Effect of physical exercise on lipid metabolism in the elderly

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of regular physical exercise on plasma lipids and apoproteins in an elderly group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-three old people of both sexes, aged between 65 and 94, were randomly distributed between a test group (n = 31) and a control group (n = 32). The test group followed a program of physical exercise for eight months, with intensity of 60% to 80% of heart rate reserve, consisting of three weekly sessions, on alternate days, of 60 minutes each. Before the beginning of the program and eight months afterwards, blood samples were collected to assess total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, HDL2-C. HDL3-C, apo A1, apo B-100 and apo (a). The ratios total cholesterol/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, HDL2-C/HDL3-C and apo A1/apo B-100 were also calculated. RESULTS: In the test group total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, apo B-100, total cholesterol/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C decreased significantly; HDL-C, HDL2-C, apo A1, HDL2-C/HDL3-C and apo A1/apo B-100 increased significantly; HDL3-C and apo (a) did not change. The control group did not present any significant alterations in any of the parameters assessed. CONCLUSIONS: Regular physical exercise decreases vascular risk and may help to reduce cardiovascular events in the elderly

Different ability of multidrug-resistant and-sensitive counterpart cells to release and capture extracellular vesicles

Cancer multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the main challenges for cancer treatment efficacy. MDR is a phenomenon by which tumor cells become resistant to several unrelated drugs. Some studies have previously described the important role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the dissemination of a MDR phenotype. EVs’ cargo may include different players of MDR, such as microRNAS and drug-efflux pumps, which may be transferred from donor MDR cells to recipient drug-sensitive counterparts. The present work aimed to: (i) compare the ability of drug-sensitive and their MDR counterpart cells to release and capture EVs and (ii) study and relate those differences with possible distinct fate of the endocytic pathway in these counterpart cells. Our results showed that MDR cells released more EVs than their drug-sensitive counterparts and also that the drug-sensitive cells captured more EVs than their MDR counterparts. This difference in the release and capture of EVs may be associated with differences in the endocytic pathway between drug-sensitive and MDR cells. Importantly, manipulation of the recycling pathway influenced the response of drug-sensitive cells to doxorubicin treatment.This article is a result of the project NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-000029, supported by Norte Portugal Regional Programme (NORTE 2020), under the PORTUGAL 2020 Partnership Agreement, through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). We thank Spanish MINECO (SAF2015-66312 to JMF) and for the REDIEX (Spanish Excellence Network in Exosomes) and the Severo Ochoa Excellence Accreditation (SEV-2016-0644). The authors thank the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) for the PhD grant of DS (SFRH/BD/98054/2013). Cristina P.R. Xavier is supported by FCT and Fundo Social Europeu (FSE), through the post-doc grant SFRH/BPD/122871/2016. The authors also acknowledge the European COST Action-European Network on Microvesicles and Exosomes in Health and Disease (ME-HaD, BM1202) for short-term mission fellowship (ECOST-STSM-BM1202-150317-083396) and Grupo Español de investigacion en Vesiculas Extracelulares for GEIVEX mobility fellowship which allowed the work of DS in CICbioGUNE

Fecal occult blood and fecal calprotectin as point-of-care markers of intestinal morbidity in Ugandan children with Schistosoma mansoni infection.

BACKGROUND: Calprotectin is a calcium-binding cytoplasmic protein found in neutrophils and increasingly used as a marker of bowel inflammation. Fecal occult blood (FOB) is also a dependable indicator of bowel morbidity. The objective of our study was to determine the applicability of these tests as surrogate markers of Schistosoma mansoni intestinal morbidity before and after treatment with praziquantel (PZQ). METHODS: 216 children (ages 3-9 years old) from Buliisa District in Lake Albert, Uganda were examined and treated with PZQ at baseline in October 2012 with 211 of them re-examined 24 days later for S. mansoni and other soil transmitted helminths (STH). POC calprotectin and FOB assays were performed at both time points on a subset of children. Associations between the test results and infection were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Fecal calprotectin concentrations of 150-300 µg/g were associated with S. mansoni egg patent infection both at baseline and follow up (OR: 12.5 P = 0.05; OR: 6.8 P = 0.02). FOB had a very strong association with baseline anemia (OR: 9.2 P = 0.03) and medium and high egg intensity schistosomiasis at follow up (OR: 6.6 P = 0.03; OR: 51.3 P = 0.003). Both tests were strongly associated with heavy intensity S. mansoni infections. There was a significant decrease in FOB and calprotectin test positivity after PZQ treatment in those children who had egg patent schistosomiasis at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Both FOB and calprotectin rapid assays were found to correlate positively and strongly with egg patent S. mansoni infection with a positive ameloriation response after PZQ treatment indicative of short term reversion of morbidity. Both tests were appropriate for use in the field with excellent operational performance and reliability. Due to its lower-cost which makes its scale-up of use affordable, FOB could be immediately adopted as a monitoring tool for PC campaigns for efficacy evaluation before and after treatment

