Effects of Supplementation of Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and Taperebá (Spondias mombin) Pulp Extracts on Food Intake, Body Parameters, and Oxidative Stress Markers in Healthy Rats.

This study evaluates the effects of supplementation of murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin) pulp extracts on dietary intake, body composition, biochemical parameters, and markers of oxidative stress. Two experiments were conducted with a total of 80 healthy male Wistar rats and a 30-day supplementation. In the first experiment, animals were divided into control (C) group, murici group 50 mg/(kg⸱day) (50Mu), murici group 100 mg/(kg⸱day) (100Mu), and murici group 200 mg/(kg⸱day) (200Mu). In the second experiment, animals were divided into C group, taperebá group 50 mg/(kg⸱day) (50Tap), taperebá group 100 mg/(kg⸱day) (100Tap), and taperebá group 200 mg/(kg⸱day) (200Tap). Results showed lower feed intake in 50Mu, 100Mu, and 100Tap groups (13%, 12%, and 10%, respectively, P < .05) and lower body fat in 200Mu, 100Tap, and 200Tap groups (16.0%, 29.1%, and 27.1%, respectively, P < .05). Only the 100Tap group showed reduced adipose tissue content (30.4%; P < .05). Increased plasma antioxidant capacity was observed at all doses for both fruits. Taperebá supplementation reduced ferrous oxidation-xylenol orange levels (50Tap: 8.4%, 100Tap: 16.1%, 200Tap: 24.3%; P < .05) and increased thiol levels (50Tap: 39%, 100Tap: 31%; P < .05). Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels were reduced in all groups receiving taperebá (50Tap: 77.7%, 100Tap: 73.1%, 200Tap: 73.8%; P < .05) and murici (50Mu: 44.5%, 100Mu: 34%, 200Mu: 43%; P < .05). Therefore, it is suggested that the inclusion of these fruits in the diet can contribute to health maintenance and disease prevention, through their effects on controlling food intake, improving body composition, and in combating oxidative stress.

Inhibition of α-Glycosidase by Lippia dulcis Trevir. (Verbenaceae) Preparations, Quantification of Verbascoside, and Study of Its Molecular Docking.

This study aimed to quantify verbascoside (VEB), perform molecular docking studies of VEB with the α-glucosidase (GL) of Bacillus stearothermophilus, and evaluate the inhibition of the enzyme by L. dulcis preparations. The substrate concentration and presence of reduced glutathione were evaluated for their effect on the in vitro inhibition of the GL enzyme. Assays were also performed in the presence and absence of simulated gastric fluid. The antidiabetic fractions 2 and 3 were the most inhibited GL, but their activity were significantly decreased in the presence of gastric fluid. Chromatographic analyses confirmed the predominant presence of VEB in the samples. The samples had VEB concentrations between 49.9 and 243.5 mg/g. Simulation of the molecular docking of VEB were consistent with its GL-inhibitory activity. It can conclude that the crude ethanol extract and fractions show inhibitory activity against the GL enzyme.

