Influence of Microgravity on Apoptosis in Cells, Tissues, and Other Systems In Vivo and In Vitro.

All life forms have evolved under the constant force of gravity on Earth and developed ways to counterbalance acceleration load. In space, shear forces, buoyance-driven convection, and hydrostatic pressure are nullified or strongly reduced. When subjected to microgravity in space, the equilibrium between cell architecture and the external force is disturbed, resulting in changes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels (e.g., cytoskeleton, signal transduction, membrane permeability, etc.). Cosmic radiation also poses great health risks to astronauts because it has high linear energy transfer values that evoke complex DNA and other cellular damage. Space environmental conditions have been shown to influence apoptosis in various cell types. Apoptosis has important functions in morphogenesis, organ development, and wound healing. This review provides an overview of microgravity research platforms and apoptosis. The sections summarize the current knowledge of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cells with respect to apoptosis. Apoptosis-related microgravity experiments conducted with different mammalian model systems are presented. Recent findings in cells of the immune system, cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, cartilage, bone, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, as well as cancer cells investigated under real and simulated microgravity conditions, are discussed. This comprehensive review indicates the potential of the space environment in biomedical research.

Comparative toxicity of physiological and biochemical parameters in Euglena gracilis to short-term exposure to potassium sorbate.

Potassium sorbate is the potassium salt of sorbic acid, is a widespread and efficient antioxidant that has multiple functions in plants, traditionally associated with the reactions of photosynthesis; however, it has moderate toxicity to various species including rat, fish, bacteria and human health. The effects of potassium sorbate on the movement and photosynthetic parameters of Euglena gracilis were studied during short-term exposure. Potassium sorbate showed acute toxicity to the green flagellate E. gracilis affecting different physiological parameters used as endpoints in an automatic bioassay such as motility, precision of gravitational orientation (r-value), upward movement and alignment, with mean EC50 values of 2867.2 mg L(-1). The concentrations above 625 mg L(-1) of potassium sorbate induce an inhibition of the photosynthetic efficiency and electron transport rate and, in concentrations more than 2500.0 mg L(-1), the Euglena cells undergo a complete inhibition of photosynthesis even at low light irradiation.

Assessment of the impact of chlorophyll derivatives to control parasites in aquatic ecosystems.

Several research groups have studied new biopesticides which are less toxic to the environment and capable of controlling the vectors of parasitic diseases, especially in aquatic ecosystems. Pest control by photodynamic substances is an alternative to chemical or other measures, with chlorophyll and its derivatives as the most studied substances supported by their easy availability and low production costs. The impact of chlorophyll derivatives on four different species, a small crustacean (Daphnia similis), a unicellular alga (Euglena gracilis) and two species of fish (Astyanax bimaculatus and Cyprynus carpio) were tested under short-term conditions. In addition, the effects of long-term exposure were evaluated in D. similis and E. gracilis. In short-term tests, mortality of D. similis (EC50 = 7.75 mg/L) was most strongly affected by chlorophyllin, followed by E. gracilis (EC50 = 12.73 mg/L). The fish species showed a greater resistance documented by their EC50 values of 17.58 and 29.96 mg/L in C. carpio and A. bimaculatus, respectively. A risk quotient is calculated by dividing an estimate of exposure by an estimate of effect. It indicated that chlorophyll derivatives can be applied in nature to control the vectors of parasitic diseases under short-term conditions, but long-term exposure requires new formulations.

Potential environmental toxicity from hemodialysis effluent.

