Steroid hormones in murine schistosomiasis mansoni

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease, endemic in 76 countries, that afflicts more than 240 million people. The impact of schistosomiasis on infertility may be underestimated according to recent literature. Extracts of Schistosoma (S.) haematobium include estrogen-like metabolites termed catechol-estrogens that down regulate estrogen receptors alpha and beta in estrogen responsive cells. In addition, schistosome derived catechol-estrogens induce genotoxicity that result in estrogen-DNA adducts and cause hormonal imbalance. We now hypothesize the induction of infertility in individuals infected with S. mansoni also through an hormonal imbalance. Aim The aim of this study was to study a panel of steroid hormones in mice infected with S. mansoni.N/

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation In Dysphonic Women

Background: Studies indicate correlation between dysphonia and muscle tension. Aim: To evaluate bilaterally the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles (SH), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and trapezius (T), the presence of pain and the voice, after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Method: Ten (10) women with nodules or bilateral mucus thickening, and phonation fissure. Volunteers were submitted to 10 TENS sessions (200μs and 10Hz) for 30 minutes. Pain was evaluated using an analogical visual scale; the voice was evaluated through laryngoscopy and through a perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis; and the myoelectric signal was converted using the Root Media Square (RMS). Voice and EMG data gathering was performed during the production of the E/vowel and during spontaneous speech (SS). Statistical analysis: Shapiro-Wilk Test followed by the Wilcoxon Test, or t Student, or Friedman Test (p<0.05). Results: It was observed that the TENS decreased the RMS readings, pre and pos treatment, for the Right T (RT) (2.80 ± 1.36 to 1.77 ± 0.93), the Left T (LT) (3.62 ± 2.10 to 2.10 ± 1.06), the Left SCM (LSCM) (2.64 ± 0.69 to 1.94 ± 0.95), and the SH (11.59 ± 7.72 to 7.82 ± 5.95) during the production of the E/vowel; and for the RT (3.56 ± 2.77 to 1.93 ± 1.13), the LT (4.68 ± 2.56 to 3.09 ± 2.31), the Right SCM (RSCM) (3.94 ± 2.04 to 2.51 ± 1.87), and the LSCM (3.54 ± 1.04 to .12 ± 3.00) during SS. A relieve in pain was also observed. Regarding the voice analysis, there was a decrease in level of laryngeal injuries; no difference was observed during the production of the E/vowel in the perceptive-auditory analysis; there was a decrease in the level of dysphonia and hoarseness during SS. Conclusion: TENS is effective in improving the clinical and functional signs of dysphonic women.203189194Behrman, A., Common practices of voice therapists in the evaluation of patients (2005) J Voice, 19 (3), pp. 454-469Dromey, C., Nissen, S.L., Roy, N., Merrill, R.M., Articulatory changes following treatment of muscle tension dysphonia: Preliminary acoustic evidence (2008) J Speech Lang Hear Res, 51 (1), pp. 196-208Gillivan-Murphy, P., Drinnan, M.J., O'Dwyer, T.P., Ridha, H., Carding, P., The effectiveness of a voice treatment approach for teachers with self-reported voice problems (2006) J Voice, 20 (3), pp. 423-431Schneider, S.L., Sataloff, R.T., Voice therapy for the professional voice (2007) Otolaryngol Clin North Am, 40 (5), pp. 1133-1149Rubin, J.S., Blake, E., Mathieson, L., Musculoskeletal patterns in patients with voice disorders (2007) J Voice, 21 (4), pp. 477-484Sluka, K.A., Walsh, D.M., Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: Basic science mechanisms and clinical effectiveness (2003) Pain, 4, pp. 109-121Penkner, K., Janda, M., Lorenzoni, M.A., A comparison of the muscular relaxation effect of TENS and EMG-biofeedback in patients with bruxism (2001) J Oral Rehabil, 28 (9), pp. 849-853Guimarães, B.T.L., A eletroestimulação nervosa transcutânea no relaxamento laríngeo (1992) Revista Lugar em FonoaudiologiaGuirro, R.R.J., Forti, F., Rodrigues-Bigaton, D., Proposal for electrical insulation of the electromyographic signal acquisition module (2006) Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol, 46 (6), pp. 355-363Cram, J.R., Kasman, G.S., Haltz, J., (1998) Introduction to surface electromyography, , Aspen PubleshersBehlau, M., Azevedo, R., Pontes, P., Gonçalves, M.I.R., Constrição anteroposterior do vestíbulo laríngeo em indivíduos normais durante a fonação sustentada. (1998) Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia, 2 (4), pp. 56-60Voz, B.M., (2001) O Livro do Especialista, , Rio de Janeiro: RevinterRodrigues, D., Oliveira, A.S., Bérzin, F., Effect of conventional TENS on pain and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in TDM patients (2004) Braz Oral Res, 18 (4), pp. 290-295Rodrigues, D., Oliveira, A.S., Bérzin, F., Effect of TENS on the activation pattern of the masticatory muscles in TMD patients (2004) Braz J Oral Sci, 13 (10), pp. 510-514Kamyszek G, Ketcham R, Garcia RJr, Radke J. Electromyographic evidence of reduce muscle activity when ULF-TENS is applied to the Vth and VIIth cranial nerves Cranio. 2001;19(3):162-8Guimaraes, B.T.L., Relaxamento laringeo com o uso da eletroestimulação nervosa transcutânea (Tens): Um estudo comparativo (2000) Revista Lugar em FonoaudiologiaChesterton, L.S., Barlas, P., Foster, N.E., Lundeberg, T., Wright, C.C., Caxter, G.D., Sensory stimulation (TENS): Effects of parameter manipulation on mechanical pain thresholds in healthy human subjects (2002) Pain, 99 (1-2), pp. 253-262Milne, S., Welch, V., Brosseau, L., Saginu, R.M., Shea, B., Tugwell, S., (2003) Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic low back pain, , Oxford: The Cochrane LibraryCarrol, D., Moore, R.A., McQuay, H.J., Fairman, F., Trame'r, M., Leijon, G., (2003) Trancutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain, , Oxford: The Cochrane LibraryKöke, A.J.A., Schoutend, J.S.A.G., Lamerichs-Geelenc, M.J.H., Lipschc, J.S.M., Waltjec, E.M.H., Kleefa, M., Pain reducing effect of three types of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in patients with chronic pain: A randomized crossover trial (2004) Pain, 108 (1-2), pp. 36-42Kalra, A., Urban, M.O., Sluka, K.A., Blockade of Opioid Receptors in Rostral Venral Medulla. Prevents Antihyperalgesia Produced by Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) (2001) J. Pharmacol Exp. Ther, 298 (1), pp. 257-263Kofler, M., Functional organization of exteroceptive inhibition following nociceptiva electrical fingertip stimulation in humans (2003) Clin Neurophysiol, 114 (6), pp. 973-980Kofler, M., Influence of trancutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on cutaneous silent periods in humans (2004) Neuroscience Letters, 360 (1-2), pp. 69-72Gonçalves, R.N., Ordenes, I.E.U., Rodrigues-Bigaton, D., Efeito indireto da TENS sobre os músculos cervicais em portadores de DTM. (2007) Fisioterapia em Movimento, 20 (2), pp. 83-90Ido, C., Rothenbuhler, R., Janz, L., Eletroestimulação nervosa trancutânea de baixa freqüência nos "tender points" dos pacientes fibromioálgicos juvenis. (2003) Rev Fisioter Univ. São Paulo, 10 (1), pp. 1-