Definition of chemical markers for Hancornia speciosa Gomes by chemometric analysis based on the chemical composition of extracts, their vasorelaxant effect and α-glucosidase inhibition.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Hancornia speciosa Gomes (Apocynaceae) is a tree found in the Brazilian savannah, traditionally used to treat several diseases, including diabetes and hypertension. The anti-hypertensive activity of H. speciosa leaves (HSL) has been demonstrated in different models and is credited to the vasodilator effect and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition. The hypoglycemic effect of HSL has been also reported. AIM OF THE STUDY: To establish correlations between the biological activities elicited by H. speciosa extracts and the contents of their major compounds, aiming to define chemical markers related to the potential antihypertensive and antidiabetic effects of the species. Additionally, it aimed to isolate and characterize the chemical structure of a marker related to the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts of a single batch of H. speciosa leaves were prepared by extraction with distinct solvents (ethanol/water in different proportions; methanol/ethyl acetate), employing percolation or static maceration as extraction techniques, at different time intervals. The contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin and FlavHS (a tri-O-glycoside of quercetin) were quantified by a developed and validated HPLC-PDA method. Bornesitol was determined by HPLC-PDA after derivatization with tosyl chloride, whereas total flavonoids were measured spectrophotometrically. Identification of other constituents in the extracts was performed by UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis. The vasorelaxant activity was assayed in rat aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine, and α-glucosidase inhibition was tested in vitro. Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to evaluate the contribution of each marker to the biological responses. Isolation of compound 1 was carried out by column chromatography and structure characterization was accomplished by NMR and UPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analyses. RESULTS: The contents of the chemical markers (mean ± s.d. % w/w) varied significantly among the extracts, including total flavonoids (2.68 ± 0.14 to 5.28 ± 0.29), bornesitol (5.11 ± 0.26 to 7.75 ± 0.78), rutin (1.46 ± 0.06 to 1.97 ± 0.02), FlavHS (0.72 ± 0.05 to 0.94 ± 0.14) and chlorogenic acid (0.67 ± 0.09 to 0.91 ± 0.02). All extracts elicited vasorelaxant effect (pIC50 between 4.97 ± 0.22 to 6.48 ± 0.10) and α-glucosidase inhibition (pIC50 between 3.49 ± 0.21 to 4.03 ± 0.10). PCA disclosed positive correlations between the vasorelaxant effect and the contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin, total flavonoids, and FlavHS, whereas a negative correlation was found with bornesitol concentration. No significant correlation between α-glucosidase inhibition and the contents of the above-mentioned compounds was found. On the other hand, PCA carried out with the areas of the ten major peaks from the chromatograms disclosed positive correlations between a peak ascribed to co-eluted triterpenes and α-glucosidase inhibition. A triterpene was isolated and identified as 3-O-ß-(3'-R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoil-lupeol. CONCLUSION: According to PCA results, the vasorelaxant activity of H. speciosa extracts is related to flavonoids and chlorogenic acid, whereas the α-glucosidase inhibition is associated with lipophilic compounds, including esters of lupeol like 3-O-ß-(3'-R-hydroxy)-hexadecanoil-lupeol, described for the first time for the species. These compounds can be selected as chemical markers for the quality control of H. speciosa plant drug and derived extracts.

Supplementation of diet with Brazil nut modulates body composition, bone parameters, and lipid peroxidation in Wistar rats.

Oxidative stress, adipose tissue, and bone compartments can be disturbed in chronic diseases. Non-pharmacological strategies, such as Brazil nuts (BNs), can improve these parameters. This study evaluated the effects of BN supplementation at different concentrations on body composition, lipid profile, and peroxidation in healthy rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (CT), Brazil nut 5% (BN5), and Brazil nut 10% (BN10) groups. Body composition, brown adipose tissue (BAT), plasma lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile were evaluated in the three groups. The BN5 group showed an improvement in all bone parameters compared with that of the CT group (p  < .0001). The BN5 and BN10 groups showed reduced plasma lipid peroxidation compared with that of the CT group (p = .0009), whereas the BN10 group presented lower BAT lipid peroxidation than that of the other groups (p = .01). High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were higher in the BN5 group than in the CT group (p = .01). Conclusively, the use of BNs in a controlled manner promoted improvement in bone parameters, HDL-c levels, and lipid peroxidation in healthy rats. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nuts has been included in the diet because of their versatility, acceptance, and easy access. Among them, Brazil nut (BN) is considered one of the major known food sources of selenium as well as a source of fibers, unsaturated fatty acids, and phenolic compounds. Studies have shown that BN supplementation is effective in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, and selenium deficiency when used as a non-pharmacological strategy in experimental models of chronic diseases and in clinical trials. The present study showed that controlled administration of BN improved bone parameters, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, and lipid peroxidation in healthy rats. Therefore, BN is a promising non-pharmacological agent for the prevention of the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases.

Impact of Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) Supplementation on Body Composition, Blood Pressure, and the Vascular Reactivity of Wistar Rats When Submitted to a Hypersodium Diet.

Introdution: Endothelium integrity is a key that maintains vascular homeostasis but it can suffer irreversible damage by blood pressure changes, reflecting an imbalance in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) (BN) supplementation (10% in chow, wt/wt) on the vascular reactivity of Wistar rats during chronic exposure to a sodium overload (1% in water).Methods: First, male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: Control Group (CG) and the Hypersodic Group (HG) for 4 weeks. Afterward, the CG was divided into the Brazil Nut Group (BNG) and the HG Group into the Hypersodic Brazil Nut Group (HBNG) for a further 8 weeks, totaling 4 groups. Blood pressure was measured during the protocol. At the end of the protocol, the vascular reactivity procedure was performed. Glucose, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and platelet aggregation were analyzed in the serum. Body composition was determined by the carcass technique.Results: The groups that were supplemented with the BN chow presented less body mass gain and body fat mass, together with lower serum glucose levels. The HG Group presented an increase in blood pressure and a higher platelet aggregation, while the BN supplementation was able to blunt this effect. The HG Group also showed an increase in contractile response that was phenylephrine-induced and a decrease in maximum relaxation that was acetylcholine-induced when compared to the other groups.Conclusion: The BN supplementation was able to prevent an impaired vascular function in the early stages of arterial hypertension, while also improving body composition, serum glucose, and platelet aggregation.

Dietary Intake of Flaxseed Oil since Early Stages of Life Promotes Femur Quality in Male Rats.

BACKGROUND: Flaxseed oil (FO) is an alpha linolenic acid source important for growth and body development. However, there is little literature on the role of FO in critical stages of bone development and formation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the influence of a diet containing FO on rat femurs. METHODS: After birth, mothers and pups were divided into control and flaxseed groups (n = 6 pups each) fed diets containing 7% soybean oil (C) or 7% FO. At 21 days, pups were weaned and separated from the mothers, and control or experimental diets were continued. At 67 days, the following were analyzed: osteocalcin and osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels, bone mineral density (BMD) and content, and bone area; the dimension, BMD, head radiodensity, and biomechanical proprieties of the right femur; and histomorphometric parameters of the left femur. RESULTS: Compared to the C group, the FO group presented (p < 0.05) a lower body mass (-3.7%) and medullary area (-10.1%) and higher osteocalcin (+36.7%), OPG (+52.5%), femur width (+3.8%), absolute mass (+2.3%), femur BMD (+3.6%), head radiodensity (+6.1%), maximum force (+7.4%), breaking strength (+17.3), and cortical thickness (+7.0). CONCLUSION: The FO diet contributed to femur quality in healthy male Wistar rats.

Use and response to phosphorus by potato clones in two cropping systems / Utilização e resposta ao fósforo por clones de batata em dois sistemas de cultivo

The selection of potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) that are efficient in the use of phosphorus (P) plays an important role in increasing crop productivity, reducing the cost of production due to the high price of phosphate fertilizers, as well as reducing the pollution of the environment due to the better use of the applied fertilizers. The objective of this work was to compare the method of selection of potato clones for the efficiency of use and response to P between in vitro and off - soil systems with the use of sand as substrate. To that end, potato clones SMIC 148-A, Dakota Rose, SMINIA 793101-3, SMIB 106-7, SMIF 212-3, SMIJ 319-1 and P 150 were cultivated at low and high levels of P in the culture systems in vitro (1,935 and 19,346 mg P L-1) and off-soil (2.32 and 23.2 mg P L-1). The selection of potato clones using only as a criterion the accumulation of P under low nutrient level is not adequate, both in off-soil and in vitro cultivation. Clones selected as being more efficient in the use of P in in vitro cultivation do not prove to be necessarily more efficient in off-soil cultivation. No clone remains in the same classification group regarding the efficiency of use and response to P, based on the production of dry mass, in the two cropping systems.

