Mitigation of Subsequent Ovariectomy Responses through Prior Exercise Training in Rats.

It is well known that cardiometabolic dysfunction gradually increases after menopause and the sedentary lifestyle can aggravated this condition. Therefore, we compared the effects of prior aerobic exercise training in premenopausal period and after ovariectomy (OVX) on metabolic, hemodynamic and autonomic parameters in experimental model of menopause in rats. Female rats were divided in 4 groups: control (C), sedentary OVX (SO), trained OVX (TO), and previously trained OVX (PTO). PTO trained four weeks previously+eight weeks after OVX and the TO group trained only after OVX on a motor treadmill. Autonomic modulation were evaluated and the adipose tissues (WAT) were removed, weighed and lipolysis was assessed. Citrate synthase activity was analysed in the soleus muscle. The trained groups prevented the impairment of BRS in relation to SO; however, only PTO reduced the low frequency band of pulse interval compared to SO. PTO reduced the weight of WAT compared to the other groups; the lipolysis in PTO was similar to C. PTO had preserved muscle metabolic injury in all types of fibres analysed. In conclusion, this study suggests that exercise training should be recommended in a pre-menopausal model in order to prevent cardiometabolic and autonomic menopause-induced deleterious effects.

Interaction between MED12 and ΔNp63 activates basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

The presence of basal lineage characteristics signifies hyperaggressive human adenocarcinomas of the breast, bladder and pancreas. However, the biochemical mechanisms that maintain this aberrant cell state are poorly understood. Here we performed marker-based genetic screens in search of factors needed to maintain basal identity in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). This approach revealed MED12 as a powerful regulator of the basal cell state in this disease. Using biochemical reconstitution and epigenomics, we show that MED12 carries out this function by bridging the transcription factor ΔNp63, a known master regulator of the basal lineage, with the Mediator complex to activate lineage-specific enhancer elements. Consistent with this finding, the growth of basal-like PDAC is hypersensitive to MED12 loss when compared to PDAC cells lacking basal characteristics. Taken together, our genetic screens have revealed a biochemical interaction that sustains basal identity in human cancer, which could serve as a target for tumor lineage-directed therapeutics.

Glioprotective Effects of Sulforaphane in Hypothalamus: Focus on Aging Brain.

Sulforaphane is a natural compound with neuroprotective activity, but its effects on hypothalamus remain unknown. In line with this, astrocytes are critical cells to maintain brain homeostasis, and hypothalamic astrocytes are fundamental for sensing and responding to environmental changes involved in a variety of homeostatic functions. Changes in brain functionality, particularly associated with hypothalamic astrocytes, can contribute to age-related neurochemical alterations and, consequently, neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, here, we investigated the glioprotective effects of sulforaphane on hypothalamic astrocyte cultures and hypothalamic cell suspension obtained from aged Wistar rats (24 months old). Sulforaphane showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as modulated the mRNA expression of astroglial markers, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member L1, aquaporin 4, and vascular endothelial growth factor. In addition, it increased the expression and extracellular levels of trophic factors, such as glia-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor, as well as the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and the mRNA of TrkA, which is a receptor associated with trophic factors. Sulforaphane also modulated the expression of classical pathways associated with glioprotection, including nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2, heme oxygenase-1, nuclear factor kappa B p65 subunit, and AMP-activated protein kinase. Finally, a cell suspension with neurons and glial cells was used to confirm the predominant effect of sulforaphane in glial cells. In summary, this study indicated the anti-aging and glioprotective activities of sulforaphane in aged astrocytes.

Antifungal activity of Serratia plymuthica against the phytopathogenic fungus Alternariatenuissima.

