Advanced Glycation in macrophages induces intracellular accumulation of 7-ketocholesterol and total sterols by decreasing the expression of ABCA-1 and ABCG-1

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Advanced glycation end products (AGE) alter lipid metabolism and reduce the macrophage expression of ABCA-1 and ABCG-1 which impairs the reverse cholesterol transport, a system that drives cholesterol from arterial wall macrophages to the liver, allowing its excretion into the bile and feces. Oxysterols favors lipid homeostasis in macrophages and drive the reverse cholesterol transport, although the accumulation of 7-ketocholesterol, 7alpha- hydroxycholesterol and 7beta- hydroxycholesterol is related to atherogenesis and cell death. We evaluated the effect of glycolaldehyde treatment (GAD; oxoaldehyde that induces a fast formation of intracellular AGE) in macrophages overloaded with oxidized LDL and incubated with HDL alone or HDL plus LXR agonist (T0901317) in: 1) the intracellular content of oxysterols and total sterols and 2) the contents of ABCA-1 and ABCG-1.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Total cholesterol and oxysterol subspecies were determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and HDL receptors content by immunoblot.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>In control macrophages (C), incubation with HDL or HDL + T0901317 reduced the intracellular content of total sterols (total cholesterol + oxysterols), cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, which was not observed in GAD macrophages. In all experimental conditions no changes were found in the intracellular content of other oxysterol subspecies comparing C and GAD macrophages. GAD macrophages presented a 45% reduction in ABCA-1 protein level as compared to C cells, even after the addition of HDL or HDL + T0901317. The content of ABCG-1 was 36.6% reduced in GAD macrophages in the presence of HDL as compared to C macrophages.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In macrophages overloaded with oxidized LDL, glycolaldehyde treatment reduces the HDL-mediated cholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol efflux which is ascribed to the reduction in ABCA-1 and ABCG-1 protein level. This may contribute to atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus.</p

Estilos de liderança e compatibilidade entre treinadores e jovens atletas de futebol

It is important to analyze whether the way soccer players perceive the leadership of their coaches is related to the compatibility they assume about coaches. Studies on Brazilian soccer about this topic are still few in number. Thus, this study has three objectives: (a) analyze whether the compatibility between coaches and players differs depending on the coaches' leadership styles; (b) analyze whether the compatibility between coach and players differs depending on the closer approximation between the current and preferred behaviors of coaches perceived by players, and (c) analyze if players’ perception about the leadership styles of the coaches changes according to the age of the players. The evaluation protocol included the Multidimensional Scale of Leadership in Sport and the Coach-Athlete Compatibility Measure. One hundred and eighteen young players from five elite Brazilian football clubs participated in the study. Players who evaluated more positively the leadership styles of their coaches assumed higher compatibility with the coaches, and this result did not change according to the players’ age. In conclusion, the way players perceive their coaches' leadership is related to their compatibility with the coaches, being necessary to improve coaches’ leadership styles.É importante analisar se a forma como os jogadores de futebol percebem a liderança dos seus treinadores está relacionada com a compatibilidade que assumem relativamente aos treinadores. Os estudos sobre este tema no futebol brasileiro ainda são incipientes. Assim, este estudo tem três objetivos: (a) analisar se a compatibilidade entre treinador e jogadores difere em função dos estilos de liderança dos treinadores; (b) analisar se a compatibilidade entre treinador e jogadores difere em função dos atletas perceberem maior aproximação entre os comportamentos atuais e preferidos dos treinadores e (c) analisar se a perceção dos jogadores sobre os estilos de liderança dos treinadores muda de acordo com a idade dos jogadores. O protocolo de avaliação incluiu a Escala Multidimensional de Liderança no Desporto e a Medida de Compatibilidade Treinador-Atleta. Participaram no estudo jogadores de cinco clubes da elite do futebol brasileiro. Os atletas que avaliaram mais positivamente os estilos de liderança dos treinadores assumiram maior compatibilidade relativamente aos treinadores, sendo que este resultado não variou em função da idade dos atletas. Em conclusão, a forma como os jogadores percebem a liderança dos seus treinadores está relacionada com a compatibilidade com os treinadores, sendo importante melhorar os estilos de liderança dos treinadores

