LC-MS/DIA-based strategy for comprehensive flavonoid profiling: an Ocotea spp. applicability case.

We introduce a liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry with data-independent acquisition (LC-MS/DIA)-based strategy, specifically tailored to achieve comprehensive and reliable glycosylated flavonoid profiling. This approach facilitates in-depth and simultaneous exploration of all detected precursors and fragments during data processing, employing the widely-used open-source MZmine 3 software. It was applied to a dataset of six Ocotea plant species. This framework suggested 49 flavonoids potentially newly described for these plant species, alongside 45 known features within the genus. Flavonols kaempferol and quercetin, both exhibiting O-glycosylation patterns, were particularly prevalent. Gas-phase fragmentation reactions further supported these findings. For the first time, the apigenin flavone backbone was also annotated in most of the examined Ocotea species. Apigenin derivatives were found mainly in the C-glycoside form, with O. porosa displaying the highest flavone : flavonol ratio. The approach also allowed an unprecedented detection of kaempferol and quercetin in O. porosa species, and it has underscored the untapped potential of LC-MS/DIA data for broad and reliable flavonoid profiling. Our study annotated more than 50 flavonoid backbones in each species, surpassing the current literature.

Corrigendum: Random cellulose acetate nanofibers: a breakthrough for cultivated meat production.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1297926.].

Ex vivo evaluation of the accuracy of four electronic foraminal locators during endodontic retreatment.

The present study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four different Electronic Foraminal Locators (EFLs): Root ZX II (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan), RomiApex A15 (Romidan, Kiryat-Ono, Israel), FinePex (Schuster, Porto Alegre, Brazil) and VDW Gold (VDW, Munich, Germany), in determining root length during endodontic retreatment steps. Twenty-seven human unirooted teeth had their crowns sectioned to standardize the teeth to 17 mm. The actual tooth length was visualized with an operating microscope and a #15 file juxtaposed to the apical foramen. Teeth were instrumented with files R25 and R40, and at the end of each instrumentation, measurements of root canal lengths were made with files #25 and #40. Then, the teeth had their root canals filled with standardized Gutta-Percha R40 cones and Endofill cement, and after seven days, they were uncovered with R25 and R40 files, respectively. New measurements were made with #25 and #40 files between the uncovering with each file. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square tests, considered significant when P<0.05. All devices tended to under-measurement when the obturating material was partially removed with the R25 file. When the canals were uncovered with the R40 instrument, the effectiveness of the appliances increased significantly (P<0.05). At 0.40 mm diameter, the mean accuracy of the Romiapex A15 appliance was statistically lower than the other EFLs (P<0.001), showing a tendency to over-measurement. In conclusion, all the tested appliances showed similar efficacy when acceptable limits were observed. The permanence of the remaining filling material in the apical third influenced the accuracy and efficacy of EFLs in endodontic retreatment cases. Key words:Endodontics, odontometry, apical foramen.

Copaiba oil minimizes inflammation and promotes parenchyma re-epithelization in acute allergic asthma model induced by ovalbumin in BALB/c mice.

Introduction: Asthma is a condition of airflow limitation, common throughout the world, with high mortality rates, especially as it still faces some obstacles in its management. As it constitutes a public health challenge, this study aimed to investigate the effect of copaiba oil (e.g., Copaifera langsdorffii), as a treatment resource, at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg on certain mediators of acute lung inflammation (IL-33, GATA3, FOXP3, STAT3, and TBET) and early mechanisms of lung remodeling (degradation of elastic fiber tissues, collagen deposition, and goblet cell hyperplasia). Methods: Using an ovalbumin-induced acute allergic asthma model in BALB/c mice, we analyzed the inflammatory mediators through immunohistochemistry and the mechanisms of lung remodeling through histopathology, employing orcein, Masson's trichrome, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Results: Copaiba oil treatment (CO) reduced IL-33 and increased FOXP3 by stimulating the FOXP3/GATA3 and FOXP3/STAT3 pathways. Additionally, it upregulated TBET, suggesting an additional role in controlling GATA3 activity. In the respiratory epithelium, CO decreased the fragmentation of elastic fibers while increasing the deposition of collagen fibers, favoring epithelial restructuring. Simultaneously, CO reduced goblet cell hyperplasia. Discussion: Although additional research is warranted, the demonstrated anti-inflammatory and re-epithelializing action makes CO a viable option in exploring new treatments for acute allergic asthma.

