Current Understanding of Human Polymorphism in Selenoprotein Genes: A Review of Its Significance as a Risk Biomarker.

Selenium has been proven to influence several biological functions, showing to be an essential micronutrient. The functional studies demonstrated the benefits of a balanced selenium diet and how its deficiency is associated with diverse diseases, especially cancer and viral diseases. Selenium is an antioxidant, protecting the cells from damage, enhancing the immune system response, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and decreasing inflammation. Selenium can be found in its inorganic and organic forms, and its main form in the cells is the selenocysteine incorporated into selenoproteins. Twenty-five selenoproteins are currently known in the human genome: glutathione peroxidases, iodothyronine deiodinases, thioredoxin reductases, selenophosphate synthetase, and other selenoproteins. These proteins lead to the transport of selenium in the tissues, protect against oxidative damage, contribute to the stress of the endoplasmic reticulum, and control inflammation. Due to these functions, there has been growing interest in the influence of polymorphisms in selenoproteins in the last two decades. Selenoproteins' gene polymorphisms may influence protein structure and selenium concentration in plasma and its absorption and even impact the development and progression of certain diseases. This review aims to elucidate the role of selenoproteins and understand how their gene polymorphisms can influence the balance of physiological conditions. In this polymorphism review, we focused on the PubMed database, with only articles published in English between 2003 and 2023. The keywords used were "selenoprotein" and "polymorphism". Articles that did not approach the theme subject were excluded. Selenium and selenoproteins still have a long way to go in molecular studies, and several works demonstrated the importance of their polymorphisms as a risk biomarker for some diseases, especially cardiovascular and thyroid diseases, diabetes, and cancer.

Pseudobombax parvifolium Hydroalcoholic Bark Extract: Chemical Characterisation and Cytotoxic, Mutagenic, and Preclinical Aspects Associated with a Protective Effect on Oxidative Stress.

Plants have long been used in traditional medicine to treat illnesses. Nevertheless, their chemical diversity requires studies to establish the extract dosage and its safe use. Pseudobombax parvifolium, an endemic species of the Brazilian Caatinga biome, is commonly used in folk medicine, due to its anti-inflammatory properties related to cellular oxidative stress; however, its biological properties have scarcely been studied. In this study, we chemically characterized the P. parvifolium hydroalcoholic bark extract (EBHE) and evaluated its cytotoxic, mutagenic, and preclinical aspects, as well as its antioxidant effect. Our phytochemical analysis revealed a significative total polyphenol content and identified loliolide for the first time in this species. Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and acute oral and repeated dose indicated no toxic effects on cell culture, Drosophila melanogaster, and Wistar rat exposure to different EBHE concentrations, respectively. Furthermore, we observed a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and a mild hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect with repeated oral dosing of EBHE. Although there were no significant changes in glutathione content, we did observe a significant increase in superoxide dismutase at a dose of 400 mg/kg and in glutathione peroxidase at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. These findings suggest that EBHE has potential as a source of bioactive molecules, and it can be used safely in traditional medicine and in the development of herbal medicines for application in the public health system.

Diagnóstico situacional das práticas integrativas e complementares em saúde na Bahia: um estudo transversal / Situational diagnosis of integrative and complementary health practices in Bahia: a cross-sectional study / Diagnóstico situacional de las prácticas integrativas y complementarias en salud en Bahía: un estudio transversal

Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PICS) são racionalidades médicas e recurso terapêuticos de cuidado que buscam a promoção, a prevenção, a recuperação e o tratamento da saúde compreendendo o indivíduo em toda a sua integralidade. Essas práticas foram institucionalizadas no Brasil em 2006, através da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PNPIC), e na Bahia em 2019, com a Política Estadual de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em Saúde (PEPIC). O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a situação das PICS no estado, bem como o processo de implantação/implementação da PEPIC. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo de corte transversal, com dados primários obtidos por meio da aplicação de formulário eletrônico. As variáveis de interesse foram: oferta das PICS; registro nos sistemas de informação; dados sobre a gestão municipal; e formação e capacitação profissional. Dos 417 municípios do estado, 109 (26,1%) responderam à pesquisa e, destes, apenas 38 (34,9%) relataram ofertar PICS. Os municípios que ofertam PICS apresentaram dúvidas sobre: financiamento (38); avaliação e monitoramento (20); planejamento e implantação (19); e implementação (18). Os demais relataram não ofertar PICS e apresentaram como motivos para isso: não dispor de profissionais com formação adequada (38); e falta de recurso financeiro (21). Os dados obtidos demonstraram baixa inserção das PICS nos serviços de saúde, reforçando que as ações de monitoramento são importantes ferramentas para compreender a realidade e nortear as ações da gestão em saúde. Sugere-se que, considerando as limitações apresentadas neste estudo, sejam realizadas novas atividades de monitoramento para avaliação e apoio efetivo às PICS na Bahia.

The Integrative and Complementary Health Practices (PICS) are medical rationales and therapeutic care resources that seek the promotion, prevention, recovery, and treatment of health, understanding the individual in all its integrality. These practices were institutionalized in Brazil in 2006, by the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PNPIC), and in Bahia in 2019, with the State Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices (PEPIC). The aim of this study was to describe the situation of the PICS in the state, as well as the implementation process of the PEPIC. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with primary data obtained from applying an electronic form. The variables of interest were: supply of PICS; registration in information systems; data on municipal management; and training and professional qualification. Of the 417 municipalities in the state, 109 (26.1%) responded to the survey and, of these, only 38 (34.9%) reported offering PICS. The municipalities that offer PICS had doubts about: financing (38); evaluation and monitoring (20); planning and implantation (19); and implementation (18). The others reported not offering PICS and indicated as reasons for this: the lack of adequately trained professionals (38); and lack of financial resources (21). The data obtained showed a low insertion of PICS in health services, reinforcing that monitoring actions are important tools to understand reality and guide health management actions. It is suggested that, considering the limitations presented in this study, new monitoring activities be carried out, for the evaluation and effective support of PICS in Bahia.

Las Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias de Salud (PICS) son fundamentos médicos y recursos de atención terapéutica que buscan la promoción, prevención, recuperación y tratamiento de la salud, teniendo en cuenta la integralidad del individuo. Estas prácticas se institucionalizaron en Brasil en 2006 mediante la Política Nacional de Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (PNPIC), y en Bahía (Brasil) en 2019 con la Política Estadual de Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias (PEPIC). El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la situación de las PICS en el estado, así como el proceso de implementación de la PEPIC. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo transversal, con datos primarios obtenidos a partir de la aplicación de un formulario electrónico. Las variables de interés fueron: suministro de PICS; registro en sistemas de información; datos sobre la gestión municipal; formación y cualificación profesional. De los 417 municipios del estado, 109 (26,1%) respondieron a la encuesta y de estos, sólo 38 (34,9%) informaron ofrecer PICS. Los municipios que ofrecen PICS tenían dudas sobre: financiamiento (38); evaluación y seguimiento (20); planificación e implementación (19); e implementación (18). Los demás informaron no ofrecer PICS y señalaron como razones la falta de profesionales capacitados (38) y la falta de recursos financieros (21). Los datos obtenidos mostraron una baja inserción de las PICS en los servicios de salud, lo que refuerza que las acciones de seguimiento son una herramienta importante para comprender la realidad y orientar las acciones de gestión en salud. Se sugiere que, considerando las limitaciones presentadas en este estudio, se realicen nuevas actividades de monitoreo para la evaluación y apoyo efectivo de las PICS en Bahía.

Mind-body exercises for osteoarthritis: an overview of systematic reviews including 32 meta-analyses.

PURPOSE: To develop an overview of systematic reviews (SRs) to summarize the current evidence on the effectiveness of mind-body exercises, specifically qigong, tai chi, and yoga, on osteoarthritis-related symptoms. METHODS: CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception up to 20 June 2022. Pain, physical function, psychological symptoms, and quality of life were analyzed. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess the methodological quality of SRs. The primary study overlap among SRs was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 13 SRs were selected, including 32 meta-analyses of interest that comprised 33 distinct primary studies. Overall, qigong, tai chi, and yoga-based interventions may improve osteoarthritis-related symptoms, mainly physical function. However, no SRs were judged to have high methodological quality. Only three SRs judged certainty of evidence using a gold standard for it. The primary study overlap was very high for SRs covering tai chi or yoga trials. CONCLUSIONS: There was a positive tendency in favor of these mind-body exercises for improving pain, arthritis self-efficacy, and mainly, physical function. Unfortunately, no clinical recommendations can be made due to the high number of methodological concerns that were described above. New high-quality SRs covering this topic are needed.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIt appears that qigong, tai chi, and yoga may improve physical function in osteoarthritis.In addition, tai chi may improve arthritis self-efficacy in knee osteoarthritis.As most of the included systematic reviews (SRs) had low quality, no firm recommendations can be made.Most of the included SRs did not evaluate the certainty in the evidence.

