Exploring the interplay between small and large scales movements in a neotropical small mammal.

We record and analyze the movement patterns of the marsupial Didelphis aurita at different temporal scales. Animals trajectories are collected at a daily scale by using spool-and-line techniques and, with the help of radio-tracking devices, animals traveled distances are estimated at intervals of weeks. Small-scale movements are well described by truncated Lévy flight, while large-scale movements produce a distribution of distances which is compatible with a Brownian motion. A model of the movement behavior of these animals, based on a truncated Lévy flight calibrated on the small scale data, converges towards a Brownian behavior after a short time interval of the order of 1 week. These results show that whether Lévy flight or Brownian motion behaviors apply, will depend on the scale of aggregation of the animals paths. In this specific case, as the effect of the rude truncation present in the daily data generates a fast convergence towards Brownian behaviors, Lévy flights become of scarce interest for describing the local dispersion properties of these animals, which result well approximated by a normal diffusion process and not a fast, anomalous one. Interestingly, we are able to describe two movement phases as the consequence of a statistical effect generated by aggregation, without the necessity of introducing ecological constraints or mechanisms operating at different spatio-temporal scales. This result is of general interest, as it can be a key element for describing movement phenomenology at distinct spatio-temporal scales across different taxa and in a variety of systems.

Running intralimb coordination patterns after a foot core exercise program in recreational runners.

This study investigated the effects of a foot core intervention on the coordination of foot joints in recreational runners. This was a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial conducted with 87 recreational runners allocated to the control group (CG), which followed a placebo lower limb stretching protocol, or the intervention group (IG), which underwent an 8-week (3 times/week) foot core training. The participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed (9.5-10.5 km/h) while the foot segment motion was captured. The vector coding technique was used to assess inter-joint coordination for four selected coupled segment and joint angles. The coordination patterns of the calcaneus and midfoot (CalMid) and midfoot and metatarsus (MidMet) joint pairs were affected. In the frontal plane, IG showed an in-phase with proximal dominancy coordination at heel strike, with a decrease in its frequency after the training (P=0.018), suggesting a longer foot supination. Additionally, IG showed an anti-phase with distal dominancy pattern at early stance compared to CG due to a smaller but earlier inversion of the CalMid-MidMet pair (P=0.020). The intervention also had an effect on the transverse plane of the CalMid-MidMet pair, with IG showing a significantly greater frequency of anti-phase coordination with proximal dominancy during propulsion than CG (P=0.013), probably due to a reduction in the CalMid abduction. Overall, the results suggested that the foot core intervention reduces the occurrence of running-related injuries by increasing the resistance to calcaneus pronation and building a more rigid and efficient lever during push-off.

Running intralimb coordination patterns after a foot core exercise program in recreational runners

This study investigated the effects of a foot core intervention on the coordination of foot joints in recreational runners. This was a secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial conducted with 87 recreational runners allocated to the control group (CG), which followed a placebo lower limb stretching protocol, or the intervention group (IG), which underwent an 8-week (3 times/week) foot core training. The participants ran on a force-instrumented treadmill at a self-selected speed (9.5-10.5 km/h) while the foot segment motion was captured. The vector coding technique was used to assess inter-joint coordination for four selected coupled segment and joint angles. The coordination patterns of the calcaneus and midfoot (CalMid) and midfoot and metatarsus (MidMet) joint pairs were affected. In the frontal plane, IG showed an in-phase with proximal dominancy coordination at heel strike, with a decrease in its frequency after the training (P=0.018), suggesting a longer foot supination. Additionally, IG showed an anti-phase with distal dominancy pattern at early stance compared to CG due to a smaller but earlier inversion of the CalMid-MidMet pair (P=0.020). The intervention also had an effect on the transverse plane of the CalMid-MidMet pair, with IG showing a significantly greater frequency of anti-phase coordination with proximal dominancy during propulsion than CG (P=0.013), probably due to a reduction in the CalMid abduction. Overall, the results suggested that the foot core intervention reduces the occurrence of running-related injuries by increasing the resistance to calcaneus pronation and building a more rigid and efficient lever during push-off.

