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Background: Vegetation structure is defined as the temporal and spatial distribution of plant species in a particular site. Vegetation structure includes vertical and horizontal distribution and has been widely used as an indicator of successional changes. Ecological succession plays an essential role in the determination of the mechanisms that structure plant communities under anthropogenic disturbances. After an anthropogenic disturbance, such as grazing, forests follow changes in the original composition and vegetation structure, which eventually could restore some of their attributes to become mature forests again. To know how the time of abandonment affects woody plant communities, we ask the following questions: (1) How does the species richness, diversity, and vertical structure (A index) change concerning the time of abandonment? (2) Are species similarities among woody vegetation communities determined by land abandonment? (3) Which woody species have the highest ecological importance in each successional stage? Methods: We explored how successional stages after land abandonment mediated the species richness, species diversity (alpha and beta), and ecological importance value index on four areas of Tamaulipan thornscrub. We selected four areas that differed in time of abandonment: 10, 20, 30, and >30 years. The first three areas were used for cattle grazing, whereas the >30-year area was selected as a control since it does not have a record of disturbance by cattle grazing or agriculture. During the summer of 2012, we randomly established four square plots (40 m × 40 m) in each area, separated at least 200 m from each other. In each plot, we recorded all woody individuals per species with a basal diameter ≥1 cm at 10 cm above ground level. We estimated species richness indices, species diversity (alpha and beta), and ecological importance value index. Results: We recorded 27 woody species belonging to 23 genera and 15 families. Fabaceae accounted for 40% of the species. Acacia farnesiana was the most important and abundant species in the first three successional stages. We suggested that older successional stages of Tamaulipan thornscrub promote woody plant communities, characterized by a higher complex structure than younger communities. We observed the highest species similarity between the sites with a closer time of abandonment, while the lowest similarity was shown between the sites with extreme time of abandonment. We conclude that Tamaulipan thornscrub shows a similar trend of ecological succession to other dry forests and the time of abandonment has a high mediation on plant dynamics in the Tamaulipan thornscrub. Also, we stand out the importance of secondary forests for Tamaulipan thornscrub woody plant communities. Finally, we recommended future studies include aspects of regeneration speed, the proximity of mature vegetation, and the interactions of plants with their seed dispersers.

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Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in murine models has been reported to affect social behavior and increase anxiety. However, there is little information about the effects of BPA exposure during puberty, a period in which sex hormones influence the maturation and differentiation of the brain. In this work, we evaluated the effect of BPA administration during the juvenile stage (PND 21-50) on anxiety in male and female rats. Newly weaned Wistar rats were treated with BPA (0, 50, or 500 µg/kg/day) for 30 days. To compare the intra- and inter-sex behavioral profiles, rats were evaluated using four different anxiety models: the Open field test (OFT), the Elevated plus maze (EPM), the Light-dark box test (LDBT), and the Defensive burying test (DBT). Males exhibited a clear-cut anxious profile at both doses in all four tests, while no clear behavioral effect of BPA exposure was observed in female rats. The latter showed an altered estrous cycle that initiated earlier in life and had a shorter duration, with the estrous phase predominating. Moreover, the expression of ESR1, ESR2, GABRA1, GRIN1, GR, MR, and AR genes increased in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of male rats treated with 50 µg/kg, but not in females. Our results indicate that BPA consistently induces a higher anxiety profile in male than in female rats, as evidenced predominantly by an increase in passive-coping behaviors and changes in brain gene expression, highlighting the importance of sex in peripubertal behavioral toxicology studies.

