Effectiveness of a two-component nutritional strategy for blood pressure control in individuals with hypertension users of a public health system: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nutritional strategy based on two components and adapted for the public health system on blood pressure, cardiometabolic features, self-care, qualify of life and diet quality in individuals with hypertension. METHODS: NUPRESS was an open-label, parallel-group, superiority randomized controlled clinical trial in which participants at least 21 years with hypertension and poorly controlled blood pressure were randomly assigned (1 : 1 allocation ratio) to either an individualized dietary prescription according to nutritional guidelines (control group, n = 205); or a two-component nutrition strategy, including a goal-directed nutritional counseling and mindfulness techniques (NUPRESS [intervention] group, n = 205). Primary outcomes were SBP (mmHg) after 24 weeks of follow up and blood pressure control, defined as either having SBP more than 140 mmHg at baseline and achieving 140 mmHg or less after follow-up or having SBP 140 mmHg or less at baseline and reducing the frequency of antihypertensive drugs in use after follow-up. RESULTS: In total, 410 participants were randomized and submitted to an intention-to-treat analysis regarding primary outcomes. Both groups decreased blood pressure, but after adjusting for baseline values, there was no significant difference between them on SBP [intervention-control difference: -0.03 (-3.01; 2.94); P = 0.98] nor blood pressure control [odds ratio 1.27 (0.82; 1.97); P = 0.28]. No differences between groups were also detected regarding secondary and tertiary outcomes. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between a two-component nutritional strategy and an established dietary intervention on blood pressure in participants with hypertension.

Obesity, diabetes and risk of bone fragility: How BMAT behavior is affected by metabolic disturbances and its influence on bone health.

PURPOSE: Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone strength and mass, which predisposes patients to fractures and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Like osteoporosis, obesity and diabetes are systemic metabolic diseases associated with modifiable risk factors and lifestyle, and their prevalence is increasing. They are related to decreased quality of life, functional loss and increased mortality, generating high costs for health systems and representing a worldwide public health problem. Growing evidence reinforces the role of bone marrow adipose tissue (BMAT) as an influential factor in the bone microenvironment and systemic metabolism. Given the impact of obesity and diabetes on metabolism and their possible effect on the bone microenvironment, changes in BMAT behavior may explain the risk of developing osteoporosis in the presence of these comorbidities. METHODS: This study reviewed the scientific literature on the behavior of BMAT in pathological metabolic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes, and its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of bone fragility. RESULTS: Published data strongly suggest a relationship between increased BMAT adiposity and the risk of bone fragility in the context of obesity and diabetes. CONCLUSION: By secreting a broad range of factors, BMAT modulates the bone microenvironment and metabolism, ultimately affecting skeletal health. A better understanding of the relationship between BMAT expansion and metabolic disturbances observed in diabetic and obese patients will help to identify regulatory pathways and new targets for the treatment of bone-related diseases, with BMAT as a potential therapeutic target.

Clinical Features, Biochemical Parameters, and Treatment Adherence of Individuals Who Started the Treatment for Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis during the Pandemic Period.

This descriptive prospective study investigated the clinical features and treatment adherence of individuals who started the treatment for Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) during the COVID-19 pandemic in São Luís. Thirty-six TB patients and thirty-five age/sex-matched individuals were recruited between January 2021 and January 2022. The clinical features, sociodemographic information, and serum were obtained at the diagnosis time. Adherence to treatment and adverse reactions were investigated monthly. The most common symptoms in TB patients were cough (91.6%) and fever (83.3%). All TB patients had elevated pre-therapy levels of CRP and reduced HDL: 88.9% presented hypocalcemia and 47.2% showed elevated ALP and GGT. TB patients showed higher levels of ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, CRP, amylase, and triglycerides than the comparison group (p < 0.05), while the calcium levels were reduced (p < 0.0001). TB patients with anti-SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies (seroprevalence of 66.7%) presented higher values of amylase and lower CRP levels (p < 0.05). Most patients (~70%) reported at least one adverse drug reaction, mainly pruritus and nausea. The treatment abandonment rate was 19.2%. In conclusion, TB patients showed elevated pre-therapy levels of CRP, low levels of HDL, and hypocalcemia. Liver and pancreatic functions were also compromised in several patients before the therapy. The treatment non-adherence rate observed was similar to other studies performed before the pandemic period.

