Maternal protein restriction combined with postnatal sugar consumption alters liver proteomic profile and metabolic pathways in adult male offspring rats.

This study investigated the impact of maternal protein restriction (MPR) and early postnatal sugar consumption (SUG) on the liver health of adult male descendant rats. Male offspring of mothers fed a normal protein diet (NPD) or a low protein diet (LPD) were divided into four groups: Control (CTR), Sugar Control (CTR + SUG), LPD during gestation and lactation (GLLP), and LPD with sugar (GLLP + SUG). Sugar consumption (10% glucose diluted in water) began after weaning on day 21 (PND 21), and at 90 days (PND 90), rats were sacrificed for analysis. Sugar intake reduced food intake and increased water consumption in CTR + SUG and GLLP + SUG compared to CTR and GLLP. GLLP and GLLP + SUG groups showed lower body weight and total and retroperitoneal fat compared to CTR and CTR + SUG. CTR + SUG and GLLP + SUG groups exhibited hepatocyte vacuolization associated with increased hepatic glycogen content compared to CTR and GLLP. Hepatic catalase activity increased in GLLP compared to CTR. Proteomic analysis identified 223 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) among experimental groups. While in the GLLP group, the DEPs enriched molecular pathways related to cellular stress, glycogen metabolic pathways were enriched in the GLLP + SUG and CTR + SUG groups. The association of sugar consumption amplifies the effects of MPR, deregulating molecular mechanisms related to metabolism and the antioxidant system.

Vascular smooth muscle cells exhibit elevated hypoxia-inducible Factor-1α expression in human blood vessel organoids, influencing osteogenic performance.

Considering the importance of alternative methodologies to animal experimentation, we propose an organoid-based biological model for in vitro blood vessel generation, achieved through co-culturing endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Initially, the organoids underwent comprehensive characterization, revealing VSMCs (α-SMA + cells) at the periphery and endothelial cells (CD31+ cells) at the core. Additionally, ephrin B2 and ephrin B4, genes implicated in arterial and venous formation respectively, were used to validate the obtained organoid. Moreover, the data indicates exclusive HIF-1α expression in VSMCs, identified through various methodologies. Subsequently, we tested the hypothesis that the generated blood vessels have the capacity to modulate the osteogenic phenotype, demonstrating the ability of HIF-1α to promote osteogenic signals, primarily by influencing Runx2 expression. Overall, this study underscores that the methodology employed to create blood vessel organoids establishes an experimental framework capable of producing a 3D culture model of both venous and arterial endothelial tissues. This model effectively guides morphogenesis from mesenchymal stem cells through paracrine signaling, ultimately leading to an osteogenic acquisition phenotype, with the dynamic involvement of HIF-1α.

Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer.

Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-ß-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-ß pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance: Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-ß, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.

Maternal malnutrition associated with postnatal sugar consumption increases inflammatory response and prostate disorders in rat offspring.

Maternal malnutrition can alter developmental biology, programming health and disease in offspring. The increase in sugar consumption during the peripubertal period, a worldwide concern, also affects health through adulthood. Studies have shown that maternal exposure to a low protein diet (LPD) is associated with an increase in prostate disease with aging. However, the combined effects of maternal LPD and early postnatal sugar consumption on offspring prostate disorders were not investigated. The effects on aging were evaluated using a maternal gestational model with lactational LPD (6% protein) and sugar consumption (10%) from postnatal day (PND) 21-90, associating the consequences on ventral prostate (VP) rats morphophysiology on PND540. An increase was shown in mast cells and in the VP of the CTR + SUG and Gestational and Lactational Low Protein (GLLP) groups. In GLLP + SUG, a significant increase was shown in TGF-ß1 expression in both the systemic and intra-prostatic forms, and SMAD2/3p had increased. The study identified maternal LPD and sugar consumption as risk factors for prostatic homeostasis in senility, activating the TGFß1-SMAD2/3 pathway, a signaling pathway with potential markers for prostatic disorders.

A pre-post quasi-experimental study: effect of an educational intervention on the quality of life, and coping strategies of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

INTRODUCTION: The current study provides people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) the support to cope with this disease and to improve their quality of life, since their longevity has significantly increased. AIM: Investigating the effect of an educational intervention on PLHIV's strategies to cope with HIV. METHODOLOGY: Quasi-experimental, before-and-after study type, whose data were collected before and after educational intervention, was carried out with 75 PLHIV at a School Outpatient Clinic. The Brazilian version of the Ways of Coping Scale was herein used. It is a questionnaire comprising 4 disease-coping domains, namely: coping focused on problem, emotion and on seeking social support and religious practices. RESULTS: There was increased use of all coping-strategy domains after the educational intervention, as well as reduced standard deviation, and it pointed out that the recorded values were grouped closer to the mean therefore showing less variability. Coping focused on social support was the strategy mostly used after the educational intervention; it was followed by strategies focused on both emotion and problem. The least used strategy was the one focused on religion/fantasy. DISCUSSION: This study identified the need of introducing a new coping strategy focused on prejudice against patients with HIV.

