Nitrogen balance of goat kids fed diets containing peach palm meal / [Balanço de nitrogênio em caprinos alimentados com dietas contendo farinha de pupunha]

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o balanço de nitrogênio e a concentração de ureia no plasma em cabritos alimentados com dietas contendo farinha de pupunha em substituição ao milho (0, 10, 40, 60 e 85% MS). Trinta cabritos Boer × SRD, com 90 dias de idade e peso corporal inicial de 16,7 ± 3,5kg, foram distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis repetições. As dietas foram fornecidas diariamente ad libitum para permitir 10% das sobras. Três coletas foram realizadas a cada 28 dias. As dietas foram constituídas por milho, farelo de soja, farinha de pupunha, suplemento mineral e feno de Tifton-85, com a relação volumoso: concentrado de 30:70. O consumo de nitrogênio (N) diminuiu linearmente à medida que a farinha de pupunha substituiu o milho no concentrado. Com relação ao N digerido, os animais alimentados com níveis de farinha de pupunha apresentaram valores inferiores aos alimentados com o milho como única fonte de energia, com médias de 14,9 e 17,1g dia-1, respectivamente. A excreção urinária de N diminuiu à medida que a farinha de pupunha substituiu o milho no concentrado. O nível de 39% de farinha de pupunha reduziu a excreção urinária de ureia. Houve retenção máxima de N em 7,83g dia-1 para o nível de substituição de milho de 28,9% em farinha de pupunha.(AU)

Can Costus afer be used for co-treatment of COVID-19, its symptoms and comorbidities? A novel approach for combating the pandemic and implications for sub-Saharan Africa

@#Despite the huge loss of lives and massive disruption of the world economy by the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, scientists are yet to come out with an effective therapeutic against this viral disease. Several vaccines have obtained ‘emergency approval’, but difficulties are being faced in the even distribution of vaccines amongst high- and lowincome countries. On top of it, comorbidities associated with COVID-19 like diabetes, hypertension and malaria can seriously impede the treatment of the main disease, thus increasing the fatality rate. This is more so in the context of sub-Saharan African and south Asian countries. Our objective was to demonstrate that a single plant containing different phytoconstituents may be used for treatment of COVID-19 and comorbidities. Towards initial selection of a plant, existing scientific literature was scanned for reported relevant traditional uses, phytochemicals and pharmacological activities of a number of plants and their phytoconstituents pertaining to treatment of COVID-19 symptoms and comorbidities. Molecular docking studies were then performed with phytochemicals of the selected plant and SARS-CoV-2 components – Mpro, and spike protein receptor binding domain and hACE2 interface using AutoDock Vina. We showed that crude extracts of an indigenous African plant, Costus afer having traditional antidiabetic and antimalarial uses, has phytochemicals with high binding affinities for Mpro, and/or spike protein receptor binding domain and hACE2 interface; the various phytochemicals with predicted high binding energies include aferoside C, dibutyl phthalate, nerolidol, suginal, and ±-terpinene, making them potential therapeutics for COVID-19. The results suggest that crude extracts and phytochemicals of C. afer can function as a treatment modality for COVID-19 and comorbidities like especially diabetes and malaria.

Potential role of flavonoids against SARS-CoV-2 induced diarrhea

@#COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to massive inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract causing severe clinical symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 infects lungs after binding its spike proteins with alveolar angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and it also triggers inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. SARS-CoV-2 invades the gastrointestinal tract by interacting with Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) that induces the expression of ACE2. The influx of ACE2 facilitates cellular binding of more SARS-CoV-2 and causes massive gastrointestinal inflammation leading to diarrhea. Diarrhea prior to COVID-19 infection or COVID-19-induced diarrhea reportedly ends up in a poor prognosis for the patient. Flavonoids are part of traditional remedies for gastrointestinal disorders. Preclinical studies show that flavonoids can prevent infectious diarrhea. Recent studies show flavonoids can inhibit the multiplication of SARS-CoV-2. In combination with vitamin D, flavonoids possibly activate nuclear factor erythroid-derived-2-related factor 2 that downregulates ACE2 expression in cells. We suggest that flavonoids have the potential to prevent SARS-CoV-2 induced diarrhea.