A seleção de plantas de batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) que são eficientes no uso de fósforo (P) desempenha um papel importante no aumento da produtividade das culturas. reduzindo o custo de produção devido ao alto preço dos fertilizantes fosfatados. além de reduzir a poluição do meio ambiente devido ao melhor uso dos fertilizantes aplicados. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o método de seleção de clones de batata quanto à eficiência de uso e resposta ao P entre sistemas in vitro e fora do solo com o uso de areia como substrato. Para o efeito. os clones de batata SMIC 148-A. Dakota Rose. SMINIA 793101-3. SMIB 106-7. SMIF 212-3. SMIJ 319-1 e P 150 foram cultivados a baixos e altos níveis de P nos sistemas de cultivo in vitro (1.935 e 19.346 mg P L-1) e fora do solo (2.32 e 23.2 mg P L-1). A seleção de clones de batata utilizando apenas como critério o acúmulo de P em baixo nível de nutrientes não é adequada. tanto no cultivo fora do solo quanto no in vitro. Clones selecionados como mais eficientes no uso de P em cultivo in vitro não se mostraram necessariamente mais eficientes no cultivo fora do solo. Nenhum clone permanece no mesmo grupo de classificação quanto à eficiência de uso e resposta ao P. baseado na produção de massa seca nos dois sistemas de cultivo.

Berberine induces apoptosis in glioblastoma multiforme U87MG cells via oxidative stress and independent of AMPK activity.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GM) is the most prevalent tumor among gliomas and presents the highest mortality rate among brain tumors. Berberine (BBR) is an alkaloid isoquinoline found in medicinal plants such as Coptis chinensis. Studies have been showed that BBR presents protective activity in mesenchymal cells and neurons, and antitumor properties in breast cancer and hepatocarcinoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumor effects of BBR in GM U87MG cells, as well as to identify, whether such effects are mediated by oxidative stress and canonical apoptotic pathways. After treatment with several concentrations of BBR (10, 25, 100 and 250 µM) for 24, 48 and 72 h of exposure, BBR reduce cell viability of U87MG cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Afterwards, it was observed that BBR, starting at a concentration of 25 µM of 24 h exposure, significantly suppressed proliferation and increased early apoptosis (53.5% ± 11.15 of annexin V+ propidium iodide- cells) compared to untreated cells (7.5% ± 4.6). BBR-induced apoptosis was independent from AMPK activity and did not change total caspase-3 and p-p53 levels. Moreover, BBR (25 µM/24 h) increased oxidative stress in U87MG cells, evidenced by high levels of reactive oxygen species, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and protein carbonylation. Considering the antitumor effects of BBR in U87MG cells, this compound may be a potential candidate for adjuvant GM treatment.

Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus-induced pro-inflammatory responses mediated via STAT3 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways in human bronchial epithelial cells - Inhibitory effects of Lafoensia pacari and ellagic acid.

The house dust mite allergen Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der p) is a major driver of allergic asthma. Studies from our group demonstrated anti-eosinophilic effects of ethanolic extract of Lafoensia pacari stem bark (and ellagic acid, isolated from L. pacari extract), used as traditional medicine in Brazil to naturally treat inflammatory conditions. Here, we extended these results through performing phytochemical analysis of the constituents of L. pacari using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and evaluating the anti-inflammatory effects of both L. pacari and ellagic acid in the human BEAS-2B bronchial epithelial cell line stimulated with Der p. Ellagic acid (major constituent), gallic acid, ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid, but not flavonoids (rutin, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin), were found in the L. pacari. Pro-inflammatory mediators, IL-6, IL-8 and CCL-2 production were increased in BEAS-2B stimulated with Der p (10 µg/mL, 24 h) compared to control. L. pacari (250 µg/mL) and ellagic acid (100 µM) significantly reduced the concentration of these mediators. L. pacari increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. These results were associated with the downregulation of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways. These findings indicate a novel anti-inflammatory action for L. pacari and ellagic acid in the airways allergic inflammatory response.

Analysis of the effects of low-level laser therapy on muscle fatigue of the biceps brachii muscle of healthy individuals and spastic individuals: Study protocol for a single-center, randomized, double-blind, and controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Muscular fatigue is caused by biochemical alterations that modify the mechanics of muscle contraction, resulting in negative changes in the performance of the contraction. Several resources are studied to mitigate this situation among which we can cite low-level laser therapy (LLLT). The effects of LLLT are being studied in healthy subjects with fibromyalgia and who are athletes, and currently the studies are being performed in spastic muscles with poststroke individuals. The aim will be to evaluate the effects of LLLT on the fatigue of the biceps brachii muscle of healthy individuals and individuals with spastic hemiparesis. METHODS: A cross-sectional, comparative, randomized, placebo, double-blind clinical trial will be divided into 2 phases: phase I shall consist of 30 healthy subjects and phase II of 30 poststroke individuals. The study will consist of 3 groups (control group, placebo group, and LLLT group), and all individuals will pass through all groups, following the randomization criteria. The protocol consists of the application of LLLT in the biceps brachii muscle on the dominant side in healthy individuals and in the hemiparetic side of poststroke individuals, and, subsequently, 3 maximal isometric voluntary contractions (MIVCs) will be performed for 50 seconds in the dynamometer, with an interval of 50 seconds between them. Pain intensity will be evaluated by means of the visual analog scale, and the myoelectric activity by means of surface electromyography associated with the evaluation of muscular strength by means of the dynamometer. The local temperature will be evaluated by infrared thermography and blood lactate concentration through the lactimeter, which will be measured at 4 different times, before the application of the laser (basal), and 3, 15, and 25 minutes after the MIVC.

Selenium and silicon reduce cadmium uptake and mitigate cadmium toxicity in Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng.) Pedersen plants by activation antioxidant enzyme system.

Cadmium (Cd) is toxic to plants and animals, making it necessary to develop strategies that seek to reduce its introduction into food chains. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate whether silicon (Si) and selenium (Se) reduce Cd concentrations in Pfaffia glomerata medicinal plant and attenuate the oxidative stress promoted by this metal. These plants were cultivated in hydroponics under the following treatments: control (nutrient solution), 2.5 µM Se, 2.5 mM Si, 50 µM Cd, 50 µM Cd + 2.5 µM Se, 50 µM Cd + 2.5 mM Si. After 14 days of exposure to treatments, leaves and roots were collected for the determination of dry weight of shoot and roots, Cd concentrations, chlorophyll and carotenoids content, and biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation and guaiacol peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities). The data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared with Scott-Knott test at 5% error probability. Roots of P. glomerata plants showed a significant reduction on dry weight accumulation when exposed to Cd. However, both Se and Si promoted a significant reduction of deleterious effects of Cd. The Cd concentrations in the tissues were reduced in the presence of Se or Si. Plants treated with Cd together with Se or Si presented higher pigment content than those with only Cd, thus showing a reduction in the negative effects caused by this element. In the treatments in which Se and Si were added in the growth medium together with Cd, an activation of superoxide dismutase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes was observed in the roots and shoot, which may have contributed to lower lipid peroxidation. Thus, Se and Si reduce Cd concentrations and have potential to ameliorate Cd toxicity in P. glomerata plants, which can be used to increase productivity and quality of medicinal plants.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and the Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) Bean Residual Press Cake on the Skin Wound Healing.

The world coffee consumption has been growing for its appreciated taste and its beneficial effects on health. The residual biomass of coffee, originated in the food industry after oil extraction from coffee beans, called coffee beans residual press cake, has attracted interest as a source of compounds with antioxidant activity. This study investigated the chemical composition of aqueous extracts of coffee beans residual press cake (AE), their antioxidant activity, and the effect of topical application on the skin wound healing, in animal model, of hydrogels containing the AE, chlorogenic acid (CGA), allantoin (positive control), and carbopol (negative control). The treatments' performance was compared by measuring the reduction of the wound area, with superior result (p < 0.05) for the green coffee AE (78.20%) with respect to roasted coffee AE (53.71%), allantoin (70.83%), and carbopol (23.56%). CGA hydrogels reduced significantly the wound area size on the inflammatory phase, which may be associated with the well known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of that compound. The topic use of the coffee AE studied improved the skin wound healing and points to an interesting biotechnological application of the coffee bean residual press cake.

