Abstract Fifteen polar extracts from leaf, seed, pod, stem, flower and root of Crotalaria spectabilis were prepared using aqueous systems, based on the principles of green chemistry, and showed different protease inhibitor (PI) activities on trypsin, papain, pepsin and the extracellular L. amazonensis serine protease (LSPIII). The most pronounced inhibitory effect on LSPIII was observed in leaf (CS-P), root, stem, flower (CS-FPVPP) and pod (CS-VA) extracts. Crotalaria extracts exhibited low cytotoxicity on macrophages; however, they decreased the viability of L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes, as observed in leaf (CS-AE, CS-P, CS-T and CS-PVPP), seed (CS-ST), flower and root (CS-RA) extracts. CS-P was chosen to study PI and secondary metabolites and a 10-12 kDa protein, analyzed by mass spectrometry, was identified as a serine PI homologous with papaya latex serine PI. Glycosylated flavonoids, such as quercetins, vitexin and tricin were the major secondary metabolites of CS-P. The presence of PIs in C. spectabilis is a new finding, especially in other organs than seeds since PIs have been reported only in seed legumes. Besides, this is the first report of antileishmanial activity of C. spectabilis extracts and the identification of serine polypeptide PI and glycosylated flavonoids from leaf.

Resumo Fundamento Apenas dois artigos abordam os resultados precoces de pacientes com síndrome do coração esquerdo hipoplásico (SHCE) submetidos à operação de Norwood, no Brasil. Objetivos Avaliamos pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood para identificar os fatores preditivos de mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia) e intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn). Métodos Foram incluídos pacientes com SHCE submetidos em nosso serviço ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood de janeiro de 2016 a abril de 2019. Dados demográficos, anatômicos e cirúrgicos foram analisados. Os desfechos foram mortalidade precoce (nos primeiros 30 dias após a cirurgia), mortalidade intermediária (desde a sobrevida precoce até o procedimento de Glenn) e a necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO. Foram realizadas análises univariadas e multivariadas e calculados odds ratios, com intervalos de confiança de 95%. Um valor de p < 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados Um total de 80 pacientes com SHCE foram submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood. A taxa de sobrevida em 30 dias foi de 91,3% e a taxa de sobrevida intermediária foi de 81,3%. Quatorze pacientes (17,5%) necessitaram de suporte com ECMO. Menor peso (p=0,033), estenose aórtica (vs atresia aórtica; p=0,036) e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO (p=0,009) foram fatores preditivos independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral ( vs atresia da valva mitral; p=0,041) foi um fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária. Conclusão O presente estudo inclui a maior coorte brasileira de pacientes com SHCE submetidos ao primeiro estágio da operação de Norwood na era recente. Nossas taxas de sobrevida foram comparáveis às mais altas taxas de sobrevida relatadas globalmente. Baixo peso corporal, estenose valvar aórtica e necessidade de suporte pós-operatório com ECMO foram preditores independentes para mortalidade em 30 dias. A estenose da valva mitral foi o único fator preditivo independente para mortalidade intermediária.

Abstract Background Only two papers have addressed the early outcomes of patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) undergoing the Norwood operation, in Brazil. Objectives We evaluated patients with HLHS undergoing the first-stage Norwood operation in order to identify the predictive factors for early (within the first 30 days after surgery) and intermediate (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) mortality. Methods Patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure from January 2016 through April 2019, in our service, were enrolled. Demographic, anatomical, and surgical data were analyzed. Endpoints were early mortality (within the first 30 days after surgery), intermediate mortality (from early survival up to the Glenn procedure) and the need for postoperative ECMO support. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed, and odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals, were calculated. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 80 patients with HLHS underwent the stage I Norwood procedure. The 30-day survival rate was 91.3% and the intermediate survival rate 81.3%. Fourteen patients (17.5%) required ECMO support. Lower weight (p=0.033), aortic stenosis (vs aortic atresia; p=0.036), and the need for postoperative ECMO support (p=0.009) were independent predictive factors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis (vs mitral valve atresia; p=0.041) was an independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality. Conclusion The present study includes the largest Brazilian cohort of patients with HLHS undergoing the stage I Norwood procedure in the recent era. Our survival rates were comparable to the highest survival rates reported globally. Low body weight, aortic valve stenosis, and the need for postoperative ECMO support were independent predictors for 30-day mortality. Mitral valve stenosis was the only independent predictive factor for intermediate mortality.

