Multiple species ingest microplastic but few reflect sediment and water pollution on sandy beaches: A baseline for biomonitoring.

Databases recording the ingestion of microplastics by marine animals are growing. This is also recurrent on sandy beaches, where different biomonitors have been proposed to monitor the impacts of plastic pollution. We aimed to record the occurrence of suspected microplastic (SMP) in the digestive tract of multiple taxa (n = 45 identified species) and test whether some macroinvertebrates and fishes ingested SMPs proportionally with the pollution level of sediment and water; thus, we aimed to depict which sandy beach species could be used as biomonitors. Among all taxa, 10 macroinvertebrates and 12 fish species were reported to ingest SMP for the first time. SMP morphotypes proportion differed between abiotic and biotic compartments. Moreover, 10 of 12 taxa did not have SMP concentration linearly related with SMP in sediment and water. Our findings suggest that few species from sandy beaches can be used as efficient biomonitors, although almost all ingest plastic polymers.

Prenatal exposure to sertraline, associated or not with stress, can negatively program somatic and neurobehavioral development of female rats, and dysregulate reproductive function in adulthood.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to pregnant women for treating mental illnesses. Among the drugs of this class, sertraline (ST) is the antidepressant therapy recommended most frequently. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of gestational ST treatment on reproductive parameters and toxicological target organs of rat female offspring, as well as on somatic, reflex and neurobehavioral development, in a model of maternal adversity. Pregnant Wistar rats received vehicle (filtered water) or ST hydrochloride (20 mg/Kg/day diluted in vehicle) by oral gavage, associated or not with restraint stress for 1 h/day from gestational days 13-20. F1 female offspring was evaluated on reproductive parameters, body weight and somatic and reflex milestones from postnatal day (PND) 1. On PNDs 25 and 72, the elevated-plus-maze test was performed, while toxicological target organs were evaluated on PNDs 42 and 80. In utero exposure to ST, regardless of exposure to stress, reduced body weight at birth and affected the somatic development and estrous cycle. The absolute and relative thyroid weights were increased in Stress/ST group during puberty and adulthood, while the percentage of ovarian structures and the absolute uterine weight were altered in this group on PND 80. Prenatal exposure only to ST reduced initial body weight gain, delayed fur development and increased anxiety-like behavior on PND 25. Thus, this experimental study suggests that intrauterine exposure to ST disrupts the fetal environment and can negatively program serotonin-regulated processes. Furthermore, it impacts thyroid weight when associated with stress.

Reproductive Development of Male Rats Exposed In Utero to Stress and/or Sertraline.

Despite increased prescription of sertraline during pregnancy, little is known about its action on reproductive development. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact that stress, associated or not with sertraline, causes on the reproductive development of male rats. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 16/group): CO-received filtered water; SE-received 20 mg/kg sertraline; ST-submitted to restraint stress and received filtered water; SS-submitted to restraint stress and received sertraline. The treatment was carried out from gestational days (GDs) 13-20. The animals were euthanized on GD 20 (n = 8/group), postnatal day (PND) 45 (n = 8/group), and PND 110 (n = 8/group). The testes and epididymis were analyzed histologically, and immunohistochemistry was performed on the testes by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the Wilms tumor protein (Wt1). Sperm quality was also analyzed on PND 110. The evolution of body weight, anogenital distance (AGD), and puberty installation day were also verified. Statistical analysis: 2-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test (p ≤ .05). Fetal testes presented a large number of acidophilic cells in the sertraline-exposed groups. The SS group also showed a decrease in the nuclear volume of Leydig cells. This same group showed low expression of PCNA and Wt1, decreased weight of the testes and epididymis, lower AGD, and delayed puberty installation. The adulthood groups exposed to sertraline presented alterations in sperm morphology and motility. The results demonstrated that prenatal exposure to sertraline compromises the development of the rat reproductive system.

Exposure of pregnant rats to stress and/or sertraline: Side effects on maternal health and neurobehavioral development of male offspring.

