Acute and Chronic Changes in Muscle Androgen Receptor Markers Are Not Associated with Muscle Hypertrophy in Women and Men.

PURPOSE: Androgen receptor (AR) expression and signaling has been regarded as a mechanism for regulating muscle hypertrophy. However, little is known about the associations between acute and chronic changes in skeletal muscle total AR, cytoplasmic AR (cAR), nuclear AR (nAR) and AR DNA-binding (AR-DNA) induced by resistance training (RT) and hypertrophy outcomes in women and men. This study aimed to investigate the acute and chronic effects of RT on skeletal muscle total AR, cAR, nAR contents and AR-DNA in women and men. Additionally, we investigated whether these acute and chronic changes in these markers were associated with muscle hypertrophy in both sexes. METHODS: Nineteen women and 19 men underwent 10 weeks of RT. Muscle biopsies were performed at baseline, 24 h after the first RT session and 96-120 h after the last session. AR, cAR and nAR were analyzed using Western blotting, and AR-DNA using an ELISA-oligonucleotide assay. Fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) by ultrasound. RESULTS: At baseline, men demonstrated greater nAR than women. Baseline cAR was significantly associated with type II fCSA hypertrophy in men. Acutely, both sexes decreased AR and cAR, whereas men demonstrated greater decreases in nAR. After 10 weeks of RT, AR and nAR remained unchanged, men demonstrated greater cAR compared to women, and both sexes decreased AR-DNA activity. Acute and chronic changes in AR markers did not correlate with muscle hypertrophy (type I/II fCSA and mCSA) in women or men. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline cAR content may influence hypertrophy in men, while neither RT-induced acute nor chronic changes in AR, cAR, nAR, and AR-DNA are associated with muscle hypertrophy in women or men.

Resistance training-induced changes in muscle proteolysis and extracellular matrix remodeling biomarkers in the untrained and trained states.

PURPOSE: Resistance training (RT) induces muscle growth at varying rates across RT phases, and evidence suggests that the muscle-molecular responses to training bouts become refined or attenuated in the trained state. This study examined how proteolysis-related biomarkers and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling factors respond to a bout of RT in the untrained (UT) and trained (T) state. METHODS: Participants (19 women and 19 men) underwent 10 weeks of RT. Biopsies of vastus lateralis were collected before and after (24 h) the first (UT) and last (T) sessions. Vastus lateralis cross-sectional area (CSA) was assessed before and after the experimental period. RESULTS: There were increases in muscle and type II fiber CSAs. In both the UT and T states, calpain activity was upregulated and calpain-1/-2 protein expression was downregulated from Pre to 24 h. Calpain-2 was higher in the T state. Proteasome activity and 20S proteasome protein expression were upregulated from Pre to 24 h in both the UT and T. However, proteasome activity levels were lower in the T state. The expression of poly-ubiquitinated proteins was unchanged. MMP activity was downregulated, and MMP-9 protein expression was elevated from Pre to 24 h in UT and T. Although MMP-14 protein expression was acutely unchanged, this marker was lower in T state. TIMP-1 protein levels were reduced Pre to 24 h in UT and T, while TIMP-2 protein levels were unchanged. CONCLUSION: Our results are the first to show that RT does not attenuate the acute-induced response of proteolysis and ECM remodeling-related biomarkers.

Profiling the Linear Peptides of Venom from the Brazilian Scorpion Tityus serrulatus: Structural and Functional Characterization.

Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides, most of which are neurotoxic, with 30 to 70 amino acid residues in their sequences. There are a scarcity of reports in the literature concerning the short linear peptides found in scorpion venoms. This type of peptide toxin may be selectively extracted from the venom using 50% (v/v) acetonitrile. The use of LC-MS and MS/MS enabled the detection of 12 bioactive short linear peptides, of which six were identified as cryptides. These peptides were shown to be multifunctional, causing hemolysis, mast cell degranulation and lysis, edema, pain, and anxiety, increasing the complexity of the envenomation mechanism. Apparently, the natural functions of these peptide toxins are to induce inflammation and discomfort in the victims of scorpion stings.

