Association of a variant in the regulatory region of NADPH oxidase 4 gene and metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Abstract\ud \ud Background\ud Given the important contribution of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system to the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV), we investigated two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the putative regulatory region of the genes encoding NADPH oxidase 4 catalytic subunit (NOX4) and its regulatory subunit p22phox (CYBA) and their relation with metabolic and histological variables in patients with HCV.\ud \ud \ud Methods\ud One hundred seventy eight naïve HCV patients (49.3% male; 65% HCV genotype 1) with positive HCV RNA were genotyped using specific primers and fluorescent-labeled probes for SNPs rs3017887 in NOX4 and −675 T → A in CYBA.\ud \ud \ud Results\ud No association was found between the genotype frequencies of NOX4 and CYBA SNPs and inflammation scores or fibrosis stages in the overall population. The presence of the CA + AA genotypes of the NOX4 SNP was nominally associated with a lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration in the male population (CA + AA = 72.23 ± 6.34 U/L versus CC = 100.22 ± 9.85; mean ± SEM; P = 0.05). The TT genotype of the CYBA SNP was also nominally associated with a lower ALT concentration in the male population (TT = 84.01 ± 6.77 U/L versus TA + AA = 109.67 ± 18.37 U/L; mean ± SEM; P = 0.047). The minor A-allele of the NOX4 SNP was inversely associated with the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the male population (odds ratio (OR): 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03 to 0.79; P = 0.025).\ud \ud \ud Conclusions\ud The results suggest that the evaluated NOX4 and CYBA SNPs are not direct genetic determinants of fibrosis in HCV patients, but nevertheless NOX4 rs3017887 SNP could indirectly influence fibrosis susceptibility due to its inverse association with MS in male patients

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics

Xenarthrans – anteaters, sloths, and armadillos – have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with 24 domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, ten anteaters, and six sloths. Our dataset includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data-paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the south of the USA, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to its austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n=5,941), and Cyclopes sp. has the fewest (n=240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n=11,588), and the least recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n=33). With regards to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n=962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n=12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other datasets of Neotropical Series which will become available very soon (i.e. Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans dataset

Influence of polymorphisms of the NADPH oxidase 4 gene in liver fibrosis and metabolic syndrome correlation in patients with hepatitis C

