Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in relation to Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis: A Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: Evidence for antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in relation to the risk of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) is limited and inconsistent. This mendelian randomization (MR) study aimed to examine the causal associations of circulating levels of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins with CD and UC. METHODS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with antioxidants (beta-carotene, lycopene and uric acid), minerals (copper, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and selenium), and vitamins (folate, vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, E and K1) were employed as instrumental variables. Genetic associations with CD and UC were extracted from the UK Biobank, the FinnGen study and the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium. The inverse variance weighted method and sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Genetically predicted higher lycopene (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91-0.97), vitamins D (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.54-0.79) and K1 (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90-0.97) levels were inversely associated with CD risk, whereas genetically predicted higher magnesium (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.23-1.90) levels were positively associated with CD risk. Higher levels of genetically predicted lycopene (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.88-0.95), phosphorus (OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.58-0.82), selenium (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85-0.97), zinc (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89-0.94), folate (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.56-0.92) and vitamin E (OR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.88) were associated with reduced UC risk, whereas genetically predicted high levels of calcium (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.22-1.76) and magnesium (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49) were associated with increased risk of UC. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provided evidence that circulating levels of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins might be causally linked to the development of IBD.

Inorganic element profile of medicinal Cannabis extracts consumed by pediatric patients

Abstract The increasing number of reports of web-based experiences on the success of Cannabis-based therapies in controlling seizures in children suffering from refractory epilepsy have led to efforts by governments and associations to a recent change in legislation. The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) allowed the import of Cannabis extracts in 2015 and the registration of the first industrialized drug in 2017. In 2019, ANVISA approved procedures for the granting of a Sanitary Authorization for manufacturing and imports, establishing marketing requirements, prescribing, dispensing, monitoring and surveillance of cannabis products for medicinal purposes. Similar to other consumer products of health concern, is necessary to ensure the quality and health safety of these products worldwide. The aim of the present study to evaluate the presence of As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, Co, Cr and Mn present in Cannabis extracts and resins used in the treatment of pediatric patients with neurological diseases. Samples (48 national and 24 imported) were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - ICP-MS. The imported extracts presented more homogeneous inorganic element values, while national extracts showed varied levels, thus indicating the highest health risk.

Etiopatogenia de las uñas frágiles / Etiopathogenesis of brittle nails

Las uñas frágiles se caracterizan por ser quebradizas, de superficie áspera y descamativa, es una entidad que predomina en mujeres y afecta principalmente las uñas de las manos. En condiciones normales las uñas estás compuestas por agua, cuya concentración oscila entre 7 % al 18 %, lípidos entre 0,1 % y 5%, siendo el colesterol su principal componente, además están compuesta por células queratinizadas sin descamación, dando origen a tres capas histológicas llamadas dorsal, media y ventral. Estas también contienen trazas de elementos como hierro y zinc. La alteración y disminución de estos componentes favorecen está condición. La causa puede ser idiopática o secundaria a enfermedades sistémicas, pueden estar presentes en algunas patologías dermatológicas. Una correcta anamnesis e historia clínica son necesarias para un correcto abordaje terapéutico. Su implicación cosmética nos obliga a tener un conocimiento claro de su etiopatogenia para así poder establecer un tratamiento efectivo y oportuno(AU)

Brittle nails are characterized by being brittle, witha rough and scaly surface, it is an entity that predominates inwomen and mainly affects the fingernails. In normal conditions the nails are made up of water, whose concentration ranges from7% to 18%, lipids between 0.1% and 5%, with cholesterol beingits main component, they are also composed of keratinized cellswithout desquamation, giving rise to three histological layerscalled dorsal, middle and ventral. These also contain traces ofelements such as iron, and zinc. The alteration and decreaseof these components favor this condition. Yhe cause may beidiopathic or secondary to systemic diseases, they may be presentin some dermatological pathologies. A correct anamnesis andmedical history are necessary for a correct therapeutic approach.Its cosmetic involvement forces us to have a clear understandingof its pathogenesis in order to establish an effective and timelytreatment(AU)

Magnesium Picolinate Improves Bone Formation by Regulation of RANK/RANKL/OPG and BMP-2/Runx2 Signaling Pathways in High-Fat Fed Rats.

