Socioeconomic inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil: results from the 2019 National Health Survey.

OBJECTIVES: To assess socioeconomic-related inequalities in health and healthcare utilization among the elderly in Brazil. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional nationally representative household-based survey. METHODS: We evaluated the Brazilian National Health Survey data collected in 2019. We computed the prevalence of measures of health conditions and healthcare utilization by age-bracket and markers of socioeconomic status-income, educational attainment, and race/ethnicity-among individuals aged 60 or older. We further employed logistic regression models, adjusted for a wide set of covariates, to estimate the relationship between socioeconomic status and those outcomes. RESULTS: Higher-income and more educated individuals exhibit better health conditions compared to their lower-income and less-educated counterparts within each age bracket. Results from regression models showed strong associations with income and educational attainment for most health conditions: health status, physical activity, difficulties with activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living, and depression. For most conditions, weaker or no associations with race/ethnicity were found. Individuals in the highest income quintile and that completed higher education also had higher odds of having consulted a physician, while high-income individuals had lower odds of having received emergency care at home. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study highlight the significant socioeconomic inequalities in the health of the elderly population in Brazil. The substantial and pervasive nature of these inequalities stresses the need for action to address them.

Durability assessment of external thermal insulation composite systems in urban and maritime environments.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are multilayer solutions which provide an enhanced thermal performance to the building envelope. However, significant anomalies can be detected on ETICS facades, in some cases shortly after the application of these systems. This study intends to evaluate and compare the durability of six commercially available ETICS after two years of outdoor exposure at both urban and maritime conditions in Portugal. The systems were characterized by means of non-destructive testing (i.e., visual and microscopic assessment, water transport properties, thermal conductivity, surface roughness), thus allowing to evaluate the performance loss throughout natural aging. The bio-susceptibility and aesthetic properties (color and gloss) were also investigated. Results showed that the performance and durability of the complete system is significantly affected by the rendering system formulation. The lime-based specimens obtained the highest rate of mold development after one year of aging in a maritime environment, becoming considerably darker and with lower surface gloss. Fungal analysis of this darkish stained area indicated the presence of mold species of the genera Alternaria, Didymella, Cladosporium and Epicoccum, and yeasts of the genera Vishniacozyma and Cystobasidium. An increase of both capillary water absorption and water vapor permeability was also registered for the aged lime-based specimens. Acrylic-based systems obtained lower capillary water absorption after aging and greater dirt deposition on their surfaces, especially in urban conditions. These systems had also higher color variation and surface gloss decrease and slightly higher mold growth, when compared with those aged in a maritime environment. Finally, no mold growth was detected on the silicate-based specimens after two years of aging. However, these specimens obtained higher capillary water absorption and lower vapor permeability after aging, possibly leading to moisture accumulation within the system. Results contribute towards the development of ETICS with enhanced performance and durability.

Sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed as a supplement to Prochilodus brevis sperm freezing medium.

BACKGROUND: Using sulfated polysaccharides (SP) in fish sperm freezing medium promotes cell maintenance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different SP concentrations, extracted from two seaweeds (Gracilaria domingensis and Ulva fasciata), as a supplement to the sperm freezing medium of Prochilodus brevis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five semen pools were diluted in a solution composed of 5% glucose, 10 % dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and different SP concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0 mg/mL). The samples were cryopreserved and, after 7 days, rewarmed and analyzed for morphology, plasma membrane integrity, DNA integrity, mitochondrial activity and sperm kinetics [total motility, progressive motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), linearity (LIN), and wobble (WOB)]. RESULTS: There was no interaction between seaweed and SP concentrations. Similar effects were observed with SP extracted from the two seaweeds, regardless of concentration. When comparing the SP concentrations, regardless of the seaweed, 1.0 mg/mL SP showed better results for VCL and VSL. For VAP and WOB, 1.0 mg/mL SP showed better results, but differed from 3.0 mg/mL. LIN followed the same pattern, but differed from SP at 2.5 and 3.0 mg/mL. For progressive motility, 1.0 mg/mL G. domingensis showed superior results compared to the control. For mitochondrial activity, G. domingensis was superior to U. fasciata, regardless of concentration. The lowest concentrations (0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) showed the best results, regardless of the seaweed. However, the control was superior to all treatments tested. CONCLUSION: G. domingensis SP at the lowest concentrations might be a potential supplement to the P. brevis freezing medium. doi.org/10.54680/fr22210110412.