Depolymerization of SUMO chains induces slender to stumpy differentiation in T. brucei bloodstream parasites.

Trypanosoma brucei are protozoan parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans and nagana in cattle. Inside the mammalian host, a quorum sensing-like mechanism coordinates its differentiation from a slender replicative form into a quiescent stumpy form, limiting growth and activating metabolic pathways that are beneficial to the parasite in the insect host. The post-translational modification of proteins with the Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier (SUMO) enables dynamic regulation of cellular metabolism. SUMO can be conjugated to its targets as a monomer but can also form oligomeric chains. Here, we have investigated the role of SUMO chains in T. brucei by abolishing the ability of SUMO to polymerize. We have found that parasites able to conjugate only SUMO monomers are primed for differentiation. This was demonstrated for monomorphic lines that are normally unable to produce stumpy forms in response to quorum sensing signaling in mice, and also for pleomorphic cell lines in which stumpy cells were observed at unusually low parasitemia levels. SUMO chain mutants showed a stumpy compatible transcriptional profile and better competence to differentiate into procyclics. Our study indicates that SUMO depolymerization may represent a coordinated signal triggered during stumpy activation program.

New Perspective on the Use of α-Bisabolol for Weed Control.

The indiscriminate use of synthetic herbicides reduces its effectiveness. Bioherbicides produced with metabolites emerge as an alternative to managing weeds. We aimed to analyze the phytotoxic potential of the essential oil of Vanillosmopsis arborea (EOVA) and the α-bisabolol molecule, its main component. We evaluated the effects of EOVA and α-bisabolol at different concentrations on the germination, growth, antioxidant metabolism, and photosynthesis of different species. EOVA and α-bisabolol showed promising phytotoxic effects on the germination and initial growth of the weed Senna occidentalis, inhibiting the activity of the antioxidant enzymes and increasing lipid peroxidation. α-Bisabolol reduced the weed seedling growth by inducing oxidative stress, which suggests a greater role in postemergence. Moreover, in the weed postemergence, both EOVA and α-bisabolol caused damage in the shoots, reduced the chlorophyll content, and increased lipid peroxidation besides reducing photosynthesis in S. occidentalis. Overall, we suggest the promising action of α-bisabolol and EOVA as bioherbicides for weed control.

Collagen modifications predictive of lymph node metastasis in dogs with carcinoma in mixed tumours.

Introduction: Mixed tumours in the canine mammary gland are the most common histological type in routine diagnosis. In general, these neoplasms have a favourable prognosis that does not evolve into metastatic disease. However, some cases develop into lymph node metastases and are associated with worse patient survival rates. Methods: Here is a retrospective study of 46 samples of primary mixed tumours of the canine mammary gland: 15 cases of benign mixed tumours (BMT), 16 cases of carcinoma in mixed tumours without lymph node metastasis (CMT), and 15 cases of carcinomas in mixed tumours with lymph node metastasis (CMTM). In addition, we selected 23 cases of normal mammary glands (NMT) for comparison. The samples were collected from biopsies performed during nodulectomy, simple mastectomy, regional mastectomy, or unilateral/bilateral radical mastectomy. We used multiphoton microscopy, second harmonic generation, and two-photon excited fluorescence, to evaluate the characteristics of collagen fibres and cellular components in biopsies stained with haematoxylin and eosin. We performed Ki67, ER, PR, and HER-2 immunostaining to define the immunophenotype and COX-2. We showed that carcinomas that evolved into metastatic disease (CMTM) present shorter and wavier collagen fibres as compared to CMT. Results and discussion: When compared to NMT and BMT the carcinomas present a smaller area of fibre coverage, a larger area of cellular coverage, and a larger number of individual fibres. Furthermore, we observed a correlation between the strong expression of COX-2 and a high rate of cell proliferation in carcinomas with a smaller area covered by cell fibres and a larger number of individual fibres. These findings highlight the fundamental role of collagen during tumour progression, especially in invasion and metastatic dissemination.

