Risk of Hypothermia in a New Olympic Event: the 10-km Marathon Swim

INTRODUCTION: There are no available data addressing the potential clinical risks of open-water swimming competitions. OBJECTIVE: Address the risks of hypothermia and hypoglycemia during a 10-km open-water swimming competition in order to alert physicians to the potential dangers of this recently-introduced Olympic event. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study, conducted during a 10-km open-water event (water temperature 21ºC). The highest ranked elite open-water swimmers in Brazil (7 men, 5 women; ages 21±7 years old) were submitted to anthropometrical measurements on the day before competition. All but one athlete took maltodextrine ad libitum during the competition. Core temperature and capillary glycemia data were obtained before and immediately after the race. RESULTS: Most athletes (83%) finished the race with mild to moderate hypothermia (core temperature <35ºC). The body temperature drop was more pronounced in female athletes (4.2±0.7ºC vs. male: 2.7±0.8ºC; p=0.040). When data from the athlete who did not take maltodextrine was excluded, capillary glycemia increased among athletes (pre 86.6±8.9 mg/dL; post 105.5±26.9 mg/dL; p=0.014). Time to complete the race was inversely related to pre- competition body temperature in men (r=-0.802; p=0.030), while it was inversely correlated with the change in capillary glycemia in women (r=-0.898; p=0.038). CONCLUSION: Hypothermia may occur during open-water swimming events even in elite athletes competing in relatively warm water. Thus, core temperature must be a chief concern of any physician during an open-water swim event. Capillary glycemia may have positive effects on performance. Further studies that include more athletes in a controlled setting are warranted

The Role of Yeast and Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Production of Fermented Beverages in South America

Fermentation is one of the oldest forms of food preservation in the world. In South America, most fermented beverages are nondairy products featuring several other food raw materials such as cereals, fruits, and vegetables. Generally, natural fermentations are carried out by yeast and lactic acid bacteria forming a complex microbiota that acts in cooperation. Yeast have a prominent role in the production of beverages, due to the ability to accumulate high levels of ethanol and to produce highly desirable aroma compounds, but lactic acid bacteria are particularly important in fermentation because they produce desirable acids, flavor compounds, and peptides that inhibit the growth of undesirable organisms. Among the South America beverages based on cereals and vegetables, the fermented beverages chicha, caxiri, cauim and champús, and cachaça, a fermented and distilled beverage, could be cited. Genetic and physiological analyses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains isolated from cachaça have been shown to present interesting traits for beer production, such as flocculation and production of aroma compounds, fundamental to high-quality beer. The study of these traditional beverages allows the identification of new microorganism strains displaying enhanced resistance or new flavor and aroma profiles that could lead to applications in several industries and ultimately new products

Efeito de tratamentos de superfície na velocidade de escoamento de sistemas adesivos simplificados

OBJECTIVES: To determine the roughness of glass surfaces submitted to different treatments and to correlate it with the spreading velocity of two adhesive systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Glass slides were used as substrates to evaluate the spreading velocity of Single Bond and Prime & Bond NT adhesive systems. Six different surface treatments were compared: 1) no treatment; 2) silanization (SL); 3) sandblasting (SB); 4) SB + SL; 5) 10% hydrofluoric acid treatment (HF); 6) HF + SL. Before and after treatments, surface roughness was measured by a profilometer (Ra, µm). Drop volumes (10 µl) of the adhesive systems were deposited onto substrates with a micropipette to observe materials spreading during 30s. Data were expressed in mm/s as spreading velocity. Statistical significances among groups were analyzed using one-way and two-way-ANOVA designs and the SNK test. RESULTS: Significant differences in spreading velocity were found between materials (p < 0.001) and among treatments (p < 0.001). Silanization decreased the spreading velocity for both adhesives in comparison to groups where it was not performed (p < 0.05). Differences in roughness were found only for SB surfaces that were rougher than the others (p < 0.05). Silanization decreased the roughness of SB surfaces (p < 0.05). Linear regression did not indicate any correlation between spreading velocity and roughness (R = 0.173). CONCLUSION: Although surface treatments yielded different roughness, they did not provide differences in the spreading velocity of the simplified bonding systems studied. Silanization decreased bonding systems' spreading velocities.OBJETIVO: Determinar a rugosidade de superficies submetidas a diferentes tratamentos e correlacionar rugosidade com velocidade de escoamento de sistemas adesivos MATERIAL AND MÉTODOS: Lâminas de vidro foram utilizadas como substrato para avaliar a velocidade de escoamento dos sistemas adesivos Single Bond and Prime & Bond NT. Seis diferentes tratamentos de superfície foram comparados: 1- sem tratamento; 2 - silanização (SL); 3 - jateamento (J); 4 - J + SL; 5 - condicionamento com ácido fluorídrico a 10% (HF); 6 - HF + SL. Antes e após os tratamentos, foi mensurada a rugosidade das superficies (Ra, µm). Gotas de 10 µl de adesivo foram despositadas sobre as superficies e as velocidades de escoamento foram observadas durante 30 seg. Dados de velocidade de escoamento foram expressos em mm/s. Significâncias estatísticas entre grupos foram analisadas pelos testes ANOVA (um e dois critérios) e SNK. RESULTADOS: Houve diferenças significantes na velocidade de escoamento entre materiais (p < 0.001) e entre tratamentos (p < 0.001). Silanização diminuiu a velocidade de escoamento para ambos os adesivos em comparação aos grupos não silanizados (p < 0.05). Houve diferença entre rugosidades inicial e final somente para o grupo jateado, que se apresentou como o mais rugoso (p < 0.05). Silanização diminuiu a rugosidade das superficies jateadas (p < 0.05). Regressão linear não indicou correlação entre velocidade de escoamento e rugosidade (R = 0.173). CONCLUSÕES: Embora os tratamentos de superfície tenham produzido diferentes rugosidades, não produziram diferenças na velocidade de escoamento dos sistemas adesivos estudados. Silanização diminuiu a velocidade de escoamento dos sistemas adesivos

