Chronic consumption of contaminated feed with 2 4 dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 4 D) herbicide in rodents: effects on male reproductive health / Consumo crônico de ração contaminada com herbicida ácido 2 4 di clorofenoxiacético (2 4 D) em roedores: efeitos na saúde reprodutiva masculina

Introduction: The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used pesticides in the world. There is evidence that this herbicide can induce deleterious effects in non-target organisms, including impairment of reproduction function. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive effects of the chronic consumption of contaminated feed with 2,4-D in rats using food environmental spraying simulation. Methods: Animals orally exposed received nebulized chow with 2,4-D solution in different concentrations for 180 days: 0 (control - CG), 20.69 (LCG), 34.63 (MCG), or 51.66 ppm day−1 (HCG). Results: Sperm quality was impaired to 2,4-D. The percentage of sperm with progressive movement, number of sperm in the testis and daily sperm production were decreased in all exposed groups to the herbicide compared to CG. Sperm counts in the caput/corpus and cauda epididymis were reduced in MCG and HCG, and sperm transit time was delayed in the epididymis of LCG. There was a negative impact on sperm morphology and plasma membrane integrity in MCG and HCG, respectively. Germ cell exfoliation within the lumen of the seminiferous tubules and epithelial vacuolization in epididymis were found in the HCG. Conclusion: This is the first study to describe the negative impact on male reproductive morphophysiology after chronic exposure to 2,4-D using food nebulization in environmentally relevant concentrations, based on agronomic use of the herbicide. The reproductive injuries identified raise concerns about the impacts of wide population exposure to 2,4-D (AU).

Introdução: O herbicida 2,4- ácido diclorofenoxiacético (2,4-D) é um dos agrotóxicos mais utilizados no mundo. Há evidências de que este herbicida pode induzir efeitos deletérios em organismos não-alvo, incluindo prejuízo na função reprodutiva. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos reprodutivos do consumo crônico de ração contaminada com 2,4-D em ratos, utilizando simulação de pulverização ambiental de alimentos. Métodos: Animais expostos oralmente receberam ração nebulizada com solução de 2,4-D em diferentes concentrações por 180 dias: 0 (controle - GC), 20,69 (LCG), 34,63 (MCG) ou 51,66 ppm dia−1 (HCG). Resultados: A qualidade espermática foi prejudicada pelo 2,4-D. A porcentagem de espermatozoides com movimento progressivo, número de espermatozoides no testículo e produção diária de espermatozoides foram menores em todos os grupos expostos ao herbicida, quando comparados ao GC. A contagem de espermatozoides na cabeça/corpo e cauda do epidídimo foi reduzida em MCG e HCG, e o tempo de trânsito espermático atrasou no epidídimo em LCG. Houve impacto negativo na morfologia espermática e na integridade da membrana plasmática em MCG e HCG, respectivamente. Esfoliação de células germinativas no lúmen dos túbulos seminíferos e vacuolização epitelial no epidídimo foram encontradas em HCG. Conclusão: Este é o primeiro estudo a descrever o impacto negativo na morfofisiologia reprodutiva masculina após exposição crônica ao 2,4-D, utilizando nebulização de alimentos em concentrações ambientalmente relevantes, com base no uso agronômico do herbicida. As lesões reprodutivas identificadas levantam preocupações sobre os impactos da ampla exposição da população ao 2,4-D (AU).

Digital image processing: a useful tool in the analysis of lung injuries caused by chronic inhalation of agricultural herbicides.

