Bixa orellana ethyl acetate fraction and its isolated compound ellagic acid attenuate the progression of MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rat knees.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathology that is characterized by progressive erosion of articular cartilage. In this context, medicinal plants have become relevant tools regarding their potential role in the prevention and treatment of OA, being safe and effective. The aim of this work was investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the ethyl acetate fraction of Bixa orellana leaves (BoEA) and ellagic acid (ElAc) for the therapeutic treatment of OA induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in rats. The plant material was extracted via maceration with 70 % hydroalcoholic solvent (BoHE). The ethyl acetate (BoEA) fraction was by solvents in increasing order of polarity. The ElAc was identified and isolated in BoEA using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) and analytical curve. The OA was induced using MIA in the right knee at the knee joint. Doses of BoEA and ElAc were administered daily (every 24 h, orally) at concentrations of 50, 100 and 50 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days after induced OA. We evaluated the animals through clinical and radiological examinations every 7 days and, on the 29th day, the animals were euthanized, the joints being removed for histopathological analysis and the serum for cytokine analysis. BoEA and ElAc compounds reduced inflammation and nociception in OA and were as effective as indomethacin in clinical parameters of joint discomfort and allodynia in rats, in addition to showing improvements in radiological and histopathological images, acting on the progress of cartilage deterioration, proving properties related to anti-inflammatory and analgesic processes, being important allies for new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of OA.

Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Punica granatum, alone and in Combination with Calcium Hydroxide, Is Effective against Mono- and Polymicrobial Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

Failures in endodontic treatments are mostly associated with the difficulty in eradicating microbes of the root canal system, highlighting the need to develop novel effective antimicrobials. Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaf hydroalcoholic extract may be a potential alternative in canal dressing, owing to its antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Punica granatum (HEPg) alone or in combination with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in isolation and in mono- and polymicrobial biofilms. Microdilution tests in broth and assays for inhibition of biofilm formation were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of HEPg and HEPg + Ca(OH)2 against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The cytotoxicity of HEPg in HaCaT cells was evaluated by MTT assay. HEPg and HEPg + Ca(OH)2 exerted significant antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells and mono- and polymicrobial biofilms. The combination of Punica granatum extract with Ca(OH)2 appears to be a promising alternative in endodontic treatments, which could be tested in vivo to confirm the efficacy of this mixture in disinfecting root canal systems.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Punica granatum and Its Galloyl-HHDP-Glucose Compound, Alone or in Combination with Fluconazole, Have Antifungal and Antivirulence Properties against Candida spp.

Candidiasis is the most common fungal infection among immunocompromised patients. Its treatment includes the use of antifungals, which poses limitations such as toxicity and fungal resistance. Plant-derived extracts, such as Punica granatum, have been reported to have antimicrobial activity, but their antifungal effects are still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the antifungal and antiviral potential of the ethyl acetate fraction of P. granatum (PgEA) and its isolated compound galloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-glucose (G-HHDP-G) against Candida spp. In silico analyses predicted the biological activity of G-HHDP-G. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, and their effects on biofilm formation, preformed biofilms, and phospholipase production were determined. In silico analysis showed that G-HHDP-G has antifungal and hepatoprotective effects. An in vitro assay confirmed the antifungal effects of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, with MIC in the ranges of 31.25-250 µg/mL and 31.25 ≥ 500 µg/mL, respectively. G-HHDP-G and PgEA synergistically worked with fluconazole against planktonic cells. The substances showed antibiofilm action, alone or in combination with fluconazole, and interfered with phospholipase production. The antifungal and antibiofilm actions of PgEA and G-HHDP-G, alone or in combination with fluconazole, in addition to their effects on reducing Candida phospholipase production, identify them as promising candidates for therapeutics.

Population-based seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and the herd immunity threshold in Maranhão.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based household survey was performed, from July 27, 2020 to August 8, 2020. The estimates considered clustering, stratification and non-response. Qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies was performed in a fully-automated Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on the Cobas® e601 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS: In total, 3,156 individuals were interviewed. Seroprevalence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 40.4% (95%CI 35.6-45.3). Population adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions was higher at the beginning of the pandemic than in the last month. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were significantly lower among mask wearers and among those who maintained social and physical distancing in the last month compared to their counterparts. Among the infected, 26.0% were asymptomatic. The infection fatality rate (IFR) was 0.14%, higher for men and older adults. The IFR based on excess deaths was 0.28%. The ratio of estimated infections to reported cases was 22.2. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 estimated in this population-based survey is one of the highest reported. The local herd immunity threshold may have been reached or might be reached soon.