Effects of Resistance Training Overload Progression Protocols on Strength and Muscle Mass.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of progressive overload in resistance training on muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA) by specifically comparing the impact of increasing load (LOADprog) versus an increase in repetitions (REPSprog). We used a within-subject experimental design in which 39 previously untrained young persons (20 men and 19 women) had their legs randomized to LOADprog and REPSprog. Outcomes were assessed before and after 10 weeks of training. Muscle strength was assessed using the one repetition maximum (1RM) test on the leg extension exercise, and the CSA of the vastus lateralis was assessed by ultrasonography. Both protocols increased 1RM values from pre (LOADprog: 52.90±16.32 kg; REPSprog: 51.67±15.84 kg) to post (LOADprog: 69.05±18.55 kg, REPSprog: 66.82±17.95 kg), with no difference between them (P+>+0.05). Similarly, both protocols also increased in CSA values from pre (LOADprog: 21.34±4.71 cm²; REPSprog: 21.08±4.62 cm²) to post (LOADprog: 23.53±5.41 cm², REPSprog: 23.39±5.19 cm²), with no difference between them (P+>+0.05). In conclusion, our findings indicate that the progression of overload through load or repetitions can be used to promote gains in strength and muscle hypertrophy in young men and women in the early stages of training.

N- acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) type signal molecules produced by rhizobacteria associated with plants that growing in a metal(oids) contaminated soil: A catalyst for plant growth.

The present study explores the potential of rhizobacteria isolated from Baccharis linearis and Solidago chilensis in metal(loid)-contaminated soil for producing N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs)-type signal molecules and promoting plant growth. A total of 42 strains were isolated, four demonstrating the production of AHL-type signal molecules. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing analyses and MALDI-TOF analyses, these four isolates were identified as belonging to the Pseudomonas genus, specifically P. brassicacearum, P. frederickberguensis, P. koreensis, and P. orientalis. The four AHL-producing strains were evaluated for metal(loid)s tolerance, their plant growth promotion traits, AHL quantification, and their impact on in vitro Lactuca sativa plant growth. The study found that four strains exhibited high tolerance to metal(loid)s, particularly As, Cu, and Zn. Additionally, plant growth-promoting traits were detected in AHL-producing bacteria, such as siderophore production, ammonia production, ACC deaminase activity, and P solubilization. Notably, AHL production varied among strains isolated from B. linearis, where C7-HSL and C9-HSL signal molecules were detected, and S. chilensis, where only C7-HSL signal molecules were observed. In the presence of copper, the production of C7-HSL and C9-HSL significantly decreased in B. linearis isolates, while in S. chilensis isolates, C7-HSL production was inhibited. Further, when these strains were inoculated on lettuce seeds and in vitro plants, a significant increase in germination and plant growth was observed. Mainly, the inoculation of P. brassicacearum and P. frederickberguensis led to extensive root hair development, significantly increasing length and root dry weight. Our results demonstrate that rhizospheric strains produce AHL molecules and stimulate plant growth, primarily through root development. However, the presence of copper reduces the production of these molecules, potentially affecting the root development of non-metalloid tolerant plants such as S. chilensis, which would explain its low population in this hostile environment.

International Care programs for Pediatric Post-COVID Condition (Long COVID) and the way forward.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric Post-COVID-Condition (PPCC) clinics treat children despite limited scientific substantiation. By exploring real-life management of children diagnosed with PPCC, the International Post-COVID-Condition in Children Collaboration (IP4C) aimed to provide guidance for future PPCC care. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional international, multicenter study on used PPCC definitions; the organization of PPCC care programs and patients characteristics. We compared aggregated data from PPCC cohorts and identified priorities to improve PPCC care. RESULTS: Ten PPCC care programs and six COVID-19 follow-up research cohorts participated. Aggregated data from 584 PPCC patients was analyzed. The most common symptoms included fatigue (71%), headache (55%), concentration difficulties (53%), and brain fog (48%). Severe limitations in daily life were reported in 31% of patients. Most PPCC care programs organized in-person visits with multidisciplinary teams. Diagnostic testing for respiratory and cardiac morbidity was most frequently performed and seldom abnormal. Treatment was often limited to physical therapy and psychological support. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial heterogeneity in both the diagnostics and management of PPCC, possibly explained by scarce scientific evidence and lack of standardized care. We present a list of components which future guidelines should address, and outline priorities concerning PPCC care pathways, research and international collaboration. IMPACT: Pediatric Post-COVID Condition (PPCC) Care programs have been initiated in many countries. Children with PPCC in different countries are affected by similar symptoms, limiting many to participate in daily life. There is substantial heterogeneity in diagnostic testing. Access to specific diagnostic tests is required to identify some long-term COVID-19 sequelae. Treatments provided were limited to physical therapy and psychological support. This study emphasizes the need for evidence-based diagnostics and treatment of PPCC. The International Post-COVID Collaboration for Children (IP4C) provides guidance for guideline development and introduces a framework of priorities for PPCC care and research, to improve PPCC outcomes.