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used in agriculture to control various weeds. The objective of this study was to use the digital image processing method to identify alveolar lesions in the lungs of rats submitted to chronic 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) inhalation exposure. We used forty adult male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into four groups: control group (CG), low concentration group (LCG), medium concentration group (MCG), and high concentration group (HCG). In a 6-month exposure period, we used two boxes connected to ultrasonic nebulizers for herbicide spraying. After this period, the rats were euthanized for the collection and study of lung tissue. For each image, counts of injuries and blisters were performed automatically using a methodology based on digital image processing techniques. For analysis of the results, an electronic database (Excel®) was created. We used the Pearson method for correlation analysis; values of p <0.05 were considered significant. In the evaluation of healthy alveoli, we recorded positive and significant correlations between analysis from a pathologist and computational analysis. In the evaluation of injured alveoli, we recorded a positive but non-significant correlation between analysis from a pathologist and computational analysis. These results show the effectiveness of digital image processing when evaluating alveolar integrity.

Physical exercise as a tool to help the immune system against COVID-19: an integrative review of the current literature.

Acute viral respiratory infections are the main infectious disease in the world. In 2020, a new disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), became a global pandemic. The immune response to the virus depends on factors such as genetics, age and physical state, and its main input receptor is the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. The practice of physical exercises acts as a modulator of the immune system. During and after physical exercise, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines are released, lymphocyte circulation increases, as well as cell recruitment. Such practice has an effect on the lower incidence, intensity of symptoms and mortality in viral infections observed in people who practice physical activity regularly, and its correct execution must be considered to avoid damage. The initial response is given mainly by type I interferons (IFN-I), which drive the action macrophages and lymphocytes, followed by lymphocyte action. A suppression of the IFN-I response has been noted in COVID-19. Severe conditions have been associated with storms of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphopenia, as well as circulatory changes and virus dispersion to other organs. The practice of physical activities strengthens the immune system, suggesting a benefit in the response to viral communicable diseases. Thus, regular practice of adequate intensity is suggested as an auxiliary tool in strengthening and preparing the immune system for COVID-19. Further studies are needed to associate physical exercise with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Evaluation of genotoxicity after acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid herbicide (2,4-D) in rodents using machine learning algorithms.

2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used herbicides in the world, but its mutagenic and carcinogenic potential is still controversial. We simulated environmental exposure to 2,4-D, with the objective of evaluating the genotoxic effect of acute and chronic exposure to 2,4-D in rodents. We also evaluated the performance of machine learning algorithms in detecting differences in exposure groups through recognition performed from genotoxic characteristics. In the acute phase, 88 Swiss mice were used, distributed in five groups and exposed to nebulizations at different time intervals (24, 48, 72 and 192 hr). In the chronic phase, 88 Wistar rats were used, distributed in two groups (inhaled and oral) and exposed for six months. Femoral bone marrow cells were collected for a micronucleus test and comet assay. Data were evaluated by pattern recognition algorithms. In acute exposure, medium and high concentrations induced DNA damage in the comet assay, but these concentrations did not increase micronucleated cells. In the chronic exposure, there was an increase in micronuclei and DNA damage in the comet assay in all exposed groups regardless of the exposure route. The data showed a robust pattern of distinction between exposed and nonexposed groups to 2,4-D. Our data showed that both acute inhalation exposure and chronic oral and inhalation exposure to 2,4-D can cause genotoxic effects regardless of concentration. Machine learning showed a clear distinction between the control groups and those exposed to 2,4-D, and the effects of exposure are not concentration-dependent.

O uso da tecnologia no ensino da anatomia humana: revisão sistemática da literatura de 2017 a 2020 / The use of technology in human anatomy teaching: a systematic review of the literature from 2017 to 2020