Physical and physiological soybean seed qualities stored under different environmental conditions and storage bag depths.

The Brazilian Midwest is responsible for 54.3% of the country's soybean production. Adequate storage technologies are essential to maintain physical, physiological, and sanitary seed qualities while also minimizing deterioration processes and consequent germination and vigor declines. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the physiological potential and physical qualities of soybean seeds stored under different environmental conditions and storage bag depths. Assays were carried out in September 2021 employing Foco 74i77 RSF IPRO cultivar seeds stored from April to August 2021 under three conditions, as follows: chilled at an average temperature of ≤20 °C, at an average temperature of ≤25 °C using a with blanket, and in without blanket warehouse structure at an average temperature of ≥25 °C with no with blanket. A completely randomized 3x3 factorial experimental design was applied, comprising three storage environments and three bag positions (top, middle, and bottom), with three replication each. Physical, physiological, and biochemical tests were performed on the stored seeds. The findings indicate better seed preservation in the chilled environment or when using a with blanket, with significant differences noted for seeds stored the middle of the storage bag. Therefore, soybean seed storage in a chilled environment or using a with blanket aids in slowing down the seed deterioration processes, preserving physiological quality and vigor compared to a conventional storage environment. Additionally, the quality of soybean seeds stored under these conditions in the middle of storage bags is maintained.

How cutting types and shading levels influence the vegetative propagation of Pereskia aculeata?

Information from Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) responses regarding the portion of the stem cuttings branch parental plants and the shading level need to be investigated in order to establish techniques for their producing seedlings. We aimed was to evaluate the effect of cutting types and shading levels in the production of P. aculeata seedlings. We studied three cutting types, collected from different portions of the stem cuttings branch: herbaceous, semi-hardwood, and hardwood, which were arranged under two shading levels: 0% (full sun) or 50% (shade). The selected parent plants had an adequate and vigorous phytosanitary aspect. After 90 days after the cuttings, the seedlings were evaluated regarding survival, growth indicators, biomass production and partitioning, and allometric indices. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings and produced under 0% shading showed higher survival. The largest number of sprouts occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. The highest leaf area values ​​occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings under 0% shading. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings had higher biomass allocation in the roots under 50% shading. Seedlings of herbaceous and semi-hardwood portion allocated values ≥ 70% of the biomass in the aerial part. Seedlings of species are able to adjust to different shading levels as a plasticity mechanism. For the production of P. aculeata seedlings, the hardwood portion of the stem cuttings branch under full sun cultivation is recommended. In addition, semi-hardwood cuttings grown under 50% shading can also be used for seedlings production.

Relationship between histopathological lesions and oxidative stress in mice infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

This study describes changes in oxidative stress (OS) parameters in mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis, which causes abdominal angiostrongyliasis. For this, 28 Swiss mice were used, divided into two groups (G1 and G2), with 14 animals each. Of these, eight were infected with ten infective larvae each, by gavage, and six were used as a control group. Mice from G1 and G2 were euthanized at 14 days and 24 days post-infection, respectively. Tissue samples were used for histopathological analysis and blood (serum) samples were taken to assess the levels of proteins, non-protein thiols (NPTs) and nitric oxide (NO), from centrifugation and subsequent collection of aliquots of the supernatant. Among OS parameters, infected mice in both groups had higher NO levels than the control group, due to the presence of: eosinophil infiltrate in the liver and intestine; pancreatitis; and intestinal granuloma. However, the infected mice of both groups showed a reduction in the levels of NPTs, in relation to the control group, due to the presence of: eosinophilic infiltrate in the liver and intestine; and intestinal granuloma. Our results suggest that A. costaricensis infection has important effects on the intestine, liver and pancreas, and the analyses were performed from the tissue of these organs. The mechanisms for these changes are related to the decrease in the body's main antioxidant defences, as demonstrated by the reduction of NPTs, thus contributing to the development of more severe tissue damage. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between histopathological lesions and markers for OS.

How cutting types and shading levels influence the vegetative propagation of Pereskia aculeata? / Como o tipo de estaca e níveis de sombreamento influenciam a propagação vegetativa de Pereskia aculeata?

Information from Pereskia aculeata Miller (Cactaceae) responses regarding the portion of the stem cuttings branch parental plants and the shading level need to be investigated in order to establish techniques for their producing seedlings. We aimed was to evaluate the effect of cutting types and shading levels in the production of P. aculeata seedlings. We studied three cutting types, collected from different portions of the stem cuttings branch: herbaceous, semi-hardwood, and hardwood, which were arranged under two shading levels: 0% (full sun) or 50% (shade). The selected parent plants had an adequate and vigorous phytosanitary aspect. After 90 days after the cuttings, the seedlings were evaluated regarding survival, growth indicators, biomass production and partitioning, and allometric indices. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings and produced under 0% shading showed higher survival. The largest number of sprouts occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings. The highest leaf area values ​​occurred in seedlings of semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings under 0% shading. Seedlings from hardwood cuttings had higher biomass allocation in the roots under 50% shading. Seedlings of herbaceous and semi-hardwood portion allocated values ≥ 70% of the biomass in the aerial part. Seedlings of species are able to adjust to different shading levels as a plasticity mechanism. For the production of P. aculeata seedlings, the hardwood portion of the stem cuttings branch under full sun cultivation is recommended. In addition, semi-hardwood cuttings grown under 50% shading can also be used for seedlings production.

Informações das respostas da Pereskia aculeata Miller. (Cactaceae) quanto à porção da estaca do ramo da planta matriz e o nível de sombreamento precisam ser investigadas com o intuito de estabelecer protocolos para sua produção de mudas. Objetivamos avaliar o efeito do tipo de estaca e níveis de sombreamento na produção de mudas de P. aculeata. Estudamos três tipos de estacas baseados na porção de coleta do ramo: herbácea, semi-lenhosa e lenhosa, acondicionadas sob dois níveis de sombreamento: 0% (pleno sol) ou 50% (sombra). As plantas matrizes selecionadas tiveram aspecto fitossanitário adequado e eram vigorosas. Após 90 dias da estaquia, as mudas foram avaliadas quanto a sobrevivência, indicadores de crescimento, produção e particionamento de biomassa e índices alométricos. Mudas provenientes de estacas lenhosas e produzidas sob 0% de sombreamento tiveram maior sobrevivência. Os maiores números de brotos ocorreram nas mudas de estacas da porção semi-lenhosas e lenhosa. As maiores áreas foliares e radiculares ocorreram nas mudas de estacas semi-lenhosas e lenhosas sob 0% de sombreamento. Mudas provenientes de estacas da porção lenhosa tiveram maior alocação de biomassa nas raízes sob 50% de sombreamento. Mudas de estacas da porção herbáceas e semilenhosas alocaram valores ≥ 70% de biomassa da parte aérea. As mudas da espécie são capazes de se ajustar aos diferentes níveis de sombreamento como mecanismo de plasticidade. Para a produção de mudas de P. aculeata¸ recomenda-se utilizar a porção lenhosa do ramo do caule sob pleno sol. Além disso, estacas semi-lenhosas crescidas sob 50% de sombreamento podem ser utilizadas para a produção de mudas.

Factors associated with non-completion of latent tuberculosis infection treatment in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: A non-matched case control study.

