Systemic effects of oral tolerance in bone healing.

Bone fractures cause acute inflammation that, despite being important for initial repair, may delay the healing of the damaged bone. Parenteral injection of dietary protein has been shown to decrease inflammation and accelerate the repair of skin wounds and other inflammatory pathologies. Thus, our aim was to evaluate whether the intraperitoneal (i.p.) immunization with zein, an abundant protein in rodent chow, would favor bone healing. Wistar rats received i.p. immunization: saline (SG), adjuvant (AG) and zein associated with adjuvant (ZG). Then, a 2 mm of defect bone was performed on the right tibia, and on days 7, 14, 28 and 45 thereafter, analyses were performed. The results showed that the injection of zein reduced inflammation without impairing bone mineralization. Moreover, biomechanical tests demonstrated higher levels of maximum force (N) in ZG, indicating better mechanical resistance in relation to the others. The computerized tomography also indicated lower levels of medullary content in the ZG than in the SG, suggesting the absence of trabeculae in the medullary region in the ZG. These findings suggest that the injection of zein in previously tolerated animals may improve bone repair, leading to mechanically functional bone formation.

Effect of Vapor-Phase Oregano Essential Oil on Resistant Candida Species Biofilms: Mechanisms of Action.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is one of the most prevalent vaginal infectious diseases. The increasing incidence of drug-resistant Candida strains and the limited therapeutic options make the discovery of effective alternative therapies fundamental. Essential oils (EOs) have been suggested as a promising alternative, and interestingly, vapor-phase essential oils (VP-EOs) present more advantages than their direct application. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effect of oregano VP-EO (VP-OEO) on biofilms of antifungal-resistant vaginal isolates of Candida species (Candida albicans and Candida glabrata) and determine its mode of action. CFU, membrane integrity, and metabolic activity were evaluated. Furthermore, a reconstituted vaginal epithelium was used to mimic vaginal conditions and evaluate the effect of VP-OEO on Candida species infection, analyzed by DNA quantification, microscopy, and lactate dehydrogenase activity. The results revealed high VP-OEO antifungal activity. There was a significant reduction (>4 log CFU) in Candida species biofilms. Furthermore, the results show that the mechanisms of action of VP-OEO are related to membrane integrity and metabolic activity. The epithelium model confirms the effectiveness of VP-OEO. This study suggests that VP-EO can be considered a first approach for the development of an alternative form of VVC treatment. IMPORTANCE This work presents a new approach to the application of essential oils, exposure to the vapor phase, which can be considered a first approach for the development of a complementary or alternative form of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) treatment. VVC is a significant infection caused by Candida species and remains a common disease that affects millions of women every year. The great difficulty in treating VVC and the extremely limited effective therapeutic options make the development of alternative treatments crucial. In this scope, this study aims to contribute to the development of effective, inexpensive, and nontoxic strategies for the prevention and treatment of this infectious disease, based on natural products. Moreover, this new approach has several advantages for women, such as lower costs, easy access, an easier mode of application, avoidance of skin contact, and, therefore, fewer negative impacts on women's health.

Factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding at discharge during the COVID-19 pandemic in 17 WHO European Region countries.

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding is the optimal infant nutrition, providing infants immunoprotection against many diseases including SARS-CoV-2 infection. Restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively affected breastfeeding practices in maternity care facilities. The aims of the study were to examine exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge over time and to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mothers who gave birth in a maternity care facility in the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The socio-ecological model was employed to examine intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, and community/society factors associated with maternal report of exclusive breastfeeding at the time of discharge. RESULTS: There were 26,709 participating mothers from 17 European Region countries who were included in the analysis. Among the mothers, 72.4% (n = 19,350) exclusively breastfed and 27.6% (n = 7,359) did not exclusively breastfeed at discharge. There was an overall decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates over time (p = 0.015) with a significantly lower rate following the publication of the WHO breastfeeding guidelines on 23 June 2020 (AOR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82, 0.94). Factors significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding outcomes in the logistic regression analysis included maternal age, parity, education, health insurance, mode of birth, inadequate breastfeeding support, lack of early breastfeeding initiation, lack of full rooming-in, birth attendant, perceived healthcare professionalism and attention, facility room cleanliness, timing of birth, and location of birth. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the study indicate the decline in exclusive breastfeeding rates in the WHO European Region during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the socio-ecological model to identify factors associated with breastfeeding outcomes facilitates an integrated and holistic approach to address breastfeeding needs among women across the region. These findings demonstrate the need to augment breastfeeding support and to protect exclusive breastfeeding among mother-infant dyads, in an effort to reverse the declining exclusive breastfeeding rates. The study highlights the need to educate mothers and their families about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, reduce maternal-infant separation, increase professional breastfeeding support, and follow evidence-based practice guidelines to promote breastfeeding in a comprehensive and multi-level manner. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials NCT04847336.

