Can the post-ruminal urea release impact liver metabolism, and nutritional status of beef cows at late gestation?

We aimed to evaluate the effects of post-ruminal supply of urea (PRU) on nutritional status, and liver metabolism of pregnant beef cows during late gestation. Twenty-four Brahman dams, pregnant from a single sire, and weighing 545 kg ± 23 kg were confined into individual pens at 174 ± 23 d of gestation, and randomly assigned into one of two dietary treatments up to 270 d of gestation: Control (CON, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with conventional urea, where the cows were fed with diets containing 13.5 g conventional urea per kg dry matter; and PRU (PRU, n = 12), consisting of a basal diet supplemented with a urea coated to extensively prevent ruminal degradation while being intestinally digestible, where the cows were fed with diets containing 14,8 g urea protected from ruminal degradation per kg dry matter. Post-ruminal supply of urea reduced the urine levels of 3-methylhistidine (P = 0.02). There were no differences between treatments for dry matter intake (DMI; P = 0.76), total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake (P = 0.30), and in the body composition variables, such as, subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT; P = 0.72), and rib eye area (REA; P = 0.85). In addition, there were no differences between treatments for serum levels of glucose (P = 0.87), and serum levels of glucogenic (P = 0.28), ketogenic (P = 0.72), glucogenic, and ketogenic (P = 0.45) amino acids, neither for urea in urine (P = 0.51) as well as urea serum (P = 0.30). One the other hand, enriched pathways were differentiated related to carbohydrate digestion, and absorption, glycolysis, pyruvate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, pentose phosphate pathway, and biosynthesis of amino acids of the exclusively expressed proteins in PRU cows. Shifting urea supply from the rumen to post-ruminal compartments decreases muscle catabolism in cows during late gestation. Our findings indicate that post-ruminal urea supplementation for beef cows at late gestation may improve the energy metabolism to support maternal demands. In addition, the post-ruminal urea release seems to be able to trigger pathways to counterbalance the oxidative stress associated to the increase liver metabolic rate.

Lack of sufficient evidence to support a positive role of selenium status in depression: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Globally, depression affects more than 322 million people. Studies exploring the relationship between diet and depression have revealed the benefits of certain dietary patterns and micronutrients in attenuating the symptoms of this disorder. Among these micronutrients, selenium stands out because of its multifaceted role in the brain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of selenium intake and status on symptoms of depression. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed in databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and gray literature (on April 6, 2021, updated on January 28, 2022), without restrictions of date, language, or study type. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies of adults (18-60 y of age) with depression or depressive symptoms were included. Data on selenium biomarkers and/or intake were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 10 studies included, 2 were cohorts (n = 13 983 and 3735), 3 were cross-sectional (n = 736, 7725, and 200), 1 was case-control (n = 495), and 4 were randomized controlled trials (n = 30, 11, 38, and 63). Several studies have indicated that low selenium intake or concentration may be associated with symptoms of depression. However, this association was inconsistent across the studies included in this systematic review; due to the high heterogeneity, it was not possible to perform meta-analyses. The main contributing factors to the high heterogeneity include the different methodological designs, methods for diagnosing depression, selenium assessment, and clinical conditions. CONCLUSION: Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support a positive role of selenium status in depression. Studies with more accurate methods and adequate assessment of selenium status are needed to better understand the role of this nutrient in depression. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021220683.

Neurodynamic exercises provide no additional benefit to extension-oriented exercises in people with chronic low back-related leg pain and a directional preference: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back-related leg pain may involve mixed pain mechanisms. A strategy to address both neuropathic and nociceptive pain symptoms would be combining treatments. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of adding neurodynamic exercises to extension-oriented exercises in patients with chronic low back-related leg pain and a directional preference. DESIGN: Two arm, single blind, randomized clinical trial. METHOD: Eligible participants were aged between 18 and 65 years, had low back pain radiating below gluteus for at least 3 months, pain intensity greater than 3 points in the numerical pain rating scale, positive SLR test and a directional preference for lumbar extension movements. Thirty-one participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: extension-oriented exercises (EE) or extension exercises plus neurodynamic exercises (EEN). Primary outcomes were leg pain intensity and function at 3 weeks. Secondary outcomes were low back pain intensity, disability, global perceived effect and quality of life at 3 weeks and at 1 month. RESULTS: Retention rate was 100% (n = 14) in EE and 94% (n = 16) in EEN for primary outcome analysis. There was no between-group difference for the primary outcomes and for low back pain intensity, GPE and quality of life at 3 weeks. For some outcomes, EE was superior to EEN. CONCLUSIONS: We found no benefits in adding neurodynamic exercises to extension-oriented exercises for patients with nerve-related leg pain and a directional preference. As this study has a small and very specific sample, results may be interpreted with caution.

Corticosteroid injection or dry needling for musculoskeletal pain and disability? A systematic review and GRADE evidence synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid injection and dry needling have been used in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, but it is unclear which intervention is the most effective. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of corticosteroid injection and dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions at short-, medium-, and long-term follow-up. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched up to 31 October 2021. Two researchers independently screened titles, abstracts and full-text articles. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of dry needling compared to corticosteroid injection in patients over 18 years with a musculoskeletal condition were included in the review. The studies had to report pain and/or disability as outcome. Risk of bias was assessed by using the revised Cochrane Collaboration tool (RoB 2.0). Quality of evidence was evaluated by using the GRADE approach. RESULTS: Six studies were included (n = 384 participants). Four musculoskeletal conditions were investigated. There is very low-quality evidence that CSI is superior to DN for reducing heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and lateral elbow pain at short- and medium-term follow-up, but not for myofascial pain and greater trochanteric pain. There is very low-quality evidence that DN is more effective than CSI at long-term follow-up for reducing pain in people with plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis. Very low-certainty evidence shows that there is no difference between DN and CSI for disability at short-term follow-up. One study showed that CSI is superior to DN at medium-term follow-up and another observed that DN is superior to CSI for reducing disability at long-term. CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between DN and CSI in pain or disability for myofascial pain and greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Very-low certainty evidence suggests that CSI is superior to DN at shorter follow-up periods, whereas DN seems to be more effective than CSI at longer follow-up durations for improving pain in plantar fasciitis and lateral epicondylitis. Large RCTs with higher methodological quality are needed in order to draw more incisive conclusions. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020148650.

Effects of steaming on health-valuable nutrients from fortified farmed fish: Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) as case studies.

Fish fortification with iodine-rich macroalgae (Laminaria digitata) and Selenium-rich yeast is expected to promote nutritional added value of this crucial food item, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet for consumers. However, it is not known if steaming can affect these nutrient levels in fortified fish. The present study evaluates the effect of steaming on nutrients contents in fortified farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified seabream presented enhanced I, Se and Fe contents, whereas fortified carp presented enhanced I, Se and Zn contents. Steaming resulted in increased I and Se contents in fortified seabream, and increased Fe and Zn levels in fortified carp, with higher elements true retention values (TRVs >90%). The consumption of 150 g of steamed fortified seabream contributes to a significant daily intake (DI) of I (up to 12%) and Se (up to >100%). On the other hand, steamed fortified carp contributes to 19-23% of I DI and 30%-71% of Se DI. These results demonstrate that steaming is a healthy cooking method, maintaining the enhanced nutritional quality of fortified fish. Moreover, the present fortification strategy is a promising solution to develop high-quality farmed fish products to overcome nutritional deficiencies.

The Influence of Clinical, Functional, and Psychosocial Factors on Walking Time in Individuals With Chronic Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether clinical, functional, and psychosocial factors are associated with walking time in patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: This study included patients aged ≥18 years with low back pain for at least 3 months who visited our outpatient clinic between October 2017 and February 2018. We used the following scales/questionnaires: International Physical Activity Questionnaire for self-reported walking time, Numerical Pain Rating Scale for pain intensity, self-report assessing symptom duration, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire for disability, Patient-Specific Functional Scale for function, Pain Catastrophizing Scale for pain catastrophizing, and screening questions to assess depression and anxiety. Odds ratios (ORs) with their respective 95% CIs were obtained using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Neither clinical nor functional factors were associated with the total walking time. Among psychosocial factors, only anxiety showed a negative association with the total walking time (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06-0.82)-an association that persisted even after adjusting for confounders (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.77). CONCLUSION: Anxiety was shown to be associated with the total walking time in patients with CLBP. No clinical or functional factors seem to be associated with walking in this study sample.