Magnesium (Mg) deficiency may affect bone metabolism by increasing osteoclasts, decreasing osteoblasts, promoting inflammation/oxidative stress, and result in subsequent bone loss. The objective of the present study was to identify the molecular mechanism underlying the bone protective effect of different forms of Mg (inorganic magnesium oxide (MgO) versus organic magnesium picolinate (MgPic) compound) in rats fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). Forty-two Wistar albino male rats were divided into six group (n = 7): (i) control, (ii) MgO, (iii) MgPic, (iv) HFD, (v) HFD + MgO, and (vi) HFD + MgPic. Bone mineral density (BMD) increased in the Mg supplemented groups, especially MgPic, as compared with the HFD group (p < 0.001). As compared with the HFD + MgO group, the HFD + MgPic group had higher bone P (p < 0.05) and Mg levels (p < 0.001). In addition, as compared to MgO, MgPic improved bone formation by increasing the levels of osteogenetic proteins (COL1A1 (p < 0.001), BMP2 (p < 0.001), Runx2 (p < 0.001), OPG (p < 0.05), and OCN (p < 0.001), IGF-1 (p < 0.001)), while prevented bone resorption by reducing the levels of RANK and RANKL (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the present data showed that the MgPic could increase osteogenic protein levels in bone more effectively than MgO, prevent bone loss, and contribute to bone formation in HFD rats.

The Multi-Elemental Composition of the Aqueous Humor of Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery, Suffering from Coexisting Diabetes, Hypertension, or Diabetic Retinopathy.

The aim of the study was the multi-elemental analysis of aqueous humor (AH) collected from patients undergoing cataract surgery. The study included: 16 patients with age-related macular degeneration AMD (99 controls), 10 patients with retinopathy (105 controls), 61 patients with hypertension (54 controls), and 33 patients with coexisting diabetes (82 controls). The control groups were recruited from patients with a lack of co-existing disease characterizing the specified studied group. The measurements were performed by the use of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric testing (Mann-Whitney U). The level of significance was set at p = 0.05. The data obtained revealed substantial variations in elemental composition between the test groups in comparison to the controls. However, the significant variations concerned only a few elements. The phosphorous (P) level and the ratio of P/Ca were significant in retinopathy and diabetes, whereas cobalt (0.091 ± 0.107 mg/L vs. 0.031 ± 0.075 mg/L; p = 0.004) was significant in AMD. In co-existing hypertension, the levels of tin (0.293 ± 0.409 mg/L vs. 0.152 ± 0.3 mg/L; p = 0.031), titanium (0.096 ± 0.059 mg/L vs. 0.152 ± 0.192 mg/L; p = 0.045), and ruthenium (0.035 ± 0.109 mg/L vs. 0.002 ± 0.007 mg/L; p = 0.006) varied in comparison to the controls. The study revealed inter-elemental interactions. The correlation matrices demonstrated the domination of the positive correlations, whereas negative correlations mainly concerned sodium.

Water stable colloidal lignin-PVP particles prepared by electrospray.

In this study, electrospray deposition has been used as a method to prepare lignin submicron spherical particles. Regularities of electrospraying of lignin solutions in DMSO were revealed. The influence of voltage, distance between electrodes, feed rate, temperature and concentration of lignin solution on the morphology, size and polydispersity of the obtained particles was determined. SEM, IR, TG-DSC, elemental analysis, dynamic light scattering, Zeta potential and nitrogen sorption were used to characterize the particles and to determine their properties. The aqueous colloidal solutions of the submicron particles of lignins from various plant sources were stabilized by preparing the lignin/polyvinylpyrrolidone polymeric complexes.

Polyphenol Rich Ajuga bracteosa Transgenic Regenerants Display Better Pharmacological Potential.

Ajuga bracteosa Wall. ex Benth. is an endangered medicinal herb traditionally used against different ailments. The present study aimed to create new insight into the fundamental mechanisms of genetic transformation and the biological activities of this plant. We transformed the A. bracteosa plant with rol genes of Agrobacterium rhizogenes and raised the regenerants from the hairy roots. These transgenic regenerants were screened for in vitro antioxidant activities, a range of in vivo assays, elemental analysis, polyphenol content, and different phytochemicals found through HPLC. Among 18 polyphenolic standards, kaempferol was most abundant in all transgenic lines. Furthermore, transgenic line 3 (ABRL3) showed maximum phenolics and flavonoids content among all tested plant extracts. ABRL3 also demonstrated the highest total antioxidant capacity (8.16 ± 1 µg AAE/mg), total reducing power, (6.60 ± 1.17 µg AAE/mg), DPPH activity (IC50 = 59.5 ± 0.8 µg/mL), hydroxyl ion scavenging (IC50 = 122.5 ± 0.90 µg/mL), and iron-chelating power (IC50 = 154.8 ± 2 µg/mL). Moreover, transformed plant extracts produced significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antidepressant activities in BALB/c mice models. In conclusion, transgenic regenerants of A. bracteosa pose better antioxidant and pharmacological properties under the effect of rol genes as compared to wild-type plants.

