Bioactive compounds of peanut skin in prevention and adjunctive treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases.

The global prevalence of cancer continues to increase, so does its mortality. Strategies that can prevent/treat this condition are therefore required, especially low-cost and low-toxicity strategies. Bioactive compounds of plant origin have been presented as a good alternative. In this scenario, due to its abundant polyphenolic content (around 60 to 120 times greater than that of the grain), peanut skin by-products stand out as a sustainable source of food bioactives beneficial to human health. Investigated studies highlighted the importance of peanut skin for human health, its phytochemical composition, bioactivity and the potential for prevention and/or adjuvant therapy in cancer, through the advanced search for articles in the Virtual Health Library (VHL), Science direct and the Mourisco platform of the FioCruz Institute, from 2012 to 2022. Using the keywords, "peanut skin" AND "cancer" AND NOT "allergy", the words "peanut testa" and "peanut peel" were included replacing "peanut skin". 18 articles were selected from Plataforma Mourisco, 26 from Science Direct and 26 from VHL. Of these, 7 articles evaluated aspects of cancer prevention and/or treatment. Promising benefits were found in the prevention/treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases in the use of peanut and peanut skin extracts, such as cholesterolemia and glucose control, attenuation of oxidative stress and suppressive action on the proliferation and metabolism of cancer cells.

Anthocyanins-rich interventions on oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis: meta-analysis and meta-regression.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of anthocyanins-interventions on oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid profile in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD42020209742). The primary outcome was anthocyanins-rich intervention on OS parameters and secondary outcome was anthocyanins-rich intervention on inflammation and dyslipidemia. RevMan 5.4 software was used to analyze the effect size of anthocyanins-rich intervention on OS, inflammation and dyslipidemia. Meta-analysis effect size calculations incorporated random-effects model for both outcomes 1 and 2. Eight studies were included in the systematic review (trials enrolling 715 patients; 165 men and 195 women; age range between 30 and 79 years). Anthocyanin intervention in patients undergoing hemodialysis decrease the oxidant parameters (std. mean: -2.64, 95% CI: [-3.77, -1.50], P ≤ 0.0001, I2 = 97%). Specially by reduction of malondialdehyde products in favor of anthocyanins-rich intervention (std. mean: -14.58 µmol.L, 95% CI: [-26.20, -2.96], P ≤ 0.0001, I2 = 99%) and myeloperoxidase (std. mean: -1.28 ηg.mL, 95% CI: [-2.11, -0.45], P = 0.003, I2 = 77%) against placebo group. Decrease inflammatory parameters (std. mean: -0.57, 95% CI: [-0.98, -0.16], P = 0.007, I2 = 79%), increase HDL cholesterol levels (std. mean: 0.58 mg.dL, 95% CI: [0.23, 0.94], P = 0.001, I2 = 12%) against placebo group. Anthocyanins-rich intervention seems to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters and improve lipid profile by increasing HDL cholesterol levels in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis.

Estado nutricional e consumo alimentar de vegetarianos estritos e não estritos / Nutritional status and food consumption of strict and non-strict vegetarians

Introdução: O número de adeptos ao vegetarianismo tem crescido consideravelmente. Observa-se que, entre as vantagens de se adotar uma dieta vegetariana, está o menor risco de desenvolver sobrepeso e obesidade, o que pode estar relacionado com o alto consumo de vegetais e práticas importantes de estilo de vida. Objetivos: Avaliar o estado nutricional e a frequência do consumo alimentar de vegetarianos não estritos e estritos. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo, realizado com participantes do grupo "Vegans SLZ", de ambos os sexos e com idade a partir de 18 anos. A coleta de dados ocorreu de janeiro a março de 2020. Foi realizada aplicação de questionários sobre dados de frequência do consumo alimentar, socioeconômico e de estilo de vida e a aferição de medidas de peso corporal, estatura e de percentuais de gordura corporal e massa muscular. Os dados foram tabulados no Excel 2010® e analisados no programa estatístico R Studio versão 3.6.1. Resultados: Dos 43 vegetarianos avaliados, a maioria seguia a dieta vegetariana estrita (55,81%) e era eutrófica (62,79%), 32,56% apresentaram alto percentual de gordura corporal e 53,49% percentual de massa magra corporal normal. Foi frequente o consumo de pães, cereais, tubérculos, leguminosas, oleaginosas, frutas e verduras, e 41% consumiam alimentos industrializados de 4 a 7 vezes por semana. Conclusões: A maioria da amostra tinha estado nutricional eutrófico e consumo regular de todos os grupos alimentares, porém com importante consumo de alimentos industrializados.

Introduction: The number of adherents to vegetarianism has grown considerably. It is observed that, among the advantages of adopting a vegetarian diet, there is a lower risk of developing overweight and obesity, which may be related to the high consumption of vegetables and important lifestyle practices. Objectives: To assess the nutritional status and frequency of food consumption of non-strict and strict vegetarians. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study carried out with participants of the "Vegans SLZ" group, of both sexes and aged 18 years and over. Data collection took place from January to March 2020. Questionnaires were applied to data on frequency of food, socioeconomic and lifestyle consumption and measurements of body weight, height and percentages of body fat and muscle mass were measured. Data were tabulated in Excel 2010® and analyzed in the statistical program R Studio version 3.6.1. Results: Of the 43 vegetarians evaluated, the majority followed the strict vegetarian diet (55.81%) and were eutrophic (62.79%), 32.56% had a high percentage of body fat and 53.49% percentage of lean body mass normal. The consumption of breads, cereals, tubers, legumes, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables was frequent, and 41% consumed processed foods 4 to 7 times a week. Conclusions: Most of the sample had a eutrophic nutritional status and regular consumption of all food groups, but with a significant consumption of industrialized foods.

Mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis: perfil epidemiológico e tendencial em um município de médio porte da região oeste do Paraná, 2011-2021 / Infant mortality from preventable causes: epidemiological and trend profile in a medium-sized municipality in the western Paraná region, 2011-2021 / Mortalidad infantil por causas prevenibles: perfil epidemiológico y tendencia en un municipio de tamaño medio de la región oeste del Paraná, 2011-2021

Objetivo: analisar o perfil epidemiológico e a tendência da mortalidade infantil por causas evitáveis em Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Método: realizou-se um estudo de série temporal com dados obtidos dos Sistemas de Informações de Mortalidade e Nascidos Vivos. As taxas de mortalidade foram calculadas segundo categorias: neonatal precoce; tardia e pós-neonatal; evitáveis e não evitáveis; e reduzíveis por adequada atenção à mãe e neonato, com avaliação de tendência por regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: As maiores proporções de óbitos evitáveis, foram por inadequada atenção à mulher no parto (36,5%), à mulher na gestação (26,8%), e ao recém- nascido (16%). Observou-se redução percentual nos coeficientes de óbitos gerais (ß = - 0,32; IC95% -0,91;0,68) e por causas evitáveis (ß = -0,74; IC95% -0,98;0,50), mesmo não havendo significância estatística nos resultados relativos às tendências (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusão: A partir dos resultados obtidos, Constatou-se a necessidade de intervenções voltadas ao cuidado materno-infantil, essencialmente na atenção à mulher no pré-natal e no parto e ao neonato, visto que constituem percentuais expressivos dentre as causas de morte evitáveis. A redução da mortalidade infantil é um desafio global para os serviços de saúde e sociedade como um todo. Sua análise permite incorporar o uso de informação qualificada no planejamento e avaliação de ações e políticas públicas voltadas à saúde materno-infantil, tal como, embasar novos estudos, fundamentais para alicerçar a avaliação crítica da prática em relação aos achados de pesquisa e promover mudanças baseadas em evidências.

Objective: to analyze the epidemiological profile and the trend of infant mortality from preventable causes in Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, from 2011 to 2021. Method: a time-series study was conducted with data obtained from the Mortality and Live Births Information Systems. Mortality rates were calculated according to categories: early neonatal; late and post-neonatal; preventable and non-preventable; and reduceable by adequate attention to the mother and neonate, with trend evaluation by Prais-Winsten linear regression. Results: The highest proportions of avoidable deaths, were due to inadequate care of the woman in childbirth (36.5%), the woman in pregnancy (26.8%), and the newborn (16%). There was a percentage reduction in the coefficients of general deaths (ß = -0.32; 95%CI -0.91;0.68) and by preventable causes (ß = -0.74; 95%CI - 0.98;0.50), even though there was no statistical significance in the results regarding trends (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: From the results obtained, there was a need for interventions aimed at maternal and child care, especially in the care of women in prenatal and childbirth and neonates, since they constitute significant percentages among the causes of preventable death. The reduction of infant mortality is a global challenge for health services and society as a whole. Its analysis allows us to incorporate the use of qualified information in the planning and evaluation of actions and public policies aimed at maternal and child health, as well as to support new studies, which are essential to support the critical evaluation of the practice in relation to research findings and to promote evidence-based changes.

Objetivo: analizar el perfil epidemiológico y la tendencia de la mortalidad infantil por causas evitables en Fazenda Rio Grande/PR, de 2011 a 2021. Material y método: se realizó un estudio de series temporales con datos obtenidos de los Sistemas de Información de Mortalidad y Nacidos Vivos. Se calcularon las tasas de mortalidad según las categorías: neonatal precoz; neonatal tardía y posneonatal; prevenible y no prevenible; y reducible por atención adecuada a la madre y al neonato, con evaluación de la tendencia por regresión lineal de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: Las mayores proporciones de muertes evitables, se debieron a la inadecuada atención a la mujer en el parto (36,5%), a la mujer en el embarazo (26,8%) y al recién nacido (16%). Hubo una reducción porcentual en los coeficientes de muertes generales (ß = -0,32; IC 95% -0,91;0,68) y por causas evitables (ß = -0,74; IC 95% -0,98;0,50), aunque no hubo significación estadística en los resultados en cuanto a tendencias (p ≥ 0,05). Conclusiones: De los resultados obtenidos se desprende la necesidad de intervenciones dirigidas a la atención materno- infantil, especialmente en la atención de la mujer en el prenatal y parto y de los neonatos, ya que constituyen porcentajes significativos entre las causas de muerte prevenible. La reducción de la mortalidad infantil es un reto global para los servicios de salud y la sociedad en su conjunto. Su análisis permite incorporar el uso de información cualificada en la planificación y evaluación de acciones y políticas públicas dirigidas a la salud materno-infantil, así como apoyar nuevos estudios, que son esenciales para apoyar la evaluación crítica de la práctica en relación con los resultados de la investigación y promover cambios basados en la evidencia.

