Influence of Frailty Status on Pain, Disability, and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Acute Low Back Pain: Results from the Back Complaints in the Elders (BACE-Brazil) Study.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from a prospective cohort study to investigate whether frailty is associated with pain intensity, disability caused by low back pain (LBP), and quality of life in an older population with acute non-specific LBP. Six hundred and two individuals with a mean age of 67.6 (standard deviation [SD] 7.0) years were included in the analysis. In relation to frailty status, 21.3 per cent of the sample were classified as robust, 59.2 per cent were classified as pre-frail, and 19.5 per cent were classified as frail. In the unadjusted analysis, pre-frail and frail groups showed significantly higher pain and disability scores than the robust group. Moreover, the same two groups exhibited lower scores in both physical and mental domains of quality of life than the robust group. After adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical variables, disability scores and the physical component of quality of life were significantly associated with frailty. In older adults with acute LBP, frailty is associated with more disability and worse scores in the physical component of quality of life.

Infection by the semi-persistently transmitted Tomato chlorosis virus alters the biology and behaviour of Bemisia tabaci on two potato clones.

Insect-borne plant viruses usually alter the interactions between host plant and insect vector in ways conducive to their transmission ('host manipulation hypothesis'). Most studies have tested this hypothesis with persistently and non-persistently transmitted viruses, while few have examined semi-persistently transmitted viruses. The crinivirus Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is semi-persistently transmitted virus by whiteflies, and has been recently reported infecting potato plants in Brazil, where Bemisia tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) is a competent vector. We investigated how ToCV infection modifies the interaction between potato plants and B. tabaci in ways that increase the likelihood of ToCV transmission, in two clones, one susceptible ('Agata') and the other moderately resistant (Bach-4) to B. tabaci. Whiteflies alighted and laid more eggs on ToCV-infected plants than mock-inoculated plants of Bach-4. When non-viruliferous whiteflies were released on ToCV-infected plants near mock-inoculated plants, adults moved more intensely towards non-infected plants than in the reverse condition for both clones. Feeding on ToCV-infected plants reduced egg-incubation period in both clones, but the egg-adult cycle was similar for whiteflies fed on ToCV-infected and mock-inoculated plants. Our results demonstrated that ToCV infection in potato plants alters B. tabaci behaviour and development in distinct ways depending on the host clone, with potential implications for ToCV spread.

Influence of Trichomes in Strawberry Cultivars on the Feeding Behavior of Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is the predominant aphid in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne) production systems in Brazil. This pest species directly damages the plants and is also responsible for spreading viruses. Further, C. fragaefolii often renders strawberry cultivation unviable, because of its high reproductive rate, as well as the large number of individuals generated through parthenogenesis. The present study aimed to (1) evaluate the feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii in four strawberry cultivars (Albion, Aromas, Camarosa, and San Andreas) and (2) identify the resistance factors associated with the number and type of trichomes in the cultivars, and also its effect on the feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii, using the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique. The results revealed an intrinsic relationship between the number of trichomes on the cultivar and feeding behavior of C. fragaefolii. A higher number of trichomes, both tector and glandular, was observed in Albion compared to that of other cultivars, resulting in a longer no probing (Np) period per insect, and a longer Np phase. A relatively short phloem phase and ingestion time of the phloem sieve elements were also observed in Albion. These results suggest that the trichomes act as a physical barrier creating difficulties for C. fragaefolii to feed, thereby altering its feeding behavior in the four cultivars studied.

Frequency of enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin-1, and biofilm formation genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from cows with mastitis in the Northeast of Brazil.

Staphylococcus aureus is among the microorganisms more frequently associated with subclinical bovine mastitis. S. aureus may produce several virulence factors. This study aimed at determining the frequency of virulence factors such as enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin 1, and ica adhesion genes. In addition, we assessed antimicrobial drug resistance in S. aureus isolated from clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis. A total of 88 cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis were sampled, resulting in 38 S. aureus isolates, from which 25 (65.78%) carried toxin genes, including seb, sec, sed, tst, and icaD adhesion gene. These S. aureus isolates belong to 21 ribotypes and three S. aureus strains belonged to the same ribotype producing ica adhesion gene. Approximately 90% of S. aureus strains obtained in our study demonstrated multiple resistance to different antimicrobial agents. The most efficacious antimicrobial agents against the isolates were gentamicin, amoxicillin, and norfloxacin. Gentamicin was the most efficacious agent inhibiting 78.95% of the S. aureus isolates. The least efficacious were penicillin, streptomycin, and ampicillin. Our results can help in understanding the relationship between virulence factors and subclinical mastitis caused by S. aureus. Further research about diversity of S. aureus isolates and genes responsible for the pathogenicity of subclinical mastitis is essential.