Gene expression and methylation signatures of MAN2C1 are associated with PTSD

As potential regulators of DNA accessibility and activity, epigenetic modifications offer a mechanism by which the environment can moderate the effects of genes. To date, however, there have been relatively few studies assessing epigenetic modifications associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here we investigate PTSD-associated methylation differences in 33 genes previously shown to differ in whole blood-derived gene expression levels between those with vs. without the disorder. Drawing on DNA samples similarly obtained from whole blood in 100 individuals, 23 with and 77 without lifetime PTSD, we used methylation microarray data to assess whether these 33 candidate genes showed epigenetic signatures indicative of increased risk for, or resilience to, PTSD. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the main and interacting effects of candidate genes' methylation values and number of potentially traumatic events (PTEs), adjusting for age and other covariates. Results revealed that only one candidate gene-MAN2C1}-showed a significant methylation x PTE interaction, such that those with both higher MAN2C1 methylation and greater exposure to PTEs showed a marked increase in risk of lifetime PTSD (OR 4.35, 95% CI: 1.07, 17.77, p=0.04). These results indicate that MAN2C1 methylation levels modify cumulative traumatic burden on risk of PTSD, and suggest that both gene expression and epigenetic changes at specific loci are associated with this disorder

Favorabilidade Climática Para A Ferrugem Do Eucalipto No Estado Do Paraná

The culture of eucalyptus in the state of Paraná, Brazil, provides raw materials for the production of cellulose, coal, treated wood and lumber. Among the major fungal diseases, rust caused by Puccinia psidii can be pointed out as the most important one. Several forms to control this disease can be cited, especially the planting of resistant clones in areas of climatic conditions less favorable to the occurrence of this disease. The choice for areas of low climatic risks can be made by means of climate zoning. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop a climate favorability zoning for Eucalyptus rust, in Paraná State, Brazil, based on temperature and leaf wetness duration for urediniospore germination and infection by P. psidii. These data were applied in models to produce monthly maps of the disease distribution, according to the favorability to the disease occurrence: ‘highly favorable’, ‘favorable’, ‘scarcely favorable’ and ‘unfavorable’. The generated maps were validated by means of comparison with points of natural rust occurrence in Paraná State. It was concluded that spring and summer were the seasons most favorable to the disease, whereas winter was the least favorable season. The central region of the state, in the zone of transition between the tropical climate of the North and the temperate climate of the South, is more favorable to the occurrence of rust, and the South and the North regions are less favorable for different reasons, due to the low temperature and humidity, respectively. © 2016, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). All rights reserved.421244

Pre-clinical validation of a vaginal cream containing copaiba oil (reproductive toxicology study)

AbstractThe aims of this study was to evaluate the effects of oil-resin of Copaiba (Copaifera duckei Dwyer), aired in vaginal cream on the reproductive performance of female rats (Rattus norvegicus). To determine the components of the C. duckei oleoresin, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (CG–MS) was used, and considering the trans-caryophyllene sesquiterpene as a phytochemical marker in the oleoresin. Due to the extensive use of copaiba oleoresin in the suppository form for gynecological infections, an evaluation was carried out on the effects of copaiba oleoresin (Copaifera duckei Dwyer), delivered in a vaginal cream, on the reproductive performance of female Wistar rats. For this purpose, three groups (n=5–6/group) of female rats were treated as follows: 1 – vaginal cream of copaiba oleoresin (28.6mg/kg), 2 – base vaginal cream and 3 – control (physiological saline 0.9%), administered intravaginally, for 30 days before pregnancy, and from day zero to day 20 during pregnancy. Laparotomy was performed on the 21st day of pregnancy, followed by the determination of reproductive variables: number of live and dead fetuses, mass of the fetuses and placentas, number of implantations and resorptions, number of corpora lutea, pre- and post-implantation loss, and analyses of the fetuses with regard to external and internal anomalies and/or malformations (skeletal and visceral). The trans-caryophyllene present in the sample is suggested as a phytochemical marker and the results of this study demonstrate an absence of maternal toxicity and foetotoxicity embryofoetotoxicity at the dose administered, corresponding to ten times the recommended dose for use in humans. Accordingly, no significant statistical difference was observed between the treated and control groups, for the variables analyzed.Thus, it is concluded that the vaginal cream containing 2.5% copaiba oleoresin is safe during gestation, in female rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Wistar strain

Charge-density waves in the Hubbard chain: evidence for 4k_F instability

Charge density waves in the Hubbard chain are studied by means of finite-temperature Quantum Monte Carlo simulations and Lanczos diagonalizations for the ground state. We present results both for the charge susceptibilities and for the charge structure factor at densities \rho=1/6 and 1/3; for \rho=1/2 (quarter filled) we only present results for the charge structure factor. The data are consistent with a 4k_F instability dominating over the 2k_F one, at least for sufficiently large values of the Coulomb repulsion, U. This can only be reconciled with the Luttinger liquid analyses if the amplitude of the 2k_F contribution vanishes above some U^*(\rho).Comment: RevTeX, 4 two-column pages with 7 colour figures embedded in tex

Nonlinear spinor field in Bianchi type-I Universe filled with viscous fluid: numerical solutions

We consider a system of nonlinear spinor and a Bianchi type I gravitational fields in presence of viscous fluid. The nonlinear term in the spinor field Lagrangian is chosen to be $\lambda F$, with $\lambda$ being a self-coupling constant and $F$ being a function of the invariants $I$ an $J$ constructed from bilinear spinor forms $S$ and $P$. Self-consistent solutions to the spinor and BI gravitational field equations are obtained in terms of $\tau$, where $\tau$ is the volume scale of BI universe. System of equations for $\tau$ and \ve, where \ve is the energy of the viscous fluid, is deduced. This system is solved numerically for some special cases.Comment: 15 pages, 4 figure

Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile in dogs (Canis familiaris) with gastrointestinal disorders in Rio de Janeiro

Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) have a high morbidity and mortality rate and have always been considered a nosocomial disease. Nonetheless, the number of cases of community-acquired CDI is increasing, and new evidence suggests additional C. difficile reservoirs exist. Pathogenic C. difficile strains have been found in livestock, domestic animals, and meat, so a zoonotic transmission has been proposed. Objective: The goal of this study was to isolate C. difficile strains in dogs at a veterinary clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and characterize clinical and pathological findings associated with lower gastrointestinal tract disorders. Methods: Fifty stool samples and biopsy fragments from dogs were obtained and cultured in the CDBA selective medium. All suggestive C. difficile colonies were confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS and PCR (tpi gene). Vancomycin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, erythromycin, and rifampicin were tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Biofilm, motility assays, and a PCR for the toxins (tcdA, tcdB, and cdtB), as well as ribotyping, were also performed. Results: Blood samples and colonic biopsy fragments were examined in C. difficile positive dogs. Ten animals (20%) tested positive for C. difficile by using stool samples, but not from biopsy fragments. Most C. difficile strains were toxigenic: six were A+B+ belonging to RT106; two were A+B+ belonging to RT014/020; and two were AB- belonging to RT010. All strains were biofilm producers. In the motility test, 40% of strains were as motile as the positive control, CD630 (RT012). In the disc diffusion test, two strains (RT010) were resistant to erythromycin and metronidazole; and another to metronidazole (RT014/020). In terms of C. difficile clinicopathological correlations, no statistically significant morphological changes, such as pseudomembranous and "volcano" lesions, were observed. Regarding hematological data, dogs positive for C. difficile had leucopenia (p = 0.02) and lymphopenia (p = 0.03). There was a significant correlation between senility and the presence of C. difficile in the dogs studied (p = 0,02). Conclusions: Although C. difficile has not been linked to canine diarrheal disorders, it appears to be more common in dogs with intestinal dysfunctions. The isolation of ribotypes frequently involved in human CDI outbreaks around the world supports the theory of C. difficile zoonotic transmission.Molecular basis of bacterial pathogenesis, virulence factors and antibiotic resistanc