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Gullies are significant contributors to soil degradation in several regions of Brazil, including Minas Gerais, where erosion processes have caused soil loss. The characterization of erosion processes is crucial for the application of measures for recovering degraded areas and reducing erosion impacts. This study models soil loss with the use of InVEST software and assesses the impact of three different scenarios, namely (1) implementation of soil conservation practices and replacement of pasture areas for temporary agriculture, (2) reforestation of pasture areas, and (3) preservation of ciliary forests. Soil loss, sediment exportation, retention, and deposition for the present scenario (2019), as well as the three aforementioned hypothetical scenarios, were estimated. In the present scenario, the estimated mean annual soil loss was 2.75 t/ha year, with 1,449.54 t/year sediment exportation, 9,042.13 t/year retention, and 1,449.54 t/year deposition. The model predicted scenario 1 would result in 2.23 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,300.59 t/year sediment exportation, 9,191.08 t/year retention, and 11,755.76 t/year deposition. Scenario 2 showed 1.92 t/ha year mean annual soil loss, 1,046.69 t/year sediment exportation, 9,444.98 t/year retention, and 10,229.77 t/year deposition, whereas the results for scenario 3 were 2.36 t/ha year, 616.65 t/year, 9,862.06 t/year, and 13,206.47 t/year, respectively. Reforestation and preservation of ciliary forests, along with soil conservation practices, were effective measures for reducing soil loss. Such findings are valuable for the management of areas degraded by erosion processes.
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Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Solo , Brasil , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais/métodos , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Agricultura/métodosRESUMO
The concurrent impacts of multiple disturbances have the potential to modify ecosystem functioning by diminishing recovery capacity and resilience. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain how plant species from tropical communities respond to the cumulative effects of drought and fire. In this study, we evaluated the responses of six plant species from campos rupestres subjected to a mild drought followed by fire and tested if plants subjected to simulated drought show reductions in carbon uptake and depletion of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) reserves, thus constraining their resprouting. We monitored monthly variations in leaf gas exchange and aboveground biomass over 18 months. Subsequently, an accidental fire occurred in the study area, leading us to collect samples of belowground structures for NSC analyses on the day of the burn. There were no differences in the frequency of resprouting between the above two conditions. Additionally, gas exchange in most species either remained stable or increased after the fire. Drought had no adverse effects on NSC reserves in the belowground structures and may have contributed to species resprouting after fire. The impact of drought pre-conditions on post-fire aboveground biomass was generally minor for most species, except Vellozia nivea, which displayed roughly a 5% reduction in biomass following the drought. Our findings highlight the remarkable resilience of campos rupestres species, even after enduring 18 months of reduced water availability and an unintended fire event. These species demonstrated the capacity to maintain their physiological functions and resprouting capacities after a fire event, underscoring their strong recovery potential.
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BACKGROUND: Studies try to explain the hypothesis that maternal periodontitis may be associated with preterm birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a case-control study with 120, 40 cases (gestational age <37 weeks) and 80 controls (gestational age ≥37 weeks), that were submitted to the clinical periodontal examination and subgingival biofilm collection. Bacterial DNA of subgingival biofilm was performed and processed by qPCR. RESULTS: Periodontitis was statistically significant in the Case group (35%) when compared to the Control group (11.2%) and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), sites with PS ≥ 4mm and sites with CAL ≥ 5mm were statistically higher in the Case group (p < 0.05). The proportions of Pi (p = 0.026) and Fn (p = 0.041) of subgingival biofilm were higher in the Case group. A greater number of sites with PS ≥ 4mm (r = -0.202; p = 0.026) and CAL ≥ 5mm (r = -0.322; p < 0.001) were correlated to lower gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis, preterm delivery, and/or low birth weight may have a possible relationship based on clinical parameters and the ratio of Pi and Fn at periodontal sites.