Vapor-Phase of Essential Oils as a Promising Solution to Prevent Candida Vaginal Biofilms Caused by Antifungal Resistant Strains.

BACKGROUND: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a disease with high incidence, a huge impact on the quality of life and health of women, and which represents a great challenge to treat. The growing need to apply antifungal intensive therapies have contributed to an emergence of drug-resistant Candida strains. Thus, effective therapeutic options, to meet the antifungal-resistance challenge and to control high resilient biofilms, are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of essentials oils (EOs) on drug-resistant Candida vaginal isolates. METHOD: Therefore, the antimicrobial effect of tea tree, niaouli, white thyme, and cajeput EOs on the planktonic growth of Candida isolates was initially evaluated by an agar disc diffusion method. Then, the vapor-phase effect of tea tree EO (VP-TTEO) on biofilm formation and on pre-formed biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet staining, XTT reduction assay, colony forming units' enumeration, and scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: The results revealed high antifungal activity of EOs against drug-resistant Candida isolates. Additionally, the VP-TTEO showed a significant inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation of all tested isolates and was able to provoke an expressive reduction in mature Candida albicans biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study suggests that the VP-EO may be a promising solution that is able to prevent biofilm-related VVC caused by antifungal-resistant strains.

Effect of Raw and Roasted Phoenix dactylifera L. Seed Polyphenols Extracts on Suppression of Angiogenesis in Endothelial Cells.

Date seed is a by-product of Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit which is well recognized for its polyphenols content and numerous health-beneficial effects. Due to the increasing interest in natural phytochemicals with antioxidant activities, the present study aimed to extract polyphenols from both raw and roasted date seeds and investigate the anti-angiogenic effect of these two extracts (raw and roasted date seed polyphenols extracts (DSPE) at 25 and 50 µg/mL) using human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC). Our results showed that both raw and roasted DSPE suppressed some angiogenesis features in a dose-dependent manner including cell proliferation, migration, and capillary-like structure formation, of which raw DSPE was more potent inhibitor than roasted DSPE. Reduction in reactive oxygen species, as well as enhancement of superoxide dismutase activity occurred using both raw and roasted date seed polyphenols extracts. However, no changes were observed in advanced oxidation protein products versus control. Taken together, our data indicated that raw and roasted DSPE possess antioxidant activity, which suggested their potential use as a source of polyphenols with anti-angiogenic properties. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for their anti-angiogenic activities.

Essential Oils as a Good Weapon against Drug-Resistant Candida auris.

Candida auris is a recently found Candida species, mainly associated with nosocomial outbreaks in intensive care hospital settings, and unlike other Candida species, it can be transmitted through person-to-person or by contact with surfaces. C. auris is described as resistant to first-line antifungals and, consequently, associated with high mortality. Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) are known to be effective against fungal and bacterial infections. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of four EOs (tea tree, niaouli, white thyme and cajeput) against C. auris. The EO's effect on C. auris planktonic growth was evaluated by the minimum inhibitory concentration determination and by the agar disc diffusion method. Then, the same effect was evaluated on biofilm by colony-forming units' enumeration. The results showed that EOs were able to inhibit the C. auris planktonic growth, with an MIC50 between 0.78 and 1.56% and halos of 20-21 mm for white thyme and tea tree and 13-14 mm for cajeput and niaouli. In addition, the EOs were also able to completely inhibit biofilm formation. Moreover, white thyme and cajeput completely eradicate pre-formed biofilms, while tea tree and niaouli significantly reduce it. Thus, this work demonstrates that EOs are a possible therapeutic alternative and a future perspective for the hard fight against C. auris.