Long non-coding RNA H19 regulates matrisome signature and impacts cell behavior on MSC-engineered extracellular matrices.

BACKGROUND: The vast and promising class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been under investigation for distinct therapeutic applications. Nevertheless, their role as molecular drivers of bone regeneration remains poorly studied. The lncRNA H19 mediates osteogenic differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) through the control of intracellular pathways. However, the effect of H19 on the extracellular matrix (ECM) components is still largely unknown. This research study was designed to decode the H19-mediated ECM regulatory network, and to reveal how the decellularized siH19-engineered matrices influence MSC proliferation and fate. This is particularly relevant for diseases in which the ECM regulation and remodeling processes are disrupted, such as osteoporosis. METHODS: Mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics analysis was used to identify ECM components, after oligonucleotides delivery to osteoporosis-derived hMSCs. Moreover, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence and proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis assays were performed. Engineered matrices were decellularized, characterized by atomic force microscopy and repopulated with hMSC and pre-adipocytes. Clinical bone samples were characterized by histomorphometry analysis. RESULTS: Our study provides an in-depth proteome-wide and matrisome-specific analysis of the ECM proteins controlled by the lncRNA H19. Using bone marrow-isolated MSC from patients with osteoporosis, we identified fibrillin-1 (FBN1), vitronectin (VTN) and collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1), among others, as having different pattern levels following H19 silencing. Decellularized siH19-engineered matrices are less dense and have a decreased collagen content compared with control matrices. Repopulation with naïve MSCs promotes a shift towards the adipogenic lineage in detriment of the osteogenic lineage and inhibits proliferation. In pre-adipocytes, these siH19-matrices enhance lipid droplets formation. Mechanistically, H19 is targeted by miR-29c, whose expression is decreased in osteoporotic bone clinical samples. Accordingly, miR-29c impacts MSC proliferation and collagen production, but does not influence ALP staining or mineralization, revealing that H19 silencing and miR-29c mimics have complementary but not overlapping functions. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest H19 as a therapeutic target to engineer the bone ECM and to control cell behavior.

Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects of Buriti Oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) Administered to Iron-Overloaded Rats.

The indiscriminate use of oral ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) doses induces significant oxidative damage to health. However, carotene-rich foods such as buriti oil can help the endogenous antioxidant defense and still maintain other body functions. This study aimed to assess the effects of buriti oil intake in iron-overloaded rats by FeSO4 administration. Buriti oil has ß-carotene (787.05 mg/kg), α-tocopherol (689.02 mg/kg), and a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (91.30 g/100 g). Wistar rats (n = 32) were subdivided into two control groups that were fed a diet containing either soybean or buriti oil; and two groups which received a high daily oral dose of FeSO4 (60 mg/kg body weight) and fed a diet containing either soybean (SFe) or buriti oil (Bfe). The somatic and hematological parameters, serum lipids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined after 17 days of iron overload. Somatic parameters were similar among groups. BFe showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (38.43%) and hemoglobin (7.51%); an increase in monocytes (50.98%), SOD activity in serum (87.16%), and liver (645.50%) hepatic GPx (1017.82%); and maintained serum GPx compared to SFe. Buriti oil showed systemic and hepatic antioxidant protection in iron-overloaded rats, which may be related to its high carotenoid, tocopherol, and fatty acid profile.

Clinical Evolution of Preschool Picky Eater Children Receiving Oral Nutritional Supplementation during Six Months: A Prospective Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if oral nutritional supplementation of picky eater children has a beneficial effect in addition to nutritional guidance on anthropometric parameters, nutrient intake, appetite, physical activity, and health complications. METHODS: This is a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial that included Brazilian picky eater children aged 24 to 60 months. The individuals were randomized into a control group (CG) (n = 17) and an intervention group (IG) (n = 18), and were followed up in seven meetings for 180 days (baseline plus one meeting every 30 days). The CG received nutritional guidance for food selectivity, while the IG received the same guidance plus oral nutritional supplementation. Anthropometric and nutrient intake assessments were carried out, and appetite, physical activity and health complications were investigated. RESULTS: In the IG, the z-score of weight and height increased significantly over time (p < 0.05), while the body fat percentage (BFP) and BMI z-score remained unchanged. The percentage of inadequate intake of vitamins D, C and folate reduced in the IG over time compared to the CG (p < 0.05). In the IG, the score assigned by parents to the appetite scale increased over time (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups in the scores on the physical activity and global health scales, and in the number of health complications. CONCLUSIONS: Picky eater children that were supplemented increased their weight not by gaining fat, but due to an increase in stature, as shown by BMI z-score and BFP, that remained unchanged. Furthermore, they showed a decrease in inadequate micronutrient intake during the intervention. An improvement in appetite was also observed over time, attesting to the benefit of supplementation.

Epidemiology of Vitamin D (EpiVida)-A Study of Vitamin D Status Among Healthy Adults in Brazil.

Context: There are few studies of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations in healthy adults in Brazil. Objective: This work aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin D status and its association with lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data in 3 regions of Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among blood donors of both sexes, living in the cities of Salvador, São Paulo, and Curitiba during summer. Blood samples were collected during the procedure. Serum 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in the same laboratory using chemiluminescence immunoassays. Lifestyle, sociodemographic, and anthropometric data were gathered by an interview with a standardized questionnaire. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was defined as 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL and below 30 ng/mL, respectively. Results: A total of 1004 healthy adults were evaluated with mean levels of 25(OH)D (28.7 ± 9.27 ng/mL) and PTH (34.4 ± 15.1 pg/mL). The standardized prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was in the study population 15.3% and 50.9%: in Salvador 12.1% and 47.6%, in São Paulo 20.5%, and 52.4% and in Curitiba 12.7% and 52.1%, (P = .0004). PTH levels were negatively correlated with 25(OH)D levels. Greater body mass index (BMI) and higher latitude were significant predictors of vitamin D deficiency, whereas skin color (White), longer duration of sun exposure, and current use of dietary supplement were protective. Conclusion: This study confirmed the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency even in the midsummer in a healthy population of Brazil. Vitamin D levels are associated with sun exposure, latitude, BMI, skin color, and use of supplements.

Mass Spectrometric Identification of Licania rigida Benth Leaf Extracts and Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Effects on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Response.

Licania rigida Benth has been evaluated as an alternative drug to treat diseases associated with inflammatory processes. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous and hydroalcoholic leaf extracts of L. rigida with inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides in in vitro and in vivo inflammation models. The phytochemical profile of the extracts, analyzed by ultra-fast liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, revealed the presence of gallic and ellagic acids in both extracts, whereas isovitexin, ferulate, bulky amino acids (e.g., phenylalanine), pheophorbide, lactic acid, and pyridoxine were detected in the hydroalcoholic extract. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate in vitro and in vivo inflammatory responses, reducing approximately 50% of pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6), and inhibiting both NO production and leukocyte migration by approximately 30 and 40% at 100 and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Overall, the results highlight and identify, for the first time, the ability of L. rigida leaf extract to modulate inflammatory processes. These data suggest that the leaf extracts of this plant have potential in the development of herbal formulations for the treatment of inflammation.

The Effects of Mind-Body Exercises on Chronic Spinal Pain Outcomes: A Synthesis Based on 72 Meta-Analyses.

An umbrella review of systematic reviews with a meta-analysis was developed to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of qigong, tai chi, and yoga in chronic spinal pain outcomes. The CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, PsycINFO, PubMed and SPORTDiscus databases were searched. Pain, psychological factors, and quality of life (QOL) were the outcomes of interest. The methodological quality of the reviews was evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 tool. The overlap was calculated using the corrected covered area. A total of 72 meta-analyses drawn from 20 systematic reviews were included and often were rated at a critically low quality. The effects of qigong on chronic low back and neck pain (CLBP and CNP, respectively) were inconsistent, although it improved the physical component of QOL after 12 weeks for CNP. Tai chi was superior to the controls in reducing CLBP; no reviews of interest were found on CNP. Yoga was superior to multiple controls in reducing CLBP, but no relevant effects on depression or QOL were found. QOL, anxiety, depression, and general mood improved with yoga for CNP. Inconsistencies arose related to yoga and CNP. Our findings mainly supported the potential effects of yoga and tai chi on pain-related outcomes, psychological factors, and QOL in populations with CLBP and NP. Clinical and methodological considerations were discussed.

Selenium, TGF-Beta and Infectious Endemic Cardiopathy: Lessons from Benchwork to Clinical Application in Chagas Disease.

For over 60 years, selenium (Se) has been known as an essential microelement to many biological functions, including cardiovascular homeostasis. This review presents a compilation of studies conducted in the past 20 years related to chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy (CCC), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, a neglected disease that represents a global burden, especially in Latin America. Experimental and clinical data indicate that Se may be used as a complementary therapy to prevent heart failure and improve heart function. Starting from the main questions "Is Se deficiency related to heart inflammation and arrhythmogenesis in CCC?" and "Could Se be recommended as a therapeutic strategy for CCC?", we show evidence implicating the complex and multidetermined CCC physiopathology, discussing its possible interplays with the multifunctional cytokine TGF-ß as regulators of immune response and fibrosis. We present two new proposals to face this global public health challenge in vulnerable populations affected by this parasitic disease: fibrosis modulation mediated by TGF-ß pathways and the possible use of selenoproteins as antioxidants regulating the increased reactive oxygen stress present in CCC inflammatory environments. We assess the opportunity to consider the beneficial effects of Se in preventing heart failure as a concept to be applied for CCC patients.