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Periodontite , Nascimento Prematuro , Recém-Nascido , Humanos , Feminino , Lactente , Fusobacterium nucleatum , Prevotella , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Periodontite/complicaçõesRESUMO
BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of intra-alveolar administration of dexamethasone 4 mg in the control of edema, trismus, and pain resulting from the extraction of impacted lower third molars and the drug permeability through the oral mucosa by in silico prediction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial included patients who had both impacted lower third molars in equivalent positions. Hemiarches were divided into control side when dexamethasone was administered orally and experimental side when dexamethasone was administered using the intra-alveolar route. Patients were evaluated considering edema, trismus, and pain. The permeability of dexamethasone through the oral mucosa was assessed by in silico prediction. Student's t-test was selected for comparative analysis of edema and trismus, and the chi-square test analyzed the distribution of postoperative pain between the sides. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the routes of administration in measuring symptoms between the pre and postoperative times (p>0.05). In silico prediction suggested that dexamethasone molecular characteristics facilitate intra-alveolar administration. CONCLUSIONS: Intra-alveolar administration had similar efficacy to oral administration in controlling symptoms of post-surgical inflammation of impacted lower third molars.
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Dente Serotino , Dente Impactado , Dexametasona , Método Duplo-Cego , Edema/etiologia , Edema/prevenção & controle , Humanos , Dente Serotino/cirurgia , Dor Pós-Operatória/tratamento farmacológico , Dor Pós-Operatória/prevenção & controle , Extração Dentária/efeitos adversos , Dente Impactado/cirurgia , Trismo/etiologia , Trismo/prevenção & controleRESUMO
Renal hyperparathyroidism stands out among the complications of kidney disease in dogs due to phosphorus retention with a predisposition to hypocalcemia, parathyroid hormone stimulation with mobilization of calcium from the bones, characterizing fibrous osteodystrophy, unusual in the elderly. The objective was to report it in 12-year-old Labrador with polyuria, polydipsia, and emesis for five months due to maxillary and mandibular volume increase, followed by loosely fixed teeth, and facial deformity. Blood tests showed anemia, thrombocytosis, azotemia, hypoalbuminemia and hyperphosphatemia and urinalysis showed low density, glycosuria, proteinuria, and moderate caudate and transitional epithelial cells. Oral x-rays showed loss of dental bone support and decreased bone radiopacity. Chest radiographs showed decreased density in the ribs and costochondral junction; on the other hand, organs of the cardiorespiratory system showed no changes. The electrocardiogram and echocardiogram did not show impairment. Abdominal ultrasound revealed kidneys with asymmetry, increased echogenicity of the cortical and poorly preserved cortico-medullary definition. Oral histopathology showed intense fibroplasia associated with bone reabsorption. Support therapy was instituted, but the patient died ten days after consultation. Thus, although uncommon in the elderly, fibrous osteodystrophy should be investigated in dogs with advanced-stage chronic kidney disease and, even with conservative therapies, the prognosis is unfavorable.
O hiperparatireoidismo renal destaca-se entre as complicações da doença renal em cães, pela retenção de fósforo com predisposição à hipocalcemia, estimulação de paratormônio com mobilização do cálcio dos ossos, caracterizando a osteodistrofia fibrosa, incomum em idosos. O objetivo foi relatá-la em Labrador de 12 anos com poliúria, polidipsia e vômitos há cinco meses, além de aumento de volume maxilar e mandibular seguido de dentes frouxamente fixados e deformidade facial. Os exames sanguíneos denotaram anemia, trombocitose, azotemia, hipoalbuminemia, hiperfosfatemia, urinálise, baixa densidade, glicosúria, proteinúria e moderadas células caudadas e epiteliais de transição. Pelos raios X orais, houve perda da sustentação óssea dentária e diminuição da radiopacidade óssea. As radiografias de tórax demonstraram diminuição da densidade óssea na região dos arcos costais e junção costocondral; em contrapartida, órgãos do sistema cardiorrespiratório se mostraram sem alterações aparentes. O eletrocardiograma e o ecocardiograma não incidiram comprometimento. O ultrassom abdominal revelou rins com assimetria, aumento da ecogenicidade cortical e definição corticomedular pouco preservada, e a histopatologia oral apontou intensa fibroplasia associada à reabsorção óssea. Foi instituída terapia suporte, mas o paciente veio a óbito 10 dias após a consulta. Assim, mesmo que incomum em idosos, a osteodistrofia fibrosa deve ser investigada em cães com doença renal crônica em estágio avançado, mesmo com as terapias conservadoras, o prognóstico é desfavorável.
