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Background: Physical inactivity induces insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic imbalances before any significant changes in adiposity. Recent studies suggest that the beneficial effects of exercise can be potentiated if performed while fasting. This work aimed to compare the subacute effects of fed- and fasted-state single-bout exercise on biochemical parameters and cellular signaling in the metabolism. Methods: The animals were allocated into fed rest (FER), fasting rest (FAR), fed exercise (FEE), and fasting exercise (FAE) groups. The exercise protocol was a 30 min treadmill session at 60% of V˙O 2max . The fasting groups fasted for 8 h before exercise and were killed after 12 h post-exercise. Results: Soleus glycogen concentration increased only in the fasting groups, whereas the triglyceride (TGL) content increased in brown adipose tissue (BAT) and liver in the FAE. The FAE showed decreased plasma total cholesterol concentration compared withthe FAR group. Immunocontent of HSP70, SIRT1, UCP-1, and PGC1-α did not change in any tissue investigated. Conclusions: Our results indicate that physical exercise while fasting can have beneficial metabolic effects on sedentary animals. Remarkably, in the FAE group, there was a reduction in total plasma cholesterol and an increase in the capacity of BAT to metabolize and store nutrients in the form of TGLs.

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a platform that enables the automated manipulation of individual droplets of sizes ranging from nanoliter to microliter and can be coupled with numerous techniques, including colorimetry. However, although the DMF electrode architecture is highly versatile, its integration with different analytical methods often requires either changes in sample access, top plate design, or the integration of supplementary equipment into the system. As an alternative to overcome these challenges, this study proposes a simple integration between paper-based analytical devices (PADs) and DMF for automated and eco-friendly sample processing aiming at the colorimetric detection of creatinine (CR, an important biomarker for kidney disease) in artificial urine. An optimized and selective Jaffé reaction was performed on the device, and the reaction products were delivered to the PAD, which was subsequently analyzed with a bench scanner. The optimal operational parameters on the DMF platform were a reaction time of 45 s with circular mixing and image capture after 5 min. Under optimized conditions, a linear behavior was obtained for creatinine concentrations ranging from 2 to 32 mg dL -1 , with limits of detection and quantitation equal to 1.4 mg dL -1 and 2.0 mg dL -1 , respectively. For the concentration range tested, the relative standard deviation varied from 2.5 to 11.0%, considering four measurements per concentration. CR-spiked synthetic urine samples were subjected to analysis via DMF-PAD and the spectrophotometric reference method. The concentrations of CR determined using both analytical techniques were close to the theoretical values, with the resultant standard deviations of 2-9% and 1-4% for DMF-PADs and spectrophotometry, respectively. Furthermore, the recovery values were within the acceptable range, with DMF-PADs yielding 96-108% and spectrophotometry producing 95-102%. Finally, the greenness of the DMF-PAD and spectrophotometry methods was evaluated using the Analytical Greenness (AGREE) metric software, in which 0.71 and 0.51 scores were obtained, respectively. This indicates that the proposed method presents a higher greenness level, mainly due to its miniaturized characteristics using a smaller volume of reagent and sample and the possibility of automation, thus reducing user exposure to potentially toxic substances. Therefore, the DMF-PADs demonstrated great potential for application in the clinical analysis of creatinine, aiding in routine tests by introducing an automated, simple, and environmentally friendly process.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of Pilates exercises on flexibility and performance in practitioners of an extreme conditioning program (ECP). The hypothesis adopted was that Pilates could activate deeper muscles and improve the stability of core muscles., Methods: This was an observational cross-sectional study with individuals practicing an ECP submitted to a Pilates method (PM) exercise session. The Wells bench test was used to assess flexibility, while performance was evaluated using the Wall Ball exercise commonly performed by ECP practitioners. The perception of effort was measured using the Borg scale., Results: A single session of PM exercises was able to significantly improve flexibility immediately after the exercises (p < 0.001) and performance in one of the movements of the ECP (p < 0.001), as well as decrease the perception of effort., Conclusion: An acute intervention with Pilates exercises promoted improvement in performance of the CrossFit Wall Ball exercise., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors report no potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Evaluation of mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP production is important to investigate pancreatic islet pathophysiology. Most studies use cell lines due to difficulties in measuring primary islet respiration, which requires specific equipment and consumables, is expensive and poorly reproducible. Our aim was to establish a practical method to assess primary islet metabolic fluxes using standard commercial consumables., Methods: Pancreatic islets were isolated from mice/rats, dispersed with trypsin, and adhered to pre-coated standard Seahorse or Resipher microplates. Oxygen consumption was evaluated using a Seahorse Extracellular Flux Analyzer or a Resipher Real-time Cell Analyzer., Results: We provide a detailed protocol with all steps to optimize islet isolation with high yield and functionality. Our method requires a few islets per replicate; both rat and mouse islets present robust basal respiration and proper response to mitochondrial modulators and glucose. The technique was validated by other functional assays, which show these cells present conserved calcium influx and insulin secretion in response to glucose. We also show that our dispersed islets maintain robust basal respiration levels, in addition to maintaining up to 89% viability after five days in dispersed cultures. Furthermore, OCRs can be measured in Seahorse analyzers and in other plate respirometry systems, using standard materials., Conclusions: Overall, we established a practical and robust method to assess islet metabolic fluxes and oxidative phosphorylation, a valuable tool to uncover basic β-cell metabolic mechanisms as well as for translational investigations, such as pharmacological candidate discovery and islet transplantation protocols., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier GmbH.. All rights reserved.)

Background: Developing disposable paper-based devices has positively impacted analytical science, particularly in developing countries. Some benefits of those devices include their versatility, affordability, environmentally friendly, and the possibility of being integrated with portable electrochemical or colorimetric detectors. Paper-based analytical devices (PADs) comprising circular zones and microfluidic networks have been successfully employed in the analytical chemistry reign. However, the combination of the stencil-printing method and alternative binder has not been satisfactorily explored for fabricating colorimetric paper devices., Results: We developed PADs exploring the stencil printing approach and glass varnish as the hydrophobic chemical agent. As a proof-of-concept, the colorimetric assay of salivary α-amylase (sAA) was performed in saliva samples. Through the scanning electron microscopy measurements, it was possible to indicate satisfactory definitions between native fibers and barrier, and that the measured values for the channel width revealed suitable fidelity (R 2  = 0.99) with the nominal widths (ranging from 400 to 5000 μm). The proposed hydrophobic barrier exhibited excellent chemical resistance. The analytical applicability for detecting sAA revealed linear behavior in the range from 2 to 12 U mL -1  (R 2  = 0.99), limit of detection of 0.75 U mL -1 , reproducibility (RSD ≤2.4%), recovery experiments ranged from 89 to 108% and AGREE response (0.86). In addition, the colorimetric analysis of sAA in four different saliva samples demonstrated levels ranging from 202 to 2080 U mL -1 , which enabled monitoring the absence and presence of periodontitis., Significance: This report has presented the first use of a self-adhesive mask and glass varnish for creating circular zones and microfluidic architectures on paper without using thermic or UV curing treatments. Also, the proposed analytical methodology for detecting sAA exhibited suitable ecological impact considering the AGREE tool. We believe the proposed fabrication of paper devices emerges as a novel, simple, high-fidelity microfluidic channel and portable analytical approach for colorimetric sensing., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

This study aimed to detect Toxoplasma gondii in artisanal salted meat products sold in street markets in the Ilhéus-Itabuna microregion and to assess the salt concentration used in their preparation and its influence on the parasite's viability. A total of 125 samples of various artisanal meat products sold in street markets located in the Ilhéus-Itabuna microregion were collected during 2021. Serological analysis using indirect hemagglutination (HAI) and molecular analysis (PCR) were performed on these samples to detect the presence of the parasite. Möhr's method was utilized to determine the sodium chloride concentration in the samples. Of all samples, 21 were subjected to a bioassay in albino mice to verify the viability of possible tissue cysts. Among the 125 meat products, 10 (8%) tested positive in the serological analysis including four cured pork sausages, five beef sun-dried meats, and one mixed fresh sausage (pork and chicken). None of 125 samples tested positive in the molecular analysis. On bioassay, all mice tested negative for the presence of the parasite. The NaCl concentration in the positive samples ranged from 2.9% to 8%. The results demonstrated that the salt concentration in the collected samples was sufficient to inactivate the parasite T. gondii.

