An In Silico Approach to Exploring the Antinociceptive Biological Activities of Linalool and its Metabolites.

Pain is characterized by the unpleasant sensory and emotional sensation associated with actual or potential tissue damage, whereas nociception refers to the mechanism by which noxious stimuli are transmitted from the periphery to the CNS. The main drugs used to treat pain are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioid analgesics, which have side effects that limit their use. Therefore, in the search for new drugs with potential antinociceptive effects, essential oils have been studied, whose constituents (monoterpenes) are emerging as a new therapeutic possibility. Among them, linalool and its metabolites stand out. The present study aims to investigate the antinociceptive potential of linalool and its metabolites through a screening using an in silico approach. Molecular docking was used to evaluate possible interactions with important targets involved in antinociceptive activity, such as α2-adrenergic, GABAergic, muscarinic, opioid, adenosinergic, transient potential, and glutamatergic receptors. The compounds in the investigated series obtained negative energies for all enzymes, representing satisfactory interactions with the targets and highlighting the multi-target potential of the L4 metabolite. Linalool and its metabolites have a high likelihood of modulatory activity against the targets involved in nociception and are potential candidates for future drugs.

Exploring uterine inflammation in postpartum primiparous precocious and conventional and multiparous Bos indicus beef cows.

This study aimed to compare the postpartum uterine dynamics of primiparous precocious (PP), primiparous conventional (PC) and multiparous conventional (MC) Bos indicus beef cows. For this purpose, PP (n = 8), PC (n = 18) and MC (n = 12) cows were enrolled in this study. These cows were evaluated at 20 and 10 days prepartum and weekly from parturition to 42 days postpartum (DPP). During this period, body weight (BW), subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) and serum concentrations of glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, albumin and haptoglobin were measured. Proportion of polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, and abundance of mRNA transcripts of genes involved in uterine inflammation and uterine health were evaluated. The PP cows had lower (p < .05) BW and SFT than that for PC and MC cows during the study period. The serum concentration of albumin after 35 DPP was lower (p < .05) in PP cows. The PP cows had the highest proportion of PMN on 28 and 35 DPP compared to PC and MC cows. The relative mRNA abundance of IL-1ß and IL-8 increased after 21 DPP in PP cows compared to the other groups. The PC had the highest, MC had an intermediate, and PP cows had the lowest relative abundance of IL10 mRNA. Overall, these findings indicated that uterine inflammation was more pronounced in PP cows. Moreover, based on the proportion of PMN and abundance of transcripts associated with inflammation in the uterus, PP cows may require a longer period to recover their uterine health after calving.

Comparative morphofunctional analysis of axial skeleton excluding the skull of primates based on the anatomical, radiographic, and tomographic description of the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823).

Comparative anatomy the basis for studies of evolution, and radiographic and tomographic aspects, as auxiliary methods in the investigation of anatomical particularities, reinforce evolutionary research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the vertebrae, sternum, and ribs of the capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) by means of anatomical dissection and radiographic and tomographic images. To this purpose, four cadavers were used in the anatomical analysis and five living animals for the imaging exams. The bones were described and compared with data from other primates species found in literature. Student's t-test for independent samples was performed. The vertebral column of the comprises seven cervical, 13 or 14 thoracic, five or six lumbar, two or three sacral, and 23 or 24 caudal vertebrae. The atlas is characterized by three foramina on the wing. The seventh cervical vertebra had a transverse foramen in one specimen. The anticlinal vertebra is always the penultimate thoracic one, the ninth pair of ribs is always the last sternal pair, and the last two are buoyant. The sternal was composed of five or six sternebrae. The lumbar vertebrae showed a bifurcated spinous process. Three different sacral morphologies were observed. The structures identified macroscopically could be well determined through radiographic and tomographic images. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics more similar to those of man and of platirrinos monkeys. The knowledge obtained by macroscopic anatomy and tomographic and radiological exams contributes significantly to comparative evolutionary studies.

A retrospective view of the relationship of soluble Fas with anemia and outcomes in chronic kidney disease.

