Influência do Tratamento Quimioterápico no Comportamento Alimentar e Qualidade de Vida de Pacientes Oncológicos / Influence of Chemotherapy Treatment on Eating Behavior and Quality of Life of Oncologic Patients / Influencia del Tratamiento de Quimioterapia en el Comportamento Alimentario y Calidad de Vida de los Pacientes con Cáncer

Introdução: O câncer é uma doença de origem multifatorial, com crescimento irregular e descontrolado de células, cujo tratamento pode desencadear aversões alimentares e mudanças na qualidade de vida. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do tratamento quimioterápico no comportamento alimentar e na qualidade vida de pacientes oncológicos. Método: Estudo longitudinal e observacional, realizado de junho a outubro de 2018, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Os dados foram obtidos em dois momentos: T0, socioeconômicos, demográficos, clínicos, de comportamento alimentar e qualidade de vida; e T1, de comportamento alimentar e qualidade de vida. Foram utilizados os testes Shapiro-Wilk, t-Student e Wilcoxon; Pearson e Spearman com p< 0,05. Resultados: Dos 17 pacientes, a maioria era do sexo feminino (82,4%), média de 54,2 anos, renda familiar de um a dois salários mínimos (64,7%) e de etnia parda (76,5%). O câncer mais frequente foi o de mama (52,9%). Houve aversões alimentares em T1 para: "sopas e massas" (p=0,001), "carnes e peixes" (p=0,016), e "doces, sobremesas e aperitivos" (p=0,001). Houve diferença significativa na qualidade de vida quanto à medida global de saúde (p=0,001) e dificuldade financeira (p=0,026), assim também como nas correlações entre qualidade de vida e comportamento alimentar. Conclusão: Os resultados reforçam a necessidade de constante monitoramento nutricional desde o início do tratamento quimioterápico com o intuito de evitar e/ou reduzir suas repercussões negativas no estado nutricional e, consequentemente, na qualidade de vida. Além disso, a realização de mais estudos, com amostra e intervalo de tempo maiores, é necessária.

Introduction: Cancer is a multifactorial disease with uncontrolled cells growth, whose treatment can trigger food aversions and changes in quality of life. Objective: To evaluate the influence of chemotherapy treatment on eating behavior and quality of life of oncologic patients. Method: A longitudinal and observational study, carried out from June to October of 2018, at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Piauí. The data were obtained in two moments: T0, socioeconomic, demographic, clinical, food behavior and quality of life, and T1, food behavior and quality of life. The following tests were used: Shapiro-Wilk, t-Student and Wilcoxon; Pearson and Spearman, with p <0.05. Results: Of the 17 patients, the majority were females (82.4%), medium age of 54.2 years, family income of 1 to 2 minimum wages (64.7%) and ethnics, brown (76.5%). Breast cancer was the most frequent (52.9%). There were food aversions in T1, for "soups and pastas" (p=0.001), "meats and fish" (p=0.016), and "sweets, desserts and appetizers (p=0.001). There was a significant difference in quality of life regarding the general health status (p=0.001) and financial difficulty (p=0.026), as well as in correlations between quality of life and food behavior. Conclusion: The results reinforce the need of constant nutritional monitoring since the beginning of the chemotherapy in order to avoid and/or reduce the negative repercussions on the nutritional status and, consequently, on the quality of life. In addition, more studies with longer time ranges and larger samples are required.

Introducción: El cáncer es una enfermedad de origen multifactorial, con crecimiento descontrolado de células, cuyo tratamiento puede desencadenar aversiones alimenticias y cambios en la calidad de vida. Objetivo: Evaluar la influencia del tratamiento quimioterápico en el comportamiento alimentario y en la calidad de vida de pacientes oncológicos. Método: Estudio longitudinal y observacional, realizado de junio a octubre de 2018, en el Hospital Universitario de la Universidad Federal de Piauí. Los datos fueron obtenidos en dos momentos: T0, socioeconómicos, demográficos, clínicos, de comportamiento alimentario y calidad de vida y T1, de comportamiento alimentario y calidad de vida. Se utilizaron las pruebas: Shapiro-Wilk, t-Student y Wilcoxon; Pearson y Spearman, con p <0,05. Resultados: De los 17 pacientes, la mayoría eran mujeres (82,4%), promedio de 54,2 años, ingreso familiar de 1 a 2 salarios mínimos (64,7%) y de etnia parda (76,5%). El cáncer más frecuente fue el de mama (52,9%). Se observaron aversiones alimentarias en T1, para algunos grupos de alimentos. Se observó una diferencia significativa em la calidad de vida en cuanto a la medida global de salud (p=0,001) y dificultad financiera (p=0,026), así como las correlaciones entre calidad de vida y comportamiento alimentario. Conclusión: Los resultados refuerzan la necesidad de constante monitoreo nutricional desde el inicio del tratamiento quimioterápico con el fin de evitar y/o reducir lãs repercusiones negativas de este en el estado nutricional y en calidad de vida. Además, la realización de más estúdios com muestra e intervalo de tempo mayor, son necesarios.

