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Summary: Background: Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is a standard treatment for several haematologic conditions. Following BMT, patients may develop hepatobiliary complications that impact morbidity and mortality. The differential diagnosis may include drug‐induced liver injury (DILI), sepsis‐associated liver injury (SALI), sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), viral hepatitis, ischaemic hepatitis, and fulminant hepatitis. Aims: To evaluate the frequency, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with hepatobiliary alterations associated with BMT in a tertiary referral centre. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study with data collected from the medical records of patients undergoing BMT between January 2017 and June 2022. We diagnosed hepatobiliary complications based on established criteria. Results: We included 377 patients; 55.7% had hepatobiliary complications. Female gender, pre‐BMT hepatobiliary alteration, and haploidentical allogeneic transplantation were associated with increased risk with odds ratios (OR) of 1.8 (p = 0.005), 1.72 (p = 0.013) and 3.25 (p = 0.003), respectively. Patients with hepatobiliary complications spent longer in the hospital than those without (27.7 × 19.3 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Among 210 patients with hepatobiliary complications, 28 died compared to 5 of 167 without complications (OR 4.98; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Hepatobiliary complications are frequent in patients undergoing BMT. There is a greater risk of their occurrence in women, people with pre‐BMT liver alterations, and in haploidentical transplants. The occurrence of these complications increases the length of stay and is associated with a higher risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LINKED CONTENT: This article is linked to Dezan et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17756 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17840 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Hedgehogs are small mammals whose proximity to humans has been intensifying. However, knowledge on the possible predisposition to and transmission of diseases by these animals is limited; therefore, this study investigated the most relevant postmortem pathological features present in a group of six African pygmy hedgehogs admitted into a rehabilitation center. A significant and diverse set of pathologies with considerable value from the point of comparative pathology are described which highlight the importance of this small mammal in the eco-epidemiological context of zoonotic diseases and its important role in the concept of One Health, acting as "sentinels" of the environment in which they are found. Most of the pathologies that affect hedgehogs are diagnosed postmortem; thus, it is essential to share knowledge between clinicians and pathologists in order to recognize predispositions to diseases and to establish adequate diagnostic and therapeutic plans. This study aimed to describe the most relevant postmortem pathological conditions in a group of six rescued African pygmy hedgehogs, performed over a period of four months. Hedgehogs were submitted to necropsy examinations and subsequent histopathological analyses. Microscopically, all the studied hedgehogs revealed alterations in one or more organ systems. Although a significant and diverse number of pathological conditions were obtained, this study focused on less common or more relevant pathologies found in African pygmy hedgehogs—namely, wobbly hedgehog syndrome, squamous cell carcinoma and mast cell tumors. Furthermore, this study constitutes the first report of Mycobacterium spp. in hedgehogs in Portugal, the second report of follicular thyroid carcinoma in an African pygmy hedgehog, the description of a lipoid pneumonia for the first time in this species and a lung adenocarcinoma—a pathology rarely reported in African pygmy hedgehogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Environmental factors have an impact on inappropriate food choices and sedentary lifestyle, and both individually and in combination these factors favour improper gestational weight gain (GWG) and consequent maternal and neonatal health problems. The objective of this study was to analyze the environmental and individual factors associated with GWG.Methods: Data were from "Born in Belo Horizonte: Survey on childbirth and birth", a hospital-based retrospective cohort of 506 pregnant women with deliveries in public and private maternity hospitals in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews from November 2011 to March 2013. The outcome variable of this study was the GWG categorized based on the Institute of Medicine Guidelines. Explanatory environmental variables included the availability and access to food environment and places available for physical activity in the neighborhood. Explanatory individual variables included socioeconomic and demographic, obstetric and childbirth variables. Generalized estimating equations examined the association of environmental and individual factors with insufficient or excessive GWG.Results: The final sample consisted of 506 mothers. There was 36.4% pregnant women showing excessive GWG and 22.7% showing GWG below the recommended interval. Regarding excessive GWG, there was a positive association with the number of mixed