Artemisinin is a substance extracted from the Chinese plant Artemisia annua L. widely used in natural medicine for the treatment of various diseases. Artemether is a substance synthesized from artemisinin, and both drugs are commonly administered in the treatment of malaria. Although considered effective antimalarial drugs, very little is known about the genotoxic, cytotoxic and mutagenic effects of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the genotoxic, mutagenic and cytotoxic effects of artemisinin (12.5, 25 and 50 µg/mL) and artemether (7.46; 14.92 and 29.84 µg/mL) in cultured human lymphocytes using the comet assay, the micronucleus test and the cytotoxicity assay for detection of necrosis and apoptosis by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Our results showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the rate of DNA damage measured by comet assay and in the micronucleus frequency after treatment with both drugs. It was also observed that only artemisinin induced a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05) in the number of lymphocytes with death by necrosis 48 h after treatment. The results demonstrated that these two drugs induce mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in cultured human lymphocytes. Our data indicate the need for caution in the use of such drugs, since genotoxic/mutagenic effects may increase the risk of carcinogenesis.

We analyze the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and telomerase activity in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) before and after treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Before treatment, there was a reduction in the LTLs and expression levels of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in the patients with MDD compared with controls. However, after 24 weeks of treatment with SSRIs, there was a significant increase in the LTLs and the expression levels of hTERT, with values approaching those observed in the controls. We conclude that SSRI antidepressant therapy can directly influence the increased expression levels of hTERT in patients.

Objetivo: Relatar uma experiência dentro de uma residência terapêutica para os cuidadores dos pacientes e para profissionais do local sobre o Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Métodos: Trata-se de um relato de experiência, estudo qualitativo, com participação de 11 pais, 4 profissionais e 2 crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista (TEA) no município de Barcarena/PA, a partir da exposição do programa, abordou-se sua importância, como desenvolver e confeccionar o material. Relato de Experiência: Observado o caráter produtivo, os pais se apresentaram proativos a essa tecnologia que ainda desconheciam, enquanto os profissionais despertaram aptidão para realizar a capacitação do programa que será ofertada. Além de contar com a participação de 1 criança com TEA para demonstração da atividade. Conclusão: A adoção do PECS frente a necessidade do desenvolvimento verbal infantil é imprescindível. O papel da enfermagem se faz necessário para a aplicação e apoio desse meio de comunicação.

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