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In recent years, agronomical researchers began to cultivate several olive varieties in different regions of Brazil to produce virgin olive oil (VOO). Because there has been no reported data regarding the phenolic profile of the first Brazilian VOO, the aim of this work was to determine phenolic contents of these samples using rapid-resolution liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry. 25 VOO samples from Arbequina, Koroneiki, Arbosana, Grappolo, Manzanilla, Coratina, Frantoio and MGS Mariense varieties from three different Brazilian states and two crops were analysed. It was possible to quantify 19 phenolic compounds belonging to different classes. The results indicated that Brazilian VOOs have high total phenolic content because the values were comparable with those from high-quality VOOs produced in other countries. VOOs from Coratina, Arbosana and Grappolo presented the highest total phenolic content. These data will be useful in the development and improvement of Brazilian VOO., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A characteristic feature of Staphylococcus aureus is its ability to acquire resistance to antimicrobial agents. There is a need, therefore, for new approaches to combat this pathogen; for example, employing a combination of plant-derived products and antibiotics to overcome bacterial resistance. Indigofera suffruticosa is a plant popularly used to treat infections and has verified antimicrobial action. Here, we investigate the antimicrobial activity of different extracts from I. suffruticosa against S. aureus and their synergistic effects with erythromycin. Leaves of I. suffruticosa were extracted sequentially using diethyl ether, chloroform and acetone and the antimicrobial activity of each extract then tested against nine clinical isolates of S. aureus. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by microdilution tests, while the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was assessed by checkerboard assay. All organic solvent extracts showed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus strains. The acetone extract was the most potent inhibitor of S. aureus (MIC and MBC of 0.78 and 3.12 mg/mL), followed by the chloroform extract (MIC and MBC of 3.12 and 6.25 mg/mL). Furthermore, acetone or chloroform extracts of I. suffruticosa enhanced the activity of erythromycin against S. aureus (FIC ≤ 0.5). We conclude that organic extracts from leaves of I. suffruticosa, alone or combined with erythromycin, are promising natural products for the development of new anti-S. aureus formulations.

Objectives: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CUCLP) operated on by a single surgeon of the cleft reference center of the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital at the Federal University of Paraiba., Methods: Forty-four individuals' dental casts diagnosed with CUCLP, born between 1995 and 2002, mean age of 11 years, were evaluated by three calibrated orthodontic specialists and scored by the Great Ormond Street, London and Oslo (GOSLON) yardstick on two occasions. The scores were compared with those observed in other centers around the world. The Kappa test was applied to evaluate the intra- and inter-examiner agreement. Descriptive statistics was applied for the GOSLON yardsticks core., Results: The mean GOSLON score was 2.75. For the GOSLON yardstick, 43.2 % of the sample presented scores 1 and 2, 31.8 % had score 3, and 25 % were with scores 4 and 5. There was very good intra- and inter-examiner Kappa agreement in the application of the GOSLON yardstick., Conclusions: The data suggest favorable outcomes, with 75 % of cases with no need of orthognathic surgery. The Kappa values confirmed the high reproducibility of the GOSLON yardstick.

Objective: To investigate the learning on the management of resources of the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS) and its interfaces with private institutions in the radiology residency program of Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, in order to improve radiologists' training., Materials and Methods: Exploratory research with quantitative and qualitative approach to residents, faculty staff and preceptors of the program, utilizing Likert questionnaires (46), deepening interviews (18) and categorization based upon meaning units (thematic analysis)., Results: Sixty-three per cent of the respondents claim the non-existence of an opportunity for the residents to be acquainted with the management of SUS resources, and were even more categorical (76%) regarding the knowledge about resources from private institutions in the intersection with SUS., Conclusion: The learning on the management of SUS resources represents a relevant challenge to be overcome by residency programs, considering the extensiveness and complexity of the Brazilian health system, that is not sufficiently approached during the program, even in its most basic aspects, with daily experiences involving an excessive number of patients and a busy agenda, besides the inadequate public health infrastructure. The present study indicates the need for a greater emphasis on the development of the learning on aspects related to the management of resources from the SUS, assimilating particularities and overcoming the frequent difficulties, thus improving the training of radiologists.

