Endangered bird species of one of the last remnants of lowland Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: pressures and preservation measures.

The lowland Atlantic Forest, at altitudes of below 500 m, is highly fragmented, and is home to many threatened species of birds. The Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has a high concentration of threatened birds in the Americas and is an important residual of the dense ombrophilous formations of the Atlantic Forest, which includes the Reserva Biológica União, a high priority area for conservation of Atlantic Forest birds. This study compiled empirical and secondary records of threatened birds in this reserve and discusses potential factors determining their local occurrence. Since 2008, regular observations, including transect surveys and mist-netting, in addiction to secondary data, have provided records of 306 bird species, of which 49 appear on red lists at some level (state, national or global), including 34 listed as endangered, of which 13 are listed globally, eight of them dependent on well-conserved lowland rainforest. Future studies should include new areas of the reserve, with the aim of confirming the presence of additional threatened species. The long-term conservation of this fauna will depend not only on the adequate management of the reserve, but also the reestablishment of its connectivity with adjacent forest fragments and upland areas in the state.

Sustained IL-6 and sTNF-αR1 levels after hip fracture predict 5-year mortality: A prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies.

BACKGROUND: Persistent inflammation is associated with adverse health outcomes, but its impact on mortality has not been investigated previously among hip fracture patients. This article aims to investigate the influence of changes in levels of cytokines in the 2 months after a hip fracture repair on 5-year mortality. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study from the Baltimore Hip Studies (BHS) with 191 community-dwelling older men and women (≥65 years) who had recently undergone surgical repair of an acute hip fracture, with recruitment from May 2006 to June 2011. Plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor1 (sTNFα-R1), and interleukin-1 receptor agonist (IL-1RA) were obtained within 22 days of admission and at 2 months. All-cause mortality over 5 years was determined. Logistic regression analysis tested the associations between the cytokines' trajectories and mortality over 5 years, adjusted for covariates (age, sex, education, body mass index, lower extremity physical activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index). RESULTS: High levels of IL-6 and sTNFα-R1 at baseline with small or no decline at 2 months were associated with higher odds of 5-year mortality compared with those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline at 2 months after adjustment for age, and other potential confounders (OR = 4.71, p = 0.01 for IL-6; OR = 15.03, p = 0.002 for sTNFα-R1). Similar results that failed to reach significance were found for IL-1RA (OR = 2.40, p = 0.18). Those with higher levels of cytokines at baseline with greater decline did not have significantly greater mortality than the reference group, those with lower levels at baseline and greater decline. CONCLUSION: Persistent elevation of plasma IL-6 and sTNFα-R1 levels within the first 2 months after hospital admission in patients with hip fracture is associated with higher 5-year mortality. These patients may benefit from enhanced care and earlier intensive interventions to reduce the risk of death.

Statine-based peptidomimetic compounds as inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 main protease (SARS-CoV­2 Mpro).

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 airborne virus, a member of the Coronaviridae family. It has a positive sense single-stranded RNA genome and encodes two non-structural proteins through viral cysteine-proteases processing. Blocking this step is crucial to control virus replication. In this work, we reported the synthesis of 23 statine-based peptidomimetics to determine their ability to inhibit the main protease (Mpro) activity of SARS-CoV-2. Among the 23 peptidomimetics, 15 compounds effectively inhibited Mpro activity by 50% or more, while three compounds (7d, 8e, and 9g) exhibited maximum inhibition above 70% and IC50 < 1 µM. Compounds 7d, 8e, and 9g inhibited roughly 80% of SARS-CoV-2 replication and proved no cytotoxicity. Molecular docking simulations show putative hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interactions between specific amino acids and these inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability and persisting interactions in Mpro's subsites, exhibiting favorable free energy binding (ΔGbind) values. These findings suggest the statine-based peptidomimetics as potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2 by targeting Mpro.

Similar regional-scale survival of tropical and southern temperate birds from the New World.

