A mimetic peptide of ACE2 protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection and decreases pulmonary inflammation related to COVID-19.

Since human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) serves as a primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2, characterizing ACE2 regions that allow SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells is essential for designing peptide-based antiviral blockers and elucidating the pathogenesis of the virus. We identified and synthesized a 25-mer mimetic peptide (encompassing positions 22-46 of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1) implicated in the S1 receptor-binding domain (RBD)-ACE2 interface. The mimetic (wild-type, WT) ACE2 peptide significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 infection of human pulmonary Calu-3 cells in vitro. In silico protein modeling predicted that residues F28, K31, F32, F40, and Y41 of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1 are critical for the original, Delta, and Omicron strains of SARS-CoV-2 to establish the Spike RBD-ACE2 interface. Substituting these residues with alanine (A) or aspartic acid (D) abrogated the antiviral protective effect of the peptides, indicating that these positions are critical for viral entry into pulmonary cells. WT ACE2 peptide, but not the A or D mutated peptides, exhibited significant interaction with the SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD, as shown through molecular dynamics simulations. Through identifying the critical amino acid residues of the ACE2 alpha-helix α1, which is necessary for the Spike RBD-ACE2 interface and mobilized during the in vitro viral infection of cells, we demonstrated that the WT ACE2 peptide protects susceptible K18-hACE2 mice against in vivo SARS-CoV-2 infection and is effective for the treatment of COVID-19.

Effects of Essential Oils on Biological Characteristics and Potential Molecular Targets in Spodoptera frugiperda.

Spodoptera frugiperda control methods have proved to be inefficient, which justifies the search for new control measures. In this search for botanical insecticides for controlling S. frugiperda, the following were evaluated: (i) the toxicity of essential oils (EOs) from Cinnamodendron dinisii, Eugenia uniflora, and Melaleuca armillaris; (ii) the effect of EOs on life table parameters against S. frugiperda; (iii) the chemical characterization of EOs; and (iv) the in silico interaction of the chemical constituents present in the three EOs with the molecular targets of S. frugiperda. The EO from E. uniflora had the lowest LD50 (1.19 µg of EO/caterpillar). The major compounds bicyclogermacrene (18.64%) in C. dinisii and terpinolene (57.75%) in M. armillaris are highly predicted to interact with the octopamine receptor (OctpR). The compound 1,8-cineole (21.81%) in M. armillaris interacts mainly with a tolerant methoprene receptor (MET) and curzerene (41.22%) in E. uniflora, which acts on the OctpR receptor. Minor compounds, such as nerolidol in C. dinisii and ß-elemene in E. uniflora, are highly ranked for multiple targets: AChE, MET, OctpR, and 5-HT1. It was concluded that the EO from E. uniflora negatively affects several biological parameters of S. frugiperda development and is promising as an active ingredient in formulations for controlling this insect pest.

Cascade of care for hypertension among apparently healthy and unhealthy individuals of 25-64 years in the Czech Republic.

BACKGROUND: Despite accessible diagnostics and treatment of hypertension, a high proportion of patients worldwide remain unaware of their diagnosis, and even more remain untreated. Several studies suggest that absence of comorbidities is a predictive factor for unawareness and consequently non-treatment of hypertension. There are only a few studies that have assessed the hypertension prevalence and management among apparently healthy individuals. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess and compare hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control among apparently healthy individuals, patients with internal diseases, and patients with non-internal diseases. METHODS: Data from standardised blood pressure measurements conducted during the Czech European Health Examination Survey 2014 and information on health status and health care use collected during the Czech European Health Interview Survey 2014 were analyzed. We focused on participants aged 25-64. Data were weighted on sex and age to ensure an appropriate sex and age structure of the population. The χ2-test and binary logistic regression analyses were used to compare distribution of cascade of care for hypertension between the health-status groups of respondents. RESULTS: The final eligible sample consisted of 1121 participants. The prevalence of hypertension was 32.8% in the healthy group, 29.8% in the non-internal disease group and 52.4% in the internal disease group, (p < 0.001). Awareness was 54.1%, 59.1% and 85.2% respectively, (p < 0.001). Treatment was 44.2%, 52.6% and 86.4%, respectively, (p < 0.001). Among apparently healthy respondents 62.6% had their blood pressure measured by a medical professional in the last year, compared to 71.1% in the non-internal disease group and 91.7% in the internal disease group, (p < 0.001). Differences in hypertension control were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, our data show a discordance in hypertension management within the Czech population. Apparently healthy individuals are the least aware of their diagnosis and the highest proportion of them remain untreated.