Objective: To investigate the process of learning on human resource management in the radiology residency program at Escola Paulista de Medicina - Universidade Federal de São Paulo, aiming at improving radiologists' education., Materials and Methods: Exploratory study with a quantitative and qualitative approach developed with the faculty staff, preceptors and residents of the program, utilizing a Likert questionnaire (46), taped interviews (18), and categorization based on thematic analysis., Results: According to 71% of the participants, residents have clarity about their role in the development of their activities, and 48% said that residents have no opportunity to learn how to manage their work in a multidisciplinary team., Conclusion: Isolation at medical records room, little interactivity between sectors with diversified and fixed activities, absence of a previous culture and lack of a training program on human resources management may interfere in the development of skills for the residents' practice. There is a need to review objectives of the medical residency in the field of radiology, incorporating, whenever possible, the commitment to the training of skills related to human resources management thus widening the scope of abilities of the future radiologists.

Recent evidence suggests that the traditional view of myrmecochory as a highly diffuse interaction between diaspores and a wide range of ant species attracted to their elaiosomes may not be correct. The effectiveness of dispersal varies markedly among ant species, and combined with differential attractiveness of diaspores due to elaiosome size and composition, this raises the potential for myrmecochorous plants to target ant species that offer the highest quality dispersal services. We ask the question: Do particular physical and chemical traits of elaiosomes result in disproportionate removal of Euphorbiaceae diaspores by high-quality disperser ants in Caatinga vegetation of north-eastern Brazil? We offered seeds of five euphorb species that varied in morphological and chemical traits of elaiosomes to seed-dispersing ants. High-quality seed-disperser ants (species of Dinoponera, Ectatomma and Camponotus) were identified as those that rapidly collected and transported diaspores to their nests, often over substantial distances, whereas low-quality disperser ants (primarily species of Pheidole and Solenopsis) typically fed on elaiosomes in situ, and only ever transported diaspores very short distances. Low-quality disperser ants were equally attracted to the elaiosomes of all study species. However, high-quality dispersers showed a strong preference for diaspores with the highest elaiosome mass (and especially proportional mass). As far as we are aware, this is the first study to identify a mechanism of diaspore selection by high-quality ant dispersers based on elaiosome traits under field conditions. Our findings suggest that myrmecochorous plants can preferentially target high-quality seed-disperser ants through the evolution of particular elaiosome traits.

The effect of ozone fumigation on the reduction of difenoconazole residue on strawberries was studied. Strawberries were immersed in 1.0 L of aqueous solution containing 400 μL of the commercial product (250 g L(-1) of difenoconazole) for 1 min. Then, they were dried and exposed to ozone gas (O3) at concentrations of 0.3, 0.6 and 0.8 mg L(-1) for 1 h. The ozone fumigation treatments reduced the difenoconazole residue on strawberries to concentrations below 0.5 mg kg(-1), which corresponds to a 95% reduction. The strawberries treated with ozone and the control group, which was not treated with ozone, were stored at 4°C for 10 days. Some characteristics of the fruit were monitored throughout this period. Among these, pH, weight loss and total color difference did not change significantly (P > 0.05). The fumigation with ozone significantly affected the soluble solids, titratable acidity and ascorbic acid content (vitamin C) of the strawberries preventing a sharp reduction of these parameters during storage.

Introduction: The high demand for orthodontic treatment, evidenced over the last few decades, has been justified mainly by the greater importance given to facial esthetics, influencing individual's self esteem. However, the professional frequently does not meet all the patient's expectations, for not establishing good communication and not knowing about the critical points during orthodontic treatment., Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate patients' desires and doubts regarding orthodontic treatment, by means of a survey applied to 60 adult patients., Results: The analysis of results revealed that most individuals (38.3%) noticed treatment success after its conclusion. Occlusion deviation was pointed out by 66.7% as the main reason for seeking treatment, and esthetics ranked as second (with 48.3%). Treatment time was considered within the prediction by 46.7% of the interviewees and the results were judged as very good by 43.3%. The social relations of most participants were not affected by treatment (73.3%). Also, 58.3% of the interviewees reported pain as the main complaint and 53.3% found it difficult to use dental floss. Most participants saw the orthodontist as a professional who was concerned about their health (76.7%), and believed that he/she was more able to treat them (96.6%) when compared with the general practitioner., Conclusions: The orthodontist/patient relationship enables an understanding of the expectations regarding orthodontic treatment, resulting in greater motivation and cooperation, leading to a successful outcome.

