Chemical Profile and Biological Potential of Scaptotrigona Bee Products (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini): An Review.

Stingless bees belong to the Meliponini tribe and are widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics, where they perform important ecological services. Among the best distributed groups of stingless bees is the genus Scaptotrigona, which includes 22 species distributed throughout the neotropical region, including the area from Mexico to Argentina. Bees of this genus are responsible for the production of products such as honey, propolis, geopropolis and fermented pollen ("saburá"). This review aimed to provide an overview of the chemical composition and biological activities associated with derived products from stingless bees of the genus Scaptotrigona. The bibliographic review was carried out through searches in the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed databases, including publications from 2003 to January 2023. The study of the chemodiversity of products derived from Scaptotrigona demonstrated the mainly presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids. It was also demonstrated that products derived from bees of the genus Scaptotrigona exhibit a wide range of biological effects, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal activities, among other bioactivities. This review provides an overview of phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of the genus Scaptotrigona. However, it is essential to clarify the toxicity and food safety of these products.

Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Jandaíra Stingless Bee Products (Melipona subnitida, Ducke, 1911): A Brief Review.

Melipona subnitida (Ducke, 1911), a species of stingless bee, popularly known as Jandaíra, has a wide distribution in the Brazilian Northeast region, being an important pollinator of the Caatinga biome. This bee produces products such as honey, geopropolis, pollen (saburá) and wax that are traditionally used for therapeutic purposes and some studies report the biological properties, as well as its chemical composition. This review aimed to select, analyze and gather data published in the literature focusing on the chemical profile and bioactivities described for M. subnitida products. Data collection was carried out through the Capes Journal Portal platform, using the following databases: Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Original articles published in English and Portuguese were included, with no time limitation. The chemical composition of M. subnitida products has been investigated through chromatographic analysis, demonstrating the presence of a variety of phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and phenylpropanoids, among other classes of secondary metabolites. These products also have several biological activities, including antioxidant, healing, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antidyslipidemic, antiobesity, antifungal, antibacterial and prebiotic. Among the biological activities reported, the antioxidant activity was the most investigated. These data show that products derived from the stingless bee M. subnitida have promising bioactive compounds. This review provides useful information about the bioactivities and chemical profile of Melipona subnitida bee products, and a direction for future research, which should focus on understanding the mechanisms of action associated with the already elucidated pharmacological activities, as well as the bioactive properties of the main isolate's constituents identified in the chemical composition of these products.

Floral Visitation, Phytochemical and Biological Activities of Bioproducts from Tetragonisca angustula (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini): A Review.

Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) is an indigenous neotropical stingless bee, popularly known as "Jataí", with a wide distribution in the Brazilian territory. T. angustula produces other derivatives such as propolis, geopropolis, fermented (saburá pollen), cerumen and resins, which are important in folk medicine. In this review, the objective was to gather research on the main plant species visited by T. angustula, as well as studies that verified the chemical composition and biological properties of T. angustula bioproducts. The bibliographic review was performed by searching the Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and PubMed databases for publications from 2003 to February 2023. We found 78 studies that analyzed the interactions between T. angustula and floral species, with species from the botanical families Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Bignoniaceae, Solanaceae, Myrtaceae and Lamiaceae being the most reported as the main food sources for this species. The presence of compounds belonging to the class of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids and alkaloids has been identified by studying the chemical composition of honey, propolis, geopropolis and fermented pollen (saburá) in 21 studies. The data collected in the literature emphasize that these T. angustula products have remarkable biological properties, especially their antibacterial and antioxidant activities.

