Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES)-based blueberry extracts protect against ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Blueberry is a polyphenol-rich fruit bearing great bioactive potential. Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) emerged as putatively biocompatible solvents that could substitute for toxic organic solvents in the extraction of fruit phenolic compounds for developing nutraceuticals or functional foods. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the gastroprotective effects and the biocompatibility of a blueberry crude extract (CE) obtained using NADES and of the extract fractions (anthocyanin-rich fraction - ARF; non-anthocyanin phenolic fraction - NAPF) in a model of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. CE was the NADES-containing, ready-to-use extract that was obtained using choline chloride:glycerol:citric acid NADES (0.5:2:0.5 M ratio). ARF and NAPF were the NADES-free fractions obtained by solid phase purification of CE and were investigated to identify the bioactive fraction responsible for the effects of CE. Animals were treated for 14 days with water, NADES vehicle, CE, ARF, NAPF or lansoprazole (intragastric) and then received ethanol to induce gastric ulcer. CE decreased ulcer index and preserved the integrity of gastric mucosa. The pretreatment with CE or ARF reduced glutathione depletion and the inflammatory response. All treatments, including NADES vehicle reduced protein oxidation and nitric oxide overproduction in ethanol-treated rats. Additionally, ARF increased short-chain fatty acids in feces. These findings suggest that NADES can be used to obtain biocompatible extracts of blueberry that exhibit gastroprotective effects with no need of solvent removal. The gastroprotective effects were mainly associated to ARF but NAPF and even NADES vehicle also contributed to some protective effects.

Lifestyle, health characteristics and alcohol abuse in young adults who are non-daily smokers / Estilo de vida, características de saúde e consumo excessivo de álcool em adultos jovens que são fumantes esporádicos

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the decline in the prevalence of tobacco use in many countries, including Brazil, there are growing numbers of smokers who continue to smoke at a low daily rate, or less frequently (non-daily smokers). This group needs to be better characterized in order to direct preventive actions and public health policies. The aim here was to compare lifestyle, health characteristics and alcoholism problems among young adult smokers, non-daily smokers and non-smokers. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study in which volunteers from the university community and its surrounds in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were included between October 2007 and January 2008. METHODS: Out of 1240 volunteers initially contacted in a university cafeteria, a total of 728 participants of mean age 22.45 ± 3.32 years were selected for final analysis. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: In general, it was observed that the non-daily smokers showed intermediate characteristics in relation to the smokers and non-smokers. However, there was a significant association between non-daily smoking and alcohol abuse. The non-daily smokers presented an odds ratio of 2.4 (95 percent confidence interval: 1.10-5.48) in relation to the daily smokers and an odds ratio of 3.3 (confidence interval: 1.7-6.5) in relation to the non-smokers, with regard to presenting a positive CAGE test, thereby indicating alcohol abuse or dependence. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that non-daily smoking and alcohol consumption were concomitant behaviors.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Apesar do declínio na prevalência do tabagismo em diversos países, incluindo o Brasil, existe um número crescente de fumantes que continua a fumar em baixa quantidade diária ou com menor frequência (fumantes esporádicos). Esse grupo precisa ser mais bem caracterizado para que se possa direcionar ações preventivas e políticas de saúde pública. O objetivo foi comparar o estilo de vida, características de saúde e problemas de alcoolismo entre fumantes, fumantes esporádicos e não fumantes entre adultos jovens. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em que se incluíram voluntários da comunidade universitária e do seu entorno entre outubro de 2007 a janeiro de 2008 em Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. MÉTODOS: A partir de um contato inicial com 1.240 voluntários numa cafeteria universitária, 728 participantes com idade média de 22.45 ± 3.32 anos foram selecionados para análise final. Os dados foram coletados através de um questionário estruturado. RESULTADOS: Em geral, foi observado que os fumantes esporádicos apresentaram características intermediárias em relação aos fumantes e não fumantes. Entretanto, foi encontrada uma associação significativa entre fumo esporádico e abuso de álcool. Os fumantes esporádicos apresentaram uma razão de chance de 2,4 vezes (intervalo de confiança de 1,10-5,48) em relação aos fumantes diários e uma razão de chance de 3,3 (intervalo de confiança de 1,7-6,5) em relação aos não fumantes de apresentar um teste CAGE positivo indicador de abuso ou dependência de álcool. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo sugere que o tabagismo esporádico e o consumo de álcool são comportamentos concomitantes.