Mapa de evidências efetividade clínica das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas para Câncer do Útero: informe executivo / Map of evidence clinical effectiveness of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines for Uterine Cancer: executive report

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos clínicos das terapias complementares e integrativas para o câncer do útero e do colo do útero. A partir da caracterização de centenas de estudos na série de mapas de evidências das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas (MTCI/PICS), foram selecionados e incluídos 26 estudos de revisão (18 revisões sistemáticas, 7 revisões sistemáticas e metanálises, e 1 metanálise). As revisões avaliaram o efeito de 28 tipos de intervenções distribuídos em 3 grupos ­ Fitoterapia e Plantas Medicinais; Terapias não-Farmacológicas; Suplementos / Produtos Naturais ­ e associadas a 33 desfechos de saúde distribuídos em 5 grupos: Curso da doença; Sintomas relacionados ao Câncer; Indicadores Metabólicos e Fisiológicos; Bem-Estar, Vitalidade e Qualidade de Vida; Saúde Mental.

Clues about wood density and trace-element variability of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber ex Ducke) Barneby for bioenergy use.

The interest of biofuel producers in Neotropical species that have high growth rates, slight wood density variability, and elemental composition that does not compromise the environment has increased in recent decades. We investigated the density and chemical characteristics of wood of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum (Huber × Ducke) Barneby as a source for the generation of bioenergy. Apparent radial wood density profiles (X-ray densitometry (XRD)) and the elemental distribution (X-ray fluorescence (XRF)) of Cl, S, K, and Ca in the wood of nine S. parahyba var. amazonicum trees, divided into three diameter classes (I = 15.5, II = 19.5, and III = 23.5 cm) were analyzed. The high heating value (HHV) of the wood samples was determined, and the energy density was estimated by the product of the HHV and the apparent density. Trees that grew better (classes II and III) produced wood with higher density. These trees showed higher concentrations of K and S, and lower concentrations of Ca and Cl. The highest Cl concentrations were observed in classes with smaller diameters. The chlorine levels met the standards for use of this wood as fuel, but the sulfur levels were higher than the threshold recommended by the ISO 17225-3:2021 guidelines, which can limit the use of the species for certain energy uses. The wood of S. parahyba var. amazonicum had interesting characteristics for the production of bioenergy due to its low density, so it can be used in the production of solid biofuels such as pellets and briquettes. Monitoring chlorine and sulfur is important, since during the combustion of biomass they are released into the atmosphere and can negatively contribute to the effects of climate change.

Is There Enough Knowledge to Standardize a Cannabis sativa L. Medicinal Oil Preparation with a High Content of Cannabinoids?

Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. medicinal oils are good therapeutic options due to their wide spectrum of pharmacological applications and the easy adjustment of individual doses. The lack of standardization of methodology in the preparation of medicinal oil using the Cannabis crude extract results in elevated variability of cannabinoid concentration in the final product. The elevated variability impairs the understanding of beneficial and adverse effects related to dose-response pharmacological activities. Objective: This study aimed to conduct a review on the current methods of Cannabis oil preparation present in the literature, to demonstrate the most appropriate methodologies to ensure a product with high content of cannabinoids and terpenes. Results: The decarboxylation stage is essential for the conversion of acid cannabinoids into neutral cannabinoids, which are substances with the highest bioavailability. Lower temperatures for longer periods of time instead of high temperatures in less time are highly recommended to ensure that all the acidic cannabinoids have passed through decarboxylation. For the guarantee of a high terpene content, the separate addition of essential oil to the fixed oil prepared from the crude extract should be considered. Ultrasound-assisted extraction is one of the best performing methodologies because it is cheaper than other techniques, such as supercritical fluid extraction, besides that, ultrasound extraction is effective in short extraction times and uses small amounts of solvent when compared with other techniques. Conclusion: Although the literature about the methods of preparation of Cannabis medicinal oil is scarce, it is possible to standardize an optimized, low-cost, and effective Cannabis extractive methodology from the results found in the literature; however, this will depend on new research for methodological validation.

Mapa de evidências efetividade clínica das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas para Doenças Cardiovasculares: informe executivo / Map of evidence clinical effectiveness of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines for Cardiovascular Diseases: executive report

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos das Práticas Complementares e Integrativas de Saúde (PICS) para Doenças Cardiovasculares. A partir da caracterização de centenas de estudos na série de mapas de evidências das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas (MTCI/PICS), foram selecionados e incluídos 208 estudos de revisão. No total foram 424 associações entre intervenções do grupo Plantas Medicinais (149 associações), Práticas Corporais Chinesas (93 associações), Yoga (79 associações), Acupuntura e Auriculoterapia (27 associações) e Outras Terapias (76 associações).

Risco de lesão do ramo mandibular do nervo trigêmeo na fratura de mandíbula: um estudo anatômico / Risk of injury to the mandibular branch of the trigemal nerve in jaw fracture: an anatomical study

O nervo mandibular V3 é a terceira divisão do nervo trigêmeo, apresenta fibras motoras e sensitivas, sendo a ramificação mista deste nervo. Seus ramos eferentes são responsáveis pela motricidade dos músculos mastigatórios, inerva os músculos milo-hióideo, ventre anterior do digástrico, tensor do véu palatino e tensor do tímpano. Suas fibras aferentes são responsáveis pela sensibilidade da região inferior da face e cavidade oral, dentes inferiores, parte da língua e propriocepção da cápsula da articulação temporomandibular ATM. O objetivo deste estudo é explanar as possíveis lesões no nervo mandibular, suas ramificações e estruturas adjacentes no caso de fraturas na mandíbula, colaborando com informações detalhadas para posterior estudo de acadêmicos e cirurgiões dentistas. Foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo, exploratória e descritiva, com abordagem quanti-qualitativa, para descrição e análise do trajeto do V3 até a sua chegada no osso mandibular, assim como de estruturas que compõem a topografia adjacente a mesma utilizando uma hemiface intacta de um cadáver do sexo masculino no Laboratório de Anatomia Humana das Faculdades Nova Esperança, na cidade de João Pessoa. Devido à proximidade do nervo mandibular com o processo coronoide, fraturas nesta parte do osso mandíbula, podem ocasionar lesões no V3, além de traumas no osso temporal, e consequentemente de todo o gânglio trigeminal. Além destas, estruturas adjacentes como a glândula parótida, artérias maxilar e facial, ATM, e os nervos alveolar inferior, mentual e lingual, podem ser lesionadas em uma fratura mandibular. As lesões nestes nervos, podem resultar em redução grave da qualidade de vida e dor crônica, gerando desconfortos para o paciente. Diante do exposto fica evidente a importância de conhecer a anatomia topográfica da mandíbula e suas estruturas vasculonervosas, seu trajeto e a localização. Houve dificuldade na discussão devido à escassez da literatura em relação à temática proposta. Dessa forma, é necessário motivar novos estudos sobre a temática a fim de ampliar o conhecimento dos profissionais de saúde e estimular novas técnicas para diagnóstico precoce e melhorar os resultados terapêuticos, impactando positivamente na sobrevida de pacientes com fraturas de mandibulares(AU)

The mandibular nerve V3 is the third division of the trigeminal nerve, has motor and sensory fibers, being the mixed branch of this nerve. Its efferent branches are responsible for the motricity of the masticatory muscles, innervating the mylohyoid muscles, anterior belly of the digastric, soft palate tensor and tympanic tensor. Its afferent fibers are responsible for the sensitivity of the lower face and oral cavity, lower teeth, part of the tongue and proprioception of the capsule of the temporomandibular joint TMJ. The aim of this study is to explain the possible injuries to the mandibular nerve, its ramifications and adjacent structures in the case of mandible fractures, collaborating with detailed information for further study by academics and dentists. A field research, exploratory and descriptive, with a quantitative-qualitative approach, was carried out to describe and analyze the path of the V3 until its arrival in the mandibular bone, as well as structures that make up the topography adjacent to it using na intact hemiface of a male cadaver at the Human Anatomy Laboratory of Faculdades Nova Esperança, in João Pessoa city. Due to the proximity of the mandibular nerve with the coronoid process, fractures in this part of the mandible bone can cause injuries to the V3, in addition to trauma to the temporal bone, and consequently to the entire trigeminal ganglion. In addition to these, adjacent structures such as the parotid gland, maxillary and facial arteries, TMJ, and the inferior alveolar, mental and lingual nerves can be injured in a mandibular fracture. Damage to these nerves can result in severely reduced quality of life and chronic pain, causing discomfort for the patient. Given the above, the importance of knowing the topographic anatomy of the mandible and its vascular-nervous structures, its path and location is evident. There was difficulty in the discussion due to the scarcity of literature regarding the proposed theme. Thus, it is necessary to motivate further studies on the subject in order to expand the knowledge of health professionals and encourage new techniques for early diagnosis and improve therapeutic results, positively impacting the survival of patients with mandibular fractures(AU)

Phenoplasticity of Essential Oils from Two Species of Piper (Piperaceae): Comparing Wild Specimens and Bi-Generational Monoclonal Cultivars.