Práticas integrativas e complementares em centros de atenção psicossocial como ampliação do cuidado em saúde / Integrative and Complementary Practices at Psychosocial Service Centers as Expanded Healthcare

Este artigo resulta de pesquisa implementada na Residência Integrada em Saúde do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição. A pesquisa teve como base um projeto investigativo realizado em serviços de saúde mental e de saúde da família. O objetivo central do estudo foi conhecer as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares realizadas nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial vinculados ao Serviço de Saúde Comunitária do Grupo Hospitalar Conceição. Como objetivos específicos, intencionou identificar espaços potenciais para a realização de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares nos serviços; conhecer as percepções dos profissionais sobre as Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, e refletir sobre os fatores que influenciam esses profissionais a utilizarem ou não as práticas integrativas e complementares nos atendimentos. A metodologia do estudo contou com coleta de informações por meio de entrevistas individuais e aplicação de questionário. Como principais resultados destacam-se o reconhecimento das diferentes modalidades de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares utilizadas, e a ampliação do cuidado em saúde mental proporcionada pelas Práticas Integrativas e Complementares, na medida em que agregam outras maneiras de conceber o corpo nas suas dimensões emocionais, físicas e espirituais. (AU)

This article is the product of research conducted during an Integrated Healthcare Residency at Grupo Hospitalar Conceição. The research was based on an investigative project carried out in mental and family healthcare services. The core goal of the study was to learn about the Integrative and Complementary Practicesin place at Psychosocial Service Centers connected to Grupo Hospitalar Conceição's Community Healthcare Services. This study's specific goals included identifying potential opportunities for carrying out the Integrative and Complementary Practices in the services; learning about the professionals' opinions on the Integrative and Complementary Practices, and looking into the factors that lead these professionals to either use the integrative and complementary practices when seeing patients or not. The study methodology comprised collecting information via individual interviews and the application of a questionnaire. The main results included detecting the different types of Integrative and Complementary Practices used and the expanded mental healthcare provided by the Integrative and Complementary Practices, as they incorporate other ways of understanding the body in its emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects.(AU)

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant Activity and Wound Healing Properties of Jaboticaba (Plinia peruviana) Fruit Peel Hydroalcoholic Extract.

Jaboticaba is a fruit from a native tree to Brazil, Plinia peruviana. Jaboticaba peels are an important source of antioxidant molecules such as phenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro the activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba fruit peels (HEJFP) in wound healing processes and antioxidant activity in murine fibroblasts (L929 cell line). HEJFP concentrations (0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) were tested in MTT assay and cell proliferation was verified at 100 µg/mL after 24 h and at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL after 48 h of extract exposure. Evaluation of antioxidant activity was performed at 0.5, 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL HEJFP concentrations. Cell treatment with HEJFP at 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL for 24 h followed by H2O2 exposure for 3 h showed a strong cytoprotective effect. In vitro scratch wound healing assay indicated that none of tested HEJFP concentrations (0.5, 5, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) were capable of increasing migration rate after 12 h of incubation. These results demonstrate a positive effect of HEJFP on the wound healing process on L929 fibroblasts cell line, probably due to the antioxidant activity exhibited by phytochemicals in the extract.

Maternal Flaxseed Oil During Lactation Enhances Bone Development in Male Rat Pups.

Flaxseed oil is an alpha linolenic acid source important in the growth and body development stage; furthermore, this acid acts on adipose tissue and bone health. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition, fatty acid composition, hormone profile, retroperitoneal adipocyte area and femur structure of pups at weaning, whose mothers were fed a diet containing flaxseed oil during lactation. After birth, pups were randomly assigned: control (C, n = 12) and flaxseed oil (FO, n = 12), rats whose mothers were treated with diet containing soybean or flaxseed oil. At 21 days, the pups were weaned and body mass, length, body composition, biochemical parameter, leptin, osteoprotegerin, osteocalcin, fatty acids composition, intra-abdominal fat mass and femur structure were analyzed. FO showed (p < 0.05): higher body mass (+12 %) and length (+9 %); body fat mass (g, +45 %); bone mineral density (+8 %), bone mineral content (+55 %) and bone area (+35 %), osteocalcin (+173 %) and osteoprotegerin (+183 %). Arachidonic acid was lower (p < 0.0001), alpha-linolenic and eicosapentaenoic were higher (p < 0.0001). Intra-abdominal fat mass was higher (+25 %), however, the retroperitoneal adipocytes area was lower (-44 %). Femur mass (+10 %), distance between epiphyses (+4 %) and bone mineral density (+13 %) were higher. The study demonstrates that adequate flaxseed oil content during a lactation diet plays an important role in the development of pups.

