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Protein-losing enteropathy is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. We report the case of an 18-year-old woman that presented initially with diarrhoea and anasarca. During evaluation, there was low serum albumin of 1.6 g/dl (3.5–5.2 g/dl) and a positive antinuclear antibody test (1:2560). Anti-Sm antibodies (ELISA) were positive in addition to low serum C3 of 35 mg/dl. A scintigraphy using 99mTc-labelled albumin was positive for abdominal protein loss. A diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus related protein-losing enteropathy was made. She was started on prednisolone 40 mg/day without amelioration; a month later, azathioprine (100 mg/day) was added, leading to normalization of serum albumin and resolution of symptoms within 4 months. After 1.5 years, the patient developed a 2.9 g 24-h proteinuria while still in remission of the protein-losing enteropathy, receiving 5 mg prednisone and 100 mg azathioprine daily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess and validate the gene expression profile of SIRTs (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT3, SIRT4, SIRT5, SIRT6, and SIRT7) in relation to the pathogenesis and prognostic progression of Myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS). Eighty bone marrow samples of patients with de novo MDS were diagnosed according to WHO 2022 and IPSS-R criteria. Ten bone marrow samples were obtained from elderly healthy volunteers and used as control samples. Gene expression levels of all SIRTs were assessed using RT-qPCR assays. Downregulation of SIRT2 (p = 0.009), SIRT3 (p = 0.048), SIRT4 (p = 0.049), SIRT5 (p = 0.046), SIRT6 (p = 0.043), and SIRT7 (p = 0.047) was identified in MDS patients compared to control individuals. Also, we identified that while SIRT2-7 genes are typically down-regulated in MDS patients compared to normal controls, there are relative expression variations among MDS patient subgroups. Specifically, SIRT4 (p = 0.029) showed increased expression in patients aged 60 or above, and both SIRT2 (p = 0.016) and SIRT3 (p = 0.036) were upregulated in patients with hemoglobin levels below 8 g/dL. SIRT2 (p = 0.045) and SIRT3 (p = 0.033) were highly expressed in patients with chromosomal abnormalities. Different SIRTs exhibited altered expression patterns concerning specific MDS clinical and prognostic characteristics. The downregulation in SIRTs genes (e.g., SIRT2 to SIRT7) expression in Brazilian MDS patients highlights their role in the disease's development. The upregulation of SIRT2 and SIRT3 in severe anemia patients suggests a potential link to manage iron overload-related complications in transfusion-dependent patients. Moreover, the association of SIRT2/SIRT3 with genomic instability and their role in MDS progression signify promising areas for future research and therapeutic targets. These findings underscore the importance of SIRT family in understanding and addressing MDS, offering novel clinical, prognostic, and therapeutic insights for patients with this condition., 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.)

