Effect of cyclic heat stress on thyroidal hormones, thyroid histology, and performance of two broiler strains.

This study determined thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) serum levels and investigated thyroid gland histology, as well as two broiler strains performance kept at different periods of heat stress. Broilers (560 Cobb Slow™ and 560 Hubbard Flex™) were distributed in control environment (0) reared following the thermal recommendations, and environments 1, 2, and 3 exposed to high temperatures for 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h a day, respectively, from 14 to 42 days old. At 21, 28, 35, and 42 days old, blood samples were collected to determine T3 and T4 serum levels. At 42 days old, thyroid glands were removed for histological analyses. The performance was calculated weekly. T3 levels decreased with age advance, while T4 serum concentration was higher at 42 days old (23.27 nmol L-1) and lower at 28 days old (15.69 nmol L-1). The histological sections revealed that thyroid morphology was well preserved. Live weight was higher in Cobb Slow™ (2.97 kg) than Hubbard Flex™ (2.93 kg) broilers at 42 days old. It is possible to conclude that cyclic heat stress exposure for a 3-h period from 14 to 42 days old did not affect performance, thyroid histology, or T3 and T4 serum levels. Cobb Slow™ broilers had the best live weight values at slaughtering. With increasing age, T3 levels decreased and T4 levels increased for both strains.

Tranylcypromine Plus Amitriptyline for Electroconvulsive Therapy-Resistant Depression: A Long-Term Study.

BACKGROUND: Few therapeutic options are available for patients with electroconvulsive therapy-resistant major depressive disorder (ECT-r MDD), leaving a substantial proportion of this population beyond treatment possibilities. The combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants could be a potential strategy for managing ECT-r MDD, and the specific association of amitriptyline and tranylcypromine may offer additional tolerability advantages. Although promising, in our knowledge, no studies have examined until now the effectiveness of this combination in ECT-r MDD. METHODS: We report a retrospective cohort of 31 patients with ECT-r MDD treated in an open-label fashion with the combination of amitriptyline and tranylcypromine. RESULTS: Overall, 80.6% of the sample met response criteria at the end of the first 12 weeks of treatment. Seventy-six percent (19 of 25) of the responders were followed for a mean of 9.37 ± 3.86 years. During this follow-up period, none of the patients had a recurring depressive episode. The combination was well tolerated, whereas minor adverse effects were common, and no severe or life-threatening events were reported throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that the combination tranylcypromine and amitriptyline is a potentially safe and effective candidate for future investigation in the treatment and long-term maintenance of ECT-r MDD.

Intragenic antimicrobial peptide Hs02 toxicity against leukemia cell lines is associated with increased expression of select pyroptotic components.

The anticancer potential of some antimicrobial peptides has been reported. Hs02 is a recently characterized Intragenic Antimicrobial Peptide (IAP), which was able to exhibit potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action. In this study, we evaluate for the first time the antineoplastic potential of the Hs02 IAP using cell lines representing the main types of leukemia as cancer models. Interestingly, this peptide decreased the viability of several leukemic cell lines, without compromising the viability of PBMCs in the same concentration. In the HL-60 line, treatment with Hs02 controlled cell division, leading to cell arrest in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. More importantly, HL-60 cells treated with Hs02 undergo cell death, with the formation of pores in the plasma membrane and the release of LDH. Accordingly, Hs02 treatment stimulated the expression of components involved in pyroptosis, such as NLRP1, CASP-1, GSDME, and IL-1ß. Taken together, our data characterize the antineoplastic potential of Hs02 and open an opportunity for both evaluating the peptide's antineoplastic potential in other cancer models and using this molecule as a template for new peptides with therapeutic potential against cancer.

Structural and biochemical insights of xylose MFS and SWEET transporters in microbial cell factories: challenges to lignocellulosic hydrolysates fermentation.

The production of bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass requires the efficient conversion of glucose and xylose to ethanol, a process that depends on the ability of microorganisms to internalize these sugars. Although glucose transporters exist in several species, xylose transporters are less common. Several types of transporters have been identified in diverse microorganisms, including members of the Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) and Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) families. Considering that Saccharomyces cerevisiae lacks an effective xylose transport system, engineered yeast strains capable of efficiently consuming this sugar are critical for obtaining high ethanol yields. This article reviews the structure-function relationship of sugar transporters from the MFS and SWEET families. It provides information on several tools and approaches used to identify and characterize them to optimize xylose consumption and, consequently, second-generation ethanol production.