Hyperglycemic microenvironment compromises the homeostasis of communication between the bone-brain axis by the epigenetic repression of the osteocalcin receptor, Gpr158 in the hippocampus.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease, mainly characterized by increased blood glucose and insulin dysfunction. In response to the persistent systemic hyperglycemic state, numerous metabolic and physiological complications have already been well characterized. However, its relationship to bone fragility, cognitive deficits and increased risk of dementia still needs to be better understood. The impact of chronic hyperglycemia on bone physiology and architecture was assessed in a model of chronic hyperglycemia induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. In addition, the bone-to-brain communication was investigated by analyzing the gene expression and methylation status of genes that encode the main osteokines released by the bone [Fgf23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), Bglap (bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein) and Lcn2 (lipocalin 2) and their receptors in both, the bone and the brain [Fgfr1 (fibroblast growth factor receptor 1), Gpr6A (G-protein coupled receptor family C group 6 member A), Gpr158 (G protein-coupled receptor 158) and Slc22a17 (Solute carrier family 22 member 17)]. It was observed that chronic hyperglycemia negatively impacted on bone biology and compromised the balance of the bone-brain endocrine axis. Ultrastructural disorganization was accompanied by global DNA hypomethylation and changes in gene expression of DNA-modifying enzymes that were accompanied by changes in the methylation status of the osteokine promoter region Bglap and Lcn2 (lipocalin 2) in the femur. Additionally, the chronic hyperglycemic state was accompanied by modulation of gene expression of the osteokines Fgf23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), Bglap (bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein) and Lcn2 (lipocalin 2) in the different brain regions. However, transcriptional regulation mediated by DNA methylation was observed only for the osteokine receptors, Fgfr1(fibroblast growth factor receptor 1) in the striatum and Gpr158 (G protein-coupled receptor 158) in the hippocampus. This is a pioneer study demonstrating that the chronic hyperglycemic state compromises the crosstalk between bone tissue and the brain, mainly affecting the hippocampus, through transcriptional silencing of the Bglap receptor by hypermethylation of Gpr158 gene.

Associação da cromogranina a com a ansiedade e o estresse em profissionais de enfermagem

Objetivo: Avaliar a associação da concentração de Cromogranina A com a ansiedade e estresse em profissionais de enfermagem e a associação da ansiedade e estresse com fatores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos e laborais. Método: Estudo transversal desenvolvido com 210 profissionais de enfermagem de uma instituição hospitalar do Sudeste de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2018/2019, por meio de preenchimento de um questionário de caracterização, do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck e do Inventário de Sintomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp, bem como da coleta de saliva dos participantes para verificar a concentração de Cromogranina A dos participantes. Os dados foram analisados de forma descritiva e inferencial, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A maioria dos profissionais apresentou estresse (58,1%) e ansiedade (51,9%). Fatores como faixa etária, número de filhos, tempo de atuação na instituição, carga horária de trabalho, falta de atividade física, uso de medicamentos e outro emprego, aumentaram as chances desses trabalhadores terem ansiedade e estresse em níveis mais altos (P< 0,001). A Cromogranina A apresentou maiores alterações nos profissionais do turno da tarde. Observou-se associação entre o grupo que tinha estresse e ansiedade com a Cromogranina A, no turno da noite, bem como do grupo que tinha apenas ansiedade em horários do turno da manhã (P< 0,05). Conclusão: Os profissionais apresentaram níveis de ansiedade e estresse, que foram associados às alterações da CgA em alguns horários, demonstrando que essa proteína pode ser um possível biomarcador de ansiedade e de estresse.

Objective: To evaluate the association of Chromogranin A concentration with anxiety and stress in nursing professionals and the association of anxiety and stress with sociodemographic, epidemiological, and occupational factors. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with 210 nursing professionals from a hospital in the southeast of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2018 and 2019, by completing a characterization questionnaire, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Lipp's Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults, as well as the collection of saliva from the participants to verify the concentration of Chromogranin A. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, with a significance level of 5%. Results: Most of the professionals had stress (58.1%) and anxiety (51.9%). Factors such as age group, number of children, time working in the institution, workload, lack of physical activity, use of medication and having other jobs, increased the likelihood of these workers experiencing higher levels of anxiety and stress (P< 0.001). Chromogranin A showed greater changes among the nursing professionals working the evening shift. A relationship was observed between the group that presented stress and anxiety with Chromogranin A, during the night shift, as well as the group that presented only anxiety during the morning shift (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing professionals showed levels of anxiety and stress that were associated with changes in CgA at certain times, demonstrating that this protein may be a possible biomarker of anxiety and stress.