Potential of natural repellents methylanthranilate and anthraquinone applied on maize seeds and seedlings against house sparrow (Passer domesticus) in captivity / Potencial de repelentes naturais, metilantranilato e antraquinona aplicados em sementes de milho e mudas contra o pardal (Passer domesticus) em cativeiro

Abstract Various bird pests caused severe economic losses to valuable crops and fruit orchards all over the world. Among the birds, house sparrow is also considered to cause heavy plunder, not only to seeds of crops but also seedlings especially in organic farming. In present study two bird repellents, methylanthranilate and anthraquinone tested against house sparrows on maize seeds and seedlings in aviary conditions. Trial group in aviary-I, the treated maize seeds and seedlings with different doses of both bird repellents, control group in aviary-II, untreated seeds and seedlings were provided for three hours in the early morning. In each aviary, two closed circuit cameras were also installed to monitor the behavioral responses against different concentrations of both chemical repellents. Statistical analysis showed that there existed highly significant (P<0.01) variations among the trial and control groups for seeds and seedlings. By comparing both repellents, significant (P<0.05) differences were detected and anthraquinone showed better efficacy when compared to methylanthranilate, but in maize seedlings both repellents equal repellent properties. Non-significant (P>0.05) differences were observed in different grading of both natural chemical repellents for maize seeds while significant (P<0.05) variations were noticed for maize seedlings when provided to sparrows. By videotaped behavior sparrows presented manifest head juddering and feather upsetting activities by consumption of treated seeds and seedlings with higher concentrations of both natural bird repellents.

Resumo Várias pragas de aves causaram graves perdas econômicas para cultivos valiosos e pomares de frutas em todo o mundo. Entre os pássaros, o pardal da casa também é considerado um grande saqueo, não só para as sementes das culturas, mas também para as mudas, especialmente na agricultura orgânica. No presente estudo, dois repelentes de aves, metilantranilato e antraquinona testados contra pardais de casa em sementes de milho e mudas em condições de aviário. O grupo de ensaio em aviary-I, as sementes de milho tratadas e as mudas com diferentes doses de repelentes de aves, grupo de controle em aviary-II, sementes não tratadas e mudas foram fornecidas por três horas no início da manhã. Em cada aviário, duas câmeras de circuito fechado também foram instaladas para monitorar as respostas comportamentais contra diferentes concentrações de ambos os repelentes químicos. A análise estatística mostrou que existiam variações altamente significativas (P<0,01) entre os grupos de teste e controle para sementes e mudas. Ao comparar os dois repelentes, detectaram-se diferenças significativas (P<0,05) e a antraquinona apresentou maior eficácia quando comparada ao metilantranilato, mas em mudas de milho, ambos os repelentes são iguais às propriedades repelentes. As diferenças não significantes (P>0,05) foram observadas em diferentes classificações de repelentes químicos naturais para sementes de milho, enquanto as variações significativas (P<0,05) foram observadas para as mudas de milho quando fornecidas aos pardais. Por um comportamento gravado em video, os pardais apresentaram manifestações de cabeça e vibrações de penas por consumo de sementes tratadas e mudas com maiores concentrações de repelentes de aves naturais.

Differential formononetin content in cultivars and experimental lines of red clover (Trifolium pratense L. ) plants affect the feeding behaviour of Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) / Contenido diferencial de formononetina en cultivares y líneas experimentales de plantas de trébol rosado (Trifolium pratense L. ) afecta la conducta alimenticia de Hylastinus obscurus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a perennial plant widely used as a forage resource for several animals. This plant is the exclusive host of Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham) which causes irreparable damages to the root system affecting their persistence. It has been reported that the presence of the isoflavonoid formononetin in roots of red clover could act as an antifeedant on H. obscurus. There are not studies related to the formononetin content in red clover roots to the antifeedant effect elicited by experimental lines and cultivar of red clover. Six red clover genotypes were investigated in both formononetin content and their respective antifeedant action. The results showed to Sabtoron High and Superqueli-INIA with both the highest formononetin content in red clover roots and antifeedant effect, allowing to suggest that this secondary metabolites could be used as a chemical factor for red clover plants. Moreover, a rapid methodology for searching red clover genotypes with high formononetin content is reported.

El trébol rosado (Trifolium pratense L.) es una planta perenne ampliamente utilizada como fuente de forraje de variados animales. Esta planta es el exclusivo hospedero de Hylastinus obscurus (Marsham) el cual causa irreparables daños al sistema radical afectando seriamente su persistencia. Se ha reportado que la presencia del isoflavonoide formononetina en raíces del trébol rosado podría actuar como antialimentario sobre H. obscurus. Actualmente no existen estudios que relacionen el contenido de formononetina en raíces de trébol rosado con el efecto antialimentario elicitado por líneas experimentales y cultivares de trébol rosado. Seis genotipos de esta leguminosa fueron evaluados en cuanto a su contenido de formononetina y actividad antialimentaria. Los resultados mostraron que los cultivares Sabtoron High y Superqueli-INIA presentaron altos niveles de formononetina en sus raíces y efecto antialimentario sobre H. obscurus, lo que permite sugerir que este metabolito secundario podría ser usado como factor químico para incrementar la persistencia de plantas de trébol rosado. Además, se informa una metodología rápida para la búsqueda de genotipos con altos contenidos de formononetina.

Dietary intake and eating behavior in depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users: a systematic review

Because of weight gain, women often discontinue hormonal contraception, especially depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Our objective was to conduct a systematic review of studies describing dietary intake or eating behavior in DMPA users to understand whether the use of DMPA is associated with changes in dietary habits and behaviors leading to weight gain. We searched the PubMed, POPLINE, CENTRAL Cochrane, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases for reports published in English between 1980 and 2017 examining dietary intake or eating behavior in healthy women in reproductive age and adolescents using DMPA (150 mg/mL). Of the 749 publications screened, we excluded 742 due to duplicates (96), not addressing the key research question (638), not reporting dietary intake data (4), and not evaluating the relationship of body weight and dietary or eating behaviors (4). We identified seven relevant studies, including one randomized placebo-controlled trial, one non-randomized paired clinical trial, and five cohort studies. The randomized trial found no association and the other reports were inconsistent. Findings varied from no change in dietary intake or eating behavior with DMPA use to increased appetite in the first six months of DMPA use. Few studies report dietary intake and eating behavior in DMPA users and the available data are insufficient to conclude whether DMPA use is associated with changes in dietary habits or behavior leading to weight gain.

Evaluación del efecto tóxico de la doramectina, la ivermectina y la eprinomectina sobre Triatoma infestans en un modelo de rata / Evaluation of the toxic effects of doramectin, ivermectin and eprinomectin against Triatoma infestans using a rat model

Resumen Introducción. La principal herramienta para el control de los triatominos, vectores de Trypanosoma cruzi, ha sido el uso masivo e intensivo de piretroides. La aparición de resistencia a estas moléculas ha planteado la necesidad de encontrar estrategias nuevas, alternativas y complementarias de control. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto tóxico de la ivermectina, la doramectina y la eprinomectina sobre Triatoma infestans y sus consecuencias en la alimentación con sangre en un modelo de roedor. Materiales y métodos. Se alimentaron ninfas de quinto estadio de T. infestans en distintos momentos sobre ratas Wistar tratadas previamente con doramectina, ivermectina, eprinomectina o dimetilsulfóxido (excipiente de control), administrados tópicamente o por vía oral. Se determinó el efecto de cada endectocida y del dimeltilsulfóxido en la cantidad de sangre ingerida, el volumen de excreciones y el porcentaje de mortalidad. Resultados. Únicamente la mortalidad de los insectos dependió del endectocida suministrado a las ratas y de la vía de administración utilizada. La doramectina causó mayor mortalidad (21,5 %) comparada con la ivermectina, la eprinomectina y el dimetilsulfóxido (16, 11 y 2,5 %, respectivamente), y la administración tópica fue más efectiva que la vía oral (23 Vs. 9,3 %). Conclusión. Los resultados obtenidos demuestran el efecto tóxico de los tres endectocidas en T. infestans. Su utilización en animales domiciliarios o que viven en el peridomicilio podría ser una interesante estrategia complementaria de la aspersión con piretroides para el control de T. infestans.

Abstract Introduction: Pyrethroids have been frequently and intensively used for controlling the triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi. The emergence of resistance to these insecticides has resulted in an urgent need to identify novel, alternative and complementary control strategies. Objective: To evaluate the toxic effects of ivermectin, doramectin and eprinomectin on the blood-feeding behaviour of Triatoma infestans using a rodent model. Materials and methods: Fifth instar nymphs of T. infestans were fed at different times on Wistar rats pretreated with doramectin, ivermectin, eprinomectin or dimethylsulfoxide (excipient control) topically or orally administered. We determined the effects of each insecticide and of dimethyl sulfoxide on the amount of ingested blood, the volume of faecal discharge, and the mortality rates in triatomines. Results: Only the rate of triatomine mortality was associated with the antiparasitic compounds administered and the route of administration utilized. Doramectin administration was associated with a higher mortality rate (21.5%) than ivermectin, eprinomectin and dimethylsulfoxide (16, 11 and 2.5%, respectively), and topical administration was found to be most effective for inducing mortality (23 vs. 9.3 %). Conclusion: These results demonstrate the toxic effects of the three assessed insecticides onT. infestans. The administration of ecto/endoparasiticides to domiciliary or peridomiciliary animals may serve as an interesting complementary strategy to the use of pyrethroids for the control of T. infestans.

Caffeine in Brazil: intake, socioeconomic and demographic determinants, and major dietary sources

Background: The objectives of the study were to describe caffeine intake by 10 years of age or older Brazilian individuals and to investigate possible associations with demographic and socioeconomic determinants as well as the major dietary sources. Methods: The data used are from the personal food consumption module (n= 34,003) of a country-representative household budget survey. Consumed foods and beverages were identified during the application of food diaries. Caffeine contents in food and beverage sources were obtained primarily in national publications. Multivariate regressions were calculated to assess the correlations between population factors and caffeine intake. Results: The daily intake per person was estimated as 115.7 mg, ranging from 84.7 mg, for 10­13 years of age children and adolescents, to 139.8 mg, for individuals with no education. The percentage of individuals whom diet reveals daily caffeine intake higher than 400 mg is up to 3.0 %, according to age groups. Males and individuals living in the Northeast or South regions or in the states of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo are likely to ingest higher contents of the substance. The major dietary sources are coffee (63.1 %) and coffee with milk (24.9 %), cola soft drinks (3.6 %) and yerba mate (1.9 %).Conclusions: Caffeine intake in Brazil is below the recommended limit reference value for adults, and the percentage of individuals whom diet reveals excessive content of caffeine is low. Thus, excessive caffeine intake may not be a health issue in Brazil and depends on the domicile and gender. The major source in the Brazilian diet is coffee.

Efectividad de repelentes comerciales disponibles contra el mosquito Aedes aegypti (L ) en Yucatán, México / Effectiveness of commercial repellents against Aedes aegypti (L ) in Yucatan, México

Resumen: Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia de repelentes comerciales disponibles en Yucatán contra el mosquito Aedes aegypti, vector del dengue, Chikungunya y Zika. Material y métodos: Se determinó el tiempo de protección con base en el protocolo WHO/CTD/WHOPES/IC y la NOM-032-SSA2-2014. Resultados: Sólo el repelente con DEET (N, N-dietil-3-metilbenzamida) al 25% cumplió con la protección recomendada. La eficacia fue directamente proporcional a la concentración del DEET; aquéllos con componentes botánicos fueron poco o nada protectores. Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran que los repelentes con DEET proveen protección contra Ae. Aegypti; los repelentes botánicos, incluyendo las pulseras impregnadas, ofrecen nula protección.

