Reduction of blood nitric oxide levels is associated with clinical improvement of the chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis

The objective of this prospective study was to determine the plasma levels of nitric oxide (NO) in women with chronic pelvic pain secondary to endometriosis (n=24) and abdominal myofascial pain syndrome (n=16). NO levels were measured in plasma collected before and 1 month after treatment. Pretreatment NO levels (μM) were lower in healthy volunteers (47.0±12.7) than in women with myofascial pain (64.2±5.0, P=0.01) or endometriosis (99.5±12.9, P<0.0001). After treatment, plasma NO levels were reduced only in the endometriosis group (99.5±12.9 vs 61.6±5.9, P=0.002). A correlation between reduction of pain intensity and reduction of NO level was observed in the endometriosis group [correlation = 0.67 (95%CI = 0.35 to 0.85), P<0.0001]. Reduction of NO levels was associated with an increase of pain threshold in this group [correlation = -0.53 (-0.78 to -0.14), P<0.0001]. NO levels appeared elevated in women with chronic pelvic pain diagnosed as secondary to endometriosis, and were directly associated with reduction in pain intensity and increase in pain threshold after treatment. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of NO in the pathophysiology of pain in women with endometriosis and its eventual association with central sensitization.

Allometric growth patterns in hatchery-reared larvae of the catfish Lophiosilurus alexandri (Pisces: Pseudopimelodidae) / Padrões de crescimento alométrico em larvas criadas em cativeiro do pacamã Lophiosilurus alexandri (Pisces: Pseudopimelodidae)

The aim of the present study was to characterize the relationships that occur between morphometric variables of larvae of Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876 through their allometric growth analysis. Total length, head length and body height were correlated with standard length, head height and body height, as well as eye diameter and head height with head length. The results revealed allometric positive relation during the initial development, where the b coefficient varied between 1.10 and 2.81. The variable pre-anal distance in relation to the standard length and the snout length in relation to the head length revealed an allometric negative relation, where the b coefficient was 0.85 and 0.94, respectively.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi caracterizar os tipos de relações que ocorrem entre as variáveis morfométricas das larvas de Lophiosilurus alexandri Steindachner, 1876, por meio da análise de seu crescimento alométrico. As variáveis comprimento total, comprimento da cabeça e altura do corpo foram correlacionadas com o comprimento padrão; a altura da cabeça com a altura do corpo; e o diâmetro do olho e a altura da cabeça com o comprimento da cabeça. Os resultados revelaram relações alométricas positivas durante o desenvolvimento inicial, quando o coeficiente b variou entre 1,10 e 2,81. A variável distância pré-anal em relação ao comprimento padrão e a variável comprimento do focinho em relação ao comprimento da cabeça revelaram relação alométrica negativa quando o coeficiente b foi 0,85 e 0,94, respectivamente.

Pregnancy losses: prevalence, timing and associated causes: [review] / Pérdidas embrionarias: prevalencia, causas asociadas y estrategias para incrementar la supervivencia embrionaria: [revisión]

It is clear that high-producing lactating dairy cows experience substantial losses of pregnancy from fertilization to delivery of a live newborn. On most farms, producers and veterinarians only recognize fetal losses that occur after day 40 or 50 of gestation. In most cases, causative agents cannot be determined. However, the majority of losses of pregnancy occur during the embryonic stages of development. Among the several factors that increase the risk for pregnancy loss are oocytes of low quality, due to stresses such as high body temperature or prolonged follicular dominance; diseases; the metabolic status of the cow and consequent changes in BCS, which result in delays in resumption of ovarian cyclicity; and embryo toxicants such as gossypol.

La eficiencia reproductiva en la industria lechera, es sin duda alguna, directamente proporcional con la rentabilidad. A través de los años se ha estudiado el impacto negativo que tienen las perdidas gestacionales, en la productividad de las fincas. Adicionalmente se ha creído que, aunque sin causa etiológica determinada, la mayoría de perdidas gestacionales ocurren después del día 40-50 de la gestación durante el periodo fetal. El presente artículo tiene como objetivo mostrar el impacto de otros factores de perdida gestacional haciendo énfasis en otros factores que incrementan el riesgo de pérdida gestacional tales como el la calidad del oocito asociado a cambios medio ambientales que inducen altas temperaturas corporales, o que pueden generar folículos persistentes, enfermedades, así como los cambios en la condición corporal y el estado metabólico de las vacas el cual puede retardar la reactivación ovárica, y finalmente algunos factores tóxicos al embrión como el gosipol.

