Programa de reminiscencia apoyado en inteligencia artificial y basado en el patrimonio cultural inmaterial dirigido a personas mayores: un estudio piloto / Reminiscence program supported by artificial intelligence and based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at the elderly: A pilot study

Introducción: Las aplicaciones tecnológicas son una forma innovadora de brindar la terapia de reminiscencia (TR) y deben satisfacer las necesidades de las personas usuarias. El patrimonio cultural inmaterial (PCI) como tópico para dicha terapia no ha sido todavía explorado. Evaluamos la disponibilidad de una nueva aplicación apoyada en inteligencia artificial (IA) para la TR basada en el PCI dirigida a personas mayores. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo realizado con personas de 65 años o más, sin deterioro cognitivo y con deterioro cognitivo leve y moderado que acudían a seis centros de mayores en España y Portugal. Las personas participantes testaron el primer prototipo del programa individualizado LONG-REMI en cuatro sesiones semanales consecutivas. La usabilidad y la satisfacción de la experiencia fueron evaluadas mediante la Escala visual analógica (EVA) al finalizar la intervención. Las emociones se evaluaron mediante la escala de afecto positivo y afecto negativo (PANAS) antes y al finalizar la intervención. Resultados: Se analizaron datos de 56 personas, la usabilidad y la satisfacción fueron altamente percibidas, con puntuaciones de 7,75±1,88 y 8,38±1,57, respectivamente. La subescala de subafecto positivo PANAS mostró cambios significativos (28,86±8,88 antes de la intervención vs. 36,70±9,43 post intervención, Z = -4,18, p = 0,000). No hubo cambios significativos en la subescala de afecto negativo PANAS. Conclusiones: El primer prototipo de la aplicación tecnológica LONG-REMI puede ser usado en personas mayores sin y con deterioro cognitivo. Este puede ser un instrumento potencial para futuras terapias cognitivas con actividades estimulantes y beneficio en las emociones. (AU)

Introduction: Technological applications are an innovative way of providing reminiscence therapy and must meet the users’ needs. Intangible cultural heritage as a basis for such therapy has not been explored yet. We evaluated the applicability of a new technological application supported by artificial intelligence for reminiscence therapy based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at older people. Material and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out with people aged 65 or over, without cognitive impairment and with mild and moderate cognitive impairment who attended six centers for older people in Spain and Portugal. Participants tested the first prototype of the individualized LONG-REMI program in four consecutive weekly sessions. The usability and satisfaction of the experience were evaluated using the VAS scale at the end of the intervention. Emotions were evaluated using the PANAS scale before and at the end of the intervention. Results: Data from 56 participants were analysed. For all participants, usability and satisfaction were highly perceived, with scores of 7.75±1.88 and 8.38±1.57, respectively. The positive affect subscale PANAS showed significant changes (28.86±8.88 before the intervention versus 36.70±9.43 post intervention, Z = −4.18, P = 0.000). There were no significant changes in the PANAS negative affect subscale. Conclusions: The first prototype of the LONG-REMI technological application can be used by older people both with and without cognitive impairment. This has the potential to be an instrument for future cognitive therapies with stimulating activities and benefits for emotions. (AU)

[Reminiscence program supported by artificial intelligence and based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at the elderly: A pilot study]. / Programa de reminiscencia apoyado en inteligencia artificial y basado en el patrimonio cultural inmaterial dirigido a personas mayores: un estudio piloto.