INTRODUCTION: There are scarce data on the routine latent tuberculosis infection treatment (LTBIT) and factors associated with a non-completion in high tuberculosis burden countries. Therefore, in this study we aimed to evaluate the factors associated with non-completion of LTBIT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a non-matched case control study conducted at a University Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 114 cases and 404 controls were enrolled between January/1999 and December/2009. Cases were close contacts who did not complete the LTBIT and controls were the contacts that completed it. Multivariate analysis was used to investigate risk factors associated with non-completion of LTBIT among contacts in two different periods of recruitment. RESULTS: Factors associated with non-completion LTBIT included: drug use (OR 23.33, 95% CI 1.83-296.1), TB treatment default by the index case (OR 16.97, 95% CI 3.63-79.24) and drug intolerance. TB disease rates after two years of follow up varied from 0.4% to 1.9%. The number necessary to treat to prevent one TB case among contacts was 116. CONCLUSIONS: Non-completion treatment by the index case and illicit drug use were associated with not completing latent tuberculosis infection treatment and no tuberculosis disease was identified among those who completed latent tuberculosis infection treatment.

Leukogram and cortisol parameters in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

This study describes changes in haematological parameters, cytokine profile, histopathology and cortisol levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of 14 animals each. In each group, eight animals were infected orally with ten third-stage larvae of A. costaricensis and six were used as a control group. The mice of groups G1 and G2 were sacrificed 14 and 24 days after infection, respectively. Samples were collected for histopathological and haematological analyses and determination of the cytokine profile and cortisol levels. Granulomatous reaction, eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis in the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver and spleen were observed with varying intensity in infected animals. Our results showed that the mice developed normocytic and hypochromic anaemia, and that the histopathological lesions caused by the experimental infection influenced increases in cortisol, neutrophil and monocyte levels. In addition to this, we detected increased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in the infected animals.

Synergistic effect of serine protease inhibitors and a bothropic antivenom in reducing local hemorrhage and coagulopathy caused by Bothrops jararaca venom.

Snakebite accidents are a public health problem that affects the whole world, causing thousands of deaths and amputations each year. In Brazil, snakebite envenomations are caused mostly by snakes from the Bothrops genus. The local symptoms are characterized by pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and hemorrhages. Systemic disturbances can lead to necrosis and amputations. The present treatment consists of intravenous administration of bothropic antivenom, which is capable of reversing most of the systemic symptoms, while presenting limitations to treat the local effects, such as hemorrhage and to neutralize the snake venom serine protease (SVSP). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the activity of selective serine protease inhibitors (pepC and pepB) in combination with the bothropic antivenom in vivo. Further, we assessed their possible synergistic effect in the treatment of coagulopathy and hemorrhage induced by Bothrops jararaca venom. For this, we evaluated the in vivo activity in mouse models of local hemorrhage and a series of in vitro hemostasis assays. Our results showed that pepC and pepB, when combinated with the antivenom, increase its protective activity in vivo and decrease the hemostatic disturbances in vitro with high selectivity, possibly by inhibiting botropic proteases. These data suggest that the addition of serine protease inhibitor to the antivenom can improve its overall potential.

Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities in post-COVID-19 patients: a case series.

A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.

Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities in post-COVID-19 patients: a case series

A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.

Synergistic effect of serine protease inhibitors and a bothropic antivenom in reducing local hemorrhage and coagulopathy caused by Bothrops jararaca venom

Snakebite accidents are a public health problem that affects the whole world, causing thousands of deaths and amputations each year. In Brazil, snakebite envenomations are caused mostly by snakes from the Bothrops genus. The local symptoms are characterized by pain, swelling, ecchymosis, and hemorrhages. Systemic disturbances can lead to necrosis and amputations. The present treatment consists of intravenous administration of bothropic antivenom, which is capable of reversing most of the systemic symptoms, while presenting limitations to treat the local effects, such as hemorrhage and to neutralize the snake venom serine protease (SVSP). In this context, we aimed to evaluate the activity of selective serine protease inhibitors (pepC and pepB) in combination with the bothropic antivenom in vivo. Further, we assessed their possible synergistic effect in the treatment of coagulopathy and hemorrhage induced by Bothrops jararaca venom. For this, we evaluated the in vivo activity in mouse models of local hemorrhage and a series of in vitro hemostasis assays. Our results showed that pepC and pepB, when combinated with the antivenom, increase its protective activity in vivo and decrease the hemostatic disturbances in vitro with high selectivity, possibly by inhibiting botropic proteases. These data suggest that the addition of serine protease inhibitor to the antivenom can improve its overall potential.

Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities in post-COVID-19 patients: a case series

A new concept of multisystem disease has emerged as a long-term condition following mild-severe COVID-19 infection. The main symptoms of this affection are breathlessness, chest pain, and fatigue. We present here the clinical case of four COVID-19 patients during hospitalization and 60 days after hospital discharge. Physiological impairment of all patients was assessed by spirometry, dyspnea score, arterial blood gas, and 6-minute walk test 60 days after hospital discharge, and computed tomographic scan 90 days after discharge. All patients had fatigue, which was not related to hypoxemia or impaired spirometry values, and interstitial lung alterations, which occurred in both mechanically ventilated and non-mechanically ventilated patients. In conclusion, identifying the prevalence and patterns of permanent lung damage is paramount in preventing and treating COVID-19-induced fibrotic lung disease. Additionally, and based on our preliminary results, it will be also relevant to establish long-term outpatient programs for these individuals.(AU)

CLINICAL, HEMATOLOGICAL AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BORRELIOSIS IN HORSES FROM SAO PAULO, BRAZIL

Lyme borreliosis is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and affects humans and many other mammals, including horses. This disease is poorly studied and reported in horses, and epidemiological surveys are required to provide more precise information about the course of the disease. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of seropositive horses for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in São Paulo State, Brazil and to collect data on possible risk factors associated with the disease along with clinical and hematological changes in seropositive horses. There was verified that there was a high correlation between the occurrence of seropositive horses infested with Amblyomma sculptum ticks and the presence of capybaras on the property as well as the occurrence of abortion and retained placenta in mares. In terms of hematological alterations, the occurrence of lymphopenia was observed in seropositive animals. Borreliosis in horses from São Paulo, Brazil can be associated with presence of Amblyomma scupltum ticks, proximity with capybaras and can be manifested as alterations in reproduction of mares and lymphopenia.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis: pathologic findings in Swiss mice infected with different doses of Angiostrongylus costaricensis.

Abdominal angiostrongyliasis is caused by Angiostrongylus costaricensis, the definitive and intermediate hosts of which are wild rodents and terrestrial molluscs, respectively. Humans are accidental hosts and can be infected by ingesting the third-stage (infective) larvae (L3). It remains unclear whether the number of L3 inoculated is related to lesion severity. Our aim was to analyse histopathological alterations in Swiss mice infected with different doses of A. costaricensis. Thirty-two mice were randomly divided into four groups (n = 8/group): uninfected, control mice; mice infected with a low dose (five L3); mice infected with an intermediate dose (15 L3); and mice infected with a high dose (30 L3). The frequency of intestinal thrombi, splenitis, eggs/larvae, hepatic infarction and acute pancreatitis differed among the groups, the last being considered a significant finding. We conclude that different infective doses alter the histopathological aspects of the infection in Swiss mice, those aspects being more pronounced at medium and high doses, with no effect on the development of the disease. This experimental model shows that the parasite life cycle can be maintained in Swiss mice through the inoculation of a low dose (five L3).

Supplying sows energy on the expected day of farrowing improves farrowing kinetics and newborn piglet performance in the first 24 h after birth.

