Age-dependent energy metabolism and transcriptome changes in urine-derived stem cells.

The global population over 60 years old is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050. Understanding age-related disorders and gender-specificities is crucial for a healthy aging. Reliable age-related biomarkers are needed, preferentially obtained through non-invasive methods. Urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs) can be easily obtained, although a detailed bioenergetic characterization, according to the donor aging, remain unexplored. UDSCs were isolated from young and elderly adult women (22-35 and 70-94 years old, respectively). Surprisingly, UDSCs from elderly subjects exhibited significantly higher maximal oxygen consumption and bioenergetic health index than those from younger individuals, evaluated through oxygen consumption rate. Exploratory data analysis methods were applied to engineer a minimal subset of features for the classification and stratification of UDSCs. Additionally, RNAseq of UDSCs was performed to identify age-related transcriptional changes. Transcriptional analysis revealed downregulation of genes related to glucuronidation and estrogen metabolism, and upregulation of inflammation-related genes in UDSCs from elderly individuals. This study demonstrates unexpected differences in the UDSCs' OCR between young and elderly individuals, revealing improved bioenergetics in concurrent with an aged-like transcriptome signature. UDSCs offer a non-invasive model for studying age-related changes, holding promise for aging research and therapeutic studies.

Experimental and natural vertical transmission of West Nile virus by California Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes.

Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes, the primary summer vectors of West Nile virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus, WNV), also may serve as overwintering reservoir hosts. Detection of WN viral RNA from larvae hatched from eggs deposited by infected females during late summer and fall may provide evidence for the vertical passage of WNV to overwintering cohorts. To determine whether vertical transmission to the overwintering generation occurs in populations of Culex mosquitoes throughout California, larvae from naturally infected females were tested by family for WN viral RNA by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction during August through October 2011. Viral RNA was detected in 34 of 934 Culex tarsalis Coquillett and Cx. pipiens complex females that laid viable egg rafts. From these egg rafts, first-instar larvae from nine families tested positive, yielding an overall field vertical transmission rate of 26% (n = 34). To determine whether the WNV may be lost transtadially during development to the adult stage, first-instar larvae and adult progeny from experimentally infected Cx. pipiens complex females were assessed for the presence and quantity of WN viral RNA. Most (approximately 75%) WNV infections were lost from positive families during larval development to the adult stage. In field and laboratory studies, only infected mothers with mean cycle threshold scores < or = 20 vertically transmitted WNV to larval progeny, adult progeny, or both. In summary, vertical transmission of WNV was detected repeatedly in naturally infected Culex mosquitoes collected throughout California during late summer and fall, with females having high titered infections capable of passing WNV onto their progeny destined for overwintering.

Overwintering biology of Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in the Sacramento Valley of California.

At temperate latitudes, Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes typically overwinter as adult females in reproductive arrest and also may serve as reservoir hosts for arboviruses when cold temperatures arrest viral replication. To evaluate their role in the persistence of West Nile virus (WNV) in the Sacramento Valley of California, the induction and termination of diapause were investigated for members of the Culex pipiens (L.) complex, Culex tarsalis Coquillett, and Culex stigmatosoma Dyar under field, seminatural, and experimental conditions. All Culex spp. remained vagile throughout winter, enabling the collection of 3,174 females and 1,706 males from diverse habitats during the winters of 2010-2012. Overwintering strategies included both quiescence and diapause. In addition, Cx. pipiens form molestus Forskäl females remained reproductively active in both underground and aboveground habitats. Some blood-fed, gravid, and parous Cx. tarsalis and Cx. pipiens complex females were collected throughout the winter period. Under both field and experimental conditions, Cx. tarsalis and Cx. stigmatosoma females exposed to autumnal conditions arrested primary follicular maturation at previtellogenic stage I, with primary to secondary follicular ratios <1.5 (indicative of a hormonally induced diapause). In contrast, most Cx. pipiens complex females did not enter reproductive diapause and ovarian follicles matured to >or=stage I-II (host-seeking arrest) or were found in various stages of degeneration. Diapause was initiated in the majority of Cx. tarsalis and Cx. stigmatosoma females by mid-late October and was terminated after the winter solstice, but host-seeking seemed limited by temperature. An accrual of 97.52 +/- 30.7 and 162.85 +/- 79.3 degree-days after the winter solstice was estimated to be necessary for diapause termination in Cx. tarsalis under field and seminatural conditions, respectively. An increase in the proportion of blood-fed Culex females in resting collections occurred concurrently with diapause termination in field populations based on ovarian morphometrics. WNV RNA was detected in one pool of 18 males and in a single blood-fed female Cx. tarsalis collected during winter. Therefore, both vertically and horizontally infected Culex females may persist through winter and possibly transmit WNV after diapause termination in late winter or early spring in the Sacramento Valley of California.

