Association between fatigue and MDS-UPDRS in individuals with Parkinson's disease: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is significant in the context of Parkinson's disease (PD), considering that one-third of patients classify it as the most restricting symptom in their daily life activities (DLAs). The objective was to verify the relationship (association) between fatigue and non-motor and motor symptoms of PD. METHODS: A cross-sectional study which included 100 individuals with PD. Initially, demographic and clinical data (modified Hoehn and Yahr scale-HY, anxiety, and depression) were collected. To assess the non-motor and motor symptoms of PD, the Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) was applied. Fatigue was evaluated using the Parkinson Fatigue Scale. RESULTS: A higher HY score, greater severity of non-motor aspects of DLAs and motor aspects of DLAs, more motor complications, and higher levels of anxiety as well as depression were observed in the "fatigue" group. Fatigue was associated with a lower daily equivalent levodopa dose (LEDD), a higher body mass index (BMI), anxiety, depression, and the presence of non-motor symptoms. CONCLUSION: Non-motor symptoms are more determining factors for fatigue than the motor condition itself, with an association between fatigue and higher BMI scores, increased anxiety and depression, lower LEDD, and greater severity of non-motor aspects of DLAs. Individuals in the "fatigue" group had higher HY scores, anxiety, and depression, worse non-motor and motor symptoms related to experiences of daily life, as well as motor complications.

Assessing COVID-19 pandemic excess deaths in Brazil: Years 2020 and 2021.

We estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality in Brazil for 2020 and 2021 years. We used mortality data (2015-2021) from the Brazilian Health Ministry for forecasting baseline deaths under non-pandemic conditions and to estimate all-cause excess deaths at the country level and stratified by sex, age, ethnicity and region of residence, from March 2020 to December 2021. We also considered the estimation of excess deaths due to specific causes. The estimated all-cause excess deaths were 187 842 (95% PI: 164 122; 211 562, P-Score = 16.1%) for weeks 10-53, 2020, and 441 048 (95% PI: 411 740; 470 356, P-Score = 31.9%) for weeks 1-52, 2021. P-Score values ranged from 1.4% (RS, South) to 38.1% (AM, North) in 2020 and from 21.2% (AL and BA, Northeast) to 66.1% (RO, North) in 2021. Differences among men (18.4%) and women (13.4%) appeared in 2020 only, and the P-Score values were about 30% for both sexes in 2021. Except for youngsters (< 20 years old), all adult age groups were badly hit, especially those from 40 to 79 years old. In 2020, the Indigenous, Black and East Asian descendants had the highest P-Score (26.2 to 28.6%). In 2021, Black (34.7%) and East Asian descendants (42.5%) suffered the greatest impact. The pandemic impact had enormous regional heterogeneity and substantial differences according to socio-demographic factors, mainly during the first wave, showing that some population strata benefited from the social distancing measures when they could adhere to them. In the second wave, the burden was very high for all but extremely high for some, highlighting that our society must tackle the health inequalities experienced by groups of different socio-demographic statuses.

Aging-related episodic-like memory decline in dogs.

Episodic memory, in humans, is the memory most affected by age-related deterioration or the constitution of neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer's disease. However, it is unknown whether this relationship is also present in nonhuman animals. Since studies in birds, rats, primates, and dogs have been shown to have episodic-like memory, more studies aiming to improve the present understanding of this relationship in nonhuman animals are important to aid the development of new translational models for neurodegenerative disorders. Knowing that dogs (Canis familiaris) represent a promising experimental model for neurodegenerative disorders, a memory retrieval test was conducted with 90 clinically healthy domestic dogs of different ages, both sexes, and distinct breeds, for the purpose of evaluating episodic-like memory. The present study adapted a test that corroborates episodic memory requirements through incidental codification of experienced events. We performed a test with two exposure phases, with different characteristics between them, so that in the third phase it was necessary to integrate previous experiences in order to achieve success in the test. In our study, it was possible to verify the decline of episodic memory in elderly dogs, even clinically healthy, regardless of the dogs' sex and size. This episodic-like memory decline observed in elderly dogs may be related to the physiological process of aging or preclinical pathological manifestation of cognitive impairment, similar as reported in humans. More studies should be carried out evaluating episodic-like memory in dogs with suspected of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome in order to better understand the physiological and pathological behavior of this type of memory in canine species.

Can the antral follicular count modulate the gene expression of bovine oviducts in Aberdeen Angus and Nelore heifers?

