Sedentary behavior, abdominal obesity and healthcare costs in Brazilian adults with cardiovascular diseases: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Research on the economic burden of sedentary behavior and abdominal obesity on health expenses associated with cardiovascular diseases is scarce. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify whether sedentary behavior, isolated and combined with abdominal obesity, influences the medication expenditure among adults with cardiovascular diseases. DESIGN AND SETTING: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of President Prudente, State of São Paulo, Brazil in 2018. METHODS: The study included adults with cardiovascular diseases, aged 30-65 years, who were treated by the Brazilian National Health Services. Sedentary behavior was assessed using a questionnaire. Abdominal obesity was defined by waist circumference. Medication expenditures were verified using the medical records of each patient. RESULTS: The study included a total of 307 adults. Individuals classified in the group with risk factor obesity combined (median [IQ] USD$ 29.39 [45.77]) or isolated (median [IQ] USD$ 27.17 [59.76]) to sedentary behavior had higher medication expenditures than those belonging to the non-obese with low sedentary behavior group (median [IQ] USD$ 13.51 [31.42]) (P = 0.01). The group with combined obesity and sedentary behavior was 2.4 (95%CI = 1.00; 5.79) times more likely to be hypertensive. CONCLUSION: Abdominal obesity was a determining factor for medication expenses, regardless of sedentary behavior, among adults with cardiovascular diseases.

Which anthropometric equation to predict body fat percentage is more strongly associated with maximum oxygen uptake in adolescents? A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Identifying the relationship between maximum consumption of oxygen and body fat percentage is important due to increased cardiovascular risk factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to verify the association between body fat percentage determined by three predictive equations using anthropometric measures (Lohman, Boileau, and Slaughter) and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max). We also aimed to estimate the capacity of these equations for explaining VO2max variations in adolescents according to sex. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in high schools in São José, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This study included 879 adolescents (14-19 years) from Southern Brazil. Aerobic fitness was assessed using the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test. The independent variable was body fat percentage predicted by the Lohman, Boileau, and Slaughter equations. Analyses adjusted for sociodemographic variables, physical activity level, and sexual maturation were performed with P value < 0.05. RESULTS: All anthropometric prediction equations used to estimate body fat percentage explained VO2max variations in adolescents. In male adolescents, both regression models based on the Boileau et al.12 and Lohman10 equations revealed higher explanatory power for VO2max (20%) compared with that based on the Slaughter et al.13 equation (19%). In female adolescents, the model based on the anthropometric equation of Slaughter et al.13 showed the greatest explanatory power for VO2max (18%). CONCLUSION: The inverse relationship between VO2max and body fat intensifies the need for effective intervention programs that prioritize maintenance of appropriate body fat and aerobic fitness levels because inadequate levels of both factors result in negative health consequences.

Molecular identification, characterization, and expression analysis of a serine protease inhibitor gene from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) / Identificação molecular, caracterização e análise de expressão de um gene inibidor de serina protease da lagarta Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: noctuidae) na cultura de algodão

Abstract Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), a superfamily of protease inhibitors, are known to be involved in several physiological processes, such as development, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. In our study, a full-length serpin cDNA, designated Haserpin1, was isolated from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. The cDNA sequence of Haserpin1 is 1176 nt long, with an open reading frame encoding 391 amino acids; there is one exon and no intron. The predicted molecular weight of Haserpin1 is 43.53 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 4.98. InterProScan was employed for Haserpin1 functional characterization, which revealed that Haserpin1 contains highly conserved signature motifs, including a reactive center loop (RCL) with a hinge region (E341-N350), the serpin signature, (F367-F375) and a predicted P1-P1′ cleavage site (L357-S358), which are useful for identifying serpins. Transcripts of Haserpin1 were constitutively expressed in the fat body, suggesting that it is the major site for serpin synthesis. During the developmental stages, a fluctuation in the expression level of Haserpin1 was observed, with low expression detected at the 5th-instar larval stage. In contrast, relatively high expression was detected at the prepupal stage, suggesting that Haserpin1 might play a critical role at the H. armigera wandering stage. Although the detailed function of this serpin (Haserpin1) needs to be elucidated, our study provides a perspective for the functional investigation of serine protease inhibitor genes.

Resumo Sabe-se que os inibidores de serina protease (serpinas), uma superfamília de inibidores de protease, estão envolvidos em vários processos fisiológicos, como desenvolvimento, metamorfose e imunidade inata. Neste estudo, um cDNA de serpina de comprimento total, denominado Haserpin1, foi isolado da lagarta Helicoverpa armigera na cultura de algodão. A sequência de ADNc de Haserpin1 tem 1.176 nt de comprimento, com uma grelha de leitura aberta que codifica 391 aminoácidos; existe um éxon, mas nenhum íntron. O peso molecular previsto de Haserpin1 é de 43,53 kDa, com um ponto isoelétrico de 4,98. O InterProScan foi empregado para a caracterização funcional do Haserpin1, que revelou que o Haserpin1 contém motivos de assinatura altamente conservados, incluindo um loop central reativo (RCL) com uma região de dobradiça (E341-N350), a assinatura da serpina (F367-F375) e um local de clivagem previsto de P1-P1' (L357-S358), que são úteis para identificar serpinas. As transcrições de Haserpin1 foram expressas constitutivamente no corpo gordo, sugerindo que é o principal local para a síntese de serpinas. Durante os estágios de desenvolvimento, observou-se uma flutuação no nível de expressão de Haserpin1, com baixa expressão detectada no estágio larval do 5º ínstar. Por outro lado, detectou-se uma expressão relativamente alta no estágio pré-pupal, sugerindo que o Haserpin1 pode desempenhar um papel crítico no estágio errante de H. armigera. Embora a função detalhada dessa serpina (Haserpin1) precise ser elucidada, este estudo fornece uma perspectiva para a investigação funcional dos genes inibidores da serina protease.