Comparison of a shortened isosorbide dinitrate-potentiated head-up tilt testing with the conventional protocol: tolerance and diagnostic accuracy.

BACKGROUND: The head-up tilt test (HUT) is widely used to investigate unexplained syncope; however, in clinical practice, it is long and sometimes not well tolerated. OBJECTIVES: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and patients' tolerance of a conventional and shortened HUT. METHODS: Patients with a history of vasovagal syndrome (VVS) were randomized to a conventional HUT (group I) consisting of 20-minute passive tilt followed by 25 minutes after administration of sublingual isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), or a shortened HUT (group II) where ISDN was given immediately after tilt and observed for 25 minutes. The control group consisted of age- and gender-matched subjects without VVS symptoms. A specific questionnaire to evaluate tolerance was applied. RESULTS: Sixty patients (29 ± 10 years, 82% female) were included. In group I, 22/30 patients had a positive HUT compared to 21/30 in group II (73% vs 70%, P = 0.77). There was also no difference in the accuracy between the two protocols (63% vs 73%, P = 0.24). The time to positivity was shorter in group II (13.2 minutes vs 30 minutes, P < 0.001). Within the control group (n = 60), the frequency of false-positives was 47% and 23% for the conventional and shortened HUT, respectively (P = 0.058). After conventional HUT, 65.2% subjects reported that the test was too long compared to 25% subjects after the shortened HUT (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: In this study, the HUT without passive phase was not inferior to the conventional HUT regarding sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Furthermore, the shortened ISDN-potentiated protocol allowed faster diagnosis and was better tolerated.

Evidence of loss of heterozygosity of the PTCH gene in orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst.

The orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is an odontogenic cyst of unknown etiology. Clinical, histological, and biological differences are reported between keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT) and OOC. PTCH is a tumor suppressor gene related to sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway important in embryological development. Considering that alterations in this pathway have been described in sporadic and nevoid basal cell syndrome-associated KOT, we tested the hypothesis that OOC is also associated with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the PTCH gene. Seven samples of OOC and seven of KOT were included in the study. D9S287, D9S196, and D9S127 microsatellite markers located in the region of PTCH gene, at chromosome 9q, were investigated for LOH. There was loss in at least one locus in 5/7 KOT and in 4/7 OOC samples. The present finding demonstrates that, despite the existence of clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and biological behavior differences between OOC and KOT, both harbor similar genetic alterations at 9q.

Blood-feeding patterns of the Culex pipiens complex in Sacramento and Yolo Counties, California.

