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The efficiency of a feet deodorization product was tested on a group of previously screened volunteers under laboratory conditions. Feet odour intensity was assessed by a calibrated and trained olfactory panel after 24 hours and 48 hours of continuously wearing the same socks. The results demonstrated that the tested deodorization product was effective in reducing the feet odour intensity from distinguishable to weak. Such reduction was equivalent to the 23% and the 30% after 24 hours and 48 hours, respectively, in terms of odour intensity units. more...

Objective: To investigate the association of nighttime awakenings at 12 months with the duration and efficiency of nighttime sleep at 6 years of age. Methods: Data from two population-based prospective studies (The Pelotas 2004 and The Pelotas 2015 Birth Cohorts) were used. Information on nighttime awakenings was provided by mothers during the 12-month follow-up interview. Infants who awakened >3 times after sleep onset at 12 months were considered frequent wakeners. Sleep duration and sleep efficiency were obtained by actigraphy at the 6-year follow-up. Children wore the device at the wrist of the non-dominant arm continuously for 3–7 days, including at least one weekend day. Unadjusted and adjusted beta coefficients were obtained by linear regression for each cohort separately. Results: 2500 children from the 2004 and 2793 from the 2015 cohort had full information on nighttime awakenings at 12 months and actigraphy at 6 years and were analyzed. Prevalence of frequent wakeners was 6.3 % and 5.9 % in the 2004 and 2015 cohort, respectively. Mean bedtime and wake-up time at 6 years were, respectively, 23:23 and 08:41 h in the 2004 cohort, and 00:10 and 09:00 h int the 2015 cohort. Nighttime sleep lasted on average 7.54 and 7.24 h respectively in the 2004 and the 2015 cohort, and the sleep efficiency was 81.1 and 82.5 % respectively. In adjusted analyses, no associations were found between awakening at 12 months and sleep duration or sleep efficiency at 6 years of age. Conclusion: In both cohorts sleep duration and efficiency were below the recommendation for school-age children (respectively 9–11 h and 85 %). There was no relationship between the number of nighttime awakenings at 12 months and sleep duration or efficiency at 6 years. more...

Context Robust associations have been identified between fertility during adolescence and the disablement process, including pathologies, impairments, functional limitations and disability. Limited theoretical or empirical research considers how and why such relationships exist generally or with the individual associated components of disablement.Objective To consolidate and critically evaluate literature to describe testable, theory-based hypotheses to guide future research on the mechanisms by which fertility during adolescence contributes to disablement.Methods Targeted literature review of research from diverse global settings contextualised in two well-accepted theoretical frameworks in life-course epidemiology: the cumulative risk model and the critical period approach.Results Five hypothesised causal pathways linking adolescent fertility to disablement in later life are described: 1) Causal relationship initiated by fertility during adolescence; 2) Common cause(s) for both, such as adverse childhood experiences; 3) Contributing cause(s) to adolescent fertility; 4) Interaction between adolescent fertility and other risk factors; and 5) Critical period effects unique to adolescence. Most research on the topic is on pathologies versus functional limitations and disability.Conclusion We highlight promising research avenues to inform future research and interventions on adolescent fertility and the disablement process. This work provides theoretical clarity, identifies research gaps, and offers hypotheses-testing opportunities for future research. more...

Abstract Embryo-maternal crosstalk is essential to establish pregnancy, with the equine embryo moving throughout the uterus on days 9–15 (ovulation = day 0) as part of this interaction. We hypothesized that the presence of a mobile embryo induces local changes in the gene expression of the endometrium. On Day 12, the endometrial transcripts were compared among three groups: uterine horn with an embryo (P+, n = 7), without an embryo (P−, n = 7) in pregnant mares, and both uterine horns of nonbred mares (NB, n = 6). We identified 1,101 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between P+ vs. NB and 1,229 DEGs between P− vs. NB. The genes upregulated in both P+ and P− relative to NB were involved in growth factor pathway and fatty acid activation, while downregulated genes were associated with oxytocin signaling pathway and estrogen receptor signaling. Comparing the transcriptome of P+ to that of P−, we found 59 DEGs, of which 30 genes had a higher expression in P+. These genes are associated with regulating vascular growth factors and the immune system, all known to be essential in early pregnancy. Overall, this study suggests that the mobile embryo influences the endometrial gene expression locally. more...

In biomedical research, telemetry is used to take automated physiological measurements wirelessly from animals, as it reduces their stress and allows recordings for large data collection over long periods. The ability to transmit high-throughput data from an in-body device (e.g., implantable systems, endoscopic capsules) to external devices can also be achieved by radiofrequency (RF), a standard wireless communication procedure. However, wireless in-body RF devices do not exceed a transmission speed of 2 Mbit/s, as signal absorption increases dramatically with tissue thickness and at higher frequencies. This paper presents the design of an optical wireless communication system (OWCS) for neural probes with an optical transmitter, sending out physiological data through an optical signal that is detected by an optical receiver. The optical receiver position is controlled by a tracking system of the small animal position, based on a cage with a piezoelectric floor. To validate the concept, an OWCS based on a wavelength of 850 nm for a data transfer of 5 Mbit/s, with an optical power of 55 mW, was demonstrated for a tissue thickness of approximately 10 mm, measured in an optical tissue phantom. more...

Abstract Antidepressant use is two-fold greater in women compared to men; however, most studies have been performed in male subjects. We aimed to understand the impact of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI, most used antidepressants) on calcium homeostasis and steroid metabolism during the peripartum period. Pregnant sheep (n = 10/group) were treated with vehicle or fluoxetine (most common SSRI) during the last month of gestation. Fluoxetine treatment decreased circulating calcium prior to parturition (8.7 ± 0.1 mg/dL vs 8.2 ± 0.1 mg/dL; P = 0.07). In the control group, total calcium decreased after parturition corresponding to the onset of lactogenesis followed by increase in calcium by day 2 postpartum. Interestingly, this normal transient decrease in circulating calcium was absent in fluoxetine-treated ewes. The steroids cortisol and progesterone were not altered by fluoxetine treatment whereas estradiol was decreased after the onset of treatment (12.4 ± 1.3 vs 9.1 ± 1.2 pg/mL, P = 0.05) and prior to parturition (38.1 ± 8.1 vs 22.3 ± 4.2 pg/mL, P = 0.03). Our hypothesis was supported that fluoxetine treatment alters circulating concentrations of calcium in the peripartum period; however, we surprisingly observed a decrease in estradiol concentrations contrary to reports in in vitro studies. more...

Objectives Adolescent childbirth is associated with older adult adverse health outcomes that negatively affect mobility function, but these associations have not been studied globally in large samples of reproductive-age women. This study examines the association between age at first childbirth and mobility disability in national surveys from low-income and middle-income countries, and hypotheses that adolescent childbirth is associated with mobility disability.Design Cross-sectional analysis.Setting Population health surveys from 2013 to 2018 containing mobility disability measures among ever-pregnant women ages 15–49. These included 13 Demographic Health Surveys from Haiti, Pakistan, Uganda, Cambodia, Colombia, South Africa, Timor-Leste, Albania, Gambia, Maldives, Peru, Senegal and Yemen and 1 Maternal Health Survey from Ghana.Participants The sample included 157 988 women ages 15–49 years.Primary outcome measure Adolescent childbirth was defined as 10–19 years of age. Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence ratios (PRs) of mobility disability among women who first gave birth during adolescence and in adult life (ages 20–45 years) in each country and across the whole sample. Countries were also analysed according to the use of standard and non-standard mobility disability measures. Covariates included current age, urban/rural residence, education and household wealth.Results Prevalence of adolescent childbirth (17.5%–66.2%) and mobility disability (0.32%–21.45%) varied widely across countries. Adolescent childbirth was significantly (p more...

Abstract Background Inadequate antenatal care (ANC) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. ANC quality is considered a key component of the right to health and a route to equity and dignity for women and their children. Although ANC coverage is relatively high in Brazil, there are revealed some health disparities when coverage is examined by socio-demographic determinants. In this study we evaluated ANC quality and its socio-demographic determinants using data from the 2015 Pelotas birth cohort, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods This study is part of the 2015 Pelotas population-based birth cohort (n = 3923 pregnant women) conducted in southern Brazil. ANC quality was assessed through 19 content and service utilization indicators recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Descriptive analyses and associations of each of the ANC indicators and independent variables were performed using the chi-square and linear trend test. ANC indicators were analyzed individually and aggregated as a score. Associations between ANC score quality and socio-demographic variables were assessed with ordinal regressions. Mediation analysis with G-computation was performed to estimate direct and indirect effect of mother’s level of education on ANC quality mediated by the number of consultations and timing of ANC initiation. Base and post confounders were included. Results The results showed that except for breast examination, height measurement, tetanus toxoid vaccination and ANC starting at the first trimester, all ANC indicators showed more than 80% coverage during ANC visits. In the adjusted analysis, inadequate quality ANC was associated with lower maternal education level, not having a partner, being multiparous, being attended by a private provider and by the same professional in all consultations. In the mediation analyses, 6.8% of the association between ANC quality and mother’s education was mediated by the trimester in which ANC started, while 12.8% was mediated by the number of ANC visits. Conclusions ANC quality is associated with pregnant women’s socio-demographic characteristics. Significant efforts are needed to improve the quality of facility-based maternity care. more...

Chondrichthyes (including sharks, rays, and chimaeras) are a class of jawed cartilaginous fishes (with skeletons composed primarily of cartilage), with major relevance to the marine ecosystems and to humanity. However, cartilaginous fishes are facing various threatens, inflicting abrupt declines in their populations. Thus, critical assessment of available molecular genetic variation, particularly retrieved from Chondrichthyans’ transcriptomic analyses, represents a major resource to foster genomics research in this ancient group of vertebrate species. Briefly, RNA-Seq involves the sequencing of RNA strands present on a target tissue, which can assist genome annotation and elucidate genetic features on species without a sequenced genome. The resulting information can unravel responses of an individual to environmental changes, evolutionary processes, and support the development of biomarkers. We scrutinized more than 800 RNA-Seq entries publicly available, and reviewed more than one decade of available transcriptomic knowledge in chondrichthyans. We conclude that chondrichthyans’ transcriptomics is a subject in early development, since not all the potential of this technology has been fully explored, namely their use to prospectively preserve these endangered species. Yet, the transcriptomic database provided findings on the vertebrates’ evolution, chondrichthyans’ physiology, morphology, and their biomedical potential, a trend likely to expand further in the future. more...

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are widely prescribed to pregnant woman. Although some SSRI compounds are known to cause pregnancy loss and fetal malformations, other SSRI continue to be used by pregnant women. However, several studies have associated the use of SSRI with adverse pregnancy outcomes: intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, and neonatal morbidity. Nonetheless, interpretation of studies in humans are typically complicated by the adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by depression itself. Therefore, we used a mutant mouse model with genetic ablation of the serotonin transporter, the target site for SSRI, to unravel the role of the serotonin transporter on pregnancy outcomes. The serotonin transporter null mice had increased pregnancy loss (17.5 vs. 0%), decreased number of pups born (6.6 ± 0.2 vs. 7.5 ± 0.2), and increased neonatal mortality (2.3-fold). Furthermore, preterm birth, dystocia, and fetal malformations were only observed in serotonin transporter null mice. This genetically ablated serotonin transporter mouse recapitulates several adverse pregnancy outcomes similar to those in women undergoing SSRI treatment during gestation. Additionally, neonatal loss in the present study reproduced a sudden infant death phenotype as in humans and mice with altered serotonergic signaling. In conclusion, findings from this study demonstrate a role for serotonin transporter in pregnancy maintenance and neonatal health. Additionally, it suggests that the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women taking SSRI during gestation might be due to altered serotonin transporter function caused by SSRI independent of underlying depression. This is a critical finding, given the number of women prescribed SSRI during pregnancy, and provides the framework for critical research in this area. more...

The activity of Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) is adjusted by the balance of its monomeric, active and its dimeric, inactive state. The regulation of this balance is not completely understood. We have previously shown that the cytoplasmic domain of the transmembrane protein A Disintegrin And Metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17cyto) binds to Thioredoxin-1 (Trx-1) and the destabilization of this interaction favors the dimeric state of Trx-1. Here, we investigate whether ADAM17 plays a role in the conformation and activation of Trx-1. We found that disrupting the interacting interface with Trx-1 by a site-directed mutagenesis in ADAM17 (ADAM17cytoF730A) caused a decrease of Trx-1 reductive capacity and activity. Moreover, we observed that ADAM17 overexpressing cells favor the monomeric state of Trx-1 while knockdown cells do not. As a result, there is a decrease of cell oxidant levels and ADAM17 sheddase activity and an increase in the reduced cysteine-containing peptides in intracellular proteins in ADAM17cyto overexpressing cells. A mechanistic explanation that ADAM17cyto favors the monomeric, active state of Trx-1 is the formation of a disulfide bond between Cys824 at the C-terminal of ADAM17cyto with the Cys73 of Trx-1, which is involved in the dimerization site of Trx-1. In summary, we propose that ADAM17 is able to modulate Trx-1 conformation affecting its activity and intracellular redox state, bringing up a novel possibility for positive regulation of thiol isomerase activity in the cell by mammalian metalloproteinases. more...

Abstract: A trend towards increasing birth weight has been shown, but factors that explain these trends have not been elucidated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in mean birth weight of term newborns and to identify factors associated with them. All cohorts are population-based studies in which random samples of births (Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo State in 1978/1979, 1994 and 2010; Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State in 1982, 1993 and 2004; and São Luís, Maranhão State in 1997/1998 and 2010, Brazil). A total of 32,147 full-term, singleton live births were included. Mean birth weight reduced in the first study period (-89.1g in Ribeirão Preto from 1978/1979 to 1994, and -27.7g in Pelotas from 1982 to 1993) and increased +30.2g in Ribeirão Preto from 1994 to 2010 and +24.7g in São Luís from 1997 to 2010. In the first period, in Ribeirão Preto, mean birth weight reduction was steeper among mothers with high school education and among those born 39-41 weeks. In the second period, the increase in mean birth weight was steeper among mothers with low schooling in Ribeirão Preto and São Luís, females and those born 37-38 weeks in Ribeirão Preto and cesarean section in São Luís. Birth weight decreased in the first study period then increased thereafter. The variables that seem to have been able to explain these changes varied over time. more...

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the most common antidepressant used by pregnant women; however, they have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and perinatal morbidity in pregnant women and animal models. We investigated the effects of two SSRI, fluoxetine and sertraline, on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in mice. Wild-type mice were treated daily with low and high doses of fluoxetine (2 and 20 mg/kg) and sertraline (10 and 20 mg/kg) from the day of detection of a vaginal plug until the end of lactation (21 days postpartum). Pregnancy rate was decreased only in the high dose of fluoxetine group. Maternal weight gain was reduced in the groups receiving the high dose of each drug. Number of pups born was decreased in the high dose of fluoxetine and low and high doses of sertraline while the number of pups weaned was decreased in all SSRI-treated groups corresponding to increased neonatal mortality in all SSRI-treated groups. In conclusion, there was a dose-dependent effect of SSRI on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in a non-depressed mouse model. However, the distinct placental transfer of each drug suggests that the effects of SSRI on pup mortality may be mediated by SSRI-induced placental insufficiency rather than a direct toxic effect on neonatal development and mortality. more...

The addition of alkaline and high-cation exchange capacity (CEC) biochars is a suitable strategy to increase the CEC of weathered soils. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biochar from different feedstocks and pyrolysis temperatures on the CEC of two contrasting Oxisols. Biochars produced from chicken manure (CM), eucalyptus sawdust (ES), coffee husk (CH) and sugarcane bagasse (SB),plus a control (without biochar), at 350, 450, and 750 °C were mixed with the soils at 2; 5; 10 and 20% (w/w) and incubated for 9 months. Feedstock, pyrolysis temperature and addition rate of biochar were key factors controlling the alteration of soil CEC. The CH biochar pyrolyzed at 350 °C was the most effective matrix at increasing soil CEC. In a rate-dependent way, ES and SB biochars increased C contents of both soils without improving soil CEC. The efficiency of high-ash biochars in enhancing soil CEC in both Oxisols was limited by the alkalization caused by high rates of CH and CM biochars. The increase in CEC is soil-dependent and modulated by high-ash biochar CEC and application rate, as well as by the original soil CEC. more...

The long-whiskered catfish Steindachneridion parahybae (Family Pimelodidae) is endemic to the Paraíba do Sul River basin in southeastern Brazil. This species was heavily exploited by artisanal fisheries and faces challenges posed by dams, introduced species, and deterioration of critical habitat. The remaining populations are small and extirpated from some locales, and the species is listed as critically endangered in Brazil. Screening variation at a partial mitochondrial control region sequence (mtCR) and 20 microsatellite loci, we: (i) describe the patterns of genetic diversity along its current distributional range; (ii) test the null hypothesis of panmixia; (iii) investigate the main factors driving its current population structure, and (iv) propose management of broodstock for fostering recovery of wild populations through genetically cognizant restocking. Our microsatellite data for 70 individuals from five collections indicate moderate levels of heterozygosity (HO = 0.45) and low levels of inbreeding (FIS = 0.016). Individual-based cluster analyses showed clear genetic structure, with three clusters of individuals over the collection area with no mis-assigned individuals, suggesting no recent migration among the three clusters. Pairwise DEST values showed moderate and significant genetic differentiation among all populations so identified. The MUR population may have suffered a recent demographic reduction. mtCRs for 70 individuals exhibited 36 haplotypes resulting from 38 polymorphic sites. Overall, mitochondrial haplotype diversity was 0.930 (±0.023) and nucleotide diversity was 0.011 (±0.002). Significant population structure was observed, with ϕST = 0.226. Genetic markers could be used in a hatchery-based restoration program emphasizing breeding of pairs with low kinship values in order to promote retention of genetic diversity and avoid inbreeding. Individual average kinship relationships showed 87.3% advised matings, 11.0% marginal matings, and 1.7% advised against. While these results comprise a contribution toward planning better breeding management and monitoring, parallel actions to be undertaken include surveying healthy riverine habits for reintroduction and continued searching for wild individuals to introduce new variation into the captive broodstock to avoid adaptation to captivity and to minimize inbreeding. more...

OBJETIVO: Descrever os tipos de atividades físicas de lazer praticadas, bem como analisar o perfil de seus praticantes. MÉTODOS: Pesquisa transversal de base-populacional com indivíduos de 20 anos ou mais, residentes na cidade de Pelotas, RS. O desfecho foi o tipo de atividade física de lazer praticada na semana anterior à entrevista. A associação bruta e ajustada com características demográficas, socioeconômicas e com o índice de massa corporal foi feita mediante testes qui-quadrado e regressão de Poisson, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: Ao todo, foram entrevistados 3.136 indivíduos, dos quais 1.239 (40%) relataram praticar alguma atividade física de lazer, constituindo-se no denominador deste estudo. A grande maioria (91%) relatou praticar apenas uma atividade física. A modalidade mais praticada foi a caminhada, referida por 57% daqueles que estão engajados em alguma atividade. A seguir, as modalidades mais frequentes foram: futebol (14%), bicicleta (13%), musculação (8%) e ginástica (6%). A frequência semanal teve mediana de 3 dias, enquanto a mediana da duração diária foi de 60 minutos. Mais da metade (56%) referiu que faz atividade física numa intensidade moderada ou vigorosa. No entanto, apenas 30% atingiram a recomendação proposta para adultos e idosos. Quando considerado o tempo de prática, 53% praticam atividade física há mais de seis meses. O motivo mais comum foi por razões de saúde. CONCLUSÕES: Menos da metade da população investigada pratica alguma atividade física no lazer. A modalidade mais comum para todos os grupos examinados foi caminhada. Diferenças no perfil demográfico e socioeconômico foram observadas conforme o tipo de atividade física.OBJECTIVES: To describe types of leisure-time physical activities and to analyze the profile of their practitioners. METHODS: Cross-sectional population-based survey comprising individuals aged 20 years or over, resident in Pelotas, Brazil. The outcome was the type of leisure physical activity performed in the week before the interview. Crude and adjusted associations with demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and with body mass index (BMI) were conducted through chi-square and Poisson regression, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 3,136 individuals were interviewed, of which 1,239 (40%) reported performing some leisure-time physical activity, corresponding to the denominator of this study. The great majority (91%) performed only one physical activity. Walking was the most practiced, being reported by 57% of those engaged in some physical activity. The following most frequent activities were: soccer (14%), cycling (13%), weight lifting (8%), and gymnastics (6%). Median of weekly frequency was 3 days, while median of daily duration was 60 minutes. More than a half (56%) reported performing physical activity with moderate-to-vigorous intensity. However, only 30% achieved the guidelines for adults and elderly. When the period of practice was considered, 53% were engaged in leisure physical activity for more than six months. The most common motivation was health reasons. CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of the investigated population was engaged in leisure-time physical activity. Walking was the most frequent modality for every examined group. Differences in the demographic and socioeconomic profile were observed according to the type of physical activity. more...

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma coorte de nascimentos que teve início em 2004, para avaliar condições pré e perinatais dos recém-nascidos, morbi-mortalidade infantil, características e desfechos do início da vida e acesso, utilização e financiamento da atenção à saúde. MÉTODOS: Todas as crianças nascidas na zona urbana dos municípios de Pelotas e Capão do Leão (bairro Jardim América), no ano de 2004, foram identificadas e suas mães convidadas a fazer parte do estudo. No seu primeiro ano foram realizadas visitas às mães por ocasião do nascimento das crianças, aos três e aos 12 meses de idade. Nessas visitas um questionário foi aplicado às mães, com perguntas sobre saúde; hábitos de vida; utilização de serviços de saúde; situação socioeconômica; estimativa de idade gestacional; medidas antropométricas do recém-nascido (peso, comprimento, perímetros cefálico, torácico e abdominal); medidas antropométricas da mãe (peso e altura) e avaliação de desenvolvimento infantil. RESULTADOS: Do total de crianças elegíveis (4.558), mais de 99% foram recrutadas para o estudo logo após o nascimento. A taxa de seguimento foi de 96% aos três meses e de 94% aos 12 meses. Dentre os resultados iniciais destacaram-se: a taxa de mortalidade infantil de 19,7 por mil, sendo 66% dos óbitos infantis no período neonatal; freqüência de 15% de prematuros e 10% de baixo peso ao nascer; as cesarianas representaram 45% dos partos. CONCLUSÕES: A terceira coorte de nascimentos em Pelotas mostrou uma situação de estabilidade da mortalidade infantil nos últimos 11 anos, com predomínio da mortalidade neonatal, além de aumento da prematuridade e partos cesarianos.OBJECTIVE: To describe a birth cohort which started in 2004, aiming to assess pre and perinatal conditions of the newborns, infant morbimortality, early life characteristics and outcomes, and access, use and financing of health care. METHODS: All children born in the urban area of Pelotas and Capão do Leão municipalities (Southern Brazil) in 2004 were identified and their mothers invited to join the study. In the first year of the study the children were seen at birth, at three and 12 months of age. These visits involved the application of a questionnaire to the mothers including questions on health; life style; use of health services; socioeconomic situation; estimation of gestational age; anthropometric measurements on the newborn (weight, length, head, chest and abdominal circumferences); anthropometric measurements on the mother (weight and height) and assessment of infant development. RESULTS: Out of the eligible infants (4,558), more than 99% were recruited to the study at birth. Follow-up rates were 96% at three months and 94% at 12 months of age. Among the initial results we highlight the following. Infant mortality rate was 19.7 per thousand, with 66% of infant deaths occurring in the neonatal period. There were frequencies of 15% premature babies and 10% low birthweight. Cesarean sections represented 45% of deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: The third Pelotas birth cohort showed an infant mortality rate similar to that of 11 years ago, with most deaths occurring in the neonatal period. The rates of prematurity and cesarean sections increased substantially. more...