AIMS: Sertraline (SE) is one of the most prescribed medications for treating gestational depression, anxiety and stress. However, little is known about its effects on nervous-system development in offspring. Therefore, this study investigated the somatic, reflex and neurobehavioral development of rats exposed to SE during pregnancy, associated or not with stress. MAIN METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats were assigned to the following groups (n = 10-8 rats/group): CO - control animals administered filtered water by gavage; SE - animals administered 20 mg/kg SE by gavage; ST - animals subjected to restraining stress and administered filtered water; ST/SE - animals subjected to restraining stress and administered 20 mg/kg SE. The treatment was administered between gestational days (GD) 13 to 20. Somatic and reflex developments were investigated in the male offspring from postnatal day (PND) 1 to 21. The elevated plus maze was performed on PND 25 and 80. The open field and light/dark box test were performed on PND 90 and 100, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Body weight reduction and vaginal bleeding were observed in pregnant rats exposed to SE. The male offspring of the SE group showed delay in incisor eruption, fur development and negative geotaxis. In addition, the SE group was less exploratory (anxious personality) compared to the CO and ST groups. SIGNIFICANCE: The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that sertraline not only impairs maternal health, but also, associated or not with stress, can compromise the somatic, reflex and neurobehavioral development of male rats.

Effect of bleaching protocols on surface roughness and color change of high- and low-viscosity bulk-fill composite resins.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching protocols on the surface roughness (Ra), color change and surface micromorphology of a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M ESPE), a highviscosity bulk-fill composite (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) and a conventional nanoparticulate composite resin (control) (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE). Forty samples of each composite (disks 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) were randomly divided into four groups (n=10), according to bleaching protocol: a) 10% carbamide peroxide gel (Opalescence, Ultradent Products) (2 h/ day, for 14 days); b) 40% hydrogen peroxide gel (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent Products) (three bleaching sessions, once a week, 45 min/session); c) whitening rinse (Listerine Whitening Extreme, Johnson & Johnson) (2 min/day, for 14 days); and d) distilled water (control). The samples were submitted to triplicate readings (Ra and color [CIELAB parameters]) before and after contact with bleaching protocols. Micromorphology was analyzed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ra and color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE) were analyzed by generalized linear models (α=0.05). The Ra of the high-viscosity bulk-fill was significantly higher than that of the other composites (p<0.05). Ra increased significantly (p<0.05) and surface became more irregular (SEM analysis) in all the composite resins, regardless of the bleaching protocol (p<0.05). The high-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin group had significantly lower ΔE (p<0.05) than the nanoparticulate composite resin group immersed in distilled water. It was concluded that the characteristics of each resin significantly influenced the Ra more than the bleaching protocol. The high-viscosity bulk-fill resin presented minor color change.

Este estudo in vitro teve objetivo de avaliar o efeito de protocolos clareadores sobre a rugosidade de superfície (Ra), alteração de cor e micromorfologia de resina bulk-fill de baixa viscosidade (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M ESPE), alta viscosidade (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) e de uma resina composta nanoparticulada (controle) (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE). Quarenta amostras de cada resin composta (discos de 5 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de espessura) foram aleatoriamente divididas em quatro grupos , de acordo com protocolo clareador (n=10): a) Gel de peróxido de carbamida (Opalescence, Ultradent Products) (2 horas/dia, por 14 dias); b) Gel de peróxido de hidrogênio (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent Products) (3 sessões de clareamento, uma por semana, 45 min/sessão); enxaguatório clareador (Listerine Whitening Extreme, Johnson & Johnson) (2 min/dia, por 14 dias); d) água destilada (controle). As amostras foram submetidas a leituras, em triplicata (Ra e cor (parâmetros CIELab) antes e depois do contato com os protocolos clareadores. A micromorfologia de superfície foi conduzida em microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Ra e parâmetros de cor (ΔL, Δa, Δb e ΔE) foram analisados por modelos lineares generalizados (α=0.05). A Ra da resina bulk-fill de alta viscosidade foi significantemente superior do que para os outros compósitos (p<0.05). A Ra aumentou significantemente (p<0.05) e a superfície ficou mais irregular (MEV) para todos os compósitos, independente do protocolo clareador (p<0,05). A resina bulk-fill de alta viscosidade obteve menor ΔE (p<0.05) do que a resina composta nanoparticulada, imersa em água destilada. Pode-se concluir que as características de cada resina composta influenciaram de forma mais significativa a Ra do que o protocolo clareador. A resina bulk fill de alta viscosidade apresentou menor alteração de cor.