Audiovisual and printed technology to prevent childhood diarrhea: A clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of using an educational booklet and a video alone or together in promoting maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhea. DESIGN AND SAMPLE: Randomized multicenter clinical trial with 522 mothers of children under 5 years of age from northeastern Brazil. They were allocated into eight groups, according to the city: metropolis - video alone (N = 61), booklet alone (N = 60), booklet and video along (N = 60), without intervention (N = 60); countryside - booklet alone (N = 70), video alone (N = 70), booklet and video along (N = 71), without intervention (N = 70). MEASUREMENTS: A sociodemographic form and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale for preventing early childhood diarrhea. RESULTS: Increases in self-efficacy scores were observed in all experimental groups after the educational intervention. Urban mothers living had greater self-efficacy than rural mothers. This result was verified in the video alone group (p = .036) and without intervention group (p = .003). Mothers in all intervention groups, regardless of the educational intervention used, had higher self-efficacy scores than the comparison group mothers (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The tested educational technologies promoted maternal self-efficacy to prevent childhood diarrhea, regardless of whether they are applied alone or in combination.

Association of insufficient practice of physical activity with demographic, anthropometric and biochemical factors in hypertensive patients / Fatores associados à atividade física em pacientes com hipertensão tratados e monitorados pelo Hiperdia

Resumo Introdução Considerando-se a magnitude da hipertensão arterial sistêmica e suas complicações, assim como a importância da atividade física regular na sua prevenção e/ou tratamento, é necessário identificar os fatores associados à prática de atividade física insuficiente. Objetivo Analisar os fatores associados à atividade física insuficiente em hipertensos atendidos na atenção primária à saúde. Método Estudo transversal realizado com amostra aleatória de 305 hipertensos em três unidades de saúde de São Luís (MA). Foi realizada análise bivariada, com estimativas de razões de prevalência, intervalos de confiança e análise multivariada por regressão de Poisson. Resultados A atividade física insuficiente foi observada em 38,7% da amostra. Atividade física insuficiente foi associada a menos de 8 anos de educação formal (razão de prevalência - RP = 1,58; intervalo de confiança de 95% - IC = 1,04-2,39), colesterol total ≥200 mg/dL (RP = 0,78; IC 95% = 0,58 -1,04), lipoproteína de baixa densidade colesterol-LDLc ≥100 mg/dL (RP = 0,79; IC 95% = 0,53-0,95) e lipoproteína de alta densidade colesterol-HDLc <40 mg / dL entre homens e <50 mg/dL entre mulheres (RP = 1,21; IC 95% = 0,90-1,64). A escolaridade <8 anos (RP = 1,50; IC 95% = 0,99-2,29) e LDLc ≥100 mg/dL (RP = 0,72; IC 95% = 0,54-0,96) também estiveram associados na regressão multivariada. Conclusão Observou-se alta prevalência de atividade física insuficiente e sua associação com baixa escolaridade e LDLc alterado em hipertensos.

Abstract Background Considering the magnitude of systemic hypertension (SH) and its complications, as well as the importance of regular physical activity in its prevention and/or treatment, there is a necessity to identify the factors associated with insufficient practice of physical activity. Objective To analyze factors associated with insufficient physical activity in hypertensive patients treated at Primary Health Care (PHC). Method This cross-sectional study was performed with a random sample of 305 hypertensive patients in three PHC units in São Luis, state of Maranhão, Brazil. A bivariate analysis was performed with estimates of prevalence ratios and confidence intervals, and multivariate analysis using Poisson regression. Results Insufficient physical activity was observed in 38.7% of the sample. Insufficient physical activity was associated with having <8 years of formal education (prevalence ratio-PR=1.58; 95% confidence interval-CI=1.04-2.39), total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL (PR=0.78; 95% CI=0.58-1.04), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-LDL ≥100 mg/dL (PR=0.79; 95% CI=0.53-0.95), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol-HDL <40 mg/dL among men and <50 mg/dL among women (PR=1.21; 95% CI=0.90-1.64). Length of education <8 years (PR=1.50; 95% CI=0.99-2.29) and LDL ≥100 mg/dL (PR=0.72;95% CI=0.54-0.96) were also associated in the multivariate regression. Conclusion High prevalence of insufficient physical activity and its association with low education level and altered LDL serum levels were observed in hypertensive patients.

Fatores associados ao elevado percentual de gordura corporal em indivíduos fisicamente ativos / Factors associated with the high body fat percentage in physically active individuals

Introdução: O exercício físico é praticado com diversos objetivos, destacando-se a promoção na mudança da composição corporal, com a redução de gordura e aumento de massa magra. Assim, compreender os fatores que podem estar associados nesta modificação se torna relevante. Objetivo: Analisar os fatores demográficos, estilo de vida, bioquímico, alimentares e de treinamento associados ao percentual de gordura corporal em praticantes de exercício físico em academias. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal com 143 praticantes de exercícios físicos saudáveis, de ambos os sexos. Características sociodemográficas e estilo de vida foram obtidas através da aplicação de questionário. O consumo alimentar foi obtido através de registros alimentares de 24h, considerando as médias de três dias. A composição corporal foi avaliada por meio de avaliação antropométrica e pelo teste de bioimpedância elétrica. A análise estatística contemplou o teste de Shapiro Wilk para verificação da normalidade; o qui-quadrado e exato de Fisher foram usados para avaliar a associação entre as variáveis categóricas e a variável resposta e os testes de Mann-Whitney e t de Student para as contínuas. A regressão de Poisson com variância robusta foi usada para determinar as associações entre variáveis estudadas. O software Stata versão 14.0 foi usado para análise estatística, tendo sido adotado o valor de p <0,05. Resultados: A prevalência de gordura corporal elevada foi de 49,3% nos homens e 79,2% nas mulheres. Os fatores associados foram o maior consumo de proteína e fibras nas mulheres e a concentração de monócitos nos homens. Conclusão: Apesar de se tratar de público fisicamente ativo, observou-se elevado percentual de gordura entre os participantes do estudo e os fatores associados reforçam o caráter multietiológico deste indicador. (AU)