The antifungal activity of Serratia plymuthica CCGG2742, a bacterial strain isolated from grapes berries skin, against a phytopathogenic fungus isolated from blueberries was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. In order to characterize the wild fungal isolate, phylogenetic analysis using concatenated DNA sequences from the RPB2 and TEF1 genes and of the ITS region was performed, allowing the identification of the fungal isolate that was called Alternaria tenuissima CC17. Hyphae morphology, mycelium ultrastructure, conidia and reproductive structures were in agreement with the phylogenetic analysis. The antifungal activity of the S. plymuthica strain was dependent on the composition of the culture medium. The greatest inhibition of mycelial growth of A. tenuissima CC17 by S. plymuthica CCGG2742 was observed on YTS medium, which lacks of an easily assimilable carbon source. Fungal growth medium supplemented with 50 % of bacterial supernatant decreased the conidia germination of A. tenuissima CC17 up to 32 %. Preventive applications of S. plymuthica CCGG2742 to blueberries and tomato leaves at conidia:bacteria ratio of 1:100, protected in 77.8 ± 4.6 % and 98.2 ± 0.6 % to blueberries and tomato leaves from infection caused by A. tenuissima CC17, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the antifungal activity of S. plymuthica against A. tenuissima, which could be used as a biological control agent of plant diseases caused by this fungal species. In addition, the results of this work could be a starting point to attribute the real importance of A. tenuissima as a pathogen of blueberries in Chile, which until now had been considered almost exclusively to A. alternata. Likewise, this research could be relevant to start developing highly effective strategies based on S. plymuthica CCGG2742 for the control of this important phytopathogenic fungus.

Insulin Treatment Does Not Prevent EARLY Autonomic Cardiovascular and Diastolic Dysfunctions in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Recent studies have found increased cardiovascular mortality risk in patients with type 1 diabetes when compared to normoglycemic people, even when they were kept under good glycemic control. However, the mechanisms underlying this condition have yet to be fully understood. Using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, we evaluated the effects of insulin replacement therapy on cardiac, autonomic, inflammatory, and oxidative stress parameters. Daily treatment with insulin administrated subcutaneously in the STZ-diabetic rats showed a reduction in hyperglycemia (>250 mg/dL) to normalized values. The insulin treatment was effective in preventing alterations in cardiac morphometry and systolic function but had no impact on diastolic function. Also, the treatment was not able to prevent the impairment of baroreflex-tachycardic response and systolic arterial pressure variability (SAP-V). A correlation was found between improvement of these autonomic parameters and higher levels of IL-10 and lower levels of oxidized glutathione. Our findings show that insulin treatment was not able to prevent diastolic, baroreflex, and SAP-V dysfunction, suggesting an outstanding cardiovascular risk, even after obtaining a good glycemic control in STZ-induced diabetic rats. This study shed light on a relatively large population of diabetic patients in need of other therapies to be used in combination with insulin treatment and thus more effectively manage cardiovascular risk.

Epitope mapping and a candidate vaccine design from canine distemper virus.

Background: Canine distemper (CD) is a worldwide spread disease that has been described in 12 families of mammals, especially in the Carnivora order, being better studied in domestic canines where vaccination represents the best means of control. CD is controlled by vaccination, but many cases of the disease still occur in vaccinated animals. Aim: The aim of this work was to study antigen-specific epitopes that can subsidize the development of a new vaccine approach. Methods: Mapping of T cell reactive epitopes for CD virus (CDV) was carried out through enzyme-linked immunospot assays using 119 overlapped synthetic peptides from the viral hemagglutinin protein, grouped in 22 pools forming a matrix to test the immune response of 32 animals. Results: Evaluations using the criteria established to identify reactive pools, demonstrated that 26 animals presented at least one reactive pool, that one pool was not reactive to any animal, and six pools were the most frequent among the reactive peptides. The crisscrossing of the most reactive pools in the matrix revealed nine peptides considered potential candidate epitopes for T cell stimulation against the CDV and those were used to design an in-silico protein, containing also predicted epitopes for B cell stimulation, and further analyzed using immune epitope databases to ensure protein quality and stability. Conclusion: The final in silico optimized protein presents characteristics that qualify it to be used to develop a new prototype epitope-based anti-CDV vaccine.