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The development of novel cancer therapeutic strategies has garnered increasing interest in cancer research. Among the therapeutic choices, chemosensitizers have shown exciting prospects. Peptides are an attractive alternative among the molecules that may be used as chemosensitizers. We rationally designed a new-to-nature peptide, nurP28, derived from the 22-kDa α-zein protein sequence (entry Q00919_MAIZE). The resultant sequence of the nurP28 peptide after the addition of arginine residues was LALLALLRLRRRATTAFIIP, and we added acetyl and amide groups at the N- and C-terminus, respectively, for capping. We evaluated the cytotoxicity of the nurP28 peptide alone and in combination with docetaxel in fibroblast monolayers and breast cancer monolayers and spheroids. Our results indicated that nurP28 is not cytotoxic to human fibroblasts or cancer cells. Nevertheless, when combined with 1 µM docetaxel, 3 ng/mL nurP28 induced equivalent (in MCF7 monolayers) and higher (in MCF7 spheroids) cytotoxic effects than 10-fold higher doses of docetaxel alone. These findings suggest that nurP28 may act as a chemosensitizer in breast cancer treatment. This study describes the enhancing "anti-cancer" effects of nurP28 in breast cancer 2D and 3D cultures treated with docetaxel. Further studies should explore the mechanisms underlying these effects and assess the clinical potential of our findings using animal models.

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Background: The role of liver function tests (LFT) as prognostic factors in patients admitted with COVID-19 has not been fully investigated, particularly outside resource-rich countries. We aimed at evaluating the prognostic value of abnormal LFT on admission and during hospitalization of patients with COVID-19. Methods: We performed a retrospective study that included 298 adult patients hospitalized for COVID-19, between 05/2020 and 02/2021, in 6 hospitals from 5 countries in South America. We analyzed demographic and comorbid variables and laboratory tests on admission and during hospitalization. LFT over twice the upper limit of normal (ALEx2) were also evaluated in relation to a variety of factors on admission and during hospitalization. De novo-ALEx2 was defined as the presence of ALEx2 at one week of hospitalization in patients without ALEx2 on admission. Patients were followed until hospital discharge or death. Multivariable analysis was used to evaluate the association between ALEx2 on admission and during hospitalization and mortality. Results: Of the total of 298 patients, 60% were male, with a mean age of 60 years, and 74% of patients had at least one comorbidity. Of those, 137 (46%) patients were transferred to the intensive care unit and 66 (22.1%) patients died during hospitalization. ALEx2 on admission was present in 87 (29.2%) patients and was found to be independently associated with 1-week mortality (odds ratio (OR) = 3.55; 95% confidence interval (95%CI) 1.05-12.05). Moreover, 84 (39.8%) out of 211 patients without ALEx2 at admission developed de novo-ALEx2, which was independently associated with mortality during second week of hospitalization (OR = 6.09; 95%CI 1.28-29) and overall mortality (OR = 2.93, 95%CI 1.05-8.19). Conclusions: A moderate elevation of LFT during admission was associated with a poor short-term prognosis in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. In addition, moderate elevation of LFT at one week of hospitalization was an independent risk factor for overall mortality in these patients.

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In this study, we characterized three novel peptides derived from the 19 kDa α-zein, and determined their bioactive profile in vitro and developed a structural model in silico. The peptides, 19ZP1, 19ZP2 and 19ZP3, formed α-helical structures and had positive and negative electrostatic potential surfaces (range of -1 to +1). According to the in silico algorithms, the peptides displayed low probabilities for cytotoxicity (≤0.05%), cell penetration (10-33%) and antioxidant activities (9-12.5%). Instead, they displayed a 40% probability for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. For in vitro characterization, peptides were synthesized by solid phase synthesis and tested accordingly. We assumed α-helical structures for 19ZP1 and 19ZP2 under hydrophobic conditions. The peptides displayed antioxidant activity and ACE-inhibitory activity, with 19ZP1 being the most active. Our results highlight that the 19 kDa α-zein sequences could be explored as a source of bioactive peptides, and indicate that in silico approaches are useful to predict peptide bioactivities, but more structural analysis is necessary to obtain more accurate data.

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OBJECTIVE: To understand the perceptions of pregnant women about the care received during prenatal care, in the field of primary health care. METHOD: Qualitative study, based on Grounded Theory. Data collection was performed from August to December 2016, through a semi-structured interview with 12 pregnant women who received prenatal care in the city of Florianópolis/SC/Brazil. Data collection and analysis were performed concomitantly. Data analysis was performed using open and axial coding. RESULTS: Three categories were elaborated: Care before and during gestation, Participation in groups of pregnant women, and Quality care during pregnancy. CONCLUSION: The perceptions of the pregnant women about the care received during the prenatal care is related to the care given, humanized reception, consideration of the pregnant woman's subjectivity and support in the difficult moments that make this period satisfactory.