Objetivo: Evaluar la asociación de la concentración de Cromogranina A con la ansiedad y el estrés en profesionales de enfermería y la asociación de la ansiedad y el estrés con factores sociodemográficos, epidemiológicos y laborales. Método: Estudio transversal desarrollado con 210 profesionales de enfermería de un hospital del Sudeste de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2018/2019, mediante la realización de un cuestionario de caracterización, el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck y el Inventario de Síntomas de Estrés para Adultos de Lipp, así como la recolección de saliva de los participantes para verificar la concentración de Cromogranina A de los participantes. Los datos fueron analizados de forma descriptiva e inferencial, con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Resultados: La mayoría de los profesionales tenían estrés (58,1%) y ansiedad (51,9%). Factores como grupo de edad, número de hijos, tiempo de trabajo en la institución, carga de trabajo, falta de actividad física, uso de medicamentos y otros empleos, aumentaron las posibilidades de que estos trabajadores tuvieran ansiedad y estrés en niveles más altos (P< 0,001). La Cromogranina A mostró mayores cambios en los profesionales del turno vespertino. Se observó asociación entre el grupo que presentó estrés y ansiedad con Cromogranina A, en el turno de la noche, así como el grupo que presentó únicamente ansiedad en el turno de la mañana (P< 0,05). Conclusión: Los profesionales presentaron niveles de ansiedad y estrés, que se asociaron con cambios en la CgA en determinados momentos, demostrando que esa proteína puede ser un posible biomarcador de ansiedad y estrés.

Melatonin Reverses the Warburg-Type Metabolism and Reduces Mitochondrial Membrane Potential of Ovarian Cancer Cells Independent of MT1 Receptor Activation.

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, and melatonin has shown various antitumor properties. Herein, we investigated the influence of melatonin therapy on energy metabolism and mitochondrial integrity in SKOV-3 cells and tested whether its effects depended on MT1 receptor activation. SKOV-3 cells were exposed to different melatonin concentrations, and experimental groups were divided as to the presence of MT1 receptors (melatonin groups) or receptor absence by RNAi silencing (siRNA MT1+melatonin). Intracellular melatonin levels increased after treatment with melatonin independent of the MT1. The mitochondrial membrane potential of SKOV-3 cells decreased in the group treated with the highest melatonin concentration. Melatonin reduced cellular glucose consumption, while MT1 knockdown increased its consumption. Interconversion of lactate to pyruvate increased after treatment with melatonin and was remarkable in siRNA MT1 groups. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased with melatonin and increased after MT1 silencing at all concentrations. The UCSC XenaBrowser tool showed a positive correlation between the human ASMTL gene and the ATP synthase genes, succinate dehydrogenase gene (SDHD), and pyruvate dehydrogenase genes (PDHA and PDHB). We conclude that melatonin changes the glycolytic phenotype and mitochondrial integrity of SKOV-3 cells independent of the MT1 receptor, thus decreasing the survival advantage of OC cells.

Bisphenol A and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin at non-cytotoxic doses alter the differentiation potential and cell function of rat adipose-stem cells.

The possibility of chemical contamination is an important issue to consider when designing a cell therapy strategy. Both bisphenol A (BPA) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are among the most environmentally relevant endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs, compounds with a high affinity for adipose tissue) recently studied. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) obtained from adipose tissue widely used in regenerative medicine to prevent and treat diseases in several tissues and organs. Although the experimental use of tissue-engineered constructs requires careful analysis for approval and implantation, there has been a recent increase in the number of approved clinical trials for this promising strategy. This study aimed to evaluate cell viability, apoptosis, DNA damage, and the adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation potential of rat adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) exposed to previously established non-cytotoxic doses of BPA and TCDD in vitro. Results demonstrated that 10 µM of BPA and 10 nM of TCDD were able to significantly reduce cell viability, while all exposure levels resulted in DNA damage, although did not increase the apoptosis rate. According to the analysis of adipogenic differentiation, 1 µM of BPA induced the significant formation of oil droplets, suggesting an increased adipocyte differentiation, while both 10 µM of BPA and 10 nM of TCDD decreased adipocyte differentiation. Osteogenic differentiation did not differ among the treatments. As such, BPA and TCDD in the concentrations tested can modify important processes in rASCs such as cell viability, adipogenic differentiation, and DNA damage. Together, these findings prove that EDCs play an important role as contaminants, putatively interfering in cell differentiation and thus impairing the therapeutic use of ASCs.

