Study of the influence of tributyrin-supplemented diets on the gut bacterial communities of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Dietary supplementation with triglyceride tributyrin (TBT), a butyrate precursor, has been associated with beneficial effects on fish health and improvements in the ability of carnivorous fish to tolerate higher levels of plant-based protein. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a plant-based diet supplemented with TBT on the structural diversity and putative function of the digesta-associated bacterial communities of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). In addition to this, we also assessed the response of fish gut digestive enzyme activities and chyme metabolic profile in response to TBT supplementation. Our results indicated that TBT had no significant effects on the overall fish gut bacterial communities, digestive enzyme activities or metabolic profile when compared with non-supplemented controls. However, a more in-depth analysis into the most abundant taxa showed that diets at the highest TBT concentrations (0.2% and 0.4%) selectively inhibited members of the Enterobacterales order and reduced the relative abundance of a bacterial population related to Klebsiella pneumoniae, a potential fish pathogen. Furthermore, the predicted functional analysis of the bacterial communities indicated that increased levels of TBT were associated with depleted KEGG pathways related to pathogenesis. The specific effects of TBT on gut bacterial communities observed here are intriguing and encourage further studies to investigate the potential of this triglyceride to promote pathogen suppression in the fish gut environment, namely in the context of aquaculture.

Influence of transducer pressure and examiner experience on muscle active shear modulus measured by shear wave elastography.

INTRODUCTION: This study examined the effects of ultrasound transducer pressure and examiner experience on the biceps femoris long head and semitendinosus muscle active shear modulus in healthy individuals (n = 28). METHODS: Active shear modulus was assessed using shear wave elastography at 20% of knee flexor maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Examiners with different experience levels measured the muscles' shear modulus with three pressure levels: mild, moderate, and hard. RESULTS: A main effect of transducer pressure was found for both biceps femoris long head (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.314) and semitendinosus muscles (p < 0.001; η2p = 0.280), whereas differences were found between mild-moderate (biceps femoris long head: p = 0.013, d = 0.23; semitendinosus: p = 0.024, d = 0.25), and mild-hard pressures (biceps femoris long head: p = 0.001, d = 0.47; semitendinosus: p = 0.002, d = 0.47). Examiners performed similar shear modulus measurements in the biceps femoris long head (p = 0.299; η2p = 0.041) and semitendinosus (p = 0.177; η2p = 0.066), although the experienced examiner showed a higher measurement repeatability (biceps femoris long head: ICC = 0.86-0.95, semitendinosus: ICC = 0.89-0.96; vs. biceps femoris long head: ICC = 0.78-0.87, semitendinosus: ICC = 0.66-0.87). CONCLUSION: Transducer pressure influences the active shear modulus measurement between mild and moderate or hard pressures. Additionally, examiner experience seems to have no influence on muscle active shear modulus measurement when assessed at the same site (using casts). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Future studies assessing active muscle shear modulus should use mild transducer pressure and having experienced examiners in order to improve measurement reliability.

A Study of Sponge Symbionts from Different Light Habitats.

The amount of available light plays a key role in the growth and development of microbial communities. In the present study, we tested to what extent sponge-associated prokaryotic communities differed between specimens of the sponge species Cinachyrella kuekenthali and Xestospongia muta collected in dimly lit (caves and at greater depths) versus illuminated (shallow water) habitats. In addition to this, we also collected samples of water, sediment, and another species of Cinachyrella, C. alloclada. Overall, the biotope (sponge host species, sediment, and seawater) proved the major driver of variation in prokaryotic community composition. The light habitat, however, also proved a predictor of compositional variation in prokaryotic communities of both C. kuekenthali and X. muta. We used an exploratory technique based on machine learning to identify features (classes, orders, and OTUs), which distinguished X. muta specimens sampled in dimly lit versus illuminated habitat. We found that the classes Alphaproteobacteria and Rhodothermia and orders Puniceispirillales, Rhodospirillales, Rhodobacterales, and Thalassobaculales were associated with specimens from illuminated, i.e., shallow water habitat, while the classes Dehalococcoidia, Spirochaetia, Entotheonellia, Nitrospiria, Schekmanbacteria, and Poribacteria, and orders Sneathiellales and Actinomarinales were associated with specimens sampled from dimly lit habitat. There was, however, considerable variation within the different light habitats highlighting the importance of other factors in structuring sponge-associated bacterial communities.

Salivary biomarkers present in patients with periodontitis without clinical distinction: findings from a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A new classification for periodontitis has been adopted in clinical practice. However, there are still discussions regarding this new classification and difficulties in its adoption, both by professionals and researchers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate which salivary biomarkers are present in periodontitis, following the new classification of periodontal diseases through meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was carried out in the scientific databases: PubMed, Scielo and Google scholar to select studies. The selection of studies was followed by two authors upon reading of the title, abstract and full text. The necessary data were collected and statistical analyses were performed using the Review Manager statistical software version 5.4, with calculation of Mean Difference, heterogeneity (I²) and funnel plot with P < 0.05. RESULTS: After following the selection criteria, 9 articles were selected for comparison. The studies address the presence of biomarkers in the saliva of patients with periodontitis and their possible use in the monitoring and diagnosis of the disease. For the meta-analytic comparison, a sample size of 1,983 individuals was used. Statistical analyses showed that nitric oxide, IL-6, IL-1B and osteoprotegerin are substances that are significantly present in patients with periodontitis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: IL-6, nitric oxide, IL-1B, TNF-α and osteoprotegerin are among the most present biomarkers in patients with periodontitis, and may be used in the future as a monitoring of periodontal disease. The present study also revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the concentration of these biomarkers for clinical distinction from periodontitis.

Functional improvements associated with cranioplasty after stroke and traumatic brain injury: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive craniectomy is part of the acute management of several neurosurgical illnesses, and is commonly followed by cranioplasty. Data are still scarce on the functional and cognitive outcomes following cranioplasty. We aim to evaluate these outcomes in patients who underwent cranioplasty following traumatic brain injury (TBI) or stroke. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, we assessed 1-month and 6-month neuropsychological and functional outcomes in TBI and stroke patients who underwent cranioplasty at a Brazilian tertiary center. The primary outcome was the change in the Digits Test at 1 and 6 months after cranioplasty. Repeated measures general linear models were employed to assess the patients' evolution and interactions with baseline characteristics. Effect size was estimated by the partial η2. RESULTS: A total of 20 TBI and 14 stroke patients were included (mean age 42 ± 14 years; 52.9% male; average schooling 9.5 ± 3.8 years; 91.2% right-handed). We found significant improvements in the Digits Tests up to 6 months after cranioplasty (p = 0.004, partial η2 = 0.183), as well as in attention, episodic memory, verbal fluency, working memory, inhibitory control, visuoconstructive and visuospatial abilities (partial η2 0.106-0.305). We found no interaction between the cranioplasty effect and age, sex or schooling. Patients submitted to cranioplasty earlier (<1 year) after injury had better outcomes. CONCLUSION: Cognitive and functional outcomes improved after cranioplasty following decompressive craniectomy for stroke or TBI. This effect was consistent regardless of age, sex, or education level and persisted after 6 months. Some degree of spontaneous improvement might have contributed to the results.

In vitro study of the modulatory effects of heat-killed bacterial biomass on aquaculture bacterioplankton communities.

Recent studies have shown that the addition of non-viable microbial biomass or their components (postbiotics) to fish feed can modulate the gut microbiome and positively influence fish health in aquaculture systems. However, no information was hitherto available on the use of non-viable microbial biomass to manipulate aquaculture bacterioplankton communities. To fill this gap, here we used an in vitro model to assess the effects of heat-killed biomasses of an antagonistic strain Pseudoalteromonas rubra SubTr2 and a non-antagonist strain Escherichia coli DH5α on bacterioplankton communities of a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Our results showed that these biomasses can have generalist and species-specific effects on aquaculture bacterioplankton structure and function. In addition, they enriched the abundance of bacterial predators, reduced bacterial load and potentially influenced nutrient cycling and pathogen development in aquaculture water. Despite its preliminary nature, for the first time, this study showed that heat-killed microbial biomass has potential application as an in situ modulator of bacterioplankton in aquaculture systems.

