Estrogen deficiency in ovariectomized rats: can resistance training re-establish angiogenesis in visceral adipose tissue?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance training on angiogenesis markers of visceral adipose tissue in ovariectomized rats. METHOD: Adult Sprague-Dawley female rats were divided into four groups (n=6 per group): sham-sedentary, ovariectomized sedentary, sham-resistance training and ovariectomized resistance training. The rats were allowed to climb a 1.1-m vertical ladder with weights attached to their tails and the weights were progressively increased. Sessions were performed three times per week for 10 weeks. Visceral adipose tissue angiogenesis and morphology were analyzed by histology. VEGF-A mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: Ovariectomy resulted in higher body mass (p=0.0003), adipocyte hypertrophy (p=0.0003), decreased VEGF-A mRNA (p=0.0004) and protein levels (p=0.0009), and decreased micro-vascular density (p=0.0181) in the visceral adipose tissue of the rats. Resistance training for 10 weeks was not able to attenuate the reduced angiogenesis in the visceral adipose tissue of the ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the resistance training program used in this study could not ameliorate low angiogenesis in the visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats

Information System and Geographic Information System Tools in the Data Analyses of the Control Program for Visceral Leishmaniases from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The aim of this paper is to report a brief history of control actions for Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) from 2006 to 2010 in the Sanitary District (DS) of Venda Nova, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, focusing on the use of information systems and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. The analyses showed that the use of an automated database allied with geoprocessing tools may favor control measures of VL, especially with regard to the evaluation of control actions carried out. Descriptive analyses of control measures allowed to evaluating that the information system and GIS tools promoted greater efficiency in making decisions and planning activities. These analyses also pointed to the necessity of new approaches to the control of VL in large urban centers

Cidades Inteligentes e Saneamento Básico: avaliação de aspectos regulatórios e contribuição para uma metodologia analítica das smart cities

[Purpose]  With over half the population living in the urban areas, cities face rising challenges. Hence, the concept of smart cities seeks, with the aid of technology, to improve life quality and increase the provision of urban services, especially the basic sanitation services. Although these ideas can correlate, the lack of analytical methodologies hinders the development of studies in the field. [Methodology/approach/design] It analizes the regulatory aspects of structuring the basic sanitation service of municipalities classified as smart cities, with the intent to contribute to the creation of this methodology. [Findings] The data evaluated shows that the smart cities present similar regulatory characteristics, bringing relevant information to the improvement of the studies in the area, allowing to understand later whether the structuring of the basic sanitation provided by these cities contributes to the efficiency of these services.[Purpose]  With over half the population living in the urban areas, cities face rising challenges. Hence, the concept of smart cities seeks, with the aid of technology, to improve life quality and increase the provision of urban services, especially the basic sanitation services. Although these ideas can correlate, the lack of analytical methodologies hinders the development of studies in the field. [Methodology/approach/design] It analizes the regulatory aspects of structuring the basic sanitation service of municipalities classified as smart cities, with the intent to contribute to the creation of this methodology. [Findings] The data evaluated shows that the smart cities present similar regulatory characteristics, bringing relevant information to the improvement of the studies in the area, allowing to understand later whether the structuring of the basic sanitation provided by these cities contributes to the efficiency of these services.[Propósito] Com mais da metade da população nacional vivendo em meios urbanos, as cidades enfrentam desafios cada vez mais complexos. Assim, a noção de cidades inteligentes ou smart cities busca, por meio do emprego da tecnologia, trazer melhorias à qualidade de vida e à disponibilidade de serviços urbanos, aqui focalizados os serviços de saneamento básico. Apesar da correlação dessas ideias, a ausência de metodologias analíticas dificulta estudos mais aprofundados sobre o tema. [Metodologia/abordagem/design] O artigo analisa aspectos regulatórios da estruturação do serviço de saneamento básico de municípios classificados como smart cities, a fim de identificar pontos a contribuir com a criação dessa metodologia. [Resultados] Os dados levantados demonstram que as cidades inteligentes apresentam características regulatórias similares, trazendo informações relevantes para o aprimoramento de estudos na área, e, posteriormente, compreender se a estruturação do saneamento básico dado por tais cidades contribui para a eficiência dos serviços

Molecular diagnosis of Ehrlichia canis infection in dogs with uveitis

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is an infectious disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium Ehrlichia canis that has a high global prevalence that leads to high rates of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Among the clinical changes, ophthalmic diseases can lead to permanent blindness and it can be an important clinical sign. The objective of this study was to perform nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to diagnose E. canis infection in dogs with bilateral uveitis from the Veterinary Hospital of the Santa Cruz State University. Blood samples were collected and DNA for the molecular diagnosis was extracted from 66 adult dogs of both genders and mixed breeds diagnosed with bilateral uveitis. Thirty-five (53%) dogs showed positive results and presented with iridocyclitis, posterior uveitis, panuveitis, or uveitis with secondary glaucoma. This study demonstrates that nested PCR is an important tool for the differential diagnosis of dogs with bilateral uveitis, as it provides evidence of the infectious agent in the animal

Avaliação do efeito do óleo-resina de copaíba (Copaifera sp.) na proliferação celular in vitro

O óleo de copaíba é uma resina extraída pela perfuração do tronco de árvores do gênero Copaifera sp., usado como cicatrizante em várias regiões do Brasil. São comprovados seus efeitos antimicrobianos e antiinflamatórios, sem relatos de atividade sobre a proliferação celular. No presente trabalho foi observada a dinâmica da proliferação de células MDBK (Madin Darby Bovine Kidney) mantidas em meio de cultivo adicionado de diferentes concentrações do óleo de copaíba, utilizando-se como controle células mantidas em meio sem adição do oleoresina (grupo M) e células no meio com aplicação do solvente tween 80, na diluição 10-3 (grupo MT). Diluições decimais de 10-1 até 10-3 mostraram-se tóxicas e, portanto, os estudos de proliferação partiram da diluição 10-4 até 10-7. Observou-se que houve crescimento mais acelerado em todos os grupos adicionados do óleo-resina nas primeiras 24 horas, com destaque para a diluição 10-5, que teve sua taxa de proliferação 5,47 vezes maior que a do grupo M. Concluiu-se que o óleo-resina de copaíba se mostrou estimulante da multiplicação celular, o que pode ser um dos mecanismos de seu efeito positivo sobre a cicatrização, somado àqueles previamente comprovados na literatura.Copaiba oleoresin is extracted from the trunk of Copaifera sp genus trees and used for treating wounds in several regions of Brazil. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects have been proved, however there are no reports of activity on cell growth. Proliferation of MDBK (Madin Darby Bovine Kidney) cells was evaluated under the influence of different concentrations of Copaiba oleoresin. Control groups consisted of cells in medium without addition of oleoresin (M group) and cells in the medium with application of the solvent Tween 80 at dilution 10-3 (TM group). Decimal dilutions of 10-1 to 10-3 were shown to be toxic and, therefore, the proliferation studies were conducted from dilution 10-4 to 10-7. Cell growth was faster in all groups that received the Copaiba oleoresin dilutions in the first 24 hours, specially the 10-5 dilution group, which proliferation rate was 5,47 higher than that of M group. It was concluded that Copaiba oleoresin stimulates cell multiplication, which may be one mechanism of its positive effect on wound healing, in association with those previously known

CONSIDERAÇÕES JURÍDICAS SOBRE A ESTERILIZAÇÃO EUGÊNICA DOS ANORMAIS E DOS CRIMINOSOS SEXUAIS

Trabalho destinado à análise das questões jurídicas e éticas trazidas pela atividade da esterilização eugênica dos anormais e dos criminosos sexuais. Análise de possível violação dos princípios constitucionalmente garantidos. Conceituação de eugenia, de anormalidade, de criminoso sexual e de esterilização. Avaliação da esterilização eugênica dos anormais e criminosos sexuais no panorama brasileiro

Compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) cuticulares em Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