This study tested the hypothesis that "clonal chemical heritability is a crucial factor for the conservation of chemical uniformity of Piper essential oils in controlled monoclonal cultivation". We asexually propagated first and second-generation clones of two medicinal and aromatic species, Piper gaudichaudianum Kunth and Piper mollicomum Kunth (Piperaceae), for use as experimental models since they show high chemical plasticity in the wild. Leaves from wild specimens of both species, and their respective cultivated specimens, were hydrodistilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus to produce essential oils (EOs). EOs were chemically characterised by GC-MS and GC-FID. The analysis identified 63 compounds in EO of P. mollicomum, which were predominantly monoterpenes, and 59 in EO of P. gaudichaudianum, which were predominantly sesquiterpenes. Evaluation of chemical diversity and oxi-reduction indices showed a loss of chemical homology across the intergenerational cline. Chemometric analysis indicated higher chemical plasticity between wild and intergenerational specimens of P. mollicomum, than for P. gaudichaudianum. EO compounds were significantly less oxidized throughout the generations in both species. Therefore, while clonal heritability is crucial to chemical homology, significant chemical plasticity is likely to occur when cultivated from wild specimens.

Mapa de evidências efetividade clínica das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas para Dor Crônica: informe executivo / Map of evidence clinical effectiveness of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicines for Chronic Pain: executive report

O mapa apresenta uma visão geral das evidências sobre os efeitos das Práticas Complementares e Integrativas de Saúde (PICS) para Dor. A partir da caracterização de centenas de estudos na série de mapas de evidências das Medicinas Tradicionais, Complementares e Integrativas (MTCI/PICS), foram selecionados e incluídos neste mapa de evidências 142 estudos de revisão (61 revisões sistemáticas com metanálises, 13 revisões sistemáticas de estudos controlados randomizados, 54 revisões sistemáticas e 14 metanálises). Com base na ferramenta AMSTAR2, foi avaliado o nível de confiança para a evidência reportada nestes estudos, resultando em 14 revisões de nível alto, 8 revisões de nível moderado, 62 revisões de nível baixo e 58 revisões de nível criticamente baixo.

Excesso de peso infantil: um mapa de evidências sobre estratégias de prevenção e tratamento / Childhood overweight: an evidence map on prevention and treatment strategies

O excesso de peso é um sério problema de saúde pública no Brasil e no mundo. Em 2016, mais de 38 milhões de crianças com menos de cinco anos e 350 milhões de crianças e adolescentes (entre cinco e 18 anos) estavam com excesso de peso (WHO, 2021). A obesidade entre crianças e adolescentes está associada a maior chance de morte prematura, manutenção da obesidade e incapacidade na idade adulta. Além de aumentar os riscos futuros, crianças e adolescentes com excesso de peso podem apresentar dificuldades respiratórias, aumento do risco de fraturas e outros agravos osteoarticulares, hipertensão arterial sistêmica, marcadores precoces de doenças cardiovasculares, dentre outros (WHO, 2021; OECD, 2019). Para deter o avanço da obesidade infantil, políticas, programas e ações intersetoriais são essenciais. Nesse sentido, o embasamento científico se faz necessário por ser relevante para a tradução do conhecimento e identificação de intervenções efetivas considerando seu uso na estruturação de políticas públicas. Os mapas de evidências são ferramentas oportunas e responsivas que subsidiam a tomada de decisão. Em 2021 a equipe do projeto da Alimentação Cardioprotetora do Hospital do Coração (Hcor), em parceria com a Coordenação-Geral de Alimentação e Nutrição do Ministério da Saúde (CGAN/MS), no âmbito do Programa de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Institucional do SUS (PROADI-SUS) elaborou um mapa de evidências que visa mapear na literatura científica as evidências e as lacunas existentes sobre a temática de estratégias e intervenções efetivas para a prevenção e o tratamento do excesso de peso do público infantil (BRASIL; HCOR, 2021).

