Obesity and recurrent miscarriage: The interconnections between adipose tissue and the immune system.

Currently, obesity is considered a global public health problem. It is the main risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and reproductive complications, such as recurrent miscarriage (RM). RM affects approximately 1% of couples of reproductive age, and recent studies suggest that its prevalence is increasing. Immunological abnormalities may be responsible for a significant number of cases of unexplained RM. Obesity is recognized as a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition. The accumulation of fat in obese adipose tissue promotes changes in the local and systemic immune response. Adipokines, exosomes, micro-RNAs, lipids, and other factors released or secreted by adipose tissue are responsible for the interconnection between obesity and the immune system. Obesity-induced dysregulation of the innate and acquired immune response is also involved in the immunopathology of pregnancy loss in patients with unexplained RM. Therefore, understanding the communication pathways between maternal adipose tissue and the immune response in women living with obesity and RM is an important objective. Thus, diagnostic tools and new immunomodulatory therapies may be proposed for the management of patients with concurrent obesity and RM.

Selectivity of Insecticides to a Pupal Parasitoid, Trichospilus diatraeae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), of Soybean Caterpillars.

Selectivity is an important aspect of modern insecticides to be able to target pests whilst maintaining beneficial entomofauna in the crop. The present objective was to assess the selectivity of different insecticides for the pupal parasitoid of soybean caterpillars, i.e., Trichospilus diatraeae Cherian & Margabandhu, 1942 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Acephate, azadirachtin, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), deltamethrin, lufenuron, teflubenzuron and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin at the highest recommended concentrations for the soybean looper Chrysodeixis includens (Walker, [1858]) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), as well as water in the control, were used against the pupal parasitoid T. diatraeae. The insecticides and the control were sprayed on the soybean leaves, which were left to dry naturally and placed in cages with T. diatraeae females in each one. Survival data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were compared using Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). Survival curves were plotted according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and the pairs of curves were compared using the log-rank test at 5% probability. The insecticides azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron did not affect T. diatraeae survival, while deltamethrin and thiamethoxam + lambda-cyhalothrin presented low toxicity and acephate was highly toxic, causing 100% mortality in the parasitoid. Azadirachtin, Bt, lufenuron and teflubenzuron are selective for T. diatraeae and could be used in IPM programs.

The Dietary Inflammatory Index as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Unhealthy diets have been linked to low-grade chronic inflammation, a condition known to play a role in the pathophysiology of non-communicable diseases as well as pregnancy complications. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) is a tool for evaluating the inflammatory potential of various diets. The goal of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the current state of evidence on the use of DII as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women. This study was developed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PROSPERO, number CRD42021288966). DII was evaluated as a predictor of obstetric complications in observational studies. The search was conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Data from eligible studies were extracted independently by two reviewers. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. A total of eight studies were eligible for the review. In a meta-analysis of continuous and categorical variables, DII was a predictor of any obstetric complications [mean difference: 0.39, 95 %CI 0.02-0.75, (p = 0.04); and odds ratio: 1.24, 95 %CI 1.11-1.40, (p = 0.0002)]. High DII was associated with pregnancy complications, particularly preeclampsia/hypertensive disorder of pregnancy and preterm birth. The DII is a tool that can assist in the food and therapeutic planning of pregnant women with obstetric risks. Well-designed clinical trials are necessary, especially studies that focus on recurrent pregnancy losses and implantation failures.

Interactions and scattering of quantum vortices in a polariton fluid.

Quantum vortices, the quantized version of classical vortices, play a prominent role in superfluid and superconductor phase transitions. However, their exploration at a particle level in open quantum systems has gained considerable attention only recently. Here we study vortex pair interactions in a resonant polariton fluid created in a solid-state microcavity. By tracking the vortices on picosecond time scales, we reveal the role of nonlinearity, as well as of density and phase gradients, in driving their rotational dynamics. Such effects are also responsible for the split of composite spin-vortex molecules into elementary half-vortices, when seeding opposite vorticity between the two spinorial components. Remarkably, we also observe that vortices placed in close proximity experience a pull-push scenario leading to unusual scattering-like events that can be described by a tunable effective potential. Understanding vortex interactions can be useful in quantum hydrodynamics and in the development of vortex-based lattices, gyroscopes, and logic devices.

