Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Treatment by Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems.

Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most lethal cancer types worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%. Due to the inability to diagnose it promptly and the lack of efficacy of existing treatments, research and development of innovative therapies and new diagnostics are crucial to increase the survival rate and decrease mortality. Nanomedicine has been gaining importance as an innovative approach for drug delivery and diagnosis, opening new horizons through the implementation of smart nanocarrier systems, which can deliver drugs to the specific tissue or organ at an optimal concentration, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Varied materials such as lipids, polymers, and inorganic materials have been used to obtain nanoparticles and develop innovative drug delivery systems for pancreatic cancer treatment. In this review, it is discussed the main scientific advances in pancreatic cancer treatment by nano-based drug delivery systems. The advantages and disadvantages of such delivery systems in pancreatic cancer treatment are also addressed. More importantly, the different types of nanocarriers and therapeutic strategies developed so far are scrutinized.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles vs. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Comparative Review.

Solid-lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers are delivery systems for the delivery of drugs and other bioactives used in diagnosis, therapy, and treatment procedures. These nanocarriers may enhance the solubility and permeability of drugs, increase their bioavailability, and extend the residence time in the body, combining low toxicity with a targeted delivery. Nanostructured lipid carriers are the second generation of lipid nanoparticles differing from solid lipid nanoparticles in their composition matrix. The use of a liquid lipid together with a solid lipid in nanostructured lipid carrier allows it to load a higher amount of drug, enhance drug release properties, and increase its stability. Therefore, a direct comparison between solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers is needed. This review aims to describe solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery systems, comparing both, while systematically elucidating their production methodologies, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro and in vivo performance. In addition, the toxicity concerns of these systems are focused on.

Enhanced Anticancer Activity of Hymenocardia acida Stem Bark Extract Loaded into PLGA Nanoparticles.

Hymenocardia acida (H. acida) is an African well-known shrub recognized for numerous medicinal properties, including its cancer management potential. The advent of nanotechnology in delivering bioactive medicinal plant extract with poor solubility has improved the drug delivery system, for a better therapeutic value of several drugs from natural origins. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer properties of H. acida using human lung (H460), breast (MCF-7), and colon (HCT 116) cancer cell lines as well as the production, characterization, and cytotoxicity study of H. acida loaded into PLGA nanoparticles. Benchtop models of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Raniceps ranninus were used for preliminary toxicity evaluation. Notable cytotoxic activity in benchtop models and human cancer cell lines was observed for H. acida crude extract. The PLGA nanoparticles loading H. acida had a size of about 200 nm and an association efficiency of above 60%, making them suitable to be delivered by different routes. The outcomes from this research showed that H. acida has anticancer activity as claimed from an ethnomedical point of view; however, a loss in activity was noted upon encapsulation, due to the sustained release of the drug.

Insights into Nanomedicine for Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment.

Head and neck cancers rank sixth among the most common cancers today, and the survival rate has remained virtually unchanged over the past 25 years, due to late diagnosis and ineffective treatments. They have two main risk factors, tobacco and alcohol, and human papillomavirus infection is a secondary risk factor. These cancers affect areas of the body that are fundamental for the five senses. Therefore, it is necessary to treat them effectively and non-invasively as early as possible, in order to do not compromise vital functions, which is not always possible with conventional treatments (chemotherapy or radiotherapy). In this sense, nanomedicine plays a key role in the treatment and diagnosis of head and neck cancers. Nanomedicine involves using nanocarriers to deliver drugs to sites of action and reducing the necessary doses and possible side effects. The main purpose of this review is to give an overview of the applications of nanocarrier systems to the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer. Herein, several types of delivery strategies, radiation enhancement, inside-out hyperthermia, and theragnostic approaches are addressed.

Changes in food behavior during the first lockdown of COVID-19 pandemic: A multi-country study about changes in eating habits, motivations, and food-related behaviors.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in severe, unprecedented changes affecting the world population. Restrictions in mobility, social distancing measures, and the persistent social alarm, during the first period of pandemic, resulted in dramatic lifestyle changes and affected physical and psychological wellbeing on a global scale. An international research team was constituted to develop a study involving different countries about eating motivations, dietary habits and behaviors related with food intake, acquisition, and preparation. This study presents results of an online survey, carried out during the first lockdown, in 2020, assessing food-related behavior and how people perceived them to change, comparatively to the period preceding the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 3332 responses, collected from 16 countries, were considered for analysis [72.8% in Europe, 12.8% in Africa, 2.2% in North America (USA) and 12.2% in South America]. Results suggest that the main motivations perceived to drive food intake were familiarity and liking. Two clusters were identified, based on food intake frequency, which were classified as "healthier" and "unhealthier". The former was constituted by individuals with higher scholarity level, to whom intake was more motivated by health, natural concerns, and weight control, and less by liking, pleasure or affect regulation. The second cluster was constituted by individuals with a higher proportion of male and intake more influenced by affect-related motivations. During this period, a generalized lower concern with the convenience attributes of foods was noted (namely, choice of processed products and fast-food meals), alongside an increase in time and efforts dedicated to home cooking. Understanding the main changes and their underlying motivations in a time of unprecedented crisis is of major importance, as it provides the scientific support that allows one to anticipate the implications for the future of the global food and nutrition system and, consequently, to take the appropriate action.

Examining the Relationship between Sugar Content, Packaging Features, and Food Claims of Breakfast Cereals.

Excessive free-sugar intake has become highly prevalent in numerous countries, and Portugal is not the exception. One product category that contributes to the daily intake of free sugars is breakfast cereals. In the current work, we identified 289 exemplars from two major retailers in Portugal and collected information on their nutritional profile (e.g., sugar, salt, fiber per 100 g), price, packaging features, type of food claims present (e.g., statements about the composition, sensory features, the origin of the product), and ingredients list. Overall, the sugar content of breakfast cereals was high (Mean = 19.9 g), and less than 10% of the products complied with the current national guidelines (i.e., 5 g of sugar per 100 g of product). Sugar (or other sugar sources) was listed in the top three ingredients for over 85% of the products. On average, each product included about four claims (Mean = 3.9), and sugar content was lower when the claims were related to the product composition. Critically, the sugar content was particularly high for children-oriented products (Mean = 26.4 g). Correlation analysis showed that breakfast cereals with higher sugar content also were cheaper and had lower quantities of fiber, proteins, and salt. Our findings suggest the need to implement strategies to reduce sugar in this product category (e.g., incentivize manufacturers to reformulate products). Also, our results may inform strategies aimed at promoting consumers' awareness about the sugar content in breakfast cereals and other processed foods, facilitating healthier decision-making.

Intranasal drug delivery for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative condition with severe consequences interfering with patient quality of life. It is characterized as a progressive and irreversible brain disorder hampering memory and thinking, affecting the capacity to perform daily tasks leading to physical and cognitive incapacitation. The conventional treatment occurs by the oral route, but it presents relevant drawbacks such as low bioavailability, fast metabolism, limited brain exposure, and undesirable side effects. The intranasal route has been proposed as a promising alternative to deliver drugs and improve the Alzheimer's disease treatment. Still, there is not a clear alternative delivery system available in the market with advantageous bioavailability and safety. The aim of this review is to perform an overview on the strategies for drug intranasal delivery for Alzheimer's disease treatment. The advantages and disadvantages of this delivery route and the delivery systems developed so far are discussed. A special focus is given on the use of permeation enhancers, the types of intranasal drug delivery devices, as well as possible toxicity concerns.

Oficinas profissionalizantes para reinserção de internos de um centro terapêutico de toxicômanos no mercado de trabalho / Professional workshops for reinsertion of internal staff from a drug rehabilitation center in the labor market / Cursos profesionales para la reinserción de internos de un centro terapéutico de toxicómanos en el mercado laboral

Objetivo: desenvolver atividades a fim de facilitar a reinserção social e no mercado de trabalho de dependentes químicos residentes da comunidade terapêutica Fazenda Paraíso, um centro de recuperação de toxicômanose alcoólatras do noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: trata-se de um estudo de abordagem qualiquantitativa, com caráter descritivo. Quinze internos com idade entre 16 e 49 anos participaram de oficinas com cunho teórico/prático ministradas por docentes e acadêmicos do curso de graduação de Farmácia. Resultados: a maioria dos participantes estava com idade acima dos 30 anos, e 80% tinham somente formação em educação básica. Constatou-se que o emprego é capaz de gerar estabilidade financeira, além de proporcionar dignidade e trazer reconhecimento por parte da sociedade, sendo então importante para o toxicômano. Conclusão: o profissional farmacêutico pode ser um grande aliado na reinserção do dependente químico na sociedade, seja pela ministração de oficinas ou palestras de educação em saúde

Objective: to develop activities that facilitate social and labor market reintegration of drug addicts residing in Fazenda Paraíso, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: this qualitative/quantitative study of descriptive character included 15 interns aged 16 to 49 years who participated in workshops of theoretical/practical nature taught by educators of the Pharmacy graduation course. Results: most participants were over 30 years old, and 80% had only basic education. Employment was shown to allow for financial stability, as well as to provide dignity and recognition by society, and it is considered important for drug addicts. Conclusion: pharmacy professionals can be great allies in the reintegration of drug addicts in society by providing workshops or lectures on health education

Objetivo: desarrollar actividades para facilitar la reinserción social y laboral de los toxicómanos que residen en la comunidad terapêutica Fazenda Paraíso, un centro para la recuperación de toxicómanos y alcohólicos en el noroeste del estado de Rio Grande do Sul. Método: estudio cualitativo y cuantitativo con carácter descriptivo. 15 pasantes de entre 16 y 49 años participaron en talleres teórico-prácticos impartidos por profesores y académicos del curso de graduación de Farmacia. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes tenían más de 30 años, y el 80% solo tenían la educación básica. Se observó que el empleo es capaz de generar estabilidad financiera, además de proporcionar dignidad y reconocimiento por parte de la sociedad, lo cual es importante para el toxicómano. Conclusión: el profesional farmacéutico puede ayudar en la reintegración del toxicómano en la sociedad, por medio de la impartición de cursos o conferencias sobre la educación para la salud

Quality of kids' meals in fast-food restaurants: the nutritional content is not enough for an informed choice / Qualidade das refeições infantis em restaurantes de fast-food: a informação nutricional não é suficiente para uma escolha informada

ABSTRACT Objective Eating out in restaurants is a common family behavior, but it has been persistently associated with unbalanced nutrient intakes, contributing to create and reinforce unhealthy food habits among children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the kids' meals from three common well-known restaurant chains in Portugal. Methods The nutritional composition (total fat, carbohydrates, protein, and sodium content) of the menus was analyzed bromatologicaly, and food portions were also examined. The assessment was carried out according to the European Food Safety Authority recommendations. Results Analyses of the menus from the two points of view revealed that the evaluations for macronutrients and food portions may return contradictory results. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats are compliant with the requirements for most of the meals. The analysis from the food portion perspective exceeds the requirements for the meat, fish, and eggs groups, as well as for fats and oils. Fruits, vegetables, and pulses are not present in the menus. Despite the balance associated with the macronutrients, the salt content exceeds the recommendations for most of the meals. Conclusions Popular fast-food chain restaurants have already adapted to comply with nutritional recommendations, whilst neglecting important recommended foods such as fruit, pulses, and vegetables. This study points not only to the need of investing in the improvement of the offerings, but also to the importance of fighting the tendency to reduce the perception of food quality to its nutritional content, leading consumers to believe that the meals offered are balanced when they are not.

RESUMO Objetivo Comer fora de casa tem se tornado um comportamento cada vez mais frequente entre as famílias, fato que tem sido persistentemente associado à ingestão desequilibrada de nutrientes e contribuído para reforçar hábitos alimentares infantis pouco saudáveis. Este estudo avaliou menus infantis de três redes de restaurantes bem conhecidas em Portugal. Métodos A composição nutricional (gordura total, carboidratos, proteína e sódio) dos cardápios foi analisada bromatologicamente, assim como as porções dos alimentos fornecidas. A avaliação foi realizada de acordo com as recomendações da Autoridade Europeia para a Segurança dos Alimentos. Resultados A análise dos cardápios, na perspetiva da composição em macronutrientes e das porções alimentares, apresentou resultados contraditórios. Os teores de proteínas, carboidratos e gorduras cumprem os requisitos na maioria das refeições. A análise das porções alimentares excede as recomendações para os grupos da carne, peixe e ovos, bem como para gorduras e óleos. No entanto, frutas, hortícolas e leguminosas não estão presentes nos menus. Apesar do equilíbrio associado aos macronutrientes, o teor de sal supera as recomendações na maioria das refeições. Conclusão As redes de fast-food mais populares já adaptaram a sua oferta às recomendações nutricionais. No entanto, verifica-se que negligenciaram algumas recomendações alimentares importantes, como incluir frutas, leguminosas e hortícolas nas refeições. Este estudo aponta para a necessidade de investir não só na melhoria da oferta, como também para a importância de combater a tendência crescente dos consumidores se focarem nos nutrientes e se esquecerem dos alimentos, o que os leva a acreditar que as refeições oferecidas são equilibradas, quando não o são.

