Contrasting patterns of foraging behavior in neotropical stingless bees using pollen and honey metabarcoding.

Stingless bees are major flower visitors in the tropics, but their foraging preferences and behavior are still poorly understood. Studying stingless bee interactions with angiosperms is methodologically challenging due to the high tropical plant diversity and inaccessibility of upper canopy flowers in forested habitats. Pollen DNA metabarcoding offers an opportunity of assessing floral visitation efficiently and was applied here to understand stingless bee floral resources spectra and foraging behavior. We analyzed pollen and honey from nests of three distantly related stingless bee species, with different body size and social behavior: Melipona rufiventris, Scaptotrigona postica and Tetragonisca angustula. Simultaneously, we evaluate the local floristic components through seventeen rapid botanical surveys conducted at different distances from the nests. We discovered a broad set of explored floral sources, with 46.3 plant species per bee species in honey samples and 53.67 in pollen samples. Plant families Myrtaceae, Asteraceae, Euphorbiaceae, Melastomataceae and Malpighiaceae dominated the records, indicating stingless bee preferences for abundant resources that flowers of these families provide in the region. Results also reinforce the preference of stingless bees for forest trees, even if only available at long distances. Our high-resolution results encourage future bee-plant studies using pollen and honey metabarcoding in hyper-diverse tropical environments.

Paraprobiotics strains accelerate wound repair by stimulating re-epithelialization of NIH-3T3 cells, decreasing inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential and specificity of the inflammatory and antioxidant response of Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns (MAMPs) in NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, as well as in the healing process of skin wounds. Cells (NIH-3T3) were cultivated in supplemented specific medium. NIH-3T3 cells were treated with MAMPs (Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus casei or Lactobacillus gasseri or Lactobacillus paracasei or Streptococcus thermophilus), at two concentrations and insulted with LPS or H2O2. Cell viability, myeloperoxidase activity, nitrite/nitrate, oxidative damage and inflammatory parameters were measured. In addition, scratch assay was performed. Significant scratch closure was observed after 24 h and 48 h, and the effect of 0.1 g/mL MAMPs on wound healing was found to be highly statistically significant. In the viability cellular assay, Lactobacillus showed better response in 0.1 g/mL dose, whereas B. lactis and S. thermophilus showed better response in 0.01 g/mL dose. There was reduction in IL-6 and IL-1ß levels in all treatments insulted with LPS. MAMP's showed preventive efficacy in reducing the effects caused by LPS. The MAMP's action in decreasing the production of ROS, inflammatory activity and increasing cell viability, besides significant cell proliferation during wound healing processes suggests remodeling mechanisms and new possibilities for wound healing.

Effects of different probiotic strains B. lactis, L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri on brain-intestinal axis immunomodulation in an endotoxin-induced inflammation.

The study evaluated the effects of supplementation with three different probiotic strains Bifidobacterium lactis (LACT GB™), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (RHAM GB™) and Lactobacillus reuteri (REUT GB™) on brain-intestinal immunomodulation in an animal model of LPS-induced inflammation. Fifty mice Balb/C were distributed into five groups: control; lipopolysaccharide (LPS); LPS + B. lactis (LACT GB™); LPS + L. rhamnosus (RHAM GB™); and LPS + L. reuteri (REUT GB™). The animals were supplemented with their respective probiotic microorganisms daily, for 30 days, at a concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/animal/day. After 30 days of supplementation, animals received the inflammatory insult by LPS (15 mg/kg). Behavioral tests, oxidative stress and inflammation were performed, as well as gut and brain histology. In the behavioral test, LPS + B. lactis group was less anxious than the other groups. Serum interleukin IL-1ß and IL-6 levels increased in all groups that received the LPS insult, and there was a reduction in inflammation in the supplemented groups when compared to the LPS group in brain and gut. There is a reduction in myeloperoxidase activity and oxidative stress in groups supplemented with probiotics. In intestine histological analysis occurs damage to the tissue integrity in the LPS group, in the other hand, occurs preservation of integrity in the probiotic supplemented animals. In the brain, infiltrates of perivascular inflammatory cells can be seen in the LPS group. The three probiotic studies showed efficient immunomodulating activity and ensured integrity of the intestinal barrier function, even after the severe insult by LPS. These results show the important role of probiotics in the gut-brain axis. Graphical abstract illustratively represents the gut-brain axis and how different probiotic strains influence the immunomodulatory response releasing different pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and their role in the balance of dysbiosis.

