the attempt to promote a technological leap.

Durante la década de 1990, con el desarrollo de la microelectrónica y las tecnologías de la comunicación, surgió el paradigma de la tecnología de la información, caracterizado por la intensidad de información que, transformada en conocimiento e innovación, desempeña un papel crucial para el desarrollo. No obstante, para que esto ocurra, es necesario que los países construyan marcos institucionales apropiados. Por ello, surge el modelo de sistemas de innovación de Triple Hélice, que abarca innovación y progreso técnico en una Economía del Conocimiento, como resultado de un conjunto complejo de relaciones entre universidad, empresa y gobierno. En este contexto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo de identificar el impacto de la producción de conocimiento y de las políticas públicas, con el fin de producir depósitos para patentes de investigadores, pertenecientes al campo científico de las Ciencias de la Vida y la Salud, en el ámbito de las universidades federales de Minas Gerais, Brasil. El análisis consideró el período de 1995 a 2016, y utilizó técnicas de econometría de panel de datos. Los resultados muestran que los factores educacionales (orientación durante el posgrado), económicos (productos tecnológicos y prestación de servicios tecnológicos) y políticos (marco legal, recursos financieros y políticas de estímulo) impactan en la producción de depósitos para patentes de los investigadores seleccionados. Mediante el análisis de los resultados, se pueden percibir los esfuerzos del gobierno, aunque sean incipientes, en la tentativa de promover el salto tecnológico.

Na década de 1990, com o desenvolvimento da microeletrônica e das tecnologias de comunicações, emergiu o paradigma da tecnologia da informação, caracterizado pela intensidade de informação que, transformada em conhecimento e inovação, desempenha um papel crucial para o desenvolvimento. Entretanto, para que isso ocorra, é necessário que os países construam arranjos institucionais apropriados. Com isso, surge o modelo de sistemas de inovação da Tríplice Hélice, que compreende a inovação e o progresso técnico, em uma Economia do Conhecimento, como o resultado de um conjunto complexo de relações entre universidade, empresa e governo. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem o objetivo de identificar o impacto da produção de conhecimento e das políticas públicas para a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores pertencentes ao domínio científico Ciências da Vida e da Saúde, no âmbito das universidades federais de Minas Gerais, Brasil. A análise considerou o período de 1995 a 2016, e utilizou técnicas de econometria em painel de dados. Os resultados mostram que fatores educacionais (orientações em pós-graduação), econômicos (produtos tecnológicos e prestação de serviços tecnológicos) e políticos (arcabouço legal, recursos financeiros e políticas de estímulo) impactam a produção de depósitos de patentes dos pesquisadores selecionados. Por meio da análise dos resultados, podem-se perceber os esforços do governo, mesmo que ainda incipientes, na tentativa de promover o salto tecnológico.

In the 1990s, the development of microelectronics and communication technologies spawned the information technology paradigm, characterized by an intensity of information which, transformed into knowledge and innovation, plays a crucial role for development. In order for this to occur, countries need to build appropriate institutional arrangements. This led to the Triple Helix model for systems innovation, which views innovation and technical progress in a Knowledge Economy as the result of a complex set of relations between universities, companies, and government. In this context, the current study aims to identify the impact of knowledge production and public policies for the production of patent applications by life sciences and health sciences researchers affiliated with federal universities in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The analysis covered the years 1995 to 2016 and used econometric techniques in panel data. According to the findings, educational factors (thesis supervision), economic factors (technological products and the provision of technological services), and political factors (legal framework, financial resources, and incentive policies) impact the production of patent applications by the selected researchers. The results reveal efforts by government, although incipient, in the attempt to promote a technological leap.