Abstract: Objective: We assessed the efficacy of commercial repellents available in Yucatan against Aedes aegypti, vector of dengue, Chikungunya and Zika. Materials and methods: Protection time was determined based on WHO/CTD/ WHOPES/IC y la NOM-032-SSA2-20I4. Results: Products with DEET (N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) at 25% met the recommended protection. Efficacy was directly proportional to the concentration of DEET; botanicals repellents resulted no protective. Conclusions: Repellents with DEET provided more protection against Ae. aegypti and botanical repellents, including impregnated wristbands, provided no protection.

Effects of water-soluble fraction of petroleum on growth and prey consumption of juvenile Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae) / Efeitos da fração solúvel de petróleo no crescimento e consumo em juvenis de Hoplias aff. malabaricus (Osteichthyes: Erythrinidae)

Abstract The influence of the water-soluble fraction of petroleum (WSF) on prey consumption and growth of juvenile trahira Hoplias aff. malabaricus was investigated. Juveniles were submitted to either WSF or Control treatment over 28 days, and jewel tetra Hyphessobrycon eques adults were offered daily as prey for each predator. Total prey consumption ranged from 16 to 86 individuals. Despite the initially lower prey consumption under WSF exposure, there were no significant differences in overall feeding rates between the two treatments. Water-soluble fraction of petroleum had a negative effect on the growth in length of H. aff. malabaricus juveniles. Although unaffected, prey consumption suggested a relative resistance in H. aff. malabaricus to WSF exposition and the lower growth of individuals exposed to WSF than the Control possibly reflects metabolic costs. The implications of the main findings for the individual and the food chain are discussed, including behavioral aspects and the role played by this predator in shallow aquatic systems.

Resumo A influência da fração solúvel de petróleo (FSP) no consumo de presas e crescimento de juvenis da traíra Hoplias aff. malabaricus foi investigada. Os juvenis foram submetidos aos tratamentos FSP e Controle durante 28 dias, e adultos de matogrosso Hyphessobrycon eques foram oferecidos diariamente como presa para cada predador. O total de presas consumidas variou de 16 a 86 indivíduos. Apesar do menor consumo inicial de presas sob exposição de FSP, não houve diferenças significativas nas taxas de consumo entre os dois tratamentos. A FSP teve um efeito negativo no crescimento em tamanho de juvenis de H. aff. malabaricus. Embora a ausência de efeito no consumo de presas sugira uma relativa resistência de H. aff. malabaricus à exposição à FSP, o menor crescimento em tamanho dos indivíduos expostos ao poluente reflete possivelmente custos metabólicos. As implicações dos principais resultados nos níveis do organismo e da cadeia alimentar são discutidos, incluindo aspectos comportamentais e o papel desempenhado por este predador em ecossistemas aquáticos rasos.

Asociación entre edulcorantes no nutritivos y riesgo de obesidad en estudiantes universitarios de Latinoamérica / Association between non-nutritive sweeteners and obesity risk among university students in Latin America

Background: The association between non-nutritive sweeteners and obesity is controversial. Aim: To determine whether the consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners is related to higher risk for overweight or obesity among university students in Chile, Panama, Guatemala and Peru. Material and Methods: A total of 1,224 (472 from Chile, 300 from Panama, 248 from Guatemala and 204 from Peru) male and female university students aged between 18 and 26 years participated in the study. Each student reported their food intake (frequency of weekly consumption) in a survey that contained photos of foods containing non-nutritive sweeteners adapted for each country. Anthropometry was also measured. Results: More than 80% of students consumed at least one product containing non-nutritive sweeteners. Females who ate acesulfame potassium and sucralose had a lower risk of overweight or obesity with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.5 (confidence intervals (CI) = 0.3-0.9; p = 0.003) and OR = 0.4 (IC = 0.2-0.8; p = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: In this sample of Latinamerican university students, consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners was associated with lower risk of overweight only in females.

Total clipless cholecystectomy by means of harmonic sealing / Colecistectomia laparoscópica totalmente ultrassônica sem uso de clipe metálico

BACKGROUND: In traditional laparoscopic cholecistectomy, the cystic duct and artery are commonly closed by metallic clips just before their division. Although the placement of these clips for occluding cystic artery and duct can be considered safe, biliary leaks and bleeding may occur especially by its dislodgement. AIM: To report a prospective case-series in total clipless cholecystectomy by means of harmonic shears for closure and division of the artery and cystic duct as well removal of the gallbladder from the liver. METHODS: Was evaluate a series of 125 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy where the sealing and division of cystic artery and duct was carried out only by harmonic shears. The intact extracted gallbladder was submitted to a reverse pressure test for assessment of the technique safety by means of CO2 insuflation. RESULTS: The most common indication for surgery was gallstones. The mean operative time was 26 min and all gallbladders were dissected intact from the liver bed. There was no mortality and the overall morbidity rate was 0.8% with no hemorrhage or leaks. The reverse pressure test showed that all specimens support at least 36-mmHg of pressure without leaking. CONCLUSION: The harmonic shears is effective and safe in laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a sole instrument for sealing and division of the artery and cystic duct. The main advantages could be related to the safety and decreased operative time. .