Resumo O uso de conceitos e práticas de Redução de Danos (RD) na atenção às pessoas que usam drogas foi iniciado no Brasil nos anos 1990, como resposta preventiva à propagação do HIV/aids. Ao longo dos anos, ganhou espaço em outros campos de ação, como a saúde mental e a proteção social. Em 2019, com as mudanças no governo federal, esta prática foi retirada da definição da política sobre drogas. Com foco nos reflexos dessas mudanças, este estudo visou caracterizar quem atua e quais ações são desenvolvidas junto às pessoas que usam drogas, sob a perspectiva da RD, em municípios da região Sul do Brasil (RS, SC e PR). Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo e transversal, que usou um questionário virtual composto por questões abertas, fechadas e métodos mistos de análise de dados. Os participantes foram recrutados por meio do método Snowball Sampling, de forma virtual, alcançando 72 questionários validados. Foi desenvolvida uma análise exploratória dos dados quantitativos. Para as respostas qualitativas foi usada a Análise Textual Discursiva e o software NVivo (versão 12). Os resultados demonstraram o perfil dos profissionais; mudanças ao longo dos anos e a necessidade de ampliar investimentos em pesquisas sobre RD.

Abstract Harm Reduction (HR) concepts and practices in the care of people who use drugs stared being used in Brazil in the 1990s, as a preventive response to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Over the years, it gained space in other fields, such as mental health and social protection. In 2019, with changes in the federal government, this practice was removed from the definitions of the drug policy. Focusing on the consequences of these changes, this study aimed to characterize who works and what actions are developed with the people who use drugs, in the HR perspective, in the southern region of Brazil. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional exploratory study, which used an online questionnaire with open and closed questions, and mixed methods of data analysis. Participants were recruited using the Snowball Sampling method, by virtual means, reaching 72 validated questionnaires. An exploratory analysis of the quantitative data was developed. For the qualitative data, the Discursive Textual Analysis and NVivo software (version 12) were used. The results showed the profile of professionals; the changes over the years; and the need to expand investments in HR research.

Resumo O uso de conceitos e práticas de Redução de Danos (RD) na atenção às pessoas que usam drogas foi iniciado no Brasil nos anos 1990, como resposta preventiva à propagação do HIV/aids. Ao longo dos anos, ganhou espaço em outros campos de ação, como a saúde mental e a proteção social. Em 2019, com as mudanças no governo federal, esta prática foi retirada da definição da política sobre drogas. Com foco nos reflexos dessas mudanças, este estudo visou caracterizar quem atua e quais ações são desenvolvidas junto às pessoas que usam drogas, sob a perspectiva da RD, em municípios da região Sul do Brasil (RS, SC e PR). Trata-se de um estudo exploratório descritivo e transversal, que usou um questionário virtual composto por questões abertas, fechadas e métodos mistos de análise de dados. Os participantes foram recrutados por meio do método Snowball Sampling, de forma virtual, alcançando 72 questionários validados. Foi desenvolvida uma análise exploratória dos dados quantitativos. Para as respostas qualitativas foi usada a Análise Textual Discursiva e o software NVivo (versão 12). Os resultados demonstraram o perfil dos profissionais; mudanças ao longo dos anos e a necessidade de ampliar investimentos em pesquisas sobre RD.

Abstract Harm Reduction (HR) concepts and practices in the care of people who use drugs stared being used in Brazil in the 1990s, as a preventive response to the spread of HIV/AIDS. Over the years, it gained space in other fields, such as mental health and social protection. In 2019, with changes in the federal government, this practice was removed from the definitions of the drug policy. Focusing on the consequences of these changes, this study aimed to characterize who works and what actions are developed with the people who use drugs, in the HR perspective, in the southern region of Brazil. This is a descriptive and cross-sectional exploratory study, which used an online questionnaire with open and closed questions, and mixed methods of data analysis. Participants were recruited using the Snowball Sampling method, by virtual means, reaching 72 validated questionnaires. An exploratory analysis of the quantitative data was developed. For the qualitative data, the Discursive Textual Analysis and NVivo software (version 12) were used. The results showed the profile of professionals; the changes over the years; and the need to expand investments in HR research.