In silico screening of Allium cepa phytochemicals for their binding abilities to SARS and SARS-CoV-2 3C-like protease and COVID-19 human receptor ACE-2

@# Corona virus SARS-CoV-2-induced viral disease (COVID-19) is a zoonotic disease that was initially transmitted from animals to humans. The virus surfaced towards the end of December 2019 in Wuhan, China where earlier SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) had also surfaced in 2003. Unlike SARS, SARS-CoV-2 (a close relative of the SARS virus) created a pandemic, and as of February 24 2021, caused 112,778,672 infections and 2,499,252 deaths world-wide. Despite the best efforts of scientists, no drugs against COVID-19 are yet in sight; five vaccines have received emergency approval in various countries, but it would be a difficult task to vaccinate twice the world population of 8 billion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate through in silico screening a number of phytochemicals in Allium cepa (onion) regarding their ability to bind to the main protease of COVID-19 known as the 3C-like protease or 3CLpro, (PDB ID: 6LU7), 3CLpro of SARS (PDB ID: 3M3V), and human angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2), [PDB ID: 1R42], which functions as a receptor for entry of the virus into humans. Molecular docking (blind docking, that is docking not only against any target pocket) were done with the help of AutoDockVina. It was observed that of the twenty-two phytochemicals screened, twelve showed good binding affinities to the main protease of SARS-CoV-2. Surprisingly, the compounds also demonstrated good binding affinities to ACE-2. It is therefore very likely that the binding affinities shown by these compounds against both 3CLpro and ACE-2 merit further study for their potential use as therapeutic agents.

Prevalence of ERα-397 PvuII C/T, ERα-351 XbaI A/G and PGR PROGINS polymorphisms in Brazilian breast cancer-unaffected women

Polymorphisms of hormone receptor genes have been linked to modifications in reproductive factors and to an increased risk of breast cancer (BC). In the present study, we have determined the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the ERα-397 PvuII C/T, ERα-351 XbaI A/G and PGR PROGINS polymorphisms and investigated their relationship with mammographic density, body mass index (BMI) and other risk factors for BC. A consecutive and unselected sample of 750 Brazilian BC-unaffected women enrolled in a mammography screening program was recruited. The distribution of PGR PROGINS genotypic frequencies was 72.5, 25.5 and 2.0% for A1A1, A1A2 and A2A2, respectively, which was equivalent to that encountered in other studies with healthy women. The distribution of ERα genotypes was: ERα-397 PvuII C/T: 32.3% TT, 47.5% TC, and 20.2% CC; ERα-351 XbaI A/G: 46.3% AA, 41.7% AG and 12.0% GG. ERα haplotypes were 53.5% PX, 14.3% Px, 0.3% pX, and 32.0% px. These were significantly different from most previously published reports worldwide (P < 0.05). Overall, the PGR PROGINS genotypes A2A2 and A1A2 were associated with fatty and moderately fatty breast tissue. The same genotypes were also associated with a high BMI in postmenopausal women. In addition, the ERα-351 XbaI GG genotype was associated with menarche ≥12 years (P = 0.02). ERα and PGR polymorphisms have a phenotypic effect and may play an important role in BC risk determination. Finally, if confirmed in BC patients, these associations could have important implications for mammographic screening and strategies and may be helpful to identify women at higher risk for the disease.

Prevalence of the STK15 F31I polymorphism and its relationship with mammographic density

Several studies have identified the single nucleotide polymorphism STK15 F31I as a low-penetrance risk allele for breast cancer, but its prevalence and risk association in the Brazilian population have not been determined. The goal of this study was to identify the frequency of this polymorphism in the Brazilian setting. Considering the high degree of admixture of our population, it is of fundamental importance to validate the results already reported in the literature and also to verify the relationship between this variant and breast cancer risk. A total of 750 women without breast cancer were genotyped using the TaqMan PCR assay for STK15 F31I polymorphism. Clinical information was obtained from review of the medical records and mammographic density from the images obtained using the BI-RADS System. The estimated risk of developing cancer was calculated according to the Gail model. The genotypic frequencies observed in this study were 4.5, 38.7, and 56.6 percent, respectively, for the STK15 F31I AA, AT and TT genotypes. The AT and AA genotypes were encountered significantly more often in premenopausal women with moderately dense, dense and heterogeneously dense breast tissue (P = 0.023). In addition, the presence of the TT genotype was significantly associated with age at menarche ≥12 years (P = 0.023). High mammographic density, associated with increased breast cancer risk, was encountered more frequently in premenopausal women with the risk genotypes STK15 F31I AA and AT. The genotypic frequencies observed in our Brazilian sample were similar to those described in other predominantly European populations.