Synthesis of new proteomimetic quinazolinone alkaloids and evaluation of their neuroprotective and antitumor effects

New quinazolinone derivatives of the marine-derived alkaloids fiscalin B (3) and fumiquinazoline G (1), with neuroprotective and antitumor effects, were synthesized. Eleven quinazolinone-containing indole alkaloids were synthesized, proceeding the anti analogs via a one-pot method, and the syn analogs by the Mazurkiewicz-Ganesan approach. The neuroprotection capacity of these compounds on the rotenone-damage human neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5y was evaluated using the MTT assay. Compounds 1, 3, 5, and 7 showed more than 25% protection. The antitumor activity was investigated using the sulforhodamine B assay and some compounds were tested on the non-malignant MCF-12A cells. Fumiquinazoline G (1) was the most potent compound, with GI50 values lower than 20 µM. Compounds 5, 7, and 11 were more active in all tumor cell lines when compared to their enantiomers. Compounds 5, 7, 10, and 11 had very little effect in the viability of the non-malignant cells. Differences between enantiomeric pairs were also noted as being essential for these activities the S-configuration at C-4. These results reinforce the previously described activities of the fiscalin B (3) as substance P inhibitor and fumiquinazoline G (1) as antitumor agent showing potential as lead compounds for the development of drugs for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, respectively.This research was partially supported by the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013 through national funds provided by FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), in the framework of the program PT2020. The authors thank to national funds provided by FCT—Foundation for Science and Technology and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and COMPETE under the Strategic Funding UID/Multi/04423/2013, the projects POCI-01-0145-FEDER-028736 and PTDC/MAR-BIO/4694/2014 (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-016790; 3599-PPCDT)

Brazilian abortion law: the opinion of judges and prosecutors

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the opinion of judges and prosecutors concerning Brazilian abortion law and situations in which the abortion should be allowed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 1,493 judges and 2,614 prosecutors in Brazil between 2005 and 2006. Participants completed a structured questionnaire approaching sociodemographic characteristics, opinions about abortion law, and circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of data were carried out through Poisson regression. RESULTS: The majority of participants (78%) found that the circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful should be broadened, or even that abortion should not be criminalized. The highest rates of pro-abortion opinions resulted from: risk to the life of the mother (84%), anencephaly (83%), severe congenital malformation of fetus (82%), and pregnancy resulting from rape (82%). Variables related to religion were strongly associated to the opinion of participants. CONCLUSIONS: There is a trend in considering the need of changing the current abortion law, in the sense of widening the circumstances in which abortion is considered lawful, or even toward decriminalizing abortion, regardless of the circumstances in which it takes place.44340642

Computational Models Development and Demand Response Application for Smart Grids

This paper focuses on computational models development and its applications on demand response, within smart grid scope. A prosumer model is presented and the corresponding economic dispatch problem solution is analyzed. The prosumer solar radiation production and energy consumption are forecasted by artificial neural networks. The existing demand response models are studied and a computational tool based on fuzzy clustering algorithm is developed and the results discussed. Consumer energy management applications within the InovGrid pilot project are presented. Computation systems are developed for the acquisition, monitoring, control and supervision of consumption data provided by smart meters, allowing the incorporation of consumer actions on their electrical energy management. An energy management system with integration of smart meters for energy consumers in a smart grid is developed

Influence of PLLA/PCL/HA scaffold fiber orientation on mechanical properties and osteoblast behavior

Scaffolds based on aligned and non-aligned poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA)/polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers obtained by electrospinning, associated to electrosprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) for tissue engineering applications were developed and their performance was compared in terms of their morphology and biological and mechanical behaviors. The morphological results assessed by scanning electron microscopy showed a mesh of PLLA/PCL fibers (random and perfectly aligned) associated with aggregates of nanophased HA. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry confirmed the homogeneity in the blends and the presence of nanoHA in the scaffold. As a result of fiber alignment a 15-fold increase in Young's Modulus and an 8-fold increase in tensile strength were observed when compared to non-aligned fibers. In PLLA/PCL/HA scaffolds, the introduction of nanoHA caused a remarkable improvement of the mechanical strength of this material acting as a reinforcement, enhancing the response of these constructs to tensile stress. In vitro testing was evaluated using osteoblast (MC3T3-E1) cells. The results showed that both fibrous scaffolds were able to support osteoblast cell adhesion and proliferation and that fiber alignment induced increased cellular metabolic activity. In addition, the adhesion and proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated and a lower number of colony forming units (CFUs) was obtained in the scaffolds with aligned fibers.Project UID/BIM/04293/2019 by FCT/MCTES through Portuguese Funds