Ação cicatrizante da nanopartícula de prata com norbixina em queimaduras / Healing action of silver nanoparticle with norbixin on burns

Introdução: A queimadura é uma injúria que altera a integridade da pele, decorrente de traumas térmicos. Dentre os compostos não convencionais utilizados na cicatrização de feridas estão a norbixina e as preparações com prata. Objetivo: avaliar a ação cicatrizante da nanopartícula de prata associada à norbixina em queimaduras de Mus musculus. Métodos: Inicialmente, preparou-se uma solução nanoprata/norbixina e a partir desta obteve-se o gel teste. Posteriormente dividiu-se os animais em 3 grupos, sendo negativo (sem tratamento), positivo (sulfadiazina de prata) e teste (gel teste). Nestes animais houve a indução das queimaduras. No 7º e 14º dia realizou-se a eutanásia e os tecidos lesionados foram coletados para análise microscópica. Resultado: Verificou-se potencial vantagem do grupo teste em relação ao negativo e igualdade comparada ao positivo. Conclusão: A nanopartícula de prata associada à norbixina representa uma fonte alternativa para a cicatrização de queimaduras. (AU)

Introduction: Burning is an injury that alters the integrity of the skin, due to thermal trauma. Among the non-conventional compounds used in wound healing are norbixin and silver preparations. Objective: to evaluate the cicatrizing action of silver nanoparticle associated with norbixina in Mus musculus burns. Methods: Initially, a nanoprata / norbixin solution was prepared and from this solution the test gel was obtained. Afterwards the animals were divided into 3 groups, being negative (without treatment), positive (silver sulfadiazine) and test (gel test). In these animals, there was the induction of burns. On the 7th and 14th day, euthanasia was performed and the injured tissues were collected for microscopic analysis. Result: There was a potential advantage of the test group in relation to negative and equality compared to positive. Conclusion: The silver nanoparticle associated with norbixin represents an alternative source for the healing of burns. (AU)

Uso de metformina em mulheres obesas com Síndrome do Ovário Policístico / Use of metformin in obese women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

A Síndrome do Ovário Policístico caracteriza-se como uma alteração anatômica e morfológica dos ovários que acarreta hiperandrogenismo, ciclos menstruais irregulares, redução da fertilidade e múltiplos cistos ovarianos, principalmente em mulheres obesas durante a menacme. Como o aumento da resistência à insulina e a hiperinsulinemia estão frequentemente presentes, a metformina começou a ser preconizada na clínica como uma forma de tratamento da Síndrome do Ovário Policístico. Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o uso de metformina em mulheres obesas com a síndrome citada. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed/MedLine, Portal CAPES, SciELO, Cochrane e Google Acadêmico no período de fevereiro a maio de 2016. Os artigos foram identificados pelos seguintes descritores: "polycystic ovary syndrome", "metformin", "hyperandrogenism and obesity". Não houve restrição quanto à data de publicação dos artigos e idioma. Uma ampla utilização da metformina é identificável no tratamento da Síndrome do Ovário Policístico, porém ainda existe discordância sobre sua efetividade de forma isolada. Estudos utilizando monoterapia de metformina identificaram auxílio na redução de peso e melhora nas taxas de gravidez. Nos estudos utilizando terapia combinada, ocorreu melhora significativa nas taxas de ovulação e gravidez. Por fim, nos trabalhos que compararam o uso da metformina com modificação do estilo de vida, foi observado que a redução do peso teve impacto mais significativo nas taxas de ovulação e gravidez. Assim, apesar deste fármaco melhorar sintomas da síndrome do ovário policístico, o fator que mais colabora para ciclos menstruais regulares e melhoraria nas taxas de ovulação/gravidez é a redução do peso.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is characterized as an anatomical and morphological change of the ovaries which causes hyperandrogenism, irregular menstrual cycles, reduced fertility and multiple ovarian cysts, especially in obese women during the reproductive years. As the increase of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are often present,metformin began to be recommended in the clinical treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. Thus, this study aims to conduct a literature review on the use of metformin in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. With this aim, a search in the PubMed/MedLine, CAPES Portal, SciELO, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases was performed in the period of 02/2016 to 05/2016. Articles were identified by the following descriptors: polycystic ovary syndrome, metformin, hyperandrogenism and obesity. There were no restrictions in the date of articles publication and language. A wide use of metformin is identifiable in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome, but there is still disagreement about its isolated effectiveness. Studies using metformin monotherapy identified aid in weight reduction and improvement in pregnancy rates. In studies using combined therapy there was a significant improvement in ovulation and pregnancy rates. Finally, in studies that compared the use of metformin with changes in lifestyle, it was observed that the weight reduction had more significant impact in ovulation and pregnancy rates. Thus, while this drug reduces the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome, the factor that contributes the most to regular menstrual cycles and improvement of ovulation/pregnancy rates is weight reduction.

