Electroencephalographic Study of Gamma Rhythm in the Autobiographical Memory Evocation Mediated by Musical Stimuli

Listening to music, or part of it, may stir the memory of a past moment, along with its associated emotions, such occurrences are known as autobiographical memories. Electroencephalographic (EEG) studies have shown alterations in memory recall and musical processing. However, no research was found showing a relation among music, autobiographical memories and associated emotions. The purpose of this study was to identify cortical areas involved in the evocation of autobiographical memory (associated with positive and negative events) mediated by musical stimuli. For that, gamma rhythm was analyzed through EEG recordings performed by 45 male volunteers while they were submitted to two stimuli: 1) the music capable of recalling memories associated to a positive event;2) the music capable of evoking memories associated to a negative event. Gamma band analysis was used in search of greater brain electrical activity. As results, researchers observed increased activity in right brain hemisphere during the musical processing, besides its hypoactivation when volunteers were submitted to musical stimuli related to memories of negative events.

Fluorescence of Chlorophyll a for Discovering Inhibitors of Photosynthesis in Plant Extracts

Aims: Twelve crude extracts were prepared from different parts of Pluchea sagittalis, Cecropia palmata and Brachiaria brizantha, and their effect on the light reaction of photosynthesis. Study Design: Use of fluorescence of ChL a (Chlorophyll a) to detect inhibitors of photosynthesis in plant extracts. Place and Duration of Study: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Exatas e da Terra, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), between July 2015 and January 2016. Methodology: The samples had their effect on the light reaction of photosynthesis studied by Chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence transient by the use of chloroplasts isolated from spinach leaves. As negative controls we used the same amounts of DMSO that have been employed to solubilize the samples, and as positive control we have used 10 μM of the commercial herbicide DCMU (Diuron). Results: The extracts inhibited the photosynthesis, and their inhibition sites were located in the range of electron flow from OEC complex and between P680 to QA of PS II, and inhibited the photosystem II (PS II) by inducing the appearance of the transient bands K and J. Conclusion: Our results suggest an indicative that the photochemical apparatus probably is failing at the donor and acceptor sides of PSII, causing damage to electron transport during the photosynthesis phenomenon.

Mitochondrial Activity and Cell Damage after Application of Acmella oleracea Leaf Extract

Acmella oleracea is a plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family, native to the Amazon that has broad therapeutic and culinary use. Several secondary metabolites and your bioactive component spilanthol have been associated with its medicinal effects. This study aims to evaluate the leaf extract of A. oleracea for therapeutic purposes. When applied to both cell cultures HEp-2 neoplastic cells and L929 fibroblast cells, the increasing extract concentrations yielded a significant reduction in cell viability using ANOVA test with Significance of P ≤ 0.05 (*), Very Significant P ≤ 0.01 (***) and Extremely Significant P ≤ 0.001 (****), causing visible damage to cytoskeleton actin filaments. The cytotoxicity of the A. oleracea leaf extract may be associated with other components, including flavonoids. Thus, A. oleracea has a great cytotoxic activity on tumoral cells and can be considered for future antitumor therapy. However, because of its toxicity to non-tumoral cells, it is essential to evaluate the efficacy of each extract sub-fraction compound, alerting the population for the traditional use of the plant that can cause damage for the consumer.

Update on the use of portable monitoring system for the diagnosis of sleep apnea in specific population

The prevalence and severity of obstructive sleep apnea(OSA) is higher in specific population: children, elderly,obese and patients with pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, compared to the general population. OSA is associated with greater morbidity and mortality in these patients. Although full-night polysomnography is still the gold standard diagnostic sleep study for OSA, it is a time consuming, expensive and technically demanding exam. Over the last few years, there is growing evidence on the use of portable monitors(PM) as an alternative for the diagnosis of OSA. These devices were developed specially for sleep evaluation at home, at a familiar environment, with easy selfapplication of monitoring, unattended. The use of PM is stablished for populations with high pre-test probability of OSA. However, there is a lack of studies on the use of PM in age extremes and patients with comorbidities. The purpose of this review is to present the studies that evaluated the use of PM in specific population, as well as to describe the advantages, limitations and applications of these devices in this particular group of patients. Although the total loss rate of recordings is variable in different studies, the agreement with fullnight polysomnography justifies the use of PM in this population.

Late surgical correction of anomalous left coronary artery from pulmonary trunk in children, using autogenous aortic and pulmonary endotheliazed tube

Background: Direct re-implantation of an anomalous left coronary artery into the aorta is the preferred surgical option for creating a dual coronary arterial system in patients in whom the anomalous artery originated from the pulmonary trunk. This technique, however, is applicable only when the anomalous ar- tery arises from the left posterior pulmonary sinus. We report the successfully late follow-up of series of patients employing a new technique using combined autogenous aortic and pulmonary endotheliazed tube. Patients and Methods: We have treated 3 patients, aged 2 months, 6 months and 8 months respectively, who presented with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the left posterior pulmonary sinus and moderated mitral valve insufficiency by left ventricle dysfunction. We used a trapdoor like coronary artery elongation with autogenous aortic and pulmonary endotheliazed tube to connect the left coronary ostium to ascending aorta, avoiding the mitral valve intervention. Results: There was no early or late death. All patients are in functional class I, with good biventricular function and competent mitral valve at a median follow-up of 94 months, ranged from 108 to 132 months. Postoperative Computerized tomogramphy of aorta in our 1st patient showed good arterial flow, without any distortion. A local and distal stenosis of the left pulmonary artery was observed and submitted to stent treatment. Conclusions: The potential benefits of the trapdoor like and its modification technique are excellent operative exposure. The use of autogenous endothelized tube is a viable tissue capable of further growth, avoidance of injury to the aortic and pulmonary valvar apparatus or production of obstruction within the right ventricular outflow tract.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori cagA and sabA Genotypes in Patients with Gastric Disease

Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. Helicobacter pylori is considered one of the most important causes of this condition specially because of its virulence markers as sabA and cagA. Therefore, we aim to investigate the relation between these markers and the gastric diseases in 400 patients who underwent upper digestive endoscopy. To detect the bacteria and its genes by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), the presence of H. pylori was significant when comparing the groups control vs. cancer (p value vs. chronic gastritis (p value cagA was statistically significant considering its presence when comparing the chronic gastritis vs. cancer groups (p value = 0.0434) OR [95% CI] 2.44 (1.021 - 5.845). Associating both sabA and cagA, we found a statistically significant result (p value vs. cancer groups. Helicobacter pylori is directly associated to gastric diseases such as gastritis and cancer and its virulence markers: sabA and cagA increase the injury process to the gastric epithelium making the host more susceptible to cancer.

Global Functional Performance and Caregiver Assistance in Autism and Asperger Syndrome

Autism and Asperger’s syndrome belong to a family of neuro-developmental disorders called Pervasive Development Disorders. The aims of this study were to 1) quantify the overall functional performance and need for caregiver assistance in autism (A) and Asperger’s syndrome (AS), 2) compare the findings between groups and to normative data from Brazilian children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 52 children between three and eight years of age diagnosed with either A (n = 26) or SA (n = 26). The Brazilian version of the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory was administered. Results: The children with A and AS achieved significantly lower scores than that expected for normality. The children with AS had a significantly better social function than that the children with A had. However, those with A achieved significantly better scores than those with AS on activities related to self-care and mobility, requiring less assistance. Conclusion: While patients with AS are better at social interaction than typical autistic children, they exhibit greater deficits with regard to basic tasks, such as self-care and mobility, requiring greater assistance than children with A.

Triterpenes from Cabralea canjerana as in Vitro Inhibitors to Light Reactions of Photosynthesis

Aims: Cabraleadiol (1), Ocotilone (2) and Odoratone (3) are three triterpenes isolated from Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae). They were chemically characterized, and their effect was tested on the light reaction of photosynthesis. Study Design: Natural products were used as models to find new models for inhibitors of photosynthesis. Place and Duration of Study: Departmento de Química, Universidade Federal de S&atildeo Carlos and Departmento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México, between May 2013 and January 2014. Methodology: The natural products had their effect on the light reaction of photosynthesis studied by pollarography and Chlorophyll a (Chl a) fluorescence transients. Results: The compounds inhibited ATP synthesis and electron transport rate (basal, phosphorylating and uncoupled). Therefore, they act as Hill reactions inhibitors. Their inhibition site were located in the range of electron flow from OEC complex and between P680 to QA of PS II, and inhibited the photosystem II (PS II) by inducing the appearance of a K-band which is an indicative that the photochemical apparatus is failing at the donor side of PS II interacting at the OEC complex and by transforming active reaction centers to “heat sinks” or the formation of silent reaction centers unable to reduce QA. Conclusion: Furthermore, these triterpenes inhibit PS II and induce the appearance of small G band which is related with the decreased plastoquinone (PQ) pool reduction.

Medicinal properties of Angelica archangelica root extract: Cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and its protective effects against in vivo tumor development

Objective: Although Angelica archangelica is a medicinal and aromatic plant with a long history of use for both medicinal and food purposes, there are no studies regarding the antineoplastic activity of its root.This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antitumor effects of the crude extract of A. archangelica root(CEAA) on breast cancer.Methods: The cytotoxicity of CEAA against breast adenocarcinoma cells(4T1 and MCF-7) was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide(MTT) assay. Morphological and biochemical changes were detected by Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide(PI) and annexin V/PI staining. Cytosolic calcium mobilization was evaluated in cells staining with FURA-4 NW. Immunoblotting was used to determine the effect of CEAA on anti-and pro-apoptotic proteins(Bcl-2 and Bax, respectively).The 4 T1 cell-challenged mice were used for in vivo assay.Results: Using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, angelicin, a constituent of the roots and leaves of A. archangelica, was found to be the major constituent of the CEAA evaluated in this study(73 mg/mL). The CEAA was cytotoxic for both breast cancer cell lines studied but not for human fibroblasts. Treatment of 4 T1 cells with the CEAA increased Bax protein levels accompanied by decreased Bcl-2 expression, in the presence of cleaved caspase-3 and cytosolic calcium mobilization, suggesting mitochondrial involvement in breast cancer cell death induced by the CEAA in this cell line. No changes on the Bcl-2/Bax ratio were observed in CEAA-treated MCF7 cells. Gavage administration of the CEAA(500 mg/kg) to 4T1 cell-challenged mice significantly decreased tumor growth when compared with untreated animals.Conclusion: Altogether, our data show the antitumor potential of the CEAA against breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Further research is necessary to better elucidate the pharmacological application of the CEAA in breast cancer therapy.