food purchasing establishments close to the place of residence, pre-pregnancy body mass index in the categories of overweight and obesity, arterial hypertension and the private sector as the predominant place for prenatal consultations.Conclusion: GWG outside of the recommended interval was associated with individual and environmental factors, and most pregnant women had insufficient or excessive gestational weight gain. Such results can complement previously published evidence, important for creating more effective strategies for the prevention of excessive and inadequate GWG and the consequent problems related to it during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees play a crucial role as natural pollinators, ensuring the maintenance and stability of the world's biodiversity and agricultural crops. Native bees in neotropical regions belong to the Meliponini tribe, a larger group that differs significantly in behavior and biology from honeybees (e.g., Apis mellifera) and solitary bees (e.g., Osmia spp.). Hence, the exposure and effects of pesticides is also likely to vary among these different species. The aim of this study was to develop an analytical method to determine the presence of the neonicotinoid clothianidin in the Brazilian native stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula (local common name: Jataí). The method used for the chemical analysis involved a QuEChERS technique combined with UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. The developed method was subsequently used to analyze collected field samples. In addition, the acute toxicity of the pesticide to T. angustula was evaluated in a laboratory bioassay evaluating both lethal and sublethal endpoints. The analytical method was successfully developed with detection and quantification limits of 1.55 and 5 μg L−1, respectively, along with a linear range of 1–5 ng mL−1. Clothianidin was detected in environmental samples (9.2–32.9 ng g−1), and the exposure experiments demonstrated acute oral toxicity to adults of T. angustula , (24 h-LD 50 of 0.16 ng a.i./bee), as well as no significative interference in acetylcholinesterase activity. Considering the obtained toxicity endpoints for T. angustula and those reported in the literature for other bee species, this study revealed that T. angustula is more (lethally) sensitive to clothianidin than other bee species, including those commonly used in environmental risk assessment studies. This thus also supports the call for using native test species in (regional) risk assessment evaluations. [Display omitted] • Optimized and validated method for the determination of clothianidin in native bees. • Determination of the oral susceptibility of Tetragonisca angustula to clothianidin. • Quantification of the lethal concentration doses of clothianidin in native bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a rat model of peritonitis, we herein report the inflammatory effect induced by the lectin isolated from Vatairea guianensis (VGL) seeds in the context of interactions between VGL and both toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1). Peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for dose‐dependent gene expression and release of TNF‐α. In vivo results showed that VGL (1 mg/kg; intraperitoneal) induced peritonitis in female Wistar rats. Leukocyte migration, macrophage activation, and protein leakage were measured 3 and 6 hours after induction. In vitro, peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with VGL for gene expression and TNF‐α dosage (mean ± SEM (n = 6), analysis of variance, and Bonferroni's test (P <.05)). In silico, VGL structure was applied in molecular docking with representative glycans. It was found that (a) VGL increases vascular permeability and stimulates leukocyte migration, both rolling and adhesion; (b) lectin‐induced neutrophil migration occurs via macrophage stimulation, both in vitro and in vivo; (c) lectin interacts with TLR4 and TNFR1; and (d) stimulates TNF‐α gene expression (RT‐PCR) and release from peritoneal macrophages. Thus, upon lectin‐glycan binding on the cell surface, our results suggest that VGL induces an acute inflammatory response, in turn activating the release of peritoneal macrophages via TNF‐α and TLR and/or TNFR receptor pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of the alga lectin Hypnea cervicornis agglutinin (HCA) on rat zymosan-induced arthritis (ZyA). Zymosan (50–500 μg/25 μL) or sterile saline (Sham) was injected into the tibio-tarsal joint of female Wistar rats (180–200 g). Arthritic animals received morphine (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), indomethacin (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal), or 2% lidocaine (100 μL, subcutaneous). HCA (0.3–3 mg/kg) was administered by intravenous route 30 min before or 2 h after zymosan. 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ, 4 μg, intra-articular) was given 30 min prior HCA. Hypernociception was measured every hour until 6 h, time in which animals were sacrificed for evaluation of leukocytes of the intra articular fluid and gene expression of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-10, and iNOS in the joint tissues using PCR techniques. Hypernociception was responsive to morphine and indomethacin, and its threshold was not altered by lidocaine. The post-treatment of HCA reduced both hypernociception and leukocyte influx. This antinociceptive effect was abolished either by ODQ and glibenclamide. HCA also reduced gene expression of iNOS and TNF-α. In conclusion, the antinociceptive effect of HCA in ZyA involves cyclic GMP signalization and selective modulation of cytokine expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Coast, located in the southern part of the state of Rio de Janeiro, has been highlighted in the last decades by the tragedies that occurred as a consequence of intense rainfall events, such as in the years of 2002, 2009/2010 and 2013. The Serra do Mar mountains, very near to the ocean, is especially opposed to the displacement of the frontal systems, contributing to the high precipitation in this region. On the other hand, economic investments in road and port infrastructure and the reawakening of the naval industry at different times led many migrants to the region, establishing themselves in the few flat areas, and sometimes occupying steep slopes, especially in Angra dos Reis, one of the most densely populated cities in the Green Coast of Rio de Janeiro. Thus, using daily rainfall data from 12 meteorological stations present in Green Coast municipalities and neighbors in the state of São Paulo, tables and maps were constructed to understand the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation in the area. The results showed that in Angra dos Reis the highest concentrations of rain are recorded, mainly in the Bracuhy and Mambucaba stations, where the population has been affected by floods and mass movements with material losses and lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of fish is affected by various factors such as, source species, freshness, and storage conditions. In free markets, exposure and handling of fish are intense, and often it is not known the origin and date of capture. The aim this work was study physicochemical, microbiological and sensory parameters to determine the shelf life of Yellow Hake sold in street markets in the city of Santos-SP. Samples were acquired in street markets from different districts of the city and stored in a domestic refrigerator for 72 hours. And it was found that the Yellow Hake acquired on open street markets in the city of Santos-SP should be for immediate consumption. The changes are noticeable deterioration after 24 hours of storage. The results reinforce the importance of the implementation of quality programs in all sectors of sale to ensure food safety for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to characterize the activities and conditions of domestic work carried out by children and adolescents at their own house, besides to reflect on the character of invisibility of this type of child labour. The qualitative method was used by applying the questionnaire and the semistructured interview, both analyzed by content analysis. The research was conducted in two municipal schools in João Pessoa city with the participation of children and adolescents aged from 8 to 18 years old. 435 participated in the mosquito questionnaire, among which 61 were workers. Sixteen participated in the interview. The data reveal a set of activities performed by precocious workers who begin early to take care of people, clean the house and cook. They contribute to the family - who can count on their housework for running the household or allowing responsible to work outside the home. The "socialization" and "help" housework arrangements give a character of invisibility and they are not seen as work but as a matter of gender or participation in social life. Although it's invisible, complaints of tiredness, fatigue, overload and damage to school activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laser ablation sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–SF–ICP-MS) U–Pb geochronological method is frequently used to date minerals, in particular zircon. In turn, baddeleyite is the ideal geochronometer when it comes to silica-undersaturated rocks, such as alkaline rock types. In this study, we describe a series of protocols to separate baddeleyite crystals and date them by the LA–SF–ICP-MS method in the Isotopic Geology Laboratory of the Geoscience Institute (University of Campinas), starting from sample crushing and milling and the calibration of the Wilfley table. The method includes the use of Kovdor and Phalaborwa primary and secondary reference materials, respectively. Laser operation conditions were spot size of 25 μm and ablation time of 60 s (20 for local blank and 40 for baddeleyite signal), at a fluence of 20 L per minute. Cretaceous alkaline rocks associated with the Paraná-Etendeka magmatic province were analyzed, comprising Jacupiranga, Pariquera-Açu, and Cananéia intrusions, all related to the Guapiara lineament. The results yielded concordant baddeleyite ages of 115–120 Ma for Jacupiranga carbonatite, around 110 Ma for Pariquera-Açu shonkinite, and 81 ± 2 Ma and 83 ± 0.4, respectively for baddeleyite and zircon from the Cananéia syenite. Despite the difficulties in baddeleyite separation, the LA–SF–ICP-MS U–Pb ages have proven to be robust for the young alkaline complexes related to the Serra do Mar Province, such as those occurring along the São Jerônimo-Curiuva Lineament, avoiding the concerns about thermal events that could reset, e.g. K–Ar and Ar–Ar systems. Field relations show a hierarchy of intrusive pulses and our data show that, temporarily, the Jacupiranga Complex is active in a younger time interval, 115 to 120 