The number of visible ovarian antral follicles (antral follicle count-AFC) is repeatable in bovine individuals, but highly variable between animals, and with differences between Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds. Several studies have tried to determine the correlation between AFC and increased fertility in cattle. While the impacts of AFC on embryo production, hormonal levels, and pregnancy rates have been described, the molecular effects of AFC on bovine oviducts have not yet been investigated. Here, the aim was to investigate the impact of breeds, such as Aberdeen Angus and Nelore heifer with high or low AFC, on abundance of transcripts and protein related to oviductal transport, sperm reservoir formation, monospermy control, and gamete interaction in the oviducts. In summary, the ovulation side was the major factor that affected transcript abundance on bovine oviducts. However, a discreet effect among AFC and cattle breeds was also observed. Based on this, we concluded and reinforced here that differential microenvironments between ipsilateral and contralateral oviducts have a major effect on modulating the transcripts related to oviductal transport, sperm reservoir formation, monospermy control, and gamete interaction. However, we cannot exclude that there is minimal effect of AFC or breed on regulation of some genes (such as AGTR1, ACE1, FUCA1, and VEGFA) in bovine oviducts.

Effect of protective solutions and hydroxyethyl starch in the attenuation of the injuries of ischemia and reperfusion of splanchnic organs.

PURPOSE: Vogt´s antioxidant solution (red blood cells, Ringer's solution, sodium bicarbonate, mannitol, allopurinol and 50% glucose) or its modification including hydroxyethyl starch (HES) were tested for the prevention of splanchnic artery occlusion shock. METHODS: Seventy rats were distributed in treatment (3), control (1), and sham (3) groups. Ischemia and reperfusion were induced by celiac, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries occlusion for 40 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion or sham procedures. Controls received saline, both treatment and sham groups received the Vogt's solution, modified Vogt's solution (replacing Ringer's solution by HES), or HES. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), ileal malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasmatic MDA were determined, and a histologic grading system was used. RESULTS: At reperfusion, MABP dropped in all I/R groups. Only HES treatment was able to restore final MABP to the levels of sham groups. Plasmatic MDA did not show differences between groups. Ileum MDA was significantly higher in the control and treatment groups as compared to the sham group. Histology ranking was higher in the only in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxyethyl starch was able to prevent hemodynamic shock but not intestinal lesions. Both treatments with Vogt's solutions did not show any improvement.

Effect of protective solutions and hydroxyethyl starch in the attenuation of the injuries of ischemia and reperfusion of splanchnic organs

PURPOSE: Vogt´s antioxidant solution (red blood cells, Ringer's solution, sodium bicarbonate, mannitol, allopurinol and 50% glucose) or its modification including hydroxyethyl starch (HES) were tested for the prevention of splanchnic artery occlusion shock. METHODS: Seventy rats were distributed in treatment (3), control (1), and sham (3) groups. Ischemia and reperfusion were induced by celiac, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries occlusion for 40 min, followed by 60 min reperfusion or sham procedures. Controls received saline, both treatment and sham groups received the Vogt's solution, modified Vogt's solution (replacing Ringer's solution by HES), or HES. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), ileal malondialdehyde (MDA) and plasmatic MDA were determined, and a histologic grading system was used. RESULTS: At reperfusion, MABP dropped in all I/R groups. Only HES treatment was able to restore final MABP to the levels of sham groups. Plasmatic MDA did not show differences between groups. Ileum MDA was significantly higher in the control and treatment groups as compared to the sham group. Histology ranking was higher in the only in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Hydroxyethyl starch was able to prevent hemodynamic shock but not intestinal lesions. Both treatments with Vogt's solutions did not show any improvement. .

Fixed-time insemination with frozen semen in mares: is it suitable for poorly fertile stallions?

The purpose of the present study was to compare two protocols for equine frozen semen programs using either postovulation insemination or fixed-time insemination (FT), evaluating both pregnancy rates and intrauterine fluid (IUF) accumulation after artificial insemination with semen obtained from either highly or poorly fertile stallions. Six ejaculates from two stallions (n = 12) were processed. After thawing, semen samples were evaluated by computerized semen analysis. Fifteen mares (30 cycles) were inseminated with frozen semen from highly fertile stallion A, and 14 mares (28 cycles) were inseminated with frozen semen from poorly fertile stallion B. Ovulations were induced with 1 mg (intramuscular) of deslorelin acetate after the observation of a greater than 35 mm follicle and uterine edema. In postovulation insemination group, mares were inseminated once with 800 × 10(6) total sperm in a maximum 6-hour interval after ovulation. In FT group, mares were inseminated twice with 400 × 10(6) total sperm, 24 and 40 hours after induction. Mares were ultrasonographically examined for IUF accumulation 24 hours and for pregnancy diagnosis 14 days after the last insemination. Although IUF accumulation was more evident in mares inseminated once postovulation, pregnancy rates were similar for both protocols, regardless of the stallion, although a significant effect of the stallion was observed. These results indicated that FTs may be used for both highly and poorly fertile stallions as a practical tool to help spreading the use of frozen semen in equine reproduction programs.

