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Needle-free buccal anesthesia improves dental treatment outcomes for both patients and dentists. In this study, we report on an assessment of the enhancement effects of α-bisabolol on the in vitro transmucosal permeation of prilocaine hydrochloride (PCl) and lidocaine hydrochloride (LCl) from needleless buccal films. We also evaluated the mechanical properties of the film, which consisted of Methocel™ K100 LV as the film-forming polymer (3% m·m−1), PEG 400 as a cosolvent (15% m·m−1 based on drug loading), α-bisabolol (15 and 30% m·m−1 based on drug loading), and the drugs combined at a 1:1 ratio (15 mg·unit−1). The porcine esophageal epithelium was used as a membrane barrier, and artificial saliva was the release medium. After a 1 h experiment at 25 ± 2 °C, α-bisabolol significantly decreased, rather than enhanced, the permeation fluxes (five-fold), permeability coefficients (seven-fold), and retentions (two-fold) of both PCl and LCl through the epithelium, regardless of the concentration. Moreover, the resistance and flexibility of the films markedly decreased compared to those without α-bisabolol. Therefore, under the experimental conditions, using α-bisabolol as a buccal permeation enhancer for the hydrophilic local anesthetics PCl and LCl from buccal films is not feasible.

This study evaluated the efficacy of semisolid systems (gels) and films containing a combination of metronidazole (MTZ) and metronidazole benzoate after scaling and root-planing (SRP) for periodontitis. In total, 45 patients with stage I or II periodontitis were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: 1—SRP—control; 2—SRP + Film with MTZ; 3—SRP + Gel with MTZ. The pH of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before/after treatments, MTZ concentrations, and drug release using high-performance liquid chromatography were investigated. The effects were evaluated by longitudinal monitoring of clinical parameters (probing depth—PD, clinical attachment level—CAL, and bleeding on probing—BP). MTZ and MTZ-benzoate concentrations in the periodontal pocket and pH showed no statistical difference after application. SRP + Gel presented the lowest CAL values. For SRP + Film and SRP + Gel, higher PD values were observed at T0 compared to all groups. A relevant reduction in BP was observed in SRP + Film and SRP + Gel groups at all times compared to T0. Both therapies improved periodontal health compared to SRP alone, reducing PD and BP, and increasing CAL for the gel group, suggesting they are promising for periodontal disease treatment.

Pharmaceutical films are polymeric formulations used as a delivery platform for administration of small and macromolecular drugs for local or systemic action. They can be produced by using synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural polymers through solvent casting, electrospinning, hot-melt extrusion, and 3D printing methods, and depending on the components and the manufacturing methods used, the films allow the modulation of drug release. Moreover, they have advantages that have drawn interest in the development and evaluation of film application on the buccal, nasal, vaginal, and ocular mucosa. This review aims to provide an overview of and critically discuss the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems. For this, aspects such as the composition of these formulations, the theories of mucoadhesion, and the methods of production were deeply considered, and an analysis of the main transmucosal pathways for which there are examples of developed films was conducted. All of this allowed us to point out the most relevant characteristics and opportunities that deserve to be taken into account in the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems.

No Brasil, o desenvolvimento da engenharia de barragens se vê diretamente relacionado ao próprio desenvolvimento social e econômico do país. Embora fundamentais, as atividades de construção e operação de barragens invariavelmente envolvem algum grau de risco. Este risco deve ser gerenciado através de diversos mecanismos e ferramentas amparados por uma legislação adequada à realidade a qual se aplica. Objetiva-se neste trabalho analisar os dados sobre acidentes e incidentes contidos nos relatórios da Agência Nacional de Águas (ANA), publicados anualmente desde a promulgação da Política Nacional de Segurança de Barragens (PNSB). Essas informações foram catalogadas e analisadas sob diversos filtros, buscando identificar tendências quanto aos tipos de acidentes e incidentes, tipos de materiais componentes do barramento e tipos de empreendedores responsáveis, bem como disparidades entre os dados disponíveis das distintas regiões do Brasil. Todavia, notou-se a ausência de dados básicos sobre diversos eventos reportados, dificultando a elaboração de análises estatísticas mais aprofundadas. Frente à situação constatada, percebeu-se a recorrência desse tipo de falha e discutiu-se a necessidade de melhoria nas metodologias empregadas para a aplicação das diretrizes do PNSB.

