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Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health issue that is closely linked to the epidemic of obesity. In addition to genetic factors, environmental and health-risk behaviours (i.e., high-carbohydrate diet and physical inactivity) contribute to a variety of pathophysiological disorders. Advanced exercise protocols, such as Moderate-to-intensity (MIT) and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), revealed a strategy for mitigating and/or attenuating the DTMII’s harmful effects by controlling glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. The goals of this review were to summarize the most recent evidence on the impact of HIIT on HbA1c levels. A mini-review protocol was performed through the PubMed/Medline database. The search comprised experimental and randomized controlled trial studies published in English between 2016 and 2021. The terms HbA1c, T2DM, MIT and HIIT, and their analogues were used. A total of seven studies were finally included. Our findings showed that the HIIT protocol is an effective strategy to induce HbA1c balance and improve glycaemic control than moderate training. The HIIT conducted in the laboratory and involving aerobic exercise on a cycle ergometer appears to be more efficient that MIT. Additional findings include improved beta-cell function, decreased low-grade inflammation, and the induction of cardiovascular benefits. More research is required to investigate the feasibility and safety of HIIT protocols in T2DM patients.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major constraint to aquatic photosynthetic organisms. Freshwater algae dwelling in natural high altitudinal ponds and lakes must tolerate high UV radiation exposure,...

We investigated the effects of melatonin on the onset and resolution of the oxidative stress in the cardiac muscle in melatonin-treated and nontreated rats subjected to an exhaustive exercise session. Forty male rats were divided into: melatonin-treated (20 mg/kg supplemented for 10 d) and control. On the 10th day, each group was subdivided according to euthanasia moments: control or melatonin-treated not exercised (C0h and M0h); immediately after the exercise (CIA and MIA); and 2 h after exercise (C2h and M2h). The heart of animals was removed and the levels of oxidative stress index (OSI) and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl, and the activities of aconitase, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the protein expression of CAT, GPx, and SOD was also measured. Our data revealed significant differences on: (i) OSI (p=.029), CAT activity (p=.016), CAT content (p

Molsidomine is currently used as a vasodilator drug for the treatment of myocardial ischemic syndrome and congestive heart failure, although still presenting some mitochondrial-targeted side effects in many human cells. As a model of molsidomine mitotoxicity, the reaction of cytochrome c with phosphatidylserine (PS)- and cardiolipin (CL)-containing liposomes was investigated in oxidative/nitrosative conditions imposed by SIN-1 decomposition, which renders peroxynitrite (ONOO-) as a main reactive product. In these conditions, the production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARs) and LOOH was affected by the lipid composition and the oxidative/nitrative conditions used. The oxidative/nitrative conditions were the exposure of lipids to SIN-1 decomposition, native cytochrome c after previous exposure to SIN-1, concomitantly to SIN-1 and native cytochrome c, native cytochrome c, and cytochrome c modified by SIN-1 that presents a less-rhombic heme iron (L-R cytc). TBARs and LOOH production by lipids and cytochrome c exposed concomitantly to SIN-1 differed from that obtained using L-R cytc and featured similar effects of SIN-1 alone. This result suggests that lipids rather than cytochrome c are the main targets for oxidation and nitration during SIN-1 decomposition. PS- and CL-containing liposomes challenged by SIN-1 were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy that revealed oxidation, trans-isomerization, and nitration. These products are consistent with reaction routes involving lipids and NOx formed via peroxynitrite or direct reaction of NO• with molecular oxygen that attacks LOOH and leads to the formation of substances that are not reactive with thiobarbituric acid.

Although regular combined aerobic-resistance exercises can ameliorate the inflammatory status and redox balance in elderly population, it is unclear whether protein or specific amino acid supplementation could improve such benefits. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the inflammatory status and redox indexes through of the saliva of 34 elderly subject nonpractitioners (NP group, 73.3±6.6 years) and 49 elderly subject practitioners of a combined-exercise training in moderate intensity (CET group, 71.9±5.8 years) before (pre) and after (post) 30 days of supplementation with L-glutamine (Gln) or placebo (PL). Our results showed that, both in pre- and postsupplementation, the salivary levels of nitric oxide (NO⋅) and TNF-α were lower, whereas the levels of uric acid and IL-10 (as well as IL-10/TNF-α ratio) were higher in the CET groups than in the NP groups. In postsupplementation, both groups supplemented with Gln (NP-Gln and CET-Gln) showed higher salivary uric acid levels compared to baseline. In addition, lower NO⋅ levels were found in the CET-Gln group postsupplementation than presupplementation values. Whereas the CET-Gln group showed lower GSH levels postsupplementation, NP-Gln subjects showed lower GSSG levels at the same time point, both compared to baseline. Interestingly, salivary peroxidase activity was lower only in NP groups (NP-PL and NP-Gln) postsupplementation than baseline values. A positive significant correlation between salivary peroxidase activity and GSH levels, and also between salivary peroxidase activity and uric acid levels were observed in the CET-Gln group both pre- and postsupplementation. No differences were found in albumin, total antioxidant activity (TEAC), and reducing power analysis between groups, pre- or postsupplementation. In conclusion, the elderly subjects from the CET group showed a better inflammatory response and redox balance and, for the first time, it was shown that daily supplementation with Gln for 30 days can improve these benefits with putative association with a healthy aging.

