Evaluación de las consecuencias físicas y psicosociales de la diástasis de rectos abdominales y su interferencia en la salud: un estudio mixto / Evaluation of the physical and psychosocial consequences of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis and its interference in health: A mixed study

Introducción: La diástasis de rectos abdominales (DRA) se define como la separación de los rectos abdominales a lo largo de la línea alba. Esta condición puede darse en ambos sexos, siendo frecuente en la mujer durante el embarazo y posparto. Existe poca evidencia sobre las consecuencias de la DRA en la calidad de vida de las mujeres. Objetivo: El análisis de la percepción de los síntomas de DRA y su repercusión a nivel físico, psicológico y social en mujeres afectadas por esta condición. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio observacional por medio de una encuesta online semiestructurada, compuesta por 30 preguntas cerradas y 2 abiertas. Los criterios de inclusión fueron mujeres adultas de habla hispana, que hubiesen dado a luz y que presentasen diástasis abdominal. Los datos se analizaron de forma cuantitativa y la información cualitativa se obtuvo mediante un análisis de contenido de las preguntas abiertas. Resultados: Trescientas diecinueve mujeres con DRA fueron incluidas. Los resultados mostraron una afectación negativa de la DRA en la calidad de vida, las capacidades funcionales y en la salud uroginecológica y digestiva. Así mismo se evidenció un impacto negativo a nivel emocional, en la imagen corporal y una mala salud autopercibida. Conclusión:La DRA tiene un impacto negativo en la salud de la mujer. Las mujeres con DRA presentan una afectación de la calidad de vida y de las capacidades funcionales, una alteración de la imagen corporal, sentimientos de abandono por parte de las instituciones sanitarias, vergüenza, tristeza, impotencia, falta de autoestima, resignación y presión social.(AU)

Introduction: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is defined as the separation of the rectus abdominis along the linea alba. This condition can occur in both sexes, being frequent in women during pregnancy and pospartum. There is little evidence on the consequences of DRA on the quality of life of women. Objective: The analysis of the perception of the symptoms of and its repercussion on a physical, psychological and social level in women affected by this condition. Patients and methods: Observational study through a semi-structured online survey, composed of 30 closed questions and 2 open ones. The inclusion criteria were adult Spanish-speaking women who had given birth and who presented abdominal diástasis. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the qualitative information was obtained through a content analysis of the open questions. Results: 319 women with DRA were included. The results showed a negative effect of DRA on quality of life, functional capacities, and urogynecological and digestive health. Likewise, a negative impact was evidenced at an emotional level, on body image and poor self-perceived health. Conclusion: DRA has a negative impact on women's health. Women with DRA present an impairment of the quality of life and functional capacities, an alteration in body image, feelings of abandonment by health institutions, shame, sadness, powerlessness, lack of self-esteem, resignation and social pressure.(AU)

Butyrate supplementation in the liquid diet of dairy calves leads to a rapid recovery from diarrhea and reduces its occurrence and relapses in the preweaning period.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of continuous butyrate administration in dairy calves' liquid diet considering diarrhea, metabolic profile, gastrointestinal development, and corporal growth. Immediately after birth, calves were randomly allocated into 2 groups of 62 calves (50 females and 12 males), with access to water and a solid feed ad libitum. The butyrate group (BG) received 4 g/d of sodium butyrate (Admix Easy, Adisseo) diluted in the whole milk, and the control group (CG) received whole milk with no supplementation. Sodium butyrate was administered from d 1 of life until the weaning at 90 d. Feces consistency was assessed daily for the first 30 d of life and characterized by scores from 0 to 4 (0 and 1 for normal, and 2, 3, and 4 for abnormal feces). Diarrhea was diagnosed when the animals had abnormal feces and fever. Morbidity, recurrence, mortality, and lethality data were recorded and compared between the groups. Average daily gain (ADG) and corporal growth (body weight, thoracic perimeter, height at the withers, and croup width) were evaluated weekly, from the first day to d 30, and later at 45, 60, and 90 d of life. Blood samples were taken weekly for up to 30 d to determine the circulating levels of total calcium, phosphorus, chloride, bicarbonate, glucose, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and nonesterified fatty acids. The males were euthanized at 15 (n = 6 per group) and 30 d (n = 6 per group) for morphometric, histological, and gene expression analysis of the gastrointestinal tract. The results showed that the BG had a lower rate of morbidity (BG = 30% vs. CG = 50%) and recurrence (BG = 26.7% vs. CG = 60%) of diarrhea than the CG. In addition, the BG had abnormal feces for a shorter period (BG = 4.64 ± 0.47 d vs. CG = 8.6 ± 0.65 d). The ADG tended to be higher in BG than CG up to 30 and 60 d. Metabolic evaluations showed the lowest levels of glucose and highest levels of nonesterified fatty acids in BG. On d 30 of life, rumen papillae length, papilla area, duodenum villus length, and crypt depth were higher in BG than in CG. The duodenal gene expression at 30 d showed that animals with diarrhea episodes that did not receive butyrate had the highest levels of transcripts for the LCT and GLP2 genes. In addition, in different ways, both butyrate and neonatal diarrhea affected the gene expression of IGF1, SLC5A1, and AQP3. These results allow us to conclude that continuous supplementation with sodium butyrate improves gastrointestinal development, reduces the occurrence of diarrhea, and makes clinical conditions milder with faster recovery, favoring a higher ADG in the first 30 and 60 d of life. Based on these results, we conclude that sodium butyrate can be indicated for liquid diet supplementation to accelerate gastrointestinal tract development and prevent severe cases of neonatal diarrhea, tending to improve average daily gain until weaning.

