[Screen time, quality of the adolescent diet, and profile of the school environment]. / Tempo de tela, qualidade da dieta de adolescentes e características do entorno escolar.

Adolescents from 30 state schools in Curitiba, State of Paraná, reported total screen time, namely television, video games and laptops. Diet quality was assessed by the frequency of food consumption. The income of the school environment was taken from the Census. The built environment for physical activity was investigated by systematic observation of the school surroundings. Multilevel Poisson Regression was used to estimate associations with the exposure variables. Among 1,200 adolescents, 50.9% being male, and 74.4% were found to be exposed to excessive screen time. Excessive TV screen time (56.5%) was associated with poor diet quality. Excessive video game time (22.0%) was lower among females (PR 0.25; 95%CI 0.18;0.36), associated with poor diet quality, lower school environment income, and the worst classification of the built environment for physical activity. Excessive use of portable screens (53.2%) tended to increase with the income of the school environment. Excessive use of TV and laptops was widespread among adolescents, with different demographic and contextual variables associated according to the type of device used.

Objetivou-se investigar a associação entre o tempo de uso excessivo de diferentes telas, a qualidade da dieta em adolescentes e características do entorno escolar. Adolescentes de 30 escolas estaduais de Curitiba/PR relataram tempo de tela: televisão, videogame e portáteis. A qualidade da dieta foi avaliada pela frequência de consumo de alimentos. A renda do entorno escolar foi obtida do Censo. O ambiente construído para atividade física investigado por observação sistemática do entorno escolar. A regressão de Poisson multinível foi empregada para estimar associações com as variáveis de exposição. Entre 1.200 adolescentes, 50,9% do sexo masculino, 74,4% tiveram tempo excessivo de tela. O tempo excessivo de TV (56,5%) esteve associado à pior qualidade da alimentação. O tempo excessivo de videogame (22,0%) foi menor no sexo feminino (RP 0,25; IC95% 0,18;0,36), associado à pior qualidade da alimentação, à menor renda do entorno escolar, e à pior classificação do ambiente construído para atividade física. O tempo excessivo de telas portáteis (53,2%) apresentou tendência de aumento com a renda do entorno escolar. O uso excessivo de TV e telas portáteis foi amplamente praticado por adolescentes, com diferentes variáveis demográficas e contextuais associadas de acordo com o tipo de dispositivo utilizado.

Optimized LC-MS/MS method for quantifying insulin degludec and liraglutide in rat plasma and Tissues: Application in pharmacokinetics and biodistribution.

We present an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for simultaneous detection of insulin degludec (I-Deg) and liraglutide (LIRA) in rat plasma and tissues, characterized by its sensitivity and selectivity. Chromatographic separation was achieved using an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column, leveraging a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (both with 0.1 % formic acid) under gradient elution over a run time of 7.5 min. The mass spectrometer operated in positive electrospray ionization multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode, tracking transitions of m/z 1221.6 â†’ 641.6 for I-Deg, m/z 938.7 â†’ 1064.1 for LIRA, and m/z 1184.7 â†’ 454.4 for the internal standard. Validation ranged from 5 to 100 ng/mL, exhibiting robust linearity (r2 > 0.99) and limits of detection (LOD) of 1.63-2.02 ng/mL for I-Deg and 0.96-1.62 ng/mL for LIRA. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 2.38-4.76 ng/mL for I-Deg and 3.22-4.40 ng/mL for LIRA. Notably, no significant matrix effects were detected. Stability was confirmed under various conditions, and precision metrics (intraday RSD 1.68-8.05 % for I-Deg and 1.11-7.69 % for LIRA; interday RSD 1.39-8.61 % for I-Deg and 1.06-8.83 % for LIRA) alongside accuracy (90.5-114.9 % for I-Deg and 92.7-113.7 % for LIRA) were within acceptable ranges. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies following simultaneous subcutaneous administration of LIRA and I-Deg in rats.

