In vitro results with minimal blood toxicity of a combretastatin A4 analogue.

Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled cell growth that is responsible for several deaths worldwide. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women and is the leading cause of death. Chemotherapy is the most commonly used treatment for cancer; however, it often causes various side effects in patients. In this study, we evaluate the antineoplastic activity of a parent compound based on a combretastatin A4 analogue. We test the compound at 0.01 mg mL- 1, 0.1 mg mL- 1, 1.0 mg mL- 1, 10.0 mg mL- 1, 100.0 mg mL- 1, and 1,000.0 mg mL- 1. To assess molecular antineoplastic activity, we conduct in vitro tests to determine the viability of Ehrlich cells and the blood mononuclear fraction. We also analyze the cytotoxic behavior of the compound in the blood and blood smear. The results show that the molecule has a promising antineoplastic effect and crucial anticarcinogenic action. The toxicity of blood cells does not show statistically significant changes.

Late-life drinking and smoking in primary care users in Brazil.

To estimate the prevalence of at-risk drinking and smoking and associated factors among older adults in primary care in Brazil.A cross-sectional study carried out in seven primary care units with 503 older adults (60+), in a city in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. At-risk drinking was defined by AUDIT-C and by consumption of units per week. Poisson regression was used to assess the association between the sociodemographic and health characteristics and smoking and at-risk drinking.The median age of the 503 participants was 69.6 (SD ± 6.7; range:60-93). One third of participants (33.6%) were current drinkers, 16% were at-risk drinkers (AUDIT-C), 4% at-risk drinkers (units per week), and 13% of the sample were regular smokers. The prevalence of at-risk drinking (AUDIT-C) was higher for males (RP: 4.89; 95% CI: 2.52-9.49) and for those with higher levels of education (RP: 1,861.85 95% CI: 1.08-3.14), and lower for those over the age of 70 (RP: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30-0.84). The prevalence of smoking was higher for those with depressive symptoms (RP: 1.95; 95% CI: 1.03-3.66), and lower for those over age 70 (RP: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.29-0.94).The results point to a set of factors associated with at-risk drinking (being male, younger and having a higher education), and with smoking (being younger and having depressive symptoms). Our findings could help health professionals to identify at-risk drinkers and smokers, as well as support strategies for future interventions by the identification of the groups most vulnerable to these behaviors.

A Systematic Review on Alcohol Consumption among Non-Religious and Religious Adults.

Background: Research has suggested that religiosity is a protective factor in alcohol use, but this is an area that could be further explored. Objective: To undertake a systematic review of the literature on drinking patterns and their relationship with religiosity and non-religiosity in adult populations. Methods: We searched for relevant studies using the PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus, and Psych-INFO databases. This review included only studies of people aged 18 and over which had a non-religious group as a comparison measure. Results: Fifty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. The present review showed that religious people tend to have lower alcohol consumption compared to those with no religion. However, this difference appears only when religions are analyzed together without differentiating between religious affiliations (Catholicism, Buddhism, Evangelicalism, etc.). Some religious affiliations, such as Buddhism, Catholicism and Lutheranism, appear to be risk factors for alcohol consumption. Definitions of risk consumption showed high heterogeneity, ranging from eight to 21 or more doses per week, a difference of 13 doses of alcohol between studies. Conclusions: The present review showed that religious people tend to have lower alcohol consumption compared to non-religious people. However, the results are contradictory when religious affiliations are analyzed separately and compared with non-religious participants. Adequately understanding which dimensions of religiosity and non-religiosity (e.g., group processes, engagement, meaning, rules of behavior) are protective in adulthood is fundamental to the construction of more effective interventions in this age group.

Alcohol consumption among older adults: Findings from the ELSI-Brazil study.