Introduction: Physical exercise is practiced with several objectives, especially the promotion of changes in body composition, with fat reduction and increase in lean mass. Thus, understanding the factors that may be associated with this modification becomes relevant. Objective: To analyze demographic, lifestyle, biochemical, dietary, and training factors associated with the percentage of body fat in practitioners of physical exercise in gyms. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with 143 healthy physical exercise practitioners, of both sexes. Sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle were obtained through the application of a questionnaire. Food consumption was obtained through 24-hour food records, considering the averages of three days. Body composition was assessed using anthropometric assessment and the electrical bioimpedance test. The statistical analysis included the Shapiro Wilk test to verify normality, the chi-square and Fisher's exact test were used to assess the association between categorical variables and the response variable and the Mann-Whitney and Student t tests for the continuous variables. Poisson regression with robust variance was used to determine the associations between studied variables. Stata software version 14.0 was used for statistical analysis and a value of p <0.05 was adopted. Results: The prevalence of high body fat was 49.3% in men and 79.2% in women. The associated factors were the higher consumption of protein and fibers in women and the concentration of monocytes in men. Conclusion: Despite being a physically active public, a high percentage of fat was observed among the study participants and the associated factors reinforce the multi-etiological character of this indicator. (AU)

Ganglion cells and displaced amacrine cells density in the retina of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu).

In the present study, we investigated the topographical distribution of ganglion cells and displaced amacrine cells in the retina of the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), a diurnal neotropical mammal of the suborder Suina (Order Artiodactyla) widely distributed across central and mainly South America. Retinas were prepared and processed following the Nissl staining method. The number and distribution of retinal ganglion cells and displaced amacrine cells were determined in six flat-mounted retinas from three animals. The average density of ganglion cells was 351.822 ± 31.434 GC/mm2. The peccary shows a well-developed visual streak. The average peak density was 6,767 GC/mm2 and located within the visual range and displaced temporally as an area temporalis. Displaced amacrine cells have an average density of 300 DAC/mm2, but the density was not homogeneous along the retina, closer to the center of the retina the number of cells decreases and when approaching the periphery the density increases, in addition, amacrine cells do not form retinal specialization like ganglion cells. Outside the area temporalis, amacrine cells reach up to 80% in the ganglion cell layer. However, in the region of the area temporalis, the proportion of amacrine cells drops to 32%. Thus, three retinal specializations were found in peccary's retina by ganglion cells: visual streak, area temporalis and dorsotemporal extension. The topography of the ganglion cells layer in the retina of the peccary resembles other species of Order Artiodactyla already described and is directly related to its evolutionary history and ecology of the species.

Perfil Clínico e Bioquímico de Pacientes em Hemodiálise com Hiperparatireoidismo Secundário / Clinical and Biochemical Profile of Patients on Hemodialysis with Secondary Hyperparathyroidism

Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil clínico e bioquímico de pacientes com e sem HPTS. Metodologia:Estudo transversal e analítico realizado com 93 pacientes com DRC em HD. Os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos: sem HPTS (Paratormônio: < 300pg/mL) e com HPTS (Paratormônio: ≥ 300pg/mL). Foram verificados os dados socioeconômicos por meio de questioná-rio semiestruturado. Os dados bioquímicos e antropométricos foram obtidos por meio do prontuário de cada paciente. Tam-bém foram coletadas informações quanto ao tempo de HD, tabagismo, diabetes mellitus, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, cardiopatias, atividade física e a razão triglicerídeo/HDL-Coles-terol. Resultados:O gênero feminino apresentou-se prevalente no grupo com HPTS (59,09%, p=0,017). Nos pacientes que não apresentavam HPTS foi detectado maior presença de diabetes mellitus (77,27%, p=0,021). Os pacientes com HPTS diferiram dos pacientes sem HPTS para o hematócrito (p=0,0457), crea-tinina (p=0,0303) e a fosfatase alcalina (p=0,0011). Conclusão:Encontramos diferença ao comparar os grupos quanto aos níveis de hematócrito, creatinina, fósforo e fosfatase alcalina, resultados que podem implicar no estado clínico de indivíduos com HPTS. Essas análises poderão direcionar condutas e estratégias específicas para o acompanhamento da doença e proposta adequada de tratamento, buscando a melhora do quadro clínico e qualidade de vida. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and biochemical profile of patients with and without secondary hyperparathyroidism. Methodology: Cross-sectional and analytical study conducted with 93 patients with CKD in HD. The patients were allocated into two groups: without HPTS (Parathyroid hormone: <300pg / mL) and with HPTS (Parathyroid hormone: ≥ 300pg / mL). Socioeconomic data were verified through a semi-structured questionnaire. Biochemical and anthropometric data were obtained from each patient's medical record. Information was also collected regarding HD time, smoking, diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, heart disease, physical activity and the triglyceride / HDL-cholesterol ratio. Results: The female gender was prevalent in the group with HPTS (59.09%, p = 0.017). In patients without HPTS, a higher presence of diabetes mellitus was detected (77.27%, p = 0.021). Patients with HPTS differed from patients without HPTS for hematocrit (p = 0.0457), creatinine (p = 0.0303) and alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.0011). Conclusion: We found a difference when comparing the groups regarding hematocrit, creatinine, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase levels. Results that may imply the clinical status of individuals with HPTS. These analysis may direct specific conducts and strategies for the follow-up of the disease and appropriate treatment proposal, seeking to improve the clinical condition and quality of life. (AU)

