Exploring Vegetarian and Omnivorous Approaches to Cardiovascular Risk and Body Composition.

The role of nutrition in preventing non-communicable diseases has been widely studied in recent years, with indications that non-animal-based diets might improve body composition and therefore bring multiple health benefits. For all of these reasons, the main purpose was to compare body composition and metabolic status between vegetarian and omnivorous individuals and relate these values with cardiovascular risk. The present analysis included 176 participants (61 vegetarians and 115 omnivores). Body composition was assessed using a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, biochemical parameters obtained from capillary blood, and the 10-year cardiovascular risk (10RCVD) calculated by the QRISK3 score. No statistical differences were found between groups regarding body composition. Concerning metabolic markers, vegetarian individuals showed reduced values of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). There were no differences in 10RCVD between groups. In both diets, moderate correlations between groups were found for cardiovascular risk and visceral adipose tissue. Our results suggest that the vegetarian regimen might be associated with better cardiometabolic biomarkers and better cardiovascular health, although controversial with the body composition trends observed. In conclusion, the results suggest that cardiovascular risk appears to be more influenced by body composition, mainly fat tissue, over dietary patterns itself.

Omnivore and vegetarians show similar body composition and skin physiology across body regions-A comparative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Skin physiology seems to be influenced by dietary choices and body composition, although links between these factors remain poorly characterised. In the present manuscript, we elaborate on the potential relationships among food groups, body composition and skin physiology in omnivores and vegetarians. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study involved 181 participants, 129 omnivores and 52 vegetarians. The main functions of the skin measured in our laboratory were transepidermal water loss, deep and superficial epidermal hydration, skin elasticity, and carotenoid content. Skin variables obtained from different body regions were made comparable by a new Proportional Skin Index calculated to respect their relative representativity. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found when comparing both groups' body composition and skin variables from different body regions, with the exception of the skin carotenoid content significantly higher in the vegetarian group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although dietary patterns significantly differed between groups, with vegetarians consuming fewer animal-derived products and more plant-based foods, multiple linear regression analysis revealed no differences or association between the dietary pattern and the skin physiology. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate the specific impact of diet and food groups and body composition on skin physiology.

Colonial and Neocolonial Barriers to Companion Digital Humans in Africa.

This letter responds to the essay "Digital Humans to Combat Loneliness and Social Isolation: Ethics Concerns and Policy Recommendation," by Nancy S. Jecker, Robert Sparrow, Zohar Lederman, and Anita Ho, in the January-February 2024 issue of the Hastings Center Report.

Local trade, spatial occurrence and conservation of hypostomus soniae (siluriformes, loricariidae), an ornamental fish endemic to the tapajos river, Brazil.

Hypostomus soniae is a small sized armored catfish endemic to the Tapajos River basin and ranked as one of the most exploited ornamental fish in the Santarem export marketplace. This study aims to evaluate distributional patterns of Hypostomus soniae and contribute to the species conservation in the face of development of the ornamental fish trade in the Amazon region. We compiled data associated with geographic coordinates in public repositories, supplemented with original field records. We compared our data to published records in the literature and museum collections to check for accuracy. To investigate the fishery and commercialization of H. soniae, we conducted interviews with ornamental fish stakeholders from the local trade. We also made direct observations in the fishing sites and export facilities in Santarem. A cluster analysis of the geolocation data was carried out to explore the spatial distribution patterns. The volume of captures and exportation of H. soniae decreased during the period 2020-2023. The occurrence of H. soniae was associated with annual rainfall ranging from 2,000 mm to 2,500 mm and concentrated in two municipalities of the State of Mato Grosso and two of the Para State. The species distribution area has been threatened, unfortunately, by fishermen who do not respect the laws that support artisanal fishing in the Amazon.

Genomoviruses in Liver Samples of Molossus molossus Bats.

CRESS-DNA encompasses a broad spectrum of viruses documented across diverse organisms such as animals, plants, diatoms, fungi, and marine invertebrates. Despite this prevalence, the full extent of these viruses' impact on the environment and their respective hosts remains incompletely understood. Furthermore, an increasing number of viruses within this category lack detailed characterization. This investigation focuses on unveiling and characterizing viruses affiliated with the Genomoviridae family identified in liver samples from the bat Molossus molossus. Leveraging viral metagenomics, we identified seven sequences (MmGmV-PA) featuring a circular DNA genome housing two ORFs encoding replication-associated protein (Rep) and capsid protein (Cap). Predictions based on conserved domains typical of the Genomoviridae family were established. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the segregation of these sequences into two clades aligning with the genera Gemycirculavirus (MmGmV-06-PA and MmGmV-07-PA) and Gemykibivirus (MmGmV-01-PA, MmGmV-02-PA, MmGmV-03-PA, MmGmV-05-PA, and MmGmV-09-PA). At the species level, pairwise comparisons based on complete nucleotide sequences indicated the potential existence of three novel species. In summary, our study significantly contributes to an enhanced understanding of the diversity of Genomoviridae within bat samples, shedding light on previously undiscovered viral entities and their potential ecological implications.

What have we learned on pre, very early, and early systemic sclerosis microcirculatory pathophysiology? A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Microvascular dysfunction is an early event in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The objective of this scoping review is to update the current information and the level of knowledge about the mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in pre-SSc, very early diagnosis of SSc (VEDOSS) and early SSc. METHODS: A PubMed® database search allowed us to include original data from full-length articles in English in which the main topic was microvascular dysfunction in pre-SSC, VEDOSS or early SSc. Data was extracted using a customized form. RESULTS: In the present review 437 articles were identified, and 42 studies included, reporting data from a total of 1069 patients with pre-SSc, VEDOSS or early-SSc. Distinct mechanisms of microvascular injury were identified comprising, angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, cell surface proteins and adhesion, molecules expression, cytokines profile, inflammatory and oxidation pathways, and skin perfusion determinants. Most of the studies were conducted in early SSc, with a reduced number in pre-disease stages, in which the prompt recognition of specific mechanisms and biomarkers may allow targeted treatment to prevent disease progression. CONCLUSIONS: Although different molecular expression patterns and signaling pathways related to microvascular dysfunction in pre-SSc, VEDOSS, and early SSc were identified, additional prospective longitudinal studies and combined work with functional evaluation of peripheral skin perfusion are needed.

Charting the course of Physiology within the post-Bologna European higher education area: Insights from Portugal.

The future of physiology has been a recurrent concern for physiologists and Physiological Societies within post-Bologna Europe and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Our paper provides an overview of Physiology teaching and research in Portugal, an EU member state and part of the EHEA. A descriptive study was designed to analyze data publicly available from the National Higher Education Directorate agency (DGES) from September to November 2022 to find all Portuguese syllabi containing at least one discipline related to human Physiology. A detailed database was established, including teaching staff, with a total of 365 courses/degrees and 764 Physiology disciplines. A bibliometric analysis of the identifiable lecturers' scientific production between 2017 and 2022 was made using Web of Science and PUBMED databases. Physiology is part of all health-related professions. However, universities and technical colleges differ greatly in programs, staff backgrounds, and scientific profiles. Medical schools were found to provide the most complete formation. Noteworthy, the profession of Physiologist has practically no expression within the EHEA, compared with the USA-UK realities. A better knowledge and understanding of these Physiology modalities in teaching and research within the EHEA will be instrumental to defining a stronger identity for European Physiology in the near future.

A school-based physical activity intervention in primary school: effects on physical activity, sleep, aerobic fitness, and motor competence.

Objective: The "Super Quinas" project evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep, and motor competence on children in primary school. Methods: The experimental group (n = 19) enrolled in a 12-week intervention program (one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week) compared to the CG (n = 19), all aged 9-10 years. Physical activity (PA) and sleep were measured by accelerometry, and aerobic fitness was measured by Children's Yo-Yo test (YYIR1C) during the 1st week (PRE), the 6th week (DUR), and the 12th week (POST) of the intervention program. Motor Competence in PRE and POST intervention was also assessed by the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument. Heart rate (HR, assessed using HR monitors), and enjoyment level were recorded during all intervention program classes. A linear mixed model analysis (i.e., within-subject analyses) was performed. Results: Comparing the EG and CG in DUR and POST, the EG spent ~18 min and ~ 34 min more time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day (p < 0.001); had ~44 min and ~ 203 min less sedentary time per day (p < 0.001); performed more 44 and 128 m in the Children's Yo-Yo test compared to CG (p < 0.001) and slept more 17 and 114 min per night (p < 0.001). In POST motor competence was significantly better (27%) in the EG compared to CG (p < 0.001). The %HRmax during the extra-curricular classes ranged between 65 and 81% (i.e., light to moderate intensities), and the enjoyment between fun and great fun. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that adding one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week for 12 weeks effectively increased the levels of physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep duration, and motor competence in children aged 9-10 years.

Lower-Limb Perfusion and Cardiovascular Physiology Are Significantly Improved in Non-Healthy Aged Adults by Regular Home-Based Physical Activities-An Exploratory Study.

Common daily activities including walking might be used to improve cardiovascular health in the presence of disease. Thus, we designed a specific home-based physical activity program to assess cardiovascular indicators in an older, non-active, non-healthy population. Ten participants, with a mean age of 62.4 ± 5.6 years old, were chosen and evaluated twice-upon inclusion (D0), and on day 30 (D30)-following program application. Perfusion was measured in both feet by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and by polarised spectroscopy (PSp). Measurements were taken at baseline (Phase 1) immediately after performing the selected activities (Phase 2) and during recovery (Phase 3). Comparison outcomes between D0 and D30 revealed relevant differences in Phase 1 recordings, namely a significant increase in LDF perfusion (p = 0.005) and a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.008) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p = 0.037). A correlation between the increase in perfusion and the weekly activity time was found (p = 0.043). No differences were found in Phase 2, but, in Phase 3, LDF values were still significantly higher in D30 compared with D0. These simple activities, regularly executed with minimal supervision, significantly improved the lower-limb perfusion while reducing participants' systolic pressure and MAP, taken as an important improvement in their cardiovascular status.

The Kidney Transplant Lottery: A Highly Sensitized Patient, Without Mismatches and Vein Thrombosis of the Graft; A Case Report.

A kidney transplant is the best option for patients with end-stage renal disease. The waiting list period can be long, especially for highly sensitized patients. We describe a 60-year-old woman who received a second transplant and was highly sensitized to vascular access exhaustion, anuric, and performing peritoneal dialysis. At 27 days post-transplant, the patient developed thrombosis of the allograft vein, oliguria, and elevated serum creatinine. Fibrinolysis was attempted, but the patient remained oliguric and with acute graft dysfunction. She had a suction thrombectomy using the Penumbra System, allowing the removal of all thrombi and repermeabilization of the vein graft, resolving the acute graft dysfunction.

Metagenomic of Liver Tissue Identified at Least Two Genera of Totivirus-like Viruses in Molossus molossus Bats.

The Totiviridae family of viruses has a unique genome consisting of double-stranded RNA with two open reading frames that encode the capsid protein (Cap) and the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRpol). Most virions in this family are isometric in shape, approximately 40 nm in diameter, and lack an envelope. There are five genera within this family, including Totivirus, Victorivirus, Giardiavirus, Leishmaniavirus, and Trichomonasvirus. While Totivirus and Victorivirus primarily infect fungi, Giardiavirus, Leishmaniavirus, and Trichomonasvirus infect diverse hosts, including protists, insects, and vertebrates. Recently, new totivirus-like species have been discovered in fish and plant hosts, and through metagenomic analysis, a novel totivirus-like virus (named Tianjin totivirus) has been isolated from bat guano. Interestingly, Tianjin totivirus causes cytopathic effects in insect cells but cannot grow in mammalian cells, suggesting that it infects insects consumed by insectivorous bats. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing and identified totivirus-like viruses in liver tissue from Molossus molossus bats in the Amazon region of Brazil. Comparative phylogenetic analysis based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region revealed that the viruses identified in Molossus bats belong to two distinct phylogenetic clades, possibly comprising different genera within the Totiviridae family. Notably, the mean similarity between the Tianjin totivirus and the totiviruses identified in Molossus bats is less than 18%. These findings suggest that the diversity of totiviruses in bats is more extensive than previously recognized and highlight the potential for bats to serve as reservoirs for novel toti-like viruses.

Effect of Motor Competence and Health-Related Fitness in the Prevention of Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors.

