Quality of life of older adults in Family Health Strategy: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: With the increase in the older adult population, it is essential to identify the living and health conditions that can impact the quality of life of these individuals. OBJECTIVES: To identify the domains and factors associated with the quality of life of older adults under the Family Health Strategy program. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: We assessed 449 older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected between April and July, 2018. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the factors associated with QoL. RESULTS: The QoL domain with the highest score was death and dying (mean = 70.4), and the lowest score was for sensory functions (mean = 61.0 points). The factors associated with QoL were single marital status (β = -4.55; P = 0.014), level of independence for daily living activities (β = 4.92; P < 0.001), self-assessment of regular health (β = 5.35; P < 0.001), and poor health (β = -8.67; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The death and dying domain of QoL presented the highest score. Marital status, impairment in daily activities, and health self-assessment were associated with QoL.

Quality of life of older adults in Family Health Strategy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: With the increase in the older adult population, it is essential to identify the living and health conditions that can impact the quality of life of these individuals. OBJECTIVES: To identify the domains and factors associated with the quality of life of older adults under the Family Health Strategy program. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the municipality of Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil. METHODS: We assessed 449 older adults enrolled in the Family Health Strategy program. Data were collected between April and July, 2018. World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment (WHOQOL-OLD) was used to assess the quality of life (QoL) and multiple linear regression was used to estimate the factors associated with QoL. RESULTS: The QoL domain with the highest score was death and dying (mean = 70.4), and the lowest score was for sensory functions (mean = 61.0 points). The factors associated with QoL were single marital status (ß = -4.55; P = 0.014), level of independence for daily living activities (ß = 4.92; P < 0.001), self-assessment of regular health (ß = 5.35; P < 0.001), and poor health (ß = -8.67; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The death and dying domain of QoL presented the highest score. Marital status, impairment in daily activities, and health self-assessment were associated with QoL.

Qualidade de vida de cuidadores familiares de pessoas idosas acamadas / Calidad de vida de cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados / Quality of life of family caregivers of bedridden older adults

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade de vida dos cuidadores familiares e sua relação com as condições socioeconômicas, de saúde e de prestação de cuidado. Métodos Estudo transversal e analítico realizado na cidade de Palmas/TO, no período de 2020-2022, com amostra de 49 cuidadores familiares de idosos acamados. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada pelo instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Para verificar a relação entre os componentes físico e mental e variáveis independentes, utilizou-se o Teste T. Resultados Os cuidadores apresentaram valores médios do componente físico de 43,26 pontos (IC 95%: 39,87 - 46,64) e no componente mental, de 50,98 pontos (IC 95%: 47,96 - 54,00). Encontraram-se diferenças significativas entre os escores do componente mental para disfunção familiar, consumo de bebida alcóolica e sobrecarga; e, entre o componente físico para multimorbidade, polifarmácia, índice de massa corpórea e sobrecarga. Conclusão Os achados deste estudo demonstraram relação entre condições sociais, de saúde, cuidado e qualidade de vida, concedendo assim conhecimento aos profissionais de saúde para orientá-los no planejamento de ações que visem a melhoria da qualidade de vida do cuidador.

Resumen Objetivo Evaluar la calidad de vida de los cuidadores familiares y su relación con las condiciones socioeconómicas, de salud y de prestación de cuidado. Métodos Estudio transversal y analítico realizado en la ciudad de Palmas, estado de Tocantins, en el período 2020-2022, con una muestra de 49 cuidadores familiares de adultos mayores encamados. La calidad de vida fue evaluada mediante el instrumento "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). Se utilizó el test-T para verificar la relación entre los componentes físicos y mentales y las variables independientes. Resultados Los cuidadores presentaron un valor promedio del componente físico de 43,26 puntos (IC 95 %: 39,87 - 46,64) y del componente mental de 50,98 puntos (IC 95 %: 47,96 - 54,00). Se observaron diferencias significativas en la puntuación del componente mental en disfunción familiar, consumo de bebida alcohólica y sobrecarga; y en el componente físico, en multimorbilidad, polifarmacia, índice de masa corporal y sobrecarga. Conclusión Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que existe relación entre las condiciones sociales, de salud, cuidado y calidad de vida, lo que permite que los profesionales de la salud tengan conocimientos para la planificación de acciones que busquen mejorar la calidad de vida de del cuidador.