Effect of bleaching protocols on surface roughness and color change of high- and low-viscosity bulk-fill composite resins / Efeito de protocolos clareadores na rugosidade de superfície e alteração de cor de resinas compostas bulk-fill de alta e baixa viscosidade

ABSTRACT The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of bleaching protocols on the surface roughness (Ra), color change and surface micromorphology of a low-viscosity bulk-fill composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M ESPE), a highviscosity bulk-fill composite (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) and a conventional nanoparticulate composite resin (control) (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE). Forty samples of each composite (disks 5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) were randomly divided into four groups (n=10), according to bleaching protocol: a) 10% carbamide peroxide gel (Opalescence, Ultradent Products) (2 h/ day, for 14 days); b) 40% hydrogen peroxide gel (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent Products) (three bleaching sessions, once a week, 45 min/session); c) whitening rinse (Listerine Whitening Extreme, Johnson & Johnson) (2 min/day, for 14 days); and d) distilled water (control). The samples were submitted to triplicate readings (Ra and color [CIELAB parameters]) before and after contact with bleaching protocols. Micromorphology was analyzed in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ra and color parameters (ΔL, Δa, Δb and ΔE) were analyzed by generalized linear models (α=0.05). The Ra of the high-viscosity bulk-fill was significantly higher than that of the other composites (p<0.05). Ra increased significantly (p<0.05) and surface became more irregular (SEM analysis) in all the composite resins, regardless of the bleaching protocol (p<0.05). The high-viscosity bulk-fill composite resin group had significantly lower ΔE (p<0.05) than the nanoparticulate composite resin group immersed in distilled water. It was concluded that the characteristics of each resin significantly influenced the Ra more than the bleaching protocol. The high-viscosity bulk-fill resin presented minor color change.

RESUMO Este estudo in vitro teve objetivo de avaliar o efeito de protocolos clareadores sobre a rugosidade de superfície (Ra), alteração de cor e micromorfologia de resina bulk-fill de baixa viscosidade (Filtek Bulk Fill Flow, 3M ESPE), alta viscosidade (Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) e de uma resina composta nanoparticulada (controle) (Filtek Z350 XT, 3M ESPE). Quarenta amostras de cada resin composta (discos de 5 mm de diâmetro e 2 mm de espessura) foram aleatoriamente divididas em quatro grupos , de acordo com protocolo clareador (n=10): a) Gel de peróxido de carbamida (Opalescence, Ultradent Products) (2 horas/dia, por 14 dias); b) Gel de peróxido de hidrogênio (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent Products) (3 sessões de clareamento, uma por semana, 45 min/sessão); enxaguatório clareador (Listerine Whitening Extreme, Johnson & Johnson) (2 min/dia, por 14 dias); d) água destilada (controle). As amostras foram submetidas a leituras, em triplicata (Ra e cor (parâmetros CIELab) antes e depois do contato com os protocolos clareadores. A micromorfologia de superfície foi conduzida em microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Ra e parâmetros de cor (ΔL, Δa, Δb e ΔE) foram analisados por modelos lineares generalizados (α=0.05). A Ra da resina bulk-fill de alta viscosidade foi significantemente superior do que para os outros compósitos (pp<0.05). A Ra aumentou significantemente (p<0.05) e a superfície ficou mais irregular (MEV) para todos os compósitos, independente do protocolo clareador (pp<0,05). A resina bulk-fill de alta viscosidade obteve menor ΔE (pp<0.05) do que a resina composta nanoparticulada, imersa em água destilada. Pode-se concluir que as características de cada resina composta influenciaram de forma mais significativa a Ra do que o protocolo clareador. A resina bulk fill de alta viscosidade apresentou menor alteração de cor.