INTRODUCTION: Technological applications are an innovative way of providing reminiscence therapy and must meet the users' needs. Intangible cultural heritage as a basis for such therapy has not been explored yet. We evaluated the applicability of a new technological application supported by artificial intelligence for reminiscence therapy based on intangible cultural heritage aimed at older people. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out with people aged 65 or over, without cognitive impairment and with mild and moderate cognitive impairment who attended six centers for older people in Spain and Portugal. Participants tested the first prototype of the individualized LONG-REMI program in four consecutive weekly sessions. The usability and satisfaction of the experience were evaluated using the VAS scale at the end of the intervention. Emotions were evaluated using the PANAS scale before and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS: Data from 56 participants were analysed. For all participants, usability and satisfaction were highly perceived, with scores of 7.75±1.88 and 8.38±1.57, respectively. The positive affect subscale PANAS showed significant changes (28.86±8.88 before the intervention versus 36.70±9.43 post intervention, Z = -4.18, P = 0.000). There were no significant changes in the PANAS negative affect subscale. CONCLUSIONS: The first prototype of the LONG-REMI technological application can be used by older people both with and without cognitive impairment. This has the potential to be an instrument for future cognitive therapies with stimulating activities and benefits for emotions.

Hypothesis-driven dragging of transcriptomic data to analyze proven targeted pathways in Rhinella arenarum larvae exposed to organophosphorus pesticides.

Transcriptional analysis of the network of transcription regulators and target pathways in exposed organisms may be a hard task when their genome remains unknown. The development of hundreds of qPCR assays, including primer design and normalization of the results with the appropriate housekeeping genes, seems an unreachable task. Alternatively, we took advantage of a whole transcriptome study on Rhinella arenarum larvae exposed to the organophosphorus pesticides azinphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos to evaluate the transcriptional effects on a priori selected groups of genes. This approach allowed us to evaluate the effects on hypothesis-selected pathways such as target esterases, detoxifying enzymes, polyamine metabolism and signaling, and regulatory pathways modulating them. We could then compare the responses at the transcriptional level with previously described effects at the enzymatic or metabolic levels to obtain global insight into toxicity-response mechanisms. The effects of both pesticides on the transcript levels of these pathways could be considered moderate, while chlorpyrifos-induced responses were more potent and earlier than those elicited by azinphos-methyl. Finally, we inferred a prevailing downregulation effect of pesticides on signaling pathways and transcription factor transcripts encoding products that modulate/control the polyamine and antioxidant response pathways. We also tested and selected potential housekeeping genes based on those reported for other species. These results allow us to conduct future confirmatory studies on pesticide modulation of gene expression in toad larvae.

Diagnostic Value of Tracheal Wash Cytology for Monitoring Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Thoroughbred Racehorses.

Lower airway cytology has been proposed as a complementary diagnostic method to confirm the presence and quantifying the severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Bronchoalveolar lavage is usually preferred over tracheal wash (TW), yet the need for sedation imposes as a limitation for active sport horses in addition to be a highly invasive technique. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of TW with Total Hemosiderin Score (THS) for monitoring EIPH in active Thoroughbred racehorses. A sampling of 47 randomly selected Thoroughbreds were endoscopically examined for EIPH grading 30 to 60 minutes after competing in an official race and then classified as Group 1 (EIPH-negative), Group 2 (EIPH-positive) or Group 3 (furosemide users). Tracheal wash fluids (TWFs) were collected from 24 to 30 hours later and smears were stained for differential cell count and hemosiderophage grading and counting to calculate THS. Differential cell counts were compared by the median test. Comparisons between mean THS values by EIPH grade and by group were compared by the Mann-Whitney test and ANOVA, respectively. Test performance criteria were determined with a contingency table. It was not possible to establish a THS cut-off point but statistical results showed that, at THS stand view, all groups had similar results despite their EIPH grades. Most animals showed no signs of neutrophilic inflammation, but haemosiderophages were found even on a first-time runner from Group 1. Thus, TW can detect evidence of lung bleeding even on horses with no history of EIPH. The implementation of TW analysis to diagnose EIPH in racehorses is promising, as TW is both low-cost and a less invasive tool.

LONG-REMI: An AI-Based Technological Application to Promote Healthy Mental Longevity Grounded in Reminiscence Therapy.