Factors associated with not meeting the recommendations for micronutrient intake in critically ill children.

OBJECTIVE: Children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) are at risk of not meeting their nutritional requirements. This study aimed to identify factors associated with failure to meet the dietary recommended intake (DRI) of zinc, selenium, cholecalciferol, and thiamine in critically ill children receiving enteral tube feeding during their stay in the ICU. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively 260 cases, corresponding to 206 patients who received enteral tube feeding for a minimum of 3 days up to 10 days during the first 10 d of ICU stay. Individual intake was compared to estimated average requirement (EAR) and adequate intake (AI) values during the first 10 d of ICU stay. The outcome variable was defined as not meeting the recommended intake of the micronutrients studied. Potential explanatory variables for the outcome were age <1 year, malnutrition (WHO), clinical severity scores, heart disease, severe sepsis or septic shock, use of alpha-adrenergic drugs, and renal replacement therapy (RRT). The effect of the explanatory variables on the outcome was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The majority of patients did not meet the recommendations for micronutrients. After adjusting for covariates, age <1 year, malnutrition, heart disease, use of alpha-adrenergic drugs, and renal replacement therapy were associated with failure to meet the recommendations for at least one of the micronutrients studied. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with failure to meet the recommendations for micronutrient intake in children receiving enteral tube feeding during their ICU stay are linked to patients' low weight, restriction in fluid intake, and clinical severity of the disease.

Assessment of In Vitro Biological Activities of Anthocyanins-Rich Plant Species Based on Plinia cauliflora Study Model.

Plinia cauliflora (jaboticaba) is a native fruit tree from Brazilian rainforest widely used in popular medicine to prevent diarrhea, asthma, and infections. Studies have shown that the major therapeutic potential of jaboticaba fruits is on its peel, a rich source of anthocyanins. These secondary metabolites have well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and have been claimed to be effective to treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke. This chapter describes a series of methodologies to evaluate important in vitro biological activities like cytotoxicity, proliferation, and migration of a hydroalcoholic extract of jaboticaba peel on mouse fibroblast L929 line. Assays to assess total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and antioxidant activities are described as well.

Flaxseed flour, compared to flaxseed oil, contributes to femoral structure in male rats subjected to early weaning.

The aim of this study was to analyze whether flaxseed flour or flaxseed oil treatment contributes to femoral structure in male rats subjected to early weaning. Pups were weaned for separation from mothers at 14 days (early weaning, EW) or 21 days (control, C). After 21 days, the control (C60) was fed with the control diet. The EW group was divided based on control (EWC60), flaxseed flour (EWFF60) and flaxseed oil (EWFO60) diets until 60 days. Femoral dimension, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), area and biomechanical properties were determined. EWFO60 showed lower (P < 0.05) femur mass. EWC60 and EWFO60 showed lower (P < 0.05) distance between epiphyses, diaphysis width and BMD. BMC was lower (P < 0.05) in EWC60 (vs. C60 and EWFF60). EWC60 and EWFO60 showed lower (P < 0.05) maximum force (vs. C60). Breaking strength was lower (P < 0.05) in EWFO60 (vs. C60). EWFF60 showed higher (P < 0.05) rigidity. Flaxseed flour abbreviated the femoral fragility secondary to early weaning.

Maternal use of flaxseed oil during pregnancy and lactation prevents morphological alterations in pancreas of female offspring from rat dams with experimental diabetes.

