Insect (Hexapoda) Diversity in the Oceanic Archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil: Clusiidae (Diptera).

For the first time, Clusiidae (Diptera) species are recorded from the oceanic Archipelago Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. They are represented by three genera and seven species: Czernyola fumialula sp. nov., Heteromeringia czernyi Kertsz, 1903, Sobarocephala araujoi sp. nov., S. finnilaei Frey, 1918, S. icmbio sp. nov., S. protea Lonsdale & Marshall, 2012, and S. sp. For S. icmbio sp. nov., the aggregation behavior at night was observed on the undersides of broad leaves, females contained an average of 71 eggs, and flight interception traps correlated a positive linear relationship with precipitation seasonally. An illustrated key is presented for all species of the Archipelago.

No effect of combined tele-exercises and nutritional coaching on anthropometric, body composition or exercise capacity outcomes in overweight and obese women: a randomized clinical trial / Ningún efecto de la combinación de ejercicios a distancia y entrenamiento Nutricional sobre los resultados antropométricos, de composición corporal o de capacidad de ejercicio en mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad: un ensayo clínico aleatorizado

Background: we aimed to investigate the isolated effect of tele-exercises (TE) and their combined effect with nutritional coaching (NC) on health-related parameters of overweight and obese individuals. Methods: forty-one overweight (body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2) and obese (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) women were randomly assigned to the experimental groups: TE (n = 20) or TE+NC (n = 21). TE was applied 3 days/week in both groups, while TE+NC also received NC 1 day/week. Anthropometric, body composition, and exercise capacity-related outcomes, quality of life, and eating behavior were assessed before and after 8 weeks of the intervention. Results: a significant main time effect (p < 0.01) was detected for flexibility, isometric muscle strength and dynamic muscle endurance, but no main group effect was noted (p > 0.05). On the other hand, neither a significant main time nor group effect (p > 0.05) was detected in the anthropometric and body composition measures, quality of life, or eating behavior. Similarly, no significant between-group difference was observed in the absolute or relative change analysis (all comparisons, p > 0.05). Conclusions: an 8-week TE program enhanced exercise capacity, but did not impact anthropometric or body composition-related outcomes. The combination of NC+TE did not have a clinical advantage in the management of overweight and obesity (AU)

Introducción: nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto aislado de los tele-ejercicios (TE) y su efecto combinado con el coaching Nutricional (CN) sobre los parámetros relacionados con la salud de las personas con sobrepeso y obesidad. Métodos: cuarenta y una mujeres con sobrepeso (índice de masa corporal ≥ 25 kg/m2) y obesas (índice de masa corporal ≥ 30 kg/m2) fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a los grupos experimentales: TE (n = 20) o TE+CN (n = 21). La TE se aplicó 3 días/semana en ambos grupos, mientras que el grupo TE+CN también recibió NC 1 día/semana. Se evaluaron los resultados antropométricos, la composición corporal y la capacidad de ejercicio, la calidad de vida y la conducta alimentaria antes y después de 8 semanas de intervención. Resultados: se detectó un efecto de tiempo principal significativo (p < 0,01) para la flexibilidad, la fuerza muscular isométrica y la resistencia muscular dinámica, pero no se observó ningún efecto de grupo principal (p > 0,05). Por otro lado, no se detectó ningún efecto de tiempo principal ni de grupo significativo (p > 0,05) en las medidas antropométricas y de composición corporal, calidad de vida o conducta alimentaria. De manera similar, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre los grupos en el análisis del cambio absoluto o relativo (todas las comparaciones, p > 0,05). Conclusiones: un programa de TE de 8 semanas mejoró la capacidad de ejercicio pero no afectó los resultados antropométricos o relacionados con la composición corporal. La combinación de CN + TE no obtuvo ninguna ventaja clínica en el manejo del sobrepeso y la obesidad (AU)