Unveiling the Metabolic Effects of Glycomacropeptide.

For many years, the main nitrogen source for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU) was phenylalanine-free amino acid supplements. Recently, casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) supplements have been prescribed due to its functional and sensorial properties. Nevertheless, many doubts still persist about the metabolic effects of GMP compared to free amino acids (fAA) and intact proteins such as casein (CAS). We endeavour to compare, in rats, the metabolic effects of different nitrogen sources. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were fed equal energy density diets plus CAS (control, n = 8), fAA (n = 8) or GMP (n = 8) for 8 weeks. Food, liquid intake and body weight were measured weekly. Blood biochemical parameters and markers of glycidic metabolism were assessed. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) was analysed by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Food intake was higher in rats fed CAS compared to fAA or GMP throughout the treatment period. Fluid intake was similar between rats fed fAA and GMP. Body weight was systematically lower in rats fed fAA and GMP compared to those fed CAS, and still, from week 4 onwards, there were differences between fAA and GMP. None of the treatments appeared to induce consistent changes in glycaemia, while insulin levels were significantly higher in GMP. Likewise, the production of GLP-1 was higher in rats fed GMP when compared to fAA. Decreased urea, total protein and triglycerides were seen both in fAA and GMP related to CAS. GMP also reduced albumin and triglycerides in comparison to CAS and fAA, respectively. The chronic consumption of the diets triggers different metabolic responses which may provide clues to further study potential underlying mechanisms.

A novel supplement with yeast ß-glucan, prebiotic, minerals and Silybum marianum synergistically modulates metabolic and inflammatory pathways and improves steatosis in obese mice.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the synergic effects of a novel oral supplement formulation, containing prebiotics, yeast ß-glucans, minerals and silymarin (Silybum marianum), on lipid and glycidic metabolism, inflammatory and mitochondrial proteins of the liver, in control and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. METHODS: After an acclimation period, 32 male C57BL/6 mice were divided into the following groups: nonfat diet (NFD) vehicle, NFD supplemented, high-fat diet (HFD) vehicle and HFD supplemented. The vehicle and experimental formulation were administered orally by gavage once a day during the last four weeks of the diet (28 consecutive days). We then evaluated energy homeostasis, inflammation, and mitochondrial protein expression in these groups of mice. RESULTS: After four weeks of supplementation, study groups experienced reduced glycemia, dyslipidemia, fat, and hepatic fibrosis levels. Additionally, proliferator-activated receptor-α, AMP-activated protein kinase-1α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator-1α, and mitochondrial transcription factor A expression levels were augmented; however, levels of inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinase subunit α and p65 nuclear factor-κB expression, and oxidative markers were reduced. Notably, the cortisol/C-reactive protein ratio, a well-characterized marker of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis immune interface status, was found to be modulated by the supplement. CONCLUSION: We discovered that the novel supplement was able to modify different antioxidant, metabolic and inflammatory pathways, improving the energy homeostasis and inflammatory status, and consequently alleviated hepatic steatosis.

Antiangiogenic and Antioxidant In Vitro Properties of Hydroethanolic Extract from açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Dietary Powder Supplement.

The Euterpe oleracea fruit (açaí) is a promising source of polyphenols with health-promoting properties. To our knowledge, few studies have focused on the influence of açaí phytochemicals on angiogenesis, with a significant impact on cancer. This study aimed at investigating the phytochemical profile of a purple açaí hydroethanolic extract (AHE) obtained from a commercial dietary powder supplement by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and evaluate its in vitro effects on distinct angiogenic steps during vessel growth and on oxidative markers in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The phenolic profile of AHE revealed the presence of significant levels of anthocyanins, mainly cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and other flavonoids with promising health effects. The in vitro studies demonstrated that AHE exerts antiangiogenic activity with no cytotoxic effect. The AHE was able to decrease HMEC-1 migration and invasion potential, as well as to inhibit the formation of capillary-like structures. Additionally, AHE increased antioxidant defenses by upregulating superoxide dismutase and catalase enzymatic activities, accompanied by a reduction in the production of reactive oxygen species. These data bring new insights into the potential application of angiogenic inhibitors present in AHE on the development of novel therapeutic approaches for angiogenesis-dependent diseases.

