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OBJETIVO: Analisar o padrão temporal dos óbitos e internações, no período de 1995 a 1998, associadas à diarréia em crianças menores de cinco anos de idade para subsidiar ações específicas de prevenção e controle dessa doença. MÉTODOS: Os dados foram obtidos do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade (SIM) e Sistema de Internações Hospitalares (SIH) do Ministério da Saúde. As séries mensais de internações e de óbitos por diarréia foram decompostas em componentes de tendência linear estocástica, sazonalidade determinística e irregularidades mediante a aplicação dos modelos estruturais para análise de séries temporais. RESULTADOS: Os níveis de ambas as séries apresentaram mudanças ao longo do tempo, com declínio mais perceptível na série de internações. A variação das taxas de inclinação foi constante para cada uma das séries, em média, a menos 5,3 internações por mês (p-valor

INTRODUÇÃO: Objetivou-se analisar as tendência recentes na assistência hospitalar no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os dados originam-se da prestação mensal de serviços dos subsetores, universitários e privado, credenciados ao Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), entre janeiro de 1992 e outubro de 1995. METODOLOGIA: Foram utilizadas as informações registradas nos formulários de Autorização de Internação Hospitalar, processadas pelo Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do SUS (SIH-SUS). A análise comparativa dos três subsetores centrou-se na produção dos serviços e resultados. Tais comparações foram realizadas utilizando-se modelos estruturais de séries temporais, que se baseiam na decomposição de componentes de interesse, como tendência, sazonalidade e irregularidade. RESULTADOS: A freqüência de internações no Estado tendeu ao declínio, em decorrência especialmente da retração do subsetor público a partir de 1993. Essa redução foi seletiva - no que se refere à distribuição por faixas etárias - concentrando-se nos adultos e idosos. Somente o subsetor universitário aumentou gradativamente o volume de admissões. A qualidade da assistência foi avaliada por meio da abordagem de eventos-sentinelas. A ocorrência de óbitos evitáveis nas internações no Estado apresentou discreta tendência ao declínio, detectada pela sua redução no subsetor privado. Nos subsetores público e universitário, a freqüência dos óbitos evitáveis manteve-se estável. A ocorrência de óbitos maternos no Estado permaneceu alta e estável, enquanto os índices de cesárea revelaram significativo crescimento, apesar de já ter sido observado, desde o início do período, valores bastante altos. CONCLUSÕES: Há problemas sérios na qualidade da atenção hospitalar prestada pelo SUS, no Estado, os quais, a julgar pela situação apresentada nos indicadores utilizados, vêm se agravado. Embora exiba limitações, o banco de dados do SIH-SUS mostrou ser instrumento útil para o monitoramento dos serviços hospitalares.

A genomic database of all Earth's eukaryotic species could contribute to many scientific discoveries; however, only a tiny fraction of species have genomic information available. In 2018, scientists across the world united under the Earth BioGenome Project (EBP), aiming to produce a database of high-quality reference genomes containing all ~1.5 million recognized eukaryotic species. As the European node of the EBP, the European Reference Genome Atlas (ERGA) sought to implement a new decentralised, equitable and inclusive model for producing reference genomes. For this, ERGA launched a Pilot Project establishing the first distributed reference genome production infrastructure and testing it on 98 eukaryotic species from 33 European countries. Here we outline the infrastructure and explore its effectiveness for scaling high-quality reference genome production, whilst considering equity and inclusion. The outcomes and lessons learned provide a solid foundation for ERGA while offering key learnings to other transnational, national genomic resource projects and the EBP., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

As an ecological alternative to the conventional refrigeration technology, magnetocaloric refrigeration is still facing scientific and technological challenges hindering their application. Magnetocaloric devices rely on the magnetocaloric effect, where temperature variations result from magnetic field changes. The correct implementation of the magnetocaloric effect in numerical models is crucial before prototyping the related solutions. Here, we present a comparison between the three most used numerical methods to simulate the magnetocaloric effect: continuous temperature change, discrete temperature change step and heat source obtained from adiabatic temperature. By varying the time and space steps, it was observed that the continuous temperature change method is the most appropriate for small time steps, but has the largest computational cost. The discrete method can only be applied to small time steps, but is the fastest method. Finally, the adiabatic temperature change power source method can be applied in the entire range and is the one that presents the best results for larger time steps., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a multifactorial and complex condition. One less understood factor in its pathophysiology is the enuretic inability to wake up when the bladder is full (impaired arousal)., Objective: We aimed to investigate the relationship between sleep and NE in children and adolescents., Methods: A systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines, and the electronic databases MEDLINE (via PubMed) and SCOPUS were searched until March 2022. Eligibility criteria were studies that recruited patients aged five-17 years with a diagnosis of NE according to the International Child Continence Society (ICCS), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (DSM-5), or International Classification Criteria of Sleep Disorders-Third edition (ICSD-3) who had their sleep assessed using validated questionnaires and/or polysomnography. The tool used to analyze the risk of bias in the included studies was the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of exposure., Results: Of 1582 citations screened, nine were included, giving 1685 participants, 581 with NE. All studies were observational and half had a low risk of bias. Four studies evaluated sleep by questionnaires only; two used questionnaires and polysomnography; two used only polysomnography, and one used sleep logs and actigraphy. Sleep questionnaires showed that children with enuresis had more sleep problems than controls, especially parasomnias, breathing disorders, and daytime sleepiness. Among the polysomnography parameters, the sleep stage architecture and periodic limb movements during sleep had conflicting data between the two studies., Limitations: The studies evaluated sleep through heterogeneous tools. They used different questionnaires; even those considered by polysomnography did not record the same channels., Conclusion: It seems that enuretic children and adolescents sleep differently from those who are non-enuretic. More studies are needed to clarify the best way to assess sleep and better understand this relationship. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021266338. There was no funding., (© 2022. This is a U.S. Government work and not under copyright protection in the US; foreign copyright protection may apply.)

