Acute and sub-acute toxicity study of ethanol extract from Nectandra leucantha Nees & Mart. (Lauraceae) barks.

Nectandra leucantha has been used in traditional medicine. Several metabolites isolated from N. leucantha extracts displayed immunomodulatory, antileishmanial properties, but the determination of the toxicological profile in mammals has not previously been performed. In this study, the ethanol extract from N. leucantha barks (EENl) was characterized by HPLC/HRESIMS. To study acute toxicity, female mice received EENl in a single dose of 100, 300, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg bw. Later, sub-acute toxicity was introduced in female and male mice by oral gavage at 100, 500 or 1000 mg/kg bw for 28 consecutive days. Hematological and biochemical profiles from the blood as well as histological analysis from the liver and kidney were performed. The HPLC/HRESIMS analysis of the EENl revealed the presence of six neolignans chemically related to dehydrodieugenol B. In the oral acute and sub-chronic studies, EENl did not produce in all doses evaluated any alteration in behavior, biochemical, hematological, body weight gain and food intake or sudden death in Swiss mice. In addition, histopathological data did not reveal any disturbance in liver and kidney morphology after 28 days of EENl treatment. Our results indicate that EENl at dosage levels up to 2000 mg/kg bw is non-toxic and can be considered safe for mammals.

Risk factors and survival in patients with COVID-19 in northeastern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about the epidemiology and risk factors surrounding COVID-19 contributes to developing better health strategies to combat the disease. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a survival analysis and identify the risk factors for patients with COVID-19 in an upper middle-income city in Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 280 hospitalized patients with COVID-19. The eCOVID platform provided data to monitor COVID-19 cases and help the communication between professionals. RESULTS: Age ≥ 65 years was associated with decreased survival (54.8%), and females had a lower survival rate than males (p = 0.01). Regarding risk factors, urea concentration (p<0.001), hospital length of stay (p = 0.002), oxygen concentration (p = 0.005), and age (p = 0.02) were associated with death. CONCLUSION: Age, hospital length of stay, high blood urea concentration, and low oxygen concentration were associated with death by COVID-19 in the studied population. These findings corroborate with studies conducted in research centers worldwide.

HRV Monitoring Using Commercial Wearable Devices as a Health Indicator for Older Persons during the Pandemic.

Remote monitoring platforms based on advanced health sensors have the potential to become important tools during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting the reduction in risks for affected populations such as the elderly. Current commercially available wearable devices still have limitations to deal with heart rate variability (HRV), an important health indicator of human aging. This study analyzes the role of a remote monitoring system designed to support health services to older people during the complete course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil, since its beginning in Brazil in March 2020 until November 2021, based on HRV. Using different levels of analysis and data, we validated HRV parameters by comparing them with reference sensors and tools in HRV measurements. We compared the results obtained for the cardiac modulation data in time domain using samples of 10 elderly people's HRV data from Fitbit Inspire HR with the results provided by Kubios for the same population using a cardiac belt, with the data divided into train and test, where 75% of the data were used for training the models, with the remaining 25% as a test set for evaluating the final performance of the models. The results show that there is very little difference between the results obtained by the remote monitoring system compared with Kubios, indicating that the data obtained from these devices might provide accurate results in evaluating HRV in comparison with gold standard devices. We conclude that the application of the methods and techniques used and reported in this study are useful for the creation and validation of HRV indicators in time series obtained by means of wearable devices based on photoplethysmography sensors; therefore, they can be incorporated into remote monitoring processes as seen during the pandemic.

Antidiabetic properties of oral treatment of hexane and chloroform fractions of Morus nigra leaves in streptozotocin-induced rats.