Effect of sports medicine on reducing body fat percentage and lean body mass / O efeito da medicina do esporte na redução da porcentagem de gordura corporal e da massa magra corporal / El efecto de la medicina del deporte en la reducción del porcentaje de grasa corporal y masa magra corporal

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aerobic exercise has begun to be widely recognized as a reasonable means of preventing fat and losing weight. Scholars have confirmed that sports can help the human body lose weight and lose fat. Objective: This article measures the exercise performance indicators of subjects in different body fat percentage groups and studies the relationship between body fat percentage and exercise performance indicators. Methods: The study uses experimental methods to determine the percentage of body fat of the subjects. After physical exercise and aerobic exercise, the volunteers were tested for aerobic capacity indicators. Results: The body fat percentage of physically inactive persons was negatively correlated with aerobic and anaerobic exercise capacity indexes. Conclusion: The mechanism of aerobic exercise in weight loss treatment has the effect of promoting lipolysis and regulating blood lipid metabolism. At the same time, it has a significant influence on the number and activity of fat cells. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O exercício aeróbico tem sido amplamente reconhecido como uma maneira racional de prevenir a gordura e perder peso. Pesquisadores confirmam que o esporte pode ajudar o corpo humano a perder peso e gordura. Objetivo: Este artigo mede indicadores de desempenho em exercícios praticados por indivíduos em grupos de porcentagem de gordura corporal diferentes e estuda a relação entre a porcentagem de gordura corporal e indicadores de desempenho em exercícios. Métodos: O estudo usa métodos experimentais para determinar a porcentagem de gordura corporal dos indivíduos. Após o exercício físico e aeróbico, os voluntários foram testados para indicadores de capacidade aeróbica. Resultados: A porcentagem de gordura corporal de pessoas fisicamente inativas está negativamente correlacionada aos índices de capacidade de exercícios aeróbico e anaeróbico. Conclusão: O mecanismo de exercícios aeróbicos no tratamento de perda de peso promove a lipólise e regula o metabolismo lipídico sanguíneo. Concomitantemente, influencia significativamente o número e a atividade de células gordurosas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El ejercicio aeróbico ha sido ampliamente reconocido como una manera racional de prevenir la grasa y perder peso. Investigadores confirman que el deporte puede ayudar el cuerpo humano a perder peso y grasa. Objetivo: Este artículo mide indicadores de rendimiento en ejercicios practicados por individuos en grupos de porcentaje de grasa corporal e indicadores de rendimiento en ejercicios. Métodos: El estudio usa métodos experimentales para determinar el porcentaje de grasa corporal de los individuos. Tras el ejercicio físico y aeróbico, se testó los voluntarios para indicadores de capacidad aeróbica. Resultados: El porcentaje de grasa corporal de personas físicamente inactivas está negativamente correlacionado a los índices de capacidad de ejercicios aeróbico y anaeróbico. Conclusión: El mecanismo de ejercicios aeróbicos en el tratamiento de pérdida de peso promueve la lipolisis y regula el metabolismo lipídico sanguíneo. Simultáneamente, influencia significativamente el número y la actividad de células grasas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Obesidade e sobrepeso: corpo gordo x corpo ideal. Contribuições da literatura socioantropológica acerca da medicalização do corpo gordo / Obesity and overweight: fat body x ideal body. Contributions from the socio-anthrophological literature on the medicalization of the fat body