Effect of rapid weight loss on mood states and burnout of Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a competitive process.

The current study aimed to analyze the psychological alterations resulting from rapid weight loss in the mood states and burnout of male Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. For the purpose of this study, 31 Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes participated, divided into two groups (RWLG: rapid weight loss group and CG: control group). Data collections were performed at three moments (1: baseline, before weight loss; 2: weigh-in, during the official competition; and 3: recovery, 7 to 10 days after the competition), with application of the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). Considering the outcomes, for body mass, the athletes from RWLG presented mean reductions of 3.5 kg (4.2% of the initial body mass). For mood states, both groups (RWLG and CG) presented a moment effect for tension and confusion, with higher levels during weigh-in compared to baseline and recovery (p < 0.05). For burnout, both groups showed low levels of burnout, with no effect of moment, group, or interaction in the analyses (p > 0.05). Based on these results, it is concluded that weight loss, in the magnitude performed in this study, did not generate an additional impact on mood or level of burnout in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes during a competitive process.

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in prisons: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the context of prisons, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major problem. In this article, we estimate the prevalence of MDR-TB among the population deprived of freedom from countries in South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. METHODS: The articles were retrieved through systematic search at four databases (EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS and MEDILINE). The meta-analysis was developed by the random effect model, using the Mantel-Haenszel method, with presentation of the aggregated results through the forest plot. The degree of heterogeneity between the studies was verified using Cochran's Q test and I2. RESULTS: Of the 102 articles analyzed, 21 were included in this systematic review. The analysis showed heterogeneity indicated by the Q test (P â€‹< â€‹0.001) and I2 statistics (I2 â€‹= â€‹50.52%). The funnel graph and Egger test (P â€‹< â€‹0.830) showed symmetry between investigations. The grouped prevalence of MDR-TB was 0.48% (95% CI: 0.02 to 1.32), advancing to 1.15 (95% CI: 0.15 to 2.73) when culture and sensitivity test were considered by the authors. No specific characteristics were significantly associated with differences in prevalence rates in the population deprived of freedom. CONCLUSION: The study reaffirms the magnitude of MDR-TB in the population deprived of freedom in the world context. Political and technical-scientific efforts should be mobilized to mitigate TB and MDR-TB in prisons and for successful national and international disease control programs.

Machine learning and comparative genomics approaches for the discovery of xylose transporters in yeast.

BACKGROUND: The need to mitigate and substitute the use of fossil fuels as the main energy matrix has led to the study and development of biofuels as an alternative. Second-generation (2G) ethanol arises as one biofuel with great potential, due to not only maintaining food security, but also as a product from economically interesting crops such as energy-cane. One of the main challenges of 2G ethanol is the inefficient uptake of pentose sugars by industrial yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the main organism used for ethanol production. Understanding the main drivers for xylose assimilation and identify novel and efficient transporters is a key step to make the 2G process economically viable. RESULTS: By implementing a strategy of searching for present motifs that may be responsible for xylose transport and past adaptations of sugar transporters in xylose fermenting species, we obtained a classifying model which was successfully used to select four different candidate transporters for evaluation in the S. cerevisiae hxt-null strain, EBY.VW4000, harbouring the xylose consumption pathway. Yeast cells expressing the transporters SpX, SpH and SpG showed a superior uptake performance in xylose compared to traditional literature control Gxf1. CONCLUSIONS: Modelling xylose transport with the small data available for yeast and bacteria proved a challenge that was overcome through different statistical strategies. Through this strategy, we present four novel xylose transporters which expands the repertoire of candidates targeting yeast genetic engineering for industrial fermentation. The repeated use of the model for characterizing new transporters will be useful both into finding the best candidates for industrial utilization and to increase the model's predictive capabilities.