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Las alteraciones del cuerpo calloso tienen una prevalencia en general de 1 por 1.000 nacidos vivos, estas alteraciones se encuentran en un 2-3 % de los niños con discapacidad o alteraciones del neurodesarrollo. Dentro de estos trastornos se incluyen la agenesia, la disgenesia, la hipoplasia y la hiperplasia. Debido a que estas alteraciones se asocian en un gran porcentaje con diferentes anomalías cerebrales y síndromes es relevante realizar un adecuado abordaje diagnóstico prenatal. Existen varios signos clave en la ecografía prenatal que permiten determinar si existe alguna alteración en el cuerpo calloso. La resonancia magnética se indica en casos de sospecha de alguna alteración en la ecografía prenatal y permite evaluar de manera más específica si existe alguna anomalía cerebral adicional. Esto es importante para determinar el pronóstico neurológico y realizar intervenciones oportunas.

Alterations of the corpus callosum have a general prevalence of 1/1,000 live births, and are found in 2-3% of children with developmental disabilities. These disabilities include agenesis, dysgenesis, hypoplasia and hyperplasia. Because these alterations are associated in a large percentage to different brain anomalies and syndromes, it is relevant to perform an adequate prenatal diagnostic approach. There are several key signs in the prenatal ultrasound that determine if there is any alteration in the corpus callosum. Magnetic resonance is indicated in cases of suspected anomalies in the prenatal ultrasound, and it can also evaluate more specifically if an additional cerebral anomaly is present. This is important because it allows to determine the neurological prognosis and to perform promptly interventions.

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Resumo OBJETIVO Compreender as percepções das gestantes acerca do cuidado recebido durante o pré-natal, no âmbito da atenção primária à saúde. MÉTODO Estudo qualitativo, baseado na Grounded Theory. A coleta de dados foi realizada de agosto a dezembro de 2016, através de entrevista semiestruturada com 12 gestantes que realizaram acompanhamento pré-natal na atenção primária do município de Florianópolis/SC/Brasil. A coleta e análise dos dados foram realizadas concomitantemente. Na análise de dados utilizou-se a codificação aberta e axial. RESULTADOS Foram elaboradas três categorias, sendo elas: O cuidado antes e durante a gestação. Participação em grupos de gestantes e, Cuidado de qualidade durante a gestação. CONCLUSÃO As percepções das gestantes acerca do cuidado recebido durante o pré-natal estão relacionadas à atenção dispensada, ao acolhimento humanizado, consideração da subjetividade da gestante e amparo nos momentos difíceis que tornam este período satisfatório.

Resumen OBJETIVO Comprender las percepciones de las gestantes acerca del cuidado recibido durante el prenatal, en el ámbito de la atención primaria a la salud. MÉTODO Estudio cualitativo, basado en la Grounded Theory. La recolección de datos fue realizada de agosto a diciembre de 2016, a través de entrevista semiestructurada con 12 gestantes en la atención primaria a la salud del municipio de Florianópolis/SC/Brasil. La recolección y análisis de los datos se realizaron concomitantemente. En el análisis de datos se utilizó la codificación abierta y axial. RESULTADOS Fueron elaboradas tres categorías, siendo ellas: El cuidado antes y durante la gestación, Participación en grupos de gestantes y, Cuidado de calidad durante la gestación. CONCLUSIÓN Las percepciones de las gestantes acerca del cuidado recibido durante el prenatal están relacionadas la atención dispensada, acogida humanizada, consideración de la subjetividad de la gestante y amparo en los momentos difíciles que hacen este período satisfactorio.

Abstract OBJECTIVE To understand the perceptions of pregnant women about the care received during prenatal care, in the field of primary health care. METHOD Qualitative study, based on Grounded Theory. Data collection was performed from August to December 2016, through a semi-structured interview with 12 pregnant women who received prenatal care in the city of Florianópolis/SC/Brazil. Data collection and analysis were performed concomitantly. Data analysis was performed using open and axial coding. RESULTS Three categories were elaborated: Care before and during gestation, Participation in groups of pregnant women, and Quality care during pregnancy. CONCLUSION The perceptions of the pregnant women about the care received during the prenatal care is related to the care given, humanized reception, consideration of the pregnant woman's subjectivity and support in the difficult moments that make this period satisfactory.

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A total number of 609 bulk-tank milk controls on a dairy sheep farm in Spain were used to determine how weather affects milk production in sheep, related to lambing period and lactation phase. Data from individuals were assigned to one of five lactation periods based on the timing of lambing: FEB (n=124); APR (n=141); JUL (n=114); SEP (n=102), and NOV (n=128). Milk yield per ewe per day was calculated as total milk volume/number of ewes milked. Lactation was divided into three phases: Early-lactation (from lambing to month 2), Mid-lactation (from month 3 to 7), and Late-lactation (month 8). Milk yield per ewe was higher (P<0.01) in SEP than in FEB, APR, or NOV; production peaked in JUL and was lowest in FEB. In lactations initiated in JUL and SEP, milk yield per ewe per day was higher (P<0.05) in early lactation than it was in the other lambing periods; however, in APR and SEP, per ewe production was highest (P<0.01) in mid-lactation. Milk yield in each of the five lambing periods was significantly (P=0.001) associated with several meteorological variables, and the strongest (R2 =0.732) was with solar radiation and minimum temperature in the APR lactation period. In all lactation periods, the relationship between milk yield and weather differed among the three phases of lactation. In conclusion, the effects of meteorological conditions on milk yield in sheep cannot be understood without assessing production among milking periods in the same year and the phases of lactation, especially if milking periods are long.

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A total number of 609 bulk-tank milk controls on a dairy sheep farm in Spain were used to determine how weather affects milk production in sheep, related to lambing period and lactation phase. Data from individuals were assigned to one of five lactation periods based on the timing of lambing: FEB (n=124); APR (n=141); JUL (n=114); SEP (n=102), and NOV (n=128). Milk yield per ewe per day was calculated as total milk volume/number of ewes milked. Lactation was divided into three phases: Early-lactation (from lambing to month 2), Mid-lactation (from month 3 to 7), and Late-lactation (month 8). Milk yield per ewe was higher (P<0.01) in SEP than in FEB, APR, or NOV; production peaked in JUL and was lowest in FEB. In lactations initiated in JUL and SEP, milk yield per ewe per day was higher (P<0.05) in early lactation than it was in the other lambing periods; however, in APR and SEP, per ewe production was highest (P<0.01) in mid-lactation. Milk yield in each of the five lambing periods was significantly (P=0.001) associated with several meteorological variables, and the strongest (R2 =0.732) was with solar radiation and minimum temperature in the APR lactation period. In all lactation periods, the relationship between milk yield and weather differed among the three phases of lactation. In conclusion, the effects of meteorological conditions on milk yield in sheep cannot be understood without assessing production among milking periods in the same year and the phases of lactation, especially if milking periods are long.(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous fistulas secondary to gunshot wounds have been increasing due to military activities, with endovascular treatment showing better results in haemodynamically stable patients. CLINICAL CASE: A 16 year-old male with diagnosis of femoral arteriovenous fistula in the left lower extremity was admitted to general surgery for endovascular management. A procedure with stent was performed without complications, and is currently on anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment. CONCLUSION: Arteriovenous fistulas under the inguinal region can be safely treated with endovascular treatment (embolisation or stent) on stable patients. The objective of this therapy is to close the defect between artery and vein. This is the case of a patient with great results due to endovascular treatment, decreasing complications of the surgical treatment.

