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Objective: This pilot study intended to assess the feasibility of a large-scale randomized clinical trial designed to analyze the effectiveness of microablative fractional CO2 laser (CO2L) and microablative fractional radiofrequency (RF) compared with vaginal estriol (VE) as treatments for women with moderate-to-severe Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Methods: Participants were randomized into VE, CO2L, or RF groups. In the VE group, women were required to use vaginal estriol cream for 14 days and then twice a week for 4 months. In the CO2L and RF groups, three energy therapies were administered at monthly intervals. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for GSM symptoms, Female Sexual Function Index (FSF-I), Vaginal Health Index (VHI), and Nugent Score (NS) were analyzed before and 120 days after the beginning of the treatments. Pain scores were verified after each CO2L and RF session. Results: Thirty-four participants completed the study: 11 in the VE group, 11 in the CO2L group, and 12 in the RF group. No unexpected or serious adverse events were observed. We also verified that GSM symptoms, sexual function, and VHI significantly improved (p < 0.05) with no difference among the groups. NS did not show statistically significant difference before and after the treatments. Pain during RF application was associated with higher scores. Conclusions: The study is feasible and does not seem to have safety implications. Preliminary results suggest that CO2L and RF are good alternatives to VE for ameliorating clinical symptoms, FSF-I, and VHI in patients with GSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Construção do Algarve. Manuel Gomes da Costa was the architect who mediated and reconciled all the contradictions in the process of stabilizing an idea of regional and modern Algarve architecture over the four decades dissected in the book. The author attributes this simplification to the still outstanding contribution of Raul Lino and, in the architectural practice of the 1930s, sees the "modernist vernacular" as a third way to the Algarve's identity. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. We investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on biomarker levels in ovariectomized rats subjected to an inflammatory model. Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats underwent ovariectomy and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation. We divided them into 2 groups: OAS (sham tDCS) and OAT (active tDCS). Fifteen days later, the rats underwent bimodal tDCS treatment (20 min, 0.5 mA, 8 days). After 24 h of the last tDCS session, we killed the rats and collected tissue samples (hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and brainstem) for biomarker analysis by ELISA. We removed the paws for histological analysis. Results: Active tDCS increased hypothalamic and cortical TNF-a and NGF levels, hypothalamic and brainstem IL-1ß levels, and hypothalamic IL-10 levels. Histology of paws showed an inflammatory profile. We observed a small tDCS effect, not statistically significant. Discussion: Bimodal tDCS had an effect on the central inflammatory axis, with a small effect on the peripheral site as evaluated by histology in the current study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The locomotor recovery is the most desired goal by patients and clinicians. Measurement of gait speed (GS) provides a fast and reliable clinical parameter for this function. The aim of this study was to verify the relationship between GS and different variables, such as age, injury time, body composition, functional mobility, spasticity, motor recovery, and muscle strength. Material and methods: The study included 24 patients with average age 57.6 (± 10.5) years post-stroke hemiparetics. Two groups of patients were formed, those who walked with GS higher than 0.80 m/s (n = 8) and another group with GS lower than 0.80 m/s (n = 16). They were evaluated by the GS test, Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), Fugl-Meyer scale (FMS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), bilateral dynamometry of extensors and flexors knee, and determination of body mass index (BMI). Results: In the correlation analysis between GS and other variables, in the group with GS higher than 0.80 m/s, there was a significant correlation with TUGT (r = -0.77) and strength tests (r = 0.80). In the group with GS <0.80 m/s, there was a moderate to strong correlation with TUGT (r = -0.87), FMS (r = 0.74), MAS (r = -0.62), and quadriceps femoris muscle strength in paretic side (r = 0.55). In both groups, no significant correlations were found with age, stroke time, and BMI. Conclusion: The study indicates that the combination of an important motor deficit expressed by greater strength asymmetry between the paretic and non-paretic sides, and a greater degree of spasticity results in worse performance in the GS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maternal deprivation altered neurotrophins and inflammatory cytokines in young rats. • Palatable food in adolescent rats did not reverse long-lasting effects of maternal deprivation. • Due to gender differences found, male/female animals should be applied in preclinical researches for better translationality. Maternal deprivation (MD) in rodents is used to simulate human-infant early life stress, which leads to neural, hormonal, and behavioral alterations. Palatable food (PF) can reduce the stress response, and individuals use it as a self-applied stress relief method. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the association between MD in the early life (P1–P10) and PF consumption (condensed milk, P21–P44) in the central neuroplasticity (BDNF/NGF levels) and central neuroinflammatory parameters (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels) in male and female Wistar rats in the adolescence. In addition, weight-related parameters (weight gain, Lee Index, and relative adipose tissue weight) were evaluated. PF exposure increased relative adipose tissue weight; however, it did not lead to a change in animals' body weight. MD reduced hypothalamic BDNF and NGF levels, and hippocampal TNF-α levels in male and female rats. Animals of both sexes that received PF, exhibited reduced hypothalamic NGF levels. Neuroinflammatory marker evaluations showed that male rats were more susceptible to the interventions than female rats, since MD reduced their cortical IL-10 levels and PF increased their IL-6 levels. Differences in the Lee index, central BDNF, TNF-α, and IL-6levels were observed between sexes. Male animals per se presented greater Lee index. Female rats had