Body Condition Scores in Cats and Associations with Systolic Blood Pressure, Glucose Homeostasis, and Systemic Inflammation.

BACKGROUND: Feline obesity is the most common nutritional disease in cats. This study aimed to investigate the differences between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and serum amyloid-A (SAA) in ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats. METHODS: The animals were divided into three groups: ideal-weight (BCS 5, N = 20), overweight (BCS 6, N = 20), and obese cats (BCS ≥ 7, N = 20). SBP, circulating concentrations of glucose, fructosamine, and SAA were evaluated. RESULTS: The SBP values of the ideal-weight, overweight, and obese cats were 140.0 mmHg, 160.0 mmHg, and 160.0 mmHg, respectively. The blood glucose and fructosamine levels for the ideal, overweight, and obese cats were 104.0 mg/dL and 245.0 µmol/L, 123.0 mg/dL and 289.0 µmol/L, and 133.0 mg/dL and 275.0 µmol/L, respectively, for each group. The SAA values were <5 ug/mL in all the groups. The SBP values of the cats with ideal BCS were significantly lower compared to overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.001) cats. The blood glucose values of obese cats were higher than those of ideal-weight cats (p = 0.029). There was no statistical difference between the groups for fructosamine and SAA. CONCLUSIONS: Obese cats had significantly higher SBP and blood glucose concentrations than ideal-weight cats, showing the effect of BSC on these parameters.

Peripheral biomarkers as a predictor of poor prognosis in severe cases of COVID-19.

We evaluated glycemia and triglyceride, hepatic, muscular, and renal damage markers, redox profile, and leptin and ghrelin hormone levels of COVID-19 patients. We also realized statistical analysis to verify the potential of biomarkers to predict poor prognosis and the correlation between them in severe cases. We assessed glycemia and the levels of triglycerides, hepatic, muscular, and renal markers in automatized biochemical analyzer. The leptin and ghrelin hormones were assessed by the ELISA assay. Severe cases presented high glycemia and triglyceride levels. Hepatic, muscular, and renal biomarkers were altered in severe patients. An oxidative stress status was found in severe COVID-19 patients. Severe cases also had increased levels of leptin. The ROC curves indicated many biomarkers as poor prognosis predictors in severe cases. The Spearman analysis showed that biomarkers correlate between themselves. Patients with COVID-19 showed significant dysregulation in the levels of several peripheral biomarkers. We bring to light that a robust panel of peripheral biomarkers and hormones predict poor prognosis in severe cases of COVID-19, as well as correlates between them. Early monitoring of these biomarkers may conduct the correct clinical intervention associated with the clinical symptoms for treating patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.

Toxicological assessment of photoactivated tetra-cationic porphyrin molecules under white light exposure in a Caenorhabditis elegans model.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the potential of photosensitizing substances to absorb light energy and produce reactive oxygen species. Tetra-cationic porphyrins, which have organic or coordination compounds attached to their periphery, are heterocyclic derivatives with well-described antimicrobial and antitumoral properties. This is due to their ability to produce reactive oxygen species and their photobiological properties in solution. Consequently, these molecules are promising candidates as new and more effective photosensitizers with biomedical, environmental, and other biomedical applications. Prior to human exposure, it is essential to establish the toxicological profile of these molecules using in vivo models. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans, a small free-living nematode, as a model for assessing toxic effects and predicting toxicity in preclinical research. We evaluated the toxic effects of porphyrins (neutral and tetra-cationic) on nematodes under dark/light conditions. Our findings demonstrate that tetra-methylated porphyrins (3TMeP and 4TMeP) at a concentration of 3.3 µg/mL (1.36 and 0.93 µM) exhibit high toxicity (as evidenced by reduced survival, development, and locomotion) under dark conditions. Moreover, photoactivated tetra-methylated porphyrins induce higher ROS levels compared to neutral (3TPyP and 4TPyP), tetra-palladated (3PdTPyP and 4PdTPyP), and tetra-platinated (3PtTPyP and 4PtTPyP) porphyrins, which may be responsible for the observed toxic effects.

