Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with a TOF MS Detector-An Effective Tool to Trace the Signature of Grape Varieties.

Varietal volatile compounds are characteristic of each variety of grapes and come from the skins of the grapes. This work focuses on the development of a methodology for the analysis of free compounds in grapes from Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Castelão and Tinta Barroca from the 2021 and 2022 harvests, using HS-SPME-GC × GC-TOFMS. To achieve this purpose, a previous optimization step of sample preparation was implemented, with the optimized conditions being 4 g of grapes, 2 g of NaCl, and 2 mL of H2O. The extraction conditions were also optimized, and it was observed that performing the extraction for 40 min at 60 °C was the best for identifying more varietal compounds. The fiber used was a triple fiber of carboxen/divinylbenzene/polydimethylsiloxane (CAR/DVB/PDMS). In addition to the sample preparation, the analytical conditions were also optimized, enabling the adequate separation of analytes. Using the optimized methodology, it was possible to identify fifty-two free volatile compounds, including seventeen monoterpenes, twenty-eight sesquiterpenes, and seven C13-norisoprenoids. It was observed that in 2021, more free varietal volatile compounds were identifiable compared to 2022. According to the results obtained through a linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the differences in volatile varietal signature are observed both among different grape varieties and across different years.

Fisioterapia respiratória em crianças com pneumonia: revisão sistemática da literatura / Chest physiotherapy in children with pneumonia: a systematic literature review / Fisioterapia respiratoria en niños con neumonía: revisión sistemática de la literatura

Objetivo: Avaliar a atuação da fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento da pneumonia em crianças. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática baseada no método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Neste estudo foram incluídos artigos originais relacionados com objetivo que aplicaram a fisioterapia respiratória no tratamento de crianças com pneumonia, escritos na língua portuguesa e inglesa, publicados no site da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), nas bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do caribe em ciências da saúde (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando os descritores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente foram identificados 273 artigos publicados e, de acordo com os critérios de inclusão, exclusão e elegibilidade, ao final cinco foram selecionados para análise qualitativa. Dos artigos selecionados para o estudo, três mostraram que fisioterapia respiratória proporcionou melhorias significativas entre os pacientes de grupo de controle e intervenção, usando técnicas e equipamentos que auxiliavam na desobstrução das vias aéreas e diminuição das internações decorrentes da pneumonia. Contudo, não houve estudos que qualificassem as intervenções fisioterapêuticas como principal recurso para o tratamento dessa doença. Conclusão: Dessa forma, conclui-se que a utilização da fisioterapia respiratória pode ser um adjuvante importante para a melhora dos quadros e funções respiratórias de crianças com pneumonia.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of respiratory physical therapy in the treatment of pneumonia in children. Methods: This is a systematic review was based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method. This study included original articles related to the objective that applied respiratory physiotherapy in the treatment of children with pneumonia, written in Portuguese and English, published on the Virtual Health Library (VHL) site, in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and PubMed databases, using the descriptors (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric and child*). Results: Initially 273 published articles were identified and according to the inclusion, exclusion and eligibility criteria, at the end five were selected for qualitative analysis. Of the articles selected for the study, three showed that respiratory physiotherapy provided significant improvements among control and intervention group patients using techniques and equipment that aided in airway clearance and decreased hospitalizations due to pneumonia. However, there were no studies qualifying physical therapy interventions as the main resource for the treatment of this disease. Conclusion: Therefore, we concluded that chest physiotherapy can be an important adjuvant for the improvement of respiratory function in children with pneumonia.