Objectives It is well established that ingestion of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) causes metabolic alkalosis. However, there is no consensus in terms of optimal NaHCO3 doses leading to enhanced performance. This study aimed to determine the effects of different NaHCO3 doses on performance and lactate clearance in non-professional cyclists. Methods Twenty-one cyclists performed the following three double-blind trials: 1) ingestion of 0.3 g · kg–1 body weight (BW) of placebo; 2) ingestion of 0.1 g · kg–1 BW NaHCO3 plus 0.2 g · kg–1 BW placebo (0.1 BC); and 3) ingestion of 0.3 g · kg–1 BW NaHCO3 (0.3 BC). Performance was evaluated after warm-up on the bike followed by a performance test until exhaustion. Lactate levels were monitored in blood samples before and immediately after performance tests. Results Lactate levels in the blood were significantly higher after exercise in 0.3 BC and 0.1 BC (15.12 ± 0.92 versus 10.3 ± 1.22 and 13.24 ± 0.87 versus 10.3 ± 1.22 mmol/L; P Conclusions The present study found that 0.3 g · kg–1 BW NaHCO3 is effective in improving performance and improving blood lactate levels in cyclists compared with control and 0.1 g · kg–1 BW NaHCO3.

Futsal promotes stress by handling the ball, physical contact, and exhaustive muscle contractions, elevating the risks for injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation after a training session or a match. In this review, we critically evaluate the more recent advances in the performance and health of futsal players. We searched the effects of futsal on performance, physiological parameters, muscle injury, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Although the stressful factors apply to all futsal players, goalkeepers require special attention during the competition and the recovery phase. We also show that the FIFA injury prevention programme, called The 11+, is effective in improving athletic performance and avoiding injury in futsal players. Research with different training durations and intensities and a wider range of studies involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and physiological mechanisms are of interest to design a more precise map of the biochemical regulation of training load and competition season in futsal.

Nowadays, it is accepted that the regular practice of exercise and branched-chain amino acids supplementation (BCAAs) can benefit the immune responses in older persons, prevent the occurrence of physical frailty (PF), cognitive decline, and aging-related comorbidities. However, the impact of their combination (as non-pharmacological interventions) in albumin and the inflammatory markers is not fully understood. Therefore, we investigated the effect of a 40-week multifactorial intervention [MIP, multicomponent exercise (ME) associated or not with BCAAs] on plasma levels of inflammatory markers and albumin in frail older persons (≥75 years old) living at residential care homes (RCH). This study consisted of a prospective, naturalistic, controlled clinical trial with four arms of multifactorial and experimental (interventions-wahshout-interventions) design. The intervention groups were ME + BCAAs (n = 8), ME (n = 7), BCAAs (n = 7), and control group (n = 13). Lower limb muscle-strength, cognitive profile, and PF tests were concomitantly evaluated with plasma levels of albumin, anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines [Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) respectively], TNF-α/IL-10 ratio, and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity at four different time-points: Baseline (T1), after 16 weeks of multifactorial intervention (T2), then after a subsequent 8 weeks washout period (T3) and finally, after an additional 16 weeks of multifactorial intervention (T4). Improvement of cognitive profile and muscle strength-related albumin levels, as well as reduction in the TNF-α levels were found particularly in ME plus BCAAs group. No significant variations were observed over time for TNF-α/IL-10 ratio or MPO activity. Overall, the study showed that MIP triggered slight alterations in the inflammatory and physical function of the frail older participants, which could provide independence and higher quality of life for this population.

We investigated the effects of oral L-glutamine (Gln) supplementation, associated or not with physical exercises, in control of glycemia, oxidative stress, and strength/power of knee muscles in elderly women. Physically active (n = 21) and sedentary (n = 23) elderly women aged 60 to 80 years were enrolled in the study. Plasma levels of D-fructosamine, insulin, reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, iron, uric acid, and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) (lipoperoxidation product), as well as knee extensor/flexor muscle torque peak and average power (isokinetic test), were assessed pre- and post-supplementation with Gln or placebo (30 days). Higher plasma D-fructosamine, insulin, and iron levels, and lower strength/power of knee muscles were found pre-supplementation in the NPE group than in the PE group. Post-supplementation, Gln subgroups showed higher levels of GSH, GSSG, and torque peak, besides lower D-fructosamine than pre-supplementation values. Higher muscle average power and plasma uric acid levels were reported in the PE + Gln group, whereas lower insulin levels were found in the NPE + Gln than pre-supplementation values. TBARs levels were diminished post-supplementation in all groups. Gln supplementation, mainly when associated with physical exercises, improves strength and power of knee muscles and glycemia control, besides boosting plasma antioxidant capacity of elderly women.

The new coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) appearance in Wuhan, China, did rise the new virus disease (COVID‐19), which spread globally in a short time, leading the World Health Organization to declare a new global pandemic. To contain and mitigate the spread of SARS‐CoV‐2, specific public health procedures were implemented in virtually all countries, with a significant impact on society, making it difficult to keep the regular practice of physical activity. It is widely accepted that an active lifestyle contributes to the improvement of general health and preservation of cardiovascular, respiratory, osteo‐muscular and immune system capacities. The positive effects of regular physical activity on the immune system have emerged as a pivotal trigger of general health, underlying the beneficial effects of physical activity on multiple physiological systems. Accordingly, recent studies have already pointed out the negative impact of physical inactivity caused by the social isolation imposed by the public sanitary authorities due to COVID‐19. Nevertheless, there are still no current narrative reviews evaluating the real impact of COVID‐19 on active lifestyle or even discussing the possible beneficial effects of exercise‐promoted immune upgrade against the severity or progression of COVID‐19. Based on the consensus in the scientific literature, in this review, we discuss how an exercise adherence could adequately improve immune responses in times of the ‘COVID‐19 Era and beyond’.

