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2.
Food Res Int ; 188: 114467, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38823836

ABSTRACT

Cellulose-based packaging has received great attention due to its characteristics of biodegradability, sustainability, and recyclability. Natural polymer coatings are usually applied to the paper surface to enhance the barriers to water vapour and improve the mechanical properties. A chitosan-based coating for paper packaging was developed in this work to store specialty roasted coffee beans, evaluating two samples of chitosan (Sigma® and molasses chitosan), and following the physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of coffee beans along a period of 60 days. Sensory tests (Ranking Descriptive Analysis and Preference Test) were applied to the beverage prepared with the roasted and ground coffee beans stored in each packaging. Thin chitosan films provided good coverage and adhesion on the paper. Improved mechanical properties and lower water permeability were observed in the chitosan-coated papers. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the coffee beans were not influenced by the packaging along 60 days of storage. The molasses chitosan coating resulted in slightly darker roasted beans. In sensory evaluation, there is a clear difference between the chitosan samples, so that molasses chitosan-coated packaging had higher scores compared to Sigma® chitosan treatment for flavor and global impression in the preference analysis of the beverage. The molasses chitosan-coated packaging had three to four more consumers attributing the highest scores for the beverage prepared with the roasted beans stored in this type of packaging.


Subject(s)
Chitosan , Food Packaging , Paper , Chitosan/chemistry , Food Packaging/methods , Coffee/chemistry , Beverages/analysis , Seeds/chemistry , Seeds/microbiology , Humans , Taste , Coffea/chemistry , Coffea/microbiology , Consumer Behavior , Permeability
4.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 13936, 2024 06 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38886385

ABSTRACT

Excess sugar is considered one of the primary factors contributing to overweight status. In Brazil, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) contain a significant amount of this nutrient and are consumed excessively. These beverages are associated with adverse health outcomes and impose costs on the healthcare system. The literature currently lacks studies that aim to attribute specific nutrients or foods as causes of diseases and also evaluate their economic impact, especially in middle- and low-income countries. This study aims to estimate the direct and indirect costs of obesity, stratified by sex and age group, resulting from the excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in Brazil from 2008 to 2020, and to project these costs for the year 2036. The estimation of obesity costs attributable to excessive consumption of SSBs was based on relative risks and the population prevalence of obesity, considering expenditures on hospitalizations and outpatient procedures in the Unified Health System (SUS). Cost information was obtained from the health information systems available at SUS. The highest burden attributable to the consumption of SSBs was observed among younger individuals and progressively decreased with advancing age. The total direct costs in the period between 2008 and 2020 amounted to approximately US$ 6.33 million, 87% of which was related to expenses for females. Additionally, deaths resulting from the consumption of SSBs cost the economy US$ 40 million due to the premature loss of productivity. The total costs of obesity attributable to the consumption of SSBs are substantial, impacting public spending and generating social and productivity losses that burden the economy. It is crucial to develop and implement cost-effective fiscal and regulatory policies aimed at preventing and combating obesity.


Subject(s)
Obesity , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Obesity/epidemiology , Obesity/economics , Obesity/etiology , Female , Male , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages/economics , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages/adverse effects , Adult , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Young Adult , Aged , Child , Cost of Illness , Prevalence , Health Care Costs , Child, Preschool
5.
PLoS Negl Trop Dis ; 18(6): e0012201, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38829895

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Dengue is spreading in (sub)tropical areas, and half of the global population is at risk. The macroeconomic impact of dengue extends beyond healthcare costs. This study evaluated the impact of dengue on gross domestic product (GDP) based on approaches tailored to two dengue-endemic countries, Thailand and Brazil, from the tourism and workforce perspectives, respectively. FINDINGS: Because the tourism industry is a critical economic sector for Thailand, lost tourism revenues were estimated to analyze the impact of a dengue outbreak. An input-output model estimated that the direct effects (on international tourism) and indirect effects (on suppliers) of dengue on tourism reduced overall GDP by 1.43 billion US dollars (USD) (0.26%) in the outbreak year 2019. The induced effect (reduced employee income/spending) reduced Thailand's GDP by 375 million USD (0.07%). Overall, lost tourism revenues reduced Thailand's GDP by an estimated 1.81 billion USD (0.33%) in 2019 (3% of annual tourism revenue). An inoperability input-output model was used to analyze the effect of workforce absenteeism on GDP due to a dengue outbreak in Brazil. This model calculates the number of lost workdays associated with ambulatory and hospitalized dengue. Input was collected from state-level epidemiological and economic data for 2019. An estimated 22.4 million workdays were lost in the employed population; 39% associated with the informal sector. Lost workdays due to dengue reduced Brazil's GDP by 876 million USD (0.05%). CONCLUSIONS: The economic costs of dengue outbreaks far surpass the direct medical costs. Dengue reduces overall GDP and inflicts national economic losses. With a high proportion of the population lacking formal employment in both countries and low income being a barrier to seeking care, dengue also poses an equity challenge. A combination of public health measures, like vector control and vaccination, against dengue is recommended to mitigate the broader economic impact of dengue.


Subject(s)
Dengue , Disease Outbreaks , Dengue/epidemiology , Dengue/economics , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Thailand/epidemiology , Disease Outbreaks/economics , Tourism , Gross Domestic Product
6.
J Psychiatr Res ; 176: 348-353, 2024 Jun 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38936238

ABSTRACT

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with brain differences in children, but not in adults. A combined evaluation of the regional brain differences could improve statistical power and, consequently, allow the detection of possible effects in adults. Thus, our aim is to verify whether Neuroimaging Association Scores (NAS) are associated with adulthood ADHD and clinical trajectories of the disorder in midlife. Clinical and neuroimaging data were collected for 121 subjects with ADHD (mean age: 47.1 ± 10.5; 43% male) and 82 controls (mean age: 38.2 ± 9.0; 54.9% male). Cases were assessed seven and thirteen years after baseline diagnosis, and their clinical trajectories were classified as stable if they fulfilled ADHD diagnosis in all assessments or unstable if they presented remission and recurrence of symptoms. Neuroimaging data were acquired in the last clinical assessment (thirteen years after baseline) and NAS were calculated as a weighted sum of the associations previously reported by meta-analyses for three types of structural brain modalities: cortical thickness, cortical surface area, and subcortical volume. The NAS for cortical surface area was higher in cases compared to controls. No association was found for NAS and number of symptoms of ADHD or clinical trajectories. The fact that differences were restricted to ADHD diagnostic status suggests a susceptibility effect that is not extended to subtle aspects of the disorder. Our results also suggest that evaluating overall effects may have advantages especially when applied to adult ADHD samples.

7.
Nutr Neurosci ; : 1-11, 2024 May 18.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38761117

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with psychiatric disorders and behavioral phenotypes such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Considering that vitamin D levels are polygenic, we aim to evaluate the overall effects of its genetic architecture on symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and on the serum levels of vitamin D in two independent samples of adults, as well as the specific effects of five relevant polymorphisms in vitamin D-related genes. METHODS: We evaluated 870 subjects from an ADHD sample (407 cases and 463 controls) and 319 subjects from an academic community (nutrigenetic sample). Vitamin D serum levels were obtained through Elisa test and genetic data by TaqMan™ allelic discrimination and Infinium PsychArray-24 BeadChip genotyping. Polygenic Scores (PGS) were calculated on PRSice2 based on the latest GWAS for Vitamin D and statistical analyses were conducted at Plink and SPSS software. RESULTS: Vitamin D PGSs were associated with inattention in the ADHD sample and with hyperactivity when inattention symptoms were included as covariates. In the nutrigenetic sample, CYP2R1 rs10741657 and DHCR7 rs12785878 were nominally associated with impulsivity and hyperactivity, respectively, and both with vitamin D levels. In the clinical sample, RXRG rs2134095 was associated with impulsivity. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest a shared genetic architecture between vitamin D levels and ADHD symptoms, as evidenced by the associations observed with PGS and specific genes related to vitamin D levels. Interestingly, differential effects for vitamin D PGS were found in inattention and hyperactivity, which should be considered in further studies involving ADHD.