Introduction of the method of intravaginal culture (IVC), through the device INVOCell routine laboratory RHA in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: The conventional in vitro fertilization and the intracytoplasmic sperm microinjection are currently the established techniques for the treatment of infertility. In the last decade, however, the process of in vitro fertilization has suffered several changes in ovulation induction and oocyte retrieval (Ranoux 1990, ; ).The INVO procedure has been used to treat patients with different causes of infertility in many countries. This is a procedure which was developed over 20 years ago and is simpler and less costly to the infertility treatment when compared to conventional techniques. Interesting finding of this intravaginal culture technique are the physiological benefits and the reduction of the number of handling steps, reducing the risk of contamination. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the possibility of including the method INVO through the use of the deviceINVOCell™ in routine laboratory treatments of couple infertility. That, in turn, tends to provide the simplification of laboratory work and thereby reduce the costs of infertility treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 40 women were included in this study, who were treated at the Service of Human Reproduction School Hospital Álvaro Alvim, in the period from August 2011 to January 2012. On all of them it was used the protocol of modified mild ovarian stimulation. The number of pre-embryos transferred into the uterine cavity followed the CFM Resolution nº. 1.957/10. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the results presented by the device INVOCell™. Therefore showing that it can be included in routine laboratory assisted human reproduction.

Size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae) / Alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae)

Resource allocation to reproduction can change depending on size, as predicted by the size-dependent sex allocation. This theory is based on the fact that small individuals will invest in the allocation of sex with lower cost of production, usually male gender. In plants, there are some andromonoecy species, presence of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the same individual. Andromonoecy provides a strategy to optimally allocate resources to male and female function, evolving a reproductive energy-saving strategy. Thus, our objective was to investigate the size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. We tested the hypothesis that plants with larger size will invest in the production of hermaphrodite flowers, because higher individuals have greater availability of resources to invest in more complex structures involving greater energy expenditure. The studied species was S. lycocarpum, an andromonoecious species. From June 2016 to March 2017 the data were collected in 38 individuals, divided in two groups: the larger plant group (n=18; height=3-5 m) and the smaller plant group (n=20; height=1-2 m).Our data show that there was effect of plant size on the flower production and the sexual gender allocation. The larger plants showed more flowers and higher production of hermaphrodite flowers. Furthermore, in the flower scale, we observed allometric relationship among the flower's traits with proportional investments in biomass, anther size and gynoecium size. Our results are in agreement with size-dependent sex allocation theory and andromonoecy hypothesis related to mechanisms for optimal resource allocation to male and female function.

A alocação de recursos para reprodução pode mudar dependendo do tamanho, conforme previsto pela alocação sexual dependente do tamanho. Essa teoria é baseada no fato de que indivíduos pequenos investirão na alocação sexual com menor custo de produção, geralmente do sexo masculino. Nas plantas, existem algumas espécies andromonoicas, presença de hermafrodita e flores masculinas no mesmo indivíduo. A andromonoicia fornece uma estratégia para alocar recursos de maneira ideal às funções masculina e feminina, desenvolvendo uma estratégia reprodutiva de economia de energia. Assim, nosso objetivo foi investigar a alocação sexual dependente do tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de maior tamanho investirão na produção de flores hermafroditas, pois indivíduos mais altos economizam mais disponibilidade de recursos para investir em estruturas mais complexas que envolvem maior gasto de energia. A espécie estudada foi S. lycocarpum, uma espécie andromonoica. De junho de 2016 a março de 2017, os dados foram coletados em 38 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: o maior grupo de plantas (n = 18; altura = 3-5 m) e o menor grupo de plantas (n = 20; altura =1-2 m). Nossos dados mostram que houve efeito do tamanho da planta na produção de flores e na alocação sexual. As plantas maiores apresentaram mais flores e maior produção de flores hermafroditas. Além disso, observamos uma relação alométrica entre as características da flor, com investimentos proporcionais em biomassa, tamanho da antera e tamanho do gineceu. Nossos resultados estão de acordo com a teoria de alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho e a hipótese de andromonoicia relacionada a mecanismos para a alocação ótima de recursos para a função masculina e feminina.

Size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae) / Alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae)

Resource allocation to reproduction can change depending on size, as predicted by the size-dependent sex allocation. This theory is based on the fact that small individuals will invest in the allocation of sex with lower cost of production, usually male gender. In plants, there are some andromonoecy species, presence of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the same individual. Andromonoecy provides a strategy to optimally allocate resources to male and female function, evolving a reproductive energy-saving strategy. Thus, our objective was to investigate the size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. We tested the hypothesis that plants with larger size will invest in the production of hermaphrodite flowers, because higher individuals have greater availability of resources to invest in more complex structures involving greater energy expenditure. The studied species was S. lycocarpum, an andromonoecious species. From June 2016 to March 2017 the data were collected in 38 individuals, divided in two groups: the larger plant group (n=18; height=3-5 m) and the smaller plant group (n=20; height=1-2 m).Our data show that there was effect of plant size on the flower production and the sexual gender allocation. The larger plants showed more flowers and higher production of hermaphrodite flowers. Furthermore, in the flower scale, we observed allometric relationship among the flower's traits with proportional investments in biomass, anther size and gynoecium size. Our results are in agreement with size-dependent sex allocation theory and andromonoecy hypothesis related to mechanisms for optimal resource allocation to male and female function.

A alocação de recursos para reprodução pode mudar dependendo do tamanho, conforme previsto pela alocação sexual dependente do tamanho. Essa teoria é baseada no fato de que indivíduos pequenos investirão na alocação sexual com menor custo de produção, geralmente do sexo masculino. Nas plantas, existem algumas espécies andromonoicas, presença de hermafrodita e flores masculinas no mesmo indivíduo. A andromonoicia fornece uma estratégia para alocar recursos de maneira ideal às funções masculina e feminina, desenvolvendo uma estratégia reprodutiva de economia de energia. Assim, nosso objetivo foi investigar a alocação sexual dependente do tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de maior tamanho investirão na produção de flores hermafroditas, pois indivíduos mais altos economizam mais disponibilidade de recursos para investir em estruturas mais complexas que envolvem maior gasto de energia. A espécie estudada foi S. lycocarpum, uma espécie andromonoica. De junho de 2016 a março de 2017, os dados foram coletados em 38 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: o maior grupo de plantas (n = 18; altura = 3-5 m) e o menor grupo de plantas (n = 20; altura = 1-2 m). Nossos dados mostram que houve efeito do tamanho da planta na produção de flores e na alocação sexual. As plantas maiores apresentaram mais flores e maior produção de flores hermafroditas. Além disso, observamos uma relação alométrica entre as características da flor, com investimentos proporcionais em biomassa, tamanho da antera e tamanho do gineceu. Nossos resultados estão de acordo com a teoria de alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho e a hipótese de andromonoicia relacionada a mecanismos para a alocação ótima de recursos para a função masculina e feminina.

Size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae)

Abstract Resource allocation to reproduction can change depending on size, as predicted by the size-dependent sex allocation. This theory is based on the fact that small individuals will invest in the allocation of sex with lower cost of production, usually male gender. In plants, there are some andromonoecy species, presence of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the same individual. Andromonoecy provides a strategy to optimally allocate resources to male and female function, evolving a reproductive energy-saving strategy. Thus, our objective was to investigate the size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. We tested the hypothesis that plants with larger size will invest in the production of hermaphrodite flowers, because higher individuals have greater availability of resources to invest in more complex structures involving greater energy expenditure. The studied species was S. lycocarpum, an andromonoecious species. From June 2016 to March 2017 the data were collected in 38 individuals, divided in two groups: the larger plant group (n=18; height=3-5 m) and the smaller plant group (n=20; height=1-2 m).Our data show that there was effect of plant size on the flower production and the sexual gender allocation. The larger plants showed more flowers and higher production of hermaphrodite flowers. Furthermore, in the flower scale, we observed allometric relationship among the flowers traits with proportional investments in biomass, anther size and gynoecium size. Our results are in agreement with size-dependent sex allocation theory and andromonoecy hypothesis related to mechanisms for optimal resource allocation to male and female function.