Reminiscence therapy (RT) consists of thinking about one's own experiences through the presentation of memory-facilitating stimuli, and it has as its fundamental axis the activation of emotions. An innovative way of offering RT involves the use of technology-assisted applications, which must also satisfy the needs of the user. This study aimed to develop an AI-based computer application that recreates RT in a personalized way, meeting the characteristics of RT guided by a therapist or a caregiver. The material guiding RT focuses on intangible cultural heritage. The application incorporates facial expression analysis and reinforcement learning techniques, with the aim of identifying the user's emotions and, with them, guiding the computer system that emulates RT dynamically and in real time. A pilot study was carried out at five senior centers in Barcelona and Portugal. The results obtained are very positive, showing high user satisfaction. Moreover, the results indicate that the high frequency of positive emotions increased in the participants at the end of the intervention, while the low frequencies of negative emotions were maintained at the end of the intervention.

Prevalência e fatores associados ao aleitamento materno em crianças menores de 2 anos de idade / Prevalence and factores associated with breastfeeding in children under 2 years old

Introdução: o Aleitamento Materno (AM) é um ato importante para a saúde da criança, prevenindo doenças da infância e doenças crônicas futuras, sendo necessário Aleitamento Materno Exclusivo (AME) nas primeiras horas de vida e nos primeiros 6 meses da criança. Na Bahia e no Brasil, observa-se a baixa adesão ao aleitamento materno, fazendo-se necessário um estudo do tema. Objetivo: estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados ao AM em crianças menores de 2 anos de idade. Metodologia: estudo de corte transversal analítico com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido a partir da aplicação de questionário para mães de crianças com até dois anos de idade, amostra calculada de IC95% e erro amostral de 5%, com base em observação prévia do número de crianças atendidas no período da pesquisa (n=290), totalizando 134. Resultados: a prevalência do AM encontrada foi de 68,4%, enquanto que a do AME foi de 33,8%. Houve associação da prática de AM com os seguintes fatores: mãe amamentada na infância, idade gestacional > 37 semanas, presença de seis ou mais consultas de pré-natal, AM iniciado na 1ª hora de vida, AM iniciado no hospital, crianças de até 6 meses e ausência do uso de chupeta. Conclusões: o AM apresentou prevalência maior que o esperado e o AME, o contrário. Foram encontradas relações estatisticamente significantes entre algumas variáveis e a prevalência do AM. Diante dos resultados, políticas públicas de saúde voltadas para crianças menores de 2 anos e mães podem ser realizadas no município visando uma maior adesão à amamentação.

Introduction: Breastfeeding (BF) is an important act for the child's health, preventing childhood diseases and future chronic diseases, being necessary Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) in the first hours of life and in the child's first 6 months. In Bahia and Brazil, the low adherence to breastfeeding is observed, making a study on the subject necessary. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with breastfeeding in children under 2 years of age. Methodology: cross-sectional analytical study with quantitative approach, developed from the application of a questionnaire to mothers of children up to two years of age, calculated sample 95%CI and sampling error of 5%, based on previous observation of the number of children seen during the research period (n=290), totaling 134. Results: the prevalence of AM found was 68.4%, while that of AME was 33.8%. BF practice was associated with the following factors: mother breastfed in infancy, gestational age > 37 weeks, presence of six or more prenatal visits, BF started in the first hour of life, BF started in the hospital, children up to 6 months old, and no pacifier use. Conclusions: the prevalence of BF was higher than expected and EBF was not. Statistically significant relationships were found between some variables and the prevalence of BF. Given the results, public health policies aimed at children under 2 years of age and their mothers can be implemented in the municipality in order to increase adherence to breastfeeding.

Pyrodextrinization of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starch isolated from tubers grown in Brazil and physicochemical characterization of yellow pyrodextrins.

