Evaluation of the anti-biofilm efficacy of Kyotorphin derivatives and biosafety assessment: in vitro and in vivo investigations targeting bacterial and fungal pathogens

Kyotorphin (KTP) dipeptide (l-Tyrosine-l-Arginine) and their derivatives possess a multitude of functions, qualifying them as "multifunctional peptides." Considering the escalating bacterial resistance to antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides ofer a promising road, forming the central focus of this current investigation. The efectiveness of KTP derivatives, GABA-KTPNH2 and Indol-KTP-NH2, were assessed for bioflm inhibition in bacterial and fungal strains. The viability of these derivatives was tested in fbroblasts and B16-F10-Nex2 cells. In vivo toxicity was evaluated using the model organisms Galleria mellonella and Danio rerio. Notably, both GABA-KTP-NH2 and Indol-KTP-NH2 derivatives efectively hindered bioflm formation in E. coli, S. pneumoniae, and C. krusei. In the G. mellonella model, the derivatives exhibited signifcant larval survival rates in toxicity tests, while in infection tests, they demonstrated efcient treatment against the evaluated microorganisms. Conversely, zebrafsh assays revealed that Indol-KTP-NH2 induced substantial mortality rates in embryos after 72 and 96 h of exposure. Similarly, the GABA-KTP-NH2 derivative exhibited heightened lethality, noticeable at the 100 μM concentration after the same exposure periods. Importantly, toxicity assessments unveiled a relatively lower toxicity profle, coupled with a reduced potential for inducing abnormalities. These results highlight the necessity of employing a comprehensive approach that integrates diverse techniques to thoroughly assess toxicity implications.

Karyotype Evolution of Talking Thorny Catfishes Anadoras (Doradidae, Astrodoradinae): A Process Mediated by Structural Rearrangements and Intense Reorganization of Repetitive DNAs.

Anadoras is a thorny catfish genus widespread through the Amazon and Paraguay river basins. It includes 2 nominal species, A. grypus and A. weddellii, plus Anadoras sp. "araguaia," an undescribed species only recognized morphologically. Since Anadoras occupies a basal position within the Astrodoradinae phylogeny, it is crucial to identify its cytogenetic features to comprehend the mechanisms involved in the chromosomal diversification of this subfamily. Therefore, we performed a comparative cytogenetic analysis including all species of Anadoras. Furthermore, we applied a species delimitation analysis based on 600 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene to investigate the taxonomic status of the species. Cytogenetic markers revealed a high degree of similarity among Anadoras weddellii and Anadoras sp. "araguaia," both have 2n = 56 chromosomes (24m + 10sm + 22st/a), single NOR sites on acrocentric pair 28, and 5S rDNA sites on submetacentric pair 15. A. grypus has the most divergent chromosomal characteristics because, even though it also has 2n = 56 chromosomes, it exhibits several differences in the chromosome formula, heterochromatin distribution, and number/position of the rDNA sites. In sum, we believe that the chromosome diversification of Anadoras is due to 4 mechanisms: centric fusion, pericentric/paracentric inversions, nonreciprocal translocations, and activity of transposable elements. Additionally, our phylogenetic tree revealed well-supported clades and, by barcode species delimitation analysis, confirmed the existence of 3 molecular operational taxonomic units, including the putative new species Anadoras sp. "araguaia."

Cord blood concentrations of leptin, zinc-α2-glycoprotein, and adiponectin, and adiposity gain during the first 3 mo of life.