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analysis of Antimicrobial Producing Streptococcus lutetiensis from the Rumen.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) can efficiently control different microbial pathogens and show the potential to be applied in clinical practice and livestock production. In this work, the aim was to isolate AMP-producing ruminal streptococci and to characterize their genetic features through whole-genome sequencing. We cultured 463 bacterial isolates from the rumen of Nelore bulls, 81 of which were phenotypically classified as being Streptococcaceae. Five isolates with broad-range activity were genome sequenced and confirmed as being Streptococcus lutetiensis. The genetic features linked to their antimicrobial activity or adaptation to the rumen environment were characterized through comparative genomics. The genome of S. lutetiensis UFV80 harbored a putative CRISPR-Cas9 system (Type IIA). Computational tools were used to discover novel biosynthetic clusters linked to the production of bacteriocins. All bacterial genomes harbored genetic clusters related to the biosynthesis of class I and class II bacteriocins. SDS-PAGE confirmed the results obtained in silico and demonstrated that the class II bacteriocins predicted in the genomes of three S. lutetiensis strains had identical molecular mass (5197 Da). These results demonstrate that ruminal bacteria of the Streptococcus bovis/equinus complex represent a promising source of novel antimicrobial peptides.

Comparative effects of fresh and sterile fecal microbiota transplantation in an experimental animal model of necrotizing enterocolitis.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious intestinal disease that affects premature neonates, causing high mortality, despite the technological development in neonatal intensive care, with antibiotics, parenteral nutrition, surgery, and advanced life support. The correction of dysbiosis with fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) has shown beneficial effects in experimental models of the disease. The different forms of administration and conservation of FMT and mixed results depending on several factors lead to questions about the mechanism of action of FMT. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of fresh, sterile FMT and probiotic treatment under parameters of inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue damage in a neonatal model of NEC. METHODS: One-day-old Wistar rats were used to induce NEC model. Animals were divided in five groups: Control + saline; NEC + saline; NEC + fresh FMT; NEC + sterile FMT and NEC+ probiotics. Parameters of inflammatory response and oxidative damage were measured in the gut, brain, and serum. It was also determined gut histopathological alterations. RESULTS: Proinflammatory cytokines were increased in the NEC group, and IL-10 levels decreased in the gut, brain, and serum. Fresh and sterile FMT decreased inflammation when compared to the use of probiotics. Oxidative and histological damage to the intestine was apparent in the NEC group, and both FMT treatments had a protective effect. CONCLUSION: Fresh and sterile FMT effectively reduced the inflammatory response, oxidative damage, and histological alterations in the gut and brain compared to an experimental NEC model.

Influence of Chronic Exposure to Exercise on Heart Rate Variability in Children and Adolescents Affected by Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sedentary lifestyles are increasingly common amongst children, and insufficient physical activity is a global epidemic estimated to contribute to future incapacities and potential deaths. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to increase the amount of evidence concerning the effect of chronic exposure to exercise on heart rate variability in children and adolescents affected by obesity. METHODS: A systematic review commenced following the PRISMA guidelines developed by Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, Medline Complete, and Scopus using keywords obtained from the Descriptors in Health Sciences and Medical Subject Headlines (MeSH) terms. We considered (1) Population: Pediatric individuals affected by obesity; (2) Intervention: Exercise; (3) Control: Pre-intervention and sedentary; (4) Outcomes: Clearly presented primary parameters; and (5) Studies: Clinical trials, case controls, case reports, and case series. RESULTS: 11 articles were involved and predominantly included procedures observed during approximately 12 weeks with a distribution of three sessions per week, each session being 30-60 min of aerobic exercise; additionally, the exercise grades were typically completed at a percentage of subjects' maximum heart rates. The meta-analyses displayed a significant effect on the domains of time (R-R interval, SDNN, rMSSD), frequency (HF ms2, HF (n.u.), LF/HF), and the non-linear index (SD1). CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to exercise influences heart rate variability in children and adolescents affected by obesity by elevating the variability and parasympathetic activity and improving the sympathetic-vagal balance. Exercises should be recommended for the improvement of cardiac autonomic modulation to prevent the likelihood of further chronic diseases.