Profiling the linear peptides of venom from the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus: structural and functional characterization

Scorpion venoms are a rich source of bioactive peptides, most of which are neurotoxic, with 30 to 70 amino acid residues in their sequences. There are a scarcity of reports in the literature concerning the short linear peptides found in scorpion venoms. This type of peptide toxin may be selectively extracted from the venom using 50% (v/v) acetonitrile. The use of LC-MS and MS/MS enabled the detection of 12 bioactive short linear peptides, of which six were identified as cryptides. These peptides were shown to be multifunctional, causing hemolysis, mast cell degranulation and lysis, edema, pain, and anxiety, increasing the complexity of the envenomation mechanism. Apparently, the natural functions of these peptide toxins are to induce inflammation and discomfort in the victims of scorpion stings.

Species Identification and Mycotoxigenic Potential of Aspergillus Section Flavi Isolated from Maize Marketed in the Metropolitan Region of Asunción, Paraguay.

Zea mays var. amylacea and Zea mays var. indurata are maize ecotypes from Paraguay. Aspergillus section Flavi is the main spoilage fungus of maize under storage conditions. Due to its large intraspecific genetic variability, the accurate identification of this fungal taxonomic group is difficult. In the present study, potential mycotoxigenic strains of Aspergillus section Flavi isolated from Z. mays var. indurata and Z. mays var. amylacea that are marketed in the metropolitan region of Asunción were identified by a polyphasic approach. Based on morphological characters, 211 isolates were confirmed to belong to Aspergillus section Flavi. A subset of 92 strains was identified as Aspergillus flavus by mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF and the strains were classified by MALDI-TOF MS into chemotypes based on their aflatoxins and cyclopiazonic acid production. According to the partial sequencing of ITS and CaM genes, a representative subset of 38 A. flavus strains was confirmed. Overall, 75 A. flavus strains (86%) were characterized as producers of aflatoxins. The co-occurrence of at least two mycotoxins (AF/ZEA, FUM/ZEA, and AF/ZEA/FUM) was detected for five of the Z. mays samples (63%). Considering the high mycological bioburden and mycotoxin contamination, maize marketed in the metropolitan region of Asunción constitutes a potential risk to food safety and public health and requires control measures.

Prognostic value of Doppler waveform analysis of common femoral vein in septic patients: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether there is an association between abnormal common femoral vein (CFV) Doppler waveform and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with sepsis. METHODS: Patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis were included. Pulsed-wave Doppler was performed by examining the CFV in the short axis without angle correction and in the long axis with angle correction. An abnormal CFV Doppler waveform was determined by a retrograde velocity peak (RVP) > 10 cm/s in the long axis or RVP > 50% of the antegrade velocity peak in the short axis. TAPSE < 17 mm was defined as right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The primary outcome was ICU mortality. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients were included. There was no association between abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms in the long (p = 0.709) and short axes (p = 0.171) and ICU mortality. TAPSE measurements were performed in 16 patients. RV dysfunction was identified in 8 (50.0%) patients. There was no association between the diagnosis of RV dysfunction based on TAPSE measurement and the identification of abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms in the long axis (p = 1.000) and in the short axis (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Abnormal CFV Doppler waveforms were not associated with ICU mortality in patients with sepsis. Furthermore, in the exploratory analysis, these alterations were not useful in identifying RV dysfunction in these patients.

MALDI-TOF MS: A Quick Method to Detect the Susceptibility of Fusarium spp. Clinical Isolates to Amphotericin B.

Disseminated fusariosis is treated with amphotericin B and voriconazole. To determine adequate therapy, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) is used. However, MIC analysis is based on visual observation and requires a long period of fungal incubation. The measure of the minimal profile change concentration (MPCC) using MALDI-TOF MS is a quick spectral method that has presented good results in determining the antimicrobial resistance of yeasts. However, there is a lack of information on filamentous fungi. In the present work, 13 Fusarium spp. clinical isolates and two reference strains were used. MIC was obtained according to the M38-A2 protocol of the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute, while MPPC was obtained following the initial steps of the M38-A2 protocol. Both Biotyper and the Rstudio environment were used to analyze mass spectra. For some fungal strains, the data obtained from the software MALDI Biotyper Compass 4.1 led to fuzzy heatmaps resulting in difficult interpretation, while heatmaps obtained using Rstudio tools generated better MPCC resolutions. Herein, 86.6% of the AMB MPCC values were highly correlated with the gold-standard AMB MIC. MALDI-TOF MS is a prominent tool used to determine MPCCs quicker, cost-effectively, and more accurately for Fusarium spp. strains. However, better statistical analyses could help measure the technique's limit detection.

