Genetic structure and conservation of Mountain Lions in the South-Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Rain Forest, one of the most endangered ecosystems worldwide, is also among the most important hotspots as regards biodiversity. Through intensive logging, the initial area has been reduced to around 12% of its original size. In this study we investigated the genetic variability and structure of the mountain lion, Puma concolor. Using 18 microsatellite loci we analyzed evidence of allele dropout, null alleles and stuttering, calculated the number of allele/locus, PIC, observed and expected heterozygosity, linkage disequilibrium, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, FIS, effective population size and genetic structure (MICROCHECKER, CERVUS, GENEPOP, FSTAT, ARLEQUIN, ONESAMP, LDNe, PCAGEN, GENECLASS software), we also determine whether there was evidence of a bottleneck (HYBRIDLAB, BOTTLENECK software) that might influence the future viability of the population in south Brazil. 106 alleles were identified, with the number of alleles/locus ranging from 2 to 11. Mean observed heterozygosity, mean number of alleles and polymorphism information content were 0.609, 5.89, and 0.6255, respectively. This population presented evidence of a recent bottleneck and loss of genetic variation. Persistent regional poaching constitutes an increasing in the extinction risk

Efeitos do treinamento aeróbio e resistido combinados na variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em mulheres na menopausa

Modelo de Estudo: Ensaio clínico controlado. Objetivo: Verificar a resposta de 16 semanas do treinamento aeróbio e resistido combinado sobre a modulação autonômica em mulheres na menopausa.Métodos: 17 mulheres foram divididas em dois grupos: grupo treino (GT: n=11) e grupo controle (GC:n=6). As variáveis de composição corporal foram estimadas pela absorptiometria radiológica de dupla energia. A modulação autonômica foi avaliada pela variabilidade da frequência cardíaca usando índices lineares. O protocolo de treinamento consistiu em 16 semanas, por 50 minutos de treinamento resistido e 30 minutos de treinamento aeróbio. Resultados: Para o GT houve incremento do índice rMSSD(ms)(pre:17,4±3,7 e pos:24,8±13,1, p<0,045), aumento dos intervalos entre batimentos cardíacos consecutivos (pre:891,2±80,2 e pos:974,1±71,4, p<0,003) e dos valores de frequência cardíaca(bpm) (pre:68,1±6,4 e pos:62,0±4,7, p<0,003), para os índices espectrais em unidades normalizadas, houve redução de LF(pre:52,2±13,1 e pos:44,5±12,4, p<0,025) e incremento de HF (pre:47,8±13,3 e pos:55,5±12,4, p<0,025).Não houve diferenças significantes para o GC. Conclusão: o treinamento aeróbio e resistido combinado promoveu benefícios sobre a modulação autonômica em mulheres na menopausa.Model of the study: Controlled clinical trial. Objective: To verify the effects of 16 weeks of combined aerobic and resistance training on cardiac autonomic modulation in menopausal women. Methods: 17 menopausal women were divided into two groups: the training group (TG: n=11) and control group (CG:n=6). The body composition variables were estimated using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The cardiac autonomic modulation was evaluated by heart rate variability using linear indexes. The training protocol consisted of 16 weeks of 50 minutes of resistance training and 30 minutes of aerobic training. Results: For the TG there was an increase in the rMSSD(ms) index (pre:17,4±3,7 and post:24,8±13,1,p<0,045), an increase in the duration of the intervals between the cardiac beats(ms) (pre:891,2±80,2 and post:974,1±71,4, p<0,003) and in the values of heart rate(bpm) (pre:68,1±6,4 and post:62,0±4,7, p<0,003), additionally for the spectral indexes in normalized units, changes for LF (pre:52,2±13,1 and post:44,5±12,4, p<0,025) and HF (pre:47,8±13,3 and post:55,5±12,4, p<0,025) were noticed, demonstrating increased parasympathetic and reduced sympathetic. There were no significant differences to CG. Conclusion: combined aerobic and resistance training promoted benefits to the autonomic modulation in menopausal women

The effects of cyclosporin a and heteropterys tomentosa on the rat liver

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely employed immunosuppressive drug that is associated with several side effects, among then hepatotoxicity. Heteropterys tomentosa is a Brazilian plant efficient in reducing damage caused by CsA on the rat testis and prostate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CsA and H. tomentosa (administered isolated or simultaneously) on the liver of Wistar rats. The animals were treated daily with water (control), CsA (15mg/kg/day), H. tomentosa infusion or CsA+H. tomentosa, for 21 or 56 days. The treatments did not alter liver morphology or cause fibrosis. H. tomentosa administered for 21 days increased the number of hepatocyte nuclei and Kupffer cell volumetric proportion. After 56 days of treatment, H. tomentosa administration did not alter the parameters analyzed. Biochemical plasma dosages and liver stereology showed impairment caused by CsA-treatment after 21 days; these results were not observed after 56 days of treatment. The simultaneous treatment with CsA and H. tomentosa for 21 or 56 days did not alleviate nor accentuate CsA hepatic effects. The present study showed that the 21 days treatment with CsA caused more alteration to the liver than the 56 days treatment; this could be related to hepatic recovery after the long term treatment871369379FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP2011/01160-

The Effects Of Cyclosporin A And Heteropterys Tomentosa On The Rat Liver.

Cyclosporin A (CsA) is a widely employed immunosuppressive drug that is associated with several side effects, among then hepatotoxicity. Heteropterys tomentosa is a Brazilian plant efficient in reducing damage caused by CsA on the rat testis and prostate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CsA and H. tomentosa (administered isolated or simultaneously) on the liver of Wistar rats. The animals were treated daily with water (control), CsA (15mg/kg/day), H. tomentosa infusion or CsA+H. tomentosa, for 21 or 56 days. The treatments did not alter liver morphology or cause fibrosis. H. tomentosa administered for 21 days increased the number of hepatocyte nuclei and Kupffer cell volumetric proportion. After 56 days of treatment, H. tomentosa administration did not alter the parameters analyzed. Biochemical plasma dosages and liver stereology showed impairment caused by CsA-treatment after 21 days; these results were not observed after 56 days of treatment. The simultaneous treatment with CsA and H. tomentosa for 21 or 56 days did not alleviate nor accentuate CsA hepatic effects. The present study showed that the 21 days treatment with CsA caused more alteration to the liver than the 56 days treatment; this could be related to hepatic recovery after the long term treatment.87369-7

The Leishmania amazonensis TRF (TTAGGG repeat-binding factor) homologue binds and co-localizes with telomeres

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Telomeres are specialized structures at the end of chromosomes essential for maintaining genome stability and cell viability. The importance of telomeric proteins for telomere maintenance has increased our interest in the identification of homologues within the genus <it>Leishmania</it>. The mammalian TRF1 and TRF2 proteins, for example, bind double-stranded telomeres via a Myb-like DNA-binding domain and are involved with telomere length regulation and chromosome end protection. In addition, TRF2 can modulate the activity of several enzymes and influence the conformation of telomeric DNA. In this work, we identified and characterized a <it>Leishmania </it>protein (LaTRF) homologous to both mammalian TRF1 and TRF2.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>LaTRF was cloned using a PCR-based strategy. ClustalW and bl2seq sequence analysis showed that LaTRF shared sequence identity with the <it>Trypanosoma brucei </it>TRF (TbTRF) protein and had the same degree of sequence similarities with the dimerization (TRFH) and the canonical DNA-binding Myb-like domains of both mammalian TRFs. LaTRF was predicted to be an 82.5 kDa protein, indicating that it is double the size of the trypanosome TRF homologues. Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence combined with fluorescence <it>in situ </it>hybridization showed that LaTRF, similarly to hTRF2, is a nuclear protein that also associates with parasite telomeres. Native and full length LaTRF and a mutant bearing the putative Myb-like domain expressed in bacteria bound double-stranded telomeric DNA <it>in vitro</it>. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that LaTRF interacted specifically with telomeres <it>in vivo</it>.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The nuclear localization of LaTRF, its association and co-localization with parasite telomeres and its high identity with TbTRF protein, support the hypothesis that LaTRF is a <it>Leishmania </it>telomeric protein.</p

Fatores associados ao histórico de prática de atividade física em gestantes

It is very important to know about external factors that may influence or cause harmful events during pregnancy, since these may lead to infant morbidity-mortality. On the other hand, it is known that the practice of guided physical activity during pregnancy brings benefits. The aim of this study was to descriptively evaluate the sociodemographic, health and lifestyle characteristics of pregnant women with a history of practicing physical activity. This was an exploratory cross-sectional study on 164 pregnant women divided into two groups: GROUP 1 consisted of women with a history of practicing physical activity, and GROUP 2 consisted of women without such histories. All subjects answered a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and lifestyle data, in addition to their histories of practicing physical activity. Firstly, the frequencies of the study variables were estimated and then association measurements (prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals) between the history of practicing physical activity and the variables in question were obtained. The results showed precariousness of access to primary healthcare services, low income and schooling levels and a lack of regular physical activity practices before and during pregnancy.A necessidade do conhecimento dos fatores externos que podem influenciar na causalidade de eventos deletérios à gestação é de grande relevância, pois podem determinar a morbi-mortalidade infantil. Sabe-se que a prática de atividade física orientada, ao contrário, executada durante a gestação, traz benefícios. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar descritivamente os aspectos sociodemográficos, de saúde, estilo de vida em gestantes com histórico de prática de atividade física (PAF). Um estudo exploratório do tipo corte transversal foi composto por 164 grávidas, divididas em dois grupos: o GRUPO 01, de mulheres com histórico de prática de atividade física, e o GRUPO 02, de mulheres sem histórico de prática de atividade física. Todas responderam a um questionário para coletar dados sociodemográficos e de estilo de vida, além de informações acerca do histórico de prática de atividade física. Inicialmente, foram estimadas as freqüências das variáveis estudadas e então obtidas as medidas de associação (RP e IC 95%) entre o histórico de PAF e as variáveis em questão. Os resultados demonstraram uma precariedade no acesso aos serviços básicos de saúde, renda e escolaridade baixas, e a falta de prática de atividade física regular antes e durante a gestação

Currents issues in cardiorespiratory care of patients with post-polio syndrome

Post-polio syndrome (PPS) is a condition that affects polio survivors years after recovery from an initial acute attack of the poliomyelitis virus. Most often, polio survivors experience a gradual new weakening in muscles that were previously affected by the polio infection. The actual incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in individuals suffering from PPS is not known. However, there is a reason to suspect that individuals with PPS might be at increased risk. Method: A search for papers was made in the databases Bireme, Scielo and Pubmed with the following keywords: post polio syndrome, cardiorespiratory and rehabilitation in English, French and Spanish languages. Although we targeted only seek current studies on the topic in question, only the relevant (double-blind, randomized-controlled and consensus articles) were considered. Results and Discussion: Certain features of PPS such as generalized fatigue, generalized and specific muscle weakness, joint and/or muscle pain may result in physical inactivity deconditioning obesity and dyslipidemia. Respiratory difficulties are common and may result in hypoxemia. Conclusion: Only when evaluated and treated promptly, somE patients can obtain the full benefits of the use of respiratory muscles aids as far as quality of life is concerned.Ctr Univ Augusto Motta, Programa Posgrad Ciencias Reabilitacao, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Severino Sombra, Fac Med, Vassouras, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Rio de Janeiro, Inst Psiquiatria, Lab Mapeamento Cerebral & EEG, BR-22290140 Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Fluminense, Hosp Univ Antonio Pedro, Niteroi, RJ, BrazilInst Fed Educ Ciencia & Tecnol Rio de Janeiro, Curso Fisioterapia, Rio De Janeiro, RJ, BrazilUniv Fed Piaui, Parnaiba, PI, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Neurol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Neurol, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Prevalence of self-reported lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil : analysis of data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of and factors associated with the lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil. Design: Population-based, cross-sectional study. Setting: Analysis of data from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey. Participants: 90 846 individuals aged ≥15 years were included. Outcome measure: The self-reported medical diagnosis of depression at some point in one’s life was the main outcome. Prevalence ratios (PRs) with 95% CIs were calculated by Poisson regression with robust variance. The independent variables included the geographical area of residence, sociodemographic characteristics, current smoking status, alcohol abuse, daily screen time, and the presence of physical disorders and mental health comorbidities. Results: The self-reported lifetime prevalence of medical diagnosis of depression was 9.9% (95% CI 9.5% to 10.2%). The probability of having received a medical diagnosis of depression was higher among urban residents (PR 1.23; 95% CI 1.12 to 1.35); females (2.75; 2.52 to 2.99); those aged 20–29 years (1.17; 0.91 to 1.51), 30–39 years (1.73; 1.36 to 2.19), 40–49 years (2.30; 1.81 to 2.91), 50–59 years (2.32; 1.84 to 2.93) and 60–69 years (2.27; 1.78 to 2.90) compared with those under 20 years; white-skinned people (0.69 (0.61 to 0.78) for black-skinned people and 0.74 (0.69 to 0.80) for indigenous, yellow and brown-skinned people compared with white-skinned people); those with fewer years of education (1.33(1.12 to 1.58) among those with 9–11 years, 1.14 (0.96 to 1.34) among those with 1–8 years and 1.29 (1.11 to 1.50) among those with 0 years compared with those with ≥12 years of education); those who were separated/ divorced (1.43; 1.29 to 1.59), widowed (1.06; 0.95 to 1.19) and single (1.01; 0.93 to 1.10) compared with married people; smokers (1.26; 1.14 to 1.38); heavy screen users (1.31; 1.16 to 1.48) compared with those whose usage was <6 hours/day; those with a medical diagnosis of a physical disorder (1.80; 1.67 to 1.97); and individuals with a medical diagnosis of a mental health comorbidity (5.05; 4.68 to 5.46). Conclusion: This nationwide population-based study of self-reported lifetime medical diagnosis of depression in Brazil showed that the prevalence was almost 10%. Considering the current Brazilian population, this prevalence corresponds to more than 2 million people who have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives