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Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a highly prevalent disease that presents a wide spectrum of clinical expressions due to abnormalities in the venous system. Patients often have major functional changes that can limit daily activities. However, the functional factors associated with the severity of the disease remain poorly understood. To identify the functional factors associated with CVD severity. Seventy-five patients with CVD (92.0% females, 49.6 ± 13.3 years) were evaluated through clinical examination, lower limb perimetry, ankle range of motion (AROM), and lower limb muscle strength by the Heel Rise test, and Sit-to-stand test. Patients were stratified according to the disease severity as mild (telangiectasia, varicose veins, or edema in the lower limbs) or severe CVD (trophic changes or venous ulcer). Patients with severe CVD (n = 13) were older (p = 0.002), predominantly male (p = 0.007), with reduced AROM in dorsiflexion (p = 0.028) and inversion (p = 0.009), reduced lower limb strength by the Heel Rise test (p = 0.040), and greater circumference of the calf (p = 0.020), ankle (p = 0.003), and plantar arch (p = 0.041) when compared to mild CVD (n = 62). Advanced age, male sex, lower ankle range of motion in dorsiflexion, and greater ankle and plantar arch circumferences were associated with CVD severity. However, the ankle circumference (OR 1.258, 95% CI: 1.008–1.570; p = 0.042), together with advanced age and male sex, was the only functional variable that remained independently associated with CVD severity. The increased ankle circumference was a determinant of the CVD severity and may assist in risk stratification and guide treatment goals in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak were lower in chagas cardiomyopathy patients with adverse events. • PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak are independent predictors of worse prognosis. • PETCO 2 peak and VO 2peak lower than 32 mmHg and 20 mL.kg.min identify worse prognosis. Functional impairment can be detected from the onset of heart disease in patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC) and the prognostic value of the end-tidal carbon dioxide at peak exercise (PETCO 2 peak) should be investigated. To verify the prognostic value of PETCO 2 peak in patients with ChC. Seventy-six patients with ChC (49.2 ± 9.8 years, NYHA I-III) were evaluated by echocardiography and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Patients were followed up to four years and the end-point was defined as cardiovascular death, stroke, or cardiac transplantation. At the end of the follow-up period (29.0 ± 16.0 months), 16 patients (21%) had experienced adverse events. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to identify the risk of adverse events by PETCO 2 peak in patients with ChC was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.69 to 0.97), and the value of 32 mmHg was the optimal cut point (70% of sensitivity and 85% of specificity). In the Kaplan-Meier diagram, there was a significant difference (p <0.001) between patients with reduced (≤ 32 mmHg) and preserved PETCO 2 peak (>32 mmHg). In the final Cox multivariate model, only reduced PETCO 2 peak (HR 4.435; 95% CI: 1.228 to 16.016, p = 0.023) and VO 2peak (HR 0.869; 95% CI: 0.778 to 0.971, p = 0.013) remained as independent predictors of poor outcome in ChC patients. Reduced PETCO 2 peak and VO2 peak demonstrated valuable prognostic value in patients with ChC. The cutoff points for both functional variables can be used during risk stratification and may help in the development of therapeutic strategies in ChC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The cut-off point in SB to discriminate probable sarcopenia was > 120 min/day watching TV or video. • The cut-off point in SB to discriminate probable sarcopenia was ≤ 20 min/day using computer/internet. • Older adults with SB watching TV or video/DVD had 1.71 (95% CI: 1.03; 2.84) greater chances of having probable sarcopenia. • Older adults with SB using computer/internet had 1.75 (95% CI: 1.06; 2.89) greater chances of having probable sarcopenia. Sedentary activities, such as watching television and using the computer, are frequent conditions in older adults and can be associated with sarcopenia. The objectives of this study were: (a) to establish sedentary behavior (SB) cutoff values for screening probable sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults and (b) to verify the association between SB and probable sarcopenia according to the established cutoff point. This was a cross-sectional study including 1,165 community residents in Florianopolis/SC. SB was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The outcome was probable sarcopenia (assessed by time ≥ 15 s in the Five times sit-to-stand test). The cut-off points found for SB were time > 120 min/day [AUC: 0.54 (95%CI: 0.51; 0.57)] watching TV or video/DVD and ≤ 20 min/day [AUC: 0.59 (95%CI: 0.56;0.62)] using computer/internet. Older adults with SB had 1.30 (95% CI: 1.01; 1.66) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.08; 1.96) greater chances of having sarcopenia, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Quality of life is worse in severe chronic venous insufficiency compared to mild stage. • Physical aspects are the most compromised component in chronic venous insufficiency. • Physical interventions should be targeted at patients from the early stages of the disease. Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has a broad spectrum of clinical expression, ranging from mild to severe cases, which negatively impacts the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the comparison in HRQoL between mild and severe CVI has not yet been systematically discussed, which could assist in the adoption of preventive strategies A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted (protocol register https://osf.io/mr4aj/) following a search of the MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, LILACS, and Scopus databases, using the terms related to CVI and HRQoL. Observational studies that assessed the HRQoL in individuals with CVI in different degrees of severity were included, without date restriction We retrieved 4750 titles and abstracts and 9 were included in this review. The HRQoL was worse in patients with severe CVI compared to mild patients at Short-form of Health Survey (SF-36) (mean difference 11.02, 95% CI from 8.62 to 13.43; p<0.001), Chronic Venous Insufficiency Quality Of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) (mean difference 13.07; 95% CI from 11.33 to 14.82; p<0.001) and Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (mean difference 7.7; 95% CI: -12.82 to -2.58; p=0.003), especially in the physical domains. There was no difference in the HRQoL between severe and mild patients at CIVIQ-20 (p=0.09) The HRQoL was worse in the physical domains in patients with severe CVI when compared to mild patients. However, the heterogeneity of the results was high and the data should be interpreted with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the acute effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) on handgrip strength (HS) and electromyographic activity of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle of healthy women in the static push-up position. Twenty-eight women received four experimental tests in a randomized order: A) Control – rest in seating position with feet on the floor and hands in the supine position on the lower limbs. There was no vibration stimulus; B) Placebo – push-up position with their hands on the vibratory platform that remained disconnected, but with a sonorous stimulus mimicking the vibration; C) Low vibration and D) High vibration – push-up position with their hands on the vibratory platform using one of the vibratory stimulus intensity: low vibration: 25 Hz/2 mm/49.30 m s−2; or high vibration: 45 Hz/2 mm/159.73 m s−2. Participants remained 5 min in each situation. HS and electromyography (EMG) were performed at baseline and after all four experimental tests. The index of neural efficiency (i.e. the ratio between EMG and HS) was also calculated to determine the efficiency of muscle contraction. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA two-way design mixed test with Tukey's post hoc test, being considered significant p < 0.05. High vibration increased HS compared with all the other experimental tests (p = 0.0006, F = 6.03). There was a reduction of EMG activity of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle only after high vibration (p = 0.0135, F = 6.22), which was accompanied by lower values of the index of neural efficiency after intervention (between-group difference, p = 0.0002, F = 0.674). WBV in the push-up position has an acute positive effect on HS accompanied by a lower index of neural efficiency, providing a better efficiency of muscle contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Scientists are currently faced with the challenge of assessing the effects of anthropogenic stressors on aquatic ecosystems. Cellular stress response (CSR) biomarkers are ubiquitous and phylogenetically conserved among metazoans and have been successfully applied in environmental monitoring but they can also vary according to natural biotic and abiotic factors. The reported variability may thus limit the wide application of biomarkers in monitoring, imposing the need to identify variability levels in the field. Our aim was to carry out a comprehensive in situ assessment of the CSR (heat shock protein 70 kDa, ubiquitin, antioxidant enzymes) and oxidative damage (lipid peroxidation) in wild populations across marine taxa by collecting fish, crustaceans, mollusks and cnidarians during two different seasons (spring and summer) and two habitat types (coast and estuary). CSR end-point patterns were different between taxa with mollusks having higher biomarker levels, followed by the cnidarians, while fish and crustaceans showed lower biomarker levels. The PCA showed clear clusters related to mobility/sessile traits with sessile organisms showing greater levels (>2-fold) of CSR proteins and oxidative damage. Mean intraspecific variability in the CSR measured by the coefficient of variation (% CV) (including data from all seasons and sites) was elevated (35–94%). Overall, there was a seasonal differentiation in biomarker patterns across taxonomic groups, especially evident in fish and cnidarians. A differentiation in biomarker patterns between habitat types was also observed and associated with phenotypic plasticity or local adaptation. Overall, specimens collected in the estuary had lower biomarker levels when compared to specimens collected in the coast. This work highlights the importance of assessing baseline biomarker levels across taxa, seasons and habitats prior to applying biomarker analyses in environmental monitoring. Selecting bioindicator species, defining sampling strategies, and identifying confounding factors are crucial preliminary steps that ensure the success of biomarkers as powerful tools in biomonitoring. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Stress biomarkers were assessed in marine taxa to improve environmental monitoring. • Stress biomarker levels ranking: mollusks > cnidarians > fish and crustaceans • Sessile/sedentary species had higher biomarker levels. • Seasonal differences were especially evident in fish and cnidarians. • Habitat type influences stress biomarker patterns in marine taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Seventy-one food web nodes were isotopically characterized in a tropical intertidal ecosystem. • Food web length was 3.3, similar to temperate intertidal ecosystems. • Two invasive crustaceans were top consumers, Lysmata lipkei and Charybdis hellerii. • Top consumers depended mostly on the macroalgal and pelagic energy pathways. • Drastic changes are expected that should favour the detrital energy pathway. Abstract Knowledge on food web structure, trophic links and energy pathways is essential for the understanding of complex and highly biodiverse tropical ecosystems. Emerging issues related to global change and species invasions call for an urgent advance on this topic. Isotopic analyses were applied to the tropical intertidal rocky shores of Southeastern Brazil, with the aim of 1) describing the general food web structure, 2) estimating food web length, 3) estimating the trophic level of the secondary consumers, and 4) their dependence on different energy pathways. An exceptionally high number of food web nodes (71) was analysed. The maximum trophic level (TL) was 3.3, similarly to what has been previously reported for temperate rocky intertidal ecosystems. Fish were the dominant top consumers (TL > 2.0), along with an important number of gastropods and crustaceans (both crabs and shrimp). Primary consumers were mostly crabs, gastropods and bivalves. Two invasive crustaceans were found among the top consumers, the Japanese peppermint shrimp, Lysmata lipkei (TL = 3.0), and the Indo-Pacific swimming crab, Charybdis hellerii (TL = 2.3). Among the primary consumers, one invasive bivalve was found, Isognomon bicolor. Mixing models showed that the top consumers depend mostly on the macroalgal and pelagic energy pathways. The food web currently established has low dependence on the benthic pathway. Given the important increase in precipitation predicted for this region and the increment in detritus it incurs, this food web is likely to suffer important alterations in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Pomatoschistus microps thermal maxima did nor varied with acclimation temperature. • Anilocra frontalis thermal maxima varied in 1 °C with acclimation temperature. • A. frontalis had higher release rates at 26 °C, but no mortality. • Mortality of parasitized P. microps much higher than non-parasitized ones. • Parasitized P. microps acclimatized to 26 °C presented the highest stress levels. Abstract Currently, the effects of global warming on marine organisms are widely recognized by the scientific community. However, studies that relate the increase in ocean temperature with other stress factors are still scarce. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of water temperature increase on the parasite Anilocra frontalis , the parasite's effects over its host Pomatoschistus microps. Therefore, P. microps were subjected to A. frontalis parasitization and both species were then exposed to two different temperatures, 22 °C (control) and 26 °C (experimental temperature). Critical Thermal Maxima (CTMax), antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione-S-transferase, catalase and superoxide dismutase), Heat Shock Protein 70 and Lipid peroxidation (MDA content) were analysed for both species. Anilocra frontalis CTMax raised 1 °C between animals acclimated to 22 and acclimated at 26 °C (CTMax was 32 °C in animals acclimated to 22 °C and 33 °C in animals acclimated to 26 °C). Additionally, the parasites acclimated to higher temperatures showed higher release rates from their hosts. Although the parasitization did not influence P. microps ' condition, when combined with temperature it increased fish mortality rate and stress levels. The results show that temperature only influenced HSP70 values, presenting higher levels in fish acclimated to 26 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract According to climate science, ocean warming is one of the current and future greatest threats to coastal ecosystems. Projection scenarios for the end of this century show that tropical intertidal ecosystems are particularly at risk. In this study we optimized and tested a holistic method for bio-monitoring present and projected thermal pressure in such ecosystems, in order to assess organism vulnerability to ocean warming. Several species representative of different animal groups (fish, crustaceans and gastropods) were collected from the field and subjected to an experimental trial for 28 days, testing two temperatures: control (present seawater summer temperature) and elevated temperature (+3 °C, projected seawater temperature anomaly for 2100). Muscle samples were collected weekly to quantify several biomarkers of: i) macromolecular damage (protein unfolding and denaturation, and lipid peroxidation), ii) reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers (antioxidant enzymes), and iii) body condition (energy reserves and body mass). These biomarkers were combined in integrated biomarker response (IBR) indices, either in three separate stress response categories (as previously defined) or in a unique combined analysis of overall physiological performance. Both approaches suggest that temperature affected IBRs, with increasing temperatures significantly impairing the overall health of individuals. Biomarkers of lower levels of biological organization indicated deleterious effects of temperature, whereas biomarkers of higher levels suggested maintenance of performance after chronic exposure. Overall indices combining the estimates of biomarkers across levels of biological organization are essential to predict the vulnerability of species, or populations, to climate warming. Such indices may assist managers and stakeholders in the establishment of monitoring programs and environmental policies toward the conservation of fragile coastal systems. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Chronic exposure to elevated temperature tested in tropical intertidal reef animals • Markers of molecular damage, ROS scavenging and body condition assessed with indices • Markers at molecular and cellular level showed deleterious effects in fitness. • Markers at tissue and whole body level showed positive or no effects in fitness. • Indices are efficient holistic methods to monitor thermal change in natural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is evidence that central cholinergic stimulation increases heat dissipation in normotensive rats besides causing changes on the cardiovascular system via modulation of baroreceptors activity. However, the contribution of the central cholinergic system on thermoregulatory responses and its relationship with cardiovascular adjustments in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), an animal model of reduced baroreceptor sensitivity and thermoregulatory deficit, has not been completely clarified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify the involvement of the central cholinergic system in cardiovascular and thermoregulatory adjustments in SHRs. Male Wistar rats (n = 17) and SHRs (n = 17) were implanted with an intracerebroventricular cannula for injections of 2 µL of physostigmine (phy) or saline solution. Tail temperature (T tail), internal body temperature (T int), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR) and metabolic rate were registered during 60 min while the animals remained at rest after randomly receiving the injections. The variability of the SAP and the HR was estimated by the fast Fourier transform. Phy treatment began a succession of cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses that resulted in increased SAP, reduced HR and increased T tail in both Wistar and SHRs groups. The magnitude of these effects seems to be more intense in SHRs, since the improvement of heat dissipation reflected in T int. Taken together, these results provide evidence that hypertensive rats present greater cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses than normotensive rats after central cholinergic stimulation. Highlights • Centrally administered physostigmine exacerbates the thermoregulatory responses in SHR. • Physostigmine intensifies the cardiovascular responses in SHR. • Thermoregulatory responses are related to cardiovascular adjustments. • Physostigmine improves the control of arterial baroreflex in SHR through sympathetic modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal physiology and ecology are affected by increasing environmental temperatures, and this is particularly relevant in the tropics, where