ESTEROIDES ANABOLIZANTES EM MULHERES: DIFERENTES RESPOSTAS FISIOLÓGICAS E RISCOS ASSOCIADOS

This study explores the use of anabolic steroids by female bodybuilders, highlighting the differences in physiological responses and risks compared to men. Using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, articles investigating the effects of these compounds were analyzed. The results show that women using anabolic steroids frequently develop secondary male characteristics, such as increased body hair, voice changes, breast and uterine atrophy, amenorrhea, and clitoral hypertrophy. Such effects are less common in men due to differences in natural testosterone production. Data indicate that women face more severe risks of side effects, including cardiovascular complications and hormonal disorders, especially with prolonged use and supraphysiological doses. These findings underscore the need for public health interventions focused on education and awareness about the risks of anabolic steroid use in women. Promoting safe practices and informing about potential adverse effects is crucial to mitigate the damage associated with the use of these substances. The study suggests that, despite the anabolic benefits, the risks are significant and require an informed and cautious approach.Este estudo explora o uso de esteroides anabolizantes por mulheres praticantes de musculação, destacando as diferenças nas respostas fisiológicas e os riscos comparados aos homens. Utilizando bases de dados como PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, foram analisados artigos que investigam os efeitos desses compostos. Os resultados mostram que as mulheres, ao usarem esteroides anabolizantes, frequentemente desenvolvem características masculinas secundárias, como pilificação acentuada, alterações na voz, atrofia mamária e uterina, amenorreia e hipertrofia do clitóris. Tais efeitos são menos comuns nos homens devido às diferenças na produção natural de testosterona. Os dados indicam que as mulheres enfrentam riscos mais graves de efeitos colaterais, incluindo complicações cardiovasculares e distúrbios hormonais, especialmente com o uso prolongado e em doses suprafisiológicas. Estes achados sublinham a necessidade de intervenções de saúde pública focadas na educação e conscientização sobre os riscos do uso de esteroides anabolizantes em mulheres. Promover práticas seguras e informar sobre os potenciais efeitos adversos é crucial para mitigar os danos associados ao uso dessas substâncias. O estudo sugere que, apesar dos benefícios anabólicos, os riscos são significativos e exigem uma abordagem informada e cautelosa

EFEITOS DAS BEBIDAS ENERGÉTICAS NA SAÚDE CARDÍACA DE JOVENS ADULTOS

The increasing consumption of energy drinks among young adults has raised concerns due to potential cardiac health risks. This study reviewed the literature to investigate these impacts, considering that this age group is in a crucial phase for maintaining cardiovascular health. Using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, studies addressing the cardiovascular effects of energy drinks, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as adverse cardiac events, were selected. The main findings indicate that components such as caffeine and taurine have significant effects on the cardiovascular system. Caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate, while taurine can exacerbate these effects, especially at high doses. The review highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks of regular consumption of these drinks and suggests the implementation of clearer guidelines and stricter regulations. This study contributes to a better understanding of the risks associated with energy drink consumption, providing a solid basis for future research and public health policies. Promoting safe consumption practices and establishing effective regulations are crucial to protecting the cardiac health of young adults and preventing future complications.O crescente consumo de bebidas energéticas entre jovens adultos tem despertado preocupações devido aos potenciais riscos à saúde cardíaca. Este estudo revisou a literatura para investigar esses impactos, considerando que essa faixa etária está em uma fase crucial para a manutenção da saúde cardiovascular. Utilizando as bases de dados PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science, foram selecionados estudos que abordaram os efeitos cardiovasculares das bebidas energéticas, como aumento da frequência cardíaca e pressão arterial, bem como eventos cardíacos adversos. Os principais achados indicam que componentes como cafeína e taurina têm efeitos significativos no sistema cardiovascular. A cafeína pode aumentar a pressão arterial e a frequência cardíaca, enquanto a taurina pode exacerbar esses efeitos, especialmente em doses elevadas. A revisão destaca a necessidade de maior conscientização sobre os riscos do consumo regular dessas bebidas e sugere a implementação de diretrizes e regulamentações mais rígidas. Este estudo contribui para uma melhor compreensão dos riscos associados ao consumo de bebidas energéticas, fornecendo uma base sólida para futuras investigações e políticas de saúde pública. A promoção de práticas de consumo seguro e a elaboração de regulamentações eficazes são cruciais para proteger a saúde cardíaca dos jovens adultos e prevenir complicações futuras

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans—anteaters, sloths, and armadillos—have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data

NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non-detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peer-reviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non-detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio-temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other large-scale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data