Escala autoeficacia percibida sobre planificación compartida de la atención (ACP-SEs) Argentina / Perceived self-efficacy scale on shared care planning (ACP-SEs) Argentina

Resumen Introducción : La planificación compartida de la atención (PCA) es un proceso reflexivo, deliberativo y estructurado. Involucra a la persona enferma y su en torno afectivo. Los profesionales sanitarios reconocen barreras para iniciar la PCA. La autoeficacia percibida es un principal predictor del éxito en los procesos de aprendizaje. Objetivos: 1) Adaptar transculturalmente la escala de autoeficacia percibida en PCA en español para Argentina (ACP-SEs); 2) Explorar la confiabilidad y la validez de la escala y 3) Explorar la autoeficacia en PCA en profesionales argentinos. Métodos : Estudio instrumental exploratorio realizado a profesionales de la salud que asisten pacientes con enfermedades crónicas avanzadas, interdisciplinarios, a través de una prueba de comprensión del instrumento ACP-SEs y la validación psicométrica en una muestra intencional de profesionales. Se analizaron variables sociodemográficas y la experiencia previa. Resultados : Luego de la prueba de comprensión y adaptación lingüística de la escala a través de un test cognitivo con 8 profesionales con experiencia con pa cientes crónicos avanzados se logró la versión de la escala ACP-SEs Ar. Participaron en la exploración 236 profesionales, el 83% asistía pacientes con enfermedad crónica avanzada; el 52.9% médicos; 52% recibió formación informal en PCA y 11% tenía un documento de directivas anticipadas personal. La consistencia interna de la escala fue alta (alfa de Cronbach = 0.89). Las preguntas sobre pronóstico, objetivos y preferencias de tratamiento, y reevaluación de los objetivos de cuidados mostraron diferencias sig nificativas entre médicos y no médicos. Conclusión : La escala ACP-SEs Ar demostró propie dades psicométricas adecuadas.

Abstract Introduction : Shared care planning (ACP) is a reflec tive, deliberative and structured process involving the sick person and his or her caring environment.Health professionals recognize barriers to initiating ACP.Per ceived self-efficacy is one of the main predictors of success in learning processes. Objectives: 1) To cross-culturally adapt the ACP self-efficacy scale in Spanish for Argentina (ACP-SEs); 2) To explore the reliability and validity of the scale; and 3) To explore self-efficacy in ACP in Argentinean professionals. Method : Exploratory instrumental study carried out on health professionals who assist patients with ad vanced chronic diseases, interdisciplinary through a comprehension test of the ACP-SEs instrument and psychometric validation in a purposive sample of pro fessionals. Sociodemographic variables and previous experience were analyzed. Results : After the comprehension test and linguistic adaptation of the scale through cognitive testing with eight professionals with experience with advanced chronic patients, the ACP-SEs Ar version of the scale was achieved. 236 professionals participated in the exploration, 83% attended patients with advanced chronic disease, 52.9 % were physicians, 52% received informal training in ACP, and 11% had a personal advance directive document. The scale's internal con sistency was high (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). Questions about prognosis, treatment options, goals, treatment preferences, and reassessment of goals of care showed significant differences between physicians and non-physicians. Conclusion : We explored PCA self-efficacy in health professionals with the ACP-SEs Ar scale validated for the first time in Argentina.

Sarcopenia: nuevo valor de handgrip en mujeres Argentinas postmenopáusicas / Sarcopenia: new cut-off value of handgrip in postmeno pausal Argentine women

