Ecosystem functions in different physiognomies of Cerrado through the Rapid Ecosystem Function Assessment (REFA).

The assessment of ecosystem functions in Cerrado is important to implement practices of conservation. Recently, a 'rapid ecosystem function assessment' (REFA) for measuring ecosystem functions has been proposed and tested as a suitable method. Thus, this study aimed to assess the proxies of ecosystem functions of three physiognomies of Cerrado through REFA. This method was applied in three different preserved physiognomies of Cerrado from Northeastern, Brazil, namely: Campo Graminoide (CG), Cerrado Stricto Sensu (CSS), and Cerradão (CD). All proxies for the selected ecosystem functions differed between sites and seasons. The above- and belowground primary productivity and microbial biomass C were higher in CD than in CSS and CG. The above- and belowground secondary productivity and decomposition were higher and similar in CD and CSS as compared to CG. The principal component analysis explained 89.8% of the data variation and clustered the majority of ecosystem functions with CD, in both seasons and CSS in the wet season. The proxies of ecosystem functions measured through REFA showed differences between the physiognomies of Cerrado. Since each physiognomy of Cerrado presents different plant richness and diversity, and soil conditions, these characteristics contribute to influencing multiple ecosystem functions.

Soil microbial C:N:P ratio across physiognomies of Brazilian Cerrado Soil microbial biomass across a gradient of preserved native Cerrado.

Different physiognomies across the Cerrado could influence the microbial C:N:P ratio in the soil since these physiognomies present different abundance and diversity of plant species. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial C:N:P ratio in soil across three different physiognomies of Cerrado in the Northeast, Brazil, namely campo graminóide (dominance of grasses), cerrado stricto sensu (dominance of grasses, shrubs, low trees, and woody stratum), and cerradão (dominance of woody stratum). Campo graminóide was characterized by lower values of total organic C, N, microbial C:P, N:P, and soil C:N. Cerrado stricto sensu presented average values for most of the measured parameters, while cerradão presented higher values of microbial C, N, P, organic C, N and soil C:P and C:N ratios. The principal component analysis showed that the samples grouped according to the sites, with a clear gradient from campo graminóide to cerradão. Therefore, the differences of vegetation across physiognomies of Cerrado influenced the soil microbial C:N:P ratio, where cerradão showed highest microbial C:N:P ratio than soil under campo graminóide.

Multilayer microparticles for programmed sequential release of phenolic compounds from Eugenia stipitata: Stability and bioavailability.

A co-delivery system based on multilayer microparticles was developed and characterized for the sequential release of phenolic compounds (PCs) using different encapsulation processes (spray drying: SD and drying-chilling spray: SDC) and wall materials to improve the stability and bioavailability of PCs. Samples were characterized in terms of process yield (PY%), phenolic retention efficiency (PRE%), chemical structure and crystallinity (NMR, FTIR, DXR), thermal stability (DSC and FT-IR), anti-radical capacity (ORAC and ABTS) and in vitro digestion. PRE% of samples by SD were higher (p < 0.05) than SDC due to the formation of PCs from CRF (cará-roxo flour). NMR, FTIR, DXR confirmed the presence of key components and interactions for the formation of the advanced co-delivery system. The SDC particles showed crystalline regions by XRD and were stable at ∼47 °C. All samples showed good release of PC in the intestinal phase, and antiradical capacity that reached 23.66 µmol TE g-1.

Long-term evaluation of lipid profile and oral glucose tolerance test in Norplant users.

PURPOSE: This study reports the results of the lipid profile and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 46 normal patients tested before and after 5 years of Norplant use. RESULTS: After 5 years, there was a substantial decrease of 28.9% in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and a similar but less pronounced fall of 7.1% in the total cholesterol levels. The Castelli 1 index did not vary, and the triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels remained normal and unchanged throughout the study period. All the mean values of OGTT were significantly lower after 5 years, except for the 90-min glycemia. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that long-term Norplant use does not increase cardiovascular risks.

Metabolic effects of contraceptive implants in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study analyzed the metabolic effects of an etonogestrel implant used for 1 year by adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: The study population comprised 47 postpartum adolescents (mean 17.2 years old) managed at the Family Planning Sector of São Paulo Federal University. Participants received an implant containing etonogestrel (68 mg) within 6 months of delivery (on average 102 days after giving birth) and were followed for 1 year. Blood was collected at baseline and 12 months later to assess total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), hemogram, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, fasting glucose, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and bilirubin. RESULTS: Three adolescents did not return after receiving the implant despite telephone messages and a telegram and were excluded from the clinical and final laboratory analyses. All 44 patients completed the 12 months of follow-up, resulting in a study discontinuation rate of 0%. No implants were removed. Laboratory analyses were completed in 37 adolescents. After 1 year of using the implant, there was a significant increase in mean hemoglobin, hematocrit and indirect bilirubin concentrations and of the HDL-C/TC and HDL-C/LDL-C ratios. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in mean TC level as well as LDL-C, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, TG, SGOT and SGPT. These results suggest that the etonogestrel implant does not interfere directly with the risk of cardiovascular diseases because it improves the lipid profile. There were no pregnancies during the study. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that an etonogestrel implant used by adolescents for 1 year is associated with changes in the lipid profile and hepatic function without adverse clinical effects.

Extended regimens of the combined contraceptive vaginal ring containing etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol: effects on lipid metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Oral contraceptives used for extended periods of time have been studied because of their potential benefits; however, there have been few publications on extended regimens of vaginal contraceptive rings. The aim of this study was to evaluate modifications in the lipid profile of women using the vaginal ring continuously over a 1-year period. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort enrolled 75 women (18-37 years) who used a contraceptive vaginal ring releasing 120 mcg of etonogestrel and 15 mcg of ethinyl estradiol daily continuously for 84 days, followed by a 7-day ring-free interval, during 1 year. At baseline and every 3 months during the 1-year study period, blood was collected to assess cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B. The ANOVA test was used to analyze differences in the results of these exams over time. RESULTS: After 1 year of continuous contraceptive use, there was a significant increase in triglycerides as well as in total and HDL-C levels. There was a nonsignificant decrease in the mean concentration of LDL-C during the study period. Apolipoprotein A-I increased and apolipoprotein B decreased, but the apolipoprotein A-I/apolipoprotein B ratio did not change significantly. CONCLUSION: The combined contraceptive vaginal ring used on an extended regimen causes changes in the lipid profile metabolism of users. Despite the vaginal route of administration, the steroids released by the ring caused significant changes in lipids and lipoproteins, which were typical of those seen with ethinyl estradiol given either orally or parenterally.