Spatial frequency selectivity of the human visual cortex estimated with pseudo-random visual evoked cortical potential (VECP).

Single-cell recordings in the primary visual cortex (V1) show neurons with spatial frequency (SF) tuning, which had different responses to chromatic and luminance stimuli. Visually evoked cortical potential (VECP) investigations have reported different spatial profiles. The current study aimed to investigate the spatial selectivity of V1 to simultaneous stimulus of chromatic and luminance contrasts. Compound stimuli temporally driven by m-sequences at 8 SFs were utilized to generate VECP records from thirty subjects (14 trichromats and 16 colorblind subjects). We extracted the second-order kernel, first and second slices (K2.1 and K2.2, respectively). Optimal SF, SF bandwidth, and high SF cut-off were estimated from the best-fitted functions to the VECP amplitude vs SF. For trichromats, K2.1 waveforms had a negative component (N1 K2.1) at 100 ms followed by a positive component (P1 K2.1). K2.2 waveforms also had a negative component (N1 K2.2) at 100 ms followed by a positive deflection (P1 K2.2). SF tuning of N1 K2.1 and N1 K2.2 had a band-pass profile, while the P1 K2.1 was low-pass tuned. P1 K2.1 optimal SF differed significantly from both other negative responses and from P1 K2.2. We found differences in the optimal SF, SF tuning and high SF cut-off among the VECP components. Dichromats had little or no response for all stimulus conditions. The absence of the responses in dichromats, the similarity between the high SF cut-off of the pseudorandom VECPs and psychophysical chromatic visual acuity, and presence of multiple SF tunings suggested that pseudorandom VECPs represented the activity of cells that responded preferentially to the chromatic component of the compound stimuli.

Psychophysical Evaluation of Visual Functions of Ex-Alcoholic Subjects After Prolonged Abstinence.

Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to a brain damages, and the health status of alcoholics even after a long-term alcohol abstinence is a public health concern. The present study investigated the color vision and spatial luminance contrast sensitivity of a group of 17 ex-alcoholics (46.3 ± 6.7 years old) in long-term alcohol abstinence after having been previously under alcohol dependence for many years. We also investigated the association of impaired psychophysical performance in different tests we applied. The mean time of alcohol consumption was 16.9 ± 5.1 years and the mean abstinence period was 12.4 ± 8.5 years. Achromatic vision of all subjects was evaluated using spatial luminance contrast sensitivity function (CSF) test and color vision was evaluated using Mollon-Reffin color discrimination test (MR) and the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue arrangement test (FM100). Relative to controls, the spatial luminance contrast sensitivity was lower in 10/17 of the ex-alcoholic subjects. In the color vision tests, 11/16 ex-alcoholic subjects had impaired results compared to controls in the FM100 test and 13/14 subjects had color vision deficits measured in the MR test. Fourteen subjects performed all visual tests, three subjects had impaired results for all tests, seven subjects had impaired results in two tests, three subjects had visual deficit in one test, and one had normal results for all tests. The results showed the existence of functional deficits in achromatic and chromatic vision of subjects with history of chronic alcoholism after long abstinence. Most subjects had altered result in more than one test, especially in the color vision tests. The present investigation suggests that the damage in visual functions produced by abusive alcohol consumption is not reversed after long term alcohol abstinence.

Visual evoked cortical potential elicited by pseudoisochromatic stimulus.

PURPOSE: Visual evoked cortical potentials (VECPs) are useful for investigating the mechanisms and dysfunctions of color vision. Chromatic sinusoidal gratings are generally used to elicit VECPs, but they require long psychophysical measurements to match the perceptual luminance between their stripes. An alternative method is to use pseudoisochromatic stimuli, which makes use of luminance noise to mask luminance clues and force the target perception to be dependent on chromatic contrast. In this study, we compared VECPs generated by sinusoidal gratings and pseudoisochromatic gratings. Contrary to chromatic sinusoidal gratings, pseudoisochromatic stimuli do not require the use of previous methods to find the equiluminance of the stimulus. METHODS: Normal trichromats were recruited to be tested with red-green chromatic sinusoidal gratings and pseudoisochromatic gratings presented by pattern onset-offset and pattern reversal modes in five spatial frequencies. In addition, we also tested four different chromatic contrast pairs in pattern onset-offset mode presentation in five trichromats and one colorblind subject (deuteranope). RESULTS: Pattern onset-offset VECPs elicited by sinusoidal gratings had a larger amplitude than those obtained with pseudoisochromatic stimuli, whereas pattern reversal VECPs elicited by pseudoisochromatic gratings had similar amplitudes compared to those elicited by sinusoidal gratings. We found no difference between the VECP amplitudes elicited by sinusoidal and pseudoisochromatic gratings containing different chromatic contrast. Color-blind subjects displayed absent or small responses to the stimuli. CONCLUSION: Pseudoisochromatic stimulus can be an alternative stimulus to generate VECPs dominated by the chromatic mechanism.

