ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the body mass index (BMI) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) parameters on oxidative and nitrosative stress in overweight and obese subjects. Subjects and methods: Individuals were divided into three groups: the control group (G1, n = 131) with a BMI between 20 and 24.9 kg/m2, the overweight group (G2, n = 120) with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m2 and the obese group (G3, n = 79) with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2. Results: G3 presented higher advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) in relation to G1 and G2 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively) whereas G2 and G3 had lower levels of nitric oxide (NO) (p = 0.009 and p = 0.048, respectively) compared to G1. Adjusted for the presence of MetS to evaluate its influence, the levels of AOPPs did not differ between the groups, whereas NO remained significantly lower. Data adjusted by the BMI showed that subjects with higher triacylglycerol levels had higher AOPPs (p = 0.001) and decreased total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter/uric Acid (p = 0.036). Subjects with lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and patients with higher blood pressure showed increased AOPPs (p = 0.001 and p = 0.034, respectively) and lower NO levels (p = 0.017 and p = 0.043, respectively). Subjects who presented insulin resistance had higher AOPPs (p = 0.024). Conclusions: Nitrosative stress was related to BMI, and protein oxidation and nitrosative stress were related to metabolic changes and hypertension. MetS components were essential participants in oxidative and nitrosative stress in overweight and obese subjects.

Testou-se o comportamento da atemóia (Annona cherimola x A. squamosa) cv. PR3 frente a armazenagem refrigerada e a utilização de diferentes embalagens. Os frutos foram embalados individualmente em sacos de polietileno de baixa densidade (PEBD) ou em sacos feitos de um copolímero (PD-955), e armazenados por 21 dias, a 15ºC ou 25ºC, quando foram então desembalados e mantidos a 25ºC para amadurecerem. Tanto a perda de massa como a firmeza dos frutos foram afetadas pela embalagem, tempo e temperatura de armazenagem. A perda de massa pelas atemóias embaladas foi significativamente menor do que naquelas sem embalagem, que serviram de controle. Provadores não treinados ordenaram as atemóias em função do sabor e aparência. Frutos embalados com PEBD não amadureceram, provavelmente devido ao desenvolvimento de uma atmosfera tóxica ao fruto no interior da embalagem. As atemóias embaladas com PD-955 apresentaram vida de prateleira de 17 dias contra 13 dias dos frutos-controle, ambos a 15ºC, que representam um aumento de 30% na vida de prateleira.

Effects of refrigerated storage and different packages on postharvest behaviour of fruits of atemoya (Annona cherimola x A. squamosa) cv. PR3 were investigated. Fruits were individually sealed in copolymer (PD-955) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags and stored for 21 days at 15°C or 25°C. Then they were unwrapped and maintained at 25°C, for ripening. Weight loss and firmness of fruits were both affected by storage time, temperature and packaging. Weight loss in packaged atemoyas was lower than in the control, non-wrapped fruits. A non-trained panel scored the atemoyas for overall eating quality and appearance. Fruits sealed in LDPE did not ripen, probably due to an injurious atmosphere developed inside the package. Atemoyas packaged in PD-955 film had a shelf-life of 17 days against 13 days of the control ones, both stored at 15°C, an increase of 30% on shelf-life.

A anemia ferropriva é a deficiência nutricional mais encontrada no mundo. Com o objetivo de detectar a prevalência de anemia e sua relação com o estado nutricional, foram avaliadas 526 crianças e adolescentes, na faixa etária de 7 a 14 anos, sendo 284 do sexo masculino e 242 do sexo feminino. A população estudada participou de um programa da Secretaria de Ação Social do Município de Londrina, PR, e freqüenta Unidades Educacionais Públicas que fornecem três refeições diárias e atendimento pedagógico. Estes indivíduos vivem em áreas carentes na periferia da cidade, onde a renda per capita anual é inferior a US$500. A dosagem de hemoglobina foi realizada mediante punção digital feita por fotômetro portátil. Verificou-se uma prevalência de 41,3% de anemia, sem diferença significativa entre os sexos (p=0,412). Não houve associação entre anemia e desnutrição. Observou-se, portanto, alta prevalência de anemia nesta população.

Iron deficiency anemia is the world most prevalent nutritional problem. To investigate anemia prevalence and its relation to nutritional status, 526 children and adolescents, 284 males and 242 females, aged 7 to 14 years old, were evaluated. The studied subjects take part in a program of the Social Action Department of the city of Londrina, state of Paraná, and attend Public Educational Centers which provides them three daily meals and pedagogic assistance. These individuals belong to deprived areas in the city outskirts, where the per capita income is lower than US$500 a year. The hemoglobin dosage was determined by digital puncture and read by Hemocue portable photometer. Anemia prevalence was verified in 41.3% of the assessed population, with no significant statistical differences between males and females (p=0.412). No association between anemia and malnutrition was found. In conclusion, high prevalence of anemia was observed in this population.