Analysis of the chemerin and resistin adipokines in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the serum concentrations of adipokines resistin and chemerin in children and adolescents with eutrophic and overweight and to evaluate their relationship with anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure variables. METHODS: a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 234 students enrolled in public elementary schools in the city of Juiz de Fora / MG. Anthropometric evaluation, biochemistry, and blood pressure measurement were performed. Statistical analyzes included the Student-t or Mann-Whitney tests, Pearson or Spearman correlation, used according to the distribution of the variables, and linear regression analysis, by means of the evaluation of the effect of the independent variables on the serum levels of chemerin and resistin, adjusted for age and sex. For the data analysis, SPSS® software version 21.0 and STATA® version 10.1 were used, assuming a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: the concentrations of chemerin were higher in eutrophic individuals than in those with excess weight (p> 0.05). In contrast, levels of resistin were higher in the young with excess weight than in the eutrophic ones (p <0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, the levels of chemerin were associated with the values of resistin, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. Resistance levels maintained association only with BMI and chemerin values. CONCLUSION: the adipokines analyzed presented a distinct profile in the groups of children and adolescents with eutrophic and overweight.

Analysis of the chemerin and resistin adipokines in children and adolescents

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES To compare the serum concentrations of adipokines resistin and chemerin in children and adolescents with eutrophic and overweight and to evaluate their relationship with anthropometric, biochemical, and blood pressure variables. METHODS a cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted with 234 students enrolled in public elementary schools in the city of Juiz de Fora / MG. Anthropometric evaluation, biochemistry, and blood pressure measurement were performed. Statistical analyzes included the Student-t or Mann-Whitney tests, Pearson or Spearman correlation, used according to the distribution of the variables, and linear regression analysis, by means of the evaluation of the effect of the independent variables on the serum levels of chemerin and resistin, adjusted for age and sex. For the data analysis, SPSS® software version 21.0 and STATA® version 10.1 were used, assuming a significance level of 5%. RESULTS the concentrations of chemerin were higher in eutrophic individuals than in those with excess weight (p> 0.05). In contrast, levels of resistin were higher in the young with excess weight than in the eutrophic ones (p <0.05). In the multiple linear regression analysis, the levels of chemerin were associated with the values of resistin, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure. Resistance levels maintained association only with BMI and chemerin values. CONCLUSION the adipokines analyzed presented a distinct profile in the groups of children and adolescents with eutrophic and overweight.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Comparar as concentrações séricas das adipocinas resistina e quemerina em crianças e adolescentes com eutrofia e excesso de peso e avaliar sua relação com as variáveis antropométricas, bioquímicas e a pressão arterial. MÉTODOS Estudo epidemiológico transversal realizado com 234 estudantes matriculados em escolas públicas do ensino fundamental no município de Juiz de Fora/MG. Realizou-se avaliação antropométrica, bioquímica e aferição da pressão arterial. As análises estatísticas compreenderam os testes t de Student ou Mann-Whitney, correlação de Pearson ou Spearman, utilizados de acordo com a distribuição das variáveis, e análise de regressão linear, realizada por meio da avaliação do efeito das variáveis independentes nos níveis séricos de quemerina e resistina, ajustado por idade e sexo. Para a análise dos dados foram utilizados os softwares SPSS® versão 21.0 e Stata® versão 10.1, admitindo-se nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS As concentrações de quemerina foram maiores nos indivíduos eutróficos do que nos com excesso de peso (p>0,05). Em contrapartida, os níveis de resistina estiveram maiores nos jovens com excesso ponderal do que nos eutróficos (p<0,05). Na análise de regressão linear múltipla, os níveis de quemerina apresentaram associação com os valores de resistina, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica. Os níveis de resistina mantiveram associação apenas com os valores de IMC e quemerina. CONCLUSÃO As adipocinas analisadas apresentaram perfil distinto nos grupos de crianças e adolescentes com eutrofia e com excesso de peso.

Cross-sectional study showed that breakfast consumption was associated with demographic, clinical and biochemical factors in children and adolescents.