[Evaluation of the physical and psychosocial consequences of the diastasis of the rectus abdominis and its interference in health: A mixed study]. / Evaluación de las consecuencias físicas y psicosociales de la diástasis de rectos abdominales y su interferencia en la salud: un estudio mixto.

INTRODUCTION: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is defined as the separation of the rectus abdominis along the linea alba. This condition can occur in both sexes, being frequent in women during pregnancy and pospartum. There is little evidence on the consequences of DRA on the quality of life of women. OBJECTIVE: The analysis of the perception of the symptoms of and its repercussion on a physical, psychological and social level in women affected by this condition. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Observational study through a semi-structured online survey, composed of 30 closed questions and 2 open ones. The inclusion criteria were adult Spanish-speaking women who had given birth and who presented abdominal diástasis. The data were analyzed quantitatively and the qualitative information was obtained through a content analysis of the open questions. RESULTS: 319 women with DRA were included. The results showed a negative effect of DRA on quality of life, functional capacities, and urogynecological and digestive health. Likewise, a negative impact was evidenced at an emotional level, on body image and poor self-perceived health. CONCLUSION: DRA has a negative impact on women's health. Women with DRA present an impairment of the quality of life and functional capacities, an alteration in body image, feelings of abandonment by health institutions, shame, sadness, powerlessness, lack of self-esteem, resignation and social pressure.

Traumatic injuries in primary dentition and their immediate and long-term consequences: a 10-year retrospective study from the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dental trauma is a highly prevalent problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe characteristics of trauma to anterior primary teeth and its sequelae for primary and successor teeth over a 10-year period of assistance at the paediatric dental traumatology clinic in the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were obtained from the dental records of children assisted from 2006 to 2016. Inclusion criteria were trauma to anterior primary teeth; aged <1 to 9 years at the time of trauma; and at least one follow-up appointment. The data concerning traumatized teeth, child's age, soft tissue injuries, types of traumatic dental injuries and sequelae in both dentitions were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1230 dental records, 483 (39.3%) were eligible, consisting of 815 teeth. The mean age at the time of trauma was 37.4 months (239 males and 244 females). The most important characteristics were: tooth 51 was most affected; falls, at home, on a ceramic floor, were the main cause; gingival laceration, enamel fracture and intrusive luxation were the most frequent types of trauma; premature tooth loss of primary teeth and enamel discoloration in their successor were the most frequent sequelae; and injuries in the periodontal tissue were demonstrated as the highest risk for sequelae in successors (OR, 3.798; p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Most traumatic injuries occur in young children, in their home environment. Consequences for the primary teeth were more frequent compared to the permanent successor tooth. Traumatized primary teeth involving periodontal tissue have more chances to result in sequelae to their successor teeth.