Abstract Objective To assess the quality of life of family caregivers and their relationship with socioeconomic, health and care conditions. Methods a cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in the city of Palmas/TO, in the period of 2020-2022, with a sample of 49 family caregivers of bedridden older adults. Quality of life was assessed by the instrument "12-Item- Short- Form Health Survey" (SF-12). To verify the relationship between physical and mental components and independent variables, the t-test was used. Results Caregivers presented mean values of the physical component of 43.26 points (95% CI: 39.87 - 46.64) and the mental component of 50.98 points (95% CI: 47.96 - 54.00). Significant differences were found between the scores of the mental component for family dysfunction, alcohol consumption and overload, and between the physical component for multimorbidity, polypharmacy, body mass index and overload. Conclusion The findings of this study demonstrated a relationship between social conditions, health, care and quality of life, thus granting knowledge to health professionals to guide them in planning actions aimed at improving caregivers' quality of life.

Gestational purple grape juice consumption does not change fetal ductus arteriosus constriction in Wistar rats.

Grape juice consumption may influence the early occurrence of ductal constriction during pregnancy, since the consumption of foods rich in polyphenols can be linked to the premature constriction of the ductus arteriosus. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of purple grape juice consumption during gestation on fetal ductus arteriosus closure, prostaglandin levels, and oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats. We divided 18 pregnant rats into four groups: a control group (C), a single-dose grape juice group (SDGJ), a two-dose grape juice group (TDGJ) of 7 µl/g body weight per day, and an indomethacin group (I). Blood was collected on gestational day (GD) 0, 14, and 20. Prostaglandin levels were measured, and the livers and hearts were removed from the mothers and fetuses for oxidative stress analysis; histology of the fetal ductus arteriosus was performed. Prostaglandin levels (pg/ml) at GD 20 were (C:1462.10 ± 314.61); (SDGJ:987.66 ± 86.25); (TDGJ:1290.00 ± 221.57), and (I:584.75 ± 46.77). Fetal ductus arteriosus closure occurred only in the indomethacin group. Lipid peroxidation evaluated through thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (nmol/mg protein) in maternal livers was lower in the grape juice groups (C: 4.11 ± 0.76 nmol/mg protein), (SDGJ: 2.34 ± 0.36), (TDGJ: 1.52 ± 0.18), and (I: 4.20 ± 0.76). Sulfhydryls (nmol/mg protein) were lower in the TDGJ group (C:763.59 ± 61.38 nmol/mg protein), (SDGJ:978.88 ± 158.81), (TDGJ:385.32 ± 86.78), and (I:727.72 ± 49.12). Also, superoxide dismutase activity (USOD/mg protein) was higher in fetal hearts in this group: (C:5.29 ± 0.33), (SDGJ:4.48 ± 0.47), (TDGJ:7.35 ± 0.43), and (I:6.00 ± 0.18). We conclude that grape juice consumption in pregnancy does not induce ductus arteriosus closure in the fetus and presented potential antioxidant effects.

Burden, satisfaction caregiving, and family relations in informal caregivers of older adults.

Introduction: Family caregivers of older persons devote much of their time and energy to caring for another person. This exposure may burden caregivers and compromise their health and quality of life. Objective: To investigate the relationship between burden, sociodemographic, caregiving, and health characteristics of informal caregivers of dependent older adults. Methods: Cross-sectional and analytical study carried out in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil, with 52 informal caregivers of older persons who need full-time help for basic living activities. Caregivers' burden was assessed by Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). Data were analyzed using a T-test, Pearson's correlation, and Multiple Linear Regression. Results: The ZBI mean score of caregivers was 26.3 points (SD = 14.6; min = 0; max = 68). Burden scores were higher among caregivers who did not receive help from other people in care (p = 0.016), reported family dysfunction (p = 0.001), and had depression symptoms (p = 0.007). A correlation was found between the scores of burdens and satisfaction with care (r = 0.76; p < 0.001) and perceived material support (r = -0.30; p = 0.40). Satisfaction with care (ß: 0.61; p < 0.001) and family dysfunction (ß: 8.07; p = 0.033) were significantly associated with the burden score. Conclusion: Caregivers with dysfunctional families and satisfaction with the care presented the highest-burden scores. The findings reveal the need for strategies to facilitate mediation and reduce caregiver burden by strengthening the family network support or providing professional assistance.

The effect of consumption of purple grape juice in the gestational period on oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rat foetuses.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purple grape juice consumption in pregnancy on oxidative stress parameters in Wistar rat fetuses. Twenty-four pregnant rats were divided into five groups: control group, indomethacin group (received a single dose of indomethacin in DG20), group grape juice DG14 (received an amount for 14 days/first and second gestational trim), group grape juice DG20 (received a dose throughout the gestational period), group grape juice two doses (received two doses, at morning and afternoon). On the 20th day of pregnancy (DG20), rats were anesthetized, and a cesarean section was performed to obtain the fetuses. A sample of liver, heart, and total brain of fetuses was collected for oxidative stress analyses. Values P<0.05 were considered significant. In fetuses' heart, we observed that the grape juice two dose group decreased sulfhydryl and increased SOD. In the liver, the grape juice decreased TBARS and SOD. There was a decrease in carbonyl and sulfhydryl in the indomethacin and grape juice one dose groups in the brain. We conclude that indomethacin altered oxidative stress parameters only in the fetal brain, and grape juice was presented as an important modulator of antioxidant capacity when consumed in a dose.

The use of retinoic acid in association with microneedling in the treatment of epidermal melasma: efficacy and oxidative stress parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of isolated treatment with retinoic acid and its combination with the microneedling technique in facial melasma, seeking to associate these results with possible oxidative damage. This is a blinded randomized clinical trial with 42 women with facial melasma (skin phototype I-IV), randomized into Group A (microneedling and 5% retinoic acid) or Group B (5% retinoic acid alone). Four procedures were applied with 15 days intervals (4 blood collections). Clinical improvement was assessed using the Melasma Area Severity Index (MASI). Serum oxidative stress levels were evaluated by protein oxidation (carbonyl), lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and sulfhydryl groups, as well as enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The statistical analyzes were performed by generalized estimation equation (GEE). There was a reduction in MASI scale and TBARS levels in both groups over time (p < 0.05), with no difference between groups (p = 0.416). There was also a substantial increase in the carbonyl levels at 30 days (p = 0.002). The SOD activity decreased after 30 days, regardless of group (p < 0.001), which was maintained after 60 days. In Group A, there was a reduction in sulfhydryl levels at 60 days (p < 0.001). It is important to highlight that both groups demonstrated efficacy in the clinical improvement of melasma within at least 60 days, reducing the MASI score by almost 50%. However, microneedling with retinoic acid seems to be the worst treatment because there is a reduction in the non-enzymatic antioxidant defense, which is important to protect against oxidative stress.

Toxicological Risk Assessment of the Accidental Ingestion of a Honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) Present in Food.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the possible risk of toxic effects due to the ingestion of a honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) accidentally present in food. The methodology used in this study was a bibliographic survey of studies on the toxic effects related to honeybees, with a critical analysis of the possible risks of accidental ingestion of these insects. The amount of venom present in a bee is considered insufficient to induce detectable toxic effects in a person who ingests it by accident, and various components of the venom are destroyed by gastric secretions. However, despite the rare frequency, there is a risk of the ingestion of a bee, causing an allergic reaction to some components of the venom in sensitized individuals. In addition, pollen carried by a bee may cause an allergic reaction in a sensitive individual. Thus, the accidental ingestion of a bee present in a food does not pose the risk of toxic effects for the majority of the population but may promote allergic reactions in susceptible individuals.

