Key topics for making decisions on decorporation terapies.

Decorporation therapies increase the excretion of the incorporated material and therefore may reduce the probability of the occurrence of stochastic effects and may avoid deterministic effects in persons internally contaminated with radionuclides. The decision to initiate decorporation therapy should consider the effects of treatment in relation to the benefit provided. The literature presents threshold values above which treatment is recommended. The objective of this work is to collect and summarize recommendations on decorporation therapy. Ten key topics are presented for consideration by a multidisciplinary team when assessing the risk-benefit balance for performing decorporation therapy.

Corrigendum to "Metabolic dysfunctions promoted by AIN-93G standard diet compared with three obesity-inducing diets in C57BL/6J mice" [Curr. Res. Physiol. (2022) 436-444].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2022.11.001.].

Analysis of recommended thresholds for medical evaluation in cases of radionuclide intakes.

Literature presents different thresholds for evaluation intended for screening people who may need additional medical assistance in cases of radionuclide intakes. There are thresholds based on the committed effective dose (CED), as well as thresholds based on the relative biological effectiveness-weighted absorbed dose (ADT) in the bone marrow and lungs. As in some emergency exposure scenarios with radionuclide intakes the risk for stochastic effects may be low whereas the threshold for deterministic effects may be exceeded, the aim of this analysis was to evaluate and to present the most appropriated threshold for each exposure scenario of interest. The results show that even adopting CED of 100 mSv as threshold for medical evaluation, it is important to screen for tissue reactions because in some scenarios the adopted threshold for deterministic effects is reached whilst the CED is below the adopted threshold value for stochastic effects.

Metabolic dysfunctions promoted by AIN-93G standard diet compared with three obesity-inducing diets in C57BL/6J mice.

Researchers from different fields have studied the causes of obesity and associated comorbidities, proposing ways to prevent and treat this condition by using a common animal model of obesity to create a profound energy imbalance in young adult rodents. However, to confirm the harmful effects of consuming a high-fat and hypercaloric diet, it is common to include normolipidic and normocaloric control groups in the experimental protocols. This study compared the effect of three experimental diets described in the literature - namely, a high-fat diet, a high-fat and high-sucrose diet, and a high-fat and high-fructose diet - to induce obesity in C57BL/6 J mice with the standard AIN-93G diet as a control. We hypothesize that the AIN diet formulation is not a good control in this type of experiment because this diet promotes weight gain and metabolic dysfunctions similar to the hypercaloric diet. The metabolic data of animals fed the AIN-93G diet were similar to those of the high-calorie groups (development of steatosis and hyperlipidemia). However, it is important to emphasize that the group fed a high-fat diet had a higher percentage of total fat (p = 0.0002) and abdominal fat (p = 0.013) compared to the other groups. Also, the high-fat group responded poorly to glucose and insulin tolerance tests, showing a picture of insulin resistance. As expected, the intake of the AIN-93G diet promotes metabolic alterations in the animals like the high-fat formulations. Therefore, although this diet continues to be used as the gold standard for growth and maintenance, it warrants a reassessment of its composition to minimize the metabolic changes observed in this study, thus updating its fitness as a normocaloric model of a standard rodent diet.

Non-nutrients and nutrients from Latin American fruits for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been rapidly increasing; among them, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for around 1/3 of deaths in the world. Environmental factors play a central role in their development. Diet is a very important factor in this scenario, and the intake of fruits and vegetables has been considered as one of the critical strategies for reducing the risk of CVDs. Fruits are a source of micronutrients and bioactive compounds that could have cardioprotective effects through several distinct mechanisms, such as antioxidant, antithrombotic and antiplatelet activities, vasodilatation, improvement of plasma lipid profiles, and modulation of inflammatory signaling. Brazil has a very rich and unexplored biodiversity in its different biomes, with several types of fruit, which are a source of bioactive compounds and micronutrients with therapeutic properties. In this sense, this review shows the current knowledge regarding the cardioprotective properties of selected Latin American and Brazilian fruits, including their effects on the activation of platelets and on the inflammation processes involved in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

Prebiotic and Synbiotic Modifications of Beta Oxidation and Lipogenic Gene Expression after Experimental Hypercholesterolemia in Rat Liver.

