Selenium supplementation in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing haemodialysis: a systematic review of the effects on plasma selenium, antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immunological parameters and thyroid hormones.

Selenium (Se) is a mineral with several biological functions, and studies have shown that its deficiency can be linked to many complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to systematically review the effects of Se supplementation in patients with CKD undergoing haemodialysis (HD). This systematic review was carried out according to the PRISMA statement. Clinical trials were searched in PubMed, Lilacs, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases from inception to July 2021 and updated in July 2024. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021231444). Two independent reviewers performed the study screening and data extraction, and the risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Thirteen studies were included in this review. Only nine studies showed results on Se levels; in all, reduced Se levels were observed before supplementation. A positive effect of supplementation on plasma Se level was demonstrated. Of the ten studies analysed, six demonstrated positive effects on antioxidant and inflammatory markers. Only one study analysed immunological parameters, showing a positive impact. From two studies that analysed thyroid hormones, only one showed positive results. All studies were classified as high risk of bias. The findings suggest that Se supplementation significantly increases plasma Se levels in these patients; however, there are still not enough studies to clarify the effects of Se supplementation on the antioxidant and inflammatory markers, immune system and thyroid hormones. Further studies are needed to elucidate the effects of Se supplementation and to provide a recommendation for patients with CKD undergoing HD.

Salt-loading promotes extracellular ATP release mediated by glial cells in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of rats.

Previously, we have shown that purinergic signalling is involved in the control of hyperosmotic-induced sympathoexcitation at the level of the PVN, via activation of P2X receptors. However, the source(s) of ATP that drives osmotically-induced increases in sympathetic outflow remained undetermined. Here, we tested the two competing hypotheses that either (1) higher extracellular ATP in PVN during salt loading (SL) is a result of a failure of ectonucleotidases to metabolize ATP; and/or (2) SL can stimulate PVN astrocytes to release ATP. Rats were salt loaded with a 2 % NaCl solution replacing drinking water up to 4 days, an experimental model known to cause a gradual increase in blood pressure and plasma osmolarity. Immunohistochemical assessment of glial-fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) revealed increased glial cell reactivity in the PVN of rats after 4 days of high salt exposure. ATP and adenosine release measurements via biosensors in hypothalamic slices showed that baseline ATP release was increased 17-fold in the PVN while adenosine remained unchanged. Disruption of Ca2+-dependent vesicular release mechanisms in PVN astrocytes by virally-driven expression of a dominant-negative SNARE protein decreased the release of ATP. The activity of ectonucleotidases quantified in vitro by production of adenosine from ATP was increased in SL group. Our results showed that SL stimulates the release of ATP in the PVN, at least in part, from glial cells by a vesicle-mediated route and likely contributes to the neural control of circulation during osmotic challenges.

Therapeutic effects and the impact of statins in the prevention of ulcerative colitis in preclinical models: A systematic review.

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the large intestines. Although great advances have been made in the management of the disease with the introduction of immunomodulators and biological agents, the treatment of UC is still a challenge. So far, there are no definitive therapies for this condition. Statins are potent inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis, possess beneficial effects on primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, and have high tolerability and safety. Furthermore, they may have potential roles in UC management due to their possible anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant activities. This systematic review aimed to gather information about the potential benefits of statins for managing UC, reducing inflammation and disease remission in animal models. A systematic search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library. The data were summarized in tables and critically analyzed. After the database search, 21 relevant studies were identified as eligible for this review. Preclinical studies using several colitis-induction protocols and various statins have shown numerous beneficial effects of these drugs on reducing disease activity, inflammatory profile, oxidative stress, and general clinical parameters of animals with UC. These studies revealed the potential of statins against the pathogenesis of UC. However, there are still important gaps regarding the molecular mechanisms of action of statins, leading to some contradictory results. Thus, more research on the molecular level to determine the roles of statins in colitis should be carried out to elucidate their mechanisms of action.

