Effectiveness of the third wave cognitive behavior therapy for peripartum depression treatment-A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the effectiveness of third-wave cognitive behavior therapies in the treatment of peripartum depression. METHOD: A systematic review of the effectiveness of psychological interventions in treating peripartum depression focus on the Third Wave has been conducted. The electronic databases MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Clinical Trials were searched, using a combination of different search terms. Data were independently extracted by two authors and a synthesis of the results was offered. Methodological quality was assessed by three authors, using ROBE-2 and MINORS. Search date was conducted in February 2022 and the search was re-run in November 2022 for new entries. FINDINGS: Six papers were included and reported, focused on, the effectiveness of Third Wave approach interventions in reducing depressive symptoms. Papers included the following intervention approaches: Behavioral intervention (n = 2), Mindfulness (n = 2), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (n = 1) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (n = 1). All six papers were consistent in that interventions lead to a decrease in depression symptoms. However, risk of bias evaluation showed that all were critical low, but one paper was high quality. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Systematic review showed that third-wave approaches are promising in effectiveness to reduce depression symptoms in peripartum women. However, more high-quality studies with follow-up are needed.

Mesh excision secondary to spondylodiscitis after colposacropexy graft rejection: a step by step video.

INTRODUCTION: Spondylodiscitis secondary to colposacropexy is an extremely rare entity. Infection and mesh rejection are the main causes. Removal of the mesh is essential for patient's recovery and it can be a very challenging surgical procedure. CASE: A 72-year-old woman presented with severe low back pain in the context of a recent colposacropexy. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed and spondylodiscitis secondary to prolapse correction surgery with mesh was suspected. In order to ensure an adequate recovery, removal of the mesh was required. CONCLUSIONS: Spondylodiscitis secondary to colposacropexy should be suspected when the patient starts with moderate lumbar pain and is not correctly controlled with first-level analgesia. Infection or mesh rejection should be considered. Mesh rejection should be suspected when the patient does not improve after antibiotics. Complete removal of the mesh is needed in order to ensure the patient's recovery.

Extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt protects ovarian follicle reserve of mice against in vitro deleterious effects of dexamethasone.

The present study aims to investigate if Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt extract (CIMI) reduces deleterious effects of dexamethasone (DEXA) in ovaries cultured in vitro. Mouse ovaries were collected and cultured in DMEM+ only or supplemented with 5 ng/mL of CIMI, or 4 ng/mL DEXA, or both CIMI and DEXA. The ovaries were cultured at 37.5°C in 5% CO2 for 6 days. Ovarian morphology, follicular ultrastructure, and the levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were evaluated. The results showed that DEXA reduced the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, while CIMI prevented the deleterious effects caused by DEXA. In addition, DEXA negatively affected the stromal cellular density, while CIMI prevented these adverse effects. Ovaries cultured with DEXA and CIMI showed similar levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 compared to those cultured in control medium, while ovaries cultured with DEXA had increased expression of the above genes. Additionally, the ultrastructure of the ovaries cultured with CIMI was well preserved. Thus, the extract of CIMI was able to prevent the deleterious effects caused by DEXA on cultured mouse ovaries.

One stage procedure for developmental dysplasia of the hip in patients aged eight years or older. Systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of the present study is to perform a systematic review with meta-analysis of the literature on treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in patients over eight years of age to provide better understanding of therapeutic strategies and results. Authors carried out a systematic review and metanalysis of the literature on DDH treated in patients aged eight years of age or older. A literature search was carefully performed from June 2019 to June 2020. The articles had to report one stage reconstructive surgical treatment of DDH for patients eight years or older, presenting clinical and radiographic evaluation according to the Tonnis and Severin, and McKay systems. Meta-analysis was carried out using the software metanalyst to perform the pooled effect size Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. They assessed a total of 234 patients and 266 hips. Female patients accounted for 75.7% (eight unknown) and the follow-up ranged from 1 to 17.4 years. The majority of the procedures included an acetabular surgery (93.9%) while femoral shortening was performed in 78%. Acceptable outcomes were found in between 67% (Mckay system) and 91% (Severin system) of the cases. Femoral varus and derrotation shortening associated with redirectional osteotomy of the acetabulum (for those with closed triradiate cartilage) or acetabular redirection/reshaping were the most prevalent combined procedures; this strategy can lead to 60% of acceptable clinical results and 90% of radiographically acceptable results. Therefore, our findings give credence to the recommendation for the treatment of DDH in patients over eight years old.