Nutritional recommendations have promoted the increased need to consume n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Flaxseed is the richest dietary source of n-3 fatty acids among plant sources and is widely used for its edible oil. This study aimed to investigate whether maternal use of flaxseed oil has effects on pancreas morphology in the female offspring of diabetic mothers. Female Wistar rats (n = 12) were induced into diabetes by a high-fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin. After confirmation of the diabetes, rats were mated, and once pregnancy was confirmed, they were allocated into three groups (n = 6): high-fat group (HG); flaxseed oil group (FOG); and control group (CG) (non-diabetic rats). At weaning, female offspring (n = 6/group) received standard chow diet. The animals were euthanized at 180 days. Pancreas was collected for histomorphometric and immunohistochemistry analysis. HG showed hypertrophy of pancreatic islets (P < 0.0001), whereas FOG offspring had islets with smaller diameters compared to HG (P < 0.0001). HG offspring showed higher percentage of larger (P = 0.0061) and lower percentage of smaller islets (P = 0.0036). HG showed lower islet insulin immunodensity at 180 days (P < 0.0001), whereas FOG was similar to CG (P < 0.0001). Flaxseed oil reduced the damage caused by maternal hyperglycaemia, promoting normal pancreas histomorphometry and ß-cell mass in female offspring.

Escalda-pés: cuidando da enfermagem no Centro de Material e Esterilização / Escaldado de pies: cuidando de enfermería en el Centro de Material y Esterilización / Hot footbath therapy: taking care of the nursing at the Centre for Material and Sterilization

Objetivo: Relatar e analisar a utilização do escalda-pés como estratégia de promoção de qualidade de vida no trabalho (QVT) para a equipe de enfermagem do Centro de Material e Esterilização (CME) de um hospital universitário. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência com abordagem qualitativa da aplicação da técnica do escalda-pés em 18 trabalhadores de enfermagem do CME, no período de agosto a dezembro de 2010, uma vez por semana, totalizando 11 encontros. A técnica de verificação das respostas obtidas foi a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Identificaram-se duas categorias temáticas. Os discursos evidenciaram que a adoção dessa estratégia proporcionou a sensação de bem-estar ao trabalhador e o fez refletir sobre o conceito de ambiência, suas condições de trabalho e a importância de se autocuidar. Conclusão: Espera-se que a QVT se torne uma política institucional no hospital em questão e em outros, pois a valorização e o cuidado com o trabalhador refletirão significativamente na diminuição das taxas de absenteísmo e na melhoria da qualidade do serviço prestado.

Objetivo: Relatar y analizar la utilización de la escalda de pies como estrategia de promoción de calidad de vida en el trabajo (QVT) para enfermería del Centro de Material y esterilización del Hospital Universitario. Método: Relato de experiencia con un enfoque cualitativo. Realizó el escalda de pies y dos reuniones de evaluación del proyecto. El análisis de las respuestas fue el análisis del contexto. Resultados: Se identificó dos categorías temáticas. Los discursos evidenciaron que la estrategia proporciono la sensación de bienestar del trabajador y hicieron reflexionar sobre el concepto de ambientar sus condiciones de trabajo y la importancia de auto cuidado. Conclusión: Espera que la QTV se transforme una política institucional en el HC-UFMG, pues la valorización y el cuidado con el trabajador hará reflexionar significantemente la disminución de las tasas de ausentismo y la mejoría de la calidad del servicio prestado.

Objective: To report and analyze the use of hot footbath therapy as strategy for promotion of quality of life at work (QLW) for the nursing staff of the Center for Supply and Sterilization (CME) of a University Hospital. Method: Experience report with a qualitative study of the use of hot footbath therapy technique in 18 nursing professionals at CME, from August to December 2010, once a week, totaling 11 meetings. The technique of response analysis was content analysis. Results: Two thematic categories were identified. The reports showed that this strategy provided well-being at work and led the professionals to reflect on the concept of ambience, their working conditions, and the importance of self-care. Conclusion: It is hoped that QLW becomes an institutional policy at hospitals, for the appreciation and care of employee reflecting in lower rates of absenteeism and improved service quality.