Probiotics enhance alveolar bone microarchitecture, intestinal morphology and estradiol levels in osteoporotic animals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Osteoporosis is associated with bone microarchitecture alterations, and the depletion of estrogen during menopause is a major contributing factor to its development. The literature highlights the noteworthy role of gut microbiota in bone metabolism, particularly in the progression of osteoporosis. Periodontal disease leads to alveolar bone loss, which may be influenced by estrogen deficiency, and this mechanism is intricately associated with an imbalance in systemic microbiota. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019 (B. lactis HN019) and Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 (L. casei 01) administrations on an osteoporosis animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three female rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C-OVX), C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01. All animals were ovariectomized. In groups C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01, the probiotics were administered for 4 months. All animals were euthanized after 16 weeks from ovariectomy. Microtomographic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were conducted on periodontal tissues, whereas histomorphometry, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out on the intestine. The levels of estradiol were assessed in blood using an immunoenzymatic assay. The data were subjected to statistical analyses (p < .05). RESULTS: The C-OVX-LC01 group exhibited a significant reduction in alveolar bone porosity and an increase in connective tissue density compared to C-OVX (p < .05). The C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 groups presented reduced expression of TRAP and RANKL compared to the C-OVX (p < .05). The C-OVX group presented villi defects, mild neutrophil infiltration, decrease in both villous height and intestinal crypts and reduced expression of intestinal junctional epithelium markers e-cadherin and claudin 01 compared to C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 (p < .05). The C-OVX group had lower estradiol levels than C-OVX-HN019 and C-OVX-LC01 (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The probiotic therapy promoted a reduction in alveolar bone destruction and intestinal permeability as well as an increase in estradiol levels in ovariectomized rats. Specifically, the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus casei 01 exhibited greater effectiveness compared to Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis HN019, indicating strain-dependent outcomes.

Modulation of the Drug Resistance by Platonia insignis Mart. Extract, Ethyl Acetate Fraction and Morelloflavone/Volkensiflavone (Biflavonoids) in Staphylococcus aureus Strains Overexpressing Efflux Pump Genes.

BACKGROUND: Microbial resistance to antibiotics is a global public health problem, which requires urgent attention. Platonia insignis is a native species from the eastern Brazilian Amazon, used in the treatment of burns and wounds. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of P. insignis (PIHA), the ethyl acetate fraction (PIAE), and its subfraction containing a mixture of biflavonoids (BF). Moreover, the effect of these natural products on the antibiotic activity against S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pump genes was also evaluated. METHODS: Minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined against different species of microorganisms. To evaluate the modulatory effect on the Norfloxacin-resistance, the MIC of this antibiotic was determined in the absence and presence of the natural products at subinhibitory concentrations. Inhibition of the EtBr efflux assays were conducted in the absence or presence of natural products. RESULTS: PIHA showed a microbicidal effect against S. aureus and C. albicans, while PIAE was bacteriostatic for S. aureus. PIAE and BF at subinhibitory concentrations were able to reduce the MIC of Norfloxacin acting as modulating agents. BF was able to inhibit the efflux of EtBr efflux in S. aureus strains overexpressing specific efflux pump genes. CONCLUSION: P. inignisis, a source of efflux pump inhibitors, including volkensiflavone and morelloflavone, which were able to potentiate the Norfloxacin activity by NorA inhibition, being also able to inhibit QacA/B, TetK and MsrA. Volkensiflavone and morelloflavone could be used as an adjuvant in the antibiotic therapy of multidrug resistant S. aureus strains overexpressing efflux pumps.

Risk factors for bone loss in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JoSLE) is associated with low bone mass for age and fractures; nevertheless, risk factors for bone impairment are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for bone mass loss in JoSLE patients. METHODS: Forty-nine female JoSLE patients were evaluated at baseline and after a 3.5-year follow-up regarding clinical, laboratory (including bone turnover markers), areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and bone microarchitecture parameters using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Based on the difference between final and baseline aBMD value, the patients were divided into three groups: aBMD gain (BG), aBMD loss (BL) and aBMD no change (NC). RESULTS: The mean patient age was 18.7 ± 3.3 years. Sixty-one percent of patients presented with aBMD gain, 18.4% aBMD loss, and 20.4% remained stable during this follow-up period. Comparing the BL with the BG group, there was a higher frequency of alcohol consumption (p = 0.009), a higher frequency of inadequate calcium intake (p = 0.047) and lower levels of baseline procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP) (p = 0.036) in the BL group. Moreover, worsening of HR-pQCT parameters trabecular volumetric density (p = 0.003) and cortical thickness (p = 0.009) was observed in the BL group. In addition, a higher frequency of renal activity was observed comparing the BL + NC with the BG group (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first longitudinal study that has analyzed the risk factors of bone loss in JoSLE patients. The authors emphasize the importance of evaluating lifestyle habits and renal disease activity in these young women. Furthermore, this study suggests that trabecular and cortical compartments deteriorated, and low levels of P1NP may be a predictor of bone impairment in JoSLE.

Cranial nerve injuries in Le Fort I osteotomy: a systematic review.

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the anatomical and surgical factors related to cranial nerve injuries in Le Fort I osteotomy. The protocol of this systematic review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). Two independent reviewers performed an unrestricted electronic database search in the MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases up to and including August 2018. Thirty-two articles were selected for data extraction and synthesis: 30 studies were identified in the main search and two by a manual search. The level of agreement between the reviewers was considered excellent (κ=0.779 for study selection and κ=0.767 for study eligibility). This study revealed that the main nerve affected was the trigeminal nerve, followed by the oculomotor, abducens, optic, facial, and vagus and accessory nerves. Cleft lip and palate patients presented the highest incidence of cranial nerve damage. Cranial nerve damage after Le Fort I osteotomy is not rare. Anatomical and structural knowledge of the patient are necessary in order to minimize the risks of cranial nerve injury in Le Fort I osteotomy.

Timing and long-term prognosis of recurrent MI after primary angioplasty : Stent thrombosis vs. non-stent-related reinfarction.

BACKGROUND: In patients recovering from an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), it is not clear whether the negative impact of stent thrombosis (ST) is different from a non-stent-related recurrent myocardial infarction (NSRMI). This study sought to assess the long-term incidence and prognostic impact of recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMI by comparing outcomes of ST versus NSRMI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2007, 1025 patients undergoing PCI for STEMI were prospectively followed up. Patients with ST, with NSRMI, and those free from recurrent MI were compared regarding mortality and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE). RESULTS: Recurrent MI decreased from 37 events per 1000 person/months in the first month to 3.3 events per 1000 person/months after the first year. The cumulative 5­year incidence of ST and NSRMI was 5.27 % and 13.2 %, respectively. MACCE at 60 months after recurrence were not significantly different for patients with reinfarction but were significantly higher than for patients free from any recurrent MI (both log-rank p < 0.001). However, the cumulative all-cause death rate did not differ between the three groups (27.8 vs. 26.7 vs. 23.0 %). Compared with ST occurring in the first 30 days after PCI for STEMI, early NSRMI was associated with a significantly reduced risk for all-cause death (HR, 0.21; 95 % CI, 0.33-3.30) but this association did not persist for recurrent MIs occurring in the late (HR, 1.05; 95 % CI, 0.33-3.30) or very late follow-up periods. CONCLUSION: Although ST was associated with a significant increase in adverse events in the early recovery period, in the long term, MACCE and all-cause mortality rates were comparable to those for NSRMI.

Comparison of venoms from wild and long-term captive Bothrops atrox snakes and characterization of Batroxrhagin, the predominant class PIII metalloproteinase from the venom of this species.

Comparisons between venoms from snakes kept under captivity or collected at the natural environment are of fundamental importance in order to obtain effective antivenoms to treat human victims of snakebites. In this study, we compared composition and biological activities of Bothrops atrox venom from snakes collected at Tapajós National Forest (Pará State, Brazil) or maintained for more than 10 years under captivity at Instituto Butantan herpetarium after have been collected mostly at Maranhão State, Brazil. Venoms from captive or wild snakes were similar except for small quantitative differences detected in peaks correspondent to phospholipases A2 (PLA2), snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMP) class PI and serine proteinases (SVSP), which did not correlate with fibrinolytic and coagulant activities (induced by PI-SVMPs and SVSPs). In both pools, the major toxic component corresponded to PIII-SVMPs, which were isolated and characterized. The characterization by mass spectrometry of both samples identified peptides that matched with a single PIII-SVMP cDNA characterized by transcriptomics, named Batroxrhagin. Sequence alignments show a strong similarity between Batroxrhagin and Jararhagin (96%). Batroxrhagin samples isolated from venoms of wild or captive snakes were not pro-coagulant, but inhibited collagen-induced platelet-aggregation, and induced hemorrhage and fibrin lysis with similar doses. Results suggest that in spite of environmental differences, venom variability was detected only among the less abundant components. In opposition, the most abundant toxin, which is a PIII-SVMP related to the key effects of the venom, is structurally conserved in the venoms. This observation is relevant for explaining the efficacy of antivenoms produced with venoms from captive snakes in human accidents inflicted at distinct natural environments.

Correlations between traits in soybean (Glycine max L.) naturally infected with Asian rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi).

Soybean (Glycine max L.)-breeding programs aim to develop cultivars with high grain yields and high tolerance to Asian soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi). Considering that the traits targeted for breeding are mainly quantitative in nature, knowledge of associations between traits allows the breeder to formulate indirect selection strategies. In this study, we investigated phenotypic, genotypic, and environmental correlations between the agronomic traits of soybean plants naturally infected with P. pachyrhizi, and identified agronomic traits that would be useful in indirectly selecting soybean genotypes for high yields. The study was conducted on the Capim Branco Farm, Uberlândia, Brazil, with 15 soybean genotypes, which were cultivated in a completely randomized block design with four replications. Fourteen phenotypic traits were evaluated using the GENES software. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations were positive and of a high magnitude between the total number of pods and the number of pods with two or three grains, indicating that the total number of pods is a useful trait for the indirect selection of soybean genotypes for high grain yields. Strong environmental correlations were found between plant height at blooming and maturity and grain yield and yield components.

Long-term effects of chronic cocaine exposure throughout adolescence on anxiety and stress responsivity in a Wistar rat model.

Adolescents display increased vulnerability to engage in drug experimentation. This is often considered a risk factor for later drug abuse. In this scenario, the permanent effects of cocaine exposure during adolescence on anxiety levels and stress responsivity, which may result in behavioral phenotypes prone to addiction, are now starting to be unveiled. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-lasting effects of chronic cocaine administration during adolescence, on anxiety-like behavior and on stress response. Adolescent male Wistar rats were daily administered 45-mg cocaine/kg of body weight in three equal intraperitoneal doses with 1-h interval, from postnatal day (PND) 35 to 50. The effects of cocaine administration on anxiety levels, assessed in the Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and on social stress response, assessed in the resident-intruder paradigm (R/I), were evaluated 10 days after withdrawal, when rats were reaching the adulthood. The underlying dopaminergic activity, and the corticosterone and testosterone levels were determined. Our results showed that cocaine induced long-lasting alterations in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenals (HPA) axis function and in testosterone levels. Such alterations resulted in significant and enduring changes in behavioral responses to environmental challenges, such as the EPM and R/I, including the evaluation of potential threats that may lead to high-risk behavior and low-benefit choices. This was further supported by an altered dopaminergic function in the amygdala and hippocampus. The present findings provide new insights into how the use of cocaine during adolescent development may modulate emotional behavior later in life. Compromised ability to recognize and deal with potential threats is an important risk factor to perpetuate compulsive drug seeking and relapse susceptibility.

Electromyographic analysis of masseter and temporal muscles, bite force, masticatory efficiency in medicated individuals with schizophrenia and mood disorders compared with healthy controls.

This study aimed to comparatively analyse the electromyographic activity of the masseter and temporal muscles at rest and during mandible postural clinical conditions (right and left laterality, protrusion and maximum voluntary contraction), right and left maximum molar bite forces and the masticatory efficiency of individuals with schizophrenia or mood disorders - all medicated (medicated groups) compared with control group (healthy volunteers) via electromyography. Individuals were distributed into three groups: Group I (Schizophrenia - 20 individuals), Group II (mood disorders - 20 individuals) and Group III (Control - 40 individuals). Basically, the results were only statistically significant for the clinical mandible conditions and bite force. The most unsatisfactory results were observed in the medicated groups in relation to the control group. The group with mood disorders obtained the most unsatisfactory results compared with the group with schizophrenia. It was suggested by these observations that the association of mood disorders and schizophrenia with medication has negatively affected the stomatognathic system in relation to controls when the electromyography and bite force were used for the analysis.

Effects of emotional valence and three-dimensionality of visual stimuli on brain activation: an fMRI study.

BACKGROUND: Examining changes in brain activation linked with emotion-inducing stimuli is essential to the study of emotions. Due to the ecological potential of techniques such as virtual reality (VR), inspection of whether brain activation in response to emotional stimuli can be modulated by the three-dimensional (3D) properties of the images is important. OBJECTIVE: The current study sought to test whether the activation of brain areas involved in the emotional processing of scenarios of different valences can be modulated by 3D. Therefore, the focus was made on the interaction effect between emotion-inducing stimuli of different emotional valences (pleasant, unpleasant and neutral valences) and visualization types (2D, 3D). However, main effects were also analyzed. METHODS: The effect of emotional valence and visualization types and their interaction were analyzed through a 3 × 2 repeated measures ANOVA. Post-hoc t-tests were performed under a ROI-analysis approach. RESULTS: The results show increased brain activation for the 3D affective-inducing stimuli in comparison with the same stimuli in 2D scenarios, mostly in cortical and subcortical regions that are related to emotional processing, in addition to visual processing regions. CONCLUSIONS: This study has the potential of clarify brain mechanisms involved in the processing of emotional stimuli (scenarios' valence) and their interaction with three-dimensionality.

Differences in pain perception in children reporting joint and orofacial muscle pain.

PURPOSE: To determine changes in orofacial pain perception in community-based children by assessing the pressure pain threshold (PPT) with an algometer and pain intensity by manual palpation (MP). METHODS: A total of 100 children from the community aged 7 to 12 years were assessed. Thirty-eight children reported pain in the orofacial region. Of these children,10 reported joint pain (GJ), 12 reported joint and muscle pain (GJMM), 5 reported muscle pain (GMM), 11 reported pain during mastication (GMAST), and 62 reported no pain. An ANOVA (p < 0.05) was used to determine the differences in pain intensity and PPT among groups. RESULTS: Significantly higher pain intensity upon MP was observed for the temporalis muscle in the GJMM, GMAST and GJ groups compared to the remaining groups. The PPT values were significantly lower in the masseter temporalis muscles, TMJ and thenar region in the GJMM group compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: MP more accurately differentiated symptomatic subjects from symptom-free TMD subjects, and PPT values were more sensitive to the discrimination of pain in the orofacial sites assessed. In addition, the changes in perception at a larger number of sites among children reporting mixed pain may suggest the presence of a possible mechanism of central sensitization.

Beyond behavioural observations: a deeper view through the sensory reactions of children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities.

BACKGROUND: The present study was aimed at assessing the behavioural and physiological responsiveness of three children with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities to a set of sensory stimuli. METHODS: Eighteen items, 'believed' by clinicians to be appropriate for routine interventions, were presented to the participants and responsiveness was assessed in terms of: (i) consistent behavioural and electrodermal reactions and (ii) biphasic changes in heart rate. RESULTS: Results were twofold. First, all participants showed frequent consistent physiological reactions but rare consistent behavioural ones. Second, all participants showed biphasic changes in heart rate, pointing to the possibility of different appraisals (novelty and pleasantness) of most of the presented items. CONCLUSIONS: Data here presented may have implications for the development and the emotional well-being of individuals with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities in that it suggests that reactions to, and potential appraisals of, sensory stimuli may occur despite the lack of consistent observable behaviours.

CA15.3, CEA and LDH in dogs with malignant mammary tumors.

BACKGROUND: Presence of tumor markers in serum might be connected to the number of secreting cells and with the stage of the neoplasm. However, there are few studies regarding these markers in veterinary clinical oncology. OBJECTIVES: To determine the serum concentrations of cancer antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in female dogs with different stages of mammary cancer. ANIMALS: Ninety female dogs, including 30 that were healthy, 40 that had nonmetastatic cancer, 12 with regional metastasis, and 8 with distant lymph node metastasis. METHODS: Prospective case-controlled observational study. Serum samples were collected to measure CA15.3, CEA, and LDH from 60 female dogs with mammary cancer during mastectomy and 30 healthy female dogs during routine check-up. CA15.3 and CEA were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay and LDH by ultraviolet kinetic method. Western blotting analysis was performed to confirm the specificity and possible cross-reactivity of human CA15.3 and CEA antibodies with canine serum. Group data were compared by ANOVA followed by Student-Newman-Keuls and Tukey's tests. Correlations were investigated by Pearson and Spearman tests. RESULTS: CEA, CA15.3, and LDH were measurable in all groups. Higher serum concentration of CA15.3 and LDH was associated with regional and distant metastases. There was a significantly higher serum CA15.3 concentration in animals with lymph node metastasis when compared with animals without metastasis. There were no significant differences in CEA among groups. Expression of CA15.3 and CEA in canine serum was confirmed by Western blotting. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Serum CA15.3 can be used to distinguish nonmetastatic from metastatic carcinomas.

Scorpions from the primeval subgenus Archaeotityus produce putative homologs of Tityus serrulatus toxins active on voltage-gated sodium channels

It has been proposed that the subgenus Archaeotityus comprises the most ancient species group within the medically important scorpion genus Tityus. cDNA encoding sodium-channel active toxins from the type species of this subgenus, Tityus clathratus (central Venezuela), have been isolated and sequenced. Two cDNAs were retrieved that encoded 61 amino acid-long putative neurotoxins named Tcl1 and Tcl2. Sequence identity was highest (87%) when both were compared with -toxin Ts1 from the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus and its homologs from T. bahiensis, T. stigmurus, and T. costatus. A Bayesian analysis indicated statistical support for the grouping of T. clathratus Tcl1 and Tcl2 with Brazilian gamma-like -toxins, reinforcing previous phylogenetic studies which suggested an evolutionary relationship between the subgenus Archaeotityus and scorpion species inhabiting southeast South America belonging to the subgenus Tityus.

Anatomical variations of the mandibular nerve and its branches correlated to clinical situations.

AIM: The mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve is the largest of the three major divisions of the trigeminal nerve (fifth cranial nerve). In this way, many health professionals belonged to different fields are commonly evaluating patients suffering with orofacial pain and stomatognatic dysfunction associated to this structure. But, in the most cases, it is difficult to establish a correct diagnosis due to the anatomical complexity of the head and neck surfaces, especially when the focus is the trigeminal nerve. Thus, the objective of this research was to present the anatomical variations of the mandibular nerve and its branches correlated to more common clinical situations. METHODS: For this purpose, 20 human heads were anatomically dissected, so to study their structures, an external, medial and endocranial view. RESULTS: No significant variations related to ophthalmic and maxillary nerves were observed. Anatomical variations were observed in 20% of the total human heads dissected, all related to mandibular nerve and its branches: masseter, temporal, auriculotemporal and lingual. Variations in three to seven, on the number of the following nerves ramus, masseter and temporal were described. CONCLUSIONS: According to the present data using the described methodology, it was possible to conclude that anatomical variations are present in many subjects and they can explain many clinical situations that involve the stomatognathic structures.

Masticatory process in individuals with maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis: electromyographic analysis.

UNLABELLED: The masseter and temporal muscles of patients with maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis were submitted to electromyographic analysis and compared with a control group. In conclusion, individuals with osteoporosis did not show significantly lower masticatory cycle performance and efficiency compared to the control group during the proposal mastications. INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine electromyographically the masseter and temporal muscles of patients with maxillary and mandibular osteoporosis and compare these patients with control patients. METHODS: Sixty individuals of both genders with an average age of 53.0 +/- 5 years took part in the study, distributed in two groups with 30 individuals each: (1) individuals with osteoporosis; (2) control patients during the habitual and non-habitual mastication. The electromyographic apparel used was a Myosystem-BR1-DataHomins Technology Ltda., with five channels of acquisition and electrodes active differentials. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using SPSS version 15.0 (Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The result of the Student's t test indicated no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the normalized values of the ensemble average obtained in masticatory cycles in both groups. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that individuals with osteoporosis did not show significantly lower masticatory cycle performance and efficiency compared to control subjects during the habitual and non-habitual mastications. This result is very important because it demonstrates the functionality of the complex physiological process of mastication in individuals with osteoporosis at the bones that compose the face.

[Nutritional status, anthropometrical measurements, socio-economic status, and physical activity in Brazilian university students]. / Estado nutricional, medidas antropométricas, nivel socioeconómico y actividad física en universitarios brasileños.

INTRODUCTION: The physical activity and adequate food plays a key role in improving health and the control of diseases. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims at determining the nutritional state through anthropometric measures, socioeconomic level, the most common illnesses and type of physical activity, beyond food consumption and the place where meals are taken, of under-graduate students of the Nutrition course in UFPE. METHODS: The sample is constituted of 68 female students, of different periods and at ages between 18 and 27 years old. The process of selection of the sample was for convenience. The students voluntarily participated and answered three questionnaires, respectively, on their socioeconomic level (income of the family) and possible illnesses they had, measures of the cutaneous folds and type of practiced physical activity; register of consumed foods and local where the meals were carried. Statistical analysis was performed by absolute frequency, percentage, average and standard deviation. The margin of error used in the testing employees was 5%. RESULTS: In relation to the incomes, they had predominated above three minimum wages (86%), the parents have a predominant role in the expenditure of their study (46%), followed by the father (24%), mother (9%), husband (4%), other responsible ones (10%); 7% did not give information. The most common illnesses were: allergic rhinitis, tonsillitis, sleeplessness and intestinal constipation. The weight, the height, the index of body mass and the relation waist hip of the students were within normal standards. The abdominal circumference varied only in 2.57 cm between the studied age range. In relation to the practice of physical activities, 67% were sedentary, 20% practiced light activity and 13% moderate. In relation to where the meals are had, breakfast, in its majority (76%), was carried at home, followed by supper (56%), while lunch (41%) and snack 1 (34%), at University. Among the pupils who did not inform the place where they had their meals there was a high percentage for the big meals and a small one for the minor ones. The main kinds of consumed meals were breakfast, lunch and supper (98%). For the small meals, the values were: snack 1 (54%), snack 2 (61%), snack 3 (45%). The analysis of food consumption for three days disclosed ingestion of energy with deficit of 21% in relation to the recommended one (p < 0.001); the macro-nutrients showed percentages within the standards; the intake of fiber (11.8 g/day) was less than recommended (p < 0.001). Meat, eggs and cereals were ingested daily (for about 80%); vegetables (40%), legumes, fruits and candies (25% 30%), around four or six days a week. Roots and tubercles, salty, embedded and non alcoholic drinks were consumed from one to three days weekly (70%). Animal guts were not consumed by 50% of the studied population. CONCLUSIONS: Having analyzed all this, the studied students need to modify their food habits, acquiring knowledge on the importance of a balanced diet, as well as the practice of physical activity systematically, to prevent illnesses and attain a better quality of life.

Second record of Tityus bahiensis (Scorpiones, Buthidae) from Venezuela: epidemiological implications

This work reports the second record of the scorpion Tityus bahiensis Perty from Venezuela. The specimen was found alive in a wardrobe at a hotel resort in Margarita Island, northeastern Venezuela. Morphological characterization allowed its assignment to the Tityus bahiensis population inhabiting the southernmost area of the species' geographic range, e.g. the state of São Paulo in Brazil, northern Argentina and Paraguay. The fact that the only available Venezuelan antiscorpion (anti-Tityus discrepans) serum does not neutralize the effects of alpha- and beta-toxin from Tityus serrulatus venom (which resembles in composition that of T. bahiensis) constitutes a warning to local clinicians confronted with envenomations by noxious species transported to Venezuela from Brazil by human agency.