Morus nigra L. has been widely used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes. We evaluate the chemical composition and antidiabetic properties of the hexane (Hex-Mn) and chloroform (Chlo-Mn) fractions obtained by partition of the crude ethanolic extract from the leaves in rats. Chemical composition analysis of Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS). In vivo and in vitro studies were carried out to compare the antidiabetic activities of the Hex-Mn and Chlor-Mn fractions. Most of the compounds identified in Hex-Mn were α-linolenic acid, stigmast-5-en-3-ol and linolenic acid ethyl ester, while in Chlor-Mn, stigmast-5-en-3-ol, palmitic acid and α-linolenic acid were mainly identified. Only Hex-Mn treatment reduced both fasting and postprandial hyperglycemia. Additionally, Hex-Mn preserved body weight gain, preserved the hepatic glycogen content, and also reduced the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite levels, as well as restored the superoxide dismutase. Furthermore, digestion of complex carbohydrates and intestinal glucose absorption was prevented by Hex-Mn treatment. Our results suggest that the antidiabetic activity of Hex-Mn may be explained, at least in part, by the insulin sensitivity increase, antioxidant properties and reduction in carbohydrate absorption in the small intestine.

Time-restricted feeding in dark phase of circadian cycle and/or westernized diet cause mixed hyperlipidemia in rats / La alimentación con restricción de tiempo en la fase oscura del ciclo circadiano y/o la dieta occidentalizada causan hiperlipidemia mixta en las ratas

BACKGROUND: the dietary pattern that characterizes western diet is strongly associated with metabolic diseases and excess weight, as well as chronic illnesses. Misaligned feeding schedules can lead to or aggravate the development of such conditions. AIM: this study evaluated the influence of dietary composition and/or time-restricted feeding on the anthropometric and biochemical profile of adult rats. METHODS: forty male rats, at 60 days of life, were divided into the following groups: Control (C), Restricted Control (RC), Westernized (W), and Restricted Westernized (RW). RESULTS: westernized groups, in spite of a low energy intake (C = 5399 ± 401.2 kcal; RC = 4279.0 ± 476.2 kcal; W = 4302 ± 619.8 kcal; RW = 4081.0 ± 404.4 kcal, p < 0.001), had a higher body weight (C = 404.6 ± 39.1 g; RC = 335.1 ± 36.5 g; W = 488.9 ± 51.2 g; RW = 438.8 ± 36.5 g, p < 0.001) as compared to their paired controls (RC and C) - around 30 % and 20 % more for RW and W, respectively. The westernized diet caused glucose intolerance and mixed hyperlipidemia, characterized by higher concentrations of cholesterol (C = 40.8 ± 7.4 mg/dL; RC = 76.7 ± 10.8 mg/dL; W = 61.3 ± 20.2 mg/dL; RW = 42.2 ± 8.2 mg/dL), LDLc (C = 17.4 ± 7.5 mg/dL; RC = 38.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL ; W = 45.3 ± 15.8 mg/dL; RW = 11.0 ± 5.8 mg/dL), and triacylglycerol (C = 45.2 ± 15.0 mg/dL; RC = 73.2 ± 21.5 mg/dL ; W = 83.6 ± 23.4 mg/dL; RW = 57.5 ± 13.6 mg/dL) in the serum (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: the effect of time-restricted feeding on body weight was strongly dependent on diet composition. The glucose tolerance test showed an influence of the circadian cycle phase. Mixed hyperlipidemia varied according to the presence of westernized diet and/or time-restricted food

ANTECEDENTES: el patrón dietético que caracteriza a la dieta occidental está fuertemente asociado con las enfermedades metabólicas, así como con el sobrepeso y las enfermedades crónicas. Los horarios de alimentación desorganizados pueden conducir o agravar el desarrollo de tales trastornos. OBJETIVO: este estudio evaluó la influencia de la composición dietética y/o la alimentación restringida en el perfil antropométrico y bioquímico de ratas adultas. MÉTODOS: cuarenta ratas macho, a los 60 días de vida, se dividieron en los seguientes grupos: control (C); control restringido (RC); occidentalizado (W) y occidentalizado restringido (RW). RESULTADOS: los grupos occidentalizados, a pesar de la baja ingesta energética (C = 5399 ± 401,2 kcal; RC = 4279,0 ± 476,2 kcal; W = 4302 ± 619,8 kcal; RW = 4081,0 ± 404,4 kcal, p < 0,001), tuvieron mayor peso corporal (C = 404,6 ± 39,1 g; RC = 335,1 ± 36,5 g; W = 488,9 ± 51,2 g; RW = 438,8 ± 36,5 g, p < 0,001) que los respectivos grupos de control (RC y C): alrededor de un 30 % y un 20 % más para RW y W, respectivamente. La dieta occidentalizada provocó intolerancia a la glucosa e hiperlipidemia mixta, caracterizada por una mayor concentración de colesterol (C = 40,8 ± 7,4 mg/dL; RC = 76,7 ± 10,8 mg/dL; W = 61,3 ± 20,2 mg/dL; RW = 42,2 ± 8,2 mg/dL), cLDL (C = 17,4 ± 7,5 mg/dL; RC = 38,8 ± 7,2 mg/dL; W = 45,3 ± 15,8 mg/dL; RW = 11,0 ± 5,8 mg/dL) y triacilglicerol (C = 45,2 ± 15,0 mg/dL; RC = 73,2 ± 21,5 mg/dL; W = 83,6 ± 23,4 mg/dL; RW = 57,5 ± 13,6 mg/dL) en el suero (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: el efecto de la alimentación restringida en el tiempo sobre el peso corporal fue muy dependiente de la composición de la dieta. La prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa mostró la influencia de la fase del ciclo circadiano. La hiperlipidemia mixta varió según la presencia de la dieta occidentalizada y/o la comida con restricción de tiempo

Time-restricted feeding in dark phase of circadian cycle and/or westernized diet cause mixed hyperlipidemia in rats.

INTRODUCTION: Background: the dietary pattern that characterizes western diet is strongly associated with metabolic diseases and excess weight, as well as chronic illnesses. Misaligned feeding schedules can lead to or aggravate the development of such conditions. Aim: this study evaluated the influence of dietary composition and/or time-restricted feeding on the anthropometric and biochemical profile of adult rats. Methods: forty male rats, at 60 days of life, were divided into the following groups: Control (C), Restricted Control (RC), Westernized (W), and Restricted Westernized (RW). Results: westernized groups, in spite of a low energy intake (C = 5399 ± 401.2 kcal; RC = 4279.0 ± 476.2 kcal; W = 4302 ± 619.8 kcal; RW = 4081.0 ± 404.4 kcal, p < 0.001), had a higher body weight (C = 404.6 ± 39.1 g; RC = 335.1 ± 36.5 g; W = 488.9 ± 51.2 g; RW = 438.8 ± 36.5 g, p < 0.001) as compared to their paired controls (RC and C) - around 30 % and 20 % more for RW and W, respectively. The westernized diet caused glucose intolerance and mixed hyperlipidemia, characterized by higher concentrations of cholesterol (C = 40.8 ± 7.4 mg/dL; RC = 76.7 ± 10.8 mg/dL; W = 61.3 ± 20.2 mg/dL; RW = 42.2 ± 8.2 mg/dL), LDLc (C = 17.4 ± 7.5 mg/dL; RC = 38.8 ± 7.2 mg/dL ; W = 45.3 ± 15.8 mg/dL; RW = 11.0 ± 5.8 mg/dL), and triacylglycerol (C = 45.2 ± 15.0 mg/dL; RC = 73.2 ± 21.5 mg/dL ; W = 83.6 ± 23.4 mg/dL; RW = 57.5 ± 13.6 mg/dL) in the serum (p < 0.05). Conclusion: the effect of time-restricted feeding on body weight was strongly dependent on diet composition. The glucose tolerance test showed an influence of the circadian cycle phase. Mixed hyperlipidemia varied according to the presence of westernized diet and/or time-restricted food.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Antecedentes: el patrón dietético que caracteriza a la dieta occidental está fuertemente asociado con las enfermedades metabólicas, así como con el sobrepeso y las enfermedades crónicas. Los horarios de alimentación desorganizados pueden conducir o agravar el desarrollo de tales trastornos. Objetivo: este estudio evaluó la influencia de la composición dietética y/o la alimentación restringida en el perfil antropométrico y bioquímico de ratas adultas. Métodos: cuarenta ratas macho, a los 60 días de vida, se dividieron en los seguientes grupos: control (C); control restringido (RC); occidentalizado (W) y occidentalizado restringido (RW). Resultados: los grupos occidentalizados, a pesar de la baja ingesta energética (C = 5399 ± 401,2 kcal; RC = 4279,0 ± 476,2 kcal; W = 4302 ± 619,8 kcal; RW = 4081,0 ± 404,4 kcal, p < 0,001), tuvieron mayor peso corporal (C = 404,6 ± 39,1 g; RC = 335,1 ± 36,5 g; W = 488,9 ± 51,2 g; RW = 438,8 ± 36,5 g, p < 0,001) que los respectivos grupos de control (RC y C): alrededor de un 30 % y un 20 % más para RW y W, respectivamente. La dieta occidentalizada provocó intolerancia a la glucosa e hiperlipidemia mixta, caracterizada por una mayor concentración de colesterol (C = 40,8 ± 7,4 mg/dL; RC = 76,7 ± 10,8 mg/dL; W = 61,3 ± 20,2 mg/dL; RW = 42,2 ± 8,2 mg/dL), cLDL (C = 17,4 ± 7,5 mg/dL; RC = 38,8 ± 7,2 mg/dL; W = 45,3 ± 15,8 mg/dL; RW = 11,0 ± 5,8 mg/dL) y triacilglicerol (C = 45,2 ± 15,0 mg/dL; RC = 73,2 ± 21,5 mg/dL; W = 83,6 ± 23,4 mg/dL; RW = 57,5 ± 13,6 mg/dL) en el suero (p < 0,05). Conclusión: el efecto de la alimentación restringida en el tiempo sobre el peso corporal fue muy dependiente de la composición de la dieta. La prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa mostró la influencia de la fase del ciclo circadiano. La hiperlipidemia mixta varió según la presencia de la dieta occidentalizada y/o la comida con restricción de tiempo.

Hexane fraction from Brazilian Morus nigra leaves improved oral carbohydrate tolerance and inhibits α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities in diabetic mice.

Morus nigra, popularly known as mulberry, has been traditionally used as anti-diabetic herbal medication. This study focused on hexane fraction from Brazilian M. nigra leaves (Hex-Mn) effects on digestion and absorption of carbohydrate in diabetic mice. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed, and showed the presence of flavonoids isoquercetin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside. Hex-Mn did not alter oral glucose tolerance test; however, it prevented hyperglycemia in oral sucrose and starch tolerance test in diabetic mice. Also, Hex-Mn was more efficient to inhibit the α-glucosidase, showing lower inhibitory effect on α-amylase activity in vitro. The results suggest that Hex-Mn may delay the carbohydrate digestion, but not glucose transport through brush border membrane of the intestine, which contribute with reduction in postprandial hyperglycemia in mice. Hex-Mn has antihyperglycemic effect by attenuating the carbohydrate digestion in diabetic mice, which could be explained, at least in part, by the presence of isoquercetin and kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside.

Projections of heat stress and associated work performance over India in response to global warming.

Summertime heat stress future projections from multi-model mean of 18 CMIP5 models show unprecedented increasing levels in the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 emission scenarios over India. The estimated heat stress is found to have more impact on the coastal areas of India having exposure to more frequent days of extreme caution to danger category along with the increased probability of occurrence. The explicit amount of change in temperature, increase in the duration and intensity of warm days along with the modulation in large scale circulation in future are seemingly connected to the increasing levels of heat stress over India. A decline of 30 to 40% in the work performance is projected over India by the end of the century due to the elevated heat stress levels which pose great challenges to the country policy makers to design the safety mechanisms and to protect people working under continuous extreme hot weather conditions.

Human progress and drought sensitivity behavior.

OBJECTIVES: Human progress is the satisfaction of human needs associated with life quality, social and economic justice. Considering that climate had significant effect on socio-economic behavior of Earth populations, the objective of this work was to evaluate the relationship between human progress and drought sensitivity behavior in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. METHODS: The human progress variable was generated by principal component analysis, considering the factors: Territorial occupation of the population, dependency ratio, urbanization degree, income, habitation, health, education, sanitation, security and human development index. The moisture index product was generated based on map algebra calculation in GIS, using WorldClim precipitation and MODIS evapotranspiration products. Nonlinear least squares method and Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm fit an exponential model to the moisture index (independent) and human progress (dependent) variables. Covariance and crossed-covariance functions were used to characterize the structure and magnitude of spatial dependence between the human progress and the moisture index co-variable. RESULTS: Couple modeling human progress and moisture index variability generated the human drought sensitivity behavior variable, representing the effects of regional climate in Homo sapiens population. The generated human drought sensitivity behavior values were inverted, i.e. lower and higher human drought sensitivity behavior values indicated higher and lower human sensitivity to drought, respectively. Adaptive management capacity with more capable governments combining economic and engineering solutions to maximize species, habitat, ecosystem survival and resilience, could generate best mitigation solutions to reduce potential impacts of climatic spatial variation in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

Perfil de força de preensão manual em pacientes idosos com câncer de próstata / Profile of hand grip strength in elderly patients with prostate cancer

Objetivo: analisar o perfil de Força de Preensão Manual em pacientes idosos com câncer de próstata, atendidos em instituição hospitalar filantrópica do Recife. Métodos: estudo transversal com análise de dados secundários, coletados no Ambulatório de Oncogeriatria do Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira, utilizando uma amostra por conveniência com uma amostragem de 72 idosos. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o programa estatístico STATA 12. O teste de Kolmogorov-Smirnov foi aplicado a variáveis numéricas para se determinar a normalidade da amostra. Em caso de não normalidade, foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney. Adotou-se o nível de significância de 0,05%. Resultados: observou-se uma Força de Preensão Manual reduzida nos pacientes com estadiamento de uma doença mais avançada quando comparado a outros estágios mais localizados ou clinicamente melhores (estadiamento I: 27,78 vs. estadiamento IV: 27,20 no braço dominante (p=0, 340)/ estadiamento I: 27,33 vs. estadiamento IV: 24,13 no braço não dominante) sendo esse resultado melhor reproduzido na mão não dominante (p=0,090). Por meio da análise das comorbidades (hipertensão, diabetes, cardiomiopatia e osteoartrite) em relação à mão dominante e não dominante, não foram verificadas diferenças significativas na Força de Preensão Manual na presença ou ausência das comorbidades analisadas tanto na mão dominante quanto da não dominante (p=0,189 vs.p=0,437). Conclusões: o estudo trouxe subsídios relevantes sobre a importância da Força de Preensão Manual como um importante parâmetro geral para força e um indicativo de saúde, principalmente quando analisados em idosos com câncer, onde afeta significativamente sua função física e neuromuscular, incluindo atrofia muscular, diminuição da força muscular e diminuição do desempenho funcional em atividades diárias, comprometendo significativamente a qualidade de vida e seu prognóstico.

Aims: to analyze the profile of Handgrip Strength in elderly prostate cancer patients treated at a philanthropic hospital in Recife. Methods: cross-sectional study with analysis of secondary data collected at the Oncogeriatric Outpatient Clinic of the Professor Fernando Figueira Institute of Integral Medicine, using a convenience sample with a sample of 72 elderly. Statistical analysis was performed using the STATA 12 statistical program. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to numerical variables to determine sample normality. In case of non-normality, the Mann-Whitney test was used. The significance level of 0.05% was adopted. Results: reduced Handgrip Strength was observed in patients with staging of a more advanced disease when compared to other more localized or clinically better stages(staging I: 27.78 vs. staging IV: 27.20 in the dominant arm (p = 0.349) / staging I: 27.33 vs. staging IV: 24.13 in the non-dominant arm), this result being better reproduced in the non-dominant hand(p=0,090). By analyzing the comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, cardiomyopathy and osteoarthritis) in relation to the dominant and non-dominant hand, no significant differences were found in the Handgrip Strength in the presence or absence of the comorbidities analyzed in both the dominant and non-dominant hands (p=0,189 vs.p=0,437). Conclusions: The study provided relevant insights into the importance of Handgrip Strength as an important general parameter for muscle strength and a health code, especially when analyzed in older adults with cancer, where it significantly affects their physical and neuromuscular function, including muscle atrophy, decreased strength. muscle function and decreased functional performance in daily activities, significantly compromising quality of life and its prognosis.