Benefits of flavonoid and metronidazole use after excisional hemorrhoidectomy: a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Excisional hemorrhoidectomy remains the most effective treatment for a significant group of patients with hemorrhoids, despite the potential for postoperative pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of flavonoid and metronidazole use in the postoperative period on patients undergoing excisional hemorrhoidectomy. METHODS: A double-blind randomized clinical study was performed. Sixty-eight patients underwent excisional hemorrhoidectomy and were randomized into 4 groups of 17 patients each to receive double-placebo (G1), metronidazole plus placebo (G2), flavonoids plus placebo (G3) or metronidazole plus flavonoids (G4) in the postoperative period. A standard analgesic protocol was offered equally for all groups. Postoperative pain, bleeding, edema, pruritus and tenesmus were evaluated during the following three periods: from immediately after the operation until postoperative day (POD)7, from POD 8 to POD 14, and from POD 15 to POD 30. The patients were required to complete symptom questionnaires and to attend postoperative follow-up on PODs 7, 14 and 30. The effect of each drug was assessed for each symptom, and the groups were compared with each other and over time. RESULTS: There was less severe pain in all postoperative periods in the groups using flavonoids (G3 and G4, both p < 0.0001), with an observed synergistic effect of flavonoids combined with metronidazole during the first 14 days after surgery (p < 0.0001). Flavonoid use was also associated with decreased bleeding (G3, p = 0.031 and G4, p = 0.016) between the first and second postoperative weeks CONCLUSIONS: The use of flavonoids alone and in combination with metronidazole resulted in a reduction of most symptoms, particularly pain, after excisional hemorrhoidectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The present study was registered in the SISNEP (document CAAE-0035.0.240.000-11), after approval by the research ethics committee (CEP) of the Hospital Felício Rocho (protocol nº393 / 11).

CD73 as a target to improve temozolomide chemotherapy effect in glioblastoma preclinical model.

Glioblastoma is the most devastating primary brain tumor and effective therapies are not available. Treatment is based on surgery followed by radio and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), but TMZ increases patient survival only by 2 months. CD73, an enzyme responsible for adenosine production, emerges as a target for glioblastoma treatment. Indeed, adenosine causes tumor-promoting actions and CD73 inhibition increases sensitivity to TMZ in vitro. Here, a cationic nanoemulsion to nasal delivery of siRNA CD73 (NE-siRNA CD73) aiming glioblastoma treatment was employed alone or in combination with TMZ. In vitro, two glioblastoma cell lines (C6 and U138MG) with a chemo-resistant profile were used. Treatment alone with NE-siRNA CD73 reduced C6 and U138MG glioma cell viability by 70% and 25%, respectively. On the other hand, when NE-siRNA + TMZ combined treatment was employed, a reduction of 85% and 33% of cell viability was observed. Notably, treatment with NE-siRNA CD73 of glioma-bearing Wistar rats reduced tumor size by 80%, 60% more than the standard chemotherapy with TMZ, but no synergistic or additive effect was observed in vivo. Additionally, NE-siRNA CD73, TMZ or combined therapy decreased adenosine levels in liquor confirming the importance of this nucleoside on in vivo GB growth. Finally, no hemolytic potential was observed. These results suggest that nasal administration of NE-siRNA CD73 exhibits higher antiglioma effect when compared to TMZ. However, no synergistic or additive in vivo was promoted by the therapeutic regimen employed in this study.

El consumo de la polidextrosa previene la obesidad y sus comorbilidades en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica / Polydextrose consumption prevents obesity and comorbidities in rats fed with a hypercaloric diet

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de las diferentes concentraciones de polidextrosa en la prevención de la obesidad y sus comorbilidades, en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica. Se utilizaron ratas machos Wistar, repartidos en 4 grupos: Grupo control (HC) y 3 grupos que recibieron dieta hipercalórica con suplementación del 2%, 4% y 6% de polidextrosa (HC2%P, HC4%P y HC6%P respectivamente). La dieta hipercalórica utilizada fue la del tipo de cafetería para inducir la obesidad. Se midió peso corporal e ingesta de la dieta, se realizaron pruebas de tolerancia a la glucosa y a la insulina. Los animales fueron sometidos a eutanasia para toma de muestra de sangre medidas antropométricas y pesaje de órganos y tejidos. La polidextrosa disminuyó significantemente el peso, la grasa corporal, la glicemia, los triglicéridos, la intolerancia a la glucosa y la resistencia a la insulina, y aumentó los niveles del colesterol HDL. Se concluye que el consumo de poli- dextrosa redujo las complicaciones derivadas de la obesidad en ratas alimentados con dieta hipercalórica, siendo éste un potencial tratamiento para el control de la obesidad, la diabetes tipo II y las enfermedades cardiovasculares.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different polydextrose concentrations for the prevention of obesity and its comorbidities in rats fed a high calorie diet. Thirty male Wistar rats were used. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Control group (HC) and 3 groups which received a hypercaloric diet with 2%, 4% and 6% polydextrose supplementation (HC2%P, HC4%P and HC6%P, respectively). The hypercaloric diet used was of the cafeteria type to induce obesity. Body weight and feed intake were verified weekly. Glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed five days before finalizing the experiment. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized for blood collection, anthropometric measurements and tissue weighing. Polydextrose significantly decreased weight, body fat, blood glucose, triglycerides, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance and increased HDL cholesterol levels. The use of polydextrose reduced the complications of obesity in mice fed a hypercaloric diet. In conclusion, polydextrose may be a promising treatment for controlling obesity, diabetes type II and cardiovascular diseases.

Nasal Administration of Cationic Nanoemulsions as CD73-siRNA Delivery System for Glioblastoma Treatment: a New Therapeutical Approach.

Glioblastoma is the most devastating primary brain tumor. Effective therapies are not available, mainly due to high tumor heterogeneity, chemoresistance, and the difficulties imposed by blood-brain barrier. CD73, an enzyme responsible for adenosine (ADO) production, is overexpressed in cancer cells and emerges as a target for glioblastoma treatment. Indeed, ADO causes a variety of tumor-promoting actions, particularly by inducing tumor immune escape, whereas CD73 inhibition impairs tumor progression. Here, a cationic nanoemulsion to deliver CD73siRNA (NE-siRNA CD73R) via nasal route aiming glioblastoma treatment was developed. NE-siRNA CD73R was uptaken by glioma cells in culture, resulting in a parallel 60-80% decrease in AMPase activity and 30-50% in cell viability. Upon nasal delivery, NE-siRNA CD73R was detected in rat brain and serum. Notably, treatment with CD73siRNA complexes of glioma-bearing Wistar rats reduced tumor growth by 60%. Additionally, NE-siRNA CD73R treatment decreased 95% ADO levels in liquor and tumor CD73 expression, confirming in vivo CD73 silencing. Finally, no toxicity was observed in either primary astrocytes or rats with this cationic nanoemulsion. These results suggest that nasal administration of cationic NE as CD73 siRNA delivery system represents a novel potential treatment for glioblastoma. Graphical Abstract Glioblastoma is the most common and devastating form of primary brain tumor. CD73, a protein involved in cell-cell adhesion and migration processes and also responsible for extracellular adenosine (ADO) production, is overexpressed by glioma cells and emerges as an important target for glioma treatment. Indeed, ADO participates in tumor immune escape, cell proliferation, and angiogenesis, and CD73 inhibition impairs those processes. Here, a cationic nanoemulsion to deliver CD73 siRNA (NE-siRNA CD73R) via nasal route aiming glioblastoma treatment was developed. NE-siRNA CD73R knockdown in vitro and in vivo CD73. Upon nasal delivery of NE-siRNA CD73R, the treatment markedly reduced tumor volume by 60% in a rat preclinical glioblastoma model. The treatment was well tolerated, and did not induce kidney, liver, lung, olfactory, bone marrow, or behavior alterations. These results indicate that the nasal administration of NE as a CD73 siRNA delivery system offered an efficient means of gene knockdown and may represent a potential alternative for glioblastoma treatment.

Does caffeine ingestion before a short-term sprint interval training promote body fat loss?

We investigated the effect of caffeine ingestion combined with a 2-wk sprint interval training (SIT) on training-induced reductions in body adiposity. Twenty physically-active men ingested either 5 mg/kg of cellulose as a placebo (PLA, n=10) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF, n=10) 60 min before each SIT session (13×30 s sprint/15 s of rest). Body mass and skinfold thickness were measured pre- and post-training. Energy expenditure was measured at rest, during exercise, and 45 min after exercise in the first SIT session. Body fat was similar between PLA and CAF groups at pre-training (P>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in body fat after training in the CAF group (-5.9±4.2%, P<0.05) but not in PLA (1.5±8.0%, P>0.05). There was no difference in energy expenditure at rest and during exercise between PLA and CAF groups (P>0.05), but the post-exercise energy expenditure was 18.3±21.4% greater in the CAF than in the PLA group (P<0.05). In conclusion, caffeine ingestion before SIT sessions induced a body fat loss that may be associated with higher post-exercise energy expenditure.

Are experienced and high-level race walking athletes able to match pre-programmed with executed pacing?

The objective of this study was to verify the agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing during race walking and whether level of the athletes experience and performance influenced this relationship. Twenty-nine national and international race walkers participated in this study (14 males, 24.0±7.1 years old, and 15 females, 23.3±7.3 years old). Pre-programmed pacing for 10- and 20-km official walking races was self-selected via demonstrative pacing charts prior to races, while executed pacing was analyzed by a specialist investigator via an individual plot of current velocity versus distance. There was no agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing (P=0.674). There was no association between the ability to match the pre-programmed pace with the executed pace and race walking experience or level of performance. Low- and high-performance athletes pre-programmed a similar pacing profile (P=0.635); however, high-performance athletes generally executed an even pacing strategy, while low-performance athletes generally adopted a positive pacing strategy (P=0.013). Race walkers did not faithfully match their pre-programmed with their executed pacing, and this seemed to be independent of previous experience and level of performance. High-performance athletes, however, tended to execute an even pacing strategy, even though this had not been pre-programmed.

Phase transitions in phospholipid monolayers: Statistical model at the pair approximation.

A Langmuir film, consisting of a phospholipid monolayer at the air-water interface, was modeled as a two-dimensional lattice gas corresponding to a ternary mixture of water molecules (w), ordered-chain lipids (o), and disordered-chain lipids (d). The statistical problem is formulated in terms of a spin-1 model, in which the disordered-chain lipid states possess a high degenerescence ω≫1, and was termed Doniach lattice gas (DLG). Motivated by some open questions in the analysis of the DLG model at the mean-field approximation (MFA) [Phys. Rev. E 90, 052705 (2014)PLEEE81539-375510.1103/PhysRevE.90.052705], we have reconsidered it at the pair-approximation level by solving the model on a Cayley tree of coordination z. The attractors of the corresponding discrete-map problem are associated with the thermodynamic solutions on the Bethe lattice (the central region of an asymptotically infinite Cayley tree). To check the thermodynamic stability of the possible phases, the grand-potential density was obtained by the method proposed by Gujrati [Phys. Rev. Lett. 74, 809 (1995)PRLTAO0031-900710.1103/PhysRevLett.74.809]. In general, the previous MFA results are confirmed at the pair-approximation level, but a novel staggered phase, overlooked in the MFA analysis, was found when the condition ε_{wd}>1/2(ε_{ww}+ε_{dd}) is satisfied, where ε_{xy} represents the nearest-neighbor intermolecular interactions between single-site states x and y. Model parameters obtained by fitting to experimental data for the two most commonly studied zwitterionic phospholipids, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), yield phase diagrams consistent with the phase transitions observed on Langmuir films of the same lipids under isothermal compression, which present a liquid-condensed to a liquid-expanded first-order transition line ending at a critical point.

Phase Transitions in Phospholipid Monolayers: Theory Versus Experiments.

The Doniach lattice gas (DLG) represents a ternary-mixture statistical model, whose components, water molecules (w), ordered-chain lipids (o), and disordered-chain lipids (d)-the latter carrying a high degenerescence ω ≫ 1-are located at each site of a two-dimensional lattice. The DLG model was introduced to describe phospholipid Langmuir films at the air-water interface and can be mapped into a spin-1 model, with the single-site states s i = 0, +1, and -1 representing the three types of molecules in the system (w, o, and d), respectively. The model allows lipid-density fluctuations and has been analyzed at the mean-field approximation (Guidi, H. S.; Henriques, V. B. Phys. Rev. E 2014, 90, 052705) as well as at the pair approximation (de Oliveira, F. O.; Tamashiro, M. N. Phys. Rev. E 2019, 99, 012147). In this work, we focus on performing an explicit comparison of the theoretical predictions obtained for the DLG model at the pair approximation with isothermal monolayer compression experiments (Nielsen, L. K.; Bjørnholm, T.; Mouritsen, O. G. Langmuir 2007, 23, 11684) for the two most commonly studied saturated zwitterionic phospholipids, DMPC (1,2-dimyristoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) and DPPC (1,2-dipalmitoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine). The model parameters obtained by fitting to the experimental data yield phase diagrams that are qualitatively consistent with the observed phase transitions on DMPC and DPPC monolayers, with the absence of a low-density gas phase. Quantitative agreement, however, was less significant partially because of the challenging reproducibility of Langmuir monolayer compression experiments, claimed in the literature to be influenced by kinetic effects.

CD73 Downregulation Decreases In Vitro and In Vivo Glioblastoma Growth.

Glioblastoma is the worst and most common primary brain tumor. Here, we demonstrated the role of CD73, an enzyme responsible for adenosine (ADO) production, in glioblastoma progression. ADO increased glioma cell viability via A1 receptor sensitization. CD73 downregulation decreased glioma cell migration and invasion by reducing metalloproteinase-2 and vimentin expression and reduced cell proliferation by 40%, which was related to necrosis and sub-G1 phase blockage of cell cycle. Those effects also involved the stimulation of Akt/NF-kB pathways. Additionally, CD73 knockdown or enzyme inhibition potentiated temozolomide cytotoxic effect on glioma cells by decreasing the IC50 value and sensitizing cells to a non-cytotoxic drug concentration. CD73 inhibition also decreased in vivo rat glioblastoma progression. Delivery of siRNA-CD73 or APCP reduced tumor size by 45 and 40%, respectively, when compared with control. This effect was followed by a parallel 95% reduction of ADO levels in cerebrospinal fluid, indicating the role of extracellular ADO in in vivo glioma growth. Treatment did not induce systemic damage or mortality. Altogether, we conclude that CD73 is an interesting target for glioblastoma treatment and its inhibition may provide new opportunities to improve the treatment of brain tumors. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Are experienced and high-level race walking athletes able to match pre-programmed with executed pacing?

The objective of this study was to verify the agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing during race walking and whether level of the athletes experience and performance influenced this relationship. Twenty-nine national and international race walkers participated in this study (14 males, 24.0±7.1 years old, and 15 females, 23.3±7.3 years old). Pre-programmed pacing for 10- and 20-km official walking races was self-selected via demonstrative pacing charts prior to races, while executed pacing was analyzed by a specialist investigator via an individual plot of current velocity versus distance. There was no agreement between pre-programmed and executed pacing (P=0.674). There was no association between the ability to match the pre-programmed pace with the executed pace and race walking experience or level of performance. Low- and high-performance athletes pre-programmed a similar pacing profile (P=0.635); however, high-performance athletes generally executed an even pacing strategy, while low-performance athletes generally adopted a positive pacing strategy (P=0.013). Race walkers did not faithfully match their pre-programmed with their executed pacing, and this seemed to be independent of previous experience and level of performance. High-performance athletes, however, tended to execute an even pacing strategy, even though this had not been pre-programmed.

Does caffeine ingestion before a short-term sprint interval training promote body fat loss?

We investigated the effect of caffeine ingestion combined with a 2-wk sprint interval training (SIT) on training-induced reductions in body adiposity. Twenty physically-active men ingested either 5 mg/kg of cellulose as a placebo (PLA, n=10) or 5 mg/kg of caffeine (CAF, n=10) 60 min before each SIT session (13×30 s sprint/15 s of rest). Body mass and skinfold thickness were measured pre- and post-training. Energy expenditure was measured at rest, during exercise, and 45 min after exercise in the first SIT session. Body fat was similar between PLA and CAF groups at pre-training (P>0.05). However, there was a significant decrease in body fat after training in the CAF group (−5.9±4.2%, P<0.05) but not in PLA (1.5±8.0%, P>0.05). There was no difference in energy expenditure at rest and during exercise between PLA and CAF groups (P>0.05), but the post-exercise energy expenditure was 18.3±21.4% greater in the CAF than in the PLA group (P<0.05). In conclusion, caffeine ingestion before SIT sessions induced a body fat loss that may be associated with higher post-exercise energy expenditure.

Vistusertib (dual m-TORC1/2 inhibitor) in combination with paclitaxel in patients with high-grade serous ovarian and squamous non-small-cell lung cancer.

Background: We have previously shown that raised p-S6K levels correlate with resistance to chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. We hypothesised that inhibiting p-S6K signalling with the dual m-TORC1/2 inhibitor in patients receiving weekly paclitaxel could improve outcomes in such patients. Patients and methods: In dose escalation, weekly paclitaxel (80 mg/m2) was given 6/7 weeks in combination with two intermittent schedules of vistusertib (dosing starting on the day of paclitaxel): schedule A, vistusertib dosed bd for 3 consecutive days per week (3/7 days) and schedule B, vistusertib dosed bd for 2 consecutive days per week (2/7 days). After establishing a recommended phase II dose (RP2D), expansion cohorts in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (sqNSCLC) were explored in 25 and 40 patients, respectively. Results: The dose-escalation arms comprised 22 patients with advanced solid tumours. The dose-limiting toxicities were fatigue and mucositis in schedule A and rash in schedule B. On the basis of toxicity and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) evaluations, the RP2D was established as 80 mg/m2 paclitaxel with 50 mg vistusertib bd 3/7 days for 6/7 weeks. In the HGSOC expansion, RECIST and GCIG CA125 response rates were 13/25 (52%) and 16/25 (64%), respectively, with median progression-free survival (mPFS) of 5.8 months (95% CI: 3.28-18.54). The RP2D was not well tolerated in the SqNSCLC expansion, but toxicities were manageable after the daily vistusertib dose was reduced to 25 mg bd for the following 23 patients. The RECIST response rate in this group was 8/23 (35%), and the mPFS was 5.8 months (95% CI: 2.76-21.25). Discussion: In this phase I trial, we report a highly active and well-tolerated combination of vistusertib, administered as an intermittent schedule with weekly paclitaxel, in patients with HGSOC and SqNSCLC. Clinical trial registration: ClinicialTrials.gov identifier: CNCT02193633.

Effect of pre-exercise carbohydrate availability on fat oxidation and energy expenditure after a high-intensity exercise.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that reduced pre-exercise carbohydrate (CHO) availability potentiates fat oxidation after an exhaustive high-intensity exercise bout. Eight physically active men underwent a high-intensity exercise (∼95% V̇O2max) until exhaustion under low or high pre-exercise CHO availability. The protocol to manipulate pre-exercise CHO availability consisted of a 90-min cycling bout at ∼70% V̇O2max + 6 × 1-min at 125% V̇O2max with 1-min rest, followed by 48 h under a low- (10% CHO, low-CHO availability) or high-CHO diet (80% CHO, high-CHO availability). Time to exhaustion was shorter and energy expenditure (EE) lower during the high-intensity exercise in low- compared to high-CHO availability (8.6±0.8 and 11.4±1.6 min, and 499±209 and 677±343 kJ, respectively, P<0.05). Post-exercise EE was similar between low- and high-CHO availability (425±147 and 348±54 kJ, respectively, P>0.05), but post-exercise fat oxidation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in low- (7,830±1,864 mg) than in high-CHO availability (6,264±1,763 mg). The total EE (i.e., exercise EE plus post-exercise EE) was similar between low- and high-CHO availability (924±264 and 1,026±340 kJ, respectively, P>0.05). These results suggest that a single bout of high-intensity exercise performed under low-CHO availability increased post-exercise fat oxidation, and even with shorter exercise duration, both post-exercise EE and total EE were not impaired.

Seroprevalence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in sheep from the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Neosporosis is primarily a disease of cattle and dogs, but Neospora caninum has been linked to abortion and neonatal mortality in sheep. Since the economic, clinical and epidemiological importance of the infection in sheep remains uncertain, this work investigated the seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies and associated factors in the rapidly expanding flock of Rio de Janeiro state. Blood samples from 388 sheep of 12 farms were collected and sera tested by a commercial Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Seroprevalence at the animal-level was of 6.2% (24/388) and, at the herd-level, 50% (6/12) of the studied farms had at least one seropositive animal. Multivariate analysis detected that occasional veterinary assistance (P < 0.05) was significantly associated to higher seroprevalence, which is also associated to age (P < 0.001) and gender (P < 0.0001). Farmers' investments should focus on making technical assistance more frequent and future studies should assess the association of veterinary assistance with anti-N. caninum antibodies in sheep flocks.

Genotoxicity assessment data for exfoliated buccal cells exposed to mobile phone radiation.

Healthy mobile phone users aged 18-30 y.o. provided exfoliated buccal cells samples from the right and left inner cheeks. A total of 2000 cells per subject were screened for the presence of micronuclei as a sign of genotoxic damage, according to the mobile phone use profile of each user.

First record of soybean stem fly Melanagromyza sojae (Diptera: Agromyzidae) in Paraguay confirmed by molecular evidence.

We provided the first scientific record of Melanagromyza sojae (Zehntner, 1900), through molecular characterization of partial mtDNA COI gene, that confirms the occurrence of this pest in Paraguay. Previously reported in Brazil, an outbreak of larvae of M. sojae known as the soybean stem fly (SSF) that belongs to the family Agromyzidae, was also noted in soybean fields from the Canindeyú, Alto Paraná and Itapúa Departments in Paraguay. This pest is highly polyphagous, attacking various host plant species from the family Fabaceae, such as soybean and other beans. The implications of SSF detection in Paraguay are discussed in relation to the current soybean cultivation practices from this agriculturally important South American region, including Brazil.