Exploring machine learning to predict depressive relapses of bipolar disorder patients.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mood disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of mania or hypomania and depression, expressed by changes in energy levels and behavior. However, most of relapse studies use evidence-based approaches with statistical methods. With the advance of the precision medicine this study aims to use machine learning (ML) approaches as a possible predictor in depressive relapses in BD. METHOD: Four accepted and well used ML algorithms (Support Vector Machines, Random Forests, Naïve Bayes, and Multilayer Perceptron) were applied to the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) dataset in a cohort of 800 patients (507 patients presented depressive relapse and 293 did not), who became euthymic during the study and were followed for one year. RESULTS: The ML algorithms presented reasonable performance in the prediction task, ranging from 61 to 80% in the F-measure. The Random Forest algorithm obtained a higher average of performance (Relapse Group 68%; No Relapse Group 74%). The three most important mood symptoms observed in the relapse visit (Random Forest) were: interest; depression mood and energy. LIMITATIONS: Social and psychological parameters such as marital status, social support system, personality traits, might be an important predictor in depressive relapses, although we did not compute this data in our study. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that applying precision medicine models by means of machine learning in BD studies could be feasible as a sensible approach to better support medical decision-making in the BD treatment and prevention of future relapses.

Influence of Different Types of Corticosteroids on Heart Rate Variability of Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy-A Pilot Cross Sectional Study.

Individuals with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) have an impairment of cardiac autonomic function categorized by parasympathetic reduction and sympathetic predominance. The objective of this study was to assess the cardiac autonomic modulation of individuals with DMD undergoing therapy with Prednisone/Prednisolone and Deflazacort and compare with individuals with DMD without the use of these medications and a typically developed control group. Methods: A cross-sectional study was completed, wherein 40 boys were evaluated. The four treatment groups were: Deflazacort; Prednisone/Prednisolone; no corticoid use; and typical development. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) was investigated via linear indices (Time Domain and Frequency Domain) and non-linear indices Results: The results of this study revealed that individuals with DMD undertaking pharmacotherapies with Prednisolone demonstrated HRV comparable to the Control Typically Developed (CTD) group. In contrast, individuals with DMD undergoing pharmacotherapies with Deflazacort achieved lower HRV, akin to individuals with DMD without any medications, as demonstrated in the metrics: RMSSD; LF (n.u.), HF (n.u.), LF/HF; SD1, α1, and α1/α2, and a significant effect for SD1/SD2; %DET and Ratio; Shannon Entropy, 0 V%, 2 LV% and 2 ULV%. Conclusions: Corticosteroids have the potential to affect the cardiac autonomic modulation in adolescents with DMD. The use of Prednisone/Prednisolone appears to promote improved responses in terms of sympathovagal activity as opposed to Deflazacort.

A Educação Física na BNCC: desafios da escola republicana / Physical Education at BNCC: challenges of the republican school / Educación Física en BNCC: desafíos de la escuela republicana

Este estudo consiste em um ensaio teórico que apresenta reflexões acerca das possibilidades e dos desafios impostos pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular. Para tanto, propõe uma discussão sobre república e democracia, localizando a escola como uma instituição formativa necessária para o funcionamento da sociedade. Procura, por fim, analisar o processo de elaboração da base destacando que, embora a efetivação de um currículo comum seja importante para a legitimação da Educação Física como um componente curricular necessário para a escola republicana, o processo final da construção do documento ocorreu de modo pouco democrático, pondo em xeque sua legitimidade.