Mosquitoes in the Culex pipiens complex are competent vectors of West Nile virus (WNV; family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus) in the laboratory, and field-collected mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus in California and elsewhere. A better understanding of Cx. pipiens complex blood-feeding patterns will help define the threat that these mosquitoes pose to human health and their role in WNV amplification in northern California. We collected blood-engorged Cx. pipiens complex mosquitoes from resting sites near and away from human habitation in Sacramento and Yolo Counties. Cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene sequences were used to identify the vertebrate species from which blood meals were taken. Of 330 engorged mosquitoes collected at 28 sites from June through August 2007 and May through August 2008, >99% fed on an avian host. Three mosquitoes contained bovine blood and none had fed on a human. American Robins (Turdus migratorius) were bitten most often, and the proportion of American Robin blood meals increased significantly over the summer. Other important avian hosts included House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus), Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta), and Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura). In rural areas, Barn Swallows, Brewer's Blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalus), and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) were frequent hosts. In settings near human habitation, Mourning Doves and Western Meadowlarks were common hosts. Our data indicate that in north central California mosquitoes in the Cx. pipiens complex may be more important as epiornitic than epidemic vectors of WNV.

Correlative anatomy for the electrophysiologist: ablation for atrial fibrillation. Part II: regional anatomy of the atria and relevance to damage of adjacent structures during AF ablation.

Ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation have become an established and increasingly used option for managing patients with symptomatic arrhythmia. The anatomic structures relevant to the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation and ablation procedures are varied and include the pulmonary veins, other thoracic veins, the left atrial myocardium, and autonomic ganglia. Exact regional anatomic knowledge of these structures is essential to allow correlation with fluoroscopy and electrograms and, importantly, to avoid complications from damage of adjacent structures within the chest. We present this information as a series of 2 articles. In a prior issue, we have discussed the thoracic vein anatomy relevant to paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. In the present article, we focus on the atria themselves, the autonomic ganglia, and anatomic issues relevant for minimizing complications during atrial fibrillation ablation.

Correlative anatomy for the electrophysiologist: ablation for atrial fibrillation. Part I: pulmonary vein ostia, superior vena cava, vein of Marshall.

Ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF) have become an established and increasingly used option for managing patients with symptomatic arrhythmia. The anatomic structures relevant to the pathogenesis of AF and ablation procedures are varied and include the pulmonary veins (PVs), other thoracic veins, the left atrial myocardium, and autonomic ganglia. Exact regional anatomic knowledge of these structures is essential to allow correlation with fluoroscopy and electrograms, and, importantly, to avoid complications from damage of adjacent structures within the chest. We have presented this information in a 2-part series. In the present article, we examine the general anatomic characteristics of the PVs, superior vena cava, and vein of Marshall. Features of particular relevance for the invasive electrophysiologist are pointed out. In a subsequent article, we discuss the regional anatomy of the left and right atria and anatomic considerations in preventing complications during AF ablation.

Evaluation of efficacy and human health risk of aerial ultra-low volume applications of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide for adult mosquito management in response to West Nile virus activity in Sacramento County, California.

The Sacramento and Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District (SYMVCD, also referred to as "the District") conducts surveillance and management of mosquitoes in Sacramento and Yolo counties in California. Following an increase in numbers and West Nile virus (WNV) infection rates of Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens, the District decided on July 26, 2007, to conduct aerial applications of Evergreen EC 60-6 (60% pyrethrins: 6% piperonyl butoxide) over approximately 215 km2 in the north area of Sacramento County on the nights of July 30, July 31, and August 1, 2007. At the same time, the District received notification of the first human WNV case in the area. To evaluate the efficacy of the applications in decreasing mosquito abundance and infection rates, we conducted pre- and post-trapping inside and outside the spray zone and assessed human health risks from exposure to the insecticide applications. Results showed a significant decrease in abundance of both Cx. tarsalis and Cx. pipiens, and in the minimum infection rate of Cx. tarsalis. Human-health risks from exposure to the insecticide were below thresholds set by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Septal accessory pathway: anatomy, causes for difficulty, and an approach to ablation.