Myeloid neoplasms are a group of bone marrow diseases distinguished by disruptions in the molecular pathways that regulate the balance between hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal and the generation of specialized cells. Cytokines and chemokines, two important components of the inflammatory process, also influence hematological differentiation. In this scenario, immunological dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of bone marrow neoplasms. The STING pathway recognizes DNA fragments in the cell cytoplasm and triggers an immune response by type I interferons. The role of STING in cancer has not yet been established; however, both actions, as an oncogene or tumor suppressor, have been documented in other types of cancer. Therefore, we performed a systematic review (registered in PROSPERO database #CRD42023407512) to discuss the role of STING pathway in the advancement of pathogenesis and/or prognosis for different myeloid neoplasms. In brief, scientific evidence supports investigations that primarily use cell lines from myeloid neoplasms, such as leukemia. More high-quality research and clinical trials are needed to understand the role of the STING pathway in the pathology of hematological malignancies. Finally, the STING pathway suggests being a promising therapeutic molecular target, particularly when combined with current drug therapies., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Immune checkpoints are regulators of the immune system response that allow self-tolerance. Molecules such as Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1) and its Ligand (PD-L1) participate in the immune checkpoint by signaling co-inhibition of lymphocyte responses. In cancers, PD-L1 expression is associated with the immune evasion mechanism, which favors tumor growth. The use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs is already well described in solid tumors, but still not fully understood in hematologic malignancies. Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDSs) are heterogeneous bone marrow disorders with an increased risk of progression to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The MDS affects hematopoietic stem cells and its pathogenesis is linked to genetic and epigenetic defects, in addition to immune dysregulation. The influence of the PD-L1 on the MDS remains unknown., Methods: In this study, we evaluated the mRNA expression of the PD-L1 in 53 patients with MDS, classified according to the WHO 2016 Classification., Results: Patients with dyserythropoiesis presented significantly higher PD-L1 expression than patients without dyserythropoiesis (p= 0.050). Patients classified as having MDS with an excess of blasts 2 (MDS-EB2) presented a significant upregulation in the mRNA expression of the PD-L1 compared to the MDS with an excess of blasts 1 (MDS-EB1) (p= 0.050). Furthermore, we detected three patients with very high levels of PD-L1 expression, being statistically classified as outliers., Conclusion: We suggested that the high expression of the PD-L1 is associated with a worse prognosis in the MDS and functional studies are necessary to evaluate the possible use of anti-PD-L1 therapies for high-risk MDS, such as the MDS-EBs., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is still a prevalent neoplasm around the world and its main treatment modality is surgical resection. The need for perioperative blood transfusions is frequent, and there is a long-lasting debate regarding its impact on survival., Aim: To evaluate the factors related to the risk of receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and its influence on surgical and survival outcomes of patients with GC., Methods: Patients who underwent curative resection for primary gastric adenocarcinoma at our Institute between 2009 and 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. Clinicopathological and surgical characteristics data were collected. The patients were divided into transfusion and non-transfusion groups for analysis., Results: A total of 718 patients were included, and 189 (26.3%) patients received perioperative RBC transfusion (23 intraoperatively, 133 postoperatively, and 33 in both periods). Patients in the RBC transfusions group were older ( P < 0.001), and had more comorbidities ( P = 0.014), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification III/IV ( P < 0.001), and lower preoperative hemoglobin ( P < 0.001) and albumin levels ( P < 0.001). Larger tumors ( P < 0.001) and advanced tumor node metastasis stage ( P < 0.001) were also associated with the RBC transfusion group. The rates of postoperative complications (POC) and 30-d and 90-d mortality were significantly higher in the RBC transfusion group than in the non-transfusion group. Lower hemoglobin and albumin levels, total gastrectomy, open surgery, and the occurrence of POC were factors associated with the RBC transfusion. Survival analysis demonstrated that the RBC transfusions group had worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients who did not receive transfusion ( P < 0.001 for both). In multivariate analysis, RBC transfusion, major POC, pT3/T4 category, pN+, D1 lymphadenectomy, and total gastrectomy were independent risk factors related to worse DFS and OS., Conclusion: Perioperative RBC transfusion is associated with worse clinical conditions and more advanced tumors. Further, it is an independent factor related to worse survival in the curative intent gastrectomy setting., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2023. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants, especially when methylated, forming methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg affects DNA repair, increases oxidative stress, and predisposes to cancer. MeHg neurotoxicity is well-known, but recently MeHg-associated cardiovascular effects were recognized. This study evaluated circulating lipids, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity after MeHg-chronic exposure (20 mg/L in drinking water) in C57BL/6J wild-type and APOE knockout (ko) mice, the latter, being spontaneously dyslipidemic. Experimental mice were assigned to four groups: non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated wild-type mice and non-intoxicated and MeHg-intoxicated APOE ko mice. Plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and LDL were analyzed. Liver lipid peroxidation and splenic gene expression of xeroderma pigmentosum complementation groups A, C, D, and G (XPA, XPC, XPD, and XPG), X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were measured. Fur Hg levels confirmed chronic MeHg intoxication. MeHg exposure raises TC levels both in wild-type and APOE ko mice. HDL and LDL-cholesterol levels were increased only in the MeHg-challenged APOE ko mice. MeHg increased liver lipid peroxidation, regardless of the genetic background. Unintoxicated APOE ko mice showed higher expression of TERT than all other groups. APOE deficiency increases XPA expression, regardless of MeHg intoxication. Furthermore, MeHg-intoxicated mice had more cytogenetic abnormalities, effect which was independent of APOE deficiency. More studies are needed to dissect the interactions between circulating lipids, MeHg intoxication, and DNA-repair pathways even at young age, interactions that likely play critical roles in cell senescence and the risk for chronic disorders later in life., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Toll-like receptors are mutated or overexpressed in up to 50% of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Endogenous retroviruses (ERV) trigger TLR3 leading to interferon regulatory genes (IRFs) activation. We evaluated if the ERVs-TLR3-IRF axis activation would be linked to MDS pathogenesis and we also conducted a detailed cancer analysis of the ERVs, TLR3 and IRFs gene expression in 30 cancer types using GEPIA database. Seventy-nine bone marrow samples from patients with MDS were evaluated for cytogenetics and quantitative real‑time PCR of TLR3, ERVK6, ERVW-1, ERV3-1, IRF3 and IRF7. Patients with dyserythropoiesis showed higher TLR3 (p = 0.035), ERVK6 (p = 0.001), ERVW1 (p = 0.045) and ERV3-1 (p = 0.016) expression than patients without dyserythropoiesis. Upregulation of Interferon Regulatory Factors, IRF3 and IRF7, was associated with poor prognostic markers in MDS such as > 10% of blasts (p = 0.003-IRF3; p = 0.009-IRF7), low platelets count (< 50.000/mm 3 ) (p = 0.001-IRF3; p = 0.021-IRF7), transfusion dependence (p = 0.014-IRF3) and chromosomal abnormalities (p = 0.036-IRF7). We found strong correlations between ERVK6-ERVW1 (r = 0.800; r 2 = 0.640; p = 0.000), ERVW1-ERV3-1 (r = 0.715; r 2 = 0.511; p = 0.000), and IRF7-IRF3 (r = 0.567; r 2 = 0.321; p = 0.000) and moderate correlation between ERVK6-ERV3-1(r = 0.485; r 2 = 0.235; p = 0.000), ERVW1-IRF7 (r = 0.389; r 2 = 0.151; p = 0.001), ERVW1-IRF3 (r = 0.357; r 2 = 0.127; p = 0.004), ERV3-1-IRF7 (r = 0.314; r 2 = 0.098; p = 0.009), and ERV3-1-IRF3 (r = 0.324; r 2 = 0.104; p = 0.007). Using GEPIA Database in 30 cancer types, we detected a typical pattern of upregulation as here presented in MDS. We suggest TLR3 activation by ERVs is linked to MDS pathogenesis leading to bone marrow failure. Abnormal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) expression of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERV) triggers TLR3 hyperactivation. This induces IRF3, IRF7, and NF-kB to translocate to the nucleus and activate transcription of IFNα/β which binds to the type I-IFN receptor promoting interferon response. Thus, just as TLR4 induces a crucial myeloid shift, the ERVs-TLR3 axis may play an important role in establishing one of the most striking characteristics in MDS, dyserythropoiesis.