Objectives: To systematically evaluate the effects of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) type (E5LV, E15LV, and K100LV); plasticizer type (glycerol and mannitol), plasticizer loading (0.12 and 0.24% w/w); and loading of prilocaine and lidocaine hydrochlorides combined at 1:1 ratio (0 and 47 mg/cm2) in the mechanical properties of buccal films. Methods: A quality by design (QbD) approach based on a full factorial design (3 x 23) and complementarily multivariate statistical tools i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), response surface methodology (RSM), and correlation matrix were used in this pursuit. The thickness, elongation at break, tensile strength, force at break, and Young`s modulus of the anesthetic buccal films obtained by solvent casting were assessed. Results: The QbD, PCA and RSM altogether demonstrated that all studied formulation variables, mainly the drug loading, affect the mechanical properties of the films at different significance levels. The multivariate analysis yielded the modelling of elongation at break, tensile strength, and force at break, which significantly correlated with each other. The drugs exerted a synergic plasticizing effect on the films, and the use of HPMC K100 LV (with greater hydroxypropyl substitution degree and viscosity) and mannitol favored their elasticity and resistance. Furthermore, the majority of the films fulfilled the requirements for buccal administration due to their softness and mechanical resistance. Conclusion: Mannitol is suitable plasticizer for manufacturing HPMC anesthetic buccal films with improved mechanical properties. These results are a step forward in the rational development of formulations for the replacement of needles in dentistry

No Estado do Rio Grande do Norte encontram-se falésias constituídas por sedimentos da Formação Barreiras sobre os quais se desenvolvem cidades e obras de infraestrutura. Nesta região são relatados, movimentos de massa, em proporções relevantes, principalmente em períodos de chuva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar as propriedades geotécnicas dos solos da Formação Barreiras que compõem a falésia da praia da Barra de Tabatinga/RN. A falésia estudada foi dividida em três solos predominantes, os quais estão localizados na camada de base (AM-01), meio (AM-02) e topo (AM-03). Nesses solos, foram realizados ensaios de caracterização (geotécnica, química e mineralógica), ensaios para determinação da curva de retenção, ensaios de permeabilidade, compressão triaxial e diametral nas condições saturada e não saturada. As amostras AM-01 e AM-02 apresentaram curvas de retenção bimodais, diferentemente da amostra do topo, que apresentou formato unimodal. Além disso, todas elas apresentaram coesão próxima de zero e ângulo de atrito em torno de 30° na condição saturada. No entanto, quando não saturadas, os parâmetros de resistência aumentaram consideravelmente, apresentando diferenças significativas entre as amostras. A resistência a tração diminuiu com o aumento do grau de saturação chegando a atingir valores desprezíveis em todos os solos quando saturadas. O solo do topo é o mais permeável dos solos estudados, apresentando coeficiente de permeabilidade compatível com uma areia pura.

This paper presents a risk analysis of mass movements in 16 slopes in the city of Aracaju, capital of the state of Sergipe, Brazil, using a qualitative method. Geotechnical characterization of soils from of slopes selected for analysis of stability was carried using the OptumG2® software developed by Optum Computational Engineering using the Strength Reduction Method (SRM) to obtain the safety factor. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic analysis, associating subjective landslide risk studies with rational studies on slope stability analysis. It was found that 50% of the slopes analyzed exhibited a high or very high degree of risk, justifying the landslide risk management policies in the city. Moreover, stability analyses produced coherent results in terms of slope stability, whereby slopes with high and very high risk were classified as unstable, while the slope deemed to be stable presents medium risk of mass movements.