Ex vivo evaluation of the accuracy of four electronic foraminal locators.

Background: To evaluate the accuracy of four different Electronic Foraminal Locators (EFLs): Root ZX II (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan), Romiapex A15 (Romidan, Kiryat-Ono, Israel), FinePex (Schuster, Porto Alegre, Brazil), and VDW Gold (VDW, Munich, Germany), in determining root canal length. Material and Methods: Twenty-seven human single-rooted teeth had their crowns sectioned at the cementoenamel junction, and the actual length of the tooth was obtained by visualizing with an operative microscope a #15 file placed adjacent to the apical foramen. The teeth were instrumented with R25 and R40 files, and at the end of each instrumentation, measurements of the lengths of the root canals were made with #25 and #40 files. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and chi-square tests and were considered significant when P<0.05. All devices showed a tendency to underestimate measurements by 0.25 mm diameter. Results: The mean accuracy of the Root ZX II appliance was statistically lower than the other EFLs (P<0.001). For the 0.40 mm diameter, the mean accuracy of the Romiapex A15 appliance was statistically higher than the other LEFs (P<0.001). However, when the diameter was 0.40 mm, only the Romiapex A15 device tended to overmeasure. Regarding the acceptable limits of variation, it was observed that the devices showed similar efficiency in determining odontometry (P>0.05), both with diameters of 0.25 mm and 0.40 mm. Conclusions: It was concluded that the devices presented similar and adequate efficacy when observing the limits of acceptable measurements. It was observed that increasing the apical diameter did not influence the accuracy of EFLs in determining root canal lengths. Key words:Endodontics, working length, electronic foraminal locators, endodontic treatment.

Fear of COVID-19 when experiencing pregnancy or childbirth in the pandemic: what are the associated factors?

OBJECTIVE: to identify factors associated with fear of COVID-19 among women who experienced pregnancy or childbirth during the pandemic. METHODS: a cross-sectional study, nested within a prospective cohort, using an online survey, from August 2021 to February 2022, based on descriptive data analysis. RESULTS: of the 431 participants, 52.8% were postpartum women and 20.1% were pregnant women. With regard to fear of COVID-19, a mean score of 20.46 was obtained (moderate fear). The highest fear scores were present in women whose newborns were admitted to hospital in neonatal critical units (p=0.032), and the lowest among those covered by supplementary health (insurance) (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: among pregnant and postpartum women, high fear of COVID-19 translated into the possibility of having newborns admitted to hospital in a critical unit. The importance of supporting actions to support pregnant/postpartum women's mental health in relation to COVID-19 or other threats that may influence the neonatal outcome stands out.

Indicators of Quality of Life According to Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity and Cognition among Elderly People Attending Open Universities for the Elderly in Southern Brazil

Introduction: Quality of life is a multifaceted construct that depends on the person's subjective perception; however, some studies have shown self-efficacy and cognition with possible indicators of this positive perception of quality of life in people. Objective: Examined prediction of Quality of Life (QL) and its domains according to self-efficacy, physical activity (PA) and cognition among elderly people attending public Open Universities for the elderly in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive correlational study with a sample of 277 elderly. Questionnaires used: Sociodemographic, WHOQOL-BREF and WHOQOL-OLD, IPAQ, General Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination. Statistical: Descriptive and inferential analysis (correlation and multiple linear regression), significancep < .05. Results: The mean age was 67.60 (SD=6.65). Self-efficacy was related to QOL and to all domains. PA correlated with general QOL and the Psychological and Social domains. Cognition was correlated with general QOL and five other domains (Physical, Psychological, Social, Environmental, Sensory functioning, Past/Present/ Future Activities). Self-efficacy, PA and Cognition can explain 10% of the general QOL, and 14% of the Environmental domain. The specific QOL and its domains had 10% of explanation. Conclusion: QOL can be explained by the constructs self-efficacy, cognition and PA.