Análise e monitoramento de pontos críticos no abate de frangos utilizando indicadores microbiológicos / Analysis and monitoring of critical points in the poultry slaughter using microbiological indicators

A presença de microrganismos indicadores de contaminação na linha de abate de frangos foi determinada visando identificar os possíveis pontos de controle e oferecer uma opção para o monitoramento ou a verificação pelo sistema "Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle" (APPCC). A contaminação superficial das carcaças foi determinada pela enumeração de microrganismos aeróbios mesófilos, coliformes totais, coliformes termotolerantes e de Escherichia coli nas seguintes fases de abate: A - antes do primeiro chuveiro de higienização, B - após o primeiro chuveiro, C - após a evisceração manual, D - após o chuveiro de lavagem final e E - na saída do pré-resfriamento. Não houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as médias de mesófilos, coliformes totais e termotolerantes, entre as fases A, B, C e D. Entretanto, as médias obtidas para esses microrganismos indicadores na fase E (pré-resfriamento) foram significativamente menores. Não houve diferença significativa entre as médias de Escherichia coli nas cinco fases. As chances de contaminação (Razão de Chances) por mesófilos foram maiores na fase A e por coliformes na fase C. Entre os parâmetros analisados, os níveis de contaminação por mesófilos, coliformes totais e termotolerantes foram os mais indicados para monitoramento e verificação de um plano APPCC no abate de aves. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que a fase de pré-resfriamento pode ser considerada um importante ponto crítico de controle, uma vez que foi capaz de reduzir a contaminação microbiológica de forma significativa.

Hygiene indicator microorganisms in a poultry slaughter was evaluated during the processing in order to identify potential critical control points and allow options for monitoring or verification by Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) system. Microbiological superficial contamination of chicken carcasses was establish by the enumeration of mesophilic aerobes, total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms and Escherichia coli in the following steps of processing: A - before the first hygienic shower, B - after the first hygienic shower, C - after manual evisceration, D - after final washing shower, and E - after the chiller tank. The mean counts of mesophilic aerobes, total and thermotolerant coliforms was not significantly different (P<0.05) in the steps A, B, C and D. However, the mean values of these microorganisms in step E (after chilling) was significantly lower when compared to the one obtained in the other steps. The mean counts of Escherichia coli were not significantly different, independently of the processing step analyzed. The chances of contamination were estimated by Odds Ration, and it was observed that chances were higher in the step A for mesophilic aerobes, and in the step C for coliforms. Considering the analyzed parameters, the levels of contamination by mesophilic aerobes, total and thermotolerant coliforms were the most suitable for monitoring and verification of a HACCP system in a poultry processing plant. The obtained results indicate that the chilling can be considered as an important critical control point, once this procedure was able to reduce significantly the microbiological contamination.