In tropical forests, anthropogenic activities are major drivers of the destruction and degradation of natural habitats, causing severe biodiversity loss. African colobine monkeys (Colobinae) are mainly folivore and strictly arboreal primates that require large forests to subsist, being among the most vulnerable of all nonhuman primates. The Western red colobus Piliocolobus badius and the King colobus Colobus polykomos inhabit highly fragmented West African forests, including the Cantanhez Forests National Park (CFNP) in Guinea-Bissau. Both species are also found in the largest and best-preserved West African forest-the Taï National Park (TNP) in Ivory Coast. Colobine monkeys are hunted for bushmeat in both protected areas, but these exhibit contrasting levels of forest fragmentation, thus offering an excellent opportunity to investigate the importance of well-preserved forests for the maintenance of evolutionary potential in these arboreal primates. We estimated genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history by using microsatellite loci and mitochondrial DNA. We then compared the genetic patterns of the colobines from TNP with the ones previously obtained for CFNP and found contrasting genetic patterns. Contrary to the colobines from CFNP that showed very low genetic diversity and a strong population decline, the populations in TNP still maintain high levels of genetic diversity and we found no clear signal of population decrease in Western red colobus and a limited decrease in King colobus. These results suggest larger and historically more stable populations in TNP compared to CFNP. We cannot exclude the possibility that the demographic effects resulting from the recent increase of bushmeat hunting are not yet detectable in TNP using genetic data. Nevertheless, the fact that the TNP colobus populations are highly genetically diverse and maintain large effective population sizes suggests that well-preserved forests are crucial for the maintenance of populations, species, and probably for the evolutionary potential in colobines., (© 2022 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

There are only about 7,100 adolescent and adult cheetahs ( Acinonyx jubatus ) remaining in the wild. With the majority occurring outside protected areas, their numbers are rapidly declining. Evidence-based conservation measures are essential for the survival of this species. Genetic data is routinely used to inform conservation strategies, e.g., by establishing conservation units (CU). A commonly used marker in conservation genetics is mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Here, we investigated the cheetah's phylogeography using a large-scale mtDNA data set to refine subspecies distributions and better assign individuals to CUs. Our dataset mostly consisted of historic samples to cover the cheetah's whole range as the species has been extinct in most of its former distribution. While our genetic data largely agree with geography-based subspecies assignments, several geographic regions show conflicting mtDNA signals. Our analyses support previous findings that evolutionary forces such as incomplete lineage sorting or mitochondrial capture likely confound the mitochondrial phylogeography of this species, especially in East and, to some extent, in Northeast Africa. We caution that subspecies assignments solely based on mtDNA should be treated carefully and argue for an additional standardized nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker set for subspecies identification and monitoring. However, the detection of the A. j. soemmeringii specific haplogroup by a newly designed Amplification-Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) can already provide support for conservation measures., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10592-022-01483-1., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (© The Author(s) 2022.)

We live in a world characterized by biodiversity loss and global environmental change. The extinction of large carnivores can have ramifying effects on ecosystems like an uncontrolled increase in wild herbivores, which in turn can have knock-on impacts on vegetation regeneration and communities. Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) serve important ecosystem functions as apex predators; yet, they are quickly heading towards an uncertain future. Threatened by habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict and illegal trafficking, there are only approximately 7100 individuals remaining in nature. We present the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of cheetah phylogeography and conservation genomics to date, assembling samples from nearly the entire current and past species' range. We show that their phylogeography is more complex than previously thought, and that East African cheetahs (A. j. raineyi) are genetically distinct from Southern African individuals (A. j. jubatus), warranting their recognition as a distinct subspecies. We found strong genetic differentiation between all classically recognized subspecies, thus refuting earlier findings that cheetahs show only little differentiation. The strongest differentiation was observed between the Asiatic and all the African subspecies. We detected high inbreeding in the Critically Endangered Iranian (A. j. venaticus) and North-western (A. j. hecki) subspecies, and show that overall cheetahs, along with snow leopards, have the lowest genome-wide heterozygosity of all the big cats. This further emphasizes the cheetah's perilous conservation status. Our results provide novel and important information on cheetah phylogeography that can support evidence-based conservation policy decisions to help protect this species. This is especially relevant in light of ongoing and proposed translocations across subspecies boundaries, and the increasing threats of illegal trafficking., (© 2022 The Authors. Molecular Ecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

In recent decades, clinical research on early biomarkers of renal injury has been frequent and intensive, with proenkephalin (PENK) being indicated as a promising filtration biomarker (BM). From a cohort of 57 patients, blood samples were collected preoperatively and 48 h after liver transplantation (LT). The following BMs were analyzed: PENK, cystatin-C (CYS-C), and serum creatinine (Scr). Diagnosis of AKI was based on the KDIGO criteria. Of the 57 patients undergoing LT, 50 (88%) developed acute kidney injury (AKI) and were categorized as follows: no-AKI/mild-AKI - 21 (36.8%) and severe-AKI 36 (63.2%). During the preoperative period, only PENK was significantly higher in patients with severe AKI, with an AUC of 0.69 (CI 0.54-0.83), a cutoff of 55.30 pmol/l, a sensitivity of 0.86, a specificity of 0.52, and an accuracy of 0.75. In addition, subclinical AKI was determined preoperatively in 32 patients. Forty-eight hours after LT, PENK maintained its performance in determining severe AKI, with an AUC of 0.83 (CI 0.72-0.94), a cutoff of 119.05 pmol/l, a sensitivity of 0.81, a specificity of 0.90, and an accuracy of 0.84. PENK detected AKI 48 h earlier than serum creatinine. In a multivariate linear regression analysis, PENK was an independent predictor of severe AKI. This small study suggests that the filtration biomarker PENK shows promise for detecting AKI in patients undergoing LT, revealing greater accuracy and an earlier rise in patients with severe AKI. The combination of kidney functional and filtration BMs may aid in the management and prevention of AKI progression., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2022 The Authors.)

In mammals, the zona pellucida glycoprotein 3 (ZP3) is considered a primary sperm receptor of the oocyte and is hypothesized to be involved in reproductive isolation. We investigated patterns of diversity and selection in the putative sperm-binding region (pSBR) of mouse ZP3 across Cricetidae and Murinae, two hyperdiverse taxonomic groups within muroid rodents. In murines, the pSBR is fairly conserved, in particular the serine-rich stretch containing the glycosylation sites proposed as essential for sperm binding. In contrast, cricetid amino acid sequences of the pSBR were much more variable and the serine-rich motif, typical of murines, was generally substantially modified. Overall, our results suggest a general lack of species specificity of the pSBR across the two muroid families. We document statistical evidence of positive selection acting on exons 6 and 7 of ZP3 and identified several amino acid sites that are likely targets of selection, with most positively selected sites falling within or adjacent to the pSBR.

Background: Preoperative anxiety and distress can produce significant psychological impacts on children undergoing oncologic care or investigation. Adjuvant therapy is used for pain management in children; however, pre-analgesia options are restricted because they can cause undesirable outcomes., Objectives: Our study aimed to investigate the use of gabapentin in procedural sedation as adjuvant therapy in children undergoing oncologic treatment., Methods: We performed a double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial at Albert Sabin Infant's Hospital in Fortaleza, Brazil. Children aged 1 - 6 years who had myelogram or lumbar puncture (associated or not with intrathecal chemotherapy) received placebo or gabapentin syrups (15 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg) one to two hours before the procedure. Preoperative anxiety was evaluated by the Yale preoperative anxiety scale modified (m-YPAS scale). The pediatric anesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) and children and infants postoperative pain scale (CHIPP) scales were used for emergence delirium and pain intensity measurement, respectively., Results: We evaluated 135 patients. We observed that the gabapentin groups presented lower m-YPAS scores than the placebo group at separation and induction times. Postoperatively, the gabapentin groups had lower PAED and CHIPP scores than the placebo group; however, only had PAED scores clinical relevance. No significant differences were found between the gabapentin groups. Furthermore, children with less than three prior similar procedures were more likely to benefit from gabapentin. Postoperative vomiting was prevented by 30 mg/kg gabapentin., Conclusions: Although gabapentin has little preoperative effects, it ameliorates anxiety before induction, improves anesthetic induction, and reduces the occurrence of emergence delirium and postoperative vomiting up to eight hours after the procedure. Thus, we indicate gabapentin as adjuvant therapy for procedural sedation., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests:The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2019, Author(s).)