Objetivo: Evaluar el papel de la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de la neumonía en niños. Métodos: Esta es una revisión sistemática basada en el método Preferred Reporting Items for Sistematic Reviews and Meta-Análises (PRISMA). Este estudio incluyó artículos originales relacionados con el objetivo de aplicar la fisioterapia respiratoria en el tratamiento de niños con neumonía, escritos en portugués e inglés, publicados en el sitio web de la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS), en las bases de datos de Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en ciencias de la salud. (LILACS), Scientific-Electronic-Library-Online (SciELO), no Physioterapia Evidence Database (PEDro) e PubMed, utilizando los descriptores (pneumonia, respiratory physiotherapy, chest therapy, pediatric e child*). Resultados: Inicialmente se identificaron 273 artículos publicados y, según los criterios de inclusión, exclusión y elegibilidad, finalmente se seleccionaron cinco para el análisis cualitativo. De los artículos seleccionados para el estudio, tres mostraron que la fisioterapia respiratoria proporcionó mejoras significativas entre los pacientes de los grupos de control e intervención, utilizando técnicas y equipos que ayudaron a despejar las vías respiratorias y reducir las hospitalizaciones por neumonía. Sin embargo, no hubo estudios que calificaran las intervenciones fisioterapéuticas como principal recurso para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Conclusíon: Por lo tanto, se concluye que el uso de fisioterapia respiratoria puede ser un coadyuvante importante para mejorar las condiciones y funciones respiratorias de los niños con neumonía.

Gravidade dos sintomas da covid-19 e qualidade de vida na covid longa: qual a relação em adultos e idosos? / Severity of covid-19 symptoms and quality of life in long covid: what is the relationship between adults and the elderly? / Gravedad de los síntomas de covid-19 y calidad de vida en long covid: ¿cuál es la relación entre adultos y ancianos?

Avaliar a relação entre gravidade dos sintomas da Covid-19 e qualidade de vida na Covid Longa em adultos e idosos. Trata-se de estudo transversal, prospectivo e multicêntrico, realizado com indivíduos com idade superior á 18 anos com Covid Longa, de ambos os sexos, acompanhados nas Clínicas Escolas da Universidade Paulista ­ UNIP. Foi aplicado uma ficha de avaliação, no qual foram coletadas informações como, dados pessoais, história clínica da Covid-19, e manejos da doença em relação a necessidade de oxigenoterapia, ventilação mecânica não invasiva (VNI) e invasiva (VM) e traqueostomia (TQT), bem como o questionário SF36 versão Brasileira. A pesquisa foi submetida e aprovada pelo CEP da Universidade Paulista ­ UNIP, parecer 4.894.652. Os adultos e idosos que foram internados tiveram pior qualidade de vida nos domínios capacidade funcional, vitalidade e saúde mental. Aqueles que utilizaram oxigenoterapia, VM e TQT, tiveram maior acometimento no domínio saúde mental e os indivíduos que utilizaram a VNI, tiveram pior pontuação no domínio capacidade funcional. Conclui-se que adultos e idosos com Covid Longa apresentaram pior qualidade de vida à longo prazo, sobretudo naqueles com maior gravidade dos sintomas da Covid-19, ou seja, que necessitaram de internação, oxigenoterapia, VNI, VM e traqueostomia.

To evaluate the relationship between the severity of Covid-19 symptoms and quality of life adults and elderly with Long Covid in. This is a cross-sectional, prospective and multicenter study, carried out with individuals aged over 18 years with Long Covid, of both gender, followed at the Clinic School of Universidade Paulista - UNIP. Infor-mations such as personal data, clinical history of Covid-19, and disease management in relation to used of oxygen therapy, non-invasive (NIV) and invasive mechanical ventila-tion and tracheostomy was collected. SF36 questionnaire version Brazilian was aplied to assess quality of life . Adults and elderly people who were hospitalized had a worse quality of life in functional capacity, vitality and mental health domains. Furthermore, those who used oxygen therapy, intubation and tracheostomy, had worse mental health. The individuals who used NIV had worse scores in domain capacity works. It is con-cluded that adults and elderly people with Long Covid had a worse quality of life in the long term, especially in those with more severe symptoms of Covid-19, that is, those who required hospitalization, oxygen therapy, invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy.

