Characterization of a symbiotic beverage based on water-soluble soybean extract fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014.

The health benefits of functional foods are associated with consumer interest and have supported the growth of the market for these types of foods, with emphasis on the development of new formulations based on plant extracts. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize a symbiotic preparation based on water-soluble soy extract, supplemented with inulin and xylitol and fermented by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 8014. Regarding nutritional issues, the symbiotic formulation can be considered a source of fiber (2 g/100 mL) and proteins (2.6 g/100 mL), and it also has a low-fat content and low caloric value. This formulation, in terms of microbiological aspects, remained adequate to legal standards after storage for 60 days under refrigeration and also presented an adequate quantity of the aforementioned probiotic strain, corresponding to 9.11 Log CFU.mL-1. These viable L. plantarum cells proved to be resistant to simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions, reaching the intestine at high cell concentrations of 7.95 Log CFU.mL-1 after 60 days of refrigeration. Regarding sensory evaluation, the formulation showed good acceptance, presenting an average overall impression score of 6.98, 5.98, and 5.16, for control samples stored for 30 and 60 days under refrigeration, respectively. These results demonstrate that water-soluble soy extract is a suitable matrix for fermentation involving L. plantarum ATCC 8014, supporting and providing data on the first steps towards the development of a symbiotic functional food, targeting consumers who have restrictions regarding the consumption of products of animal origin, diabetics, and individuals under calorie restrictions.

Communicative and Hearing Performance in Individuals with Cochlear Implants and Delayed Neuropsychomotor Development: A Longitudinal Analysis

Abstract Introduction Between 15% to 30% of individuals with bilateral prelingual sensorineural hearing loss present with associated disabilities. Cochlear implant (CI) is an alternative treatment that provides consistent access to environmental and speech sounds, which results in significant benefits regarding quality of life and auditory and language development. Objectives To study the auditory and communicative performance of individuals with CI and delayed neuropsychomotor development after a minimum of five years using the device. Methods A total of eight patients were included in the study. We collected the multidisciplinary clinical records of participants, as well as the answers for the questionnaires applied remotely, which included the Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives (CCIPP), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY), and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results We found that throughout the years of CI use, the auditory threshold means improved significantly in all tested frequencies, as did the speech detection threshold and the language and hearing results. Regarding parental perception, parents evaluated aspects related to their children's social relations to be positive, and had worse perceptions regarding aspects related to their education. Conclusion We observed a progression in the participants' auditory and language skills throughout the years of CI use; even in the presence of other associated disabilities. Future multicentric studies with larger samples are needed to further the advancement of rehabilitation in patients with other associated disabilities.

Communicative and Hearing Performance in Individuals with Cochlear Implants and Delayed Neuropsychomotor Development: A Longitudinal Analysis.

Introduction Between 15% to 30% of individuals with bilateral prelingual sensorineural hearing loss present with associated disabilities. Cochlear implant (CI) is an alternative treatment that provides consistent access to environmental and speech sounds, which results in significant benefits regarding quality of life and auditory and language development. Objectives To study the auditory and communicative performance of individuals with CI and delayed neuropsychomotor development after a minimum of five years using the device. Methods A total of eight patients were included in the study. We collected the multidisciplinary clinical records of participants, as well as the answers for the questionnaires applied remotely, which included the Children with Cochlear Implants: Parental Perspectives (CCIPP), International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth Version (ICF-CY), and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Results We found that throughout the years of CI use, the auditory threshold means improved significantly in all tested frequencies, as did the speech detection threshold and the language and hearing results. Regarding parental perception, parents evaluated aspects related to their children's social relations to be positive, and had worse perceptions regarding aspects related to their education. Conclusion We observed a progression in the participants' auditory and language skills throughout the years of CI use; even in the presence of other associated disabilities. Future multicentric studies with larger samples are needed to further the advancement of rehabilitation in patients with other associated disabilities.

Evaluation of microplastic contamination by metals in a controlled environment: A risk to be considered.

The metal contamination and the degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) due to human activities have contributed to the worsening of environmental problems in aquatic systems. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate PET microplastic adsorption levels when exposed to high amounts of Ni, Cu and Co. The PET microplastic was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Brunner-Emmet-Teller, porosimetry system, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance for evaluation of surface morphology, surface area, porosity, pore size and functional groups, respectively. The results showed that the surface area, the presence of macro and mesopores, and the functional groups influence the adsorption of metals on the surface of PET microplastic. The adsorption isotherms confirmed the presence of mesoporosity and macroporosity on the PET microplastic surface. The Freundlich and Langmuir models were used to study the adsorption capacity. The kinetics of adsorptions were interpreted using pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. The results indicated that the Langmuir isotherm and the pseudo-second order adequately described the adsorption of metals by the PET microplastic. The removal rates by the PET microplastic varied from 8 to 34% for Ni, 5 to 40% for Cu and 7 to 27% for Co after a period of 5 days. Furthermore, the adsorption was predominantly chemical and extremely fast, indicating that the presence of microplastics in the environment can lead to a rapid metal accumulation which elevates the hazards potential of microplastic in living beings.