Life-cycle assessment of decentralized solutions for wastewater treatment in small communities.

This study benchmarks vermifiltration (VF) as secondary wastewater treatment in three nature-based decentralized treatment plants using life-cycle assessment. The comparison is justified by the comparatively easier and cheaper operation of VF when compared to more traditional technologies, including small rate infiltration (SRI), constructed wetlands (CW), and activated sludge (AS). Standard life cycle assessment was used and applied to three case studies located in southern Europe. Material intensity during construction was highest for VF, but impacts during operation were lower, compensating those of the other phases. Impacts during the construction phase far outweigh those of operation and dismantling for facilities using constructed wetlands and activated sludge, when the number of served inhabitants is small, and due to lack of economies of scale. VF used as secondary treatment was shown to contribute to reducing the environmental impacts, mainly in constructed wetlands and activated sludge. The replacement of CW by VF seems to bring important environmental benefits in most impact categories, in particular in the construction phase. The replacement by VF in facilities with SRI seems to result in the improvement of some of the impact categories, in particular in the operation phase. As for dismantling, no conclusive results were obtained.

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí / Caracterização da fauna edáfica em diferentes monoculturas no Cerrado piauiense

Abstract Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Resumo A cobertura vegetal pode mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade de invertebrados do solo, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a distribuição da fauna edáfica em diferentes monocultivos. O estudo foi realizado na fazenda Chapada Grande no município de Regeneração, PI. Foram escolhidas quatro áreas de monocultivos: soja em sistema de plantio direto, eucalipto, pastagem, além de uma mata nativa de cerrado preservada. Foram realizadas coletas da fauna do solo, em período seco e úmido, por meio de armadilhas do tipo pitfall contendo 4% de formol. A fauna edáfica foi avaliada pelo número de indivíduos por armadilha por dia, riqueza e riqueza média, índice de diversidade de Shannon e índice de uniformidade de Pielou. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e à análise multivariada de Componentes Principais (ACP). O maior número de indivíduos por armadilha dia e de riqueza média foram registrados nas áreas pastagem, eucalipto e mata nos dois períodos, enquanto que a soja mostrou valores inferiores com predomínio dos grupos Coleoptera e Formicidae. As áreas de pastagem e mata mostraram maiores valores de índice de Shannon nas duas épocas avaliadas provavelmente em função de maiores aportes de resíduos orgânicos no solo que favorece as condições de abrigo, alimentação e reprodução. Em relação ao índice de Pielou o sistema com soja mostrou maiores valores nessa variável. Os grupos Araneae, Coleoptera, Formicidae e Diptera predominaram no período úmido, enquanto Coleoptera e Formicidae se destacaram no período seco. Sistemas que geram maior acúmulo de resíduos abrigam uma maior diversidade de invertebrados da fauna edáfica. A sazonalidade apresentou efeito sobre todas as variáveis analisadas sendo que o período úmido mostrou valores mais expressivos.

Morphological and molecular diagnosis of diseases of free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) / [Diagnóstico morfológico e molecular de doenças de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre]

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of diseases in free-ranging wild canids that were roadkill on highways in the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. PCR tests were performed for the detection of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. in the spleen. Morphological evaluation and identification of parasites was performed in the liver and lung. Twenty specimens of C. thous were necropsied at the Animal Pathology Sector of the Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Tissue samples were processed for histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. There was no PCR amplification of genomic DNA sequences of Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. using DNA extracted from the spleen as template. Histologically, lesions associated with parasitism by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. were observed in the liver and lung, respectively. This is the first report of Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. parasitism in C. thous in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Therefore, this study demonstrated parasitism of crab-eating foxes by Platynosomum sp. and Angiostrongylus sp. Importantly, no evidence of infection with Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp., and Hepatozoon sp. was obtained by PCR analysis.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de doenças em canídeos silvestres de vida livre que foram atropelados em rodovias no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Testes de PCR foram realizados para a detecção de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. no baço. A avaliação morfológica e a identificação de parasitas foram realizadaa no fígado e no pulmão. Vinte espécimes de C. thous foram necropsiados no Setor de Patologia Animal do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo. Amostras de tecido foram processadas para exame histopatológico e análise de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Não houve amplificação por PCR das sequências de DNA genômico de Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. usando-se DNA extraído do baço como modelo. Histologicamente, lesões associadas ao parasitismo por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. foram observadas no fígado e no pulmão, respectivamente. Este é o primeiro relato de Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. parasitismo em C. thous no estado do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Portanto, este estudo demonstrou parasitismo de cachorro-do-mato por Platynosomum sp. e Angiostrongylus sp. É importante detacar que não há evidências de infecção por Brucella sp., Babesia sp., Rangelia sp. e Hepatozoon sp. por análise de PCR.(AU)