Obesidade e sobrepeso são conceitos médicos para a classificação do excesso de gordura corporal, que se dá a partir de determinados parâmetros numéricos de referência como, principalmente, o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC). Para a medicina, os indivíduos devem manter seu peso dentro da margem estipulada, tendo em vista que o corpo gordo é considerado doença crônica e fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de comorbidades. Nesse sentido, o corpo magro é valorizado como um corpo saudável e o corpo gordo desvalorizado como doente. Ao mesmo tempo, estar gordo ou gorda é uma condição considerada evitável, o que faz com que estes indivíduos sejam responsabilizados pessoalmente por seu estado físico. Com isso, são desvalorizados também moralmente e estigmatizados, não só pela medicina, mas em todos os âmbitos sociais, sobretudo nas sociedades ocidentais contemporâneas. O corpo magro, por outro lado, do ponto de vista social, é sinal de beleza e signo de distinção, tanto de classe quanto moral. Dessa forma, a magreza fica idealizada num polo e o excesso de gordura corporal repudiado no outro, ou seja, com isso, temos corpo gordo x corpo ideal. Esta dicotomia impacta as relações sociais e políticas, assim como é também uma construção social e resultado de ações políticas. Então, a partir da visão socioantropológica, buscamos pesquisar sobre os atravessamentos sociais acerca do que a medicina chama de sobrepeso e obesidade, problematizando a questão da medicalização do corpo gordo. O nosso campo de investigação foi uma pesquisa bibliográfica de publicações recentes relacionadas à esta temática. O presente trabalho está organizado em três capítulos: o primeiro, dedicado aos pressupostos conceituais; o segundo, ao percurso metodológico e o terceiro, finalmente, trata da análise e discussão dos artigos resultarantes da pesquisa. Os principais temas e conceitos abordados nestes artigos são: obesidade e sobrepeso como questões de gênero, especificamente feminino; sociedades ocidentais como lipofóbicas e obesogênicas; consumo e hiperconsumo; publicidade; indústrias ligadas à alimentação, saúde e moda; corpo magro como ideal; estigma; cultura; racionalidade nutricional como forma de medicalização da comida; corpo gordo como fator de risco em saúde e estilo de vida saudável como meio de prevenção e responsabilização individual. A nossa análise destas abordagens mostrou que a medicalização do corpo gordo tem função para além da promoção da saúde e gestão de riscos, pois envolve a possibilidade de maior aceitação e mobilidade social. Dessa forma, sustenta-se uma intensa pressão social para adequação estética. Consideramos que pode ser positivo promover a diversidade de corpos e politizar a medicalização do corpo gordo, discutindo os diversos interesses em jogo, como os lucros da indústria do emagrecimento.

Obesity and overweight are medical concepts for the classification of excess body fat, which is based on certain numerical reference parameters such as, mainly, the Body Mass Index (BMI). For medicine, individuals must maintain their weight within the stipulated range, considering that the fat body is considered a chronic disease and a risk factor for the development of comorbidities. In this sense, the thin body is valued as a healthy body and the fat body is devalued as sick. At the same time, being fat or fat is a condition considered to be preventable, which makes these individuals personally responsible for their physical condition. As a result, they are also morally devalued and stigmatized, not only by medicine, but in all social spheres, especially in contemporary Western societies. The thin body, on the other hand, from a social point of view, is a sign of beauty and a sign of distinction, both class and moral. In this way, thinness is idealized in one pole and excess body fat is repudiated in the other, that is, with that, we have a fat body x ideal body. This dichotomy impacts social and political relations, as well as being a social construction and a result of political actions. So, from the socio-anthropological point of view, we seek to research about the social crossings about what medicine calls overweight and obesity, questioning the issue of medicalization of the fat body. Our field of investigation was bibliographic research of recent publications related to this theme. The present work is organized into three chapters: the first, dedicated to conceptual assumptions; the second, to the methodological course and the third, finally, deals with the analysis and discussion of the articles resulting from the research. The main themes and concepts addressed in these articles are: obesity and overweight as gender issues, specifically female; western societies as lipophobic and obesogenic; consumption and hyperconsumption; publicity; industries linked to food, health and fashion; slim body as ideal; stigma; culture; nutritional rationality as a form of medicalization of food, a fat body as a risk factor in health and a healthy lifestyle as a means of prevention and individual accountability. Our analysis of these approaches showed that the medicalization of the fat body has a function beyond health promotion and risk management, as it involves the possibility of greater acceptance and social mobility. In this way, an intense social pressure for aesthetic adequacy is sustained. We believe that it can be positive to promote the diversity of bodies and politicize the medicalization of the fat body, discussing the various interests at stake, such as the profits of the slimming industry.

Characterising four Sarconesiopsis magellanica (Diptera: Calliphoridae) larval fat body-derived antimicrobial peptides

BACKGROUND The inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to the accelerated growth of resistance to antibiotics. The search for new therapeutic strategies (i.e., antimicrobial peptides-AMPs) has thus become a pressing need. OBJECTIVE Characterising and evaluating Sarconesiopsis magellanica larval fat body-derived AMPs. METHODS Fat body extracts were analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC); mass spectrometry was used for characterising the primary structure of the AMPs so found. ProtParam (Expasy) was used for analysing the AMPs' physico-chemical properties. Synthetic AMPs' antibacterial activity was evaluated. FINDINGS Four new AMPs were obtained and called sarconesin III, IV, V and VI. Sarconesin III had an α-helix structure and sarconesins IV, V and VI had linear formations. Oligomer prediction highlighted peptide-peptide interactions, suggesting that sarconesins III, V and VI could form self-aggregations when in contact with the microbial membrane. AMPs synthesised from their native molecules' sequences had potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria and, to a lesser extent, against Gram-negative and drug-resistant bacteria. Sarconesin VI was the most efficient AMP. None of the four synthetic AMPs had a cytotoxic effect. MAIN CONCLUSIONS S. magellanica larval fat body-derived antimicrobial peptides are an important source of AMPs and could be used in different antimicrobial therapies and overcoming bacterial resistance.