BACKGROUND: Anemia is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with outcomes. In addition, serum soluble Fas (sFas) levels are related to anemia and erythropoietin (EPO) resistance. OBJECTIVES: Firstly, to compare clinical data and serum levels of sFas, EPO, and pro-inflammatory markers between patients with non-dialytic CKD (NDD-CKD) and healthy subjects. Subsequently, to compare and evaluate the relationship of serum EPO, sFas levels with anemia, and outcomes in patients with NDD-CKD over a long follow-up period. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study in 58 NDD-CKD patients compared with 20 healthy subjects on complete blood count, kidney function, serum EPO, sFas, and inflammatory markers (CRP, IL- 6, and IFN-γ) at baseline. We then compared the same baseline data between patients with NDD-CKD who evolved to anemia and those who did not have anemia over the follow-up. We also evaluated the frequency of outcomes in patients with CKD with higher sFas levels. Finally, we performed a multivariate analysis of factors associated with CKD anemia. RESULTS: There were lower eGFR and Hb but higher serum inflammatory markers, sFas levels, sFas/eGFR, and EPO/Hb ratios in patients with NDD-CKD. Comparatively, on the other hand, NDD-CKD patients with anemia had lower eGFR but were older, had more diabetes, and had higher sFas/ eGFR, EPO/Hb ratios, and serum levels of IL-6 and sFas than NDD-CKD without anemia for an extended period. In addition, there was an association in a multivariate analysis of diabetes, age, and sFas levels with kidney anemia. Furthermore, there were higher frequencies of outcomes in increased serum sFas levels. CONCLUSION: As an elective risk factor, serum sFas levels, in addition to age and diabetes, were independently associated with kidney anemia for an extended period. Thus, more studies are necessary to analyze the proper relationship of sFas with kidney anemia and its outcomes and therapy in CKD.

Non-melanoma skin cancer: an analysis of compromised margins in excisions / Câncer de pele não melanoma: uma análise do comprometimento de margens em excisões

Introduction: Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most frequent neoplasm in Brazil, with an estimated 176,930 new cases during the 2020-2022 period, with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) as the most common subtypes. Surgical treatment of the lesions is effective, with a recurrence rate varying between 3 and 23%, with compromised margins being an important prognostic factor for this recurrence, increasing the importance of complete excision of the tumor. Method: To prepare this work, 1127 lesions treated at the Hospital de Amor Amazônia were analyzed, seeking to quantify cases and analyze surgically compromised margins through a retrospective analytical descriptive study. For this, histopathological reports of the operated patients were reviewed, dividing them according to sex, age, lesion topography, date of excision, lesion diameter, lesion depth, presence of ulceration, compromised margins, and histological type. Results: Among the lesions treated, 65% were BCC and 35% SCC, both histological types presenting a low incidence of compromised margins. In cases of CPB impairment, treatment via exeresis was chosen in 100% of cases. Concerning BCC impairment, the majority opted for clinical follow-up, with reapproach in only 9% of cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the cases treated at the Hospital de Amor Amazônia align with the epidemiological data in the main literature, except for finding a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer in men. In addition, this work demonstrates good results in the clinical approach of compromised margins in BCC lesions.

Introdução: O câncer de pele não melanoma é a neoplasia mais frequente no Brasil, com uma estimativa de 176.930 novos casos durante o triênio 2020-2022, tendo o carcinoma basocelular (CBC) e o carcinoma espinocelular (CEC) como subtipos mais presentes. O tratamento cirúrgico das lesões é efetivo, apresentando taxa de recorrência variando entre 3 e 23%, sendo o comprometimento de margens importante fator prognóstico para essa recorrência, aumentando a importância da excisão completa do tumor. Método: Para a elaboração deste trabalho, foram analisadas 1127 lesões abordadas no Hospital de Amor Amazônia, buscando quantificar casos e analisar margens cirurgicamente comprometidas por meio de um estudo descritivo analítico retrospectivo. Para isso, foram revisados laudos histopatológicos dos pacientes operados, dividindo-os de acordo com sexo, idade, topografia da lesão, data de excisão, diâmetro da lesão, profundidade da lesão, presença de ulceração, comprometimento de margens e tipo histológico. Resultados: Dentre as lesões abordadas, 65% eram CBC e 35% CEC, ambos os tipos histológicos apresentando baixa incidência de margens comprometidas. Nos casos de comprometimento em CEC, optou-se pelo tratamento via exérese em 100% dos casos. Já em relação ao comprometimento em CBC, optou-se majoritariamente pelo acompanhamento clínico, com reabordagem em apenas 9% dos casos. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que os casos abordados no Hospital de Amor Amazônia vão ao encontro dos dados epidemiológicos presentes nas principais literaturas, com ressalva, apenas, ao encontrar uma maior incidência de câncer de pele não melanoma em homens. Além disso, esse trabalho demonstra bons resultados na abordagem clínica de margens comprometidas em lesões de CBC.

Computational Studies Applied to Linalool and Citronellal Derivatives Against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disorders: A Review with Experimental Approach.

Alzheimer's and Parkinson's are neurodegenerative disorders that affect a great number of people around the world, seriously compromising the quality of life of individuals, due to motor and cognitive damage. In these diseases, pharmacological treatment is used only to alleviate symptoms. This emphasizes the need to discover alternative molecules for use in prevention. Using Molecular Docking, this review aimed to evaluate the anti-Alzheimer's and anti-Parkinson's activity of linalool and citronellal, as well as their derivatives. Before performing Molecular Docking simulations, the compounds' pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated. For Molecular Docking, 7 chemical compounds derived from citronellal, and 10 compounds derived from linalool, and molecular targets involved in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's pathophysiology were selected. According to the Lipinski rules, the compounds under study presented good oral absorption and bioavailability. For toxicity, some tissue irritability was observed. For Parkinson-related targets, the citronellal and linalool derived compounds revealed excellent energetic affinity for α-Synuclein, Adenosine Receptors, Monoamine Oxidase (MAO), and Dopamine D1 receptor proteins. For Alzheimer disease targets, only linalool and its derivatives presented promise against BACE enzyme activity. The compounds studied presented high probability of modulatory activity against the disease targets under study, and are potential candidates for future drugs.

Saúde e queixa escolar: registros de conserv(ação) na conduta de psicólogos / Salud y queja escolar: registros de conserv(acción) en la conducta de los psicólogos / Health and school complaint: records of conserv(action) in the conduct of psychologists

RESUMO. Este artigo expõe a temática da conduta de profissionais da psicologia no campo da saúde, diante das demandas escolares. Resulta de uma pesquisa de Mestrado, cujo objetivo principal foi, com base na Psicologia Histórico-Cultural, identificar de que forma as práticas contemporâneas da psicologia na saúde explicitam a concepção dos profissionais ante os encaminhamentos e a função da escola para a constituição da subjetividade. Para tanto, foram analisados prontuários de crianças e adolescentes entre quatro e dezessete anos, encaminhados por queixa escolar a dois serviços públicos de saúde em um município de pequeno porte do interior paulista, durante o biênio 2014-2015, e efetivadas entrevistas com as/os psicólogas/os responsáveis nos diferentes serviços. Os resultados indicaram que a atividade da/o psicóloga/o, ao receber a demanda escolar, encontra-se pouco alterada em relação às condutas que vêm sendo adotadas no país, desde os anos de 1990. As práticas aderidas consistem, em grande maioria, no atendimento clínico individual ou grupal, que não envolve o ambiente escolar. Também se mantém o perfil das crianças encaminhadas e, no contexto da ciência psicológica aplicada à saúde, um distanciamento quanto ao conhecimento das implicações da educação escolar para a aprendizagem e o desenvolvimento humano, tanto quanto a importância do acesso aos bens culturais humanos, o que pode ser decisivo para as circunstâncias e para a qualidade do processo de humanização.

