Dose of phytase from either Aspergillus niger or Escherichia coli on performance of nursery piglets.

Supplementing swine diets with phytase increases phosphorus release by approximately 50% from cereal phytates. The increase in phosphorus availability allows for a reduction in dietary phosphorus supplementation from mineral sources and decreases the environmental impact of pork production through a decrease in phosphorus excretion. Superdosing phytase has been reported to boost swine productivity, improve the digestibility of other nutrients, and mitigate the antinutritional effects of phytates. However, there are significant cost differences among phytase products. Bacterial phytases are considered more modern, often with a higher cost of inclusion. A study was conducted with 288 piglets that were 21 d of age and weighed 6.43 ±â€…0.956 kg. Pigs were divided into four groups. Each group of pigs was fed a different experimental diet varying in phytase source and level: fungal phytase (Aspergillus niger) at 500 FTU/kg of diet, fungal phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg, bacterial phytase (Escherichia coli) at 500 FTU/kg, and bacterial phytase at 2,000 FTU/kg. No differences were found for phytase sources or doses on productivity at 14 and 21 d postweaning. However, piglets supplemented with 2,000 FTUs/kg of phytase in the diet during the first 21 d of nursery exhibited a 5.8% better feed conversion (P = 0.02). An interaction between phytase source and dose was observed for average live weight and daily weight gain over the 42-d nursery period (P < 0.05). Supplementing the diet with 2,000 FTU/kg of fungal phytase improved daily weight gain and live weight throughout the experimental period compared to piglets supplemented with 500 FTU/kg of the same phytase source. Additionally, it resulted in better final weights compared to piglets supplemented with 500 FTU/kg of bacterial phytase. Phytase inclusion at 2,000 FTU/kg improved feed conversion by 2.07% over the 42-d nursery period. The most economically favorable feed conversion ratios were observed when supplementing the diet with fungal phytase at 2,000 FTUs/kg.

Determining factors associated with vaccination coverage in the first year of life in Brazil (2013-2022).

Access to vaccination has emerged as a growing global public health concern; however, there has been limited research on characteristics of local governments that are associated with vaccination coverage. The objective of this study was to evaluate predictors of vaccination coverage in Brazil for the first year of life between 2013 and 2022. We focused on variables pertaining to the available resources of local governments and their investments in infrastructure and human resources in the health sector. We used binomial generalized linear mixed models to estimate the association of these variables with vaccination coverage in Brazilian municipalities. Our results show that municipalities with better fiscal capacity were more effective in delivering vaccines. Municipalities that rely more on federal and state resources had lower vaccination coverage. Additionally, investment in health professionals was often negatively correlated with vaccination coverage. The study underscores the importance of better understanding the relationship between local government characteristics and vaccination coverage, particularly in regions where local governments are responsible for vaccine delivery.

Vertical transfer of gut microbiota from dam to neonate calf in the early of life.

The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical transfer of microbiota from dams to the offspring. We studied a pair of 20 dams and its offspring. Maternal sources (colostrum, feces and vaginal secretion) and newborn fecal samples were analyzed using 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing on days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Overall, newborns were maintained healthy and did not receive antimicrobial therapy. The Source Tracker analysis indicated that the newborn fecal microbiota was similar to colostrum and vaginal secretion from day 1 up to 7. However, an unknown source (probably from the environment) showed a gradual increase in its similarity with fecal samples from calves measured from day 3 to 28. The most abundant bacteria groups on meconium (day 1) and calf fecal samples on day 3 were Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium, respectively. On day 7, the predominant genus were Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, while Fusobacterium was the most abundant genus on day 14, coinciding with the diarrhea peak. Faecalibacterium showed a gradual increase throughout the neonatal period. Maternal sources contribute to the neonatal microbiota, however other unknown sources (probably environment) had a strong influence on development of the gut microbiota later in the neonate period.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of sleep of medical residents in a tertiary care hospital.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety, which has a profound effect on sleep quality. However, limited data are available on the sleep quality of medical residents who work directly with patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. As sleep is a crucial brain state, our goal is to know the sleep quality of these medical residents. METHODS: This study evaluated sleep quality among medical residents caring for COVID-19 patients at Hospital São Paulo, SP, Brazil. It used a validated questionnaire and assessed sleep habits and sociodemographic variables. The study focused on sleep latency, bedtime changes, early awakening, and discouragement. RESULTS: 150 resident physicians participated, 93 females and 57 males. We observed poor sleep quality in 72.7%, discouragement complaints in 91.33%, what was moderate or intense in 52.0%. Discouragement was associated with sleep fragmentation and awakening early in the morning; sleeping pill users had a greater sleep latency (p<0.00001). Poor sleep quality was linked to changes in bedtime and use of sleeping medications during social isolation in 2020 (p=0.037 and p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than two-thirds of resident physicians experienced poor sleep quality. They changed their bedtime, increased sleep latency, the use of hypnotics, feelings of discouragement, fragmented sleep, and early awakening in the morning. These findings should serve as a wake-up call for everyone, especially those in administrative roles. They are a matter of concern for medical residents, chief residents, supervising physicians, medical directors, and faculties. Maximas gratias vobis agimus.