Correlations among neck circumference and anthropometric indicators to estimate body adiposity in people living with HIV

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Neck circumference (NC) and anthropometric data of people living with HIV (PLWH) are correlated. METHODS: Socioeconomic, NC, body mass index (BMI), tricipital skinfold thickness (TSF), mid-arm circumference (MAC), mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC) data of 72 PLWH were correlated. RESULTS Higher adiposity was observed in NC (40.3% [n=29]) and WC (31.9% [n=23]). Correlations between NC/BMI, NC/WC, NC/HC, NC/MAC, NC/MAMC, and NC/WHtR were significant. Increased NC (40.3%[n=29]) and WC (31.9 [n=23]) were associated with higher cardiometabolic risk. CONCLUSIONS: NC correlations are adequate for estimating cardiometabolic risk.

Uso de Vaser® mais lipoaspiração na cirurgia do contorno corporal / Use of VaserTM plus liposuction in body contouring surgery

Introdução: A cirurgia de contorno corporal está entre os procedimentos cirúrgicos mais solicitados em cirurgia estética. Mentz foi o primeiro a realizar lipoaspiração superficial para definição da musculatura abdominal de pacientes masculinos. Todavia, o uso de ultrassom contínuo para produzir fragmentação de gordura em lipoplastia foi popularizado, pela primeira vez, por Scuderi. O ultrassom, quando aplicado internamente ao tecido adiposo por uma sonda ou cânula metálica, realiza a quebra das células por meio de três mecanismos: cavitação, efeito térmico e efeito mecânico direto. Métodos: A partir de novembro de 2018, 50 pacientes com indicação de lipoaspiração corporal realizaram o procedimento com a assistência do equipamento de ultrassom de terceira geração (VASER). Resultados: Durante o período de novembro de 2018 a março de 2019, 50 pacientes com indicação cirúrgica foram submetidos à lipoaspiração de contorno corporal com uso da tecnologia VASER de 3a geração. Desse universo de pacientes, 96% eram mulheres (47), apresentando os pacientes idade média de 35 anos (21-54). Conclusão: A associação do VASER na lipoaspiração é uma técnica segura e reprodutível, com a vantagem de melhorar o resultado das lipoesculturas. Bons resultados estéticos foram atingidos, com um contorno atlético e mais natural.

Introduction: Body contouring surgery is among the most requested surgical procedures in cosmetic surgery. Mentz was the first to perform superficial liposuction to define the abdominal muscles in male patients. However, Scuderi first popularized the use of continuous ultrasound to produce fat fragmentation in lipoplasty. Ultrasound, when applied internally to adipose tissue using a probe or metal cannula, breaks cells through three mechanisms: cavitation, thermal effect, and direct mechanical effect. Methods: Since November 2018, 50 patients with an indication for body liposuction performed the procedure with the help of the third-generation ultrasound equipment (VASERTM). Results: During the period between November 2018 and March 2019, 50 patients with a surgical indication underwent body contour liposuction using third-generation VASERTM technology. Of this universe of patients, 96% were women (47), with patients with an average age of 35 years (21-54). Conclusion: The association of VASERTM with liposuction is a safe and reproducible technique that has the advantage of improving the result of liposculpture. Good aesthetic results were achieved, with an athletic and more natural contour.

Relationship between Obesity and Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D has been known to play an important role in calcium homeostasis and bone metabolism. It has also been implicated in diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and immune diseases. Several cross-sectional studies conducted worldwide have found that vitamin D is negatively correlated with obesity. In Korea, however, the results of similar studies were found to be inconsistent.METHODS: The study consisted of 585 adults over 18 years of age, who visited a health promotion center at a university hospital from March, 2015 to February, 2016 and their serum vitamin D levels were recorded. They were divided into two groups according to their sex. The correlation coefficients were calculated using Pearson correlation analysis between obesity and vitamin D. Finally, subjects with vitamin D levels less than <20 ng/mL were classified as deficient. Bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio of vitamin D deficiency.RESULTS: We observed a significant negative correlation between obesity and vitamin D (P<0.05) among the women but not in the men. The following are the details of the findings: ≥25 in body mass index (model 3 adjusted odds ratio [OR], 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59–10.67), ≥85 cm in waist circumference (model 3 adjusted OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.02–4.01), ≥30% in body fat (model 3 adjusted OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.17–4.62).CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, we suggest that obesity and vitamin D are negatively correlated and that obesity in women predisposes them to vitamin D deficiency.

Obesidad en relación con el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores / Obesity in relationship with the dynamic balance of older adult women

Objetivo: observar si la obesidad puede producir alteraciones en el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores. Método: se reclutaron treinta y cuatro mujeres adultas mayores con distinto estado nutricional (normo peso, sobrepeso y obesidad) en las cuales se midio en equilibrio dinámico mediante la prueba Timed up and Go. Resultados: se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mujeres adultas mayores normo peso en comparación a las con obesidad mostrado un mayor tiempo en la ejecución de la prueba de equilibrio dinámico. De igual manera, se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las mujeres con sobrepeso y las normo peso, al igual que las mujeres con sobrepeso y obesidad. Conclusión: una acumulación excesiva de grasa corporal puede conducir a un mayor deterioro en el equilibrio dinámico de mujeres adultas mayores.

Objective: observe if obesity can produce alterations in the dynamic balance of older adult women. Method: thirty-four older adult women with different nutritional status (normal weight, overweight and obese) were recruited in which their dynamic balance was measured using the Timed up and Go test. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in older women in normal weight compared to obese in the execution of the dynamic balance test. Similarly, statistically significant differences were observed between overweight women and normal weight, as well as overweight and obese women. Conclusion: an excessive accumulation of body fat can lead to further deterioration in the dynamic balance of older adult women.

