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The pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) fruit peel, despite being frequently discarded, has a high content of bioactive compounds, and therefore has a high nutritional value. The present study aimed to explore the bioactivities in the pequi peel, particularly their potential health benefits at the level of antioxidant activity. The exploitation of this fruit could also present significant economic benefits and applications of pequi by-products would represent a reduction in waste, having a positive impact on the environment. Phenolic compounds present in the pequi exocarp and external mesocarp were identified by paper spray mass spectrometry (PS-MS) and quantified by HPLC. The total phenolic content (TPC) along with the amount of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and the amount of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) were also determined in peel extracts. Epicatechin was the most abundant phenolic compound found, followed by the caffeic, salicylic, and gallic acids. In addition, fingerprinting revealed compounds related to several beneficial health effects. In short, the results obtained were encouraging for potential applications of pequi peel in the field of functional foods.
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Zymomonas mobilis, a Gram-negative bacteria observed in some popular beverages, is considered safe and has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits. In this study, we explored its effects on the inflammatory process, tissue integrity, differential gene expression, and microbiota composition in an experimental dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model in mice. As a result, Z. mobilis alleviated the symptoms caused by DSS administration, as indicated by reduced weight loss, disease activity index, a significant reduction in the colon weight/length ratio, and histopathological improvement. Also, Z. mobilis could restore the mucosal barrier as well as increase the expression of Muc3 and Ocln genes. An analysis of 16S rRNA sequences showed that Z. mobilis alters gut microbiota, increasing Akkermansia muciniphila abundance and decreasing Escherichia coli. Furthermore, Z. mobilis seems to be involved in potentiating a regulatory phenotype by inducing immunomodulatory genes like Tgfb, Il5, Il10, and Foxp3 and reducing the relative mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF, Il6, and Il17. Our data suggest that Z. mobilis could alleviate disease progression and be considered a possible probiotic adjuvant for pathologies of the bowel.
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Front-of-package labelling is a measure that can facilitate consumption of healthier foods. This study examined the predictors of consumers' intentions to use food labelling to make healthy food choices and prevent non-communicable diseases before the implementation of the front-of-package labelling policy in Brazil. An extended theory of planned behaviour incorporating knowledge and food literacy served as the theoretical foundation. First, experts (n = 6) and the target population (n = 30) validated the questionnaire, and the validation data were analysed using content validity coefficients (CVC). An online questionnaire was administered to 783 participants, and data were collected between May and October 2022. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the prediction hypothesis. The questionnaire showed adequate content validity, with all indicators of CVC ≥ 0.75. In the PLS-SEM attitudes (p < 0.001), subjective norms (p < 0.001), knowledge (p < 0.001), and food literacy (p < 0.001) positively predicted the intention to use food labels to make healthy food choices, confirming the main hypothesis. Also, Food literacy and knowledge predicted all constructs of the theory of planned behaviour (p < 0.001). The results highlight the importance of providing nutritional knowledge and food literacy, developing nutritional skills and abilities to encourage consumers to make healthy food choices, and to strengthen other policies such as front-of-package labelling.
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Rotulagem de Alimentos , Alimentos , Humanos , Brasil , Nível de Saúde , PolíticasRESUMO
Annona crassiflora Mart. (araticum) is an exotic fruit native to the Brazilian Cerrado that stands out for its phytochemical profile, especially for the presence of bioactive compounds. The health-related benefits promoted by these metabolites are widely explored. It is known that the biological activity of bioactive compounds is directly dependent on the availability of the molecules, and their bioaccessibility after the digestion process is one of the main limiting factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds in some parts of araticum (peel, pulp and seeds) fruits obtained from different regions through the in vitro digestion process simulating the gastrointestinal tract. The total phenolic content ranged from 480.81 to 1007.62 for pulp; 837.53 to 1926.56 for peel; and 358.28 to 1186.07 for seeds (mg GAE.100 g-1 of sample). The highest antioxidant activity was observed for the seeds by the DPPH method, the peel by the ABTS method, and most of the peel, except for the Cordisburgo sample, by the FRAP method. Through the research of the chemical profile, it was possible to list up to 35 compounds, including the nutrients, in this identification attempt. It was observed that some compounds were listed only in natura samples (epicatechin and procyanidin) and others only for the bioaccessible fraction (quercetin-3-O-dipentoside), which is justified by the different gastrointestinal tract conditions. Thus, the present study elucidates that the food matrix will directly influence the bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds. In addition, it highlights the potential of unconventionally used or consumed parts that can be used as sources of substances with biological activities, increasing the sustainability by reducing waste.
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Annona , Antioxidantes , Quercetina , Brasil , Frutas , FenóisRESUMO
MAIN CONCLUSION: ScHINT1 was identified at sugarcane SAM using subtractive libraries. Here, by bioinformatic tools, two-hybrid approach, and biochemical assays, we proposed that its role might be associated to control redox homeostasis. Such control is important for plant development and flowering transition, and this is ensured with some protein partners such as PAL and SBT that interact with ScHINT1. The shoot apical meristem transition from vegetative to reproductive is a crucial step for plants. In sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), this process is not well known, and it has an important impact on production due to field reduction. In view of this, ScHINT1 (Sugarcane HISTIDINE TRIAD NUCLEOTIDE-BINDING PROTEIN) was identified previously by subtractive cDNA libraries using Shoot Apical Meristem (SAM) by our group. This protein is a member of the HIT superfamily that was composed of hydrolase with an AMP site ligation. To better understand the role of ScHINT1 in sugarcane flowering, here its function in SAM was characterized using different approaches such as bioinformatics, two-hybrid assays, transgenic plants, and biochemical assays. ScHINT1 was conserved in plants, and it was grouped into four clades (HINT1, HINT2, HINT3, and HINT4). The 3D model proposed that ScHINT1 might be active as it was able to ligate to AMP subtract. Moreover, the two-hybrid approach identified two protein interactions: subtilase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. The evolutionary tree highlighted the relationships that each sequence has with specific subfamilies and different proteins. The 3D models constructed reveal structure conservation when compared with other PDB-related crystals, which indicates probable functional activity for the sugarcane models assessed. The interactome analysis showed a connection to different proteins that have antioxidative functions in apical meristems. Lastly, the transgenic plants with 35S::ScHINT1_AS (anti-sense orientation) produced more flowers than wild-type or 35S::ScHINT1_S (sense). Alpha-tocopherol and antioxidant enzymes measurement showed that their levels were higher in 35S::ScHINT_S plants than in 35S::ScHINT1_AS or wild-type plants. These results proposed that ScHINT1 might have an important role with other proteins in orchestrating this complex network for plant development and flowering.
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Flores , Meristema , Meristema/genética , Plantas Geneticamente Modificadas/genética , Homeostase , Oxirredução , Monofosfato de Adenosina/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica de PlantasRESUMO
The Annonaceae family is widely distributed in subtropical and tropical regions. Several species of this family are known for their pharmacological and beneficial properties to human health, mainly attributed to flavonoids. The objective of this work was to carry out an integrative review in order to identify the main flavonoids found in some plant parts belonging to the Annona genus: araticum tree (Annona crassiflora Mart.), graviola tree (Annona muricata), atemoya tree (Annona cherimolia Mill × Annona squamosa L.), pinha tree (Annona squamosa), bananinha tree (Annona leptopetala), and marolinho tree (Annona coriacea). Only articles published between the years 2016 to 2021 that answered the guiding question were considered, in order to obtain recent data. Then, search strategies were designated for each database used: Science Direct, CAPES Periodicals, and Scielo. Most of the studies retrieved from the databases are related to fruits. The results showed that the number of flavonoids identified varies according to the analytical methodology used to identify and quantify the compounds. Quercetin was the most commonly found compound in all fruits of the Annona genus studied, and epicatechin, rutin, and kaempferol were also found to a lesser extent. The presence of these compounds in Annona makes the fruit promising, with potential applicability in the pharmaceutical and food industry.
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The Brazilian cerrado is considered one of the most critical biomes in the world. Araticum (Annona crassiflora Mart.) is a native plant from the Brazilian cerrado, abundant in nutrients and highly energetic. This study aimed to obtain chemical fingerprints of different parts of the araticum fruit, i.e. pulp, peel, and seed. Extracts from these three parts were prepared using different solvents (ethanol, water, and mixtures of ethanol and water) and later analyzed by paper spray ionization mass spectrometry. In general, ethanol extracted more metabolites than the other solvents. The chemical profiles varied according to the fruit part, geographic location, and extractor solvent. Among the metabolites, acetogenins (62.3%) and alkaloids (20.7%) predominated. Principal component analyses revealed that the samples were grouped according to the fruit part, regardless of the extractor solvent used. Araticum shows remarkable potential due to the beneficial properties of the metabolites for human health. The insertion of araticum in the human diet is still underexplored but is a promising alternative.