INTRODUÇÃO: A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite C é a principal causa de doença hepática crônica que progride para cirrose e carcinoma hepatocelular. Diversos fatores relacionados ao vírus e ao hospedeiro determinam a progressão para formas mais graves de fibrose hepática. A produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROS) promovendo o estresse oxidativo contribui significativamente na fibrogênese hepática e pode ser gerada de múltiplas fontes, incluindo a cadeia respiratória mitocondrial, o citocromo p4502E1, peroxissomos e as NADPH oxidases (NOXs) no fígado. O sistema da NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phospate) oxidase tem uma participação muito importante na geração de EROS induzidas pelo vírus da hepatite C (VHC). Por isso, no presente estudo, investigamos dois polimorfismos de um único nucleotídeo (SNPs) na região reguladora dos genes codificadores da subunidade catalisadora da NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) e sua subunidade regulatória p22phox (CYBA) e a associação deles com variáveis metabólicas e histológicas em pacientes com VHC. MÉTODOS: Cento e setenta e oito pacientes portadores do VHC e virgens de tratamento (49,3% sexo masculino; 65% VHC genótipo 1) foram analisados. Todos os pacientes tinham VHC RNA positivo e foram genotipados para os SNPs rs3017887 na NOX4 e -675 T -> A na CYBA usando-se primer e probes específicos. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma associação foi vista entre as frequências genotípicas dos SNPs da NOX4 e CYBA com marcadores de inflamação ou grau de fibrose hepática na população total estudada. A presença dos genótipos CA + AA do SNP da NOX4 SNP teve associação com menor concentração sérica da alanino aminotransferase (ALT) na população masculina (CA + AA = 72,23 ± 6,34 U/L versus CC = 100,22 ± 9,85; média ± SEM; P = 0,05). O genótipo TT do SNP da CYBA teve associação com menor concentração sérica da ALT na população masculina (TT = 84,01 ± 6,77 U/L versus TA + AA = 109,67 ± 18,37 U/L; média ± SEM; P = 0,047). Por outro lado, o alelo menor do SNP da NOX4 foi inversamente associado com a frequência de síndrome metabólica (SM) na população masculina (odds ratio (OR): 0,15; 95% intervalo de confiança (IC): 0,03 - 0,79; P = 0,025). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que os SNPs da NOX4 e CYBA avaliados no estudo não são marcadores genéticos diretos de fibrose hepática em pacientes portadores do VHC, entretanto o SNP rs3017887 da NOX4 poderia influir indiretamente na susceptibilidade da fibrose hepática devido a associação inversa com SM nos pacientes do sexo masculino.BACKGROUND: The hepatitis C virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver disease that progresses into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several factors related to the virus and the host determine the progression to more severe forms of liver fibrosis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) promoting oxidative stress contribute significantly in liver fibrogenesis and can be generated from multiple sources, including mitochondrial respiratory chain, cytochrome p4502E1, peroxisomes and NADPH oxidases (NOXS) in the liver. Given the important contribution of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase system to the generation of reactive oxygen species induced by hepatitis C virus (HCV), we investigated in the present study, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the putative regulatory region of the genes encoding NADPH oxidase 4 catalytic subunit (NOX4) and its regulatory subunit p22phox (CYBA) and their relation with metabolic and histological variables in patients with HCV. METHODS: One hundred seventy eight naïve HCV patients (49.3% male; 65% HCV genotype 1) with positive HCV RNA were genotyped using specific primers and fluorescent-labeled probes for SNPs rs3017887 in NOX4 and -675 T -> A in CYBA. RESULTS: No association was found between the genotype frequencies of NOX4 and CYBA SNPs and inflammation scores or fibrosis stages in the overall population. The presence of the CA + AA genotypes of the NOX4 SNP was nominally associated with a lower alaninoamine transferase (ALT) concentration in the male population (CA + AA = 72.23 ± 6.34U/L versus CC = 100.22 ± 9.85; mean ± SEM; P = 0.05). The TT genotype of the CYBA SNP was also nominally associated with a lower ALT concentration in the male population (TT = 84.01 ± 6.77U/L versus TA + AA = 109.67 ± 18.37U/L; mean ± SEM; P = 0.047). The minor A-allele of the NOX4 SNP was inversely associated with the frequency of metabolic syndrome (MS) in the male population (odds ratio (OR): 0.15; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.03 to 0.79; P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the evaluated NOX4 and CYBA SNPs are not direct genetic determinants of fibrosis in HCV patients, but nevertheless NOX4 rs3017887 SNP could indirectly influence fibrosis susceptibility due to its inverse association with MS in male patient

Distribuição da Fasciola hepatica bovina em Santa Catarina, Brasil

Fasciolosis is a disease that affects cattle by the Fasciola hepatica parasite and occur mainly in southern Brazil. A wet environment with temperature between 10-25 °C are necessary to proliferation of the parasite as well the intermediate host (snail). Precipitation may favor the accumulation of water that is a prerequisite for the disease cycle. Generally, this buildup occurs in flat or less mountainous terrain, where elevations are lower. So altitude is another important variable to be considered in studies of fasciolosis. Hence, the present study aims to analyze the spatial distribution of bovine fasciolosis in Santa Catarina, Brazil, for 2006 and assess the correlation between high rates of fasciolosis with precipitation and altitude. Firstly, the Positivity Index (Ip) of slaughtered animals and spatially distributed throughout the state. Next, we selected only cases with Ip > 50% and we analyzed its relationship with the precipitation variables from the Integrated environmental information system for environmental health, and altitude, generated from SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission). Although the results between fasciolosis and altitude do not show high correlation, was observed that the percentage of disease was higher in cities where the altitude is lower. Rather, the correlation between fasciolosis and precipitation suggested that there is a tendency of fasciolosis increase as the volume of precipitation is higher.Pages: 8358-836

