Prediction of metabolic syndrome and its associated risk factors in patients with chronic kidney disease using machine learning techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are recognized as public health problems which are related to overweight and cardiometabolic factors. The aim of this study was to develop a model to predict MS in people with CKD. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of patients from a reference center in São Luís, MA, Brazil. The sample included adult volunteers classified according to the presence of mild or severe CKD. For MS tracking, the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) classifier algorithm was used with the following inputs: gender, smoking, neck circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Results were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 196 adult patients were evaluated with a mean age of 44.73 years, 71.9% female, 69.4% overweight, and 12.24% with CKD. Of the latter, 45.8% had MS, the majority had up to 3 altered metabolic components, and the group with CKD showed statistical significance in: waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood glucose. The KNN algorithm proved to be a good predictor for MS screening with 79% accuracy and sensitivity and 80% specificity (area under the ROC curve - AUC = 0.79). CONCLUSION: The KNN algorithm can be used as a low-cost screening method to evaluate the presence of MS in people with CKD.

Utilization of Fusarium Solani lipase for enrichment of polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), offer numerous health benefits. Enriching these fatty acids in fish oil using cost-effective methods, like lipase application, has been studied extensively. This research aimed to investigate F. solani as a potential lipase producer and compare its efficacy in enhancing polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids with commercial lipases. Submerged fermentation with coconut oil yielded Lipase F2, showing remarkable activity (215.68 U/mL). Lipase F2 remained stable at pH 8.0 (activity: 93.84 U/mL) and active between 35 and 70 °C, with optimal stability at 35 °C. It exhibited resistance to various surfactants and ions, showing no cytotoxic activity in vitro, crucial for its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Lipase F2 efficiently enriched EPA and DHA in fish oil, reaching 22.1 mol% DHA and 23.8 mol% EPA. These results underscore the economic viability and efficacy of Lipase F2, a partially purified enzyme obtained using low-cost techniques, demonstrating remarkable stability and resistance to diverse conditions. Its performance was comparable to highly pure commercially available enzymes in omega-3 production. These findings highlight the potential of F. solani as a promising lipase source, offering opportunities for economically producing omega-3 and advancing biotechnological applications in the food and supplements industry.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Oil and Its Nanoemulsion: Chemical Characterisation, Toxicity Evaluation, Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities.

This study explores a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil, known for its rich fatty acid composition and diverse biological activities. This study aimed to characterise a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil and explore its cytotoxic effects on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, alongside assessing its antioxidant and toxicity properties both in vitro and in vivo. Extracted from fruits sourced in Brazil, the oil underwent thorough chemical characterization using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The resulting nanoemulsion was prepared and evaluated for stability, particle size, and antioxidant properties. The nanoemulsion exhibited translucency, fluidity, and stability post centrifugation and temperature tests, with a droplet size of 238.37, PDI -9.59, pH 7, and turbidity 0.267. In vitro assessments on cervical cancer cell lines revealed antitumour effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Toxicity tests conducted in cell cultures and female Swiss mice demonstrated no adverse effects of both açaí seed oil and nanoemulsion. Overall, açaí seed oil, particularly when formulated into a nanoemulsion, presents potential for cancer treatment due to its bioactive properties and safety profile.

Impact of deep resection of endometriosis in the pelvis on urodynamic parameters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of deep resection of endometriosis in the posterior pelvic region on urodynamic parameters. METHODS: A prospective observational study conducted with female patients diagnosed with deep pelvic endometriosis before and after endometriosis resection surgery. Clinical history, image exams, the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire, urodynamic examination, cystometry, and voiding study were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients aged 30-39 years old, operative duration of 132.5 minutes, and 2.7 days of hospital stay. Uroflowmetry and cystometry showed tendency for an increase after the surgery in the flow duration, time to maximum flow, and first voiding desire and decreased residual volume and maximum cystometric capacity. Opening, maximum urinary flow, and maximum flow pressure decreased at T1, and the closing parameters increased, although statistically non significant. The variables decreased at T1 in the urodynamic, except for detrusor overactivity. Although we observed a reasonable number of low bladder compliance and abnormal bladder sensation, the results were maintained at T1. General scores for filling and incontinence showed a significant decrease after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: A significant response in the patient's perception of urinary function was demonstrated after surgery. It is observed that the surgical procedure did not affect the uroflowmetric and cystometric characteristics of the evaluated patients.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Oil Exerts a Cytotoxic Role over Colorectal Cancer Cells: Insights of Annexin A2 Regulation and Molecular Modeling.

Açaí, Euterpe oleracea Mart., is a native plant from the Amazonian and is rich in several phytochemicals with anti-tumor activities. The aim was to analyze the effects of açaí seed oil on colorectal adenocarcinoma (ADC) cells. In vitro analyses were performed on CACO-2, HCT-116, and HT-29 cell lines. The strains were treated with açaí seed oil for 24, 48, and 72 h, and cell viability, death, and morphology were analyzed. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the interaction between the major compounds in açaí seed oil and Annexin A2. The viability assay showed the cytotoxic effect of the oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. Acai seed oil induced increased apoptosis in CACO-2 and HCT-116 cells and interfered with the cell cycle. Western blotting showed an increased expression of LC3-B, suggestive of autophagy, and Annexin A2, an apoptosis regulatory protein. Molecular docking confirmed the interaction of major fatty acids with Annexin A2, suggesting a role of açaí seed oil in modulating Annexin A2 expression in these cancer cell lines. Our results suggest the anti-tumor potential of açaí seed oil in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells and contribute to the development of an active drug from a known natural product.

Impact of HPV-16 Lineages Infection in Response to Radio-Chemotherapy in Cervical Cancer.

BACKGROUND: HPV is strongly related to cervical cancer. HPV lineages can contribute to a response to cervical cancer therapy. The aim of this research was to estimate the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV)-16 lineages in specimens of cervical cancer, relate the pathological factors in these variants, and assess their response to treatment with radical chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Samples of cervical cancer were collected from women who were referred to a reference cancer hospital to test the presence of human papillomavirus-type DNA. The standard protocol of this service consisted of cisplatin-based chemotherapy of 40 mg/m2, plus conventional pelvic irradiation in doses of 45-50.4 Gy and high dose-rate brachytherapy of 28-30 Gy to Point A. The response to chemotherapy was evaluated after three months in patients with the HPV-16 lineage. RESULTS: HPV DNA was detected in 104 (88.1%) of the 118 patients. HPV-16 was present in 63 patients (53%). Lineages of HPV-16 were identified in 57 patients and comprised 33 instances of (57.8%) lineage A, 2 instances of lineage B (3.5%), 2 instances of lineage C (3.5%), and 20 instances of (35.0%) lineage D. The median age of the patients was 48.4 years (range 25-85 years). Squamous cell carcinoma was detected 48 times (84.2%). Adenocarcinoma was more likely to occur in lineage D, as three of the four cases occurred in this lineage. A total of 11 patients with the HPV-16 variant were treated with chemoradiotherapy. After three months, it was observed that nine of the eleven patients (81.8%) achieved a complete response, five with the lineage A type, two with the lineage C type, and two with the lineage D type. The two cases of partial response and disease progression, one of each, occurred in lineage A. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to the small number of patients and HPV variants, we noticed a better response in patients with the HPV-16 lineage A. Increasing the sample size could be helpful to better assess the impact of HPV variants on cervical cancer treatment.

Antitumor Effect of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Extract in LNCaP Cells and in the Solid Ehrlich Carcinoma Model.

Euterpe oleracea (açaí) fruit has approximately 15% pulp, which is partly edible and commercialized, and 85% seeds. Although açaí seeds are rich in catechins-polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects-almost 935,000 tons/year of seeds are discarded as industrial waste. This work evaluated the antitumor properties of E. oleracea in vitro and in vivo in a solid Ehrlich tumor in mice. The seed extract presented 86.26 ± 0.189 mg of catechin/g of extract. The palm and pulp extracts did not exhibit in vitro antitumor activity, while the fruit and seed extracts showed cytotoxic effects on the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line, inducing mitochondrial and nuclear alterations. Oral treatments were performed daily at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of E. oleracea seed extract. The tumor development and histology were evaluated, along with immunological and toxicological parameters. Treatment at 400 mg/kg reduced the tumor size, nuclear pleomorphism, and mitosis figures, increasing tumor necrosis. Treated groups showed cellularity of lymphoid organs comparable to the untreated group, suggesting less infiltration in the lymph node and spleen and preservation of the bone marrow. The highest doses reduced IL-6 and induced IFN-γ, suggesting antitumor and immunomodulatory effects. Thus, açaí seeds can be an important source of compounds with antitumor and immunoprotective properties.

HPV 18 variants in women with cervical cancer in Northeast Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiological factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPV 18 is the second most frequent type, accounting for up to 65% of all cases. HPV intratypic variation may influence the potential for progression to invasive cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus 18 intratypic variants in cervical cancer samples from women in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS: The study included 118 women over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Tumor fragments were collected and subjected to DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for HPV detection using the PGMY09/11 and GP+5/6 primers. Positive samples were submitted to automated sequencing for viral genotyping. To determine the HPV 18 lineages, positive samples were submitted to PCR, using specific primers to amplify the LCR and E6 regions of HPV 18 virus. RESULTS: HPV was present in 88 women (73.3%). Of those, 48 (54%) were HPV 16, the most prevalent, followed by 12 (13.6%) HPV 18. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma was predominant (79.1%). Among the HPV 18 variants identified, 10 (80%) belonged to lineage A, and sublineages A1, A2, A3, and A4. Two (29%) HPV 18 B variant was also detected, with the sublineages B1 and B2. In this study, the C variant was not found. There was no statistically significant association between the HPV 18 lineages found and sociodemographic and lifestyle variables (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A higher frequency of HPV 16 and 18 were found in women with cervical cancer in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, with a high prevalence of the lineage A among women with HPV 18.

Impact of deep resection of endometriosis in the pelvis on urodynamic parameters

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of deep resection of endometriosis in the posterior pelvic region on urodynamic parameters. Methods: A prospective observational study conducted with female patients diagnosed with deep pelvic endometriosis before and after endometriosis resection surgery. Clinical history, image exams, the Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire, urodynamic examination, cystometry, and voiding study were evaluated. Results: Patients aged 30-39 years old, operative duration of 132.5 minutes, and 2.7 days of hospital stay. Uroflowmetry and cystometry showed tendency for an increase after the surgery in the flow duration, time to maximum flow, and first voiding desire and decreased residual volume and maximum cystometric capacity. Opening, maximum urinary flow, and maximum flow pressure decreased at T1, and the closing parameters increased, although statistically non significant. The variables decreased at T1 in the urodynamic, except for detrusor overactivity. Although we observed a reasonable number of low bladder compliance and abnormal bladder sensation, the results were maintained at T1. General scores for filling and incontinence showed a significant decrease after surgery. Conclusions: A significant response in the patient's perception of urinary function was demonstrated after surgery. It is observed that the surgical procedure did not affect the uroflowmetric and cystometric characteristics of the evaluated patients.

HPV 18 variants in women with cervical cancer in Northeast Brazil

Abstract Background Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main etiological factor for the development of cervical cancer. HPV 18 is the second most frequent type, accounting for up to 65% of all cases. HPV intratypic variation may influence the potential for progression to invasive cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of human papillomavirus 18 intratypic variants in cervical cancer samples from women in the state of Maranhão, Brazil. Methods The study included 118 women over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cervical cancer. Tumor fragments were collected and subjected to DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for HPV detection using the PGMY09/11 and GP+5/6 primers. Positive samples were submitted to automated sequencing for viral genotyping. To determine the HPV 18 lineages, positive samples were submitted to PCR, using specific primers to amplify the LCR and E6 regions of HPV 18 virus. Results HPV was present in 88 women (73.3%). Of those, 48 (54%) were HPV 16, the most prevalent, followed by 12 (13.6%) HPV 18. Histologically, squamous cell carcinoma was predominant (79.1%). Among the HPV 18 variants identified, 10 (80%) belonged to lineage A, and sublineages A1, A2, A3, and A4. Two (29%) HPV 18 B variant was also detected, with the sublineages B1 and B2. In this study, the C variant was not found. There was no statistically significant association between the HPV 18 lineages found and sociodemographic and lifestyle variables (p > 0.05). Conclusions A higher frequency of HPV 16 and 18 were found in women with cervical cancer in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, with a high prevalence of the lineage A among women with HPV 18.

Ultrastructural changes induced by açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line.

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea Mart) is an Amazon plant with many biological properties. Previous report of this group evidenced autophagy induction after treatment with açaí seed extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines by acridine orange assay. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ultrastructural changes induced by açaí seed extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines. First, MCF- 7 breast cancer cell line viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Acridine orange assay showed increase in the acidic compartments, suggesting autophagolysosome formation. These cells were treated with 25 µg/ml for 24 h and evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (MET). This analysis showed that açaí seed extract induced autophagy, confirmed by autophagolysosome formation. Furthermore, açaí seed extract increased the number of mitochondria, suggesting the enrollment of reactive oxygen species in autophagy.

Human Papillomavirus Modulates Matrix Metalloproteinases During Carcinogenesis: Clinical Significance and Role of Viral Oncoproteins.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are associated with cervical cancer and other anogenital cancers. Despite progresses in HPV vaccination and screening, these cancers still show high incidence and mortality, requiring improved prognostic markers and tailored therapies. This review addresses the role of Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in HPV-induced cancers and the modulation of MMP expression by HPV oncoproteins. Scientific literature indexed in PubMed and ScienceDirect about Human papillomavirus modulates matrix metalloproteinases was retrieved and critically analyzed, to obtain an overview of expression patterns and their implications for carcinogenesis and patient prognosis. Matrix metalloproteinases such as MMP1, MMP9 and MMP13 have been associated with patient prognosis in HPV-induced cancers and play a major role in the degradation of the extracellular matrix, tumor invasion and metastasis. The HPV E2 and E7 oncoproteins regulate MMP expression via AKT, MEK/ERK and AP-1 signaling among other mechanisms. Increased expression of MMPs is associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in multiple HPV-induced cancers, suggesting their potential use as prognostic markers. The identification of specific signaling pathways that mediate MMP regulation by HPV is essential for developing efficient new cancer therapies.

Síndrome congênita pelo vírus zika: análise das redes de apoio de pais / Síndrome congénito por el virus del zika: análisis de las redes de apoyo de padres / Congenital zika syndrome: analysis of parent support networks

Resumo Objetivo Compreender o papel das redes de apoio no cuidado de crianças acometidas pela Síndrome Congênita pelo Vírus Zika. Métodos Estudo qualitativo, realizado em Centro de Referência Estadual em Neurodesenvolvimento, no nordeste brasileiro, entre abril de 2017 e fevereiro de 2018. Participaram pais de crianças com microcefalia atendidos no local. Foram realizadas 18 entrevistas semiestruturadas, sendo três com pai e mãe e 15 somente com mães, totalizando 21 participantes. A amostra foi definida pelo critério de saturação e foi utilizada análise de conteúdo na modalidade temática. Resultados Os resultados são apresentados a partir das categorias de análise "rede informal" e "rede formal". A rede de apoio informal, especialmente os avós, exerceu importante suporte emocional e financeiro aos pais. As redes sociais virtuais se destacaram como espaço de compartilhamento de informações e experiências. Quanto à rede de apoio formal, as famílias estabeleceram vínculos mais fortes com profissionais da atenção especializada que ofertaram suporte técnico e acolhimento aos pais e às crianças. Já a atenção primária desempenhou mais o papel de encaminhamento para a atenção especializada. Foram relatados diferentes graus de resolutividade por parte dos municípios, em termos de programas, de atuação de gestores e de profissionais. Conclusão As redes informais e formais atuaram de modo complementar no tratamento e apoio às crianças com Síndrome Congênita pelo Vírus Zika. A inserção em diferentes redes informais possibilitou apoio social para enfrentar o impacto provocado pela doença. Apesar do investimento do Ministério da Saúde na atenção primária foi identificada fragilidade neste nível de atenção.

Resumen Objetivo Comprender el papel de las redes de apoyo en el cuidado de niños afectados por el síndrome congénito por el virus del zika. Métodos Estudio cualitativo, realizado en un Centro de Referencia Regional en Neurodesarrollo, en el nordeste brasileño, entre abril de 2017 y febrero de 2018. Participaron padres de niños con microcefalia atendidos en el lugar. Se realizaron 18 entrevistas semiestructuradas, de las cuales tres fueron con el padre y la madre y 15 solo con madres, un total de 21 participantes. La muestra fue definida por el criterio de saturación y se utilizó análisis de contenido en la modalidad temática. Resultados Los resultados se presentan a partir de las categorías de análisis "red informal" y "red formal". La red de apoyo informal, especialmente los abuelos, ejerció un importante soporte emocional y financiero para los padres. Las redes sociales virtuales se destacaron como un espacio para compartir información y experiencias. Respecto a la red de apoyo formal, las familias establecieron vínculos más fuertes con profesionales de la atención especializada, que ofrecieron soporte técnico y acogida a los padres y a los niños. Por otro lado, la atención primaria cumplió más el papel de derivar a la atención especializada. Se relataron diferentes niveles de resolución de problemas por parte de los municipios, en términos de programas, de actuación de gestores y de profesionales. Conclusión Las redes informales y formales actuaron de modo complementario en el tratamiento y apoyo a niños con síndrome congénito por el virus del zika. La inserción en diferentes redes informales permitió un apoyo social para enfrentar el impacto provocado por la enfermedad. A pesar de las inversiones en atención primaria del Ministerio de Salud, se identificó fragilidad en este nivel de atención.

Abstract Objective To understand the role of support networks in the care of children affected by Congenital Zika Syndrome. Methods This is a qualitative study, conducted at a State Reference Center on Neurodevelopment, in northeastern Brazil, between April 2017 and February 2018. Parents of children with microcephaly treated at the site participated. 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted, three with father and mother and 15 only with mothers, totaling 21 participants. The sample was defined by the saturation criterion and content analysis was used in the thematic modality. Results The results are presented from the categories of analysis "informal network" and "formal network". The informal support network, especially grandparents, exercised important emotional and financial support to parents. Virtual social networks stood out as a space for sharing information and experiences. Regarding the formal support network, the families established stronger bonds with specialized care professionals who offered technical support and care to parents and children. Primary care, on the other, played the role of referral to specialized care. Different degrees of resolution were reported by the municipalities, in terms of programs, the performance of managers and professionals. Conclusion Formal and formal networks acted in a complementary way in the treatment and support of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome. The insertion in different indirect networks allowed social support to face the impact caused by the disease. Despite the ministry of health's investment in primary care, fragility was identified in this level of care.

Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) Seed Extract Induces ROS Production and Cell Death in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cell Line.

Euterpe oleracea Mart. (açai) is a native palm from the Amazon region. There are various chemical constituents of açai with bioactive properties. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and cytotoxic effects of açai seed extract on breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) was applied to identify chemical compounds present in açai seed extract. LC-MS/MS and molecular networking were employed to detect the phenolic compounds of açai. The antioxidant activity of açai seed extract was measured by DPPH assay. MCF-7 breast cancer cell line viability was evaluated by MTT assay. Cell death was evaluated by flow cytometry and time-lapse microscopy. Autophagy was evaluated by orange acridin immunofluorescence assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was evaluated by DAF assay. From the molecular networking, fifteen compounds were identified, mainly phenolic compounds. The açai seed extract showed cytotoxic effects against MCF-7, induced morphologic changes in the cell line by autophagy and increased the ROS production pathway. The present study suggests that açai seed extract has a high cytotoxic capacity and may induce autophagy by increasing ROS production in breast cancer. Apart from its antioxidant activity, flavonoids with high radical scavenging activity present in açai also generated NO (nitric oxide), contributing to its cytotoxic effect and autophagy induction.