KIMEHS-Proposal of an Index for Qualitative Evaluation of Children's Menus-A Pilot Study.

Considering the importance of the food environments for health promotion, and the lack of simple, easy to use, low-cost measures of the quality of meals, the authors developed a qualitative menu index (KIMEHS-Kids' Menu Healthy Score), tailored to children's menu evaluation. Development of the tool was based on the Mediterranean food pattern. It includes 18 components, divided into seven main groups that reflect key aspects of menu quality, including protein source, side dishes, vegetables, dessert and beverages, and also allergens and nutritional information. The index was analysed for content and construct validity, as well as inter-rater reliability, and was applied to a sample of menus from restaurants in shopping centres in the Lisbon region. Possible index point ranges from -17 to 17, with a higher score indicating greater compliance with the recommendations. A value of 5.5 is obtained if all KIMEHS items are available, considering healthy and non-healthy options. The inter-rater reliability was assessed and values above 0.80 were obtained for Alpha Cronbach, as well as agreement % rate >75%. Agreement percentage is above 75% for all the components. Evaluated restaurants scored from -14 to 7, with an average KIMEHS of -6.15. Only four restaurants scored positive values, ranging from 0.25 to 7. KIMEHS was considered to be an adequate index to evaluate children's menus, from the menu information displayed on restaurant websites and/or on restaurant displays or table menus. It is a simple, low-cost tool that may be used as a reference for health professionals as an objective measure to evaluate the food environment. Stakeholders could also be involved in their own assessment to help educate consumers about healthy food choices, strengthening the efforts to promote an adequate food pattern and health, contributing to the fight against obesity.

An Overview on Spray-Drying of Protein-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Dry Powder Inhalation.

The delivery of therapeutic proteins remains a challenge, despite recent technological advances. While the delivery of proteins to the lungs is the gold standard for topical and systemic therapy through the lungs, the issue still exists. While pulmonary delivery is highly attractive due to its non-invasive nature, large surface area, possibility of topical and systemic administration, and rapid absorption circumventing the first-pass effect, the absorption of therapeutic proteins is still ineffective, largely due to the immunological and physicochemical barriers of the lungs. Most studies using spray-drying for the nanoencapsulation of drugs focus on the delivery of conventional drugs, which are less susceptible to bioactivity loss, compared to proteins. Herein, the development of polymeric nanoparticles by spray-drying for the delivery of therapeutic proteins is reviewed with an emphasis on its advantages and challenges, and the techniques to evaluate their in vitro and in vivo performance. The protein stability within the carrier and the features of the carrier are properly addressed.

Pandemic responses in vulnerable communities: a simulation-oriented approach / Respuestas a la pandemia en comunidades vulnerables: un abordaje de simulación / Respostas à pandemia em comunidades vulneráveis: uma abordagem de simulação

Abstract Populations living in favelas are facing even more vulnerabilities with the sudden escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic, as social distancing is challenging in such settings. Furthermore, these populations typically lack proper sanitation and hygiene conditions, which are requirements to adequately control the outbreak. This paper proposes the use of System Dynamics modeling to support the public policy-making process in order to avert negative effects of the pandemic in the Brazilian favelas based on measures elicited from the social movement named "Favelas Contra o Corona." The simulation model assessed the effectiveness of strategies and policy bundles encompassing temporary transfer of the favela population, supply of hygiene products, emergency sanitation structures, and expansion of Intensive Care Units. Results indicate that a suitable combination of strategies can bring significant effects to the number of avoidable deaths and the availability of Intensive Care Units for the population.

Resumen Las poblaciones que viven en barrios de bajos recursos enfrentan aún más vulnerabilidades con el surgimiento de la pandemia de COVID-19, ya que para ellos el aislamiento social es una tarea difícil. Además, carecen de condiciones adecuadas de saneamiento e higiene, que son requisitos para controlar la pandemia. Este estudio propone el uso de la Dinámica de Sistemas para apoyar las decisiones de políticas públicas que leen las medidas que se tomarán para aliviar los efectos negativos de la propagación del virus basado en medidas obtenidas del trabajo del movimiento social "Favelas Contra o Corona". Se desarrolla un modelo considerando estrategias y conjunto de políticas basado en: transferencia temporal de la población de barrios de bajos recurso, suministro de productos de higiene, estructuras de saneamiento de emergencia y expansión de la Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos. Se concluye que la solamente por la combinación de políticas efectos significativos serán alcanzados en el número de muertes evitadas y en el logro de la disponibilidad de Unidade de Cuidados Intensivos en el sistema de salud.

Resumo Populações vivendo em favelas no Brasil enfrentam ainda mais vulnerabilidade com o advento da COVID-19, já que para elas o isolamento social é uma tarefa difícil. Além disso, esses locais carecem de saneamento e condições de higiene, que são requisitos importantes para controlar a pandemia. Este artigo propõe o uso de Dinâmica de Sistemas para apoiar decisões de políticas públicas relativas a medidas para aliviar os efeitos negativos da disseminação do vírus baseado em medidas definidas a partir do trabalho do movimento social "Favelas Contra o Corona". O modelo proposto avalia a efetividade de estratégias e conjuntos de políticas que envolvem: transferência temporária da população da favela, suprimento de produtos de higiene, estruturas emergenciais de saneamento e expansão de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva. Os resultados apresentam o impacto de cada uma das estratégias. Entretanto, somente a combinação adequada de medida traz resultados significativos sobre o número de mortes evitadas e à disponibilidade de leitos de Unidades de Terapia Intensiva para a população.

Encapsulation of oleoresins for salt reduction in food.

BACKGROUND: In our study, oleoresins were explored for their ability to replace the original ground spice and herbs with a standardized taste and aroma, and mask the salt reduction. In order to protect taste and aroma oleoresins from high temperature, and to improve their solubility in food matrices, encapsulation with inulin and maltodextrin was carried out from two mixtures of oleoresins using two drying processes (spray and freeze drying), thus allowing it to be used as an additive to reduce salt for convenience in the food industry. METHODS: The oleoresins experiment was conducted with two mixtures to apply to meat and fish. Oleoresins were obtained by solvent extraction, and the solvent was removed by evaporation, encapsulated into inulin and maltodextrin microcapsules, and powdered by spray and freeze drying. Physicochemical analyses were carried out using several methods (drying yields, water activity, solubility, hygroscopicity, color, encapsulation efficiency), and characterization of the microcapsules was done by scanning electron microscopy. The total phenolic compounds were quantified using the Folin-Ciocalteau method, and the chemical compounds present in the microcapsules were elucidated by high resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Freeze and spray drying the microcapsules presented good quality products with high yields, high encapsulation efficiency and good solubility. The spray drying process can offer better applications for the food industry due to the more regular shape of the microcapsules. In addition, inulin microcapsules obtained by spray drying showed a more protective effect for flavonoid compounds in fish oleoresins, while maltodextrin microcapsules offered more protection for hydroxycinnamic acids in meat oleoresins. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows an attractive encapsulation system for non-volatile compounds from oleoresins, which results in standardized taste and aroma products that can reduce salt in food systems with different compositions.

Changes in Salivary Proteome in Response to Bread Odour.

It is widely recognized that smelling food results in a mouth-watering feeling and influences appetite. However, besides changes in volume, little is known about the effects that food odours have on the composition of saliva. The aim of the present study was to access the effects that smelling bread has on saliva proteome and to compare such effects with those of chewing and ingesting it. Besides a significant increase in saliva flow rate, together with a decrease in total protein concentration, bread odour induced changes in the proportion of different salivary proteins. The expression levels of two spots of cystatins and two spots of amylase increased due to olfactory stimulation, similar to what happened with bread mastication, suggesting that odour can allow anticipation of the type of food eaten and consequently the physiological oral changes necessary to that ingestion. An interesting finding was that bread odour increased the expression levels of several protein spots of immunoglobulin chains, which were decreased by both bread or rice mastication. This may be of clinical relevance since food olfactory stimulation of salivary immunoglobulins can be used to potentiate the oral immune function of saliva. Moreover, the effects of bread odour in the levels of salivary proteins, previously observed to be involved in oral food processing led to the hypothesis of an influence of this odour in the sensory perception of foods further ingested. Further studies are needed to elucidate this point, as well as whether the changes observed for bread odour are specific, or if different food odours lead to similar salivary proteome responses.

Determination of urokinase-type plasminogen activator serum levels in healthy and oncologic cats.

The urokinase plasminogen activator system (uPAS) has been poorly investigated in veterinary oncology. The aim of this study was to determine uPA serum concentrations in healthy and oncologic cats to understand the potential value of uPA as a cancer biomarker. Serum samples were collected from 19 healthy cats and 18 cats with spontaneous malignant neoplasms and uPA was measured through a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. The differences between uPA values and their relation with intrinsic factors and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test. The average serum concentration of uPA in cancerous cats (0.54 ± 0.22 ng/mL) differed from that of healthy cats (1.10 ± 1.16 ng/mL) but was not significantly influenced by cats' clinicopathological parameters or by the presence of metastases. This study describes, for the first time, the serum concentrations of uPA in cats and proposes directions for future studies to uncover the relevance of uPAS in feline carcinogenesis.

Le système activateur de plasminogène de type urokinase (uPAS) a été peu étudié en oncologie vétérinaire. L'objectif de la présente étude était de déterminer les concentrations sériques d'uPA chez des chats en santé et oncologiques afin de comprendre la valeur potentielle d'uPA comme marqueur de cancer. Des échantillons de sérum furent prélevés de 19 chats en santé et de 18 chats avec des néoplasmes malins spontanés et l'uPA fut mesuré à l'aide d'une trousse immuno-enzymatique. Les différences entre les valeurs d'uPA et leur relation avec des facteurs intrinsèques et des paramètres clinico-pathologiques furent analysées par analyse de variance (ANOVA) et test de t indépendant. La concentration moyenne d'uPA chez les chats avec cancer (0,54 ± 0,22 ng/mL) différait de celle des chats en santé (1,10 ± 1,16 ng/mL) mais n'était pas influencée de manière significative par les paramètres clinico-pathologiques des chats ou la présence de métastases. Cette étude décrit, pour la première fois, les concentrations sériques d'uPA chez les chats et propose des orientations pour des études ultérieures afin de révéler la pertinence d'uPAS dans la carcinogénèse chez les chats.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Evaluation of salt content in school meals / Avaliação do conteúdo de sal em refeições escolares

OBJECTIVE: High blood pressure is a major rick factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is closely associated with salt intake. Schools are considered ideal environments to promote health and proper eating habits. Therefore the objective of this study was to evaluate the amount of salt in meals served in school canteens and consumers' perceptions about salt. METHODS: Meals, including all the components (bread, soup, and main dish) were retrieved from school canteens. Salt was quantified by a portable salt meter. For food perception we constructed a questionnaire that was administered to high school students. RESULTS: A total of 798 food samples were analysed. Bread had the highest salt content with a mean of 1.35 g/100 g (SD=0.12). Salt in soups ranged from 0.72 g/100 g to 0.80 g/100 g (p=0.05) and, in main courses, from 0.71 g/100 to 0.97 g/100g (p=0.05). The salt content of school meals is high with a mean value of 2.83 to 3.82 g of salt per meal. Moreover, a high percentage of students consider meals neither salty nor bland, which shows they are used to the intensity/amount of salt consumed. CONCLUSION: The salt content of school meals is high, ranging from 2 to 5 times more than the Recommended Dietary Allowances for children, clearly exceeding the needs for this population, which may pose a health risk. Healthy choices are only possible in environments where such choices are possible. Therefore, salt reduction strategies aimed at the food industry and catering services should be implemented, with children and young people targeted as a major priority. .

OBJETIVO: Considerando que a pressão arterial elevada constitui um dos maiores fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares e sua associação ao consumo elevado de sal, bem como o fato de as escolas serem considerados ambientes de excelência para fomentar a aquisição de bons hábitos alimentares e promover a saúde, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conteúdo de sal presente nas refeições escolares e a percepção dos consumidores sobre o sabor salgado. MÉTODOS: Foram recolhidas refeições nas cantinas das escolas, analisando-se todos os seus componentes (pão, sopa e prato principal). A quantificação de sal foi realizada com um medidor de sal portátil. Para a avaliar a percepção dos consumidores foi desenvolvido e aplicado um questionário aos alunos das escolas preparatórias e secundárias. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 798 componentes de refeições. O pão apresentou o valor mais elevado de sal, com média de 1,35 g/100 g (SD=0.12). O conteúdo de sal nas sopas apresentou média de 0,72 g/100 g a 0,80 g/100 g (p=0,05) e, nos pratos principais, de 0,71 g/100 a 0,97 g/100 g (p=0,05). Em média, as refeições escolares disponibilizaram entre 2,83 e 3,82 g de sal por porção servida, o que representa de duas a cinco vezes mais em relação à dose diária recomendada para crianças e jovens. Para a maioria dos estudantes, o sabor das refeições foi percebido como sendo nem salgado nem insosso, o que parece demonstrar adaptação à intensidade/ quantidade de sal consumida. CONCLUSÃO: Escolhas alimentares saudáveis e adequadas só são possíveis se sustentadas por um ambiente que as facilite. Considerando o impacto que o consumo de sal tem na saúde, em particular nas doenças crônicas, a implementação de estratégias de redução de sal - nas indústrias, serviços de catering e restaurantes -, é imperativa, em particular direcionada para o público mais jovem. .

Influence of traumatic dental injury on quality of life of Brazilian preschool children and their families.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of traumatic dental injury (TDI) on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of Brazilian preschool children and their families. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 1632 children of both sexes aged 60-71 months in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Data on OHRQoL were collected using the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS), which was self-administered by parents/caregivers to record their perceptions regarding the oral health of their children. A questionnaire addressing demographic and socio-economic data was also sent to parents/caregivers. Oral examinations of the children were performed by a single, previously calibrated dentist (intraexaminer and interexaminer agreement: kappa ≥ 0.83) for the assessment of the prevalence and type of TDI using the diagnostic criteria proposed by Andreasen et al. [2007]. Bivariate and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of negative impact from oral conditions on quality of life was 36.8% and 31.4% for children and families, respectively. TDI was not significantly associated with OHRQoL. Tooth avulsion remained in final multiple models of child OHRQoL [PR = 1.37, 95%CI = 1.02-1.85] and family OHRQoL [PR = 1.55, 95%CI = 1.12-2.14]. Tooth discolouration remained in the final multiple models of family OHRQoL [PR = 1.23, 95%CI = 1.05-1.44]. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of TDI in Brazilian preschool children has no impact on quality of life of the children or their families. However, tooth avulsion is associated with a negative impact on OHRQoL in both groups, and tooth discolouration is associated with a negative impact on family OHRQoL.

Impact of Malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life among Brazilian Preschool Children: a Population-Based Study

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children and their families. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. A representative sample of 1069 male and female preschoolers aged 60 to 71 months was randomly selected from public and private preschools and daycare centers. Data were collected using the B-ECOHIS. In addition, a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic and demographic data was self-administered by the parents/guardians. The criteria used to diagnose malocclusion were based on Foster and Hamilton (1969), Graboswki et al. (2007) and Oliveira et al. (2008). Descriptive, univariate and multiple Poison logistic regression analyses were carried out. The prevalence of malocclusion was observed in 46.2% of the children and deep overbite was the most prevalent type of malocclusion (19.7%), followed by posterior crossbite (13.1%), accentuated overjet (10.5%), anterior open bite (7.9%) and anterior crossbite (6.7%). The impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL was 32.7% among the children and 27.1% among the families. In Poisson multiple regression model adjusted for socioeconomic status, no significant association was found between malocclusion and OHRQoL of the children (PR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.96-1.24) and their families (PR=1.11, 95% CI: 0.94-1.31). It is concluded that children with malocclusion in this sample did not have a negative impact on their OHRQoL and of their families.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto da maloclusão na OHRQoL de crianças e suas famílias. Um estudo transversal de base populacional foi conduzido em Belo Horizonte, Brasil. Uma amostra representativa contendo 1069 crianças dos gêneros masculino e feminino foi randomicamente selecionada, em creches e pré-escolas públicas e privadas. Os dados foram coletados através do questionário B-ECOHIS. Ademais, um questionário contendo dados socioeconômicos e demográficos foi respondido pelos pais/responsáveis das crianças. Os critérios utilizados para o diagnóstico de maloclusão foram baseados nos estudos de Foster e Hamilton (1969), Graboswki et al. (2007) e Oliveira et al. (2008). Análises descritivas, univariadas e regressão logística múltipla de Poisson foram realizadas. A prevalência de maloclusão foi observada em 46,2% das crianças, sendo a mordida profunda o tipo de maloclusão mais frequente (19,7%), seguido de mordida cruzada posterior (13,1%), sobressaliência acentuada (10,5%), mordida aberta anterior (7,9%) e mordida cruzada anterior (6,7%). A prevalência do impacto da maloclusão na OHRQoL foi de 32,7% nas crianças e 27,1% nas famílias. No modelo de regressão múltipla ajustado para o status socioeconômico, não se observou associação significante entre maloclusão e OHRQoL das crianças (PR=1.09, 95% CI: 0,96-1,24) e de suas famílias (PR=1,11, 95% CI: 0,94-1,31). Conclui-se que as crianças que apresentaram maloclusão nesta amostra, não apresentaram impacto negativo na sua OHRQoL e nem de suas famílias.

Impact of malocclusion on oral health-related quality of life among Brazilian preschool children: a population-based study.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of malocclusion on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children and their families. A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. A representative sample of 1069 male and female preschoolers aged 60 to 71 months was randomly selected from public and private preschools and daycare centers. Data were collected using the B-ECOHIS. In addition, a questionnaire addressing socioeconomic and demographic data was self-administered by the parents/guardians. The criteria used to diagnose malocclusion were based on Foster and Hamilton (1969), Graboswki et al. (2007) and Oliveira et al. (2008). Descriptive, univariate and multiple Poison logistic regression analyses were carried out. The prevalence of malocclusion was observed in 46.2% of the children and deep overbite was the most prevalent type of malocclusion (19.7%), followed by posterior crossbite (13.1%), accentuated overjet (10.5%), anterior open bite (7.9%) and anterior crossbite (6.7%). The impact of malocclusion on OHRQoL was 32.7% among the children and 27.1% among the families. In Poisson multiple regression model adjusted for socioeconomic status, no significant association was found between malocclusion and OHRQoL of the children (PR=1.09, 95% CI: 0.96-1.24) and their families (PR=1.11, 95% CI: 0.94-1.31). It is concluded that children with malocclusion in this sample did not have a negative impact on their OHRQoL and of their families.

Oral health-related quality of life among Brazilian preschool children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of oral health conditions on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in population-based sample of Brazilian preschool children. A further aim was to identify the influence of socio-demographic profile and perceptions regarding general health and oral health status on OHRQoL. METHODS: An epidemiological survey was carried out at public and private preschools in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. The sample consisted of 1632 5-year-old male and female preschoolers randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling technique and their parents/caregivers. Oral examinations of the children were performed by a single, previously calibrated examiner for the assessment of dental caries experience, malocclusion, traumatic dental injury and developmental defects of enamel. Caregivers were asked to complete the Brazilian Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B-ECOHIS) and a form on socio-demographic data. Descriptive, bivariate and adjusted Poisson regression model analyses were carried out. RESULTS: In the child section of the B-ECOHIS, OHRQoL was negatively impacted by decayed, missing and filled teeth [prevalence ratios (PR) = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.88-2.52], position of the child among siblings in the family (PR = 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04-1.39), type of preschool (PR = 1.36; 95% CI, 1.10-1.69), age of parents/caregivers (PR = 1.18; 95% CI, 1.04-1.34), monthly household income (PR = 1.48; 95% CI, 1.18-1.85) and perception of the child's general health status (PR = 1.26; 95% CI, 1.06-1.51). In the family section, the adjusted results demonstrated a negative impact on OHRQoL associated with dental caries experience (PR = 3.40; 95% CI, 2.83-4.08), age of parents/caregivers (PR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33) and monthly household income (PR = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.16-1.72). CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries experience was the only normative criteria with a negative impact on OHRQoL. Families with low income and younger parents reported a greater impact on quality of life. According to parents' perceptions, a poor general health status rating was related to poorer quality of life among the children.