The nutraceuticals : a new therapeutic strategy in the management of digestive and respiratory disorders

Nutraceuticals represents an intriguing challenge in clinical practice. They are currently used worldwide in all fields of Medicine. The present Supplement reports two Italian surveys concerning a probiotic mixture employed in patients with chronic intestinal disorders and a Medical Device used in patients with upper respiratory diseases. These surveys were conducted on a group of Italian gastroenterologists and on a group of Italian otolaryngologists respectively. Both surveys demonstrated that these compounds may represent a useful therapeutic option in clinical practice

Lactobacillus plantarum LP01, Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01) in patients undergoing bowel preparation

Bowel preparation (BP) for colonoscopy induces significantly changes in gut microbiota and elicit intestinal symptoms. Impaired microbiota causes an intestinal dysbiosis. Consequently, probiotics may counterbalance the disturbed microbiota after BP. The current survey evaluated the efficacy and safety of Abincol\uae, an oral nutraceutical containing a probiotic mixture with Lactobacillus plantarum LP01 (1 billion of living cells), Lactobacillus lactis subspecies cremoris LLC02 (800 millions of living cells), and Lactobacillus delbrueckii LDD01 (200 millions of living cells), in 2,979 outpatients (1,579 males and 1,400 females, mean age 56 years) undergoing BP. Patients took 1 stick/daily for 4 weeks after colonoscopy. Abincol\uae significantly diminished the presence and the severity of intestinal symptoms and improved stool form. In conclusion, the current survey suggests that Abincol\uae may be considered an effective and safe therapeutic option in the management of patients undergoing BP

Core area and centre of activity of maned wolves, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger) (Mammalia, Canidae), submitted to supplemental feeding

Based on the finding of remains (tracks, scats, and hairs), an analysis was made of the core area and centre of activity of maned wolves, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), living in a private natural reserve in which ecotourism activities are developed and these animals are daily fed bovine meat. A total of 465 samples of remains were recorded. Using the fixed kernel method, the area encompassing all samples recorded was estimated at 25.7 km², yet 50% of all samples were found in an area of only 1.5 km², representing 5.8% of the total area covered. For estimating the core area of the animals, the frequency of occurrence of the samples was determined by superimposing a 50 x 50 m cell grid over a map of the area encompassing all recorded occurrences. Based on the cells containing more than six occurrences, the animals' core area was 0.99 km², which included the place where the animals are fed. The centre of activity was located only 0.50 km from this place. The high negative correlation (r = -0.93, p < 0.05) between the densities of the recorded occurrences and the distances from these to the sanctuary indicates that the core area and centre of activity are conditioned by artificial feeding.<br>A área central e o centro de atividade de lobos-guará, Chrysocyon brachyurus (Illiger, 1815), foram determinados através de seus vestígios (fezes, pegadas e pêlos) em uma reserva natural particular, onde esses animais estão sujeitos à alimentação artificial e sofrem influência de atividades turísticas. No total, foram registrados 465 vestígios, sendo que 65,8% corresponderam à estação seca. Através do método Kernel fixo, a área compreendida por todos os vestígios foi de 25,7 km², sendo que 50% encontravam-se em uma área de apenas 1,5 km², o que representou 5,8% do total da área amostrada. A área central de atividade dos animais foi obtida pelo cálculo da freqüência dos registros dos vestígios através da sobreposição de uma quadrícula subdividida em células de 50 x 50 m sobre a área que abrangia todos os registros. Considerando as células com mais de seis registros a área central de atividade atribuída aos animais foi de 0,99 km², o que abrangeu a sede da reserva onde os animais são alimentados. O centro de atividade localizou-se somente a 0,50 km da sede. A alta correlação negativa (r = -0,93, p < 0,05) obtida entre as densidades dos registros e suas distâncias até a sede da reserva indicaram que o centro de atividade e o tamanho da área de maior intensidade de uso são condicionados pela alimentação artificial

Linseed essential oil - source of lipids as active ingredients for pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals

Linseed - also known as flaxseed - is known for its beneficial effects on animal health attributed to its composition. Linseed comprises linoleic and ?-linolenic fatty acids, various dietary fibers and lignans, which are beneficial to health because they reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer, decreasing the levels of cholesterol and relaxing the smooth muscle cells in arteries increasing the blood flow. Essential fatty acids from flax participate in several metabolic processes of the cell, not only as structuring components of the cell membrane but also as storage lipids. Flax, being considered a functional food, can be consumed in a variety of ways, including seeds, oil or flour, contributing to basic nutrition. Several formulations containing flax are available on the market in the form of e.g. capsules and microencapsulated powders having potential as nutraceuticals. This paper revises the different lipid classes found in flaxseeds and their genomics. It also discusses the beneficial effects of flax and flaxseed oil and their biological advantages as ingredients in pharmaceuticals and in nutraceuticals products.The authors wish to acknowledge the financial support from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) through national funds, and co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020 for the project M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio