Stroke: An electromyographic approach to the masseter and temporal muscles, orofacial soft tissue pressure, and occlusal force.

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease that triggers changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems, and can compromise human body function. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to analyze the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter and temporal muscles, orofacial soft tissue pressure, and strength of occlusal contacts in patients who had suffered a stroke. Twenty-four patients were divided into two groups: stroke (n = 12) and control (n = 12). The EMG of the masseter and temporal muscles was evaluated during mandibular rest, protrusion, right laterality, left laterality, and maximal voluntary contraction. The Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI) was used to measure pressure from the tongue, lips, and buccinator muscles. A computerized system for occlusal analysis (T-Scan III) was used to measure the occlusal contact points of the right and left hemiarches (upper and lower) and the upper and lower first molars. Data were subjected to Student's t-test (p < 0.05). The stroke group had lower normalized electromyographic activity, with a significant difference in the left temporal muscle during rest (p = 0.03) when compared to the control group. There was a significant difference between the groups in tongue pressure (p = 0.004) with a lower mean value in the stroke group. There was a significant difference between the groups in the evaluation of the occlusal contact points of the first permanent molars, with a lower mean percentage in the stroke group. The results indicate that stroke negatively affects functional performance of the stomatognathic system.

Are history of falls and fear of falling associated with mobility in community-dwelling older adults?

Evidence has suggested that a history of falls and fear of falling (FOF) are associated with reduced mobility among older adults. Although many studies have explored the association between the history of falls and FOF in the context of decreased mobility, most have had small sample sizes, limiting the generalizability of the results. Therefore, this study sought to contribute to the body of knowledge around these constructs to further support the previous findings. To investigate the association between a history of falls and FOF with low mobility in community-dwelling older adults. This cross-sectional study included 308 older adults (69.9 ± 7.1 years, 57.8% female). The Timed Up and Go (TUG) test was used to classify mobility limitations in participants and the Falls Efficacy Scale-International - Brazil was used to quantify FOF. Participants were also asked if they had fallen in the previous 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression was used. The prevalence rates of a history of falls and FOF were 32.7 and 48.4%, respectively. Older adults with a history of falls and FOF had 2.20 (95%CI: 1.20; 4.02) and 3.80 (95%CI: 1.90; 7.58) greater odds of presenting low mobility than older adults without these health problems, respectively. History of falls and FOF are associated with higher odds of low mobility in community-dwelling older adults. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to introduce public health programs aimed at preventing falls in older adults to reduce possible adverse health outcomes, including low mobility.

Associação entre declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e do medo de cair com a velocidade da marcha confortável em idosos comunitários / Association between cognitive decline, depressive symptoms and the fear of falling with the speed gait in community-dwelling older adults

Diminuições na velocidade da marcha (VM) estão associadas a desfechos adversos na saúde física e mental em idosos. Assim, torna-se relevante identificar fatores que podem associar-se com a VM confortável em idosos, de forma a propor estratégias para prevenção de alterações na mobilidade. Objetivo: verificar a associação entre declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e do medo de cair com a VM confortável em idosos comunitários. Métodos: tratou-se de um estudo transversal, com amostra probabilística, incluindo 308 idosos comunitários. O desfecho do estudo foi a VM confortável, sendo considerado como baixo desempenho VM < 0,8m/s. As variáveis preditoras foram 1) declínio cognitivo avaliado pelo Mini Exame do Estado Mental, 2) sintomas depressivos avaliados com a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica Abreviada e 3) medo de cair avaliado pela Falls Efficacy Scale ­ Brasil. Para analisar a associação entre as variáveis foi utilizada a Regressão Logística Multivariada. Resultados: idosos tiveram chances significativamente maiores de apresentar baixo desempenho na VM confortável quando apresentaram declínio cognitivo (OR: 4,67; IC95%: 1,68; 12,94), sintomas depressivos (OR: 2,90; IC95%: 1,42; 5,92) e medo de cair (OR: 4,08; IC95%: 1,72; 9,71) quando comparados aos que não tiveram essas condições. Conclusão: o declínio cognitivo, sintomas depressivos e medo de cair foram associados ao baixo desempenho na VM confortável nos idosos amostrados. Esses achados podem servir para identificação precoce dos fatores que estão associados a alterações na VM confortável, contribuindo para a proposição de estratégias públicas em saúde e no direcionamento de atividades de promoção em saúde para idosos comunitários.(AU)

Decreases in gait speed (GS) are associated with adverse outcomes in the physical and mental health of the elderly. Thus, it is relevant to identify factors that can be associated with comfortable GS in community-dwelling older adults, to propose strategies to prevent changes in mobility. Objective: To verify the association between cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and fear of falling with comfortable GS in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a probabilistic sample, including 308 community-dwelling older adults. The study outcome was comfortable GS, being considered as low-performance MV < 0.8m/s. Predictive variables were 1) cognitive decline assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination, 2) depressive symptoms assessed by the Abbreviated Geriatric Depression Scale, and 3) fear of falling assessed by the Falls Efficacy Scale - Brasil. Multivariate Logistic Regression was used to verify the association between the variables. Results: Community-dwelling older adults were significantly more likely to have poor performance in comfortable GS when they presented cognitive decline (OR: 4.67; 95%CI: 1.68; 12.94), depressive symptoms (OR: 2.90; 95%CI: 1 .42; 5.92), and fear of falling (OR: 4.08; 95%CI: 1.72; 9.71) when compared to those who did not have these conditions. Conclusion: Cognitive decline, depressive symptoms, and fear of falling were associated with poor performance in comfortable GS in the community-dwelling older adults sampled. These findings can serve for early identification of factors that are associated with changes in comfortable GS, contributing to the proposition of public health strategies and in directing health promotion activities for community-dwelling older adults.(AU)

Sexual dysfunction in the climacteric period and associated factors / Disfunção sexual no climatério e fatores associados

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate associated factors with sexual dysfunction among middle-aged women. Methods: cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out with climacteric women attended at a Family Health Strategy Unit in the city of Montes Claros, MG. Brazil. The eligible women answered a question form containing sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, gynecological factors and sexuality. The Body Mass Index and waist circumference were used to assess nutritional status and metabolic risk. To evaluate quality of life and sexual performance the Menopause Rating Scale and the Sexual Quotient - Female Version were used, respectively. Bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were used to identify associated factors with sexual dysfunction in the climacteric period. Results: among 195 women, 29.6% had sexual dysfunction. The prevalence of unsatisfactory sexual performance was higher among women who reported moderate to severe climacteric symptoms (OR=2.47) and lower schooling level was also associated (OR=1.95). However, age at menarche below 12 years (OR=0.43) and non-white (OR=0.36) seem to have a protective effect for good sexual performance. Conclusion: the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was high and the level of schooling and climacteric symptomatology were associated factors with this outcome.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar os fatores associados à disfunção sexual entre as mulheres de meia-idade. Métodos: estudo de corte transversal e analítico realizado com mulheres climatéricas atendidas em uma Unidade de Estratégia de Saúde da Família no município de Montes Claros-MG, Brasil. As mulheres elegíveis responderam a um formulário contendo questões sociodemográficas, comportamentais, antropométricas, fatores ginecológicos e sexualidade. Utilizou-se o Índice e Massa Corporal e a circunferência da cintura para avaliar o estado nutricional e risco metabólico. Para avaliar a qualidade de vida e o desempenho sexual foram utilizados a Menopause Rating Scale e o Quociente Sexual -Versão Feminina, respectivamente. Empregou-se análise bivariada e regressão múltipla hierarquizada para identificar fatores associados à disfunção sexual no climatério. Resultados: dentre 195 mulheres, 29,6% apresentaram disfunção sexual. A prevalência de desempenho sexual insatisfatório foi maior entre as mulheres que declararam sintomas climatéricos moderados a graves (OR = 2,47) e o menor grau de escolaridade (OR = 1,95). No entanto, a idade da menarca abaixo de 12 anos (OR = 0,43) e a cor de pele não branca (OR = 0,36) parecem ter efeito protetor para o bom desempenho sexual. Conclusão: a prevalência de disfunção sexual foi elevada e o nível de escolaridade e a sintomatologia climatérica foram fatores associados a esse resultado.

