A new and simple score to predict adequate and deep response to ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: the ALP-A score.

BACKGROUND: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but a significant proportion of patients do not respond adequately, leading to increased risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to develop a new and straightforward predictive score to identify PBC patients likely to achieve a complete response to UDCA. METHODS: A logistic regression analysis was conducted using a derivation cohort of PBC patients to identify pre-treatment variables associated with response to UDCA. This analysis led to the development of the ALP-A score, calculated as: Age at diagnosis divided by (alkaline phosphatase at diagnosis/upper limit of normal). ALP-A score accuracy was evaluated using the area under the ROC curve, validated with a large external cohort from Brazil. Additionally, the correlation between the ALP-A score and the previously validated UDCA response score (URS) was assessed. RESULTS: ALP-A score had good predictive power for adequate (AUC 0.794; 95% CI, 0.737-0.852) and deep (0.76; 95% CI, 0.69-0.83) UDCA response at 1 year of treatment. A cutoff score of 17 and 23 points was determined to be the optimal threshold for distinguishing adequate and deep responders, respectively, from non-responders. ALP-A score demonstrated a sensitivity of 73%, specificity of 71%, positive predictive value of 65%, negative predictive value of 78%, and overall accuracy of 72% for biochemical response. The URS displayed similar discriminative ability (AUC 0.798; 95% CI, 0.741-0.855). CONCLUSION: ALP-A score performs comparably to URS but offers the great advantage of simplicity for routine clinical use. It serves as a valuable tool to identify PBC patients less likely to respond to UDCA treatment, facilitating early consideration of alternative therapeutic approaches.

Brazilian berry waste as a source of bioactive compounds: grumixama (Eugenia brasiliensis Lam.) as a case study.

Grumixama, Eugenia brasiliensis Lam., is a Brazilian berry little explored commercially and scientifically. However, local small producers market this fruit in the form of frozen pulp, which generates bioresidues, composed of seeds and peels. With the view to propose strategies for valuing grumixama, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition and assess the bioactivities of the hydroethanolic extracts of the whole residue (GR), seed (GS) and peel (GP) fractions of E. brasiliensis. From the results, GP had the highest concentration of organic acids (oxalic, malic, ascorbic and citric acids), total tocopherols, condensed tannins, anthocyanins, and other flavonoids. On the other hand, GS showed the highest content of monounsaturated fatty acids and hydrolysable tannins, whereas GR displayed a mixture of compounds detected in each of its parts. Regarding the bioactivities, low extract concentrations were required in two in vitro antioxidant assays, namely TBARS (EC50 = 0.90-1.34 µg mL-1) and OxHLIA (IC50 = 21-65 µg mL-1). Furthermore, GP had the highest inhibition activity of cellular oxidation in the CAA assay (80 ± 0.6%), while GS showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity via nitric oxide production inhibition (EC50 = 98.0 ± 0.5 µg mL-1). All samples induced cell growth inhibition of the tested tumor cells (GI50 = 14.7-186 µg mL-1) besides antibacterial and antifungal effects at low concentrations, but all samples were harmful to normal cells at moderate concentrations (GI50 = 145-268 µg mL-1). Therefore, E. brasiliensis residue could be a good source of bioactive compounds to be used in several areas. However, additional studies are needed to confirm its safety as well as to unravel the mechanisms behind its biological activities.