Neurosporaxanthin (NX) is a carboxylic carotenoid produced by some filamentous fungi, including species of the genera Neurospora and Fusarium. NX biosynthetic genes and their regulation have been thoroughly investigated in Fusarium fujikuroi, an industrial fungus used for gibberellin production. In this species, carotenoid-overproducing mutants, affected in the regulatory gene carS, exhibit an upregulated expression of the NX pathway. Based on former data on a stimulatory effect of nitrogen starvation on carotenoid biosynthesis, we developed culture conditions with carS mutants allowing the production of deep-pigmented mycelia. With this method, we obtained samples with ca. 8 mg NX/g dry mass, in turn the highest concentration for this carotenoid described so far. NX-rich extracts obtained from these samples were used in parallel with carS-complemented NX-poor extracts obtained under the same conditions, to check the antioxidant properties of this carotenoid in in vitro assays. NX-rich extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than NX-poor extracts, either when considering their quenching activity against [O2(1Δg)] in organic solvent (singlet oxygen absorption capacity (SOAC) assays) or their scavenging activity against different free radicals in aqueous solution and in liposomes. These results make NX a promising carotenoid as a possible feed or food additive, and encourage further studies on its chemical properties.

Introduction. Moderate aerobic exercise training accelerates the resolution of lung fibrosis in a model of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, whether it can inhibit the development of lung fibrosis is unknown. Materials and Methods. C57Bl/6 mice were distributed into four groups: Control (Co), Exercise (Exe), Bleomycin (Bleo), and Bleomycin+Exercise (Bleo+Exe). A single bleomycin dose (1.5 UI/kg) was administered orotracheally and treadmill exercise started in the same day, enduring for 4 weeks, 5x/week, 60 minutes/session, at moderate intensity. Lung mechanics, systemic and pulmonary inflammation, and lung remodeling were evaluated. Lung homogenates were used to evaluate the antioxidant status. Results. Total cells, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils numbers, in agreement with IL-6 levels, were higher in the BAL and serum of Bleo group, compared to other groups. In addition, lung levels of LTB4 in Bleo were higher than other groups, whereas SOD activity and nitric oxide levels in exercised groups (Exe and Exe+Bleo) compared to the Bleo group. Lung GPX activity was lower in Bleo and Exe+Bleo groups compared to others. Exe and Exe+Bleo groups also showed higher IL-10 expression by lung macrophages than other groups, whereas TGF-β expression was higher in Exe, Bleo, and Exe+Bleo groups compared to control. CCR7 expression was induced only in the Exe group. However, exercise did not improve lung remodeling and mechanics, or serum and pulmonary levels of VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β. Conclusion. Aerobic exercise training initiated concomitantly with induction of pulmonary fibrosis reduces lung and systemic inflammation but fails to inhibit lung fibrosis and mechanics impairment.

Background Oxidative stress is an important factor in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) harbors paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), key enzymes in the protection against the harmful effects of oxidative stress. Although exercise training can increase both HDL-c content and its antioxidant action, and glutamine (Gln) intake also promotes GPx-based defenses, the association between exercise training and Gln in the regulation of PON-1 activity was not explored. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Gln supplementation on the redox balance and on the total HDL antioxidant capacity by evaluation of the activity of PON-1 and GPx enzymes in physically exercised elderly individuals compared to non-exercised ones. Methods Fifty-one practitioners of a combined exercise training program (CET, age: 71.9 ± 5.7 years) and 32 non-practitioners (NP, age: 73 ± 6.3 years) participated in the study. CET and NP groups were separated into 2 subgroups according to the supplementation: Gln, 0.3 g/kg/day + 10 g maltodextrin (CET-Gln, n = 26; and NP-Gln, n = 16) or placebo, 10 g maltodextrin (CET-PL, n = 25; and NP-PL, n = 16). Blood samples were drawn at baseline and after 30 days after commencement of the supplementation for biochemical and enzyme activity analyses. Results Increased HDL-c, total peroxidase (PRx), and GPx activities were found in both CET-Gln and NP-Gln after the supplementation period, compared to baseline, in opposition to CET-PL and NP-PL groups. PON-1 activity increased only in CET-Gln. In both CET-Gln and NP-Gln groups, there was a reduction of the total peroxides/PRx, iron/PRx, and total peroxides/GPX ratios after supplementation. In CET-Gln, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS)/PRx and TBARS/GPx ratios were also lower after supplementation. CET-Gln and CET-PL subgroups had lower glycemia than NP-Gln and NP-PL, either at baseline or after the supplementation periods. The other parameters were unchanged after supplementation [total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, total peroxides, TBARS, iron serum, Trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), and uric acid]. Conclusions Gln supplementation can increase glutathione peroxidase activity regardless the individuals were physically active or sedentary, but the PON-1 activity only increased in physically active individuals. These results show the potential of Gln supplementation in the maintenance of the vascular redox balance, with potential implications for atherogenesis protection.

This review outlines the various factors associated with unhealthy aging which includes becoming frail and dependent. With many people not engaging in recommended exercise, facilitators and barriers to engage with exercise must be investigated to promote exercise uptake and adherence over the lifespan for different demographics, including the old, less affluent, women, and those with different cultural-ethnic backgrounds. Governmental and locally funded public health messages and environmental facilitation (gyms, parks etc.) can play an important role. Studies have shown that exercise can act as a conductor to balance oxidative stress, immune and endocrine functions together to promote healthy aging and reduce the risk for age-related morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis, and promote cognition and mood over the lifespan. Like a classic symphony orchestra, consisting of four groups of related musical instruments - the woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings - the aging process should also perform in harmony, with compassion, avoiding the aggrandizement of any of its individual parts during the presentation. This review discusses the wide variety of molecular, cellular and endocrine mechanisms (focusing on the steroid balance) underlying this process and their interrelationships.