Resumen Introducción : La sarcopenia es un problema de salud mundial, actualmente existen varios criterios para su diagnóstico y se recomienda la implementación de valo res de corte propios para cada población. El objetivo fue evaluar la fuerza de prensión palmar (FPP), en mujeres postmenopáusicas de Buenos Aires y establecer un valor de corte para nuestra población. Métodos : Se evaluaron 704 mujeres ≥50 años, quienes respondieron un cuestionario sobre riesgo de osteoporo sis y se tomó la FPP. Se excluyeron aquellas con artritis o dolor en las manos, quedando 678 mujeres para el análisis. Se seleccionó una subpoblación de 148 mujeres sanas para definir el valor mínimo normal de la FPP de nuestra población. Resultados : La FPP fue de 20.44 ± 5.19 kg, con una disminución significativa a partir de los 70 años. La FPP en el grupo de mujeres sanas fue de 22.08 ± 5.13 kg. Y se estableció el valor de corte de 17.5 kg en nuestra población (primer quintil). El 28.6% de la población total presentaban FPP disminuida y alcanzaba a un 53.7% en las mujeres >80 años. La FPP <17.5 kg se asoció con un incremento del 67% del riesgo de caídas en el grupo total de mujeres >50 años. Discusión : La FPP constituye una herramienta sen cilla y de fácil implementación en la práctica clínica del consultorio y es considerada el primer paso para el diagnóstico de sarcopenia. El valor de corte de FPP <17.5 kg podría ser utilizado para la evaluación de sarcopenia en mujeres >50 años de Buenos Aires.

Abstract Introduction : Sarcopenia is a global health problem, there are currently several criteria for its diagnosis and the implementation of its own cut-off values for each population is recommended. The objective was to evaluate the handgrip strength (HG) in postmenopausal women from Buenos Aires and establish a cut-off value. Methods : A total of 704 women ≥50 years of age were evaluated, who answered a questionnaire on osteoporo sis risk and HG was taken. Those with arthritis or pain in the hands were excluded, leaving 678 women for analysis. A subpopulation of 148 healthy women was selected to define the minimum normal value of the HG of our population. Results : The HG was 20.44 ± 5.19 kg, with a significant decrease in values after 70 years. The HG in the group of healthy women was 22.08 ± 5.13 kg. And the cut-off value of 17.5 kg was established in our population (first quintile). 28.6% of the total population presented decreased HG and reached 53.7% in women >80 years. HG <17.5 kg was associated with a 67% increased risk of falls in the total group of women >50 years. Discussion : The HG is a simple tool that is easy to implement in clinical practice and is considered the first step for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. The cut-off value of HG <17.5 kg could be used for the evaluation of sar copenia in women >50 years of Buenos Aires.

Reliability and validity of the Tagalog version of the FACIT-Pal-14 instrument in measuring the quality of life of Filipino cancer patients

Background@#Even though innumerable quality of life (QOL) questionnaires have been developed in palliative care, there is no gold standard assessment tool for QOL and no single questionnaire that fits all purposes and individuals. An important challenge to QOL assessments in palliative care is the highly diverse patient population with different diagnoses, disease states/prognosis, and languages. In an outpatient palliative care clinic population, FACIT-Pal-14 proved to be a valid and reliable scale in palliative care patients.@*Objectives@#We aimed to (i) determine the psychometric properties of the Tagalog version of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy – Palliative Care – 14 (FACIT-Pal-14) and (ii) measure the Quality of Life (QOL) of Filipino cancer patients.@*Methods@#This was a cross-sectional study. License for the use of the Tagalog version 4 of the FACIT-Pal-14 was requested from FACIT.org. To know the psychometric properties of the scales, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to assess reliability, and exploratory factor analysis, Pearson correlations, and independent samples T-test were used to determine validity.@*Results@#The Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14 was administered to 500 Filipino cancer patients consulting at the outpatient department of a training and regional medical center. The participants were mostly female (65.5%), aged 64 years and younger (82.6%), and had breast cancer (53.2%), colorectal cancer (19.2%), and lung cancer (9.4%). The mean Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14 score was 47.35 out of 56 (SD=7.14). The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the Tagalog version of FACIT-Pal-14 was 0.784. Significantly lower mean Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14 scores were found in patients with Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) 70 and lower, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) 2 and above compared with patients with KPS 80 and higher and ECOG-PS 0-1. (t=3.439, p<.001). While the Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14 scores, KPS, and ECOG scores only revealed a very weak, positive correlation (r=0.095; p <0.05), this ability to distinguish between groups known to differ regarding performance status showed the construct validity of the Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14.@*Conclusions@#In an outpatient oncology clinic population, the FACIT-Pal 14 showed evidence of reliability and construct validity for evaluating palliative care-specific QOL in Filipino cancer patients. Using this measure, Filipino cancer patients have a good QOL. Therefore, it is recommended that the Tagalog FACIT-Pal-14 be used on subsequent patient follow-ups to assess how their QOL would change over time so that the palliative care services provided will be suited to their needs.