Evaluation of the bond strength and characteristics of zirconia after different surface treatments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Nonthermal plasma treatment could increase the bond strength of resin cements to zirconia, but studies are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate zirconia bond strength, surface roughness, and contact angle and to measure the infrared spectrum after different surface treatments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP; n=9) blocks were sectioned into 36 slices (12×11×3 mm) and divided (n=4) into surface treatment groups as follows: 2 control groups, consisting of airborne-particle abrasion plus primer (APP) and 10% hydrofluoric acid etching plus primer (HFP), and 3 experimental groups consisting of a nonthermal plasma (NP) application; a nonthermal plasma plus primer application (NPP); and a 10% hydrofluoric acid etching plus nonthermal plasma plus primer (HFNPP) application. Each zirconia disk was cemented to a prepolymerized resin block. After cementation, the specimens were sectioned for microtensile strength testing and for surface roughness analysis and contact angle analysis. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey tests (α=.05). RESULTS: Results showed no statistically significant differences between the APP and HFNPP groups, but these 2 groups showed statistically better bonding than those of HFP, NP, and NPP. CONCLUSIONS: Airborne-particle abrasion resulted in a significant increase in surface roughness compared with the other groups. After nonthermal plasma treatment, the contact angle of the zirconia surface decreased within 48 hours. Nonthermal plasma application for surface treatment of zirconia showed no significant difference in bond strength when compared with airborne-particle abrasion.

Relationship between endodormancy, FLOWERING LOCUS T and cell cycle genes in Vitis vinifera.

MAIN CONCLUSION: In grapevines, the increased expression of VvFT , genes involved in the photoperiodic control of seasonal growth ( VvAP1, VvAIL2 ) and cell cycle genes ( VvCDKA, VvCDKB2, VvCYCA1, VvCYCB, VvCYCD3.2 ) in the shoot apex relative to the latent bud, suggests a high mitotic activity of the apex which could prevent them to enter into endodormancy. Additionally, the up-regulation of these genes by the dormancy-breaking compound hydrogen cyanamide (H 2 CN 2 ) strongly suggests that VvFT plays a key role in regulating transcriptionally cell cycle genes. At the end of the growing season, short-day (SD) photoperiod induces the transition of latent grapevine buds (Vitis vinifera L) from paradormancy (PD) to endodormancy (ED), which allows them to survive the cold temperatures of winter. Meanwhile, the shoot apex gradually decreases its growth without entering into ED, and as a result of the fall of temperatures at the beginning of autumn, dies. To understand developmental differences and contrasting responses to environmental cues between both organs, the expression of cell cycle genes, and of genes involved in photoperiodic control of seasonal growth in trees, such as FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT), APETALA1 (AP1) and AINTEGUMENTA-like (AIL) was analyzed at the shoot apex and latent buds of vines during the transition from PD to ED. After shift to SD photoperiod, increased expression of cell cycle genes in the shoot apex suggests a high mitotic activity in this organ which could prevent them from entering into ED. Additionally, the increased expression of VvFT, VvAP1and VvAIL2 in the shoot apex, and the up-regulation of VvFT, VvAP1and cell cycle genes VvCDKA, VvCDKB2, VvCYCA.1, by the dormancy-breaking compound hydrogen cyanamide (H2CN2), strongly suggests that VvFT plays a key role in regulating transcriptionally cell cycle genes, giving thus, more support to the model for photoperiodic control of seasonal growth in trees. Furthermore, downregulation of VvFT by the SD photoperiod detected in leaves and buds of grapevines highlights the importance of VvFT in the induction of growth cessation and in ED development, probably by regulating the expression of cell cycle genes.

Citral relaxes umbilical vessels of normotensive and preeclamptic parturients.

INTRODUCTION: Citral is a low-toxicity monoterpene that has a vasodilator effect on various smooth muscles, and The present study aimed to evaluate its vasorelaxant effect on umbilical vessels of normotensive parturients (NTP) and with preeclampsia parturients (PEP). METHOD: Segments of human umbilical artery (HUA) and vein (HUV) of NTP or PEP were mounted in a bath to record the force of contraction, under tension of 3.0 gf and contracted with the contracting agents: K+ (60 mM), 5 -HT (10 µM) and Ba2+ (1-30 mM). Next, the effect of citral (1-3000 µM) on these contractions and on basal tone was evaluated. RESULTS: In HUA and HUV, citral (1-1000 µM), in NTP condition, inhibited contractions evoked by K+ (IC50 of 413.5 and 271.3, respectively) and by 5-HT (IC50 of 164.8 and 574.3). In the PEP condition, in HUA and HUV, citral also inhibited the contractions evoked by K+ (IC50 of 363.3 and 218.3, respectively) and 5-HT (IC50 of 432.1 and 520.4). At a concentration of 1000 µM, citral completely or almost completely (>90 %) inhibited all contractions. At a concentration of 100-1000 µM, citral, in general, was already able to reduce the contraction induced by 1-3 mM Ba2+ in both AUH and VUH, under NTP and PEP conditions. DISCUSSION: Citral has been shown to be an effective HUA and HUV vasodilator in NTP and PEP. As its toxicity is low, it suggests that this substance can be considered a potential therapeutic agent.