Polotow, TG, Souza-Junior, TP, Sampaio, RC, Okuyama, AR, Ganini, D, Vardaris, CV, Alves, RC, McAnulty, SR, and Barros, MP. Effect of 1RM, 80%RM, and 50%RM strength exercise in trained individuals on variations in plasma redox biomarkers. J Strength Cond Res 31(9): 2489-2497, 2017-For decades, scientists have examined the participation of oxygen/nitrogen species in anaerobic-like exercises, especially weightlifting and resistance exercises. The balance between the production of oxyradicals and antioxidant responses during anaerobic-like exercises is essential to assure adaptation to the physiological benefits of strength training and to prevent chronic harmful effects. The aim of this study is to examine the hypothesis that different weight loads (1 repetition maximum (RM), 80%RM, and 50%RM) lifted until exhaustion could impose distinct oxidative insults and elicit diverse antioxidant responses in plasma of young trained subjects. Glucose (+10%), lactate (+65%), urea (+30%), free iron (+65%), reduced/oxidized glutathione (+14 and +23%, respectively), and xanthine oxidase activity (2.2-fold) significantly increased after the 1RM test, whereas plasma antioxidant capacity dropped by 37%. When lower weight loads were applied (80%RM and 50%RM tests), heme-iron (+15 and +20%, respectively) became the prevalent pro-oxidant, although glutathione responses were only detected after 80%RM (+14%). Lactate concentration in plasma continuously increased, by 2.9-fold (80%RM) and 3.6-fold higher (50%RM test). We demonstrated that 1RM tests significantly diminish the antioxidant capacity of plasma because of iron overload, whereas 80%RM tests require higher involvement of glutathione molecules to counteract heme-iron oxidative insult. Mild redox imbalances promoted by heme-iron were found in plasma after 50%RM. Although we did not observe overall changes in muscle damage in young trained subjects, we cannot exclude the need for specific antioxidant supplementation depending on the strength protocols applied, especially for less responsive groups, such as sedentary and elderly populations.

A presente pesquisa objetiva desenvolver e aplicar, para alunos do ensino mdio, um produto educacional, um guia didtico, para o ensino de ondas sonoras na disciplina de Fsica. Esse guia, composto de trs aulas tericas e uma prtica, culmina com a montagem de um aparato experimental. Esse aparato montado facilmente a partir de materiais de baixo custo. O mesmo funciona captando as ondas sonoras e as transformando em figuras semelhantes s figuras de Lissajous. Para a avaliao desse produto educacional foi utilizada a teoria da aprendizagem significativa de David Ausubel e a pesquisa qualitativa. Dessa forma, foi possvel investigar e obter evidncias de aprendizagem significativa por parte dos alunos participantes das aulas.

Gomes-Santos, JAF, Lambertucci, RH, Vardaris, CV, Passos, MEP, Silva-Junior, EP, Hatanaka, E, Gorjao, R, McAnulty, SR, Souza-Junior, TP, and Barros, MP. Early signs of inflammation with mild oxidative stress in Mixed Martial Arts athletes after simulated combat. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2019-Combat sports involve a combination of strenuous physical activity, usually at the anaerobic threshold, followed by intermittent low-intensity recovery periods for energy re-establishment. Oxidative stress and inflammation are inevitable exercise-related processes that could drastically affect athletic performance and practitioners' health, unless efficiently controlled during and after physical activities. This study aims to measure oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in the plasma of 12 top ranked professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMAs) athletes before and after simulated combats under official rules (pre-post study). Our results show that the athletes exhibited mild oxidative imbalances in plasma, evidenced by significant (p < 0.01) higher contents of both reduced (+7.3%) and oxidized glutathione (+28%), uric acid (+21%), and "free" iron (+21%) after combat, whereas variation tendencies (0.05 < p < 0.01) were observed in the antioxidant capacity in plasma (-40%), and SOD (-27%) or GPX (+20%) antioxidant activities in erythrocytes. However, a clear pro-inflammatory state was detected by increases in circulating cytokines IL-6 (+6,020%), IL-1β (+4,357%), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (+63%), and by an abrupt drop of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (-98%). A significant correlation was observed between pre-post variations of IL-6 and GSH/GSSG ratio in plasma (p < 0.0001), which reinforces the integration between oxidative stress and inflammation during MMA combats. Considering metabolic and mechanical stresses (imposed by combat techniques, e.g., punches and joint locks), this study indicates pre-existing inflammation, although minor oxidative stress, in MMA professionals after combat.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known to cause cognitive impairments in patients submitted to long-term chemotherapy (deficits also known as chemobrain). The present study investigated whether DOX administration could affect behavior and brain morphology, as well as oxidative and inflammatory status in rats. Male Wistar rats were injected with DOX (2.5 mg/kg/week, 4 weeks, i.p.) or saline. Behavioral analyses were performed. Brains were collected and analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining techniques and by immunohistochemistry (for glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in astrocytes; GFAP). Serum and brain levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and CXCL-1 were determined. Oxidative parameters, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), nitric oxide (NO•), brain iron and ferritin levels, as well as reduced and oxidized glutathione (GSH and GSSG, respectively) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were also assessed in brain. DOX-injected rats presented cognitive/memory impairments, increased GFAP expression, increased levels of TBARS, NO and GR, but decreased GSSG and ferritin levels in brain homogenate. In addition, increased serum and brain levels of IL-6, IL-8 and CXCL1 were noted in the DOX group, although IL-10 decreased. As DOX has a poor penetration across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), it is proposed that this drug elicits a systemic proinflammatory response with increase of proinflammatory cytokines which cross the BBB and can be involved in the induction of oxidative molecules and proinflammatory cytokines that altogether induce astrogliosis all over the brain. These events may be responsable for chemotherapy-induced cognitive/memory deficits.