Ma, than previously established. • U–Pb baddeleyite crystallization ages of Jacupiranga Complex. • Cretaceous alkaline carbonatite of Jacupiranga Complex. • U–Pb baddeleyite and zircon crystallization ages of alkaline rocks from south of São Paulo state, Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Vaccination can prevent infection by opportunistic bacteria that affect fish. We have developed and analyzed a bivalent vaccine against two of the main pathogens that affect fish. We found that the vaccine was safe and effective in laboratory tests and in large-scale tests, with better survival and feed conversion in immunized animals. These results indicate the need for field tests to confirm real protection. This developed vaccine could allow fish farmers greater protection for commercial fish production. One of the main factors limiting tilapia's production is the occurrence of infections caused by Aeromonas and Streptococcus species. This work intended to evaluate a bivalent vaccine against A. hydrophila and S. agalactiae by intraperitoneal (i.p) administration in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Brazil. The study was carried out in two phases: one in the laboratory, on a small scale, and from the results obtained, the study was expanded to a large scale in a production system in cages. The vaccine proved to be safe and effective in laboratory tests, with a vaccine efficacy (VE) of 93.66%. However, in large-scale tests with 12,000 tilapias, the VE was 59.14%, with a better food conversion ratio (1.54 kg) in the vaccinated group compared to the control group (1.27 kg). These results corroborate the efficiency of this tested vaccine; however, they indicate the need for field tests to attest to real protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mandibular fractures are rare in children and normally result from high-impact trauma. Clinical protocols have evolved in recent years, especially after the introduction of rigid internal fixation methods and the development of novel resorbable materials. The purpose of this report is to present the case of a three-year-old toddler who fell from a bunk bed at home, resulting in a unilateral fracture of the mandibular parasymphysis and a joint fracture on the left side. The patient was treated under general anesthesia with rigid internal fixation with biodegradable plates and screws. Pediatric patients can benefit from resorbable materials, especially their faster mobilization and avoidance of secondary removal operations. Self-reinforced fixation devices are safe and efficient for the treatment of pediatric mandible fractures. However, further clinical investigations are needed to evaluate long-term reliability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deforestation is the process of disappearance of forest masses, basically caused by human activity, with the withdrawal of the vegetation cover in particular area for commercial use of wood, deployment of agricultural projects and also in urban expansion. As in any area that needs a plant cover, the UFERSA also faces a frequent problem, replanting trees invasive alien, instead of native to the region. This way the objective of the present work is to not only assess and map the density of the flora of the site but also highlight potential problems and provide solutions. We sought to divide the vegetation in two groups: the native and exotic. Was performed the demarcation of points of agreement with the location of the species, with the purpose of identifying and quantifying the species of native and exotic plants. Among all the species sampled, 24 species (25.3%) are representatives of native species and 71 species (74.7%) are exotic. The afforestation of UFERSA follows the pattern observed in the majority of public green areas of the Brazilian cities with large number of exotic species in relation to the native. In view of a better physical structure, it is evident the need for a greater afforestation, having as encouraging the planting of native species, which provide shade, food and serve as a shelter for the local fauna, not only in UFERSA, but throughout the region that is losing its natural flora in favor of exotic plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal coordination complexes are chemotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory agents. The ruthenium complex FOR811A ([Ru(bpy) 2 (2-MIM)Cl](PF 6) 3) FOR811A was evaluated in mice models of acute inflammation and behavioral tests. Animals received FOR811A (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), indomethacin (20 mg/kg; i.p.), L-NAME (20 mg/kg; i.v.) aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg; i.p.) or dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.) 30 min before inflammatory stimulation. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan (400 μg/paw), TNF-α or L-arginine (15 nmol/paw) (5 ng/paw) and evaluated by hydropletismometry 4 h later. Peritonitis was induced by carrageenan (500 μg; i.p.) and evaluated 4 h later for hypernociception and quantification of total/differential leukocytes, total protein reduced glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). FOR811A inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenan at 3 (64%; p < 0.0001), 10 (73%; p < 0.0001) and 30 mg/kg (66%; p < 0.0001), and at 10 mg/kg that induced with L-arginine by 75% or TNF-α by 55% (p = 0.0012). Paw tissues histological analysis showed reduction in mast cells (46%; p = 0.0027), leukocyte infiltrate (66%; p < 0.0001), edema and hemorrhagic areas. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed inhibition of iNOS (62%; p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (35%; p < 0.0001). In the peritonitis model FOR811A increased (2.8X; p < 0.0001) hypernociceptive threshold, reduced total leukocytes (29%; p < 0.0001), neutrophils (47%; p = 0.0003) and total proteins (36%; p = 0.0082). FOR811A also inhibited MPO (47%; p = 0.0296) and increased GSH (1.8X; p < 0.0001). In the behavioral tests, FOR811A reduced (30.6%) the number of crossings in the open field, and increased (16%) the number of falls in the Rota rod. Concluding, FOR811A presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, via nitric oxide pathway. • FOR811A is a ruthenium coordination complex presenting antiinflammatory action. • FOR811A inhibits mice acute inflammation involving TNFα and NO. • FOR811A inhibits acute inflammation via modulation of iNOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brazil remains endemic for infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and leprosy, having a major impact on public health and the life quality of affected patients. Although the relevance of this co-infection is recognized, several aspects, such as the immune response, are not yet fully understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of FOXP3+ Treg cells in leprosy skin lesions and to correlate their clinical forms, laboratory characteristics (CD4, CD8, and CV), and the immune reconstitution syndrome in HIV-leprosy co-infection. Methodology/Principal findings: An observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study was carried out comparing four groups of patients: those with concomitant diagnosis of leprosy and HIV infection without a leprosy reaction, those with leprosy and HIV co-infection patients with a reverse reaction (RR), those with leprosy without HIV and without reaction, and those with leprosywithout HIV and with RR. The patients were diagnosed at a dermatology outpatient clinic located in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from 2003 to 2017. In the sample studied, there was a positive correlation between FOXP3+ cell density and viral load, negative correlation with blood CD4+ (not statistically significant), significant positive correlation in CD8 count in patients with leprosy reaction, and positive relationship in patients with IRIS. The density of cells expressing FOXP3 was higher in the BL/LL forms in patients without HIV, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, the cell mean was higher in the TT/BT forms in patients co-infected with leprosy and HIV, showing contradictory results. Conclusions/Significance: These findings support that higher activity of the HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs and that they may be involved in active immunosuppression observed at the infection site at the tissue level. This supports the need to expand studies on FOXP3+ Treg cells in co-infected patients. Author summary: Mycobacterium leprae and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cause infectious diseases that have a major impact on public health worldwide. Both are worrisome diseases, with some knowledge gaps not yet fully clarified, regarding their pathogen biology and clinical evolution, especially when patients are infected with them at the same time. FOXP3 (Forkhead box P3) is a transcription factor present in certain regulatory (CD4+ CD25+) Treg cells, which regulates the immune response of the host during intracellular infections, such as tuberculosis and leishmaniasis. This study aimed to elucidate a few of these gaps by exploring the role of FOXP3-positive regulatory T cells (Tregs) on the immune response during leprosy co-infection with HIV, by comparing the response of patients with leprosy based on whether or not they present a HIV and leprosy reaction. The results showed a positive correlation between FoxP3 + cell density and viral load; negative correlation in relation to blood CD4 +. These findings support the conclusion that a higher activity of HIV may stimulate or result in a higher expression of FOXP3-Tregs. However there is a clear need to expand studies on TregFoxP3 + cells in co-infected patients to further elucidate its role in the pathophysiology of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• F/I ratio influences the degradation of lignocellulosic biomass constituents. • F/I ratio of 0.5 led to the lowest VFAs accumulation in during all co-digestions. • SS-AD co-digestion of poultry manure and corn cob led to highest methane yields. • Thermal energy produced with CC-PM replaced half the energy spent with firewood. • Groot's multi-stage model best fitted the methane production data. Six typical Brazilian lignocellulosic biomasses (rice straw, corn cob, peanut shell, sawdust, coffee husk and sugarcane bagasse) were evaluated for methane production by solid-state anaerobic co-digestion with poultry manure. The results showed the highest methane production was obtained with corn cob and poultry manure (126.02 Nm3 CH 4. ton residue−1) using a food to inoculum ratio of 0.5, which lowered volatile fatty acids accumulation. In this condition, the thermal energy production (1.73 MJ.kg live chicken−1) would be able to replace 53.2% of the energy with firewood in poultry farming. The high hemicellulose and low lignin content