Irisin and Cardiometabolic Disorders in Obesity: A Systematic Review.

Background: Overweight and obesity are global health issues, impacting a significant portion of young adults. Obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics and environmental factors, leading to increased susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), hypertension, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. Irisin, a protein derived from the cleavage of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5, may have relationship with these cardiometabolic diseases. Objective: This systematic review aims to examine the relationship between serum irisin levels and obesity, particularly in individuals predisposed to cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: A thorough literature search was conducted in multiple databases, including "Science Direct," "Scopus," "PubMed," and "Lilacs," from July 2020. Inclusion criteria encompassed subjects with metabolic disorders (with or without obesity, BMI ≥30 kg/m2), clinical trials, and observational studies published between 2010 and June 2020. Exclusion criteria were animal studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, studies evaluating only healthy subjects, and those investigating disorders beyond cardiometabolic diseases. Results: Out of 151 identified articles, 30 met the inclusion criteria. These studies, published between 2013 and 2020, assessed adults (≥21 years) and included 26 observational studies and 4 clinical trials (n = 7585 subjects). All studies examined irisin's role in obesity and CVDs, often including associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Despite varying sample sizes, the samples within the articles were homogeneous. Observational studies exhibited a low risk of bias in at least 60% of the evaluated domains. Clinical trials demonstrated a low risk of bias in at least 50% of the domains. Limitations. Although the systematic review provides valuable insights, it is limited by the available literature and the varying methodologies used across studies. Conclusion: The review suggests that irisin plays a significant role as both a preventive measure and a biomarker for comorbidities linked to obesity and cardiometabolic disorders. Future research should focus on standardized irisin measurement methods and diverse populations to further elucidate its mechanisms of action.

A novel insight on SARS-CoV-2 S-derived fragments in the control of the host immunity.

Despite all efforts to combat the pandemic of COVID-19, we are still living with high numbers of infected persons, an overburdened health care system, and the lack of an effective and definitive treatment. Understanding the pathophysiology of the disease is crucial for the development of new technologies and therapies for the best clinical management of patients. Since the manipulation of the whole virus requires a structure with an adequate level of biosafety, the development of alternative technologies, such as the synthesis of peptides from viral proteins, is a possible solution to circumvent this problem. In addition, the use and validation of animal models is of extreme importance to screen new drugs and to compress the organism's response to the disease. Peptides derived from recombinant S protein from SARS-CoV-2 were synthesized and validated by in silico, in vitro and in vivo methodologies. Macrophages and neutrophils were challenged with the peptides and the production of inflammatory mediators and activation profile were evaluated. These peptides were also inoculated into the swim bladder of transgenic zebrafish larvae at 6 days post fertilization (dpf) to mimic the inflammatory process triggered by the virus, which was evaluated by confocal microscopy. In addition, toxicity and oxidative stress assays were also developed. In silico and molecular dynamics assays revealed that the peptides bind to the ACE2 receptor stably and interact with receptors and adhesion molecules, such as MHC and TCR, from humans and zebrafish. Macrophages stimulated with one of the peptides showed increased production of NO, TNF-α and CXCL2. Inoculation of the peptides in zebrafish larvae triggered an inflammatory process marked by macrophage recruitment and increased mortality, as well as histopathological changes, similarly to what is observed in individuals with COVID-19. The use of peptides is a valuable alternative for the study of host immune response in the context of COVID-19. The use of zebrafish as an animal model also proved to be appropriate and effective in evaluating the inflammatory process, comparable to humans.

Photobiomodulation Reduces the Cytokine Storm Syndrome Associated with COVID-19 in the Zebrafish Model.

Although the exact mechanism of the pathogenesis of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is not fully understood, oxidative stress and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been highlighted as playing a vital role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this sense, alternative treatments are needed to reduce the level of inflammation caused by COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential effect of red photobiomodulation (PBM) as an attractive therapy to downregulate the cytokine storm caused by COVID-19 in a zebrafish model. RT-qPCR analyses and protein-protein interaction prediction among SARS-CoV-2 and Danio rerio proteins showed that recombinant Spike protein (rSpike) was responsible for generating systemic inflammatory processes with significantly increased levels of pro-inflammatory (il1b, il6, tnfa, and nfkbiab), oxidative stress (romo1) and energy metabolism (slc2a1a and coa1) mRNA markers, with a pattern similar to those observed in COVID-19 cases in humans. On the other hand, PBM treatment was able to decrease the mRNA levels of these pro-inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared with rSpike in various tissues, promoting an anti-inflammatory response. Conversely, PBM promotes cellular and tissue repair of injured tissues and significantly increases the survival rate of rSpike-inoculated individuals. Additionally, metabolomics analysis showed that the most-impacted metabolic pathways between PBM and the rSpike treated groups were related to steroid metabolism, immune system, and lipid metabolism. Together, our findings suggest that the inflammatory process is an incisive feature of COVID-19 and red PBM can be used as a novel therapeutic agent for COVID-19 by regulating the inflammatory response. Nevertheless, the need for more clinical trials remains, and there is a significant gap to overcome before clinical trials can commence.