Evidence of Zika virus circulation in asymptomatic pregnant women in Northeast, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) is a flavivirus associated with microcephaly and other fetal anormalities. However, evidence of asymptomatic ZIKV infection in pregnant women is still scarce. This study investigated the prevalence of Zika infection in asymptomatic pregnant women attending two public maternities in Maranhão state, Northeast Brazil. METHODS: A total of 196 women were recruited at the time of delivery by convenience sampling from two maternity clinics in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, between April 2017 and June 2018. Venous blood, umbilical cord blood and placental fragments from maternal and fetal sides were collected from each subject. ZIKV infection was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for ZIKV and by serology (IgM and IgG). Nonspecific laboratory profiles (TORCH screen) were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: The participants were mostly from São Luís and were of 19-35 years of age. They had 10-15 years of schooling and they were of mixed race, married, and Catholic. ZIKV was identified in three umbilical cord samples and in nine placental fragments. Mothers with positive ZIKV RT-qPCR were in the age group older than 19 years. Of the 196 women tested by ZIKV rapid test, 6 and 117 women were positive for anti-ZIKV IgM and anti-ZIKV IgG antibodies, respectively. Placental Immunohistochemistry study detected ZIKV in all samples positive by RT-PCR. The newborns did not show any morphological and/or psychomotor abnormalities at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic ZIKV infection is frequent, but it was not associated to morphological and/or psychomotor abnormalities in the newborns up to 6 months post-birth. Although pathological abnormalities were not observed at birth, we cannot rule out the long term impact of apparent asymptomatic congenital ZIKV infection.

Inhibitory Effect of Catechin-Rich Açaí Seed Extract on LPS-Stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells and Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema.

Açaí berry is a fruit from the tree commonly known as açaízeiro (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) originated from the Amazonian region and widely consumed in Brazil. There are several reports of the anti-inflammatory activity of its pulp and few data about the seed's potential in inflammation control. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of catechin-rich açaí extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and carrageenan-induced paw edema. The treatment with E. oleracea ethyl acetate extract (EO-ACET) was used in an in vitro model performed with macrophages stimulated by LPS, in which pro-inflammatory markers were evaluated, and in an in vivo model of acute inflammation, in which edema inhibition was evaluated. EO-ACET showed an absence of endotoxins, and did not display cytotoxic effects in RAW 264.7 cells. LPS-stimulated cells treated with EO-ACET displayed low levels of nitrite and interleukins (IL's), IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-12, when compared to untreated cells. EO-ACET treatment was able to inhibit carrageenan-induced paw edema at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, in which no acute inflammatory reaction or low mast cell counts were observed by histology at the site of inoculation of λ-carrageenan. These findings provide more evidence to support further studies with E. oleracea seeds for the treatment of inflammation.

QUALITY OF LIFE OF MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH CONGENITAL SYNDROME AFFECTED BY ZIKA VIRUS.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate how mothers of children with congenital syndrome (microcephaly) associated with Zika virus perceive their quality of life. METHODS: This is a qualitative study carried out in two stages: at the Maternal and Child University Hospital and at Casa de Apoio Ninar through semi-structured interviews with mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus. Ten women comprised the sample. RESULTS: In line with the critical discourse analysis, four categories emerged based on Fairclough's 2008 assumptions: Quality of Life and Health - quality of life perception associated with the broad meaning of the term health; Quality of Life and Health Care Systems - characterized by care instability and fragmentation; Quality of Life and Free Time - lack of free time for activities of daily living and leisure; Quality of Life and Future Perspectives - lack of future perspective, considering that most participants had to stop working and studying to take care of their children. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus are devoted to their children's care. Their lack of prospects was considered a consequence of the lack of time for activities of daily living and leisure.

Quality of life of mothers of children with congenital syndrome affected by zika virus / Qualidade de vida de mães de crianças com síndrome congênita afetadas pelo zika vírus