organisms are already living on the warm edge of their thermal windows. Here, we present data on sub-lethal effects of temperature (using molecular biomarkers), thermal tolerance, warming safety margins and body size shifts of a gastropod ( Stramonita haemastoma ) from tropical rocky shores, under an experimental setup of a climate warming scenario. Heat shock response, protein damage, antioxidant activity and lipid damage were all evaluated once a week during one month of exposure at a control temperature, and at an experimental temperature of plus 3 °C. Significant increase of heat shock protein response, lipid peroxides and catalase at the elevated temperature suggest the activation of cytoprotective pathways as response to an increased thermal load. Duration of exposure also had a significant influence in the animals’ responses, since whole body thermal tolerance only showed acclimation potential in the short-term, but not in the long-term. Thermal safety margin was low for this species, suggesting a narrow ability to tolerate further warming. Smaller body sizes were observed in specimens exposed to increased temperature, suggesting the occurrence of slower growth and possible changes in energy metabolism. Hence, enduring thermal stress, as predicted if present day warming trends are not reversed, may compromise populations of tropical marine snails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical organisms are predicted to be among the most impacted by increasing sea surface temperatures, particularly those from intertidal habitats. In this study, a complete thermal biology assessment was conducted for two widespread tropical Atlantic shallow reef fish: Abudefduf saxatilis (damselfish) and Scartella cristata (blenny), which make extensive use of tide pools. The main objectives were to measure the time-course changes during one month in i) thermal and oxidative stress biomarkers (in gills, muscle and skin), ii) upper thermal limits, acclimation capacity and thermal safety margins and iii) body size, condition and energy reserves (total protein and lipid contents), under two temperature treatments (control – mean summer temperature, and elevated temperature − + 3 °C, as projected by climate warming scenarios for the end of this century). Results from biomarker analyses suggest that under increased temperature, both species displayed a typical response of physiological stress characterized by the activation of molecular chaperones and antioxidant protection. Both species presented a significant acclimation potential in the long term, as shown by increased critical thermal maxima values at higher temperature. However, these species may already be at risk during summer heat waves, as thermal safety margins for both species were low. Additionally, despite acclimation, some energetic tradeoffs may exist, since specimens from both species showed smaller body sizes at higher temperature (even though maintaining body condition). Finally, temperature treatments had a significant influence not only in the total amount of energy reserves (lipid contents) but also in their rate of deposition or depletion (total proteins and lipid contents). This is the first multi-end-point holistic approach to assess the impact of warming in shallow tropical water fish and it highlights the high risk that intertidal organisms are facing in both present and future sea surface temperature conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge on baseline values of stress biomarkers in natural conditions is urgent due to the need of reference values for monitoring purposes. Here we assessed the cellular stress response of the chiton Chaetopleura angulata in situ . Biomarkers commonly used in environmental monitoring (heat shock protein 70 kDa, total ubiquitin, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide-dismutase, lipid peroxidation) were analyzed in the digestive system, gills and muscle of C. angulata , under spring and summer conditions in order to assess seasonal tissue-specific responses. Season had an effect on all targeted organs, especially affecting the digestive system which displayed clear seasonal clusters. The respective Integrated Biomarker Response (IBR) showed a 7.2-fold seasonal difference. Muscle and gills showed similar IBRs between seasons making them appropriate organs to monitor chemical pollution as they were less responsive to seasonal variation. The most stable biomarkers in these organs were ubiquitin and superoxide-dismutase thus being reliable for monitoring purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background This study aimed to verify the association between obesity-related biomarkers and cognitive and motor development in infants between 6 and 24 months of age. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 infants and plasma levels of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2), chemokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), serum cortisol and redox status were measured. The Bayley-III test was utilized to evaluate cognitive and motor development, and multiple linear stepwise regression models were performed to verify the association between selected biomarkers and cognitive and motor development. Results A significant association was found among plasma leptin and sTNFR1 levels with cognitive composite scores, and these two independents variables together explained 37% of the variability of cognitive composite scores (p = 0.001). Only plasma sTNFR1 levels were associated and explained 24% of the variability of motor composite scores (p = 0.003). Conclusions Plasma levels of sTNFR1 were associated with the increase in cognitive and motor development scores in infants between 6 and 24 months of age through a mechanism not directly related to excess body weight. Moreover, increase in plasma levels of leptin reduced the cognitive development in this age range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Compare the cognitive and motor development in overweight/obese infants versus normal-weight peers and investigate the correlation of body weight, body length and body mass index with cognitive and motor development.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 28 overweight/obese infants and 28 normal-weight peers between 6 and 24 months of age. Both groups were evaluated with cognitive and motor scales of the Bayley-III infant development test. The t-test for independent samples was performed to compare the groups, and the Spearman correlation was used to verify the association between variables.Results: Overweight/obese infants showed lower cognitive and motor composite scores than their normal-weight peers. A significant negative association was found of body weight and body length with cognitive development and of body mass index with motor development.Conclusion: This is the first study that found an effect on both cognitive and motor development in overweight/obese infants when compared with normal-weight peers between 6 and 24 months of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characterization of food web structure, energy pathways and trophic linkages is essential for the understanding of ecosystem functioning. Isotopic analysis was performed on food web components of the rocky intertidal ecosystem in four sites along the Portuguese west coast. The aim was to 1) determine the general food web structure, 2) estimate the trophic level of the dominant organisms and 3) track the incorporation of organic carbon of different origins in the diet of the top consumers. In this food web, fish are top consumers, followed by shrimp. Anemones and gastropods are intermediate consumers, while bivalves and zooplankton are primary consumers. Macroalgae Bifurcaria bifurcata , Ulva lactuca , Fucus vesiculosus , Codium sp. and phytoplankton are the dominant producers. Two energy pathways were identified, pelagic and benthic. Reliance on the benthic energy pathway was high for many of the consumers but not as high as previously observed in subtidal coastal food webs. The maximum TL was 3.3, which is indicative of a relatively short food web. It is argued that the diet of top consumers relies directly on low levels of the food web to a considerable extent, instead of on intermediate levels, which shortens the trophic length of the food web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to cope with high temperature variations is a critical factor in intertidal communities. Two species of intertidal rocky shore shrimps ( Palaemon sp.) with different vertical distributions were collected from the Portuguese coast in order to test if they were differentially sensitive to thermal stress. Three distinct levels of biological organization (organismal, biochemical, and cellular) were surveyed. The shrimp were exposed to a constant rate of temperature increase of 1 °C.h − 1 , starting at 20 °C until reaching the CTMax (critical thermal maximum). During heat stress, two biomarkers of protein damage were quantified in the muscle via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays: heat shock proteins HSP70 (hsp70/hsc70) and total ubiquitin. Muscle histopathological alterations caused by temperature were also evaluated. CTMax values were not significantly different between the congeners ( P . elegans 33.4 ± 0.5 °C; P . serratus 33.0 ± 0.5 °C). Biomarker levels did not increase along the temperature trial, but P . elegans (higher intertidal) showed higher amounts of HSP70 and total ubiquitin than P . serratus (lower intertidal). HSP70 and total ubiquitin levels showed a positive significant correlation in both species, suggesting that their association is important in thermal tolerance. Histopathological observations of muscle tissue in P . serratus showed no gross alterations due to temperature but did show localized atrophy of muscle fibers at CTMax. In P . elegans , alterations occurred at a larger scale, showing multiple foci of atrophic muscular fascicles caused by necrotic or autolytic processes. In conclusion, Palaemon congeners displayed different responses to stress at a cellular level, with P . elegans having greater biomarker levels and histopathological alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intertidal habitat is characterized by environmental conditions with steep gradients. Thus, inhabiting communities have long served as models in stress research. Moreover, several studies have reported their vulnerability to climate change and consequent distribution shifts (up to 50 km per decade) and abundance changes. The aims of this study were to test the effects of temperature on the rock goby Gobius paganellus in order to understand its resistance to environmental fluctuations (e.g. low tide events, heat waves) and gain insights into its vulnerability to climate change. The upper thermal limit for the species was estimated through the critical thermal maximum (CTMax). Individuals were exposed to a temperature increase ramp of 1 °C h −1 . Two thermal stress biomarkers (hsp70 and total ubiquitin) were quantified in the gill, muscle and liver via enzyme linked immunosorbent assays. Results showed no increases in hsp70 in neither of the organs in response to temperature but ubiquitin levels were elevated in liver at 30 °C. Both biomarker basal levels were higher in gills, followed by liver and finally muscle. The results indicate that the species, although adapted to the intertidal environment, can experience stress at high temperatures of 30 °C and above. Therefore, it may be vulnerable to heat waves, especially occurring during low tides that coincide with the hottest hours of the day during summer, with adverse implications in a climate change scenario that predicts temperature rising and increasing (in length and frequency) periods of extreme heat. The present study also shows that different organs possess distinct heat stress thresholds and responses, hence the importance of multi-organ approaches in order to comprehend the full health status of the organisms following acute thermal challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Simão AP, Avelar NC, Tossige-Gomes R, Neves CD, Mendonça VA, Miranda AS, Teixeira MM, Teixeira AL, Andrade AP, Coimbra CC, Lacerda AC. Functional performance and inflammatory cytokines after squat exercises and whole-body vibration in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Objective: To investigate the effects of squat exercises combined with whole-body vibration on the plasma concentration of inflammatory markers and the functional performance of elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Design: Clinical, prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Setting: Exercise physiology laboratory. Participants: Elderly subjects with knee OA (N=32) were divided into 3 groups: (1) squat exercises on a vibratory platform (platform group, n=11); (2) squat exercises without vibration (squat group, n=10); and (3) the control group (n=11). Interventions: The structured program of squat exercises in the platform and squat groups was conducted 3 times per week, on alternate days, for 12 weeks. Main Outcome Measures: Plasma soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptors 1 (sTNFR1) and 2 (sTNFR2) were measured using immunoassays (the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method). The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index questionnaire was used to evaluate self-reported physical function, pain, and stiffness. The 6-minute walk test, the Berg Balance Scale, and gait speed were used to evaluate physical function. Results: In the platform group, there were significant reductions in the plasma concentrations of the inflammatory markers sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 (P<.001 and P<.05, respectively) and self-reported pain (P<.05) compared with the control group, and there was an increase in balance (P<.05) and speed and distance walked (P<.05 and P<.001, respectively). In addition, the platform group walked faster than the squat group (P<.01). Conclusions: The results suggest that whole-body vibration training improves self-perception of pain, balance, gait quality, and inflammatory markers in elderly subjects with knee OA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leprosy, whose etiologic agent is Mycobacterium leprae, is an illness of ample clinical and immunopathological spectrum. Although chemokines seem to be involved in the immunopathogenesis of leprosis, few studies have been carried out to unveil the potential of chemokines as biological markers of the disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of measuring CCL2, CCL3, CCL11 and CCL24 in plasma of patients with leprosy (LE) at different stages of multi-drug therapy (MDT). Chemokines were measured by ELISA in plasma of 30 non-infected individuals (NI) and 33 LE patients before and at different stages of treatment. The plasma concentration of CCL11 (p <0.01) and CCL24 (p <0.05) was increased in LE patients before treatment when compared to NI individuals. The plasma concentration of CCL24 decreased after MDT (p <0.05). No differences were observed in the concentration of CCL2 and CCL3 in plasma of NI and LE individuals. The elevated levels of CCL11 and CCL24 in plasma of patients with LE suggest that these chemokines may play a role in disease pathogenesis. Moreover, the decrease of CCL24 after treatment suggests that this chemokine might be useful as a biomarker of response to MDT in patients with leprosy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A letter to the editor is presented which discusses on the case of a Portuguese boy with Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness syndrome caused by maternal mosaicism.

Intertidal rock pools are considered critical habitats along coastal shores. Amphipods play an important role in intertidal rock pool ecosystems, as food resources for higher trophic levels and sometimes by enriching nutrients through grazing. However, the environmental factors driving their rockpool occupation remain largely unknown. We aimed to examine the importance of the large-scale wave action variation and meso-scale shore variation on the abundance and diversity of rockpool amphipods. A total of 32 intertidal rock pools on four Portuguese shores were studied during the summer spring tide of 2015. We applied multivariate analysis to evaluate the potential impact of wave action (sheltered versus wave exposed shores), physical pool structure (length, width, and depth), and relationships within the pool community on the abundance and diversity of amphipods. Wave exposure significantly influenced amphipod abundance and diversity, and some substrata and biodiversity features of the pool were important in explaining the amphipod abundance. The percentage and composition of coverage and physical features of the rock pools had no significant effect on amphipod abundance and diversity. We showed that the amphipod rockpool community displayed a clear positive response of biodiversity and abundance to the extrinsic factor wave action, and a varied and complex response to within-rockpool biotic variables. In addition, we recorded the presence of the invasive Ampithoe valida for the first time on rocky shores of Portugal. Further investigation into the influence that wave action has on associated pool biota (i.e., dislodgment or deposition of species) could give additional insight into the role of the biotic community in the regulation of amphipod populations within intertidal rock pools • Amphipods play critical ecological roles but are understudied in rock pools • We assessed factors driving amphipod abundance and distribution in pools • Wave action and location were important, but pool size and depth were not • Invasive Ampithoe valida found for the first time on Portuguese rocky shores • Further work should investigate relationship of biotic community and amphipods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• WBV alone showed limited evidence compared to minimal intervention. • Additional effect of WBV seems to decrease deficiencies and activity limitations. • New expensive interventions need to be followed by scientific evidence. • Very-low to low quality of evidence suggests caution in recommending WBV. Whole body vibration has been used alone or combined with other interventions in rehabilitation of children and adolescents with disabilities; however, there is limited evidence to support this approach. To review the strength, quality, and conclusiveness of evidence supporting the use of whole body vibration in children and adolescents with disabilities. Electronic database search included Medline, AMED, Embase, Cochrane, SportDiscus, CINAHL and PEDro from the inception to June 2018. Studies investigating the effects of whole body vibration, alone or combined with other interventions, compared to minimal intervention or other interventions were included. The outcomes measured were: body structure and function (lean body mass, bone mineral density, knee muscle strength and overall stability) and activity and participation (gait speed, walking distance, gross motor function, self-care and mobility). Fifteen randomized trials involving 403 participants were included. Methodological quality of eligible trials was moderate (mean of 5.5 points on the 10-point PEDro scale). Overall, whole body vibration was no better than minimal intervention. In all comparisons where additional effect of whole body vibration was better than other interventions, the effect size ranged from low to high in the trials, but ranged from very-low to low quality at short and medium-term follow-up. Sensitivity analysis for health condition and low-quality studies showed impact on trunk bone mineral density of additional effect of whole body vibration at medium-term compared to other interventions. The low to very-low quality of evidence suggests caution in recommending the use of this approach. New studies could change the findings of this review. PROSPERO registration: CRD42017060704. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of the invasive coral, Tubastraea spp., along the coast of Brazil is considered a serious problem with major ecological and socio-economic impacts. However, studies on the structure and dynamics of the food web associated to this coral, are still missing. At the basis of this coral another non-indigenous species is very often found, the mytilid Leiosolenus aristatus , a borer bivalve that perforates the calcareous base of Tubastraea spp. and seems to be profiting from the invasive nature of its coral host. Stable isotopic analysis was applied to the main macro-organisms occurring amidst Tubastraea spp. colonies, to 1) provide the first trophic characterization of the food web associated with Tubastraea spp. , and to 2) elucidate if L. aristatus has a trophic link to its coral host Tubastraea spp. The food web that accompanies this invasive coral seems to be mostly composed of suspension feeders. It was also concluded that both Tubastraea spp. and L. aristatus are both suspension feeders consuming similar resources. This way, L. aristatus seems to profit from the expansion of Tubastraea spp. because the coral provides valuable habitat where food resources are likely abundant. The coral, however, does not directly nourish the boring bivalve. As Tubastraea spp. progresses in its invasion of new areas, L. aristatus should follow. Such interaction appears to constitute an illustration of the invasion meltdown hypothesis, which states that the negative impacts of non-indigenous species will be intensified by their interactions with other invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological forecasting on the likely impacts of climate warming is crucial at a time when several ecosystems seem to be responding to this environmental threat. Among the most important questions are: which are the most vulnerable organisms to climate warming and where are they? Recently, there has been debate on whether the tropics or temperate zones are more vulnerable to warming. Vulnerability toward higher temperatures will depend on the organisms’ thermal limits and also on their acclimation capacity, which remains largely unknown for most species. The aim of the present work was to estimate (1) the upper thermal limits (Critical Thermal Maximum (CTMax)), (2) the warming tolerance (CTMax – Maximum Habitat Temperature) and (3) the acclimation capacity of tropical and temperate rocky shore organisms. Differences in biological groups (decapod crustaceans vs fish) were investigated and the effect of region (tropical vs temperate) and habitat (intertidal vs subtidal) was tested. Overall, 35 species were tested. For the assessment of the acclimation capacity, tropical-temperate pairs of closely related species of shrimp, crab and fish were selected. Warming tolerance was higher for temperate species than for tropical species and higher for subtidal species than for intertidal species, confirming that species with the highest thermal limits have the lowest warming tolerance. All species tested presented some acclimation capacity (CTMax Trial − CTMax Control ), with the exception of gobiid fish, which was not observed to acclimate. The tropical species tested showed a lower acclimation capacity than their temperate counterparts. Given that tropical rocky shore organisms are already living very close to their thermal limits and that their acclimation capacity is limited, it is likely that the impacts of global warming will be evident sooner in the tropics than in the temperate zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The threat of global warming has prompted numerous recent studies on the thermal tolerance of marine species. A widely used method to determine the upper thermal limit has been the Critical Thermal Maximum (CTMax), a dynamic method, meaning that temperature is increased gradually until a critical point is reached. This method presents several advantages over static methods, however, there is one main issue that hinders interpretation and comparison of CTMax results: the rate at which the temperature is increased. This rate varies widely among published protocols. The aim of the present work was to determine the effect of warming rate on CTMax values, using different animal groups. The influence of the thermal niche occupied by each species (intertidal vs subtidal) and habitat (intertidal vs subtidal) was also investigated. CTMax were estimated at three different rates: 1 °C min −1 , 1 °C 30 min −1 and 1 °C h −1 , in two species of crab, Eurypanopeus abbreviatus and Menippe nodifrons , shrimp Palaemon northropi and Hippolyte obliquimanus and fish Bathygobius soporator and Parablennius marmoreus . While there were significant differences in the effect of warming rates for some species, for other species warming rate produced no significant differences ( H. obliquimanus and B. soporator ). While in some species slower warming rates lead to lower CTMax values ( P. northropi and P. marmoreus ) in other species the opposite occurred ( E. abbreviatus and M. nodifrons ). Biological group has a significant effect with crabs' CTMax increasing at slower warming rates, which did not happen for shrimp and fish. Subtidal species presented lower CTMax, at all warming rates tested. This study highlights the importance of estimating CTMax values at realistic rates that species encounter in their environment and thus have an ecological value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determine the social, environmental, and personal factors associated with high fat mass index in preschoolers. A quantitative, exploratory, and cross-sectional study. Fifty-one Brazilian preschoolers from public schools living in urban areas. The preschoolers' fat mass index was determined using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry. The quality of home and school environments were accessed using the Early Childhood Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment and Early Childhood Environment Rating Scales. The physical activity levels were recorded by accelerometers. The daily energy intake was recorded and sociodemographic data using the Brazilian Economic Classification criterion. Data on exposure time to screens and parental obesity were collected according to the parents' reports. Data analyses were performed using simple and multiple regressions models. Parental obesity (β, 0.516; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.078–5.133), high quality of environmental stimulation of home (β, 0.429; 95% CI, 1.294–4.023), and high exposure time to screens (β, 0.256; 95% CI, 0.215–2.554) explained 43% of preschoolers' high fat mass index. Identification of parental obesity, high quality of environmental stimulation of home, and high exposure time to screens as the most important determinants of the high fat mass index in preschoolers from Brazilian urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Oxidative stress biomarkers have been widely used in the development of ecological indices and in the assessment of exposure of aquatic organisms to contaminants from agricultural, industrial and urban pollution. However, temperature is known to also have a significant effect on oxidative stress biomarkers. This way, temperature is a confounding factor that may result in difficulties in the interpretation of oxidative stress biomarkers response patterns. Since climate change is expected to result in more frequent and intense heat wave events it is pertinent to investigate the effect of increasing temperature in the oxidative stress response of common aquatic organisms. It is also important to assess the differential response of different body tissues, given that they are differently exposed to temperature depending on their location and physiological function. This study investigates the effect of increasing temperature (20 °C–34 °C) in the response of multiple biomarkers of oxidative stress: lipid peroxidation, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, in the muscle, liver and gills of a common coastal fish, the Rock goby, Gobius paganellus. The response of the oxidative stress biomarkers analysed were always higher in the gills than in the other tissues. Muscle generally presented the lower levels of any of the biomarkers tested when compared to other tissues. Nevertheless, muscle tissue always responded significantly to temperature, as did the liver, while the gills were unresponsive in terms of lipid peroxidation and glutathione-S-transferase. Unresponsive tissues to temperature may be particularly interesting as indicators of pollution, given that temperature will not be a confounding variable in their oxidative stress response. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Various studies in captivity and in the wild have pointed to the effect of season, and temperature in particular, in the levels of the oxidative stress biomarkers currently used for environmental quality assessment. However, knowledge on how temperature affects the oxidative stress response is unavailable for most species. This study investigated the effect of increasing temperature on lipid peroxidation, catalase activity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase in the shrimps, Palaemon elegans and Palaemon serratus. It was concluded that increasing temperatures significantly affect all the biomarkers tested in both species, with the exception of superoxide dismutase in P. serratus which was not affected by temperature. The oxidative stress response was more intense in P. elegans, than in P. serratus, producing higher peaks of all biomarkers at temperatures between 22°C and 26°C, followed by low levels at higher temperatures. It was concluded that monitoring of ecosystems using oxidative stress biomarkers should take into account the species and thermal history of the organisms. Sampling should be avoided during heat waves and immediately after heat waves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recent data indicate that neurotrophins may play a role in the physiopathology of bipolar disorder (BD) and may be useful as biomarkers of the disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in BD patients, and to correlate their levels with clinical parameters. BDNF was measured in plasma from 53 BD type I subjects (34 during mania and 19 during euthymia) and 38 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were assessed by a structured clinical interview (Mini-plus), Young mania and Hamilton depression rating scales. Plasma BDNF levels were significantly increased in patients with mania (P ≤0.001) and euthymia (P ≤0.001) when compared with controls, but did not correlate with any clinical parameters. BDNF concentration was higher in BD patients with 10 or more years of disease. BDNF plasma levels were increased in BD patients, mainly in those with a longer course of disease. In line with previous studies, it is conceivable that BDNF may play a role in the pathophysiology of BD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • CTMax of 42 coastal species was estimated. • Most tropical species had negative thermal safety margins in tide pools. • Future thermal safety margins for tide pools were negative for most tropical and temperate organisms. • Thermal vulnerability rankings are reported for 100 species in the study sites. • These are important reference values for future studies. Abstract The threat of global warming has driven recent efforts of estimating upper thermal limits of ectothermic species all over the world. The investigation of thermal limits is crucial for the understanding of climate change ecology, since it provides insight into how climate will shape future species distributions. This work estimated the Critical Thermal Maxima (CTMax) of 42 coastal species (Gastropoda, Crustacea, Teleostei, Echinodermata and Cnidaria) in a tropical and a temperate area. The thermal safety margin (CTMax-Maximum Habitat Temperature) and future thermal safety margin (CTMax-(Maximum Habitat Temperature + 3 °C)) of each species was estimated for two alternative habitats, shallow coastal waters and tide pools. The CTMax of tropical species was higher than that of temperate species and no difference was found among the taxonomic groups tested. Thermal safety margins were larger for temperate species, than for tropical species, and considerably larger for shallow waters than for tide pools. Most tropical species had negative safety margins in tide pools (with only two exceptions), while most temperate species had positive safety margins (with only three exceptions). Future thermal safety margins for tide pools were negative for all tropical organisms and also for most of their temperate counterparts. This work adds to the data collection already available for the study areas, raising the number of species with known upper thermal limits to 100. These estimations do not take into account phenotypical acclimation, nor genetic adaptation, to future temperatures, which are likely to occur. However, they constitute important values for future reference, allowing insights into the adaptation capacity of coastal species, as well as basis to explain future distribution shifts and/or local extinctions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Isotopic analysis was conducted in intertidal waters near a major river. • Reliance on benthic affinity prey was high for top consumers. • Top consumers rely heavily on POM as a carbon source. • Intertidal food webs near a major river depend on terrestrial inputs. • Droughts should disrupt the detrital energy pathway that feeds coastal waters. Abstract Climate change models predict an important decrease in precipitation in some parts of the world, which will lead to a decrease in river plume magnitude. River plumes can have an important enhancing effect on coastal secondary production and sustain important fisheries. Studies using stable isotopes have been proven successful in characterizing the energy pathways that sustain coastal fisheries and their dependence on terrestrial matter inputs. This has been shown in subtidal coastal waters affected by major rivers, but not in the adjacent intertidal food webs. Since intertidal food webs function as nursery and refuge areas for important commercial species it is important to understand if they too are dependent on river carbon inputs. In this study, carbon and nitrogen isotopes were used to investigate the incorporation of terrestrial particulate organic matter (POM) input into the intertidal communities of the northern and southern coast adjacent to the river Tagus. In total 34 food web components were analysed. Among the top consumers, 16 fish species and two shrimp species were identified. Nine commercial fish species were analysed. Reliance on benthic affinity prey was high for most top consumers. Top consumers relied heavily on POM as a carbon source. Intertidal food webs near the Tagus river mouth are dependent on terrestrial inputs. The increase in droughts predicted by climate change models should impact these coastal food webs, since the benthic energy pathway upon which this food web relies, should be negatively impacted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soluble receptors tumor necrosis factor-alpha (sTNFRs) can lead to an increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor, increasing its detrimental to systemic inflammatory activation in Chagas cardiomyopathy (ChC). However, the correlation between sTNFRs levels, echocardiographic, and functional levels in patients with ChC remains unknown. This study aimed to verify the correlation between the plasma sTNFRs levels, echocardiographic, and NYHA functional levels in patients with ChC. Sixty-four patients with ChD (54 ± 2 years, 44% males, NYHA I-II) were evaluated by anamnesis protocol, echocardiography, and plasma sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 measurement. Linear regression analysis and Student's t -test were used as appropriate. Higher plasma sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels were associate with worse systolic function (R2 = 0.10; p = 0.008 and R2 = 0.44; p < 0.001) and cardiac dilation (R2 = 0.13; p = 0.002 and R2 = 0.43; p < 0.001). Patients with systolic dysfunction and cardiac dilatation had higher sTNFRs levels (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences among NYHA functional classes for both sTNFRs. Plasma sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 levels are associated with greater cardiac dilation and poor systolic function in ChC patients. • Plasma sTNFRs levels are related to poor prognosis in patients with heart disease. • Cardiac dysfunction was associated with higher plasma sTNFRs levels in ChC patients. • Plasma sTNFRs levels were similar among the ChC patients with NYHA classes I and II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Barks of Ximenia americana are used by the population to treat gastrointestinal inflammatory disorders. Indomethacin is a non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that induces marked gastrointestinal damage. Aims of the studies To evaluate the gastroprotective activity of total polysaccharides contained in the extract (TPL-Xa) or tea (Tea-Xa) of Ximenia americana barks in the mice gastric damage induced by indomethacin. Materials and methods TPL-Xa was obtained by a combination of NaOH extraction and ethanol precipitation. Tea-Xa was prepared in distilled water boiled during 5 min. Animals received p.o. 0.9% NaCl (saline - control group), TPL-Xa (1–90 mg/kg) or Tea-Xa 1 h before gastritis induction by indomethacin (20 mg/kg). Mice were sacrificed 7 h after gastritis induction and analyzed for the following parameters: stomach lesions measurement; histological evaluation; myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity; nitrate/nitrite and cytokine levels; leukocyte adhesion and rolling by intravital microscopy. Results TPL-Xa reduced macroscopic and microscopic damage, MPO activity (59%), leukocyte rolling (86%) and adhesion (84%), nitrite/nitrate ratio (100%) and IL-8 (69%), but increased IL-4 (50%). Tea-Xa (12.8 yield; 39.3% carbohydrate, including 25.8% uronic acid; 4% protein) reduced macroscopic damage (62%) and MPO activity (50%). Conclusion TPL and Tea of Ximenia americana barks ameliorate the gastric injury induced by indomethacin in mice, an effect that was dependent on the reduction of neutrophil infiltration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are being associated to increase cardiovascular and metabolic adaptation, there is controversy and limited information about the effects of HIIT on hippocampal oxidative stress, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines balance and neurotrophic status. Thus, this study evaluated the effects of six weeks of HIIT on hippocampal redox state (oxidative damage and enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses), neuroimmune mediators (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10) and brain-derived neurotrophic (BDNF) levels. After six weeks of HIIT young adults male Wistar rats presented reduced oxidative damage and increased enzymatic (superoxide dismutase) and non-enzymatic activity in hippocampus. Moreover HIIT induced a decrease in cytokine content (TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-10) and enhanced hippocampal BDNF levels. In conclusion, the present study showed for the first time a positive effect of six weeks of HIIT on reducing hippocampal oxidative stress by decreasing lipoperoxidation and inflammatory markers, as well enhancing antioxidant defenses and BDNF content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotinine (CO) is the principal metabolite of nicotine, and it is used as a biomarker to monitor the exposure of an individual to tobacco. This paper sought to present the use of a boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode for the electrochemical characterization of CO by voltammetric techniques and its quantification in saliva samples by multiple-pulse amperometry (MPA) in a flow injection analysis (FIA) system. In phosphate buffer solution 0.1 mol L −1 (pH 7), the CO presented two electrochemical processes, one anodic at +1.8 V and one cathodic at −1.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The second process was dependent on the first and both processes were irreversible. It was found that CO electrochemical processes are controlled by diffusion and that two-protons and two-electrons are involved in the oxidation reaction. In determination of CO in saliva samples, the MPA detection was used, applying four potential pulses: (1) at +1.8 V/400 ms, generator potential pulse for oxidation of CO; (2) at −1.0 V/500 ms, potential pulse for remove possible interferents; (3) at −1.2 V/30 ms, collector potential pulse for reduction of the product generated and CO quantification; (4) 1.45 V/300 ms, potential pulse for cleaning BDD electrode. The proposed method attained an analytical frequency of 36 determinations per hour with a relative standard deviation of 1.47% for 10 measurements of 1.0 × 10 −5 mol L −1 CO. A good linear range from 0.5 to 100 μmol L −1 was obtained with a detection limit for CO estimated at 0.06 μmol L −1 . Approximately 100% of the CO added to saliva samples was recovered. Therefore, this work presents, for the first time, the electrochemical behavior of the CO at an electrode as well as a simple, fast and low-cost method for monitoring the degree of exposure to tobacco by CO determination in saliva samples using the FIA-MPA technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study analyzed the sensorial, structural and functional response of rats subjected to paw immobilization. Main methods Animal pelvis, hip, knee and ankle were immobilized using waterproof tape during two weeks for assessment of sensorial response to thermal (hot plate test) and mechanical stimuli (Von Frey test), motor system structure (histology and radiography) and muscle function (soleus contractility). Key findings Disuse animals became more responsive to thermal stimuli (49%), although less responsive to mechanical challenge (58%). Disuse animals showed local injuries such as reduction in muscle fiber diameter (16.7% in gastrocnemius, 5.7% in soleus), contractile activity (55% of the control maximal tonic contraction) and tibia cortical thickness (9.3%), besides increased nitrite:protein ratio, suggestive of protein degradation. Disuse also evoked systemic adaptations that include increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase (36.1%) and alkaline phosphatase (400%), but reduction in calcium (8.4%) and total serum protein (5.5%), especially albumin (34.2%). Significance Two weeks of functional paw disuse leads to local and systemic harmful adaptive changes in sensorial and structural systems. This study brings new insights into nervous and motor system mechanism associated with therapeutic limb immobilization in muscle and skeletal pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated whether blood-based biomarkers were related to functional test performance and respiratory muscle strength in older adults with COPD and sarcopenia. The participants included in this cross-sectional study were from both sexes and sixty years or older. Based on clinical assessment, participants were categorized in COPD (n = 43) and non-COPD (NCOPD) (n = 43) groups. They were also assessed for body composition and muscular mass by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, using the relative skeletal muscle index for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. A series of functional tests, including short physical performance battery (SPPB), 6-minute walking test (6MWT), maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP), were carried out. Plasma levels of myokines (Irisin and BDNF), and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were determined by ELISA. In the multivariate analysis, 6MWD was associated with age, COPD-related sarcopenia and BDNF (R2 = 0.29; f2 = 0.41). SPPB score was associated with COPD-related sarcopenia and sTNFR1 (R2 = 0.25; f2 = 0.33). MIP value was associated with sex, COPD-related sarcopenia, sTNFR2 and Irisin (R2 = 0.24; f2 = 0.31). Finally, MEP value was associated with sex COPD-related sarcopenia (R2 = 0.18; f2 = 0.22). Plasma levels of myokines and inflammatory markers are related with functional and respiratory performance in older adults with COPD and sarcopenia. • Plasma levels of the myokines Irisin and BDNF, and soluble TNF-II receptor are reduced in COPD. • Myokines and soluble TNF receptors were associated with lower functional and respiratory tests in older adults. • Measurement of myokines and soluble TNF receptors might help in the assessment and management of COPD-related sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Increased pro-inflammatory state has been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of TNF-α and soluble TNF-α receptors 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in anti-depressant free depressed elderly patients as compared to healthy controls. Sixty-seven older adults (28 with major depression and 39 controls) were enrolled to this study. Participants were assessed by the SCID and diagnosis of major depressive episode was made according to the DSM-IV criteria. Serum TNF-α, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were determined by ELISA. Anti-depressant free patients with late-life depression showed an increased level of the sTNFR2 as compared to controls (p = 0.03). No significant differences were found in serum TNF-α and sTNFR1 levels (p = 0.1 and p = 0.4, respectively). There was no correlation between serum levels of these inflammatory markers and the severity of depression. Our findings provide additional evidence of the involvement of abnormal pro-inflammatory state in late-life depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often present with sarcopenia, a condition marked by the loss in quality and quantity of muscle mass that can affect the strength of respiratory muscles. COPD and sarcopenia are also independently associated with oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate whether oxidative stress biomarkers and respiratory muscle strength are associated with sarcopenia in COPD patients. In a cross-sectional study, 86 elderly subjects, including subjects with and without COPD were assessed for body composition, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) and oxidative stress parameters [substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), s uperoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)]. The sample was mainly composed by males (72.1%) and eutrophic subjects. COPD-related sarcopenia was evidenced in 51.1% (22/43) of subjects with COPD. The highest TBARS and CAT, and lower MIP and MEP were associated with a high probability of having COPD-related sarcopenia. In the multivariate analysis, TBARS (OR: 4.89, 95% CI 1.52 to 15.54, p = 0.006), CAT (OR: 1.22, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.45, p = 0.020) and MEP (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, p = 0.020) were independent determinants of COPD-related sarcopenia. The increase in oxidative stress-related factors and the reduction of respiratory muscle strength are associated with COPD-related sarcopenia. • The increase in oxidative stress is associated with COPD-related sarcopenia. • Respiratory muscle strength reduction is associated with COPD-related sarcopenia. • This study provides support for COPD management and new research on this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Offspring of high-fat fed dams showed elevated IL-6 in the hippocampus. • LPS tolerance preventing inflammation and increases hippocampus IL-10. • Short-term memory impairment was observed in offspring of high-fat fed dams. • LPS tolerance avoids impairment in short-term memory. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance can reduce the neuroinflammation caused by high fat maternal diets; however, there are no reports that have evaluated the effects of prenatal LPS exposure on the memories of the offspring of high-fat diet fed dams. This study evaluated the effects of prenatal LPS exposure on the inflammatory parameters and redox status in the brain, as well as the object recognition memory of adolescent offspring of Wistar rat dams that were treated with a high-fat diet during gestation and lactation. Female pregnant Wistar rats randomly received a standard diet (17.5% fat) or a high-fat diet (45.0% fat) during gestation and lactation. On gestation days 8, 10, and 12, half of the females in each group were intraperitoneally treated with LPS (0.1 mg.kg−1). After weaning, the male offspring were placed in cages in standard conditions, and at 6 weeks old, animals underwent the novel object recognition test (for short- and long-term memory). The offspring of the high-fat diet fed dams showed increased hippocampus IL-6 levels (21-days-old) and impaired short-term memories. These effects were avoided in the offspring of high-fat diet fed dams submitted to prenatal LPS exposure, which showed greater hippocampus IL-10 levels (at 21- and 50-days-old), increased antioxidant activity (50-days-old) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, without memory impairments (short- and long-term memory). IL-6 has been consistently implicated in memory deficits and as an endogenous mechanism for limiting plasticity, while IL-10 regulates glial activation and has a strong association with improvements in cognitive function. Prenatal LPS exposure preventing the increase of IL-6 in the hippocampus and the impairment to short-term object recognition memory caused by the high-fat maternal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endurance training prevents cardiac dysfunction induced by menopause, but to date, no studies compared the effects of endurance training prior to menopause versus estrogen replacement therapy during menopause on heart function of rats. Female Wistar rats aged three months were randomly assigned into three groups: Untrained ovariectomized rats (UN-OVX), untrained ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol (UN-OVX-E2), and ovariectomized rats previously exercised (EX-OVX). The endurance training protocol consisted of running on a treadmill at 60-70% of maximal aerobic capacity, 60 min per day, five days per week, for eight weeks. Estradiol replacement therapy consisted of silastic capsules containing the hormone for twelve days. After euthanasia, hearts were harvested, weighed and cardiac function was evaluated by the Langendorff technique. Both cardiac contractility and relaxation indexes improved similarly in the EX-OVX and UN-OVX-E2 rats compared to UN-OVX. Our findings reveal similar beneficial effects between endurance training previously to menopause and estradiol replacement therapy during menopause on cardiac function of rats. • Endurance training improves cardiac contractility in ovariectomized rats. • Endurance training improves cardiac relaxation in ovariectomized rats. • Endurance training has similar beneficial effects to estradiol replacement therapy on cardiac function of ovariectomized rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduction in functional capacity is a negative clinical outcome of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies have shown association between inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers and functional capacity. However, it is unclear whether these biomarkers are associated with outcomes of functional capacity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether plasma biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress are predictors of the 6-min walking test (6MWT)-derived outcomes. Twenty COPD patients were assessed on three consecutive days with different clinical measures, including functional capacity, and blood sampling. Plasma concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, TNF-ɑ, IL-10 and soluble TNF-ɑ receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) were determined by immunoassays. Oxidative stress was evaluated by determining lipid peroxidation products based on the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, and total antioxidant capacity of plasma. Functional capacity was assessed considering the six-minute walking distance (6MWD) and the estimate of six-minute walking work (6MWW). The association between biomarkers (i.e. inflammation and oxidative stress) and functional exercise capacity was investigated through the Pearson's correlation coefficient. To identify the determinants of the 6MWT, multiple linear stepwise regression analyses were performed with adjustment for age, sex and GOLD classification. Patients were predominantly male (65%), with mean age of 64 years and moderate airflow obstruction and impaired functional capacity. There were positive correlations between SOD activity and 6MWD (r = 0.520; p = 0.02) and 6MWW (r = 0.554; p = 0.01), as well as a negative correlation between sTNF-R1 and 6MWD (r = −0.437; p = 0.05). SOD was an independent determinant of the functional capacity, explaining 23% of the variability of 6MWD (p = 0.019) and 27% of the variability of 6MWW (p = 0.011). sTNF-R1 levels were associated with 6MWD and, together with SOD explained 40% of variability in 6MWD (p = 0.005). SOD activity was an independent determinant of performance in the 6MWT, and together with sTNFR1 explained 40% of the variations in walking distance in COPD patients. SOD activity and sTNFR1 levels might be seen as potential biomarkers of the functional capacity in patients with COPD. • SOD and sTNF-R1 are potential biomarkers of functional capacity in COPD. • Plasma levels of biomarkers are associated with the distance covered in the 6MWT. • Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an independent determinant of functional capacity in COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Maternal high-fat diet increased IL-6/IL-10 ratio in offspring's amygdala. • Maternal high-fat diet promoted anxiety-like behavior in offspring. • Maternal high-fat diet + LPS tolerance prevented offspring's amygdala inflammation. • Maternal high-fat diet + LPS tolerance prevented anxiety-like behavior in offspring. Maternal high-fat diets (HFD) can generate inflammation in the offspring's amygdala, which can lead to anxiety-like behaviors. Conversely, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) tolerance can reduce neuroinflammation in the offspring caused by maternal high-fat diets. This study evaluated the combination of LPS tolerance and high-fat maternal diet on amygdala's inflammatory parameters and the anxiety-like behavior in adolescent offspring. Female pregnant Wistar rats received randomly a standard diet or a high-fat diet during gestation and lactation. On gestation days 8, 10, and 12, half of the females in each group were intraperitonially injected with LPS (0.1 mg.kg-1). After weaning, the male offspring (n = 96) were placed in individual boxes in standard conditions, and when 6 weeks-old, the animals underwent: Open-Field, Light/Dark Box, Elevated Plus-Maze, and Rotarod tests. When 50 days-old the offspring were euthanized and the amygdala removed for cytokine and redox status analysis. The offspring in the HFD group showed lower amygdala IL-10 levels, high IL-6/IL-10 ratio, and anxiety-like behaviors. These effects were attenuated in the HFD offspring submitted to LPS tolerance, which showed an anti-inflammatory compensatory response in the amygdala. Also, this group showed a higher activity of the enzyme catalase in the amygdala. In addition, receiving the combination of LPS tolerance and maternal HFD did not lead to anxiety-like behavior in the offspring. The results suggest that LPS tolerance attenuated amygdala inflammation through an anti-inflammatory compensatory response besides preventing anxiety-like behavior caused by the high-fat maternal diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• T2D main feature is insulin resistance, which is the hallmark of cognitive decline. • Resistance training is a non-pharmacological tool that ameliorates T2D features. • Locomotor activity or anxious behavior are not significantly altered in T2D rats. • T2D rats preserved cognition after 4 weeks of high-intensity resistance training. • T2D rats which did not perform resistance training presented cognitive impairment. Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that can lead to cognitive decline through impairment of insulin signaling. Resistance training, a type of physical exercise, is a non-pharmacological approach used to improve insulin resistance in T2D. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of high-intensity resistance training (HIRT) over cognitive function, locomotor activity, and anxious behavior in rats induced to T2D. Thirty young adult male wistar rats were distributed into 3 groups (n = 10): Control; dexamethasone (D); and dexamethasone + exercise (DE), that performed the HIRT during 4 weeks. Blood glucose, water intake, and total body fat were measured. Locomotor activity, and anxious behavior where evaluated through the open field task. Cognitive function was assessed through the novel object recognition task. Insulin resistance and neuronal death were evaluated through western blot analysis. Rats induced to T2D had higher blood glucose levels, and consumed more water when compared to control group, but DE had better blood glucose levels than D. Total body fat was reduced in DE compared to D. Locomotor activity, and anxious behavior were not significantly altered. T2D rats which performed HIRT maintained cognitive function, while those induced to T2D that did not exercise developed cognitive decline. DE group showed a reduction in the inhibition of the activation of hippocampal IRS-1 and higher expression of GSk3β phosphorylated in serine compared to D group, revealing insulin signaling impairment, and neuronal death were identified in the hippocampus of D group. Lifestyle intervention through the regular practice of HIRT plays a fundamental role in the treatment of T2D preventing cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Intense physical training is suggested to be harmful to cognitive function. • HIIT was used to assess redox state, behavior and cognitive function in rats. • HIIT did not change the anxious profile or locomotor activity. • Lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant mechanisms were seen in cerebellar tissue. • HIIT had no deleterious effects on rats' cognitive function. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is associated with better physical performance, but there is limited information about the effects of HIIT on redox state of cerebellar tissue, cerebral cortex, and cognition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HIIT on redox state parameters in cerebellar tissue, cerebral cortex, and cognitive function of Wistar rats. Forty-three young male Wistar rats were housed under controlled environmental conditions with food, and water ad libitum. Animals were assigned to HIIT or Non-trained groups. HIIT protocol was performed during six weeks. Speed was determined through the assesstment of the maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2max). HIIT consisted of short bouts (1 min) running on a treadmill at 10° inclination (85–100% of VO 2max) with 2 min of active recovery (60% of VO 2max , without inclination). Non-trained group was daily exposed to a disconnected treadmill for the same amount of time as HITT group. Both groups were submitted to the open field, and novel object recognition tasks after six weeks. Malondialdehyde concentration (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were quantified to determine the redox state. HIIT presented increased levels of MDA, SOD, and FRAP (p < 0.05) in the cerebellar tissue, but no differences were seen in cerebral cortex. These results indicated an improved antioxidant capacity, despite increased MDA levels in the cerebellar tissue. Both groups did not present impairment in locomotor activity, development of anxious behavior or cognitive decline. HIIT enhanced the antioxidant defenses on cerebellar tissue with no deleterious effects on rats' cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]