Quality Assessment of Wild and Cultivated Green Tea from Different Regions of China.

Natural products have always enjoyed great popularity among consumers. Wild tea is an interesting alternative to tea from intensive plantations. The term "wild tea" is applied to many different varieties of tea, the most desirable and valued of which are native or indigenous tea plants. Special pro-health properties of wild tea are attributed to the natural conditions in which it grows. However, there are no complex studies that describe quality and health indicators of wild tea. The aim of this research was to evaluate the quality of wild and cultivated green tea from different regions of China: Wuzhishan, Baisha, Kunlushan, and Pu'Er. The assessment was carried out by verifying the concentration of selected chemical components in tea and relating it to the health risks they may pose, as well as to the nutritional requirements of adults. Wild tea was characterized by higher micronutrient concentration. The analyzed teas can constitute a valuable source of Mn in the diet. A higher concentration of nitrates and oxalates in cultivated tea can be associated with fertilizer use. The analyzed cultivated tea was a better source of antioxidants with a higher concentration of caffeine. There were no indications of health risks for wild or cultivated teas.

Relación morfológica entre el hueso hioides y el viscerocráneo en una muestra de esqueletos / Morphologic relationship between the hyoid bone and the viscerocranium in a sample of skeletons

Introducción: El movimiento corporal, obedece y produce actividad del músculo esquelético para lo cual debe existir un equilibrio muscular estático, a partir del cual se genere el desplazamiento de los elementos anatómicos, involucrados en él, ya sea como respuesta a la volición o a la percepción inconsciente al estímulo que lo demande. Objetivo: Asociar el comportamiento morfológico del hioides con ciertas variables morfológicas del viscerocráneo de esqueletos (excepto la mandíbula). Material y Métodos: Se realizó estudio osteológico en una muestra ósea de 82 esqueletos mediante mediciones morfométricas del hueso hioides y huesos del viscerocráneo. Se utilizaron matrices de coeficiente de correlación lineal de Pearson en SPSS 22 para evaluar la relación de la morfología del hioides con respecto a la morfología de los huesos de la cara. Variables morfológicas del viscerocráneo como ancho bicigomático (abc), ancho transversal externo del paladar óseo (pote), ancho sagital externo del paladar óseo (pose) y la altura del tercio medio de la cara (tmed). Resultados: Se obtuvo una gran correlación positiva y significativa de distintas variables morfológicas del hioides, -tanto de su cuerpo como de sus astas o cuernos mayores- con las variables morfológicas del viscerocráneo. Conclusiones: Se corrobora la asociación de la morfología del hueso hioides con el crecimiento de los huesos del viscerocráneo(AU)

Introduction: Body movement obeys and produces activity in the skeletal muscle for which there must be a static muscle equilibrium that produces the movement of the anatomic elements involved in it, either as a result of volition or as the unconscious perception of a stimulus. Objective: To associate the morphological behavior of the hyoid bone with some morphological variables of the viscerocranium of skeletons (except the jaw). Material and Methods: An osteological study was carried out in a bone sample of 82 skulls by performing morphometric measurements of the hyoid bone and the bones of the viscerocranium. Pearson's correlation coefficient and SPSS Version 22 were used to evaluate the relationship between the morphology of the hyoid bone and the facial bones. Morphological variables of the viscerocranium include: bizygomatic width (BW), external transverse width of the hard palate (ETWHP), external sagittal width of the hard palate (ESWHP), and the height of the middle third of the face (MTF). Results: A very strong positive correlation between different morphological variables of the hyoid bone, -both at the level of its antlers or greater horns- and the morphological variables of the viscerocranium was obtained. Conclusions: These findings corroborate the association between the hyoid bone and the growth of facial bones(AU)

Potential Health Risks of Macro- and Microelements in Commercial Medicinal Plants Used to Treatment of Diabetes.