Perillyl Alcohol Promotes Relaxation in Human Umbilical Artery.

BACKGROUND: Perillyl alcohol (POH) is a monoterpenoid found in plant essential oils and has been shown to relax murine vessels, but its effect on human vessels remains poorly studied. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to characterize the effect of POH on human umbilical arteries (HUA). METHODS: Rings of HUA were obtained from uncomplicated patients and suspended in an organ bath for isometric recording. The vasorelaxant effect of POH in HUA was evaluated on basal tone and electromechanical or pharmacomechanical contractions, and possible mechanisms of action were also investigated. RESULTS: POH (1-1000 µM) altered the basal tone of HUA and completely relaxed HUA rings precontracted with KCl (60 mM) or 5-HT (10 µM), obtaining greater potency in the pharmacomechanical pathway (EC50 110.1 µM), suggesting a complex interference in the mobilization of extra- and intracellular Ca2+. POH (1000 µM) inhibited contractions induced by BaCl2 (0.1-30 mM) in a similar way to nifedipine (10 µM), indicating a possible blockade of L-type VOCC. In the presence of potassium channel blockers, tetraethylammonium (1 mM), 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), or glibenclamide (10 µM), an increase in the EC50 value of the POH was observed, suggesting a modulation of the activity of BKCa, KV, and KATP channels. CONCLUSION: The data from this study suggest that POH modulates Ca2+ and K+ ion channels to induce a relaxant response in HUA.

Vasorelaxant effect of phenylpropanoids: Methyl eugenol and eugenol in human umbilical cord vein.

Methyl-eugenol (ME) and eugenol (EUG) are phenylpropanoids with vasodilatory effects. While EUG's vasorelaxant effect in human umbilical artery (HUA) is known, their action in veins is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate ME and EUG in human umbilical vein (HUV). Isolated HUV underwent tension recordings. ME and EUG caused 100 % relaxation in HUV, with EC50 values corresponding to: 174.3 ± 7.3 and 217.3 ± 6.2 µM for ME and EUG respectively in presence of K+; 362.3 ± 5.4 and 227.7 ± 4.9 µM for ME and EUG respectively and in presence of serotonin (5-HT). It was observed that in presence of BaCl2 and CaCl2 evoked contractions, ME (800 and 1000 µM) and EUG (1000 and 1400 µM) prevent the contractions. In presence of K+ channel blockers it was observed that ME promoted relaxation compared to its control, except in presence of 4-AP, suggesting a possible Ca2+-dependent K+ channel activation for this molecule; EUG increased all EC50 in presence of the K+ blockers except in presence of TEA 1 mM. Greater pharmacological potency was observed for ME. This study highlights natural substances' effects on HUV contractile parameters, suggesting ME and EUG as potential vasodilators in maintaining fetal oxygenation and venous flow during gestational hypertensive syndromes.

Pharmacological screening of species from the Lippia genus, content in terpenes and phenylpropanoids, and their vasorelaxing effects on human umbilical artery.

BACKGROUND: Naturally occurring bioactive compounds have a plethora of biological effects. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we examined a pharmacological screening of natural products on the human umbilical artery (HUA). METHODS: HUA preparations were used to follow contractions by KCl (60 mM) and tested at different concentrations (1-5000 µg/mL and µM) of the Lippia alba (EOLa) and Lippia origanoides (EOLo) essential oils, terpenes (citral, limonene perilic alcohol) and phenylpropanoids (eugenol, methyl eugenol). Discussion/Results: The reduction corresponded to approximately 100%, except for limonene (80±1.2 %). When evaluating the concentration of the natural product that promotes 50 % relaxation of the HUA contracted by KCL, EC50 values were: 424.3 µg/mL (EOLa); 468.7±6.7 µg/mL (EOLo); 264.2 ± 8.2 µM (citral); 677.8±5.4 µM (limonene); 186.3±6.4 µM (peryl alcohol); 986.4±7.9 µM (eugenol); and 279.1±4.4 µM (methyl-eugenol). Perillyl alcohol had a lower EC50 (consequently it has a higher pharmacological potency). CONCLUSION: The plant extracts have a promising vasorelaxing effect in HUAs, paving the way for future investigations: as applications in diseases related to these vessels, such as preeclampsia.

Characterization of the vasodilator effect of eugenol in isolated human umbilical cord arteries.

Eugenol (EUG) is a phenylpropanoid widely used in the food and cosmetic industries. It is commonly referred to in the literature by its biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and relaxing in organs of laboratory animals, especially in rodent vessels. However, its vasorelaxant potential in human tissue, has not been investigated. Thus, this study characterizes the vasodilatory effect of EUG in the human umbilical artery (HUA). HUAs were isolated, cleaned, sectioned (3-4 mm) and placed in an organ bath (10 mL Krebs Henseleit, 37 °C; and carbogenic mixture). EUG (100-1400 µM), obtained total relaxation of electromechanical contractions induced by KCl (60 mM), and pharmacomechanical contractions (30-1200 µM), induced by serotonin (10 µM) and by histamine (10 µM), showing statistically significant concentrations: 600 µM, 400 µM and 200 µM, and EC50 values: 759.8 ± 6.5 µM, 229.9 ± 7.9 and 279.0 ± 3.4 µM, respectively. EUG (1200 and 1400 µM) prevented the contraction promoted by BaCl2 (0.1-30 mM), similar to the effects of nifedipine (10 µM), sugesting the involvement of EUG in blocking VOCCs. In the presence of tetraethylammonium (10 µM), EUG (30-1200 µM) did not produce a total relaxation (88.6%), suggesting that an alternative pathway where potassium channels, may partially mediate EUG effect. In the presence of 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), glibenclamide (10 µM), and tetraethylammonium (1 mM), EUG relaxed HUAs 100%, although the pharmacological potency was statistically altered, demonstrating the participation of K+ channels (Kv, KATP, BKCa). Our data indicates that EUG has a vasorelaxant effect on HUAs, had a greater pharmacological potency in the serotoninergic pathway, showing effective participation of VOCCs and a partial modulation of K+ channels. These data suggest new possibilities for the use of EUG in human vascular dysfunctions, such as preeclampsia. More studies are necessary to confirm the safety and effectivity in future treatments.

Effect of Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown Essential Oil on the Human Umbilical Artery.

Lippia alba is popularly known as lemon balm, with its essential oil (EO) cited for displaying antimicrobial, sedative, and vasorelaxant effects. Yet, its action on isolated human vessels has not been described in the literature. Thus, we evaluated the vasorelaxant effect of essential oil of L. alba (EOLa) on human umbilical arteries (HUA) isolated in organ baths. HUA rings were isolated, subjected to contractions induced by potassium chloride (KCl), serotonin (5-HT), or histamine (HIST) to record the isometric tension, and then treated with EOLa (30-1000 µg/mL). The EOLa showed a more prominent inhibitory effect on the pharmacomechanical coupling contraction via HIST with an EC50 value of 277.1 ± 8.5 µg/mL and maximum relaxant effect at 600 µg/mL. The addition of tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in HUA preparations did not inhibit EOLa total relaxant effect at 1000 µg/mL. In the presence of gliblenclamide (GLI), the oil relaxed the HUA rings by 90.8% at maximum concentration. The EOLa was also investigated for its effects on voltage-operated calcium channels (VOCCs), where the HUA preincubation with this oil at 1000 µg/mL inhibited BaCl2 (0.1-30 mM)-induced contractions. This study demonstrates for the first time that EOla has a vasorelaxant effect on HUA and its particular blockade of VOCCs.