This study optimizes the pyrodextrinization of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starch isolated from tubers grown in Brazil to produce a yellow pyrodextrin with the lowest enzymatically available starch (AS) content and color difference (ΔE) index. At 140 °C (fixed heating temperature), the effects of acid concentration (0.65 - 2.99 g of HCl/kg of starch) and incubation time (53 - 307 min) on the response variables were evaluated using a response surface methodology. Some physicochemical characteristics were also determined on pyrodextrins. Both factors negatively affected the AS content, although positively influenced the ΔE (P < 0.05). The yellow pyrodextrin produced with 1.82 g/kg and heating for 307 min, presented physicochemical properties similar to the commercial pyrodextrins from potato starch, with 46.6 % of AS, 24.5 of ΔE, high solubility and very low viscosity. The pyrodextrinization caused a decrease of 30 - 54 % in AS content (P < 0.05), making these yam pyrodextrins a promising material for water-soluble and very low viscous dietary fiber.

Differential effects of azinphos-methyl and chlorpyrifos on polyamine oxidative metabolism during the embryonic development of Rhinella arenarum and its relation to oxidative stress.

The organophosphorus pesticides azinphos-methyl (AZM) and chlorpyrifos (CPF) exert their toxic action by inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, but non-target processes such as polyamine metabolism can also be affected. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of AZM (0.5-, 2- and 9 mg L-1) and CPF (0.5- and 1 mg L-1) on polyamine oxidative metabolism along Rhinella arenarum embryonic development and to explore its relationship to oxidative stress. Free and conjugated polyamines were measured by HPLC. The activity of spermine oxidase (SMOX), N1-acetylpolyamine oxidase (PAOX) and diamine oxidase (DAO) were measured through kinetic spectrofluorometry. Free putrescine and spermine were significantly increased in open mouth embryos exposed to AZM. Free polyamine levels were not affected by CPF exposure. In embryos exposed to AZM, DAO was increased in tail bud stage and SMOX was increased in open mouth stage, while embryos exposed to CPF showed an increase of PAOX activity in tail bud stage and a decrease of DAO and SMOX activity in open mouth stage. Polyamine levels and oxidative degradation enzymes respond differently if R. arenarum embryos are exposed to AZM or CPF, despite that both insecticides belong to the same chemical family. The early increase of DAO and PAOX would play a protective role to guarantee the normal progression of embryonic development. The increased production of reactive species might contribute to an oxidative stress situation generated by exposure to the insecticides and to the alteration of the antioxidant defense system. In tail bud stage embryos, PAOX and SMOX were positively correlated to acetylcholinesterase activity and reduced glutathione levels (GSH), and negatively correlated to the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). In complete operculum embryos, a negative correlation between antioxidant parameters and polyamine levels and polyamine oxidative metabolism was observed, except for SMOX, which showed a low positive correlation with CAT and GSH and a negative correlation to PAOX and DAO. We suggest the use of DAO and PAOX as biomarkers of exposure to AZM and CPF, respectively, as they respond earlier than the classical biomarker acetylcholinesterase.

The Rhinella arenarum transcriptome: de novo assembly, annotation and gene prediction.

The common toad Rhinella arenarum is widely distributed in Argentina, where it is utilised as an autochthonous model in ecotoxicological research and environmental toxicology. However, the lack of a reference genome makes molecular assays and gene expression studies difficult to carry out on this non-model species. To address this issue, we performed a genome-wide transcriptome analysis on R. arenarum larvae through massive RNA sequencing, followed by de novo assembly, annotation, and gene prediction. We obtained 57,407 well-annotated transcripts representing 99.4% of transcriptome completeness (available at http://rhinella.uncoma.edu.ar). We also defined a set of 52,800 high-confidence lncRNA transcripts and demonstrated the reliability of the transcriptome data to perform phylogenetic analysis. Our comprehensive transcriptome analysis of R. arenarum represents a valuable resource to perform functional genomic studies and to identify potential molecular biomarkers in ecotoxicological research.