Enriched feeds with iodine and selenium from natural and sustainable sources to modulate farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets elemental nutritional value.

Developing tailor-made fortified farmed fish is a promising solution to overcome nutritional deficiencies and increase consumer confidence in these products. This study evaluated the supplementation of three fortified diets with I-rich seaweed and selenised-yeast on essential and toxic elements levels in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fortified diets resulted in increased I, Se and Fe in fish muscle. Biofortified seabream and carp revealed lower Cu and Br. The reduction of fishmeal and fish oil in fortified diets resulted in lower Hg and Cd in seabream muscle. Contrarily, fortified diets increased As and Hg in carp fillets. The consumption of 150 g of fortified seabream enabled a significantly higher contribution to the daily recommended intake (DRI) of I (10%) and Se (76%) than non-fortified fish, whereas fortified carp fulfilled 23% of I DRI and 91% of Se DRI. Moreover, the exposure to Pb decreased with the consumption of biofortified seabream (23-82% BMDL01) and carp (26-92% BMDL01). These results support the strategy of developing eco-innovative biofortified farmed fish using sustainable, natural, safe and high-quality ingredients in feeds, to enable consumers to overcome nutritional deficiencies without significantly increased feed costs.

The addition of neurodynamic exercises to extension-oriented exercises among patients with chronic back-related leg pain: A study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Patients with back-related leg pain exhibit nociceptive and neuropathic characteristics. Few studies have investigated the combination of interventions considering these characteristics. OBJECTIVES: To investigate if the addition of neurodynamic exercises (EEN) to extension-oriented exercises (EE) promotes additional benefits in individuals with back-related leg pain and a directional preference. METHODS: Patients will be randomized to either EE or EEN. Patients from both groups will receive 7 sessions over 3 weeks. Low back and leg pain, function, quality of life, disability, and global perceived effect will be evaluated at baseline, 3 weeks after randomization and 1-month follow-up. A linear mixed model will be used for outcomes analysis.

The genomic history of the Iberian Peninsula over the past 8000 years.

We assembled genome-wide data from 271 ancient Iberians, of whom 176 are from the largely unsampled period after 2000 BCE, thereby providing a high-resolution time transect of the Iberian Peninsula. We document high genetic substructure between northwestern and southeastern hunter-gatherers before the spread of farming. We reveal sporadic contacts between Iberia and North Africa by ~2500 BCE and, by ~2000 BCE, the replacement of 40% of Iberia's ancestry and nearly 100% of its Y-chromosomes by people with Steppe ancestry. We show that, in the Iron Age, Steppe ancestry had spread not only into Indo-European-speaking regions but also into non-Indo-European-speaking ones, and we reveal that present-day Basques are best described as a typical Iron Age population without the admixture events that later affected the rest of Iberia. Additionally, we document how, beginning at least in the Roman period, the ancestry of the peninsula was transformed by gene flow from North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.

Naturally occurring radioactive material and risk assessment of tailings of polymetallic and Ra/U mines from legacy sites.

Old mine tailings from Northern and Central Portugal were studied in order to perform a radiological and chemical characterization. The evaluation of massic activity of natural radionuclides and concentrations in tailings of polymetallic and Ra/U mines was performed by gamma spectrometry and neutron activation analysis. Iron speciation was carried out by Mössbauer spectroscopy. In polymetallic tailings with physical ore processing (Cumieira and Verdes - exploited for Sn, Nb-Ta) higher contents of Th, 228Ra and 226Ra in the coarser materials occur, probably due to their presence in host rock and ore fragments. In finer tailings, washing may explain the lower 226Ra and 210Pb massic activity. In tailings with physical/chemical ore processing (Covas - exploited for W and Sn) high U contents and a tendency for higher 226Ra and 210Pb massic activity in the fine materials is observed, probably due to their incorporation in nano-sized particles of iron oxides. A high variation of the 210Pb/226Ra ratio occurs in polymetallic tailings; a deficit of 210Pb can be observed particularly in deposits of settling tanks drained from dumps of chemically treated ore. In Ervideira-Mestras tailings (Ra/U exploitation) where no ore process in situ was performed, a near equilibrium between 210Pb and 226Ra occurs. Dose risk assessment was carried out by calculating external outdoor Annual Effective Dose Rate; the dose rates in air due to terrestrial gamma radiation are low for the polymetallic tailings (<47 nGy/h), and higher for tailings of Ra/U (up to 4130 nGy/h), in the worst scenario.

Repercussions of spirituality in the lives of women living with HIV / Repercusiones de la espiritualidad en la vida de las mujeres que viven con el VIH / Repercussões da espiritualidade na vida das mulheres que vivem com HIV

Abstract Introduction Spirituality in patients living with HIV helps to cope with the negative thoughts brought about by the illness. The purpose of the study was to understand the impact of spirituality on the lives of women living with HIV. Materials and Methods This is a qualitative research on thematic life histories. The sample composed of seven women diagnosed with HIV/Aids for over a year. For the data collection, a semi-structured interview was used, with questions about the social context, sociodemographic and clinical situation, religion and spirituality. The content analysis technique was used for data analysis. The results were organized into two categories: seeking strength in spirituality and hope for healing. Results In times of distress imposed by HIV/Aids, all the interviewees sought spirituality through prayer and even by materializing the presence of God as strategies to confront the disease. The yearning for healing by divine revelations is expressed in the interviewees' speeches. Discussion According to the interviewees' life stories, the divine figure strengthened them in the face of challenges posed by HIV/Aids. Conclusions Through this research, it was possible to verify that spirituality is present in the lives of women who live with HIV, and that it softens the adversities brought on by the disease.

Resumen Introducción La espiritualidad en pacientes que viven con el VIH ayuda a afrontar los pensamientos negativos provocados por la enfermedad. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer el impacto de la espiritualidad en la vida de las mujeres que viven con el VIH. Materiales y Métodos Investigación cualitativa sobre historias de vida temáticas. La muestra está compuesta por siete mujeres que fueron diagnosticadas con VIH/SIDA hace más de un año. Para la recolección de datos se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada con preguntas sobre el contexto social, situación sociodemográfica y clínica, religión y espiritualidad. Para el análisis de datos se empleó la técnica de análisis de contenidos. Los resultados se organizaron en dos categorías: la búsqueda de la fuerza en la espiritualidad y la esperanza de curación. Resultados En momentos de angustia causados por el VIH/SIDA, todas las entrevistadas recurrieron a la espiritualidad a través de la oración e incluso a la materialización de la presencia de Dios como estrategias para afrontar la enfermedad. El anhelo de sanación mediante revelaciones divinas se expresa en los discursos de los entrevistados. Discusión Según las historias de vida de las entrevistadas, la figura divina las ha fortalecido para hacer frente a los retos generados por el VIH/SIDA. Conclusiones A través de esta investigación se pudo comprobar que la espiritualidad está presente en las vidas de las mujeres que viven con el VIH y que mitiga las adversidades producidas por la enfermedad.

Resumo Introdução A espiritualidade em pacientes que vivem com HIV ajuda a enfrentar os pensamentos negativos causados pela doença. O estudo objetiva conhecer o impacto da espiritualidade na vida das mulheres que vivem com HIV. Materiais e Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa sobre histórias de vida temáticas. A amostra está composta por sete mulheres que foram diagnosticada com HIV/AIDS há mais de um ano. Para a compilação dos dados, foi utilizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com perguntas sobre o contexto social, a situação sociodemográficas e clínica, a religião e a espiritualidade. Para a análise dos dados, aplicou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdos. Os resultados se organizaram em duas categorias: a busca da força na espiritualidade e a esperança de cura. Resultados Em momentos de angústia causados pelo HIV/AIDS, todas as entrevistas recorreram à espiritualidade através da oração e mesmo à materialização da presença de Deus como estratégias para fazer face à doença. O anseio de cura mediante revelações divinas se expressa nos discursos dos entrevistados. Discussão Segundo as histórias de vida das entrevistadas, a figura divina deu-lhes fortaleza para enfrentar os desafios gerados pelo HIV/AIDS. Conclusões Esta pesquisa permitiu comprovar que a espiritualidade está presente nas vidas das mulheres portadoras de HIV e que mitiga as adversidades causadas pela doença.

