Effect of Endoscopic Glottoplasty on Acoustic Measures and Quality of Voice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The voice is an important marker of the transition process to the new gender identity of the transgender person. For 20% of patients seeking voice feminization, voice therapy is not completely satisfactory, and surgery should be considered, with endoscopic glottoplasty being the current practice. While the increase in fundamental frequency (F0) after glottoplasty has been well described, no systematic review of the literature or meta-analysis regarding other acoustic parameters and quality of voice has been performed yet. OBJECTIVE: To define the effect of endoscopic glottoplasty on acoustic measures and quality of voice by assessing F0, maximum phonation time (MPT), frequency range, and grade of dysphonia. METHODS: A literature review was performed in Medline/PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, LILACS, and Google Scholar, following PRISMA guidelines, with no constraints on publication date. We included studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish that assessed transgender women who underwent endoscopic glottoplasty. All the included articles were measured in terms of their methodological quality. RESULTS: The PRISMA approach yielded 14 studies, totaling 566 patients. There was significant heterogeneity between studies regarding follow-up time, surgical technique and perioperative care. Thirteen studies were submitted to meta-analysis. The results showed significant changes in pre- to postglottoplasty mean differences of F0 = 78.49 Hz (95%CI: 75.69-81.30), MPT = -1.11 seconds (95%CI -1.67 to -0.54), frequency range = -3.55 semitones (95%CI -5.74 to -1.36) and grade of dysphonia on the GRBAS scale = 0.44 (95%CI 0.27-0.61). CONCLUSION: Glottoplasty is effective in significantly increasing fundamental frequency, but slightly decreases MPT, frequency range and vocal quality measured by the grade of dysphonia on the GRBAS scale.

Saberes e práticas de cuidado em saúde sobre a covid-19: uma análise baseada em interações de pessoas em comunidade virtual / Knowledge and health care practices of covid-19: an analysis based on interactions of people in a virtual community / Conocimientos y prácticas de atención a la salud de la covid-19: un análisis a partir deinteracciones de personas en una comunidad virtual

Este artigo analisa os saberes e práticas do cuidado em saúde relacionados à covid-19, a partir da observação participante de pessoas que trocam experiências e interagem sobre o tema no grupo da rede social Facebook, no Brasil, 'Eu já tive Covid-19'. A comunidade virtual, com 16,5 mil membros, gerou 397 postagens no período de 8 de março a 18 de abril de 2021. As postagens foram categorizadas e tiveram seus níveis de engajamento calculados com base no número de interações. Experiências em casos de covid-19, dúvidas e questionamentos dos usuários participantes representaram 74% das postagens. Os comentários com mensagens de acolhimento aproximaram as pessoas, fortalecendo seus laços sociais. Foram identificados discursos que contrariavam o saber científico, sendo uma a cada 25 postagens definida como fake news. Temas como automedicação, xarope caseiro, 'kit covid' e tratamento precoce foram destaque dentre os conteúdos e evidenciam o grau de desinformação dos participantes a respeito da covid-19.

This article analyzes the knowledge and practices of health care related to covid-19, based on the participant observation of people who exchange experiences and interact on the topic in the social network Facebook group, in Brazil, 'I already had Covid-19'. The virtual community, with 16,500 members, generated 397 posts, in the period from March 8 to April 18, 2021. They were categorized and had their engagement levels calculated based on the number of interactions. Experiences in cases of covid-19, doubts and questions from participating users represented 74% of posts. The comments with welcoming messages brought these people closer, strengthening their social ties. Speeches that contradicted scientific knowledge were identified, with one in 25 posts classified as fake news. Topics such as self-medication, homemade syrup, 'covid kit' and early treatment were highlighted among these contents and show the degree of disinformation of the participants about covid-19.