Antifungal activity of a shortened analogue of the natural peptide LyeTx I isolated from the venom of the spider Lycosa erythrognatha.

The increase in the incidence of fungal infections associated with the limited therapeutic arsenal available and the increasing rate of resistance of pathogenic fungi reinforce the need for research of new antifungal agents. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of the peptide LyeTx I mnΔK, a shortened analogue of the natural peptide LyeTx I derived from spider venom, against Candida species. LyeTx I mnΔK showed potent activity against Candida spp. with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) between 4 and 32 µM. The peptide also completely inhibited the yeast-to-hypha transition (at 2 µM) and broke mature biofilms (67% reduction at 32 µM) of C. albicans. In addition, LyeTx I mnΔK did not induce resistance in C. albicans during 21 days of exposure. Therefore, the LyeTx I mnΔK is a promising prototype for the development of new antifungal agents.

Lack of sufficient evidence to support a positive role of selenium status in depression: a systematic review.

CONTEXT: Globally, depression affects more than 322 million people. Studies exploring the relationship between diet and depression have revealed the benefits of certain dietary patterns and micronutrients in attenuating the symptoms of this disorder. Among these micronutrients, selenium stands out because of its multifaceted role in the brain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of selenium intake and status on symptoms of depression. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed in databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and gray literature (on April 6, 2021, updated on January 28, 2022), without restrictions of date, language, or study type. DATA EXTRACTION: Studies of adults (18-60 y of age) with depression or depressive symptoms were included. Data on selenium biomarkers and/or intake were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. DATA ANALYSIS: Of the 10 studies included, 2 were cohorts (n = 13 983 and 3735), 3 were cross-sectional (n = 736, 7725, and 200), 1 was case-control (n = 495), and 4 were randomized controlled trials (n = 30, 11, 38, and 63). Several studies have indicated that low selenium intake or concentration may be associated with symptoms of depression. However, this association was inconsistent across the studies included in this systematic review; due to the high heterogeneity, it was not possible to perform meta-analyses. The main contributing factors to the high heterogeneity include the different methodological designs, methods for diagnosing depression, selenium assessment, and clinical conditions. CONCLUSION: Overall, there is insufficient evidence to support a positive role of selenium status in depression. Studies with more accurate methods and adequate assessment of selenium status are needed to better understand the role of this nutrient in depression. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42021220683.

Avaliação da resistência de união e comportamento em fadiga de laminados cerâmicos recimentados após remoção com laser Er: YAG / Evaluation of bond strength and fatigue behavior of rebonding ceramic laminates after removal with Er: YAG laser