Qualitative research on the barriers of surrogate decision-makers participating in advanced care planning of patients with advanced cancer / 中华护理杂志

Objective To understand the barriers of surrogate decision-makers participating in the advanced care planning(ACP)for patients with advanced cancer,and to provide references for the construction and intervention of educational programs.Methods Under the guidance of ternary reciprocal determinism,qualitative research method was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 surrogate decision makers of advanced cancer patients in 2 tertiary hospitals of Zhejiang Province,and the data was analyzed using targeted content analysis.Results Based on the theory,the influencing factors of participating in ACP of the surrogate decision-makers of patients with advanced cancer were summarized into 3 themes:individual level-dual restriction of subjective thought and objective ability(value restriction,cognitive understanding deviation,economic condition restriction,patient's situation control),environment level-synergistic influence of medical environment and social environment(limited medical conditions,pressure from public moral opinion,insufficient policy guarantee,lack of family consensus),behavior level-interaction of external guidance and internal feedback(lack of guidance of medical staff,experience support of medical decision-making).Conclusion Surrogate decision-makers of patients with advanced cancer face many pressures before participating in the ACP.Under the guidance of the theory of knowledge,belief and practice,medical staff can give them pre-established medical care knowledge to correct their cognitive bias.Medical staff can guide the realization of"family-centered"decision-making mode to strengthen the family support of surrogate decision-makers.Medical staff also can lead the establishment of a surrogate decision-makers support group to share decision-making experience and provide medical decision-making assistance.

Utilization of fungal biocontrol agents against rice sheath blight disease provides insight into their role in plant defense responses

Biotic and abiotic factors have an effect on rice production all around the world. Diseases are regarded as major restrictions among the biotic stressors, and rice sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) is one of the most calamitous diseases that significantly damage the crop. Lately, biocontrol of fungal plant pathogens has appeared as an appealing approach. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate different biocontrol agents like Talaromyces flavus, Chaetomium globosum, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aspergillus niger against sheath blight disease. Prior to sowing, seeds were bioprimed with each isolate and sown in the nursery. After 21 days, seedlings were transplanted in-vivo and were inoculated with a virulent isolate of Rhizoctonia solani at maximum tillering stage. Observations on biochemical parameters and gene expression studies were carried out at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpi. Enzymatic activity viz., chitinase, ?-1,3-glucanase, catalase, and PAL was observed maximum in Chaetomium globosum. PR-genes viz., IPT, BrD, HmPr, AMP, AldD, NIC and LisH showed up-regulation at 96 hpi. Chaetomium globosum had the highest yield, maximum number of tillers with least RLH% as compared to other treatments. However, results indicated biocontrol agents are helpful and they induce multitude of defence responses against R. solani in rice.

Cloning and functional analysis of the phenylalaninammo-nialyase gene from Rhododendron fortunei / 生物工程学报

Phenylalaninammo-nialyase (PAL) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of methyl benzoate - a plant aroma compound. In order to understand the function of this enzyme in the formation of fragrance in the scented Rhododendron species-Rhododendron fortunei, we cloned a gene encoding this enzyme and subsequently examined the gene expression patterns and the profile of enzyme activity during development in various tissues. The full length of RhPAL gene was cloned by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) techniques. The expression levels of RhPAL gene were measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and the amount of phenylalanine and cinnamic acid were assayed with LC-MS. The results showed that the ORF sequence of RhPAL gene amplified from the cDNA templates of flower buds had 2 145 bp, encoding 715 amino acids, and shared 90% homology to the PAL amino acid sequences from other species. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression of RhPAL in petals during flowering kept in rising even until the flowers wilted. The expression of RhPAL in pistil was much higher than that in stamen, while the expression in the younger leaves was higher than in old leaves. However, the expression level was relatively lower in petal and stamen compared to that in leaves. We also measured the PAL activity by Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay in the petals of flowers at different flowering stages. The results showed that PAL activity reached the highest at the bud stage and then decreased gradually to the lowest when the flowers wilted, which followed a similar trend in the emission of the flower fragrance. The phenylalanine and cinnamic acid contents measured by LC-MS were highly correlated to the expression level of RhPAL in various tissues and at different flowering stages, implying that RhPAL plays an important role in the formation of the flower fragrance. This work may facilitate the breeding and improvement of new fragrant Rhododendron cultivars.

Previously Asymptomatic Ruptured Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy at over 11 Weeks Gestation.

A 23-year-old, newly married female, G1P0 at 11 3/7 weeks' gestation, presented to the emergency department in B N Bose Hospital, Sub-Divisional Hospital, in West Bengal, complaining of sudden suprapubic and abdominal tenderness. It began after a single episode of nausea and vomiting earlier that morning. She described the pain as cramping and had noticed some spotting as well. She denied having any prior symptoms, and also denied significant medical, surgical or obstetric history. Her vital signs in the emergency department were- pulse-110 bpm, BP- 90/60, and SpO2 94% with room air.On physical examination, the patient was distressed. Her abdomen was non-distended but diffusely tender to palpation in the suprapubic region, worse on the right side. She had guarding with no rigidity. Laboratory results were positive for anaemia (haemoglobin- 5 gm/dL) and positive urine pregnancy test.

Evaluation of efficacy of an ayurvedic mouthwash on dental plaque and gingivitis: a double blinded parallel randomized controlled study

Introduction: Due to inherent limitations of chlorhexidine, search for an effective and potentially safe anti-plaque agent has led to emergence of alternative products. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effects of Oral Pal Plus mouth rinse and chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The present study was randomized parallel group controlled trial. A group of 90 healthy subjects in the age group of 18-21 yrs received complete supragingival scaling at baseline and study variables viz, Plaque index and Gingival index were recorded. Subjects were then randomly divided into three groups (30 in each group) and were randomly intervened with three different mouthwashes. ie, Chlorhexidine, Oral Pal Plus and normal saline. Variables were again recorded on the 7th day 14th day after use of mouthwashes and data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There was statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 14 days in both the groups A & B. Conclusion: Chlorhexidine (0.2%) and Oral Pal Plus mouthwash showed significantly reduction in plaque scores and gingival scores whereas no improvement was seen in Group C using normal saline over 14 days. (AU)

Identification Of Phenyl Alanine Ammonia Lyase Gene Involved In The Synthesis Of Anacardic Acid In Anacardium Occidentale L.

Anacardic acids, a class of medicinally and industrially important phenolic compounds is found in a variety of dicotyledonous families chiefly in Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L). Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) shows a dominant role in the biosynthesis of poly phenolic compounds, which are involved in the defense mechanism in harsh environments related to various stimuli. The current study was conducted to find out the presence of anacardic acid in ethyl acetate extract of young leaves of cashew using high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method and the presence of phenyl alanine ammonia lyase gene also plays a role in the biosynthesis of anacardic acid in young leaves was also confirmed by cDNA synthesis from a cellular mRNA template connected to the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Alternative Therapies for PKU