RESUMO: A tecnologia destaca-se como agente de avanço, principalmente na área da saúde. O estudo da anatomia humana nos cursos de medicina permanece tradicionalista com palestras teóricas e dissecção de cadáveres, por isso, metodologias tecnológicas parecem auxiliar o ensino, tornando-o interativo. Assim, o objetivo do estudo é analisar as perspectivas do uso de tecnologias no ensino da anatomia humana para inseri-las na graduação em medicina. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura abrangendo artigos publicados entre janeiro de 2017 a março de 2020 nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e Science Direct. Elencaram-se três critérios de inclusão: estudos com estudantes de medicina ou direcionado aos estudantes de medicina, estudos com residentes de medicina e estudos que avaliam o uso do desenvolvimento tecnológico no ensino da anatomia humana; e três de exclusão: estudos com animais, estudos com estudantes de outros cursos da área da saúde e estudos envolvendo área ou técnica cirúrgica específica. Onze artigos foram lidos na íntegra. Como resultado smartphones, código de resposta rápida (QR), realidade virtual (VR), modalidades impressas tridimensionais (3DP), próteses em 3D e outras tecnologias beneficiaram os alunos no aprendizado anatômico, os quais relataram instrumento atraente, de fácil manejo e acessível mesmo distante do laboratório. Além disso, demonstrou-se maior interesse dos acadêmicos em associar métodos tradicio-nais com as novas tecnologias. As tecnologias se mostraram eficazes no ensino da anatomia humana, visto que a maior parte dos estudos comprovou seu potencial enriquecedor nas avaliações que atingiram resultados iguais e melhores do que o ensino com as práticas tradicionais. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Technology stands out as an advancing agent, especially in the area of health. The study of human anatomy in medical courses remains traditionalist with theoretical lectures and dissection of cadavers, so technological methodologies seem to assist the teaching, making it interactive. Thus, the objective of the study is to analyze the per-spectives of the use of technologies in the teaching of the human anatomy to insert them in undergraduate medical courses. A systematic review of the literature was carried out covering papers published between January 2017 and March 2020 in the electronic databases PubMed and Science Direct. Three inclusion criteria were listed: studies with medical students or targeted to medical students, studies with medical residents, and studies that evaluate the use of technological development in the teaching of human anatomy; and three exclusion criteria: studies with animals, studies with students from other health courses, and studies involving specific surgical area or technique. Eleven papers were read in full. As a result, smartphones, rapid response code (QR), virtual reality (VR), three-dimensional printed modalities (3DP), 3D prostheses, and other technologies benefited the students in anatomical learning, who reported an attractive instrument, easy to handle, and accessible even far from the laboratory. Technologies have proven to be effective in teaching human anatomy, given that most studies have proven their enriching potential in assessments that have achieved similar and better results than teaching with traditional practices. (AU)

Correction to: Structural alterations and markers of endothelial activation in pulmonary and bronchial arteries in fatal asthma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1186/s13223-019-0363-0.].

Evaluation of buccal damage associated with acute inhalation exposure to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in mice.

BACKGROUND: The herbicide dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is one of the most widely used crop spraying products in the world. Some pesticides induce the degranulation of mast cells and increase allergic responses. This is the first study to evaluate the damage to the oral mucosa after an experimental simulation of environmental inhalation exposure to the 2,4-D herbicide. The aim of this study was evaluate the possible oral damage caused by acute inhalation exposure to the herbicide 2,4-D. RESULTS: There was a difference between the exposure concentrations in relation to tissue congestion intensity (p = 0.002) and mast cell counts (p = 0.002), a difference in the evaluation of the interaction between the exposure concentrations and nebulization time in the dorsum epithelium thickness (p = 0.013), and a significant correlation between the epithelial thickness and the number of nucleoli organizing regions on the dorsum of the tongue (p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Even after acute exposure, the herbicide 2,4-D had the potential to damage the oral epithelium, especially at higher doses.

Structural alterations and markers of endothelial activation in pulmonary and bronchial arteries in fatal asthma.

BACKGROUND: There is interest in better understanding vessel pathology in asthma, given the findings of loss of peripheral vasculature associated with disease severity by imaging and altered markers of endothelial activation. To date, vascular changes in asthma have been described mainly at the submucosal capillary level of the bronchial microcirculation, with sparse information available on the pathology of bronchial and pulmonary arteries. The aim of this study was to describe structural and endothelial activation markers in bronchial arteries (BAs) and pulmonary arteries (PAs) of asthma patients who died during a fatal asthma attack. METHODS: Autopsy lung tissue was obtained from 21 smoking and non-smoking patients who died of an asthma attack and nine non-smoking control patients. Verhoeff-Masson trichrome staining was used to analyse the structure of arteries. Using immuno-histochemistry and image analyses, we quantified extracellular matrix (ECM) components (collagen I, collagen III, versican, tenascin, fibronectin, elastic fibres), adhesion molecules [vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1)] and markers of vascular tone/dysfunction [endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2)] in PAs and BAs. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ECM components, ICAM-1, ET-1 or AT2 between asthma patients and controls. Smoking asthma patients presented with decreased content of collagen III in both BA (p = 0.046) and PA (p = 0.010) walls compared to non-smoking asthma patients. Asthma patients had increased VCAM-1 content in the BA wall (p = 0.026) but not in the PA wall. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the mechanisms linking asthma and arterial functional abnormalities might involve systemic rather than local mediators. Loss of collagen III in the PA was observed in smoking asthma patients, and this was compatible with the degradative environment induced by cigarette smoking. Our data also reinforce the idea that the mechanisms of leukocyte efflux via adhesion molecules differ between bronchial and pulmonary circulation, which might be relevant to understanding and treating the distal lung in asthma.

Environmental photochemical fate and UVC degradation of sodium levothyroxine in aqueous medium.

The synthetic hormone sodium levothyroxine (LTX) is one of the most prescribed drugs in the world and the most effective in hypothyroidism treatment. The presence of LTX in the environment has become a matter of major concern due to the widespread use of this hormone and by the fact that it is only partially removed in conventional water and sewage treatment plants. However, information regarding the photochemical fate of this hormone in environmental or engineered systems is scarce in the literature. In this work, the sunlight-driven direct and indirect LTX degradation was investigated by determining the photolysis quantum yield, ΦLTX = 3.80 (± 0.02) × 10-5, as well as the second-order kinetic constants of the reactions with hydroxyl radicals, kLTX,•OH = 1.50 (± 0.01) × 1010 L mol-1 s-1 and singlet oxygen, kLTX,1O2 = 1.47 (± 0.66) × 108 L mol-1 s-1. Mathematical simulations indicate that LTX photodegradation is favored in shallow, nitrite-rich, and dissolved organic matter (DOM)-poor environments, with LTX half-life times varying from less than 10 days to about 80 days. LTX removals of 85 and 95% were achieved by UVC photolysis and UVC/H2O2 after 120 min, respectively. Three transformation products, triiodothyronine, diiodothyronine, and diiodotyrosine, were identified during LTX degradation by the UVC-based processes studied. The results herein regarding photo-induced kinetics coupled with environmental fate simulations may help evaluate LTX persistence and also the design of water and wastewater treatment processes.

Caracterização demográfica e morfométrica das síndromes hipertensivas da gestação / Demographic and morphometric characterization of the gestational hypertensives syndromes / Caracterización demográfica y morfométrica de los síndromes hipertensivos del embarazo

As Síndromes Hipertensivas da Gestação (SHG) possuem intensidade variável de acordo com seu tipo. Com este estudo objetivou-se descrever as características demográficas materno- fetais e as alterações morfométricas placentárias nos diferentes tipos de SHG, pela análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes hipertensas, com placentas avaliadas morfologicamente, processadas para imunohistoquímica utilizando anticorpo monoclonal anti-human CD31 e analisadas morfometricamente. Os resultados demonstraram que, entre as SHG, os grupos com Hipertensão Crônica (HC) e Pré-eclâmpsia sobreposta à Hipertensão Crônica (PSHC) apresentaram idade materna superior (p=0,017). A frequência das SHG foi superior entre as multíparas. Menor idade gestacional, menores índices de Apgar e pesos placentários inferiores ao esperado para a população (p<0,05) foram observados nos casos com Pré-eclâmpsia (PE) e PSHC. Não houve diferença no número de vasos das vilosidades tronco placentárias. Nas demais, houve aumento nos casos com PE e Hipertensão Gestacional (HGE) e redução nos casos com PSHC. A importância do estudo consiste na descrição demográfica e morfológica nas SHG, visando melhorar o atendimento obstétrico e a compreensão dos diferentes tipos de SHG. A gravidade do quadro clínico das SHG tem relação com maiores intercorrências materno-fetais e com alterações no padrão vascular placentário.