Background and aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the presence of fat in hepatocytes because of decreased ß-oxidation and increased lipogenesis. Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotic have modulatory effects on intestinal microbiota and may influence the gut-liver axis. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic, probiotics, and synbiotic on liver histopathology and gene expression related to ß-oxidation and lipogenesis after hypercholesterolemia. Methods: Wistar male adult rats (n = 40) were submitted to hypercholesterolemic conditions (HPC) (60 days). On Day 30 of HPC, rats were subdivided in 5 groups: negative control (NC): without HPC + Gv (distilled water); positive control (PC): with HPC + Gv (distilled water); prebiotic (PRE): HPC + Gv with prebiotic (Fiber FOS®); probiotic (PRO): HPC + Gv with probiotic strains Gv (Probiatop®); and synbiotic (SYN): HPC + Gv with synbiotic (Simbioflora®). All rats were sacrificed on Day 30 post-treatment. Blood was collected to verify total serum cholesterol, and liver tissue was sampled to verify histopathological changes and gene expression. Gene expression related to ß-oxidation (PPAR-α and CPT-1) and lipogenesis (SREBP-1c, FAS and ME) was evaluated in liver tissue using RT-qPCR. Results: PC had higher cholesterol levels when compared to NC. PRE and SYN rats had lower cholesterol levels than PC. PC rats showed more histopathological changes than NC rats; PRE and SYN rats showed fewer alterations than PC rats. PPAR-α was expressed at higher levels in SYN and PC rats compared with PRE and PRO rats. CPT-1 expression was similar in all groups. SREBP-1c was expressed at higher levels in PC rats compared with NC rats; levels were lower in SYN rats compared with PRO rats; levels were lower in PRE rats compared with PC and PRO rats. FAS was expressed at lower levels in PRE rats compared with SYN rats. ME expression was lower in PC rats compared with NC rats. Conclusion: Prebiotic and synbiotic supplementation improve hepatic alterations related to hypercholesterolemia. These changes appear to be mediated by altered expression of genes related to ß-oxidation and lipogenesis.

Exposure to atrazine alters behaviour and disrupts the dopaminergic system in Drosophila melanogaster.

Atrazine is an extensively used herbicide, and has become a common environmental contaminant. Effects on dopaminergic neurotransmission in mammals following exposure to atrazine have been previously demonstrated. Here, the effects of atrazine regarding behavioural and dopaminergic neurotransmission parameters were assessed in the fruit fly D. melanogaster, exposed during embryonic and larval development. Embryos (newly fertilized eggs) were exposed to two atrazine concentrations (10µM and 100µM) in the diet until the adult fly emerged. Negative geotaxis assay, as well as exploratory behaviour, immobility time and number of grooming episodes in an open field system were assessed. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity and gene expression of the dopaminergic system were also evaluated in newly emerged male and female flies. All analyzed parameters in male flies were not significantly affected by atrazine exposure. However female flies exposed to atrazine at 10µM presented an increase in immobility time and a reduction in exploratory activity in the open field test, which was offset by an increase in the number of grooming episodes. Also, female flies exposed to 100µM of atrazine presented an increase in immobility time. Gene expression of DOPA decarboxylase and dopamine (DA) receptors were also increased only in females. The behavioural effects of atrazine exposure observed in female flies were due to a disturbance in the dopaminergic system.

