Considerations for Gender-Affirming Hormonal and Surgical Care Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Adults With Congenital Heart Disease.

BACKGROUND: Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and long-term survivors with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) are both growing populations with specialized needs. No studies assess temporal trends or evaluate the care of TGD individuals with ACHD. METHODS AND RESULTS: Meetings between congenital cardiology and gender-affirming care specialists identified unique considerations in TGD individuals with ACHD. A retrospective chart review was then performed to describe patient factors and outpatient trends in those with an ACHD diagnosis undergoing gender-affirming hormonal or surgical care (GAHT/S) at 1 adult and 1 pediatric tertiary care center. Thirty-three TGD individuals with ACHD were identified, 21 with a history of GAHT/S. Fourteen (66%) had moderate or complex ACHD, 8 (38%) identified as transgender male, 9 (43%) transgender female, and 4 (19%) other gender identities. Three had undergone gender-affirming surgery. There were zero occurrences of the composite end point of unplanned hospitalization or thrombotic event over 71.1 person-years of gender-affirming care. Median age at first gender-affirming appointment was 16.8 years [interquartile range 14.8-21.5]. The most common treatment modification was changing estradiol administration from oral to transdermal to reduce thrombotic risk (n=3). An increasing trend was observed from zero TGD patients with ACHD attending a gender diversity appointment in 2012 to 14 patients in 2022. CONCLUSIONS: There is a growing population of TGD patients with ACHD and unique medical and psychosocial needs. Future studies must fully evaluate the reassuring safety profile observed in this small cohort. We share 10 actionable care considerations for providers with a goal of overseeing a safe and fulfilling gender transition across all TGD patients with ACHD.

First Update to B-Chrom: A Database on B-Chromosomes.

The supernumerary mostly dispensable B chromosomes are nuclear components of about 15% of eukaryotic phyla. For a long time, B chromosomes have been studied, generating an enormous bulk of knowledge, diluted in the vastness of the scientific literature. In order to provide better access to this information, we created B-chrom ( www.bchrom.csic.es ), an online database with comprehensive information on Bs for plants, animals, and fungi. It was released in 2017 and first updated in 2021, by adding 334 entries and 123 new species. Currently, the resource provides information for 2951 species coming from 3292 sources. During this time, the usefulness of this database has been proven by the number of visits (more than 207,000 since its release) and by the scientific community, having been cited in more than 60 publications until present. This chapter explains the database composition and tips on how to use it.

Release 4.0 of the Plant rDNA Database: A Database on Plant Ribosomal DNA Loci Number, Their Position, and Organization: An Information Source for Comparative Cytogenetics.

This paper presents the latest update to the Plant rDNA database (Release 4.0), a valuable resource for researchers in the field of plant cytogenetics. The database provides information on the number, position, and arrangement of ribosomal DNA loci in plants, including angiosperms, gymnosperms, bryophytes, and pteridophytes. The new release includes new data for 820 species coming from additional 173 papers. In the updated version of the Plant rDNA database, 4948 entries comprising 2760 organisms can be found. A brief guide on how to navigate the database and obtain the desired information is also provided. The regular updating of the database is important for ensuring the information it contains is accurate, up-to-date, and useful for the research community. The Plant rDNA database continues to be beneficial for phylogenetic and cytogenetic studies in a wide range of taxa including angiosperms, gymnosperms, and early diverging groups, such as bryophytes and lycophytes.

Anti-myeloperoxidase and proteinase 3 antibodies for nephritis flare prediction in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.

BACKGROUND: The value of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and proteinase 3 (PR3) antibody titres in the assessment of renal disease activity and flare prediction in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) is not well known. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study including 113 AVV patients with renal biopsy-proven pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis from seven Spanish hospitals. The main inclusion criteria were assessment of MPO antibodies using multiplex flow immunoassay and PR3 antibody measurements using immunoassay chemiluminescence with an identical range of values for all participating centres. RESULTS: Serum MPO antibodies 3 ± 1.2 months before relapse were higher in patients who relapsed [19.2 ± 12.2 versus 3.2 ± 5.1 antibody index (AI); P < 0.001]. The discrimination value of MPO antibodies 3 months before renal relapse had an area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) of 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73-0.92; P < 0.001]. ΔMPO antibodies (change in antibodies titration 6 months before relapse) were higher in patients who relapsed (8.3 ± 12 versus 0.9 ± 3.1 AI; P = 0.001). The discrimination value of ΔMPO had an AUC of 0.76 (95% CI 0.63-0.88; P < 0.001). The positive predictive value of renal relapse in PR3 patients is 100% and the negative predictive value of renal relapse in patients with PR3-positive titres is 57.1%. Serum PR3 antibodies were higher in patients who relapsed 2.8 ± 1.4 months before relapse (58.6 ± 24.6 versus 2.0 ± 0.6 AI; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: MPO level monitoring using multiplex flow immunoassay and PR3 measurements using immunoassay chemiluminescence are useful and sensitive tools for the prediction of renal relapse in the follow-up of AAV patients with renal disease and relevant surrogate markers of renal disease activity.

Monthly Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator Versus Weekly Epoetin-Beta, Similar Hemoglobinization but Different Anisocytosis Degree in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The monthly continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) utilization maintains stable hemoglobin (Hb) after conversion from weekly epoetin-ß (EB); however, how the different pharmacologic properties affect the red blood cell (RBC) size determined by RBC distribution width (RDW) has not been evaluated yet. We assess the potential differences in iron metabolism, plasma erythropoietin (EPO), hepcidin, and soluble α-Klotho (α-Klotho) levels as an emergent hematopoiesis factor. METHODS: Thirty-seven chronic hemodialysis patients were included from January 2010 to November 2011 and randomized (1:1) to continue with EB or to convert to monthly CERA. Primary outcome was the mean change in Hb between groups at months 0, 3 and 6, and the percentage of patients who maintained stable Hb (Hb ± 1 g/dL from baseline level to month 6). Secondary outcomes were the influence on the erythropoietic process and iron metabolism markers. Thirty-one patients completed the study (CERA: n = 15, EB: n = 16). RESULTS: The mean (95% confidence interval (CI)) Hb difference between groups was 0.28 g/dL (-0.36 to 0.93). There was no difference between the percentages of patients with stable Hb levels. In the CERA group RDW values increased progressively (interaction erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) type and time on RDW values, F (1.57, 45.60) = 17.17, P < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.37) and the mean corpuscular volume changed at the different time points, (F (2, 28) = 29.12, P = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.23). During the evaluation period, in the CERA group, EPO was higher, and hepcidin and ferritin decreased significantly. α-Klotho decreased in both groups and correlated negatively with the changes on the RDW and positively with transferrin and serum iron. The number of serious adverse events was higher at the CERA group. CONCLUSIONS: Monthly CERA maintained Hb concentrations; however, it showed a significant effect on RDW, probably due to its impact on the EPO and hepcidin levels. α-Klotho decreased significantly in both groups, and its changes correlated with the changes in iron metabolism. Whether the RDW evolution was associated with the serious adverse events (SAEs) is a feasible hypothesis that needs to be confirmed in large studies.

Combined erythropoietin and iron therapy for anaemic patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation: the EPICURE randomised clinical trial.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in anaemic patients, the efficacy of erythropoietin (EPO) in reducing red cell (RC) transfusion rates post TAVI. METHODS AND RESULTS: This was a randomised double-blind trial. Patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis and concomitant anaemia with an indication for TAVI were randomised (1:1) to receive two weight-based doses of EPO (darbepoetin alfa)+iron or placebo at days 10 (±4 days) and 1 (±1 day) pre TAVI. The primary outcome was the rate of RC transfusions at 30 days. A total of 100 patients (mean age 81±7 years, male 49%) were included: 48 patients received EPO (+iron) and 52 patients received placebo. Baseline characteristics and procedural findings were well balanced between groups except for baseline haemoglobin levels, which were lower in those patients receiving EPO (10.7±1.2 vs. 11.3±1.1 g/dl, p=0.01). The rate of 30-day RC transfusion was similar in both groups (27.1 vs. 25.0% in the EPO and placebo groups, respectively; adjusted odds ratio 1.05, 95% CI: 0.42-2.64, p=0.92), and no differences were observed in the number of RC units per transfused patient (1 [1-3] vs. 2 [1-2] in the EPO and placebo groups, respectively, adjusted p=0.99). Rates of 30-day mortality, stroke, new-onset atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, and troponin peak were also similar between groups (p>0.20 for all). CONCLUSIONS: EPO (+iron) administration failed to reduce RC transfusion rates or the per-patient number of transfusion units in anaemic patients undergoing TAVI.

Modelling galaxy clustering: halo occupation distribution versus subhalo matching.

We model the luminosity-dependent projected and redshift-space two-point correlation functions (2PCFs) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) Data Release 7 Main galaxy sample, using the halo occupation distribution (HOD) model and the subhalo abundance matching (SHAM) model and its extension. All the models are built on the same high-resolution N-body simulations. We find that the HOD model generally provides the best performance in reproducing the clustering measurements in both projected and redshift spaces. The SHAM model with the same halo-galaxy relation for central and satellite galaxies (or distinct haloes and subhaloes), when including scatters, has a best-fitting χ2/dof around 2-3. We therefore extend the SHAM model to the subhalo clustering and abundance matching (SCAM) by allowing the central and satellite galaxies to have different galaxy-halo relations. We infer the corresponding halo/subhalo parameters by jointly fitting the galaxy 2PCFs and abundances and consider subhaloes selected based on three properties, the mass Macc at the time of accretion, the maximum circular velocity Vacc at the time of accretion, and the peak maximum circular velocity Vpeak over the history of the subhaloes. The three subhalo models work well for luminous galaxy samples (with luminosity above L*). For low-luminosity samples, the Vacc model stands out in reproducing the data, with the Vpeak model slightly worse, while the Macc model fails to fit the data. We discuss the implications of the modelling results.

Nenhum efeito de diferentes ciclos respiratórios sobre o desempenho nos 50 metros de nado crawl / No effect of different respiratory cycles on performance during 50-m crawl swimming

Variáveis fisiológicas, biomecânicas, psicológicas e técnicas podem interferir no desempenho na natação. Dentre os aspectos técnicos, não se sabe se a razão entre número de braçadas e frequência de respirações poderia influenciar no tempo de nado. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a influência de diferentes ciclos respiratórios durante nado crawl de 50m. Vinte indivíduos (23,0 ± 2,3 anos, 174 ± 5,0 cm, 70,1 ± 4,5 kg e 10,6 ± 2,1% gordura) completaram uma prova de 50m no menor tempo possível, em piscina semi-olímpica. As seguintes relações braçada/ciclos respiratórios foram usadas: 1x1, 3x1, 5x1, 7x1e 9x1. A velocidade média (VM), freqüência de braçada (FB), comprimento de braçada (CB) e índice de braçada (IB) foram obtidos. Não houve diferença significante na VM e na FB entre as diferentes relações braçadas/ciclos respiratórios. Contudo, houve diferença no CB (2,8 ± 0,3 e 2,5 ± 0,2 m; p = 0,04) e no IB (113,1 ± 17,3 e 97,0 ± 13,8 m/seg/m; p = 0,01) entre as relações 1x1 e 9x1, respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos demonstram que as razões braçadas/ciclos respiratórios não interferem no desempenho durante o nado crawl de 50m. Contudo, as diferenças no tempo gasto para completar os 50 metros, embora sem significância estatística, seriam suficientes para definir as primeiras colocações numa prova competitiva.

Physiological, biomechanical, psychological and technique variables affect swimming performance. Considering technique variables, it is not know if the relationship between stroke/respiratory cycle would influence performance in a 50m crawl swimming. Twenty individuals (23.0 ± 2.3 years, 174 ± 5,0 cm, 70.1 ± 4.5 kg and 10.6 ± 2.1% of body fat) performed 50m as fast as possible, in a semi-olympic swimming pool. The following stroke/respiratory cycles were used: 1x1, 3x1, 5x1, 7x1 e 9x1. Mean velocity (MV), swimming stroke frequency (SSF), swimming stroke length (SSL), and swimming stroke index (SSI) were obtained. There was no significant difference in MV and SSF among different respiratory cycles. However, SSL (2.8 ± 2.5 and 0.29 ± 0.23 m; p = 0.04) and SSI (113.1 ± 97.0 and 17.33 ± 13.80 m/seg/m; p = 0.01) were different between 1x1 and 9x1, respectively. Results suggest that different respiratory cycles do not affect the performance during 50m crawl swimming. Yet, differences in time to complete the 50 meters, although not statistically significant, could define the first positions in a competitive event.

O caving como atividade de aventura e lazer na natureza / Caving like activity in nature adventure and leisure

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar as contribuições do caving na experiência de relações humanas e ecossistêmicas como atividade de aventura e lazer na natureza. Um estudo qualitativo, utilizando-se de entrevista semi-estruturada. Participaram dez praticantes profissionais do Espeleogrupo Peter Lund - EPL. Os resultados indicaram que o caving proporciona um processo intenso de integração ser humano-natureza re-significando a experiência de relação com as pessoas e o mundo. Outro aspecto relevante foi o conhecimento de um ambiente muito distinto, mas, sobretudo a experimentação de diversas emoções como medo, riscos, tranqüilidade, paz. A vivência oportuniza momentos de introspecção, de contemplação, de silencio, mas também de solidariedade, sociabilidade, consciência da necessidade de preservação do ambiente.

The present study aimed to analyze the contributions of caving to human relationships and ecosystem experiences such as nature adventures and leisure activities. Ten professionals from the Peter Lund Speleogroup - ELP, participated in this qualitative study, which used a semi-structured interview. The results indicate that caving promotes an intense man-nature integration process, bringing up a new meaning to the relationship experiences with other people and the world. Another relevant aspect was the possibility to get to know a completely different environment and specially experience diverse feelings such as fear, risks, ease and peace. This experience allows moments of introspection, contemplation and silence, but also solidarity, sociability and awareness of environment preservation needs.

Myelin oligodendrocyte-specific protein is expressed in Müller cells of myelinated vertebrate retinas.

The retina of nonmammalian vertebrates has a loose myelin that enwraps the large axons of the ganglion cells in all areas, whereas that of mammals lacks myelin, with some exceptions, such as the rabbit retina, which shows compact myelin restricted to the myelinated streak. Electron microscopy studies in chicken retina showed processes of Müller cells (MCs) and oligodendrocytes enwrapping ganglion cell axons. How each of these cells contributes to chicken retina myelination and whether the MC of other myelinated retinas is involved in myelination remain unknown. By immunohistochemistry, with a monoclonal antibody against myelin oligodendrocyte-specific protein (MOSP), we show that MOSP is intensely expressed in the MC and the optic-fiber layer (OFL) in myelinated but not in unmyelinated retinas. By immunocytochemistry with isolated MCs from the chick and rabbit retinas, we show that MOSP is concentrated in the innermost domain of the vitread processes. By immunoblotting, we show that protein extracts from myelinated retinas, but not those from unmyelinated retinas, presented a single band labelled with anti-MOSP of molecular weight similar to that of brain MOSP. In addition, we show that the MC of the embryonic chicken retina starts to express MOSP just before myelination starts. Our results agree with those of electron microscopy studies showing myelin in chick retina formed by MC processes and with those of immunohistochemistry studies in rabbit and human retinas showing expression of other myelin molecules in the MC. Altogether, our results suggest that the MC in myelinated retinas might contribute MOSP to myelin.

Lactate threshold prediction by blood glucose and rating of perceived exertion in people with type 2 diabetes.

The validity of rating of perceived exertion (RPE) in predicting lactate threshold during an incremental test was analyzed in 15 men with type 2 diabetes (M age = 53.4 yr., SD = 12.9). Blood glucose, lactate, and minute ventilation (VE)/VO2 responses identified the lactate, ventilatory, and glucose thresholds. Workloads (W) corresponding to RPEs 12, 13, 14, and 15 were determined. Second-order polynomials fit to VE/W and [lac]/W ratios corresponding to RPEs of 9-10, 12-13, and 16-17 also identified workloads above which there was an overproportional increase in VE and [lac]. These workload breakpoints did not differ, although at RPE 12 underestimated and at RPE 15 overestimated lactate threshold. RPE 13 and 14 and the responses of VE/W and [lac]/W to submaximal exercise accurately predicted lactate threshold.

Resposta cardiovascular ao Stroop: comparação entre teste computadorizado e verbal / Cardiovascular response to Stroop test: comparison between the computerized and verbal tests

FUNDAMENTO: O teste de Stroop requer que o indivíduo responda a elementos específicos de um estímulo enquanto inibe processos mais automatizados. OBJETIVO: Comparar a reatividade cardiovascular induzida pela versão computadorizada do teste palavra-cor de Stroop - TESTINPACS® com versão tradicional baseada na leitura de palavras impressas. MÉTODOS: A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 20 mulheres (22,4 ± 4,1 anos). Análises de variância com medidas repetidas foram utilizadas para comparar efeitos principais entre testes (computadorizado, verbal), assim como entre etapas do teste (linha de base, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) das variáveis fisiológicas (pressão arterial, arritmia sinusal respiratória, frequência cardíaca e frequência respiratória). Testes t para amostras pareadas foram utilizados para comparar as médias pressóricas entre o Stroop 3 e a linha de base. Ademais, a magnitude dos efeitos (d') foi estimada a fim avaliar o impacto das diferenças entre as medidas fisiológicas relativas ao Stroop 3 e a linha de base. RESULTADOS: As duas versões do instrumento produziram elevação significativa em frequência cardíaca (p<0,01) e pressão arterial sistólica (p<0,05) quando medidas resultantes do Stroop 3 foram comparadas às de base. Não se verificaram, contudo, diferenças significativas produzidas pelas diferentes versões do teste sobre as demais variáveis investigadas. Estatísticas d' confirmaram a grande magnitude dos efeitos (-1,04 a +1,49) entre as medidas do Stroop 3 e da linha de base. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a presente versão computadorizada TESTINPACS® do teste de Stroop constitui instrumento útil para induzir reatividade cardiovascular em mulheres.

BACKGROUND: The Stroop test requires the individual to respond to specific elements of a stimulus, whereas inhibiting more automated processes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular reactivity induced by the computerized version of the Stroop word-color test TESTINPACS® with the traditional version based on the reading of printed words. METHODS: The sample of convenience consisted of 20 women (22.4 ± 4.1 years). Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to compare the main effects between the tests (computerized vs verbal), as well as between phases of the test (baseline, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) on the physiological variables (arterial pressure, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heart failure and respiratory rate). The t tests for paired samples were used to compare the pressure means between Stroop 3 and baseline. Additionally, the magnitude of the effects (d') was estimated in order to assess the impact of the changes in the physiological measurements between Stroop 3 and the baseline. RESULTS: The two versions of the assessment tool caused significant increase in heart rate (p<0.01) and systolic arterial pressure (p<0.05) when the measurements obtained at the Stroop 3 were compared to that of baseline. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the different versions of the test on the other investigated variables. The d' statistics confirmed the high magnitude of the effects (-1.04 to +1.49) between the measurements from the Stroop 3 and the baseline ones. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the current computerized version (TESTINPACS TM) of the Stroop test constitutes a useful instrument to induce cardiovascular reactivity in women.

[Cardiovascular response to Stroop test: comparison between the computerized and verbal tests]. / Resposta cardiovascular ao Stroop: comparação entre teste computadorizado e verbal.

BACKGROUND: The Stroop test requires the individual to respond to specific elements of a stimulus, whereas inhibiting more automated processes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the cardiovascular reactivity induced by the computerized version of the Stroop word-color test TESTINPACS with the traditional version based on the reading of printed words. METHODS: The sample of convenience consisted of 20 women (22.4 +/- 4.1 years). Analyses of variance with repeated measures were used to compare the main effects between the tests (computerized vs verbal), as well as between phases of the test (baseline, Stroop 1, Stroop 3) on the physiological variables (arterial pressure, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heart failure and respiratory rate). The t tests for paired samples were used to compare the pressure means between Stroop 3 and baseline. Additionally, the magnitude of the effects (d') was estimated in order to assess the impact of the changes in the physiological measurements between Stroop 3 and the baseline. RESULTS: The two versions of the assessment tool caused significant increase in heart rate (p<0.01) and systolic arterial pressure (p<0.05) when the measurements obtained at the Stroop 3 were compared to that of baseline. However, no significant differences were observed regarding the different versions of the test on the other investigated variables. The d' statistics confirmed the high magnitude of the effects (-1.04 to +1.49) between the measurements from the Stroop 3 and the baseline ones. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that the current computerized version (TESTINPACS) of the Stroop test constitutes a useful instrument to induce cardiovascular reactivity in women.

O exercício físico no controle glicêmico de diabéticos frequentadores do programa pré diabético no Hospital Regional de Taguatinga / The physical exercise in frequent glycemic control of diabetes diabetes of the foot in hospital regional Taguatinga

O objetivo desse estudo foi verificar o papel do exercício aeróbio no controle glicêmico em diabéticos freqüentadores do Programa Pé-Diabético no Hospital Regional de Taguatinga, DF. Trata-se de um programa referência Nacional e Internacional. A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 30 diabéticos (tipo 2), sendo 20 mulheres e 10 homens (50 a 60 anos). A glicemia foi aferida por glicosímetro portátil (modelo Advantage, Brasil). As analises estatísticas foram realizadas por ANOVA Two Way para amostras independentes, com nível de significância p ≤ 0,05, e analisados no programa Microcal Origin, versão 8.0. Valores glicêmicos no pré-teste para homens (500 ± 180 mg/dL-1) e mulheres (467 ± 290 mg/dL-1) não diferiram estatisticamente entre grupos. Por outro lado, os resultados no pós-teste revelaram que os grupos reduziram significativamente (p ≤ 0,05) as médias glicêmicas comparados ao pré-teste. Conclui-se que o exercício aeróbio associado à alimentação saudável pode contribuir com o controle glicêmico de diabéticos.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of aerobic exercise on glycemic control in diabetics attend the program at the Diabetic Foot-Hospital Regional Taguatinga, DF. This is a program National and International reference. The sample of convenience was formed by 30 patients (type 1 and 2), 20 women and 10 men (50 to 60 years). The statistics analyzed by Two Way ANOVA for independent samples with significance set at p ≤ 0.05, and analyzed in Microcal Origin program, version 8.0. A glucose was measured by portable glucometer (model Advantage, Brazil). Glucose values in the pre-test for men (500 ± 180 mg/dL-1) and women (467 ± 290 mg/dL-1) did not differ among groups. Furthermore, the post-test results showed that the groups decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) mean glucose compared to pre-test. It is concluded that exercise aerobic associated with healthy eating can help with glycemic control in diabetics.