A simple and automated sample preparation system for subsequent halogens determination: Combustion followed by pyrohydrolysis.

A simple and automated system based on combustion followed by a pyrohydrolysis reaction was proposed for further halogens determination. This system was applied for digestion of soils containing high (90%) and also low (10%) organic matter content for further halogens determination. The following parameters were evaluated: sample mass, use of microcrystalline cellulose and heating time. For analytes absorption, a diluted alkaline solution (6 mL of 25 mmol L-1 NH4OH) was used in all experiments. Up to 400 mg of soil with high organic matter content and 100 mg of soil with low organic matter content (mixed with 400 mg of cellulose) could be completely digested using the proposed system. Quantitative results for all halogens were obtained using less than 12 min of sample preparation step (about 1.8 min for sample combustion and 10 min for pyrohydrolysis). The accuracy was evaluated using a certified reference material of coal and spiked samples. No statistical difference was observed between the certified values and results obtained by the proposed method. Additionally, the recoveries obtained using spiked samples were in the range of 98-103% with relative standard deviation values lower than 5%. The limits of quantification obtained for F, Cl, Br and I for soil with high (400 mg of soil) and low (100 mg of soil) organic matter were in the range of 0.01-2 µg g-1 and 0.07-59 µg g-1, respectively. The proposed system was considered as a simple and suitable alternative for soils digestion for further halogens determination by ion chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry techniques.

Inflammation and oxidative stress in heart failure: effects of exercise intensity and duration.

Although acute exercise is apparently pro-inflammatory and increases oxidative stress, it can promote the necessary stress stimulus to train chronic adaptations in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). This study aimed to compare the effects of exercise intensity and duration on the inflammatory markers soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor (sTNFR1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and on oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] in individuals with CHF. Eighteen patients performed three exercise sessions: 30 min of moderate-intensity (M30) exercise, 30 min of low-intensity (L30) exercise, and 45 min of low-intensity (L45) exercise. Blood analysis was performed before exercise (baseline), immediately after each session (after), and 1 h after the end of each session (1h after). Thirty min of M30 exercise promoted a larger stressor stimulus, both pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative, than that promoted by exercises L30 and L45. This was evidenced by increased sTNFR1 and MDA levels after exercise M30. In response to this stressor stimulus, 1 h after exercise, there was an increase in IL-6 and CAT levels, and a return of sTNFR1 to baseline levels. These findings suggest that compared with the duration of exercise, the exercise intensity was an important factor of physiologic adjustments.

Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum in sexually active women attending public health clinics in Brazil.

Ureaplasma urealyticum and U. parvum have been associated with genital infections. The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of ureaplasmas and other sexually transmitted infections in sexually active women from Brazil and relate these data to demographic and sexual health, and cytokines IL-6 and IL-1ß. Samples of cervical swab of 302 women were examined at the Family Health Units in Vitória da Conquista. The frequency of detection by conventional PCR was 76·2% for Mollicutes. In qPCR, the frequency found was 16·6% for U. urealyticum and 60·6% U. parvum and the bacterial load of these microorganisms was not significantly associated with signs and symptoms of genital infection. The frequency found for Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Gardnerella vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis was 3·0%, 21·5%, 42·4% and 1·7%, respectively. Higher levels of IL-1ß were associated with control women colonized by U. urealyticum and U. parvum. Increased levels of IL-6 were associated with women who exhibited U. parvum. Sexually active women, with more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months, living in a rural area were associated with increased odds of certain U. parvum serovar infection.

Multitechnique Determination of Halogens in Soil after Selective Volatilization Using Microwave-Induced Combustion.

A method for digestion of soils with high inorganic matter content (ranging from 50 to 92%) by microwave-induced combustion (MIC) is proposed for the first time for further halogens (F, Cl, Br, and I) determination by ion chromatography (IC) and also by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Microcrystalline cellulose (100-500 mg), used as a combustion aid, was mixed with sample and water or NH4OH solutions (10-100 mmol L-1) were investigated for analytes absorption. The use of cellulose (400 mg) was mandatory to volatilize the halogens from soils with high inorganic matter. It was possible to use diluted absorbing solutions (up to 100 mmol L-1 NH4OH) for halogens retention, providing limits of quantification in the range of 0.06 (I) to 60 (Cl) µg g-1. Accuracy was evaluated using certified reference materials (CRMs), spiked samples, and pyrohydrolysis method. Recoveries for halogens after spiked samples were in the range of 94 to 103% and the results after digestion of CRMs by MIC were in agreement better than 95% to certified values. Blanks were low, relative standard deviation was below 8% for all soils and no statistical difference was observed for results by pyrohydrolysis and MIC methods showing the feasibility of the proposed method for further halogens determination in soil samples.

Purification, biochemical characterization, and antimicrobial activity of a new lipid transfer protein from Coffea canephora seeds.

Coffee, an agronomical crop of great economic importance, is also among the most commonly traded commodities in worldwide markets. Antimicrobial peptides, which play a role in plant defense, have been identified and isolated particularly from seeds. We isolated and immunolocalized Cc-LTP2, a new lipid transfer protein (LTP) from Coffea canephora seeds. We report its antimicrobial activity against various phytopathogenic fungi of economic importance, and against the bacterium Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Peptides from C. canephora seeds were initially extracted using acid buffer and subjected to ion-exchange and reverse-phase chromatographies. A purified peptide of approximately 9 kDa, which we named Cc-LTP2, was then subjected to amino acid sequencing. The analyses showed that it was similar to LTPs isolated from various plants. The tissue and subcellular localization of C. canephora LTPs indicated that they were located in cell walls and intracellular palisade parenchyma, mainly in large vacuoles. The results of immunohistochemistry and histochemistry superposed from C. canephora seed tissues showed that LTPs and lipid bodies are present in organelles, supporting the hypothesis that LTPs from seeds are involved in lipid mobilization during germination. Cc-LTP2 did inhibit the development of the phytopathogenic fungi Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium solani, Fusarium lateritium, and Colletotrichum sp, but did inhibit X. euvesicatoria. Cc-LTP2 also increased membrane permeability and induced endogenous production of reactive oxygen species in all the fungi tested.

Effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium in a freshwater fish.

Sub-chronic effects of ecologically relevant concentrations of cadmium (Cd) were evaluated in the catfish Rhamdia quelen. The fish were exposed to Cd (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100µgL(-1)) for 15 days. Bioconcentration was observed in the liver of fish exposed to 10 and 100µgL(-1) of cadmium. The liver glutathione S-transferase activity decreased at 0.1 and 1µgL(-1) and increased at 100µgL(-1) and lipoperoxidation increased in all tested concentrations. Fish exposed to 0.1, 1 and 100µgL(-1) Cd presented increase in hepatic lesion index. In the kidney, the catalase activity and LPO reduced in all exposed groups. The gluthatione peroxidase, etoxiresorufin-O-deethylase activities and metallothionein increased at the highest concentration of Cd, but the level of reduced glutathione decreased. The genotoxicity was observed at 0.1 and 100µgL(-1). Neurotoxicity was not observed. The results showed that low concentrations (range of µgL(-1)) of Cd caused hepato-, nephro- and hematological alterations in this freshwater fish species.

Microwave-induced combustion of crude oil for further rare earth elements determination by USN-ICP-MS.

A procedure for light and heavy crude oils digestion by microwave-induced combustion (MIC) is proposed for the first time for further rare earth elements (REE) determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) equipped with an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN). Samples of crude oil (API density of 10.8-23.5, up to 250 mg) were inserted in polycarbonate capsules and combusted using 20 bar of oxygen and 50 µL of 6 mol L(-1) ammonium nitrate as igniter. Nitric acid solutions (1-14.4 mol L(-1)) were evaluated for analyte absorption and a reflux step was applied after combustion (5 min of microwave irradiation at 1400 W) in order to achieve better analyte recoveries. Accuracy was evaluated using a spiked sample and also by comparison of results obtained by microwave-assisted digestion combined to ultraviolet radiation (MW-UV) and by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Using 3 mol L(-1) HNO3, quantitative recoveries (better than 97%) were obtained for all analytes. Blank values were always negligible. Agreement was higher than 96% for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Y by comparison of results with those obtained by MW-UV and by NAA (only for La, Ce, Nd, Sm, and Yb). Residual carbon content in digests using MIC was always below 1%. As an advantage over conventional procedures for crude oil digestion, using MIC, it was possible to use diluted acid as absorbing solution, obtaining better limits of detection and avoiding interferences in REE determination by USN-ICP-MS.

High-efficiency microwave-assisted digestion combined to in situ ultraviolet radiation for the determination of rare earth elements by ultrasonic nebulization ICPMS in crude oils.

A method for heavy and extraheavy crude oil digestion based on microwave-assisted wet digestion (MW-AD) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation using diluted HNO3 was applied for the determination of rare earth elements (REE) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) with an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN). Even using pressurized systems conventional acid digestion is not feasible for efficient crude oil digestion, especially for heavy and extraheavy crude oils that generally present high amounts of asphaltenes and resins. In the proposed system, UV radiation is generated in situ by immersed electrodeless Cd discharge lamps positioned inside quartz vessels. The use of diluted solutions (1-14.4 mol L(-1) HNO3 and 1-4 mol L(-1) H2O2) were evaluated for heavy and extraheavy crude oil digestion (API density of 11.1-19.0). With the proposed method the residual carbon content was lower than 13 mg C/100 mg of sample, and it was possible to digest sample masses up to 500 mg using 4 mol L(-1) HNO3 and 4 mol L(-1) H2O2. Interferences caused by excessive acid concentration and carbon content in digests were minimized allowing limits of quantification for REEs as low as 0.3 ng g(-1). Samples were also digested using MW-AD in pressurized systems with concentrated HNO3, but even using 280 °C, 80 bar, and concentrated HNO3, MW-AD method was not suitable for REE determination due to interferences in ICPMS determination. The combination of microwave heating with UV was considered a suitable and effective way to digest crude oil allowing further determination of low concentrations of REE by ICPMS.

Physical therapy intervention (PTI) increases plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in non-frail and pre-frail elderly women.

Biomarkers are important factors in the identification of the frail elderly (higher risk of developing disease) and in assessing the impact of PTI. On the other hand, BDNF has been related to neuroprotection in a series of central nervous system diseases in older age. The levels of BDNF in groups of elderly women classified according to Fried phenotype (non-frail and pre-frail) were compared. We assessed the impact of a PTI on BDNF levels. A convenience sample of 48 elderly women was randomly selected. The PTI group was composed by 20 elderly women selected from this group. Plasma neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF, glial-derived neutrophic factor (GDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Timed-up-and-go (TUG) test, hand-grip and work/body weight were evaluated before and after the intervention. Plasma concentrations of BDNF were significantly higher in non-frail in comparison to pre-frail elderly women. After the PTI, higher levels of BDNF were found in elderly women (before 351±68 pg/ml and after 593±79 pg/ml; p<0.001). Both groups had an increase in BDNF levels after the PTI. The low levels of BDNF in pre-frail elderly women suggest that this neurotrophic factor may be a key pathophysiological mediator in the syndrome of frailty. The fact that PTI increased BDNF levels in both groups suggests that it may be possible to modify this phenotype.

Effects of 174 G/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the interleukin-6 gene on plasma IL-6 levels and muscle strength in elderly women

We investigated the effect of -174 G/C single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL6 gene on plasma IL-6 levels and muscle strength, and the relationship between IL-6 levels and muscle strength in elderly women. The sample consisted of 199 elderly residents (73.0 ± 7.8 years old) from rest homes and the community in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. -174 G/C polymorphism was determined by direct sequencing of the product by PCR, and plasma IL-6 concentrations were measured by ELISA. Muscle strength in the knee joint was evaluated using a Biodex System 3 Pro® isokinetic dynamometer. ANCOVA was used to determine the effect of polymorphism on IL-6 levels and muscle strength, and the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between IL-6 levels and muscle strength. -174 G/C polymorphism was associated with the plasma IL-6 levels of elderly women (P < 0.01) since homozygotes for the G allele showed high IL-6 levels (GG 3.85 pg/mL, GC + CC 2.13 pg/mL). There was no association of polymorphism on muscle strength (P > 0.05). No association was found between IL-6 levels and knee extensor muscle (r = 0.087, P = 0.306) or flexor (r = -0.011, P = 0.894) strength. An interaction between -174 G/C polymorphism and housing conditions of the sample of elderly women was identified, with the effect of genotype on IL-6 levels being higher in the institutionalized elderly. These results support the evidence that -174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene associates with individual variability of plasma IL-6 levels in elderly women.

Effects of 174 G/C polymorphism in the promoter region of the interleukin-6 gene on plasma IL-6 levels and muscle strength in elderly women.

We investigated the effect of -174 G/C single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the IL6 gene on plasma IL-6 levels and muscle strength, and the relationship between IL-6 levels and muscle strength in elderly women. The sample consisted of 199 elderly residents (73.0 ± 7.8 years old) from rest homes and the community in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. -174 G/C polymorphism was determined by direct sequencing of the product by PCR, and plasma IL-6 concentrations were measured by ELISA. Muscle strength in the knee joint was evaluated using a Biodex System 3 Pro® isokinetic dynamometer. ANCOVA was used to determine the effect of polymorphism on IL-6 levels and muscle strength, and the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between IL-6 levels and muscle strength. -174 G/C polymorphism was associated with the plasma IL-6 levels of elderly women (P < 0.01) since homozygotes for the G allele showed high IL-6 levels (GG 3.85 pg/mL, GC + CC 2.13 pg/mL). There was no association of polymorphism on muscle strength (P > 0.05). No association was found between IL-6 levels and knee extensor muscle (r = 0.087, P = 0.306) or flexor (r = -0.011, P = 0.894) strength. An interaction between -174 G/C polymorphism and housing conditions of the sample of elderly women was identified, with the effect of genotype on IL-6 levels being higher in the institutionalized elderly. These results support the evidence that -174 G/C polymorphism of the IL6 gene associates with individual variability of plasma IL-6 levels in elderly women.

Influence of socio-demographic, clinical and functional factors on the severity of dementia.

Dementia is one of the most relevant illnesses due to its functional impact on the elderly. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of socio-demographic, clinical, cognitive and functional factors on the severity of dementia in elderly individuals. One hundred six elderly individuals with a diagnosis of dementia as determined by the DSM-IV/APA participated in the study. Cognition was assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE); functional performance of basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADLs and IADLs) was assessed by the Katz index (KI), Lawton-Brody index (LBI) and Pfeffer index (PI). The severity of dementia was established through the clinical dementia rating (CDR). In order to determine the influence of factors on the degree of dementia, ordinal regression analysis was performed. Age, MMSE, KI, LBI and PI scores had statistically significant associations to the severity of dementia. However, only the age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.197; confidence interval (CI) = 0.060-0.643) and performance in IADLs (LBI: OR = 1.237, CI = 1.077-1.422; PI: OR = 0.641, CI = 0.548-0.750) were maintained in the final ordinal regression model, R(2) = 0.818. The results show that elderly individuals over 80 years of age and those with a more compromised performance in IADLs have a greater chance of exhibiting more severe degrees of dementia. These findings suggest that the ability to perform IADLs may be an important variable in differentiating degrees of the severity of dementia.

Muscle strength, muscle balance, physical function and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in elderly women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).

