Atividade educativa on-line sobre aleitamento materno para conhecimento de agentes comunitários de saúde: estudo quase-experimental / Online educational activity on breastfeeding to improve the knowledge of community health workers: a quasi-experimental study / Actividad educativa on-line sobre lactancia materna para mejorar los conocimientos de los agentes de salud comunitarios: estudio cuasi experimental

Objetivo: avaliar a efetividade de atividade educativa on line sobre aleitamento materno (AM) para conhecimento cognitivo de agentes comunitários de saúde (ACS). Métodos: estudo quase-experimental, realizado com agentes comunitários de saúde. Aplicou-se, previamente, teste do conhecimento sobre aleitamento materno. Em seguida, os participantes foram submetidos à atividade educativa on-line teórica e prática. Posteriormente, foi aplicado o pós-teste. Resultados: a amostra foi constituída por 53 profissionais. A atividade se mostrou efetiva, pois foi capaz de melhorar o conhecimento cognitivo dos profissionais sobre o aleitamento materno. Houve estatística significativa nas variáveis sobre fisiologia (p<0,001) e benefícios da amamentação (p<0,003), posição para amamentar (p<0,002), intervalos entre as mamadas (p<0,001), intercorrências mamárias (p<0,001) e conservação do leite (p<0,005). Conclusão: a estratégia educativa on-line obteve efetividade na melhora do conhecimento cognitivo dos ACS sobre AM em todos os aspectos abordados. Destacam-se evidências estatísticas referentes à diferença entre o conhecimento cognitivo prévio e o conhecimento posterior à atividade educativa on-line nas variáveis sobre fisiologia e benefícios da amamentação, técnica de amamentação, intervalos entre as mamadas, intercorrências mamárias e conservação do leite.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy of an online educational activity on breastfeeding (BF) for the cognitive knowledge of community health agents (CHAs). Methods: quasi-experimental study, carried out with community health agents. Previously, a knowledge test on breastfeeding was applied. Then, the participants were submitted to the theoretical and practical online educational activity. Subsequently, the post-test was applied. Results: the sample consisted of 53 professionals. The activity proved to be effective, as it was able to improve the professionals' cognitive knowledge about breastfeeding. There were significant statistics in the variables on physiology (p<0.001) and benefits of breastfeeding (p<0.003), breastfeeding position (p<0.002), intervals between feedings (p<0.001), breast complications (p<0.001) and conservation of milk (p<0.005). Conclusion: the online educational strategy was effective in improving the CHAs' cognitive knowledge about BF in all aspects addressed. Statistical evidence is highlighted regarding the difference between prior cognitive knowledge and knowledge after the online educational activity in the variables on physiology and benefits of breastfeeding, breastfeeding technique, intervals between feedings, breast complications and milk conservation.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia de una actividad educativa online sobre lactancia materna para el conocimiento cognitivo de los agentes de salud comunitarios. Métodos: estudio cuasi experimental, realizado con agentes de salud comunitarios. Previamente, se aplicó una prueba de conocimientos sobre lactancia materna, tras lo cual, los participantes fueron sometidos a una actividad educativa teórica y práctica en línea y, posteriormente, se aplicó una pos prueba. Resultados: la muestra estaba formada por 53 profesionales. La actividad demostró ser eficaz porque consiguió mejorar los conocimientos cognitivos de los profesionales sobre la lactancia materna. Hubo estadísticas significativas en las variables sobre fisiología (p<0,001) y beneficios de la lactancia (p<0,003), posición para amamantar (p<0,002), intervalos entre tomas (p<0,001), complicaciones mamarias (p<0,001) y conservación de la leche (p<0,005). Conclusiones: la estrategia educativa online fue eficaz para mejorar los conocimientos cognitivos de los TSC sobre LM en todos los aspectos abordados. Destacamos la evidencia estadística respecto a la diferencia entre los conocimientos cognitivos antes y después de la actividad educativa online en las variables sobre fisiología y beneficios de la lactancia materna, técnica de lactancia, intervalos entre tomas, complicaciones mamarias y conservación de la leche.(AU)

Hypertriglyceridemia promotes dysfunctions in high-density lipoprotein increasing the cardiovascular risk

Abstract Hypertriglyceridemia is associated with several metabolic diseases. The triglycerides (TG) disrupt the cholesterol reverse transport and contribute to increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) acts in cholesterol reverse transport as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This study aims to investigate the role of hypertriglyceridemia in the functionality of HDL. Individuals were divided into 4 groups based on high or low HDL-c and triglycerides levels. Biochemical and anthropometric analysis were performed. This study demonstrated that triglycerides promote dysfunctions on HDL, increasing the cardiovascular risk. Blood pressure was higher in subjects with low HDL. Women presented higher levels of HDL-c and low percentage of fat mass. The highest levels of triglycerides were observed in older age. In addition, high levels of triglycerides were associated with higher total cholesterol and LDL-c levels, non-HDL-c, non-esterified fatty acids, and blood glucose, increasing in the ratio of non-HDL-c/HDL-c and ApoB/ApoA-I. The increase of triglycerides levels progressively impairs the antioxidant capacity of HDL, probably due to a higher occurrence of fatty acid peroxidation in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. Patients with high HDL and low TG levels increased the Lag Time. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between TG versus HDL particle size, variables that depend on age and anthropometric parameters.

Tyramine exerts hypolipidemic and anti-obesity effects in vivo

Abstract Obesity and dyslipidemia are conditions often associated with cardiovascular risk, inflammation, oxidative stress, and death. Thus, a new approach has been highlighted to promote research and development of pharmacological tools derived from natural sources. Among the most widely studied groups of substances, polyphenols such as tyramine stand out. This study investigated hypolipidemic and anti-obesity properties of tyramine. Oral toxicity evaluation, models of dyslipidemia and obesity were used. To induce dyslipidemia, Poloxamer-407 (P-407) was administered intraperitoneally. In the hypercholesterolemic and obesity model, specific diet and oral tyramine were provided. After 24h of P-407 administration, tyramine 2 mg/kg (T2) decreased triglycerides (TG) (2057.0 ± 158.5 mg/dL vs. 2838 ± 168.3 mg/dL). After 48h, TG were decreased by T2 (453.0 ± 35.47 vs. 760.2 ± 41.86 mg/dL) and 4 mg/kg (T4) (605.8 ± 26.61 760.2 ± 41.86 mg/dL). T2 reduced total cholesterol (TC) after 24h (309.0 ± 11.17 mg/dL vs. 399.7 ± 15.7 mg/dL); After 48h, 1 mg/kg (T1) (220.5 ± 12.78 mg/dL), T2 (205.8 ± 7.1 mg/dL) and T4 (216.8 ± 12.79 mg/dL), compared to P-407 (275.5 ± 12.1 mg/dL). The treatment decreased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite in liver, increased superoxide dismutase, reduced the diet-induced dyslipidemia, decreasing TC around 15%. Tyramine reduced body mass, glucose, and TC after hypercaloric feed. Treatment with 5 mg/L (0.46 ± 0.04 ng/dL) and 10 mg/L (0.44 ± 0.02 ng/dL) reduced plasma insulin (1.18 ± 0.23 ng/dL). Tyramine increased adiponectin at 5 mg/L (1.02 ± 0.02 vs. 0.83 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and 10mg/L (0.96 ± 0.04 ng/mL). In conclusion, tyramine has low toxicity in rodents, has antioxidant effect, reduces plasma triglycerides and cholesterol levels. However, further studies should be conducted in rodents and non-rodents to better understand the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of tyramine

Comparison of early cardiovascular risk among Brazilian and African university students.

Cardiovascular diseases are among the main causes of mortality worldwide, and dyslipidemia is a principal factor risk. Hence the study of biochemical markers is necessary for early diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate biomarkers to diagnose the risks of cardiovascular diseases in healthy Brazilian and African young adults. DESIGN & METHODS: Weight, height, waist circumference, percentage of body fat and systemic blood pressure were measured; and fasting blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-c, and apolipoproteins A-I and B were measured on automated equipment using commercially available kits, in addition to the tests of antioxidant capacity of HDL and the enzymatic activity of Paraoxonase 1. RESULTS: After statistical analysis, it was found that BMI, WC, fat (%), triglycerides, ApoB/ApoA-I ratio and Vmax were higher in Brazilians, while HDL-c, ApoA-I, Lag Time, Vmax and PON1 activity were higher in Africans. In Brazilians, the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio was related to obesity factors and lipid profile, but in Africans it was related only to lipids. The antioxidant capacity of HDL and PON1 activity was better in Africans. Through independence testing, we observed an association with moderate risk of myocardial infarction with gender in Africans. In the binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that men in general - and particularly African men - have higher risk of myocardial infarction than women; Odds Ratio 2144 (CI95%: 1343-3424) and 2281 (CI95%: 1082-4811), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anthropometric and biochemical parameters of Brazilians, especially men, predispose them to greater risks of cardiovascular diseases.

TNF-alpha expression, evaluation of collagen, and TUNEL of Matricaria recutita L. extract and triamcinolone on oral ulcer in diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and apoptosis in rats with DM treated with chamomile extract or triamcinolone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Wistar male rats (210.0±4.2 g) were divided into five groups: negative control group (NCG) without diabetes; positive control group (PCG) with DM (alloxan, 45 mg/kg); and groups treated with chamomile extract (normoglycemic= NCG group and diabetic= DCG group) and with triamcinolone (TG). Traumatic ulcers were performed on all animals that received topical triamcinolone, chamomile extract or saline 12/12 hours for ten days. RESULTS: On days five and ten the animals were euthanized and the ulcers were analyzed by light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). The NCG (p=0.0062), PCG (p=0.0285), NCG (p=0.0041), and DCG (p<0.0001) groups were completely healed on the 10th day, however, there was no healing on the TG (p=0.5127) group. The TNF-α expression showed a significant reduction from the 5th to the 10th day in NCG (p=0.0266) and DCG (p=0.0062). In connective tissue, the TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in the number of positive cells in NCG (p=0.0273) and CNG (p=0.0469) and in the epithelium only in CDG (p=0.0320). CONCLUSIONS: Chamomile extract can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in diabetic rats through the reduction of apoptosis in the epithelium and TNF-α expression.

TNF-alpha expression, evaluation of collagen, and TUNEL of Matricaria recutita L. extract and triamcinolone on oral ulcer in diabetic rats

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a disease associated with delayed wound healing of oral ulcers by increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines and cellular apoptosis. Objective to evaluate the influence of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and apoptosis in rats with DM treated with chamomile extract or triamcinolone. Material and Methods Wistar male rats (210.0±4.2 g) were divided into five groups: negative control group (NCG) without diabetes; positive control group (PCG) with DM (alloxan, 45 mg/kg); and groups treated with chamomile extract (normoglycemic= NCG group and diabetic= DCG group) and with triamcinolone (TG). Traumatic ulcers were performed on all animals that received topical triamcinolone, chamomile extract or saline 12/12 hours for ten days. Results On days five and ten the animals were euthanized and the ulcers were analyzed by light microscopy, TUNEL assay, and immunohistochemically (TNF-α). The NCG (p=0.0062), PCG (p=0.0285), NCG (p=0.0041), and DCG (p<0.0001) groups were completely healed on the 10th day, however, there was no healing on the TG (p=0.5127) group. The TNF-α expression showed a significant reduction from the 5th to the 10th day in NCG (p=0.0266) and DCG (p=0.0062). In connective tissue, the TUNEL assay showed a significant reduction in the number of positive cells in NCG (p=0.0273) and CNG (p=0.0469) and in the epithelium only in CDG (p=0.0320). Conclusions Chamomile extract can optimize the healing of traumatic oral ulcers in diabetic rats through the reduction of apoptosis in the epithelium and TNF-α expression.

Cytotoxic and toxicological effects of phthalimide derivatives on tumor and normal murine cells.

Eleven phthalimide derivatives were evaluated with regards to their antiproliferative activity on tumor and normal cells and possible toxic effects. Cytotoxic analyses were performed against murine tumors (Sarcoma 180 and B-16/F-10 cells) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using MTT and Alamar Blue assays. Following, the investigation of cytotoxicity was executed by flow cytometry analysis and antitumoral and toxicological potential by in vivo techniques. The molecules 3b, 3c, 4 and 5 revealed in vitro cytotoxicity against Sarcoma 180, B-16/F-10 and PBMC. Since compound 4 was the most effective derivative, it was chosen to detail the mechanism of action after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure (22.5 and 45 µM). Sarcoma 180 cells treated with compound 4 showed membrane disruption, DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial depolarization in a time- and dose-dependent way. Compounds 3c, 4 and 5 (50 mg/kg/day) did not inhibit in vivo tumor growth. Compound 4-treated animals exhibited an increase in total leukocytes, lymphocytes and spleen relative weight, a decreasing in neutrophils and hyperplasia of spleen white pulp. Treated animals presented reversible histological changes. Molecule 4 had in vitro antiproliferative action possibly triggered by apoptosis, reversible toxic effects on kidneys, spleen and livers and exhibited immunostimulant properties that can be explored to attack neoplasic cells.