Supplementation with detox juice added with probiotic improves atherogenic parameters in healthy individuals

Abstract Phytochemicals present in detox juices and probiotics have demonstrated protective effects on cardiovascular risk factors. The consumption of these products alone modulate metabolic mechanisms and biomarkers. However, the effects of the combination of detox juice and probiotics have not yet been evaluated on atherogenic parameters. A randomized controlled study was carried out with 40 healthy volunteers (20 men and 20 women), aged between 18 and 50 years old. The volunteers ingested 200mL of juice for 30 days. Before and after supplementation, the anthropometric and lipid profiles and plasma concentrations of TBARS, Myeloperoxidase, Glutathione, Protein and non-protein Thiols and Vitamin C were analyzed. A reduction in LDL-c (p=0.05), triglycerides (p=0.05) and a significant increase in HDL-c (p=0.002) was observed. There was a significant decrease in the concentrations of TBARS (p=0.01), myeloperoxidases (p=0.02) and a significant increase in the Vitamin C and GSH (p=0.01). There wasn`t improvement in anthropometric parameters and total cholesterol. The findings highlight that supplementation with probiotic detox juice improves the lipid and antioxidant profile, suggesting a possible positive effect in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in healthy volunteers. Nevertheless, more robust researches with a prolonged treatment period should be conducted.

Desenvolvimento de sistema estruturado com inteligência artificial para apoio no diagnóstico de patologias oftalmológicas mais relevantes / Development of a structured artificial intelligence system to support the diagnosis of the most relevant ophthalmic diseases

Introdução: A inteligência artificial (IA) está revolucionando a área da saúde. Na oftalmologia, esta tecnologia pode possibilitar diagnósticos mais rápidos e precisos, impedindo a progressão das alterações na visão. Médicos e algoritimosalgoritmos podem ser mais eficientes quando trabalham juntos. Desenvolver um software de IA com alta especificidade e sensibilidade para apoio no diagnóstico de algumas patologias oftalmológicas. Métodos: O software de deep learning foi construído através de redes neurais valendo de duas bases computacionais MobileNet e Inception. Para o treinamento do banco de dados foram utilizadas 2.520 imagens de glaucoma, retinopatia diabética, toxoplasmose ocular, papiledema, descolamento de retina e retina normal. Para a validação foi utilizado 428 imagens patológicas e normais para os cálculos de sensibilidade e de especificidade. Todas as imagens foram cedidas da Sociedade Americana de Especialistas da Retina. Resultados: Os resultados de sensibilidade e especificidade foram no MobileNet de 91% (IC 95%, 89-92%) e 98,5% (IC 95%, 98-99%); no Inception, de 91,4% (IC 95%, 89-93,5%) de 98,4% (IC 95%, 98-98,8%), respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois métodos utilizados. Conclusão: O software apresentou resultados promissores na distinção das condições oftalmológicas pesquisadas. (AU)

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing health care. In ophthalmology, this technology can enable faster and more accurate diagnoses, preventing the progression of vision Physicians and algorithms are most effective when working together. To develop an AI software with high specificity and sensitivity to support the diagnosis of some ophthalmic diseases. Methods: A deep learning software was built through neural networks using two computational bases, MobileNet and Inception. For training the database, 2520 images of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, ocular toxoplasmosis, papilledema, retinal detachment, and normal retina were used. For validation, 428 pathological and normal images were used for calculations of sensitivity and specificity. All images were obtained from the American Society of Retina Specialists. Results: The results of sensitivity and specificity were 91% (95% confidence interval [CI], 89-92%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 98-99%) on MobileNet, and 91.4% (95% CI, 89-93.5%) and 98.4% (95% CI, 98-98.8%) on Inception, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two methods. Conclusion: The software showed promising results in distinguishing the main ophthalmic conditions surveyed. (AU)

Desenvolvimento de sistema estruturado com inteligência artificial para apoio no diagnóstico de parasitoses intestinais / Development of a structured artificial intelligence system to support the diagnosis of intestinal parasitoses