Effects of anabolic androgenic steroids in athletes on left ventricle systolic and diastolic function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) among athletes has been linked to pathological structural and functional cardiac changes. However, the studies are small, and the results are inconsistent. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of echocardiographic outcomes comparing athletes with prolonged use of AAS (at least 2 years of use) versus sex and age- matched athletes who were did not use AAS. PubMed, Cochrane, and embase were searched. A random-effects model was used to calculate mean differences (MDs), with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1. RESULTS: We included 17 studies comprising 1,023 athletes, of whom 543 (53%) were AAS users. The mean age ranged to 24.2 to 43 years. Compared with non-AAS users, athletes who used AAS exhibited a significant increase in interventricular septal wall thickness (MD 1.33 mm; 95% CI [0.8,1.89], p<0.001), a reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (MD 2.77 %; 95% CI [-4.2,-1.34], p<0.001;Figure 1B) , and worsening of global longitudinal strain (MD 3.39%; 95% CI [2.88,3.91], p<0.001;Figure 1B). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in the E/A ratio (MD -0.21; 95% CI [-0.35,-0.07], p=0.003) and an increase in the E/e' ratio (MD 1.71; 95% CI [0.96,2.46], p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that prolonged use of AAS in athletes is associated with increased left ventricular wall thickness and worsening of systolic and diastolic parameters.

Seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the school community in Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, October 2021-November 2022.

Introduction: With the reopening of schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it was imperative to understand the role of students and education professionals in the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In this paper, we determined the seroprevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 anti-nucleocapsid antibodies in the school community in Campo Grande, the capital and most populous city of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (Brazil) and evaluated its association with sex, school level, and school type. Materials and methods: The survey was carried out in 20 public and private schools in the urban region of Campo Grande using the TR DPP® COVID-19 immunoglobulin M/immunoglobulin G (IgM/IgG) kit from the Immunobiological Technology Institute (Bio-Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Testing was carried out in three periods: from October to December 2021; from March to July 2022; and from August to November 2022. The participants were students aged 6-17 years enrolled in primary or secondary schools and professionals of different ages and roles. Results: During the first testing period, 162 participants were seropositive for the IgM and/or IgG anti-nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with an estimated seroprevalence of 19.6% using Bayesian multilevel regression. In the second period, 251 participants were seropositive (estimated seroprevalence, 34.6%), while in the third period, 393 participants were seroconverted (estimated seroprevalence, 56.7%). In 2022, there was an increase in the seroconversion rate compared to that in 2021. The most frequently described acute manifestations in the three periods were fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose. In terms of the demographic profile, there was no predominance of seropositivity between the sexes, although women represented approximately 70% of the study population. There were also no differences between students and school staff. Discussion: The results made it possible to evaluate the extent of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the school community through immunity developed against the virus, in addition to providing information about COVID-19 symptoms in children, adolescents, and adults.

Host response during unresolved urinary tract infection alters female mammary tissue homeostasis through collagen deposition and TIMP1.

Exposure to pathogens throughout a lifetime influences immunity and organ function. Here, we explore how the systemic host-response to bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) induces tissue-specific alterations to the mammary gland. Utilizing a combination of histological tissue analysis, single cell transcriptomics, and flow cytometry, we identify that mammary tissue from UTI-bearing mice displays collagen deposition, enlarged ductal structures, ductal hyperplasia with atypical epithelial transcriptomes and altered immune composition. Bacterial cells are absent in the mammary tissue and blood of UTI-bearing mice, therefore, alterations to the distal mammary tissue are mediated by the systemic host response to local infection. Furthermore, broad spectrum antibiotic treatment resolves the infection and restores mammary cellular and tissue homeostasis. Systemically, unresolved UTI correlates with increased plasma levels of the metalloproteinase inhibitor, TIMP1, which controls extracellular matrix remodeling and neutrophil function. Treatment of nulliparous and post-lactation UTI-bearing female mice with a TIMP1 neutralizing antibody, restores mammary tissue normal homeostasis, thus providing evidence for a link between the systemic host response during UTI and mammary gland alterations.