Validação de conteúdo de uma tecnologia sobre cateter de inserção periférica em unidades neonatais / Content validation of a technology on peripherally inserted central catheter in neonatal units / Validación de contenido de una tecnología sobre catéter de inserción periférica en unidades neonatales

Objetivo: Buscou-se validar uma tecnologia do tipo e-book sobre cateter de inserção periférica para unidades neonatais. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo metodológico, que inferiu como critérios de inclusão enfermeiros neonatologista total de 15 juízes com comprovada experiência prática e científica na área do estudo, com pelo menos 2 anos de atuação profissional e no mínimo de 2 anos em habilitação comprovada por certificado de inserção de catete de inserção periférica, sendo identificados pelo currículo lattes. Os critérios de informações do instrumento foram avaliados por enfermeiros, obtendo um Índice de Validade de Conteúdo mínimo de 90,5% dos conteúdos na primeira rodada de validação. Resultado: Demonstraram que a estratégia metodológica permitiu a construção de conteúdos que representam a necessidade do enfermeiro e demais profissionais na manipulação do cateter. Conclusão: A utilização de tecnologias educacionais facilita o processo de aquisição de conhecimento técnico científica para melhoria assistencial na segurança ao recém-nascido.(AU)

Objective: To validate an e-book technology on peripherally inserted central catheter in neonatal units. Methods: This is a methodological research, thus, a total of 15 expert judges participated in the study. The inclusion criteria were defined as being a nurse, having a specialization in neonatology, 2 years of professional experience in a neonatal intensive care unit and at least 2 years of training in a peripherally inserted central catheter. Results: The instrument's criteria were evaluated by nurses, obtaining approval of 90.5% and Cronbach's alpha 0.915, high reliability among all contents in the first round of validation. The results showed that the methodological strategy allowed the construction of contents that represent the needs of nurses and other professionals in handling the catheter. Conclusion: The use of educational technologies facilitates the process of acquiring scientific technical knowledge to improve care in the safety of newborns.(AU)

Objetivo: validar una tecnología de libro electrónico sobre catéter central de inserción periférica en unidades neonatales. Esta es una investigación metodológica. Un total de 15 jueces expertos participaron en el estudio. Como criterios de inclusión: ser enfermero, tener especialidad en neonatología, 2 años de experiencia profesional en unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales y al menos 2 años de calificación en catéter central de inserción periférica. Los criterios del instrumento fueron evaluados por enfermeros, obteniendo aprobación del 90,5% y alfa de Cronbach de 0,915, alta confiabilidad entre todos los contenidos en la primera ronda de validación. Los resultados mostraron que la estrategia metodológica permitió la construcción de contenidos que representan las necesidades de los enfermeros y otros profesionales en el manejo del catéter. El uso de tecnologías educativas facilita el proceso de adquisición de conocimientos técnicos y científicos para mejorar la atención en términos de seguridad para los recién nacidos.(AU)

Endogenous salicylic acid suppresses de novo root regeneration from leaf explants.

Plants can regenerate new organs from damaged or detached tissues. In the process of de novo root regeneration (DNRR), adventitious roots are frequently formed from the wound site on a detached leaf. Salicylic acid (SA) is a key phytohormone regulating plant defenses and stress responses. The role of SA and its acting mechanisms during de novo organogenesis is still unclear. Here, we found that endogenous SA inhibited the adventitious root formation after cutting. Free SA rapidly accumulated at the wound site, which was accompanied by an activation of SA response. SA receptors NPR3 and NPR4, but not NPR1, were required for DNRR. Wounding-elevated SA compromised the expression of AUX1, and subsequent transport of auxin to the wound site. A mutation in AUX1 abolished the enhanced DNRR in low SA mutants. Our work elucidates a role of SA in regulating DNRR and suggests a potential link between biotic stress and tissue regeneration.

High prevalence of lupin allergy among patients with peanut allergy: Identification of γ-conglutin as major allergen.

BACKGROUND: Lupin is a protein-rich legume with a growing presence in the food market worldwide. With increased consumption, lupin allergy (LA) reports are also rising. Uncertainties exist on the cross-reactivity between peanut and lupin, the allergenic potential of different lupin species, and sensitization patterns among different populations. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the molecular basis of LA and to determine lupin allergens from 3 different species that may be involved in peanut allergy (PA) cross-reactivity. METHODS: A total of 43 subjects with PA, those with LA, or controls without food allergy were evaluated with skin prick tests (SPTs) and specific IgEs (sIgEs). Lupin-sensitized subjects were offered a lupin oral food challenge (OFC). Immunoblots and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed on sera from lupin-sensitized subjects. RESULTS: In this study, 44% of the PA subjects were confirmed to have LA by OFC. Anaphylaxis was the most frequent manifestation after lupin consumption, with a minimal eliciting dosage of 1 g lupin flour. There was no difference in lupin sIgE or SPT wheal size between lupin-sensitized and confirmed LA subjects or in the severity of symptoms among confirmed LA subjects. Sera from lupin-sensitized subjects uniformly reacted to all 3 different lupin species. Immunoblotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed immunoglobulin E binding to α- and γ-conglutin in all analyzed sera, whereas α- and ß-conglutin recognition was variable. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal a high prevalence of LA among PA subjects, emphasizing lupin must be labeled as an allergen in foods. Owing to high variability in lupin-sIgE and lupin-SPT results, LA diagnosis may require OFC. In our population, γ-conglutin is the major allergen of lupin.

Tecnologias da informação e comunicação utilizadas por enfermeiros da atenção primária na pandemia de covid-19 / Tecnologías de la información y comunicación utilizadas por enfermeros de atención primaria en la pandemia de covid-19 / Information and communication technologies used by primary care nurses in the covid-19 pandemic

RESUMO Objetivo: identificar as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação utilizadas por enfermeiros da atenção primária à saúde durante o processo de trabalho frente à Covid-19. Método: estudo exploratório e qualitativo, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, com 10 enfermeiros da Atenção Primária à Saúde, coletado em fevereiro de 2022. Utilizou-se a análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Resultados: evidenciou-se a inclusão das tecnologias como uma ferramenta de complementação e extensão para desenvolver do processo de trabalho da enfermagem, nesse período. A Tecnologia mais utilizada foi o WhatsApp, com a finalidade de realizar monitoramento, orientações e agendamentos. Discussão: a tecnologia permite ao enfermeiro desenvolver o processo de trabalho, favorecendo ao cuidado em saúde e à comunicação, entre os profissionais e desses com os usuários. Entretanto, há entraves como dificuldade de acesso à internet de qualidade. Considerações finais: as tecnologias da informação se constituem como possibilidades ao enfermeiro para desenvolver a sua prática. Apesar das dificuldades de acesso à internet, a utilização das tecnologias durante a pandemia esteve presente na rotina de todos os enfermeiros, sendo utilizadas para qualificar a comunicação e o acesso às informações necessárias à população.

RESUMEN Objetivo: identificar las Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación utilizadas por enfermeros de la atención primaria de salud durante el proceso de trabajo frente a Covid-19. Método: estudio exploratorio y cualitativo, por medio de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con 10 enfermeros de la Atención Primaria de Salud, recolectado en febrero de 2022. Se utilizó el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Resultados: se evidenció la inclusión de las tecnologías como una herramienta de complementación y extensión para desarrollar el proceso de trabajo de enfermería, en ese período. La Tecnología más utilizada fue WhatsApp, con la finalidad de realizar monitoreo, orientaciones y planificaciones. Discusión: la tecnología permite al enfermero desarrollar el proceso de trabajo, favoreciendo el cuidado en salud y la comunicación, entre los profesionales y de estos con los usuarios. No obstante, existen obstáculos como la dificultad de acceso a Internet de calidad. Consideraciones finales: las tecnologías de la información se constituyen como posibilidades al enfermero para desarrollar su práctica. A pesar de las dificultades de acceso a Internet, la utilización de las tecnologías durante la pandemia estuvo presente en la rutina de todos los enfermeros y se utilizó para cualificar la comunicación y el acceso a las informaciones necesarias a la población.

ABSTRACT Objective: to identify the Information and Communication Technologies used by primary health care nurses during the work process against Covid-19. Method: exploratory and qualitative study, through semi-structured interviews, with 10 nurses from Primary Health Care, collected in February 2022. Bardin content analysis was used. Results: the inclusion of technologies as a tool of complementation and extension to develop the nursing work process in this period was evidenced. The most used technology was WhatsApp, for the purpose of monitoring, guidance and scheduling. Discussion: technology allows nurses to develop the work process, favoring health care and communication between professionals and users. However, there are obstacles such as difficulty in accessing quality internet. Final thoughts: information technologies constitute as possibilities for nurses to develop their practice. Despite the difficulties in accessing the internet, the use of technologies during the pandemic was present in the routine of all nurses, being used to qualify communication and access to the information needed by the population.

Cytotoxic Cyclotides from Anchietea pyrifolia, a South American Plant Species.

Cyclotides are mini-proteins with potent bioactivities and outstanding potential for agricultural and pharmaceutical applications. More than 450 different plant cyclotides have been isolated from six angiosperm families. In Brazil, studies involving this class of natural products are still scarce, despite its rich floristic diversity. Herein were investigated the cyclotides from Anchietea pyrifolia roots, a South American medicinal plant from the family Violaceae. Fourteen putative cyclotides were annotated by LC-MS. Among these, three new bracelet cyclotides, anpy A-C, and the known cycloviolacins O4 (cyO4) and O17 (cyO17) were sequenced through a combination of chemical and enzymatic reactions followed by MALDI-MS/MS analysis. Their cytotoxic activity was evaluated by a cytotoxicity assay against three human cancer cell lines (colorectal carcinoma cells: HCT 116 and HCT 116 TP53-/- and breast adenocarcinoma, MCF 7). For all assays, the IC50 values of isolated compounds ranged between 0.8 and 7.3 µM. CyO17 was the most potent cyclotide for the colorectal cancer cell lines (IC50, 0.8 and 1.2 µM). Furthermore, the hemolytic activity of anpy A and B, cyO4, and cyO17 was assessed, and the cycloviolacins were the least hemolytic (HD50 > 156 µM). This work sheds light on the cytotoxic effects of the anpy cyclotides against cancer cells. Moreover, this study expands the number of cyclotides obtained to date from Brazilian plant biodiversity and adds one more genus containing these molecules to the list of the Violaceae family.

Suspension training vs. traditional resistance training: effects on muscle mass, strength and functional performance in older adults.

PURPOSE: We compared the effects of suspension training (ST) with traditional resistance training (TRT) on muscle mass, strength and functional performance in older adults. METHODS: Forty-two untrained older adults were randomized in TRT, ST (both performed 3 sets of whole body exercises to muscle failure) or control group (CON). Muscle thickness (MT) of biceps brachii (MTBB) and vastus lateralis (MTVL), maximal dynamic strength test (1RM) for biceps curl (1RMBC) and leg extension exercises (1RMLE), and functional performance tests (chair stand [CS], timed up and go [TUG] and maximal gait speed [MGS]) were performed before and after 12 weeks of training. RESULTS: MTBB increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 23.35%; ST 21.56%). MTVL increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 13.03%; ST 14.07%). 1RMBC increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 16.06%; ST 14.33%). 1RMLE increased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT 14.89%; ST 18.06%). MGS increased significantly and similarly for all groups (TRT 6.26%; ST 5.99%; CON 2.87%). CS decreased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT - 20.80%; ST - 15.73%). TUG decreased significantly and similarly for all training groups (TRT - 8.66%; ST - 9.16%). CONCLUSION: Suspension training (ST) promotes similar muscle mass, strength and functional performance improvements compared to TRT in older adults.

Necessidades de saúde da população rural: como os profissionais de saúde podem contribuir? / Health needs of the rural population: how can health professionals contribute?

RESUMO A urgência de ampliar o saber acerca das condições de saúde, de vida e dos anseios das famílias rurais, bem como as ações que os profissionais de saúde estão realizando para contemplar a prevenção de doença e a promoção da saúde, fundamentou a realização dessa investigação, que buscou compreender o que é necessário para ter saúde na perspetiva da população rural e como os profissionais podem contribuir para esse processo. Pesquisa qualitativa realizada com 57 agricultores, que residiam em 25 municípios do extremo sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Utilizou como técnicas de coleta de dados a observação sistemática, o registro fotográfico, a coleta de plantas medicinais e a entrevista semiestruturada. Os dados revelaram que as expectativas das famílias rurais em relação às ações dos profissionais de saúde configuram-se como instauradoras de necessidades em saúde nesses territórios, de obter uma relação mais próxima com os serviços, de que suas experiências vividas sejam compartilhadas, reconhecidas e valorizadas. As necessidades concatenam-se com a construção de espaços de relação e encontro, nos quais sejam oportunizados compartilharem experiências, servindo de suporte para superar as dificuldades individuais enfrentadas.