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Animais , Masculino , Cães , Distúrbio Mineral e Ósseo na Doença Renal Crônica/veterinária , Hiperfosfatemia/veterinária , Hipocalcemia/veterinária , Mandíbula/patologia , Ultrassonografia/veterinária , Insuficiência Renal Crônica/complicaçõesRESUMO
Nicotine is an endocrine disruptor and imprinting factor during breastfeeding that can cause food intake imbalance in the adulthood. As nicotine affects the intestinal microbiota, altering the composition of the bacterial communities and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) synthesis in a sex-dependent manner, we hypothesized that nicotine could program the gut-brain axis, consequently modifying the eating pattern of adult male and female rats in a model of maternal nicotine exposure (MNE) during breastfeeding. Lactating Wistar rat dams received minipumps that release 6 mg/kg/day of nicotine (MNE group) or saline for 14 days. The progeny received standard diet from weaning until euthanasia (26 weeks of age). We measured: in vivo electrical activity of the vagus nerve; c-Fos expression in the nucleus tractus solitarius, gastrointestinal peptides receptors, intestinal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), SCFAs and microbiota. MNE females showed hyperphagia despite normal adiposity, while MNE males had unchanged food intake, despite obesity. Adult MNE offspring showed decreased Bacteroidetes and increased Firmicutes, Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria. MNE females had lower fecal acetate while MNE males showed higher vagus nerve activity. In summary nicotine exposure through the milk induces long-term intestinal dysbiosis, which may affect eating patterns of adult offspring in a sex-dependent manner.
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Eixo Encéfalo-Intestino/efeitos dos fármacos , Comportamento Alimentar/fisiologia , Nicotina/toxicidade , Efeitos Tardios da Exposição Pré-Natal/induzido quimicamente , Animais , Disbiose/induzido quimicamente , Disbiose/microbiologia , Feminino , Lactação/fisiologia , Masculino , Gravidez , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
The present report describes a case of conjoined twins of the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus deradelphous type in cats. A feline female was transferred to our veterinary hospital as an emergency for dystocic labor. The stillborn was subjected to radiographic evaluation, and a single skull and two complete distinct vertebral columns were found. Anatomopathological examination revealed that the twins presented the head, chest, and umbilicus as the main points of union and were classified as the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus type. In addition, the twins had unique and well-developed faces, which allowed them to be classified as deradelphous. This malformation is rare in domestic animals, and to the best of our knowledge, this type has not been reported in felines. Further studies are warranted on this embryonic alteration, primarily because its etiology remains unknown.(AU)
O presente relato descreve um caso de gêmeos siameses do tipo cefalotoraconfalopago deradelfo em gatos. Uma fêmea felina foi atendida na emergência do hospital veterinário em trabalho de parto distócico. Os natimortos foram encaminhados para avaliação radiográfica e constatou-se que apresentavam um único crânio e duas colunas vertebrais completas e distintas. O exame anatomopatológico evidenciou que os gêmeos possuíam cabeça, tórax e umbigo como principais pontos de união, sendo classificados como cefalotoraconfalopago. Além disso, os gêmeos apresentaram face única e bem desenvolvida, o que permitiu classificá-los como deradelfos. Esse tipo de malformação é raro em animais domésticos, e não foi encontrado nenhum trabalho em felino com a mesma classificação do presente relato. Há necessidade de mais estudos sobre essa alteração embrionária, pois a etiologia do processo ainda não foi esclarecida.(AU)
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Animais , Gatos , Gêmeos Unidos , Gatos/anormalidades , Gatos/embriologia , Anormalidades Congênitas/veterinária , Gemelação EmbrionáriaRESUMO
Tobacco smoke during gestation is associated with increased consumption of palatable foods by the offspring in humans and rats. Postpartum relapse is observed in lactating women who quit smoking during pregnancy, putting their children at risk of adverse health outcomes caused by secondhand smoke. Nicotine is transferred through milk and alters the dopaminergic reward system of adult male rats, reducing dopamine action in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Here, we evaluated the long-term effects of nicotine-only exposure during lactation on eating behavior, anxiety, locomotion, dopaminergic system, hypothalamic leptin signaling and nicotinic receptor in the adult female rat progeny. Two days after birth (PN2), Wistar rat dams were separated into control and nicotine (Nic) groups for implantation of osmotic minipumps that released respectively saline or 6 mg/kg nicotine. Lactating dams were kept with 6 pups. After weaning (PN21; nicotine withdrawal), only the female offspring were studied. Euthanasia occurred at PN180. Nic females showed hyperphagia, preference for a high-sucrose diet, increased anxiety-like behavior, lower tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), lower dopamine transporter and higher dopamine receptor (Drd2) in NAc; lower Drd1 in prefrontal cortex and lower TH in dorsal striatum (DS). These animals showed changes that can explain their hyperphagia, such as: lower leptin signaling pathway (Leprb, pJAK2, pSTAT3) and Chrna7 expression in hypothalamus. Neonatal nicotine exposure affects the brain reward system of the female progeny differently from males, mainly decreasing dopamine production in NAc and DS. Therefore, Nic females are more susceptible to develop food addiction and obesity.
