Metabolic and neurological consequences of the treatment with polyphenols: a systematic review in rodent models of noncommunicable diseases.

BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) lead to drastic metabolic alterations with associated energy balance and body weight changes, two related physiological processes regulated by the brain. Polyphenol-based treatments for NCDs have emerged as a promising therapy, which seems to involve the energy balance modulation. However, it remains unclear what the most effective polyphenols-based treatment is to attenuate adverse effects in the energy balance of NCDs. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the literature on the metabolic and neurological effects of polyphenols-based treatment in rodent models of NCDs. METHODS: Literature search was carried out in the following databases: CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. For title and abstract screening, original papers with polyphenols exposure in rodents were selected. For full-text screening, studies with models of NCDs that reported metabolic and neurological outcomes when treated with polyphenols were selected for inclusion in this review. RESULTS: 23 articles, using individual compound (11 articles) or polyphenols extracts (12 articles), were included in this review: 5 articles using tea polyphenols, 12 articles using grape-derived polyphenols, 3 articles using the polyphenol quercetin, and 3 articles using other polyphenol sources. Most results agree on the beneficial effect of polyphenols in attenuating alterations in energy balance and body weight. Such effects were associated with neuroprotective responses in different brain areas including hippocampus and hypothalamus. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this review shows that the treatment with polyphenols, especially resveratrol or quercetin, attenuates the adverse effects of NCDs on energy balance and are associated with neuroprotective effects.

Profile of pterostilbene-induced redox homeostasis modulation in cardiac myoblasts and heart tissue.

This study was designed to investigate the effect of pterostilbene (PTS) on cardiac oxidative stress in vitro, as this is a simple and promising methodology to study cardiac disease. Cardiac myoblasts (H9c2 cells) and homogenised cardiac tissue were incubated with the PTS and cyclodextrin (PTS + HPßCD) complex for 1 and 24 h, respectively, at concentrations of 50µM for the cells and 25 and 50µM for cardiac tissue. The PTS + HPßCD complex was used to increase the solubility of PTS in water. After the pretreatment period, cardiomyoblasts were challenged with hydrogen peroxide (6.67µM) for 10 min, while cardiac tissue was submitted to a hydroxyl radical generator system (30 min). Cellular viability, oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. total reactive oxygen species (ROS), carbonyl assay and lipoperoxidation) and the antioxidant response (e.g. sulfhydryl and the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) were evaluated. In cardiomyoblasts, the PTS + HPßCD complex (50µM) increased cellular viability. Moreover, the PTS + HPßCD complex also significantly increased sulfhydryl levels in the cells submitted to an oxidative challenge. In cardiac tissue, lipid peroxidation, carbonyls and ROS levels were significantly increased in the groups submitted to oxidative damage, while the PTS + HPßCD complex significantly reduced ROS levels in these groups. In addition, the PTS + HPßCD complex also provoked increased catalase activity in both experimental protocols. These data suggest that the PTS + HPßCD complex may play a cardioprotective role through a reduction of ROS levels associated with an improved antioxidant response.

Multi-Criteria Analysis to Prioritize Energy Sources for Ambience in Poultry Production

ABSTRACT This paper intends to outline a model of multi-criteria analysis to pinpoint the most suitable energy source for heating aviaries in poultry broiler production from the point of view of the farmer and under environmental logic. Therefore, the identification of criteria was enabled through an exploratory study in three poultry broiler production units located in the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to identify the energy source, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied. The criteria determined and validated in the research contemplated the cost of energy source, leadtime, investment in equipment, energy efficiency, quality of life and environmental impacts. The result of applying the method revealed firewood as the most appropriate energy for heating. The decision support model developed could be replicated in order to strengthen the criteria and energy alternatives presented, besides identifying new criteria and alternatives that were not considered in this study.

Multi-Criteria Analysis to Prioritize Energy Sources for Ambience in Poultry Production

ABSTRACT This paper intends to outline a model of multi-criteria analysis to pinpoint the most suitable energy source for heating aviaries in poultry broiler production from the point of view of the farmer and under environmental logic. Therefore, the identification of criteria was enabled through an exploratory study in three poultry broiler production units located in the mountain region of Rio Grande do Sul. In order to identify the energy source, the Analytic Hierarchy Process was applied. The criteria determined and validated in the research contemplated the cost of energy source, leadtime, investment in equipment, energy efficiency, quality of life and environmental impacts. The result of applying the method revealed firewood as the most appropriate energy for heating. The decision support model developed could be replicated in order to strengthen the criteria and energy alternatives presented, besides identifying new criteria and alternatives that were not considered in this study.(AU)

Are grape juices more erosive than orange juices?