Características epidemiológicas e distribuição espacial da enzootia canina de Leishmaniose Visceral na cidade de Teresina, Piauí, no período de 2003 a 2006 / Epidemiological characteristics and spatial distribution of enzootic canine visceral leishmaniasis in Teresina, Piauí, in the period 2003 to 2006

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar o comportamento da enzootia canina de Leishmaniose Visceral (LV) em Teresina (Piauí), no período de 2003 a 2006 e estudar sua associação com aocorrência de casos humanos e com as características sócio-ambientais do espaço urbano. No intervalo analisado foram registrados 590 casos humanos e 1755 cães considerados positivos para LV, identificados a partir da demanda da população aos serviços locais de saúde. Foi realizado um estudo de análise de situação de saúde, considerando três níveis espaciais: bairros, estratos e regiões. Os dados referentes à doença humana e canina foram provenientes, respectivamente, do SINAN e da Fundação Municipal de Saúde. As informações sócio ambientais foram levantadas no IBGE e foram elaborados mapas temáticos e técnicas de geoprocessamento. A partir dos indicadores epidemiológicos e sócio-ambientais, foram realizadas análises de regressões lineares múltiplas, tendo como variáveis dependentes o coeficiente de incidência de casos humanos e a taxa de detecção de cães com LV por bairro e por estrato urbanos de Teresina. Os resultados mostraram que a enzootia canina predominou na região do Centro, enquanto a endemia humana apresentou as maiores taxas na região de expansão da cidade. Observou-se ainda que os coeficientes de incidência humana e as taxas de detecção canina predominaram em bairros e estratos distintos, sugerindo dois processos articulados, mas com características próprias. O processo endêmico atingiu principalmente bairros situados na área industrial e de periferia consolidada; a enzootia predominou em alguns bairros do centro e na periferia central. Os estratos com os coeficientes de incidência humana mais elevados situaram-se nas regiões de periferia e de expansão recente. Já as taxas de detecção caninas mais altas foram registradas nas regiões centrais e em parte da periferia consolidada. O estudo indicou que há necessidade de outras pesquisas orientadas ao aprofundamento de questões relacionadas às características epidemiológicas da endemia e da enzootia de LV, visando a e estruturação do monitoramento e a orientação das atividades de vigilância e de controle da Leishmaniose Visceral em Teresina.

Métodos de pesquisa de Salmonella sp durante o abate de frangos / Research methods of Salmonella sp during abates it of chickens

Foram revisados os princípios e as aplicações dos métodos microbiológico convencional, Sistema VIDAS e Reação de Polimerase em Cadeia – PCR, na pesquisa de Salmonella sp em carcaças de frangos, com o propósito de oferecer informações sobre a viabilidade de utilização dos referidos métodos no monitoramento da respectiva bactéria em sistemas de controle de qualidade do abate, como o Sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle (APPCC). Não obstante, o reconhecimento do método microbiológico convencional em rotina de determinação da Salmonella sp em frangos, os métodos VIDAS E PCR se apresentam, em princípio, como alternativas ao primeiro, revelando altas taxas de desempenho, maior rapidez e praticidade de análise, devendo ser melhor avaliados em monitoramento do abate de frango, dada a demanda de métodos com tais características para auxiliar no controle de qualidade do produto e favorecer, conseqüentemente, a saúde pública. Assim, torna-se favorecida a implementação de sistemas como o APPCC com o referido fim, tanto no abatedouro, quanto em outros segmentos da cadeia produtiva da carne de frango.

Determination of the triacylglycerol composition of coffee beans by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography.

Reverse-phase HPLC with refractive index and light scattering detectors in isocratic and gradient elution modes, respectively, was applied for the separation of the major triacylglycerols (TAG) in coffee lipids. Twelve TAG species could be identified and determined using a linear gradient of acetonitrile in dichloromethane: dichloroethane. The quantitative evaluation was based on the relative area percentages derived directly from a data-station. The procedure was applied to determine the TAG composition of three types of coffee beans harvested in two coffee producing areas in Brazil and dried by two commonly used procedures. No significant differences in the TAG compositions due to the type, origin and drying procedure were found.