Resumo Este estudo buscou investigar e compreender a transmissão e manutenção transgeracional de perspectivas de gênero a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas realizadas com 10 jovens, com idades entre 20 e 27 anos. Identificou-se que as novas gerações buscam ressignificar questões transmitidas por suas famílias, objetivando uma sociedade equitativa, embora as mudanças percebidas nas dinâmicas familiares ainda não sejam suficientes para a desconstrução de paradigmas históricos e culturais. Esses jovens, embora possuam posicionamento social crítico e busquem desconstruir valores estereotipados e preconceituosos relacionados ao gênero, deixam transparecer em seus discursos que as desigualdades políticas, econômicas e sociais ainda afetam profundamente as mulheres. Um dos principais motivos que levaram à desconstrução transgeracional foi o acesso à informação e a potente inserção em grupos que motivam a militância, embora poucos dos entrevistados ultrapassem as barreiras da internet em suas atuações.

Abstract This study analyzed the transgenerational transmission and maintenance of gender perspectives with use of semi-structured interviews with 10 young adults aged between 20 and 27 years. The new generations were found to re-signify issues transmitted by their families aiming for a fair society, although the perceived changes in family dynamics are not enough to reflect on the deconstruction of historical and cultural paradigms. Although these individuals have a critical social stance and seek to deconstruct stereotypical and prejudiced gender values, their discourses showed that political, economic and social inequalities still profoundly affect women. One of the main reasons that led to this transgenerational deconstruction was the access to information and the powerful insertion in groups that motivate militancy, although few of the interviewees overcome the internet barriers in their actions.

Resumen Este estudio buscó investigar y comprender la transmisión transgeneracional y mantenimiento de las perspectivas de género a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas realizadas con 10 jóvenes, con edades entre 20 y 27 años. Se identificó que las nuevas generaciones buscan resignificar cuestiones transmitidas por sus familias apuntando a una sociedad equitativa, aunque los cambios percibidos en la dinámica familiar no son suficientes para reflexionar sobre la deconstrucción de paradigmas históricos y culturales. Aunque estos jóvenes tienen una posición social crítica y buscan deconstruir valores de género estereotipados y prejuiciosos relacionados al género, dejan claro en sus discursos que las desigualdades políticas, económicas y sociales aún afectan profundamente a las mujeres. Una de las principales razones que llevaron a la deconstrucción transgeneracional fue el acceso a la información y la inserción en grupos que motivan la militancia, a pesar de que pocos de los entrevistados superan las barreras de la internet en sus acciones.

Résumé Cette étude visait à étudier et à comprendre la transmission transgénérationnelle et le maintien des perspectives de genre à partir d’entretiens semi-structurés menés auprès de 10 jeunes, âgés de 20 à 27 ans. Il a été identifié que les nouvelles générations cherchent à redéfinir les aspects transmis par leurs familles visant une société équitable, bien que les changements perçus dans la dynamique familiale ne soient pas suffisants pour réfléchir à la déconstruction des paradigmes historiques et culturels. Bien que ces jeunes aient une position sociale critique et cherchent à déconstruire des valeurs de genre stéréotypées et préjugées, ils preuves par leurs discours que les inégalités politiques, économiques et sociales affectent profondément les femmes. L’une des principales raisons qui ont conduit à la déconstruction transgénérationnelle était l’accès à l’information et l’insertion puissante dans des groupes qui motivent le militantisme, bien que peu de personnes interrogées dépassent les barrières d’Internet dans leurs actions.

Resumo Estudo de cunho etnográfico que visou compreender os efeitos do projeto Território de Paz sobre o cotidiano, as vivências comunitárias e os projetos de vida de jovens do bairro Guajuviras, localizado em Canoas (RS), e marcado pelo tráfico de drogas, pela violência e pelo estigma. Serão focalizados os resultados da análise de conteúdo das entrevistas semiestruturadas feitas com 34 jovens (entre 18 e 29 anos) residentes no bairro sobre os temas relacionados a trabalho, estudo, lazer e percepções sobre o bairro e sobre o projeto Território de Paz. O estudo apontou para a importância do trabalho em políticas públicas de forma sensível aos modos de vida das juventudes ao assinalar que a maioria dos entrevistados teve sua vida afetada pela violência e não percebe como efetiva sua diminuição após a implantação do projeto que os tinha como principal público-alvo.

Abstract This ethnographic study verified the effects of the Território da Paz project on the daily life, community experiences and life projects of adolescents and young adults in the Guajuviras, Canoas, RS, marked by drug trafficking, violence and stigma. Content analysis was conducted on semi-structured interviews with 34 young individuals (18 and 29 years old) living in the region regarding topics related to work, study, leisure, and their perceptions about the neighborhood and the project. This study pointed to the importance of working in public policies while taking into account youths’ ways of life, as the majority of respondents had their lives affected by violence and did not perceive the project’s effectiveness after its implementation despite being the main target audience.