The farrowing process is one of the most energy-demanding activities for the modern hyperprolific sow. This study evaluated the effects of supply of energy on the expected date of farrowing on the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance during the first 24 h after birth. A total of 80 sows were used. The sows and their respective litters were considered as the experimental unit. On the expected day of farrowing, the sows were allocated to one of the following groups: sows that did not have access to feed from farrowing induction until the end of the farrowing process (CON, n = 40); sows fed 500 g of energetic supplement, which consisted of 250 g of the basal lactation diet plus 250 g of cane sugar, 18 h after farrowing induction (SUP, n = 40). The farrowing duration, farrowing assistance, birth interval, number of total born, stillborn and mummified piglets were recorded for each sow. Piglets were weighed individually at birth and 24 h later. The interval from birth to first suckle was evaluated individually for each piglet in 16 randomly selected litters (eight litters per treatment group). Blood glucose concentrations of six sows were measured shortly after expulsion of the first piglet. Farrowing duration, farrowing assistance and stillborn rate tended to be greater (P = 0.06, P = 0.09 and P = 0.07, respectively) in sows from the CON group compared to sows from the SUP group. However, there was no difference (P > 0.05) between the groups for birth interval. Colostrum intake was greater (P < 0.05) for piglets from the SUP group compared to piglets from the CON group. Additionally, BW gain of the piglets suckling the SUP group was greater (P < 0.05) than those suckling the CON group at 24 h after birth. The blood glucose concentrations during the expulsive stage of farrowing were greater (P < 0.05) in the SUP group than for sows from the CON group. In conclusion, supplying modern hyperprolific sows energy on the expected day of farrowing is a valuable nutritional intervention to improve the farrowing kinetics and piglets' performance in early life.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 3D versus 2D transesophageal echocardiography for the evaluation of patients with primary mitral regurgitation with indication of surgical treatment

OBJECTIVES: To perform the cost-effectiveness analysis of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3DTEE) in comparison to two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE) for the anatomic-functional evaluation and surgical planning of severe primary mitral regurgitation. METHODS: a complete economic study was based on a systematic review of 3DTEE and 2DTEE accuracy and private health system costs of two different surgical interventions: mitral valve plasty and mitral valve replacement. The prevalence of common postoperative complications was also predicted for elective procedures: atrial fibrillation (8.6%); acute myocardial infarction (1.4%); thrombosis (3.5%); bleeding (1.5%); endocarditis (6.3%). The decision tree method was adopted as a data analysis model. The Bayes" theorem was used based on sensitivity and specificity measurements. The costs, considering literature and professional tables, were: 3DTEE = US$ 349; 2DTEE = US$ 204; diagnostic evaluation = US$ 597; surgical procedure = US$ 3,643; surgical treatment = US$ 374. RESULTS: The deterministic analysis of the diagnostic test shows that 3DTEE (non-dominated) is superior to 2DTEE (absolutely dominated). The 3DTEE presents a cost reduction of US$ 1,147 and incremental effectiveness (true identification) of 22% when compared to 2DTEE. The multivariate probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that after 100,000 iterations, the diagnosis based on the 3DTEE becomes the first choice regardless of the willingness to pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: 3DTEE was cost-effective compared to 2DTEE. Thus, 3DTEE is a potential device to promote health compared to 2DTEE for surgical planning of severe primary mitral regurgitation. (AU)

Isoflavones improve collagen I and glycosaminoglycans and prevent bone loss in type 1 diabetic rats.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of soy isoflavones (ISO) and 17ß-estradiol on collagen I (CollI) and sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the bone matrix of diabetic rats.Methods: Sixty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) underwent ovariectomy, and then were randomized into six groups of 10 animals each: GI, sham control ovariectomized animals; GII, sham control diabetic (DM) ovariectomized animals; GIII, control ovariectomized animals receiving propylene glycol vehicle; GIV, control ovariectomized DM animals receiving propylene glycol vehicle; GV, ovariectomized DM animals treated with ISO (150 mg/kg by gavage); and GVI, ovariectomized DM animals treated with estrogen (17ß-estradiol, 10 mg/kg, subcutaneously). 17ß-Estradiol was used as a positive control when compared with ISO. To obtain significant depletion of the estrogen levels and subsequent bone loss, a postsurgical period of 90 days was observed. Treatments occurred during 30 consecutive days. After euthanasia, shafts of the animals' femurs were immersed in liquid nitrogen for molecular biology analysis, and the distal femurs were removed and processed for paraffin embedding.Results: ISO (GV) and 17ß-estradiol (GVI) improved bone formation, increasing GAGs and CollI formation when compared to the control group (GIV) (p < 0.05).Conclusions: ISO and 17ß-estradiol contribute to the decrease of bone loss in diabetic rats.