Bryophyllum pinnatum markers: CPC isolation, simultaneous quantification by a validated UPLC-DAD method and biological evaluations.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) is widely used as leaf juice or extracts in traditional medicine all over tropical areas, especially in Brazil, to relieve inflammation-associated symptoms. Flavonol glycosides with unusual sugar moiety are among the major metabolites. Nevertheless, there are not enough quality control studies that can contribute to authentication of B. pinnatum and determination of their markers. As it is also used as medicinal plant in several countries, it is necessary to provide data related to safety, efficacy and quality. In this context, this work aims to isolate the major flavonoids from B. pinnatum hydroethanolic extract, to validate a method to quantify the content of chemical markers and to evaluate their xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract was submitted to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The solvents system CyHex-EtOAc-EtOH-H2O, 0.5:9:3:5.5, v/v/v/v was selected by shake-flask method. Four flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4)) were isolated in a single and fast CPC run and their structures were confirmed by NMR analysis. An UPLC-DAD quantification method was established for the first time with validation of required parameters, according to RDC 166/2017. The calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9996 to 0.9997 while the values of LOD (0.0077-1.984 ng.mL-1), LOQ (0.0263-6.012 ng.mL-1), recovery (≥ 80.7 %) and inter-day (%RSD ≤ 3.581) and intra-day precision (%RSD ≤ 2.628) were satisfactory. Quantitative analysis of these compounds showed that the proportion of 1, 2 and 3 were 2.43, 0.25 and 0.33 % (24.3 mg.g-1, 0.25 mg.g-1 and 0.33 mg.g-1 of extract), respectively. Moreover, in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO), DPPH and ABTS inhibition were evaluated for the extract and the major flavonoids. Compounds 2 (168 µM) and 3 (124 µM) moderately inhibited XO, while compounds 1 and 3 displayed average radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, our results suggest the flavonoid 1 as a specific marker which may be used for quality control of B. pinnatum hydroethanolic leaves extract.

Evaluation of the malaria elimination policy in Brazil: a systematic review and epidemiological analysis study.

After a centenary fight against malaria, Brazil has seen an opportunity for change with the proposal of the malaria elimination policy set by the Brazilian government, in line with malaria elimination policies in other Latin American countries. Brazilian malaria experts regard eliminating malaria by 2030 to be within reach. Herein we evaluated the likelihood that malaria elimination can be accomplished in Brazil through systematic review of the literature on malaria elimination in Brazil and epidemiological analysis. Fifty-two articles referring to malaria eradication/elimination in Brazil were analyzed to identify challenges and technological breakthroughs for controlling malaria. Monthly deaths (1979-2016) and monthly severe malaria cases (1998-2018) were analyzed according to age groups, geographic region and parasite species. As a result, we observed that the declining malaria burden was mostly attributable to a decline in Plasmodium falciparum-malaria. At the same time, the proportional increase of Plasmodium vivax-malaria in comparison with P. falciparum-malaria was notable. This niche replacement mechanism was discussed in the reviewed literature. In addition, the challenges to P. vivax-malaria elimination outnumbered the available technological breakthroughs. Although accumulated and basic information exists on mosquito vector biology, the lack of specific knowledge about mosquito vector taxonomy and ecology may hamper current attempts at stopping malaria in the country. An impressive reduction in malaria hospitalizations and mortality was seen in Brazil in the past 3 decades. Eliminating malaria deaths in children less than 5 years and P. falciparum severe cases may be achievable goals under the current malaria policy until 2030. However, eliminating P. vivax malaria transmission and morbidity seems unattainable with the available tools. Therefore, complete malaria elimination in Brazil in the near future is unlikely.

Maternal antibiotic prophylaxis affects Bifidobacterium spp. counts in the human milk, during the first week after delivery.

Human milk is an important source of microorganisms for infant gut colonisation. Although the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis is an important strategy to prevent maternal/neonatal sepsis, it has to be investigated how it may affect the human milk microbiota, especially the genus Bifidobacterium, which has been associated to health benefits. Here, we investigated the impact of the maternal antibiotic prophylaxis on the human milk Bifidobacterium spp. and total bacteria counts, in the first week (short-term) and first month (medium-term) after delivery. Human milk samples were collected from 55 healthy lactating women recruited from the University Hospital of the University of São Paulo at days 7±3 and 30±4 after vaginal delivery. Twenty one volunteers had received maternal antibiotic prophylaxis (MAP group) and 34 had not received MAP (no-MAP group) during or after labour. Total DNA was isolated from milk samples, and the bacterial counts were estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR). We found lower levels of Bifidobacterium in the MAP group in the first week after delivery (median = 2.1 vs 2.4 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.01), although there were no statistical differences in total bacteria count. However, no differences were found in Bifidobacterium counts between the groups at day 30±4 (median = 2.5 vs 2.2 log of equivalent cells/ml of human milk, for MAP and no-MAP groups, respectively; P=0.50). Our results suggest that MAP has a significant impact on Bifidobacterium counts in human milk, reducing this population in the first week after delivery. However, throughout the first month after delivery, the Bifidobacterium counts tend to recover, reaching similar counts to those found in no-MAP group at day 30±4 after delivery.

Muscle fiber and fatty acid profiles of Mertolenga-PDO meat.

The influence of phenotype and muscle type on intramuscular total lipids (ITL) neutral lipid (NL) and phospholipid (PL) compositions, cholesterol, α-tocopherol and haem iron contents were evaluated in Semitendinosus (St), Longissimus dorsi (Ld) and Supraspinatus (Ss) muscles from 39 Mertolenga young bulls. The results showed that lipid, α-tocopherol, cholesterol and haemic iron contents were not influenced by phenotype. Furthermore, the individual effect of phenotype was not a significant source of variation on ITL, NL and PL fatty acid composition. Muscle histological traits from Unicolor phenotype (n=13) showed that Ss and Ld muscles exhibited higher proportion of type I (P<0.001) and oxidative fibers (P<0.001) and lower percentages of IIB fibers (P<0.001) than St. The Ss muscle, with higher relative area occupied by oxidative fibers (P<0.05-0.001) than Ld and St, had higher ITL (P<0.001), NL (P<0.001), PL (P<0.05-0.01), α-tocopherol (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.01) and haem iron (P<0.001) contents than its counterparts. Muscle type notably affected ITL, as a result of its influence on NL rather than in PL composition.

Physico-chemical changes during storage and sensory acceptance of low sodium probiotic Minas cheese added with arginine.

The partial substitution of sodium chloride by potassium chloride (0%, 25%, and 50%) and addition of arginine (1% w/w) in probiotic Minas cheese was investigated. Microbiological (Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus counts, and functionality of the prebiotics L. acidophilus), physicochemical (pH, proteolysis, organic acids, fatty acids, and volatile profiles), rheological (uniaxial compression) and sensory (hedonic test with 100 consumers) characterizations were carried out. The sodium reduction and addition of arginine did not constitute a hurdle to lactic and probiotic bacteria survival, with presented values of about 9 log CFU/g, ranging from 7.11 to 9.21 log CFU/g, respectively. In addition, lower pH values, higher proteolysis, and a decrease in toughness, elasticity and firmness were observed, as well as an increase in lactic, citric, and acetic acid contents. In contrast, no change was observed in the fatty acid profile. With respect to the sensory acceptance, the probiotic low-sodium Minas cheese presented scores above 6.00 (liked slightly) for the attributes flavor and overall acceptance. The addition of arginine can be a potential alternative for the development of probiotic dairy products with reduced sodium content.

Production of a cloned calf from a fetal fibroblast cell line.

The present study examined the in vitro and in vivo development of bovine nuclear-transferred embryos. A bovine fetal fibroblast culture was established and used as nucleus donor. Slaughterhouse oocytes were matured in vitro for 18 h before enucleation. Enucleated oocytes were fused with fetal fibroblasts with an electric stimulus and treated with cytochalasin D and cycloheximide for 1 h followed by cycloheximide alone for 4 h. Reconstructed embryos were cultured for 7-9 days and those which developed to blastocysts were transferred to recipient cows. Of 191 enucleated oocytes, 83 (43.5%) were successfully fused and 24 (28.9%) developed to blastocysts. Eighteen freshly cloned blastocysts were transferred to 14 recipients, 5 (27.8%) of which were pregnant on day 35 and 3 (16.7%) on day 90. Of the three cows that reached the third trimester, one recipient died of hydrallantois 2 months before term, one aborted fetus was recovered at 8 months of gestation, and one delivered by cesarian section a healthy cloned calf. Today, the cloned calf is 15 months old and presents normal body development (378 kg) and sexual behavior (libido and semen characteristics).

[Development of a milk beverage based on pumpkin flakes]. / Desenvolvimento de bebida láctea a base de flocos de abóbora.

Vitamin A deficiency is one of the majors public health problems in Brazilian Northeast, and among other causes may be concerned to precocious weaning. Aiming at reducing this problem, a dehydrated product based on powdered milk and pumpkin flakes was developed to act as a carotene source at weaning period. Pumpkin flakes were obtained by drum drying at a 6 atm steam pressure, 0.75 m2 contact surface and 1 rpm, and had their content of carotenoids, beta carotene, centesimal composition molds and yeast and faecal coliforms evaluated. The flakes were added to sugar and whole powdered milk according to FAO/WHO nutritional recommendation to 6-12 months old children and submitted to acceptability test by a 6 judges' panel. The results showed that the drying process had a 7% efficiency score and the flakes composition presented 4.84% moisture; 4.0% protein; 5.5% ash; 1.30% fat; 6.22% fiber; 78.14% carbohydrates; 115.08 micrograms/g total carotenois and 80.64 micrograms/g beta-carotene content. No coliforms were detected and molds and yeast content was 4.0 x 10(2) CFU/g. The powdered formulation properly diluted in water supports 45% of the RDA for children (calories, protein, carbohydrates and lipids) and 100% vitamin A and protein considering a 400 ml/day ingestion.

[Brazilian congresses -- bridges to freedom and nursing transformation]. / Os congressos brasileiros--pontes para a liberdade e transformação da Enfermagem.

This study concerns the comprehension of the converging points in Brazilian Nursing Congresses as well as of their contribution to the production of nursing knowledge. The investigation method used was that of historical research with a documental analysis of the Proceedings of Brazilian Nursing Congresses from 1977 to 1987. The main converging points appearing in the lecturers' speeches refer to: higher and secondary education; nursing care; healthcare policies; the image of nurses and its transformation over the years.

[The nurse--construction of a behavior model, based on the medical discourse at the beginning of the century]. / Enfermeira--a construção de um modelo de comportamento a partir dos discursos médicos do início do século.

The purpose of this study is to trace a parallel between the medical discourse content and the expected and stereotyped nurses behavior at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a historic-social approach in which authors analysed the speeches used by nurses and physicians at nursing and medicine schools. The analysis of the physicians discourse compared to nurses discourse revealed the formation of a mentality shaped by the medical power that wanted them "holy" and servile.

[The experience of inservice education in a private institution]. / A prática da educação em serviço em uma instituição privada.

The experience was developed in a private hospital of the Rio de Janeiro, with 60 patients, in the period of 1987 to 1988. The objective are: To report the experience of the service education cordenation in a private institution. To contributer to the practice and scientific improvement of the brazilian nursing. The service education happened in the following areas: 1) Personnel recruitment; 2) Training; 3) Recycling and continuous education; 4) Case study; 5) Improvement and development through the incentive in talking part of nursing meetings.

[Women and nurses in domestic/family surroundings and in public. A theoretical and contextual approach]. / A mulher/enfermeira nos âmbitos doméstico-familiar e público uma abordagem teórica-contextual.

The study deals with the historical evolution of the woman in the society particularly in the familiar and public aspects. The intention to establish the relation, over the years, between the woman role and the nursing, a predominant female profession.

[The woman/nurse in the domestic, family and public domain: a theoretical/contextual approach]. / A mulher/enfermeira nos âmbitos doméstico-familiar e público: uma abordagem teórico-contextual.

The study deals with the historical evolution of woman in society, particularly in the familiar and public aspects. It intends establish the relation, over the years, between the woman role, and the nursing, a predominant female profession.

[A critical analysis of the reasons for teaching-care integration and/or disintegration in nursing]. / Análise crítica das causas de integração e/ou desintegração docente-assistencial na enfermagem.

This work refers to a sampling of last years articles published regarding to the process of Nursing Teachers-Assistance Integration. The objective was to identify and to evaluate the causes responsible for the integration or desintegration of Nursing Teacher-Assistance, as well as to recommend strategies to facilitate the "IDA" in nursing.

[The degree student and scientific research]. / O aluno de graduação e a pesquisa científica.

Investigation about the perception and knowledge of the nursing graduation students with respect to scientific research and its use. The method is qualitative-analysis of the contents. The environment is a public nursing school in Rio de Janeiro, the sample consists of 36 students and the tool is a list of 6 questions. The students have a relative scientific research knowledge absorbed along the graduation, mainly from 6th period. They think that the scientific method is important to their development. They choose Research Introduction course as a manner of learning, to develop monographs, to increase their professional skill and to get credits.

[The preparation for self-care of the diabetic client and his family]. / O preparo para o autocuidado do cliente diabético e família.

UNLABELLED: Partial report, quanti-qualitative of action-research developed in the ward test/ambulatory of a University Hospital, extensive to home; integrating students, teachers and nursing team. OBJECTIVE: to establish standards to integrate hospital/community, seeking the man in the home circle, oppose the recovery/rehabilitation and the integration to work/society, considering the problems in the home/work and put into practice the proposition of the SUDS with extension to the hospital/community actions. Home visits raising the home conditions, family and/or community, consolidating their participation in the process. During the hospital stay nursing care was oriented to conduct the participation and realization of the care by the client and relatives happening the same in the ambulatory probation.

[Nursing--construction of a model based on the medical discourse]. / Enfermeira--a construção de um modelo a partir do discurso médico.

The purpose is to trace a parallel between the medical discourse contents and the expected and stereotyped nurses behavior at the beginning of the twentieth century. It is a historic-social approach in which was made use of speeches uttered by nurses and physicians at nursing and medicine schools. The analysis of physicians discourse compared to nurses discourse disclose the formation of a mentality shaped and turned docile by the medical power which wanted them holy and servile.

[From care of the soul to care of the body--a new understanding of the history of nursing]. / Do cuidado da alma ao cuidado do corpo--uma nova compreensão da história da enfermagem.

This study relates to the birth and the development of the Company of the Sisters of Charity of São Vicente de Paulo in France since 1633. This study has as its objective historically rebuild the process of creation of the Company of the Sisters of São Vicente de Paulo and the role of Luiza de Marillac and Father Vicente de Paulo in this process, and discuss the importance of this Company for the proposal of a pre-professional nursing care, imposing the bases of what would be called later the nursing techniques. It is a study of social and historical nature, to which I will use Michel Foucault preconceived ideas, regarding the analysis and discussion of the documents under the light of the genealogical analysis. This study focuses mainly the aspects that concern to implementation of a nursing practice towards the care of the sick body, and to the catechisation of the poor and the sick people. It focuses also the importance of Luiza de Marillac as a nurse, master and guide to the other Sisters.

[Representations of nursing history in the current daily practice]. / As representações da história da enfermagem na prática cotidiana atual.

This study presents a historical analyses on the links between the nursing practice and the influence which it receives from various religious orders/asssociations throughout the times. The professional nursing which was pioneered by Florence Nightingale in the XIXth century, was influenced directly by the teachings of love and fraternity. In addition, other contributions from the religious orders/associations were the concepts of altruism, the positive value of an adequate environment for the care of patients, and the division of work in nursing.

[Understanding the idea of nursing for use in professional practice]. / A compreensão do ideário da enfermagem para a transformação da prática professional.

This study is about the comprehension analysis of female students at graduation courses in Nursing on the meaning of Nursing as a female profession, in the light of their reasons why they have chosen it. Qualitative method and social representation have been used for data analysis. The results showed that Nursing is a profession of love for the fellowman and it is a way to get closer to God, but it is also a challenge and a struggle for a better profession.

Prediction of prostate cancer to urethra distance by a pretreatment nomogram: urethral thermoprotection implication in cryoablation.

INTRODUCTION: Cryoablation is a treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. A urethral warming catheter is placed to protect the prostatic urethra from cryo-injury. Thus tissue within certain depth beneath the urethral mucosa, including PCa in that zone, is not cryoablated. Preoperative predictors of PCa-to-urethra distance are important for urologists and patients to decide if undergoing cryoablation. METHODS: A total of 267 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens were reviewed by a pathologist and the shortest PCa-to-urethra distance was recorded as 0 (PCa at urethra), 0.1-1 mm, 1.1-2 mm, 2.1-3 mm, 3.1-4 mm, 4.1-5 mm and >5 mm. Preoperative serum PSA (iPSA) and prostate biopsy (Bx) parameters such as highest Bx Gleason score (BxGS), number of positive cores, highest percentage of PCa/cores, bilateral disease, perineural invasion (PNI) and PCa location were also recorded. The PCa-to-urethra distance subdivided into two (3 and >3 mm) and all seven categories was correlated with iPSA and Bx parameters. Logistic and linear regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Patients' median age and iPSA were 59 years and 5.28 ng ml(-1), respectively. PCa-to-urethra distance was <5 mm in 163 (61%) patients, 3 mm in 48% of patients. Significant univariate associations were found between shorter PCa-to-urethra distance and increasing iPSA (P<0.0001), BxGS (P=0.0016), number of positive cores (P< 0.0001), highest percentage of PCa/cores (P< 0.0001), bilateral disease (P=0.0003), PNI (P=0.01) and PCa detected in biopsies from apex (P< 0.0001), base (P=0.001) and base/medial base (P= 0.0006). In multivariate analysis, the iPSA (log), highest percentage of PCa/cores and PCa detected in the apex were significantly associated (P<0.0001) with both versions of PCa-to-urethra distance. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing iPSA, highest percentage of PCa/cores and PCa detected in the apex were associated with a shorter PCa-to-urethra distance. Inclusion of these preoperative parameters in a nomogram will help estimating the PCa-to-urethra distance and identifying better candidates for cryoablation.