Effects of acute and chronic methylphenidate on prepulse inhibition: A sex difference study in Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of methylphenidate (MPH) is experiencing a notable surge within the adult population. This growth can be attributed to two key factors: its recreational and cognitive enhancement purposes, as well as the rising prevalence of ADHD diagnoses within this population. This study examined acute and chronic oral MPH effects on attention in male and female Wistar rats. To this end, we used a prepulse inhibition (PPI) task, which is widely used to assess psychoactive drug effects in both humans and rodents. This task allowed us to evaluate changes in attention by analyzing sensorimotor gating associated with stimulus selection process. METHODS: Animals were administered a clinically relevant dose of MPH (5 mg/kg) daily for seven days. The estrous cycle phases of the female rats were measured during behavioral sessions. The PPI task was conducted 20 min after drug administration on day 1 (acute), day 7 (chronic), and 48 h post-treatment. RESULTS: Results indicated that both acute and chronic MPH treatment impaired PPI expression in male rats, but not in female rats, regardless of their estrous cycle phase. Furthermore, a differential effect of chronic MPH treatment on the PPI task was found in male rats. Specifically, on the seventh treatment day, the PPI effect was observed when animals undertook the PPI task for the first time but was impaired in those animals in which the initial PPI session occurred under the acute influence of the drug (day 1). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the impact of MPH on sensorimotor gating responses may vary based on sex and task experience, possibly leading to state-dependent effects in healthy individuals.

Chemical profile and evaluation of the pharmacological activity of the dry extract and fraction of ethyl acetate obtained from the leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Mimosa caesalpiniifolia (Sansão-do-Campo) is a native species of the caatinga in northeastern Brazil that has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antidepressant activity. It is popularly consumed as a medicinal plant and its pharmacological benefits are evidenced in the literature. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present work was carried out to promote the chemical profile and evaluate the pharmacological activity of the dry extract and the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from the dry leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves were collected in the municipality of Alfenas-MG and subjected to drying, followed by division in a knife mill. The preparation of the dry extract was carried out by the extraction method using simple percolation and the fraction was obtained by liquid-liquid partition. Part of the extractive solution was concentrated in a rotary evaporator followed by a drying process using the spray technique with the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide. The dry extract (33.33%) showed a higher yield in mass when compared to the yield of the ethyl acetate fraction (19.67%). The in vivo pharmacological evaluation was conducted with a total of 82 male Wistar rats that underwent cecal ligation and perforation surgery to induce the inflammatory process. One week after surgery, these animals were treated for 7 days with the dry extract and the ethyl acetate fraction and submitted to behavioral tests (open field and forced swimming). RESULTS: The chemical results were obtained through analysis by HPLC-PDA coupled to a mass spectrometer, enabling the verification of the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, aglycones, and glycosides, in addition to tannins. This corroborates with data present in the literature for the genus Mimosa sp. Some compounds had their structure determined, where they were identified as catechin (m/z 288.97), cassiaocidentalin A (m/z 560.75), and procyanidin B2 [(epi)catechin-(epi)catechin; m/z 576.83)]. It was found that the animals that were submitted to the treatment did not present statistically significant results, demonstrating that the pharmacological action evaluated in the test was not highlighted in this type of experiment. The groups that underwent treatment had an aggravated locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS: The results found with the chemical study contributed to the knowledge of the plant species studied. On the other hand, further studies are needed to provide a better understanding of the pharmacological evaluation of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia.