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In plants triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) interconverts glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate (G3P) and dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) during glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the Calvin-Benson cycle. The nuclear genome of land plants encodes two tpi genes, one gene product is located in the cytoplasm and the other is imported into the chloroplast. Herein we report the crystal structures of the TPIs from the vascular plant Arabidopsis thaliana (AtTPIs) and address their enzymatic modulation by redox agents. Cytoplasmic TPI (cTPI) and chloroplast TPI (pdTPI) share more than 60% amino acid identity and assemble as (ß-α)8 dimers with high structural homology. cTPI and pdTPI harbor two and one accessible thiol groups per monomer respectively. cTPI and pdTPI present a cysteine at an equivalent structural position (C13 and C15 respectively) and cTPI also contains a specific solvent accessible cysteine at residue 218 (cTPI-C218). Site directed mutagenesis of residues pdTPI-C15, cTPI-C13, and cTPI-C218 to serine substantially decreases enzymatic activity, indicating that the structural integrity of these cysteines is necessary for catalysis. AtTPIs exhibit differential responses to oxidative agents, cTPI is susceptible to oxidative agents such as diamide and H2O2, whereas pdTPI is resistant to inhibition. Incubation of AtTPIs with the sulfhydryl conjugating reagents methylmethane thiosulfonate (MMTS) and glutathione inhibits enzymatic activity. However, the concentration necessary to inhibit pdTPI is at least two orders of magnitude higher than the concentration needed to inhibit cTPI. Western-blot analysis indicates that residues cTPI-C13, cTPI-C218, and pdTPI-C15 conjugate with glutathione. In summary, our data indicate that AtTPIs could be redox regulated by the derivatization of specific AtTPI cysteines (cTPI-C13 and pdTPI-C15 and cTPI-C218). Since AtTPIs have evolved by gene duplication, the higher resistance of pdTPI to redox agents may be an adaptive consequence to the redox environment in the chloroplast.

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El estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar una revisión teórica acerca de las pautas de crianza, los diferentes tipos de autoridad y la relación de estas con la aparición de conductas criminales en la adultez, para así aportar conocimientos a la comprensión de las posibles causas de la conducta criminal, las cuales han sido un fenómeno ampliamente estudiado. Para ello se realizó una revisión de la literatura de los últimos seis años en las bases de datos Science Direct, Ebsco, Redalyc y Scopus, y se encontró que si bien en el desarrollo de las conductas criminales convergen diversos elementos, los estilos de crianza, autoritarios, negligentes o demasiado permisivos, son uno de los factores explicativos de tipo ambiental más importantes del surgimiento de este tipo de conductas. Al finalizar se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados en la construcción de programas de intervención y rehabilitación.

The objective of this study was to carry out a theoretical review about childrearing and upbringing, the different types of authority and their relationship with the emergence of criminal conducts in adulthood, in order to contribute some knowledge to the understanding of the possible causes of criminal behavior as a widely studied phenomenon. For this purpose, through a review of the literature produced in the past six years in the Science Direct, Ebsco, Redalyc and Scopus databases, it was found that although diverse elements converge in the development and evolution of criminal conducts, it has to be said that childrearing and upbringing styles either authoritarian or overly permissive are among the main explanatory factors of the environmental type that bear more relevance in the occurrence of this kind of conducts. At the conclusion of the study, the implications of these results in the building of intervention and rehabilitation programs are discussed

O estudo teve como o objetivo realizar uma revisão teórica sobre as diretrizes de criação, os tipos diferentes da autoridade e a relação dessas com a aparência de condutas criminosas na idade adulta, para contribuir o conhecimento à compreensão das causas possíveis da conduta criminal, que foram um fenômeno estudado extensamente. Para isso, uma revisão da literatura dos últimos seis anos foi feita nos bancos de dados Science Direct, Ebsco, Redalyc e Scopus, e encontrou-se que embora no desenvolvimento de condutas criminais os elementos diversos convergissem, os estilos da criação, autoritários, negligentes ou demasiado permissivos, são um dos fatores explicativos do tipo ambiental mais importantes do surgimento deste tipo de condutas. Ao finalizar, as implicações destes resultados são discutidas na construção de programas da intervenção e reabilitação