Groundbreaking studies of phlebotomine sand fly populations in Assis Brasil, State of Acre, Brazil, resulted in the collection of 13 new records of phlebotomine sand flies and one previously undescribed species. Lutzomyia naiffi sp. nov. is described here. The new species is similar to Lutzomyia columbiana (Ristorcelli & Van Ty) in measurements and other morphological characters.

Context: Xanthosoma sagittifolium Schott. (Araceae) and Laportea aestuans (L.) Chew (Urticaceae) are two medicinal species used as food and to prevent and treat bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, in traditional Brazilian medicine., Objective: To investigate the free calcium concentration and further support the traditional use of these species as medicine., Materials and Methods: L. aestuans and X. sagittifolium leaves were dehydrated and cooked to evaluate the presence of free calcium. The total oxalate content was determined by heat digestion in H(2)SO(4), oxalate precipitation with CaCl(2) and permanganate titration., Results: The calcium content found in L. aestuans was quite significant (638.00 mg/100 g), whereas the fresh and cooked leaves of X. sagittifolium demonstrated a low content of calcium, at 273.17 and 369.81 mg/100 g, respectively., Discussion and Conclusion: The use of this species for the prevention and treatment of bone diseases is in agreement with the results of the free calcium (Ca(++)) analyses. Our data show that each species may be used as a health supplement in poor communities, provided that studies validate their safe use.

Olive trees have been grown since the beginning of civilization, and the consumption of olives and olive products is increasing worldwide, due to their health benefits and organoleptic qualities. To meet the growing market for olives, commercial cultivation of this species is expanding from traditional areas to new regions. Although the Brazilian olive industry has just begun to be established, breeding programs are already developing cultivars that are more adapted to local conditions. We used 12 microsatellite markers to evaluate 60 olive accessions, including several cultivars that were developed in Brazil. The analyses identified 72 distinct alleles; the largest number of alleles per locus were at the markers GAPU 101 and GAPU 71B, which contained 10 and 9 alleles, respectively. The largest allelic diversity and polymorphic information contents were also found at the GAPU 101 and GAPU 71B markers, with values of 0.8399/0.8203 and 0.8117/0.7863, respectively. Additionally, the 12 microsatellite markers generated a cumulative identity probability of 1.51 x 10(-10), indicating a high level of accuracy of accession identification. The set of markers that we used allowed the identification of 52 of the 60 olive genotypes, in addition to the recognition of several varietal synonyms. The components of a two-dimensional principal coordinate analysis explained 48.6% of the total genetic variation. The results obtained from the microsatellite markers showed a substantial degree of genetic diversity in the olive tree accessions used in Brazil.

The mite Oxycenus maxwelli (Keifer) (Eriophyidae) is reported for the first time in Brazil infesting olive trees, Olea europaea. Specimens were found on seedlings at Maria da Fé, state of Minas Gerais, in 2007. Although minor symptoms were not noticed, significant damage to plants were observed. There is no reliable evidence of when the mite could have been introduced. It is believed that the mite occurs since the first introductions of olive trees, around 1820, through vegetative propagating material, but the mite remained unnoticed due to the lack of studies with olive trees in Brazil.

The present paper describes an inline flow-injection analysis system for the determination of sulfide in water samples, exploiting the Fischer reaction. Water samples were collected and introduced into a reactor of the FIA system. The sulfide released, after sample acidification, was carried out with a nitrogen gas flow and mixed with N,N diethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DEPD) solution in the presence of Fe(III). The blue dye formed was measured in the wavelength range between 672-679 nm. An evaluation of the effects of chemical and flow factors was performed using the factorial design of two levels, while optimization was accomplished by a Doehlert matrix. The system presented two linear-response ranges: the first of 0.433 to 400 µg L(-1) and the second of 400 to 3500 µg L(-1). The detection and quantification limit were found to be 0.130 and 0.433 µg L(-1), respectively, while the sample throughput was 12 h(-1). The precision was evaluated as the relative standard deviation (n = 10); for 50 and 100 µg L(-1) sulfide it was found to be 1.9 and 2.3%, respectively. The method showed satisfactory selectivity regarding the main interference present in environmental samples. The accuracy of the method was successfully evaluated in environmental water samples after a comparison with a literature reference method.