Introdução: Sistemas de inteligência artificial são tecnologias promissoras de assistência em saúde e diagnóstico laboratorial, que podem ser implementados como métodos de suporte para o diagnóstico de parasitoses intestinais. Este estudo objetivou desenvolver um software de IA que auxilia no diagnóstico laboratorial de parasitoses intestinais, com alta sensibilidade e especificidade. Métodos: O software foi desenvolvido utilizando duas redes neurais, Inception e MobileNet. Primeiro imagens de ovos dos parasitas Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichiuris trichiura, Taenia sp, Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni e larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis, foram utilizados para treinar o banco de dados. Posteriormente 2.740 imagens cedidas pelo Laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina foram testadas no software. Resultados: O software apresentou sensibilidade de 82,3% (95% intervalo de confiança (IC), 71,9%-89,1%) e especificidade de 95,1% (95% IC, 94,3%-97,8%) para MobileNet e sensibilidade de 72,1% (95% IC, 52,6%-115%) e especificidade de 92,1% (95% IC, 91,7%-97,7%) para Inception. Conclusão: O software apresentou resultados promissores na análise de parasitas intestinais, reforçando que, no futuro, a presença de sistemas de suporte de diagnóstico das parasitoses pode vir a se tornar mais rápido e eficiente. (AU)

Introduction: Artificial intelligence systems are promising technologies for health care and laboratory diagnosis, which can be implemented as support methods for the diagnosis of intestinal parasitoses. This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence software that assists the laboratory diagnosis of intestinal parasitoses with high sensitivity and specificity. Methods: The software was developed using two neural networks, Inception and MobileNet. First, images of eggs from the parasites Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia sp., Hymenolepis nana, Schistosoma mansoni and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were used to train the database. Then, 2,740 images provided by the Parasitology Laboratory of the Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina were tested in the software. Results: The software had a sensitivity of 82.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9% ­ 89.1%) and a specificity of 95.1% (95% CI, 94.3% ­ 97,8%) for MobileNet and a sensitivity of 72.1% (95% CI, 52.6% ­ 115%) and a specificity of 92.1% (95% CI, 91.7% ­ 97.7%) for Inception. Conclusion: The software showed promising results in the analysis of intestinal parasites, reinforcing that, in the future, the presence of diagnostic support systems for parasitoses may become faster and more efficient. (AU)

Artificial intelligence algorithm for the histopatological diagnosis of skin cancer

Introduction: Cutaneous neoplasms are the most common cancers in the world, and have high morbidity rates. A definitive diagnosis can only be obtained after histopathological evaluation of the lesions. To develop an artificial intelligence program to establish the histopathological diagnosis of cutaneous lesions.Methods: A deep learning program was built using three neural network architectures: MobileNet, Inception and convolutional networks. A database was constructed using 2732 images of melanomas, basal and squamous cell carcinomas, and normal skin. The validation set consisted of 284 images from all 4 categories, allowing for the calculation of sensitivity and specificity. All images were provided by the Path Presenter website.Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the MobileNet model were 92% (95%CI, 83-100%) and 97% (95%CI, 90-100%), respectively; corresponding figures for the Inception model were 98.3% (95%CI, 86-100%) and 98.8% (95%CI, 98.2-100%); lastly, the sensitivity and specificity of the convolutional network model were 91.6% (95%CI, 73.8-100%) and 95.7% (95%CI, 94.4-97.2%). The maximum sensitivity for the differentiation of malignant conditions was 91%, and specificity was 95.4%.Conclusion: The program developed in the present study can efficiently distinguish between the main types of skin cancer with high sensitivity and specificity. (AU)

Evaluation of salivary oxidative parameters in overweight and obese young adults

ABSTRACT Background Obesity is characterized by a deposition of abnormal or excessive fat in adipose tissue, and is linked with a risk of damage to several metabolic and pathological processes associated with oxidative stress. To date, salivary oxidative biomarkers have been minimally explored in obese individuals. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of salivary oxidative biomarkers (ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, sulfhydryl groups) and lipid peroxidation in obese and overweight young subjects. Materials and methods Levels of lipid peroxidation, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and SH groups were determined in the saliva and serum of 149 young adults, including 54 normal weight, 27 overweight, and 68 obese individuals. Anthropometric measurements were also evaluated. Results Salivary levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, sulfhydryl groups, and lipid peroxidation, as well as serum levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation were higher in obese patients when compared with individuals with normal weight. There were correlations between salivary and serum ferric-reducing antioxidant power and salivary and serum uric acid in the obese and normal-weight groups. Conclusions Our results indicate that the increase in salivary levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, sulfhydryl groups, and lipid peroxidation, and serum levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation could be related to the regulation of various processes in the adipose tissue. These findings may hold promise in identifying new oxidative markers to assist in diagnosing and monitoring overweight and obese patients.