Relacionar la gravedad de los síntomas de Covid-19 y la calidad de vida en adultos y ancianos con Largo Covid. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio transversal, prospectivo y multicéntrico, realizado con individuos mayores de 18 años con Largo Covid, de ambos sexos, seguidos en las Clínicas Escolas de la Universidade Paulista - UNIP. Se aplicó un formulario de evaluación, en el cual se recolectó información como datos personales, antecedentes clínicos de Covid-19 y manejo de la enfermedad en relación a la necesidad de oxigenoterapia, ventilación mecánica no invasiva e invasiva y traqueotomía, así como la Cuestionario SF36 versión brasileña. Resultados: Los adultos y ancianos hospitalizados tenían peor calidad de vida en los dominios capacidad funcional, vitalidad y salud mental. De los cuales usaban oxigenoterapia, intubación y traqueotomía, tenían peor salud mental. Los individuos que usaban ventilación mecánica no invasiva tenían peores puntuaciones en el domínio del la capacidad funcional. Conclusión: Se concluye que los adultos y ancianos con Covid Largo tuvieron una peor calidad de vida a largo plazo, especialmente en aquellos con síntomas más severos de Covid-19, es decir, aquellos que requirieron hospitalización, oxigenoterapia, invasiva y no invasiva. ventilación mecánica y traqueotomía.

Brain wave behavior in children with down syndrome following cortical neuromodulation combined with sensorimotor stimulation: observational study.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) require more time to develop motor and/or cognitive skills. Neuromodulation is used to assist in this development. However, there is a gap in the literature on neurophysiological changes that may occur in the primary motor cortex in individuals with DS following neuromodulation. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate possible neurophysiological changes in brain wave behavior of the primary motor cortex following the administration of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with sensorimotor training. METHODS: The study involved 12 participants with DS. EEG equipment was used to investigate brain activity. The participants received neuromodulation involving anodal tDCS for 20 minutes with a current of 1 mA combined with virtual reality (VR) training three times a week for a total of ten sessions. We analyzed EGG signals and 3D movement during a reaching movement of the dominant upper limb before and after the ten-session protocol. RESULTS: Significant differences in event-related desynchronization and event-related synchronization of the alpha and beta rhythms were found throughout the evaluations. Brain mapping revealed reductions in power and frequency, demonstrating changes in the patterns of these rhythms in the cerebral cortex. Revealed reorganization of the behavior of alpha and beta waves, as demonstrated by distribution of synchronization and desynchronization of these waves among the regions of the brain. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that anodal tDCS promotes the reorganization of brain impulses, redirecting these impulses to the required regions more efficiently and contributing to better motor planning.

Heart rate variability: A biomarker of frailty in older adults?

Frailty is a state of critical loss of physiological complexity resulting in greater vulnerability to stressors and has been characterized as a debility syndrome in the older adult. Changes in functional capacity and the cardiovascular system during aging are the most significant and relevant for this population, including the clinically healthy. In this sense, this review aims to investigate methods to monitor the performance of older adults, such as heart rate variability and verify how it can be related to frailty. It contributes to understanding that the changes in heart variability can be a marker for frailty in older adults.

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined with Treadmill Training on Kinematics and Spatiotemporal Gait Variables in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized, Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

The present study assessed the effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with treadmill training on spatiotemporal and kinematic variables in stroke survivors using gait speed as the primary outcome. A randomized, sham-controlled, triple-blind, study was conducted involving 28 patients with hemiparesis allocated to two groups. The experimental group was submitted to treadmill training combined with anodal tDCS over the primary motor cortex (M1) of the damaged hemisphere. The control group was submitted to treadmill training combined with sham tDCS. Stimulation was administered (2 mA, 20 min) five times a week for two weeks during treadmill training. No significant differences (p > 0.05) in spatiotemporal variables were found in the intra-group and inter-group analyses. However, the experimental group demonstrated improvements in kinematic variables of the knee and ankle (p < 0.05) and these results were maintained one month after the end of the intervention. The inter-group analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) with regard to the pelvis, hip and knee. Anodal tDCS over M1 of the damaged hemisphere combined with treadmill training did not affect spatiotemporal variables, but promoted improvements in kinematic variables of the pelvis, hip, knee and ankle and results were maintained one month after treatment.

Effectiveness of a Primary Care Telerehabilitation Program for Post-COVID-19 Patients: A Feasibility Study.

In many health systems, it is difficult to carry out traditional rehabilitation programs as the systems are stressed. We evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program conducted in primary care in post-COVID-19 patients. An observational, prospective study was conducted in seven primary care centers in Chile. We included adult patients (>18 years) with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The telerehabilitation program consisted of 24 sessions of supervised home-based exercise training. The efficacy was measured by the 1-min sit-to-stand test (1-min STST), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), fatigue, and dyspnea symptoms before and after intervention. We included 115 patients (55.4% female) with a mean age of 55.6 ± 12.7 years. Fifty-seven patients (50%) had antecedents of hospitalization, and 35 (30.4%) were admitted to the ICU. The 1-min STST was improved after the intervention from 20.5 ± 10.2 (53.1 ± 25.0%predicted) to 29.4 ± 11.9 (78.2 ± 28.0%predicted) repetitions (p < 0.001). The SF-36 global score improved significantly from 39.6 ± 17.6 to 58.9 ± 20.5. Fatigue and dyspnea improved significantly after the intervention. Although limited by the absence of a control group, this report showed that a telerehabilitation program applied in primary health care is feasible and was effective in improving physical capacity, quality of life and symptoms in adult survivors of COVID-19.

Bacterial nanocellulose-hyaluronic acid microneedle patches for skin applications: In vitro and in vivo evaluation.

The aim of the present study was to develop innovative patches for dermo-cosmetic applications based on dissolvable hyaluronic acid (HA) microneedles (MNs) combined with bacterial nanocellulose (BC) as the back layer. HA was employed as an active biomacromolecule, with hydrating and regenerative properties and volumizing effect, whereas BC was used as support for the incorporation of an additional bioactive molecule. Rutin, a natural antioxidant, was selected as the model bioactive compound to demonstrate the effectiveness of the system. The obtained HA-MNs arrays present homogenous and regular needles, with 200 µm in base width, 450 µm in height and 500 µm tip-to-tip distance, and with sufficient mechanical force to withstand skin insertion with a failure force higher than 0.15 N per needle. The antioxidant activity of rutin was neither affected by its incorporation in the MNs system nor by their storage at room temperature for 6 months. Preliminary in vivo studies in human volunteers unveiled their safety and cutaneous compatibility, as no significant changes in barrier function, stratum corneum hydration nor redness were detected. These results confirm the potentiality of this novel system for skin applications, e.g. cosmetics, taking advantage of the recognized properties of HA and the capacity of BC to control the release of bioactive molecules.

Antibacterial Multi-Layered Nanocellulose-Based Patches Loaded with Dexpanthenol for Wound Healing Applications.

Antibacterial multi-layered patches composed of an oxidized bacterial cellulose (OBC) membrane loaded with dexpanthenol (DEX) and coated with several chitosan (CH) and alginate (ALG) layers were fabricated by spin-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Four patches with a distinct number of layers (5, 11, 17, and 21) were prepared. These nanostructured multi-layered patches reveal a thermal stability up to 200 °C, high mechanical performance (Young's modulus ≥ 4 GPa), and good moisture-uptake capacity (240-250%). Moreover, they inhibited the growth of the skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (3.2-log CFU mL-1 reduction) and were non-cytotoxic to human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The in vitro release profile of DEX was prolonged with the increasing number of layers, and the time-dependent data imply a diffusion/swelling-controlled drug release mechanism. In addition, the in vitro wound healing assay demonstrated a good cell migration capacity, headed to a complete gap closure after 24 h. These results certify the potential of these multi-layered polysaccharides-based patches toward their application in wound healing.

Pullulan microneedle patches for the efficient transdermal administration of insulin envisioning diabetes treatment.

The present study reports the fabrication of dissolvable microneedle (MN) patches using pullulan (PL), a water-soluble polysaccharide with excellent film-forming ability, for the transdermal administration of insulin, envisioning the non-invasive treatment of diabetes. PL MNs patches were successfully prepared by micromoulding and revealed good thermal stability (Tdmax = 294 °C) and mechanical properties (>0.15 N needle-1), penetrating skin up to 381 µm depth, as revealed by in vitro skin tests. After application into human abdominal skin in vitro, the MNs dissolved within 2 h releasing up to 87% of insulin. When stored at 4, 20 and 40 °C for 4 weeks, insulin was able to retain its secondary structure, as shown by circular dichroism spectropolarimetry. The prepared PL MNs were non-cytotoxic towards human keratinocytes, being suitable for skin application. These findings suggest that PL MNs have potential to deliver insulin transdermally, thus avoiding its subcutaneous administration.

Swellable Gelatin Methacryloyl Microneedles for Extraction of Interstitial Skin Fluid toward Minimally Invasive Monitoring of Urea.

Urea, the main nitrogenous waste product of protein metabolism, is eliminated almost exclusively by the kidney, and hence, displays considerable clinical significance in the assessment of kidney disorders. The aim of this study is to prepare and investigate the potential of swellable cross-linked gelatin methacryloyl (c-GelMA) microneedles (MNs) as a platform for minimally invasive extraction of interstitial skin fluid (ISF) toward straightforward point-of-care healthcare monitoring of renal complaints, by quantification of urea. c-GelMA MNs are successfully prepared by photo-cross-linking and micromolding, faithfully replicating the master molds (387 ± 16 µm height, 200 µm base and 500 µm tip-to-tip distance). These MN patches display good mechanical properties, withstanding more than 0.15 N per needle without breaking. Ex vivo skin insertion assays reveal that the MNs penetrate up to 237 µm depth, reaching the dermis, where they should extract ISF considering a real application. In an in vitro application using an agarose skin model system, the c-GelMA MNs are able to efficiently recover urea (>98%). Additionally, these MNs exhibit noncytotoxic effects toward human keratinocytes. These findings suggest that c-GelMA MNs are promising devices for sampling ISF and offline analysis of urea, opening new avenues for simple point-of-care healthcare monitoring.

Inhibition of C. albicans Dimorphic Switch by Cobalt(II) Complexes with Ligands Derived from Pyrazoles and Dinitrobenzoate: Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Activity.

Seven cobalt(II) complexes of pyrazole derivatives and dinitrobenzoate ligands were synthesized and characterized. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure was determined for one of the ligands and one of the complexes. The analysis and spectral data showed that all the cobalt complexes had octahedral geometries, which was supported by DFT calculations. The complexes and their free ligands were evaluated against fungal strains of Candida albicans and emerging non-albicans species and epimastigotes of Trypanosoma cruzi. We obtained antifungal activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 31.3 to 250 µg mL-1. The complexes were more active against C. krusei, showing MIC values between 31.25 and 62.5 µg mL-1. In addition, some ligands (L1-L6) and complexes (5 and Co(OAc)2 · 4H2O) significantly reduced the yeast to hypha transition of C. albicans at 500 µg mL-1 (inhibition ranging from 30 to 54%). Finally, the complexes and ligands did not present trypanocidal activity and were not toxic to Vero cells. Our results suggest that complexes of cobalt(II) with ligands derived from pyrazoles and dinitrobenzoate may be an attractive alternative for the treatment of diseases caused by fungi, especially because they target one of the most important virulence factors of C. albicans.

A compendium of current developments on polysaccharide and protein-based microneedles.

Microneedles (MNs), i.e. minimally invasive three-dimensional microstructures that penetrate the stratum corneum inducing relatively little or no pain, have been studied as appealing therapeutic vehicles for transdermal drug delivery. Over the last years, the fabrication of MNs using biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, has sparked the imagination of scientists due to their recognized biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of fabrication and sustainable character. Owing to their wide range of functional groups, polysaccharides and proteins enable the design and preparation of materials with tunable properties and functionalities. Therefore, these biopolymer-based MNs take a revolutionary step offering great potential not only in drug administration, but also in sensing and response to physiological stimuli. In this review, a critical and comprehensive overview of the polysaccharides and proteins employed in the design and engineering of MNs will be given. The strategies adopted for their preparation, their advantages and disadvantages will be also detailed. In addition, the potential and challenges of using these matrices to deliver drugs, vaccines and other molecules will be discussed. Finally, this appraisal ends with a perspective on the possibilities and challenges in research and development of polysaccharide and protein MNs, envisioning the future advances and clinical translation of these platforms as the next generation of drug delivery systems.

Efetividade da reabilitação precoce e intensiva na prevenção do declínio funcional do doente com AVC / Effectiveness of early and intensive rehabilitation in preventing functional decline in stroke patients

Sendo o Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) a primeira causa de morte em Portugal e estando muitas das suas complicações relacionadas com a imobilidade, a mobilização e o treino de AVDs assumem um componente fundamental da reabilitação precoce e consequentemente na prevenção do declínio funcional. O estudo tem como objetivo principal avaliar a efetividade de um programa de reabilitação precoce na prevenção do declínio funcional do doente com AVC, tendo-se desenvolvido uma investigação assente no paradigma quantitativo, do tipo quase experimental. A amostra foi não probabilística e consecutiva, constituída por 40 participantes, 20 pertencentes ao grupo de controle (que cumprem o programa diário de Enfermagem de Reabilitação) e os outros 20 ao grupo experimental (que cumprem programa bi-diário de Enfermagem de Reabilitação), entre Setembro de 2016 e Março de 2017 e que cumpriram os critérios estabelecidos. Para a recolha de dados utilizámos uma versão adaptada do InterRAI-AC-PT, validada para a população portuguesa por Amaral et al. (2014), aplicado na pré-admissão, admissão e alta após autorização do autor, Comissão e Conselho de Administração do CHUC. Os participantes no estudo fizeram-no de forma livre e voluntária após terem sido esclarecidos quanto ao mesmo. Os resultados obtidos demonstram um agravamento do estado funcional entre a pré admissão e admissão, melhorando entre a admissão e a alta, mas mantendo-se uma tendência de aumento da dependência funcional entre a pré admissão e a alta. Verifica-se ainda a existência de benefício do estado funcional do doente com AVC cumprindo programa de reabilitação bi-diária no momento da alta, permitindo uma independência maior para a realização das AIVDs. Em relação às correlações estabelecidas apenas podemos concluir que nos doentes que cumprem programa de reabilitação bi-diária, quanto maior a idade dos doentes maior é a dependência na realização das AIVDs no momento da alta. Concluindo, esta análise permite-nos compreender o impacto da Enfermagem de Reabilitação no estado funcional do doente com AVC, sendo a intervenção do EER uma mais-valia no sentido da autonomia e melhoria da qualidade de vida.

Bioactive Phytochemicals from Wild Arbutus unedo L. Berries from Different Locations in Portugal: Quantification of Lipophilic Components.

The lipophilic composition of wild Arbutus unedo L. berries, collected from six locations in Penacova (center of Portugal), as well as some general chemical parameters, namely total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was studied in detail to better understand its potential as a source of bioactive compounds. The chemical composition of the lipophilic extracts, focused on the fatty acids, triterpenoids, sterols, long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols, was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the dichloromethane extracts. The lipophilic extractives of the ripe A. unedo berries ranged from 0.72% to 1.66% (w/w of dry weight), and consisted mainly of triterpenoids, fatty acids and sterols. Minor amounts of long chain aliphatic alcohols and tocopherols were also identified. Forty-one compounds were identified and among these, ursolic acid, lupeol, α-amyrin, linoleic and α-linolenic acids, and ß-sitosterol were highlighted as the major components. To the best of our knowledge the current research study provides the most detailed phytochemical repository for the lipophilic composition of A. unedo, and offers valuable information for future valuation and exploitation of these berries.

Correlação dos escores de risco com a anatomia coronária na síndrome coronária aguda sem supra-ST / Correlation of risk scores with coronary anatomy in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome

FUNDAMENTO:Há poucas publicações sobre a correlação entre escores de risco e anatomia coronária na síndrome coronária aguda (SCA). OBJETIVO: Correlacionar os escores de risco com a gravidade da lesão coronária na SCA sem supra-ST. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados 582 pacientes entre julho de 2004 e outubro de 2006. Avaliou-se a correlação entre os escores de risco TIMI, GRACE hospitalar e em seis meses com lesão coronária > 50%, por método não paramétrico de Spearman. Modelo de regressão logística múltipla foi realizado para determinar a habilidade preditiva dos escores em discriminar quem terá ou não lesão coronária > 50%. RESULTADOS: Foram 319 (54,8%) homens e a média de idade era 59,9 (± 10,6) anos. Correlação positiva foi observada entre a pontuação dos escores de risco e lesão coronária > 50% (escore de risco TIMI r = 0,363 [p < 0,0001]; escore GRACE hospitalar r = 0,255 [p < 0,0001]; escore GRACE em seis meses r = 0,209 [< 0,0001]). A área sob a curva ROC de cada escore para discriminar quem terá ou não lesão coronária > 50% foi: TIMI = 0,704 [IC95% 0,656-0,752; p <0,0001]; GRACE hospitalar = 0,623 [IC 95% 0,573-0,673; p < 0,0001]; GRACE em seis meses = 0,562 [IC95% 0,510-0,613; p = 0,0255]. Na comparação entre as áreas sob a curva ROC, tem-se: TIMI versus GRACE hospitalar: p = 0,01; TIMI versus GRACE em seis meses: p < 0,0001; GRACE hospitalar versus GRACE em seis meses: p = 0,0461. CONCLUSÃO: Os escores de risco se correlacionam com a gravidade das lesões coronárias, sendo o escore de risco TIMI o que demonstrou melhor habilidade preditiva.

BACKGROUND: The literature lacks studies regarding the correlation between risk scores and coronary anatomy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) OBJECTIVE: Correlate risk scores with the severity of the coronary lesion in ACS with non-ST elevation. METHODS: A total of 582 patients were analyzed between July 2004 and October 2006. The correlation between TIMI risk scores and GRACE (hospital and six months) scores was performed for patients with coronary lesion > 50%, using Spearman´s non-parametric method. Multiple regression logistics was used to determine the predictive ability of the scores to discriminate to discriminate who will have a coronary lesion > 50%. RESULTS: Most subjects were male (319 or 54.8%), mean age of 59.9 (± 10.6) years. A positive correlation was observed between risk scores and >coronary lesion > 50% (TIMI r = 0.363 [p < 0.0001]; hospital GRACE r = 0.255 [p < 0.0001]; GRACE at six months r = 0.209 [< 0.0001]). The area under the ROC curve for each score to determine to discriminate who will have a coronary lesion > 50% was: TIMI = 0.704 [CI95% 0.656-0.752; p <0.0001]; hospital GRACE = 0.623 [CI95% 0.573-0.673; p < 0.0001]; GRACE at six months= 0.562 [CI95% 0.510-0.613; p ;= 0.0255]. Comparing the areas under the ROC curve, it was found: TIMI versus hospital GRACE: p = 0.01; TIMI versus GRACE at six months:p < 0.0001; hospital GRACE versus GRACE at six months: p = 0.0461. CONCLUSION: Risk scores correlate with the severity of coronary lesions, and the TIMI risk score showed the best predictive ability.

Correlation of risk scores with coronary anatomy in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The literature lacks studies regarding the correlation between risk scores and coronary anatomy in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) OBJECTIVE: Correlate risk scores with the severity of the coronary lesion in ACS with non-ST elevation. METHODS: A total of 582 patients were analyzed between July 2004 and October 2006. The correlation between TIMI risk scores and GRACE (hospital and six months) scores was performed for patients with coronary lesion ≥ 50%, using Spearman's non-parametric method. Multiple regression logistics was used to determine the predictive ability of the scores to discriminate to discriminate who will have a coronary lesion ≥ 50%. RESULTS: Most subjects were male (319 or 54.8%), mean age of 59.9 (± 10.6) years. A positive correlation was observed between risk scores and coronary lesion ≥ 50% (TIMI r = 0.363 [p < 0.0001]; hospital GRACE r = 0.255 [p < 0.0001]; GRACE at six months r = 0.209 [< 0.0001]). The area under the ROC curve for each score to determine to discriminate who will have a coronary lesion > 50% was: TIMI = 0.704 [CI95% 0.656-0.752; p <0.0001]; hospital GRACE = 0.623 [CI95% 0.573-0.673; p < 0.0001]; GRACE at six months= 0.562 [CI95% 0.510-0.613; p ;= 0.0255]. Comparing the areas under the ROC curve, it was found: TIMI versus hospital GRACE: p = 0.01; TIMI versus GRACE at six months:p < 0.0001; hospital GRACE versus GRACE at six months: p = 0.0461. CONCLUSION: Risk scores correlate with the severity of coronary lesions, and the TIMI risk score showed the best predictive ability.

Tomografia computadorizada e Dor Torácica. A contribuição da tomografia computadorizada na avaliação na avaliação da dor torácica aguda / Tomografia computadorizada e Dor Torácica. A contribuição da tomografia computadorizada na avaliação na avaliação da dor torácica aguda

A doença cardíaca isquêmica é uma das principais causas de morte no mundo. Segundo os dados de 2010 do Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics aproximadamente uma morte a cada segundo mais de 151.000 americanos com menos de 65 anos já morreram este ano de doenças cardiovasculares. Os custos diretos e indiretos com doenças cardiovasculares , acidente vascular cerebral e condições relacionadas nos Estados Unidos da América são estimados em torno de 503,2 bilhões de dólares por ano. Isso inclui custos médicos, cuidados hospitalares, antendimento residencial, medicações, além de custos indiretos relacionados à perda de produtividade...

Selective release of ATP from sympathetic nerves of rat vas deferens by the toxin TsTX-I from Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus.

1. The effects of the main component of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, toxin TsTX-I, were studied on the contractility and release of neurotransmitters in the rat vas deferens. Since TsTX-I is known to act on sodium channels, we used veratridine, another sodium channel agent, for comparison. 2. Toxin TsTX-I induced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC(50) value of 47.8+/-0.1 nM and a maximum effect of 84.4+/-10.4% of that for BaCl(2). 3. Contractions by TsTX-I were abolished by denervation or tetrodotoxin (0.1 microM), showing that the toxin effects depend on the integrity of sympathetic nerve terminals. 4. To check for the presence of a noradrenergic component, experiments were conducted after removal of adrenergic stores in nerve terminals by reserpinization (10 mg kg(-1), 24 h prior to experiments) or blockade of alpha(1) adrenoceptors by prazosin (30 microM), showing that these procedures did not modify the response to TsTX-I, and therefore that adrenoceptors were not involved in contractions. 5. To check for the presence of a purinergic component, experiments were carried out after blockade of P(2X) receptors by suramin (0.1 mM) or desensitization by alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (30 microM). These agents greatly abolished the contractile response to TsTX-I (about 83% by desensitization and 96% by suramin), showing the involvement of purinergic receptors. 6. The release of noradrenaline and purinergic agents (ATP, ADP, AMP and adenosine) was detected by HPLC. Together, the total release of purines in the presence of TsTX-I was about 42 times higher than in the control group. In contrast, TsTX-I did not modify the overflow of noradrenaline, showing that the release was selective for purines. 7. The release of purinergic agents was reduced by the N-type calcium channel blocker omega-conotoxin GVIA (1 microM) and by the P/Q-type blocker omega-conotoxin MVIIC (1 microM), showing that the effects of TsTX-I are calcium-dependent. 8. The results show that TsTX-I produced a selective release of purines from postganglionic sympathetic nerves in the rat vas deferens.

Selective release of ATP from sympathetic nerves of rat vasdeferens by the toxin TsTX-I from Brazilian scorpion Tityusserrulatus

The effects of the main component of the Tityus serrulatus scorpion venom, toxin TsTX-I, were studied on the contractility and release of neurotransmitters in the rat vas deferens. Since TsTX-I is known to act on sodium channels, we used veratridine, another sodium channel agent, for comparison. 2. Toxin TsTX-I induced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC(50) value of 47.8+/-0.1 nM and a maximum effect of 84.4+/-10.4% of that for BaCl(2). 3. Contractions by TsTX-I were abolished by denervation or tetrodotoxin (0.1 microM), showing that the toxin effects depend on the integrity of sympathetic nerve terminals.