Tempo de tela, qualidade da dieta de adolescentes e características do entorno escolar / Screen time, quality of the adolescent diet, and profile of the school environment

Resumo Objetivou-se investigar a associação entre o tempo de uso excessivo de diferentes telas, a qualidade da dieta em adolescentes e características do entorno escolar. Adolescentes de 30 escolas estaduais de Curitiba/PR relataram tempo de tela: televisão, videogame e portáteis. A qualidade da dieta foi avaliada pela frequência de consumo de alimentos. A renda do entorno escolar foi obtida do Censo. O ambiente construído para atividade física investigado por observação sistemática do entorno escolar. A regressão de Poisson multinível foi empregada para estimar associações com as variáveis de exposição. Entre 1.200 adolescentes, 50,9% do sexo masculino, 74,4% tiveram tempo excessivo de tela. O tempo excessivo de TV (56,5%) esteve associado à pior qualidade da alimentação. O tempo excessivo de videogame (22,0%) foi menor no sexo feminino (RP 0,25; IC95% 0,18;0,36), associado à pior qualidade da alimentação, à menor renda do entorno escolar, e à pior classificação do ambiente construído para atividade física. O tempo excessivo de telas portáteis (53,2%) apresentou tendência de aumento com a renda do entorno escolar. O uso excessivo de TV e telas portáteis foi amplamente praticado por adolescentes, com diferentes variáveis demográficas e contextuais associadas de acordo com o tipo de dispositivo utilizado.

Abstract Adolescents from 30 state schools in Curitiba, State of Paraná, reported total screen time, namely television, video games and laptops. Diet quality was assessed by the frequency of food consumption. The income of the school environment was taken from the Census. The built environment for physical activity was investigated by systematic observation of the school surroundings. Multilevel Poisson Regression was used to estimate associations with the exposure variables. Among 1,200 adolescents, 50.9% being male, and 74.4% were found to be exposed to excessive screen time. Excessive TV screen time (56.5%) was associated with poor diet quality. Excessive video game time (22.0%) was lower among females (PR 0.25; 95%CI 0.18;0.36), associated with poor diet quality, lower school environment income, and the worst classification of the built environment for physical activity. Excessive use of portable screens (53.2%) tended to increase with the income of the school environment. Excessive use of TV and laptops was widespread among adolescents, with different demographic and contextual variables associated according to the type of device used.

Bovine Serum Albumin Nanoparticles Enhanced the Intranasal Bioavailability of Silybin in Rats.

Silybin (SLB), an important flavonoid from silymarin, displays significant hepatoprotective, anticancer, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited by its low solubility and bioavailability. To address these challenges, we engineered bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NP) loaded with SLB (BSA-NP/SLB) using the coacervation method. BSA-SLB NP exhibited a spherical shape, a mean size of 197 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.275, a zeta potential of -34 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 67%. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated amorphization of SLB upon encapsulation. Formulation stability was upheld over 180 days. In vitro release assays demonstrated controlled diffusion-erosion release, with approximately 40% SLB released within 0.5 h and 100% over 12 h. Intranasal administration of BSA-NP/SLB in rats improved SLB bioavailability by fourfold compared to free SLB. These findings highlight the promising potential of intranasally administered BSA-NP/SLB as an alternative approach to enhance SLB bioavailability, paving the way for innovative therapeutic applications.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of neuroinflammation by beta amyloid1-42 toxin after treatment with resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles / Análise quantitativa e qualitativa da neuroinflamação pela toxina beta amilóide1-42 após tratamento com nanopartículas de resveratrol

Background: This study evaluated the effects of zein nanoparticles with resveratrol on neuroinflammation caused by Alzheimer's disease. Method: The sample consisted of 30 animals divided into control (C), positive control (CP), white nanoparticles (NB), resveratrol nanoparticles (NR) and resveratrol (R) groups. The animals received 10 mg/kg of resveratrol or nanoparticles according to the group, daily, for 15 days, oral administration. Afterward, they were submitted to immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Results: the IHC showed that there was no change in the morphological brain composition in the NR and C groups. Conversely, in the CP, NB, and R groups, changes in the deposition of Anti Tau were observed. The NR group showed a normal projection of taurine in the axon, which was not presented in the same way in the other groups. The CD68 marker showed no microglial activation in the R and C groups. Quantitative analyses of Anti Beta-Amyloid in the NR group showed a statistical difference com-pared to the CP, NB, and R groups, whereas the Anti Tau analysis showed a significant difference between the CP and NR groups. The CD68 marker showed a significant difference between the C and NR groups. The analysis of cy-tokines showed a significant difference in TNF-α between the C and CP groups, C and NB groups, CP and NR groups, and NB and NR groups. IL-6 and InF-δ showed no significant difference between all groups. IL-10 showed significant differences between the C and NR groups, C and R groups, and CP and NR groups. Conclusion: NR prevented the evolution of neuroinflammation(AU).

Introdução: Este estudo avaliou os efeitos das nanopartículas de zeína com resveratrol na neuroinflamação causada pela doença de Alzheimer. Método: A amostra consistiu em 30 animais divididos em grupos de controle (C), controle positivo (CP), nanopartículas brancas (NB), nanopartículas de resveratrol (NR) e resveratrol (R). Os animais receberam 10 mg/kg de resveratrol ou nanopartículas de acordo com o grupo, diariamente, por 15 dias, por via oral. Em seguida, foram submetidos a análises imuno-histoquímicas (IHC). Resultados: A IHC mostrou que não houve alteração na composição morfológica do cérebro nos grupos NR e C. Por outro lado, nos grupos CP, NB e R, foram observadas alterações na deposição de Anti Tau. O grupo NR mostrou uma projeção normal de taurina no axônio, que não se apresentou da mesma forma nos outros grupos. O marcador CD68 não mostrou ativação microglial nos grupos R e C. As análises quantitativas do antibeta-amiloide no grupo NR mostraram uma diferença estatística quando comparadas aos grupos CP, NB e R, enquanto a análise do antitau mostrou uma diferença significativa entre os grupos CP e NR. O marcador CD68 mostrou uma diferença significativa entre os grupos C e NR. A análise das citocinas mostrou uma diferença significativa no TNF-α entre os grupos C e CP, C e NB, CP e NR, e NB e NR. IL-6 e InF-δ não apresentaram diferença significativa entre todos os grupos. A IL-10 apresentou diferenças significativas entre os grupos C e NR, C e R, e CP e NR. Conclusão: A NR impediu a evolução da neuroinflamação (AU).

Enhancing Oral Bioavailability and Brain Biodistribution of Perillyl Alcohol Using Nanostructured Lipid Carriers.

Perillyl alcohol (POH), a bioactive monoterpenoid derived from limonene, shows promise as an antitumor agent for brain tumor treatment. However, its limited oral bioavailability and inadequate brain distribution hinder its efficacy. To address these challenges, this study developed nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with POH to improve its brain biodistribution. The NLCs prepared using hot homogenization exhibited an average diameter of 287 nm and a spherical morphology with a polydispersity index of 0.143. High encapsulation efficiency of 99.68% was achieved. X-ray diffraction analyses confirmed the semicrystalline state of POH-loaded NLCs. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic release profile. Stability studies in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids confirmed their ability to withstand pH variations and digestive enzymes. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats revealed significantly enhanced oral bioavailability of POH when encapsulated in the NLCs. Biodistribution studies showed increased POH concentration in brain tissue with NLCs compared with free POH, which was distributed more in non-target tissues such as the liver, lungs, kidneys, and spleen. These findings underscore the potential of NLCs as effective delivery systems for enhancing oral bioavailability and brain biodistribution of POH, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for brain tumor treatment.

Mucoadhesive nanoemulsion enhances brain bioavailability of luteolin after intranasal administration and induces apoptosis to SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.

Neuroblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children and accounts for 7 % of all childhood malignancies and 15 % cancer mortality in children. Luteolin (LUT) is recognized by its anticancer activity against several types of cancer. The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan-coated nanoemulsion containing luteolin (NECh-LUT), investigate its potential for brain delivery following intranasal administration, and to evaluate its cytotoxicity against neuroblastoma cells. NECh-LUT was developed by cavitation process and characterized for its size, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency, and mucoadhesion. The developed formulation presented size 68 ± 1 nm, zeta potential + 13 ± 1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 85.5 ± 0.3 %. The NECh-LUT presented nearly 6-fold higher permeation through the nasal mucosa ex vivo and prolonged LUT release up to 72 h in vitro, following Baker-Lonsdale kinetic model. The pharmacokinetic evaluation of NECh-LUT revealed a 10-fold increase in drug half-life and a 4.4 times enhancement in LUT biodistribution in brain tissue after intranasal administration of single-dose. In addition, NECh-LUT inhibited the growth of neuroblastoma cells after 24, 48 and 72 h in concentrations starting from 2 µM. The NECh-LUT developed for intranasal administration proved to be a promising alternative for brain delivery of LUT, and a viable option for the treatment of neuroblastoma.

Availability of public outlets and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents in public schools.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the presence of public outlets selling fruits and vegetables and the regular intake of these foods by adolescents from public schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire answered by the adolescents. Regular intake was defined as eating fruits and vegetables five or more times a week. Environmental data were obtained by assessing the availability and prices of fruits and vegetables traded in public outlets within a 1.6-km radius from 30 randomly selected public schools. RESULTS: A total of 1,232 students from 30 public schools participated in the study. 43.4% of the adolescents reported a regular intake of fruits; 67.0% of them reported a regular intake of vegetables. In the schools, fruit intake ranged from 26.8 to 68.0%, and the vegetables intake ranged from 54.8 to 82.2%. A total of 22 schools had fruit and vegetables being traded in their surroundings. Regular intake of vegetables was positively correlated with their variety (r=0.82; p=0.007). The Moran's local index indicated low fruit intake in a high-supply region; in other three regions with low supply, there was a high intake of fruits; and there was a high consumption of vegetables in a high-supply region. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in the supply of fruits and vegetables of public outlets in the school's surroundings as well as in the distribution of regular intake among regions. The density of public outlets and the variety were both associated with greater intake of fruits and vegetables among adolescents of public school.

Concepts, spaces, and leisure practices from the perspective of youth

Abstract Aim: To investigate how the choices of young people for public or private spaces during their leisure practices, regardless of gender and age group, can be a starting point for the definition of agendas for the constitution of governmental public policies. Methods: The empirical task was accomplished through the application of electronic questionnaires to young university students from Portugal (20%), Brazil (70%), and South Africa (10%). The sample consisted of 705 randomly chosen young people, with an average age of 24 years. The data were analyzed using SPSS and content analysis. The analysis was divided into three categories: comprising the student's profile; referring to leisure and relating to the provision of leisure and space. Results: The youngest people choose the public spaces for their leisure practices and conceive leisure as a moment when they can do whatever they want, without obligations, followed by leisure as fun and free time. There is no difference between men and women in the concept of leisure. The main conclusions highlighted that leisure means to 'do what I want without any obligation to do so', followed by 'fun' and 'free time, and young people like to 'go out with friends, 'play sports' and 'do nothing'. The public space is the most used for leisure. Conclusion: The meaning of leisure is loaded with subjectivities, so we understand that the demands for political actions that enable the use of public spaces safely and with quality are the way to guarantee the rights of the population.

Availability of public outlets and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables among adolescents in public schools / Disponibilidade de equipamentos públicos de comércio no entorno de escolas públicas e consumo regular de frutas e hortaliças em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the association between the presence of public outlets selling fruits and vegetables and the regular intake of these foods by adolescents from public schools in the city of Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: Data collection was carried out by a questionnaire answered by the adolescents. Regular intake was defined as eating fruits and vegetables five or more times a week. Environmental data were obtained by assessing the availability and prices of fruits and vegetables traded in public outlets within a 1.6-km radius from 30 randomly selected public schools. Results: A total of 1,232 students from 30 public schools participated in the study. 43.4% of the adolescents reported a regular intake of fruits; 67.0% of them reported a regular intake of vegetables. In the schools, fruit intake ranged from 26.8 to 68.0%, and the vegetables intake ranged from 54.8 to 82.2%. A total of 22 schools had fruit and vegetables being traded in their surroundings. Regular intake of vegetables was positively correlated with their variety (r=0.82; p=0.007). The Moran's local index indicated low fruit intake in a high-supply region; in other three regions with low supply, there was a high intake of fruits; and there was a high consumption of vegetables in a high-supply region. Conclusions: There are differences in the supply of fruits and vegetables of public outlets in the school's surroundings as well as in the distribution of regular intake among regions. The density of public outlets and the variety were both associated with greater intake of fruits and vegetables among adolescents of public school.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre presença de equipamentos públicos de comércio de frutas e hortaliças com seu consumo regular por adolescentes de escolas públicas de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos: Informações dos adolescentes foram coletadas por meio de questionário. Considerou-se como regular o consumo de frutas e hortaliças cinco ou mais vezes na semana. Foram incluídos dados do ambiente obtidos por auditagem de equipamentos públicos de venda de frutas e hortaliças no raio de 1,6 km do entorno de 30 escolas estaduais aleatoriamente sorteadas, no qual foram avaliados a disponibilidade e os preços desses alimentos. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 1.232 alunos de 30 escolas estaduais. O consumo regular de frutas foi referido por 43,4% e de hortaliças por 67,0% dos adolescentes. Nas escolas, o consumo de frutas variou entre 26,8 e 68,0% e o de hortaliças entre 54,8 e 82,2%; 22 escolas contavam com oferta de frutas e hortaliças no entorno. O consumo regular de hortaliças esteve correlacionado positivamente com a sua variedade (r=0,82; p=0,007). O índice de Moran local indicou baixo consumo de frutas em uma regional de alta oferta e, em outras três, alto consumo de frutas e hortaliças para baixa oferta e alto consumo de hortaliças em uma regional de alta oferta. Conclusões: Existem diferenças na oferta de frutas e hortaliças dos equipamentos públicos no entorno escolar e na distribuição do consumo regular entre as regionais. Características relacionadas à densidade de equipamentos de comércio e à variedade estiveram associadas ao maior consumo de frutas e hortaliças entre os adolescentes de escolas públicas.

[Association of regular consumption of breakfast and health-related behavior among adolescents]. / Associação do consumo regular de café da manhã e comportamentos relacionados à saúde em adolescentes.

The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of regular breakfast consumption (five or more times a week) among adolescents, and to investigate the association with demographic variables, school and job shift, health-related behaviors, eating habits and food consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 state schools in Curitiba, State of Paraná, with the participation of 1,232 adolescents. The prevalence of regular breakfast consumption was 58,6% (95% CI 53,9, 63.2). After adjusted analysis, higher regular breakfast consumption was observed among adolescents who: attended the evening and intermediate/full shifts; performed supervised physical activity; reported sleeping more than eight hours/night; reported having lunch and dinner with the family every day; and took 4 or more meals per day. The weekly frequency of breakfast was associated with higher consumption of milk and dairy products and the lower consumption of instant noodles and soft drinks. It is noteworthy that the habit of eating breakfast was associated with healthy eating practices and habits, reinforcing its values as a marker of other health-related behaviors. Partaking of breakfast should be encouraged among adolescents.

Objetivou-se estimar a frequência do consumo regular de café da manhã (cinco ou mais vezes na semana) entre adolescentes e investigar sua associação com variáveis demográficas, turno escolar e trabalho, comportamentos relacionados à saúde, práticas alimentares e consumo de alimentos. Realizou-se estudo transversal em 30 escolas estaduais de Curitiba, Paraná, entre março de 2016 e maio de 2017, com participação de 1.232 adolescentes. A prevalência de consumo regular de café da manhã foi de 58,6% (IC95% 53,9; 63,2). Após análise ajustada observou-se maior consumo regular de café da manhã entre adolescentes que: frequentavam os turnos vespertino e intermediário/integral; realizavam atividade física supervisionada; relatavam dormir mais que oito horas/noite; relatavam almoçar e jantar com a família todos os dias e; realizavam quatro refeições ou mais por dia. A frequência semanal do café da manhã foi associada ao maior consumo de leite e derivados, e ao menor consumo de macarrão instantâneo e refrigerantes. Destaca-se que o hábito de realizar o desjejum esteve associado com práticas alimentares e hábitos saudáveis, reforçando seu valor enquanto marcador de outros comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Sua realização deve ser incentivada entre os adolescentes.

Associação do consumo regular de café da manhã e comportamentos relacionados à saúde em adolescentes / Association of regular consumption of breakfast and health-related behavior among adolescents

Resumo Objetivou-se estimar a frequência do consumo regular de café da manhã (cinco ou mais vezes na semana) entre adolescentes e investigar sua associação com variáveis demográficas, turno escolar e trabalho, comportamentos relacionados à saúde, práticas alimentares e consumo de alimentos. Realizou-se estudo transversal em 30 escolas estaduais de Curitiba, Paraná, entre março de 2016 e maio de 2017, com participação de 1.232 adolescentes. A prevalência de consumo regular de café da manhã foi de 58,6% (IC95% 53,9; 63,2). Após análise ajustada observou-se maior consumo regular de café da manhã entre adolescentes que: frequentavam os turnos vespertino e intermediário/integral; realizavam atividade física supervisionada; relatavam dormir mais que oito horas/noite; relatavam almoçar e jantar com a família todos os dias e; realizavam quatro refeições ou mais por dia. A frequência semanal do café da manhã foi associada ao maior consumo de leite e derivados, e ao menor consumo de macarrão instantâneo e refrigerantes. Destaca-se que o hábito de realizar o desjejum esteve associado com práticas alimentares e hábitos saudáveis, reforçando seu valor enquanto marcador de outros comportamentos relacionados à saúde. Sua realização deve ser incentivada entre os adolescentes.

Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of regular breakfast consumption (five or more times a week) among adolescents, and to investigate the association with demographic variables, school and job shift, health-related behaviors, eating habits and food consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 state schools in Curitiba, State of Paraná, with the participation of 1,232 adolescents. The prevalence of regular breakfast consumption was 58,6% (95% CI 53,9, 63.2). After adjusted analysis, higher regular breakfast consumption was observed among adolescents who: attended the evening and intermediate/full shifts; performed supervised physical activity; reported sleeping more than eight hours/night; reported having lunch and dinner with the family every day; and took 4 or more meals per day. The weekly frequency of breakfast was associated with higher consumption of milk and dairy products and the lower consumption of instant noodles and soft drinks. It is noteworthy that the habit of eating breakfast was associated with healthy eating practices and habits, reinforcing its values as a marker of other health-related behaviors. Partaking of breakfast should be encouraged among adolescents.

Family meals, diet quality and obesity among adolescents: findings from a schoolbased study in a capital city of southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the association of family meals with diet quality and obesity of adolescents in public schools in Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 schools. Having family meals was analyzed as a continuous variable (weekly frequency of lunch and dinner). The association among having family meals and diet quality and obesity was investigated using the Binomial Negative Regression, which resulted in Prevalence Ratios (PR) with Confidence Intervals of 95% (CI95%). RESULTS: 1,623 students were invited to participate, 1,232 accepted and 1,036 answered all information required. 58.3% and 62.0% of the adolescents reported having daily lunch and dinner as a family, respectively; 47.8% of them had both meals. Family meals were less frequent among 17-years-old or older (PR 0.83 95% CI 0.74; 0.94), among those who had a job (PR 0.85 95% CI 0.77; 0.93), among those that had consumed alcohol (PR 0.86 95% CI 0.80; 0.92). In contrast, family meals were more frequent among students who have breakfast every day (PR 1.06 95% CI 1.01; 1.11). Moreover, family meals were a protective factor against overweight (PR 0.81 95% CI 0.70;0.93) and obesity (PR 0.81 95% CI 0.70; 0.93) and were associated with higher scores on the diet quality index (PR 1.01 95% CI 1.00; 1.02). CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, family meals were an important factor in the prevention of becoming overweight and in the improvement of diet quality, and should be encouraged among adolescents, especially the older ones.

Chitosan modified poly (lactic acid) nanoparticles increased the ursolic acid oral bioavailability.

Ursolic acid (UA) is a naturally occurring triterpene that has been investigated for its antitumor activity. However, its lipophilic character hinders its oral bioavailability, and therapeutic application. To overcome these limitations, chitosan (CS) modified poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles containing UA were developed, characterized, and had their oral bioavailability assessed. The nanoparticles were prepared by emulsion-solvent evaporation technique and presented a mean diameter of 330 nm, zeta potential of +28 mV, spherical shape and 90% encapsulation efficiency. The analysis of XRD and DSC demonstrated that the nanoencapsulation process induced to UA amorphization. The in vitro release assay demonstrated that 53% of UA was released by diffusion after 144 h, following a second-order release kinetics. In simulated gastrointestinal fluids and mucin interaction tests, CS played an important role in stability and mucoadhesiveness improvement of PLA nanoparticles, respectively. In the presence of erythrocytes, nanoparticles proved their hemocompatibility. In tumor cells, nanoparticles presented lower cytotoxicity than free UA, due to slow UA release. After a single oral dose in rats, CS modified PLA nanoparticles increased the UA absorption, reduced its clearance and elimination, resulting in increased bioavailability. The results show the potential application of these nanoparticles for UA oral delivery for cancer therapy.

Intranasal administration of perillyl alcohol-loaded nanoemulsion and pharmacokinetic study of its metabolite perillic acid in plasma and brain of rats using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

Perillyl alcohol (POH) is a monocyclic terpene that has strong antitumor activity. Brain tumors are particularly difficult to treat with therapeutic agents, and clinical trials have shown their low tolerance through oral administration. We proposed the entrapment of POH into an oil-in-water chitosan nanoemulsion aiming its intranasal administration for brain targeting. An ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantitation of total metabolite perillic acid (PA) in plasma and brain of rats. The rat samples containing the metabolite were treated by liquid-liquid extraction with acetonitrile. The mobile phase was 0.1% formic acid in water (solvent A) and 0.1% formic acid in methanol (solvent B), at a flow rate of 0.3 mL min-1 in gradient elution. The chromatography was run for 10 min, and analytical curves were built in acetonitrile, plasma, and brain. The PA was detected in positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring. The method has shown high selectivity, sensitivity, and throughput. The low quantification limits of 162, 178, and 121 ng mL-1 for acetonitrile, brain, and plasma, respectively, indicate a good detectability of the method. The repeatability and precision observed were within the limits recommended in the literature. The accuracy of the method was verified through high recovery rates (106-118%). The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the metabolite PA after the intranasal administration of free or POH-loaded nanoemulsion in rats. The results showed that chitosan nanoemulsion improved the plasma and brain bioavailability of POH, representing a promising alternative to free POH treatment.