higher BDNF and IL-6 levels in the hippocampus and hypothalamus and higher hypothalamic TNF-α levels than those observed in males. In conclusion, there were more noticeable effects of MD than PF on the variables measured in this study. Sex effect was identified as an important factor and influenced most of the neurochemical measures in this study. In this way, we suggest including both female and male animals in researches to improve the quality of translational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The students must have competences of studies to meet the many demands of adaptation to the new stage of superior studies. In this sense, this article has as a general objective to investigate the relations between the competences of studies and academic adaptation through instruments. A total of 464 students participated from six undergraduate courses from a private university in southern Minas Gerais - Brazil. We used the Study Skills Assessment Scale (ACE) and the Academic Adaptation Questionnaire for Higher Education (QAES). The results showed correlations between the factors and the total averages obtained by the participants in both instruments, mostly from weak to moderate. It is hoped that these results will help students and institutions to reflect on establishing student support programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to investigate the supply chain and reverse channels of expanded polystyrene packaging connection in Brazil and their roles to discuss the main challenges towards circular economy. In order to achieve this goal, we propose a four-step method, anchored in the literature, technical visits, and interviews with experts in the expanded polystyrene (EPS) industry. First, the EPS supply chain was characterised and mapped, and secondly, the stakeholders and logistics activities in reverse channels were analysed. Third, the Brazilian legislation and chain structure was reviewed to obtain an understanding of how this can influence the activities developed in reverse channels. Fourth, with an analysis of the data collected before, the barriers to implement EPS reverse chain were presented. The main results establish that the EPS can complete one cycle of the circular economy, which is recycling, but products need to be separated and washed. The most significant waste generators are public and private institutions, residences, and retailers. Notable barriers to its recycling are a lack of understanding of the nature of expanded polystyrene recycling by Brazilian people, high transport cost due to material density, and the dispersion of post-consumer expanded polystyrene in several regions of the country linked with the small number of recycling facilities. Finally, this issue could be explored in industries and companies that require their managers to adopt strategies to improve reverse logistics in order to promote the circular economy. The companies' actions could facilitate a stronger circular supply chain since they could increase recycling efforts, reduce expanded polystyrene waste, and present new business models. The resulting generation of employment would contribute to the quality of life of contemporary society. The findings presented in the paper enable industries to identify and guide the most demanding significant steps and processes, and to shift the reverse chain and expanded polystyrene recycling to ensure that they operate more efficiently. • Reverse logistics as the first step towards circular supply chain. • The paper maps the expanded polystyrene packaging supply chain and its reverse logistics. • This paper presents the barriers that hinder the reverse logistics in Brazil. • The main challenges are related to the consumers and the recycling industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maternal deprivation (MD) promoted thermal hyperalgesia at P21. • At P42 MD affected the anxiety-like behavior in a gender dependent manner. • At P43, MD promoted thermal analgesia in males rats. The present study aimed at investigating both the early and long-term effects of maternal deprivation as well as gender on neuromotor reflexes, anxiety behavior and thermal nociceptive responses. A total of 64 Wistar rats pups (32 males, 32 females) were utilized and were deprived of their mother for 3 h/daily, from postnatal day 1 (P1) until P10. Successively, animals were divided into 2 groups: control group (C) - pups no subjected to intervention; and the maternal-deprived group (MD): pups subjected to maternal deprivation. The neuromotor reflexes were evaluated through the righting reflex and negative geotaxis tests; the exploratory behavior by open field test (OFT); the anxiety-like behavior by elevated plus-maze test (EPM); the thermal nociceptive responses byhot plate (HP) and tail-flick (TFL) tests. All the animals subjected to maternal deprivation showed a delayed reflex response at P8 in the negative geotaxis test. In contrast, the OFT at P20 identified an effect of gender on the outer crossings and grooming as well as an interaction between gender and maternal deprivation on latency. Additionally, effect of maternal deprivation in the open and closed arms as well as gender effect in the protected head-dipping (PHD) and non-protected head-dipping (NPHD) were observed at P20 (EPM). In contrast, there were a gender effect on latency and an interaction between gender and maternal deprivation on rearing at P42. Moreover, in nociceptive tests was observed an analgesic effect induced by maternal deprivation; however, in the TFL test, only deprived females showed this effect. Surprisingly, only control animals presented an ontogeny nociceptive effect in the HP testat P21 and P43, which may be related to an increase in the inhibitory nociceptive pathways throughout life. In this way, we suggest maternal deprivation to be able to anticipate the maturation of the inhibitory nociceptive pathway. In conclusion, maternal deprivation induced a delayed reflex response at P8 and altered the anxiety and nociceptive behaviors according to the time after exposure to this stressor, in a gender-specific manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of the association between obesity and chronic stress on the temporal pattern of serum levels of biochemical and hormonal markers. Obesity model was achieved by hypercaloric diet exposure. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: standard chow (C), hypercaloric diet (HD), stress + standard chow (S), and stress + hypercaloric diet (SHD) and analysed at three time points: ZT0, ZT12 and ZT18. Chronic stress was performed 1 h/per day, 5 days/per week, during 80 days. The presence of temporal pattern in naïve animals’ insulin release was accomplished. Hypercaloric diet induced obesity, increasing rats’ insulin and glucose levels; while chronic stress reduced insulin levels. There were interactions between chronic stress and obesity in serum insulin and glucose levels; and between time points and obesity in insulin levels. In conclusion, long exposure to hypercaloric diet and chronic stress were able to desynchronize temporal pattern of insulin release, contributing to the pathophysiology of obesity and its complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to verify whether repeated morphine administration and maternal deprivation in early life alter neurobehavioral development and central nerve growth factor (NGF) levels. A total of 58 male Wistar rat pups were used in our study. From postnatal day 1 (P1), litters were daily deprived of their mother for 3 h; this was continued for the first 10 days of life. Animals were divided into 5 groups: total control (C), did not receive any intervention; saline (S), received saline solution; morphine (M), received morphine; deprived-saline group (DS), were subjected to maternal deprivation and received saline solution; and deprived-morphine (DM), were subjected to maternal deprivation and received morphine. From P8, newborns received subcutaneous (s.c.) injections of morphine or saline (5 μg) once daily for 7 days. Righting reflex, negative geotaxis and gait were chosen as postural parameters to evaluate neuromotor reflexes. In the righting reflex test, a delay in the development of animals was evidenced in the M group. Performance of negative geotaxis was slower in the M and DM groups. In the gait test, all groups showed a daily improvement in performance in terms of locomotion frequency. An increased frequency of rearing was observed in the M, DS, and DM groups from P16 to P20. The DM group presented an increase in NGF levels in the brainstem. An increase in cerebral cortex NGF levels in the M, DS, and DM groups was observed as well. Our results suggest that changes in environmental conditions and the disruption of mother–infant interactions during the neonatal period can produce changes in the neurobiology, physiology, and emotional behavior of rats. This finding has important implications for the maternal-neonate interaction needed for normal brain development in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique, which induces neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system of animals and humans. Furthermore, tDCS has been suggested as a therapeutic tool for pain management. The aim of this study was to standardize a non-invasive tDCS technique indexed by the nociceptive response of rats submitted to different conditions necessary to the tDCS application. Method: 60-day-old male Wistar rats (n=65), divided into 6 groups: control(C); non-active sham (NAS); active-sham (AS); active-sham restrained (ASR); non-active sham restrained (NASR); active tDCS treatment. Animals received treatment during 30 seconds (sham-active) or 20 minutes (restraint and tDCS)/8 days. Nociceptive threshold was assessed by Hot Plate test at baseline, immediately and 24h after the first session, immediately and 24h after the last session. Variance analysis of repeated measurements followed by Bonferroni was performed for intra-group comparison. Results: Physical restraint and 30 seconds stimulation (sham-tDCS) increased pain sensitivity (P≤0.05), and tDCS treatment was able to prevent the thermal hyperalgesia. Our original tDCS montage is similar to that used in the procedure with humans, because it is not an invasive technique. The electrodes are positioned on the head, and the animals are immobilized during the 20-minute treatment. As this procedure could involve behavior and neurochemical alterations due to stress induced by restriction (thus, it creates a research bias), we hypothesized that a 30-second electrical stimulus application (sham-tDCS) and the physical restriction used during tDCS treatment might alter nociceptive response in rats. Conclusion: There are methodological limitations in the present tDCS-technique. Although active-tDCS treatment is able to prevent these harmful effects, interference of these factors has to be considered during the results' analysis. Future adaptations of the tDCS-technique in rats are required to evaluate its therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Animals were subjected to chronic stress and a hypercaloric diet for 80 days. [•] Temporal patterns of levels of adipogenic markers and specific adipose tissue weights were evaluated. [•] Chronic stress inhibited weight independently of diet type. [•] The hypercaloric diet affected weight parameters and serum levels of leptin and triglycerides. [•] Obesity and chronic stress could influence homeostasis over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The nucleotide excision repair (NER) mechanism is well known to be involved in the removal of UV-induced lesions. Nevertheless, the involvement of this pathway in the repair of lesions generated after DNA oxidation remains controversial. The effects of visible-light-excited methylene blue (MB), known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), were examined directly in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP)-A and XP-C NER-deficient human fibroblasts. Initially, MB was confirmed as being incorporated in similar amounts by the cells and that its photoexcitation induces the generation of 1O2 within cells. The analysis of cell survival indicated that NER-deficient cells were hypersensitive to photoactivated MB. This sensitivity was confirmed with cells silenced for the XPC gene and by host-cell reactivation (HCR) of plasmid exposed to the photosensitizing effects of photoexcited MB. The sensitivity detected by HCR was restored in complemented cells, confirming the participation of XPA and XPC proteins in the repair of DNA lesions induced by photosensitized MB. Furthermore, DNA damage (single- and double-strand breaks and alkali-sensitive sites) was observed in the nuclei of treated cells by alkaline comet assay, with higher frequency of lesions in NER-deficient than in NER-proficient cells. Likewise, NER-deficient cells also presented more γ-H2AX-stained nuclei and G2/M arrest after photoactivated MB treatment, probably as a consequence of DNA damage response. Notwithstanding, the kinetics of both alkali- and FPG-sensitive sites repair were similar among cells, thereby demonstrating not only that MB photoexcitation generates nuclear DNA damage, but also that the removal of these lesions is NER-independent. Therefore, this work provides further evidence that XPA and XPC proteins have specific roles in cell protection and repair/tolerance of ROS-induced DNA