The present study consists of a theoretical essay that presents reflections on the possibilities and challenges imposed by the National Common Curricular Base. For this, it proposes a discussion on republic and democracy, locating the school as a training institution necessary for the functioning of society. Finally, we seek to analyze the process of preparing the base, highlighting that although the implementation of a common curriculum is important for the legitimation of Physical Education as a necessary curricular component for the republican school, the final process of the construction of the document occurred in an undemocratic way, challenging its legitimacy.

El presente estudio consiste en un ensayo teórico que presenta reflexiones sobre las posibilidades y desafíos que impone la Base Curricular Común Nacional. Para ello propone una discusión sobre república y democracia, ubicando a la escuela como una institución de formación necesaria para el funcionamiento de la sociedad. Finalmente, buscamos analizar el proceso de elaboración de la base, resaltando que, si bien la implementación de un currículo común es importante para la legitimación de la Educación Física como componente curricular necesario para la escuela republicana, se dio el proceso final de construcción del documento. de forma antidemocrática, desafiando su legitimidad.

Aerobic Training in Young Men Increases the Transfer of Cholesterol to High Density Lipoprotein In Vitro: Impact of High Density Lipoprotein Size.

Exercise training not only improves the plasma lipid profile but also reduces risk of developing coronary heart disease. We investigate whether plasma lipids and high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism are affected by aerobic training and whether the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels at baseline influence exercise-induced changes in HDL. Seventy-one male sedentary volunteers were evaluated and allocated in two subgroups, according to the HLD-C levels (< or >40 mg/dL). Participants underwent an 18-week aerobic training period. Blood was sampled before and after training for biochemical analysis. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, HDL diameter, and VO2 peak were determined. Lipid transfers to HDL were determined in vitro by incubating plasma samples with a donor lipid artificial nanoemulsion. After the 18-week period of aerobic training, the VO2 peak increased, while the mean body mass index (BMI) decreased. HDL-C concentration was higher after the training period, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C did not change. The transfer of esterified cholesterol and phospholipids was greater after exercise training, but the triacylglycerol and unesterified cholesterol transfers were unchanged. The HDL particle diameter increased after aerobic training in all participants. When the participants were separated in low-HDL and normal-HDL groups, the postaerobic exercise increment in HDL-C was higher in the low-HDL group, while the transfer of esterified cholesterol was lower. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training increases the lipid transfers to HDL, as measured by an in vitro method, which possibly contributes to the classical elevation of the HDL-C associated with training.

Comportamento social em ratos recuperados após desnutrição proteica: análise comparativa entre machos e fêmeas / Social behavior in rats recovered from protein malnutrition: comparative analysis between males and females

A maturação do sistema nervoso central depende, entre outros fatores, da ingestão adequada de nutrientes. Períodos de desnutrição podem afetar seu desenvolvimento, comprometendo a capacidade cognitiva. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento social de ratos e ratas Wistar alimentados com dieta hipoproteica e posteriormente recuperados com dieta normoproteica. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar (machos e fêmeas) divididos em dois grupos: Controle (C), alimentado com dieta normoproteica (AIN 14% de proteína) durante 12 semanas e Recuperado (R), desnutrido com dieta hipoproteica (AIN 6% de proteína) por 6 semanas e posteriormente alimentado com dieta normoproteica da 7ª a 12ª semanas. A massa corporal foi verificada semanalmente e após o período experimental os animais foram submetidos aos testes de labirinto em cruz elevado e reconhecimento social. Foram avaliados os parâmetros sensoriais utilizados pelos ratos no reconhecimento de seus pares no lócus de convívio. Utilizou-se o paradigma intruso-residente na análise, sendo observado que a dieta hipoproteica comprometeu o ganho de massa corporal em machos e fêmeas, como também foi verificado redução na capacidade de reconhecer seus pares, após exposição consecutiva de curta duração, e ainda, houve uma intensa manifestação de agressividade nos machos do grupo recuperado, fato que não foi observado pelas fêmeas indicando que a intensidade de comprometimento no sistema nervoso central, gerado pela desnutrição pode ter relação com o dimorfismo sexual. (AU)

