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Summary Objective In this report, we investigated the effects of CitrusiM® (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck dried extract) on body composition, defined in terms of two outcomes: percentage of lean mass and percentage of fat mass. Research methods & procedures A double-blind randomized experiment with overweight and obese volunteers was conducted in which the two variables were measured at baseline and three months afterwards. The treatment levels corresponded to three different daily doses of CitrusiM®: 0 mg (control), 0.5 g, and 1 g. All patients met with a nutritionist, and were given a standardized diet with their assigned treatments. At the end of three months, the intermediate outcomes of diet compliance (in percent) and amount of exercise (either none, low level, or high level) were recorded. The covariates that were collected for each subject were age, height, and sex. We analyzed the effects of the treatments on the two outcomes under a Bayesian framework of the Rubin Causal Model, and accounted for possible relationships between both diet compliance and exercise level and the three outcomes of interest in the analyses. Study registered under Research Ethics Committee of the Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas e da Saude de Juiz de For a (plataformabrasil.gov.br): Identifier no. 2.767.611. Results There was a statistically significant evidence that the treatment may increase lean mass and reduce fat mass. Conclusion A 3-month treatment with CitrusiM® (0.5 g or 1 g, daily) was able to increase lean mass, reduce fat mass, in the participants.

Background Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatment adherence has been poorly studied worldwide. We evaluated long-term virological and adherence outcomes to antiviral treatment in CHB patients. Methods A prospective 183 Brazilian CHB patient cohort treated with monotherapy or combination adefovir dipivoxil, entecavir, lamivudine and/or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate was studied in a reference tertiary centre. Treatment adherence was evaluated by a validated questionnaire named ‘Assessment of Adherence to Antiviral Therapy Questionnaire’ (CEAT-HBV) within three yearly periods (2010/2011, 2013/2014 and 2014/2015). Results CEAT-HBV identified 43% (79/183) patients with non-adherence to antiviral treatment and among them, 67% (53/79) were viral load positive. The main causes associated with non-response to antiviral treatment were drug resistance variants followed by non-adherence, insufficient treatment duration and other causes. Single-dose pharmacokinetics demonstrated 35% (23/65) antiviral non-adherence. 2 years after the first assessment, the CEAT-HBV indicated that 71% (101/143) of subjects adhered to treatment (per-protocol population). However, 21% (40/183) of the patients could not be evaluated and were excluded. The main reasons for exclusion were death (20/183), 11 out 20 deaths due to hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV booklet was used for medical education. The third CEAT-HBV assessment (2014/2015) showed that 83% (112/135) patients were compliant with treatment adherence (per-protocol population). Long-term evaluation showed that adherence rate based on CEAT-HBV continue to increase after 4-years ( PConclusions The results highlight the importance of CHB therapy adherence assessment monitoring. Long-term adherence outcomes were dynamic and it is possible to increase the migration rate to adherence/HBV-DNA-negative group.

The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro and in vivo efficacy and the tissue reaction of an antibiofilm coating composed of xylitol, triclosan, and polyhexamethylene biguanide. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed by a turbidimetric method. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate the antiadherent property of central venous catheter (CVC) fragments impregnated with an antibiofilm coating (I-CVC) in comparison with noncoated CVC (NC-CVC) fragments. Two in vivo assays using subcutaneous implantation of NC-CVC and I-CVC fragments in the dorsal area of rats were performed. The first assay comprised hematological and microbiological analysis. The second assay evaluated tissue response by examining the inflammatory reactions after 7 and 21 days. The formulation displayed antimicrobial activity against all tested strains. A biofilm disaggregation with significant reduction of microorganism’s adherence in I-CVC fragments was observed. In vivo antiadherence results demonstrated a reduction of early biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, mainly in an external surface of the I-CVC, in comparison with the NC-CVC. All animals displayed negative hemoculture. No significant tissue reaction was observed, indicating that the antibiofilm formulation could be considered biocompatible. The use of I-CVC could decrease the probability of development of localized or systemic infections.

Xylitol is an important polyalcohol suitable for use in odontological, medical and pharmaceutical products and as an additive in food. The first studies on the efficacy of xylitol in the control and treatment of infections started in the late 1970s and it is still applied for this purpose, with safety and very little contribution to resistance. Xylitol seems to act against microorganisms exerting an anti-adherence effect. Some research studies have demonstrated its action against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. However, a clear explanation of how xylitol is effective has not been completely established yet. Some evidence shows that xylitol acts on gene expression, down-regulating the ones which are involved in the microorganisms' virulence, such as capsule formation. Another possible clarification is that xylitol blocks lectin-like receptors. The most important aspect is that, over time, xylitol bypasses microbial resistance and succeeds in controlling infection, either alone or combined with another compound. In this review, the effect of xylitol in inhibiting the growth of a different microorganism is described, focusing on studies in which such an anti-adherent property was highlighted. This is the first mini-review to describe xylitol as an anti-adherent compound and take into consideration how it exerts such action.