Synchronization programs for reproductive management of dairy herds: [review] / Programa de sindronización de celos para el manejo reproductivo de ganaderías de leche: [revisión]

There are many factors that can influence reproduction of the dairy cow such as management, physiologic factors, nutrition, genetics, and diseases Reproductive efficiency. Reproductive performance is therefore a major concern in dairy herds to success, and it has to be subject of continuous and accurate evaluation in reproductive herd health programs, in order to detect problems and implement adequate solutions. Controlled breeding programs have allowed dairy producers to optimize service rate with little impact on conception and pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows.

Existen muchos factores que pueden influenciar la reproducción en ganaderías de leche, tales como el manejo, factores fisiológicos, la nutrición, genéticos, y la presentación de enfermedades, entre otros. Por esta razón la eficiencia reproductiva es de gran importancia en las ganaderías para ser exitosas y debe ser continua y adecuadamente evaluada en los programas reproductivos de salud de hato, con el fin de detectar los problemas y establecer las soluciones adecuadas. Los programas de reproducción controlados, han permitido a los productores optimizar las tasas de servicios con un muy pequeño impacto en las tasas de concepción y perdida gestacional en ganaderías de leche.

Food consumption by young adults living in Ribeirão Preto, SP, 2002/2004

There is evidence showing a close relationship between diet and the occurrence of non-communicable chronic diseases. The present study assessed food consumption in a 2002/2004 cohort of young adults born in 1978/79 in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. The composition of the habitual diet consumed by a sample of 2063 individuals aged 23-25 years was analyzed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire based on studies of prevention of non-communicable chronic diseases. The Dietsys software was used for dietary calculations. In terms of WHO/2003 recommendations, there was a high mean daily consumption of energy from fat (consumption: 35.4 percent; recommendation: 15-30 percent), a low mean intake of energy from carbohydrates (47.5 percent; 55-75 percent) and a low mean consumption of total fibers (15.2 g; >25 g). Mean intake of energy from fatty acids (10 percent; <10 percent) and protein (15.6 percent; 10-15 percent) was within recommended limits. When compared to the recommendations of the food pyramid adapted to the Brazilian population, adequate intake was observed only regarding the meat group (consumption: 1.9 portions; recommended: 1-2). There was a low consumption of vegetables (2.9; 4-5), fruits (1.2; 3-5), breads (3.6; 6-9), and dairy products (1.7; 3), with excessive fat and sugar intake (5.7; 1-2). We conclude that the inadequate food consumption observed in this young population may be associated with the development of excess weight and may contribute to the triggering of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Impact of marked weight loss induced by bariatric surgery on bone mineral density and remodeling

Data about the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) and subsequent weight loss on bone are limited. The objective of the present study was to determine bone mineral density (BMD), bone remodeling metabolites and hormones that influence bone trophism in premenopausal women submitted to BS 9.8 months, on average, before the study (OGg, N = 16). The data were compared to those obtained for women of normal weight (CG, N = 11) and for obese women (OG, N = 12). Eight patients in each group were monitored for one year, with the determination of BMD, of serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, parathyroid hormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and osteocalcin, and of urinary calcium and deoxypyridinoline. The biochemical determinations were repeated every three months in the longitudinal study and BMD was measured at the end of the study. Parathyroid hormone levels were similar in the three groups. IGF-I levels (CG = 332 ± 62 vs OG = 230 ± 37 vs OGg = 128 ± 19 ng/mL) were significantly lower in the operated patients compared to the non-operated obese women. Only OGg patients presented a significant fall in BMD of 6.2 percent at L1-L4, of 10.2 percent in the femoral neck, and of 5.1 percent in the forearm. These results suggest that the weight loss induced by BS is associated with a significant loss of bone mass even at sites that are not influenced by weight overload, with hormonal factors such as IGF-I being associated with this process.

