Ana Cristina de Carvalho Botelho

Randomized controlled trial comparing photodynamic therapy based on methylene blue dye and fluconazole for toenail onychomycosis

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a medical modality that uses a combination of visible light and a photosensitive compound in the presence of oxygen. It is widely used to treat non‐melanoma skin cancer; other indications are being investigated, especially onychomycosis. Eighty patients with toenail onychomycosis were enrolled and completed this randomized, parallel, placebo‐controlled study. For 24 weeks, 40 patients (Group A) were treated with one placebo capsule per week and sessions of 2% methylene blue aqueous solution irradiated with light emission diode device (MBLED/PDT) with 18 J/cm2; and another 40 patients (Group B) were treated with 300 mg oral fluconazole per week and sessions of placebo PDT (haematoxylin‐diluted 1 : 10). The use of MBLED/PDT consisted of sessions with an interval of 15 days between each session for 6 months. Microbiological and clinical cure was assessed at 1 and 12 months posttreatment. Group A (MBLED/PDT) patients showed a significant response (p < 0.002) compared with Group B (fluconazole), especially in patients who required nail abrasion (p < 0.001). The MBLED/PDT is safe, effective, and well tolerated; it promotes a favorable outcome with good patient adherence and may be considered as a practical and feasible treatment option for toenail onychomycosis.

Diet Composition Modulates Expression of Sirtuins and Renin-Angiotensin System Components in Adipose Tissue

The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of RAS components and SIRTs enzymes in the adipose tissue of mice fed diets with different macronutrient composition.

Fatores associados a doenças crônicas em idosos atendidos pela Estratégia de Saúde da Família

The profile of a sample population of elderly receiving treatment under the Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Teofilo Otoni, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described, and the factors associated with diseases prevalence examined. Using simple random sampling, 385 elderly were interviewed using Form A and Elderly Form from the Primary Health Care Information System. The majority of the sample (83.1%) self-reported at least one disease, 69.9% had hypertension, and 17.7% had diabetes. Poisson regression analysis showed that the main factors associated with hypertension and other diseases were being non-white, having a low level of education, medication use, dental prosthesis use, and lack of a private health plan. The prevalence of diabetes was greater among women and individuals who depended on other people to live. It can be concluded that this sample population of elderly has a generally low socioeconomic status and are more susceptible to developing diseases, particularly hypertension. Diabetes should be controlled although had relatively low prevalence. It is suggested investments in structuring the health system network to provide adequate care for the elderly and in training health professionals to play an effective role in improving the quality of life of the elderly in Brazil.The profile of a sample population of elderly receiving treatment under the Family Health Strategy in the municipality of Teófilo Otoni, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described, and the factors associated with diseases prevalence examined. Using simple random sampling, 385 elderly were interviewed using Form A and Elderly Form from the Primary Health Care Information System. The majority of the sample (83.1%) self-reported at least one disease, 69.9% had hypertension, and 17.7% had diabetes. Poisson regression analysis showed that the main factors associated with hypertension and other diseases were being non-white, having a low level of education, medication use, dental prosthesis use, and lack of a private health plan. The prevalence of diabetes was greater among women and individuals who depended on other people to live. It can be concluded that this sample population of elderly has a generally low socioeconomic status and are more susceptible to developing diseases, particularly hypertension. Diabetes should be controlled although had relatively low prevalence. It is suggested investments in structuring the health system network to provide adequate care for the elderly and in training health professionals to play an effective role in improving the quality of life of the elderly in Brazil.

Comparative analysis of the geographic distribution of the histopathological spectrum and Leishmania species of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazil

BACKGROUND Knowledge of the relationship between specific geographical differences and histopathology of the American cutaneous leishmaniasis is limited because host-parasite interactions in space and time are complex. OBJECTIVE To describe the geographic analysis of the histopathological pattern of localized American cutaneous leishmaniasis and the relationship with Leishmania species. METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study of a sample consisting of 55 patients of municipal districts of Montes Claros and 32 of Caratinga, Minas Gerais, by comparing with other endemic regions in Brazil, assessing historical and microregional data and developing confidence intervals. RESULTS A preponderance of cellular exudative reactions in the cutaneous form of American cutaneous leishmaniasis was found in the municipal districts of Caratinga, east of Minas Gerais, Montes Claros, north of Minas Gerais and Uberlândia, Triangulo Mineiro, and also in the states of Mato Grosso and Ceara. Necrotic and exudative granulomatous reactions were found to be more frequent in the northern areas, mainly in the states of Amazonas and Para. Necrotic and exudative reactions were the most frequent form of presentation found throughout Brazil when the predominance of L. braziliensis was below 90% in relation to other species. CONCLUSION There is a geographic variation of the immune inflammatory response in American cutaneous leishmaniasis. Geographical correlations between the predominant species of Leishmania and the most frequent forms of histopathological presentation of American cutaneous leishmaniasis, which until the present study had not been performed, enables new approaches to the study of Leishmania subpopulations in areas with a predominance of one species and provides evidence of variations in the biological behavior of different species.

Excesso de peso e consumo alimentar em adolescentes de escolas públicas no norte de Minas Gerais, Brasil

This study sought to identify the prevalence of excess weight and food consumption patterns among adolescents attending public schools in northern Minas Gerais state. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random and representative sample of adolescents. Demographic and economic data were collected. Food consumption was evaluated by applying a semi-quantitative food questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured to assess the nutritional status based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) by Age. The sexes were compared by Students t test (comparison of samples) and chi-square test (goodness of fit) at a level of significance of p <0.05. 535 adolescents were evaluated and prevalence of excess weight was detected in 18.5% of the group. BMI (p = 0,001) was statistically different between the sexes and higher for girls. The average energy consumption of the group was 3096.30 kcal/day. Fiber consumption was insufficient in 35% of the adolescents, vitamin A and calcium in 80% and unsaturated fats in 100%. Carbohydrate and cholesterol were consumed in excess by 20.6% and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of excess weight and inadequate food consumption is of great concern for the population studied and requires appropriate nutritional intervention.This study sought to identify the prevalence of excess weight and food consumption patterns among adolescents attending public schools in northern Minas Gerais state. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a random and representative sample of adolescents. Demographic and economic data were collected. Food consumption was evaluated by applying a semi-quantitative food questionnaire. Body weight and height were measured to assess the nutritional status based on the Body Mass Index (BMI) by Age. The sexes were compared by Students t test (comparison of samples) and chi-square test (goodness of fit) at a level of significance of p <0.05. 535 adolescents were evaluated and prevalence of excess weight was detected in 18.5% of the group. BMI (p = 0,001) was statistically different between the sexes and higher for girls. The average energy consumption of the group was 3096.30 kcal/day. Fiber consumption was insufficient in 35% of the adolescents, vitamin A and calcium in 80% and unsaturated fats in 100%. Carbohydrate and cholesterol were consumed in excess by 20.6% and 48%, respectively. The prevalence of excess weight and inadequate food consumption is of great concern for the population studied and requires appropriate nutritional intervention.

Histopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis before and after different treatments

BACKGROUND The histopathology and immune responses of the healing process of leishmaniasis are still poorly studied. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to examine the histopathological and immunological aspects of lesions of patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis before and after different therapeutic methods. METHODS We studied 23 individuals grouped according to the treatments: Glucantime, Glucantime + Leishvacin and Glucantime + Leishvacin associated with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. For analysis of the histopathological changes present in the dermis and epidermis, histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The samples were immunostained before and after treatment to analyze the expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL) 12, IL-10 and IL-4. RESULTS Before treatment the presence of intense infiltrates of mononuclear cells was noticed and after treatment, even with a diagnosis of clinical cure, the subjects still showed a moderate inflammatory process. In the immunohistochemical analyses, we noticed a difference between the cytokines, with increased expression of cytokines IFN-γ and IL-12 compared to IL 10 and IL-4, both before and after treatment and, comparatively, the difference in this expression was more intense before treatment. However, the cytokine expression analyzed by treatment group showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION We conclude that a clinical cure does not always coincide with the histopathological one, and that before treatment there is a predominance of Th1 cytokines. In terms of treatment type, there was no difference in the progression of healing for all the three types of treatment, indicating their clinical equivalence.

Associated factors of overweight in adolescents from public schools in Northern Minas Gerais State, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil, were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Weight excess prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.15-5.59). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.Objective: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to...

Immunohistochemical profile of cytokeratins in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical profile of cytokeratins (Ck) in pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Fatores associados ao excesso de peso em adolescentes de escolas públicas no norte de Minas Gerais

OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil, were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Weight excess prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.15-5.59). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.Objective: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to...

Factores asociados al exceso de peso en adolescentes de escuelas públicas en el norte de Minas Gerais

OBJECTIVE: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to weight excess in public school students from Montes Claros, MG, Southeast Brazil, were studied. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a sample of adolescents from the public schools of the city. The nutritional status was evaluated and an inquiry was carried out in the schools to determine food consumption and practice of physical activities. Factors associated to weight excess were assessed by bivariate analysis followed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Weight excess prevalence was detected in 18.5% of the 535 adolescents evaluated. The factors associated to weight excess were: per capita income above half minimum wage (OR 1.99; 95%CI 1.01-3.93), candy consumption above two daily portions (OR 1.94; 95%CI 1.13-3.32) and absence of sport activity during leisure time (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.15-5.59). CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of weight excess in adolescents from public schools is relevant and associated with socioeconomic condition of the family, bad eating habits and sedentary life.Objective: In order to support plans and actions that combat the local increasing overweight and obesity prevalence in adolescents, the factors associated to...