Individual, family, school and neighborhood predictors related to different levels of physical activity in adolescents: A cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association among individual, family, school environment and neighborhood predictors with the different levels of physical activity (PA) [light (LPA) and moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA)] in Brazilian adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 309 adolescents with a mean age of 15.37 (± 0.57) years. PA and sleep time were assessed by accelerometry. Individual predictors were determined by anthropometry and questionnaires, while family, school environment and neighborhood predictors were assessed using questionnaires. Robust Regression analysis was performed considering a significance level of 5%. Individual and environmental variables were able to respectively predict 64% and 13.6% of adolescents' participation in LPA. Work (ßp = 0.2322), gender (ßp = -0.1318), commuting to school (ßp = -0.1501), sleep (ßp = -0.1260) and paved roads (ßp = -0.1360) were associated with LPA. It was also observed that individual (59.4%) and environmental (27.4%) variables were able to predict adolescents' participation in MVPA. Work (ßp = 0.1656), commuting to school (ßp = 0.1242) and crime (ßp = 0.1376, and gender (ßp = -0.3041) and paved roads (ßp = -0.1357 were associated with MVPA. Such results indicated that boys, those who work and those who live in unpaved neighborhoods presented greater time in LPA and MVPA; those who live in neighborhoods with higher crime had higher time spent in MVPA; and those who passively commute to school had more time in LPA. There was an average reduction of 5.0 minutes in LPA time for each additional hour of sleep. Finally, students who actively commute to school had more time in MVPA. Individual factors and those related to the neighborhood environment can play an important role in understanding the variables which can influence the different levels of PA in adolescents.

Effects of dam metabolic profile and seasonality (Spring vs. Winter) on their offspring' metabolism, health, and immunity: maternal factors in dairy calves' analytes.

Maternal status during the transition period can significantly impact the health and performance of Holstein dairy calves, with lasting effects on various variables. However, the relationship between maternal late gestation metabolic status, seasonality, and their impact on offspring remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the influence of maternal variables at calving on the performance, metabolism, and immunity of 28 dairy calves during their first month of life. Blood samples were collected from 28 Holstein cows at calving. Median results for maternal variables including non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), glucose, total protein (TP), albumin, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), haptoglobin (Hp), body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) were determined. These median values served as a basis for categorizing the offspring into two groups based on their dams' high or low degree of each maternal variable. Additionally, calves were categorized by the season of birth (Spring vs. Winter), with 14 in each. Blood samples were collected from the calves at birth and on days 1, 7, 14, and 28 to assess IgG, biochemical parameters, and haptoglobin concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by polymorphonuclear cells stimulated by various agents was also evaluated. Clinical assessments were conducted for diarrhea and bovine respiratory disease frequencies. Despite the overall health of the cows, differences were observed in the calves between maternal groups. Heavier cows with high maternal BCS tended to have larger offspring, while high maternal BCS was associated with increased diarrhea prevalence. Low maternal BCS resulted in a stronger innate immune response, indicated by higher ROS production. Calves from cows experiencing metabolic changes during calving displayed elevated Hp concentrations. Spring-born calves were larger but had lower serum IgG concentration and reduced innate immune response compared to winter-born calves. Additionally, spring-born calves exhibited higher Hp and increased diarrhea prevalence on day 28. These findings underscore the importance of the prenatal period in determining neonatal health and suggest further research to elucidate the long-term clinical implications of maternal effects on offspring health and growth. Investigating offspring constituents later in life can provide insight into the persistence of maternal effects over time.

Fatty acid profile, physicochemical composition and carcass traits of young Nellore bulls fed Acacia mearnsii extract.

Fatty acid profile, physicochemical composition, and carcass traits of 32 young Nellore bulls were assessed following the supplementation of Acacia mearnsii extract at levels of 0, 10, 30, and 50 g/kg of total dry matter (DM) in a completely randomized experiment with four treatments and eight replicates. Adding 50 g/kg DM of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii in the bulls' diet reduced DM intake, average daily gain, and meat lipid oxidation (P ≤ 0.05). The pH, centesimal composition, collagen, and meat color indexes of the longissimus muscle were not altered by the addition of Acacia mearnsii (P > 0.05). Cooling loss increased (P = 0.049) linearly. Including Acacia mearnsii in diet reduced the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF, P = 0.018) of longissimus muscle of the bulls. The concentration of C16:0, C17:0, C24:0, t9,10,11,16-18:1, c9t11-18:2, C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, 22:5n-3, and 22:6n-3 in the muscle increased due to the addition of Acacia in the diet (P ≤ 0.05), with the highest muscle concentrations caused by the addition of 10 to 30 g Acacia. c9-18:1 and t16-18:1 reduced linearly. Æ©SFA, Æ©BI, Æ©cis- and Æ©MUFA, Æ©n-3, Æ©n-6, and Æ©PUFA (P ≤ 0.05) quadratically increased at higher concentrations of addition of Acacia, above 30 g/kg DM. It is recommended to include Acacia mearnsii extract up to 30 g/kg total DM in diets for young bulls as it improves CLA, PUFA and TI and reduces lipid oxidation. Acacia mearnsii extract as source of CT at 50 g/kg DM negatively impacted the young bulls performance.

Interleukin-10 deficiency induces thoracic perivascular adipose tissue whitening and vascular remodeling.

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is an adipose layer, surrounding blood vessels, with a local modulatory role. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been shown to modulate vascular tissue. This study aimed to characterize the endogenous role of IL-10 in vascular remodeling, and PVAT phenotyping. Thoracic aortic segments from control (C57BL/6J) and IL-10 knockout (IL-10-/-) male mice were used. Analyzes of aorta/PVAT morphometry, and elastin, collagen and reticulin deposition were performed. Tissue uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) was accessed by Western blotting. Endogenous absence of IL-10 reduced total PVAT area (p = 0.0310), and wall/lumen ratio (p = 0.0024), whereas increased vascular area and thickness (p < 0.0001). Total collagen deposition was augmented in IL-10-/-, but under polarized light, the reduction of collagen-I (p = 0.0075) and the increase of collagen-III (p = 0.0055) was found, simultaneously with reduced elastic fibers deposition (p = 0.0282) and increased deposition of reticular fibers (p < 0.0001). Adipocyte area was augmented in the IL-10 absence (p = 0.0225), and UCP1 expression was reduced (p = 0.0420). Moreover, relative frequency of white adipose cells and connective tissue was augmented in IL-10-/- (p < 0.0001), added to a reduction in brown adipose cells (p < 0.0001). Altogether, these data characterize aorta PVAT from IL-10-/- as a white-like adipocyte phenotype. Endogenous IL-10 prevents vascular remodeling and favors a brown-like adipocyte phenotype, suggesting a modulatory role for IL-10 in PVAT plasticity.

A novel arylpiperazine derivative (LQFM181) protects against neurotoxicity induced by 3- nitropropionic acid in in vitro and in vivo models.