Influência da raça do touro (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) na tolerância ao estresse térmico calórico de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro / Influence of sire breed (Bos indicus vs Bos taurus) on heat stress tolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

Para melhor compreender as diferenças entre zebuínos e taurinos em relação à resistência ao ETC, objetivou-se verificar se a resistência ao ETC é resultado da contribuição genética do oócito, do espermatozoide ou de ambos. Oócitos de vacas das raças Nelore e mestiças com fenótipo predominante da raça Holandesa preto e branco (mHPB) foram coletados, maturados e fertilizados com espermatozoide de touros das raças Nelore (N), Angus (An), Brahman (Bra) e Gir (Gir). Noventa e seis horas pós-inseminação (hpi), embriões > 16 células foram separados ao acaso em dois grupos: controle e ETC. Embriões do grupo controle foram cultivados a 39 ºC continuamente e do grupo ETC expostos a 41 ºC por 12 horas, retornando a seguir para 39 ºC. Não foi observado efeito do ETC nas raças estudadas, sem redução nas taxas de blastocisto e blastocisto eclodido. As taxas de clivagem e mórula dos embriões mHPB x Gir foram inferiores (p < 0,05) às das demais raças. As raças mHPB x N apresentaram taxas de blastocisto superiores as raças mHPB x An e mHPB x Gir (p < 0,05). Concluiu-se que a contribuição genética do oócito é mais importante do que a do espermatozoide, uma vez que a raça do touro não influenciou a resistência embrionária ao ETC.

To better understand the differences related to HS resistance between Bos indicus and Bos taurus, we aim to verify if the HS tolerance is due mostly to the genetic contribution from the oocyte, spermatozoa or both. Oocytes from Nelore and crossbreed Holstein cows (cHST) were collected, matured and fertilized with semen from Nelore (N), Angus (An), Brahman (Bra) and Gir (Gir) bulls. Nine six hours post insemination (hpi), > 16 cells embryos were separated in two groups: control and HS. In control group, embryos were cultured at 39 ºC, whereas in the HS group, embryos were subjected to 41 ºC for 12 h, and then returned to 39 ºC. There was no effect of HS on blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates in all breeds analyzed. The percentage of oocytes that cleaved and reached morula stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in cHST x Gir as compared to the other breeds. Additionally, blastocyst rates was higher in cHST x N than in cHST x An and cHST x Gir (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the oocyte is more important than the spermatozoa for the development of thermotolerance, since the breed of the bull did not influence embryo development after HS.

Influência da raça do touro (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) na tolerância ao estresse térmico calórico de embriões bovinos produzidos in vitro / Influence of sire breed (Bos indicus vs Bos taurus) on heat stress tolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos

Para melhor compreender as diferenças entre zebuínos e taurinos em relação à resistência ao ETC, objetivou-se verificar se a resistência ao ETC é resultado da contribuição genética do oócito, do espermatozoide ou de ambos. Oócitos de vacas das raças Nelore e mestiças com fenótipo predominante da raça Holandesa preto e branco (mHPB) foram coletados, maturados e fertilizados com espermatozoide de touros das raças Nelore (N), Angus (An), Brahman (Bra) e Gir (Gir). Noventa e seis horas pós-inseminação (hpi), embriões > 16 células foram separados ao acaso em dois grupos: controle e ETC. Embriões do grupo controle foram cultivados a 39 ºC continuamente e do grupo ETC expostos a 41 ºC por 12 horas, retornando a seguir para 39 ºC. Não foi observado efeito do ETC nas raças estudadas, sem redução nas taxas de blastocisto e blastocisto eclodido. As taxas de clivagem e mórula dos embriões mHPB x Gir foram inferiores (p < 0,05) às das demais raças. As raças mHPB x N apresentaram taxas de blastocisto superiores as raças mHPB x An e mHPB x Gir (p < 0,05). Concluiu-se que a contribuição genética do oócito é mais importante do que a do espermatozoide, uma vez que a raça do touro não influenciou a resistência embrionária ao ETC.

To better understand the differences related to HS resistance between Bos indicus and Bos taurus, we aim to verify if the HS tolerance is due mostly to the genetic contribution from the oocyte, spermatozoa or both. Oocytes from Nelore and crossbreed Holstein cows (cHST) were collected, matured and fertilized with semen from Nelore (N), Angus (An), Brahman (Bra) and Gir (Gir) bulls. Nine six hours post insemination (hpi), > 16 cells embryos were separated in two groups: control and HS. In control group, embryos were cultured at 39 ºC, whereas in the HS group, embryos were subjected to 41 ºC for 12 h, and then returned to 39 ºC. There was no effect of HS on blastocyst and hatched blastocyst rates in all breeds analyzed. The percentage of oocytes that cleaved and reached morula stage was significantly lower (p < 0.05) in cHST x Gir as compared to the other breeds. Additionally, blastocyst rates was higher in cHST x N than in cHST x An and cHST x Gir (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the oocyte is more important than the spermatozoa for the development of thermotolerance, since the breed of the bull did not influence embryo development after HS.

Drinking patterns between men and women in two distinct Brazilian communities.

OBJECTIVE: A survey was conducted to compare gender differences in patterns of drinking in two stratified, urban and representative samples from two communities (B and RJr). METHOD: The Genacis (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study) questionnaire was used. RESULTS: There were several significant differences in the demographics and patterns of alcohol use between these two samples. One had an older, more Catholic, educated, Caucasian population, with more women in the labor force. Data from B community showed that women and men had similar patterns of drinking. RJr had much higher use of alcohol among men, and almost 22% of those under 49 years old were binge drinkers. DISCUSSION: Access, smoking, income and having a heavy drinker partner were important risk factors for women's drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that when women's roles become more similar to men's, so do their drinking patterns.

Drinking patterns between men and women in two distinct Brazilian communities / Diferenças nos padrões de consumo de álcool entre homens e mulheres em duas comunidades brasileiras distintas

OBJECTIVE: A survey was conducted to compare gender differences in patterns of drinking in two stratified, urban and representative samples from two communities (B and RJr). METHOD: The Genacis (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study) questionnaire was used. RESULTS: There were several significant differences in the demographics and patterns of alcohol use between these two samples. One had an older, more Catholic, educated, Caucasian population, with more women in the labor force. Data from B community showed that women and men had similar patterns of drinking. RJr had much higher use of alcohol among men, and almost 22 percent of those under 49 years old were binge drinkers. DISCUSSION: Access, smoking, income and having a heavy drinker partner were important risk factors for women's drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that when women's roles become more similar to men's, so do their drinking patterns.

OBJETIVO: Realizou-se um inquérito para comparar diferenças de gênero nos padrões de consumo de álcool em duas amostras urbanas, estratificadas e representativas de duas comunidades (B e RJr). MÉTODO: O questionário Genacis (Gênero, Álcool e Cultura: Um Estudo Internacional Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: An Internacional Study) foi utilizado. RESULTADOS: Houve várias diferenças significativas em dados sociodemográficos e de padrões de uso de álcool entre essas duas amostras. Uma delas tinha população mais velha, educada, católica, branca e mais mulheres na força de trabalho. Dados da comunidade B mostraram que mulheres e homens tiveram padrões similares de consumo de álcool. RJr teve uso de álcool mais alto entre homens e 22 por cento dos homens abaixo de 49 anos de idade tinham padrão de uso do tipo binge. DISCUSSÃO: O acesso, tabagismo, renda e ter um parceiro com consumo pesado de álcool foram fatores de risco importantes para o consumo das mulheres. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostra que quando os papéis das mulheres se tornam similares aos dos homens, modificam seu padrão de consumo de álcool.

Dimorphism, thermal tolerance, virulence and heat shock protein 70 transcription in different isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis.

The mycelia-to-yeast (M-Y) transition, thermal tolerance and virulence profiles were evaluated for nine isolates of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, including samples from two of the three recently discovered cryptic species, as well as their relation to the partial sequence and transcription of the hsp70 gene. The isolates Bt84 and T10 (from PS2 species) took more time to convert to yeast form and presented elongated yeast cells at 36 degrees C. Arthroconidia production was also observed during the M-Y transition for some isolates. Our data confirm that the hsp70 transcription may be associated with thermal tolerance, but this does not seem to be directly related to high virulence profiles. The partial sequencing of this gene allowed the separation of our isolates into two clusters that correspond to the two sympatric cryptic species occurring in an area hyperendemic for PCM (Botucatu, SP, Brazil).