Background: Mitral valve repair in paediatric patients with chronic rheumatic heart disease is superior to valve replacement and has been used with good results., Objective: To identify predictors of unfavourable outcomes in children and adolescents submitted to surgical mitral valvuloplasty secondary to rheumatic heart disease., Methods: Retrospective study of 54 patients under the age of 16 operated at a tertiary paediatric hospital between March 2011 and January 2017. The predictors of risk for unfavourable outcomes were: age, ejection fraction, degree of mitral insufficiency, degree of pulmonary hypertension, presence of tricuspid insufficiency, left chamber dilation, preoperative functional classification, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, duration of anoxia, presence of atrial fibrillation, and duration of vasoactive drug use. The outcomes evaluated were: death, congestive heart failure, reoperation, residual mitral regurgitation, residual mitral stenosis, stroke, bleeding and valve replacement. For all analyzes a value of p < 0.05 was established as significant., Results: Of the patients evaluated, 29 (53.7%) were female, with an average of 10.5 ± 3.2 years. The functional classification of 13 patients (25%) was 4. There was no death in the sample studied. The average duration of extracorporeal circulation was 62.7±17.8 min, and anoxia 50 ± 15.7 min. The duration of use of vasoactive drug in the immediate postoperative period has an average of 1 day (interquartile interval 1-2 days). The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the predictive variables for each unfavourable outcome. The duration of use of vasoactive drug was the only independent predictor for the outcomes studied (p = 0.007). Residual mitral insufficiency was associated with reoperation (p = 0.044), whereas tricuspid insufficiency (p = 0.012) and pulmonary hypertension (p = 0.012) were associated with the presence of unfavourable outcomes., Conclusion: The duration of vasoactive drug use is an independent predictor for unfavourable outcomes in the immediate and late postoperative period, while residual mitral regurgitation was associated with reoperation, and both tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension were associated with unfavourable outcomes.

Background: There are meta-analyzes in adults demonstrating the benefits of using gabapentin to improve postoperative pain in orthopedic surgeries. In pediatrics, it has never been studied., Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of gabapentin 10 mg/kg, orally, in postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic stability and its pre/postoperative anxiolytic effect in children subjected to unilateral inferior limb surgery., Methods: We performed a double-blinded, randomized study. 84 patients in Albert Sabin Children's Hospital were selected for elective surgery that were divided into 2 groups: gabapentin group, who received gabapentin 1 to 2 hours before the procedure and the control group. Both groups were submitted to the same general anesthesia protocol with 0.125% bupivacaine femoral and sciatic block. Patients received scheduled dipyrone and morphine was used as the rescue analgesic up to 2/2 h. Postoperative pain was assessed using a scale appropriate for age (CRIES, CHIPPS or Wong-Baker face scale). We registered hemodynamic parameters, analgesic consumption and pre/postoperative anxiolytics., Results: A decrease in pain intensity in the 4th and 8th postoperative hours was observed in gabapentin group, both groups had the same opioid consumption. Children in the gabapentin group had an odds ratio of 25.6 for preoperative sedation and gabapentin promoted reduction of postoperative agitation. During orotracheal intubation the gabapentin group exhibited attenuation of the hemodynamic response., Conclusions: Gabapentin was superior to placebo in reducing postoperative pain. Children who received gabapentin were more sedated in the operating room, less agitated in the postoperative period and the autonomic response to intubation was reduced., (Copyright © 2019, Author(s).)

Background: Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infects millions of Latin Americans each year and can induce chagasic megacolon. Little is known about how serotonin (5-HT) modulates this condition. Aim We investigated whether 5-HT synthesis alters T. cruzi infection in the colon., Materials and Methods: Forty-eight paraffin-embedded samples from normal colon and chagasic megacolon were histopathologically analyzed (173/2009). Tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) knockout (KO) mice and c-Kit W-sh mice underwent T. cruzi infection together with their wild-type counterparts. Also, mice underwent different drug treatments (16.1.1064.60.3)., Results: In both humans and experimental mouse models, the serotonergic system was activated by T. cruzi infection (p < 0.05). While treating Tph1KO mice with 5-HT did not significantly increase parasitemia in the colon (p > 0.05), rescuing its synthesis promoted trypanosomiasis (p < 0.01). T. cruzi-related 5-HT release (p < 0.05) seemed not only to increase inflammatory signaling, but also to enlarge the pericryptal macrophage and mast cell populations (p < 0.01). Knocking out mast cells reduced trypanosomiasis (p < 0.01), although it did not further alter the neuroendocrine cell number and Tph1 expression (p > 0.05). Further experimentation revealed that pharmacologically inhibiting mast cell activity reduced colonic infection (p < 0.01). A similar finding was achieved when 5-HT synthesis was blocked in c-Kit W-sh mice (p > 0.05). However, inhibiting mast cell activity in Tph1KO mice increased colonic trypanosomiasis (p < 0.01)., Conclusion: We show that mast cells may modulate the T. cruzi-related increase of 5-HT synthesis in the intestinal colon.

Aim: Millions of people die each year due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). A Western lifestyle not only fuses a significant intake of fat with physical inactivity and obesity but also promotes CVD. Recent evidence suggests that dietary fat intake impairs the benefits of physical training. We investigated whether aerobic training could reverse the adverse effects of a high-fat diet (HFD) on the aorta. Then, we explored whether this type of exercise could reverse the damage to the heart that is imposed by fat-enriched diet (FED)., Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to two experiments, which lasted 8 weeks each. First, rats swam for 60 min and were fed either a regular diet [standard diet (STD)] or an HFD. After aortic samples had been collected, the rats underwent a histopathological analysis for different biomarkers. Another experiment subjected rats that were fed either an STD or an FED to swimming for 20 or 90 min., Results: The first experiment revealed that rats that were subjected to an HFD-endured increased oxidative damage in the aorta that exercises could not counteract. Together with increased cyclooxygenase 2 expression, an HFD in combination with physical training increased the number of macrophages. A reduction in collagen fibers with an increased number of positive α-actin cells and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 occurred concomitantly. Upon analyzing the second experiment, we found that physically training rats that were given an FED for 90 min/day decreased the cardiac adipose tissue density, although it did not protect the heart from fat-induced oxidative damage. Even though the physical training lowered cholesterol levels that were promoted by the FED, the levels were still higher than those in the animals that were given an STD. Feeding rats an FED impaired the swimming protocol's effects on lowering triglyceride concentration. Additionally, exercise was unable to reverse the fat-induced deregulation in hepatic antioxidant and lipid peroxidation activities., Conclusion: Our findings reveal that an increased intake of fat undermines the potential benefits of physical exercise on the heart and the aorta.