OBJECTIVES: This study estimates the national prevalence of drinking patterns (current, heavy, and binge) and the associated factors, among older Brazilians. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study using survey data from ELSI-Brazil (2015-2016). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7839 adults aged 50 years or older. MEASUREMENTS: Respondents were asked about alcohol drinking. Alcohol consumption status was categorized as current drinkers (last month), heavy drinkers (≥7 drinks/week for females and ≥14 drinks/week for males), and binge drinkers (≥4 drinks on one occasion for females and ≥5 drinks on one occasion for males). Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco smoking, depression, and number of chronic diseases. RESULTS: Of the 7839 participants, 29.4% were current drinkers, 5.1% were heavy drinkers, and 10.3% reported binge drinking. In the ≥60 years old age group, the prevalence of current drinking was 23.8%, 3.9% were heavy drinkers, and 6.7% reported binge drinking. All drinking patterns had similar associated factors: being male, being younger, having higher education, tobacco smoking, and falls. In addition, the greater the number of chronic conditions, the lower the prevalence of current drinking and binge drinking. CONCLUSION: Heavy drinking and binge drinking are often reported by older Brazilians, particularly among males, those with higher education and in the younger age groups. These behaviors can negatively affect the health of older adults. It is, therefore, important to identify the problems related to alcohol consumption among older adults to minimize the risks and harms.

Lactation in large litters influences anxiety, memory, and spreading depression in adult male rats that were chronically subjected to a non-convulsive pilocarpine dose.

Objectives: Unfavorable lactation influences brain excitability and behavioral reactions in adults. Administration early in life of the cholinergic agonist, pilocarpine, even at non-convulsive doses, alters the brain excitability-related phenomenon known as cortical spreading depression (CSD), and produce anxiogenic-like behavior. However, the influence of unfavorable lactation on the CSD- and memory-effects of pilocarpine administration late in life has not been investigated. Herein, we analyzed the ponderal, electrophysiological (CSD), and behavioral effects of chronic treatment with a non-convulsive dose of pilocarpine, in adult rats suckled under favorable and unfavorable conditions.Methods: Wistar rats were suckled in litters with 9 or 15 pups (groups L9 and L15, respectively). A very low dose of pilocarpine (45/mg/kg/day) was chronically administered in mature rats from postnatal day (PND) 69-90. Behavioral tests occurred at PND91 [elevated plus maze (EPM)], PND93 [open field (OF)], and PND94-95 [object recognition memory (ORM)]. CSD was recorded between PND96-120.Results: Pilocarpine-treated rats performed worse in the anxiety and memory tests, and displayed lower CSD propagation velocity when compared with saline-treated controls. In addition, L15 rats showed an increase in the distance traveled and a decrease in the immobility time in the EPM, impaired ORM, and accelerated CSD propagation when compared with L9 rats (p ≤ 0.05).Discussion: These data suggest that sub-convulsive pilocarpine treatment in adult rats can affect behavioral and excitability-related reactions. In addition, unfavorable lactation increases the ambulatory effects of pilocarpine. Further studies should investigate the possible cholinergic molecular mechanisms involved in these effects.

Utilization of rice production residues as a reinforcing agent in bioadhesives based on polyphenols extracted from the bark of trees from the Brazilian Cerrado biome.

The scarcity of nonrenewable resources and the increase in environmental pollution have intensified the search for materials that exhibit specific characteristics and are nontoxic, renewable, and sustainable. Thus, the objective of this work was to produce natural polyphenol adhesives reinforced with rice husk and its ash to increase the mechanical resistance and moisture resistance of the glue line in wood bonded joints. Polyphenols were extracted from the bark of Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (barbatimão). Adhesives were produced with a 50 % solid and 50 % liquid composition. Rice husk and husk ash underwent X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). Adhesives and reinforcement material were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The adhesives were glued in a mechanical press in specimens made of Pinus elliottii, which were subjected to shear testing of the wet and dry glue line. As a result, the chemical components present in rice husk and its ash positively influenced the properties of the adhesives. The mechanical glue line shear test showed that the adhesive reinforced with rice husk ash did not show a statistically significant difference. However, natural adhesives based on polyphenols from barbatimão strengthened with rice husk and ash showed improved properties, demonstrating how much it pays to use the residue of rice production to reinforce the matrix of tannin adhesives. Thus, it can be determined that reinforcement with rice husk and ash is efficient in improving some properties of natural adhesives based on polyphenols.

Is phase angle associated with visceral adiposity and cardiometabolic risk in cardiology outpatients?

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Phase angle (PhA) serves as a prognostic marker in various clinical scenarios, reflecting oxidative stress and cellular damage. Despite its clinical relevance, its connection with adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers remains underexplored. Hence, our study sought to investigate the relationship between PhA and metabolic, adiposity, and cardiovascular risk parameters among outpatients with cardiology diagnosis. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Adults aged between 26 and 59 years, under the care of a cardiology unit, were included. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Single-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) [50 kHz] was employed to calculate PhA, from BIA's resistance and reactance measurements. Muscle strength, body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-height ratio were also evaluated. Framingham's risk score was calculated to estimate the cardiovascular risk events. Metabolic blood samples' results were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: One hundred and five participants were included in our study. Low PhA was observed in 29.5% of our sample. Higher PhA values were independently and inversely associated with both higher VAT and cardiovascular risk (adjusted OR: 0.79 [95% CI 0.69;0.91], OR: 0.74 [95% CI 0.60;0.89], respectively). Lower PhA values (≤5.59) were goodly associated with high VAT (AUC: 0.82 p < 0.001). Lower PhA values (≤5.06) were fairly associated with higher cardiovascular risk (AUC: 0.70 p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Our study provides evidence that PhA is independently and inversely associated with elevated VAT and cardiovascular risk. These findings underscore the potential of PhA as a valuable complementary marker in assessing cardiometabolic health.

Religious and secular spirituality: Methodological implications of definitions for health research.

The importance of spirituality as a research topic has been increasingly recognized, which has led to several studies on the topic. Areas including psychology, medicine, and nursing have produced studies on spirituality under a plurality of definitions and methods, which reveals the complexity of the theme. However, this has resulted in a range of potential problems, including: (1) the use of overlapping and contradictory terms between studies, or even within the same study, (2) research methodologies that do not fit the definitions (sometimes unreflectively) assumed by the authors, (3) difficulties, or even the impossibility, of comparing the results of studies, (4) controversies in respect of the inclusion/exclusion of secular groups in research on spirituality, and (5) ambiguous measurements, often being exclusively dependent on each participant's individual interpretation of what spirituality means. This article discusses these problems, recommends theoretical and methodological alternatives and presents taxonomy of definitions of spirituality.

Potential Use of DMSA-Containing Iron Oxide Nanoparticles as Magnetic Vehicles against the COVID-19 Disease.

Iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles have been employed as potential vehicles for a large number of biomedical applications, such as drug delivery. This article describes the synthesis, characterization and in vitro cytotoxic in COVID-19 cells evaluation of DMSA superparamagnetic iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of iron salts and coated with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) molecule. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), magnetic measurements (SQUID), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Our results demonstrate that the nanoparticles have a mean diameter of 12 nm in the solid-state and are superparamagnetic at room temperature. There is no toxicity of SPIONS-DMSA under the cells of patients with COVID-19. Taken together the results show that DMSA- Fe3O4 are good candidates as nanocarriers in the alternative treatment of studied cells.

Brief interventions for older adults (BIO) delivered by non-specialist community health workers to reduce at-risk drinking in primary care: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests that brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption among older adults. However, the effectiveness of these interventions when delivered by community health workers (non-specialists) in a primary healthcare setting is unknown. To our knowledge, this will be the first randomised trial to examine this. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Two hundred and forty-two individuals considered at-risk drinkers (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption, AUDIT-C score ≥4) will be recruited and randomly allocated to usual care (waiting-list) or usual care plus an intervention delivered by trained community health workers (non-specialists). Seven primary care units (PCUs) in Sao José dos Campos, Brazil. PCUs are part of the Brazilian public healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde).Follow-up6 months.OutcomesThe primary outcome will be the proportion of participants considered at-risk drinkers (AUDIT-C score ≥4). Secondary outcomes will include alcohol consumption in a typical week in the last 30 days (in units per week) assessed by the AUDIT, service use questionnaire, cognitive performance-assessed by The Health and Retirement Study Harmonised Cognitive Assessment, physical activity-assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, depression-assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale and quality of life-assessed by the Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation and Pleasure-16 instrument. The analysis will be based on intention-to-treat principle. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, CEP/UNIFESP Project n: 0690/2018; CAAE: 91648618.0.0000.5505. All eligible participants will provide informed consent prior to randomisation. The results of this study will be published in relevant peer-reviewed journals and in conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-8rcxkk.