In two experiments, 3- to 5-year-old children were tested for their preferences when seeking and accepting information about novel animals. In Experiment 1, children watched as two adults named unfamiliar animals - one adult was predominantly accurate, whereas the other was predominantly inaccurate, as judged by a teacher. In a subsequent test phase, participants viewed additional unfamiliar animals and were invited to endorse one of two conflicting names. Either the predominantly accurate or the predominantly inaccurate adult proposed one name, whereas a majority of three unfamiliar adults proposed the other name. Children were more likely to endorse the predominantly accurate adult as compared to the majority but showed no significant preference for the predominantly inaccurate adult as compared to the majority. In Experiment 2, participants watched two adults correctly name three familiar animals, but only one named three additional unfamiliar animals whereas the other expressed uncertainty. On subsequent test trials, children preferred the apparently well-informed adult to the less-informed adult but, contrary to the results of Experiment 1, children preferred the information provided by a majority instead of the apparently well-informed adult. The implications of these results are discussed in the light of previous research on children's selective trust in an accurate informant as compared to a consensus. Statement of contribution What is already known on the subject? Young children monitor past accuracy and use this epistemic cue to decide whom to trust; Children are receptive to information coming from a consensus; Non-epistemic cues, such as familiarity and accent, also influence children's deference What does this study adds? Children favour a dissenter over a majority if the dissenter's past accuracy has been publicly highlighted. They favour a majority if a dissenter's past accuracy has not been publicly highlighted. A confident informant is preferred to a hesitant informant., (© 2019 The British Psychological Society.)

Objective: To perform a retrospective radiographic assessment of the reduction and implant position in the femoral head in patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated with cephalomedullary nailing in the lateral position versus traction table., Methods: Radiographs of patients with pertrochanteric fracture of the femur treated with cephalomedullary nailing in the lateral position and traction table were retrospectively evaluated. For the evaluation we used the anteroposterior radiographic view of the pelvis and the lateral view of the affected side. The cervicodiaphyseal angle, the tip-apex distance (TAD), and the spatial position of the cephalic component in the head were measured. Two patient groups were created, one group operated on the traction table and another group operated in the lateral position., Results: Regarding the cervicodiaphyseal angle observed in the traction table group, the results of 11 patients (61.1%) were outside the acceptable parameters proposed in the present study. Both groups were equivalent regarding TAD and the position of the cephalic component in the head., Conclusion: A difference in the cervicodiaphyseal angle was observed; the group operated on the traction table had 11 patients (61.1%) whose measurements were outside the acceptable parameters.