AIM: We investigated the demographic, anthropometric, clinical, biochemical and behavioural factors associated with children and adolescents who missed breakfast. METHODS: This 2012 cross-sectional study was carried out in the city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil, with a sample of 684 students: 191 children aged 7-9 and 493 adolescents aged 10-14. Data on demographic, physical activity and breakfast consumption were based on a 24-hour recall record and a three-day dietary record. Weight, height, body fat, waist circumference and blood pressure were also measured. Finally, samples were collected for analysis of blood total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and glucose. The statistics are presented as prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence (95% CI) intervals. RESULTS: Missing breakfast was more common among adolescents than children (30% versus 22%) and among girls of all ages than among boys (33% versus 22%). It was also associated with children, but not adolescents, with increased levels of diastolic blood pressure (PR 5.6, 95% CI 1.8-17.4), total cholesterol (PR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9) and low-density lipoprotein (PR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-2.9). CONCLUSION: Missing breakfast was more common among adolescents and females and associated with increased levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in children.

Feline immudeficiency virus subtypes B and A in cats from São Luis, Maranhão, Brazil.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus of the genus Lentivirus that is distributed worldwide, with prevalence rates varying between 2.5% and 44%. FIV causes immunosuppression, with depletion of TCD4+ lymphocytes, with the majority of clinical signs caused by secondary and opportunistic infections. Blood samples were collected from nine domestic cats (Felis catus domesticus) from the city of São Luís, Maranhão State, Brazil. All samples were positive in a rapid immunochromatographic test (SNAP® Combo FeLV Ag/FIV Antibody Test) and in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Phylogenetic analysis showed that six samples clustered within subtype B, one within subtype A, and two did not cluster with any known subtype. Five unique haplotypes (Hap-1, Hap-2, Hap-3, Hap-5 and Hap-6) and a shared haplotype (Hap-4) were found, this last one being the most frequent. This is the first report on the genetic diversity of FIV in the city of São Luís and the first report of subtype A in Brazil. New variations of the virus are also reported.

Daily meal frequency and associated variables in children and adolescents / Frequência de refeições diárias e variáveis associadas em crianças e adolescentes

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the frequency distribution of daily meals and its relation to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical factors in children and adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 708 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Data on personal information, socioeconomic status, physical activity and number of meals were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire and consumption by 24-h recall and food record. Weight and height measurements were also performed to calculate the body mass index. Finally, blood samples were collected for analysis of total cholesterol, high- and low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney test, and Poisson regression were used in statistical analysis. Results: Meal frequency <4 was associated in children, family income <3 Brazilian minimum wages (PR = 5.42; 95% CI: 1.29-22.77; p = 0.021) and adolescents, the number of sons in the family >2 (PR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.11-2.11; p = 0.010). Even in the age group of 10-14 years, <4 meals was related to higher prevalence of body mass index (PR = 1.33; 95% CI: 1.02-1.74; p = 0.032) and low-density lipoprotein (PR = 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03-1.87; p = 0.030) higher after adjustments. Conclusion: Lower frequency of meals was related to lower income in children and adolescents, larger number of sons in the family, and increased values of body mass index and low-density lipoprotein.

Resumo: Objetivo: Investigar a distribuição da frequência de refeições diárias e sua relação com fatores demográficos, socioeconômicos, comportamentais, antropométricos e bioquímicos em crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: Estudo transversal feito com uma amostra representativa de 708 escolares 7 e 14 anos. Os dados sobre informações pessoais, nível socioeconômico, atividade física e número de refeições foram obtidos por meio de questionário semiestruturado e o consumo por meio de recordatório de 24 horas e registro alimentar. Medidas de peso e altura também foram feitas para cálculo do índice de massa corporal. Por fim, coletaram-se amostras de sangue para análises de colesterol total, lipoproteína de baixa e de alta densidade, triglicerídeos e glicemia. Análises descritivas, teste de Mann-Whitney e regressão de Poisson foram usados nas análises estatísticas. Resultados: Frequência de refeições < 4 se associou, em crianças, a renda familiar < 3 salários (RP = 5,42; IC 95%: 1,29-22,77; p = 0,021) e, em adolescentes, ao número de filhos na família > 2 (RP = 1,53; IC 95%: 1,11-2,11; p = 0,010). Ainda na faixa de 10 a 14 anos, < 4 refeições se relacionou a maior prevalência de índice de massa corporal (RP = 1,33; IC 95%: 1,02-1,74; p = 0,032) e lipoproteína de baixa densidade (RP = 1,39; IC 95%: 1,03-1,87; p = 0,030) elevados após ajustes. Conclusão: Menor frequência de refeições se associou a menor renda em crianças e em adolescentes a maior número de filhos na família e valores aumentados de índice de massa corporal e lipoproteína de baixa densidade.

Daily meal frequency and associated variables in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency distribution of daily meals and its relation to demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, anthropometric and biochemical factors in children and adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of 708 schoolchildren aged 7-14 years. Data on personal information, socioeconomic status, physical activity and number of meals were obtained through semi-structured questionnaire and consumption by 24-h recall and food record. Weight and height measurements were also performed to calculate the body mass index. Finally, blood samples were collected for analysis of total cholesterol, high- and low density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and glucose levels. Descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney test, and Poisson regression were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS: Meal frequency <4 was associated in children, family income <3 Brazilian minimum wages (PR=5.42; 95% CI: 1.29-22.77; p=0.021) and adolescents, the number of sons in the family >2 (PR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.11-2.11; p=0.010). Even in the age group of 10-14 years, <4 meals was related to higher prevalence of body mass index (PR=1.33; 95% CI: 1.02-1.74; p=0.032) and low-density lipoprotein (PR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.03-1.87; p=0.030) higher after adjustments. CONCLUSION: Lower frequency of meals was related to lower income in children and adolescents, larger number of sons in the family, and increased values of body mass index and low-density lipoprotein.

Encapsulated Brucella ovis Lacking a Putative ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter (ΔabcBA) Protects against Wild Type Brucella ovis in Rams.

This study aimed to evaluate protection induced by the vaccine candidate B. ovis ΔabcBA against experimental challenge with wild type B. ovis in rams. Rams were subcutaneously immunized with B. ovis ΔabcBA encapsulated with sterile alginate or with the non encapsulated vaccine strain. Serum, urine, and semen samples were collected during two months after immunization. The rams were then challenged with wild type B. ovis (ATCC25840), and the results were compared to non immunized and experimentally challenged rams. Immunization, particularly with encapsulated B. ovis ΔabcBA, prevented infection, secretion of wild type B. ovis in the semen and urine, shedding of neutrophils in the semen, and the development of clinical changes, gross and microscopic lesions induced by the wild type B. ovis reference strain. Collectively, our data indicates that the B. ovis ΔabcBA strain is an exceptionally good vaccine strain for preventing brucellosis caused by B. ovis infection in rams.

Association of vitamin D insufficiency with adiposity and metabolic disorders in Brazilian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the frequency of deficiency/insufficiency of vitamin D in adolescents and its relationship to overweight and metabolic disorders. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Nutritional status was assessed by BMI according to WHO recommendations. Dietary intake was evaluated using a 3 d dietary record. The biochemical evaluation comprised measurements of serum lipids, lipoproteins, glucose, insulin, calcidiol (25(OH)D) and parathyroid hormone. Insulin resistance was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment. Body composition and blood pressure were assessed. SETTING: Fifteen schools (eight public and seven private) in the central city of Juiz de Fora, Brazil. SUBJECTS: The analysis included a study population of 160 adolescents (seventy-seven eutrophic and eighty-three overweight) aged 15 to 17 years. RESULTS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was observed in 1.25 and 70.6 % of adolescents, respectively. Serum 25(OH)D levels were statistically lower in adolescents with weight excess, abdominal obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, higher levels of parathyroid hormone, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia and hypertension (P < 0.05). Lower BMI and waist circumference were observed in the third (highest) tertile of vitamin D intake for all adolescents. The high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is primarily nutritional and reflects a low vitamin D intake. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the negative association among serum 25(OH)D levels and vitamin D intake with non-skeletal outcomes in Brazilian adolescents. Vitamin D fortification of foods and/or the use of vitamin D supplements need to be considered to raise vitamin D intake in the adolescent population, even in a sunny country like Brazil.

Synthesis, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of some 5-arylidene-4-thioxo-thiazolidine-2-ones.

Several 5-arylidene-4-thioxo-thiazolidine-2-ones (3a-n) were synthesized and evaluated as antimicrobial agents against representative strains, including multidrug-resistant strains of clinical isolates. Also, the antiproliferative activity was evaluated against two human carcinoma cell lines (NCI-H292 and HEp-2). The compounds containing the 5-arylidene subunit presented greater antimicrobial activities against Gram positive bacteria, including the multidrug-resistant clinical isolates, than the 4-thioxo-thiazolidine-2-one. Important SAR information was also gathered, such as the contribution of thiocarbonyl attached at 4-position on the thiazolidine heterocyclic for antimicrobial properties. None of the derivatives exhibited significant antiproliferative activity against the human carcinoma cell lines.