Depressive symptoms and C-reactive protein in a Brazilian urban community

Psychological depression is an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease. C-reactive protein has been implicated as a mediator of the effect of psychological depression. Several studies have found that individuals, especially men, who report higher levels of psychological depression also have higher levels of C-reactive protein. The current study was undertaken to replicate these results in a Brazilian population, in which there is a much wider range of variation in both background characteristics (such as socioeconomic status) and coronary artery disease risk factors. A sample of 271 individuals was interviewed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Fasting blood samples were obtained and evaluated for C-reactive protein (assessed by a turbidimetric immunoassay using a Dade Behring kit) analysis in a subsample (N = 258) of individuals. The mean ± SD C-reactive protein for the entire sample was 0.43 ± 0.44, with 0.42 ± 0.48 for men and 0.43 ± 0.42 mg/L for women. Data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis, controlling for age, sex, body mass index, socioeconomic status, tobacco use, and both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Higher reported depressive symptoms were correlated with higher C-reactive protein for men (partial r = 0.298, P = 0.004) and with lower C-reactive protein for women (partial r = -0.154, P = 0.059). The differences in the associations for men and women could be a result of differential effects of sex hormones on stress reactivity and immune response. On the other hand, this difference in the associations may be related to gender differences in the disclosure of emotion and the effect that self-disclosure has on physical health and immune response.

Health in early adulthood: the contribution of the 1978/79 Ribeirão Preto birth cohort

The increase in non-communicable chronic diseases of adults is due to demographic changes and changes in the risk factors related to physical activity, smoking habits and nutrition. We describe the methodology for the evaluation of persons at 23/25 years of age of a cohort of individuals born in Ribeirão Preto in 1978/79. We present their socioeconomic characteristics and the profile of some risk factors for chronic diseases. A total of 2063 participants were evaluated by means of blood collection, standardized questionnaires, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and methacholine bronchoprovocation tests. The sexes were compared by the chi-square test, with alpha = 0.05. Obesity was similar among men and women (12.8 and 11.1 percent); overweight was almost double in men (30.3 vs 17.7 percent). Weight deficit was higher among women than among men (8.6 and 2.6 percent). Women were more sedentary and consumed less alcohol and tobacco. Dietary fat consumption was similar between sexes, with 63 percent consuming large amounts (30 to 39.9 g/day). Metabolic syndrome was twice more frequent among men than women (10.7 vs 4.8 percent), hypertension was six times more frequent (40.9 vs 6.4 percent); altered triglyceride (16.1 vs 9.8 percent) and LDL proportions (5.4 vs 2.7 percent) were also higher in men, while women had a higher percentage of low HDL (44.7 vs 39.5 percent). Asthma and bronchial hyper-responsiveness were 1.7 and 1.5 times more frequent, respectively, among women. The high prevalence of some risk factors for chronic diseases among young adults supports the need for investments in their prevention.

Association of apolipoprotein E polymorphism in late-onset Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia in Brazilians

The genetic basis for dementias is complex. A common polymorphism in the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene is considered to be the major risk factor in families with sporadic and late-onset Alzheimer's disease as well as in the general population. The distribution of alleles and genotypes of the APOE gene in late-onset Alzheimer's disease (N = 68), other late-life dementias (N = 39), and in cognitively normal controls (N = 58) was determined, as also was the risk for Alzheimer's disease associated with the epsilon4 allele. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from a total of 165 individuals living in Brazil aged 65-82 years. Genomic DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the products were digested with HhaI restriction enzyme. APOE epsilon2 frequency was considerably lower in the Alzheimer's disease group (1 percent), and the epsilon3 allele and epsilon3/epsilon3 genotype frequencies were higher in the controls (84 and 72 percent, respectively) as were the epsilon4 allele and epsilon3/epsilon4 genotype frequencies in Alzheimer's disease (25 and 41 percent, respectively). The higher frequency of the epsilon4 allele in Alzheimer's disease confirmed its role as a risk factor, while epsilon2 provided a weak protection against development of the disease. However, in view of the unexpectedly low frequency of the epsilon4 allele, additional analyses in a more varied Brazilian sample are needed to clarify the real contribution of apolipoprotein E to the development of Alzheimer's disease in this population

