Green-banana biomass consumption by diabetic patients improves plasma low-density lipoprotein particle functionality.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of 6-months consumption of green-banana biomass on the LDL particle functionality in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Subjects (n = 39, mean age 65 years old) of both sexes with diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6·5%) were randomized to receive nutritional support plus green-banana biomass (40 g) (n = 21) or diet alone (n = 18) for 6-months. Non-linear optical responses of LDL solutions from these participants were studied by Z-scan technique. UV-visible spectrophotometer was used to measure the absorbance of the LDL samples. Small Angle X-ray Scattering and Dynamic Light Scattering experiments were used to look for any structural changes in LDL samples and to determine their size distribution. The Lipoprint test was used to determine the LDL sub-fractions in terms of distribution and size. Consumption of green-banana biomass, reduced total- (p = 0.010), non-HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.043), glucose (p = 0.028) and HbA1c (p = 0.0007), and also improved the protection of the LDL particle against oxidation, by the increase in carotenoids content in the particles (p = 0.007). This higher protection against modifications may decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. These benefits of the green-banana biomass encourage the use of resistant starches with potential clinical applications in individuals with pre-diabetes and diabetes.

Malaria transmission and individual variability of the naturally acquired IgG antibody against the Plasmodium vivax blood-stage antigen in an endemic area in Brazil.

Plasmodium vivax remains an important cause of malaria in South America and Asia, and analyses of the antibody immune response are being used to identify biomarker of parasite exposure. The IgG antibody naturally acquired predominantly occurs against targets on blood-stage parasites, including C-terminal of the merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1-19). Epidemiological and immunological evidence has been showed that antibodies to malaria parasite antigens are lost in the absence of ongoing exposure. We describe the IgG antibody response in individuals living in an unstable malaria transmission area in Pará state, Amazon region, Brazil, where an epidemic of P. vivax malaria was recorded and monitored over time. As indicated by epidemiological data, the number of P. vivax-caused malaria cases decreased by approximately 90% after three years and the prevalence of IgG positive to PvMSP1-19 decreased significantly over time, in 2010 (93.4%), 2012 (78.3%), and 2013 (85.1%). Acquisition and decay of the IgG antibody against P. vivax MSP1-19 showed variability among individuals living in areas with recent circulating parasites, where the malaria epidemic was being monitored until transmission had been completely controlled. We also found that previous malaria episodes were associated with an increased in the IgG positivity . Our results showed epidemiological, spatial, temporal and individual variability. The understanding on dynamics of antibodies may have implications for the design of serosurveillance tools for monitoring parasite circulation, especially in a context with spatial and temporal changes in P. vivax malaria transmission.

Beneficial effects of green banana biomass consumption in patients with pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes: a randomised controlled trial.

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic, characterised as a heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders associated with high risk of CVD. Green banana biomass, which is composed of resistant starches (RS) and cannot be hydrolysed by amylases, delays gastric emptying and modulates insulin sensitivity, thus contributing to improve metabolic disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of consumption of RS from green banana biomass on body composition, fasting plasma glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c) and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in subjects with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes on top of treatment. Middle-aged subjects (n 113) of both sexes with pre-diabetes (HbA1c: 5·7-6·4 %) or diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6·5 %) were randomised to receive nutritional support plus green banana biomass (40 g) (RS: approximately 4·5 g, G1, n 62) or diet alone (G2, n 51) for 24 weeks. Body composition, biochemical analyses and dietary intake were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study. In the experimental group (G1), consumption of RS was associated with reduction in HbA1c (P = 0·0001), fasting glucose (P = 0·021), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0·010), body weight (P = 0·002), BMI (P = 0·006), waist and hip circumferences (P < 0·01), fat mass percentage (P = 0·001) and increase in lean mass percentage (P = 0·011). In controls (G2), reductions were observed in waist and hip circumferences (P < 0·01), HbA1c (P = 0·002) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (P = 0·020). In pre-diabetes or diabetes, non-significant differences were observed in the percentage reduction in HbA1c and fasting glucose in exploratory analyses. Our results indicate that the consumption of bioactive starches is a good dietary strategy to improve metabolic control and body composition.