RESUMEN. Este artículo expone el tema de la conducta de los profesionales de la psicología en el campo de la salud, delante de las demandas escolares. Es el resultado de una investigación de maestría, cuyo objetivo principal era, basado en la psicología histórico-cultural, identificar cómo las prácticas contemporáneas de psicologia, en la salud, hacen explícito la concepción de los profesionales delante de las derivaciones y el papel de la escuela para el constitución de subjetividad. Con este fin, se analizaron los registros de salud de niños y adolescentes entre cuatro y diecisiete años, reenviados por queja escolar a dos servicios de salud pública en una pequeña ciudad del interior de São Paulo, durante el bienio 2014-2015, y efectivadas entrevistas con los psicólogos responsables em los diferentes servicios. Los resultados indicaron que la actividad del psicólogo, al recibir la demanda escolar, cambia poco en relación a las conductas que se han adoptado en el país, desde la década de los noventa. Las prácticas adheridas consisten, en su gran mayoría, en el cuidado clínico individual o grupal, que no involucra el ambiente escolar. El perfil de los niños referidos también se mantiene y, en el contexto de la ciencia psicológica aplicada a la salud, una distancia en cuanto al conocimiento de las implicaciones de la educación escolar para el aprendizaje y el desarrollo humano, así como la importancia del acceso a los bienes culturales humanos, que puede ser decisivo para las circunstancias y la calidad del proceso de humanización.

ABSTRACT. This article exposes the theme of the conduct of psychology professionals in the field of health, in view of school demands. It results from a Master's research, mainly aimed to, based on Historical-Cultural Psychology, identify how contemporary Psychology practices in health may explain the professionals' understanding about the referrals and the role of the school in building subjectivity. To this end, medical records of children and adolescents of four to seventeen years old were analyzed. Participants had been referred due to school complaint to two public healthcare services in a small municipality in São Paulo, in the biennium 2014-2015, and participated in interviews with the responsible psychologists in the services. The results indicated that the psychologist's activity when receiving the school demand has changed a little in relation to the conducts being adopted in the country since the 1990s. The practices adopted mainly consist in individual or group clinical care, disregarding the school environment. The profile of the children referred is also maintained and, in the context of psychological science applied to health, there is a distancing regarding the knowledge of the implications of school education on human learning and development, as well as the importance of accessing human cultural assets. This could be decisive for the circumstances and the quality of the humanization process.

Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Dengue Fever: An Uncommon Presentation of a Common Endemic Illness.

Dengue viral infection is considered endemic in Ecuador. It is more frequent during winter, caused by an RNA virus in the Flavivirus group. Its presentation can range from an asymptomatic state to hemorrhagic fever with shock signs. Acute pancreatitis could be a rare form of acute abdomen presentation associated with dengue virus infection. This case illustrates a 26-year-old man who presents to the hospital with cramp-like pain in the epigastrium and radiation to the right upper quadrant, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. He also endorsed additional symptoms such as throbbing-like headache, myoarthralgias, and fever of 40.4°C (104.72°F). Laboratory tests revealed elevated hematocrit, thrombocytopenia, elevated pancreatic enzymes, transaminitis, elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed hepatic steatosis, free fluid in the abdominal cavity, and small bilateral pleural effusions. Additional testing revealed IgM and IgG antibodies positivity to dengue virus. The patient was treated conservatively with intravenous (IV) fluid hydration and bowel rest. Acute pancreatitis should be considered when a patient presents with a suspected acute abdomen in the emergency department, and a detailed medical history is necessary to make a correct approach to the differential diagnosis.

Physiological Characteristics of Putative Enterobacteria Associated with Meat and Fish Available in Southern Brazilian Retail Markets: Antimicrobial Susceptibility, Toxic Metal Tolerance and Expression of Efflux Pumps.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) mesophilic facultatively anaerobic Gram-negative rods are a public health issue and their spread from animal-source foods to humans is of concern worldwide. Hence, the aim of this study was to examine the antibiotic susceptibility patterns and physiological aspects of such rods, including their tolerance to toxic metals and the screening of efflux pumps expressing isolates among enterobacteria isolated from meat (chicken, beef and pork) and fish samples acquired from retail establishments in a Brazilian urban Centre of over 2,300,000 inhabitants. The study revealed that 62.9% of isolated bacteria were resistant to at least one antimicrobial, of which 32.3% and 8.1% were resistant to one and two of the tested drugs, respectively. A resistance of up to six antimicrobials was also observed (0.9%). Out of the total amount, 22.7% were classified as MDR. Chicken was the meat that harbored most MDR isolates, and fish harbored the least. It was not possible to distinguish the different types of meat or fish considering the resistance patterns. The MDR isolates showed a higher tolerance to mercury and cadmium salts and the increased activity of the efflux mechanisms compared to other susceptible or resistant strains. In One Health. the perspective occurrence of putative MDR bacteria in fresh meat and fish draws attention to the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon in an open environment.

Adsorption studies of the hybrid material obtained from the functionalization of silica with alfa and gamma cyclodextrins.

The generation of residues containing dyes by industrial sectors has been mobilizing scientists to develop methodologies capable of treating water containing these contaminants. Adsorption is an option to remove these molecules from the aqueous medium and, for this study, the composites between silica and cyclodextrins alpha (α-CDSI) and gamma (γ-CDSI) were used to capture methylene blue. Adsorption was spontaneous for both composites (ΔG < 0) and characterized as exothermic and of a physical nature, with ΔH of -17.68 and -12.13 kJ mol-1 for α-CDSI and γ-CDSI, respectively. Adsorption took place over a wide pH range, with an efficiency of approximately 96%, reaching equilibrium at 5 minutes. The adsorption kinetics was described by the pseudo-second-order model (R2 > 0.999) and the adsorption isotherms showed that the process must occur mainly by dye complexation in the cyclodextrins cavities. The qm values obtained were 210.8 and 205.2 mg g-1 for α-CDSI and γ-CDSI, respectively; the Sips and Temkin models were the ones that best fit the experimental data. The deposition and interactions of the dye with the adsorbent surface were confirmed by the analysis of the IR spectra. Desorption studies showed that the material maintained its adsorption capacity of around 90% until the fourth adsorption/desorption cycle. Thus, the materials produced showed to efficiently remove methylene blue and that composite reuse is a viable process for application in dye removal.

Osteology applied to image diagnosis of the forelimb of the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823).

Macroscopic bone analysis and evaluation through imaging methods are essential in the recognition of natural and altered structures. Therefore, this study aimed at describing the osteology the thoracic limb of Sapajus libidinosus in bone pieces, identifying them in radiographic and tomographic images. For this, four cadavers were used in the macroscopic analysis and five animals for the imaging exams, of which four were euthanized and added to the macroscopic stage. For imaging exams, the animals were kept anesthetized. All bones were documented, structures described, and compared with literature data from human and nonhuman primates. There was no statistical difference between males and females regarding the length of the forelimb bones. Most of the bone structures of the scapula were well identified in the imaging methods, being more restricted in the ventrodorsal projection. The clavicle presented very limited visualization. The humerus, as well as the radius and ulna, were not well portrayed in their proximal and distal epiphyses by radiography. However, they were well identified on tomography. All structures described in the macroscopic image of the carpal and metacarpal bones could be identified through radiography and tomography, and the radiographic examination of this region is an excellent method for identifying fractures. The glenoid notch of the scapula was not visualized by any imaging method. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics more similar to those of neotropical primates and man, being a great indicator of an experimental model for studies in these species.

Anatomy applied to image diagnosis of the hind limb in the black-striped capuchin (Sapajus libidinosus Spix, 1823).

The knowledge of anatomy and imaging exams emerges as an important tool in the study of evolutionary processes of a species, in the elaboration of diagnosis, and the successful choice of the appropriate clinical and surgical procedures. Therefore, this study aims to describe the osteology of the hind limb of Sapajus libidinosus by means of gross, radiographic, and tomographic images. Four cadavers were used in the macroscopic analysis and five animals for the imaging exams, of which four were eventually euthanized and added to the macroscopic study. For imaging exams, they were kept anesthetized. All bones of the hind limb were documented, their structures were described, and compared with data in the literature from human and nonhuman primates. We have performed Student's t test for independent samples. There was no statistical difference between the sexes regarding the length of the hind limb bones. The coxal bone was largely well described using imaging methods. A small penile bone was present at the tip of the penis and it could be identified by all analysis methods. The femur, as well as the tibia and fibula, were not well portrayed in their proximal and distal epiphyses by radiography (Rx). However, they were well identified on tomography. No third trochanter was observed in the femur and the patella had a triangular shape. All the structures described by gross anatomy of the tarsus and metatarsus could be identified by Rx and tomography. More subtle structures, such as the popliteal notch on the tibia, and the gluteal tuberosity pectineal line and facies aspera on the coxal bone, were not identified by medical imaging. S. libidinosus presented anatomical characteristics that were similar to those of larger New World and Old World monkeys, including man. This suggests it's value as an experimental model for studies in recent primates.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in elderly: performance of the Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaires and the Epworth sleepiness scale using polysomnography as gold standard.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately one third of the population and can reach 90% prevalence in the elderly. There are screening tools to track the disease, however, their performance may differ according to population characteristics. This study aims to determine sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio, and accuracy of the Berlin (BQ) and STOP-Bang (S-Bang) questionnaires and the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), comparing their performances, using polysomnography (PSG) as a gold standard, in a sample of elderly. Material and Methods: The study was cross-sectional, retrospective, included patients aged 60 or older who underwent PSG type 1, regardless of the BQ, S-Bang and ESS results, during the period of June 1, 2017 to April 30, 2019. OSA diagnosis was by PSG in which the hypopnea apnea index was greater than or equal to 5. Results: Sixty-two patients were evaluated; the prevalence of OSA was 72.58%. The mean age in the sample with OSA was 73.0±8.4 years and without it was 74.7±8.1 years. The sample was predominantly female, 58.1% with OSA. The BQ showed the best results for specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio and accuracy. S-Bang had the best result for sensitivity and ESS showed the worst results. The BQ odds ratio showed that an individual with a positive BQ has 335% more chance of developing OSA. Conclusion: The QB showed the best performance in the measures for identifying OSA, for a sample of elderly individuals, with a predominance of females and a high prevalence of the disease.

Anxiolytic and Antidepressant-like Effects of Monoterpene Tetrahydrolinalool and In silico Approach of new Potential Targets.

INTRODUCTION: Although drugs currently available for the treatment of anxiety and depression act through modulation of the neurotransmission systems involved in the neurobiology of the disorder, yet they often present side effects, which can impair patient adherence to treatment. METHODS: This has driven the search for new molecules with anxiolytic and antidepressant potential. Aromatic plants are rich in essential oils, and their chemical constituents, such as monoterpenes, are being studied for these disorders. This study aims to evaluate the anxiolytic and antidepressant-like potential of the monoterpene tetrahydrolinalool in in vivo animal models and review pharmacological targets with validation through molecular docking. Male Swiss mice (Mus musculus) were treated with THL (37.5-600 mg kg-1 p.o.) and submitted to the elevated plus maze, open field, rotarod, and forced swim tests. In the elevated plus-maze, THL at doses of 37.5 and 75 mg kg-1 induced a significant increase in the percentage of entries (72.7 and 64.3% respectively), and lengths of stay (80.3 and 76.8% respectively) in the open arms tests. RESULTS: These doses did not compromise locomotor activity or motor coordination in the animals. In the open field, rotarod tests, and the forced swimming model, treatment with THL significantly reduced immobility times at doses of 150, 300, and 600 mg kg-1, and by respective percentages of 69.3, 60.9 and 68.7%. CONCLUSION: In molecular docking assay, which investigated potential targets, THL presented satisfactory energy values for: nNOs, SGC, IL-6, 5-HT1A, NMDAr, and D1. These demonstrate the potential of THL (a derivative of natural origin) in in vivo and in silico models, making it a drug candidate.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea in elderly: performance of the Berlin and STOP-Bang questionnaires and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale using polysomnography as gold standard.

Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately one third of the population and can reach 90% prevalence in the elderly. There are screening tools to track the disease, however, their performance may differ according to population characteristics. This study aims to determine sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio and accuracy of the Berlin (BQ) and STOP-Bang (S-Bang) questionnaires and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), comparing their performances, using polysomnography (PSG) as a gold standard, in a sample of elderly. Methods: The study was cross-sectional, retrospective, included patients aged 60 or older who underwent PSG type 1, regardless of the BQ, S-Bang and ESS results, during the period of June 1, 2017 to April 30, 2019. OSA diagnosis was by PSG in which the hypopnea apnea index was greater than or equal to 5. Results: Sixty- two patients were evaluated; the prevalence of OSA was 72.58%. The mean age in the sample with OSA was 73.0 sd 8.4 years and without it was 74.7 sd 8.1 years. The sample was predominantly female, 58.1% with OSA. The BQ showed the best results for specificity, predictive value, likelihood ratio and accuracy. S-Bang had the best result for sensitivity and ESS showed the worst results. The BQ odds ratio showed that an individual with a positive BQ has 335% more chance of developing OSA. Conclusion: The QB showed the best performance in the measures for identifying OSA, for a sample of elderly individuals, with a predominance of females and a high prevalence of the disease.

Community structure and specialization in fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) in a region of Cerrado

ABSTRACT Ficus inflorescences host a species-rich chalcid wasp community, including pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae: Tetrapusinae, Kradibiinae, and Agaoninae) and several species of non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW), that show several life-history strategies, including gall-inducers, kleptoparasites (i. e. inquilines), and parasitoids. We analyzed the structure and degree of specialization of the fig wasp community associated with Ficus inflorescences in urbanized areas, agroecosystems, and on the edge of forest fragments in the state of Goiás (Brazil). We sampled 34 wasp species in four native Ficus tree species, from which four wasp species occurred in more than one host. Neotropical fig pollinators (Pegoscapus and Tetrapus) were the most abundant species, and they were host-specific, although two pollinator species were associated with Ficus obtusifolia. The Jaccard similarity index was higher in samples of fig wasps collected in the same host, indicating that the community composition was specific to each host species. Community structure indices indicate a specialized structure with low connectance, high bidimensional Shannon H2' and low partner diversity. The communities present a modular web structure in which modules were represented by each host and its associated insect species. These results indicate that the fig wasp communities analyzed are highly specialized, despite a few not strictly host-specific species.

Antifungal activity of a novel 3-Alkylpyridine analog derived from Marine sponge alkaloids.

Candida spp. is considered an important cause of healthcare-associated infections worldwide. Currently, the emergence and spread of resistant Candida isolates are being increasingly reported, making the development of new agents urgently needed. In this study, we showed the in vitro anti-Candida activity of seven synthetic 3-alkylpyridine alkaloid analogs. Among them, alkaloid 1 presented a potent antifungal effect, which was independent of its capacity of binding with the fungal membrane ergosterol or cell wall. Analog 1 showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against C. albicans (MIC 7.8 µg/mL and MFC 62.5 µg/mL), C. glabrata, C. krusei (MIC and MFC 31.2 µg/mL), and C. tropicalis (MIC 31.2 µg/mL and MFC 125 µg/mL). The time kill-curve study showed that compound 1 has a potent fungicidal effect in vitro, eliminating C. albicans cells. Furthermore, an in vitro synergistic effect with ketoconazole was observed for compound 1. This compound also eliminated the yeast-to-hypha transition. However, it showed high cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Taken together, these findings support the use of compound 1 as a prototype to develop new anti-Candida agents, but molecular modifications should be done to minimize the high cytotoxicity obtained.