High-resolution structural profile of hylaseptin-4: Aggregation, membrane topology and pH dependence of overall membrane binding process.

Hylaseptin-4 (HSP-4, GIGDILKNLAKAAGKAALHAVGESL-NH2) is an antimicrobial peptide originally isolated from Hypsiboas punctatus tree frog. The peptide has been chemically synthetized for structural investigations by CD and NMR spectroscopies. CD experiments reveal the high helical content of HSP-4 in biomimetic media. Interestingly, the aggregation process seems to occur at high peptide concentrations either in aqueous solution or in presence of biomimetic membranes, indicating an increase in the propensity of the peptide for adopting a helical conformation. High-resolution NMR structures determined in presence of DPC-d38 micelles show a highly ordered α-helix from amino acid residues I2 to S24 and a smooth bend near G14. A large separation between hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues occurs up to the A16 residue, from which a shift in the amphipathicity is noticed. Oriented solid-state NMR spectroscopy show a roughly parallel orientation of the helical structure along the POPC lipid bilayer surface, with an insertion of the hydrophobic N-terminus into the bilayer core. Moreover, a noticeable pH dependence of the aggregation process in both aqueous and in biomimetic membrane environments is attributed to a single histidine residue (H19). The protonation degree of the imidazole side-chain might help in modulating the peptide-peptide or peptide-lipid interactions. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations confirm the orientation and preferential helical conformation and in addition, show that HSP-4 tends to self-aggregate in order to stabilize its active conformation in aqueous or phospholipid bilayer environments.

Characterization of edaphic fauna in different monocultures in Savanna of Piauí.

Vegetation cover may show diversity and composition patterns of the soil invertebrate community, as a function of litter quantity and quality in a specific habitat. The objective of this work was to characterize the distribution of edaphic fauna in different monocultures. The study was carried out at Chapada Grande farm in Regeneração, PI. Four monoculture areas were chosen: no-tillage soybean, eucalyptus, pasture, and a preserved native cerrado forest. Soil fauna was collected in a dry and wet period by pitfall traps containing 4% formaldehyde. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by the number of individuals per trap per day, average richness and richness, Shannon diversity index and Pielou uniformity index. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and multivariate Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The highest number of individuals per day trap and of average richness were registered in the pasture, eucalyptus and forest areas in both periods, while soybean showed lower values with predominance of Coleoptera and Formicidae groups. The pasture and forest areas showed of higher Shannon index values in the two evaluated seasons, probably due to higher contributions organic residues in the soil that favors the shelter, feeding and reproduction conditions. Regarding the Pielou index, the soybean system showed higher values in this variable. The Aranae, Coleoptera, Formicidae and Diptera groups predominated in the humid period, while Coleoptera and Formicidae predominated in the dry period. Systems that generate greater accumulation of residues harbor a greater diversity of invertebrates of the edaphic fauna. Seasonality had an effect on all variables analyzed and the wet period showed more expressive values.

Aberrant right subclavian artery in a dog - case report / [Ectopia de artéria subclávia direita em cão - relato de caso]

The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery originate from the aortic arch, and both supply blood to the head, neck, and thoracic limbs. Anatomical variations, such as an aberrant right subclavian artery, are congenital conditions rarely observed in dogs, Thus, the objective of the present report was to describe a case of aberrant right subclavian artery in a 9-year-old Dalmatian. However, this anomaly was a finding in which the patient was asymptomatic during its 9 years of life and only at this age did he exhibit signs including sialorrhea, vomiting, hyporexia, and noisy deglutition. Blood count, biochemical profile, and thoracic radiography led to a diagnosis of megaesophagus and aspiration pneumonia. Despite the recommended treatment, the patient did not respond well; as such, the owner elected to euthanize the animal. On necropsy, the right subclavian artery originated directly from the aortic arch, followed a route from left to right dorsally to the esophagus, and then formed an impression of the vascular path over the muscular wall of the esophagus. The esophagus, in turn, exhibited a flaccid wall and dilation in the caudal portion to the vascular path made by the ectopic position of the right subclavian artery.(AU)

O tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda emergem do arco aórtico e são responsáveis por fazerem o suprimento sanguíneo para cabeça, pescoço e membros torácicos. Variações anatômicas, como a ectopia da artéria subclávia direita, são alterações congênitas raramente encontradas em cães, cujas alterações do sistema digestivo acontecem em pacientes recém-desmamados e não em adultos. Assim, o objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de ectopia da artéria subclávia direita em uma cadela, Dálmata, de nove anos de idade. No entanto, essa anomalia foi um achado do qual o paciente foi assintomático durante os nove anos de vida e somente com essa idade apresentou sinais como sialorreia, vômito, hiporexia e deglutição ruidosa. O hemograma e os perfis bioquímicos, associados à radiografia torácica, levaram a um diagnóstico de megaesôfago e pneumonia aspirativa. Mesmo seguindo o tratamento recomendado, houve piora clínica do quadro e o animal foi submetido à eutanásia. À macroscopia, a artéria subclávia direita originava-se direto do arco aórtico, fazia um percurso da esquerda para a direita dorsalmente ao esôfago e, então, formava uma impressão do trajeto vascular sobre a parede muscular do esôfago. O esôfago, por sua vez, apresentava parede flácida e dilatação na porção caudal ao trajeto vascular feito pela posição ectópica da artéria subclávia direita.(AU)

Experimental study of the Poynting effect in a soft unidirectional fiber-reinforced material under simple shear.

The aim of this work was to investigate the shear and lateral normal responses of a soft unidirectional fiber-reinforced material subjected to simple shear. The Poynting effect was also investigated. Soft composites were manufactured from a flexible adhesive reinforced by a single family of parallel and continuous fibers of nylon. Specimens with fibers oriented at an angle (-45°, 0°, 45° and 90°) with respect to the applied shear force were tested. A simple shear test apparatus was developed to measure shear and normal forces simultaneously. A standard reinforcing model based on strain-energy density function was used to verify the mechanical behavior of the soft composite with different fiber orientation. Results showed that the initial stiffness of the composite with fibers oriented at -45° and 45° was approximately the same and was higher than those at 0° and 90°. Also, there was no significant difference between values of initial stiffness for angles of 0° and 90° and the neat matrix. The effect of the stretching resistance of the fibers was more pronounced for fibers oriented at 45° and 90°. There was no Poynting effect for the neat matrix or for the composite with fibers at 0° while positive and negative Poynting effects were observed for fibers oriented at -45° and 45° (and 90°), respectively. The standard reinforcing model was only verified for a limited range of amount of shear due to composite failure. Fiber debonding and fiber buckling were observed in the composites with fibers oriented at 45° (and 90°) and -45°, respectively, at large deformations.

Geographical variations in arsenic contents in rice plants from Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula in relation to soil conditions.

Arsenic is a ubiquitous, toxic element that is efficiently accumulated by rice plants. This study assessed the spatial variability in the total As (tAs) contents and organic and inorganic forms in different types of rice, plant parts (husk, stem, leaves and phytoliths) and residues. Samples were collected in different countries in Latin America (Ecuador, Brazil and Peru) and the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). The tAs content in commercial polished rice from the Latin American countries was similar (0.130-0.166 mg kg-1) and significantly lower than in the rice from the Iberian countries (0.191 ± 0.066 mg kg-1), and together, the tAs concentration in brown rice (236 ± 0.093 mg kg-1) was significantly higher than in polished and parboiled rice. The inorganic As (iAs) content in rice was similar in both geographical regions, and the aforementioned difference was attributed to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA). The relative abundance of organic species increased as the tAs content in rice grain increased. A meta-analysis of our and previously reported data confirmed the negative correlation between iAs/tAs and tAs. At low tAs concentrations, inorganic forms are dominant, while at higher values (tAs > 0.300 mg kg-1) the concentration of organic As increases substantially and DMA becomes the dominant form in rice grain. On the contrary, inorganic arsenic was always the dominant form, mainly as arsenate [As(V)], in leaves and stems. The presence in soils of high concentrations of amorphous Fe and Al oxides and hydroxides, which are capable of strongly adsorbing oxyanions (i.e. arsenate), was associated with low concentrations of As in rice plants. In addition, the presence of high concentrations of As(V) in stems and leaves, low concentration of As in phytoliths, and the As associated with organic matter in stems and husk, together suggest that rice plants take up more As(V) than As(III).

Assessing forest availability for wood supply in Europe.

The quantification of forests available for wood supply (FAWS) is essential for decision-making with regard to the maintenance and enhancement of forest resources and their contribution to the global carbon cycle. The provision of harmonized forest statistics is necessary for the development of forest associated policies and to support decision-making. Based on the National Forest Inventory (NFI) data from 13 European countries, we quantify and compare the areas and aboveground dry biomass (AGB) of FAWS and forest not available for wood supply (FNAWS) according to national and reference definitions by determining the restrictions and associated thresholds considered at country level to classify forests as FAWS or FNAWS. FAWS represent between 75 and 95 % of forest area and AGB for most of the countries in this study. Economic restrictions are the main factor limiting the availability of forests for wood supply, accounting for 67 % of the total FNAWS area and 56 % of the total FNAWS AGB, followed by environmental restrictions. Profitability, slope and accessibility as economic restrictions, and protected areas as environmental restrictions are the factors most frequently considered to distinguish between FAWS and FNAWS. With respect to the area of FNAWS associated with each type of restriction, an overlap among the restrictions of 13.7 % was identified. For most countries, the differences in the FNAWS areas and AGB estimates between national and reference definitions ranged from 0 to 5 %. These results highlight the applicability and reliability of a FAWS reference definition for most of the European countries studied, thereby facilitating a consistent approach to assess forests available for supply for the purpose of international reporting.

Review of Dry and Wet Decentralized Sanitation Technologies for Rural Areas: Applicability, Challenges and Opportunities.

This paper reviews decentralized sanitation technologies comparing dry and wet solutions currently available, discussing their operational requirements, applicability, effluent output quality, efficiencies, environmental impacts, costs, challenges, as well as their advantages and implementation difficulties. Sanitation technologies vary from conventional centralized systems, typically used on urban areas, to decentralized systems, more common in sparse dwellings and small communities of rural areas. Compared with centralized sanitation, decentralized sanitation is being progressively considered as more sustainable solution. Most do not require energy or expensive or sophisticated operation, being easy to adapt to different geographic contexts. A general lack of consistent regulatory control over most dry rudimentary systems and primary treatment systems may compromise water quality and human health. In the future, a mix of new policies and accurate accounting of the location, performance, and degree of failure of such systems should be performed. However, forcing users and communities to face the capital, operational, or repairing costs may be challenging. Since many of the discussed technologies may be important sources of contamination with nutrients, pathogens and toxic chemicals, new opportunities are still open, which include the conversion of dry rudimentary systems into dry controlled systems.

Future directions for the concept of salutogenesis: a position article.

Aaron Antonovsky advanced the concept of salutogenesis almost four decades ago (Antonovsky, Health, Stress and Coping. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA, 1979; Unravelling the Mystery of Health. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco, CA, 1987). Salutogenesis posits that life experiences shape the sense of coherence (SOC) that helps to mobilize resources to cope with stressors and manage tension successfully (determining one's movement on the health Ease/Dis-ease continuum). Antonovsky considered the three-dimensional SOC (i.e. comprehensibility, manageability, meaningfulness) as the key answer to his question about the origin of health. The field of health promotion has adopted the concept of salutogenesis as reflected in the international Handbook of Salutogenesis (Mittelmark et al., The Handbook of Salutogenesis. Springer, New York, 2016). However, health promotion mostly builds on the more vague, general salutogenic orientation that implies the need to foster resources and capacities to promote health and wellbeing. To strengthen the knowledge base of salutogenesis, the Global Working Group on Salutogenesis (GWG-Sal) of the International Union of Health Promotion and Education produced the Handbook of Salutogenesis. During the creation of the handbook and the regular meetings of the GWG-Sal, the working group identified four key conceptual issues to be advanced: (i) the overall salutogenic model of health; (ii) the SOC concept; (iii) the design of salutogenic interventions and change processes in complex systems; (iv) the application of salutogenesis beyond health sector. For each of these areas, we first highlight Antonovsky's original contribution and then present suggestions for future development. These ideas will help guide GWG-Sal's work to strengthen salutogenesis as a theory base for health promotion.