Relationship between sleep disturbances, lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Objective The consequences of sleep deprivation in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients are poorly understood. Our aim was to determine how sleep disorders influence lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in T1D patients. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study at a public university hospital. Demographic information and medical histories were obtained during regular scheduled visit of T1D patients to the outpatient clinic. Insulin sensitivity was obtained using the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) formula. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire. Results The adult participants (n = 66, 62% women) had a median age of 28.0 years (interquartile range 21.8-33.0). Six patients (9%) had metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Thirty patients (46%) were considered poor sleepers according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The LDL-c and total cholesterol levels of poor sleepers were higher than those of good sleepers (103 v. 81; p = 0.003 and 178.0 v. 159.5 mg/dL; p = 0.009, respectively). Three patients (4%) were at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) according to the Berlin Questionnaire. The eGDR was lower in the group of patients with high probability of having OSAS (6.0 v. 9.1 mg.kg-1.min-1;p = .03). Conclusions Poor subjective quality of sleep and higher risk of OSAS were correlated with a worsened lipid profile and decreased insulin sensitivity, respectively. Therefore, T1D patients with sleep disturbances might have an increased cardiovascular risk in the future.

Relationship between sleep disturbances, lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in type 1 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study.

Objective The consequences of sleep deprivation in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients are poorly understood. Our aim was to determine how sleep disorders influence lipid profile and insulin sensitivity in T1D patients. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study at a public university hospital. Demographic information and medical histories were obtained during regular scheduled visit of T1D patients to the outpatient clinic. Insulin sensitivity was obtained using the estimated glucose disposal rate (eGDR) formula. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Berlin Questionnaire. Results The adult participants (n = 66, 62% women) had a median age of 28.0 years (interquartile range 21.8-33.0). Six patients (9%) had metabolic syndrome according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Thirty patients (46%) were considered poor sleepers according to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The LDL-c and total cholesterol levels of poor sleepers were higher than those of good sleepers (103 v. 81; p = 0.003 and 178.0 v. 159.5 mg/dL; p = 0.009, respectively). Three patients (4%) were at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) according to the Berlin Questionnaire. The eGDR was lower in the group of patients with high probability of having OSAS (6.0 v. 9.1 mg.kg-1.min-1;p = .03). Conclusions Poor subjective quality of sleep and higher risk of OSAS were correlated with a worsened lipid profile and decreased insulin sensitivity, respectively. Therefore, T1D patients with sleep disturbances might have an increased cardiovascular risk in the future.

Efeitos da melatonina na via insulínica e inflamatória de ratos com periodontite apical / Effects of melatonin on the insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways of rats with apical periodontitis

A relação entre processos inflamatórios orais e saúde sistêmica vem se tornando um aspecto de grande interesse da comunidade médica e odontológica, visto que o número de publicações sobre este tema aumentou consideravelmente nos últimos anos. A periodontite apical (PEA) é uma inflamação oral associada ao aumento de citocinas pró-inflamatórias que podem atuar de forma local e sistêmica. Além disso, possui associações com outras doenças, tais como a síndrome metabólica e Diabetes Mellitus. Estudos do nosso laboratório demonstraram que a PEA em ratos ocasiona resistência insulínica (RI) e alterações no sinal insulínico. Sabe-se que a melatonina (MEL) melhora a RI. Nesse sentido, hipotetizamos que a suplementação de MEL em ratos com PEA poderia prevenir ou diminuir a RI encontrada nestes animais. Considerando-se os efeitos regulatórios da MEL sobre processos inflamatórios, se faz relevante avaliar a influência da suplementação de MEL sobre um processo inflamatório localizado como a PEA. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da suplementação da MEL na RI, na via insulínica e inflamatória, nas concentrações plasmáticas de citocinas inflamatórias e no perfil lipídico em ratos com PEA. Para tanto, 72 ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em 4 grupos: a) controle (CN); b) controle suplementado com MEL (CNMEL); c) PEA (PEA); d) PEA suplementado com MEL (PEAMEL). As PEA foram induzidas aos 60 dias de idade pela exposição da polpa dentária dos primeiros e segundos molares direitos (superiores e inferiores) ao ambiente oral. Após a indução das PEA, foi iniciada a suplementação com MEL (5 mg/kg) por via oral (diluída em água de beber) por 60 dias. Ao término do tratamento foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: 1) glicemia; 2) insulinemia; 3) resistência à insulina (HOMA-IR); 4) grau de fosforilação em tirosina da pp185 e em serina da Akt em músculo sóleo (MS) e extensor digital longo (EDL); 5) grau de fosforilação de IKKα/ß e JNK em MS e EDL; 6) concentrações plasmáticas de citocinas inflamatórias (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß e IL-10); 7) perfil lipídico (colesterolemia e triacilgliceridemia). As análises estatísticas foram realizadas por análise de variância de dois ou três fatores seguida pelo teste de Bonferroni. As diferenças entre os grupos foram consideradas significantes quando p < 0,05. Os resultados demonstraram que a PEA em ratos promoveu: 1) RI; 2) dislipidemia; 3) aumento das concentrações de citocinas pró-inflamatórias (TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-1ß); 4) aumento do grau de fosforilação de IKKα/ß em MS e EDL; 5) diminuição da concentração da citocina anti-inflamatória IL-10; 6) prejuízo no sinal insulínico (grau de fosforilação da pp185 em tirosina e Akt em serina) em MS. A suplementação com MEL em ratos com PEA melhorou a sensibilidade insulínica, diminuiu as concentrações de VLDL, TG, TNF-α e IL-1ß, aumentou IL-10 e alterou o sinal insulínico em MS e o grau de fosforilação de IKKα/ß em MS e EDL. Esses resultados demonstraram que a MEL é um potente tratamento adjuvante para melhorar a sensibilidade insulínica, dislipidemia e alterações nas vias de sinalização insulínica e inflamatória promovidas pela PEA. Além disso, o impacto da PEA na saúde geral também foi demonstrado(AU)