Abstract The phenylalanine (PHE)-restricted diet has improved in quality and diversity over time and has proven to be effective in all patients. Nevertheless, this treatment imposes a heavy social and economic burden to patient and family and impacts quality of life. Sustained adherence to PHE restriction is difficult to maintain. Moreover, even patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) with normal intelligence quotient (IQ) have lower IQ than matched individuals without PKU and can have deficits in multiple other aspects of neuropsychological function, including cognitive and executive function, working memory. They can also have behavior problems, depression, and low self-esteem. In recent years, alternative treatments for PKU have been developed and their use has been indicated for some patients who are candidates for options besides traditional treatment. Sapropterindihydrochloride, large neutral amino acids, and glycomacropeptide are alternative treatment options in use for selected patients. The aim of this article is to review the current knowledge of these new approaches to PKU treatment.

Programa de Acreditación de Laboratorios: 22 años contribuyendo a la calidad de los laboratorios de la Argentina / Laboratory Accreditation Program: contributing to laboratory quality in Argentina for over 22 years / Programa Acreditação de Laboratórios: 22 anos contribuindo à qualidade dos laboratórios da Argentina

El Programa de Acreditación de Laboratorios (PAL) se estableció en 1994 con el objeto de mejorar las prestaciones bioquímicas de los Laboratorios Clínicos de la provincia de Buenos Aires. La estructura organizativa es conforme a normas internacionales y los requisitos exigidos para los laboratorios fueron diseñados en un esquema que tuvo en cuenta los avances en los procesos de gestión de los laboratorios y las realidades regionales del país. Con dicha estrategia el programa extendió sus actividades a lo largo y ancho del país. Las auditorías en terreno son desarrolladas por pares evaluadores que cumplen con estrictas normas éticas. Al presente cuenta con más de 1000 laboratorios acreditados ubicados en 18 de las 24 provincias argentinas y su proyección a futuro apunta a hacerse extensivo a la totalidad del territorio nacional.

The laboratories accreditation program (PAL for its name in Spanish) was established in 1994 in order to improve the services of biochemical laboratories of the Province of Buenos Aires. The organisational structure was based on international standards, and the requirements for the laboratories were designed in a scheme that took into account the advances in the management process of the laboratories and the regional realities in Argentina. With this strategy, the Program spread its activities throughout the country. All the audits are conducted in the site, by peer reviewers that follow strict ethical standards. At the present, PAL has more than 1,000 accredited laboratories located in 18 of the 24 Argentine provinces, and its future projection aims at involving the entire national territory.

O Programa de Credenciamento de Laboratórios (PAL, por suas siglas em espanhol) foi criado em 1994 a fim de melhorar os benefícios bioquímicos dos Laboratórios Clínicos da Província de Buenos Aires. A estrutura organizacional está em conformidade com as normas internacionais, e os requisitos exigidos para os laboratórios foram projetados em um esquema que levou em consideração os avanços nos processos de gestão dos laboratórios e as realidades regionais do país. Com esta estratégia, o programa estendeu suas atividades em todo o país. Auditorias no local são realizadas por avaliadores que cumpre os rigorosos padrões éticos. Atualmente, tem mais de 1.000 laboratórios credenciados localizados em 18 das 24 províncias argentinas e sua projeção futura é encaminhada a se estender por todo o território nacional.

A Study on the Body Composition, Physical Activity Level, Basal Metabolic Rate, and Daily Energy Expenditure of Elderly in Busan / 대한지역사회영양학회지

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to assess body composition, physical activity level (PAL), basal metabolic rate (BMR), and daily energy expenditure (DEE) and to examine associations between PAL and body composition, BMR, and DEE of elderly in Busan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 elderly aged 65-93 years. Body composition was measured by Inbody 720. PAL was calculated by daily activity diary. BMR was calculated by Harris-Benedict (H-B) formula, Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) formula, and Inbody 720 measurement. DEE was calculated by H-B formula, DRI formula, Inbody 720 measurement, and estimated energy requirements (EER) formula. RESULTS: The mean fat free mass (FFM) in elderly men was significantly higher than that in elderly women (p<0.001). The mean percent body fat and fat mass (FM) in elderly women were significantly greater than those in elderly men (p<0.001, p<0.001). The mean PAL in elderly men (1.59) was significantly higher than that in elderly women (1.53) (p<0.001). The mean DEEs calculated by 3 methods except for H-B formula in elderly men were higher than EER for elderly men (2000kcal). The mean DEEs calculated by 4 different methods in elderly women were higher than EER for elderly women (1600kcal). Age showed significantly negative correlations with height (p<0.001, p<0.001), FFM (p<0.001, p<0.001), BMRs calculated by H-B formula (p<0.001, p<0.001), DRI formula (p<0.001, p<0.001) and Inbody 720 measurement (p<0.05 p<0.01) and DEEs calculated by H-B formula (p<0.001, p<0.001), DRI formula (p<0.001, p<0.001), Inbody 720 measurement (p<0.05, p<0.05), and EER formula (p<0.001, p<0.001) in elderly men and elderly women. PAL showed significantly positive correlations with FFM (p<0.05), BMR by Inbody 720 measurement (p<0.05) in elderly men and negative correlations with FM (p<0.05) in elderly women. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, PAL was associated with greater FFM in elderly men and lesser FM in elderly women. Therefore, nutritional education to increase physical activity for health promotion in late life is needed in the elderly.

Progress of effects of light on plant flavonoids / 中国中药杂志

As an important secondary metabolites of medicinal plant, flavonoids plays a very important role on itself including light protection and antioxidant. Light is one of the important environmental factors which impacts the secondary metabolites of plant and has a significant impact on biological synthesis of flavonoids. This paper reviews the recent progress of the effects of light on flavonoids on the plants focusing from light intensity and light quality, and summarizes briefly functions of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) in plant secondary metabolism and the upstream key enzyme chalcone synthase (CHS) in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Phenylalanine Ammonia-Lyase Gene in the Mycelium and Fruit Body of the Edible Mushroom Flammulina velutipes

Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) gene is known to be expressed in plants, and is involved in the differentiation, growth and synthesis of secondary metabolites. However, its expression in fungi remains to be explored. To understand its expression in mushroom fungi, the PAL gene of the edible mushroom Flammulina velutipes (Fvpal) was cloned and characterized. The cloned Fvpal consists of 2,175 bp, coding for a polypeptide containing 724 amino acids and having 11 introns. The translated amino acid sequence of Fvpal shares a high identity (66%) with that of ectomycorrhizal fungus Tricholoma matsutake. Distinctively, the Fvpal expression in the mycelium was higher in minimal medium supplemented with L-tyrosine than with other aromatic amino acids. During cultivation of the mushroom on sawdust medium, Fvpal expression in the fruit body correspondingly increased as the mushroom grew. In the fruiting body, Fvpal was expressed more in the stipe than in the pileus. These results suggest that F. velutipes PAL activity differs in the different organs of the mushroom. Overall, this is first report to show that the PAL gene expression is associated with mushroom growth in fungi.

Identificação de loci microssatélites com potencial de amplificação na espécie de Peixe-Rei (Odontesthes humensis) / Identification of microsatellite loci with amplification potential in "pejerrey" (Odontesthes humensis)

In this work, 25,806 potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci (PAL) were identified in pejerrey, (Odontesthes humensis), with 21% of dinucleotide, 22% trinucleotide, 37% tetranucleotide, 13% pentanucleotide and 7% hexanucleotide. Of the total loci, 167 were classified as "Best PAL", more likely to be variables in populations. The results show that with a small coverage of the genome it was possible to identify a large number of microsatellite loci...

Biochemical and bioactive phytonutrients changes in tissues of two cultivars of fresh-cut cassava in stick form under refrigerated storage / Alterações bioquímicas e em fitonutrientes bioativos em tecidos de duas cultivares de mandioca minimamente processadas no formato palito, armazenadas sob refrigeração

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh-cut in stick form of two cassava cultivars on their biochemical and antioxidant characteristics, at two harvest times. The fresh cut cassava sticks were packaged in polypropylene, maintained at 5±1ºC, with 90±5% relative humidity for 12 days. The concentration of carotenoids, total soluble phenolic compounds and the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher for the sticks of cultivar 'Amarela' cassava than for the sticks of cultivar 'Cacau'. The concentrations of carotenoids, total soluble phenolic compounds, and the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and antioxidant capacity were all significantly greater when harvested at 14-month of age. There was a significant increase in the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase during the 12 days of storage at 5ºC. However, there was a decrease in total carotenoids, soluble phenolic compounds, and in the antioxidant capacity of the two cultivars.

Objetivou-se avaliar, em duas cultivares de mandioca, o efeito do processamento mínimo no formato palito sobre características bioquímicas, em duas idades de colheita. Os palitos de mandioca minimamente processados foram acondicionados em embalagens de polipropileno, a 5±1ºC, 90±5% de umidade relativa, por 12 dias. O teor de carotenoides, e de compostos fenólicos solúveis foram significativamente maiores para os palitos da cultivar 'Amarela' do que para a cultivar 'Cacau', assim como a atividade da fenilalanina amônia liase e a capacidade antioxidante. O teor de carotenoides totais e compostos fenólicos solúveis, assim como a atividade da fenilalanina amônia liase e a capacidade antioxidante, foram superiores quando colhidas aos 14 meses. Houve acréscimo na atividade da fenilalanina amônia liase durante os 12 dias de conservação a 5ºC, no entanto, houve decréscimo para o teor de carotenoides totais e de compostos fenólicos solúveis, assim como da capacidade antioxidante.

Effects of (Val8)GLP-1-Glu-PAL on motor ability and dopaminergic neurons of Parkison's disease mice / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To investigate the protective effects of (Val8)GLP-1-Glu-PAL to dopaminergic neurons on PD mice induced by MPTP.Methods 56 male C57BL/6 mice which are 10-12 weeks old were randomly divided into Control,model (MPTP),muti-injection (Val8) and therapy (MPTP + Val8) groups by random number table method.Mice in MPTP group were received MPTP IP.treatment (30mg/kg · d),the control group were treated with 0.9％ saline with the same volume,Val8 group were injected with (Val8) GLP-1-Glu-PAL (25 nmol/kg),and MPTP+Val8 group were going to received (Val8)GLP-1-Glu-PAL 1 h after treatment of MPTP,all the groups were treated for 8 consecutive days.Behavior test were processed 2h after drug IP injection,including swimming test and rotarod test.Mice were sacrificed immediately 1h after the final trail of behavior test in 8th day,brains were withdraw for IHC assay which tested the number TH positive neurons in SNpc area.Results The classical PD behavior symptom were induced by MPTP,from 1 st to 8th,the swimming score(1.715±0.143 and dropping latency(68.048±7.823) were both decreasing compared with control.The differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).The positive dopaminergic neurons were significantly lower in SNpc area (P＜0.01).Compared with MPTP group,(Val8) GLP-1-Glu-PAL could statistically improved the behavior deficit,the swimming score (1.120±0.143) and dropping latency(20.546±7.823) in the MPTP+Val8 group,and differences were statistically significant (P＜0.05).Meanwhile,the TH positive neurons were significantly elevated (P＜0.01).Conclusion The results suggest that (Val8)GLP-1-Glu-PAL has protective effects for MPTP induced mice PD dopaminergic neurons.