Resumo Quatro sistemas de umidificação do ar foram examinados e seus desempenhos comparados sob condições de seca do centro-oeste brasileiro. Esses sistemas são umidificador elétrico, bacia com água, toalha úmida e um sistema artesanal feito com telhas cerâmicas especialmente para este trabalho. A avaliação foi realizada entre julho e outubro de 2017, em Cuiabá, Brasil. As medidas da umidade relativa foram feitas em dois ambientes semelhantes, um com e outro sem sistema de umidificação. O umidificador elétrico proporcionou umidificação contínua e prolongada, mantendo essa condição até o final dos períodos de medições, mas destacam-se os altos tempos de resposta para umidificar um espaço, de até 292 min, e umidade relativa alcançada, de 85%, após tempos de operação mais longos. O sistema da bacia com água resultou numa umidificação de aproximadamente 59% da alcançada pelo umidificador elétrico, enquanto a toalha úmida, apesar do menor tempo de resposta em umidificar o ambiente, de até 18 min, não manteve a umidade de referência até o final dos períodos de medições, sob condição de 43% de umidade relativa, em média. O sistema artesanal proporcionou uma umidificação de cerca de 92% da umidade fornecida pelo umidificador elétrico, o que demonstra o potencial benefício do sistema em umidificar ambientes fechados. Abstract This study examined four air humidification systems and compared their performances under drought conditions in the Brazilian Midwest. Those systems were the electric humidifier, basin with water, wet towel, and an artisanal system made for this study using clay roof tiles. The evaluation was conducted between July and October 2017 in Cuiabá, Brazil. The measurements of the relative humidity were taken in two similar bedrooms, one without a humidifier and another one with an air humidification system. The electric air humidifier provided a continuous and prolonged humidification, maintaining this condition until the end of the measurement period in all situations, but the study highlights the high response time to humidify a space, up to 292 min, and the high relative humidity, around 85%, provided by the humidifier after longer running times. The basin with water system resulted in a humidification of about 59% of the moisture provided by the electric humidifier, while the wet towel, despite producing the best response time in humidifying an environment - up to 18 min, did not maintain the reference humidity until the end of the measurement period under ambient conditions of 43% relative humidity. The artisanal system presented a humidification of about 92% of the moisture provided by the electric humidifier, which demonstrates the potential of the system to increase humidity indoors.

Cardiovascular benefits for the general population of combined aerobic-resistance exercise training are well-known, but the impact of this exercise training modality on the plasma lipid, inflammatory, and antioxidant status in elderly women that are exposed to a great risk of developing ischemic cardio- and cerebrovascular diseases has not been well investigated. So, we aimed to evaluate the plasma lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines in 27 elderly women (TRAINED group,69.1±8.1 yrs) that were performing moderate intensity combined aerobic-resistance exercise training (3 times/week for at least 18 months) and in 27 sedentary elderly women (SED group,72.0±6.4 yrs), not submitted to exercise training for at least 5 yrs. Our results showed that BMI was lower in the TRAINED group than in the SED group (25.1±3.2vs.28.7±5.1,p<0.05). The TRAINED group had lower glycemia (92±3vs.118±12,p<0.05), glycated hemoglobin (5.9±0.1vs.6.4±0.2,p<0.05), and triglycerides (98 (75-122) vs. 139 (109-214),p<0.01); equal total cholesterol (199 (175-230) vs. 194 (165-220)), LDL-cholesterol (108 (83-133) vs. 109 (98-136)), and non-HDL-cholesterol (54 (30-74) vs. 62 (26-80)); and also higher HDL-cholesterol (64 (52-77) vs. 52 (44-63),p<0.01) and LDL-C/oxLDL ratio (13378±2570vs.11639±3113,p<0.05) compared to the SED group. Proinflammatory cytokines as IL-1β(11.31±2.4vs.28.01±4.7,p<0.05), IL-6 (26.25±7.4vs.49.41±17.8,p<0.05), and TNF-α(25.72±2.8vs.51.73±4.2,p<0.05) were lower in the TRAINED group than in the SED group. The TRAINED group had lower total peroxides (26.3±7.4vs.49.0±17.8,p<0.05) and oxidized LDL (1551±50.33vs.1773±74,p<0.02) and higher total antioxidant capacity (26.25±7.4vs.49.41±17.8,p<0.001) compared to the SED group. In conclusion, in TRAINED women, BMI was lower, plasma lipid profile was better, plasma oxidative stress was diminished, and there was less expression of proinflammatory interleukins than in SED, suggesting that combined aerobic-resistance exercise training may promote the protection against the complications of ischemic cardio- and cerebrovascular disease in elderly women.

O refrigerador cerâmico tem como princípio o resfriamento evaporativo, uma técnica conhecida desde a antiguidade, usada para manter baixa a temperatura dentro de um compartimento interno de armazenamento de produtos alimentares perecíveis, como frutas e legumes, em áreas rurais, quentes e secas, de países em desenvolvimento. Neste artigo, um modelo matemático simplificado é desenvolvido, baseado nas transferências de calor e de massa entre o ambiente e o refrigerador, para a predição da temperatura no interior de um refrigerador cerâmico, do tipo pot-in-pot cooler. Os resultados da análise apresentam uma comparação das temperaturas previstas com as temperaturas experimentais para o mesmo refrigerador e uma estimativa da temperatura do refrigerador sob uma variedade de temperaturas e umidades ambientes. Os resultados previstos mostraram a validade do modelo matemático simples e que o refrigerador cerâmico pode ser bem aplicado em condições climáticas quentes e secas do território brasileiro. Palavras chave: Resfriamento evaporativo, transferência de calor e massa, condução, convecção, modelagem.