Este trabalho teve como finalidade avaliar a resistência de união adesiva e o comportamento em fadiga de laminados cerâmicos recimentados após sua remoção utilizando laser Er:YAG. 62 amostras foram divididas em dois grupos: controle (C), e Er:YAG (L). Incisivos centrais bovinos (N=62), foram fixados com resina acrílica no interior de tubos de PVC, com a face vestibular do esmalte exposta. Estas foram polidas, em máquina de polimento semiautomática com lixas de granulação 600, 800, 1200 e 2500 para obtenção de uma superfície plana. Discos de cerâmica vítrea reforçada por cristais de leucita (Empress CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) foram confeccionados em duas dimensões, 10 mm x 1 mm destinados ao teste de fadiga (n=30), e 3 mm x 1 mm para o teste de resistência de união por cisalhamento (n=32). Os discos foram polidos em máquina de polimento semiautomática com lixas de granulação 600, 800, 1200 e 2500 e cimentados sob as superfícies de esmalte, utilizando cimento resinoso fotopolimerizável (Variolink Esthetic LC, Ivoclar Vivadent). Os conjuntos obtidos foram mantidos em estufa a 37°C por 7 dias. As amostras dos grupos Controle passaram pelos testes de cisalhamento e fadiga logo após este período. As dos grupos Er:YAG, foram submetidas a aplicação do laser (3.6W - 18 Hz x 200 mJ - 2940 nm) sobre a superfície cerâmica, a fim de promover seu descolamento. Em seguida, as superfícies foram submetidas ao processo de limpeza adequado, e recimentadas sob o mesmo protocolo anterior. Para o teste de cisalhamento foi utilizado um dispositivo em forma de faca, com célula de carga de 1000 kgf (1 mm/min) e a análise estatística obtida através dos testes ANOVA e Tukey (95%). Para a classificação dos modos de falha, as amostras foram observadas em estereomicroscópio óptico. A análise do comportamento em fadiga se deu através do método Stepwise stress, com carga inicial de 300 N (5.000 ciclos), steps incrementais de 100 a 700 N (10.000 ciclos/step), seguido de steps de 50 N (10.000 ciclos/step). Para a análise estatística, os testes Kaplan-Meier e Mantel-Cox, seguidos da comparação múltipla aos pares (5%), foram empregados. Os dados obtidos no teste de cisalhamento demonstraram não haver significância estatística para o fator laser (p=0.444), porém, no fator envelhecimento o valor foi significativamente menor (p=0.031). As amostras do grupo laser apresentaram valores significativamente menores em relação ao teste de resistência a fadiga quando comparadas as do grupo controle (p=0,007), que apresentou maiores valores de falha em carga (FFL) e número de ciclos (CFF). Entretanto, o módulo de Weibull para FFL e CCL não foi estatisticamente significante entre os grupos. Com base nos resultados obtidos pode-se concluir que, a resistência de união não foi afetada enquanto sobreviência em fadiga foi significativamente reduzida em laminados cerâmicos recimentados após exposição ao laser Er:YAG (AU)

This work aimed to evaluate the adhesive bond strength and fatigue behavior of cemented ceramic laminates after their removal using Er:YAG laser. 62 samples were divided into two groups: control (C), and Er:YAG (L). Bovine central incisors (N=62) were fixed with acrylic resin inside of PVC tubes, with the buccal surface of the enamel exposed. These were polished in a semi-automatic polishing machine with #600, 800, 1200 and 2500 grit sandpaper to obtain a flat and polished surface. Discs of a leucite reinforced glass ceramic (Empress CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent) were made in two dimensions, 10 mm x 1 mm for the fatigue test (n=30), and 3 mm x 1 mm for the shear bond strength test (n=32). The discs were polished in a semiautomatic polishing machine with #600, 800, 1200 and 2500 grit sandpaper and cemented on the enamel surfaces using a light-curing resin cement (Variolink Esthetic LC, Ivoclar Vivadent). The sets obtained were stored at 37°C for 7 days. The samples from the Control groups underwent the shear and fatigue tests shortly after this period. The Er:YAG groups were submitted to laser application (3.6W - 18 Hz x 200 mJ - 2940 nm) on the ceramic surface, in order to promote its debonding. Then, the surfaces were subjected to the appropriate cleaning process, and re-cemented following the same previous protocol. For the shear bond strength test, a knifeshaped device was used, with a load cell of 1000 kgf (1 mm/min) and the statistical analysis was obtained through the ANOVA and Tukey tests (95%). For the classification of failure modes, the samples were observed in an optical stereomicroscope. The analysis of fatigue behavior was performed using the Stepwise stress method, with an initial load of 300 N (5,000 cycles), incremental steps from 100 to 700 N (10,000 cycles/step), followed by 50 N steps (10,000 cycles/step). For statistical analysis, the Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Cox tests, followed by multiple pairwise comparisons (5%), were used. The data obtained in the shear bond strength test showed no statistical significance for the laser factor (p=0.444), however, the aging factor the value was significantly lower (p=0.031). In the fatigue test, laser group showed significantly lower values in relation to the control group (p=0.007), which showed higher values of failure under load (FFL) and number of cycles (CFF). However, the Weibull modulus for FFL and CCL was not statistically significant between groups. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the bond strength was not affected while fatigue survival was significantly reduced in ceramic laminates re-cemented after exposure to Er:YAG laser (AU)

Determination of the Phytochemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella Leaves (Myrtaceae) Using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Model.