EasyGuide Plasmids Support in Vivo Assembly of gRNAs for CRISPR/Cas9 Applications in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Most CRISPR/Cas9 applications in yeast rely on a plasmid-based expression of Cas9 and its guide RNA (gRNA) containing a 20-nucleotides (nts) spacer tailored to each genomic target. The lengthy assembly of this customized gRNA requires at least 3-5 days for its precloning in Escherichia coli, purification, validation, and cotransformation with Cas9 into a yeast strain. Here, we constructed a series of 12 EasyGuide plasmids to simplify CRISPR/Cas9 applications in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The new vectors provide templates for generating PCR fragments that can assemble up to six functional gRNAs directly into yeasts via homologous recombination between the 20-nts spacers. By dispensing precloning in E. coli, yeast in vivo gRNA assembly significantly reduces the CRISPR/Cas9 experimental workload. A highly efficient yeast genome editing procedure, involving PCR amplification of gRNAs and donors, followed by their transformation into a Cas9-expressing strain, can be easily accomplished through a quick protocol.

Exploratory Systematic Review of Mixed Martial Arts: An Overview of Performance of Importance Factors with over 20,000 Athletes.

This review aimed to analyze the findings in the literature related to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) through an exploratory systematic review and to present the state of the art from a multifactorial perspective. The review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement, with a search performed in the Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Participants were competitive athletes (amateurs or professionals) of regional, national, or international levels. Of the 2763 registries identified, 112 studies met the eligibility criteria. The pooled sample size and age were 20,784 participants, with a mean age of 27.7 ± 6 years for male and 28.9 ± 3 years for female, with the vast majority of athletes being male (94.9%). MMA athletes were 17.2% amateurs, 73.8% professionals, and 9% were not reported. The scientific literature related to MMA reported injuries (n = 28), weight loss (n = 21), technical and tactical analysis (n = 23), physical fitness (n = 8), physiological responses and training characteristics (n = 13), psychobiological parameters (n = 12), and interventions applied to MMA athletes (n = 7). Therefore, this exploratory systematic review presents practitioners and researchers with seven broad summaries of each facet of performance of importance in this population of athletes.

Exploring metal ion metabolisms to improve xylose fermentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The development of high-performance xylose-fermenting yeast is essential to achieve feasible conversion of biomass-derived sugars in lignocellulose-based biorefineries. However, engineered C5-strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae still present low xylose consumption rates under anaerobic conditions. Here, we explore alternative metabolisms involved in metal homeostasis, which positively affect C5 fermentation and analyse the non-obvious regulatory network connection of both metabolisms using time-course transcriptome analysis. Our results indicated the vacuolar Fe2+ /Mn2+ transporter CCC1, and the protein involved in heavy metal ion homeostasis BSD2, as promising new targets for rational metabolic engineering strategies, enhancing xylose consumption in nine and 2.3-fold compared with control. Notably, intracellular metal concentration levels were affected differently by mutations and the results were compared with positive controls isu1Δ, a Fe-S cluster scaffold protein, and ssk2Δ, a component of HOG pathway. Temporal expression profiles indicate a metabolic remodelling in response to xylose, demonstrating changes in the main sugar sensing signalling pathways.

Novel xylose transporter Cs4130 expands the sugar uptake repertoire in recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains at high xylose concentrations.

BACKGROUND: The need to restructure the world's energy matrix based on fossil fuels and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions stimulated the development of new biobased technologies for renewable energy. One promising and cleaner alternative is the use of second-generation (2G) fuels, produced from lignocellulosic biomass sugars. A major challenge on 2G technologies establishment is the inefficient assimilation of the five-carbon sugar xylose by engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, increasing fermentation time. The uptake of xylose across the plasma membrane is a critical limiting step and the budding yeast S. cerevisiae is not designed with a broad transport system and regulatory mechanisms to assimilate xylose in a wide range of concentrations present in 2G processes. RESULTS: Assessing diverse microbiomes such as the digestive tract of plague insects and several decayed lignocellulosic biomasses, we isolated several yeast species capable of using xylose. Comparative fermentations selected the yeast Candida sojae as a potential source of high-affinity transporters. Comparative genomic analysis elects four potential xylose transporters whose properties were evaluated in the transporter null EBY.VW4000 strain carrying the xylose-utilizing pathway integrated into the genome. While the traditional xylose transporter Gxf1 allows an improved growth at lower concentrations (10 g/L), strains containing Cs3894 and Cs4130 show opposite responses with superior xylose uptake at higher concentrations (up to 50 g/L). Docking and normal mode analysis of Cs4130 and Gxf1 variants pointed out important residues related to xylose transport, identifying key differences regarding substrate translocation comparing both transporters. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that xylose concentrations in second-generation hydrolysates can reach high values in several designed processes, Cs4130 is a promising novel candidate for xylose uptake. Here, we demonstrate a novel eukaryotic molecular transporter protein that improves growth at high xylose concentrations and can be used as a promising target towards engineering efficient pentose utilization in yeast.