Avaliação da nutrição enteral em unidade de terapia intensiva / Evaluación de la nutrición enteral en una unidad de cuidados intensivos / Evaluation of enteral nutrition in an intensive care unit

Objetivo avaliar a infusão da nutrição enteral em pacientes adultos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Método estudo descritivo, quantitativo e longitudinal, desenvolvido ao longo de quatro meses em hospital público de alta complexidade, com pacientes em uso da terapia nutricional enteral. Foram realizadas análises estatísticas descritivas com média, desvio-padrão e percentual. Resultados a administração da nutrição enteral ocorreu de forma precoce após a admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva na maioria dos casos (64%). Em 71% dos pacientes, o volume de infusão da nutrição enteral foi entre 80 e 100% do prescrito. Os fatores que mais limitaram a infusão foram complicações no uso da sonda de alimentação (14%), instabilidade hemodinâmica e clínica (12%), e estase gástrica (12%). Conclusão a infusão da nutrição enteral mostrou-se satisfatória, e dentre os fatores que limitaram a infusão muitos são passíveis de prevenção com o aprimoramento dos cuidados de enfermagem, requerendo a capacitação da equipe.

Objetivo evaluar la infusión da nutrición enteral en pacientes adultos internados en una unidad de cuidados intensiva. Método estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo y longitudinal, desarrollado en el transcurso de cuatro meses en un hospital público de alta complejidad, con pacientes sometidos a terapia nutricional enteral. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos descriptivos con media, desvío estándar y porcentaje. Resultados la administración de la nutrición enteral tuvo lugar en forma temprana después del ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos en la mayoría de los casos (64%). En el 71% de los pacientes, el volumen de infusión de la nutrición enteral fue entre el 80% y el 100% de lo prescripto. Los factores que más limitaron la infusión fueron complicaciones en el uso de la sonda de alimentación (14%), inestabilidad hemodinámica y clínica (12%), y estasis gástrica (12%). Conclusión la infusión de la nutrición enteral evidenció ser satisfactoria y, entre los factores que limitaron la infusión, muchos son pasibles de prevenirse con una mejora de la atención de Enfermería, lo que requiere capacitación del equipo.

Objective to evaluate the infusion of enteral nutrition in adult patients admitted to an intensive care unit. Method a descriptive, quantitative and longitudinal study, carried out over four months in a high-complexity public hospital, with patients using enteral nutritional therapy. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed with mean, standard deviation and percentage. Results enteral nutrition was administered early after admission to the intensive care unit in most of the cases (64%). In 71% of the patients, the infusion volume of enteral nutrition was between 80% and 100% of that prescribed. The factors that most limited the infusion were complications in the use of the feeding tube (14%), hemodynamic and clinical instability (12%), and gastric stasis (12%). Conclusion the infusion of enteral nutrition proved to be satisfactory and, among the factors that limited the infusion, many are preventable with the improvement of Nursing care, requiring the training of the team.

Age management practices toward workers aged 45 years or older: an integrative literature review.

Age management practices refer to the development and implementation of workplace strategies to support and improve the health and productivity of workers aged 45 years or older. The objective of this study was to analyze the scientific evidence available to support age management practices toward older workers. An integrative review was conducted, with the following databases searched in February 2019: LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. Inclusion criteria consisted of original primary studies with full-text availability, published in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Secondary studies were excluded. No restrictions were imposed on publication dates given the paucity of literature on this topic. The final sample consisted of 11 primary studies published between 2006 and 2017, which addressed the following age management practices: workplace health promotion; employment exit and transition to retirement; knowledge transfer, training and lifelong learning; career development; flexible working time practices; and occupational safety and health management. Age management practices are promising tools to promote a work environment that is adequate to the needs of older workers.

Tributyrin in Inflammation: Does White Adipose Tissue Affect Colorectal Cancer?