A new perspective in understanding rainfall from satellites over a complex topographic region of India.

Present study focuses on rainfall over Western Ghats (WG), a complex topographic region (elevation > 500 m) of India to evaluate and to better understand the satellite behavior in contrast with a flat region (FR) (elevation < 500 m) of central India from 1998 to 2016 using the combinatory data sets of TMPA and IMERG (satellite rainfall estimation). The categorical Intra Seasonal Oscillations (ISO) of Indian summer monsoon (ISM) namely, Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Quasi Bi-Weekly Oscillation (QBWO) are tested in satellite and India Meteorological Department (IMD) gridded rainfall data sets to find out the satellite performance. As the accurate estimation of rainfall from satellites over higher elevation zones is challenging, here we propose a new perspective to select the rainfall products of satellite for better comparison with ground measurements. Considering the satellite's best capability in detecting the cold clouds resulting from deep convection and its coupling with higher-level circulation, we show that the rainfall from satellites yield fruitful comparison with ground measurements when moist static stability, tropical easterly jet is above the climatological values.

Spondias tuberosa inner bark extract exert antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most important medical emergencies of the 21st century. However, commercially available oral drugs with antidiabetic properties have been limited because of potential side effects, such as: hypoglycemia, weight gain, hepatic dysfunction and abdominal discomfort. As well as antidiabetic drugs, many types of medicinal herbal supplements are utilized as alternative treatments for DM and related comorbidities. Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Anacardiaceae), popularly known as "umbu", has been used in traditional medicine to treat a vast range of diseases, including DM, infections, digestive disorders, diarrhea and menstrual abnormalities. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study evaluated the effect of the hydroethanolic extract of the inner stem bark of Spondias tuberosa (EEStb) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in rats by a single injection of STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.). Diabetic rats were treated with 250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg of the EEStb for 21 days. Water intake, urinary volume, body weight, as well as biochemical parameters, such as cholesterol total (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), hepatic and muscle glycogen urea, alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, total protein, albumin, and glucose blood levels, were analyzed. We also determined the hepatic antioxidant state, as well as both of insulin and glucose tolerance. RESULTS: The extract was evaluated by HPLC, and the major components of EESTb were identified (i.e. gallic acid and quercetin). The 500 mg/kg dosage of EEStb significantly decreased fasting blood glucose and post-prandial glucose. The EEStb also reduced urinary volume, food and water intake, as well as decreased body weight gain. Diabetic rats that received EEStb had a lower loss of muscle mass and white adipose tissue. Additionally, EEStb improved the urinary excretion of urea and glucose. The extract significantly decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol and VLDL in diabetic rats. However, no significant effect was observed on the levels of total and HDL cholesterol. EEStb treatment prevented hepatotoxic diabetic-induced, improved GSH:GSSG ratio, SOD and CAT activity as well as reduced nitrite and TBARs levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that EEStb has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects as well as improves insulin sensibility in diabetic rats. This indicates that S. tuberosa could be a potential resource for alternative therapies in the treatment of hyperglycemic conditions. These results also support the use of EEStb in ethnomedicine for the management of diabetes.

Brazilian Morus nigra Attenuated Hyperglycemia, Dyslipidemia, and Prooxidant Status in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Morus nigra has been used popularly for several proposes, including diabetic. In an attempt to support medicinal value, the acute hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the ethanolic extract of Morus nigra (EEMn 200 or 400 mg/kg b.w.) were evaluated in normal and alloxan-induced diabetic treated for 14 days. Serum biochemical and antioxidant analysis were performed at the end of experiment. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed at 10th and 15th days. Chromatographic analysis by HPLC-DAD of EEMn was performed. Insulin was used as positive control to glycemic metabolism as well as fenofibrate to lipid metabolism. EEMn (400 mg/kg/day) reduced fasting and postprandial glycaemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and reduced lipolysis and proteolysis in diabetic rats. EEMn decreased the blood levels of total cholesterol and increased HDL level when compared to the diabetic control rats. At higher levels, EEMn reduced triglycerides and VLDL levels in diabetic rats. Also, EEMn reduced malondialdehyde and increased the reduced glutathione levels in liver of diabetic rats. Chromatographic analysis identified the presence of the flavonoids rutin, isoquercetin, and kaempferitrin. Acute EEMn treatment reduced hyperglycemia, improved oral glucose tolerance, and minimized dyslipidemia and oxidative stress leading to a reduction in atherogenic index in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Safflower (Catharmus tinctorius L.) oil supplementation in overnourished rats during early neonatal development: effects on heart and liver function in the adult.

Carthamus tinctorius L. (common name: safflower) is an herb whose extracted oil (safflower oil) has been employed in both alternative and conventional medicine in the treatment of disease. Overnutrition during early postnatal life can increase the lifetime risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Here we investigate the effect of safflower oil supplementation given during a critical early developmental stage on the eventual occurrence of metabolic disease in overnourished rats. Groups of overnourished or adequately nourished rats were randomly assigned into 2 additional groups for supplementation with either safflower oil (SF) or vehicle for 7 to 30 days. Murinometric data and weights were examined. Serum was collected for measurement of glucose, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Heart and liver oxidative status were also measured. Overnutrition for 7-30 days induced a significant increase in body weight and in values for abdominal circumference, thoracic circumference, body length, and body mass index. SF supplementation did not attenuate the effect of overnutrition on any of these parameters. In addition, overnutrition increased levels of glucose, triglycerides, and very low-density lipid compared with normal controls, but SF supplementation had no effect on these parameters. Measures of oxidative status in heart or liver were not influenced by overnutrition. However, oxidative measures were altered by SF supplementation in both of these organs. The present study reveals that nutritional manipulation during early development induces detrimental effects on metabolism in the adult that are not ameliorated by supplemental SF.

Acute Toxicity and Cytotoxicity Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark: Hematological, Biochemical and Histopathological Evaluation.

Spondias tuberosa Arruda, popularly named as umbu, is native from savanna-like vegetation and widely used for medicinal purposes, however, the toxicological profile is not available yet. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile and acute toxicity and citoxicity of Ethanolic Extract of Spondias tuberosa Arruda Bark (EEStb) in hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters. Female Wistar rats were divided into: control (C) and animal treated single doses of 300mg/Kg (EEStb300) or 2.000mg/kg body weight (ESStb2.000) of the EEStb. After 24 hours and 14 days from gavage, the behavior, hematological, biochemical and histopathological parameters were assayed. Cytotoxicity effect was evaluated on HEp-2 cell lines. Neither EEStb300 nor EEStb2.000 produced mortality nor changes in body weight during the 14-days of observation, but EEStb2.000 reduced quietly the food and water intake as well as locomotor activity at first day. There were no changes in macroscopic, histopathological, biochemical and hematological parameters. EEStb in concentrations of 6.25- 50µg ml-1 on HEp-2 cell did not produce cytotoxic effect. These results suggest that EEStb did not cause acute toxicity and cytotoxic, suggesting a good safety rate for Spondias tuberosa Arruda.

4-Ports endoscopic extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy: preliminary and learning curve results.

INTRODUCTION: There is a lack of studies in our national scenario regarding the results obtained by laparoscopic radical prostatectomy technique (LRP). Except for a few series, there are no consistent data on oncological, functional, and perioperative results on LRP held in Brazil. As for the LRP technique performed by extraperitoneal access (ELRP), when performed by a single surgeon, the results are even scarcer. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the early perioperative and oncologic results obtained with the ELRP, throughout the technical evolution of a single surgeon. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A non-randomized retrospective study was held in a Brazilian hospital of reference. In the 5-year period, 115 patients underwent the ELRP procedure. Patients were divided into two groups, the first 57 cases (Group 1) and the following 58 cases, (Group 2). A comparative analysis between the groups of efficacy results and ELRP safety was carried out. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 62.8 year-old and the PSA of 6.9ng/dl. The total surgery time was 135.8 minutes on average, and the urethral-bladder anastomosis was 21.9 min (23.3 min versus 20.7 min). The positive surgical margins (PSM) rate was 17.1%, showing no difference between groups (16.4% versus 17.9%; p=0.835). There was statistical difference between the groups in relation to the anastomosis time, estimated blood loss and the withdrawal time of the urinary catheter. CONCLUSION: The ELRP technique proved to be a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of prostate cancer, with low morbidity.

Modelo experimental de tumor de Walker / Experimental model of Walker's tumor

Com o objetivo de padronizar normas técnicas para obtenção de modelo animal com tumor de Walker 256 e de estabelecer o número de células tumorais necessárias para que esse tumor tenha grande porcentagem de pega e longevidade, possibilitando o desenvolvimento de pesquisas em várias áreas da saúde, foi realizado trabalho em duas etapas. Na primeira foram utilizados 120 ratos para treinamento e definição da técnica. Na segunda etapa foram utilizados 84 ratos, sendo estes separados em 7 grupos (G) de 12 animais cada. O tumor, na forma ascítica, foi inoculado no tecido celular subcutâneo do dorso dos ratos com os seguintes números de células: GI, 1 x 10(7); GII, 5 x 10(6); GIII, 2,5 x 10(6); GIV, 1 x 10(6); GV, 5 x 10(5); GVI, 3 x 10(5) e GVII, 2 x 10(5). Foram avaliadas a porcentagem de pega e a longevidade nos grupos. Os animais dos GI, GII, GIII e GIV obtiveram 100 por cento de desenvolvimento tumoral, porém baixa longevidade. Os dos GV e GVI obtiveram desenvolvimento tumoral em frequência maior que 90 por cento e longevidade satisfatória. Os do GVII não apresentaram desenvolvimento tumoral. Concluiu-se que todos os procedimentos devem ser exaustivamente treinados e que o número de células tumorais viáveis para inoculação, em tecido celular subcutâneo de ratos, deve estar na faixa entre 5 x 10(5) e 3 x 10(5).

Investigaçäo clínica sobre a localizaçäo do ponto de acupuntura B-62 (Shenmai) / Clinical investigation about B-62 (Shenmai) acupuncture point location

A Medicina Tradicional Chinesa descreve a obtençäo do "Te Qi" (conjunto de sensaçöes específicas como dor, queimaçäo, formigamento, peso, anestesia e/ou choque) como fundamental à localizaçäo correta de um ponto de acupuntura. Por outro lado, através da manipulaçäo da agulha de acupumtura, o "Te Qi" pode ser irradiado seguindo trajetos específicos e estes dois aspectos (presença do "Te Qi" e o trajeto de sua irradiaçäo) podem fornecer subsídios importantes para definir um ponto de acupuntura. O ponto B-62 (Shenmai), que além de suas funçöes energéticas ligadas ao Canal de Energia Principal da Bexiga, promove também a funçäo de abertura do canal de energia curioso Yang Quiao Mai é um dos importantes pontos que na literatura encontra-se descrito de modo controverso. O objetivo do presente estudo foi pesquisar as características do "Te Qi" em cada uma das suas duas localizaçöes descritas, a fim de defini-lo melhor. Material e método - Em 51 pacientes, adultos, foram pesquisadas as sensaçöes do "Te Qi" através da inserçäo e manipulaçäo de uma agulha de acupuntura, ao nível do B-62 (Shenmai) nas duas localizaçöes descritas na literatura, denominadas de B-62 (Loc.1) e B-62 (loc.2), determinada a profundidade de cada um destes pontos. Resultados - Os dados revelaram que, nos dois pontos, foi obtida a presença de "Te Qi", permitindo defini-los como verdadeiros pontos de acupuntura, embora o trajeto de irradiaçäo do "Te Qi" no ponto B-62 (Loc.1) tenha sido significantemente maior ao longo do Canal de Energia Principal da Bexiga, enquanto, no B-62 (Loc.2), a irradiaçäo foi significantemente maior em direçäo à face medial do pé. Conclusäo - Estes dados permitem sugerir que o B-62 (Loc.1) seja um dos 67 pontos do Canal de Energia Principal da Bexiga, enquanto o B-62 (Loc.2) seja um ponto extra/curioso ou relacionado ao Canal de Energia Curioso Chong Mai.