Reproductive evaluation of Luisa, the last jaguar of the Caatinga.

The in situ population of jaguars in the Caatinga is less than 250 individuals, subdivided into five subpopulations, and is classified as endangered regarding its risk of extinction. Luisa, a 15-year-old female weighing 36 kg, was the last known ex situ jaguar from this biome. Her reproductive evaluation is detailed in this manuscript. Luisa was subjected to both a clinical and laparoscopic evaluation of her reproductive system. After 45 days of reproductive investigation, she died unexpectedly, and skin fragments were taken to establish the postmortem fibroblast lineage. At the clinical evaluation, Luisa had small, undeveloped mammary gland and a small vulva, characteristic of a nulliparous female, with no mammary gland nodules, edema, or abnormal masses. By laparoscopy, normal-appearing bladder and bowel loops were observed, as were uterine horns with standard color, shape, and length with no striae. Ovaries and uterine horns seem free of fibrinous adhesions. Both ovaries showed a yellowish color, a fibrous consistency, a decreased size (atrophied), and no follicles, hemorrhagic corpus, corpus luteum, luteal scars, or other abnormal structures. We may assume that this jaguar female was infertile based on Luisa's mature age and the absence of birthing or ovarian activity signs. The harsh conditions of the Caatinga biome, which included low food availability and frequent conflicts with humans, may have impacted both the pregnancy and lactation of Luisa's mother and her development after birth.

Human Cytomegalovirus Replication and Infection-Induced Syncytia Formation in Labial, Foreskin, and Fetal Lung Fibroblasts.

Only a handful of cell types, including fibroblasts, epithelial, and endothelial cells, can support human cytomegalovirus (CMV) replication in vitro, in striking contrast to the situation in vivo. While the susceptibility of epithelial and endothelial cells to CMV infection is strongly modulated by their anatomical site of origin, multiple CMV strains have been successfully isolated and propagated on fibroblasts derived from different organs. As oral mucosal cells are likely involved in CMV acquisition, we sought to evaluate the ability of infant labial fibroblasts to support CMV replication, compared to that of commonly used foreskin and fetal lung fibroblasts. No differences were found in the proportion of cells initiating infection, or in the amounts of viral progeny produced after exposure to the fibroblast-adapted CMV strain AD169 or to the endothelial cell-adapted strain TB40/E. Syncytia formation was, however, significantly enhanced in infected labial and lung fibroblasts compared to foreskin-derived cells, and did not occur after infection with AD169. Together, these data indicate that fibroblast populations derived from different tissues are uniformly permissive to CMV infection but retain phenotypic differences of potential importance for infection-induced cell-cell fusion, and ensuing viral spread and pathogenesis in different organs.

Can detomidine replace medetomidine for pharmacological semen collection in domestic cats?

Among the different methods used for semen collection from domestic cats, the pharmacological collection by urethral catheterization becomes disruptive. Medetomidine is the elected α2-adrenoceptor agonist for that, but in several countries, it is not commercially available. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of detomidine compared to medetomidine in collecting semen by urethral catheterization in domestic cats. Urethral catheterization was performed on 13 mongrel cats using a disposable semi-rigid tomcat urinary catheter. Of the 19 semen collections performed with medetomidine induction, 94.7% were successful, while with detomidine induction, only 56.3% of 16 were successful. The values semen samples variables were as follows for volume - 10.56 ± 0.4 vs 8.88 ± 0.5 mL, motility - 171.67 ± 0.79 vs 49.77 ± 3.45%, vigor - 4.1 ± 0.03 vs 3.10 ± 0.1 and concentration - 3.24 ± 0.19 vs 2.15 ± 0.13 ×109 sperm/mL respectively for medetomidine and detomidine group. The failure in semen collections with detomidine was mainly due to azoospermic samples, poor urethral relaxation, insufficient volume, or contamination of urine. The sperm concentration was also lower in the detomidine group (P <0.05) when compared to medetomidine. However, when the volume of semen collected was compared, we found no statistical differences. Despite its low performance in collecting semen from cats, detomidine may be an alternative when medetomidine is not accessible.

Perfil alimentar e percepção de escolares sobre alimentação servida em escolas municipais segundo a vulnerabilidade à saúde / Food pattern and perception of students about food served in municipal schools according to health vulnerability

Objetivo: Analisar o perfil alimentar e a percepção de escolares sobre a alimentação servida nas escolas, segundo a vulnerabilidade à saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com uma amostra representativa de alunos do Ensino Fundamental da rede municipal de Belo Horizonte. A vulnerabilidade à saúde foi determinada pelo Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde dos setores censitários das escolas. Foram coletadas informações referentes ao perfil alimentar e à percepção sobre a alimentação escolar. Foi utilizado o Teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson para determinar diferenças segundo o Índice de Vulnerabilidade à Saúde. Resultados: Foram entrevistados 3.557 alunos. Os alunos das escolas com menor vulnerabilidade apresentaram o hábito de comprar alimentos em estabelecimentos próximos à escola (p=0,01); perceberam em menor proporção a alimentação escolar como variada (p<0,001), o tempo para comer como suficiente (p<0,001) e a importância da alimentação escolar (p=0,02). Conclusão: O perfil alimentar e a percepção da alimentação variaram segundo a vulnerabilidade das escolas. Nas escolas de menor vulnerabilidade, os alunos compraram mais alimentos no entorno e apresentaram menor aceitação e valorização da alimentação escolar. Sugere-se a investigação de fatores associados (socioeconômicos e ambientais) para compreensão das condições que influenciam o adequado fornecimento da alimentação escolar a todos os estudantes.

Objective: analyze the dietary profile and perception of students about the food served in schools, according to health vulnerability. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with a representative sample of Elementary School students from the Municipal Network of Belo Horizonte. Health vulnerability was determined by the Health Vulnerability Index (HVI) of the census sectors of schools. Eating habits and perceptions of meals served in the school were collected. Pearson's Chi-squared test was used to determine differences according to the Health Vulnerability Index. Results: 3,557 students were interviewed. Students from schools with less vulnerability had the habit of buying food in stores close to the school (p = 0.01); a smaller proportion of the students perceived the school meals as varied (p <0.001), the eating time as sufficient (p<0.001), and the importance of food served in municipal schools (p=0.02). Conclusion: The food profile and perception of food varied according to the school's vulnerability. In schools with less vulnerability, students bought more food in the surroundings and showed less acceptance and appreciation of school food. The investigation of socio-economic and environmental factors is warranted to understand the conditions that may influence the adequate supply of school meals to all students.

Cryptorchidism in free-living jaguar (Panthera onca): first case report.

Cryptorchidism is a genital alteration wherein one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum and has multifactorial causes. A free-range adult male was captured twice in the Pantanal of Nhecolândia to put a GPS collar and semen collection. Pharmacological semen collection, andrological examination and semen analysis were performed. At the first capture and during the andrological examination only the left testis was found, and the male qualified as cryptorchid. The penis had no penile spines at either procedure. The semen volume obtained at first and second capture was 435 and 160 µL, respectively, with a concentration of 618 and 100 x 106 sperm/mL, progressive motility of ~ 5% and ~ 1% and total morphological sperm abnormalities of 74% and 86%. The male was monitored by a GPS collar, but the signal was lost, making it difficult to re-captures and perform new seminal and ultrasound evaluations to discard monorchidism - exceedingly rare in felids. Genetic studies to assess the individual's homozygosity are necessary to verify whether cryptorchidism in this individual has a genetic factor.

Experiências de profissionais de saúde no manejo da violência infantil / Experiencias de profesionales de la salud en el manejo de la violencia infantil / The experiences of health professionals with the management of violence against children

Objetivo conhecer a experiência de profissionais de saúde da atenção básica no manejo da violência infantil. Método estudo qualitativo, descritivo, exploratório. Entrevistaram-se profissionais de saúde que atuavam em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevistas norteadas por questões relacionadas à assistência à criança e à família em risco ou situação de violência. Submeteram-se os depoimentos à Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados identificaram-se várias representações da violência na perspectiva dos entrevistados, as quais deram origem à categoria "Lidando com a violência contra a criança: fatores que comprometem a assistência". Conclusão a experiência de profissionais de saúde da atenção básica no manejo da violência infantil experimenta diversas dificuldades na prática, especialmente relacionadas à falta de conhecimento, interferência e participação da família e desarticulação da rede de proteção infantil.

Objetivo conocer la experiencia de profesionales de salud de la atención primaria en el manejo de la violencia infantil. Método estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, exploratorio. Se entrevistó a los profesionales de salud de una Unidad de Salud de la Familia. Se colectó los datos por medio de una entrevista guiada por cuestiones relacionadas a la asistencia a los niños y a las familias bajo riesgo o situaciones de violencia. Se sometió sus declaraciones al Análisis de Contenido. Resultados se identificó numerosas representaciones de la violencia desde la perspectiva de los entrevistados, que originaron la categoría "Manejando la violencia contra niños: factores que comprometen la asistencia". Conclusión la experiencia de profesionales de salud de la atención primaria en el manejo de violencia infantil tiene muchas dificultades en la práctica, especialmente relacionadas a la falta de conocimiento, interferencia y participación de la familia, y a la desarticulación de la red de protección infantil.

Objective to know the experience of primary healthcare professionals in the management of violence against children. Method qualitative, descriptive, exploratory study. Health professionals who work in a Family Health Unit were interviewed. Data collection took place through interviews guided by questions regarding child assistance and families in risk of violence or situations of violence. Participant statements were submitted to Content Analysis. Results many representations of violence from the perspective of interviewees were found, from which emerged the category "Dealing with violence against children: factors that compromise assistance". Conclusion the experience of primary healthcare professionals in the management of child violence goes through many difficulties in practice, especially those related to lack of knowledge, interference and participation of the family, and to a disarticulated child protection network.

Biomimetic contact lenses eluting olopatadine for allergic conjunctivitis.

UNLABELLED: Combination of the ability of contact lenses (CLs) to act as a physical barrier against airborne antigen and to serve as a sustained depot of antihistaminic drugs may improve the efficiency of treatments of some ocular allergic diseases. The aim of this work was to develop CLs that exhibit affinity to olopatadine by mimicking the composition of the natural H1-receptor for which olopatadine behaves as a selective antagonist. Functional monomers that match the chemical groups of the receptor and application of the molecular imprinting technology led to hydrogels able to load high amounts of olopatadine and to sustain the release once in contact with lachrymal fluid. Optimized hydrogels prepared with acrylic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid and benzylmethacrylate as functional monomers provided in few hours olopatadine concentrations similar to those of commercially available eye drops but the levels could be sustained for a whole day, demonstrating their efficacy. Olopatadine-loaded CLs successfully passed the HET-CAM test of ocular irritancy and showed good compatibility with mast cells. They were able to inhibit the release of histamine and TNF-α from sensitized mast cells, proving their potential application in preventing and treating allergic conjunctivitis. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Contact lenses (CLs) with affinity for antiallergic drugs may constitute an advantageous alternative to eye drops in management of ocular allergies for both contact lens wearers and patients who eventually use neutral CLs as therapeutic platforms. The present work represents a step forward in the state of the art of drug-CL combo products by (i) mimicking the composition of the human receptor of the drug, (ii) exploring combinations of functional monomers that include a monomer (2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid; AMPSA) with a strong acid group (pKa<4) able to enhance the interaction of the network with olopatadine in the saline environment of the lachrymal fluid, and (iii) analysing in detail the antihistamic effects provided by olopatadine released from the CLs on sensitized mast cells.

Biodegradable electrospun nanofibers coated with platelet-rich plasma for cell adhesion and proliferation.

Biodegradable electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve cell adhesion and proliferation. PRP was obtained from human buffy coat, and tested on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to confirm cell proliferation and cytocompatibility. Then, PRP was adsorbed on the PCL scaffolds via lyophilization, which resulted in a uniform sponge-like coating of 2.85 (S.D. 0.14) mg/mg. The scaffolds were evaluated regarding mechanical properties (Young's modulus, tensile stress and tensile strain), sustained release of total protein and growth factors (PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1 and VEGF), and hemocompatibility. MSC seeded on the PRP-PCL nanofibers showed an increased adhesion and proliferation compared to pristine PCL fibers. Moreover, the adsorbed PRP enabled angiogenesis features observed as neovascularization in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. Overall, these results suggest that PRP-PCL scaffolds hold promise for tissue regeneration applications.

[Anemia among preschool children--a public health problem in Belo Horizonte, Brazil]. / Anemia entre pré-escolares--um problema de saúde pública em Belo Horizonte, Brasil.

This article seeks to establish the prevalence of anemia in children attending in day care centers in the South Central region of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, identifying associated biological, social and economic factors. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 18 nurseries and 373 children were evaluated based on stratified sampling by the participating institutions. Hemoglobin serum (Hb) levels were determined by lancing and reading on a ß-hemoglobinometer, adopting cut-offs for anemia Hb < 11.0 g/dL for children aged between 6 and 60 months and Hb < 11.5 g/dL for those aged above, as recommended by the WHO. The nutritional status was defined by measurement of weight and height for making indexes: Weight/Age (W/A), Height/Age (H/A) and BMI/Age (BMI/A). Among the participants, 54% were girls. The mean age was 38.1 (± 6.2) months. The prevalence of global anemia was 38.3%. In the group of the anemics, children = 24 months had a higher prevalence (56.1%). A significant association was found between anemia and the following factors: young age, low maternal age and low income. The study shows that anemia in children enrolled in day care centers is a relevant public health problem, signaling the need to implement specific actions to mitigate the risks highlighted by the research.

Anemia entre pre-escolares - um problema de saude publica em Belo Horizonte, Brasil / Anemia among preschool children - a public health problem in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

O artigo tem por objetivo determinar a prevalência de anemia em crianças matriculadas em creches da regional Centro-Sul de Belo Horizonte (MG), identificando fatores biológicos e socioeconômicos associados. Estudo transversal descritivo realizado em 18 creches. Foram avaliadas 373 crianças com base em amostragem estratificada por instituição participante. A hemoglobina (Hb) sérica foi determinada por punção capilar e leitura em β-hemoglobinômetro, adotando-se pontos de corte para anemia de Hb < 11,0g/dL para crianças de seis a 60 meses e Hb < 11,5g/dL para aquelas com idade superior, preconizados pela OMS. O estado nutricional foi definido por aferição do peso e altura e confecção dos índices Peso/Idade (P/I), Estatura/Idade (E/I) e IMC/Idade (IMC/I). Entre os participantes 54% eram meninas. A média de idade foi de 38,1 ± 6,2 meses. A prevalência global de anemia foi de 38,3%, sendo superior nas crianças com idade inferior ou igual a 24 meses (56,1%). Encontrou-se associação significativa entre anemia e os fatores menor idade da criança, menor idade materna e baixa renda familiar. O estudo mostrou que anemia em crianças de creches de Belo Horizonte constitui relevante problema de saúde pública, sinalizando a necessidade de se implantar ações específicas para mitigação dos riscos por ele apontados.

This article seeks to establish the prevalence of anemia in children attending in day care centers in the South Central region of Belo Horizonte in the state of Minas Gerais, identifying associated biological, social and economic factors. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 18 nurseries and 373 children were evaluated based on stratified sampling by the participating institutions. Hemoglobin serum (Hb) levels were determined by lancing and reading on a ß-hemoglobinometer, adopting cut-offs for anemia Hb < 11.0g/dL for children aged between 6 and 60 months and Hb < 11.5 g/dL for those aged above, as recommended by the WHO. The nutritional status was defined by measurement of weight and height for making indexes: Weight/Age (W/A), Height/Age (H/A) and BMI/Age (BMI/A). Among the participants, 54% were girls. The mean age was 38.1 (± 6.2) months. The prevalence of global anemia was 38.3%. In the group of the anemics, children = 24 months had a higher prevalence (56.1%). A significant association was found between anemia and the following factors: young age, low maternal age and low income. The study shows that anemia in children enrolled in day care centers is a relevant public health problem, signaling the need to implement specific actions to mitigate the risks highlighted by the research.

Enhanced cell affinity of chitosan membranes mediated by superficial cross-linking: a straightforward method attainable by standard laboratory procedures.

It is well accepted that the surface modification of biomaterials can improve their biocompatibility. In this context, techniques like ion etching, plasma-mediated chemical functionalization, electrospinning, and contact microprinting have successfully been employed to promote the cell adhesion and proliferation of chitosan (CH) substrates. However, they prove to be time-consuming, highly dependent on environmental conditions, and/or limited to the use of expensive materials and sophisticated instruments not accessible to standard laboratories, hindering to a high extent their straightforward application. Filling this gap, this paper proposes the superficial cross-linking of CH as a much simpler and accessible means to modify its superficial properties in order to enhance its cellular affinity. CH membranes were prepared by solvent casting followed by a cross-linking step mediated by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of glutaraldehyde (GA). The membranes were characterized against non- and solution cross-linked membranes in terms of their mechanical/surface properties and biological performance. Among others, the CVD membranes proved (i) to be more mechanically stable against cell culture and sterilization than membranes cross-linked in solution and (ii) to prompt the adherence and sustained proliferation of healthy cells to levels even superior to commercial tissue culture plates (TCPs). Accordingly, the CVD cross-linking approach was demonstrated to be a simple and cost-effective alternative to the aforementioned conventional methods. Interestingly, this concept can also be applied to other biomaterials as long as GA (or other volatile components alike) can be employed as a cross-linker, making possible the cross-linking reaction at mild experimental conditions, neither requiring sophisticated lab implements nor using any potentially harmful procedure.

Relação entre os níveis de atividade física e qualidade de vida de idosos sedentários e fisicamente ativos / Relationship between physical activity levels and quality of life of sedentary and physically active elderly

INTRODUÇÃO: O nível de atividade física pode interferir na capacidade funcional, influenciando na saúde e qualidade de vida dos idosos. OBJETIVO: Comparar os níveis de atividade física e qualidade de vida entre idosos que praticam exercícios físicos regulares e idosos sedentários, e verificar a associação entre o nível de atividade física e a qualidade de vida nos grupos. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 50 idosos do sexo feminino (n= 34) e masculino (n= 16), com idade de 70,24±8,8 anos, divididos em dois grupos - sedentários (G1, n=25) e praticantes de exercícios físicos regulares (G2, n=25). Realizou-se entrevista individual, aplicando-se Anamnese; Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física (IPAQ) e Perfil de Saúde de Nottingham (PSN). A normalidade dos dados foi testada por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, utilizando-se ainda os testes U de Mann-Whitney (qualidade de vida) e Qui-Quadrado (nível de atividade física). A associação entre o nível de atividade física e a qualidade de vida foi avaliada por meio do teste ETA² (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: Em relação ao PSN, o G1 apresentou reduzida qualidade de vida, comparado ao G2. Já para o IPAQ, somente o G1 apresentou diferença significativa (p=0,00) em relação ao G2. Além disso, para o G1, 50% do nível de atividade física foram associados à qualidade de vida, enquanto o G2 apresentou 64%. CONCLUSÕES: De acordo com os resultados encontrados no presente estudo, idosos praticantes de exercícios físicos e idosos sedentários apresentam bom nível de atividade física. Entretanto, idosos praticantes de exercícios regulares possuem maior nível de atividade física, explicando a melhor qualidade de vida neste grupo.

INTRODUCTION: The physical activity level may interfere on functional capacity, influencing on elderly health and quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To compare physical activity levels and quality of life among elderly who take regular physical exercise and sedentary ones, and the association between these variables. METHODS: The study analyzed 50 elderly people (women, n = 34, male, n = 16) aged 70.24 ± 8.8 years, divided into two groups: sedentary (G1, n = 25) and physically active (G2, n = 25). Anamnesis, International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were applied. Normality data was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk. Mann-Whitney U test (quality of life) and Chi-Square test (physical activity) were also used. The association between physical activity level and quality of life was assessed by ETA²test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In relation to the NHP, the G1 had reduced quality of life when compared to G2. For IPAQ, only G1 showed a significant difference (p = 0.00) in comparison with G2. In addition, 50% of the physical activity level was associated with life quality on G1, while G2 showed 64%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, both physically active and sedentary elderly have good level of physical activity. However, regular physically active elderly showed a higher level of physical activity, which explains the better quality of life of this group.

Osteogenic efficiency of in situ gelling poloxamine systems with and without bone morphogenetic protein-2.

In situ gelling solutions for minimally invasive local application of bone growth factors are attracting increasing attention as efficient and patient-friendly alternative to bone grafts and solid scaffolds for repairing bone defects. Poloxamines, i.e., X-shaped poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) block copolymers with an ethylenediamine core (Tetronic®), were evaluated both as an active osteogenic component and as a vehicle for rhBMP-2 injectable implants. After cytotoxicity screening of various poloxamine varieties, Tetronic 908, 1107, 1301 and 1307 solutions were chosen as the most cytocompatible and their sol-to-gel transitions were rheologically characterized. Viscoelastic gels, formed at 37 ºC, sustained protein release under physiological-like conditions. Formulations of rhBMP-2 led to differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts, quantified as alkaline phosphatase activity with a maximum at day 7, and to mineralized nodules. Interestingly, poloxamine solely gels led to an initial proliferation of the mesenchymal stem cells (first week), followed by differentiation to osteoblasts (second to third week). Histochemical analysis revealed that Tetronic 908 is only osteoinductive; Tetronic 1107 is mostly osteoinductive, although its use leads to a minor differentiation to adipocytes; Tetronic 1307, solely or loaded with rhBMP-2, causes differentiation of both osteoblasts and adipocytes. Enhanced expression levels of CBFA-1 and collagen type I were observed for Tetronic 908, 1107 and 1307, both solely and combined with rhBMP-2. The intrinsic osteogenic activity of poloxamines (not observed for Pluronic F127) offers novel perspectives for bone regeneration using minimally invasive procedures (i.e., injectable scaffolds) and overcoming the safety and the cost/effectiveness concerns associated with large scale clinical use of recombinant growth factors.

Obtenção de hidrolisados enzimáticos do concentrado proteico do soro de leite com baixo teor de fenilalanina / Preparation of whey protein concentrate hydrolysates with low phenylalanine content

The objective of this work was to obtain enzymatic hydrolysates of wheyprotein concentrate with low phenylalanine content. Seventeen enzymatic hydrolysates were prepared and the effects of some parameters, such as type of enzyme; enzyme: substrate ratio; substrate concentration and time of hydrolysis were evaluated. Activated carbon was used as adsorbent and showed to be efficient for removing phenylalanine, leading to values above 70%. The best results were otained using pancreatin in an enzyme: substrate ratio of 1:100, a substrate concentration of 10% after 5 hours of hydrolysis, obtaining 81.3% of removal and a final phenylalanine content of 394.1 mg/100g of hydrolysate.

El objetivo de la investigación fue la obtención de hidrolizados enzimáticos con bajo contenido de fenilalanina, a partir de concentrado proteico de suero de leche. Se prepararon 17 hidrolizados enzimáticos y se evaluó el efecto de algunos parámetros como: tipo de enzima, relación enzima: sustrato, concentración de la materia prima y tiempo de hidrólisis. Carbón activado fue utilizado como medio adsorbente, y se mostró eficaz en la remoción de fenilalanina, se obteniendo porcentuales sobre 70%. El mejor resultado fué encontrado usando pancreatina en una relación enzima: sustrato de 1:100, con concentración de materia prima de 10% y 5 horas de hidrólisis, consiguiendo 81,3% de remoción y el contenido final de fenilalaninade 394,1 mg/100g de hidrolizado

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a obtenção de hidrolisados enzimáticos, a partir do concentrado proteico do soro do leite combaixo teor de fenilalanina. Foram preparados 17 hidrolisados enzimáticos, avaliando-se o efeito de alguns parâmetros, como tipo de enzima, relação enzima: substrato, concentração da matéria-prima e tempo de hidrólise. O carvão ativado foi utilizado como meio adsorvente, e mostrou-se eficaz na remoção da fenilalanina, obtendo-se percentuais acima de 70%. O melhor resultado foi encontrado utilizando-se apancreatina na relação enzima: substrato de 1:100, com a concentração da matéria-prima de 10% após 5 horas de hidrólise, atingindo 81,3% de remoção e o teor final de fenilalaninade 394,1mg/100g de hidrolisado.

Iron fortification strategies for the control of childhood anemia in Brazil.

This article presents data on the fortification of foods, necessary as an important public health approach for the success in reducing anemia. The use of food vehicles, iron salts and their costs, as well as recent work on iron fortification of foods in Brazil are reviewed. Recent research serves as a cornerstone for countries that attempt to implement permanent, long-lasting iron fortification programs aimed at the prevention of anemia considering cultural habits, type of iron salts and at-risk groups.

Guanidinylated polyethyleneimine-polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene conjugates as gene transfection agents.

Conjugates of linear and branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) and monoamine polyether Jeffamine M-2070 (PO/EO mol ratio 10/31, 2000 Da) were synthesized through polyether activation by cyanuric chloride followed by attachment to PEI and guanidinylation by 1H-pyrazole-carboxamidine hydrochloride. The resulting guanidinylated PEI-polyether conjugates (termed gPEI-Jeffamine) efficiently complexed plasmid DNA, and their polyplexes possessed enhanced colloidal stability in the presence of serum proteins. In vitro studies with mammalian CHO-1, 3T3, and Cos-7 cell lines demonstrated improved transfection efficiency of the pCMVbeta-gal plasmid/gPEI-Jeffamine polyplexes. The guanidinylation of the amino groups of PEI and the conjugation of PEI with the Jeffamine polyether enhanced the conjugates' interaction with genetic material and reduced the cytotoxicity of the polyplexes in experiments with the L929 cell line.

Soft contact lenses functionalized with pendant cyclodextrins for controlled drug delivery.

The aim of this work was to develop acrylic hydrogels with high proportions of cyclodextrins maintaining the mechanical properties and the biocompatibility of the starting hydrogels, but notably improving their ability to load drugs and to control their release rate. Poly(hydroxyethylmethacrylate) hydrogels were prepared by copolymerization with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) at various proportions and then beta-cyclodextrin (betaCD) was grafted to the network by reaction with the glycidyl groups under mild conditions. This led to networks in which the betaCDs form no part of the structural chains but they are hanging on 2-3 ether bonds through the hydroxyl groups. The pendant betaCDs did not modify the light transmittance, glass transition temperature, swelling degree, viscoelasticity, oxygen permeability, or surface contact angle of the hydrogels, but decreased their friction coefficient by 50% and improved diclofenac loading by 1300% and enhanced drug affinity 15-fold. The hydrogels were able to prevent drug leakage to a common conservation liquid for soft contact lenses (SCLs) and to sustain drug delivery in lacrimal fluid for two weeks. To summarize, the hydrogels with pendant betaCDs are particularly useful for the development of cytocompatible medicated implants or biomedical devices, such as drug-loaded SCLs.

Caracterização química e sensorial de cafés da chapada de minas, visando determinar a qualidade final do café de alguns municípios produtores / Chemical and sensorial characterization of coffee from the chapada de Minas to determine the coffee quality of some producing counties

Objetivou-se, no presente trabalho, a caracterização química e sensorial dos cafés da Chapada de Minas, diante da necessidade de se criar parâmetros precisos e científicos para a determinação da qualidade desses cafés. Foram coletados cerca de 3 kg de café provenientes de alguns municípios da Chapada de Minas, sendo realizadas as seguintes análises químicas dos grãos de café: atividade da polifenoxidase, acidez titulável total e índice de coloração. A "prova de xícara" convencional foi realizada por provadores profissionais da COPACAFÉ. Em relação à análise química percebe-se que os cafés do Norte de Minas apresentaram uma maior atividade da polifenoloxidase e índice de coloração e menor acidez do que as demais regiões estudadas, o que lhe atribuiu melhor qualidade em relação a esses parâmetros. Através da "prova de xícara" os cafés classificaram-se como de bebida dura não diferindo significativamente entre as regiões estudadas. A análise química permitiu classificar os cafés quanto à qualidade de forma mais precisa e objetiva em relação à "prova de xícara".

The objective of the present work was to determine the chemical and sensorial characteristics of coffee from Chapada de Minas, due to the need of creating precise scientific parameters which could be used to determine its quality. Three Kg of coffee samples were collected from some counties of Chapada de Minas on which the following coffee grain chemical analysis were performed: polyphenoloxidase activity, total titratable acidity and color index. The customary "cup test" was conducted by professional tasters from COPACAFÉ. According to the chemical analysis, coffee samples from the north of Minas Gerais presented higher polyphenoloxidase activity and color index as well as lower acidity when compared to the other studied regions, thus indicating a higher quality. In the "cup test", coffee samples were classified as a hard beverage, with no significant differences among the studied regions. The chemical analysis provided a more precise and objective classification than the "cup test" regarding the quality.

[Usefulness of analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of neurotransmitters and pterin defects and glucose and folate transport deficiencies across blood brain barrier]. / Utilidad del análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo para el estudio de las deficiencias del metabolismo de neurotransmisores y pterinas y del transporte de glucosa y folato a través de la barrera hematoencefálica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In the last few years, it has been described inborn errors of neurotransmitter and pterin metabolism and defects in folate and glucose transport across blood brain barrier. All these defects are classified as rare diseases and needs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample analysis for diagnosis. Our aim was to evaluate the results of the application of a CSF analysis protocol in a pediatric population from Spain and Portugal presenting with neurological disorders of unknown origin. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied CSF samples from and 283 patients with neurological disorders of unknown origin and 127 controls. Neurotransmitters were analysed by HPLC with electrochemical detection, and pterins and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. RESULTS: We diagnosed 3 patients with tyrosine hidroxylase deficiency, 2 with dopa responsive dystonia, 14 with GTP-ciclohydrolase deficiency, 2 with glucose transport deficiency and 43 with cerebral folate deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed us to diagnose new patients, and more importantly, the establishment in all of them of a pharmacological or nutritional treatment. The most frequent defect found was CSF 5-methyltetrahydrofolate deficiency, which was present in different groups of patients.

Utilidad del análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo para el estudio de las deficiencias del metabolismo de neurotransmisores y pterinas y del transporte de glucosa y folato a través de la barrera hematoencefálica / Usefulness of analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for the diagnosis of neurotransmitters and pterin defects and glucose and folate transport deficiencies across blood brain barrier

Fundamento y objetivo: En la última década se ha descrito diferentes errores congénitos del metabolismo de los neurotransmisores (NT), en especial de las vías dopaminérgica y serotoninérgica y de las pterinas. También se ha descrito defectos primarios en el transporte de glucosa y 5-metiltetrahidrofolato (5-MTHF) a través de la barrera hematoencefálica, todos ellos enfermedades raras para cuyo diagnóstico es necesario el estudio en líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Nuestro objetivo ha sido evaluar los resultados de la aplicación de un protocolo de análisis de LCR en España y Portugal durante 3 años en pacientes pediátricos con trastornos neurológicos de origen desconocido. Pacientes y método: Se estudió a 127 individuos control y 283 pacientes con trastornos neurológicos de origen desconocido. El análisis de NT se realizó mediante HPLC con detección electroquímica y el análisis de pterinas y 5-MTHF, mediante HPLC con detección de fluorescencia. Resultados: Se ha diagnosticado 3 deficiencias de tirosina hidroxilasa en una misma familia, 2 casos de distonía sensible a L-dopa, 2 familias con defiencia de guanosinatrifosfato-ciclohidrolasa dominante (14 casos), 2 deficiencias del transportador de glucosa y 43 deficiencias de folato en LCR. Conclusiones: Este estudio ha permitido el diagnóstico de nuevos pacientes y, lo que es más importante, el establecimiento en todos ellos de un tratamiento farmacológico o nutricional. Las deficiencias de 5-MTHF han sido las más frecuentes y se las ha detectado en diferentes grupos de pacientes

Background and objective: In the last few years, it has been described inborn errors of neurotransmitter and pterin metabolism and defects in folate and glucose transport across blood brain barrier. All these defects are classified as rare diseases and needs cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample analysis for diagnosis. Our aim was to evaluate the results of the application of a CSF analysis protocol in a pediatric population from Spain and Portugal presenting with neurological disorders of unknown origin. Patients and method: We studied CSF samples from and 283 patients with neurological disorders of unknown origin and 127 controls. Neurotransmitters were analysed by HPLC with electrochemical detection, and pterins and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Results: We diagnosed 3 patients with tyrosine hidroxylase deficiency, 2 with dopa responsive dystonia, 14 with GTP-ciclohydrolase deficiency, 2 with glucose transport deficiency and 43 with cerebral folate deficiency. Conclusions: This study allowed us to diagnose new patients, and more importantly, the establishment in all of them of a pharmacological or nutritional treatment. The most frequent defect found was CSF 5-methyltetrahydrofolate deficiency, which was present in different groups of patients