Evaluation of salivary oxidative parameters in overweight and obese young adults.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is characterized by a deposition of abnormal or excessive fat in adipose tissue, and is linked with a risk of damage to several metabolic and pathological processes associated with oxidative stress. To date, salivary oxidative biomarkers have been minimally explored in obese individuals. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the concentrations of salivary oxidative biomarkers (ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, sulfhydryl groups) and lipid peroxidation in obese and overweight young subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Levels of lipid peroxidation, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and SH groups were determined in the saliva and serum of 149 young adults, including 54 normal weight, 27 overweight, and 68 obese individuals. Anthropometric measurements were also evaluated. RESULTS: Salivary levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, sulfhydryl groups, and lipid peroxidation, as well as serum levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation were higher in obese patients when compared with individuals with normal weight. There were correlations between salivary and serum ferric-reducing antioxidant power and salivary and serum uric acid in the obese and normal-weight groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the increase in salivary levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, sulfhydryl groups, and lipid peroxidation, and serum levels of ferric-reducing antioxidant power, uric acid, and lipid peroxidation could be related to the regulation of various processes in the adipose tissue. These findings may hold promise in identifying new oxidative markers to assist in diagnosing and monitoring overweight and obese patients.

Correlação entre a concentração sérica de interleucina-6 (IL-6) e biomarcadores de resistência insulínica em adultos jovens obesos / Correlation between serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and insulin resistance biomarkers in obese young adults

Introdução: O tecido adiposo é um importante órgão endócrino secretor de adipocinas como a interleucina-6 (IL-6), que estimula a produção de proteínas de fase aguda no fígado, conduzindo a um estado inflamatório subclínico associado ao surgimento de comorbidades presentes na obesidade, como a resistência à insulina (RI). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a concentração de IL-6 em jovens obesos, com sobrepeso e de peso normal, correlacionando as concentrações dessa citocina com biomarcadores de RI. Métodos: Foi conduzido um estudo transversal que envolveu 149 indivíduos: 54 saudáveis (32 mulheres e 22 homens), 27 com sobrepeso (17 mulheres e 10 homens) e 68 obesos (41 mulheres e 27 homens). As medidas antropométricas e as concentrações de IL-6, insulina, hemoglobina glicada e glicose foram determinadas, assim como os cálculos do Modelo de Avaliação da Homeostase (HOMA) e da sensibilidade insulínica (SI). Resultados: Pacientes obesos mostraram níveis de IL-6, glicose, insulina e HOMA significativamente superiores e redução da SI quando comparados com pacientes de peso normal. Correlações positivas foram observadas entre IL-6, glicose, insulina e HOMA. Conclusão: Este estudo sugere que a IL-6 pode ter um papel-chave no desenvolvimento da RI em obesos e que o aumento de sua produção pode contribuir para a inflamação do tecido adiposo e interferir significativamente na atividade da insulina. Embora mais estudos clínicos sejam necessários para elucidar os reais mecanismos de interferência da IL-6 sobre a SI, sugere-se que essa citocina poderá ser, no futuro, uma determinação importante para avaliar e monitorar a RI em obesos jovens (AU)

Introduction: Adipose tissue is a major endocrine organ responsible for secretion of adipokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which stimulates the production of acute phase proteins in the liver, leading to a proinflammatory condition associated with the development of comorbidities in obesity, such as insulin resistance (IR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the IL-6 concentration in obese, overweight, and normal-weight young adults, correlating the concentrations of this cytokine with IR biomarkers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 149 subjects: 54 healthy subjects (32 women and 22 men), 27 overweight subjects (17 women and 10 men) and 68 obese subjects (41 women and 27 men). The anthropometric measures and IL-6, insulin, glucose, and glycated hemoglobin concentrations were determined, as well as HOMA and insulin sensitivity levels. Results: Obese patients showed significantly higher IL-6 levels of glucose, insulin, and HOMA and lower SI compared with normal-weight patients. Positive correlations were observed between IL-6, glucose, insulin, and HOMA. Conclusions: The present study suggests that IL-6 may have a key role in the development of IR in obese patients, and increasing its production can contribute to inflammation in adipose tissue and significantly interfere with insulin activity. Although further clinical studies are needed to elucidate the actual IL-6 interference mechanisms on SI, we believe that this cytokine may be an important factor to evaluate and monitor IR in obese young adults in the future (AU)

