Nutrients foliar content for high productivity cultivars of guava in Brazil

Commonly grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions, guava (Psidium guajava L.) is an important fruit crop of Brazil. It is cultivated on a large scale in São Paulo state, and covers about 6,500 hectares. As a result of the guava selection program developed at FCAV/UNESP, two new cultivars were created: 'Rica' and 'Paluma' with a high productivity, and also with higher nutritional requirement. Leaves analysis has become a powerful tool in mineral-nutrition research with fruit crops, not only to determine response to different nutrients, but also for diagnostic techniques in making fertilizer recommendations and assessing deficiency symptoms. Nutrient composition of the leaves varies depending on the leaf maturity, tree age, variety and nutrient supply. For the interpretation of analytical values, selection of the index tissue is important. The results of experiments conducted in the field during 1989-2000 were studied. The nutritional status was evaluated by annual leaf sampling, carried out at full bloom. Recent fully developed leaves, corresponding to the third pair (with the petiole) were collected, starting at the end of the branch, all around the tree, at a height of 1.5 m from the soil, with a total of 30 leaf pairs per sample. The yield was evaluated by weighing all the fruits in the useful area of each lot. Foliar chemical analysis showed excellent correlation with the fruit production. Through the results it was verified that the maximum yield was associated to the following levels: N = 22-26; P = 1.5-1.9; K = 17-20; Ca = 11-15; Mg = 2.5-3.5; S = 3.0-3.5 g kg -1; B = 20-25; Cu = 10-40; Fe = 50-150; Mn = 180-250; Zn = 25-35 mg kg-1 DW in the leaves of the 'Rica' guava and to N = 20-23; P = 1.4-1.8; K = 14-17; Ca = 7-11; Mg = 3.4-4.0; S = 2.5-3.5 g kg-1; B = 20-25; Cu = 20-40; Fe = 60-90; Mn = 40-80; Zn = 25-35 mg kg-1 DW in the leaves of the 'Paluma' guava.

Cytokines and dietary energy restriction in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α has been found to be increased in malnourished chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients; however, the main cause of this phenomenon remains undetermined. In normal subjects, TNF-α production may be induced by dietary energy deprivation. The aim of this study was to investigate if stable COPD patients present alterations of inflammatory mediators after 48 h of dietary energy restriction. Fourteen COPD patients were admitted to the hospital while receiving an experimental diet with an energy content of approximately one-third of their energy needs. Clinical evaluation, nutritional assessment and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6, TNF-α and C-reactive protein, and secretion of TNF-α by peripheral blood monocytes were assessed on admission and after the experimental diet. For reference values of the laboratory parameters, blood was collected from 10 healthy, elderly subjects. COPD patients showed significantly higher serum concentrations of IL-6 than control subjects, however, the experimental diet was not associated with statistically significant changes in the inflammatory mediators. The findings of this study, although preliminary because of the limited degree and duration of the energy restriction, suggest that the elevated levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, previously described in undernourished or weight-losing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients, may not be linked to a decrease of dietary energy intake.

Evaluation of a protein deficient diet in rats through blood oxidative stress biomarkers

Protein malnutrition leads to functional impairment in several organs, which is not fully restored with nutritional recovery. Little is known about the role of oxidative stress in the genesis of these alterations. This study was designed to assess the sensitivity of blood oxidative stress biomarkers to a dietary protein restriction. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, according to the diet fed from weaning (21 days) to 60 day old: normal protein (17% protein) and low protein (6% protein). Serum protein, albumin, free fatty acid and liver glycogen and lipids were evaluated to assess the nutritional status. Blood glutathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) activities, plasma total sulfhydryl groups concentration (TSG) as well as plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and reactive carbonyl derivatives (RCD) were measured as biomarkers of the antioxidant system and oxidative damage, respectively. The glucose metabolism in soleus muscle was also evaluated as an index of stress severity imposed to muscular mass by protein malnutrition. No difference was observed in muscle glucose metabolism or plasma RCD concentration between both groups. However, our results showed that the low protein group had higher plasma TBARs (62%) concentration and lower TSG (44%) concentration than control group, indicating increased reactive oxygen species production in low protein group. The enhancement of erythrocyte GR (29%) and CAT (28%) activities in this group also suggest an adaptation to the stress generated by the protein deficiency. Taken together, the results presented here show that the biomarkers used were able to reflect the oxidative stress level induced by this specific protein deficient diet.

The influence of sardine consumption on the omega-3 fatty acid content of mature human milk

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate what effect the ingestion of sardines, rich in omega-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids, has on the composition of breastmilk. Methods: This was a prospective study of 31 nursing mothers under observation at the Hospital Guilherme Álvaro. Each was given 2 kg of fresh sardines twice with a 15-day interval. Milk was sampled and a 24-hour dietary recall questionnaire was applied on days 0, 15 and 30. Milk was assayed for fatty acid content by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using nonparametric tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results demonstrate that the nutritional intake of the nursing mothers was adequate at all three sample points. With regard to the omega-3 series fatty acid content of the breastmilk, it was observed that regular consumption and shorter intervals between ingestion and milk collection resulted in higher concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid at 15 and 30 days into the study. Fatty acids from the omega-3 and omega-6 series exhibited a significant correlation, r 2 was 0.58 and 0.59 at 15 and 30 days, respectively. Conclusion: These results suggest that incorporating fish into the diets of nursing mother during lactation, in the form of 100 g of sardines two or three times a week, contributes to an increase in omega-3 series fatty acids. Copyright © 2006 by Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria.

Manifestações sistêmicas na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is progressive and is characterized by abnormal inflammation of the lungs in response to inhalation of noxious particles or toxic gases, especially cigarette smoke. Although this infirmity primarily affects the lungs, diverse extrapulmonary manifestations have been described. The likely mechanisms involved in the local and systemic inflammation seen in this disease include an increase in the number of inflammatory cells (resulting in abnormal production of inflammatory cytokines) and an imbalance between the formation of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant capacity (leading to oxidative stress). Weakened physical condition secondary to airflow limitation can also lead to the development of altered muscle function. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents diverse systemic effects including nutritional depletion and musculoskeletal dysfunction (causing a reduction in exercise tolerance), as well as other effects related to the comorbidities generally observed in these patients. These manifestations have been correlated with survival and overall health status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. In view of these facts, the aim of this review was to discuss findings in the literature related to the systemic manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphasizing the role played by systemic inflammation and evaluating various therapeutic strategies.

Estudo morfológico do tecido hepático de Leporinus macrocephalus

The objective of this work was to analyze the liver of Leporinus macrocephalus at the macroscopic and histologic level by evaluating the characteristics of the hepatic tissue. The fishes from a fishery in Bauru, S.P., were collected and sacrificed by destroying the spinal cord; afterwards the collected hepatic tissue was fixed and followed by histological routine. Macroscopic analysis of L. macrocephalus liver showed an organ of homogeneous structure, with red-brown color, located in the medial region of the body, caudal to heart and after the gills. It showed 3 pyramidal lobes, one central and two lateral right and left. The histological analysis showed the hepatic tissue constituted by hepatocytes cords surrounded by sinusoids, named muralium duplex. It yet revealed the diffused, distribution bile system by hepatic parenchyma, showing ducts with simple cubic epithelium, surrounded by muscular fibres and connective tissue. Cells of the exocrine pancreatic tissue were observed surrounding blood vessels in acinar arrangement as zymogen granules. Furthermore, there are melanomacrophages centers distributed along the hepatic parenchyma, preferably next to the blood vessels, constituted by cells accumulating material, such as melanin and lipofucsin, whose presence may be related to the nutritional status of the fish.

