Did the Addition of Olive Cakes Obtained by Different Methods of Oil Extraction in the Finishing Diet of Bísaro Pigs Affect the Volatile Compounds and Sensory Characteristics of Dry-Cured Loin and "Cachaço"?

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different types of olive cake in the basal diet of Bísaro pigs on the volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of dry-cured loin and "cachaço". A total of 40 Bísaro breed animals were allocated to four treatments, along with a control group (T1-control, T2-crude olive cake, T3-centrifugation two phases, T4-exhausted, and T5-exhausted with 1% of olive). Various extraction methods (centrifugation, pressing, and exhaustion) were employed for the olive cake used. Furthermore, the extracted olive cake was supplemented with 1% olive oil. Eighty compounds were identified and grouped into eight chemical classes: hydrocarbons, aldehydes, esters, alcohols, ketones, acids, furans, and other compounds. Aldehydes and alcohols were the major groups of compounds, representing 57.06-66.07% and 68.67-75.61% for the loin and "cachaço", respectively. There were no significant differences between treatments for any of the volatile compounds identified. The major aldehydes were hexanal, heptanal, pentanal, and propanal. These compounds were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in "cachaço". This significant difference between the two types of dry-cured products was directly related to the amount of total fat content. The major alcohols were 2.3-butanediol, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-butanol, 3-methyl, 1-hexanol, benzyl-alcohol, and glycidol. Except for compounds 2,3-butanediol and benzyl-alcohol, the majority in this group were significantly different in terms of the type of dry-cured product. As for the sensory evaluation, for both dry-cured products, the trained tasters did not detect significant differences between the different treatments. The results showed that the olive cake obtained by different methods of oil extraction did not negatively affect the sensory and volatile components of the processed meat products; thus, they maintained their appeal to the consumer.

Ethological aspects of Helicoverpa armigera in the reproductive phase of cotton

Pest behavior studies are important to inform the periods when the pest is more exposed to pesticide. This study aimed to evaluate the movement and feeding of Helicoverpa armigera larvae in the first three instars during the reproductive phase of cotton. First, larval behavior was evaluated with a completely randomized design in a 3 × 5 factorial design with eight replications. The treatments were the instars versus behaviors (crawling, resting, waving, eating and dropping-off). In addition, another 3 × 6 factorial design with eight replications was performed to evaluate the plant region most preferred by the caterpillars. The treatments were the instars versus six parts of the plant (abaxial surface, adaxial surface, on floral bud, internal surface of bract, petiole, and terminal growth). Then, the period of the day when caterpillars are more active was also evaluated by a 3 × 2 factorial essay. The treatments were the instars versus periods of the day. Eating and resting are the most frequent behaviors for all instars. The plant regions preferred by the caterpillars for crawling are on the floral bud and the adaxial face of the leaf. There is no preferred period of the day for eating, resting, waving or dropping-off. Caterpillars (until the third instar) prefer to walk in the morning and other behaviors can occur at any period. Therefore, sprays should preferably occur in the morning, and the insecticide drops/spray should reach the flower buds and the adaxial surface of the leaves to contaminate the larvae.

Comparison of dialysis dose through real-time Kt/V by ultraviolet absorbance of spent dialysate, single-pool Daugirdas II, and Kt/BSA according to sex and age / Comparação da dose de diálise através do Kt/V em tempo real pela absorbância ultravioleta do dialisato gasto, Daugirdas II de pool único e Kt/BSA de acordo com sexo e idade

ABSTRACT Background: Kt/V OnLine (Kt/VOL) avoids inaccuracies associated with the estimation of urea volume distribution (V). The study aimed to compare Kt/VOL, Kt/V Daugirdas II, and Kt/BSA according to sex and age. Methods: Urea volume distribution and body surface area were obtained by Watson and Haycock formulas in 47 patients. V/BSA was considered as a conversion factor from Kt/V to Kt/BSA. Dry weight was determined before the study. Kt/VOL was obtained on DIALOG machines. Results: Pearson correlation between Kt/VOL vs Kt/VII and Kt/VOL vs Kt/BSA was significant for males (r = 0.446, P = 0.012 and r = -0.476 P = 0.007) and individuals < 65 years (0.457, P = 0.019 and -0.549 P = 0.004), but not for females and individuals ≥ 65 years. V/BSA between individuals < 65 and individuals ≥ 65 years were 18.28 ± 0.15 and 18.18 ± 0.16 P = 0.000). No agreement between Kt/VII vs Kt/BSA. Men and individuals > 65 years received a larger dialysis dose than, respectively, females and individuals < 65 years, in the comparison between Kt/VOL versus Kt/VII. V/BSA ratios among men and women were respectively 18.29 ± 0.13 and 18.12 ± 0.15 P = 0.000. Conclusions: Kt/VOL allows recognition of real-time dose regardless of sex and age.

RESUMO Introdução: O Kt/V OnLine (Kt/VOL) evita imprecisões associadas à estimativa da distribuição do volume de uréia (V). O estudo teve como objetivo comparar Kt/VOL, Kt/V Daugirdas II e Kt/BSA de acordo com sexo e idade. Métodos: A distribuição do volume de uréia e área de superfície corporal foram obtidas pelas fórmulas de Watson e Haycock em 47 pacientes. V/BSA foi considerado um fator de conversão de Kt/V para Kt/BSA. O peso seco foi determinado antes do estudo. Kt/VOL foi obtido através de máquinas DIALOG. Resultados: A correlação de Pearson entre Kt/VOL vs Kt/VII e Kt/VOL vs Kt/BSA foi significativa para os homens (r = 0,446, P = 0,012 e r = -0,476 P = 0,007) e indivíduos < 65 anos (0,457, P = 0,019 e -0,549 P = 0,004), mas não para mulheres e indivíduos ≥ 65 anos. A V/BSA entre indivíduos <65 e indivíduos ≥ 65 anos foi 18,28 ± 0,15 e 18,18 ± 0,16 P = 0,000). Sem concordância entre Kt/VII vs Kt/BSA. Homens e indivíduos > 65 anos receberam maior dose de diálise do que, mulheres e indivíduos <65 anos, respectivamente, na comparação entre Kt/VOL versus Kt/VII. As razões V/BSA entre homens e mulheres foram, respectivamente, 18,29 ± 0,13 e 18,12 ± 0,15 P = 0,000. Conclusões: Kt/VOL permite o reconhecimento da dose em tempo real, independentemente do sexo e idade.

Susceptibility of soybean looper to lufenuron and spinosad / Susceptibilidade da lagarta falsa-medideira a lufenuron e espinosade

The soybean looper (Chrysodeixis includens) is an important defoliation pest in crops such as soybean and cotton in Brazil. Its main control tactic is chemical insecticides. Considering the importance of chemical control for this pest, monitoring the susceptibility of C. includens populations is strategic for an efficient Insect Resistance Management. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility levels of C. includens populations in the state of Mato Grosso - Brazil to lufenuron and spinosad. Seven populations were collected in soybean fields around the state. For the bioassays, early L3 larvae were exposed to insecticides using the diet-overlay method. Although the compounds have distinct modes of action, Tangará da Serra population had the highest resistance ratios for lufenuron (11.62) and spinosad (7.84), compared to laboratory population (susceptibility reference). Even with low resistance levels, it is necessary to maintain regional monitoring of C. includens susceptibility to the evaluated insecticides, as well as to extend the range of molecules monitored.(AU)

A lagarta falsa-medideira (Chrysodeixis includens) é uma importante praga desfolhadora em culturas como soja e algodão no Brasil e seu principal método de controle é o uso de inseticidas químicos. Considerando a importância do controle químico para essa praga, o monitoramento da suscetibilidade de populações de C. includens é estratégico para um eficiente programa de Manejo da Resistência de Insetos. Portanto, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os níveis de suscetibilidade de populações de C. includens no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil, aos inseticidas lufenurom e espinosade. Sete populações foram coletadas em cultivos de soja ao longo do estado. Para os bioensaios, lagartas em terceiro ínstar foram expostas aos inseticidas utilizando o método de contaminação superficial de dieta. Embora os compostos apresentem modos de ação distintos, a população de Tangará da Serra obteve as maiores razões de resistência para lufenurom (11,62) e espinosade (7,84) em relação à população de laboratório (referência de suscetibilidade). Apesar dos níveis de resistência terem sido baixos, é necessário manter a manutenção do monitoramento dos níveis de suscetibilidade aos inseticidas avaliados, assim como ampliar a gama de moléculas monitoradas.(AU)

Conhecimento acerca do aleitamento materno de gestantes atendidas na atenção básica de saúde / Knowledge about breastfeeding in pregnant women receiving primary health care / Conocimiento sobre la lactancia materna de embarazadas asistidas en la atención básica de salud

Objetivo: Identificar o conhecimento de gestantes atendidas na atenção básica sobre o aleitamento materno. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, transversal e quantitativo desenvolvido com 77 gestantes atendidas em 11 Estratégias Saúde da Família do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A coleta de dados realizou-se entre agosto e outubro de 2018 por meio de um questionário semiestruturado contemplando variáveis socioeconômicas e aleitamento materno. Para a análise, utilizou-se o software Statistical Program of Social Science por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados: As gestantes apresentavam idades entre 16 e 42 anos, 59 (76,62%) eram autodeclaradas brancas, 32 (41,56%) eram casadas. Quanto ao aleitamento materno exclusivo, 61 (79,2%) gestantes responderam somente o leite. Com relação às orientações sobre amamentação, o enfermeiro apareceu como o profissional mais mencionado pelas participantes. A totalidade das participantes respondeu que o local de orientação sobre gestação é o pré-natal na atenção básica. Conclusão: As gestantes possuem conhecimento acerca do aleitamento materno, o que pode estar associado ao fato de terem realizado o pré-natal na atenção básica. (AU)

Práticas grupais no ensino do estado da arte com residentes multiprofissionais em saúde / Prácticas grupales para la enseñanza del estado del arte con residentes multiprofesionales en salud / Group practices for teaching the state of the art with multiprofessional residents in health

Resumo OBJETIVO descrever o desenvolvimento de práticas grupais com residentes multiprofissionais em saúde para o ensino do estado da Arte. MÉTODOS Relato de experiência do uso das práticas grupais World Café e Árvore do conhecimento- Método criativo sensível, para o ensino do estado da arte, etapa fundamental para a construção do trabalho de conclusão de curso da Residência Multiprofissional em Saúde da Mulher. RESULTADOS as atividades destacam-se como uma importante estratégia de fixação das etapas de realização do estado do estado da arte. Além disso, favorece uma reflexão sobre a amplitude de aplicação do estado arte, incluindo o ensino, assistência, pesquisa e a extensão. CONCLUSÕES A experiência demonstrou que as práticas grupais proporcionam um momento dinâmico de aprendizado e fortalece as interações entre eles.

Resumen OBJETIVO Describir el desarrollo de prácticas grupales con residentes multiprofesionales en salud con el objetivo de enseñar el estado del arte. MÉTODOS Relatos de experiencias del uso de prácticas grupales World Café y dinámica del árbol del conocimiento, el método creativo - sensible, para enseñar el estado del arte, etapa fundamental de la construcción del trabajo de finalización del curso en Residencia Multiprofesional em Salud de la Mujer. RESULTADOS Las actividades constituyen una estrategia importante para aprender las etapas de implementación del estado del arte. Además, favorecen una reflexión sobre el alcance de la aplicación del estado del arte, incluida la enseñanza, la assistência, la investigación y la extensión. CONCLUSIONES La experiencia demostró que las prácticas grupales brindan un momento dinámico de aprendizaje y fortalecen las interacciones entre los residentes multiprofesionales.

Abstract OBJECTIVE Describing the development of group practices with multiprofissional residents in health with a view to teaching the state of the art. METHODS Experience reports of the group practices World Café and Tree of Knowledge dynamics, the creative-sensitive method, for teaching the state of the the art, an essential stage in the construction of the end of course paper in the Multiprofessional Residency in Women's Health. RESULTS The activities are an important strategy for learning the stages of implementation of the state of the art. Furthermore, they favor a reflection on the extent of the application of the state of the art, including teaching, assistance, research, and extension. CONCLUSIONS The experience showed that group practices provide a dynamic moment of learning and strengthen the interactions among multiprofissional residents.

How does the added fat source affect sensory quality of sheep and goat pâtés? / Como a fonte de gordura adicionada afeta a qualidade sensorial de patês de ovinos e caprinos?

ABSTRACT: Sensory quality of sheep and goat pâtés with different sources and percentage of fat (10% or 30%, and pork belly or olive oil) were evaluated. A trained taste panel performed sensory analysis and consumers were consulted to perceive their preferences. Generalised Procrustes Analysis was used to test the differences found by panellists. Panellists were able to find sensory differences between sheep and goat pâtés, and also fat percentages. Goat pâtés had higher values of juiciness and sheep pâtés had higher values of taste intensity. Ten percent pork belly fat pâtés had the highest values of colour and cohesiveness attributes and also aroma intensity, while 30% olive oil pâtés had the highest values of texture attributes, except cohesiveness. Although, differences between pâtés were found by panellists, consumers had no particular preference for one of them.

RESUMO: Avaliou-se a qualidade sensorial de patês de carne de ovelhas e cabras com diferentes fontes e percentagem de gordura (10% ou 30%, e barriga de porco ou azeite). Um painel de provadores treinado realizou análise sensorial e foram consultados consumidores para perceber as suas preferências. A análise generalizada de Procrustes foi usada para testar as diferenças encontradas pelos provadores. Os painelistas conseguiram encontrar diferenças sensoriais entre os patês de ovelhas e cabras e também percentagens de gordura. Os patês de cabra apresentaram valores mais elevados de suculência e os patês de ovelhas apresentaram maiores valores de intensidade de sabor. Patês com 10% de gordura de barriga de porco tiveram os maiores valores para os atributos de cor e coesividade e também intensidade de aroma, enquanto patês com 30% de azeite apresentaram os maiores valores para os atributos de textura, exceto coesividade. Embora as diferenças entre os patês tenham sido encontradas pelos membros do painel, os consumidores não mostraram uma preferência particular por um deles.

Itinerário terapêutico de pessoas com úlcera venosa crônica e as implicações para o cuidado de enfermagem / The therapeutic route of chronic venous ulcer bearing patients and its effects towards nursing care

Objetivo: Conhecer o itinerário terapêutico de pessoas com úlcera venosa crônica e as implicações para o cuidado de Enfermagem. Método: Pesquisa qualitativa desenvolvida em um centro de cuidados de Enfermagem. Participaram do estudo 11 pessoas com diagnóstico de úlcera venosa crônica. Os dados foram coletados entre agosto e setembro de 2016 por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, e analisados de acordo com a análise temática de Minayo. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisas. Resultados: O itinerário terapêutico da pessoa com úlcera venosa crônica foi influenciado pelo saber popular, o apoio familiar e espiritual, além das relações com os serviços de saúde, que se mostraram fragmentados e nem sempre resolutivos. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se que estudos sobre itinerário terapêutico constituem-se como uma ferramenta para avaliar a qualidade da assistência de Enfermagem. Esta pesquisa teve como limitações poucas publicações na área da Enfermagem sobre essa temática

Objective: To know the therapeutic itinerary of people with chronic venous ulcer and the implications for nursing care. Method: Qualitative research developed in a Center of Nursing Care. Eleven people diagnosed with chronic venous ulcer participated in the study. Data were collected between August and September of 2016 through a semi-structured interview, and analyzed according to Minayo's thematic analysis. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: The therapeutic itinerary of the person with chronic venous ulcer was influenced by popular knowledge, family and spiritual support, as well as relationships with health services, which were fragmented and not always decisive. Conclusion: It was evidenced that studies on therapeutic itinerary constitute a tool to evaluate the quality of nursing care. This research had as limitations few publications in the area of nursing on this subject

Objetivo: Conocer el itinerario terapéutico de las personas con úlcera venosa crónica y las implicaciones para la atención de enfermería. Método: Investigación cualitativa llevada a cabo em un Centro de atención de enfermería. En el estudio participaron 11 personas con úlceras venosas crónicas. Los datos fueron recogidos entre agosto y septiembre 2016 a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y analizados según el análisis temático de Minayo. El estudio fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética de la Investigación. Resultados: El tinerario terapéutico de las personas con úlcera venosa crónica fue influenciado por el conocimiento popular, el apoyo familiar y espiritual, además de las relaciones com los servicios de salud, que están fragmentados. Conclusión: Conocer que los estudios sobre itinerario terapéutico constituyen como una herramienta para evaluar la calidad de los cuidados de enfermería. Esta investigación tuvo el menor número de publicaciones limitaciones en el campo de la enfermería en este tema

Repeated Domperidone treatment modulates pulmonary cytokines in LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

The dopaminergic antagonist drug Domperidone has immunomodulatory effects. We investigated the effects of repeated Domperidone treatment in a model of Lypopolyssacharide (LPS)-induced acute lung inflammation. Adult C57BL/6J mice were treated with either Vehicle or Domperidone for 5days, and challenged intranasally with LPS in the following day. The behavior of mice was analyzed in the open field and elevated plus-maze test before and 24h after LPS challenge. The bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood and lung tissue were collected 24h and 48h after LPS challenge. Domperidone treatment increased LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-6 production in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, without altering tissue damage and the number of immune cells in the lungs and circulation. Locomotor and anxiety-like behavior were unchanged after Domperidone and/or LPS treatment. Cytokine data indicate that Domperidone promotes a change in activity of other cell types, likely alveolar epithelial cells, without affecting immune cell migration in the present model. Due to the role of these cytokines in progression of inflammation, Domperidone treatment may exacerbate a subsequent inflammatory injury.

Weeds associated with cotton crop and hosting whitefly / Plantas daninhas associadas à cultura do algodoeiro e hospedeiras de mosca-branca

The whitefly can be hosted by weeds and cause damage to cotton crops. The objective of this work was to identify which species of weeds among the floristic compositions occurring in the cotton crop are hosts of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci biotype B). Bi-weekly evaluations were performed in a cotton area (FM 975 WS) in Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil, during the reproductive phase of the crop. An inventory square (0.25 m side) was randomly cast 15 times between the cotton rows. The weeds were cut close to the ground, conditioned and taken to the laboratory to identify the family and species, and to quantify the eggs and nymphs of whiteflies. Eleven families were detected, with the most frequent being Amaranthaceae (16.67%), Convolvulaceae (12.5%), Rubiaceae (12.5%) and Poaceae (12.5%). The most frequent species were Amaranthus spp. (13.79%) and Alternanthera tenella, Ipomea spp., Richardia brasiliensis and Eleusine indica, with 10.34% each. From the 15 collected species, the presence of whitefly eggs or nymphs was only not observed in Portulaca oleracea and E. indica. The highest incidence of B. tabaci occurred in Euphorbia heterophylla. The occurrence of these species should be monitored, so that the whitefly population does not interfere in the cotton fiber quality.(AU)

A mosca-branca pode hospedar-se em plantas daninhas e causar prejuízos ao algodoeiro. O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar, entre a composição florística de plantas daninhas que ocorrem na cultura do algodoeiro, quais são hospedeiras da mosca-branca (Bemisia tabaci biótipo B). Em uma área de algodoeiro (FM 975 WS) em Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brasil, foram feitas avaliações quinzenais na fase reprodutiva da cultura. Um quadrado inventário (0,25 m de lado) foi lançado aleatoriamente 15 vezes nas entrelinhas do algodoeiro. As plantas daninhas foram cortadas rente ao solo, acondicionadas e levadas para o laboratório para identificação da família e da espécie, quantificação dos ovos e ninfas de mosca-branca. Foram detectadas 11 famílias, sendo as mais frequentes Amaranthaceae (16,67%), Convolvulaceae (12,5%), Rubiaceae (12,5%) e Poaceae (12,5%). As espécies mais frequentes foram Amaranthus spp. (13,79%) e Alternanthera tenella, Ipomea spp., Richardia brasiliensis e Eleusine indica, com 10,34% cada uma. Das 15 espécies coletadas, apenas em Portulaca oleracea e E. indica não foi constatada a presença de ovos ou ninfas de mosca-branca. A maior incidência de B. tabaci ocorreu em Euphorbia heterophylla. A ocorrência dessas espécies deve ser monitorada para que a população de mosca-branca não interfira na qualidade da fibra do algodoeiro.(AU)

Body composition and sensory quality of wild and farmed brown-trout (Salmo trutta) and of farmed rainbow-trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) / Composição corporal e qualidade sensorial de truta-fário selvagem e cultivada (Salmo trutta) e de truta- arco-íris cultivada (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

ABSTRACT: Body composition (total crude protein, lipid, ash, dry matter and moisture) and fatty acid profiles were compared between wild and farmed brown trout and between farmed rainbow trout. Farmed brown trout contained the highest amount of crude protein (18.39%), whereas farmed rainbow trout contained higher levels of crude lipid (2.35%). Thirty six fatty acids were found, including sixteen saturated fatty acids (SFA), nine monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and eleven polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The most abundant SFA in all fish were palmitic acid and stearic acid. However, the most abundant fatty acids in all trout samples were MUFA and PUFA. MUFA were the most abundant fatty acid in farmed brown trout because of high abundance of oleic acid in this samples (35.46g / 100g fatty acids). PUFA were predominating in the samples of wild brown trout and of rainbow trout 56.16 and 56.29g/100g fatty acids, respectively). Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid reported in the rainbow trout (47.17g/100g fatty acids). Significantly higher amounts of docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were observed in the wild trout samples. Wild brown trout contained significantly more docosahexaenoic acid, α-linolenic acid, Eicosapentaenoic acidArachidonic acid. Sensory quality evaluation, by a consumers' panel, revealed all samples were equally well accepted.

RESUMO: A composição corporal (teores de proteína, gordura total, cinzas, matéria seca e humidade) e os perfis de ácidos gordos da truta-fário (selvagem e proveniente de aquacultura) e da truta-arco-íris (cultivada) foram comparados. A truta-fário cultivada continha a maior quantidade de proteína bruta (18,39%), enquanto a truta arco-íris possuía teores mais elevados de lípidos (2,35%). Foram detectados 36 ácidos graxos, incluindo 16 ácidos graxos saturados (SFA), nove ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (MUFA) e 11 ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA). Os SFA mais abundantes foram o ácido palmítico e o ácido esteárico. No entanto, os ácidos graxos mais abundantes em todas as amostras de truta foram os MUFA e os PUFA. A grande abundância de ácido oleico existente nas amostras de truta-fário cultivada (35,46g/100g de ácidos graxos) faz com que os MUFA sejam os ácidos graxos mais abundantes nesta variedade de truta (42,43g/100g de ácidos graxos) Nas amostras de truta-fário selvagem e nas de truta arco-íris predominaram os PUFA (56,16 e 56,29g/100g de ácidos graxos, respetivamente), sendo o ácido linoleico o mais abundante na truta-arco-íris (47,17g/100g de ácidos graxos). Nas amostras truta-fário selvagem foram observadas quantidades significativamente mais elevadas de ácido docosahexaenóico, ácido α-linolênico, ácido acidoaraquidônico e ácido eicosapentaenóico. Todas as amostras foram igualmente bem aceitas por um painel de consumidores.

Prolonged fasting elicits increased hepatic triglyceride accumulation in rats born to dexamethasone-treated mothers.

We investigated the effect of dexamethasone during the last week of pregnancy on glucose and lipid metabolism in male offspring. Twelve-week old offspring were evaluated after fasting for 12-hours (physiological) and 60-hours (prolonged). Physiological fasting resulted in glucose intolerance, decreased glucose clearance after pyruvate load and increased PEPCK expression in rats born to dexamethasone-treated mothers (DEX). Prolonged fasting resulted in increased glucose tolerance and increased glucose clearance after pyruvate load in DEX. These modulations were accompanied by accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TG). Sixty-hour fasted DEX also showed increased citrate synthase (CS) activity, ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) content, and pyruvate kinase 2 (pkm2), glucose transporter 1 (slc2a1) and lactate dehydrogenase-a (ldha) expressions. Hepatic AKT2 was increased in 60-hour fasted DEX, in parallel with reduced miRNAs targeting the AKT2 gene. Altogether, we show that metabolic programming by prenatal dexamethasone is characterized by an unexpected hepatic TG accumulation during prolonged fasting. The underlying mechanism may depend on increased hepatic glycolytic flux due to increased pkm2 expression and consequent conversion of pyruvate to non-esterified fatty acid synthesis due to increased CS activity and ACLY levels. Upregulation of AKT2 due to reduced miRNAs may serve as a permanent mechanism leading to increased pkm2 expression.

Maxadilan-simile expression in Nyssomyia neivai, a sandfly vector in an endemic region of Brazil, and its immunogenicity in patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis

BACKGROUND Maxadilan (Max) is a salivary component in the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva 1912), a vector of visceral leishmaniasis. Max has a powerful vasodilatory effect and is a candidate vaccine that has been tested in experimental leishmaniasis. Nyssomyia neivai (Pinto 1926) is a vector of the pathogen responsible for American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) in Brazil. OBJECTIVE We searched for Max expression in Ny. neivai and for antibodies against Max in ATL patients. METHODS cDNA and protein were extracted from the cephalic segment, including salivary glands, of Ny. neivai and analysed by polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and blotting assays. The results were compared with data obtained from Lu. longipalpis samples. We quantified antibodies against Max in serum samples from 41 patients with ATL (31 and 10 with the cutaneous and mucocutaneous forms, respectively) and 63 controls from the endemic northeastern region of São Paulo state, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FINDINGS Recognition of a Max-simile peptide by specific antibodies confirmed expression of a Max sequence in Ny. neivai (GenBank EF601123.1). Compared to controls, patients with ATL presented higher levels of antibodies against Max (p = 0.004); 24.4% of the patients with ATL and 3.2% of the controls presented anti-Max levels above the cutoff index (p = 0.014). The anti-Max levels were not associated with the specific clinical form of ATL, leishmanin skin test response, absence or presence of amastigotes in histopathologic exam, results of indirect immunofluorescence testing for leishmaniasis, or duration of cutaneous form disease. MAIN CONCLUSION High serum anti-Max levels did not protect patients against ATL, but confirmed previous natural exposure to Ny. neivai bites in this ATL endemic region.

IL-18, TNF, and IFN-γ alleles and genotypes are associated with susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B infection and severity of liver injury.

This study evaluated the association of polymorphisms in the IL-18 (-607C/A and -137C/G), IFNγ (+874 A/T), and TNF (-238 A/G and -308 A/G) genes with susceptibility to HBV infection and severity of liver injury. A total of 259 chronic HBV-infected patients followed at the University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil, and 202 healthy individuals were studied. Four Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Liver biopsy was performed in 212 HBV-infected patients and classified according to severity of liver fibrosis (scores 0-4) and necroinflammatory activity (HAI scores 0-18). TNF-308*A allele (P < 0.001; OR = 2.16) and TNF -308 AA genotype (P = 0.026; OR = 5.43) were associated with susceptibility to HBV infection. An association was found between severe liver fibrosis when compared to mild fibrosis and the following polymorphisms: Alleles IL-18 -137*G (P = 0.004; OR = 3.45), TNF -308*A (P < 0.001; OR = 3.39), and IFNγ +874*T (P = 0.029; OR = 1.85) and IL-18 -137 GG genotype (P = 0.009; OR = 3.70). No significant association was found between IL-18 (-607 A/C) polymorphism and severity of liver fibrosis. Alleles IL-18 -137*G (P = 0.028; OR = 2.64) and TNF-308*A (P = 0.002; OR = 3.06) and IL-18 -137 GG genotype (P = 0.011; OR = 4.20) were associated with severe necroinflammatory activity (HAI>12) when compared to mild necroinflammatory activity (HAI 1-8). The results suggest that IL-18 -137C/G, TNF-308 G/A and IFNγ +874 A/T SNPs were associated to more severe liver injury in chronic HBV infection. TNF -308*A allele and TNF -308 AA genotype could play a role in the susceptibility to HBV infection.

Tobacco smoking and intestinal metaplasia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of specific risk factors for early endpoints in the gastric carcinogenesis pathway may further contribute to the understanding of gastric cancer aetiology. AIMS: To quantify the relation between smoking and intestinal metaplasia through systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Articles providing data on the association between smoking and intestinal metaplasia were identified in PubMed(®), Scopus(®) and Web of Science™, searched until April 2014, and through backward citation tracking. Summary odds ratio estimates and 95% confidence intervals were computed using the DerSimonian and Laird method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I(2) statistic. RESULTS: A total of 32 articles were included in this systematic review and 19 provided data for meta-analysis. Smoking was defined as ever vs. never (crude estimates, six studies, summary odds ratio=1.54, 95% confidence interval: 1.12-2.12, I(2)=67.4%; adjusted estimates, seven studies, summary odds ratio=1.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.98-1.61, I(2)=65.0%) and current vs. non-smokers (crude estimates, seven studies, summary odds ratio=1.27, 95% confidence interval: 0.88-1.84, I(2)=73.4%; adjusted estimates, two studies, summary odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.99-2.25, I(2)=0.0%). CONCLUSION: The weak and non-statistically significant association found through meta-analysis of the available evidence does not confirm smoking as an independent risk factor for intestinal metaplasia.

Biological activities of commercial bee pollens: antimicrobial, antimutagenic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.

Bee pollen is considered, since memorable times, a good source of nourishing substances and energy. The present study aimed to evaluate the biological activities of eight commercial bee pollens purchased from the market. The origin of sample A was not specified in the labeling; samples B, C, D and G were from Portugal and the remaining were from Spain. The sample E presented the highest value of phenolics (32.15±2.12 mg/g) and the H the lowest (18.55±095 mg/g). Sample C had the highest value of flavonoids (10.14±1.57 mg/g) and sample H the lowest (3.92±0.68 mg/g). All the samples exhibited antimicrobial activity, being Staphylococcus aureus the most sensitive and Candida glabrata the most resistant of the microorganisms studied. All the samples exhibited antimutagenic activity, even though some samples were more effective in decreasing the number of gene conversion colonies and mutant colonies. Regarding the antioxidant activity, assessed using two methods, the more effective was sample B. The anti-inflammatory activity, assessed using the hyaluronidase enzyme, was highest in samples B and D. Pearson's correlation coefficients between polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity were computed. It was also performed a discriminant analysis.

Long-term disruption of maternal glucose homeostasis induced by prenatal glucocorticoid treatment correlates with miR-29 upregulation.

Excess of glucocorticoids (GCs) during pregnancy is strongly associated with the programming of glucose intolerance in the offspring. However, the impact of high GC levels on maternal metabolism is not clearly documented. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that mothers exposed to elevated levels of GCs might also display long-term disturbances in glucose homeostasis. Dexamethasone (DEX) was administered noninvasively to the mothers via drinking water between the 14th and the 19th days of pregnancy. Mothers were subjected to glucose and insulin tolerance tests at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 mo postweaning. Pregnant rats not treated with DEX and age-matched virgin rats were used as controls. Pancreatic islets were isolated at the 20th day of pregnancy and 12 mo postweaning in order to evaluate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The expression of the miR-29 family was also studied due to its responsiveness to GCs and its well-documented role in the regulation of pancreatic ß-cell function. Rats treated with DEX during pregnancy presented long-term glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion. These changes correlated with 1) increased expression of miR-29 and its regulator p53, 2) reduced expression of syntaxin-1a, a direct target of miR-29, and 3) altered expression of genes related to cellular senescence. Our data demonstrate that the use of DEX during pregnancy results in deleterious outcomes to the maternal metabolism, hallmarked by reduced insulin secretion and glucose intolerance. This maternal metabolic programming might be a consequence of time-sustained upregulation of miR-29s in maternal pancreatic islets.

Inclusão no ensino superior: percepções de professores em uma universidade portuguesa / Inclusion in higher education: teachers' perceptions in a portuguese university

As universidades enfrentam desafios crescentes com a democratização do ensino e o ingresso de alunos com necessidades especiais. Neste trabalho, analisamos as percepções dos professores do ensino superior sobre a inclusão desses alunos nesse nível de ensino. Os participantes são 10 docentes, diretores de curso do 1º ciclo, com uma idade média de 41,5 anos, sendo seis homens e quatro mulheres. Os dados foram recolhidos por meio de entrevista semi estruturada e analisados utilizando-se a abordagem da grounded theory. Os resultados apontam para percepções favoráveis ao processo de inclusão educativa, condicionado por fatores ideológicos e instrumentais, e para uma noção alargada de necessidades educativas especiais, destacando-se a necessidade de recursos tecnológicos e humanos para apoio à inclusão, pelo que tecemos algumas apreciações, que se podem refletir em termos de intervenção ou de estudos futuros.

Universities face increasing challenges related to the democratisation of education and the admission of students with special needs. In this paper, we analyzed the teachers' perceptions about the inclusion of these students at this level of education. The participants are 10 teachers, 6 males and 4 females, with an average age of 41.5 years old. All teachers are also Degree Directors of 1st training courses. Data collection was carried out using a semi-structured interview and data analysis was done based on grounded theory approach. The results reveal positive perceptions of the inclusive educational process, which is conditioned by ideological and instrumental factors, and a broad concept of special educational needs, highlighting the need for technological and human resources to support inclusion. The concluding section presents some reflections that may have implications for future research and intervention.

Characterization of a versatile organometallic pro-drug (CORM) for experimental CO based therapeutics.

The complex fac-[Mo(CO)(3)(histidinate)]Na has been reported to be an effective CO-Releasing Molecule in vivo, eliciting therapeutic effects in several animal models of disease. The CO releasing profile of this complex in different settings both in vitro and in vivo reveals that the compound can readily liberate all of its three CO equivalents under biological conditions. The compound has low toxicity and cytotoxicity and is not hemolytic. CO release is accompanied by a decrease in arterial blood pressure following administration in vivo. We studied its behavior in solution and upon the interaction with proteins. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation upon exposure to air and polyoxomolybdate formation in soaks with lysozyme crystals were observed as processes ensuing from the decomposition of the complex and the release of CO.

Antimicrobial activity, phenolic profile and role in the inflammation of propolis.

Nowadays a great amount of information regarding chemical and biological aspects of bee products is available in the literature, but few data on its therapeutic uses are found. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phenolic profile, the in vitro antimicrobial activity and effect in the hyaluronidase enzyme (widely related with the inflammation process) of propolis harvested in Portugal. The efficacy of three extracts (hydro-alcoholic, methanolic and aqueous) was also compared. It was chosen the hydro-alcoholic extract, because this was the most effective for extracting phenolic compounds. The antimicrobial activity was accessed in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, isolated from different biological fluids and the results were then compared with the obtained for reference microorganisms. The propolis from Bragança was the one that possessed the highest polyphenols' content. The sample from Beja showed the less significant inhibition of the hyaluronidase enzyme. Concerning the antimicrobial activity, Candida albicans was the most resistant and Staphylococcus aureus the most sensitive. The reference microorganisms were more sensitive than the ones isolated from biological fluids.