Understanding the toxicity of certain potentially toxic compounds on various aquatic organisms allows to assess the impact that these pollutants on the aquatic biota. One source of pollution is the wastewater from hemodialysis. The process of sewage treatment is inefficient in inhibition and removal of pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics in this wastewater. In many countries, such as Brazil, during emergencies, sewage and effluents from hospitals are often dumped directly into waterways without any previous treatment. The objective of this study was to characterize the effluents generated by hemodialysis and to assess the degree of acute and chronic environmental toxicity. The effluents of hemodialysis showed high concentrations of nitrites, phosphates, sulfates, ammonia, and total nitrogen, as well as elevated conductivity, turbidity, salinity, biochemical and chemical oxygen demand, exceeding the thresholds defined in the CONAMA Resolution 430. The samples showed acute toxicity to the green flagellate Euglena gracilis affecting different physiological parameters used as endpoints in an automatic bioassay such as motility, precision of gravitational orientation (r-value), compactness, upward movement, and alignment, with mean EC50 values of recalculate as 76.90 percent (±4.68 percent) of the undiluted effluents. In tests with Daphnia magna, the acute toxicity EC50 was 86.91 percent (±0.39 percent) and a NOEC value of 72.97 percent and a LEOC value 94.66 percent.

Schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune BRM 060008: Potential application as an inhibitor of lipase.

ß-D-glucan has significant implications in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing diseases associated with lipid accumulation. Schizophyllan (SPG) from Schizophyllum commune fungus is a commercially important ß-glucan with applications in the health food industry, pharmacy, and cosmetics. However, SPG was obtained by submerged culture of the wood-rotting and filamentous fungus S. commune BRM 060008, which may have been isolated from the Cerrado Biome of Brazil. In this study, to confirm that the polysaccharide produced by BRM 060008 strain fermentation was indeed (1→3)(1→6)-ß-D-glucan, it was purified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high-performance size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and methylation analysis. The polysaccharide produced was identified as the ß-D-glucan expected with a high molecular weight (1.093 × 106 g/mol) and the thermogravimetric analysis indicated a maximum degradation temperature of ~324 °C and a 60 % residual weight, lower than commercial SPG. The molecular structure and thermal properties of the ß-D-glucan were similar to the commercial sample. Additionally, the in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was evaluated, investigating anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic properties. The results showed unprecedented lipase inhibition activity to SPG prepared using the S. commune strain BRM 060008, making it promising for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Optimizing conditions for the use of chlorophyll derivatives for photodynamic control of parasites in aquatic ecosystems.

Recently, it was demonstrated that mosquito larvae can be killed by means of photodynamic processes after the larvae have incorporated the photosensitizer chlorophyllin or pheophorbid, and were treated with light. The water-soluble substances were applied to and incorporated by the larvae in darkness. With Chaoborus sp. a dark incubation of about 3 h is sufficient to yield mortality of about 90% and ≥6 h resulted in almost 100% mortality during subsequent illumination. Temperature did not influence mortality of the larvae significantly in a treatment of 6 h dark incubation and subsequent 3 h illumination. At 10°C, 20°C, or 30°C, between 80% and 100% of the treated larvae died when the light intensity from a solar simulator was above 30 W/m(2). Lower irradiances were less effective. The LD(50) value of magnesium chlorophyllin was about 22.25 mg/l and for Zn chlorophyll 17.53 mg/l, while Cu chlorophyll (LD(50) 0.1 mg/l) was shown to be toxic also without light. Chlorophyllin, which was lyophilized immediately after extraction, was far more lethal to the larvae (LD(50) 14.88 mg/l) than air-dried Mg chlorophyllin.

Análise crítica das especificações técnicas em processos de licitação para aquisição de autoclaves / Critical Analysis of Technical Specifications in Bidding Processes for the Acquisition of Autoclaves / Análisis crítico de especificaciones técnicas en procesos de licitación para adquisición de autoclaves

Objetivo: Analisar as especificações técnicas em processos de licitação para aquisição de autoclaves com mais de 90 L, com base na normatização relacionada. Método: Pesquisa descritiva, documental, com abordagem quantitativa, baseada em processos de licitação disponíveis online. Resultados: Foram analisados 112 processos, dos quais 106 (94,6%) foram provenientes do Brasil e seis (5,4%) do México, Honduras, El Salvador, Panamá e Paraguai. Os documentos foram analisados de acordo com aspectos construtivos, ciclos de esterilização, itens opcionais, itens de segurança e ferramentas de gestão. Conclusão: As especificações técnicas, em sua maioria, estão desatualizadas, em alguns casos comprometendo a segurança no processo de esterilização.

Objective: To analyze technical specifications in bidding processes for the acquisition of autoclaves with more than 90 L, based on the related standards. Method: Descriptive, documentary research, with a quantitative approach, based on bidding processes available online. Results: 112 bidding processes were analyzed, of which 106 (94.6%) came from Brazil and six (5.4%) from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Panama and Paraguay. The documents were assessed according to construction aspects, sterilization cycles, optional items, safety items and management tools. Conclusion: Most of the technical specifications are outdated, in some cases compromising safety in the sterilization process.

Objetivo: Analizar las especificaciones técnicas en los procesos de licitación para la adquisición de autoclaves con más de 90 L, en base a la estandarización relacionada. Método: Investigación descriptiva, documental, con enfoque cuantitativo, basada en procesos de licitación disponibles online. Resultados: Se analizaron 112 casos, de los cuales 106 (94,6%) procedían de Brasil y seis (5,4%) de México, Honduras, El Salvador, Panamá y Paraguay. Los documentos fueron analizados según aspectos constructivos, ciclos de esterilización, opcionales, elementos de seguridad y herramientas de gestión. Conclusión: La mayoría de las especificaciones técnicas están desactualizadas, en algunos casos comprometiendo la seguridad en el proceso de esterilización.

Beta-carotene concentrations in maternal and cord blood of smokers and non-smokers.

BACKGROUND: Smoking in pregnancy can cause a reduction in the transport of beta-carotene across the placenta, consequently reflecting on the concentrations of this micronutrient in the newborn baby. AIMS: This study determined the concentrations of beta-carotene in maternal blood and umbilical cord blood in a group of smokers and non-smokers. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A total of 215 women and respective newborn babies were selected from a hospital in Joinville city, Brazil, between July and November 2002. Women were divided in two groups according to their smoking habits. beta-Carotene concentration was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The difference between mean concentrations of beta-carotene in maternal blood and cord blood, in smokers and non-smokers, was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Student's t-test compared mean concentrations of beta-carotene in maternal blood and cord blood, and the mean ingestion of foods rich in beta-carotene by smokers and non-smokers. RESULTS: There was a statistical significant difference between the concentrations of beta-carotene in maternal blood (S=0.271 micromol/L, NS=0.450 micromol/L; P=0.001) and cord blood (S=0.028 micromol/L, NS=0.045 micromol/L; P=0.001) in smokers (S) and non-smokers (NS). The mean concentration of beta-carotene was significantly higher in maternal blood (0.398 micromol/L) than in cord blood (0.041 micromol/L) (P<0.001). The intake of foods rich in beta-carotene was lower in smokers, than in non-smokers (P=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The concentrations of beta-carotene in maternal blood and cord blood were influenced by the use of tobacco.

Avaliação da qualidade de vida dos portadores de doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) associada ao desempenho físico funcional / Assessment of quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with a physical functional performance

Avaliar o desempenho físico funcional (DFF) de membros inferiores e sua associação com o grau de dispneia, estado funcional para atividades de vida diária (AVD) e qualidade de vida em portadores de DPOC. Participaram do estudo 52 portadores de DPOC, com média de idade de 65,9 ± 9,25 anos. Como instrumentos foram utilizados o SPPB para avaliar o DFF de membros inferiores; a espirometria para estadiamento da DPOC; as escalas Medical Research Council (MRC) e London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) para avaliar a gravidade da dispneia e o estado funcional para AVD, respectivamente; e o questionário Airways Questionnaire–20 (AQ-20) para avaliar a qualidade de vida. Dos 52 avaliados, 26 apresentaram um bom DFF, 24 moderado desempenho e apenas 2 indivíduos alcançaram um baixo e ruim desempenho. O escore total do SPPB correlacionou-se negativamente com a escala LCADL (r = -0,336; p<0,05), com a idade (r = -0,435; p<0,01), e com a presença de queixas osteomusculares (r = -0,280; p<0,05). Não foram evidenciadas correlações significativas do SPPB com o AQ-20 ou com a escala MRC. As categorias "bom" e "moderado" da variável DFF de membros inferiores foram significativamente correlacionadas às variáveis presença de co-morbidades osteomusculares, idade e auto-relato de limitação funcional para as AVD, segundo a escala LCADL.