OBJECTIVES: Adipose tissue development starts in intrauterine life and cytokines are involved in this process. Therefore, understanding the role of cytokines in the fat mass gain of infants is crucial to prevent obesity later in life. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates a sex-specific link between cytokines and adipose tissue development. The objective of this study was to assess sex-specific relationships of cord blood concentrations of the cytokines leptin, zinc-α2-glycoprotein (ZAG), and adiponectin with infant adiposity during the first 3 mo of life. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of 104 mother-infant pairs that were selected from a maternity hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Cord blood leptin, ZAG, and adiponectin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The body composition of the infants was assessed monthly by air displacement plethysmography. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted with the average fat mass gain from birth to the third month of life as the outcome and cord blood leptin, ZAG, and adiponectin as the variables of interest. RESULTS: Leptin was inversely associated with fat mass gain in the first 3 mo of life (P = 0.003; adjusted R2 = 0.09). There were inverse associations of leptin (P = 0.021), ZAG (P = 0.042), and maternal body mass index (P = 0.04) with fat mass gain in girls (adjusted R2 = 0.29) but fat mass gain in boys was positively associated with gestational age (P = 0.01; adjusted R2 = 0.15). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that adiposity programming is sex-specific, which highlights the need to investigate the different metabolic mechanisms that are involved in adipogenesis.

Growth models for morphological traits of sunn hemp / Modelos de crescimento em caracteres morfológicos de crotalária juncea

The objective of the present study was to fit Gompertz and Logistic nonlinear to descriptions of morphological traits of sunn hemp. Two uniformity trials were conducted and the crops received identical treatment in all experimental area. Sunn hemp seeds were sown in rows 0.5 m apart with a plant density of 20 plants per row meter in a usable area of 52 m × 50 m. The following morphological traits were evaluated: plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), stem diameter (SD), and root length (RL). These traits were assessed daily during two sowing periodsseeds were sown on October 22, 2014 (first period) and December 3, 2014 (second period). Four plants were randomly collected daily, beginning 7 days after first period and 13 days after for second period, totaling 94 and 76 evaluation days, respectively. For Gompertz models the equation was used 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 ∗ 𝑒𝑒(−𝑒𝑒(𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥))and Logistic modelsthe equation was used 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎1+𝑒𝑒(−𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥). The inflection points of the Gompertz and Logistic modelswere calculated and the goodness of fit was quantified using the adjusted coefficient of determination,Akaike information criterion, standard deviation of residuals, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error, and mean prediction error. Differences were observed between the Gompertz and Logistic models and between the experimental periods in the parameter estimate for all morphological traits measured. Satisfactory growth curve fittings were achieved for plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter in both models using the evaluation criteria: coefficient of determination (R²), Akaike information criterion (AIC), standard deviation of residuals (SDR), means absolute deviation (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean prediction error (MPE). (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar modelos não lineares, Gompertz e Logístico, na descrição dos caracteres morfológicos de crotalária juncea. Foram realizados dois ensaios de uniformidade e os tratos culturais foram os mesmos em toda área experimental. A semeadura foi realizada em fileiras espaçadas de 0,5 m, com a densidade de 20 plantas por metro de fileira em área útil de 52 m × 50 m. Foram avaliados os caracteres morfológicos: altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule e comprimento de raiz. Estas variáveis foram avaliadas, diariamente, em duas épocas de semeadura, 22 de outubro de 2014 (época 1) e 03 de dezembro de 2014 (época 2), totalizando 94 e 76 dias de avaliação, respectivamente. Para a época 1, aos 7 dias após a semeadura, e para a época 2, aos 13 dias após a semeadura, foram coletadas, aleatoriamente, quatro plantas em cada dia. Para o modelo de Gompertz foi utilizada a equação 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 ∗ 𝑒𝑒(−𝑒𝑒(𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥)) e para o modelo Logístico foi utilizada a equação 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎1+𝑒𝑒(−𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥). Foi calculado o ponto de inflexão para os modelos Gompertz e Logístico. A qualidade do ajuste dos modelos Gompertz e Logístico foi verificada pelo coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério deinformação de Akaike, desvio padrão residual, desvio médio absoluto, erro percentual médio absolutoe erro de predição médio. Os modelos de Gompertz e Logístico diferem entre si e entre as épocas desemeadura, para as estimativas dos parâmetros para altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule e comprimento de raiz. As curvas de crescimento, para os caracteres altura de planta, número de folhas e diâmetro de caule, apresentaram ajustes satisfatórios para ambos os modelos, utilizando os seguintes critérios de avaliação: coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério de informação de Akaike, desvio padrão residual, desvio médio absoluto, erro percentual médio absoluto e erro de predição médio.(AU)

The Relationship between Maternal Plasma Leptin and Adiponectin Concentrations and Newborn Adiposity.