Uso de Tai Chi para la salud del adulto mayor: revisión bibliográfica / Use of Tai Chi for the health of the elderly: A bibliographic review / Uso do Tai Chi para a saúde de idosos: uma revisão bibliográfica

RESUMEN Introducción: La población de adultos mayores está incrementando y se observa la necesidad emergente de implementar estrategias dirigidas a recuperar o conservar su salud para que puedan gozar de una vejez plena. Técnicas como el Tai Chi podrían contribuir, ya que han mostrado tener múltiples beneficios para quien la práctica, tales como mejoras en la concentración, memoria, marcha, equilibrio, reducción del riesgo de caídas, fortalecimiento del sistema cardiovascular, reducción del estrés y la depresión, entre otros beneficios. Objetivo: Analizar la evidencia científica del uso del Tai Chi para conservar la salud del adulto mayor. Desarrollo: Revisión bibliográfica realizada durante el periodo 2013-2019 en distintas bases de datos como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect y Google Académico. Se utilizaron las palabras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando los criterios de elegibilidad se seleccionaron 29 artículos. Resultados: Gran porcentaje de los artículos revisados estudian la atención de síntomas físicos que deterioran la movilidad del adulto mayor, sin embargo, también se encontraron investigaciones dirigidas a la parte psicológica, como el estrés, la ansiedad, el insomnio, la depresión y el enfado-tensión, en las cuales la práctica del Tai Chi demostró mejoría. Conclusiones: El Tai Chi es una terapia alternativa para prevenir y conservar la salud del adulto mayor, fácil de aprender y de bajo costo. En la revisión bibliográfica realizada no se reportan reacciones adversas durante ni después de la práctica de la técnica; el profesional de enfermería puede recomendarla ampliamente para ser implementada como un cuidado dirigido al adulto mayor.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The population of older adults is increasing and an emergent need to implement strategies aimed at recovering or maintaining their health is observed. In this sense, techniques such as Tai Chi could contribute because they have demonstrated bringing diverse benefits for those who practice them, including improvements in the concentration, memory, gait, and equilibrium, a reduction in the risk of falls, a strengthening of the cardiovascular system, and a reduction of stress and depression, among other benefits. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence on the use of Tai Chi as a health promoter and preserver among older adults. Development: This bibliographic review was conducted during 2013-2019 on the Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect and Academic Google databases. The keywords used were Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, and Tai Chi. After filtering through the eligibility criteria, 29 articles were selected for the review. Results: An important percentage of the articles were focused on the attention to physical symptoms which impair the mobility of older adults; nevertheless, some studies addressed psychological issues such as stress, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression, and anger-tension, as well. In these studies, the practice of Tai Chi was associated with health improvements among older adults. Conclusions: Tai Chi is an alternative therapy to promote and maintain health among older adults. This technique is easy to learn, and its practice is not expensive. No adverse reactions during or after the practice of this technique were reported in the studies of this literature review. Therefore, the nursing professional can recommend Tai Chi practice to be implemented as a complementary healthcare measure for older adults.

RESUMO Introdução: A população de idosos está aumentando e observa-se a necessidade emergente de implementação de estratégias que visem a recuperação ou preservação da saúde para que possam desfrutar de uma velhice plena. Técnicas como o Tai Chi podem contribuir, dado que têm se mostrado múltiplos benefícios para quem o pratica, tais como melhora na concentração, memória, marcha, equilíbrio, redução do risco de quedas, fortalecimento do sistema cardiovascular, redução de estresse e depressão, entre outros benefícios. Objetivo: Analisar a evidência científica do uso do Tai Chi na preservação da saúde de idosos. Desenvolvimento: Revisão bibliográfica realizada no período 2013-2019 em diferentes bases de dados como: Pubmed, Dialnet, SciELO, LILACS, ScienceDirect e Google Academic. Foram utilizadas as palavras Tai Chi Chuan, Tai Ji Quan, Tai Chi. Aplicando os critérios de elegibilidade, foram selecionados 29 artigos. Resultados: Grande porcentagem dos artigos revisados estuda a atenção aos sintomas físicos que prejudicam a mobilidade do idoso, porém, as pesquisas também foram direcionadas à parte psicológica, como estresse, ansiedade, insônia, depressão e raiva-tensão, em que a prática do Tai Chi demonstrou melhora. Conclusões: O Tai Chi é uma terapia alternativa para prevenir e preservar a saúde do idoso, de fácil aprendizado e de baixo custo. Na revisão bibliográfica realizada, não foram relatadas reações adversas durante ou após a prática da técnica; o profissional de enfermagem pode recomendar veementemente que seja implementada como cuidado ao idoso.

