Profile of bioactive compounds in pequi (Caryocar brasilense Camb.) peel flours.

The bioactive compounds of pequi peel flours were characterized. Flavonoid contents ranged from 19.67 to 87.61 mg/100 g, high in comparison to many vegetables described in the literature. Gallic acid (11.52-418.67 mg/100 g), gallate ethyl (2026.75 - 5205.90 mg/100 g), ellagic acid (509.47 - 1630.66 mg/100 g), lutein (0.17-1.36 mg/100 g), ß-carotene (0.82 - 1.49 mg/100 g), and ß-cryptoxanthin (0.07 - 0.11 mg/100 g) were identified by HPLC, contributing to a greater valorization of the pequi peel flours. Phytochemical tests indicated the presence of hydrolyzable tannins and saponins. The detection of these compounds makes the product commercially attractive, in addition to generating value for an agro-industrial residue. The results obtained in this study confirm the multifunctional potential of pequi peel flour as a functional ingredient.

A contação de histórias no instagram como tecnologia leve em tempos pesados de pandemia / La narración de historias em instagram como tecnología ligera en tiempos de pandemia intensa / Storytelling on instagram as a light technology in heavy pandemic times

Resumo O artigo objetiva analisar as contribuições da contação de histórias para a saúde mental no contexto da pandemia de Covid-19. Trata-se de uma pesquisa-intervenção que posiciona o recurso das histórias como uma tecnologia leve em saúde, comprometida em reduzir distâncias, criar pontes entre as pessoas através do investimento na produção de vínculos e acolhimento. A contação de histórias articula literatura e psicologia, faz parte da caixa de ferramentas necessárias para a ativação de forças psíquicas expressivas dos afetos no cenário atual. O banco de dados da pesquisa pode ser designado como banco de histórias que passam por um processo de curadoria, sendo essa uma metodologia fundamental para o encadeamento de temas abordados nas histórias e a postagem das mesmas no Instagram do projeto. As histórias videogravadas foram analisadas a partir dos núcleos semânticos contexto-afeto-texto, com destaque para os conteúdos de memória e morte; e práticas de mutualidade em cuidado. A reação dos/as seguidores/as do Instagram expressam mensagens afetuosas aos/as contadores/as.

Resumen El artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las contribuciones de la narración a la salud mental en el contexto de la pandemia Covid-19. Se trata de una investigación-intervención que posiciona el recurso de las historias como una tecnología ligera en salud, comprometida con la reducción de distancias, creando puentes entre las personas a través de la inversión en la producción de vínculos y la acogida. La narración de cuenteros articula la literatura y la psicología, es parte de la caja de herramientas necesarias para la activación de las fuerzas psíquicas expresivas de los afectos en el escenario actual. La base de datos de investigación puede designarse como un banco de historias que se someten a un proceso curatorial, que es una metodología fundamental para vincular los temas tratados en las historias y publicarlos en el Instagram del proyecto. Se analizaron relatos videograbados a partir de los núcleos semánticos contexto-afecto-texto; con énfasis en los contenidos de la memoria y la muerte; y prácticas de cuidado mutuo en el cuidado. La reacción de los/las seguidores/as de Instagram expresan mensajes afectuosos a los/las cuenteros/as.

Abstract This article aims to analyze the contributions of the storytelling to mental health in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is an intervention-research that places this story device as light health technology. It is committed to reduce distances, create bridges between people through investment in bonding and welcoming. Storytelling articulates literature and psychology, and is part of the toolbox that is necessary for the activation of expressive psychic forces of affections in the current scenario. The research database can be designated as a bank of stories that undergo a curatorial process, which is a fundamental methodology for linking topics covered in the stories and posting them on the project's Instagram. The videotaped stories were analyzed from mutual-care practices and the context-affection-text semantic nuclei, with emphasis on the contents of memory and death. The reactions of Instagram followers express affectionate messages to the storytellers.

Physicochemical characterization, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic and proanthocyanidin content of flours prepared from pequi (Caryocar brasilense Camb.) fruit by-products.

The potential of pequi by-products as substrates for the production of flours rich in antioxidant dietary fibers was evaluated. Dietary fiber contents ranged from 39.8 to 43.3g/100g with pectic polysaccharide fraction constituted of rhamnogalacturonans and hemicellulose fraction consisted of arabinogalactans, xylans and glucomannans. Total polyphenols, non-extractable proanthocyanidins (NEPA) and carotenoid contents of the flours were determined (respectively, 15.5-17.4g GAE/100g, 215.54-346.84mg/100g and 2116.52-3499.03µg/100g). The antioxidant capacities of pequi by-product flours (986.94-1154.42µM TE/g ABTS; 44.43-48.02g/g DPPH; and 3027.31-3216.27µmol Fe2SO4/g FRAP) were found to be exceptionally higher than those of fruits and fruits by-products reported in the literature. Exocarp removal promoted no significant changes in the technological properties of the flour, except for color. Results showed promising prospects for future exploitation of pequi peel as a potential source of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants.

Cryptococcus neoformans capsular polysaccharides form branched and complex filamentous networks viewed by high-resolution microscopy.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungal pathogen that causes life-threatening infections in immunocompromised individuals. Its main virulence factor is an extracellular polysaccharide capsule whose structure, assembly and dynamics remain poorly understood. In this study, we apply improved protocols for sample preparation and recently-developed scanning microscopy techniques to visualize the ultrastructure of the C. neoformans capsule at high-resolution (up to 1 nm) and improved structural preservation. Although most capsule structures in nature consist of linear polymers, we show here that the C. neoformans capsule is a 'microgel-like' structure composed of branched polysaccharides. Moreover, we imaged the capsule-to-cell wall link, which is formed by thin fibers that branch out of thicker capsule filaments, and have one end firmly embedded in the cell wall structure. Together, our findings provide compelling ultrastructural evidence for a branched and complex capsule conformation, which may have important implications for the biological activity of the capsule as a virulence factor.

[Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin eluting beads in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma]. / Quimioembolização transarterial com partículas carregadas com doxorrubicina no tratamento do carcinoma hepatocelular.

Retrospective study to evaluate local tumor control and survival data after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin eluting beads in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Between April 2007 and November 2008, a total of 47 patients (mean age 61,7 years; range 42-84 years) with hepatocellular carcinoma were treated with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization. In total 73 chemoembolization procedures were performed in superselective manner with microcatheter (mean 1,57 procedures per patient). The local chemoembolization protocol consisted of doxorubicin eluting beads mainly 300-500 micra but also 500-700 micra and 700-900 micra, to a maximum dose per session of 150 mg doxorubicin. Tumor response was evaluated with CT imaging. Change in tumor size was calculated and response was evaluated according to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) criteria. Survival from first chemoembolization was calculated in the subgroup treated between April 2007 and January 2008 (24 patients). Follow-up imaging was performed until January 2009 or patient death. Evaluation of tumor response resulted in complete response in 13 patients (27,7%), partial response in 15 patients (31,9%), stable disease in 9 patients (19,1%) and progressive disease in 10 patients (21,3%). The one year survival rate after chemoembolization in the 24-patient subgroup was 54%. Chemoembolization with doxorubicin eluting beads is a minimally invasive, safe and effective therapy option for palliative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Comparison between the postoperative results of triple procedure and combined penetrating keratoplasty/transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lens implantation]. / Comparação entre os resultados pós-operatórios de pacientes submetidos ao procedimento tríplice e transplante de córnea combinado a fixação secundária de lente intra-ocular.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques of penetrating keratoplasty with different surgical time, regarding the crystalline and the intraocular lens. METHODS: This retrospective study included 37 patients' eyes divided into 2 groups: extracapsular cataract extraction, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 1, G1) and transscleral fixation of posterior chamber lens and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 2, G2). The following parameters were recorded: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refractive astigmatism, complication and keratometric astigmatism. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in the two groups (G1 p<0.001 and G2 p=0.008). In G2 a significant change for the worse of intraocular pressure outcome was observed when compared with the other group (p=0.014). Regarding refractive and keratometric astigmatism no significant differences between the groups were found. The follow-up was 11 months. CONCLUSION: The most important negative prognostic factor affecting visual acuity was the postkeratoplasty corneal curvature which can not be predicted accurately and the most important negative factor affecting intraocular pressure was the loss of integrity of the anterior and posterior segments.

Comparação entre os resultados pós-operatórios de pacientes submetidos ao procedimento tríplice e transplante de córnea combinado a fixação secundária de lente intra-ocular / Comparison between the postoperative results of triple procedure and combined penetrating keratoplasty/ transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lens implantation

OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados pós-operatórios de 2 grupos de pacientes submetidos a transplante de córnea com técnicas e tempo cirúrgico diferentes, em relação à abordagem do cristalino e/ou lente intra-ocular. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo retrospectivo foram analisados 37 olhos de pacientes divididos em 2 grupos: extração de catarata, implante de lentes intra-oculares (LIO) e transplante de córnea no mesmo tempo cirúrgico - grupo 1 (G1) e extração de catarata sem implante de lentes intra-oculares no primeiro tempo cirúrgico e fixação secundária de lentes intra-oculares associada a transplante de córnea no segundo tempo cirúrgico - grupo 2 (G2). As variáveis estudadas foram: acuidade visual, pressão intra-ocular (PIO), astigmatismo refracional, astigmatismo ceratométrico e complicações pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: Foi observado melhora da acuidade visual nos 2 grupos (G1 p<0,001 e G2 p=0,008). O grupo 2 (G2) apresentou pressão intra-ocular maior quando se comparou a pressão intra-ocular pós-operatória entre os 2 grupos (p=0,014). Em relação aos astigmatismos refrativo e ceratométrico não foi encontrada diferença entre os grupos estudados, em cada variável. O tempo de seguimento médio foi de 11 meses. CONCLUSÃO: Concluiu-se que o mais importante fator negativo para a melhora da acuidade visual foi a variabilidade da curvatura corneana, que tempos cirúrgicos diferentes podem levar à perda da integridade do segmento anterior e posterior e piores resultados da pressão intra-ocular, com desenvolvimento maior de glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of two surgical techniques of penetrating keratoplasty with different surgical time, regarding the crystalline and the intraocular lens. METHODS: This retrospective study included 37 patients' eyes divided into 2 groups: extracapsular cataract extraction, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 1, G1) and transscleral fixation of posterior chamber lens and penetrating keratoplasty (Group 2, G2). The following parameters were recorded: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, refractive astigmatism, complication and keratometric astigmatism. RESULTS: Visual acuity improved in the two groups (G1 p<0.001 and G2 p=0.008). In G2 a significant change for the worse of intraocular pressure outcome was observed when compared with the other group (p=0.014). Regarding refractive and keratometric astigmatism no significant differences between the groups were found. The follow-up was 11 months. CONCLUSION: The most important negative prognostic factor affecting visual acuity was the postkeratoplasty corneal curvature which can not be predicted accurately and the most important negative factor affecting intraocular pressure was the loss of integrity of the anterior and posterior segments.

Mechanisms of induction of chromosomal aberrations by hydroquinone in V79 cells.

Hydroquinone occurs naturally in bacteria and plants and it is also manufactured for commercial use. Human exposure to this compound can occur by environmental, occupational, dietary and cigarette smoke exposure and from exposure to benzene, which can be metabolized to this compound. However, the main source of exposure to this compound is dietary, since hydroquinone is a naturally occurring compound in many foods. Hydroquinone can be metabolized to benzoquinones, which are potent haematotoxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic compounds that can also induce the formation of radical species, predisposing cells to oxidative damage. In order to clarify the involvement of radical species in the genotoxicity of hydroquinone, the induction of chromosomal aberrations in V79 cells was studied along with the assessment of the production of hydroxyl radicals at different pH values (6.0, 7.4 and 8.0), as well as the effect of antioxidant enzymes [catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] on the clastogenic effect of hydroquinone. The results obtained indicate that the clastogenic activity of hydroquinone is dependent on the pH, suggesting that deprotonation is a fundamental step leading to DNA lesions under the experimental conditions used. The addition of S9 mix, SOD or SOD and catalase significantly decreased the clastogenic activity, suggesting the involvement of superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide in the genotoxicity of hydroquinone. However, other species generated in the auto-oxidation process of hydroquinone, such as the semiquinone radical or the quinone, also seem to play a role in its genotoxicity, since the addition of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD) or S9 mix do not lead to a complete abolition of the observed genotoxic activity. These results suggest the existence of at least two mechanisms associated with the genotoxic activity of this compound.

Induction of chromosomal aberrations by phenolic compounds: possible role of reactive oxygen species.

Phenolic molecules are widely present in the environment and some of them are well known carcinogens. Some phenolic molecules are also genotoxic but the mechanisms involved in this process are not fully understood. We have studied the induction of chromosomal aberrations by phenol, catechol and pyrogallol in V79 cells at different pH values (6.0, 7.4 and 8.0). At the same pH values, the production of hydroxyl radicals was assessed by measuring the degradation of deoxyribose. Apart from phenol, which only induces a non-significant increase in chromosomal aberration in this experimental system, catechol and pyrogallol showed clear clastogenic effect in a pH-dependent way. Experiments carried out at pH 7.4 in the presence of S9 Mix, SOD, catalase and catalase + SOD suggest that the formation of reactive oxygen species is not the main mechanism involved in the genotoxicity of catechol. However, concerning pyrogallol, our results suggest that its genotoxicity is almost exclusively mediated by reactive oxygen species. Taken together, these results suggest that, in spite of the structural similarity between the different molecules studied, the mechanisms of genotoxicity of these molecules could be considerably different. The existence of several mechanisms of genotoxicity, partially shared by this class of compounds, could explain the synergistic effects observed between these compounds in several genotoxicity test systems. Accurate knowledge of their mechanisms of genotoxicity could improve considerably the assessment of their relevance to human health, since these compounds, once absorbed, are subject to a wide range of pH values in vivo.