Cinnamaldehyde supplementation acts as an insulin mimetic compound improving glucose metabolism during adolescence, but not during adulthood, in healthy male rats.

PURPOSE: Adolescence is a critical period of increased vulnerability to nutritional modifications, and adolescents may respond differently from adults to dietary intake and nutraceuticals. Cinnamaldehyde, a major bioactive compound of cinnamon, improves energy metabolism, as has been shown in studies conducted primarily in adult animals. We hypothesized that cinnamaldehyde treatment may have a higher impact on the glycemic homeostasis of healthy adolescent rats than on healthy adult rats. METHODS: Male adolescent (30 days) or adult (90 days) Wistar rats received cinnamaldehyde (40 mg/kg) for 28 days by gavage. The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), liver glycogen content, serum insulin concentration, serum lipid profile, and hepatic insulin signaling marker expression were evaluated. RESULTS: Cinnamaldehyde-treated adolescent rats showed less weight gain (P = 0.041), improved OGTT (P = 0.004), increased expression of phosphorylated IRS-1 (P = 0.015), and a trend to increase phosphorylated IRS-1 (P = 0.063) in the liver of adolescent rats in the basal state. None of these parameters was modified after treatment with cinnamaldehyde in the adult group. Cumulative food intake, visceral adiposity, liver weight, serum insulin, serum lipid profile, hepatic glycogen content, and liver protein expression of IRß, phosphorylated IRß, AKT, phosphorylated AKT, and PTP-1B in the basal state were similar between both age groups. CONCLUSION: In a healthy metabolic condition, cinnamaldehyde supplementation affects glycemic metabolism in adolescent rats while promoting no changes in adult rats.

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to assess the effects of cocaine as a drug of abuse and its environmental implications.

Cocaine (COC) use concerns are on the increase for both authorities and civil society. Despite this, it is important to investigate COC effects or those of its main metabolite, belzoylecgonine (BE), in consolidated aquatic model organisms, such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio). This (mini) review consists in an assessment regarding toxicological studies carried out employing zebrafish (embryos, larvae or adults) exposed to COC and/or BE indexed at the SCOPUS and Web of Science databases. Ten different endpoints were analyzed in both embryos and larvae, whereas only four were analyzed in adults. Of the 23 studies, only five investigated COC and/or BE effects following an environmental approach when exposing zebrafish, while most (18 studies) analyzed COC effects under a drug of abuse approach. Cocaine exposure was noted as altering the expression of several genes, such as those linked to COC transport proteins, dopamine receptors, SP substance production, the tachykinin system, and the tyrosine hydroxylase enzyme. BE exposure resulted in more oxidative and proteomic effects than COC in embryos. Cocaine abstinence resulted in hyperactivity associated with stereotypy in adult fish, in addition to reduced responses to visual stimuli to red light and neuronal development pattern alterations. Cocaine was noted as accumulating in zebrafish eyes, possibly due to melanin binding, and causing dose-response cardiac effects in both embryos and adults. Despite the different effects addressed by our survey, we emphasize the lack of COC and BE exposure assessments in zebrafish employing an environmental point of view.

Percepções e vivências de mulheres acerca da sexualidade durante o período de amamentação / Perceptions and experiences of women about sexuality during the breastfeeding period / Percepciones y experiencias de las mujeres sobre la sexualidad durante el período de lactancia materna

Objetivo: apreender como as mulheres percebem e vivenciam a sexualidade durante o período da amamentação. Método: estudo descritivo de abordagem qualitativa, realizado com mulheres lactantes ou que já haviam amamentado, em seis Unidades Básicas de Saúde de município da região Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no período de maio a agosto de 2018, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, áudio-gravadas, realizadas em local reservado nas unidades de saúde. As informantes foram 18 mulheres com filhos de até 12 meses de vida, que estava sendo ou tivesse sido amamentado ao seio por algum tempo, e que compareceram à Unidade de Saúde para puericultura ou consulta com pediatra durante o período da coleta de dados. Foram excluídas as mulheres que referiram não ter iniciado a prática sexual no período de amamentação. Os dados produzidos foram submetidos à análise de conteúdo modalidade temática. Resultados: as mulheres percebem e vivenciam a sexualidade durante a amamentação por meio de mudanças na autoimagem, na autoestima e no relacionamento com o parceiro. As modificações mamárias foram bem percebidas no período gestacional e no início da amamentação, porém, com o decorrer do tempo, algumas mulheres as perceberam de forma negativa, sobretudo aquelas que tiveram mais dificuldade na retomada do peso pré-gravídico. Os resultados mostraram também que as mulheres passaram por um período de incertezas e inseguranças em relação a sexualidade e que mudanças da dinâmica conjugal foram necessárias neste período de transição para o exercício da sexualidade, considerando necessidades do suporte nutricional e afetivo do bebê. Conclusão: as mulheres percebem e vivenciam dificuldades em conciliar a sexualidade com a amamentação, visto que a nova dinâmica familiar decorrente do nascimento de um filho, associada as alterações na estética corporal, podem repercutir de forma negativa na sexualidade.(AU)

Objective: To understand how women perceive and experience sexuality during the breastfeeding period. Method: Descriptive study with a qualitative approach carried out with lactating women or women who had already breastfed, having as field of study six Basic Health Units (UBS) of a municipality in the southern region of Brazil. Data were collected from May to August 2018, through semi-structured interviews, audio-re-corded and held in a reserved place at the UBS. The informants were 18 women with children aged up to 12 months who were being or had been breastfed for some time and who attended the UBS for childcare or consultation with a pediatrician during the pe-riod of data collection. Women who reported not having started sexual practice during the breastfeeding period were excluded. The data produced were submitted to content analysis ­ thematic modality. Results: Women perceive and experience sexuality du-ring breastfeeding through changes in self-image, self-esteem, and relationship with the partner. Breast changes were well perceived during the gestational period and at the beginning of breastfeeding; however, over time, some women perceived the changes in a negative way, especially those who had more difficulty regaining their pre-pregnancy weight. The results also showed that the women went through a period of uncertain-ties and insecurities in relation to sexuality and that changes in the marital dynamics were necessary in this transition period for the exercise of sexuality, considering the nutritional and affective support needs of the baby. Conclusion: Women perceive and experience difficulties in reconciling sexuality with breastfeeding, since the new family dynamics resulting from the birth of a child and changes in body aesthetics can have a negative impact on sexualit.(AU)

Objetivo: aprender cómo las mujeres perciben y viven la sexualidad durante el período de la lactancia materna. Método: estudio descriptivo con abordaje cualitativo, realizado con mujeres lactando o que ya habían lactado, en seis Unidades Básicas de Salud de un municipio de la región sur de Brasil. Los datos fueron recolectados en el período de mayo a agosto de 2018, a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas y grabadas en audio, realizadas en un lugar reservado en las unidades de salud...(AU)

Impact of maternal stress on metabolism and penile morphology in young offspring rats.

Exposure to prolonged stress in pregnancy and/or lactation can lead to the future development of diseases. We aimed to study the effects of maternal stress on the biometry, metabolism, and penile morphology of young Wistar rats. Animals were divided into two experimental groups: Control Group (C) - pups from control mothers, without any intervention (n=5); and Chronic Stress Group (S) - pups from mothers who suffered variable stress in the third week of pregnancy (14th to 21st day; n=5). Food intake and body mass of the pups (n=10, in the C group and n=9 in the S group) were checked; at euthanasia (three months old), fat deposits and penis were removed. At birth and weaning, S animals were lighter than C animals, [-33.72% (p=0.0422) and -17.07% (p=0.0018)], respectively. However, the final body mass and body mass delta showed no differences. Food intake and fat deposits also did not differ. However, the S group was hyperglycemic at 30 and 60 days of life [+20.59% (p=0.0042) and +14.56% (p=0.0079), respectively], despite the glycemia measured at 90 days showing no difference between groups. Penile areas and surface densities of the corpora cavernosa components were similar between groups. The results indicate that maternal stress is an important metabolic programmer, which generates low birth weight and accelerated recovery of body mass after birth (catch-up). However, in an early analysis (90 days of life), exposure to gestational stress did not change the morphology of the offspring's penis in adulthood.

Assistência de enfermagem na prevenção da gravidez na adolescência: uma revisão integrativa / Nursing care in prevention of pregnancy in adolescence: an integrative review / Cuidados de enfermería en la prevención del embarazo en la adolescencia: una revisión integradora

A adolescência é um período da vida repleto de manifestações genuínas e emocionais, caracterizadas por uma confusão de papéis e mudanças de valores. a gravidez nessa fase da vida, é muitas vezes encarada de forma negativa e recheada de conflitos do ponto de vista emocional, estrutural e financeiro, alterando drasticamente suas rotinas e descobertas que são inerentes dessa fase da vida. Desse modo a pergunta de pesquisa foi como a equipe de enfermagem poderá prestar assistência voltada a evitar-se a gravidez na adolescência? O objetivo Geral foi descrever a importância da assistência de enfermagem como forma de prevenção a gravidez na adolescência. A metodologia utilizada na pesquisa foi uma revisão integrativa na qual a busca foi realizada nas bases de dados Biblioteca eletrônica on-line (SCIELO), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Bases de dados em enfermagem (BDENF), Google Academic e Literatura Latino- Americana e Caribenha em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Os dados foram apresentados utilizando fluxograma do processo de seleção dos artigos incluídos na análise de acordo com o PRISMA 2020 e a tabela com os dados: autor e ano, objetivos, método e resultados. Conclui-se que de fato, é necessário reconhecer os problemas, assim como as causas que contribuem para a gravidez precoce, analisar a eficácia e o impacto dos cuidados preventivos prestados pelos enfermeiros, a fim de desenvolver e implementar medidas mais eficazes para combater a gravidez precoce e seu impacto na vida dos adolescentes envolvidos.

Adolescence is a period of life full of genuine and emotional manifestations, characterized by a confusion of roles and changes in values. pregnancy in this phase of life is often seen negatively and filled with conflicts from an emotional, structural, and financial point of view, drastically altering the routines and discoveries that are inherent to this phase of life. Thus, the research question was how can the nursing team provide assistance to avoid teen pregnancy? The general objective was to describe the importance of nursing care as a way to prevent pregnancy in adolescence. The methodology used in the research was an integrative review in which the search was conducted in the databases Biblioteca eletrônica on-line (SCIELO), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Bases de dados em enfermagem (BDENF), Google Academic and Literatura Latino-Americana e Caribenha em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). The data were presented using flowchart of the selection process of the articles included in the analysis according to PRISMA 2020 and the table with the data: author and year, objectives, method and results. It is concluded that indeed, it is necessary to recognize the problems, as well as the causes that contribute to early pregnancy, analyze the effectiveness and impact of preventive care provided by nurses, in order to develop and implement more effective measures to combat early pregnancy and its impact on the lives of the adolescents involved.

La adolescencia es un período de la vida lleno de manifestaciones genuinas y emocionales, caracterizado por la confusión de papeles y cambios de valores. El embarazo en esta fase de la vida muchas veces es visto negativamente y lleno de conflictos desde el punto de vista emocional, estructural y financiero, alterando drásticamente las rutinas y descubrimientos inherentes a esta fase de la vida. Así, la pregunta de investigación fue ¿cómo puede el equipo de enfermería prestar ayuda para evitar el embarazo en la adolescencia? El objetivo general fue describir la importancia de los cuidados de enfermería como forma de prevención de la gestación en la adolescencia. La metodología utilizada en la investigación fue una revisión integradora en la cual la búsqueda fue realizada en las bases de datos Biblioteca eletrônica on-line (SCIELO), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Bases de dados em enfermagem (BDENF), Google Académico y Literatura Latino-Americana e Caribenha em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS). Los datos se presentaron mediante el diagrama de flujo del proceso de selección de los artículos incluidos en el análisis según PRISMA 2020 y la tabla con los datos: autor y año, objetivos, método y resultados. Se concluye que, efectivamente, es necesario reconocer los problemas, así como las causas que contribuyen para el embarazo precoz, analizar la eficacia y el impacto de los cuidados preventivos prestados por las enfermeras, a fin de desarrollar e implementar medidas más eficaces para combatir el embarazo precoz y su impacto en la vida de las adolescentes involucradas.

Radiomorphometric indices for sex estimation in edentulous individuals: A receiver operating characteristic curve and discriminant function analysis-based study.

This study aimed to evaluate sexual dimorphism in Brazilian edentulous individuals using a formula based on mandible-related linear radiomorphometric measurements. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 390 panoramic radiographs (PRs) distributed into three age groups (51-60, 61-70, and 71-80 years). PRs were used to obtain linear measurements of the mandible and derived indices (superior and inferior panoramic mandibular indices [s-PMI and i-PMI, respectively], alveolar bone resorption [ABR] index), and the mandibular cortical index (MCI). Sex-related differences (and sex classifications) increased in the oldest cohort. Both s-PMI and i-PMI were shown to be significant in predicting sex in the age group from 71 to 80 years (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively) and, when considering the mean of the sides, only the s-PMI was significant (p = 0.037). The ABR index was significantly associated with sex (p = 0.004) and not influenced by MCI, and was used to construct a formula for sex estimation, which demonstrated 69.0% accuracy in the age group of 71-80 years. Sexual dimorphism was evidenced by the formula based on the s-PMI, i-PMI, and ABR indices.

Certificação de qualidade da assistência de enfermagem: a experiência de um hospital filantrópico / Nursing care quality certification: the experience of a philantropic hospital / Certificación de calidad en la atención de enfermería: la experiencia de un hospital filantropico

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência de certificação da primeira Santa Casa do Brasil a receber o Selo de qualidade do Programa Nacional de Qualidade do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem. Métodos: Relato da experiência de um hospital filantrópico de alta complexidade, realizado entre dezembro de 2018 a dezembro de 2019. O processo foi conduzido por equipe composta por enfermeiros gestores, coordenadores e enfermeiros residentes em saúde. Descrição da experiência: O processo teve início com o conhecimento da proposta de certificação e realização de diagnóstico situacional pelo Núcleo de Segurança do Paciente, a fim de identificar as potencialidades, fragilidades e necessidades de melhorias institucionais. A primeira visita da comissão foi desafiadora e orientou quanto às adequações necessárias. Na segunda avaliação in loco foi alcançado o selo de qualidade, porém novas adequações continuam sendo realizadas para melhoria dos serviços. Considerações finais: A participação de profissionais nesse processo impulsionou a enfermagem na apropriação das suas competências e empoderamento para vencer os desafios institucionais, favorecendo o alcance de visibilidade, qualificação profissional e melhores condições de trabalho para categoria. Esse processo ajudou a recuperar a autoestima dos profissionais e contribuiu com a aproximação destes com o conselho da classe. (AU)

Objective: To report the experience of the first Santa Casa do Brasil to receive certification the Quality Seal, of the National Quality Program, of the Federal Nursing Council. Methods: Report on the experience of a highly complex philanthropic hospital. The process was conducted by team composed of nurse managers, coordinators and nurses residing in health, between December 2018 and December 2019. Description of the experience: The process started with the knowledge of the proposal for certification and the realization of a situational diagnosis by the Patient Safety Center, in order to identify the potentialities, weaknesses and needs for institutional improvements. The commission's first visit was challenging and provided guidance on the necessary adjustments. In the second on-site assessment, the quality seal was achieved, but new adjustments continue to be made to improve services. Final considerations: The participation of nursing professionals in this process motivated nursing in the appropriation of their skills and empowerment to overcome institutional challenges, favoring the achievement of visibility, professional qualification and better working conditions for the category. This process helped to regain the professionals' self-esteem and contributed to bringing them closer to the class council. (AU)

Objetivo: Informar la experiencia de certificación de la primera Santa Casa do Brasil en recibir el Sello de Calidad del Programa Nacional de Calidad del Consejo Federal de Enfermería. Metodos: Informe de experiencia de un hospital filantrópico de alta complejidad. El proceso fue realizado por un equipo integrado por enfermeras gestoras, coordinadoras y enfermeras residentes en salud, en el periodo diciembre de 2018 - diciembre de 2019. Descripción de la experiencia: El proceso se inició con el conocimiento de la propuesta de certificación y la realización de un diagnóstico situacional por parte del Centro de Seguridad del Paciente, con el fin de identificar las potencialidades, debilidades y necesidades de mejoras institucionales. La primera visita de la comisión fue desafiante y brindó orientación sobre los ajustes necesarios. En la segunda evaluación in situ se logró el sello de calidad, pero continúan realizándo se nuevos ajustes para mejorar los servicios. Consideraciones finales: La participación de profesionales de enfermeria en este proceso impulsó a la enfermería en la apropiación de sus habilidades y empoderamiento para superar los desafíos institucionales, favoreciendo el logro de visibilidad, calificación profesional y mejores condiciones laborales para la categoría. Este proceso ayudó a recuperar la autoestima de los profesionales y contribuyó a acercarlos a la clase consejo. (AU)

Impact of Brazil Nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) Supplementation on Body Composition, Blood Pressure, and the Vascular Reactivity of Wistar Rats When Submitted to a Hypersodium Diet.

Introdution: Endothelium integrity is a key that maintains vascular homeostasis but it can suffer irreversible damage by blood pressure changes, reflecting an imbalance in the maintenance of vascular homeostasis.Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa, H.B.K.) (BN) supplementation (10% in chow, wt/wt) on the vascular reactivity of Wistar rats during chronic exposure to a sodium overload (1% in water).Methods: First, male Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: Control Group (CG) and the Hypersodic Group (HG) for 4 weeks. Afterward, the CG was divided into the Brazil Nut Group (BNG) and the HG Group into the Hypersodic Brazil Nut Group (HBNG) for a further 8 weeks, totaling 4 groups. Blood pressure was measured during the protocol. At the end of the protocol, the vascular reactivity procedure was performed. Glucose, lipid profile, lipid peroxidation, and platelet aggregation were analyzed in the serum. Body composition was determined by the carcass technique.Results: The groups that were supplemented with the BN chow presented less body mass gain and body fat mass, together with lower serum glucose levels. The HG Group presented an increase in blood pressure and a higher platelet aggregation, while the BN supplementation was able to blunt this effect. The HG Group also showed an increase in contractile response that was phenylephrine-induced and a decrease in maximum relaxation that was acetylcholine-induced when compared to the other groups.Conclusion: The BN supplementation was able to prevent an impaired vascular function in the early stages of arterial hypertension, while also improving body composition, serum glucose, and platelet aggregation.