Colorectal cancer affects the large intestine, leading to loss of white adipose tissue (WAT) and alterations in adipokine secretion. Lower incidence of colorectal cancer is associated with increased fibre intake. Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are fibres that increase production of butyrate by the intestinal microbiota. Tributyrin, a prodrug of butyric acid, exerts beneficial anti-inflammatory effects on colorectal cancer. Our aim was to characterise the effects of diets rich in FOS and tributyrin within the context of a colon carcinogenesis model, and characterise possible support of tumorigenesis by WAT. C57/BL6 male mice were divided into four groups: a control group (CT) fed with chow diet and three colon carcinogenesis-induced groups fed either with chow diet (CA), tributyrin-supplemented diet (BUT), or with FOS-supplemented diet. Colon carcinogenesis decreased adipose mass in subcutaneous, epididymal, and retroperitoneal tissues, while also reducing serum glucose and leptin concentrations. However, it did not alter the concentrations of adiponectin, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF)-α in WAT. Additionally, the supplements did not revert the colon cancer affected parameters. The BUT group exhibited even higher glucose tolerance and levels of IL-6, VEGF, and TNF-α in WAT. To conclude our study, FOS and butyrate supplements were not beneficial. In addition, butyrate worsened adipose tissue inflammation.

Potencial de cicatrização da Psidium Guajava e Myrciaria cauliflora em feridas cutâneas: avaliação histológica em estudo de modelo experimental / Potential healing of Psidium guajava and Myrciaria cauliflora in skin wounds histological evaluation in experimental model study

Introdução: O uso de plantas na medicina fitoterápica é uma alternativa à medicina tradicional, por cota de seus efeitos anti inflamatórios, antimicrobianos e antioxidantes, potencialmente eficazes no auxílio do processo cicatricial. Objetivo: O estudo avaliou, por análise histológica, o potencial dos extratos aquosos da Psidium guajava e da Myrciaria cauliflora no reparo de feridas de segunda intenção. Método: Foram utilizadas 20 ratas Wistar adultas, distribuídas aleatoriamente em quatro grupos de 5 animais, com tratamento tópico diário das lesões de 6 mm de diâmetro: Controle Positivo (CP) - solução aquosa de Bepantol® 5%; Controle Negativo (CN) - água bidestilada estéril; e Grupos Experimentais (GO) - extrato aquoso da casca do caule da goiabeira 10% e (JU) - extrato aquoso da folha da jabuticabeira 1 g/mL. Cinco e dez dias após a lesão, os fragmentos de tecido contendo a ferida foram coletados e fixados em formalina tamponada. Foram realizados cortes histológicos de 5 mm e as lâminas foram coradas com Hematoxilina-Eosina para serem analisadas por microscopia de luz. Por uma análise qualitativa, percebe-se que há diferenças na cinética de fechamento das feridas, pois o uso dos extratos e do Bepantol®, possibilitaram reepitelização mais rápida e menor quantidade de células inflamatórias agudas. Aos 10 dias, nos animais JU sugere-se processo de reparo avançado, com boa vascularização e pouca inflamação, e no grupo GO sugere-se formação de cicatriz menor em comprimento que a dos demais grupos, com deposição de fibras de colágeno mais próximas topograficamnete da pele intacta. Conclusão: Considerando-se os resultados obtidos no presente estudo, com 5 e 10 dias não há evidências de que qualquer tratamento foi de fato impactante e mudou de forma expressiva a cicatrização das feridas.

Introduction: The use of plants in herbal medicine is an alternative to traditional medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, potentially effective in the healing process. Objective: The study evaluated, by histological analysis, the potential of aqueous extracts of Psidium guajava and Myrciaria cauliflora in the repair of second intention wounds. Method: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of five animals each. The animals received daily topical treatment in 6 mm diameter lesions. The groups were: Positive Control (CP) - aqueous solution of Bepantol® 5%; Negative Control (CN) - sterile bidistilled water; Experimental Groups (GO) - aqueous extract of guava stem bark at 10% and (JU) - aqueous extract of jabuticaba leaf at 1 g/mL. Five and ten days after injury, tissue fragments containing the wound were collected and fixed in formalin. Sections of 5 µm thickness were performed and stained with HematoxylinEosin for analysis by microscopy. From a qualitative analysis there are no differences in the kinetics of wound closure, since the use aqueous extract and Bepantol®, allowed faster reepithelization and fewer acute inflammatory cells. At 10 days, in JU group, an advanced repair process was observed, with good vascularization and low inflammation, and in the GO group, scar formation is suggested to be smaller than that of the other groups, with deposition of collagen fibers closer to the intact skin. Conclusion: Considering the results obtained in the present study, at day 5 and day10, there is no evidence that any treatment was in fact impacting and significantly altering the woud healing.

