Loxosceles amazonica Brown Spider venom: Insights into enzymatic activities, immunorecognition, and novel phospholipase D isoforms.

The Loxosceles genus represents one of the main arachnid genera of medical importance in Brazil. Despite the gravity of Loxosceles-related accidents, just a handful of species are deemed medically important and only a few have undergone comprehensive venom characterization. Loxosceles amazonica is a notable example of a potentially dangerous yet understudied Loxosceles species. While there have been limited reports of accidents involving L. amazonica to date, accidents related to Loxosceles are increasing in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, where L. amazonica has been reported. In this work, we provide a complementary biochemical and immunological characterization of L. amazonica venom, considering its most relevant enzymatic activities and its immunorecognition and neutralization by current therapeutic antivenoms. Additionally, a cDNA library enriched with phospholipase D (PLD) sequences from L. amazonica venom glands was built and subsequently sequenced. The results showed that L. amazonica venom is well immunorecognised by all the tested antibodies. Its venom also displayed proteolytic, hyaluronidase, and sphingomyelinase activities. These activities were at least partially inhibited by available antivenoms. With cDNA sequencing of PLDs, seven new putative isoforms were identified in the venom of L. amazonica. These results contribute to a better knowledge of the venom content and activities of a synanthropic, yet understudied, Loxosceles species. In vivo assays are essential to confirm the medical relevance of L. amazonica, as well as to assess its true toxic potential and elucidate its related pathophysiology.

Corrosion Study on Duplex Stainless Steel UNS S31803 Subjected to Solutions Containing Chloride Ions.

In the present work, the influence of a corrosive environment and temperature on the corrosion resistance properties of duplex stainless steel S31803 was evaluated. The corrosive process was carried out using solutions of 1.5% HCl (m/m) and 6% FeCl3 (m/m), at temperatures of 25 and 50 °C. The microstructure of UNS S31803 duplex stainless steel is composed of two phases, ferrite and austenite, oriented in the rolling direction, containing a ferrite percentage of 46.2% in the rolling direction and 56.1% in the normal direction. Samples, when subjected to corrosive media and temperature, tend to decrease their mechanical property values. It was observed, in both corrosive media, that with increasing test temperature, there is an increase in the corrosion rate, both uniform and pitting. The sample in HCl solution obtained a uniform corrosion rate of 0.85% at 25 °C and 0.92% at 50 °C and pitting rates of 0.77% and 1.47% at the same temperatures, respectively. When tested in FeCl3 solution, it obtained uniform corrosion of 0.0006% and 0.93% and pitting of 0.53% and 18.5%, at the same temperatures. A reduction in dissolution potentials is also noted, thus characterizing greater corrosion in the samples with increasing temperature.

Antioxidant effects of LEDT in dystrophic muscle cells: involvement of PGC-1α and UCP-3 pathways.

PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial dysfunction play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The light-emitting diode therapy (LEDT) showed beneficial effects on the dystrophic muscles. However, the mechanisms of this therapy influence the molecular pathways in the dystrophic muscles, particularly related to antioxidant effects, which still needs to be elucidated. The current study provides muscle cell-specific insights into the effect of LEDT, 48 h post-irradiation, on oxidative stress and mitochondrial parameters in the dystrophic primary muscle cells in culture. METHODS: Dystrophic primary muscle cells were submitted to LEDT, at multiple wavelengths (420 nm, 470 nm, 660 nm and 850 nm), 0.5 J dose, and evaluated after 48 h based on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymatic system and biogenesis, and functional mitochondrial parameters. RESULTS: The mdx muscle cells treated with LEDT showed a significant reduction of H2O2 production and 4-HNE, catalase, SOD-2, and GR levels. Upregulation of UCP3 was observed with all wavelengths while upregulation of PGC-1α and a slight upregulation of electron transport chain complexes III and V was only observed following 850 nm LEDT. In addition, the mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial mass mostly tended to be increased following LEDT, while parameters like O2·- production tended to be decreased. CONCLUSION: The data shown here highlight the potential of LEDT as a therapeutic agent for DMD through its antioxidant action by modulating PGC-1α and UCP3 levels.

Influence of Pulsed Arc Parameters on the Tig Welding Process for the Stainless Steel Duplex UNS S31803.