Accessory pathway (AP) ablation is one of the most satisfying invasive electrophysiology procedures associated with high success rates and relatively few complications. Nevertheless, when APs are found on the cardiac septum, ablative procedures become complex, and unique pitfalls need to be avoided.These difficulties with septal ablation are magnified in the pediatric population. The relatively small heart, rapid nodal conduction, and proximity of the arterial system specifically complicate septal ablation in children. The electrophysiologist must use every tool in his or her armamentarium, including exact delineation of pathway location, identification of pathway potentials, detection of the presence of pathway slant, etc. In addition, an exact knowledge of the complex anatomy of the cardiac septum, including the posteroseptal space, the aortic cusp region, and the proximity of the AV conduction system and coronary vessels, becomes mandatory.In this review, we describe the developmental anatomy and regional anatomy of septal accessory pathways. We then discuss approaches to map specific to pathways in particularly problematic regions at or near the septum, including venous and aortic cusp related accessory pathways.

[Oral anticoagulation in patients with atrial fibrillation: from guidelines to bedside]. / Anticoagulação oral em pacientes com fibrilação atrial: das diretrizes à prática clínica.

OBJECTIVE: Although oral anticoagulation has proved beneficial for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and embolic risk factors, it is still underused. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of anticoagulation therapy in patients with AF followed in a private clinic specialized in cardiology, in accordance with the American and European societies of cardiology guidelines/2006 and with the Brazilian Guidelines/2003. METHODS: Between November 2005 and August 2006, we evaluated 7,486 electrocardiograms and selected 53 patients with AF and complete chart records. Clinical characteristics, including embolic risk factor, echocardiographic data and medical treatment were reviewed. RESULTS: Among the 53 patients (68+/-16 years; 29 men), 25 (48%) had hypertension, 20 (38%) heart failure and 3 (6%) diabetes. Among the 15 patients with high embolic risk, 13 (86%) were on oral anticoagulation. In accordance with the American and European guidelines: 32 (60%) patients were Class I, 17 (32%) Class IIa, 1 (2%) Class IIb and 3 (6%) Class III. Treatment was adequate in 21 (66%) Class I patients and 13 (76%) Class IIa. In these, anticoagulation therapy was used in 7/19 (37%) patients > 75 years compared to 22/30 (73%) younger. Among the 3 patients within Class III, 1 was incorrectly on OAC. According to Brazilian guidelines, 33 (62%) were on correctly indicated antithrombotic therapy. There was no difference in the appropriate prescription of oral anticoagulants, comparing the international and Brazilian guidelines (55% vs. 55%). CONCLUSION: According to recent guidelines, anticoagulant therapy has been adequately prescribed for the majority of AF patients, although this is still far from ideal, especially in a cardiology clinic. It is even more critical in the group of older patients.

A probabilistic risk assessment for deployed military personnel after the implementation of the "Leishmaniasis Control Program" at Tallil Air Base, Iraq.

Leishmaniasis has been of concern to the U.S. military and has re-emerged in importance because of recent deployments to the Middle East. We conducted a retrospective probabilistic risk assessment for military personnel potentially exposed to insecticides during the "Leishmaniasis Control Plan" (LCP) undertaken in 2003 at Tallil Air Base, Iraq. We estimated acute and subchronic risks from resmethrin, malathion, piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and pyrethrins applied using a truck-mounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) sprayer and lambda-cyhalothrin, cyfluthrin, bifenthrin, chlorpyrifos, and cypermethrin used for residual sprays. We used the risk quotient (RQ) method for our risk assessment (estimated environmental exposure/toxic endpoint) and set the RQ level of concern (LOC) at 1.0. Acute RQs for truck-mounted ULV and residual sprays ranged from 0.00007 to 33.3 at the 95th percentile. Acute exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, and chlorpyrifos exceeded the RQ LOC. Subchronic RQs for truck-mounted ULV and residual sprays ranged from 0.00008 to 32.8 at the 95th percentile. Subchronic exposures to lambda-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos exceeded the LOC. However, estimated exposures to lambda-cyhalothrin, bifenthrin, and chlorpyrifos did not exceed their respective no observed adverse effect levels.

Health-related quality of life predictors during medical residency in a random, stratified sample of residents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality of life during the first three years of training and identify its association with sociodemographicoccupational characteristics, leisure time and health habits. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with a random sample of 128 residents stratified by year of training was conducted. The Medical Outcome Study -short form 36 was administered. Mann-Whitney tests were carried out to compare percentile distributions of the eight quality of life domains, according to sociodemographic variables, and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed, followed by a validity checking for the resulting models. RESULTS: The physical component presented higher quality of life medians than the mental component. Comparisons between the three years showed that in almost all domains the quality of life scores of the second year residents were higher than the first year residents (p < 0.01). The mental component scores remained high for third year residents (p < 0.01). Predictors of higher quality of life were: second or third year of residency, satisfaction with the training program, sufficient time for leisure, and care of critical patients for less than 30 hours per week. CONCLUSION: The mental component of quality of life was the most impaired component, indicating the importance of caring for residents' mental health, especially during their first year and when they are overloaded with critical patients.

Hypericin-glucamine antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in the progression of experimentally induced periodontal disease in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) using the photosensitizer hypericin-glucamine in the progression of experimentally induced periodontal disease (PD) in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subgingival ligatures were inserted around the upper second molars of 30 rats. After 7 days (Baseline), the animals were randomly distributed into 3 experimental (n = 5) groups: Hypericin-glucamine; LED (amber LED, 700 mA, 590 nm, 90 mW, 34.10 J/cm2); and aPDT (Hypericin-glucamine + LED). The treated hemimaxillae were randomly chosen. The periodontal disease progression was monitored without treatment interference in the opposite hemimaxillaes, which were used as the negative control of each animal. The euthanasia was programmed according to each experimental period, 7 or 15 days after the Baseline. Microtomographic, histometric and Tartrate Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) immunohistochemistry analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Computerized microtomography analyses indicated that the aPDT group had a significantly higher percentage of bone tissue when compared to the other 7 days experimental groups. This result was corroborated by the histometric evaluations of the furcal area. The LED-treated group presented the highest percentages of bone volume for the 15 days experimental groups, which is remarkably higher than the groups treated with Hy-g and aPDT. The histometric analyses demonstrated the control groups had greater bone loss in the proximal regions when compared to the treated groups. The aPDT led to a lower osteoclast activity at both 7 and 15 days. Thus, we can conclude that aPDT exhibits positive effects in PD treatment by promoting favorable conditions for periodontal repair.

Environmental concentrations, fate, and risk assessment of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide after aerial ultralow-volume applications for adult mosquito management.

One of the most effective ways of managing adult mosquitoes that vector human and animals diseases is the use of ultralow-volume insecticides. Because of concerns about the safety of the insecticides used for the management of adult mosquitoes, we conducted an environmental fate and efficacy study in Princeton and Colusa (both CA, USA) after aerial applications of pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide (PBO). One hour before application, PBO concentrations in water were 0.008 and 0.2175 microg/L for Princeton and Colusa, respectively. One hour after the spray event in Princeton, the average PBO concentrations were 0.0125 microg/cm2 on ground-deposition pads and 0.1723 microg/L in water samples, with concentrations decreasing significantly over time. One hour after the spray event in Colusa, the average PBO concentrations were 0.0199 microg/cm2 on deposition pads and 1.274 microg/L in water samples, with concentrations decreasing significantly over time. A significant time and location effect for both deposition pads and water samples in Princeton and Colusa was observed (p<0.001 and p=0.014, respectively). Pyrethrins were not detected in nearly all ground and water samples. One hour after application, mortality of Culex tarsalis and Culex pipiens in sentinel cages was significantly higher than at the control site for both locations (p<0.001). Risk quotients for aquatic surrogate species in Princeton and Colusa were 0.002 or less at 1 h after application, which did not exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency risk quotient level of concern for endangered aquatic organisms of 0.05. Our results suggest that the amounts of pyrethrins and PBO deposited on the ground and in water after aerial ULV insecticide applications are lower than those estimated by previous exposure and risk assessments.

Gastroprotective effect of the crude ethanolic extract from the stem barks of Piptadenia viridiflora (Kunth) Benth. (Fabaceae) / Efecto gastroprotector del extracto etanólico crudo de la corteza de Piptadenia viridiflora (Kunth) Benth. (Fabaceae)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of the crude ethanolic extract (CEE) from the stem barks of Piptadenia viridiflora using the acute models of inducing gastric ulcers by ethanol, ethanol-acidified, and ischemia-reperfusion, and correlating this response with the antioxidant activity, as well as, analyze the chemical profile of the extract by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). For this purpose, mice and rats were used. The ethanol ulcer induction test showed that CEE at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg promoted 70% and 80% of gastroprotection, respectively. In the gastric ulcer induction test by acidified-ethanol and ischemia-reperfusion, CEE (200 mg/kg) promoted 66% and 90% of gastroprotection in animals, respectively. In conclusion, this species has gastroprotective activity, and this response is possibly related to the antioxidant activity, as well as the presence of flavonoids detected in CEE of P. viridiflora.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la actividad gastroprotectora del extracto etanólico crudo (CEE) de Piptadenia viridiflora, utilizando los métodos de inducción de úlceras gástricas agudas por etanol, etanol acidificado y de isquemia-reperfusión, y correlacionando esta respuesta, con la actividad antioxidante, así como, perfil químico de la muestra. Para ello se utilizaron ratones (Swiss) y ratas (Wistar). Como resultado, la prueba de inducción de úlceras por etanol mostró que la CEE a dosis de 100 y 200 mg/kg promovió 70% y 80% de gastroprotección, respectivamente. En la prueba de inducción de úlcera gástrica por etanol acidificado e isquemia-reperfusión, la CEE (200 mg/kg) promovió 66% y 90% de gastroprotección en animales, respectivamente. Concluimos que la especie tiene una acción gastroprotectora y que esta respuesta posiblemente esté relacionada con la actividad antioxidante, así como con la presencia de flavonoides detectados en la CEE de P. viridiflora.

Risk assessments for exposure of deployed military personnel to insecticides and personal protective measures used for disease-vector management.

Infectious diseases are problematic for deployed military forces throughout the world, and, historically, more military service days have been lost to insect-vectored diseases than to combat. Because of the limitations in efficacy and availability of both vaccines and therapeutic drugs, vector management often is the best tool that military personnel have against most vector-borne pathogens. However, the use of insecticides may raise concerns about the safety of their effects on the health of the military personnel exposed to them. Therefore, our objective was to use risk assessment methodologies to evaluate health risks to deployed U.S. military personnel from vector management tactics. Our conservative tier-1, quantitative risk assessment focused on acute, subchronic, and chronic exposures and cancer risks to military personnel after insecticide application and use of personal protective measures in different scenarios. Exposures were estimated for every scenario, chemical, and pathway. Acute, subchronic, and chronic risks were assessed using a margin of exposure (MOE) approach. Our MOE was the ratio of a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) to an estimated exposure. MOEs were greater than the levels of concern (LOCs) for all surface residual and indoor space spraying exposures, except acute dermal exposure to lambda-cyhalothrin. MOEs were greater than the LOCs for all chemicals in the truck-mounted ultra-low-volume (ULV) exposure scenario. The aggregate cancer risk for permethrin exceeded 1 x 10(-6), but more realistic exposure refinements would reduce the cancer risk below that value. Overall, results indicate that health risks from exposures to insecticides and personal protective measures used by military personnel are low.

Interesses culturais do lazer: práticas versus desejo de vivências de servidores públicos federais aposentados antes da pandemia / Cultural interests of leisure: practices versus desire for the experiences of retired federal public servers before the pandemic

O lazer é uma das alternativas almejadas pelas pessoas para o momento da velhice e da aposentadoria. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e comparar os interesses culturais do lazer mais praticados e os que os servidores públicos federais aposentados do Fundo Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Educação mais gostavam de praticar antes da pandemia. Identificou-se os mais praticados, em ordem decrescente: virtuais, esportivos, intelectuais, turísticos, manuais, sociais e artísticos, e os que preferiam: turísticos, sociais, esportivos, artísticos, intelectuais, manuais e virtuais. Assim, verificou-se que as atividades praticadas não condiziam com aquelas às quais desejariam se dedicar, dado esse que nos indica a necessidade de se trabalhar com a educação para e pelo lazer ao longo de toda a vida para que o lazer seja melhor vivenciado e usufruído quando chegada a aposentadoria.

Leisure is one of the alternatives desired by people for the time of old age and retirement. The objective of this study was to identify and compare the cultural interests of leisure most practiced and those that retired federal civil servants from the National Education Development Fund most liked to practice before the pandemic. The most practiced were identified, in descending order: virtual, sporty, intellectual, tourist, manual, social and artistic, and those who prefered: tourist, social, sports, artistic, intellectual, manual and virtual. Thus, it was found that the activities performed are not consistent with those they would like to engage in, which indicates the need to work with education for and through leisure throughout life so that leisure is better experienced and enjoyed when retirement comes.

Mutant A53T α-Synuclein Improves Rotarod Performance Before Motor Deficits and Affects Metabolic Pathways.

The protein α-synuclein (α-Syn) interferes with glucose and lipid uptake and also activates innate immune cells. However, it remains unclear whether α-Syn or its familial mutant forms contribute to metabolic alterations and inflammation in synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we address this issue in transgenic mice for the mutant A53T human α-Syn (α-SynA53T), a mouse model of synucleinopathies. At 9.5 months of age, mice overexpressing α-SynA53T (homozygous) had a significant reduction in weight, exhibited improved locomotion and did not show major motor deficits compared with control transgenic mice (heterozygous). At 17 months of age, α-SynA53T overexpression promoted general reduction in grip strength and deficient hindlimb reflex and resulted in severe disease and mortality in 50 % of the mice. Analysis of serum metabolites further revealed decreased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in α-SynA53T-overexpressing mice. In fed conditions, these mice also showed a significant decrease in serum insulin without alterations in blood glucose. In addition, assessment of inflammatory gene expression in the brain showed a significant increase in TNF-α mRNA but not of IL-1ß induced by α-SynA53T overexpression. Interestingly, the brain mRNA levels of Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2), a deacetylase involved in both metabolic and inflammatory pathways, were significantly reduced. Our findings highlight the relevance of the mechanisms underlying initial weight loss and hyperactivity as early markers of synucleinopathies. Moreover, we found that changes in blood metabolites and decreased brain Sirt2 gene expression are associated with motor deficits.

A human-health risk assessment for West Nile virus and insecticides used in mosquito management.

West Nile virus (WNV) has been a major public health concern in North America since 1999, when the first outbreak in the Western Hemisphere occurred in New York City. As a result of this ongoing disease outbreak, management of mosquitoes that vector WNV throughout the United States and Canada has necessitated using insecticides in areas where they traditionally have not been used or have been used less frequently. This has resulted in concerns by the public about the risks from insecticide use. The objective of this study was to use reasonable worst-case risk assessment methodologies to evaluate human-health risks for WNV and the insecticides most commonly used to control adult mosquitoes. We evaluated documented health effects from WNV infection and determined potential population risks based on reported frequencies. We determined potential acute (1-day) and subchronic (90-day) multiroute residential exposures from each insecticide for several human subgroups during a WNV disease outbreak scenario. We then compared potential insecticide exposures to toxicologic and regulatory effect levels. Risk quotients (RQs, the ratio of exposure to toxicologic effect) were < 1.0 for all subgroups. Acute RQs ranged from 0.0004 to 0.4726, and subchronic RQs ranged from 0.00014 to 0.2074. Results from our risk assessment and the current weight of scientific evidence indicate that human-health risks from residential exposure to mosquito insecticides are low and are not likely to exceed levels of concern. Further, our results indicate that, based on human-health criteria, the risks from WNV exceed the risks from exposure to mosquito insecticides.