Chemical Characterization of Flowers and Leaf Extracts Obtained from Turnera subulata and Their Immunomodulatory Effect on LPS-Activated RAW 264.7 Macrophages.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Turnera subulata have been evaluated as an alternative drug approach to treating several inflammatory processes. Accordingly, in this study, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts of T. subulata flowers and leaves were analyzed regarding their phytocomposition by ultrafast liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and their anti-inflammatory properties were assessed by an in vitro inflammation model, using LPS-stimulated RAW-264.7 macrophages. The phytochemical profile indicated vitexin-2-O-rhamnoside as an important constituent in both extracts, while methoxyisoflavones, some bulky amino acids (e.g., tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine), pheophorbides, and octadecatrienoic, stearidonic, and ferulic acids were detected in hydroalcoholic extracts. The extracts displayed the ability to modulate the in vitro inflammatory response by altering the secretion of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines and inhibiting the PGE-2 and NO production. Overall, for the first time, putative compounds from T. subulata flowers and leaves were characterized, which can modulate the inflammatory process. Therefore, the data highlight this plant as an option to obtain extracts for phytotherapic formulations to treat and/or prevent chronic diseases.

Licania rigida leaf extract: Protective effect on oxidative stress, associated with cytotoxic, mutagenic and preclinical aspects.

Brazilian plant biodiversity is a rich alternative source of bioactive compounds since plant-derived extracts and/or their secondary metabolites exhibit potential properties to treat several diseases. In this context, Licania rigida Benth (Chrysobalanaceae Family), a large evergreen tree distributed in Brazilian semi-arid regions, deserves attention for its widespread use in popular medicine, although its biological properties are still poorly studied. The aim of this study was to examine (1) acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity at 2000 mg/kg dose; (2) in vitro cytotoxicity at 0.1; 1; 10; 100 or 1000 µg/ml; (3) in vivo mutagenicity at 5, 10 or 20 mg/ml, and (4) potential antioxidant protective effect of L. rigida aqueous leaf extract of (AELr). No marked apparent toxic and genotoxic effects were observed using in vitro and in vivo assays after in vitro treatment of Chinese hamster ovary cell line (CHO-K1) with AELr or in vivo exposure of Wistar rats and Drosophila melanogaster to different extract concentrations. Concerning the antioxidant effect, the extract exhibited a protective effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation as determined by malondialdehyde levels. No significant changes were observed for glutathione (GSH) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Data demonstrate the beneficial potential of AELr to be employed for therapeutic purposes. However, further studies are required to validate the pharmacological application of this plant extract to develop as a phytotherapeutic formulation.

Phenolic Composition, Toxicity Potential, and Antimicrobial Activity of Licania rigida Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) Leaf Extracts.

This study was conducted to evaluate the phenolic composition, toxicity, and antimicrobial activity of Licania rigida Benth, an underexploited wild Licania species. L. rigida leaf fractions (ethyl alcohol and ethyl acetate) were analyzed for their phenolic compound and flavonoid total, and high-performance liquid chromatography/ultraviolet spectra chromatographic profiles. Regarding the extract biological effects, toxicity was measured by acute oral toxicity in Wistar rats, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] method, and apoptosis indicators with DAPI in VERO cells, whereas well-agar diffusion and broth microdilution assays were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial ability. The phytochemical analysis resulted in significant amounts of phenolic compounds and total flavonoids in the extract and fraction, with flavonol-3-O-glycosylates as the main constituent. Regarding the extract and fraction antimicrobial activity, the results showed a significant effect against gram-positive bacteria and fungi, among which Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida krusei displayed more susceptibility. No toxicity effects were observed in animals. Concerning the cytotoxicity assay, only the highest dose tested exhibited a minimal toxic effect on the analyzed cell lines. These results are relevant considering the increase of multiresistant microorganisms to conventional treatments applied. Therefore, investigating the pharmacological properties of the genus Licania is promising in the search for new sources of antimicrobial compounds.

Uso das práticas integrativas em um serviço de atenção à saúde do trabalhador / Use of integrative practices in a occupational health care service / Uso de prácticas integrativas en un servicio de salud del trabajador

Objetivo: analisar o desenvolvimento das Práticas Integrativas e Complementares pela equipe multiprofissional do Serviço de Atenção à Saúde do Trabalhador. Método: estudo exploratório e descritivo, desenvolvido com uma equipe multiprofissional por meio de entrevistas. Resultados: organizou-se três categorias temáticas: 1. PIC: uma questão de crescimento pessoal; 2. Existe a supremacia da medicalização?; e 3. Os diferentes paradigmas. Observou-se que o trabalho em equipe multiprofissional e a promoção de saúde foram pontos e apontou a importância da constante busca por conhecimento e reconhecimento do tema, para que o serviço ganhe visibilidade e se fortaleça, além da necessidade de superação do paradigma biomédico e da medicalização. Conclusão: o emprego das PIC no serviço de referência vem se constituindo como ferramentas para os profissionais que lá atuam, sejam elas utilizadas de forma única, integradas ou complementares, repercutindo nos resultados do tratamento para promoção de saúde e qualidade da atenção prestada aos usuários

Objective: analyze the development of Integrative and Complementary Practices by the multidisciplinary team of the Workers' Health Care Service. Method: exploratory and descriptive study, developed with a multiprofessional team through interviews. Results: thematic categories were organized: 1. Integrative Practices: question of personal growth; 2. Is there a supremacy of medicalization ?; 3. The different paradigms. It was observed that multiprofessional teamwork and health promotion were points importance and constant search for knowledge and recognition of the theme, so that the service gains visibility and strengthens itself, addition to the need overcome the biomedical paradigm and the medicalization. Conclusion: the use of Complementary Practices in the reference service has been constituting as tools for the professionals who work there, whether they are used in a unique way, integrated or complementary, reflecting on the results of the treatment for health promotion and quality of care provided to users

Objetivo: analizar el desarrollo de Prácticas Integrativas y Complementarias por parte del equipo multidisciplinar del Servicio de Salud del Trabajador. Método: estudio exploratorio y descriptivo, desarrollado con equipo multiprofesional mediante entrevistas. Resultados: organizaron categorías temáticas: 1. Prácticas Integrativas: cuestión de crecimiento personal; 2. ¿Existe supremacía de la medicalización? y 3. Los diferentes paradigmas. Se observó que el trabajo equipo multiprofesional y promoción de salud fueron puntos importancia y la búsqueda constante del conocimiento yreconocimiento del tema, para que el servicio gane visibilidad y se fortalezca, además de la necesidad de superar el paradigma biomédico y medicalización. Conclusión: uso de Prácticas Integrativas en servicio de referencia se ha ido constituyendo como herramientas para los profesionales que allí laboran, ya sean utilizados de forma única, integrada o complementaria, reflexionando sobre los resultados del tratamiento para la promoción de la salud y la calidad de la atención brindada los usuarios

Racionalidades Médicas: avaliação de componente optativo na formação médica / Medical rationalities: evaluation of optional component in medical training

Resumo: Introdução: A superação da crise mundial do paradigma biomédico tem promovido a inserção de medicinas tradicionais nos sistemas públicos de saúde de muitos países. O Brasil é vanguarda desse movimento e, a partir do lançamento da Política Nacional de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares em 2006, insere oficialmente práticas na atenção à saúde ofertada pelo SUS. Entretanto, a baixa qualificação nessa área dos profissionais que atendem ao SUS tem dificultado a resolubilidade dos serviços. Um dos grandes desafios é a formação de profissionais sensíveis a práticas de saúde provenientes de outras culturas e com paradigma vitalista. A hipótese do estudo é que a inserção de conteúdo sócio-histórico-epistemológico de Racionalidades Médicas no período formativo pode introduzir uma efetiva articulação entre diferentes medicinas, saberes e práticas, promovendo integração do saber convencional com outras culturas em saúde. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o interesse dos acadêmicos pelo tema, pouco reconhecido nos cursos de Medicina do Brasil, mas crescentemente valorizado e incorporado na educação médica de muitos países. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de abordagem mista. A análise qualitativa de delineamento exploratório-descritivo foi organizada mediante exploração dos dados coletados com perguntas abertas aplicadas aos acadêmicos no primeiro dia de aula e ao final do curso, com respostas manuscritas. A análise quantitativa de delineamento transversal foi feita por meio de informações coletadas em questionário fechado, aplicado no último dia de aula. Resultado: Considerando as questões apresentadas aos estudantes no início e ao final da oferta do componente, as expectativas foram superadas, sendo muito bem avaliado ao término. Os participantes do estudo demonstraram interesse em novos conhecimentos no período formativo. As análises permitem afirmar que inserir esse tema aguça a reflexão crítica sobre os paradigmas, mesmo sendo apresentado de forma vertical, pontual e de caráter informativo no contexto do curso estudado. Ficou demonstrado que, na percepção dos estudantes, há grande interesse na inclusão de disciplinas que abordem esse campo científico. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que, na realidade do curso pesquisado, há boas perspectivas de integração e complementaridade de novos saberes e práticas de saúde na formação médica.