The relationship between oral inflammatory processes and systemic health has become an aspect of great interest to the medical and dental community, since the number of publications on this topic has increased considerably in recent years. Apical periodontitis (PEA) is an oral inflammation associated with an increase in proinflammatory cytokines that can act locally and systemically. In addition, it has associations with other diseases, such as metabolic syndrome and Diabetes Mellitus. Studies in our laboratory have shown that PEA in rats causes insulin resistance (IR) and changes in insulin signal. Melatonin (MEL) is known to improve IR. In this sense, we hypothesized that the supplementation of MEL in rats with PEA could prevent or decrease the IR found in these animals. Considering the regulatory effects of MEL on inflammatory processes, it is important to assess the influence of MEL supplementation on a localized inflammatory process such as PEA. Therefore, the present study aimed to verify the effects of MEL supplementation on IR, on the insulin and inflammatory pathways, on the plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and on the lipid profile in rats with PEA. For that, 72 Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: a) control (CN); b) control supplemented with MEL (CNMEL); c) PEA (PEA); d) PEA supplemented with MEL (PEAMEL). PEA were induced at 60 days of age by dental pulp exposure of the first and second right molars (upper and lower) to the oral environment. After PEA induction, supplementation with MEL (5 mg/kg) orally (diluted in drinking water) for 60 days was initiated. At the end of treatment, the following parameters were analyzed: 1) glycemia; 2) insulinemia; 3) insulin resistance (HOMA-IR); 4) phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine and Akt serine in soleus (SM) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles; 5) phosphorylation status of IKKα/ß and JNK in SM and EDL; 6) plasma concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-10); 7) lipid profile (cholesterolemia and triacylglyceridemia). The statistical analysis were performed by analysis of variance of two or three factors followed by the Bonferroni test. Differences between groups were considered significant when p < 0,05. The results demonstrated that the PEA in rats promoted: 1) IR; 2) dyslipidemia; 3) increased plasma concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß); 4) increased phosphorylation status of IKKα/ß in SM and EDL; 5) decreased concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10; 6) impaired in the insulin signal (phosphorylation status of pp185 tyrosine and Akt serine) in SM. MEL supplementation in rats with PEA improved insulin sensitivity, decreased concentrations of VLDL, TG, TNF-α and IL-1ß, increased IL-10 and changed the insulin signal in SM and the phosphorylation status of IKKα/ß in SM and EDL. These results demonstrated that MEL is a potent adjuvant treatment to improve insulin sensitivity, dyslipidemia and changes in the insulin signaling and inflammatory pathways promoted by PEA. In addition, the impact of PEA on general health has also been demonstrated(AU)