Birth weight, physical growth and body composition in children: A longitudinal study / Peso ao nascer, crescimento físico e composição corporal de crianças: um estudo longitudinal

ABSTRACT Objective To describe children's physical growth (body mass and height) velocity and body composition (fat percentage and Fat Free Mass); to investigate the magnitude of interindividual differences according to age, gender and birth weight categories, as well as to examine the differences in the average trajectories of children with Low Birth Weight and Normal Weight according to international references. Methods The sample consisted of 534 children (279 boys and 255 girls, 7 to 10 years old) evaluated in the first year of study and followed for 3 years with overlap between the ages of 7 and 9 years. Physical growth and body composition measurements included: height, body mass, fat percentage (%Fat) and Fat Free Mass. Multilevel Modelling was used. Results Birth weight was not associated with physical growth and body composition markers at 7 years old or with the velocity of their changes (p>0.05). There were significant interindividual differences in the trajectories of physical growth (height and body mass; p<0.001) and body composition (%Fat and Fat Free Mass; p<0.001). In plotting on international percentile charts, the trajectories of growth and body composition were within expected values for age and gender, regardless of birth weight. Conclusion There are significant differences in the dynamics of stature growth, body mass and Fat Free Mass, and Low Birth Weight has no influence on this trajectory. In addition, values are within the expected range for age and sex.

RESUMO Objetivo Este artigo teve por objetivo descrever a velocidade do crescimento físico (massa corporal e estatura) e a composição corporal (percentual de gordura e massa isenta de gordura) de crianças; investigar a magnitude das diferenças interindividuais em função da idade, gênero e categoria do peso ao nascer; e examinar a diferenciação das trajetórias médias das crianças com Baixo Peso ao Nascer e com Peso Adequado ao Nascer, relativamente às referências internacionais. Métodos A amostra foi composta por 534 crianças (279 meninos e 255 meninas, na faixa etária entre 7 e 10 anos de idade), avaliadas no primeiro ano de estudo e seguidas por três anos, com sobreposição de idade entre 7 e 9 anos. Foram medidas a estatura e a massa corporal, e estimados o percentual de gordura (%Gord) e a Massa Isenta de Gordura. As análises foram realizadas com a Modelagem Multinível. Resultados O peso ao nascer não apresentou associação com as variáveis de crescimento físico e composição corporal aos 7 anos de idade, bem como com seus incrementos dos 7 aos 10 anos (p>0,05). Há diferenças interindividuais significativas nas trajetórias de crescimento físico (estatura, massa corporal; p<0,001) e composição corporal (%Gord e Massa Isenta de Gordura; p<0,001). Na plotagem realizada em cartas percentílicas internacionais, independentemente do peso ao nascer, as trajetórias do crescimento e composição corporal encontram-se dentro dos valores esperados para idade e gênero. Conclusão O estudo concluiu que existem diferenças significativas no dinamismo do crescimento estatural, massa corporal e Massa Isenta de Gordura, e o Baixo Peso ao Nascer não exerce nenhuma influência nessa trajetória. Ademais, os seus valores estão dentro do expectável para idade e gênero.

Effect of the p.a.r.q.v.e on rhizarthritis / Efeito do p.a.r.q.v.e sobre a rizoartrite

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effect of a clinical management program involving education on hand function in patients with rhizarthritis. Methods: One hundred and eight patients with rhizarthritis and multiple arthritis (191 hands with clinical and radiographic rhizarthritis) followed for two years as part of an educational program on osteoarthritis were administered the SF-36, DASH, and HAQ questionnaires and measured for the strength of their palmar grip, pulp to pulp pinch, key (lateral) pinch, and tripod pinch at the time of inclusion and after 24 months. Age, race, level and frequency of physical activity, sex, body mass index, percentage of body fat, and degree of osteoarthritis were correlated to the test outcomes. Results: Women improved less than men on the HAQ (p=0.037). Each 1% reduction in fat percentage increased the chance of HAQ score improvement by 9.2% (p=0.038). Physical activity did not influence improvement in the parameters evaluated (p>0.05). Palmar grip improvement was affected by age and presence of rhizarthritis (p<0.05); patients with unilateral rhizarthritis improved 5.3 times more than patients without the disease (p=0.015), while improvement in palmar grip strength decreased 6.8% per year (p=0.004). Pulp pinch grip strength improved more in women than in men (p=0.018). Conclusion: Patients with rhizarthritis and multiple arthritis improved quality of life and grip strength through clinical treatment, an educational program, and fat loss. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de tratamento clínico com ensino da função das mãos em pacientes com rizoartrite. Métodos: Cento e oito indivíduos com rizoartrite e poliartrose (191 mãos com rizoartrite clínico-radiográfica) acompanhados por dois anos num programa educacional sobre osteoartrite responderam os questionários SF-36, DASH e HAQ e os testes de força de preensão palmar, pinça-polpa, pinça-chave e pinça-trípode no momento da inclusão e 24 meses depois. Idade, raça, nível e frequência de atividade física, sexo, índice de massa corporal, porcentagem de gordura corpórea, grau de osteoartrite foram correlacionados aos testes realizados. Resultados: As mulheres melhoraram em menor grau que homens no HAQ (p = 0,037) e cada redução de 1% no percentual de gordura aumenta 9,2% a chance de melhora no HAQ (p = 0,038). A atividade física não influenciou a melhora dos parâmetros avaliados (p > 0,05). Idade e presença de rizoartrite influenciam a melhora da preensão palmar (p < 0,05), sendo que pacientes com rizoartrite unilateral melhoram 5,3 vezes mais que pacientes sem a doença (p = 0,015) e a melhora da preensão diminui 6,8% por ano (p = 0,004). As mulheres melhoraram em maior grau que homens na pinça-polpa (p = 0,018). Conclusão: Pacientes com rizoartrite e poliartrose têm melhor qualidade de vida e força de preensão com o tratamento clínico, programa educacional e perda de gordura. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo retrospectivo.

Molecular identification, characterization, and expression analysis of a serine protease inhibitor gene from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Abstract Serine protease inhibitors (serpins), a superfamily of protease inhibitors, are known to be involved in several physiological processes, such as development, metamorphosis, and innate immunity. In our study, a full-length serpin cDNA, designated Haserpin1, was isolated from the cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. The cDNA sequence of Haserpin1 is 1176 nt long, with an open reading frame encoding 391 amino acids; there is one exon and no intron. The predicted molecular weight of Haserpin1 is 43.53 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 4.98. InterProScan was employed for Haserpin1 functional characterization, which revealed that Haserpin1 contains highly conserved signature motifs, including a reactive center loop (RCL) with a hinge region (E341N350), the serpin signature, (F367F375) and a predicted P1P1 cleavage site (L357S358), which are useful for identifying serpins. Transcripts of Haserpin1 were constitutively expressed in the fat body, suggesting that it is the major site for serpin synthesis. During the developmental stages, a fluctuation in the expression level of Haserpin1 was observed, with low expression detected at the 5th-instar larval stage. In contrast, relatively high expression was detected at the prepupal stage, suggesting that Haserpin1 might play a critical role at the H. armigera wandering stage. Although the detailed function of this serpin (Haserpin1) needs to be elucidated, our study provides a perspective for the functional investigation of serine protease inhibitor genes.

Resumo Sabe-se que os inibidores de serina protease (serpinas), uma superfamília de inibidores de protease, estão envolvidos em vários processos fisiológicos, como desenvolvimento, metamorfose e imunidade inata. Neste estudo, um cDNA de serpina de comprimento total, denominado Haserpin1, foi isolado da lagarta Helicoverpa armigera na cultura de algodão. A sequência de ADNc de Haserpin1 tem 1.176 nt de comprimento, com uma grelha de leitura aberta que codifica 391 aminoácidos; existe um éxon, mas nenhum íntron. O peso molecular previsto de Haserpin1 é de 43,53 kDa, com um ponto isoelétrico de 4,98. O InterProScan foi empregado para a caracterização funcional do Haserpin1, que revelou que o Haserpin1 contém motivos de assinatura altamente conservados, incluindo um loop central reativo (RCL) com uma região de dobradiça (E341-N350), a assinatura da serpina (F367-F375) e um local de clivagem previsto de P1-P1' (L357-S358), que são úteis para identificar serpinas. As transcrições de Haserpin1 foram expressas constitutivamente no corpo gordo, sugerindo que é o principal local para a síntese de serpinas. Durante os estágios de desenvolvimento, observou-se uma flutuação no nível de expressão de Haserpin1, com baixa expressão detectada no estágio larval do 5º ínstar. Por outro lado, detectou-se uma expressão relativamente alta no estágio pré-pupal, sugerindo que o Haserpin1 pode desempenhar um papel crítico no estágio errante de H. armigera. Embora a função detalhada dessa serpina (Haserpin1) precise ser elucidada, este estudo fornece uma perspectiva para a investigação funcional dos genes inibidores da serina protease.

Our Experiences With Human Body Composition Estimations; Low Discriminatory Power Of Body Mass Index To Segregate Body Fatness

Body mass index, though globally a very popular and frequently used surrogate measure of body fatness, has come under some scrutiny and serious criticism in recent years for its inability to reflect the same. This is particularly disconcerting with health risks involved in cardiometabolic diseases associated with obesity. Therefore, it is suggested that actual measurement of body fat levels be used and there are simple and easier techniques available. The measurements of body volume index in replacing body mass index may provide better information on human body composition for future research.

Comparación de la composición corporal obtenida por bioimpedancia e hidrodensitometría en mujeres de 38 a 60 años de Medellín-Colombia / Comparison of body composition assessment by bioimpedance versus hydrodensitometry in women 38 to 60 years old from Medellin-Colombia

RESUMEN Antecedentes la bioimpedancia es un método de estimación de la composición corporal rápido, económico y portátil Objetivo comparar la composición corporal obtenida por bioimpedancia e hidrodensitometría en mujeres de Medellín-Colombia. Materiales y métodos se evaluó el porcentaje de grasa corporal de 50 voluntarias. Se utilizó como método de referencia la hidrodensitometría con medición simultánea del volumen residual pulmonar. Se midió la bioimpedancia mano-pie y se estimó el porcentaje de grasa corporal con las ecuaciones de Kotler y Sun. La bioimpedancia pie-pie se midió con báscula Tanita. El análisis estadístico empleó t-student pareada, error estándar del estimado y prueba Bland-Altman. Resultados el porcentaje de grasa corporal obtenido por hidrodensitometría fue (33,3±5,6). Sun y Kotler estimaron porcentajes de grasa similares (p>0,05) a la hidrodensitometría (34,0±4,8 y 34,4±6,0, respectivamente). Tanita estimó un porcentaje de grasa diferente al método de referencia (30,1±5,8, p=0,000). La bioimpedancia presentó un bajo grado de acuerdo con la hidrodensitometría: Sun (Bland- Altman: -0,73 IC95%: -9,9; 8,4), Kotler (Bland-Altman: -1,1 IC95%: -10,7; 8,5) y Tanita (Bland-Altman: 3,2 IC95%: -5,8; 12,2). Conclusiones las ecuaciones de Sun y Kotler estiman de forma adecuada el porcentaje de grasa corporal grupal, pero presentan poca concordancia con la hidrodensitometría en la estimación de la composición corporal individual. La báscula Tanita presentó las mayores diferencias con la hidrodensitometría en la estimación del porcentaje de grasa corporal grupal e individual.

ABSTRACT Background Body composition assessment by bioimpedance is non-invasive, inexpensive and portable. Objective: To assess the validity of bioimpedance to estimate fat mass percentage (%FM) in women. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 50 women, 38 to 60 years old. Hydrodensitometry with simultaneous measurement of the lung residual volume was used as the reference method. The %FM was assessed by the bioimpedance hand-to-feet technique using the equations of Sun and Kotler. A Tanita body composition scale was used to estimate the %FM with the bioimpedance feet-to-feet technique. Results The %FM estimated by Sun (34,0±4,8) and Kotler (34,4±6,0) were not different (p>0,05) from the %FM obtained by hydrodensitometry (33,3±5,6). The %FM estimated by Tanita differed from the reference method (30,1±5,8, p=0,000). BIA equations and Tanita showed low agreement with hydrodensitometry: Sun (Bland-Altman: -0,73 CI95%: -9,9; 8,4), Kotler (Bland-Altman: -1,1 CI95%: -10,7; 8,5) and Tanita (Bland-Altman: 3,2 CI95%: -5,8; 12,2). Conclusions In this specific population of women, hand-to-feet bioimpedance with Sun and Kotler equations accurately estimated the %FM of the whole group, but these equations lacked validity to assess the individual %FM. The Tanita body composition scale lacked validity to assess both; individual and group %FM.

Validez de la bioimpedancia para estimar la composición corporal de mujeres entre los 18 y 40 años / Validation of bioelectrical impedance equations for predicting body composition in women

Antecedentes: la aplicación de la bioimpedancia para estimar la composición corporal se ha incrementado recientemente en Colombia. Objetivo: evaluar la validez de la bioimpedancia para estimar el porcentaje de grasa corporal (%GC) en mujeres de Medellín-Colombia. Materiales y métodos: estudio transversal con una muestra de 52 mujeres entre los 18 y 40 años. El %GC se estimó por hidrodensitometría, bioimpedancia mano-pie con las ecuaciones de Sun y Kotler, y bioimpedancia pie-pie con báscula Tanita. Resultados: los %GC obtenidos por Kotler (31,9±6,0) y Tanita (25,6±6,1) fueron diferentes (p<0,001) del obtenido por hidrodensitometría (29,6±5,3), asimismo, estas técnicas presentaron un bajo grado de acuerdo con este método de referencia, Kotler (Bland-Altman: -2,3 IC95%: -10,9; 6,1) y Tanita (Bland-Altman: 4.0 IC95%: -6,3; 14,3). La ecuación de Sun estimó valores similares a la hidrodensitometría (29,6±5,3 vs. 28,6±5,2, p=0,098) pero presentó un bajo grado de acuerdo con este método (Bland-Altman: 0,9 IC95%: -7,1; 9,0). Conclusiones: la bioimpedancia mano-pie con la ecuación de Kotler y pie-pie con báscula Tanita, no fueron válidas para estimar el %GC de las mujeres evaluadas. La bioimpedancia mano-pie con la ecuación de Sun estimó de forma adecuada el %GC grupal, pero presentó poca validez para estimar el %GC individual en esta población.

Background: The application of bioimpedance to estimate body composition in Colombia has increased in the last years. Objective: To validate bioimpedance equations to assess fat mass percentage (%FM) in women from Medellín- Colombia. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study with a sample of 52 women 18 to 40 years old. The %FM was assessed by the reference method hydrodensitometry and by hand-to-feet bioimpedance with the equations of Sun and Kotler, and feet-to-feet bioimpedance with a Tanita scale. Results: The %FM estimated by Kotler (31,9±6,0) and Tanita (25,6±6,1) were different (p<0.001) from hydrodensitometry (29,6±5,3). These techniques showed low agreement with the reference method, Kotler (Bland-Altman: -2,3 IC95%: -10,9; 6,1) and Tanita (Bland- Altman: 4.0 IC95%: -6,3; 14,3). The %FM estimated by the Sun equation was similar to hydrodensitometry (29,6±5,3 Vs. 28,6±5,2, p=0,098). However, this equation showed low agreement with this method (Bland-Altman: 0,9 IC95%: -7,1; 9,0). Conclusions: The hand-to-feet bioimpedance with the Kotler equation and feet-to-feet bioimpedance with Tanita scale were not valid to assess the %FM of this specific population of women. The hand-to-feet bioimpedance with the Sun equation estimated accurately the average group of %FM, but it lacked of validity to assess the individual %FM in this population.