This study was conducted to evaluate the body composition and net energy and protein requirements for weight gain in Santa Ines crossbred sheep. Thirty woolless, 4-month-old, castrated male sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 19.77 ± 1.99 kg were used. Six animals (reference group) were slaughtered after the adaptation period to estimate empty body weight (EBW) and initial body composition. The remaining 24 animals were randomly distributed among four treatments (experimental diets) and slaughtered when they reached 30.24 ± 0.78 kg BW. The body composition ranged from 162.88 to 160.4 g protein/kg EBW, from 59.49 to 164.23 g fat/kg EBW and from 1.54 to 2.46 Mcal energy/kg EBW for animals ranging between 20 and 30 kg BW. The net energy requirement for Santa Ines crossbred sheep linearly increased when BW increased from 20 to 30 kg. Within that same weight range, the net protein requirement for weight gain in sheep was constant, ranging from 12.61 to 12.42 g/day to 100 g daily weight gain.

Fifty-four castrated male lambs with an average body weight of 23 ± 0.35 kg were randomly assigned to five treatments that consisted of different levels of palm kernel cake in the diet (0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0 % on a DM basis) in order to evaluate the effects on intake, digestibility, empty body weight, and body gain composition. The intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) presented with a decreasing linear effect. However, the intakes of EE and NDF presented with increased linear results as the palm kernel cake was added to the concentrate. There was a quadratic effect for the digestibility coefficient of all nutrients, except for NFC. The palm kernel cake had a decreasing linear effect on final body weight, empty body weight, and the average daily gain of the animals that were fed increased levels of palm kernel cake. The inclusion of palm kernel cake as a partial substitute for concentrate decreases the intake of the majority of nutrients, except for EE and NDF, and consequently, causes deleterious effects on the nutrient digestibility and performance of lambs that are fed a 50:50 roughage/concentrate ratio.

Caffeine is a widely used psychoactive substance. Studies have shown that caffeine may play a protective role in aging-associated disorders. However, the mechanisms by which caffeine modulates aging are not yet clear. In this study, we have shown that caffeine increases Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan, delays its larval development, reduces reproduction and body length. These phenotypes were partly reversed by worm's exposure to adenosine, which suggest a putative common target. Moreover, they were dependent on a functional insulin/IGF-1-like pathway. Our results may shed light on new genetic determinants of aging.

Background: Experimental data have shown that the transfusion of older red blood cell units causes alloimmunization, but the clinical applicability of this statement has never been properly assessed in non-sickle cell patients. It has been hypothesized that older units have higher numbers of cytokines, increasing the risk of alloimmunization related to antigen-presenting events. The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between the transfusion of older red blood cell units subjected to bedside leukodepletion and alloimmunization., Methods: All patients submitted to transfusions of bedside leukodepletion red blood cell units proven to have become alloimmunized in one oncologic service between 2009 and 2013 were enrolled in this study. A control group was formed by matching patients without alloimmunization in terms of number of transfusions and medical specialty. The median age of transfused units, the percentage of transfused red blood cell units >14 days of storage in relation to fresher red cell units (≤14 days of storage) and the mean age of transfused units older than 14 days were compared between the groups., Results: Alloimmunized and control groups were homogeneous regarding the most relevant clinical variables (age, gender, type of oncological disease) and inflammatory background (C-reactive protein and Karnofsky scale). The median age of transfused red blood cell units, the ratio of older units transfused compared to fresher units and the mean age of transfused units older than 14 days did not differ between alloimmunized and control patients (17 vs. 17; 68/32 vs. 63.2/36.8 and 21.8±7.0 vs. 21.04±7.9; respectively)., Conclusion: The transfusion of older red blood cell units subjected to bedside leukodepletion is not a key risk factor for alloimmunization. Strategies of providing fresh red cell units aiming to avoid alloimmunization are thus not justified., (Copyright © 2015 Associação Brasileira de Hematologia, Hemoterapia e Terapia Celular. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

The goal of the present study was to examine the influence of social context in young children's sharing behavior. Sixty-three children, aged between 3 and 8 years, participated in a dictator game in which they were requested to distribute stickers between themselves and an anonymous child. Results showed that the quantities the participants expected to receive were greater than those which were distributed to the others, t(63) = -6, 28, p < .01. Moreover, older participants shared more stickers when they were being observed than when they allocated stickers alone (p = .001, ηp 2 = .30). It is believed that increasing age leads to a greater respect for the societal rule of equity. These results are discussed in light of previous studies on sharing behavior during childhood.

Background: Dengue virus transmission by blood transfusion is a rarely reported event., Case Report: During a dengue outbreak in São Paulo city, a regular plateletpheresis donor informed the blood bank of being diagnosed a few days after donation. The recipient was hospitalized and displayed symptoms and laboratory evidence of dengue after transfusion., Results: The donor was immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and polymerase chain reaction nonreactive on the index sample, seroconverting 20 days later. The platelet units were transfused into two patients. One of them developed fever 3 days after transfusion, with high viral load. His pretransfusion sample was negative for IgG, IgM, and dengue RNA, while the second recipient did not show any symptoms nor laboratory evidence of dengue infection., Conclusions: This case brings additional evidence that dengue is indeed transmissible by blood transfusion and clinical manifestations, although rare, do occur., (© 2015 AABB.)

Background: Visceral obesity is associated with higher occurrence of cardiovascular events. There are few studies about the accuracy of anthropometric clinical indicators, using Computed Tomography (CT) as the gold standard. We aimed to determine the accuracy of anthropometric clinical indicators for discrimination of visceral obesity., Methods: Cross-sectional study with 191 adults and elderly of both sexes. Variables: area of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) identified by CT, Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR), Conicity index (C index), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI). ROC analyzes., Results: There were a strong correlation between adiposity indicators and VAT area. Higher accuracy of C index and WHtR (AUC≥0.81) than the LAP and the VAI was observed. The higher AUC of LAP and VAI were observed among elderly with areas of 0.88 (CI: 0.766-0.944) and 0.83 (CI: 0.705-0.955) in men and 0.80 (CI: 0.672-0.930) and 0.71 (CI: 0.566-0.856) in women, respectively. The cutoffs of C index were 1.30 in elderly, in both sexes, with sensitivity ≥92%, the LAP ranged from 26.4 to 37.4 in men and from 40.6 to 44.0 in women and the VAI was 1.24 to 1.45 (sens≥76.9%) in men and 1.46 to 1.84 in women., Conclusion: Both the anthropometric indicators, C Index and WHtR, as well as LAP and VAI had high accuracy in visceral obesity discrimination. So, they are effective in cardiovascular risk assessment and in the follow-up for individual and collective clinical practice.

Antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of affective disorders such as anxiety and depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the central effects of acute administration of paroxetine (PXT) combined with lipoic acid (LA) on various behavioral models in mice. Paroxetine (10 and 20 mg/kg), LA (100 mg/kg), or vehicle was administered, intraperitoneally, 30 minutes before the tests. The results showed that PXT (10 mg/kg) alone and in combination with LA increased locomotor activity. In the anxiety models studied, an anxiolytic effect was observed after the administration of LA and PXT. In the tail suspension test, PXT at both doses and in combination with LA caused a significant decrease in immobility time. These results indicate possible anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of LA associated with PXT. These data suggest that coadministration of LA and PXT may improve anxiolytic and antidepressant responses, and being more effective than each drug alone. However, further studies are necessary to investigate the mechanism by which antioxidants exert antidepressant or anxiolytic action.

This study was designed to investigate the possible antidepressant effects of the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) as a stand-alone treatment or in association with desvenlafaxine (DVS) in the chronic corticosterone (CORT)-induced depression model. The depression model was induced by repeated administrations of CORT (20 mg/kg, subcutaneous) in mice over a period of 14 days. Between days 15 and 21, a randomized group of mice received DVS (10 or 20 mg/kg, per os [PO]), ALA (100 or 200 mg/kg, PO), or a combination of DVS (10 or 20 mg/kg, PO) and ALA (100 or 200 mg/kg, PO) along with the CORT injections for the remaining 7 days. Other groups of mice received DVS (10 or 20 mg/kg, PO) or ALA (100 or 200 mg/kg, PO) alone. Open field test, elevated plus maze (EPM) test, tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST) were carried out 1 h after the last injection of CORT. Repeated CORT injections induced anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors as observed by decreased open arms entries in the EPM test and increased immobility time in the TST and FST. The administration of DVS and ALA alone was able to reverse the increases in the immobility time. The combination of ALA and DVS potentiated the observed effects of DVS. These results suggest that augmentation therapy with the addition of antioxidant drugs may be an important pharmacological approach for the treatment of depression.

Objective: To evaluate the association between electrical bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and visceral fat (VF) in adult and elderly patients., Subjects and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a sample of 191 subjects (52% women, 49% elderly) stratified by sex, age and body mass. Computerized tomography (VF area) and BIA (percentage of total body fat (%TBF-BIA), phase angle, reactance and resistance) data were generated. Statistical analysis was based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, Anova, Pearson's Chi-square, and ROC curves., Results: VF areas > 130 cm² were more prevalent among the elderly and among men. Adult females showed a stronger correlation between GV and %TBF-BIA. The other groups showed similar results and statistically significant correlations. Correlations between GV and phase angle were weak and not statistically significant. ROC Curves analyzes showed the following %TBF-BIA, which identified excess VF: for male subjects: 21.5% (adults) and 24.25% (elderly); for female subjects: 35.05% (adults) and 38.45% (elderly) with sensitivity of 78.6%, 82.1%, 83.3%, and 66.7%, and specificity of 70.6%, 62.5%, 79.1%, and 69%, respectively., Conclusion: BIA was found to have satisfactory sensitivity and specificity to predict VF; however, other devices and other techniques should be investigated to improve VF prediction.

The present study evaluated the effect of replacing elephant grass (EG) with moist pineapple by-product silage (PS) on the apparent digestibility, consumption of digestible nutrients and performance of 25 castrated male lambs Santa Ines crossbreds. The lambs had an initial body weight of 20.2 ± 3.5 kg and were housed in individual pens in a completely randomised design with five treatments (replacement of EG by PS at five proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 %) and five replicates during 74 days. There was no significant effect of PS replacement proportions on the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), total carbohydrates (TC), non-fibrous carbohydrates or total digestible nutrients (TDN). The consumption of crude protein (CP) decreased linearly with the inclusion of PS in the diets. The digestibility of DM, OM and TCs as well as levels of TDN increased linearly with the addition of PS. The use of PS in the diets had no significant effect on the digestibility of CP and neutral detergent fibre corrected for ashes and protein (NDFom(n)). These results demonstrated that there was no difference in the performance of animals fed diets with or without PS.

Background: The inflammatory background of patients influences the process of alloimmunization against red blood cell antigens. Proof of this statement to clinical practice is still lacking., Objective: The aim of this study was to verify whether factors related to disease severity and inflammatory status of cancer patients can predict alloimmunization., Methods: This was a case-control study in which alloimmunized oncologic patients treated between 2009 and 2012 were compared with a non-alloimmunized control group regarding the severity of the disease (metastasis/performance status/body mass index) and C-reactive protein levels., Results: The groups did not differ significantly in terms of C-reactive protein, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG)/Karnofsky performance status, presence of metastasis and body mass index., Conclusion: It is not possible to predict alloimmunization in cancer patients based on severity of illness and inflammatory markers. Strategies of screening patients by phenotyping blood based on these criteria are not justified.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of diets, based on elephant grass or sugarcane as roughage and corn meal or rice bran as energy concentrate, on performance and body composition in terms of diet intake and digestibility. A total of 30 Santa Ines crossbreds (SIC), castrated male sheep with 19.8 ± 2.0 kg initial body weight (BW) were used. Six animals were slaughtered at the onset of the experiment to estimate the initial body composition for the other animals. The remaining 24 animals were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design, with four treatments (two roughages and two concentrates) and six replicates. The sheep were slaughtered when they reached 30.0 kg BW. Elephant grass diets provided higher intake and digestibility than sugarcane diets for the following contents: dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre, minerals, total carbohydrates (TC), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Among the concentrates, corn meal diets were associated with higher intakes than rice bran diets for the following contents: DM, OM, CP, TC, and TDN. Animals from all of the treatments exhibited low average daily weight gain and low protein and high fat and energy body levels. Sugarcane and rice bran can be used as ingredients in diets for sheep with low weight gain potential. Regardless of roughage or concentrate types used in diets for confined SIC sheep, performance and body composition remained unaltered.

This trial was conducted to assess the efficacy of açai seeds in the diet of sheep, specifically, to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and weight gain in sheep that are fed with diets containing four different mixtures of açai seeds and coastcross hay. Sixteen noncastrated male sheep with an average initial body weight of 22 kg were randomly assigned to one of four diet treatments using initial body weight as a covariate. The diets used coastcross hay as the basal roughage in a 60:40 roughage/concentrate ratio. The concentrate was the same in all the treatments. The açai seed was added to the diet as a partial substitute for the coastcross hay to make up four diet treatments: 0 (control), 5, 10, and 15 % açaí added to the diet on a dry matter basis. The daily weight gain, final body weight, and feed intake were found to linearly increase with the increase in added dietary açai seed meal (P < 0.05). Moreover, increasing the proportions of açai seed meal did not significantly alter the nutrient tract digestibility, except that the crude protein level declined in a linear manner. The inclusion of açai seed as a substitute for coastcross hay increases the intake and the daily weight gain in sheep that are fed with diets using coastcross hay as the basal roughage in a 60:40 roughage/concentrate ratio.

Introduction: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common and early complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Studies have suggested that high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) may have deleterious effects on the nutritional status of patients with CKD. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the nutritional status of CKD patients in continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) with and without SHPT., Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional status of CKD patients in continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) with and without SHPT., Methods: 74 patients were evaluated, including adults and seniors, divided into two groups according to PTH levels. In group 1 (n = 18) levels of PTH higher than 300 pg/mL and in group 2 less than or equal to 300 pg/mL. The nutritional status of patients was assessed by anthropometry, biochemical and subjective global assessment (SGA). Food intake was measured by food record for 3 days. We also collected clinical data, such as calcium and serum phosphorus, and the presence of inflammation was assessed by measuring C-reactive protein ultra-sensitive (CRP US)., Results: The average age of the population studied was 54.97 ± 17.06 years, with predominance of adult patients (58.1%) and females (56.8%). The time of CPD expressed in median was 17 months (7.75-33). Through ASG, it was shown a prevalence of 36.5% of the population undernourished. In the analysis of difference between the groups in relation to anthropometry, biochemical indicators and ASG as well as food intake, there were no differences between the groups., Conclusion: There were no differences in nutritional status and dietary intake between patients with and without SHPT.

Prenatal immune challenge (PIC) in pregnant rodents produces offspring with abnormalities in behavior, histology, and gene expression that are reminiscent of schizophrenia and autism. Based on this, the goal of this article was to review the main contributions of PIC models, especially the one using the viral-mimetic particle polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic acid (poly-I:C), to the understanding of the etiology, biological basis and treatment of schizophrenia. This systematic review consisted of a search of available web databases (PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, PsycINFO, and ISI Web of Knowledge) for original studies published in the last 10 years (May 2001 to October 2011) concerning animal models of PIC, focusing on those using poly-I:C. The results showed that the PIC model with poly-I:C is able to mimic the prodrome and both the positive and negative/cognitive dimensions of schizophrenia, depending on the specific gestation time window of the immune challenge. The model resembles the neurobiology and etiology of schizophrenia and has good predictive value. In conclusion, this model is a robust tool for the identification of novel molecular targets during prenatal life, adolescence and adulthood that might contribute to the development of preventive and/or treatment strategies (targeting specific symptoms, i.e., positive or negative/cognitive) for this devastating mental disorder, also presenting biosafety as compared to viral infection models. One limitation of this model is the incapacity to model the full spectrum of immune responses normally induced by viral exposure.

This work sought to record the impressions of nursing assistants and technicians after submitting to Pap smear screening. This is a descriptive study using a qualitative approach conducted in September and October of 2006 with 35 employees of a public institution, which is a benchmark in gynecology in Fortaleza in the State of Ceará (Brazil). The data was collected through semi-structured interviews containing a recorded leading question and analyzed according to the methodological-theoretical reference of social phenomenology. The testimonials were separated in three groups: an exam that causes discomfort, fear and shame; an exam that causes anxiety about the results; and an exam that "makes me calm and relaxed". Despite the interviewees being part of an institution that cares for the prevention of cervical-uterine cancer in women, negative feelings about the Pap smear test were nonetheless reported. The conclusion reached is that it is important to stage educational campaigns emphasizing the importance of empowerment of patients in order to minimize these aspects.

Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is linked with the metabolic consequences of obesity, being necessary the use alternative methods of predicting this type of fat, like anthropometry. The objective of this study was assess the performance of anthropometry in predicting visceral fat measured with computerized tomography in adults and older adults. Study transversal with 197 individuals underwent computerized tomography (CT) and anthropometry. The variables analized were: visceral adipose tissue area by CT, Sagittal Abdominal Diameter (SAD), Waist Circumference (WC) and Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR). A descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation and ROC curve were carried out. We observed Correlations higher than 0.7 (p = 0.000) between the SAD, WC and the VAT area were found in adult men and older men and in adult women. WHR displayed the least correlations. The most sensitive and specific SAD cut-off points were equal for all the men (Adults: 20.2 cm/Older adults: 20.2 cm) but different for the women (Adults: 21.0 cm; sens.: 83.3; spec.: 79.1/Older adults: 19.9 cm; sens.: 81.0; spec.:79.3). The WC cutoff points that identified a VAT area = 130 cm2 were 90.2 cm and 92.2 cm for men (adult men--sens.: 86.7; spec.: 86.1--and older men-sens.: 79.3; spec.: 77.8 -respectively), while for women the recorded values were 92.3 cm (adult women--sens.: 83.3; spec: 81.4) and 88.2 cm (older women--sens.:76.2; spec.: 69.0). This study showed that WC and SAD achieved the best performance in the identification of visceral fat considered at risk for the development of cardiometabolic diseases in adults and older adults.

ABSTRACT This work reviews the evidence of the mechanism of neuronal degeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD) and the neuroprotective effect of lipoic acid and its use in the treatment of PD. PD is characterized by slow and progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta, leading to reduction of the striatal dopaminergic terminals. It is known that several factors influence neuronal damage. Among these factors, oxidative stress, immune system activity, microglial cells, and apoptotic mechanisms are of major importance. Currently, several antioxidants have been studied with the aim of reducing/slowing the progression of neurodegenerative processes. Lipoic acid is considered a universal antioxidant because it is an amphipathic substance. Lipoic acid and its reduced form, dihidrolipoic acid, act against reactive oxygen species, reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, this antioxidant has been used in the treatment of many diseases, including a new perspective for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Background: Androgenic obesity is associated with a higher risk of metabolic disorders, thus favoring the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases and other morbidities., Objective: To verify the influence of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area, measured by computed tomography (CT), on the metabolic alterations in adult and elderly individuals., Methods: CT results and lipoprotein levels, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, glycemia and uric acid levels, were obtained from 194 individuals stratified by sex, age group and body mass and analyzed using the tests of correlation and means., Results: The elderly individuals presented higher VAT area, glycemia, uric acid and total cholesterol levels. The most important correlations were observed between VAT area, triglycerides (TG) and VLDL-c (r > 0.5; p < 0.01), in both age groups. The mean VAT area was always higher when TG and glycemia levels were altered, in both age groups., Conclusion: Most tests showed a strong correlation with VAT area, which was considered as risk for metabolic alterations. In elderly individuals, the risk VAT area seems to be higher than that of adult individuals.

Objectives: To evaluate the reliability of the sagittal abdominal diameter and its validity as a predictor of visceral abdominal fat, as well as to identify the most appropriate cut-off points to identify the area of visceral fat that is known to represent a risk factor for cardiovascular disease., Design: Validation study., Subjects: 92 healthy volunteers (57 women, 35 men), age: 20-83 y, body mass index: 19.3 to 35.9 kg/m2., Measurements: Sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), weight, height, circumferences (waist, hip, and thigh), sub-scapular skinfold thickness, abdominal diameter index, and waist-hip ratio (WHR). METHOD OF CHOICE: Computed tomography (CT)., Statistic: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve., Results: The reliability for SAD measurement was very high (Inter-class coefficient = 0.99). Visceral fat as measured by VAF through CT was highly correlated with SAD (women r = 0.80; men r = 0.64, p < 0.001), waist circumference (women r = 0.77; men r = 0.73, p < 0.001), and WHR (women r = 0.72; men r = 0.58, p < 0.001). The ROC curve indicated 19.3 cm and 20.5 cm as the threshold values for abdominal sagittal diameter in women and men (sensitivity 85% and 83%, specificity 77% and 82%, respectively)., Conclusions: There was a high correlation between SAD and VAF. The cut-off values identified for SAD presented a sensitivity and specificity that were considered adequate.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1996 to estimate the prevalence of anemia in a stratified sample of 603 preschool children and identify factors associated with the disease. Hemoglobin assays were conducted in finger-prick blood samples using a Hemocue hemoglobinometer. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin below 11.0 g/dl. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the potential associations. Observed anemia prevalence was 46.3%. Associated factors were: the 6-12-month and 12-24-month age brackets, the lowest tertiles for iron density and protein content dietary intake, and any degree of deficit in the height-for-age anthropometric parameter. Inadequate physical, sanitary, and environmental conditions in the home were associated with a significantly increased risk of anemia. Anemia constitutes an important health problem in this study's child population. Improvements in living conditions and dietary quality could contribute to a reduction in anemia prevalence.

Two hundred and eight three male and female elderly subjects were studied. They participated in the Multicentric project: "Health assessment of elderly people living in the urban area of S. Paulo", Brazil, and were stratified by socio-economic level in three areas of S. Paulo city. The food frequency questionnaire was applied in order to discover their food pattern. The results show that for the energy-producing foods more than 90% of the total sample eat tubers, rice, bread and pasta; however, only the rice and bread are consumed daily. As for protein, 70% or more of the elderly people eat beans, beef, poultry, milk and eggs but for the daily consumption there are differences between the 3 regions. More than 85% of the subjects eat fruits, leafy and other vegetables; nevertheless, the frequency of their daily consumption is bigger in the wealthier area. The dietetic information shows that the group analysed has the same food pattern as other population groups as far the energy-producing foods are concerned; there are, however, some difference as regards the protein foods and fruit and vegetables.