Antibacterial and Antileishmanial Activity of 1,4-Dihydropyridine Derivatives.

: We have synthesized twenty-three 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives (1,4-DHPs) by using a microwave-assisted one-pot multicomponent Hantzsch reaction and evaluated their antibacterial activity against a representative panel of cariogenic bacteria and their in vitro antileishmanial activity against Leishmania (L.) amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. Thirteen compounds were moderately active against Streptococcus sanguinis, Streptococcus mitis, and Lactobacillus paracasei. Compound 22 (diethyl 4-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate) displayed moderate antibacterial activity against S. mitis and S. sanguinis, with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 500 µg/mL); compounds 8 (ethyl 2,7,7-trimethyl-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate) and 10 (ethyl 2,7,7-trimethyl-4-(3-nitrophenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate) were moderately active against S. sanguinis (MIC = 500 µg/mL) and very active against L. amazonensis promastigotes (IC50 = 43.08 and 34.28 µM, respectively). Among the eight 1,4-DHPs that were active (IC50 < 50 µM) against L. amazonensis promastigotes, compound 13 (ethyl 2,7,7-trimethyl-4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate) was the most active (IC50 = 24.62 µM) and had a Selectivity Index (SI) higher than 4 compared to GM07492A cells. On the other hand, compound 9 (ethyl 2,7,7-trimethyl-4-(2-nitrophenyl)-5-oxo-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroquinoline-3-carboxylate) was the most active against L. amazonensis amastigotes (IC50 = 16.27 µM and SI = 6.1) after 24 h of treatment. Based on our results, asymmetric 1,4-DHPs derived from dimedone exhibit antileishmanial potential.

Characteristics of the Integument of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri (Anura, Phyllomedusidae) and Boana semilineata (Anura, Hylidae) Males Can Contribute to Understanding its Relation to Habitat.

The integument of anurans plays vital physiological roles, crucial for understanding the species' survival in their environment. Despite its significance, there are few studies describing the cutaneous morphology of anurans from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This study aimed to characterize the integument of Phyllomedusa burmeisteri and Boana semilineata in males using microscopic and histochemical approaches. Histological sections were stained with various dyes, and additional fragments underwent electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results showed different projections on the dorsal and ventral regions of males from these species, without the Eberth-Katschenko layer. Differences in the arrangement of chromatophore cells in regions with varying solar incidence were observed in the spongy dermis. Various gland types were identified, aiding taxonomic differentiation and validation of behavioral data. Both species had seromucous and granular glands, while only P. burmeisteri displayed lipid glands. Histochemical analysis revealed higher production of polysaccharides and proteins, contributing to the integument's moisture and protection. Lipid secretions in P. burmeisteri helped waterproof the integument more effectively against desiccation. This study concludes that analyzing anuran integument provides valuable insights into their behavior, with integument composition potentially influenced by habitat choice among different species.

Efficacy of Diterpene Polyalthic Acid Combined with Amphotericin B against Leishmania amazonensis In Vitro.

Background/Objectives: Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease caused by Leishmania spp. including L. amazonensis, urgently requires new treatments. Polyalthic acid (PA), a natural diterpene from Copaifera spp., has previously demonstrated significant antiparasitic potential. This study evaluated the leishmanicidal effects of polyalthic acid (PA), alone and with amphotericin B (AmpB), on L. amazonensis promastigote and amastigote forms. Results: PA showed significant activity against promastigotes, with 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of 2.01 µM at 24 h and an EC50 of 3.22 µM against amastigotes after 48 h. The PA and AmpB combination exhibited a synergistic effect on both forms without inducing cytotoxicity or hemolysis. Morphological changes in promastigotes, including vacuole formation and cell rounding, were more pronounced with the combination. Conclusions: These findings suggest that PA and AmpB together could form a promising new treatment strategy against Leishmania infections, offering enhanced efficacy without added toxicity.

Antileishmanial and Antifungal Activities of Volatile Oils from Cinnamomum Cassia Bark and Schinus Molle Leaves.

This study reports on the chemical composition and antileishmanial and anticandidal activities of volatile oils (VOs) of Schinus molle dried leaves (SM), Cinnamomum cassia branch bark (CC) and their blends. Major constituents of SM were spathulenol (26.93 %), ß-caryophyllene (19.90 %), and caryophyllene oxide (12.69 %), whereas (E)-cinnamaldehyde (60.11 %), cinnamyl acetate (20.90 %) and cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (10.37 %) were predominant in CC. SM (IC50=21.45 µg/mL) and CC (IC50=23.27 µg/mL) displayed good activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes, besides having good or moderate activity against nine Candida strains, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 250 µg/mL. While the three SM and CC blends were not more active than the VOs tested individually, they exhibited remarkably high antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values ranging between 3.12 and 7.04 µg/mL, which is very similar to the IC50 of amphotericin B (positive control).