Este artículo analiza los conocimientos y prácticas de atención a la salud relacionados con el covid-19, a partir de la observación participante de personas que intercambian experiencias e interactúan sobre el tema en el grupo de la red social Facebook, en Brasil, 'Eu ya tuvo Covid-19'. La comunidad virtual, con 16.500 miembros, generó 397 publicaciones, en el período del 8 de marzo al 18 de abril de 2021. Se categorizaron y se calcularon los niveles de participación en función del número de interacciones. Experiencias en casos de covid-19, dudas y preguntas de los usuarios participantes representaron el 74% de las publicaciones. Los comentarios con mensajes de bienvenida acercaron a estas personas, fortaleciendo sus lazos sociales. Se identificaron discursos que contradecían el conocimiento científico, con una fake news cada 25 publicaciones. En estos contenidos se destacaron temas como la automedicación, el jarabe casero, el 'kit covid' y el tratamiento temprano, evidenciando el grado de desinformación de los participantes sobre el covid-19.

Reconstrução das subunidades nasais após ressecção tumoral / Reconstruction of the nasal subunits after tumor resection

Introdução: A maioria dos defeitos nasais que se apresentam para reconstrução são secundários à excisão tumoral. O Objetivo é analisar a eficácia da técnica reconstrutora utilizada para a cobertura do defeito após exérese tumoral de acordo com a subunidade anatômica nasal acometida. Método: Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários de 118 pacientes que durante o período de agosto de 2012 a março de 2017 foram submetidos à ressecção dos tumores nasais no Instituto Mário Penna em Belo Horizonte/MG. Resultados: A incidência foi maior em mulheres (56%) e brancos (54,3%) com idade média de 71,3 anos. Foram ressecados 125 tumores e realizadas 122 reconstruções nasais. O carcinoma basocelular (90,4%) foi o tumor de pele não melanoma mais prevalente, sendo o subtipo histológico sólido (33,6%) o mais frequente. As técnicas para reconstrução dos defeitos que acometiam apenas uma subunidade nasal foram em sua maioria utilizando o retalho bilobado (26,5%). Nas reconstruções nasais complexas, o retalho miocutâneo bilobado (45,8%) com extensão para a região glabelar (englobando os músculos prócero, corrugador e nasal) foi o mais utilizado, principalmente em defeitos no terço inferior do nariz. Cerca de 78 pacientes apresentaram acompanhamento oncológico superior a um ano, sendo avaliados 82 tumores no total. Sete (8,5%) tumores recidivaram mesmo após ressecção completa e, entre os seis pacientes com margens comprometidas, apenas um (1,2%) recidivou. Conclusão: As técnicas reconstrutoras utilizadas foram eficazes para o tratamento do câncer de pele nasal e cobertura dos defeitos após ressecção, apresentando baixos índices de complicação e recidiva.

Introduction: A majority of the nods present for reconstruction are secondary to tumor excision. The objective is to analyze the efficacy of the reconstructive technique used to cover the defect after tumor exeresis according to the affected nasal anatomical subunit. Method: Retrospective study of the medical records of 118 patients submitted to resection of the nasal tumors at the Mário Penna Institute in Belo Horizonte/ MG from August 2012 to March 2017. Results: Incidence was higher in women (56%) and whites (54.3%) average age of 71.3 years. A total of 125 tumors were resected, and 122 nose reconstructions were performed. Basal cell carcinoma (90.4%) was the most prevalent nonmelanoma skin tumor, the most frequent solid histological subtype (33.6%). The techniques for reconstruction of defects that affect only one nasal subunit were mostly using the bilobed flap (26.5%). In complex nose reconstructions, the bilobed myocutaneous flap (45.8%) with extension to a glabella region (encompassing the procerus, corrugator and nasal muscles) was the most used, mainly in defects in the lower third of the nose. About 78 patients had cancer follow-up of more than one year, and 82 total sin tumors were evaluated. Seven (8.5%) Tumors retreated even after complete resection, and, among the six patients with compromised margins, only one (1.2%) relapsed. Conclusion: The reconstructive techniques used were effective for treating nasal skin cancer and coverage of defects after resection, with low rates of complication and recurrence.

Surgical interventions for pediatric unilateral vocal fold paralysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate outcomes of injection laryngoplasty (IL) and laryngeal reinnervation for the treatment of pediatric Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (UVFP), especially on swallowing and quality of voice. METHODS: A literature review was performed in Medline/PubMed and Cochrane Library, following PRISMA guidelines, with no constraints on publication date. We included studies in English, Portuguese or Spanish about surgical treatment for UVFP on the pediatric population (0-21 years) that documented outcomes for one of the following techniques: IL or laryngeal reinnervation. Study characteristics, patient demographics, technical aspects of each procedure, complications, and outcomes for voice and swallowing were extracted. A meta-analysis with inverse variance, random-effects model was performed. RESULTS: The PRISMA approach yielded 22 studies, totaling 267 patients. Seven reinnervation articles were included in meta-analysis for maximum phonation time (MPT) and quality of voice measured by Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia and Strain (GRBAS) scale. Cardiac surgery had caused UVFP in 62.8% (142/226) of the cases. The main indication for IL was aspiration and for reinnervation was dysphonia. For IL, there was an improvement of 84.5% (confidence interval [CI] 82.6-88.4%) in swallowing and 81.4% (CI 74.6-88.1%) in voice. For reinnervation, there was an improvement of 91.6% (CI 88.2-94.9%) in swallowing and 96.8% (CI 95.5-98.0%) in voice. We found an increase of 6.19 s (CI 1.00 to 11.38) in MPT and a mean difference in GRBAS sum of -3.53 points (CI -6.15 to -0.91) after reinnervation. CONCLUSION: Retrospective cohort studies suggest that injection laryngoplasty and reinnervation are both effective in improving swallowing and voice in children with UVFP. There was clinical evidence of improvement in the MPT and GRBAS scale meta-analysis in patients undergoing reinnervation.

Redes de resistência e esperança. Narrativas de mães do Ceará que lutam por reconhecimento, memória e amor / Resistance and hope networks. Narratives from Ceará mothers who fight for recognition, memory and love / Redes de resistencia y esperanza. Narrativas de madres de Ceará que luchan por el reconocimiento, la memoria y el amor

Resumo Este artigo é um desdobramento do processo de pesquisa sobre a trajetória de vítimas de violência no estado do Ceará (Brasil). Seu objetivo é apresentar as narrativas sobre o sentido da participação em uma rede formada por familiares de vítimas de violência. Para tanto, vale-se da interlocução com três mulheres que são mães e tiveram seus filhos assassinados e/ou encarcerados. A Rede de Mães do Ceará surgiu em 2018 em razão da participação dessas mulheres em uma das edições do Encontro Nacional de Mães e Familiares de Vítimas do Terrorismo do Estado. Observa-se, por intermédio de seus relatos, uma teia de emoções e motivações associadas à ideia de luta por reconhecimento, memória e amor. A metodologia de coleta de dados adotada para a análise somou a realização de um grupo de discussão com as três integrantes da rede cearense a uma série de observações em campo.

Abstract This article is the result of a research process on the trajectory of victims of violence in the state of Ceará, Brazil. Its objective is to present the narratives about the meaning of participation in a network formed by family members of victims of violence. For that, it uses the interlocution with three women who are mothers and had their children murdered and / or imprisoned. The Network of Ceará Mothers appeared in mid-2018 due to the participation of these women in one of the editions of the National Meeting of Mothers and Family Members Victims of State Terrorism. It is possible to observe, through their reports, a web of emotions and motivations associated with the idea of struggle for recognition, memory and love. Data collection methodology included a discussion group with three members of the Ceará network and field observations made by the researchers.

Resumen Este artículo es un desarrollo del proceso de investigación sobre la trayectoria de víctimas de la violencia en el estado de Ceará. Su objetivo es presentar las narrativas sobre el significado de la participación en una red formada por familiares de víctimas de violencia. Para eso, utiliza la interlocución con tres mujeres que son madres y tuvieron sus hijos asesinados y/o encarcelados. La Red de Madres de Ceará surgió en 2018 por la participación de estas mujeres en una de las ediciones del Encuentro Nacional de Madres y Familiares de Víctimas del Terrorismo del Estado. Se observa a través de sus relatos una red de emociones y motivaciones asociadas a la idea de lucha por el reconocimiento, la memoria y el amor. La metodología de recolección de datos adoptada para el análisis agregó un grupo de discusión con los tres miembros de la red Ceará a una serie de observaciones de campo.