Innovación en dermatitis atópica: de la patogenia a la terapéutica / Innovation in Atopic Dermatitis: From Pathogenesis to Treatment

La dermatitis atópica es la dermatosis inflamatoria más frecuente y hasta un 20% de los casos pueden clasificarse como moderados a graves. En los últimos años se ha producido un avance en el conocimiento de la patogenia, centrada en la vía Th2, pero con una participación marcada de la vía Th22 y de los ejes Th1 y Th17, de la disfunción de la barrera epidérmica, el prurito y la señalización JAK/STAT. Este progreso ha condicionado el desarrollo de nuevas terapias sistémicas, entre las que destacan fármacos biológicos dirigidos frente a la IL-4/13, como dupilumab, tralokinumab y lebrikizumab, pero también moléculas pequeñas, como los inhibidores de JAK, entre los que se incluyen baricitinib, upadicitinib y abrocitinib. Entre las innovaciones en los tratamientos tópicos se incluyen los inhibidores de la PDE4 y de JAK/STAT. Este artículo repasa los principales avances terapéuticos en dermatitis atópica, para los que son esenciales la caracterización de los subtipos clínicos y moleculares clave en su patogénesis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin disease and up to 20% of cases can be classified as moderate to severe. Our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease has improved in recent years. The process is primarily driven by the Th2 pathway, but with significant contributions from the Th22 pathway, the Th1 and Th17 axes, epidermal barrier dysfunction, pruritus, and JAK/STAT signaling. Advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis have led to the development of new systemic treatments. Of particular note are biologic agents targeting IL-4 and IL-13 (e. g. , dupilumab, tralokinumab, and lebrikizumab) and small molecules, such as JAK inhibitors (e. g. , baricitinib, upadacitinib, and abrocitinib). Novel topical treatments include phosphodiesterase 4 and JAK/STAT inhibitors. In this article, we review the main advances in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Characterization of clinical and molecular phenotypes with a key pathogenic role is essential for driving these advances

Effects of a healthy diet enriched or not with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil on the lipid profile of patients with stable coronary artery disease: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to assess the effect of a healthy diet, enriched or not with pecan nuts or extra-virgin olive oil, on the lipid profile of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: This was a randomised clinical trial conducted for 12 weeks with patients aged between 40 and 80 years with stable CAD for more than 60 days. Individuals were randomised into groups [control group (CG) with 67 patients, pecan nut group (PNG) with 68 patients and olive oil group (OOG) with 69 patients]. The CG was prescribed a healthy diet according to the nutritional guidelines; the PNG was prescribed the same healthy diet plus 30 g day-1 of pecan nuts; and the OOG was prescribed a healthy diet plus 30 mL day-1 of extra-virgin olive oil. RESULTS: In total, 204 subjects were submitted to an intention-to-treat analysis. After adjustment for baseline values and type of statin used, there was no difference regarding low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (primary outcome), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio and HDL-cholesterol/triglycerides ratio according to groups. However, the PNG exhibited a significant reduction in non-HDL-cholesterol levels [PNG: 114.9 (31) mg dL-1 ; CG: 127 (33.6) mg dL-1 ; OOG: 126.6 (37.4) mg dL-1 ; P = 0.033] and in the total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio [PNG: 3.7 (0.7); CG: 4.0 (0.8); OOG: 4.0 (0.8); P = 0.044] compared to the CG and OOG. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementing a healthy diet with 30 g day-1 of pecan nuts for 12 weeks did not improve LDL-cholesterol levels but may improve other lipid profile markers in patients with stable CAD.

Cellular endogenous NAD(P)H fluorescence as a label-free method for the identification of erythrocytes and reticulocytes.

Reticulocytes and erythrocytes are the ultimate differentiated stages of erythropoiesis. In addition to being anucleate cells, they are characterized by the clearance of their mitochondrial pool or lack thereof. Given that for most research-oriented flow cytometry experiments erythrocytes and reticulocytes are often undesirable cell types, their identification and exclusion from analyses can be essential. Here, we describe a flow cytometric method based on cellular NAD(P)H-related autofluorescence, whose localization is mainly associated with mitochondria. By increasing the sensitivity of the specific NAD(P)H-fluorescence detector, we discovered a population with weak levels of NAD(P)H fluorescence signals whose immunophenotypical and physiological characterization in mouse bone marrow led to its identification as both erythrocytes and reticulocytes. Our method showed comparable sensitivity and specificity to the detection of red blood cells based on the absorption of light by oxyhemoglobin. This NAD(P)H-based approach consistently identified over 95% of the total pool of erythrocytes and reticulocytes in bone marrow samples and revealed robust as over 93% of these two erythropoietic subsets were identified in melanoma tumor samples with the same method. The measurement of cellular endogenous NAD(P)H fluorescence, therefore, offers a reliable and straightforward alternative to identify erythrocytes and reticulocytes without additional immunostaining or the need to modify the cytometer's optical configuration. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.