Peach cultivars from tropical regions: characterization and processing potential / Cultivares de pêssego de regiões tropicais: caracterização e potencial de processamento

ABSTRACT: In order to increase the availability to consumers and add even more value to peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) and to identify which cultivars grown in tropical regions are more suitable for jelly processing, the objective of this study was to characterize and evaluate the influence of different peach cultivars ('Aurora', 'Biuti', 'Bonão', 'Centenário', 'Diamante', 'Douradão', 'Libra', 'Régis' and 'Tropical') cultivated in tropical regions on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting jelly. The evaluated cultivars presented great variability among themselves in relation to the physical and physicochemical characteristics. The jellies elaborated from these cultivars; although, presenting great variability in relation to the physicochemical and rheological parameters, presented similar, high acceptance. All cultivars studied are suitable for processing and can be used for industrialization.

RESUMO: Com o objetivo de aumentar a disponibilidade para os consumidores, agregar ainda mais valor aos pêssegos (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) e identificar quais cultivares cultivadas em regiões tropicais são mais adequadas para o processamento de geleia, o objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar e avaliar a influência de diferentes cultivares de pessegueiro ('Aurora', 'Biuti', 'Bonão', 'Centenário', 'Diamante', 'Douradão', 'Libra', 'Régis' e 'Tropical') cultivadas em regiões tropicais nas características físico-químicas, reológicas e sensoriais da geleia resultante. Verificou-se que as cultivares avaliadas apresentaram grande variabilidade entre si em relação às características físicas e físico-químicas. As geleias elaboradas a partir destas cultivares, embora apresentam grande variabilidade em relação aos parâmetros físico-químicos e reológicos, apresentaram alta aceitação. Conclui-se, que todas as cultivares estudadas são indicadas para processamento e podem ser destinadas à industrialização.

Characterization and influence of subtropical persimmon cultivars on juice and jelly characteristics

ABSTRACT To increase the availability to consumers and add more value to persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), which is a very perishable and seasonal fruit and in order to identify which cultivars grown in subtropical regions are more suitable for processing in the form of juice and jelly, as well as understand what the consumer profile is for these products, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different persimmon cultivars (Rama Forte, Mel, Guiombo and Taubaté) grown in subtropical regions of Brazil on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting juice and jelly in order to identify cultivars with the greatest potential for industrial use. The different studied persimmon cultivars had different physical and physicochemical characteristics which resulted in juices and jellies with different physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics. Based on sensory acceptance and productivity/adaptability of persimmon crop in Brazil, the most suitable persimmon cultivars for processing are Rama Forte and Guiombo. In this study it was found that the consumer prefers a more acidic persimmon juice and a less firm or softer, less sweet, clearer and more intense yellow color persimmon jelly.

CHARACTERIZATION AND INFLUENCE OF SUBTROPICAL PERSIMMON CULTIVARS ON JUICE AND JELLY CHARACTERISTICS.

To increase the availability to consumers and add more value to persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), which is a very perishable and seasonal fruit and in order to identify which cultivars grown in subtropical regions are more suitable for processing in the form of juice and jelly, as well as understand what the consumer profile is for these products, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different persimmon cultivars (Rama Forte, Mel, Guiombo and Taubaté) grown in subtropical regions of Brazil on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting juice and jelly in order to identify cultivars with the greatest potential for industrial use. The different studied persimmon cultivars had different physical and physicochemical characteristics which resulted in juices and jellies with different physicochemical, rheological and sensory characteristics. Based on sensory acceptance and productivity/adaptability of persimmon crop in Brazil, the most suitable persimmon cultivars for processing are Rama Forte and Guiombo. In this study it was found that the consumer prefers a more acidic persimmon juice and a less firm or softer, less sweet, clearer and more intense yellow color persimmon jelly.