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Annona , Annona/química , Etanol/análise , Humanos , Espectrometria de Massas , Extratos Vegetais/análise , Sementes/química , Solventes/análise , Água/análiseRESUMO
Objective: To evaluate the influence of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on blood glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Methods: Retrospective cohort study including 462 women with GDM and singleton pregnancy delivered in our institution between January 2015 and June 2018 and grouped according to BMI/GWG. Results: The diagnosis of GDM was more likely to be established in the 1st trimester (T) in women with obesity than in normal-weight (55.8% vs 53.7%, p = 0.008). BMI positively and significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in the 1stT (rs = 0.213, p = 0.001) and 2ndT (rs = 0.210, p = 0.001). Excessive GWG occurred in 44.9% women with overweight and in 40.2% with obesity (p < 0.001). From women with obesity, 65.1% required pharmacological treatment (p < 0.001). Gestational hypertension (GH) was more frequent in women with obesity (p = 0.016). During follow-up, 132 cesareans were performed, the majority in mothers with obesity (p = 0.008). Of the 17 large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birthweight delivered, respectively 6 and 9 were offsprings of women with overweight and obesity (p = 0.019). Maternal BMI had a predictive value only for macrosomia [aOR 1.177 (1.006-1.376), p = 0.041]. BMI and GWG positively correlated with birthweight (rs = 0.132, p = 0.005; rs = 0.188, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Maternal obesity is related with a major probability of diagnosis of GDM in 1stT, fasting hyperglycemia in 2ndT and a more frequent need for pharmacological therapy. Pre-gestational obesity is associated with GH, cesarean delivery and fetal macrosomia.
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Diabetes Gestacional , Ganho de Peso na Gestação , Peso ao Nascer , Índice de Massa Corporal , Feminino , Macrossomia Fetal/etiologia , Humanos , Recém-Nascido , Masculino , Obesidade/complicações , Sobrepeso , Gravidez , Resultado da Gravidez , Estudos Retrospectivos , Aumento de PesoRESUMO
ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the influence of maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG) on blood glucose levels at diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and obstetric/neonatal outcomes. Subjects and methods: Retrospective cohort study including 462 women with GDM and singleton pregnancy delivered in our institution between January 2015 and June 2018 and grouped according to BMI/GWG. Results: The diagnosis of GDM was more likely to be established in the 1st trimester (T) in women with obesity than in normal-weight (55.8% vs 53.7%, p = 0.008). BMI positively and significantly correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels in the 1stT (rs = 0.213, p = 0.001) and 2ndT (rs = 0.210, p = 0.001). Excessive GWG occurred in 44.9% women with overweight and in 40.2% with obesity (p < 0.001). From women with obesity, 65.1% required pharmacological treatment (p < 0.001). Gestational hypertension (GH) was more frequent in women with obesity (p = 0.016). During follow-up, 132 cesareans were performed, the majority in mothers with obesity (p = 0.008). Of the 17 large-for-gestational-age (LGA) birthweight delivered, respectively 6 and 9 were offsprings of women with overweight and obesity (p = 0.019). Maternal BMI had a predictive value only for macrosomia [aOR 1.177 (1.006-1.376), p = 0.041]. BMI and GWG positively correlated with birthweight (rs = 0.132, p = 0.005; rs = 0.188, p = 0.005). Conclusion: Maternal obesity is related with a major probability of diagnosis of GDM in 1stT, fasting hyperglycemia in 2ndT and a more frequent need for pharmacological therapy. Pre-gestational obesity is associated with GH, cesarean delivery and fetal macrosomia.
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INTRODUCTION: Many international guidelines and expert consensuses are available to help the clinician diagnose and treat acne vulgaris; however, a simplified practical guidance that integrates current existing published recommendations is still lacking. This article aims to give practical and simplified insight into the treatment of acne. AREAS COVERED: Herein, the author discusses the treatment of comedonal, papulopustular, and nodular/cystic/conglobate acne. The author also proposes a simplified treatment escalation strategy that is based on disease severity and extension, starting with topical treatments for mild cases and progressing over to systemic therapies in more severe cases. EXPERT OPINION: The ideal acne treatment would simultaneously and safely target all the pathogenic factors implicated in the appearance of acne lesions with minimal side effects. Since no such treatment currently exists, combination therapies are usually recommended for most types of acne. A major limitation in choosing an appropriate treatment plan is the discrepant use of classification systems across the published literature making it difficult to draw clear and succinct conclusions about the recommendations given. Acne is not a traditional infectious disease and so while antibiotics may improve symptoms, they do not reliably resolve the condition. Thus, there is currently a tendency to opt for antibiotic-sparing treatment strategies whenever possible.
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Acne Vulgar , Fármacos Dermatológicos , Acne Vulgar/tratamento farmacológico , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Terapia Combinada , Consenso , Fármacos Dermatológicos/uso terapêutico , Humanos , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
Microplastics and nanomaterials are applied in a myriad of commercial and industrial applications. When leaked to natural environments, such small particles might threaten living organisms' health, particularly when considering their potential combination that remains poorly investigated. This study investigated the physiological and biochemical effects of polyethylene (PE; 64-125 µm in size, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg·L-1) single and combined with an engineered nanomaterial applied in antifouling coatings, the copper-aluminium layered double hydroxides (Cu-Al LDH; 0.33, 1.0, and 3.33 mg·L-1) in the flatfish Solea senegalensis larvae (8 dph) after 3 h exposure, in a full factorial design. Particles ingestion, histopathology, and biochemical biomarkers were assessed. Fish larvae presented <1 PE particles in their gut, independently of their concentration in the medium. The histological health index showed minimal pathological alterations at PE combined exposure, with a higher value observed at 1 mg LDH·L-1 × 0.1 mg PE·L-1. Gut deformity and increased antioxidant defences (catalase), neurotransmission (acetylcholinesterase), and aerobic energy production (electron transport system) were observed at PE ≥ 1.0 mg·L-1. No oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) or alterations in the detoxification capacity (glutathione-S-transferase) was observed on single and combined exposures. PE, combined or not with Cu-Al LDH, does not seem to compromise larvae's homeostasis considering levels reported so far in the marine and aquaculture environments. However, harsh effects are expected with MP contamination rise, as projections suggest.
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Linguados , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Acetilcolinesterase , Animais , Microplásticos , Plásticos , Polietileno/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidadeRESUMO
Globally, community-based initiatives are effective in protecting ecosystems and the species within them. In this paper, we analyze the emergence and large-scale expansion of a community-based environmental protection system (the Voluntary Environmental Agents Program - VEA Program) in the Brazilian Amazon and identify factors that have determined its success since its inception, 25 years ago. Collective actions to protect the environment in the region have been undertaken by local people for at least 40 years, before their legal regulation in 2001 by the federal government of Brazil, and by the Amazonas state in 2007. The system is based on territorial surveillance and monitoring, and on guidelines for the better use of the territory and its natural resources. Between 1995 and 2020, the VEA Program expanded into the two protected areas where it was first implemented reaching approximately 9 thousand km2 of area protected by the system. The number of people participating also grew in this period by around 2050%, as did the participation of women, which grew by 5600%. The system was replicated in 37 protected areas in central Amazonia, and currently covers almost 200 thousand km2 of Amazon rainforest. From our analyses we unveil four main factors that may have allowed the VEA Program to expand and flourish: (a) the communities' previous demand for an effective control system, (b) its legal formalization and regulation, (c) the support from external institutions, and (d) the consolidation of community-based management programs to fund actions. These factors shall be further investigated as to confirm their critical role in the success of the VEA Program. We demonstrate that this community-based environmental protection system has established itself as a legitimate form of social control, and as a mechanism of socio-environmental governance in the areas in which it operates. By allowing more effective protection of territories, it generates consensus amongst users for the adequate management of natural resources, especially in contexts where government's actions are absent or inefficient. We claim that this system can be replicated in various parts of the world.
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Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Ecossistema , Brasil , Política Ambiental , Feminino , HumanosRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Sarecycline is a novel, tetracycline-class antibiotic specifically designed to treat inflammatory acne. It offers a narrow spectrum of activity (mainly against Cutinebacterium acnes), and it shows less in vitro activity than other tetracyclines against enteric Gram-negative bacteria, offering advantages over older tetracyclines by decreasing the disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiome and the likelihood of developing bacterial resistance. AREAS COVERED: The drug's pharmacology, safety profile, and clinical efficacy are discussed. Results of phase I, II and III clinical trials have shown that 1.5 mg/kg/day sarecycline is safe, well tolerated and more effective than placebo in treating inflammatory acne in patients 9 years old and older. Furthermore, sarecycline's narrow spectrum of activity leads to a lower incidence of undesirable off-target antibacterial effects and consequently less adverse events such as diarrhea, fungal overgrowth and vaginal candidiasis. EXPERT OPINION: Sarecycline could become the first-line antibiotic therapy used in acne in the near future as it is an effective option for treating inflammatory acne lesions. Due to its narrow spectrum of activity, it could have a more adequate safety profile than older tetracyclines; however, head-to-head trials comparing the efficacy and safety profile of sarecycline with other tetracyclines are still needed to prove sarecycline's superiority.
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Acne Vulgar/tratamento farmacológico , Tetraciclinas/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Criança , Feminino , Humanos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Este estudo, aplicado em um distrito do Norte de Portugal, teve como objetivo avaliar a eficácia do programa de prevenção do tabagismo "SmokeOut-I" em alunos do 6º ano, por sexo. O programa "SmokeOut-I" foi elaborado no âmbito de um projeto financiado pela Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT), sendo desenvolvido no Centro de Investigação em Estudos da Criança (CIEC) da Universidade do Minho, em Braga, Portugal, objetivando prevenir o consumo de tabaco em crianças e jovens. É um programa multidisciplinar focado na prevenção do tabagismo. Realizou-se um estudo quasi-experimental, tipo pré/pós-teste, com um grupo experimental (n=163), a quem foi aplicado o programa, e um grupo de controle (n=148), em 2014/2015. Ambos os grupos preencheram o mesmo questionário, no pré e pós-teste. Os resultados inter e intragrupos foram comparados usando estatística inferencial. A intervenção foi eficaz na melhoria dos conhecimentos/crenças sobre tabagismo, com resultados positivos na prevenção do comportamento face ao consumo de tabaco. Estudos longitudinais permitirão compreender a sua persistência no tempo.
This study, applied in a district in the North of Portugal, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the "SmokeOut-I" smoking prevention program in 6th grade students, by sex. The "SmokeOut-I" program was developed as part of a project financed by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), being developed at the Research Center for Child Studies (CIEC) at the University of Minho, in Braga, Portugal, aiming to prevent tobacco consumption in children and young people. It is a multidisciplinary program focused on the prevention of smoking. A quasi-experimental study, pre / post-test type, was carried out with an experimental group (n = 163), to whom the program was applied, and a control group (n = 148), in 2014/2015. Both groups completed the same questionnaire, in the pre and post-test. Inter- and intragroup results were compared using inferential statistics. The intervention was effective in improving knowledge / beliefs about smoking, with positive results in preventing behavior in the face of tobacco consumption. Longitudinal studies will help to understand its persistence over time.
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Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Criança , Tabagismo/prevenção & controle , Saúde da Criança , Prevenção do Hábito de FumarRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Oral minocycline is a mainstay of therapy for moderate-to-severe acne; however, systemic side effects which include hepatotoxicity, lupus-like syndrome, drug hypersensitivity syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, polyarteritis nodosa, gastrointestinal side effects and skin hyperpigmentation are of concern. Topical antibiotics commonly used in acne, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, present high P. acnes resistance rates which has opened the market for new topical antibiotics. FMX-101 is a novel topical minocycline foam that has shown promising results in phase I, II and III trials for the treatment of moderate-to-severe acne with a better safety profile than oral minocycline. AREAS COVERED: The author provides an overview FMX-101 including its clinical efficacy and safety. The author then provides their expert opinion on this treatment and its potential for the treatment option for acne. EXPERT OPINION: The topical foam formulation of FMX-101 has been shown to reduce both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions and to improve IGA scores in patients with moderate-to-severe acne without significant systemic absorption thus limiting associated side effects. Overall, the proven efficacy and safety profile of FMX-101, together with the low systemic absorption, high skin tolerability and cosmetically acceptable foam formulations render this novel therapy an important addition to the acne treatment armamentarium.
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Acne Vulgar/tratamento farmacológico , Antibacterianos/uso terapêutico , Minociclina/uso terapêutico , Administração Cutânea , Antibacterianos/administração & dosagem , Antibacterianos/efeitos adversos , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/etiologia , Efeitos Colaterais e Reações Adversas Relacionados a Medicamentos/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Minociclina/administração & dosagem , Minociclina/efeitos adversos , Ensaios Clínicos Controlados Aleatórios como Assunto , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Pele/patologia , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
Objetivo: A presente investigação visa avaliar a eficácia do Programa Domicílios sem Fumo. Método: O estudo foi realizado em 135 escolas do 1º ciclo de todas as ilhas dos Açores, no ano letivo 2017/2018. Trata-se de um estudo pré-experimental, aplicando-se um pré-teste, seguido do programa e um pós-teste, a uma amostra constituída por 1178 alunos a frequentar o 4º ano de escolaridade. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram uma ligeira redução da prevalência de consumo de tabaco dos pais/mães das crianças açorianas. Constatou-se ainda a diminuição da exposição das crianças ao FAT no domicílio pelo facto de ter decrescido a percentagem de pais que fumam dentro de casa. A exposição ao FAT no carro registrou um decréscimo após a implementação do programa, sendo esse estatisticamente significativo. No entanto, existe ainda uma prevalência de 41.6% de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa ou no carro. Conclusões: O Programa Domicílios sem Fumo revelou-se eficaz na alteração dos hábitos tabágicos dos pais/mães, reduzindo ligeiramente a prevalência de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa e no carro. Por isso, recomenda-se a aplicação deste programa nos diferentes anos de escolaridade, noutras escolas e contextos socioeducativos.(AU)
Objective: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Smoke-free Homes programme. Methods: The study was carried out in 135 primary schools in all Azores islands, in 2017/2018. This is a pre-experimental study, applying a pre-test, followed by the program and a post-test, to a sample of 1178 students attending the 4th grade. Results: The results showed a slight reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use by parents of Azorean children. There was also a decrease in the exposure of children to FAT at home because the percentage of fathers who smoke indoors decreased. Exposure to SHS in the car decreased after program implementation, which was statistically significant. However, there is still a prevalence of 41.6% of children exposed to FAT at home or in the car. Conclusions: Smoke-free Homes programme was effective in preventing smoking habits of parents, reducing the rate of children exposed to SHS at home and in the car. Therefore, it is recommended to apply this program in different years of schooling, in other schools and socioeducational contexts.(AU)
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Humanos , Criança , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/análise , Prevenção do Hábito de Fumar , Exposição por Inalação , Estudantes , Relações Pais-Filho , AçoresRESUMO
Objetivo: A presente investigação visa avaliar a eficácia do Programa Domicílios sem Fumo. Método: O estudo foi realizado em 135 escolas do 1º ciclo de todas as ilhas dos Açores, no ano letivo 2017/2018. Trata-se de um estudo pré-experimental, aplicando-se um pré-teste, seguido do programa e um pós-teste, a uma amostra constituída por 1178 alunos a frequentar o 4º ano de escolaridade. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram uma ligeira redução da prevalência de consumo de tabaco dos pais/mães das crianças açorianas. Constatou-se ainda a diminuição da exposição das crianças ao FAT no domicílio pelo facto de ter decrescido a percentagem de pais que fumam dentro de casa. A exposição ao FAT no carro registrou um decréscimo após a implementação do programa, sendo esse estatisticamente significativo. No entanto, existe ainda uma prevalência de 41.6% de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa ou no carro. Conclusões: O Programa Domicílios sem Fumo revelou-se eficaz na alteração dos hábitos tabágicos dos pais/mães, reduzindo ligeiramente a prevalência de crianças expostas ao FAT em casa e no carro. Por isso, recomenda-se a aplicação deste programa nos diferentes anos de escolaridade, noutras escolas e contextos socioeducativos.
Objective: This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Smoke-free Homes programme. Methods: The study was carried out in 135 primary schools in all Azores islands, in 2017/2018. This is a pre-experimental study, applying a pre-test, followed by the program and a post-test, to a sample of 1178 students attending the 4th grade. Results: The results showed a slight reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use by parents of Azorean children. There was also a decrease in the exposure of children to FAT at home because the percentage of fathers who smoke indoors decreased. Exposure to SHS in the car decreased after program implementation, which was statistically significant. However, there is still a prevalence of 41.6% of children exposed to FAT at home or in the car. Conclusions: Smoke-free Homes programme was effective in preventing smoking habits of parents, reducing the rate of children exposed to SHS at home and in the car. Therefore, it is recommended to apply this program in different years of schooling, in other schools and socioeducational contexts.
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Humanos , Criança , Estudantes , Exposição por Inalação , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/análise , Prevenção do Hábito de Fumar , Relações Pais-Filho , AçoresRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Anti-CD3 immunotherapy was initially approved for clinical use for renal transplantation rejection prevention. Subsequently, new generations of anti-CD3 antibodies have entered clinical trials for a broader spectrum of therapeutic applications, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. Despite their extensive use, little is known about the exact mechanism of these molecules, except that they are able to activate T cells, inducing an overall immunoregulatory and tolerogenic behavior. To better understand the effects of anti-CD3 antibodies on human T cells, PBMCs were stimulated, and then, we performed RNA-seq assays of enriched T cells to assess changes in their gene expression profiles. In this study, three different anti-CD3 antibodies were used for the stimulation: two recombinant antibody fragments, namely, a humanized and a chimeric FvFc molecule, and the prototype mouse mAb OKT3. RESULTS: Gene Ontology categories and individual immunoregulatory markers were compared, suggesting a similarity in modulated gene sets, mainly those for immunoregulatory and inflammatory terms. Upregulation of interleukin receptors, such as IL2RA, IL1R, IL12RB2, IL18R1, IL21R and IL23R, and of inhibitory molecules, such as FOXP3, CTLA4, TNFRSF18, LAG3 and PDCD1, were also observed, suggesting an inhibitory and exhausted phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: We used a deep transcriptome sequencing method for comparing three anti-CD3 antibodies in terms of Gene Ontology enrichment and immunological marker expression. The present data showed that both recombinant antibodies induced a compatible expression profile, suggesting that they might be candidates for a closer evaluation with respect to their therapeutic value. Moreover, the proposed methodology is amenable to be more generally applied for molecular comparison of cell receptor dependent antibody therapy.
Assuntos
Anticorpos Monoclonais/imunologia , Complexo CD3/imunologia , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Linfócitos T/metabolismo , Ontologia Genética , Marcadores Genéticos/genética , Humanos , FenótipoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Alcalase-treated amaranth proteins generate angiotensin-1-converting enzyme (ACE-1) inhibitory peptides, which could be useful for functional foods development. Our aim was to evaluate the technological, sensory, and antihypertensive properties of pasta enriched with an amaranth hydrolysate. METHODS: Pasta with 11% (A; control), 15% (B), and 20% (C) of protein content were formulated. Pastas B and C were supplemented with an alcalase-treated amaranth protein concentrate. Cooking time, cooking lost, color, and texture were assessed. An untrained panel (n = 30) evaluated sensory attributes. The antihypertensive effect was evaluated in hypertensive rats. RESULTS: The hydrolysate IC50 was 0.014 mg/mL. Optimum cooking time and cooking loss decreased in products B and C vs. A (p < 0.05). The L* values decreased in pasta C. Firmness increased in pasta C vs. A (p < 0.05). Adhesiveness was different among groups (p < 0.05). Pasta A had the highest acceptability (p < 0.05). The products B and C, and captopril (positive control) showed antihypertensive properties after 3 h of supplementation (p < 0.05). This effect remained after 7 h, 8 h, or 9 h. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of amaranth hydrolysates to pasta negatively impacts on the overall acceptability and, to a lesser extent, on pasta taste. However, it is possible to maintain the antihypertensive properties of the supplemented pasta under physiological conditions.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha therapy has become clinically important for treating inflammatory bowel disease. However, the use of conventional immunotherapy requires a systemic exposure of patients and collateral side effects. Lactic acid bacteria have been shown to be effective as mucosal delivering system for cytokine and single domain antibodies, and it is amenable to clinical purposes. Therefore, lactic acid bacteria may function as vehicles for delivery of therapeutic antibodies molecules to the gastrointestinal tract restricting the pharmacological effect towards the gut. Here, we use the mucosal delivery of Lactococcus lactis carrying an anti-TNFα scFv expression plasmid on a DSS-induced colitis model in mice. RESULTS: Experimental colitis was induced with DSS administered in drinking water. L. lactis carrying the scFv expression vector was introduced by gavage. After four days of treatment, animals showed a significant improvement in histological score and disease activity index compared to those of untreated animals. Moreover, treated mice display IL-6, IL17A, IL1ß, IL10 and FOXP3 mRNA levels similar to health control mice. Therefore, morphological and molecular markers suggest amelioration of the experimentally induced colitis. CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence for the use of this alternative system for delivering therapeutic biopharmaceuticals in loco for treating inflammatory bowel disease, paving the way for a novel low-cost and site-specific biotechnological route for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.