Latin America (LatAm) is an ethnic and geographic concept associated with those areas of the American continent where romance languages (Spanish, Portuguese, or French) predominate, i.e., Mexico, Central and South America, and most of the Caribbean islands. According to data of the World Bank,(1) the total population of the region is approximately 640 million people and most countries have underdeveloped or developing economies. Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru have highest the Gross Domestic Product (GDP, in 2017) of the group. UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Facultad de Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Escuela de Tecnología de Alimentos UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Agroalimentarias::Centro Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos (CITA)

17 Páginas.-- 5 Figuras, Neurosporaxanthin (NX) is a carboxylic carotenoid produced by some filamentous fungi, including species of the genera Neurospora and Fusarium. NX biosynthetic genes and their regulation have been thoroughly investigated in Fusarium fujikuroi, an industrial fungus used for gibberellin production. In this species, carotenoid-overproducing mutants, affected in the regulatory gene carS, exhibit an upregulated expression of the NX pathway. Based on former data on a stimulatory effect of nitrogen starvation on carotenoid biosynthesis, we developed culture conditions with carS mutants allowing the production of deep-pigmented mycelia. With this method, we obtained samples with ca. 8 mg NX/g dry mass, in turn the highest concentration for this carotenoid described so far. NX-rich extracts obtained from these samples were used in parallel with carS-complemented NX-poor extracts obtained under the same conditions, to check the antioxidant properties of this carotenoid in in vitro assays. NX-rich extracts exhibited higher antioxidant capacity than NX-poor extracts, either when considering their quenching activity against [O2(1Δg)] in organic solvent (singlet oxygen absorption capacity (SOAC) assays) or their scavenging activity against different free radicals in aqueous solution and in liposomes. These results make NX a promising carotenoid as a possible feed or food additive, and encourage further studies on its chemical properties., This work was funded by the Spanish Government (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, grants BIO2015-69613-R and RTI2018-101902-B-I00; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, grants RTI-2018-095131-B-I00 and AGL2015-70218). Authors belong to the Spanish Carotenoid Network, CaRed, (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, grant BIO2015-71703-REDT), and the European Carotenoid Network (EuroCaroten) funded by the European Commission COST Action CA15136.

Este artigo descreve o efeito de uma Sequência de Ensino Aprendizagem (Teaching-Learning Sequence – TLS), baseada nas demandas de aprendizagem, na promoção do aprendizado dos alunos em conteúdos de Física. A pesquisa investiga os argumentos escritos e orais produzidos por alunos do 1º ano do Ensino Médio, em Sorriso, MT, durante uma TLS completa desenvolvida em agosto de 2019. Os dados usados nesta análise foram derivados de respostas escritas, gravações de áudio e vídeo e notas de campo. Os resultados mostraram que esta TLS pode ser útil para promover a argumentação e melhorar o aprendizado dos alunos sobre conceitos de Física, com destaque para algumas estratégias que se mostraram com potencial para serem utilizadas em TLSs sobre diferentes temáticas. Palavras-chave: Aprendizagem significativa. Sequência de ensino-aprendizagem. TLS. Ensino de física.

The toxicity of heavy metals in algal monocultures is well studied and is mediated by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). However, little is known about the toxicity of heavy metals and the mechanisms involved in mixed cultures. Here we examine the oxidative stress and toxic effects of Cu2+ on the green alga Dunaliella salina (DS) and the cyanobacteria Synecochoccus elongatus (SE) in both mono- and mixed cultures. We find that both species benefit in mixed cultures and acquire higher resistance to Cu2+ toxicity, with a particularly marked effect on SE. DS has a larger surface area than SE, so increases in the number of DS cells compared to SE diminishes the proportion of SE surface area exposed to Cu2+, and contributes to increasing cyanobacterial resistance in mixed cultures. However, these mixed cultures also display as an unexpected property an increased resistance of DS in mixed cultures. SE and DS cells showed significant differences on the kinetics of H2O2 production and antioxidant capacities. The integrated (overall) redox response of mixed cultures, in terms of total amount of H2O2 produced, was proportional to the total surface area of algal species exposed to Cu2+, independent of algal composition in mixed systems. However, mixed cultures display emergent properties, as the time course of H2O2 accumulation is not a simple function of the composition of the mixed cultures. Emergent properties are also observed in the speed of membrane lipid oxidation by the two species, as measured using mixed cultures in which only one of the two species is labeled using the membrane oxidation indicator C11-BODIPY581/591. We suggest that, in addition to H2O2¸ other redox signals (e.g. NO) and allelochemicals (auxins, cytokinins, etc.) may be used to construct a complex inter-species communication network. This could allow mixed algal systems, whatever their composition, to integrate their cellular responses and perform as a coherent unit against toxic Cu2+ ions.

Apresentamos dados parciais de uma pesquisa de avaliação realizada pela coordenação do curso de Mestrado Profissional em Ensino de Ciências Naturais da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, junto aos seus egressos. Nesta etapa, foi enviado um questionário por e-mail contendo sete questões relacionadas ao curso e pós-defesa. Buscou-se informações sobre atuação profissional, a relação com a pesquisa, com a publicação, com o produto educacional desenvolvido, bem como os aprendizados na realização do curso. Neste texto, a discussão ocorreu em torno das três primeiras questões. Preliminarmente, conclui-se pela necessidade de aprofundamento epistemológico, bem como organização de espaços-tempos para o aprimoramento do produto educacional. Sua aplicação no âmbito da escola tem sido quase imediata e à continuidade da formação, pois os egressos estão seguindo para o doutorado.

This document is the unedited Author’s version of a Submitted Work that was subsequently accepted for publication in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, copyright © American Chemical Society after peer review. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.8b00866., Classic nutrition believed that healthy diets should simply provide sufficient antioxidant loads to organisms, to hamper free radical processes and avoid oxidative stress. Current redox biology was proven much more intricate. Carotenoids are bioactive compounds in the human diet with a multifaceted role in redox metabolism. This perspective discusses the participation of α/β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene, β-cryptoxanthin, astaxanthin, and derivatives in redox homeostasis focusing on (i) their antioxidant/pro-oxidant activities, (ii) control of gene expression via Nrf2–Keap1 and NF-κB pathways, and (iii) their link with (sub)cellular redox circuits, as part of the “redox code” that orchestrates physiological processes and health in humans.

