Cattleya walkeriana Gardner (Orchidaceae) propagation: culture medium, sealing system and irradiance.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of culture media, irradiance, and sealing system on the in vitro and ex vitro growth of Cattleya walkeriana Gardner. We used MS medium as culture medium, supplemented with 30 g L-1 of sucrose and solidified with 7.0 g L-1 of bacteriological agar. This medium served as a control, while for the other treatments we supplemented the media as follows: 2) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana pulp = P150; 3) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana pulp = P300; 4) MS with 150 g L-1 of banana peel = PE150; and 5) MS with 300 g L-1 of banana peel = PE300. The irradiances were provided by 3000K LED lamps: 86 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-1) and 128 µmol m-2 s-1 (Irradiance-2) and the conventional sealing (CSS) and sealing systems that allow gas exchange (GESS). After 120 (in vitro) and 180 days (ex vitro) of cultivation, we evaluated them for pseudobulb (PN), leaf (LN) and root number (RN), plant height (PH), pseudobulb diameter (PD), longest leaf (LL) and root length (RL), fresh mass (TFM) and survival (%SURV). There was a significant interaction for all the variables analyzed. The CM x SS double interaction was significant for PH, LL, and RL. The CM x I x SS interaction was significant for PN, LN, RN, PD, TFM, and %SURV traits of C. walkeriana grown in vitro. There was a significant interaction between CM x I x SS for all C. walkeriana traits evaluated in ex vitro culture. Using the medium with up to 150 g L-1 of banana pulp combined with Irradiance-2 and CSS provided the highest values for in vitro plant growth. However, prior cultivation in MS medium, Irradiance-1, and CSS provided the greatest survival and establishment of this species plants in ex vitro culture.

Inorganic Phosphate Effect in a Hydrogen Peroxide-based Bleaching Agent: Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties of Dental Enamel.

OBJECTIVES: This in vitro study aimed to assess the impact of incorporating calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP) and sodium fluoride (NaF) in addition to 35% hydrogen peroxide concerning the enamel mechanical and morphological properties. METHODS: Specimens of bovine enamel were chosen based on their initial surface hardness (SHi) and subsequently divided into five gel groups (n=12): 1) 35% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) Gel; 2) HP + 0.1% NaF Gel (HP/NaF); 3) HP + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/CaGP); 4) HP + 0.1% NaF + 0.25% CaGP Gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) and 5) HP Blue 35% Gel (HP Blue). The bleaching gels were applied thrice, for 40 min, at intervals of 7 days each. After 21 days, the final surface hardness (SHf), integrated hardness (IH), Polydispersity Index (PdI) and Zeta Potential (Zp), surface roughness (Ra, after and before), and surface/structural analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were determined. The data were submitted to ANOVA (one-way and two-way) followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (α=0.05). RESULTS: The addition of NaF to HP reduced demineralization by 11.5% in relation to HP (p<0.05). The NaF/CaGP association reduction is 22.8 and 20% higher in comparison to HP/NaF/CaGP and HP Blue, respectively. The IH when the PH/NaF/CaGP bleaching gel was applied, was 14% higher compared to HP and HP Blue groups. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that the association of NaF and CaGP with the 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (HP/NaF/CaGP) significantly changed tooth enamel demineralization in terms of surface, depth, roughness, and enamel morphology.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the endothelial function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction that causes micro- and macrovascular complications. Low intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) may improve endothelial function, but its effects have not been investigated in these patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of pulsed (PUT) and continuous (CUT) waveforms of LITUS on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of T2DM patients. The present randomized crossover trial had a sample of twenty-three patients (7 men) diagnosed with T2DM, 55.6 (±9.1) years old, with a body mass index of 28.6 (±3.3) kg/m2. All patients were randomized and submitted to different waveforms (Placebo, CUT, and PUT) of LITUS and the arterial endothelial function was evaluated. The LITUS of 1 MHz was applied in pulsed (PUT: 20% duty cycle, 0.08 W/cm2 SATA), continuous (CUT: 0.4 W/cm2 SPTA), and Placebo (equipment off) types of waves during 5 min on the brachial artery. Endothelial function was evaluated using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. PUT (mean difference 2.08%, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 3.51) and CUT (mean difference 2.32%, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 3.74) increased the %FMD compared to Placebo. In the effect size analysis, PUT (d=0.65) and CUT (d=0.65) waveforms presented moderate effects in the %FMD compared to Placebo. The vasodilator effect was similar in the different types of waves. Pulsed and continuous waveforms of LITUS of 1 MHz improved the arterial endothelial function in T2DM patients.

Effects of therapeutic ultrasound on the endothelial function of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by endothelial dysfunction that causes micro- and macrovascular complications. Low intensity therapeutic ultrasound (LITUS) may improve endothelial function, but its effects have not been investigated in these patients. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of pulsed (PUT) and continuous (CUT) waveforms of LITUS on the endothelium-dependent vasodilation of T2DM patients. The present randomized crossover trial had a sample of twenty-three patients (7 men) diagnosed with T2DM, 55.6 (±9.1) years old, with a body mass index of 28.6 (±3.3) kg/m2. All patients were randomized and submitted to different waveforms (Placebo, CUT, and PUT) of LITUS and the arterial endothelial function was evaluated. The LITUS of 1 MHz was applied in pulsed (PUT: 20% duty cycle, 0.08 W/cm2 SATA), continuous (CUT: 0.4 W/cm2 SPTA), and Placebo (equipment off) types of waves during 5 min on the brachial artery. Endothelial function was evaluated using the flow-mediated dilation (FMD) technique. PUT (mean difference 2.08%, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 3.51) and CUT (mean difference 2.32%, 95% confidence interval 0.89 to 3.74) increased the %FMD compared to Placebo. In the effect size analysis, PUT (d=0.65) and CUT (d=0.65) waveforms presented moderate effects in the %FMD compared to Placebo. The vasodilator effect was similar in the different types of waves. Pulsed and continuous waveforms of LITUS of 1 MHz improved the arterial endothelial function in T2DM patients.

Living in endemic area for infectious diseases accelerates epigenetic age.

Inflammaging is a low-grade inflammatory state generated by the aging process that can contribute to frailty and age-related diseases in the elderly. However, it can have distinct effects in the elderly living in endemic areas for infectious diseases. An increased inflammatory response may confer protection against infectious agents in these areas, although this advantage can cause accelerating epigenetic aging. In this study, we evaluated the inflammatory profile and the epigenetic age of infected and noninfected individuals from an endemic area in Brazil. The profile of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors analyzed in the sera of the two groups of individuals showed similarities, although infected individuals had a higher concentration of these mediators. A significant increase in IL-1ra, CXCL8, CCL2, CCL3 and CCL4 production was associated with leprosy infection. Notably, elderly individuals displayed distinct immune responses associated with their infection status when compared to adults suggesting an adaptive remodelling of their immune responses. Epigenetic analysis also showed that there was no difference in epigenetic age between the two groups of individuals. However, individuals from the endemic area had a significant accelerated aging when compared to individuals from São Paulo, a non-endemic area in Brazil. Moreover, the latter cohort was also epigenetically aged in relation to an Italian cohort. Our data shows that living in endemic areas for chronic infectious diseases results in remodelling of inflammaging and acceleration of epigenetic aging in individuals regardless of their infectious status. It also highlights that geographical, genetic and environmental factors influence aging and immunosenescence in their pace and profile.

Central angiotensinergic mechanisms in female spontaneously hypertensive rats treated with estradiol.

Estrogens reduce 0.3 M NaCl intake and palatability in a widely used model of essential hypertension, the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Here we investigated whether the inhibitory effects of ß-estradiol (E2, 10 µg/kg b.w. subcutaneously for 8 days) on water deprived partially-rehydrated (WD-PR) ovariectomized (OVX) adult female SHRs (fSHRs, n = 4-10/group) are related to interferences on brain angiotensin II AT1 receptors (AT1r). After WD-PR, E2 reduced 0.3 M NaCl intake (1.3 ± 0.6, vs. vehicle: 3.5 ± 1.2 ml/30 min), the number of hedonic responses to intraoral NaCl infusion (57 ± 11, vs. vehicle: 176 ± 32/min), and the relative angiotensin AT1r (Agtr1a) mRNA expression in the hypothalamus. Losartan (AT1r antagonist, 100 µg) intracerebroventricularly in OVX fSHRs treated with vehicle subcutaneously abolished 0.3 M NaCl intake (0.1 ± 0.1 ml/30 min) and only transiently reduced hedonic responses to intraoral NaCl. Losartan combined with E2 decreased the number of hedonic and increased the number of aversive responses to intraoral NaCl and abolished 0.3 M NaCl intake. E2 also reduced the pressor and dipsogenic responses to intracerebroventricular angiotensin II. The results suggest that AT1r activation increases palatability and induces NaCl intake in WD-PR fSHRs. E2 reduced hypothalamic Agtr1a mRNA expression, which may account for the effects of E2 on NaCl intake and palatability and intracerebroventricular angiotensin II-induced pressor and dipsogenic responses in OVX fSHRs. Future studies considering natural fluctuations in estrogen secretion might help to determine the degree of such interference in brain neuronal activity.

Genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in vocal fold leukoplakia: a systematic review.

Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) has a risk of malignant transformation. Therefore, patients can have symptoms such as dysphonia, vocal strain, difficulty breathing, and dysphagia. Additionally, there is a genetic predisposition that can be associated with genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in the etiology of VFL. Our study followed the PRISMA checklist and was registered on PROSPERO database. The questions were: "Are genetic polymorphisms involved in the etiology of VFL? Are protein levels altered in patients with VFL?". Eligibility criteria were case control studies that compared the presence of polymorphisms or/and protein levels of subjects diagnosed with VFL and healthy controls. Of the 905 articles retrieved, five articles with a total of 1038 participants were included in this study. The C allele of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-819 T/C IL-10, A allele of the SNP -592 A/C IL-10, CT genotype of the SNP rs11886868 C/T BCL11A, GG genotype of the SNP rs4671393 A/G BCL11A, LL genotype, and L allele of (GT)n repeat polymorphisms of the HO-1 were risk factors for VFL development. Nevertheless, there was a lack of association between VFL and the -1082 A/G IL-10, rs14024 CK-1, and -309 T/G Mdm2 SNPs. The concentrations of the MDM2, BCL11A, and HO-1 proteins were modified, while IL-10 levels were normally expressed in these subjects. In conclusion, most markers evaluated in this review could be potential indicators to develop effective therapies, avoiding a malignant transformation of the lesion.

Phytocystatin CsinCPI-2 Reduces Osteoclastogenesis and Alveolar Bone Loss.

Periodontal disease (PD) is a polymicrobial chronic inflammatory condition of the supporting tissues around the teeth, leading to the destruction of surrounding connective tissue. During the progression of PD, osteoclasts play a crucial role in the resorption of alveolar bone that eventually leads to the loss of teeth if the PD is left untreated. Therefore, the development of antiresorptive therapies targeting bone-resorbing cells will significantly benefit the treatment of PD. Here, we demonstrate the inhibitory effect of CsinCPI-2, a novel cysteine peptidase inhibitor from the orange tree, on periodontitis-induced inflammation, alveolar bone loss, and osteoclast differentiation. Using the ligature-induced periodontitis model in mice, we show that treatment with CsinCPI-2 (0.8 µg/g of body weight) significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltrate in the connective tissue and prevented the loss of alveolar bone mass (BV/TV) caused by PD, effects associated with diminished numbers of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells. Furthermore, CsinCPI-2 significantly downregulated the numbers of inflammatory cells expressing CD3, CD45, MAC387, and IL-1ß. In vitro, CsinCPI-2 inhibited RANKL-induced TRAP+ multinucleated osteoclast formation in mouse bone marrow macrophage cultures in a concentration-dependent manner. This effect was not due to cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by the MTT assay. CsinCPI-2 inhibited RANKL-induced mRNA expression of Acp5, Calcr, and Ctsk, as well as the RANKL-induced upregulation of Nfatc1, a crucial transcription factor for osteoclast differentiation. Based on our findings, CsinCPI-2 prevents bone loss induced by PD by controlling the inflammatory process and acting directly on osteoclastogenesis, suggesting an interesting potential for CsinCPI-2 in the strategy for PD treatment.

Genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in vocal fold leukoplakia: a systematic review

Vocal fold leukoplakia (VFL) has a risk of malignant transformation. Therefore, patients can have symptoms such as dysphonia, vocal strain, difficulty breathing, and dysphagia. Additionally, there is a genetic predisposition that can be associated with genetic polymorphisms. We aimed to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms and protein levels in the etiology of VFL. Our study followed the PRISMA checklist and was registered on PROSPERO database. The questions were: "Are genetic polymorphisms involved in the etiology of VFL? Are protein levels altered in patients with VFL?". Eligibility criteria were case control studies that compared the presence of polymorphisms or/and protein levels of subjects diagnosed with VFL and healthy controls. Of the 905 articles retrieved, five articles with a total of 1038 participants were included in this study. The C allele of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)-819 T/C IL-10, A allele of the SNP -592 A/C IL-10, CT genotype of the SNP rs11886868 C/T BCL11A, GG genotype of the SNP rs4671393 A/G BCL11A, LL genotype, and L allele of (GT)n repeat polymorphisms of the HO-1 were risk factors for VFL development. Nevertheless, there was a lack of association between VFL and the -1082 A/G IL-10, rs14024 CK-1, and -309 T/G Mdm2 SNPs. The concentrations of the MDM2, BCL11A, and HO-1 proteins were modified, while IL-10 levels were normally expressed in these subjects. In conclusion, most markers evaluated in this review could be potential indicators to develop effective therapies, avoiding a malignant transformation of the lesion.

Resolución de hipertrofia de labios menores mediante técnicas simples / Resolution of hypertrophy of the labia minora using simple techniques

Introducción. La hipertrofia de los labios menores se define como tejido labial que sobresale más allá de los labios mayores, puede afectar de manera uni- o bilateral y resultar en dispareunia, interferencia con los deportes, dificultades con la limpieza, irritación e infecciones crónicas del tracto urinario, incomodidad para el uso de prendas ajustadas, además de trastornos psicológicos. Todos estos motivos llevan a las mujeres a la consulta. La reducción de labios menores es el procedimiento estético genital femenino más común. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo presentar técnicas de baja complejidad para resolver diferentes grados de hipertrofia de labios menores. Materiales y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo, observacional que comprendió 3 pacientes entre el periodo de marzo del 2019 a febrero 2020 que Incluyó a pacientes con hipertrofias leves y moderadas. Resultados. En 2 pacientes se realizó escisión directa y en 1, técnica del desepitelizado más lipotransferencia de labios mayores, sin evidenciar complicaciones mayores. Discusión. Si bien en la literatura se han reportado un gran número de técnicas quirúrgicas, cada una de ellas debe adecuarse al tipo de hipertrofia labial. La técnica del desepitelizado permite conservar un borde natural, con conservación de la coloración y textura original de la paciente, aporte neurovascular, pero no es conveniente utilizarla en pacientes de grados mayores de hipertrofia. La escisión directa proporciona una técnica simple para la escisión del exceso de tejido en pacientes con mayor tamaño de sus labios menores, pero elimina el contorno, la coloración y la textura naturales del borde libre, aun así, las pacientes resultan conformes con su nuevo aspecto. Conclusión. La reconstrucción de los labios menores, utilizando las técnicas de desepitelización y escisión directa, es confiable y da un resultado cosmético y funcional exitoso. Estas técnicas son de baja complejidad, tiempo operatorio breve, técnicamente reproducibles, dando gran conformidad y resultando un método seguro

Introduction. Hypertrophy of the labia minora is defined as lip tissue that protrudes beyond the labia majora, can affect unilaterally or bilaterally and result in dyspareunia, interference with sports, difficulties with cleaning, irritation and chronic infections of the urinal tract, discomfort for wearing tight clothes, in addition to psychological disorders. All these reasons lead women to the consultation. Labia minora reduction is the most common female genital cosmetic procedure. This work aims to present low complexity techniques to resolve different degrees of hypertrophy of the labia minora. Materials and methods: retrospective, observational study that comprised 3 patients between the period of March 2019 to February 2020 that included patients with mild and moderate hypertrophy. Results: Direct excision was performed in 2 patients and in 1, de-epithelialization technique plus lipotransference of the labia majora. Without showing major complications. Discussion: Although a large number of surgical techniques have been reported in the literature, each of them must be adapted to the type of lip hypertrophy. The de-epithelialization technique allows a natural border to be preserved, with preservation of the patient's original color and texture, neurovascular supply, but it is not convenient to use it in patients with higher degrees of hypertrophy. Direct excision provides a simple technique for excision of excess tissue in patients with larger labia minora, but removes the natural contour, coloration and texture of the free edge, yet patients are still satisfied with their new appearance. Conclusion. The reconstruction of the labia minora, using de-epithelialization and direct excision techniques is reliable and gives a successful cosmetic and functional result. These are low complexity techniques, short operating time, technically reproducible, giving great conformity and resulting in a safe method

Parasitism-Mediated Interactions Between the Ring-Legged Earwig and Sugarcane Borer Larvae.

Sugarcane is one of the most economically important crops in Brazil. The damage caused by Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) results in high costs for its production. Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the most efficient means of controlling this pest. The prohibition of burning and the preservation of soil cover through non-tillage practices increased many population densities of natural enemies of the sugarcane borer (SCB) in sugarcane fields. Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae) is a predator found in sugarcane fields and is associated with predation of SCB. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of parasitism of D. saccharalis by C. flavipes on predation by E. annulipes adult females. For this purpose, fourth instar sugarcane borer larvae were exposed to parasitism over a 5-day period or were not parasitized. Subsequently, the prey was supplied to the predator in arenas under choice and no-choice conditions and under different densities to evaluate the feeding preference over a 12-h period and functional response of the predator over a 24-h period. E. annulipes killed 2-3 fourth instar larvae of the sugarcane borer over a 12-h period. SCB parasitism did not affect the feeding preference of the predator and did not alter the type II functional response. However, the handling time of the predator was lower (1.943 h) and there was a higher T/Th ratio on the non-parasitized larvae (12.352). Our findings indicate E. annulipes as a promising biological control agent of D. saccharalis, with a potential to assist in the sugarcane borer management approaches and could to reduce the costs of parasitoid release in the field.

New sources of resistance to leafminers (Liriomyza sativae) in melon (Cucumis melo L.) germplasm.

Leafminers (Liriomyza sativae) are the main melon (Cucumis melo L.) pests in Northeast Brazil, which is the main region for the production and export of the fruit in Brazil. Of the integrated management strategies available, genetic resistance is the best method of preventing damage by these insects. The aim of this study was to select sources of resistance to leafminers in melon germplasm. Seven experiments were conducted in the laboratory, field, and greenhouse, with and without choice, using 52 melon accessions and 4 commercial hybrids as controls. Genetic variability among the accessions made it possible to select four new sources of resistance: 'CNPH 11-1072' and 'CNPH 11-1077', because they exhibited lower levels of infestation by the insect (antixenosis); and 'CNPH 00-915(R)' and 'BAGMEL 56(R)', because the pest larvae died soon after beginning to feed on the leaf mesophyll (antibiosis).

Foreign body-induced changes in the reticular contraction pattern of sheep observed with M-mode ultrasonography.

In the pre-experimental period of a clinical trial, an apparently clinically healthy sheep fitted with ruminal and abomasal cannulas showed changes in the reticular contraction pattern visualized in M-mode ultrasonogram. Radiographic examination revealed a blunt metal screw in its reticulum. By the time change in the reticular motility through the ultrasound examination was detected, the animal had still not expressed any behavioral changes. A description of the clinical case, follow-up of the findings and laboratory data, like white blood cell count, serum pepsinogen and fibrinogen concentrations, were presented. The foreign body was removed through the ruminal cannula and reticular contraction tended to normal. An association of the contraction pattern with measured clinical data was possible, leading to the conclusion that use of M-mode ultrasonography has a potential application in similar clinical situations.

Development and Validation of a Clinical Scale for the Evaluation of Forearm Skin Photoaging.

BACKGROUND: Despite the focus on facial photoaging ratings, there are few classifications developed for forearm skin aging assessment. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a clinical scale for the evaluation of forearm skin aging. METHODS: Three clinical dermatology faculty members selected, discussed, and appraised the main signs of forearm photoaging. The validation of the resulting scale was performed by 5 assessors who were previously trained to classify 102 photographs of forearms with different degrees of aging. Retests were performed in 15 days. RESULTS: There was significant correlation between the selected variables and the subjective global aging scale. The developed scale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.87) and high correlation with the global photoaging scale (rho=0.92). Inter- and intraobserver final scores showed high agreement. CONCLUSION: A validated clinical photoaging scale for forearms with internal consistency, reliability, and validity was developed.

Design of a macroalgae amperometric biosensor; application to the rapid monitoring of organophosphate insecticides in an agroecosystem.

The immobilization of enzymes onto transducer support is a mature technology and has been successfully implemented to improve biocatalytic processes for diverse applications. However, there exists still need to design more sophisticated and specialized strategies to enhance the functional properties of the biosensors. In this work, a biosensor platform based on innovative fabrication strategy was designed, and employed for the detection of organophosphate (OP) in natural waters. The biosensor was prepared by incorporating acetylcholinesterase enzyme (AChE) to the graphite paste modified with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) mediator, along with the use of a macroalgae (Cladaphropsis membranous) as a functional immobilization support. The novel immobilization design resulted in a synergic effect, and led to enhanced stability and sensitivity of the biosensor. The designed biosensor was used to analyze methyl parathion OP insecticide in water samples collected from a demonstrably contaminated lake of São Luis Island, Maranhão, Northeast of Brazil. Water analysis revealed that the aquatic ecosystem was polluted by sub-ppm concentrations of the OP insecticide, and a good correlation was found between values obtained through biosensor and GC-MS techniques. Our results demonstrated that macroalgae-biosensor could be used as a low-cost and sensitive screening method to detect target analyte.

Oxidative profiles of endurance horses racing different distances / Perfil oxidativo em cavalos de enduro competindo em diferentes distâncias

Increased oxidative stress during prolonged endurance exercises may result in muscle damage, fatigue and decreased performance. An adequate stress response during training is critical to obtain improved results and high animal welfare standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the red blood cell haemolysate concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) from endurance horses in different distances at high speed in a tropical climate. Fifteen horses were tested; five at 160km (18.54 - 17.16km/h race speed), five at 120km (21.53 - 17km/h race speed) and five at 80km (20.06 - 18.01km/h race speed). Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after and three hours after the horses left the final vet check and three, seven and fourteen days after the race. No significant increases (P > 0.05) in the levels of SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT or MDA were observed for any of the times or distances examined. Based on these observations, we conclude that reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation during exercise evokes specific adaptations, such as increased antioxidant/oxidative damage-repairing enzyme activity, increased resistance to oxidative stress and lower levels of oxidative damage.(AU)

Aumento do estresse oxidativo durante o exercício prolongado pode resultar em fadiga muscular, lesões e diminuição do desempenho. Uma adequada resposta a esse estresse durante o treinamento é fundamental para a obtenção de melhores resultados e bem-estar dos animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a concentração de superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), glutationa reduzida (GSH) e catalase (CAT) no hemolisado sanguíneo e malondialdeído (MDA) plasmático em cavalos de enduro correndo em diferentes distâncias, com alta média de velocidade, em clima tropical. Quinze cavalos foram testados, cinco em 160km (18.54-17.16km/h), cinco em 120km (21.53-17km/h) e cinco em 80km (20.06-18.01km/h). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em repouso, imediatamente e três horas depois que os cavalos passaram pela inspeção veterinária final e três, sete e 14 dias após a corrida. Não houve aumentos significativos (P>0,05) dos níveis de SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT ou MDA em nenhum tempo nem distâncias analisadas. Com base nessas observações, pode-se concluir que as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) formadas durante o exercício provocam adaptações específicas, tais como atividade antioxidante aumentada da enzima, maior resistência ao estresse oxidativo e menores níveis de danos oxidativos.(AU)

Oxidative profiles of endurance horses racing different distances / Perfil oxidativo em cavalos de enduro competindo em diferentes distâncias

Increased oxidative stress during prolonged endurance exercises may result in muscle damage, fatigue and decreased performance. An adequate stress response during training is critical to obtain improved results and high animal welfare standards. The aim of this study was to evaluate the red blood cell haemolysate concentrations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and the plasma concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) from endurance horses in different distances at high speed in a tropical climate. Fifteen horses were tested; five at 160km (18.54 - 17.16km/h race speed), five at 120km (21.53 - 17km/h race speed) and five at 80km (20.06 - 18.01km/h race speed). Blood samples were collected at rest, immediately after and three hours after the horses left the final vet check and three, seven and fourteen days after the race. No significant increases (P > 0.05) in the levels of SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT or MDA were observed for any of the times or distances examined. Based on these observations, we conclude that reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation during exercise evokes specific adaptations, such as increased antioxidant/oxidative damage-repairing enzyme activity, increased resistance to oxidative stress and lower levels of oxidative damage...