Oxidative stress during rehabilitation from protein malnutrition associated with aerobic exercise in rats

This study was designed to evaluate biomarkers of oxidative stress in rats with or without aerobic exercise during recovery from protein malnutrition. From the 30th to the 90th day of life, male Wistar rats were fed a low protein diet (LP + 6 percent) followed by a normal protein diet (NP = 17 percent) until the 120th day and separated in two groups: sedentary (S) and exercise trained (E = swimming 1h/day, 5 days/week, with from the 90th to the 120th day). Rats fed a normal protein diet were used as controls. Results showed that physical exercise had beneficial effects on body weight gain during nutrition rehabilitation. Erythrocytes catalase and glutathione reductase (biomarkers of the antioxidant system) were significantly reduced in all groups in comparison to the sedentary control group. The plasma concentration of TBARs (biomarkers of the oxidative damage) was also lower in the recovered rats, suggesting that the improvement in body growth after nutritional rehabilitation with physical exercise could be related to a decrease in the oxidative stress level.

O presente estudo foi delineado para avaliar biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em ratos submetidos ou não ao exercício físico durante a recuperação da desnutrição protéica. Para tanto, ratos Wistar alimentados com dieta hipoprotéica (LP = 6 por cento) dos 30 dias até 90 dias, e então com dieta normoprotéica (NP = 17 por cento) até 120 dias, foram separados em dois grupos: sedentário (S) e exercitado (E = natação 1h/dia, 5 dia/semana, dos 90 até os 120 dias de vida). Ratos alimentados com dieta normoprotéica foram usados como controles. Nossos resultados mostraram que o exercício físico durante recuperação nutricional, teve efeitos benéficos no ganho de peso corporal e no metabolismo glicídico muscular. Catalase e glutationa reductase (biomarcadores do sistema de antioxidante) mostraram-se significativamente reduzidas em todos os grupos quando comparadas ao grupo controle sedentário. A concentração plasmática de TBARs (biomarcadores do ataque oxidativo) também foi mais baixa nos ratos recuperados, sugerindo que a melhoria no crescimento corporal e no metabolismo de glicose do músculo após reabilitação nutricional com exercício físico pode estar relacionada com uma diminuição no nível de estresse oxidativo.

Cura con plasma / No disponible

No disponible

The protective role of squalene in alcohol damage in the chick embryo retina.

The developing CNS, and in particular the visual system, is very sensitive to the effects of alcohol. Alcohol causes lipid peroxidation. Squalene, the major olive oil hydrocarbon, is a quencher of singlet oxygen and prevents the corresponding lipid peroxidation. We presumed that squalene can protect against the alcohol-induced damage already observed during the development of the chick retina. Alcohol+squalene was administered directly into the yolk sac of the egg of White Leghorn chicks at day 6 of incubation. The lipid composition of the retina was analyzed in embryos at E7, E11, E15 and E18. The proportions of phospholipids, free and esterified cholesterol, diacylglycerides and free fatty acids were estimated using the Iatroscan TLC/FID procedure. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine the fatty acid composition. The morphological study was carried out at E11 using semithin sections, and by means of immunohistochemical techniques at E19. Comparing the results obtained in control embryos, the administration of alcohol+squalene reduces the effects of alcohol on the total lipid composition of the retina during development. The effects were, in fact, of less magnitude than in embryos treated only with alcohol. The major phospholipid species of alcohol+squalene-treated embryos exhibited total recuperation at E15. As far as fatty acids are concerned, no significant changes were observed with regard to control embryos during development. From a morphological point of view, the retinas of alcohol+squalene-treated embryos show at E11 fewer cellular alterations than the retinas of alcohol-treated embryos. In this respect, the retinas of alcohol+squalene-treated embryos exhibited: a columnar cell arrangement similar to that observed in control retinas; few pycnotic cells and very few alterations in ganglion cell layers and in the optic nerve fibers layer. At E19 the recuperation of the expression of myelin oligodendrocyte specific protein (MOSP) in alcohol+squalene-treated embryos was recorded. Since squalene reduces the deleterious effects caused by alcohol on the lipid composition and the structure of the retina, squalene could act as a naturally occurring agent for the prevention of damage caused by abusive alcohol ingestion during pregnancy.