Risk Perception and Fatigue in Port Workers: A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess fatigue in port workers; analyze the association between fatigue and levels of trust in organizations, as well as the association between authorities and risk perception; and examine the official documents governing the studied port, along with the current health and communication status of the port workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional pilot study, which presented quantitative and qualitative data, and it was carried out among port workers in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Thirty-nine port workers responded to quantitative questionnaires, which collected their socio-demographic data, as well as a risk perception questionnaire, the Chalder Fatigue Scale, and the Checklist of Individual Strength. Five documents from the port regiment were studied and qualitatively analyzed. The health communications consisted of presenting infographics with research data and providing information for reducing fatigue. RESULTS: Fifteen workers (38.5%) were considered fatigued. There was a reduction in fatigue associated with trust in the unions and the labor management body, and there was an agreement that the precarious environment was completely unacceptable. The qualitative data in the documents indicated that it was possible to identify the infrastructure of the port environment, the legislation, the strategies to be adopted in cases of natural disasters, emergency plans, plans for the protection and promotion of workers' health, individual and collective protection plans, the division of the sectors and those responsible for them, and documents detailing the hierarchy within the ports. The qualitative analysis culminated in graphic representations (infographics) created to communicate the research results to port workers, specifically in relation to fatigue, and we presented the ways to prevent fatigue at work. Discussion/Limitations: Studying the risk perceptions and fatigue levels of port workers through research with the active participation of these workers presented their lived experiences, which promoted discussion and perhaps more effective proposals to change their work conditions.

Brain insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review.

The disability of cells to react to insulin, causing glucose intolerance and hyperglycemia, is referred to as insulin resistance. This clinical condition, which has been well-researched in organs such as adipose tissue, muscle, and liver, has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD) when it occurs in the brain. Objective: The authors aimed to gather data from the current literature on brain insulin resistance (BIR) and its likely repercussions on neurodegenerative disorders, more specifically AD, through a systematic review. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in multiple medical databases, including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), and PubMed®, employing the descriptors: "insulin resistance", "brain insulin resistance", "Alzheimer's disease", "neurodegeneration", and "cognition". The authors focused their search on English-language studies published between 2000 and 2023 that investigated the influence of BIR on neurodegenerative disorders or offered insights into BIR's underlying mechanisms. Seventeen studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Results: The results indicate that BIR is a phenomenon observed in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Studies suggest that impaired glucose utilization and uptake, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and synaptic plasticity changes caused by BIR are linked to cognitive problems. However, conflicting results were observed regarding the association between AD and BIR, with some studies suggesting no association. Conclusion: Based on the evaluated studies, it can be concluded that the association between AD and BIR remains inconclusive, and additional research is needed to elucidate this relationship.

A incapacidade das células de reagir à insulina, ocasionando intolerância à glicose e hiperglicemia, é chamada de resistência à insulina. Essa condição clínica, que tem sido bem pesquisada em órgãos como tecido adiposo, músculo e fígado, tem sido associada às doenças neurodegenerativas como a doença de Alzheimer (DA) quando ocorre no cérebro. Objetivo: O objetivo dos autores foi reunir os dados da literatura atual sobre a resistência insulínica cerebral (RIC) e sua provável repercussão em doenças neurodegenerativas, mais especificamente na DA, por meio de uma revisão sistemática da literatura. Métodos: Foi realizada uma pesquisa abrangente em vários bancos de dados médicos, incluindo o Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline) e PubMed, empregando os descritores: "resistência à insulina", "resistência insulínica cerebral", "doença de Alzheimer", "neurodegeneração" e "cognição". Os autores concentraram sua busca em estudos no idioma inglês publicados entre 2000 e 2023 que investigaram a influência da RIC em distúrbios neurodegenerativos ou ofereceram insights sobre os mecanismos subjacentes da RIC. Dezessete estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão foram selecionados. Resultados: Os resultados demonstram que a RIC é um fenômeno observado em uma variedade de doenças neurodegenerativas, incluindo a DA. Estudos sugerem que a utilização e captação prejudicadas de glicose, a produção reduzida de trifosfato de adenosina (ATP) e as alterações na plasticidade sinápticas causadas pela RIC estão ligadas a problemas cognitivos. No entanto, foram observados resultados conflitantes com relação à associação entre DA e RIC, com alguns estudos sugerindo nenhuma associação. Conclusão: Com base nos estudos avaliados, pode-se concluir que a associação entre DA e RIC ainda é inconclusiva, e pesquisas adicionais são necessárias para elucidar essa relação.