AIMS: To evaluate the chemical characteristics of grape and orange juices, and their erosive potential in the decrease of microhardness and the loss of enamel structure. METHODS: Five grape and orange juices were evaluated for pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate, and fluoride concentration. De-ionised water and Cola soft drink were used as a negative and positive control, respectively. Twelve specimens of bovine enamel were immersed in beverages for 10 min at 37 °C, 3 times/day for 7 days. Erosive potential was quantified using microhardness and loss of enamel structure. Anova One Way, Student's t test, Multiple Regression and Spearman Correlation (p < 0.05) were used to analyse the results. RESULTS: Powdered grape juice showed the lowest pH (3.18 ± 0.03) and pure grape juice presented the highest titratable acidity (5.48 ± 0.06 mL NaOH/100 mL). Fresh orange juice and soya-based grape juice revealed the lowest calcium (0.77 ± 0.12 mmol/L) and phosphate concentrations (0.35 ± 0.06 mmol/L), respectively. Among juices, powdered orange juice caused the greatest decrease in surface microhardness (SMH) (127.99 ± 40.47 ΔSMH) and grape juice from concentrate caused the greatest loss of enamel structure (13.30 ± 3.56 µm). CONCLUSIONS: All of the evaluated juices contributed to dental erosion. Grape juices presented greater erosive potential than orange juices. Pure, powdered and concentrated grape juices showed similar loss of enamel structure to the Cola soft drink. The erosive potential of beverages was statistically correlated to pH, titratable acidity, calcium, phosphate and fluoride concentrations.

Oro-facial functions in experimental models of cerebral palsy: a systematic review.

Children who suffer from cerebral palsy (CP) often present comorbidities in the form of oro-facial dysfunctions. Studies in animals have contributed to elaborate potential therapies aimed at minimising the chronic disability of the syndrome. To systematically review the scientific literature regarding the possible effects that experimental models of CP can have on oro-facial functions. Two independent authors conducted a systematic review in the electronic databases Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science and Lilacs, using Mesh and Decs terms in animal models. The motor and sensory parameters of sucking, chewing and swallowing were considered as primary outcomes; reactivity odour, controlled salivation, postural control, head mobility during feeding and the animal's ability to acquire food were secondary outcomes. Ten studies were included in the present review. Most studies used rabbits as experimental models of CP, which was induced by either hypoxia-ischemia, inflammation or intraventricular haemorrhage. Oro-facial functions were altered in all experimental models of CP. However, we found more modifications in hypoxia-ischemia models overall. On the other hand, the model of inflammation was more effective to reproduce higher damage for coordinating sucking and swallowing. All of the CP experimental models that were assessed modified the oral functions in different animal species. However, further studies should be conducted in order to clarify the mechanisms underlying oro-facial damage in order to optimise treatment strategies for children who suffer from CP.

SEROPREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED TO NEOSPORA CANINUM IN FEMALE BOVINES FROM THE WESTERN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

ABSTRACT The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.

RESUMO A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum foi avaliada em 1104 vacas de 118 fazendas da região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, usando a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta. Sessenta e cinco (55,0%; IC 95%: 46,0-63,8%) fazendas apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Prevalência acima de 10% foi observada em 33 fazendas (28,0%; IC 95%: 20,4-36,5%), e acima de 20% em 18 (15,2%; IC 95%: 9,5-22,6%). A prevalência de animais foi de 10,9%, sendo 120 vacas positivas (RIFI ? 1:100). Observou-se associação significativa entre a presença de animais positivos e fazendas com produção leiteira acima de 50 litros por dia. Infecção causada por N. caninum ocorre na região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, mesmo não tendo sido observada relação entre animais soropositivos e práticas de manejo, nas fazendas com alta produção leiteira foram observadas as maiores prevalências de infecção.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated to Neospora caninum in female bovines from the western São Paulo state, Brazil / Soroprevalência e fatores de risco associados a Neospora caninum em fêmeas bovinas do oeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The prevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was evaluated in 1104 cows from 118 farms in the Western region of São Paulo State, Brazil, using indirect immunofluorescence antibody assay. Sixty-five (55.0%; CI 95%: 46.0-63.8%) farms showed at least one seropositive animal. Prevalence over 10% was observed in 33 farms (28.0%; CI 95%: 20.4-36.5%), and over 20% in 18 farms (15.2%; CI 95%: 9.5-22.6%). Prevalence of animals showed 120 (10.9%) positive females (IFAT ? 1:100). The positivity in the farms showed significant association with farms producing more than 50 liters per day. Infection caused by the protozoan N. caninum occurs in the Western region of the state of São Paulo, and although no differences were observed either in relation to the production type or management practices, greater milk yield was related to greater prevalence of infection.

A prevalência de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum foi avaliada em 1104 vacas de 118 fazendas da região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, usando a Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta. Sessenta e cinco (55,0%; IC 95%: 46,0-63,8%) fazendas apresentaram pelo menos um animal soropositivo. Prevalência acima de 10% foi observada em 33 fazendas (28,0%; IC 95%: 20,4-36,5%), e acima de 20% em 18 (15,2%; IC 95%: 9,5-22,6%). A prevalência de animais foi de 10,9%, sendo 120 vacas positivas (RIFI ? 1:100). Observou-se associação significativa entre a presença de animais positivos e fazendas com produção leiteira acima de 50 litros por dia. Infecção causada por N. caninum ocorre na região oeste do Estado de São Paulo, mesmo não tendo sido observada relação entre animais soropositivos e práticas de manejo, nas fazendas com alta produção leiteira foram observadas as maiores prevalências de infecção.

Tuberculous myositis in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab.

We present a rare case of tuberculous myositis in a 36-year-old man with long-standing ankylosing spondylitis treated with adalimumab. We review the association between antitumor necrosis factor therapy and tuberculous myositis. Our case illustrates that the index of suspicion of tuberculosis in these patients, even with atypical clinical features, must be very high and emphasizes that this rare infection may occur even with negative tuberculosis screening before therapy was started.

Molecular taxonomy of Brazilian tyrant-flycatchers (Passeriformes: Tyrannidae).

The tyrannids are one of the most diverse groups of birds in the world, and the most numerous suboscine family in the Neotropics. Reflecting such diversity, many taxonomic issues arise in this group, mainly due to morphological similarities, even among phylogenetically distant species. Other issues appear at higher taxonomic levels, mostly brought up by genetic studies, making systematics a rather inconclusive issue. This study looks into the use of DNA barcodes method to discriminate and identify Tyrannidae species occurring in the Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes of Brazil. We analysed 266 individuals of 71 tyrant-flycatcher species from different geographical locations by sequencing 542 bp of the mtDNA COI gene. The great majority of the analysed species showed exclusive haplotypes, usually displaying low intraspecific diversity and high interspecific divergence. Only Casiornis fuscus and Casiornis rufus, suggested in some studies to belong to a single species, could not be phylogenetically separated. High intraspecific diversity was observed among Elaenia obscura individuals, which can suggest the existence of cryptic species in this taxon. The same was also observed for Suiriri suiriri, considered by some authors to comprise at least two species, and by others to be divided into three subspecies. Additionally, the use of sequences from voucher specimens allowed us to correct four misidentifications that had happened in the field. Our findings suggest a great power of the COI barcodes to discriminate species of the Tyrannidae family that are found in Brazil.

Mitochondrial DNA corroborates the species distinctiveness of the Planalto (Thamnophilus pelzelni Hellmayr, 1924) and the Sooretama (T. ambiguus Swainson, 1825) Slaty-antshrikes (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae)

The Thamnophilus punctatus complex has been recently reviewed on the basis of morphological and vocal characters, and is divided in six different species. Two of the new species, although well defined on the basis of morphological differences, could not be unambiguously distinguished through their loudsongs. The Planalto Slaty-antshrike (Thamnophilus pelzelni) and the Sooretama Slaty-antshrike (T. ambiguus) are most easily distinguished by subtle and localized changes in plumage colors of males and females. In the present study we used sequences of the control region, Cytochrome b, and ND2 genes, of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evaluate the levels of molecular differentiation between these two species. The mean pairwise distance between the two species was 3.8 percent, while it varied from 2.7 percent to 4.9 percent for each mtDNA region. Although extensive variation was also detected among haplotypes within species, especially for T. ambiguus, we suggest that the genetic divergence found between T. ambiguus and T. pelzelni is high enough to corroborate the separate species status of these two antbird taxa.

