In vitro neuronal and glial response to magnetically stimulated piezoelectric poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/cobalt ferrite (CFO) microspheres.

Polymer biomaterials are being considered for tissue regeneration due to the possibility of resembling different extracellular matrix characteristics. However, most current scaffolds cannot respond to physical-chemical modifications of the cell microenvironment. Stimuli-responsive materials, such as electroactive smart polymers, are increasingly gaining attention once they can produce electrical potentials without external power supplies. The presence of piezoelectricity in human tissues like cartilage and bone highlights the importance of electrical stimulation in physiological conditions. Although poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is one of the piezoelectric polymers with the highest piezoelectric response, it is not biodegradable. Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising copolymer of poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) for tissue engineering and regeneration applications. It offers biodegradability, piezoelectric properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity, making it a superior option to PVDF for biomedical purposes requiring biodegradability. Magnetoelectric polymer composites can be made by combining magnetostrictive particles and piezoelectric polymers to further tune their properties for tissue regeneration. These composites convert magnetic stimuli into electrical stimuli, generating local electrical potentials for various applications. Cobalt ferrites (CFO) and piezoelectric polymers have been combined and processed into different morphologies, maintaining biocompatibility for tissue engineering. The present work studied how PHBV/CFO microspheres affected neural and glial response in spinal cord cultures. It is expected that the electrical signals generated by these microspheres due to their magnetoelectric nature could aid in tissue regeneration and repair. PHBV/CFO microspheres were not cytotoxic and were able to impact neurite outgrowth and promote neuronal differentiation. Furthermore, PHBV/CFO microspheres led to microglia activation and induced the release of several bioactive molecules. Importantly, magnetically stimulated microspheres ameliorated cell viability after an in vitro ROS-induced lesion of spinal cord cultures, which suggests a beneficial effect on tissue regeneration and repair.

Hydrogels based on lignin extracted from cashew apple bagasse and its application in antimicrobial wound dressings.

Hydrogels are versatile materials with a three-dimensional network structure that can retain water and release bioactive compounds. They have found applications in various fields, including agriculture, biomaterial synthesis, and pharmaceuticals. Incorporating natural antimicrobial compounds into hydrogels is a promising approach to developing non-toxic biomedical materials, particularly for wound healing dressings. It was evaluated the extraction and use of cashew apple bagasse lignin (CAB-Lig) due to its healing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties for producing a hydrogel-based bandage. The extraction process involved acid and alkali treatments followed by precipitation. The antimicrobial potential of CAB-Lig was evaluated at different concentrations for formulating hydrogels. Hydrogels containing 0.1 % and 3 % lignin showed high swelling and liquid retention abilities. The 3 % lignin hydrogel exhibited effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporating CAB-Lig into the hydrogel structure improved its mechanical properties, making it more suitable for application as a bandage. Moreover, the extracted lignin showed low toxicity, indicating its safe use. A bandage was formulated by combining the CAB-Lig-based hydrogel with polyester, which possessed antimicrobial properties and demonstrated biocompatibility (L929 and HaCat cells). The results confirmed the potential of CAB-Lig for synthesizing hydrogels and dressings with antimicrobial properties, offering a sustainable solution for utilizing lignocellulosic biomass.

Internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária à saúde: associação com a cobertura da atenção primária, 2015 ­ 2021 / Hospitalization for sensitive conditions in primary care: association with primary health care support, 2015-2021 / Hospitalizaciones por afecciones sensibles a la atención primaria: asociación con la cobertura de atención primaria, 2015 ­ 2021

Objetivo: Avaliar as tendências e associações relacionadas as coberturas e internações por condições sensíveis à atenção primária à saúde no município de Fortaleza/Ceará/Brasil, no período de 2015 a 2021. Métodos: Estudo transversal com dados secundários (Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde, E- gestor atenção básica e o Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística). Utilizou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson para as associações. Resultados: Foram registrados 176.330 internações por condições sensíveis, totalizando 8 principais, correspondendo a 78.5% do total. Obteve-se correlação inversa significativa entre a cobertura de atenção primária e internações por condições sensíveis: r=-0.86, (IC95%: -0.91/-0.61); p<0.001, bem como uma correlação moderada com cobertura de agente comunitário e internações (r=-0.59 (IC95%: -0.68/-0.54); p<0.001) Conclusão: O aumento das internações por condições sensíveis está diretamente relacionado com a cobertura da atenção primária. Além disso, enfrenta-se uma dupla carga de doenças, coexistindo as doenças infecciosas/parasitárias em concomitância com as crônicas.