Dinamic balance, lifestyle and emotional states in young adults.

UNLABELLED: A one hypothesis to explain some vestibular peripheral disorders is their association with life style. Thus, studies with young adults are relevant. AIM: to analyze the prevalence of dynamic balance alterations in young adults and their possible association with life style variables, health and negative emotional states (since they can impact the outcome). MATERIALS AND METHODS: we carried out a non-probabilistic cross-sectional, clinical-retrospective study with young adults (18-32 years of age) from a university with 751 individuals, with a mean age of 22.45+/- 3.32 years. Life style, health and negative emotional states (NES) variables - depression, stress and anxiety, were collected by means of an interview. The Unterberger test was used in order to check for indications of dynamic balance alterations. Individuals with altered dynamic balance (ADB) were compared to those without these alterations (controls). RESULTS: From our sample, 642 (83.6%) had less than 45 masculine of deviation, while 109 (14.2%) had greater than 45 masculine deviation and were the considered with ADB. The ADB group had a greater prevalence of smoking, alcohol abuse/dependence, high blood pressure and NES. CONCLUSION: the study highlights the occurrence of ADB which needs to be corroborated in future studies.

Equilíbrio dinâmico, estilo de vida e estados emocionais em adultos jovens / Dinamic balance, lifestyle and emotional states in young adults

A one hypothesis to explain some vestibular peripheral disorders is their association with life style. Thus, studies with young adults are relevant. AIM: to analyze the prevalence of dynamic balance alterations in young adults and their possible association with life style variables, health and negative emotional states (since they can impact the outcome). MATERIALS AND METHODS: we carried out a non-probabilistic cross-sectional, clinical-retrospective study with young adults (18-32 years of age) from a university with 751 individuals, with a mean age of 22.45± 3.32 years. Life style, health and negative emotional states (NES) variables - depression, stress and anxiety, were collected by means of an interview. The Unterberger test was used in order to check for indications of dynamic balance alterations. Individuals with altered dynamic balance (ADB) were compared to those without these alterations (controls). RESULTS: From our sample, 642 (83.6 percent) had less than 45º of deviation, while 109 (14.2 percent) had greater than 45º deviation and were the considered with ADB. The ADB group had a greater prevalence of smoking, alcohol abuse/dependence, high blood pressure and NES. CONCLUSION: the study highlights the occurrence of ADB which needs to be corroborated in future studies

Uma hipótese para explicar algumas desordens periféricas vestibulares seria sua correlação com variáveis do estilo de vida. Assim, a realização de estudos populacionais sobre o tema em adultos jovens é relevante. OBJETIVOS: Analisar a prevalência de indicação de alterações no equilíbrio dinâmico em adultos jovens e sua possível associação com variáveis do estilo de vida, saúde e estados emocionais negativos (pois podem intervir nos resultados). MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico transversal, não-probabilístico, retrospectivo-clínico, em adultos jovens (18-32 anos) de uma comunidade universitária com 751 indivíduos, com média de 22.45± 3.32 anos. Variáveis do estilo de vida, saúde e estados emocionais negativos (EEN), que são depressão, ansiedade e estresse, foram coletadas via entrevista. Teste de Unterberger foi aplicado para averiguar indicação de alteração no equilíbrio dinâmico. Indivíduos com equilíbrio dinâmico alterado (EDA) foram então comparados com os sem alteração (controle). RESULTADOS: Da amostra 642 (83.6 por cento) desviaram menos que 45º enquanto que 109 (14.2 por cento) apresentaram um desvio maior que 45º sendo então considerados o grupo EDA. O grupo EDA apresentou maior prevalência de tabagismo, abuso/dependência de álcool, hipertensão arterial sistêmica e de EEN. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo destaca a ocorrência de EDA que precisa ser comprovado em estudos futuros

