Risk factors associated with seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in dogs from urban and rural areas of milk and coffee production in Minas Gerais state, Brazil.

This study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and to investigate the risk factors related to seroprevalence in dogs from urban and rural areas with distinct economic activities (milk and coffee production) in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. For this purpose, blood samples from 703 dogs were collected and questionnaires addressing epidemiological aspects were completed by dog-owners. The sera were analysed for anti-N. caninum antibodies by indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT ≥ 1:50). Association between epidemiological aspects and seropositivity in dogs was evaluated with multivariate logistic regression models. A total of 80 (11·4%) dogs tested positive for N. caninum. In the multivariate logistic regression models, dogs aged >4 years, dogs used as guard dogs, dogs that spontaneously hunt, and history of bovine abortion were found to be greater risk factors for canine N. caninum infection. When we considered only dogs from rural areas, an association with seroprevalence was seen for milk farms, dogs not fed with commercial food, dogs that hunt, and dogs used as guard dogs.

Biotransformed soybean cream as a new nutraceutical for skin care: collagen stimulation in vitro and ex vivo.

Treatments that attenuate the effects of hypoestrogenism in menopausal women have been gaining visibility. This study investigated the skin response to a phytoestrogen-enriched cosmetic formulation created by incorporating a biotransformed soybean extract (BE) into a cream-like matrix. Collagen-I expression was analyzed both in vitro (fibroblast cells) and ex vivo (skin explants). The results revealed an increased amount of collagen-I both in fibroblasts and human skin when treated with BE and BE-incorporated cream. Also, this collagen-I overexpression was inhibited by PHTPP, indicating a dependence on estrogen hormone receptor beta (ERß) signaling. Moreover, BE was not harmful to skin microbiota, showing a promising nutricosmetic potential. Thus, this work presented a fully functional cream-like formulation that was shown to be safe and effectively increase collagen-I levels both in vitro and ex vivo.

Innovative application of brackish groundwater without the addition of nutrients in the cultivation of Spirulina and Chlorella for carbohydrate and lipid production.

Brackish groundwater is promising for the cultivation of economically important microalgae; however, its effects have been evaluated only after nutrient supplementation. In this study, 100% brackish groundwater was evaluated as a culture medium for Spirulina sp. (BGWS) and Chlorella fusca (BGWC). In addition, the effects of supplementation with 25% of the nutrients from Zarrouk (BGWS25) and BG-11 (BGWC25) culture media were evaluated. BGWS and BGWC increased the concentration (68.1% w w-1) and productivity of carbohydrate (35.3 mg L-1 d-1) in Spirulina sp. and increased the concentration (56.4% w w-1) and productivity (13.5 mg L-1 d-1) of lipids in C. fusca biomass, when compared to that in the respective controls. The use of brackish groundwater as the sole culture medium is an innovative alternative for the economic production of biomass rich in carbohydrates and lipids. This has potential applications for biofuel production.

Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation in seawater and reduced nutrients: Bioprocess strategy for increasing carbohydrates in biomass.

This study aimed to evaluate the growth and production of biomolecules by Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivated in seawater. The seawater was used without nutrient addition (SW0) and supplemented with 100% (SW100), 50% (SW50), and 25% (SW25) nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, and EDTA concentrations that make up the Zarrouk culture medium. When grown in SW0, Spirulina sp. LEB 18 showed maximum biomass concentration (2.17 g L-1) on the 11th d of cultivation and an increase in the carbohydrate content and productivity by 203% and 52%, respectively, when compared to the control culture. This cultivation strategy demonstrated the feasibility of using seawater as an alternative to freshwater in cultures as well as reduced nutritional requirements for biomass and carbohydrate production.

The influence of winter and summer seasons on physical fitness in aged population.