Relationships between duration of various physical activities and physical activity level in children / 体力科学

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between patterns of daily physical activities measured by accelerometer and physical activity level (PAL) in children. Firstly, activity intensities during incremental exercise were measured using a tri-axial accelerometer (HJA-350IT) in twenty one children aged 10.6 ± 0.9 years. As a result of receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off value for discrimination between walking and running activity was set at 7.2 METs of HJA-350IT. Secondly, total energy expenditure (TEE) in daily life was measured by doubly labeled water method, and durations of lifestyle, walking, and running activities were measured by the accelerometer in 6^th grade elementary school children (11 boys and 10 girls). TEE and physical activity level (PAL) were 2,021 ± 343 kcal/day and 1.56 ± 0.17, respectively. The average durations of lifestyle, walking and running activities were 188 ± 30 min/day (50.6 ± 6.0 %), 171±28 min/day (45.9 ± 5.0 %) and 13.3 ± 7.6 min/day (3.5 ± 1.8 %), respectively. The proportion of the duration of running activity was positively correlated with PAL (r = 0.615, p < 0.01), and the proportion of the duration of lifestyle activity was negatively correlated with PAL (r = -0.439, p < 0.05). There was no relationship between the proportion of the duration of walking activity and PAL (r = 0.300, n.s.). These results suggest that running activity is important to increase PAL more than ever in primary school children.

Evaluation of QOL in cancer patients under intervention by a palliative care team

<b>Purpose</b>: We assessed the efficacy of a palliative care team (PCT) in improving quality of life (QOL) among Japanese cancer patients. <b>Patients and methods</b>: This prospective study involved adult patients treated in the Division of Respiratory Medicine and Medical Oncology/Hematology at Kobe University Hospital between November 1, 2009 and March 30, 2010. Every patient had requested intervention by the PCT. Patients were asked to complete the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL questionnaire at baseline and 1 and 4 weeks after initiation of the PCT intervention. <b>Result</b>: Of the 35 patients enrolled, 26 patients and 15 patients completed the assessments at 1 and 4 weeks after starting the intervention, respectively. Pain subscale (PA) was improved at 1 week after starting the intervention (p<0.05). Dyspnea subscale (DY) and PA were improved at 4 weeks after starting the intervention (p<0.05). <b>Conclusion</b>: We prospectively showed that QOL of cancer patients was improved with the intervention of the PCT, using the Japanese version of the EORTC QLQ-C15-PAL. Even if the PCT can only provide short-term care for cancer patients, this intervention appears worthwhile to improve QOL of cancer patients.

Biochemical and morphological responses to abiotc elicitor chitin in suspension-cultured sugarcane cells

Cells of Saccharum officinarum submitted to hydrolyzated chitin for 1 to 8h produced phenolic compounds. These alterations were observed through cytochemical methods using Toluidine Blue and Phloroglucinol/HCl. After 4 h, besides cell wall change, there was a change in nuclear pattern of chitin treated cells. There was a 96 percent increase in nuclear area in 6 h chitin treated material, as observed by Feulgen reaction. The treated cells showed chromatin compacted regions and a degeneration process of nucleoli. In the outer areas of cell wall, there was a polysaccharide desagregation, confirming results obtained for different plants with the use of other elicitors. Peroxidase activity was maximal after 4 h and decreased progressively. PAL activity started to increase at 4 h of incubation. These results showed that chitin hydrolyzate stimulated a defense response in sugarcane cells.

Células de Saccharum officinarum quando submetidas a quitina hidrolisada por 1 a 8h produziram material fenólico. Essas alterações foram observadas por meio de métodos citoquímicos como o Azul de Toluidina e Floroglucinol/HCl. Após 4 h, além das mudanças nas paredes celulares houve uma mudança no padrão nuclear das células tratadas com quitina. Por observação da reação de Feulgen, houve um aumento de 96 por cento na área nuclear no material em 6h. Para as células tratadas foram observadas regiões de cromatina compactada e um processo de degeneração do nucléolo. Nas áreas externas da parede celular existia uma desagregação dos polisacarídios confirmando os resultados obtidos para diferentes plantas com o uso de outros elicitores. A atividade da peroxidase foi maxima após 4 h e então decresceu progressivamente. A atividade da PAL aumentou a partir de 4 h de incubação. Estes resultados mostram que o hidrolisado de quitina estimula as respostas de defesa em células de cana.