Effects of guided breath exercise on complex behaviour of heart rate dynamics.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac autonomic regulation is influenced by changes in respiratory rate, which has been demonstrated by linear analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Conversely, the complex behaviour is not well defined for HRV during this physiological state. In this sense, Higuchi Fractal Dimension is applied directly to the time series. It analyses the fractal dimension of discrete time sequences and is simpler and faster than correlation dimension and many other classical measures derived from chaos theory. We investigated chaotic behaviour of heart rate dynamics during guided breath exercises. METHOD: We investigated 21 healthy male volunteers aged between 18 and 30 years. HRV was analysed 10 min before and 10 min during guided breath exercises. HRV was analysed in the time and frequency domain for linear analysis and through HFD for non-linear analysis. RESULTS: Linear analysis indicated that SDNN, pNN50, RMSSD, LF, HF and LF/HF increased during guided breath exercises. HFD analysis illustrated that between Kmax 20 to Kmax 120 intervals, was enhanced during guided breath exercises. CONCLUSION: Guided breath exercises acutely increased chaotic behaviour of HRV measured by HFD.

Slow breathing influences cardiac autonomic responses to postural maneuver: Slow breathing and HRV.

Chronic slow breathing has been reported to improve Heart Rate Variability (HRV) in patients with cardiovascular disorders. However, it is not clear regarding its acute effects on HRV responses on autonomic analysis. We evaluated the acute effects of slow breathing on cardiac autonomic responses to postural change manoeuvre (PCM). The study was conducted on 21 healthy male students aged between 18 and 35 years old. In the control protocol, the volunteer remained at rest seated for 15 min under spontaneous breathing and quickly stood up within 3 s and remained standing for 15 min. In the slow breathing protocol, the volunteer remained at rest seated for 10 min under spontaneous breath, then performed slow breathing for 5 min and rapidly stood up within 3 s and remained standing for 15 min. Slow breathing intensified cardiac autonomic responses to postural maneuver.

Influence of Subtropical Region Strawberry Cultivars on Jelly Characteristics.

At the end of the production period of strawberries grown in subtropical regions, postharvest durability is severely diminished due to rising temperatures which compromises the commercialization of fresh fruit. An ideal option would be to process strawberries in the form of preserves, jams, and jellies. Along this line it becomes extremely important to conduct a survey of which cultivars grown in subtropical regions are more suitable for processing in the form of jelly, as well as to understand what the consumer profile is for this product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different strawberry cultivars grown in subtropical regions of Brazil (Camarosa, Festival, San Andreas, Oso Grande, Camino Real, and Albion) on the physicochemical characteristics, rheological properties and sensory acceptance of the resulting jelly in order to identify cultivars with the greatest potential for industrial use. The strawberry cultivars presented different physicochemical characteristics which resulted in jellies with different physicochemical and rheological characteristics. In this study, however, we verified that all cultivars have potential to be processed in the form of jelly due to good acceptance of all formulations prepared. In general consumers prefer a lighter-colored strawberry jelly, with a less intense red color, more acidic, and less consistent/firm.

Perception of nursing students about behaviors and ethical aspects involved in patient data collection / Percepción de los estudiantes de enfermaría sobre los comportamientos y los aspectos éticos implicados en la recolección de datos de los pacientes / Percepção dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre os comportamentos e os aspectos éticos implicados no recolhimento de dados dos pacientes

Objective. To identify the perception of nursing students in relation to the behaviors and ethical issues involved in data collection from patients. Methodology. Descriptive and exploratory study with a qualitative approach, using the content analysis proposed by Bardin as the theoretical framework. Participants were students in the 7th period of the nursing undergraduate course at a public university located in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2011. Data were collected through interviews. Results. From the analysis of the results, the following categories emerged: preservation of patients' intimacy and privacy, respect for patients' autonomy, experiences and feelings of students and training strategies relating to the nursing process during the undergraduate course. Conclusion. The nursing students are concerned with the ethical approach during data collection from patients and the preservation of their rights. Pedagogical practices should be reinforced that take into consideration the technical aspects, as well as those related to behaviors and ethics.

Objetivo. Identificar la percepción de los estudiantes de enfermería sobre los comportamientos y los aspectos éticos implicados en la recolección de datos de los pacientes. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo y exploratorio con abordaje cualitativo, que utilizó como referencial metodológico el análisis de contenido propuesto por Bardin. En el estudio participaron estudiantes de enfermería del séptimo período de una universidad pública de Minas Gerais, Brasil, en 2011. Los datos fueron recolectados por medio de entrevistas. Resultados. Emergieron del análisis de los resultados las siguientes categorías: preservación de la privacidad e intimidad del paciente, el respeto a la autonomía del paciente, experiencias y sentimientos de los estudiantes, y las estrategias de enseñanza del proceso de enfermería durante la formación del alumno. Conclusíon. Hay preocupación de los estudiantes de enfermería por el enfoque ético de la recolección de datos del paciente y por la preservación de sus derechos. Se deben reforzar prácticas pedagógicas que tengan en cuenta no solo los aspectos técnicos, sino también los relacionados con el comportamiento y la ética.