8.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38753191

ABSTRACT

The default mode network (DMN) is atypically active in patients with ADHD, likely contributing to the inattention patterns observed in patients with the disorder. Nonetheless, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have rarely targeted the posterior cingulate cortex, a key DMN region, and little is known about the biochemical setting within this network in patients with ADHD. We aimed to assess the differences in metabolite profiles of the posterior cingulate cortex-a key region of the DMN-between patients with ADHD and controls. Five brain metabolites-glutamate, inositol, N-acetyl aspartate, choline, and creatine-were measured through MRS in the posterior cingulate cortex of patients and controls in a 3.0 T scanner. Between-group comparison of neurometabolite concentrations in PCC was performed using multivariate analysis of covariance. A total of 88 patients and 44 controls were included in the analysis. Patients with ADHD showed lower levels of glutamate in the posterior cingulate cortex compared to controls (p = 0.003). Lower concentrations of glutamate in the posterior cingulate cortex suggest that a glutamatergic imbalance within the posterior cingulate cortex might play a role in the pathogenesis of ADHD. Further understanding of the causes and consequences of such glutamate decrease might help explain how some glutamate-related drug effects impact on ADHD symptomatology.

9.
Acta Trop ; 256: 107255, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38761835

ABSTRACT

Syphilis is a significant public health concern worldwide. According to the 2020 estimates, nearly 7.1 million new cases of syphilis have been reported globally, with over 30 % of these cases reported from American nations, particularly Brazil. Concerns have been raised regarding the susceptibility of specific groups to syphilis due to challenges and vulnerabilities that place these groups at a higher risk of infections or complications in the treatment outcomes. The present study aimed to compare the seroprevalence and the factors associated with syphilis among such high-risk groups. The study was designed as a cross-sectional one and was conducted with pregnant women, people living with HIV (PLHIV), people living with tuberculosis (PLTB), indigenous and healthy populations in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The study was conducted between June 2019 and August 2022, during which the included patients were subjected to treponemal and non-treponemal serological assays. The study also included a survey conducted through a self-reported questionnaire to collect information regarding the participants' demographics and sexual behaviors. A total of 550 samples were collected, with 110 participants in each of the five groups. The results of the study revealed that the seroprevalence of Treponema pallidum infection in pregnant women, PLHIV, PLTB, indigenous and healthy populations of the study region was 10 % (n = 11/110), 41.81 % (n = 46/110), 17.27 % (n = 19/110), 5.45 % (n = 6/110), and 8.18 % (n = 9/110), respectively. Homosexual orientation (p = 0.04) and a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) (p = 0.01) were associated with the seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection in PLHIV. However, no such associations were noted in the remaining four groups. The seroprevalence of T. pallidum infection was observed to vary significantly among the different high-risk groups, which highlighted the persistent concern of syphilis, particularly among vulnerable populations. These findings underscore the significance of focused interventions and public health strategies customized to the specific requirements of each of the groups evaluated in the present study to decrease the number of cases of syphilis and thereby prevent future complications in patients with other serious infections.


Subject(s)
Syphilis , Treponema pallidum , Humans , Syphilis/epidemiology , Brazil/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Female , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Treponema pallidum/immunology , Male , Pregnancy , Young Adult , Middle Aged , HIV Infections/epidemiology , HIV Infections/complications , Adolescent , Risk Factors , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Sexual Behavior
10.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 11127, 2024 05 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38750102

ABSTRACT

Nutraceutical interventions supporting microbiota and eliciting clinical improvements in metabolic diseases have grown significantly. Chronic stress, gut dysbiosis, and metainflammation have emerged as key factors intertwined with sleep disorders, consequently exacerbating the decline in quality of life. This study aimed to assess the effects of two nutraceutical formulations containing prebiotics (fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS), yeast ß-glucans), minerals (Mg, Se, Zn), and the herbal medicine Silybum marianum L. Gaertn., Asteraceae (Milk thistle or Silymarin). These formulations, namely NSupple (without silymarin) and NSupple_Silybum (with silymarin) were tested over 180 days in overweight/obese volunteers from Brazil's southeastern region. We accessed fecal gut microbiota by partial 16S rRNA sequences; cytokines expression by CBA; anthropometrics, quality of life and sleep, as well as metabolic and hormonal parameters, at baseline (T0) and 180 days (T180) post-supplementation. Results demonstrated gut microbiota reshaping at phyla, genera, and species level post-supplementation. The Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroides, and Prevotella genera were positively modulated especially in the NSupple_Silybum group. Gut microbiota modulation was associated with improved sleep patterns, quality-of-life perception, cytokines expression, and anthropometric parameters post-supplementation. Our findings suggest that the nutraceutical blends positively enhance cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Particularly, NSupple_Silybum modulated microbiota composition, underscoring its potential significance in ameliorating metabolic dysregulation. Clinical trial registry number: NCT04810572. 23/03/2021.


Subject(s)
Cytokines , Dietary Supplements , Gastrointestinal Microbiome , Quality of Life , Humans , Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects , Male , Brazil , Female , Double-Blind Method , Adult , Cytokines/metabolism , Middle Aged , Prebiotics/administration & dosage , Feces/microbiology , Silymarin/pharmacology , Minerals/pharmacology , Obesity/microbiology , Oligosaccharides/pharmacology , Oligosaccharides/administration & dosage
12.
Clin Hypertens ; 30(1): 12, 2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38689333

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Under the adverse remodeling of the right ventricle and interventricular septum in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) the left ventricle (LV) dynamics is impaired. Despite the benefits of combined aerobic and resistance physical trainings to individuals with PAH, its impact on the LV is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To test whether moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of PAH induced by MCT in rats is beneficial to the LV's structure and function. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Sedentary Hypertensive Survival (SHS, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive Survival (EHS, n = 7) to test survival. To investigate the effects of combined physical training, another group of rats were divided into three groups: Sedentary Control (SC, n = 7); Sedentary Hypertensive (SH, n = 7); and Exercise Hypertensive (EH, n = 7). PAH was induced through an intraperitoneal injection of MCT (60 mg/kg). Echocardiographic evaluations were conducted on the 22nd day after MCT administration. Animals in the EHS and EH groups participated in a combined physical training program, alternating aerobic (treadmill running: 50 min, 60% maximum running speed) and resistance (ladder climbing: 15 climbs with 1 min interval, 60% maximum carrying load) exercises, one session/day, 5 days/week for approximately 4 weeks. RESULTS: The physical training increased survival and tolerance to aerobic (i.e., maximum running speed) and resistance (i.e., maximum carrying load) exertions and prevented reductions in ejection fraction and fractional shortening. In addition, the physical training mitigated oxidative stress (i.e., CAT, SOD and MDA) and inhibited adverse LV remodeling (i.e., Collagen, extracellular matrix, and cell dimensions). Moreover, the physical training preserved the amplitude and velocity of contraction and hindered the reductions in the amplitude and velocity of the intracellular Ca2+ transient in LV single myocytes. CONCLUSION: Moderate-intensity combined physical training performed during the development of MCT-induced PAH in rats protects their LV from damages to its structure and function and hence increases their tolerance to physical exertion and prolongs their survival.

