Cognitive impairments associated with chemotherapy in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis and meta-regression.

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for breast cancer (BC). However, there is evidence of side effects like cognitive changes related to the chemotherapy treatment. The aim of the study was not only to summarize the existing evidence on the relationship between chemotherapy and cognitive performance in women with BC but also to identify additional consequences and aspects associated with these impairments. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression to present updated information on the matter. We retrieved data from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Twenty studies comprising over 2,500 women were examined and the results indicated that chemotherapy can compromise cognition in women with BC (-1.10 OR [95%CI: -1.81 to -0.74], P<0.01), with working memory (-0.49 OR [95%CI: -0.85 to -0.13], P=0.03) being the most affected among the domains. Furthermore, additional data indicated that cognitive impairment is most likely amid women with BC having a lower education level (Q=4.85, P=0.02). Our results suggested that chemotherapy affects cognitive functions in women with BC, and certain characteristics can worsen the deterioration. A comprehensive study of women with breast cancer and existing predictors contributes to optimized personal journeys, elevated life prospects, and advanced care that can also aid prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

Bioactivity of substances isolated from natural products on mollusks Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) (Planorbidae): a review.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic worms of several species of the genus Schistosoma. Transmission occurs by parasitic larvae that stay in freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria. Thus, the search for new products that are biodegradable has increased the interest in products of plant origin. The aim of this article is to review the isolated substances from natural products that showed molluscicidal activity against the species Biomphalaria glabrata in order to reevaluate the most promising prototypes and update the progress of research to obtain a new molluscicide. We perform searches using scientific databases, such as Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Google schoolar, PUBMED, Web of Science and Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS). From 2000 to 2022, using the keywords "isolated substances", "molluscicidal activity" and "Biomphalaria glabrata". In the present study, it was possible to observe 19 promising molluscicidal molecules with a lethal concentration below 20 µg/mL. Of these promising isolates, only 5 isolates had the CL90 calculated and within the value recommended by WHO: Benzoic acid, 2',4',6'-Trihydroxydihydrochalcone, Divaricatic acid, Piplartine and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Lapachol). We conclude that beyond a few results in the area, the researches don't follow the methodological pattern (exposure time and measure units, toxicity test), in this way, as they don't follow a pattern on the result's exposure (LC), not following, in sum, the recommended by WHO.

Cognitive impairments associated with chemotherapy in women with breast cancer: a meta-analysis and meta-regression

Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for breast cancer (BC). However, there is evidence of side effects like cognitive changes related to the chemotherapy treatment. The aim of the study was not only to summarize the existing evidence on the relationship between chemotherapy and cognitive performance in women with BC but also to identify additional consequences and aspects associated with these impairments. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression to present updated information on the matter. We retrieved data from the databases PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Twenty studies comprising over 2,500 women were examined and the results indicated that chemotherapy can compromise cognition in women with BC (-1.10 OR [95%CI: -1.81 to -0.74], P<0.01), with working memory (-0.49 OR [95%CI: -0.85 to -0.13], P=0.03) being the most affected among the domains. Furthermore, additional data indicated that cognitive impairment is most likely amid women with BC having a lower education level (Q=4.85, P=0.02). Our results suggested that chemotherapy affects cognitive functions in women with BC, and certain characteristics can worsen the deterioration. A comprehensive study of women with breast cancer and existing predictors contributes to optimized personal journeys, elevated life prospects, and advanced care that can also aid prognosis and therapeutic approaches.

Polycystic ovary syndrome: clinical and laboratory variables related to new phenotypes using machine-learning models.

PURPOSE: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most frequent endocrinopathy in women of reproductive age. Machine learning (ML) is the area of artificial intelligence with a focus on predictive computing algorithms. We aimed to define the most relevant clinical and laboratory variables related to PCOS diagnosis, and to stratify patients into different phenotypic groups (clusters) using ML algorithms. METHODS: Variables from a database comparing 72 patients with PCOS and 73 healthy women were included. The BorutaShap method, followed by the Random Forest algorithm, was applied to prediction and clustering of PCOS. RESULTS: Among the 58 variables investigated, the algorithm selected in decreasing order of importance: lipid accumulation product (LAP); abdominal circumference; thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) levels; body mass index (BMI); C-reactive protein (CRP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and insulin levels; HOMA-IR value; age; prolactin, 17-OH progesterone and triglycerides levels; and family history of diabetes mellitus in first-degree relative as the variables associated to PCOS diagnosis. The combined use of these variables by the algorithm showed an accuracy of 86% and area under the ROC curve of 97%. Next, PCOS patients were gathered into two clusters in the first, the patients had higher BMI, abdominal circumference, LAP and HOMA-IR index, as well as CRP and insulin levels compared to the other cluster. CONCLUSION: The developed algorithm could be applied to select more important clinical and biochemical variables related to PCOS and to classify into phenotypically different clusters. These results could guide more personalized and effective approaches to the treatment of PCOS.

Familial hypercholesterolemia: Is there a role for PCSK9 and thrombin generation?

INTRODUCTION: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease. The prevalence of FH has previously been reported as 1 in 500 in the general population. This study aimed to evaluate the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) levels, lipid profile and thrombin generation in FH patients undergoing treatment or not. METHODS: Eighty individuals with FH were selected and distributed in 2 groups: individuals treated with statins alone or conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) (T = 53) and those non treated (NT = 27). PCSK9 levels were determined by ELISA, the lipid profile by colorimetric enzyme method and thrombin generation assay (TGA) by CAT method. RESULTS: Individuals treated with conjugate therapy (statin + ezetimibe) showed a significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and in the potential for thrombin generation (ETP with low and high concentration of tissue factor), compared to the treated individuals with monotherapy (statins). PCSK9 was positively correlated with increased levels of TC, LDLc and triglycerides, while TGA parameters were positively correlated with PCSK9 and lipid profile. CONCLUSION: PCSK9 levels appear to be associated with components of the lipid and hemostatic profiles, in addition to being influenced by age. In general, our findings suggest that combined therapy for the treatment of FH is associated with a significant improvement in both lipid and hemostatic profiles assessed by TGA, suggesting a reduction in atherogenic and thrombogenic risks and, therefore, more promising compared to the use of statin monotherapy.

Reducing prepartum urine pH by supplementing anionic feed ingredients: Effects on physiological and productive responses of Holstein × Gir cows.

This study compared physiological and productive parameters in 3/4 Holstein × 1/4 Gir dairy cows receiving a prepartum concentrate containing ammonium chloride to reduce urine pH near 7.0 (CON; n = 17), or a commercial anionic supplement to reduce urine pH near 6.0 (SUPP; n = 17). Nonlactating, multiparous, pregnant cows were assigned to receive SUPP or CON beginning 21 d before expected date of calving. Cows were maintained in a single drylot pen with ad libitum access to corn silage, and individually received their prepartum concentrate once daily (0800 h) before calving. Cows from both treatments completely consumed their concentrate allocation within 30 min after feeding. Cow body weight and body condition score were recorded once weekly, urine pH measured every 3 d, and blood samples collected on d -21, -14, -9, -6, and -3 relative to expected calving date. After calving (d 0), cows were moved to an adjacent drylot pen with ad libitum access to water and a total mixed ration, and were milked twice daily (0600 and 1700 h). Cow body weight and body condition score were recorded once weekly and individual milk production was recorded daily until 30 d in milk (DIM). Blood samples were collected before each milking during the first 5 DIM, as well as at 6, 9, 16, 23, and 30 DIM before the morning milking. Based on actual calving dates, cows received SUPP or CON for (mean ± standard error) 19.2 ± 1.2 and 19.0 ± 0.9 d before calving, respectively. Urine pH was less in SUPP versus CON cows during the last 15 d of gestation (6.12 vs. 7.15, respectively). Milk yield during the first 5 DIM and throughout the experimental period was greater in SUPP versus CON cows (by 20 and 14%, respectively), whereas serum Ca concentrations did not differ between treatments during the first 5 DIM. Serum concentrations of fatty acids were greater in SUPP versus CON cows 3 d before and at calving (by 52 and 22%, respectively), whereas SUPP cows had lower serum glucose and cortisol concentration at calving (by 23 and 27%, respectively). Hence, the SUPP treatment decreased prepartum urine pH near 6.0 in Holstein × Gir dairy cows without depressing concentrate intake compared with CON, although total dry matter intake was not evaluated to fully investigate feed intake responses. Moreover, the SUPP treatment transiently affected serum glucose, fatty acids, and cortisol concentrations near the time of calving, and resulted in greater milk yield during the initial 30 DIM compared with CON.

