ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds as well as their antioxidant capabilities of organic peppermint leaves after each phase of simulated digestion. Moisture was determined until a constant weight was obtained in an oven at 105 °C; ash was determined after sample calcination in a muffle furnace at 550 °C. The protein concentration was determined by the Macro-Kjeldahl method and lipid content by hot-extraction in a Soxhlet apparatus. Carbohydrates were calculated from differences and energy values based on the Atwater conversion factors. Total phenolic, flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity were determined by spectrophotometry. A four-step procedure was used for in vitro digestion. Organic peppermint was found to contain the following: 78% moisture, 1.7% ash, 1.5% lipids, 0.3% proteins, 17.7% carbohydrates, and a total of 85.5 kcal/100 g. Values of 705 mg GAE/100 g of phenolic, 918 mg QE/100 g of flavonoids, and 58.8 mg/g of vitamin C were also measured. It was discovered that total phenolics had the highest bioaccessible fraction relative to flavonoids; the salivary phase was identified as that with the highest release of these compounds and thus the phase in which peppermint showed significant antioxidant activity (1509 μmol TEAC/100g). This study demonstrated that organic peppermint has a high content of phenolic compounds that can be extracted from the alimentary matrix in the salivary and intestinal phases of the digestive system. Because of the antioxidant activity of these compounds, the use of this aromatic plant as seasonings and spices is relevant.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la composición química de hojas de menta orgánica y la bioaccesibilidad de los compuestos fenólicos así como su capacidad antioxidante. Se determinó la humedad hasta obtener un peso constante en el horno a 105 °C, la ceniza se determinó en un horno de mufla a 550 °C. La concentración de proteína se determinó mediante el método Macro-Kjeldahl y los lípidos mediante extracción en un aparato Soxhlet. Los carbohidratos se calcularon por diferencia y energía basadas en los factores de conversión de Atwater. El contenido fenólico y la actividad antioxidante se determinaron por espectrofotometría. Se usó un procedimiento de cuatro pasos para la digestión in vitro. La menta orgánica contiene 78% de humedad, 1,7% de cenizas, 1,5% de lípidos, 0,3% de proteínas, 17,7% de carbohidratos y 85,5 kcal/100 g. También se midieron valores de 705 mg GAE/100g de fenólico, 918 mg QE/100 g de flavonoides y 58,8 mg/g de vitamina C. Se descubrió que los fenólicos tenían la fracción bioaccesible más alta en relación con los flavonoides; la fase salival se identificó como aquella con la mayor liberación de estos compuestos y, por lo tanto, la menta mostró una actividad antioxidante significativa (1509 μmol de TEAC/100 g). La menta orgánica tiene un alto contenido de fenólicos que se pueden extraer en las fases salival e intestinal. Debido a la actividad antioxidante de estos compuestos, el uso de esta planta como condimentos y especias es relevante.

Abstract Background: Other tools for weed management should be considered in addition to the use of herbicides. In this context, the identification and use of allelopathic compounds deserves attention. Question: To quantify phenolic compounds and evaluate the allelopathic potential of extracts of Conyza sumatrensis on the germination of Bidens pilosa. Studied species: Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.Walker, Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) Study site: Palotina, state of Paraná, Brazil. Methods: The aqueous extracts were prepared with shoot and root portions of C. sumatrensis in concentrations: 0, 1, 5 and 10 %. Germination and germination speed index were evaluated. The total flavonoids and phenols of the tested extracts were also quantified. Results: With increasing concentrations of the extracts there was an increased inhibition of germination of B. pilosa and delays in the germination process. The extracts from the shoot of C. sumatrensis had a more expressive effect on seed germination when compared to the extracts obtained from the root. At concentration of 10 %, the extract from the shoot reduced in 83 % the percentage of germination. This may be related to the higher concentration of total flavonoids and phenols found. Conclusion: The allelopathic potential of C. sumatrensis plants can be considered since both shoot and root extracts inhibited and/or reduced the germination of B. pilosa.