Resumen Este estudio etnográfico tuvo como objetivo comprender los efectos del proyecto Territorio de la Paz en la vida cotidiana, las experiencias comunitarias y los proyectos de vida juvenil en el barrio de Guajuviras, ubicado en Canoas (RS, Brasil), y marcado por el tráfico de drogas, la violencia y el estigma. El estudio se centrará en los resultados del análisis de contenido de las entrevistas semiestructuradas con 34 jóvenes (entre 18 y 29 años de edad) que viven en el barrio en cuanto a temas relacionados con el trabajo, el estudio, el ocio y las percepciones sobre el vecindario y el proyecto Territorio de la Paz. Se apunta la importancia del trabajo con políticas públicas de una manera que sea sensible a las formas de vida de los jóvenes al señalar que la mayoría de los encuestados tuvieron sus vidas afectadas por la violencia y no percibieron su efectividad después de la implementación del proyecto que los tuvo como público objetivo.

Résumé Étude ethnographique visant à comprendre les effets du projet Territoire de Paix sur la vie quotidienne, les expériences communautaires et les projets de vie des jeunes du quartier Guajuviras, situé à Canoas / RS et marqué par le trafic de drogue, la violence et la stigmatisation. Les résultats ont été recueilli de l’analyse du contenu des entretiens semi-structurés avec 34 jeunes (âgés de 18 à 29 ans) vivant dans le quartier. Les interviews ont porté sur des thèmes liés au travail, aux études, aux loisirs et aux perceptions du quartier et du projet Territoire de Paix. Les résultats souligne l’importance de construire les politiques publiques d’une manière qui soit sensible aux modes de vie des jeunes, soulignant que la plus part des répondants avaient été victimes de violence et ne percevaient pas l’efficacité des actions après la mise en œuvre du projet qui les avait comme leur principal public cible.

SUMMARY: Studies on root wood anatomy are scarce, mainly due to the lack of commercial interest and the difficulty to collect. In Brazilian Cerrado, local craftsmen use root wood for marquetry, the manufacture of such small items as lampshades or ornaments, and table bases. However, taxonomy based on root wood can serve as a guide toward the conservation and management of tree stocks in urban environment. Therefore, we herein describe the root wood anatomy of 14 tree species that occur in the Brazilian Cerrado. To accomplish this, we studied samples from main sinker root, at a depth of about 20 cm, from 37 trees aged 5 to 10 years. Anatomical procedures followed the standard techniques for preparation and analyses of wood samples. We used stem or branch samples from other studies to carry out anatomical description and comparison. However, we encountered some problems, such as: difficulty to distinguish growth rings, sample processing and, in some cases, sample description, since quantity, distribution and type of axial parenchyma differed substantially from that of the main stem. Nonetheless, we did find a variation in the presence/absence of septate fibers among the samples, and noted differences in ray composition.

RESUMEN: Los estudios sobre la anatomía de la madera de raíz son escasos, principalmente por la falta de interés comercial y la dificultad de recolección. En el Cerrado brasileño, los artesanos locales utilizan la madera de raíz para la marquetería, la fabricación de objetos pequeños como pantallas de lámparas o adornos, y la base de la mesa. Sin embargo, la taxonomía basada en la madera de raíz puede servir como una guía para la conservación y el manejo de las reservas de árboles en entornos urbanos. Por lo tanto, se describió la anatomía de la raíz de la madera de 14 especies de árboles que se encuentran en el Cerrado brasileño. Se estudiaron muestras de la raíz principal, a una profundidad de aproximadamente 20 cm, de 37 árboles de 5 a 10 años. Los procedimientos anatómicos siguieron las técnicas estándar para la preparación y el análisis de muestras de madera. Se utilizaron muestras de tallo o rama de otros estudios para llevar a cabo la descripción anatómica y la comparación. Sin embargo, se encontraron algunos problemas, tales como: los anillos de crecimiento difíciles de distinguir; además, era problemático procesar la muestra y, en algunos casos, describirla dado que la cantidad, distribución y tipo de parénquima axial difería sustancialmente de la del tallo principal. No obstante, se encontró una variación en la presencia/ausencia de fibras septadas entre las muestras, y también diferencias en la composición de los radios.