Compounds isolated from Bixa orellana: evidence-based advances to treat infectious diseases / Compuestos aislados de Bixa orellana: avances basados en la evidencia para tratar enfermedades infecciosas

SUMMARY Bixa orellana L. is a native plant from Brazil, but it is also present in other tropical countries such as Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Indonesia, India and East Africa. It is popularly known as Urucum in Brazil. This review shows the potential of bioactive compounds derived from B. orellana to treat infectious diseases due their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This plant is also related as an antiinflammatory agent for treatment of pulmonary diseases, or even as eye drops for redness. Its leaves are used for treatment of snakebite, diarrhea, gonorrhea, hepatitis, gastritis, diuretic, antipyretic, and for skin disease. This popular knowledge has encouraged the identification of bioactive compounds in this plant. Compounds as β-cryptoxanthin, geranylgeraniol, lutein, procyanidin B2, procyanidin B3, ellagi tannin isomer and ellagic acid deoxyhexose have been described. These compounds inhibited pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoan and viruses. In addition, some compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities were also described. In this sense, B. orellana is a promising source of compounds that could be applied in antimicrobial therapy. This review work may help in the understanding and incentive of new research for antimicrobial discoveries using different B. orellana compounds.

RESUMEN Bixa orellana L. es una planta nativa de Brasil, pero también está presente en otros países tropicales como Perú, Colombia, Ecuador, México, Indonesia, India y África Oriental. Es conocida popularmente como Urucum en Brasil. Esta revisión expone el potencial de los compuestos bioactivos derivados de B. orellana para tratar enfermedades debido a sus propiedades antimicrobianas y antioxidantes. Esta planta también está relacionada como un agente antiinflamatorio para el tratamiento de enfermedades pulmonares e incluso como gotas para los ojos para el enrojecimiento. Sus hojas se utilizan para el tratamiento de la mordedura de serpiente, diarrea, gonorrea, hepatitis, gastritis, diuréticos, antipiréticos y para enfermedades de la piel. Ese conocimiento popular ha fomentado la identificación de compuestos bioactivos en esa planta. Los compuestos β-criptoxantina, geranilgeraniol, luteína, procianidina B2, procianidina B3, isómero elagitanino y ácido elágico desoxihexosa inhibieron microorganismos patógenos como bacterias, hongos, protozoos y virus. En ese sentido, B. orellana es una fuente prometedora de compuestos que podrían aplicarse en la terapia antimicrobiana. Este trabajo de revisión puede ayudar a comprender e incentivar nuevas investigaciones para los descubrimientos de antimicrobianos que utilizan diferentes compuestos de B. orellana.

Identification and seasonality of rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in asthmatic children in tropical climate.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a disease that has been associated with the presence of different genetic and socio-environmental factors. OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate the seasonality of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus (RV) in asthmatic children and adolescents in tropical climate, as well as to assess the socioeconomic and environmental factors involved. METHODS: The study was conducted in a referral hospital, where a total of 151 children were recruited with a respiratory infection. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) protocol and a questionnaire were applied, and a skin prick test was performed. The nasal swab was collected to detect RV and RSV through molecular assay. National Meteorological Institute (INMET) database was the source of climatic information. RESULTS: The socio-environmental characterization of asthmatic children showed the family history of allergy, disturbed sleep at night, dry cough, allergic rhinitis, individuals sensitized to at least one mite. We identified RV in 75% of children with asthma and 66.7% of RSV in children with asthma. There was an association between the presence of RV and the dry season whereas the presence of the RSV was associated with the rainy season. Contributing to these results, a negative correlation was observed between the RSV and the wind speed and the maximum temperature (T. Max) and a positive correlation with precipitation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a high prevalence of RV and RSV in asthmatic children and the seasonality of these viruses were present in different climatic periods. This has significant implications for understanding short- and long-term clinical complications in asthmatic patients.

Standardized Arrabidaea chica Extract Shows Cytoprotective Effects in Zoledronic Acid-Treated Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts.

INTRODUCTION: Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a condition associated with intraoral ulceration and bone necrosis induced by antiresorptive medications, such as zoledronic acid, a bisphosphonate. Previous data on Arrabidaea chica (H&B.) Verlot wound healing activity prompted the study reported herein on A. chica standardized hydro alcoholic extract in vitro cytoprotective activity data on epithelial and osteoblastic cells exposed to zoledronic acid (ZA). METHODS: Primary human gingival fibroblasts and murine pre-osteoblasts were treated with ZA 10 µM together with 5 or 10 µg.mL-1 A. chica extract for 24h and 48 h. At both times, cells were submitted to viability assay and caspase 3/7 activation evaluation. Statistical analysis used one-way ANOVA and p=0.05. RESULTS: In cell viability assay, a drastic damage effect of ZA appeared after 48 h in both epithelial (55.8%) and pre-osteoblastic cells (39.7%). When treated with ZA in combination with A. chica extract, cells showed higher viability values: 74.1%-82.3% for fibroblasts and 66% for pre-osteoblasts. Furthermore, the combined treatment presented lower caspase 3/7 activation in fibroblasts and pre-osteoblasts. CONCLUSION: At low concentrations, A. chica extract showed promising cytoprotective effects against ZA-induced damage actions; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to establish the mechanism of action.

High frequency of chlamydia pneumoniae and risk factors in children with acute respiratory infection

This study was performed as a contribution for a better understanding of Chlamydia pneumoniae frequency in children with respiratory infections. A total of 416 children were recruited from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil. Of these patients, 165 children had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), 150 had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and 101 were asymptomatic volunteer children. Clinical and epidemiological data from the participants were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected to extract DNA. C. pneumoniae DNA positivity and copy numbers were obtained by an absolute quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Positivity for C. pneumoniae DNA was higher in samples from URTI children (38.2%) and from CAP children (18.0%) than in those from the control group (7.9%; p < 0.001). Moreover, C. pneumoniae DNA was denser in children with URTI than in asymptomatic children. Considering the cutoff, the highest value of C. pneumoniae DNA found in asymptomatic children of the 3.98 log10 copies/mL, 8.5% (14/165) of the children with URTI, and 3.3% (5/150) with CAP presented high copy numbers of C. pneumoniae DNA. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results revealed a high frequency of C. pneumoniae in both children with URTI and CAP.

High frequency of Chlamydia pneumoniae and risk factors in children with acute respiratory infection.

This study was performed as a contribution for a better understanding of Chlamydia pneumoniae frequency in children with respiratory infections. A total of 416 children were recruited from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil. Of these patients, 165 children had upper respiratory tract infections (URTI), 150 had community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and 101 were asymptomatic volunteer children. Clinical and epidemiological data from the participants were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected to extract DNA. C. pneumoniae DNA positivity and copy numbers were obtained by an absolute quantitative real-time PCR method. RESULTS: Positivity for C. pneumoniae DNA was higher in samples from URTI children (38.2%) and from CAP children (18.0%) than in those from the control group (7.9%; p < 0.001). Moreover, C. pneumoniae DNA was denser in children with URTI than in asymptomatic children. Considering the cutoff, the highest value of C. pneumoniae DNA found in asymptomatic children of the 3.98 log10 copies/mL, 8.5% (14/165) of the children with URTI, and 3.3% (5/150) with CAP presented high copy numbers of C. pneumoniae DNA. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results revealed a high frequency of C. pneumoniae in both children with URTI and CAP.

Population-based seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and the herd immunity threshold in Maranhão

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: A population-based household survey was performed, from July 27, 2020 to August 8, 2020. The estimates considered clustering, stratification and non-response. Qualitative detection of IgM and IgG antibodies was performed in a fully-automated Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on the Cobas® e601 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). RESULTS: In total, 3,156 individuals were interviewed. Seroprevalence of total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was 40.4% (95%CI 35.6-45.3). Population adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions was higher at the beginning of the pandemic than in the last month. SARS-CoV-2 infection rates were significantly lower among mask wearers and among those who maintained social and physical distancing in the last month compared to their counterparts. Among the infected, 26.0% were asymptomatic. The infection fatality rate (IFR) was 0.14%, higher for men and older adults. The IFR based on excess deaths was 0.28%. The ratio of estimated infections to reported cases was 22.2. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 estimated in this population-based survey is one of the highest reported. The local herd immunity threshold may have been reached or might be reached soon.

Corrigendum: Galloyl-Hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-Glucose Isolated From Punica granatum L. Leaves Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Acute Lung Injury in BALB/c Mice.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01978.].

Influence of creatine kinase on c-reactive protein in muscle adaptation / Influência da creatina quinase sobre a proteína c-reativa na adaptação muscular / Influencia de la creatina quinasa sobre la proteína c-reactiva en la adaptación muscular

ABSTRACT Introduction Aging is a natural process and marked by changes and adaptations of both a biological and physiological nature. As regards adaptations, there are numerous works that address these responses following various types of training programs. Resistance training (RT) can be assessed by biochemical parameters such as creatine kinase (CK), which is a major marker of stress in the skeletal muscles. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biochemical marker used to assess damage to the cardiac muscles. Objective To evaluate the influence of CK on CRP in elderly female subjects undergoing RT. Methods An experimental study was carried out with 10 elderly women (61 ± 1.8 years). Peripheral venous blood was collected for the CK and CRP analysis both before and 24 hours after 8 weeks of RT. Anthropometric measurements involved BMI (Body Mass Index), WHR (waist-to-hip ratio) and body composition. The RT involved combined series - Bi-Set. For statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was conducted first and presented p >0.05, confirming the use of parametric tests. Group variables were presented as mean and standard deviation. To compare the load-dependent samples, the repeated measures one-way ANOVA was performed first, followed by Tukey's post hoc test. For CK and CRP variables, we conducted the paired Student's t-test for the timepoints pre- and post-eight weeks of RT along with the one-way ANOVA test, also conducting Tukey's post-test when necessary. The level of significance was set at p ≤0.05. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in both serum CK and CRP, which indicated a reduction of 73.14% and 75%, respectively. Conclusion Long-term RT promoted influences among biomarkers assessed through skeletal muscle (CK) and cardiac muscle (CRP) damage, determining adaptation and muscle remodeling in any age group. Level of evidence II, Investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução O envelhecimento é um processo natural e marcado por mudanças e adaptações, tanto biológicas quanto fisiológicas. Com relação às adaptações, existem inúmeros trabalhos que abordam essas respostas decorrente a vários tipos de treinamento. O treinamento resistido (TR) pode ser avaliado por parâmetros bioquímicos, como a creatina quinase (CK), que é um grande marcador de estresse da musculatura esquelética. A proteína C-reativa (PCR) é um marcador bioquímico utilizado para avaliar o dano no sistema muscular cardíaco. Objetivo Avaliar a influência da CK sob a PCR em idosas em TR. Métodos Estudo do tipo experimental com dez idosas (61 ± 1,8 anos). As análises de CK e PCR foram coletadas em sangue venoso periférico antes e 24 horas após as 8 semanas de TR. Medidas antropométricas foram realizadas: índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação da cintura e o quadril (RCQ) e composição corporal. O TR foi realizado por série combinada (Bi-Set). Para análise estatística, primeiramente foi realizado o teste de normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk, apresentando p > 0,05) e comprovando a utilização de testes paramétricos. As variáveis do grupo foram apresentadas como média e desvio padrão. Para comparação das amostras dependentes de evolução das cargas foi realizado a ANOVA one-way pareada para medidas repetidas, seguida de pós-teste de Tukey. Para variáveis de CK e PCR, foi realizado teste t de Student pareado para os momentos pré e pós-8 semanas de TR, assim como o ANOVA one-way e, quando necessário, o pós-teste de Tukey. O nível de significância adotado foi de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados Houve diminuição estatisticamente significativa, tanto para as concentrações séricas de CK, quanto para PCR, o que indicou redução de 73,14% e 75%, respectivamente. Conclusão O TR de longa duração promoveu influências entre biomarcadores avaliados por meio do dano do músculo esquelético (CK) e dano do músculo cardíaco (PCR), determinando adaptação e remodelamento muscular em qualquer faixa etária. Nível de evidência II; Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción El envejecimiento es un proceso natural y marcado por cambios y adaptaciones, tanto biológicas como fisiológicas. Con respecto a las adaptaciones, existen innumerables trabajos que abordan esas respuestas derivadas de varios tipos de entrenamiento. El Entrenamiento Resistido (ER) puede ser evaluado por parámetros bioquímicos, como la creatina quinasa (CK) que es un gran marcador de estrés de la musculatura esquelética. La proteína C-reactiva (PCR) es un marcador bioquímico utilizado para evaluar el daño en el sistema muscular cardíaco. Objetivo Evaluar la influencia de la CK bajo la PCR en ancianas en ER. Métodos Estudio de tipo experimental con 10 ancianas (61 ± 1,8 años). Los análisis de CK y PCR fueron recolectados en sangre venosa periférica antes y 24 horas después de las 8 semanas de ER. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas: IMC (Índice de Masa Corporal), RCC (Relación Cintura / Cadera) y Composición Corporal. El ER fue realizado por Serie Combinada (Bi-Set). Para análisis estadístico, primero se realizó la prueba de normalidad de Shapiro-Wilk presentando p> 0,05 y comprobando el uso de pruebas paramétricas. Las variables del grupo se mostraron como promedio y desviación estándar. Para comparación de las muestras dependientes de evolución de las cargas se realizó el Test one-way ANOVA pareado para medidas repetidas, seguido de post-test de Tukey. Para variables de CK y PCR se realizó el Test t de Student pareado para los momentos pre y post ocho semanas de ER, así como el ANOVA one-way y cuando necesario, el post-test de Tukey. El nivel de significancia adoptado fue de p ≤ 0,05. Resultados Hubo disminución estadísticamente significativa, tanto para las concentraciones séricas de CK, como para PCR, lo que indicó reducción del 73,14% y el 75%, respectivamente. Conclusión El ER de larga duración promovió influencias entre biomarcadores evaluados a través del daño del músculo esquelético (CK) y daño del músculo cardíaco (PCR) determinando adaptación y remodelación muscular en cualquier grupo de edad. Nivel de evidencia II; Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Galloyl-Hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-Glucose Isolated From Punica granatum L. Leaves Protects Against Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Induced Acute Lung Injury in BALB/c Mice.

The hydroalcoholic extract and ethyl acetate fraction of Punica granatum leaves have been known to exhibit anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of galloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-glucose isolated from pomegranate leaves on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Male BALB/c mice were treated with different doses of galloyl-HHDP-glucose (5, 50, and 100 mg/Kg) or dexamethasone at 5 mg/Kg (per os) 6 h after intra-tracheal instillation of LPS. Vehicle-treated mice were used as controls. Twenty-four hours after LPS challenge, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and lung samples were collected for analyses. They were evaluated by monitoring the expression of NF-κB, JNK, and cytokine genes and proteins, as well as cell migration and lung function. All doses of galloyl-HHDP-glucose inhibited LPS-induced JNK and NF-κB activation. Likewise, the galloyl-HHDP-glucose-treated animals presented reduced expression of the TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß genes in the lungs and reduced TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-8 protein levels when compared with the vehicle-treated LPS-challenged mice. In addition, the ALI mice treated with galloyl-HHDP-glucose also presented reduced lung inflammatory cell accumulation, especially that of neutrophils, in their BALF and lungs. In addition, galloyl-HHDP-glucose treatment markedly ameliorated the LPS-induced pulmonary mechanism complications and attenuated weight loss. Overall, we showed for the first time that galloyl-HHDP-glucose protects against ALI, and may be useful for treating ALI and other inflammatory disorders.

Efeitos de oito semanas de destreinamento sobre parâmetros cardiovasculares em mulheres idosas / Eight-week effects of detraining on cardiovascular parameters in elderly women / Efectos de 8 semanas de falta de entrenamiento sobre los parámetros cardiovasculares de mujeres mayores

Resumo Foram avaliados os efeitos do destreinamento sobre parâmetros cardiovasculares em idosas. Idosas foram submetidas a oito semanas de treinamento resistido seguidas de oito semanas de destreinamento. Foram avaliadas nove mulheres idosas (idade 62 ± 2,30). Foram feitas coletas de sangue venoso periférico e avaliação da composição corporal antes do início de treinamento, após o treinamento e após a fase de destreinamento. Não houve aumento significativo da PCR na fase de destreino, porém observamos alterações negativas para colesterol total e composição corporal, representada pelo peso gordo. Os resultados sugerem que oito semanas de destreinamento não aumentaram significativamente a PCR, porém influenciaram negativamente em outros parâmetros relacionados aos riscos cardiovasculares, como valores antropométricos e bioquímicos representados pelo colesterol total e massa gorda, respectivamente. De fato, a continuidade do treinamento físico é essencial para adquirir e manter uma boa saúde, caso contrário os benefícios alcançados regridem aos valores iniciais.