Dietary restriction abrogates antibody production induced by a DNA vaccine encoding the mycobacterial 65 kDa heat shock protein

Background: Protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM) is the most common type of malnutrition. PCM leads to immunodeficiency and consequent increased susceptibility to infectious agents. In addition, responses to prophylactic vaccines depend on nutritional status. This study aims to evaluate the ability of undernourished mice to mount an immune response to a genetic vaccine (pVAXhsp65) against tuberculosis, containing the gene coding for the heat shock protein 65 from mycobacteria. Methods: Young adult female BALB/c mice were fed ad libitum or with 80% of the amount of food consumed by a normal diet group. We initially characterized a mice model of dietary restriction by determining body and spleen weights, hematological parameters and histopathological changes in lymphoid organs. The ability of splenic cells to produce IFN-gamma and IL-4 upon in vitro stimulation with LPS or S. aureus and the serum titer of specific IgG1 and IgG2a anti-hsp65 antibodies after intramuscular immunization with pVAXhsp65 was then tested. Results: Dietary restriction significantly decreased body and spleen weights and also the total lymphocyte count in blood. This restriction also determined a striking atrophy in lymphoid organs as spleen, thymus and lymphoid tissue associated with the small intestine. Specific antibodies were not detected in mice submitted to dietary restriction whereas the well nourished animals produced significant levels of both, IgG1 and IgG2a anti-hsp65. Conclusion: 20% restriction in food intake deeply compromised humoral immunity induced by a genetic vaccine, alerting, therefore, for the relevance of the nutritional condition in vaccination programs based on these kinds of constructs. © 2009 Ishikawa et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Deficiências de macronutrientes em plantas de soja cv. BRSMG 68 (Vencedora) cultivada em solução nutritive

Soybean is a crop of great importance for Brazil, and knowledge of their nutritional status allows production and high quality products. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the culture of the soybean cv. BRSMG 68 (Vencedora), submitted to macronutrients omission on the development, nutritional status and the visual symptomatology of nutrient deficiency. The design used was completely randomized, with seven treatments that corresponded to the complete (macro and micronutrients) solution and the individual omission of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The treatments were applied two weeks after the emergency of the soybean. The nutrient solution was constantly oxygenated and replaced weekly, and the pH monitored daily remained around 5. After six weeks of application of the treatments, the height of the plants, number of leaves, stem diameter was evaluated, matter dry accumulated in the roots, it leaves aerial and the nutritional state and the characterization of the visual symptoms. The macronutrient deficiency promoted a decrease in production of root and shoot dry mass of soybean cultivar BRSMG 68 (Vencedora) in nutrient solution, for the full treatment. The most limiting nutrient for dry matter production of soybean compared to complete treatment were N, S and K, with decreases of 90, 76 and 73%, respectively. Individual omissions resulted in morphological changes, which were translated by characteristic visual symptoms of nutritional deficiency of the respective nutrient.

Comparação entre as necessidades energéticas prescritas e administradas a pacientes em terapia nutricional enteral

Objective: evaluating the adequacy, prescription and energy supply of enteral nutrition therapy in hospitalized patients. Methods: was performed a retrospective survey of the evolution of TNE protocol of 59 patients hospitalized in a general hospital in Marília / SP / BR. Data collected included gender, age, clinical diagnosis, anthropometric and dietary data related to the prescribed dietary formula, route and method of administration of the enteral nutrition, the daily volume prescribed and administered, the daily amount of energy required and offered in the diet, as well as possible complications. Body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold (TSF) and arm muscle circumference (AMC) were used to establish the nutritional status of the patients. The adequacy of ENT was done according to the daily energy requirement compared to the average energy received during the daily use of ENT. Results: The average found to the BMI was 21.4 kg/m 2, and no differences were found comparing male and female. The data for TSF and AMC were different between genders (p<0.05) and suggest a more severe muscle mass in relation to adipose tissue. The averaged to the energy requirements was 1642 kcal/day but the average of energy prescribed was 1045 kcal/day and the amount offered was 1035 kcal/day. There was a significant difference between the necessity and the supplied energy offered through enteral nutrition (p=0.00) as well between the energy required and prescribed (p =0.00), both were shorter than the necessity. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in energy supply, volume of enteral nutrition prescribed and administered among eutrophic, underweight or overweight patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the prescription and energy supply were not based on the needs of these patients, causing a significant energy deficit, which can lead to worsening of the nutritional status of the same. In hospitalized patients in use of ENT, the energy requirement must be made by a qualified professional within the multidisciplinary team, based on the needs of each patient.

Associação entre doenças crônicas em adultos e redução dos níveis de atividade física

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Factors that contribute to low bone density in postmenopausal women in different Amazonian communities

Background: The aim of this study was to verify socioeconomic differences, nutrition, body balance and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density (BMD) in two Amazonian communities. Methods: A total of 42 female volunteers participated in the study. The volunteers were separated into two groups: Villa (n= 20; 53±5.5 years) and City (n= 22; 56±7.9 years). The following evaluation instruments were used: dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); a socioeconomic questionnaire; a QoL questionnaire; a dietary habits questionnaire; and a balance test. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used. Results: The data showed significant differences in socioeconomic level (Δ%=+15.9%, p=0.000),lumbar spine L2-L4 (Δ%=+0.10%,p=0.007), balance(Δ%=+4.3%,p=0.03)and some important aspects of nutrition, such as the consumption of milk (Δ%=+34%, p=0.01) and alcohol (+14.8%, p=0.0001). These significant differences also contributed to the total QoL score (Δ%=+76.2%, p=0.000) and the majority of the QoL-related functions. Conclusion: This study verified that socioeconomic level, nutritional status, physical activity levels and QoL can influence the BMD of postmenopausal women. The study suggests new strategies for official health organizations to use in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. In addition, this study can provide an orientation to physical activity, nutrition and medical professionals. © The Author(s), 2011.

Crescimento e desordem nutricional em pimenteira malagueta cultivada em soluções nutritivas suprimidas de macronutrientes

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Adubação nitrogenada e critérios de amostragem foliar para a cultura da batata

The present study aimed to determine which leave will be displayed and the time of collection of this leave. The treatments consisted on five doses of nitrogen, four times for collection sampling and three types of leaves, arranged in a randomized block design with three repetitions, totalizing one hundred and forty-four experimental units. The leaves collections took place every fifteen days at thirty, forty-five, sixty and seventy five days after budbreak (DAB), collecting the laminated / compound young leaf (first leave), newly mature (second leave) and the mature leave (third leave) from the set of terminal leaflets. For this was installed an experiment with the culture of potato (cv. Atlantic), in Barretos/SP, the period of march the june of 2010. According to this data collected in this study, the best time for collecting the leaves is at 30 days after the budbreak of the potato cultivation containing nitrogen concentrations in the leaves minus heterogeneous of plants from a fraction to another and with values R2 = 0.98 being higher to the all times of harvests. To the diagnostic leaf, the highest determination coefficient was observed in the newly mature (second leaf) with R2 = 0.98. It can be observed that the highest levels of nitrogen were found on the first leaf (39.01 kg-1). Nevertheless, the values were very heterogeneous and did not fit the curve being the second leave (newly mature) the one that best represents the nutritional status of the plant. Therefore the recommendation for nutritional diagnosis will collect the recently matured leaves (2nd leaf) 30 days after budbreak.

Efeitos de diferentes tipos de poda nos teores de nutrients emflores e frutos de goiabeira

A better understanding of the differences between the levels of nutrients, depending on the type of pruning used in the cultivation of the guava tree, may allow a more adequate understanding of the physiological processes of this fruit. The analysis of flowers is a tool that can be used to assist in assessing the nutritional status of crops, especially perennials. We evaluated the effects of different types of pruning on nutrient concentrations in flowers and fruit, at different developmental stages and in different parts of the fruit. The study was carried out in Vista Alegre do Alto, in orchards of guava variety Paluma. Flowers and fruit were collected in orchards, one under heavy pruning and the other with continuous pruning. The fruit were collected in two stages (two millimeters length and mature) and divided into basal part and apex, with the top toward the stalk. Flowers were collected in the same orchards as the fruits, sampling the basal part and apex of the flowers. F tests were performed and, when necessary, the Scott-Knott test at α= 5%. Overall, there were nutritional differences among flowers and fruits in relation to the type of pruning employed; drastic pruning provided higher levels of nutrients compared with continuous pruning. In relation to the portion of the samples, especially for fruit, there were differences between the apex and base, as well as between different stages of fruit collection.