Vulnerability of Women in Situation of Violence in Specialized Service / Vulnerabilidad de mujeres en situación de violencia atendidas en servicio especializado / Vulnerabilidade de mulheres em situação de violência atendidas em serviço especializado

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the vulnerabilities of women cared for in a Reference Center to Women in Situation of Violence. Method: Qualitative study, from semi-structured interviews with 15 women, in 2017 and 2018. Data analysis occurred through thematic content analysis. Results: The category "vulnerability of women in situation of violence" covered social isolation, fear, or shame in denouncing, financial dependence, loss of freedom, fragile self-esteem, lack of formal support, decision to denounce and seeking help, interpersonal bond, protective measure, and difficulty of access to information. Conclusions: Vulnerability was apprehended in its individual and programmatic dimensions, inter-related with the social dimension. These vulnerabilities must be considered in the formulation of policies for care of women in situation of violence, given that it is the first step for gender equality and eliminate violence against women.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar la vulnerabilidad de mujeres atendidas en un Centro de Referencia de Atención a la Mujer en Situación de Violencia. Método: estudio cualitativo, a partir de entrevistas semiestructuradas con 15 mujeres en 2017 y 2018. El estudio de los informes se realizó por análisis de contenido temático. Resultados: la categoría "vulnerabilidad de mujeres en situación de violencia" abarcó: aislamiento social, miedo o vergüenza por denunciar, dependencia financiera, pérdida de libertad, baja autoestima, ausencia de respaldo formal, decisión en denunciar y buscar ayuda, vínculo interpersonal, medida protección y dificultad en acceder a información pertinente. Conclusiones: la vulnerabilidad se aprehendió en la dimensión individual y programática y se interrelacionaron con la dimensión social. Estas vulnerabilidades deben considerarse en la formulación de políticas de atención a mujeres en situación de violencia, pues el primer paso para la igualdad de género es eliminar la violencia en contra de las mujeres.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as vulnerabilidades de mulheres atendidas em um Centro de Referência de Atendimento à Mulher em Situação de Violência. Método: estudo qualitativo, a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com 15 mulheres, em 2017 e 2018. A análise das informações ocorreu por análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados: a categoria "vulnerabilidade das mulheres em situação de violência" abrangeu isolamento social, medo ou vergonha em denunciar, dependência financeira, perda da liberdade, autoestima fragilizada, ausência de apoio formal, decisão de denunciar e buscar ajuda, vínculo interpessoal, medida protetiva e dificuldade de acesso à informação. Considerações finais: a vulnerabilidade foi apreendida nas suas dimensões individual e programática, inter-relacionadas com a dimensão social. Essas vulnerabilidades devem ser consideradas na formulação de políticas de atenção a mulheres em situação de violência, pois o primeiro passo para a igualdade de gênero é eliminar a violência contra as mulheres.

Toxicity assessment of Lavandula officinalis extracts in Brine Shrimp (Artemia salina).

The toxicity of extracts of lavender (Lavandula officinalis) leaves and flowers was evaluated. Aqueous ethanolic and acetone extracts had higher tannin content than that in the aqueous solution. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents were measured in aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers. Polyphenol concentration in aqueous leaf and flower extracts was 61.31 and 84.43 mg tannic acid/g, respectively, whereas flavonoid concentration was 194.1 and 109.9 mg quercetin/g, respectively. Saponin content was 7.85% and 6.22% in leaves and flowers extract, respectively, and alkaloids content was 0.2651% and 0.2132% for leaves and flowers extract, respectively. The EC50 (36 h) of hatching success of Artemia salina cysts was 0.301 and 0.915 mg/mL for aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers, respectively, whereas that for aqueous ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers, it was 0.111 and 0.586 mg/mL, respectively. The EC50 (36 h) was 0.011 mg/mL for tannic acid. Additionally, the LC50 (24 h) for aqueous extracts of leaves and flowers was 0.467 and 0.724 mg/mL, respectively, whereas that of the aqueous ethanolic extracts of leaves and flowers was 0.074 and 0.126 mg/mL, respectively. The LC50 was 0.015 mg/mL for tannic acid. Although aromatherapy using lavender oils or extracts is beneficial to human health, particularly owing to its anxiolytic, analgesic, and antihyperlipidemic effects, we demonstrated that these extracts might exhibit toxicity. Hence, lavender should be used carefully by health practitioners, and lavender therapies should be closely monitored by medical staff to avoid its toxic effects.

Orthodontic-Surgical Treatment of Pattern II: Case Report / Tratamento Ortodôntico Cirúrgico do Padrão II: Relato de Caso Clínico

Pattern II may require different therapeutic approaches. When the face is at least acceptable, treatment may be restricted to dentoalveolar region. However, when the is unpleasant, correction should involve performing orthognathic surgery, in addition to the orthodontic treatment. And that is exactly the synergic union of all specialties - Implant, prosthesis, surgery and orthodontics - which ensures the construction of a more aesthetic and healthy smile and with significant face improvements. The aim of this study is to describe a case of an adult patient, black, malocclusions class II, severe mandibular deficiency, unpleasant face. The treatment involved descompensatory orthodontics, prosthetic rehabilitation, orthognathic surgery and finally aesthetic reanatomization the upper front teeth, which allowed the patient a normality condition of occlusion and face.(AU)

As más oclusões do Padrão II podem demandar diferentes abordagens terapêuticas. Quando a face é no mínimo aceitável, o tratamento poderá se restringir a região dentoalveolar. No entanto, quando a face é desagradável a correção deve envolver a realização de cirurgia ortognática, além do tratamento ortodôntico. E é exatamente à união sinérgica de todas as especialidades - Implante, Prótese, Cirurgia e Ortodontia ­ que garante a construção de um sorriso mais estético e saudável e com melhorias significativas na face. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever um caso clínico de um paciente adulto, negro, Padrão II, deficiência mandibular grave, face desagradável. O tratamento envolveu ortodontia descompensatória, reabilitação protética, cirurgia ortognática e por fim, reanatomização estética dos dentes anteriores superiores, o que permitiu ao paciente uma condição de normalidade oclusal e facial. (AU).

Domínios afetados na qualidade de vida do paciente renal crônico em tratamento hemodialítico: revisão sistemática / Domains affected in the quality of life of renal patient in hemodialytic treatment: systematic review / Dimensión afectados en la calidad de vida del pacientes renal crónico en tratamiento hemodialítico: revisión sistemática

Objetivo: Sintetizar o conhecimento produzido acerca das publicações na literatura nacional e internacional sobre os domínios afetados na qualidade de vida dos pacientes renais crônicos em tratamento hemodialítico. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados, LILACS, MEDLINE e CINAHL, nos últimos 10 anos. Resultados: Foram analisados 9 artigos, a maioria dos estudos eram descritivos e transversais, apresentaram evidências sobre as relações das dimensões afetadas na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos em tratamento hemodialítico. Os achados revelaram baixos escores de qualidade de vida, principalmente no domínio físico, sendo o aspecto social aquele de melhor escore. A identificação dos itens impactantes da qualidade de vida dessa população permite, aos profissionais de saúde, repensar a assistência atualmente oferecida, minimizando as consequências negativas decorrentes desse processo. Conclusão: Revela-se que o cuidado dispensado aos pacientes deve englobar estratégias para melhorar a saúde e qualidade de vida dos pacientes (AU).