Selective signatures in composite MONTANA TROPICAL beef cattle reveal potential genomic regions for tropical adaptation.

Genomic regions related to tropical adaptability are of paramount importance for animal breeding nowadays, especially in the context of global climate change. Moreover, understanding the genomic architecture of these regions may be very relevant for aiding breeding programs in choosing the best selection scheme for tropical adaptation and/or implementing a crossbreeding scheme. The composite MONTANA TROPICAL® population was developed by crossing cattle of four different biological types to improve production in harsh environments. Pedigree and genotype data (51962 SNPs) from 3215 MONTANA TROPICAL® cattle were used to i) characterize the population structure; ii) identify signatures of selection with complementary approaches, i.e. Integrated Haplotype Score (iHS) and Runs of Homozygosity (ROH); and iii) understand genes and traits related to each selected region. The population structure based on principal components had a weak relationship with the genetic contribution of the different biological types. Clustering analyses (ADMIXTURE) showed different clusters according to the number of generations within the composite population. Considering results of both selection signatures approaches, we identified only one consensus region on chromosome 20 (35399405-40329703 bp). Genes in this region are related to immune function, regulation of epithelial cell differentiation, and cell response to ionizing radiation. This region harbors the slick locus which is related to slick hair and epidermis anatomy, both of which are related to heat stress adaptation. Also, QTLs in this region were related to feed intake, milk yield, mastitis, reproduction, and slick hair coat. The signatures of selection detected here arose in a few generations after crossbreeding between contrasting breeds. Therefore, it shows how important this genomic region may be for these animals to thrive in tropical conditions. Further investigations on sequencing this region can identify candidate genes for animal breeding and/or gene editing to tackle the challenges of climate change.

Dietary Variation Effect on Life History Traits and Energy Storage in Neotropical Species of Drosophila (Diptera; Drosophilidae).

The ability of an organism to respond to nutritional stress can be a plastic character under the action of natural selection, affecting several characteristics, including life history and energy storage. The genus Drosophila (Diptera; Drosophilidae) presents high variability regarding natural resource exploration. However, most works on this theme have studied the model species D. melanogaster Meigen, 1830 and little is known about Neotropical drosophilids. Here we evaluate the effects of three diets, with different carbohydrate-to-protein ratios, on life history (viability and development time) and metabolic pools (triglycerides, glycogen, and total soluble protein contents) of three Neotropical species of Drosophila: D. maculifrons Duda, 1927; D. ornatifrons Duda, 1927, both of the subgenus Drosophila Sturtevant, 1939, and D. willistoni Sturtevant, 1916 of the subgenus Sophophora Sturtevant, 1939. Our results showed that only D. willistoni was viable on all diets, D. maculifrons was not viable on the sugary diet, while D. ornatifrons was barely viable on this diet. The sugary diet increased the development time of D. willistoni and D. ornatifrons, and D. willistoni glycogen content. Thus, the viability of D. maculifrons and D. ornatifrons seems to depend on a certain amount of protein and/or a low concentration of carbohydrate in the diet. A more evident effect of the diets on triglyceride and protein pools was detected in D. ornatifrons, which could be related to the adult attraction to dung and carrion baited pitfall as food resource tested in nature. Our results demonstrated that the evolutionary history and differential adaptations to natural macronutrient resources are important to define the amplitude of response that a species can present when faced with dietary variation.

Differences between cultured astrocytes from neonatal and adult Wistar rats: focus on in vitro aging experimental models.

