Gestational Weight Gain and Offspring Bone Mass: Different Associations in Healthy Weight Versus Overweight Women

Weight management strategies during pregnancy reduce child cardiometabolic risk. However, because maternal weight has an overall positive correlation with offspring bone mass, pregnancy weight management could adversely affect child bone health. We aimed to estimate associations between gestational weight gain (GWG) and bone mineralization in the offspring at 7 years of age, and test early pregnancy body mass index (BMI) as an effect modifier. We analyzed prospective data from 2167 mother-child pairs from the Generation XXI birth cohort who underwent whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at 7 years of age. GWG was analyzed as a continuous measure and using the Institute of Medicine categories. In the whole sample and for each early pregnancy BMI category (under/normal weight and overweight/obese), relationships between GWG and offspring bone measures (bone mineral content [BMC], bone areal density [aBMD], size-corrected BMC [scBMC], and height) at 7 years were fitted through local polynomial regression and smoothing splines. The magnitude of associations was estimated through linear regression coefficients (95% CIs), crude and adjusted for maternal age, height, educational level, and child gestational age. In under/normal weight mothers, GWG was associated with slightly increased bone measures at 7 years (per 5 kg of GWG, BMC: 0.07 SD [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.12]; aBMD: 0.10 SD [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.15], scBMC: 0.11SD [95% CI, 0.06 to 0.16], and height: 0.05 SD [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.10]), while in overweight/obese mothers no effect of GWG on bone was observed (BMC: 0.02 SD [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.09]; aBMD: 0.02 SD [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.08], scBMC: 0.01 SD [95% CI, -0.06 to 0.08], and height: 0.02 SD [95% CI, -0.04 to 0.08]). Also, no advantageous effect of gaining weight above the Institute of Medicine recommendations was observed in either early pregnancy BMI group. Our results suggest that adherence to Institute of Medicine recommendations for pregnancy weight gain is unlikely to have a negative repercussion on offspring bone health, particularly in women with excess weight in early pregnancy.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Vapor-phase of essential oils as a promising solution to prevent Candida vaginal biofilms caused by antifungal resistant strains

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a disease with high incidence, a huge impact on the quality of life and health of women, and which represents a great challenge to treat. The growing need to apply antifungal intensive therapies have contributed to an emergence of drug-resistant Candida strains. Thus, effective therapeutic options, to meet the antifungal-resistance challenge and to control high resilient biofilms, are urgently needed. This study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity of essentials oils (EOs) on drug-resistant Candida vaginal isolates. Method: Therefore, the antimicrobial effect of tea tree, niaouli, white thyme, and cajeput EOs on the planktonic growth of Candida isolates was initially evaluated by an agar disc diffusion method. Then, the vapor-phase effect of tea tree EO (VP-TTEO) on biofilm formation and on pre-formed biofilms was evaluated by crystal violet staining, XTT reduction assay, colony forming units’ enumeration, and scanning electron microscopy. Results: The results revealed high antifungal activity of EOs against drug-resistant Candida isolates. Additionally, the VP-TTEO showed a significant inhibitory effect on the biofilm formation of all tested isolates and was able to provoke an expressive reduction in mature Candida albicans biofilms. Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that the VP-EO may be a promising solution that is able to prevent biofilm-related VVC caused by antifungal-resistant strains.This study was supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) under the scope of the strategic funding of UIDB/04469/2020 unit and grant ref 2020.05720.BD for Liliana Fernandes. Also, this study was supported by LABBELS—Associate Laboratory in Biotechnology, Bioengineering and Microelectromechanical Systems, LA/P/0029/2020 and Maria Elisa Rodrigues thanks FCT for funding through program DL 57/2016—Norma transitória.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Physical-chemical characteristics of artisanal Minas cheese of the Serro with pingo and with rala

The production of the Minas artisanal cheese from Serro is carried out using raw milk, rennet and natural lactic ferment known as pingo. Some producers of the region make use of the rala, a grated part of the own artisanal cheese that is added to the milk in substitution for the pingo. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the type of yeast (pingo or rala) on the physical-chemical characteristics of the Minas artisanal cheese from Serro matured on farms. Handmade cheeses from six producers registered at the Minas Gerais Institute of Agriculture (IMA) were matured at the properties of origin for 31 days. The cheeses were analyzed at the Laboratories of the Food Science and Technology Department of the Southeast IF MG, Campus Pomba Campus at times 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 maturation days. There was a difference (p0.05) between cheeses made with pingo and with rala, for the following physical and chemical parameters: acidity, moisture, protein, fat and fat in the dry extract. More in-depth studies on the maturation conditions of the Minas artisanal cheeses should be better explored so that this product can meet not only the microbial standards, but mainly the sensorial characteristics, which has attracted so much attention of the consumers