Risk factors for cancer in patients with primary biliary cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and PBC overlap syndrome (AIH/PBC) have been associated with a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and extra-hepatic malignancy (EHM). This study aims to assess potential risk factors associated with cancer development in PBC and AIH/PBC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group database was reviewed to compare clinical and laboratory features of PBC patients with HCC and EHM with those without cancer. RESULTS: Among the 752 PBC patients enrolled, 64 of them with AIH/PBC, 87 cancers were identified in 72 patients, including 20 cases of HCC and 67 of EHM. Patients with HCC had a higher prevalence of cirrhosis (95% vs. 32.5% of those subjects without cancer, p≤0.001), smoking (55% vs. 12.3%, p≤0.001), CREST syndrome (30% vs 7.6%, p=0.003) and prior azathioprine (30% vs 8%, p= 0.005) and prednisone (35% vs 14%, p= 0.018) use, whereas patients with EHM had a higher prevalence of smoking (42.3% vs 12.4% of those subjects without cancer, p= <0.001), AMA positivity (96.6% vs 80.1%, p≤0.001), azathioprine therapy (21% vs 7.9%, p= 0.01) and concurrent other autoimmune diseases. In multivariate analysis, cirrhosis, obesity and prior azathioprine therapy were independent risk factors for HCC, while Sjogren syndrome and psoriasis were associated with EHM. Fibrates reduced EHM risk. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of EHM is higher when compared to HCC in PBC patients. Cirrhosis, obesity, prior azathioprine use, and concurrent autoimmune diseases were significantly associated with cancer in PBC.

Effect of the Case for Carpule as a Visual Passive Distraction Tool on Dental Fear and Anxiety: A Pilot Study.

The present cross-over study aimed to evaluate the effect of a visual passive distraction tool, a case for carpule, in the management of fear and anxiety during invasive dental treatment. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 years that need at least two treatments with inferior alveolar nerve block were selected. All the included children received two treatments at different moments: in one treatment, local anesthesia was performed with a visual passive distraction tool, the crocodile case, for carpule (experimental); in the other treatment, local anesthesia was performed without the device (control). An evaluation of the anxiety levels was performed by measuring the heart rate and salivary cortisol levels. Wilcoxon's nonparametric test was used for a data analysis (p < 0.05). The mean heart rate with the visual passive distraction device fell from 81.8 to 78.1, while the control rose from 91.4 to 100 (p < 0.05). The mean salivary cortisol levels with the visual passive distraction device fell from 2.0 to 1.6, while in the control, they rose from 2.1 to 2.4 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the crocodile case for carpule as a visual passive distraction device contributed positively to the management of fear and anxiety during inferior alveolar nerve block in children.

Response to Ursodeoxycholic Acid May Be Assessed Earlier to Allow Second-Line Therapy in Patients with Unresponsive Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been traditionally assessed 1 to 2 years after treatment initiation. With the development of new drugs, some patients may benefit from an earlier introduction of second-line therapies. AIMS: This study aims to identify whether well-validated response criteria could correctly identify individuals likely to benefit from add-on second-line therapy at 6 months. METHODS: Analysis of a multicenter retrospective cohort which included only patients with clear-cut PBC. RESULTS: 206 patients with PBC (96.6% women; mean age 54 ± 12 years) were included. Kappa concordance was substantial for Toronto (0.67), Rotterdam (0.65), Paris 1 (0.63) and 2 (0.63) criteria at 6 and 12 months, whereas Barcelona (0.47) and POISE trial (0.59) criteria exhibited moderate agreement. Non-response rates to UDCA was not statistically different when assessed either at 6 or 12 months using Toronto, Rotterdam or Paris 2 criteria. Those differences were even smaller or absent in those subjects with advanced PBC. Mean baseline alkaline phosphatase was 2.73 ± 1.95 times the upper limit of normal (× ULN) among responders versus 5.05 ± 3.08 × ULN in non-responders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months of treatment with UDCA, the absence of response by different criteria could properly identify patients who could benefit from early addition of second-line therapies, especially in patients with advanced disease or high baseline liver enzymes levels.

Efeito da germinação e da desidratação no valor nutritivo, compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante de farinhas de leguminosas / Germination and dehydration effects on nutritional value, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of legume flours / Efectos de la germinación y la deshidratación sobre el valor nutritivo, los compuestos bioactivos y la actividad antioxidante de harinas de leguminosas

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito da germinação no teor de macronutrientes e da desidratação em compostos bioativos, nutrientes e atividade antioxidante de farinhas das leguminosas Phaseolus lunatus L. e Cajanus cajan (L. Millsp.) germinadas. As condições de germinação foram controladas em laboratório e as amostras foram submetidas à desidratação térmica (55°C) e liofilização. Foram realizadas as análises de composição centesimal, fenólicos totais flavonoides, atividade antioxidante (DPPH, FRAP), perfil de ácidos graxos (CG-FID) e de vitâmeros de tocoferol (HPLC- DAD). A germinação das leguminosas promoveu aumento de proteínas, lipídios e carboidratos. O processamento térmico para desidratação contribuiu para perdas de proteínas, lipídios, cinzas, e maior atividade antioxidantes em ambas as espécies. O perfil de ácidos graxos e vitâmeros de tocoferol mostraram-se com variações que dependem do tipo de leguminosa e condições de processamento, podendo ser positivas ou negativas. Farinhas de leguminosas germinadas pode ser uma alternativa para a inserção na dieta ou em formulações alimentícias e as condições de processamento devem ser monitoradas com intuito de otimiza propriedades nutritivas e funcionais.

The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of germination on macronutrient content and dehydration on bioactive compounds, nutrients and antioxidant activity of flours from germinated Phaseolus lunatus L. and Cajanus cajan (L. Millsp.) legumes. The germination conditions were controlled in the laboratory and the samples were submitted to thermal dehydration (55°C) and lyophilization. Analyses were carried out for centesimal composition, total phenolic flavonoids, antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), fatty acid profile (GC-FID) and tocopherol vitamers (HPLC-DAD). Germination of the legumes promoted an increase in proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. Thermal processing for dehydration contributed to losses of proteins, lipids, ash, and higher antioxidant activity in both species. The profile of fatty acids and tocopherol vitamers showed variations that depend on the type of legume and processing conditions, and can be positive or negative. Sprouted legume flours can be an alternative for insertion in the diet or in food formulations and the processing conditions must be monitored in order to optimize nutritional and functional properties.

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron evaluar el efecto de la germinación sobre el contenido en macronutrientes y de la deshidratación sobre los compuestos bioactivos, los nutrientes y la actividad antioxidante de harinas de leguminosas germinadas de Phaseolus lunatus L. y Cajanus cajan (L. Millsp.). Las condiciones de germinación se controlaron en el laboratorio y las muestras se sometieron a deshidratación térmica (55°C) y liofilización. Se realizaron análisis de composición centesimal, flavonoides fenólicos totales, actividad antioxidante (DPPH, FRAP), perfil de ácidos grasos (GC-FID) y vitaminas tocoferol (HPLC-DAD). La germinación de las leguminosas promovió un aumento de proteínas, lípidos y carbohidratos. El procesado térmico para la deshidratación contribuyó a pérdidas de proteínas, lípidos, cenizas y a una mayor actividad antioxidante en ambas especies. El perfil de ácidos grasos y vitaminas tocoferol mostró variaciones que dependen del tipo de legumbre y de las condiciones de procesado, pudiendo ser positivas o negativas. Las harinas de leguminosas germinadas pueden ser una alternativa para su inserción en la dieta o en formulaciones alimentarias y las condiciones de procesado deben ser monitorizadas para optimizar las propiedades nutricionales y funcionales.

Social skills training with a tabletop role-playing game, before and during the pandemic of 2020: in-person and online group sessions.

Background: The area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have motivational resources such as role-playing games (RPGs). In recent years, the need arose to assess the clinical impact of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that the pandemic has had on in-person and online social skills training. Methods: We evaluated six subjects with autism spectrum disorder, with or without another, similar disorder, each of whom attended a total of 12 two-hour RPG sessions over a 12-month period. The original (Portuguese-language) version of the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents was applied at three different time points (pre-, mid-, and post-intervention). Results: After six in-person tabletop RPG sessions, there was an increase in the mean frequency scores and a decrease in the mean difficulty scores. However, during the pandemic, the remaining six sessions were conducted online and the effect was the opposite. Conclusion: Our data indicate that there is a need for further studies assessing social skills training in online contexts.