Objetivo. Identificar a percepção dos estudantes de enfermagem sobre os comportamentos e os aspectos éticos implicadas na recolha de dados dos pacientes. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo e exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, que utilizou como referencial metodológico a análise de conteúdo proposto por Bardin. No estudo participaram estudantes de enfermagem do sétimo período de uma universidade pública de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 2011. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas. Resultados. . Emergiram da análise dos resultados as seguintes categorias: preservação da privacidade e intimidade do paciente, o com respeito à autonomia do paciente, experiências e sentimentos dos estudantes, e as estratégias de ensino do processo de enfermagem durante a formação do aluno. Conclusão. Há preocupação dos estudantes de enfermagem pelo enfoque ético da recolha de dados do paciente e pela preservação de seus direitos. Devem-se reforçar práticas pedagógicas que tenham em conta não só os aspectos técnicos, senão também os relacionados com o comportamento e a ética.

Equações de referência para a predição da força de preensão manual em brasileiros de meia idade e idosos / Reference equations or predicting of handgrip strength in Brazilian middle-age and elderly subjects

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os valores normais da força de preensão manual do membro superior dominante (FPM-D) e não dominante (FPM-ND) em sujeitos de meia idade e idosos assintomáticos e elaborar equações de referência para a predição da FPM. Foram investigados 54 voluntários (51,9% homens) com idade ≥50 anos, medindo-se massa corporal, estatura e perimetria do braço direito e esquerdo, e calculando-se o índice de massa corporal. A FPM-D e FPM -ND foram avaliadas por dinamometria mecânica. O índice de atividade física habitual (IAF) foi avaliado pelo questionário de Baecke. A FPM-D foi superior à FPM-ND em ambos os sexos e em todas as idades (p<0,05). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre a FPM e idade, estatura, massa corporal e perimetria do braço. As melhores equações de referência foram as seguintes: FPM-Dkgf =39,996 - (0,382 x idade anos)+(0,174 x peso kg)+(13,628 x sexo homens=1; mulheres=0) (R2 ajustado=0,677); eFPM-NDkgf=44,968- (0,420 x idade anos)+(0,110 x peso kg)+(9,274 x sexo homens=1; mulheres=0) (R2 ajustado=0,546). A diferença consistente entre a FPM-D e FPM-ND torna necessário o uso de dados normativos específicos para cada mão. Atributos simples de serem obtidos, tais como idade, estatura, massa corporal, perimetria do braço e sexo, podem pois prever adequadamente os valores esperados da FPM para adultos e idosos assintomáticos...

The aim of the present study was to evaluate normal values of dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) upper limb handgrip strength (HGS) in asymptomatic middle-aged elderly subjects and to establish reference equations for predicting HGS. Fifty-four volunteers (51.9% men) aged ≥50 years old were enrolled. Weight, height, and both arms circumference were measured, being the body mass index calculated. Mechanical dynamometry was used to measure D-HGS and ND-HGS. Self-reported level of regular physical activity was assessed by Baecke questionnaire. D-HGS was higher than ND-HGS for both sexes and in all age groups (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between HGS and age, height, weight and arm circumferences. The best reference equations were the following: D-HGSkgf=39.996 - (0.382 x age years)+(0.174 x weight kg)+(13.628 x sex men=1; women=0) (Adjusted R2=0.677); and ND-HGS kgf=44.968 - (0.420 x age years)+(0.110 x weight kg)+(9.274 x sex men=1; women=0) (Adjusted R2=0.546). The consistent difference found between dominant and non-dominant HGS requires the use of specific normative data for each hand. Hence easily-obtained attributes such as age, height, weight, arm circumference and sex can predict HGS expected values for asymptomatic elder adults...