The role of Tyr(605) and Ala(607) of thimet oligopeptidase and Tyr(606) and Gly(608) of neurolysin in substrate hydrolysis and inhibitor binding

The physicochemical properties of TOP (thimet oligopeptidase) and NEL (neurolysin) and their hydrolytic activities towards the FRET (fluorescence resonance energy transfer) peptide series AbzGFSXFRQ-EDDnp [where Abz is o-aminobenzoyl; X = Ala, Ile, Leu, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Ser, Gln, Glu, His, Arg or Pro; and EDDnp is N-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-ethylenediamine] were compared with those of site-mutated analogues. Mutations at Tyr(605) and Ala(607) in TOP and at Tyr(606) and Gly(608) in NEL did not affect the overall folding of the two peptidases, as indicated by their thermal stability, CD analysis and the pH-dependence of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein. the kinetic parameters for the hydrolysis of substrates with systematic variations at position P-1 showed that Tyr(605) and Tyr(606) of TOP and NEL respectively, played a role in subsite S-1. Ala(607) of TOP and Gly(608) of NEL contributed to the flexibility of the loops formed by residues 600-612 (GHLAGGYDGQYYG; one-letter amino acid codes used) in NEL and 599-611 (GHLAGGYDAQYYG; one-letter amino acid codes used) in TOP contributing to the distinct substrate specificities, particularly with an isoleucine residue at P-1. TOP Y605A was inhibited less efficiently by JA-2 {N-[1-(R,S)-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]Ala-Aib-Tyr-p-aminobenzoate}, which suggested that the aromatic ring of Ty,105 was an important anchor for its interaction with wild-type TOP. the hydroxy groups of Tyr 605 and Tyr.. did not contribute to the pH-activity profiles, since the pKs obtained in the assays of mutants TOP Y605F and NEL Y606F were similar to those of wild-type peptidases. However, the pH-k(cat)/K-m dependence curve of TOP Y605A differed from that of wild-type TOP and from TOP Y606F. These results provide insights into the residues involved in the substrate specificities of TOP and NEL and how they select cytosolic peptides for hydrolysis.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04044020 São Paulo, BrazilInst Butantan, Lab Especial Toxinol Aplicada, CAT, CEPID, BR-05467010 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Dept Biol Celular & Desenvolvimento, Programa Biol Celular, BR-05508900 São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Lab Neurociencias, BR-03071000 São Paulo, BrazilUniv Mogi das Cruzes, CIIB, BR-08780911 Mogi Das Cruzes, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Biofis, BR-04044020 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Estado nutricional y parasitosis intestinales en niños residentes en zonas urbana, periurbana y rural del partido de Brandsen (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

El presente estudio tuvo como objeto analizar el estado nutricional y las parasitosis intestinales en niños de 3 a 6 años de edad, residentes en zonas urbanas (U), periurbanas (PU) y rurales (R) del partido de Brandsen. La muestra quedó constituida por 600 niños (302 varones y 298 mujeres). Los valores P85#P95 definieron sobrepeso y >P95 obesidad. Se tomaron muestras de materia fecal seriada y escobillado anal que fueron analizadas mediante técnicas de concentración por sedimentación (Ritchie) y flotación (Willis). Los datos fueron asociados con las características socioambientales de cada zona. PU presentó prevalencias de baja talla para la edad y parasitosis significativamente mayores que U (p<0.01). Se registraron 7 especies parásitas en U, 8 en PU y 4 en R, siendo Enterobius vermicularis, Blastocystis hominis y Giardia lamblia las especies más abundantes. También el poliparasitismo fue mayor en PU. Aunque el sobrepeso y la obesidad fueron elevados en las tres zonas, las mayores prevalencias se registraron en PU y R respecto de U (p<0.01). La coexistencia de desnutrición y sobrepeso-obesidad, podría vincularse con los cambios experimentados en las costumbres alimentarias y los modos de vida de estas poblaciones en el contexto de la transición nutricional. La zona periurbana presenta las peores condiciones socio-ambientales para el crecimiento y la salud de los niños en edad preescolar