Microparticles: Inflammatory and haemostatic biomarkers in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is associated with a chronic low-grade inflammation and predisposition to hemostatic and atherosclerotic complications. This case-control study evaluated the microparticles (MPs) profile in patients with the PCOS and related these MPs to clinical and biochemical parameters. MPs derived from platelets (PMPs), leuckocytes (LMPs) and endothelial cells (EMPs) were evaluated, as well as MPs expressing tissue factor (TFMPs), by flow cytometry, comparing women with PCOS (n = 50) and a healthy control group (n = 50). PCOS women presented increased total MPs, PMPs, LMPs and EMPs levels when compared to control group (all p < 0.05). TFMPs was similar between the groups (p = 0.379). In conclusion, these MPs populations could be useful biomarkers for association with thrombosis and cardiovascular disease in PCOS women.

Anxiety-like responses induced by nitric oxide within the BNST in mice: Role of CRF1 and NMDA receptors.

It has been shown that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of rats contains nitrergic neurons, which are activated during animal exposure to aversive stimuli. The BNST is also populated by glutamatergic and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRFergic) neurons, which in turn are activated under stressful situations. Here we investigated the anxiogenic-like effects of intra-BNST injections of a nitric oxide (NO) donor, NOC-9 in mice. The role of CRFergic and glutamatergic systems on defensive behavior induced by NOC-9 was investigated with previous intra-BNST infusion of different doses of CP376395, a CRF type 1 receptor antagonist (CRF1), or AP-7, an NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor antagonist. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed immediately and 5 min after intra-BNST drug injection, exposing mice to a novel arena and to the elevated plus-maze (EPM; an anxiogenic situation). Results showed that NOC-9 provoked a short period (≈ 150 s) of freezing behavior in the novel arena and increased anxiety in the EPM. Both CP and AP-7 attenuated the anxiogenic-like effects of NOC-9 in the EPM without changing freezing behavior in the novel arena. When given alone (i.e. without prior intra-BNST injection of NOC-9), AP-7 (0.20 nmol), but not CP (0.75, 1.50, or 3.00 nmol), attenuated anxiety in mice exposed to the EPM. These results suggest that CRF1 and NMDA receptors located within the BNST differentially modulate aversive effects induced by NO production in this limbic forebrain structure.

Expression of PCA3 and PSA genes as a biomarker for differential diagnosis of nodular hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

We evaluated the expression of the PCA3 gene in urine from patients with nodular hyperplasia/benign prostatic hyperplasia (PNH) or adenocarcinoma type prostate cancer (PCa).The study included 59 men: 22 with PCa, 26 with PNH, and 11 with no alterations (controls). Patients' urine was collected following prostatic massage and quantified by quantitative real-time PCR for prostate cancer antigen 3 gene (PCA3) and prostate-specific antigen gene (PSA) expression with the ACTB gene for normalization. PCA3 gene expression was detected in 16 patients with PCa and 4 with PNH; in the control group, there was no expression of the gene. No significant difference was observed in the mean levels of PCA3 and PSA expression, the PCA3/PSA ratio, and the total PSA levels when the groups of patients with PCa and PNH were compared. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.625, 0.596, 0.559, and 0.503 for PCA3 and PSA expression, the PCA3/PSA ratio, and total PSA levels, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCA3 test were 73 and 85%, respectively. Considering the estimated cutoff values (0.2219 and 0.5007 for PCA3 and PCA3/PSA, respectively), we observed a significant difference between the frequency of individuals with values above in the PCa group compared with the PNH group (P < 0.001). We conclude that the qualitative PCA3 test could be applied to initial screening for differentiation between individuals with PCa or PNH and those without prostate changes.

Leptin in Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of progressive dementia in the elderly population. AD is histologically characterized by accumulation of amyloid-ß protein (Aß) on extracellular plaques and deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau protein in intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Several studies have shown that obesity may precede dementia and that lifestyle factors play a critical role in the onset of AD. Furthermore, accumulating evidence indicates that obesity is an independent risk factor for developing AD. In this scenario, the understanding of the role of adipose tissue in brain health is essential to clarify the establishment of demential processes. The objective of this work was to review studies regarding leptin, an anorexigenic peptide hormone synthesized in adipocytes, in the context of dementia. Some authors proposed that leptin evaluation might be a better predictor of dementia than traditional anthropometric measures. Leptin, once established as a biomarker, could enhance the understanding of late-onset AD risk over the life course, as well as the clinical progression of prodromal state to manifested AD. Other studies have proposed that leptin presents neuroprotective activities, which could be explained by inhibiting the amyloidogenic process, reducing the levels of tau protein phosphorylation and improving the cognitive function.