Effects of grape juice consumption on oxidative stress and inflammation in male volleyball players: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Some foods are also demonstrated benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ergogenic activity, similar to that of sports supplements. Grape juice has been considered an important source of polyphenols and these compounds could promote positive effects to the sports players. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the effects of purple grape juice consumption on indicators of oxidative stress, inflammation, muscle damage, global histone H4 acetylation levels, and muscle strength and muscle power in volleyball athletes. METHODS: This is a randomized double-blind clinical trial in which 12 male volleyball players (16 ± 0.6 years old) participated in three different moments with match simulation: control (without beverage) (WB), grape juice (GJ) and placebo (PLA) (400 mL/day of grape juice or placebo (maltodextrin) for 14 days in a cross-over model). Before and immediately after each match, blood collection for analysis of indicators of systemic redox status, systemic concentrations of Interferon-γ (IFN- γ) and Interleukin-4 (IL-4), muscle damage, by Creatine Kinase (CK-NAC) and levels of global histone H4 acetylation were performed, as well as handgrip strength (HG) and lower limb power tests. RESULTS: Consumption of grape juice significantly reduced lipid peroxidation (p = 0.04) and Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) damage (p = 0.01) after the match. IFN-γ levels, IL-4, CK-NAC, and histone H4 acetylation post-match did not alter with the grape juice consumption. Lower limb power improved after acute exercise in WB and GJ conditions (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In this pilot trial, the intake of grape juice for two weeks seems to reduce the protein oxidation and DNA damage by intermittent physical exercise, without epigenetics influence.

Hydration methods and physiological potential of sweet corn seeds / Métodos de hidratação e potencial fisiológico de sementes de milho doce

The evaluation of the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds is fundamental in the production process, because the germination and vigor reflect the potential for storage, commercialization and use of these seeds. The choice of vigor tests with an adequate and efficient analysis methodology is fundamental to obtaining reliable results. In this sense, the objective of this study was to assess the physiological potential of sweet corn seeds after hydration using different moistening methods to increase water content to 20%. First, the lot of seeds was characterized as to its moisture content and initial physiological potential. Subsequently, two experiments were conducted, both under a completely randomized design. In the first experiment, different volumes of water on the filter paper sheets were assessed for seed hydration a method that uses a wet substrate. In the second, four hydration methods were evaluated: wet substrate (WS), humid atmosphere (HU), immersion in water (IW) and addition of the required amount of water (WR). A constant temperature of 25ºC was used in both experiments and then the moisture content and physiological potential of seeds were determined. The humid atmosphere method reduces the physiological quality of sweet corn seeds because it favors the deterioration and hence is unsuitable for the hydration of seeds of this species. The wet substrate method, in an amount equivalent to 2.5 times the paper mass, increased the water content of sweet corn seeds to 20%, achieving the desired degree of moisture without altering their physiological potential.

A avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de milho doce é fundamental no processo de produção, pois a germinação e o vigor refletem o potencial de armazenamento, comercialização e utilização dessas sementes. A escolha de testes de vigor com uma metodologia de análise adequada e eficiente é fundamental para a obtenção de resultados confiáveis. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial fisiológico de sementes de milho doce após hidratação sob diferentes métodos de umedecimento, visando elevar o teor de água para 20%. O lote de sementes foi caracterizado quanto a umidade e o potencial fisiológico inicial. Posteriormente, foram conduzidos dois experimentos, ambos sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado. No primeiro, foram avaliadas diferentes quantidades de água no papel para hidratação das sementes pelo método do substrato úmido. No segundo, foram avaliados quatro métodos de umedecimento: substrato úmido (WS), atmosfera úmida (HU), imersão em água (IW) e adição da quantidade de água requerida (WR). Em ambos experimentos foi utilizada temperatura constante de 25ºC e, posteriormente, foram determinados a umidade e o potencial fisiológico das sementes. O método da atmosfera úmida reduz a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de milho doce pois favorece a deterioração, sendo inadequado para a hidratação de sementes desta espécie. O método do substrato úmido, na proporção de 2,5 vezes a massa do papel em água, mostrou-se adequado para a elevação do teor de água de sementes de milho doce para 20%, por permitir a obtenção do grau de umidade desejado sem alterar o potencial fisiológico.

Aquatic exercise program-modulated oxidative stress markers in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease. Oxidative stress, i.e., the imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant defense capacity of the body, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Physical exercise can regulate oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to analyze the short- and long-term effects of an aquatic exercise program on oxidative stress levels in patients with Parkinson's disease. The aquatic exercise program was carried out during 1 month with two sessions per week (1 hour/session). Blood samples were collected at four different time points: pre-intervention, immediately, 48 hours, and 30 days after the first session of aquatic exercise program. Our results revealed that water-based programs modulated antioxidant enzyme activity, increased superoxide dismutase activity, reduced catalase activity, and increased the ratio of superoxide dismutase activity to catalase activity in patients with Parkinson's disease. Compared with pre-intervention and 48 hours after the first session of aquatic exercise program, superoxide dismutase activity was higher and catalase activity was lower immediately and 30 days after the first session. Our results demonstrated that aquatic exercise program could modulate oxidative stress, mainly by the effect of antioxidant enzyme activity. These results could better help understand the target of oxidative stress in Parkinson's disease. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Centro Universitário Metodista IPA (approval No. 1.373.911) on August 9, 2019 and registered with REBEC (registration number: RBR-6NJ4MK).

Effects of the ingestion of different kinds of white grape juice (Vitis labrusca) during adolescence on body weight, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress in liver of adult Wistar rats.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the ingestion of different white grape juices: organic, conventional and conventional grape juice with 5% lemon juice during adolescence on biochemical serum profile and oxidative stress level in liver of adult Wistar rats. The phenolic and vitamin C composition of the juices were evaluated. During 32 days the rats were treated with the juices or oral water (gavage) for at a dose of 7 µL/g body weight. The animals were divided into 4 groups (n = 16/each). In the end, half of the animals received an intraperitoneal CCl4 injection of 3.0 mL/kg; the other ones received mineral oil. After euthanasia, biochemical parameters were evaluated in serum and oxidative stress in the liver. It is possible to emphasize that the juices have different phenolic and vitamin C contents. The juice consumption didn't alter the weight body and biochemical parameters in adult life.

Comparação dos efeitos das folhas de Cestrum axillare Vell. com as saponinas isoladas em caprinos / Comparison of the effects of Cestrum axillare leaves with isolated saponins in goats

Cestrum axillare Vell. (formerly Cestrum laevigatum Schltd.), family Solanaceae, is the most important hepatotoxic plant in Brazil that causes acute poisoning. It occurs in the Southeast and Center-West regions and in coastal areas of the Northeast Brazil. Spontaneous poisoning was described in cattle, goats and sheep, with clinical signs evidenced within 24 hours after ingestion of the leaves and death within 48 hours after signs onset. The clinical signs observed in acute poisoning are apathy, anorexia, ruminal arrest, arched back, constipation with feces in small spheres, sometimes covered with mucus and blood streaks, muscle tremors, staggering gait and sometimes sialorrhoea. Neurological signs may be observed, due to interference in the urea cycle due to hepatic insufficiency resulting in hyperammonemia (hepatic encephalopathy). The main pathological finding is centrilobular hepatic necrosis. The toxic principle present in C. axillare was not yet definitively proven, but some authors attribute the toxicity of the plant to the presence of saponins gitogenin and digitogenin. However, it has not been determined whether the saponins present in C. axillare are responsible for the hepatotoxic effect of the plant. Thus, the objective of this work is to determine if the saponins are the compounds responsible for the hepatotoxic effects produced by the ingestion of the leaves of C axillare, using goats as experimental model. For this, the effects of the administration of the leaves were compared with those produced by the saponins isolated from the leaves in goats. Six goats were randomly assigned to three experimental groups that received [1] dry leaves of C. axillare (animals A1 and A2), [2] saponins extract from leaves (animals S1 and S2) or [3] control group (animals C1 and C2). For goats receiving the dry leaves the administered dose of plant was 10g/kg for one animal (A1) and 5g/kg for the other one (A2). For animals receiving the saponins extract, administration was done at a dose equivalent to 20g/kg repeated after 24 hours. The dry leaves administered at a dose of 10g/kg to a goat produced toxic effects, with alterations in biochemistry (indicating hepatic lesion) and histopathology showing centrilobular hepatic necrosis. At the dose of 5 g/kg of dry leaves, clinical signs of poisoning were not observed, but hepatic necrosis was found; after 15 days after the last administration, the hepatic parenchyma of this animal was already normal, with only hemorrhagic areas, demonstrating full regeneration. The administration of extracts of saponins containing gitogenin and digitogenin to goats did not produce significant toxic effects, proving that these compounds are not responsible for intoxication. In addition, goats are a good experimental model for studies of this intoxication.(AU)