Aumento do estresse oxidativo durante o exercício prolongado pode resultar em fadiga muscular, lesões e diminuição do desempenho. Uma adequada resposta a esse estresse durante o treinamento é fundamental para a obtenção de melhores resultados e bem-estar dos animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a concentração de superóxido dismutase (SOD), glutationa peroxidase (GPx), glutationa reduzida (GSH) e catalase (CAT) no hemolisado sanguíneo e malondialdeído (MDA) plasmático em cavalos de enduro correndo em diferentes distâncias, com alta média de velocidade, em clima tropical. Quinze cavalos foram testados, cinco em 160km (18.54-17.16km/h), cinco em 120km (21.53-17km/h) e cinco em 80km (20.06-18.01km/h). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas em repouso, imediatamente e três horas depois que os cavalos passaram pela inspeção veterinária final e três, sete e 14 dias após a corrida. Não houve aumentos significativos (P>0,05) dos níveis de SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT ou MDA em nenhum tempo nem distâncias analisadas. Com base nessas observações, pode-se concluir que as espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) formadas durante o exercício provocam adaptações específicas, tais como atividade antioxidante aumentada da enzima, maior resistência ao estresse oxidativo e menores níveis de danos oxidativos...

Genetic divergence among accessions of melon from traditional agriculture of the Brazilian Northeast.

The genetic divergence of 38 melon accessions from traditional agriculture of the Brazilian Northeast and three commercial hybrids were evaluated using fruit descriptors and microsatellite markers. The melon germplasm belongs to the botanic varieties cantalupensis (19), momordica (7), conomon (4), and inodorus (3), and to eight genotypes that were identified only at the species level. The fruit descriptors evaluated were: number of fruits per plant (NPF), fruit mass (FM; kg), fruit longitudinal diameter (LD; cm), fruit transversal diameter (TD; cm), shape index based on the LD/TD ratio, flesh pulp thickness, cavity thickness (CT; cm), firmness fruit pulp (N), and soluble solids (SS; °Brix). The results showed high variability for all descriptors, especially for NPF, LD, and FM. The grouping analysis based on fruit descriptors produced eight groups without taxonomic criteria. The LD (22.52%), NPF (19.70%), CT (16.13%), and SS (9.57%) characteristics were the descriptors that contributed the most to genotype dissimilarity. The 17 simple sequence repeat polymorphic markers amplified 41 alleles with an average of 2.41 alleles and three genotypes per locus. Some markers presented a high frequency for the main allele. The genetic diversity ranged from 0.07 to 0.60, the observed heterozygosity had very low values, and the mean polymorphism information content was 0.32. Molecular genetic similarity analyses clustered the accessions in 13 groups, also not following taxonomic ranks. There was no association between morphoagronomic and molecular groupings. In conclusion, there was great variability among the accessions and among and within botanic groups.

Intrinsic predictive factors for ankle sprain in active university students: a prospective study.

The ankle is the joint most affected among the sports-related injuries. The current study investigated whether certain intrinsic factors could predict ankle sprains in active students. The 125 participants were submitted to a baseline assessment in a single session were then followed-up for 52 weeks regarding the occurrence of sprain. The baseline assessment were performed in both ankles and included the questionnaire Cumberland ankle instability tool - Portuguese, the foot lift test, dorsiflexion range of motion, Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), the side recognition task, body mass index, and history of previous sprain. Two groups were used for analysis: one with those who suffered an ankle sprain and the other with those who did not suffer an ankle sprain. After Cox regression analysis, participants with history of previous sprain were twice as likely to suffer subsequent sprains [hazard ratio (HR) 2.21 and 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-4.57] and people with better performance on the SEBT in the postero-lateral (PL) direction were less likely to suffer a sprain (HR 0.96 and 95% CI 0.92-0.99). History of previous sprain was the strongest predictive factor and a weak performance on SEBT PL was also considered a predictive factor for ankle sprains.