Increased maternal blood concentrations of leptin and decreased adiponectin levels, which are common disturbances in obesity, may be involved in offspring adiposity by programming fetal adipose tissue development. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between maternal leptin and adiponectin concentrations and newborn adiposity. This was a cross-sectional study involving 210 healthy mother-newborn pairs from a public maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Maternal blood samples were collected after delivery and leptin and adiponectin concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Newborn body composition was estimated by air displacement plethysmography. The association between maternal leptin and adiponectin concentrations and newborn adiposity (fat mass percentage, FM%) was evaluated by multiple linear regression, controlling for maternal age, socioeconomic status, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), weight gain, gestational age, and newborn age at the time of measurement. No relationship was found between maternal leptin and FM% of male or female newborn infants. Maternal adiponectin (p = 0.001) and pre-pregnancy BMI (p < 0.001; adj. R² = 0.19) were positively associated with FM% of newborn males, indicating that maternal adiponectin is involved in fetal fat deposition in a sex-specific manner. Large-scale epidemiological, longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Growth models for morphological traits of sunn hemp / Modelos de crescimento em caracteres morfológicos de crotalária juncea

The objective of the present study was to fit Gompertz and Logistic nonlinear to descriptions of morphological traits of sunn hemp. Two uniformity trials were conducted and the crops received identical treatment in all experimental area. Sunn hemp seeds were sown in rows 0.5 m apart with a plant density of 20 plants per row meter in a usable area of 52 m × 50 m. The following morphological traits were evaluated: plant height (PH), number of leaves (NL), stem diameter (SD), and root length (RL). These traits were assessed daily during two sowing periodsseeds were sown on October 22, 2014 (first period) and December 3, 2014 (second period). Four plants were randomly collected daily, beginning 7 days after first period and 13 days after for second period, totaling 94 and 76 evaluation days, respectively. For Gompertz models the equation was used 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 ∗ 𝑒𝑒(−𝑒𝑒(𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥))and Logistic modelsthe equation was used 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎1+𝑒𝑒(−𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥). The inflection points of the Gompertz and Logistic modelswere calculated and the goodness of fit was quantified using the adjusted coefficient of determination,Akaike information criterion, standard deviation of residuals, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error, and mean prediction error. Differences were observed between the Gompertz and Logistic models and between the experimental periods in the parameter estimate for all morphological traits measured. Satisfactory growth curve fittings were achieved for plant height, number of leaves, and stem diameter in both models using the evaluation criteria: coefficient of determination (R²), Akaike information criterion (AIC), standard deviation of residuals (SDR), means absolute deviation (MAD), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and mean prediction error (MPE).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi ajustar modelos não lineares, Gompertz e Logístico, na descrição dos caracteres morfológicos de crotalária juncea. Foram realizados dois ensaios de uniformidade e os tratos culturais foram os mesmos em toda área experimental. A semeadura foi realizada em fileiras espaçadas de 0,5 m, com a densidade de 20 plantas por metro de fileira em área útil de 52 m × 50 m. Foram avaliados os caracteres morfológicos: altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule e comprimento de raiz. Estas variáveis foram avaliadas, diariamente, em duas épocas de semeadura, 22 de outubro de 2014 (época 1) e 03 de dezembro de 2014 (época 2), totalizando 94 e 76 dias de avaliação, respectivamente. Para a época 1, aos 7 dias após a semeadura, e para a época 2, aos 13 dias após a semeadura, foram coletadas, aleatoriamente, quatro plantas em cada dia. Para o modelo de Gompertz foi utilizada a equação 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎 ∗ 𝑒𝑒(−𝑒𝑒(𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥)) e para o modelo Logístico foi utilizada a equação 𝑦𝑦𝑦𝑦 = 𝑎𝑎1+𝑒𝑒(−𝑏𝑏−𝑐𝑐∗𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥). Foi calculado o ponto de inflexão para os modelos Gompertz e Logístico. A qualidade do ajuste dos modelos Gompertz e Logístico foi verificada pelo coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério deinformação de Akaike, desvio padrão residual, desvio médio absoluto, erro percentual médio absolutoe erro de predição médio. Os modelos de Gompertz e Logístico diferem entre si e entre as épocas desemeadura, para as estimativas dos parâmetros para altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule e comprimento de raiz. As curvas de crescimento, para os caracteres altura de planta, número de folhas e diâmetro de caule, apresentaram ajustes satisfatórios para ambos os modelos, utilizando os seguintes critérios de avaliação: coeficiente de determinação ajustado, critério de informação de Akaike, desvio padrão residual, desvio médio absoluto, erro percentual médio absoluto e erro de predição médio.