damage. Moreover, as XPC-deficient patients do not present neurodegeneration, premature aging, or developmental clinical symptoms, the results indicate that defects in the repair/tolerance of oxidatively generated DNA lesions are not sufficient to explain these severe clinical features of certain XP patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: This paper describes the evolution, structure, operation and some outcomes of the Brazilian Laboratory Indicators Program created by the Brazilian Society of Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Medicine (Sociedade Brasileira de Patologia Clínica/Medicina Laboratorial, or SBPC/ML), in partnership with ControlLab, a Brazilian Company that provides services for proficiency testing, internal control, calibration, and training indicators for clinical laboratories. Methods: This web-based program is confidential for all participants. It contains 61 indicators categorized into three groups. Program operation and data analysis methods are described and indicators are reported in box plot format, with grouping varying in accordance with the profiles of the participating laboratories. Three indicators were selected as examples of program effectiveness in 2011: hemolysis, blood re-collection and productivity. Results: Participants profile, examples of three indicators for the year 2011 (hemolysis, blood re-collection and productivity) and exploratory research conducted in 2012 on the implementation of the program are presented. Data related to laboratories participating in the program from 2006 to 2011 were collected and graphically represented. Conclusions: The Brazilian Laboratory Indicators Program brings important benefits for participants, contributing to the improvement of existing health systems in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble octaacid cavitands (OAs) form diineric capsules suitable for guest incorporation. Our studies reveal that the mechanism of pyrene (Py) binding involves the rapid (<1 ms) formation of the Py·OA complex followed by slower binding with the second OA. The dissociation of the capsular OA·Py·OA complex occurs with a lifetime of 2.7 s, which is S orders of magnitude slower than the microsecond opening/closing ("breathing") previously observed to provide access of small molecules to the encapsulated guest. These different dynamics of the capsules have a potential impact on how the chemistry of included guests could be altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, the right coronary artery is dominant. However, we did not find any citations in the literature concerning anatomical indicators of dominance among dogs. We used 30 hearts from mongrels of both sexes, fixed in 10% formalin. The branches of the coronary arteries were dissected with special attention to the levels that were considered to be reference points. In 96.7%, the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery reached or went beyond the crux cordis. The subsinuosus interventricular artery, ended before reaching the apex in 21 cases, at the apex in five cases and alter the apex in four cases. The paraconal interventricular artery, ended before reaching the apex in two cases, at the apex in 11 cases and after the apex in 17 cases. The region of the heart apex was irrigated by branches of the left coronary artery, through the paraconal interventricular branch or through both of the interventricular branches. The mean length and number of ventricular branches of the left coronary artery were greater than those of the right coronary artery. The subsinuosus interventricular branch is a branch of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery. In the hearts of dogs, the left coronary artery is dominant. The dominance pattern in dogs is different from the dominance pattern in human that is mentioned in the specialized literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its discovery in early 1916, dengue fever, a common vector-borne illness in Brazil, has resulted in extensive urban outbreaks and poses a serious threat to the public's health. Understanding the dynamics of Dengue Virus (DENV) serotypes circulating in different regions of Brazil is essential for implementing effective disease control and prevention measures. In response to this urgent need, we conducted an on-site training program in genomic surveillance in collaboration with the Central Laboratory of Health and the Secretary of Health of the Mato Grosso do Sul state. This initiative resulted in the generation of 177 DENV genome sequences collected between May 2021 and May 2022, a period during which over 11,391 dengue fever cases were reported in the state. Through this approach, we were able to identify the co-circulation of two different dengue serotypes (DENV1 and DENV2) as well as the existence of diverse viral lineages within each genotype, suggesting that multiple introduction events of different viral strains occurred in the region. By integrating epidemiological data, our findings unveiled temporal fluctuations in the relative abundance of different serotypes throughout various epidemic seasons, highlighting the complex and changing dynamics of DENV transmission throughout time. These findings demonstrate the value of ongoing surveillance activities in tracking viral transmission patterns, monitoring viral evolution, and informing public health actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic surveillance has emerged as a crucial tool in monitoring and understanding the dynamics of viral variants during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Midwest region of Brazil, Mato Grosso do Sul has faced a significant burden from the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, with a total of 613,000 confirmed cases as of June 2023. In collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratory in the capital city of Campo Grande, we conducted a portable whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis to investigate the circulation of the Omicron variant in the region. The study aimed to uncover the genomic landscape and provide valuable insights into the prevalence and transmission patterns of this highly transmissible variant. Our findings revealed an increase in the number of cases within the region during 2022, followed by a gradual decline as a result of the successful impact of the vaccination program together with the capacity of this unpredictable and very transmissible variant to quickly affect the proportion of susceptible population. Genomic data indicated multiple introduction events, suggesting that human mobility played a differential role in the variant's dispersion dynamics throughout the state. These findings emphasize the