Anemia as the cause of clinical inability of candidates to blood donation for a hemotherapy and hematology center in the state of Maranhão, Brazil / Anemia como causa da inaptidão clínica em candidatos a doação de sangue em um Centro de Hemoterapia e Hematologia, Maranhão, Brasil

Objective: To evaluate anemia as a cause of clinical disability in blood donors in the state of Maranhão- Brazil. Methods: This study addresses a time series of prevalence of anemia among blood donor candidates. Secondary data were collected from the Information System of the Blood Center of Maranhão. Donor candidates were treated between 2001 and 2010. Statistical analysis was performed with Epi Info version 6.04d. Results: The proportion of clinical disability was 16.8% (n = 1,672) and 63.27% (n = 6,198) consisted of men. Considering the unfit group, anemia was the second most frequent cause with 16.68% (n = 16,729). In men, drug use was the most frequent cause of inability (90.94%, n = 650) and anemia was the last cause with 28.76% (n = 458). In women, anemia was the major cause of clinical inability (71.24%, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Anemia is an important cause of inability, and in women it is the first one (AU)

Objetivo: Avaliar a anemia como causa de inaptidão clínica de candidatos a doação de sangue no estado do Maranhão. Métodos: Este estudo trata de uma série temporal da prevalência de anemia entre os candidatos doadores de sangue. Foram coletados dados secundários do Sistema de Informação do Hemocentro do Maranhão. Os candidatos a doação foram atendidos entre os anos de 2001 e 2010. A análise estatística foi realizada com Epi Info versão 6.04d. Os dados foram considerados estatisticamente significativos quando p <0,05. Resultados: A proporção de inaptidão clínica foi de 16,8% (n=1,672) sendo desses 63,27% (n=6,198) eram homens. Considerando-se o grupo de inaptos, a anemia foi a segunda causa mais frequente com 16.68% (n= 16,729). Nos homens, o uso de drogas foi a causa mais frequente de inaptidão (90.94%; n= 650) e a anemia foi a última causa com 28.76% (n=458). Em mulheres a anemia representou a maior causa de inaptidão clínica (71.24%; p=0,000). Conclusão: A anemia configura-se como causa importante de inaptidão, principalmente em mulheres, sendo a primeira (AU)

The value of the Brazilian açai fruit as a therapeutic nutritional strategy for chronic kidney disease patients.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) fruit from the Amazon region in Brazil contains bioactive compounds such as α-tocopherol, anthocyanins (cyanidin 3-glycoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside), and other flavonoids with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, the prebiotic activity of anthocyanins in modulating the composition of gut microbiota has emerged as an additional mechanism by which anthocyanins exert health-promoting effects. Açai consumption may be a nutritional therapeutic strategy for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients since these patients present with oxidative stress, inflammation, and dysbiosis. However, the ability of açai to modulate these conditions has not been studied in CKD, and this review presents recent information about açai and its possible therapeutic effects in CKD.

Cross-sectional study to assess the association of color vision with mercury hair concentration in children from Brazilian Amazonian riverine communities.

BACKGROUND: Mercury exposure in the Brazilian Amazon region has been an important concern since the 1980s, when gold mining activities contaminated many Amazonian river basins and the fish therein. Mercury exposure in humans can lead to changes in neural function. The visual system has been used as a functional indicator of methylmercury (organic) and mercury vapour (inorganic) toxicity. Children are particularly vulnerable to this metal exposure. OBJECTIVE: To compare the color vision of children from riverine communities of mercury-exposed (Tapajós basin) and non-exposed Amazonian rivers (Tocantins basin). METHODS: The study sample was 176 children, aged 7-14 years old. Children from two locations in the mercury-exposed Tapajós river basin, Barreiras (n = 71) and São Luiz do Tapajos (n = 41), were compared to children from Limoeiro do Ajuru (n = 64), a non-exposed area in the Tocantins river basin. No caregiver reported that any children had contact with mercury vapour during their lifetime, and probably most of the mercury in their bodies was obtained by fish consumption. Because of this, we decided to evaluate the mercury exposure by total mercury levels in hair samples, a good marker for organic mercury, and not in the urine, a marker for inorganic mercury. Color vision was assessed by the Lanthony Desaturated D-15 test. We used the Vingrys and King-Smith method (1988) to quantify the hue ordering test. The primary visual outcomes from this analysis were C-index (magnitude of the hue ordering error) and angle of the hue ordering. RESULTS: The Tapajós children had a higher mean hair mercury level (mean: 4.5 µg/g; range: 0.26-22.38 µg/g) than that of Tocantins children (mean: 0.49 µg/g; range: 0.03-1.91 µg/g) (p < 0.05). Mean difference was approximately 4.01 µg/g with a 95% confidence interval of 2.79-5.23. The results of the Lanthony D-15d test showed no significant difference between the C-index mean values of the Tapajós and Tocantins groups (p > 0.05). There was a weak linear correlation in the average C-index obtained from both eyes and the total mercury concentration. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that the location of the community and the age had a greater influence on the visual outcomes than the sex of the children and within-locale variation in mercury concentration. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a difference in one aspect of vision, that is, color vision, between children living in two different river basins in the Brazilian Amazon. The association may be related to Hg exposure but also appeared related to the location of the community and age.

Identificação de risco cardiovascular pela razão triglicerídeo/HDL-colesterol em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise / Identification of cardiovascular risk by triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio in patients with chronic renal disease in hemodialysis

OBJETIVOS: Identificar o risco cardiovascular pela razão triglicerídeo/colesterol ligado à lipoproteína de alta densidade (TG/HDL-c) e verificar a sua associação com fatores sociodemográficos, parâmetros clínicos e índice de massa corporal em pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. MÉTODOS: Estudo do tipo transversal, no qual foram avaliados pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise. A amostragem foi do tipo não probabilística de conveniência. A coleta de dados sociodemográficos foi realizada por meio de entrevista com questionário semiestruturado, e os dados clínicos e laboratoriais foram obtidos em consulta aos prontuários. Para identificação do risco cardiovascular, a razão TG/HDL-c foi calculada a partir dos valores plasmáticos de triglicerídeos (mg/dL) e colesterol ligado à lipoproteína de alta densidade (mg/dL). O ponto de corte para TG/HDL-c considerado como indicativo de risco cardiovascular foi de ≥3,8 mg/dL. Para análise estatística foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado, e o nível de significância considerado foi de 5% (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 71 pacientes, cuja média de idade foi 49,9±13,2 anos, sendo 28 mulheres (50,1±13,2 anos) e 43 homens (49,7±13,2 anos). Entre os 71 pacientes, 31 (43,66%) apresentavam risco cardiovascular caracterizado pela relação TG/HDL-c ≥3,8 mg/dL. Em geral observou-se semelhança quanto ao perfil dos pacientes com e sem risco cardiovascular. Entretanto, nos pacientes que possuíam risco cardiovascular a maior proporção foi do sexo masculino (77,42%), enquanto nos que não possuíam esse risco, o sexo feminino foi mais frequente (52,50%). Esta variável apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos com e sem risco cardiovascular (p=0,011). CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra de pacientes com doença renal crônica em hemodiálise, a razão TG/HDL-c identificou alto índice de risco cardiovascular, sendo que esse risco foi significativamente associado ao sexo masculino.

AIMS: To identify cardiovascular risk by triglyceride/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-c) and to verify its association with socio-demographic factors, clinical parameters and body mass index in patients with chronic renal disease on hemodialysis. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, in which patients with chronic kidney disease in hemodialysis were evaluated. A non-probability convenience sampling was used. Sociodemographic data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire interview, and clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the medical records. For the identification of cardiovascular risk, the TG/HDL-c ratio was calculated from plasma triglycerides (mg/dL) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (mg/dL). The cut-off point for TG/HDL-c considered to be indicative of cardiovascular risk was ≥3.8 mg/dL. For statistical analysis, the chi-square test was used, and the significance level was set at 5% (p <0.05). RESULTS: A total of 71 patients were evaluated, with a mean age of 49.9±13.2 years, being 28 women (50.1±13.2 years) and 43 men (49.7±13.2 years). Among the 71 patients, 31 (43.66%) had cardiovascular risk characterized by the TG/HDL-c ratio ≥3.8 mg/dL. In general, the profile of patients with and without cardiovascular risk was similar. However, in patients with cardiovascular risk there was a higher proportion of males (77.42%), while in those who did not have this risk, the female gender was morefrequent (52.50%). This variable showed a significant. difference between the groups with and without cardiovascular risk (p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In this sample of patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis, the TG/HDL-c ratio identified a high cardiovascular risk index, which was significantly associated with males.

Avaliação da eficácia dos procedimentos de boas práticas implantados em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição / Evaluation of the effectiveness of good practice procedures implemented in a food and nutrition unit

O controle sanitário de alimentos é essencial para o bom desempenho de empresas do ramo alimentício. Com isso, destaca-se a necessidade da implantação de Boas Práticas e o comprometimento de sua execução em todas as esferas da Empresa. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a execução e eficácia de procedimentos de Boas Práticas implantados em uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição em São Luís ­ MA. A verificação da conformidade das BP com a RDC nº 216/2004, foi por meio do instrumento de medição de qualidade, o checklist. Este instrumento de verificação foi pautado no Anexo II da RDC nº 275/2002-MS. O checklist utilizado com 42 itens de questionamento, categorizados em cinco blocos de avaliação, em vários aspectos do estabelecimento como: Manipuladores; Manipulação; Atividades; Suporte operacional; Edificação; e Instalação. A Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN) analisada apresentou atendimento médio de 86,58% de conformidade e 13,42% de não conformidade. A UAN analisada apresentou valores de não conformidade de baixa variação dentro do período de análise com um atendimento satisfatório às normas regulamentadoras vigentes, caracterizando-se como uma unidade produtora de alimentos seguros.