To evaluate of the physical functional performance (PFP) of the lower limbs and their association with the degree of dyspnea, functional status for activities of daily living (ADLs) and quality of life in patients with COPD. The study enrolled 52 patients with COPD with a mean age of 65.9 ± 9.25 years. The SPPB were used to assess the PFP of lower limbs; spirometry for staging of COPD; the Medical Research Council scale (MRC) and the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) to assess the severity of dyspnea and functional status for ADL , respectively, and the Airways Questionnaire-20 (AQ-20) to assess the quality of life. Of 52 evaluated, 26 showed a good PFP, 24 moderate performance and only two subjects achieved a low and poor performance. The total score SPPB correlated negatively with LCADL (r = -0.336, p <0.05) with age (r = -0.435, p <0.01), and the presence of musculoskeletal complaints (r = -0.280, p <0.05). There were no significant correlations SPPB with AQ-20 or MRC scale. The categories "good" and "moderate" variable PFP of lower limbs were significantly correlated with variables presence of musculoskeletal co-morbidities, age and self-reported functional limitation on ADLs, according to LCADL scale.

Excesso de peso em motoristas de ônibus da rede urbana / Excessive weight in urban bus drivers

Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de excesso de peso em motoristas de ônibus da rede urbana de Joinville-SC e identificar possíveis fatores associados. Os dados foram coletados nos períodos matutino, vespertino e noturno, de junho a novembro de 2009, nos pontos terminais da cidade. Participaram do estudo 306 motoristas, a maior parte (73,2%) classificada como excesso de peso, principalmente sobrepeso (48,7%). Cerca de um terço (28,8%) apresentou risco substancialmente aumentado de desenvolver doenças cardiovasculares e complicações metabólicas utilizando-se a Circunferência da Cintura (CC) como variável preditiva. A freqüência relativa aumentou para 41,5% quando utilizou-se a Relação Cintura-Quadril (RCQ) como variável preditiva para o mesmo risco. A prevalência de obesidade aumentou significativamente com a idade, chegando a 39,0% nos indivíduos com 50 ou mais anos de idade. Para esta faixa etária, a razão de prevalência de obesidade foi 2,79 vezes maior em relação aos motoristas com idade inferior ou igual a 29 anos. Tanto para excesso de peso como para obesidade as variáveis anos de estudo, estado civil, tabagismo, carga horária diária, pausas de 1 hora na jornada, tempo de trabalho na empresa e nível de atividade física não apresentaram significância estatística. A partir dos achados desse estudo as empresas de transporte urbano coletivo têm a justificativa para desenvolverem programas que incentivem o estabelecimento de um estilo de vida saudável para seus funcionários.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight among urban bus drivers of Joinville-SC and identify possible associated factors. The data was collected in the morning, afternoon and evening, from June to November 2009, at the final bus station of the city. Tree hundred and six drivers participated in the study, most (73.2%) classified as overweight, particularly overweight (48.7%). About one third (28.8%) had substantially increased risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic complications using the Waist Circumference (WC) as predictive variable. The relative frequency increased to 41.5% when the Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR) was used as predictive variable for the same risk. The prevalence of obesity increased significantly with age, reaching 39.0% in those who were 50 years old or over. For this age group, the prevalence ratio of obesity was 2.79 times greater than for drivers aged less than or equal to 29 years. For either overweight and obesity the variables years of education, marital status, smoking, daily working hours, breaks of 1 hour in the journey, working time in the same company and level of physical activity were not statistically significant. From the findings of this study, the urban transport companies have the justification to develop programs that encourage the establishment of a healthy lifestyle for its employees.

Perfil do marcador bioquímico de lesão miocárdica creatinoquinase-MB (CK-MB) em pacientes portadores do vírus HIV/AIDS / Profile of biochemical marker of myocardial injury creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in patients with HIV/AIDS

Objetivo: analisar o perfil da creatinoquinase-MB (CK-MB) em pacientes com diagnósticosorológico positivo de HIV/AIDS, caracterizando os achados clínicos e o perfil do referidomarcador bioquímico de lesão miocárdica. Método: estudo transversal relacionando os perfisséricos de creatinoquinase-MB, creatinoquinase total, potássio, aspartato aminotransferase ealanina aminotransferase com os achados de comprometimento cardíaco de quarenta e cincopacientes, sendo 13 do sexo masculino e 32 do sexo feminino. Resultados: os resultadosdemonstraram que, apesar da maioria dos pacientes serem sintomáticos, nenhum pacienteapresentou elevação da creatinoquinase-MB. Portanto, o referido marcador bioquímico nãopode ser utilizado com indicador de lesão miocárdica na síndrome da imunodeficiênciaadquirida

Objective: examine the behaviour of enzyme creatine kinase-MB in patients with HIV/AIDSmet at the Municipal Laboratory "Epaminondas Wendler," in the city of Cascavel, duringNovember-December of 2010 in the State of Paraná. Through a study on which werecharacterized the symptoms clinics and profile from the marked biochemical of myocardialinjury. Methods: It was determined serious profiles of creatine kinase-MB, creatinine kinase,urea, creatinina, potassium, aspartataminetransferase and alanineaminetranferase relationed withthe symptoms clinics of the cardiac muscles inflammable process. Results: The results showthat in spite of the great part of the patient be symptomatic, just 12,76% show elevation serumfrom creatine kinase-MB. However, the referred marked biochemical can?t be utilized asindicated of injury cardiac in syndrome da imunodeficiência/AIDS

Antropometria de idosos residentes no município de Joinville-SC, Brasil / Anthropometry of elderly living in the city of Joinville-SC, Brazil

Objetivo: Fornecer dados antropométricos de idosos residentes na área urbana do município de Joinville, SC. Metodologia: Foram analisados 218 idosos com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos, de ambos os sexos, não institucionalizados e residentes na área urbana da cidade de Joinville-SC, no ano de 2002. Os idosos foram apresentados segundo sexo e grupo etário: 60-69 anos, 70-79 anos e 80 e mais. As variáveis antropométricas foram apresentadas sob a forma de média, desvio-padrão e percentil (P5, P10, P25, P50, P75, P90 e P95). Resultados: Dos 218 idosos, 130 (59,6%) foram mulheres e 88 (40,4%) homens. Apesar de os valores médios da maioria das variáveis investigadas sugerirem uma tendência a diminuir com o aumento da idade, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa dos valores médios entre os grupos etários para ambos os sexos (p>0,05). Quando comparados por sexo, os valores médios de IMC, CQ e DCT das mulheres foram significativamente superiores aos dos homens. Estes, em contrapartida, apresentaram valor médio da CC significativamente superior ao das mulheres (p<0,05). Conclusão: A maioria dos estudos realizados com idosos em outros países tem investigado esta categoria considerando pessoas com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, o que dificulta a comparação com os dados brasileiros. Somado a outros estudos realizados com idosos no Brasil, os dados obtidos neste estudo podem contribuir para a construção de um padrão antropométrico da população idosa brasileira, ainda inexistente no país.

Perfil demográfico de idosos da cidade de Joinville, Santa Catarina: estudo de base domiciliar / Demographic profile of the elderly in the city of Joinville, Santa Catarina: a household survey

OBJETIVO: Identificar o perfil demográfico dos idosos residentes na área urbana de Joinville-SC. METODOLOGIA: Utilizando-se amostragem por conglomerados em múltiplos estágios nos setores censitários urbanos de Joinville, 660 idosos foram entrevistados em suas casas por meio de questionários. A análise estatística para variáveis categóricas consistiu em testes de associação segundo o sexo, utilizando-se o Teste do Qui-Quadrado. Em todas as análises foi considerado o nível de significância p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos idosos foi de 69,8 anos, sendo a maioria (57,6 por cento) mulheres. Grande parte (62,0 por cento) dos idosos vivia com o cônjuge, e 33,0 por cento eram viúvos (as); o grupo etário predominante foi o de 60-69 anos (54,8 por cento); o grupo étnico com maior representatividade foi o de cor branca (89,5 por cento); a maioria (84,5 por cento) era natural de Santa Catarina, sendo o Rio Grande do Sul o Estado que apresentou maior representatividade de imigrantes (3,9 por cento). Em relação à escolaridade, 72,9 por cento não completaram o ensino fundamental, 9,2 por cento eram analfabetos e apenas 5,3 por cento ingressaram no ensino médio. A maior parte (45,6 por cento) dos idosos recebia até dois salários mínimos, e 50,3 por cento das mulheres eram dependentes financeiramente. Em relação ao IMC, 32,8 por cento apresentaram valores médios acima do adequado. CONCLUSÃO: O perfil demográfico do grupo estudado mostrou características similares a de outros estudos realizados com idosos no país. Por se tratar de um grupo etário em rápido crescimento no mundo, as características demográficas são imprescindíveis para o estabelecimento de políticas públicas de saúde que visem controlar o estado de saúde da população.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the demographic profile of the elderly people living in the urban area of Joinville-SC. METHOD: using multistage cluster sampling of Joinville urban sectors, 660 elderly individuals were interviewed in their homes with the use of questionnaires. Chi-square test was used for association tests for categorical variables according to gender. A level of significance of p<0.05 was considered for all analyses. The differences between genders were considered statistically significant when p<0.05. RESULTS: The average age was 69.8 years, and most (57.6 percent) of the elderly were women. The majority (62.0 percent) was living with a partner, and 33.0 percent were widows/ers; the predominant age group was 60-69 years (54.8 percent); the most highly represented ethnical group was the Caucasian (89.5 percent); most individuals (84.5 percent) were born in Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul was the original state of most immigrants (3.9 percent). As to schooling, 72.9 percent did not complete elementary school, 9.2 percent were illiterate, and only 5.3 percent had gone to high school. Concerning income, 45.6 percent received up to two Brazilian minimum wages, and 50.3 percent of the women were financially dependent. In relation to BMI, 32.8 percent presented mean values above appropriate. CONCLUSION: The demographic profile of this population was similar to other studies with the elderly in the country. Given it is an age group that is growing increasing faster in the country and in the world, having information on their demographic characteristics is necessary to establish public health policies aimed at controlling and promoting this population's health.

Activity of glucose-fructose oxidoreductase in fresh and permeabilised cells of Zymomonas mobilis grown in different glucose concentrations

Sorbitol e ácido glucônico são produzidos por células previamente cultivadas da bactéria produtora de etanol Zymomonas mobilis pela acão das enzimas periplasmáticas glicose-frutose oxidorredutase (GFOR) e glucono-d-lactonase (GL). A atividade de GFOR/GL em células a serem empregadas nesta bioconversão depende das condicões de crescimento. Em cultivo em regime descontínuo, com concentracões iniciais de glicose (S0) entre 42 e 230 g/L, as maiores atividades específica e total de GFOR/GL foram obtidas com S0 = 153 g/L (12,6 U/g de células e 62 U/L), enquanto maiores S0 levaram a atividades decrescentes em células não tratadas. Com S0 = 209 g/L, a atividade específica final foi de 7 U/g, mas, após a ruptura das células, atividade superior a 15 U/g foi medida. Uma vez que em descontínuo observou-se inibicão por substrato com S0 a partir de 153 g/L, ensaios em regime descontínuo alimentado, com glicose equivalente a 230 g/L em descontínuo, foram realizados. Embora a inibicão pelo substrato tenha sido superada, a atividade permaneceu baixa (5,2 U/g). Um novo ensaio em descontínuo alimentado, conduzido sob baixa pressão para remover o etanol do meio, resultou em atividade específica de 9,8 U/g e total de 68,7 U/L. Estes resultados indicam que as baixas atividades em células de Z. mobilis cultivadas com maiores S0 se deveram a mudancas na parede celular, provocadas por concentracões elevadas de etanol, que dificultaram o transporte de substrato para as enzimas intracelulares durante a bioconversão. Esta conclusão foi confirmada em ensaios de bioconversão com células provenientes de cultivos em diferentes condicões.