An exploration of the processing of suppressed memories during Rebirthing-Breathwork / Uma exploração do processamento de memorias suprimidas durante Rebirthing-Breathwork / Una exploración del procesamiento de memorias suprimidas durante Rebirthing-Breathwork

Rebirthing-Breathwork is a technique that uses the breathing rhythm to activate a somatic-cognitive cycle. When allowed to unfold, this cycle activates suppressed and traumatic memories, brings them to consciousness and leads to their resolution. In this analytic and interpretative study we draw on first-person experiences and clinical observations to describe the phases of a typical Rebirthing Breathwork session. Changes in consciousness and in particular the phases related to the processing of suppressed or traumatic memories during Rebirthing Breathwork are described in detail, with the objective of developing a processing model. The findings are compared with the Adaptive Information Processing model developed by Shapiro to explain the processing of dysfunctional memories during Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Shapiro's model is based on neurobiological theories and on the hypothesis that during EMDR traumatic memories form new connections and are assimilated in larger neural networks. Our findings suggest a different model, which involves the distillation and re-evaluation of subjective conceptual content. We sketch an alternative processing model ­ not based on information processing, but on consciousness and cognition ­ in which the subjective content of the memory is compared to an intuitively perceived higher self-image.(AU)

Rebirthing-Breathwork é uma técnica que utiliza o ritmo respiratório para ativar um ciclo cognitivo-somático. Quando permitido que se desenvolva, esse ciclo ativa memórias traumáticas reprimidas, trazendo-as à consciência e conduzindo-as à sua resolução. Neste estudo analítico e interpretativo utilizamos experiências pessoais e observações clínicas para descrever as fases de uma sessão típica de Rebirthing-Breathwork. Descrevemos em detalhes as mudanças de consciência e, particularmente, as fases relacionadas ao processamento de memórias reprimidas ou traumáticas durante a sessão. As evidências são comparadas ao Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP ­ modelo de processamento de informações adaptativas) desenvolvido por Shapiro para explicar a elaboração de memórias disfuncionais durante a terapia EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, ou Dessensibilização e Reprocessamento por Movimentos Oculares). O modelo de Shapiro é baseado em teorias neurobiológicas e na hipótese de que, durante o EMDR,as memórias traumáticas formamnovas conexõese são assimiladas em redes neurais maiores. As nossas observações sugerem um modelo diferente, que envolve a destilação e reavaliação do conteúdo conceitual subjetivo. Esboçamos um modelo alternativo de processamento ­ não baseado no processamento de informação, mas emconsciência e cognição ­ no qual o conteúdo subjetivo da memória é comparado a uma autoimagem superior que é percebida intuitivamente.(AU)

Rebirthing-Breathwork es una técnica que utiliza el ritmo respiratorio para activar un ciclo cognitivosomático. Cuando permitido que se desarrolle, este ciclo activa memorias suprimidas y traumáticas, lleva las mismas a la conciencia y conduce hacia su resolución. En este estudio analítico e interpretativo aportamos experiencias personales y observaciones clínicas para describir las fases de una sesión típica de Rebirthing-Breathwork. Cambios en conciencia y en especial las fases relativas al procesamiento de memorias suprimidas y traumáticas durante el Rebirthing-Breathwork son descritos en detalles. Las evidencias son comparadas al Adaptive Information Processing model (AIP ­ modelo de procesamiento de informaciones adaptativas) desarrollado por Shapiro para explanación de la elaboración de memorias non-funcionales durante la terapia EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, o Desensibilización y Reprocesamiento por Movimientos Oculares). El modelo de Shapiro es basado en teorías neurobiológicas y en la hipótesis de que, durante el EMDR, las memorias traumáticas forman nuevas conexiones y son asimiladas en redes neurales más grandes. Nuestras observaciones sugieren un modelo distinto, que abarca la destilación y revaluación del contenido conceptual subjetivo. Esbozamos un modelo alternativo de procesamiento ­ non basado en el procesamiento de información, pero en conciencia y cognición ­ en el cual el contenido subjetivo de la memoria es comparado a una autoimagen superior que es percibida intuitivamente.(AU)

Isoxanthohumol modulates angiogenesis and inflammation via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, tumor necrosis factor alpha and nuclear factor kappa B pathways.