Avaliação da atenção primária na perspectiva dos usuários: associação com práticas educativas em saúde

Objetivo: Avaliar a qualidade da atenção primária à saúde e sua relação com as práticas educativas sob a ótica dos usuários do sistema único de saúde. Material e Método: Estudo transversal, analítico, realizado com 785 usuários das unidades básicas de saúde no estado de Goiás, Brasil, em 2018, por meio de entrevistas, utilizando um questionário de caracterização sociodemográfica e de ações de educação e promoção à saúde e a Ferramenta de Avaliação da Atenção Básica - PCATool. Na análise dos atributos considerou-se o ponto de corte da literatura de 6,6. Resultados: Nenhum atributo atingiu o ponto de corte, incluindo o escore geral e essencial. Os atributos que receberam piores avaliações foram: acesso de primeiro contato-acessibilidade (3,2), integralidade serviços prestados (3,2) e orientação comunitária (3,1). Os melhores avaliados foram a coordenação-sistemas de informação (5,8) e o acesso de primeiro contato-utilização (5,7). A prevalência de escore médio baixo para o escore essencial foi de 93,0% e para o escore geral de 94,6%, abaixo do satisfatório. Foi evidenciado baixo percentual de usuários participantes em atividades educativas (AE). As práticas educativas mostraram-se insuficientes para determinar escores alto ou próximos do ponto de corte. Conclusão: Observou-se que as práticas educativas seguem um modelo verticalizado, marcado pelo esvaziamento da educação em saúde enquanto prática emancipatória. Participantes de AE e os que percebem que elas trazem benefício à saúde apresentaram melhor avaliação de alguns atributos em relação aos demais.

Objective: To evaluate the quality of primary health care and its relationship with educational practices from the perspective of users of the Brazilian unified health system (SUS). Material and Method: Cross-sectional, analytical study, carried out with 785 users of basic health units in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in 2018, through interviews, using a sociodemographic characterization questionnaire, health education and promotion actions, as well as the Primary Care Assessment Tool (PCATool). In the analysis of the attributes, the cut-ofF score of 6.6 was considered. Results: No attribute reached the cut-ofF score, including the general and essential score. The attributes that received the worst scores were: first contact access - accessibility (3.2), completeness of services provided (3.2) and community orientation (3.1). The best evaluated were coordination - information systems (5.8) and first contact access - use (5.7). The prevalence of low average score for the essential score was 93.0% and for the general score 94.6%, below satisfactory. A low percentage of users participating in educational activities (EA) was evidenced. Educational practices proved to be insufficient to determine high scores or close to the cut-ofF point. Conclusion: It was observed that educational practices follow a vertical model, characterized by the decrease of health education as an emancipatory practice. Participants in EA and those who perceive that they bring benefits to health showed better evaluation of some attributes in relation to others.

Objetivo: Evaluar la calidad de la atención primaria de salud y su relación con las prácticas educativas desde la perspectiva de los usuarios del sistema único de salud de Brasil. Material y Método: Estudio transversal, analítico, realizado con 785 usuarios de unidades básicas de salud en el estado de Goiás, Brasil, en 2018, a través de entrevistas, utilizando un cuestionario de caracterización sociodemográfica y acciones de educación y promoción de la salud y la Herramienta de Evaluación de la Salud Atención Primaria - PCATool. En el análisis de los atributos se consideró el punto de corte en la literatura de 6,6. Resultados: Ningún atributo alcanzó el punto de corte, incluida la puntuación general y esencial. Los atributos que recibieron las peores calificaciones fueron: acceso al primer contacto-accesibilidad (3,2), integridad de los servicios prestados (3,2) y orientación comunitaria (3,1). Los mejor evaluados fueron coordinación-sistemas de información (5,8) y acceso al primer contacto-uso (5,7). La prevalencia de puntuación media baja para la puntuación esencial fue del 93,0% y para la puntuación general del 94,6%, por debajo de algunos. Se evidenció el bajo porcentaje de usuarios que participan en actividades educativas (AE). Las prácticas educativas resultaron insuficientes para determinar puntuaciones altas o cercanas al punto de corte. Conclusión: Se observó que las prácticas educativas siguen un modelo vertical, marcado por la disminución de la educación en salud como práctica emancipadora. Los participantes en AE y aquellos que perciben que aportan beneficios a la salud presentaron una mejor evaluación de algunos atributos en relación con otros.

Associated Determinants Between Evidence of Burnout, Physical Activity, and Health Behaviors of University Students.