Applicability of autofluorescence and fluorescent probes in the trans-surgical of oral carcinomas: A systematic review.

Oral cancer represents an important health problem, as it is the sixth most common type of cancer in the world and is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The treatment considered the gold standard for this type of tumor is surgical resection with negative margins, with a distance of at least 5 mm from the tumor. This procedure is strongly associated with local control and disease-specific survival, however, in many cases, large amounts of healthy tissue are removed, resulting in surgical defects, compromising various functions and directly affecting the individual's quality of life. From this perspective, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the use of autofluorescence and fluorescent probes as potential adjuvant techniques to facilitate the delineation of surgical margins for oral cancers. A comprehensive search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, LIVIVO, Embase, ProQuest Open Access Dissertations & Theses, Open Access Theses and Dissertations, and DART Europe databases, where 1948 articles were found. After the different stages of critical evaluation, 15 articles were selected, eligible for the inclusion criteria. Of these, 7 articles used autofluorescence, 7 used fluorescent probes and 1 article used both methods. As for autofluorescence, the most used device was the VELScope, and indocyanine green was the most used probe. Compared to histopathology, autofluorescence did not obtain significant and/or superiors results. In contrast to fluorescent probes that, most articles showed a good performance of margins during surgical resection, making them a promising alternative. However, it is still necessary to carry out the analysis of more articles, with more significant samples and sensitivity and specificity data to qualify the results.

Speech perception and spoken language of children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder: a systematic literature review / Percepção da fala e linguagem de crianças com espectro da neuropatia auditiva: revisão sistemática da literatura

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the test results of speech perception and spoken language in children with hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, users of hearing aids or cochlear implants. Methods: a systematic review of the literature based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Consultation was performed in databases, considering studies from 1996 to 2021, selecting the studies that presented the results of speech perception or spoken language in children with bilateral auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, with no structural alterations of the ear and/or vestibulocochlear nerve, or other associated impairments. Descriptive analysis was performed. Literature Review: among 1,422 studies found, 15 were included. Variability in the sample size, types of studies, evaluation procedures and methodological questions were observed. The cochlear implants and hearing aids contributed to the development of speech perception and spoken language in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, since skills such as auditory comprehension and speech intelligibility, were achieved. Conclusion: 15 studies suggest that cochlear implants and hearing aids may be effective for speech perception and spoken language development in children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, with no other associated impairments. The need for further research with a high methodological rigor is highlighted.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os resultados de testes percepção da fala e linguagem falada de crianças com espectro da neuropatia auditiva, usuárias de aparelho de amplificação sonora individual ou implante coclear. Métodos: revisão sistemática da literatura, baseada no guideline Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Levantaram-se, em bases de dados, estudos entre 1996 e 2021, que apresentavam os resultados de percepção da fala ou linguagem falada de crianças com espectro da neuropatia auditiva bilateral, sem alterações estruturais da orelha/nervo vestíbulo-coclear, ou comprometimentos associados. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Revisão da Literatura: dentre 1422 estudos encontrados, 15 foram incluídos. Observou-se variabilidade no tamanho das amostras, tipos de estudos, procedimentos de avaliação e questões metodológicas. O implante coclear e o aparelho de amplificação sonora individual contribuíram para o desenvolvimento da percepção da fala e linguagem falada de crianças com espectro da neuropatia auditiva, pois foram alcançadas habilidades, como a compreensão auditiva e inteligibilidade da fala. Conclusão: 15 estudos sugeriram que o implante coclear e o aparelho de amplificação sonora individual podem ser efetivos para o desenvolvimento da percepção da fala e linguagem falada de crianças com espectro da neuropatia auditiva sem outros comprometimentos associados. Ressalta-se a necessidade de pesquisas com alto rigor metodológico.

An electrochemical sensor-based carbon black associated with a modified mixed oxide (SiO2/TiO2/Sb2O5) for direct determination of thiamethoxam in raw honey and water samples.

The study aimed to develop an electrochemical sensor based on glassy carbon, mixed oxide (SiO2/TiO2/Sb2O5), and carbon black. The material was synthesized, characterized, and used to determine thiamethoxam in raw honey and water. The morphologic structure and electrochemical performance of the sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetry with a concentration of 0.1 mol L-1 of Britton-Robinson buffer at pH 7.0 allowed the generation of a method to determine thiamethoxam in a linear range of 0.25 to 100.5 µmol L-1 and with a limit of detection of 0.012 µmol L-1. The system efficiently quantified traces of thiamethoxam in raw honey and tap water samples. The modified sensor did not present interferences of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, glyphosate, imidacloprid, and carbendazim. In addition, the device showed good recovery values for thiamethoxam when applied directly to honey and water samples without any treatment, presenting an electrochemical sensor to monitor real-time hazardous substances in environmental and food matrices.

Consumo de alimentos açucarados e qualidade do sono no primeiro ano de vida: dados de uma coorte de nascimentos no nordeste do Brasil / Consumo de alimentos azucarados y calidad del sueño en el primer año de vida: datos de una cohorte de nacimiento en el noreste de Brasil / Consumption of sugary foods and quality of sleep in the first year of life: data from a birth cohort in northeastern Brazil

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar a duração do sono (DS), a frequência de despertares noturnos (DN) e o consumo de alimentos açucarados no primeiro ano de vida e verificar a associação entre o consumo desses alimentos e a má qualidade do sono. Métodos: a população do estudo foi composta de 179 crianças integrantes de uma coorte de nascimentos de Rio Largo-AL. As mães foram questionadas sobre a oferta regular de alimentos açucarados (açúcar/farinhas de cereais instantâneas com açúcar/bebidas açucaradas/doces) e o sono foi investigado pelo questionário traduzido e validado Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. Foram considerados indicadores de má qualidade do sono DS<12h e DN>2. Os testes de qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher foram adotados para verificar associações entre o consumo de açucarados e a má qualidade do sono aos seis e 12 meses (p<0,05). Resultados: mais da metade das crianças apresentou DS<1 2h (60,3%) e cerca de » DN>2. O consumo regular de pelo menos uma das categorias de açucarados foi verificado entre 50,6, 91,1 e 100% das crianças aos três, seis e 12 meses de idade, respectivamente. Não foram encontradas associações entre o consumo desses alimentos e os indicadores de má qualidade de sono. Conclusão: o consumo de açucarados e a má qualidade de sono foram frequentes em nosso estudo, no entanto, não se identificou associação entre as variáveis. Mais investigações são necessárias para elucidar como o sono e a alimentação se inter-relacionam e se potencializam mutuamente como fatores determinantes do crescimento e desenvolvimento de lactentes.

RESUMEN Objetivo: investigar la duración del sueño (DS), la frecuencia de despertares nocturnos (DN) y el consumo de alimentos azucarados en el primer año de vida y verificar la asociación entre el consumo de estos alimentos y la mala calidad del sueño. Métodos: la población de estudio consistió en 179 niños de una cohorte de nacimiento en Rio Largo-AL. Se preguntó a las madres sobre el suministro regular de alimentos azucarados (azúcar / harinas de cereales instantáneas con azúcar / bebidas endulzadas / dulces) y se investigó el sueño mediante el cuestionario traducido y validado BriefInfantSleepQuestionnaire. Fueron considerados indicadores de mala calidad del sueño DS <12h y DN> 2. Se utilizaron las pruebas de chi-cuadrado de Pearson y exacta de Fisher para verificar las asociaciones entre el consumo de azúcar y la mala calidad del sueño a los seis y 12 meses (p <0.05). Resultados: más de la mitad de los niños tenían DS <1 2 h (60,3%) y alrededor de » DN> 2. Se verificó el consumo regular de al menos una de las categorías azucaradas entre el 50,6, el 91,1 y el 100% de los niños a los tres, seis y 12 meses de edad, respectivamente. No se encontraron asociaciones entre el consumo de estos alimentos y los indicadores de mala calidad del sueño. Conclusión: el consumo de azucarados y la mala calidad del sueño fueron frecuentes en nuestro estudio, sin embargo, no se identificó asociación entre las variables. Se necesita más investigación para dilucidar cómo el sueño y la alimentación se interrelacionan y se mejoran mutuamente como determinantes del crecimiento y desarrollo infantil.

