René Duarte Martins

Antinociceptive Effect of the Essential Oil Obtained from the Leaves of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) in Mice

Croton cordiifolius Baill. is a shrub known as “quebra-faca” and is used to treat inflammation, pain, wounds, and gastrointestinal disturbances in the semiarid region in the northeast of Brazil. In an ethnobotanical survey in the state of Pernambuco, “quebra-faca” use was cited in 33% of the interviews. Thus, we decided to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the essential oil from C. cordiifolius (CcEO). Chemical analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed 1,8-cineole (25.09%) and α-phellandrene (15.43%) as major constituents. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using murine models of chemically induced pain (writhing induced by acetic acid, formalin, capsaicin, and glutamate tests). Opioid and central nervous systems (CNS) involvement were also investigated. Regarding antinociceptive activity, CcEO (50 and 100 mg/kg) reduced the number of writhing responses induced by acetic acid and decreased the licking times in both phases of the formalin test. CcEO also was evaluated in capsaicin- and glutamate-induced nociception. While no effect was observed in the capsaicin test, CcEO (100 mg/kg) was effective in the glutamate test. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, did not affect the antinociceptive activity of CcEO in writhing test. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effect of CcEO could be explained, at least in part, by inhibition of the glutamatergic system.

Renal effects of Bunodosoma caissarum crude extract: Prostaglandin and endothelin involvement

&NA; Sea anemones contain a variety of interesting biologically active compounds, including some potent toxins. PLA2 from Bunodosoma caissarum, a sea anemone endemic in the Brazilian southern coast, has shown renal alterations on isolated kidney. The aim of this study was to evaluate the renal and vascular effects of B. caissarum crude extract (BcE) on isolated perfused kidney and arteriolar mesenteric bed, as well the involvement of prostaglandins and endothelin. BcE did not show any effect on arteriolar mesenteric bed, but increased perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate and decreased the percentage of sodium tubular transport on isolated perfused kidney. Indomethacin blocked the renal effects induced by BcE and tezosentan only partially blocked these effects. These results demonstrate the effects of BcE on kidney in situ, suggesting the involvement of prostaglandins and endothelin. HighlightsBunodosoma caissarum crude extract (BcE) has renal effect.BcE renal effects could be blocked by indomethacin.BcE renal effects could be partially blocked by tezosentan.Prostaglandins and endothelin are probably involved on renal effect of BcE.

Avaliação da responsividade de um serviço de saúde público sob a perspectiva do usuário idoso

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the quality of health care of older adults using as a parameter the assessment of the responsiveness of the service. METHODS This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in a reference unit of the Brazilian Unified Health System at the outpatient level. The sample was probabilistic and had 385 older adults; data collection occurred in 2014. The domains assessed were: choice, autonomy, confidentiality, dignity, communication, physical facilities, and fast service. To this end, we used Pearson correlation test and Fisher’s exact test. RESULTS The domains of dignity, confidentiality, and communication reached the highest level of adequate responsiveness. On the other hand, freedom of choice and fast service received the worst assessments. Participation in decision-making regarding treatment was significantly lower among the older adults who had no education. In addition, the older adults that self-reported as black receive a lower quality of care regarding clear explanation and respected privacy in the appointment, when compared to users of any other race. CONCLUSIONS Although most domains studied have receive a positive assessment, we have found a need for an equal care by the health professionals, regardless of race, education level, or any other adjective characteristic of older adults, users of public health services.OBJETIVO Avaliar a qualidade da atencao a saude da populacao idosa usando como parâmetro a avaliacao da responsividade do servico. METODOS Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, realizado em uma unidade de referencia do Sistema Unico de Saude em nivel ambulatorial. A amostra foi probabilistica composta por 385 idosos e a coleta de […]