Evaluation testicular fine needle aspiration cytology and serum testosterone levels in dogs

Com o objetivo de avaliar a função reprodutiva de 4 cães machos, adultos, a citologia aspirativa com agulha fina (FNAC) e as concentrações de testosterona sérica foram usadas em associação a determinação do volume testicular e análise do sêmen. FNAC foi realizada em ambos os testículos e as concentrações de testosterona foram determinadas durante 24 horas, em intervalos regulares. Os resultados da análise do semen se encontraram dentro do padrão para a espécie nos cães 1 e 3. O cão 2 apresentou testículos pequenos, baixa qualidade seminal, alta porcentagem de células de Sertoli e espermátides iniciais sugerindo uma degeneração testicular. No cão 4 observou-se uma degeneração testicular do lado direito conseqüência de um processo obstrutivo mostrada pela diminuição do testículo, baixa qualidade do sêmen evidenciada pela baixa concentração espermática e incontável número de espermatozóides na FNAC; uma diminuição do trânsito espermático foi observada no testículo esquerdo, com espessamento do epidídimo, alta porcentagem de gotas distais na análise seminal, porém resultados normais na FNAC. O ritmo circadiano da testosteronafoi claro nos cães 3 e 4, entretanto as concentrações encontraram-se próximas ao limite inferior. O volume testicular, a análise do sêmen e a FNAC testicular podem fornecer informações valiosas sobre a espermatogênese. Entretanto, as concentrações séricas de testosterona não são claramente correlacionadas as características reprodutivas nesses cães.

Compliance to antiretroviral medication as reported by AIDS patients assisted at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Compliance to antiretroviral medication is a problem for AIDS patients. Compliance can be influenced by the characteristics of the therapeutic program, by the health guidance professionals, by the patient, and by society in general. A group of 139 Brazilian AIDS patients from the Infectious-Parasitic Diseases day clinic at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul were interviewed from September 27, 1999 to January 21, 2000. We identified and evaluated the frequency of noncompliance to antiretroviral medication, as well as the associated motives. Those who ingested 80%, or more, of prescribed dosages during the week previous to the interview were considered compliant. Among the patients interviewed, 70% mentioned loss or misplacement of medicine, and 63% were considered compliant. Average compliance was 75.8%, with no difference between the sexes. The reasons given for non-compliance were: absent-mindedness or forgetfulness (67.7%), lack of medicine (41.9%), side effects (21.5%), complexity of prescribed regimens (12.9%), fatigue (9.7%), and voluntary interruption (7.5%). The non-compliance observed among these patients indicates that health service personnel should promote activities to recuperate these therapeutic programs, employing methodologies appropriate to the characteristics of this population.

Compliance to antiretroviral medication as reported by AIDS patients assisted at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul

Compliance to antiretroviral medication is a problem for AIDS patients. Compliance can be influenced by the characteristics of the therapeutic program, by the health guidance professionals, by the patient, and by society in general. A group of 139 Brazilian AIDS patients from the Infectious-Parasitic Diseases day clinic at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul were interviewed from September 27, 1999 to January 21, 2000. We identified and evaluated the frequency of noncompliance to antiretroviral medication, as well as the associated motives. Those who ingested 80, or more, of prescribed dosages during the week previous to the interview were considered compliant. Among the patients interviewed, 70 mentioned loss or misplacement of medicine, and 63 were considered compliant. Average compliance was 75.8, with no difference between the sexes. The reasons given for non-compliance were: absent-mindedness or forgetfulness (67.7), lack of medicine (41.9), side effects (21.5), complexity of prescribed regimens (12.9), fatigue (9.7), and voluntary interruption (7.5). The non-compliance observed among these patients indicates that health service personnel should promote activities to recuperate these therapeutic programs, employing methodologies appropriate to the characteristics of this population.

Adaptacao para o portugues do questionario de auto-avaliacao de percepcao de saude fisica e mental da mulher de meia idade: questionario da saude da mulher / The brazilian portuguese criterion validation of the womenïs health questionnaire (WHQ): mid-aged womenïs perception of their emotional and physical health

Objetivo deste estudo e traduzir para o portugues e validar (criterio) para a populacao brasileira o questionario desenvolvido por Myra Hunter para avaliacao dos sintomas fisicos e mentais vivenciados por mulheres durante o climaterio - Questionario da Saude da Mulher (Womenïs Health Questionaire). A amostra foi composta de...