The maturation of the central nervous system depends, among other factors, proper intake of nutrients. Periods of malnutrition can affect your development, undermining the cognitive ability. The objective of this work was to evaluate the social behavior of mice and Wistar rats fed with hipoproteica diet and later recovered with present diet. Wistar rats were used (males and females) divided into two groups: control (C), fed up with the present diet (AIN 14% protein) for 12 weeks and recovered (R), malnourished with diet hipoproteica (AIN 6% protein) for 6 weeks and subsequently fed with the present diet of 7th to 12th weeks. Body mass was checked weekly and after the trial period the animals were subjected to the tests of high cross maze and social recognition. We evaluated the sensory parameters used by rats in the recognition of his peers in locus. The intruder-resident paradigm in the analysis, being observed that diet hipoproteica undertook the weight gain in males and females and verified reduction in ability to recognize their peers, after successive exposure of short duration, and yet, there was an intense manifestation of aggression in males of the group recovered, a fact that was not observed for females, indicating that the intensity of commitment in the central nervous system, generated by malnutrition may be related to sexual dimorphism. (AU)

Both cetaceans in the Brazilian Amazon show sustained, profound population declines over two decades.

Obligate river dolphins occur only in the rivers of Asia and South America, where they are increasingly subject to damaging pressures such as habitat degradation, food competition and entanglement in fishing gear as human populations expand. The Amazon basin hosts two, very different, dolphins-the boto or Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and the smaller tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). Both species have wide geographical ranges and were once considered to be relatively abundant. Their IUCN Red List conservation status of Data Deficient (DD), due to limited information on threats, ecology, population numbers and trends, did not initially cause alarm. However, the development of dolphin hunting to provide fish bait at around the beginning of this millennium broadly coincided with the onset of a widespread perception that numbers of both species were in decline. Consequently, the need for population trend data to inform conservation advice and measures became urgent. This paper presents a 22-year time series of standardised surveys for both dolphins within the Mamirauá Reserve, Amazonas State, Brazil. Analysis of these data show that both species are in steep decline, with their populations halving every 10 years (botos) and 9 years (tucuxis) at current rates. These results are consistent with published, independent information on survival rates of botos in this area, which demonstrated a substantial drop in annual survival, commencing at around the year 2000. Mamirauá is a protected area, and is subject to fewer environmental pressures than elsewhere in the region, so there is no reason to suspect that the decline in dolphins within the Reserve is more pronounced than outside it. If South America's freshwater cetaceans are to avoid following their Asian counterparts on the path to a perilous conservation status, effective conservation measures are required immediately. Enforcement of existing fishery laws would greatly assist in achieving this.

Aerobic exercise training differentially affects ACE C- and N-domain activities in humans: Interactions with ACE I/D polymorphism and association with vascular reactivity.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have linked angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) insertion (I)/deletion (D) polymorphism (II, ID and DD) to physical performance. Moreover, ACE has two catalytic domains: NH2 (N) and COOH (C) with distinct functions, and their activity has been found to be modulated by ACE polymorphism. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of the interaction between aerobic exercise training (AET) and ACE I/D polymorphism on ACE N- and C-domain activities and vascular reactivity in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 315 pre-selected healthy males were genotyped for II, ID and DD genotypes. Fifty completed the full AET (II, n = 12; ID, n = 25; and DD, n = 13), performed in three 90-minute sessions weekly, in the four-month exercise protocol. Pre- and post-training resting heart rate (HR), peak O2 consumption (VO2 peak), mean blood pressure (MBP), forearm vascular conduction (FVC), total circulating ACE and C- and N-domain activities were assessed. One-way ANOVA and two -way repeated-measures ANOVA were used. RESULTS: In pre-training, all variables were similar among the three genotypes. In post-training, a similar increase in FVC (35%) was observed in the three genotypes. AET increased VO2 peak similarly in II, ID and DD (49±2 vs. 57±1; 48±1 vs. 56±3; and 48±5 vs. 58±2 ml/kg/min, respectively). Moreover, there were no changes in HR and MBP. The DD genotype was also associated with greater ACE and C-domain activities at pre- and post-training when compared to II. AET decreased similarly the total ACE and C-domain activities in all genotypes, while increasing the N-domain activity in the II and DD genotypes. However, interestingly, the measurements of N-domain activity after training indicate a greater activity than the other genotypes. These results suggest that the vasodilation in response to AET may be associated with the decrease in total ACE and C-domain activities, regardless of genotype, and that the increase in N-domain activity is dependent on the DD genotype. CONCLUSIONS: AET differentially affects the ACE C- and N-domain activities, and the N-domain activity is dependent on ACE polymorphism.