Impact of Hemorrhagic Stroke on Molar Bite Force: A Prospective Study.

Stroke is a neurological deficit of cerebrovascular origin that promotes physical impairments of adult individuals. The present study is aimed to demonstrate whether hemorrhagic stroke affects the maximum molar bite force. The prospective study carried in Centro Universitario Claretiano de Batatais, Brazil, determined the distribution of the sample into two groups: hemorrhagic stroke group (n=18, median age, 62.5 years) and disease-free group (n=18, median age, 62.0 years), with 10 men and 8 women in each group. Subjects were paired one-to-one (age and body mass index). The dynamometer was used to measure the maximum molar bite force (right and left). All analyses were performed with a significance level of 5% (Student's t-test). Differences were found on the right (p=0.048) and left (p=0.042) molar bite force, with lower bite force (both sides) in hemorrhagic stroke group. The study suggests that hemorrhagic stroke negatively affects the maximum molar bite force and necessitates changes in food intake to nutritious and softer consistency foods.

Open chromatin analysis in Trypanosoma cruzi life forms highlights critical differences in genomic compartments and developmental regulation at tDNA loci.

BACKGROUND: Genomic organization and gene expression regulation in trypanosomes are remarkable because protein-coding genes are organized into codirectional gene clusters with unrelated functions. Moreover, there is no dedicated promoter for each gene, resulting in polycistronic gene transcription, with posttranscriptional control playing a major role. Nonetheless, these parasites harbor epigenetic modifications at critical regulatory genome features that dynamically change among parasite stages, which are not fully understood. RESULTS: Here, we investigated the impact of chromatin changes in a scenario commanded by posttranscriptional control exploring the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and its differentiation program using FAIRE-seq approach supported by transmission electron microscopy. We identified differences in T. cruzi genome compartments, putative transcriptional start regions, and virulence factors. In addition, we also detected a developmental chromatin regulation at tRNA loci (tDNA), which could be linked to the intense chromatin remodeling and/or the translation regulatory mechanism required for parasite differentiation. We further integrated the open chromatin profile with public transcriptomic and MNase-seq datasets. Strikingly, a positive correlation was observed between active chromatin and steady-state transcription levels. CONCLUSION: Taken together, our results indicate that chromatin changes reflect the unusual gene expression regulation of trypanosomes and the differences among parasite developmental stages, even in the context of a lack of canonical transcriptional control of protein-coding genes.

Bite Force, Thickness, and Thermographic Patterns of Masticatory Muscles Post-Hemorrhagic Stroke.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is a neurological deficit of cerebrovascular origin, considered a 21st-century epidemic that causes functional changes in the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the stomatognathic system of patients after hemorrhagic stroke through the bite force, thickness, and skin temperature in the region of the masseter and temporalis muscles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four subjects were divided into groups: post-hemorrhagic stroke; with right side of the affected body (n = 12) and without the neurological disorder (n = 12). Maximum molar bite force was verified using a digital dynamometer. Muscle thickness was measured using ultrasound images obtained at rest and during maximal voluntary contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Thermographic camera was used to record the thermographic patterns of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Data were subjected to Student's t-test (P < .05). RESULTS: The maximum molar bite force showed significant differences in the right (P = .04) and left (P = .03) sides, with a reduction in force in the post-hemorrhagic stroke group on the affected and unaffected sides. There was a significant difference (P < .05) in the thickness of the left temporal muscle at mandibular rest (P = .01) between groups. The post-hemorrhagic stroke group clinically presented greater muscle thickness in almost 100% of the muscles evaluated in both clinical conditions. There were no significant differences in skin temperature in the masseter and temporal muscles between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest functional changes in the stomatognathic system of subjects after a hemorrhagic stroke, especially concerning molar bite force and masticatory muscle thickness in the temporal muscle (unaffected side).