Angiogenesis and inflammation are becoming distinguished players in the pathogenesis of many heterogeneous diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to study new compounds that are able to modulate these events. Isoxanthohumol (IXN) is a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IXN on blood vessel proliferation and maturation and describe underlying molecular mechanisms in endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Angiogenic profile of IXN was analyzed by retinal angiogenesis at different time points. IXN modulation of angiogenic and inflammatory signaling pathways was evaluated by Western blotting on EC and VSMC cultures. IXN inhibited by 20% sprouting angiogenesis and decreased vascular coverage by mural cells up to 39%. IXN of 10 µM also decreased inflammatory signals, namely tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) (26 and 40%) and factor nuclear kappa B (24 and 42%) in human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Angiogenic regulators, including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (HUVEC, 55%), angiopoietins 1 (HUVEC, 39%; HASMC, 35%), angiopoietin 2 (HUVEC, 38%), and Tie2 (HUVEC, 56%) were also inhibited by 10 µM of IXN treatments. Akt activation was reduced by 47% in HUVEC-treated cells and Erk activation was also reduced by 52 and 69% upon IXN treatment of HUVEC and HASMC. IXN seems to regulate in vivo vascular proliferation and stabilization and the EC-VSMC-inflammatory crosstalk, leaving this molecule as an interesting nutritional player for angiogenesis and inflammation-related diseases.

Xanthohumol-supplemented beer modulates angiogenesis and inflammation in a skin wound healing model. Involvement of local adipocytes.

Angiogenesis and inflammation are two intermingled processes that play a role in wound healing. Nevertheless, whenever exacerbated, these processes result in nonhealing wounds. Xanthohumol (XN), a beer-derived polyphenol, inhibits these processes in many physiopathological situations. This study aimed at examining whether XN ingestion affects wound healing. Wistar rats drinking water, 5% ethanol, stout beer (SB) or stout beer supplemented with 10 mg/L XN (Suppl SB) for 4 weeks, were subjected to a 1.5 cm full skin-thickness longitudinal incision, and further maintained under the same beverage conditions for another week. No differences in beverage consumption or body weight were found throughout the study but food intake decreased in every group relative to controls. Consumption of Suppl SB resulted in decreased serum VEGF levels (18.42%), N-acetylglucosaminidase activity (27.77%), IL1ß concentration (9.07%), and NO released (77.06%), accompanied by a reduced redox state as observed by increased GSH/GSSG ratio (to 198.80%). Also, the number of blood vessels within the wound granulation tissue seems to reduce in animals drinking Suppl SB (23.08%). Interestingly, SB and primarily Suppl SB showed a tendency to increase adipocyte number (to 194.26% and 156.68%, respectively) and reduce adipocyte size (4.60% and 24.64%, respectively) within the granuloma. Liver function and metabolism did not change among the animal groups as analyzed by plasma biochemical parameters, indicating no beverage toxicity. This study shows that XN intake in its natural beer context reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis, ameliorating the wound healing process, suggesting that this polyphenol may exert beneficial effect as a nutritional supplement.

Mother's anxiety and depression and associated risk factors during early pregnancy: effects on fetal growth and activity at 20-22 weeks of gestation.

To examine effects of mother's anxiety and depression and associated risk factors during early pregnancy on fetal growth and activity. Repeated measures of mother's anxiety (State-Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S)) and depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)) and related socio demographics and substance consumption were obtained at the 1st and 2nd pregnancy trimesters, and fetus' (N = 147) biometric data and behavior was recorded during ultrasound examination at 20-22 weeks of gestation. Higher anxiety symptoms were associated to both lower fetal growth and higher fetal activity. While lower education, primiparity, adolescent motherhood, and tobacco consumption predicted lower fetal growth, coffee intake predicted lower fetal activity. Vulnerability of fetal development to mother's psychological symptoms as well as to other sociodemographic and substance consumption risk factors during early and mid pregnancy is suggested.