Information on the content of medicinal plants used in the treatment of diabetes is scarce in the literature. The objectives of this study were to determine the levels of macroelements and microelements in three different medicinal plant species including the dry samples and teas from Bauhinia forficata, Eleusine Indica, and Orthosiphon stamineus and assess the human health risks of ingestion of the tea. The content of the dry samples and teas was obtained using the technique of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave digestion procedure. The hazard quotient (HQ) method was used to access the human health risks posed by heavy metal through tea consumption. The results revealed the presence of K, Mg, Na, P, Al, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Se in dry samples and plant teas. The dry plants have high concentration of K and P. All dry plants contain Mg, Na, Al, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Cu above the limit permissible level set by the World Health Organization (WHO). All the hazard index (HI) values in plant teas were found to be within safe limits for human consumption (HI < 1). The plants may have possible action benefits when used in popular medicine. However, the ingestion through capsules prepared by enclosing a plant powder or teas can be harmful to the health of diabetics. The prescription of this plant for the treatment of diabetes should be treated with caution.

La técnica de perfilación criminológica: conocimiento, características y utilidad en Colombia / The Criminal Profiling Technique: Knowledge, Characteristics and Usefulness in Colombia / A técnica do perfil criminológico: conhecimento, característica e utilidade na Colômbia

Resumen La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo indagar sobre el conocimiento, las características y la utilidad de la técnica de perfilación criminológica dentro de una muestra de actores judiciales en Colombia, quienes, por sus funciones profesionales en la investigación criminal, se encontraban en posibilidad de aplicar la técnica. La metodología incluyó la realización de entrevistas semiestructuradas a 155 funcionarios pertenecientes a las principales instituciones de administración de justicia colombiana (Fiscalía, Policía Nacional, Defensoría del Pueblo, Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario, y miembros de la rama judicial). Entre los resultados se encuentra que los actores judiciales consideran útil la técnica por la noción de cientificidad que tienen sobre ella. Asimismo, aunque se percibe útil, es poco usada debido al desconocimiento general derivado del poco entrenamiento recibido para su ejecución. Estos resultados se discuten frente a la historia reciente del estudio en materia criminológica en el país, la formación de sus profesionales y las brechas entre la investigación académica y su uso en la práctica de investigación criminal. Se concluye que la técnica en el contexto colombiano está aún en desarrollo, actualmente cuenta con algunas guías y protocolos al interior de cada institución y requiere de mayores ejercicios de evaluación de impacto y análisis exhaustivos de su relevancia y cientificidad.

Abstract This research study's objective was to explore the knowledge, characteristics and usefulness of the criminal profiling technique within a sample of judicial actors in Colombia who, due to their professional functions in criminal investigations, could possibly apply the technique. The methodology included performing semi-structured interviews on 155 officials belonging to Colombia's main institutions for the administration of justice (Prosecutor's Office, National Police, Ombudsman's Office, National Penitentiary and Prison Institute, and members of the judicial branch). Among the results, it was observed that judicial actors consider the technique useful due to the scientific notion they have regarding it. Furthermore, although it is perceived as being useful, it is seldom used because of a general lack of knowledge derived from scant training for its execution. These results are discussed in light of the recent criminological study carried out in the country, its professionals' education and the gaps in academic research and its use in criminal investigations. It was concluded that the technique is still being developed in the Colombian context. It currently have some guides and protocols within each institution, and requires more impact assessments and comprehensive analyses regarding its relevance and scientific nature.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi indagar sobre o conhecimento, as características e a utilidade da técnica de perfil criminológico dentro de uma amostra de atores judiciais na Colômbia que, devido às suas funções profissionais na investigação criminal, são capazes de aplicar a técnica. A metodologia incluiu a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 155 funcionários pertencentes às principais instituições de administração de justiça colombiana (Procuradoria, Polícia Nacional, Defensoria do povo, Instituto Nacional Penitenciário e Carcerário, e membros do poder judiciário). Entre os resultados, encontra-se que os atores judiciais consideram a técnica útil devido à noção de cientificidade que possuem sobre ela. Da mesma forma, embora seja percebida como útil, é pouco utilizada por causa do desconhecimento geral derivado do pouco treinamento recebido para sua execução. Esses resultados são discutidos à luz da história recente do estudo da criminologia no país, da formação de seus profissionais e as brechas entre a pesquisa acadêmica e sua utilização na prática da investigação criminal. Conclui-se que a técnica, no contexto colombiano, ainda está em desenvolvimento. Atualmente possui alguns guias e protocolos dentro de cada instituição e requer maiores exercícios de avaliação de impacto e análise exaustiva de sua relevância e cientificidade.