Durante la década de 1990, con el desarrollo de la microelectrónica y las tecnologías de la comunicación, surgió el paradigma de la tecnología de la información, caracterizado por la intensidad de información que, transformada en conocimiento e innovación, desempeña un papel crucial para el desarrollo. No obstante, para que esto ocurra, es necesario que los países construyan marcos institucionales apropiados. Por ello, surge el modelo de sistemas de innovación de Triple Hélice, que abarca innovación y progreso técnico en una Economía del Conocimiento, como resultado de un conjunto complejo de relaciones entre universidad, empresa y gobierno. En este contexto, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo de identificar el impacto de la producción de conocimiento y de las políticas públicas, con el fin de producir depósitos para patentes de investigadores, pertenecientes al campo científico de las Ciencias de la Vida y la Salud, en el ámbito de las universidades federales de Minas Gerais, Brasil. El análisis consideró el período de 1995 a 2016, y utilizó técnicas de econometría de panel de datos. Los resultados muestran que los factores educacionales (orientación durante el posgrado), económicos (productos tecnológicos y prestación de servicios tecnológicos) y políticos (marco legal, recursos financieros y políticas de estímulo) impactan en la producción de depósitos para patentes de los investigadores seleccionados. Mediante el análisis de los resultados, se pueden percibir los esfuerzos del gobierno, aunque sean incipientes, en la tentativa de promover el salto tecnológico.

Abstract Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail caused by high densities of filamentous fungi and yeasts. Treatment for this illness is long-term, and recurrences are frequently detected. This study evaluated in vitro antifungal activities of 12 organic compounds derived from amino alcohols against standard fungal strains, such as Trichophyton rubrum CCT 5507 URM 1666, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 11481, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. The antifungal compounds were synthesized from p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4a-4f) and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (9a-9f). Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum fungicidal concentrations were determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols M38-A2, M27-A3, and M27-S4. The amine series 4b-4e, mainly 4c and 4e compounds, were effective against filamentous fungi and yeast (MIC from 7.8 to 312 µg/mL). On the other hand, the amide series (9a-9f) did not present inhibitory effect against fungi, except amide 9c, which demonstrated activity only against C. albicans. This allowed us to infer that the presence of amine group and intermediate carbon number (8C-11C) in its aliphatic side chain seems to be important for antifungal activity. Although these compounds present cytotoxic activity on macrophages J774, our results suggest that these aromatic compounds might constitute potential as leader molecules in the development of more effective and less toxic analogs that could have considerable implications for future therapies of onychomycosis.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated the chemical composition of a commercial sample of essential oil from Eucalyptus smithii R.T. Baker and its antifungal activity against Microsporum canis ATCC 32903, Microsporum gypseum ATCC 14683, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, T. mentagrophytes ATCC 11480, T. mentagrophytes ATCC 11481, and Trichophyton rubrum CCT 5507. METHODS: Morphological changes in these fungi after treatment with the oil were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antifungal activity of the oil was determined on the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values. RESULTS: The compound 1,8-cineole was found to be the predominant component (72.2%) of the essential oil. The MIC values of the oil ranged from 62.5μg·mL−1 to >1,000μg·mL−1, and the MFC values of the oil ranged from 125μg·mL−1 to >1,000μg·mL−1. SEM analysis showed physical damage and morphological alterations in the fungi exposed to this oil. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated the potential of Eucalyptus smithii essential oil as a natural therapeutic agent for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Introdução: Atualmente, é descrita elevada prevalência de hipovitaminose D no Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES), a qual se associa a algumas manifestações clínicas e maior atividade inflamatória. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre insuficiência de vitamina D com LES e marcadores inflamatórios. Métodos: Estudo transversal, tendo sido avaliados 45 pacientes com LES e 24 controles sem a doença. Níveis de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] menores que 30 ng/mL foram considerados insuficientes. A atividade da doença foi avaliada pelo Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Foram avaliados, ainda, proteína C reativa ultrassensível (PCRus) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) para verificação do status inflamatório. Para avaliação do envolvimento renal, foram realizados análise de elementos anormais e sedimentoscopia urinárias (EAS), hematúria e piúria quantitativas, proteinúria e depuração de creatinina em urina de 24 horas e anti-DNA de dupla hélice sérico. Resultados: A prevalência de insuficiência de 25(OH)D foi de 55% nos pacientes lúpicos e 8% nos participantes controles (p = 0,001). A mediana da 25(OH)D foi menor nos pacientes do que no grupo controle. Os pacientes com insuficiência de 25(OH)D apresentaram níveis mais elevados de IL-6 e maior prevalência de hematúria ao EAS. Não houve correlação entre vitamina D, nefrite lúpica e SLEDAI. Conclusão: Em nosso estudo, a insuficiência de vitamina D foi mais prevalente em pacientes com LES e se associou com níveis mais elevados de IL-6 e presença de hematúria.