Purpose: In the last decades we have seen an increase in sedentary behaviors and a decrease in physical activity in children when compared to past generations. This lifestyle is commonly associated with the development of clustering risk factors that define metabolic syndrome (MetS). Knowing that motor competence (MC) development can influence lifelong physical activity habits, it is reasonable to assume that children's MC will directly link to clustered cardiometabolic health outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the role of MC in MetS risk factors. Methods: Seventy children with a mean age of 7.49 (SD = 1.28) years were evaluated on motor competence (MCA-Motor Competence Assessment instrument), cardiovascular fitness (PACER test), upper body strength (UBS; handgrip), and the components of MetS, hypertriglyceridemia, hypertension, abdominal obesity, low concentration of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high fasting blood glucose. The composite value of MetS was calculated according to Burns et al. (2017). Multiple standard regressions were performed to explore the effect of different variables on MetS. Motor competence and health-related fitness (cardiovascular fitness and relative upper body strength) were used as independent variables (predictors) and MetS as dependent variable. Results: Overall, the results showed that motor competence (ß = -.072; p < .05) is a significant predictor and this model explained 7,1% of the variance in MetS. Conclusion: Although more studies are needed, our results indicate that MC seems to have a positive role in children's health markers.

This study aimed to analyze the role of MC, cardiorespiratory fitness, and upper body strength in MetS risk factors.The results suggest that upper body strength is the strongest predictor for MetS (negative association), followed by MC (positive association).When the different MC components were entered independently instead of total MC, the upper body strength and locomotor MC were found to be significant predictors of the MetS behavior.Considering our results and the fact that MC levels during childhood positively influence PA levels along lifespan, this study suggests a pathway to follow in future research.

MicroRNAs regulating signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis: potential role of the exercise training.

Cardiovascular and metabolic diseases such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and obesity develop long-term fibrotic processes in the heart, promoting pathological cardiac remodeling, including after myocardial infarction, reparative fibrotic processes also occur. These processes are regulated by many intracellular signaling pathways that have not yet been completely elucidated, including those associated with microRNA (miRNA) expression. miRNAs are small RNA transcripts (18-25 nucleotides in length) that act as posttranscriptionally regulators of gene expression, inhibiting or degrading one or more target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and proven to be involved in many biological processes such as cell cycle, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis, directly affecting the pathophysiology of several diseases, including cardiac fibrosis. Exercise training can modulate the expression of miRNAs and it is known to be beneficial in various cardiovascular diseases, attenuating cardiac fibrosis processes. However, the signaling pathways modulated by the exercise associated with miRNAs in cardiac fibrosis were not fully understood. Thus, this review aims to analyze the expression of miRNAs that modulate signaling pathways in cardiac fibrosis processes that can be regulated by exercise training.

Studying Erythromelalgia Using Doppler Flowmetry Perfusion Signals and Wavelet Analysis-An Exploratory Study.

Erythromelalgia (EM) is a rare disease, which is still poorly characterized. In the present paper, we compared the hand perfusion of one female EM patient, under challenges, with a healthy control group. Using a laser Doppler flowmeter (LDF) with an integrated thermal probe, measurements were taken in both hands at rest (Phase I) and after two separate challenges-post-occlusive hyperemia (PORH) in one arm (A) and reduction of skin temperature (cooling) with ice in one hand (B) (Phase II). The final measurement periods corresponded to recovery (Phases III and IV). The control group involved ten healthy women (27.3 ± 7.9 years old). A second set of measurements was taken in the EM patient one month after beginning a new therapeutic approach with beta-blockers (6.25 mg carvedilol twice daily). Z-scores of the patient's LDF and temperature fluctuations compared to the control group were assessed using the Wavelet transform (WT) analysis. Here, fluctuations with |Z| > 1.96 were considered significantly different from healthy values, whereas positive or negative Z values indicated higher or lower deviations from the control mean values. Cooling elicited more measurable changes in LDF and temperature fluctuations, especially in higher frequency components (cardiac, respiratory, and myogenic), whereas PORH notably evoked changes in lower frequency components (myogenic, autonomic, and endothelial). No significant Z-score deviations were observed in the second measurement, which might signify a stabilization of the patient's distal perfusion following the new therapeutic approach. This analysis involving one EM patient, while clearly exploratory, has shown significant deviations in WT-derived physiological components' values in comparison with the healthy group, confirming the interest in using cold temperature as a challenger. The apparent agreement achieved with the clinical evaluation opens the possibility of expanding this approach to other patients and pathologies in vascular medicine.