Introducción: La calidad de vida es un constructo multifacético que depende de la percepción subjetiva de la persona; sin embargo, algunos estudios han demostrado que la autoeficacia y la cognición son posibles indicadores de esta percepción positiva de la calidad de vida en las personas. Objetivo: se examinó la predicción de la calidad de vida (CV) y sus dominios según la autoeficacia, la actividad física (AF) y la cognición entre ancianos que asisten a Universidad Abierta para Adultos Mayores en el Estado de Paraná, Brasil. Método: estudio transversal descriptivo correlacional con una muestra de 277 ancianos. Cuestionarios utilizados: sociodemográfico, WHOQOL-BREF y WHOQOL-OLD, IPAQ, Escala de Autoeficacia Percibida General y Examen Cognitivo de Addenbrooke. Estadística: análisis descriptivo e inferencial (correlación y regresión lineal múltiple), significancia p < .05. Resultados: la edad media fue de 67.60 (DE=6.65). La autoeficacia se relacionó con la calidad de vida y con todos los dominios. AF se correlacionó con la CV general y los dominios psicológico y social. La cognición se correlacionó con la calidad de vida general y otros cinco dominios (funcionamiento físico, psicológico, social, ambiental, sensorial, actividades pasadas/presentes/futuras). Autoeficacia, AF y cognición pueden explicar el 10% de la CV general y el 14% del dominio ambiental. La CV específica y sus dominios tuvieron 10% de explicación. Conclusión: la CV puede ser explicada por los constructos autoeficacia, cognición y AF.

Correction: Osteoporotic hip fracture-Comorbidities and factors associated with in-hospital mortality in the elderly: A nine-year cohort study in Brazil.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272006.].

Bioprospecting-based untargeted metabolomics identifies alkaloids as potential anti-inflammatory bioactive markers of Ocotea species (Lauraceae).

BACKGROUND: Species within the Ocotea genus (Lauraceae), have demonstrated an interesting profile of bioactivities. Renowned for their diverse morphology and intricate specialized metabolite composition, Ocotea species have re-emerged as compelling candidates for bioprospecting in drug discovery research. However, it is a genus insufficiently studied, particularly regarding anti-inflammatory activity. PURPOSE: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ocotea spp. extracts and determine the major markers in this genus. METHODS: Extracts of 60 different Ocotea spp. were analysed by an ex vivo anti-inflammatory assay in human whole blood. The experiment estimates the prostaglandin E2 levels, which is one of the main mediators of the inflammatory cascade, responsible for the classical symptoms of fever, pain, and other common effects of the inflammatory process. Untargeted metabolomics analysis through liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry was performed, along with statistical analysis, to investigate which Ocotea metabolites are correlated with their anti-inflammatory activity. RESULTS: The anti-inflammatory screening indicated that 49 out of 60 Ocotea spp. extracts exhibited significant inhibition of PGE2 release compared to the vehicle (p < 0.05). Furthermore, 10 of these extracts showed statistical similarity to the reference drugs. The bioactive markers were accurately identified using multivariate statistics combined with a fold change (> 1.5) and adjusted false discovery rate analysis as unknown compounds and alkaloids, with a majority of aporphine and benzylisoquinolines. These alkaloids were annotated with an increased level of confidence since MSE spectra were compared with comprehensive databases. CONCLUSION: This study represents the first bioprospecting report revealing the anti-inflammatory potential of several Ocotea spp. The determination of their anti-inflammatory markers could contribute to drug discovery and the chemical knowledge of the Ocotea genus.

The role of environmental signals in the expression of rhythmic cardiac proteins and their influence on cardiac pathologies.