Hematological reference values and animal welfare parameters of BALB/C-FMABC (Mus musculus) inoculated with Ehrlich tumor kept in the vivarium at ABC Medical School.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical and hematological parameters are important tools for assessing the physiological profile of vital organs, and can be recorded to create reference values used for clinical diagnosis of diseases. Many research laboratories lack the means to establish their own set of reference parameters for use in their research, and while there are articles in the literature that discuss laboratory parameters for healthy BALB/c mice, few studies address the evaluation of these parameters in pathological situations, such as in mice inoculated with Ehrlich tumor. METHOD: BALB/c-FMABC mice previously inoculated with Ehrlich tumor were maintained under appropriate conditions. Blood samples were taken for analysis of hematological parameters using automated and semi-automated equipment to create a set of the animal welfare parameters for evaluation. RESULT: Results were obtained for all the hematological parameters for all groups analyzed. These showed: statistically significant differences between the initial and final tumor weight; comparable initial tumour volume and weight; an increase in leukocytes in the 7-day group with a characteristic predominance of lymphocytes and neutrophils; statistically significant changes in RDW in the 21-day group and in the welfare parameters in the 28-day group. CONCLUSION: The study successfully defined and established reference values for hematological and welfare parameters for all groups analyzed.

Quinoline-derivative coordination compounds as potential applications to antibacterial and antineoplasic drugs.

Quinoline-derivative coordination compounds were synthesized with Zn(II), Al(III), Cu(II), Ru(II) producing 1-4 compounds using 5-nitro-8-hydroxyquinoline and 5-8 compounds using 5-chloro-8-hydroxyquinoline. These coordination compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and 1H NMR, IR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, representing the coherent data matched all compounds. Myelotoxicity data, as well as the biochemical data, depicted the compounds have low cytotoxicity towards the blood cells. All coordination compounds displayed slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis; [RuCl(NO)(5-chloro-8-oxyquinoline)2] compound (8) represent the best result to inhibitions of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Antineoplasic action depicted the [Ru(NO)(5-nitro-8-oxyquinoline)2Cl] compound (4) as a potential chemotherapeutic agent against MCF-7 (a breast cancer cell line), compared to cisplatin (Platistine® CS) and cyclophosphamide (Genuxal®) drugs.

Associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em idosos comunitários / Relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida respecto a la salud de adultos mayores de una comunidad / Association between sarcopenia and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a qualidade de vida entre idosos sarcopênicos e não sarcopênicos e verificar a associação entre sarcopenia e qualidade de vida em idosos residentes na comunidade. Métodos Estudo transversal conduzido com idosos residentes na comunidade (n = 378) de Macapá, Amapá, Brasil. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do Short Form (36) Health Survey. O algoritmo proposto pelo Grupo de Trabalho Europeu sobre Sarcopenia em Pessoas Idosas (EWGSOP) foi usado para avaliar a sarcopenia. Foram realizadas análises descritivas, inferenciais e modelo de regressão linear. Resultados Os idosos sarcopênicos apresentaram escores de qualidade de vida significativamente mais baixos nos domínios função física, dor corporal, estado geral de saúde e função social. Após o ajuste, a sarcopenia associou-se inversamente ao funcionamento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) e ao estado geral de saúde (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusão Os resultados deste estudo sugerem um provável declínio na qualidade de vida em idosos sarcopênicos, principalmente nos domínios funcionamento físico e estado geral de saúde.

Resumen Objetivo El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la calidad de vida entre adultos mayores con sarcopenia y sin sarcopenia y verificar la relación entre sarcopenia y calidad de vida en adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad. Métodos Estudio transversal llevado a cabo con adultos mayores residentes de la comunidad (n = 378) de Macapá, estado de Amapá, Brasil. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el Short Form (36) Health Survey. El algoritmo propuesto por el Grupo Europeo de Trabajo sobre la Sarcopenia en Personas de Edad Avanzada (EWGSOP) fue utilizado para evaluar la sarcopenia. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, inferenciales y modelo de regresión lineal. Resultados Los adultos mayores con sarcopenia presentaron una puntuación de calidad de vida significativamente más baja en los dominios función física, dolor corporal, estado general de salud y función social. Luego del ajuste, la sarcopenia se relacionó inversamente con el funcionamiento físico (β = -0,125; p = 0,010) y con el estado general de salud (β = -0,112; p = 0,028). Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio sugieren un probable deterioro en la calidad de vida de adultos mayores con sarcopenia, principalmente en los dominios funcionamiento físico y estado general de salud.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare quality of life between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults and to verify the association of sarcopenia and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in community-dwelling older adults (n = 378) from Macapá, Amapá, Brazil. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form (36) Health Survey. The algorithm proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) was used to assess sarcopenia. Descriptive, inferential analyses and linear regression model were performed. Results Sarcopenic older adults presented significantly lower quality of life scores in the domains of physical functioning, bodily pain, general health status, and social functioning. After adjustment, sarcopenia was inversely associated with physical functioning (β = -0.125; p = 0.010) and general health status (β = -0.112; p = 0.028). Conclusion The results of this study suggest a probable decline in the quality of life in sarcopenic older adults, especially in the physical functioning and general health status domains.

Interference of blood storage containing K2EDTA and K3EDTA anticoagulants in the automated analysis of the hemogram / Interferência da estocagem de sangue contendo os anticoagulantes K2EDTA e K3EDTA na análise automatizada do hemograma

ABSTRACT Introduction: The present work evaluated the possible alterations in different hemogram parameters as: total erythrocyte count, hematocrit, leukocyte, and platelet count, against different times of sample storage at refrigerated and room temperature towards the effects of anticoagulants that can affect the variation of laboratory results. Objective: Compare variations in automated hemogram analysis, with blood collected in tubes containing dipotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K2EDTA) and tripotassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (K3EDTA). Material and methods: A comparative study was carried out on differential leukocyte count and absolute leukocyte count, hemoglobin determination and red blood cell count and platelet count. Therefore, it researches the anticoagulant that brings less interferences in hemogram analysis according to storage, at temperatures from 2°C to 8°C and 25°C (room temperature), and the time window between collection and analysis (4, 6, and 8 hours). These determinations were carried out after homogenization from five to eight inversions using the automated device Sysmex XN-1000TM. Eighteen biological samples of venous blood were collected, used as control, from patients aged 18 and over that did not have any hematologic disease. Results: The results were evaluated through descriptive statistical analysis, and comparison of mean values through the analysis of variance (Anova). In accordance with the results presented, there were not changes in the parameters by refrigerating the sample in the period of 8 hours, except for the platelet count, presenting oscillations when stored under refrigeration from 2°C to 8°C. Conclusion: At room temperature, the parameters mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and hematocrit presented significant statistical differences.

RESUMEN Introducción: Este trabajo evaluó los posibles cambios en diferentes parámetros del hemograma, como conteo de eritrocitos totales, leucocitos, hematocrito y plaquetas, con respecto a diferentes tiempos de almacenamiento de la muestra en ambiente refrigerado y temperatura ambiente en cuanto a los efectos de los anticoagulantes, que pueden afectar los resultados del análisis de laboratorio. Objetivo: Comparar los cambios presentes en el análisis del hemograma automatizado, recogido en tubos que contienen ácido etilendiaminotetraacético dipotásico (K2EDTA) y tripotásico (K3EDTA). Material y método: Estudio comparativo realizado para conteo diferencial/absoluto de leucocitos, determinación de hemoglobina y conteo de eritrocitos y plaquetas, a fin de investigar el anticoagulante que trae menos interferencia en el análisis del hemograma según su almacenamiento - temperatura de 2°C a 8°C y 25°C (temperatura ambiente) y ventana de tiempo entre recuento y análisis de 4, 6, y 8 horas. Se realizaron las determinaciones luego de homogeneizar las muestras con cinco a ocho inversiones en el analizador automatizado Sysmex XN-1000TM. Dieciocho muestras de sangre venosa de pacientes mayores de 18 años, sin enfermedades hematológicas, fueron recogidas y usadas como control. Resultados: Se evaluaron los resultados mediante un análisis descriptivo, con comparación de medias por análisis de la varianza (Anova). De acuerdo con los resultados, no hubo cambios en los parámetros enfriándose la muestra en el período de 8 horas, a excepción del recuento de plaquetas, que presentó oscilaciones bajo refrigeración (2°C-8°C). Conclusión: A temperatura ambiente, los parámetros volumen corpuscular medio (VCM), concentración de hemoglobina corpuscular media (CHCM) y hematocrito presentan diferencia estadísticamente significativa.