Objective: The objective the study was to synthesize the knowledge produced about the publications in the national and international literature on the domains affected in the quality of life of chronic renal patients on hemodialysis. Methods: This is a systematic review was carried out, we surveyed LILACS, MEDLINE and CINAHL published in the last 10 years. Results: A total of the 9 articles were analyzed, a most of the studies were descriptive and cross-section, presenting evidence on the relationships of the individuals undergoing hemodialysis treatment. The results revealed low quality of life scores, mainly in the physical domain, being the social aspect the one with the best score. The identification of the impacting items of the quality of life of this population allows health professionals to rethink the assistance currently offered, minimizing the negative consequences of this process. Conclusion: The review indicates the care given to patients should include strategies to improve the health and quality of life of patients (AU).

Objetivo: Sintetizar el conocimiento producido sobre las publicaciones en la literatura nacional e internacional sobre los ámbitos afectados en la calidad de vida de los pacientes renais crónicos en tratamiento hemodialítico. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática en las bases de datos, LILACS, MEDLINE y CINAHL, en los últimos 10 años. Resultados: Se analizaron 9 artículos, la mayoría de los estudios eran descriptivos y transversales, presentaron evidencias sobre las relaciones de las dimensiones afectadas en la calidad de vida de los individuos en tratamiento hemodialítico. Los hallazgos revelaron bajos escores de calidad de vida, principalmente en el dominio físico, siendo el aspecto social el de mejor puntaje. La identificación de los elementos impactantes de la calidad de vida de esa población permite, a los profesionales de salud, repensar la asistencia actualmente ofrecida, minimizando las consecuencias negativas derivadas de ese proceso. Conclusión: Se revela que el cuidado dispensado a los pacientes debe englobar estrategias para mejorar la salud y calidad de vida de los pacientes (AU).

Investigation of respiratory disorders in Thoroughbred racehorses training at the Brazilian Jockey Club / Investigação de doenças respiratórias em cavalos de corrida em treinamento no Jockey Club Brasileiro

ABSTRACT: Athletic horses need to maintain healthy airways for optimal performance. This study investigated the presence of respiratory problems in apparently healthy Thoroughbred racehorses in training. According to the Revised Consensus Statement on Inflammatory Airway Diseases of Horses (2016), determining the prevalence of respiratory disorders in different equine populations is fundamental for understanding these diseases. In total, 72 clinically sound Thoroughbred racehorses, in training at the Brazilian Jockey Club (JCB), were initially examined using interpleural pressure measurement by ventigraphy and respiratory endoscopy. When secretions were present in the airways, transendoscopic tracheal aspiration was performed, and the sample was sent for cytology. The main findings included a combination of bronchospasm and tracheal secretions with 61% of the cytology slides showing neutrophil counts ≥20%. Overall, a significant number of the horses displayed signs suggestive of inflammatory airway disease (mild equine asthma), including 47% with increased DPplmax, 11% with tracheal mucus accumulation [mucus score (MS) ≥2] and 18% with carina edema. This was more pronounced in 2-year-old horses within the population studied. These findings are consistent with the literature and reinforce the importance of routine respiratory examination of athletic horses. There is a high incidence of subclinical respiratory disorders in Thoroughbred racehorses in training at the JCB and a significant association between tracheal MS≥2, carina edema, and elevated DPplmax.

RESUMO: Cavalos atletas devem apresentar higidez das vias respiratórias para que obtenham bom desempenho esportivo. Este estudo buscou verificar a incidência de alterações respiratórias em cavalos da raça Puro Sangue Inglês (PSI) de corrida em treinamento, aparentemente sadios. De acordo com o Estatuto do Consenso de Doenças Inflamatórias das Vias Aéreas revisado em 2016, o levantamento das alterações respiratórias em diferentes populações de cavalos é fundamental para o entendimento dessas enfermidades. Nesse sentido, foram examinados 72 equinos PSI em treinamento no Jockey Club Brasileiro (JCB), por meio de mensuração da pressão interpleural através da ventigrafia e endoscopia respiratória. Quando presentes nas vias aéreas, foram coletadas secreções por aspirado traqueal transendoscópico para realização de citologia. Os achados prevalentes foram a combinação de broncoespasmo e secreções traqueais onde, em 61% das lâminas, houve contagem de neutrófilos ≥20%. De um modo geral, um percentual significativo de cavalos apresentou sinais sugestivos de Doença Inflamatória das Vias Aéreas (DIVA), incluindo 47% com elevação na DPplmax, 11% com aumento no muco traqueal (score de muco ≥2) e 18% de edema de carina. Dentro da população estudada, essas alterações foram mais pronunciadas em animais de 2 anos. Esses achados reforçam a importância da investigação respiratória rotineira nos cavalos atletas indo ao encontro do que foi descrito em outras publicações. As alterações respiratórias subclínicas têm alta incidência em cavalos PSI em treinamento no JCB e existe uma associação significativa entre o muco traqueal (score ≥2), edema de carina, e elevação na DPplmax.