RACIONAL: A colecistectomia laparoscópica na técnica tradicional oclui o ducto cístico e a artéria cística por clipes cirúrgicos, que podem se deslocar ou desprender no pós-operatório, possibilitando a ocorrência de fístula biliar ou hemorragia. OBJETIVO: Relato prospectivo de série de casos de colecistectomias laparoscópicas sem uso de clipe cirúrgico, sendo que a ligadura e secção da artéria cística e do ducto cístico foram realizadas por meio de bisturi ultrassônico. MÉTODO: Foram incluídos 125 pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia laparoscópica sem utilização de clipe cirúrgico metálico, onde a ligadura da artéria e do ducto cístico e também a remoção da vesícula biliar de seu leito hepático foram realizadas por meio de tesoura ultrassônica. Realizou-se teste de pressão reversa na vesícula biliar removida intacta do leito hepático para verificar a segurança da técnica. RESULTADOS: A principal indicação cirúrgica foi a colelitíase. O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 26 min e todas as vesículas biliares foram retiradas intactas do leito hepático. Não houve mortalidade e a taxa global de morbidade foi de 0,8%, sem hemorragias ou fístulas. O teste de pressão reversa mostrou que o ducto cístico ocluído pelo bisturi harmônico suportou ao pelo menos 36 mmHg de pressão sem que ocorresse nenhum vazamento. CONCLUSÃO: O bisturi harmônico é eficaz e seguro em colecistectomias laparoscópicas eletivas como um instrumento único para ocluir e seccionar tanto a artéria cística quanto o ducto cístico. Vantagens podem ser apontadas ao método com relação a sua segurança e diminuição do tempo cirúrgico. .

EVALUATION OF THE MOLLUSCICIDAL POTENTIAL OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS OF Jatropha gossypiifolia Linnaeus, 1753 ON Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) / Avaliação do potencial moluscicida de extratos hidroalcoólicos do caule, folhas e frutos de Jatropha gossypiifolia Linnaeus, 1753 em Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818)

The action of extracts from the stem, leaves, and fruit of Jatropha gossypiifolia on Biomphalaria glabrata was studied by analyzing survival, feeding capacity and oviposition ability. The extracts were obtained by macerating the plant parts in 92% ethanol, which were then evaporated until a dry residue was obtained and phytochemically studied. The molluscicidal activity on B. glabrata was investigated using the procedures recommended by WHO (1965). The amount of food ingested and oviposition were measured during each experiment. The extract of leaves from J. gossypiifolia was shown to be a strong molluscicidal agent, causing 100% mortality of B. glabrata, even in the lowest concentration tested, of 25 ppm. Regarding the fruit extract, there was variation in the mortality, depending on the concentration used (100, 75, 50 and 25 ppm). The snails that were in contact with the fruit extract had significant reduction in feeding and number of embryos in comparison to the control. The stem extract did not present molluscicidal activity nor had any influence on the feeding and oviposition abilities of B. glabrata, in the concentrations tested. In conclusion, the extracts of leaves and fruits of J. gossypiifolia investigated in this work show molluscicidal effect and may be sources of useful compounds for the schistosomiasis control.

Estudou-se a ação dos extratos do caule, folhas e frutos de Jatropha gossypiifolia (Pinhão-roxo) sobre Biomphalaria glabrata analisando a sobrevivência, capacidade alimentar e de oviposição. Os extratos foram obtidos pela maceração das partes do vegetal em álcool etílico 92%, evaporados até obter-se um resíduo seco e estudados fitoquimicamente. A atividade moluscicida em B. glabrata seguiu os procedimentos recomendados pela WHO (1965). A medida de quantidade de alimento ingerido e a oviposição foi realizada durante cada experimento. O extrato das folhas de J. gossypiifolia mostrou-se um forte agente moluscicida, promovendo 100% de mortalidade de B. glabrata mesmo na menor concentração testada, 25 ppm. Com o extrato dos frutos houve variação na mortalidade, de acordo com a concentração utilizada (100, 75, 50 e 25 ppm). Os caramujos em contato com o extrato dos frutos apresentaram quando comparado ao controle uma diminuição significativa nos comportamentos alimentares e de número de embriões. O extrato do caule não apresentou atividade moluscicida e nenhuma influência sobre a capacidade alimentar e de oviposição de B. glabrata nas concentrações testadas. Em conclusão, os extratos de folhas e frutos de J. gossypiifolia investigados neste trabalho apresentam efeito moluscicida e possivelmente podem ser fontes de compostos no controle da esquistossomose.

Examining the side effects of sucrose for pain relief in preterm infants: a case-control study

Sucrose solution is recommended as relevant pain relief management in neonates during acute painful procedures; however, only a few studies have analyzed the potentially adverse effects of sucrose administration to preterm neonates. The goal of this study was to examine the potential side effects of sucrose for pain relief in preterm infants, assessing feeding and weight gain during hospitalization and their feeding patterns postdischarge. The study sample consisted of 43 preterm neonates divided into two groups: a sucrose group (SG, n=18) and a control group (CG, n=25) in which no sucrose was administered. The SG received 0.5 mL/kg 25% oral sucrose for 2 min prior to all acute painful procedures during three consecutive days. A prospective review of medical charts was performed for all samples. The study was done prior to implementation of the institutional sucrose guidelines as a routine service, and followed all ethical requirements. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of weight gain, length of stay with orogastric tubes, and parenteral feeding. Postdischarge, infant nutritional intake included feeding human milk to 67% of the SG and 74% of the CG. There were no statistically significant differences between groups regarding human milk feeding patterns postdischarge. Neonate feeding patterns and weight gain were unaffected following the short-term use of sucrose for pain relief.

Healing effects of Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa fruit extract on experimental colitis.

Graded doses of 50% ethanolic extract of dried fruit pulp of Aegle marmelos (AME) (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) daily for 14 days in acetic acid (AA)-induced colitis in rats showed 200 mg/kg of AME as an optimal effective dose against AA-induced colonic damage score and weight. This dose (200 mg/kg; po) was further studied in AA-induced colitis for its effects on various physical (mucous/blood in stool, food and water intake and body weight changes), histology, antibacterial activity and biochemical parameters like free radicals (nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation), antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase and reduced glutathione) and myeloperoxidase (acute-inflammatory marker) activities in rat colonic tissue. AME decreased colonic mucosal damage and inflammation (macroscopic and microscopic), mucous/bloody diarrhea, fecal frequency and increased body weight affected in AA-induced colitis. AME showed significant antibacterial activity and enhanced the antioxidants but decreased free radicals and myeloperoxidase activities thereby decreasing tissue damage and inflammation and thus, affording ulcer healing. The above effects of A. marmelos authenticated its use in indigenous system of Medicine.

High gender -specific susceptibility to curare- a neuromuscular blocking agent

Curare, a selective skeletal muscle relaxant, has been used clinically to reduce shivering and as an anesthetic auxiliary in abdominal surgery. It is also widely used in animal experiments to block neuromuscular junction activity. Effective doses of curare diminish muscle contraction without affecting brain function, but at higher doses it is known to be lethal. However, the exact dose of curare initiating muscle relaxation vs. lethal effect has not been fully characterized in mice. In this study we carefully examined the dose-response for achieving muscle inactivity over lethality in both male and female mice (C57BL6/J). The most striking finding of this study is that female mice were highly susceptible to curare; both the EDm and LDm were at least 3-fold lower than male littermates. This study shows that gender-specific differences can be an important factor when administering skeletal muscle relaxants, particularly curare or other analogous agents targeted to the neuromuscular junction.

Effect of the combination of metformin and fenofibrate on glucose homeostasis in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki rats

Metformin has been reported to increase the expression of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor in pancreatic beta cells in a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-alpha-dependent manner. We investigated whether a PPARalpha agonist, fenofibrate, exhibits an additive or synergistic effect on glucose metabolism, independent of its lipid-lowering effect, when added to metformin. Non-obese diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats were divided into four groups and treated for 28 days with metformin, fenofibrate, metformin plus fenofibrate or vehicle. The random blood glucose levels, body weights, food intake and serum lipid profiles were not significantly different among the groups. After 4 weeks, metformin, but not fenofibrate, markedly reduced the blood glucose levels during oral glucose tolerance tests, and this effect was attenuated by adding fenofibrate. Metformin increased the expression of the GLP-1 receptor in pancreatic islets, whereas fenofibrate did not. During the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests with the injection of a GLP-1 analog, metformin and/or fenofibrate did not alter the insulin secretory responses. In conclusion, fenofibrate did not confer any beneficial effect on glucose homeostasis but reduced metformin's glucose-lowering activity in GK rats, thus discouraging the addition of fenofibrate to metformin to improve glycemic control.

The effect of melanocortin (Mc3 and Mc4) antagonists on serotonin-induced food and water intake of broiler cockerels

The current study was designed to examine the effects of intracerebroventricular injections of SHU9119 [a nonselective melanocortin receptor (McR) antagonist] and MCL0020 (a selective McR antagonist) on the serotonin-induced eating and drinking responses of broiler cockerels deprived of food for 24 h (FD24). For Experiment 1, the chickens were intracerebroventricularly injected with 2.5, 5, and 10 microg serotonin. In Experiment 2, the chickens received 2 nmol SHU9119 before being injected with 10 microg serotonin. For Experiment 3, the chickens were given 10 microg serotonin after receiving 2 nmol MCL0020, and the level of food and water intake was determined 3 h post-injection. Results of this study showed that serotonin decreased food intake but increased water intake among the FD24 broiler cockerels and that these effects occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of serotonin on food intake was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with SHU9119 and MCL0020. However, the stimulatory effect of serotonin on water intake was not altered by this pretreatment. These results suggest that serotonin hypophagia and hyperdipsia were mediated by different mechanisms in the central nervous system, and that serotonin required downstream activation of McRs to promote hypophagia but not hyperdipsia in the FD24 chickens.

Phagodeterrence by Quassia amara (Simaroubaceae) wood extract fractions on Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae

In Latin America and the Caribbean, precious wood species like mahoganies (Swietenia spp.) and cedars (Cedrela spp.) are seriously injured by the mahogany shootborer, Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larva, which bores into the main shoot of trees. In previous experiments focused on searching for a preventive method for managing this pest, a wood extract of bitterwood, Quassia amara L. ex Blom (Simaroubaceae) had been shown to cause phagodeterrence to larvae. Therefore, three fractions (water, methanol and diethyl ether) of a wood extract were tested for their phagodeterrence to larvae, by means of laboratory and greenhouse trials. Phagodeterrence was assessed by determining their effect on foliage consumption, mortality and signs of damage (number of orifices, sawdust piles, fallen shoots, number of tunnels and tunnel length) caused by larvae on Spanish cedar (C. odorata). Both the methanol and diethyl ether fractions caused phagodeterrence, by strongly reducing foliage consumption and signs of damage, while not causing larval mortality. The lowest concentration at which phagodeterrence was detected for the methanol fraction corresponded to 0.0625%, which is equivalent to a 1.0% of the bitterwood crude extract. However, results with the diethyl ether fraction were unsatisfactory, as none of the treatments differed from the solvent, possibly because of an adverse effect of the solvent on foliar tissues. Phagodeterrent principles from Q. amara derivatives may play an important role in dealing with H. grandella if they are complemented with other integrated pest management preventative tactics. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (1): 487-499. Epub 2011 March 01.