Objective: To assess trends and associations related to coverage and hospitalizations for conditions sensitive to primary health care in the city of Fortaleza/Ceará/Brazil, from 2015 to 2021. Methods: Cross-sectional study with secondary data (Hospital Information System of the National Unified Health System, E- manager for primary care and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics). Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure associations. Results: 176,330 hospitalizations for sensitive conditions were recorded, totaling 8 main ones, corresponding to 78.5% of the total. A significant inverse correlation was obtained between primary care coverage and hospitalizations for sensitive conditions: r=-0.86, (95%CI: -0.91/-0.61); p<0.001, as well as a moderate correlation with community agent coverage and hospitalizations (r=-0.59 (95%CI: -0.68/-0.54); p<0.001) Conclusion: The increase in hospitalizations for sensitive conditions is directly associated to the primary care coverage. In addition, there is a double burden of disease, with infectious/parasitic diseases coexisting with chronic ones.

Evaluar las tendencias y asociaciones relacionadas con la cobertura y hospitalizaciones por condiciones sensibles a la atención primaria de salud en la ciudad de Fortaleza/Ceará/Brasil de 2015 a 2021. Métodos: Estudio transversal con datos secundarios (Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde, E-gestor atenção básica e Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística). Se utilizó el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson para las asociaciones. Resultados: Hubo 176.330 hospitalizaciones por condiciones sensibles, totalizando 8 condiciones principales, correspondiendo a 78,5% del total. Se obtuvo una correlación inversa significativa entre la cobertura de atención primaria y las hospitalizaciones por afecciones sensibles: r=- 0,86, (IC 95%: -0,91/-0,61); p<0,001, así como una correlación moderada con la cobertura de agentes comunitarios y las hospitalizaciones (r=-0,59 (IC 95%: -0,68/-0,54); p<0,001) Conclusión: El aumento de las hospitalizaciones por afecciones sensibles está directamente relacionado con la cobertura de atención primaria. Además, se enfrenta a una doble carga de enfermedad, coexistiendo enfermedades infecciosas/parasitarias en concomitancia con enfermedades crónicas.

Natural Indigenous Paper Substrates for Colorimetric Bioassays in Portable Analytical Systems: Sustainable Solutions from the Rain Forests to the Great Plains.

Point-of-care (POC) devices can provide inexpensive, practical, and expedited solutions for applications ranging from biomedicine to environmental monitoring. This work reports on the development of low-cost microfluidic substrates for POC systems suitable for analytical assays, while also satisfying the need for social and environmentally conscious practices regarding circular economy, waste reduction, and the use of local resources. Thus, an innovative greener process to extract cellulose from plants including abaca, cotton, kozo, linen, and sisal, originating from different places around the world, is developed, and then the corresponding paper substrates are obtained to serve as platforms for POC assays. Hydrophobic wax is used to delineate channels that are able to guide solutions into chambers where the colorimetric assay for total cholesterol quantification is carried out as a proof of concept. Morphological and physicochemical analyses are performed, including the evaluation of fiber diameter, shape and density, and mechanical and thermal properties, together with peel adhesion of the printed wax channels. Contact angle and capillary flow tests ascertain the suitability of the substrates for liquid assays and overall viability as low-cost, sustainable microfluidic substrates for POC applications.

Analysis of gunshot residues from nontoxic ammunition: a contribution to health and environmental analysis.