Effects of upper limbs' neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed to voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise, in muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with CKD: a randomized clinical trial protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of unilateral upper limbs' (ULM) neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of intradialytic leg cycle ergometer exercise on muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life of adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: This randomized controlled clinical trial will be carried out at a Brazilian University Hospital. The patients will be evaluated and randomly allocated to an intervention group (i.e., unilateral NMES on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min) or a control group (i.e., unilateral NMES-Sham on the upper limb without hemodialysis fistula for 20 min and leg cycle ergometer for 30 min). The patients will be treated for 8 weeks, with three weekly treatment sessions totaling 24 sessions. MEASUREMENTS: ULM muscle strength, functional capacity, quality of life and also the feasibility, safety and patient adherence to the exercise protocol. All physical measurements will be collected by trained researchers before treatment (week 0) and at the end of treatment (week 9), always in the second hemodialysis session of the week. It will be used in an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this clinical trial protocol may help to know the possible benefits of unilateral ULM' NMES superimposed on a voluntary contraction added to a protocol of leg cycle ergometer for patients with CKD and to aid clinical decisions about future implementation or not of this technique (NMES) in intradialytic physical training programs.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of muscle and fat thickness measurements obtained using portable ultrasonography in older adults.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Ultrasonography (US) is a promising tool for assessing body composition, offering accuracy and accessibility. However, technician skills and equipment characteristics can impact measurement reliability. We aimed to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of two evaluators using A-mode Portable Ultrasound to measure muscle and fat thickness in Brazilian older adults. METHODS: Quantitative cross-sectional study carried out with 150 community-dwelling older adults of Campinas-SP-Brazil, recruited in a retirement preparation program and a geriatric outpatient care unit. Scans of nine anatomical points were performed using the portable ultrasound in A-mode (BodyMetrix Pro System BX2000; Livermore, CA), with 6 scans per location and 3 measurements taken by each evaluator. After the selection and analysis of the generated images, muscle and fat thickness were measured. Reliability estimates between measures of the same evaluator (intra-rater) and between evaluators (inter-rater) were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and differences within and between technicians were assessed using one-way ANOVA. Analyses were carried out for the overall sample and stratified by sex and by nutritional status. RESULTS: Excellent ICC values (>0.90) were found for subcutaneous fat thickness in intra- and inter-rater reliability analyses. The lowest ICC values were observed for deep abdominal fat thickness measured by evaluator 1 (ICC = 0.90) and evaluator 2 (ICC = 0.87), as well as in the inter-rater analysis (ICC = 0.85). Muscle thickness measurements had satisfactory ICC values for triceps, biceps, anterior thigh, and calf, ranging from moderate to good (ICC 0.50-0.90). CONCLUSION: A portable A-mode ultrasound demonstrates excellent reliability among both intra- and inter-raters for assessing fat thickness but only moderate for muscle thickness in older adults. Hence, this could prompt inquiries regarding the sole reliance on this tool for quantifying muscle mass and examining sarcopenia in older adults. To our knowledge, this study represents the first assessment of reliability for a portable A-mode ultrasound device conducted with older adults.

COVID-19, Anxiety, and Body Mass Index Increase Leptin Levels: a Cross-sectional Multicentric Study.

Although many efforts have been made to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of COVID-19, critical gaps remain to be explored. This study aimed to investigate potential alterations in adipokine levels (specifically adiponectin, leptin, and resistin) among individuals with COVID-19. Within this population, we further assessed the association between these markers with both, body mass index (BMI) and psychiatric symptoms. This cross-sectional study included an age- and sex-matched sample of adults with COVID-19 (cases) and without COVID-19 (controls). We evaluated the severity of psychiatric symptoms, BMI, and adipokines. Individuals with COVID-19 presented greater BMI, stress levels, and leptin levels when compared to controls. Leptin levels were greater in individuals with moderate/severe COVID-19 as compared to individuals with COVID-19 who were asymptomatic or having mild symptoms. Leptin levels were positively correlated with BMI, severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in the total sample. Leptin levels were also positively correlated with BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and stress levels in controls. In cases, there was a positive correlation between adiponectin and the severity of depressive symptoms and stress levels and leptin/resistin with BMI. A linear regression model revealed that BMI, severity of anxiety symptoms, and the diagnosis of COVID-19 are independently associated with increased leptin levels. Thus, leptin levels seem to be impacted by the COVID-19 infection, anxiety, and BMI.

OncoTherad® (MRB-CFI-1) Nanoimmunotherapy: A Promising Strategy to Treat Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Unresponsive Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: Crosstalk among T-Cell CX3CR1, Immune Checkpoints, and the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Signaling Pathway.