13.
Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis ; 107: 102149, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38442544

ABSTRACT

We aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from fecal samples of calves and buffalo calves (2008-2013), in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as the frequency of O157 gene and strains carrying extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and mobile colistin resistance (mcr) genes. E. coli strains (n=518) were tested for susceptibility against ten antimicrobials. Tetracycline was the antimicrobial with the highest resistance rate (382/518), followed by ampicillin (321/518), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (312/518), chloramphenicol (192/518), gentamicin (126/518), ciprofloxacin (148/518), cefazolin (89/518), colistin (54/518) and cefoxitin (34/518). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 381/518 isolates. No strain harbored mcr or O157 genes, whereas 19/99 were ESBL positive. The most prevalent pathotype and phylogroup were STEC and B1, respectively. Age, EHEC pathotype and resistance to aminoglycoside and cephem were significantly associated with MDR in the multivariate model. Overall, E. coli strains showed high rates of resistance to penicillin, tetracyclines and folate inhibitors, in addition to an alarming rate of MDR and ESBL-producing strains.


Subject(s)
Escherichia coli Infections , Escherichia coli Proteins , Animals , Escherichia coli , Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Colistin/pharmacology , Escherichia coli Infections/epidemiology , Escherichia coli Infections/veterinary , Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial/genetics , Drug Resistance, Bacterial , Microbial Sensitivity Tests/veterinary , Escherichia coli Proteins/genetics , beta-Lactamases/genetics
14.
Vaccine X ; 16: 100429, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38322610

ABSTRACT

The Brazilian National Immunization Program (PNI) has been consolidating itself as one of the most relevant interventions in public health. Paradoxically, great challenges arise for the PNI. The phenomenon of falling vaccine coverage is observed not only in Brazil, but in several countries. In the year 2021, faced with the unfavorable scenario of a drop in vaccination coverage, the State Department of Health, and the Federal University of Minas Gerais joined forces to implement a research-intervention project. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of this intervention on vaccination coverage in children under 2 years of age and on indicators of immunization work processes. This is a community clinical trial carried out in 212 municipalities in the state. Workshops were held and Municipal Action Plans were created. Vaccination coverage data were obtained from the National Immunization Program Information System (SIPNI) and evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U Test and the McNemar Test. Work process indicators were evaluated using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests. The results demonstrate an important improvement for most of the indicators in the three analyzed times, with statistical significance and an increase in medians and interquartile ranges. Among the indicators that showed the best performance, it is possible to mention those related to the active search by the Community Health Agent. Regarding vaccine coverage, for all immunobiologicals analyzed, there was an increase in the percentage of municipalities that reached targets when comparing the years 2022 and 2021, except for hepatitis A. The intervention research had a positive impact on vaccine coverage of children under 2 years of age and on indicators of immunization work processes in municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

15.
Clin Infect Dis ; 78(6): 1669-1676, 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38324908

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An active search for tuberculosis cases through mass screening is widely described as a tool to improve case detection in hyperendemic settings. However, its effectiveness in high-risk populations, such as incarcerated people, is debated. METHODS: Between 2017 and 2021, 3 rounds of mass screening were carried out in 3 Brazilian prisons. Social and health questionnaires, chest X-rays, and Xpert MTB/RIF were performed. RESULTS: More than 80% of the prison population was screened. Overall, 684 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were diagnosed. Prevalence across screening rounds was not statistically different. Among incarcerated persons with symptoms, the overall prevalence of tuberculosis per 100 000 persons was 8497 (95% confidence interval [CI], 7346-9811), 11 115 (95% CI, 9471-13 082), and 7957 (95% CI, 6380-9882) in screening rounds 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Similar to our overall results, there were no statistical differences between screening rounds and within individual prisons. We found no statistical differences in Computer-Aided Detection for TB version 5 scores across screening rounds among people with tuberculosis-the median scores in rounds 1, 2, and 3 were 82 (interquartile range [IQR], 63-97), 77 (IQR, 60-94), and 81 (IQR, 67-92), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this environment with hyperendemic rates of tuberculosis, 3 rounds of mass screening did not reduce the overall tuberculosis burden. In prisons, where a substantial number of tuberculosis cases is undiagnosed annually, a range of complementary interventions and more frequent tuberculosis cases screening may be required.