Quantitative MRI evaluation of bone marrow in sickle cell disease: relationship with haemolysis and clinical severity.

AIM: To evaluate bone marrow fat fraction using the Dixon technique (FFDix) of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a potential biomarker of haemolysis and clinical severity in the overall assessment and follow-up of sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study in which healthy individuals and SCD patients (matched for age, sex, and weight) were subjected to MRI of the lumbar spine and pelvis to quantify FFDix in the bone marrow using the Dixon technique. SCD severity was analysed by clinical and laboratory data, and an online calculator. A high degree of haemolysis was defined using the cut-off values haemoglobin (Hb) ≤10 g/dl, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥325 U/l, reticulocytes ≥3% and total bilirubin (TB) ≥1.2 mg/dl. Pearson's correlation, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and binary logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Forty-eight SCD patients (26 homozygous: HbSS and 22 compound heterozygous: HbSC) and 48 healthy individuals participated in the study. FFDix was lower in SCD patients than in the control group, showing even lower values in the HbSS subtype and patients with a higher degree of haemolysis. HbSC patients with a higher degree of haemolysis using hydroxyurea (medium dosage 9.8 mg/kg/day) had lower FFDix. ROC curves and odds ratios for detecting patients with a higher degree of haemolysis at the different FFDix measurement sites demonstrated excellent performance: iliac bones (cut-off ≤16.75%, AUC = 0.824, p<0.001), femoral heads (cut-off ≤46.7%, AUC = 0.775, p=0.001), lumbar vertebrae (cut-off ≤7.8%, AUC = 0.755, p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Decreased FFDix is indicative of higher degree of haemolysis and SCD severity with great potential as a non-invasive biomarker contributing to the overall assessment and follow-up of SCD patients.

Echoes of shame: a comparison of the characteristics and psychological sequelae of recalled shame experiences across the voice hearing continuum.

BACKGROUND: Voice hearing occurs across a number of psychiatric diagnoses and appears to be present on a continuum within the general population. Previous research has highlighted the potential role of past experiences of shame in proneness to voice hearing in the general population. AIMS: This study aimed to extend this past research and compare people with distressing voices, people with voices but no distress, and a non-voice hearing control group, on various dimensions of shame and shame memory characteristics. METHOD: In a cross-sectional, online study 39 distressed voice hearers, 31 non-distressed voice hearers and 50 non-voice hearers undertook a shame memory priming task in which they were prompted to recall a memory of a shaming experience from their past. They then completed questionnaires assessing the characteristics of the recalled shame event and the psychological sequalae of this event (i.e. intrusions, hyperarousal, avoidance, the centrality of shame memories, external shame, and self-criticism). RESULTS: The majority of recalled shame memories involved experiences such as interpersonal criticism or experiences of being devalued. Univariate analyses found no significant differences between the three groups with regard to the shame events that were recalled, but the distressed voice hearer group reported significantly more hyperarousal, intrusions, self-criticism, and external shame in relation to their experience. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that voice hearers recall similar types of shame experiences to non-voice hearers, but that problematic psychological sequelae of these shame experiences (in the form of intrusive memories, hyperarousal, external shame, and self-criticism) may specifically contribute to distressing voice hearing.

Extract of Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt protects ovarian follicle reserve of mice against in vitro deleterious effects of dexamethasone

The present study aims to investigate if Cimicifuga racemosa (L.) Nutt extract (CIMI) reduces deleterious effects of dexamethasone (DEXA) in ovaries cultured in vitro. Mouse ovaries were collected and cultured in DMEM+ only or supplemented with 5 ng/mL of CIMI, or 4 ng/mL DEXA, or both CIMI and DEXA. The ovaries were cultured at 37.5°C in 5% CO2 for 6 days. Ovarian morphology, follicular ultrastructure, and the levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 were evaluated. The results showed that DEXA reduced the percentage of morphologically normal follicles, while CIMI prevented the deleterious effects caused by DEXA. In addition, DEXA negatively affected the stromal cellular density, while CIMI prevented these adverse effects. Ovaries cultured with DEXA and CIMI showed similar levels of mRNA for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 compared to those cultured in control medium, while ovaries cultured with DEXA had increased expression of the above genes. Additionally, the ultrastructure of the ovaries cultured with CIMI was well preserved. Thus, the extract of CIMI was able to prevent the deleterious effects caused by DEXA on cultured mouse ovaries.

Immunolocalization of melatonin receptors in bovine ovarian follicles and in vitro effects of melatonin on growth, viability and gene expression in secondary follicles.

This study aims to investigate the (1) expression of melatonin receptors types 1A/B (MTNR1A/B) in bovine ovaries and (2) the in vitro effects of melatonin on secondary follicle development, antrum formation, viability, and expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX1) and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6). The expression of MTNR1A/B in bovine ovarian follicles was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. To choose the most effective concentration of melatonin on follicular growth and viability, isolated secondary follicles were cultured individually at 38.5°C, with 5% CO2 in air, for 18 d in TCM-199+ alone or supplemented with 10-11, 10-9, 10-7 or 10-5 M melatonin. Then, melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole, was tested to further evaluate the mechanisms of actions of melatonin, that is, the follicles were cultured in control medium alone or supplemented with 10-7 M melatonin, 10 µM luzindole and both 10-7 M melatonin and 10 µM luzindole. Follicular growth, morphology and antrum formation were evaluated at days 6, 12 and 18. At the end of culture, viability of secondary follicles was analyzed by calcein-AM and ethidium homodimer-1, and the relative levels of mRNA for SOD, CAT, GPX1 and PRDX6 were evaluated by real time polymerase chain reaction. Immunohistochemistry results showed expression of MTNR1A/B in oocyte and granulosa cells of primordial, primary, secondary and antral follicles. Secondary follicles cultured in medium supplemented with melatonin at different concentrations had well preserved follicles after 18 d of culture. Furthermore, follicles cultured in presence of 10-7 M melatonin presented significantly higher diameters than those cultured in other treatments. The presence of melatonin receptor antagonist, luzindole, blocked the effects of melatonin on follicular growth and viability. In addition, follicles cultured in medium containing only melatonin had significantly higher rates of antrum formation. Follicles cultured in medium containing only melatonin had higher relative levels of mRNA for CAT, SOD and PRDX-6 than those cultured with both melatonin and luzindole. Follicles cultured with luzindole only or both melatonin and luzindole had lower relative levels of mRNA for PRDX6 and GPX1 than those cultured control medium. In conclusion, melatonin promotes growth of bovine secondary follicles through its membrane-coupled receptors, while luzindole blocks the effects of melatonin on follicle growth and reduces the expression of antioxidant enzymes in cultured follicles.

Effects of prevention programmes on injury risk in military personnel: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Exercise programmes have been used to prevent injuries in military personnel, as they can reduce modifiable risk factors for injuries. Our aim was to review the literature to evaluate the effects of different exercise protocols on the prevention of injuries in military personnel. METHODS: A systematic literature review examined the effects of different exercise protocols on the prevention of musculoskeletal injuries in the military. Several databases were explored to find experimental studies that investigated the effects of prevention programmes on the risk of injury. We have extracted from the studies: profile of participants, sample size, study design and characteristics of the control group (CG), the type of intervention and the relative risk (RR) in the experimental group and CG, with their significance levels. For data analysis, we used the RevMan V.5.3 software. The measure of RR was investigated. The risk of publication bias was analysed with Begg's test. RESULTS: A total of 13 694 titles and studies were recovered from the databases and by manual search. After the removal of duplicate titles and studies that did not meet the eligibility criteria, 17 studies were selected. The protocols were composed of neuromuscular training, stretching, agility training or combined exercises. The meta-analysis showed that injury prevention exercise programmes reduced the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel by 14% (RR=0.86; 95% CI=0.76 to 0.98). CONCLUSION: Injury prevention exercise programmes promoted a slight reduction in the risk of musculoskeletal injuries in military personnel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Very low. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD 42017077946.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 promotes in vitro activation of cat primordial follicles.

This study evaluated the effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) on the morphology, primordial follicle activation and growth after in vitro culture of domestic cat ovarian tissue. Ovaries (n = 12) from prepubertal domestic cats were collected and fragmented. One fragment was fixed for histological analysis (fresh control). The remaining fragments were incubated in control medium alone or with 10, 50 or 100 ng/ml FGF-2 for 7 days. After in vitro culture, the following endpoints were analyzed: morphology, activation by counting primordial and developing follicles, and growth (follicle and oocyte diameters). Treatment with 100 ng/ml FGF-2 maintained (P > 0.05) the percentage of normal follicles similar to fresh control. Follicle survival was greater (P < 0.05) after culture in 100 ng/ml FGF-2 than in 50 ng/ml FGF-2. The percentage of primordial follicles decreased (P < 0.05) and the percentage of developing follicles increased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with fresh tissue. The proportion of developing follicles increased (P < 0.05) in tissues incubated with 100 ng/ml FGF-2 compared with control medium and other FGF-2 concentrations. Furthermore, culture in 10 or 100 ng/ml FGF-2 resulted in increased (P < 0.05) follicle and oocyte diameters compared with fresh tissues and MEM+. In conclusion, FGF-2 at 100 ng/ml maintains follicle survival and promotes the in vitro activation and growth of cat primordial follicles.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae) / Composição química e fitotoxicidade dos óleos essenciais de Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de α-humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Abstract Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and -humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Resumo Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de -humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae) / Composição química e fitotoxicidade dos óleos essenciais de Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae)

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Os óleos essenciais do caule e da folha de Croton doctoris foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa (GC) e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS) resultando em 22 compostos identificados. Os efeitos dos óleos essenciais na germinação, crescimento de raízes e parte aérea, teor total de clorofila, respiração radicular, atividade de peroxidase, catalase e superóxido de dimetase e índice mitótico foram determinados em alface e cebola. Atividade antioxidante, antimicrobiana e citotóxica também foram investigadas. Os resultados revelaram que o óleo do caule é constituído por 15 compostos, dos quais os principais são o óxido de cariofileno (24,5%) e E-cariofileno (13,3%). O óleo foliar apresentou E-cariofileno (39,6%) seguido de α-humuleno (13,2%) como compostos majoritários. Os óleos inibiram a germinação e o crescimento das plântulas de alface e cebola e reduziram o conteúdo de clorofila, a respiração radicular e a divisão celular. Eles também causaram estresse oxidativo, indicado pelo aumento da atividade das enzimas antioxidantes avaliadas. Esses processos fisiológicos anormais contribuem para a inibição do crescimento das plantas. Os efeitos fitotóxicos mais pronunciados foram observados no óleo do caule. Nos testes de citotoxicidade observou-se que o óleo das folhas foi mais ativo, resultante da presença de sesquiterpenos biologicamente ativos que atuam inibindo o crescimento das células cancerígenas.

Computational modeling of lumbar disc degeneration before and after spinal fusion.

BACKGROUND: Advancing age and degeneration frequently lead to low back pain, which is the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorder worldwide. Degenerative changes in intervertebral discs and musculo-ligamentous incapacity to compensate sagittal imbalance are typically amongst the sources of instability, with spinal fusion techniques being the main treatment options to relieve pain. The aims of this work were to: (i) assess the link between ligament degeneration and spinal instability by determining the role of each ligament per movement, (ii) evaluate the impact of disc height reduction in degenerative changes, and (iii) unveil the most advantageous type of posterior fixation in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion to prevent adjacent disc degeneration. METHODS: Two L3-L5 finite element models were developed, being the first in healthy condition and the second having reduced L4-L5 height. Different degrees of degeneration were tested, combined with different fixation configurations for Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion. FINDINGS: Facet capsular ligament and anterior longitudinal ligament were the most influential ligaments for spinal stability, particularly with increasing degeneration and disc height reduction. Pre-existent degeneration had lower influence than the fusion procedure for the risk of adjacent disc degeneration, being the highest stability and minimal degeneration achieved with bilateral fixation. Right unilateral fixation was more suited to reduce disc stress than left unilateral fixation. INTERPRETATION: Bilateral fixation is the best option to stabilize the spinal segment, but unilateral right fixation may suffice. This has direct implications for clinical practice, and the extension to a population-based study will allow for more efficient fusion surgeries.

Effects of short-term exposure to genistein and overfeeding diet on the neural and retinal progenitor competence of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Neurogenesis is a process that occurs throughout the life of a vertebrate. Among the different factors that may affect the natural occurrence of neurogenesis, obesity seems to decrease the proliferation capacity of progenitor neuronal cells. Conversely, the phytoestrogen genistein is known to attenuate some obesity effects beyond its neuroprotective action. Aiming to improve the understanding of how obesity and genistein trigger an impact on the neural and retinal progenitor competence of adult zebrafish, fish were exposed to genistein (GEN - 2 µg L-1) alone or combined with two dietary groups (control and overfeed - OFD) for up to 9 weeks. Zebrafish were fed once per day with Artemia sp. in the control and GEN (2% of BW, control diet), and three times per day in the OFD and OFD + GEN groups (12% BW, overfeeding diet). To assess obesity induction, BMI, biometric parameters, and PPAR-γ protein were quantified. Afterwards, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to determine the cell proliferation and the presence of stem cells through PCNA and Sox-2. Our findings proved that overfeeding adult zebrafish increased the general growth and induced the development of fatty liver. However, for OFD + GEN, this effect was assuaged through the anti-adipogenic effect of GEN. This finding suggests that phytoestrogens could be beneficial to reduce the negative effects of obesity. Moreover, OF induced negative effects on retinal and brain homeostasis, decreasing the proliferation capacity of progenitor neuronal cells. With regard to retinal progenitor competence, genistein seems to mitigate the negative impacts of obesity, whereas the effects of obesity on the brain were exacerbated by this phytoestrogen which negatively influenced the homeostasis of zebrafish neural progenitor competence. This study highlighted the fact that the effects of phytoestrogens in adult neural progenitor competence are complex and could exhibit dissimilar effects depending on the tissue.

Rutin promotes activation and reduces apoptosis of primordial follicles by regulating Akt phosphorylation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue.

The aims of this study were to analyze the effects of different concentrations of rutin on primordial follicle survival and development after in vitro culture of sheep ovarian tissue, and to verify the possible involvement of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway in the rutin actions. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histological analysis (fresh control) or cultured in α-minimum essential medium alone (α-MEM+: control medium) or in α-MEM+supplemented with different concentrations of rutin (0.1; 1 or 10 µg/mL) for 7 days. Inhibition of the PI3K activity was performed in fragments cultured with 50 µM LY294002. Thereafter, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of cleaved caspase-3 (apoptosis) and Akt phosphorylation (p-Akt). The results showed that 1 µg/mL rutin has a greater percentage of normal follicles (P < 0.05) than those of α-MEM+ and other rutin treatments. In addition, 1 µg/mL rutin maintained the follicular apoptosis similar (P > 0.05) to that of the fresh control and lower than α-MEM+ and 10 µg/mL rutin. All rutin concentrations increased (P < 0.05) follicular activation compared to fresh control and α-MEM+. Furthermore, follicular and oocyte diameters increased (P < 0.05) only after culture with 1 µg/mL rutin. After PI3K inhibition, there was a reduction (P < 0.05) of rutin follicular effects. In conclusion, rutin at 1 µg/mL reduces apoptosis, promotes activation and growth of sheep primordial follicles through the modulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue.

Occupational infection to Brucella abortus B19 vaccine despite antimicrobial prophylaxis / Infecção ocupacional pela cepa vacinal de Brucella abortus B19 apesar de profilaxia antimicrobiana

ABSTRACT: The authors report the case of a veterinarian who acquired brucellosis infection by accidental exposure to Brucella abortus vaccine (BRUCEL-VET B19) while performing animal vaccination. Antibiotic prophylaxis with doxycycline and rifampin for six weeks was indicated, but rifampin was discontinued after 10 days due to gastrointestinal in-tolerance. Despite prophylaxis, the patient seroconverted after 30 days, but was asymptomatic and did not require additional antibiotic therapy. Post-exposure prophylaxis of Brucella is not free from side effects and asymptomatic seroconversion can occur despite prophylaxis. (AU)

RESUMO: Os autores relatam o caso de um veterinário que adquiriu infecção por brucelose por exposição acidental à vacina Brucellaabortus (BRUCEL-VET B19) durante a vacinação animal. A profilaxia antibiótica com doxiciclina e rifampici-na por seis semanas foi indicada, mas a rifampicina foi descontinuada após 10 dias devido à intolerância gastroin-testinal. A profilaxia pós-exposição de Brucella não está isenta de efeitos colaterais e a soroconversãoassintomática pode ocorrer apesar da profilaxia. (AU)

Chemical composition and phytotoxicity of essential oils of Croton doctoris S. Moore (Euphorbiaceae).

Essential oils from the stems and leaves of Croton doctoris were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, resulting in 22 identified compounds. The effects of these essential oils on the germination, root and shoot growth, total chlorophyll content, potential root respiration, peroxidase activity, catalase, superoxide dismutase, and mitotic index in lettuce and onion were determined. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity were also investigated. The results revealed that the stem oil consisted of 15 compounds, of which caryophyllene oxide (24.5%) and E-caryophyllene (13.3%) were the major constituents. The leaf oil contained E-caryophyllene (39.6%) and α-humulene (13.2%) as major compounds. The oils inhibited the germination and growth of lettuce and onion seedlings and reduced chlorophyll content, root respiration, and cell division. They also caused oxidative stress, indicated by the increased activity of the evaluated antioxidant enzymes. These abnormal physiological processes contributed to the inhibition of plant growth. The most pronounced phytotoxic effects were observed in the stem oil. The cytotoxicity tests indicated that leaf oil was more active than stem oil, resulting from the presence of biologically active sesquiterpenes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Leptin decreases apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway in cultured ovine ovarian tissue.

This study evaluated the effects of leptin on primordial follicle survival and activation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue and if leptin acts through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histology (fresh control) or cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM+) alone or supplemented with leptin (1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 ng/ml). Follicle morphology, activation and apoptosis were analyzed. Next, the fragments were cultured in the medium that showed the best results in the absence or the presence of the PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), and immunohistostaining of p-Akt protein was assessed. After culture, the percentage of normal follicles decreased (P < 0.05) in all treatments compared with the fresh control. Moreover, control medium and 1 ng/ml leptin had similar (P > 0.05) percentages of normal follicles, which were significantly higher than those in other treatments. However, culture with 1 ng/ml leptin maintained apoptosis similarly (P > 0.05) to that of the fresh control and lower (P < 0.05) than that in α-MEM+. Leptin did not influence follicle activation (P > 0.05) compared with the control medium (α-MEM+). Culture in 1 ng/ml leptin with LY294002 decreased the normal follicles and increased apoptosis, inhibited follicle activation (P < 0.05), and reduced p-Akt immunostaining, compared with the medium containing 1 ng/ml leptin without PI3K inhibitor. In conclusion, leptin at 1 ng/ml reduces apoptosis and promotes the activation of primordial follicles compared with the fresh control after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue possibly through the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Involvement of Phosphorylated Akt and FOXO3a in the Effects of Growth and Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF-9) on Inhibition of Follicular Apoptosis and Induction of Granulosa Cell Proliferation After In Vitro Culture of Sheep Ovarian Tissue.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of growth and differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) on the morphology, activation, apoptosis, and granulosa cell proliferation of ovine preantral follicles cultured within ovarian tissue slices and to verify whether GDF-9 could influence follicular activation through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/forkhead box O3a (PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a) pathway. Ovine ovarian fragments were cultured in α-MEM+ or α-MEM+ with GDF-9 (1, 50, 100, 200, or 400 ng/ml) for 7 days. Apoptosis and cell proliferation were analyzed. Next, the activation of the PI3K was inhibited with LY294002, and immunostaining for p-Akt and p-FOXO3a proteins was assessed. The concentration of 50 ng/ml GDF-9 had (P < 0.05) more morphologically normal follicles compared to all treatments, except 1 ng/ml GDF-9. Moreover, 50 ng/ml GDF-9 increased primordial follicle activation compared to all treatments, except α-MEM+ and 1 ng/ml GDF-9. However, the concentration of 50 ng/ml GDF-9 showed higher cell proliferation and lower apoptosis than α-MEM+ and 1 ng/ml GDF-9 treatments. Culture of the ovarian tissue with LY294002 inhibited the activation of primordial follicles and reduced p-Akt immunostaining in both α-MEM+ and 50 ng/ml GDF-9 treatments. In addition, after culture with LY294002, the percentage of oocytes with nuclear p-FOXO3 was higher in 50 ng/ml GDF-9 than in the control medium (α-MEM+). In conclusion, after culture of ovine ovarian cortical slices, the addition of 50 ng/ml GDF-9 reduces follicular apoptosis and promotes granulosa cell proliferation likely through the involvement of phosphorylated Akt and FOXO3a.