Cognitive and behavioral factors associated to probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia has a high prevalence in older adults and is associated with chronic aggravations to health, so therefore it is important to identify older adults who are affected by sarcopenia in order to establish preventative strategies or early interventions. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of probable sarcopenia and verify its association with cognitive impairment, fear of falling, depressive symptoms and health self-perception in community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with simple random sampling including 306 older adults of both genders. The outcome variable was probable sarcopenia evaluated by the Five times sit-to-stand test (5XSST) considering probable sarcopenia when the measured time was > 15 seconds, following the recommendation of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. The predictor variables were cognitive impairment, fear of falling, depressive symptoms and self-perception of health. Multivariate Logistic Regression was performed to verify associations between the variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia was 50.00%. The older adults had significantly higher chances of presenting probable sarcopenia when displaying cognitive impairment (OR 2.49; 95%CI 1.46-4.24), fear of falls (OR 4.23; 95%CI 2.51-7.12), depressive symptoms (OR 2.20; 95%CI 1.32-3.67), poor (OR 2.48; 95%CI 1.19-5.16) and fair self-perception of health (OR 2.11; 95%CI 1.22-3.63) when compared to those who did not have the same conditions. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of probable sarcopenia in this study was 50.00%, and was associated with the presence of depressive symptoms, cognitive impairment, fear of falls and negative self-perception of health.

Non-invasive genetic sampling reveals a habitat use extension of Chrysocyon brachyurus and Leopardus guttulus inside a protected area of Southeastern Brazil / Amostragem genética não-invasiva revela uma extensão do uso de habitat por Chrysocyon brachyurus e Leopardus guttulus em uma área protegida do Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Anthropogenic activities have modified landscapes leading to environmental damages and to a threatened biodiversity. As a result, protected areas have become the last refuge for many species. Protected areas surrounded by a highly modified landscape may accumulate species, especially large mammals, which may alter their habitual habitat use. Here we used non-invasive DNA analysis, molecular species identification, and landscape analyses to assess the habitat use of carnivore species in an isolated protected area, Itatiaia National Park (PNI). Two species were by far the most sampled within PNI, Chrysocyon brachyurus and Leopardus guttulus. The spatial distribution of each species was assessed to the following landscape variables: altitude; land use/land cover; slope and Euclidean distances from water and from urban buildings. The habitat use of C. brachyurus and L. guttulus was related to altitude and land use/land cover. We tested whether there were differences in the environmental indicators considering both species, which showed that higher altitudes, forest and/or grassland formation were indeed associated with them. We highlighted the unprecedented presence of both species at altitudes up to 2,631 meters. Our results suggest a habitat use extension for both species inside the PNI that could be a consequence of the highly modified landscape where PNI is inserted. Therefore, the results can be helpful for better understanding the species dynamics and their conservation in the face of landscape changes. Further, this study may be of help for management and conservation policies of this emblematic protected area.

Resumo As atividades antropogênicas modificaram as paisagens levando a danos ambientais e a uma biodiversidade ameaçada. Como resultado, as áreas protegidas se tornaram o último refúgio para muitas espécies. Áreas protegidas cercadas por uma paisagem altamente modificada podem acumular espécies, especialmente grandes mamíferos, o que pode alterar o uso de seu habitat habitual. Neste trabalho, usamos análise de DNA não-invasivo, identificação molecular de espécies e análises de paisagem para avaliar o uso de habitat de carnívoros em uma área protegida isolada, o Parque Nacional de Itatiaia (PNI). Duas espécies foram de longe as mais amostradas dentro do PNI, Chrysocyon brachyurus e Leopardus guttulus. A distribuição espacial de cada espécie foi avaliada com as seguintes variáveis paisagísticas: altitude; uso e cobertura do solo; declividade e distâncias euclidianas da água e de construções urbanas. O uso de C. brachyurus e L. guttulus no habitat estava relacionado à altitude e ao uso e cobertura do solo. Testamos se existiam diferenças nos indicadores ambientais considerando ambas as espécies, o que mostrou que altitudes mais elevadas, formação de florestas e/ou campestres estavam de fato associadas a elas. Destacamos a presença incomum de ambas as espécies em altitudes de até 2.631 metros. Nossos resultados sugerem uma extensão do uso do habitat conhecido para ambas as espécies como possível consequência da paisagem altamente modificada onde o PNI está inserido. Portanto, os resultados podem ser úteis para entender melhor a dinâmica das espécies e sua conservação diante das mudanças na paisagem. Além disso, este estudo pode ser útil para as políticas de manejo e conservação desta emblemática área protegida.