Inter-relações entre Helicobacter pylori, sensação subjetiva de apetite e consumo alimentar / Interrelationship between Helicobacter pylori infection, subjective appetite sensation and food intake / Interrelaciones entre Helicobacter pylori, sensación subjetiva del apetito y consumo de alimentos

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da infecção por Helicobacter pylori (Hp) sobre a sensação subjetiva de apetite e consumo alimentar de pacientes usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo transversal, realizado em duas unidades de saúde durante o período de julho de 2012 a maio de 2013, em que foram avaliados 38 pacientes, 14 Hp positivos e 24 negativos, que relataram fazer apenas três refeições principais por dia. A presença da infecção foi investigada a partir de endoscopia digestiva alta. O consumo alimentar foi investigado por meio de dois recordatórios de 24 horas. A sensação subjetiva de apetite foi investigada utilizando-se a escala analógica visual (EAV) de apetite. Os pacientes foram estratificados em Hp positivos e Hp negativos. Para todas as análises considerou-se significante p<0,05. Resultados: Não houve diferença significante no consumo de energia e de macronutrientes, por refeição, entre os grupos. A sensação subjetiva do apetite antes e após cada refeição foi semelhante entre os grupos, exceto quanto à fome (p=0,016) e saciedade (p=0,008) no desjejum. Constatou-se a influência da refeição anterior na refeição subsequente, sendo estes achados mais evidentes entre os pacientes Hp negativos. Conclusão: O estudo aponta homogeneidade dos dois grupos avaliados no que tange a ingestão alimentar. A sensação subjetiva do apetite é diferente entre os grupos nos tópicos fome e saciedade relacionados ao desjejum. A relação entre as sensações percebidas ao final de uma refeição e início da subsequente é mais evidente entre pacientes Hp negativos.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection on the subjective appetite sensation and food intake of patients using the Unified Health System. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out in two health units during the period from July 2012 to May 2013, which evaluated 14 Hp-positive and 24 Hp-negative subjects, totaling 38 patients who reported having only three main meals per day. The presence of infection was investigated through upper endoscopy. Food intake was investigated by means of two 24-hour recalls. Subjective appetite sensation was investigated with use of the Visual Analog Scale of Appetite (VAS). The patients were stratified as Hp-positive and Hp-negative. For all analyses, the significance level was p<0.05. Results: There was no significant difference in the energy and macronutrients intake, per meal, between the groups. The subjective appetite sensation before and after each meal was similar between groups, except for hunger (p=0.016) and satiety (p=0.008) at breakfast. The influence of the previous meal on the subsequent one was verified, these findings being more evident among the Hp-negative patients. Conclusion: The study showed homogeneity of the two evaluated groups in regard to food intake. The subjective appetite sensation is different between the groups on the topics hunger and satiety related to breakfast. The relationship between the sensations perceived by the end of a meal and the beginning of the subsequent one is more evident in Hp-negative.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la infección por Helicobacter pylori (Hp) sobre la sensación subjetiva del apetito y el consumo de alimentos de pacientes usuarios del Sistema Único de Salud. Métodos: Se trata de un estudio del tipo transversal realizado en dos unidades de salud entre julio de 2012 y mayo de 2013 en el cual se evaluaron 38 pacientes siendo 14 Hp positivos y 24 negativos que relataron comer solamente tres veces al día. La presencia de la infección ha sido investigada en la endoscopia digestiva alta. El consumo de alimentos ha sido investigado a través de dos recordatorios de 24 horas. La sensación subjetiva del apetito ha sido investigada utilizando la Escala Analógica Visual de Apetito (EAV). Los pacientes fueron clasificados en Hp positivos y Hp negativos. Para todos los análisis se consideró significativo el p<0,05 Resultados: No hubo diferencia significativa entre los grupos para el consumo de energía y de macro nutrientes por comida. La sensación subjetiva del apetito antes y después de cada comida ha sido parecida entre los grupos, excepto respecto el hambre (p=0,016) y la saciedad (p=0,008) en ayunas. Se constató de modo más evidente entre los pacientes Hp negativos que la comida anterior influye en la siguiente. Conclusión: El estudio sugiere la homogeneidad de los dos grupos evaluados respecto la ingesta de alimentos. La sensación subjetiva del apetito es distinta entre los grupos respecto el hambre y la saciedad en ayunas. La relación entre las sensaciones percibidas al final de cada comida y el inicio de la siguiente es más evidente entre los pacientes Hp negativos.