Occupational therapy in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: an open-label trial

Occupational therapy (OT) is a profession concerned with promoting health and well-being through occupation, by enabling handicapped people to participate in the activities of everyday life. OT is part of the clinical rehabilitation of progressive genetic neurodegenerative diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxias; however, its effects have never been determined in these diseases. Our aim was to investigate the effect of OT on both physical disabilities and depressive symptoms of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) patients. Genomically diagnosed SCA3 patients older than 18 years were invited to participate in the study. Disability, as evaluated by functional independence measurement and Barthel incapacitation score, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), was determined at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Twenty-six patients agreed to participate in the study. All were treated because OT prevents blinding of a control group. Fifteen sessions of rehabilitative OT were applied over a period of 6 months. Difficult access to food, clothing, personal hygiene, and leisure were some of the main disabilities focused by these patients. After this treatment, disability scores and quality of life were stable, and the Hamilton scores for depression improved. Since no medication was started up to 6 months before or during OT, this improvement was related to our intervention. No association was found between these endpoints and a CAG tract of the MJD1 gene (CAGn), age, age of onset, or neurological scores at baseline (Spearman test). Although the possibly temporary stabilization of the downhill disabilities as an effect of OT remains to be established, its clear effect on depressive symptoms confirms the recommendation of OT to any patient with SCA3 or spinocerebellar ataxia.

Concepções de qualidade de ensino dos coordenadores de graduação: uma análise dos cursos de odontologia do Estado de São Paulo / An analysis of the concept of the quality of teaching among course coordinators in the Sao Paulo schools of dentistry

As novas demandas sociais e as diretrizes curriculares brasileiras para os cursos de odontologia colocam desafios à prática docente nas instituições de educação superior. Nesse contexto, investigam-se as concepções de qualidade de ensino universitário de professores que atuam como coordenadores de graduação nas faculdades de odontologia do Estado de São Paulo que possuem pós-graduação stricto-sensu, para refletir sobre os desafios da formação docente na área. Como instrumentos de levantamento de dados utilizou-se questionário, contendo perguntas abertas e fechadas e entrevista semi-estruturada, organizada para possibilitar o aprofundamento da discussão. Os dados foram descritos e discutidos mediante análise quantitativa e qualitativa, a partir das três dimensões da prática docente analisadas por Cunha (1995): político-estrutural, curricular e pedagógica. Para este artigo, focalizaram-se apenas os aspectos da dimensão pedagógica, na qual os pontos que expressam posturas mais contraditórias referem-se a métodos de ensino-aprendizagem, participação do aluno e tutoria. Os resultados apontam para concepções de ensino-aprendizagem que oscilam entre modelos tradicionais e inovadores, sinalizando pontos de conflito em relação a paradigmas que se articulam diretamente a questões curriculares e político-estruturais.

Desempenho comercial dos medicamentos genéricos, seus medicamentos de referência e similares em Farmácia Universitária, Belo Horizonte, 2000 / Sale performance of generic medicines, their reference and similar medicines in a University Pharmacy, Belo Horizonte, 2000

O estudo comparou o desempenho comercial de medicamentos genéricos com seus respectivos medicamentos de referência e similares, na Farmácia Universitária (F.U.) da UFMG. Utilizando relatório da curva ABC, foram selecionadas as dez apresentações de genéricos mais vendidas em 2000 e seus medicamentos de referência e similares comercializados na F.U. Avaliou-se o volume de vendas e o faturamento obtido para esse grupo de medicamentos. Observou-se aumento progressivo da participação dos genéricos nas vendas desse grupo. Em julho, os genéricos representaram 48 por cento do total dessas vendas e em dezembro, atingiram 70 por cento desse total. Coincidindo com a diminuição das vendas dos medicamentos de referência e similares, detectou-se uma queda de 34 por cento no faturamento para o conjunto de medicamentos estudados. Concluiu-se que essa queda vincula-se ao crescimento nas vendas dos genéricos, considerando o menor custo desses. Por outro lado, à medida que ocorra consolidação do mercado dos medicamentos genéricos essa situação deve mudar, pois se espera uma ampliação progressiva do acesso da população aos medicamentos e um conseqüente aumento nas vendas das farmácias.

Avaliaçäo de ensaios analíticos para detecçäo de coliformes fecais em queijo Minas / Evaluation of analytical methods for detecting of fecal coliforms in Minas cheese

Foram submetidas à pesquisa de coliformes fecais, utilizando-se a técnica do número mais provável (NMP/g), 168 amostras de variedades de queijo Minas (20 frescal, 48 canastra e 100 padronizado) coletadas em Belo Horizonte. Para a comparaçäo de diferentes ensaios em temperatura elevada, utilizou-se o caldo EC isoladamente, e caldos EC e triptofano em paralelo. Visando à pesquisa de indol foi realizado ensaio para confirmaçäo de produçäo de Beta-D-glucuronidase e indol em caldo fluorocult lauril sulfato. Os resultados demonstraram näo haver diferença estatística significativa entre as três metodologias utilizadas para a pesquisa de coliformes fecais, considerando os índices de aceitaçäo definidos pelos padröes legais de inspeçäo de queijo Minas. A facilidade de execuçäo do ensaio da Beta-D-glucuronidase em caldo fluorocult lauril sulfato, associada à confiabilidade dos resultados e demanda de tempo (reduçäo de 96 para até 48h), permitem sugeri-lo como método de escolha para enumeraçäo de coliformes em queijo Minas