The general assumption that the survival patterns of tropical and southern temperate birds are similar lacks empirical data from higher latitudes. Regional comparisons of New World species are rare, and this assumption has been based on data from African studies. Here, we estimate the survival rates of 88 tropical and southern temperate bird populations (69 species) from eight localities in South America to evaluate the hypothesis that the survival of these populations is homogeneous at the regional scale. We estimated survival based on the Cormack-Jolly-Seber model and compared values from different environments. The survival estimates ranged from 0.30 to 0.80 (0.56 ± 0.12). Apparent survival did not differ significantly between low-latitude tropical environments (03°S) and the other sites from high-latitudes (between 22° and 34°S). Despite a predicted positive trend, body size was not significantly related to survival among passerines. On the other hand, phylogenetic relationships explained more than a third of the variation in bird survival. Based on the largest available database on South American bird species, our findings support the hypothesis that bird survival is homogeneous, at the regional scale, along the southern hemisphere. In particular, we reinforce the hypothesis that climatic variation has a limited influence on bird survival in the southern hemisphere.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity of Ampelozizyphus amazonicus (Saracura-Mirá): Focus on the Modulation of the Spike-ACE2 Interaction by Chemically Characterized Bark Extracts by LC-DAD-APCI-MS/MS.

Traditional medicine shows several treatment protocols for COVID-19 based on natural products, revealing its potential as a possible source of anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents. Ampelozizyphus amazonicus is popularly used in the Brazilian Amazon as a fortifier and tonic, and recently, it has been reported to relieve COVID-19 symptoms. This work aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of A. amazonicus, focusing on the inhibition of spike and ACE2 receptor interaction, a key step in successful infection. Although saponins are the major compounds of this plant and often reported as its active principles, a polyphenol-rich extract was the best inhibitor of the spike and ACE2 interaction. Chemical characterization of A. amazonicus bark extracts by LC-DAD-APCI-MS/MS before and after clean-up steps for polyphenol removal showed that the latter play an essential role in maintaining this activity. The effects of the extracts on viral replication were also assessed, and all samples (aqueous and ethanol extracts) demonstrated in vitro activity, inhibiting viral titers in the supernatant of Calu-3 cells after 24 hpi. By acting both in the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry process and its replication, A. amazonicus bark extracts stand out as a multitarget agent, highlighting the species as a promising candidate in the development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

First record of the parasitoid wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) infesting the tick Amblyomma nodosum (Acari: Ixodidae).

Ticks (Ixodida) are ecologically important ectoparasites that may impact human health and economic activities. Parasitoid wasps are natural enemies of ticks and a potential option for its biological control. In the present study, we recorded parasitism of the nymphs of the tick Amblyomma nodosum by the parasitoid wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri. The ticks, in turn, were parasitizing white-bearded manakins, Manacus manacus (Passeriformes: Pipridae) in the União Biological Reserve, one of the last major remnants of lowland rainforest in Rio de Janeiro state, southeastern Brazil. During the collection of ectoparasites from two manakins in this reserve, 20-30 parasitoid wasps hatched spontaneously from two of the ticks collected. The species of the tick nymphs and adult wasps were identified using morphological traits and molecular analyses. This record is the first documented case of I. hookeri parasitizing A. nodosum and the first time that parasitoid wasps have been found in ticks parasitizing birds in Brazil. This is also the first record of Ixodiphagus from southeastern Brazil in more than a century, with the only other record dating back to 1914. The record presented here provides valuable new information on the biology of this tick and its parasitoids, and new insights into this interspecific interaction. Further research on these vertebrate-tick-wasp interactions will be necessary to better understand the respective roles of the organisms involved in these processes.

The Role of Pyrazolopyridine Derivatives on Different Steps of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 In Vitro Replicative Cycle.

Herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) infection causes several disorders, and acyclovir is used as a reference compound. However, resistant strains are commonly observed. Herein, we investigate the effects of N-heterocyclic compounds (pyrazolopyridine derivatives), named ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57, on HSV-1 in vitro replication. We show that the 50% effective concentration (EC50) values of the compounds ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57 were 1.00 ± 0.10, 1.00 ± 0.05, and 0.70 ± 0.10 µM, respectively. These compounds presented high 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values, which resulted in a selective index (SI) of 1000, 1000, and 857.1 for ARA-04, ARA-05, and AM-57, respectively. To gain insight into which step of the HSV-1 replication cycle these molecules would impair, we performed adsorption and penetration inhibition assays and time-of-addition experiments. Our results indicated that ARA-04 and ARA-05 affected viral adsorption, while AM-57 interfered with the virus replication during its α- and γ-phases and decreased ICP27 content during initial and late events of HSV-1 replication. In addition, we also observed that AM-57 caused a strong decrease in viral gD content, which was reinforced by in silico calculations that suggested AM-57 interacts preferentially with the viral complex between a general transcription factor and virion protein (TFIIBc-VP16). In contrast, ARA-04 and ARA-05 interact preferentially in the proteins responsible for the viral adsorption process (nectin-1 and glycoprotein). Thus, our results suggest that the 1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine derivatives inhibit the HSV-1 replicative cycle with a novel mechanism of action, and its scaffold can be used as a template for the synthesis of promising new molecules with antiviral effects, including to reinforce the presented data herein for a limited number of molecules.

Klebsiella pneumoniae Biofilms and Their Role in Disease Pathogenesis.

The ability to form biofilms is a crucial virulence trait for several microorganisms, including Klebsiella pneumoniae - a Gram-negative encapsulated bacterium often associated with nosocomial infections. It is estimated that 65-80% of bacterial infections are biofilm related. Biofilms are complex bacterial communities composed of one or more species encased in an extracellular matrix made of proteins, carbohydrates and genetic material derived from the bacteria themselves as well as from the host. Bacteria in the biofilm are shielded from immune responses and antibiotics. The present review discusses the characteristics of K. pneumoniae biofilms, factors affecting biofilm development, and their contribution to infections. We also explore different model systems designed to study biofilm formation in this species. A great number of factors contribute to biofilm establishment and maintenance in K. pneumoniae, which highlights the importance of this mechanism for the bacterial fitness. Some of these molecules could be used in future vaccines against this bacterium. However, there is still a lack of in vivo models to evaluate the contribution of biofilm development to disease pathogenesis. With that in mind, the combination of different methodologies has great potential to provide a more detailed scenario that more accurately reflects the steps and progression of natural infection.

Plasma MIA, CRP, and Albumin Predict Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Using a multi-cohort, discovery-replication-validation design, we sought new plasma biomarkers that predict which individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) will experience cognitive decline. METHODS: In 108 discovery cohort PD individuals and 83 replication cohort PD individuals, we measured 940 plasma proteins on an aptamer-based platform. Using proteins associated with subsequent cognitive decline in both cohorts, we trained a logistic regression model to predict which patients with PD showed fast (> = 1 point drop/year on Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) versus slow (< 1 point drop/year on MoCA) cognitive decline in the discovery cohort, testing it in the replication cohort. We developed alternate assays for the top 3 proteins and confirmed their ability to predict cognitive decline - defined by change in MoCA or development of incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia - in a validation cohort of 118 individuals with PD. We investigated the top plasma biomarker for causal influence by Mendelian randomization (MR). RESULTS: A model with only 3 proteins (melanoma inhibitory activity protein [MIA], C-reactive protein [CRP], and albumin) separated fast versus slow cognitive decline subgroups with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.80 in the validation cohort. The individuals with PD in the validation cohort in the top quartile of risk for cognitive decline based on this model were 4.4 times more likely to develop incident MCI or dementia than those in the lowest quartile. Genotypes at MIA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2233154 associated with MIA levels and cognitive decline, providing evidence for MIA's causal influence. CONCLUSIONS: An easily obtained plasma-based predictor identifies individuals with PD at risk for cognitive decline. MIA may participate causally in development of cognitive decline. ANN NEUROL 2022;92:255-269.

Molecular screening for Sarcocystidae in muscles of wild birds from Brazil suggests a plethora of intermediate hosts for Sarcocystis falcatula.

The genus Sarcocystis and the species Toxoplasma gondii are the most prevalent sarcocystid organisms found in birds. Molecular phylogenies based on the first internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal coding DNA (ITS1) have been widely used to identify them. Here, pectoral muscles from 400 wild birds from Brazil were screened by means of molecular methods using nested PCR, and Sanger sequencing yielded amplicons. A pan-sarcocystid ITS1-directed nested PCR revealed 28 birds infected by Sarcocystis falcatula (ten Piciformes, eight Psittaciformes, five Columbiformes, two Accipitriformes, one Anseriformes, one Passeriformes and one Strigiformes); one infected by Sarcocystis halieti (one Accipitriformes); nine infected by unknown or undescribed Sarcocystis (six Passeriformes, one Piciformes, one Cathartiformes and one Cuculiformes); and six harboring Toxoplasma gondii DNA (three Pelecaniformes, two Falconiformes and one Columbiformes). Samples harboring S. falcatula-related ITS1 sequences were further characterized by means of PCR and sequencing of genetic sequences of three surface antigen coding genes (SAGs). From this, 10 new allelic combinations of SAGs (SAG2, SAG3 and SAG4) were identified, in addition to 11 SAG allelic combinations already found in Brazil. Samples with S. falcatula-unrelated ITS1 sequences were further characterized by means of PCR and sequencing of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I coding sequences (CO1) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene (18S rDNA). This study was the first extensive survey of wild birds in Brazil for Sarcocystidae species. It provides the first molecular evidence of natural S. falcatula infection in 14 species, including in the order Piciformes, and shows the high genetic diversity of S. falcatula in intermediate hosts in South America. Evidence of occurrence of at least three non-described species of Sarcocystis was also presented in this study. This survey corroborated the ubiquity of T. gondii infection but revealed surprisingly low prevalence of this parasite (1.5%).

Florivory by the occupants of phytotelmata in flower parts can decrease host plant fecundity.

Some types of plant accumulate liquid in their inflorescences creating phytotelmata. These environments protect the flowers against florivory, although they may be colonized by aquatic or semi-aquatic florivorous insect larvae, whose effects on the fitness of the plants remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis of floral antagonism by the occupants of phytotelmata, which predicts that florivory by the occupants of the phytotelmata represents a cost to the female fitness of the plant, reducing its fecundity. We manipulated experimentally the infestation by 3 florivores larvae species occupants of phytotelmata in inflorescences of Heliconia spathocircinata (Heliconiaceae) to test for negative direct trophic effects on the fecundity of the flowering and fruiting bracts. We found that the foraging of the hoverfly (Syrphidae) and moth (Lepidoptera) larvae in the inflorescences contributed to a decline in the fecundity of the plant. While the lepidopteran impacted fecundity when foraging in both flowering and fruiting bracts, the syrphid only affected the fruiting bracts, which indicates that the nectar and floral tissue are the principal resource exploited by the hoverfly. By contrast, soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) had a neutral effect on fecundity, while foraging in flowering or fruiting bracts. These findings corroborate our hypothesis, that herbivory by the larval occupants represents cost to the host plant having phytotelmata. The negative influence of this foraging on plant fecundity will nevertheless depend on the consequences of the exploitation of resources, which vary considerably in ephemeral habitats such as the phytotalmanta of flower parts.

PLP2-derived peptide Rb4 triggers PARP-1-mediated necrotic death in murine melanoma cells.

Malignant melanoma is the main cause of death in patients with skin cancer. Overexpression of Proteolipid protein 2 (PLP2) increased tumor metastasis and the knockdown of PLP2 inhibited the growth and metastasis of melanoma cells. In the present work, we studied the antitumor activity of peptide Rb4 derived from protein PLP2. In vitro, Rb4 induced F-actin polymerization, prevented F-actin depolymerization and increased the ER-derived cytosolic calcium. Such effects were associated with necrosis of murine melanoma B16F10-Nex2 cells and with inhibition of the viability of human cancer cell lines. Loss of plasma membrane integrity, dilation of mitochondria, cytoplasm vacuolation and absence of chromatin condensation characterized tumor cell necrosis. Cleavage of PARP-1 and inhibition of RIP1 expression were also observed. In vivo, peptide Rb4 reduced the lung metastasis of tumor cells and delayed the subcutaneous melanoma growth in a syngeneic model. Rb4 induced the expression of two DAMPs molecules, HMGB1 and calreticulin, in B16F10-Nex2. Our results suggest that peptide Rb4 acts directly on tumor cells inducing the expression of DAMPs, which trigger the immunoprotective effect in vivo against melanoma cells. We suggest that peptide Rb4 is a promising compound to be developed as an anticancer drug.

ATLANTIC POLLINATION: a data set of flowers and interaction with nectar-feeding vertebrates from the Atlantic Forest.

Flowering plant species and their nectar-feeding vertebrates exemplify some of the most remarkable biotic interactions in the Neotropics. In the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, several species of birds (especially hummingbirds), bats, and non-flying mammals, as well as one lizard feed on nectar, often act as pollinators and contribute to seed output of flowering plants. We present a dataset containing information on flowering plants visited by nectar-feeding vertebrates and sampled at 166 localities in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. This dataset provides information on 1902 unique interactions among 515 species of flowering plants and 129 species of potential vertebrate pollinators and the patterns of species diversity across latitudes. All plant-vertebrate interactions compiled were recorded through direct observations of visits, and no inferences of pollinators based on floral syndromes were included. We also provide information on the most common plant traits used to understand the interactions between flowers and nectar-feeding vertebrates: plant growth form, corolla length, rate of nectar production per hour in bagged flowers, nectar concentration, flower color and shape, time of anthesis, presence or absence of perceptible fragrance by human, and flowering phenology as well as the plant's threat status by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classification. For the vertebrates, status of threat by IUCN classification, body mass, bill or rostrum size are provided. Information on the frequency of visits and pollen deposition on the vertebrate's body is provided from the original source when available. The highest number of unique interactions is recorded for birds (1771) followed by bats (110). For plants, Bromeliaceae contains the highest number of unique interactions (606), followed by Fabaceae (242) and Gesneriaceae (104). It is evident that there was geographical bias of the studies throughout the southeast of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and that most effort was directed to flower-hummingbird interactions. However, it reflects a worldwide tendency of more plants interacting with birds compared with other vertebrate species. The lack of similar protocols among studies to collect basic data limits the comparisons among areas and generalizations. Nevertheless, this dataset represents a notable effort to organize and highlight the importance of vertebrate pollinators in this hotspot of biodiversity on Earth and represents the data currently available. No copyright or proprietary restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications or scientific events.

Climate change impacts on Anopheles (K.) cruzii in urban areas of Atlantic Forest of Brazil: Challenges for malaria diseases.

Around 27% of South Americans live in central and southern Brazil. Of 19,400 human malaria cases in Brazil in 2018, some were from the southern and southeastern states. High abundance of malaria vectors is generally positively associated with malaria incidence. Expanding geographic distributions of Anopheles vector mosquito species (e.g. A. cruzii) in the face of climate change processes would increase risk of such malaria transmission; such risk is of particular concern in regions that hold human population concentrations near present limits of vector species' geographic distributions. We modeled effects of likely climate changes on the distribution of A. cruzii, evaluating two scenarios of future greenhouse gas emissions for 2050, as simulated in 21 general circulation models and two greenhouse gas scenarios (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) for 2050. We tested 1305 candidate models, and chose among them based on statistical significance, predictive performance, and complexity. The models closely approximated the known geographic distribution of the species under current conditions. Under scenarios of future climate change, we noted increases in suitable area for the mosquito vector species in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro states, including areas close to 30 densely populated cities. Under RCP 8.5, our models anticipate areal increases of >75% for this important malaria vector in the vicinity of 20 large Brazilian cities. We developed models that anticipate increased suitability for the mosquito species; around 50% of Brazilians reside in these areas, and ∼89% of foreign tourists visit coastal areas in this region. Under climate change thereefore, the risk and vulnerability of human populations to malaria transmission appears bound to increase.

Field-evolved resistance to beta-cyfluthrin in the boll weevil: Detection and characterization.

BACKGROUND: Insecticide resistance in arthropods is an inherited trait that has become a major cause of insect pest control failure. Monitoring the level of susceptibility and characterization of the type of resistance of key pest species aims to determine the risk of resistance selection in time to take action to mitigate control failures. Seven populations of the boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis, collected from cotton fields in the Semiarid and Cerrado areas of Brazil, were screened for their resistance to malathion and beta-cyfluthrin, insecticides widely recommended for control of boll weevil and other pests. RESULTS: The levels of adult mortality were variable for beta-cyfluthrin (0-82%) but invariant (100%) for malathion. Bioassays of concentration-mortality were used to determine lethal concentrations (LCs) for each insecticide. The LC-values corroborate the lack of resistance to field rates of malathion but high levels of resistance to beta-cyfluthrin from 62.7- to 439.7-fold. Weevils resistant to beta-cyfluthrin were found through genome sequencing to possess a kdr mutation through the L1014F substitution in the voltage gated-sodium channel gene. CONCLUSIONS: This study found boll weevil resistance to beta-cyfluthrin to be not mediated by carboxylesterases, but with cross-resistance to DDT and carbaryl, and kdr mutation as the major mechanism of the resistance in our samples. Caution is recommended in further use of beta-cyfluthrin against boll weevil due to potential resistance. Monitoring studies using other boll weevil populations are recommended to determine the geographic pattern and extent of pyrethroid resistance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Relationship between serum concentrations of uric acid, insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in adolescents / Relação entre concentrações séricas de ácido úrico, resistência insulínica e alterações metabólicas em adolescentes

ABSTRACT Objective: To verify the possible relationship between serum uric acid concentrations and insulin resistance in adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 74 participants from a public school in São Luís, Maranhão, aged between 10 and 19 years. The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the University Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) under report 2,673,791. Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure and blood collection were performed. The participants were divided into two groups: group 1 (with hyperuricemia) and group 2 (without hyperuricemia). Data analysis was performed by means of the Stata program. Results: Anthropometric measurements, such as body mass index and waist circumference, had statistical significance (p < 0.05) among groups with hyperuricemia and without hyperuricemia, as well as the percentage of body fat (p = 0.0423) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.0235). Biochemical parameters for total cholesterol (p = 0.0172), triglycerides (p = 0.0268), glucose (p = 0.0284) and TyG index (p = 0.0416) had statistical significance in the hyperuricemia group when compared to the group without hyperuricemia. Conclusion: According to the obtained results, the participants with insulin resistance calculated by the TyG index presented high serum acid levels, demonstrating a statistically significant correlation.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Verificar la posible relación entre concentraciones séricas de ácido úrico y resistencia a la insulina en adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio transversal con 74 participantes de una escuela pública en São Luís, Maranhão, con edades entre 10 y 19 años. El estudio es aprobado por el Comité de Ética e Investigación del Hospital Universitario de la Universidad Federal de Maranhão (UFMA) bajo dictamen 2.673.791. Se realizaron mediciones antropométricas, de presión arterial y extracción de sangre. Los participantes se dividieron en dos grupos: grupo 1 (con hiperuricemia) y grupo 2 (sin hiperuricemia). El análisis de datos se realizó utilizando el programa Stata. Resultados: Las medidas antropométricas, como el índice de masa corporal (IMC) y la circunferencia de la cintura, tuvieron significancia estadística (p < 0,05) entre los dos grupos, así como el porcentaje de grasa corporal (p = 0,0423) y la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica (p = 0,0235). Los parámetros bioquímicos referentes a colesterol total (p = 0,0172), triglicéridos (p = 0,0268), glucosa (p = 0,0284) e índice TyG (p = 0,0416) fueron estadísticamente significativos en el grupo con hiperuricemia, en comparación con el grupo sin hiperuricemia. Conclusión: De acuerdo a los resultados obtenidos, los participantes con resistencia a la insulina, en base al cálculo mediante el índice TyG, presentaron niveles séricos elevados de ácido úrico, mostrando una correlación estadísticamente significativa.

RESUMO Objetivo: Verificar a possível relação entre concentrações séricas de ácido úrico e resistência insulínica em adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo de caráter transversal com 74 participantes oriundos de uma escola pública de São Luís, Maranhão, com idades entre 10 e 19 anos. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) sob o parecer 2.673.791. Medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial e coleta de sangue foram feitas. A divisão dos participantes foi realizada em dois grupos: grupo 1 (com hiperuricemia) e grupo 2 (sem hiperuricemia). A análise de dados foi realizada por meio do programa Stata. Resultados: As medidas antropométricas, como índice de massa corporal (IMC) e circunferência da cintura, tiveram significância estatística (p < 0,05) entre os dois grupos, assim como a porcentagem de gordura corporal (p = 0,0423) e a pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica (p = 0,0235). Os parâmetros bioquímicos referentes a colesterol total (p = 0,0172), triglicerídeos (p = 0,0268), glicose (p = 0,0284) e índice TyG (p = 0,0416) tiveram significância estatística no grupo com hiperuricemia, quando comparados com o grupo sem hiperuricemia. Conclusão: De acordo com os resultados obtidos, os participantes com resistência insulínica, a partir do cálculo pelo índice TyG, apresentaram níveis séricos elevados de ácido úrico, demonstrando correlação estatística significativa.