Epidemiological studies have described the association between physical fitness and health. Few have reported the impact of seasonal variation on fitness determinants, in elderly. We investigated the effects of summer and winter environmental conditions on physical fitness, in both exercise and non-exercise elders. 371 non-institutionalized older adults (74.1% female; 78.4 ±â€¯5.3 years) randomly recruited from a total sample of 1338 subjects from north of Portugal, were prospectively followed during 1 year and 3 assessments were performed - April (baseline), October (summer season) and April (winter season). Four groups were defined, according to reported habits of exercising: Exercise (EG); Winter Exercise (WG); and Summer Exercise (SG); non-Exercise (nEG). Muscle strength was assessed with handgrip and isometric knee extension test, and aerobic capacity with the 6 min walking test. Repeated measures ANOVA with two between-subjects factors were run for independent variables, considering a three Time points. Significance set at p < .05. Findings show that: (1) men were fitter than women; (2) EG showed better results than nEG (p = .000), but not different than WG or SG, (3) nEG physical fitness was not significantly different from WG and SG; (4) SG and WG showed similar results; (5) there was significant group-by-time interaction for all variables in study. Among elderly, the regular physical exercise determined better cardiorespiratory fitness and levels of strength compared to individuals that were not exercising, however, no season impact was observed. Independently of exercising mode, regular, seasonal or not exercising, the pattern of changes in physical fitness throughout the year was similar.

Biotransformed soybean cream as a new nutraceutical for skin care: collagen stimulation in vitro and ex vivo

Treatments that attenuate the effects of hypoestrogenism in menopausal women have been gaining visibility. This study investigated the skin response to a phytoestrogen-enriched cosmetic formulation created by incorporating a biotransformed soybean extract (BE) into a cream-like matrix. Collagen-I expression was analyzed both in vitro (fibroblast cells) and ex vivo (skin explants). The results revealed an increased amount of collagen-I both in fibroblasts and human skin when treated with BE and BE-incorporated cream. Also, this collagen-I overexpression was inhibited by PHTPP, indicating a dependence on estrogen hormone receptor beta (ERβ) signaling. Moreover, BE was not harmful to skin microbiota, showing a promising nutricosmetic potential. Thus, this work presented a fully functional cream-like formulation that was shown to be safe and effectively increase collagen-I levels both in vitro and ex vivo.

Anatomical and functional deficiencies of the crural diaphragm in patients with esophagitis.

BACKGROUND: Inspiratory esophagogastric junction (EGJ) pressure is lower in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and patients fail to increase EGJ pressure during the inspiratory effort. The aim of this study was to assess the EGJ activity during inspiratory maneuvers (high-resolution manometry, HRM) and the crural diaphragm (CD) thickness (endoscopic ultrasound, EUS) in GERD. METHODS: Twenty esophagitis patients (average age 45 years, 7 grade A, 13 grade B) had HRM and EUS. Forty-three controls were recruited; 30 had HRM (average age 33 years), and 13 had EUS (average age 40 years). The EGJ contractility index (EGJ-CI) (mm Hg×cm) was measured during normal respiration and two inspiratory maneuvers: without and with inspiratory loads of 12, 24, and 48 cmH2 O (TH-maneuvers). A composite metric for TH-maneuvers ("EGJ total activity") was defined as the product of the maximal EGJ pressure and the length of its aboral excursion during the maneuver (mm Hg×cm). The CD thickness (cm) was measured during expiration (12 MHz). KEY RESULTS: Expiratory lower esophageal sphincter pressure and integrated relaxation pressure were lower in GERD. The EGJ-CI and the "EGJ total activity" were lower in GERD during TH-maneuvers (48-cmH2 O load: 168.4 ± 13.8 vs 114.8 ± 9.6, P=.006). Patients failed to sustain the inspiratory CD activity across the 12 and 48-cmH2 O efforts. The CD was thinner in GERD patients (0.37 ± 0.03 vs 0.49 ± 0.04, P=.02). The CD thickness correlated with the increment in the "EGJ total activity" in GERD without a hiatal hernia (r=.702, P=.016, n=11). CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: There are anatomical changes and functional failure of the CD in esophagitis patients supporting the possibility of a skeletal muscle deficiency in GERD.

Association between ACVR2A and early-onset preeclampsia: replication study in a Northeastern Brazilian population.

INTRODUCTION: Preeclampsia is a complex and heterogeneous disease with increased risk of maternal mortality, especially for earlier gestational onset. There is a great inconsistency regarding the genetics of preeclampsia across the literature. The gene Activin A receptor, type IIA (ACVR2A), was reported as associated to preeclampsia in Australian/New Zealand and Norwegian populations. The goal of this study was to validate this genetic association in a Brazilian population. METHODS: We performed a case-control study using 693 controls and 613 cases (443 preeclampsia, 64 eclampsia and 106 HELLP syndrome), from a Northeastern Brazilian population. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ACVR2A were tested for association through multiple logistic regression models. RESULTS: There was no statistical association with preeclampsia (per se), eclampsia or HELLP. However, by grouping preeclampsia in accordance to the gestational age at delivery, SNPs rs1424954 (OR = 1.86; 95% CI, 1.25-2.78; p = 0.002) and rs1014064 (OR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.21-2.60; p = 0.004) were significantly associated with early onset preeclampsia (gestational age ≤ 34 weeks). The risk haplotype had a frequency of 0.468 in early preeclampsia compared to 0.316 in controls (p = 0.0008 and permuted p = 0.002). DISCUSSION: Activin A receptors are important in decidualization, trophoblast invasion and placentation processes during pregnancy. The gene ACVR2A was associated with the more severe early onset preeclampsia. This finding supports the hypothesis of different pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the early- and late-onset preeclampsia.

Effect of the subdose of human chorionic gonadotropin applied in the Hou Hai acupoint on ovulation induction in mares / [Efeito da subdose de gonadotrofina coriônica humana aplicada no acuponto Hou Hai sobre a indução da ovulação em éguas]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of an hCG sub dose applied at the Hou Hai acupoint on corpus luteum (CL) quality and ovulation induction in mares. Fifteen crossbred mares were distributed in randomized blocks and used in three periods with each period employed as the blocking factor in three treatments: T1 = 1500 IU of hCG via intravenous (IV); T2 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the false acupoint (IV); and T3 = 450 IU of hCG applied at the Hou Hai acupoint. Mean diameter of the CL, serum concentration of progesterone (P4), vascularization of the pre-ovulatory follicle and CL were evaluated. Females administered 450 IU of hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint exhibited greater ovulation rates (33.33%) 48h after induction; The minimum number of colored pixel (NCP) of the pre-ovulatory follicle of control females was superior (40.33) to that of mares administered 450 IU of hCG IV at the false acupoint (36.84) and similar to that of those administered hCG at the Hou Hai acupoint (39.31). Further, moderately positive correlations were found between the CL diameter and the P4 concentration on D8 (P<0.05). IV administration of 450 IU of hCG or at the Hou Hai acupoint was efficient at inducing ovulation and ensuring the quality of CL in mares.(AU)

O objetivo foi avaliar os efeitos de uma subdose de hCG aplicada no acuponto Hou Hai na qualidade do corpo lúteo (CL) e na indução da ovulação em éguas. Quinze éguas mestiças foram distribuídas em blocos ao acaso, sendo o período utilizado como fator de blocagem, em: T1 = 1500 UI de hCG por via intravenosa (IV); T2 = 450 UI de hCG aplicado no falso acuponto (IV) e T3 = 450 UI de hCG aplicada no acuponto Hou Hai. Avaliou-se diâmetro médio do CL, concentração sérica de progesterona (P4), vascularização do folículo pré-ovulatório e do CL. As fêmeas que receberam 450 UI de hCG no acuponto Hou Hai apresentaram maiores taxas de ovulação (33,33%) 48h após a indução. O número de pixels coloridos (NPC) mínimo do folículo pré-ovulatório das fêmeas do grupo controle foi superior (40,33) ao das éguas que receberam 450 UI de hCG IV no falso acuponto (36,84) e semelhante ao das éguas que receberam hCG no acuponto Hou Hai (39,31); correlações moderadamente positivas foram encontradas entre o diâmetro do CL e a concentração de P4, ambos no D8 (P <0,05). A administração IV de 450 UI de hCG ou no acuponto Hou Hai foi eficiente na indução da ovulação e na garantia da qualidade do CL nas éguas.(AU)

Pentoxifylline improves learning and memory in glutamate-lesioned rats.

The present work shows the effects of pentoxifylline (ptx), on learning and memory in rats with hippocampal lesions induced by glutamate (glu). Immediately after stereotaxic procedures and in the absence or presence of glu lesions, animals were treated with ptx (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg, IP) for 6 days. Twenty-four hours after the last injection, behavior and memory tests were performed, animals were sacrificed, and hippocampi dissected for cAMP determination or histopathological studies. Results from the T-maze task showed a less learning ability in the glu-lesioned group compared to other ones. Ptx alone or associated with glu significantly improved memory acquisition, but not memory consolidation compared to glu-lesioned rats. Except for the increased locomotor activity observed in the ptx100+glu-treated group compared to saline, no other difference was detected in the open-field test. A significant impairment in avoidance performance was observed in glu-lesioned group as compared to saline or to other groups in the short as well as in the late phase of memory. All groups showed an improved water-maze performance over time with similar performances on the final day of acquisition. The impairment in memory retention observed in glu-lesioned rats was reversed by the pretreatment with ptx200. Glu induced hippocampal lesion and reduced cAMP levels. Both effects were blocked by ptx, suggesting that its action may be the result of increased cAMP levels and/or inhibition of adenosine A1 receptors.

Maxillofacial injuries and dental trauma in patients aged 19-80 years, Recife, Brazil

Objetivo: Se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo para evaluar las causas de traumatismomaxilofacial en Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil.Método: Se hizo una revisión de 186 pacientes con lesiones maxilofaciales de 19 a 83 años atendidosy tratados en el Hospital da Restauração entre Enero y Diciembre 2006, analizándoles segúnedad, sexo, etiología, localización de la fractura, traumatismo dentoalveolar y abuso de alcohol.Se llevó a cabo el análisis en Epi Info, utilizando el Chi cuadrado y la prueba exacta de Fisher.Resultados: Resultó que las lesiones maxilofaciales fueron más frecuentes en los hombres (89,2%)y en el grupo de edad de 19-28 años (46,8%). Accidentes de tráfico/motocicleta (23,7%) y violenciafísica (20,4%) fueron los factores etiológicos más comunes. Las fracturas faciales fueron detectadasen 90,9%, con una diferencia estadisticamente significativa entre el sexo y la fractura facial(p = 0,000). La fractura facial más común fue maxilar (29,1%), seguida por la de la mandíbula(27,5%). Hubo una asociación positiva entre la presencia de la fractura facial y el consumo dealcohol (p = 0,002). El traumatismo dentoalveolar estuvo presente en el 7,5% de los pacientes.Conclusión: La incidencia de las fracturas faciales en la población Brasileña es similar a la informadapreviamente en otros lugares. Las fracturas fueron más comunes en pacientes masculinos,principalmente debidas a accidentes de tráfico/motocicletas y a la violencia física(AU)

Aim: A retrospective study was undertaken to assess causes of maxillofacial trauma inRecife, Pernambuco, Brazil.Method: A review of 186 patients with maxillofacial injuries aged 19 and 83 years old seenand treated at the Hospital da Restauração between January and December 2006 wasconducted and were analyzed according to age, sex, etiology, site of fracture, dentoalveolartrauma and alcohol abuse. Analysis was made in Epi Info using the Chi-square and Fisher’sExact Tests.Results: It was found that maxillofacial injuries were most frequent in males (89.2%) and inthe 19-28 year age group (46.8%). Traffic accidents/motorcycle (23.7%) and physical violence(20.4%) were the most common etiological factor. Facial fractures were detected in 90.9%and a statistically significant difference between sex and facial fracture was found (p =0.000). The most common facial fracture was maxilla (29.1%), followed by the mandible(27.5%). A positive association between the presence of facial fracture and alcoholconsumption was observed (p = 0.002). Dentoalveolar trauma was present in 7.5% ofpatients.Conclusion: The incidence of facial fractures in Brazilian population is similar thanpreviously reported elsewhere. There were most common in male patients, mainly due totraffic accidents/motorcycle and physical violence(AU)

Plant initiation factor 3 subunit composition resembles mammalian initiation factor 3 and has a novel subunit.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) is a multisubunit complex that is required for binding of mRNA to 40 S ribosomal subunits, stabilization of ternary complex binding to 40 S subunits, and dissociation of 40 and 60 S subunits. These functions and the complex nature of eIF3 suggest multiple interactions with many components of the translational machinery. Recently, the subunits of mammalian and Saccharomyces cerevisiae eIF3 were identified, and substantial differences in the subunit composition of mammalian and S. cerevisiae were observed. Mammalian eIF3 consists of 11 nonidentical subunits, whereas S. cerevisiae eIF3 consists of up to eight nonidentical subunits. Only five of the subunits of mammalian and S. cerevisiae are shared in common, and these five subunits comprise a "core" complex in S. cerevisiae. eIF3 from wheat consists of at least 10 subunits, but their relationship to either the mammalian or S. cerevisiae eIF3 subunits is unknown. Peptide sequences derived from purified wheat eIF3 subunits were used to correlate each subunit with mammalian and/or S. cerevisiae subunits. The peptide sequences were also used to identify Arabidopsis thaliana cDNAs for each of the eIF3 subunits. We report seven new cDNAs for A. thaliana eIF3 subunits. A. thaliana eIF3 was purified and characterized to confirm that the subunit composition and activity of wheat and A. thaliana eIF3 were similar. We report that plant eIF3 closely resembles the subunit composition of mammalian eIF3, having 10 out of 11 subunits in common. Further, we find a novel subunit in the plant eIF3 complex not present in either mammalian or S. cerevisiae eIF3. These results suggest that plant and mammalian eIF3 evolved similarly, whereas S. cerevisiae has diverged.

Asthma prevalence in schoolchildren in a city in north-east Brazil.

Asthma is a disease of increasing prevalence all over the world. The objectives of this study were to describe the prevalence of asthma and aspects of its morbidity in schoolchildren in Recife, and to evaluate the relationship between maternal schooling and asthma prevalence during 1994-1995. This is part of an international, multicentre research project, the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC). In a cross-sectional design, a probabilistic sample of 1410 children of 6 and 7 years of age and 3086 teenagers of 13 and 14 years were studied by questionnaire. The yearly prevalences of asthma symptoms in these two groups were 27.2% (CI 95%: 24.9-29.5%) and 18.1% (CI 95%: 16.4-19.8%), respectively; the cumulative prevalences of diagnosed asthma were 20.4% (CI 95%: 17.8-23.0%) and 19.7% (CI 95%: 19.4-22.2%), respectively, and the prevalences of asthma according to severity were: mild--68.9% and 81.3%, moderate--24.2% and 13.5%, severe--6.80% and 5.3%. During the previous year, the frequencies of crises with sleeping disorder were 23.2% and 13.0% and of disorder that limited speech 9.6% and 4.8%, respectively. There was a significant relationship between maternal education and cumulative prevalence of symptoms in both groups. It is concluded that asthma is a common disease which causes much morbidity in schoolchildren in Recife. The results suggest a relationship between low maternal education and a greater prevalence of asthma.

Monensin poisoning in Brazilian horses.

Three outbreaks of monensin poisoning caused 12 deaths in 16 horses. The illnesses were associated with the ingestion of the same batch of a commercial ration labeled for feeder calves which contained 180 +/- 20 ppm sodium monensin. The morbidity rate was 100% and lethality was 60%, 75%, and 100%. Clinical signs were tachycardia and cardiac arrythmia, groaning, incoordination, sudoresis, recumbency, and paddling movements with the limbs before death. Two horses had dark discolored urine (myoglobinuria). Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase activity were increased. Main necropsy findings were in the skeletal muscles and myocardium.