This study's aim was to determine the presence, as well as to evaluate the health and environmental impacts, of chemical elements from firearm shots during shooter practice at outdoor shooting ranges, both in the environment and on the shooters' hands. Two high-precision devices were used for measuring suspended particles that are released during discharge of Taurus PT 100 .40 caliber pistols. The analysis of collected data allowed the identification of specific distribution patterns of samples that were adsorbed. Moreover, samples were collected from the opisthenar area of the hand to investigate both the occurrence and deposition of particles and chemical elements through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The results indicate that copper, lead, and zinc concentration profiles will be able to delimit and reveal more precise details regarding shots made with nontoxic ammunition (NTA). In particular, the residual graphic analysis indicated that the majority of metal deposited in the shooter's hand is zinc. Further, the metals barium and lead also were detected. Due to the exposure to these elements, it could be concluded that engineering controls and administrative management should be sought in order to avoid human overexposure and environmental release of these airborne toxic metals.

A neuropeptidergic circuit gates selective escape behavior of Drosophila larvae.

Animals display selective escape behaviors when faced with environmental threats. Selection of the appropriate response by the underlying neuronal network is key to maximizing chances of survival, yet the underlying network mechanisms are so far not fully understood. Using synapse-level reconstruction of the Drosophila larval network paired with physiological and behavioral readouts, we uncovered a circuit that gates selective escape behavior for noxious light through acute and input-specific neuropeptide action. Sensory neurons required for avoidance of noxious light and escape in response to harsh touch, each converge on discrete domains of neuromodulatory hub neurons. We show that acute release of hub neuron-derived insulin-like peptide 7 (Ilp7) and cognate relaxin family receptor (Lgr4) signaling in downstream neurons are required for noxious light avoidance, but not harsh touch responses. Our work highlights a role for compartmentalized circuit organization and neuropeptide release from regulatory hubs, acting as central circuit elements gating escape responses.

The steroid-hormone ecdysone coordinates parallel pupariation neuromotor and morphogenetic subprograms via epidermis-to-neuron Dilp8-Lgr3 signal induction.

Innate behaviors consist of a succession of genetically-hardwired motor and physiological subprograms that can be coupled to drastic morphogenetic changes. How these integrative responses are orchestrated is not completely understood. Here, we provide insight into these mechanisms by studying pupariation, a multi-step innate behavior of Drosophila larvae that is critical for survival during metamorphosis. We find that the steroid-hormone ecdysone triggers parallel pupariation neuromotor and morphogenetic subprograms, which include the induction of the relaxin-peptide hormone, Dilp8, in the epidermis. Dilp8 acts on six Lgr3-positive thoracic interneurons to couple both subprograms in time and to instruct neuromotor subprogram switching during behavior. Our work reveals that interorgan feedback gates progression between subunits of an innate behavior and points to an ancestral neuromodulatory function of relaxin signaling.

Fluorinated Polymer Membranes as Advanced Substrates for Portable Analytical Systems and Their Proof of Concept for Colorimetric Bioassays.

Portable analytical systems are increasingly required for clinical analysis or environmental monitoring, among others, being materials with tailored physicochemical properties among the main needs for successful functional implementation. This article describes the processing of fluorinated poly(vinylidene-co-trifluorethylene), P(VDF-TrFE), membranes with tailored morphological and physicochemical properties to be used as microfluidic substrates for portable analytical systems, commonly called point-of-care systems in the medical field. The morphology of the developed membranes includes spherulitic, porous, randomly oriented, and oriented fibers. Furthermore, the processed hydrophobic P(VDF-TrFE) membranes were post-treated by oxygen plasma to make them superhydrophilic. The influence of morphology and plasma treatment on the physicochemical properties and capillary flow rates was evaluated. Microfluidic systems were then designed and printed by wax printing for the colorimetric quantification of glucose. The systems comprise eight reaction chambers, each glucose concentration (25, 50, 75, and 100 mg dL-1) being measured in two reaction chambers separately and at the same time. The results demonstrate the suitability of the developed microfluidic substrates based on their tailorable morphology, improved capillary flow rate, wax print quality, homogeneous generation of colorimetric reaction, and excellent mechanical properties. Finally, the possibility of being reused, along with their electroactive properties, can lead to a new generation of microfluidic substrates based on fluorinated membranes.

The intersectional genetics landscape for humans.

BACKGROUND: The human body is made up of hundreds-perhaps thousands-of cell types and states, most of which are currently inaccessible genetically. Intersectional genetic approaches can increase the number of genetically accessible cells, but the scope and safety of these approaches have not been systematically assessed. A typical intersectional method acts like an "AND" logic gate by converting the input of 2 or more active, yet unspecific, regulatory elements (REs) into a single cell type specific synthetic output. RESULTS: Here, we systematically assessed the intersectional genetics landscape of the human genome using a subset of cells from a large RE usage atlas (Functional ANnoTation Of the Mammalian genome 5 consortium, FANTOM5) obtained by cap analysis of gene expression sequencing (CAGE-seq). We developed the heuristics and algorithms to retrieve and quality-rank "AND" gate intersections. Of the 154 primary cell types surveyed, >90% can be distinguished from each other with as few as 3 to 4 active REs, with quantifiable safety and robustness. We call these minimal intersections of active REs with cell-type diagnostic potential "versatile entry codes" (VEnCodes). Each of the 158 cancer cell types surveyed could also be distinguished from the healthy primary cell types with small VEnCodes, most of which were robust to intra- and interindividual variation. Methods for the cross-validation of CAGE-seq-derived VEnCodes and for the extraction of VEnCodes from pooled single-cell sequencing data are also presented. CONCLUSIONS: Our work provides a systematic view of the intersectional genetics landscape in humans and demonstrates the potential of these approaches for future gene delivery technologies.

Genotypic parameters for egg production in pure breed hens by using random regression model / Parâmetros genotípicos para produção de ovos em raças puras utilizando metodologia de modelos mistos

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to test different genotypic and residual covariance matrix structures in random regression models to model the egg production of Barred Plymouth Rock and White Plymouth Rock hens aged between 5 and 12 months. In addition, we estimated broad-sense heritability, and environmental and genotypic correlations. Six random regression models were evaluated, and for each model, 12 genotypic and residual matrix structures were tested. The random regression model with linear intercept and unstructured covariance (UN) for a matrix of random effects and unstructured correlation (UNR) for residual matrix adequately model the egg production curve of hens of the two study breeds. Genotypic correlations ranged from 0.15 (between age of 5 and 12 months) to 0.99 (between age of 10 and 11 months) and increased based on the time elapsed. Egg production heritability between 5- and 12-month-old hens increased with age, varying from 0.15 to 0.51. From the age of 9 months onward, heritability was moderate with estimates of genotypic correlations higher than 90% at the age of 10, 11, and 12 months. Results suggested that selection of hens to improve egg production should commence at the ninth month of age.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se testar diferentes estruturas de matrizes de (co)variâncias genotípicas e residuais em modelos de regressão aleatória para modelar a produção de ovos do 5o ao 12o mês de idade de poedeiras das raças Plymouth Rock Barrada e Plymouth Rock Branca, bem como estimar a herdabilidade no sentido amplo e as correlações ambientais e genotípicas. Foram avaliados seis modelos de regressão aleatória e, para todos os modelos, foram testadas 12 estruturas das matrizes genotípicas e residuais. O modelo de regressão aleatória com intercepto linear com estrutura de (co)variância desestruturada (UN) para a matriz de efeitos aleatórios e correlação desestruturada (UNR) para a matriz de resíduos, modela adequadamente a curva de produção de ovos das aves das duas raças estudadas. As correlações genotípicas variaram de 0.15 (entre o 5o e o 12o mês) a 0.99 (entre o 10o e o 11o mês), aumentando conforme a proximidade entre os meses. As herdabilidades para a produção de ovos entre o 5o e o 12o mês de idade aumentam com o avanço da idade, variando de 0.15 a 0.51. A partir do nono mês de idade a herdabilidade é moderada com estimativas de correlações genotípicas superiores a 90% nos meses 10, 11 e 12. Sugere-se a seleção das poedeiras através de critérios fenotípicos a partir do 9o mês de idade das aves.

Doença Relacionada à IgG4: relato de um desafio diagnóstico / IgG4-Related Disease: report of a diagnostic challenge

Esta exposição justifica-se pela escassez de material científico sobre a doença relacionada à IgG4 e por suas várias formas de apresentação clínica. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um caso de doença relacionada à IgG4 apresentando certas peculiaridades. Paciente do sexo masculino, 37 anos, admitido com quadro de perda ponderal significativa (de 70kg a 44kg), iniciada há 6 meses da internação, associada ao surgimento de nodulações subcutâneas em membros superiores, e a tumefações em região de cabeça e pescoço. Apresentava, também, quadro de hiporexia, adinamia e astenia, e dosagem sérica de IgG 4 elevada. Laudos histopatológicos evidenciaram duas amostras de pele e tecido subcutâneo palpebral com lesão esclerosante de partes moles, permeada por células histiocitoides, linfoides e eosinófilos. O perfil imuno-histoquímico em conjunto com os achados morfológicos foi consistente com doença relacionado à IgG4. O paciente foi submetido à corticoterapia com prednisona oral, evoluindo com melhora clínica. A patogênese da doença relacionado à IgG4 ainda é pouco compreendida, sendo a autoimunidade e os agentes infecciosos considerados potenciais gatilhos imunológicos. Diversas citocinas contribuem para o aumento na produção de IgG4 e, em menor escala, de IgE, eosinofilia e a progressão da fibrose, que são características da doença. O surgimento de nódulos e massas, focais ou difusas, descobertos no exame físico ou radiológico é o principal sinal clínico da doença O início é geralmente subagudo, e os sintomas constitucionais são incomuns. Os critérios diagnósticos da doença ainda não estão bem estabelecidos, pois as manifestações clínicas e as alterações patológicas dependem dos órgãos acometidos. Ainda não existe um consenso sobre seu tratamento, mas, atualmente, a droga de escolha são os glicocorticoides. Se não tratada, o paciente evolui com fibrose e disfunção orgânica.

This expository study is warranted by the lack of scientific material about IgG4 Related Disease (IgG4-RD) and its various forms of clinical presentation. The objective of this study was to report a case of IgG4-RD that has certain peculiarities. A male patient, 37 years old, admitted with significant weight loss (from 70kg to 44kg), begun six months of hospitalization, associated with the appearance of subcutaneous nodules in the upper limbs, and swellings on the head and neck region. Had also hyporexia, adynamia and asthenia. High IgG4 serum levels. Histopathological reports showing two samples of skin and eyelid subcutaneous tissue with sclerosing soft tissue injury, permeated by histiocytes, lymphocytes and eosinophils. The immunohistochemical profile in conjunction with the morphological findings are consistent with IgG4-RD. The patient underwent corticosteroid therapy with oral prednisone, evolving to clinical improvement. The pathogenesis of IgG4-RD is still poorly understood, being autoimmunity and infectious agentes considered potential immunological triggers. Several cytokines contribute to the increased production of IgG4, and to a lesser extent, IgE, eosinophilia and the progression of fibrosis, which are characteristic of diseases. The emergence of nodules and masses,focal or diffuse, discovered through physical or radiological examination are the main clinical signs of disease. The onset is usually subacute and constitutional symptoms are uncommon. The disease diagnostic criteria are not well established, because the clinical manifestations and pathological changes depend on organs affected. There is still no consensus on treatment, but glucocorticoids are the currently drug of choice. If untreated, the patient progresses with fibrosis and organ dysfunction

Dilp8 requires the neuronal relaxin receptor Lgr3 to couple growth to developmental timing.

How different organs in the body sense growth perturbations in distant tissues to coordinate their size during development is poorly understood. Here we mutate an invertebrate orphan relaxin receptor gene, the Drosophila Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 3 (Lgr3), and find body asymmetries similar to those found in insulin-like peptide 8 (dilp8) mutants, which fail to coordinate growth with developmental timing. Indeed, mutation or RNA intereference (RNAi) against Lgr3 suppresses the delay in pupariation induced by imaginal disc growth perturbation or ectopic Dilp8 expression. By tagging endogenous Lgr3 and performing cell type-specific RNAi, we map this Lgr3 activity to a new subset of CNS neurons, four of which are a pair of bilateral pars intercerebralis Lgr3-positive (PIL) neurons that respond specifically to ectopic Dilp8 by increasing cAMP-dependent signalling. Our work sheds new light on the function and evolution of relaxin receptors and reveals a novel neuroendocrine circuit responsive to growth aberrations.

Desenvolvimento folicular e desempenho produtivo no início do ciclo de postura em duas raças de poedeiras / Follicular development and productive performance at the onset of production in two egg-laying breeds

Avaliaram-se as características reprodutivas de duas raças puras de poedeiras semipesadas. Foram utilizadas 800 fêmeas, 400 da raça Plymouth Rock White (PRW) e 400 da raça Plymouth Rock Barred (PRB) no período compreendido entre a 16ª e a 24ª semanas de idade, quando todas as aves tiveram o mesmo manejo e receberam água e ração ad libitum. Semanalmente, foram mensurados os parâmetros peso corporal, consumo alimentar, taxa de postura, conversão alimentar, peso dos ovos, peso de oviduto e número de folículos ovarianos. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC) com dois tratamentos (PRW e PRB) e cinco repetições de oitenta aves cada, sendo que os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste "T" de Student a 5% de significância. Observou-se que na 24ª semana de idade as aves da raça PRW apresentaram uma maior taxa de postura (P=0,006) e melhor conversão alimentar (P=0,020), comparado às aves da raça PRB. As aves PRB apresentaram maior peso corporal, comparado ao peso das PRW, entretanto, o peso do oviduto em relação ao peso corporal na 24ª semana e o número de folículos grandes amarelos na 20ª semana de idade foram maiores nas aves da raça PRW, comparado com as aves da raça PRB (P=0,029). Aves poedeiras da raça PRW são mais eficientes nos parâmetros produtivos e apresentam o desenvolvimento do aparelho reprodutivo mais precoce em relação às aves da PRB.

It was evaluated the reproductive traits of two pure breed laying hens. There were used 800 females, 400 White Plymouth Rock (PRW) and 400 Barred Plymouth Rock pullets, from 16 to 24 week of age. Pullets were managed in the same manner and received water and feed ad libitum. Body weight, feed intake, hen-day egg production, feed conversion, egg weight, oviduct weight and number of ovarian follicles were weekly measured. It was used a completely randomized design with two breeds (PRW and PRB) and five replicates of 80 pullets. The data were submitted to ANOVA and means compared by Student's T test 5% of significance. At 24 weeks of age the PRW pullets had a higher egg production (P=0.006) and better feed conversion (P=0.020) than the PRBs. The PRBs presented higher body weight than the PRWs, however, the number of large yellow follicles at 20 weeks, and the relative oviduct weight at 24 weeks of age were greater in the PRW pullets (P=0.029). The PRW pullets were more efficient in the production parameters and were more precocious in the development of the reproductive tract than PRB pullets.