Embryo-larval exposure to atrazine reduces viability and alters oxidative stress parameters in Drosophila melanogaster.

The herbicide atrazine has been used worldwide with subsequent residual contamination of water and food, which may cause adverse effects on non-target organisms. Animal exposure to this herbicide may affect development, reproduction and energy metabolism. Here, the effects of atrazine regarding survival and redox metabolism were assessed in the fruit fly D. melanogaster exposed during embryonic and larval development. The embryos (newly fertilized eggs) were exposed to different atrazine concentrations (10µM and 100µM) in the diet until the adult fly emerged. Pupation and emergence rates, developmental time and sex ratio were determined as well as oxidative stress parameters and gene expression of the antioxidant defence system were evaluated in newly emerged male and female flies. Atrazine exposure reduced pupation and emergence rates in fruit flies without alterations to developmental time and sex ratio. Different redox imbalance patterns were observed between males and females exposed to atrazine. Atrazine caused an increase in oxidative damage, reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant capacity and decreased thiol-containing molecules. Further, atrazine exposure altered the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (keap1, sod, sod2, cat, irc, gss, gclm, gclc, trxt, trxr-1 and trxr-2). Reductions in fruit fly larval and pupal viability observed here are likely consequences of the oxidative stress induced by atrazine exposure.

Estado nutricional antropométrico e comorbidades associadas à síndrome metabólica em mulheres submetidas à cirurgia bariátrica / Anthropometric nutritional status and comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome in women submitted to bariatric surgery

Objetivos: Avaliar o impacto da cirurgia bariátrica sobre o estado nutricional antropométrico e comorbidades associadas à síndrome metabólica e verificar a adequação do consumo de micronutrientes em mulheres submetidas ao procedimento. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, no qual foram avaliadas mulheres submetidas à cirurgia bariátrica. O consumo alimentar foi avaliado por meio de registro alimentar aplicado em triplicata. O estado nutricional antropométrico (peso, altura, índice de massa corporal e circunferência da cintura) foi aferido no período pós-cirúrgico. Dados sobre antropometria antes da cirurgia e presença de comorbidades (hipertensão arterial, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, doenças cardiovasculares e outras doenças) foram obtidos por questionário estruturado, padronizado e pré-codificado. Para avaliação dos resultados, as mulheres foram estratificadas em dois grupos considerando o tempo transcorrido após a cirurgia no momento da avaliação: G1 com tempo pós-cirúrgico até 36 meses e G2 com tempo pós-cirúrgico maior do que 36 meses. Resultados: Foram estudadas 14 mulheres, com média de idade de 34,6±14 anos, com tempo de realização da cirurgia compreendido entre 11 a 84 meses, sendo oito alocadas em G1 e seis em G2. Na avaliação após a cirurgia bariátrica observou-se redução do peso (p<0.01) e do índice de massa corporal (p<0.01) em ambos os grupos. Na avaliação pós cirúrgica, foram classificadas como obesas pelo índice de massa corporal 25,0% das mulheres do G1 (tempo de cirurgia até 36 meses) e 33,3% das mulheres do G2 (tempo de cirurgia após 36 meses). Verificou-se diminuição das comorbidades associadas à síndrome metabólica entre as avaliações pré e pós cirúrgicas. Foram detectadas deficiências no consumo relatado de micronutrientes após a cirurgia, destacando-se cálcio, ferro e vitamina B12. Conclusões: Os resultados apontam para a eficácia da cirurgia bariátrica no tratamento da obesidade e controle das comorbidades associadas à síndrome metabólica nesta amostra de mulheres. A presença de inadequações no consumo de nutrientes assinala a necessidade do cuidado nutricional no pós operatório da cirurgia bariátrica.

Aims: To assess the impact of bariatric surgery on anthropometric nutritional status and comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome and to verify the adequacy of micronutrient intake of women undergoing this surgical procedure. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate women undergoing bariatric surgery. Dietary intake was assessed using a food record in triplicate. The anthropometric nutritional status (weight, height, body mass index, and waist circumference) was measured in the postoperative period. Anthropometric data before surgery and presence of comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, among others) were obtained by a structured, standardized, pre-coded questionnaire. To evaluate the results, women were stratified into two groups considering the time after surgery: less than or equal to 36 months (G1) and greater than 36 months (G2). Results: Fourteen women with a mean age of 34.6±14 years and postoperative time between 11 and 84 months were assessed; eight of whom were allocated to G1 and six to G2. Decreases in weight (p<0.01) and body mass index (p<0.01) were observed in both groups after bariatric surgery. Twenty-five percent of G1 women (up to 36 months after surgery) and 33% of G2 women (more than 36 months after surgery) were considered to be obese. There were a lower number of comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome when preoperative and postoperative assessments were compared. Micronutrient deficiencies (especially of calcium, iron, and vitamin B12) were detected after surgery. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery was shown to be an effective method for treating obesity and controlling comorbidities associated with metabolic syndrome. Inadequate nutrient intake, however, indicates a greater need of postoperative nutritional care in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Glyphosate-based herbicide exposure causes antioxidant defence responses in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

Glyphosate is a non-selective and post-emergent herbicide that affects plant growth. Animal exposure to this herbicide can lead to adverse effects, such as endocrine disruption, oxidative stress and behavioural disorders. Drosophilids have been utilized previously as an effective tool in toxicological tests. In the present study, the effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide (Roundup [Original]) were investigated regarding oxidative stress, the antioxidant defence system and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies (of both genders) that were 1 to 3days old were exposed to different glyphosate concentrations (0.0g/L=control, 1.0g/L, 2.0g/L, 5.0g/L and 10.0g/L) [corrected] in the diet for 24h and 96h. After the exposure periods, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels were quantified. In addition, the mRNA expression of antioxidant genes (i.e., keap1, sod, sod2, cat, irc, gclc, gclm, gss, trxt, trxr-1 and trxr-2) was evaluated via RT-PCR. Additionally, AChE activity was evaluated only after the 96h exposure period. The results indicated that Roundup exposure leads to a reduction in ROS levels in flies exposed for 96h. ACAP levels and gene expression of the antioxidant defence system exhibited an increase from 24h, while LPO did not show any significant alterations in both exposure periods. AChE activity was not affected following Roundup exposure. Our data suggest that Roundup exposure causes an early activation of the antioxidant defence system in D. melanogaster, and this can prevent subsequent damage caused by ROS.

Alloimmunization and clinical profile of sickle cell disease patients from Salvador-Brazil.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an important public health issue in Bahia, Brazil. Erythrocyte transfusions may reduce morbidity of SCD, however, they are associated with numerous risks. Among other risk categories, alloimmunization to red cell antigens may result from transfusions. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical profile of transfused adult SCD patients with and without alloantibodies. The study included 108 patients (105 homozygous SS and three with hemoglobinopathy SC), followed in the Outpatient Unit of the Hematology and Hemotherapy Center of Bahia. A retrospective review of clinical records of adult SCD patients who received at least three red blood cell transfusions from 2004 to 2007 was performed. Transfusion units were phenotypically matched for ABH-D and C,c,E,e, and K antigens. Alloimmunization developed in 56 patients (53 SS and three SC). The most prevalent alloantibodies were anti-E, anti-K, and anti-C (39.3%, 21.4%, and 16.1%, respectively). Age, sex and positive antiglobulin test displayed statistically significant differences. Prevalence of clinical complications such as leg ulcers, stroke, and others did not show differences between groups. In conclusion, alloimmunization did not significantly modify the clinical outcomes of SCD patients from Bahia, Brazil.