Cestrum axillare Vell. (anteriormente C. laevigatum Schltd.), família Solanaceae, é a mais importante planta hepatotóxica do Brasil que causa intoxicação aguda. Tem ocorrência nas regiões Sudeste e Centro-Oeste e em áreas litorâneas do Nordeste. A intoxicação natural foi descrita em bovinos, caprinos e ovinos, com sinais clínicos evidenciados em até 24 horas após a ingestão das folhas e morte em até 48 horas após o início da sintomatologia. Os sinais clínicos observados na intoxicação aguda são apatia, anorexia, parada ruminal, dorso arqueado, constipação com fezes em formas de pequenas esferas, por vezes recobertas com muco e com estrias de sangue, tremores musculares, andar cambaleante e, às vezes, sialorreia. Podem ser observados sinais neurológicos, devido à interferência no ciclo da ureia pela insuficiência hepática resultando em hiperamonemia (encefalopatia hepática). O principal achado patológico é a necrose hepática centrolobular. O princípio tóxico presente no C. axillare ainda não está definitivamente comprovado, mas alguns autores atribuem a toxicidade da planta à presença das saponinas gitogenina e digitogenina. No entanto, ainda não foi determinado se as saponinas presentes em C. axillare são as responsáveis pelo efeito hepatotóxico da planta. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho é determinar se as saponinas são os compostos responsáveis pelos efeitos hepatotóxicos produzidos pela ingestão das folhas de C. axillare, usando caprinos como modelo experimental. Para isto, foram comparados os efeitos da administração das folhas com os produzidos pelas saponinas isoladas destas folhas em caprinos. Foram utilizados seis caprinos, distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos experimentais que receberam [1] folhas secas de C. axillare (Caprinos A1 e A2), [2] extrato de saponinas das folhas (Caprinos S1 e S2), e [3] grupo controle (Caprinos C1 e C2). Para os caprinos que receberam as folhas secas a dose administrada de planta foi de 10g/kg para um animal (A1) e de 5g/kg para outro (A2). Para os animais que receberam o extrato de saponinas, a administração foi feita na dose equivalente a 20g/kg, repetida após 24 horas. Foi verificado que as folhas secas, quando administradas na dose de 10g/kg a um caprino, produziram efeitos tóxicos, com alterações na bioquímica (indicando lesão hepática) e histopatológica apresentando necrose hepática centrolobular. Na dose de 5g/kg de folhas secas, não foi observado sintomatologia clínica da intoxicação, mas houve necrose hepática; 15 dias após a última administração, o parênquima hepático deste animal já se encontrava normal, apenas com áreas hemorrágicas, demonstrando plena regeneração. A administração do extrato de saponinas contendo gitogenina e digitogenina a caprinos não produziu efeitos tóxicos significantes, comprovando não serem estes compostos os responsáveis pela intoxicação. Além disto, a espécie caprina é um bom modelo experimental para estudos desta intoxicação.(AU)

Terapia assistida por animais e transtornos do neurodesenvolvimento / Animal assisted therapy and neurodevelopmental disorders / Terapia asistida por animales y transtornos del neurodesarollo