Eugenia copacabanensis and Myrciaria tenella are present in restingas of the Atlantic Forest, but little information is available about their chemical and biological potential. In this context, the hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions from the leaves of methanolic extract were analyzed by GC/MS and HPLC-DAD and the antioxidant potential was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays and using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. Dereplication allowed the identification of 68 compounds, 42 and 41 of which, respectively, are first reported here for E. copacabanensis and M. tenella. In vivo results revealed that the ethyl acetate and butanol fractions showed expressive antioxidant protection in the BY4741 and Δgsh1 strains, with greater impact on glutathione-deficient cells. With a high diversity of phenolic compounds, these polar fractions of E. copacabanensis and M. tenella leaves are potential protectors against intracellular oxidative stress.

Genetic diversity assessed using PFGE, MLP and MLST in Candida spp. candidemia isolates obtained from a Brazilian hospital.

Candida spp. are the main causative agents of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised patients. Candidemia has attributable mortality rates of 15 to 35% and increases hospitalisation time and costs, thus making this disease a public health concern. This study aimed to use pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), microsatellite length polymorphism (MLP) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to analyse the genetic relationships among 65 Candida spp. bloodstream isolates, including 35 Candida albicans, 15 Candida glabrata and 15 Candida tropicalis isolates, all of which were obtained from patients in a Brazilian hospital. Moreover, patient clinical data were assessed. All techniques resulted in high discriminatory indexes. C. albicans and C. tropicalis isolates showed high genetic variability, while C. glabrata isolates had relatively low genetic variability. Moreover, a cluster of C. glabrata isolates was identified in a hospital unit. New MLST sequence types, diploid sequence types and alleles are described. Relationships were not observed between the molecular typing results and clinical characteristics. The molecular typing of clinical strains increases our understanding of candidemia epidemiology and promotes the development of strategies that can reduce the incidence of this disease. Moreover, this study is the first to combine these techniques to genotype these three species in Brazil.

Promoción del uso comunitario de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en estudiantes de medicina / Promotion of the community use of Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical students

Introducción: La Medicina Natural y Tradicional reafirma la integralidad del enfoque médico, incorpora puntos de vista preventivos sobre las enfermedades y ofrece herramientas terapéuticas y de rehabilitación para muchos problemas de salud. Objetivo: Analizar una estrategia pedagógica para introducir las nociones del uso de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional en estudiantes de medicina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal, prospectivo, durante el curso académico 2018-2019, en el cual a 35 estudiantes de primer año de medicina les fueron impartidas actividades didácticas y demostrativas que facilitaron la manipulación de especímenes de la herbolaría. Dicho estudio se desarrollo en los jardines de la Quinta Los Molinos de la Ciudad de La Habana. Resultados: Se realizó la demostración de 68 plantas medicinales y de estas se describieron aproximadamente 122 propiedades farmacológicas. El 69 % manifestó como principal duda la forma de dosificación y las formas de conservar las preparaciones realizadas. Al final de las 4 sesiones 91,4 % fue capaz de identificar las diferentes plantas que se les presentaron; y 86,9 % identificó correctamente las principales indicaciones médicas de las respectivas plantas.Conclusión: Las formas de enseñanza de la medicina herbolaría más apropiada es aquella que utiliza como metodología la adquisición de conocimientos, habilidades y valores desde el intercambio e interrelación directa del estudiante con la naturaleza ya que así, este comprende mejor las propiedades que las diversas plantas poseen a la vez que se promueve la integración con la preservación del medioambiente (AU)

Introduction: Natural and Traditional Medicine reaffirms the comprehensiveness of the medical approach, incorporates preventive views on diseases and offers therapeutic and rehabilitation tools for many health problems. Objective: Analyze a pedagogical strategy to introduce the notions of the use of Natural and Traditional Medicine in medical students. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal, prospective study was carried out during the 2018-2019 academic year, in which 35 first-year medical students were given educational and demonstrative activities that facilitated the handling of specimens from the herbalist's shop. This study was carried out in the gardens of the Quinta Los Molinos in the City of Havana. Results: The demonstration of 68 medicinal plants was carried out and of these approximately 122 pharmacological properties were described. 69% stated as the main doubt the dosage form and the ways to preserve the preparations made. At the end of the 4 sessions 91.4% were able to identify the different plants that were presented to them; and 86.9% correctly identified the main medical indications of the respective plants. Conclusion: The most appropriate forms of herbal medicine teaching are those that use the acquisition of knowledge, skills and values as a methodology from the direct exchange and interrelation of the student with nature, since in this way the student better understands the properties of the different plants they possess while promoting integration with the preservation of the environment (AU)

Comparative testis structure and function in three representative mice strains.

Mice are widely used as experimental models due to several positive characteristics and in particular their suitability for studies involving molecular biology and transgenesis. Despite the large number of mice strains currently available, the literature regarding their basic reproductive biology is still relatively scarce. Herein, we comparatively evaluated several important and correlated parameters related to testis structure and function in sexually mature male mice of inbred (C57BL/6, n = 19; BALB/c, n = 17) and outbred (Swiss, n = 17) strains, frequently utilized in research. Swiss mice presented significant variation for many parameters evaluated, including higher sperm production, mainly when compared to the C57BL/6 strain. However, some key parameters such as the duration of spermatogenesis, the Sertoli cell number per testis, and the spermatogenic efficiency were similar among the different strains. Although presenting significantly higher Leydig cell (LC) proportion and numbers per testis gram and per testis, the anogenital index was smaller in Swiss mice. Estradiol levels were lower in C57BL/6, whereas testosterone levels and 3ß-HSD expression were similar among strains. Regarding the LC/macrophages relationship, in comparison to the literature, we reported a much higher contribution of macrophages to the mouse intertubule. Thus, we estimated that there are around 1.6 macrophages per LC in BALB/c mice and this intriguing finding could be relevant to testis function in overall and spermatogonial biology in particular. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of knowing more accurately the testis structure and function in the different mice strains available for research, particularly when a specific testis parameter is being investigated.

Rate of polymyxin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii recovered from hospitalized patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the rate of polymyxin resistance among Acinetobacter baumannii isolates causing infection in hospitalized patients around the world during the period of 2010-2019. The systematic review was performed on September 1, 2019, using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science; studies published after January 1, 2010, were selected. The data were summarized in tables, critically analyzed, and treated statistically using the RStudio® Software with Meta package and Metaprop Command. After applying exclusion factors, 41 relevant studies were selected from 969 articles identified on literature search. The overall rate of polymyxin-resistant A. baumannii (PRAB) related to hospitalized patients was estimated to be 13% (95% CI, 0.06-0.27), where a higher rate was observed in America (29%; 95% CI, 0.12-0.55), followed by Europe (13%; 95% CI, 0.02-0.52), and Asia (10%; 95% CI, 0.02-0.32). The extensive use of polymyxins on veterinary to control bacterial infection and growth promotion, as well as the resurgence in prescription and use of polymyxins in the clinics against carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria, may have contributed to the increased incidence of PRAB. The findings of this meta-analysis revealed that the rate of PRAB recovered from hospitalized patients is distinctively high. Thus, action needs to be taken to develop strategies to combat the clinical incidence of PRAB-induced hospital infections.

Physical training improves exercise tolerance, cardiac function and promotes changes in neurotrophins levels in chagasic mice.