Completude das notificações de síndrome respiratória aguda grave no âmbito nacional e em uma regional de saúde de Minas Gerais, durante a pandemia de COVID-19, 2020

Objective: To analyze the completeness of notifications of cases of severe acute respiratory illness from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe) during the COVID-19 pandemic, in the national database and in a regional database in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2020. Methods: Descriptive study of the completeness of sociodemographic variables and those related to the etiology, clinical condition, evolution and diagnostic criteria of SIVEP-Influenza. Completeness was classified as excellent (greater than 95%), good (90 to 95%), fair (80 to 90%), poor (50 to 80%), and very poor (less than 50%). Results: The percentage of variables with excellent completeness was only 18.1% in the national database and 27.8% in the regional database. Conclusion: Low completeness of both SIVEP-Gripe databases was evidenced, making it necessary to improve the work process and routine training of professionals for the correct completion.Objetivo: Analizar la completitud de las notificaciones de casos de síndrome respiratorio agudo severo del Sistema de Información de Vigilancia Epidemiológica de Influenza (SIVEP-Gripe) durante la pandemia de COVID-19, en la base de datos nacional y en una base de datos regional de salud en el estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, en 2020. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de la completitud de las variables sociodemográficas y las relacionadas con la etiología, cuadro clínico, evolución y criterios diagnósticos del SIVEP-Influenza. La exhaustividad se clasificó como excelente (más grande que 95%), buena (90 a 95%), regular (80 a 90%), mala (50 a 80%) y muy mala (menos que 50%). Resultados: El porcentaje de variables con excelente completitud fue solo del 18,1% en la base de datos nacional y del 27,8% en la base de datos regional. Conclusión: Se evidenció la baja completitud de ambas bases de datos SIVEP-Gripe, siendo necesario mejorar el proceso de trabajo y la rutina de capacitación de los profesionales para el correcto llenado.Objetivo: Analisar a completude das notificações de casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave no Sistema de Informação de Vigilência Epidemiológica da Gripo (SIVEP Gripe) durante a pandemia de COVID-19, na base de dados nacional e na base da Unidade Regional de Saúde do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, em 2020. Métodos: Estudo descritivo da completude das variáveis sociodemográficas e das relativas à etiologia, condição clínica, evolução e critérios diagnósticos do SIVEP-Gripe. O nível de completude foi classificado como excelente (>95%), bom (90 a 95%), regular (80 a 90%), ruim (50 a 80%) ou muito ruim (<50%). Resultados: O percentual de variáveis com completudo excelente foi de apenas 18,1% na base de dados nacional, e de 27,8% na base de dados regional. Conclusão: Evidenciou-se baixa completude de ambas bases dados do SIVEP-Gripe, tornando-se necessários aperfeiçoamentos no processo de trabalho e capacitações rotineiras dos profissionais para o correto preenchimento

Thymulin inhibits monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension modulating interleukin-6 expression and suppressing p38 pathway

The pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension (PH) includes an inflammatory response. Thymulin, a zinc-dependent thymic hormone, has important immunobiological effects by inhibiting various proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We investigated morphological and hemodynamic effects of thymulin administration in a rat model of monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH, as well as the pattern of proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and the intracellular pathways involved. Adult Wistar rats received an injection of MCT (60 mg/kg, sc) or an equal volume of saline. One day after, the animals randomly received during 3 wk an injection of saline, vehicle (zinc plus carboxymethyl cellulose), or thymulin (100 ng/kg, sc, daily). At d 23-25, the animals were anesthetized for hemodynamic recordings, whereas heart and lungs were collected for morphometric and molecular analysis. Thymulin prevented morphological, hemodynamic, and inflammatory cardiopulmonary profile characteristic of MCT-induced PH, whereas part of these effects were also observed in MCT-treated animals injected with the thymulin's vehicle containing zinc. The pulmonary thymulin effect was likely mediated through suppression of p38 pathway.Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (No. POCI/SAVFCF/60803/2004; POCTI/SAV-MMO/61547/2004 and PTDC/SAV-FCF/65793/2006) through Cardiovascular R&D Unit (FCT No. 51/94). R.S.M. was supported by Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (reference SFRH/BPD/15408/2005

Ghrelin expression in human and rat fetal lungs and the effect of ghrelin administration in nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia

Ghrelin is a strong physiologic growth hormone secretagogue that exhibits endocrine and non-endocrine actions. In this study, ghrelin expression in humans and rats was evaluated throughout development of normal and hypoplastic lungs associated with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Additionally, the effect of antenatal treatment with ghrelin in the nitrofen-induced CDH rat model was tested. In normal lungs, ghrelin was expressed in the primitive epithelium at early stages of development and decreased in levels of expression with gestational age. In hypoplastic lungs ghrelin was overexpressed in both human and rat CDH fetuses when compared with controls. Exogenous administration of ghrelin to nitrofen-treated dams led to an attenuation of pulmonary hypoplasia of CDH pups. Furthermore, the growth hormone, secretagogue receptor (GHSR1a), could not be amplified from human or rat fetal lungs by RT-PCR. In conclusion, of all the lungs studied so far, the fetal lung is one of the first to express ghrelin during development and might be considered a new source of circulating fetal ghrelin. Overexpression of ghrelin in hypoplastic lungs and the effect of exogenous administration of ghrelin to nitrofen-treated dams strongly suggest a role for ghrelin in mechanisms involved in attenuation of fetal lung hypoplasia, most likely through a GHSR1a-independent pathway

Violência doméstica contra a mulher em contexto de fragilidade social no serviço primário de atenção à saúde: revisão da literatura e relato de caso

A violência contra a mulher é definida pelo ato que cause morte, dano ou sofrimento físico, sexual, psicológico, moral e patrimonial à mulher, tanto na esfera pública quanto na privada. Cabe ressaltar que nem sempre esse ato é percebido pela vítima, sendo de suma importância seu reconhecimento pelos profissionais da atenção básica à saúde. Realizou-se um estudo descritivo, qualitativo, do tipo relato de caso, por meio de análise de prontuário eletrônico fornecido pela unidade básica de saúde. Em paralelo, realizou-se revisão da literatura acerca da violência doméstica contra mulher. Os dados foram analisados pelo método de análise de conteúdo. A violência contra a mulher corresponde a um problema de saúde pública, o qual requer muita atenção e cuidado. Os serviços de atenção básica correspondem à principal porta de entrada dessas vítimas no sistema de saúde, sendo necessário capacitar as equipes para que possam auxiliá-las. &nbsp

Agenesis of the seventh cervical vertebra with spinal cord compression in a goat

A 4-year-old male goat was presented to the Hospital of Bovines and Small Ruminants, University of São Paulo - Brazil, showing fasciculation in all limbs, ataxia progressing to paralysis and opisthotonos. After determination of the vital parameters and the specific evaluation of the nervous system, sensitivity in the region corresponding to the sixth cervical vertebrae (C6) and first thoracic vertebrae (T1) was observed on palpation. Further investigation using X-ray, myelography, and ultrasound revealed the decrease of the intervertebral space between C6 and T1, the presence of spondylosis and the absence of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), which contained only the vertebral arch and local spinous process and the compression of the spinal cord. Goat congenital malformations are underdiagnosed, therefore, requires further discussion, and studies regarding the genetic variations

COVID-19 outcomes in people living with HIV: Peering through the waves

Objective: To evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients infected with HIV, and to compare with a paired sample without HIV infection. Methods: This is a substudy of a Brazilian multicentric cohort that comprised two periods (2020 and 2021). Data was obtained through the retrospective review of medical records. Primary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit, invasive mechanical ventilation, and death. Patients with HIV and controls were matched for age, sex, number of comorbidities, and hospital of origin using the technique of propensity score matching (up to 4:1). They were compared using the Chi-Square or Fisher's Exact tests for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon for numerical variables. Results: Throughout the study, 17,101 COVID-19 patients were hospitalized, and 130 (0.76%) of those were infected with HIV. The median age was 54 (IQR: 43.0;64.0) years in 2020 and 53 (IQR: 46.0;63.5) years in 2021, with a predominance of females in both periods. People Living with HIV (PLHIV) and their controls showed similar prevalence for admission to the ICU and invasive mechanical ventilation requirement in the two periods, with no significant differences. In 2020, in-hospital mortality was higher in the PLHIV compared to the controls (27.9% vs. 17.7%; p = 0.049), but there was no difference in mortality between groups in 2021 (25.0% vs. 25.1%; p > 0.999). Conclusions: Our results reiterate that PLHIV were at higher risk of COVID-19 mortality in the early stages of the pandemic, however, this finding did not sustain in 2021, when the mortality rate is similar to the control group