Obesidade grau II leva a importantes alterações na capacidade cardiorrespiratória / Changes of cardiorespiratory capacity in obesity grade II

Introdução: Obesidade é considerada epidemia mundial e um dos maiores problemas de saúde na atualidade, bem como as comorbidades a ela associadas que acarretam alterações nas funções cardiorrespiratórias desses indivíduos. Objetivo: Avaliar parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios em indivíduos sedentários obesos grau II. Os 44 voluntários foram divididos igualmente em dois grupos, obesos (GOS) e eutróficos (GE). Material e métodos: Foram mensuradas variáveis de expansibilidade torácica, força muscular respiratória, pico de fluxo expiratório (PFE), capacidade vital, além das variáveis do teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). Resultados: Comparando os grupos, o GOS apresentou expansibilidade torácica com diferença significativa na inspiração (P = 0,038) e na expiração (P = 0,031) máximas do processo xifoide e na inspiração máxima (P = 0,039) da cicatriz umbilical, e PFE (P < 0,001). No TC6 o GOS apresentou frequência cardíaca (FC) em repouso mais elevada (P = 0,022) no pré-teste e saturação de oxigênio (SpO2) (P = 0,030) e distância percorrida (P < 0,001) menores, e Borg (P < 0,001) maior no pós-teste em relação ao GE. Comparando os parâmetros no pré e pós-TC6 houve alterações significativas da FC, frequência respiratória (FR), SpO2 e escala de Borg (toda com P < 0,001). Conclusão: A obesidade resulta em várias alterações cardiorrespiratórias importantes, incluindo aumento do trabalho respiratório, diminuição da expansibilidade torácica, obstrução ao fluxo aéreo e diminuição da saturação periférica de oxigênio. (AU)

Introduction: Obesity is a worldwide epidemic and one of the largest health problems leading to changes in the cardiorespiratory system. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory features on sedentary obese grade II subjects. Methods: Forty four individuals were divided into two groups referred as eutrophic (EG) and obese (OG). We measured chest expansion, respiratory muscle strength, expiratory peak flow (EPF), vital capacity and physiological variables in the six minute walk test (6MWT). Results: OG group showed a chest expansion with a significant difference in the expiration (P = 0.038) and expiration (P = 0.031) maximum in the xiphoid process and maximal inspiration (P = 0.039) of the umbilicus, and EPF (P < 0.001) when compared to EG group. In the 6MWT, OG showed at the pretest a rest heart rate (HR) higher (P = 0.022) and oxygen saturation (O2) (P = 0.030) and distance traveled (P < 0.001) lower, and Borg scale (P < 0.001) higher in the post-test when compared to GE. Comparison between pre- and post-6MWT was no significant changes in the HR, respiratory rate (RR), SpO2 and Borg scale (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Sedentary obese individuals grade II have cardiorespiratory alterations, particularly in the chest expansion, EPF, HR, RR and SpO2. (AU)

Tamanho de parcela e número de repetições em ervilha forrageira / Plot size and number of repetitions in forage pea