Contribuições da dissecação anatômica para o aprendizado do aluno monitor: relato de experiência / Contributions of anatomic dissection to learning monitor student: experience report

O objetivo deste estudo é relatar de forma descritiva e qualitativa a experiência vivida durante as dissecações nas monitorias de anatomia humana sob a ótica do aluno-monitor. O estudo baseou-se no levantamento bibliográfico de artigos científicos encontrados nas plataformas BVS, Scielo e Google Acadêmico entre os anos de 2014 e 2019. As dissecações foram realizadas após a aprovação da instituição. Foi utilizado um cadáver masculino conservado em formaldeído a 10%, a seleção do cadáver foi realizada com base na integridade e conservação da cabeça. O foco do estudo foi a dissecação da ATM e regiões circunjacentes. Após a excisão da pele, tela subcutânea, elementos vasculonervosos, músculos e ossos foi possível expor a área alvo. O cadáver dissecado foi incorporado às monitoras de anatomia do curso de Odontologia e outros cursos da instituição nos semestres 2018.2 e 2019.1, bem como nos semestres seguintes, permitindo que peças que não disponíveis nos laboratórios fossem utilizadas como complemento ao aprendizado em anatomia. Dessa forma, foi possível atingir os objetivos deste estudo, que pode contribuir para o crescimento acadêmico do aluno-monitor, especialmente de habilidades manuais, fundamentais na prática de procedimentos cirúrgicos durante a vida profissional, bem como dos discentes, sendo beneficiados com uma forma mais atrativa de aprendizado. Contudo, isso não é realidade da maioria das instituições brasileiras, onde nota-se carência de dissecações e estudos com peças anatômicas. Por fim, notou-se poucas publicações acerca do tema, o que levou a realização deste estudo. Assim sendo, mais estudos devem ser realizados(AU)

The objective of this study is to describe in a descriptive and qualitative way the experience lived during dissections in the monitoring of human anatomy from the perspective of the student-monitor. The study was based on a bibliographic survey of scientific articles found on the VHL, Scielo and Google Scholar platforms between the years 2014 and 2019. The dissections were carried out after the institution's approval. A male cadaver preserved in 10% formaldehyde was used, the selection of the corpse was carried out based on the integrity and conservation of the head. The focus of the study was the dissection of the TMJ and surrounding regions. After excision of the skin, subcutaneous mesh, vasculonervous elements, muscles and bones, it was possible to expose the target area. The dissected corpse was incorporated into the anatomy monitors of the Dentistry course and other courses of the institution in the semesters 2018.2 and 2019.1, as well as in the following semesters, allowing pieces that were not available in the laboratories to be used as a complement to learning in anatomy. Thus, it was possible to achieve the objectives of this study, which can contribute to the academic growth of the studentmonitor, especially of manual skills, fundamental in the practice of surgical procedures during professional life, as well as of students, being benefited with a more attractive learning. However, this is not the reality of most Brazilian institutions, where there is a lack of dissections and studies with anatomical pieces. Finally, there were few publications on the topic, which led to the realization of this study. Therefore, more studies should be performed(AU)

Effect of systemic photobiomodulation in the course of acute lung injury in rats.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a severe, multifactorial lung pathology characterized by diffuse alveolar injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, alveolar epithelial barrier rupture, alveolar edema, and impaired pulmonary gas exchange, with a high rate of mortality; and sepsis is its most common cause. The mechanisms underlying ALI due to systemic inflammation were investigated experimentally by systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been showing good results for several inflammatory diseases, but there are not enough studies to support the real benefits of its use, especially systemically. Considering that ALI is a pathology with high morbidity and mortality, we studied the effect of systemic PBM with red light-emitting diode (LED) (wavelength 660 nm; potency 100 mW; energy density 5 J/cm; total energy 15 J; time 150 s) in the management of inflammatory parameters of this disease. For this, 54 male Wistar rats were submitted to ALI by LPS injection (IP) and treated or not with PBM systemically in the tail 2 and 6 h after LPS injection. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Student's Newman-Keuls. Our results point to the beneficial effects of systemic PBM on the LPS-induced ALI, as it reduced the number of neutrophils recruited into the bronchoalveolar lavage, myeloperoxidase activity, and also reduced interleukins (IL) 1ß, IL-6, and IL-17 in the lung. Even considering the promising results, we highlight the importance of further studies to understand the mechanisms involved, and especially the dosimetry, so that in near future, we can apply this knowledge in clinical practice.

Mindfulness Practice for Glycemic Control: Could it be a New Strategy for an Old Problem? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires a complex and organized care that includes patient's lifestyle change. Additionally, emotional well-being is an important part of self-management, and it may impair the individual's adherence. Therefore, equipping the patients with the necessary coping and self-care techniques may be an important step in managing diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of interventions using established mindfulness-based protocols on glycemic control of individuals with T2DM. METHODS: Data sources: Two electronic databases (PubMed and EMBASE) were searched from inception to December 2019. We limited our search to published studies in English, Spanish and Portuguese languages. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized clinical trials that assessed the effects of mindfulness in individuals with T2DM were selected. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included trials. Data were pooled using inverse-variance random-effects meta-analyses. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: Four randomized trials were included. There were no differences in blood glucose change (mean difference between groups (MD) -0.73mg/dl; 95% CI, -10.49; 9.02; I2 =0%; very low quality of evidence) or glycated hemoglobin (MD 0.05%; 95%CI -0.22 to 0.32; I2 =29%; very low quality of evidence). CONCLUSION: Although the quality of current evidence is very low, our findings suggest that established protocols involving mindfulness have no effect on blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin in individuals with T2DM. Indeed, large-scale trials are needed to evaluate the contribution of mindfulness to glycemic control in clinical practice. PROSPERO Registration ID: RD42020161940.

Determining the contribution of a high-fructose corn syrup formulation to hepatic glycogen synthesis during ad-libitum feeding in mice.

Excessive sugar intake including high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is implicated in the rise of obesity, insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver glycogen synthesis is influenced by both fructose and insulin signaling. Therefore, the effect of HFCS on hepatic glycogenesis was evaluated in mice feeding ad-libitum. Using deuterated water: the fraction of glycogen derived from triose-P sources, Krebs cycle substrates, and direct pathway + cycling, was measured in 9 normal-chow fed mice (NC) and 12 mice fed normal chow plus a 55% fructose/45% glucose mix in the drinking water at 30% w/v (HFCS-55). This was enriched with [U-13C]fructose or [U-13C]glucose to determine the contribution of each to glycogenesis. For NC, direct pathway + cycling, Krebs cycle, and triose-P sources accounted for 66 ± 0.7%, 23 ± 0.8% and 11 ± 0.4% of glycogen synthesis, respectively. HFCS-55 mice had similar direct pathway + cycling (64 ± 1%) but lower Krebs cycle (12 ± 1%, p < 0.001) and higher triose-P contributions (24 ± 1%, p < 0.001). HFCS-55-fructose contributed 17 ± 1% via triose-P and 2 ± 0% via Krebs cycle. HFCS-55-glucose contributed 16 ± 3% via direct pathway and 1 ± 0% via Krebs cycle. In conclusion, HFCS-55 supplementation resulted in similar hepatic glycogen deposition rates. Indirect pathway contributions shifted from Krebs cycle to Triose-P sources reflecting HFCS-55-fructose utilization, while HFCS-55-glucose was incorporated almost exclusively by the direct pathway.

The role of periodontal treatment associated with photodynamic therapy on the modulation of systemic inflammation in the experimental model of asthma and periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The association of Periodontitis (P) with several systemic diseases, among them asthma (A), has been previously studied. As periodontal treatment (TTO) associated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) is able to treat P, the aim of this study is to verify whether periodontitis exerts systemic effects on asthma, and whether TTO, associated or not with PDT, is capable of altering the systemic course of both pathologies. METHODS: 64 male Balb/c mice were divided into 8 groups (n = 8): Basal (B), P, P + TTO, P + TTO + PDT, Asthma, A + P, A + P + TTO, A + P + TTO + PDT. After 43 days, all animals were euthanized. The total and differential leukocyte count in serum, platelet count, alveolar bronchial lavage cell count, femoral lavage cell count in addition to the reactivity of the trachea, lung edema and gingiva cytokines were analyzed. The frequency of inflammatory cells was assessed via flow cytometry. One-way ANOVA test was used, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls post-test. RESULTS: There was an increase in the number of blood circulating eosinophils in group A when compared to group B (p < 0.01); this characterized the asthma experimental model. P (p < 0.05) presented a lower amount of cytokine TNF-α in the gingiva when compared to the Asthma group. Apart from that, there was no statistical difference found for the other analyzed parameters. CONCLUSION: These data contributed to elucidate that P and A, associated or not with TTO and PDT, are not able to interfere with the systemic parameters of Balb/c mice.

