Age-dependent memory impairment induced by co-exposure to nicotine and a synthetic cannabinoid in mice.

Co-use of marijuana and tobacco products is the second most common drug combination among adolescents. Nicotine (NIC) and cannabinoid use during adolescence induce similar detrimental changes, raising the hypothesis that simultaneous exposure could result in even more severe outcomes. Thus, we investigated whether the co-exposure to NIC and the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 (WIN) in adolescent mice causes behavioral outcomes different from those observed after exposure to a single drug. Male Swiss mice were exposed twice daily to NIC, WIN, or NIC + WIN during adolescence (PND28-47) or adulthood (PND70-89). Drug combination led to a greater reduction in weight gain in adolescent mice, while NIC-induced weight loss was observed in adults. During administration, NIC provoked hypothermia, and WIN produced hyperlocomotion in adolescent and adult mice. Animals exposed to NIC + WIN presented a profile of changes similar to those exposed to NIC. After drug exposure, changes in locomotion, thigmotaxis, social preference, prepulse inhibition, and working and recognition memory were evaluated. Adolescent but not adult mice exposed to NIC showed withdrawal-related hyperlocomotion unaffected by WIN co-administration. An age-specific impairment in object recognition memory was induced only by drug co-exposure during adolescence, which resolved spontaneously before reaching early adulthood. A transient decrease in hippocampal α7 nAChR subunit and CB1 receptor mRNA levels was induced by NIC exposure, which may be involved but is not enough to explain the memory impairment. Our work confirms the potential of NIC and cannabinoids association to aggravate some of the individual drug effects during critical neurodevelopmental periods.

Skeletal Muscle Is an Early Site of Zika Virus Replication and Injury, Which Impairs Myogenesis.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection became a worldwide concern due to its correlation with the development of microcephaly and other neurological disorders. ZIKV neurotropism is well characterized, but the role of peripheral viral amplification to brain infection remains unknown. Here, we found that ZIKV replicates in human primary skeletal muscle myoblasts, impairing its differentiation into myotubes but not interfering with the integrity of the already-formed muscle fibers. Using mouse models, we showed ZIKV tropism to muscle tissue either during embryogenesis after maternal transmission or when infection occurred after birth. Interestingly, ZIKV replication in the mouse skeletal muscle started immediately after ZIKV inoculation, preceding viral RNA detection in the brain and causing no disruption to the integrity of the blood brain barrier, and remained active for more than 2 weeks, whereas replication in the spleen and liver were not sustained over time. In addition, ZIKV infection of the skeletal muscle induces necrotic lesions, inflammation, and fiber atrophy. We also found a reduction in the expression of regulatory myogenic factors that are essential for muscle repair after injury. Taken together, our results indicate that the skeletal muscle is an early site of viral amplification and lesion that may result in late consequences in muscle development after ZIKV infection. IMPORTANCE Zika Virus (ZIKV) neurotropism and its deleterious effects on central nervous system have been well characterized. However, investigations of the initial replication sites for the establishment of infection and viral spread to neural tissues remain underexplored. A complete description of the range of ZIKV-induced lesions and others factors that can influence the severity of the disease is necessary to prevent ZIKV's deleterious effects. ZIKV has been shown to access the central nervous system without significantly affecting blood-brain barrier permeability. Here, we demonstrated that skeletal muscle is an earlier site of ZIKV replication, contributing to the increase of peripheral ZIKV load. ZIKV replication in muscle promotes necrotic lesions and inflammation and also impairs myogenesis. Overall, our findings showed that skeletal muscle is involved in pathogenesis and opens new fields in the investigation of the long-term consequences of early infection.

Comportamentos de Risco para Doenças Crônicas Não-Transmissíveis em Acadêmicos de Medicina / Risk Behaviors for Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases in Medical Students

Universitários têm adotado um estilo de vida pouco saudável, assumindo comportamentos que podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento das Doenças Crônicas Não-Transmissíveis (DCNT). Poucos estudos avaliam a coexistência de comportamentos de risco para DCNT entre estudantes de medicina. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a aglomeração de comportamentos de risco para DCNT entre estudantes de medicina e verificar os fatores associados. Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com acadêmicos do 3º e 9º períodos de três escolas médicas ao norte de Minas Gerais. Os comportamentos de risco avaliados foram alimentação inadequada, consumo abusivo de álcool, tabagismo e inatividade física a partir de instrumentos previamente validados. A coleta de dados foi realizada nas instituições de ensino com uso de instrumentos previamente validados. Os fatores associados foram identificados por meio de análise múltipla de regressão logística binária. Participaram do estudo 209 estudantes. A prevalência de aglomeração de três ou mais comportamentos de risco para DCNT foi de 22,0%. A análise múltipla, controlada por sexo e faixa etária, revelou que a aglomeração de comportamentos de risco esteve associada à presença de sintomas depressivos (OR=2,22; IC95%=1,09-4,54) e sonolência diurna excessiva (OR=2,15; IC95%=1,07-4,30). Os resultados destacam uma elevada frequência de aglomeração de comportamentos de risco para DCNT no grupo estudado e destacam a necessidade de maior vigilância à rotina e aos aspectos de saúde mental dos estudantes de medicina.

University students have adopted an unhealthy lifestyle, implementing behaviors that can contribute to the development of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (CNCDs). Few studies assess the coexistence of CNCD risk behaviors among medical students. This study aimed to evaluate the clustering of CNCD risk behaviors among medical students and to verify the associated factors. This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with students from the 3rd and 9th semesters of three medical schools in the north of Minas Gerais. By using previously validated instruments, the risk behaviors evaluated were inadequate diet, alcohol abuse, smoking, and physical inactivity. Data collection was carried out in educational institutions using previously validated instruments. Associated factors were identified through multiple binary logistic regression analysis. 209 students participated in the study. The prevalence of clustering of three or more CNCD risk behaviors was 22.0%. The multiple analysis, controlled by sex and age group, revealed that the clustering of risk behaviors was associated with the presence of depressive symptoms (OR=2.22; 95%CI=1.09-4.54) and excessive daytime sleepiness (OR =2.15; 95%CI=1.07-4.30). The results highlight a high frequency of clustering of CNCD risk behaviors in the studied group and highlight the need for greater surveillance of routine and mental health aspects of medical students.

Grupo de apoio psicológico aos trabalhadores em situação de desemprego / Support group for unemployed workers / Grupo de apoyo psicológico a trabajadores desempleados

Resumo A legislação do trabalho em vigência no Brasil intensificou formas mais flexíveis de contratação de força de trabalho e métodos de produção mais ajustáveis ao mercado, o que contribui para o aumento do desemprego no país. As mudanças afetaram diretamente a saúde mental dos trabalhadores, que passaram a se submeter a pressões e formas mais rígidas de contratação. Diante do cenário atual, este artigo objetiva analisar uma experiência de um grupo de apoio psicológico com trabalhadores em situação de desemprego, desenvolvido em uma clínica-escola de Psicologia da região Norte do Brasil. Foram realizados sete encontros, com média de duração de 90 minutos cada, o aceite foi estabelecido por meio do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Os participantes tinham idades entre 37 e 51 anos, sendo dois homens e três mulheres; o tempo mínimo de desemprego foi de oito meses e o máximo de dois anos. Verificou-se que estes valorizavam o trabalho formal em detrimento do informal, pois o primeiro representava maior reconhecimento social, segurança e estabilidade profissional. A situação de desemprego gerou sentimentos de perda, humilhação e exclusão social que repercutiram no estado de humor, no aumento da ansiedade e do estresse. Conclui-se que a Psicologia pode oferecer suporte baseado em uma escuta acolhedora e compreensiva dos fenômenos ligados ao mundo do trabalho e/ou nas repercussões ligadas à subjetividade dos trabalhadores em situação de desemprego.(AU)

Abstract The labor legislation in force in Brazil has improved flexible forms of employment recruitment and labor-intensive production techniques, which contributes to the increase in the country unemployment rates. With the pressure and more rigid forms of hiring, these changes directly affected the mental health of workers. Considering that, this article aims to analyze the experience of a support group for unemployed workers developed in a school psychology clinic in Northern Brazil. The intervention consisted of seven meetings with an average duration of 90 minutes each, and the group was formed by two men and three women aged from 37 to 51 years, with minimum unemployment time of eight months and maximum of two years; all individuals agreed to participate by signing the Informed Consent Term. The participants reported preferring formal work over the informal one, for it represents greater social recognition, security, and professional stability. Unemployment evoked feelings of loss, humiliation, and social exclusion, besides impacting humor and heightening anxiety and stress. The results indicate that psychology can offer support based on a welcoming and comprehensive listening of phenomena related to the world of work and/or consequences of unemployment on workers' subjectivity.(AU)