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e o número de repetições, para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Foram realizados 27 ensaios de uniformidade de 5m×5m (25m2). Cada ensaio foi dividido em 25 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1m×1m, totalizando 675UEB. Foi pesada a massa verde das plantas de cada UEB. Nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 92 dias após a semeadura (DAS), nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 98 DAS e os outros nove ensaios (225UEB) aos 106 DAS. O tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo) foi determinado por meio do método da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação e as comparações de médias, entre as épocas de avaliação, foram feitas pelo teste t de Student. O número de repetições, para experimentos nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, em cenários formados pelas combinações de i tratamentos (i=3, 4, ..., 50) e d diferenças mínimas entre médias de tratamentos a serem detectadas como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, expressas em percentagem da média do experimento (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), foi determinado por processo iterativo até a convergência. O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira é de 5,03UEB de 1m2 (5,03m2). Quatro repetições, para avaliar até 50 tratamentos, nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, são suficientes para identificar, como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, diferenças entre médias de tratamentos de 32,4% da média do experimento.

The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions and to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Twenty-seven uniformity trials of 5m×5m (25m2) were conducted. Each trial was divided in 25 basic experimental units (UEB) of 1m×1m, totaling 675UEB. The fresh weight of plants, in each UEB was weighed. Nine trials (225UEB) were evaluated at 92 days after sowing, nine trials (225UEB) at 98 days after sowing and the other nine trials (225UEB) at 106 days after sowing. The optimum plot size (Xo) was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared, among evaluation times, by Student's t test. The number of repetitions for experiments on completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of combinations of i treatments (i=3, 4, ..., 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means, to be detected as significant, 5% probability by Tukey test, expressed in percentage of the average of the experiment (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), was determined by interative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea is 5.03UEB was of 1m2 (5.03m2). Four replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are sufficient to identify, as significant at the 5% probability by Tukey test, differences between treatment means 32.4% of the average experiment.

Tamanho de parcela e número de repetições em ervilha forrageira / Plot size and number of repetitions in forage pea

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o tamanho ótimo de parcela e o número de repetições, para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Foram realizados 27 ensaios de uniformidade de 5m×5m (25m2). Cada ensaio foi dividido em 25 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1m×1m, totalizando 675UEB. Foi pesada a massa verde das plantas de cada UEB. Nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 92 dias após a semeadura (DAS), nove ensaios (225UEB) foram avaliados aos 98 DAS e os outros nove ensaios (225UEB) aos 106 DAS. O tamanho ótimo de parcela (Xo) foi determinado por meio do método da curvatura máxima do modelo do coeficiente de variação e as comparações de médias, entre as épocas de avaliação, foram feitas pelo teste t de Student. O número de repetições, para experimentos nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, em cenários formados pelas combinações de i tratamentos (i=3, 4, ..., 50) e d diferenças mínimas entre médias de tratamentos a serem detectadas como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, expressas em percentagem da média do experimento (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), foi determinado por processo iterativo até a convergência. O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a massa verde de ervilha forrageira é de 5,03UEB de 1m2 (5,03m2). Quatro repetições, para avaliar até 50 tratamentos, nos delineamentos inteiramente casualizado e blocos ao acaso, são suficientes para identificar, como significativas a 5% de probabilidade, pelo teste de Tukey, diferenças entre médias de tratamentos de 32,4% da média do experimento.(AU)

The objectives of this research were to determine the optimum plot size and number of repetitions and to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Poir). Twenty-seven uniformity trials of 5m×5m (25m2) were conducted. Each trial was divided in 25 basic experimental units (UEB) of 1m×1m, totaling 675UEB. The fresh weight of plants, in each UEB was weighed. Nine trials (225UEB) were evaluated at 92 days after sowing, nine trials (225UEB) at 98 days after sowing and the other nine trials (225UEB) at 106 days after sowing. The optimum plot size (Xo) was determined by the method of maximum curvature of the model coefficient of variation and the means compared, among evaluation times, by Student's t test. The number of repetitions for experiments on completely randomized and randomized block designs, in scenarios of combinations of i treatments (i=3, 4, ..., 50) and d minimal differences between treatments means, to be detected as significant, 5% probability by Tukey test, expressed in percentage of the average of the experiment (d=10%, 12%, ..., 30%), was determined by interative process until convergence. The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh weight of forage pea is 5.03UEB was of 1m2 (5.03m2). Four replications, to evaluate up to 50 treatments, in completely randomized and randomized block designs, are sufficient to identify, as significant at the 5% probability by Tukey test, differences between treatment means 32.4% of the average experiment.(AU)