O CULTIVO DO ALGODÃO ORGÂNICO NO SEMI-ÁRIDO BRASILEIRO

O algodão orgânico é todo aquele obtido em sistemas sustentáveis, mediante o manejo e a proteção dos recursos naturais, sem a utilização de agrotóxicos, adubos químicos ou outros insumos prejudiciais à saúde humana e animal e ao meio ambiente, mantendo e recuperando a fertilidade e a vida dos solos e a diversidade de seres vivos. As lavouras de algodão são campeãs mundiais no uso de agrotóxicos, provocando intoxicação e morte de milhares de agricultores, pássaros, peixes, insetos e muitos outros animais, alem de poluir o ar, o solo e fontes d'água. Por estas razões, desde o final dos anos 80, agricultores de cerca de 20 países do mundo vem se conscientizando da necessidade de cultivar algodão em bases orgânicas ou ecológicas

O cultivo do algodão orgânico no semi-árido brasileiro

The organic cotton is all that obtained in sustainable systems through the management and protection of natural resources, without the use of pesticides, fertilizers or other inputs harmful to human and animal health and the environment, maintaining and restoring the fertility and life of the soil and the diversity of living things. The cotton fields are world champions in the use of pesticides, leading to poisoning and death of thousands of farmers, birds, fish, insects and many other animals, besides polluting the air, soil and water sources. For these reasons, since the late '80s, farmers in some 20 countries of the world is becoming aware of the need to cultivate cotton in ecological or organic bases.O algodão orgânico é todo aquele obtido em sistemas sustentáveis, mediante o manejo e a proteção dos recursos naturais, sem a utilização de agrotóxicos, adubos químicos ou outros insumos prejudiciais à saúde humana e animal e ao meio ambiente, mantendo e recuperando a fertilidade e a vida dos solos e a diversidade de seres vivos. As lavouras de algodão são campeãs mundiais no uso de agrotóxicos, provocando intoxicação e morte de milhares de agricultores, pássaros, peixes, insetos e muitos outros animais, alem de poluir o ar, o solo e fontes d'água. Por estas razões, desde o final dos anos 80, agricultores de cerca de 20 países do mundo vem se conscientizando da necessidade de cultivar algodão em bases orgânicas ou ecológicas.El algodón orgánico es todo lo que obtuvo en sistemas sostenibles mediante la gestión y protección de los recursos naturales, sin el uso de pesticidas, fertilizantes u otros insumos nocivos para la salud humana y animal y el medio ambiente, conservación y restauración de la fertilidad y la la vida del suelo y la diversidad de los seres vivos. Los campos de algodón son campeones del mundo en el uso de plaguicidas, lo que lleva a la intoxicación y la muerte de miles de agricultores, aves, peces, insectos y muchos otros animales, además de contaminar el aire, el suelo y las fuentes de agua. Por estas razones, desde finales de los 80, los agricultores en unos 20 países del mundo está tomando conciencia de la necesidad de cultivar algodón en bases ecológicas u orgánicas

Gastos em saúde e incidência de benefício no município de Senhor do Bonfim (BA) em 2003 Publics expenditures and benefit incidence in Senhor do Bonfim, city of the state of Bahia, in 2003

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a desigualdade no acesso e utilização dos serviços de saúde no município de Senhor do Bonfim (BA). O método utilizado é o "benefit incidence", ou incidência de benefício, que permite identificar quais os grupos sociais que se beneficiam dos gastos do Governo. A incidência de benefício no município de Senhor do Bonfim, para 2003, foi estimada por grupos da população previamente definidos (renda, gênero e cor da pele), com o objetivo de avaliar o grau de iniqüidade dos gastos públicos em saúde. Os gastos públicos foram desagregados por nível de complexidade. Combinando os dados referentes aos subsídios com os resultados da pesquisa domiciliar, observou-se iniqüidade da distribuição dos gastos públicos com saúde em Senhor do Bonfim.<br>The goal of this paper is to analyze inequality in the access and use of services of health in Senhor do Bonfim, city of the state of Bahia. It describes benefit incidence analysis, which allows to identify which social groups benefit governmental subsidies. The benefit incidence in Senhor do Bonfim, Bahia, was estimated, in 2003, for groups of the population previously defined (income, gender and race), with the objective of evaluating the inequity of the public expenditure in health in this city. The public expenses had been fragmented by complexity level. Combining the unit subsidies with the use patterns reported in the household survey reveals a very unequal distribution health spending in Senhor do Bonfim

Archived - General Information (DO NOT USE)

DO NOT USE - The goal of this component was to document the data collection process of the Silent Cities Dataset. This component is just left for archive