Abstract The detraining effects on cardiovascular parameters in the elderly women (EW) were evaluated. EW underwent 8 weeks of resistance training, followed by eight weeks of detraining. 9 EW were evaluated (age 62 ± 2.30). Peripheral venous blood collections and body composition evaluation were performed before training, after training and after the detraining phase. There was no significant increase in CRP in detraining phase, but we observed negative changes for total cholesterol and body composition, represented by fat weight. The results suggest that 8 weeks of detraining did not significantly increase CRP, but had a negative influence on other parameters related to cardiovascular risks, as anthropometric and biochemical values represented by total cholesterol and fat mass, respectively. In fact, continuity of physical training is essential to acquiring and maintaining good health, otherwise the beneficial adaptations achieved will return to initial values.

Resumen Se evaluaron los efectos de la falta de entrenamiento sobre los parámetros cardiovasculares de mujeres mayores. Estas siguieron un entrenamiento resistido durante 8 semanas, seguidas de 8 semanas de falta de entrenamiento. Se evaluó a 9 mujeres de edad avanzada (edad de 62 ± 2,30). Se realizaron extracciones de sangre venosa periférica y evaluación de la composición corporal antes del inicio del entrenamiento, después del entrenamiento y después de la fase de falta de entrenamiento. No hubo un aumento considerable de la PCR en la fase de falta de entrenamiento, pero observamos alteraciones negativas del colesterol total y composición corporal, representada por la grasa. Los resultados sugieren que 8 semanas de falta de entrenamiento no aumentaron considerablemente la PCR, pero influyeron negativamente en otros parámetros relacionados con los riesgos cardiovasculares, como valores antropométricos y bioquímicos representados por el colesterol total y la masa grasa, respectivamente. De hecho, la continuidad del entrenamiento físico es esencial para adquirir y mantener una buena salud; de lo contrario, las adaptaciones beneficiosas alcanzadas vuelven a los valores iniciales.

High incidence of rhinovirus infection in children with community-acquired pneumonia from a city in the Brazilian pre-Amazon region.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of child death worldwide. Viruses are the most common pathogens associated with CAP in children, but their incidence varies greatly. This study investigated the presence of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus, human rhinovirus (HRV), human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human coronavirus (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-NL63), and influenza A virus (FluA) in children with CAP and the contributing risk factors. Here, children with acute respiratory infections were screened by pediatrics; and a total of 150 radiographically-confirmed CAP patients (aged 3 months to 10 years) from two clinical centers in Sao Luis, Brazil were recruited. Patient's clinical and epidemiological data were recorded. Nasopharyngeal swab and tracheal aspirate samples were collected to extract viral nucleic acid. RSV, adenovirus, rhinovirus, FluA, HMPV, HCoV-OC43, and HCoV-NL63 were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The severe CAP was associated with ages between 3 and 12 months. Viruses were detected in 43% of CAP patients. Rhinovirus infections were the most frequently identified (68%). RSV, adenovirus, FluA, and coinfections were identified in 14%, 14%, 5%, and 15% of children with viral infection, respectively. Rhinovirus was associated with nonsevere CAP (P = .014); RSV, FluA, and coinfections were associated with severe CAP (P < .05). New strategies for prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections, mainly rhinovirus and RSV infections, are necessary.

Punica granatum L. Leaf Extract Attenuates Lung Inflammation in Mice with Acute Lung Injury.

The hydroalcoholic extract of Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves was previously demonstrated to be anti-inflammatory in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced acute peritonitis. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the pomegranate leaf hydroalcoholic extract (EAFPg) on the LPS-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mouse model. Male Swiss mice received either EAFPg at different doses or dexamethasone (per os) prior to LPS intranasal instillation. Vehicle-treated mice were used as controls. Animals were culled at 4 h after LPS challenge, and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung samples were collected for analysis. EAFPg and kaempferol effects on NO and cytokine production by LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages were also investigated. Pretreatment with EAFPg (100-300 mg/kg) markedly reduced cell accumulation (specially neutrophils) and collagen deposition in the lungs of ALI mice. The same animals presented with reduced lung and BALF TNF-α and IL-1ß expression in comparison with vehicle controls (p < 0.05). Additionally, incubation with either EAFPg or kaempferol (100 µg/ml) reduced NO production and cytokine gene expression in cultured LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Overall, these results demonstrate that the prophylactic treatment with EAFPg attenuates acute lung inflammation. We suggest this fraction may be useful in treating ALI.