Resumen La nueva legislación laboral en Brasil intensificó formas más flexibles de contratación de fuerza laboral y métodos de producción más ajustables al mercado de trabajo, lo que contribuye al aumento del desempleo en el país. Los cambios afectaron directamente la salud mental de los trabajadores que pasaron a someterse a presiones y formas más rígidas de contratación. Ante el escenario actual, este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar la experiencia de un grupo de apoyo psicológico a trabajadores en situación de desempleo, desarrollado en una clínica-escuela de psicología de la región Norte de Brasil. Se realizaron siete reuniones, con media de duración de 90 minutos cada una, y se obtuvo el consentimiento por medio de la firma del documento de consentimiento informado. Los participantes tenían edades entre 37 y 51 años, siendo dos hombres y tres mujeres; el tiempo mínimo de desempleo fue de ocho meses y el máximo de dos años. Se observó que los participantes valoraban el trabajo formal en relación a lo informal, pues aquel les garantía un mayor reconocimiento social, seguridad y estabilidad profesional. La situación de desempleo les generó sentimientos de pérdida, humillación y exclusión social, que repercutieron en el estado de humor, en el aumento de la ansiedad y el estrés. Se concluye que la psicología puede brindar soporte por medio de una escucha acogedora y comprensiva de los fenómenos relacionados al mundo laboral y/o a las repercusiones asociadas a la subjetividad de los trabajadores en situación de desempleo.(AU)

Non-teratoid ocular medulloepithelioma in an adult horse / Meduloepitelioma ocular não-teratóide em um equino adulto

ABSTRACT: This is a case of medulloepithelioma in a 14-year-old mixed breed gelding horse, presenting a large abnormal mass of tissue involving the entire extension of the right eye. Ophthalmic examination showed deformation and swelling of the eye. The animal showed signs of pain on palpation of the organ, but the specific examination of the systems did not reveal any other changes. Due to the extension of the apparently neoplastic mass and the discomfort experienced by the animal, transpalpebral enucleation procedure was decided. The excised tissue was sent for histopathological analysis, wherein a neoplastic proliferation of neuroectodermal cells was noted. The neoplasm was poorly delimited, unencapsulated, infiltrative, sustained by moderate fibrovascular stroma, and formed cords and rosettes with cells arranged in palisades around the luminal structures (Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes), suggestive of medulloepithelioma. The immunohistochemical profile was also performed, confirming the diagnosis. The neoplastic cells were immunolabeled to vimentin, S100 protein (S100), and specific neuro enolase (NSE), but not for pan cytokeratin (AE1AE3), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and cytokeratin 8/18 (CK8/18). Five months postoperatively, the animal was healthy, without any relapse or evidence of metastasis.

RESUMO: Esse é um caso de meduloepitelioma em um equino sem raça definida, castrado, de 14 anos de idade, que chegou ao atendimento apresentando grande massa de tecido envolvendo toda a extensão do olho direito. No exame oftálmico, foi observada deformação e aumento de volume ocular. O animal manifestou sinais de dor na palpação do órgão, mas o exame específico dos sistemas não revelou demais alterações. Devido à extensão da massa aparentemente neoplásica e o desconforto experimentado pelo equino foi decidida a realização da enucleação transpalpebral. O tecido excisado foi enviado para exame histopatológico, no qual observou-se proliferação neoplásica de células neuroectodérmicas, de forma mal delimitada, não encapsulada, infiltrativa, sustentada por estroma fibrovascular moderado, e formação de cordões e rosetas, com células dispostas em paliçadas ao redor de estruturas luminais (rosetas de Flexner-Wintersteiner), sugestivo de meduloepitelioma. O perfil imunohistoquímico também foi realizado, confirmando o diagnóstico. As células neoplásicas foram imunomarcadas para vimentina, proteína S100 (S100) e neuro enolase específica (NSE), mas não para pan citoqueratina (AE1AE3), proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) e citoqueratina 8/18 (CK8 / 18). Após cinco meses da realização do procedimento cirúrgico o animal apresentava-se saudável, sem recidiva ou evidência de metástase.

Vivências de prazer-sofrimento na organização do trabalho dos policiais militares da Região Norte / Experiences of pleasure-suffering in the work organization of military police officers in the Northern Region

Este estudo analisou as vivências de prazer-sofrimento dos policiais militares de um batalhão da região Norte e como estas influem na execução de suas atividades. Os pressupostos teórico-metodológicos procederam da Psicodinâmica do Trabalho. Foram realizados seis encontros em grupo com a participação de 17 policiais, sendo 14 homens e três mulheres. As temáticas investigadas foram divididas em cinco eixos: condições precárias de trabalho; perfil do policial; reconhecimento dos pares, superiores e sociedade; prazer-sofrimento no trabalho; e defesas contra o sofrimento, interpretados a partir da análise temática. O projeto foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade. Percebeu-se que a organização de trabalho desempenha papel importante nas vivências de prazer-sofrimento e que cooperação, reconhecimento, precarização, burocracia e os paradoxos da atividade policial interferem diretamente nesta dinâmica. O uso de estratégias defensivas, como a ironia e o humor, é responsável pela dicotomia entre ter que suportar o real no trabalho e não verbalizar o sofrimento, evidenciando alguns dos importantes paradigmas presentes na atividade militar estudada.

This study analyzed the experiences of pleasure-suffering of a Military Police Battalion from the Northern Region and how they influence the execution of their activities. The theoretical-methodological assumptions adopted were the Psychodynamics of Work. Six group meetings were held with the participation of seventeen policemen: fourteen men and three women. The investigated thematics were divided into five axes, namely: precarious working conditions; profiles of the police officers; acknowledgment among peers, superiors and society; pleasure-suffering at work; and defenses against suffering, according to thematic analysis. This project was approved by the university's Research Ethics Committee. The work organization played an important role in the pleasure-suffering experiences, and cooperation, recognition, precariousness, bureaucracy and paradoxes of the police activity directly interfere in this dynamic. The use of defensive mechanisms such as irony and humor is responsible for the dichotomy between having to endure reality at work and as a means to not verbalize suffering, showing some of the important paradigms present in the military activity studied.

Mayaro Virus Replication Restriction and Induction of Muscular Inflammation in Mice Are Dependent on Age, Type-I Interferon Response, and Adaptive Immunity.

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an emergent arbovirus first described in forest regions of the American continent, with recent and increasing notification of urban area circulation. Similar to Chikungunya (CHIKV) and other arthritogenic Alphavirus, MAYV-induced disease shows a high prevalence of persistent arthralgia, and myalgia. Despite this, knowledge regarding pathogenesis and characteristics of host immune response of MAYV infections are still limited. Here, using different ages of wild-type (WT), adult Type I Interferon receptor deficient (IFNAR-/-), and adult recombination activation gene-1 deficient (RAG-/-) mice, we have investigated the dependence of age, innate and adaptive immunity for the control of MAYV replication, tissue damage, and inflammation in mice. We have found that MAYV induces clinical signal and replicates in young WT mice, which gain the ability to restrict MAYV replication with aging. In addition, we observed that mice age and type I interferon response are related to restriction of MAYV infection and muscular inflammation in mice. Moreover, MAYV continues to replicate persistently in RAG-/- mice, being detected at blood and tissues 40 days post infection, indicating that adaptive immunity is essential to MAYV clearance. Despite chronic replication, infected adult RAG-/- mice did not develop an apparent signal of muscle damage in early and late infection. On the other hand, MAYV infection in young WT and adult IFNAR-/- mice triggers an increase in the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF, IL-6, KC, IL-1ß, MCP-1, and RANTES, in muscle tissue, and decreases TGF-ß expression, that were not significantly modulated in adult WT and RAG-/- mice. Taken together, our data demonstrated that age, innate and adaptive immunity are important to restrict MAYV replication and that adaptive immunity is also involved in MAYV-induced tissue damage. These results contribute to the comprehension of MAYV pathogenesis, and describe translational mice models for further studies of MAYV infection, vaccine tests, and therapeutic strategies against this virus.

Avaliação físico-química e sensorial de biscoitos tipo cookies elaborados com folha demoringa oleifera / Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of cookies produced using moringa leaf

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a produção de biscoitos tipo cookiecom substituição parcial de farinha de trigo pelo pó da folha de Moringaoleifera. Foram preparadas três formulações de biscoito tipo cookiecom substituição de 3,64, 7,27 e 9,09% de farinha de trigo por pó da folha de Moringa oleifera, correspondentes às formulações F1, F2 e F3, respectivamente. Na avaliação sensorial não houve diferença de aceitação ao nível de 5% entre as 3 formulações. Com base nesse resultado optou-se por utilizar a F3 (com maior nível de substituição) para ser comparada à formulação padrão (FP), mediante análises físico-químicas. Análises de cinzas, umidade, atividade de água, pHe acidez titulável total das formulações FP e F3 foram realizadas, obtendo-se valores próximos nas duas formulações. Valores estimados de carboidratos, proteínas, fi bras e gorduras foramcalculados, tendo a F3 apresentado maiores quantidades de fi brase proteínas em relação à FP. Os teores de gordura mantiveramse semelhantes e em relação aos carboidratos verifi cou-se maior quantidade na FP em comparação com a F3. Assim, apesar da folha de Moringa apresentar nutrientes importantes à alimentação, há anecessidade de análises físico-químicas a fi m de se comprovar o enriquecimento dos alimentos elaborados com essa planta.