The Antioxidant Peptide Salamandrin-I: First Bioactive Peptide Identified from Skin Secretion of Salamandra Genus (Salamandra salamandra).

Amphibian skin is a multifunctional organ that plays key roles in defense, breathing, and water balance. In this study, skin secretion samples of the fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra) were separated using RP-HPLC and de novo sequenced using MALDI-TOF MS/MS. Next, we used an in silico platform to screen antioxidant molecules in the framework of density functional theory. One of the identified peptides, salamandrin-I, [M + H]+ = 1406.6 Da, was selected for solid-phase synthesis; it showed free radical scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Salamandrin-I did not show antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. In vitro assays using human microglia and red blood cells showed that salamandrin-I has no cytotoxicity up to the concentration of 100 µM. In addition, in vivo toxicity tests on Galleria mellonella larvae resulted in no mortality at 20 and 40 mg/kg. Antioxidant peptides derived from natural sources are increasingly attracting interest. Among several applications, these peptides, such as salamandrin-I, can be used as templates in the design of novel antioxidant molecules that may contribute to devising strategies for more effective control of neurological disease.

Aripiprazole for patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: an open-label, randomized, study versus haloperidol.

INTRODUCTION: Aripiprazole, a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist, has also partial agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors. METHODS: In this 8-week, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, open-label, flexible-dose study, patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were randomized to aripiprazole 15-30 mg/day or haloperidol 10-15 mg/day. RESULTS: Patients treated with both aripiprazole and haloperidol improved from baseline in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total, positive, and negative scores as well as in Clinical Global Impressions scores (all P<.001). At the end of the study, the percentage of patients classified as responders--according to >or=40% reduction in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale negative subscale score--was significantly higher in the aripiprazole group (20%) than in the haloperidol group (0%) (P<.05). Additionally, a higher number of patients receiving haloperidol required more anticholinergic medications (P<.001) than aripiprazole-treated patients, whereas more aripiprazole (45.5%) than haloperidol-treated patients (12.9%) required benzodiazepines (P=.002). At endpoint, rates of preference of medication were higher in the aripiprazole group (63.2%) than in the haloperidol group (21.7%), as expressed by patients and caregivers (P=.001). CONCLUSION: Aripiprazole and haloperidol had similar efficacy in terms of reduction of overall psychopathology. Although aripiprazole has been demonstrated to be superior concerning negative symptoms and in terms of tolerability (extrapyramidal symptoms) and preferred by patients and caregivers than haloperidol, significantly more aripiprazole-treated patients required benzodiazepines.

Physical fitness predicts technical-tactical and time-motion profile in simulated Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matches.

BACKGROUND: Among combat sports, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) present elevated physical fitness demands from the high-intensity intermittent efforts. However, information regarding how metabolic and neuromuscular physical fitness is associated with technical-tactical performance in Judo and BJJ fights is not available. This study aimed to relate indicators of physical fitness with combat performance variables in Judo and BJJ. METHODS: The sample consisted of Judo (n = 16) and BJJ (n = 24) male athletes. At the first meeting, the physical tests were applied and, in the second, simulated fights were performed for later notational analysis. RESULTS: The main findings indicate: (i) high reproducibility of the proposed instrument and protocol used for notational analysis in a mobile device; (ii) differences in the technical-tactical and time-motion patterns between modalities; (iii) performance-related variables are different in Judo and BJJ; and (iv) regression models based on metabolic fitness variables may account for up to 53% of the variances in technical-tactical and/or time-motion variables in Judo and up to 31% in BJJ, whereas neuromuscular fitness models can reach values up to 44 and 73% of prediction in Judo and BJJ, respectively. When all components are combined, they can explain up to 90% of high intensity actions in Judo. DISCUSSION: In conclusion, performance prediction models in simulated combat indicate that anaerobic, aerobic and neuromuscular fitness variables contribute to explain time-motion variables associated with high intensity and technical-tactical variables in Judo and BJJ fights.