Conventional and liquid-based cytology (Liqui-PREP™) anal findings in male HIV anoreceptive patients in a referral University hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Achados de citologia convencional e de citologia em base líquida (Liqui-PREP®) anal em pacientes masculinos HIV soropositivos anorreceptivos, em um hospital universitário de referência do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Introduction: The anal lesions seem to have a natural history that closely resembles cervical lesions, with signs that precede the invasion. Cytological changes of anal epithelium induced by HPV can be detected through cytology, as it is considered an effective screening method. Objective: To identify the frequency of atypical epithelial conventional cytology results by comparing anal samples through Liqui-PREPTM technology in HIV-positive men. Methods: Cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study of 33 men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV-positive and anoreceptive attended at the Gaffrèe and Guinle University Hospital (HUGG), Rio de Janeiro, from June to July, 2016. Collection of anal samples for the conventional cytology and Liqui-PREPTM cytology was carried out. For significance of findings, Fisher exact test with 95% confidence interval was used and cytological Kappa index was employed for concordance between the two cytological methods. Results: The age ranged from 23 to 60 years (mean=39.06). The CD4 cell count was between 200 to 500/mm3 on 16 (48.5%) and 13 (39.4%), and 50% was diagnosed with HIV for more than 6 years. In conventional cytology one case was considered unsatisfactory (3%). Among the cases considered satisfactory, 9 (28.1%) were diagnosed with ASC-US; 4 (12.5%) LSIL; 2 (6.3%) ASC-H, and 2 (6.3%) HSIL. Through Liqui-PREPTM method, 7 cases were considered unsatisfactory (21.2%). Among the satisfactory cases, 7 showed ASC-US (26.9%); 4 (15.4%) ASC-H; 2 (7.7%) LSIL; and 2 (7.7%) HSIL. The difference of unsatisfactory cases between both methods, although higher for Liqui-PREPTM, was not statistically significant (p=0.054). The correlation was moderate (0503; p<0.006 [0.1765­0.8298]). Conclusion: The cytologic atypia is common among MSM HIV (+), and the anal conventional cytology and liquid by Liqui-PREPTM cytology are equivalent, although they are more unsatisfactory in the latter technique.

Introdução: As lesões anais parecem ter uma história natural, que se assemelha às de lesões de colo uterino, com sinais que precedem a invasão. As alterações citológicas do epitélio anal induzidas pelo HPV podem ser detectadas por citologia, um método de rastreio considerado efetivo. Objetivo: Identificar a frequência de atipias epiteliais nos resultados da citologia convencional comparando amostras anais pela tecnologia Liqui-PREP® em homens HIV positivos. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico de 33 homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH), HIV positivos e anorreceptivos atendidos no Hospital Universitário Gaffrèe e Guinle (HUGG), Rio de Janeiro, no período de junho a julho de 2016. Os pacientes foram submetidos à coleta de amostras anais para citologia convencional e citologia Liqui-PREP®. Para significância de achados, foi usado o teste exato de Fisher com intervalo de confiança de 95%, e para concordância entre os dois métodos citológicos, foi utilizado o índice de Kappa. Resultados: A idade variou de 23 a 60 anos (média=39,06). A contagem de células CD4 foi entre 200 e 500/mm3 para 16 (48,5%) e 13 (39,4%) dos casos analisados, e 50% tinham o diagnóstico de HIV há mais de seis anos. Na citologia convencional, um caso foi considerado insatisfatório (3%). Entre os casos considerados satisfatórios, 9 (28,1%) foram diagnosticados como células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado possivelmente não neoplásicas (ASC-US); 4 (12,5%) como lesão intraepitelial de baixo grau (LSIL); 2 (6,3%) como células escamosas atípicas não sendo possível excluir lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (ASC-H) e 2 (6,3%) como lesão intraepitelial de alto grau (HSIL). Pelo método Liqui-PREP®, 7 casos foram considerados insatisfatórios (21,2%). Entre os casos satisfatórios, 7 como ASC-US (26,9%); 4 (15,4%) como ASC-H; 2 (7,7%) como LSIL e 2 (7,7%) como HSIL. A diferença de insatisfatório entre os métodos, embora maior para Liqui-PREP®, não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,054). A concordância foi moderada (0,503; p<0,006 [0,1765­0,8298]). Conclusão: É frequente a atipia citológica entre HSH HIV (+), e as citologias anal convencional e em meio líquido pela técnica Liqui-PREPTM se equivalem, embora sejam mais insatisfatórias na técnica citológica Liqui-PREP®.