Toxicological Parameters of a Formulation Containing Cinnamaldehyde for Use in Treatment of Oral Fungal Infections: An In Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to define the safety and toxicity of both isolated and embedded cinnamaldehyde using a pharmaceutical formulation for the treatment of oral fungal infections in an in vivo study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute toxicity was assessed in studies with Galleria mellonella larvae and Danio rerio embryos (zebrafish), and genotoxicity was assessed in a mouse model. The pharmaceutical formulation (orabase ointment) containing cinnamaldehyde was evaluated for verification of both in vitro antifungal activity and toxicity in keratinized oral rat mucosa. RESULTS: In Galleria mellonella larvae, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic up to the highest dose tested (20 mg/kg) and presented no genotoxicity up to the dose of 4 mg/kg in the model using mice. However, it was found to be toxic in zebrafish embryos up to a concentration of 0.035 µg/mL; LC50 0.311; EC50 0.097 (egg hatching delay); and 0.105 (Pericardial edema). In the orabase antifungal susceptibility test, cinnamaldehyde exhibited activity in concentrations greater than 200 µg/mL. As for safety in the animal model with rats, the orabase ointment proved to be safe for use on keratinized mucosa up to the maximum concentration tested (700 µg/mL). CONCLUSIONS: At the concentrations tested, cinnamaldehyde was not toxic in vertebrate and invertebrate animal models and did not exhibit genotoxic activity. In addition, when used in the form of an ointment in orabase, having already recognized antifungal activity, it was shown to be safe up to the highest concentration tested.

Involvement of GABAA Receptors in the Anxiolytic-Like Effect of Hydroxycitronellal.

Hydroxycitronellal (HC) is a monoterpene present in essential oils of aromatic plants of different species, obtained from semisynthesis of citronellal, and is widely used as a fragrance in cosmetics. The objective of this work was to evaluate the possible anxiolytic-like activity of HC and its possible mechanism of action using in vivo and in silico methodologies. Swiss male mice (Mus musculus) were treated with HC (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to the rota rod, elevated plus maze, and open field tests. No significant impairments were observed in the rota rod tests for the motor activity of the animals treated with HC at 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, i.p., indicating no myo-relaxing or sedative effects. In the elevated plus maze, HC (in the three doses) induced significant increases in the percentage of entries (respectively, 34.8%, 33.8%, and 38.6%) and in the length of stay (respectively, 49.9%, 56.1%, and 57.0%) in the open arms of the EPM, as well as the number of crossings in the open field tests. The mechanism of action of the compound's anxiolytic-like activity can be attributed to the involvement of GABAA receptors, and this interaction was observed in in vivo and in silico studies. For HC, the results suggest anxiolytic-like effects, possibly via modulation of the GABAergic system. The use of natural products to treat anxiety can become an alternative to existing synthetic products.

[Formula: see text]Socioeconomic aspects are crucial to better intellectual outcome in early-treated adolescents with congenital hypothyroidism.

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is an important cause of preventable intellectual disability. Implementation of CH neonatal screening programs leading to early treatment has improved cognitive outcome. However, more subtle cognitive impairments are still reported, and there is lack of clarity regarding factors that impact long-term cognitive outcome. Research to better understand these factors can lead to further improvements in the cognitive prognosis for these patients. The current study aimed to evaluate the cognitive performance of adolescents who were early-treated for primary permanent CH and possible associated variables. Neurocognitive evaluation was carried out in 66 adolescents, 11 to 16 years old: 34 with CH and 29 paired controls. Intellectual quotient (IQ), verbal fluency, processing speed, executive functions, and memory were investigated. CH patients and control subjects were comparable regarding sex, age, schooling, family's socioeconomic status and caregiver's educational level. Both groups presented not only similar IQ scores but also equivalent performances regarding Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed index scores. Patients presenting different CH etiologies (dysgenesis and dyshormonogenesis) showed similar cognitive performance. Socioeconomic aspects along with the initial levothyroxine dose were the main variables to positively influence the cognitive performance, the family's socioeconomic status having the strongest association with patients' cognitive skills.