Astrocytes play key roles regulating brain homeostasis and accumulating evidence has suggested that glia are the first cells that undergo functional changes with aging, which can lead to a decline in brain function. In this context, in vitro models are relevant tools for studying aged astrocytes and, here, we investigated functional and molecular changes in cultured astrocytes obtained from neonatal or adult animals submitted to an in vitro model of aging by an additional period of cultivation of cells after confluence. In vitro aging induced different metabolic effects regarding glucose and glutamate uptake, as well as glutamine synthetase activity, in astrocytes obtained from adult animals compared to those obtained from neonatal animals. In vitro aging also modulated glutathione-related antioxidant defenses and increased reactive oxygen species and cytokine release especially in astrocytes from adult animals. Interestingly, in vitro aged astrocytes from adult animals exposed to pro-oxidant, inflammatory, and antioxidant stimuli showed enhanced oxidative and inflammatory responses. Moreover, these functional changes were correlated with the expression of the senescence marker p21, cytoskeleton markers, glutamate transporters, inflammatory mediators, and signaling pathways such as nuclear factor κB (NFκB)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Alterations in these genes are remarkably associated with a potential neurotoxic astrocyte phenotype. Therefore, considering the experimental limitations due to the need for long-term maintenance of the animals for studying aging, astrocyte cultures obtained from adult animals further aged in vitro can provide an improved experimental model for understanding the mechanisms associated with aging-related astrocyte dysfunction.

Respiratory muscles's thermographic analysis in asthmatic youth with and without bronchospasm induced by eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the thermographic pattern of regions of interest (ROI) of respiratory muscles in young asthmatics with and without bronchospasm induced by eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study carried out with 55 young (55% male and 45% females) aged 12.5 ± 3.3 years, divided in nine nonasthmatics, 22 asthmatics without exercise-induced bronchospasm compatible response (EIB-cr) and 24 asthmatics with EIB-cr. The diagnosis of EIB was given to subjects with a fall in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) ≥ 10% compared to baseline. Thermographic recordings of respiratory muscles were delimited in ROI of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), pectoral, and rectus abdominis intention area. Thermal captures and FEV1 were taken before and 5, 10, 15 and 30 min after EVH. RESULTS: Twenty-four (52.1%) of asthmatics had EIB-cr. There was a decrease in temperature at 10 min after EVH test in the SCM, pectoral and rectus abdominis ROIs in all groups (both with p < 0.05). There was a decrease in temperature (% basal) in asthmatic with EIB-cr compared to nonasthmatics in the rectus abdominis area (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a decrease in temperature in the ROIs of different muscle groups, especially in asthmatics. The greater drop in FEV1 observed in individuals with EIB-cr was initially associated with a decrease in skin temperature, with a difference between the nonasthmatics in the abdominal muscle area. It is likely that this decrease in temperature occurred due to a temporary displacement of blood flow to the most used muscle groups, with a decrease in the region of the skin evaluated in the thermography.

Corrigendum: Assessment of risk scores to predict mortality of COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1130218.].

Interleukin-10 GCC/GCC haplotype is associated high risk of acute GVHD in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT in the southern of Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) is currently an important curative treatment for many patients with malignant and non-malignant diseases. Graft versus host disease (GVHD) represents a major complication in allogeneic HSCT recipients. Several polymorphisms in cytokine genes have recently been investigated as candidates for risk factors for acute-GVHD (aGVHD) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analyzed specific interleukin (IL)-10 haplotypes polymorphisms, in a cohort of 99 patients and their respective allo-HSCT donors for aGVHD and risk. RESULTS: An association was found between IL-10 promoter haplotype polymorphisms at positions -1082, -819 and - 592 with the occurrence of aGVHD. Patients who have the GCC/GCC haplotype are at increased risk of aGVHD (P = 0.017, HR: 5.42 (95% CI: 1.34-21.84). In the donors group and severity of aGVHD as not found statistical significancy. CONCLUSION: The results obtained show the IL-10 GCC/GCC haplotype can be an important biomarker to identify the greatest risk of aGVHD in the patient undergoing HSCT.

Prevalence and incidence of decreased glomerular filtration rate and its variation over 6 years: Cohort study SABE 2010-2016.

The aging process and the rising prevalence of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) contribute to the decline in kidney function among elderly individuals. The aim of this research was to assess prevalence and incidence of decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (GFR <60mL/min/1.73m2) over six-year period in elderly residents of São Paulo. This study relied on data from 2010 and 2016 waves of the cohort SABE Study - Health, Wellbeing, and Aging, with a probabilistic and representative sample of elderly individuals residing in São Paulo. GFR was calculated using the 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration creatinine (CKD-EPI) equation. Categorical variables were analyzed using chi-square test with Rao-Scott correction, and weighted means and standard errors were calculated for continuous variables. Logistic and linear regression models were constructed to analyse the data. Statistical analyses accounted for sample weights to ensure population representativeness. The prevalence of decreased GFR in 2010 was 17.3%, with mean GFR of 75.6 mL/min/1.73m2 (SE = 0.5). The incidence of decreased GFR between 2010 and 2016 was 14.9%, equivalent to an annual incidence of 2.5%. This incidence was associated with older age, hypertension, self-perceived fair/poor/very poor health, and greater number of comorbidities associated. Over the study period, 68.1% of the elderly participants experienced deterioration in GFR, with an average decline of 1 mL/min/1.73m2 each year. Renal function decline often occurs without noticeable symptoms, and the high prevalence of comorbidities contributes to the worsening of GFR. Therefore, monitoring renal function in the elderly is crucial for effectively managing the health of this population.

Single-Cell Transcription Mapping of Murine and Human Mammary Organoids Responses to Female Hormones.

During female adolescence and pregnancy, rising levels of hormones result in a cyclic source of signals that control the development of mammary tissue. While such alterations are well understood from a whole-gland perspective, the alterations that such hormones bring to organoid cultures derived from mammary glands have yet to be fully mapped. This is of special importance given that organoids are considered suitable systems to understand cross species breast development. Here we utilized single-cell transcriptional profiling to delineate responses of murine and human normal breast organoid systems to female hormones across evolutionary distinct species. Collectively, our study represents a molecular atlas of epithelial dynamics in response to estrogen and pregnancy hormones.

Aging changes the expression of adenosine receptors, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in hypothalamic astrocyte cultures.

The aging process induces neurochemical alterations in different brain regions, including hypothalamus. This pivotal area of the central nervous system (CNS) is crucial for detection and integration of nutritional and hormonal signals from the periphery of the body to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Astrocytes support the CNS homeostasis, energy metabolism, and inflammatory response, as well as increasing evidence has highlighted a critical role of astrocytes in orchestrating hypothalamic functions and in gliocrine system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the age-dependent mRNA expression of adenosine receptors, the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), and the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), in addition to the levels of IGF1 and HIF1α in hypothalamic astrocyte cultures derived from newborn, adult, and aged rats. Our results revealed age-dependent changes in adenosine receptors, as well as a decrease in IGF1R/IGF1 and HIF1α. Of note, adenosine receptors, IGF1, and HIF1α are affected by inflammatory, redox, and metabolic processes, which can remodel hypothalamic properties, as observed in aging brain, reinforcing the role of hypothalamic astrocytes as targets for understanding the onset and/or progression of age-related diseases.

Parental fructose consumption induces early baroreflex dysfunction in offspring: impact on arterial pressure and on insulin resistance.

Fructose overconsumption is a worldwide trend, and it has been found to cause metabolic disorders in parents and their offspring. Additionally, metabolic syndrome has been closely associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In this study, we hypothesized that the chronic fructose consumption by parents could trigger autonomic dysfunction and cardiometabolic disorders in their offspring. Wistar rats undergo an intake of 10% of fructose in drinking water or regular water for 60 days before mating. Their offspring, control (C) and fructose (F) groups, were evaluated 30 days after weaning. Lower birth weight, increased levels of blood triglycerides and insulin resistance were observed in F compared to C group. The offspring of the fructose parents showed increased mean arterial pressure (C: 104 ± 1 vs. F: 111 ± 2 mmHg) and baroreflex sensitivity impairment, characterized by reduced bradycardic (C: -1.6 ± 0.06 vs. F: -1.3 ± 0.06 bpm/mmHg) and tachycardic responses (C: -4.0 ± 0.1 vs. F: -3.1 ± 0.2 bpm/mmHg). Finally, a higher baroreflex-induced tachycardia was associated with lower insulin tolerance (r = -0.55, P < 0.03) and higher systolic arterial pressure (r = 0.54, P < 0.02). In conclusion, our findings indicate that the excessive consumption of fructose by parents is associated with early autonomic, cardiovascular, and metabolic derangement in the offspring, favoring an increased cardiometabolic risk when they reach adulthood.