An increased circulating level of inflammatory cytokines has been associated with sarcopenia, functional disability, chronic diseases, and mortality in the elderly. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease common to this population, the seriousness of articular degeneration has been associated to the increase in some cytokines, IL-6 among them. The aim of the present study was to correlate IL-6 plasma levels with muscle strength, endurance, muscle balance hamstring/quadriceps (H/Q) and physical function in 80 elderly women (71.2 ± 5.3) with knee OA. IL-6 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, endurance and hamstring-quadriceps muscle balance were assessed using a Biodex system 3 pro(®) isokinetic dynamometer. Physical function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between the outcomes at the significance level of α=0.05. IL-6 was inversely correlated to the endurance of the hamstring muscles (r=-0.232; p=0.03) and muscle balance (H/Q) on the lower right side at 180°/s (r=-0.254; p=0.023). No significant correlation between IL-6, muscle strength and physical function was found. Our results show that elevated levels of IL-6 may possibly contribute to the reduction of the endurance of hamstring muscles and H/Q muscle balance in the elderly studied.

sTNFR-1 is an early inflammatory marker in community versus institutionalized elderly women.

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To evaluate plasma sTNFR-1 and IL-6 levels and correlate with hand grip in the institutionalized and community living Brazilian elderly. MATERIAL: A convenience sample of 110 elderly women (71.17 + or - 7.44 years) was selected. Plasma sTNFR-1 and IL-6 levels were measured by ELISA. For the measurement of hand grip, a JAMAR dynamometer was used. RESULTS: Plasma concentrations of inflammatory markers were significantly higher in institutionalized elderly (sTNFR-1: 479 + or - 22 pg/mL; IL-6: 6.3 + or - 0.8 pg/mL) than in community-dwelling elderly (sTNFR-1: 329 + or - 24 pg/mL; IL-6: 2.5 + or - 0.4 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). Institutionalized elderly had reduced hand grip (15 + or - 0.8 Kgf) in comparison to community dwelling elderly (23 + or - 0.6 Kgf; P < 0.05). When individuals were subdivided in age groups, sTNFR-1 was higher in community dwelling versus institutionalized elderly in the 60-70 age range. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that being institutionalized has an impact on levels of inflammatory markers.

Hypertrophy of NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons in rat jejunum after acute infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis, a globally distributed feline-associated zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, affects birds and mammals, including humans. This study assesses the consequences of acute T. gondii infection for NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons in rat jejunum. Ten male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two groups: G1 (n = 5) and G2 (n = 5). Animals from G2 were orally inoculated with 500 genotype III (M7741) T. gondii oocysts. Twenty-four hours after inoculation, the animals were euthanized and had their jejuna removed, through laparotomy, and measured (length and width) to calculate their areas. Intestinal segments were submitted to NADH-diaphorase histochemistry to evidence the most metabolically active subpopulation of myenteric neurons. No changes were found in body weight; intestinal length, width or area; or neuron population density. Increase of body cell area and cytoplasm and decrease of nuclear area of the myenteric neurons of infected animals were observed by morphometric analysis.

Muscle strength but not functional capacity is associated with plasma interleukin-6 levels of community-dwelling elderly women

The association of plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, muscle strength and functional capacity was investigated in a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling elderly women from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Elderly people who present controlled chronic diseases with no negative impact on physical, psychosocial and mental functionality are considered to be community-dwelling. Psychological and social stress due to unsuccessfully aging can represent a risk for immune system disfunctions. IL-6 levels, isokinetic muscle strength of knee flexion/extension, and functional tests to determine time required to rise from a chair and gait velocity were measured in 57 participants (71.21 ± 7.38 years). Serum levels of IL-6 were measured in duplicate and were performed within one single assay (mouse monoclonal antibody against IL-6; High-Sensitivity, Quantikine®, R & D Systems, USA; intra-assay coefficient of variance = 6.9-7.4 percent; interassay coefficient of variance = 9.6-6.5 percent; sensitivity = 0.016-0.110 pg/mL; mean = 0.039 pg/mL). Muscle strength was assessed with the isokinetic dynamometer Biodex System 3 Pro®. After the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied, correlations were investigated using Spearman and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Post hoc analysis was performed using the Dunn test. A significant negative correlation was observed between plasma IL-6 levels (1.95 ± 1.77 pg/mL) and muscle strength for knee flexion (70.70 ± 21.14 percent; r = -0.265; P = 0.047) and extension (271.84 ± 67.85 percent; r = -0.315; P = 0.017). No significant correlation was observed between IL-6 levels and the functional tests (time to rise from a chair = 14.65 ± 2.82 s and gait velocity = 0.95 ± 0.14 m/s). These results suggest that IL-6 is associated with reduced muscle strength.