RESUMO Introdução: O presente trabalho avaliou as possíveis alterações em diferentes parâmetros do hemograma, como contagem de eritrócitos totais, leucócitos, hematócrito e plaquetas, em relação a diferentes tempos de armazenamento da amostra em ambiente refrigerado e em temperatura ambiente quanto aos efeitos dos anticoagulantes, que podem afetar a variabilidade de seus resultados laboratoriais. Objetivo: Comparar as variações presentes na análise do hemograma automatizado, colhido nos tubos contendo ácido etilenodiamino tetra-acético dipotássico (K2EDTA) e tripotássico (K3EDTA). Material e métodos: Estudo comparativo realizado para contagem diferencial/absoluta dos leucócitos, determinação de hemoglobina e contagem de hemácias e plaquetas, com o intuito de investigar o anticoagulante que traz menos interferentes na análise do hemograma de acordo com sua estocagem - temperatura de 2°C a 8°C e 25°C (temperatura ambiente) e janela de tempo entre a coleta e a análise de 4, 6 e 8 horas. Essas determinações foram realizadas após homogeneização de cinco a oito inversões pelo aparelho automatizado Sysmex XN-1000TM. Dezoito amostras biológicas de sangue venoso de pacientes com idade superior a 18 anos, sem doenças hematológicas, foram coletadas e utilizadas como controle. Resultados: Os resultados foram avaliados por meio de uma análise estatística descritiva, com comparação de médias através da análise de variância (Anova). De acordo com os resultados apresentados, não ocorreram alterações nos parâmetros ao refrigerar a amostra no período de 8 horas, com exceção da contagem de plaquetas, que apresentou oscilações quando armazenadas sob refrigeração de 2°C a 8°C. Conclusão: Na temperatura ambiente, os parâmetros volume corpuscular médio (VCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM) e hematócrito apresentaram diferença estatística significante.

Prevalence of enteroparasitosis in the municipality of São Bernardo do Campo ­ SP / Prevalência das enteroparasitoses no município de São Bernardo do Campo - SP

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of enteroparasitosis in stool samples from residents of São Bernardo do Campo ­ SP, who use the public health service through the Basic Health Unit (UBS), defining the most frequent enteroparasites by age. and district with the highest prevalence. Methods: For this retrospective study, 17,018 fecal examinations were performed from June to December 2017. The data came from the Parasitology Laboratory of the Centro Universitário Saúde ABC ­ FMABC, and the prevalence of enteroparasitosis by age and district was analyzed. The project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Universidade Paulista ­ UNIP, under nº 2.715.169. Results: The most common protozoan (33.86%) was Giardia spp., followed by Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, most common in young adults aged 18 to 40 years (9.16%). Enterobius vermicularis had a prevalence of 5.58%, being more frequent in children from 0 to 11 years old. In adults (41-65 years) and elderly (> 65 years), the most common helminth found in the samples was Strongyloides stercoralis (18%). Conclusion: It is concluded that Giardia spp. was the most frequent parasite and frequently observed in children (0-11 years), in the elderly was Strongyloides stercoralis. This study serves as a warning about the need to implement efficient public health, focused mainly on the prevention and control of these and other types of diseases.

Objetivo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de enteroparasitoses em amostras de fezes de moradores de São Bernardo do Campo ­ SP que utilizam o serviço público de saúde por meio da Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS), definindo as enteroparasitas mais frequentes, por idade e bairro com maior prevalência. Métodos: Para este estudo retrospectivo, foram realizados 17.018 exames fecais no período de junho a dezembro de 2017. Os dados foram provenientes do Laboratório de Parasitologia do Centro Universitário Saúde ABC ­ FMABC, sendo realizada a análise de prevalência das entero­parasitoses por idade e bairro. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Paulista ­ UNIP, sob o nº 2.715.169. Resultados: O protozoário mais frequente (33,86%) foi Giardia spp., seguido por Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, mais frequente em adultos jovens de 18 a 40 anos (9,16%). Enterobius vermicularis apresentou uma prevalência de 5,58%, sendo mais frequente em crianças de 0 a 11 anos de idade. Em adultos (41-65 anos) e idosos (> 65 anos), o helminto mais frequente encontrado nas amostras foi o Strongyloides stercoralis (18%). Conclusão: Concluímos que Giardia spp. foi o parasita mais frequente e frequentemente observado em crianças (0 a 11 anos), em idosos foi o Strongyloides stercoralis. Este estudo serve como um alerta sobre a necessidade de se implementar uma saúde pública eficiente, voltada principalmente à prevenção e controle desses e de outros tipos de doenças.

O tratamento térmico influencia as características físico-químicas e oxidativas do óleo de coco / The heat treatment influences the physico-chemical and oxidative characteristics of coconut oil

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento térmico sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos, capacidade antioxidante, oxidação lipídica e características físico-químicas do óleo de coco. As análises foram realizadas com amostras do óleo de coco in natura, aquecido até o ponto de fumaça e utilizado na fritura de batatas. Foi avaliado o perfil de ácidos graxos, os índices de peróxidos e acidez, a formação de malondialdeído e a capacidade antioxidante do óleo de coco nas três condições. O perfil de ácidos graxos não diferiu nas distintas condições de análise; contudo, pode-se observar que o índice de acidez foi significativamente maior no óleo aquecido e utilizado na fritura. Para o índice de peróxidos, esse aumento ocorreu apenas no óleo aquecido. A formação de malondialdeído foi observada em todas as amostras, sendo maior no óleo aquecido, seguido do usado na fritura. A capacidade antioxidante foi menor nas amostras submetidas ao calor (diferença significativa). Conclui-se que os tratamentos térmicos aos quais o óleo de coco foi submetido, foram capazes de alterar suas características físicoquímicas e oxidativas. Considerando os possíveis malefícios associados ao consumo de óleos e gorduras degradados, desencorajamos a utilização do óleo de coco submetido a temperaturas elevadas. Enfatizamos a importância da criação de metodologias específicas para avaliação da qualidade de óleos e gorduras submetidas ao aquecimento, por possibilitar um melhor controle dos aspectos nutricionais e sensoriais dos óleos/gorduras destinados ao consumo.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat treatment on the profile of fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, lipid oxidation and physical-chemical characteristics of coconut oil. The analyzes were carried out with samples of the coconut oil in natura, heated to the "point of smoke" and used to fry the potatoes. The fatty acid profile, the peroxide and acidity indexes, the malondialdehyde formation and the antioxidant capacity of the coconut oil were evaluated in three conditions. The fatty acid profile did not differ in the different conditions of analysis; however, it may be observed that the acid value was significantly higher in the heated oil and used in frying. For the peroxide index, this increase occurred only in the heated oil. The formation of malondialdehyde was observed in all the samples, being higher in the heated oil, followed by the one used in the frying process. The antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in the heated samples. It concluded that the thermal treatments to which the coconut oil was subjected, were able to modify its physicochemical and oxidative characteristics. Considering the possible damages associated with the oils and degraded fats consumption, we discourage the use of coconut oil subjected to high temperatures. We emphasize the importance of the creation of specific methodologies for quality evaluation of oils and fats submitted to the heating, which allows a better control of nutritional and sensorial aspects of the oils destined for consumption.