Fatores relacionados à qualidade de vida de mães de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Virus

Objetivo: Relacionar aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos com a qualidade de vida de mães de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus.Método: Estudo transversal analítico, realizado em um centro de reabilitação de Goiânia, região central do Brasil. Foram utilizados um questionário de perfil sociodemográfico e clínico e o World Health Organization Quality of Life. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio dos testes Mann-Whitney; Kruskal-Wallis, seguido do Post hoc de Dunnett e correlação de Spearman.Resultados: A amostra foi constituída de 30 mães de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus, com média de idade de 30,57 ± 6,67 anos. As mães que tinham companheiro, atividade de lazer, que utilizavam carro como meio de transporte e que tinham filho com a síndrome congênita com microcefalia, tiveram melhor qualidade de vida (p&lt;0,05).Conclusão: A qualidade de vida dessas mães teve relação com aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos, o que sugere necessidade de mais políticas públicas específicas para esta população. Palavras-chave: Qualidade de vida. Zika vírus. Cuidadores. Mães

\u3cem\u3eRickettsia felis\u3c/em\u3e in \u3cem\u3eCtenocephalides felis\u3c/em\u3e from Guatemala and Costa Rica

Rickettsia felis is an emerging human pathogen associated primarily with the cat flea Ctenocephalides felis. In this study, we investigated the presence of Rickettsia felis in C. felis from Guatemala and Costa Rica. Ctenocephalides felis were collected directly from dogs and cats, and analyzed by polymerase chain reaction for Rickettsia-specific fragments of 17-kDa protein, OmpA, and citrate synthase genes. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 64% (55 of 86) and 58% (47 of 81) of flea pools in Guatemala and Costa Rica, respectively. Sequencing of gltA fragments identified R. felis genotype URRWXCal2 in samples from both countries, and genotype Rf2125 in Costa Rica. This is the first report of R. felis in Guatemala and of genotype Rf2125 in Costa Rica. The extensive presence of this pathogen in countries of Central America stresses the need for increased awareness and diagnosis

Reduction Glossoplasty in a Calf with Bifid Tongue

Background: Fetal malformations are characterized by anatomical changes that compromise an organ or system. Tongue formation in bovines occurs with the fusion of three structures at the end of the fourth week of gestation, and any failure during this stage of embryonic development may lead to tongue malformation. Bifid tongue, also called glossoschisis, is a rare congenital abnormality in any species and is characterized by incomplete fusion of the lateral tongue buds, resulting in a deep groove in the midline of the tongue. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bifid tongue and the procedure of reduction glossoplasty in a calf of the Girolando breed in Tocantins State.Case: A male mixed-breed (Holstein-Friesian × Gir) calf, born from natural mating in the municipality of Araguaína, Tocantins, was clinically assessed in the Sector of Ruminant Clinical Medicine of the Federal University of Tocantins at 2 months of age. The owner reported that the animal exhibited difficulty in suckling after birth and that on inspection of the oral cavity, he observed changes in the tongue and mandible. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed the presence of a bifid tongue and abnormal fusion of the mandible in the region of the lower incisive teeth. It was decided to perform a surgical procedure with the aim of improving the animal’s quality of life because the owner wanted to keep it in the farm. An incision was made, followed by removal of the medial rims of the two tines of the tongue, and synthesis was performed, joining the ventral rims of the tongue, beginning at the root and ending at the apex.Discussion: The observed lesions are compatible with bifid tongue and mandibular fissure, both previously reported in other species. The literature has no reports of bifid tongue in bovines. The etiology of fetal malformations is still unclear, and the primary causes known in Brazil include ingestion of toxic plants by the mother, such as Mimosa tenuiflora and Poincianella pyramidalis; infections, with the main viral agents being bovine viral diarrhea virus and blue tongue virus; and teratogenic agents, namely certain medications administered during embryogenesis, e.g., ivermectin. Other potentially teratogenic agents that have not been identified as causes of malformation include radiation, cortisone, benzimidazoles, sulfonamides, folate antagonists, and organophosphates. The intense genetic improvement that the Holstein-Friesian breed has been subjected to, including inbreeding that results in consanguinity, may be a determining factor for the breed carrying mutant alleles. Because the calf in this report was crossbred from parents with Holstein-Friesian ancestry, it could carry mutant alleles that led to the malformation. Another etiology proposed in a study on embryological bases by Goodacre and Wallace (1990) is the persistence of buccopharyngeal membrane and amniotic constriction bands in the region of the branchial arches; this cause cannot be ruled out in the present case. Calves born with fetal malformations generate losses for cattle breeders because the calf dies either before or after birth, which may culminate with the death of the mother or, in cases in which the anomaly is compatible with life, damage to the animal’s development and well-being, as in the present report. Bifid tongue is a rare malformation in bovines, and reduction glossoplasty is essential for the description and improvement of techniques that aid bovine medicine; however, animals subjected to this procedure should not be used for reproduction. 