We know that numerous proteins expressed in the heart are influenced by environmental signals (such as light and diet), which cause either an increase or decrease in their expression. Cardiovascular health is sensitive to diet composition (macronutrient content), as well as the percentage of energy, frequency and regularity of meal intake during the 24-hour cycle, and the fasting period. Furthermore, light is an important synchronizer of the circadian clock and, in turn, of several physiological processes, among them cardiovascular physiology. In this chapter, we address the effects of these environmental cues and the known mechanisms that lead to this variation in protein expression in the heart, as well as cardiac function.

Evaluation of the Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Green, Brown, and Dark Propolis.

The chemical composition of propolis varies between different types, due to the specific vegetation found near the hives and the climatic and soil conditions worldwide. Green propolis is exclusive to Brazil, produced by bees, with the resin of the plant Baccharis dracunculifolia. Brown propolis is a specific variety produced mainly in Northeast Brazil from the plant Hyptis divaricata, also known as "maria miraculosa". Dark propolis is a variety of propolis produced by bees from the resin of the plant known as Jurema Preta (Mimosa hostilis benth). In this study, the aqueous extracts of green, brown, and dark propolis were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity using ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH, and their chemical profiles were determined using paper spray mass spectrometry. Among the three extracts, green propolis had the highest content of total phenolic compounds (2741.71 ± 49.53 mg GAE. 100 g-1), followed by brown propolis (1191.55 ± 36.79 mg GAE. 100 g-1), and dark propolis had the lowest content (901.79 ± 27.80 mg GAE. 100 g-1). The three types of propolis showed high antioxidant capacity, with green showing the highest antioxidant capacity for the three methods used. Using paper spray mass spectrometry, it was possible to suggest the presence of 116 substances, including flavonoids (56), phenylpropanoids (30), terpenes (25), carboxylic acids (1), benzoic acid derivatives (1), fatty acids (1), amino acids (1) and alkaloids (1). The compounds in the green, brown, and dark propolis extracts reinforce the bioactive potential for application in these tree extracts' food and pharmaceutical products.

Potencialidades da atenção básica contra a covid-19 em João Pessoa (PB): abordagem comunitária / Potentialities of primary care against COVID-19 in João Pessoa (PB): a community approach / Potencialidades de la atención básica frente a la COVID-19 en João Pessoa/Paraíba: enfoque comunitario

A Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), em março de 2020, classificou o aumento dos casos da doença covid-19, disseminada pelo SARS-CoV-2, como pandemia, evidenciando a necessidade de investimentos no cuidado específico com abordagens comunitária e territorial integrais, longitudinais e coordenadas. Dessa forma, no Brasil, a atenção primária à saúde (APS) detém elevado potencial de reduzir a transmissão e a gravidade clínica da covid-19. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as potencialidades da atenção básica contra a covid-19 no município de João Pessoa (PB). O estudo categoriza-se como pesquisa exploratória, do tipo pesquisa de campo, realizada em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) do município. A população do estudo foi composta por todos os pacientes da UBS, e a amostragem por conveniência incluiu 40 usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde, de ambos os sexos e com 18 anos ou mais. Como resultados, observou-se como potencialidade: testagem e monitoramento dos casos de covid-19 pela UBS; adoção das medidas de biossegurança e controle; divulgação de recomendações e protocolos de manejo clínico e tratamento da covid-19; e assistência oferecida pela UBS. Portanto, concluiu-se que a APS oferecida pelo município de João Pessoa utilizou uma abordagem comunitária potencial capaz de atender às Diretrizes Nacionais de Vigilância em Saúde, construir redes de atenção condizentes com a realidade local e atender ao plano de contingência para o enfrentamento da covid-19 lançado pela prefeitura da cidade.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in March 2020, described the increase in cases of the disease COVID-19, transmitted by SARS-CoV-2, as a pandemic, highlighting the need for investments in specific care with comprehensive community and territorial approaches that are longitudinal, coordinated, and integrate. Thus, in Brazil, primary health care (PHC) has a great potential to reduce the transmission and clinical severity of COVID-19. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential of the community approach to PHC in the municipality of João Pessoa (PB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The used methodology is categorized as exploratory field research and was conducted at the Basic Health Unit (BHU) Vila Saúde, in the Cristo Redentor neighborhood. The study population consisted of all patients at the BHU, and our sample included (by convenience) 40 users of the Unified Health System of all genders and who were aged 18 years or above. We observed the following BHU potentialities: the testing and monitoring of cases of COVID-19, the adoption of biosafety and control measures, the dissemination of recommendations and protocols for the clinical management and treatment of COVID-19, and the offered assistance. Therefore, we concluded that the PHC the municipality of João Pessoa offered used a potential community approach capable of meeting the National Health Surveillance Guidelines, building care networks consistent with the local reality and fulfilling the contingency plan to cope with COVID-19, as issued by the City Council.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) caracterizó la enfermedad COVID-19 como pandemia en marzo de 2020, debido al aumento de casos de esa enfermedad, propagada por el SARS-CoV-2, y destacó la necesidad de inversiones en atención específica con enfoque integral comunitario y territorial, longitudinal y coordenado. Así, en Brasil, la atención primaria de salud (APS) tiene un alto potencial para reducir la transmisión y la gravedad clínica de la COVID-19. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el potencial de la atención primaria frente a la COVID-19 en el municipio de João Pessoa/Paraíba (Brasil). El estudio es una investigación exploratoria, del tipo investigación de campo, realizada en una Unidad Básica de Salud (UBS) del municipio. La población de estudio estuvo constituida por todos los pacientes de la UBS, y la muestra por conveniencia incluyó a 40 usuarios del Sistema Único de Salud, de ambos sexos y con edad igual o superior a 18 años. Como resultado, se observó como potencial: testeo y seguimiento de casos de la COVID-19 por UBS; adopción de medidas de bioseguridad y control; difusión de recomendaciones y protocolos para el manejo clínico y tratamiento de la COVID-19; y la asistencia que ofrece la UBS. Por lo tanto, se concluyó que la APS ofrecida por el municipio de João Pessoa utilizó un enfoque comunitario potencial, capaz de cumplir con las Directrices Nacionales de Vigilancia en Salud, construir redes de atención acordes con la realidad local y cumplir con el plan de contingencia para enfrentar la COVID-19, emitido por el ayuntamiento de la ciudad.

Development and Characterization of Yellow Passion Fruit Peel Flour (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa).

In this study, the peels of the yellow passion fruit (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) were used to develop a flour that was evaluated in terms of its physicochemical, microscopic, colorimetric, and granulometric characteristics, its total phenolic compound and carotenoid contents, and its antioxidant capacity. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements were employed to investigate the constituent functional groups, compounds' chemical profiles were assessed by Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry (PS-MS), and the compound's chemical profiles were evaluated by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC). This flour presented a light color, heterogeneous granulometry, high carbohydrate, carotenoid, and total phenolic compound contents with high antioxidant capacity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed a particulate flour, which is supposed to contribute to its compactness. FTIR demonstrated the presence of functional groups corresponding to cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, constituents of insoluble dietary fiber. The PS-MS analysis suggested the presence of 22 substances, covering diverse component classes such as organic, fatty, and phenolic acids, flavonoids, sugars, quinones, phenylpropanoid glycerides terpenes, and amino acids. This research demonstrated the potential of using Passion Fruit Peel Flour (PFPF) as an ingredient for food products. The advantages of using PFPF comprise the reduction of agro-industrial waste, contribution to the development of a sustainable food system, and increment of food products' functional profile. Moreover, its high content of several bioactive compounds can benefit consumers' health.

Elaboration and Characterization of Pereskia aculeate Miller Extracts Obtained from Multiple Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Conditions.