Lifestyle, health characteristics and alcohol abuse in young adults who are non-daily smokers.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES: Despite the decline in the prevalence of tobacco use in many countries, including Brazil, there are growing numbers of smokers who continue to smoke at a low daily rate, or less frequently (non-daily smokers). This group needs to be better characterized in order to direct preventive actions and public health policies. The aim here was to compare lifestyle, health characteristics and alcoholism problems among young adult smokers, non-daily smokers and non-smokers. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study in which volunteers from the university community and its surrounds in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were included between October 2007 and January 2008. METHODS: Out of 1240 volunteers initially contacted in a university cafeteria, a total of 728 participants of mean age 22.45 ± 3.32 years were selected for final analysis. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. RESULTS: In general, it was observed that the non-daily smokers showed intermediate characteristics in relation to the smokers and non-smokers. However, there was a significant association between non-daily smoking and alcohol abuse. The non-daily smokers presented an odds ratio of 2.4 (95% confidence interval: 1.10-5.48) in relation to the daily smokers and an odds ratio of 3.3 (confidence interval: 1.7-6.5) in relation to the non-smokers, with regard to presenting a positive CAGE test, thereby indicating alcohol abuse or dependence. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that non-daily smoking and alcohol consumption were concomitant behaviors.

Projeto Idoso da Floresta: indicadores de saúde dos idosos inseridos na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF-SUS) de Manaus-AM, Brasil / Elderly from the Forest Project: health indicators of elderly’s Family Health Strategy in Manaus-AM’s health districts, Brazil

Introdução: estudos sobre o idoso que vive na Região Norte do Brasil ainda são incipientes e necessários para subsidiar programas de saúde pública. Objetivos: o estudo aqui apresentado descreve o delineamento geral do Projeto Idoso da Floresta, analisando os principais indicadores de saúde de idosos inseridos no ESFSUS em Manaus-AM, distribuídos nos quatro distritos de saúde investigados. Metodologia: foi feita análise amostral por conglomerados em dois estágios: (1º) seleção das unidades básicas de saúde da família (UBS) como unidades de seleção; (2º) seleção do idoso como unidade amostral, escolhido randomicamente entre as famílias atendidas nas UBSs. Resultados: 1.509 idosos foram incluídos, sendo 810 (53,6%) mulheres (67,6±7,7 anos) e 699 (46,4%) homens com idade média de 66,8± 6,9anos. Em geral, o idoso investigado era casado/viúvo (94,8%), com nenhuma ou baixíssima escolaridade (46,5%), vivia em casas (94,7%), recebia algum auxílio (57,5%), era aposentado (64,5%), sem renda ou recebia até um salário-mínimo (67,9%). Destes, 85,5% eram autônomos e 10,3% possuíam mais de quatro morbidades. Os indicadores tenderam a ser significativamente diferenciados conforme o distrito investigado. Conclusão: em geral, os perfis socioeconômico e cultural, da prevalência de morbidades e dependência tenderam a ser similares ao descrito em outros estudos brasileiros. Entretanto, existiram diferenças entre os distritos que devem ser consideradas nas estratégias de atenção e saúde do idoso. Análises complementares que estratifiquem a amostra por sexo, idade e perfil socioeconômico e cultural precisam ser conduzidas.

Introduction: Studies on the elderly living in the Brazilian North Region are incipient and must be carried out to support health public policies. Objectives: this study describes the methodological design on the Projeto Idoso da Floresta, that analyzes the main health indicators of the elderly inserted in the Family Health Strategy, a Brazilian health public care program, in Manaus-AM. Methodology: a two-stage epidemiologic study was conducted as follows: (1st) selection of basic health units (UBS) as unit selection; (2nd) elderly selection as randomized sample unit from each UBS. Results: 1,509 elderly were included in the analysis, 810 (53.6%) women (67.6±7.7 years old) and 699 (46.4%) men (66.8± 6,9 years old). In general, the elderly investigated here were married/widowed 94,8%), illiterate or withvery low educational level (46.5%), lived in houses (94.7%), received some external support (57.5%), retired (64.5%) ,without or with lower economic income (67.9%).From the sample analyzed, 85.5% were independent and 10.3% reported to have> 4 morbidities. These results tended to be different in Manaus’s health districts. Conclusion: in general, the variables analyzed tended to be similar to results described in other Brazilian epidemiological studies. However, there are differences among districts that must be considered in the elderly’s health care strategy. Complementary analysis of the data described here, with sex, age and socioeconomic stratification need to be performed.