Resumo A alocação de recursos para reprodução pode mudar dependendo do tamanho, conforme previsto pela alocação sexual dependente do tamanho. Essa teoria é baseada no fato de que indivíduos pequenos investirão na alocação sexual com menor custo de produção, geralmente do sexo masculino. Nas plantas, existem algumas espécies andromonoicas, presença de hermafrodita e flores masculinas no mesmo indivíduo. A andromonoicia fornece uma estratégia para alocar recursos de maneira ideal às funções masculina e feminina, desenvolvendo uma estratégia reprodutiva de economia de energia. Assim, nosso objetivo foi investigar a alocação sexual dependente do tamanho em Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de maior tamanho investirão na produção de flores hermafroditas, pois indivíduos mais altos economizam mais disponibilidade de recursos para investir em estruturas mais complexas que envolvem maior gasto de energia. A espécie estudada foi S. lycocarpum, uma espécie andromonoica. De junho de 2016 a março de 2017, os dados foram coletados em 38 indivíduos, divididos em dois grupos: o maior grupo de plantas (n = 18; altura = 3-5 m) e o menor grupo de plantas (n = 20; altura = 1-2 m). Nossos dados mostram que houve efeito do tamanho da planta na produção de flores e na alocação sexual. As plantas maiores apresentaram mais flores e maior produção de flores hermafroditas. Além disso, observamos uma relação alométrica entre as características da flor, com investimentos proporcionais em biomassa, tamanho da antera e tamanho do gineceu. Nossos resultados estão de acordo com a teoria de alocação de sexo dependente de tamanho e a hipótese de andromonoicia relacionada a mecanismos para a alocação ótima de recursos para a função masculina e feminina.

Size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. (Solanaceae).

Resource allocation to reproduction can change depending on size, as predicted by the size-dependent sex allocation. This theory is based on the fact that small individuals will invest in the allocation of sex with lower cost of production, usually male gender. In plants, there are some andromonoecy species, presence of hermaphrodite and male flowers in the same individual. Andromonoecy provides a strategy to optimally allocate resources to male and female function, evolving a reproductive energy-saving strategy. Thus, our objective was to investigate the size-dependent sex allocation in Solanum lycocarpum St. Hil. We tested the hypothesis that plants with larger size will invest in the production of hermaphrodite flowers, because higher individuals have greater availability of resources to invest in more complex structures involving greater energy expenditure. The studied species was S. lycocarpum, an andromonoecious species. From June 2016 to March 2017 the data were collected in 38 individuals, divided in two groups: the larger plant group (n=18; height=3-5 m) and the smaller plant group (n=20; height=1-2 m).Our data show that there was effect of plant size on the flower production and the sexual gender allocation. The larger plants showed more flowers and higher production of hermaphrodite flowers. Furthermore, in the flower scale, we observed allometric relationship among the flower's traits with proportional investments in biomass, anther size and gynoecium size. Our results are in agreement with size-dependent sex allocation theory and andromonoecy hypothesis related to mechanisms for optimal resource allocation to male and female function.

The multiple benefits of second-generation ß-lactamase inhibitors in treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated antibiotic resistance as one of the most challenging public health threats of the 21st century. Production of ß-lactamase enzymes by Gram-negative bacteria is the main mechanism of resistance to ß-lactam (BL), the most widely used antibiotic in clinics. In an attempt to neutralise the hydrolytic activity of these enzymes, ß-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) have been developed. First-generation BLIs include clavulanic acid, sulbactam and tazobactam. However, none of them cover all ß-lactamase classes, and an increasingly wide panel of inhibitor-resistant bacterial strains has developed. Second-generation BLIs function via different mechanisms and were developed by novel scaffolds from which diazabicyclooctane (DBOs) and boronic acids have emerged. In this paper, we provide descriptions of promisor second-generation ß-lactamase inhibitors, such as avibactam, vaborbactam and boronic acids, as well as several BL-BLI combinations that have been designed. While some combinations are now being used in clinical practice, most are presently limited to clinical trials or pre-clinical studies. In this paper, we emphasise the continuous need to develop novel and different BLIs to keep up with the multidrug-resistant bacteria that arise. At this time, however, second-generation BLIs constitute a promising and effective approach.

Effect of glycerol feed-supplementation on seabass metabolism and gut microbiota.

Dietary glycerol supplementation in aquaculture feed is seen as an alternative and inexpensive way to fuel fish metabolism, attenuate metabolic utilization of dietary proteins and, subsequently, reduce nitrogen excretion. In this study, we evaluated the impact of dietary glycerol supplementation on nitrogen excretion of European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and its effects on metabolite profile and bacterial community composition of gut digesta. These effects were evaluated in a 60-day trial with fish fed diets supplemented with 2.5% or 5% (w/w) refined glycerol and without glycerol supplementation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing were used to characterize the effects of glycerol supplementation on digesta metabolite and bacterial community composition of 6-h postprandial fish. Our results showed that ammonia excretion was not altered by dietary glycerol supplementation, and the highest glycerol dosage was associated with significant increases in amino acids and a decrease of ergogenic creatine in digesta metabolome. Concomitantly, significant decreases in putative amino acid degradation pathways were detected in the predicted metagenome analysis, suggesting a metabolic shift. Taxon-specific analysis revealed significant increases in abundance of some specific genera (e.g., Burkholderia and Vibrio) and bacterial diversity. Overall, our results indicate glycerol supplementation may decrease amino acid catabolism without adversely affecting fish gut bacterial communities.Key points• Glycerol can be an inexpensive and energetic alternative in fish feed formulations.• Glycerol did not affect nitrogen excretion and gut bacteriome composition.• Glycerol reduced uptake of amino acids and increased uptake of ergogenic creatine.• Glycerol reduced putative amino acid degradation pathways in predicted metagenome.

Ingestion of a moderate dose of alcohol enhances physical exercise-induced changes in blood lactate concentration.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, although it is not yet clear whether metabolism during physical exercise at different intensities is also affected. This was the objective of the present study. Eight young and healthy volunteers performed a treadmill test to identify the running speed corresponding to a lactate concentration of 4 mM (S4mM). At least 48 h later, they were subjected to two experimental trials (non-alcohol or alcohol) in which they performed two 1-km running sessions at the following intensities: 1) S4mM; 2) 15% above S4mM. In both trials, blood lactate, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations were measured before and after exercise. The acute alcohol intake increased triglycerides, but not lactate concentration under resting conditions. Interestingly, alcohol intake enhanced the exercise-induced increase in lactate concentration at the two intensities: S4mM (non-alcohol: 4.2±0.3 mM vs alcohol: 4.8±0.9 mM; P=0.003) and 15% above S4mM trial (P=0.004). When volunteers ingested alcohol, triglycerides concentration remained increased after treadmill running (e.g., at S4mM - at rest; non-alcohol: 0.2±0.5 mM vs alcohol: 1.3±1.3 mM; P=0.048). In contrast, glucose concentration was not modified by either alcohol intake, exercise, or their combination. We concluded that an acute alcohol intake changed lactate and lipid metabolism without affecting blood glucose concentration. In addition, the increase in lactate concentration caused by alcohol was specifically observed when individuals exercised, whereas augmented triglycerides concentration was already observed before exercise and was sustained thereafter.

Suicide risk in people living with AIDS/HIV: the effect of childhood trauma is mediated by mental disorders and social vulnerability.