Abstract Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is often accompanied by dental hypersensitivity and difficulty in achieving effective analgesia. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of preemptive analgesia in children with severe MIH, post-eruptive enamel breakdown, and hypersensitivity. Methodology: Ibuprofen (10 mg/kg child weight) or placebo was administered, followed by infiltrative anesthesia and restoration with resin composite. Hypersensitivity was evaluated in five moments. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and t-test. Results: Preemptive analgesia provided benefits for the treatment of severe cases of MIH, with an increase in the effectiveness of infiltrative anesthesia and improved patient comfort during the restorative procedure. Conclusion: Preemptive analgesia has shown efficacy in reducing hypersensitivity during restorative dental procedures, evidencing the significance of this study for patients with MIH and hypersensitivity.

Materials from renewable resources like pectin and nanocelluloses are useful for the controlled release of drugs such as hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), whose potential for treating tumor cells was recently verified. In this study, pectin films with HCQ were produced by casting at different pH values (4, 7, and 10). Additionally, pectin/HCQ membranes formed at pH 4 were incorporated with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibrils (CNF). Films are mainly amorphous with good compatibility between HCQ and pectin matrix. Release tests showed that films containing CNC and formed at pH 4 released the drug more slowly in phosphate buffer medium compared to other membranes. Additionally, film formed at pH 4 presented slower HCQ release at acid medium. The pectin platform proved to be an easy way to deliver HCQ with different kinetic rates by changing the pH and incorporating nanocellulose particles into the pectin film-forming solutions.

Abstract This study showcases the clinical efficacy of mucoadhesive patches designed for the buccal delivery of lidocaine and prilocaine hydrochlorides (1:1, 30 mg/patch). Such patches were developed for needle-free pre-operative local anesthesia in dentistry, aiming at mitigating the use of infiltrative anesthesia for medium-complexity clinical procedures. The patches were manufactured encompassing drug-release, mucoadhesive and backing layers, all prepared through film casting using biocompatible materials. Fifty-eight (n = 58) adult patients (65% women and 35% men) were randomly selected and included in a one-arm open clinical prospective cohort study. The average age of the subjects was of 50 years. The majority (59%) of the subjects, mostly women (82%), reported needle-phobia or anxiety due to dental procedures, which was assessed through a questionnaire approved by the ethical council for human use in research. The patches were positioned in the gingival region of the teeth involved in the procedure (86% on the maxillary and 14% on the mandibular bone). Two anesthetic patches were applied on each patient: one in the vestibular region and another in the palate/lingual portion, and these patches remained attached to the placement sites throughout the procedures. Concerning the dental procedures performed, 40% were cavity preparations and dental restorations of medium cavities; 29% staple facilities; 10% gingival retractions; 9% subgingival scrapings; 3% gingivalplasties; 3% supragingival preparations; 3% occlusal adjustments; and 2% subgingival preparations. In 90% of the cases, it was not necessary to complement with conventional infiltrative local anesthesia during the procedures. Patients did not report any discomfort or side effect during or after the administration of the patches. Among the cases in which there was the need for complementation, 50% were cavity preparations and dental restorations; 33% supragingival preparations; and 17% gingivoplasties. The complementary anesthesia volume was of 0.63 ± 0.23 mL and women corresponded to 83% of the participants who needed such intervention. Furthermore, in most cases, the patch was capable of initiating the anesthesia within a short time frame (5 minutes) and reaching the maximum anesthetic effect within 15 and 25 min, lasting at least 50 min. Undesirable side effects were not reported either 2 h after the administration or within the 6-month follow-up. Therefore, the anesthetic patches developed provide needle-free, painless, safe, and patient/dentist-friendly advances in performing routine medium-complexity dental procedures.

Introdução: A terapia baseada em incretinas, constitui-se umas das alternativas para o tratamento do diabetes tipo 2 e redução do peso. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar se as cápsulas de óleo de palma de liberação ileal- LI e de glutamina- LI resultam no aumento da secreção de GLP-1(Peptídeo-1 Glucagon). Materiais e métodos: Os participantes foram divididos em grupos: Diabético tipo 2 com Sobrepeso (Grupo 1) e diabético tipo 2 Obeso (Grupo 2), orientados a ingerirem uma cápsula de óleo de palma- LI e de glutamina- LI, 3 vezes ao dia, antes das principais refeições, durante dois meses. Resultados: No Grupo 1 houve um aumento da mediana do GLP-1 entre o tempo 0, tempo 1 e tempo 2 com valores de 4,25 pM (1,35- 32,5), 12,85 pM (2,5-28,6) e 17,75 pM (1,5-37,75), respectivamente. Para o Grupo 2 houve um aumento da mediana GLP-1 entre o tempo 0 de 15,10 pM (1-37,8), para 20,9 pM (2,60- 37,3) no tempo 1 e 22,18 pM (3-34,9) no tempo 2. Discussão: Após a administração oral de nutrientes, uma resposta direcionada ao final do íleo provavelmente exerceria funções na redução da motilidade gastrointestinal, esvaziamento gástrico e velocidade do trânsito gastrointestinal, dados esses evidenciados na literatura científica como mecanismo de freio ileal. Conclusão: Apesar de haver um aumento dos peptídeos intestinais dos grupos analisados, foi sem significância estatística. ABSTRACT Influence ileal release of palm oil and glutamine on intestinal peptide GLP-1 in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity Introduction: The incretin-based therapy constitutes one of the alternatives for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight reduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the palm oil capsules of ileal release -LI and of glutamine -LI result in increased secretion of GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1). Materials and methods: Participants were divided into groups: Diabetic type 2 with overweight (Group 1) and diabetic type 2 obese (Group 2), and then instructed to ingest a palm oil capsule (LI) and a glutamine capsule – LI, 3 times a day, before meals for two months. Results: In Group 1, there was an increase in median GLP-1 between time 0, time 1 and time 2 values of 4.25 pM (1,35- 32.5), 12.85 pM (2.5 to 28.6) and 17.75 pM (1.5 to 37.75), respectively. For Group 2, there was an increase in GLP-1 between the median time 0 of 15,10 pM (1-37.8) to 20.9 pM (2,60- 37.3) in time 1 and 22.18 pM (3 to 34.9) in time 2. Discussion: After oral administration of nutrients, a response directed to the ileum ending would probably exert functions on reduction of velocity gastrointestinal transit, gastrointestinal motility and gastric emptying, such data is made evident in the scientific literature as ileal brake mechanism. Conclusion: Although there was a increase in intestinal peptides in the analyzed groups, it had no statistical relevance.

Trata-se de ensaio que discute a liberdade como forma elementar do homem a partir de textos clássicose, posteriormente, a conceituação de constituição econômica e como a liberdade e economia, juntas, poderão ser fundamentais para o desenvolvimento nacional fundamentada no direito ao desenvolvimento socioeconômico, justo e igualitário. Palavras-chave: Liberdade. Constituição econômica. Desenvolvimento.

Objetivo: Determinar se os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega 3 e óleo de palma introduzidos em uma dieta equilibrada produzem benefícios na fisiologia e metabolismo humano. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados os aspectos nutricionais e funcionais da ingestão alimentar dos ácidos graxos ômega 3 e óleo de palma e sua atuação como coadjuvantes na terapia de doenças metabólicas. As pesquisas bibliográficas foram recuperadas nas bases de dados Pubmed e Portal de Periódicos Capes. Foram analisados artigos de língua inglesa e portuguesa relatando envolvimento de ácidos graxos sobre as funções cardiovasculares, lipidemia, redução de peso, saciedade e controle do diabetes. Pesquisas complementares de literatura incluíam examinar lista de referências de todos os estudos relevantes, artigos de revisão, revisões sistemáticas e ensaios clínicos randomizados. Resultado e discussão: Treze artigos envolvendo ensaios clínicos foram selecionados, sendo que oito estudos relacionados ao ácido graxo ômega 3 e cinco sobre óleo de palma. Os aspectos metodológicos variam entre os trabalhos analisados, mas todos sugerem associação favorável entre ingestão de ácido graxos acompanhado de um plano de alimentação bem elaborado favorecem resultados positivos no controle da obesidade e diabetes. Conclusão: Os ácidos graxos são uma poderosa fonte de energia e há evidências promissoras relacionadas a sua atuação sobre hormônios sacietógenos, atuando assim na linha de defesa para o controle dos eventos metabólicos. Neste contexto, a presente revisão fornece uma atualização sobre o efeito dos ácidos graxos ômega 3 e óleo de palma na dieta baseada em evidências clínicas. ABSTRACT Nutritional impacts of the food intake omega 3 fatty acids and palm oil: a literature review Objective: To determine whether the polyunsaturated omega 3 fatty acids and palm oil introduced in a balanced diet produce benefits in physiology and metabolism human. Material and Methods: Nutritional and functional aspects of dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids and palm oil and its role as adjunct therapy of metabolic diseases were analyzed. The literature searches were recovered in the databases Pubmed and Capes Journal Portal. English and Portuguese language articles reporting involvement of fatty acids on cardiovascular function, blood lipid, weight redution, satiety and diabetes control. Literature additional research included examinate list of references of all relevant studies, review articles, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials. Results and discussion: Thirteen articles involving clinical trials were selected, eight studies related to omega 3 and five on palm oil. The methodological aspects vary between studies analyzed, but all suggest a favorable association between fatty acid intake accompanied feed control, increasing the positive results in controlling obesity and diabetes. Conclusion: Fatty acids are a powerful source of energy and there is promising evidences related to its effect on satiety hormones, thus acting in the line of defense for the control of metabolic events. In this context, this review provides an update on the effect of omega 3 fatty acids and palm oil in the diet based on clinical evidence.