A novel method to evaluate salivary flow rates of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy: a pilot study / Um novo método para avaliar as taxas de fluxo salivar em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço após radioterapia: estudo piloto

Abstract Introduction The procedure used to evaluate salivary flow rate is called sialometry. It can be performed through several techniques, but none appears to be really efficient for post-radiotherapy patients. Objective To adequate sialometry tests for head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. Methods 22 xerostomic patients post-radiotherapy (total radiation dose ranging from 60 to 70 Gy) were included in this study. Ten patients were evaluated using sialometries originally proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and twelve were assessed by our modified methods. Unstimulated and stimulated sialometries were performed and the results were classified according a grading scale and compared between both groups. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the salivary evaluations of both groups (p = 0.4487 and p = 0.5615). Also, most of these rates were classified as very low and low. Conclusion This novel method seems to be suitable for patients submitted to radiotherapy.

Resumo Introdução O procedimento utilizado para avaliar a taxa de fluxo salivar é denominado sialometria. Pode ser realizado por meio de várias técnicas, mas nenhuma parece ser realmente eficiente para pacientes pós-radioterapia. Objetivo Adaptar sialometrias para pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos à radioterapia. Método 22 pacientes xerostômicos pós-radioterapia (dose de radiação total variando de 60-70 Gy) foram incluídos neste estudo. Dez pacientes foram avaliados utilizando sialometrias originalmente propostas pelo Radiation Therapy Oncology Group e doze foram avaliados por nossos métodos modificados. Sialometrias não estimuladas e estimuladas foram conduzidas e os resultados foram classificados de acordo com uma escala de graduação e comparados entre os dois grupos. Resultados Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre as avaliações salivares de ambos os grupos (p = 0,4487 e p = 0,5615). Além disso, a maioria dessas taxas foi classificada como muito baixa e baixa. Conclusão Esse novo método parece ser adequado para pacientes submetidos à radioterapia.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression.

Depressive episodes are a major cause of morbidity and dysfunction in individuals suffering from bipolar disorder. Currently available treatments for this condition have limited efficacy and new therapeutic options are needed. Extensive research in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder points to the existence of mitochondrial and bioenergetic dysfunction. We hypothesized that creatine monohydrate, a nutraceutical that works as a mitochondrial modulator, would be effective as an adjunctive therapy for bipolar depression. We conducted a double-blind trial in which 35 patients with bipolar disorder type I or II in a depressive episode by DSM-IV criteria and in use of regular medication for the treatment of this phase of the disease were randomly allocated into two adjunctive treatment groups for 6 weeks: creatine monohydrate 6 g daily (N = 17) or placebo (N = 18). Primary efficacy was assessed by the change in the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). We did not find a statistically significant difference in the comparison between groups for the change in score on the MADRS after 6 weeks in an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (p = 0.560; Cohen's d = 0.231). However, we found significant superiority of creatine add-on vs. placebo when we considered the remission criterion of a MADRS score ≤ 12 at week 6 analyzing the outcome of the 35 randomized patients on ITT (52.9% remission in the creatine group vs. 11.1% remission in the placebo group) and of the 23 completers (66.7% remission in the creatine group vs. 18.2% remission in the placebo group) (p = 0.012; OR = 9.0 and p = 0.036; OR = 9.0, respectively). Two patients who received creatine switched to hypomania/mania early in the trial. No clinically relevant physical side-effects were reported or observed. This proof-of-concept study, aiming to restore brain bioenergetics using an adjunctive mitochondrial modulator, is not conclusive on the efficacy of creatine add-on for bipolar depression, but suggests that this compound may have a role in the adjunctive treatment of this phase of the illness. Further investigation through randomized controlled trials with larger samples should be conducted to verify the efficacy of creatine supplementation for bipolar depression and also for subsyndromal depressive symptoms.