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (SHG) have variable intensity according to their type. This study aimed to describe the demographic characteristics and maternal-fetal morphometric changes of placenta in different types of SHG by retrospective analysis of medical records of hypertensive patients with placentas evaluated morphologically, processed for immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody anti-human CD31 and analyzed morphometrically . The results showed that among the SHG, the groups with chronic hypertension (CH) and Pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension (PSHC) showed higher maternal age (p = 0017). The frequency of the SHG was higher among multiparous. Lower gestational age, lower Apgar score and placental weights lower than expected for the population (p <0.05) were observed in cases with pre-eclampsia (PE) and PSHC. There was no difference in the number of vessels of placental stem villi. In the others, there was an increase in cases with PE and gestational hypertension (HGE) and reduction in cases with PSHC. The importance of the study is to describe the demographic and morphological SHG to improve the obstetric care and understanding of different types of SHG. The severity of symptoms of SHG is related to higher maternal and fetal complications and changes in placental vascular patern.

Los Síndromes Hipertensivos del Embarazo (SHG) tienen una intensidad variable de acuerdo con su tipo. El objetivo de este etudio fue describir las características demográficas materno-fetales y alteraciones morfométricas placentarias entre diferentes tipos de SHG. Los resultados mostraron que, entre los SHG, los grupos con Hipertensión Crónica (HC) e Preeclampsia relacionada a HC (PSHC) presentaron una edad materna estadísticamente superior (p=0,017). La frecuencia de los SHG fue superior entre las pacientes multíparas. Fue observada menor edad gestacional, menores índices de Apgar y pesos placentarios inferiores a los esperados para la populación general (p<0,05) en los casos con Preeclampsia (PE) y PSHC. No hubo diferencia en el número de vasos del tronco de las vellosidades placentarias. En los demás, hubo aumento en los casos con PE e Hipertensión Gestacional (HGE) y reducción en los casos con PSHC. La importancia del estudio consiste en la descripción demográfica y morfológica de los SHG, promoviendo mejorar el atendimiento obstétrico y la comprensión de los diferentes tipos de SHG. La gravedad del cuadro clínico de los SHG está relacionada con mayores complicaciones materno-fetales y con alteraciones en el padrón vascular placentario.

Immunological evaluation of vestibular folds in autopsies of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

UNLABELLED: Immune response cells are decreased in patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This alters the cell population in vestibular fold lymphoid follicles, leading to respiratory infections in these patients. Such infections are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. AIM: to characterize lymphoid follicle cell populations in the vestibular folds of adults with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and associated or not respiratory infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 64 adult larynges harvested during routine autopsies. Anti-B cell, Anti-CD3, Anti-CD68 and Anti-follicular dendritic cell antibodies were used for immunological testing. RESULTS: 46 (71.87%) of the sample patients had the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. In these patients, lymphoid follicle cellularity was lower compared to the control group. The cell number was decreased in patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and associated respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated in this study that vestibular fold lymphoid follicles were affected by viral infections, and may be considered as a reliable marker of immunodepression in these patients.

