Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance

White adipose tissue (WAT) is considered an endocrine organ. When present in excess, WAT can influence metabolism via biologically active molecules. Following unregulated production of such molecules, adipose tissue dysfunction results, contributing to complications associated with obesity. Previous studies have implicated pro- and anti-inflammatory substances in the regulation of inflammatory response and in the development of insulin resistance. In obese individuals, pro-inflammatory molecules produced by adipose tissue contribute to the development of insulin resistance and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, the molecules with anti-inflammatory action, that have been associated with the improvement of insulin sensitivity, have your decreased production. Imbalance of these substances contributes significantly to metabolic disorders found in obese individuals. The current review aims to provide updated information regarding the activity of biomolecules produced by WAT.O tecido adiposo branco (WAT) é considerado um órgão endócrino, que, em excesso, é capaz de controlar o metabolismo, pela ação de moléculas biologicamente ativas. A produção desregulada destas substâncias pela disfunção do tecido adiposo pode contribuir para as complicações presentes na obesidade. As pesquisas atuais têm esclarecido fatores e mecanismos envolvidos na atuação de substâncias pró e anti-inflamatórias na modulação da inflamação e da resistência à insulina. Em indivíduos obesos, as moléculas pró-inflamatórias produzidas pelo tecido adiposo têm sido implicadas como fator contribuinte para o desenvolvimento da resistência à insulina e aumento do risco de doença cardiovascular. Por outro lado, as moléculas com ação anti-inflamatória, que atuam na melhora da sensibilidade à insulina, têm sua produção reduzida. O desequilíbrio entre essas substâncias contribui de forma significativa para as desordens metabólicas presente em indivíduos obesos. Assim, esta revisão visa a trazer informações atualizadas sobre a atuação de moléculas secretadas pelo tecido adiposo

Codon pairs of the HIV-1 vif gene correlate with CD4+T cell count

Background: the human APOBEC3G (A3G) protein activity is associated with innate immunity against HIV-1 by inducing high rates of guanosines to adenosines (G-to-A) mutations (viz., hypermutation) in the viral DNA. If hypermutation is not enough to disrupt the reading frames of viral genes, it may likely increase the HIV-1 diversity. To counteract host innate immunity HIV-1 encodes the Vif protein that binds A3G protein and form complexes to be degraded by cellular proteolysis.Methods: Here we studied the pattern of substitutions in the vif gene and its association with clinical status of HIV-1 infected individuals. To perform the study, unique vif gene sequences were generated from 400 antiretroviral-naive individuals.Results: the codon pairs: 78-154, 85-154, 101-157, 105-157, and 105-176 of vif gene were associated with CD4+ T cell count lower than 500 cells per mm(3). Some of these codons were located in the (81)LGQGVSIEW(89) region and within the BC-Box. We also identified codons under positive selection clustered in the N-terminal region of Vif protein, between (WKSLVK26)-W-21 and (YRHHY44)-Y-40 regions (i.e., 31, 33, 37, 39), within the BC-Box (i.e., 155, 159) and the Cullin5-Box (i.e., 168) of vif gene. All these regions are involved in the Vif-induced degradation of A3G/F complexes and the N-terminal of Vif protein binds to viral and cellular RNA.Conclusions: Adaptive evolution of vif gene was mostly to optimize viral RNA binding and A3G/F recognition. Additionally, since there is not a fully resolved structure of the Vif protein, codon pairs associated with CD4+ T cell count may elucidate key regions that interact with host cell factors. Here we identified and discriminated codons under positive selection and codons under functional constraint in the vif gene of HIV-1.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (SPS KAKENHI)Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Tokyo, Grad Sch Agr & Life Sci, Tokyo, JapanFed Univ Para, Inst Biotechnol, BR-66059 Belem, Para, BrazilUniv Vigo, Dept Biochem Genet & Immunol, Bioinformat & Mol Evolut Lab, Vigo 36310, SpainUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilFAPESP: 06/50109-5Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (SPS KAKENHI): 19300094Web of Scienc

MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS AND PRIORITIZATION OF WATERSHEDS AS AN INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING INSTRUMENT

Este artigo tem como objetivo caracterizar e analisar a morfometria de dez sub-bacias hidrográficas (SBH) do baixo curso do rio Itapecuru, Maranhão, indicando as áreas prioritárias para implementação das ações de conservação e preservação do solo e dos recursos hídricos. Para tanto, foram calculados os parâmetros morfométricos das classes linear, zonal e hipsiométrica. Para a hierarquização e correlação de nove parâmetros morfométricos, foi utilizada a técnica denominada Weighted Sum Analysis (WSA). Foi constatado que as SBHs do Baixo Curso do rio Itapecuru são de pequena dimensão e na rede de drenagem predominam canais intermitentes e de primeira ordem. O escoamento dos canais fluviais apresenta baixa capacidade de transporte e, portanto, de erosão do canal fluvial, sugerindo que os mesmos são susceptíveis a processos de assoreamento, que são potencializados naqueles de menor ordem hierárquica de drenagem. Por outro lado, a baixa declividade das SBH pode atenuar o processo de erosão laminar de suas respectivas áreas de drenagem, uma vez que, o escoamento superficial será mais lento. Observou-se, ainda, que 83,3% da área estudada é zona de média e alta susceptibilidade ambiental, as quais devem ser priorizadas para implementação de ações de gerenciamento dos recursos naturais.This article aims to characterize ten sub watersheds of the lower course of the Itapecuru river, Maranhão based on the morphometric analysis in order of indicating these areas of prime importance for the implementation of conservation and preservation actions of soil and water resources. For this, the morphometric parameters of the classes were calculated linear, zonal and hypsometric. For the ranking and correlation of nine morphometric parameters, the Weighted Analysis Sum (WAS) technique was used. It has been found that SWDs of the lower course of the Itapecuru river are small and in its drainage network predominates intermittent and first-order channels. The flow of the river channels presents low transport capacity and, consequently, low erosion capacity, suggesting that they are susceptible to sedimentation processes, which can be leveraged in those of lower hierarchy of drainage. The flat relief, associated with low drainage and hydrographic density indicated a trend of slow hydrological reduction, with possible flood peaks reduction. It was observed also that 83.3% of the studied area is an area of mean and high environmental susceptibility. Therefore should be of prime importance for the implementation of management actions of natural resources

Evaluation of Biomechanical Traction of Incisional Gastropexy and Scarification Gastropexy Techniques in Dogs

Background: Gastropexy is used to correct gastric dilation, a disease that usually affects large and giant dogs and leads to death in 23.4 - 43% of patients. This study aimed to evaluate the biomechanical traction of 2 gastropexy techniques, incisional gastropexy and scarified gastropexy, in 10 dog cadavers. Incisional gastropexy comprises a single incision in the abdominal wall and another incision in the stomach wall in the pyloric region followed by simple continuous sutures. The scarification technique creates scarification along the stomach borders of the pexy. Thereby, knowing that both techniques are successful, the biomechanical traction of each technique was compared.Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 10 animals without defined breed weighing from 6.4-43.0 kg were allocated into 2 equal groups (GE [scarified gastropexy] and GI [incisional gastropexy]). Incisional gastropexy was performed with a simple continuous suture pattern in the GI group and scarified gastropexy with an interrupted simple suture pattern was performed in the GE group. Absorbable 2-0 monofilament yarn (polygllecaprone 25) was used for sutures in both groups. Rectangular segments of the gastric antrum were collected from the right abdominal wall and from the bottom of the stomach at the left abdominal wall, which were subjected to a traction test. The scarification technique was easier, faster, and used less surgical sutures than the incisional technique. Both techniques were effective regardless of the site applied, with no significant differences. There was a difference in stretching depending on location.Discussion: The pathogenesis of gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) is unknown. However, gas accumulation inside the gastric chamber may lead to organ dilation and consequently cause torsion of the cardia region and pyloric antrum, resulting in strangulation of blood vessels and nerves. This torsion could cause stomach ischemia followed by organ necrosis if early emergency care is not provided. In addition, vessel strangulation my lead to a systemic syndrome resulting in shock. The disease presents acute and non-specific clinical signs such as weight loss, vomiting, and abdominal intumescence. Patients with risk factors such as reduced gastric motility, delayed stomach replenishment, lower weight, advanced age, or presence of a foreign body may present with poor prognosis. Once GDV becomes an emergency, surgical correction with the most efficient surgical techniques and procedures is necessary to guarantee patient survival. Based on the results obtained, both the scarified and incisional gastropexy techniques are more efficient than other techniques. In addition, the scarified technique with interrupted simple stitches stood out when compared to the incisional technique with a continuous simple suture pattern as it was faster and used less suture thread. The incisional technique, on the other hand, provides good juxtaposition of the edges of the wounds, avoiding the exposure of muscle tissue, as well as adhesions from other organs. The knowledge of those factors promotes positive effects on the effectiveness of an emergency surgical approach for patients with GDV, since it allows less surgical time, as well as less anesthetic time. Based on the results obtained during the biomechanical traction tests of the study, it was concluded that both scarified gastropexy with interrupted single stitches and incisional gastropexy with a continuous single stitch may be efficient. The scarified technique stood out when compared to the incisional technique as it required less time and used less sutures

Atendimento fonoaudiológico à população transgênera: um relato de experiência

Voz incompatível com a própria identidade é um tema frequentemente apontado pela população transgênera em atendimentos fonoaudiológicos. A fonoterapia é uma técnica que permite a adequação da voz do falante, dentro de um campo de possibilidades. Ao fonoaudiólogo cabe o treinamento, a orientação e o aconselhamento dessa população, levando em conta as especificidades de cada indivíduo. Diante disso, este estudo tem como objetivo relatar a experiência de estudantes de graduação e profissionais de Fonoaudiologia no atendimento voltado à população transgênera em um laboratório de comunicação. Inicialmente são apresentados conceitos-chave, tais como asdiferenças entre sexo, gênero, identidade de gênero, e orientação sexual. São abordados temas como a violência sofrida pela população trans, a busca pela adequação vocal, a criação e o desenvolvimento do ambulatório de comunicação, o acolhimento e o suporte prestado pelos profissionais à população trans e a seus familiares, além dos procedimentos adotados pelo ambulatório. Dentre as conclusões, destaca-se que a assistência fonoaudiológica temmostrado a importância do cuidado centrado no indivíduo, legitimando a garantia da promoção de saúde dos usuários. Ademais, é destacada a importância do profissional de fonoaudiologia no aprimoramento vocal e comunicativo dessa população que é frequentemente estigmatizada.This study begins with the presentation of key concepts. Briefly, the differences between sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation are presented. Our objective is to report the experience of undergraduate students and Speech-Language Therapy professionals with regard to the care provided to the transgender population in a communication clinic. The study addresses topics such as violence suffered by the trans population, the search for vocal adequacy, the creation and development of the communication clinic, the reception and support provided by professionals to the trans population and their families, in addition to the procedures adopted by the clinic. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that Speech-language therapy has shown the importance of care centered on the individual, legitimizing the guarantee of health promotion for users.An incompatible voice with one’s own identity is a theme frequently pointed out by the transgender population in speech therapy sessions. Speech therapy is a technique that allows the adjustment of the speaker’s voice within a range of possibilities. The speech-language pathologist’s role is to provide training, guidance, and counseling to this population, taking into account the specificities of each individual. In light of this, this study aims to report the experience of undergraduate students and speech-language professionals in providing care to the transgender population in a communication laboratory. Initially, key concepts, such as the differences between sex, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation, are presented. Topics addressed include the violence suffered by the transgenderpopulation, the pursuit of vocal adaptation, the creation and development of the communication clinic, the support and assistance provided by professionals to the transgender population and their families, as well as the procedures adopted by the clinic. Among the conclusions, it is highlighted that speech therapy has demonstrated the importance of individual-centered care, legitimizing the guarantee of promoting the users’ health. Furthermore, the importance of the speech-language professional in the vocal and communicative improvement of this population, which is often stigmatized, is emphasized

Propriedades morfológicas do peritônio da paca (Cuniculus paca, L. 1766) a fresco e conservados em glicerina 98%

Objetivou-se, com este estudo, descrever as características morfológicas de amostras de peritônio a fresco e conservadas em glicerina a 98%, por períodos de 30, 60 e 90 dias, de quatro pacas adultas. As amostras foram analisadas por meio da microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Verificou-se um evidente arranjo entre o tecido conjuntivo denso modelado e o tecido conjuntivo denso não modelado, além de insignificante modificação na integridade tecidual do peritônio da paca, quando submetida a ação da glicerina nos diferentes períodos. Conclui-se que o peritônio da paca pode ser utilizado como mais uma opção de material biológico

Morphology and topography of the external male genital organs of spotted paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

Spotted paca (Cuniculus paca) is a rodent species from the family Cuniculidae, found in South America, from the Orinoco River Basin to Paraguay. Although widely studied with regard to its morphological and reproductive aspects, still there’re no records on the morphology of the male reproductive system in this species. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate not only the macro and microscopic anatomy of the external genital organs in this species, but also their topography. We studied the external genital organs of 10 adult spotted pacas; 5 specimens, fixed in a 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution, were macroscopically studied and from 5 specimens we collected fragments from the reproductive system, for microscopic analysis. The testicles showed a parenchyma structured in seminiferous tubules and the germinal epithelium rested on its basal membrane. These organs were located in the abdominal cavity, the inguinal path, or within the scrotum. Penis, fibroelastic, was located in the pubic region, in caudal direction. Its glans, coated by keratinized epithelium, were covered by the prepuce and, below this, we identified a slender cartilaginous structure with serrated edges. A couple of bone spurs was located into a bag ventral to the urethra, whose mucosa was lined by transitional epithelium. The epididymal duct was balled up in the head, had a body and tail, and its head was lined by pseudo-stratified stereociliated epithelium, and the tail by simple cubic epithelium; from this, the deferent duct stemmed, lined by columnar stratified epithelium

Study of the electricity consumption reduction of a compressed air system : the case of a steelmaking company.

This work aims to reduce the energy consumption and thus increase the availability of blast furnace compressors of a steelmaking company, located in Alto Paraopeba region in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, through the elimination of waste points in the compressed air distribution. In order to develop this work, an ultrasound test in the compressed air line was performed to identify and quantify leaks in the flow. Once the leaks were identified, they were eliminated through corrective maintenance and improvements, and then the energy consumption scenarios before and after the improvements were compared. As a result, the average monthly electricity consumption in the reporting period decreased by 57.2%. In addition, one compressor was set aside in stand-by condition, as in the original plant. Thus, one can prove the efficiency in eliminating of waste points in compressed air distribution, since the reduction of energy consumption is important for the company to remain competitive, as the cost of electric energy affects the final price of the final products