Traits of the host trees, not community diversity, drive epiphytes abundance in tropical seasonal forests / Atributos das árvores hospedeiras, e não a diversidade da comunidade, conduzem a abundância de epífitas em florestas tropicais sazonais

Abstract Epiphytes are considered indicators of forest ecological integrity, but the factors that explain their abundance are still not well understood. We here evaluated tree colonization by epiphytes in old-growth monospecific reforestation stands of Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) and Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (Myrtaceae), in comparison to a neighbor seasonal tropical forest fragment under similar environmental conditions. In each forest type, we identified and measured all trees (planted and colonizers) from 5-cm stem diameter in five 200 m² plots and quantified all vascular epiphytes per tree. Tree species were categorized by bark roughness, canopy deciduousness and growth rate. The abundance of epiphytes and the frequency of host trees were higher in the A. urundeuva plantation than in the native forest, with the E. saligna stand in an intermediate position. Also, we found that host traits influenced the abundance of epiphytes in their trunks. Host trees had average stem perimeter and height both higher than non-hosts, which indicates that colonization is more likely to occur in older trees. The average abundance of epiphytes per tree was higher in species with rough bark, but no relationship was found with canopy deciduousness or tree growth rate. We evidenced, therefore, that forest plantations, even if monospecific, can provide habitat for epiphytes. However, at community level, colonization success, either in native or restored forest, depends on the relative abundance of species whose bark type favors epiphytes establishment.

Resumo Epífitas são consideradas indicadores de integridade ecológica em florestas, mas os fatores que explicam sua abundância ainda não são bem compreendidos. Neste estudo, avaliamos a colonização por epífitas em antigos talhões monoespecíficos de Astronium urundeuva (M.Allemão) Engl. (Anacardiaceae) e Eucalyptus saligna Sm. (Myrtaceae), em comparação com um fragmento vizinho de floresta estacional semidecidual sob condições ambientais semelhantes. Em cada tipologia florestal, identificamos e medimos todas as árvores (plantadas e que colonizaram os locais) a partir de 5 cm de diâmetro à altura padrão, em cinco parcelas de 200 m². Nelas, também quantificamos todas as epífitas vasculares por árvore. Em busca de uma explicação funcional para as diferenças entre espécies, utilizamos rugosidade da casca, deciduidade da copa e taxa de crescimento como atributos potencialmente relevantes. A abundância das epífitas e a frequência de forófitos foi maior no talhão de A. urundeuva do que na floresta nativa, com o talhão de E. saligna ocupando uma posição intermediária. Encontramos evidências, também, de que os atributos dos forófitos influenciaram a abundância de epífitas em seus troncos. Os forófitos apresentaram maior perímetro médio e altura que as árvores não hospedeiras, o que indica que a colonização é mais provável de ocorrer em árvores mais velhas. A abundância média de epífitas por árvore foi maior em espécies com casca rugosa, mas nem a deciduidade da copa, nem a velocidade de crescimento exerceram efeito neste aspecto. Evidenciamos, portanto que, plantações florestais, ainda que monoespecíficas, podem prover habitat para epífitas. Contudo, em nível de comunidade, o sucesso da colonização, seja em florestas nativas ou restauradas, depende da abundância relativa de espécies cujo tipo de casca favorece o estabelecimento de epífitas.