En América Latina y el Caribe, algunas especies que son fuente de maderas preciosas, como las caobas (Swietenia spp.) y cedros (Cedrela spp.), son seriamente dañadas por la larva de Hypsipyla grandella, la cual barrena el brote principal de los árboles. En experimentos previos orientados hacia la búsqueda de un método preventivo para manejar esta plaga, un extracto de la madera de hombre grande, Quassia amara (Simaroubaceae), había demostrado causar fagodisuasión a la larva. Por tanto, tres fracciones de un extracto de la madera de dicho árbol (agua, metanol y éter dietílico) fueron evaluadas en cuanto a su efecto fagodisuasivo sobre las larvas, mediante experimentos de laboratorio e invernadero. Dicho efecto se determinó según el consumo de follaje, la mortalidad y los signos de daño (número de orificios, montículos, brotes caídos, número y longitud de túneles) causados por las larvas en arbolitos de cedro amargo (C. odorata). Tanto la fracción de metanol como la de éter dietílico causaron fagodisuasión, pues redujeron fuertemente el consumo de follaje y los signos de daño, sin matar las larvas. La menor concentración de la fracción metanólica a la cual se detectó fagodisuasión correspondió a 0.0625%, la cual equivale al 1.0% del extracto crudo de hombre grande. Por su parte, los resultados con la fracción de éter dietílico fueron insatisfactorios, ya que ninguna de las concentraciones difirió del disolvente, quizás debido a un efecto adverso del mismo sobre los tejidos foliares. Los principios fagodisuasivos de los derivados Q. amara podrían jugar un papel importante para manejar a H. grandella, si fueran complementados con otras tácticas preventivas de manejo integrado de plagas.

Perfil nutricional, dietético e qualidade de vida de pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico / Nutritional, dietary profile and quality of life of cancer patients in chemotherapist treatment

Introdução: Os tratamentos oncológicos podem provocar consequências nutricionais, físicas, emocionais e sociais. A quimioterapia utiliza compostos químicos para eliminar células tumorais do organismo. Objetivo: Verificar o perfil nutricional, dietético e avaliar a qualidade de vida de pacientes em tratamento quimioterápico. Materiais e métodos: Estudo transversal e descritivo com 20 pacientes. Foi realizada avaliação antropométrica, questionário de frequência alimentar e qualidade de vida (EORTC QLQ-C30). Resultados: Constatou-se uma prevalência de sobrepeso pelo IMC, porém outros parâmetros identificaram risco nutricional. Foi observada também uma perda de peso significativa em 75% dos pacientes e um aumento de peso em mulheres com câncer de mama. O consumo alimentar demonstrou baixa ingestão de alimentos protetores dessa patologia. O que mais afetou a qualidade de vida foram sintomas gastrointestinais, fadiga e dificuldade de realizar atividades. Conclusão: Pacientes demonstraram risco nutricional e consumo alimentar não satisfatório. Percebeu-se que o câncer tem grande impacto na qualidade de vida desses pacientes.

Introduction: cancer treatments may cause harmful nutritional, physical, emotional and social. Chemotherapy uses chemicals to remove tumor cells from the body. Objective: To assess the nutritional status, diet and evaluate the quality of life of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study with 20 patients and descriptive. The anthropometric measurements, food frequency questionnaire and quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: We found a prevalence of overweight by BMI, but other parameters identified nutritional risk. There was also a significant weight loss in 75% of patients and weight gain in women with breast cancer. Food consumption showed low intake of protective foods such pathology. The most affected the quality of life were gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue and difficulty in performing activities. Conclusion: Patients demonstrated nutritional risk and dietary intake is not satisfactory. It was felt that the cancer has great impact on quality of life of patients.

Fagodisuasión de un extracto de ruda (Ruta chalepensis, Rutaceae) y sus particiones sobre larvas de Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Phagodeterrence by a crude extract of common rue (Ruta chalepensis, Rutaceae) and its partitions on Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) larva is maybe the main forest pest in Latin America and the Caribbean, as it bores into the main shoot of trees providing precious woods, such as mahoganies (Swietenia spp.) and cedars (Cedrela spp.). In the search for a preventative method for managing it, the crude leaf extract of common rue (Ruta chalepensis L.), as well as four partitions thereof (water, hexane, dichlorometane, and ethyl acetate), were tested for phagodeterrence. Laboratory bioassays involved increasing concentrations of the crude extract (0.1, 0.32, 1.0, 3.20 and 10.0%w/v) as well as each one of the partitions (in accordance to the yield obtained from the partitioning process), plus rutin, a flavone glycosid. A randomized complete block design, with four replicates, was used. H. grandella instar III larvae were exposed for 24 h to cedar (Cedrela odorata) leaf discs dipped into the respective treatment, after which disc consumption was measured. Strong phagodeterrence was detected at concentrations as low as 0.32 and 0.074%w/v for the crude extract and the hexane partitions, respectively; the ethyl acetate (0.24%w/v) and the water partition (for all of its concentrations), as well as the rutin (starting at 0.064%w/v), caused phagodeterrence, too. Moreover, the crude extract was submitted to a phytochemical screening by means of a number of qualitative tests, to determine possible metabolites causing phagodeterrence, the most important being alkaloids, triterpenes, coumarins and rutin. A particular phytochemical screening was carried out for the hexane partition, which was the most active. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 1-14. Epub 2010 March 01.

