Establishment of methods to analyze the structural and functional integrity of the quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) sperm plasma membrane.

1. The objectives of this study were to establish the use of the fluorophores Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide for the evaluation of sperm plasma membrane integrity and to identify an adequate hypoosmotic solution for the evaluation of sperm membrane functionality in quails.2. Sperm samples were collected from the vas deferens of nine quails. After initial evaluation, the samples were subjected to a flash-frozen assay. Three treatments with the following proportions of fresh sperm and sperm subjected to flash freezing were prepared as follows: 100:0 (T100), 50:50 (T50), and 0:100 (T0). The hypoosmotic swelling test used distilled water (0 mOsm/l) and fructose solutions (50, 100, and 200 mOsm/l).3. Immediately after recovery, the samples showed 75.6 ± 5.0% motility with vigour of 3.7 ± 0.3 and 96.1 ± 0.5% of the sperm appeared normal. The membrane integrity test showed 62.2 ± 5.2% intact sperm at T100, 29.0 ± 4.1% at T50 and 0.1 ± 0.1% at T0. Moreover, a greater number of reactive sperm (74.7 ± 6.7%) were observed when incubated in distilled water (0 mOsm/l) in comparison to other solutions (P < 0.05).4. The association of fluorescent probes composed of Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide provided an efficient assessment of the integrity of the plasmatic membrane of quail spermatozoa. However, the study identified that the hypoosmotic swelling test has little predictive value regarding sperm membrane functionality in this species.

Effects of high-intensity interval training in combination with detraining on mental health in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and detraining on the quality of life and mental health of 23 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Participants were randomly assigned to the HIIT group (n = 12) [26.0 ± 3.92] and the control group (n = 11) [26.6 ± 4.68]. HIIT sessions comprised 40-60 min, 3 days a week for 12 weeks, followed by detraining for 30 days. We assessed the quality of life using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and mental health by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and we compared group changes on these variables at three time points: 1) at baseline, 2) after 12 weeks of HIIT (or no training), and 3) after 30 days of detraining (or no training). The participants were classified as overweight and had a high percentage of body fat (41.5%) and irregular menstrual cycles (amenorrhea) (66.7%). Throughout training, participants in the HIIT group reported improvements in domains of the quality of life: functional capacity (M = 80.4 ± 3.4 vs. M = 87.0 ± 3.1), physical role functioning (M = 72.5 ± 9.4 vs. M = 81.8 ± 9.7), and general health perception (M = 48.6 ± 4.6 vs. M = 69.0 ± 5.8). Regarding anxiety symptoms (M = 6.4 ± 1.6 vs. M = 3.7 ± 0.7) and depression symptoms (M = 6.7 ± 1.6 vs. M = 3.8 ± 0.9), those reduced significantly after HIIT. After a 30-day detraining period, there was an increase in the significant change in the quality of life; however, domains of mental health showed instability. In summary, the HIIT program promoted improvements in the quality of life and mental health in women with PCOS. The 30 days of detraining changed the benefits in the quality of life and stability in the changes in mental health domains.

Influence of Parity on the Colostrum Bacterial Community Composition in Holstein Cows.

The colostrum bacteriome of primiparous (P) and multiparous (M) Holstein cows was analysed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The species richness (Chao 1), diversity (Shannon and Simpson), and beta diversity did not differ between cow groups. The phyla Firmicutes, Tenericutes, Kiritimatiellaeota, and Fibrobacteres were more abundant in M cows, while Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cloacimonetes, and Fusobacteria were more abundant in P cows. At the genus level, no significant differences were observed between groups (P < 0.05), and Prevotella_1 was the most abundant taxon. P and M cows shared 1030 taxonomic operational units (OTUs), with Acinetobacter showing greater abundance. In conclusion, parity did not affect the colostrum bacteriome of P and M cows and a healthy mammary gland could represent a reservoir of Acinetobacter in dairy farms. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-022-01016-x.

Linburg-Comstock anomaly: A comparison of the prevalence in women with and without clinical carpal tunnel syndrome.

We aimed to compare the prevalence of the Linburg-Comstock anomaly in women with and without a clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. The prevalence of the Linburg-Comstock anomaly was evaluated in 400 hands from 200 women over 40 years of age who were diagnosed clinically with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), designated as the CTS group. The volunteer group consisted of 400 hands from 200 healthy women over 40 years of age. The women from both groups were asked to carry out the clinical flexion and pain tests described by Linburg and Comstock (1979) as a basis for the clinical diagnosis. CTS patient ages ranged from 40 to 90 (mean 55.8) years, while volunteer group ages ranged from 40 to 93 (mean 55) years. The flexion test was positive in 305 (76%) hands in the CTS group and 242 (60%) hands in the volunteer group. The pain test was positive in 261 (65%) hands in the CTS group and 108 (27%) hands in the volunteer group. Both tests were positive in 244 (61%) hands in the CTS group and 98 (24%) hands in the volunteer group. All these differences were statistically significant. Based on clinical examination using the flexion and pain tests, the prevalence of Linburg-Comstock anomaly was statistically higher in the group of women with carpal tunnel syndrome than in healthy volunteers.

Ingestion of a moderate dose of alcohol enhances physical exercise-induced changes in blood lactate concentration.

The consumption of alcoholic beverages influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, although it is not yet clear whether metabolism during physical exercise at different intensities is also affected. This was the objective of the present study. Eight young and healthy volunteers performed a treadmill test to identify the running speed corresponding to a lactate concentration of 4 mM (S4mM). At least 48 h later, they were subjected to two experimental trials (non-alcohol or alcohol) in which they performed two 1-km running sessions at the following intensities: 1) S4mM; 2) 15% above S4mM. In both trials, blood lactate, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations were measured before and after exercise. The acute alcohol intake increased triglycerides, but not lactate concentration under resting conditions. Interestingly, alcohol intake enhanced the exercise-induced increase in lactate concentration at the two intensities: S4mM (non-alcohol: 4.2±0.3 mM vs alcohol: 4.8±0.9 mM; P=0.003) and 15% above S4mM trial (P=0.004). When volunteers ingested alcohol, triglycerides concentration remained increased after treadmill running (e.g., at S4mM - at rest; non-alcohol: 0.2±0.5 mM vs alcohol: 1.3±1.3 mM; P=0.048). In contrast, glucose concentration was not modified by either alcohol intake, exercise, or their combination. We concluded that an acute alcohol intake changed lactate and lipid metabolism without affecting blood glucose concentration. In addition, the increase in lactate concentration caused by alcohol was specifically observed when individuals exercised, whereas augmented triglycerides concentration was already observed before exercise and was sustained thereafter.

Ingestion of a moderate dose of alcohol enhances physical exercise-induced changes in blood lactate concentration

The consumption of alcoholic beverages influences carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, although it is not yet clear whether metabolism during physical exercise at different intensities is also affected. This was the objective of the present study. Eight young and healthy volunteers performed a treadmill test to identify the running speed corresponding to a lactate concentration of 4 mM (S4mM). At least 48 h later, they were subjected to two experimental trials (non-alcohol or alcohol) in which they performed two 1-km running sessions at the following intensities: 1) S4mM; 2) 15% above S4mM. In both trials, blood lactate, triglycerides, and glucose concentrations were measured before and after exercise. The acute alcohol intake increased triglycerides, but not lactate concentration under resting conditions. Interestingly, alcohol intake enhanced the exercise-induced increase in lactate concentration at the two intensities: S4mM (non-alcohol: 4.2±0.3 mM vs alcohol: 4.8±0.9 mM; P=0.003) and 15% above S4mM trial (P=0.004). When volunteers ingested alcohol, triglycerides concentration remained increased after treadmill running (e.g., at S4mM - at rest; non-alcohol: 0.2±0.5 mM vs alcohol: 1.3±1.3 mM; P=0.048). In contrast, glucose concentration was not modified by either alcohol intake, exercise, or their combination. We concluded that an acute alcohol intake changed lactate and lipid metabolism without affecting blood glucose concentration. In addition, the increase in lactate concentration caused by alcohol was specifically observed when individuals exercised, whereas augmented triglycerides concentration was already observed before exercise and was sustained thereafter.

The rheumatic heart disease healthcare paradox: disease persistence in slums despite universal healthcare coverage-a provider perspective qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable disease frequently recognized in urban slums. Disease rates in Brazilian slums are incommensurate with the country's economic status and the existence of its universal healthcare system. Our study aimed to investigate what system issues may allow for disease persistence, focusing on issues surrounding access and utilization of primary and specialized healthcare services. STUDY DESIGN: This was a two-part (formative phase followed by implementation phase) qualitative study based on interviews and focus groups and analyzed via content analysis. METHODS: One focus group and 17 in-depth interviews with community health workers, primary care providers, and cardiologists who serve slum residents in Brazil and six interviews with key informants (community health researchers and cardiologists) were performed. Interviews with community health workers and primary care providers were from a single heath post in the neighborhood of Liberdade, a populous and previously unstudied slum in Salvador. Cardiologists were recruited from tertiary care referral hospitals in Salvador. RESULTS: Our findings revealed six major chronological categories/themes of issues and twenty subthemes that patients must overcome to avoid developing RHD or to have it successfully medically managed. Major themes include the effects of living in a slum (1), barriers to access and utilization of primary healthcare services (2), treatment in primary healthcare services (3), access/utilization of specialized healthcare services (4), treatment in specialized healthcare services (5), and certain systemic issues (6). CONCLUSION: Slums make residents sick in a manner of ways, and various bottlenecks impeding medical access to both primary care and specialty care exist, requiring multifaceted interventions. We detail major themes and finally suggest interventions that can allow for the health system to successfully eliminate RHD as a public health concern for slum residents.

Phase transformation in the C form of myristic-acid crystals and DFT calculations.

In this study, the vibrational frequencies of myristic acid (CH3(CH2)12COOH) were obtained using density functional theory calculations, and the results were compared with experimental Raman and infrared data. Additionally, Raman spectra of crystalline myristic acid were recorded in the 300-20 K range. Raman spectroscopy gives important insights into the effect of low temperatures on its monoclinic phase. X-ray diffraction was performed from 298 to 133 K to provide additional information about the cryogenic behavior of the crystals. These undergo a phase transformation, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry through an enthalpy anomaly observed at low temperatures. Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction refinement of the cell parameters in combination with differential scanning calorimetry at low temperatures revealed slight modifications, confirming a conformational change in the myristic acid molecules involving rearrangement of dimers within the unit cell.

Contribution of in vivo and in vitro testing for the diagnosis of local allergic rhinitis

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Polarized Raman and Infrared Spectroscopy and ab Initio Calculation of Palmitic and Stearic Acids in the Bm and C Forms.

A complete experimental study on the vibrational properties of palmitic and stearic acids crystallized in the Bm and C forms, both belonging to the monoclinic system with the P21/a (C2h5) space group, through polarized Raman and infrared spectroscopy, is reported in this paper. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to assign the normal modes and to help in the interpretation of the experimental data. The different polarizations were compared and their influence on the spectral profiles, in both the lattice and the internal mode regions, was discussed. In general, the Raman and infrared spectra exhibit accentuated differences among the polymorphic forms, which are associated with the different molecular modifications, defined as gauche and all-trans conformations. Insights about interaction among different groups are also furnished.

Inter- and Intra-Individual Analysis of Post-Exercise Hypotension Following a Single Bout of High-Intensity Interval Exercise and Continuous Exercise: A Pilot Study.

Recently, post-exercise blood pressure (BP) has been considered a predictive tool to identify individuals who are responsive or not to BP reductions with exercise training (i. e., "high" and "low responders"). This study aimed to analyze the inter- and intra-individual BP responsiveness following a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) and continuous exercise (CE) in normotensive men (n=14; 24.5±4.2 years). Mean change in BP during the 60 min period post-exercise was analyzed and minimal detectable change (MDC) was calculated to classify the subjects as "low" (no post-exercise hypotension [PEH]) and "high responders" (PEH occurrence) following each exercise protocol (inter-individual analysis). The MDC for systolic and diastolic BP was 5.8 and 7.0 mmHg. In addition, a difference equal/higher than MDC between the exercise protocols was used to define an occurrence of intra-individual variability in BP responsiveness. There were "low" and "high" PEH responders following both exercise protocols (inter-individual variability) as well as subjects who presented higher PEH following a specific exercise protocol (intra-individual variability between exercise protocols). These results were observed mainly for systolic BP. In summary, PEH is a heterogeneous physiological phenomenon and, for some subjects, seems to be exercise-protocol dependent. Further investigations are necessary to confirm our preliminary findings.

Conformational change in the C form of palmitic acid investigated by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction.

Fatty acids are substances found in most living beings in nature. Here we report the effect of the low temperature in the vibrational and structural properties of the C form of palmitic acid, a fatty acid with 16 carbon atoms. The Raman spectra were obtained in the temperature interval from 300 to 18K in the spectral range between 30 and 3100 cm(-1). The assignment of the duly observed bands was done based on the density functional theory. On cooling, the main changes observed in the lattice mode region of the Raman spectra were interpreted as a conformational modification undergone by the palmitic acid molecules in the unit cell. The X-ray diffraction measurements were obtained from 290 to 80K showing a slight modification in the lattice parameters at about 210K. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements were recorded between 150 and 300K and no enthalpic anomaly in the DSC thermogram was observed. These techniques provided strong evidence of the conformational change in the molecules of palmitic acid at low temperatures.