Desempenho da marcha e qualidade de vida nos sobreviventes de avc: um estudo transversal / Gait performance and quality of life in stroke survivors: a cross-sectional study

Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral é uma das principais causas de deficiências neurológicas no mundo, podendo levar a um amplo espectro de deficiências físicas, inclusive no desempenho da marcha. Essas anormalidades de marcha têm um impacto substancial nas atividades funcionais, no estilo de vida, bem como nas percepções do indivíduo sobre a funcionalidade da vida diária e bem-estar após o acidente vascular cerebral. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho da marcha, identificando quais os componentes da marcha associados à deterioração da qualidade de vida em sobreviventes de AVC. Métodos: Indivíduos com marcha independente após um acidente vascular cerebral, com ou sem o uso de ajudas para caminhar, como muletas ou bastões, foram incluídos no estudo. Os dados sócio-demográficos e clínicos foram gravados, em seguida, foram avaliados alguns testes, com o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6M), teste de caminhada de 10 metros (TC10M), Timed Up & Go (TUG) , Índice de Barthel modificado (IBM), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) e European Quality of Life - 5 dimensões (EQ-5D). Um modelo de regressão logística multivariada Stepwise avaliou preditores de qualidade de vida comprometida. Resultados: Foram incluídos 124 indivíduos com idade média de 66 anos e mediana de NIHSS de 3 pontos. A média de EQ-5D foi de 0,44 (DP 0,38) e 91 indivíduos (73%) tiveram qualidade de vida comprometida. Houve uma correlação positiva entre o TC6 e o EQ-5D (r = 0,48, p <0,001). O aumento da idade, capacidade funcional, TC6, TC 10MW, gravidade do AVC e sexo feminino foram associados com comprometimento da QV (p <0,05). Na análise multivariada, TC6M (aumento de OR 0,94 por 10m, p = 0,046), capacidade funcional (OR 0,66, p = 0,022) e idade (OR 0,54 por aumento de 10 anos, p = 0,002) estiveram associados com qualidade de vida comprometida. Conclusão: A distância percorrida no TC6M foi o aspecto de marcha mais forte associado independentemente com a qualidade de vida em indivíduos com moradia comunitária com marcha independente após um acidente vascular cerebral. [AU]

Introduction: Stroke is one of the major causes of neurological deficiencies in the world, and can lead to a wide spectrum of physical deficiencies, including gait performance. These gait abnormalities have a substantial impact on functional activities, lifestyle, and the individual's perceptions about the functionality of daily life and well-being after stroke. Objective: To evaluate gait performance, identifying determining which gait components were associated with impaired quality of life in stroke survivors. Methods: Individuals with independent gait after a stroke, with or without the use of walking aids such as crutches or canes were included in the study. The socio-demographic and clinical data were recorded, then some tests were evaluated, with o 6-minute walk test (6MWT), 10-meters walk test (10MWT), Timed Up & Go (TUG), modified Barthel Index (mBI),National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and European Quality of life ­ 5 dimensions (EQ-5D). A stepwise multivariable logistic regression model assessed predictors of impaired QoL. Results: A total of 124 individual with a mean age of 66 years and median NIHSS of 3 points were included. The mean EQ-5D was 0.44 (SD 0.38) and 91 individuals (73%) had impaired QoL. There was a positive correlation between 6MWT and EQ-5D (r = 0.48, p <0.001). Increasing age, functional capacity, 6MWT, 10MWT, stroke severity and female sex were associated with impaired QoL (p<0.05). In the multivariable analysis, 6MWT (OR 0.94 per 10m increase, p=0.046), functional capacity (OR 0.66, p=0.022) and age (OR 0.54 per 10 year increase, p=0.002) were associated with impaired QoL. Conclusion: Distance walked in 6MWT was the strongest gait aspect independently associated with quality of life in community-dwelling individuals with independent gait after a stroke. [AU]

