Transcranial direct current stimulation is more effective than pregabalin in controlling nociceptive and anxiety-like behaviors in a rat fibromyalgia-like model.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the fact that fibromyalgia, a widespread disease of the musculoskeletal system, has no specific treatment, patients have shown improvement after pharmacological intervention. Pregabalin has demonstrated efficacy; however, its adverse effects may reduce treatment adherence. In this context, neuromodulatory techniques such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be employed as a complementary pain-relieving method. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of pregabalin and tDCS treatments on the behavioral and biomarker parameters of rats submitted to a fibromyalgia-like model. METHODS: Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control and reserpine. Five days after the end of the administration of reserpine (1 mg/kg/3 days) to induce a fibromyalgia-like model, rats were randomly assigned to receive either vehicle or pregabalin (30 mg/kg) along with sham or active- tDCS treatments. The evaluated behavioral parameters included mechanical allodynia by von Frey test and anxiety-like behaviors by elevated plus-maze test (time spent in opened and closed arms, number of entries in opened and closed arms, protected head-dipping, unprotected head-dipping [NPHD], grooming, rearing, fecal boluses). The biomarker analysis (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) was performed in brainstem and cerebral cortex and in serum. RESULTS: tDCS reversed the reduction in the mechanical nociceptive threshold and the decrease in the serum BDNF levels induced by the model of fibromyalgia; however, there was no effect of pregabalin in the mechanical threshold. There were no effects of pregabalin or tDCS found in TNF-α levels. The pain model induced an increase in grooming time and a decrease in NPHD and rearing; while tDCS reversed the increase in grooming, pregabalin reversed the decrease in NPHD. CONCLUSIONS: tDCS was more effective than pregabalin in controlling nociception and anxiety-like behavior in a rat model-like fibromyalgia. Considering the translational aspect, our findings suggest that tDCS could be a potential non-pharmacological treatment for fibromyalgia.

Efetividade de um programa multiprofissional de tratamento da obesidade durante a pandemia de COVID-19: aplicação do monitoramento remoto da enfermagem / Efectividad de un programa multidisciplinario de tratamiento de la obesidad durante la pandemia de COVID-19: aplicación de monitoreo remoto de enfermería / Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary obesity treatment program during the COVID-19 pandemic: application of remote nursing monitoring

Objetivo: Verificar a efetividade do monitoramento remoto da enfermagem associada a um programa multi-profissional de tratamento de obesidade na melhora dos biomarcadores cardiometabólicos e indicadores da aptidão física relacionada à saúde de adultos com obesidade acompanhados durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Métodos: Estudo caracterizado como um Ensaio Clínico Pragmático, realizado em um município do Sul do Brasil, com 22 mulheres, com idade entre 18 e 50 anos, portadores de telefone celular com acesso ao aplicativo WhatsApp® durante 16 semanas. Foram realizadas avaliações pré e pós intervenção por meio de exames labo-ratoriais, capazes de determinar os biomarcadores cardiometabólicos: HDL, triglicerídeos, LDL, colesterol total, glicemia, hemoglobina glicada, insulina, Homa-IR, Homa-β, PCR-us; e de testes capazes de avaliar os níveis da aptidão física relacionada à saúde: composição corporal, aptidão cardiorrespiratória, força muscular e flexibili-dade. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através do teste t para amostras pareadas e correlacionados a partir do valor de delta absoluto de cada variável por meio da correlação de Pearson. Os resultados foram considerados significantes quando o valor de p foi < 0,05. Este estudo possui parecer favorável do Comitê Nacional de Ética em Pesquisas. Resultados: Foram observadas melhoras significativas nos níveis de glicemia, insulina, Homa-IR e HDL, bem como nos indicadores de aptidão cardiorrespiratória e força muscular. Conclusão: O monitoramento remoto da enfermagem associado a um programa multiprofissional de tratamento de obesidade é uma inter-venção efetiva na melhoria dos biomarcadores cardiometabólicos e dos indicadores da AFRS.

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad del monitoreo remoto de enfermería, en asociación con un programa multiprofesional de tratamiento de la obesidad, para mejorar los biomarcadores cardiometabólicos y los indicadores de aptitud física relacionados con la salud en adultos obesos durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un Ensayo Clínico Pragmático en un municipio del sur de Brasil, con la participación de 22 mujeres de edades comprendidas entre los 18 y 50 años, que contaban con teléfonos móviles con acceso a la aplicación WhatsApp® durante un período de 16 semanas. Se realizaron evaluaciones pre y postintervención mediante exámenes de laboratorio, que permitieron determinar los biomarcadores cardiometabólicos: HDL, triglicéridos, LDL, colesterol total, glucemia, hemoglobina glucosilada, insulinemia, Homa-IR, Homa-β, hs-CRP; y pruebas para evaluar los niveles de aptitud física relacionados con la salud: composición corporal, aptitud cardiorrespiratoria, fuerza muscular y flexibilidad. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron utilizando la prueba t para muestras pareadas y se correlacionaron mediante la correlación de Pearson, a partir del valor delta absoluto de cada variable. Se consideraron resultados significativos cuando el valor de p fue < 0,05. Este estudio recibió la aprobación del Comité Nacional de Ética en Investigación.Resultados: Se observaron mejoras significativas en los niveles de glucosa en sangre, insulina, Homa-IR y HDL, así como en los indicadores de aptitud cardiorrespiratoria y fuerza muscular.Conclusión: El monitoreo remoto de enfermería, en asociación con un programa multidisciplinario de tratamiento de la obesidad, resulta en una intervención eficaz para mejorar los biomarcadores cardiometabólicos y los indicadores de aptitud física relacionados con la salud.

Objective: To verify the effectiveness of remote nursing monitoring associated with a multi-professional obesity treatment program to improve cardiometabolic biomarkers and health-related physical fitness indicators in obese adults followed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The study was characterized as a Pragmatic Clinical Trial, carried out in a municipality in the south of Brazil. It involved 22 women aged between 18 and 50 years, who had cell phones with access to the WhatsApp® application for 16 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were carried out through laboratory tests capable of determining cardiometabolic biomarkers: HDL, triglycerides, LDL, total cholesterol, glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, insulinemia, Homa-IR, Homa-β, hs-CRP. As well as tests capable of assessing the levels of physical fitness related to health: body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and flexibility. The data obtained were analyzed using the t-test for paired samples and correlated from the absolute delta value of each variable using Pearson's correlation. Results were considered significant when the p value was <0.05. This study received a favorable opinion from the National Research Ethics Committee. Results: The study observed significant improvements in blood glucose, insulin, Homa-IR and HDL levels, as well as in indicators of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength. Conclusion: Remote nursing monitoring associated with a multidisciplinary obesity treatment program is an effective intervention for improving cardiometabolic biomarkers and AFRS indicators.

Efeitos de um programa multiprofissional de tratamento da obesidade com treinamento aquático sobre parâmetros bioquímicos, composição corporal e aptidão física em adultos / Efectos de un programa de tratamiento multiprofesional de la obesidad con entrenamiento acuático sobre parámetros bioquímicos, composición corporal y condición física en adultos / Effects of a multiprofessional obesity treatment program with aquatic training on biochemical parameters, body composition and physical fitness in adults

Diante ao preocupante cenário mundial sobre a obesidade e a importância de intervenções multiprofissionais para mudança no estilo de vida da população com obesidade. O Objetivo foi analisar os efeitos de um programa multiprofissional para tratamento da obesidade com treinamento aquático, nos parâmetros bioquímicos, composição corporal e da aptidão física de adultos obesidade severa. O estudo foi conduzido por equipe multiprofissional com profissionais de Educação Física, Nutrição, Psicologia e Medicina, durante 24 semanas, com 16 indivíduos classificados com obesidade severa (IMC > 40 kg/m2). As Intervenções do programa proposto no estudo foram realizadas através treinamento aquático de exercícios aeróbicos associados com a orientação nutricional e psicológica. Foi analisada diminuição significativa no índice de Proteína C Reativa (mg/L) (p=0,0439); no percentual de gordura (%), ao final das 24 semanas do programa de tratamento (p=0,0136), também houve aumento significativo na força de pressão manual (kg) com 16 semanas (p=0,0006) e 24 semanas (p=0,0014). Este estudo apresentou resultados significativos na melhora dos parâmetros bioquímicos, composição corporal e da aptidão física em adultos com obesidade severa, justificando o quanto programas de tratamentos que visam a mudanças nos hábitos alimentares e estilo de vida são de grande importância para a saúde pública.