High occurrence of felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus in domestic cats from southern Brazil / Alta ocorrência de alphaherpesvirus felideo e calicivirus felino em gatos domésticos no Sul do Brasil

Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) affect cats worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in cats with clinical signs of respiratory, oral and/or ocular disease. Samples were collected from cats cared for in veterinary ambulatory and clinics and submitted to molecular detection and viral isolation. Of the 49 cats evaluated, 45 (92%) were positive for at least one of the viruses; 82% (40/49) were positive for FeHV-1 and 41% (20/49) for FCV. Of these, 31% (15/49) were coinfection cases. For FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) of the cats tested were positive from the collection of eye swab, and the same percentage (9/20) was obtained for the FCV by the oral swab. FeHV-1 and/or FCV were isolated in 35% (17/49) of the samples. The main clinical sign observed was ocular secretion in 71% (35/49) of cats, characterized as mild serous, purulent or serosanguineous, and in some cases associated with ocular injury and marked chemosis. Our findings demonstrate the high occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in domestic cats in southern Brazil and indicate that measures should be implemented to improve the diagnostic, prevention and management against of these important diseases.(AU)

Alphaherpesvírus felídeo 1 (FeHV-1) e calicivírus felino (FCV) afetam gatos mundialmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a frequência de ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos com sinais clínicos de doença respiratória, oral e/ou ocular. Amostras foram coletadas de gatos atendidos em ambulatório e clínicas veterinárias e submetidas à detecção molecular e isolamento viral. Dos 49 gatos avaliados, 45 (92%) foram positivos para ao menos um dos vírus; 82% (40/49) foram positivos para o FeHV-1 e 41% (20/49) para o FCV. Destes, 31% (15/49) foram casos de coinfecção. Para o FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) dos gatos foram positivos na coleta do swab ocular, e o mesmo percentual (9/20) foi obtido para o FCV a partir do swab oral. FeHV-1 e/ou FCV foram isolados em 35% (17/49) das amostras. O principal sinal clínico observado foi secreção ocular em 71% (35/49) dos gatos, caracterizada como serosa, purulenta ou serossanguinolenta e, em alguns casos, associada à lesão e quemose. Nossos resultados demonstram a alta ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos domésticos na região Sul do Brasil e indicam que devem ser implementadas medidas para melhorar o diagnóstico, a prevenção e o manejo contra essas importantes doenças.(AU)

High occurrence of felid alphaherpesvirus 1 and feline calicivirus in domestic cats from southern Brazil / Alta ocorrência de alphaherpesvirus felideo e calicivirus felino em gatos domésticos no Sul do Brasil

Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) and feline calicivirus (FCV) affect cats worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in cats with clinical signs of respiratory, oral and/or ocular disease. Samples were collected from cats cared for in veterinary ambulatory and clinics and submitted to molecular detection and viral isolation. Of the 49 cats evaluated, 45 (92%) were positive for at least one of the viruses; 82% (40/49) were positive for FeHV-1 and 41% (20/49) for FCV. Of these, 31% (15/49) were coinfection cases. For FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) of the cats tested were positive from the collection of eye swab, and the same percentage (9/20) was obtained for the FCV by the oral swab. FeHV-1 and/or FCV were isolated in 35% (17/49) of the samples. The main clinical sign observed was ocular secretion in 71% (35/49) of cats, characterized as mild serous, purulent or serosanguineous, and in some cases associated with ocular injury and marked chemosis. Our findings demonstrate the high occurrence of FeHV-1 and FCV in domestic cats in southern Brazil and indicate that measures should be implemented to improve the diagnostic, prevention and management against of these important diseases.(AU)

Alphaherpesvírus felídeo 1 (FeHV-1) e calicivírus felino (FCV) afetam gatos mundialmente. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a frequência de ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos com sinais clínicos de doença respiratória, oral e/ou ocular. Amostras foram coletadas de gatos atendidos em ambulatório e clínicas veterinárias e submetidas à detecção molecular e isolamento viral. Dos 49 gatos avaliados, 45 (92%) foram positivos para ao menos um dos vírus; 82% (40/49) foram positivos para o FeHV-1 e 41% (20/49) para o FCV. Destes, 31% (15/49) foram casos de coinfecção. Para o FeHV-1, 45% (18/40) dos gatos foram positivos na coleta do swab ocular, e o mesmo percentual (9/20) foi obtido para o FCV a partir do swab oral. FeHV-1 e/ou FCV foram isolados em 35% (17/49) das amostras. O principal sinal clínico observado foi secreção ocular em 71% (35/49) dos gatos, caracterizada como serosa, purulenta ou serossanguinolenta e, em alguns casos, associada à lesão e quemose. Nossos resultados demonstram a alta ocorrência de FeHV-1 e FCV em gatos domésticos na região Sul do Brasil e indicam que devem ser implementadas medidas para melhorar o diagnóstico, a prevenção e o manejo contra essas importantes doenças.(AU)