Cura húmeda de úlceras por presión. Atención en el ámbito domiciliar / Pressure ulcers humid healing: Attention within the home environment / Cura húmida de ulceras por pressão. Atenção no âmbito domiciliar

La necesidad de trabajar en el domicilio el tratamiento y prevención de las úlceras por presión (UPP) mediante sesiones basadas en cura húmeda es trascendente para la eversión y cicatrización en menor tiempo. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia del tratamiento de la cura húmeda en pacientes con UPP en un ambiente domiciliario. Método: Se realizó una intervención clínica con la técnica de cura húmeda en 11 UPP de 4 pacientes egresados del hospital con su problema de salud resuelto, pero no así las UPP observadas en puntos de presión, con lesiones grado II (n = 6) y grado III (n = 5). Se realizaron 12 curaciones, cada 72 h, en los domicilios de las personas. Se midió la severidad y su reversión con el instrumento Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH). Este instrumento tiene un alfa de Cronbach de 0.823. Resultados: Se curaron 9 UPP de 11; todas las de grado II (n = 6), mientras que de las de grado III se curaron 3 (n = 5). La cicatrización se dio en un lapso de 4 semanas, inferior a la cura tradicional que demora 2 veces más el tiempo de cicatrización. Conclusión: En el ámbito domiciliario, la cura húmeda fue eficaz para revertir las UPP de pacientes que las habían desarrollado durante su hospitalización y que egresaron sin tratamiento para ellas. La intervención se convierte en una opción para mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas y un medio que las instituciones de salud pueden poner en práctica.

The need to carry out prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers (PU) within the home environment by means of humid healing sessions is very important for the prompt eversion and cicatrization of the wounds. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the humid healing in patients with PU within the home environment. Method: A clinical intervention was performed using the humid healing technique on 11 PU in 4 discharged patients showing degree II lesions (n = 6), and degree III lesions (n = 5). Twelve healings every 72 h were carried out at the homes of these patients. The ulcers severity and progress were estimated using the Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH) instrument, which has a Cronbach alfa of 0.823. Results: Nine PU out of the total 11 healed-all degree II (n = 6) and 3 degree III (n = 5). The cicatrization process only took 4 weeks, a time which is much shorter than the usual 8 weeks which take the traditional healing. Conclusion: Within the home environment, humid healing was an effective method to address PU in patients previously discharged from hospitals. This kind of interventions represents an option which health institutions can promote in order to improve the quality of life of these patients.

A necessidade de trabalhar na residência o tratamento e prevenção das Ulceras por pressão (UPP) mediante sessões baseadas em cura húmida, é transcendente para a eversão e cicatrização em menor tempo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do tratamento da cura húmida em pacientes com UPP em um ambiente domiciliar. Método: Realizou-se uma intervenção clínica com a técnica de cura húmida em 11 UPP de quatro pacientes formados do hospital com seu problema de saúde resolvido, mas não assim as UPP observadas em pontos de pressão, com lesões grau II (n = 6) e III (n = 5). Realizaram-se 12 curas, cada 72 h nas residências das pessoas. Mediu-se a severidade e sua reversão com o instrumento Pressure Ulcers Scale for Healing (PUSH). Este instrumento tem um alfa de Cronbach de 0.80. Resultados: Foram curadas 9 UPP de 11, todas as de grau II (n = 6), enquanto que as de grau III, 3 (n = 5). A cicatrização deu-se em um lapso de 4 semanas, inferior à cura tradicional que demora duas vezes mais o tempo de cicatrização. Conclusão: No âmbito domiciliar, a cura húmida foi eficaz para reverter as UPP de pacientes que as tinham desenvolvido durante sua hospitalização e que se formaram sem tratamento para elas. A intervenção se tornou em una opção para melhorar a qualidade de vida das pessoas e um médio que as instituições de saúde podem pôr em prática.

El alcohol del encuentro / The alcohol of the meeting

Es importante indagar las conexiones existentes entre las propuestaspublicitarias de las marcas de bebidas alcohólicas y las prácticas de consumode los jóvenes de entre 13 y 25 años, entendidas como formas de producciónde distinciones e identificaciones.ObjetivosAnalizar las publicidades de las bebidas con alcohol con mayor difusión nacional encanales de televisión de aire e identificar disposiciones al consumo en jóvenes de 13a 25 años entre mayo y noviembre de 2014. Específicamente se buscó, por un lado,entender el modo en que se construyen mensajes publicitarios que promueven elconsumo de bebidas alcohólicas y, por el otro, explorar valoraciones, percepcionesy acciones respecto del consumo de alcohol e indagar en los contenidos presentesen las publicidades de bebidas alcohólicas en jóvenes residentes en las provinciasde Chaco, Córdoba, Mendoza, Tucumán, Santa Fe y Neuquén.MétodosSe utilizó un enfoque semiótico y antropológico de tipo cultural.ResultadosSe prevé la presentación de resultados parciales de este trabajo en REDCOM(Red de Investigadores en Comunicación), ENACCOM (Encuentro Nacional deCarreras de Comunicación) y el congreso internacional a 30 años de la carrerade Comunicación de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, así como su publicaciónen revistas especializadas nacionales e internacionales.ConclusionesLas opciones propuestas por las marcas son recibidas y reinterpretadas por losjóvenes, pero en todas ellas es patente el poder de naturalización del consumo.Se propone una diferenciación y distinción a través de la práctica cultural deconsumir una marca en particular, siempre regulada por las ofertas del mercado.Tal como se ha visto en el análisis de publicidades, el alcohol siempre estápresente en la práctica juvenil de diversión y nocturnidad. No se venden atributosy beneficios del alcohol en tanto producto, sino que ya están establecidos

Disturbance response indicators of Impatiens walleriana exposed to benzene and chromium.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the remediation potential and disturbance response indicators of Impatiens walleriana exposed to benzene and chromium. Numerous studies over the years have found abundant evidence of the carcinogenicity of benzene and chromium (VI) in humans. Benzene and chromium are two toxic industrial chemicals commonly found together at contaminated sites, and one of the most common management strategies employed in the recovery of sites contaminated by petroleum products and trace metals is in situ remediation. Given that increasing interest has focused on the use of plants as depollution agents, direct injection tests and benzene misting were performed on I. walleriana to evaluate the remediation potential of this species. I. walleriana accumulated hexavalent chromium, mainly in the root system (164.23 mg kg-1), to the detriment of the aerial part (39.72 mg kg-1), and presented visible damage only at the highest concentration (30 mg L-1). Unlike chromium (VI), chromium (III) was retained almost entirely by the soil, leaving it available for removal by phytotechnology. However, after the contamination stopped, I. walleriana responded positively to the detoxification process, recovering its stem stiffness and leaf color. I. walleriana showed visible changes such as leaf chlorosis during the ten days of benzene contamination. When benzene is absorbed by the roots, it is translocated to and accumulated in the plant's aerial part. This mechanism the plant uses ensures its tolerance to the organic compound, enabling the species to survive and reproduce after treatment with benzene. Although I. walleriana accumulates minor amounts of hexavalent chromium in the aerial part, this amount suffices to induce greater oxidative stress and to increase the amount of hydrogen peroxide when compared to that of benzene. It was therefore concluded that I. walleriana is a species that possesses desirable characteristics for phytotechnology.

Physiological handling of dietary fructose-containing sugars: implications for health.

Fructose has always been present in our diet, but its consumption has increased markedly over the past 200 years. This is mainly due to consumption of sucrose or high-fructose corn syrup in industrial foods and beverages. Unlike glucose, fructose cannot be directly used as an energy source by all cells of the human body and needs first to be converted into glucose, lactate or fatty acids in the liver, intestine and kidney. Because of this specific two-step metabolism, some energy is consumed in splanchnic organs to convert fructose into other substrates, resulting in a lower net energy efficiency of fructose compared with glucose. A high intake of fructose-containing sugars is associated with body weight gain in large cohort studies, and fructose can certainly contribute to energy imbalance leading to obesity. Whether fructose-containing foods promote obesity more than other energy-dense foods remains controversial, however. A short-term (days-weeks) high-fructose intake is not associated with an increased fasting glycemia nor to an impaired insulin-mediated glucose transport in healthy subjects. It, however, increases hepatic glucose production, basal and postprandial blood triglyceride concentrations and intrahepatic fat content. Whether these metabolic alterations are early markers of metabolic dysfunction or merely adaptations to the specific two-step fructose metabolism remain unknown.

Both Palatable and Unpalatable Butterflies Use Bright Colors to Signal Difficulty of Capture to Predators.

