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This study analyzes the effects of the Rapha® system, which employs red light therapy (RLT) and a natural latex biomembrane in the healing of neuropathic ulcers associated with the diabetic foot. We conducted a randomized, controlled, blinded clinical trial with 15 participants that were divided into three groups (GI, GII and GIII): (i) Rapha® system application by the participant and a health professional at home, with clinical status evaluation every 2 weeks at the hospital (GI); (ii) standard protocol used in Brazil, performed by a health professional at the hospital (GII; control); and (iii) the Rapha® system applied by the participant at home and clinical status evaluation every 2 weeks at the hospital (GIII). We used image processing techniques on photographic recordings of the lesions, and several statistical tests were used to analyze the data, allowing for the comparison of the average results for all groups. The average healing rates of GI, GII, and GIII were 77.0, 51.4, and 80%, respectively. The granulation tissue evaluation indicated a higher efficacy in the tissue repair of lesions treated with the Rapha® system. In conclusion, the Rapha® system proved to be an effective healing system, even when self-applied at the patient’s home.

Wound healing is a perfectly coordinated cascade of cellular, molecular, and biochemical events which interact in tissue reconstitution. Chronic diseases such as pressure ulcers (PU) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are considered risk factors for wound healing. Patients with such diseases often have higher sepsis, infection, and complication rates, since they have revascularization inhibition and low growth factor expression. Thus, latex biomembrane (LBM), a biocompatible material, derived from the latex of the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) appears to create tendencies as an angiogenic-inducing tissue healing agent and as biomaterial, resulting from its structural qualities and its low cost when compared to conventional treatments. Therefore, this work aims at summarizing the results, experiments, and scientific findings that certify or recommend the use of LBM as a new technique to be applied effectively in the treatment of wounds. An integrative review was held in the BIREME, LILACS, Burns, MEDLINE, PubMed, and SciELO databases, from 2000 to 2016, using the following descriptors: “healing,” “diabetes mellitus,” “wounds,” and “latex membrane.” As a result, 600 experiments (out of 612) presented satisfactory results; however, 33% of the cases received explicit recommendations, 11% required more studies on the subjects, and 1% was denied. On the other hand, half of the studies did not expressly endorse its use, despite presenting satisfactory results. The LBM was characterized as a good therapeutic alternative in cases of wounds, including chronic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus and PU, due to its relevant potential for wound healing stimulation, acceleration of cell tissue mending and revascularization, or the reestablishment of angiogenic functions (creation of new blood vessels). The LBM was also confirmed to be safe as a biocompatible material whose structural qualities (elasticity, adaptability, impermeability, and possibility of suture), devoid of toxicity, allowed interaction between tissues and presented no hypersensitivity inducer and no antimicrobial effect.

A diabetes mellitus é uma patologia caracteriza pelo aumento do açúcar no sangue, ela tem atingido um crescimento considerável entre a população brasileira. Provavelmente esse crescimento se dê devido aos maus hábitos alimentares, sedentarismo e falta de informação. É uma doença que demanda atenção e cuidado, pois através dela o individuo pode desenvolver outras patologias, como as neuropatias periféricas que são as principais causadoras do pé diabético. Esse trabalho visa esclarecer sobre a importância do cuidado com o portador de pé diabético e a importância de inovar o tratamento com tecnológicas acessíveis e de baixo custo.

As Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) são as principais causas de morbimortalidade no mundo, e atualmente são consideradas um sério problema de saúde pública. Dentre as principais DCNT destacam-se as cardiovasculares, câncer e diabetes. Estas doenças caracterizam-se por acompanharem seus portadores por tempo indeterminado podendo se desenvolver a partir de fatores endógenos e exógenos. Estes problemas são associados com uma dieta inadequada, especialmente com o consumo de carne vermelha e processada. Neste sentido, esse estudo tem como objetivo identificar na literatura a associação entre o consumo frequente de carne vermelha e processada e o desenvolvimento de DCNT. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa exploratória a partir de uma busca bibliográfica nas bases de dados (SciELO, PubMed e LILACS). Após aplicados os critérios de inclusão e exclusão estabelecidos para a busca bibliográfica, restaram ao total onze artigos no idioma inglês que abordavam o objeto de estudo. Os resultados demonstraram que o consumo frequente de carne vermelha e processada pode desencadear diabetes tipo 2, doenças cardiovasculares e cânceres, principalmente o colorretal e de esôfago. Encontrou-se também como resultado que as dietas que contêm grande quantidade de legumes, frutas e hortaliças podem tanto ser um fator de proteção contra essas doenças, quanto um determinante para o controle. Percebe-se que há uma necessidade de que as pessoas reduzam o consumo de carne vermelha e processada na alimentação em prol da sua saúde. Ações pensadas na perspectiva da Saúde Coletiva são de fundamental importância, para diminuir esses tipos de problemas correlacionados com o consumo de carne vermelha e processada.