A autopercepção do ambiente de vizinhança está associado à sarcopenia provável em idosos comunitários? / ¿Estaría asociada la autopercepción del ambiente exterior con una probable sarcopenia en ancianos institucionalizados? / Is the self-perception of the neighborhood environment associated with probable sarcopenia in the community of older adults?

RESUMO A associação da sarcopenia com fatores sociodemográficos e de saúde já foi previamente apresentada na literatura. Contudo, pouco se sabe sobre como os fatores ambientais que podem estar relacionados a essa condição. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação entre a autopercepção do ambiente de vizinhança e a sarcopenia provável em idosos comunitários. Este é um estudo transversal, de base domiciliar com amostra probabilística, que incluiu 306 idosos comunitários de ambos os sexos. O desfecho foi a sarcopenia provável, categorizada com o tempo de realização no teste de sentar e levantar da cadeira >15 segundos, conforme proposto pelo European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. As variáveis preditoras foram avaliadas de acordo com o abbreviated neighborhood environment walkability scale (A-NEWS), que inclui questões relacionadas à infraestrutura e à segurança do bairro, ruas, calçadas e tipos de uso do solo. Foram realizadas análises de regressão logística multivariada. A presença de supermercado/loja de conveniência/mercadinho/armazém, feira livre (OR: 0,45; IC 95%: 0,22-0,91) e ponto de ônibus (OR: 0,23; IC 95%: 0,10-0,50) foram fatores de proteção para a sarcopenia provável. Já o acúmulo de lixo e locais com esgoto a céu aberto próximos à residência (OR: 2,17; IC 95%: 1,16-4,05) foram fatores de risco. Verificou-se associação de comércios locais e pontos de ônibus próximos ao local de residência para proteção contra a sarcopenia provável, enquanto o acúmulo de lixo e locais com esgoto a céu aberto próximos à residência se mostraram fatores de risco para a sarcopenia provável.

RESUMEN La asociación entre sarcopenia y factores sociodemográficos y de salud se ha presentado previamente en la literatura. Sin embargo, es escasa la información sobre cómo los factores ambientales pueden relacionarse con esta condición. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre la autopercepción del ambiente exterior y una probable sarcopenia en ancianos institucionalizados. Este es un estudio transversal, de base domiciliaria con muestra probabilística, que incluyó a 306 ancianos institucionalizados de ambos sexos. El resultado fue una probable sarcopenia, categorizada con el tiempo necesario para sentarse y levantarse de una silla >15 segundos según lo propuesto por el Grupo Europeo de Trabajo en Sarcopenia en Personas Mayores. Las variables predictoras se evaluaron según el abbreviated neighborhood environment walkability scale (A-NEWS), que incluye temas relacionados con la infraestructura y seguridad del vecindario, calles, aceras y tipos de uso del suelo. Se realizó análisis de regresión logística multivariante. La presencia de supermercado/tienda de conveniencia/tienda/almacén, ferias (OR: 0,45; IC 95%: 0,22-0,91) y parada de autobús (OR: 0,23; IC 95%: 0,10-0,50) fueron los factores protectores contra una probable sarcopenia. La acumulación de basura y lugares con alcantarillado abierto cerca de la residencia (OR: 2,17; IC 95%: 1,16-4,05) fueron los factores de riesgo. Se encontró que as tiendas locales y paradas de autobús cercanas a la residencia estuvieron relacionadas a la protección contra una probable sarcopenia, mientras que la acumulación de basura y lugares con alcantarillado abierto cerca de la residencia estuvieron relacionados a una probable sarcopenia.

ABSTRACT The association of sarcopenia with sociodemographic and health factors has been previously presented in the literature. However, little is known about how environmental factors may be related to this condition. The study sought to verify the association between self-perception of a built neighborhood characteristics and probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. This was a cross-sectional study including 306 community-dwelling older adults of both genders. The outcome was probable sarcopenia, categorized with the time taken in the sit to stand test >15 seconds, as proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People. The predictor variables were assessed using the neighborhood environment walkability scale (A-NEWS), which includes issues related to the infrastructure and security of the neighborhood, streets, sidewalks, and types of land use. Multivariate Logistic Regression analyses were performed. The presence of supermarkets/convenience stores/grocery stores/warehouses, open markets (OR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.22-0.91) and bus stops (OR: 0.23; 95%CI: 0.10-0.50) were protective factors for probable sarcopenia. However, the accumulation of garbage and/or places with open sewage close to the residence (OR: 2.17; 95%CI: 1.16-4.05) were risk factors. There was a protective association of local businesses and bus stops near the place of residence for probable sarcopenia. However, the accumulation of garbage and/or places with open sewage near the residence proved to be risk factors for probable sarcopenia.

Association of uric acid and uric acid to creatinine ratio with chronic kidney disease in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that the serum uric acid/creatinine ratio (SUA/SCr) is a better predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) than serum uric acid (SUA) isolated. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of isolated SUA and the SUA/SCr with CKD in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted with hypertensive patients followed-up by the Primary Health Care Service (PHC). Sociodemographic, economic, lifestyle, clinical, anthropometric, and biochemical variables were evaluated. The association between SUA parameters (quartiles of SUA and quartiles of SUA/SCr) and CKD was evaluated by bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. The association between SUA parameters (SUA and SUA/SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was evaluated by linear regression. The analyses were performed considering four adjustment models. SUA and SUA/SCr were compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted model, SUA was positively associated with the presence of CKD (OR = 6.72 [95 % CI 1.96-22.96]) and inversely associated with eGFR (ß Coef. = -2.41 [95 % CI -3.44; -1.39]). SUA/SCr was positively associated with eGFR (ß Coef. = 2.39 [1.42; 3.36]). According to the ROC curve, the SUA is a better predictor of CKD than the SUA/SCr. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of isolated SUA were associated with CKD and eGFR. However, the SUA/SCr was not associated with CKD. We do not recommend using the SUA/SCr to predict CKD in hypertensive patients.

Importance of Angomonas deanei KAP4 for kDNA arrangement, cell division and maintenance of the host-bacterium relationship.

Angomonas deanei coevolves in a mutualistic relationship with a symbiotic bacterium that divides in synchronicity with other host cell structures. Trypanosomatid mitochondrial DNA is contained in the kinetoplast and is composed of thousands of interlocked DNA circles (kDNA). The arrangement of kDNA is related to the presence of histone-like proteins, known as KAPs (kinetoplast-associated proteins), that neutralize the negatively charged kDNA, thereby affecting the activity of mitochondrial enzymes involved in replication, transcription and repair. In this study, CRISPR-Cas9 was used to delete both alleles of the A. deanei KAP4 gene. Gene-deficient mutants exhibited high compaction of the kDNA network and displayed atypical phenotypes, such as the appearance of a filamentous symbionts, cells containing two nuclei and one kinetoplast, and division blocks. Treatment with cisplatin and UV showed that Δkap4 null mutants were not more sensitive to DNA damage and repair than wild-type cells. Notably, lesions caused by these genotoxic agents in the mitochondrial DNA could be repaired, suggesting that the kDNA in the kinetoplast of trypanosomatids has unique repair mechanisms. Taken together, our data indicate that although KAP4 is not an essential protein, it plays important roles in kDNA arrangement and replication, as well as in the maintenance of symbiosis.