Birds are able to recognize and learn to avoid attacking unpalatable, chemically defended butterflies after unpleasant experiences with them. It has also been suggested that birds learn to avoid prey that are efficient at escaping. This, however, remains poorly documented. Here, we argue that butterflies may utilize a variety of escape tactics against insectivorous birds and review evidence that birds avoid attacking butterflies that are hard to catch. We suggest that signaling difficulty of capture to predators is a widespread phenomenon in butterflies, and this ability may not be limited to palatable butterflies. The possibility that both palatable and unpalatable species signal difficulty of capture has not been fully explored, but helps explain the existence of aposematic coloration and escape mimicry in butterflies lacking defensive chemicals. This possibility may also change the role that putative Müllerian and Batesian mimics play in a variety of classical mimicry rings, thus opening new perspectives in the evolution of mimicry in butterflies.

Selection of Annonaceae Species for the Control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Metabolic Profiling of Duguetia lanceolata Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

This study was performed to investigate the activity of 19 dichloromethane-soluble fractions obtained from the methanolic extracts of 10 Annonaceae species against the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). The stem bark of Duguetia lanceolata A. St.-Hil. showed the highest insecticidal activity, with a median lethal time (LT50) of 61.4 h and a median lethal concentration (LC50) of 946.5 µg/ml of diet. The dichloromethane-soluble fractions from six D. lanceolata specimens were subjected to evaluation of their activities against S. frugiperda and metabolomic analysis using hydrogen (1H) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Although all of the samples affected S. frugiperda mortality, their insecticidal activities varied according to the sample used in the experiments. Using partial least squares regression of the results, the D. lanceolata specimens were grouped according to their metabolite profile and insecticidal activity. A detailed analysis via uni- and bidimensional NMR spectroscopy showed that the peaks in the 1H NMR spectra associated with increased insecticidal activity could be attributed to 2,4,5-trimethoxystyrene, which suggests that this substance is involved in the insecticidal activity of the stem bark fraction of D. lanceolata.

Nucleotide excision repair pathway assessment in DNA exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers.

Low-intensity lasers are used for prevention and management of oral mucositis induced by anticancer therapy, but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the genetic characteristics of affected cells. This study evaluated the survival and induction of filamentation of Escherichia coli cells deficient in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, and the action of T4endonuclease V on plasmid DNA exposed to low-intensity red and near-infrared laser light. Cultures of wild-type (strain AB1157) E. coli and strain AB1886 (deficient in uvrA protein) were exposed to red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) lasers at various fluences, powers and emission modes to study bacterial survival and filamentation. Also, plasmid DNA was exposed to laser light to study DNA lesions produced in vitro by T4endonuclease V. Low-intensity lasers:i) had no effect on survival of wild-type E. coli but decreased the survival of uvrA protein-deficient cells,ii) induced bacterial filamentation, iii) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids in agarose gels, andiv) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with T4 endonuclease V. These results increase our understanding of the effects of laser light on cells with various genetic characteristics, such as xeroderma pigmentosum cells deficient in nucleotide excision pathway activity in patients with mucositis treated by low-intensity lasers.

Low-intensity red and infrared laser effects at high fluences on Escherichia coli cultures.

Semiconductor laser devices are readily available and practical radiation sources providing wavelength tenability and high monochromaticity. Low-intensity red and near-infrared lasers are considered safe for use in clinical applications. However, adverse effects can occur via free radical generation, and the biological effects of these lasers from unusually high fluences or high doses have not yet been evaluated. Here, we evaluated the survival, filamentation induction and morphology of Escherichia coli cells deficient in repair of oxidative DNA lesions when exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers at unusually high fluences. Cultures of wild-type (AB1157), endonuclease III-deficient (JW1625-1), and endonuclease IV-deficient (JW2146-1) E. coli, in exponential and stationary growth phases, were exposed to red and infrared lasers (0, 250, 500, and 1000 J/cm2) to evaluate their survival rates, filamentation phenotype induction and cell morphologies. The results showed that low-intensity red and infrared lasers at high fluences are lethal, induce a filamentation phenotype, and alter the morphology of the E. coli cells. Low-intensity red and infrared lasers have potential to induce adverse effects on cells, whether used at unusually high fluences, or at high doses. Hence, there is a need to reinforce the importance of accurate dosimetry in therapeutic protocols.