AIMS: To investigate the effects of moderate aerobic physical training on cardiac function and morphology as well as on the levels of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of animals infected with the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi. MAIN METHODS: Twenty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were distributed into 4 groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary infected (CHC) and trained infected (CHT). The infection was performed by intraperitoneal injection of trypomastigote forms and the animals were adapted to treadmill in the week before the beginning of the training protocol, initiated 45 days post infection. Maximal exercise test (TEM) was performed at the baseline as well as at the end of the 4th, 8th and 12th weeks of training. At the end of the 12th week, all animals were evaluated for cardiac morphology and function by echocardiography. KEY FINDINGS: CHC group showed a larger area of right ventricle (RVA), increased end-systolic volume and reduction in ejection fraction (EF), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO) and fractional area change (FAC). The training reduced the RVA and improved the FAC of chagasic animals. GDNF level was higher in TC and CHC groups compared to SC in heart and BDNF levels were higher in CHC compared to SC in heart and serum. SIGNIFICANCE: Physical training ameliorated the cardiac function of infected animals and promoted adjusts in BDNF and GDNF levels. These findings evidenced these neurotrophins as possible biomarkers of cardiac function responsive to exercise stimulus.

Evaluation of the effect of cafeteria diet on the kidney Na,K-ATPase activity, and oxidative stress.

In this study, renal tissue, subdivided into the cortex and medulla of Wistar rats subjected to a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 24 days or to normal diet, was used to analyze whether the renal enzyme Na,K-ATPase activity was modified by CAF diet, as well as to analyze the α1 subunit of renal Na,K-ATPase expression levels. The lipid profile of the renal plasma membrane and oxidative stress were verified. In the Na,K-ATPase activity evaluation, no alteration was found, but a significant decrease of 30% in the cortex was detected in the α1 subunit expression of the enzyme. There was a 24% decrease in phospholipids in the cortex of rats submitted to CAF, a 17% increase in cholesterol levels in the cortex, and a 23% decrease in the medulla. Lipid peroxidation was significantly increased in the groups submitted to CAF, both in the cortical region, 29%, and in the medulla, 35%. Also, a reduction of 45% in the glutathione levels was observed in the cortex and medulla with CAF. CAF showed a nearly two-fold increase in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in relation to the control group in the cortex and a 59% increase in the GPx activity in the medulla. In conclusion, although the diet was administered for a short period of time, important results were found, especially those related to the lipid profile and oxidative stress, which may directly affect renal function.

Effect of intracerebroventricular epinephrine microinjection on blood pressure and urinary sodium handling in gestational protein-restricted male adult rat offspring.

In this study, we hypothesized that blunting of the natriuresis response to intracerebroventricularly (ICV) microinjected adrenergic agonists is involved in the development of hypertension in maternal low-protein intake (LP) offspring. A stainless steel cannula was stereotaxically implanted into the right lateral ventricle (LV), then we evaluated the ICV administration of adrenergic agonists at increasing concentrations, and of α1 and α2-adrenoceptor antagonists on blood pressure and urinary sodium handling in LP offspring relative to an age-matched normal-protein intake (NP) group. We confirmed that epinephrine (Epi) microinjected into the LV of conscious NP rats leads to enhanced natriuresis followed by a reduction in arterial pressure. This response is associated with increased proximal and post-proximal sodium excretion accompanied by an unchanged glomerular filtration rate. The current study showed, in both NP and LP offspring, that the natriuretic effect of Epi injection into the LV was abolished by prior local microinjection of an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist (prazosin). Conversely, LV α2-adrenoceptor antagonist (yohimbine) administration potentiated the action of Epi. The LV yohimbine pretreatment normalized urinary sodium excretion and reduced the blood pressure in LP compared with age-matched NP offspring. These are, as far as we are aware, the first results showing the role of central adrenergic receptors' interaction on hypertension pathogenesis in maternal LP fetal-programming offspring. This study also provides good evidence for the existence of central nervous system adrenergic mechanisms consisting of α1 and α2-adrenoceptors, which work reciprocally on the control of renal sodium excretion and blood pressure. Although the precise mechanism of the different natriuretic response of NP and LP rats is still uncertain, these results lead us to speculate that inappropriate neural adrenergic pathways might have significant effects on tubule sodium transport, resulting in the inability of the kidneys to control hydrosaline balance and, consequently, an increase in blood pressure.