Optimized Chitosan-Coated Gliadin Nanoparticles Improved the Hesperidin Cytotoxicity over Tumor Cells

Abstract Hesperidin is a natural compound which is found in citric fruits and presents antitumor and antimicrobial activities. However, the in vivo efficacy of Hesperidin is reduced due to its low oral bioavailability. Protein-based nanoparticles have been applied to improve biological parameters of drugs and natural compounds. Gliadin is a monomeric protein present in wheat. In this study, gliadin-based nanoparticles containing hesperidin were obtained by desolvation technique and a Taguchi orthogonal array design was employed to optimize the formulation. The independent variables were set as concentration of CaCl2 (0.5; 1 or 2%) and stabilizing agent (Pluronic F68, Tween 80 or sodium caseinate). The dependent variables consisted of mean diameter, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. The results showed significant effects on the dependent variables when 1% CaCl2 and Pluronic F68 were used. The optimized formulation was coated with chitosan to increase the physical stability of the nanoparticles. The final nanoparticles presented a mean diameter of 321 nm and polydispersity index of 0.217, and spherical shape. After coating, the Zeta potential was +21 mV, and the encapsulation efficiency was 73 %. The in vitro release assay showed that about 98% of the drug was released from the nanoparticles after 48 h. Moreover, the nanoparticles reduced hesperidin cytotoxicity on healthy cells (Vero cells) and improved the cytotoxicity on tumor cells (HeLa, PC-3 and Caco-2 cells). Results showed that the chitosan-coated gliadin nanoparticles are potential carriers for hesperidin delivery for cancer treatment.

Levels of phenylpropanoids and iridoids in extracts and infusions of Verbena minutiflora.

Herein we report for the first time the levels of phenylpropanoids and iridoids in extracts and infusions of V. minutiflora consumed in Brazil to treat urinary and infectious disorders. An in house validation study demonstrated good accuracy and precision to determine the bioactive compounds in V. minutiflora by HPLC-DAD. Phenylpropanoids varied in the extracts (leaves 139.70 to 221.20 mg g-1, flowers 106.43 to 227.22 mg g-1, stems 42.18 to 56.48 mg g-1). Verbascoside occurred in higher concentration in extracts of leaves (87.66 - 136.16) mg g-1 and flowers (58.12 - 148.96) mg g-1 than in stems (19.24 - 24.62) mg g-1. Iridoids in extracts were as follows: leaves (46.60 - 54.79) mg g-1, flowers (55.88 - 93.87) mg g-1 and stems (40.05 to 61.74) mg g-1. High levels of iridoids (314.70 - 415.10) µg mL-1, phenylpropanoids (1996.39 - 2674.13) µg mL-1 and verbascoside (1029.38 - 1456.42 µg mL-1) in infusions support the popular consume of V. minutiflora.

Alcohol outlets availability in school neighborhoods and alcohol use among adolescents.

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between alcohol use by adolescents and the availability of alcohol outlets in the neighborhood of public schools. We collected primary data including variables at individual and school neighborhood level. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for alcohol use with the exposure variables. A total of 18.4% (95%CI: 13.2; 24.1) of adolescents reported using alcohol, which was associated with variables on the individual level such as being 18 years or older, working, and having previously smoked. Lower alcohol use was observed among adolescents from schools that were located 250m or more from alcohol outlets (OR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.17; 0.48). Actions to reduce the use of alcohol among adolescents should take student's and school neighborhood's characteristics into account.

Alcohol outlets availability in school neighborhoods and alcohol use among adolescents / Disponibilidade de locais de venda de álcool na vizinhança de escolas e consumo de álcool entre adolescentes / Disponibilidad de establecimientos para la venta de alcohol en las cercanías de las escuelas y consumo de alcohol entre adolescentes

Abstract: This cross-sectional study investigated the association between alcohol use by adolescents and the availability of alcohol outlets in the neighborhood of public schools. We collected primary data including variables at individual and school neighborhood level. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for alcohol use with the exposure variables. A total of 18.4% (95%CI: 13.2; 24.1) of adolescents reported using alcohol, which was associated with variables on the individual level such as being 18 years or older, working, and having previously smoked. Lower alcohol use was observed among adolescents from schools that were located 250m or more from alcohol outlets (OR = 0.29; 95%CI: 0.17; 0.48). Actions to reduce the use of alcohol among adolescents should take student's and school neighborhood's characteristics into account.