[Interpersonal relations between health professional and pregnant adolescents: distances and approaches of integral and humanized care]. / A relação interpessoal entre profissionais de saúde e adolescente gestante: distanciamentos e aproximações de uma prática integral e humanizada.

This study presents an analysis of relations between health professionals and pregnant adolescents in the installations of the prenatal care program of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. It involves qualitative research based on an interpretive approach, with comprehensiveness and humanization of care in relationship dimensions as a theoretical benchmark. Based on two predefined themes - the interaction between subjects and educational dimension of health practices - 22 individual and group care sessions were observed, with the participation of 31 pregnant adolescents, 5 professionals and 2 nutrition interns. The interpretation of the data using content analysis created five categories. The results show the negative effect of the predominance of the biomedical dimension in the perception of health professionals about psychosocial and cultural aspects of teenage pregnancy. There was a failure to utilize the care session as a privileged space for the construction of collective and individual significance about pregnancy and teenage motherhood, albeit in the context studied there are professionals who are aware of the need for a broader view regarding the needs of pregnant adolescent.

A relação interpessoal entre profissionais de saúde e adolescente gestante: distanciamentos e aproximações de uma prática integral e humanizada / Interpersonal relations between health professional and pregnant adolescents: distances and approaches of integral and humanized care

Este estudo apresenta uma análise sobre as relações entre profissionais de saúde e adolescentes gestantes nos espaços do programa de pré-natal de uma maternidade pública do município do Rio de Janeiro. Trata-se de investigação de cunho qualitativo apoiada na vertente interpretativa, tendo como referencial teórico a integralidade e a humanização do cuidado em suas dimensões relacionais. Com base em duas temáticas previamente definidas - interação entre os sujeitos e dimensão educativa das práticas em saúde - foram observados 22 atendimentos individuais e em grupo, com a participação de 31 adolescentes gestantes, 5 profissionais de saúde e 2 estagiárias de nutrição. A interpretação dos dados, orientada pela análise de conteúdo fez emergir cinco categorias. Os resultados apontam a interferência negativa da predominância da dimensão biomédica na percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre os aspectos psicossocioculturais da gestação na adolescência. Foi observado o não aproveitamento da consulta como espaço privilegiado de construção de significados coletivos e individuais sobre a gestação e a maternidade na adolescência, mas há no contexto estudado profissionais sensibilizados para uma ampliação da visão sobre as necessidades da adolescente gestante.

This study presents an analysis of relations between health professionals and pregnant adolescents in the installations of the prenatal care program of a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. It involves qualitative research based on an interpretive approach, with comprehensiveness and humanization of care in relationship dimensions as a theoretical benchmark. Based on two predefined themes - the interaction between subjects and educational dimension of health practices - 22 individual and group care sessions were observed, with the participation of 31 pregnant adolescents, 5 professionals and 2 nutrition interns. The interpretation of the data using content analysis created five categories. The results show the negative effect of the predominance of the biomedical dimension in the perception of health professionals about psychosocial and cultural aspects of teenage pregnancy. There was a failure to utilize the care session as a privileged space for the construction of collective and individual significance about pregnancy and teenage motherhood, albeit in the context studied there are professionals who are aware of the need for a broader view regarding the needs of pregnant adolescent.

Production of chiral (R)-3-hydroxyoctanoic acid monomers, catalyzed by Pseudomonas fluorescens GK13 poly(3-hydroxyoctanoic acid) depolymerase.

The extracellular medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA) depolymerase of Pseudomonas fluorescens GK13 catalyzes the hydrolysis of poly(3-hydroxyoctanoic acid) [P(3HO)]. Based on the strong tendency of the enzyme to interact with hydrophobic materials, a low-cost method which allows the rapid and easy purification and immobilization of the enzyme has been developed. Thus, the extracellular P(3HO) depolymerase present in the culture broth of cells of P. fluorescens GK13 grown on mineral medium supplemented with P(3HO) as the sole carbon and energy source has been tightly adsorbed onto a commercially available polypropylene support (Accurel MP-1000) with high yield and specificity. The activity of the pure enzyme was enhanced by the presence of detergents and organic solvents, and it was retained after treatment with an SDS-denaturing cocktail under both reducing and nonreducing conditions. The time course of the P(3HO) hydrolysis catalyzed by the soluble and immobilized enzyme has been assessed, and the resulting products have been identified. After 24 h of hydrolysis, the dimeric ester of 3-HO [(R)-3-HO-HO] was obtained as the main product of the soluble enzyme. However, the immobilized enzyme catalyzes almost the complete hydrolysis of P(3HO) polymer to (R)-3-HO monomers under the same conditions.