Avaliação imunológica nas pregas vestibulares de pacientes autopsiados com a Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida / Immunological evaluation of vestibular folds in autopsies of patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Em pacientes com Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida há uma diminuição das células envolvidas na resposta imune, o que influencia na população celular dos folículos linfóides encontrados nas pregas vestibulares, favorecendo o aparecimento de infecções nas vias aéreas destes pacientes. Estas infecções são a principal causa de mortalidade e morbidade nestes pacientes. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar a população de células nos folículos linfóides localizados nas pregas vestibulares de adultos autopsiados com Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida, com e sem infecções respiratórias associadas. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo transversal em 64 laringes de adultos coletadas na rotina das autopsias. Para a imunohistoquímica foram utilizados os anticorpos: Anti-B cells, Anti-CD3, Anti-CD68 e Anti-follicular dendritic cells. RESULTADOS: 46 (71,87 por cento) dos pacientes estudados tinham diagnóstico de Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida. Nestes pacientes, a celularidade dos folículos linfóides foi estatisticamente menor em relação ao grupo controle em todos os fenótipos estudados. Nos pacientes imunodeprimidos com infecção respiratória associada, o número de células estava diminuído, sendo significante no caso dos linfócitos T (p=0,024). CONCLUSÃO: Em nosso estudo demonstramos que os folículos linfóides das pregas vestibulares são afetados pela infecção viral e representam com fidedignidade o estado imunológico de imunodepressão destes pacientes.

Immune response cells are decreased in patients with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. This alters the cell population in vestibular fold lymphoid follicles, leading to respiratory infections in these patients. Such infections are the main cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. AIM: to characterize lymphoid follicle cell populations in the vestibular folds of adults with the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and associated or not respiratory infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was made of 64 adult larynges harvested during routine autopsies. Anti-B cell, Anti-CD3, Anti-CD68 and Anti-follicular dendritic cell antibodies were used for immunological testing. RESULTS: 46 (71.87 percent) of the sample patients had the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. In these patients, lymphoid follicle cellularity was lower compared to the control group. The cell number was decreased in patients with the Acquired Immunodefficiency Syndrome and associated respiratory tract infection. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated in this study that vestibular fold lymphoid follicles were affected by viral infections, and may be considered as a reliable marker of immunodepression in these patients.

Histochemical and immunohistochemical study of the glomerular development in human fetuses.

Few studies exist that establish the normal morphological patterns of glomerular development, though this is one of the organs that continues to evolve morphologically during the postnatal period up to 4 weeks after birth. In our study one kidney from each autopsy of a total of 86 autopsies was analyzed [15 weeks to 40 weeks of gestational age (GA)]. We examined the variation in the nephrogenic zone thickness, the area and diameter of the glomerular tuft, the area and diameter of the glomerular capsule, and the immunohistochemical markers, anti-CD31 and anti-CD34 antibodies, which accompany the development of the glomerular microvasculature. Periodic acid-methenamine silver (PAMS) stain was used for the morphological and morphometrical analyses, and it was particularly useful in fetuses in which autolysis had occurred. The length of the nephrogenic zone (NZ) decreased with the increase of the GA (P < 0.001) according to the formula: GA = 36.5 - (0.05 x length of NZ). The areas of the Bowman capsule (P < 0.0001), the capillary tuft (P < 0.0001), and the capillary tuft diameter (P = 0.00393) of the intermediary glomeruli increased with the advance of GA, with a positive significant correlation. The same parameters of the juxtamedullary and superficial glomeruli had no correlation with the advance of GA. The cells of the primary structures in the "S" shape of the primitive nephrons were negative for CD31 and CD34. Staining for both antibodies was found, for all GAs, in the endothelial cells of the mature glomeruli tuft and in the renal interstitial vessels. The data obtained in this work contribute to the evaluation of renal maturity in autopsied fetuses and are particularly important in fetuses when autolysis has occurred, to which the parameters used in this study can also be applied. The establishment of normal morphometric and immunohistochemical parameters for the evaluation of renal maturity increases the diagnostic precision of renal pathological alterations in aborted material and perinatal autopsy.