The present study analyzed the relationship between obesity and high blood pressure among nursing professionals of a philanthropic institution, with a view to the early detection of possible cases of hypertension. The study population consisted of 147 nursing professionals of ages between 20-70 years. The researcher performed structured, individual, interviews at the work site of those professionals, 91.8% of which were women; 29.2% were older than 40 years; 11.6% had a SBP > or = 140 mmHg and 6.8% DBP > or = 90 mmHg; 12.2% had obesity class I-II; 38.1% of women with a WHP > or = 0.85, 12.2% in the age range of 40-49 years; 2.1% of men with a WHR > or = 1.0, 1.4% in the age range of 40-49 years. It was found that, though nursing professionals know the severity of the disease and the importance of changing their life habits, they still find it difficult to adopt that behavior, which suggests the need to implement educational programs at the work site to help them to change their behaviors.

Renal transplant patients with stable graft function and proximal tubular dysfunction (PTD) have an increased risk for chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN). In this study, we investigated the histologic pattern associated with PTD and its correlation with graft outcome. Forty-nine transplant patients with stable graft function were submitted to a biopsy. Simultaneously, urinary retinol-binding protein (uRBP) was measured and creatinine clearance was also determined. Banff's score and semi-quantitative histologic analyses were performed to assess tubulointerstitial alterations. Patients were followed for 24.0 + or - 7.8 months. At biopsy time, mean serum creatinine was 1.43 + or - 0.33 mg/dl. Twelve patients (24.5%) had uRBP > or = 1 mg/l, indicating PTD and 67% of biopsies had some degree of tubulointerstitial injury. At the end of the study period, 18 (36.7%) patients had lost renal function. uRBP levels were not associated with morphologic findings of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA), interstitial fibrosis measured by Sirius red or tubulointerstitial damage. However, in multivariate analysis, the only variable associated with the loss of renal function was uRBP level > or = 1 mg/l, determining a risk of 5.290 of loss of renal function (P = 0.003). Renal transplant patients who present PTD have functional alteration, which is not associated with morphologic alteration. This functional alteration is associated to progressive decrease in renal function.

Objectives: To evaluate the antioxidant status and repair capacity in breast cancer patients as well as the relationship between these parameters and expression of critical proteins in breast cancer tissue., Design and Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 25 female breast cancer patients and 19 healthy women. The antioxidant status was determined by the concentration of thiobarbituric-reactive substances (TBARS) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). The basal DNA damage and repair capacity in lymphocytes were evaluated by comet assay. The expression of p53, c-erbB2, Ki-67, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in cancer tissue was detected by immunohistochemical staining., Results: The breast cancer patients presented significantly elevated endogenous DNA damage in lymphocytes and lower susceptibility to DNA damage induced by H(2)O(2) when compared to the control group. There is a negative correlation between TBARS and sensitivity to peroxide induced DNA damage in patients. The percentage of residual damage after H(2)O(2) treatment followed by 3h of post-incubation is significantly higher in patients and also correlates positively with SOD activity, ER and PR expression and negatively with the basal DNA damage., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate low repair capacity in lymphocytes of breast cancer patients and suggest that the regulation of DNA repair is sensitive to cellular redox state and can be modulated by ER/PR status.