The practice of physical exercise in the context of cognitive compromise and neuro-muscular interactions in the care of the elderly / Prática do exercício físico no comprometimento cognitivo e intercorrências neuromusculares na atenção ao idoso: uma revisão sistemática

Objective: to investigate the influence of physical exercise in the context of cognitive compromise of the elderly, and the exercise programmes of greater impact in the motor response and neuromuscular adaptations. Method: a systematic review was developed in the Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, SPORTDiscus and Embase databases. The PRISMA 2020 checklist and bias risk analysis were applied using the Cochrane handbook scale for the systematic review of interventions (Version 5.1.0). Domains in table 8.5.d. Results: 21 studies were included in the qualitative analysis. The regular practice of physical exercise causes a series of positive neuromuscular adaptations in the elderly. These adaptations are related to increases in muscle mass, strength and power, favouring cognitive and motor capacity. The change in lifestyle of the elderly has a significant impact, and 30% of the ageing process is considered natural and caused by sensory, mental and physical factors and a loss of self-control, but 70% depends absolutely on the individual lifestyle. Conclusion: The present study suggests a programme composed of combined strength, resistance and aerobic exercises. Such exercises cause increases in neurotrophic, vascular and growth factors, as well as promoting cognitive, mood and quality of life improvements during ageing. Thus, the implementation of an exercise programme involving plyometrics and greater intensities of resistance training (equal or greater to 60% of 1-MR) and an adequate and progressive volume (equal or greater to three 30-40-minute sessions per week), appears to promise improved cognitive and psychomotor outcomes in old age (AU).

Objetivo: investigar a influência do exercício físico no comportamento cognitivo dos idosos e os programas de exercícios de maior impacto na resposta motora e adaptações neuromusculares. Método: desenvolveu-se uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, SPORTDiscus e Embase. Utilizou-se o PRISMA 2020 e análise de risco de viés através da escala Cochrane handbook para revisões sistemáticas de inter-venções (Versão 5.1.0). Domínios da tabela 8.5.d Resultados: 21 estudos foram incluídos para análise qualitativa. A prática regular de exercício físico desencadeia uma série de adaptações neuromusculares positivas em pessoas idosas. Essas adaptações estão relacionadas ao aumento da massa, força e potência muscular, favorecendo a capa-cidade cognitiva e motora. A mudança no estilo de vida do idoso apontou impacto significativo, e 30% do processo de envelhecimento é considerado natural e causado por fatores sensoriais, mentais, físicos e perda do autocontrole. No entanto, 70% dependem impreterivelmente do estilo de vida individual. Conclusão: O presente estudo sugere um programa composto por exercícios combinados de força, resistência e aeróbicos. Tais exercícios promovem o aumento dos fatores neurotróficos, vascular e de crescimento, além de promover melhorias cognitivas, de humor e qualidade de vida ao envelhecer. Para tanto, a implementação de um programa de exercícios que envolva a plio-metria e um treinamento resistido com intensidades mais altas (igual ou superior a 60% de 1-RM) e um volume adequado e progressivo (igual ou superior a 3 sessões de 30-40 minutos por semana), parece ser promissor aos melhores desfechos cognitivos e psicomotores na terceira idade (AU).

El objetivo: investigar la influencia del ejercicio físico en el comportamiento cognitivo de las personas mayores y los programas de ejercicio con mayor impacto en la respuesta motora y adaptaciones neuromusculares. Método: se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos Pubmed/MEDLINE, Scopus, LILACS, SPORTDiscus y Embase. Se utilizó el PRISMA 2020 y el análisis de riesgo de sesgo mediante la escala del manual Cochrane para revisiones sistemáticas de intervenciones (Versión 5.1.0). Dominios en la tabla 8.5.d Resultados: Se incluyeron 21 estudios para el análisis cualitativo. La práctica regular de ejercicio físico desencadena una serie de adaptaciones neuro-musculares positivas en las personas mayores. Estas adaptaciones están relacionadas con el aumento de la masa muscular, la fuerza y la potencia, favoreciendo la capacidad cognitiva y motora. El cambio en el estilo de vida de los ancianos mostró un impacto significativo, y el 30% del proceso de envejecimiento se considera natural y causado por factores sensoriales, mentales, físicos y pérdida de autocontrol. Sin embargo, el 70% depende absolutamen-te del estilo de vida individual. Conclusión: El presente estudio sugiere un programa compuesto por ejercicios combinados de fuerza, resistencia y aeróbicos. Dichos ejercicios promueven el aumento de factores neurotróficos, vasculares y de crecimiento, además de promover mejoras cognitivas, anímicas y de calidad de vida en el enveje-cimiento. Por lo tanto, la implementación de un programa de ejercicios que involucre ejercicios pliométricos y de fuerza con intensidades más altas (igual o mayor al 60% de 1-RM) y un volumen adecuado y progresivo (igual o mayor a 3 sesiones de 30-40 minutos a la semana) ), parece ser prometedor para mejores resultados cognitivos y psicomotores en la vejez (AU).