Suicide is an important problem in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). The importance of mental disorders and social vulnerability on suicidal behaviors is described in the literature; however, the impact of childhood traumatic events in this scenario is not clear. The aim of this study was to verify the mediation effect of mental disorder comorbidities and social vulnerability in association with childhood trauma intensity and suicide risk level. This cross-sectional study of HIV-positive outpatients was conducted in a specialized care service in the city of Pelotas in Southern Brazil. Sociodemographic data and HIV-related information were collected and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was applied. A total of 364 patients underwent psychiatric evaluation using MINI Plus including module C of suicide risk severity. Suicide risk was present in 39.3% of the sample. The relation between childhood traumatic events and the level of suicide risk is mediated by mental disorder comorbidities and socioeconomic vulnerability. Specific psychosocial interventions in PLWHA should consider the potential role of abusive traumatic experiences in the current mental health conditions and suicidal behaviors.

Clinical experience of a chronic urticaria referral university center.

Summary: Objective. Describing routine procedures, clinical profile and evolution of patients treated in a chronic urticaria CU reference center of a university hospital. Methods. Retrospective analysis of clinical records and database of CU patients registered between March 2011 and February 2016 in a reference center. Besides demographic characteristics, disease duration, comorbidities, angioedema, thyroid lab tests, urticaria subtypes, provocation tests, UAS and CUQ2oL scores were recorded. Patients with 3 or more visits were included in analysis regarding the first and last visits, to evaluate pharmacological treatment and differences of UAS/CUQ2oL scores, antihistamines anti H1 dosages and need of other medications, according urticaria subtypes. Results.During the study, 252 patients were attended, 200 with CU, including 162 women, median age 45 years, perc 25 - 75 = 27 - 58, and median duration of symptoms before diagnosis 24 months, perc 25 - 75 = 9 - 60. Regarding the etiology, 166 (83%) patients had chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), 34 (17%) had isolated chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU) and 66 (33%), CSU with CIndU. Among the 123 patients followed up for 3 or more visits, first prescription to 106 (86.2%) patients was monotherapy with anti-H1, and associations with other medications were prescribed to 17 (13.8%). At the last visit, 94 (76.5%) received antihistamines, and 29 (23.5%) used associations. Patients with CSU + CIndU + ASST positive need more association of anti-H1 with other medications than patients with CSU + CIndU and only CIndU (÷2 = 7.998; p 0.01). Between first and last visits, CUQ2oL mean scores changed from 35.7 (± 21.9) to 22.6 (± 21.0) (Z = -4.833 p less than 0.000). Conclusions.Most of the patients presented CSU, frequently associated with CIndU. There was an improvement in the patients' quality of life during the follow-up period. All patients were treated with antihistamines and there was a great need for doses above the standardized and also for combination with other medications, especially in patients with concomitance of urticaria subtypes.

Ingestion of a moderate dose of alcohol enhances physical exercise-induced changes in blood lactate concentration

The consumption of alcoholic beverages influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, although it is not yet clear whether metabolism during physical exercise at different intensities is also affected. This was the objective of the present study. Eight young and healthy volunteers performed a treadmill test to identify the running speed corresponding to a lactate concentration of 4 mM (S4mM). At least 48 h later, they were subjected to two experimental trials (non-alcohol or alcohol) in which they performed two 1-km running sessions at the following intensities: 1) S4mM; 2) 15% above S4mM. In both trials, blood lactate, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations were measured before and after exercise. The acute alcohol intake increased triglycerides, but not lactate concentration under resting conditions. Interestingly, alcohol intake enhanced the exercise-induced increase in lactate concentration at the two intensities: S4mM (non-alcohol: 4.2±0.3 mM vs alcohol: 4.8±0.9 mM; P=0.003) and 15% above S4mM trial (P=0.004). When volunteers ingested alcohol, triglycerides concentration remained increased after treadmill running (e.g., at S4mM - at rest; non-alcohol: 0.2±0.5 mM vs alcohol: 1.3±1.3 mM; P=0.048). In contrast, glucose concentration was not modified by either alcohol intake, exercise, or their combination. We concluded that an acute alcohol intake changed lactate and lipid metabolism without affecting blood glucose concentration. In addition, the increase in lactate concentration caused by alcohol was specifically observed when individuals exercised, whereas augmented triglycerides concentration was already observed before exercise and was sustained thereafter.