Creatine supplementation and resistance training in vulnerable older women: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to examine the efficacy of creatine supplementation, associated or not with resistance training, in vulnerable older women. A 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed. Sixty subjects were assigned to compose the following groups: placebo (PL), creatine supplementation (CR), placebo with resistance training (PL+RT), and creatine supplementation with resistance training (CR+RT). The subjects were assessed at baseline and after 24weeks. The primary outcome was muscle strength, as assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Secondary outcomes included appendicular lean mass, bone mass, biochemical bone markers, and physical function tests. The changes in 1-RM leg press were significantly greater in the CR+RT group (+19.9%) than in the PL (+2.4%) and the CR groups (+3.7%), but not than in the PL+RT group (+15%) (p=0.002, p=0.002, and p=0.357, respectively). The CR+RT group showed superior gains in 1-RM bench press (+10%) when compared with all the other groups (p≤0.05). The CR+RT group (+1.31%) showed greater appendicular lean mass accrual than the PL (-1.2%), the CR (+0.3%), and the PL+RT groups (-0.2%) (p≤0.05). The CR and the PL+RT groups experienced comparable gains in appendicular lean mass (p=0.62), but superior to those seen in the PL group. Changes in fat mass, bone mass and serum bone markers did not significantly differ between the groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, creatine supplementation combined with resistance training improved appendicular lean mass and muscle function, but not bone mass, in older vulnerable women. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01472393.

Efeitos da suplementação de creatina combinada ou não ao treinamento físico em mulheres idosas: estudo clínico, randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo / Effects of creatine supplementation combined or not with exercise training in older women: a clinical, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUÇÃO: O envelhecimento cada vez maior da população mundial é responsável pelo aumento na prevalência de sarcopenia, osteoporose e incapacidade física em indivíduos idosos mais vulneráveis. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a eficácia da suplementação de creatina (CR), associada ou não ao treinamento de resistência ou força (RT) em mulheres idosas. MÉTODOS: 60 mulheres voluntárias acima de 60 anos de idade, sedentárias, participaram do estudo clínico randomizado, duplo-cego, controlado por placebo, durante 24 semanas, divididas em quatro grupos : placebo (PL), com suplementação de creatina (CR), placebo com treinamento de resistência (PL + RT) e suplementação de creatina com treinamento de resistência (CR + RT). As voluntárias foram avaliadas antes e depois de 24 semanas de intervenção. A força muscular foi avaliada por testes de uma repetição máxima (1RM). Outras variáveis foram incluídas como massa magra apendicular, massa óssea, marcadores de metabolismo ósseo e testes de capacidade física funcional. RESULTADOS: As alterações no teste de 1RM leg press foram significantemente maiores no grupo CR + RT (+ 19.9%) do que os grupos PL (+ 2.4%) e CR (+ 3.7%), mas não no grupo PL + RT (+ 15%) (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, e p = 0.357, respectivamente). O grupo CR + RT também demonstrou ganhos superiores no teste de 1RM supino (+ 10%) quando comparado com o grupo PL (- 3.1%, p = 0.03). Os grupos PL, CR, e PL + RT tiveram mudanças comparáveis no 1RM supino. O grupo CR + RT (+ 1.31%) apresentou melhora significativa na massa magra apendicular em relação aos grupos PL (- 1.2%), CR (+ 0.3%), e PL + RT (- 0.2%) (p < 0.05). Os grupos CR e PL + RT obtiveram ganhos comparáveis na massa magra apendicular (p = 0.62), porém superiores aos observados no grupo PL. Massa gorda, massa óssea e marcadores séricos de metabolismo ósseo não obtiveram diferenças significativas entre os grupos (p > 0.05). CONCLUSÕES: Suplementação de creatina a longo prazo combinado com treinamento de resistência pode...