First Report of SARS-CoV-2 Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid in a Child With Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Underlying mechanisms on the association between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and neurologic complications are still poorly understood. Cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been linked to the SARS-CoV-2 infection as the result of dysregulated immune response with damage in neuronal tissues. In the current report, we present the first pediatric case of GBS with detection of SARS-CoV-2 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CFS). This unique case of COVID-19-associated GBS with detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the CSF indicates direct viral involvement inducing peripheral nerve inflammation.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia in children from 2 to 9 years old.

OBJECTIVE: Analyze the occurrence of dyslipidaemia and associated factors in children aged 2 to 9 years. METHOD: Cross-sectional study, carried out with 700 children, in a region of Northeast Brazil. For comparison of means, Student's t test was used; and, for the comparison of medians, the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: A prevalence of dyslipidaemia of 68.4% was found. In isolation, the majority had a level of: total desirable cholesterol (386; 55.1%), undesirable lipoprotein cholesterol (376; 53.7%), low density lipoproteins - desirable cholesterol (514; 73.4%) and desirable triglyceride (509; 72.7%). In the final multivariate model, only the variable "preschool age" was significant (prevalence ratio = 1.14), indicating that these children are more likely to have dyslipidaemia than those of school age. CONCLUSION: An association was found between dyslipidaemia and preschool age. The need for programs and strategies to better understand this problem is indicated, in addition to preventing early coronary diseases.

Scanning electron microscopy comparison of the resin-dentin interface using different specimen preparation methods.

Microscopy has been widely used to complement the data of studies related to dentin bonding; however, different specimen preparation methods may influence the analysis. Aiming to contribute to the reported scenario, this study evaluated the effect of two specimen-sectioning methods (cleavage and diamond disk cut) on the quality of the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Four crowns of human molars were selected and had an area of approximately 6 mm2 of dentin exposed. They were then divided into two groups according to the universal adhesive application: total and self-etching modes. Then, composite blocks were built up and the specimens were stored in deionized water to allow the postcuring. The specimens were further divided according to the sectioning method: cleavage or diamond disk cut. Four specimens were obtained from each tooth. They were desiccated, placed on aluminum stubs, sputter-coated with gold, and observed in a scanning electron microscope, with ×2000 of magnification. The quality of the SEM images were evaluated by two calibrated examiners and classified into four scores (1-4). Mann-Whitney test (p < .05) showed that the diamond disk provided significantly higher scores than cleavage, whereas no significant difference was observed when comparing the total-etching and self-etching modes of application. The diamond disk cut method is preferable to the cleavage method to ensure the quality of the SEM analysis in studies involving the resin-dentin interface.

Pharmacological screening of the phenolic compound caffeic acid using rat aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle.

Caffeic acid is a phenolic compound widely found in commonly consumed foods such as pears, apples and coffee, and is pharmacologically known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic properties. However, its relaxant activity in the aorta, uterus and ileum smooth muscle has not been investigated. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the effect of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs (aorta, uterus and ileum), and the contractions of this different organ were induced by different agonists. The organ bath technique was used, where the organs were placed in different cuvettes with 10 mL of Tyrode solution for 1 h to stabilize, then, myometrial, intestinal strip and aortic ring contractions were evoked using different contractile agonists (KCl 60 mM, PHE 0.1 µM, OT 10-2 IU/mL, CCh 10-6 M and BaCl2 0.1-30 mM); increasing concentrations of caffeic acid (0.03-7 mM) were administered in the experimental preparations. In the presence of KCl (60 mM), caffeic acid caused relaxations with the following EC50 values: 2.7 ± 0.26 mM/mL (aorta), 5.7 ± 0.71 mM/mL (uterus) and 2.1 ± 0.39 mM/mL (ileum). When in the presence of different agonists, PHE (0.1 µM) for the aorta, OT (10-2 IU/mL) for the uterus and CCh (10-6 M) for the ileum, caffeic acid caused relaxations with EC50 values of: 2.7 ± 0.31 mM/mL; 2.2 ± 0.34 mM/mL and 2.0 ± 0.28 mM/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effect of caffeic acid on serotonergic (aorta and uterus) and muscarinic receptors (uterus and ileum), as well as its possible involvement with L-type Ca2+ channels, was also observed. This study reports the pharmacological characterization of caffeic acid on smooth muscle from different organs, for which caffeic acid was more potent in the ileum. A diverse understanding of its performance as a possible therapeutic product is attributed to its relaxant effect.

Surface degradation of composite resins under staining and brushing challenges.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The primeval evaluation of the properties of composite resins with different compositions that impact clinical behavior is very important in guiding use in clinical settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate color stability (ΔE) and Knoop microhardness (KHN) of composite resins containing different compositions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five disks were made composite resins: Filtek Z350 XT/3MESPE and Beautifill II/SHOFU and divided into 3 subgroups: Control - immersed in artificial saliva; OB - brushing with Oral B 3D White; CT - brushing with Colgate Total 12. The OB and CT groups had the disks brushed daily with 120 cycles after immersion in coffee solution (10 min) for a period of 30 days. ΔE and KHN was obtained at baseline and after the treatments. Data were analyzed ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: ANOVA revealed significant differences for ΔE and KHN. ΔE: the highest mean was observed in Beautifil II composite resin group, which differed significantly from Z350 group. For the Beautifil II, the treatments were significantly different from each other. For the Z350, the control group showed significant differences in relation to OB e CT groups. KHN: the highest mean was observed in Z350 group, which differed significantly from Beautifil II group. For Z350, the control group showed significant differences in relation to OB e CT groups. For Beautifil II, the treatments did not differ significantly among themselves. CONCLUSION: The composite resin containing fluoride in the composition showed higher color alteration (ΔE) and lower Knoop microhardness (KHN), thus demonstrating that composition is an important factor in the clinical performance of esthetic restorative materials.

Quality of life and work improvements according to community health agents.

BACKGROUND: For acting at the level of the community and mediating between it and health services, the role of community health agents (CHA) is essential. For this reason, this occupational group needs satisfactory quality of life and working conditions to ensure their well-being and improve the quality of their work. On these grounds, the present study is justified as a means to reflect on the work process of this occupational group and enable suggestions for improvements. OBJECTIVE: To discuss strategies to improve CHA's quality of life and work. METHODS: Exploratory study with qualitative analysis conducted with CHA in Currais Novos, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. RESULTS: Strategies suggested to improve quality of life and work focused on mental and physical aspects and the essential resources needed for work. CONCLUSION: Discussions and sound grounds are needed for initiatives to improve the living and working conditions of CHA and thus achieve a positive impact on this population of workers, and consequently also on their daily actions.

INTRODUÇÃO: O agente comunitário de saúde (ACS) tem papel fundamental ao atuar nas comunidades, interligando os serviços de saúde à população. Nesse contexto, é importante que esses profissionais tenham qualidade de vida e trabalho, para que possam ter bem-estar e ao mesmo tempo proporcionar maior qualidade na prestação de suas atribuições. Dessa forma, a pesquisa justifica-se como uma forma de repensar o processo de trabalho dessa categoria, possibilitando traçar propostas de melhorias. OBJETIVO: Discutir estratégias de melhorias da qualidade de vida e trabalho aos ACSs. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com os ACSs que atuam na cidade de Currais Novos, Rio Grande do Norte. RESULTADOS: Foi possível evidenciar que as estratégias relacionadas à qualidade de vida e ao trabalho referem-se aos aspectos mentais e físicos, assim como aos recursos básicos para o desenvolvimento do trabalho. CONCLUSÃO: Há necessidade de discutir e dar sustentação para a implementação de melhorias das condições de vida e trabalho dos ACSs, produzindo um impacto positivo nesses profissionais e, consequentemente, nas ações desempenhadas por eles em seu exercício diário.

Differences in respiration between dormant and non-dormant buds suggest the involvement of ABA in the development of endodormancy in grapevines.