Intracellular calcium mishandling leads to cardiac dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias in a mouse model of propionic acidemia.

Propionic acidemia (PA) is a rare metabolic disease associated with mutations in genes encoding the α and ß subunits of the enzyme propionyl-CoA carboxylase. The accumulation of toxic metabolites results in mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species production and oxidative damage, which have been associated with the disease pathophysiology. Clinical symptoms are heterogeneous and include cardiac complications, mainly cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias, which are recognized as one of the major life-threatening manifestations in patients. We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the cardiac phenotype using a hypomorphic mouse model (Pcca-/-(A138T)) that recapitulates some biochemical and clinical characteristics of PA. We demonstrate that Pcca-/-(A138T) mice present with depressed cardiac function along with impaired cell contractility when compared to the wild-type mice. Cardiac dysfunction in Pcca-/-(A138T) mice was associated with lower systolic Ca2+ release ([Ca2+]i transients), impairment in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ load and decreased Ca2+ re-uptake by SR-Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2a). These functional changes correlated well with the depressed activity of SERCA2a, the elevated ROS levels and SERCA2a oxidation rate in cardiomyocytes isolated from Pcca-/-(A138T) mice. In addition, decreased SR-Ca2+ load in Pcca-/-(A138T) cardiomyocytes was associated with increased diastolic Ca2+ release. The increase in Ca2+ sparks, Ca2+ waves and spontaneous [Ca2+]i transients in Pcca-/-(A138T) cardiomyocytes could be responsible for the induction of ventricular arrhythmias detected in these mice. Overall, our results uncover the role of impaired Ca2+ handling in arrhythmias and cardiac dysfunction in PA, and identify new targets for the development of therapeutic approaches for this devastating metabolic disease.

Edaphic fauna in a vegetation gradient in the Sete Cidades National Park / Fauna edáfica em um gradiente vegetacional no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades

Abstract The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.

Resumo A fisionomia e cobertura vegetal podem mostrar padrões de diversidade e composição da comunidade edáfica, em função da quantidade e qualidade da serapilheira em determinado habitat específico. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito do gradiente vegetacional formado por Campo Graminóide (CGR), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) e Floresta Estacional Semidecídua (FES) sobre a densidade, diversidade e composição da comunidade da fauna edáfica em duas épocas do ano do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades (PI). Para amostragem da fauna foram colocadas um total de oito armadilhas do tipo Pit-fall, distanciadas por 10 m, em cada área na parte central de cada sistema, onde permaneceram por sete dias. No período úmido houve uma tendência a aumento do número de indivíduos conforme a complexidade da formação vegetal e o inverso ocorreu no período seco. Verificou-se uma variação ambiental dos fatores climáticos temperatura e umidade conforme a formação vegetal contribuindo para uma distribuição heterogênea da fauna. Apenas no período seco a formação CGR apresentou valor significativamente menor de riqueza média. Em relação às variáveis de diversidade e uniformidade não apresentaram variações drásticas em relação ao gradiente vegetacional estudado. Os grupos dominantes no gradiente vegetacional foram Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari e Collembola, com redução do número de Coleoptera na época seca. Pela análise de componentes principais (ACP) constatou-se maiores diferenças na composição das comunidades entre as formações vegetais para o período chuvoso. Nesta época, as formações vegetais os estádios FES e CRD estiveram associados a uma maior diversidade de invertebrados do que CSS e CGR, demonstrando influência da complexidade vegetacional sobre a comunidade da fauna do solo.

Edaphic fauna in a vegetation gradient in the Sete Cidades National Park.

The vegetation physionomy and cover can show patterns of diversity and composition of the edaphic community, depending on the quantity and quality of litter in a specific habitat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the vegetation gradient formed by Graminoid Field (GRF), Cerrado Sensu Stricto (CSS), Cerradão (CRD) and Semideciduous Seasonal Forest (SSF) on density, diversity and composition of the edaphic fauna community in two seasons of the year, in the Sete Cidades National Park (Piauí state). For fauna sampling, a total of eight pitfall traps, distanced 10 m, were placed in each area in the central part of each system, where they remained for seven days. In the wet period, there was a tendency to increase the number of individuals as a function of the complexity of the vegetation formation, with the inverse occurring in the dry period. It was verified an environmental variation of the climatic factors temperature and humidity according to the vegetal formation, contributing to a heterogeneous distribution of the fauna. The GRF formation presented a significantly lower value of average richness only in the dry period. Regarding the variables of diversity and uniformity, they did not show drastic variations in relation to the vegetation gradient studied. The dominant groups in the vegetation gradient were Formicidae, Coleoptera, Aranae, Acari and Collembola, with reduction of the number of Coleoptera in the dry season. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed greater differences in the composition of the communities between the vegetation formations for the rainy season. At this time, the formations SSF and CRD were associated to a greater diversity of invertebrates than CSS and GRF, demonstrating the influence of the vegetation complexity on the soil fauna community.

Anatomical study of length and branching pattern of main trunk of the left coronary artery.

The left coronary artery is responsible for the irrigation of important heart structures. The objective of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics of the main trunk of left coronary artery in the Brazilian population and its clinical implications. The study was carried out by using 63 adult human hearts of the human anatomy laboratory of the Federal university of Ceará, Brazil. The hearts were dissected for exposure and analysis of the left coronary artery and its branches. The data collected were statistically analyzed. The main trunk arose from the left aortic sinus under the left atrial auricle in all the 63 hearts. The mean length of the main trunk was 8.53±4.03mm. According to the criteria for the classification of the main trunk length, about 78% were medium-sized. The majority of the hearts (52.38%) showed trifurcation of the main trunk. Anova test followed by the Tukey's post hoc test showed that the main trunk length of hearts with trifurcation was significantly longer when compared with hearts with bifurcation (9.77±4.31mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0029). Similar findings were observed in the main trunk length of the hearts with tetrafurcation in comparison with hearts with bifurcation (10.78±1.4mm vs. 6.44±3.01mm; P=0.0387). This study showed that there is a correlation between the branching pattern and the length of the main trunk. Additionally, we showed that the most common branching pattern of the main trunk is the trifurcation, differing from other Brazilian studies and providing additional information to professionals of cardiology, cardiovascular surgery, and radiology.

Histomorphometric analysis of gonads of green turtles (chelonia mydas) stranded on the coast of Espírito Santo state, Brazil / Análise histomorfométrica das gônadas de tartarugas verdes (Chelonia Mydas) provenientes de encalhe no litoral do Espírito Santo, Brasil

Studies on reproduction in sea turtles are important due to its life cycle, migratory patterns, high juvenile mortality and environmental impacts. This study aimed to analyse histomorphometrically gonads of C. mydas from the coastline of the Espírito Santo State, Brazil. Ovaries and testicles were collected between 2014 and 2015 from stranded animals. The material was fixed in formalin 10%, assessed macroscopically and processed for histomorphometrical evaluation. Gonads from 34 individuals were evaluated, twenty-four females and ten males. Macroscopic sexual identification presented 100% accuracy confirmed by histology. Sexual dimorphism was observed in one individual, which was considered as adult (CCL=1.023 m). Microscopy of female gonads revealed predominant previtellogenic follicles; oocyte diameter ranged between 161µm and 750µm and a positive correlation between ovarian length, largest oocyte and CCL was found. In males, autolysis was verified in five individuals. Viable testicles revealed predominant spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules and, Leydig cells and fibroblasts in the stroma. There was a positive correlation between tubular diameter and CCL and testicle length and CCL. Maturation of stromal tissue and a positive correlation between tubular lumen and CCL were also observed. Gonad development is proportional to individual growth.(AU)