Este artigo visa levantar, por meio de construções teórico-científicas, os benefícios que a Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA) pode gerar quando utilizada para tratamento com crianças que apresentam algum comprometimento neurodesenvolvimental. O contato humano-animal é conhecido desde a antiguidade, porém, apenas na atualidade estudos em torno deste viés estão crescendo. Portanto, foi realizada uma revisão crítica da literatura, analisando os dados coletados a partir de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados apontam o potencial benéfico deste tipo de intervenção com crianças com dificuldades sociais, cognitivas e físicas. Os animais mais utilizados são cachorros e cavalos para tratamento de crianças com Transtorno do Espectro Autista, Síndrome de Down e Deficiência Intelectual. Dessa forma, há uma possibilidade de que os profissionais da Psicologia, e de outras áreas da saúde, utilizem ou encaminhem para a Terapia Assistida por Animais (TAA) seus pacientes. Ainda assim, conclui-se que há a necessidade de mais estudos empíricos. (AU)

This article aims to evaluate, through theoretical and scientific papers, the benefits that Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) can provide to children who have some neurodevelopmental impairment. The benefits of human-animal contact has been known since antiquity, but studies around this area are starting to grow only currently. Therefore, we performed a critical review of the literature by analyzing the data collected using content analysis. The results showed the potential benefit of this type of intervention to children with social, cognitive and physical disabilities. The most commonly used animals were dogs and horses for treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome and Intellectual Disabilities. Thus, there are possibility for psychologists and other professionals of health areas use or referee this kind of intervention to their patients. Still, we can conclude that there is a lack to more empirical studies using AAT. (AU)

El presente artículo tiene por objeto evaluar, por medio de los aportes teóricos y científicos, los beneficios que la Terapia Asistida por Animales- (TAA) puede generar cuando se la utiliza para el tratamiento de niños con algún tipo de compromiso en el desarrollo neurológico y mental. El contacto humano-animal es conocido desde la antigüedad, sin embargo, los estudios en torno a esta tendencia están empezando a crecer sólo en este momento. Por lo tanto, se realizó una revisión crítica de la literatura mediante el análisis de los datos obtenidos por medio del análisis de contenido. Los resultados muestran el beneficio potencial de este tipo de intervención con niños con dificultades sociales, cognitivas y físicas. Los animales más utilizados son el perro y el caballo para el tratamiento de los niños con trastorno del espectro autista, síndrome de Down y Discapacidad Intelectual. De este modo, existe la posibilidad de los profesionales de psicología, y otras áreas del salud, utilizar o indicar este medio de intervención para ayudar en el tratamiento de los pacientes. Aun así, se puede concluir que existe una necesidad de más estudios empíricos. (AU)

Avaliação comparativa da citotoxicidade dos cimentos MTA Fillapex e AH Plus: revisão integrativa / Comparative evaluation of cytotoxicity of MTA Fillapex and AH Plus cements: an integrative review

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão integrativa comparando a citotoxicidade dos cimentos MTA Fillapex e AH Plus aos tecidos periapicais. Métodos: Foram utilizados artigos na íntegra, nos idiomas português e inglês, publicados durante os períodos de 2010 a 2017, selecionados na base de dados Scielo e Pubmed, utilizando os seguintes descritores: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex e citotoxicidade. Foram excluídos, os trabalhos no idioma não inglês, artigos sem resumo, trabalhos realizados em dentes decíduos e casos clínicos. Resultados: Foram identificados dezenove artigos nas bases de dados, sendo dois artigos no SciELO e dezessete artigos no Pubmed. Após a leitura aprofundada desses artigos, foram excluídos seis artigos por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Dessa forma, a amostra final foi composta por treze artigos científicos, todos de modelos experimentais, publicados em periódicos de procedência internacional, da área odontológica, sendo 50% dos estudos do ano de 2013. Conclusão: Os estudos demonstraram que o MTA Fillapex apresentou maior citotoxicidade aos tecidos periapicais que o cimento AH Plus.(AU)

Aim: This study aimed to perform an integrative review, comparing the cytotoxicity of MTA Fillapex and AH Plus cements to periapical tissues. Methods: Full articles were used in the Portuguese and English languages, published during from 2010 to 2017, selected in the Scielo and Pubmed database, using the following descriptors: AH Plus, MTA Fillapex, and cytotoxicity. Excluded were nonEnglish works, articles without abstracts, work done on primary teeth, and clinical cases. Results: Nineteen articles were identified in the databases, two articles in SciELO and seventeen articles in Pubmed. After the in-depth reading of these articles, six articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Thus, the final sample consisted of thirteen scientific articles, all of which were experimental models published in international journals in the field of dentistry, with 50% of the studies published in 2013. Conclusion: The studies showed that MTA Fillapex presented greater cytotoxicity to periapical tissues than did the AH Plus cement.(AU)