Introduction: Nowadays it is described a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), which is associated with some clinical manifestations and increased inflammatory activity. Objective: To evaluate the association between vitamin D insufficiency with SLE and inflammatory markers. Methods: Cross-sectional study, in which have been evaluated 45 SLE patients and 24 controls without the disease. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] less than 30 ng/mL were considered inadequate. Disease activity was assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). High sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were evaluated for verification of the inflammatory status. For assessment of renal involvement, analysis of abnormal elements and urinay sediment (AES), quantitative hematuria and pyuria, proteinuria and creatinine clearance in 24-hour urine and serum anti-double stranded DNA were performed. Results: The prevalence of 25(OH)D insufficiency was 55% in SLE patients and 8% in the controls participants (p = 0.001). The median of 25(OH)D was lower in patients than in controls. Patients with insufficient 25(OH)D had higher levels of IL-6 and higher prevalence of hematuria in the AES. There was no correlation between vitamin D and SLEDAI or lupus nephritis. Conclusion: In our study, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent in patients with SLE and was associated with higher levels of IL-6 and hematuria.

RP-HPLC based analytical method for use in both quality control of green tea in a semisolid formulation and for in vitro drug release assays was developed and validated. The method was precise (CV < 5%), accurate (recovery between 98% and 102%), linear (R² > 0.99), robust, and specific for the determination of epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), caffeine (CAF), and gallic acid (GA). In a diffusion cell chamber, the release rate of EGCG was 8896.01 µg cm-2. This data showed that EGCG will be able to exert its systemic activity when delivered though the transdermal formulation, due to its good flux rates with the synthetic membrane.

OBJETIVO: Identificar os principais problemas de saúde, o perfil de utilização de medicamentos e os problemas relacionados aos medicamentos (PRMs) envolvidos no tratamento de idosos fragilizados da Zona da Mata Mineira. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados prontuários de 260 idosos atendidos pelo Centro Mais Vida, Juiz de Fora-MG, entre agosto e setembro de 2010. As doenças foram agrupadas de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Doenças - 10ª revisão, os medicamentos de acordo com o Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System e os PRMs de acordo com o Método Dáder. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 73,8% dos idosos eram do sexo feminino e 42,7% possuíam entre 60 e 69 anos. Foram constatadas 1.300 doenças, sendo 31,07% do aparelho circulatório, 19,85% endócrinas, nutricionais e metabólicas e 13,46% do sistema osteomuscular e tecido conjuntivo. Dos 1.737 medicamentos, os mais prevalentes foram os do sistema cardiovascular (42,8%), seguidos pelos do trato alimentar e metabolismo (23,7%) e pelos do sistema nervoso (18,2%). Do total de medicamentos, 53,9% apresentaram algum PRM, sendo o PRM 1 (não utilização da medicação necessária) o mais frequente (37,4%). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados evidenciam a necessidade da revisão dos esquemas terapêuticos dos idosos, visando o uso racional e efetivo dos medicamentos. Os dados apontam, ainda, a necessidade de aprofundar estudos de avaliação de riscos de PRM nessa população.

OBJECTIVE: To identify major health problems, drug usage profile and drug-related problems (DRPs) involved in the treatment of frail elderly people of Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. METHODS: The study assessed 260 medical records of elderly patients served by Centro Mais Vida, Juiz de Fora-MG, between August and September 2010. The diseases were grouped according to the International Classification of Diseases - 10th review, the drugs according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System and the DRPs according to the Dáder method. RESULTS: It was observed that 73.8% of the elderly people were female and 42.7% were aged 60-69 years. We found 1,300 diseases, of which 31.07% were of circulatory system, 19.85% endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and 13.46% of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Among the 1,737 drugs, the ones of cardiovascular system (42.8%), followed by alimentary tract and metabolism (23.7%) and nervous system (18.2%) were the most prevalent. Among all drugs, 53.9% presented some DRPs, being DRP 1 (not using the drug needed) the most frequent (37.4%). CONCLUSION: The results highlight the need to review drug regimens of elderly patients, aiming to encourage rational and effective use of medicines. The data also show the need for more complete studies about the evaluation of DRP risks in the elderly population.