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Gene variants in the UGT1A1 gene are strongly associated with circulating bilirubin levels in several populations, as well as other variants of modest effect across the genome. However, the effects of such variants are unknown regarding the Native American ancestry of the admixed Latino population. Our objective was to assess the Native American genetic determinants of serum bilirubin in Chilean admixed adolescents using the local ancestry deconvolution approach. We measured total serum bilirubin levels in 707 adolescents of the Chilean Growth and Obesity Cohort Study (GOCS) and performed high-density genotyping using the Illumina-MEGA array (>1.7 million genotypes). We constructed a local ancestry reference panel with participants from the 1000 Genomes Project, the Human Genome Diversity Project, and our GOCS cohort. Then, we inferred and isolated haplotype tracts of Native American, European, or African origin to perform genome-wide association studies. In the whole cohort, the rs887829 variant and others near UGT1A1 were the unique signals achieving genome-wide statistical significance (b = 0.30; p = 3.34 × 10−57). After applying deconvolution methods, we found that significance is also maintained in Native American (b = 0.35; p = 3.29 × 10−17) and European (b = 0.28; p = 1.14 × 10−23) ancestry components. The rs887829 variant explained a higher percentage of the variance of bilirubin in the Native American (37.6%) compared to European ancestry (28.4%). In Native American ancestry, carriers of the TT genotype of this variant averaged 4-fold higher bilirubinemia compared to the CC genotype (p = 2.82 × 10−12). We showed for the first time that UGT1A1 variants are the primary determinant of bilirubin levels in Native American ancestry, confirming its pan-ethnic relevance. Our study illustrates the general value of the local ancestry deconvolution approach to assessing isolated ancestry effects in admixed populations.

Biochemical premature adrenarche is defined by elevated serum DHEAS [≥40 μg/dL] before age 8 y in girls. This condition is receiving more attention due to its association with obesity, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Nevertheless, the link between early androgen excess and these risk factors remains unknown. Epigenetic modifications, and specifically DNA methylation, have been associated with the initiation and progression of numerous disorders, including obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to determine if prepubertal androgen exposure is associated with a different methylation profile in pubertal girls. Eighty-six healthy girls were studied. At age 7 y, anthropometric measurements were begun and DHEAS levels were determined. Girls were classified into Low DHEAS (LD) [

Tragedies are neither sought nor requested. Unfortunately, they happen and affect all areas of life, especially education. However, they leave lessons that work to face new challenges. This study aims to analyze the transition from classroom classes to distance classes due to an earthquake that hit Mexico City in 2017, damaging its buildings and infrastructure, to find the necessary aspects for an efficient transition in these cases, using different Tecnologico de Monterrey's institutional data. Faculty members were interviewed about their views during the transition. The student's grades were also compared. Student responses were analyzed in the teacher satisfaction surveys. Challenges encountered by faculty during the sudden implementation of online courses were difficulties in the use of digital technologies, the amount of time spent preparing the class, the new ways of communication, the lack of use and knowledge of the online model, and the student's evaluation in online settings. The advantages mentioned by the faculty were flexibility, recorded classes, and the new tools that can be used for teaching. It was also observed that the student averages were higher in the semester after the earthquake. However, although young faculty with excellent technology management or experienced faculty with good use of technology and who are very well trained were the profiles that students better evaluated, no correlation was found between their teacher-associated variables and teacher performance indicators with the student averages. This experience served as a basis for meeting the contingency of 2020 with COVID-19. It represented itself as one antecedent in evaluating online education, allowing the establishment of a more expeditious and efficient online educational system.

Abstract Background Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) is a plasma enzyme that esterifies cholesterol in high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL). Mutations in LCAT gene causes familial LCAT deficiency, which is characterized by very low plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (Hypoalphalipoproteinemia), corneal opacity and anemia, among other lipid-related traits. Our aim is to evaluate clinical/biochemical features of a Chilean family with a proband showing clinical signs of familial LCAT deficiency, as well as to identify and assess the functional effects of LCAT mutations. Methods An adult female proband with hypoalphalipoproteinemia, corneal opacity and mild anemia, as well as her first-degree relatives, were recruited for clinical, biochemical, genetic, in-silico and in-vitro LCAT analysis. Sequencing of exons and intron-exon boundaries was performed to identify mutations. Site-directed mutagenesis was carried out to generate plasmids containing cDNA with wild type or mutant sequences. Such expression vectors were transfected to HEK-239 T cells to asses the effect of LCAT variants in expression, synthesis, secretion and enzyme activity. In-silico prediction analysis and molecular modeling was also used to evaluate the effect of LCAT variants. Results LCAT sequencing identified rare p.V333 M and p.M404 V missense mutations in compound heterozygous state in the proband, as well the common synonymous p.L363 L variant. LCAT protein was detected in proband’s plasma, but with undetectable enzyme activity compared to control relatives. HEK-293 T transfected cells with vector expression plasmids containing either p.M404 V or p.V333 M cDNA showed detectable LCAT protein expression both in supernatants and lysates from cultured cells, but with much lower enzyme activity compared to cells transfected with the wild-type sequence. Bioinformatic analyses also supported a causal role of such rare variations in LCAT lack of function. Additionally, the proband carried the minor allele of the synonymous p.L363 L variant. However, this variant is unlikely to affect the clinical phenotype of the proband given its relatively high frequency in the Chilean population (4%) and its small putative effect on plasma HDL-cholesterol levels. Conclusion Genetic, biochemical, in vitro and in silico analyses indicate that the rare mutations p.M404 V and p.V333 M in LCAT gene lead to suppression of LCAT enzyme activity and cause clinical features of familial LCAT deficiency.

Background: The recent COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to laboratory diagnosis, based on the amplification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. With global contagion figures exceeding 4 million persons, the shortage of reagents for RNA extraction represents a bottleneck for testing globally. We present the validation results for an RT-qPCR protocol without prior RNA extraction. Due to its simplicity, this protocol is suitable for widespread application in resource-limited settings.Methods: Optimal direct protocol was selected by comparing RT-qPCR performance under a set of thermal (65, 70, and 95° for 5, 10, and 30 min) and amplification conditions (3 or 3.5 uL loading volume; 2 commercial RT-qPCR kits with a limit of detection below 10 copies/reaction) in nasopharyngeal swabs stored at 4°C in sterile Weise's buffer pH 7.2. The selected protocol was evaluated for classification concordance with a standard protocol (automated RNA extraction) in 130 routine samples and 50 historical samples with Cq values near to the clinical decision limit.Results: Optimal selected conditions for direct protocol were: thermal shock at 70°C for 10 min, loading 3.5 ul in the RT-qPCR. Prospective evaluation in 130 routine samples showed a 100% classification concordance with the standard protocol. The evaluation in historical samples, selected because their Cqs were at the clinical decision limit, showed 94% concordance with our confirmatory standard, which includes manual RNA extraction.Conclusions : Our results validate the use of this direct RT-qPCR protocol as a safe alternative for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in the case of a shortage of reagents for RNA extraction, with minimal clinical impact.

The main environmental risk factor associated with the development of Crohn's disease (CD) is cigarette smoking. Although the mechanism is still unknown, some studies have shown that cigarette exposure affects the intestinal barrier of the small bowel. Among the factors that may be involved in this process are Paneth cells. These specialized epithelial cells are located into the small intestine, and they are able to secrete antimicrobial peptides, having an essential role in the control of the growth of microorganisms. Alterations in its function are associated with inflammatory processes, such as CD. To study how cigarette components impact ileum homeostasis and Paneth cells integrity, we used intragastric administration of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) in mice. Our results showed that inflammation was triggered after mucosal exposure of CSC, which induced particular alterations in Paneth cells granules, antimicrobial peptide production, and a reduction of bactericidal capacity. In fact, exposure to CSC generated an imbalance in the fecal bacterial population and increased the susceptibility of mice to develop ileal damage in response to bacterial infection. Moreover, our results obtained in mice unable to produce interleukin 10 (IL-10−/− mice) suggest that CSC treatment can induce a symptomatic enterocolitis with a pathological inflammation in genetically susceptible individuals.

BackgroundDiets high in acid load may contribute to kidney function impairment. This study aimed to investigate the association between dietary acid load and 1-year changes in glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR).MethodsOlder adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome (mean age 65 ± 5 years, 48% women) from the PREDIMED-Plus study who had available data on eGFR (n = 5,874) or UACR (n = 3,639) at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up were included in this prospective analysis. Dietary acid load was estimated as potential renal acid load (PRAL) and net endogenous acid production (NEAP) at baseline from a food frequency questionnaire. Linear and logistic regression models were fitted to evaluate the associations between baseline tertiles of dietary acid load and kidney function outcomes. One year-changes in eGFR and UACR were set as the primary outcomes. We secondarily assessed ≥ 10% eGFR decline or ≥10% UACR increase.ResultsAfter multiple adjustments, individuals in the highest tertile of PRAL or NEAP showed higher one-year changes in eGFR (PRAL, β: –0.64 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: –1.21 to –0.08 and NEAP, β: –0.56 ml/min/1.73 m2; 95% CI: –1.13 to 0.01) compared to those in the lowest category. No associations with changes in UACR were found. Participants with higher levels of PRAL and NEAP had significantly higher odds of developing ≥10% eGFR decline (PRAL, OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07–1.54 and NEAP, OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.03–1.50) and ≥10 % UACR increase (PRAL, OR: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.04–1.46) compared to individuals with lower dietary acid load.ConclusionsHigher PRAL and NEAP were associated with worse kidney function after 1 year of follow-up as measured by eGFR and UACR markers in an older Spanish population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most important medical problems around the world. Identification of patient´s singular characteristic could help to reduce the clinical impact and facilitate individualized management. This study aimed to categorize MetS patients using phenotypical and clinical variables habitually collected during health check-ups of individuals considered to have high cardiovascular risk. The selected markers to categorize MetS participants included anthropometric variables as well as clinical data, biochemical parameters and prescribed pharmacological treatment. An exploratory factor analysis was carried out with a subsequent hierarchical cluster analysis using the z-scores from factor analysis. The first step identified three different factors. The first was determined by hypercholesterolemia and associated treatments, the second factor exhibited glycemic disorders and accompanying treatments and the third factor was characterized by hepatic enzymes. Subsequently four clusters of patients were identified, where cluster 1 was characterized by glucose disorders and treatments, cluster 2 presented mild MetS, cluster 3 presented exacerbated levels of hepatic enzymes and cluster 4 highlighted cholesterol and its associated treatments Interestingly, the liver status related cluster was characterized by higher protein consumption and cluster 4 with low polyunsaturated fatty acid intake. This research emphasized the potential clinical relevance of hepatic impairments in addition to MetS traditional characterization for precision and personalized management of MetS patients.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the population dynamics of the burrower bug (Scaptocoris castanea) in an area with cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) cultivated after cover crops. The insects were counted in soil samples collected at 0-40 cm depth. Insect incidence was documented in 18 cover crops, alone or intercropped, in each plant stage. Rainfall distribution was compared with fluctuations in the burrower bug population. Crotalaria species have a suppressive effect on the insect population, whereas some grass species favor its increase. Rainfall distribution directly influences the insect population.

En el valle de Apatzingán, Michoacán, México, se cultiva la papaya (Carica papayaL.) Maradol Roja, sin embargo, al tener una producción monovarietal, los productores se enfrentan a un riesgo latente en relación con la sanidad del cultivo y la comercialización en un mercado complejo. Ante ello, el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar agronómicamente el desarrollo y la fructificación de tres genotipos de papaya en el ejido El Platanal, municipio de Tumbiscatio, Michoacán, México, para determinar su adaptabilidad como alternativa de producción. Las variables evaluadas fueron: altura de planta, diámetro de tallo, frutos por planta, frutos hermafroditos elongados, frutos pentandrios, altura del primer fruto y hojas por planta. El diseño experimental utilizado consistió en bloques aleatorizados, tres repeticiones por bloque (uno por genotipo) y 20 plantas por bloque con tres hileras. Las comparaciones entre medias se hicieron con la prueba Tukey (p < 0,05). Los resultados indicaron que el híbrido Siluet presentó plantas con más de 3 m de altura, la variedad Maradol Roja 2,45 m y el híbrido Amarela 2,32 m. El número total de frutos por planta difirió estadísticamente entre los genotipos: Siluet tuvo 56,93, Maradol Roja 40,82 y Amarela 34,86. La altura del primer fruto para Maradol Roja y Amarela fue de 0,86 y 0,84 m, respectivamente, los cuales resultaron estadísticamente similares. Se concluye que MaradolRoja, Amarela y Siluet comprobaron tener buen potencial de adaptabilidad a esta región, de manera que los híbridos se constituyen en materiales alternativos a la tradicional variedad Maradol Roja.

Este artigo discute, à luz da Teoria Histórico-Cultural, o papel dos signos artísticos na educação estética. Enfatiza o conceito de signo, percepção estética, expressão, criação artística e desenvolvimento humano. Teórico-metodologicamente, dialoga com Vigotski e com duas pesquisadoras das artes: a primeira realizou entrevistas semiestruturadas com artistas profissionais, e a segunda organizou rodas de conversas, na escola, com crianças em idade alfabetização. A discussão teórico-prática efetivada no presente artigo permite pensar uma educação estética articulada ao conceito de signo artístico e indica possibilidades de organização das artes na educação, como educação estética, de maneira a potencializar o desenvolvimento humano cultural.

El presente trabajo ha sido desarrollado con la finalidad de determinar el efecto del incremento de la temperatura de sustrato sobre su índice de refracción y rugosidad de películas delgadas de nitruro de tantalio (TaN). Las películas delgadas de TaN fueron depositadas sobre obleas de silicio (100) y (111), por la técnica de pulverización magnética reactiva con corriente continua, utilizando una mezcla de gases argón-nitrógeno, a temperaturas de sustratos de 473 K, 573 K y 673 K respectivamente. La caracterización de las muestras fueron realizadas con un difractómetro de rayos X (XRD), la técnica de espectroscopia electrónica Auger (AES), un microscopio electrónico de barrido (SEM), un elipsómetro espectral (SE) y un microscopio de fuerza atómica (AFM). Las películas delgadas de TaN sintetizadas tuvieron una estructura cristalina cúbica centrada en la cara (fcc), que no cambió con el aumento de temperatura, sin embargo aparecen nuevas direcciones de los planos cristalográficos y las intensidades de los picos de difracción disminuyeron. Las muestras estuvieron compuestas de tantalio (65 %), nitrógeno (28 %), oxígeno (5,3 %), carbono y argón. El índice de refracción disminuyó con el incremento de temperatura para longitudes de onda entre el rango visible e infrarrojo cercano 4000 - 12000 Å, mientras que la rugosidad aumentó a medida que la temperatura incrementó, evidenciando un comportamiento no estable.

El quiste odontogénico calcificante (QOC) es raro y representa

Preadipocytes are crucial for healthy adipose tissue expansion. Preadipocyte differentiation is altered in obese individuals, which has been proposed to contribute to obesity-associated metabolic disturbances. Here, we aimed at identifying the pathogenic processes underlying impaired adipocyte differentiation in obese individuals with insulin resistance (IR)/type 2 diabetes (T2D). We report that down-regulation of a key member of the major spliceosome, PRFP8/PRP8, as observed in IR/T2D preadipocytes from subcutaneous (SC) fat, prevented adipogenesis by altering both the expression and splicing patterns of adipogenic transcription factors and lipid droplet-related proteins, while adipocyte differentiation was restored upon recovery of PRFP8/PRP8 normal levels. Adipocyte differentiation was also compromised under conditions of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated protein degradation (ERAD) hyperactivation, as occurs in SC and omental (OM) preadipocytes in IR/T2D obesity. Thus, targeting mRNA splicing and ER proteostasis in preadipocytes could improve adipose tissue function and thus contribute to metabolic health in obese individuals.

This paper examines the structure of Americanas, published by Machado de Assis in 1875, especially through three key points of its structure: the first and the last poems (“Potira” and “Os Orizes conquistados”, respectively), and the poem “A Gonçalves Dias”, that occupies the central position in the book. The two poems at the extremities of the book are seen as mirrored forms (one in relation to the other). The poem in the middle of the book, on the other hand, composed of two parts, was also analyzed. In addition to these poems, the “Cantiga do rosto branco” – the only poem that was excluded from the book when Machado de Assis published his Poesias completas in 1901 – was also examined. --- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25094/rtp.2019n27a620

Although milk consumption is increasing worldwide, in some geographical regions, its consumption has persistently declined in recent decades. This fact, together with the increase in milk production prices, has caused both milk producers and the dairy industry to be immersed in a major crisis. Some possible solutions to this problem are to get people who do not currently consume milk to start drinking it again, or to market milk and dairy products with a higher added value. In this context, a type of milk called A2 has recently received attention from the industry. This type of milk, characterized by a difference in an amino acid at position 67 of the β-casein polypeptide chain, releases much smaller amounts of bioactive opioid peptide β-casomorphin 7 upon digestion, which has been linked to harmful effects on human health. Additionally, A2 milk has been attributed worse technological properties in the production of some dairy products. Thus, doubts exist about the convenience for the dairy industry to bet on this product. The aim of this review is to provide an update on the effects on human health of A2 milk, as well as its different technological properties to produce dairy products.

The COVID-19 pandemic is the greatest challenge facing modern medicine and public health systems. The viral evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with the emergence of new variants with in-creased infectious potential, is a cause for concern. In addition, vaccination coverage remains in-sufficient worldwide. Therefore, there is a need to develop new therapeutic options, and/or to optimize the repositioning of drugs approved for other indications for COVID-19. This may include the use of calcifediol, the prohormone of the vitamin D endocrine system (VDES) as it may have potential useful effects for the treatment of COVID-19. We review the aspects associating COVID-19 with VDES and the potential use of calcifediol in COVID-19. VDES/VDR stimulation may enhance innate antiviral effector mechanisms, facilitating the induction of antimicrobial peptides/autophagy, with a critical modulatory role in the subsequent host reactive hyperinflammatory phase during COVID-19: By decreasing the cytokine/chemokine storm, regulating the renin–angiotensin–bradykinin system (RAAS), modulating neutrophil activity and maintaining the integrity of the pulmonary epithelial barrier, stimulating epithelial repair, and directly and indirectly decreasing the increased coagulability and prothrombotic tendency associated with severe COVID-19 and its complications. Available evidence suggests that VDES/VDR stimulation, while maintaining optimal serum 25OHD status, in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection may significantly reduce the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and severe COVID-19, with possible beneficial effects on the need for mechanical ventilation and/or intensive care unit (ICU) admission, as well as deaths in the course of the disease. The pharmacokinetic and functional characteristics of calcifediol give it superiority in rapidly optimizing 25OHD levels in COVID-19. A pilot study and several observational intervention studies using high doses of calcifediol (0.532 mg on day 1 and 0.266 mg on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28) dramatically decreased the need for ICU admission and the mortality rate. We, therefore, propose to use calcifediol at the doses described for the rapid correction of 25OHD deficiency in all patients in the early stages of COVID-19, in association, if necessary, with the new oral antiviral agents.

This study analyzed the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of flour obtained from red alga (Gelidium sp.) both in vitro, against most common food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria, and in a food model system during the chilled storage of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus). Results of in vitro assays allowed the conclusion that the aqueous flour extracts have antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and proteobacteria (Vibrio alginolyticus), and against Gram-positive bacteria such as Bacillus cereus and B. subtilis. In the food model study, different concentrations of the flour extract were present in the icing medium, microbial and chemical analyses being carried out in fish muscle at different storage times. An inhibitory effect (p < 0.05) on microbial growth (aerobes, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae, and proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria) and on chemical quality indices (pH, total volatile amines, and trimethylamine) was concluded. This effect was more pronounced when the flour extract concentration in the ice increased and at advanced storage times. This study provides a first approach to the beneficial use of flour of the alga Gelidium as a new preserving strategy for chilled fish.

Background: Children with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) maintain severe motor impairments at the end of the first year of life. Presence of certain symptoms and comorbidities increase these children's vulnerability. Aims: To evaluate gross motor function of a group of Brazilian children with CZS at 24 months of age and to investigate the association between the presence of CZS symptoms and comorbidities with gross motor development. Methods and procedures: Fifty children with CZS participated in the study. Information was collected from medical charts, and gross motor development was evaluated by the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88. GMFM-88 scores were compared among comorbid groups. Three subgroups of children were identified by cluster analysis, based on information from head circumference at birth, symptoms, comorbidities and gross motor function. Outcomes and results: Significant associations (p < 0.001) were observed between number of comorbidities/symptoms and dimensions A (r = -0.57) and B (r = -0.58) of the GMFM-88. Children were grouped into 3 clusters, with different gross motor skills. Children with epilepsy and dysphagia composed the cluster with smaller median scores for dimensions A and B of the GMFM-88. Conclusions and implications: The presence of CZS symptoms and comorbidities compromise the gross motor repertoire of children with CZS at 24 months.

Introducción. En Buenavista, Michoacán, México, la superficie sembrada de papaya (Carica papaya L.) es de la variedad Maradol Roja y la mayoría de los agricultores utilizan un modelo de producción agrícola convencional, donde no se conoce con certeza la productividad ni la rentabilidad del cultivo; conocer estas dos variables permitiría obtener una producción eficiente que a mediano plazo mejoraría el entorno socioeconómico de los agricultores. Objetivo. Comparar un modelo de producción agrícola sustentable contra el modelo de producción convencional de papaya, para identificar la producción agrícola y la relación beneficio-costo. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se llevó a cabo en el municipio de Buenavista, Michoacán, México, durante 2015. Se caracterizó por tener dos unidades experimentales, un tratamiento por unidad (sustentable y convencional) con un muestreo aleatorizado simple. Se evaluaron el peso de fruto, los sólidos solubles totales y los frutos por planta. El análisis estadístico incluyó prueba de Levene, prueba de Kolmogorov-Smirnov y Lilliefors, ANOVA y prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney. Se realizó análisis económico con los indicadores: costo total de la inversión, ingreso total, relación beneficio costo, rentabilidad y punto de equilibrio. Resultados. El modelo sustentable mostró para peso de fruto 1,71 kg, 38,0 frutos por planta, costo total de inversión de USD $ 8736,83 ha-1, relación beneficio costo de 2,24, y un punto de equilibrio de 38,47 %. El modelo convencional mostró 2,20 kg en peso de fruto, 53,72 frutos por planta, un costo total de inversión de USD $ 9262,03 ha-1, relación beneficio costo de 1,08, y un punto de equilibrio de 90,11 %. Conclusión. El modelo convencional resultó desfavorable económicamente, por lo que se sugiere mejorarlo gradualmente hasta llegar a ser rentable. El modelo sustentable mostró ser muy atractivo económicamente y tener aprovechamiento eficiente de los recursos naturales locales.

This work compares the tribological behavior of surface layers obtained by three different hardening processes. The layers were formed on the surface of AISI 4140 steel by applying three different thermochemical treatments. Wear resistance was evaluated using a standardized tribological machine for abrasive wear, according to the limits established by the ASTM G65 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Abrasion Using Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel Apparatus”. According to the results, the boride layers exhibited the highest wear resistance, as compared to nitrided and carburized layers. In contrast, the carburized layers presented the highest loss of volume. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze the worn surfaces to examine the wear mechanisms. Abrasive wear was identified in all the samples, as the main abrasive wear mechanism. The mean values of the coefficient of friction (CoF) of the hardened surfaces were 0.39, 0.55, and 0.65 for carburizing, nitriding, and boriding samples, respectively, indicating that the wear process may not always be related to a low CoF. The results suggest that the highest hardness is normally associated with high wear resistance, but the coefficient of friction could be not directly related to the hardness of the materials. Finally, a statistical study demonstrates the random nature of the layers obtained by three different hardening processes.

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major health problem with increasing incidence, which severely impacts cardiovascular disease. Because T2DM is associated with altered gene expression and aberrant splicing, we hypothesized that dysregulations in splicing machinery could precede, contribute to, and predict T2DM development. Methods: A cohort of patients with cardiovascular disease (CORDIOPREV study) and without T2DM at baseline (at the inclusion of the study) was used (n = 215). We determined the expression of selected splicing machinery components in fasting and 4 h-postprandial peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs, obtained at baseline) from all the patients who developed T2DM during 5-years of follow-up (n = 107 incident-T2DM cases) and 108 randomly selected non-T2DM patients (controls). Serum from incident-T2DM and control patients was used to analyze in vitro the modulation of splicing machinery expression in control PBMCs from an independent cohort of healthy subjects. Findings: Expression of key splicing machinery components (e.g. RNU2, RNU4 or RNU12) from fasting and 4 h-postprandial PBMCs of incident-T2DM patients was markedly altered compared to non-T2DM controls. Moreover, in vitro treatment of healthy individuals PBMCs with serum from incident-T2DM patients (compared to non-T2DM controls) reduced the expression of splicing machinery elements found down-regulated in incident-T2DM patients PBMCs. Finally, fasting/postprandial levels of several splicing machinery components in the PBMCs of CORDIOPREV patients were associated to higher risk of T2DM (Odds Ratio > 4) and could accurately predict (AUC > 0.85) T2DM development. Interpretation: Our results reveal the existence of splicing machinery alterations that precede and predict T2DM development in patients with cardiovascular disease. Fund: ISCIII, MINECO, CIBERObn. Keywords: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), Postprandial state, Spliceosome, OGTT, RNUs

Abstract Background The development and implementation of effective physical activity (PA) intervention programs is challenging, particularly in older adults. After the first year of the intervention program used in the ongoing PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED)-Plus trial, we assessed the initial effectiveness of the PA component. Methods PREDIMED-Plus is an ongoing randomized clinical trial including 6874 participants randomized to an intensive weight-loss lifestyle intervention based on an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), physical activity promotion and behavioral support and to a control group using MedDiet recommendations but without calorie restriction or PA advice. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are measured by standard clinical protocols. Duration and intensity of PA is self-reported using the validated REGICOR Short Physical Activity Questionnaire. The primary endpoint of the PREDIMED-Plus trial is a combined cardiovascular outcome: myocardial infarction (acute coronary syndromes with positive troponin test), stroke, or cardiovascular mortality. The present study involved secondary analysis of PA data (n = 6059; mean age 65 ± 4.9 years) with one-year changes in total, light, and moderate-to-vigorous PA within and between intervention groups as the outcome. Generalized estimating equation models were fitted to evaluate time trends of PA, BMI, and WC within groups and differences between intervention and control groups. Results After 12 months, average daily MVPA increased by 27.2 (95%CI 5.7;48.7) METs-min/day and 123.1 (95%CI 109.7–136.6) METs-min/day in the control and intervention groups, respectively. Total-PA, light-PA, and MVPA increased significantly (p

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as type 2 diabetes biomarkers, and they may be a more sensitive way to predict development of the disease than the currently used tools. Our aim was to identify whether circulating miRNAs, added to clinical and biochemical markers, yielded better potential for predicting type 2 diabetes. The study included 462 non-diabetic patients at baseline in the CORDIOPREV study. After a median follow-up of 60 months, 107 of them developed type 2 diabetes. Plasma levels of 24 miRNAs were measured at baseline by qRT-PCR, and other strong biomarkers to predict diabetes were determined. The ROC analysis identified 9 miRNAs, which, added to HbA1c, have a greater predictive value in early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (AUC = 0.8342) than HbA1c alone (AUC = 0.6950). The miRNA and HbA1c-based model did not improve when the FINDRISC was included (AUC = 0.8293). Cox regression analyses showed that patients with low miR-103, miR-28-3p, miR-29a, and miR-9 and high miR-30a-5p and miR-150 circulating levels have a higher risk of disease (HR = 11.27; 95% CI = 2.61–48.65). Our results suggest that circulating miRNAs could potentially be used as a new tool for predicting the development of type 2 diabetes in clinical practice. Keywords: type 2 diabetes mellitus, miRNAs, biomarkers, predictive models

Marcgraviaceae belongs to the order Ericales, has eight genera and about 130−140 species. In Brazil, it is currently represented by six genera and 39 species. This work aimed to carry out the taxonomic survey of the family in the State of Paraíba, Brazilian northeastern. Digitized databases, physical and virtual herbaria were consulted and field visits were made. In the study area three species in three genera were found: Marcgravia coriacea, Schwartzia brasiliensis, and Souroubea guianensis. Marcgravia coriacea and S. guianensis are here recorded for the first time for the flora of the State. Taxonomic descriptions, illustrations, a key to species, geographic distribution data, habitats, and reproductive phenology for the species are presented.

This paper examines the ten-syllable verse in some treatises of versification in Portuguese language, from the eighteenth century to the second half of the twentieth century. Since Renaissance, the Italian ten-syllable verse predominated in Portuguese poetry. In the succeeding centuries, the treatises of versification made it a practically unique recipe for this verse. In Symbolism and Modernism, by the recovery of rhythmic schemes used in the Middle Ages and by the use of other possibilities little used in the past, this verse was decristalized, recovered the enormous plasticity it had once. A sample of contemporary poetry, presented at the end of the paper, surpasses modernist ruptures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the density and phenotypical diversity of diazotrophic endophytic bacteria from the forage palm irrigated with different saline water depths. Opuntia stricta (IPA-200016) received five depths of saline water (L1: 80%. ETo; L2: 60%.ETo; L3: 40%; ETo; L4: 20%; ETo and, L5: 0% ETo, where ETo is the reference evapotranspiration). The roots were collected in the field, disinfected, grounded and serial diluted from 10-1 to 10-4. The total concentration of diazotrophic bacteria was determined by the most probable number method (MPN) and the isolated bacteria were characterized phenotipically. The concentration of bacteria found in forage palm roots ranged from 0.36 x 104 to 109.89 104 cells per gram of root, with highest occurrence on the 60 and 80% ETo. In the dendrogram of similarity it was possible to observe the formation of 24 phenotypic groups with 100% similarity. All bacteria presented similarity superior to 40%. Among these groups, 14 are rare groups, formed by only a single bacterial isolate. In the Semi-Arid conditions, the forage palm that receives the highest amount of saline water, presents a higher density of putative nitrogen-fixing endophytic bacteria with high phenotypic diversity.

Abstract Background Poor quality of life (QOL) and a high prevalence of depression have been identified among end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). We aimed to evaluate the associations between religious/spiritual (R/S) coping methods and both QOL and depression among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods The sample included 161 ESRD patients over 18 years of age who had been undergoing HD for more than 3 months. R/S coping methods were assessed using the Religious Coping Questionnaire (RCOPE). The RCOPE generates scores (from 1 to 5) for positive and negative R/S coping methods. The higher the score, the more frequent the use of that coping method. Depression was evaluated using the 20-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Scores on the CES-D range from 0 to 60. A cutoff of 18 was used to define depression. QOL was evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36); this survey was used to generate scores for the eight dimensions of QOL, which can vary from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). Results We identified a depression prevalence of 27.3%. Positive R/S coping scores were higher among non-depressed than depressed patients (2.98 vs. 2.77; p = 0.037). Positive R/S coping scores were negatively correlated with depression scores (r = −0.200; p = 0.012) and were an independent protective factor for depression (OR = 0.13; CI 95% = 0.02-0.91; p = 0.039). Regarding QOL, a positive correlation was identified between positive R/S coping scores and scores related to general health (r = 0.171; p = 0.030) and vitality (r = 0.183; p = 0.019), and an inverse correlation was identified between negative R/S coping scores and scores in the social functioning (r = −0.191; p = 0.015) and mental health (r = −0.214; p = 0.006) dimensions. In addition, positive R/S coping scores were an independent predictor of higher scores in the bodily pain (β = 14.401; p = 0.048) and vitality (β = 12.580; p = 0.022) dimensions. In contrast, negative R/S coping scores independently predicted lower social functioning scores (β = −21.158; p = 0.017). Conclusions Our results provide further evidence suggesting that R/S coping methods may be associated with QOL and depression among HD patients. In our opinion, the use of religious resources should be encouraged among HD patients, and psycho-spiritual interventions should be attempted to target religious struggles (negative R/S coping) in patients undergoing HD.

Parathyroid carcinoma is an infrequent endocrine malignant neoplasm with an aggressive behavior. Two cases of parathyroid carcinoma are described, one with a late diagnosis after previous surgeries for parathyroid hyperplasia, and the other diagnosed after pathologic fracture. The aim of this article is to make a review on recent parathyroid carcinoma literature and discuss these two illustrating cases. There has not been established any etiology for parathyroid carcinoma and no predisposing factors were identified. Parathyroid carcinoma may occur sporadically or as part of a genetic syndrome. The clinical features of parathyroid carcinoma are similar to benign cases of hyperparathyroidism and the pathologic diagnose is difficult. In the absence of metastatic disease in addition to a similar clinical setting, it can be difficult to distinguish benign and malignant hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease which diagnose can be challenging. Recent advances in immunohistochemical analysis may have helped in histopathologic evaluation, but pre-operative detection relies on imaging exams that may not differentiate malignant from benign hyperparathyroidism. The first surgical approach is paramount for disease control. There is still few effective therapeutic options for recurrent and metastatic disease, and these patients' prognostic status remain poor. Promising results were observed with denosumab and PTH immunization, and they may be a useful therapy for advanced cases in the future, but further investigation is required.

Introduction:Staphylococcus aureus may provoke peritonitis and death, especially in immunocompromized individuals such as diabetic patients. We evaluated the role of insulin in S. aureus-induced peritoneal infection in diabetic and non-diabetic rats.Materials/Methods: Alloxan-diabetic male Wistar rats and their respective controls received intraperitoneal injections of different strains of S. aureus or sterile phosphate-buffered saline. After 3 days of infection, the first set of diabetic and non-diabetic rats received 4 and 1 IU, respectively, of neutral protamine Hagedorn insulin and were analyzed 8 h later. The second set of diabetic and non-diabetic rats received 4 and 1 IU, respectively, of insulin 2 h before intraperitoneal infection and a half dose of insulin at 5 p.m. for the next 2 days and were analyzed 16 h later. The following measurements were performed: (a) number of cells in the peritoneal lavage fluid (PeLF), white blood cell count, and blood glucose; (b) serum insulin and corticosterone; (c) cytokine levels in the PeLF; (d) expression of adhesion molecules in the vascular endothelium; and (e) microbicidal activity.Results: Diabetic rats showed an increased number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) and increased concentrations of CINC-1, IL-4, and IFN-γ in the PeLF after infection with the ATCC 25923 or N315 αHL+ strain. The mesenteric expression of PECAM-1 was increased after infection with the N315 HLA+ strain. ICAM-1 expression was increased with ATCC infection. Treatment of diabetic rats with a single dose of insulin restored CINC-1 levels in the PeLF for both strains; however, PMN migration, IL-4, and IFN-γ were restored in rats infected with the ATCC strain, whereas the PeLF concentrations of CINC-2, IL-1β, and IL-4 were increased in N315-infected animals. Insulin restored PMN migration and CINC-2 levels in the PeLF in ATCC-infected rats. After multiple treatments with insulin, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IFN-γ were increased in the PeLF of diabetic rats after infection with either strain, and CINC-2 levels were restored in N315-infected animals.Conclusion: These results suggest that insulin distinctively modulates cytokine production or release, PMN leukocyte migration, and adhesion molecule expression during the course of peritonitis induced by different strains of S. aureus.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the in situ degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and hemicellulose of elephant grass (Pennisetumpurpureum, Schum.) with increasing levels (0; 35.0; 70.0, 105.0, and 140.0 g kg-1) of dried pineapple (Ananascomosus, L.) by-product (DPBP). The experimental silos consisted of plastic drums with 210 L capacity. After weighing and homogenizing the elephant grass with the DABP, the material was inserted in the silos (126 kg silage, at a density of 600 kg m-3) and compressed. After 45 days of ensilage, silos were opened and samples of the silages were collected for the trial. The study of degradability in situ was conducted using a rumen-fistulated male cattle. The animal was fed with corn silage supplemented with 1 kg concentrate daily. Five levels of addition of the by-product were tested, with three replicates and five times of incubation with an animal. The experimental design was completely randomized with split plots, in which the proportions of DPBP were the treatments (plots), the different silos were the replicates, and the incubation times were the subplots. The levels of inclusion of DPBP provided an increase (P < 0.05) in disappearance of DM and CP and in the effective degradability of DM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. The dried pineapple by-product is a potential alternative to be used as additive in the ensilage of elephant grass, as it provides an increase in the rumen degradability parameters.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of including crude glycerin in the diet on intake, performance, rumen development, and carcass traits of dairy crossbred veal calves fed starter concentrate containing 0, 80, 160, and 240 g kg−1 crude glycerin. Twenty-eight calves with an average weight of 38.03±6.7 kg and five days of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments with seven replications. Calves were individually housed in covered stalls equipped with feeders and drinkers for 56 days. The calf response to inclusion of crude glycerin in the concentrate changed over the weeks and the inclusion level of 240 g kg−1 resulted in greater dry matter intake and average daily gain. There was no effect on the final weight and total weight gain of the animals, with mean values of 73.60 and 35.16 kg, respectively. The weight of the rumen-reticulum adjusted for body weight, empty body weight, and total stomach weight increased linearly with the inclusion of crude glycerin. Blood total protein, globulin, urea, cholesterol, gamma glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase concentrations did not differ among treatments. Carcass traits and meat color were not affected. Crude glycerin can be added to dairy calf starter concentrate up to 240 g kg−1 dry matter because it benefits concentrate intake, performance, and rumen development without affecting animal health.

Industrialization of the Babassu coconut for edible oil production generates many co-products and has great potential to be used in ruminant nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different inclusions of endocarp meal type II of Babassu coconut (BEMII) on intake and digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty non-castrated male sheep with an undefined breed were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The animals received an experimental diet with increasing inclusions of BEMII (0.0%, 7.5%, 15.0%, and 22.5%). Increasing additions of the coproduct negatively influenced dry matter intake (g/BW and g/kg0.75). Crude protein intake (in grams) per day decreased linearly with the inclusion of BEMII, presenting a reduction of 49.35 g/d. The inclusion of 7.5% showed the best response for energy balance among all inclusions and presented the closest nitrogen balance value when compared to the control group; therefore, this inclusion percentage is the best for endocarp meal utilization.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do peso de abate sobre o desempenho animal, cortes comerciais da carcaça e características da carne de vacas Purunã terminadas em confinamento. Foram utilizadas 28 vacas de descarte com 68,02±17,36 meses de idade abatidas com pesos distintos (434; 461; 476 e 522 kg). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (pesos de abate) e sete repetições (animais). O consumo de matéria seca, expresso em kg dia-1 e % do peso corporal, apresentou variação quadrática em função do avanço do peso de abate, sendo os maiores valores observados para o peso de abate de 461 kg. O ganho de peso médio diário diminuiu linearmente, enquanto que o peso absoluto do dianteiro, ponta de agulha e traseiro especial aumentou linearmente com avanço do peso de abate. Em termos relativos somente o corte ponta de agulha foi alterado pelo avanço do peso de abate, aumentando linearmente. Entre as proporções dos cortes cárneos preparados para comercialização, elevações lineares foram verificadas para o acém e contra filé. O aumento do peso de abate promoveu incrementos lineares nos escores de coloração, marmoreio e palatabilidade, mas não alterou a maciez da carne. O avanço do peso de abate de vacas de descarte da raça Purunã reduz o desempenho animal, aumentando as perdas pelo recorte de gordura, com benefícios importantes apenas para a palatabilidade da carne.

The use of packaging films containing natural preservative compounds attracts great attention for the quality improvement of seafood. Microalga spirulina (Spirulina platensis) represents a potential source of high added-value and preservative biocompounds. The goal of this study was to enhance the quality of refrigerated Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) by including a protein concentrate (PC) of spirulina in a gelatine-based film. Quality changes in fish muscle were monitored by microbial and chemical analyses throughout an 11-day refrigerated storage (4 °C). As a result of the presence of spirulina PC in the film, an antimicrobial effect (p < 0.05) was concluded as determined by comparative evolution of aerobes and psychrotrophs, while no effect (p > 0.05) was concluded for Enterobacteriaceae, proteolytics and lipolytics counts. Furthermore, a lower (p < 0.05) formation of trimethylamine and free fatty acids was detected. Lipid oxidation, measured by fluorescent compounds formation, also exhibited lower average values in fish corresponding to the batch containing spirulina concentrate. The preservative effects observed can be explained on the basis of the presence of antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds in the microalga concentrate. It is proposed that the current packaging system may constitute a novel and promising strategy to enhance the quality of commercial refrigerated fatty fish.

We assessed if a 17-item score capturing adherence to a traditional Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) was associated with better health-related quality of life among older Spanish men and women with overweight or obesity harboring the metabolic syndrome. We analyzed baseline data from 6430 men and women (age 55-70 years) participating in the PREDIMED-Plus study. PREDIMED-Plus is a multi-centre randomized trial testing an energy-restricted MedDiet combined with promotion of physical activity and behavioral therapy for primary cardiovascular prevention compared to a MedDiet alone. Participants answered a 36-item questionnaire about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and a 17-item questionnaire that assessed adherence to an MedDiet. We used ANCOVA and multivariable-adjusted linear regression models to compare baseline adjusted means of the quality of life scales according to categories of adherence to the MedDiet. Higher adherence to the MedDiet was independently associated with significantly better scores in the eight dimensions of HRQoL. Adjusted differences of > = 3 points between the highest and the lowest dietary adherence groups to the MedDiet were observed for vitality, emotional role, and mental health and of > = 2 points for the other dimensions. In conclusion, this study shows a positive association between adherence to a MedDiet and several dimensions of quality of life.

BACKGROUND:Many studies have investigated what could attract insects of medical importance and a crucial role has lately been attributed to human skin odors. Most of these researches have been concerned with mosquitoes, e.g., vectors of dengue and malaria. Little is known about volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from human skin odors and their effects on leishmania vectors. OBJECTIVE:The present study aimed to identify the VOCs from human skin that can be attractive to female anthropophilic phlebotomine sandflies. RESULTS:Forty-two VOCs were identified from skin odors of 33 male volunteers, seven of which were tested in wind tunnel assays employing field-captured phlebotomine sandflies (75.4% identified as Lutzomyia intermedia). Hexane and (E)-oct-3-en-1-ol (octenol) were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. 2-Phenylacetaldehyde (hereafter called phenylacetaldehyde), 6-methylhept-5-en-2-one (also known as sulcatone), nonadecane and icosane were found to activate female phlebotomine sandflies, but only phenylacetaldehyde, 6-methylhepten-5-en-2-one and icosane elicited attraction responses. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that phenylacetaldehyde, 6-methylhepten-5-en-2-one and icosane may be suitable candidates for attractiveness experimentation in the field which can be an important tool to develop strategies concerning human beings protection against phlebotomine sandflies bites and consequently against leishmaniasis.

Este trabajo aborda, desde una perspectiva cognitiva sociocultural, el proceso de apropiación de la alfabetización inicial en infantes que cursan los dos primeros grados de la escuela primaria. Se compara este proceso con el realizado por la especie humana hasta la consolidación de una escritura alfabética y se aportan pruebas de un proceso similar en cada infante involucrado en la consolidación de su alfabetización inicial. Se presentan las etapas por las que se transita como hipótesis de lenguaje. Se pone de manifiesto la importancia de los intercambios socioculturales que incluyen diversos elementos como las herramientas, los códigos, entre otras que se representan en la perspectiva de la cognición distribuida, así como la incorporación de las TIC en este proceso alfabetizador, como una herramienta de singular valía, de la que se comentan algunos usos en esta tarea de consolidar la alfabetización inicial. Finalmente, se revisa el papel de las teorías implícitas en las prácticas alfabetizadoras de los profesores de primer y segundo grado de educación primaria.