Efeitos da semente de sucupira-branca (Pterodon emarginatus, Vogel) sobre a inflamação na articulação coxofemoral em cães avaliados pela termografia

Objetivou-se verificar o efeito anti-inflamatório na articulação coxofemoral em cães, do extrato da semente de sucupira-branca utilizando como veículo o Biotônico Fontoura®. Obteve-se o extrato por meio da associação com o Biotônico Fontoura®, que permaneceu sob maceração por sete dias em refrigeração a 4°C, sendo posteriormente filtrado e acondicionado em frasco âmbar, fechado, devidamente identificado. Obteve-se o Meloxicam no comércio local. Após a anamnese, os exames complementares e a avaliação termográfica, 23 animais que se encaixavam nos pré-requisitos receberam todas as instruções. Os animais do grupo fito receberam um frasco com o extrato, para ser administrado 2,5 mL na dose e 300 mg/kg, via oral, diariamente pela manhã, por 21 dias; os do grupo alopático receberam 21 comprimidos de Meloxicam, para ser administrado conforme o fabricante. Os animais foram acompanhados pela termografia nos tempos T=0 dias, T=10 dias e T=21 dias, sendo avaliados hematológica e radiograficamente no início e no fim da pesquisa. Animais do grupo fito apresentaram efeito positivo do extrato na resolução do processo inflamatório da articulação, sendo 61% mais eficaz do que o grupo Meloxicam. Não houve alterações nos parâmetros hematológicos, bioquímicos e radiográficos

Multi-messenger observations of a binary neutron star merger

On 2017 August 17 a binary neutron star coalescence candidate (later designated GW170817) with merger time 12:41:04 UTC was observed through gravitational waves by the Advanced LIGO and Advanced Virgo detectors. The Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor independently detected a gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) with a time delay of ~1.7 s with respect to the merger time. From the gravitational-wave signal, the source was initially localized to a sky region of 31 deg2 at a luminosity distance of 40+8-8 Mpc and with component masses consistent with neutron stars. The component masses were later measured to be in the range 0.86 to 2.26 Mo. An extensive observing campaign was launched across the electromagnetic spectrum leading to the discovery of a bright optical transient (SSS17a, now with the IAU identification of AT 2017gfo) in NGC 4993 (at ~40 Mpc) less than 11 hours after the merger by the One- Meter, Two Hemisphere (1M2H) team using the 1 m Swope Telescope. The optical transient was independently detected by multiple teams within an hour. Subsequent observations targeted the object and its environment. Early ultraviolet observations revealed a blue transient that faded within 48 hours. Optical and infrared observations showed a redward evolution over ~10 days. Following early non-detections, X-ray and radio emission were discovered at the transient’s position ~9 and ~16 days, respectively, after the merger. Both the X-ray and radio emission likely arise from a physical process that is distinct from the one that generates the UV/optical/near-infrared emission. No ultra-high-energy gamma-rays and no neutrino candidates consistent with the source were found in follow-up searches. These observations support the hypothesis that GW170817 was produced by the merger of two neutron stars in NGC4993 followed by a short gamma-ray burst (GRB 170817A) and a kilonova/macronova powered by the radioactive decay of r-process nuclei synthesized in the ejecta

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity

Omecamtiv mecarbil in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, GALACTIC‐HF: baseline characteristics and comparison with contemporary clinical trials

Aims: The safety and efficacy of the novel selective cardiac myosin activator, omecamtiv mecarbil, in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is tested in the Global Approach to Lowering Adverse Cardiac outcomes Through Improving Contractility in Heart Failure (GALACTIC‐HF) trial. Here we describe the baseline characteristics of participants in GALACTIC‐HF and how these compare with other contemporary trials. Methods and Results: Adults with established HFrEF, New York Heart Association functional class (NYHA) ≥ II, EF ≤35%, elevated natriuretic peptides and either current hospitalization for HF or history of hospitalization/ emergency department visit for HF within a year were randomized to either placebo or omecamtiv mecarbil (pharmacokinetic‐guided dosing: 25, 37.5 or 50 mg bid). 8256 patients [male (79%), non‐white (22%), mean age 65 years] were enrolled with a mean EF 27%, ischemic etiology in 54%, NYHA II 53% and III/IV 47%, and median NT‐proBNP 1971 pg/mL. HF therapies at baseline were among the most effectively employed in contemporary HF trials. GALACTIC‐HF randomized patients representative of recent HF registries and trials with substantial numbers of patients also having characteristics understudied in previous trials including more from North America (n = 1386), enrolled as inpatients (n = 2084), systolic blood pressure < 100 mmHg (n = 1127), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 528), and treated with sacubitril‐valsartan at baseline (n = 1594). Conclusions: GALACTIC‐HF enrolled a well‐treated, high‐risk population from both inpatient and outpatient settings, which will provide a definitive evaluation of the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy, as well as informing its potential future implementation

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidos a campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentes períodos do desenvolvimento - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i3.5417

The society’s exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due to the great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well as distribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provoke significantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects weren’t totally clarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT) effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality that were exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results, EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in sperm after exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductive potential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health, recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels of exposure to EMF.A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vem aumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nos últimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podem gerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêm demonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicas significativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos, nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismos biológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM (60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmente maduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seu desenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios de alterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativas na morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações na morfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemos considerar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando-se a realização de mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM

Integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos submetidos a campos eletromagnéticos de baixa frequência durante diferentes períodos do desenvolvimento = DNA integrity and sperm morphology of Wistar rats exposed to low frequency electromagnetic fields during different periods of development

A exposição da sociedade a Campos Eletromagnéticos (CEM) vemaumentando vertiginosamente em virtude da ampla expansão tecnológica observada nos últimos anos. Tanto a geração, como a distribuição e a utilização de energia elétrica podem gerar Campos Eletromagnéticos de baixa freqüência (50 e 60 Hz). Pesquisas vêm demonstrando que a exposição a estes CEM podem proporcionar alterações fisiológicassignificativas, apesar disto, ainda não estão totalmente esclarecidos a extensão destes efeitos, nem os mecanismos de ação que envolve a interação dos CEM com os organismos biológicos. O presente trabalho teve como principal objetivo verificar os efeitos dos CEM (60 Hz e 1 mT) sobre a integridade de DNA e morfologia espermática de ratos sexualmente maduros, que foram expostos ao CEM durante diferentes períodos do seu desenvolvimento. Os resultados obtidos neste trabalho não encontraram indícios de alterações no DNA dos espermatozóides, porém, foram observadas alterações significativas na morfologia dos espermatozoides após a exposição ao CEM. Estas alterações namorfologia espermática podem reduzir o potencial reprodutivo. Portanto, devemos considerar o CEM como um potencial risco a saúde pública, recomendando-se a realização de mais pesquisas buscando estabelecer níveis seguros de exposição aos CEM.<br><br>The society’s exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) has been growing considerable due to the great technological expansion observed in the last few years. Generation as well as distribution and use of electric energy can generate low frequency electromagnetic fields (50 and 60 Hz). Issues have been demonstrating that EMF exposure could provoke significantly physiological changes, however, the extension of EMF effects weren’t totally clarified. The major objective of this issue was to evaluate the EMF (60 Hz and 1 mT)effects on DNA integrity and sperm morphology in Wistar rats with mature sexuality that were exposed during different stages of testicular development. According to our results, EMF did not change DNA integrity, but we could observe morphological changes in spermafter exposure to EMF. These changes in sperm morphology may reduce the reproductive potential. Therefore, we should consider the EMF as a potential risk to public health, recommending the implementation of further research seeking to establish safe levels of exposure to EMF

<b>Estudo do polimorfismo genético da α_S1-caseína em cabras, no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i3.551 <b>Study of the genetic polymorphism of the α_S1-casein in goats of Pernambuco State, Brazil</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v29i3.551

O Estado de Pernambuco tem uma vocação pecuária, especialmente, para a exploração de caprinos. Dentre as proteínas, chamadas de caseínas, a α_S1-caseína foi a primeira proteína comprovada com base no polimorfismo genético. Objetivando realizar a genotipagem de cabras criadas no sertão, agreste e zona da mata do Estado de Pernambuco, por meio da técnica de PCR-RFLP, estudou-se o polimorfismo do gene da α_S1-caseína. Utilizaram-se 60 animais, divididos em três grupos de 20 animais, das raças Moxotó, Alpina Americana e SRD (Sem Raça Definida). A extração do DNA foi realizada com a utilização do protocolo fenol-clorofórmio, e o gene da α_S1-caseína foi amplificado por meio da PCR (reação da polimerase em cadeia). Em seguida, foi utilizada a enzima de restrição <em>XmnI</em> para obter a freqüência alélica das raças estudadas. Encontrou-se, nos caprinos, os alelos da α_S1-caseína B e D que foram predominantes para a raça nativa Moxotó e animais SRD (100%), e os alelos C e D, para a raça Alpina Americana (100%), concluindo-se que existem variações genéticas para o gene da α_S1-caseína do leite das raças caprinas estudadas, embora se evidencie a proximidade genética entre a Moxotó e SRD.<br>The Pernambuco State, has been a livestock area, mainly for the caprine exploration. Among the proteins, called caseins, the α_S1-casein was the first proved protein with base in the genetic polymorphism. To genotype goats of the “sertão”, “agreste” and “zona da mata” regions of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco, through the PCR-RFLP technique, we studied the polymorphism of the α_S1-casein gene. Sixty animals were used, divided in three groups of twenty animals of the races Moxotó, American Alpine and UB (Undefined Breed). The DNA extraction was done by the phenol-chloroform protocol and the α_S1-casein gene was amplified through the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). Then, the restriction enzyme <em>XmnI</em> was used to obtain the allele frequency of the studied races. In the goats, we found the α_S1-casein alleles B and D that predominantly were in the native race Moxotó and Ub animals (100%), the alleles, C and D for the American Alpine race (100%), concluding that there are genetic variations for the α_S1-casein in the milk of the goat races studied in the region, although it was observed a genetic proximity between Moxotó and UB