Complementary feeding and nutritional status of infants on cow's milk proteins elimination diet.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diet and nutritional status of infants on an elimination diet of cow's milk proteins. METHODS: Observational and cross-sectional study that compared: Infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (n=60) assisted at a hypoallergenic formula distribution unit and a control group of same age and gender without dietary restrictions (n=60). Age ranged from 6 to 24 months. The diet was evaluated using the 24-hour food survey and weight and height were measured. RESULTS: The macronutrient intake of both groups reached nutritional recommendations. The proportions of infants in the group of elimination of cow's milk proteins with insufficient intake were lower, compared to controls, for iron (13.3 and 31.7%; p=0.029), zinc (5.0 and 18.3%; p=0.047), and vitamin D (25.0 and 71.7%; p<0.001). The hypoallergenic formula contributed to a greater supply of nutrients than dairy foods for the control group. Between 12 and 24 months, the number of infants on a restriction diet who never consumed meat, fish, cereals, and eggs was higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The length-age Z scores in infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (-0.4±1.6) were lower (p=0.039) than in the control group (+0.2±1.3). CONCLUSIONS: The diet of infants with exclusion of cow's milk protein was adequate despite the delay in the introduction of some complementary foods. Infants on an elimination cow's milk protein diet showed lower linear growth without weight deficit.

Effects of Magnetite Nanoparticles and Static Magnetic Field on Neural Differentiation of Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Neurodevelopmental processes of pluripotent cells, such as proliferation and differentiation, are influenced by external natural forces. Despite the presence of biogenic magnetite nanoparticles in the central nervous system and constant exposure to the Earth's magnetic fields and other sources, there is scant knowledge regarding the role of electromagnetic stimuli in neurogenesis. Moreover, emerging applications of electrical and magnetic stimulation to treat neurological disorders emphasize the relevance of understanding the impact and mechanisms behind these stimuli. Here, the effects of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in polymeric coatings and the static external magnetic field (EMF) were investigated on neural induction of murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). The results show that the presence of 0.5% MNPs in collagen-based coatings facilitates the migration and neuronal maturation of mESCs and hiPSCs in vitro. Furthermore, the application of 0.4 Tesla EMF perpendicularly to the cell culture plane, discernibly stimulates proliferation and guide fate decisions of the pluripotent stem cells, depending on the origin of stem cells and their developmental stage. Mechanistic analysis reveals that modulation of ionic homeostasis and the expression of proteins involved in cytostructural, liposomal and cell cycle checkpoint functions provide a principal underpinning for the impact of electromagnetic stimuli on neural lineage specification and proliferation. These findings not only explore the potential of the magnetic stimuli as neural differentiation and function modulator but also highlight the risks that immoderate magnetic stimulation may affect more susceptible neurons, such as dopaminergic neurons.

Complementary feeding and nutritional status of infants on cow's milk proteins elimination diet / Alimentação complementar e estado nutricional de lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the diet and nutritional status of infants on an elimination diet of cow's milk proteins. Methods: Observational and cross-sectional study that compared: Infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (n=60) assisted at a hypoallergenic formula distribution unit and a control group of same age and gender without dietary restrictions (n=60). Age ranged from 6 to 24 months. The diet was evaluated using the 24-hour food survey and weight and height were measured. Results: The macronutrient intake of both groups reached nutritional recommendations. The proportions of infants in the group of elimination of cow's milk proteins with insufficient intake were lower, compared to controls, for iron (13.3 and 31.7%; p=0.029), zinc (5.0 and 18.3%; p=0.047), and vitamin D (25.0 and 71.7%; p<0.001). The hypoallergenic formula contributed to a greater supply of nutrients than dairy foods for the control group. Between 12 and 24 months, the number of infants on a restriction diet who never consumed meat, fish, cereals, and eggs was higher than in the control group (p<0.05). The length-age Z scores in infants on a cow's milk protein elimination diet (-0.4±1.6) were lower (p=0.039) than in the control group (+0.2±1.3). Conclusions: The diet of infants with exclusion of cow's milk protein was adequate despite the delay in the introduction of some complementary foods. Infants on an elimination cow's milk protein diet showed lower linear growth without weight deficit.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a dieta e o estado nutricional de lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca. Métodos: Estudo observacional, transversal, que comparou: lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca (n=60) atendidos em unidade de dispensação de fórmulas hipoalergênicas e lactentes sem restrições alimentares (n=60), de mesma idade e sexo (grupo controle). A idade variou de seis a 24 meses. A dieta foi avaliada com o emprego do inquérito alimentar e foram mensurados o peso e a estatura. Resultados: A ingestão de macronutrientes foi adequada em ambos os grupos. No grupo em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca, as proporções de lactentes com ingestão insuficiente foram menores em relação aos controles, para ferro (13,3 e 31,7%; p=0,029), zinco (5,0 e 18,3%; p=0,047) e vitamina D (25,0 e 71,7%; p<0,001). A fórmula hipoalergênica contribuiu com maior oferta de nutrientes do que os alimentos lácteos para o grupo controle. Entre 12 e 24 meses, o número de lactentes em dieta de exclusão que nunca consumiram carne bovina, peixe, cereais e ovo foi maior do que no grupo controle (p<0,05). Os escores Z de comprimento-idade nos lactentes em dieta de exclusão das proteínas do leite de vaca (-0,4±1,6) foram menores (p=0,039) do que no grupo controle (+0,2±1,3). Conclusões: A dieta de lactentes em exclusão do leite de vaca foi adequada apesar do atraso na introdução de alguns alimentos. Lactentes em dieta de exclusão apresentaram menor crescimento linear não acompanhado de déficit ponderal.

Neuroprogenitor Cells From Patients With TBCK Encephalopathy Suggest Deregulation of Early Secretory Vesicle Transport.

Biallelic pathogenic variants in TBCK cause encephaloneuropathy, infantile hypotonia with psychomotor retardation, and characteristic facies 3 (IHPRF3). The molecular mechanisms underlying its neuronal phenotype are largely unexplored. In this study, we reported two sisters, who harbored biallelic variants in TBCK and met diagnostic criteria for IHPRF3. We provided evidence that TBCK may play an important role in the early secretory pathway in neuroprogenitor cells (iNPC) differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Lack of functional TBCK protein in iNPC is associated with impaired endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi vesicle transport and autophagosome biogenesis, as well as altered cell cycle progression and severe impairment in the capacity of migration. Alteration in these processes, which are crucial for neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and cytoarchitecture organization, may represent an important causative mechanism of both neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative phenotypes observed in IHPRF3. Whether reduced mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is secondary to impaired TBCK function over other secretory transport regulators still needs further investigation.

Causes of Fatal Cyathostomiasis in Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) from Brazil: Identification of Pathogen and Implications for Management.

Fatal infection by Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma) phenisci (Nematoda: Syngamidae), was identified in 2 of 52 brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) collected on beaches in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and admitted to the veterinary clinic for rehabilitation. Both infected birds were in poor physical condition, with atrophied pectoral muscles, and died soon after starting treatment. The parasitological and pathological examination of the carcasses revealed the presence of C. (C.) phenisci in the trachea, resulting in tracheitis, as well as severe parasitic granulomatous bronchopneumonia caused by eggs deposited in the lungs. In our opinion, these serious pathological changes were the primary cause of chronic respiratory illness. This is the first description of fatal cyathostomiasis in a fish-eating avian host caused by infection by a member of the subgenus Cyathostoma (Cyathostoma). Therefore, it is reasonable to consider C. (C.) phenisci to be a real threat to a wide range of their definitive hosts, and cyathostomiasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis for fish-eating marine birds, even in cases without respiratory signs. This is also the first record of the genus Cyathostoma in Brazil.

Altered in vitro muscle differentiation in X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy.

X-linked myopathy with excessive autophagy (XMEA) is a genetic disease associated with weakness of the proximal muscles. It is caused by mutations in the VMA21 gene, coding for a chaperone that functions in the vacuolar ATPase (v-ATPase) assembly. Mutations associated with lower content of assembled v-ATPases lead to an increase in lysosomal pH, culminating in partial blockage of macroautophagy, with accumulation of vacuoles of undigested content. Here, we studied a 5-year-old boy affected by XMEA, caused by a small indel in the VMA21 gene. Detection of sarcoplasmic Lc3 (also known as MAP1LC3B)-positive vacuoles in his muscle biopsy confirmed an autophagy defect. To understand how autophagy is regulated in XMEA myogenesis, we used patient-derived muscle cells to evaluate autophagy during in vitro muscle differentiation. An increase in lysosomal pH was observed in the patient's cells, compatible with predicted functional defect of his mutation. Additionally, there was an increase in autophagic flux in XMEA myotubes. Interestingly, we observed that differentiation of XMEA myoblasts was altered, with increased myotube formation observed through a higher fusion index, which was not dependent on lysosomal acidification. Moreover, no variation in the expression of myogenic factors nor the presence of regenerating fibers in the patient's muscle were observed. Myoblast fusion is a tightly regulated process; therefore, the uncontrolled fusion of XMEA myoblasts might generate cells that are not as functional as normal muscle cells. Our data provide new evidence on the reason for predominant muscle involvement in the context of the XMEA phenotype.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Variability and population genetic structure in Achyrocline flaccida (Weinm.) DC., a species with high value in folk medicine in South America.

Better knowledge of medicinal plant species and their conservation is an urgent need worldwide. Decision making for conservation strategies can be based on the knowledge of the variability and population genetic structure of the species and on the events that may influence these genetic parameters. Achyrocline flaccida (Weinm.) DC. is a native plant from the grassy fields of South America with high value in folk medicine. In spite of its importance, no genetic and conservation studies are available for the species. In this work, microsatellite and ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeat) markers were used to estimate the genetic variability and structure of seven populations of A. flaccida from southern Brazil. The microsatellite markers were inefficient in A. flaccida owing to a high number of null alleles. After the evaluation of 42 ISSR primers on one population, 10 were selected for further analysis of seven A. flaccida populations. The results of ISSR showed that the high number of exclusive absence of loci might contribute to the inter-population differentiation. Genetic variability of the species was high (Nei's diversity of 0.23 and Shannon diversity of 0.37). AMOVA indicated higher genetic variability within (64.7%) than among (33.96%) populations, and the variability was unevenly distributed (FST 0.33). Gene flow among populations ranged from 1.68 to 5.2 migrants per generation, with an average of 1.39. The results of PCoA and Bayesian analyses corroborated and indicated that the populations are structured. The observed genetic variability and population structure of A. flaccida are discussed in the context of the vegetation formation history in southern Brazil, as well as the possible anthropogenic effects. Additionally, we discuss the implications of the results in the conservation of the species.

Increased concentration of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in follicular fluid of infertile women with endometriosis.

Impaired oocyte quality and oxidative stress might be involved in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-related infertility. To improve our understanding of the role of oxidative stress in this condition, we compare eight oxidative stress markers from each stage, including the simultaneous analysis of lipids, proteins and DNA damage, in the serum and follicular fluid of infertile women with endometriosis and infertile controls undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In total, 87 serum samples (43 with endometriosis, 44 controls) and 61 follicular fluid samples (29 with endometriosis, 32 controls) free of blood contamination upon visual inspection and presenting granulosa cells alone or granulosa cells plus a retrieved mature oocyte were collected on the day of oocyte retrieval. Total hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, advanced oxidation protein products, glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined by spectrophotometry, vitamin E by high-performance liquid chromatography and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The endometriosis group showed higher serum concentrations of glutathione and SOD, lower serum concentrations of TAC and higher follicular concentrations of 8OHdG and vitamin E compared with infertile controls. These data indicate both systemic and follicular oxidative stress in infertile patients with endometriosis. For the first time, we demonstrate the presence of oxidative DNA damage, represented by higher 8OHdG concentrations in the follicular microenvironment of these patients, possibly related to compromised oocyte quality and associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis-related infertility.

Use of recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste in geotechnical applications: A literature review.

The use of recycled aggregates (RA) in construction constitutes a significant step towards a more sustainable society and also creates a new market opportunity to be exploited. In recent years, several case-studies have emerged in which RA were used in Geotechnical applications, such as filling materials and in unbound pavement layers. This paper presents a review of the most important physical properties of different types of RA and their comparison with natural aggregates (NA), and how these properties affect their hydraulic and mechanical behaviour when compacted. Specifically, the effects of compaction on grading size distribution curves and density are analysed, as well as the consequences of particle crushing on the resilient modulus, CBR and permeability. The paper also contains an analysis of the influence of incorporating different RA types on the performance of unbound road pavement layers as compared with those built with NA by means of the International Roughness Index and deflection values. The results collected from the literature indicate that the performance of most RA is comparable to that of NA and can be used in unbound pavement layers or in other applications requiring compaction.