Possible repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on women with fibromyalgia: longitudinal study / Possíveis repercussões da pandemia da COVID-19 em mulheres com fibromialgia: estudo longitudinal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the context of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, individuals with chronic pain, as in fibromyalgia, experienced the impact of social isolation. Tus, considering the scarcity of studies that contemplate initial assessments of women with fibromyalgia before the pandemic period and that compare them with the pandemic context moment, the objective was to analyze the possible repercussions of the pandemic resulting from COVID-19 on the psychological symptoms, quality of life and pain. METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational research with an exploratory and quantitative approach. Te sample was composed of 15 women with fibromyalgia for at least three months, aged between 43 and 55 years and with pain level above four on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Te Sociodemographic and Clinical Questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) were used. RESULTS: On average, pain intensity during social isolation (8,40±1,50) and anxiety level (29,80±13,97) were higher than before the pandemic (6,06±1,62, p=0,001) and (22,33±9,69, p=0,006), respectively. In other words, the participants showed higher levels of anxiety and pain during the period of social isolation. Mean depressive symptoms and quality of life difered minimally, showing no statistical significance, with p=0.94 and p=0.46, respectively. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the increase in pain and anxiety levels during the pandemic period. However, other uncontrolled variables may have infuenced this result, such as resilience and family support, for example.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Diante do contexto da pandemia ocasionada pela COVID-19, os indivíduos com dor crônica, como na fibromialgia, experimentaram o impacto do isolamento social. Assim, considerando a escassez de estudos que contemplem avaliações iniciais de mulheres com fibromialgia antes do período de pandemia e que as comparem com o momento de contexto pandêmico, objetivou-se analisar as possíveis repercussões da pandemia decorrentes da COVID-19 em sintomas psicológicos, qualidade de vida e dor. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa observacional descritiva, longitudinal, com abordagem exploratória e quantitativa. A amostra foi composta por 15 mulheres com fibromialgia a pelo menos três meses, com idades entre 43 e 55 anos e com nível de dor acima de quatro na Escala Analógica Visual (EAV). Foram utilizados o Questionário Sociodemográfico e Clínico, o Inventário Beck de Ansiedade (IBA), o Inventário Beck de Depressão (IBD) e o Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). RESULTADOS: Em média, a intensidade da dor durante o isolamento social (8,40±1,50) e o nível de ansiedade (29,80±13,97) foram maiores do que antes da pandemia (6,06±1,62, p=0,001) e (22,33±9,69, p=0,006), respectivamente. Ou seja, as participantes mostraram maiores níveis de ansiedade e dor durante o período de isolamento social. A média dos sintomas depressivos e qualidade de vida diferiram minimamente, não demostrando significância estatística, com p=0,94 e p=0,46, respectivamente. CONCLUSÃO: A pandemia da COVID-19 pode ter contribuído para o aumento das queixas de dor e ansiedade durante o período pandêmico. Entretanto, outras variáveis não controladas podem ter infuenciado nesse resultado, como resiliência e suporte familiar, por exemplo.

Clinical features and treatment outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis in a highly admixed population.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Little is known about primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in non-whites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical features and outcomes of PBC in a highly admixed population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group multicentre database was reviewed to assess demographics, clinical features and treatment outcomes of Brazilian patients with PBC. RESULTS: 562 patients (95% females, mean age 51 ± 11 years) with PBC were included. Concurrent autoimmune diseases and overlap with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) occurred, respectively, in 18.9% and 14%. After a mean follow-up was 6.2 ± 5.3 years, 32% had cirrhosis, 7% underwent liver transplantation and 3% died of liver-related causes. 96% were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and 12% required add-on therapy with fibrates, either bezafibrate, fenofibrate or ciprofibrate. Response to UDCA and to UDCA/fibrates therapy varied from 39%-67% and 42-61%, respectively, according to different validated criteria. Advanced histological stages and non-adherence to treatment were associated with primary non-response to UDCA, while lower baseline alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels correlated with better responses to both UDCA and UDCA/fibrates. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical features of PBC in highly admixed Brazilians were similar to those reported in Caucasians and Asians, but with inferior rates of overlap syndrome with AIH. Response to UDCA was lower than expected and inversely associated with histological stage and baseline AST and ALP levels. Most of patients benefited from add-on fibrates, including ciprofibrate. A huge heterogeneity in response to UDCA therapy according to available international criteria was observed and reinforces the need of global standardization.

Anti-mitochondrial Antibody-Negative Primary Biliary Cholangitis Is Part of the Same Spectrum of Classical Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

BACKGROUND: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease in which anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) are the diagnostic hallmark. Whether AMA-negative PBC patients represent a different phenotype of disease is highly debated. AIMS: The purpose of our study was to compare AMA-positive and AMA-negative PBC patients in a large non-white admixed Brazilian cohort. METHODS: The Brazilian Cholestasis Study Group multicentre database was reviewed to assess demographics, clinical features and treatment outcomes of Brazilian PBC patients, stratifying data according to AMA status. RESULTS: A total of 464 subjects (95.4% females, mean age 56 ± 5 years) with PBC were included. Three hundred and eighty-four (83%) subjects were AMA-positive, whereas 80 (17%) had AMA-negative PBC. Subjects with AMA-negative PBC were significantly younger (52.2 ± 14 vs. 59.6 ± 11 years, p = 0.001) and had their first symptom at an earlier age (43.2 ± 13 vs. 49.5 ± 12 years, p = 0.005). Frequency of type 2 diabetes was significantly increased in subjects with AMA-negative PBC (22.5% vs. 12.2%, p = 0.03). Lower IgM (272.2 ± 183 vs. 383.2 ± 378 mg/dL, p = 0.01) and triglycerides (107.6 ± 59.8 vs.129.3 ± 75.7 mg/dL, p = 0.025) and higher bilirubin (3.8 ± 13.5 vs. 1.8 ± 3.4 mg/dL, p = 0.02) levels were also observed in this subgroup. Response to ursodeoxycholic acid varied from 40.5 to 63.3% in AMA-positive and 34 to 62.3% in AMA-negative individuals, according to different response criteria. Outcomes such as development of liver-related complications, death and requirement for liver transplantation were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: AMA-negative PBC patients are similar to their AMA-positive counterparts with subtle differences observed in clinical and laboratory features.

Antiproliferative Activity of Neem Leaf Extracts Obtained by a Sequential Pressurized Liquid Extraction.

Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) extracts have been used in pharmaceutical applications as antitumor agents, due to their terpenes and phenolic compounds. To obtain extracts from neem leaves with potential antiproliferative effect, a sequential process of pressurized liquid extraction was carried out in a fixed bed extractor at 25 °C and 100 bar, using hexane (SH), ethyl acetate (SEA), and ethanol (SE) as solvents. Extractions using only ethanol (EE) was also conducted to compare the characteristics of the fractionated extracts. The results obtained by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry suggested a higher concentration of terpenes in the SEA extract in comparison to SH, SE, and EE extracts. Therefore, antiproliferative activity showed that SEA extracts were the most efficient inhibitor to human tumor cells MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, and HepG2. Hepatocellular cells were more resistant to SH, SEA, SE, and EE compared to breast, lung, hepatocellular, and cervical malignant cells. Neem fractioned extracts obtained in the present study seem to be more selective for malignant cells compared to the non-tumor cells.

Xanthan Gum Production by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris IBSBF 1866 and 1867 from Lignocellulosic Agroindustrial Wastes.