Association of a Large Panel of Cytokine Gene Polymorphisms with Complications and Comorbidities in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

AIMS: The polymorphisms of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines may be involved in type 2 diabetes (T2D) pathogenesis and its complications. METHODS: We investigated in 102 T2D patients the association of the cytokine polymorphisms in the TNF-α, IL-10, IL-6, TGF-ß1, and IFN-γ genes with the T2D microvascular complications and comorbidities (hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity). Cytokine genotypes were determined by PCR using Cytokine Genotyping Tray kit. RESULTS: Diabetic retinopathy was associated with GG genotype and G allele in TGF-ß1 codon 25C/G polymorphism (p = 0.004 and p = 0.018) and the nephropathy was associated the lower frequency of GG genotype in IL-10 -1082G/A polymorphism (p = 0.049). Hypertension was associated with the CC genotype and C allele for IL-10 -592C/A polymorphism (p = 0.013 and p = 0.009) and higher frequencies of T (p = 0.047) and C (p = 0.033) alleles of the TGF-ß1 codon 10T/C and IL-10 -819T/C polymorphisms, respectively. The TGF-ß1 codon 10T/C polymorphism was associated with the BMI groups (p = 0.026): the CC genotype was more frequent in the group with BMI < 25 Kg/m(2), while the TC genotype was more frequent in the group with BMI = 30 Kg/m(2). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that TGF-ß1 and IL-10 polymorphisms are involved in complications and comorbidities in T2D patients.

Estrogen receptor αlpha gene (ESR1) PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms are associated to metabolic and proinflammatory factors in polycystic ovary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder that involves multiple factors. Although the etiology of PCOS is unknown, there is an involvement of sex steroid hormones in the pathophysiology of this syndrome. Therefore, polymorphisms in genes involved in the action of estrogen may contribute to a woman's susceptibility to PCOS. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between the polymorphisms PvuII and XbaI in the estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) gene and the occurrence of PCOS. The study also aimed to assess the influence of these polymorphisms on the metabolic and inflammatory profiles of women with PCOS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case-control study included 99 women with PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, and 104 age-matched healthy women. The polymorphisms were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: No association between the ESR1 gene polymorphisms and the presence of PCOS was observed. However, we found associations between the PvuII polymorphism and C-reactive protein levels, testosterone levels, family history of diabetes, and waist circumference. The XbaI polymorphism was associated with fasting glucose and a family history of hypertension. CONCLUSION: These polymorphisms are not associated with PCOS development, but they are involved in the phenotype of complications of the syndrome. Therefore, prior knowledge of these genomic variants might contribute to taking preventive measures that could delay the metabolic and reproductive complications commonly seen in women with PCOS.

Correlation between plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) promoter 4G/5G polymorphism and metabolic/proinflammatory factors in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of subfertility associated to metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to correlate metabolic and proinflammatory factors in women with PCOS. The frequency of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) promoter 4 G/5 G polymorphism was also compared to healthy controls. We evaluated 79 PCOS and 79 healthy women. PAI-1 levels are positively correlated with proinflammatory factors in PCOS group. 4 G allele in PAI-1 gene was more frequent in PCOS and the 4G/4 G genotype was associated with increased PAI-1 levels. A correlation between insulin resistance and proinflammatory and overweight was also observed. C-reactive protein, serum levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and vitamin D are good tools to evaluated factors associated to cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.

Fibrinolytic system in preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a multi-system disorder of human pregnancy characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, predisposition to endothelial dysfunction is thought to play a crucial part. Normotensive pregnancy is associated with increases in coagulation factor levels and decreases in natural anticoagulation, leading to a hypercoagulable state. This state is thought to be part of a complex physiological adaptation, which ensures rapid and effective control of bleeding from the placental site at the time of placental separation. In PE, a more pronounced exacerbation of the hypercoagulable state is noticed, compared to normotensive pregnancy. Activation of coagulation in PE occurs at an early stage of the disease and often antedates the clinical symptoms. It is known that PE is associated with fibrin deposition in the kidney glomerulus, and in fatal cases, widespread fibrin deposition has been a prominent histological finding. Related to the fibrinolytic system in PE, the state of the art allows the assumption that blood coagulation overlaps the fibrinolytic regulatory mechanism, since fibrin deposition in maternal microcirculation is usually found in PE. However, there is still no consensus about its specific role. This review aims to discuss the fibrinolytic system in PE and its potential implications to the pathogenesis of this disease.