Bioresorbable polymeric films were prepared by solvent casting using a tyrosine-derived polycarbonate and metronidazole (MDZ) as the model drug at 2.5%, 5% and 10% (w/w). Drug loading did not affect the water uptake, drug release, polymer degradation or erosion profiles. All devices released approximately 85% (w/w) of the drug within a 1.5 h period. This may be attributed to the rapid water uptake of the polymer. An increase in the water uptake correlated with a linear rate increase of the polymer degradation (0.968 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.999). Moreover, MDZ presented a remarkable plasticizing effect for the polymer and drug loading exerted a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the obtained films. The results obtained can be used to further the development of novel biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric platforms for the delivery of metronidazole and other drugs in a broad range of pharmaceutical applications.

A crescente utilização de psicotrópicos na atualidade pode ser caracterizada pela medicalização da sociedade, aliada às pressões mercadológicas da indústria farmacêutica e ao envelhecimento da população, porém os medicamentos desta classe provocam tolerância, dependência e reações adversas quando utilizados inadequadamente. Sendo assim, o presente trabalho avaliou a utilização de benzodiazepínicos e antidepressivos em pacientes atendidos pelas farmácias do sistema único de saúde (SUS) de Ribeirão PretoSP. O estudo pode ser classificado como descritivo, retrospectivo e observacional, realizado no Distrito de Saúde Oeste de Ribeirão Preto-SP, com população estimada de 140.000 habitantes. Foram incluídos 5.946 usuários que receberam benzodiazepínicos e/ ou antidepressivos, pelo menos em uma oportunidade, junto às farmácias do sistema público de saúde durante o período de 01/05/2006 a 30/11/2006. A coleta dos dados referentes ao tratamento farmacológico, à freqüência de retirada dos medicamentos, além das variáveis sociodemográficas e do acesso aos serviços de saúde foi realizada junto ao sistema informatizado da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde da Prefeitura de Ribeirão Preto-SP, denominado Hygia. A prevalência de utilização de psicotrópicos, nessa população, foi de 5,7%, com predominância do gênero feminino. A aderência dos usuários ao tratamento, avaliada segundo a freqüência de retirada destes medicamentos junto às farmácias, foi reduzida. As doses prescritas dos antidepressivos e benzodiazepínicos foram semelhantes para adultos e idosos. Diante dos resultados, fica evidente a necessidade de intervenção para racionalizar a utilização dos psicotrópicos junto ao serviço público de saúde brasileiro.

Copaiba oil-resin, extracted from the trunk of Copaifera, and traditionally used in folk medicine in the treatment of various disorders, has been shown to be an effective antiinflamatory, antitumor, antitetanus, antiseptic and antiblenorrhagea agent. As, there are few studies evaluating its genotoxicity, this aspect of the commercial oil-resin, and its volatile and resinous fractions, were evaluated in mice by comet assay and micronucleus (MN) test. A single dose of oil resin, volatile or resin fractions (500; 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg b.w.) was administered by gavage. The chemical compositions of Copaiba oil resin and its fractions was analyzed by gas chromatography. According to comet assaying, treatment with either one did not increase DNA damage, and as to MN testing, there was no alteration in the incidence of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes. Chromatographic analysis of the oil-resin itself revealed sesquiterpenes, diterpenic carboxylic acid methyl esters and high levels of β-caryophyllene. Thus, it can be assumed that the oil resin and volatile and resinous fractions from the commercial product are not genotoxic or mutagenic.

Due to the considerable increase in public expenditure with health issues, mainly regarding drugs, several countries, including Australia and England, have already implemented, or are in the process of discussing the adoption of measures to ensure the quality of health care provided to the population. One of the less harmful strategies, rarely used in Brazil, is the adoption of economic techniques applied to health, more specifically, pharmacoeconomic analysis. This paper aims to contribute to the dissemination of concepts and techniques of economic analysis with a view to incorporate these into policy decisions of expenditure rationalization and the search for clinical efficiency. It includes a literature review covering the types of costs and benefits in health issues, the methodologies of pharmacoeconomic analysis, cost-minimization, cost-benefits, cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis, as well as its main characteristics, advantages, disadvantages and applicability.Em razão do aumento considerável no gasto público com saúde, principalmente no que tange a medicamentos, vários países, como Austrália e Inglaterra, já implementaram ou estão em fase de discussão da adoção de medidas visando garantir a qualidade do atendimento prestado à população. Uma das estratégias menos danosas, mas ainda incipiente no Brasil, é a adoção de técnicas de análises econômicas, mais especificamente, a avaliação farmacoeconômica. Neste contexto, este trabalho visa contribuir com a disseminação dos conceitos e técnicas de análises econômicas com a perspectiva de que possam ser incorporadas nas decisões políticas de racionalização dos gastos e na busca da eficiência clínica. Para tanto, este artigo apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica contemplando os tipos de custos e benefícios em saúde, as metodologias de análise farmacoeconômicas, quais sejam: análise de minimização de custo, de custo-benefício, de custo-efetividade e de custo-utilidade, assim como suas principais características, vantagens, desvantagens e aplicabilidades.

The solubility behavior of drugs remains one of the most challenging aspects in formulation development. Solid Dispersion (SD) has tremendous potential for improving drug solubility. Although praziquantel (PZQ) is the first drug of choice in the treatment of schistosomiasis, its poor solubility has restricted its delivery oral route. In spite of its poor solubility, PZQ is well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, but large doses are required to achieve adequate concentration at the target sites. The aim of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of PZQ and to evaluate its intestinal absorption. SDs were formulated with PEG-60 castor oil hydrogenated (CR-60) using a fusion and evaporation method. Pure PZQ and physical mixtures (PM) and PZQ-CR-60 (2:1; 1:1; 1:2 ratios) were compared as regards their solubility, dissolution and intestinal absorption. The experimental results demonstrated the improvement in the solubility, dissolution rate and intestinal absorption. In addition, the solubility behavior showed pH dependency and that the solubility of PZQ was slower in acidic medium than in neutral and basic mediums. The increase in PZQ solubility of the SD with the CR-60 could be attributed to several factors such as improved wettability, local solubilization, drug particle size reduction and crystalline or, interstitial solid solution reduction.A solubilidade de fármacos ainda é um dos principais desafios no desenvolvimento de formulações farmacêuticas. As dispersões sólidas (DS) apresentam grande potencial para melhorar a solubilidade de fármacos. O praziquantel é o fármaco de primeira escolha no tratamento da esquistossomose, contudo a baixa solubilidade em água restringe seu uso à administração pela via oral. Apesar da baixa solubilidade, o PZQ é bem absorvido através do trato gastrintestinal, mas doses orais elevadas são requeridas para garantir concentrações suficientes de fármaco para o tecido alvo. O objetivo deste estudo foi melhorar a solubilidade, a dissolução e avaliar a absorção do PZQ. As DS foram formuladas com óleo de castor hidrogenado - PEG 60 (CR-60), pelo uso dos métodos de fusão e evaporação do solvente. PZQ puro, mistura física (MF) e DS de CR-60-PZQ (1:2; 1:1; 2:1) foram comparados quanto à solubilidade, dissolução e absorção intestinal. Os resultados experimentais mostraram aumento na solubilidade, na taxa de dissolução e na absorção intestinal do PZQ nas DS. A solubilidade do PZQ foi maior em meio ácido, mostrando uma dependência do pH. O aumento na solubilidade do PZQ nas DS com CR-60 foi atribuída a fatores como aumento da molhabilidade, solubilização local, redução granulométrica e redução da cristalinidade ou, ainda, a ocorrência de uma solução sólida intersticial.

O sistema de saúde nacional, impulsionado por contextos econômicos restritivos, passou por uma reestruturação organizacional na década de 1990, voltada à atenção primária. Apesar das reformas, a incidência de diabetes mellitus ainda atinge elevadas proporções. Devido à alta morbi-mortalidade, a prevenção dessa morbidade tem-se tornado foco atual, fazendo-se necessário o desenvolvimento de programas eficazes e viáveis ao Sistema Único de Saúde, tais como ênfase na prevenção primária, controle da incidência e complicações da doença. Para que isso ocorra, o modelo da atenção atual prestada ao paciente deve ser modificado, priorizando a atenção primária, com a substituição do modelo médico-hegemônico por uma equipe interdisciplinar, onde o farmacêutico, como membro da equipe, possa prover seus serviços, minimizando assim impactos sociais, humanísticos e econômicos que a doença acarreta para a sociedade. O objetivo da presente revisão foi abordar a temática do diabetes mellitus e as dificuldades do controle associado à ineficácia da logística adotada, principalmente no Sistema Único de Saúde.The Brazilian Health Care System stimulated for restrictive economic contexts had passed for reorganization in the decade of 1990, directed mainly to the primary attention. Although the reforms, the incidence of diabetes mellitus still reaches epidemic levels. The diabetes prevention has become actual preoccupation due the high morbimortality that accompanies this disease, becoming necessary the development of efficient and viable programs for Brazilian Public Health system such as emphasis in the primary prevention, control of the diseases incidence and complications. To obtain this goal, the current model of attention given to the patient must be modified, prioritizing the primary attention and a replacement of the hegemonic medical model for another one, formed by an interdisciplinary team, where the pharmacist as a member could offer his/her services should occur, thus minimizing social, humanistic and economic impacts that the diabetes causes for the society. The aim of this present revision is to approach the diabetes mellitus, the difficulties for its control associated with the adopted ineffective system, mainly in the Brazilian Public Health System.

INTRODUCTION:Almost 50% of the 17.5 million deaths worldwide from cardiovascular disease have been associated with systemic arterial hypertension (SAH). Into this scenario, Pharmaceutical Care (PC) has been inserted in order to improve the management of SAH and reduce its risks. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the outcomes and healthcare assistance achieved after discharge of hypertension patients from the PC program. METHODS:This is a quasi-experimental study with historical controls. Retrospective data collection from 2006 to 2012 was begun in 2013 and included a PC program performed over one year. PC was performed in two basic units of the public health system in Ribeirão Preto-SP, Brazil, where the pharmacist followed up 104 hypertensive patients. The clinical indicators of systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides, total-cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were collected, as well as care indicators related to the number of consultations (basic, specialized and emergency care) and antihypertensive drugs used. The coronary risk of patients by the Framingham risk score was also calculated. For the analysis, the data were divided into three periods, 2006-2008 as pre-PC, 2009 as PC and 2010-2012 as post-PC. RESULTS:In the pre-PC period, 54.4%, 79.0% and 27.3% of patients presented satisfactory levels of SBP, DBP and total-cholesterol, respectively. In the post-PC period, the percentages were 93.0% for SBP and DBP [p

The increase of the elderly population in Brazil follows a trend that has already occurred in developed countries, issuing considerable challenges to the health services and professionals due to the great number of pathologies with various symptomathologies, prevalence of age-degenerative chronic diseases that frequently depend on prolonged or continuing drug therapies, transforming these individuals into great medicine consumers, being possibly the most medicated age group in society. Thus, the pharmaceutical assistance as a component of the care strategies that aim at promoting the rational use of medicine and therapeutic education, may provide a better relationship between health professionals and patients, enabling the elderly to deal with possible side effects and information on the drugs, contributing for the adhesion to the treatment which, consequently, becomes more efficient. O aumento da população idosa no Brasil, que segue uma tendência já ocorrida em países desenvolvidos, traz desafios cada vez maiores aos serviços e aos profissionais de saúde. Com efeito, verifica-se um grande número de patologias encontradas com sintomatologias diversas e, ademais, a prevalência de doenças crônicas degenerativas, as quais freqüentemente dependem de terapêuticas medicamentosas prolongadas ou contínuas. Por isso, esses indivíduos tornam-se grandes consumidores de medicamentos sendo, possivelmente, o grupo etário mais medicalizado na sociedade. Assim, a assistência farmacêutica (como componente das estratégias de atenção a saúde) visa a promover o uso racional do medicamentos e a educação terapêutica. Essa assistência pode vir a ter como suporte o aconselhamento, e isso permite um maior relacionamento entre os profissionais de saúde e o paciente. O tratamento, assim, torna-se mais eficaz capacita o idoso para saber lidar com os possíveis efeitos colaterais e interações medicamentosas contribuindo para a adesão ao tratamento.

O ruído do tráfego influencia negativamente a sociedade. Contudo, a sociedade necessita que sejam mantidos os padrões mínimos de conforto acústico para exercerem suas atividades. Quando as velocidades de tráfego superam 40 km/h, a principal parcela do ruído por ele gerado é referente à interação pneu-pavimento. Neste trabalho são apresentadas algumas avaliações de ruído gerado na interface pneu-pavimento a diferentes velocidades de tráfego (40, 60 e 80 km/h), para vários tipos de revestimentos asfálticos aplicados no estado de Sergipe (misturas asfálticas convencionais e com ligantes modificados por polímeros, pré-misturados a frio e tratamentos superficiais). Observou-se que o aumento do ruído é diretamente proporcional ao aumento da velocidade de tráfego, variando também com a mudança de características de revestimentos asfálticos, tais como o índice de vazios, a textura superficial e a irregularidade longitudinal. Foi proposto um modelo de previsão para quantificar o Nível de Pressão Sonora (NPS) na interface pneu-pavimento a partir das características superficiais do revestimento asfáltico e da velocidade, fornecendo subsídios para que os projetistas possam indicar alternativas de pavimentação mais adequadas ao conforto acústico da sociedade, conhecidas por pavimentos silenciosos.

CONTEXT: The association of primary carcinoma of the ureter and lithiasis is extremely rare. We report a rare case of a primary carcinoma of the ureter with corariform calculus. CASE REPORT: 60-year-old phaeodermal female, reported a history of right-side nephritic colic, hyperthermia and pyuria during the past 20 years and had received treatment for urinary infections a number of times. The first clinical presentation was related to lithiasis and the tumor had not been shown up by excretory urography, cystoscopy or ultrasonography. Two months after the calculus had been eliminated, the patient began to have serious symptoms and a grade III transitional cell carcinoma of the ureter was discovered. Total nephroureterectomy and M.V.A.C. (Metotrexate + Vinblastina + Doxo Rubicina + Cisplatina) chemotherapy were tried unsuccessfully. In this report we emphasize the diagnostic difficulty caused by the concomitant presence of the two pathologies. In our opinion, the rapid evolution in this case is directly related to the high grade of the tumor.

CONTEXT: The majority of scorpion stings are oligosymptomatic, occurring mainly on the hands and feet. Fatality is rare. CASE REPORT: A 33-year old man suffered a severe sting on his penis from a scorpion of the species Tytius trivittatus. Alcohol and salt were used without success in an effort to relieve pain. Medical assistance was sought 4 hours after the event, at which time diffuse erythema, edema and punctiform injury on the glans penis were observed, with no systemic manifestation. Intravenous meperidine was administered with immediate relief of the pain. The local signs disappeared within 48 hours, with the patient remaining asymptomatic.