This study assessed the safety and efficacy of OncoTherad® (MRB-CFI-1) nanoimmunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) patients unresponsive to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and explored its mechanisms of action in a bladder cancer microenvironment. A single-arm phase I/II study was conducted with 44 patients with NMIBC who were unresponsive to BCG treatment. Primary outcomes were pathological complete response (pCR) and relapse-free survival (RFS). Secondary outcomes comprised response duration and therapy safety. Patients' mean age was 65 years; 59.1% of them were refractory, 31.8% relapsed, and 9.1% were intolerant to BCG. Moreover, the pCR rate after 24 months reached 72.7% (95% CI), whereas the mean RFS reached 21.4 months. Mean response duration in the pCR group was 14.3 months. No patient developed muscle-invasive or metastatic disease during treatment. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 77.3% of patients, mostly grade 1-2 events. OncoTherad® activated the innate immune system through toll-like receptor 4, leading to increased interferon signaling. This activation played a crucial role in activating CX3CR1+ CD8 T cells, decreasing immune checkpoint molecules, and reversing immunosuppression in the bladder microenvironment. OncoTherad® has proved to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with BCG-unresponsive NMIBC, besides showing likely advantages in tumor relapse prevention processes.

Corrigendum: Assessment of the accuracy of 11 different diagnostic tests for the detection of Schistosomiasis mansoni in individuals from a Brazilian area of low endemicity using latent class analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1048457.].

Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio in neonatal foals with sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and accurate markers to aid diagnosis of sepsis are needed in neonatal foals. The CBC variable red blood cell distribution width (RDW) to platelet ratio (RPR) is associated with inflammatory response and linked to poor outcomes of sepsis in human patients. HYPOTHESIS: Explore the correlation of RPR with sepsis in neonatal foals and evaluate RPR predictive and prognostic value. ANIMALS: Three hundred seventeen hospitalized neonatal foals ≤7 days of age that had a CBC and physical exam performed at admission between 2012 and 2021. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. Clinical records were used to calculate sepsis scores and define groups. Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was calculated and compared between groups (septic vs nonseptic) based on Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. A multivariate logistic regression model to predict sepsis was created. The cutoff for RPR was obtained based on the maximal Youden Index. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to estimate survival curves and compare survival rates based on RPR. RESULTS: Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was significantly higher in septic foals (Median = 0.099, confidence interval [CI] [0.093; 0.108]) than in sick nonseptic (0.085, CI [0.083; 0.089]) and healthy foals (0.081, CI [0.077; 0.086]; P < .0001). Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio was able to predict sepsis with high accuracy (AUC = 82.1%). The optimal RPR cutoff for sepsis was 0.09. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Red blood cell distribution width to platelet ratio calculation is practical, inexpensive, and based on CBC-derived data. Calculation of RPR along with CBC can aid in the diagnosis of sepsis and estimation of outcome.

Toxicity of copper and zinc alone and in combination in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Huntington's disease and protective effects of rutin.

Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) are required in small concentrations for metabolic functions, but are also toxic. There is a great concern about soil pollution by heavy metals, which may exposure the population to these toxicants, either by inhalation of dust or exposure to toxicants through ingestion of food derived from contaminated soils. In addition, the toxicity of metals in combination is questionable, as soil quality guidelines only assess them separately. It is well known that metal accumulation is often found in the pathologically affected regions of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is caused by an autosomal dominantly inherited CAG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. This results in the formation of a mutant huntingtin (mHTT) protein with an abnormally long polyglutamine (polyQ) repeat. The pathology of HD results in loss of neuronal cells, motor changes, and dementia. Rutin is a flavonoid found in various food sources, and previous studies indicate it has protective effects in HD models and acts as a metal chelator. However, further studies are needed to unravel its effects on metal dyshomeostasis and to discern the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we investigated the toxic effects of long-term exposure to copper, zinc, and their mixture, and the relationship with the progression of neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in a C. elegans-based HD model. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of rutin post metal exposure. Overall, we demonstrate that chronic exposure to the metals and their mixture altered body parameters, locomotion, and developmental delay, in addition to increasing polyQ protein aggregates in muscles and neurons causing neurodegeneration. We also propose that rutin has protective effects acting through mechanisms involving antioxidant and chelating properties. Altogether, our data provides new indications about the higher toxicity of metals in combination, the chelating potential of rutin in the C. elegans model of HD and possible strategies for future treatments of neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregation of proteins related to metals.

ABO Blood Type and Metabolic Markers in COVID-19 Susceptibility and Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background and Aims: To evaluate the effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus on the function and metabolic changes, as well as the relationship of the virus with blood groups. Methods and Results: This cross-sectional study included a matched sample of adult individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (n = 114) or without (controls; n = 236). Blood samples were collected and processed for triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood typing analysis. The results showed that subjects with COVID-19 had higher TG and lower HDL-C levels compared with the control group. As for blood typing, the risk of COVID-19 was higher in subjects with blood group A than in those with blood group B and in those with other blood groups. In addition, an association of COVID-19 with blood type and Rh A- was observed. When related to the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, blood type A was more protective against moderate/severe symptoms compared with blood type O. In addition, individuals with blood type O were 2.90 times more likely to have symptoms moderate/severe symptoms of COVID-19 than those with other blood groups and individuals with type A blood were less likely to have severe/moderate symptoms of COVID-19 compared with individuals without type A blood. Conclusion: The results suggest that blood type may play a role in susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and add evidence that infection with the novel coronavirus may be associated with changes in lipid metabolism.

Factors associated with postural balance in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis have postural balance impairments due to uremic syndrome and hemodialysis complications. This study evaluated the factors associated with postural balance in patients on hemodialysis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included patients on hemodialysis [n = 93, 62.0 (16.0) years]. Postural balance was evaluated using a force plate in a static position with eyes opened and eyes closed on a firm surface and with eyes opened on a foam surface to register the center of pressure path length. Physical function was assessed by isometric handgrip force, the 5-repetition sit-to-stand test, and gait speed. The level of physical activity and quality of life were evaluated by accelerometry and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, respectively. FINDINGS: After adjustment for potential confounders, the multiple linear regression analysis showed that the presence of diabetes mellitus and neurological disease and gait speed were significantly associated with the center of pressure path length in the eyes opened test (R2 = 0.263; p < 0.001). The center of pressure path length in the eyes closed test was significantly associated with the presence of neurological disease (R2 = 0.177; p = 0.002). The center of pressure path length in the eyes opened on a foam surface test was significantly associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus (R2 = 0.223; p < 0.001). INTERPRETATION: Poor postural balance was associated with the presence of diabetes mellitus and neurological disease and a slower gait speed in patients on hemodialysis.

Estimated average blood glucose level based on fructosamine level.

Objective: To define the mathematical relationship between fructosamine levels and average glucose values. Subjects and methods: The study comprised laboratory data of 1,227 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Fructosamine levels measured at the end of a 3-week period were compared against the average blood glucose levels of the previous 3 weeks. Average glucose levels were determined by the weighted average of the daily fasting capillary glucose results performed during the study period, and the plasma glucose measured in the same sample collected for fructosamine measurement. Results: In total, 9,450 glucose measurements were performed. Linear regression analysis between fructosamine levels and average glucose levels showed that for each 1.0 µmol/L increase in fructosamine level there was a 0.5 mg/dL increase in average glucose level, as estimated by the equation Mean glucose level = (0.5157 × Fructosamine) - 20. The coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.353492, p < 0.006881) allowed the calculation of the estimated average glucose based on fructosamine level. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a linear correlation between fructosamine level and mean blood glucose level, suggesting that fructosamine levels can be a proxy for the average glucose level in assessing the metabolic control of patients with diabetes.

Clinical effects of combined red and infrared wavelengths in the treatment of local injuries caused by Bothrops leucurus snake venom.

AIM: to evaluate the effects of visible and invisible wavelengths, individually and combined, on local edematogenic activity, serum and muscle enzymes, and clinical response in mice inoculated with B. leucurus snake venom. METHODS: 112 male mice were inoculated with diluted B. leucurus snake venom in the right gastrocnemius muscle, the same volume of saline solution was applied in the contralateral muscle. The animals were divided into four groups, one control and three treated with: 1) red laser (λ = 660 nm), 2) infrared laser (λ = 808 nm) and 3) red laser (λ = 660 nm) + infrared (λ = 808 nm). Each group was subdivided into four subgroups, according to the duration of treatment application (applications every 24 h over evaluation times of up to 144 h). A diode laser was used (0.1 W, CW, 1J/point, DE: 10 J/cm2). RESULTS: the treatments prevented the loss of the proprioception reflex, accelerated the reestablishment of the damaged area, and reduced claudication, local hemorrhage, and edematogenic activity caused by bothropic venom. Both wavelengths reduced serum concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased muscle concentration of CK. The combined wavelengths caused a significant reduction in serum enzyme concentrations and a better clinical response when compared to the isolated treatments. CONCLUSION: Laser photobiomodulation proved to be effective in the treatment of the disorders evaluated and the interaction between red and infrared wavelengths potentiated the therapy effects.