Natural parasitism of the coffee leaf miner: climate factors, insecticide, and landscape affecting parasitoid diversity and their ecosystem services in coffee agroecosystems.

Climate factors, pesticides, and landscape in coffee agroecosystems directly affect the populations of the coffee leaf miner and its parasitoids. This study aimed to investigate the effects of climate factors, insecticide use, and landscape on natural parasitism, parasitoid diversity, and infestation of L. coffeella in coffee plantations in the Planalto region, Bahia, Brazil. Mined leaves were collected monthly in six coffee plantations with varying edge density, vegetation cover, landscape diversity in scales of 500 to 3000 m of radius, insecticide use, and climate factors. Closterocerus coffeellae, and Proacrias coffeae (Eulophidae) predominated in the pest's natural parasitism. Our record is the first for the occurrence of Stiropius reticulatus, Neochrysocharis sp. 1, Neochrysocharis sp. 2, and Zagrammosoma sp. in Bahia. Higher temperature and larger forest cover increased the coffee leaf miner infestation. Higher rainfall values, insecticide use, and landscape diversity decreased the pest infestations. Natural parasitism and species diversity are favoured by increase in temperature, forest cover, and edge density, while increase in rainfall, insecticide use, and landscape diversity lead them to decrease.The natural parasitism and diversity of parasitoid species of the coffee leaf miner have been enhancing in the areas with greater forest cover and edge density associated with low use of insecticides. The areas composed of different lands with annual croplands surrounding the coffee plantations showed less natural parasitism and parasitoid species diversity. The ecosystem services provided by C. coffeellae and P. coffeae in coffee crops areas require conservation and these species are potential bioproducts for applied biological control programmes.

Chemical Recycling of PET Using Catalysts from Layered Double Hydroxides: Effect of Synthesis Method and Mg-Fe Biocompatible Metals.

The chemical recycling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) residues was performed via glycolysis with ethylene glycol (EG) over Mg-Fe and Mg-Al oxide catalysts derived from layered double hydroxides. Catalysts prepared using the high supersaturation method (h.s.c.) presented a higher surface area and larger particles, but this represented less PET conversion than those prepared by the low supersaturation method (l.s.c.). This difference was attributed to the smaller mass transfer limitations inside the (l.s.c.) catalysts. An artificial neural network model well fitted the PET conversion and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) yield. The influence of Fe in place of Al resulted in a higher PET conversion of the Mg-Fe-h.s.c. catalyst (~95.8%) than of Mg-Al-h.s.c. (~63%). Mg-Fe catalysts could be reused four to five times with final conversions of up to 97% with reaction conditions of EG: PET = 5:1 and catalyst: PET = 0.5%. These results confirm the Mg-Fe oxides as a biocompatible novel catalyst for the chemical recycling of PET residues to obtain non-toxic BHET for further polymerization, and use in food and beverage packaging.

What Is the CRISPR System and How It Is Used?

CRISPR is a revolutionary gene editing technology that has enabled scientists worldwide to explore the cell's genetic blueprint in an unprecedented easy way. In this chapter, we will briefly present the history behind the development of this innovative tool, how it emerged from a natural bacterial mechanism for antiviral defense, its key components (Cas9 endonuclease and single guide RNA), mode of action (DNA cleavage and repair via NHEJ or HDR), and versatility (acting on single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA) for diverse purposes beyond gene editing such as stochastic marking, digital encoding, high-fidelity SNP genotyping, programmed chromosome fission/fusion, gene mapping, nucleic acid detection, regulation of gene expression, DNA/RNA labeling or tracking, and more.

Eugenia sonderiana O. Berg leaves: Phytochemical characterization, evaluation of in vitro and in vivo antidiabetic effects, and structure-activity correlation.