significance of implementing public health interventions to mitigate further spread and highlight the powerful role of genomic monitoring in promptly tracking and uncovering the circulation of viral strains. Together those results underscore the importance of proactive surveillance, rapid genomic sequencing, and data sharing to facilitate timely public health responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue virus (DENV) has been a major public health concern in Paraguay, with frequent outbreaks occurring since early 1988. Although control measures have been implemented, dengue remains a significant health threat in the country, and continued efforts are required for prevention and control. In response to that, in collaboration with the Central Public Health Laboratory in Asunción, we conducted a portable whole-genome sequencing and phylodynamic analysis to investigate DENV viral strains circulating in Paraguay over the past epidemics. Our genomic surveillance activities revealed the co-circulation of multiple DENV serotypes: DENV-1 genotype V, the emerging DENV-2 genotype III, BR4-L2 clade, and DENV-4 genotype II. Results additionally highlight the possible role of Brazil as a source for the international dispersion of different viral strains to other countries in the Americas emphasizing the need for increased surveillance across the borders, for the early detection and response to outbreaks. This, in turn, emphasizes the critical role of genomic surveillance in monitoring and understanding arbovirus transmission and persistence locally and over long distances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dengue fever is among the most significant public health concerns in Brazil. To date, the highest number of Dengue notifications in the Americas has been reported in Brazil, with cases accounting for a total number of 3,418,796 reported cases as of mid-December 2022. Furthermore, the northeastern region of Brazil registered the second-highest incidence of Dengue fever in 2022. Due to the alarming epidemiological scenario, in this study, we used a combination of portable whole-genome sequencing, phylodynamic, and epidemiological analyses to reveal a novel DENV-1 genotype V clade and the persistence of DENV-2 genotype III in the region. We further report the presence of non-synonymous mutations associated with non-structural domains, especially the NS2A (non-structural protein 2A), as well as describe synonymous mutations in envelope and membrane proteins, distributed differently between clades. However, the absence of clinical data at the time of collection and notification, as well as the impossibility of monitoring patients in order to observe worsening or death, restricts our possibility of correlating mutational findings with possible clinical prognoses. Together, these results reinforce the crucial role of genomic surveillance to follow the evolution of circulating DENV strains and understand their spread across the region through inter-regional importation events, likely mediated by human mobility, and also the possible impacts on public health and outbreak management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Important changes in human dietary pattern occurred in recent decades. Increased intake of processed foods leads to obesity, which is related with the development of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, as well as cardiovascular and chronic kidney diseases. The prevalence of hypertension has also dramatically increased in recent years, and high sodium intake contributes to this scenario. In healthy individuals, kidneys are the primary end-organs that regulate sodium homeostasis. This study aims to evaluate renal function parameters and systolic blood pressure measurements in an animal model of obesity. Methods: Sixty-day-old male Wistar rats (n=30) were divided into two groups: standard (SD) and cafeteria diet (CD). Cafeteria diet was altered daily and was composed by crackers, wafers, sausages, chips, condensed milk, and soda. All animals had free access to water and chow and the experiment was carried out for 6 weeks. Weight gain, sodium and liquid intake control, systolic blood pressure measurements, and renal function parameters were evaluated. Results: Animals exposed to cafeteria diet had an increase of 18% in weight compared to the control group. Sodium intake was increased by cafeteria diet and time (F(1,28)=773.666, P=0.001 and F(5,28)=2.859, P=0.02, respectively) and by the interaction of both factors (F(6,28)=2.859, P=0.02). On liquid intake occurred only effect of cafeteria diet and time (F(1,28)=147.04, P=0.001 and F(5,28)=3.996, P=0.003, respectively). Cafeteria diet exposure also induced an increase on creatinine serum levels (P=0.002), however this effect was not observed on creatinine urine levels (P>0.05) nor on systolic pressure measurements (Students' t test, P>0.05). Conclusions: Obesity induced by cafeteria diet exposure increases liquid intake and alters creatinine serum levels, an important renal function marker. Considering the high consumption of hypercaloric food currently in the world, further studies are required to elucidate the modifications on renal function triggered by this diet over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is a neuroendocrine hormone that presents a wide range of physiological functions including regulating circadian rhythms and sleep, enhancing immune function, sleep improvement, and antioxidant effects. In addition, melatonin has received special attention in pain treatment since it is effective and presents few adverse effects. In this study, we evaluated the effect of acute dose of melatonin upon hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in a chronic orofacial pain model in Sprague-Dawley rats. Nociceptive behavior was assessed by facial Von Frey and the hot plate tests at baseline and thereafter 30, 60, and 120 min, 24 h, and 7 days after melatonin treatment. We demonstrated that acute melatonin administration alters mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia induced by an orofacial pain model (TMD), highlighting that the melatonin effect upon mechanical hyperalgesia remained until 7 days after its administration. Besides, we observed specific tissue profiles of neuroimmunomodulators linked to pain conditions and/or melatonin effect (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and interleukins 6 and 10) in the brainstem levels, and its effects were state-dependent of the baseline of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthopedic diseases are common in dogs and cats, especially, those caused by traumatic injury. Overall, among the significant changes in this group, the fractures are the major cause of pain and dysfunction in dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. Therefore, a retrospective study of dogs examined between January 2004 and December 2013 at the University Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, was conducted aiming to identify and determine the prevalence of appendicular fractures caused by trauma and characterizing the population/etiology. In a population of 1,200 dogs with suspected traumatic orthopedic diseases in the locomotor system, 955 (79.6%) had appendicular fractures. Of the dogs 23.5% had fractures on the femur (n=225), 23.4% had pelvic fractures (n=223), 22% had tibial and fibular fractures (n=210), 17.6% had radius and ulna fractures (n=168), 7.5% had humeral fractures (n=72) and 6% had distal limb fractures (tarsus, carpus, metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanges (n=57)). The most frequent cause was car accidents (72.2%). Most affected dogs were male (52.5%), juvenile (42%), mixed breed (51.4%) and small size (42.7%). In conclusion, the profile of dogs with fractures in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State is: male dogs, mixed breed, immature and small size, presenting femoral fractures by car accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The most common and best known hereditary coagulopathies are hemophilia A and B followed by von Willebrand Disease. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of tooth loss and investigate its association with demographic and socioeconomic data, as well as to discuss self-reported oral morbidity and use of health services by patients with coagulopathies treated in blood centers in Paraíba, Brazil. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional epidemiological survey. Data was collected in the period from October 2011 to July 2012 by clinical examination and by assessing interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics with the level of significance (α) being set at 10%. Results: One hundred and six, predominantly male (88.8%), patients with coagulopathies were evaluated. The ages ranged from one to 59 years. Most patients were of mixed race (61.3%), most reported family incomes between R$ 501.00 and R$ 1500.00 (49.1%), and most had not completed elementary school (37.1%). Hemophilia A was found in 76.4% of the cases. The prevalence of dental caries among individuals was 50.0% predominantly in the 13- to 19-year-old age range (66.7%). As regards to tooth loss, teeth were missing in 35.1% of the study participants. Conclusion: Tooth loss is high in this population. Males with severe hemophilia A, those who use fluoride and have a good or very good perception about their last dental appointment have a reduced chance of losing their teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used nanopore sequencing and phylogenetic analyses to identify a cosmopolitan genotype of dengue virus serotype 2 that was isolated from a 56-year-old male patient from the state of Goiás in Brazil. The emergence of a cosmopolitan genotype in Brazil will require risk assessment and surveillance to reduce epidemic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• c-tDCS plus DZP is more effective in suppressing seizures than c-tDCS individually. • a-tDCS alone or plus DZP is not effective in improving seizure behavior. • c-tDCS alone or plus DZP improves NGF and BDNF levels after PTZ-kindling. • c-tDCS alone or plus DZP decreases hippocampal IL-1β levels after PTZ-kindling. • a-tDCS alone raises hippocampal IL-1β levels. Despite the introduction of new antiepileptic drugs, about 30 % of patients with epilepsy are refractory to drug therapy. Thus, the search for non-pharmacological interventions such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) may be an alternative, either alone or in combination with low doses of anticonvulsants. This study evaluated the effect of anodal (a-tDCS) and cathodal tDCS (c-tDCS) on seizure behavior and neuroinflammation parameters. Rats were submitted to the kindling model induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) using diazepam (DZP) as anticonvulsant standard. tDCS groups were submitted to 10 sessions of a-tDCS or c-tDCS or SHAM-tDCS. Every 3 days they received saline (SAL), low dose of DZP (alone or in combination with tDCS) or effective dose of DZP 30 min before administration of PTZ, totaling 16 days of protocol. Neither a-tDCS nor c-tDCS reduced the occurrence of clonic forelimb seizures (convulsive motor seizures – stage 3 by the adapted Racine scale we based on). Associated with DZP, c-tDCS (c-tDCS/DZP0.15) increased the latency to first clonic forelimb seizure on the 10th and 16th days. Hippocampal IL-1β levels were reduced by c-tDCS and c-tDCS/DZP0.15. In contrast, these treatments induced an increase in cortical IL-1β levels. Hippocampal TNF-α levels were not altered by c-tDCS or a-tDCS, but c-tDCS and c-tDCS/DZP0.15 increased those levels in cerebral cortex. Cortical NGF levels were increased by c-tDCS and c-tDCS/DZP0.15. a-tDCS/DZP0.15 reduced hippocampal BDNF levels and c-tDCS/DZP0.15 increased these levels in cerebral cortex. In conclusion, c-tDCS alone or in combination with a low dose of DZP showed to affect neuroinflammation, improving central neurotrophin levels and decreasing hippocampal IL-1β levels after PTZ-induced kindling without statistically significant effect on seizure behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Puerperal woman and new-born children are vulnerable and frequently have neglected health conditions. Aim: The objective is to describe the oral health and saliva profiles of women and their babies during the breastfeeding period, including breast milk. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven mothers were interviewed and demographic data were recorded. The mother-baby pairs underwent intraoral examination. The mothers were submitted to examination of oral mucosa, oral hygiene status by O'Leary, periodontal condition and caries (DMF-T: decayed, missing and filled teeth) in order to establish buccal conditions. The babies had their oral mucosa and teeth examined. Salivary samples of babies and mothers as well the breastmilk of mothers were collected and analysed by ¹H-NMR through a 600 MHz spectrometer. The data were analysed in a statistical program SPSS.21 (IBM Statistics). Results: The mothers' mean age was 27-years-old and 53.9% of mothers were overweight. The oral condition revealed poor oral health: DMF-T=8.20, 72.4% had gingivitis and 62% had dental plaque. The babies presented 4.18% cases of oral candidiasis and 2.08% cases of Bohn nodules, with no caries. The salivary 1 H-NMR spectra from babies with more than six months of age showed increased levels of lactate, ethanol, acetate, propionate, N-butyrate and N-acetyl sugars and reduced levels of other sugars. The 1 H-NMR analysis of salivary samples from the mothers showed metabolites such as propionate, ethanol, lactate, acetate, butyrate and N-acetyl and sugar region. The ¹H-NMR breast milk demonstrated high quantity of lactose in a region of spectra characteristic from sugars. It was concluded that the mothers had low levels caries activity; however, though they had past dental caries history. This may have an impact on the oral health of their children. Conclusion: Our study focused on the oral health and saliva profiles of women and their babies during breastfeeding period. This data could design a preventive programme that would improve the oral health and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The increase in chronic diseases has arisen interest to search for alternative treatments so that people can improve their quality of life. Thus, Carya illinoinensis is the subject of the present work which aims at determining whether it has antidiabetic activity. The plant was collected and its nuts were separated from their peels, dried and grinded and incorporated into the feed, in concentration of 6% and 10%, for the treatment of animals. The centesimal composition of this diet was also determined. From the nut was also obtained the fixed oil, for the profile of fatty acids, and the 70% hydroethanolic extract for the phytochemical analysis. The results have shown that species presents hypoglycaemic effect, high fat composition of unsaturated fatty acids and the presence of some phenolic compounds, directly related to the antidiabetic activity. Therefore, the specie presente benefits that can contribute to the binomial diet/health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies that describe metastases to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are restricted to small case series. An increase in the frequency of this condition is expected, so it would be useful to better characterize the endoscopic aspects of metastasis to the GI tract. The aims of this study were to describe the frequency and endoscopic features of the lesions, and to analyze the survival rate after diagnosis of metastasis.Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study, conducted between 2009 and 2017. Patients with metastasis to the GI tract were included.Results: 95 patients were included. Melanoma (25.3 %), lung (15.8 %), and breast (14.7 %) were the most frequent primary tumors. The most common endoscopic presentation was a solitary, ulcerated lesion in the gastric body. Conventional biopsy was diagnostic in 98.9 % of the cases. The mean and median survival rates were 13.3 months (95 % confidence interval [CI] 8.2 - 18.3) and 4.7 months (95 %CI 3.7 - 5.6), respectively. Palliative treatment with chemo- and/or radiotherapy after the diagnosis of the metastasis was related to a higher survival rate.Conclusions: Melanoma, lung, and breast cancer were the most common primary tumors to metastasize to the GI tract. The endoscopic features could not predict the primary site of the tumor. The finding of metastasis in the GI tract is related to the final stage of the cancer disease but patients who received palliative treatment with chemo- and/or radiotherapy after diagnosis of GI metastasis had higher survival rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors are physiologically activated by uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP) and are widely expressed in many cell types in humans. P2Y2 plays an important role in inflammation and proliferation of tumor cells, which could be attenuated with the use of antagonists. However, little is known about the physiological functions related to P2Y4, due to the lack of selective ligands for these receptors. This can be solved through the search for novel compounds with antagonistic activity. The aim of this study was to discover new potential antagonist candidates for P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors from natural products. We applied a calcium measurement methodology to identify new antagonist candidates for these receptors. First, we established optimal conditions for the calcium assay using J774.G8, a murine macrophage cell line, which expresses functional P2Y2 and P2Y4 receptors and then, we performed the screening of plant extracts at a cutoff concentration of 50 μg/mL. ATP and ionomycin, known intracellular calcium inductors, were used to stimulate cells. The calculated EC50 were 11 μM and 103 nM, respectively. These cells also responded to the UTP stimulation with an EC50 of 1.021 μM. Screening assays were performed and a total of 100 extracts from Brazilian plants were tested. Joannesia princeps Vell. (stem) and Peixotoa A. Juss (flower and leaf) extracts stood out due to their ability to inhibit UTP-induced responses without causing cytotoxicity, and presented an IC50 of 32.32, 14.99, and 12.98 μg/mL, respectively. Collectively, our results point to the discovery of potential antagonist candidates from Brazilian flora for UTP-activated receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by impairing levels of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. However, different meta-analyses have reported disruptions in short and long-term memory in ADHD patients. Previous studies indicate that mnemonic dysfunctions might be the result of deficits in attentional circuits, probably due to ineffective dopaminergic modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. In this study we aimed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of a neuromodulatory technique, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), in short-term memory (STM) deficits presented by the spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), the most widely used animal model of ADHD. Adult male SHR and Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) were subjected to a constant electrical current of 0.5 mA intensity applied on the frontal cortex for 20 min/day during 8 days. STM was evaluated with an object recognition test conducted in an open field. Exploration time and locomotion were recorded, and brain regions were dissected to determine dopamine and BDNF levels. SHR spent less time exploring the new object when compared to WKY, and tDCS improved object recognition deficits in SHR without affecting WKY performance. Locomotor activity was higher in SHR and it was not affected by tDCS. After stimulation, dopamine levels were increased in the hippocampus and striatum of both strains, while BDNF levels were increased only in the striatum of WKY. These findings suggest that tDCS on the frontal cortex might be able