Proposal for a New Predictive Scale for Recurrent Risk of Fall in a Cohort of Community-Dwelling Patients with Stroke.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine risk factors related to the occurrence of falls in stroke patients and to propose a new predictive scale for falls. METHODS: Demographic and clinical data were collected and the following scales were applied: Barthel Index, Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Subjects were followed prospectively for 2 years for the occurrence of recurrent (≥2) falls. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed and univariable associations were tested using log-rank test. Two separate multivariable models were then used: the first used Cox proportional hazards regression and the second used Poisson regression. In each model, significant associations were considered present with a P value less than .05. RESULTS: We evaluated 150 individuals and the final analysis included 131 patients; the average age of the patients was 55.8 ± 13 years, 52% were women, and the median NIHSS score was 2 (interquartile range = 1-5). Falls occurred in 17% of patients, with a median of 23 months of follow-up (interquartile range = 16-26 months). In the multivariable Cox regression model, only TUG quartile, female gender, and posterior circulation territory involvement remained significant predictors of recurrent falls. We used the predictors from the Cox regression model to propose a new recurrent fall risk scale. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 73%, 95% confidence interval = 62%-83%, P = .001, with 81.3% sensitivity and 41.8% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The new predictive scale for recurrent risk (including TUG, posterior circulation territory involvement, and female gender) is presented as an instrument for monitoring the risk of recurrent falls.

Risk factors associated with falls in adult patients after stroke living in the community: baseline data from a stroke cohort in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with stroke have a high risk of falling, and their fall predictors may differ from those of other populations. PURPOSE: To estimate fall frequency and identify factors related to fall occurrence in a sample of patients with stroke residing in the community. METHODS: Clinical data were collected from 150 consecutive stroke patients with independent gait, and the following scales were applied: modified Barthel Index (mBI), Timed Up & Go Test (TUG), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Univariate analysis was performed; variables with possible association (P < .1) were included in a logistic regression model. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify the best cutoff point for TUG. RESULTS: Falls occurred in 37% of patients. In multivariate analysis, right hemisphere injury (odds ratio [OR], 2.621; 95% CI, 1.196-5.740; P = .016), time in TUG (OR, 1.035 for every increase in 1 second; 95% CI, 1.003-1.069; P = .034), and longer time since stroke onset (OR, 1.012 for every month increase; 95% CI, 1.002-1.021; P = .015) remained predictors. When we grouped individuals according to affected cerebral hemisphere, both hemispheres had similar accuracy, but TUG cutoff point was lower in individuals with right- versus left-hemisphere lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with poor TUG performance, longer times since stroke onset, and right-hemisphere injury have particularly high fall rates, and TUG cutoff points for fall prediction vary according to cerebral hemisphere.

Metabolismo oxidativo e cardíaco de equinos submetidos a exercício de baixa intensidade antes e após suplementação com antioxidante / Oxidative and cardiac metabolism of horses subjected to low intensity exercise before and after antioxidant supplementation

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os marcadores cardíacos e de lipoperoxidação em equinos no teste de exercício de baixa intensidade e longa duração (TLD), antes e após a suplementação com vitamina E. Para tanto, foram utilizados 10 equinos, submetendo-os ao primeiro TLD, com carga de trabalho fundamentada no consumo máximo de oxigênio individual (VO2max). Em seguida, durante 59 dias, os equinos receberam vitamina E (dl-alfa-tocoferol) na dose diária de 1.000UI por via oral e, posteriormente, realizaram um segundo TLD com o mesmo protocolo do primeiro. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas para determinação do malondialdeído (MDA) plasmático, como índice de lipoperoxidação, da concentração sérica de troponina I cardíaca (cTnI) e da isoenzima MB da creatinoquinase (CK-MB) como marcadores cardíacos. Como efeito do exercício, não se observou aumento significativo de MDA nem de cTnI, mas sim da concentração sérica de CK-MB, sugerindo-se o estresse miocárdico. A suplementação foi capaz de amenizar a produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio, evidenciada pela menor concentração de MDA em todos os momentos avaliados, porém não causou efeito protetor no miocárdio. Concluiu-se que o exercício de baixa intensidade e longa duração promoveu estresse miocárdico em equinos de forma leve e a suplementação com vitamina E reduziu a lipoperoxidação.