A polymeric micro- and nanosphere formulation using poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) to entrap an antituberculosis drug, isoniazid (INH), was developed and characterized. The microspheres were prepared by a solvent evaporation method using ethyl acetate, PCL and INH as the organic phase and water and Tween 40 as the aqueous phase. The nanospheres were prepared by a spontaneous emulsification solvent diffusion method using 40% ethanol in acetone (v/v), PCL and INH as the organic phase and water and Tween 40 as the aqueous phase. After freeze-drying, these systems were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis, determination of entrapped INH content, in vitro INH release and brine shrimp toxicity bioassay.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC), in a cohort of children of low socioeconomic status at 48 months of age in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil, in relation to feeding practices, oral health behaviors, fluoride exposure, and enamel defects. 224 children were clinically examined in the Knee-Knee position at the children's home under natural light. Teeth were dried and cleaned with gauze, and caries (WHO index) and defect (DDE Index) were determined. Questionnaires on children's oral hygiene and dietary history were completed by parents or guardians. The SAS statistical program was used with the Mantel-Haenszel tests. The results showed a prevalence of 10.7% and 33.0% for ECC and SECC, respectively. Of all the children examined, 79.9% had at least one tooth with enamel defects, which was the only statistically significant factor (p < 0.001) for ECC. The association between enamel defects and ECC indicates that alterations in the enamel surface may cause progression of dental caries.

Cymosanine (1) and three further known quassinoids, cedronin (2), chaparrinone (3), and simarolide (4), were isolated from the root bark of Simaba subcymosa. The structures were established by spectroscopic data, mainly 1D, 2D NMR and mass spectra.

The aim of the present work was to study the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of six NSAIDs, ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide, meloxicam, celecoxib and rofecoxib, using the rat air-pouch model of inflammation to characterize the ability of these drugs to induce gastric damage and PGE(2) inhibition. Selective compounds were observed to have no ulcerogenic properties at anti-inflammatory doses; however, these drugs were weaker inhibitors of several inflammatory aspects such as cell influx and exudate formation. In contrast, the non-selective and preferential compounds present anti-inflammatory properties at lower doses than presented by selective drugs. At anti-inflammatory doses, only meloxicam and ibuprofen produced gastric damage and inhibition of PGE(2) synthesis, suggesting that ulcerogenic properties of NSAIDs cannot be predicted by their selectivity index, since meloxicam demonstrates ulcerogenic properties despite its preferential profile.

The short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the best nutrients for the colonocytes. Glucose is poorly used as a fuel but may be transformed into SCFA by colonic bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of SCFA or glucose on experimental colitis. Colitis was induced in 30 Wistar rats by colonic instillation of 4% acetic acid. Five days later they were randomized to receive twice a day colonic lavage containing saline (controls, N = 10), 10% hypertonic glucose (N = 10) or SCFA (N = 10) until day 8 when they were killed. At autopsy, the colon was removed and weighed and the mucosa was evaluated macro- and microscopically and stripped out for DNA assay. Data are reported as mean +/- SD or median [range] as appropriate. All animals lost weight but there was no difference between groups. Colon weight was significantly lower in the SCFA group (3.8 +/- 0.5 g) than in the control (5.3 +/- 2.1 g) and glucose (5.2 +/- 1.3 g) groups (P<0.05). Macroscopically, the severity of inflammation was less in SCFA (grade 2 [1-5]) than in control (grade 9 [4-10]) and glucose-treated (grade 9 [2-10]) animals (P<0.01). Microscopically, ulceration of the mucosa was more severe in the glucose and control groups than in the SCFA group. The DNA content of the mucosa of SCFA-treated animals (8.2 [5.0-20.2] mg/g of tissue) was higher than in glucose-treated (5.1 [4.2-8.5] mg/g of tissue; P<0.01) and control (6.2 [4.5-8.9] mg/g of tissue; P<0.05) animals. We conclude that SCFA may enhance mucosal re-epithelialization in experimental colitis, whereas hypertonic glucose is of no benefit.

A case of interventricular septal rhabdomyoma in a one day-old newborn is presented. The newborn was moderately cyanosed. A 3/6 systolic murmur in basal area was present. An electrocardiogram showed the features of Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. A chest x-ray showed distinct cardiomegaly. M-Mode (MME) and Two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) identified an interventricular septal mass within left ventricle and suggested the presence of left ventricular outflow obstruction. We emphasize the usefulness of MME and 2DE in accurately diagnosing intramural ventricular tumors in newborns.