Abstract Introduction: Although it only corresponds to 2.5% of congenital heart defects, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is responsible for more than 25% of cardiac deaths in the first week of life. Palliative surgery performed after the second week of life is considered an important risk factor in the treatment of HLHS. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the initial experience of a medical center in Northeastern Brazil with a modified off-pump hybrid approach for palliation of HLHS. Methods: From November 2012 through November 2015, the medical records of 8 patients with HLHS undergoing hybrid procedure were retrospectively evaluated in a tertiary private hospital in Northeastern Brazil. The modified off-pump hybrid palliation consisted of stenting of the ductus arteriosus guided by fluoroscopy without contrast and banding of the main pulmonary artery branches. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded for descriptive analysis. Results: Eight patients were included in this study, of whom 37.5% were female. The median age and weight at the time of the procedure was 2 days (p25% and p75% = 2 and 4.5 days, respectively) and 3150 g (p25% and p75% = 3077.5 g and 3400 g, respectively), respectively. The median length in intensive care unit stay was 6 days (p25% and p75% = 3.5% and 8 days, respectively). There were no in-hospital deaths. Four patients have undergone to the second stage of the surgical treatment of HLHS. Conclusion: In this series, the initial experience with the modified off-pump hybrid procedure showed to be safe, allowing a low early mortality rate among children presenting HLHS.

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of viscoelastic materials is influenced, among other factors, by parameters like time and temperature. The present paper proposes a methodology for a thermorheologically and piezorheologically simple characterization of viscoelastic materials in the time domain based on experimental data using Prony Series and a mixed optimization technique based on Genetic Algorithms and Nonlinear Programming. The text discusses the influence of pressure and temperature on the mechanical behavior of those materials. The results are compared to experimental data in order to validate the methodology. The final results are very promising and the methodology proves to be effective in the identification of viscoelastic materials.

INTRODUÇÃO: Relata-se o encontro de formas imaturas de Coquillettidia venezuelensis em criadouros temporários, sem presença de plantas aquáticas ou outros tecidos vegetais submersos. MÉTODOS: Realizaram-se coletas com a técnica de conchadas sistemáticas na margem do criadouro. RESULTADOS: Foram coletados imaturos de Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Anopheles rangeli, An. evansae e Culex sp., em áreas da Usina Hidrelétrica de São Salvador, Estado de Goiás. CONCLUSÕES: Trata-se de observação inédita sobre a bioecologia de Cq. venezuelensis, espécie de interesse médico, que tem sido encontrada naturalmente infectada com arbovírus, inclusive Oropouche e West Nile.

INTRODUCTION: Findings of immature forms of Coquillettidia venezuelensis in temporary breeding sites, without the presence of aquatic plants or other submerged plant tissue are reported. METHODS: A systematic scooping technique to collect specimens was used at the breeding site. RESULTS: Immature forms of Coquillettidia venezuelensis, Anopheles rangeli, An. evansae and Culex sp. were collected from areas of the hydroelectric power station of São Salvador, State of Goiás. CONCLUSIONS This is a novel finding relating to the bioecology of Cq. venezuelensis, a species of medical interest that has been found naturally infected with arboviruses, including Oropouche and West Nile virus.

The influence of climatic factors on the seasonal frequency of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) at the Peixe Angical hydroelectric scheme (Tocantins, Brazil) was evaluated in the present paper. Mosquito surveys were conducted in the municipality of Peixe and in areas surrounding the reservoir in the municipalities of Paranã and São Salvador do Tocantins during two daytime periods (10 am-12 noon and 2 pm-4 pm) and two night-time periods (6 pm-8 pm and 6 pm-10 am) over 14 months. In total, 10,840 specimens from 42 species were captured, 84.5% of which belonged to the Culcinae. The most common species were Anopheles darlingi, Psorophora albipes and Sabethes chloropterus. The number of Culicidae specimens was higher in months with higher rainfall and air humidity than during the drier months. The large population of Ps. albipes and the presence of both An. darlingi (primary vector for human malaria parasites) and Haemagogus janthinomys (primary vector for yellow fever virus) are highlighted.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar os efeitos cumulativos da utilização das sojas geneticamente modificada e orgânica em duas gerações de ratos. Utilizaram-se 64 ratos Wistar, de duas gerações consecutivas denominadas F0 e F1. Os animais de cada geração foram divididos em três grupos (n=8) alimentados com ração à base de soja orgânica, soja geneticamente modificada e caseína. Determinou-se o Quociente de Eficácia Protéica, Razão Protéica Líquida e Quociente de Eficácia Alimentar. Aos resultados aplicou-se ANOVA. Foi encontrada, em ambas as gerações uma diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre os grupos experimentais e o grupo controle. A suplementação dos grupos GOF0 e GOF1 com Lcistina proporcionou um melhor aproveitamento protéico em relação ao GGF0 e GGF1. Mostrando que a soja manteve seu aproveitamento, no entanto sempre inferior à caseína. Deve-se utilizar as sojas geneticamente modificada e orgânica com cautela na fase de crescimento, pois mesmo suplementada com L-cistina estas se mantiveram inferior ao grupo à base de caseína.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cumulative effects of using genetically modified and organic soybean in two generations of rats. Two consecutive generations of 64 Wistar rats denominated F0 and F1 were used. The animals from each generation were divided into three groups (n=8) and fed chow made of organic soybean, genetically modified soybean and casein. The PER, NPR and CAE were determined. ANOVA was applied to the results. In both the generations, a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference was found between the experimental groups and the control group. The organic soybean supplement with L-cystine provided a better use of this protein in comparison to the genetically modified soybean protein, which demonstrated that the soybean maintained its protein use, although always inferior to casein. Thus, soybean should be used with caution during the growth stages because even with supplements, it remained inferior in relation to the casein group.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade protéica da linhaça quando usada nas fases de crescimento e manutenção em ratos. MÉTODOS: Na primeira etapa utilizaram-se 18 Rattus norvegicus, Wistar, fêmeas, recém-desmamadas, recebendo água e ração à vontade. Estas foram distribuídas em 3 grupos (n=6): grupo linhaça - com dieta à base de linhaça, grupo controle - com dieta à base de caseína, grupo controle modificado - com dieta à base de caseína, com maior concentração de fibras e óleo. Na segunda etapa (após 28 dias de experimento) a dieta do grupo linhaça foi modificada, acrescentou-se 5,4% de caseína. Os demais grupos permaneceram com as mesmas dietas. Todas eram isoenergéticas e continham 10% de proteína. Os animais foram acompanhados até 180 dias de vida. Foram determinados o quociente de eficiência protéica e a albumina nas duas fases do experimento. RESULTADOS: Na primeira etapa, o grupo linhaça obteve quociente de eficiência protéica (0,8, DP=0,05) significantemente menor que o grupo controle (2,3, DP=0,1) e o controle modificado (2,3, DP=0,2). A concentração de albumina do grupo linhaça (3,0, DP=0,04g/dL) foi menor (p<0,01) que a do grupo controle (3,9, DP=0,06g/dL) e a do controle modificado (3,9, DP=0,01g/dL). Já na segunda etapa, o grupo linhaça modificado (1,2, DP=0,1) obteve maior (p<0,01) quociente de eficiência protéica que grupo controle (0,9, DP=0,02) e o controle modificado (0,9, DP=0,05). Não houve diferença significante no teor de albumina entre os grupos, caracterizando a recuperação da desnutrição. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a linhaça não deve ser utilizada como fonte exclusiva de proteína, principalmente na fase de crescimento.

OBJECTIVE: This experiment tested the protein quality of flaxseed when used for the growth and maintenance of rats. METHODS: In the first phase, 18 just-weaned female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), receiving water and chow ad libitum, were divided into three groups (n=6): the flaxseed group received a flaxseed-based diet; the control group received a casein-based diet; and the modified control group received a casein-based, high-fiber, high-oil diet. In the second phase (28 days later), 5.4% of casein was added to the flaxseed-based diet. The diets of the other groups remained unchanged. All animals received isocaloric diets with 10% protein content until they were 180 days old. Protein efficiency ratio and albumin concentration was determined in the 2 phases of the experiment. RESULTS: In the first phase, the protein efficiency ratio of the flaxseed group (0.8, SD=0.05) was significantly lower than those of the control group (2.3, SD=0.1) and modified control group (2.3, SD=0.2). The albumin concentration of the flaxseed group (3.0, SD=0.04g/dL) was smaller (p<0.01) than those of the control group (3.9, SD=0.06g/dL) and modified control group (3.9, SD=0.01g/dL). In the second phase, protein efficiency ratio of the modified flaxseed group (1.2, SD=0.1) was higher (p<0.01) than those of the control group (0.9, SD=0.02) and modified control group (0.9, SD=0.05). Albumin concentration was similar in all groups, characterizing recovery from malnutrition. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, flaxseed should not be used as an exclusive source of protein, especially during growth.