Subject(s)
Mass Screening , Prisoners , Prisons , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary , Humans , Brazil/epidemiology , Prisoners/statistics & numerical data , Mass Screening/methods , Male , Adult , Female , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/diagnosis , Tuberculosis, Pulmonary/epidemiology , Prevalence , Middle Aged , Prisons/statistics & numerical data , Young Adult , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/isolation & purification , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/epidemiology
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38180643

ABSTRACT

Glycoside hydrolases (GHs) are a diverse group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds. The Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZy) classification organizes GHs into families based on sequence data and function, with fewer than 1% of the predicted proteins characterized biochemically. Consideration of genomic context can provide clues to infer possible enzyme activities for proteins of unknown function. We used the MultiGeneBLAST tool to discover a gene cluster in Marinovum sp., a member of the marine Roseobacter clade, that encodes homologues of enzymes belonging to the sulfoquinovose monooxygenase pathway for sulfosugar catabolism. This cluster lacks a gene encoding a classical family GH31 sulfoquinovosidase candidate, but which instead includes an uncharacterized family GH13 protein (MsGH13) that we hypothesized could be a non-classical sulfoquinovosidase. Surprisingly, recombinant MsGH13 lacks sulfoquinovosidase activity and is a broad-spectrum α-glucosidase that is active on a diverse array of α-linked disaccharides, including maltose, sucrose, nigerose, trehalose, isomaltose, and kojibiose. Using AlphaFold, a 3D model for the MsGH13 enzyme was constructed that predicted its active site shared close similarity with an α-glucosidase from Halomonas sp. H11 of the same GH13 subfamily that shows narrower substrate specificity.

17.
BMC Genomics ; 25(1): 14, 2024 Jan 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38166730

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mapping expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) in skeletal muscle tissue in pigs is crucial for understanding the relationship between genetic variation and phenotypic expression of carcass traits in meat animals. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of different sets of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), including scenarios removing SNPs pruned for linkage disequilibrium (LD) and SNPs derived from SNP chip arrays and RNA-seq data from liver, brain, and skeletal muscle tissues, on the identification of eQTLs in the Longissimus lumborum tissue, associated with carcass and body composition traits in Large White pigs. The SNPs identified from muscle mRNA were combined with SNPs identified in the brain and liver tissue transcriptomes, as well as SNPs from the GGP Porcine 50 K SNP chip array. Cis- and trans-eQTLs were identified based on the skeletal muscle gene expression level, followed by functional genomic analyses and statistical associations with carcass and body composition traits in Large White pigs. RESULTS: The number of cis- and trans-eQTLs identified across different sets of SNPs (scenarios) ranged from 261 to 2,539 and from 29 to 13,721, respectively. Furthermore, 6,180 genes were modulated by eQTLs in at least one of the scenarios evaluated. The eQTLs identified were not significantly associated with carcass and body composition traits but were significantly enriched for many traits in the "Meat and Carcass" type QTL. The scenarios with the highest number of cis- (n = 304) and trans- (n = 5,993) modulated genes were the unpruned and LD-pruned SNP set scenarios identified from the muscle transcriptome. These genes include 84 transcription factor coding genes. CONCLUSIONS: After LD pruning, the set of SNPs identified based on the transcriptome of the skeletal muscle tissue of pigs resulted in the highest number of genes modulated by eQTLs. Most eQTLs are of the trans type and are associated with genes influencing complex traits in pigs, such as transcription factors and enhancers. Furthermore, the incorporation of SNPs from other genomic regions to the set of SNPs identified in the porcine skeletal muscle transcriptome contributed to the identification of eQTLs that had not been identified based on the porcine skeletal muscle transcriptome alone.