The influence of parameters involved in the pulsed electric arc, used as an energy source in the tungsten inert gas (TIG)-mediated welding of Duplex UNS S31803 stainless steel, to attend the manufacture of flexible pipes for the extraction of oil and gas is presented. A fundamental part in the manufacturing process of flexible pipelines is the welding of these strips so that corresponding TIG welds will be subjected to the same process and work conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the same properties in the welded regions. Covering the effects of each parameter of the pulsed electric arc such as peak and base current as welds, cyclic ratio, and pulsation frequency is a desirable endeavor. The final objective is the mitigation of problems that have a great impact on production, such as weld breakage during the conformation of the strip in the process and test failures. With this, tensile, bending, and ferrite percentage tests were performed on 12 samples that qualified as satisfactory in the visual aspect. A minimum tensile strength of 734.57 MPa and a maximum of 775.77 MPa were obtained where all values found are above the tensile strength limit of the base material of 620 MPa. With the completion of the study, it is possible to understand not only the response of the process to each parameter but also the tendency when changing them. Moreover, it is possible to explore the possibility of guiding the changes to achieve results about the visual aspect and the mechanical properties of the welded material.

Low-Level Photobiomodulation Therapy Modulates H2O2 Production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α Levels in the Dystrophic Muscle.

Objective: This study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) effects on the factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, on the mitochondrial respiratory complexes, and on the transient receptor potential canonical channels (such as TRPC-1 and TRPC-6) in in vitro (mdx muscle cells) and in vivo studies (gastrocnemius muscle) from mdx mice, the dystrophin-deficient model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Background: There is no successful treatment for DMD, therefore demanding search for new therapies that can improve the muscle role, the quality of life, and the survival of dystrophic patients. Methods: The dystrophic primary muscle cells received PBMT at 0.6 J and 5 J, and the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle received PBMT at 0.6 J. Results: The dystrophic muscle cells treated with PBMT (0.6 J and 5 J) showed no cytotoxicity and significantly lower levels in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production. We also demonstrated, for the first time, the capacity of PBMT, at a low dose (0.6 J), in reducing the TRPC-6 content and in raising the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) content in the dystrophic gastrocnemius muscle. Conclusions: PBMT modulates H2O2 production, TRPC-6, and PGC-1α content in the dystrophic muscle. These results suggest that laser therapy could act as an auxiliary therapy in the treatment of dystrophic patients.

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein alters microglial purinergic signaling.

Despite long-term sequelae of COVID-19 are emerging as a substantial public health concern, the mechanism underlying these processes still unclear. Evidence demonstrates that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can reach different brain regions, irrespective of viral brain replication resulting in activation of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and neuroinflammation. Considering that microglia dysfunction, which is regulated by a whole array of purinergic receptors, may be a central event in COVID-19 neuropathology, we investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein on microglial purinergic signaling. Here, we demonstrate that cultured microglial cells (BV2 line) exposed to Spike protein induce ATP secretion and upregulation of P2Y6, P2Y12, NTPDase2 and NTPDase3 transcripts. Also, immunocytochemistry analysis shows that spike protein increases the expression of P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y6, and P2Y12 in BV2 cells. Additional, hippocampal tissue of Spike infused animals (6,5ug/site, i.c.v.) presents increased mRNA levels of P2X7, P2Y1, P2Y6, P2Y12, NTPDase1, and NTPDase2. Immunohistochemistry experiments confirmed high expression of the P2X7 receptor in microglial cells in CA3/DG hippocampal regions after spike infusion. These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein modulates microglial purinergic signaling and opens new avenues for investigating the potential of purinergic receptors to mitigate COVID-19 consequences.

Partial characterization of Loxosceles anomala (Mello-Leitão, 1917) venom: A brown spider of potential medical concern.

The spider's genus Loxosceles (also known as "brown spiders") is one of the few ones of medical importance in Brazil, being Loxosceles anomala a species of common occurrence in the Southeast region. This species is usually smaller in size than the other members of the Loxosceles group. A single human accident involving L. anomala was reported to date and the clinical picture shared similar characteristics with accidents caused by other Loxosceles species. Despite the potential relevance of L. anomalafor loxocelism in Minas Gerais state, its venom activity has never been characterized. In this work, we provide a preliminary characterization of L. anomala venom, considering its most relevant enzymatic activities and its venom immunorecognition by current therapeutic antivenoms. The results showed that L. anomala venom is immunorecognised by therapeutic antivenoms and by anti-phospholipase D antibodies. Its venom also shows enzymatic activities (sphingomyelinase activity, fibrinogenolytic) described for other Loxosceles venoms. This work contributes to a better knowledge on the venom content and activities of synanthropic Loxosceles species that have the potential of causing relevant human accidents.

Biofilm Formation by Chromoblastomycosis Fungi Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Phialophora verrucosa: Involvement with Antifungal Resistance.

Patients with chromoblastomycosis (CBM) suffer chronic tissue lesions that are hard to treat. Considering that biofilm is the main growth lifestyle of several pathogens and it is involved with both virulence and resistance to antimicrobial drugs, we have investigated the ability of CBM fungi to produce this complex, organized and multicellular structure. Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Phialophora verrucosa conidial cells were able to adhere on a polystyrene abiotic substrate, differentiate into hyphae and produce a robust viable biomass containing extracellular matrix. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the tridimensional architecture of the mature biofilms, revealing a dense network of interconnected hyphae, inner channels and amorphous extracellular polymeric material. Interestingly, the co-culture of each fungus with THP-1 macrophage cells, used as a biotic substrate, induced the formation of a mycelial trap covering and damaging the macrophages. In addition, the biofilm-forming cells of F. pedrosoi and P. verrucosa were more resistant to the conventional antifungal drugs than the planktonic-growing conidial cells. The efflux pump activities of P. verrucosa and F. pedrosoi biofilms were significantly higher than those measured in conidia. Taken together, the data pointed out the biofilm formation by CBM fungi and brought up a discussion of the relevance of studies about their antifungal resistance mechanisms.

Antioxidant effects of bis-indole alkaloid indigo and related signaling pathways in the experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Indigo is a bis-indolic alkaloid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects reported in literature and is a promissory compound for treating chronic inflammatory diseases. This fact prompted to investigate the effects of this alkaloid in the experimental model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of the indigo on oxidative stress and related signaling pathways in primary skeletal muscle cell cultures and in the diaphragm muscle from mdx mice. The MTT and Neutral Red assays showed no indigo dose-dependent toxicities in mdx muscle cells at concentrations analyzed (3.12, 6.25, 12.50, and 25.00 µg/mL). Antioxidant effect of indigo, in mdx muscle cells and diaphragm muscle, was demonstrated by reduction in 4-HNE content, H2O2 levels, DHE reaction, and lipofuscin granules. A significant decrease in the inflammatory process was identified by a reduction on TNF and NF-κB levels, on inflammatory area, and on macrophage infiltration in the dystrophic sample, after indigo treatment. Upregulation of PGC-1α and SIRT1 in dystrophic muscle cells treated with indigo was also observed. These results suggest the potential of indigo as a therapeutic agent for muscular dystrophy, through their action anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and modulator of SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway.

A Review of the Use of Natural Fibers in Cement Composites: Concepts, Applications and Brazilian History.

The use of natural lignocellulosic fibers has become popular all over the world, as they are abundant, low-cost materials that favor a series of technological properties when used in cementitious composites. Due to its climate and geographic characteristics, Brazil has an abundant variety of natural fibers that have great potential for use in civil construction. The objective of this work is to present the main concepts about lignocellulosic fibers in cementitious composites, highlighting the innovation and advances in this topic in relation to countries such as Brazil, which has a worldwide prominence in the production of natural fibers. For this, some common characteristics of lignocellulosic fibers will be observed, such as their source, their proportion of natural polymers (biological structure of the fiber), their density and other mechanical characteristics. This information is compared with the mechanical characteristics of synthetic fibers to analyze the performance of composites reinforced with both types of fibers. Despite being inferior in tensile and flexural strength, composites made from vegetable fibers have an advantage in relation to their low density. The interface between the fiber and the composite matrix is what will define the final characteristics of the composite material. Due to this, different fibers (reinforcement materials) were analyzed in the literature in order to observe their characteristics in cementitious composites. Finally, the different surface treatments through which the fibers undergo will determine the fiber-matrix interface and the final characteristics of the cementitious composite.

Cross-talk between TRPC-1, mTOR, PGC-1α and PPARδ in the dystrophic muscle cells treated with tempol.

Background Ca2+ dysregulation and oxidative damage appear to have a central role in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) progression. The current study provides muscle cell-specific insights into the effect of Tempol on the TRPC 1 channel; on the positive and negative regulators of muscle cell differentiation; on the antioxidant enzymatic system; on the activators of mitochondrial biogenesis; and on the inflammatory process in the dystrophic primary muscle cells in culture. METHODS: Mdx myotubes were treated with Tempol (5 mM) for 24 h. Untreated mdx myotubes and C57BL/10 myotubes were used as controls. RESULTS: The Trypan Blue, MTT and Live/Dead Cell assays showed that Tempol (5 mM) presented no cytotoxic effect on the dystrophic muscle cells. The Tempol treated-mdx muscle cells showed significantly lower levels in the fluorescence intensity of intracellular calcium; TRPC-1 channel; MyoD; H2O2 and O2•- production; 4-HNE levels; SOD2, CAT and GPx levels; and TNF levels. On the other hand, SOD, CAT and GR mRNA relative expression were significantly higher in Tempol treated-mdx muscle cells. In addition, higher levels of Myogenin, MHC-Slow, mTOR, PGC-1α and PPARδ were also observed in Tempol treated-mdx muscle cells. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that Tempol decreased intracellular calcium and oxidative stress in primary dystrophic muscle cells, promoting a cross-talk between TRPC-1, mTOR, PGC-1α and PPARδ.

Multiple LEDT wavelengths modulate the Akt signaling pathways and attenuate pathological events in mdx dystrophic muscle cells.

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of LEDT, at multiple wavelengths, on intracellular calcium concentration; on transient receptor potential canonical channels; on calcium-binding protein; on myogenic factors; on myosin heavy chains; on Akt signaling pathway; on inflammatory markers; and on the angiogenic-inducing factor in dystrophic muscle cell culture experimental model. Dystrophic primary muscle cells were submitted to LEDT, at multiple wavelengths (420 nm, 470 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm), and evaluated after 48 h for cytotoxic effects and intracellular calcium content. TRPC-1, TRPC-6, Calsequestrin, MyoD, Myogenin, MHC-slow, MHC-fast, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-FoxO1, Myostatin, NF-κB, TNF-α, and VEGF levels were evaluated in dystrophic primary muscle cells by western blotting. The LEDT, at multiple wavelengths, treated-mdx muscle cells showed no cytotoxic effect and significant lower levels in [Ca2 +]i. The mdx muscle cells treated with LEDT showed a significant reduction of TRPC-1, NF-κB, TNF-α and MyoD levels and a significant increase of Myogenin, MHC-slow, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-FoxO1 levels, and VEGF levels. Our findings suggest that different LEDT wavelengths modulate the Akt-signaling pathways and attenuate pathological events in dystrophic muscle cells, and a combined multiwavelength irradiation protocol may even provide a potentially therapeutic strategy for muscular dystrophies.

Prevalência da síndrome da fragilidade e perfil clínico e sociodemográfico dos idosos institucionalizados de Pindamonhangaba/SP / Prevalence of frailty syndrome and clinical and sociodemographic profile of institutionalized elderly in Pindamonhangaba/SP

A Síndrome da Fragilidade (SF) é a resposta do organismo do idoso frente ao aumento da vulnerabilidade a estressores que redundam em diminuição das reservas fisiológicas e desregulação de múltiplos sistemas. Aspectos sociais e emocionais podem potencializar essa vulnerabilidade, sendo a institucionalização do idoso um agente potencializador desse quadro. Objetivo: Estimar a prevalência da SF e caracterizar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos idosos institucionalizados de Pindamonhangaba/SP. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal descritivo. Para tanto, foram incluídos 31 idosos de ambos os sexos, residentes em duas Instituições de Longa Permanência para Idosos (ILPI) do município de Pindamonhangaba/SP. A SF avalia: perda de peso não intencional, autorrelato de exaustão ou fadiga, diminuição da força muscular pela força de preensão palmar, lentidão na marcha e baixo nível de atividade física. Resultados: A prevalência da SF em idosos institucionalizados foi de 67,4%. Considerando os cinco itens que compõe a SF, a perda de peso não intencional esteve presente em 61,9% dos idosos, o autorrelato de exaustão ou fadiga em 66,6%, o baixo nível de atividade física em 66,6%, a lentidão na marcha em 71,4% e a diminuição da força de preensão palmar em 95,2%. A maior prevalência de idosos frágeis esteve entre os homens (41,9%), e as morbidades mais comuns foram: depressão (32,3%), hipertensão arterial sistêmica (38,7%), sintomas musculoesqueléticos (67,7%), alterações no equilíbrio (74,2%) e características sugestivas de alterações cognitivas (83,9%). Conclusão: A prevalência da SF entre os idosos do estudo foi alta com predomínio no sexo masculino. Destacou-se no perfil clínico, também, a alta prevalência, as características sugestivas de alterações cognitivas, a alteração do equilíbrio e risco de quedas e o sobrepeso ou obesidade. (AU)

Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Activators of Mitochondrial Biogenesis: Tempol Targets in the Diaphragm Muscle of Exercise Trained-mdx Mice.

The mdx mouse phenotype aggravated by chronic exercise on a treadmill makes this murine model more reliable for the study of muscular dystrophy. Thus, to better assess the Tempol effect on dystrophic pathways, the analyses in this study were performed in the blood samples and diaphragm muscle from treadmill trained adult (7-11-weeks old) mdx animals. The mdx mice were divided into three groups: mdxSed, sedentary controls (n = 28); mdxEx, exercise-trained animals (n = 28); and mdxEx+T, exercise-trained animals with the Tempol treatment (n = 28). The results demonstrated that the Tempol treatment promoted muscle strength gain, prevented muscle damage, reduced the inflammatory process, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis regulator, and up regulated the activators of mitochondrial biogenesis. The main new findings of this study are that Tempol reduced the NF-κB and increased the PGC1-α and PPARδ levels in the exercise-trained-mdx mice, which are probably related to the ability of this antioxidant to scavenge excessive ROS. These results reinforce the use of Tempol as a potential therapeutic strategy in DMD.

Accidental falls in middle-aged women.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of accidental falls in women and to identify possible associations of sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle variables with falls, in 2007 and 2014. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were performed, in 2007 and 2014, within the Projeto de Saúde de Pindamonhangaba (PROSAPIN - Pindamonhangaba Health Project), with women aged between 35 to 75 years. Probabilistic samples were selected among women living in the municipality and participating in the Health Family Strategy. Data collection included: face-to-face interview, anthropometric examination and blood test. The outcome variable "have you fallen in the last six months?" was raised during the interview. The prevalence of falls in 2007 and 2014 were estimated by score with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify the association of independent variables with the occurrence of falls for each year based on the odds ratio (OR). We used the Stata 14.0 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of accidental falls were: 17.6% (95%CI 14.9-20.5) in 2007 and 17.2% (95%CI 14.8-19.8) in 2014. In 2007, factors associated with falls were: aged 50-64 years (OR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.17-2.80), high school (OR = 1.76; 95%CI 1.06-2.93), hyperuricemia (OR = 3.74; 95%CI 2.17-6.44), depression (OR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.31-3.27), poor sleep (OR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.12-2.82) and daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.86; 95%CI 1.16-2.99). In 2014, they were: aged 50-64 years (OR = 1.64; 95%CI 1.04-2.58), hyperuricemia (OR = 1.91; 95%CI 1.07-3.43) and depression (OR = 1.56; 95%CI 1.02-2.38), plus metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.60; 95%CI 1.03-2.47) and musculoskeletal pain (OR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.03-3.18). CONCLUSIONS: Falls occur significantly in women aged 50 years or over, indicating that they are not restricted to older adults and that there is a need to initiate preventive measures earlier. Both studies showed similar magnitudes of occurrence of accidental falls and reinforced their multifactorial nature. In addition, hyperuricemia may be a potential new factor associated with falls.

Tempol improves redox status in mdx dystrophic diaphragm muscle.