La tuberculosis, desde un problema de salud hasta un arma biológica / Tuberculosis from a health problem to a biological weapon

La tuberculosis es el principal asesino infeccioso del mundo, sin embargo, no constituye una prioridad política. Con el conocimiento que se tiene de la tuberculosis, se está en capacidad de controlarla y erradicarla, pues se cuenta con métodos probados de diagnóstico y esquemas terapéuticos efectivos. Pero existen factores que perpetúan el problema, como la inequidad social, la pandemia del VIH/ sida, el incremento de las poblaciones de riesgo, la inexistencia de una vacuna protectora, las deficiencias en los programas de control y la drogo resistencia. El desarrollo de la tuberculosis resistente a múltiples drogas revela debilitamiento de los servicios asistenciales, se considera un indicador de negligencia en salud pública. En la actualidad solo se logra curación en el 52 por ciento de los pacientes, con regímenes de 21-24 meses y un costo por paciente de 50 000 a 100 000 dólares estadounidenses. El incremento de la resistencia y la capacidad que tiene la tuberculosis para aprovechar y acentuar las desigualdades socioeconómicas en una población, aumenta la desestabilización de un área o país, lo cual ha llevado a que esta enfermedad sea incluida en la lista de posibles armas biológicas. En este trabajo se analizan los factores que hacen de la tuberculosis una enfermedad social, las acciones necesarias para su control, así como su papel como arma bioterrorista(AU)

Tuberculosis remains as the world's leading infectious killer, but it is not a political priority. With the knowledge of Tuberculosis, it is able to control and eradicate it, as there are proven methods of diagnosis and effective therapeutic schemes. But there are factors that perpetuate the problem, such as social inequality, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the increase in risk populations, the absence of a protective vaccine, deficiencies in Tuberculosis control programs and drug resistance. The development of multi-drug resistant and extremely resistant Tuberculosis reveals a weakening of care services, so Tuberculosis from being a preventable and curable disease, is becoming a virtually incurable disease is considered an indicator of public health negligence. At present, healing is only achieved in 52 percent of patients with 21-24-month regimens and a cost per patient of 50,000 to 100,000 US dollars. The increase in multi-resistance and the ability of Tuberculosis to take advantage of and accentuate socioeconomic inequalities in a population, increasing the destabilization of an area or country has led to this disease being included in the list of possible biological weapons. Taking into account the importance of this disease, the factors that can influence its control and its role as a bioterrorist weapon, it was decided to analyze the elements that make Tuberculosis a social disease and a health emergency are analyzed(AU)

Análise crítica das especificações técnicas em processos de licitação para aquisição de autoclaves / Critical Analysis of Technical Specifications in Bidding Processes for the Acquisition of Autoclaves / Análisis crítico de especificaciones técnicas en procesos de licitación para adquisición de autoclaves

Objetivo: Analisar as especificações técnicas em processos de licitação para aquisição de autoclaves com mais de 90 L, com base na normatização relacionada. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, documental, com abordagem quantitativa, baseada em processos de licitação disponíveis online. Resultados: Foram analisados 112 processos, dos quais 106 (94,6%) foram provenientes do Brasil e seis (5,4%) do México, Honduras, El Salvador, Panamá e Paraguai. Os documentos foram analisados de acordo com aspectos construtivos, ciclos de esterilização, itens opcionais, itens de segurança e ferramentas de gestão. Conclusão: As especificações técnicas, em sua maioria, estão desatualizadas, em alguns casos comprometendo a segurança no processo de esterilização.

Objective: To analyze technical specifications in bidding processes for the acquisition of autoclaves with more than 90 L, based on the related standards. Method: Descriptive, documentary research, with a quantitative approach, based on bidding processes available online. Results: 112 bidding processes were analyzed, of which 106 (94.6%) came from Brazil and six (5.4%) from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and Paraguay. The documents were assessed according to construction aspects, sterilization cycles, optional items, safety items and management tools. Conclusion: Most of the technical specifications are outdated, in some cases compromising safety in the sterilization process.

Objetivo: Analizar las especificaciones técnicas en los procesos de licitación para la adquisición de autoclaves con más de 90 L, en base a la estandarización relacionada. Método: Investigación descriptiva, documental, con enfoque cuantitativo, basada en procesos de licitación disponibles online. Resultados: Se analizaron 112 casos, de los cuales 106 (94,6%) procedían de Brasil y seis (5,4%) de México, Honduras, El Salvador, Panamá y Paraguay. Los documentos fueron analizados según aspectos constructivos, ciclos de esterilización, opcionales, elementos de seguridad y herramientas de gestión. Conclusión: La mayoría de las especificaciones técnicas están desactualizadas, en algunos casos comprometiendo la seguridad en el proceso de esterilización.

Chemical and Nutritional Compounds of Different Parts of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) Cultivated in Temperate Climate of Poland.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf.) is a perennial plant indigenous to semi-tropical regions of Asia and cultivated in other semi-tropical countries. The present study aimed to examine the key chemical constituents of various parts of lemongrass cultivated in the temperate climate of Poland. The content of essential oil and its composition were determined in 4 plant parts: leaves (part C), overground shoots (part B), underground shoots (part A), and roots (part R). Moreover, the content of dry weight, chlorophyll, polyphenols and macro- and microelements was determined in the edible parts (excluding roots). The essential oil from the aerial part predominantly contained neral (> 30%) and geranial (> 40%), which is consistent with the data reported in literature; the main component of essential oil (EO) from the underground part was elemol (65%); interestingly, such a high concentration of it was found for the first time. The concentration of chlorophyll was found to be higher in leaves, as compared to parts B and A. The highest level of potassium, magnesium, zinc and sodium was found in part A while of calcium and copper in leaves. The quality of lemongrass raw materials grown in temperate climates did not differ significantly from those obtained in warmer regions. The study findings confirmed the usefulness of leaves as a raw material for the preparation of infusions (higher concentration of pigments, polyphenols and EO) and of near-ground parts of a plant as a culinary material (a higher content of macroelements at lower concentrations of green pigments and dry weight).

Reference man for radiological protection: 71 chemical elements' content of the prostate gland (normal and cancerous).

Frequently knowledge of elemental content of human organs and tissues is required for a variety of applications. These can include brachytherapy and radiotherapy planning, radiation dosimetry and radiation protection. Revised reference values of chemical element mass fractions in normal and cancerous prostate tissues of the Reference (European Caucasian) Man are suggested as a result of this work. Autopsies of 37 apparently healthy males (mean age 55 ± 11 years, range 41-87 years) provided the prostatic tissues studied. The investigated individuals lived in a non-industrial, Central European region of Russia and had suffered sudden death. Also, tissues were studied from 62 subjects with prostate cancer (mean age 65 ± 10 years, range 40-79 years). Sixty-seven elemental mass fractions were determined in each of these 99 prostates. Analytical methods employed were inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, neutron activation analysis with high-resolution spectrometry of short-lived and long-lived radionuclides, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Whichever method was employed, the necessary quality control measures were utilized. Results presented here include a systematic analysis of both the prostatic data presented here for 67 elements and also others' published findings, to make a total of 71 elemental mass fraction values.

Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel: toxicological assays, biological activities, and elemental analysis of organic compounds.

Jaboticaba, Plinia cauliflora (Mart.) Kausel, is a Brazilian berry traditionally used in folk medicine as treatment for some health conditions. Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins have previously been detected in the fruit. This current study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of jaboticaba peel extract (JPE) on Artemia salina, L929, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Besides, JPE antioxidant, acetylcholinesterase, and antifungal activities, and elemental analysis CHNS were also tested. JPE had moderate toxicity (LD50 = 360.92 µg mL-1) on A. salina, non-toxic effect on L929 cell line, and decreased the viability of cancer cell line MDA at 1,000 µg mL-1 and 500 µg mL-1 concentrations. The antioxidant activity toward 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) performed IC50 = 37.45 ± 0.17 µg mL-1, whereas 45.7% of acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited. By its elemental composition, JPE is an alternative food supplement and dermocosmetic component. Antifungal potential toward Candida strains was not observed.