Ca and Mg Concentrations in Spices and Growth of Commonly Sporulated and Non-Sporulated Food-Borne Microorganisms According to Marketing Systems

Ca and Mg levels were determined in five spices according to marketing system (in bulk or commercialized in glass or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers) and correlated with microbial growth of commonly sporulated (Clostridium perfringens and Bacillus cereus) and nonsporulated (Listeria monocytogenes, psychrophilic and mesophilic bacteria, and yeasts and molds) food-borne pathogens present in them, when they were previously added to the microbial culture media. The basil had the highest mean Ca and Mg level and showed the highest microbial growth in the food-borne pathogenic microorganisms studied (p < 0.001). For Ca, the lowest levels were measured in cloves (p < 0.001), which had the lowest capacity for microbial contamination. Ca and Mg contents in spices correlated linear and positively (p < 0.05). Ca concentrations weakly and positively correlated (p < 0.05) with microbial counts for almost all studied microorganisms, and Mg levels for B. cereus, C. perfringens, and mesophilic bacteria (p < 0.05), possibly acting as a growing factor for some sporulated and non-sporulated foodborne pathogens. These relationships are especially significant when PET vs. glass was used as a packaging material for spices

Reversible Techniques of Ruffian in Sheep (Ovis aires)

Background: The use of teaser rams is an essential practice for detecting estrus in ewes as well as for accelerating puberty and synchronizing ovulation in the animal. There are several methods for preparing teasers, and the method used should be based on an assessment of the producer’s requirements. The ideal technique should be low cost and safe, ensuring the non-fertilization of ewes. This study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of two reversible teaser preparation techniques using a reversible plastic clamp. The techniques were compared in terms of functionality, possible post-surgical complications, and hematological changes of the rams as well as durability and reversibility.Materials, Methods & Results: Twelve healthy rams, aged 14-20 months, were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). Blood samples were collected through the jugular vein to perform the following analyses: blood count, total plasma protein, and fibrinogen. Following local infiltrative anesthesia with 5.0 mL 2% lidocaine without vasoconstrictor, the procedure was performed as follows: in G1, the preputial ostium was partially closed, and in G2, sigmoid flexure was performed in the cranial region, approximately 5-8 cm immediately caudal to the scrotal sac. In the postoperative period, 20 mg/kg oxytetracycline and 2.2 mg/kg flunixinmeglumine were intramuscularly administered as a single dose. The wounds were dressed, sprayed with repellent, and allowed to heal for seven days. The procedures in both groups were simple to perform, low cost, and low risk; caused minimal tissue injury; enabled rapid recovery; promoted little or no stress to the animals; are reversible; and left no complications. The animals of both groups satisfactorily identified the females in estrus during the three-month experimental period, maintained libido, and failed to mate with any female. The blood count levels remained within normal range in both groups evaluated at different time intervals. Hyperfibrinogenemia was observed in four animals of G1 and in three animals of G2 at T2, with a mean level of 600 mg/dL. However, the values returned to normal at T3 in both G1 and G2, when the mean observed fibrinogen level was 400 mg/dL.Discussion: Since these are simple, rapid procedures with low tissue injury and a simple anesthetic protocol, the animals showed rapid recovery, without intra or postoperative complications, enabling the immediate initiation of work. The techniques, therefore, demonstrate several advantages over the other techniques described above. It is estimated that the techniques used in this study are more economically viable than other techniques described in the literature, which require medium to high complexity procedures and long postoperative treatments and carry the risk of affecting the animal’s libido, making the animal unviable and more liable to be disposed. However, disposing of such animals represents great losses, as it interferes with the reproductive management and pregnancy of several females on the farm. In addition, the conventional techniques are irreversible, which means that these animals cannot be used for other purposes. The reversible techniques presented in this study allowed the teasers to successfully identify females in heat without mating with them because there was no exteriorization of the penis. The results of the blood count confirm that the procedures did not generate extensive tissue lesions, stress, pain, inflammation, or infection

Evolution of overload in mothers of children with congenital zika cirus syndrome / Evolução da sobrecarga de mães de crianças com síndrome congênita pelo zika vírus

Objective: To analyze the progress of the physical, emotional and social overload from mothers of children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZVS). Method: 22 mothers and their respective sons with CZVS participated. They were inserted in a State Rehabilitation Center. Sociodemographic and clinical evaluations questionnaires were applied, the scale Gross Motor Function Classification System Scale (GMFCS), and Informal Caregiver Burden Assessment Questionnaire (ICBAQ). Results: there was an improvement in the mothers' burden of care in relation to the financial aspect (p&lt;0.01) and a worsening in the mechanism of effectiveness and control (p=0.04) and satisfaction with the role and the family (p&lt;0.01). Conclusion: The overload of caring from mothers of CZVS children presented improvement and worsening on different aspects during the follow-up period. The family support network should be strengthened and specialized care provided by a multidisciplinary team should be guaranteed. DESCRIPTORS: Zika virus; Overload; CaregiverObjetivo: analizar la evolución de la sobrecarga física, emocional y social de las madres de niños con Síndrome Congénito por el Virus Zika (SCZV). Método: Participaron 22 madres y sus respectivos hijos com SCZV, insertados em um Centro Estadual de Rehabilitación. Se aplicaron cuestionarios de evaluación demográfica, clínica y de sobrecarga del cuidador. Resultados: El estudio mostró que hubo una mejora en la carga de cuidado de las madres en relación al aspecto financiero y un empeoramiento en el mecanismo de efectividad y control, siendo las más afectadas en el segundo cobro, y la satisfacción con el rol y el miembro de la familia. Conclusión: La sobrecarga mostró mejoras y empeoramientos en diferentes aspectos. Esto se debe a las diferentes perspectivas de estas madres. La pandemia parece haber influido en el empeoramiento de algunos dominios, pues centralizó aún más los cuidados en la madre. DESCRIPTORES: Virus zika; Sobrecarga; Cuidador.Objetivo: analisar a evolução da sobrecarga física, emocional e social de mães de crianças com Síndrome Congênita pelo Zika Vírus (SCZV). Método: participaram 22 mães e seus respectivos filhos com SCZV, inseridas em um Centro Estadual de Reabilitação. Foram aplicados questionários de avaliação sociodemográfica e clínica, a Escala Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) e o Questionário Avaliação de Sobrecarga do Cuidador Informal (QASCI). Resultados: houve melhora na sobrecarga do cuidado das mães em relação ao aspecto financeiro (p&lt;0,01) e piora no mecanismo de eficácia e controle (p=0,04) e satisfação com o papel e o familiar (p&lt;0,01). Conclusão: a sobrecarga do cuidado de mães de crianças com SCZV apresentou melhoras e pioras em diferentes aspectos durante o período de acompanhamento. Deve-se fortalecer a rede de apoio familiar e garantir cuidado especializado, por uma equipe multiprofissional.

OS DESAFIOS PARA CONSAGRAÇÃO DO DIREITO À VIDA: IMPORTÂNCIA DAS CAMPANHAS DE CONSCIENTIZAÇÃO CONTRA O SUICÍDIO

Este artículo aborda los retos de la consagración del derecho a la vida, centrándose en la importancia de las campañas de sensibilización contra el suicidio. En este sentido, existe la conceptualización básica para la comprensión del tema, mediante la conceptualización de elementos esenciales, así como una visión panorámica de la información y los datos que permiten una mayor asertividad en el estudio propuesto. Otros objetivos son el análisis de las perspectivas y los desafíos de la reflexión sobre la consagración de la vida y la lucha contra la "epidemia" del suicidio en Brasil, así como el análisis de las campañas de prevención del suicidio que están en boga.Este artículo aborda los retos de la consagración del derecho a la vida, centrándose en la importancia de las campañas de sensibilización contra el suicidio. En este sentido, existe la conceptualización básica para la comprensión del tema, mediante la conceptualización de elementos esenciales, así como una visión panorámica de la información y los datos que permiten una mayor asertividad en el estudio propuesto. Otros objetivos son el análisis de las perspectivas y los desafíos de la reflexión sobre la consagración de la vida y la lucha contra la "epidemia" del suicidio en Brasil, así como el análisis de las campañas de prevención del suicidio que están en boga.Este artigo discute os desafios para consagração do direito à vida, com enfoque na importância nas campanhas de conscientização contra o suicídio. Neste sentido, tem-se a conceituação basilar para a compreensão do tema, por meio da conceituação de elementos essenciais, bem como a visão panorâmica de informações e dados que possibilitem maior assertividade no estudo proposto. Ainda como objetivo, está a análise das perspectivas e desafios de se pensar a consagração a vida e combate a “epidemia” de suicídio no Brasil, aliados a uma análise de campanhas direcionadas à prevenção do suicídio que estão em voga.Este artigo discute os desafios para consagração do direito à vida, com enfoque na importância nas campanhas de conscientização contra o suicídio. Neste sentido, tem-se a conceituação basilar para a compreensão do tema, por meio da conceituação de elementos essenciais, bem como a visão panorâmica de informações e dados que possibilitem maior assertividade no estudo proposto. Ainda como objetivo, está a análise das perspectivas e desafios de se pensar a consagração a vida e combate a “epidemia” de suicídio no Brasil, aliados a uma análise de campanhas direcionadas à prevenção do suicídio que estão em voga

Partitioning of environmental and taxonomic controls on Brazilian foliar content of carbon and nitrogen and stable isotopes

The Neotropics harbor some of the most diversified woody species in the world, and to understand the nutrient dynamics in these ecosystems, it is crucial to understand the role of plant taxonomy. In addition, biological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF) in the tropics is one of the key processes affecting the global N cycle. Our objective was to (i) investigate the role of taxonomy and sampling site as predictors of foliar carbon (C) and N concentration and its stable isotopes (i.e., δ13C and δ15N); (ii) assess differences in foliar N, C:N ratio, and δ15N among three functional groups: species of N2-fixers and non-fixers of the Fabaceae family, as well as non-Fabaceae species; and (iii) examine the effect of wood density on tree foliar properties. We hypothesized that Fabaceae specimens in symbiosis with N2-fixers would possess a higher foliar N than non-fixing plants, including those of the Fabaceae family, as well as high-density trees would have higher foliar C and C:N ratio relative to low-density trees, where the latter invest in nutrients instead of structural C. We used a data set composed of 3,668 specimens sampled in three main biomes of Brazil: Amazon, Atlantic Forest, and Cerrado. The partitioning of variance had a higher influence of taxonomy on leaf C, N, and C:N ratio. Conversely, foliar δ13C and δ15N were environmentally constrained. While family was the most important taxonomy level for C, N, and C:N ratio, species played a major role for δ13C and δ15N. Foliar N followed the pattern fixers > non-fixers > non-Fabaceae, while C:N ratio had an opposite trend. In addition, foliar C was correlated with wood density, where high-density > medium-density and low-density woods. The large variability of δ15N was observed among Fabaceae species, demonstrates the complexity of using δ15N as an indicator of BNF. The higher foliar N of Fabaceae non-fixers than non-Fabaceae specimens support the hypothesis that an N-demanding lifestyle is an inherent pattern in this family. Lastly, although observed in some studies, the prediction of foliar properties using wood density is challenging, and future research on this topic is needed