Grapevine buds (Vitis vinifera L) enter endodormancy (ED) after perceiving the short-day (SD) photoperiod signal and undergo metabolic changes that allow them to survive the winter temperatures. In the present study, we observed an inverse relationship between the depth of ED and the respiration rate of grapevine buds. Moreover, the respiration of dormant and non-dormant buds differed in response to temperature and glucose, two stimuli that normally increase respiration in plant tissues. While respiration in non-dormant buds rose sharply in response to both stimuli, respiration in dormant buds was only slightly affected. This suggests that a metabolic inhibitor is present. Here, we propose that the plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) could be this inhibitor. ABA inhibits respiration in non-dormant buds and represses the expression of respiratory genes, such as ALTERNATIVE NADH DEHYDROGENASE (VaND1, VvaND2), CYTOCHROME OXIDASE (VvCOX6) and CYTOCHROME C (VvCYTC), and induces the expression of VvSnRK1, a gene encoding a member of a highly conserved family of protein kinases that act as energy sensors and regulate gene expression in response to energy depletion. In addition to inducing ED the SD-photoperiod up-regulated the expression of VvNCED, a gene that encodes a key enzyme in ABA synthesis. Taken together, these results suggest that ABA through the mediation of VvSnRK1, could play a key role in the regulation of the metabolic changes accompanying the entry into ED of grapevine buds.

Influência do consumo alimentar e da prática de atividade física na prevalência do sobrepeso/obesidade em adolescentes escolares / Influence of food consumption and physical activity practice in the prevalence of overweight/obesity in school adolescents

Resumo Introdução A adolescência é definida pela Organização Mundial da Saúde como a faixa etária de 10 a 19 anos, pois é nessa fase em que são observadas diferentes mudanças. Objetivo Analisar a existência de associação entre sobrepeso/obesidade e fatores de risco em adolescentes escolares. Método Estudo transversal, conduzido nas escolas de nível médio, da rede pública estadual, na cidade de Sobral, no Ceará, com amostra de 572 jovens. Os dados foram coletados utilizando questionário semiestruturado, IPAQ e Marcadores do Consumo Alimentar SISVAN. Na análise não ajustada, utilizou-se da regressão de Poisson, pelo teste do Qui-quadrado, de Wald, com as variáveis que apresentaram nível descritivo p < 0,20, como critério de entrada, e, no modelo final, da regressão múltipla de Poisson, apenas com as variáveis significativas (p < 0,05). Resultados No modelo final, por meio da regressão múltipla de Poisson, configuraram-se estatisticamente significativas a idade do adolescente (p = 0,002; IC95% = 0,099; 0,591; RP = 4,54) e a ingestão inadequada de alimentos com alta densidade energética (p = 0,006; IC95% = 0,369; 0,848; RP = 1,79) como fatores de risco. Conclusão Os achados desta pesquisa indicaram que a idade jovem e o consumo inadequado de alimentos são fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de sobrepeso/obesidade, comprovando sua natureza diversa e complexa.

Abstract Background adolescence is defined by the World Health Organization, as the age group of 10 to 19 years old, because it is there, when different changes are observed. Objective to analyze the existence of association between overweight/obesity and risk factors in school adolescents. Method this is a cross-study, which was performed in high schools belonging to the state public network, in the city of Sobral, Ceará, with a sample of 572 young students. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, IPAQ, and SISVAN food consumption markers. In the unadjusted analysis, the Poisson regression was used, using the chi-square test of Wald with the variables presenting a descriptive level p<0.20 as input criterion, and in the final multiple regression model of Poisson, only the significant variables (p<0,05). Results in the final model, after performing Poisson multiple regression, adolescent age (p=0.002; CI 95%=0.099; 0.591; RP=4.54) and inappropriate consumption of food with high energy density (p=0.006; CI 95%=0.369; 0.848; RP=1.79) were configured statistically significant as risk factors. Conclusion The findings of this research indicated that both young age and inadequate food consumption are risk factors for the development of overweight / obesity. This finding proves that the development of overweight / obesity is diverse and complex.