The X-X-/E+E+ genotype of the XbaI/EcoRI polymorphisms of the apolipoprotein B gene as a marker of coronary artery disease in a Brazilian sample

Studies that consider polymorphisms within the apolipoprotein B (apo B) gene as risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) have reported conflicting results. The aim of the present study was to search for associations between two DNA RFLPs (XbaI and EcoRI) of the apo B gene and CAD diagnosed by angiography. In the present study we compared 116 Brazilian patients (92 men) with CAD (CAD+) to 78 control patients (26 men) without ischemia or arterial damage (CAD-). The allele frequencies at the XbaI (X) and EcoRI (E) sites did not differ between groups. The genotype distributions of CAD+ and CAD- patients were different (chi²(1) = 6.27, P = 0.012) when assigned to two classes (X-X-/E+E+ and the remaining XbaI/EcoRI genotypes). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that individuals with the X-X-/E+E+ genotype presented a 6.1 higher chance of developing CAD than individuals with the other XbaI/EcoRI genotypes, independently of the other risk factors considered (sex, tobacco consumption, total cholesterol, hypertension, and triglycerides). We conclude that the X-X-/E+E genotype may be in linkage disequilibrium with an unknown variation in the apo B gene or with a variation in another gene that affects the risk of CAD

Six years of treatment with the HELP system of a patient with familial hypercholesterolemia

The purpose of the present report is to demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of heparin-induced extracorporeal lipoprotein precipitation (HELP) of LDL-c and fibrinogen in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia. From June 1992 to June 1998 a 22-year-old young male patient with familial hypercholesterolemia (double heterozygote for C660X and S305C) resistant to medication and diet and with symptomatic coronary artery disease (angina) was treated weekly with 90-min sessions of the HELP system. The patient had also been previously submitted to right coronary artery angioplasty. The efficacy of the method was evaluated by comparing the reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-c and fibrinogen before and after the sessions and before and after initiation of the study (data are reported as averages for each year). During the study, angina episodes disappeared and there were no detectable adverse effects of the treatment. Total cholesterol (TC), fibrinogen, and LDL-c decreased significantly after each session by 59.6, 66.1 and 64 percent, respectively. HDL-c showed a nonsignificant reduction of 20.4 percent. Comparative mean values pre- and post-treatment values in the study showed significant differences: TC (488 vs 188 mg/dl), LDL-c (416.4 vs 145 mg/dl), and fibrinogen (144.2 vs 57.4 mg/dl). There was no significant change in HDL-c level: 29.4 vs 23 mg/dl. These data show that the HELP system, even for a long period of time, is a safe and efficient mode of treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia and is associated with disappearance of angina symptoms

Socioeconomic factors and adult body composition in a developing society

Objective: To examine socioeconomic variables in relation to three indices of adult body composition: the body mass index: and, percent body fat and lean-to-fat body mass ratio, both derived from bioelectric impedance analysis. Purpose: To investigate the relationship between obesity and socioeconomic variables in a developing country. Research methods and procedures: A cross-sectional survey of four neighborhoods differing in socioeconomic status. A random sample of 304 healthy adults, 181 females and 123 males, age range 18-78. Body composition was measured with the body mass index derived from height and weight, and the assessments of percent body fat and the ratio of lean-to-fat body mass derived from bioelectric impedance analysis. Results: Using a linear model with age as a covariate and sex as an additional factor, there were significant interaction effects between sex and socioeconomic group for all three of the body composition variables (p < 0,005). Analysis of trends within sex revealed primarily a linear association between socioeconomic group and body composition for males (p < 0,001), and a curvilinear association between socioeconomic group and body composition for females (p < 0.03). Discussion: The association of socioeconomic status and body composition is significant for males and females, but the pattern of the association varies by gender. It is argued that these results can be explained by three processes: socioeconomic differences in caloric demands of labor: socioeconomic differences in the social value attached to food: and, gender differences in standards of physical attractiveness