Astaxanthin (ASTA) is a ketocarotenoid found in many marine organisms and that affords many benefits to human health. ASTA is particularly effective against radical-mediated lipid peroxidation, and recent findings hypothesize a “mitochondrial-targeted” action of ASTA in cells. Therefore, we examined the protective effects of ASTA against lipid peroxidation in zwitterionic phosphatidylcholine liposomes (PCLs) and anionic phosphatidylcholine: phosphatidylglycerol liposomes (PCPGLs), at different pHs (6.2 to 8.0), which were challenged by oxidizing/nitrating conditions that mimic the regular and preapoptotic redox environment of active mitochondria. Pre-apoptotic conditions were created by oxidized/nitr(osyl)ated cytochrome c and resulted in the highest levels of lipoperoxidation in both PCL and PCPGLs (pH 7.4). ASTA was less protective at acidic conditions, especially in anionic PCPGLs. Our data demonstrated the ability of ASTA to hamper oxidative and nitrative events that lead to cytochrome c-peroxidase apoptosis and lipid peroxidation, although its efficiency changes with pH and lipid composition of membranes.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to review current knowledge on exercise physiology and sports training that can be applied to develop training programs for Mixed Martial Arts. Methods: A non-systematic literature review was conducted to search for articles related to history, physiology and training of Mixed Martial Arts and other Martial Arts such as Judo, Wrestling, Jiu-Jitsu, and Karate. A review on aerobic, anaerobic, strength and power training was also conducted and directly related to Mixed Martial Arts training. Results: There is scarce scientific information about training methods and physiological responses to specific efforts in Mixed Martial Arts. Many studies were reviewed and meaningful information on physiology and training were summarized for application in Mixed Martial Arts. Conclusion: The present study provides a review on important physiology and training aspects for successful preparation of Mixed Martial Arts athletes.

Health authorities worldwide have consistently recommended the regular consumption of marine fishes and seafood to preserve memory, sustain cognitive functions, and prevent neurodegenerative processes in humans. Shrimp, crabs, lobster, and salmon are of particular interest in the human diet due to their substantial provision of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3/PUFAs) and the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin (ASTA). However, the optimal ratio between these nutraceuticals in natural sources is apparently the key factor for maximum protection against most neuro-motor disorders. Therefore, we aimed here to investigate the effects of a long-term supplementation with (n-3)/PUFAs-rich fish oil, ASTA-rich algal biomass, the combination of them, or krill oil (a natural combination of both nutrients) on baseline redox balance and neuro-inflammation indexes in cerebellum and motor cortex of Wistar rats. Significant changes in redox metabolism were only observed upon ASTA supplementation, which reinforce its antioxidant properties with a putative mitochondrial-centered action in rat brain. Krill oil imposed mild astrocyte activation in motor cortex of Wistar rats, although no redox or inflammatory index was concomitantly altered. In summary, there is no experimental evidence that krill oil, fish oil, oralgal biomass (minor variation), drastically change the baseline oxidative conditions or the neuro-inflammatory scenario in neuromotor-associated rat brain regions.

Abnormalities in skeletal muscle structure and function are important contributors to exercise intolerance and functional decline in peripheral arterial disease. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) would improve fatigue resistance and ameliorate the histopathological changes in skeletal muscle in a mouse model of peripheral arterial disease. We also anticipated that NAC treatment would lower the levels of biomarkers of oxidative damage in the ischemic muscle.Male Balb/c mice were subjected to bilateral ligation of the femoral artery and, after 2 weeks of recovery, received daily intraperitoneal injections of either NAC (150 mg/kg) or saline for 15 days. At the end of the treatment, the extensor digitorium longus (EDL) and soleus muscles were excised for assessment of contractile function in vitro and histological analysis. Free malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were measured in the gastrocnemius muscle.In the soleus muscle, force after 10 minutes of submaximal tetanic stimulation (60 Hz, 300 ms trains, 0.3 trains/s) was higher (P.05) in NAC-treated animals (45% ± 3% of the initial value; n = 7) when compared with controls (30.3% ± 3%; n = 8). No differences were found in fatigue development between groups in the EDL muscle (ligated NAC, 35.7% ± 1.9%; ligated saline, 37.5% ± 1.1%). In addition, there was a tendency for lower levels of connective tissue deposition in the soleus of animals treated with NAC (n = 6) when compared with those that received only saline (n = 9) (ligated NAC, 16% ± 2% vs ligated saline, 24% ± 2%; P = .057). No differences were found in lipid peroxidation or protein carbonyl levels between ligated saline and ligated NAC groups.Taken together, these results indicate that treatment with NAC improves fatigue resistance in the soleus but not the EDL muscle in a model of peripheral arterial insufficiency.Despite the increasing burden of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and its detrimental consequences on the quality of life of the patients, few pharmacological therapies have shown to evoke meaningful effects on functional performance in these individuals. N-acetylcysteine is approved for clinical use, has minimal side effects and most important, has shown to consistently improve exercise performance in animals and humans. In this study, we showed, for the first time, that treatment with this drug at a dose amenable for clinical application evoked marked effects on fatigue resistance in the soleus muscle in a mouse model of PAD. These encouraging findings set the stage for translational studies to determine the acute and long-term impact of this drug on walking capacity in patients with PAD.