Objective: To analyze the effects of using foam roller on pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain., Methods: This systematic review was registered in the National Institute for Health Research's prospective online registry of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) under CRD42023456841. The databases Pubmed, Medline (via Ovid), Embase, BVS, and PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) were consulted to carry out this systematic review. Notably, the records of clinical trials characterized as eligible were manually searched. The search terms were: (foam rolling OR foam rolling vibration) AND (acute musculoskeletal pain) AND (chronic musculoskeletal pain). The search was performed until August 22, 2023. For the analysis of the methodological quality, the PEDro scale was used for each of the manuscripts included in the systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity in the studies included in this systematic review, performing a meta-analysis of the analyzed variables was impossible., Results: Only six manuscripts were eligible for data analysis. The type of FR used was non-vibrational, being applied by a therapist in only one of the manuscripts. With an application time ranging from at least 45 s to 15 min, the non-vibrational FR was applied within a day up to six weeks. Using the PEDro scale, scores were assigned that varied between 4 and 8 points, with an average of 6 ± 1.29 points. Only two randomized clinical trials found a significant benefit in pain intensity of adding FR associated with a therapeutic exercise protocol in individuals with patellofemoral pain syndrome and chronic neck pain., Conclusion: The results of this systematic review do not elucidate or reinforce the clinical use of FR in pain intensity in individuals with chronic and acute musculoskeletal pain., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Ocypode quadrata, a Ghost crab species found along the western Atlantic coast, is considered a bioindicator of anthropogenic impact on sandy beaches. Ghost Crabbing, a touristic activity in which ghost crabs are chased just for fun, is a potentially threatening activity for this crab. In crustaceans, metabolites such as glucose and lactate, and the gene expression of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) and heat shock proteins (HSPs) increase when the animals are exposed to several types of stress, including alterations in temperature, salinity, or exposure to xenobiotics. This work was developed to identify if being chased by humans would affect these markers of stress in this species of crab. The effects of chasing stress on hemolymph and tissue metabolites and the gene expression levels of CHH and HSP70 were investigated. The levels of lactate in the hemolymph of stressed crabs were six times higher than those of control crabs immediately after chasing and decreased progressively during recovery, indicating an active anaerobic metabolism during the stress. On the contrary, glucose levels in the hemolymph of the stressed crabs increased progressively from 30 to 60 min after chasing, indicating an inverse correlation between glucose and lactate and the conversion of lactate to glucose by gluconeogenesis. In stressed crabs, the levels of triglycerides in the hemolymph decreased 30 min after chasing, while the opposite tended to occur in the hepatopancreas, indicating that during recovery, the crabs use triglycerides as energy source to sustain aerobic metabolism. Finally, this study demonstrates that ghost crabs are stressed by minimum human contact and that "ghost crabbing" must not be encouraged as a tourist activity., (© 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

This study describes the development of a simple, disposable, and eco-friendly electrochemical immunosensor for rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Electrochemical devices were manufactured by stencil-printing using low-cost materials such as polyester sheets, graphite flakes, and natural resin. The immunosensor comprises gold nanoparticles stabilized with cysteamine, glutaraldehyde, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein monoclonal antibody (Ab1) as the biological receptor, and bovine serum albumin as a protective layer. The COVID-19 diagnostic was based on rapid square wave voltammetry measurements (15 min) using [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3-/4- as a redox probe. The method presented a linear response in the concentration range from 250 pg mL -1 to 20 μg mL -1 S protein, with a limit of detection of 36.3 pg mL -1 . The proposed immunosensor was stable for up to two weeks when stored at 4 °C and it demonstrated excellent clinical performance in diagnosing COVID-19 when applied to a panel of 44 undiluted swab samples collected from symptomatic patients. In comparison with results obtained through the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction method, the proposed immunosensor offered 100 % accuracy, thus emerging as a powerful alternative candidate for routine and decentralized testing, which can be helpful in controlling the COVID-19 outbreak., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective  This study aims to analyze outcomes and clinical and epidemiological data of infected tibial pseudarthrosis using the Ilizarov method and the Orr dressing. Methods  Data from n = 43 patients diagnosed with infected tibial pseudarthrosis were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. In addition, Paley's assessment criteria evaluated bone and functional outcomes. Qualitative variables were presented as the distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. The presentation of quantitative variables followed the D'Agostino-Pearson test. Results  Thirty-seven (86.04%) subjects were males, and six (13.95%) were females. The most frequent age group among patients was 50 to 59 years old (25.6%), with a p-value = 0.8610. The treatment time was longer for the trifocal treatment (23.8 months) when compared to the bifocal treatment (15.6 months), with a p-value = 0.0010* (highly significant). Excellent bone outcomes represented 72.09% of the sample; 23.25% of outcomes were good. Functional outcomes were excellent in 55.81%, good in 6.97%, and regular in 27.90% of subjects. The Orr dressing (using Vaseline gauze) proved effective, achieving wound healing with soft tissue coverage in all patients evaluated. Conclusions  The Ilizarov method resulted in a substantial change in the treatment of bone infections, especially infected pseudarthrosis. The versatility of this method has turned it into an effective tool, allowing the healing of the infectious process and the correction of potential deformities and shortening., Competing Interests: Conflito de Interesses Os autores declaram não haver conflito de interesses., (Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Due to increasingly strong and varied performance requirements, cooperative wireless communication systems today occupy a prominent place in both academic research and industrial development. The technological and economic challenges for future sixth-generation (6G) wireless systems are considerable, with the objectives of improving coverage, data rate, latency, reliability, mobile connectivity and energy efficiency. Over the past decade, new technologies have emerged, such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) relay systems, intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS), unmanned aerial vehicular (UAV)-assisted communications, dual-polarized (DP) antenna arrays, three dimensional (3D) polarized channel modeling, and millimeter-wave (mmW) communication. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of tensor-based MIMO cooperative communication systems. Indeed, during the last two decades, tensors have been the subject of many applications in signal processing, especially for digital communications, and more broadly for big data processing. After a brief reminder of basic tensor operations and decompositions, we present the main characteristics allowing to classify cooperative systems, illustrated by means of different architectures. A review of main codings used for cooperative systems is provided before a didactic and comprehensive presentation of two-hop systems, highlighting different tensor models. In a companion paper currently in preparation, we will show how these tensor models can be exploited to develop semi-blind receivers to jointly estimate transmitted information symbols and communication channels.

The development of a disposable electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) is described using a novel formulation of conductive ink that combines graphite powder, polyester resin, and acetone. As a proof of concept, the proposed sensor was utilized for paracetamol (PAR) sensing. The introduced ink was characterized via morphological, structural, and electrochemical analysis, and the results demonstrated appreciable analytical performance. The proposed ePAD provided linear behavior (R 2  = 0.99) in the concentration range between 1 and 60 µmol L -1 , a limit of detection of 0.2 µmol L -1 , and satisfactory reproducibility (RSD ~ 7.7%, n = 5) applying a potential of + 0.81 V vs Ag at the working electrode. The quantification of PAR was demonstrated in different pharmaceutical formulations. The achieved concentrations revealed good agreement with the labeled values, acceptable accuracy (101% and 106%), and no statistical difference from the data obtained by HPLC at the 95% confidence level. The environmental impact of the new device was assessed using AGREE software, which determined a score of 0.85, indicating that it is eco-friendly. During the pharmacokinetic study of PAR, it was found that the drug has a maximum concentration of 23.58 ± 0.01 µmol L -1 , a maximum time of 30 min, and a half-life of 2.15 h. These results are comparable to other studies that utilized HPLC. This suggests that the combination of graphite powder and polyester resin can transform conductive ink into an effective ePAD that can potentially be used in various pharmaceutical applications., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a prevalent autoimmune disease worldwide. The knowledge of female particularities in metabolic dysfunction is of fundamental importance, leading to better choices for human therapy candidates. The aim of this study is to investigate the glucose flux peculiarities of female rats submitted to two classic experimental diabetes protocols., Methods: Female Wistar rats, 60 days old, were used to evaluate biochemical and hormonal serum parameters, in addition to skeletal muscle and liver energy stocks and 14 C-glucose and 14 C-alanine flux. Two different protocols, multiple (25 mg/kg dose) and single (65 mg/kg dose) intraperitoneal streptozotocin, were compared considering the alterations presented 48 h and 30 days after the drug administration., Results: The results showed few indicators of muscle and liver metabolic imbalance. High-single streptozotocin dose promoted 97% and 41% lower glycogen levels in liver and muscle respectively. Multiple-low streptozotocin dose promoted 63% lower lipid synthesis in liver. After 30 days, diabetic animals presented hyperglycaemia in both protocols, 589.5 (529.3/642.3) mg/dL to high-single dose and 374.2 (339.3/530.6) mg/dL to multiple-low dose. However, they did not present lower insulin levels, alterations on muscle glucose uptake, nor higher hepatic gluconeogenesis., Conclusion: In conclusion, this study demonstrates that females, at least Wistar rats, are less responsive to classic diabetes protocols established in literature, so mechanisms of experimental diabetes for females need more investigation. After which, therapeutic candidates should be evaluated in such a way sex bias does not present itself as a factor that hinders reproducibility in human studies., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None., (Copyright © 2022 Chang Gung University. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Digital microfluidics (DMF) is a versatile lab-on-a-chip platform that allows integration with several types of sensors and detection techniques, including colorimetric sensors. Here, we propose, for the first time, the integration of DMF chips into a mini studio containing a 3D-printed holder with previously fixed UV-LEDs to promote sample degradation on the chip surface before a complete analytical procedure involving reagent mixture, colorimetric reaction, and detection through a webcam integrated on the equipment. As a proof-of-concept, the feasibility of the integrated system was successfully through the indirect analysis of S-nitrosocysteine (CySNO) in biological samples. For this purpose, UV-LEDs were explored to perform the photolytic cleavage of CySNO, thus generating nitrite and subproducts directly on DMF chip. Nitrite was then colorimetrically detected based on a modified Griess reaction, in which reagents were prepared through a programable movement of droplets on DMF devices. The assembling and the experimental parameters were optimized, and the proposed integration exhibited a satisfactory correlation with the results acquired using a desktop scanner. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the obtained CySNO degradation to nitrite was 96%. Considering the analytical parameters, the proposed approach revealed linear behavior in the CySNO concentration range between 12.5 and 400 μmol L -1 and a limit of detection equal to 2.8 μmol L -1 . Synthetic serum and human plasma samples were successfully analyzed, and the achieved results did not statistically differ from the data recorded by spectrophotometry at the confidence level of 95%, thus indicating the huge potential of the integration between DMF and mini studio to promote complete analysis of lowmolecular weight compounds., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest 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., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background/ Purpose: Sarcopenia has been increasingly studied in systemic sclerosis (SSc), which is one of the most lethal autoimmune diseases, mainly due to lung involvement. Our objective was to study the associations of myopenia and/or myosteatosis with clinical features of SSc and subsequent adverse outcomes., Methods: This is a retrospective study with cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, in which patients with SSc were consecutively included in the outpatient clinic of a tertiary university hospital between 2012 and 2021. Clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with SSc were collected from their medical records. Skeletal muscle mass was assessed on chest computed tomography (CT) at the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) by skeletal muscle area (SMA), skeletal muscle index ([SMI] SMA/height 2 ), and skeletal muscle radiation attenuation (SMRA). Cut-off values for myopenia in women and men were SMA <70.1 cm² and <110.4 cm², and SMI <25.9 cm²/m² and <34.6 cm²/m², respectively; values for myosteatosis in women and men were SMRA <29.8 HU and <36.3 HU, respectively. In a subgroup of 31 patients followed-up between 2017 and 2019, the diagnostic properties of SMA, SMI, and SMRA by CT were compared with the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Low muscle quantity was defined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People 2: ASMI <5.5 kg/m 2 in women and <7.0 kg/m 2 in men. Afterwards, a better tomographic index was used for correlating with clinical and laboratory parameters., Results: Myopenia and/or myosteatosis were present in 75.7 % of patients with SSc. The prevalence rates according to each index were SMA 25.2%, SMI 12.1%, and SMRA 69.2%. In 73% of the patients with overweight/obesity (body mass index [BMI] ≥25 kg/m²), only SMRA was reduced. Considering ASMI as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for SMA were 60%, 96.2%, 75% and 92.6%, respectively; for SMI, they were 40%, 96.2%, 66.7%, and 89.3%, respectively; for SMRA, these values were 60%, 34.6%, 15%, and 81.8%. Pearson's correlation coefficients were 0.73, 0.74, and 0.10 for SMA, SMI, and SMRA, respectively, and ASMI significantly agreed with SMA (kappa 0.611, p < 0.001) and SMI (kappa 0.431, p = 0.012). After adjustments in a multivariate model, BMI (p < 0.001) and female sex (p < 0.001) remained significantly associated with myopenia by SMA; BMI (p =0.010) remained significantly associated with low muscle mass by ASMI., Conclusion: The SMA index at L1 level on chest CT was demonstrated to be an accurate measure that is useful for detecting myopenia in patients with SSc. BMI and male sex predicted low SMA and BMI was associated with low ASMI on DXA., Statement of Clinical Significance: In recent years, great advances have been made in sarcopenia-related research, resulting in broader knowledge on its definition, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. Regarding the techniques used for assessing muscle composition, computed tomography (CT) was demonstrated by many studies to be an efficient and easy-to-use method that can be employed by professionals of different specialties, including rheumatologists. This study was able to demonstrate that although the L3 image was not present on CT, the analysis of SMA at the L1 level on chest CT proved to be an accurate and useful measure to detect myopenia in patients with SSc. This study identified some associated factors of myopenia and/or myosteatosis according to each method employed for assessing muscle composition. Reduced BMI and male sex were associated factors of myopenia when using SMA, and reduced BMI was associated with myopenia when employing ASMI by DXA. Finally, we highlight the need not to generalize the term "sarcopenia" in clinical studies assessing imaging parameters of body composition. The use of the terms myopenia and/or myosteatosis would be more adequate, because CT allows the assessment of muscle composition and not strength or physical performance., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Here, we propose a recyclable approach using acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) residues from additive manufacturing in combination with low-cost and accessible graphite flakes as a novel and potential mixture for creating a conductive paste. The graphite particles were successfully incorporated in the recycled thermoplastic composite when solubilized with acetone and the mixture demonstrated greater adherence to different substrates, among which cellulose-based material made possible the construction of a paper-based electrochemical sensor (PES). The morphological, structural, and electrochemical characterizations of the recycled electrode material were demonstrated to be similar to those of the traditional carbon-based surfaces. Faradaic responses based on redox probe activity ([Fe(CN) 6 ] 3-/4- ) exhibited well-defined peak currents and diffusional mass transfer as a quasi-reversible system (96 ± 5 mV) with a fast heterogeneous rate constant value of 2 × 10 -3 cm s -1 . To improve the electrode electrochemical properties, both the PES and the classical 3D-printed electrode surfaces were modified with a combination of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), graphene oxide (GO), and copper. Both electrode surfaces demonstrated the suitable oxidation of nitrite at 0.6 and 0.5 V vs Ag, respectively. The calculated analytical sensitivities for PES and 3D-printed electrodes were 0.005 and 0.002 μA/(μmol L -1 ), respectively. The proposed PES was applied for the indirect amperometric analysis of S-nitroso-cysteine (CysNO) in serum samples via nitrite quantitation, demonstrating a limit of detection of 4.1 μmol L -1 , with statistically similar values when compared to quantitative analysis of the same samples by spectrophotometry (paired t test, 95% confidence limit). The evaluated electroanalytical approach exhibited linear behavior for nitrite in the concentration range between 10 and 125 μmol L -1 , which is suitable for realizing clinical diagnosis involving Parkinson's disease, for example. This proof of concept shows the great promise of this recyclable strategy combining ABS residues and conductive particles in the context of green chemical protocols for constructing disposable sensors.

Aims: Although the benefits of exercise can be potentiated by fasting in healthy subjects, few studies evaluated the effects of this intervention on the metabolism of obese subjects. This study investigated the immediate effects of a single moderate-intensity exercise bout performed in fast or fed states on the metabolism of gastrocnemius and soleus of lean and obese rats., Main Methods: Male rats received a high-fat diet (HFD) for twelve weeks to induce obesity or were fed standard diet (SD). After this period, the animals were subdivided in groups: fed and rest (FER), fed and exercise (30 min treadmill, FEE), 8 h fasted and rest (FAR) and fasted and exercise (FAE). Muscle samples were used to investigate the oxidative capacity and gene expression of AMPK, PGC1α, SIRT1, HSF1 and HSP70., Key Findings: In relation to lean animals, obese animals' gastrocnemius glycogen decreased 60 %, triglycerides increased 31 %; glucose and alanine oxidation decreased 26 % and 38 %, respectively; in soleus, triglycerides reduced 46 % and glucose oxidation decreased 37 %. Exercise and fasting induced different effects in glycolytic and oxidative muscles of obese rats. In soleus, fasting exercise spared glycogen and increased palmitate oxidation, while in gastrocnemius, glucose oxidation increased. In obese animals' gastrocnemius, AMPK expression decreased 29 % and SIRT1 increased 28 % in relation to lean. The AMPK response was more sensitive to exercise and fasting in lean than obese rats., Significance: Exercise and fasting induced different effects on the metabolism of glycolytic and oxidative muscles of obese rats that can promote health benefits in these animals., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The impact of water deficit on sucrose metabolism in sink organs like the fruit remains poorly known despite the need to improve fruit crops resilience to drought in the face of climate change. The present study investigated the effects of water deficit on sucrose metabolism and related gene expression in tomato fruits, aiming to identify candidate genes for improving fruit quality upon low water availability. Tomato plants were subjected to irrigated control and water deficit (-60% water supply compared to control) treatments, which were applied from the first fruit set to first fruit maturity stages. The results have shown that water deficit significantly reduced fruit dry biomass and number, among other plant physiological and growth variables, but substantially increased the total soluble solids content. The determination of soluble sugars on the basis of fruit dry weight revealed an active accumulation of sucrose and concomitant reduction in glucose and fructose levels in response to water deficit. The complete repertoire of genes encoding sucrose synthase ( SUSY1-7 ), sucrose-phosphate synthase ( SPS1-4 ), and cytosolic ( CIN1-8 ), vacuolar ( VIN1-2 ) and cell wall invertases ( WIN1-4 ) was identified and characterized, of which SlSUSY4 , SlSPS1 , SlCIN3 , SlVIN2 , and SlCWIN2 were shown to be positively regulated by water deficit. Collectively, these results show that water deficit regulates positively the expression of certain genes from different gene families related to sucrose metabolism in fruits, favoring the active accumulation of sucrose in this organ under water-limiting conditions., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01288-7., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestThe authors declare no conflict of interest., (© Prof. H.S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society 2023, Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Individuals affected by COVID-19 have an alteration in autonomic balance, associated with impaired cardiac parasympathetic modulation and, consequently, a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV). This study examines the inter- and intrarater reliability of HRV) parameters derived from short-term recordings in individuals post-COVID. Sixty-nine participants of both genders post-COVID were included. The RR interval, the time elapsed between two successive R-waves of the QRS signal on the electrocardiogram (RRi), were recorded during a 10 min period in a supine position using a portable heart rate monitor (Polar ® V800 model). The data were transferred into Kubios ® HRV standard analysis software and analyzed within the stable sessions containing 256 sequential RRi. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) ranged from 0.920 to 1.000 according to the intrarater analysis by Researcher 01 and 0.959 to 0.999 according to the intrarater by Researcher 02. The interrater ICC ranged from 0.912 to 0.998. The coefficient of variation was up to 9.23 for Researcher 01 intrarater analysis, 6.96 for Researcher 02 intrarater analysis and 8.83 for interrater analysis. The measurement of HRV in post-COVID-19 individuals is reliable and presents a small amount of error inherent to the method, supporting its use in the clinical environment and in scientific research.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the inter-reliability of the Braden scale and its subscales for different patients assisted in the intensive care unit. We hypothesized that the Braden scale has low reliability in different populations., Methods: This reliability study involved the Braden scale in intensive care unit of a hospital. A total of 200 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit in four different groups: neurological patients, sepsis, elderly, and adults affected by trauma. The Braden scale is a tool composed of six subscales for patient assessment: sensory perception, humidity, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction. The total score was also calculated. The Braden scale was applied by two different nurses with an interval of 20-30 min between applications., Results: For all populations, kappa values considered unsuitable were observed for most categories of the Braden scale, ranging from 0.06-0.25. Only for the total Braden scale score was moderate reliability identified in all groups evaluated, with intraclass correlation coefficient values ranging from 0.48-0.75., Conclusions: Braden scale is not a reliable tool to be used in the intensive care unit, and we do not recommend the use of this scale to assess the risk of developing pressure injury.

The number of deaths from COVID-19 is closely associated with multimorbidities. This study aimed to review the clinical and functional conditions of patients who recovered from COVID-19. Additionally, identify the relationship with risk factors and comorbidities. Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was more frequently observed in patients with severe COVID-19. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the comorbidities that has contributed the most to the increase in the number of hospitalizations due to complications and the number of deaths due to infection by COVID-19. Obesity has been shown to be a risk factor for hospitalization in patients with COVID-19 under 60 years of age. Most survivors of COVID-19 suffer primarily from muscle fatigue or weakness. In addition, patients who were more seriously ill during their hospital stay have greater impairment of functional capacity, pulmonary diffusion and fatigue symptoms, and are the main target population for long-term recovery interventions. To optimize the post-hospitalization rehabilitation of patients after discharge from COVID-19, the need for multidisciplinary work in rehabilitation, the reinforcement of public policies to ensure equity in access to the public health system and training should be considered of the health team in view of the new demands and realities generated by COVID-19.

Objective: This study aimed to validate the internal structure of the Brazilian version of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with individuals over 18 years old of both sexes, with Brazilian Portuguese as their native language. The structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire was tested by confirmatory factor analysis. The model fit was evaluated by the following indices: root mean square error of approximation, comparative fit index, Tucker-Lewis index, standardized root mean square residual, and χ²/degrees of freedom. We used the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion to compare different structures of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire., Results: A total of 241 individuals participated in this study. The original structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire with 16 items and 3 domains was compared to a structure with 14 items and 3 domains. The internal structure of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire with 14 items showed better fit indices and lower Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion values., Conclusion: The best internal structure of the Brazilian version of the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire in adults presents 3 domains and 14 items.

Analogues of glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other drugs that increase this peptide half-life are used worldwide in human medicine to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity. These molecules can increase insulin release and satiety, interesting effects that could also be useful in the treatment of domestic animals pathologies, however their use in veterinary medicine are still limited. Considering the increasing incidence of DM and obesity in cats and dogs, the aim of this review is to summarize the available information about the physiological and pharmacological actions of GLP-1 in domestic animals and discuss about its potential applications in veterinary medicine. In diabetic dogs, the use of drugs based on GLP-1 actions reduced blood glucose and increased glucose uptake, while in diabetic cats they reduced glycemic variability and exogenous insulin administration. Thus, available evidence indicates that GLP-1 based drugs could become alternatives to DM treatment in domestic animals. Nevertheless, current data do not provide enough elements to recommend these drugs widespread clinical use., Competing Interests: None, (© 2022 The Author(s).)

Background: The Work Role Functioning Questionnaire 2.0 (WRFQ 2.0) is an instrument that measures the difficulties perceived by workers in meeting work demands, given their physical or emotional health, but it has not yet been adapted for Brazil. Thus, this study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt and assess the psychometric properties of the WRFQ 2.0 into Brazilian Portuguese., Methods: This is an observational study. Initially, translation and cross-cultural adaptation into Brazilian Portuguese was carried out. After that, this version was submitted to an evaluation of its internal structure. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed. To determine the construct validity, Spearman's correlation coefficient (rho) was used to determine the magnitude of correlation between the WRFQ 2.0 and the Work Ability Index (WAI), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Self -Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain (SEFIP-work)., Results: The internal structure with five domains and 27 items presented adequate fit indices for the Brazilian version of the WRFQ 2.0. Adequate correlations of the five domains of the WRFQ 2.0 with the NPRS, WAI and SEFIP-work were found (rho ranged between 0.145 and 0.338). The test-retest reliability of the WRFQ 2.0 ranged from substantial to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥ 0.785) and internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach's alpha ≥ 0.852)., Conclusion: The Brazilian Portuguese version of the WRFQ 2.0 presents valid internal structure with five domains and 27 items, adequate construct based on correlations with other instruments, and acceptable test-retest reliability and internal consistency., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Objective: This study aimed to translate, adapt, and analyze the reliability of the Workplace Sitting Breaks Questionnaire (SITBRQ) for use in Brazil., Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The translation and cross-cultural adaptation were conducted considering the following six phases: translation, synthesis of translations, back translation, analysis by a committee of experts, test of the pre-final version, and final version. We included workers aged 18 years or above, both genders, and able to understand, read, and write in Brazilian Portuguese. The final version was applied to workers in two moments (i.e., test and retest), with an interval of 7 days, for reliability calculation., Results: In the translation and cross-cultural adaptation phase, the pre-final version was applied to a sample of 35 workers. For item a of the SITBRQ, there was 100% understanding by respondents, while item b was understood by 94.28%. The reliability phase was conducted with 115 workers. For both items, almost perfect was identified with kappa >0.81., Conclusions: The SITBRQ version into Brazilian Portuguese has adequate adaptation and excellent values of reliability.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in a sample of Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain., Methods: This is a questionnaire validation study. Workers with musculoskeletal pain were included. Besides the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers, we used the following instruments to perform construct validity: the Work Ability Index and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. A subsample answered the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in two moments to calculate reliability by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency by means of the Cronbach's alpha., Results: A total of 190 Brazilian workers were included. Regarding the construct validity, we observed a correlation with magnitude above 0.50 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, given that these two instruments have similarity in the construct, and correlations above 0.30 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the domains 2, 3, and 4 of the Work Ability Index. Regarding reliability, we observed adequate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.864) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.807)., Conclusion: The Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers is a reliable and valid instrument to be used in Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain.

In this study, 20 blood, heart, and brain samples were collected from euthanized cats at the Zoonosis Control Centers and Veterinary Clinics in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The sera were examined for anti-T. gondii antibodies using the indirect hemagglutination test. The brains and hearts of seven seropositive cats were ground, and peptide digestion was performed for bioassay in mice. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated in 5/7 (71.42%) of seropositive cats. In these isolates, the parasite was genotyped using the Polymerase chain reaction, associated with the DNA fragment polymorphism obtained by restriction enzyme PCR-RFLP technique with 11 markers (SAG1, 5'-SAG2, 3'-SAG2, alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3) and 15 microsatellite markers (TUB-2, W35, TgM-A, B18, B17, M33, IV.1, XI.1, M48, M102, N60, N82, AA, N61, N83). The analysis of the isolates by PCR-RFLP revealed five distinct genotypes. Three of these genotypes have never been reported before; one corresponded to the TgDgCo13 genotype, and one incomplete genotype. In genotyping analysis using microsatellite markers, it was observed that the isolates showed atypical alleles in the typing and fingerprint markers. This revealed five atypical genotypes. The typing marker B17 showed the highest degree of atypia. This study is the first to report the genotyping of T. gondii obtained from naturally infected cats in Bahia, Northeast Brazil. The genotypes found in this study were different from those found in other studies conducted in Bahia, which included different species of animals. None of the clonal lineages I, II, or III were found. This study demonstrates the diversity of T. gondii in the study region, with the presence of unusual genotypes, reaffirming the genetic variability of the parasite in Brazil., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

This study describes the development of a new electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) on alumina sandpaper substrate through a pencil-drawing process for square wave voltammetry measurements of midazolam maleate used as a "date rape drug" in beverages. The proposed ePAD was assembled on a reusable 3D printed holder to delimit its geometric area and ensure better robustness. The ePAD was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The direct drawing of ePADs on sandpaper platforms through a graphite pencil has offered suitable repeatability (RSD = 1.0%) and reproducibility (RSD = 4.0%) using [Fe(CN) 6 ] 4- as redox probe. The proposed ePAD provided linear behaviour in the midazolam maleate concentration range between 2.5 and 150 mg L -1 and a limit of detection of 2.0 mg L -1 . The feasibility of the ePAD for forensic application was successfully demonstrated through the detection of midazolam in different beverages (water, beer, liquor, and vodka). The intended application revealed low interference of other compounds present in beverages. Based on the achieved results, the proposed ePAD has offered great accuracy with no statistical difference at 95% confidence level from the data recorded by high performance liquid chromatography. The operational simplicity and the robustness ensured by the assembling on a reusable 3D printed holder make the ePAD drawn on sandpaper platform a powerful and promising analytical tool for the analysis of "date rape drugs" opening new possibilities for on-site forensic investigations., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The reduction in androgens serum concentration is a physiological condition that accompanies age advancement but can also occur because of prostate cancer and gender affirming treatment or pathological conditions such as functional hypogonadism. However, androgen deficiency is related to a higher risk of developing metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Considering that glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) analogs are increasingly used in the treatment of T2DM, we investigated if liraglutide could also attenuate the metabolic changes caused by orchiectomy in rats., Main Methods: Wistar rats were orchiectomized (ORC), and subdivided in four groups: sham saline, sham liraglutide, ORC saline, and ORC liraglutide. After sixty days, metabolic parameters were evaluated in blood, muscle, liver, brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) visceral depots. Glucose utilization, oxidation, and conversion to lipids by de novo lipogenesis, and basal and adrenaline-stimulated lipolysis were evaluated in BAT and WAT depots., Key Findings: Orchiectomy increased triglyceridemia, BAT and rtWAT weight, and lipolysis and reduced glucose utilization. Liraglutide treatment reversed these effects., Significance: These results indicate that liraglutide improves triglyceridemia and glucose metabolism in WAT depots, which suggests that it may be a promising therapeutic strategy to handle disruptions in energy metabolism caused by androgen deficiency., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and objectives : Obesity represents a major global public health problem. Its etiology is multifactorial and includes poor dietary habits, such as hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diets (HFDs), physical inactivity, and genetic factors. Regular exercise is, per se, a tool for the treatment and prevention of obesity, and recent studies suggest that the beneficial effects of exercise can be potentiated by the fasting state, thus potentially promoting additional effects. Despite the significant number of studies showing results that corroborate such hypothesis, very few have evaluated the effects of fasted-state exercise in overweight/obese populations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the subacute effects (12 h after conclusion) of a single moderate-intensity exercise bout, performed in either a fed or an 8 h fasted state, on serum profile, substrate-content and heat shock pathway-related muscle protein immunocontent in obese male rats. Methods : Male Wistar rats received a modified high-fat diet for 12 weeks to induce obesity and insulin resistance. The animals were allocated to four groups: fed rest (FER), fed exercise (FEE), fasted rest (FAR) and fasted exercise (FAE). The exercise protocol was a 30 min session on a treadmill, with an intensity of 60% of VO 2 max. The duration of the fasting period was 8 h prior to the exercise session. After a 12 h recovery, the animals were killed and metabolic parameters of blood, liver, heart, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles were evaluated, as well as SIRT1 and HSP70 immunocontent in the muscles. Results : HFD induced obesity and insulin resistance. Soleus glycogen concentration decreased in the fasted groups and hepatic glycogen decreased in the fed exercise group. The combination of exercise and fasting promoted a decreased concentration of serum total cholesterol and triglycerides. In the heart, combination fasting plus exercise was able to decrease triglycerides to control levels. In the soleus muscle, both fasting and fasting plus exercise were able to decrease triglyceride concentrations. In addition, heat shock protein 70 and sirtuin 1 immunocontent increased after exercise in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Conclusions : An acute bout of moderate intensity aerobic exercise, when realized in fasting, may induce, in obese rats with metabolic dysfunctions, beneficial adaptations to their health, such as better biochemical and molecular adaptations that last for at least 12 h. Considering the fact that overweight/obese populations present an increased risk of cardiovascular events/diseases, significant reductions in such plasma markers of lipid metabolism are an important achievement for these populations.

Parasites resembling Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii were detected by cytologic examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a dog with neurologic disease. The dog became severely ill and was euthanized. Canine tissue homogenates were used for direct parasite isolation in cell culture, bioassay in 2 mouse lineages, and PCR. T. gondii was isolated in monkey kidney cells, and species identity was confirmed by PCR. Inoculated parasites were highly virulent for mice, which developed clinical signs and were euthanized immediately. PCR-RFLP for T. gondii using the cultured isolate (TgDgBA22) was conducted with 12 genetic markers, and a unique recombinant strain was identified. Detection of T. gondii by CSF cytology, although described in humans, had not been reported previously in dogs, to our knowledge, and was crucial for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in the examined dog.

This work aims to propose new standards to assess the degree of sediment contamination in saline and brackish environments, since the legislation currently used in Brazil is based on Canadian/American regulations, which do not comply with the conditions in Brazil. This study is based on geochemical analyses of 340 surface sediment samples collected in the Green Coast region (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), including Mangaratiba, Angra dos Reis and Ribeira coves and Ilha Grande and Sepetiba bays. This region is influenced by industrial, harbor, urban and tourist activities and was affected by a dam rupture episode that released contaminated material. The results show heterogeneity in the distribution and range of metal concentrations in the study area depending on the supply of metals from natural and anthropogenic sources. Environmental characteristics such as coastal and tidal currents, water temperature and salinity, local depth, sediment grain size, sedimentary dynamics and biogeochemical processes influence the dispersion or retention of metals. The pollution load index (PLI) suggests that Sepetiba Bay is the region with the most environmental degradation due to anthropogenic contamination. In this context, we propose the establishment of new levels of contamination according to the Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn concentrations in sediments of salt and brackish waters, considering I) background level; II) level 1 - with anthropogenic influence; and III) level 2 - contaminated. The results of this work also suggest that, except for zinc, the range of metal concentrations admitted by Brazilian legislation are quite permissive and not adequate for Brazilian coastal environments., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Considering that post-menopausal women and ovariectomized rodents develop obesity associated with increased visceral fat, this study was developed to investigate if liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) analogue, could improve the metabolism of estrogen (E2) deficient females. Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX), and subdivided in four groups: sham saline, sham liraglutide, OVX saline, and OVX liraglutide. After sixty days, metabolic parameters of blood, heart, liver, brown (BAT) and white adipose tissue (WAT) visceral depots, and, heart oxidative homeostasis, were evaluated. Castration increased the animals' body weight, the relative weight of the WAT depots, hepatic triglycerides and cardiac glycogen content. Liraglutide treatment reversed these effects, decreased WAT depots weight and increased glucose oxidation and lipogenesis in BAT and WAT. In addition, liraglutide enhanced adrenalin (A) lipolytic effect. These results indicate that liraglutide may be a promising treatment to restore lipid homeostasis and prevent weight gain associated with E2 deficiency., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The relationship between menopause and the development of metabolic diseases is well established. In postmenopause women, there is an expansion of visceral white adipose tissue (WATv), which highly contributes to the rise of circulating lipids. Meanwhile, muscle glucose uptake decreases and hepatic glucose production increases. Consequently, in the pancreas, lipotoxicity and glycotoxicity lead to deficient insulin production. These factors initiate an energy imbalance and enhance the probability of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Although the activation of estradiol receptors (ER) has been shown to be beneficial for the WAT stock pattern, leading to the insulin-sensitive phenotype, authors have described the risk of these receptors' activation, contributing to neoplasia development. The selective activation of beta-type ER (ERβ) seems to be a promising strategy in the treatment of energy imbalance, acting on several tissues of metabolic importance and allowing an intervention with less risk for the development of estrogen-dependent neoplasia. However, the literature on the risks and benefits of selective ERβ activation still needs to increase. In this review, several aspects related to ERβ were considered, such as its physiological role in tissues of energy importance, beneficial effects, and risks of its stimulation during menopause. PubMed, SciELO, Cochrane, and Medline/Bireme databases were used in this study., (© 2021 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston.)

To test the hypothesis of STC-1 participation in maintenance of glucose homeostasis in fed and fasting (48 h) rats, we investigated that this hormone may be implicated in the regulation of renal gluconeogenesis pathway from lactate and lactate oxidation in renal cortex and medulla. Our results demonstrate the hSTC-1 role on lactate metabolism in the renal cortex and medulla from fed and fasting rats. hSTC-1 increased the gluconeogenesis activity in fed state in renal cortex, and this increase was induced by raise in Pck1 gene expression. In fasting animals hSTC-1 increase the renal medulla gluconeogenesis activity, but Pck1 gene expression was not alter. The stimulatory effect of hSTC-1 on 14 C-lactate oxidation occurred only in the renal cortex from fed rats. These findings show the hSTC-1 contribution to lactate homeostasis and supplies glucose to other tissues. This response may represent a strategy of action of STC-1 in response to fasting stress as postulated by different authors. On the other hand, hSTC-1 acts downstream of adenylcyclase pathway, decreasing the gluconeogenesis activity induced by cAMP intracellular increase or stimulating the phosphodiesterase activity in the renal cortex. However, no hSTC-1 effect on 14 C-lactate oxidation was found after increase in the intracellular cAMP. The findings also revealed that the renal cortex and medulla respond differently to hSTC-1, possibly due to the higher level of STC-1 gene expression in inner renal medulla than in renal cortex., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background and Aim: Metabolic disturbances are known for their increasing epidemiological importance. Ilex paraguariensis presents a potential option for mitigating lipid metabolism imbalance. However, most of the literature to date has not considered sex bias. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Ilex paraguariensis on the metabolism of different adipose tissue depots in males and females., Experimental Procedure: After ovariectomy, female Wistar rats received daily treatment with the extract (1 g/kg) for forty-five days. Biochemical serum parameters and tissue metabolism were evaluated. Oxidation, lipogenesis and lipolysis were evaluated in brown, white visceral, retroperitoneal and gonadal adipose tissues., Results and Conclusion: The results showed that treatment with the extract led to a reduced weight gain in ovariectomised females in comparison to control. The triglyceride concentration was decreased in males. Glucose oxidation and lipid synthesis in visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissues were restored in ovariectomised females after treatment. The response to epinephrine decreased in visceral adipose tissue of control males; however, lipolysis in females did not respond to ovariectomy or treatment. These findings highlight the enormous potential effects of I. paraguariensis on lipid metabolism, modulating lipogenic pathways in females and lipolytic pathways in males. Furthermore, the sex approach applied in this study contributes to more effective screening of the effects of I. paraguariensis bioactive substances., 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., (© 2020 Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

Neonatal hypoxia ischemia (HI) is the main cause of newborn mortality and morbidity. Preclinical studies have shown that the immature rat brain is more resilient to HI injury, suggesting innate mechanisms of neuroprotection. During neonatal period brain metabolism experience changes that might greatly affect the outcome of HI injury. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate how changes in brain metabolism interfere with HI outcome in different stages of CNS development. For this purpose, animals were divided into 6 groups: HIP3, HIP7 and HIP11 (HI performed at postnatal days 3, 7 and 11, respectively), and their respective shams. In vivo [ 18 F]FDG micro positron emission tomography (microPET) imaging was performed 24 and 72 h after HI, as well as ex-vivo assessments of glucose and beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) oxidation. At adulthood behavioral tests and histology were performed. Behavioral and histological analysis showed greater impairments in HIP11 animals, while HIP3 rats were not affected. Changes in [ 18 F]FDG metabolism were found only in the lesion area of HIP11, where a substantial hypometabolism was detected. Furthermore, [ 18 F]FDG hypometabolism predicted impaired cognition and worst histological outcomes at adulthood. Finally, substrate oxidation assessments showed that glucose oxidation remained unaltered and higher level of BHB oxidation found in P3 animals, suggesting a more resilient metabolism. Overall, present results show [ 18 F]FDG microPET predicts long-term injury outcome and suggests that higher BHB utilization is one of the mechanisms that confer the intrinsic neuroprotection to the immature brain and should be explored as a therapeutic target for treatment of HI., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In this study we determined the effect of fed and fasting (48 h) states on the expression of stanniocalcin-1 (Stc1) and stanniocalcin-2 (Stc2) in rat brown adipose tissue (BAT), as well as the in vitro effects of human stanniocalcin 1 and 2 (hSTC-1 and hSTC-2) hormones on lipid and glucose metabolism. In addition, lactate, glycogen levels and hexokinase (HK) activity were determined. In fasting Stc2 expression increased markedly. The targets of action of hSTC-1 and hSTC-2 were glucose uptake and oxidation as well as glycogen storage, controlling the energetic metabolism in BAT. The reduction in glycogen concentration induced by hSTC-2 in fed state might have deleterious consequences in BAT, such as decreased thermogenic activity, FA esterification and other adipocyte functions. On the other hand, the increase of glucose uptake caused by hSTC-1 of fed rats could play a role as a plasma glucose-clearing hormone in the postprandial period., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The relationship between metabolic disturbances and clinical events related to diabetes is well known. Yerba mate has presented a potential use as preventive and therapeutic agent on diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yerba mate on different tissues of diabetic rats, focusing on energetic metabolism. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, followed by daily yerba mate treatment. After 30 days, the animals were euthanized to evaluate metabolic parameters on liver, adipose tissue, muscle and serum. The results showed mate treatment promoted a decrease in retroperitoneal adipose tissue in healthy animals. Muscle weight returned to control levels in diabetic rats treated with mate. There was improvement on serum glucose, creatinine, urea and total protein levels associated with mate treatment. Muscle parameters, such as glucose uptake and carbon dioxide production, were improved by mate treatment to control levels. The results evidenced the beneficial actions mate can have on metabolic disturbances of diabetes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The genotyping of 25 isolates of Toxoplasma gondii from free-range chickens in the state of Bahia, Brazil, was performed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism using 11 genetic markers: SAG1, 5'+3'SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico, and CS3. The analysis revealed 8 genotypes, 3 of which had not been previously reported. Four genotypes were represented by single isolates, whereas the other genotypes were represented by 2 or more isolates. Five isolates showed mixed infections, and 2 of them were identical. None of the clonal types I, II, or III were found, but 2 isolates corresponded to the Brazilian clonal lineage BrIII. There was a single allele for the c22-8 marker. The CS3 marker demonstrated efficiency in the evaluation of virulence in mice. This study reaffirms the diverse genetic variability of T. gondii in Brazil.

Microsatellite primers were developed and optimized for Lippia alba to characterize the L. alba germplasm bank of Universidade de São Paulo. A genomic library enabled the design of 9 microsatellite primers. Six of the 9 primers yielded polymorphic products, which defined 2 groups in the bank. The data provide support to characterize germplasm banks, genetic breeding programs for L. alba, and other genetic diversity studies and classifications of species in the genus Lippia.

The cross-species transferability of 20 microsatellite markers was tested in the genus Lippia. Eleven markers were polymorphic after screening 19 accessions of Lippia sidoides and Lippia gracilis maintained in the Active Germplasm Bank (AGB) from Universidade Federal de Sergipe. Additionally, 40 accessions of Lippia spp were collected in Sergipe to increase the germplasm bank. A total of 23, 22, and 36 alleles were identified, with an average of 2.3, 2.2, and 3.27 alleles per locus, respectively, for each group. The markers that were used were efficient tools to access genetic diversity in the germplasm bank and will be useful for further research aiming at the conservation and management of these important aromatic species.

Chest wall volumes and breathing patterns of 13 male COPD patients were evaluated at rest and during inspiratory loaded breathing (ILB). The sternocleidomastoid (SMM) and abdominal muscle activity was also evaluated. The main compartment responsible for the tidal volume at rest and during ILB was the abdomen. During ILB patients exhibited, in addition to increases in the ratio of inspiratory time to total time of the respiratory cycle and minute ventilation, increases (p<0.05) in the chest wall tidal volume by an increase in abdomen tidal volume as a result of improvement of end chest wall inspiratory volume without changing on end chest wall expiratory volume. The SMM and abdominal muscle activity increased 63.84% and 1.94% during ILB. Overall, to overcome the load imposed by ILB, COPD patients improve the tidal volume by changing the inspiratory chest wall volume without modifying the predominant mobility of the abdomen at rest and without affecting the end chest wall expiratory volume., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Linear Darier is a rare variant of Darier's Disease. The keratotic papules follow Blaschko's lines, characterizing the cutaneous mosaicism. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with small, linearly distributed, reddish-brown papules on the left mammary region, from the left flank to the hypogastrium and on the pretibial area of the left leg. Histologically, suprabasal acantholysis and dyskeratotic cells were seen, confirming the diagnosis.

This study genetically Toxoplasma gondii isolates obtained from pigs intended for human consumption in northeastern Brazil; multilocus PCR-RFLP and sequencing techniques were utilized. Bioassays were conducted using the brain and tongue of 20 pig heads purchased at butcher shops in the city of Ilheus, Bahia, Brazil. Overall, 11 T. gondii isolates designated TgPgBr06-16 were identified. Application of multilocus PCR-RFLP with seven molecular markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, C22-8, PK1 and Apico) identified six different genotypes. Isolates TgPgBr 06, 08, 11, 12, 14 and 15 were indistinguishable by this technique, forming a single genotype; the remaining isolates were characterized as distinct genotypes. However, when five genetic markers (SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB and c22-8) were employed in multilocus PCR-sequencing, all eleven strains of T. gondii were shown to be different. All isolates differed from Type I, II and III clonal genotypes using both genotyping techniques. These results demonstrate that the multilocus PCR-RFLP assay underestimated the true diversity of the T. gondii population in this study. Thus, DNA sequencing is the preferred technique to infer the genetic diversity and population structure of T. gondii strains from Brazil. Moreover, it is necessary to develop new molecular markers to group and characterize atypical T. gondii isolates from South America., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study is to compare the response of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor 1 (s-TNFr1) to two submaximal intensities of exercise in individuals with heart failure (HF). Thirty-two HF individuals aged 45.53 ± 9.41 years, classes II and III of the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification underwent two sessions of exercise at low and moderate intensities with blood analysis at baseline, exercise and after exercise. The differences were evaluated by Friedman test and factorial ANOVA. Alpha = 5% was considered. No difference in IL-6 was detected for low intensity. At moderate intensity, there was a significant increase after exercise. The s-TNFr1 increased in moderate-intensity exercise and went back to baseline levels after it. A session of moderate-intensity exercise is better than low-intensity exercise at promoting positive immediate inflammatory responses in individuals with HF class II and III of the NYHA.

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. The skin is commonly affected. Cutaneous manifestations can mimic other diseases and autoimmune disorders. The dermatologist plays a critical role in elucidating the clinical diagnosis and assisting other specialists in the investigation of a systemic disease. We report a patient with typical cutaneous manifestation of sarcoidosis with pulmonary involvement.

Background: The measurement of maximal respiratory pressure (MRP) is a procedure widely used in clinical practice to evaluate respiratory muscle strength through the maximal inspiratory pressure (P(Imax)) and maximal expiratory pressure (P(Emax)). Its clinical applications include diagnostic procedures and evaluating responses to interventions. However, there is great variability in the equipment and measurement procedures. Understanding the impacts of the characteristics of different interfaces can augment the repeatability of this method and help to establish widely applicable predictive equations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of 4 different interfaces on a subject's capacity to generate MRP and the impact of these interfaces on the repeatability of these measurements., Methods: Fifty healthy subjects (mean ± SD age 26.36 ± 4.89 y) with normal spirometry were evaluated. MRP was measured by a digital manometer connected to 4 interfaces using different combinations of mouthpieces and tubes. The following variables were analyzed: maximum mean pressure, peak pressure, plateau pressure, and plateau variation. Analysis of variance for repeated measures or a Friedman test was used to compare the 4 interfaces, with P < .008 after Bonferroni adjustment considered significant., Results: There was no significant difference between the 4 interfaces with respect to maximum mean pressure, peak pressure, plateau pressure, or plateau variation for P(Imax) (P ≥ .49) or P(Emax) (P ≥ .11), nor did the number of tests performed to fulfill the criteria of repeatability for P(Imax) (P = .69) or P(Emax) (P = .47) differ among the 4 interfaces., Conclusions: P(Imax) and P(Emax) values seem not to be influenced by the different interfaces studied, suggesting that patient comfort and availability of interfaces can be considered.

This study aimed to compare the sensitivity of five diagnostic methods commonly used for the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in tissues of naturally infected pigs. We purchased 20 heads of pigs in butcher shops in the city of Ilhéus, Bahia. Brain and tongue fragments were taken from each animal for the performance of PCR against T. gondii. The rest of these two tissues were processed and inoculated into three mice. These rodents were observed for 42 days and euthanized. We prepared slides with brain and lungs of each mouse for the visualization of T. gondii. From the tissues of mice, we carried out polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histopathology, and immunohistochemistry in an attempt to identify the parasite. The PCR direct from the tissue of pigs showed 10% (2/20) of positive samples, all from the brain. PCR in tissue from mice found that 55% (11/20) of pigs were positive: 55% (11/20) and 45% (9/20) for brains and tongues, respectively. Mice were inoculated with material obtained from the samples and examined by various methods for resulting Toxoplasma infection (bioassay). Cyst detection in bioassay mice identified 25% (5/20) and immunohistochemistry 30% (6/20) of the samples pigs as positive for T. gondii. Histopathology of mice tissue could not detect parasite; only suggestive pathological changes such as inflammation with foci of necrosis were seen. The results indicated PCR of mice tissue as the most sensitive among those tested.

Background: The anaerobic threshold (AT) provides information on functional capacity in heart failure (HF). However, the visual determination of the AT by ventilatory methods is subjective, being susceptible to differences between examiners., Objective: To evaluate the inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility in the determination of the AT in patients with mild to moderate HF, using visual-graphic and V-slope methods. To compare and correlate the results., Methods: After performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test on a treadmill, visual-graphic and V-slope methods were used for the analysis of the AT. To assess the reproducibility, three examiners determined the AT twice by each method, on different days. For statistical analysis, we used intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) with p <0.05., Results: We evaluated a total of 16 subjects, with a mean age of 45.9 +/- 9.7 years, left ventricle ejection fraction of 20.5 +/- 8.1%, and peak exercise oxygen consumption of 20.6 +/- 7.8 mL/kgmin-1. The intra-examiner reproducibility was high in both methods for the three examiners, with ICC values between 0.87 and 0.99. The inter-examiner reproducibility was moderate in both visual-graphic method (ICC = 0.69) and V-slope method (ICC = 0.64). When comparing methods, the ICC found was 0.91., Conclusion: AT determination by visual-graphic and V-slope methods showed high and moderate inter- and intra-examiner reproducibility, respectively. Moreover, both methods showed good agreement when compared with each other. These results suggest that both methods can be used in a reproducible way in AT assessment of patients with mild to moderate HF.