La larva de Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) es quizás la principal plaga forestal en América Latina y el Caribe, por perforar el brote principal de árboles de maderas reciosas, como caobas (Swietenia spp.) y cedros (Cedrela spp.). En la búsqueda de un método preventivo para su manejo, se estudió la actividad fagodisuasiva del extracto crudo y de cuatro particiones fitoquímicas (agua, hexano, diclorometano y acetato de etilo) del follaje de ruda (Ruta chalepensis L.). Se realizaron bioensayos de laboratorio con concentraciones crecientes del extracto crudo (0.1; 0.32; 1.0; 3.20 y 10.0%m/v) y con cada una de las particiones (según el rendimiento del proceso de particionamiento), así como con el glicósido flavónico rutina. Para ello se empleó un diseño de bloques completamente al azar, con cuatro repeticiones y se expusieron larvas de instar III de H. grandella a discos de cedro (Cedrela odorata) impregnados con el respectivo tratamiento, por 24h. Se midió el porcentaje de consumo de cada disco. Hubo un fuerte efecto fagodisuasivo en el extracto crudo y en la partición hexano, a concentraciones tan bajas como 0.32% y 0.074% m/v, respectivamente; las particiones de acetato de etilo (0.24%m/v) y la acuosa (en todas sus concentraciones), así como la rutina (a partir del 0.064%m/v) también causaron fagodisuasión. Además, se realizó un tamizaje fitoquímico del extracto crudo, utilizando varias pruebas cualitativas para detectar la presencia de los principales grupos de metabolitos secundarios, entre los cuales los más importantes fueron alcaloides, triterpenos, cumarinas y la rutina. Asimismo, se realizó una marcha fitoquímica a la partición hexano, por ser la más activa.

Actividad fagodisuasiva y sistémica de una formulación derivada de un extracto de ruda (Ruta chalepensis, Rutaceae) sobre larvas de Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Phagodeterrent and systemic activity of a fomulation derived from an extract of common rue (Ruta chalepensis, Rutaceae) on Hypsipyla grandella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae. A key neotropical pest of mahoganies (Swietenia spp.) and cedars (Cedrela spp.), the larva of Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller) commonly bores into the main shoot of these valuable timber species, causing forking of the stems. Therefore, it would be desirable to count upon a phagodeterrent and systemic product which could readily protect young tissues. Since crude extracts of common rue foliage (Ruta chalepensis L.) have phagodeterrent activity on H. grandella larva, a product was formulated by combining such an extract with a number of coadjuvants, and was assessed on 75-100cm tall Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) trees, inside a greenhouse. A completely randomized design was used, with 10 trees per each one of the following treatments: the formulated product, an absolute control (distilled water), a relative control (carbofuran, 1%m/v in water), and the relative control without the crude extract. Number of attacks to the main shoot, fallen leaves and frass piles were recorded, as well as tunnel length. Regarding these variables, the formulated product provided excellent protection to treated trees, with only 0.1 attacks to the main shoot, on the average, at the end of the evaluation period. Likewise, when the systemic activity of the crude extract was assessed, substances present in it were able to translocate and get assimilated by the trees, thereafter causing phagodeterrence to larvae. Finally, an espectrophotometry analysis (performed at a wavelength of 355nm) allowed us to determine the concentration (403±1mg/l) and percentage (0.40%) of the flavonoid rutin in the crude extract, which eventually may be used as an analytical marker compound, should an industrial formulation be developed. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (1): 15-29. Epub 2010 March 01.

Para el manejo de Hypsipyla grandella (Zeller), cuya larva barrena el brote principal de caobas (Swietenia spp.) y cedros (Cedrela spp.), sería deseable contar con un producto fagodisuasivo y con buena actividad sistémica, para que proteja rápidamente los tejidos jóvenes. Por tanto, conociendo que un extracto crudo del follaje de ruda (Ruta chalepensis L.) posee actividad fagodisuasiva contra dicho insecto, se formuló un producto combinando dicho extracto con varios coadyuvantes, y se evaluó en árboles de cedro amargo (Cedrela odorata L.) de 75- 100cm de altura, en un invernadero. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar, con 10 árboles por cada tratamiento, los que correspondieron al producto formulado, a un testigo absoluto (agua destilada), un testigo relativo (carbofurán al 1%m/v en agua) y el testigo relativo a la formulación sin el extracto crudo. Las variables medidas fueron los ataques al brote principal, el número de hojas caídas, el número de montículos y la longitud de los túneles. Para dichas variables, el producto formulado aportó excelente protección a los árboles tratados, con apenas 0.1 ataques al brote principal, en promedio, al final del período de evaluación. Asimismo, al evaluar la actividad sistémica del extracto, las sustancias presentes en él pudieron desplazarse y ser asimiladas por los árboles, causando fagodisuasión en las larvas. Finalmente, el análisis espectrofotométrico (a una longitud de onda de 355nm) permitió determinar la concentración (403±1mg/l) y el porcentaje (0.40%) del flavonoide rutina en el extracto crudo, lo cual eventualmente podría utilizarse como un compuesto marcador analítico, si llegara a desarrollarse una formulación industrial.