Relação entre adiposidade materna e do recém-nascido com concentrações de vitamina D materna e do cordão umbilical / Relationship between maternal and neonatal adiposity with maternal and umbilical cord vitamin D concentrations

Introdução - A vitamina D desempenha funções na regulação da homeostase do cálcio e fósforo, diferenciação celular, metabolismo de hormônios e regulação do sistema imune. Sua deficiência em crianças pode ocasionar raquitismo, convulsões e insuficiência respiratória. Objetivo - Determinar a relação entre adiposidade materna e do recém-nascido com as concentrações de vitamina D materna e do cordão umbilical. Metodologia - Foram envolvidas 101 mães e seus respectivos recém-nascidos selecionados no Hospital Maternidade Vila Nova Cachoeirinha, São Paulo. A concentração de vitamina D foi determinada por cromatografia líquida. A composição corporal materna foi determinada por bioimpedância segmentada (InBody®, Coréia do Sul) e a dos recém-nascidos obtida por pletismografia por deslocamento de ar (PEA POD®, USA). Para análise estatística, utilizou-se análise de regressão linear múltipla e coeficiente de correlação de Spearman

Introduction - Vitamin D plays a role in the regulation of mineral homeostasis, cell differentiation, hormone metabolism, and regulation of the immune system. Its deficiency can cause rickets in children, convulsions and difficulty breathing. Objective - To determine the relationship between maternal adiposity and the newborn with concentrations of vitamin D maternal and umbilical cord. Methodology- 101 mothers and their newborns were involved

Perspectivas dos marcadores biológicos e terapias no carcinoma diferenciado da tireóide / Prospects of biological markers and therapies in differential thyroid carcinoma

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVO: O Câncer de tiróide é a neoplasia endócrina maligna mais frequente com incidência de 1% no Brasil. Os carcinomas diferenciados da tireóide (CDT) - papilífero e folicular- são responsáveis por 90% das neoplasias tireoidianas, com elevado percentual de curas, porém em 7 a 20% dos pacientes, evolui com metástases e recorrências precoces. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os marcadores moleculares que auxiliam no prognóstico e tratamento mais adequado do CDT e as novas perspectivas terapêuticas. CONTEÚDO: Inúmeros estudos vem buscando identificar marcadores prognósticos, que possam dividir os pacientes de baixo e alto risco e assim determinar uma forma de tratamento mais adequada nos casos resistentes ao tratamento convencional. Alguns marcadores moleculares tem sido estudados e relacionados ao CDT, como o NIS, RAS, BRAF, RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARY, p53, NRTK1, Galectina-3 e ciclo-oxigenase-2. Novas drogas estão em estudo em base aos marcadores moleculares, como o sorafenib, zactima, ácido retinóico, inibidores da ciclo-oxigenase-2, troglitazona, dentre outros, com resultados animadores. CONCLUSÃO: A medida que se conhece a patogêse molecular das neoplasias tiroideanas, novos drogas estão sendo estudadas e testadas in vitro e in vivo e avaliados em ensaios clínicos com resultados bastantes promissores para o CDT, principalmente o carcinoma papilífero da tireóide (CPT)...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thyroid cancer is the most common malignantendocrine neoplasm, with an incidence of 1% in Brazil. Differentiated thyroidcarcinoma (DTC) - papillary and follicular - are responsible for 90% of thyroid cancers with high cure rates, but in 7-20% of patients with metastasis and recurrence develops early. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular markers that aid in prognosis and most appropriate treatment of DTC and the new therapeutic perspectives.CONTENTS: Numerous studies has sought to identify prognostic markers that can stratify patients with low or high risk and thus determine a more appropriate form of treatment in cases resistant to conventional treatment. Some molecular markers have been studied and related to CDT, such as NIS, RAS, BRAF, RET / PTC, PAX8/PPARY, p53, NRTK1, Galectin-3 and Cyclooxygenase-2. New drugs are being studied based on the molecular markers, such as sorafenib, zactima, retinoic acid, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2, troglitazone, among others, with encouraging results.CONCLUSION: As we know the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer, new drugs are being studied and tested in vitro and in vivo and evaluated in clinical trials with very promising results for the CDT, mainly papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)...