Ante el preocupante panorama mundial de la obesidad y la importancia de intervenciones multiprofesionales para el cambio en el estilo de vida de la población con obesidad, este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los efectos de un programa multiprofesional para el tratamiento de la obesidad mediante entrenamiento acuático en parámetros bioquímicos, composición corporal y aptitud física en adultos con obesidad severa. El estudio fue llevado a cabo por un equipo multiprofesional compuesto por profesionales de Educación Física, Nutrición, Psicología y Medicina, durante un período de 24 semanas. Participaron 16 individuos clasificados con obesidad severa (IMC > 40 kg/m2). Las intervenciones del programa propuesto en el estudio incluyeron ejercicios aeróbicos acuáticos junto con orientación nutricional y psicológica. Se evidenció una disminución significativa en el índice de Proteína C Reactiva (mg/L) (p=0.0439); en el porcentaje de grasa (%), al final de las 24 semanas del programa de tratamiento (p=0,0136), también se evidencio un aumento estadísticamente significativo de la fuerza de presión manual (kg) con 16 semanas (p=0,0006) e 24 semanas (p=0,0014). Este estudio presentó resultados significativos en la mejora de los parámetros bioquímicos, composición corporal y aptitud física en adultos con obesidad severa, lo que justifica la importancia de los programas de tratamiento que se centran en los cambios en los hábitos alimentarios y el estilo de vida para la salud pública.

In the context of the concerning global prevalence of obesity and the critical need for multidisciplinary interventions to drive lifestyle changes among individuals with obesity, this study aims to investigate the effects of a comprehensive multidisciplinary program, including aquatic training, on biochemical parameters, body composition, and physical fitness in severely obese adults. Over a period of 24 weeks, a team of diverse professionals in Physical Education, Nutrition, Psychology, and Medicine collaborated on this research. The study enrolled sixteen participants with severe obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2). The interventions encompassed aquatic aerobic exercises, accompanied by nutritional and psychological guidance. Significant improvements were observed in the C-Reactive Protein index (mg/L) (p=0.0439), with a notable reduction in body fat percentage (%) after the 24-week treatment program (p=0.0136). Additionally, manual pressure force (kg) displayed a statistically significant increase at 16 weeks (p=0.0006) and 24 weeks (p=0.0014). These compelling findings underscore the remarkable progress in biochemical parameters, body composition, and physical fitness among severely obese adults, underscoring the critical importance of treatment programs targeting dietary and lifestyle changes for public health improvement. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this study emphasizes the effectiveness of comprehensive interventions in addressing the complex challenges posed by severe obesity. In summary, this research reinforces the significance of implementing multidisciplinary programs to foster lifestyle modifications and provides valuable insights into tackling severe obesity in adult populations. By highlighting the pivotal role of holistic interventions, this study contributes to the ongoing global efforts to combat the escalating obesity epidemic.

Preemptive transcranial direct current stimulation induces analgesia, prevents chronic inflammation and fibrosis, and promotes tissue repair in a rat model of postoperative pain.

This study evaluated the effects of previous exposure to Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on nociceptive, neuroinflammatory, and neurochemical parameters, in rats subjected to an incisional pain model. Forty adult male Wistar rats (60 days old; weighing âˆ¼ 250 g) were divided into five groups: 1. control (C); 2. drugs (D); 3. surgery (S); 4. surgery + sham-tDCS (SsT) and 5. surgery + tDCS (ST). Bimodal tDCS (0.5 mA) was applied for 20 min/day/8 days before the incisional model. Mechanical allodynia (von Frey) was evaluated at different time points after surgery. Cytokines and BDNF levels were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Histology and activity of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) were evaluated in the surgical lesion sites in the right hind paw. The results demonstrate that the surgery procedure increased BDNF and IL-6 levels in the spinal cord levels in the hippocampus, and decreased IL-1ß and IL-6 levels in the cerebral cortex, IL-6 levels in the hippocampus, and IL-10 levels in the brainstem and hippocampus. In addition, preemptive tDCS was effective in controlling postoperative pain, increasing BDNF, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the spinal cord and brainstem, increasing IL-1ß in the spinal cord, and decreasing IL-6 levels in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, IL-1ß and IL-10 levels in the hippocampus. Preemptive tDCS also contributes to tissue repair, preventing chronic inflammation, and consequent fibrosis. Thus, these findings imply that preemptive methods for postoperative pain management should be considered an interesting pain management strategy, and may contribute to the development of clinical applications for tDCS in surgical situations.

Cumulus-oocyte complexes from sows show differences in lipid metabolism compared to cumulus-oocyte complexes from prepubertal gilts during in vitro maturation.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of donor age on lipid metabolism during in vitro maturation (IVM) of pigs cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We evaluated transcript levels of genes, the percentage of ooplasm occupied by lipid droplets (LD) and evaluated DNA methylation in COCs from sows and prepubertal gilts. Transcript levels of six genes (ACACA, ACSS2, FASN, FABP3, SLC27A4, PLIN2), which were analyzed in cumulus cells (CCs), increased after 44 h of IVM in the sow group. In the gilt group, only FASN expression increased, while NR3C1 expression decreased after IVM. The measurement of LD in oocytes showed an accumulation of lipids in sow oocytes during IVM, while gilt oocytes showed a decrease in LD. FABP3 and NR3C1 methylation patterns exhibited a demethylation pattern in CCs and oocytes from gilts and sows and showed statistical differences between groups. CCs from sows had a better capacity to change transcription levels of the major genes involved in lipid metabolism during IVM than CCs from gilts. This difference may be involved in accumulation of lipids, acquisition of competence, and maturation of enclosed oocytes. Our results contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms involved in lipid metabolism and acquisition of competence in porcine COCs.

Involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, opioidergic, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor systems in the trigeminal neuropathic pain process.

Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) is an intense pain condition characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia; however, its neural mechanisms are not completely understood. Its management is complex, and studies that investigate its biochemical mechanisms are important for improving clinical approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the TNP process in rats. TNP is induced by chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Nociceptive responses were evaluated using the facial von Frey test before and after the administration of GABAergic and opioidergic agonists and glutamatergic antagonists. The rats were divided into vehicle-treated control (C), sham-surgery (SS), and CCI-ION groups, and then subdivided into the vehicle (V)-treated SS-V and CCI-ION-V groups, SS-MK801 and CCI-ION-MK801, treated with the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor selective antagonist MK801; SS-PB and CCI-ION-PB, treated with phenobarbital; SS-BZD and CCI-ION-BZD, treated with diazepam; SS-MOR and CCI-ION-MOR, treated with morphine. BDNF levels were evaluated in the cerebral cortex, brainstem, trigeminal ganglion, infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve, and serum. CCI-ION induced facial mechanical hyperalgesia. Phenobarbital and morphine reversed the hyperalgesia induced by CCI-ION, and the CCI-BZD group had an increased nociceptive threshold until 60 min. CCI-ION-GLU increased the nociceptive threshold at 60 min. Cerebral cortex and brainstem BDNF levels increased in the CCI-ION and SS groups. Only the CCI group presented high levels of BDNF in the trigeminal ganglion. Our data suggest the involvement of GABAergic, glutamatergic, and opioidergic systems and peripheral BDNF in the TNP process.

Short-term effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation in the nociceptive behavior of neuropathic pain rats in development.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is caused by a lesion that triggers pain chronification and central sensitization and it can develop in a different manner, dependent of age. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) for treating NP. Then, we aimed to investigate the effects of tDCS and BDNF levels in neuropathic pain rats in development, with 30 days old in the beginning of experiments. Eight-five male Wistar rats were subjected to chronic constriction injury. After establishment of NP, bimodal tDCS was applied to the rats for eight consecutive days, for 20 minutes each session. Subsequently, nociceptive behavior was assessed at baseline, 14 days after surgery, 1 day and 7 days after the end of tDCS. The rats were sacrificed 8 days after the last session of tDCS. An increase in the nociceptive threshold was observed in rats in development 1 day after the end of tDCS (short-term effect), but this effect was not maintained 7 days after the end of tDCS (long-term effect). Furthermore, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were analyzed in the frontal cortex, spinal cord and serum using ELISA assays. The neuropathic pain model showed an effect of BDNF in the spinal cord of rats in development. There were no effects of BNDF levels of pain or tDCS in the frontal cortex or serum. In conclusion, tDCS is an effective technique to relieve nociceptive behavior at a short-term effect in neuropathic pain rats in development, and BDNF levels were not altered at long-term effect.

Cancer symptoms: do patients, family caregivers and professionals agree?

OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of agreement among patients, their family caregivers and health professionals regarding the symptoms presented by patients with cancer. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in patients with cancer admitted to a hospital in Brazil from December 2019 to July 2020. One family caregiver for each patient was included in the study. In addition, nurses and physicians involved in patient care were included. Patients, family caregivers and health professionals responded to the Palliative Outcome Scale (POS). RESULTS: Sixty-one patients with their family caregivers, 18 nurses and 8 physicians were included. Physicians reported a lower mean POS score than patients (p=0.008). In general, physicians and nurses underestimated the anxiety of the patient and the anxiety of the family caregivers and how much the patient feels that his or her life is worthwhile. Intraclass correlation coefficient showed moderate and good levels of agreement between patients' and family caregivers' responses (0.61). Agreement between patient and nurse (0.02) and physician (0.21) responses was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The level of agreement between patients and healthcare professionals was very poor regarding patients' symptoms. However, the caregiver's perception of the patient's symptoms can be a reliable source of information.

Evidence of Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in a CFA-Induced Chronic Inflammatory Pain Model in Wistar Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Given that chronic inflammatory pain is highly prevalent worldwide, it is important to study new techniques to treat or relieve this type of pain. The present study evaluated the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in rats submitted to a chronic inflammatory model by nociceptive response, biomarker levels (brain-derived neurotrophic factor [BDNF] and interleukin [IL]-6 and IL-10), and by histological parameters. METHODS: Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats were used in this study and randomized by weight into 6 major groups: total control, control + sham-tDCS, control + active tDCS, total CFA, CFA + sham-tDCS, and CFA + active tDCS. After inflammatory pain was established, the animals were submitted to the treatment protocol for 8 consecutive days, according to the experimental group. The nociceptive tests (von Frey and hot plate) were assessed, and euthanasia by decapitation occurred at day 8 after the end of tDCS treatment, and the blood serum and central nervous structures were collected for BDNF and IL measurements. All experiments and procedures were approved by the Institutional Committee for Animal Care and Use (UFPel #4538). RESULTS: The tDCS treatment showed a complete reversal of the mechanical allodynia induced by the pain model 24 h and 8 days after the last tDCS session, and there was partial reversal of the thermal hyperalgesia at all time points. Serum BDNF levels were decreased in CFA + sham-tDCS and CFA + tDCS groups compared to the control + tDCS group. The control group submitted to tDCS exhibited an increase in serum IL-6 levels in relation to the other groups. In addition, there was a significant decrease in IL-10 striatum levels in control + tDCS, CFA, and CFA + sham-tDCS groups in relation to the control group, with a partial tDCS effect on the CFA pain model. Local histology demonstrated tDCS effects in decreasing lymphocytic infiltration and neovascularization and tissue regeneration in animals exposed to CFA. CONCLUSION: tDCS was able to reverse the mechanical allodynia and decrease thermal hyperalgesia and local inflammation in a chronic inflammatory pain model, with a modest effect on striatum IL-10 levels. As such, we suggest that analgesic tDCS mechanisms may be related to tissue repair by modulating the local inflammatory process.

Measuring emotional preoperative stress by an app approach and its applicability to predict postoperative pain.

BACKGROUND: The Brief Measure of Emotional Preoperative Stress (B-MEPS) was developed to evaluate the preoperative individual vulnerability to emotional stress. To obtain a refined version of B-MEPS suitable for an app approach, this study aimed: (i) to identify items with more discriminant properties; (ii) to classify the level of preoperative emotional stress based on cut-off points; (iii) to assess concurrent validity through correlation with the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) score; (iv) to confirm whether the refined version of B-MEPS is an adequate predictive measure for identification of patients prone to intense postoperative pain. METHODS: We include 1016 patients who had undergone surgical procedures in a teaching hospital. The generalized partial credit model of item response theory and latent class model were employed, respectively, to reduce the number of items and to create cut-off points. We applied the CSI and assessed pain by Visual Analog Scale (0-10) and by the amount of postoperative morphine consumption. RESULTS: The refined B-MEPS shows satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.79). Preoperative emotional stress, according to the cut-off points, is classified into categories: low, intermediate or high stress. The refined B-MEPS exhibited a linear association with the CSI scores (r2 = 0.53, p < 0.01). Patients with higher levels of emotional stress displayed a positive association with moderate to severe pain and greater morphine consumption. CONCLUSION: The refined version of B-MEPS, along with an interface of easy applicability, assess emotional vulnerability at the bedside before surgery. This app may support studies focused on intervening with perioperative stress levels.

Risk factors for severe and critical Covid-19 in pregnant women in a single center in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Risk factors for severe SARS-CoV2 infection in pregnancy have not been extensively studied. This information can help guide the management of pregnant women with COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: Examine risk factors for severe COVID-19 in pregnant women. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all pregnant women with positive SARS-CoV2 tests (qRT-PCR) managed at a single tertiary private maternity in Sao Paulo, Brazil. We categorized women as having non-severe (mild or moderate) or severe (severe or critical) COVID-19. We conducted multivariable analyses to identify differences in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups as risk factors for severe COVID-19. RESULTS: Between March 13 and June 7 2020, 114 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2; 80.7% (n = 92) had non-severe disease (69 mild, 23 moderate), 15.7% (n = 18) had severe, and 3.5% (n = 4) had critical COVID-19. Women with severe/critical COVID-19 (n = 22) were significantly older (35.0 ± 5.9 × 31.8 ± 5.1 years, p = 0.011), more likely to have at least one medical comorbidity (81.8% × 52.2%, p = .011) or a history of asthma (18.2% × 3.3%, p = .025), and tended to have a higher median body mass index (30.1 kg/m2, IQR 28.1-33.9 × 28.6, IQR 26.2-32.0, p = .056) than women with non-severe disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified four factors as independent predictors of severe/critical COVID-19: asthma (OR 34.469, 95% CI 1.151-78.030, p = .026), non-white ethnicity (OR 7.932, 95% CI 1.311-47.973, p = .024), maternal age with a best cutoff of ≥ 34 years (OR 1.195, 95% CI 1.001-1.427, p = .048) and gestational age at diagnosis with a best cut-off of ≥ 35 weeks (OR 0.876, 95% CI 0.780-0.983, p = .025). The predictive value of the model including all variables was 0.823 (p < .001). CONCLUSION: A history of asthma, non-white ethnicity, and older maternal age were risk factors for, while higher gestational age was protective against severe/critical COVID-19 in pregnant Brazilian women.

Dysfunctional eating behavior in fibromyalgia and its association with serum biomarkers of brain plasticity (BDNF and S100B): an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess disordered eating, hunger and satiety perceptions in women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy controls (HC) and their association with biomarkers of brain plasticity (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B)). Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional exploratory study. The sample included FM (n = 20) and HC (n = 19), matched to age and waist perimeter. Dysfunctional eating was assessed through the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and Eating Disorders Examination with a questionnaire. Hunger and satiety levels were rated by a Numerical Scale. Serum leptin, S100B and BDNF were analyzed. Results: The MANCOVA analysis showed that the mean of Emotional Eating rates was 30.65% higher in FM compared to HC ( p = 0.015). Eating, shape and weight concerns were 77.77%, 57.14% and 52.22% higher in FM ( p = <0.001) compared to HC, respectively. Moreover, the FM group reported higher scores for feeling of hunger "[5.2 (±2.9) vs. 4.8 (±2.0); p = 0.042] and lower scores for satiety [7.0 (±1.7) vs . 8.3 (±1.0); p = 0.038]. In the FM group, serum BDNF was negatively associated with hunger (r = - 0.52; p = 0.02), while S100B was positively associated with hunger scores (r = 0.463; p = 0.004). Conclusion: The present findings support the hypothesis that the association between FM and obesity can be mediated by a hedonistic pathway. Further research is needed.

Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitors Vs Calcineurin Inhibitors in Chronic Graft Rejection After Lung Transplantation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of lung transplantations has been rising constantly. However, use of this therapeutic resource is limited by several issues that are difficult to resolve, such as chronic graft rejection and complications secondary to immunosuppression. METHODS: This systematic review compared mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor immunosuppression associated with low-dose calcineurin inhibitors with isolated calcineurin inhibitor immunosuppression on the new-onset chronic rejection development and mortality 12 months after lung transplantation. Three controlled randomized clinical trials (SHITRIT, NOCTET, and 4EVERLUNG) were selected from electronic databases. RESULTS: Meta-analysis of the data at 12 months postintervention showed that only 4EVERLUNG assessed chronic graft rejection, with a higher incidence in the control group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (P = .197). Significant data were related to an increase in the number of adverse events (P = .0064) and improved renal function (P < .0001) in the mTOR inhibitor-based scheme. The other outcomes indicated a trend toward greater risk of death and acute graft rejection with the use of mTORs. CONCLUSIONS: The researchers suggest considering the use of mTOR inhibitors, whose greatest benefit is felt by patients with renal dysfunction, in association with the use of calcineurin inhibitors, because of the imminent risk of death among patients with renal failure.

IL-23 and IL-17 in acute ischemic stroke: Correlation with stroke scales and prognostic value.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Inflammation plays a crucial role in brain damage following stroke. Here, we evaluate interleukin 23 (IL-23) and interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the inflammatory process and its relations with neurological findings of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients with AIS admitted to our hospital within 24 h of stroke onset were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Serum IL-23 and IL-17 were measured in the first, third and fifth day after the stroke. Neurological stroke severity were determined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) within 24 h of the acute event, on the third and fifth day after the stroke, and at the time of hospital discharge. RESULTS: Both neurological scores for stroke outcome at hospital discharge were related to IL-23 protein within 24 h and on the fifth day, but with low stroke outcome predictive values. The other measurements did not show predictive capacity for stroke outcome. There was a significant increase in median serum concentrations of IL-23 on the fifth day (p < 0.001) and in IL-17 median levels on the third day compared to the first 24 h after the acute injury (p < 0.001). However, there was no correlation between IL-23 and IL-17 levels with neurological outcomes at hospital discharge or after four years. CONCLUSION: IL-23 and IL-17 increase after stroke, but had no sufficient discriminative capacity to be of clinical use as outcome stroke predictors.

Dysfunctional eating behavior in fibromyalgia and its association with serum biomarkers of brain plasticity (BDNF and S100B): an exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess disordered eating, hunger and satiety perceptions in women with fibromyalgia (FM) compared to healthy controls (HC) and their association with biomarkers of brain plasticity (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B)). METHODS: Cross-sectional exploratory study. The sample included FM (n = 20) and HC (n = 19), matched to age and waist perimeter. Dysfunctional eating was assessed through the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire and Eating Disorders Examination with a questionnaire. Hunger and satiety levels were rated by a Numerical Scale. Serum leptin, S100B and BDNF were analyzed. RESULTS: The MANCOVA analysis showed that the mean of Emotional Eating rates was 30.65% higher in FM compared to HC (p = 0.015). Eating, shape and weight concerns were 77.77%, 57.14% and 52.22% higher in FM (p = <0.001) compared to HC, respectively. Moreover, the FM group reported higher scores for feeling of hunger "[5.2 (±2.9) vs. 4.8 (±2.0); p = 0.042] and lower scores for satiety [7.0 (±1.7) vs. 8.3 (±1.0); p = 0.038]. In the FM group, serum BDNF was negatively associated with hunger (r = - 0.52; p = 0.02), while S100B was positively associated with hunger scores (r = 0.463; p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: The present findings support the hypothesis that the association between FM and obesity can be mediated by a hedonistic pathway. Further research is needed.

Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Reverses the Long-term Memory Impairment and the Decrease of Hippocampal Interleukin-10 Levels, both Induced by Neuropathic Pain in Rats.

Neuropathic pain (NP) is characterized by the presence of spontaneous pain, allodynia and hyperalgesia. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is one of neuromodulatory techniques that induces satisfactory NP relief, including that from refractory pain patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate rTMS treatment over long term memory (LTM) and hippocampal BDNF and IL-10 levels in rats submitted to a NP model. A total of 81 adult (60-days old) male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of the following 9 experimental groups: control, control + sham rTMS, control + rTMS, sham neuropathic pain, sham neuropathic pain + sham rTMS, sham neuropathic pain + rTMS, neuropathic pain (NP), neuropathic pain + sham rTMS and neuropathic pain + rTMS. Fourteen days after the surgery for chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, NP establishment was accomplished. Then, rats were treated with daily 5-minute sessions of rTMS for eight consecutive days. LTM was assessed by the object recognition test (ORT) twenty-four hours after the end of rTMS treatment. Biochemical assays (BDNF and IL-10 levels) were performed in hippocampus tissue homogenates. rTMS treatment reversed the reduction of the discrimination index in the ORT and the hippocampal IL-10 levels in NP rats. This result shows that rTMS reverses the impairment LTM and the increase in the hippocampal IL-10 levels, both induced by NP. Moreover, it appears to be a safe non-pharmacological therapeutic tool since it did not alter LTM and neurochemical parameters in naive animals.

Biomarkers in the prognostic evaluation of ischemic stroke: Is there benefit in the measurements of TREM-1 and TREM-2 in the acute phase?

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 1 and 2 (TREM-1 and TREM-2) are cell surface receptors important for modulation of microglia immune response. In this study, we evaluate serum levels of TREM-1 and TREM-2 as potential biomarkers in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 50 patients with AIS admitted at our hospital. Serum TREM-1 and TREM-2 was evaluated within 24 h of the acute event and on the third and fifth days after the stroke. Neurological stroke severity and global disability were determined with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the same three times and at the time of hospital discharge. RESULTS: TREM-1 and TREM-2 levels were elevated in stroke. TREM-1, but not TREM-2, exhibited correlations with NIHSS and mRS within 24 h (NIHSS and TREM-1: rS = 0.31, p = 0.029; mRS and TREM-1: rS = 0.32, p = 0.023). The serum level of TREM-1 within 24 h correlated with the neurological outcomes at hospital discharge (NIHSS and TREM-1: p = 0.021; mRS and TREM-1: p = 0.049). The serum concentrations of TREM-1 protein within 24 h after stroke was significantly higher in patients with poor outcome (mRS > 2) at hospital discharge (p = 0.021). After Exact Logistic Regression, large segmental stroke (O.R. = 4.14; 95CI = 1.07-16.09; p = 0.040) and initial sTREM levels (O.R. = 1.02; 95CI 1.00-1.04; p = 0.045) remained independent prognostic factors for AIS poor outcome (mRS > 2). CONCLUSION: In our study, TREM-1 and TREM-2 were significantly increased in AIS. Early elevation of TREM-1 correlated with stroke severity and it was an independent prognostic factor for stroke outcome.