Oxidative stress is a critical element in relationship to the pathophysiology of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). In the mice the diaphragm (DIA) is most resembles the dystrophic human pathology. In this study we have evaluated the consequences of a synthetic antioxidant (tempol) on oxidative stress parameters in the DIA muscle of mdx mice. The mdx mice were separated into two groups: mdx, the control group receiving intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of saline solution (100 µL), and mdxT, the treated group receiving i.p. injections of tempol (100 mg/kg). The tempol-treated group showed reduced oxidative stress markers, decreasing the dihydroethidium reaction (DHE) area; autofluorescent lipofuscin granules; and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-protein adduct levels. DIA muscle of mdx mice. At the same time, the manganese-superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) levels were increased in the tempol-treated group. In addition, the tempol-treated group showed reduced levels of glutathione-disulphide reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and catalase (CAT) in immunoblots. The tempol-treated group has also shown lower relative gene expression of SOD1, CAT and GPx than the non-treated group. Our data demonstrated that tempol treatment reduced oxidant parameters and increased anti-oxidant SOD2 levels in the DIA muscle of mdx mice, which may contribute to the normalization of the redox homeostasis of dystrophic muscles.

Analysis of NH3-N Slow Release systems for fiber digestibility of low-quality forage: in vitro approach

Urea is a common non-protein supplement used in ruminant feed; however, excessive consumption may lead to poisoning by NH3. Although the slow release of urea into the rumen has shown to be an essential aspect for ruminant feed, to date only a few studies have addressed this matter. In this study we examined the influence of five different NH3-N slow release systems based on clay-urea nanocomposites on the fiber digestibility of low-quality forage (sugarcane straw) in vitro. Physical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated and their effects on digestibility were tested in vitro using pristine urea as a positive control (level of 1 % of DM of sugarcane straw sample) and sugarcane (with no additives) as a negative control. Ammonia release and digestibility were evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96-h. Generally, all nanocomposites increased (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber over control under all the conditions stipulated, but the samples with hydrogel content were more expressive. We concluded that an ideal release rate and optimum environment for microbial synthesis are necessary to maximize the digestion of sugarcane.

Analysis of NH3-N Slow Release systems for fiber digestibility of low-quality forage: in vitro approach

Urea is a common non-protein supplement used in ruminant feed; however, excessive consumption may lead to poisoning by NH3. Although the slow release of urea into the rumen has shown to be an essential aspect for ruminant feed, to date only a few studies have addressed this matter. In this study we examined the influence of five different NH3-N slow release systems based on clay-urea nanocomposites on the fiber digestibility of low-quality forage (sugarcane straw) in vitro. Physical properties of nanocomposites were evaluated and their effects on digestibility were tested in vitro using pristine urea as a positive control (level of 1 % of DM of sugarcane straw sample) and sugarcane (with no additives) as a negative control. Ammonia release and digestibility were evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96-h. Generally, all nanocomposites increased (p < 0.05) digestibility of fiber over control under all the conditions stipulated, but the samples with hydrogel content were more expressive. We concluded that an ideal release rate and optimum environment for microbial synthesis are necessary to maximize the digestion of sugarcane.(AU)

Accidental falls in middle-aged women / Quedas acidentais em mulheres de meia-idade