O complexo Thamnophilus punctatus foi recentemente revisado, com base em caracteres morfológicos e vocais, sendo dividido em seis diferentes espécies. Duas dessas novas espécies, embora bem definidas com base em distinções morfológicas, não puderam ser definitivamente diferenciadas por seus cantos. Thamnophilus pelzelni (choca-do-planalto) e T. ambiguus (choca-de-sooretama) são mais facilmente diferenciadas por sutis e localizadas mudanças de coloração da plumagem de machos e fêmeas. Neste estudo, foram utilizadas seqüências de DNA mitocondrial (região controle, Citocromo b e ND2) a fim de avaliar os níveis de diferenciação molecular entre estas duas espécies. A divergência genética média entre as duas espécies foi de 3,8 por cento, enquanto para cada região mitocondrial esta variou entre 2,7 por cento e 4,9 por cento. Embora tenha sido observada grande variabilidade entre haplótipos dentro das espécies, especialmente para T. ambiguus, os resultados sugerem que a divergência genética observada entre T. ambiguus e T. pelzelni é suficientemente elevada para corroborar o status de espécies separadas destes dois Thamnophilidae.

Mitochondrial DNA corroborates the species distinctiveness of the Planalto (Thamnophilus pelzelni Hellmayr, 1924) and the Sooretama (T. ambiguus Swainson, 1825) Slaty-antshrikes (Passeriformes: Thamnophilidae).

The Thamnophilus punctatus complex has been recently reviewed on the basis of morphological and vocal characters, and is divided in six different species. Two of the new species, although well defined on the basis of morphological differences, could not be unambiguously distinguished through their loud songs. The Planalto Slaty-antshrike (Thamnophilus pelzelni) and the Sooretama Slaty-antshrike (T. ambiguus) are most easily distinguished by subtle and localized changes in plumage colors of males and females. In the present study we used sequences of the control region, Cytochrome b, and ND2 genes, of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to evaluate the levels of molecular differentiation between these two species. The mean pairwise distance between the two species was 3.8%, while it varied from 2.7% to 4.9% for each mtDNA region. Although extensive variation was also detected among haplotypes within species, especially for T. ambiguus, we suggest that the genetic divergence found between T. ambiguus and T. pelzelni is high enough to corroborate the separate species status of these two antbird taxa.

Genetic diversity and structure of natural populations of Plathymenia reticulata (Mimosoideae), a tropical tree from the Brazilian Cerrado.

Plathymenia reticulata is a tropical tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the most important and endangered ecosystems in Brazil. This species presents high-quality wood and potential for recovery of degraded areas. Despite its importance, almost nothing is known about its genetic or ecological features. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of six natural populations of P. reticulata. DNAs from 117 adult individuals were amplified with 10 random primers and Shannon's index and amova were used to evaluate the levels of genetic diversity within and among populations. Through 72 markers, 70.8% of which were polymorphic, it was possible to obtain 117 unique RAPD phenotypes. The levels of genetic variability found in the six populations of P. reticulata were considerable and most of the genetic variation was found between individuals within populations, although pairwise PH(ST) values indicated significant divergence between populations. The among-population component accounted for, respectively, 12.3% and 16% of the genetic variation, according to amova and Shannon's index. These results were compared with other genetic studies on plant species and such a level of differentiation among populations corresponds to that which has usually been observed for outcrossing plants. The importance of maintenance of the P. reticulata populations and implications of the analysis of adult individuals, considering the longevity of this species and the relatively recent Cerrado fragmentation, are discussed.

[ISO 9002 at the Center of Pediatric Intensive Care at the Albert Einstein Israeli Hospital]. / ISO 9002 No Centro de Terapia Intensiva Pediátrico do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein.

This study shows the process of implementation of a quality program in Pediatric Intensive Therapy Center of "Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein" which resulted in the certification of this service for the Standards ISO 9002/94. It points out the nurse's role as a leader in this process.

Umbilicoplasty for the abdomen with a thin adipose layer.

The authors present a new technique for umbilicoplasty performed on nine patients who were followed up for at least a year. The method is based on the formation of four dermal flaps which after deepithelialisation and fixation reconstitute the umbilical anatomy. The depth of the new umbilicus depends upon the construction of a cylinder. This method is easily performed in patients with a thin abdominal adipose layer and gives good results.