Daily intake of baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.), a Cerrado native almond, promotes changes in the intestinal microbiota of individuals with obesity: A pilot study.

The Brazilian Cerrado biome is rich in plant biodiversity, with fruits that have unique sensory characteristics and high nutritional quality. Among the various fruits, baru (Dipteryx alata Vog.) has attracted the attention of researchers because of its high lipid, protein, carbohydrate, fiber, and micronutrient (minerals and vitamins) contents. The present study evaluated the effects of regular consumption of baru almonds for over 60 days on the biochemical and anthropometric profiles and fecal microbiota of obese individuals. A pilot study was conducted on 15 individuals with obesity who were instructed to consume a 20-gram portion of baru almonds throughout the day. The body composition was assessed using anthropometric measurements. Blood pressure, glucose levels, lipid profile, serum insulin and iron contents, and fecal microbiota composition were determined at baseline (day 0) and after 60 days. Baru almond consumption contributed to changes in biochemical parameters, improved HDL cholesterol levels, and reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels. Some positive changes in the microbiota composition after consuming baru almonds include a decrease in the Faecalibacterium family and an increase in the Provotella genus. Therefore, ingesting baru almonds can modulate gut microbiota of individuals with obesity.

Gut Microbiota Modulation by Bioactive Compounds from Ilex paraguariensis: an In Vivo Study.

Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is recognized for its biocompounds and bioactive properties. This study aimed to assess the potential of yerba-mate extract to modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. After the ethical committee approval (CEUA - UPF, number 025/2018), the Wistar rats were given a daily dose of 3.29 mg of phenolic compounds per animal for 45 days. The antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by ABTS and FRAP assays and the total phenolic compounds was measured at different pH levels. Identification and quantification of chlorogenic acid isomers were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Intestinal microbiota modulation was evaluated by administering the yerba-mate extract or water (control) to Wistar rats via intragastric gavage and its efficiency was measured through PCR. The antioxidant capacity of the yerba-mate extract was 64.53 ± 0.26 µmol Trolox/mL (ABTS) and 52.96 ± 0.86 µmol Trolox/mL (FRAP). The total phenolic compounds showed higher levels at pH 7.5 compared to pH 2.0. Chlorogenic acid isomers were found in greater abundance, with a concentration of 14.22 g/100 g. The administration of the extract resulted in positive modulation of the intestinal microbiota, specifically for the genera Lactobacillus sp. and Prevotella sp. The increase of these genera is related to the promotion of homeostasis of the gut microbiota. Therefore, these findings indicate that yerba-mate extract possesses significant antioxidant activity and can effectively modulate the intestinal microbiota in rats. These results support the potential use of yerba-mate as an alternative for controlling and preventing diseases associated with intestinal dysbiosis.

New weapons against the disease vector Aedes aegypti: From natural products to nanoparticles.

Despite the global burden of viral diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti, there is a lack of effective means of prevention and treatment. Strategies for vector control include chemical and biological approaches such as organophosphates and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti), among others. However, important concerns are associated, such as resistance in mosquito larvae and deleterious effects on non-target organisms. In this scenario, novel approaches against A. aegypti have been investigated, including natural products (e.g. vegetable oil and extracts) and nanostructured systems. This review focuses on potential strategies for fighting A. aegypti, highlighting plant-based materials and nanomaterials able to induce toxic effects on egg, larva, pupa and adult mosquitoes. Issues including aspects of conventional vector control strategies are presented, and finally new insights on development of eco-friendly nanoformulations against A. aegypti are discussed.

Mitigation of ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions from urea coated with oil shale residues in a silvopastoral system.

The objective of this work was to investigate the viability of using retorted oil shale as urea coating (U + ROS) in the decrease of N losses by ammonia (NH3-N) volatilization. The experiment was carried out in a silvopastoral system with a randomized block design with split-plots. The main treatments consisted of spatial arrangements of the trees, while the subdivision of the plots constituted the surface application of common urea (U) and retorted oil shale-coated urea (U + ROS) for the pasture. In addition to NH3 measurements, fluxes of N2O and CH4 in the soil were determined, as well as soil moisture and contents of mineral N (0-5 cm). Independently of tree spacing, the use of ROS along with urea (U + ROS) showed a mean decrease of 15.9% in the accumulated NH3 volatilization and 24.1% in the peaks of emission, although it was not significantly different from the U treatment (P < 0.10). In addition, it did not increase significantly the N2O and CH4 emissions, evidencing a potential to decrease N losses by ammonia volatilization, with no impact on greenhouse gases emissions from the soil.

Alterações de linguagem em pacientes pós lesão encefálica adquirida na fase aguda / Language changes in patients after brain injury acquired in the acute phase

Caracterizar as alterações de linguagem encontradas em pacientes com lesão encefálica adquirida em fase aguda Métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional, descritiva do tipo transversal. A avaliação foi realizada nas enfermarias de um hospital de urgências, com pacientes de idade superior a 18 anos, diagnóstico de lesão encefálica adquirida e tempo de internação de até 60 dias. O protocolo utilizado incluiu avaliação das praxias orais, expressão, compreensão da linguagem oral e leitura. Ao final, foi possível apresentar as hipóteses diagnósticas de afasias fluentes e não fluentes, disartria e sem alteração de linguagem. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva através da distribuição de frequência absoluta e frequência relativa Resultados: A amostra foi composta por 24 pacientes sendo a maioria do gênero masculino, com média de idade de 51 anos. O diagnóstico de maior frequência foi Acidente Vascular Cerebral. Dos pacientes avaliados, 79% tiveram alterações de fala/linguagem. As hipóteses diagnósticas fonoaudiológicas encontradas foram: afasia global, afasia de broca, afasia transcortical mista, afasia de condução, afasia transcortical motora, afasia transcortical sensorial e disartria. Conclusão: A afasia global foi o transtorno de linguagem de maior ocorrência entre os indivíduos, bem como o gênero masculino e o acidente vascular cerebral. A avaliação da linguagem de pacientes com lesões encefálicas adquiridas na fase aguda é pertinente, pois promove o levantamento de alterações desde as perceptíveis até as mais discretas

To characterize the language disorders found in patients with brain injury acquired in the acute phase Methods: This is an observational, descriptive cross-sectional study. The evaluation was carried out in the wards of an emergency hospital, with patients aged over 18 years, diagnosed with acquired brain injury and hospitalization time of up to 60 days. The protocol used included assessment of oral praxis, expression, comprehension of oral language and reading. In the end, it was possible to present the diagnostic hypotheses of fluent and non-fluent aphasias, dysarthria and without language alteration. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics through the distribution of absolute frequency and relative frequency. Results: The sample consisted of 24 patients, most of whom were male, with a mean age of 51 years. The most frequent diagnosis was Cerebral Vascular Accident. Of the evaluated patients, 79% had speech/language disorders. The speech-language diagnostic hypotheses found were: global aphasia, drill aphasia, mixed transcortical aphasia, conduction aphasia, motor transcortical aphasia, sensory transcortical aphasia and dysarthria. Conclusion: Global aphasia was the most frequent language disorder among individuals, as well as males and stroke. The evaluation of the language of patients with brain injuries acquired in the acute phase is relevant, as it promotes the survey of changes from the perceptible to the most discreet

Clinical performance of resin composite restorations placed by dental students: a retrospective, cross-sectional, and observational study

Aim: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the performance of resin composite restorations placed by undergraduate dental students with 1 to 15 years of placement based on dental records. Methods: Four calibrated operators evaluated 498 restorations (anterior and posterior) of 120 patients according to Ryge's validated criteria (USPHS). Results: The criteria that showed the smallest changes between the types of failures were color matching, marginal discoloration and surface texture. Regarding the longevity, the surface texture showed an increase in the frequency of failures from the second time interval (3.1 to 6 years). Higher prevalence of failure was found in class II and III restorations, with secondary caries being the main reason. No significant differences were found for anatomic form, marginal adaptation, and color matching. Class V restorations showed a higher fracture rate with total displacement of the restoration, with no increase in the frequency of fracture over time. Conclusion: High rate of restoration failure was observed, possibly due to the lack of experience and skills of the students. This outcome highlight the need for continuous revision and improvements of teaching practice regarding the development of clinical competences and skills by dental students