to improve STM deficits present in SHR, which is potentially related to dopaminergic neurotransmission in the hippocampus and striatum of those animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Epidemiological studies show that painful disorders are more prevalent in women than in men, and the transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) technique has been tested in chronic pain states. We explored the effect of tDCS on pain behavior and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in ovariectomized rats. Main methods Forty-five female Wistar adult rats were distributed into five groups: control (CT), ovariectomy + tDCS (OT), ovariectomy + sham tDCS (OS), sham ovariectomy + tDCS (ST), and sham ovariectomy + sham tDCS (SS). The rats were subjected to cathodal tDCS. The vaginal cytology and the estradiol levels confirmed the hormonal status. In addition, nociceptive behavior was evaluated using the tail-flick, von Frey, and hot-plate tests, as well as the BDNF levels in the serum, hypothalamus, hippocampus, spinal cord, and cerebral cortex. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis, followed by the Bonferroni, and P -value < 0.05 was considered significant. Key findings The ovariectomized animals presented a hypersensitivity response in the hot-plate ( P < 0.01) and von Frey ( P < 0.05) tests, as well as increased serum BDNF ( P < 0.05) and decreased hypothalamic BDNF ( P < 0.01) levels. The OT, OS, ST, and SS groups showed decreased hippocampal BDNF levels as compared with the control group ( P < 0.001). The interaction between tDCS and ovariectomy on the cortical BDNF levels ( P < 0.01) was observed. Significance The ovariectomy induced nociceptive hypersensitivity and altered serum and hypothalamic BDNF levels. The cathodal tDCS partially reversed nociceptive hypersensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal caffeine intake on the neuromotor development of rat offspring and on acetylcholine degradation and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) expression in the hippocampus of 14-day-old infant rats. Rat dams were treated with caffeine (0.3 g/L) throughout gestation and lactation until the pups were 14 days old. The pups were divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) caffeine, and (3) washout caffeine. The washout group received a caffeine solution until the seventh postnatal day (P7). Righting reflex (RR) and negative geotaxis (NG) were assessed to evaluate postural parameters as an index of neuromotor reflexes. An open-field (OF) test was conducted to assess locomotor and exploratory activities as well as anxiety-like behaviors. Caffeine treatment increased both RR and NG latency times. In the OF test, the caffeine group had fewer outer crossings and reduced locomotion compared to control, while the washout group showed increased inner crossings in relation to the other groups and fewer rearings only in comparison to the control group. We found decreased AChE activity in the caffeine group compared to the other groups, with no alteration in AChE transcriptional regulation. Chronic maternal exposure to caffeine promotes important alterations in neuromotor development. These results highlight the ability of maternal caffeine intake to interfere with cholinergic neurotransmission during brain development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trauma is the leading cause of death in individuals less than 45 years old worldwide, and up to 50% of trauma fatalities are because of brain injury. Prediction of outcome is one of the major problems associated with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and research efforts have focused on the investigation of biomarkers with prognostic value after TBI. Therefore, our aim was to investigate whether cell-free DNA concentrations correlated to short-term primary outcome (survival or death) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores after severe TBI. A total of 188 patients with severe TBI were enrolled in this prospective study; outcome variables comprised survival and neurological assessment using the GCS at intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Control blood samples were obtained from 25 healthy volunteers. Peripheral venous blood was collected at admission to the ICU. Plasma DNA was measured using a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the β-globin gene. There was correlation between higher DNA levels and both fatal outcome and lower hospital admission GCS scores. Plasma DNA concentrations at the chosen cutoff point (≥171,381 kilogenomes-equivalents/L) predicted mortality with a specificity of 90% and a sensitivity of 43%. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated plasma DNA levels were independently associated with death ( p<0.001). In conclusion, high cell-free DNA concentration was a predictor of short-term mortality after severe TBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bimodal tDCS treatment reversed increases in alcohol consumption. • Alcohol, CCI, and bimodal tDCS modulate NPY-immunoreactivity in central structures. • tDCS may be a promising non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention for AUD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repeated bimodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on alcohol consumption and immunohistological and neurochemical parameters in nerve-injured rats. Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were distributed into six groups: control, neuropathic pain (NP) + sham-tDCS, NP + alcohol + sham-tDCS, alcohol + sham-tDCS, alcohol + tDCS, and NP + alcohol + tDCS. NP is induced by chronic sciatic nerve constriction (CCI). The rats were exposed to a 10% alcohol solution by voluntary consumption for 14 days. From the 16th day after surgery, bimodal tDCS was applied for 20 min/day for 8 days. Brain structures were collected to evaluate the number of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-positive neurons, neurites, and argyrophilic grains by immunohistochemistry, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 by ELISA. Nerve-injured rats showed a progressive increase in alcohol consumption compared to the non-injured rats. In addition, there was a reduction in voluntary alcohol consumption over time induced by tDCS. Alcohol exposure, chronic pain, and tDCS treatment modulated the central NPY immunoreactivity. tDCS increased the cerebellar levels of IL-6 and IL-10, and CCI and/or tDCS reduced striatal BDNF levels. The current data suggest that tDCS could be a promising non-pharmacological adjuvant to treat patients with chronic pain who use alcohol to relieve their symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]