Spatial Distribution of Off-Host Stages of Tunga penetrans in the Soil within the Home Range of Nine Infected Dogs in An Endemic Tourist Area in Brazil.

Tungiasis is a neglected disease caused by the sand flea Tunga penetrans, and dogs are considered the main reservoirs in Brazil. This study aimed to identify the role of dogs as tungiasis dispersers and to investigate the presence of T. penetrans in the soil of an endemic tourist area. Nine dogs infected by T. penetrans were included in this study and received GPS collars to analyze their movement through the village. Duplicate sand samples were collected in different areas of the community. Those areas were classified as peridomicile (n = 110), open area (n = 110), beach (n = 50), and river (n = 58). The analysis of the points recorded by the collars showed that the dogs roamed throughout the community, potentially facilitating the spread of the disease. Samples contaminated with developmental forms of the parasite were found in the circulation area of three dogs. Adult fleas were found in 3/328 samples. These data emphasize that infected dogs' roaming can influence the fleas' dispersion in the soil. Statistically, none of the study variables had a significant correlation (p > 0.5) with the presence of T. penetrans in the area analyzed. This study was the first to assess infected dogs' role as tungiasis propagators.

Demand changes meat as changing meat reshapes demand: The great meat revolution.

As consumer acceptance and overall demand for the different types of meat are important determinants of the new balance between conventional and alternative meats, our goal was to approach the changes in meat demand, as affected by the increasingly available alternative meats coupled to the challenges of conventional meat including the meat paradox, with emphasis on the Brazilian scenario. Then, some aspects of the demand for alternative meats are presented, with a brief historical background. As the decisions taken in the present shape this unprecedented revolution in the way we produce and choose whether to eat meat and, if so, which one, the details of the transition to alternative meat chains in Brazil are yet to be written. It seems even more difficult to predict which food protein items will be in higher demand in the next decades, as new products will likely present themselves for their quality as food items as well as for their ethical and environmental attributes.

Adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations in Brazilian cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: We aimed to describe the adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations (regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and salad greens; limit the consumption of red and processed meat, fast food, sugary and alcoholic beverages; keeping a healthy body weight, being physically activity, and not smoking) of 2314 cancer survivors and 86,517 adults without cancer diagnosis (general population) from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2019. METHODS: We developed a score including eight healthy lifestyle recommendations proposed by the World Cancer Research Fund (i.e., the score ranged from 0 to 8; being 0 did not follow any recommendation and 8 followed all recommendations). RESULTS: Cancer survivors had higher healthy lifestyle score than the general population. In contrast, they presented similar adherence to the recommendations of physical activity, healthy body weight, and quitting smoking. Among cancer survivors, women (OR 1.52; 95%CI 1.12 to 2.06) and widows (OR 1.49; 95%CI 1.02 to 2.18) had greater odds of adherence to healthy lifestyle recommendations, adjusted for other sociodemographic characteristics. However, cancer survivors with complete primary education (OR 0.64; 95%CI 0.44 to 0.94) and higher education (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.40 to 0.83) had lower adherence to the recommendations. CONCLUSION: Our findings may be useful to support counseling and interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for Brazilian cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Healthy lifestyle may reduce mortality and cancer recurrence, and improve quality of life in cancer survivors. Identifying factors associated with the adherence to healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors may be useful to support actions and interventions.

Estimated average blood glucose level based on fructosamine level

ABSTRACT Objective: To define the mathematical relationship between fructosamine levels and average glucose values. Subjects and methods: The study comprised laboratory data of 1,227 patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus. Fructosamine levels measured at the end of a 3-week period were compared against the average blood glucose levels of the previous 3 weeks. Average glucose levels were determined by the weighted average of the daily fasting capillary glucose results performed during the study period, and the plasma glucose measured in the same sample collected for fructosamine measurement. Results: In total, 9,450 glucose measurements were performed. Linear regression analysis between fructosamine levels and average glucose levels showed that for each 1.0 µmol/L increase in fructosamine level there was a 0.5 mg/dL increase in average glucose level, as estimated by the equation Mean glucose level = (0.5157 x Fructosamine) - 20. The coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.353492, p < 0.006881) allowed the calculation of the estimated average glucose based on fructosamine level. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated a linear correlation between fructosamine level and mean blood glucose level, suggesting that fructosamine levels can be a proxy for the average glucose level in assessing the metabolic control of patients with diabetes.