ABSTRACT Objective: to investigate sleep duration (SD), frequency of night awakenings (NA) and consumption of sugary foods in the first year of life and to verify the association between consumption of these foods and poor sleep quality. Methods: the study population consisted of 179 children from a birth cohort in Rio Largo-AL. Mothers were asked about the regular supply of sugary foods (sugar/instant cereal flours with sugar/sweetened drinks/sweets) and sleep was investigated by the translated and validated Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. DS<12h and AN>2 were considered indicators of poor sleep quality. Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to verify associations between sugary consumption and poor sleep quality at six and 12 months (p<0.05). Results: more than half of the children had SD<1 2h (60.3%) and about » AN>2. Regular consumption of at least one of the sugary categories was verified among 50.6, 91.1 and 100% of children at three, six and 12 months of age, respectively. No associations were found between the consumption of these foods and indicators of poor sleep quality. Conclusion: sugary consumption and poor sleep quality were frequent in our study; however, no association was identified between the variables. More investigations are needed to elucidate how sleep and feeding are interrelated and mutually potentiate as determinants of infant growth and development.

Applicability of autofluorescence and fluorescent probes in early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders: A systematic review and meta-data analysis.

Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) represent a group of lesions with increased risk for malignant transformation. The management of such injuries is based on surgical treatment or detailed follow-up throughout the patient's lifetime. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated and critically evaluated the use of autofluorescence and fluorescent probes as potential techniques for the early detection of OPMD. A comprehensive search was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and LIVIVO databases. The gray literature was also consulted and included Google Scholar, Proquest and Open gray databases. 2715 articles were retrieved, and after the different stages of critical evaluation, were reduced to 25 articles that fully met the inclusion criteria. VELscope® was the most used equipment for autofluorescence, while aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) was the main representative of the probes. The meta-analysis performed included 10 articles that used VELscope® as a method to detect oral disorders. A 95% confidence interval (CI) with a p value significance <0.05 was considered as a criterion for the statistical analysis. The combined sensitivity was 74% (CI95 60-76%, p = 0.0001) and the specificity was 57% (CI95 52-60%, p = 0.0000). The inclusion of these adjunct methods in clinical practice is very promising, since they are able to help both the clinician and the specialist in the early detection of potentially malignant oral disorders, favoring a better prognosis. However, it is still necessary to carry out further studies, with the aim of establishing a protocol for use and qualification of results.

Detection, Isolation, and 1H NMR Quantitation of the Nitrile Glycoside Sarmentosin from a Bryophyllum pinnatum Hydro-Ethanolic Extract.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Pers. (Crassulaceae) is widely used in folk medicine as leaf juice, aqueous, or hydro-ethanolic extracts. It is also listed as a medicinal plant in several countries such as France and Brazil. The main reported constituents are flavone glycosides, especially those with the rare 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-α-l-rhamnopyranoside moiety. Despite several phytochemical screenings indicating the presence of cyanide derivatives or alkaloids, there are no reports of nitrogenous metabolite characterization from this plant species. Nevertheless, the occurrence and the type of such compounds are of particular interest, as they may account for some of the numerous biological activities and ethnomedicinal uses described for B. pinnatum and could be regarded as chemical/taxonomic markers. Consequently, a hydro-ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum was investigated by using UHPLC-HRMS/MS and the nitrile glucoside sarmentosin was detected for the first time within the genus Bryophyllum/Kalanchoe. Considering the wide use of B. pinnatum and its closely related species for health purposes, the target metabolite was isolated by a combination of centrifugal partition chromatography in elution/extrusion mode and MPLC in order to confirm its structure. A linear, selective, precise, fast, and reliable 1H NMR quantitation method was then developed and validated and may become a tool for easy quality assessment of the plant species. The amount of sarmentosin was determined as 2.07% of the examined sample. Sarmentosin was also detected in Kalanchoe laciniata, confirming the occurrence of this compound within the genus.

Intratumoral Heterogeneity in Uveal Melanoma.

Tumor biopsies in uveal melanoma (UM) serve mainly the purpose of prognostication and assessment of individual metastatic risk, but can be used for diagnosis in selected cases. The importance of precise information is paramount for selecting adequate surveillance protocols, patient counseling, and optimization of treatment strategies. However, intratumoral heterogeneity and sample representativity are major concerns and can interfere with the correct prediction of the patient's prognosis. We report a series of cases of UM with distinct morphologically identifiable areas, highlighting the differences in clinical behavior, as well as histopathological and genetic features.

Systematic Approach to Identify Novel Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Molecules from Plants' Extracts and Fractions to Prevent Dental Caries.