ABSTRACT The urgency to broaden the knowledge about the health conditions, life, and desires of rural families, as well as the actions that health professionals are taking to contemplate disease prevention and health promotion underpinned this research. It sought to understand what is needed to have health from the perspective of the rural population, and how professionals can contribute to this process. Qualitative research conducted with 57 farmers, who lived in 25 municipalities of the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul. It used as data collection techniques systematic observation, photographic record, collection of medicinal plants and semi-structured interview. The data revealed that the expectations of rural families regarding the actions of health professionals are configured as establishing health needs in these territories, to obtain a closer relationship with the services, that their lived experiences are shared, recognized, and valued. The needs are concatenated with the construction of spaces of relationship and encounter, in which they have opportunities to share experiences, serving as support to overcome the individual difficulties faced.

Revising the PLAC8 gene family: from a central role in differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in mammals to a multifunctional role in plants.

PLAC8 is a cysteine-rich protein described as a central mediator of tumor evolution in mammals; as such, it represents a promising candidate for diagnostic and therapeutic targeting. The human PLAC8 gene is also involved in contact hypersensitivity response and presents a role in psoriatic skin. In plants, PLAC8 motif-containing proteins are involved in the determination of organ size and growth, response to infection, Ca2+ influx, Cd resistance, and zinc detoxification. In general, PLAC8 motif-containing proteins present the conserved CCXXXXCPC or CLXXXXCPC region. However, there is no devised nomenclature for the PLAC8 motif-containing proteins. Here, through the analysis of 445 sequences, we show that PLAC8 motif-containing proteins constitute a unique gene family, and we propose a unified nomenclature. This is the first report indicating the existence of different groups of PLAC8 proteins, which we have called types I, II, and III. Type I genes are found in mammals, fungi, plants, and algae, and types II and III are exclusive to plants. Our study describes for the first time PLAC8 type III proteins. Whether these sequences maintain their known functional role or possess distinct functions of types I and II genes remains unclear.

Profiling the short, linear, non-disulfide bond-containing peptidome from the venom of the scorpion Tityus obscurus.

Many scorpion accidents occur in the Brazilian Amazonian region and are frequently caused by Tityus obscurus. Approximately 5% of the crude venom of this species is composed of short linear, non-disulfide-bridged peptides, which have not been intensively investigated. As a consequence, only a few of these peptides have been structurally and functionally characterized to date. In the present paper, the peptide fraction of the venom was subjected to peptide profiling using an LCMS-IT-TOF/MS and MSn system. The analysis detected 320 non-disulfide bond-containing peptides (NDBPs), of which twenty-seven had their sequences assigned; among them, thirteen peptides were characterized, constituting novel toxins in T. obscurus venom. Some of the novel peptides showed similarities to hypotensin-like toxins, while other peptides appear to be natural fragments of neurotoxins. The novel peptides were submitted to a series of bioassays, revealing that many are multifunctional toxins that cause, for example, pain, edema formation and hemolysis to potentiate strong inflammatory processes and alterations in the locomotion and lifting activities in the victims of stinging. Knowledge of the complex matrix of peptides composing the venom of T. obscurus will contribute to better understanding of the complex mechanism of envenoming caused by stinging accidents. SIGNIFICANCE: The scorpion Tityus obscurus causes many envenoming accidents of medical importance in Brazilian Amazon region; despite to this, very few is known about the toxinology of this animal. The knowledge about the venom composition and mechanisms of action is very important to understand the physiopathology processes related to the envenoming caused by this animal. The proteopeptidomic investigations of scorpion venoms in general have focused mainly the neurotoxins (which are disulfide bonds containing peptides) and large proteins. The short, linear, non-disulfide bonds containing peptides (NDBPs) represent up to 5% of scorpion venom compositions; however, they have been few investigated in comparison with the neurotoxins. The present study used a mass spectrometric approach to detect 320 NDBPs and to sequence 27 of them; pharmacological assays permitted to characterize 13 NDBPs as novel toxins involved with inflammation, pain and edema formation.