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate how mothers of children with congenital syndrome (microcephaly) associated with Zika virus perceive their quality of life. Methods: This is a qualitative study carried out in two stages: at the Maternal and Child University Hospital and at Casa de Apoio Ninar through semi-structured interviews with mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus. Ten women comprised the sample. Results: In line with the critical discourse analysis, four categories emerged based on Fairclough's 2008 assumptions: Quality of Life and Health - quality of life perception associated with the broad meaning of the term health; Quality of Life and Health Care Systems - characterized by care instability and fragmentation; Quality of Life and Free Time - lack of free time for activities of daily living and leisure; Quality of Life and Future Perspectives - lack of future perspective, considering that most participants had to stop working and studying to take care of their children. Conclusions: Mothers of children with congenital syndrome associated with Zika virus are devoted to their children's care. Their lack of prospects was considered a consequence of the lack of time for activities of daily living and leisure.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a percepção da qualidade de vida das mães de crianças portadoras de síndrome congênita (microcefalia) associada ao Zika vírus. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo realizado em duas etapas. A primeira foi conduzida no Hospital Universitário Materno-Infantil e a segunda na Casa de Apoio Ninar, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com mães de crianças que apresentam a síndrome congênita associada ao Zika vírus. A amostra foi composta por 10 mulheres. Resultados: Em consonância com a análise crítica do discurso, segundo os pressupostos de Fairclough, de 2008, quatro categorias emergiram: Qualidade de Vida e Saúde - a percepção da qualidade de vida está vinculada ao significado amplo do termo saúde; Redes de Qualidade de Vida e Atenção à Saúde - caracterizadas por precariedade e fragmentação do cuidado; Qualidade de Vida e Tempo Livre - falta de tempo livre para realizar atividades da vida diária e lazer; Qualidade de Vida e Perspectivas Futuras - foi abordada a falta de perspectiva futura, uma vez que a maioria das participantes teve que parar de trabalhar e estudar para cuidar dos filhos. Conclusões: Mães de crianças com síndrome congênita associada ao vírus Zika são totalmente dedicadas ao cuidado de seus filhos. A falta de perspectivas para o futuro foi considerada em decorrência da falta de tempo para lazer e atividade da vida diária.

Highly efficient antibiofilm and antifungal activity of green propolis against Candida species in dentistry materials.

This study evaluated the effect of green propolis extract on the adhesion and biofilm formation of Candida species in dentistry materials. Phytochemical analysis of green propolis extract was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Adhesion was quantified by counting the number of yeast cells adherent to dental material fragments in a Neubauer chamber. Biofilm formation was determined by counting colony-forming units recovered from dental material fragments. The intensity of biofilm adhesion was classified as negative, weak, moderate, strong, or very strong. Fifteen compounds, mainly flavonoids, were identified in green propolis extract. All strains adhered to and formed biofilms on the surfaces of the orthodontic materials studied. On steel and resin, yeast cell adhesion intensities were weak at all incubation times, except for those of Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis, which were moderate at 12 h. At 24 and 48 h, C. albicans formed biofilms on steel with moderate adhesion affinities; at 24 and 48 h, C. parapsilosis formed biofilms with very strong affinities. C. tropicalis formed biofilms with strong and very strong affinities at 24 and 48 h, respectively. On resin, all species displayed strong affinity for biofilm formation at 24 and 48 h, except for C. tropicalis, which displayed very strong affinity at only 48 h. Green propolis extract displayed antifungal activity and inhibited both adhesion and biofilm formation at 2.5 µg/mL. This study reinforces the idea that green propolis has antifungal activity and interferes with the virulence of Candida species.

Marine-Derived Penicillium purpurogenum Reduces Tumor Size and Ameliorates Inflammation in an Erlich Mice Model.

BACKGROUND: This study addresses the antitumoral properties of Penicillium purpurogenum isolated from a polluted lagoon in Northeastern Brazil. METHODS: Ethyl Acetate Extracellular Extract (EAE) was used. The metabolites were studied using direct infusion mass spectrometry. The solid Ehrlich tumor model was used for antitumor activity. Female Swiss mice were divided into groups (n = 10/group) as follows: The negative control (CTL-), treated with a phosphate buffered solution; the positive control (CTL+), treated with cyclophosphamide (25 mg/kg); extract treatments at doses of 4, 20, and 100 mg/kg; animals without tumors or treatments (Sham); and animals without tumors treated with an intermediate dose (EAE20). All treatments were performed intraperitoneally, daily, for 15 days. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized, and the tumor, lymphoid organs, and serum were used for immunological, histological, and biochemical parameter evaluations. RESULTS: The extract was rich in meroterpenoids. All doses significantly reduced tumor size, and the 20 and 100 mg/kg doses reduced tumor-associated inflammation and tumor necrosis. The extract also reduced the cellular infiltration of lymphoid organs and circulating TNF-α levels. The extract did not induce weight loss or renal and hepatic toxic changes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that P. purpurogenum exhibits immunomodulatory and antitumor properties in vivo. Thus, fungal fermentation is a valid biotechnological approach to the production of antitumor agents.