[Effect of weekly rice fortification with iron on anemia prevalence and hemoglobin concentration among children attending public daycare centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]. / Efeito da fortificação semanal do arroz com ferro quelato sobre a freqüência de anemia e concentração de hemoglobina em crianças de creches municipais do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, community-based trial. For 16 weeks, children in the intervention group (n = 180) received iron-fortified rice, while children in the control group (n = 174) received rice with placebo. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 11.0g/dL. Student's t-test was used to compare mean variation in hemoglobin between the groups. Hemoglobin concentration improved in both groups, with a mean increase of 0.42g/ dL in the intervention group (11.28+/-1.23g/dL to 11.75+/-1.16g/dL, p < 0.001), and 0.49g/dL in controls (11.06+/-1.13g/dL to 11.51+/-1.16g/dL, p < 0.001). Anemia decreased (p < 0.01) in both groups (37.8% to 23.3% in the intervention group and 45.4% to 33.3% in controls), with no significant difference between the two. Hemoglobin increase was significantly higher in children that received total iron = 53.76mg from fortified rice, compared to those who received less than this cut-off value (0.94g/dl vs. 0.39g/dl, p = 0.03). The findings suggest that this type of intervention can be useful in anemia control as long as fortified food intake is adequate.

Efeito da fortificação semanal do arroz com ferro quelato sobre a freqüência de anemia e concentração de hemoglobina em crianças de creches municipais do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / Effect of weekly rice fortification with iron on anemia prevalence and hemoglobin concentration among children attending public daycare centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Trata-se de um ensaio clínico comunitário, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo. Durante 16 semanas, as crianças do grupo intervenção (GI, n = 180) receberam arroz fortificado com ferro, e as do grupo controle (GC, n = 174) receberam arroz com placebo. Considerou-se presença de anemia quando hemoglobina < 11,0g/dL. A comparação da variação média na hemoglobina intergrupos, ajustada por idade e uso de outros suplementos de ferro, foi feita pelo teste t de Student. A concentração de hemoglobina aumentou em ambos os grupos, com incremento médio de 0,42g/dL no GI (11,28±1,23g/dL para 11,75±1,16g/dL; p < 0,001) e de 0,49g/dL no GC (11,06±1,13g/dL para 11,51±1,16g/dL; p < 0,001). A freqüência de anemia reduziu (p < 0,01) em ambos os grupos (37,8 por cento para 23,3 por cento em GI e 45,4 por cento para 33,3 por cento em GC), sem diferença entre os mesmos. As crianças que receberam quantidade total de ferro > 53,76mg pelo arroz fortificado tiveram maior aumento na hemoglobina do que aquelas que receberam quantidades inferiores (0,94g/dL vs. 0,39g/dL; p = 0,03). Sugere-se que esse tipo de intervenção pode ser útil no controle da anemia quando o consumo do alimento fortificado é adequado.

This was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, community-based trial. For 16 weeks, children in the intervention group (n = 180) received iron-fortified rice, while children in the control group (n = 174) received rice with placebo. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin < 11.0g/dL. Student's t-test was used to compare mean variation in hemoglobin between the groups. Hemoglobin concentration improved in both groups, with a mean increase of 0.42g/ dL in the intervention group (11.28±1.23g/dL to 11.75±1.16g/dL, p < 0.001), and 0.49g/dL in controls (11.06±1.13g/dL to 11.51±1.16g/dL, p < 0.001). Anemia decreased (p < 0.01) in both groups (37.8 percent to 23.3 percent in the intervention group and 45.4 percent to 33.3 percent in controls), with no significant difference between the two. Hemoglobin increase was significantly higher in children that received total iron = 53.76mg from fortified rice, compared to those who received less than this cut-off value (0.94g/dl vs. 0.39g/dl, p = 0.03). The findings suggest that this type of intervention can be useful in anemia control as long as fortified food intake is adequate.