Consequências do Mercúrio na Saúde Humana e no Meio Ambiente / Consequences of Mercury on Health Human and Environment

Uma das coisas mais bonitas em nossa cultura Munduruku e que nos foi passada por nossos ancestrais é de que nós fazemos parte do mundo e o mundo faz parte de cada um de nós. Tudo foi criado a partir da voz mágica de Karusakaibo usando os corpos dos nossos parentes-seres para fazer nascer todos os nossos alimentos, nossos remédios, nossas curas, nossas sabedorias. Em contrapartida, nós temos que nos esforçar para cuidar do mundo que ele nos deixou e no qual ele continua atuando. Enquanto continuarmos cuidando deste mundo, estaremos honrando a criação e o esforço de nossos avós que sempre lutaram com grande força para nos deixar este mundo bonito. O que se quer dizer com este livro é que nós fazemos parte da natureza e que é importante conhecer para entender quem somos e o que somos. A vida do planeta é a nossa própria vida. Devemos conhecer o mundo que a gente vive e cuidar dele, protegê-lo, pois é tão importante para nós a beleza de tudo que se encontra no ambiente e que está ao nosso redor. O valor da vida é primordial. Essa leitura é para nossas crianças, jovens e adultos para que apreciem e aprendam como se relacionar de forma saudável com a natureza, a fim de que se encantem com o passeio pelo mundo em que vivemos. Assim, imaginar como funciona o meio ambiente, a natureza, o seu ecossistema, assimilando o nosso modo de viver e como tudo está relacionado à nossa volta. Procuramos proporcionar uma leitura fácil, utilizando linguagem simples e acessível para que todos possamos entender o ciclo da vida e como nós nos encaixamos nele. Para compreender melhor, será preciso entrar e caminhar através da leitura. Vamos nos conscientizar, imaginar, olhar com uma visão mais humana, quão rico é ter respeito pelo que temos, que é a terra, uma herança de nosso criador Karusakaibo que entregou em nossas mãos um presente valiosíssimo, tão precioso para cuidarmos com muito carinho. Então, cabe a nós preservar o nosso território para que não seja destruído por nossas ações e pelas ações de pessoas que não conseguem entender nosso modo de vida. Somos responsáveis por cuidar, mas também ensinar aos outros que somos partes do mundo e não seus donos. Desejamos que esta leitura possa lhes ensinar a cuidar do mundo cuidando de si mesmos e das pessoas com quem convivem. Este material é a forma de dizermos NÃO à invasão de nossos territórios e NÃO ao uso de agrotóxicos e mercúrio em nosso alimento e em nossas águas. É nosso jeito de dizer SIM ao respeito ao espírito da natureza e ao bem-estar das futuras gerações. Desejamos a todos uma boa leitura e que ela seja capaz de lembrar a cada um de vocês que cada coisa que está na natureza também está dentro de nós; que a natureza é cíclica e que nós também somos; que alterar o ciclo da natureza afeta a nossa própria vida e empobrece nossa cultura porque mexe com nosso alimento, nossas crenças e nosso espírito.

Validação, tradução e adaptação transcultural de instrumentos de pesquisa clínico-educacionais: uma revisão integrativa / Validation, translation and cross-cultural adaptation of clinical-educational research instruments: an integrative review

Escalas e questionários podem participar do rastreio, diagnóstico e acompanhamento de condições médicas, por isso são importantes na prática clínica. Para que sejam utilizados em um país diferente do de origem, estes devem passar por um processo de adaptação cultural, visando garantir a validade e confiabilidade iguais ao instrumento original. Embora não exista um modelo padrão-ouro a ser seguido, quatro passos são essenciais e recomendados para este processo: tradução, tradução reversa, revisão por um comitê de juízes e pré-teste. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar quais são os processos reconhecidos cientificamente realizados para a validação de instrumentos de pesquisa direcionados à língua portuguesa do Brasil. Os artigos foram identificados na base de dados PubMed, através dos descritores validation studies AND translation AND adaptation AND cross-cultural AND Brazil. Foram selecionados 16 artigos para esta revisão, publicados entre 2017 e 2019. As metodologias de validação foram variadas, sendo que cada trabalho apresentou elementos metodológicos complementares e particulares às populações estudadas. A compilação destas metodologias permitiu evidenciar os pontos comuns que podem ser seguidos na elaboração de futuras pesquisas, buscando a construção de um roteiro unificado que permita sua utilização universal na validação e adaptação transcultural de instrumentos de pesquisa.

Determinación de Zinc en muestras de agua de ríos y red de la provincia de San Luis y aguas envasadas / Zinc determination in river and tap water samples of San Luis province and bottled waters

Resumen Introducción. El Zinc (Zn) es un oligoelemento esencial con gran importancia nutricional e indispensable para el crecimiento normal y la reproducción. Su deficiencia produce anormalidades fisiológicas y estructurales. Así mismo, ingerido en altas concentraciones produce efectos tóxicos, de allí la importancia de su determinación. El agua puede contribuir significativamente a la ingesta diaria de elementos trazas, entre ellos Zn. En el presente estudio se analizó el aporte de Zn en muestras de aguas de ríos y de red (de suministro público) de la provincia de San Luis y en agua mineral natural envasada, por medio de fluorescencia en fase sólida (FFS). Materiales y método.La determinación cuantitativa de Zn en muestras de agua y estándares se basó en la complejación del Zn utilizando una mezcla de o-fenantrolina y eosina a pH 7,5. Luego, una microzona de papel de filtro Blue Ribbon se impregna con la mezcla durante 1 minuto (n=6). Posteriormente, los papeles de filtro se secaron a temperatura ambiente y se colocan en una celda de cuarzo convencional adaptada para FFS. Los resultados obtenidos fueron comparados con la técnica de espectrometría de masas con plasma acoplado inductivamente. Resultados. Las muestras de agua de río analizadas presentaron valores por debajo del límite máximo de Zn recomendado por la Ley Nacional 24051, para la protección de la vida acuática. Las concentraciones de Zn en las muestras de agua de consumo analizadas (de red y envasadas) también estuvieron por debajo de los límites máximos permitidos por el Código Alimentario Argentino y la OMS. Por otro lado, se obtuvo buena concordancia entre las metodologías utilizadas. Conclusiones. El contenido de Zn de las muestras analizadas se encuentra por debajo de los valores máximos permitidos por los distintos organismos de regulación. Las muestras de agua analizadas no contribuyen a satisfacer la ingesta diaria recomendada y presentan valores considerablemente menores a los encontrados en otras regiones. Finalmente, el método aplicado mostró ser una alternativa rápida y sensible para la determinación de Zn en muestras de agua.

Abstract Introduction. Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element with great nutritional importance and indispensable for normal growth and reproduction. Its deficiency produces physiological and structural abnormalities. Also, if ingested in high concentrations, it produces toxic effects; this is why its determination is very important. Water can contribute significantly to the daily intake of trace elements, including Zn. In this work, Zn concentration was analyzed in river and tap water samples of the province of San Luis and in bottled natural mineral water, by means of solid phase fluorescence (SPF). Materials and method. The quantitative determination of Zn in water samples and standards was based on the complexation of Zn using a mixture of o-phenanthroline and eosin at pH 7.5. Then, a microzone of Blue Ribbon filter paper was impregnated with the mixture for 1 minute (n=6). After this, the filter papers were dried at room temperature and placed in a conventional quartz cell adapted for SPF. The results obtained were compared with the Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. Results. The river water samples analyzed were found below the maximum limit of Zn recommended by National Law 24051 for the protection of aquatic life. The Zn concentrations in the analyzed drinking water samples (tap and bottled water) were also below the maximum limits allowed by the CAA and WHO. Furthermore, a good agreement was obtained between the methodologies used. Conclusions. The Zn content in analyzed samples was below the maximum values allowed by different regulatory organizations. The water samples analyzed do not contribute to satisfying the recommended daily intake and have considerably lower values than those found in other regions. Finally, the method applied proved to be a fast and sensitive alternative for the determination of Zn in water samples.

Evaluation of an Element-Tagged Duplex Immunoassay Coupled with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Detection: A Further Study for the Application of the New Assay in Clinical Laboratory.

BACKGROUND: Element-tagged immunoassay coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection has the potential to revolutionize immunoassay analysis for multiplex detection. However, a further study referring to the standard evaluation and clinical sample verification is needed to ensure its reliability for simultaneous analysis in clinical laboratories. METHODS: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) were chosen for the duplex immunoassay. The performance of the assay was evaluated according to guidelines from the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Moreover, reference intervals (RIs) of CEA and AFP were established. At last, 329 clinical samples were analyzed by the proposed method and results were compared with those obtained with electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA) method. RESULTS: The measurement range of the assay was 2-940 ng/mL for CEA and 1.5-1000 ng/mL for AFP, with a detection limit of 0.94 ng/mL and 0.34 ng/mL, respectively. The inter-assay and intra-assay imprecision were all less than 6.58% and 10.62%, respectively. The RI of CEA and AFP was 0-3.84 ng/mL and 0-9.94 ng/mL, respectively. Regarding to clinical sample detection, no significant difference was observed between the proposed duplex assay and the ECLIA method. CONCLUSIONS: The ICP-MS-based duplex immunoassay was successfully developed and the analytical performance fully proved clinical applicability. Well, this could be different with other analytes.