Resumo: O estudo teve como objetivo investigar a associação entre consumo de álcool por adolescentes e a disponibilidade de locais de venda de álcool na vizinhança das escolas públicas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com a coleta de dados primários, usando como variáveis as características individuais dos alunos e da vizinhança da escola. Foi utilizado um modelo de regressão logística multiníveis para estimar a razão de chances (OR) com intervalo de 95% de confiança (IC95%) entre o consumo de álcool e as variáveis de exposição. Entre os adolescentes, 18,4% (IC95%: 13,2; 24,1) relataram consumo de álcool, que mostrou associação com as seguintes características individuais: idade acima de 18 anos, trabalho atual e história de tabagismo. Foi observado menor nível de consumo de álcool em adolescentes matriculados em escolas localizadas a pelo menos 250 metros dos locais de venda de álcool (OR = 0,29; IC95%: 0,17; 0,48). São necessárias medidas para reduzir o uso de álcool entre adolescentes, levando em conta as características dos próprios alunos e da vizinhança da escola.

Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la asociación entre el consumo de alcohol en adolescentes y la disponibilidad de establecimientos para la venta de alcohol en las cercanías de las escuelas públicas. Se trata de un estudio transversal que se realizó recogiendo datos primarios, incluyendo variables en el nivel individual, así como las relacionadas con el vecindario. Se realizó una regresión logística multinivel para estimar la odds ratio - OR (intervalo de 95% de confianza - IC95%), en el caso del consumo del alcohol con las variables de exposición. Un 18,4% (IC95%: 13,2; 24,1) de los adolescentes informaron haber consumido alcohol, lo que estaba asociado con variables en el nivel individual tales como: tener 18 años o más edad, estar trabajando y haber fumado antes. Se observó un consumo más bajo de alcohol entre adolescentes de escuelas que estaban localizadas a 250 m o más de los establecimientos de venta de alcohol (OR = 0,29; IC95%: 0,17; 0,48). Las acciones para reducir el consumo de alcohol entre adolescentes deberían tener en consideración las características de los estudiantes y del barrio en el que están ubicadas las escuelas.

[Canteens of State Schools in Curitiba in the State of Paraná, Brazil: adaptation to the food supply regulation law]. / Cantinas de escolas estaduais de Curitiba/PR, Brasil: adequação à lei de regulamentação de oferta de alimentos.

The scope of this study was to determine the food on offer in state public school canteens of Curitiba, Paraná, and to investigate the association between the permitted/prohibited food supplied under the Canteen Law, with school and canteen variables. A cross-sectional study was conducted with interviews with canteen administrators in 27 state schools. The Mann Whitney test was used to investigate associations. There was a higher frequency of administration of the canteens under the self-management regime (n = 25, 92.6%); appropriate location in the school for serving meals (n = 20, 74.1%); length of time in administration of over 10 years (n = 13, 48.2%) and administrators who reported knowing the Canteen Law (n = 22, 81.5%). More than 2/3 of canteens sold prohibited food, such as sweetened beverages (n = 22, 81.5%) and candies, industrialized popcorn and salty snacks (n = 13, 48.2%). Only one school provided fried snacks (n = 1, 3.7%). The offer of technical education alone was associated with greater availability of food allowed by the legislation (p = 0.033). The school canteens evaluated can be described as places of commercialization of food not permitted by the Healthy Canteen Law. It is important to highlight the regulation and inspection of food sales in canteens for the promotion of health in schools.

Objetivou-se caracterizar a oferta de alimentos nas cantinas de escolas públicas estaduais de Curitiba, Paraná, e investigar associação da oferta de alimentos permitidos/não permitidos pela Lei das Cantinas, com variáveis da escola e da cantina. Foi realizado estudo transversal com entrevista aos administradores de cantinas em 27 escolas estaduais e foi utilizado o teste de Mann Whitney para investigar associações. Verificou-se maior frequência de administração das cantinas por autogestão (n = 25; 92,6%); local adequado na escola para realização das refeições (n = 20; 74,1%); tempo na administração do local superior a 10 anos (n = 13; 48,2%) e de administradores que referiram conhecer a Lei (n = 22; 81,5%). Mais de 2/3 das cantinas comercializava alimentos não permitidos, tais como bebidas açucaradas (n = 22; 81,5%) e doces, pipocas e salgadinhos industrializados (n = 13; 48,2%). Apenas uma (3,7%) ofertava salgados fritos. Somente a oferta de ensino técnico associou-se à maior disponibilidade de alimentos permitidos pela legislação (p = 0,033). As cantinas avaliadas podem ser caracterizadas como locais de oferta de alimentos não permitidos pela Lei da Cantina Saudável. Destaca-se a importância da regulação e da fiscalização da comercialização de alimentos nas cantinas para promoção de saúde nas escolas.