Microcosm evaluation of the impact of oil contamination and chemical dispersant addition on bacterial communities and sediment remediation of an estuarine port environment.

AIM: To evaluate the interactive effects of oil contamination and chemical dispersant application on bacterial composition and sediment remediation of an estuarine port environment. METHODS AND RESULTS: A multifactorial controlled microcosm experiment was set up using sediment cores retrieved from an estuarine port area located at Ria de Aveiro lagoon (Aveiro, Portugal). An oil spill with and without chemical dispersant addition was simulated. Sediment oil hydrocarbon concentrations and benthic bacterial community structure were evaluated by GC-MS and 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing respectively. Although initially (first 10 days) chemical dispersion of oil enhanced the concentrations of the heavier polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and of the C22 -C30 alkane group, with time (21 days), no significant differences in hydrocarbon concentrations were detected among treatments. Moreover, no significant changes were detected in the structure of sediment bacterial communities, which mainly consisted of operational taxonomic units related to hydrocarbon-contaminated marine environments. We hypothesize that the environmental background of the sampling site preconditioned the communities' response to additional contamination. CONCLUSION: This experimental microcosm study showed that the chemical dispersion of oil did not influence sediment remediation or bacterial community composition. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Our study showed that chemical dispersion of oil may not improve the remediation of port sediments. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of chemical dispersants in combination with bioremediation strategies on the process of sediment remediation in port areas.

Sponge Prokaryote Communities in Taiwanese Coral Reef and Shallow Hydrothermal Vent Ecosystems.

Previously, it was believed that the prokaryote communities of typical 'low-microbial abundance' (LMA) or 'non-symbiont harboring' sponges were merely subsets of the prokaryote plankton community. Recent research has, however, shown that these sponges are dominated by particular clades of Proteobacteria or Cyanobacteria. Here, we expand on this research and assess the composition and putative functional profiles of prokaryotic communities from LMA sponges collected in two ecosystems (coral reef and hydrothermal vent) from vicinal islands of Taiwan with distinct physicochemical conditions. Six sponge species identified as Acanthella cavernosa (Bubarida), Echinodictyum asperum, Ptilocaulis spiculifer (Axinellida), Jaspis splendens (Tetractinellida), Stylissa carteri (Scopalinida) and Suberites sp. (Suberitida) were sampled in coral reefs in the Penghu archipelago. One sponge species provisionally identified as Hymeniacidon novo spec. (Suberitida) was sampled in hydrothermal vent habitat. Each sponge was dominated by a limited set of operational taxonomic units which were similar to sequences from organisms previously obtained from other LMA sponges. There was a distinct bacterial community between sponges collected in coral reef and in hydrothermal vents. The putative functional profile revealed that the prokaryote community from sponges collected in hydrothermal vents was significantly enriched for pathways related to DNA replication and repair.

Injectable ß-TCP/MCPM cement associated with mesoporous silica for bone regeneration: characterization and toxicity evaluation.

Calcium phosphate cement has been widely investigated as a bone graft substitute due to its excellent self-setting ability, biocompatibility, osteoconductivity and moldability. In addition, mesoporous materials have been studied as potential materials for application in medical devices due to their large surface area, which is capable of loading numerous biological molecules, besides being bioactive. In this study, bone ß-TCP-MCPM-based injectable cement with mesoporous silica particles was synthesized and characterized in terms of its mechanical properties, microstructure, porosity, injectability, in vitro bioactivity and degradability; together with toxicity effects in CHO-K1 cell culture. The results showed that the ß-TCP-MCPM cement is bioactive after soaking in simulated body fluid solution, and mesoporous silica particles provided better physicochemical properties compared with silica-free cement. Toxicity assays showed low CHO-K1 cell viability after treatment with more concentrated extracts (200 mg ml-1). However, this behavior did not compromise the reproductive capacity and did not promote significant DNA damage in those cells. In conclusion, the ß-TCP-MCPM cement associated with mesoporous silica might be considered as a potential bone substitute for the repair and regeneration of bone defects.