Omega-3 Levels and Nicotine Dependence: A Cross-Sectional Study and Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: High oxidative stress, which is caused by smoking, can alter omega-3 fatty acid concentrations. Since omega-3 fatty acids play a role in dopaminergic neurotransmission related to dependence, it is important to understand their effects on nicotine dependence. METHODS: This research comprised 2 studies. The first one consisted of a cross-sectional evaluation, in which the levels of the most important omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), were compared between smokers and non-smokers in a sample of 171 individuals; of them, 120 were smokers and 51 were non-smokers. The other study was a clinical, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled, in which 63 smokers received daily treatment with capsules of fish oil (a source of omega-3/3 g/day) or mineral oil (used as placebo, also 3 g/day), taken 3 times a day for 90 days. Each fish oil capsules contained approximately 210.99 mg EPA and 129.84 mg of DHA. The outcome was evaluated by means of psychometric and biological measures as well as self-reports of tobacco use. The evaluations were carried out at the beginning of treatment and once a month thereafter (total of 4 times). OUTCOMES: The omega-3 fatty acid lipid profile showed that smokers present lower concentrations of DHA. After treatment, the omega-3 group showed a significant reduction in their levels of dependence. INTERPRETATION: Smokers showed lower peripheral levels of omega-3, and treatment with the most important omega-3 fatty acids brought about a reduction in nicotine dependence.

Fast and reliable bacterial identification direct from positive blood culture using a new TFA sample preparation protocol and the Vitek® MS system.

A simple and reliable protocol using 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was developed to identify bacteria directly from blood cultures on the Vitek® MS system. Results presented a correlation of 99% for Gram-negative bacteria at species level, and 86.3% and 82.3% of Gram-positive bacteria at the genus and species levels, respectively.

C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR gene and their relation to homocysteine levels in Turner syndrome.

AIMS: To determine the frequency of C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene and correlate them with homocysteine serum levels in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) and controls. METHODS: This case-control study included 78 women with TS and a control group of 372 healthy individuals without personal or family history of cardiovascular disease and cancer. C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment-length polymorphism and the TaqMan system, respectively. Homocysteine serum levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The results were analyzed statistically, and p<0.05 was considered to represent a significant difference. RESULTS: The homocysteine levels change was 13.9+3.3 nM in patients with TS and 8.8+3.2 nM in the control group. No significant difference between groups was found (p=0.348). Single-marker analysis revealed no association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and TS when genotype (p=0.063) or allelic (p=0.277) distribution was considered. Regarding MTHFR A1298C polymorphism, a statistical difference was found between the TS group and the control group, for both genotype (p<0.0001) and allele (p<0.0001) distribution. Haplotype analysis of 2 MTHFR polymorphisms identified 2 haplotypes-CC and TC-associated with TS (p<0.001 and p=0.0165, respectively). However, homocysteine levels were not higher in patients with haplotype risk. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene are not related to homocysteine levels in Brazilian patients with TS, despite the differential distribution of the mutated allele C (A1298C) in these patients. Further studies are needed to investigate the possible genetic interaction with homocysteine levels in TS.

[Application of liquid chromatography in substitution of the radioimmunoassay technique in order to reduce residues generated in health services in research laboratory]. / Aplicação da cromatografia a líquido em substituição à técnica de radioimunoensaio como auxílio diagnóstico visando ao gerenciamento de resíduos de serviço da saúde em laboratório de pesquisa.

Designing a Health Care Service Waste Management Plan, according to the RDC 306 rules, is a responsibility of all those who produce such waste. Since radioimmunoassay (RIA) is one of the most employed techniques, we studied the impact of replacing this technique by liquid chromatography (HPLC) with regard to the reduction of the radioactive residues routinely produced by the Unifesp steroid laboratory. The residues produced by the determination of serum cortisol and 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone were classified, and those belonging to groups B and C were evaluated. We observed that, when RIA is used, chemical residues (group B) and radioactive waste (group C) are produced, whereas HPLC generates only chemical residues. Adequation of these techniques showed to be advantageous, by significantly reducing the time of analysis and mainly by eliminating and/or reducing the generation of radioactive waste, encouraging its application to other methodologies, as well as its adoption by other research units.

Aplicação da cromatografia a líquido em substituição à técnica de radioimunoensaio como auxílio diagnóstico visando ao gerenciamento de resíduos de serviço da saúde em laboratório de pesquisa / Application of liquid chromatography in substitution of the radioimmunoassay technique in order to reduce residues generated in health services in research laboratory

A elaboração do Plano de Gerenciamento dos Resíduos dos Serviços de Saúde, normatizado na RDC nº 306/2004, é de responsabilidade de todos os geradores. Sendo o radioimunoensaio (RIE) uma das técnicas mais empregadas, estudou-se o impacto da substituição dessa técnica por cromatografia líquida (HPLC), no aspecto da redução na geração de resíduos radioativos na rotina do Laboratório de Esteróides da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp). Os resíduos gerados nas determinações de cortisol e 17α-hidroxiprogesterona séricos foram classificados, e aqueles pertencentes aos grupos B e C foram avaliados. Observou-se que no emprego de RIE há geração de resíduos químicos (grupo B) e rejeitos radioativos (grupo C), enquanto no HPLC gerou-se apenas resíduos químicos. A adequação dessas técnicas teve vantagem de redução significativa no tempo de análise e, sobretudo, a eliminação e/ou a diminuição na geração de rejeitos radioativos, estimulando a sua aplicação para outras metodologias, bem como a implantação em outras unidades de pesquisas.