A novel method to evaluate salivary flow rates of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The procedure used to evaluate salivary flow rate is called sialometry. It can be performed through several techniques, but none appears to be really efficient for post-radiotherapy patients. OBJECTIVE: To adequate sialometry tests for head and neck cancer patients submitted to radiotherapy. METHODS: 22 xerostomic patients post-radiotherapy (total radiation dose ranging from 60 to 70Gy) were included in this study. Ten patients were evaluated using sialometries originally proposed by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and twelve were assessed by our modified methods. Unstimulated and stimulated sialometries were performed and the results were classified according a grading scale and compared between both groups. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the salivary evaluations of both groups (p=0.4487 and p=0.5615). Also, most of these rates were classified as very low and low. CONCLUSION: This novel method seems to be suitable for patients submitted to radiotherapy.

Qualidade de vida de mulheres climatéricas / Quality of life of climacteric stage women

OBJETIVO: Analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres climatéricas. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, com 75 mulheres na faixa etária de 35 a 65 anos. Trata-se de uma pesquisa epidemiológica, transversal. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio dos formulários Questionário de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida, Formulário Socioeconômico e Formulário Clínico. Para análise estatística, foram utilizados o programa BioEstat 5.0 e o teste estatístico qui quadrado de proporções esperadas iguais. RESULTADOS: Entre as entrevistadas, de maioria entre 35 e 45 anos, observou-se predominância de mulheres de raça parda e com companheiro marital, com menor predominância de sintomas. As mulheres que recebiam entre dois ou mais salários mínimos apresentaram menor intensidade de sintomas, ou mesmo não os apresentaram. Estes fatores podiam estar condicionados ao tipo de atividade exercida ou às condições de trabalho. Evidenciou-se significativa prevalência de falta de ar, suor, calor intenso e ansiedade, sendo o comprometimento do componente mental o mais significativo. Em pacientes com sobrepeso ou obesidade, foi observada maior intensidade de sintomas.CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se grande impacto por conta das mudanças do período do climatério na qualidade de vida das mulheres. Muitos dos sintomas apresentados são influenciados por fatores modificáveis. O controle dos sintomas por meio de mudanças de hábitos é necessário para a manutenção da qualidade de vida.(AU)

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the quality of life of climacteric stage women. METHODS: The study was conducted at a Family Health Unit, with 75 women aged 35-65 years. This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional research. Data collection was done through the forms: Questionnaire for Assessment of Quality of Life, Socioeconomic Form, and Clinical Form. For statistical analysis, the software Bioestat 5.0, and the chi-square statistical test of equal expected proportions were used. RESULTS: Among the interviewees, most of them between 35 and 45 years of age, there was a predominance of brown women with marital partners, with a lower prevalence of the symptoms. The women earning between two or more minimum wages presented less severe symptoms, or do not have them. These factors may be conditioned to the type of activity performed or to the working conditions. There was a significant prevalence of shortness of breath, sweat, intense heat and anxiety, with the most significant impairment being to the mental component. In patients with overweight or obesity, a greater severity of symptoms was observed. CONCLUSION: A great impact in the quality of life of women was observed due to the changes of the climacteric period. Many of the symptoms presented are influenced by modifiable factors. The control of symptoms through changes in habits is necessary for keeping quality of life.(AU)