Toxicity of spike fragments SARS-CoV-2 S protein for zebrafish: A tool to study its hazardous for human health?

Despite the significant increase in the generation of SARS-CoV-2 contaminated domestic and hospital wastewater, little is known about the ecotoxicological effects of the virus or its structural components in freshwater vertebrates. In this context, this study evaluated the deleterious effects caused by SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein on the health of Danio rerio, zebrafish. We demonstrated, for the first time, that zebrafish injected with fragment 16 to 165 (rSpike), which corresponds to the N-terminal portion of the protein, presented mortalities and adverse effects on liver, kidney, ovary and brain tissues. The conserved genetic homology between zebrafish and humans might be one of the reasons for the intense toxic effects followed inflammatory reaction from the immune system of zebrafish to rSpike which provoked damage to organs in a similar pattern as happen in severe cases of COVID-19 in humans, and, resulted in 78,6% of survival rate in female adults during the first seven days. The application of spike protein in zebrafish was highly toxic that is suitable for future studies to gather valuable information about ecotoxicological impacts, as well as vaccine responses and therapeutic approaches in human medicine. Therefore, besides representing an important tool to assess the harmful effects of SARS-CoV-2 in the aquatic environment, we present the zebrafish as an animal model for translational COVID-19 research.

Team-Based Learning methodology applied to the construction of a child delivery plan model.

OBJECTIVE: to report an experience using the Team-Based Learning methodology for the development of a standard model for Birth Plans by health professionals. METHODS: experience report on the use of Team-Based Learning to develop care technology, with the participation of 120 professionals from two municipalities located in the Midwest Region. RESULTS: the use of Team-Based Learning in this experience enabled the construction of a Child Delivery Plan model based on the theoretical approach to the theme, a critical reflection exercise, an in-depth discussion, decision-making, after what a consensus was reached. The methodology enabled the (co) construction of knowledge in small groups, teamwork, accountability, and satisfaction among the participants. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: the use of the TeamBased Learning methodology proved to be effective as a discussion strategy, building consensus and syntheses for the elaboration of a care technology aimed at the pregnancy-parturition period.

How animals distribute themselves in space: energy landscapes of Antarctic avian predators.

BACKGROUND: Energy landscapes provide an approach to the mechanistic basis of spatial ecology and decision-making in animals. This is based on the quantification of the variation in the energy costs of movements through a given environment, as well as how these costs vary in time and for different animal populations. Organisms as diverse as fish, mammals, and birds will move in areas of the energy landscape that result in minimised costs and maximised energy gain. Recently, energy landscapes have been used to link energy gain and variable energy costs of foraging to breeding success, revealing their potential use for understanding demographic changes. METHODS: Using GPS-temperature-depth and tri-axial accelerometer loggers, stable isotope and molecular analyses of the diet, and leucocyte counts, we studied the response of gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and chinstrap (Pygoscelis antarcticus) penguins to different energy landscapes and resources. We compared species and gentoo penguin populations with contrasting population trends. RESULTS: Between populations, gentoo penguins from Livingston Island (Antarctica), a site with positive population trends, foraged in energy landscape sectors that implied lower foraging costs per energy gained compared with those around New Island (Falkland/Malvinas Islands; sub-Antarctic), a breeding site with fluctuating energy costs of foraging, breeding success and populations. Between species, chinstrap penguins foraged in sectors of the energy landscape with lower foraging costs per bottom time, a proxy for energy gain. They also showed lower physiological stress, as revealed by leucocyte counts, and higher breeding success than gentoo penguins. In terms of diet, we found a flexible foraging ecology in gentoo penguins but a narrow foraging niche for chinstraps. CONCLUSIONS: The lower foraging costs incurred by the gentoo penguins from Livingston, may favour a higher breeding success that would explain the species' positive population trend in the Antarctic Peninsula. The lower foraging costs in chinstrap penguins may also explain their higher breeding success, compared to gentoos from Antarctica but not their negative population trend. Altogether, our results suggest a link between energy landscapes and breeding success mediated by the physiological condition.

Molecular mechanisms underlying fructose-induced cardiovascular disease: exercise, metabolic pathways and microRNAs.

NEW FINDINGS: What is the central question of this study? What are the mechanisms underlying the cardiac protective effect of aerobic training in the progression of a high fructose-induced cardiometabolic disease in Wistar rats? What is the main finding and its importance? At the onset of cardiovascular disease, aerobic training activates the p-p70S6K, ERK and IRß-PI3K-AKT pathways, without changing the miR-126 and miR-195 levels, thereby providing evidence that aerobic training modulates the insulin signalling pathway. These data contribute to the understanding of the molecular cardiac changes that are associated with physiological left ventricular hypertrophy during the development of a cardiovascular disease. ABSTRACT: During the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), disturbances in myocardial vascularization, cell proliferation and protein expression are observed. Aerobic training prevents CVD, but the underlying mechanisms behind left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms by which aerobic training protects the heart from LV hypertrophy during the onset of fructose-induced cardiometabolic disease. Male Wistar rats were allocated to four groups (n = 8/group): control sedentary (C), control training (CT), fructose sedentary (F) and fructose training (FT). The C and CT groups received drinking water, and the F and FT groups received d-fructose (10% in water). After 2 weeks, the CT and FT rats were assigned to a treadmill training protocol at moderate intensity for 8 weeks (60 min/day, 4 days/week). After 10 weeks, LV morphological remodelling, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, microRNAs and the insulin signalling pathway were investigated. The F group had systemic cardiometabolic alterations, which were normalised by aerobic training. The LV weight increased in the FT group, myocardium vascularisation decreased in the F group, and the cardiomyocyte area increased in the CT, F and FT groups. Regarding protein expression, total insulin receptor ß-subunit (IRß) decreased in the F group; phospho (p)-IRß and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) increased in the FT group; total-AKT and p-AKT increased in all of the groups; p-p70S6 kinase (p70S6K) protein was higher in the CT group; and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) increased in the CT and FT groups. MiR-126, miR-195 and cardiomyocyte apoptosis did not differ among the groups. Aerobic training activates p-p70S6K and p-ERK, and during the onset of a CVD, it can activate the IRß-PI3K-AKT pathway.

Community health workers: working conditions and occupational health.

Introduction: Community health workers are qualified professionals who provide health services that are culturally appropriate for a region. In their work routine, these professionals experience the most diverse and risky situations, which may cause vulnerability to the process of illness and even compromise care to users of the Brazilian Unified Health System. Therefore, understanding the factors associated with the work process that imply the illness of community health workers helps increase the safety of the service provided by these workers. Objectives: To analyze the implications for illness arising from the work process of community health workers. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative study was conducted with the participation of all community health workers in the municipality of Baixio, state of Ceará, Brazil. The interviews were conducted by means of a questionnaire containing questions to assess the work context with quantitative answers, from February to April 2019. Data were analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, followed by Spearman correlation test. Differences were considered significant at a p-value < 0.05. Results: High demand for results in the workplace and insufficient work instruments demonstrated a directly proportional correlation with headache, body pain, back pain, and vision disorders (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Working conditions can directly affect the health of community health workers. Therefore, public strategies are essential to ensure workers' safety and quality of care for users of the Brazilian Unified Health System services.

Introdução: Agentes comunitários de saúde são profissionais habilitados que fornecem serviços de saúde culturalmente adequados a uma região. Em suas rotinas laborais, esses profissionais enfrentam diversas e arriscadas situações, que podem ocasionar vulnerabilidade frente ao processo de adoecimento e, até mesmo, comprometer o atendimento dos usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde. Por isso, compreender os fatores associados ao processo de trabalho que implicam o adoecimento dos agentes comunitários de saúde auxilia no aumento da segurança para a prestação de serviços desses trabalhadores. Objetivos: Analisar as implicações para o adoecimento decorrentes do processo de trabalho dos agentes comunitários de saúde. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo com a participação de todos os agentes comunitários de saúde do município de Baixio, Ceará. As entrevistas foram realizadas por meio de questionário contendo questões de avaliação do contexto de trabalho, com respostas quantitativas, entre os meses de fevereiro e abril de 2019. Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk, seguido pelo teste de correlação de Spearman. As diferenças foram consideradas significativas com valor de p < 0,05. Resultados: A forte cobrança por resultados no ambiente de trabalho e os instrumentos insuficientes de trabalho demonstraram uma correlação diretamente proporcional com dor de cabeça, dor no corpo, dor nas costas e distúrbios da visão (p < 0,05). Conclusões: As condições de trabalho podem afetar diretamente a saúde dos agentes comunitários de saúde. Assim, são fundamentais estratégias públicas que garantam a segurança do trabalhador e a qualidade do atendimento dos usuários dos serviços do Sistema Único de Saúde.

Micronutrients and bioactive compounds in the immunological pathways related to SARS-CoV-2 (adults and elderly).

The new coronavirus pandemic is affecting the entire world with more than 25 million confirmed cases in August 2020 according to the World Health Organization. It is known that the virus can affect several tissues and can progress to a respiratory failure in severe cases. To prevent the progression to this stage of the disease and minimize all the damage caused by coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) the immune system must be in its integrity. A healthy nutritional status are fundamental to efficient immunological protection and consequently a good response to SARS-CoV-2. Micronutrients and bioactive compounds perform functions in immune cells that are extremely essential to stop SARS-CoV-2. Their adequate consumption is part of a non-pharmacological intervention to keep the immune system functioning. This review has as main objective to inform how micronutrients and bioactive compounds could act in the essential immunological pathways could stop SARS-CoV-2, focusing on the functions that have already established in the literature and transposing to this scenario.

Team-Based Learning methodology applied to the construction of a child delivery plan model / Metodología Team-Based Learning aplicada a la construcción de un modelo de plan de parto / Metodologia Team-Based Learning aplicada à construção de um modelo de plano de parto

ABSTRACT Objective: to report an experience using the Team-Based Learning methodology for the development of a standard model for Birth Plans by health professionals. Methods: experience report on the use of Team-Based Learning to develop care technology, with the participation of 120 professionals from two municipalities located in the Midwest Region. Results: the use of Team-Based Learning in this experience enabled the construction of a Child Delivery Plan model based on the theoretical approach to the theme, a critical reflection exercise, an in-depth discussion, decision-making, after what a consensus was reached. The methodology enabled the (co) construction of knowledge in small groups, teamwork, accountability, and satisfaction among the participants. Final Considerations: the use of the TeamBased Learning methodology proved to be effective as a discussion strategy, building consensus and syntheses for the elaboration of a care technology aimed at the pregnancy-parturition period.

RESUMEN Objetivo: relatar la experiencia con el uso de la metodología Team-Based Learning para la elaboración de un modelo-estándar de Plan de Parto por profesionales de salud Métodos: relato de experiencia sobre el uso del Team-Based Learning para elaboración de una tecnología de cuidado, con la participación de 120 profesionales de dos municipios localizados en la Región Medio Oeste. Resultados: el uso del Team-Based Learning en esta experiencia posibilitó la construcción de un modelo de Plan de Parto con base en el acercamiento teórico con la temática, ejercicio crítico de reflexión, discusión en profundidad, toma de decisiones y consensos. La metodología fomentó la (co)construcción de conocimientos en pequeños equipos, trabajo en equipo, responsabilización y satisfacción entre los participantes. Consideraciones Finales: el uso de la metodología Team-Based Learning mostró eficaz como estrategia de discusión, construcción de consensos y síntesis para elaboración de una tecnología de cuidado vuelta al período puerperio.

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar a experiência com o uso da metodologia Team-Based Learning para a elaboração de um modelo-padrão de Plano de Parto por profissionais de saúde. Métodos: relato de experiência sobre o uso do Team-Based Learning para elaboração de uma tecnologia de cuidado, com a participação de 120 profissionais de dois municípios localizados na Região Centro-Oeste. Resultados: o uso do Team-Based Learning nesta experiência possibilitou a construção de um modelo de Plano de Parto com base na aproximação teórica com a temática, exercício crítico de reflexão, discussão em profundidade, tomada de decisões e consensos. A metodologia fomentou a (co)construção de conhecimentos em pequenos grupos, trabalho em equipe, responsabilização e satisfação entre os participantes. Considerações Finais: o uso da metodologia TeamBased Learning mostrou-se eficaz como estratégia de discussão, construção de consensos e sínteses para elaboração de uma tecnologia de cuidado voltada ao período gravídico-parturitivo.

Neural Regenerative Potential of Stem Cells Derived from the Tooth Apical Papilla.

The regenerative effects of stem cells derived from dental tissues have been previously investigated. This study assessed the potential of human tooth stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) on nerve regeneration. The SCAP collected from nine individuals were characterized and polarized by exposure to interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IFN-γ increased kynurenine and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production by SCAP, without affecting the cell viability. IFN-γ-primed SCAP exhibited a decrease of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA levels, followed by an upregulation of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA. Ex vivo, the co-culture of SCAP with neurons isolated from the rat dorsal root ganglion induced neurite outgrowth, accompanied by increased BDNF secretion, irrespective of IFN-γ priming. In vivo, the local application of SCAP reduced the mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in Wistar rats that had been submitted to sciatic chronic constriction injury. The SCAP also reduced the pain scores, according to the evaluation of the Grimace scale, partially restoring the myelin damage and BDNF immunopositivity secondary to nerve lesion. Altogether, our results provide novel evidence about the regenerative effects of human SCAP, indicating their potential to handle nerve injury-related complications.