Cadmium and Chromium Toxicity to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Microcystis aeruginosa

The toxicity of cadmium and chromium to Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and Microcystis aeruginosa was evaluated through algal growth rate during 96h exposure bioassays. Free metal ion concentrations were obtained using MINEQL+ 4.61 and used for IC50 determination. Metal accumulations by the microorganisms were determined and they were found to be dependent on the concentration of Cd2+ and Cr6+. IC50 for P. subcapitata were 0.60 µmol L-1 free Cd2+ and 20 µmol L-1 free Cr6+, while the IC50 values for M. aeruginosa were 0.01 µmol L-1 Cd2+ and 11.07 µmol L-1 Cr6+ . P. subcapitata accumulated higher metal concentrations (0.001 -0.05 µmol Cd mg-1 dry wt. and 0.001 -0.04 µmol Cr mg-1 dry wt) than the cyanobacteria (0.001 -0.01 µmol Cd mg-1 dry wt and 0.001 -0.02 µmol Cr mg-1 dry wt). Cadmium was more toxic than chromium to both the microorganisms.

Plasma lipid levels of rats fed a diet containing pork fat as a source of lipids after splenic surgery.

Experimental studies have suggested an important role of the spleen in lipid metabolism, although with controversial results. Our purpose was to analyze the effect of a nutritionally balanced (NB) diet and a diet containing pork fat (PF) as source of lipids on the lipid profile of rats submitted to splenic surgery. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals each: 1 sham-operated, NB diet; 2 sham-operated, PF diet; 3 total splenectomy (TS), NB diet; 4 TS, PF diet; 5 TS followed by splenic autotransplantation (SA), NB diet; and 6 SA, PF diet. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (D0) and after 12 weeks of the experiment (D + 12) for plasma lipid determination. Morphologic regeneration of splenic tissues was observed, with no differences between groups 5 and 6. When D + 12 plasma lipid levels were compared to D0 levels there were no differences in groups 1, 3, and 5, while in groups 2, 4, and 6 total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) increased, and high density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased. At D + 12, groups 2, 4, and 6 had lower HDL than group 3. In conclusion, regardless of the surgical procedure applied to the spleen, an NB diet maintained plasma lipid levels while a diet with PF as source of lipids changed the animals' lipid profile.

Effects of probiotic supplementation on markers of acute pancreatitis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal barrier disruption followed by bacterial translocation seems to play a role in secondary pancreatic infection in acute pancreatitis. The use of probiotics as a possible adjuvant strategy in the treatment of acute pancreatitis needs to be investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with a prophylactically administered multispecies probiotic mixture on the markers of acute pancreatitis and on the occurrence of bacterial translocation. METHODS: Thirty adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups of 10 rats each: (1) the PS group, in which the rats were given probiotic supplementation prior to induction of acute pancreatitis; (2) the WP group, in which the rats underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis without prior probiotic supplementation; and (3) the control group, in which the rats underwent sham surgery. For 14 days before surgery, animals in the PS group received a single daily dose containing ~1.2 × 10(9) colony-forming units of a probiotic mixture administered intragastrically as a bolus. On day 15, the animals underwent surgery to induce acute pancreatitis (PS and WP groups) or simulated surgery (control group). Blood samples were collected to determine leukocyte count, amylase and lipase activities, and glucose and calcium concentrations immediately before and 6 and 12 hours after the beginning of the procedure. Samples of pancreas, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes were harvested for microbiologic and histopathologic analysis after the last blood sample collection. The pathologist examining the histopathology was blinded to treatment assignment. RESULTS: The mean leukocyte count was significantly increased in the PS group compared with the WP group (P = 0.018), whereas the serum amylase and lipase activities and the serum glucose and calcium concentrations were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Comparing the risk for tissue colonization in the PS group with that of the WP group, the odds ratio (OR) for pancreas was 2.91 (95% CI, 0.13-67.10); liver, 66.55 (95% CI, 1.89-2282.66); spleen, 88.58 (95% CI, 3.04-2583.08); and mesenteric lymph nodes, 1.23 (95% CI, 0.06-25.48). When the risks for histopathologic changes were compared between the 2 groups, the OR for acinar necrosis was 1.73 (95% CI, 0.21-12.17); steatonecrosis, 12.08 (95% CI, 1.26-115.54); hemorrhage, 1.38 (95% CI, 0.21-9.53); and leukocyte infiltration, 5.91 (95% CI, 0.64-54.89). CONCLUSION: Probiotic supplementation before the induction of acute pancreatitis was associated with a greater degree of bacterial translocation and pancreatic tissue damage in this animal model.