The redox balance of healthy Brazilian adults is associated with GPX1 Pro198Leu and -602A/G polymorphisms, selenium status, and anthropometric and lifestyle parameters.

PURPOSE: Considering that oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of different health conditions, we aimed to evaluate whether the redox balance of a healthy Brazilian population is associated with GPX1 polymorphisms, selenium status, lipid profile, and anthropometric and lifestyle parameters. METHODS: 343 healthy adults were assessed for redox balance markers [glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity; malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC)]; genotyped for the polymorphisms GPX1 Pro198Leu (rs1050450), -602A/G (rs3811699) and Arg5Pro (rs8179169); evaluated for selenium biomarkers (plasma, erythrocyte, and urine) and intake; and assessed for lipid profile. Anthropometric (BMI) and lifestyle data (physical activity, current smoking habit and alcohol consumption) were collected. Multivariable regression models were applied to investigate the possible associations. RESULTS: Although there were no differences in GPx activity according to GPX1 Pro198Leu and -602A/G polymorphisms, this redox balance marker was positively associated with erythrocyte selenium and negatively associated with the presence of a minor allele of Pro198Leu. SOD activity was positively associated with the presence of a minor allele for these polymorphisms. ORAC showed the same pattern among Leu and G carriers and was positively associated with Leu allele presence, BMI and alcohol intake. MDA was only associated negatively with the male sex and plasma selenium. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the redox balance of a Brazilian healthy population is associated with GPX1 polymorphisms (Pro198Leu and -602A/G), selenium status, BMI, sex, smoking habit and alcohol consumption.

Prevalence, virulence factors and antifungal susceptibility of Candida spp. isolated from bloodstream infections in a tertiary care hospital in Brazil.

Candida spp. are responsible for 80% of all systemic fungal infections and are associated with high mortality rates. This study characterised 79 bloodstream isolates of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. orthopsilosis, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis from patients in a Brazilian hospital. The susceptibility to amphotericin B, caspofungin, fluconazole and voriconazole was determined; virulence factor production was assessed based on haemolysin, phospholipase and proteinase activities, and the patients' clinical characteristics were analysed. C. albicans was the predominant species (44%), followed by C. glabrata (19%), C. tropicalis (19%), C. parapsilosis (14%) and C. orthopsilosis (4%). The candidemia incidence was 1.52 per 1000 admissions, and the crude mortality rate was 52%. One C. albicans isolate was resistant to fluconazole and voriconazole. Moreover, 20.2%, 2.5% and 3.8% of the isolates exhibited dose-dependent susceptibility to fluconazole, voriconazole and caspofungin, respectively. In conclusion, although the C. glabrata incidence was higher than that usually described in Brazil, its increase was previously observed in studies conducted worldwide. Furthermore, the azole resistance of the C. albicans isolate could be due to previous exposure to these antifungals. These results highlight the importance of epidemiological studies and will facilitate an improved understanding of candidemia in the studied hospital.

Brazil nuts: Nutritional composition, health benefits and safety aspects.

Brazil nuts are among the richest selenium food sources, and studies have considered this Amazonian nut as an alternative for selenium supplementation. Besides selenium, Brazil nuts present relevant content of other micronutrients such as magnesium, copper, and zinc. The nutritional composition of nuts, also characterized by adequate fatty acid profile and high content of protein and bioactive compounds, has many health benefits. In the present review, we examine the nutritional composition of Brazil nuts, comparing it with other nuts, and describe the relevance of possible contaminants and metal toxicants observed in this nut for human health. Furthermore, we report different trials available in the literature, which demonstrate positive outcomes such as modulation of the lipid serum profile, enhancement of the antioxidant system and improvement of anti-inflammatory response. These effects have been assessed under different conditions, such as cognitive impairment, dyslipidemia, cancer, and renal failure.