Nucleotide excision repair pathway assessment in DNA exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers

Low-intensity lasers are used for prevention and management of oral mucositis induced by anticancer therapy, but the effectiveness of treatment depends on the genetic characteristics of affected cells. This study evaluated the survival and induction of filamentation of Escherichia coli cells deficient in the nucleotide excision repair pathway, and the action of T4endonuclease V on plasmid DNA exposed to low-intensity red and near-infrared laser light. Cultures of wild-type (strain AB1157) E. coli and strain AB1886 (deficient in uvrA protein) were exposed to red (660 nm) and infrared (808 nm) lasers at various fluences, powers and emission modes to study bacterial survival and filamentation. Also, plasmid DNA was exposed to laser light to study DNA lesions produced in vitro by T4endonuclease V. Low-intensity lasers:i) had no effect on survival of wild-type E. coli but decreased the survival of uvrA protein-deficient cells,ii) induced bacterial filamentation, iii) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids in agarose gels, andiv) did not alter the electrophoretic profile of plasmids incubated with T4 endonuclease V. These results increase our understanding of the effects of laser light on cells with various genetic characteristics, such as xeroderma pigmentosum cells deficient in nucleotide excision pathway activity in patients with mucositis treated by low-intensity lasers.

Low-intensity red and infrared laser effects at high fluences on Escherichia coli cultures

Semiconductor laser devices are readily available and practical radiation sources providing wavelength tenability and high monochromaticity. Low-intensity red and near-infrared lasers are considered safe for use in clinical applications. However, adverse effects can occur via free radical generation, and the biological effects of these lasers from unusually high fluences or high doses have not yet been evaluated. Here, we evaluated the survival, filamentation induction and morphology of Escherichia coli cells deficient in repair of oxidative DNA lesions when exposed to low-intensity red and infrared lasers at unusually high fluences. Cultures of wild-type (AB1157), endonuclease III-deficient (JW1625-1), and endonuclease IV-deficient (JW2146-1) E. coli, in exponential and stationary growth phases, were exposed to red and infrared lasers (0, 250, 500, and 1000 J/cm2) to evaluate their survival rates, filamentation phenotype induction and cell morphologies. The results showed that low-intensity red and infrared lasers at high fluences are lethal, induce a filamentation phenotype, and alter the morphology of the E. coli cells. Low-intensity red and infrared lasers have potential to induce adverse effects on cells, whether used at unusually high fluences, or at high doses. Hence, there is a need to reinforce the importance of accurate dosimetry in therapeutic protocols.

Efecto de la tibolona en la densidad de las espinas dendríticas en el hipocampo de la rata / Effect of tibolone on dendritic spine density in the rat hippocampus

Introducción: El hipoestrogenismo produce estrés oxidativo (EO) y cambios en las neuronas del hipocampo (H) y reduce la densidad de las espinas dendríticas (ED). Estas alteraciones repercuten en la respuesta plástica del H. La terapia de sustitución intraperitoneal con estrógenos revierte estos efectos, pero no se sabe si ocurre lo mismo con la tibolona (TB). El objetivo fue comprobar los efectos neuroprotectivos de la TB administrada por vía oral a largo plazo y su capacidad para revertir la poda de ED de las neuronas piramidales (NP) del CA1 del H. Métodos: Ratas Sprague Dawley jóvenes: distribuidas en 3 grupos: control en proestro (Pro) y 2 grupos ovariectomizados (Ovx), uno suplementado con dosis diaria de TB (1 mg/kg), OvxTB, y otro con vehículo (OvxV), por 40 días. Se analizaron la peroxidación de lípidos y la densidad de las ED en 3 segmentos de la dendrita apical de las NP del CA1 del H. Resultados: La TB no redujo la peroxidación de lípidos en el H, pero recuperó la poda de espinas en las NP del CA1 del H, producida por la ovariectomía. Conclusiones: La terapia de sustitución estrogénica en el hipoestrogenismo por ovariectomía tiene un efecto protector

Introduction: Oestrogen deficiency produces oxidative stress (OS) and changes in hippocampal neurons and also reduces the density of dendritic spines (DS). These alterations affect the plastic response of the hippocampus. Oestrogen replacement therapy reverses these effects, but it remains to be seen whether the same changes are produced by tibolone (TB). The aim of this study was to test the neuroprotective effects of long-term oral TB treatment and its ability to reverse DS pruning in pyramidal neurons (PN) of hippocampal area CA1. Methods: Young Sprague Dawley rats were distributed in 3 groups: a control group in proestrus (Pro) and two ovariectomised groups (Ovx), of which one was provided with a daily TB dose (1 mg/kg), OvxTB and the other with vehicle (OvxV), for 40 days in both cases. We analysed lipid peroxidation and DS density in 3 segments of apical dendrites from PNs in hippocampal area CA1. Results: TB did not reduce lipid peroxidation but it did reverse the spine pruning in CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus which had been caused by ovariectomy. Conclusions: Oestrogen replacement therapy for ovariectomy-induced oestrogen deficiency has a protective effect on synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus