Carla Regina de Souza

Mucoadhesive System Formed by Liquid Crystals for Buccal Administration of Poly(Hexamethylene Biguanide) Hydrochloride

Antimicrobial approaches are valuable in controlling the development of buccal diseases, but some antibacterial agents have a short duration of activity. Therefore, the development of prolonged delivery systems would be advantageous. Liquid crystalline systems comprising monoolein (GMO)/water have been considered to be a potential vehicle to deliver drugs to the buccal mucosa because of the phase properties that allow for controlled drug release as well as its mucoadhesive properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a GMO/water system for the slow release of poly(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB) on the buccal mucosa and test the properties of this system with regard to swelling, release profile, antimicrobial activity, and strength of mucoadhesion, with the overall goal of treating buccal infections. The tested systems were capable of modulating drug release, which is controlled by diffusion of the drug throughout the system. Furthermore, PHMB appeared to improve the mucoadhesive properties of the system and may synergistically act with the drug to promote antimicrobial activity against S. mutas and C. albicans, indicating that liquid crystals may be suitable for the administration of PHMB on the buccal mucosa. Therefore, this system could be proposed as a novel system for mucoadhesive drug delivery.

Administração de insulina: uma abordagem fundamental na educação em diabetes

The present study aims at accomplishing a review in the literature about the administration of insulin, considering relevant topics such as: insulin actions, local cutaneous complications, use of the instruments for the administration of insulin, the dismissable syringe and its re-utilization and the administration of insulin technique, being these basical terms to be broached in educational programs of diabetes.The present study aims at accomplishing a review in the literature about the administration of insulin, considering relevant topics such as: insulin actions, local cutaneous complications, use of the instruments for the administration of insulin, the dismissable syringe and its re-utilization and the administration of insulin technique, being these basic terms to be broached in educational programs of diabetes.O estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisao na literatura sobre administracao de insulina, com enfase nos seguinte temas: acoes de insulinas, complicacoes locais cutâneas, uso de instrumentais para a aplicacao de insulina, a seringa descartavel e sua reutilizacao e a tecnica de aplicacao de insulina, temas estes fundamentais para serem abordados em programas educativos em diabetes.

A prática de utilização de seringas descartáveis na administração de insulina no domicílio

This descriptive study aims at learning about the behavior of 113 people with diabetes mellitus assisted at a large hospital in relation to the utilization and re-utilization of disposable syringes for the administration of insulin at home. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The obtained results showed that 98.2% used a disposable syringe for insulin application and only 5.3% actually disposed of it. Among these, 94.6% re-used the disposable syringe after application by means of various procedures. We believe that such practice is one of the facets in diabetes education and, in view of it, we point out the need for a scientifically-based review of DIMEDs recommendation established by Decree no. 4/86.

Radical-Scavenging Activity of a Sunscreen Enriched by Antioxidants Providing Protection in the Whole Solar Spectral Range

Background/Aim: The main reason for extrinsic skin aging is the negative action of free radicals. The formation of free radicals in the skin has been associated with ultraviolet (UV) exposure and also to visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) irradiations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sunscreen in the whole solar range. Methods: The radical-scavenging activity of a sunscreen in the UV, VIS, and NIR ranges was evaluated using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Ex vivo penetration profiles were determined using confocal Raman microscopy on porcine ear skin at different time points after application. Results: Compared to the untreated skin, the sunscreen decreased the skin radical formation in the UV and VIS regions. Additional protection in the VIS and NIR ranges was observed for the sunscreen containing antioxidants (AO). The penetration depth of the cream was less than 11.2 ± 3.0 µm for all time points. Conclusion: A sunscreen containing AO improved the photoprotection in the VIS and NIR ranges. The sunscreen was retained in the stratum corneum. Therefore, these results show the possibility of the development of effective and safer sunscreen products.

