RESUMO
BACKGROUND: This study explores the applicability of a cognitive stimulation method based on abacus arithmetic in elderly people with and without cognitive impairment. METHODS: This observational and prospective pilot study was performed in 2 hospitals. The study assessed the applicability of a programme of arithmetic training developed for use in the elderly population. The primary endpoint was an evaluation of the stimulation programme, in terms of usability, satisfaction, and participation, in healthy elderly controls and elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer disease. Secondary endpoints were family satisfaction, caregiver burden, and the behaviour and cognition of patients. RESULTS: Usability, satisfaction, and degree of participation were high. The Mini-Mental State Examination showed significant changes (23.1±4.8 before the intervention vs 24.9±4.2 afterwards, P=.002); there were no changes on the Trail Making Test parts A and B, Yesavage Geriatric Depression scale, and Zarit caregiver burden scale. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that cognitive stimulation with abacus arithmetic may be used in elderly people with and without cognitive impairment. Further studies will be needed to evaluate the efficacy of this kind of programmes.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer/terapia , Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental/métodos , Disfunção Cognitiva/terapia , Matemática/métodos , Idoso , Cuidadores/psicologia , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Testes Neuropsicológicos/estatística & dados numéricos , Satisfação do Paciente , Projetos Piloto , Estudos Prospectivos , EspanhaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) is a key enzyme that catalyses the final step in the biosynthesis of the plant hormone ethylene. Recently, the first ACO homologue gene was isolated in Agaricus bisporus, whereas information concerning the nature of the ethylene-forming activity of this mushroom ACO is currently lacking. METHODS: Recombinant ACO from A. bisporus (Ab-ACO) was purified and characterised for the first time. Molecular modelling combined with site-directed mutagenesis and kinetic and spectral analysis were used to investigate the property of Ab-ACO. RESULTS: Ab-ACO has eight amino acid residues that are conserved in the Fe (II) ascorbate family of dioxygenases, including four catalytic residues in the active site, but Ab-ACO lacks a key residue, S289. In comparison to plant ACOs, Ab-ACO requires ACC and Fe (II) but does not require ascorbate. In addition, Ab-ACO had relatively low activity and was completely dependent on bicarbonate, which could be ascribed to the replacement of S289 by G289. Moreover, the ferrous ion could induce a change in the tertiary, but not the secondary, structure of Ab-ACO. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide crucial experimental support for the ability of Ab-ACO to catalyse ethylene formation in a similar manner to that of plant ACOs, but there are differences between the biochemical and catalytic characteristics of Ab-ACO and plant ACOs. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This work enhances the understanding of the ethylene biosynthesis pathways in fungi and could promote profound physiological research of the role of ethylene in the regulation of mushroom growth and development.
Assuntos
Agaricus/enzimologia , Aminoácido Oxirredutases/metabolismo , Etilenos/metabolismo , Agaricus/genética , Aminoácido Oxirredutases/química , Aminoácido Oxirredutases/genética , Sequência de Aminoácidos , Catálise , Domínio Catalítico , Dicroísmo Circular , Modelos Moleculares , Dados de Sequência Molecular , Mutagênese Sítio-Dirigida , Mutação/genética , Conformação Proteica , Homologia de Sequência de Aminoácidos , Espectrometria de FluorescênciaRESUMO
A total of 115 different plant extracts from our collection, representing 96 plant species, have been evaluated for in vitro antileishmanial activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes. In addition, the extracts were screened for cytotoxic activity against BALB/c mouse macrophages in order to assess a selectivity index. Crude extracts that showed a selectivity index (CC50 for macrophage / IC50 for promastigotes) ³ 5 or with IC50 < 12.5 µg/mL against promastigotes, a total of 28 extracts, were further screened for anti-amastigote activity. A total of 25 extracts showed promising activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes with low cytotoxic activity. Ten of these extracts showed selectivity indices, (CC50 for macrophages / IC50 for amastigotes) greater than 10 and are considered "hits", worthy candidates for further phytochemical exploration: Conostegia xalapensis methanol bark extract, Endiandra palmerstonii bark extract, Eugenia monteverdensis acetone bark extract, Eugenia sp. "fine leaf" acetone bark extract, Exothea paniculata chloroform bark extract, Mallotus paniculatus ethanol bark extract, Matelea pseudobarbata ethanol extract, Quercus insignis ethanol bark extract, Sassafras albidum dichloromethane bark extract, and Stemmadenia donnell-smithii acetone bark extract.
RESUMO
Con el objetivo de promocionar en 6000 niños, el crecimiento, prevenir la malnutrición y recuperar ambulatoriamente desnutridos leves y/o moderados agudos. Se realizó un estudio en dos zonas peri urbanas de Cochabamba con estrategias e instrumentos operativos. Los centros de salud CSL y CSA se reorganizaron, con un flujograma y una “Caja cita”. La promoción de crecimiento y salud se realizó con: indicador P/E (CSI) inmunizaciones e IEC nutricional. Para la corrección del crecimiento se utilizó el instrumento “Abaco nutricional peso/ talla” de uso integral para el manejo de: clínica, crecimiento, desarrollo, intervención nutricional y seguimiento. Los niños recibieron un platito a colores, alimentos : quinua, cebada, lentejas, leche; micronutrientes/suplementos. Los padres otorgaron 3 tiempos además de la comida diaria. De 6000 niños en 5812 niños (96.86 %), se realizó promoción y prevención de salud. 188 niños (3.03%) fueron desnutridos agudos leves y moderados. El CSL recuperó 61.79% de los niños, el CSA 69.69% (p£0.01). En estos centros el 13.48 y 13,13% respectivamente se mantuvieron estacionados. Migraron 15.15%, del CSA y 22.47% del CSL. Se complicaron el 4%. El desarrollo mejoró, pero el lenguaje, motora gruesa quedaron en progreso. Las sesiones educativas incidieron en la recuperación nutricional. El “Abaco” fue un instrumento de significativo valor.
The study objective was: promote growth, prevent the malnourishment of children, to help recover children with mild moderate malnutrition in ambulatory setting. The study was performed in two periurban zones of Cochabamba; using strategies and operative instruments. The health centres (CSL y CSA) were reorganized, using an algorithm and a “homemade filing system”. Health was promoted by providing parents information, education, and communication (IEC) regarding nutrition for their children, by immunising children and supplying infant health chart (weight/age ). The instrument “Abacus nutritional weigh/ stature” used to provide nutritional requirements for the children monitor the clinical emergencies, growth, development, and nutritional intervention. The children were given a plate: quinua, barley, lentils, milk; micronutrients/supplements. Additionally to their daily food. Of the 6000 children, 188 (3.03%) had mild moderate malnutrition and nutritional intervention was performed. The promotion of health and prevention of disease in 5812 (96.86%) of the 6000 children who had normal health. The CSL centre recuperated 61.79% of the children, and the CSA centre recuperated 69.69% (p£0.01). However 13.48% and 13.13% of the children´s weight and size remained static in each centre. A total of 15.15%, of children in the CSA and 22,47% of CSL centre migrated from study. Health complications in 4% of the children. An improvement in all aspects of development was seen, however language and gross motor skills progressed less rapidly. The educative sessions affected the recovery of the children. We conclude that the “ABACUS” is an instrument of significant value.