Hydrochar obtained with by-products from the sugarcane industry: Molecular features and effects of extracts on maize seed germination.

Sugarcane bagasse, vinasse and a mixture of sugarcane bagasse and vinasse were hydrothermally carbonized (HTC), with and without the addition of phosphoric acid, in order to propose new applications of sucroenergetic industry by-products on soil. Detailed information on the composition and properties of hydrochars has been obtained through elemental composition, thermogravimetric analysis, nuclear magnetic resonance and, thermochemolysis GC-MS. The soluble acidic fraction from the hydrochar samples were applied to maize seeds to evaluate the agronomic potential as biostimulants and relate the molecular features with maize seed germination. The HTC treatment converted polysaccharide-based biomasses into hydrochars with hydrophobic characteristics (C-Aryl and C-Akyl). Furthermore, the addition of phosphoric acid further increased the overall hydrophobicity and shifted the thermal degradation of the hydrochars to higher temperatures. Biomass influenced the hydrochars that formed, in which the molecular features of sugarcane bagasse determined the formation of more polar hydrochar, due to the preservation of lignin and phenolic components. Meanwhile, the HTC of vinasse resulted in a more hydrophobic product with an enrichment of condensed and recalcitrant organic fractions. The germination assay showed that polar structures of bagasse may play a role in improving the maize seeds germination rate (increase of ~11%), while the hydrophobic domains showed negative effects. The responses obtained in germination seems to be related to the molecular characteristics that organic extracts can present in solution.

Antinociceptive and neurochemical effects of a single dose of IB-MECA in chronic pain rat models.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a single administration of IB-MECA, an A3 adenosine receptor agonist, upon the nociceptive response and central biomarkers of rats submitted to chronic pain models. A total of 136 adult male Wistar rats were divided into two protocols: (1) chronic inflammatory pain (CIP) using complete Freund's adjuvant and (2) neuropathic pain (NP) by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve. Thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia was measured using von Frey (VF), Randal-Selitto (RS), and hot plate (HP) tests. Rats were treated with a single dose of IB-MECA (0.5 µmol/kg i.p.), a vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide-DMSO), or positive control (morphine, 5 mg/kg i.p.). Interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were measured in the brainstem and spinal cord using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The establishment of the chronic pain (CIP or NP) model was observed 14 days after induction by a decreased nociceptive threshold in all three tests (GEE, P < 0.05). The antinociceptive effect of a single dose of IB-MECA was observed in both chronic pain models, but this was more effective in NP model. There was an increase in IL-1ß levels promoted by CIP. NP model promoted increase in the brainstem BDNF levels, which was reversed by IB-MECA.

Effects of gestational and breastfeeding caffeine exposure in adenosine A1 agonist-induced antinociception of infant rats.

OBJECTIVES: Caffeine is extensively consumed as a psychostimulant drug, acting on A1 and A2A adenosine receptors blockade. Chronic exposure to caffeine during gestation and breast-feeding may be involved in infant rat's behavioral and biochemical alterations. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of chronic caffeine exposure during gestation and breast-feeding in the functionality of adenosine A1 receptors in infant rats at P14. NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase activities were also evaluated. METHODS: Mating of adult female Wistar rats was confirmed by presence of sperm in vaginal smears. Rats were divided into three groups on the first day of pregnancy: (1) control: tap water, (2) caffeine: 0.3 g/L until P14, and (3) washout caffeine: caffeine was changed to tap water at P7. Evaluation of nociceptive response was performed at P14 using hot plate (HP) and tail-flick latency (TFL) tests. A1 receptor involvement was assessed using caffeine agonist (CPA) and antagonist (DPCPX). Enzymatic activities assays were conducted in the spinal cord. RESULTS: Gestational and breastfeeding exposure to caffeine (caffeine and washout groups) did not induce significant alterations in thermal nociceptive thresholds (HP and TF tests). Both caffeine groups did not show analgesic response induced by CPA when compared to the control group at P14, indicating chronic exposure to caffeine in the aforementioned periods inhibits the antinociceptive effects of the systemic A1 receptor agonist administration. No effect was observed upon ectonucleotidase activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that chronic caffeine exposure in gestational and breastfeeding alters A1-mediated analgesic response in rats.