Effectiveness of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) as an adjuvant therapy for Type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Salba-chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is a popular functional food containing high levels of protein, total dietary fiber, and is an excellent source of α-linolenic acid. Chia seeds significantly decreases weight, suppresses appetite, and has a potential benefit in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of chia seeds as an adjuvant treatment for T2DM.@*METHODS@#Randomized controlled trials from 1990 onwards involving Type 2 diabetic patients given chia seed were included. PubMed, Cochrane, ClinicalKey, Google Scholar, and Hinari were searched systematically using MeSH terms “chia”, “Salvia hispanica”, “dietary supplement”, and “diabetes”. The quality of trials was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Data on the study design, blinding status, characteristics of participants, medications taken by participants, chia seed intervention, comparator, duration of intake, and interval of assessment were extracted. The percent change of outcome from baseline was compared between the chia and control groups.@*RESULTS@#Four randomized trials with a total of 213 diabetic patients were enrolled in the treatment group using ground salba-chia or the control group using bran. The supplementation of chia resulted in a statistically significant decrease in fasting glucose (-2.90 mmol/L; 95% CI, -3.08, -2.72; p < 0.001), waist circumference (-2.49 cm; 95% CI -2.81, -2.17; p < 0.001), total cholesterol (-2.72 mmol/L; 95% CI -3.68, -1.74; p < 0.001), HDL (-3.69 mmol/L; 95% CI -3.95, -3.42; p < 0.001), LDL (-3.22 mmol/L; 95% CI -4.08, -2.36; p < 0.001); and an increase adiponectin levels (6.50 mg/L; 95% CI 6.25, 6.25; p < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Intake of chia seeds resulted in a statistically significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, waist circumference, total cholesterol levels, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, and increased adiponectin. Chia seeds are generally safer and have lesser side effects compared to the placebo. Chia is effective as adjunctive treatment for Type 2 diabetic patients.

Fructosyltransferase production by Aspergillus oryzae BM-DIA using solid-state fermentation and the properties of its nucleotide and protein sequences.

Fructosyltransferase (FTase) catalyzes the transfer of a fructosyl group to a sucrose molecule or a fructooligosaccharide (FOS) when a FOS with a longer chain is formed. Production of FTase by two Aspergillus species and its mixture was exploited using solid-state fermentation (SSF) and employing agave sap as substrate. The maximum FTase activity (1.59 U/mL) by Aspergillus oryzae was obtained after 24 h, using a temperature of 30 °C, with an inoculum of 2 × 107 spores/mL. The nucleotide sequence coding for the fructosyltransferase showed 1494 bp and encodes for a protein of 498 amino acids. The hypothetical molecular tertiary structure of Aspergillus oryzae BM-DIA FTase showed the presence of structural domains, such as a five-bladed beta-propeller domain characteristic of GH (glycoside hydrolase) and C terminal, which forms a beta-sandwich module. This study contributes to the knowledge of stability, compatibility, and genetic expression of Aspergillus oryzae BM-DIA under SSF bioprocess conditions for industrial production of fructosyltransferase.

Animal-borne tags provide insights into the acoustic communication of southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) on the calving grounds.

This study investigated the repertoire, call-type variability and call rates of southern right whales on a calving ground off Brazil in the western South Atlantic. Acoustic tag data were collected from four lactating females and one juvenile. Pulsive, hybrid, and upcalls showed the greatest variability among call-types with up to 23% of non-standard forms detected. Quiet sounds (grunt, single, and double pulse) were detected for the first time in this species on the calving grounds. Although the sample size was limited, results suggest that social interaction increased call-type diversity and call rates, in line with other acoustic studies on right whales.

Probiotic Bacterium and Microalga Interaction on Rearing Kumamoto Oyster Crassostrea sikamea Spat.

This study assessed in vitro interaction between Bacillus bacteria and microalgae and their posterior in vivo effect on rearing Kumamoto oyster Crassostrea sikamea. The probiotic strains Bacillus licheniformis (MAt32), B. subtilis (MAt43) and B. subtilis (GAtB1) were individually inoculated in triplicate into 250 mL flasks containing 1 × 104 colony forming units (CFU) mL-1 of bacteria and 4.5 × 104 cell mL-1 of microalgae (Isochrysis galbana or Chaetoceros calcitrans) to evaluate their growth during a 7-day culture. Single cultures of microalgae or bacilli served as control. Additionally, C. sikamea spat was treated for 28 days with four single/combined bacillus treatments in triplicate at a concentration of 1 × 106 CFU mL-1 as follows: (a) control, without treatments; (b) combination of two antibiotics (10 mg L-1); (c) B. licheniformis; (d) B. subtilis; (e) B. subtilis subtilis and (f) mixed bacilli. The results showed a significantly (P < 0.05) increased growth of Bacillus strains co-cultured with microalgae, while the growth of I. galbana co-cultured with bacteria was not reduced significantly (P > 0.05) compared with the control group. C. sikamea spat treated with Bacillus showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth and survival than the control group. In this study, C. calcitrans microalgae were susceptible to the presence of probiotic bacteria. Nonetheless, this reduction in microalgal growth observed in vitro increased growth and survival of C. sikamea spat exposed to probiotic bacteria when compared to spat without probiotics.

The accuracy of the Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter perfusion index in predicting hypotension during balanced general anesthesia induction – A prospective observational study / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Balanced general anesthesia technique is a popular choice for induction because it can minimize potential side effects from individual drugs when otherwise used alone. However, hypotension is still a common occurrence during induction. Perfusion Index (PI) has been used as a measure of systemic vascular resistance and has shown to predict hypotension after regional anesthesia and propofol induction. This study aimed to determine whether baseline PI can predict hypotension following balanced general anesthesia induction and determine a cut-off value where hypotension is expected to occur.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five ASA I/II adults for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. Heart rate, blood pressure and PI were measured every minute from baseline to 5 minutes following induction and 10 minutes after endotracheal intubation. Hypotension was defined as fall in systolic BP (SBP) by >30% of baseline and/or mean arterial pressure (MAP) to <60 mmHg. Severe hypotension (MAP of <55 mm Hg) was treated. @*RESULTS@#No hypotension was observed in the first 5 minutes. Within 10 minutes, hypotension occurred in 8.6% by SBP criterion and 2.6% by MAP criterion. Within 15 minutes, hypotension was seen in 5.7% by SBP and MAP criterion, respectively. PI showed very low (r < 0.2) to low (r = 0.2 to 0.39), negative to positive and insignificant correlation (p > 0.05) with hypotension whether using SBP or MAP criterion and whether observed at 10 or 15 minutes of anesthesia induction. The Area under the ROC curve is 0.397, 95% CI [0 .126, 0.667], p = 0.431.@*CONCLUSION@#This study lends inconclusive evidence on the usefulness of Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter with Plethysmograph and Perfusion Index to predict intraoperative hypotension following balanced general anesthesia induction for this sample of patients. However, there was a positive, moderate (r=0.538, 0.501 and 0.469) and significant (p<0.05) correlation between perfusion index and SBP, Diastolic BP and MAP, respectively.

A comparative dose-response study on the efficacy and safety of intrathecal morphine effectiveness in post-cesarean patients under spinal anesthesia at a tertiary hospital / The Health Sciences Journal

INTRODUCTION@#Intrathecal morphine, commonly administered at doses of 100 to 200 mcg, is a popular choice for post-cesarean analgesia; however, a trade-off between opioid analgesia and side effects exists. This study was conducted to determine the lowest dose of intrathecal morphine that will provide adequate analgesia with the least side effects among post-cesarean patients.@*METHODS@#Sixty term parturients for cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia were randomized into three treatment groups to receive 50, 100 or 150 mcg of intrathecal morphine with a standard multimodal pain regimen and intravenous tramadol as needed. Pain scores, demand for rescue analgesic, and incidence of adverse effects (nausea, vomiting, and pruritus) during the first 24 hours’ post-spinal anesthesia were recorded and compared between groups.@*RESULTS@#Pain scores and demand for rescue doses of tramadol were higher for the 50-mcg group as compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference in pain scores between the 100 and 150-mcg groups. No rescue dose of tramadol was necessary in the 100 and 150-mcg groups. No significant difference was seen in the incidence and severity of nausea and vomiting across treatment groups. The incidence and severity of pruritus were significantly higher in the 150-mcg group. No significant difference was noted in the incidence and severity of pruritus between the 50 and 100-mcg groups.@*CONCLUSION@#A dose of 100 mcg of intrathecal morphine, in combination with a multimodal regimen, provides adequate analgesia with the least side effects.

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF BURSERA MORELENSIS RAMÍREZ ESSENTIAL OIL.

BACKGROUND: Bursera morelensis, known as "Aceitillo", is an endemic tree of Mexico. Infusions made from the bark of this species have been used for the treatment of skin infections and for their wound healing properties. In this work, we present the results of a phytochemical and antimicrobial investigation of the essential oil of B. morelensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oil was obtained by a steam distillation method and analyzed using GC-MS. The antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated. RESULTS: GC-MS of the essential oil demonstrated the presence of 28 compounds. The principal compound of the essential oil was a-Phellandrene (32.69%). The essential oil had antibacterial activity against Gram positive and negative strains. The most sensitive strains were S. pneumoniae, V. cholerae (cc) and E. coli (MIC 0.125 mg/mL, MBC 0.25 mg/mL). The essential oil was bactericidal for V. cholera (cc). The essential oil inhibited all the filamentous fungi. F. monilifome (IC50 = 2.27 mg/mL) was the most sensitive fungal strain. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides evidence that confirms the antimicrobial activity of the B. morelensis essential oil and this is a scientific support about of traditional uses of this species.

Hemoperitoneum secondary to cecocolic dilation in a pregnant mare.

Hemoperitoneum is known as the abnormal accumulation of blood within the abdominal cavity, most commonly caused by gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal abscesses, liver tumors, migration of parasitic larvae (Strongylus vulgaris), direct trauma and blood clotting disorders. Lethargy, anorexia, weakness, muscle twitching, sweating, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, and the accumulation of free fluid in the abdomen were the most commonly recorded signs. In this report, a pregnant mare was diagnosed with hemoperitoneum secondary to cecocolic dilatation, due to corn ingestion. The protocol for clinical treatment and tests varies in similar reported cases. Due to this, the present report discusses the outcome of a clinical case and suggests a medical protocol -based on evidence - for treatment in a pregnant mare. The treatment was aimed to stop the bleeding, while normalize or maintain a stable blood pressure and provide supportive therapy. The mare presented colic pains due to fermentation of the corn, which were solved in few hours. The final abdominal ultrasonogram showed intra-abdominal hypoechoic fluid and living fetus.

Patofisiología de la placa coronaria aterosclerótica vulnerable y síndromes coronarios agudos / Pathophysiology Of The Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Coronary Plaque And Acute Coronary Syndromes

La ruptura de la placa aterosclerótica es responsable por dos tercios de los síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA) y por la muerte súbita cardiaca. El fibroateroma de capa fina (TCFA), se caracteriza por la presencia de un grande acumulo de lípidos recubiertos por una capa fibrosa fina que mide <65 µm, y es reconocido como el precursor de la ruptura de la placa. Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son responsables por 38% de todas las muertes en los Estados Unidos y constituyen la principal causa de muerte en hombres menores de 65 años en Europa. La cardiopatía isquémica (EAC) incluye los síndromes coronarios estables y crónicos (AE), los síndromes coronarios agudos (AI/IAM), insuficiencia cardiaca congestiva, muerte súbita de origen cardiovascular e isquemia silenciosa. Las características más obvias, que diferencian los pacientes con síndromes coronarios agudos (SCA) de los pacientes con EAC estable son: 1) estenosis coronarias complejas; 2) fisuras en las placas coronarias; 3) trombos recientes; e 4) inflamación de la placa. La conversión de una lesión estable y asintomática en una placa rota e inestable envuelve muchos procesos. Los autores se proponen revisar de manera crítica la literatura reciente sobre los mecanismos envueltos en la génesis de la placa coronaria aterosclerótica vulnerable, bien como los mecanismos fisiopatológicos de la ruptura; será discutido el concepto de paciente vulnerable, y serán comentados los métodos diagnósticos (consagrados y experimentales) y las perspectivas de tratamiento de esta patología...(AU)

Morphology and viability of adult Fasciola gigantica (giant liver flukes) from Philippine carabaos (Bubalus bubalis) upon in vitro exposure to lead

Objective: To evaluate the effects of lead in the morphology and viability of Fasciola gigantica (F. gigantica) (giant liver fluke) isolated from infected livers of carabaos in vitro using the following concentrations of lead: 0, 100, 150 and 200 mg/L. Methods: In vitro viability and motility assay was conducted to evaluate the effects of lead using 1% methylene blue as the vital dye for assessment of the flukes' viability. Results: Results indicate that F. gigantica can tolerate lead exposure as high as 200 mg/ L with visible morphological variations. Upon exposure to lead, liver flukes tend to curl and excrete black precipitates as a sign of physiological stress response. Furthermore, the lethal concentration (LC

Limitaciones de la creatinina como marcador de filtración en la nefrotoxicidad inducida por contrastes en pacientes sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco / Limitations of creatinine as a filtration marker in contrast-induced neprhotoxicity in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization

Introducción:El objetivo del estudio fue determinar si el cálculo de la tasa de filtración glomerular (TFG) por la fórmula de Cockroft-Gault proporciona una mejor estimación de la función renal (FR) que la creatinina sérica (CrS) para detectar nefrotoxicidad (NTIC) en pacientes (PS) expuestos a medios de contraste (MC). Métodos: 133 PS con CrS basal hasta 1.2 mg/dL sometidos a cateterismo cardíaco (CC) fueron incluidos, y colectadas muestras de sangre antes y 48 h después del procedimiento. Resultados: En condiciones basales los PS fueron divididos en: Grupo I (TFG<60 mL/min, n=15) y Grupo II (TFG≥60 mL/min, n=118); el Grupo I presentaba CrS más alta (1.01 ± 0.14 vs 0.88 ± 0.18 mg/dL; P=0.007), TFG baja (49.1 ± 6.7 vs 101.1 ± 29.9 mL/min; P<0.0001) y se caracterizaban por ser: personas mayores de edad (P=0.006), predominio en mujeres, menor peso (P<0.0001) y menor estatura. Después del cateterismo la incidencia de nefrotoxicidad fue 20.3%. Los PS fueron divididos en 2 nuevos grupos: con nefrotoxicidad (CPFR, n=27) y sin nefrotoxicidad (SPFR, n=106); en el grupo CPFR la CrS aumentó de 0.80 ± 0.20 para 1.10 ± 0.23 mg/dL (P=0.0001) y la TFG disminuyó de 98.1 ± 46.0 para 69.8 ± 31.0 mL/min (P=0.0001). Conclusiones: La TFG calculada con la fórmula de Cockcroft-Gault fue más eficaz y rápida que la CrS para evaluar la función renal antes y después de la exposición a MC, y permitió identificar pacientes que aun con niveles normales de CrS ya presentan algún grado de disfunción renal (prevalencia de 11.3%

Circulating progenitor and mature endothelial cells in deep vein thrombosis.

INTRODUCTION: Mature circulating endothelial cells (CEC) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) have been described in several conditions associated with endothelial injury. Their role in deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has not been previously evaluated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this pilot study we evaluated the time course of CEC and EPC release after vena cava experimental DVT in mice, using the FeCl3 model. We also evaluated their presence in patients with DVT at different phases of the disease (acute and chronic phase). CEC and EPC were evaluated by Flow Cytometry. RESULTS: In mice, both CEC and EPC were increased 24 hours after DVT induction, peaking 48 hours thereafter. After 72 hours, CEC counts decreased sharply, whereas EPC counts decreased less substantially. In DVT patients we observed a significant increase in CEC counts immediately after DVT compared to healthy individuals. Patients with chronic disease also presented a significant elevation of these cell count. In a subgroup of patients for whom serial samples were available, CEC counts decreased significantly after 9-15 months of the acute event. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the participation of these cells in the reparative processes that follows DVT, both at immediate and late time-points. The different kinetics of CEC and EPC release in experimental DVT suggests a heterogeneous role for these cells in the reparative events after DVT.

Masculinidades e práticas de saúde: retratos da experiência de pesquisa em Florianópolis/SC / Masculinities and health practices: portraits of a research experience in Florianopolis (SC), Brazil

Este artigo tem o objetivo de apresentar parte dos resultados da pesquisa multicêntrica "Masculinidades e Práticas de Saúde", em que foram investigados, junto à população masculina de Florianópolis (SC), os significados sobre saúde/doença e práticas de cuidados com a saúde por ela desenvolvidas. Para tal, foram realizados sete grupos focais com homens usuários dos serviços de saúde, entrevistas com os profissionais que compõem a equipe técnica de saúde sexual e reprodutiva do Hospital Universitário (HU) da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), bem como 260 entrevistas com homens. Investigou também, junto à equipe de profissionais do serviço (médicos, enfermeiros, psicólogos, assistentes sociais, gestores em saúde), as discursividades de gênero em relação aos cuidados com a saúde e promoção do acesso de homens aos serviços. A proposta filosófico-metodológica de Judith Butler sobre gênero inteligível, performatividade e suas implicações na constituição de sujeitos em saúde foi o vetor de análise do material empírico da pesquisa, sem perder de vista o projeto biopolítico em que estes enunciados são possíveis de serem formulados, principalmente no que se refere ao SUS e a seus princípios de universalidade, integralidade e equidade. A categoria gênero é elemento de grande importância no padrão dos riscos de saúde nos homens e na forma como estes percebem, usam e cuidam de seus corpos, tanto como possibilidade de transformação de valores como na reiteração dos vigentes.

This paper aims to present partial results of the multicentered research "Masculinities and Health Practices". This research explored the meanings of health and illness among the male population in Florianopolis and the healthcare adopted by them. The research methodology was based on seven focal groups with male patients of the local health services, interviews with the professionals who take part of the sexual health and reproductive team of the Santa Catarina University Hospital, as well as 260 interviews with males. It also explored gender discursive practices of the medical team (doctors, nurses, psychologists, social assistants, and health professionals in general) regarding healthcare and the availability of the services for the male population. Judith Butler's philosophical and methodological proposals regarding intelligible gender, performances and its consequences for the constitution of the subjects was the theoretical vector of analyses of the empirical material. The paper also considers the biopolitical project that encapsulated these ideas, in particular the Unified Health System (SUS) and its principles of universality, integral care and equity. The concept of gender is a key element of the health risk pattern among the males and how they perceive, act and take care of their bodies, both as possibility of values transformations or reiteration of current values.