Association between perceived stress and health-risk behaviours in workers.

Individuals who experience stress can engage in health-risk behaviours that may decrease work performance. The aim of this study was to determine perceived stress levels in Brazilian workers and verify whether perceived stress was associated with health-risk behaviours. Stress levels of 1,270 workers (1,019 men, 251 women) were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale. The health-risk behaviours investigated were low intake of vegetables and fruits, daily smoking, high-risk alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and the presence of obesity. The Student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance was used to assess differences in stress levels. Ordinal regression was used to determine the association between the degrees of stress and health-risk behaviours. Women had higher perceived stress levels than men. In addition, perceived stress levels were higher in those who had low socioeconomic status, were unmarried, had a negative perception of their health, were smokers, or had obesity. Smoking and the presence of two or more health-risk behaviours were associated with 1.84 (95% CI: 1.24-2.73) times and 1.49 (95% CI: 1.18-1.89) times higher odds of experiencing higher degrees of stress, respectively. In women, such an association was observed with the presence of obesity (odds ratio: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.01-3.98).

Phytochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Anadenanthera peregrina stem bark / Caracterização fitoquímica, atividade antioxidante e antibacteriana do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de Anadenanthera peregrina

The Brazilian Cerrado biome consists of a great variety of endemic species with several bioactive compounds, and Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg is a promising species. In this study, we aimed to perform phytochemical characterization and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the hydroethanolic extract of A. peregrina stem bark. The barks were collected in the Botanical Garden of Goiânia, Brazil. The hydroethanolic extract was obtained by percolation and subjected to physicochemical screening, total phenolic content estimation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting, and antioxidant (IC50 values were calculated for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay - DPPH) and antibacterial activity determination. The pH of the extract was 5.21 and density was 0.956 g/cm3. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, organic acids, reducing sugars, hemolytic saponins, phenols, coumarins, condensed tannins, flavonoids, catechins, depsides, and depsidones derived from benzoquinones. The extract showed intense hemolytic activity. The total phenolic content was 6.40 g GAE 100 g-¹. The HPLC fingerprinting analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin. We confirmed the antioxidant activity of the extract. Furthermore, the extract did not inhibit the growth of E. coli colonies at any volume tested, but there were halos around S. aureus colonies at all three volumes tested. These results contribute to a better understanding of the chemical composition of A. peregrina stem bark and further support the medicinal applications of this species.

O bioma Cerrado brasileiro apresenta em uma grande variedade de espécies endêmicas com diversos compostos bioativos, e Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg é uma espécie promissora. Neste estudo, objetivamos realizar a caracterização fitoquímica e avaliar as atividades antioxidantes e antibacterianas contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de A. peregrina. As cascas foram coletadas no Jardim Botânico de Goiânia, Brasil. O extrato hidroetanólico foi obtido por percolação e submetido a triagem físico química, estimativa de conteúdo fenólico total, impressão digital por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência(HPLC) e determinação da atividade antioxidante (valores de IC50 foram calculados para o ensaio 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil) e antibacteriana. O pH do extrato foi de 5,21 e a densidade foi de 0,956 g/cm3. A triagem fitoquímica indicou a presença de glicosídeos cardíacos, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares redutores, saponinas hemolíticas, fenóis, cumarinas, taninos condensados, flavonóides, catequinas, depsídios e depsidonas derivados de benzoquinonas. O extrato mostrou intensa atividade hemolítica. O conteúdo fenólico total foi de 6,40 g de GAE 100 g-1. A análise por impressão digital por HPLC revelou a presença de ácido gálico, catequina e epicatequina. Confirmamos a atividade antioxidante do extrato. Além disso, o extrato não inibiu o crescimento de colônias de E. coli em nenhum volume testado, mas houve halos em torno das colônias de S. aureus nos três volumes testados. Estes resultados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da composição química da casca de A. peregrina e apoia ainda mais as aplicações medicinais desta espécie.

Phytochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Anadenanthera peregrina stem bark

Abstract The Brazilian Cerrado biome consists of a great variety of endemic species with several bioactive compounds, and Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg is a promising species. In this study, we aimed to perform phytochemical characterization and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the hydroethanolic extract of A. peregrina stem bark. The barks were collected in the Botanical Garden of Goiânia, Brazil. The hydroethanolic extract was obtained by percolation and subjected to physicochemical screening, total phenolic content estimation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting, and antioxidant (IC50 values were calculated for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay - DPPH) and antibacterial activity determination. The pH of the extract was 5.21 and density was 0.956 g/cm3. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, organic acids, reducing sugars, hemolytic saponins, phenols, coumarins, condensed tannins, flavonoids, catechins, depsides, and depsidones derived from benzoquinones. The extract showed intense hemolytic activity. The total phenolic content was 6.40 g GAE 100 g-1. The HPLC fingerprinting analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin. We confirmed the antioxidant activity of the extract. Furthermore, the extract did not inhibit the growth of E. coli colonies at any volume tested, but there were halos around S. aureus colonies at all three volumes tested. These results contribute to a better understanding of the chemical composition of A. peregrina stem bark and further support the medicinal applications of this species.

Resumo O bioma Cerrado brasileiro apresenta em uma grande variedade de espécies endêmicas com diversos compostos bioativos, e Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg é uma espécie promissora. Neste estudo, objetivamos realizar a caracterização fitoquímica e avaliar as atividades antioxidantes e antibacterianas contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de A. peregrina. As cascas foram coletadas no Jardim Botânico de Goiânia, Brasil. O extrato hidroetanólico foi obtido por percolação e submetido a triagem físico-química, estimativa de conteúdo fenólico total, impressão digital por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) e determinação da atividade antioxidante (valores de IC50 foram calculados para o ensaio 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil) e antibacteriana. O pH do extrato foi de 5,21 e a densidade foi de 0,956 g/cm3. A triagem fitoquímica indicou a presença de glicosídeos cardíacos, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares redutores, saponinas hemolíticas, fenóis, cumarinas, taninos condensados, flavonóides, catequinas, depsídios e depsidonas derivados de benzoquinonas. O extrato mostrou intensa atividade hemolítica. O conteúdo fenólico total foi de 6,40 g de GAE 100 g-1. A análise por impressão digital por HPLC revelou a presença de ácido gálico, catequina e epicatequina. Confirmamos a atividade antioxidante do extrato. Além disso, o extrato não inibiu o crescimento de colônias de E. coli em nenhum volume testado, mas houve halos em torno das colônias de S. aureus nos três volumes testados. Estes resultados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da composição química da casca de A. peregrina e apoia ainda mais as aplicações medicinais desta espécie.

Phytochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Anadenanthera peregrina stem bark / Caracterização fitoquímica, atividade antioxidante e antibacteriana do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de Anadenanthera peregrina

The Brazilian Cerrado biome consists of a great variety of endemic species with several bioactive compounds, and Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg is a promising species. In this study, we aimed to perform phytochemical characterization and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the hydroethanolic extract of A. peregrina stem bark. The barks were collected in the Botanical Garden of Goiânia, Brazil. The hydroethanolic extract was obtained by percolation and subjected to physicochemical screening, total phenolic content estimation, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting, and antioxidant (IC50 values were calculated for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay - DPPH) and antibacterial activity determination. The pH of the extract was 5.21 and density was 0.956 g/cm3. The phytochemical screening indicated the presence of cardiac glycosides, organic acids, reducing sugars, hemolytic saponins, phenols, coumarins, condensed tannins, flavonoids, catechins, depsides, and depsidones derived from benzoquinones. The extract showed intense hemolytic activity. The total phenolic content was 6.40 g GAE 100 g-1. The HPLC fingerprinting analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid, catechin, and epicatechin. We confirmed the antioxidant activity of the extract. Furthermore, the extract did not inhibit the growth of E. coli colonies at any volume tested, but there were halos around S. aureus colonies at all three volumes tested. These results contribute to a better understanding of the chemical composition of A. peregrina stem bark and further support the medicinal applications of this species.

O bioma Cerrado brasileiro apresenta em uma grande variedade de espécies endêmicas com diversos compostos bioativos, e Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg é uma espécie promissora. Neste estudo, objetivamos realizar a caracterização fitoquímica e avaliar as atividades antioxidantes e antibacterianas contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli do extrato hidroetanólico de cascas do caule de A. peregrina. As cascas foram coletadas no Jardim Botânico de Goiânia, Brasil. O extrato hidroetanólico foi obtido por percolação e submetido a triagem físicoquímica, estimativa de conteúdo fenólico total, impressão digital por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC) e determinação da atividade antioxidante (valores de IC50 foram calculados para o ensaio 2,2-difenil-1-picril-hidrazil) e antibacteriana. O pH do extrato foi de 5,21 e a densidade foi de 0,956 g/cm3. A triagem fitoquímica indicou a presença de glicosídeos cardíacos, ácidos orgânicos, açúcares redutores, saponinas hemolíticas, fenóis, cumarinas, taninos condensados, flavonóides, catequinas, depsídios e depsidonas derivados de benzoquinonas. O extrato mostrou intensa atividade hemolítica. O conteúdo fenólico total foi de 6,40 g de GAE 100 g-1. A análise por impressão digital por HPLC revelou a presença de ácido gálico, catequina e epicatequina. Confirmamos a atividade antioxidante do extrato. Além disso, o extrato não inibiu o crescimento de colônias de E. coli em nenhum volume testado, mas houve halos em torno das colônias de S. aureus nos três volumes testados. Estes resultados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da composição química da casca de A. peregrina e apoia ainda mais as aplicações medicinais desta espécie.

Overexpression of ALDH1 and EMT marker profile are linked with unfavorable outcome in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this research was to assess the expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and to correlate them with the clinical and histopathological parameters of a patient cohort with follow-up over an 8-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this, seventeen HNSCC and non-neoplastic adjacent epithelium (AE) samples were subjected to laser microdissection and real-time PCR to evaluate the mRNA expression of ALDH1, E-cadherin (E-CAD), N-cadherin (N-CAD), and vimentin (VIM). Also, immunohistochemistry was performed for ALDH1, E-CAD, N-CAD, and VIM in the tumor center (TC), invasion front (IF), and AE of the seventeen samples. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests were used to correlate the mRNA and immunohistochemical expression with different variables, considering p<0.05. Kaplan-Meier curves were produced for local recurrence, regional metastasis and treatment. RESULTS: A mRNA overexpression of ALDH1 in primary tumors was associated with regional metastasis and a high ALDH1 immunostaining was related to metastasis and a worse patient outcome. Additionally, a favorable outcome was associated with the transition phase and an unfavorable outcome was associated with EMT event. An overall 26.9 months was observed with longer survival associated with surgery and radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: However, due to the intense variability inherent to the indicator proteins in the EMT process, the complete profile markers related to this biological process should be continuous investigated.

Non-muscle myosin II as a predictive factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: The present study attempted to provide information regarding non-muscle myosin II (MII) isoforms immunoreactivity in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and analysis of the patients' clinical status after 5 years of monitoring. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A semiquantitative analysis of the immunoreactivity of the MII isoforms was performed in 54 surgical specimens and its correlation with clinical and pathological variables and prognosis was verified. Data were analyzed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. To evaluate the survival over the total monitoring time and any connection with the proteins studied, the Kaplan-Meier analysis was used. P values ≤0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the advanced stages of pathological tumor-node-metastasis, the expression of MIIB in adjacent non-neoplastic epithelial tissues tended to increase (p = 0.057). In tumoral zones there was an association of high expression among the three isoforms (MIIA/MIIB p=0,001, MIIB/MIIC p=0,006 and MIIA/MIIC p=0,012). Negative clinical evolution in patients was directly correlated to increased MIIC expression in the tumoral zone of invasion in HNSCC (p = 0.017). Based on clinical evolution after the monitoring period, patients with tumors expressing MIIC had poorer prognoses (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that MIIB expression in non-neoplastic adjacent epithelial tissues may indicate a potential for regional metastasis and that MIIC expression in the tumoral zone of invasion is predictive of negative evolution of the disease.

A1 adenosine receptors in the striatum play a role in the memory impairment caused by sleep deprivation through downregulation of the PKA pathway.

Sleep deprivation is known to affect memory formation, but how it interacts with different memory systems is not completely understood. Adenosine, a homeostatic regulator of sleep that has an increased extracellular concentration during sleep deprivation, is one of the neuromodulators that may be involved in this interaction. The A1 adenosine receptor is involved in both sleep regulation and memory formation. Among other pathways, the A1 receptor decreases cAMP levels in the cytosol and thus also regulates protein kinase A (PKA) and exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) activity. To verify the role of the A1 receptor in the memory impairment caused by sleep deprivation, we tested the effect of 96 h of sleep deprivation (SD) and the administration of DPCPX, an A1 receptor antagonist on male Wistar rats prior to the training sessions for two memory tasks that relies on the hippocampal function: the multiple trial inhibitory avoidance (MTIA) task, which also requires the striatum, and the contextual fear conditioning (CFC) task, which does not. We also evaluated the effect of SD, DPCPX and the MTIA training session on the protein expression levels of the A1 receptor, PKA phosphorylation and EPAC activity in both the hippocampus and the striatum. Sleep deprivation impaired the performance in the test sessions of both tasks; DPCPX was able to prevent the impairment in the MTIA test but not in the CFC test. SD increased A1 receptor protein expression levels in the striatum but not in the hippocampus and also decreased PKA phosphorylation in both structures; DPCPX prevented this decrease in the striatum, but not in the hippocampus. Finally, SD had no effect on EPAC activity in either of the structures. These results indicate that the A1 adenosine receptors play a role in the memory impairment caused by sleep deprivation in tasks that involve the striatum through modulation of the cAMP/PKA pathway.

Hospital bronchoscopy-related pseudo-outbreak caused by a circulating Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense.

Adolfo Lutz Institute in Sao Paolo State performs mycobacterial identification for many healthcare units, and in 2008 identified a possible outbreak involving patients submitted to bronchoscopy at the same hospital. This study aimed to analyse the clonality of isolates. Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. massiliense isolated from 28 patients, water from one bronchoscope and water from four automated endoscope reprocessing machines presented high similarity by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. This strain was not found in the water supply, and it was hypothesized that an infected patient contaminated the bronchoscope, with further false-positive cultures from subsequent patients.

Resposta inflamatória peritoneal de asininos (Equus asinus) submetidos à ovariectomia por laparotomia e laparoscopia / Peritoneal inflammatory response of the donkeys (Equus asinus) submitted ovariectomy by laparotomy and laparoscopy

Objetivou-se avaliar resposta inflamatória e concentrações de proteínas em líquido peritonealde asininas submetidas à ovariectomia por laparotomia e laparoscopia. Foram utilizadas 18 fêmeas adultas, pesando em média 100kg, as quais foram divididas em dois grupos, de nove animais cada: o grupo I, em que foram ovariectomizadas por laparotomia, e o grupo II por laparoscopia. Após as cirurgias, em ambos os grupos foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis no líquido peritoneal: pH, densidade, número de hemácias, leucócitos e proteínas de fase aguda (fibrinogênio, haptoglobina, albumina, antitripsina, alfa-1 glicoproteína ácida, ceruloplasmina, transferrina, imunoglobulinas A e G). Todas as variáveis foram analisadas antes das cirurgias, 12, 24, 48, 72 horas, oito e 16 dias após os procedimentos cirúrgicos. O número de hemácias e leucócitos aumentou 24 horas depois das cirurgias nos dois grupos. Haptoglobina, alfa-1 glicoproteína ácida,albumina, transferrina, gamaglobulinas A, G e proteínas totais aumentaram nos dois grupos. As concentrações de ceruloplasmina não variaram enquanto a antitripsina não foi detectada no líquido peritoneal de asininos.Foi identificada uma proteína com23.000kD, que não tem denominação nem descrição no líquido peritoneal de asininos.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inflammatory response and protein concentrations in the peritoneal fluid of donkeys submitted to laparotomy and laparoscopic ovariectomy. Eighteen adult females, weighing on average 100kg, were divided into two groups, of 09 animals each, where in group I, they were ovariectomized by laparotomy and group II by laparoscopy. Following the surgeries, the following variables were evaluated in the peritoneal fluid: pH, density, number of red cells, leukocytes and acute phase proteins (fibrinogen, haptoglobin, albumin, antitrypsin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, ceruloplasmin, transferrin, Immunoglobulins A and G). All variables were analyzed before the surgeries, 12, 24, 48, 72 hours, 8 and 16 days after the surgical procedures. The number of red cells and leukocytes increased 24 hours after the surgeries in both groups. Haptoglobin, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein, albumin, transferrin, gammaglobulins A and G, and total proteins increased in both groups. Concentrations of ceruloplasmin did not change while antitrypsin was not detected in the asinine peritoneal fluid. A protein of 23,000kD, which has no name or description in the peritoneal liquid of donkeys, has been identified.(AU)

Utilização do yacon ( Smallanthus sonchifolius ) na proteção contra colonização intestinal de frangos de corte infectados por Salmonella Enteritidis / Use of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) protect against intestinal colonization of broilers infectes by Salmonella Enteritidis]

Os frutanos do tipo inulina são oligossacarídeos que favorecem a multiplicação de determinados gêneros bacterianos no intestino, promovendo um efeito prebiótico. Este trabalho avaliou o efeito da inulina extraída de raízes de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) sobre a colonização intestinal de frangos de corte experimentalmente infectados por Salmonella Enteritidis. Sessenta frangos de corte com um dia de idade foram divididos em três grupos de tratamento, com duas repetições, criados até 21 dias. As aves do grupo yacon receberam 100mg de inulina/dia, via oral, por três dias consecutivos. No sétimo dia de vida, as aves tratadas e o controle positivo foram desafiados pela via oral com uma cultura de S. Enteritidis. Não foram observadas diferenças de desempenho zootécnico entre os grupos. O índice de infectividade das aves suplementadas com yacon foi menor até o sexto dia após o desafio, mas, ao término do experimento, foi superior ao controle positivo. Os dados deste trabalho demonstram que o uso da inulina nos três primeiros dias de vida promoveu uma redução da colonização intestinal dos frangos por Salmonella Enteritidis na primeira semana após o desafio. Novos estudos são necessários para determinar a dose e o tempo de tratamento ideal para um efeito protetor de maior duração.(AU)

The fructan inulin-type oligosaccharides favor the multiplication of some bacterial genera in the intestine, promoting a prebiotic effect. This study evaluated the effect of inulin extracted from yacon roots (Smallanthus sonchifolius) on intestinal colonization of broilers experimentally infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. Sixty-one day old chicks were grouped into three treatments, with two replicates, and reared until 21 days. Birds in the yacon group received 100mg of inulin/day orally for three consecutive days. On the seventh day of life the treated birds and the positive control were challenged orally with a culture of S. Enteritidis. There were no differences between groups in live performance. The infectivity index of the chicks supplemented with yacon was lower until the sixth day after the challenge, but at the end of the experiment it was higher than the positive control. Data from this study show that the use of inulin during the first 3 days of life caused a reduction of intestinal colonization of chickens by Salmonella Enteritidis in the first week after challenge. Further studies are needed to determine the dose and the ideal time of treatment necessary for a longer protective effect.(AU)

Low-level laser therapy improves peri-implant bone formation: resonance frequency, electron microscopy, and stereology findings in a rabbit model.

Previous studies have reported positive effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone healing. This study evaluated the effects of LLLT on peri-implant healing in vivo. Thirty-two rabbits had their mandibular left incisors removed, followed by immediate insertion of a dental implant into the fresh socket. Animals were assigned randomly to four groups: control (non-irradiated) or LLLT at three different doses per session: 5J/cm(2), 10J/cm(2), and 20J/cm(2). A GaAlAs laser (830nm, 50mW) was applied every 48h for 13 days, starting immediately after surgery. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) was measured using resonance frequency analysis upon implant insertion and immediately after death, 30 days after the last application. Tissues were prepared for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereology. Variables measured were bone-implant contact (BIC) and bone neoformation within implant threads at three different sites. The results showed better ISQ for the 20J/cm(2) group (P=0.003). BIC values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the 20J/cm(2) group, on both SEM and stereology. Bone area values were better in the 10J/cm(2) (P=0.036) and 20J/cm(2) (P=0.016) groups compared to the control group. Under these conditions, LLLT enhanced peri-implant bone repair, improving stability, BIC, and bone neoformation. The findings support and suggest parameters for the design of clinical trials using LLLT after implant placement.

Immunoprofiling of oral squamous cell carcinomas reveals high p63 and survivin expression.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is a multifactorial disease composed of cells that show somatic mutations and epigenetic changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of proteins involved in the development and maintenance of epithelia, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue samples. METHODS: A tissue microarray containing 65 primary human OSCC specimens was immunolabeled for bcl-2, survivin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), p21, p53, p63, and cleaved caspase-3. RESULTS: Samples were scored for percentage of positively stained tumor cells and staining intensity. A total immunostaining score was also calculated, using the product of percentage and intensity scores. All specimens showed high scores, > 75%, for p63 and survivin, and 75.4% of the specimens also presented high EGFR expression. All cases showed p53-positive cells. p21 showed a diffuse staining pattern. The percentage of cells positive for cleaved caspase-3 and bcl-2 was low. CONCLUSIONS: The high frequency of tumor cells expressing p63 and survivin highlights the role of these proteins in the malignant transformation of oral epithelium. Collectively, our results suggest that p63 and survivin may constitute attractive targets for cancer therapy in patients with OSCC.

Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of low-level laser therapy on temporomandibular joint inflammation in rodents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the nociceptive behavioral as well as histomorphological aspects induced by injection of formalin and carrageenan into the rat temporomandibular joint. The 2.5% formalin injection (FRG group) induced behavioral responses characterized by rubbing the orofacial region and flinching the head quickly, which were quantified for 45 min. The pretreatment with systemic administration of diclofenac sodium-DFN group (10 mg/kg i.p.) as well as the irradiation with LLLT infrared (LST group, 780 nm, 70 mW, 30 s, 2.1 J, 52.5 J/cm(2), GaAlAs) significantly reduced the formalin-induced nociceptive responses. The 1% carrageenan injection (CRG group) induced inflammatory responses over the time-course of the study (24 h, and 3 and 7 days) characterized by the presence of intense inflammatory infiltrate rich in neutrophils, scanty areas of liquefactive necrosis and intense interstitial edema, extensive hemorrhagic areas, and enlargement of the joint space on the region. The DFN and LST groups showed an intensity of inflammatory response that was significantly lower than in CRG group over the time-course of the study, especially in the LST group, which showed exuberant granulation tissue with intense vascularization, and deposition of newly formed collagen fibers (3 and 7 days). It was concluded that the LLLT presented an anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory response on the inflammation induced in the temporomandibular joint of rodents.

Proteolytic activity of gut bacteria isolated from the velvet bean caterpillar Anticarsia gemmatalis.

The development of proteinase inhibitors as potential insect control agents has been constrained by insect adaptation to these compounds. The velvet bean caterpillar (Anticarsia gemmatalis) is a key soybean pest species that is well-adapted to proteinase inhibitors, particularly serine-proteinase inhibitors, which are abundant in the caterpillar host. The expression of diverse proteolytic enzymes by gut symbionts may allow the velvet bean caterpillar to circumvent proteinase inhibitors produced by the host plant. In this study, we characterized the proteolytic activity of the four nonpathogenic species of gut bacteria isolated from the velvet bean caterpillar-Bacillus cereus, Enterococcus gallinarum, Enterococcus mundtii and Staphylococcus xylosus. Two proteinase substrates, N-α-benzoyl-L-Arg-p-nitroanilide (L-BApNA) and N-α-p-tosyl-L-Arg methyl ester (L-TAME) and five proteinase inhibitors [aprotinin, E-64, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), pepstatin and N-α-tosyl-L-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK)] as well as CaCl2, pH and temperature profiles were used to characterize the expressed proteolytic activity of these bacterial strains in vitro. Kinetic parameters for proteolytic activity were also estimated. The results of these experiments indicated that serine- and cysteine-proteinase activities were expressed by all four gut bacteria symbionts of the velvet bean caterpillar. The cysteine- and serine-proteinase activities of these gut symbionts were distinct and different from that of gut proteinases of the caterpillar itself. This finding provides support for the potential involvement of gut symbionts in the mitigation of the negative effects of serine-proteinase inhibitors in the velvet bean caterpillar.

Assessment of the systemic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on thyroid hormone function in a rabbit model.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to a dental extraction socket on thyroid gland function in a rabbit model, based on serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels. Sixteen male New Zealand rabbits were randomly distributed into two groups: a control group (non-irradiated animals) and an experimental group (irradiated animals: one irradiation point in the extraction socket of the lower incisor). Animals in the experimental group were irradiated with an aluminium gallium arsenide diode laser (AlGaAs; wavelength 830 nm, 40 mW, CW laser), for 13 days, every 48 h, at a dose of 6 J/cm(2) per session, resulting in a total dose of 42 J/cm(2). Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels were measured in both groups before extraction and on the last day of observation (day 15). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in pre- and post-irradiation triiodothyronine and thyroxine values. With the irradiation protocol used in this study, LLLT did not affect thyroid function in rabbits as assessed by circulating serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels.

Resistance exercise improves hippocampus-dependent memory

It has been demonstrated that resistance exercise improves cognitive functions in humans. Thus, an animal model that mimics this phenomenon can be an important tool for studying the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms. Here, we tested if an animal model for resistance exercise was able to improve the performance in a hippocampus-dependent memory task. In addition, we also evaluated the level of insulin-like growth factor 1/insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1/IGF-1R), which plays pleiotropic roles in the nervous system. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into three groups (N = 10 for each group): control, SHAM, and resistance exercise (RES). The RES group was submitted to 8 weeks of progressive resistance exercise in a vertical ladder apparatus, while the SHAM group was left in the same apparatus without exercising. Analysis of a cross-sectional area of the flexor digitorum longus muscle indicated that this training period was sufficient to cause muscle fiber hypertrophy. In a step-through passive avoidance task (PA), the RES group presented a longer latency than the other groups on the test day. We also observed an increase of 43 and 94% for systemic and hippocampal IGF-1 concentration, respectively, in the RES group compared to the others. A positive correlation was established between PA performance and systemic IGF-1 (r = 0.46, P < 0.05). Taken together, our data indicate that resistance exercise improves the hippocampus-dependent memory task with a concomitant increase of IGF-1 level in the rat model. This model can be further explored to better understand the effects of resistance exercise on brain functions.

Enzymatic response of the eucalypt defoliator Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) to a bis-benzamidine proteinase Inhibitor. i.

Ingestion of proteinase inhibitors leads to hyperproduction of digestive proteinases, limiting the bioavailability of essential amino acids for protein synthesis, which affects insect growth and development. However, the effects of proteinase inhibitors on digestive enzymes can lead to an adaptive response by the insect. In here, we assessed the biochemical response of midgut proteinases from the eucalypt defoliator Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll) to different concentrations of berenil, a bis-benzamidine proteinase inhibitor, on eucalyptus. Eucalyptus leaves were immersed in berenil solutions at different concentrations and fed to larvae of T. arnobia. Mortality was assessed daily. The proteolytic activity in the midgut of T. arnobia was assessed after feeding on plants sprayed with aqueous solutions of berenil, fed to fifth instars of T. arnobia for 48 h before midgut removal for enzymatic assays. Larvae of T. arnobia were able to overcome the effects of the lowest berenil concentrations by increasing their trypsin-like activity, but not as berenil concentration increased, despite the fact that the highest berenil concentration resulted in overproduction of trypsin-like proteinases. Berenil also prevented the increase of the cysteine proteinases activity in response to trypsin inhibition.

Spatial memory is improved by aerobic and resistance exercise through divergent molecular mechanisms.

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that exercise has a positive impact on human health, including neurological health. Aerobic exercise, which is supposed to enhance cardiovascular functions and metabolism, also induces neurotrophic factors that affect hippocampal neurons, thereby improving spatial learning and memory. Alternatively, little is known about the effect of resistance exercise on hippocampus-dependent memory, although this type of exercise is increasingly recommended to improve muscle strength and bone density and to prevent age-related disabilities. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of resistance training on spatial memory and the signaling pathways of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), comparing these effects with those of aerobic exercise. Adult male Wistar rats underwent 8 weeks of aerobic training on a treadmill (AERO group) or resistance training on a vertical ladder (RES group). Control and sham groups were also included. After the training period, both AERO and RES groups showed improved learning and spatial memory in a similar manner. However, both groups presented distinct signaling pathways. Although the AERO group showed increased level of IGF-1, BDNF, TrkB, and ß-CaMKII (calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II) in the hippocampus, the RES group showed an induction of peripheral and hippocampal IGF-1 with concomitant activation of receptor for IGF-1 (IGF-1R) and AKT in the hippocampus. These distinct pathways culminated in an increase of synapsin 1 and synaptophysin expression in both groups. These findings demonstrated that both aerobic and resistance exercise can employ divergent molecular mechanisms but achieve similar results on learning and spatial memory.

Evaluation of nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in the amniotic fluid in an experimental gastroschisis rat model.

UNLABELLED: Intestinal damage due to gastroschisis (G), an anomaly found with increasing incidence by pediatric surgeons, is intimately associated with endogenous nitric oxide (NO) production and NO synthase (NOS) expression. AIM: Aim of the study was to evaluate NO production and NOS isoforms in the intestine and amniotic fluid (AF) using a rat model of gastroschisis. METHODS: A gastroschisis rat model was surgically created at 18.5 days of gestation (term=22 days). 3 groups of 12 fetuses each were studied: control (C), sham (S) and (G). Morphometric data of body weight (BW), intestinal weight (IW) and the IW/BW ratio were evaluated and compared. Indirect quantification of NO (nitrite and nitrate - NOx) was analyzed by chemiluminescence, and the expression of the 3 isoforms was analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Group G showed an increase in IW and IW/BW compared with groups C and S. IW: G=0.27 ± 0.06, C=0.20 ± 0.02, S=0.20 ± 0.02 (p<0.01); IW/BW: G=4.11 ± 0.57, C=5.21 ± 1.04, S=5.18 ± 1.23 (p<0.05). NO in the G group was lower in the intestine and higher in AF, as opposed to C and S, where it had increased in the intestine and decreased in AF. Intestinal NOx: G=0.85 ± 0.28, C=1.86 ± 0.82, S=1.80 ± 0.69 (p<0.05); NOx in AF: G=161.87 ± 52.11, C=6.99 ± 5.45, S=48.73 ± 13.183 (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The intestinal inflammation in gastroschisis promotes the release of nitric oxide to the environment (AF). Perhaps NO in the AF may be an inflammatory marker for G.

Topical S-nitrosoglutathione-releasing hydrogel improves healing of rat ischaemic wounds.

Topical application of the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is known to exert beneficial effects on wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of topical application of GSNO on the healing of ischaemic wounds. Wistar rats were submitted to two parallels incisions on their backs; the skin was separated from the underlying tissue, the incisions were sutured and an excisional wound was made between the parallel incisions to create an ischaemic condition surrounding the wound. The animals were separated into a control group, which received a hydrogel vehicle without GSNO, and a GSNO-treated group, which received a GSNO-containing hydrogel. The animals were treated for 7 days consecutively with one daily application. The GSNO-treated group displayed higher rates of wound contraction and re-epithelization, lower amounts of inflammatory cells, an increase in collagen fibre density and organization and a decrease in the neovascularization compared to control. These results show that topical application of GSNO is effective in the treatment of ischaemic wounds, leading to a significant improvement in the wound healing. Therefore, topical GSNO-containing hydrogels have potential for the therapeutic treatment of ischaemic diabetic and venous ulcers.