This study aimed to evaluate the properties of xanthan gum produced by Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris 1866 and 1867 from lignocellulosic agroindustrial wastes. XG was produced using an orbital shaker in a culture medium containing coconut shell (CS), cocoa husks (CH), or sucrose (S) minimally supplemented with urea and potassium. The XG production results varied between the CS, CH, and S means, and it was higher with the CH in strains 1866 (4.48 g L-1) and 1867 (3.89 g L-1). However, there was more apparent viscosity in the S gum (181.88 mPas) and the CS gum (112.06 mPas) for both 1866 and 1867, respectively. The ability of XGCS and XGCH to emulsify different vegetable oils was similar to the ability of XGS. All gums exhibited good thermal stability and marked groups in the elucidation of compounds and particles with rough surfaces.

Nutraceutical Potential of New Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Ingredients for Beverage Preparations.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) has been extensively used as animal feed, due to its fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins, being also a useful source of phenolic compounds with potential therapeutic benefits. Nevertheless, its potential use as human ingredient is scarce. The aim of this work was to assess the nutritional composition, amino acid profile, and antioxidant capacity (AOC) of freeze-dried juice (FDJ) and fibrous residual material (RM), two new alfalfa-derived products (Adps) recently launched as ingredients for beverage preparations. Results demonstrated a high content of proteins (23-30 g/100 g FDJ and 13-17 g/100 g RM), crude fiber (29 g/100 g RM), and minerals (such as sodium, calcium, iron, and zinc). No significant difference was found in caloric content (4 kcal/g). Essential and nonessential amino acids were quantified in both Adps being leucine and lysine the most abundant. Total phenolic and total flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC, respectively) and their changes along the different harvesting periods of the year were also examined. FDJ presented the highest TPC in May (19 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight [dw]), while in October TFC had the maximum value (4 mg catechin equivalents/g dw). Both products exhibited an interesting AOC by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power assays. This study reports the nutraceutical potential of two new types of Adps.

Seasonal change in main alkaloids of jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth), an economically important species from the Brazilian flora.

Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf ex Wardleworth (jaborandi, Rutaceae) is one of the most important Brazilian medicinal species owing to its content of pilocarpine (PIL), an alkaloid used for treating glaucoma and xerostomia. This species contains another alkaloid, epiisopiloturine (EPI), which has demonstrated effectiveness against schistosomiasis. The aim of this work was to assess seasonal changes of PIL and EPI in three populations of cultivated P. microphyllus from northeastern Brazil over one year, including the dry and rainy seasons. Alkaloid profiles were correlated to phenotypic and genetic patterns in the morphological and molecular characterizations. PIL was the primary alkaloid and its levels differed among populations in all months except September. The S01 population (green line) showed an especially high PIL content compared to populations S02 and S03 (traditional line), which had similar alkaloid contents. PIL content gradually decreased in the three populations in the rainy season.EPI content was significantly different between the green line (S01) and the traditional line (S02 and S03).S01 had a significantly lower EPI content in all months, demonstrating that it was not the best source for EPI extraction. Inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers and morphological analyses clearly separated S01 from S02 and S03, in agreement with the alkaloid results. This study shows the first correlation between the chemical, morphological, and molecular markers of P. microphyllus and highlights the potential benefits of a multidisciplinary research approach aimed at supporting both industry and conservation of natural resources.

Silver Nanocomposite Biosynthesis: Antibacterial Activity against Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii.

Bacterial resistance is an emerging public health issue that is disseminated worldwide. Silver nanocomposite can be an alternative strategy to avoid Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria growth, including multidrug-resistant strains. In the present study a silver nanocomposite was synthesized, using a new green chemistry process, by the addition of silver nitrate (1.10-3 mol·L-1) into a fermentative medium of Xanthomonas spp. to produce a xanthan gum polymer. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to evaluate the shape and size of the silver nanoparticles obtained. The silver ions in the nanocomposite were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The antibacterial activity of the nanomaterial against Escherichia coli (ATCC 22652), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29282), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) was carried out using 500 mg of silver nanocomposite. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii multidrug-resistant strains, isolated from hospitalized patients were also included in the study. The biosynthesized silver nanocomposite showed spherical nanoparticles with sizes smaller than 10 nm; 1 g of nanocomposite contained 49.24 µg of silver. Multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii, and the other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested, were sensitive to the silver nanocomposite (10-12.9 mm of inhibition zone). The biosynthesized silver nanocomposite seems to be a promising antibacterial agent for different applications, namely biomedical devices or topical wound coatings.

Try-in Pastes Versus Resin Cements: A Color Comparison.

This study aimed to compare the color of ceramic veneer restorations using different shades of try-in pastes and resin cement. Researchers found no differences between try-in pastes and resin cements after cementation.

Assessment of Beneficial and Possible Toxic Effects of Two New Alfalfa-Derived Shelf Products.

Aerial parts of Medicago sativa L. have been used as food and its consumption has been associated with health benefits, one among the most important being menopausal symptoms control. This work was aimed to explore possible pharmacological effects of two new alfalfa-derived products that have recently emerged as daily beverage preparations. In exploring their potential estrogenic effects, they produced no relevant alteration in the uterus. However, lowering glucose levels until normal values without causing further hypoglycemic effect were observed, when rats were treated with 1.5 g/kg/day samples. In vivo acute toxicity was not found when the alfalfa products were tested up to 3 g/kg rat weight. Furthermore, in vitro studies were conducted to assess their possible toxic effects. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase tests were carried out on the Caco-2 cell model to determine cell viability and membrane integrity. A concentration-dependent effect was observed, with a significant decrease in cell viability after exposure to concentrations of alfalfa product up to 100 mg/mL (after 3 h of incubation) and 50 mg/mL (after 24 h of treatment). Although in vitro level, the decrease in cell viability at these still low doses may underlie some toxicity, making necessary additional studies before any recommendation of a sustained consumption of these products by humans.

In silico peptide prediction for antibody generation to recognize 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) in genetically modified organisms.

For the prospective immunorecognition of 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (CP4-EPSPS) as a biomarker protein expressed by transgenic soybean, an extensive in silico evaluation of the referred protein was performed. The main objective of this study was the selection of a set of peptides that could function as potential immunogens for the production of novel antibodies against CP4-EPSPS protein. For this purpose, the protein was in silico cleaved with trypsin/chymotrypsin and the resultant peptides were extensively analyzed for further selection of the best candidates for antibody production. The analysis enabled the successful proposal of four peptides with potential immunogenicity for their future use as screening biomarkers of genetically modified organisms. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt to select and define potential linear epitopes for the immunization of animals and, subsequently, to generate adequate antibodies for CP4-EPSPS recognition. The present work will be followed by the synthesis of the candidate peptides to be incubated in animals for antibody generation and potential applicability for the development of an immunosensor for CP4-EPSPS detection.

Avaliação da frequência de doença osteometabólica entre portadores de pancreatite crônica alcoólica e sua correlação com os hábitos alimentares e a composição corporal / Frequency of osteometabolic disease among patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis and its correlation with eating habits and body composition

O tecido ósseo é extremamente complexo que, juntamente com a cartilagem, constitui o sistema esquelético. Tanto os ossos quanto a cartilagem são compostos por tecido metabolicamente ativo com duas funções básicas para o organismo, uma mecânica e outra bioquímica. O impacto do déficit calórico e da perda de peso pode reduzir a massa óssea e mudar a composição corpórea. Na pancreatite crônica alcoólica o paciente relata ingestão alcoólica por longo período, além da referência do alto consumo de cigarros e de uma alimentação deficiente. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a frequência da doença osteometabólica, os hábitos alimentares, a frequência de deficiência de vitamina D assim como, se os achados de massa corpórea por densitometria de corpo total se relacionam à deficiência de massa óssea, em indivíduos portadores de pancreatite crônica de etiologia alcoólica. Foram avaliados três grupos de pacientes do sexo masculino com pancreatite crônica alcoólica. Foram divididos de acordo com o resultado da densitometria óssea: 5 pacientes no grupo da osteoporose, 26 no grupo da osteopenia e 8 no grupo normal. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao registro alimentar de três dias, mensuração de peso, altura, cintura e quadril, Índice de Massa Corpórea (IMC) e exames laboratoriais. A composição corpórea foi avaliada pela densitometria óssea por raios X de dupla energia (DXA) e por bioimpedância elétrica. 79% dos pacientes do sexo masculino com pancreatite crônica alcoólica tiveram densidade mineral óssea comprometida. Os pacientes que tinham vitamina D prescrita foram excluídos porém nos nossos resultados a maioria dos pacientes apresentavam níveis normais da vitamina. Em relação ao tabagismos, dos pacientes fumavam. Os pacientes com maior comprometimento ósseo eram mais magros,contudo, não houve diferença entre os pacientes de acordo com o IMC. Os pacientes classificados pelo DXA como normais eram mais jovens do que os pacientes com osteopenia e osteoporose....

The bone tissue is extremely complex, along with cartilage constitutes the skeletal system. Both bones as cartilage are composed of metabolically active tissue with two basic functions for the body, mechanical and biochemistry. The impact of the caloric deficit and weight loss can reduce bone mass and change body composition. In chronic alcoholic pancreatitis patients alcohol intake over a long period, in addition to reference the high consumption of cigarettes and poor nutrition. The objectives were to evaluate the frequency of osteometabolic disease, eating habits, the frequency of vitamin D deficiency and how the body mass found by total body densitometry relate to bone deficiency in individuals with chronic pancreatitis of alcoholic etiology . We evaluated three groups of male patients with chronic pancreatitis alcoholic. They were according to the results of bone densitometry. 5 in osteoporosis group, 26 in the osteopenia group and 8 in the normal group. All patients underwent three-day food record, measurements of weight, height, waist and hip, body mass index (BMI) and laboratory tests. The body composition was evaluated by densitometry by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and electrical bioimpedance. 79% of male patients with alcoholic chronic pancreatitis had compromised bone mineral density. Patients were prescribed vitamin D were excluded however results in the majority of patients had normal levels of the vitamin. Half of all patients smoking. Patients with higher bone involvement were thinner, there was no difference between patients according to BMI. Patients classified as normal by DXA were younger than patients with osteopenia and osteoporosis. In summary, osteoporosis and osteopenia are undervalued sources of morbidity in patients with chronic pancreatitis and necessary health management guidelines bone in this group of patients.

Simple laccase-based biosensor for formetanate hydrochloride quantification in fruits.

This work describes the development of an electrochemical enzymatic biosensor for quantification of the pesticide formetanate hydrochloride (FMT). It is based on a gold electrode modified with electrodeposited gold nanoparticles and laccase. The principle behind its development relies on FMT's capacity to inhibit the laccase catalytic reaction that occurs in the presence of phenolic substrates. The optimum values for the relevant experimental variables such as gold nanoparticles electrochemical deposition (at -0.2V for 100s), laccase immobilization (via glutaraldehyde cross-linking), laccase concentration (12.4mg/mL), substrate selection and concentration (5.83×10(-5)M of aminophenol), pH (5.0), buffer (Britton-Robinson), and square-wave voltammetric parameters were determined. The developed biosensor was successfully applied to FMT determination in mango and grapes. The attained limit of detection was 9.5×10(-8)±9.5×10(-10)M (0.02±2.6×10(-4)mg/kg on a fresh fruit weight basis). Recoveries for the five tested spiking levels ranged from 95.5±2.9 (grapes) to 108.6±2.5% (mango). The results indicated that the proposed device presents suitable characteristics in terms of sensitivity (20.58±0.49A/µM), linearity (9.43×10(-7) to 1.13×10(-5)M), accuracy, repeatability (RSD of 1.4%), reproducibility (RSD of 1.8%) and stability (19days) for testing of compliance with established maximum residue limits of FMT in fruits and vegetables.