Enumeraçäo de coliformes fecais e presença de Salmonella sp. em queijo Minas / Enumeration of fecal coliforms and presense of Salmonella sp. in Minas cheese

Foram submetidas à contagem de coliformes fecais e pesquisa de Salmonella sp. 168 amostras de variedades de queijo Minas (20 frescal, 48 canastra e 100 padronizado) coletadas em Belo Horizonte no período de 1995 a 1996. Foram adquiridos queijos com e sem registro no Serviço de Inspeçäo Federal (SIF) para avaliar a diferença de qualidade microbiológica. Os resultados evidenciaram ausência de Salmonella sp. em todas as amostras de queijo. Entretanto, verificou-se que 90 por cento das amostras de queijo Minas frescal, 81,2 por cento de Minas canastra e 52 por cento de Minas padronizado apresentavam elevada contagem de coliformes fecais, sendo essas superiores aos valores permitidos para inspeçäo.Näo houve diferença estatística significativa entre os queijos com e sem SIF com relaçäo aos resultados das análises microbiológicas de queijo Minas frescal padronizado

Arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency in healthy Brazilian individuals

Molecular alterations associated with arylsulfatase A pseudodeficiency (ASA-PD) were characterized by PCR and restriction endonuclease analysis in a sample of healthy individuals from Brazil. ASA activity was also assayed in all subjects. Two individuals homozygous for the N350S and 1524+95A->G mutations were detected, corresponding to a frequency of 1.17 percent (4 of 324 alleles). The individual frequency of the N350S mutation was 20.7 percent (71 of 342 alleles) and 7.9 percent (27 of 342 alleles) for the 1524+95A->G mutation. The frequency of the ASA-PD allele in our population was estimated to be 7.9 percent. This is the first report of ASA-PD allele frequency in a South American population. In addition, the methods used are effective and suitable for application in countries with limited resources. All patients with low ASA activity should be screened for ASA-PD as part of the diagnostic procotol for metachromatic leukodystrophy

Controle de reaçöes inespecíficas na detecçäo de diminutas quantidades de enterotoxinas estafilocócicas em ensaio de aglutinaçäo passiva reversa em látex / Control of nonspecific reactions on reversed passive latex agglutination assay (RPLA) for detecting nanogram quantities of staphylococcal enterotoxins

Quatorze linhagens de estafilococos coagulase negativos procedentes de cabras sadias da Espanha, consideradas baixo-produtoras de enterotoxinas quando testadas por ELISA, e uma cepa de Staphylococcus aureus isolada do queijo envolvido em intoxicaçäo alimentar foram avaliados por RPLA, após crescimento em diferentes meios de cultivo. Reaçöes inespecíficas ocorreram para todas as linhagens e näo puderam ser eliminadas pela adiçäo de soro normal de coelho, novilha, carneiro e cavalo, nem por tratamento térmico das amostras-teste a 70ºC por 30 minutos. Entretanto, 5 por cento (v/v) de IgG normal e purificada de coelho adicionada aos sobrenadantes de culturas eliminaram as reaçöes inespecíficas

Observacoes sobre o valor do eletroencefalograma rotineiro na deteccao de disturbios neuro-sensoriais predisponentes a acidentes do trabalho, em empregados de uma empresa distribuidora de energia eletrica. / Observations on the value of routine electroencephalographies in detection of neurosensorial disorders as a preventive measure against occupational accidents in workers of an electric power company

Os autores estudam o valor de eletroencefalograma, feito rotineiramente, como metodo preventivo contra acidentes do trabalho, em empregados de uma empresa distribuidora de energia eletrica. Apos analise de quatro grupos de empregados, a saber: empregados que sofreram acidentes do trabalho; - empregados em funcoes de alto risco; empregados com problemas neurologicos; e empregados sem problemas neurologicos e que nao sofreram acidentes do trabalho, - concluem que o eletroencefalograma rotineiro nao e um metodo adequado para a selecao de empregados com predisposicao a acidentes e nem para a deteccao de problemas neuro-sensoriais inaparentes

Novos parametros para avaliacao nutricional - investigacao preliminar. / New parameters for nutritional evaluation - preliminary research

As medidas antropometricas sao utilizadas correntemente na investigacao de adultos sadios ou hospitalizados. Com base no levantamento de 472 trabalhadores urbanos da regiao centro-sul do Brasil, sao expostos os resultados iniciais dos valores antropometricos encontrados, e realizadas comparacoes com tabelas correspondentes da literatura. Conclui-se que estes resultados exibiram menores discrepancias comparativamente as tabelas de peso/altura e composicao tissular do membro superior, propostas por Blackburn e col. em 1977 que com relacao a outras tabalas internacionais, preconizadas mais recentemente