Risk behaviors and signs of burnout are associated with substantial health losses and university dropouts. Physical activity can be an effective approach to reduce these factors. The objective of this study was to analyze aspects related to health behaviors, physical activity, and signs of burnout in university students and their association with physical activity. The probabilistic cluster sample consisted of 3,578 regularly enrolled undergraduate students from UFPR in Curitiba, based on a population sample of 24,032 university students. The students completed the MBI-SS and NCHA II instruments. Descriptive statistics were used to identify demographic indicators and characteristics of the university environment. For the proportion of subjects with respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%), contingency tables involving the chi-square test (χ2) were used. The prevalence of signs of burnout was estimated in punctual proportions accompanied by the respective confidence intervals (CI = 95%). To analyze the associations between the independent variables and signs of burnout, the Hierarchical Logistic Regression was used through an analysis adjusted by the other independent variables involved in the models (CI = 95%). Results showed that the prevalence of individuals who showed signs of burnout was 40.4%. The hierarchical multiple regression model pointed to: female sex (OR = 1.30; 1.11-1.51); age between 20-24 years (OR = 1.51; 1.25-1.83); and 25-29 years (OR = 1.69; 1.27-2.24); being single (OR = 2.67; 1.01-7.10); presenting regular/poor health perception (OR = 1.59; 1.13-2.22), belonging to Human Sciences courses (OR = 1.37; 1.14-1.64); attending 2nd or 3rd year (OR = 1.34; 1.12-1.61); poor academic performance (OR = 5.35; 4.11-6.96); mean (OR = 2.08; 1.78-2.43). We conclude that academics showed a high prevalence of health risk behaviors and correlate and diagnose emotional problems and signs of burnout. Signs of burnout were significantly associated with the practice of physical activity in its three dimensions; however, in the adjusted analysis for demographic indicators, the characteristics of the university environment, and health behaviors, physical activity was not significant for the model.

Exposure to Bacteriophages T4 and M13 Increases Integrin Gene Expression and Impairs Migration of Human PC-3 Prostate Cancer Cells.

The interaction between bacteriophages and integrins has been reported in different cancer cell lines, and efforts have been undertaken to understand these interactions in tumor cells along with their possible role in gene alterations, with the aim to develop new cancer therapies. Here, we report that the non-specific interaction of T4 and M13 bacteriophages with human PC-3 cells results in differential migration and varied expression of different integrins. PC-3 tumor cells (at 70% confluence) were exposed to 1 × 107 pfu/mL of either lytic T4 bacteriophage or filamentous M13 bacteriophage. After 24 h of exposure, cells were processed for a histochemical analysis, wound-healing migration assay, and gene expression profile using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). qPCR was performed to analyze the expression profiles of integrins ITGAV, ITGA5, ITGB1, ITGB3, and ITGB5. Our findings revealed that PC-3 cells interacted with T4 and M13 bacteriophages, with significant upregulation of ITGAV, ITGA5, ITGB3, ITGB5 genes after phage exposure. PC-3 cells also exhibited reduced migration activity when exposed to either T4 or M13 phages. These results suggest that wildtype bacteriophages interact non-specifically with PC-3 cells, thereby modulating the expression of integrin genes and affecting cell migration. Therefore, bacteriophages have future potential applications in anticancer therapies.

The ichthyofauna of a poorly known area in the middle-southern Espinhaço mountain range, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil: diagnostics and identification keys.

Knowledge about the taxonomy and fish composition from the upper rio Paraúna (rio São Francisco basin) and upper rio Santo Antônio (rio Doce basin) in the middle portion of the Southern Espinhaço mountain range, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil is still incipient. Only few studies focusing on ichthyofaunistic diagnostic and species descriptions in the lower stretches of the rio Santo Antônio are available. Herein the aim was to provide a species list of the freshwater ichthyofauna from the headwaters of both basins in such region, and to verify the occurrence of threatened, exotic, and potentially new species. Sixty species were registered, with 34 associated to the upper rio Paraúna, and 40 to the upper rio Santo Antônio. Two species are included in some threatened category, three are exotics, and 14 represent potentially new species. An identification key of the fish species recorded in the area is also provided.

Will the Balearics and the Canary Islands meet the European Union targets for municipal waste? A comparative study from 2000 to 2035.