Resumen Antecedentes: Se deben considerar otras herramientas para el manejo de malezas además del uso de herbicidas. En este contexto, la identificación y el uso de compuestos alelopáticos merece atención. Problema: Cuantificar compuestos fenólicos y evaluar el potencial alelopático de extractos de Conyza sumatrensis en la germinación de Bidens pilosa. Especies de estudio: Conyza sumatrensis (Retz.) E.Walker, Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) Sitio de estudio: Palotina, estado de Paraná, Brasil. Métodos: Los extractos acuosos se prepararon con porciones de brotes y raíces de C. sumatrensis en concentraciones: 0, 1, 5 y 10 %. Se evaluaron la germinación y el índice de velocidad de germinación. También se cuantificaron los flavonoides y fenoles totales de los extractos probados. Resultados: Con el aumento de las concentraciones de los extractos hubo una mayor inhibición de la germinación de B. pilosa y retrasos en el proceso de germinación. Los extractos del brote de C. sumatrensis tuvieron un efecto más expresivo sobre la germinación de las semillas en comparación con los extractos obtenidos de la raíz. En la concentración de 10 %, el extracto del brote redujo en 83 % el porcentaje de germinación. Esto puede estar relacionado con la mayor concentración de flavonoides y fenoles totales encontrados. Conclusión: El potencial alelopático de las plantas de C. sumatrensis puede considerarse ya que tanto los extractos de brotes como los de raíz inhibieron y/o redujeron la germinación de B. pilosa.

Resumo Leishmania infantum é um tripanosomatídeo que causa dermatopatia parasitária em cães. Trypanosoma caninum é outro tripanosomatídeo, que infecta a pele de cães, embora anormalidades cutâneas sejam ausentes. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência da infecção por T. caninum e suas alterações cutâneas e histológicas associadas e compará-las com a ocorrência da infecção por L. infantum em cães. O estudo incluiu 150 cães, dos quais a infecção por T. caninum foi identificada em 3 (2%) e a infecção por L. infantum em 15 (10%) deles, sem associação (p>0,05) dessas infecções com a raça, sexo, idade ou anormalidades cutâneas. As alterações cutâneas foram observadas em 1 (4,8%) e 12 (57,1%) cães infectados por T. caninum e L. infantum, respectivamente. As anormalidades dermato-histopatológicas nos cães infectados por T. caninum incluíram infiltrados linfo-histioplasmocitários perivasculares leves nos clinicamente assintomáticos, enquanto naqueles com anormalidades dermatológicas, foram observados acantose, hiperqueratose ortoqueratótica epidermal e melanomacrófagos e co-infecção por Microsporum sp. e Trichophyton sp. Nos cães infectados por L. infantum, os achados histopatológicos incluíram infiltrados inflamatórios granulomatosos crônicos e estruturas compatíveis com amastigotas. A despeito da baixa frequência da infecção por T. caninum, nossos achados sugerem que esse tripanosomatídeo, diferentemente de L. infantum, não causa anormalidades macroscópicas na pele.

Abstract Leishmania infantum is a trypanosomatid that causes parasitic dermatopathy in dogs. Trypanosoma caninum is another trypanosomatid, which infects the skin of dogs, although cutaneous abnormalities are absent. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of T. caninum infection and its associated cutaneous and histological changes and compare it with the occurrence of L. infantum infection in dogs. The study included 150 dogs, of which T. caninum infection was identified in 3 (2%) and L. infantum infection in 15 (10%) of them, with no association (p>0.05) of these infections with the breed, gender, age, or cutaneous abnormalities. The cutaneous abnormalities were based on 1 (4.8%) and 12 (57.1%) dogs infected by T. caninum and L. infantum, respectively. The dermatohistopathological abnormalities in the dogs infected with T. caninum included mild perivascular lymphohistioplasmacytic infiltrates in the clinically asymptomatic ones, while in those with dermatological abnormalities, acanthosis, epidermal orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, melanomacrophages, and co-infection with Microsporum sp. and Trichophyton sp. were observed. InL. infantum infected, the histopathological findings included chronic granulomatous inflammatory infiltrates and structures compatible with amastigotes. Despite the low frequency of T. caninum infection, our findings suggest that this trypanosomatid, unlike L. infantum, does not cause any macroscopic skin abnormalities.

Resumo Objetivou-se com o presente estudo determinar o teor de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante presentes nos frutos de três espécies vegetais do Cerrado Brasileiro: carnaúba (Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Rich) e oiti (Licania tomentosa (Benth.) Fritsch). Entre os frutos analisados, o fruto oitiapresentou maior conteúdo de fenólicos totais (1236,42 ± 34,06 mg EAG 100 g-1), seguido do murici (468,90 ± 27,30 mg EAG 100 g-1) e do côco da carnaúba (314,44 ± 9,50 mg EAG 100 g-1). Quanto à atividade antioxidante, o murici apresentou 4350,31 ± 1,85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1 e o oiti que apresentou 14721,69 ± 0,85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1. Foi verificado também um elevado conteúdo de antocianinas no côco da carnaúba (9,35 ± 0,00 mg-cy-3-glu.100 g-1) e elevado conteúdo de carotenoides (20,0 ± 1,23 mg-ß-carot.100 g-1) e vitamina C (58,60 ± 1,32 mg.100 g-1) no murici. Os dados obtidos somam informações ao conhecimento atual sobre as características nutricionais e funcionais de frutos do Cerrado Brasileiro ainda pouco explorados, como os analisados, que apresentaram elevado conteúdo de compostos bioativos e atividade antioxidante.

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity present in three fruit species from the Brazilian Cerrado: carnauba (Copernicia prunifera (Mill.) H.E. Moore), murici (Byrsonima crassifolia L. Rich)and oiti (Licania tomentosa (Benth) Fritsch). Among analyzed fruits, oiti showed the highest total phenolic content (1236.42 ± 34.06 mg GAE 100 g-1) followed by murici (468.90 ± 27.30 mg GAE 100 g-1) and carnauba (314.44 ± 9.50 mg GAE 100 g-1). Regarding the antioxidant activity, murici showed 4350.31 ± 1.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1 and oiti showed 14721.69 ± 0.85 µmol TEAC.100 g-1. In addition, high content of anthocyanins was verified in carnauba (9.35 ± 0.00 mg-cy-3-glu.100 g-1), as well as carotenoids (20.0 ± 1.23 mg-ß-carot.100 g-1) and vitamin C (58.60 ± 1.32 mg.100 g-1) in murici. In conclusion, data obtained add valuable information to the current knowledge on the nutritional and functional features of fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado that have been scarcely explored, such as those analyzed, which showed high content of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

ABSTRACT Objective: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by parathyroid hormone deficiency and hypocalcemia. It has been demonstrated that these patients may also present psychiatric symptoms and decrease of quality of life. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of psychopathological symptoms in a cohort of patients with hypoparathyroidism and compare to a control group. Subjects and methods: Patients were submitted to a cross-sectional Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R) questionnaire that evaluates psychopathological symptoms by means of the Global Severity Index (GSI), Positive Symptoms Total (PST) and Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI). A score based in the positive symptoms was calculated (T-score). The test group was composed of patients with hypoparathyroidism, and control by thyroidectomized patients without hypoparathyroidism. A correlation between the presence of psychological symptoms and clinical features was analyzed. Results: The study included 57 patients with a mean age of 51.1 ± 16.4 years; 20 as a control and 37, test group. There were no differences between groups regarding gender, mean age and age at diagnose. Hypoparathyroidism patients presented higher GSI index than the control group (p = 0.038). Mean T-score of the test group was as elevated as 58.2 ± 5.3 (reference range < 55). No correlation of the number of psychological symptoms to clinical and laboratorial parameters was observed. Conclusion: Patients with hypoparathyroidism attending our outpatient clinics presented an increase in the number of self-report of psychological symptoms when compared with a control group. However, no correlation with hypocalcemia and clinical parameters was observed. Future studies are necessary to evaluated if the absence of PTH play a role on it.

Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) is the most studied thermoplastic biopolymer belonging to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family, the main features of which include rapid biodegradability and biocompatibility. The bioplastic recovery process is an important step during production and can directly influence the characteristics of PHAs. However, more efficient methods for the production of P(3HB) are necessary to make it economically viable. The aim of the present study was to improve the standard, chloroform-based, extraction step for the recovery of P(3HB). The polymer was produced using a Ralstonia solanacearum strain. The following parameters were improved in the recovery process: heating time, separation method (filtration or liquid-liquid phase separation), biomass state (fresh or dry cell concentrate) and the solvent:biomass ratio. By improving the chemical extraction of P(3HB) we recovered 98% of the cumulative polymer and reduced the heating time by 75%. Furthermore, we improved the separation process and developed an extraction solution that was faster and more economical.

As lactonas sesquiterpênicas (LS), guaianolídeo (11,13-deidrocompressanolídeo) e partenolídeo (4α,5β epóxi-germacra-1-(10),11-(13)-dien-12,6α-olideo), encontradas em Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip, mostraram significativa atividade in vitro contra Leishmania amazonensis. Desta forma, um novo método para a determinação simultânea das LS foi desenvolvido e validado. Para a separação, empregou-se cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a arranjo de diodos (HPLC Alliance e2695-2998 PDA, λ 210 nm), com gradiente linear de fase (A) água acidificada H3PO4 0,1% (pH 2,8) e fase (B) acetonitrila, em diferentes proporções, na vazão de 1,2 mL min-1 com coluna XBridge C8 (4,6 × 100 mm, 3,5 µm, 35 ºC). O método mostrou resolução (> 1,5), seletividade, linearidade (coeficiente de correlação > 0,99), precisão (desvio padrão relativo de 2,2%) e exatidão (recuperação > 98%); apresentando 52,55 µg mg-1 de guaianolídeo e 566,05 µg mg-1 de partenolídeo na fração diclorometânica do extrato hidroalcoólico de Tanacetum parthenium. O método apresenta potencial uso no controle da qualidade e desenvolvimento de novos fitofármacos, uma promissora alternativa no tratamento da leishmaniose.

The sesquiterpene lactones (SL), guaianolide (11,13-dehydrocompressanolide) and parthenolide (4α,5β-epoxy-germacra-1-(10),11-(13)-dien-12,6α-olide), found in Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz Bip, showed in vitro significant activity against Leishmania amazonensis. In this way, a new method for the simultaneous determination of SL was developed and validated. For separation, it was employed high performance liquid chromatography coupled to photodiode array detector (HPLC Alliance e2695-2998PDA, λ 210 nm) with linear gradient of phase (A) acidified water 0.1% H3PO4 (pH 2.8) and phase (B) acetonitrile, in different proportions, at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min-1 with XBridge C8 column (4.6 × 100 mm, 3.5 µm, 35 ºC). The method showed resolution (> 1.5); selectivity, linearity (coefficient of correlation > 0.99), precision (relative standard deviation of 2.2%) and accuracy (recovery > 98%); presenting 52.55 µg mg-1 of guaianolide and 566.05 µg mg-1 of parthenolide in the dichloromethane fraction of the hydroalcoholic extract of Tanacetum parthenium. The method presents potential use in quality control and development of new phytochemicals, a promising alternative in the treatment of leishmaniasis.

The peanut is an oleaginous plant of high nutritional value, a source of protein and a trypsin inhibitor. Trypsin inhibitors are proteins present in the vegetable kingdom, considered anti-nutritional factors for animals. However, there have been several recent reports about their heterologous and beneficial effects on human health. These important effects have been the focus of studies investigating these inhibitors in foods. The aim of the present study was to isolate and determine the estimated molecular mass and specific inhibitory activity, for trypsin in the Japanese peanut, peanut butter, and peanut nougat using the techniques of precipitation with ammonium sulfate and affinity chromatography on trypsin - Sepharose CNBr 4B. The techniques used in this study were efficient for isolating the protein inhibitors with antitryptic specific activity of 694 UI mg-1, 823 UI mg-1 and 108 UI mg-1 for the Japanese peanut, peanut nougat, and peanut butter, respectively. The techniques featured high selectivity of the adsorbent, with consequent efficiency in isolation, given the low amount of dosed proteins and specific antitryptic activity presented by the products studied. The various health-related benefits show the importance of detecting and isolating efficient trypsin inhibitors in foods, taking into account the health claims attributed to the vegetable and its high consumption by humans.

INTRODUÇÃO: A formação de trombos no apêndice atrial esquerdo (AAE) constitui a principal causa de fenômenos tromboembólicos em pacientes com fibrilação atrial (FA). A anticoagulação oral é considerada terapia de primeira linha na prevenção de tromboembolismo associado à FA. Apesar de comprovada eficácia, a terapia com anticoagulantes orais está associada a inúmeras limitações. A oclusão percutânea do AAE surgiu como uma nova estratégia para prevenção de acidentes vasculares cerebrais em pacientes com FA considerados de alto risco e não candidatos a tratamento com anticoagulantes. MÉTODOS: Relatamos a experiência inicial da oclusão percutânea do AAE utilizando o novo dispositivo AmplatzerTM Cardiac Plug (ACP - AGA Medical Corp., Golden Valley, Estados Unidos) em pacientes com FA e escore CHADS2 > 2, não elegíveis à terapêutica com anticoagulantes. Os procedimentos foram realizados sob anestesia geral e monitoração por ecocardiografia transesofágica tridimensional em tempo real. RESULTADOS: Três pacientes do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 79 anos e escores CHADS2 2, 3 e 5, foram submetidos a implante do dispositivo por via transeptal sem complicações, resultando em oclusão imediata do AAE e alta hospitalar após dois dias. No seguimento de 50 dias, todos os pacientes se apresentavam bem clinicamente e a ecocardiografia transtorácica confirmou oclusão total do AAE e ausência de complicações. CONCLUSÕES: A oclusão percutânea do AAE com ACP parece ser uma alternativa terapêutica atrativa na prevenção de eventos tromboembólicos em pacientes com FA e contraindicações ou limitações para anticoagulação oral.

BACKGROUND: Thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the main cause of thromboembolic events in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF). Oral anticoagulants are considered first-line therapy for stroke prevention in AF patients. Despite its proven efficacy, long-term oral anti-coagulation is associated to innumerous limitations. Percutaneous LAA closure has emerged as a new strategy for stroke prevention in high risk AF patients who are not candidates for long term oral anticoagulation therapy. METHODS: We report the initial experience with percutaneous occlusion of the LAA using the new AmplatzerTM Cardiac Plug (ACP - AGA Medical Corp., Golden Valley, USA) in patients with AF and CHADS2 score > 2 who were not eligible for anti-coagulation therapy. Procedures were carried out under general anesthesia and 3D transesophageal echocardiography monitoring in real time. RESULTS: Three male patients, mean age of 79 years and CHADS2 2, 3 and 5 scores had the device successfully implanted using a transeptal approach with no complications, resulting in immediate LAA occlusion and hospital discharge two days later. At the 50-day follow-up, all patients were clinically well with complete LAA occlusion and no complications at transthoracic echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous LAA occlusion with the new ACP seems to be an attractive alternative to prevent thromboembolic events in patients with AF and contraindications or limitations for anticoagulation therapy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ocorrência de variáveis detectoras de isquemia miocárdica, durante ou após o tratamento odontológico, sob anestesia com vasoconstritor (adrenalina). MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 54 pacientes coronariopatas submetidos a exodontia sob anestesia local com ou sem vasoconstritor, divididos em dois grupos (sorteio por envelope): grupo I, composto por 27 que receberam anestésico com vasoconstritor; e grupo II, composto por 27 que receberam anestésico sem vasoconstritor. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a monitoração eletrocardiográfica com Holter por 24 horas, a Doppler-ecocardiografia realizada antes e após intervenção odontológica, e a dosagem dos marcadores bioquímicos antes e 24 horas após a exodontia (creatina cinase fração MB [CK-MB] massa, CK-MB atividade e troponina T). A freqüência cardíaca e a pressão arterial nas fases pré-anestesia, pós-anestesia e pós-exodontia também foram aferidas. A Doppler-ecocardiografia teve como objetivo avaliar a contratilidade segmentar do ventrículo esquerdo e a eventual ocorrência de insuficiência mitral. Em todos os casos foi mantido o protocolo farmacológico habitual prescrito pelo cardiologista. RESULTADOS: Três pacientes do grupo I apresentaram depressão do segmento ST (1,0 mm) durante a aplicação da anestesia, dois outros pacientes do mesmo grupo tiveram elevação da CK-MB massa, e em nenhum caso foi verificada presença de isquemia avaliada pelos demais métodos. Não houve registro, neste estudo, de precordialgia, arritmias e ocorrência ou agravamento de hipocontratilidade segmentar do ventrículo esquerdo ou insuficiência mitral. CONCLUSÃO: A exodontia praticada sob uso de anestesia com adrenalina 1:100.000 não implica riscos isquêmicos adicionais quando realizada com boa técnica anestésica e manutenção do tratamento farmacológico prescrito pelo cardiologista.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of variables detecting myocardial ischemia during or after dental treatment under anesthesia with vasoconstrictor (epinephrine). METHODS: A total of 54 coronary patients undergoing dental extraction under local anesthesia with or without vasoconstrictor were included. They were divided into two groups (by drawing envelopes): group I (27 patients) using anesthetics with vasoconstrictor, and group II (27 cases) without vasoconstrictor. 24-hour Holter monitoring, Doppler-echocardiogram before and after dental intervention, and determination of biochemical markers (CK-MB mass, CK-MB activity, and troponin T) before and 24 hours after dental extraction were performed in all patients. Heart rate and blood pressure were also measured in the pre, post-anesthesia and post-dental extraction phases. Doppler echocardiography assessed left ventricular segmental contractility and the occasional occurrence of mitral regurgitation. The usual pharmaceutical treatment prescribed by the cardiologist was maintained in all cases. RESULTS: Three patients in group I presented ST-segment depression (1.0 mm) during administration of anesthesia; two other patients in group I had CK-MB mass elevation, and ischemia was not observed in any other case, as assessed by the other methods. No chest pain, arrhythmias, occurrence or worsening of left ventricular segmental hypocontractility or mitral regurgitation were observed in the study. CONCLUSION: Dental extraction performed under anesthesia with 1:100,000 epinephrine does not imply additional ischemic risks, as long as performed with good anesthetic technique and maintenance of the pharmacological treatment prescribed by the cardiologist.