The effect of orally supplemented melatonin (MT) at 1 mg/kg bw for 4 weeks on feeding behavior of non-diabetic and diabetic male Wistar rats has been studied by computerized meal pattern analysis. Exogenous MT has a satiating effect in non-diabetic rats, but not in diabetic animals. The changes in feeding behavior induced by MT in non-diabetic animals are related to changes in meal frequency, size and duration leading to lower total food intake during the scotophase. MT administration to diabetic rats resulted in lower drinking time and higher faecal output, without further behavioral effects. We conclude that the notorious metabolic changes ocurring in the streptozotocin-diabetic rat can overcome most of the underlying effects of MT supplementation. The possible MT usage for therapeutical purposes could benefit from the lack of behavioral alterations in diabetic animals.<br>Varias líneas de evidencia señalan a la melatonina (MT) como un importante factor en el complejo entramado de la regulación de la ingestión de alimento. Puesto que la secreción de MT aumenta en la rata con diabetes tipo I, y dada la importancia de MT en el tracto gastrointestinal, es interesante comprobar los efectos de MT sobre el alterado comportamiento ingestivo de estos animales. Se ha estudiado el efecto de la suplementación oral de MT (1 mg por kg de peso corporal y día) en la escotofase sobre el comportamiento ingestivo de ratas Wistar macho diabéticas y no diabéticas durante cuatro semanas mediante análisis de pautas de ingestión asistido por ordenador. La administración de MT exógena indujo un efecto de saciación en ratas no diabéticas, pero no en animales diabéticos. Los cambios en comportamiento ingestivo inducidos por MT en animales no diabéticos están relacionados con cambios en frecuencia, tamaño y duración de las comidas, con el resultado de una disminución de la ingestión total de alimento durante la escotofase. La administración de MT en ratas diabéticas originó una disminución del tiempo total de actividad dípsica y aumento de la masa fecal durante la escotofase, sin otros cambios comportamentales significativos. Se concluye que los notables cambios metabólicos que tienen lugar en la rata con diabetes experimental inducida por estreptozotocina provocan cambios comportamentales más potentes que los ejercidos por la suplementación oral con MT. El posible uso terapéutico de MT podría beneficiarse de la falta de alteraciones comportamentales en animales diabéticos.

Abstract People in Mexico speak of the medicinal properties of Moringa oleifera (“moringa”), but they know less about its nutritive properties. A qualitative, participatory approach was utilized to explore the use of moringa as a vegetable in Agua Caliente Nueva, Jalisco, by enrolling 14 female participants (mothers over 18) who were nutritional gatekeepers of the family and were responsible for preparing family meals using moringa leaves. Participants prepared meals with moringa and participated in semi‐structured interviews to record their perceptions of foods, shopping habits, and knowledge and experience using moringa. The study objectives were to assess the regional acceptability and feasibility of introducing a readily available and nutritious plant into diets, and to examine whether moringa could potentially serve as part of a solution to the double burden of malnutrition in Mexico. Findings suggest that given its ability to thrive in this dry tropical region, moringa has the potential to be recognized as a viable component in the traditional diet in this small “ejido” communal farming community.

The Xingu River is crucial for potable water supply in Altamira, but it faces risks of heavy metal pollution, especially mercury, due to illegal mining and UHBM activities. Mercury can bioaccumulate in humans and be associated with an increased risk of hypertension and kidney diseases. This study evaluated the presence of heavy metals in Altamira's drinking water and outlined the epidemiological profile of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Altamira and the Xingu region. Concentrations of Al, As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe, and Hg were measured in 24 water samples collected in July 2022, using ICP/MS by the Evandro Chagas Institute, compared to Brazilian legislation and WHO limits. Mortality data from CKD, diabetes mellitus (DM), and systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed using public data from DATASUS. Additionally, medical records of CKD patients treated at HRPT from 2007 to 2023 were analyzed. The concentrations of metals in the analyzed water samples were within established limits, except for aluminum (Al), which was elevated in two water samples. Mortality data obtained from DATASUS between 2000 and 2020 showed a significant increase in mortality due to SAH in Altamira (R²=0.80), while mortality from CKD (R²=0.30) and DM (R²=0.31) had a smaller impact on the mortality rate during the studied period. Considering the medical records of CKD patients treated at HRPT, it was identified that between 2007 and 2023, 174 CKD patients treated at HRPT were from Altamira, with 64.4% men and 35.6% women. Regarding age, 48.85% were over 60 years old, and 36.78% were between 41 and 60 years old. The main comorbidity associated with CKD was SAH (56.90%), followed by the association of SAH and DM (36.94%). Altamira presented an average prevalence of 8.99 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and an average incidence of 10.24 new cases per year of CKD during the analyzed period. In the Xingu region, 403 CKD cases were identified, predominantly in men (61.5%) with an average age of 60 years. The main comorbidity associated with CKD was SAH (49.88%), followed by the association of SAH and DM (37.47%). The average prevalence of CKD in the region was 6.97 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, with an average incidence of 23.70 new cases per year of CKD during the analyzed period. The levels of metals in the analyzed water samples are within the limits recommended by Brazilian legislation and WHO. The high prevalence of CKD in Altamira and the Xingu region raises concerns about public health impacts. Historical mercury contamination may be related to the high mortality from SAH and the prevalence of CKD associated with SAH. These results emphasize the need for continuous monitoring of water quality and public policies to mitigate the impacts of CKD in the region. | O rio Xingu é crucial para o abastecimento de água potável em Altamira, mas enfrenta riscos de poluição por metais pesados, especialmente mercúrio, devido à mineração ilegal e atividades da UHBM. O mercúrio pode bioacumular em humanos e estar associado ao aumento do risco de hipertensão e doenças renais. Este estudo avaliou a presença de metais pesados na água potável de Altamira e traçou o perfil epidemiológico de doenças renais crônicas (DRC) em Altamira e região do Xingu. Foram medidas as concentrações de Al, As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Fe e Hg em 24 amostras de água coletadas em julho de 2022, usando ICP/MS pelo Instituto Evandro Chagas, comparando com os limites da legislação brasileira e da OMS. Dados de mortalidade por DRC, diabetes mellitus (DM) e hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) entre 2000 e 2020 foram analisados utilizando dados públicos do DATASUS. Além disso, dados de prontuários de pacientes com DRC tratados no HRPT de 2007 a 2023 também foram analisados. As concentrações de metais nas amostras de água analisadas estiveram dentro dos limites estabelecidos, exceto pelo alumínio (Al) que demonstrou-se elevado em duas amostras de água. Os dados de mortalidade obtidos do DATASUS entre 2000 e 2020 demonstraram um aumento significativo da mortalidade por HAS em Altamira (R²=0,80), enquanto a mortalidade por DRC (R²=0,30) e DM (R²=0,31) teve um impacto menor na taxa de mortalidade no período estudado. Considerando os dados dos prontuários médicos de pacientes com DRC tratados no HRPT, foi possível identificar que entre 2007 e 2023, 174 pacientes com DRC tratados no HRPT eram de Altamira, sendo 64,4% homens e 35,6% mulheres. Quanto à idade, 48,85% possuíam mais de 60 anos e 36,78% possuíam entre 41 e 60 anos. A principal comorbidade associada à DRC foi HAS (56,90%), seguida pela associação de HAS e DM (36,94%). Altamira apresentou uma prevalência média de 8,99 casos por 100 mil habitantes e uma incidência média de 10,24 casos novos por ano de DRC no período analisado. Na região do Xingu, foram identificados 403 casos de DRC, com predominância em homens (61,5%) com média de idade de 60 anos. A principal comorbidade associada à DRC foi HAS (49,88%), seguida pela associação de HAS e DM (37,47%). A prevalência média de DRC na região foi de 6,97 casos por 100 mil habitantes e uma incidência média de 23,70 casos novos por ano de DRC no período analisado. Os níveis de metais nas amostras de água analisadas estão dentro dos limites recomendados pela legislação brasileira e pela OMS. A alta prevalência de DRC em Altamira e na região do Xingu levanta preocupações sobre impactos na saúde pública. A contaminação histórica por mercúrio pode estar relacionada à alta mortalidade por HAS e à prevalência de DRC associada à HAS. Esses resultados ressaltam a necessidade de monitoramento contínuo da qualidade da água e de políticas públicas para mitigar os impactos da DRC na região.