Effect of weight satisfaction on adolescent facial and dental satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To investigate if facial and dental satisfaction is related to body fat percentage and body weight satisfaction. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was applied to adolescents from a Private School in Southern Brazil containing sociodemographic (sex and age) and self-perception variables. Adolescents were asked about their perceptions concerning dental problems. Body fat percentage was collected using bioelectrical impedance analysis. RESULTS: A total of 372 adolescents were examined. Most adolescents were satisfied with their dental (81.7%) and facial appearance (87.6%), while 39% of adolescents were satisfied with their body weight. Poisson regression model showed that adolescents who expressed satisfaction with their body weight (PR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.06-1.19) and were satisfied with their dental appearance (PR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.08-1.41) exhibited a positive association with facial satisfaction. Adolescents dissatisfied with dental color (PR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80-0.97), those reporting dental pain (PR = 0.88, 95%CI 0.80-0.97), and individuals with obesity (PR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.83-0.99) demonstrated a decrease in facial satisfaction. Adolescents aged 16 to 19 years (PR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) and those satisfied with their facial appearance (PR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.01-1.43) exhibited a higher prevalence of dental satisfaction. Conversely, adolescents dissatisfied with dental color (PR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.66-0.82) and those with misaligned teeth (PR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.55-0.73) reported lower levels of dental satisfaction. Parametric g-formula analysis found that the association between body fat and facial satisfaction was mediated by body weight satisfaction (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While dental satisfaction was not influenced by corporeal characteristics, facial satisfaction was influenced by dental and body weight satisfaction. Obese adolescents had low facial satisfaction.

Reporting social behaviours of mixed-species troops formed by Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata (Primate, Callitrichidae).

In New World primates, mixed-species troops have been reported. Here, we analysed the performance of affiliative and agonistic behaviours of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata living in mixed groups. For this purpose, we recorded the interaction of the individuals from two groups located in Bauru city, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Our data show that in both groups, affiliative behaviours appeared more frequently than agonistic ones. We concluded that there is cohesion inside the mixed-species troops observed. We suggest that a deeper knowledge about the social behaviour of mixed-species troop species certainly may be useful in projects linked with the management of the impact caused by them.

Reporting social behaviours of mixed-species troops formed by Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata (Primate, Callitrichidae) / Comportamento social em grupos mistos de Callithrix jacchus e Callithrix penicillata (Primate, Callitrichidae)

In New World primates, mixed-species troops have been reported. Here, we analysed the performance of affiliative and agonistic behaviours of Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata living in mixed groups. For this purpose, we recorded the interaction of the individuals from two groups located in Bauru city, in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Our data show that in both groups, affiliative behaviours appeared more frequently than agonistic ones. We concluded that there is cohesion inside the mixed-species troops observed. We suggest that a deeper knowledge about the social behaviour of mixed-species troop species certainly may be useful in projects linked with the management of the impact caused by them.(AU)

Grupos mistos em espécies de primatas do Novo Mundo têm sido relatados. Aqui, nós avaliamos a emissão de comportamentos afiliativos e agonísticos em grupos mistos formados por Callithrix jacchus e Callithrix penicillata. Para tanto, registramos a interação de dois grupos, localizados no município de Bauru, Estado de São Paulo (Brasil). Nossos dados mostram que nos dois grupos a emissão de comportamentos afiliativos foi maior do que a de comportamentos agonísticos, indicando que há coesão dentro dos grupos mistos estudados. Sugerimos que um conhecimento mais elaborado sobre o comportamento social de grupos mistos pode ser útil em projetos de impactos causados por espécies invasoras.(AU)

Use of space by the Neotropical caviomorph rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

The objective of this study was to investigate some parameters of the space use by individuals in a population of the hystricognath rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Lund, 1839), using the spool-and-line tracking technique. This technique is useful for investigating characteristics of habitat use by individuals since it allows the mapping of the places where the individuals move. We evaluated three parameters of space use by 34 individuals of T. apereoides: 1) The daily home range (DHR) or the area used by individuals in their daily activities, 2) the distance moved on the leaf litter, and 3) the distance moved above ground using twigs, logs and rocks. The analysis of space use on such a small scale allows a better understanding of how individuals perceive and use the available space. The significant effect of age on DHR and the effect of the sex on the movements above ground were observed. Adult males had larger DHRs than adult females and subadults, and adult females showed the lowest displacement above ground. A statistically significant effect of the sex and seasonal period and the interaction between them was also observed on the size of DHRs of adults. During the dry season, females had lower DHRs than males and both females and males moved less on leaf litter in this season. There was no seasonal effect on the movement of males and females above ground, as well as no significant effect of age and sex on the movement of the individuals on leaf litter. We found that individuals responded differently to some aspects of the habitat structure and concluded that the pattern of movement is influenced by the sex and the age of the individuals and may vary according to ecological conditions.(AU)

Use of space by the Neotropical caviomorph rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

The objective of this study was to investigate some parameters of the space use by individuals in a population of the hystricognath rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Lund, 1839), using the spool-and-line tracking technique. This technique is useful for investigating characteristics of habitat use by individuals since it allows the mapping of the places where the individuals move. We evaluated three parameters of space use by 34 individuals of T. apereoides: 1) The daily home range (DHR) or the area used by individuals in their daily activities, 2) the distance moved on the leaf litter, and 3) the distance moved above ground using twigs, logs and rocks. The analysis of space use on such a small scale allows a better understanding of how individuals perceive and use the available space. The significant effect of age on DHR and the effect of the sex on the movements above ground were observed. Adult males had larger DHRs than adult females and subadults, and adult females showed the lowest displacement above ground. A statistically significant effect of the sex and seasonal period and the interaction between them was also observed on the size of DHRs of adults. During the dry season, females had lower DHRs than males and both females and males moved less on leaf litter in this season. There was no seasonal effect on the movement of males and females above ground, as well as no significant effect of age and sex on the movement of the individuals on leaf litter. We found that individuals responded differently to some aspects of the habitat structure and concluded that the pattern of movement is influenced by the sex and the age of the individuals and may vary according to ecological conditions.

Efficacy of epidural lidocaine combined with tramadol or neostigmine on perineal analgesia in the horse.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Short duration of analgesia is among the limitations of a single epidural injection with lidocaine in horses. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of epidural lidocaine in combination with either tramadol or neostigmine for perineal analgesia in horses. METHODS: Epidural catheters were placed in 6 saddle horses that then were given 3 treatments: 2% lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg bwt) alone, 2% lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg bwt) plus tramadol (0.5 mg/kg bwt), and 2% lidocaine (0.2 mg/kg bwt) plus neostigmine (1.0 µg/kg bwt). The order of treatments was randomised. Haemodynamic variables, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, analgesia, motor block and behaviour scores were compared among the 3 treatments. These parameters were determined before drug administration (baseline), at 5, 10, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min, and every 30 min thereafter until loss of analgesia. RESULTS: Duration of analgesia was longer with lidocaine plus tramadol (210 ± 12 min) compared with lidocaine plus neostigmine (150 ± 35 min) or lidocaine alone (70 ± 12 min; P<0.05). All treatments produced mild or moderate motor block without behavioural changes. Other adverse effects were not observed in any of the horses. CONCLUSION AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Further studies are required to demonstrate whether tramadol or neostigmine have a role in the management of post operative pain when coadministered with lidocaine.

Use of space by the Neotropical caviomorph rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

The objective of this study was to investigate some parameters of the space use by individuals in a population of the hystricognath rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Lund, 1839), using the spool-and-line tracking technique. This technique is useful for investigating characteristics of habitat use by individuals since it allows the mapping of the places where the individuals move. We evaluated three parameters of space use by 34 individuals of T. apereoides: 1) The daily home range (DHR) or the area used by individuals in their daily activities, 2) the distance moved on the leaf litter, and 3) the distance moved above ground using twigs, logs and rocks. The analysis of space use on such a small scale allows a better understanding of how individuals perceive and use the available space. The significant effect of age on DHR and the effect of the sex on the movements above ground were observed. Adult males had larger DHRs than adult females and subadults, and adult females showed the lowest displacement above ground. A statistically significant effect of the sex and seasonal period and the interaction between them was also observed on the size of DHRs of adults. During the dry season, females had lower DHRs than males and both females and males moved less on leaf litter in this season. There was no seasonal effect on the movement of males and females above ground, as well as no significant effect of age and sex on the movement of the individuals on leaf litter. We found that individuals responded differently to some aspects of the habitat structure and concluded that the pattern of movement is influenced by the sex and the age of the individuals and may vary according to ecological conditions.

High frequency of asymptomatic Leishmania spp. infection among HIV-infected patients living in endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil.

This study aims at estimating the prevalence of Leishmania infection among HIV-infected patients through the use of non-invasive tests. The study was conducted in three Infectious Diseases Services in two large Brazilian cities, both endemic areas for visceral leishmaniasis. Three hundred and eighty-one asymptomatic patients were enrolled whose ages ranged from 19 to 58 years old; 63.5% were men; mean TCD4+ was 380 cells/µl; and mean viral load was 153800 copies/ml. All individuals were tested for Leishmania infection through: ELISA using crude Leishmania infantum (ELISA), ELISA using the recombinant K39 antigen (rK39), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and PCR targeted to kDNA region. The tests' positivity were: 10.8% (ELISA), 3.9% (IFAT), 0.8% (rK39), 6.3% PCR and 20.2% (overall, at least one positive test), with no statistical correlation between positivity and clinical and laboratorial variables. Concordance among tests was low (Kappa <0.20). Prevalence of Leishmania asymptomatic infection was high in this population, reinforcing the need for attention in the evaluation of HIV patients from endemic areas. New efforts are needed to develop more specific and sensitive tests to diagnose Leishmania asymptomatic infection. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) seems to have a protective role against disease progression in co-infected individuals.

Valproic acid alters mitochondrial cholesterol transport in Y1 adrenocortical cells.

Several reports suggest putative interactions between valproic acid (VPA) treatment and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Given that VPA alters mitochondrial functions, an action of this drug on a mitochondrial process such as steroid synthesis in adrenal cells should be expected. In order to disclose a putative action of VPA on the adrenocortical cell itself we evaluated VPA effects on regulatory steps of the acute stimulation of steroidogenesis in Y1 adrenocortical cells. This study demonstrates that VPA increases progesterone production in non-stimulated cells without inducing the levels of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory (StAR) protein, which facilitates cholesterol transport. This result suggests that VPA increases mitochondrial cholesterol transport through a StAR-independent mechanism and is further supported by the fact that in isolated mitochondria VPA stimulates exogenous cholesterol metabolization to progesterone. VPA also reduces the cAMP-mediated increase of the StAR protein, mRNA levels, promoter activity and progesterone production. In summary, the present data show that VPA can alter steroid production in adrenal cells by a complex mechanism that mainly involves an action on cholesterol access to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The VPA-mediated increase of basal steroidogenesis could be linked to the increase of basal cortisolemia described in patients under VPA treatment.

Surgically assisted maxillary expansion in adults: prospective study.

The purpose of this research was to carry out a prospective clinical study of patients with transverse maxillary deficiency, orthopaedically expanded after minimum osteotomies of the zygomatic pillars and the median palatine suture, with quantitative assessment of the stability of the transverse dimensions of the maxilla. The distance between the superior canines and the first superior molars was measured six times during the clinical experiment. The desired expansion was achieved by 15 days postoperatively for all patients. After one year of follow-up, clinical measurements showed a relapse rate of 23% in the superior canine area and 18% in the superior first molar area.

Enzymes involved in arachidonic acid release in adrenal and Leydig cells.

Stimulation of receptors and subsequent signal transduction results in the activation of arachidonic acid (AA) release. Once AA is released from phospholipids or others esters, it may be metabolized via the cycloxygenase or the lipoxygenase pathways. How the cells drive AA to these pathways is not elucidated yet. It is reasonable to speculate that each pathway will have different sources of free AA triggered by different signal transduction pathways. Several reports have shown that AA and its lipoxygenase-catalyzed metabolites play essential roles in the regulation of steroidogenesis by influencing cholesterol transport from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane, the rate-limiting step in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Signals that stimulate steroidogenesis also cause the release of AA from phospholipids or other esters by mechanisms that are not fully understood. This review focuses on the enzymes of AA release that impact on steroidogenesis.

Isolation and intracellular localization of insulin-like proteins from leaves of Bauhinia variegata.

Evidence based on immunological cross-reactivity and anti-diabetic properties has suggested the presence of insulin-like peptides in plants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of insulin-like proteins in the leaves of Bauhinia variegata ("pata-de-vaca", "mororó"), a plant widely utilized in popular medicine as an anti-diabetic agent. We show that an insulin-like protein was present in the leaves of this plant. A chloroplast protein with a molecular mass similar to that of bovine insulin was extracted from 2-mm thick 15% SDS-PAGE gels and fractionated with a 2 x 24 cm Sephadex G-50 column. The activity of this insulin-like protein (0.48 mg/mL) on serum glucose levels of four-week-old Swiss albino (CF1) diabetic mice was similar to that of commercial swine insulin used as control. Further characterization of this molecule by reverse-phase hydrophobic HPLC chromatographic analysis as well as its antidiabetic activity on alloxan-induced mice showed that it has insulin-like properties. Immunolocalization of the insulin-like protein in the leaves of B. variegata was performed by transmission electron microscopy using a polyclonal anti-insulin human antibody. Localization in the leaf blades revealed that the insulin-like protein is present mainly in chloroplasts where it is also found associated with crystals which may be calcium oxalate. The presence of an insulin-like protein in chloroplasts may indicate its involvement in carbohydrate metabolism. This finding has strengthened our previous results and suggests that insulin-signaling pathways have been conserved through evolution.

Isolation and intracellular localization of insulin-like proteins from leaves of Bauhinia variegata

Evidence based on immunological cross-reactivity and anti-diabetic properties has suggested the presence of insulin-like peptides in plants. The objective of the present study was to investigate the presence of insulin-like proteins in the leaves of Bauhinia variegata ("pata-de-vaca", "mororó"), a plant widely utilized in popular medicine as an anti-diabetic agent. We show that an insulin-like protein was present in the leaves of this plant. A chloroplast protein with a molecular mass similar to that of bovine insulin was extracted from 2-mm thick 15 percent SDS-PAGE gels and fractionated with a 2 x 24 cm Sephadex G-50 column. The activity of this insulin-like protein (0.48 mg/mL) on serum glucose levels of four-week-old Swiss albino (CF1) diabetic mice was similar to that of commercial swine insulin used as control. Further characterization of this molecule by reverse-phase hydrophobic HPLC chromatographic analysis as well as its antidiabetic activity on alloxan-induced mice showed that it has insulin-like properties. Immunolocalization of the insulin-like protein in the leaves of B. variegata was performed by transmission electron microscopy using a polyclonal anti-insulin human antibody. Localization in the leaf blades revealed that the insulin-like protein is present mainly in chloroplasts where it is also found associated with crystals which may be calcium oxalate. The presence of an insulin-like protein in chloroplasts may indicate its involvement in carbohydrate metabolism. This finding has strengthened our previous results and suggests that insulin-signaling pathways have been conserved through evolution.

Antioxidant responses and oxidative stress after microcystin exposure in the hepatopancreas of an estuarine crab species.

Antioxidant responses and oxidative stress were evaluated in the hepatopancreas of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulatus (Decapoda, Brachyura) after oral microcystin administration. Responses were evaluated through antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase-(CAT), superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase- (GST)). Nonproteic sulfhydril (NP-SH) groups, oxygen consumption, lipid peroxides (LPO), and oxidized proteins were also measured. Microcystin administration increased the oxygen consumption. GST activity and NP-SH concentration showed transient increases and CAT activity showed a peak and then a reduction. Oxidative damage was evidenced with regard to LPO content and suggested by the inhibition of CAT activity at the end of the experiment, indicating that the antioxidant response induced by the toxin was insufficient. A lowering in the number of hepatopancreatic B cells should be related to microcystin elimination.

Antioxidant responses after microcystin exposure in gills of an estuarine crab species pre-treated with vitamin E.

Microcystins are hepatotoxins suspected to generate oxidative stress. This mechanism was evaluated in gills of the estuarine crab Chasmagnathus granulatus (Decapoda, Brachyura). Adult male crabs were fed ground beef with or without vitamin E (600 mg/kg). Microcystin (1.21 microg/kg) was daily administered through forced ingestion, for 7 days. After exposure, catalase activity was reduced in posterior gills of crabs supplemented with vitamin E. A lower increment in glutathione S-transferase activity (GST) was observed in organisms pretreated with vitamin E and then exposed to microcystin with respect to those exposed to the toxin but not pretreated with the vitamin. Pretreatment with vitamin E also increased nonproteic sulfhyrdil groups and this effect was not observed after microcystin exposure. The fact that supplementation with antioxidants such as vitamin E modulates GST activity indicates the direct or indirect involvement of microcystin in oxidative stress generation.

Arachidonic acid regulation of steroid synthesis: new partners in the signaling pathway of steroidogenic hormones.

Although the role of arachidonic acid (AA) in trophic hormone-stimulated steroid production in various steroidogenic cells is well documented, the mechanism responsible for AA release remains unknown. We have previously shown evidence of an alternative pathway of AA generation in steroidogenic tissues. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that, in steroidogenic cells, AA is released by the action of a mitochondrial acyl-CoA thioesterase (MTE-I). We have shown that recombinant MTE-I hydrolyses arachidonoyl-CoA to release free AA. An acyl-CoA synthetase specific for AA, acyl-CoA synthetase 4, has also been described in steroidogenic tissues. In the present study we investigate the new concept in the regulation of intracellular levels of AA, in which trophic hormones can release AA by mechanisms different from the classical PLA2-mediated pathway. Inhibition of ACS4 and MTE-I activity by triacsin C and NDGA, respectively results in a reduction of StAR mRNA and protein abundance. When both inhibitors are added together there is a synergistic effect in the inhibition of StAR mRNA, StAR protein levels and ACTH-stimulated steroid synthesis. The inhibition of steroidogenesis produced by the NDGA and triacsin C can be overcome by the addition of exogenous AA. In summary, results shown here demonstrate a critical role of the acyl-CoA synthetase and the acyl-CoA thioesterase in the regulation of AA release, StAR induction, and steroidogenesis. This further suggests a new concept in the regulation of intracellular distribution of AA through a mechanism different from the classical PLA2-mediated pathway that involves a hormone-induced acyl-CoA synthetase and a hormone-regulated acyl-CoA thioesterase.

Molecular events triggered by heat shock in Y1 adrenocortical cells.

Several stimuli, including stress conditions, promote the activation of MAP kinases family members (ERK1/2, JNK, p38). In turn, these enzymes regulate several cellular functions. Given that MAPK activation requires the phosphorylation of these proteins, their inactivation depends on the activity of specific phosphatases. MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a phosphatase specifically involved in the inactivation of MAPK family members, is induced by mitogenic stimuli and stress conditions. Here we describe the effect of heat shock (HS), 10 min, 45 degrees C, on MAPKs activities and MKP-1 mRNA and protein levels in Y1 adrenocortical cells. Western blot analysis performed with antibodies against the phosphorylated forms of ERK1/2 and JNK revealed that HS produced the rapid activation of these kinases. Their inactivation was also a rapid event and occurred together with the increase of MKP-1 protein levels detected by Western blot analysis. In addition, the effect of HS on MKP-1 protein levels seems to be exerted at the transcriptional level, since the amount of its mRNA in heat shocked cells was higher than in nonheated cells. Comparison of the temporal profiles of MKP-1 protein induction and MAPKs phospho-dephosphorylation suggests that MKP-1 induction could contribute to ERK1/2 and JNK inactivation after HS.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases are involved in LH/chorionic gonadotropin and 8Br-cAMP regulation of steroidogenesis and StAR protein levels in MA-10 Leydig cells.

The LH signal transduction pathway features the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) as one of the components of a cascade that includes other well characterized events such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) activation. Moreover, the action of PTPs is required to increase the rate-limiting step in steroid biosynthesis, namely the cAMP-regulated transfer of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Since both PKA activity and steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein induction are obligatory steps in this transfer of cholesterol, the present study was performed to investigate the role of PTPs in the regulation of PKA activity and StAR expression in response to LH/chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and 8Br-cAMP in MA-10 cells. While the exposure of MA-10 cells to the PTP inhibitor, phenylarsine oxide (PAO), did not modify PKA activity, it partially inhibited the effect of human CG and cAMP analog on StAR protein levels. Time-course studies demonstrated that PAO inhibited cAMP induction of StAR protein and mRNA. At 30 min, the effect on cAMP-stimulated StAR protein levels was a 35% inhibition, progressing to up to 90% inhibition at 120 min of stimulation. The maximal inhibitory effect on cAMP-induced StAR mRNA level was obtained at 60 min (85%). In summary, these results demonstrate that inhibition of PTP activity affected both StAR protein and mRNA synthesis and suggest that the activity of hormone-regulated PTPs is a requirement in the LH signaling cascade that results in the up-regulation of StAR protein and, subsequently, increased steroid synthesis.

The obligatory action of protein tyrosine phosphatases in ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis is exerted at the level of StAR protein.

A key regulatory step in the steroidogenic hormones signaling pathway is the synthesis of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR). This protein facilitates the delivery of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis. ACTH and LH pathway also includes tyrosine dephosphorylation processes. Indeed, our previous studies have demonstrated that both hormones increase protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity by a PKA-dependent mechanism and that the action of PTPs is required for the stimulation of steroid biosynthesis in adrenal and Leydig cells. In order to test the putative relationship between PTP activity and StAR protein induction in adrenocortical cells, in the present study we evaluated steroid production and StAR protein level in Y1 adrenocortical cells under PTP inhibition. Phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a powerful cell permeable PTP inhibitor, reduced ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis in a concentration-dependent fashion. A concentration of 2.5 microM of this compound inhibited steroid synthesis in a 56% (ACTH = 318 +/- 30, ACTH + PAO = 145 +/- 18 ng progesterone/mL, P < 0.001) and also abrogated StAR protein induction. Phenylarsine oxide reduced the protein level after 60 min and this effect still remained at 120 min. A second PTP inhibitor, benzyl phosphonic acid, acting by a different mechanism, reproduced PAO effects on both steroidogenesis and StAR protein. Taken together, these results indicate that PTP activity participates in StAR protein induction and led us to attribute to the PKA-mediated PTP activation in steroidogenic systems a functional role, as mediator of StAR protein induction.