Abstract: Introduction: Overcoming the global crisis of the biomedical paradigm has promoted the insertion of Traditional Medicine in public health systems in many countries. Brazil is at the forefront of this movement, and since the launch of the National Policy on Integrative and Complementary Practices in 2006, it has officially included practices in the health care offered by the SUS. However, low qualification in this area of the professionals who work for the SUS, has hindered the levels of resolution in these services. One of the major challenges is training professionals who would be sensitive to health practices from other cultures and follow a vitalist paradigm. The study hypothesis is that the inclusion of socio-historical-epistemological content of Medical Rationalities during professional training can introduce an effective articulation between different medicines, promoting integrated knowledge. Objective: To assess the interest of academics in the topic, which carries little recognition in medical courses in Brazil but has been increasingly valued and incorporated into medical education in many countries. Method: This is a mixed-approach study. The qualitative analysis was organized by exploring the data collected with open-ended questions applied to students on the first day of classes and at the end of the course. The cross-sectional analysis was performed using information collected in a closed questionnaire applied to students. Result: Considering the questions presented to students at the beginning and the end of the component, expectations were exceeded, with very high assessment levels achieved at the end. The study participants showed interest in new knowledge in the training period. The analyses allow us to assert that including this theme sharpens critical reflection on the paradigms, even though it is presented vertically, punctually, and with an informative character, in the context of the course. There was great interest from participants in disciplines that addressed this scientific field. Conclusion: There are good prospects for the integration and complementarity of new knowledge and health practices in medical education in the reality of the studied course.

Effects of Selenium treatment on cardiac function in Chagas heart disease: Results from the STCC randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease (caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection) evolves to chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC) affecting 1.8 million people worldwide. This is the first randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, clinical trial designed to estimate efficacy and safety of selenium (Se) treatment in CCC. METHODS: 66 patients with CCC stages B1 (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] > 45% and no heart failure; n = 54) or B2 (LVEF < 45% and no heart failure; n = 12) were randomly assigned to receive 100 mcg/day sodium selenite (Se, n = 32) or placebo (Pla, n = 34) for one year (study period: May 2014-September 2018). LVEF changes over time and adverse effects were investigated. Trial registration number: NCT00875173 (clinicaltrials.gov). FINDINGS: No significant differences between the two groups were observed for the primary outcome: mean LVEF after 6 (ß= +1.1 p = 0.51 for Se vs Pla) and 12 months (ß= +2.1; p = 0.23). In a subgroup analysis, statistically significant longitudinal changes were observed for mean LVEF in the stage B2 subgroup (ß= +10.1; p = 0.02 for Se [n = 4] vs Pla [n = 8]). Se treatment was safe for CCC patients, and the few adverse effects observed were similarly distributed across the two groups. INTERPRETATION: Se treatment did not improve cardiac function (evaluated from LVEF) in CCC. However, in the subgroup of patients at B2 stage, a potential beneficial influence of Se was observed. Complementary studies are necessary to explore diverse Se dose and/or associations in different CCC stages (B2 and C), as well as in A and B1 stages with longer follow-up. FUNDING: Brazilian Ministry of Health, Fiocruz, CNPq, FAPERJ.

The effects of Curcuma longa L. leaf extracts on the prevention of oxidation in soybean oil.

BACKGROUND: The use of natural plant antioxidants has been an alternative approach to synthetic antioxidants for food applications. This study investigated the antioxidant properties of the leaves of Curcuma longa L. against the oxidation of soybean oil using leaf extracts obtained from seven different types of organic solvents and compared to the action of efficient synthetic antioxidants which are widely used and low cost but with toxicity risk. The application of natural alternatives from sources still little studied is a proposal and the extraction of compounds with high antioxidant capacity may vary according to the type of solvent, its mixture, its polarity and other factors that burden or harm the health of the consumer. METHODS: The leaf extracts were sanitized, dried, and obtained for solvent selection. The quantification of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidants was performed by using different combinations and proportions of solvents: water (100%), ethanol (100%), methanol (100%), ethanol/water (70%:30%), methanol/water (70%:30%), methanol/acetic acid (99.5%:0.5%), and acetone/water/acetic acid (70%:28:2%). The solvent selected was the one that extracted the highest content of phenolic and antioxidant compounds (using the free radical DPPH scavenging method and FRAP assay). It used an accelerated storage test and experimental design to assess oxidative stability (using peroxide index (PI), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), dienes (DC) and triple conjugates (TC) and statistical analysis). RESULTS: The ethanol/water solvent was efficient in the extraction of TPC (2422 mg GAE 100 g-1). The mixture of solvents extracted an average of 23.65% more TPC when compared to the single solvents. Regarding the antioxidant capacity, the ethanol/water solvent showed 1847 mg TE 100 g-1 using the DPPH and 217 µmol of FeSO4 100 g-1 using the FRAP assays. In addition, the oxidation of soybean oil was delayed by the accelerated storage test showing equivalent results to BHT at 0.02% for the values of PI, TBARS and DC/TC. CONCLUSIONS: The E/W extract showed the highest yield in the extraction of phenolic compounds and is a safe solvent for food. The addition of Curcuma longa L. leaf extract to soybean oil caused reductions in PI, TBARS, CD and CT values. The leaf extract of C. longa L. is considered to be a good alternative to synthetic antioxidants against the oxidative degradation of soybean oil.

Prevalence of childhood anaemia in Brazil: still a serious health problem: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of anaemia in Brazilian children up to 83·9 months old. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis, using databases PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Lilacs, Google Scholar, Periódicos Capes, Arca, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Microsoft Academic Search and Cochrane Library using search terms: anaemia, prevalence, child and Brazil. PROSPERO Registration number: CRD42020208818. SETTING: Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control and intervention studies published between 2007 and 2020 were searched, excluding those who assessed children with an illness or chronic condition. The main outcome was anaemia prevalence. Random effects models based on the inverse variance method were used to estimate pooled prevalence measures. Sensitivity analyses removed studies with high contribution to overall heterogeneity. PARTICIPANTS: From 6790 first screened, 134 eligible studies were included, totalling 46 978 children aged zero to 83·9 months analysed, with adequate regions representativeness. RESULTS: Pooled prevalence of anaemia was 33 % (95 % CI 30, 35). Sensitivity analyses showed that withdrawal of studies that contributed to high heterogeneity did not influence national average prevalence. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood anaemia is still a serious public health problem in Brazil, exposing 33 % of Brazilian children to the anaemia repercussions. The main limitation of the study is the estimation of national prevalence based on local surveys, but a large number of studies were included, with representation in all regions of the country, giving strength to the results. In Brazil, more public policies are needed to promote supplementation, fortification and access to healthy eating to reduce the high level of anaemia among children.

Tablet of Spondias mombin L. Developed from Nebulized Extract Prevents Gastric Ulcers in Mice via Cytoprotective and Antisecretory Effects.

Spondias mombin L. (Anacardiaceae) has a worldwide distribution and is present in all regions of Brazil. Its leaves, flowers and bark are used as teas in folk medicine to treat diseases of the digestive system. This study aimed to evaluate the acute non-clinical toxicity, gastroprotective activity, and the related mechanisms of action of nebulized extract and tablets based on dried Spondias mombin (SmNE). SmNE screening showed the presence of flavonoids (0.65%), polyphenols (25.50%), where the major compound is gallic acid. In the acute oral toxicity assay, a dose of 2000 mg/kg of SmNE administered orally in Swiss mice did not induce any behavioral changes. SmNE (250 or 500 mg/kg p.o) significantly reduced the ulcerative lesion area when compared to the control group in ethanol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) models. Results showed that treatment with SmNE (250 mg/kg) reduced acid secretion and gastric content, accompanied with an increase in pH. Previous administration of indomethacin and glibenclamide reversed the protection provided by SmNE, confirming the participation of prostaglandins (PGs) and ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) in its gastroprotective effect. The SmNE tablets met the pharmacopeial quality requirements with gastroprotective activity and similar protection in comparison to the isolated extract administrated. In conclusion, SmNe has a gastroprotective activity related to cytoprotective mechanisms, such as the participation of endogenous prostaglandins and KATP channels, having an anti-secretory effect with systemic action. The formulation obtained presented gastroprotective effects similar to the administration of the extract, the tablets showed favorable compression characteristics by the direct route and met the pharmacopeial quality requirements.