The value of the Ecological Station of JataÝ's ecosystem services and natural capital

The capacity of a given natural ecosystem to provide certain goods and services that satisfy human needs depends on its environmental characteristics (natural processes and components). It was described the availability of these goods and services (environmental functions) controlled and sustained by ecological processes operating in Ecological Station of JataÝ (Luiz Antônio, SP). The environmental functions identified were grouped in four main categories. To make environmental values an integrated factor in planning and decision making it was assessed their socio-economic importance in qualitative terms and, if possible their monetary value. The combined potential annual return from identified functions of Ecological Station of Jataí is at least US$ 708.83/ha/year. In comparison to calculations made for other natural ecosystems this is a rather moderate estimate. The Ecological Station of JataÝ is poorly protected and managed, it too is still threatened by human activity (agriculture) and many development plans. Although present day market economics do not recognize the monetary value of most environmental functions, such calculations do provide a revealing insight into the great socio-economic importance of Ecological Station of Jataí. More awareness of these values may provide an important incentive for their preservation and sustainable use

Environmental education praxis toward a natural conservation area

A non-formal Environmental Education (EE) Program has been implemented in the natural conservation area (Ecological Station of Jataí, Luiz Antônio, São Paulo State), through (EE) paradigms, which consider the objectives of education about, in and for the environment within cultural and natural perspectives. The aim of this Program is to support information and scientific knowledge to provide opportunities to the local population to be aware of environmental impacts and risks resulting from the soil use that threaten the environmental quality and the biodiversity of the Ecological Station of Jataí. The Program understands that the promotion of community empowerment could bring the sense of participation and the directives to management for decision-making for local sustainability. The model was projected on local reality, but considering the global issues of environmental paradigms. The environmental characterization (biophysical components) through a Geographical Information Systems was related to the hydrographic basin analysis. The environmental perception was utilized as a main tool to analyse population understanding of local environment, and (EE) pedagogical tools were produced to promote environmental awareness. Since the ecological dimension of (EE) was the main approach, the programme intends to assemble the cultural perspective, achieving the global view of (EE)

Effects of tryptophan depletion on anxiety induced by simulated public speaking

Several lines of evidence point to the participation of serotonin (5HT) in anxiety. Its specific role, however, remains obscure. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of reducing 5HT-neurotransmission through an acute tryptophan depletion on anxiety induced by a simulated public speaking (SPS) test. Two groups of 14-15 subjects were submitted to a 24-h diet with a low or normal content of tryptophan and received an amino acid mixture without (TRY-) or with (TRY+) tryptophan under double-blind conditions. Five hours later they were submitted to the SPS test. The state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and the visual analogue mood scale (VAMS) were used to measure subjective anxiety. Both scales showed that SPS induced a significant increase in anxiety. Although no overall difference between groups was found, there was a trend (P = 0.078) to an interaction of group x gender x phases of the SPS, and a separate analysis of each gender showed an increase in anxiety measured by the STAI in females of the TRY- group. The results for the female TRY- group also suggested a greater arousing effect of the SPS test. In conclusion, the tryptophan depletion procedure employed in the present study did not induce a significant general change in subjective anxiety, but tended to induce anxiety in females. This suggests a greater sensitivity of the 5HT system to the effects of the procedure in this gender.

The Lebanese mutation as an important cause of familial hypercholesterolemia in Brazil

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common autosomal disorder that affects about one in 500 individuals in most Western populations and is caused by a defect in the low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) gene. In this report we determined the molecular basis of FH in 59 patients from 31 unrelated Brazilian families. All patients were screened for the Lebanese mutation, gross abnormalities of the LDLr gene, and the point mutation in the codon 3500 of the apolipoprotein B-100 gene. None of the 59 patients presented the apoB-3500 mutation, suggesting that familial defective ApoB-100 (FDB) is not a major cause of inherited hypercholesterolemia in Brazil. A novel 4-kb deletion in the LDLr gene, spanning from intron 12 to intron 14, was characterized in one family. Both 5' and 3' breakpoint regions were located within Alu repetitive sequences, which are probably involved in the crossing over that generated this rearrangement. The Lebanese mutation was detected in 9 of the 31 families, always associated with Arab ancestry. Two different LDLr gene haplotypes were demonstrated in association with the Lebanese mutation. Our results suggest the importance of the Lebanese mutation as a cause of FH in Brazil and by analogy the same feature may be expected in other countries with a large Arab population, such as North American and Western European countries.