in corn cob seem to explain the biomethanation of such biomass, and this agrees with the microbial analysis which revealed the predominance of bacteria related to plant polysaccharides hydrolysis and carbohydrate conversion in the inoculum. The methane production was best modelled by Groot's multi-stage model, and the microbial adaptation to lignin might explain this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lectins represent a class of proteins or glycoproteins capable of reversibly binding to carbohydrates. Seed lectins from the Dalbergieae tribe (Leguminosae) have structural variability, carbohydrate specificity, and biological effects, such as inflammation, vasorelaxation and cancer antigen binding. To comprehensively address these factors, the present work aimed to establish and characterize the three-dimensional structure of Centrolobium microchaete lectin (CML) by homology modeling, investigate protein-carbohydrate interactions and evaluate its inflammatory effect on mice. Molecular docking was performed to analyze interactions of the lectin with monosaccharides, disaccharides and N- glycans. Two dimannosides, methyl mannose-1,3-α-D-mannose (MDM) and mannose-1,3-α-D-mannose (M13), were used in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the behavior of the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD) over time. Results showed an expanded domain within which hydrophobic interactions with the methyl group in the MDM molecule were established, thus revealing novel interactions for mannose-specific Dalbergieae lectins. To examine its biological activities, CML was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography on Sepharose-mannose matrix. The lectin demonstrated inflammatory response in the paw edema model and stimulated leukocyte migration to the animal peritoneal cavities, an effect elicited by CRD. For the first time, this work reports the molecular dynamics of a lectin from the Dalbergieae tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: White tea derived from the Camellia sinensis (L.) plant has anticancer effects. Its main catechin decreases the gene expression of Vegf in tumours. However, VEGF is also the angiogenic factor of the reproductive organs. In this study, Wistar rats were divided into the following groups (n = 30): the control group (CT), which received water, and the white tea intake group (WT), for 3 months. At the end of every month, the corpora lutea (CL) of ten rats were removed to evaluate the gene expression of Vegf and its receptors (Flt‐1 and Kdr). White tea increased the relative mRNA abundance of Vegf (CT = 0.95 ± 0.06 and WT = 2.13 ± 0.19), Kdr (CT = 0.88 ± 0.06 and WT = 1.94 ± 0.32) and Flt‐1 (CT = 0.94 ± 0.06 and WT = 2.11 ± 0.22) in CL (P < 0.05). White tea increased angiogenic‐related genes in rat CL but did not alter the number of rat CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop honey buns with cooked green banana flours of two varieties: silver (FBVCP) and nanicão (FBVCN), characterizing them, physically, chemically, physicochemically and sensorially. The cooked green banana pulps were dehydrated in a ventilated oven at 65°C / 20 h and ground, thus obtaining the Cooked Green Banana Flour. Three formulations of honey bread were developed by modifying the standard formulation (P), with partial substitution of the wheat flour by the FBVCP and FBVCN in 30% and with 15% of both flours, respectively called honey bread A, B and C. The physical analyzes for: FBVC were the residuals of the losses of the processing and the final yield. The weight, height, and diameter before and after cooking, density, thermal factor and yield were in random samples of units from the same batch. The chemical and physicochemical analyzes of flours and honey loaves were: moisture, ash, insoluble food fiber (FAI), protein, lipids, resistant starch (RA) and carbohydrates (by difference), titratable acidity and pH. The honey loaves were also analyzed sensorially by untrained university tasters (UFRJ), applying the preference test ordering in 37 tasters and acceptance through the 9 point hedonic scale for the attributes appearance, aroma, texture, taste and overall appearance in 73 tasters, with their consent and approved by the research ethics committee of the University under number 164/07. Regarding the physical characteristics, the yields of the flour were 17% and for the loaves of bread the highest difference (p=0.05) was expressed in the reduction of the post-cooking height for the formulations with the flour due to the high content of Fiber and RA in the breads. The FBVC silver and nanicão presented humidity according to the Brazilian legislation, high content of RA, protein, FA and ash. The honey breads elaborated with the flour consequently presented chemical and nutritional profile higher than the standard and were considered food sources of FA and RA. The titratable acidity and the pH were higher (p=0.05) for the bread of honey elaborated with the flour of the variety nanicão. All honey loaves were considered equally preferred and were well accepted, with IA= 80% in the evaluated attributes. It was concluded that the use of flour added nutritional and functional value, because it increased the FA, RA, protein and minerals content to the products, without modifications of the sensorial characteristics and with good sensory acceptance, providing sensorial and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]