Alcohol-induced lipid and morphological changes in chick retinal development.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol exposure causes alterations in the lipid content of different organs and a reduction of long-chain fatty acids. During embryo development, the central nervous system is extremely vulnerable to the teratogenic effects of alcohol, and the visual system is particularly sensitive. METHODS: White Leghorn chick embryos were injected with 10- and 20-microl alcohol doses into the yolk sac at day 6 of incubation. The lipid composition of the retina was analyzed in embryos at day 7 of incubation (E7), E11, E15, and E18. The percentages of phospholipids, free cholesterol, esterified cholesterol, diacylglycerides, and free fatty acids were estimated by using an Iatroscan thin layer chromatography flame ionization detector. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to determine fatty acid composition. The morphological study was performed at E7, E11, and E19 by means of semithin and immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: In the retina, alcohol causes the total lipid content to change, with a remarkable increase in free cholesterol and a dramatic decrease in esterified cholesterol. Diacylglycerides and free fatty acids tend to increase. Phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine decrease, whereas phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylinositol increase. The main fatty acids of the retina also undergo changes. At E7, myriotic acid increases, and oleic acid and polyunsaturated fatty acids such as arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid decrease. From E18 onward, there is some recovery, except for fatty acids, which recover earlier. From a morphological point of view, alcohol effects on retinal development are various: increase of intercellular spaces in all cell layers, pyknosis with loss of cellularity in the inner nuclear cell layer and ganglion cell layer, retarded or disorderly cell migration, early cell differentiation, and loss of immunoreactivity for myelin oligodendrocyte-specific protein. CONCLUSIONS: Acute alcohol exposure during embryo development causes the lipid composition of the retina to change, with a trend to recovery in the last stages. These alterations are in line with the changes observed at a morphological level.

Peripapillary glial cells in the chick retina: A special glial cell type expressing astrocyte, radial glia, neuron, and oligodendrocyte markers throughout development.

Peripapillary glial cells of the chick are a special type of glia, not only because of their position, forming a boundary between the retina on one side and the optic nerve head (ONH) and the pecten on the other, but also because although they have the same orientation and similar shape as the retinal Müller cell (a type of radial glia) and express common markers for these cells and astrocytes, they do not express glutamine synthetase (GS) or carbonic anhydrase C (CA-C), enzymes intensely expressed by Müller cells and astrocytes. In this study, we present further molecular characterization of these cells, using immunohistochemistry techniques. We show that peripapillary glial cells express a novel neuron antigen, 3BA8, that in the adult retina is located only in one neuron type (the amacrine cell) and in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). They also express an antigen specific to myelin and oligodendrocytes, MOSP, and a glial antigen, 3CB2, expressed by radial glia and astrocytes throughout the CNS. The study of the developmental expression of these three antigens in the peripapillary glial cell territory shows different spatiotemporal labeling patterns: 3CB2 and 3BA8 are expressed much earlier (embryonic days E3 and E5, respectively) than MOSP (E12), and during a developmental window (E6-E10) 3BA8 labels the peripapillary glial cells intensely and does not label the ONH or the optic nerve (ON), which are labeled later. The expression of 3CB2 is much more intense in the peripapillary glial cells than in Müller cells from early stages of development up to E16, and the expression of MOSP starts earlier in the peripapillary glial cells than in the Müller cells and is maintained with much higher intensity in the peripapillary glial cells throughout development. These findings show that Müller and peripapillary glial cells follow independent courses of differentiation, which together with the fact that the peripapillary glial cells express molecules typical of neurons, oligodendrocytes, radial glia, and astrocytes are evidence that peripapillary glial cells are a unique type of glia in the CNS.