Cryopreservation does not alter karyotype, multipotency, or NANOG/SOX2 gene expression of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stem cells.

Cryopreservation of mesenchymal stem cells from amniotic fluid is of clinical importance, as these cells can be harvested during the prenatal period and stored for use in treatments. We examined the behavior of mesenchymal stem cells from human amniotic fluid in culture that had been subjected to cryopreservation. We assessed chromosomal stability through karyotype analysis, determined whether multipotent capacity (differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic cells) is maintained, and analyzed SOX2 and NANOG expression after thawing. Five amniotic fluid samples were cryopreserved for 150 days. No chromosomal aberrations were observed. The expression levels of NANOG and SOX2 also were quite similar before and after cryopreservation. Capacity for differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic tissues also remained the same. We conclude that cryopreservation of amniotic fluid does not alter karyotype, NANOG/SOX2 gene expression, or multipotent capacity of stem cells that have been collected from amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

Contrasting effects of nitric oxide and corticotropin- releasing factor within the dorsal periaqueductal gray on defensive behavior and nociception in mice

The anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation within the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) matter have been related to nitric oxide (NO) production, since injection of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors reverses these effects. dPAG corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFr) activation also induces anxiety-like behavior and antinociception, which, in turn, are selectively blocked by local infusion of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRFr1) antagonist, NBI 27914 [5-chloro-4-(N-(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino)-2-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)aminopyridine]. Here, we determined whether i) the blockade of the dPAG by CRFr1 attenuates the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by local infusion of the NO donor, NOC-9 [6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazino)-N-methyl-1-hexanamine], and ii) the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by intra-dPAG CRF are prevented by local infusion of Nω-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA), a neuronal NOS inhibitor, in mice. Male Swiss mice (12 weeks old, 25-35 g, N = 8-14/group) were stereotaxically implanted with a 7-mm cannula aimed at the dPAG. Intra-dPAG NOC-9 (75 nmol) produced defensive-like behavior (jumping and running) and antinociception (assessed by the formalin test). Both effects were reversed by prior local infusion of NBI 27914 (2 nmol). Conversely, intra-dPAG NPLA (0.4 nmol) did not modify the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects of CRF (150 pmol). These results suggest that CRFr1 plays an important role in the defensive behavior and antinociception produced by NO within the dPAG. In contrast, the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by intra-dPAG CRF are not related to NO synthesis in this limbic midbrain structure.

Contrasting effects of nitric oxide and corticotropin- releasing factor within the dorsal periaqueductal gray on defensive behavior and nociception in mice.

The anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation within the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) matter have been related to nitric oxide (NO) production, since injection of NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors reverses these effects. dPAG corticotropin-releasing factor receptor (CRFr) activation also induces anxiety-like behavior and antinociception, which, in turn, are selectively blocked by local infusion of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRFr1) antagonist, NBI 27914 [5-chloro-4-(N-(cyclopropyl)methyl-N-propylamino)-2-methyl-6-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)aminopyridine]. Here, we determined whether i) the blockade of the dPAG by CRFr1 attenuates the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by local infusion of the NO donor, NOC-9 [6-(2-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-nitrosohydrazino)-N-methyl-1-hexanamine], and ii) the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects induced by intra-dPAG CRF are prevented by local infusion of N(ω)-propyl-L-arginine (NPLA), a neuronal NOS inhibitor, in mice. Male Swiss mice (12 weeks old, 25-35 g, N = 8-14/group) were stereotaxically implanted with a 7-mm cannula aimed at the dPAG. Intra-dPAG NOC-9 (75 nmol) produced defensive-like behavior (jumping and running) and antinociception (assessed by the formalin test). Both effects were reversed by prior local infusion of NBI 27914 (2 nmol). Conversely, intra-dPAG NPLA (0.4 nmol) did not modify the anxiogenic/antinociceptive effects of CRF (150 pmol). These results suggest that CRFr1 plays an important role in the defensive behavior and antinociception produced by NO within the dPAG. In contrast, the anxiogenic and antinociceptive effects produced by intra-dPAG CRF are not related to NO synthesis in this limbic midbrain structure.

Efeito de sistemas de consórcio e inseticida na formação dos estômatos em plântulas de erva-doce (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. ) / Effects of intercropping systems and insecticide in formation of stomata in fennel seedlings

Foeniculum vulgare Mill., pertencente à família Apiacea, é conhecida como erva-doce e apresenta grande importância medicinal e comercial, tanto no Brasil como em vários outros países. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa, estudar o desenvolvimento dos estômatos em plântulas de F. vulgare oriundas de sementes produzidas em sistemas de consórcio erva-doce X algodão e com aplicação do inseticida monocrotofós. A erva-doce foi cultivada em consórcio com algodão colorido cultivar BRS Safira, sendo utilizados os seguintes tratamentos: 1A2E, uma fileira de algodão e duas de erva-doce; 2A1E, duas fileiras de algodão e uma de erva-doce; ES, erva-doce solteira; onde foram distribuídos com e sem aplicação de inseticida, totalizando seis tratamentos. As sementes colhidas foram semeadas em areia e mantidas em casa de vegetação por 25 dias. Partes das plântulas (zona de transição, caule, cotilédones e folhas) foram seccionadas à mão livre, coradas e montadas em lâminas com glicerina para observação em microscópio. Foram avaliadas as seguintes características: número de estômatos, diâmetro polar e equatorial dos estômatos e número de cloroplastos nas células-guarda. Os dados foram analisados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e distribuídos em arranjo fatorial 3X2; sendo realizado teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Na zona de transição e no caule observou-se aumento do número e do diâmetro polar dos estômatos quando foram utilizados sistemas de consórcio. Nos cotilédones, a erva-doce solteira proporcionou maior número de estômatos, porém com menor diâmetro e com menor quantidade de cloroplastos. Já na folha, os consórcios influenciaram positivamente o número de estômatos e de cloroplastos. De forma geral, os sistemas de consórcio e o inseticida influenciaram positivamente o desenvolvimento dos estômatos das plântulas de erva-doce.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill., belonging to the family Apiaceae, is known as fennel and has great medicinal and commercial importance, both in Brazil and in several other countries. The objective of this research was to study the development of stomata of F. vulgare seedlings grown from seeds produced in intercropping systems fennel and cotton, with application of insecticide monocrotophos. The fennel was grown in association with colored cotton BRS Safira, with the following treatments: 1A2E, one rows of cotton and two fennel; 2A1E, two rows of cotton and one fennel; ES, fennel single; were distributed with and without application of insecticide, total six treatments. The seeds were sown in sand and kept in a greenhouse for 25 days. Parts of seedlings (transition zone, stem, cotyledons and leaves) were cut freehand, stained and mounted on slides with glycerol for observation under microscope. Were evaluated the following characteristics: stomata number, polar and equatorial diameter of the stomata and chloroplasts number in guard cells. The data were analyzed in completely randomized and distributed in factorial 3x2, being conducted Tukey test at 5% probability. The transition zone and stem showed an increase of the stomata number and polar diameter the when consortium systems were used. In cotyledons, fennel single provided the highest stomata number, but with smaller diameter and fewer chloroplasts. In leaf, the consortia have positively influenced the stomata and chloroplasts number. In general, the intercropping systems and insecticide positively influenced the development of stomata in fennel plants.

Association of apoliprotein E polymorphisms and metabolic syndrome in subjects with extreme obesity.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been linked to metabolic syndrome (MS), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Polymorphisms of Apolipoprotein E have also been associated with increased CVD risk. Therefore, this study investigated the association between MS and Apo E polymorphisms. METHODS: We measured anthropometric and biochemical variables and determined the Apo E genotype of 147 grade III obese patients. RESULTS: The percentage of female subjects was 86.4%. The mean age and BMI of the subjects were 41 years and 53.5 kg/m(2), respectively. MS had been diagnosed in 79% of the subjects. The proportions of those exhibiting MS risk factors were as follows: 100% had a high BMI, 80% had hypertension, 65% had low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), 38% had diabetes, and 39% had hypertriglyceridemia. We found five genotypes for which the allelic distribution was different in the MS group compared to the general population. The ε4 allele was more frequent in the group with neither MS nor hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidly obese patients exhibited a higher incidence of MS and a different allelic distribution when compared with other populations. The ε4 allele was associated with the absence of MS and hypertension.