Single and mixture toxicity of four pharmaceuticals of environmental concern to aquatic organisms, including a behavioral assessment.

Pharmaceuticals are frequently detected in aquatic environments as mixtures and can cause toxic effects to non-target organisms. We aimed to evaluate the single and mixture effects of the pharmaceuticals metformin, bisoprolol, ranitidine and sotalol using Daphnia similis and Danio rerio. In addition, we aimed to test the predictive accuracy of the mathematical models concentration addition and independent action and to evaluate the nature of the possible toxicological interactions among these pharmaceuticals using the combination index-isobologram model. The acute toxicity of these four pharmaceuticals individually and of their binary mixtures were evaluated using the D. similis tests. Developmental and behavioral effects induced by the pharmaceuticals in quaternary mixtures were evaluated using D. rerio embryos. We observed that most of the binary mixture effects were in the zone between the effects predicted by the concentration addition and the independent action model. The combination index-isobologram model showed to be adequate to describe the nature of possible interactions occurring between the combined pharmaceuticals. Developmental and behavioral acute adverse effects seem not to be induced by the joint action of the quaternary mixture of the evaluated pharmaceuticals on D. rerio embryos, at the concentrations at which they are usually found in surface fresh waters. However, from the results obtained with D. similis, we can conclude that assessing the ecological risk based on the effects of individual pharmaceuticals can underestimate the risk level posed by these environmental contaminants.

Wood properties of Carapa guianensis from floodplain and upland forests in Eastern Amazonia, Brazil.

The variable environmental conditions of the Amazon forest can affect the wood properties of the tree species distributed across its diverse phytophysiognomies. Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) occurs in upland and floodplain forests, and the wood and oil of its seeds have multiple uses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wood properties of C. guianensis trees in upland and estuarine floodplain forests of the Amazon River. Eight trees were selected, with four being from the upland and four from the floodplain forests. The fiber length, fiber wall thickness, vessel diameter and frequency, microfibril angle, specific gravity and wood shrinkage were evaluated. The juvenile and mature wood zones were determined according to these variables. The fiber length, fiber wall thickness and specific gravity increased, and microfibril angle decreased, in the pith to bark direction. Only the fiber length variable was efficient for delimiting juvenile, transition and mature wood. The fiber length, wall thickness and specific gravity of wood were higher in upland forest trees. However, the environment did not alter the beginning of the formation and proportion of C. guianensis mature wood. This information is important for the log fit in cutting diagrams, aiming toward improving the production, classification and processing of pieces with specific quality indexes in order to direct them to appropriate wood uses.

Food categorizations among low-income women living in three different urban contexts: The pile sorting method.

Transformations in eating practices are reflected in the multiplicity of competing food-related discourses. These discourses contribute to different food categorizations among individuals. Scientists have long argued that food categorizations may help understanding cultural systems of health beliefs. However, not enough work has been conducted to improve the understanding of the dimensions of food categorizations and their interface with food choices, tastes, and culturally defined food systems. This study aims at describing and interpreting how low-income women living in three urban settings in Santos, Brazil, classify and give meaning to foods. We used the pile sorting method to investigate categorizations created by 90 women, following 6 steps: (1) creating units of analysis, (2) sorting the units of analysis into piles, (3) running multidimensional scaling analysis, (4) running cluster analyses on the multidimensional scaling coordinates, (5) labelling the clusters, and (6) analyzing consensus among the participants. The final solution to food categorizations comprised six clusters, namely: home meals, convenience foods, special meals, fish, breads and cereals, and hot dogs. Additionally, we observed four rationales for food categorization: frequency of consumption, degree of healthfulness, personal taste, and meals in which the food was usually part of. These categories highlight the importance of considering personal taste and the type of meal that the food is culturally consumed in, to propose meaningful interventions and appropriate education tools, towards promoting healthy eating practices, especially among vulnerable populations.