U18666A Treatment Results in Cholesterol Accumulation, Reduced Na(+), K(+)-ATPase Activity, and Increased Oxidative Stress in Rat Cortical Astrocytes.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of U18666A, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis and its intracellular transport, on oxidative stress parameters in cortical astrocytes cultured from Wistar rats (0-3 days old). The cultures were incubated with U18666A (0.25 µg/mL) for 48 h, conditions that are considered ideal to mimic Niemann-Pick type C disease. A variety of indicators of oxidative stress were measured. U18666A treatment increased cholesterol 2-fold in treated compared to control astrocytes. Oxidative stress was significantly elevated in treated cells as demonstrated by a 1.7-fold increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, a 60% decrease is sulfhydral groups, and a 3.7-fold increase in carbonyl groups, indicative of increased lipid and protein oxidation following U18666A treatment. Consistent with these changes, both catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly reduced nearly 50% in treated compared to control astrocytes. Collectively, these change resulted in a 50% reduction in Na(+), K(+)-ATPase specific activity following U18666A treatment, suggesting a significant alteration in its plasma membrane environment. Overall, these changes indicate that U18666A treatment results in increased cholesterol levels and an increased level of oxidative stress in cortical astrocytes, consistent with what is observed in Niemann-Pick type C disease.

Carbon Tetrachloride Increases the Pro-inflammatory Cytokines Levels in Different Brain Areas of Wistar Rats: The Protective Effect of Acai Frozen Pulp.

Acai offers health benefits associated with its high antioxidante capacity, phytochemical composition, nutritional and sensory value. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of acai frozen pulp on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced damage via modulation of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat brain tissue. The rats were treated via oral (gavage) daily with water or acai frozen pulp for 14 days at a dose of 7 µL/g. On the 15th day, the animals in each group received a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in a dose of 3.0 mL/kg or the same volume of mineral oil. After 4 h, the animals were euthanized by decapitation and the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum were dissected and homogenated to evaluate the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin 18 (IL-18), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey post hoc test. It was observed that CCl4 increased TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-18 levels in all brain tissues, and that acai frozen pulp was able to prevent this increase. IL-6 and IL-10 brain tissue levels remained unchanged during all treatments. CCl4 experimental model was suitable to investigate brain tissue anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Acai frozen pulp prevented an increase in IL-1ß, IL-18 and TNF-α, while IL-6 and IL-10 levels remained unchanged. The precise pathway by which inflammation contribute to hepatic encephalopathy, as well as to how this pathway can be modulated, is still under investigation.

Oxidative stress parameters of Gaucher disease type I patients.

Enzymatic deficiency in Gaucher disease (GD) patients may induce a cascade of events, culminating in secondary effects such as the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Detoxification through biological systems which remove or repair the damage may cause the production of peroxides and free radicals that damage all cell components, including proteins, lipids and ADN. The study's aim was the test, using the analysis of plasma samples' the use of lipid peroxidation by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein damage by carbonyl assay, non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses by sulfhydryl (SH) content, antioxidant enzymatic defenses by catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), from patients with GD type I patients who received no prior treatment. Blood samples were collected from 10 patients previously diagnosed with GD type I and from 11 healthy subjects. Chitotriosidase (CT) activity was measured in plasma and the activity of ß-glucosidase (GBA) was measured in leukocytes. The results showed a significant increased (p < 0.005) in GD samples when compared to healthy controls in CAT, SOD and SH, but there was no change in TBARS and carbonyl in the comparison between the two groups. In conclusion, the present data indicates the increased levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses without any effect on lipid peroxidation and damage to proteins. We believe that the results of this study are relevant to understanding the cellular changes involved in this important LSDs.