In the pursuit of novel antioxidant therapies for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, three new arylpiperazine derivatives (LQFM181, LQFM276, and LQFM277) were synthesized through a molecular hybridization approach involving piribedil and butylated hydroxytoluene lead compounds. To evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of the arylpiperazine derivatives, we employed an integrated approach using both in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) and in vivo (neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid in Swiss mice) models. In the in vitro tests, LQFM181 showed the most promising antioxidant activity at the neuronal membrane and cytoplasmic levels, and significant neuroprotective activity against the neurotoxicity induced by 3-nitropropionic acid. Hence, this compound was further subjected to in vivo evaluation, which demonstrated remarkable antioxidant capacity such as reduction of MDA and carbonyl protein levels, increased activities of succinate dehydrogenase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase. Interestingly, using the same in vivo model, LQFM181 also reduced locomotor behavior and memory dysfunction through its ability to decrease cholinesterase activity. Consequently, LQFM181 emerges as a promising candidate for further investigation into its neuroprotective potential, positioning it as a new therapeutic agent for neuroprotection.

ShF5H1 overexpression increases syringyl lignin and improves saccharification in sugarcane leaves.

The agricultural sugarcane residues, bagasse and straws, can be used for second-generation ethanol (2GE) production by the cellulose conversion into glucose (saccharification). However, the lignin content negatively impacts the saccharification process. This polymer is mainly composed of guaiacyl (G), hydroxyphenyl (H), and syringyl (S) units, the latter formed in the ferulate 5-hydroxylase (F5H) branch of the lignin biosynthesis pathway. We have generated transgenic lines overexpressing ShF5H1 under the control of the C4H (cinnamate 4-hydroxylase) rice promoter, which led to a significant increase of up to 160% in the S/G ratio and 63% in the saccharification efficiency in leaves. Nevertheless, the content of lignin was unchanged in this organ. In culms, neither the S/G ratio nor sucrose accumulation was altered, suggesting that ShF5H1 overexpression would not affect first-generation ethanol production. Interestingly, the bagasse showed a significantly higher fiber content. Our results indicate that the tissue-specific manipulation of the biosynthetic branch leading to S unit formation is industrially advantageous and has established a foundation for further studies aiming at refining lignin modifications. Thus, the ShF5H1 overexpression in sugarcane emerges as an efficient strategy to improve 2GE production from straw.

Chrysin bonded to ß-d-glucose tetraacetate enhances its protective effects against the neurotoxicity induced by aluminum in Swiss mice.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the glycosylation of chrysin (CHR) enhances its protective effects against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity. METHODS: To compare the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and behavioral effects of CHR with its glycosylated form (CHR bonded to ß-d-glucose tetraacetate, denoted as LQFM280), we employed an integrated approach using both in vitro (SH-SY5Y cells) and in vivo (aluminum-induced neurotoxicity in Swiss mice) models. KEY FINDINGS: LQFM280 demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than CHR in both models. Specifically, LQFM280 exhibited the ability to exert antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm of SH-SY5Y cells, indicating its competence in traversing neuronal membranes. Remarkably, LQFM280 proved more effective than CHR in recovering memory loss and counteracting neuronal death in the aluminum chloride mice model, suggesting its increased bioavailability at the brain level. CONCLUSIONS: The glycosylation of CHR with ß-d-glucose tetraacetate amplifies its neuroprotective effects, positioning LQFM280 as a promising lead compound for safeguarding against neurodegenerative processes involving oxidative stress.

Relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e componentes do somatótipo consoante atividade física em crianças / Relación entre indicadores de riesgo para la salud y componentes del somatótipo según la actividad física en niños / Relationship between health risk indicators and somatotype components according to physical activity in children

Este estudo analisou a relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e as componentes do somatótipo consoante os níveis de atividade física em crianças. Trata-se de uma pesquisa epidemiológica de base escolar, composta por 168 crianças (6 a 11 anos) de ambos os sexos. Informações demográficas foram obtidas. Avaliações antropométricas (estatura; massa corporal; pregas de adiposidade subcutânea; perímetros do braço contraído, cintura, quadril e panturrilha), pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, e atividade física (ativo; inativo) foram mensuradas. O somatótipo, razão cintura-quadril e razão cintura-estatura foram calculados. Análise de comparação, correlação e regressão linear múltipla foram realizadas, considerando intervalo de confiança de 95%. Meninos apresentaram maior número de passos, razão cintura-quadril e cintura-estatura. Crianças ativas eram mais velhas, possuíam maior perímetro de cintura, quadril e pressão arterial sistólica. No grupo fisicamente ativo, o sexo esteve associado diretamente ao perímetro de cintura e razão cintura-estatura, enquanto a idade associou-se com a perímetro de quadril e pressão arterial diastólica. Nas crianças inativas, todas as variáveis preditoras (exceto para a variável sexo em relação ao perímetro de quadril) mostraram-se significativas para o perímetro da cintura e quadril, explicando, conjuntamente, ~83% e 85% da expressão destas variáveis, respectivamente. A relação entre indicadores de risco à saúde e as componentes do somatótipo foi maior em crianças inativas. Independentemente do nível de atividade física, a endomorfia mostrou relação significativa com os componentes de saúde, com maior efeito no grupo inativo, tendo em vista a associação com a composição corporal dos sujeitos.

Este estudio analizó la relación entre indicadores de riesgo para la salud y los componentes del somatótipo según los niveles de actividad física en niños. Se trata de una investigación epidemiológica, compuesta por 168 niños (6 a 11 años) de ambos sexos. Fueron mensuradas: evaluaciones antropométricas (estatura; masa corporal; pliegues de adiposidad subcutánea; perímetros del brazo contraído, cintura, cuadril y pantorrilla), presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, y actividad física (activo/inactivo); el somatótipo, a través del cálculo de: razón cintura-cuadril y razón cintura-estatura. Se realizó el análisis de comparación, correlación y regresión lineal múltiple, considerando intervalo de confianza del 95%. Los niños presentaron mayor número de pasos, razón cintura-cuadril y cintura-estatura. Los niños activos eran mayores, tenían mayor perímetro de cintura, cuadril y presión arterial sistólica. En el grupo físicamente activo, el sexo estuvo asociado directamente al perímetro de cintura y razón cintura-estatura, mientras que la edad se asoció con el perímetro de cuadril y presión arterial diastólica. En los niños inactivos, todas las variables predictoras (excepto para la variable sexo con relación al perímetro de cuadril) se mostraron significativas para el perímetro de la cintura y cuadril, explicando, conjuntamente, ~83% y 85% de la expresión de estas variables, respectivamente. La relación entre indicadores de riesgo para la salud y los componentes del somatotipo fue mayor en niños inactivos. Independientemente del nivel de actividad física, la endomorfia mostró una relación significativa con los componentes de salud, con mayor efecto en el grupo inactivo, con vistas a la asociación con la composición corporal de los sujetos.

This study analysed the relationship between health risk indicators and somatotype components according to physical activity levels in children. This epidemiological and school-based research comprised 168 children of both sexes (56% boys), aged between 6 to 11 years. Demographic information (sex, age) was obtained. Anthropometric information (body height; body mass; contracted arm, waist, hip, and calf circumferences), body composition (subcutaneous adiposity and somatotype), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and physical activity level (active; inactive) were measured. The waist-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were computed. Comparison, correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were performed, considering 95% of the confidence interval. Boys presented higher values for physical activity, waist-hip, and waist-to-height ratio. Active children were older, had a larger waist and hip circumference, and higher systolic blood pressure. Among the active group, sex was associated with waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio, while age was associated with hip circumference and diastolic blood pressure. Among inactive children, all predictors (except for sex for hip circumference) were significantly associated with waist and hip circumferences, explaining ≅83% and 85% of the expression of these variables, respectively. The relationship between health risk indicators and somatotype components was higher among inactive children. Regardless of the physical activity level, the endomorphic component shows a significant relationship with health components, with a higher effect among the inactive group, considering the body composition association.

Poly(Aspartic Acid) Promotes Odontoblast-like Cell Differentiation in Rat Molars with Exposed Pulp.

In recent years, alternative pulpal therapies targeting dentinogenesis signaling pathways using different peptides have been investigated. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of poly(aspartic acid), pAsp, in dentin regeneration using an animal model. METHODS: Mechanical pulp exposure was performed in the upper molars of 56 Wistar rats, randomly divided as follows (n = 14): control (no treatment); MTA group-pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA Angelus); pAsp group-application of 20 µL of pAsp solution (25 mg·mL-1); MTA+pAsp group-application of MTA mixed with pAsp (5:1 by mass). Animals were euthanized after 7 or 21 days. Histological sections were submitted to hematoxylin-eosin and Brown and Brenn staining and immunohistochemical analysis for osteopontin (OPN) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP 1). RESULTS: At 7 days, an acute inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of disorganized mineralized tissue were observed in all groups. At 21 days, the quality and thickness of the reparative dentin in treated groups were superior to the control, and bacterial contamination was observed in two MTA-pAsp specimens. While all treated groups showed intense immunostaining for OPN at 21 days, only the pAsp group expressed DMP 1, indicating the presence of fully differentiated odontoblast-like cells. CONCLUSION: Poly(aspartic) acid promoted dentin regeneration in rat molars in the absence of an additional calcium source and may be an alternative to MTA as a pulp-capping agent.

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and safety toxicological profile of a new paracetamol analog, LQFM291.

In the scope of a research program with the goal of developing treatments for inflammatory diseases, the pharmacological evaluation of LQFM291, designed by molecular hybridization from butylated hydroxytoluene and paracetamol, was described. The antioxidant profile of LQFM291 was evaluated by electrochemical measurement. Also, acute or repeated treatments with equimolar doses to paracetamol were used to evaluate the antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory activities of LQFM291 in animal models. The toxicologic potential of LQFM291 was also evaluated and compared to paracetamol through biochemical and histopathological analysis after the repeated treatment schedule. As a result of the acute treatment, paracetamol showed a similar antinociceptive effect in formalin test compared to LQFM291. Whereas, after the repeated treatment, when carrageenan-induced hyperalgesia and edema tests were performed, paracetamol showed a delayed antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect compared to LQFM291. Furthermore, as other advantages the LQFM291 showed a high redox capacity, a gastroprotective activity and a safety pharmacological profile without any liver or kidney damage. These effects can be related to the prevention of oxidative stress by reduction of protein and lipid peroxidation in gastric tissue, maintenance of glutathione levels in hepatic homogenate, and a systemic reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, which may characterize the LQFM291 as a more viable and effective alternative to relief pain and inflammatory signs in patients with chronic disorders.

Impacts of heavy metal exposure on the prostate of murine models: Mechanisms of toxicity.

Heavy metals are elements found into the environment mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Naturally occurring and higher released doses cause disorders in the prostate, which depends on appropriate hormonal regulation, and exposure to heavy metals may impair prostate homeostasis. The current work highlighted the main mechanisms of toxicity of different environmental heavy metal contaminants, such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury, and nickel, and their impacts found in the prostate morphophysiology of murine models. The repercussions triggered by heavy metals on the prostate include hormonal imbalance and oxidative damage, leading to morphological alterations, which can vary according to the chemical properties of each element, exposure time and concentration, and age. The information of altered biological pathways and its impacts on the prostate of exposed murines are related to human outcomes being useful in the real context of human exposure.

How Do Health, Biological, Behavioral, and Cognitive Variables Interact over Time in Children of Both Sexes? A Complex Systems Approach.

The present study examined gender differences in health, physical activity, physical fitness, real and perceived motor competence, and executive function indicators in three time points, and analyzed the dynamic and non-linear association between health, biological, behavioral, and cognitive variables in children followed over time. A total of 67 children (aged between six and 10 years) were followed during two years and split into two cohorts (six to eight years old: C1; eight to 10 years old: C2). Data regarding health, physical activity, real and perceived motor competence, physical fitness, and executive function indicators were obtained according to their respective protocols. Comparison tests and network analysis were estimated. Significant gender differences were found in both cohorts. The emerged networks indicated different topologies in both cohorts. No clusters were observed between the variables in C1, and there was a greater number of interactions at eight years of age. Sparse networks were observed in children aged eight and 10 years in C2, and greater connectivity was observed at nine years of age between health, physical fitness, motor competence, and physical activity indicators. This study showed that there are non-linear dynamic relationships between health, biological, behavioral, and cognitive variables over time during child development.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of hospital-manifested COVID-19 among Brazilians.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the clinical characteristics and outcomes of admitted patients with the hospital- versus community-manifested COVID-19 and to evaluate the risk factors related to mortality in the first population. METHODS: This retrospective cohort included consecutive adult patients with COVID-19, hospitalized between March and September 2020. The demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were extracted from medical records. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 (study group) and those with community-manifested COVID-19 (control group) were matched by the propensity score model. Logistic regression models were used to verify the risk factors for mortality in the study group. RESULTS: Among 7,710 hospitalized patients who had COVID-19, 7.2% developed symptoms while admitted for other reasons. Patients with hospital-manifested COVID-19 had a higher prevalence of cancer (19.2% vs 10.8%) and alcoholism (8.8% vs 2.8%) than patients with community-manifested COVID-19 and also had a higher rate of intensive care unit requirement (45.1% vs 35.2%), sepsis (23.8% vs 14.5%), and death (35.8% vs 22.5%) (P <0.05 for all). The factors independently associated with increased mortality in the study group were increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer. CONCLUSION: Hospital-manifested COVID-19 was associated with increased mortality. Increasing age, male sex, number of comorbidities, and cancer were independent predictors of mortality among those with hospital-manifested COVID-19 disease.

Neonatal exposure to aluminum chloride predisposes adult and senile gerbils to the prostatic hyperplasia.

Several pollutants can alter neonatal prostatic development predisposing this gland to diseases. The toxicity and endocrine disrupting potential of aluminum has been reported in many organs, but little is known about its effects on the prostate. This study aimed to evaluate the effects that aluminum neonatal exposure can cause in the male ventral prostate and in the female prostate of adult and senile gerbils. Male and female pups were treated orally with aluminum chloride (10 mg/kg) from the 1st to the 14th day life. After treatment, the animals were aged until they reached 90 days or 1 year of life. The prostate glands were dissected out and submitted to morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analyses. Ventral prostates of adult males showed moderate hyperplasia and increased epithelial proliferation not associated with androgen receptor (AR) deregulation. On the other hand, senile males showed intense prostatic hyperplasia, and increased cell proliferation and epithelial AR regulation. Additionally, at both ages, there was a reduction in the prostate secretory function. The morphological changes observed in the female prostate were like those found in males. However, in adult females, prostatic hyperplasia was accompanied by a lower regulation of AR and estrogen receptor alpha, while in senile females, intense hyperplastic growth was associated with an increase in estrogen receptor alpha and a reduction in stromal AR. These results demonstrate that aluminum chloride neonatal exposure alters the hormonal regulation of the male and female prostate, inducing tissue damage that occurs in adulthood and intensifies during aging.

The Mongolian Gerbil as a Useful Experimental Model in Reproductive Biology.

Ultimately, the Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) have acquired a relevant role in biological and biomedical experiments alongside other rodents. The use of gerbils in research has been mainly oriented to physiological and pharmacological studies, with special attention to nervous, digestive, and auditory systems as well as microbiology and parasitology. Ultimately, gerbils have also been applied for studying carcinogenesis in different organs and systems, since these animals show a natural propensity to develop spontaneous proliferative lesions, especially in steroid-responsive organs. This characteristic shed light on the reproductive aspects of this rodent model regarding morphological features in male and female individuals. This review of literature summarizes the significance of this model as an alternative to the use of inbred mice and rats in reproductive experimental research, highlighting recent findings. Gerbils have contributed to the expansion of knowledge in prostate biology in male and female individuals, providing studies related to prostatic morphogenesis and neoplasia. In the testes, spermiogenesis occurs in 15 steps, differently from other experimental models. Also, the complete maturation of the testis-epididymal complex occurs between the second and third months. Mammary gland alterations related to the estrous cycle and pregnancy were described, as well as its modulation under endogenous and exogenous estrogenic compounds. The ovaries frequently present ovarian cysts. Furthermore, this organ shows predominantly interstitial steroidogenic glands in the stroma, especially at aging. Adrenal gland shows a large size compared to other animals, presenting three distinct zones with a remarkable role in steroidogenesis.

Necesidades de salud desde la percepción de las personas mayores: revisión integrativa / Health needs from the perception o folder people: integrative review / Necessidades de saúde percepção de idosos: revisão integrativa

Objetivo: Conocer las necesidades de salud desde la perspectiva de las personas mayores que viven en la comunidad y que promueven a un envejecimiento saludable a través de un estudio bibliográfico, tipo revisión integrativa. Material y Método: La Revisión integradora de la literatura se oriento por los planteamientos de Ganong, el período fue del año 2010 al 2020. Se seleccionaron los buscadores Scielo, Lilacs, Medline. Los idiomas fueron español, portugués e inglés. Resultados: En los 113 artículos encontrados se aplicaron los criterios de inclusión, seleccionando 30, luego de un análisis detallado se recuperaron 6 artículos. Por lo amplio del concepto de Necesidades de Salud en las Personas Mayores, se utilizó la taxonomía de Matsumoto, relacionando cada uno de los artículos con los componentes y a su vez la relación entre los artículos. Conclusiones: A través de la revisión integrativa se encontraron artículos que hacen referencia a las necesidades de salud de las personas mayores. El envejecimiento activo y saludable implica un cambio de paradigma y él debe ser el parámetro para seguir por parte de los Estados, centrar la atención en la persona es un cambio y no enfocarla en la enfermedad o en la discapacidad. Respetar y promover en la persona mayor su libertad, autonomía y poder de decisión como individuos que forman parte de la comunidad.

Objective: To know the health needs from the perspective of older people who live in the community and who promote healthy aging through a bibliographic study, integrative review type. Material and Method: The integrative review of the literature was guided by Ganong's approaches; the period was from 2010 to 2020. The search engines Scielo, Lilacs, Medline were selected. The languages were Spanish, Portuguese and English Results: In the 113 articles found, the inclusion criteria were applied, selecting 30, after a detailed analysis 6 articles were recovered. Due to the broad concept of Health Needs in the Elderly, the Matsumoto taxonomy was used, relating each of the items to the components and, in turn, the relationship between the items. Conclusions: Through the integrative review, articles that refer to the health needs of the elderly were found. Active and healthy aging implies a paradigm shift and it must be the parameter to be followed by the States, focusing attention on the person is a change and not focusing on illness or disability. Respect and promote in the elderly their freedom, autonomy and decision-making power as individuals who are part of the community.

Objetivo: Conhecer as necessidades de saúde na perspectiva dos idosos que vivem na comunidade e que promovem o envelhecimento saudável por meio de um estudo bibliográfico, tipo revisão integrativa. Material e Método: A revisão integrativa da literatura foi norteada pelas abordagens de Ganong, o período foi de 2010 a 2020. Foram selecionados os mecanismos de busca Scielo, Lilacs, Medline. Os idiomas eram espanhol, português e inglês. Resultados: Nos 113 artigos encontrados, foram aplicados os critérios de inclusão, selecionando 30, após uma análise detalhada foram recuperados 6 artigos. Devido ao conceito amplo de Necessidades de Saúde do Idoso, foi utilizada a taxonomia de Matsumoto, relacionando cada um dos itens aos componentes e, por sua vez, a relação entre os itens. Conclusões: Por meio da revisão integrativa, foram encontrados artigos que se referemàs necessidades de saúde do idoso. O envelhecimento ativo e saudável implica uma mudança de paradigma e deve ser o parâmetro a ser seguido pelos Estados, focar a atenção na pessoa é uma mudança e não focar na doença ou incapacidade. Respeitar e promover nos idosos a sua liberdade, autonomia e poder de decisão enquanto indivíduos que fazem parte da comunidade.