Avaliação da função visual e qualidade de vida relacionada à visão em pacientes portadores de catarata senil / Evaluation of visual function and vision-related quality of life in patients with senile cataract

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a correlação entre qualidade de vida e diminuição da acuidade visual em idosos portadores catarata senil. Métodos: Estudo transversal e quantitativo com 53 idosos portadores de catarata senil e candidatos à facectomia em uma clínica oftalmológica particular da cidade de Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. Para investigação sociodemográfica, foi utilizado questionário elaborado pelos autores. A investigação acerca da qualidade de vida relacionada à visão foi feita por meio do questionário National Eye Institute - Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ 25). Para análise estatística, aplicou-se o coeficiente de correlação linear de Pearson e Teste de Hipóteses em que a estatística do teste segue distribuição t-Student, com nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05). Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes entrevistados apresentava idade compreendida entre 70 a 79 anos (n.29 / 54,7%) e era do sexo feminino (n.30 / 56,6%). A relação de dependência entre o escore médio do domínio "Capacidade Visual" com o do domínio "Qualidade de Vida" obteve coeficiente de correlação de Pearson igual a 0,664, estatisticamente significante ao teste t de Student (p < 0,001). Assim, há evidências de que a qualidade de vida e a função visual estariam correlacionadas de forma que quanto maior a capacidade visual, maior seria a qualidade de vida. Conclusão: A correlação entre saúde ocular e capacidade funcional de idosos pode ser obtida pela aplicação do National Eye Institute - Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ 25), gerando dados que revelam a necessidade da garantia de acesso da população idosa à saúde ocular.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the correlation between quality of life and decreased visual acuity in elders with senile cataract. Methods: A transversal and quantitative study involving 53 elderly patients with senile cataracts and candidates for cataract surgery in a private ophthalmology clinic in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. For sociodemographic investigation, a questionnaire elaborated by the authors was used. Research on visual-related quality of life was done through the National Eye Institute - Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ 25) questionnaire. For statistical analysis, Pearson's correlation coefficient and hypothesis testing were applied, in which the test statistic follows a Student's t distribution, with 5% significance level (p < 0,05). Results: The majority of the interviewed patients' ages were comprehended between 70 and 79 years old (n.29 / 54,7%) and were female (n.30 / 56,6%). The correlation between the mean score of the "Visual Capacity" domain and of the "Quality of Life" domain had Pearson's correlation coefficient equal to 0,664, statistically significant in Student's t-test (p < 0,001). Therefore, there are evidences that the quality of life and the visual function are correlated so that the better the visual capacity, the better the quality of life. Conclusion: The correlation between ocular health and functional capacity of the elderly can be obtained by the application the National Eye Institute - Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ 25), generating data that reveals the necessity of guaranteed access to ocular health by the elderly population.

Alpha-Tubulin Acetylation in Trypanosoma cruzi: A Dynamic Instability of Microtubules Is Required for Replication and Cell Cycle Progression.

Trypanosomatids have a cytoskeleton arrangement that is simpler than what is found in most eukaryotic cells. However, it is precisely organized and constituted by stable microtubules. Such microtubules compose the mitotic spindle during mitosis, the basal body, the flagellar axoneme and the subpellicular microtubules, which are connected to each other and also to the plasma membrane forming a helical arrangement along the central axis of the parasite cell body. Subpellicular, mitotic and axonemal microtubules are extensively acetylated in Trypanosoma cruzi. Acetylation on lysine (K) 40 of α-tubulin is conserved from lower eukaryotes to mammals and is associated with microtubule stability. It is also known that K40 acetylation occurs significantly on flagella, centrioles, cilia, basal body and the mitotic spindle in eukaryotes. Several tubulin posttranslational modifications, including acetylation of K40, have been cataloged in trypanosomatids, but the functional importance of these modifications for microtubule dynamics and parasite biology remains largely undefined. The primary tubulin acetyltransferase was recently identified in several eukaryotes as Mec-17/ATAT, a Gcn5-related N-acetyltransferase. Here, we report that T. cruzi ATAT acetylates α-tubulin in vivo and is capable of auto-acetylation. TcATAT is located in the cytoskeleton and flagella of epimastigotes and colocalizes with acetylated α-tubulin in these structures. We have expressed TcATAT with an HA tag using the inducible vector pTcINDEX-GW in T. cruzi. Over-expression of TcATAT causes increased levels of the alpha tubulin acetylated species, induces morphological and ultrastructural defects, especially in the mitochondrion, and causes a halt in the cell cycle progression of epimastigotes, which is related to an impairment of the kinetoplast division. Finally, as a result of TcATAT over-expression we observed that parasites became more resistant to microtubule depolymerizing drugs. These results support the idea that α-tubulin acetylation levels are finely regulated for the normal progression of T. cruzi cell cycle.

