Impact of dietary vitamin A deficiency on body physiology and liver metabolism of Wistar rats.

Background: Studies suggest that vitamin A deficiency (VAD) can cause night blindness or xerophthalmia, hepatic and metabolic changes in the blood. Aim: Therefore, this work aimed to stablish a model of hypovitaminosis A in rats and to evaluate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on metabolic and oxidative parameters in the liver of rats. Methods: Male (n = 19), Wistar, rats (21-day-old) weighing 50g, divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C), received AIN 93G diet and Vitamin A Deficiency Group (VAD), received AIN 93G vitamin A-free diet for 45 days. In this work, the parameters analyzed were: body mass, food and water intake, biochemical aspects in the blood, lipids and glycogen content, lipid peroxidation, carbonyl proteins and catalase activity in the liver. Results: In the VAD group, final body mass (9%), liver mass (28%), glycemia (14%), Total -cholesterol (17%), HDL -cholesterol (31%) and VLDL -cholesterol (30%) showed reduced (p < 0.05). The liver lipid (64%) and glyceride-fatty acid (74%) contents were higher in the VAD group. The carbonyl proteins in liver were increased by 171% (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In summary, these results suggest that the absence of vitamin A from the diet was effective in inducing characteristics of hypovitaminosis A in rats. This way, can be used for studies related to glucose and lipid metabolism.

Differential expression of antioxidant system genes in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) caste development mitigates ROS-mediated oxidative damage in queen larvae.

The expression of morphological differences between the castes of social bees is triggered by dietary regimes that differentially activate nutrient-sensing pathways and the endocrine system, resulting in differential gene expression during larval development. In the honey bee, Apis mellifera, mitochondrial activity in the larval fat body has been postulated as a link that integrates nutrient-sensing via hypoxia signaling. To understand regulatory mechanisms in this link, we measured reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, oxidative damage to proteins, the cellular redox environment, and the expression of genes encoding antioxidant factors in the fat body of queen and worker larvae. Despite higher mean H2O2 levels in queens, there were no differences in ROS-mediated protein carboxylation levels between the two castes. This can be explained by their higher expression of antioxidant genes (MnSOD, CuZnSOD, catalase, and Gst1) and the lower ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). In worker larvae, the GSG/GSSH ratio is elevated and antioxidant gene expression is delayed. Hence, the higher ROS production resulting from the higher respiratory metabolism in queen larvae is effectively counterbalanced by the up-regulation of antioxidant genes, avoiding oxidative damage. In contrast, the delay in antioxidant gene expression in worker larvae may explain their endogenous hypoxia response.

Physical training, UCP1 expression, mitochondrial density, and coupling in adipose tissue from women with obesity.

BACKGROUND: Exercise training may improve energy expenditure, thermogenesis, and oxidative capacities. Therefore, we hypothesized that physical training enhances white adipose tissue mitochondrial oxidative capacity from obese women. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mitochondrial respiratory capacity, mitochondrial content, and UCP1 gene expression in white adipose tissue from women with obesity before and after the physical training program. METHODS: Women (n = 14, BMI 33 ± 3 kg/m2 , 35 ± 6 years, mean ± SD) were submitted to strength and aerobic exercises (75%-90% maximum heart rate and multiple repetitions), 3 times/week during 8 weeks. All evaluated subjects were paired, before and after training for resting metabolic rate (RMR), substrate oxidation (lipid and carbohydrate) by indirect calorimeter, deuterium oxide body composition, and aerobic maximum velocity (Vmax ) test. At the beginning and at the ending of the protocol, abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue was collected to measure the mitochondrial respiration by high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial content by citrate synthase (CS) activity, and UCP1 gene expression by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Combined physical training increased RMR, lipid oxidation, and Vmax but did not change body weight/composition. In WAT, exercise increased CS activity, decreased mitochondrial uncoupled respiration and mRNA of UCP1. RMR was positively correlated with fat-free mass. CONCLUSION: Physical training promotes an increase in mitochondrial content without changing tissue respiratory capacity, a reduction in mitochondrial uncoupling degree and UCP1 mRNA expression in WAT. Finally, it improved the resting metabolic rate, lipid oxidation and physical performance, independent of the body changing free, or fat mass in obese women.

Mitochondrial capacity, oxidative damage and hypoxia gene expression are associated with age-related division of labor in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) workers.

During adult life, honey bee workers undergo a succession of behavioral states. Nurse bees perform tasks inside the nest, and when they are about 2-3 weeks old they initiate foraging. This switch is associated with alterations in diet, and with the levels of juvenile hormone and vitellogenin circulating in hemolymph. It is not clear whether this behavioral maturation involves major changes at the cellular level, such as mitochondrial activity and the redox environment in the head, thorax and abdomen. Using high-resolution respirometry, biochemical assays and RT-qPCR, we evaluated the association of these parameters with this behavioral change. We found that tissues from the head and abdomen of nurses have a higher oxidative phosphorylation capacity than those of foragers, while for the thorax we found the opposite situation. As higher mitochondrial activity tends to generate more H2O2, and H2O2 is known to stabilize HIF-1α, this would be expected to stimulate hypoxia signaling. The positive correlation that we observed between mitochondrial activity and hif-1α gene expression in abdomen and head tissue of nurses would be in line with this hypothesis. Higher expression of antioxidant enzyme genes was observed in foragers, which could explain their low levels of protein carbonylation. No alterations were seen in nitric oxide (NO) levels, suggesting that NO signaling is unlikely to be involved in behavioral maturation. We conclude that the behavioral change seen in honey bee workers is reflected in differential mitochondrial activities and redox parameters, and we consider that this can provide insights into the underlying aging process.

Taurine supplementation associated with exercise increases mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation gene expression in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue of obese women.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of taurine supplementation associated or not with chronic exercise on body composition, mitochondrial function, and expression of genes related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation in the subcutaneous white adipose tissue (scWAT) of obese women. METHODS: A randomized and double-blind trial was developed with 24 obese women (BMI 33.1 ± 2.9 kg/m2, 32.9 ± 6.3 y) randomized into three groups: Taurine supplementation group (Tau, n = 8); Exercise group (Ex, n = 8); Taurine supplementation + exercise group (TauEx, n = 8). The intervention was composed of 3 g of taurine or placebo supplementation and exercise training for eight weeks. Anthropometry, body fat composition, indirect calorimetry, scWAT biopsy for mitochondrial respiration, and gene expression related to mitochondrial activity and lipid oxidation were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: No changes were observed for the anthropometric characteristics. The Ex group presented an increased resting energy expenditure rate, and the TauEx and Ex groups presented increased lipid oxidation and a decreased respiratory quotient. Both trained groups (TauEx and Ex) demonstrated improved scWAT mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Regarding mitochondrial markers, no changes were observed for the Tau group. The TauEx group had higher expression of CIDEA, PGC1a, PRDM16, UCP1, and UCP2. The genes related to fat oxidation (ACO2 and ACOX1) were increased in the Tau and Ex groups, while only the TauEx group presented increased expression of CPT1, PPARa, PPARγ, LPL, ACO1, ACO2, HSL, ACOX1, and CD36 genes. CONCLUSION: Taurine supplementation associated with exercise improved lipid metabolism through the modulation of genes related to mitochondrial activity and fatty acid oxidation, suggesting a browning effect in the scWAT of obese women.

Moderate Exercise Modulates Tumor Metabolism of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stands out for its aggressiveness and accelerated rate of proliferation. Evidence shows that exercise may exert antitumorigenic effects, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying them remain unclear. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of exercise to modulate tumor growth and energy metabolism in an experimental TNBC model. Female BALB/c mice were sedentary or trained for 12 weeks and inoculated with 1 × 104 4T1 cells in the eighth week. Analyzes of macronutrient oxidation, mitochondrial respiration, and expression of genes related to cell metabolism were performed. The results showed that the trained group had a smaller tumor mass and the mitochondria in the tumors presented lower respiratory rates in the state of maximum electron transport capacity. Additionally, the tumors of the exercised group showed a higher expression of genes related to tumor suppressors, while the genes linked with cellular growth were similar between groups. Furthermore, the training modulated the corporal macronutrient oxidation to almost exclusive carbohydrate oxidation, while the sedentary condition metabolized both carbohydrate and lipids. Therefore, the exercise reduced tumor growth, with an impact on mitochondrial and macronutrient metabolism. Our results shed light on the understanding of the antitumorigenic effects of physical exercise, particularly regarding the metabolic transformations in TNBC.

Posicionamento cirúrgico em cirurgia robótica pediátrica: relato de experiência / Surgical Positioning in Pediatric Robotic Surgery: experience report / Posicionamiento quirúrgico en cirugía robótica pediátrica: relato de experiencia

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência dos primeiros seis casos de cirurgia robótica pediátrica e a atuação dos enfermeiros especialistas em cirurgia robótica em uma instituição oncológica. Método: Trata-se de um relato de experiência vivenciada na prática clínica que fomentou a discussão acerca dos primeiros seis casos de cirurgia robótica pediátrica, ocorridos entre 2017 e 2019. Resultados: O processo de implantação da cirurgia robótica pediátrica começou em 2017, com dois casos iniciais (adrenalectomia e nefrectomia). Todos os casos foram acompanhados e executados na presença do cirurgião urologista proctor para auxiliar a cirurgiã oncológica pediátrica. O posicionamento cirúrgico depende do local a ser abordado e do procedimento robótico que será realizado. Conclusão: Identificou-se a necessidade de uma simulação realística com a participação de todos os membros da equipe para melhoria dos processos assistenciais e da educação permanente na formação da equipe.

Objective: To report the experience of the first six cases of pediatric robotic surgery and the role of nurses who are specialists in robotic surgery in an oncology institution. Method: This is an account of experience report in clinical practice which encouraged the discussion about the first six cases of pediatric robotic surgery, which occurred between 2017 and 2019. Results: The process of implantation of pediatric robotic surgery started in 2017, with two initial cases (adrenalectomy and nephrectomy). All cases were followed up and performed in the presence of the proctor urologist surgeon to assist the pediatric oncology surgeon. Surgical positioning depends on the location to be approached and the robotic procedure that will be performed. Conclusion: The need for a realistic simulations with the participation of all team members to improve the care processes and permanent education in team formation was identified.

Objetivo: informar la experiencia de los primeros seis casos de cirugía robótica pediátrica y el papel de las enfermeras especialistas en cirugía robótica en una institución de oncología. Método: Este es un relato de la experiencia en la práctica clínica, que fomentó la discusión sobre los primeros seis casos de cirugía robótica pediátrica, que ocurrieron entre 2017 y 2019. Resultados: El proceso de implantación de cirugía robótica pediátrica comenzó en 2017, con dos casos iniciales (adrenalectomía y nefrectomía). Todos los casos fueron seguidos y realizados en presencia del cirujano urólogo supervisor para ayudar al cirujano oncólogo pediátrico. El posicionamiento quirúrgico depende de la ubicación a abordar y del procedimiento robótico que se realizará. Conclusión: Se identificó la necesidad de una simulación realista con la participación de todos los miembros del equipo para mejorar los procesos de atención y la educación permanente en la formación del equipo.

Variation of the water table and salinity in alluvial aquifers of underground dams in the semi-arid regio n of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil / Variação do nível freático e da salinidade do aquífero aluvial em barragens subterrâneas no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte

Despite the growing progress in the construction of underground dams, there are few studies to evaluate and monitor these reservoirs after their construction. Thus, a research study was carried out to evaluate the water table level in alluvial aquifers and water salinity in four underground dams selected in the Cobras river basin, Parelhas municipality, Rio Grande do Norte. Water level variation was monitored using the traditional method and the Ground Penetrating Radar with generation of 3D virtual models. Water samples were collected between the months of December 2010 and December 2011 for electrical conductivity analysis. The results indicate that the accumulation of groundwater and salinity (expressed by electrical conductivity) in the reservoirs were affected by the spatial position within the hydrographic basin (limited occurrence of alluvial aquifer recharge area in headwater sectors) and the presence of surface reservoirs (upstream dams), which promote a more continuous recharge, greater renovation, and reduction of the salinity of the waters of the alluvial aquifer downstream.

Apesar do crescente avanço na construção de barragens subterrâneas, há poucos estudos de avaliação e monitoramento das barragens subterrâneas após a sua construção. Assim, foi realizada uma pesquisa com o objetivo de avaliar a salinidade da água e a variação do nível freático em aquífero aluvial em quatro barragens subterrâneas selecionadas na microbacia do rio das Cobras, município de Parelhas, RioGrande do Norte. As amostras de água foram coletadas entre os meses de dezembro de 2010 a dezembro de 2011 para análise da condutividade elétrica. A variação do nível da água foi monitorada utilizando método tradicional e o Ground Penetrating Radar com geração de modelos virtuais 3D. Os resultados indicam que a acumulação da água subterrânea e a sua salinidade (expressa pela condutividade elétrica) nos reservatórios foram afetadas pela posição espacial dentro da bacia hidrográfica (ocorrência limitada de área de recarga do aquífero aluvial em setores de cabeceiras do rio) e pela presença de reservatórios superficiais (açudes à montante), os quais promovem uma recarga mais contínua, maior renovação, e redução da salinidade das águas do aquífero aluvial à jusante.

[Knowledge of nurses of the Family Health Strategy on health services waste]. / Conhecimento de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família sobre resíduos dos serviços de saúde.

The study addresses the problem involving the solid waste from health service and the nurses attitude towards aspects related to the management and environmental awareness. Participants were ten professionals working in the Family Health Strategy, from the municipalities of Araputanga, Mirassol D'west and São José dos Quatro Marcos. Data were collected through questionnaires, and analyzed using the software Origin®. It was observed the level of knowledge regarding the current law, management steps taken at the municipal and staff training, and also about the ability of the professionals to diagnose situations and occupational risk to public health. Despite the existence of a significant knowledge on the subject, there is still need to work on awareness and development of appropriate management practices on the health services waste.

Uso da Técnica Limpa ou Estéril em Curativos / Using the Clean or Sterile Technique in Dressings

O uso da técnica limpa ou estéril na realização de curativos em feridas agudas ou crônicas é frequentemente questionada, pela segurança da técnica limpa, contra o custo elevado da técnica estéril. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a produção científica disponível na literatura sobre a escolha da técnica limpa ou estéril na realização de curativos no cuidado ao cliente com feridas crônicas ou agudas. As bases de dados definidas para busca foram Lilacs, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, BDENF, Scopus e a biblioteca SciELO. Foram utilizados os descritores "feridas" e "curativos", além das palavras-chave: "técnica limpa" e "técnica estéril". A busca nas bases de dados originou o total de 58 artigos. Ao serem submetidos aos critérios de inclusão e de exclusão estabelecidos se tornaram apenas 8. A maioria dos estudos encontrados demonstra que não há um consenso sobre o uso da técnica adequada. O ideal é que os profissionais adicionem sua experiência pessoal para cada técnica escolhida de acordo com o ambiente e condição da ferida, para isso é fundamental o exercício do pensamento crítico. Torna-se, assim, necessário haver novas iniciativas de investigação com alto poder de evidência sobre o tema, além de políticas e programas educacionais sobre assepsia nos serviços de saúde para auxiliar os profissionais na tomada de decisão.

The use of clean or sterile technique in performing healing in acute or chronic wounds is often questioned by the security of clean technique against the high cost of sterile technique. The aim of this study was to analyze the scientific production available in the literature on the choice of clean or sterile technique in the execution of dressing in customer care with chronic or acute wounds. The defined databases were Lilacs, Medline, PubMed, Cinahl, Cochrane, BDENF, Scopus and SciELO Library. The descriptors used were "wounds" and "dressings", besides the keywords: "clean technique" and "sterile technique". The search in the databases originated the total of 58 articles. When submitted to the inclusion and exclusion criteria they have narrowed down to only 8. The majority of studies shows that there is no consensus on the use of the appropriate technique. Ideally, the professionals add their personal experience for each technique chosen according to the environment and condition of the wound, for this it is fundamental the exercise of critical thinking. It is thus necessary to have new research initiatives with high power of evidence on the subject as well as policies and educational programs on sterilization in health services to assist professionals in decision-making

Conhecimento de enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família sobre resíduos dos serviços de saúde / Knowledge of nurses of the Family Health Strategy on health services waste / Conocimiento de enfermeros de la Estrategia Salud de la Familia sobre los residuos de servicios de salud

O estudo realizado aborda a problemática envolvendo os resíduos sólidos de serviços de saúde e a atitude do enfermeiro perante os aspectos relacionados ao gerenciamento e a conscientização ambiental. Participaram da pesquisa dez profissionais atuantes na Estratégia de Saúde da Família, dos municípios de Araputanga, Mirassol D'oeste e São José dos Quatro Marcos. Os dados foram obtidos através da aplicação de questionários, posteriormente analisados através do software Origin®. Observou-se o nível de conhecimento em relação à legislação vigente, etapas de manejo realizadas em âmbito municipal e capacitação da equipe e, ainda, a respeito da habilidade dos profissionais em diagnosticar situações de risco ocupacional e para a saúde pública. Apesar da existência de um significativo conhecimento sobre o tema, ainda há necessidade de trabalhos de conscientização e desenvolvimento de práticas adequadas de gerenciamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde.

The study addresses the problem involving the solid waste from health service and the nurses attitude towards aspects related to the management and environmental awareness. Participants were ten professionals working in the Family Health Strategy, from the municipalities of Araputanga, Mirassol D'west and São José dos Quatro Marcos. Data were collected through questionnaires, and analyzed using the software Origin®. It was observed the level of knowledge regarding the current law, management steps taken at the municipal and staff training, and also about the ability of the professionals to diagnose situations and occupational risk to public health. Despite the existence of a significant knowledge on the subject, there is still need to work on awareness and development of appropriate management practices on the health services waste.

El estudio aborda los problemas relacionados con los residuos sólidos del servicio de salud y la actitud de los enfermeros hacia los aspectos relacionados con la gestión y la concientización ambiental. Participaran del estudio diez profesionales que trabajan en la Estrategia de Salud Familiar, en los municipios de Araputanga, Mirassol D'Oeste y São José dos Quatro Marcos. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante la aplicación de cuestionarios, posteriormente analizados a través del software Origin®. Se observó el nivel de conocimientos sobre la legislación vigente, las medidas de gestión adoptadas en ámbito municipal y también la capacidad de los profesionales para diagnosticar situaciones de riesgos ocupacionales y para la salud pública. A pesar de la existencia de un conocimiento significativo sobre el tema, todavía hay que trabajar en la sensibilización y en el desarrollo de prácticas apropiadas de gestión de los residuos de los servicios de salud.