Dehydration is a common event associated with exercise. However, few studies have examined the effects of dehydration on plasma redox status in humans. Eighty-two athletes were recruited and baseline anthropometrics and blood samples were obtained. Athletes then engaged in a dehydration protocol, training until 3% of preweight body mass was lost. Athletes returned to the lab and had postdehydration blood collected. Athletes then consumed an isotonic drink until pre-exercise body weight was reestablished. Blood was then recollected (1 h post full rehydration (PFR)). Samples were centrifuged and the plasma snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at −80 °C. Lipid and protein oxidative stress was determined by measuring F2-isoprostanes and protein carbonyls (PC), respectively. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assays. Plasma osmolality was determined using an osmometer. Statistical analysis utilized a 1-way ANOVA with posthoc testing. Values are reported as mean ± SD. Plasma osmolality was significantly elevated immediately postdehydration (p ≤ 0.001) but decreased to baseline at PFR. Plasma TEAC increased immediately postdehydration and at PFR (p ≤ 0.001). FRAP increased immediately postdehydration (p ≤ 0.001) and decreased to below baseline at PFR (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, F2-isoprostanes declined significantly from baseline to immediately postdehydration and then significantly rose at PFR (p ≤ 0.001), whereas PC declined at PFR (p ≤ 0.01). This study indicates that dehydration and exercise cause a significant increase in plasma osmolality and antioxidant potential immediately postexercise. We propose dehydration significantly elevates antioxidant concentration which suppresses F2-isoprostanes and PC.

Reactive oxygen species are produced during anaerobic exercise mostly by Fe ions released into plasma and endothelial/muscle xanthine oxidase activation that generates uric acid (UA) as the endpoint metabolite. Paradoxically, UA is considered a major antioxidant by virtue of being able to chelate pro-oxidative iron ions. This work aimed to evaluate the relationship between UA and plasma markers of oxidative stress following the exhaustive Wingate test. Plasma samples of 17 male undergraduate students were collected before, 5 and 60 min after maximal anaerobic effort for the measurement of total iron, haem iron, UA, ferric-reducing antioxidant activity in plasma (FRAP), and malondialdehyde (MDA, biomarker of lipoperoxidation). Iron and FRAP showed similar kinetics in plasma, demonstrating an adequate pro-/antioxidant balance immediately after exercise and during the recovery period (5-60 min). Slight variations of haem iron concentrations did not support a relevant contribution of rhabdomyolysis or haemolysis for iron overload following exercise. UA concentration did not vary immediately after exercise but rather increased 29% during the recovery period. Unaltered MDA levels were concomitantly measured. We propose that delayed UA accumulation in plasma is an auxiliary antioxidant response to post-exercise (iron-mediated) oxidative stress, and the high correlation between total UA and FRAP in plasma (R-Square = 0.636; p = 0.00582) supports this hypothesis.

O trabalho teve por objetivo realizar uma análise para identificar o sentimento topofílico que os visitantes têm em relação ao Parque Mãe Bonifácia, em Cuiabá, MT em paralelo a uma análise microclimática do espaço. O estudo topofílico foi realizado através da aplicação de questionários com os visitantes com objetivo de avaliar a percepção destes em relação ao Parque, enquanto que o estudo microclimático foi desenvolvido através da coleta de dados de temperatura e umidade relativa do ar em pontos internos e em um ponto externo ao espaço. Associada à análise microclimática, que apresentou o lugar como uma ilha de frescor para a região, a análise da percepção pode inferir que a população dos visitantes identifica-se e sente-se envolvida pelas diferentes sensações produzidas pelo ambiente do Parque Mãe Bonifácia. Isto indica um grau acentuado de topofilia para com o mesmo, refletindo em atitudes de respeito e conservação do espaço, o que torna possível o desenvolvimento de programas de Educação Ambiental. Os resultados da pesquisa podem fornecer subsídios a projetos de construção de outros parques ou revitalização de áreas verdes em regiões com características climáticas semelhantes.

Doxorubicin (Dox), a topoisomerase interactive agent, is commonly used to treat several types of cancer. This drug is known to cause cognitive impairments in individuals submitted to long-term chemotherapy (deficits also called as chemobrain). The present study investigated whether morphological, oxidative and behavioral impairments could be induced by Dox. Male Wistar rats were injected with Dox (2.5 mg/kg, once every week for 28 days, intraperitoneal route-IP) or 0.9% saline solution (same volume, IP). During the experimental period, behavioral studies were performed, including the open field test, the elevated plus maze, tests for sociability and preference for social novelty and the novel object recognition task. Brains were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (GFAP or glial fibrillary acidic protein expression in astrocytes) and hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue (for myelin) staining techniques, as well as for the assessment of oxidative parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances-TBARS, catalase, superoxide dismutase-SOD, glutathione peroxidase-GPX, glutathione reductase-GR, nitric oxide-NO). Dox-injected rats presented increased GFAP expression in all analyzed areas (frontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, granular and molecular layers of the cerebellum). Dox administration also increased the levels of the oxidative indicators TBARS, NO and GR and caused memory impairments as seen in the novel object recognition test. No signs of demyelination and/or neuronal loss were found. Results suggest that astrogliosis and oxidative stress induced by Dox may be linked to chemotherapy-induced memory deficits.

Propentofylline (PPF) is a xanthine derivative that depresses activation of glial cells, whose responses induce oxidative stress and neural tissue damage during inflammation. Ethidium bromide (EB) injection into the brain causes local oligodendroglial and astrocytic loss, resulting in primary demyelination and neuroinflammation. Surviving astrocytes present increased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression around the injury site. This investigation aimed to evaluate the capacity of PPF of affecting glial cell behaviour during the process of demyelination-remyelination and of altering cytokine release and lipid peroxidation (measured through its byproducts TBARS or thiobarbituric acid reactive species) in the plasma and brain. Wistar rats were injected with 0.1%EB into the cisterna pontis and treated or not with PPF (12.5 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) during the experimental period. Brainstem sections were collected from day (D) 7 to 31 and processed for GFAP immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural investigation. A semi-quantitative method was used to compare remyelination status. Plasma and brains were also collected for TBARS and cytokines (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha, measured by ELISA). PPF treatment decreased the levels of TBARS and cytokines in plasma and brains of EB-injected rats until D15, reduced GFAP expression until D21, and increased both oligodendroglial and Schwann cell remyelination on D31. These data suggest that PPF stimulates remyelination, decreases inflammation and redox imbalances in plasma and brain and may have a preventive role in glial scar development following gliotoxic injury.