Physical exercise and COVID-19 pandemic in PubMed:Two months of dynamics and one year of original scientific production

Our aim was to conduct a narrative review about physical exercise and Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19).A literature search was completed crossing the keywords“COVID-19”and“physical exercise”,for a narrative re-view,and physical activity(PA),physical exercise,physical training,sport,physical fitness,for a systematic re-view;search strategy(Randomized Controlled Trial,in the last 1 year,English).The first search date was closed on 04/26/2020 and 06/26/2020.This strategy was chosen to assess the dynamics of scientific information production for the pandemic.In two months,an increase of 76%,from 12(19.4%)to 50(80.64%)COVID-19 articles(n=62,100%)was found.The main types of articles published were editorial articles(16.13%,n=10 of 62 articles)and commentary(9.68%,n=6 of 62 articles).The most frequent country of origin of the scientific production was the United States(12.90%,n=8 of 62 articles),the United Kingdom(12.90%,n=8 of 62 arti-cles),and Brazil(11.29%,n=7 of 62 articles).However,in 2020,there were only 2 relevant randomized controlled trials on the COVID-19 topic in the context of physical exercise.Scientific information production shows the concern of the PA science community to bring a solution to the increase in physical inactivity generated by the COVID-19 pandemic.Our findings show the dynamics of scientific production on the COVID-19,in a situation so unique such as a pandemic,denotes that the practice of PA is essential to improve and/or maintain physical and mental health.

Mindfulness interventions during pregnancy:A narrative review

Pregnancy is a period of major transformations in a woman’s life;increased stress,and mood and sleep disorders are frequent.This review evaluates mindfulness interventions during pregnancy and their ability to help manage stress,anxiety,depression,emotional regulation,level of mindfulness and sleep quality.A search of English language scientific literature relevant to mindfulness interventions for pregnant women was conducted using PubMed,Scopus and Web of Science,without restriction on publication date.Inclusion criteria were randomized clinical trials with pregnant women,using mindfulness as an intervention for at least three weeks,in one of our main areas of interest,and using only validated scales to measure outcomes.Two hundred and thirty studies were identified in our searches of research databases,and thirteen were included in our analysis.We found a large diversity of mindfulness programs,heterogeneity among the instruments used to evaluate outcomes,and inconsistency in the gestational periods used in the studies.Mindfulness interventions were beneficial for stress,anxiety and depression.Mindfulness was also effective when applied in pregnant women with a history of depression or experiencing depression.Considering emotional regulation and the level of mindfulness,there were signs of improvement,but more studies are needed.None of the studies evaluated sleep quality.Our review provides information about current mindfulness programs,an overview of the effects of mindfulness interventions,a description of the measurements used so far,and recommendations for developing highquality mindfulness protocols for pregnant women.

Sleep in children with eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE)is a chronic immune-and antigen-mediated disease caused by infiltration of eosino-phils in esophagus tissue,which leads to morphological and functional abnormalities at this site[1].This disease was discovered in 1995 by Kelly et al.[2];since then,it has become increasingly recognized and discussed by research-ers[2,3].EoE affects children and adults and is three times more prevalent in males than in females.According to a recent systematic review,there are 19.1 cases of EoE per 100,000 children/year,with a higher frequency in Western countries[4].

COVID-19:It's still time for health professionals,physical activity enthusiasts and sportive leagues not to let guard down

Emerging viral diseases represent a serious issue to public and global healthcare systems and have a high potential for disease dissemination in sport/physical activity and exercise facilities.The Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has frightened the sports and physical activity community and enthusiasts for potential trans-mission,dissemination,and lethality in vulnerable populations;those with chronic diseases,co-morbidities,the elderly people,and in young and healthy people.This pandemic has caused a chain reaction with cancellations of sports competitions and gymnasiums closing around the world.Currently,some sporting events are gradually resuming in certain regions of the world and also the return of competitions and training.In general,without fans and public,the sports media can only report the infection of athletes and coaching staff members.However,this situation is dynamic-the world is currently experiencing the second wave of the disease;with the safety and containment measures for the disease is changing daily.The purpose of this article is to present information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic,to clarify health issues for professionals and people connected to sport and physical activity venues,presenting information to assist in educations and the health promotion and prevention.The time is now for making changes,reviewing the actions and conducts necessary for prevention,and most importantly not letting our guard down,even as vaccines become available for all people in the world.Remembering that even after getting vaccinated,it is necessary to continue with safety measures,for example,the use of facial masks and social distance and hygiene,that is,washing your hands frequently and/or sanitizing with 70%alcohol.We can't let our guard down for COVID-19.