Estudos em reprodução de tartarugas marinhas são importantes devido ao ciclo de vida, ao padrão migratório, à alta mortalidade juvenil e aos impactos ambientais. Objetivou-se analisar histomorfometricamente gônadas de C. mydas no litoral do Espírito Santo. Foram coletados ovários e testículos dessa espécie, entre 2014 e 2015. O material foi fixado em formol a 10% e avaliado macroscopicamente. Em seguida, foi processado para avaliação histomorfométrica. Foram avaliadas gônadas de 34 indivíduos, 24 fêmeas e 10 machos. Verificaram-se 100% de acurácia na identificação sexual à macroscopia, confirmada pela histologia. Observou-se dimorfismo sexual em um macho, que foi considerado adulto (CCC=1,023m). A microscopia dos ovários revelou folículos pré-vitelogênicos, cujos ovócitos apresentaram diâmetro médio entre 161µm e 750µm. Houve correlação positiva entre comprimento ovariano e diâmetro do maior ovócito e CCC. Nos machos, verificou-se autólise em cinco indivíduos. Os testículos viáveis revelaram espermatogônias, espermatócitos primários e células de Sertoli nos túbulos seminíferos, além de células de Leydig e fibroblastos no estroma. Houve correlação positiva entre diâmetro tubular e CCC e comprimento testicular e CCC. Verificou-se maturação do tecido estromal e correlação positiva entre o diâmetro do lúmen tubular e o CCC. Verifica-se que o desenvolvimento das gônadas é proporcional ao crescimento dos indivíduos.(AU)

Caracterização do imunofenótipo das células envolvidas no processo fibrótico de fígados bovinos cronicamente infectados por Fasciola hepatica / Immunophenotype characterization of the cells involved in the fibrotic process of bovine livers chronically infected by Fasciola hepatica

A fasciolose é uma doença parasitária causada por trematódeo do gênero Fasciola sp., que pode ocasionar fibrose hepática. Objetivou-se caracterizar o imunofenótipo das células que participam da fibrogênese de fígados bovinos frente à infecção por F. hepatica. Foram utilizados fragmentos dos lobos direito e esquerdo de 74 fígados bovinos com fasciolose. Os fragmentos foram submetidos a processamento histológico, coloração com tricrômico de Masson e imuno-histoquímica. Utilizaram-se análise estatística descritiva e teste de correlação de Spearmann com 5% de probabilidade. Na classificação do grau de fibrose, observou-se prevalência do grau 1, com associação positiva e significativa entre o grau de fibrose e o lobo hepático esquerdo (ρ=0,41; P<0,0001). Os imunofenótipos observados foram células estreladas hepáticas (CEHs) no parênquima e miofibroblastos (MFs) no espaço porta (EP). Não foram encontrados fibroblastos. Não houve correlação significativa entre o grau de fibrose e a quantidade de CEH nos lobos hepáticos, direito e esquerdo. Verificou-se aumento do número de estruturas portais, bem como do número de camadas circundando cada estrutura no EP, contudo não houve influência de qualquer estrutura sobre o grau de fibrose hepática (P>0,05). Concluiu-se que as células CEH e os MFs participam da fibrogênese de fígados bovinos com fasciolose crônica.(AU)

Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease caused by a fluke of the genus Fasciola sp., which can lead to end liver fibrosis. This study aimed to characterize the immunophenotype of cells that participate in the fibrogenesis of livers of cattle that face infection by F. hepatica. Fragments of the right and left lobes of 74 cattle livers with fascioliasis were used. The fragments were subjected to histological analysis, Masson's trichrome special stain, and immunohistochemistry. A descriptive statistical analysis was used, with a 5% probability in Spearman correlation test. The classification of degree of fibrosis revealed prevalence of grade 1, with a positive and significant association between the degree of fibrosis and the left hepatic lobe (ρ = 0.41; p <0.0001). The observed immunophenotypes corresponded to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the parenchyma and myofibroblasts (MFs) in the portal tract (PT). Fibroblasts were not found. There was no significant correlation between the degree of fibrosis and the amount of HSC in right and left hepatic lobes. There was an increase in the number of portal structures, as well as in the number of layers surrounding each structure of the PT, but there was no influence of any structure of the PT on the degree of liver fibrosis (P>0.05). HSCs and MFs were concluded to play a role in the fibrogenesis of cattle livers with chronic fascioliasis.(AU)