Non-invasive sampling in Itatiaia National Park, Brazil: wild mammal parasite detection.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive sampling through faecal collection is one of the most cost-effective alternatives for monitoring of free-living wild mammals, as it provides information on animal taxonomy as well as the dynamics of the gastrointestinal parasites that potentially infect these animals. In this context, this study aimed to perform an epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites using non-invasive faecal samples from carnivores and artiodactyls identified by stool macroscopy, guard hair morphology and DNA sequencing in Itatiaia National Park. Between 2017 and 2018, faeces from carnivores and artiodactyls were collected along trails in the park. The host species were identified through macroscopic and trichological examinations and molecular biology. To investigate the parasites, the Faust, Lutz and modified Ritchie and Sheather techniques and enzyme immunoassays to detect Cryptosporidium sp. antigens were used. RESULTS: A total of 244 stool samples were collected. The species identified were Chrysocyon brachyurus, Leopardus guttulus, Canis familiaris, Cerdocyon thous, Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis, Puma concolor and Sus scrofa. There were 81.1% samples that were positive for parasites distributed mainly in the high part of the park. Helminths, especially eggs of the family Ascarididae, were more frequently detected in carnivore faeces (70.9%). Protozoa, especially Cryptosporidium sp., represented the highest frequency of infection in artiodactyl faeces (87.1%). This zoonotic protozoon was detected in eight mammalian species, including in a wild boar. High values of structural richness and Shannon and Simpson diversity indices were observed for the parasites, especially in the faeces of C. brachyurus. Significant differences in parasite diversity were observed between wild and domestic animals, such as C. brachyurus and C. familiaris, respectively, and between taxonomically distant species, such as C. brachyurus and S. scrofa. The highest values for parasite similarity were found among the species that frequented similar areas of the park, such as C. brachyurus and L. guttulus. CONCLUSIONS: The animals and parasite infections were identified through the combination of three techniques. High frequency parasite structures were diagnosed. Zoonotic protozoa were found and mainly occurred in samples from introduced species.

Structure, Properties, and Function of Glycosomes in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Glycosomes are peroxisome-related organelles that have been identified in kinetoplastids and diplonemids. The hallmark of glycosomes is their harboring of the majority of the glycolytic enzymes. Our biochemical studies and proteome analysis of Trypanosoma cruzi glycosomes have located, in addition to enzymes of the glycolytic pathway, enzymes of several other metabolic processes in the organelles. These analyses revealed many aspects in common with glycosomes from other trypanosomatids as well as features that seem specific for T. cruzi. Their enzyme content indicates that T. cruzi glycosomes are multifunctional organelles, involved in both several catabolic processes such as glycolysis and anabolic ones. Specifically discussed in this minireview are the cross-talk between glycosomal metabolism and metabolic processes occurring in other cell compartments, and the importance of metabolite translocation systems in the glycosomal membrane to enable the coordination between the spatially separated processes. Possible mechanisms for metabolite translocation across the membrane are suggested by proteins identified in the organelle's membrane-homologs of the ABC and MCF transporter families-and the presence of channels as inferred previously from the detection of channel-forming proteins in glycosomal membrane preparations from the related parasite T. brucei. Together, these data provide insight in the way in which different parts of T. cruzi metabolism, although uniquely distributed over different compartments, are integrated and regulated. Moreover, this information reveals opportunities for the development of drugs against Chagas disease caused by these parasites and for which currently no adequate treatment is available.