INTRODUCTION: The increasing aging of the world population is responsible for the increase in the prevalence of sarcopenia, osteoporosis and physical disability in vulnerable elderly. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of creatine supplementation, associated or not with resistance training, in vulnerable older women. METHODS: Sixty subjects were assigned to compose a 24-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial, and were divided into 4 groups : placebo (PL), creatine supplementation (CR), placebo with resistance training (PL + RT), and creatine supplementation with resistance training (CR + RT). The subjects were assessed at baseline (Pre) and after 24 weeks (Post). The primary outcome was muscle strength, as assessed by one-maximum (1-RM) tests. Secondary outcomes included appendicular lean mass, bone mass, biochemical bone markers, and physical function tests. RESULTS: The changes in 1-RM leg press were significantly greater in the CR + RT group (+ 19.9%) than in PL (+ 2.4%) and the CR groups (+ 3.7%), but not than in the PL + RT group (+ 15%) (p = 0.002, p = 0.002, and p = 0.357, respectively). The CR + RT group also showed superior gains in 1-RM bench press (+ 10%) when compared with the PL group (- 3.1%, p = 0.03). The PL, CR and PL + RT had comparable changes in 1-RM bench press. The CR + RT group (+ 1,31%) showed greater appendicular lean mass accrual than the PL (- 1,2%), the CR (+ 0.3%), and the PL + RT groups (- 0.2%) (p <0.05). The CR and the PL + RT groups experienced comparable gains in appendicular lean mass (p = 0.62), but superior to those seen in the PL group. Fat mass, bone mass and serum bone markers did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term creatine supplementation combined with resistance training can improve appendicular lean mass and muscle function, but not bone mass, in older vulnerable women...

Cashew apple juice as microbial cultivation medium for non-immunogenic hyaluronic acid production

In this work, natural cashew apple juice was used as cultivation medium as an alternative to substitute brain heart infusion medium. The effect of aeration and juice supplementation with yeast extract on the production of hyaluronic acid in batch fermentation was also investigated. Similar levels of cell mass were obtained in inoculum using cashew apple juice supplemented with yeast extract or the conventional brain heart infusion medium. Fermentation in Erlenmeyer flasks produced low biomass and hyaluronic acid concentrations. The hyaluronic acid concentration and viscosity increased from 0.15 g/L and 3.87 cP (no aeration or medium supplementation) to 1.76 g/L and 107 cP, when aeration (2 vvm) and 60 g/L of yeast extract were used. The results suggest the production of low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid oligomers instead of the high molecular weight polymer.

Endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue in the treatment of urethral fistula.

PURPOSE: The aim of this video is to demonstrate an endoscopic and minimally invasive repair of an urethrocutaneous fistula with cyanoacrylate glue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 56 year-old-man with post-infectious urethral stricture and recurrent perineal abscess formation due to urethral fistulas. RESULTS: The operative time was 60 minutes, no major complications were observed perioperatively and postoperatively. At a follow-up time of 6 months the patient had no evidence of recurrent fistula and abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue represents a safe and minimally invasive approach that might be offered as a first line option for the treatment of urinary fistulas in selected patients, especially those with narrow and long tracts.

Endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue in the treatment of urethral fistula

Purpose The aim of this video is to demonstrate an endoscopic and minimally invasive repair of an urethrocutaneous fistula with cyanoacrylate glue. Materials and Methods: A 56 year-old-man with post-infectious urethral stricture and recurrent perineal abscess formation due to urethral fistulas. Results The operative time was 60 minutes, no major complications were observed perioperatively and postoperatively. At a follow-up time of 6 months the patient had no evidence of recurrent fistula and abscess formation. CONCLUSIONS The endoscopic use of cyanoacrylate glue represents a safe and minimally invasive approach that might be offered as a first line option for the treatment of urinary fistulas in selected patients, especially those with narrow and long tracts. .

An analysis and validation pipeline for large-scale RNAi-based screens.

Large-scale RNAi-based screens are a major technology, but require adequate prioritization and validation of candidate genes from the primary screen. In this work, we performed a large-scale pooled shRNA screen in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to discover genes associated with oxidative stress resistance and found several candidates. We then developed a bioinformatics pipeline to prioritize these candidates incorporating effect sizes, functional enrichment analysis, interaction networks and gene expression information. To validate candidates, we mixed normal cells with cells expressing the shRNA coupled to a fluorescent protein, which allows control cells to be used as an internal standard, and thus we could detect shRNAs with subtle effects. Although we did not identify genes associated with oxidative stress resistance, as a proof-of-concept of our pipeline we demonstrate a detrimental role of Edd1 silencing in ESC growth. Our methods may be useful for candidate gene prioritization of large-scale RNAi-based screens.