Ontogênese e comportamento natatório larvais do peixe leporíneo Leporinus elongatus (Valenciennes, 1874) sob condiçöes experimentais / Larval ontogeny and swimming behaviour of the leporin fish Leporinus elongatus (Valenciennes, 1874) under experimental conditions

Estudaram-se, sob condiçöes experimentais, o desenvolvimento e o comportamento natatório das larvas de L. elongatus durante o período decorrido entre a eclosäo e a absorçäo quase total do saco vitelino ocorrida no quinto dia

Morfogênese e comportamento larvais do surubim (Pseudoplatystoma coruscans Agassiz, 1829) sob condiçöes experimentais / Larval morphogenesis and behaviour of the \"surubim\" (Pseudoplatystoma coruscans Agassiz, 1829) under experimental conditions

Investigou-se, sob condiçöes experimentais, a morfogênese e o comportamento larvais do surubim, da eclosäo até a absorçäo quase total do vitelo. As larvas, à eclosäo, apresentam corpo alongado, apigmentado e transparente. A partir do 2§ dia, elas exibem cromatóforos puntiformes, esboços de arcos branquais, barbilhöes maxilares e boca aberta. A pigmentaçäo da retina inicia-se pela sua regiäo central. A exaustäo quase total do vitelo ocorreu no 4§ dia. Imediatamente após a eclosäo, as larvas permanecem em decúbito lateral no fundo da cuba. Movimentam-se pouco e, quando o fazem, progridem no sentido vertical e, entäo, descem passivamente. A partir do 3§ dia, elas passam a deslocar-se em sentido horizontal. Aparentemente, os barbilhöes maxilares e mentonianos auxiliam no equilíbrio corporal

Effect of an essential fatty acid deficient diet on experimental infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in germefree and conventional mice

1) To investigate the possible role of essential fatty acid deficiency in host cell/parasite interaction, weanling germefree (GF) and conventional (CV) CFW mice maintained on an essential fatty acid-deficient (-) or a control (+) diet for 110 days were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. 2) Blood parasitemia indicated that the disease was milder in the animals maintained on the essential fatty acid-deficient diet than in the GF and CV controls (maximum parasitemia: GF+33,300,GF-26,200,CV+17,100 and CV-6,400 trypomastigotes?ml blood). 3) Survival 30 days a after infection was 12% for GF+,28% for GF-,37% for CV+ and 65% for CV- mice. 4) Linoleic and arachidonic acid levels were significantly lower in animals kept on the essential fatty acid-deficient diet (GF-:28.0 ñ 9.3, 23.4 ñ 8.6; CV-:37.6 ñ 5.8, 19.9 ñ 3.6) than in controls (GF+: 164 ñ 48.8, 162.6 ñ 45.8; CV+: 147.1 ñ 26.5, 107.5 ñ 23.6) confirming the deficiency. Before the infection, succinic dehydrogenase levels were higher in liver of all CV mice *4.52 ug phosphate/mg fresh tissue) than in GF mice (0.84 ug phosphate/mg fresh tissue) whereas the opposite was true for 5'-nucleotidase levels in brain and liver, respectively (GF:2.84 and 3.18 ug phosphate/mg fresh tissue: CV:1.25 and 1.54 ug phosphate?mg fresh tissue). The disease was milder in deficient than in control animals in both the GF and CV groups on the basis of parasitemia and survival, indicating that fatty acid-deficient mice are partially protected against Chagas'disease. The mechanism underlying this phenomen requires further investigation