Psychotropic drugs in the treatment of obesity: what promise?

Obesity is a chronic and highly prevalent medical condition associated with increased risk for the development of numerous and sometimes fatal diseases. Despite its severity, there are few anti-obesity agents available on the market. Although psychotropic agents are not approved for the treatment of obesity, they have been used by clinicians as a therapeutic tool in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to review the rationale, as well as the evidence, for the potential use of these agents in obesity treatment. Evidence for the efficacy of psychotropic agents in obesity treatment comes from different sources. The first type of evidence is weight loss observed with treatment in clinical trials of patients with neuropsychiatric syndromes (e.g. mood disorders, epilepsy). A recent example of such findings is the weight reduction reported in clinical trials involving obese patients with binge eating disorder. While randomised, controlled trials specifically designed to investigate the weight loss properties of psychotropic agents in obese patients are the most appropriate source of evidence of anti-obesity action, such trials remain scarce. The most studied psychotropic agents in obesity trials are drugs used in the treatment of mood disorders, i.e. mainly antidepressants and antiepileptics. SSRIs (e.g. fluoxetine, sertraline and fluvoxamine) were amongst the first psychotropic agents investigated in the treatment of obesity. Additional data have also been published for other antidepressants (e.g. venlafaxine, citalopram and bupropion) and antiepileptics (e.g. topiramate and zonisamide). Based on the available data for the efficacy of psychotropic agents in obesity and other related conditions, SSRIs may be considered for the management of certain subgroups of obese individuals with comorbid conditions such as depression, binge eating disorder and type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, some newer agents, such as bupropion, topiramate and zonisamide, appear to be promising candidates for selective use in the treatment of obesity. However, further studies are needed to define their possible role as new pharmacological options in the treatment of obesity.

The impact of psychiatric comorbidity on length of stay of medical inpatients.

The aim of the study was to determine the impact of psychiatric comorbidity (PC) on length of hospital stay (LOS) of medical inpatients. A prospective cohort study was conducted. A series of 317 medical inpatients consecutively admitted to the general medical wards of a University Hospital composed the sample, after excluding those who refused or who could not be evaluated due to their physical illnesses or treatments (n=78). Data on demographic and medical variables were collected. A psychiatrist categorized subjects into two cohorts (with and without PC), according to DSM-IV, using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, except in patients cognitively impaired who were diagnosed by clinical interview. Mortality and length of stay during the index hospitalization were recorded. At admission, 156 (49%) inpatients had a current psychiatric comorbidity. After controlling for confounders (age and physical severity), in the multivariate analysis of covariance, the patients with cognitive impairment had a significantly prolonged LOS (F=17.8; P<.01) compared with those without cognitive impairment. No difference existed in LOS for the patients with depressive disorders (F=0.36; P=.55), Anxiety disorders (F=1.48; P=.22) or Substance related disorders (F=1.05; P=.30). These results suggest an independent effect of cognitive impairment increasing LOS of medical inpatients.

Comparação do gasto energético em diferentes métodos do treinamento de força / Comparison of energy expenditure in different strength training methods

Introdução: Atualmente, vem crescendo a utilização de diferentes métodos de treinamento de força (TF) como drop-set e bi-set, com intuito de maximizar gasto energético (GE). Porém, não há evidências que comprovem este fato. Objetivos: Mensurar e comparar o gasto energético (GE) em sessões de TF empregando os métodos drop-set, bi-set e TF tradicional (TRAD). Métodos: Nove homens recreacionalmente ativos realizaram três protocolos de exercícios em dias distintos, separados por intervalos de uma semana. O drop-set e o TRAD seguiram ordem fixa de execução dos exercícios; o bi-set foi realizado com dois exercícios sem intervalo entre eles. Todos os protocolos foram desempenhados a 80% de 1RM e, durante as sessões de treinamento, foi mensurado o consumo de oxigênio (VO2) e o GE. Resultados: Os resultados indicam que, durante a sessão de treino, o método drop-set gerou maiores valores de VO2 (13,6 ± 6,8 > 11,2 ± 5,9 kg/ml/min), GE (5,2 ± 2,3 > 4,5 ± 2,3 kcal/min -1), frequência cardíaca (128 ± 27,1 > 113 ± 22,4 bpm -1) e razão de trocas gasosas (1,2 ± 0,2 > 1,1 ± 0,1) quando comparado ao bi-set e TRAD (p<0,05). Conclusão: Maiores valores de frequência cardíaca durante o treino e gasto calórico superior foram observados no TF realizado com o método drop-set em relação ao bi-set e TRAD.

Introduction: It is currently growing use of different strength training methods (ST) as a drop-set and bi-set, in order to maximize energy expenditure (EE). However, there is no evidence to prove this fact. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the EE of training sessions of methods drop-set, bi-set and traditional ST (TRAD). Methods: Nine men recreationally assets had performed three protocols of exercises on different days separated by a break of week between each. The drop-set and the TRAD followed a fixed order of the exercises; the bi-set were two exercises without a break followed the other, forming combinations which were: squat-flexor and extensor chair - plantar flexion. All protocols were performed at 80% of 1RM and during the training sessions were measured oxygen consumption and the calorie expenditure. Results: The results indicate during the training session the drop-set promoted higher values of VO2 (13.6 ± 6.8> 11.2 ± 5.9 kg / ml / min), EE (5.2 ± 2.3 ± 4.5 ± 2.3 kcal / min-1), heart rate (128 ± 27.1> 113 ± 22.4 bpm-1) and gas exchange ratio (1.2 ± 0.2> 1.1 ± 0.1) when compared to bi-set and TRAD (p<0.05). Conclusion: Briefly, the incorporation of the protocol drop-set can benefit the practitioners that aim at maximizing the consumption of EE.

Seminiferous propagation in the selection of chestnut tree rootstocks / Propagação seminífera visando a seleção de porta-enxertos para castanheira

ABSTRACT: Aiming the selection of rootstocks to produce seedlings, the objective of this study was to quantify the seminiferous propagation in chestnut seeds, with or without incisions. Nine cultivars were used ('Ibuki', 'Isumo', 'Kinshu', 'Moriwase', 'Okuni', 'Senri', 'Taishowase', 'Tamatsukuri' and 'Tiodowase') and two selections ('KM-1' and 'KM-2') of hybrid chestnut trees (Castanea crenata x Castanea sp.). An incision was held in half of chestnuts and the other half remained intact. Percentage of germination, emergence and root length were quantified. The germinated nuts were transplanted and were quantified the diameter and height of seedlings. Then, the chestnut selections 'KM-2' and 'Jacutinga' were grafted by the cleft grafting method, and were quantified the percentage of sprouting, besides the diameter and height of grafts. Incisions increase the germination and seedling emergence in most cultivars and selections. 'Taishowase' and 'Tamatsukuri' stood out over the others to germination, growth of the rootstocks.

RESUMO: Visando a seleção de porta-enxertos para a produção de mudas, o objetivo do trabalho foi quantificar a propagação seminífera em castanhas com ou sem a realização de incisões. Foram utilizadas nove cultivares ('Ibuki', 'Isumo', 'Kinshu', 'Moriwase', 'Okuni', 'Senri', 'Taishowase', 'Tamatsukuri' e 'Tiodowase') e duas seleções ('KM-1' e 'KM-2') de castanheira híbridas (Castanea crenata x Castanea sp.). Em metade das castanhas, realizou-se uma incisão e a outra metade das castanhas permaneceu intacta. Foram quantificadas a porcentagem de germinação, emergência e o comprimento das raízes. As castanhas germinadas foram transplantadas onde se quantificou o diâmetro e a altura das mudas e ao final, a massa seca da parte aérea. Em seguida foram enxertadas pelo método de garfagem as seleções de castanheira 'KM-2' e 'Jacutinga', se quantificando a porcentagem de brotação, além do diâmetro e altura dos enxertos. Concluiu-se que as incisões aumentam a germinação e a emergência das plântulas, na maioria das cultivares e seleções. 'Taishowase' e 'Tamatsukuri' se destacam em relação as demais quanto a germinação e crescimento dos porta-enxertos.