Several medicinal plants have drawn the attention of researchers by its phytochemical composition regarding their potential for treating chronic complications of diabetes mellitus. In this context, plants of the Myrtaceae family popularly used in Brazil for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, including Eugenia sonderiana, have shown beneficial effects due to the presence of phenolic compounds and saponins in their chemical constitution. Thus, the present work aimed to perform the phytochemical characterization of the hydroethanolic extract of E. sonderiana leaves using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS), along with in vitro and in vivo studies of antidiabetic activity. The chemical characterization revealed the presence of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, neolignans, tannins, and saponins. In addition, the extract exhibited minimum inhibitory concentrations of alpha-amylase and alpha-glycosidase higher than the acarbose in the in vitro tests. Also, the in vivo tests revealed a slight increase in body mass in diabetic rats, as well as a significant decrease in water and feed consumption provided by the extract. Regarding serum biochemical parameters, the extract showed significant activity in decreasing the levels of glucose, hepatic enzymes, and triglycerides, in addition to maintaining HDL cholesterol levels within normal ranges, protecting the cell membranes against oxidative damage. Thus, the extract of E. sonderiana leaves was considered promising pharmaceutical ingredient in the production of a phytotherapy medication.

Sugar-sweetened beverages and childhood abnormal adiposity in the Czech Republic - narrative literature review.

OBJECTIVES: In Czech children, the burden related to the high body-mass index is rising. In the last three decades, Western eating patterns have influenced Czech children's diet, including the high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. This narrative review aims to evaluate evidence of the trend of sugar-sweetened beverages consumption in Czech children and its impact on the prevalence of childhood abnormal adiposity. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review in MEDLINE (PubMed) and a hand search using references in identified articles were performed. The inclusion criteria were population-based studies of randomly selected samples of children from 0 to 18 years old, data involving the Czech population, published from 1990 to 2021. The results were organized into three sections - childhood abnormal adiposity, SSBs consumption, and the association between SSBs consumption and abnormal adiposity. RESULTS: The studies showed a significant increase in abnormal adiposity in both genders and all age categories. The highest prevalence of abnormal adiposity was observed in boys and younger children. On the contrary, sugar-sweetened beverages showed a significant decline in daily consumption among Czech children of both genders and all age categories. No results were found for consequences of abnormal adiposity concerning sugar-sweetened beverages consumption. CONCLUSION: Findings from this review could serve public health experts to detect the areas of a gap in research and establish potential interventions in vulnerable groups. Observation of potential obesogenic contributors - including sugar-sweetened beverages - should be an integral part of effective action against the obesity pandemic.

Pharmacogenomic profile of a central European urban random population-Czech population.

The genetic basis of variability in drug response is at the core of pharmacogenomics (PGx) studies, aiming at reducing adverse drug reaction (ADR), which have interethnic variability. This study used the Kardiovize Brno 2030 random urban Czech sample population to analyze polymorphisms in a wide spectrum of genes coding for liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism. We aimed at correlating real life drug consumption with pharmacogenomic profile, and at comparing these data with the SUPER-Finland Finnish PGx database. A total of 250 individuals representative of the Kardiovize Brno 2030 cohort were included in an observational study. Blood DNA was extracted and 59 single nucleotide polymorphisms within 13 genes (BCHE, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, F2, F5, IFNL3, SLCO1B1, TPMT, UGT1A1, VKORC1), associated to different drug metabolizing rates, were characterized by genotyping using a genome wide commercial array. Widely used drugs such as anti-coagulant warfarin and lipid lowering agent atorvastatin were associated to an alarmingly high percentage of users with intermediate/poor metabolism for them. Significant differences in the frequency of normal/intermediate/poor/ultrarapid/rapid metabolizers were observed for CYPD26 (p<0.001), CYP2C19 (p<0.001) and UGT1A1 (p<0.001) between the Czech and the Finnish study populations. Our study demonstrated that administration of some popular drugs to a Czech random sample population is associated with different drug metabolizing rates and therefore exposing to risk for ADRs. We also highlight interethnic differentiation of some common pharmacogenetics variants between Central (Czech) and North European (Finnish) population studies, suggesting the utility of PGx-informed prescription based on variant genotyping.

