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Objective The Parkinson Anxiety Scale (PAS) was developed to measure the severity of anxiety symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), and it has not yet been adapted and validated in Portuguese. Thus, this study evaluated the reliability and validity of a translated and adapted version of the PAS for the Brazilian population of PD patients. Methods The Parkinson Anxiety Scale – Brazilian Version (PAS-BV) was completed by 55 patients with PD. The reliability (test-retest reliability, interrater reliability and internal consistency) and construct validity of the PAS-BV were assessed by comparing it with the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Parkinson’s Disease Fatigue Scale (PFS) and the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) part III. Results Patients with PD had an average age of 64.51 ± 9.20 years and had PD for an average of 6.98 ± 5.02 years. The reliability of the PAS-BV was 0.83, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (retest-test) was 0.88. The scale presented good convergent validity with the BAI (rs = 0.82, p < 0.05). It also presented good divergent validity with the PFS (rs = 0.24, p > 0.05) and the UPDRS part II (rs = -0.10, p > 0.05), part III (rs = -0.21, p > 0.05), and part IV (rs = 0.03, p > 0.05), as indicated by the absence of significant correlations. However, there was a significant correlation between the PAS-BV and part I of the UPDRS (rs = 0.67, p < 0.05). Conclusion The PAS-BV presents substantial reliability and validity for patients with PD without dementia.

Stingrays skin secretions are largely studied due to the human envenoming medical relevance of the sting puncture that evolves to inflammatory events, including necrosis. Such toxic effects can be correlated to the biochemical composition of the sting mucus, according to the literature. Fish skin plays important biological roles, such as the control of the osmotic pressure gradient, protection against mechanical forces and microorganism infections. The mucus, on the other hand, is a rich and complex fluid, acting on swimming, nutrition and the innate immune system. The elasmobranch's epidermis is a tissue composed mainly by mucus secretory cells, and marine stingrays have already been described to present secretory glands spread throughout the body. Little is known about the biochemical composition of the stingray mucus, but recent studies have corroborated the importance of mucus in the envenomation process. Aiming to assess the mucus composition, a new non-invasive mucus collection method was developed that focused on peptides and proteins, and biological assays were performed to analyze the toxic and immune activities of the Hypanus americanus mucus. Pathophysiological characterization showed the presence of peptidases on the mucus, as well as the induction of edema and leukocyte recruitment in mice. The fractionated mucus improved phagocytosis on macrophages and showed antimicrobial activity against T. rubrumç. neoformans and C. albicans in vitro. The proteomic analyses showed the presence of immune-related proteins like actin, histones, hemoglobin, and ribosomal proteins. This protein pattern is similar to those reported for other fish mucus and stingray venoms. This is the first report depicting the Hypanus stingray mucus composition, highlighting its biochemical composition and importance for the stingray immune system and the possible role on the envenomation process.

The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of high levels of physical activity (in elite athletes) and sedentary lifestyle on telomere length. Our meta-analysis was carried out using the following electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS, Science Direct and EBSCO. After study selection, nine articles were included in our meta-analysis. All of the included subjects were elite athletes (with experience in national or international competitions) or sedentary subjects, which served as the control group. The analysis showed that elite athletes (n = 306) had longer telomeres (P = 0.001) compared with the control group (n = 322). The difference in the standardized means was 0.91 (95% CI = 0.43–1.33; I2 83.4% P value for heterogeneity = 0.001), favoring the athlete group. The analysis of the funnel plot did not detect any risk of publication bias in the studies that reported differences in means. Our results suggest that high level chronic physical training may provide protective effects on telomere length.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are an important group of people vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections. Northern Brazil is a rural and socioeconomically underdeveloped region, with lack of epidemiological information on syphilis in key populations. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with exposure to Treponema pallidum among FSWs in three major cities in northern Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 415 FSWs from the cities of Belém, Macapá, and Rio Branco. Blood samples and personal data were collected from January 2009 to August 2010. Rapid plasma reagin and immunoenzymatic assays were used to detect antibodies against T. pallidum. Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. In total, 36.1% were exposed to T. pallidum, and 15.7% had active syphilis. Sexual risk behaviors, use of illicit drugs, low education, and reduced monthly income were associated with exposure to T. pallidum. The high rate of exposure to T. pallidum indicates the urgent need for measures to identify, treat, and prevent syphilis and an education program for the valuation, care, and social inclusion of FSWs in northern Brazil.

Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Papilomav?rus. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Papilomav?rus. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Reference Unit Specialized in Infectious and Parasitic Diseases. Bel?m, PA, Brazil Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Federal University of Par?. Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents Post-Graduate Program. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Federal University of Par?. Institute of Biological Sciences. Virology Laboratory. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. Several studies have shown a higher prevalence of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the genotype diversity of HPV infection in HIV-infected women. From April 2010 to December 2012 cervical specimens were collected from 169 HIV-infected women who screening for cervical cancer at Reference Unit in Bel?m. The detection of HPV infection was performed by nested PCR and HPV type was performed using a commercial system. The prevalence of HPV infection was 63.3%. Of the 47 genotyped samples, 40.4% was found positive for high risk-HPV 16 and 12.8% for high risk-HPV 52. HPV infection was predominant in the group of women with no incidence of cytological abnormalities and more prevalent in women of reproductive age, unmarried, low education level, and who reported use condoms during sexual intercourse. It was observed an association between HPV infection and independent variables, such as condom use, multiple sexual partners, and history of sexually transmitted diseases. High-risk types of HPV infection were prevalent in our study. Infection with multiple high-risk HPV genotypes may potentiate the development of cervical cancer in HIV-infected women.

Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a high vulnerability group for the acquisition of sexual and parenteral infections such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of serological markers and risk factors associated with exposure to HBV and HCV among FSWs in the state of Para, Brazil. A cross-sectional study using principles of the time location sampling (TLS) method was conducted in four cities (Belem, Braganca, Barcarena, and Augusto Correa) of the state of Para, from 2005 to 2006. In total, 365 FSWs were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for serological markers of exposure to HBV and HCV using an enzyme immunoassay. The overall prevalence of exposure to HBV and HCV was 36.7% and 7.7%, respectively. The prevalence of surface antigen of HBV was 3.0%. The prevalence of anti-HBc and anti-HBc+ anti-HBs antibodies were 6.3% and 27.4%. Very few (4.7%) FSWs had vaccine immunity against HBV (anti-HBs antibodies only). The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 7.7%. Low monthly income, drug usage, and unprotected sex were some of the social characteristics associated with exposure to the viruses using different analysis. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections among FSWs in four cities of the state of Para is high when compared to the general population of Brazil, but similar to those found in FSWs in other nondeveloped countries. The prevalence of HBV was higher in Belem, while the prevalence of HCV was higher in the other three cities, highlighting the importance of establishing control and prevention programs to reduce the risk of acquiring these viruses in Para.

Female sex workers (FSWs) represent a key population for the acquisition of sexually transmitted infections (STI) due to their social vulnerability and the risks associated with their occupation. This study was conducted to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviour among FSWs in cities in northern Brazil, to determine the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1/2) infections and to identify the circulating subtypes of these agents in this key population. A cross-sectional study using the Time Location Sampling (TLS) method was conducted among 339 FSWs in cities in the state of Para from 2005 to 2006. Serological and molecular tests were performed to identify infections and viral subtypes, and bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors. Most FSWs were young, single, less educated and had at least one child. The prevalence of antibodies against HIV-1 and HTLV-1 was 2.3% and 1.7%, respectively. HIV-1 subtypes B (87.5%) and F1 (12.5%) were identified among FSWs, as were Cosmopolitan subtype (1a) and Transcontinental subgroup (A). Unprotected sex and illicit drug use were associated with HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infections using bivariate and multivariate analyses, and age ≥ 27 years was associated only with HIV. The important information highlighted here clearly indicates that the lack of actions to control and prevent pathogens in FSWs and the lack of strategies for health promotion in key populations can further aggravate the epidemiological scenario of viral infections in remote areas with low human development indices. Neglecting these facts may be causing the spread of these two viruses and their respective subtypes in the general population of northern Brazil.

The case of a woman hospitalized due to COVID-19 is presented. The patient developed a severe macrophage activation syndrome diagnosed by bone marrow biopsy, which did not respond to immunoglobulin therapy.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance training alone on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Our meta-analysis, followed the guidelines of PRISMA. The search for articles was realized by November 2016 using the following electronic databases: BIREME, PubMed, Cochrane Library, LILACS and SciELO and a search strategy that included the combination of titles of medical affairs and terms of free text to the key concepts: 'hypertension' 'hypertensive', 'prehypertensive', 'resistance training', 'strength training', and 'weight-lifting'. These terms were combined with a search strategy to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and identified a total of 1608 articles: 644 articles BIREME, 53 SciELO, 722 PubMed, 122 Cochrane Library and 67 LILACS. Of these, five RCTs met the inclusion criteria and provided data on 201 individuals. The results showed significant reductions for systolic blood pressure (-8.2 mm Hg CI -10.9 to -5.5;I2: 22.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.271 and effect size=-0.97) and diastolic blood pressure (-4.1 mm Hg CI -6.3 to -1.9; I2: 46.5% P valor for heterogeneity=0.113 and effect size=-0.60) when compared to group control. In conclusion, resistance training alone reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive subjects. The RCTs studies that investigated the effects of resistance training alone in prehypertensive and hypertensive patients support the recommendation of resistance training as a tool for management of systemic hypertension.

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) is a muscoid species that is widespread throughout the world and acts as a mechanical vector of different enteropathogens primarily in underdeveloped countries. The adult and its immature forms are associated with decaying organic matter and can be seen visiting human corpses and animal carcass, and the larvae can also cause an infestation on human and animal wounds, feeding on the tissues. These characteristics make them have a forensic significance and, mainly, a great sanitary importance. This study aimed to analyze and describe morphological aspects of their immature stages of M. domestica, including the eggs, the first-, second-, and third-instar larvae, and the puparium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The eggs have standard format that all muscoid flies shared. The exochorion has some modified cells that were used for embryonic respiration. The first-instar larvae present two openings on the posterior spiracle as in the second-instar larvae, but with the last one, we can observe the anterior spiracle structure. The third-instar larvae, as in some other Muscidae species, have a posterior spiracular opening with a sinuous form that is located near the edge of the spiracular plate. The puparium morphology is equal to the third instar with a respiratory structure that helps the breathing during the metamorphosis process. This article supports the need for knowledge over the morphological characteristics of the immature forms of the muscoid Diptera (Linnaeus, 1758) at the same time helping with the correct identification of this insect phase.

National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient?fico and Tecnol?gico - CNPQ) and the Institutional Support Program for Qualified Production (Programa de Apoio a Produ??o Qualificada - PAPQ/2019) of the Universidade Federal do Par?. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Background: Human polyomavirus 2 (HPyV2 or JCPyV) is persistent in the environment due to its excretion in urine and feces; it is detected in samples of wastewater, surface water and drinking water. A lack of basic sanitation and sewage collection results in the presence of this virus in food, especially in oysters, since they are bioaccumulators and are consumed in their natural form, thus posing a risk to human health. Methods: This study investigated the frequency of HPyV2 in samples of oysters marketed in northeastern Par? State, Brazil, and optimized a real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol for the detection of an endogenous oyster control. A total of 217 oysters in 22 pools from five municipalities in the state of Par? were analyzed. Samples underwent dissection and total maceration of oyster tissue using a viral concentration technique, followed by DNA extraction with phenol-chloroform and amplification of the VP1 region for molecular detection via qPCR. Results: HPyV2 was detected in 18.2% (4/22) of the pooled samples, with frequencies of 25, 20, 20 and 16% in the municipalities of Salin?polis, Augusto Corr?a, S?o Caetano de Odivelas and Curu??, respectively. Notably, the sample pool from the municipality of Bragan?a did not have detectable HPyV2 and this was the only sampled location with a water treatment station. In this study, Crassostrea genus-specific primers (AFL52 ribosomal RNA gene) of oyster were developed for use as an endogenous control in the qPCR analysis, which will be useful for future studies. Conclusions: The detection of HPyV2 in oyster samples commercialized in the state of Par? shows the circulation of this virus in the studied municipalities. Thus, it is necessary to implement measures for improving sewage collection and basic sanitation to avoid contamination of water and food with HPyV2

Helminth and protozoan infections are responsible for important diseases in grazing sheep, which can be especially threatening in an autochthonous breed at risk of extinction like the Churra Galega Mirandesa Portuguese sheep breed. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity, prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in these sheep and to assess the effects of deworming practices, cohabiting animals on the farm and feed management. Coprological qualitative and quantitative analysis (flotation, natural sedimentation and McMaster method) were used to identify and quantify gastrointestinal parasites and a questionnaire was designed and applied. A total of 512 faecal samples were collected from 49 flocks, and 49 replies to the questionnaire were received. Parasites were identified in 100% of the flocks, and in 97% of the samples. The genera or species that have been morphologically identified were: strongyle-type, Nematodirus spp., Skrjabinema spp., Moniezia expansa, Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Eimeria spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This is the first report in Portugal of Skrjabinema spp. The burden of parasites’ oocysts and eggs per gram in faecal samples ranged, respectively, from 50 to 17,550 for Eimeria spp., and from 50 to 6250 for strongyle-type eggs. Factors affecting parasitic infections were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression. Grazing time and a lack of anthelmintic treatment were positively associated with Nematodirus spp. infection. This study showed that there is a high prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in the Churra Galega Mirandesa sheep breed.

Background The progression of Parkinson disease can lead to respiratory muscle weakness, reduced peak expiratory flow and quality of life (QoL). The aim was to evaluate the effects of strength training on levels of respiratory muscle strength, peak expiratory flow and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. Methods A total of 28 patients were randomized into one of two groups: the control group (CG) comprised 16 participants, and the strength training group (STG) comprised 12 participants. All subjects maintained the standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson disease, and the intervention group participated in a 16-week strength training program. The primary outcome was the measurement of respiratory muscle strength. Results The STG showed improved values of maximum inspiratory pressures (36.11±11.82 to 52.94±24.17; P=0.01), maximum expiratory pressures (56.67±22.08 to 71.04±33.71; P=0.03) and QoL (41.75±20.33 to 34±20.92; P=0.0054); there was no significant difference in the peak expiratory flow (336.11±198.04 to 380±229.57; P=0.09). The CG showed significantly decreased values of peak expiratory flow (336.88±183.40 to 279.37±125.12, P=0.02) and non-significant changes in the other variables. Conclusions Sixteen weeks of strength training improves the inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength and QoL of elderly with Parkinson disease. These findings suggest that strength training could be considered an adjunct therapeutic intervention for elderly with Parkinson disease.

BACKGROUND Depression affects up to 40% of individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). PURPOSE To assess resistance training effects on the depressive symptoms of elderly PD patients. STUDY DESIGN A randomized control study. METHODS Thirty-three patients (aged ≥ 60 years) were randomly divided into two groups: (a) control group: n = 16 and (b) resistance training group (RTG): n = 17. All patients with Parkinson's disease (stage 1-3 on the Hoehn and Yahr scale). The RTG, in addition to maintaining their pharmacological treatments, performed 20 weeks of resistance training. The control group maintained their pharmacological treatments. Depressive symptoms, quality of life, unified Parkinson's Disease scale, and functional capacity were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS The RTG presented a significant reduction (P

Mutações no gene GBA têm sido reportadas em pacientes com doença de Parkinson (DP) em diferentes países, incluindo o Brasil. Com o objetivo de confirmar esse padrão em uma amostra de pacientes com DP provenientes do Norte brasileiro, foi conduzindo esse estudo caso-controle investigando a frequência das duas mutações mais comuns do gene GBA (c.1226A>G; p.N370S e c.1448T>C; p.L444P) em um grupo de 81 pacientes com DP e 81 controles, usando PCR-RFLP e confirmado pelo sequenciamento direto de produtos de PCR. No grupo experimental, três pacientes (3,7%) foram heterozigotos para a mutação c.1226A>G; p.N370S e três (3,7%), para a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P Nenhuma das duas mutações foi detectada no grupo controle (p =0,0284). Pacientes com a mutação c.1448T>C; p.L444P demonstraram uma tendência a apresentar os sintomas mais precocemente, porém um número amostrai maior é necessário para confirmar essa observação. Nossos resultados sugerem uma associação entre essas duas mutações no gene GBA e o desenvolvimento de DP na população de pacientes do norte Brasileiro. Mutations of the GBA gene have been reported in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) from a number of different countries, including Brazil. In order to confirm this pattern in a sample of PD patients from northern Brazil, we conducted a case-control study of the occurrence of the two most common mutations of the GBA gene (c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P) in a group of 81 PD patients and 81 control individuals, using PCR-RFLP, confirmed by the direct sequencing of the PCR products. In the patient group, three patients (3.7%) were heterozygous for the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S mutation, and three (3.7%) for GBA c.1448T>C; p.L444P Neither mutation was detected in the control group (p =0.0284). Patients with the c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutation showed a tendency to have an earlier disease onset, but a larger sample number is required to confirm this observation. Our results suggest an association between the GBA c.1226A>G; p.N370S and c.1448T>C; p.L444P mutations and the development of PD in the population of patients from the Northern Brazil. CAVALCANTE, Fernando Otávio Quaresma. Universidade Federal do Pará, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto (HUJBB)

Estuaries are dynamic environments, key for the survival of innumerous ecologically or economically important fish species. Among these species are Neotropical silversides (Atherinella brasiliensis), which are resident and abundant in Brazilian estuaries and used as a complementary source of income and food for local communities. To better understand silverside populations in Brazil, we evaluated the genetic diversity, structure and demography of fish sampled at six estuaries from the northeastern to the southern coast, using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA and mitochondrial DNA (D-loop) markers. High haplotype diversities (h ranging from 0.75 to 0.99) were found in all populations except Carapebus, located in Southeast Brazil (h = 0.54). A total of 69 mtDNA haplotypes were found, with Itaparica (Northeast Brazil) and Carapebus presenting only exclusive haplotypes, while some were shared among populations in the South. Strong regional structure was observed, with very high differentiation between Itaparica and Carapebus, as well as among these two populations and the ones from the Southern region (Paranagua, Conceicao, Camacho and Patos). Among southern areas, low/moderate structure was detected. Most populations showed unimodal mismatch distributions indicating recent demographic expansion, while Carapebus presented a multimodal distribution characteristic of a stable or bottlenecked population. Times since possible population expansion were highest in Itaparica (32,500 ya) and Carapebus (29,540 ya), while in the Southern region longest time was observed at Conceicao (25,540 ya) and shortest at Patos (9720 ya). In a general manner, haplotype diversities were directly related to times since population expansions; again, Carapebus was the exception, displaying long time since expansion but low diversity, possibly due to a recent bottleneck caused by the isolation and human impacts this lagoon is subject to. Isolation by Distance was significant for Itaparica and Carapebus, and considering the extremely high differentiation of these populations, we suggest that they could be undergoing speciation. To adequately manage and maintain the genetic variability of silversides in Brazilian estuaries, we propose three distinct management units for this species: 1) Itaparica; 2) Carapebus; and 3) Southern Brazil.

ResumoA osteoporose é considerada uma doença osteometabólica comum e sua prevalência está aumentando mundialmente. Nesse contexto, a atividade física tem sido usada como ferramenta não farmacológica para prevenir e auxiliar no tratamento dessa doença. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi avaliar os efeitos da prática do ciclismo e da natação na densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Esta pesquisa foi feita de acordo com as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. Os estudos foram consultados entre 2004 e 2014, por meio de importantes bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed®, SciELO® e Lilacs®. Dez pesquisas avaliaram os efeitos do ciclismo sobre a DMO, os resultados demonstraram que nove estudos associaram a prática do ciclismo profissional com baixos níveis de DMO. Outros 18 estudos relataram que a natação não tem efeitos positivos sobre a massa óssea. Conclui‐se que o ciclismo e a natação não causam efeitos positivos na DMO. Assim, não são os exercícios mais indicados para a prevenção e o tratamento da osteoporose.AbstractOsteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non‐pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed®, SciELO® and LILACS®. Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Ophyra aenescens (black dump fly) originally belonged to the New World, however, now it is spread worldwide. This fly is a mechanical vector of some pathogenic microorganisms and eggs of the human botfly (Dermatobia hominis). The adults are associated with decaying matter and the immature stages colonize animal and human corpses. It is considered an important muscid species for forensic entomology. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the eggs, the three larval instars and the puparia of O. aenescens using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The spiracular opening of the first instar has an interruption in the middle of its length. Comparing to the other instar, the ventral tubercles are only developed in the first instar. The anterior spiracles have a variation in the numbers of spiracular ramification. The puparia morphology is similar to the third instar larvae, however the cephalic region is retracted and on the third thoracic segment, a respiratory structure is present. In conclusion, the SEM technique used and the results obtained are helpful to describe and differentiate the immature stages of O. aenescens and consequently support forensic and medical entomology.