Natural products provide structurally different substances, with a myriad of biological activities. However, the identification and isolation of active compounds from plants are challenging because of the complex plant matrix and time-consuming isolation and identification procedures. Therefore, a stepwise approach for screening natural compounds from plants, including the isolation and identification of potentially active molecules, is presented. It includes the collection of the plant material; preparation and fractionation of crude extracts; chromatography and spectrometry (UHPLC-DAD-HRMS and NMR) approaches for analysis and compounds identification; bioassays (antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities; bacterial "adhesion strength" to the salivary pellicle and initial glucan matrix treated with selected treatments); and data analysis. The model is simple, reproducible, and allows high-throughput screening of multiple compounds, concentrations, and treatment steps can be consistently controlled. The data obtained provide the foundation for future studies, including formulations with the most active extracts and/or fractions, isolation of molecules, modeling molecules to specific targets in microbial cells and biofilms. For example, one target to control cariogenic biofilm is to inhibit the activity of Streptococcus mutans glucosyltransferases that synthesize the extracellular matrix' glucans. The inhibition of those enzymes prevents the biofilm build-up, decreasing its virulence.

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of B-Type Oligomeric Procyanidins From Commiphora leptophloeos Used Alone or in Combination With Fluconazole Against Candida spp.

Commiphora leptophloeos (Burseraceae) is a medicinal plant native to Brazil which is popularly used for treating oral and vaginal infections. There has been no scientific evidence pointing to its efficacy in the treatment of these infections. Thus, this study sought to investigate the cytotoxic, antifungal, and antibiofilm activity of C. leptophloeos against Candida spp. and to isolate, identify, and quantify the content of B-type oligomeric procyanidins (BDP) in the extract of C. leptophloeos stem bark. The extract and the n-butanol fraction were obtained by maceration and liquid-liquid partition, respectively. Phytochemical analysis performed by HPLC-PDA/ELSD and FIA-ESI-IT-MS/MS allowed the identification and quantification of BDP in the samples. The application of centrifugal partition chromatography helped isolate BDP, which was identified by 1H NMR and MS analyses. Candida spp. reference strains and clinical isolates (including fluconazole-resistant strains) derived from the blood cultures of candidemic patients and the vaginal secretion of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis were used for evaluating the antifungal and antibiofilm effects. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by the microdilution technique, and biofilm inhibition was evaluated through crystal violet and XTT assays. The combined action of BDP with fluconazole was determined by the checkerboard method. The extract, the n-butanol fraction, and the BDP exhibited antifungal activity with MIC values ranging from 312.5 to 2500 µg/mL and were found to significantly reduce the biofilm formed in all the Candida strains investigated. BDP showed a fungicidal potential against strains of Candida spp. (especially against fluconazole-resistant strains), with MIC and MFC values ranging from 156.2 to 2500 µg/mL. In addition, the combined application of BDP and fluconazole produced synergistic antifungal effects against resistant Candida spp. (FICI = 0.31-1.5). The cytotoxic properties of the samples evaluated in human erythrocytes through hemolytic test did not show hemolytic activity under active concentrations. The findings of the study show that C. leptophloeos has antifungal and antibiofilm potential but does not cause toxicity in human erythrocytes. Finally, BDP, which was isolated for the first time in C. leptophloeos, was found to exhibit antifungal effect against Candida spp. either when applied alone or in combination with fluconazole.

Gastric Ulcer Healing Property of Bryophyllum pinnatum Leaf Extract in Chronic Model In Vivo and Gastroprotective Activity of Its Major Flavonoid.

Gastric ulcer is a common disease that develops complications such as hemorrhages and perforations when not properly treated. Extended use of drugs in the treatment of this pathology can provoke many adverse effects. Therefore, finding medicinal plants with gastroprotective and mucosal healing properties has gained increasing interest. Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae), popularly known in Brazil as "saião" or "coirama," has been used to treat inflammatory disorders. It is rich in flavonoids, and quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside-Bp1 is its major compound. In this study, we aimed to investigate ulcer healing properties of B. pinnatum against an acetic acid-induced chronic ulcer model and the gastroprotective activity of Bp1 against gastric lesions induced by ethanol and indomethacin. Ultrafast liquid chromatography was used to quantify the main compounds (mg/g of the extract)-quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (33.12 ± 0.056), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3.98 ± 0.049), and quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4.26 ± 0.022) and showed good linearity, specificity, selectivity, precision, robustness, and accuracy. In vivo studies showed that treatment with the extract at 250 and 500 mg/kg stimulated the healing process in the gastric mucosa with significant ulceration index reduction, followed by improvement in the antioxidant defense system [increased glutathione (GSH) levels, decreased superoxide dismutase upregulation, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels]. Moreover, the extract decreased interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-a levels and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, increased interleukin 10 levels, showed a cytoprotective effect in histological analyzes and also downregulated the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and NF-κB (p65). The pretreatment with Bp1 at a dose of 5 mg/kg reduced gastric lesions in the ethanol and indomethacin models, increased GSH, and decreased MDA levels. In addition, the pretreatment decreased MPO activity, interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, while also showing a cytoprotective effect in histological analyzes. Our study suggests that treatment with B. pinnatum extract showed a higher inhibition percentage than pretreatment with the Bp1. This might in turn suggest that Bp1 has gastroprotective activity, but other compounds can act synergistically, potentiating its effect. We conclude that B. pinnatum leaf extract could be a new source of raw material rich in phenolic compounds to be applied in food or medicine.