The eucalyptus brown caterpillar, Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), has been significantly reported in forest stands. The economic importance of Thyrinteina arnobia for the forestry sector today highlights the need to consolidate the Forest Integrated Pest Management (Forest IPM), including methods of monitoring and control through the use of semiochemicals, such as pheromones. Volatile chemical compounds (VOCs) in cuticular substances from insects, may contribute to the regulation in interaction between individuals, as object of study for chemical ecology. Thus, it was aimed the prospection for cuticular volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Thyrinteina arnobia and the evaluation of the role of these compounds as possible short-distance pheromones for the species. For the study of pheromone chemical substances, cuticular compounds were extracted from wings and legs of Thyrinteina arnobia.The selected extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). An action spectrum was carried out by electroantenography coupled to gas chromatography (GC-EAG) of wings and legs extracts from virgin female upon Thyrinteina arnobia male antenna, however, it was not possible to observe significant differences at the responses of the male antennae to any of the offered stimuli. Therefore, it is possible to infer that Thyrinteina arnobia does not use cuticular compounds for short distance recognition, thus complementary studies of sexual behavior, including observation of courtship and copulation are needed.A lagarta-parda do eucalipto, Thyrinteina arnobia (Stoll, 1782) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), vem sendo relatada de forma significativa em povoamentos florestais. A importância econômica de Thyrinteina arnobia para o setor florestal na atualidade evidencia a necessidade da consolidação do Manejo Integrado de Pragas Florestais (MIP Floresta), incluindo métodos de monitoramento e controle através de semioquímicos, como o emprego de feromônios. Os compostos químicos voláteis (COVs) em substâncias cuticulares de insetos podem contribuir na regulação da interação entre os indivíduos, sendo objeto de estudo da ecologia química.  Dessa forma, objetivou-se realizar uma prospecção dos compostos orgânicos voláteis (COVs) cuticulares em Thyrinteina arnobia e avaliar o papel desses compostos como possíveis feromônios de curta distância. Para o estudo químico de substâncias feromonais, foi realizada a extração de compostos cuticulares (asas e pernas) em Thyrinteina arnobia de machos e fêmeas. Os extratos obtidos foram analisados por cromatografia gasosa com detector de ionização de chamas (GC-FID). Foi realizado um espectro de ação por meio da eletroantenografia acoplada à cromatografia gasosa (CG-EAG) dos extratos de asas e pernas de fêmeas virgens sobre a antena de machos de Thyrinteina arnobia. Contudo, não foi possível observar diferença significativa nas respostas das antenas de machos a nenhum dos estímulos oferecidos. Assim, é possível inferir que Thyrinteina arnobia não faz uso de compostos cuticulares para reconhecimento a curta distância, sendo necessários estudos complementares de comportamento sexual, incluindo observação de corte e cópula

MÉTODO CANGURU COMO ESTRATÉGIA PARA REDUÇÃO DA MORTALIDADE DE RECÉM-NASCIDOS PREMATUROS OU DE BAIXO PESO: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