Lipidic profile among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations on plasmatic lipids levels among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant receiving standard chow during the postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C)-- sham-operated, total splenectomy--isolated (TS) or combined with splenic autotransplantation (SA). Since the postoperative period, all animals received standard rat chow manipulated in accordance to the American Institute of Nutrition Rodents Diets (1993). The plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and glucose (GLUC) were analyzed before the surgical procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the animals presented significant increase of TG and VLDL levels. In relation to the other parameters there was no difference among the weeks 0 and 12 in the animals of group C. In TS group significant increase was observed in TC and GLUC levels during the experiment. In SA group TC, HDL, and GLUC levels remained unaffected while HDL levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isolated total splenectomy alters lipids metabolism in rats fed with standard chow and splenic autotransplantation is effective in restoring its control.

Lipidic profile among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant

PURPOSE: To evaluate the alterations on plasmatic lipids levels among rats submitted to total splenectomy isolated or combined with splenic autotransplant receiving standard chow during the postoperative period. METHODS: Thirty Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (C) - sham-operated, total splenectomy - isolated (TS) or combined with splenic autotransplantation (SA). Since the postoperative period, all animals received standard rat chow manipulated in accordance to the American Institute of Nutrition Rodents Diets (1993). The plasmatic levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and glucose (GLUC) were analyzed before the surgical procedure and after 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: All the animals presented significant increase of TG and VLDL levels. In relation to the other parameters there was no difference among the weeks 0 and 12 in the animals of group C. In TS group significant increase was observed in TC and GLUC levels during the experiment. In SA group TC, HDL, and GLUC levels remained unaffected while HDL levels increased. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that isolated total splenectomy alters lipids metabolism in rats fed with standard chow and splenic autotransplantation is effective in restoring its control.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as alterações nos níveis de lipídios plasmáticos em ratos submetidos a esplenectomia total isolada ou combinada com auto-implante esplênico, recebendo dieta padrão no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Trinta ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em três grupos: controle (C) - operação simulada, esplenectomia total isolada (ET) ou combinada com auto-implante esplênico (AE). A partir do período pós-operatório, todos os animais receberam ração padrão, manipulada segundo o American Institute of Nutrition (1993). Os níveis plasmáticos de colesterol total (CT), triglicerídeos (TG), lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL), lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade (VLDL) e glicose (GLIC) foram analisados antes do procedimento e após 6 e 12 semanas. RESULTADOS: Todos os animais apresentaram aumento de TG e VLDL. Em relação aos demais parâmetros, não ocorreu diferença entre as semanas 0 e 12 nos animais do grupo C. No grupo ET, observou-se aumento de CT e GLIC durante o experimento. No grupo AE, os níveis de CT, HDL e GLIC permaneceram inalterados enquanto os níveis de HDL se elevaram. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos achados sugerem que a esplenectomia total isolada altera o metabolismo lipídico em ratos alimentados com ração padrão e que o auto-implante esplênico é eficaz na restauração do seu controle.