Pereskia aculeata Miller, is an unconventional food plant native to South America. This study aimed to investigate the influence of different ultrasonic extraction times (10, 20, 30, and 40 min) on the phytochemical profile, antioxidant and antibacterial activities of ethanolic extracts obtained from lyophilized Pereskia aculeate Miller (ora-pro-nobis) leaves, an under-researched plant. Morphological structure and chemical group evaluations were also conducted for the lyophilized P. aculeate leaves. The different extraction times resulted in distinct phenolic content and Antioxidant Activity (ATT) values. Different extraction time conditions resulted in phenolic compound contents ranging from 2.07 to 2.60 mg EAG.g-1 of extract and different ATT values. The ATT evaluated by DPPH was significantly higher (from 61.20 to 70.20 µM of TE.g-1 of extract) in extraction times of 30 and 40 min, respectively. For ABTS, it varied between 6.38 and 10.24 µM of TE.g-1 of extract and 24.34 and 32.12 µM ferrous sulp.g-1 of extract. All of the obtained extracts inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly the treatment employing 20 min of extraction at the highest dilution (1.56 mg.mL-1). Although liquid chromatography analyses showed that chlorogenic acid was the primary compound detected for all extracts, Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry (PS-MS) suggested the extracts contained 53 substances, such as organic, fatty, and phenolic acids, sugars, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, and other components. The PS-MS proved to be a valuable technique to obtain the P. aculeate leaves extract chemical profile. It was observed that the freeze-drying process enhanced the conservation of morphological structures of P. aculeate leaves, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified carboxyl functional groups and proteins between the 1000 and 1500 cm-1 bands in the P. aculeate leaves, thus favoring water interaction and contributing to gel formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate different times (10, 20, 30 and 40 min) for ultrasound extraction of P. aculeate leaves. The polyphenols improved extraction, and high antioxidant activity demonstrates the potential for applying P. aculeate leaves and their extract as functional ingredients or additives in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

A systematic review of the effects of cold exposure on pathological cardiac remodeling in mice.

Exposure to cold promotes cardiac remodeling, characterized by deleterious effects on structure and function, contributing to increased mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The mechanisms associated with these changes are poorly understood. This review gathers the literature data on the main alterations and mechanisms associated with the adverse cardiac structural and functional remodeling induced by cold exposure in mice. Original studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases from January 1990 to June 2022. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the criteria established by PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022350637). The risk of bias was evaluated by the SYRCLE. Eligible studies included original papers published in English that evaluated cardiac outcomes in mice submitted to short- or long-time cold exposure and had a control group at room temperature. Seventeen original articles were included in this review. Cold exposure induces pathological cardiac remodeling, characterized by detrimental structural and functional parameters, changes in metabolism and autophagy process, and increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. In addition, Nppa, AT1A, Fbp3, BECN, ETA, and MT, appear to play fundamental roles in regulating cardiac remodeling. We suggest that strategies that seek to minimize the CVD risk and adverse effects of cold exposure should target these agents.

Impact of hepatitis C virus eradication with direct-acting antivirals on glycidic metabolism

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the glucose metabolism of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in pretreatment and sustained viral response (SVR) periods. Materials and methods: This was an intervention pre-post study of 273 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with DAAs from March 2018 to December 2019. Glycidic metabolism was evaluated through homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) - insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA-β indices and assessments of insulinemia and HbA1c levels. These parameters were analyzed with a T test by paired comparison of the means of the variables and Wilcoxon's test paired for the median; in the variables with an abnormal distribution, the Z score was generated for the mean in both the pretreatment and SVR periods. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Among 273 participants, 125 (45.8%) had prediabetes, and 50 (18.3%) had diabetes. In SVR, there was a significant increase in platelets, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and triglycerides and a significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma GT and bilirubin. The HOMA-IR and HOMA-β indices increased in SVR from 1.95 to 2.29 (p = 0.087) and 71.20 to 82.60 (p = 0.001), respectively. Insulinemia increased from 7.60 μU/mL to 8.90 μU/mL (p = 0.011). HbA1c decreased from 5.6 to 5.4 (p < 0.001). Among patients with prediabetes and those with diabetes, the reduction in HbA1c values was significant (p = 0.006 and p = 0.026, respectively). Conclusion: SVR significantly impacts and leads to improvement in glucose metabolism in patients with chronic liver disease induced by hepatitis C virus.