Recycling and selective collection rates in touristic islands are low, and they have to be increased to move them towards a more circular economy. This paper attempts to determine whether it will be possible to achieve the European Union's (EU) legally binding targets regarding the different fractions of municipal solid waste (MSW) in the two Spanish regions with the highest per capita MSW generation rates. After reviewing the MSW generation literature in touristic islands, the driving forces affecting MSW generation in the Balearics and Canary archipelagos from 2000 to 2018 are identified. Their evolution until 2035 is forecasted, using a methodology which combines econometric models, System Dynamics and Scenario Analysis. Results reveal that the biggest MSW generator in both archipelagos is the touristic population, followed by the resident population in the Balearics, and by the per capita income in the Canaries. Then, by using simulations to create different scenarios, the annual ratios to be reached by 2035 are estimated for each MSW fraction in both archipelagos. The current low recycling rates (15.81% in the Balearics and 11.18% in the Canaries) would have to be increased by an annual average of 2.89% and 3.16% respectively, to achieve the compulsory 65% target established by the MSW EU Directive for 2035. Therefore, both territories are currently far from the right pathway to meet the EU goals. However, the European Green Deal has to promote circular economy projects that help achieve each type of waste targets.

Preditores associados à reincidência de acidentes com material biológico entre trabalhadores da saúde / Predictors associated with recurrence of accidents with biological material among health workers / Predictores asociados a la recurrencia de accidentes con material biológico en personal de salud

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar as características da incidência e reincidência de acidentes de trabalho com material biológico e sua relação com o conhecimento sobre normas de precaução padrão. Método Estudo descritivo-analítico, transversal e quantitativo, realizado no Serviço de Assistência Especializada no Estado de Goiás, Brasil, com 73 trabalhadores de instituições de saúde que sofreram acidente com material biológico entre julho e dezembro 2016. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se um questionário com perguntas sobre características relacionadas ao trabalho e ocorrência de acidentes. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados 32,9% dos trabalhadores referiram reincidência de acidente, destes, 20,8% referiram a não tomada de conduta padrão. Observou-se que 10,3% deles que tiveram recorrência de acidentes possuíam idade superior a 41 anos. A maioria dos trabalhadores (57,5%) referiu não ter recebido orientações sobre acidentes com materiais biológicos e medidas de prevenção pela instituição de atuação e, desconhecimento das medidas pertinentes após a ocorrência desses acidentes (52,1%). Observou-se associação positiva entre reincidência de acidente com material biológico e idade (RP: 1,04; p=0,023) e conhecimento de medidas preventivas após ocorrência de acidentes com materiais biológicos (RP: 3,77; p=0,002). Conclusão O conhecimento sobre medidas preventivas mostra-se eficaz para a segurança durante as atividades laborais, reduzindo os riscos de ocorrência de acidentes com materiais biológicos a que os trabalhadores estão expostos.

ABSTRACT Objective To verify the characteristics of the incidence and recurrence of work accidents with biological material and its relation with knowledge about standard precautionary standards. Methods A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional and quantitative study carried out at the Specialized Assistance Service in the State of Goias, Brazil, with 73 workers from health institutions who suffered an accident with biological material between July and December 2016. For data collection, a questionnaire was used with questions about characteristics related to work and the occurrence of accidents. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results 32,9% of the workers reported recurrence of an accident, of these, 20,8% referred to non-standard conduct. It was observed that 10,3% of those who had a recurrence of accidents were older than 41 years. The majority of the workers (57,5%) reported not having received guidance on accidents with biological materials and prevention measures by the institution, and lack of knowledge of the relevant measures after these accidents occurred (52,1%). There was a positive association between recurrence of accidents with biological material and age (RP: 1,04, p=0,023) and knowledge of preventive measures after accidents with biological materials (RP: 3,77, p=0,002). Conclusion Knowledge about preventive measures is effective for safety during work activities, reducing the risk of accidents with biological materials to which workers are exposed.

RESUMEN Objetivo Verificar las características de la incidencia y reincidencia de accidentes de trabajo con material biológico y su relación con el conocimiento sobre normas de precaución estándar. Método Estudio descriptivo-analítico, transversal y cuantitativo, realizado en el Servicio de Asistencia Especializada en el Estado de Goiás, Brasil, con 73 trabajadores de instituciones de salud que sufrieron accidente con material biológico entre julio y diciembre de 2016. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizó un cuestionario con preguntas sobre características relacionadas al trabajo y ocurrencia de accidentes. Los datos fueron analizados por medio de estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados 32,9% de los trabajadores refirieron reincidencia de accidentes. De estos, 20,8% refirieron la no toma de conducta estándar. Se observó que el 10,3% de ellos que tuvieron recurrencia de accidentes tenían una edad superior a 41 años. La mayoría de los trabajadores (57,5%) refirió no haber recibido directrices sobre accidentes con materiales biológicos y medidas de prevención por la institución de actuación y desconocimiento de las medidas pertinentes después de la ocurrencia de esos accidentes (52,1%). Se observó asociación positiva entre reincidencia de accidentes con material biológico y edad (RP: 1,04, p=0,023) y conocimiento de medidas preventivas después de ocurrencia de accidentes con materiales biológicos (RP: 3,77; p=0,002). Conclusión El conocimiento sobre medidas preventivas se muestra eficaz para la seguridad durante las actividades laborales, pues reduce los riesgos de ocurrencia de accidentes con materiales biológicos a los que los trabajadores están expuestos.

Human Toxocariasis: 2010 to 2020 Contributions from Brazilian Researchers.

This is a review of the published contributions made by Brazilian researchers between 2010 and 2020 on the natural history of human toxocariasis and the effects of human toxocariasis on nonhuman paratenic hosts.

Maternal protein restriction changes structural and metabolic gene expression in the skeletal muscle of aging offspring rats.

Maternal protein restriction affects postnatal skeletal muscle physiology with impacts that last through senility. To investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of skeletal muscle in aging rats subjected to maternal protein restriction, we used aged male rats (540 days old) born of dams fed a protein restricted diet (6% protein) during pregnancy and lactation. Using morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses, we evaluated the soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles, muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) (n=8), muscle fiber frequency (n=5) and the gene expression (n=8) of the oxidative markers (succinate dehydrogenase-Sdha and citrate synthase-CS) and the glycolytic marker (lactate dehydrogenase-Ldha). Global transcriptome analysis (n=3) was also performed to identify differentially regulated genes, followed by gene expression validation (n=8). The oxidative SOL muscle displayed a decrease in muscle fiber CSA (*p<0.05) and in the expression of oxidative metabolism marker Sdha (***p<0.001), upregulation of the anabolic Igf-1 (**p<0.01), structural Chad (**p<0.01), and Fmod (*p<0.05) genes, and downregulation of the Hspb7 (**p<0.01) gene. The glycolytic EDL muscle exhibited decreased IIA (*p<0.05) and increased IIB (*p<0.05) fiber frequency, and no changes in muscle fiber CSA or in the expression of oxidative metabolism genes. In contrast, the gene expression of Chad (**p<0.01) was upregulated and the Myog (**p<0.01) gene was downregulated. Collectively, our morphological, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses showed that maternal protein restriction induced changes in the expression of metabolic, anabolic, myogenic, and structural genes, mainly in the oxidative SOL muscle, in aged offspring rats.

Corydoras fulleri (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae), a new catfish species from the rio Madeira basin, Peru.

A new long-snouted Corydoras species is described from two tributaries of the río Manuripe and a tributary of the río Madre de Dios, rio Madeira basin, Peru. Corydoras fulleri can be distinguished from its congeners by having the following features: (a) branch of the temporal sensory canal at sphenotic, which gives rise to the supraorbital canal, with two pores; (b) upper tooth plate of branchial arch with three series of teeth; (c) area at the corner of the mouth, ventral to the maxillary barbel, with a small fleshy flap; (d) two moderate-sized dark-brown or black blotches on caudal-fin base, one on its lateral portion and another one on its dorsal portion, blotches variably diffuse and/or fused with each other; (e) absence of a dark-brown or black stripe transversally crossing the orbit; (f) a longitudinal dark-brown or black stripe on the postdorsal region of flank midline, variably fused with the lateral peduncular blotch, some specimens with slender, longitudinally elongated, dark-brown or black blotch on flank midline, forming a dash-like marking, stripe or dash-like blotch diffuse in some specimens; and (g) region around dorsal-fin origin generally lacking dark brown or black blotch, or displaying diffuse blotch.

Treatment of halitosis with photodynamic therapy in older adults with complete dentures: A randomized, controlled, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Halitosis of oral origin is mainly caused by the release of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) by bacteria lodged on the tongue. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has been evaluated for the treatment of halitosis, but there are no previous reports of the use of this treatment modality in older people with dentures. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of aPDT and tongue scraping (standard treatment) in older people with complete dentures diagnosed with halitosis (H2S gas concentration>112 ppb). METHODS: The participants were divided into two groups: G1- treatment with a tongue scraper (n = 20); G2- treatment with aPDT (n = 20). Halimeter testing was performed before and after treatments using gas chromatography and was repeated after seven days. RESULTS: After treatment, the group treated with aPDT had a lower mean concentration of H2S gas (18.5 ppb) than the tongue scraping group (185.3 ppb). After one week, the mean concentration of H2S increased to 218.2 ppb in the tongue scraping group and 39 ppb in the PDT group. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were able to reduce the concentration of H2S but only treatment with aPDT was able to decrease halitosis to socially unnoticeable levels. Moreover, this normal breath condition remained for seven days only in the aPDT group.