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of accidental falls in women and to identify possible associations of sociodemographic, clinical and lifestyle variables with falls, in 2007 and 2014. METHODS Two cross-sectional studies were performed, in 2007 and 2014, within the Projeto de Saúde de Pindamonhangaba (PROSAPIN - Pindamonhangaba Health Project), with women aged between 35 to 75 years. Probabilistic samples were selected among women living in the municipality and participating in the Health Family Strategy. Data collection included: face-to-face interview, anthropometric examination and blood test. The outcome variable "have you fallen in the last six months?" was raised during the interview. The prevalence of falls in 2007 and 2014 were estimated by score with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Multiple logistic regression models were constructed to identify the association of independent variables with the occurrence of falls for each year based on the odds ratio (OR). We used the Stata 14.0 software for statistical analysis. RESULTS The prevalence of accidental falls were: 17.6% (95%CI 14.9-20.5) in 2007 and 17.2% (95%CI 14.8-19.8) in 2014. In 2007, factors associated with falls were: aged 50-64 years (OR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.17-2.80), high school (OR = 1.76; 95%CI 1.06-2.93), hyperuricemia (OR = 3.74; 95%CI 2.17-6.44), depression (OR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.31-3.27), poor sleep (OR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.12-2.82) and daytime sleepiness (OR = 1.86; 95%CI 1.16-2.99). In 2014, they were: aged 50-64 years (OR = 1.64; 95%CI 1.04-2.58), hyperuricemia (OR = 1.91; 95%CI 1.07-3.43) and depression (OR = 1.56; 95%CI 1.02-2.38), plus metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.60; 95%CI 1.03-2.47) and musculoskeletal pain (OR = 1.81; 95%CI 1.03-3.18). CONCLUSIONS Falls occur significantly in women aged 50 years or over, indicating that they are not restricted to older adults and that there is a need to initiate preventive measures earlier. Both studies showed similar magnitudes of occurrence of accidental falls and reinforced their multifactorial nature. In addition, hyperuricemia may be a potential new factor associated with falls.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a prevalência de quedas acidentais em mulheres e identificar possíveis associações de variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas e de hábitos de vida com as quedas, em 2007 e 2014. MÉTODOS Foram realizados dois estudos transversais, em 2007 e 2014, dentro do Projeto de Saúde de Pindamonhangaba (PROSAPIN), com mulheres com idades variando de 35 a 75 anos. As amostras probabilísticas foram selecionadas dentre as mulheres residentes no município e participantes da Estratégia Saúde da Família. A coleta de dados incluiu: entrevista face a face, exame antropométrico e exame sanguíneo. A variável de desfecho "Sofreu queda nos últimos seis meses?" foi levantada durante a entrevista. Foram estimadas as prevalências de quedas em 2007 e 2014 por ponto e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). Modelos de regressão logística múltipla foram construídos para identificar a associação das variáveis independentes e a ocorrência de quedas para cada ano a partir da odds ratio (OR). Utilizou-se o software Stata 14.0 para análise estatística. RESULTADOS As prevalências de quedas acidentais foram: 17,6% (IC95% 14,9-20,5) em 2007 e 17,2% (IC95% 14,8-19,8) em 2014. Em 2007 os fatores associados a quedas foram: idade de 50-64 anos (OR = 1,81; IC95% 1,17-2,80), ensino médio (OR = 1,76; IC95% 1,06-2,93), hiperuricemia (OR = 3,74; IC95% 2,17-6,44), depressão (OR = 2,07; IC95% 1,31-3,27), sono ruim (OR = 1,78; IC95% 1,12-2,82) e sonolência diurna (OR = 1,86; IC95% 1,16-2,99). Em 2014 permaneceram: idade de 50-64 anos (OR = 1,64; IC95% 1,04-2,58), hiperuricemia (OR = 1,91; IC95% 1,07-3,43) e depressão (OR = 1,56; IC95% 1,02-2,38), acrescidos da síndrome metabólica (OR = 1,60; IC95% 1,03-2,47) e da dor musculoesquelética (OR = 1,81; IC95% 1,03-3,18). CONCLUSÕES As quedas ocorrem de maneira importante em mulheres a partir dos 50 anos, indicando que não são restritas a idosos e que há necessidade de iniciar medidas preventivas mais precocemente. Os dois estudos mostraram magnitudes semelhantes de ocorrência de quedas acidentais e reforçaram sua multifatorialidade. Além disso, a hiperuricemia pode ser um potencial novo fator associado a quedas.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation acts as antioxidant on dystrophic muscle cells.

Increased oxidative stress is a frequent feature in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). High reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, associated with altered enzyme antioxidant activity, have been reported in dystrophic patients and mdx mice, an experimental model of DMD. In this study, we investigated the effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on oxidative stress marker levels and calcium concentration in primary cultures of dystrophic muscle cells from mdx mice. Primary cultures of skeletal muscle cells from C57BL/10 and mdx mice were treated with coenzyme Q10 (5 µM) for 24 h. The untreated mdx and C57BL/10 muscle cells were used as controls. The MTT and live/dead cell assays showed that CoQ10 presented no cytotoxic effect on normal and dystrophic muscle cells. Intracellular calcium concentration, H2O2 production, 4-HNE, and SOD-2 levels were higher in mdx muscle cells. No significant difference in the catalase, GPx, and Gr levels was found between experimental groups. This study demonstrated that CoQ10 treatment was able to reduce levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H2O2, acting as an antioxidant, as well as decreasing abnormal intracellular calcium influx in dystrophic muscles cells. This study demonstrated that CoQ10 treatment was able to reduce levels of oxidative stress markers, such as H2O2, acting as an antioxidant, as well as decreasing abnormal intracellular calcium influx in dystrophic muscles cells. Our findings also suggest that the decrease of oxidative stress reduces the need for upregulation of antioxidant pathways, such as SOD and GSH.