Objective Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) comprise a family of hydrolytic enzymes that cleave membrane phospholipids and play a key role in cellular homeostasis. Alterations in enzymatic activity have been hypothesized in bipolar disorder (BD). Recent studies suggest that PLA2 activity in platelets may reflect PLA2 activity in the brain. The aim of this study was to determine PLA2 activity in platelets of BD patients. Methods We determined the activity of PLA2 subtypes [extracellular, calcium-dependent PLA2 (sPLA2), intracellular, calcium-dependent PLA2 (cPLA2), and intracellular, calcium-independent PLA2 (iPLA2)] by a radioenzymatic method in platelets from 20 patients with BD (15 drug-naive and five drug-free) and from 16 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Results We found that iPLA2, cPLA2, and sPLA2 activities were lower in drug-naive patients with BD when compared to the control group (p = 0.017, p

Introduction: Evidence shows that treatment for hepatitis B virus (HBV) can suppress viral load. Among the factors directly linked to therapeutic success is adherence to the treatment. Several instruments to assess adherence are available, but they are not validated for use in chronic hepatitis B. The purpose of this paper was to adapt and validate the “Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy Questionnaire—HIV” (CEAT-VIH) for patients with chronic hepatitis B (referred to herein as CEAT-HBV). Methods: The validity of the adapted questionnaire evidence was established through concurrent, criterion, and construct validities. Results: We found negative and significant correlation between the domain “degree of compliance to antiviral therapy” assessed by CEAT-HBV and the Morisky test (r = −0.62, P < 0.001) and between the domain “barriers to adherence” and HBV viral load (r = −0.42, P < 0.001). In terms of the construct’s discriminative capacity, scores greater than or equal to 80 detected antiviral therapy success, which are necessary for the prediction of an undetectable HBV viral load. Thus, a cutoff value of 80.5 was set with a value of 81% for sensitivity and 67% for specificity. Conclusion: The CEAT-HBV identified 43% (n = 79) non-adherent patients and was shown to be a useful tool in clinical practice, This research was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Alves de Queiroz Family Fund for Research

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of xylitol on J774A.1 macrophage adhesion. Adhesion consisted of a three-hour interval, at room temperature, followed by washing and cell incubation at 37ºC/5% CO2/ 48h. Xylitol was used to treat the cells either before (for 24h) or after the cell incubation (for 48h) at 5% as final concentration in both the situations. It was found that xylitol was effective in preventing the adhesion in both the conditions in spite of the former being 100-fold greater and significant (p < 0.001). The results pointed to an important xylitol action on macrophage adhesion, which should be further investigated as an inflammatory control.

Ribonucleotides have shown many promising applications in food and pharmaceutical industries. The aim of the present study was to produce ribonucleotides (RNA) by Kluyveromyces marxianus ATCC 8,554 utilizing cheese whey, a dairy industry waste, as a main substrate under batch fermentation conditions. The effects of temperature, pH, aeration rate, agitation and initial cellular concentration were studied simultaneously through factorial design for RNA, biomass production and lactose consumption. The maximum RNA production (28.66 mg/g of dry biomass) was observed at temperature 30°C, pH 5.0 and 1 g/l of initial cellular concentration after 2 h of fermentation. Agitation and aeration rate did not influence on RNA concentration (p > 0.05). Maximum lactose consumption (98.7%) and biomass production (6.0 g/l) was observed after 12 h of incubation. This study proves that cheese whey can be used as an adequate medium for RNA production by K. marxianus under the optimized conditions at industrial scale.

Background: Risperidone (RSP) is a benzisoxazole antipsychotic agent used to treat schizophrenia and other psychiatric illnesses in adults and children (including those with autism). After oral administration, RSP is completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes hydroxylation to yield 9-hydroxyrisperidone (9-OH-RSP), an active metabolite that has a pharmacologic profile and potency similar to RSP. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the relative bioavailability of a pharmaceutical-equivalent (test) formulation with a reference formulation of oral RSP 2 mg, both available commercially on the Brazilian pharmaceutical market, and to generate data regarding the oral bioavailability of the tested drug in healthy Brazilian volunteers. Methods: This single-dose, randomized-sequence, open-label, 2-period crossover study was conducted in healthy Brazilian volunteers from August to December 2008. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive the test formulation followed by the reference formulation or vice versa, with a 30-day washout period between doses. Study drugs were administered after a 12-hour overnight fast. For pharmacokinetic analysis, blood samples were drawn at 0 (baseline), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 5, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after administration. Plasma concentrations of RSP and 9-OH-RSP were determined using LC-MS/MS. The test and reference formulations were to be considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs for the geometric mean test/reference ratios were within a predetermined range of 80% to 125%, in accordance with the policies of the Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration. Tolerability was determined using clinical assessments, monitoring of vital signs, analysis of laboratory test results, and subject interviews regarding adverse events. Results: A total of 22 subjects were enrolled (11 men, 11 women; mean SD age, 32 12 years range, 18– 58 years; weight, 70.4 11.9 kg range, 50–103 kg; height, 1.67 0.08 m range, 1.56–1.80 m; and body mass index, 25 4 kg/m 2 range, 18–29 kg/m 2 ). For RSP, mean (SD) C max values were 12.6 (2.7) and 16.0 (2.3) ng/mL for the test and reference formulations, respectively. For 9-OH-RSP, mean C max values were 17.8 (1.3) and 21.0 (1.7) ng/mL for the test and reference formulations. The 90% CIs for the mean test/ reference ratios for RSP C max , AUC 0–120 , and AUC 0–∞ were 74% to 82%, 75% to 85%, and 76% to 85%, respectively, and 83% to 87%, 75% to 79%, and 75% to 78% for 9-OH-RSP. The related adverse events (headache, low back pain, drowsiness, standing hypotension, local postvenipuncture ecchymoses, insomnia, nausea, and vomiting) were transient and mild. Conclusions: This single-dose study found that the test and reference formulations of oral RSP 2 mg did not meet the Brazilian and US regulatory criteria for bioequivalence in these fasting, healthy volunteers. The study formulations appeared to be well tolerated. (Clin Ther. 2010;32:2106–2115) © 2010 Elsevier HS Journals

Duas enzimas têm-se destacado como possíveis marcadores biológicos periféricos na esquizofrenia: a fosfolipase A2 (PLA2) e a glicogênio sintase quinase-3 beta (GSK-3B). Essas moléculas exercem importante influência na arquitetura e plasticidade celulares, na regulação de vias metabólicas comuns (metabolismo de fosfolípides e via Wnt), em fatores de transcrição, na regulação de genes e na sobrevivência celular. Tais aspectos tornam pertinentes as investigações a respeito da possível participação dessas enzimas na fisiopatologia da esquizofrenia. Foi verificada a atividade de subtipos de PLA2 (método radioenzimático: iPLA2, cPLA2 e sPLA2) e os níveis de GSK-3B total (GSK-3Bt) e fosforilada [p(Ser9)-GSK-3B] (ELISA) em plaquetas de pacientes com esquizofrenia inicialmente livres de tratamento medicamentoso com média de 5 anos de doença (D+5a) (n=10), aos quais foi prescrita a olanzapina. Foi avaliado também um grupo de pacientes livres de tratamento medicamentoso com menos de 6 meses de sintomas psicóticos (D-6m) (n=6) aos quais foi posteriormente prescrito o haloperidol. Esses pacientes foram comparados com um grupo controle (n = 20) e avaliados longitudinalmente após o tratamento descrito por 8 semanas. Um grupo de 40 pacientes com esquizofrenia (tempo médio da doença: 17 anos) com pelo menos 6 meses de tratamento com antipsicótico (clozapina, olanzapina ou haloperidol) foi ainda avaliado. Os sintomas clínicos foram avaliados por meio da Escala de Avaliação das Síndromes Positiva e Negativa (PANSS). Quando comparado com o grupo controle, os pacientes D+5a apresentaram aumento da atividade de iPLA2 (p

O crescente aumento da resistência microbiana aos antibióticos disponíveis impulsiona a busca por novas substâncias, com características superiores às correntemente usadas. Neste sentido, este trabalho propôs investigar as propriedades terapêuticas do xilitol visando a sua aplicação no controle da dermatite atópica, patologia que acomete a pele e que é agravada pela presença da bactéria Staphylococcus aureus. No presente estudo foram executados ensaios in vitro de atividade antimicrobiana do xilitol e verificado se este composto atua na aderência bacteriana, sobre a bactéria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923. Foi avaliada a ação do xilitol produzido tanto pela via química quanto pela biotecnológica, sendo este último obtido a partir de fermentação do hidrolisado hemicelulósico da palha de trigo, nas concentrações de 1, 5 e 10 % (p/ v). A seguir, foram executados testes de toxicidade dérmica aguda com doses repetidas com xilitol nas concentrações de 5 e 10 % (p/ p), nas formas farmacêuticas de creme e de gel, em coelhos albinos da raça Nova Zelândia e testes de fototoxicidade, na concentração de 10 % (p/ p), nas formas farmacêuticas de creme e de gel, utilizando cobaias albinas da raça Durkin-Hartley. Em relação aos ensaios in vitro, observou-se que o xilitol, nas concentrações testadas, não impediu o crescimento bacteriano, mas inibiu a aderência da bactéria a uma superfície de prova, evidenciando ser este o provável mecanismo de ação desta substância sobre as bactérias. Em testes toxicológicos realizados, todas as formulações contendo xilitol foram classificadas como não irritantes quando foram avaliadas quanto à toxicidade dérmica aguda com doses repetidas. Entretanto, nos testes da fototoxicidade, as formulações testadas apresentaram certa fototoxicidade, sugerindo ser a formulação a base de creme mais fototóxica do que aquela a base de gel. Estes resultados evidenciam a aplicabilidade do xilitol no controle da dermatite atópica, como princípio ativo de formulações seguras, observando que a aplicação deve ser realizada com o uso de protetor solar. Este estudo buscou contribuir de maneira expressiva na elucidação do mecanismo de ação do xilitol e verificar os cuidados que devem ser considerados quando realizada sua aplicação pela via dérmica. Since the microorganisms\' resistance to antibiotics increases, it is imperative to look for different substances that can combat these pathogens growth, with greater advantages. The propose of this work was to study therapeutic properties of xylitol in order to control atopic dermatitis, a dermal disease characterized by the presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacterium. Xylitol is a substance that can be obtained by chemical and biotechnological means, being the latter a relevant alternative that produces high-value compounds obtained by fermentation of lignocelullosic hydrolysates. In the present study in vitro assays were performed in order to check if wxylitol (obtained by chemical and biotechnological means) has antimicrobial activity at 1, 5 and 10 % (w/ v) concentrations. Other assays were also performed to verify if xylitol properties, at the same concentrations, hinder the adherence of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 bacterium. Xylitol was produced by biotechnological means using wheat straw hemicellulosic hydrolysate. Afterwards, in vivo assays were performed to investigate if xylitol is safe for skin application. Acute dermal toxicity tests with repeated doses were done with New Zealand rabbits using concentrations of 5 and 10 % (w/ w) xylitol, in either cream or gel. Phototoxicity assays were also performed with Durkin-Hartley guinea pigs, using only 10 % (w/ w) xylitol, in cream and gel forms. It was observed that xylitol does not have antimicrobial properties on S. aureus at all tested concentrations, but this compound has the capability of inhibiting this bacterium adherence on a surface, at all tested concentrations. In relation to toxicity assays, formulations contaning xylitol are nonirritative. However, xylitol has phototoxicity properties, mainly when cream is the base. Xylitol is an adequate alternative to be applied for atopic dermatitis control, and its application on the skin should be done with sunscreen. This study aimed to clarify xylitol action mechanism and to check the cares that should be taken when xylitol is applied on skin.

Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a frequent benign clinical condition, marked by intermittent unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, mostly due to the polymorphism uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1*28 (UGT1A1*28). Hyperbilirubinemia has been reported in a GS patient undergoing hepatitis C treatment, and other UGT isoforms polymorphisms have been linked to worse outcomes in viral hepatitis. Yet, little is known to GS contributions' to the liver disease scenario. Our aim was to assess UGT1A1 genotypes' frequency in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients and correlate with total bilirubin (TB). This is a case-control study in a large tertiary medical center. Cases were CHC patients confirmed by hepatitis C virus (HCV)-polymerase chain reaction. Exclusion criteria were hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection. Control were healthy blood donors. UGT1A1 promoter region gene genotyping was performed, and bilirubin serum levels were available for HCV patients. Genotypes and alleles frequencies were similar in case (n = 585; P = 0.101) and control groups (n = 313; P = 0.795). Total bilirubin increase was noticed according to thymine-adenine repeats in genotypes (P

Enteric viruses are present in aquatic environments due to contamination by raw sewage, even in the absence of fecal coliforms, which are considered to be significant indicators when it comes to microbial water quality assessment. This study investigated the presence of group A rotavirus (RVA) in surface water from a river basin in Minas Gerais, Brazil, assessing the influence of the urbanization, the rainfall, and the microbiological and physico-chemical parameters regarding water quality. Forty-eight surface water samples collected in urbanized and non-urbanized areas, both in dry and rainy periods, were obtained throughout the study. The viral particles were concentrated by adsorption-elution in a negatively charged membrane. Fecal coliforms, as well as physico-chemical water parameters were determined at each point in all collections. The RVA was detected in 62.5 % (30/48) of the water samples through a real-time PCR assay. All the sequenced RVA strains belonged to genotype I1. The RVA was detected in 50.0 % (11/22) of the water samples regarded as being acceptable by current microbiological standards. The presence of the RVA and the viral load were influenced by the collection area (p < 0.05). It was also observed a significant association between the RVA and detecting the turbidity of water (p < 0.05). The collected data showed a high level of contamination in this watershed by the discharge of raw sewage, highlighting the need for urgent measures to improve water quality, ensuring the safe use of this matrix.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3B (GSK-3B) is involved with important neuronal processes such as cell survival, gene regulation, mood and cognitive performance. This enzyme is inactivated by phosphorylation at the phospho-Ser9 site. We compared GSK-3B levels in patients with schizophrenia to a health control group. The levels of phosphorylated and total GSK-3B in platelets of ten drug-free patients, ten long-term olanzapine treated patients and 20 healthy controls were determined by means of an enzyme immunoassay kit. In drug-free patients, GSK-3B levels were accessed again after 8 weeks on treatment with olanzapine. At baseline, drug-free patients presented lower phosphorylated and total GSK-3B levels than healthy controls (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks on olanzapine treatment, phosphorylated and total GSK-3B levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Reduced phospho-Ser9-GSK-3B in schizophrenia may disrupt signal-transduction pathways and influence crucial cellular processes, such as transcription, apoptosis, stress response and cell proliferation. Further studies should clarify whether the increment of GSK-3B phosphorylation by olanzapine is related to its antipsychotic effects.

INTRODUÇÃO: A partir do surgimento da terapia antirretroviral, o paciente soropositivo teve sua sobrevida aumentada. A não adesão a essa terapia está relacionada diretamente à falência terapêutica, a qual propicia o aparecimento de cepas virais mais resistentes. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo e descritivo dos registros de dispensação de antirretrovirais de 229 pacientes do Centro de Atenção à Saúde do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, no período de janeiro a dezembro de 2009. RESULTADOS: Tal estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a adesão do paciente ao tratamento e se houve associação entre a não adesão e a terapêutica. Desses pacientes, 63,8% eram do sexo masculino e apresentavam idade média de 44,0 ± 9,9 anos. Foram realizados 28 esquemas terapêuticos diferentes. Dentre esses, os mais utilizados foram aqueles que combinavam 2 inibidores da transcriptase reversa análogos de nucleosídeos/nucleotídeos com 1 inibidor da transcriptase reversa não análogo de nucleosídeo (55,5%) ou com 2 inibidores de protease (28,8%). Foi verificado que os pacientes em uso de lopinavir/ritonavir ou atazanavir associados à zidovudina e lamivudina apresentaram maiores frequências de tratamento considerado inadequado (85% e 83,3%, respectivamente). Além disso, quando a combinação zidovudina/lamivudina esteve presente no esquema medicamentoso, os pacientes aderiram menos ao tratamento (χ2 = 4,468; grau de liberdade = 1; p = 0,035). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos pacientes realizava tratamento considerado inadequado. Portanto, é necessário implementar estratégias que conduzam à melhoria da adesão ao tratamento, a fim de garantir eficácia terapêutica e aumento da sobrevida do paciente. INTRODUCTION: Since the emergence of antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus has increased. Non-adherence to this therapy is directly related to treatment failure, which allows the emergence of resistant viral strains. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of the antiretroviral dispensing records of 229 patients from the Center for Health Care, University Hospital, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, was conducted between January and December 2009. RESULTS: The study aimed to evaluate patient compliance and determine if there was an association between non-adherence and the therapy. Among these patients, 63.8% were men with an average age of 44.0 ± 9.9 years. The most used treatment was a combination of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors with 1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (55.5%) or with 2 protease inhibitors (28.8%). It was found that patients taking lopinavir/ritonavir with zidovudine and lamivudine had a greater frequency of inadequate treatment than those taking atazanavir with zidovudine and lamivudine (85% and 83.3%, respectively). Moreover, when the combination of zidovudine/ lamivudine was used, the patients were less compliant (χ2 = 4.468, 1 degree of freedom, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of patients failed to correctly adhere to their treatment; therefore, it is necessary to implement strategies that lead to improved compliance, thus ensuring therapeutic efficacy and increased patient survival.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol, normally produced by mammal metabolism, which has a great (and increasing) applicability in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its intriguing and proper characteristics. The most explored area is oral health, due to its non- and anti-cariogenic properties, followed by its use as a sweetener. Moreover, some other applicabilities in the medical area can be found in literature and patents, such as the use in the treatment and/or prevention of acute otitis media, respiratory diseases, parenteral nutrition, atopic dermatitis, wound repairing, gastrointestinal infections, osteoporosis, anti-aging and inflammatory processes. Market usage of xylitol for over 20 years, accompanied by toxicological studies, corroborated its safety for medical purposes. A great number of recent studies demonstrate that xylitol can be used to develop pharmaceutical products. Especially because of its activity against microorganisms, xylitol medical applications are still an important point for studies, with potential for novel medical applications in the upcoming years.

Body mass index (BMI) increase is an undesired effect associated with antipsychotics, and crucial for patients' global health and treatment compliance. We aimed to investigate the relation between BMI during olanzapine or haloperidol treatments and leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), adiponectin and lipid serum levels.In this 9-month, randomized and naturalist study, 34 male patients, 18 on olanzapine and 16 on haloperidol group were enrolled, all were under monotherapy. Patient outcome was evaluated with positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS) at every 3-month period. In each visit, BMI, leptin, NPY, lipid, olanzapine or haloperidol levels were also monitored.Leptin levels positively correlated with BMI in olanzapine (r=0.64, p0.001) and haloperidol (r=0.73, p0.001) groups; only in olanzapine patients, the former also correlated with PANSS score (r=0.54, p0.05). NPY levels negatively correlated with olanzapine levels (r=− 0.65, p0.01). Adiponectin levels had not significantly varied.Antipsychotics probably interfere on leptin and NPY signalling ways and disturb these hormones in eating behaviour control.

Publisher Summary This chapter outlines the potential usage of sucupira branca seeds for health promotion and disease prevention. Pterodon emarginatus produces large quantities of viable seeds, which can be harvested directly from the fruit of the tree, or collected on the ground after the fall of the fruit. There is a growing interest in plants as new drug sources, and the genus Pterodon is attracting investigation because of its successful use in folk medicine. The Pterodon emarginatus seed preparation commonly used in folk medicine is a good source of a variety of active compounds, which suggests a proven therapeutic action. Pterodon emarginatus essential oil (EO) and the hexanic fraction (HF) from Pterodon emarginatus seeds showed a significant diminution of the number of writhings at 500 mg/kg, and their action was similar to that of indomethacin (5 mg/kg, p.o.), used as anti-inflammatory reference drug. In the formalin test, both EO and the seed methanolic fraction (MF) presented a biphasic licking response; this means that they act on the earlier phase, which seems to be caused predominantly by c-fiber activation due to peripheral stimulation. They also act on the later phase, which seems to be caused by tissue and functional changes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord and is accompanied by inflammatory mediator release. Owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidative properties, Pterodon emarginatus could be used as an additive in the food industry. More studies should be performed to ensure the safety of Pterodon emarginatus in scientific applications.

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol being explored for clinical uses. The aim was to evaluate the effects of xylitol on Leishmania amazonensis-infected J774A.1 macrophages. Macrophages were infected with L. amazonensis for 3h, washed and incubated with 2.5 or 5.0% xylitol for 24, 48, and 72 h at 37 degrees C. Infection indexes for macrophages incubated only in medium were compared to those treated with xylitol. Cell viability and nitric oxide production were determined each time. Xylitol did not affect L. amazonensis or J774A.1 cell viabilities. Xylitol at 5.0% stimulated nitric oxide production by macrophages at 72 h (p0.01). At 2.5 and 5.0%, xylitol inhibited nitric oxide production by L. amazonensis at 48 h (p0.05) when compared to control. Infection indexes were significantly lower at 72 h (p0.05), (16.9% and 9.6%) in cells cultivated with 2.5 and 5.0% xylitol, respectively, compared to control (38.4%). Results suggest a potential leishmanicidal action of the xylitol on infected macrophages.

IntroductionAccelerate aging is a worldwide problem. In underdeveloped countries, it is occurring without adequate planning and is attributed due to falling mortality and fertility, which contributed to increase life expectancy. However, aging was not accompanied by improvement in living conditions and health assistance. Poor sanitation and diet, low incomes and education levels contributed to increasing the prevalence of chronic diseases in elderly.ObjectivesData obtained in other countries could not represent the national population; objective was to describe a Brazilian frailty elderly sample.AimsDetermine cognitive impairment prevalence in Brazilian frailty elderly.Methods1952 frailty elderly were analyzed. Social data, tobacco and alcohol consumption were verified and mini-mental state examination was applied from February to August in 2010.ResultsFemale elderly was predominant (68.8%). They were almost married (47.5%), followed by widow (37%), single (8.1%), divorced (7.4%). White people were predominant (69.2%); black (14.6%) and brown (16.2%) were presented at the same proportion. 823 frailty elderly (64.9%) studied until 4 years; 7.7% studied between 4–8 years; 1.9% went to college and 25.6% were illiterate. Only 10.6% were smokers and 2.8% drank alcohol. The majority (79.4%) were younger than 80 years-old. Cognitive impairment prevalence were 17.2% in illiterate; 15.2% in elderly who studied until 4 years and lower, 5.3%, in the group who studied between 4–8 years.ConclusionsThe prevalence of cognitive impairment was dependent on years of study and we presented data obtained in a Brazilian sample. These data can be used to compare cognitive impairment in different countries.

IntroductionHealth life expectation could be defined in many ways. The notion of health life can considered, for example, physical, mental or social well-being; disease consequences; functional impairment; successful aging. Functional independence in daily activities is a key aspect on frailty elderly quality of life. This independence is related with elderly social and leisure activities, which improves their physical and mental health and brings sense to their life.ObjectivesData obtained in other countries could not represent the national population; the objective was to describe a Brazilian frailty elderly sample.AimsDetermine functional impairment prevalence in Brazilian frailty elderly.Methods8769 frailty elderly were examined. Social data, tobacco and alcohol consumption were verified and the functional activities questionnaire was applied from May, 2009 to August, 2010.ResultsFemale elderly was predominant (68.1%). They were almost married (47.3%), followed by widow (37.9%), single (9%), divorced (5.9%). White people were predominant (69.9%); black (14.9%) and brown (15.2%) were presented at the same proportion. Only 13.1% were smokers and 4.3% drank alcohol. The majority (78.7%) were younger than 80 years-old. Functional impairment prevalence was 9.5% in the 60–69 years old group; 18.9% in 70–79 years old group; 36.8% in 80–89 years old group and 61.3% in 90–99 years old group.ConclusionsThe prevalence of functional impairment increased with aging and we presented data obtained in a Brazilian sample. These data can be used to compare functional impairment in different countries and to stimulate elderly independence during their aging.

The present study aimed to evaluate xylitol's antimicrobial and anti-adherence activities on Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739) and on another clinical strain enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). In vitro minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) test and adhesion assays were performed using 0.5, 2.5 and 5.0% xylitol. It was found that xylitol did not have antimicrobial properties on these strains. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated that the slides treated with xylitol had a significant reduction in the number of bacilli and the inhibition of microbial adhesion was probably the xylitol's mechanism of action. Xylitol could be a possible alternative on the control of E. coli infections.

De acordo com a legislação brasileira o uísque cortado é produzido com a mistura de, no mínimo, 30% de destilado alcoólico simples de malte envelhecido, com destilados alcoólicos simples de cereais envelhecidos ou não, e neste trabalho foi utilizada a quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 para produzir uísque, pois tem alto valor nutricional, propriedades antioxidantes e baixo custo. A quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 foi inicialmente hidrolisada em escala de bancada de 500mL seguindo o planejamento fatorial 23 completo, com seis experimentos no ponto central, analisando os parâmetros tempo, adição da enzima ProteMax N600® ou Maltezyn W® e a concentração das enzimas Brautec alfa TF® e Maltezyn W®. De acordo com a análise estatística, a melhor condição obtida na região estudada foi com a utilização de 1000mg de Brautec alfa TF®/kg de amido em base seca e 750mg de Maltezyn W®/kg de quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 em base seca a 95ºC por 30min, sendo adicionado posteriormente 500mg de Maltezyn W®/kg de quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 em base seca a 60ºC até a hidrólise do amido resultar em teste de iodo negativo, sendo esta condição utilizada em escala de bancada de 15L e em escala piloto de 125L. Em todas as fermentações com quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 adicionou-se 10g da enzima Panzyn GA®/hL de meio fermentativo, após a inoculação com a levedura. A levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae, pré-tratada ou não a 40ºC/1h, foi utilizada na concentração de 0,4g peso seco/L de meio fermentativo. Em escala de bancada de 15 L os resultados de produtividade volumétrica em etanol, dos ensaios fermentativos com quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 e malte de cevada, com levedura pré-tratada ou não, não apresentaram diferença significativa. Portanto, nas fermentações das matérias-primas em escala piloto de 125L utilizou-se levedura sem pré-tratamento, e os fermentados obtidos foram destilados separadamente em alambique de 160L. O destilado alcoólico simples de malte de cevada que foi envelhecido aceleradamente por nove dias e o de quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 que não foi envelhecido foram misturados na proporção de 30% e 70%, e também 50% e 50%, respectivamente, resultando em dois uísques cortados a 40ºGL com o teor de polifenois de 141 e 229mg/L equivalente em ácido gálico, respectivamente. Estes dois uísques cortados foram analisados sensorialmente em relação a um uísque puro malte envelhecido 12 anos e um bourbon, encontrados no mercado mundial, por 125 provadores voluntários não treinados da EEL-USP. Considerando que o uísque cortado produzido com 50% de destilado alcoólico simples de malte de cevada envelhecido e 50% destilado alcoólico simples de quirera de arroz preto IAC-600 não envelhecido foi avaliado positivamente nos parâmetros cor e sabor quando comparado aos outros três uísques, e que não houve diferença significativa na aceitação global entre os quatro uísques avaliados, este uísque cortado possui potencial mercadológico como um produto novo, apresentando sabor diferenciado em relação aos dois uísques comerciais. Por outro lado, a análise descritiva quantitativa realizada por dez provadores treinados da Pernod Ricard, nos dois uísques produzidos neste trabalho, demonstrou que o processo de envelhecimento acelerado não forneceu os atributos aromáticos desejados, sendo necessário o aperfeiçoamento ou a substituição desta metodologia. According to Brazilian law, the blended whisky is produced by mixing at least 30% of aged single malt distilled alcohol with aged or not single alcoholic distillates from cereal, and this study used broken IAC-600 black rice to produce whisky, due to its high nutritional value, antioxidant properties and low cost. The broken IAC-600 black rice was initially hydrolyzed at bench scale (500mL) following the 23 full factorial design with six assays at central point, analyzing the parameters time, addition of ProteMax N600® or Maltezyn W® enzymes and the concentration of the Brautec alfa TF® and Maltezyn W® enzymes. According to statistical analysis, the best condition obtained at the studied region was with1000mg Brautec alfa TF®/kg starch (dry basis) and 750mg Maltezyn W®/kg of broken IAC-600 black rice (dry basis) at 95°C for 30min. Subsequently, 500mg Maltezyn W®/kg of broken IAC-600 black rice was added at 60°C until starch hydrolysis results in negative iodine test, and this condition was used at bench scale (15L) and at pilot scale (125L). In all the fermentations with broken IAC-600 black rice 10g Panzyn GA®/hL of fermentative medium was added after the inoculation with the yeast. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, pretreated or not at 40°C/1h, was used at 0.4g dry weight/L of fermentative medium. At bench scale (15L), the results of ethanol volumetric productivity in the fermentation assays with broken IAC-600 black rice and barley malt with yeast, pre-treated or not, showed no significant difference. Therefore, in the raw materials fermentations at pilot-scale (125L), the yeast without pretreatment was used, and the obtained washes were separately distilled into 160L still. The single alcoholic distillate of barley malt that was rapidly aged for nine days and the broken IAC-600 black rice that was not aged were mixed at ratios of 30% and 70% and also 50% and 50%, respectively, obtaining two blended whiskies at 40ºGL with 141 and 229mg/L polyphenol contents equivalent to gallic acid, respectively. These two blended whiskies were sensory analyzed in relation to a 12 year-old pure malt whisky and to a bourbon found in the world market, by 125 volunteers untrained tasters of EEL-USP. Considering that the blended whisky produced with 50% of aged single alcoholic distillate of barley malt and 50% of not aged single alcoholic distillate of broken IAC-600 black rice was positively evaluated in color and taste parameters when compared to the other three whiskies, and that there was no significant difference in acceptability among the four whiskies evaluated, this blended whisky has marketing potential as a new product, presenting distinctive taste compared to the two commercial whiskies. In the other hand, the quantitative descriptive analysis made by ten trained tasters of Pernod Ricard about the two whiskies produced in this work showed that the process of rapid aging did not provide the desired aromatic attributes, requiring the improvement or substitution of this methodology.