Subject(s)
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Quantitative Trait Loci , Swine/genetics , Animals , Phenotype , Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism , Genome-Wide Association Study , Body Composition/genetics
18.
Am J Clin Nutr ; 119(1): 196-205, 2024 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37956721

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite advancements in the global dialog surrounding sex and gender equity, an important gap persists with women markedly underrepresented in major roles within health care leadership. OBJECTIVES: We examined the extent of women's representation in prominent positions within parenteral and enteral nutrition (PEN) societies worldwide over a span of 2 decades. DESIGN: This retrospective analysis explored the sex distribution of society chairs, conference presidents, and editor-in-chief positions across 64 PEN societies between 2003 and 2022. Additionally, data on the first and last authors of endorsed clinical guidelines were collected from the 2 leading societies. RESULTS: Over the past 20 y, women held society chair positions in 34.4% of cases. The representation shifted from 30% during the decade from 2003 to 2012 to 40.5% from 2013 to 2022. Throughout these years, the numbers consistently ranged from 0 to 10; however, the median shifted upward from 1 during the first decade to 4 in the subsequent decade (P = 0.04). Of 420 congress presidencies, ∼30% were women. In endorsed guidelines, women were the first authors in 27.1% of cases (P < 0.001) and the last in 28.9% (P < 0.001) compared with men. Of the 123 journal editor-in-chief positions, women occupied 23 (18.7%). CONCLUSION: Over the last 2 decades, women have been consistently underrepresented in prominent leadership roles in PEN societies globally. Although there has been a noticeable shift toward more women in chair positions, true sex equality remains elusive. Moreover, sex disparities are even more pronounced in positions, such as conference presidents, authors of major guidelines, and editors-in-chief of society-affiliated journals. These data underscore the pressing need to enhance efforts toward sex equality across these domains.


Subject(s)
Enteral Nutrition , Leadership , Male , Humans , Female , Retrospective Studies , Societies, Medical
19.
J Phys Act Health ; 21(2): 146-154, 2024 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37939706

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aims to estimate leisure-time physical activity and television (TV) viewing curves according to age stratified by sex, area of residence, and socioeconomic position. METHODS: Using data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, we estimated the prevalence of leisure-time physical activity and TV viewing according to continuous age. The estimates were calculated using fractional polynomials and stratified by sex, wealth, skin color, and area of residence. RESULTS: The sample included 87,376 adults (aged 18 y or over). In general, leisure-time physical activity decreased according to age while TV viewing increased. Regarding behavior of curves according to stratifiers, for leisure-time physical activity the disadvantaged groups maintained a pattern of low physical activity across all age groups or presented the decrease earlier when compared to groups in social advantage. On the other hand, for TV viewing, women presented an increase in prevalence before men, and individuals living in the urban area and the wealthiest group were those with a higher increase according to age. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings may help researchers and policymakers further explore inequalities in physical activity across life in different settings, as well as develop sensitive cultural actions to support more vulnerable people to adopt public health recommendations.


Subject(s)
Exercise , Motor Activity , Adult , Male , Humans , Female , Brazil/epidemiology , Recreation , Television
20.
PLoS One ; 18(12): e0295211, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38134187

ABSTRACT

This study assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 496 asymptomatic individuals from Mato Grosso do Sul, located in Dourados, the largest periurban indigenous area in Brazil, from January 25 to February 4, 2021. The volunteers participated before receiving their first dose of the CoronaVac inactivated vaccine. For screening, blood samples were collected and analyzed using SARS-CoV-2 rapid tests and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We observed varying trends in total anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies across different variables. Seropositivity among the participants tested was 63.70% (316/496) using the rapid test and 52.82% (262/496) were positive using the ELISA method. The majority of participants identified with the Guarani-Kaiowá ethnic group, with 66.15% (217/328), and other ethnic groups with 58.84% (193/328). The median age of the subjects was 30.5 years, with 79.57% (261/328) being femaleThis research showed the elevated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in asymptomatic Brazilians. The findings indicate a high seropositivity rate among the asymptomatic indigenous population of Midwest Brazil. This underscores the overlooked status of these communities and underscores the need for targeted national initiatives that emphasize the protection of vulnerable ethnic groups in the fight against COVID-19.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Indigenous Peoples , Adult , Humans , Antibodies, Viral , Brazil/epidemiology , COVID-19/epidemiology , SARS-CoV-2 , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Ethnicity , Asymptomatic Infections/epidemiology
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