Partamona seridoensis is an endemic stingless bee from the Caatinga, a Neotropical dry forest in northeastern Brazil. Like other stingless bees, this species plays an important ecological role as a pollinator. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic structure and evolutionary history of P. seridoensis across its current geographic range. Workers from 84 nests from 17 localities were analyzed for COI and Cytb genic regions. The population structure tests (Bayesian phylogenetic inference, AMOVA and haplotype network) consistently characterized two haplogroups (northwestern and eastern), with little gene flow between them, generating a high differentiation between them as well as among the populations within each haplogroup. The Mantel test revealed no isolation by distance. No evidence of a potential geographic barrier in the present that could explain the diversification between the P. seridoensis haplogroups was found. However, Pleistocene climatic changes may explain this differentiation, since the initial time for the P. seridoensis lineages diversification took place during the mid-Pleistocene, specifically the interglacial period, when the biota is presumed to have been more associated with dry conditions and had more restricted, fragmented geographical distribution. This event may have driven diversification by isolating the two haplogroups. Otherwise, the climatic changes in the late Pleistocene must not have drastically affected the population dynamics of P. seridoensis, since the Bayesian Skyline Plot did not reveal any substantial fluctuation in effective population size in either haplogroup. Considering its importance and the fact that it is an endemic bee from a very threatened Neotropical dry forest, the results herein could be useful to the development of conservation strategies for P. seridoensis.

Background: The role of zoos in conservation programmes has increased significantly in last decades, and the health of captive animals is essential to guarantee success of such programmes. However, zoo birds suffer from parasitic infections, which often are caused by malaria parasites and related haemosporidians. Studies determining the occurrence and diversity of these parasites, aiming better understanding infection influence on fitness of captive birds, are limited., Methods: In 2011-2015, the prevalence and diversity of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was examined in blood samples of 677 captive birds from the São Paulo Zoo, the largest zoo in Latin America. Molecular and microscopic diagnostic methods were used in parallel to detect and identify these infections., Results: The overall prevalence of haemosporidians was 12.6%. Parasites were mostly detected by the molecular diagnosis, indicating that many birds harbour subclinical or abortive infections. In this project, birds of 17 orders (almost half of all the orders currently accepted in taxonomy of birds), 29 families, and 122 species, were tested, detecting positive individuals in 27% of bird species. Birds from the Anatidae were the most prevalently infected (64.7% of all infected animals). In all, infections with parasites of the genus Plasmodium (overall prevalence 97.6%) predominated when compared to those of the genus Haemoproteus (2.4%). In total, 14 cytochrome b (cytb) lineages of Plasmodium spp. and 2 cytb lineages of Haemoproteus spp. were recorded. Eight lineages were new. One of the reported lineages was broad generalist while others were reported in single or a few species of birds. Molecular characterization of Haemoproteus ortalidum was developed., Conclusion: This study shows that many species of birds are at risk in captivity. It is difficult to stop haemosporidian parasite transmission in zoos, but is possible to reduce the infection rate by treating the infected animals or/and while keeping them in facilities free from mosquitoes. Protocols of quarantine should be implemented whenever an animal is transferred between bird maintaining institutions. This is the first survey of haemosporidians in captive birds from different orders maintained in zoos. It is worth emphasizing the necessity of applying practices to control these parasites in management and husbandry of animals in captivity.

Numerous studies addressed the diversity of bird Plasmodium and Haemoproteus parasites. However, a few have been carried out in continental avian hotspot regions such as Brazil, a country with markedly different biomes, including Amazon, Brazilian Savanna, Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampas. We present the first study on hemosporidian (Haemosporida) parasites in free-living birds from an Atlantic Forest fragment where more than 80 avian species have been reported. Within this area, the São Paulo Zoo locates, and it is the fourth largest zoo in the world and the largest in Latin America. A total of 133 free-living bird samples representing 12 species were collected in the zoo, with the overall hemosporidian prevalence of 18 % by PCR-based diagnostics. Twenty-four positive PCR signals were reported from four different bird species, including migratory ones. Columba livia, an urban species, considered nowadays a pest in big cities, showed 100 % prevalence of Haemoproteus spp., mainly Haemoproteus columbae. We discuss the epidemiological importance of new parasites introduced by migratory birds in the São Paulo Zoo area and the risk it poses to the captive species, which are natives or exotics. We also warn about the influence these parasites can have on the biodiversity and the structure of host populations by altering the competitive interaction between the free-living and the captive birds.

This study aims to evaluate the viability of a clinical model of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) and its analgesic effects. It is a prospective study with twenty (20) patients randomly divided into two groups: control group and RIPC group. The opioid analgesics consumption in the postoperative period, the presence of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia, the scores of postoperative pain by visual analog scale, and the plasma levels interleukins (IL-6) were evaluated. The tourniquet applying after spinal anesthetic block was safe, producing no pain for all patients in the tourniquet group. The total dose of morphine consumption in 24 hours was significantly lower in RIPC group than in the control group (p = 0.0156). The intensity analysis of rest pain, pain during coughing and pain in deep breathing, showed that visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly lower in RIPC group compared to the control group: p = 0.0087, 0.0119, and 0.0015, respectively. There were no differences between groups in the analysis of presence or absence of mechanical hyperalgesia (p = 0.0704) and in the serum levels of IL-6 dosage over time (p < 0.0001). This clinical model of remote ischemic preconditioning promoted satisfactory analgesia in patients undergoing conventional cholecystectomy, without changing serum levels of IL-6.

Light-at-night exposure enhances the risk of cancer. Colon cancer is among the most dangerous tumors affecting humankind. Physical exercise has shown positive effects against colon cancer. Here, we investigated whether pineal gland modulates antipreneoplastic effects of physical exercise in the colon. Surgical and non-surgical pineal impairments were performed to clarify the relationship between the pineal gland activity and manifestation of colonic preneoplastic lesions. Next, a progressive swimming training was applied in rats exposed or not to either non-surgical pineal impairment or carcinogen treatment for 10 weeks. Both surgical and non-surgical pineal impairments increased the development of colon preneoplasia. It was further found that impairing the pineal gland function, higher rates of DNA damage were induced in colonic epithelial and enteric glial cells. Physical exercise acted positively against preneoplasia, whereas impairing the pineal function with constant light exposure disrupts its positive effects on the development of preneoplastic lesions in the colon. This was yet related to increased DNA damage in glial cells and enteric neuronal activation aside from serum melatonin levels. Our findings suggest that protective effects of physical exercise against colon cancer are dependent on the pineal gland activity., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by chronic inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix, mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Doxycycline has been reported to control the progression of AAA by regulation of MMP. We hypothesized that doxycycline pretreatment in a rat model of AAA would cause reduction in gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and -9 and the inflammatory response in the wall of an aneurysm, consequently decreasing the formation and development of AAAs., Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: aneurysm (A); control (C); aneurysm+doxycycline (A+D) and control+doxycycline (C+D), with 24 animals per group subdivided into n=6 animals at different time points [1, 3, 7, and 15 days postsurgery (dps)]. The (A) and (A+D) groups simultaneously received the injury and extrinsic stenosis of the aortic wall. The (C) and (C+D) groups received sham operation. The treated animals received doxycycline via gavage (30 mg/kg/day) from 48 h before surgery until the end of experiment. At 1, 3, 7, and 15 dps, the animals were euthanized, and the aortas were collected for morphological analyses, immunohistochemistry, and zymography., Results: The animals from the (A) group developed AAAs. However, the animals treated with doxycycline showed a 85% decrease in AAA development, which was associated with a large reduction in gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 and -9, and decreased inflammatory response (P<.05)., Conclusions: These results suggest that pretreatment with doxycycline before surgery inhibited the activity of MMP-2 and -9, as well as the inflammatory response, and may play an important role in the prevention of the development of AAAs., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: Understand, through the theory of social representations, the influence exerted by the establishment a residency program in anesthesiology on anesthetic care and professional motivation in a tertiary teaching hospital in the Northeast of Brazil., Method: Qualitative methodology. The theoretical framework comprised the phenomenology and the Social Representation Theory. Five multidisciplinary focus groups were formed with 17 health professionals (five surgeons, five anesthesiologists, two nurses, and five nursing technicians), who work in operating rooms and post-anesthesia care units, all with prior and posterior experience to the establishment of residency., Results: From the response content analysis, the following empirical categories emerged: motivation to upgrade, recycling of anesthesiologists and improving anesthetic practice, resident as an interdisciplinary link in perioperative care, improvements in the quality of perioperative care, recognition of weaknesses in the perioperative process. It was evident upper gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to prolonged intubation that the creation of a residency in anesthesiology brings advancements that are reflected in the motivation of anesthesiologists; the resident worked as an interdisciplinary link between the multidisciplinary team; there was recognition of weaknesses in the system, which were identified and actions to overcome it were proposed., Conclusion: The implementation of a residency program in anesthesiology at a tertiary education hospital in the Northeast of Brazil promoted scientific updates, improved the quality of care and processes of interdisciplinary care, recognized the weaknesses of the service, developed action plans and suggested that this type of initiative may be useful in remote areas of developing countries., (Copyright © 2014 Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia. Publicado por Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the acute effect of intermittent walking exercise (WE) on blood pressure (BP) responses in patients with intermittent claudication (IC). Secondly, this study aimed to gain improved insight into the physiological mechanisms controlling BP regulation after intermittent WE in this patient group., Methods: Twenty patients with IC participated in two experimental sessions in a random order, as follows: WE (15 × 2-min bouts of WE interpolated with 2-min rest intervals) and control (standing rest on a treadmill for 60 min). BP, cardiac output (CO: CO2 rebreathing), and cardiovascular autonomic modulation (spectral analysis of HR variability) were assessed before and after both experimental sessions during supine rest, and stroke volume (SV) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) were calculated. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA., Results: WE decreased systolic, diastolic, and mean BP, with net effects of -13 ± 2, -5 ± 2, and -7 ± 2 mm Hg versus control, respectively (all P < 0.05). WE also decreased SV (-5.62 ± 1.97 mL, P < 0.05) and CO (-0.05 ± 0.13 L·min(-1), P < 0.05) versus preintervention and prevented the observed increase in SVR in the control condition (+4.2 ± 1.4 U, P < 0.05). HR showed a decrease (P < 0.05), consistent with evidence of increased vagal modulation, in the control condition. BP measurements over the subsequent 24 h were similar between experimental conditions., Conclusions: In patients with IC, WE induced a postexercise hypotension response that had a significant magnitude versus control but was not maintained over the next 24 h of daily activities. The acute postexercise hypotension response was mediated by a decrease in CO and SV, which was not compensated by an augmentation of SVR, as observed in the control arm of the study.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of aerobic conditioning (AC) before (ACBS) and after (ACAS) allergic sensitization. BALB/c mice were divided into two main groups: ACBS and ACAS. Each groups was divided into subgroups: control (nonsensitized/nontrained), AC (nonsensitized/trained), ovalbumin (OVA) (sensitized/nontrained), AC+OVA (trained/sensitized), and OVA+AC (sensitized/trained). Sensitization was induced using OVA and AC performed in treadmill (moderate intensity). We examined IgE and IgG1 levels, eosinophil counting, expression of Th1 (interleukin (IL)-2, IFN-α) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IL-10, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and airway remodeling. IgE and IgG1 were decreased only when exercise was performed before sensitization (ACBS); however, there was a decrease of eosinophils, Th2 cytokines, VEGF, and airway remodeling and increase in IL-10 in either ACBS or ACAS groups. Our results demonstrate that aerobic conditioning reduces Th2 response before and after sensitization by increasing IL-10 while the production of anaphylactic antibodies is reduced only when exercise is performed before sensitization.

Two simple procedures for the preparation of magnetic chitosan enzyme microparticles have been investigated and used for the immobilisation of endophytic fungus Cercospora kikuchii lipase as model enzyme. In the first case, lipase was entrapped in Fe3O4-chitosan microparticles by cross-linking method, while in the second case magnetic immobilised derivatives were produced using spray drying. Immobilised enzymes showed high enzyme activity retention and stability during storage without significant loss of activity. Glutaraldehyde Fe3O4-chitosan powders presented a higher lipase activity retention and storage stability than the others preparations. However, the immobilised derivatives produced by cross-linking showed higher enzyme activity after reuse cycles. The results proved that the magnetic Fe3O4-chitosan microparticles are an effective support for the enzyme immobilisation since the immobilised lipase showed best properties than the free form.

Objective: To evaluate the ability of COPD patients to perform activities of daily living (ADL); to identify barriers that prevent these individuals from performing ADL; and to correlate those barriers with dyspnea severity, six-minute walk test (6MWT), and an ADL limitation score., Methods: In COPD patients and healthy, age-matched controls, the number of steps, the distance walked, and walking time were recorded with a triaxial accelerometer, for seven consecutive days. A questionnaire regarding perceived barriers and the London Chest Activity of Daily Living (LCADL) scale were used in order to identify the factors that prevent the performance of ADL. The severity of dyspnea was assessed with two scales, whereas submaximal exercise capacity was determined on the basis of the 6MWT., Results: We evaluated 40 COPD patients and 40 controls. In comparison with the control values, the mean walk time was significantly shorter for COPD patients (68.5 ± 25.8 min/day vs. 105.2 ± 49.4 min/day; p < 0.001), as was the distance walked (3.9 ± 1.9 km/day vs. 6.4 ± 3.2 km/day; p < 0.001). The COPD patients also walked fewer steps/day. The most common self-reported barriers to performing ADL were lack of infrastructure, social influences, and lack of willpower. The 6MWT distance correlated with the results obtained with the accelerometer but not with the LCADL scale results., Conclusions: Patients with COPD are less active than are healthy adults of a comparable age. Physical inactivity and the barriers to performing ADL have immediate implications for clinical practice, calling for early intervention measures.

Infiltration of surgical wounds with long-acting local anaesthetics (LA) is used to reduce postoperative incisional pain. We hypothesised that infiltration with LA interferes with wound healing in rats. Seventy-two rats were allocated into nine groups. After intraperitoneal anaesthesia, the interscapular dorsal region was infiltrated with equivolumes of saline, 0·5% bupivacaine or ropivacaine, in a randomised double-blind fashion. A standardised incision was performed in the infiltrated area and sutured closed. The rats were euthanised on the 3rd or 14th day after the operation and tissue from the incision site was subjected to histochemical analyses and mechanical testing (MT). Compared with the control group, bupivacaine displayed a significant increase in the macrophage number on day 3 (+63% versus +27% for ropivacaine). The transforming growth factor β-1 expression had a significant increase in the LA (versus saline) groups, +63% in ropivacaine group and +115% in bupivacaine group on day 3 (P < 0·05). The collagen fibres as measured by dyed area were significantly higher in the bupivacaine group on day 3 (+56%, P < 0·01 versus +15% for ropivacaine). CD34 was reduced in bupivacaine group (-51%, P < 0·05 versus +3% for ropivacaine). On day 14, no statistical differences were observed in either LA group (versus saline) with respect to histopathologic or inflammatory mediators. MT on day 14 showed no differences between the LA and saline groups. The LA-induced increases in histological markers did not extend beyond the third day, suggesting that wound infiltration with long-acting LA does not impair the wound healing process in rats., (© 2012 The Authors. International Wound Journal © 2012 Medicalhelplines.com Inc and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children, and children with DMD die prematurely because of respiratory failure. We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of yoga breathing exercises, as well as the effects of those exercises on respiratory function, in such children., Methods: This was a prospective open-label study of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of DMD, recruited from among those followed at the neurology outpatient clinic of a university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were taught how to perform hatha yoga breathing exercises and were instructed to perform the exercises three times a day for 10 months., Results: Of the 76 patients who entered the study, 35 dropped out and 15 were unable to perform the breathing exercises, 26 having therefore completed the study (mean age, 9.5 ± 2.3 years; body mass index, 18.2 ± 3.8 kg/m(2)). The yoga breathing exercises resulted in a significant increase in FVC (% of predicted: 82.3 ± 18.6% at baseline vs. 90.3 ± 22.5% at 10 months later; p = 0.02) and FEV1 (% of predicted: 83.8 ± 16.6% at baseline vs. 90.1 ± 17.4% at 10 months later; p = 0.04)., Conclusions: Yoga breathing exercises can improve pulmonary function in patients with DMD.

This study investigated whether visceral adipose tissue directly modulates the development of preneoplastic lesions in the colon of carcinogen-treated rats. Wistar rats (n=64) were randomly assigned to 8 experimental groups in two experiments. In one experiment, 32 rats were exposed or not to either carcinogen treatment (dimethylhydrazine, DMH; 125 mg/kg) or high-fat diet (standard chow enriched with 14% lard) or both for 56 days. In a second experiment, 32 rats were exposed to a carcinogen or they underwent partial lipectomy or both for 30 days (partial lipectomy groups underwent ablation of mesenteric and parametrial fat pads, whereas sham groups did not; all rats were fed with standard chow). Colon was collected for histopathological analysis. After 56 experimental days a high-fat diet increased carcinogenic mutations in the colonic epithelia. Partial lipectomy reduced weight gain in carcinogen-exposed rats and decreased the de novo formation of mesenteric and parametrial fat pads. Partial lipectomy significantly inhibited the mutational process after 30 days: there were fewer colonic preneoplastic lesions and less proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. These data suggest that visceral adipose tissue promotes colon carcinogenesis and enhances the establishment and expansion of genetically mutated cells in colonic epithelia., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is one of the most valuable spices that has been used for centuries as food preservative and for many medicinal purposes. Clove is native of Indonesia but nowadays is cultured in several parts of the world including Brazil in the state of Bahia. This plant represents one of the richest source of phenolic compounds such as eugenol, eugenol acetate and gallic acid and posses great potential for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and agricultural applications. This review includes the main studies reporting the biological activities of clove and eugenol. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of clove is higher than many fruits, vegetables and other spices and should deserve special attention. A new application of clove as larvicidal agent is an interesting strategy to combat dengue which is a serious health problem in Brazil and other tropical countries. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies were also mentioned. The different studies reviewed in this work confirm the traditional use of clove as food preservative and medicinal plant standing out the importance of this plant for different applications.

Purpose: Ocular akinesia, the use of anticoagulants, and patient collaboration are some of the factors that must be taken into consideration when choosing the appropriate anesthesia for phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The satisfaction of patients with the use of topical anesthesia and conscious sedation for this procedure has not been enough described in Brazil. Conscious sedation allows patient walk and answer a voice command. To assess the satisfaction, pain, and perioperative hemodynamic alterations of patients subjected to phacoemulsification under conscious sedation and topical anesthesia supplemented with intracameral lidocaine., Methods: Prospective cohort non-controlled study that included patients treated by the same surgical team over a 70-day period. Sedation was performed with midazolam at a total dose of 3 mg and topical anesthesia with 0.5% proxymetacaine chlorhydrate and 2% lidocaine gel combined with 2% lidocaine by intracameral route. The intraoperative vital parameters, scores based on the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale (ISAS), and the pain visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded at several time points after surgery., Results: A total of 106 patients were enrolled in study (73.6% female), the mean age was 65.9 years. The surgical procedures lasted 11.2 minutes on average. The hemodynamic parameters did not exhibit significant changes at any of the investigated time points. The average ISAS score was 2.67 immediately after surgery and 2.99 eight hours after the surgery; this increase was statistically significant (p<0.0001). More than two-thirds (68.9%) of the participants (73 patients) did not report any pain in the transoperative period, and 98.1% of patients denied the occurrence of pain after surgery., Conclusions: Patients that received topical anesthesia supplemented by intracameral lidocaine combined with sedation for phacoemulsification cataract surgery reported adequate level of satisfaction with the anesthetic choice. Furthermore, the patients exhibited hemodynamic parameter stability and pain control.

Calorie restriction regimens usually promote health and extend life-span in mammals. This is partially related to their preventive effects against malignancies. However, certain types of nutritional restriction failed to induce beneficial effects. The American Institute of Nutrition defines calorie restriction as diets which have only 40% fewer calories, but provide normal amounts of necessary food components such as protein, vitamins and minerals; whereas, food restriction means 40% less of all dietary ingredients plus 40% less calories. Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the latter type of food deprivation (40% less food than consumed by standard fed rats) might increase cancer risk instead of reducing it, as is generally assumed for all dietary restrictive regimens. Since the endogenous modulation of the colon serotonergic system has been observed to play a role during the early steps of carcinogenesis we also investigated whether the serotoninergic system could be involved in the food intake modulation of cancer risk. For this, rats were exposed to a carcinogen and subjected to food deprivation for 56 days. Triglyceride levels and visceral adipose tissue were reduced while hepatic and colonic lipid peroxidation was increased. This dietary restriction also decreased serotonin levels in colon, and gene expression of its intestinal transporter and receptors. Finally, the numbers of preneoplastic lesions in the colon tissue of carcinogen-exposed rats were increased. Our data suggest that food deprivation enhances formation of early tumorigenic lesions by suppressing serotonergic activity in colon tissue., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Plasmodium (Novyella) nucleophilum was identified using microscopy and PCR, in an Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) that died in São Paulo Zoo, Brazil. This parasite is characterized by elongated gametocytes, small meronts with scant cytoplasm, less than eight merozoites and mainly for having all the stages appressed to the nuclei of infected erythrocytes. Additionally, Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) sp. was identified by microscopy in the same blood sample. The latter parasite lacks nucleophilic blood stages and is characterized by large roundish trophozoites, each with a large prominent centrally collated vacuole. This co-infection was not confirmed by PCR amplification of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene and sequencing; only one Plasmodium sp. cytb sequence was detected in the blood sample. Since parasitemia of P. nucleophilum (2.4%) was much higher than that of P. (Haemamoeba) sp. (0.2%), PCR may have favored the amplification of the cytb sequence of the former. Phylogenetic analysis is in agreement with this conclusion because the reported cytb sequence was positioned in the same branch of sequences of several Novyella species. This is the first assignment of the mitochondrial cytb gene sequence to P. nucleophilum. The P. (Haemamoeba) parasite is particularly similar to Plasmodium (Haemamoeba) tejerai, because its advanced trophozoites and young erythrocytic meronts possess a large vacuole with prominent pigment granules arranged around it, the characteristic features of development in this species. For definitive identification of P. (Haemamoeba) species, mature meronts and gametocytes are required; however, these were absent from the thin blood smear. Representative images of the blood stages of P. nucleophilum and P. (Haemamoeba) sp. are provided. Together with microscopy data, the P. nucleophilum cytb sequence will assist in molecular identification (barcoding) of this Plasmodium species in other birds.

The public sector is the main financing agent of hospital admissions and the information generated constitutes the input for the hospital information network of the Unified Health System (SUS). This paper seeks to design a report template to be used for decision-making in both public and university hospitals. The theoretical approach sought inspiration in discussions about the SUS, hospital institutions, hospital information systems and decision-making. The methodological procedures used are characterized as qualitative-descriptive methods and were conducted in a single case study and action research. The primary data analysis was carried out in two stages from January through December 2007 and from January through December 2008. Based on these periods, the findings were described and the elaboration of new reports was presented, with the importance and need for each being duly emphasized. Lastly, a structured report template was created for the case study that includes information discussed in the article. The conclusion reached is that the hospital information system can become a potential support tool, as the necessary adjustments are made and the report is structured to furnish the institution with an objective communication tool for decision-making.

Background: Incentive spirometers are widely used in clinical practice and classified as flow-oriented (FIS) and volume-oriented (VIS). Until recently the respiratory inductive plethysmography used to evaluate the effects of incentive spirometry on chest wall mechanics presented limitations, which may explain why the impact of VIS and FIS remains poorly known., Objective: To compare the effects of VIS and FIS on thoracoabdominal mechanics and respiratory muscle activity in healthy volunteers., Methods: This cross-sectional trial assessed 20 subjects (12 female, ages 20-40 years, body mass index 20-30 kg/m(2)). All subjects performed 8 quiet breaths and 8 deep breaths with FIS and VIS, in a randomized order. We measured thoracoabdominal chest wall, upper and lower rib-cage, and abdominal volumes with optoelectronic plethysmography, and the muscle activity of the sternocleidomastoid and superior and inferior intercostal muscles with electromyography., Results: VIS increased chest wall volume more than did FIS (P = .007) and induced a larger increase in the upper and lower rib-cages and abdomen (156%, 91%, and 151%, respectively, P < .001). By contrast, FIS induced more activity in the accessory muscles of respiration than did VIS (P < .001)., Conclusions: VIS promotes a greater increase in chest wall volume, with a larger abdominal contribution and lower respiratory muscle activity, than does FIS in healthy adults.

Background and Objectives: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic skeletal muscle disorder characterized by a hypermetabolic state after anesthesia with succinylcholine and/ or volatile anesthetics. Various neuromuscular syndromes are associated with susceptibility; however, Moebius syndrome has not been reported. Dantrolene is the drug of choice for treatment. Recurrence may occur in up to 20% of cases after the initial event treatment., Case Report: Male infant, fi rst twin, 7 months old, weighing 6.5kg and presenting with Moebius syndrome was admitted for clubfoot repair. The patient had MH after exposure to sevoflurane and succinylcholine, which was readily reversed with dantrolene maintained for 24 hours. Ten hours after dantrolene discontinuation, there was recrudescence of MH that did not respond satisfactorily to treatment, and the patient died., Discussion: Musculoskeletal disorders in children are associated with increased risk of developing MH, although Moebius syndrome has not yet been reported. Dantrolene is the drug of choice for treating this syndrome; prophylaxis is indicated during the fi rst 24-48 hours of the episode onset. The main risk factors for recurrence are muscular type, long latency after anesthetic exposure, and increased temperature. The child had only one risk factor. This case leads us to reflect on how we must be attentive to children with musculoskeletal disease and maintain treatment for 48 hours., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the effect of laparoscopic surgery on pulmonary volume distributions and inspiratory muscles activity. Respiratory consequences associated with postoperative pain were also evaluated., Methods: This study enrolled 20 patients without lung disease performed spirometry and chest wall kinematic analyses (i.e., chest wall, upper and lower ribcage and abdominal volumes), and measured the activity of inspiratory muscular before and 2 days after laparoscopic surgery. Pain was also assessed., Results: After laparoscopy, the patients demonstrated decreased volumes in all three thoracoabdominal compartments: abdomen (ABD), upper and lower rib cage (URC and LRC, respectively) compared with the pre-operative measurements: ABD=0.38±0.20L vs. 0.55±0.25L; URC=0.45±0.18L vs. 0.55±0.21L; and LRC=0.31±0.18L vs. 0.41±0.23L; p<0.05. A reduction in the inspiratory muscular activity after surgery was also observed (sternocleidomastoid: 10.6±5.1×10(-3)mV vs. 12.8±6.3×10(-3)mV; intercostals: 16.8±12.4×10(-3)mV vs. 25.1±21.3×10(-3)mV; p<0.05). In addition, lower volumes during deep breathing were observed in patients who reported significant pain than those who did not (0.51±0.17L vs. 0.79±0.29L; p<0.05, respectively)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery reduces chest wall ventilation and inspiratory muscular activity during deep breathing. The effects appear to depend on the patient's reported pain level., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Microbial enzymes have been used for various biotechnological applications; however, enzyme stabilization remains a challenge for industries and needs to be considered. This study describes the effects of spray-drying conditions on the activity and stability of β-fructofuranosidase from Fusarium graminearum. The extracellular enzyme β-fructofuranosidase was spray dried in the presence of stabilizers, including starch (Capsul) (SC), microcrystalline cellulose (MC), trehalose (TR), lactose (LC) and β-cyclodextrin (CD). In the presence of TR (2% w/v), the enzymatic activity was fully retained. After 1 year of storage, 74% of the enzymatic activity was maintained with the CD stabilizer (10% w/v). The residual activity was maintained as high as 80% for 1 h at 70°C when MC, SC and CD (5% w/v) stabilizers were used. Spray drying with carbohydrates was effective in stabilizing the F. graminearum β-fructofuranosidase, improved enzymatic properties compared to the soluble enzyme and demonstrated a potential use in future biotechnology applications.

Objective: To compare the adaptive effects of three non-weight bearing exercise on bone mechanical properties., Methods: 24 male Balb/c mice (22-25g), were randomly divided into four groups (n=6): sedentary group (S); swimming group (N) which performed sessions five times per week for 60 min progressively; resistance group (R), which performed climbing exercise with progressive load, three times per week; and combined group (C), which performed the same protocols aforementioned being three times a week according to N protocol and two times a week the R protocol during eight weeks. Biomechanical tests, load until failure and stiffness evaluation of shinbone was performed after animals have been sacrificed., Results: Stiffness values were statistically higher only in the isolated modalities groups (N and R, 41.68 ± 10.43 and 41.21 ± 11.38 N/mm, respectively) compared with the S group (28.48 ± 7.34 N/mm). However, taking into consideration the final body mass, relative values, there was no difference in the biomechanical tests among the groups., Conclusion: Data from the present investigation demonstrated a favorable influence of muscle contraction in lower impact isolated exercise modalities on absolute stiffness values, i.e.groups N and R, whereas the combined group (C) did not present any statistical significant difference compared to sedentary group. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study .

Background: Although hospitalization is recognized as an important cause of reduction in physical activity in daily life (PADL) in COPD, there is only one study evaluating this effect, and it was performed in European COPD patients who have a lower PADL than that of South American COPD patients., Objectives: To investigate the effect of hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of PADL in Brazilian COPD patients and to evaluate the factors that determines the physical activity levels during hospitalization and after discharge., Methods: PADL was quantified using a 3-axis accelerometer on the 3rd day of hospitalization and 1 month after discharge in Brazilian COPD patients who were hospitalized due to disease exacerbation. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), lower limb strength and pulmonary function were also evaluated., Results: A total of 20 patients completed the study. During hospitalization, patients spent most of the time (87%) lying down or sitting; however, 1 month after they were walking >40 min/day. In addition, patients with prior hospitalization had a lower level of physical activity compared to those without a previous history of hospitalization. The time spent walking during hospitalization was significantly explained by the quadriceps strength (r(2) = 0.29; p < 0.05), while 1 month after, the time spent walking was only significantly explained by the 6MWD (r(2) = 0.51; p = 0.02)., Conclusions: Brazilian COPD patients are inactive during hospitalization but become active 1 month after discharge. Previously hospitalized are more inactive both during and after exacerbation. The quadriceps strength and 6MWD explain the physical activity levels during hospitalization and at home, respectively.

A high-fat (HF) diet, the serotonergic system and stromal elements have all been implicated in colon carcinogenesis. We investigated whether the colonic serotonergic system could play a main role in the development of colonic dysplasia and stromal reactivity in carcinogen-treated rats under HF diet. For this, dimethylhydrazine-treated rats were fed with standard diet and a HF diet. Fat distribution was quantified by computerized tomography exam, serotonergic activity was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, gene expression, and immunohistochemistry, which along with histopathological technique enabled us to enumerate dysplasia, microvessels density, cell proliferation and COX-2 expression. We found that the HF diet induced an increase in the amount of visceral adipose tissue, even without expressive changes in the average body weight. This was correlated with a loss of serotonergic balance in colon tissue. Moreover, the HF diet promoted dysplasia and microvessel density in association with increased proliferation and COX-2 expression within pericryptal colonic stroma. Our current findings suggest that a HF diet promotes the enlargement of adipose tissue via loss of control in colon serotonergic activity, which enhances colonic dysplasia by supporting microvessel development., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) on airway inflammation, exhaled nitric oxide levels (ENO), airway remodeling, and the expression of Th1, Th2 and regulatory cytokines in a guinea pig asthma model. Animals were divided into 4 groups: non-trained and non-sensitized (C), non-sensitized and AE (AE), ovalbumin-sensitized and non-trained (OVA), and OVA-sensitized and AE (OVA+AE). OVA inhalation was performed for 8 weeks, and AE was conducted for 6 weeks beginning in the 3rd week of OVA sensitization. Compared to the other groups, the OVA+AE group had a reduced density of eosinophils and lymphocytes, reduced expression of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 and an increase in epithelium thickness (p<0.05). AE did not modify airway remodeling or ENO in the sensitized groups (p>0.05). Neither OVA nor AE resulted in differences in the expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-10 or IL1-ra. Our results show that AE reduces the expression of Th2 cytokines and allergic airway inflammation and induces epithelium remodeling in sensitized guinea pigs., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

It is well established that atherogenic dyslipidemia, characterized by high levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, constitutes important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Regular exercise has been associated with a reduced risk for metabolic diseases. However, studies supporting the concept that resistance exercise is a modifier of blood lipid parameters are often contradictory. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity resistance exercise on the serum levels of TG, TC, HDL and non-HDL cholesterol, glucose, and the liver function enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.2) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1) in golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus (Waterhouse, 1839)) fed a hypercholesterolemic diet. Sedentary groups (S) and exercise groups (E) were fed a standard diet (SS and ES) or a cholesterol-enriched diet (standard plus 1% cholesterol, SC and EC). Resistance exercise was performed by jumps in the water, carrying a load strapped to the chest, representing 10 maximum repetitions (10 RM, 30 s rest, five days per week for five weeks). Mean blood sample comparisons were made by ANOVA + Tukey or ANOVA + Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05) to compare parametric and nonparametric samples, respectively. There were no differences in blood lipids between the standard diet groups (SS and ES) (p > 0.05). However, the EC group increased the glucose, non-HDL, and TC levels in comparison with the ES group. Moreover, the EC group increased the TG levels versus the SC group (p < 0.05). In addition, the ALT levels were increased only by diet treatment. These findings indicated that high-intensity resistance exercise contributed to dyslipidemia in hamsters fed a hypercholesterolemic diet, whereas liver function enzymes did not differ in regards to the exercise protocol.