O desenvolvimento hegemônico no campo, que hoje se define pela matriz ideológica do agronegócio, tem como base principal a monocultura e uso de agrotóxicos, com objetivo de aumentar a produção de alimentos com o discurso de atender a demanda para a população mundial. Porém, várias problemáticas surgiram devido a essa lógica de produção, como danos irreversíveis ao meio ambiente, problemas na saúde humana, perdas em campo, desperdício de alimentos, entre outros. Considerando esse contexto, é crescente na sociedade reflexões, discussões e ações que visem a conservação do ambiente, e um importante instrumento para a sensibilização em prol da utilização racional dos recursos presentes na natureza, é a Educação Ambiental. Por meio desta, é possível proporcionar a articulação entre diferentes áreas do conhecimento, no sentido de se levar conhecimentos e reflexões, apresentar experiências e sensibilizar quanto a necessidade de preservar, conservar e recuperar áreas, dentre muitos outros aspectos ligados à relação estabelecida entre ser humano e a natureza. Nessa perspectiva, este artigo teve como objetivo analisar como a Educação Ambiental pode contribuir na promoção da alimentação saudável, apontando os reflexos do processo de produção alimentar no desenvolvimento sustentável. Dessa forma, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura acerca de Educação Alimentar e Alimentação Saudável. Os resultados dos estudos foram analisados, propiciando uma síntese sobre a temática em questão. Constatou-se que alguns autores apontam êxito da Educação Ambiental como instrumento para sensibilizar pessoas a um espírito ecológico, sendo assim, é importante instrumento na tentativa de minimizar os impactos negativos decorrentes da alimentação.

© 2020 Elsevier Ltd Background: During the past decade, an extensive body of work has documented the Constraints-Led Approach (CLA) as a prominent methodology for developing collective synergetic tendencies in sports teams. Objectives: This study aimed to quantify and compare findings, in existing research, related to key synergetic properties of dimensional compression and reciprocal compensation in team sports performance. Method: A literature search was conducted for articles published until December 2019, on electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, EBSCO, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were defined before the selection process. From selected articles information was extracted on authors, year of publication, study design, study context, sample, sport, variables assessed, type of constraints manipulated, statistical methods, and main findings. The manuscripts' methodological quality was assessed through the Downs and Black checklist. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and subgroup analyses were conducted for two potential moderators: dimensional compression and reciprocal compensation. Results: A total of 62 and 26 studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic and meta-analysis, respectively. Results revealed that investigations tended to mostly evaluate how task constraints manipulations shaped emergent tactical behaviors of male football players within training contexts. A high level of heterogeneity (I2 = 99.56%, p < .001) was found across studies and publication biases were observed in the literature. Conclusions: The high level of heterogeneity is possibly justified by the diversity of metrics applied to assess players' performance behaviors. The level of research heterogeneity observed also supports the assumption that variable behaviors enhance adaptive tendencies in teams. Observed publication and inflation biases highlighted the need to adopt methodological procedures that avoid systematic flaws in future investigations.

This study was financed in part by the Coordenac??o de Aperfeic?oamento de Pessoal de N??vel Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Estudos Costeiros. Grupo de Estudo e Pesquisa em Popula??es Vulner?veis. Bragan?a, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Programa de P?s-gradua??o em Biologia de Agentes Infecciosos e Parasit?rios. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Biol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Virologia. Bel?m, PA, Brazi Introduction - Human pegivirus 1 (HPgV-1) is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family with limited cause-effect evidence of the causation of human diseases. However, studies have shown a potential beneficial impact of HPgV-1 coinfection in HIV disease progression. Human T lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1) is a retrovirus known for causing diseases, especially in muscle and white blood cells, in approximately 5% of patients. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the potential effects of an HPgV-1 infection in patients carrying HTLV-1 in the state of Par? in the North Region of Brazil. Methods - A group of HTLV-1 carriers was compared to healthy controls. Blood samples were collected, data from medical regards were collected, and a questionnaire was administered. HPgV-1 and HTLV-1 positivity was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The data were analyzed to correlate the effects of HPgV-1 coinfection in HTLV-1 carriers. Results - A total of 158 samples were included in the study: 74 HTLV-1-positive patients (46,8%) and 84 healthy controls (53,2%). The overall HPgV-1 positivity rate was 7.6% (12/158), resulting in a prevalence of 5.4% (4/74) and 9.5% (8/84) in HTLV-1 carriers and healthy controls, respectively. No significant differences were found when comparing any clinical or demographic data between groups. Conclusion - This study indicated that the prevalence of HPgV-1 infection is low in HTLV-1 carriers in Bel?m, Par?, and probably does not alter the clinical course of HTLV-1 infection, however, further studies are still needed.

Objective: To assess the effects of resistance training on the anxiety symptoms and quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: Thirty-five elderly patients were randomly divided into two groups: 17 patients in the control group and 18 in the intervention group. All patients maintained standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease, but the intervention group participated in a 24-week resistance training program. The anxiety symptoms were assessed through the Beck's Anxiety Inventory, and quality of life by the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire–39. Results: There was a significant reduction in anxiety level and increase in quality of life after 24 weeks of resistance training. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resistance training is an effective intervention in the reduction of anxiety symptoms and improves the quality of life in elderly people with Parkinson's disease.

The use of preclinical models to investigate antitumor effects of exercise on breast tumor (BT) development and progression are critical. However, published results have not been quantitatively summarized or examined for potential exercise-moderating variables. We conducted this review to summarize and quantify the effect-size of exercise on BT outcomes in preclinical studies. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science and System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE) databases. Risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE’s RoB tool. A total of 116 correlations were performed to analyze 28 preclinical studies published through December 2016, which included 2,085 animals and 51 exercise programs. Positive effects of small, medium and large magnitude were observed in tumor incidence, growth and multiplicity, respectively. In the tumor microenvironment, positive effects of large magnitude were also observed in proliferation and apoptosis but not in angiogenesis. Moderator variables correlated with higher intervention effects were identified along with a considerable heterogeneity in exercise protocols that precluded us from clearly perceiving the benefits of exercise exposure. In conclusion, exercise performed under specific conditions benefits BT outcomes. Preclinical studies with exercise designs mimicking exercise exposure that can be used in clinical contexts are needed.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate a blend of essential oils (EO) combined with amylase as an alternative to ionophores and its potential for reducing the use of antibiotics in the dairy industry. In experiment 1, 8 rumen-cannulated Holstein cows (576 ± 100 kg of body weight, 146 ± 35 d in milk, and 35.1 ± 4.0 kg/d of milk yield at the start of the experiment) were assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 21-d periods to determine the influence of feed additives on total apparent digestibility of nutrients, ruminal fermentation, N utilization, microbial protein synthesis, blood glucose and urea concentrations, and milk yield and composition in dairy cows. Treatment sequences assigned to cows in each block included no feed additives (control; CON); monensin (MON) added at 13 mg/kg of diet dry matter (DM); a blend of EO supplemented at 44 mg/kg of diet DM; and EO treatment combined with α-amylase at 330 kilo novo units/kg of diet DM (EOA). Differences among treatments were studied using orthogonal contrasts as follows: CON versus feed additives (MON, EO, and EOA), MON versus EO and EOA, and EO versus EOA. No differences were detected in nutrient intake and digestibility in cows. In general, feed additives decreased ruminal NH3-N concentration of cows, notably when diet was supplemented with MON. Furthermore, feed additives increased ruminal concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and branched-chain fatty acids. Cows fed treatments containing EO and EOA exhibited lower pH, higher NH3-N, and a trend to greater total volatile fatty acid concentration in the ruminal fluid compared with cows fed MON. Treatments containing EO increased ruminal butyrate concentration compared with MON. No treatment × time interaction effect was observed on ruminal fermentation measurements. Cows fed diets supplemented with feed additives had greater efficiency of N transfer into milk (milk N:N intake), whereas cows fed EOA exhibited greater N transfer into milk than those fed EO. Treatments had no effect on milk yield and composition, but feed additives increased the milk yield efficiency (milk yield divided by dry matter intake), whereas treatments containing EO had similar milk yield efficiency compared with MON. For experiment 2, 30 multiparous Holstein cows (574 ± 68 kg of body weight, 152 ± 54 d in milk, and 30.9 ± 4.1 kg/d of milk yield at the start of the experiment) were enrolled to a randomized complete block design experiment. The MON, EO, and EOA treatments were randomly assigned to cows within blocks (n = 10), and feed additives were provided throughout a 9-wk period. No differences were found in nutrient intake and digestibility, but cows fed EOA tended to exhibit greater dry matter intake than those fed EO. Blood metabolites and milk production were not affected by treatments. However, cows fed MON or EOA had greater milk protein content than those cows fed treatments containing EO. Feeding EO with or without amylase had similar response to feeding MON in terms of feed intake and milk yield, with a small negative effect on milk protein yield when feeding EO alone. Feed additives increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and branched-fatty acids in ruminal fluid, whereas treatments containing EO had greater ruminal butyrate and NH3-N concentrations. Therefore, either EO or EOA can replace MON in diets of dairy cows while maintaining performance.

Exogenous amylase supplementation can increase starch and fiber digestibility in lactating dairy cows. We evaluated the effect of exogenous amylase supplementation on diets with high starch concentration (32% of dry matter). Twenty-eight Holstein cows (171 ± 80 d in milk, 4 primiparous) received a standard diet for 14 d and then a treatment for 63 d, in a covariate-adjusted randomized block design with repeated measures over time. Treatments were amylase [0.5 g of Ronozyme RumiStar (DSM Nutritional Products, Basel, Switzerland) per kg of total mixed ration dry matter] or control. The diets contained (% of dry matter): 39.4% corn silage, 11.2% rehydrated and ensiled mature corn grain, and 11.7% finely ground mature corn. Amylase increased milk yield (32.3 vs. 33.0 kg/d) and reduced dry matter intake (20.7 vs. 19.7 kg/d), increasing feed efficiency (1.52 vs. 1.63). Amylase also increased milk lactose synthesis (1.49 vs. 1.56 kg/d) and plasma glucose concentration (59.3 vs. 68.6 mg/dL). Secretions of milk fat and protein did not differ. Although milk urea N did not differ, amylase reduced the concentration of urea N in blood, suggesting an increase in ruminal starch degradation. However, the total-tract apparent digestibility of starch (96.3% of intake) and neutral detergent fiber (44.4% of intake), ruminal fermentation profile, and microbial yield estimated by urinary allantoin excretion did not differ. Cows fed amylase sorted in favor of long feed particles and against short particles, had shorter chewing activity (780 vs. 699 min/d), and had fewer meals per day (11.5 vs. 9.7). Amylase improved the feed efficiency of lactating cows fed a high-starch diet; the enzyme increased milk yield and reduced intake.

This study identified the association of management practices and herd characteristics with milk quality of bulk tanks in southeastern, Brazil. Milk samples were collected weekly during 8 weeks from 63 dairy herds. Bulk tanks were evaluated for total bacteria (TBC), preliminary incubation (PIC), pasteurization (PC), coliform (CC), and somatic cell counts (SCC). Associations found were type of milking system utilized in the farm with TBC, PIC, and SCC; the use of gloves for milking with TBC and PIC; sanitation of milking equipment prior to milking with PC and CC; strip cup testing of cows with PC; teat washing prior to milking with SCC; pre-milking teat disinfection with TBC and CC; post-dipping with TBC and SCC; and the alkaline-acid washing procedure of milking equipment with PIC and PC. The regression analysis explained the variation of bulk tank PC (− 0.47 log cfu/mL) due to the adoption of strip cup test (P = 0.036) and, by 0.366 log cfu/mL due to alkaline and acid washing of milking equipment (P = 0.036). Herringbone milking systems adopted on farms represented a change of − 0.11 log cfu/mL on the log SCC (P = 0.048). Findings may provide a guideline to prioritize efforts aimed at improving milk quality at the farm level in Brazil.

Funda??o de Amparo ? Pesquisa do Estado do Par? (FAPESPA, Grant no. 236/2009); ? Capacita??o e Aperfei?oamento de Pessoal de Ensino Superior (CAPES), Instituto Nacional de Gen?tica M?dica Populacional (Edital de Gen?tica Cl?nica/CNPq, Grant no. 402050/2010-0); and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cient??fico e Tecnol?gico (CNPq, Grant no. 573993/2008-4). Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil / Universidade do Estado do Par?. Departamento de Morfologia e Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Minist?rio da Sa?de. Secretaria de Vigil?ncia em Sa?de. Instituto Evandro Chagas. Laborat?rio de Cultura de Tecidos e Citogen?tica. Ananindeua, PA, Brasil / Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Exatas e Naturais. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Universidade Federal do Par?. Instituto de Ci?ncias Fisiol?gicas. Laborat?rio de Erros Inatos do Metabolismo. Bel?m, PA, Brazil. Background. Recent data have suggested that polymorphisms in the length of the polyalanine tract (polyA) of FOXE1 gene may act as a susceptibility factor for thyroid dysgenesis. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of polyA of FOXE1 gene on the risk of thyroid dysgenesis. Method. A case-control study was conducted in a sample of 90 Brazilian patients with thyroid dysgenesis and 131 controls without family history of thyroid disease. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples and the genotype of each individual was determined by automated sequencing. Results. More than 90% of genotypes found in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis and in controls subjects were represented by sizes 14 and 16 polymorphisms in the following combinations: 14/14, 14/16, and 16/16. Genotypes 14/16 and 16/16 were more frequent in the control group, while genotype 14/14 was more frequent in the group of patients with thyroid dysgenesis. There was no difference between agenesis group and control group. Genotype 14/14 when compared to genotypes 14/16 and 16/16A showed an association with thyroid dysgenesis. Conclusion. PolyA of FOXE1 gene alters the risk of thyroid dysgenesis, which may explain in part the etiology of this disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with oral sensitivity are common in our practice. Allergic contact dermatitis is one of the most frequent etiologies. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate oral contact dermatitis using the Brazilian standard series and complementary dental series in patients using dental prostheses, with or without oral complaints. Determine specific dental Brazilian series. METHODS: Patients using dental prostheses with or without oral complaints realized patch tests. Brazilian standard series and complementary dental series were used according to ICDRG recommendations. The results were analysed according to age, sex, race, atopic conditions and symptoms associated. RESULTS: From 54 patients tested, 34 (63%) were positive at least to one substance. Nineteen had oral complaints, such as burning mouth, itch or oral erythema. There was no association between atopic condition and tests results. Without the oral series, just 23(42,6%) patients had a positive result. Using the Brazilian standard series with the complementary dental series we improved the positivity of the patch test to 47%. CONCLUSION: In patients using prostheses and with oral complaints, patch tests with Brazilian standard series with complementary dental series improve the tests positivity.

No clear consensus has been reached regarding the association of IL-10 polymorphisms and periodontitis. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of case–control studies and a systemic review in an effort to systematically summarize the existing knowledge. Studies were identified by searching PubMed database until December 2011. IL-10 −1082 (−1087) A>G, −819 (−824) C>T and −592 (−597) C>A polymorphisms were included in the present meta-analysis. We calculated the specific odds ratios along with their 95 % confidence intervals to compare the distribution of alleles and genotypes between cases and controls. An additive “per-allele” model (major allele vs. minor allele) was performed, and dominant and recessive models were also considered. The random-effects model was applied for the analysis. Cumulative analysis was also performed. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Nine case–control studies involving 841 periodontitis cases (644 chronic periodontitis and 197 aggressive periodontitis cases) and 748 controls were included. We found statistically significant association of IL-10 −819 (−824) C>T and IL-10 −592 (−597) C>A polymorphisms in Caucasians. The IL-10 −819 (−824) T and −592 (−597) A alleles may confer a relative increase in the risk for chronic periodontitis in Caucasians. Future studies may be important to reinforce these findings., This work was partially supported by the PhD grant SFRH/BD/44490/2008 of the Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) from Portugal.

Primary congenital hypothyroidism (PCH) has an incidence of approximately 1 in each 3000–4000 live births. In the last two decades, nearly 50 types of the distinct inactivating mutations have already been described in the coding region of the tshr gene. The aim of present study was to investigate tshr gene mutations in patients with primary congenital hypothyroidism, analyzing a sample of 106 patients that were diagnosed with PCH. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood samples, and 10 exons from the TSH receptor were automatically sequenced. Five nucleotide alterations (P52T, N187N, A459A, L645L, and D727E. N187N and D727E polymorphisms) were associated with positive medical history. In view of the clinical, biochemical and molecular heterogeneity of the etiology of the PCH, the study of polymorphisms is critical for investigating the possible associations with prevailing symptoms of this disorder.

Osteoporosis is considered a common metabolic bone disease and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. In this context, physical activity has been used as a non-pharmacological tool for prevention and auxiliary treatment of this disease. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of cycling and swimming practice on bone mineral density (BMD). This research was conducted in accordance with the recommendations outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The studies were consulted in the period from 2004 to 2014, through major electronic databases: PubMed®, SciELO® and LILACS®. Ten studies evaluated the effects of cycling on BMD, and the results showed that nine studies have linked the practice of professional cycling with low levels of BMD. Another 18 studies have reported that swimming has no positive effects on bone mass. We conclude that cycling and swimming do not cause positive effects on BMD; thus, these are not the most suitable exercises for prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. RESUMO A osteoporose é considerada uma doença osteometabólica comum e sua prevalência está aumentando mundialmente. Nesse contexto, a atividade física tem sido usada como ferramenta não farmacológica para prevenir e auxiliar no tratamento dessa doença. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática foi avaliar os efeitos da prática do ciclismo e da natação na densidade mineral óssea (DMO). Esta pesquisa foi feita de acordo com as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Os estudos foram consultados entre 2004 e 2014, por meio de importantes bases de dados eletrônicas: PubMed®, SciELO® e Lilacs®. Dez pesquisas avaliaram os efeitos do ciclismo sobre a DMO, os resultados demonstraram que nove estudos associaram a prática do ciclismo profissional com baixos níveis de DMO. Outros 18 estudos relataram que a natação não tem efeitos positivos sobre a massa óssea. Conclui-se que o ciclismo e a natação não causam efeitos positivos na DMO. Assim, não são os exercícios mais indicados para a prevenção e o tratamento da osteoporose.

Cytogenetic studies have assisted in the taxonomic classification of organisms, especially those involving species with highly similar morphologic characteristics, or so-called cryptic species. Strongylura marina and Strongylura timucu collected from Paranagua Bay, Parana Coast in Southern Brazil are considered cryptic species, and the identification of interspecific variations based on the number and/or morphology of its chromosomes may serve as differentiating cytotaxonomic markers. Chromosomes of the two species were subjected to different banding and staining methods (C-, Ag-, and DAPI-CMA3), as well as chromosomal mapping of major rDNA (45S), revealed with an 18S probe by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The pattern of distribution of constitutive heterochromatin showed distinct features involving the pericentromeric and telomeric bands in both species. In S. marina, chromosome 1 represents the main species-specific marker, appearing almost entirely heterochromatic. In both species, the 45S rDNA is located at terminal region of the short arm of the chromosome 6, as detected by silver nitrate staining and FISH. Despite the apparent conserved diploid number of 48 chromosomes, data on the karyotype microstructure characterize the cytogenetic profile of the genus and may allow the establishment of cytotaxonomic and evolutionary inferences for these fishes.

Age-related DNA damage is regarded as one of the possible explanations of aging. Although a generalized idea about the accumulation of DNA damage with age exists, results found in the literature are inconsistent. To better understand the question of age-related DNA damage in humans and to identify possible moderator variables, a meta-analysis was conducted. Electronic databases and bibliographies for studies published since 2004 were searched. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for age-related DNA damage were calculated in a random-effects model. A total of 76 correlations from 36 studies with 4676 participants were included. Based on our analysis, a correlation between age and DNA damage was found (r = 0.230, p = 0.000; 95% confidence interval = 0.111 - 0.342). The test for heterogeneity of variance indicates that the study´s results are significantly high (Q (75) = 1754.831, p = 0.000). Moderator variables such as smoking habits, technique used, and the tissue/sample analyzed, are shown to influence age-related DNA damage (p=0.026; p=0.000; p=0.000, respectively). Nevertheless, sex did not show any influence on this relation (p=0.114). In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed an association between age and DNA damage in humans. It was also found that smoking habits, the technique used, and tissue/sample analyzed, are important moderator variables in age-related DNA damage.