Comparison of social gradient in cardiometabolic health in Czechia and Venezuela: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the relationships of social determinants with cardiometabolic risk in different socioeconomic contexts: sociopolitically unstable Venezuela (VE) and stable Czechia (CZ). DESIGN: cross-sectional analysis involving two population-based studies. SETTING: Brno, Czechia and 23 cities of Venezuela. PARTICIPANTS: 25-64 years old subjects from CZ (2013-2014, n=1579, 56% females) and VE (2014-2017, n=1652, 70% females). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The composite cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS) (scaled 0-8) was calculated using eight biomarkers (body mass index, waist circumference, blood glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides). Social characteristics included education in both countries, income in CZ and a composite measure of social position (SP) in VE. Sex stratified ordinal regression examined the social gradient in having less favourable CMRS. RESULTS: In CZ, men and women with low education and women with low income had higher odds of higher CMRS compared with those with high education and income with OR 1.45 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.21), 2.29 (95% CI 1.62 to 3.24) and 1.69 (95% CI 1.23 to 2.35). In VE, women with low education and low SP had higher odds to have higher CMRS OR 1.47 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.97) and 1.51 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.97), while men with low education and low SP had lower odds to have higher CMRS OR 0.64 (95% CI 0.41 to 1.00) and 0.61 (95% CI 0.40 to 0.97), compared with those with high education and high SP. Independently of age, sex and socioeconomic characteristics, Venezuelans had higher odds to have higher CMRS than Czechs (OR 2.70; 95% CI 2.37 to 3.08). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the associations of socioeconomic status indices and cardiometabolic risk differed between CZ and VE, likely reflecting differences in the social environment among countries. Further research is needed to confirm and quantify these differences.

Risk Factors Associated with the Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages among Czech Adults: The Kardiovize Study.

High consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The last report on the prevalence of SSBs consumption in Czechia was 17 years ago, an updated analysis will enable the design of appropriate public health policies. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SSBs consumption in a Czech city during 2020 and 2022, and its association with cardiometabolic biomarkers, behavioral risk factors, and socioeconomic determinants. A total of 730 participants (33 to 73 years) were assessed from a random population-based survey. SSBs consumption was evaluated using two methods: by calorie amount, with a 24 h dietary recall, and by frequency, with a food frequency questionnaire. By calorie amount, the prevalence of SSBs consumption was none: 52.5%, low: 30.0%, and moderate−high: 17.5%; by frequency was never: 16.0%, occasionally: 64.1%, and daily: 19.9%. SSBs intake was higher in men (p < 0.001) and younger participants (p = 0.001). Men consuming daily had higher waist circumference and visceral fat area compared to both occasional and never consumers. Higher SSBs consumption was associated with low household income, middle education level, and high total energy intake. In total, 20% drank SSBs daily and 17.5% of participants consumed moderate−high calorie amounts of SSBs. These results represent an increase in the prevalence of SSBs consumption in the last two decades. Public health policies should target men of younger age and people with low education and income.

Associations between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Adults of Czechia: The Kardiovize Study.

Even though there is evidence of decreasing trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Czechia, there are still major sources of PFAS pollution. Regarding the still-inconsistent results of the relationship between cardiometabolic health and PFAS, the present study sought to determine the association between PFAS levels and the presence of cardiometabolic biomarkers, including blood pressure and dysglycemia drivers in the Czech population. A cross-sectional study with 479 subjects (56.4% women, median: 53 years, range: 25-89) was conducted. Four PFAS were measured in serum: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). The associations between natural log (ln)-transformed PFAS and cardiometabolic biomarkers were assessed through generalized additive models using linear regression and smoothing thin plate splines, adjusted for potential confounders. There were positive and significant (p < 0.05) associations between the ln-transformed PFOA and glucose (ß = 0.01), systolic (ß = 0.76) and diastolic blood pressure (ß = 0.65); total cholesterol (ß = 0.07) and LDL-c (ß = 0.04); and PFOS with glucose (ß = 0.03), BMI (ß = 2.26), waist circumference (ß = 7.89), systolic blood pressure (ß = 1.18), total cholesterol (ß = 0.13), and HDL-c (ß = 0.04). When significant, the correlations of PFNA and PFDA were negative. Of the four PFAS, only PFOA and PFOS showed a positive association, even in serum levels not as high as the values from the literature.

Association of Self-Reported Depression Symptoms with Physical Activity Levels in Czechia.

Worldwide, depressive disorder is one of the leading determinants of disability-adjusted life years. Although there are benefits associated with a higher physical activity (PA) level, there is a lack of information related to this relationship, especially in countries such as Czechia, where modern approaches to mental health care only recently emerged. The present study aimed to evaluate the association between the level of depression and different PA levels following the World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines and according to specific symptoms that indicate depression. Multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression models were used to calculate the prevalence rate (PR) in a sample of 2123 participants (45.3% men, median 48 years). Compared to subjects with insufficient PA, moderate and high PA levels were inversely associated with continuous depression scores (PR = 0.85; 95% CI: 0.75-0.97; and PR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.70-0.92). Depressed mood and worthlessness were the symptoms associated with moderate and high PA. Tiredness, change in appetite, and concentration problems were related to high PA. The results suggest that reaching the minimum PA target according to the guidelines seems to be effective, and this could stimulate adherence. However, more specific improvements in symptomatology will require a subsequent gradual increase in PA levels.

Transcript Expression Profiles and MicroRNA Regulation Indicate an Upregulation of Processes Linked to Oxidative Stress, DNA Repair, Cell Death, and Inflammation in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) arises from autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing ß-cells leading to impaired insulin secretion and hyperglycemia. T1D is accompanied by DNA damage, oxidative stress, and inflammation, although there is still scarce information about the oxidative stress response and DNA repair in T1D pathogenesis. We used the microarray method to assess mRNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 19 T1D patients compared to 11 controls and identify mRNA targets of microRNAs that were previously reported for T1D patients. We found 277 differentially expressed genes (220 upregulated and 57 downregulated) in T1D patients compared to controls. Analysis by gene sets (GSA and GSEA) showed an upregulation of processes linked to ROS generation, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell death, ER stress, and DNA repair in T1D patients. Besides, genes related to oxidative stress responses and DNA repair (PTGS2, ATF3, FOSB, DUSP1, and TNFAIP3) were found to be targets of four microRNAs (hsa-miR-101, hsa-miR148a, hsa-miR-27b, and hsa-miR-424). The expression levels of these mRNAs and microRNAs were confirmed by qRT-PCR. Therefore, the present study on differential expression profiles indicates relevant biological functions related to oxidative stress response, DNA repair, inflammation, and apoptosis in PBMCs of T1D patients relative to controls. We also report new insights regarding microRNA-mRNA interactions, which may play important roles in the T1D pathogenesis.

The Combined Effects of Television Viewing and Physical Activity on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors: The Kardiovize Study.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between television viewing/physical activity (TVV/PA) interactions and cardiometabolic risk in an adult European population. A total of 2155 subjects (25-64 years) (45.2% males), a random population-based sample were evaluated in Brno, Czechia. TVV was classified as low (<2 h/day), moderate (2-4), and high (≥4). PA was classified as insufficient, moderate, and high. To assess the independent association of TVV/PA categories with cardiometabolic variables, multiple linear regression was used. After adjustments, significant associations were: High TVV/insufficient PA with body mass index (BMI) (ß = 2.61, SE = 0.63), waist circumference (WC) (ß = 7.52, SE = 1.58), body fat percent (%BF) (ß = 6.24, SE = 1.02), glucose (ß = 0.25, SE = 0.12), triglycerides (ß = 0.18, SE = 0.05), and high density lipoprotein (HDL-c) (ß = -0.10, SE = 0.04); high TVV/moderate PA with BMI (ß = 1.98, SE = 0.45), WC (ß = 5.43, SE = 1.12), %BF (ß = 5.15, SE = 0.72), triglycerides (ß = 0.08, SE = 0.04), total cholesterol (ß = 0.21, SE = 0.10), low density protein (LDL-c) (ß = 0.19, SE = 0.08), and HDL-c (ß = -0.07, SE = 0.03); and moderate TVV/insufficient PA with WC (ß = 2.68, SE = 1.25), %BF (ß = 3.80, SE = 0.81), LDL-c (ß = 0.18, SE = 0.09), and HDL-c (ß = -0.07, SE = 0.03). Independent of PA levels, a higher TVV was associated with higher amounts of adipose tissue. Higher blood glucose and triglycerides were present in subjects with high TVV and insufficient PA, but not in those with high PA alone. These results affirm the independent cardiometabolic risk of sedentary routines even in subjects with high-levels of PA.

Does the dose make the poison? Neurotoxic insecticides impair predator orientation and reproduction even at low concentrations.

BACKGROUND: Pesticides can be noxious to non-target beneficial arthropods and their negative effects have been recently recognized even at low doses. The predator Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) plays an important role in controlling insect pests in solanaceous crops, but its concurrent herbivory often poses relevant concerns for tomato production. Although insecticide side effects on N. tenuis have been previously studied, little is known on the potential implications of neurotoxic chemicals at low concentrations. We assessed the baseline toxicity of three neurotoxic insecticides (lambda-cyhalothrin, spinosad and chlorpyrifos) on N. tenuis by topical contact exposure. The behavioral and reproduction capacity of the predator was then investigated upon exposure to three estimated low-lethal concentrations (LC1 , LC10 and LC30 ). RESULTS: Predator survival varied among insecticides and concentrations, with LC30 /label rate ratios ranging from 8.45% to 65.40% for spinosad and lambda-cyhalothrin, respectively. All insecticides reduced the fertility of N. tenuis females at all estimated low-lethal concentrations. Chlorpyrifos seriously compromised predator orientation towards a host plant even at LC1 , while the same effect was observed for lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad solely at LC30 . Lambda-cyhalothrin (at all concentrations) and chlorpyrifos (at LC10 and LC30 ) also affected the time taken by N. tenuis females to make a choice. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that all three insecticides can be detrimental to N. tenuis and should be avoided when presence of the predator is desirable. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Prevalence of adiposity-based chronic disease in middle-aged adults from Czech Republic: The Kardiovize study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The need for understanding obesity as a chronic disease, its stigmatization, and the lack of actionability related to it demands a new approach. The adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD) model is based on adiposity amount, distribution, and function, with a three stage complication-centric rather than a body mass index (BMI)-centric approach. The prevalence rates and associated risk factors are presented. METHODS: In total, 2159 participants were randomly selected from Czechia. ABCD was established as BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 or high body fat percent, or abdominal obesity and then categorized by their adiposity-based complications: Stage 0: none; Stage 1: mild/moderate; Stage 2: severe. RESULTS: ABCD prevalence was 62.8%. Stage 0 was 2.3%; Stage 1 was 31.4%; Stage 2 was 29.1%. Comparing with other classifiers, participants in Stage 2 were more likely to have diabetes, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome than those with overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and increased fat mass. ABCD showed the highest sensitivity and specificity to detect participants with peripheral artery disease, increased intima media, and vascular disease. CONCLUSION/INTERPRETATION: The ABCD model provides a more sensitive approach that facilitates the early detection and stratification of participants at risk compared to traditional classifiers.