Fatores associados ao índice de massa corporal em portadores de diabetes mellitus / Factors associated to body mass index in people with diabetes mellitus

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a associação entre os aspectos socioeconômicos, clínicos e o Índice de Massa Corporal em portadores de Diabetes Mellitus. Foi realizado estudo descritivo e analítico de 100 pacientes com Diabetes Mellitus que frequentavam a Organização Não Governamental (ONG) "Casa do Diabético", em Belém - Pará, com aplicação de questionário de dados socioeconômicos e clínicos. A análise estatística foi realizada no programa BioEstat versão 5.0. A partir dos resultados constatou-se associação significativa entre os adultos (48,93 ± 7,97 anos) que utilizavam insulinoterapia plena (p = 0,003) e possuíam nível de escolaridade fundamental incompleto e superior (p = 0,004) com a classificação de Índice de Massa Corporal adequada. A insulinoterapia e o nível de escolaridade fundamental incompleto e superior foram associados ao Índice de Massa Corporal adequado, que contribui para avaliação dos métodos terapêuticos realizados pela ONG, assim como para elaboração de estratégias de tratamento viáveis à realidade do portador de Diabetes Mellitus.

Current study verifies the association between socio-economic aspects, clinic features and Body Mass Index in people with diabetes. The descriptive and analytic analysis was undertaken with 100 patients with diabetes who were attended by the NGO House of the Diabetic Patient in Belém PA Brazil, through a questionnaire featuring social, economic and clinical data. Statistics were analyzed with BioEstat 5.0. Results revealed a significant association among adults (48.93 ± 7.97 years) who used full insulin therapy (p=0.003) and incomplete primary schooling and higher education (p= 0.004) with adequate Body Mass Index. Insulin therapy and incomplete fundamental schooling and higher education were associated with the Body Mass Index which contributes towards the therapeutic methods by the NGO and for the elaboration of treatment strategies viable to the circumstances of the person with diabetes.

Avaliação da eficácia dos procedimentos de boas práticas implantados em uma unidade de alimentação e nutrição

O controle sanitário de alimentos é essencial para o bom desempenho de empresas do ramo alimentício. Com isso, destaca-se a necessidade da implantação de Boas Práticas e o comprometimento de sua execução em todas as esferas da Empresa. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a execução e eficácia de procedimentos de Boas Práticas implantados em uma Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição em São Luís - MA. A verificação da conformidade das BP com a RDC n°216/2004, foi por meio do instrumento de medição de qualidade, o checklist. Este instrumento de verificação foi pautado no Anexo II da RDC n° 275/2002-MS. O checklist utilizado com 42 itens de questionamento, categorizados em cinco blocos de avaliação, em vários aspectos do estabelecimento como: Manipuladores; Manipulação; Atividades; Suporte operacional; Edificação; e Instalação. A Unidade de Alimentação e Nutrição (UAN) analisada apresentou atendimento médio de 86,58% de conformidade e 13,42% de não conformidade. A UAN analisada apresentou valores de não conformidade de baixa variação dentro do período de análise com um atendimento satisfatório às normas regulamentadoras vigentes, caracterizando-se como uma unidade produtora de alimentos seguros.(AU)

The sanitary controI of food is essential to the good performance of the food industry companies. With this, there is the need to implement good practices and commitment to its implementation at all levels of the Company. The aim of this study was to identify the implementation and effectiveness of good practice procedures implemented on a Food and Nutrition Unit (FNU) in Sao Luis - MA. Evaluation of Good Practices in accordance with RDC No. 216/2004 was through the quality measurement instrument, the checklist. This checking tool was post in Annex II of the RDC No. 275/2002-MS. The checklist used contained 42 items of questioning, categorized into 05 blocks assessments of various aspects of establishment as manipulators; Manipulation; activities; operational support; Erection and Installation. The Food and Nutrition Unit analyzed had an average attendance of 86.58% to 13.42% of conformities and non-conformities. The FNU analyzed showed values of non-compliance of low variation within the analysis period with a satisfactory compliance with existing regulatory standards, characterized as a production unit of safe food.(AU)

Colour Vision Impairment in Young Alcohol Consumers.

Alcohol consumption among young adults is widely accepted in modern society and may be the starting point for abusive use of alcohol at later stages of life. Chronic alcohol exposure can lead to visual function impairment. In the present study, we investigated the spatial luminance contrast sensitivity, colour arrangement ability, and colour discrimination thresholds on young adults that weekly consume alcoholic beverages without clinical concerns. Twenty-four young adults were evaluated by an ophthalmologist and performed three psychophysical tests to evaluate their vision functions. We estimated the spatial luminance contrast sensitivity function at 11 spatial frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 30 cycles/degree. No difference in contrast sensitivity was observed comparing alcohol consumers and control subjects. For the evaluation of colour vision, we used the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test (FM 100 test) to test subject's ability to perform a colour arrangement task and the Mollon-Reffin test (MR test) to measure subject's colour discrimination thresholds. Alcohol consumers made more mistakes than controls in the FM100 test, and their mistakes were diffusely distributed in the FM colour space without any colour axis preference. Alcohol consumers also performed worse than controls in the MR test and had higher colour discrimination thresholds compared to controls around three different reference points of a perceptually homogeneous colour space, the CIE 1976 chromaticity diagram. There was no colour axis preference in the threshold elevation observed among alcoholic subjects. Young adult weekly alcohol consumers showed subclinical colour vision losses with preservation of spatial luminance contrast sensitivity. Adolescence and young adult age are periods of important neurological development and alcohol exposure during this period of life might be responsible for deficits in visual functions, especially colour vision that is very sensitive to neurotoxicants.