Bryophyllum pinnatum markers: CPC isolation, simultaneous quantification by a validated UPLC-DAD method and biological evaluations.

Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam.) Oken (Crassulaceae) is widely used as leaf juice or extracts in traditional medicine all over tropical areas, especially in Brazil, to relieve inflammation-associated symptoms. Flavonol glycosides with unusual sugar moiety are among the major metabolites. Nevertheless, there are not enough quality control studies that can contribute to authentication of B. pinnatum and determination of their markers. As it is also used as medicinal plant in several countries, it is necessary to provide data related to safety, efficacy and quality. In this context, this work aims to isolate the major flavonoids from B. pinnatum hydroethanolic extract, to validate a method to quantify the content of chemical markers and to evaluate their xanthine oxidase inhibition and antioxidant activity. The extract was submitted to centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). The solvents system CyHex-EtOAc-EtOH-H2O, 0.5:9:3:5.5, v/v/v/v was selected by shake-flask method. Four flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (2), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (3) and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4)) were isolated in a single and fast CPC run and their structures were confirmed by NMR analysis. An UPLC-DAD quantification method was established for the first time with validation of required parameters, according to RDC 166/2017. The calibration curves were linear with correlation coefficient ranging from 0.9996 to 0.9997 while the values of LOD (0.0077-1.984 ng.mL-1), LOQ (0.0263-6.012 ng.mL-1), recovery (≥ 80.7 %) and inter-day (%RSD ≤ 3.581) and intra-day precision (%RSD ≤ 2.628) were satisfactory. Quantitative analysis of these compounds showed that the proportion of 1, 2 and 3 were 2.43, 0.25 and 0.33 % (24.3 mg.g-1, 0.25 mg.g-1 and 0.33 mg.g-1 of extract), respectively. Moreover, in vitro xanthine oxidase (XO), DPPH and ABTS inhibition were evaluated for the extract and the major flavonoids. Compounds 2 (168 µM) and 3 (124 µM) moderately inhibited XO, while compounds 1 and 3 displayed average radical scavenging activity. In conclusion, our results suggest the flavonoid 1 as a specific marker which may be used for quality control of B. pinnatum hydroethanolic leaves extract.

Apego e comunicação: considerando o desenvolvimento infantil sob a ótica da etologia e da psicanálise / Attachment and communication: child development from the perspective of ethology and psychoanalysis / Attachement et communication: considérations sur le développement de l'enfant sous la perspective de l'éthologie et de la psychanalyse / Apego y comunicación: considerando el desarrollo infantil desde la perspectiva de la etología y el psicoanálisis

Resumo Este artigo tem como objetivo abordar o vínculo primário da criança com sua mãe, colocando-o como primordial no desenvolvimento humano. Sob a ótica interdisciplinar da etologia e da psicanálise, discutem-se as noções de períodos sensíveis, estampagem e comportamento de apego, estabelecendo um paralelo entre os desenvolvimentos animal e humano. Em seguida, disserta-se sobre os modos de comunicação e suas raízes nas relações de apego que o indivíduo estabelece no início da vida, levando-se em consideração a clínica psicanalítica com o auxílio da teoria etológica.

Abstract This article addresses the primary bond of children to their mothers as primordial in human development. Based on an interdisciplinar perspective uniting ethology and psychoanalysis, we go through the notions of sensitive periods, imprinting and attachment behavior, establishing a parallel between animal and human development. Then, we discuss modes of communication and their roots in attachment relationships established by the individual at the beginning of life, taking into account clinical practice in psychoanalysis with the help of ethological theory.

Résumé Cet article vise à aborder le lien primaire entre l'enfant et sa mère, en le plaçant comme primordial dans le développement humain. Dans la perspective interdisciplinaire de l'éthologie et de la psychanalyse, nous abordons les notions de périodes sensibles, de comportement d'estampage et d'attachement, établissant un parallèle entre les développements humain et animal. Ensuite, nous discutons les modes de communication et leurs racines dans les relations d'attachement que l'individu établit au début de sa vie, en tenant compte de la clinique psychanalytique à l'aide de la théorie éthologique.

Resumen Este artículo tiene como objetivo abordar el vínculo primario del niño con su madre al considerarlo primordial en el desarrollo humano. Desde la perspectiva interdisciplinaria de la etología y el psicoanálisis, pasamos por las nociones de períodos sensibles, estampación y comportamiento de apego, estableciendo un paralelismo entre el desarrollo animal y humano. Luego, discutimos los modos de comunicación y sus raíces en las relaciones de apego que el individuo establece al comienzo de la vida, teniendo en cuenta la clínica psicoanalítica y la teoría etológica.

Análise ultrassonográfica do quadríceps femoral de pacientes críticos sob ventilação mecânica / Ultrasound analysis of the quadricepsfemoris of critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation

Resumo Introdução: Devido aos diversos danos gerados pela imobilidade no leito, faz-se necessária uma avaliação precoce do estado muscular dos pacientes críticos. Objetivo: Comparar as imagens ultrassonográficas e correlacionar a espessura muscular com a ecointensidade do músculo reto femoral (RF) e vasto intermédio (VI) em 48 horas e com 7 dias de ventilação mecânica invasiva (VMI). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional prospectivo, com 53 imagens obtidas numa Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Resultados: Houve redução na espessura muscular de RF, VI e espessura total. Observamos uma correlação negativa entre a espessura muscular e ecointensidade do RF nas primeiras 48 horas e 7 dias após a VMI. Já em relação ao VI, não observamos associação da espessura do VI com a ecointensidade nesse mesmo período. Conclusão: Evidenciamos uma relevante redução na espessura muscular do RF, VI e espessura total do quadríceps. Observamos uma alteração na composição da fibra muscular do RF, entretanto este comportamento não foi evidenciado no músculo VI.

Anti-Inflammatory and Chemopreventive Effects of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lamarck) Leaf Extract in Experimental Colitis Models in Rodents.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, mainly ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are characterized by chronic inflammation in the intestine. Currently several therapeutic strategies available to treat inflammatory bowel diseases. Though, most treatments can be associated with serious adverse effects what justifies the search for new treatments. In this sense, we highlight the interest in herbal products rich in bioactive compounds which immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties as is the case of Bryophyllum pinnatum (Crassulaceae). This plant is used in traditional medicine in Brazil for treating inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that hydroethanolic B. pinnatum leaf extract has intestinal anti-inflammatory effects on two experimental colitis models: 2.4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) in rats, and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in mice. Ultra-fast liquid chromatography method used for the quantification of the main compounds indicated good linearity, specificity, selectivity, precision, robustness and accuracy. The major flavonoids (mg/g of the extract) quantified were: quercetin 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (35.56 ± 0.086 mg/g), kaempferol 3-O-α-L-arabinopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (4.66 ± 0.076 mg/g) and quercetin-3-O-rhamnopyranoside (4.56 ± 0.026 mg/g). The results obtained in the DNBS and DSS models indicate that extract has both chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory effects, observing a significant reduction in the disease activity index score, and less macroscopic and microscopic damage. The extract promoted downregulation of Toll-like receptor and kappa B p65 nuclear factor gene expression, leading to a reduction in pro-inflammatory and oxidative mediators, chemokines, and cell adhesion molecules. This immunomodulatory property was proposed that one of the possible action mechanisms of extract. An improvement in intestinal damage was also associated with a reduction in oxidative stress and infiltration of leukocytes, as evidenced by the reduction in malonaldialdehyde and myeloperoxidase activity and increase in total glutathione in the colonic tissue. Moreover, the extract improved the cytoarchitecture of the colonic tissue and the integrity of the intestinal epithelial barrier by restoring the expression of the proteins associated with mucosa protection. In view of the beneficial effects showed by the B. pinnatum leaf extract in preclinical rodent models of colitis there is the potential to conduct some future clinical studies to ensure safe and effective development of a phytotherapeutic treatment for human inflammatory bowel diseases.

Medo de quedas e força muscular do quadril em idosos independentes da comunidade / Miedo a caerse y fuerza muscular de cadera en ancianos independientes de la comunidad / Fear of falling and hip muscular strength in independent older adults of the community

RESUMO O medo de quedas pode fazer com que o idoso desenvolva estratégias que alteram o equilíbrio semiestático e dinâmico, predispondo-o a um risco aumentado de cair. A função muscular dos abdutores e adutores de quadril tem importante papel na manutenção da estabilidade postural. Entretanto, não se sabe se idosos com medo de cair apresentam maior comprometimento na função muscular do quadril. Assim, o objetivo foi comparar o pico de torque (PT) isométrico dos músculos abdutores e adutores de quadril entre idosos com e sem medo de quedas. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: com (n=81) e sem (n=81) medo de quedas. O PT dos abdutores e adutores de quadril foi obtido com dinamômetro isocinético (System 4 Pro, Biodex, Nova York, EUA). A comparação do PT dos grupos foi realizada por meio de modelo linear geral univariado, ajustado pelas covariáveis idade, sexo, índice de massa corporal, nível de atividade física e histórico de quedas, utilizando o software SPSS 17.0, com nível de significância de 5%. Não houve diferença do PT abdutor e adutor do quadril entre os grupos após análise univariada com ajustamento. Observou-se que idosos com medo de quedas não apresentam prejuízos na função muscular dos estabilizadores de quadril quando comparados a idosos sem medo de quedas.

RESUMEN El miedo a caerse puede hacer que los ancianos desarrollen estrategias de alteración del equilibrio semiestático y dinámico, predisponiéndolos a un mayor riesgo de caídas. La función muscular de los abductores y de los aductores de cadera juega un papel importante en el mantenimiento de la estabilidad postural. Sin embargo, no se sabe si los ancianos con miedo a caerse tienen un mayor deterioro en la función muscular de la cadera. Por lo tanto, el objetivo fue comparar el torque máximo (TM) isométrico de los músculos abductores y aductores de cadera entre los ancianos con miedo y sin miedo a caerse. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos: con miedo a caerse (n=81) y sin (n=81) miedo a caerse. El TM de los abductores y aductores de cadera se obtuvo mediante la utilización del dinamómetro isocinético (System 4 Pro, Biodex, Nueva York, EE.UU.). La comparación del TM de los grupos se realizó mediante un modelo lineal general univariado, ajustado por covariables edad, género, índice de masa corporal, nivel de actividad física e historial de caídas, utilizando el software SPSS 17.0, con nivel de significancia del 5%. No hubo diferencias entre el TM del abductor y del aductor de cadera entre los grupos tras el análisis univariado con ajuste. Se observó que los ancianos con miedo a caerse no presentaron daños en la función muscular de los estabilizadores de la cadera en comparación con los ancianos sin miedo a caerse.

ABSTRACT The fear of falling can cause older adults to develop strategies that alter the semi-static and dynamic balance, predisposing them to increased risk of falling. The muscular function of abductors and adductors plays an important role in maintaining postural stability. However, it is unknown whether older people with fear of falling have greater impairment in hip muscular function. Thus, the objective was to compare the isometric peak torque (PT) of hip abductor and adductor muscles among older adults with and without fear of falling. Participants were divided into two groups: with (n=81) and without (n=81) fear of falling. The PT of hip abductors and adductors was obtained with isokinetic dynamometer (System 4 Pro, Biodex, New York, USA). The PT groups were compared using general linear model univariate, adjusted for covariates age, sex, body mass index, physical activity level and history of falls, using the SPSS 17.0 software, with a significance level of 5%. No difference was found between the PT of hip abductor and adductor and the groups after univariate analysis with adjustment. We observed that older people with fear of falling have no muscle function loss of the hip stabilizers when compared with subjects without fear of falling.

Kalanchoe laciniata and Bryophyllum pinnatum: an updated review about ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology

Abstract The species Kalanchoe laciniata (L.) DC. and Bryophyllum pinnatum (Lam) Pers. are native from Brazil and Madagascar, respectively. Both belonging to the Crassulaceae family and being widely used by population as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. These species have similar leaf morphology and for this reason, they are known by the same popular name as " saião " or " coirama ". Several studies have been published involving different parts and preparations of these species. Therefore, this review aims to provide an update overview about the traditional uses, chemical constitution, pharmacology and toxicology of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species. An extensive literature review was conducted in different scientific databases. Various chemical constituents have been identified in extracts from different parts of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum , being flavonoids the major compounds. They have been traditionally used to treat inflammation, microbial infection, pain, respiratory diseases, gastritis, ulcers, diabetes and cancer tumors. Non-clinical in vitro assays evaluated mainly the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, while in vivo assays evaluated the leishmanicide, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. Regarding toxicity, few studies have been conducted for the two species. The information reported in this work might contribute to the recognition of the importance of K. laciniata and B. pinnatum species, as well as to direct further studies. (AU)