RECONHECIMENTO DOS ESPAÇOS DE ATUAÇÃO DO ASSISTENTE SOCIAL

O objetivo deste trabalho é verificar e reconhecer alguns dos campos de atuação do assistente social.Durante o trabalho, o método de pesquisa foi uma revisão bibliográfica. Houve análise das normas reguladoras do Serviço Social, sobretudo os valores e princípios do Código de Ética Profissional, as atribuições e as competências asseguradas na Lei de Regulamentação da Profissão (Lei n. 8.662/1993) e nas Diretrizes Curriculares do Serviço Social, elaboradas pela Associação Brasileira de Ensino e Pesquisa em Serviço Social (ABEPSS). Discutir os campos de atuação é importante e necessário, visto que, atualmente, 2.626 municípios (47,2% do total de 5.564municípios, incluindo o Distrito Federal) possuem Centros de Referência de Assistência Social (CRAS) (CFESS,2011) e devem ter em seus quadros assistentes sociais atuando. Além de identificar estes espaços, que não se limitam apenas à saúde ou à segurança social, foi possível estudar a atuação em outros campos, como educação e habitação. Esses estudos têm como escopo a sugestão de estratégias e procedimentos no exercício do trabalho e devem ser considerados para ampliar o exercício da assistência social

The history and evolution of the clinical effectiveness of haemophilia type a treatment: a systematic review.

First evidence of cases of haemophilia dates from ancient Egypt, but it was when Queen Victoria from England in the 19th century transmitted this illness to her descendants, when it became known as the "royal disease". Last decades of the 20th century account for major discoveries that improved the life expectancy and quality of life of these patients. The history and evolution of haemophilia healthcare counts ups and downs. The introduction of prophylactic schemes during the 1970s have proved to be more effective that the classic on-demand replacement of clotting factors, nevertheless many patients managed with frequent plasma transfusions or derived products became infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C virus during the 1980s and 1990s. Recombinant factor VIII inception has decreased the risk of blood borne infections and restored back longer life expectancies. Main concerns for haemophilia healthcare are shifting from the pure clinical aspects to the economic considerations of long-term replacement therapy. Nowadays researchers' attention has been placed on the future costs and cost-effectiveness of costly long-term treatment. Equity considerations are relevant as well, and alternative options for less affluent countries are under the scope of further research. The aim of this review was to assess the evidence of different treatment options for haemophilia type A over the past four decades, focusing on the most important technological advances that have influenced the natural course of this "royal disease"

Methylation of subtelomeric chromatin modifies the expression of the lncRNA TERRA, disturbing telomere homeostasis

The long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) has been associated with telomeric homeostasis, telomerase recruitment, and the process of chromosome healing; nevertheless, the impact of this association has not been investigated during the carcinogenic process. Determining whether changes in TERRA expression are a cause or a consequence of cell transformation is a complex task because studies are usually carried out using either cancerous cells or tumor samples. To determine the role of this lncRNA in cellular aging and chromosome healing, we evaluated telomeric integrity and TERRA expression during the establishment of a clone of untransformed myeloid cells. We found that reduced expression of TERRA disturbed the telomeric homeostasis of certain loci, but the expression of the lncRNA was affected only when the methylation of subtelomeric bivalent chromatin domains was compromised. We conclude that the disruption in TERRA homeostasis is a consequence of cellular transformation and that changes in its expression profile can lead to telomeric and genomic instability

Hemoglobin Uptake by Paracoccidioides spp. Is Receptor-Mediated

Iron is essential for the proliferation of fungal pathogens during infection. The availability of iron is limited due to its association with host proteins. Fungal pathogens have evolved different mechanisms to acquire iron from host; however, little is known regarding how Paracoccidioides species incorporate and metabolize this ion. In this work, host iron sources that are used by Paracoccidioides spp. were investigated. Robust fungal growth in the presence of the iron-containing molecules hemin and hemoglobin was observed. Paracoccidioides spp. present hemolytic activity and have the ability to internalize a protoporphyrin ring. Using real-time PCR and nanoUPLC-MSE proteomic approaches, fungal growth in the presence of hemoglobin was shown to result in the positive regulation of transcripts that encode putative hemoglobin receptors, in addition to the induction of proteins that are required for amino acid metabolism and vacuolar protein degradation. In fact, one hemoglobin receptor ortholog, Rbt5, was identified as a surface GPI-anchored protein that recognized hemin, protoporphyrin and hemoglobin in vitro. Antisense RNA technology and Agrobacterium tumefaciensmediated transformation were used to generate mitotically stable Pbrbt5 mutants. The knockdown strain had a lower survival inside macrophages and in mouse spleen when compared with the parental strain, which suggested that Rbt5 could act as a virulence factor. In summary, our data indicate that Paracoccidioides spp. can use hemoglobin as an iron source most likely through receptor-mediated pathways that might be relevant for pathogenic mechanisms