Abstract BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are frequent complaints from individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Dyspepsia is a universal clinical symptom and is among the most common GI complaints observed in the general population, but its prevalence in the population with NAFLD has not been previously investigated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of functional dyspepsia (FD) between patients with NAFLD and controls without liver disease. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study at the Outpatient Liver Clinic, University Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS: We included 96 NAFLD patients and 105 controls without liver disease. All participants were assessed for GI symptoms in accordance with the Rome III criteria. Evaluation methods included a questionnaire for FD (validated in Brazil), laboratory tests and upper GI endoscopy. RESULTS: Mean age and sex were similar between the groups. The NAFLD group presented higher frequency of proton-pump inhibitor usage (31.3% vs 4.8%; P < 0.001) and prevalence of FD (25.0% versus 12.4%; P = 0.021). The symptom frequencies were as follows: postprandial distress, 22.9% versus 11.4% (P = 0.030); postprandial fullness, 18.8% versus 10.5% (P = 0.095); early satiation, 8.3% versus 5.7% (P = 0.466); and epigastric pain or burning, 18.8% versus 5.7% (P = 0.004), in NAFLD patients and controls, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that female sex (odds ratio, OR 6.97; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.51-32.12; P = 0.013) and NAFLD diagnosis (OR 2.45; 95% CI: 1.14-5.27; P = 0.021) were independently associated with FD occurrence. CONCLUSION: FD occurs more frequently in individuals with NAFLD than in controls without hepatic disease.

We herein report the synthesis of hybrid kauranoid molecules of type 1,2,3-triazole-1,4-disubstituted aiming to improve the antimalarial activity of kaurenoic and xylopic acids. The CuI-catalyzed cycloaddition of azides and kauranoid terminal alkynes was explored as a hybridization strategy. Kauranoid terminal alkynes were prepared from kaurenoic and xylopic acids that were isolated from Wedelia paludosa D. C. (Asteraceae) and Xylopia frutescens Aubl. (Annonaceae). A total of 15 kauranoid derivatives, including nine new triazoles, were obtained and five out of these were more active than the original diterpenes. Interestingly, an increased activity was observed for a kauranoid propargyl ether. Interaction between ent-kaurane diterpene derivatives and Ca2+-ATPase (PfATP6) was investigated. Synthesis of diterpene derivatives emerges as a possible route to be explored in the quest of potentially new inhibitors of PfATP6.

Resumo Neste trabalho, foram avaliados os comportamentos mecânico e estrutural de diferentes cortes cárneos em testes de determinação da força de cisalhamento, com o objetivo de identificar possíveis diferenças que podem interferir negativamente na mensuração da maciez objetiva. Seis cortes cárneos: Contrafilé (Longissimus dorsi), Maminha (Tensor fasciae latae), Lagarto (Semitendinosus), Filé-mignon (Psoas major) e Picanha (Biceps femoris) bovinos, e Lombo suíno (Longissimus dorsi) foram analisados de acordo com o método Warner-Bratzler, usando um texturômetro equipado com lâmina de 1 mm de espessura. As superfícies cisalhadas foram analisadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura e as curvas mecânicas geradas durante os testes foram estudadas. Diferentes comportamentos foram observados nas curvas mecânicas e na microestrutura dos cortes cárneos em estudo. Alguns cortes apresentaram picos máximos bem definidos, enquanto outros apresentaram curvas mais abertas com maior distribuição da força durante os testes. Os cortes também apresentaram diferenças quanto à altura dos picos, que variou entre diferentes cortes e até em um mesmo corte. Nas microestruturas, foram observados diferentes comportamentos como: fibras deformadas por tracionamento, fibras aglomeradas devido a forte compressão e irregularidades na espessura e formato de fibras. Assim, concluiu-se que o teste de determinação da força de cisalhamento utilizado envolve outros princípios, como compressão e elongação, dependendo do corte cárneo estudado.

Summary This research evaluated the mechanical and structural behaviours of different meat cuts in shear force tests with the aim of identifying possible differences that could negatively influence objective tenderness measurements. Five Brazilian beef cuts (Longissimus dorsi, Tensor fasciae latae, Semitendinosus, Psoas major and Biceps femoris) and Pork loin (Longissimus dorsi)) were analyzed according to the Warner-Bratzler method using a texturometer equipped with a 1 mm thick blade. The sheared surfaces were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the mechanical curves generated during the tests were studied. Different behaviours were observed in the mechanical curves and in the microstructure of the meat cuts studied. Some muscles showed well defined maximum peaks while others showed wider curves with greater distribution of the force during testing. The muscles also varied with respect to peak heights between different muscles and even within the same muscle. Different behaviours were observed in the microstructure, such as fibers deformed by the tensile strength, agglomerated fibers due to the great compression and irregularities in fiber thickness and shape. Thus, it was concluded that the shear force test used involved other mechanical principles such as compression and elongation, depending on the meat cut studied.

ABSTRACT Because processing and storage conditions affect several beef quality attributes, the food industry uses a variety of synthetic antioxidants. However, some synthetic antioxidants have been questioned regarding its safety, and thus the interest in using natural antioxidants in food products is increasing. This paper aimed at assessing leaf aqueous extracts of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Linnaeus) and Pitanga (Eugenia uniflora Linnaeus) as antioxidants in beef cold storage. After 48h storage, patties added of Rosemary leaf extracts showed increased pH. Patties added of Pitanga extracts had the lowest a* color values. Oxymyoglobin levels were significantly higher for Negative control, than for Pitanga treatment. The 10% extract addition increased lipid oxidation of beef patties. Correlation coefficients between lipid and myoglobin oxidations were all above 0.85. Pitanga leaf extracts negatively influenced beef color, probably because of its higher chlorophyll content. Lipid oxidation of beef patties was increased with the addition of leaf extracts. The inclusion of 10% leaf extract into beef patties seems not suitable, because it may enhance the amount of prooxidant compounds, as well as the amount of substances capable of reacting with lipid secondary products. Correlations between lipid and myoglobin oxidations demonstrated strong relationship.

OBJETIVO: Identificar a frequência e as causas de uveítes que resultam em deficiência visual, em pacientes encaminhados ao Serviço de Visão Sub-Normal do Departamento de Oftalmologia - UNIFESP, durante um período de 20 anos. MÉTODOS: Em um estudo retrospectivo foram revisados 5.461 prontuários. Foram coletados os dados da primeira avaliação clínica realizada no Setor de Visão Sub-Normal, que inclui idade do paciente, sexo e a causa da deficiência visual. Os registros clínicos dos pacientes com diagnóstico de uveíte foram revisados para classificação anatômica e diagnóstico. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes encaminhados para o Setor de Visão Sub-Normal foi de 42.86 anos e a média de idade dos pacientes com diagnóstico de uveíte foi de 25.51 anos. As doenças retinianas foram as causas mais comuns de deficiência visual (N=2.835 pacientes; 51.9%), seguida por uveítes (N=862 pacientes, 15.7%). Foi observado uveíte posterior em 792 pacientes (91.9% dos casos de uveíte) e, dentre estes, toxoplasmose foi o diagnóstico mais comum (765 pacientes, 88.7%). CONCLUSÕES: Em nosso estudo, uveíte representa a segunda causa de deficiência visual nos pacientes encaminhados para reabilitação visual e retinocoroidite por toxoplasmose foi o diagnóstico clínico mais comum. Uveíte afeta uma população jovem e em idade laboral, portanto com relevante impacto social e econômico, mas o diagnóstico e tratamento precoce podem melhorar a qualidade de vida destes pacientes.

PURPOSE: To identify the frequency and causes of uveitis leading to visual impairment in patients referred to the Low Vision Service - Department of Ophthalmology - UNIFESP, over a twenty years period. METHODS: In a retrospective study, medical records of 5,461 patients were reviewed. Data from the first clinical evaluation at the Low Vision Service were collected, patient's age, gender and cause of visual impairment were analyzed. Patients with uveitis had their chart reviewed for anatomical classification and clinical diagnosis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients referred to the Low Vision Service was 42.86 years and the mean age of patients with uveitis diagnosis was 25.51 years. Retinal disorders were the most common cause of visual impairment (N=2,835 patients; 51.9%) followed by uveitis (862 patients, 15.7%). Uveitis was posterior in 792 patients (91.9% of uveitis) and toxoplasmosis was the most common diagnosis (765 patients, 88.7%). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, uveitis represents the second cause of visual impairment in patients referred for visual rehabilitation and toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis was the most common clinical diagnosis. It affects a young working age population with a relevant social and economic impact, but the early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life of these patients.