Sulfated chitosan as tear substitute with no antimicrobial activity.

Chitosan of high molar mass and with 82% deacetylation was sulfated using two procedures and characterized. In the first method sample chitosan-S1 was produced using chlorosulfonic acid as the sulfating agent and N,N-dimethylformamide as the medium, and in the second method (chitosan-S2) formic acid was also used. The degrees of sulfation were 0.87 (chitosan-S1) and 0.67 (chitosan-S2). FTIR spectra showed bands at 1230, 800 and 580 cm(-1), attributed to sulfation. Moisture content followed the order: chitosan-S-0.87>chitosan-S-0.67>chitosan. Chain depolymerization was verified by GPC. Aqueous solutions showed pseudoplastic behavior and the viscosity at a concentration of 0.3% (w/v) was higher than that of healthy human tears (close to 3 mPas at shear rate 130 s(-1)). Substitutions in the C2NH and in C6OH groups were verified by NMR. Antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not observed. Considering that chitosan-S-0.67 had a higher solubility, less chain depolymerization, higher yield and better thermal stability in comparison with chitosan-S-0.87, the derivative with DS 0.67 offered the greatest potential for use in formulations of tear substitutes.

Ectopic expression of a Meloidogyne incognita dorsal gland protein in tobacco accelerates the formation of the nematode feeding site.

Meloidogyne spp., plant-parasitic nematodes present worldwide, are intensively studied because of the damage caused to a large variety of agronomically important crops. Several reports indicate that proteins from the Meloidogyne spp. dorsal gland might play an important role to allow proper establishment of a functional nematode feeding site. The precise role of these proteins in the process of feeding cell development is unknown. To gain insights into the function of these secreted M. incognita proteins, we constitutively (ectopically) expressed the nematodes dorsal gland protein 7E12 in tobacco plants. It was found that the number of galls at 8 and 16 days after nematode infection was significantly higher in transgenic plants compared to control plants. Eggs from nematodes in transgenic plants hatched faster than those in control plants. Histological analysis of nematode induced galls in transgenic plants clearly shows a different morphology. Giant feeding cells harbor more vacuoles and an increased amount of cell wall invaginations, while neighboring cells surrounding feeding cells are more numerous. These results suggest that the presence of the 7E12 protein in tobacco accelerates gall formation. This assumption is supported by our data illustrating faster gall formation and egg eclosion in transgenic plants.

The untiring search for the most complete proteome representation: reviewing the methods.

Proteomic research has proved valuable for understanding the molecular mechanisms of biological processes, as well as in the search for biomarkers for a variety of diseases which lack a molecular diagnostic. While several new approaches are being developed, two-dimensional (2-DE) gel electrophoresis is still one of the most commonly used techniques, despite its many limitations. However, for biomarker research, 2-DE gel electrophoresis alone does not fulfill the necessary pre-requisites. If such a technique is utilized exclusively, a great part of a given proteome remains unseen. Therefore, very precise and sensitive techniques are needed. Here, we present a brief review of known methodologies that try to overcome the limitations of conventional proteome analysis as well as their respective advantages and limitations.