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Dopamina , Lactação , Animais , Comportamento Alimentar , Feminino , Masculino , Nicotina/toxicidade , Ratos , Ratos WistarRESUMO
PURPOSE: It is postulated that patients with different types of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) may present a higher incidence of cancer. Factors underlying individuals becoming overweight, such as insulin resistance, hyperleptinemia, and low-grade inflammation, may play a role in the risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in such patients. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of and obesity-related risk factors associated with DTC in patients with PitNETs. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 149 patients with nonacromegalic PitNETs (AG group), 71 patients with acromegaly (ACRO group), and 156 controls (CG group). All participants underwent insulin and blood glucose measurements with the determination of the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, leptin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and they also underwent thyroid ultrasound. Clinically significant nodules were biopsied for subsequent cytopathological evaluation, and participants were operated on when indicated. RESULTS: Patients in the AG group had high levels of insulin resistance and significantly higher levels of leptin and hsCRP compared with those of patients in the ACRO group. There were no cases of DTC in the AG group; two findings, one incidental, of DTC occurred in the CG group, and three cases of DTC were present in the ACRO group. Acromegaly was associated with DTC after adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings in patients with nonacromegalic PitNETs do not indicate a high risk for DTC despite the presence of metabolic and inflammatory risk factors for neoplastic events. In contrast, acromegaly promotes a greater risk of DTC.
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Adenocarcinoma/etiologia , Fatores de Risco Cardiometabólico , Inflamação/complicações , Tumores Neuroendócrinos/complicações , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/complicações , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/etiologia , Acromegalia/complicações , Acromegalia/epidemiologia , Acromegalia/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma/epidemiologia , Adenocarcinoma/metabolismo , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Glicemia/metabolismo , Brasil/epidemiologia , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Incidência , Inflamação/epidemiologia , Inflamação/metabolismo , Insulina/metabolismo , Resistência à Insulina/fisiologia , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Tumores Neuroendócrinos/epidemiologia , Tumores Neuroendócrinos/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/epidemiologia , Neoplasias Hipofisárias/metabolismo , Fatores de Risco , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/epidemiologia , Neoplasias da Glândula Tireoide/metabolismo , Adulto JovemRESUMO
Viruses are associated with several human diseases that infect a large number of individuals, hence directly affecting global health and economy. Owing to the lack of efficient vaccines, antiviral therapy and emerging resistance strains, many viruses are considered as a potential threat to public health. Therefore, researches have been developed to identify new drug candidates for future treatments. Among them, antiviral research based on natural molecules is a promising approach. Phospholipases A2 (PLA2s) isolated from snake venom have shown significant antiviral activity against some viruses such as Dengue virus, Human Immunodeficiency virus, Hepatitis C virus and Yellow fever virus, and have emerged as an attractive alternative strategy for the development of novel antiviral therapy. Thus, this review provides an overview of remarkable findings involving PLA2s from snake venom that possess antiviral activity, and discusses the mechanisms of action mediated by PLA2s against different stages of virus replication cycle. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were performed by interacting between phospholipids from Dengue virus envelope and PLA2s from Bothrops asper snake venom. Studies on snake venom PLA2s highlight the potential use of these proteins for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs.
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Antivirais/farmacologia , Fosfolipases A2/farmacologia , Venenos de Serpentes/enzimologia , Serpentes/metabolismo , Animais , Vírus da Dengue/efeitos dos fármacos , Farmacorresistência Viral/efeitos dos fármacos , HIV/efeitos dos fármacos , Hepacivirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Proteínas de Répteis/farmacologia , Vírus da Febre Amarela/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
Soil erosion affects agricultural production by reducing the area of rural properties and altering the dynamics of watersheds. Gullies are a complex and irregular type of erosion form that can reach large dimensions, and studying gullies to stabilize erosion processes is a challenge. This study aims to understand their environmental relationships as a basis for future research and to recover land degraded by soil erosion. We combined mapping techniques using geographic information system (GIS) with temporal evolution of land use and fractal dimensions of gullies using FracLac to determine the stability of gullies in a watershed in south Minas Gerais (Brazil). We used R software to apply linear regressions and tested the statistics to verify the compatibility of the model. Environmental characteristics of the watershed contribute to the formation of gullies, but human activities influence the deflagration of these features. The temporal evolution of the land use demonstrated that nearly 50% of the watershed was used as pastures throughout the years, which contributed to soil degradation. The evolution of the fractal dimension showed fluctuations over the years, indicating that the gullies are not stable. The regressions suggest that the vegetation, geology, land use, channel order, and curvature may influence the fractal dimensions of gullies. We concluded that human activity influences the evolution of gullies; the use of techniques such as vegetation measures can contribute to the stabilization of gullies. We also concluded that fractal analysis is an interesting tool for performing environmental evaluations of irregular and complex features, such as gullies.
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Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Sistemas de Informação Geográfica , Brasil , Monitoramento Ambiental , Fractais , SoloRESUMO
To evaluate differences in dietary habits among women with breast cancer versus healthy controls. We conducted a case-control study with 160 women with and without cancer, pairing 1:1. Socio-demographic variables and food consumption were investigated through three food recalls, which was corrected for energy variation using the residual method. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov- Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two-Sample tests and calculating odds ratios with level of significance of p<0.05. The majority (87.5%) of women with breast cancer did not follow dietary recommendations. Women with breast cancer (cases) had higher odds of not following dietary recommendations compared to controls (OR= 3.37, 95%CI= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Regarding consumption of micro and macronutrients, breast cancer patients had increased odds of insufficient vitamin A intake compared to controls (OR= 2.46, 95%CI= 1.19-5.05, p<0.01). The results suggest the women with breast cancer are more likely to not follow dietary recommendation and have insufficient consumption of vitamin A compared to women without breast cancer.
Evaluar diferencias en los hábitos alimentarios de mujeres con cáncer de mama y mujeres normales. Estudio de casos y controles con 160 mujeres con y sin cáncer y emparejamiento de l:l. Se investigaron las variablessociodemográ-ficas y el consumo de alimentos mediante tres encuestas alimentarias, sometidas a la corrección de la variación de energía por el método residual. El análisis fueran realizados por Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-Student, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon y Odds Ratio con nivel de significación: p<0,05. La mayoría de las mujeres con cáncer de mama (87,5%) no siguió las recomendaciones dietéticas. Las mujeres con cáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas en comparación con los controles 3.37 (IC 95%= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Con respecto al consumo de micro y macronutrientes, las mujeres concáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de ingesta insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con los controles (OR= 2.46, IC 95%= 1.19-5.05, p<0.0l). Los resultados sugieren que las mujeres con cáncer de mama tienen más riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas con un consumo insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres sin cáncer de mama.
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Humanos , Feminino , Adulto , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Vitamina A/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias da Mama/dietoterapia , Cooperação do Paciente , Dieta , Estudos de Casos e Controles , Intervalos de Confiança , Razão de Chances , Nutrientes/administração & dosagem , Inquéritos Nutricionais , Ingestão de Alimentos , Comportamento AlimentarRESUMO
The hypothalamus controls food intake and energy expenditure. In rats, maternal exposure to nicotine during breastfeeding alters the hypothalamic circuitry of the adult offspring, resulting in leptin resistance, neuropeptides changes and gliosis. Tobacco smoke exposure during lactation causes greater adiposity, hyperphagia and hyperleptinemia in the adult progeny. To understand the central mechanisms underlying the obese phenotype of adult rats that were directly and indirectly exposed to cigarette smoke during lactation, we investigated leptin signaling, orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptides expression, as well as astrocyte and microglia markers in hypothalamus. From postnatal day (PND) 3 to 21, Wistar lactating rat dams and their pups were divided into two groups: SE, smoke-exposed in a cigarette-smoking machine (four times/day); Crtl, exposed to filtered air. Offspring of both sexes were euthanized at PND180. The leptin pathway was not altered in SE animals from both sexes. SE males showed increased NPY (arcuate nucleus, ARC), CRH (paraventricular nucleus, PVN), as well as higher GFAP fiber density (ARC and PVN) and IL6 protein content. TRH (PVN) immunohistochemistry was reduced. SE females had lower CART-positive cells (ARC) and lower α-MSH immunostaining intensity (PVN and lateral hypothalamus), with no change of GFAP or IL-6. The protein contents of CX3CR1 (marker of activated microglia) and α7nAChR (anti-inflammatory marker) were not altered in both SE males and females. Neonatal cigarette smoke is deleterious to the hypothalamic circuitry, inducing changes in energy homeostasis favoring hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure at adulthood in both sexes; however sex-dependent mechanisms were observed.
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Hipotálamo/metabolismo , Exposição Materna , Nicotiana/efeitos adversos , Fatores Sexuais , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Aleitamento Materno , Feminino , Lactação/fisiologia , Neuropeptídeos/metabolismo , Nicotina/metabolismo , Nicotina/farmacologia , Ratos WistarRESUMO
The original version of this article unfortunately contains an error. Vanessa do Nascimento Ramos was not included in the original article as one of the contributors. The name is now included in the authorgroup.
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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition in cancer is an independent factor associated with negative clinical outcomes. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence and independent risk factors for malnutrition in hospitalized cancer patients using the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA). METHODS: We evaluated 4783 cancer patients, aged ≥20 years, in a hospital-based, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Patients were classified as well-nourished (PG-SGA Stage A), moderate/suspected malnutrition (PG-SGA Stage B), or severely malnourished (PG-SGA Stage C), and provided a score to define required nutritional interventions. Multivariate analysis was composed of the odds ratio (OR) estimated by ordinal polytomous logistic regression. RESULTS: 45.3% were classified as Stage B and 11.8% as Stage C. Moreover, 45.3% of the patients presented a need for nutritional intervention. The variables that presented the highest ORs for Stage B or Stage C were: problems with swallowing (OR 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-3.4, p < 0.001), loss of appetite (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.6-2.3, p < 0.001), vomiting (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.3, p < 0.001), presence of more than 3 nutrition impact symptoms (OR 8.3, 95% CI 5.8-12, p < 0.001), and cancer site: lung (OR 4.6, 95% CI 3.2-6.6, p < 0.001), upper digestive cancer (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.7-5.2, p < 0.001), and head and neck cancer (OR 3.7, 95% CI 2.7-5.2, p < 0.001). The score for Worksheet 4 on the PG-SGA had a higher association with malnutrition (OR 7.3, 95% CI 6.6-8.2, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition is highly prevalent in cancer patients in Brazil, and is associated with nutritional impact symptoms, cancer site and age ≥65 years.
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Desnutrição , Neoplasias , Estado Nutricional/fisiologia , Adulto , Idoso , Anorexia/complicações , Anorexia/epidemiologia , Brasil , Estudos Transversais , Transtornos de Deglutição/complicações , Transtornos de Deglutição/epidemiologia , Diarreia/complicações , Diarreia/epidemiologia , Feminino , Hospitalização , Humanos , Masculino , Desnutrição/epidemiologia , Desnutrição/etiologia , Desnutrição/fisiopatologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Neoplasias/complicações , Neoplasias/epidemiologia , Avaliação Nutricional , Vômito/complicações , Vômito/epidemiologiaRESUMO
The Maytenus genus is a member of the Celastraceae family. Numerous medicinal uses were assigned to species of this genus, with the use of roots, bark, and leaves for the treatment of gastric ulcers, as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiallergic, antitumor, among others. Several studies have demonstrated that natural products derived from plants have an important role in the prevention and treatment of obesity. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of Maytenus imbricata extracts in the treatment of obesity induced by diet rich in refined carbohydrate (HC). BALB/c mice were fed chow or HC diet for 8 weeks. At the beginning of the 9th week, the HC group was subdivided into three groups: (i) group of animals that continued to consume only HC diet; (ii) the group of animals fed HC diet supplemented with ethyl acetate extract of M. imbricata roots (HC + EAE); (iii) the group of animals fed HC diet supplemented with extract in hexane/ethyl ether (HC + HEE). The period of extracts supplementation was 4 weeks. It was observed that EAE and EHE when added to the HC diet modulated the metabolic and inflammatory changes, such as: reduced the adipocytes area, improved glucose intolerance, reduced the levels of triglycerides and resistin in serum, and the number of total leukocytes in blood. In the epididymal adipose tissue, the extracts reduced proinflammatory mediators' concentration. According to the results, it was concluded that the species Maytenus imbricata has the potential to be used for the treatment of obesity.
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Celastraceae/química , Inflamação/tratamento farmacológico , Maytenus/química , Doenças Metabólicas/tratamento farmacológico , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Tecido Adiposo/efeitos dos fármacos , Tecido Adiposo/metabolismo , Animais , Carboidratos/farmacologia , Dieta/efeitos adversos , Suplementos Nutricionais , Inflamação/metabolismo , Resistência à Insulina/fisiologia , Masculino , Doenças Metabólicas/metabolismo , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos BALB C , Triglicerídeos/metabolismoRESUMO
The presence of foreign organisms in the colonies of social insects could affect energy allocation to growth and reproduction of these hosts. Highly specialized invaders of such long-lived hosts, however, can be selected to be less harmful. After all, it pays for these symbionts to keep their host's good health thereby prolonging cohabitation in the homeostatic environment of the termite colony. Here, we investigated such a hypothesis, focusing on populational parameters of a termite host sharing its nest with an obligatory termite inquiline. To this end, 19 natural colonies of Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri, 1901) (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae) were sampled and the (i) number of individuals, (ii) proportion of soldier/workers in the colonies, and (iii) presence/absence of obligatory inquiline Inquilinitermes microcerus (Silvestri, 1901) (Termitidae: Termitinae) were measured. Results revealed a negative correlation between the number of individuals and the proportion of soldier/workers in the host colonies with the presence of I. microcerus colonies. In search of causal mechanisms for such a correlation, we inspected life history traits of both, inquilines and hosts, hypothesizing that such a result could indicate either (i) a dampening effect of the inquiline upon its host population or (ii) the coincidence of the moment of inquiline infiltration with the natural reduction of C. cyphergaster populational growth at the onset of its reproductive phase.
Assuntos
Isópteros/classificação , Isópteros/fisiologia , Animais , Brasil , Crescimento Demográfico , ReproduçãoRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis in blood donors from three endemic regions in Brazil and evaluated the risk of transmission by transfusion. BACKGROUND: Despite strong evidence of the transmission of visceral leishmaniasis through blood transfusion, the real risk, an essential condition for taking effective measures to control this serious disease, has not been determined. METHODS: A multicentre study was performed in highly endemic areas. Candidates eligible for their first blood donation underwent a socio-epidemiological interview, and blood samples were collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis, Western blot and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Patients transfused with red blood cells or random platelet concentrates collected from these donors were also studied. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics and prevalence estimates, with significance defined as p-values <0·05. RESULTS: Of the 608 eligible donors, 37 (6·1%) were positive for visceral leishmaniasis as per ELISA. The socio-epidemiological analysis showed a significantly higher prevalence in non-Caucasians (p = 0·008). Among 296 patients who received blood components from these donors, the pre-transfusion seropositivity was 7·7%, and 13 patients received blood positive for Leishmania infantum. Six patients were followed up for 90 days, of which two (33·3%) had serological conversion at 60 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the high prevalence of L. infantum seropositivity among donors in the three regions; the seroconversion in a short period of time in two of six patients suggests the possibility of transmission of the infection by transfusion.
Assuntos
Doadores de Sangue , Transfusão de Sangue , Seleção do Doador , Leishmania infantum , Leishmaniose Visceral/sangue , Adolescente , Adulto , Brasil/epidemiologia , Ensaio de Imunoadsorção Enzimática , Feminino , Humanos , Leishmaniose Visceral/epidemiologia , Leishmaniose Visceral/transmissão , Masculino , Prevalência , Fatores SocioeconômicosRESUMO
Maternal smoking is a risk factor for progeny obesity. We have previously shown, in a rat model of neonatal tobacco smoke exposure, a mild increase in food intake and a considerable increase in visceral adiposity in the adult offspring. Males also had secondary hyperthyroidism, while females had only higher T4. Since brown adipose tissue (BAT) hypofunction is related to obesity, here we tested the hypothesis that higher levels of thyroid hormones are not functional in BAT, suggesting a lower metabolic rate. We evaluated autonomic nerve activity in BAT and its function in adult rats that were exposed to tobacco smoke during lactation. At birth, litters were adjusted to 3 male and 3 female pups/litter. From postnatal day (PND) 3 to 21, Wistar lactating rats and their pups were divided into SE group, smoke-exposed in a cigarette smoking machine (4 times/day) and C group, exposed to filtered air. Offspring were sacrificed at PND180. Adult SE rats of both genders had lower interscapular BAT autonomic nervous system activity, with higher BAT mass but no change in morphology. BAT UCP1 and CPT1a protein levels were decreased in the SE groups of both genders. Male SE rats had lower ß3-AR, TRα1, and TRß1 expression while females showed lower PGC1α expression. BAT Dio2 mRNA and hypothalamic POMC and MC4R levels were similar between groups. Hypothalamic pAMPK level was higher in SE males and lower in SE females. Thus, neonatal cigarette smoke exposure induces lower BAT thermogenic capacity, which can be obesogenic at adulthood.
Assuntos
Tecido Adiposo Marrom/fisiopatologia , Biomarcadores/análise , Sistema Nervoso Simpático/fisiopatologia , Termogênese/fisiologia , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/efeitos adversos , Tecido Adiposo Marrom/metabolismo , Animais , Animais Recém-Nascidos , Western Blotting , Feminino , Imuno-Histoquímica , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase Via Transcriptase Reversa , Poluição por Fumaça de Tabaco/análiseRESUMO
Mayaro fever, caused by Mayaro virus (MAYV) is a sub-lethal disease with symptoms that are easily confused with those of dengue fever, except for polyarthralgia, which may culminate in physical incapacitation. Recently, outbreaks of MAYV have been documented in metropolitan areas, and to date, there is no therapy or vaccine available. Moreover, there is no information regarding the three-dimensional structure of the viral proteins of MAYV, which is important in the search for antivirals. In this work, we constructed a three-dimensional model of protein C of MAYV by homology modelling, and this was employed in a manner similar to that of receptors in virtual screening studies to evaluate 590 molecules as prospective antiviral agents. In vitro bioassays were utilized to confirm the potential antiviral activity of the flavonoid epicatechin isolated from Salacia crassifolia (Celastraceae). The virtual screening showed that six flavonoids were promising ligands for protein C. The bioassays showed potent antiviral action of epicatechin, which protected the cells from almost all of the effects of viral infection. An effective concentration (EC50) of 0.247 µmol/mL was observed with a selectivity index (SI) of 7. The cytotoxicity assay showed that epicatechin has low toxicity, with a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) greater than 1.723 µmol/mL. Epicatechin was found to be twice as potent as the reference antiviral ribavirin. Furthermore, a replication kinetics assay showed a strong inhibitory effect of epicatechin on MAYV growth, with a reduction of at least four logs in virus production. Our results indicate that epicatechin is a promising candidate for further testing as an antiviral agent against Mayaro virus and other alphaviruses.