Effects of specialised nutritional interventions in patients with incurable cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current evidence of the effect of specialised nutritional interventions on nutritional status, survival, quality of life and measures of functionality in patients with incurable cancer. METHODS: Systematic literature review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines using PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS and Cochrane Library databases. Clinical studies that evaluated different specialised nutritional interventions, such as nutritional counselling, oral nutritional supplementation (ONS), enteral nutrition (EN) and parenteral nutrition (PN), were eligible. Only studies classified as being of high methodological quality (ie, low or moderate risk of bias) were included. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies reporting on 2448 patients were deemed eligible. Five types of specialised nutrition were observed: mixed (multimodal nature, ie, dietary counseling, ONS, physical activity and/or drugs) (n=12), ONS (n=5), PN (n=3), EN (n=1) and multidisciplinary team counselling (n=1). Benefits of any kind from the interventions were reported in 14 (63.6%) studies, mainly resulting from mixed intervention. Nutritional status improved in 12 (60.0%) of 20 studies and quality of life improved in eight (50.0%) of 16 studies. Few studies have evaluated the influence of nutritional interventions on survival and measure of functionality, and have not shown improvement in these outcomes. CONCLUSION: Despite the limited evidence, specialised nutritional interventions can yield positive effects for patients with incurable cancer, mainly in their nutritional status and quality of life.

Effects of Myristicin in Association with Chemotherapies on the Reversal of the Multidrug Resistance (MDR) Mechanism in Cancer.

A range of drugs used in cancer treatment comes from natural sources. However, chemotherapy has been facing a major challenge related to multidrug resistance (MDR), a mechanism that results in a decrease in the intracellular concentration of chemotherapeutic agents, resulting in reduced treatment efficacy. The protein most frequently related to this effect is P-glycoprotein (P-gp), which is responsible for promoting drug efflux into the extracellular environment. Myristicin is a natural compound isolated from nutmeg and has antiproliferative activity, which has been reported in the literature. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the association between myristicin and chemotherapeutic agents on the NCI/ADR-RES ovarian tumor lineage that presents a phenotype of multidrug resistance by overexpression of P-gp. It was observed that myristicin showed no cytotoxic activity for this cell line, since its IC50 was >1 mM. When myristicin was associated with the chemotherapeutic agents cisplatin and docetaxel, it potentiated their cytotoxic effects, a result evidenced by the decrease in their IC50 of 32.88% and 75.46%, respectively. Studies conducted in silico indicated that myristicin is able to bind and block the main protein responsible for MDR, P-glycoprotein. In addition, the molecule fits five of the pharmacokinetic parameters established by Lipinski, indicating good membrane permeability and bioavailability. Our hypothesis is that, by blocking the extrusion of chemotherapeutic agents, it allows these agents to freely enter cells and perform their functions, stopping the cell cycle. Considering the great impasse in the chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer that is the MDR acquired by tumor cells, investigating effective targets to circumvent this resistance remains a major challenge that needs to be addressed. Therefore, this study encourages further investigation of myristicin as a potential reverser of MDR.

What is the role of phenolic compounds of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) in gut microbiota?

Diet actively influences gut microbiota and body homeostasis. The predominance of beneficial species results in symbiosis, while dysbiosis is characterized by an imbalance between microbial communities. Food plays a key role in this dynamic and in promoting the health of individuals. Ilex paraguariensis, also known as yerba mate, is a traditional plant from Latin America that has a complex matrix of bioactive substances, including methylxanthines, triterpenes, saponins, and phenolics. The consumption of yerba mate is associated with antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no studies on yerba mate as a modulating agent of intestinal microbiota. Phenolics are the major compounds in yerba mate and have been reported to act in modulating the microbiome. In this review, we explore the activity of yerba mate as a possible stimulant of gut microbiota and present its main phenolics and their biological effects. We also propose different mechanisms of action of these phenolics and possible doses for their effectiveness.

Addition of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows improves colostrum quality and immune responses of their calves.

This study evaluated of the effects of açai oil during the close-up dry period of Holstein cows on colostrum quality, as well as on the immune and antioxidant responses of their calves. Sixteen multiparous cows were assigned randomly to two treatments: 1) CONTROL (n = 8) - 4.48% of soybean oil/concentrate; 2) AÇAI (n =8) - 4.48% of açai oil/concentrate. Cows fed with açai oil had greater (P≤0.04) colostrum concentrations of immunoglobulins (Ig) G (1st and 2nd milking), IgG heavy chains, IgA (only at 1st milking), alpha-lactalbumin (1st milking), total protein, and antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (only at 1st milking). Cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of globulin (only on the day of calving) and total protein (only on the day of calving) (P = 0.03). Calves born of cows fed with açai oil had greater serum concentrations of total protein (only 24 and 48 h after calving) and serum concentration of IgG heavy chain (only 24 h after calving) and globulin (only 24 and 48 h after calving) (P = 0.01). These data suggest that the addition of açai oil in the cow feed during the close-up dry period boosted immunity in their calves by altering the composition of colostrum.

Desafios dos enfermeiros que atuam em centro de material e esterilização: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Descrever os desafios encontrados por enfermeiros que atuam em Centro de Material e Esterilização e analisar as mudanças de paradigmas acerca do seu papel em uma unidade tão específica. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, utilizando as bases de dados da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, MEDLINE, IBECS e LILACS. Resultados: O enfermeiro que atua na Central de Material e Esterilização enfrenta inúmeros desafios, que vão desde o gerenciamento dos recursos até a organização. De acordo com o estudo, observou-se que o profissional de enfermagem necessita de atualização contínua acerca dos equipamentos da CME, bem como, a forma correta para o seu manuseio; a necessidade de reconhecimento e valorização do profissional atuante em um setor repleto de peculiaridades e a exposição contínua do profissional a riscos químicos, biológicos e ergonômicos. Conclusão: Os enfermeiros que atuam em central de material esterilizado devem aprimorar sua atuação com um olhar inovador e devem agir de forma integrada com as equipes de assistência direta.

Objective: To describe the challenges encountered by nurses who work in a Material and Sterilization Center and to analyze the paradigm shifts regarding their role in such a specific unit. Methodology: This is an integrative, using the Virtual Health Library, MEDLINE, IBECS and LILACS. Results: The nurse who works in the Material and Sterilization Center faces numerous challenges, ranging from resource management to the organization. According to the study, it was observed that the nursing professional needs continuous updating about the MSC equipment, as well as the correct way to handle it; the need for recognition and valorization of professionals working in a sector full of peculiarities and the professional's continuous exposure to chemical, biological and ergonomic risks. Conclusion: Nurses working in a material and sterilization center should improve their performance with an innovative look and should act in an integrated manner with direct care teams.

Blenderized formulations in home enteral nutrition: a narrative review about challenges in nutritional security and food safety.

Blenderized formulations (BFs) are prepared by homogenization of food that is normally used in oral nutrition. BFs are mainly used in home enteral nutrition (HEN), although their use has also been reported by hospitals when commercial enteral formulas are not available. HEN is applied when the patient has been discharged from the hospital. This nutritional therapy promotes the patient's reintegration into the family nucleus and promotes humanized care, and decreases treatment costs. However, the patient should continue to receive health and nutritional care, ranging from periodic nutritional re-evaluation to adaptation of the dietary plan. HEN provides the patient a greater contact with the family, whereas BFs promote the adaptation of the diet with food, respecting the food diversity and culture, lower cost, and easier access to food. Disadvantages of BFs include more time spent by the professional to calculate the dietary plan, greater difficulty in adjusting daily needs, and less microbiological and chemical stability. In this review, the nutritional, food security, and safety aspects of BF used in HEN are discussed. Technological quality aspects that are essential knowledge in the preparation of the patient's dietary plan also are presented.

The use of nutrition support near the end of life for hospitalized patients with advanced cancer at a reference center: Two realities.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency and factors associated of the provision of nutrition support (NS) in the last 30 days of life in patients with advanced cancer in the palliative or non-palliative setting. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study in palliative and non-palliative care units at a specialized cancer center for oncology in Brazil. The use of oral nutrition supplements (ONS) and enteral (EN) and parenteral (PN) nutrition in the 30 days before death were assessed. RESULTS: The 239 patients included were predominantly older (>60 years; 63.2%) and female (61.1%). The use of ONS was lower in palliative than non-palliative care during the last 30 (52% vs. 6%), 7 (42% vs. 4%), and 3 (23% vs. 2%) days before death (all P < .001). The use of EN and PN was lower in palliative care, decreasing with the approach of death. The independent factors associated with ONS in non-palliative care were (odds ratio): breast tumor (3.03), hypoalbuminemia (1.10), and nutrition risk (16.98); in palliative care, only the Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥40% (1.24) was associated to the use of ONS. The use of EN and PN was associated with head-neck (HN) tumor in both settings (5.41) in non-palliative and (8.74) in palliative. Others independent factors were: hypoalbuminemia (3.12) in non-palliative care and KPS (1.31) in palliative care. CONCLUSIONS: The use of NS near the end of life was high in the non-palliative and less frequent in palliative care setting. The factors associated with NS differed according to the clinical oncology setting, with one of the factors in palliative care being a better prognosis.

A review of nondairy kefir products: their characteristics and potential human health benefits.

Functional foods are foods that, in addition to having nutrients, contain in their composition ingredients that act specifically on body functions associated with the control and reduction of the risk of developing some diseases. In this sense, kefir, a group of microorganisms in symbiosis, mainly yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, stands out. The trend of ingesting kefir has been focused on the development of products that serve specific consumers, such as those who are lactose-intolerant, vegans and vegetarians, and consumers in general who seek to combine the consumption of functional products with the improvement of their health and lifestyle. This overview provides an insight into kefir, presenting the technological process to produce a nondairy beverage and evidence of the benefits of its use to reduce the risk of disease. We also discuss regulatory aspects of products fermented using kefir. Until now, the use of kefir (isolated microorganism, kefiran, or fermented product) has demonstrated the potential to promote an increase in the number of bifidobacteria in the colon and an increase in the glycemic control while reducing the blood cholesterol and balancing the intestinal microbiota, which helps in reducing constipation and diarrhea, improving intestinal permeability, and stimulating and balancing the immune system. However, the literature still has gaps that need to be clarified, such as the consumption dose of kefir or its products to cause some health benefit.

Ameliorating effects of metabolic syndrome with the consumption of rich-bioactive compounds fruits from Brazilian Cerrado: a narrative review.

Evidence suggests that bioactive compounds present in fruits and vegetables, including carotenoids, polyphenols, and phytosterols, may have beneficial effects against the development of obesity and other diseases. The fruits of the Brazilian Cerrado are rich in biologically active compounds but are underexplored by the population being used only locally dietary consumption. The objective of this review is to direct attention to the bioactive compounds already elucidated for the fruits of "Cerrado" cashew (Anacadium othanianum Rizz.), baru almond (Dipteryx alata Vogel), cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), "Cerrado" pear (Eugenia klotzschiana Berg), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa), and pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb), demonstrating possible metabolic effects of the consumption of these fruits on the metabolic syndrome and its risk factors. Studies have shown that Cerrado native fruits have a high content of bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds, which also demonstrate high antioxidant capacity and may be related to the protective effect in metabolic syndrome-related diseases by act as inhibitors in various processes in lipid metabolism and glucose transport. Although more scientific evidence is still needed, the consumption of native fruits from the Cerrado seems to be a promising strategy which -along with other strategies such as nutritional therapy- can ameliorate the effects of the metabolic syndrome.

The Fear of COVID-19 Scale adaptation and validation / Adaptação e validação da Escala de Medo da COVID-19

This study aimed to adapt and raise evidences of validity based on the internal structure, on the relationship with other variables, and on the content of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in Brazilian Portuguese. We performed the Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the scale, its invariance analysis by gender, and established norms for interpreting the instrument's scores. Participants were 1,000 adults of both genders. The findings showed all fit indices as satisfactory, confirming the scale's one-dimensionality and its invariance. Results also demonstrated convergent validity between the FCV-19S and the stress of the subjects. Moreover, the stratification of the intensity of fear (mild, moderate and severe) was determined based on the standardization of scores. We concluded that FCV-19S presents sufficient evidence to support its use to assess the fear of Covid-19S in Brazil.

Este estudo objetivou adaptar e levantar evidências de validade com base na estrutura interna, na relação com outras variáveis e de conteúdo da Escala de Medo da COVID-19 (EMC-19, Fear of COVID-19 Scale) para português brasileiro. Para tanto, realizou-se a Análise Fatorial Confirmatória da medida e sua análise de invariância por sexo; ademais, estabeleceu--se normas para interpretação dos escores do instrumento. Fizeram parte da pesquisa 1.000 adultos, de ambos os sexos. Os resultados evidenciaram que todos os índices de ajuste foram satisfatórios, confirmando a unidimensionalidade da escala, bem como sua invariância. Constatou-se, ainda, que houve validade convergente entre a EMC-19 e o estresse dos participantes. Além disso, foram propostos estratos de classificação da intensidade do medo (leve, moderado e severo) com base na normatização dos escores. Por fim, concluiu-se que a EMC-19 apresenta evidências suficientes que recomendam a sua utilização para medida do medo da COVID-19 no Brasil.