Adenosine deaminase, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV activities and lipid peroxidation are increased in the saliva of obese young adult.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is the hallmark of the metabolic syndrome representing a major global health problem. It is considered a state of chronic inflammation with minimal exploration of salivary biomarkers. Thus, the intent of the present study was to assess the activities of salivary dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV), adenosine deaminase (ADA) and lipid peroxidation in obese young and overweight young subjects. METHODS: ADA, DPP-IV activities and lipid peroxidation were investigated in saliva, as well as insulin, glucose, HbA1c, HOMA and anthropometric measurements in 149 young adults, including 54 with normal weight, 27 overweight and 68 obese subjects. RESULTS: Salivary ADA and DPP-IV activities as well as lipid peroxidation were higher in patients with obesity compared to the normal weight group. Correlations between ADA/DPP-IV activities, lipid peroxidation/ADA activity, ADA activity/hip circumference and BMI/weight were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that the increase in the salivary ADA and DPP-IV activities as well as in the lipid peroxidation could be related of the regulation to various aspects of adipose tissue function and inflammatory obesity. It is suggested that these salivary biomarkers may be used as biochemical test in clinical abnormalities present in obesity, in the absence of oral inflammatory diseases.

Influência do Processo Inflamatório naConcentração Sérica de Ferro de Pacientes em Hemodiálise / The influence of the inflammatory process on serum iron c oncentration in hemodialysis patients

A insuficiência renal é caracterizada pela diminuição dafunção renal e quando instalada é necessário realizar tratamento desubstituição renal a longo prazo através da hemodiálise.Frequentemente pacientes em tratamento hemodialítico apresentaminflamação aguda ou crônica, podendo haver alterações emmarcadores inflamatórios como ferritina que por sua vez pode modificarparâmetros relacionados ao metabolismo do ferro. Material e Métodos:Foi realizado um estudo transversal com 46 pacientes com doençarenal crônica, em hemodiálise, de ambos os sexos, provenientes daClínica Renal do Extremo Oeste Catarinense. As amostras de sangueforam coletadas antes das sessões de hemodiálise e posteriormenteforam mensuradas as concentrações séricas de ureia, creatinina,PCR-us, ferro e ferritina. Resultados: Observou-se aumento dosmarcadores renais creatinina (8.8 mg/dL para homens e 8.5 mg/dLpara mulheres) e ureia (191 mg/dL para homens e 165 mg/dL paramulheres) e, sem diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres(p=0,56). Os resultados mostraram uma concentração sérica de ferro(57.6 mg/dL), ferritina (412 mg/dL) e PCR-us (6.8 mg/dL) maior noshomens, sendo que somente as mulheres apresentaram níveis deferritina (376 mg/dL) superiores aos valores de referênciarecomendados. Foi encontrado uma correlação positiva e significativaentre PCR-us e ferritina (p=0,001, r=0.4474) e uma correlação negativaentre ferro e PCR-us, (p= -0,04, r -0.3003). Conclusão: Observou-seque pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica e em hemodiáliseapresentam marcadores inflamatórios significativamente aumentadosquando comparados aos valores de referências recomendados. Asproteínas de fase aguda em especial a ferritina, podem interferirsobre a concentração sérica do ferro, promovendo um déficit funcionaldeste composto o que pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento deanemias neste grupo de pacientes...

Renal insufficiency is characterized by decreased renalfunction whose treatment consists of long-term renal replacementtherapy by hemodialysis. Patients undergoing hemodialysis commonlypresent acute or chronic inflammation, which may change someinflammatory markers, including ferritin. As a result, these changesmay modify parameters related to iron metabolism. Material andMethods: This was a cross-sectional study including 46 patients ofboth sexes with chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Thesubjects were selected from the Clínica Renal do Extremo OesteCatarinense. Blood samples were collected before hemodialysissessions and subsequently measured for serum concentrations ofurea, creatinine, CRP, iron and ferritin. Results: There was an increasein the renal markers for creatinine (8.8 mg / dL for men and 8.5 mg /dL for women) and urea (191 mg / dL for men and 165 mg / dL forwomen), with no significant differences between men and women (p =0.56). The results showed concentrations of serum iron (57.6 mg /dL), ferritin (412 mg / dL) and CRP (6.8 mg / dL) higher in men, andonly women had ferritin levels (376 mg / dL) above the recommendedreference values. A positive and significant correlation between CRPand ferritin was found (p = 0.001, r = 0.4474) as well as a negativecorrelation between iron and CRP (p = -0.04, r -0.3003). Conclusion:Patients with chronic renal disease undergoing hemodialysis hadsignificantly increased inflammatory markers when compared to therecommended reference values. Acute-phase proteins, in particularferritin, can interfere with the serum iron concentration providing afunctional deficit of this compound, which can contribute to thedevelopment of anemia in these patients...