Adult diagnosis of Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome or unilateral hyperlucent lung syndrome is a rare entity associated with postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans occurring in childhood. It is characterized by hypoplasia and/or agenesis of the pulmonary arteries resulting in pulmonary parenchyma hypoperfusion.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>Here we report the case of a 53-year-old Caucasian woman with Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome found in the differential diagnosis workup for a new onset of heart failure, secondary to pulmonary arterial hypertension complicated by a patent ductus arteriosus.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Typically, this disorder is diagnosed in childhood after evaluation for recurrent respiratory infections, but sometimes an indolent course means diagnosis is not made until adulthood.</p

Subsequent reproductive outcome in women who have experienced a potentially life-threatening condition or a maternal near-miss during pregnancy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term reproductive consequences that affect women who have experienced potentially life-threatening or life-threatening (near-miss) maternal complications. INTRODUCTION: Although advances have been made in reducing maternal death, few studies have investigated the long-term repercussions of significant events such as severe maternal morbidity and maternal near-misses. These repercussions may be long-lasting and negatively affect quality of life. METHODS: A total of 382 women who had experienced a potentially life-threatening pregnancy-related condition within the last five years were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study. A control group of 188 women who gave birth without complications was also included. Trained interviewers contacted the subjects by telephone and completed a pre-coded, structured questionnaire on reproductive health. Data were analyzed using odds ratios adjusted for age. The main outcome measures were occurrence and outcome of subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS: The estimated risk of becoming infertile as a result of tubal ligation or hysterectomy was 3.5 times higher in women who experienced a maternal near-miss or severe maternal morbidity during the index pregnancy as compared to controls. Likewise, the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies was five times greater in women who had experienced severe maternal morbidity. However, no differences were found in the occurrence or number of subsequent pregnancies or perinatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The occurrence of a life-threatening or potentially life-threatening maternal condition reduces future reproductive potential and increases the risk of complications in subsequent pregnancies.66813671372Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2007/00290-8]FAPESP [2011/09701-6

Recommended age groups and frequency of mammography screening : a systematic review

Esta revisão teve por objetivo avaliar a força de evidência do atual indicador de desempenho português relativo ao rastreio do Câncer da Mama através da mamografia, de modo a determinar o grupo etário e a periodicidade recomendadas. Foram pesquisados artigos nas principais bases de dados internacionais de literatura médica. Incluímos artigos publicados entre Janeiro de 2006 e Janeiro de 2012 que correspondiam aos objetivos da revisão. Foi utilizada a taxonomia SORT para a classificação dos resultados. Dos 253 artigos encontrados foram selecionados cinco que cumpriam os critérios de inclusão. Estes incluem três revisões sistemáticas (RS), uma meta-análise (MA) e uma norma de orientação clínica (NOC) baseada numa RS. Os artigos selecionados avaliaram a redução da mortalidade por câncer da mama através do rastreio com mamografia. A realização do rastreio mamográfico entre os 50 e os 69 anos é recomendado em todos os artigos que avaliam esta faixa etária. A NOC recomenda o rastreio bienal. Em suma, a mamografia deverá ser realizada entre os 50 e os 69 anos com uma periodicidade bienal. Estes resultados vão ao encontro do atual indicador de desempenho do rastreio do câncer da mama em Portugal.The scope of this review was to assess the strength of evidence for the current Portuguese performance indicator on breast cancer screening with mammography in order to determine the recommended age group and periodicity for screening. A search for articles was conducted in the main international databases of medical literature. Articles published between January 2006 and January 2012 addressing the objectives of this review were included. The SORT taxonomy was used to classify the results. Of the 253 articles, five articles met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. These included three systematic reviews, one meta-analysis and one clinical guideline based on a systematic review. A reduction in breast cancer mortality with mamography screening was the outcome in all articles selected. Mammography screening between 50 and 69 years was recommended in all articles that assess this age group. The clinical guidelines recommended screening every two years. In conclusion, the current literature recommends mammography for women every two years between the ages of 50 and 69 years. This is consistent with the current performance indicator for breast cancer screening in Portugal