The present study aimed to evaluate cardiac and lipoperoxidation markers in horses subjected to low intensity and long duration (TLD) exercise test, before and after vitamin E supplementation. For this purpose, 10 horses were used, subjecting them to the first TLD with a workload based on individual maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). Then, horses received vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) during 59 days at a daily oral dose of 1,000IU, and thereafter they performed a second TLD with the same protocol as the first. Blood samples were collected to determine plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipoperoxidation, serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB) as cardiac markers. As a result of the exercise, there was no significant increase in MDA or cTnI, but serum CK-MB increased suggesting myocardial stress. The supplementation was able to minimize reactive oxygen species production, as evidenced by lower concentrations of MDA at all times evaluated, but it didn't cause protective effect on the myocardium. It was concluded that the low intensity and long duration exercise promoted light myocardial stress in horses and vitamin E supplementation reduced lipoperoxidation.

Proteasome inhibition and ROS generation by 4-nerolidylcatechol induces melanoma cell death.

Induction of apoptotic cell death in response to chemotherapy and other external stimuli has proved extremely difficult in melanoma, leading to tumor progression, metastasis formation and resistance to therapy. A promising approach for cancer chemotherapy is the inhibition of proteasomal activity, as the half-life of the majority of cellular proteins is under proteasomal control and inhibitors have been shown to induce cell death programs in a wide variety of tumor cell types. 4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is a potent antioxidant whose cytotoxic potential has already been demonstrated in melanoma tumor cell lines. Furthermore, 4-NC was able to induce the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins, including classic targets of this process such as Mcl-1. As shown for other proteasomal inhibitors in melanoma, the cytotoxic action of 4-NC is time-dependent upon the pro-apoptotic protein Noxa, which is able to bind and neutralize Mcl-1. We demonstrate the role of 4-NC as a potent inducer of ROS and p53. The use of an artificial skin model containing melanoma also provided evidence that 4-NC prevented melanoma proliferation in a 3D model that more closely resembles normal human skin.

Peptidase activities in the semen from the ductus deferens and uterus of the neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus.

To understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology of Crotalus durissus terrificus, intra- and inter-seasonal activity levels of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl-IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases as well as prolyl endopeptidase (POP) were evaluated in soluble (SF) and/or membrane-bound (MF) fractions of semen collected from the ductus deferens of the male reproductive tract and from the posterior portion of the uterus. Seminal APB, PIP and POP were detected in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. Only the convoluted posterior uterus in winter and autumn had semen. Relative to other examined peptidases, in general, APN-PI, APN-PS and APB activities were predominant in the semen from the uterus and throughout the year in the semen from the ductus deferens, suggesting their great relevance in the seminal physiology of C. d. terrificus. The levels of peptidase activities in the ductus deferens semen varied seasonally and were different from those of semen in the uterus, suggesting that their modulatory actions on susceptible peptides are integrated to the male reproductive cycle events and spermatozoa viability of this snake.

Seasonal variation of peptidase activities in the reproductive tract of Crotalus durissus terrificus.

Seasonal quantitative patterns of acid (APA), basic (APB), puromycin-sensitive (APN-PS) and puromycin-insensitive neutral (APN-PI), cystyl (CAP), dipeptidyl IV (DPPIV), type-1 pyroglutamyl (PAP-I) and prolyl-imino (PIP) aminopeptidases and prolyl oligopeptidase (POP) activities in soluble (SF) and solubilized membrane-bound (MF) fractions from ductus deferens, vagina and uterus were studied to evaluate their relationships with the reproductive cycle and the extensive long-term spermatozoa storage (LTSS) of the Neotropical rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. APB, PIP and POP were detected only in SF, while other peptidases were detected in SF and MF. APB, APN-PI and APN-PS were predominant in most tissues in all seasons. Peptidase activities had a common pattern of increment during the dry season (winter/autumn), which coincides with the mating period (autumn) and LTSS in the female (winter), as well as the reduction of spermatozoa motility and maintenance of fertilization capacity of spermatozoa. The high CAP activity in the soluble fraction of the vagina during winter, compared to summer (time of parturition) and spring, coincides with the relaxation of this tissue. In the soluble fraction, the low PAP-I activity of the ductus deferens coincided with its high activity in the vagina during the winter; and the inverse occurred in summer, which is consistent with the physiological process of preserving spermatozoon viability. In conclusion, the studied peptidase activities had seasonal and tissue-specific characteristics, which suggest a relevant role in the reproductive physiology of C. d. terrificus.

Hypothalamic activity during altered salt and water balance in the snake Bothrops jararaca.

The effects of water and salt overload on the activities of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and the adjacent periventricular zone of the hypothalamus of the snake Bothrops jararaca were investigated by measurements of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-ir). Both water and salt overload resulted in changes in body mass, plasma osmolality, and plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride. Hyper-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the rostral supraoptic nucleus (SON), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and adjacent periventricular areas. Both hyper- and hypo-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the intermediate SON, but not in other areas of the hypothalamus. Immunostaining was abundant in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting tanycyte-like cells in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle. These data highlight some features of regional distribution of Fos immunoreactivity that are consistent with vasotocin functioning as a hormone, and support the role of hypothalamic structures in the response to disruption of salt and water balance in this snake.

Hypothalamic activity during altered salt and water balance in the snake Bothrops jararaca

The effects of water and salt overload on the activities of the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei and the adjacent periventricular zone of the hypothalamus of the snake Bothrops jararaca were investigated by measurements of Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-ir). Both water and salt overload resulted in changes in body mass, plasma osmolality, and plasma concentrations of sodium, potassium, and chloride. Hyper-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the rostral supraoptic nucleus (SON), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and adjacent periventricular areas. Both hyper- and hypo-osmolality increased Fos immunoreactivity in the intermediate SON, but not in other areas of the hypothalamus. Immunostaining was abundant in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-contacting tanycyte-like cells in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle. These data highlight some features of regional distribution of Fos immunoreactivity that are consistent with vasotocin functioning as a hormone, and support the role of hypothalamic structures in the response to disruption of salt and water balance in this snake.

Peptidase activities in Crotalus durissus terrificus semen

To understand the role of peptidases in seminal physiology of Crotalus durissus terrificus, activity levels of representative enzymes in semen and their sensitivities to inhibitors, cofactors, and peptide hormones were evaluated. The existence of seminal fractions and the association of peptidases with these fractions were also characterized for the first time in snakes. The prominent inhibitors of aminopeptidases (APs) were amastatin for acid, basic, and neutral; bestatin for basic; and diprotin A for dipeptidyl-IV. Cystyl and prolyl-imino APs were similarly susceptible to the majority of these inhibitors. The basic and neutral were characterized as metallo-peptidases, acid AP was activated by MnCl2, and cystyl, prolyl-imino, and type I pyroglutamyl were characterized as sulphydryl-dependent APs. Angiotensin II, vasotocin, bradykinin, fertilization-promoting peptide, and TRH altered the majority of these peptidase activities; these peptides are possible substrates and/or modulators of these peptidases. Peptidase activities were found in all seminal fractions: seminal plasma (SP), prostasome-like (PR) structures, and soluble (S-) and membrane-bound fractions (MFs) of spermatozoa. The levels of activity of each peptidase varied among different seminal fractions. in SP, the higher activities were puromycin-insensitive neutral and basic APs. in PR, the higher activity was puromycin-insensitive neutral AP. In spermatozoa, the higher activity in subcellular SF was puromycin-sensitive neutral, while in MF both puromycin-sensitive and -insensitive neutral APs were equally higher than the other examined peptidases. Data suggested that these peptidases, mainly basic and neutral, have a high relevance in regulating seminal functions of C. d. terrificus.

Renal and macrophage aminopeptidase activities in cyclosporin-treated mice.

Cyclosporin, an immunosuppressive drug, is known to affect macrophage and to exert a nephrotoxic effect. Aminopeptidases play important roles for renal and macrophage functions. In this work, we attempt to test the hypothesis that the aminopeptidases participate within macrophage and renal effects induced by cyclosporin. Macrophage and renal aminopeptidase activities of cyclosporin-treated and control mice were evaluated, as well as renal caspase 3 activity, hematocrit, urinary protein and plasma osmolality, creatinine and uric acid concentrations. Cyclosporin treatment increased caspase 3 activity, hematocrit and osmolality, while urinary protein, creatinine and uric acid were unaltered. Soluble and particulate aminopeptidases in resident and elicited macrophages were unaffected by cyclosporin. The treatment with cyclosporin increased neutral, basic, cystyl, prolyl imino and pyroglutamyl soluble aminopeptidase activities in the renal cortex. Acid and basic soluble aminopeptidase activities increased in the renal medulla. Increased levels of particulate form in the cortex were detected for acid and pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase activities. Cyclosporin increased cortical soluble while decreased medullar particulate prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV activity. With the exception of prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV, particulate aminopeptidase activities returned to levels similar to controls after fifteen days of cyclosporin withdrawal, and soluble aminopeptidase activities did not regress. Our data indicate that the adopted regimen of cyclosporin treatment produced mild renal impairment with consistent changes on the levels of renal but not macrophage aminopeptidase activities. The obtained profiles of macrophage and renal aminopeptidase activities should be considered into the elaboration of new potential strategies for preventing nephrotoxicity during the treatment with cyclosporin.

Renal and macrophage aminopeptidase activities in cyclosporin-treated mice

Cyclosporin, an immunosuppressive drug, is known to affect macrophage and to exert a nephrotoxic effect. Aminopeptidases play important roles for renal and macrophage functions. In this work, we attempt to test the hypothesis that the aminopeptidases participate within macrophage and renal effects induced by cyclosporin. Macrophage and renal aminopeptidase activities of cyclosporin-treated and control mice were evaluated, as well as renal caspase 3 activity, hematocrit, urinary protein and plasma osmolality, creatinine and uric acid concentrations. Cyclosporin treatment increased caspase 3 activity, hematocrit and osmolality, while urinary protein, creatinine and uric acid were unaltered. Soluble and particulate aminopeptidases in resident and elicited macrophages were unaffected by cyclosporin. The treatment with cyclosporin increased neutral, basic, cystyl, prolyl imino and pyroglutamyl soluble aminopeptidase activities in the renal cortex. Acid and basic soluble aminopeptidase activities increased in the renal medulla. Increased levels of particulate form in the cortex were detected for acid and pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase activities. Cyclosporin increased cortical soluble while decreased medullar particulate prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV activity. With the exception of prolyl dipeptidyl aminopeptidase IV, particulate aminopeptidase activities returned to levels similar to controls after fifteen days of cyclosporin withdrawal, and soluble aminopeptidase activities did not regress. Our data indicate that the adopted regimen of cyclosporin treatment produced mild renal impairment with consistent changes on the levels of renal but not macrophage aminopeptidase activities. The obtained profiles of macrophage and renal aminopeptidase activities should be considered into the elaboration of new potential strategies for preventing nephrotoxicity during the treatment with cyclosporin.

Cystyl aminopeptidase activity in the plasma, viscera and brain of the snake Bothrops jararaca.

The relationship between plasma osmolality and cystyl aminopeptidase was characterized in the snake Bothrops jararaca and comparisons were made with the emerging picture of this relationship in rats. The profile of cystyl aminopeptidase activity under basal conditions was determined in the soluble and membrane-bound forms in visceral organs and in the central nervous system in comparison with that of alanyl aminopeptidase. The regional localization of cystyl and alanyl aminopeptidase activities was studied in the central nervous system. The basal level of plasma cystyl aminopeptidase, four- to six-fold higher than in rats, suggests its importance to help regulate circulating levels of neurohypophysial peptides in B. jararaca snake. The osmotic sensitivity of this plasma enzyme, undetectable in male, but about three-fold higher in female snakes than in rats, reveals a sexual dimorphism. In marked contrast to those observed in rats, low levels of soluble and particulate forms in the kidney indicate that cystyl aminopeptidase plays a minor metabolizing role at this anatomical location in B. jararaca. Despite of the regional-specific divergence between the levels of rat and snake enzymes, the bilaterally symmetric pattern of the diencephalic distribution of alanyl aminopeptidase reflects functional homologies between these two distantly related species.