Efeitos da suplementação de resveratrol sobre fatores de risco cardiovascular / Effects of resveratrol supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors

O resveratrol, ou 3,5,4-triidroxiestilbeno, é um polifenol encontrado principalmente em uvas, vinho tinto, amendoins, chocolate amargo e algumas frutas silvestres. Diversos estudos investigaram sua ação sobre doenças cardiovasculares, câncer, doenças neurodegenerativas, diabetes, hiperglicemia, bem como seus possíveis efeitos sobre a longevidade. No entanto, os resultados ainda são inconclusivos, principalmente no que se refere à dose necessária, que dificilmente é atingida só com a alimentação. Portanto, foi feita uma revisão da literatura recente quanto à suplementação de resveratrol em seres humanos e seus efeitos sobre os fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares. Foram incluídos 15 estudos que avaliaram a função endotelial, o perfil glicêmico, o perfil inflamatório, lipoproteínas, bem como a segurança do consumo por idosos. A suplementação de resveratrol mostrou-se segura em idosos e benéfica principalmente para a função endotelial em diferentes populações, tendo efeito positivo também sobre o perfil glicêmico de pacientes com resistência à insulina e inflamação. Além disso, verificou-se redução significativa da produção intestinal e hepática das lipoproteínas Apo B-48 e Apo B-100. Devido a todos esses aspectos, a suplementação com resveratrol pode exercer papel protetor contra o desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares

Resveratrol, or 3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene, is a polyphenol found mainly in grapes, red wine, peanuts, dark chocolate and some berries. Several studies have investigated the impact of resveratrol on cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes and hyperglycemia, as well as its potential effects on longevity. However, the results are still inconclusive, especially regarding the necessary dosage, which is unlikely to be achieved through diet alone. Therefore, we have reviewed the recent literature on resveratrol supplementation in humans and its effects on risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. We included fifteen studies that evaluated the endothelial function, glycemic profile, inflammatory profile, lipoproteins, and the safety of its consumption by the elderly. Resveratrol supplementation was proven to be safe for use in the elderly and mainly benefits endothelial function in different populations, also having a positive effect on the glycemic profile of patients with insulin resistance and inflammation. A significant reduction in the intestinal and hepatic production of lipoproteins Apo B-48 and Apo B-100 was also observed. Due to all these aspects, supplementation with resveratrol could play a protective role in the development of cardiovascular diseases

Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Surgical Protocols and Facial Growth Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Adequate dentofacial growth is an objective of unilateral cleft lip and palate treatment. No study exists, comparing the dental arch of 5-year-old relationship after 2 treatment protocols: one with single-stage palatoplasty and another with delayed hard palate closure (DHPC). The authors hypothesized that the DHPC protocol provides better dentofacial growth. METHODS: A single-center, single-surgeon Randomized Clinical Trial was performed to evaluate the maxillomandibular relationships in 2 groups. The intervention group (GI) underwent palatoplasty with DHPC between ages 3 and 4 years; the control group (CG) underwent complete palatoplasty between 9 and 15 months. The authors evaluated oronasal fistulae rates.The dental arch relationship was evaluated via blinded panels using the Five Year Old Index.Kappa statistics were calculated to assess reliability. Trials were statistically tested with the t test and chi-squared test. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients constituted the study sample. The incidence of oronasal fistulae was 9.4% (GI) and 6.7% (CG). Sixty-two models with an average age of 55 months were available for analysis. Good intra- and inter-rater reliabilities (0.73-0.93 and 0.60-0.94, respectively) were obtained. Average index scores ranging from 2.04 (GI) to 2.76 (CG) were significantly different (P = 0.007). Significant between-group differences (P = 0.006) were found in scores, 1 and 2 in the GI (74%) and CG (52%). When the distributions were compared by the median, a difference was found (P = 0.024) in score, 1 between the GI (31.2%) and CG (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Although the DHPC protocol yielded better outcomes relating to dentofacial growth, other protocols should be investigated and findings verified by other researchers.

Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. Decreases Oxidative Stress in Blood Cells and Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is an efficient chemotherapeutic agent, but its clinical application is limited by its cardiotoxicity associated with increased oxidative stress. Thus, the combination of DOX and antioxidants has been encouraged. In this study, we evaluated (I) the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of aqueous extracts from Guazuma ulmifolia stem bark (GUEsb) and leaves (GUEl) in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging, 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride- (AAPH-) or DOX-induced lipid peroxidation inhibition in human blood cells, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification using the fluorescent probe dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) in K562 erythroleukemia cells incubated with GUEsb and stimulated with hydrogen peroxide; (II) the viability of K562 cells and human leukocytes treated with GUEsb in the absence or presence of DOX using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay; (III) the acute toxicity of GUEsb; and (IV) the cardioprotective effect of GUEsb in C57Bl/6 mice treated with DOX. The chemical composition indicated the presence of flavan-3-ol derivatives and condensed tannins in GUEsb and glycosylated flavonoids in GUEl. GUEsb and GUEl showed free-radical scavenging antioxidant activity, antihemolytic activity, and AAPH- as well as DOX-induced malondialdehyde content reduction in human erythrocytes. Based on its higher antioxidant potential, GUEsb was selected and subsequently showed intracellular ROS reduction without impairing the chemotherapeutic activity of DOX in K562 cells or inducing leukocyte cell death, but protected them against DOX-induced cell death. Yet, GUEsb did not show in vivo acute toxicity, and it prevented MDA generation in the cardiac tissue of DOX-treated mice, thus demonstrating its cardioprotective effect. Taken together, the results show that GUEsb and GUEl are natural alternatives to treat diseases associated with oxidative stress and that, in particular, GUEsb may play an adjuvant role in DOX chemotherapy.

Avaliação da força de tração da sela modificada para prótese / Evaluation of traction force in modified saddle for prosthesis

A prótese removivél mucosa-dentro-suportada sofre forças de tração, as quais levam a sela a deslocar-se da fibromucosa num movimento gêngivo-oclusal. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi desenvolver e testar um método que possibilitasse a essa prótese dispor de maior retenção na região da fibromucosa. Neste experimento, foram realizados testes utilizando uma sela acrílica convencional e outra modificada, cujas forças foram registradas em Newton. Os resultados demonstraram que, na presença de silicone, foi necessária força de tração maior e estatisticamente significante para remover a sela do modelo, em relação à sela sem silicone.

Câncer bucal: avaliação do tempo decorrente entre a detecção da lesão e o início do tratamento / Oral cancer: how long does it take from detection of a lesion to the beginning of treatment

Este trabalho teve o objetivo de determinar o tempo que decorre desde o momento que uma lesão maligna bucal é detectada até o momento em que o paciente inicia a terapia da lesão em centro especializado. Para tanto, 15 pacientes consecutivos (9 homens e 6 mulheres), portadores de lesões malígnas da cavidade bucal, encaminhados para diagnóstico e tratamento à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo (FOUSP) foram acompanhados, sem que a rotina de manejo destes pacientes fosse alterada. Após um ano, observou-se que em média os pacientes aguardam 19,3 dias para receberem o diagnóstico de câncer. Do momento do diagnóstico até o início da terapia da lesão decorreram em média 65,7 dias. O tempo médio decorrido entre a primeira visita à FOUSP e o início do tratamento foi de 84 dias. Baseados no fato de que o diagnóstico precoce do câncer bucal e o tratamento imediato são fatores importantes na diminuição da alta morbidade e mortalidade causadas por esta doença, acreditamos que o serviço público de diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes portadores de câncer bucal que serve os pacientes da FOUSP deva ser reavaliado.