Globally, prematurity and low birth weight represent a significant challenge, with approximately 20 million babies affected each year, of which a third do not survive their first year of life. Neonatal mortality accounts for approximately 70% of these losses. However, the Kangaroo Method emerges as a promising strategy to reverse this scenario. This article consists of an integrative review, in which it aims to analyze the influence of the Kangaroo Method as a strategy to reduce the mortality of premature or low birth weight newborns, in order to expand the knowledge of students and professionals in the area about the topic in question. The work consists of an integrative literature review, in which a basic, qualitative, exploratory and bibliographic research was carried out in the databases. The transition of life from the intrauterine to the extrauterine period is a highly complex process that requires perfect coordination of all newborn organs. In this context, the Kangaroo Mother Care plays a crucial role, providing this transition in a smooth and gradual way, with the mother assuming a vital role in the care and treatment of the baby, including when they are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In summary, the kangaroo care, an innovative approach that involves skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the premature or low-birth-weight baby, has been shown to be an effective strategy in reducing mortality and improving the health outcomes of these newborns. This intervention has been shown to be beneficial, not only in terms of survival, but also in promoting the physical and emotional development of premature babies, as well as in strengthening the bond between mother and child. As a result, kangaroo care is a promising and humane approach to improving neonatal care and reducing mortality in preterm or low birth weight infants.Globalmente, a prematuridade e o baixo peso ao nascer representam um desafio significativo, com, aproximadamente, 20 milhões de bebês afetados a cada ano, dos quais um terço não sobrevive até completar seu primeiro ano de vida. A mortalidade neonatal é responsável por cerca de 70% dessas perdas. No entanto, o Método Canguru surge como uma estratégia promissora para reverter esse cenário. O presente artigo consiste em uma revisão integrativa, no qual tem como objetivo analisar a influência do Método Canguru como estratégia na redução da mortalidade de recém-nascidos prematuros ou de baixo peso, no intuito de ampliar os conhecimentos de estudantes e profissionais da área acerca do tema em questão. O trabalho consiste em uma revisão de literatura do tipo integrativa, na qual foi realizada uma pesquisa dos tipos básica, qualitativa, exploratória e bibliográfica, nas bases de dados. A transição da vida do período intrauterino para o extrauterino é um processo altamente complexo que requer uma perfeita coordenação de todos os órgãos dos recém-nascidos. Nesse contexto, o Método Canguru desempenha um papel crucial, proporcionando essa transição de forma suave e gradual, com a mãe assumindo um papel vital nos cuidados e tratamento do bebê, inclusive quando estão na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal. Em suma, o método canguru, uma abordagem inovadora que envolve o contato pele a pele entre a mãe e o bebê prematuro ou de baixo peso, demonstrou ser uma estratégia eficaz na redução da mortalidade e na melhoria dos resultados de saúde desses recém-nascidos. Esta intervenção tem se mostrado benéfica, não apenas, em termos de sobrevivência, mas também, na promoção do desenvolvimento físico e emocional dos bebês prematuros, bem como no fortalecimento do vínculo entre mãe e filho. Como resultado, o método canguru é uma abordagem promissora e humanizada para melhorar os cuidados neonatais e reduzir a mortalidade em bebês prematuros ou de baixo peso

High seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum is linked to immune activation in people with HIV: a two-stage cross-sectional study in Bahia, Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis is an opportunistic disease in HIV-1 infected individuals, unrecognized as a determining factor for AIDS diagnosis. The growing geographical overlap of HIV-1 and Leishmania infections is an emerging challenge worldwide, as co-infection increases morbidity and mortality for both infections. Here, we determined the prevalence of people living with HIV (PWH) with a previous or ongoing infection by Leishmania infantum and investigated the virological and immunological factors associated with co-infection. We adopted a two-stage cross-sectional cohort (CSC) design (CSC-I, n = 5,346 and CSC-II, n = 317) of treatment-naïve HIV-1-infected individuals in Bahia, Brazil. In CSC-I, samples collected between 1998 and 2013 were used for serological screening for leishmaniasis by an in-house Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) with SLA (Soluble Leishmania infantum Antigen), resulting in a prevalence of previous or ongoing infection of 16.27%. Next, 317 PWH were prospectively recruited from July 2014 to December 2015 with the collection of sociodemographic and clinical data. Serological validation by two different immunoassays confirmed a prevalence of 15.46 and 8.20% by anti-SLA, and anti-HSP70 serology, respectively, whereas 4.73% were double-positive (DP). Stratification of these 317 individuals in DP and double-negative (DN) revealed a significant reduction of CD4+ counts and CD4+/CD8+ ratios and a tendency of increased viral load in the DP group, as compared to DN. No statistical differences in HIV-1 subtype distribution were observed between the two groups. However, we found a significant increase of CXCL10 (p = 0.0076) and a tendency of increased CXCL9 (p = 0.061) in individuals with DP serology, demonstrating intensified immune activation in this group. These findings were corroborated at the transcriptome level in independent Leishmania- and HIV-1-infected cohorts (Swiss HIV Cohort and Piaui Northeast Brazil Cohort), indicating that CXCL10 transcripts are shared by the IFN-dominated immune activation gene signatures of both pathogens and positively correlated to viral load in untreated PWH. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of PWH with L. infantum seropositivity in Bahia, Brazil, linked to IFN-mediated immune activation and a significant decrease in CD4+ levels. Our results highlight the urgent need to increase awareness and define public health strategies for the management and prevention of HIV-1 and L. infantum co-infection