Preditores associados à qualidade de vida no trabalho de docentes da universidade pública / Predictors associated with the quality of life at work of public university teachers / Predictores asociados a la calidad de vida en el trabajo de los profesores de la universidad pública

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar os fatores preditores associados à percepção dos docentes sobre sua Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho na universidade pública. Método Estudo descritivo-analítico, transversal, quantitativo, realizado com 91 docentes de diversas áreas de uma universidade pública do sudoeste Goiano, Brasil. Para estimar os fatores preditores utilizou-se o Total Quality of Work Life -42 e um questionário de caracterização sóciodemográfica e laboral. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o programa STATA 14.0. Resultados As dimensões avaliadas na Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho foram consideradas satisfatórias, destacando-se uma melhor pontuação na dimensão psicológica comportamental. Na análise bivariada dos potenciais fatores associados à Qualidade de Vida Geral no Trabalho constatou-se significância com o título acadêmico (p=0,005), o problema de saúde relacionado ao trabalho (p<0,001), a reserva de tempo de lazer (p<0,001), a satisfação com a condição física, psicológica e social (p<0,001) e a idade (p=0,024). Na análise de regressão, o tempo de trabalho na instituição (p=-0,15; p=0,039), os problemas de saúde relacionado ao trabalho (p=-0,44; p<0,001) foram preditores decrescente para uma boa Qualidade de Vida Geral, enquanto que a satisfação com sua condição física, psíquica e social (p=0,30; p<0,001) e possuir o título de doutor se mostrou como preditor crescente (P=0,20; p=0,046). Conclusão Os docentes possuem uma avaliação satisfatória da sua Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho, entretanto alguns fatores preditores pontuam elementos que interferem na QVT e percepção da saúde em seu ambiente laboral.

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the predictive factors associated with the teachers' perception of their Quality of Life at Work at the public university. Method Descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted with 91 professors from different areas of a public university in southwest Goiás, Brazil. To estimate the predictive factors, Total Quality of Work Life -42 and a socio-demographic and labor characterization questionnaire were used. For statistical analysis, the STATA program was used. Results The dimensions assessed in the Quality of Life at Work were considered satisfactory, with a better score in the psychological behavioral dimension. In the bivariate analysis of the potential factors associated with the General Quality of Life at Work, significance was found with the academic title (p=0,005), the work-related health problem (p<0,001), the leisure time reserve (p<0,001), satisfaction with physical, psychological and social condition (p<0,001) and age (p=0,024). In the regression analysis, length of service at the institution (p=-0.15; p=0.039), work-related health problems (p=-0.44; p<0.001) were decreasing predictors of good General Quality of Life, while satisfaction with their physical, mental and social condition (p=0.30; p<0.001) and having a PhD degree is shown as an increasing predictor (p=0.20; p=0.046). Conclusion Teachers have a satisfactory assessment of their Quality of Life at Work, however some predictive factors punctuate elements that interfere with QWL and health perception in their work environment.

RESUMEN Objetivo Analizar los factores predictivos asociados con la percepción de los docentes sobre su calidad de vida en el trabajo en la universidad pública. Método Estudio descriptivo-analítico, transversal, cuantitativo, realizado con 91 profesores de diferentes áreas de una universidad pública en el suroeste de Goiás, Brasil. Para estimar los factores predictivos, se utilizó la calidad total de la vida laboral-42 y un cuestionario de caracterización sociodemográfica y laboral. Para el análisis estadístico, se utilizó el programa STATA. Resultados Las dimensiones evaluadas en la calidad de vida en el trabajo se consideraron satisfactorias, con una mejor puntuación en la dimensión psicológica del comportamiento. En el análisis bivariado de los factores potenciales asociados con la calidad de vida general en el trabajo, se encontró significación con el título académico (p=0,005), el problema de salud relacionado con el trabajo (p<0,001), la reserva de tiempo libre (p<0,001), satisfacción con la condición física, psicológica y social (p<0,001) y la edad (p=0,024). En el análisis de regresión, el tiempo de servicio en la institución (P=-0,15; p=0,039), los problemas de salud relacionados con el trabajo (P=-0,44; p<0,001) fueron predictores decrecientes de buena calidad de vida general, mientras que la satisfacción con su condición física, mental y social (P=0,30; p<0,001) y tener un doctorado se muestra como un predictor creciente (P=0,20; p=0,046). Conclusión Los docentes tienen una evaluación satisfactoria de su calidad de vida en el trabajo. Sin embargo, algunos factores predictivos puntúan los elementos que interfieren en la calidad de vida y la percepción de la salud en su entorno laboral.