Development and photoprotective effect of a sunscreen containing the antioxidants Spirulina and dimethylmethoxy chromanol on sun-induced skin damage

Abstract The literature claims that incorporation of antioxidants into sunscreens provides additional skin photoprotection by scavenging free radicals formed due to sun radiation, but there are limited in vivo studies that support this hypothesis. This study aims to examine whether addition of antioxidants to a broad‐spectrum sunscreen increases its photoprotective effect in real‐use conditions. Sunscreen formulations composed of stable UV filters (Tinosorb® S, Tinosorb® M, Uvinul® APlus, and Uvinul® T150) alone or in combination with antioxidants (Spirulina and dimethylmethoxy chromanol‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles) were developed and their appearance, odor, rheological behavior, Sun Protection Factor (SPF), and UVA protection were analyzed. Next, it was conducted a 3‐month, single‐blind clinical study with 44 healthy subjects (30–50 years). Before and 28, 54, and 84 days after twice‐daily self application of the sunscreens on the face, the stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss, dermis echogenicity, and skin elasticity and pigmentation were measured. At the end of the study period, the volunteers answered a questionnaire containing terms related to sensory characteristics of the formulations. All formulations were stable and exhibited non‐Newtonian and pseudoplastic behavior, in vivo SPF 30, and good UVA protection. Antioxidant supplementation to the sunscreen formulation significantly improved the skin pigmentation, the collagen degradation on the dermis and thereby the skin net elasticity after 84 days of treatment compared to the sunscreen alone. Concerning safety, all formulations were considered non‐irritant according to the sensorial analyses, whose results agreed with the clinical study findings. Graphical abstract Figure. No Caption available.

A experiência do programa especial de treinamento na educação de estudantes de graduação em enfermagem

This study presents the experience of the Special Training Program of the University os Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing - Brazil, since 1989. It is a program, directed to a group of twelve undergraduate students who show potential, habilities and interest. It provides under the orientation of a tutor-professor, the conditions to perform extra-curriculum activities, and develop scientific studies. The activities carried out by this group of students are: a course of foreign language, weekly meetings with the tutor, scientific investigation under the orientation of a teacher and discussion of scientific themes. These students act like of multiplication agent, disseminating ideas and practices borrowed from other students. The program has an excellent reputation in the brazilian academic area, and some of the ex-students are attending graduate programs, and according to its participants, it provides a personal and professional growth, through promoting activities that lead to the integration of the academic formation and the future professional activity.This study presents the experience of the Special Training Program of the University os Sao Paulo at Ribeirao Preto College of Nursing-Brazil, since 1989. It is a program, directed to a group of twelve undergraduate students who show potential, abilities and interest. It provides under the orientation of a tutor-professor, the conditions to perform extra-curriculum activities, and develop scientific studies. The activities carried out by this group of students are: a course of foreign language, weekly meetings with the tutor, scientific investigation under the orientation of a teacher and discussion of scientific themes. These students act like of multiplication agent, disseminating ideas and practices borrowed from other students. The program has an excellent reputation in the brazilian academic area, and some of the ex-students are attending graduate programs, and according to its participants, it provides a personal and professional growth, through promoting activities that lead to the integration of the academic formation and the future professional activity.

Factors associated with absenteeism-illness in rural workers in a timber company

The monitoring of absenteeism-illness has revealed its high prevalence, and a strong relationship with work. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with absenteeism-illness among the rural workers in a timber company in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out among 883 workers. The medical certificates issued in the company over one year were surveyed. For the analysis, use was made of descriptive statistics and bi- and multivariable analyses. The strength of association was measured by the odds ratio (OR) with help from logistic regression (p<0.05). A prevalence of 54% of medical certificates was found in the population. Bivariate analysis revealed an association between job (forestry assistant (OR=13.1), carpenter (OR=15) and chainsaw operator (OR=39.6)), length of service in the company, departments and length of schooling with absenteeism-illness. In the multi-variate analysis, the association between length of schooling and being a carpenter disappeared, while the other associations remained. It is concluded that there is important evidence about the occupational and demographic factors and absenteeism-illness among forestry workers.The monitoring of absenteeism-illness has revealed its high prevalence, and a strong relationship with work. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with absenteeism-illness among the rural workers in a timber company in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out among 883 workers. The medical certificates issued in the company over one year were surveyed. For the analysis, use was made of descriptive statistics and bi- and multivariable analyses. The strength of association was measured by the odds ratio (OR) with help from logistic regression (p<0.05). A prevalence of 54% of medical certificates was found in the population. Bivariate analysis revealed an association between job (forestry assistant (OR=13.1), carpenter (OR=15) and chainsaw operator (OR=39.6)), length of service in the company, departments and length of schooling with absenteeism-illness. In the multi-variate analysis, the association between length of schooling and being a carpenter disappeared, while the other associations remained. It is concluded that there is important evidence about the occupational and demographic factors and absenteeism-illness among forestry workers.

The use of disposable syringes in the administration of insulin at home

This descriptive study aims at learning about the behavior of 113 people with diabetes mellitus assisted at a large hospital in relation to the utilization and re-utilization of disposable syringes for the administration of insulin at home. Semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. The obtained results showed that 98.2% used a disposable syringe for insulin application and only 5.3% actually disposed of it. Among these, 94.6% re-used the disposable syringe after application by means of various procedures. We believe that such practice is one of the facets in diabetes education and, in view of it, we point out the need for a scientifically-based review of DIMEDs recommendation established by Decree no. 4/86.

Development of a HPLC method for determination of four UV filters in sunscreen and its application to skin penetration studies

This study describes the development, validation and application of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous determination of the in vitro skin penetration profile of four UV filters on porcine skin. Experiments were carried out on a gel-cream formulation containing the following UV filters: diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB), bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (BEMT), methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol (MBBT) and ethylhexyl triazone (EHT). The HPLC method demonstrated suitable selectivity, linearity (10.0-50.0 μg/mL), precision, accuracy and recovery from porcine skin and sunscreen formulation. The in vitro skin penetration profile was evaluated using Franz vertical diffusion cells for 24 h after application on porcine ear skin. None of the UV filters penetrated the porcine skin. Most of them stayed on the skin surface (>90%) and only BEMT, EHT and DHHB reached the dermis plus epidermis layer. These results are in agreement with previous results in the literature. Therefore, the analytical method was useful to evaluate the in vitro skin penetration of the UV filters and may help the development of safer and effective sunscreen products.

Factores asociados al absentismo-enfermedad de los trabajadores rurales de una empresa forestal

The monitoring of absenteeism-illness has revealed its high prevalence, and a strong relationship with work. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with absenteeism-illness among the rural workers in a timber company in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out among 883 workers. The medical certificates issued in the company over one year were surveyed. For the analysis, use was made of descriptive statistics and bi- and multivariable analyses. The strength of association was measured by the odds ratio (OR) with help from logistic regression (p<0.05). A prevalence of 54% of medical certificates was found in the population. Bivariate analysis revealed an association between job (forestry assistant (OR=13.1), carpenter (OR=15) and chainsaw operator (OR=39.6)), length of service in the company, departments and length of schooling with absenteeism-illness. In the multi-variate analysis, the association between length of schooling and being a carpenter disappeared, while the other associations remained. It is concluded that there is important evidence about the occupational and demographic factors and absenteeism-illness among forestry workers.The monitoring of absenteeism-illness has revealed its high prevalence, and a strong relationship with work. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with absenteeism-illness among the rural workers in a timber company in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is an analytical cross-sectional study, carried out among 883 workers. The medical certificates issued in the company over one year were surveyed. For the analysis, use was made of descriptive statistics and bi- and multivariable analyses. The strength of association was measured by the odds ratio (OR) with help from logistic regression (p<0.05). A prevalence of 54% of medical certificates was found in the population. Bivariate analysis revealed an association between job (forestry assistant (OR=13.1), carpenter (OR=15) and chainsaw operator (OR=39.6)), length of service in the company, departments and length of schooling with absenteeism-illness. In the multi-variate analysis, the association between length of schooling and being a carpenter disappeared, while the other associations remained. It is concluded that there is important evidence about the occupational and demographic factors and absenteeism-illness among forestry workers.