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Abstract This study reviewed the evidence that assessed the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and/or gestational weight gain and offspring body composition in childhood. A systematic review was conducted. Cohort studies, case-control studies and randomized controlled trials measuring offspring body composition by indirect methods were included. Meta-analyses of the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on offspring fat-free mass, body fat percent, and fat mass were conducted through random-effects models. 20 studies were included, most of which reported a positive association of pre-pregnancy BMI with offspring body fat. Standardized mean differences in body fat percent, fat mass and fat-free mass between infants of women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI and those of overweight/obese women were 0.31 percent points (95%CI: 0.19; 0.42), 0.38kg (95%CI: 0.26; 0.50), and 0.18kg (95%CI: -0.07; 0.42), respectively. Evidence so far suggests that pre-pregnancy maternal overweight is associated with higher offspring adiposity.

Resumen Esta revisión evaluó la asociación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC) pregestacional y/o el aumento de peso gestacional con la composición corporal de los hijos en la infancia. Se realizó una revisión sistemática. Se incluyeron estudios de cohorte, caso-control y ensayos randomizados, que determinaron la composición corporal de los hijos mediante métodos indirectos. Se realizaron metaanálisis del efecto del IMC pregestacional sobre la masa libre de grasa, porcentaje de grasa corporal y masa de grasa. Se incluyeron 18 estudios, la mayoría de los cuales reportó asociación positiva entre el IMC materno pregestacional y la adiposidad de los hijos. Las diferencias de medias padronizadas de porcentaje de grasa corporal, masa de grasa y masa libre de grasa entre hijos de mujeres con IMC pregestacional normal, en comparación con los de mujeres con sobrepeso/obesidad fueron: 0,31 puntos porcentuales (IC95%: 0,19; 0,42), 0,38kg (IC95%: 0,26; 0,50) y 0,18kg (IC95%: -0,07; 0,42), respectivamente. Esta evidencia sugiere que el sobrepeso materno pregestacional se asocia con una elevada adiposidad en sus hijos.

Resumo Esta revisão avaliou a associação entre o índice de massa corporal (IMC) pré-gestacional e/ou ganho de peso gestacional com a composição corporal dos filhos na infância. Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada. Estudos de coorte, caso-controle e ensaios randomizados, que determinaram a composição corporal dos filhos mediante métodos indiretos, foram incluídos. Meta-análises do efeito do IMC pré-gestacional sobre a massa livre de gordura, percentual de gordura corporal e massa gorda foram realizados. Incluiu-se 18 estudos, a maioria dos quais reportou associação positiva entre o IMC materno pré-gestacional e adiposidade dos filhos. As diferenças de médias padronizadas de percentual de gordura corporal, massa gorda e massa livre de gordura entre filhos de mulheres com IMC pré-gestacional normal em comparação com os de mulheres com sobrepeso/obesidade foram: 0,31 pontos percentuais (IC95%: 0,19; 0,42), 0,38kg (IC95%: 0,26; 0,50) e 0,18kg (IC95%: -0,07; 0,42), respectivamente. Esta evidência sugere que o sobrepeso materno pré-gestacional está associado com a elevada adiposidade em seus filhos.

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This study reviewed the evidence that assessed the association between maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and/or gestational weight gain and offspring body composition in childhood. A systematic review was conducted. Cohort studies, case-control studies and randomized controlled trials measuring offspring body composition by indirect methods were included. Meta-analyses of the effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on offspring fat-free mass, body fat percent, and fat mass were conducted through random-effects models. 20 studies were included, most of which reported a positive association of pre-pregnancy BMI with offspring body fat. Standardized mean differences in body fat percent, fat mass and fat-free mass between infants of women with normal pre-pregnancy BMI and those of overweight/obese women were 0.31 percent points (95%CI: 0.19; 0.42), 0.38 kg (95%CI: 0.26; 0.50), and 0.18 kg (95%CI: -0.07; 0.42), respectively. Evidence so far suggests that pre-pregnancy maternal overweight is associated with higher offspring adiposity.

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