Maintenance of brazilian biodiversity by germplasm bank / Manutenção da biodiversidade brasileira através de bancos de germoplasma

Currently the importance of using alternative strategies for biodiversity conservation is emphasized and since the establishment of germplasm bank is an alternative to the conservation of endangered species. This is a technique of great importance for the maintenance of Brazilian fauna. Since the early70'sthere was a growing concern about the need to preserve essential genetic resources for food and agriculture, mainly for conservation of genetic material from farm animals. Thus was created the Brasilia Zoo, in July 2010, the first Germplasm Bank of Wild Animals in Latin America, as an alternative strategy for the conservation of threatened or endangered species, using both gametes and somatic cells and stem cells. Then we argue to create new banks or research networks among different regions with aimed to tissue preservation.

Atualmente, a importância do uso de estratégias alternativas para a preservação da biodiversidade é ressaltada e, visto que a criação de bancos de germoplasma é uma alternativa para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas, esta é uma técnica de suma importância para a manutenção da fauna brasileira. Desde o começo da década de 70 houve uma crescente preocupação sobre a necessidade de se preservar recursos genéticos essenciais para alimentação e agricultura, voltados principalmente, para a conservação de material genético de animais de produção. Deste modo, foi criado pelo Jardim Zoológico de Brasília, em julho de 2010, o primeiro Banco de Germoplasma de Animais Selvagens da América Latina, como uma estratégia alternativa para a conservação de espécies ameaçadas ou em perigo de extinção, utilizando tanto gametas como células somáticas e células-tronco. Com isto ponderamos na criação de novos bancos ou redes de pesquisa inter-regionais que foquem nesta preservação tecidual.

Slight activation of nuclear factor kappa-B is associated with increased hepatic stellate cell apoptosis in human schistosomal fibrosis.

To investigate the relationship between NF-kappaB activation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis, hepatic biopsies from patients with Schistosoma mansoni-induced periportal fibrosis, hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhosis, and normal liver were submitted to alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and NF-kappaB p65 immunohistochemistry, as well as to NF-kappaB Southwestern histochemistry and TUNEL assay. The numbers of alpha-SMA-positive cells and NF-kappaB- and NF-kappaB p65-positive HSC nuclei were reduced in schistosomal fibrosis relative to liver cirrhosis. In addition, increased HSC NF-kappaB p65 and TUNEL labeling was observed in schistosomiasis when compared to cirrhosis.These results suggest a possible relationship between the slight activation of the NF-kappaB complex and the increase of apoptotic HSC number in schistosome-induced fibrosis, taking place to a reduced HSC number in schistosomiasis in relation to liver cirrhosis. Therefore, the NF-kappaB pathway may constitute an important down-regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of human schistosomiasis mansoni, although further studies are needed to refine the understanding of this process.

Malformaçöes genitais e urinárias sem conotaçäo com estados intersexuais / Malformations of the female genital and urinary tract not related to intersex

O desenvolvimento embriológico errôneo dos órgäos genitais poderá causar uma genitália externa ou interna anormal. Crianças e adolescentes com genitália anormal säo uns desafios médicos, cirúrgicos e psicológicos para a equipe de saúde responsável. Decisöes e tratamentos realizados o quanto antes seräo uma vantagem para solucionar da melhor maneira possível a parte afetada pelo desenvolvimento embriológico anormal. Nas anomalias müllerianas o sexo genético é sempre feminino, e as anomalias säo estruturais, mas as pacientes têm maior probabilidade de serem vítimas de disfunçöes sexuais ou na área reprodutiva. As falhas no desenvolvimento, tunelizaçäo e fusäo que ocorrem no processo de diferenciaçäo dos ductos de Müller geram as malformaçöes genitais internas. Quando precoces, acarretam diferentes formas e graus de agenesia de trompas, útero, cérvix e vagina. Se mais tardias, comprometem a fusäo dos ductos de Müller, acarretando a vagina dupla, úteros duplos, bicornos ou septados, septo longitudinal ou oblíquo; os defeitos de tunelizaçäo originam o hímen imperfurado, atresia de vagina e colo, bem como septos transversais.