Designing a Health Care Service Waste Management Plan, according to the RDC 306 rules, is a responsibility of all those who produce such waste. Since radioimmunoassay (RIA) is one of the most employed techniques, we studied the impact of replacing this technique by liquid chromatography (HPLC) with regard to the reduction of the radioactive residues routinely produced by the Unifesp steroid laboratory. The residues produced by the determination of serum cortisol and 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone were classified, and those belonging to groups B and C were evaluated. We observed that, when RIA is used, chemical residues (group B) and radioactive waste (group C) are produced, whereas HPLC generates only chemical residues. Adequation of these techniques showed to be advantageous, by significantly reducing the time of analysis and mainly by eliminating and/or reducing the generation of radioactive waste, encouraging its application to other methodologies, as well as its adoption by other research units.

[High intake of phytoestrogens and precocious thelarche: case report with a possible correlation]. / Ingestão excessiva de fitoestrógenos e telarca precoce: relato de caso com possível correlação.

Precocious thelarche is the breast development before 8 years of age with two peaks of incidence during the first two years of life and after 6 years of age. A 4.75-year-old girl presented with thelarche associated to an excessive intake of phytoestrogens (phye). Tanner development B2P1-2, hormonal levels and pelvic US were compatible with peripheral precocious puberty. During follow-up, a daily intake of soy-based foods was observed (> 40 mg phye/day). Soy is rich in phytoestrogens, mainly genistein and daidzein. Although phye are less strong than estradiol, its concentration could be from 13,000 to 22,000 times stronger in children fed only by soy-based formulas. Parents were advised and soy intake was reduced to once a week. Progression of pubertal development ceased at B2-3P1. The patient, now 8.66 years old, keeps growing with similar bone and chronological ages. Some questions related to industrial food security, mainly the soy-based food, remain without precise answer. Although it is well known the entity of non-progressive precocious puberty and premature thelarche, pubertal development in this case was strongly related to excessive daily intake of soy and other phye-rich food that could trigger puberty as endocrine disruptor.

Ingestão excessiva de fitoestrógenos e telarca precoce: relato de caso com possível correlação / High intake of phytoestrogens and precocious thelarche: case report with a possible correlation

Telarca precoce, desenvolvimento mamário antes dos 8 anos de idade, apresenta dois picos de incidência, nos dois primeiros anos de vida e após os 6 anos de idade. Uma menina de 4,75 anos apresentou-se com telarca associada à ingestão excessiva de fitoestrógenos. O desenvolvimento puberal M2P1-2, os níveis hormonais e o US pélvico eram compatíveis com puberdade precoce periférica. Durante o seguimento, observou-se ingestão diária de alimentos baseados em soja (> 40 mg fitoestrógenos/dia). Soja contém fitoestrógenos, principalmente genisteína e daidzeína. Embora menos potentes do que o estradiol, sua concentração pode ser 13.000 a 22.000 vezes maior em crianças alimentadas somente com fórmulas baseadas em soja. Os pais foram aconselhados a reduzir para uma vez na semana o seu fornecimento na dieta. O desenvolvimento puberal cessou em M2-3P1 e a paciente, com 8,66 anos, continua a desenvolver-se com idades óssea e cronológica equivalentes. Questões relacionadas à segurança alimentar, principalmente de alimentos baseados em soja, permanecem sem respostas precisas. Embora sejam conhecidas as etiologias da puberdade precoce não progressiva e da telarca prematura, neste caso esteve fortemente relacionada à ingestão excessiva de soja e de outros alimentos ricos em fitoestrógenos que poderiam ter desencadeado a telarca atuando como desreguladores endócrinos.

Precocious thelarche is the breast development before 8 years of age with two peaks of incidence during the first two years of life and after 6 years of age. A 4.75-year-old girl presented with thelarche associated to an excessive intake of phytoestrogens (phye). Tanner development B2P1-2, hormonal levels and pelvic US were compatible with peripheral precocious puberty. During follow-up, a daily intake of soy-based foods was observed (> 40 mg phye/day). Soy is rich in phytoestrogens, mainly genistein and daidzein. Although phye are less strong than estradiol, its concentration could be from 13,000 to 22,000 times stronger in children fed only by soy-based formulas. Parents were advised and soy intake was reduced to once a week. Progression of pubertal development ceased at B2-3P1. The patient, now 8.66 years old, keeps growing with similar bone and chronological ages. Some questions related to industrial food security, mainly the soy-based food, remain without precise answer. Although it is well known the entity of non-progressive precocious puberty and premature thelarche, pubertal development in this case was strongly related to excessive daily intake of soy and other phye-rich food that could trigger puberty as endocrine disruptor.