The Effect of Phosphatidylcholine and Deoxycholate Compound Injections to the Localized Adipose Tissue: An Experimental Study with a Murine Model

BACKGROUND: Phosphatidylcholine (PPC) and deoxycholate (DCA) compound has been recently used for the purpose of partial lipolysis and is valued for its efficacy and lower invasiveness compared to liposuction and dermolipectomy used previously. In this article, the authors discuss the efficacy of the PPC dissolved in DCA via an experimental rat study model, along with suggesting a useful animal experimental model for the study of adipose tissue and lipolysis. METHODS: Bilateral inguinal fat pads of an experimental rat were elevated with the deep inferior epigastric vessel as the sole vascular pedicle. Normal saline was injected on one side as a control group and a PPC and DCA compound was injected on the other side. After 4 days, the rats were euthanized for microscopic tissue examination. The pathology was scored by a semiquantitative system in 4 categories: normal fat amount, fat necrosis, inflammatory activity, and stage of fibrosis. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test powered by SPSS packet program was used for statistical analysis and to determine significance. RESULTS: Microscopic examination was performed on the obtained samples, and the experimental data of all four categories showed significant histologic differences compared to the control group. All of the data also showed statistical significance by the Wilcoxon signedrank test (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In the inguinal fat pad rat model, the control group and the experimental group had a differed significantly in the amount of normal fat tissue, inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis. We recommend the rat inguinal fat pad model used in this study, as it is likely to be useful in related research.

A comparative study of fat body morphology in five mosquito species

The insect fat body plays major roles in the intermediary metabolism, in the storage and transport of haemolymph compounds and in the innate immunity. Here, the overall structure of the fat body of five species of mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus, Aedes fluviatilis, Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles aquasalis and Anopheles darlingi) was compared through light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Generally for mosquitoes, the fat body consists of lobes projecting into the haemocoel and is formed by great cell masses consisting of trophocytes and oenocytes. Trophocytes are rich in lipid droplets and protein granules. Interestingly, brown pigment granules, likely ommochromes, were found exclusively in the trophocytes located within the thorax and near the dorsal integument of Anopheles, which is suggestive of the role these cells play in detoxification via ommochrome storage. This study provides a detailed comparative analysis of the fat body in five different mosquito species and represents a significant contribution towards the understanding of the structural-functional relationships associated with this organ.

Is hexamerin receptor a GPI-anchored protein in Achaea janata (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The process of uptake of hexamerins during metamorphosis from insect haemolymph by fat body cells is reminiscent of receptor-mediated endocytosis. Previously, we had identified a hexamerin-binding protein (HBP) and reported for the first time that uptake of hexamerins is dependent on the phosphorylation of HBP partly by a tyrosine kinase, which is, in turn, activated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). However, the exact nature of HBP and the mechanism of interaction are still unknown. Here we report the possibility of HBP being a GPIanchored protein in the fat body of Achaea janata and its role in the tyrosine-kinase-mediated phosphorylation signalling. Digestion of fat body membrane preparation with bacterial phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC), and the subsequent recognition by antibodies specific for the cross-reacting determinant (CRD), revealed that HBP is glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein and, further, that the hexamerin binding to HBP was inhibited after digestion. Hexamerin overlay assay (HOA) of co-immunoprecipitated in vitro phosphorylated HBP showed exclusive binding to ~120 kDa protein. Lectin-binding analysis of hexamerins revealed the presence of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and N-acetylglucosamine (GluNAc), whereas HBP showed the presence of GalNac alone. Mild chemical deglycosylation studies and binding interaction in the presence of sugars revealed that glycan moieties are possibly not involved in the interaction between HBP and hexamerins. Taken together, these results suggest that HBP may be a GPI-anchored protein, and interaction and activation of HBP is through lipid-linked non-receptor src tyrosine kinases. However, additional studies are needed to prove that HBP is a GPI-anchored protein.

Effect of anti-fat body antibodies on reproductive capacity of mosquito Anopheles stephensi and transmission blocking of Plasmodium vivax.

Effect of anti-mosquito-fat body antibodies on the development of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium vivax has been studied by feeding Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes with infected blood supplemented with serum from immunized rabbits. Immunogenic polypeptides were identified by western blot. Mosquitoes that ingested anti-fat body antibodies along with infectious blood meal had significantly fewer oocysts than the mosquitoes in the control group. Effect of anti-mosquito fat body antibodies on fecundity, hatchability, mortality and engorgement of mosquitoes has also been reported. A significant reduction in fecundity and hatchability was observed, however, effect on mortality and engorgement was variable and statistically insignificant. Results indicated that fat body antibodies have the potential to disrupt reproductive physiology of malaria vector An. stephensi.