NADPH Oxidases in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities.

Significance: The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) enzyme family, located in the central nervous system, is recognized as a source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. Despite its importance in cellular processes, excessive ROS generation leads to cell death and is involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Recent advances: NOX enzymes contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and stroke, highlighting their potential as targets for future therapeutic development. This review will discuss NOX's contribution and therapeutic targeting potential in neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on PD, AD, ALS, and stroke. Critical issues: Homeostatic and physiological levels of ROS are crucial for regulating several processes, such as development, memory, neuronal signaling, and vascular homeostasis. However, NOX-mediated excessive ROS generation is deeply involved in the damage of DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cell death in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, namely neurodegenerative diseases. Future directions: It is essential to understand the role of NOX homologs in neurodegenerative disorders and the pathological mechanisms undergoing neurodegeneration mediated by increased levels of ROS. This further knowledge will allow the development of new specific NOX inhibitors and their application for neurodegenerative disease therapeutics.

The effects of Pilates vs. aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness, isokinetic muscular strength, body composition, and functional tasks outcomes for individuals who are overweight/obese: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Some studies have been conducted to verify the effects of Pilates for individuals who are obese, but conclusive results are not yet available due to methodological concerns. The present study aims to verify and compare the effects of Pilates and aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness, isokinetic muscular strength, body composition, and functional task outcomes for individuals who are overweight/obese. METHODS: Of the sixty participants, seventeen were allocated to the control group, since the intervention protocol (Pilates or walking sessions) was during their working hours. The remaining 44 participants were randomly allocated to one of two experimental groups (Pilates (n = 22)) or aerobic groups (n = 21).The Pilates and aerobic groups attended 60-min exercise sessions, three times per week for 8 weeks. The aerobic group performed walking training at a heart rate corresponding to the ventilatory threshold. The Pilates group performed exercises on the floor, resistance apparatus, and 1-kg dumbbells. The control group received no intervention. All volunteers were evaluated at the beginning and end of the intervention. The following assessments were conducted: food intake, cardiorespiratory maximal treadmill test, isokinetic strength testing, body composition and anthropometry, abdominal endurance test, trunk extensor endurance test, flexibility test and functional (stair and chair) tests. RESULTS: There was no significant difference pre- and post-intervention in calorie intake [F(2, 57) = 0.02744, p = 0.97)]. A significant improvement in oxygen uptake at ventilatory threshold (p = 0.001; d = 0.60), respiratory compensation point (p = 0.01; d = 0.48), and maximum effort (p = 0.01; d = 0.33) was observed only in the Pilates group. Isokinetic peak torque for knee flexor and extensor muscles did not change for any groups. Lean mass (p = 0.0005; d = 0.19) and fat mass (p = 0.0001; d = 0.19) improved only in the Pilates group. Waist and hip circumference measurements decreased similarly in both experimental groups. Abdominal test performance improved more in the Pilates group (p = 0.0001; d = 1.69) than in the aerobic group (p = 0.003; d = 0.95). Trunk extensor endurance and flexibility improved only in the Pilates group (p = 0.0003; d = 0.80 and p = 0.0001; d = 0.41, respectively). The Pilates group showed greater improvement on the chair and stair tests (p = 0.0001; d = 1.48 and p = 0.003; d = 0.78, respectively) than the aerobic group (p = 0.005; d = 0.75 and p = 0.05; d = 0.41, respectively). CONCLUSION: Pilates can be used as an alternative physical training method for individuals who are overweight or obese since it promotes significant effects in cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition, and performance on functional tests.

Termorregulação e equilíbrio hídrico no exercício físico: aspectos atuais e recomendações / Thermoregulation and fluid balance during physical exercise: current aspects and recommendations

A evaporação de suor é o principal mecanismo de termorregulação humana durante exercícios realizados na superfície terrestre. Este importante mecanismo fisiológico de manutenção da homeostase térmica, todavia, pode levar a uma perda significativa de fluidos corporais, causando a desidratação. Evidências demonstram que a perda de líquido correspondente a 2% da massa corporal é suficiente para causar redução na capacidade de desempenho físico. Portanto, evitar a desidratação ingerindo líquidos durante o exercício é importante não só para manter a capacidade de rendimento físico, como também para prevenir contra problemas associados à hipertermia. Sendo assim, o objetivo desta revisão é discutir os efeitos da desidratação no desempenho físico de atletas e pessoas que praticam exercícios com o objetivo de obter melhoras na aptidão física. Além disso, serão apresentadas formas de se identificar e avaliar a desidratação em praticantes de exercícios, bem como aspectos relevantes para a elaboração de uma estratégia eficiente de hidratação para evitar a desidratação e também o consumo excessivo de líquidos antes, durante e após o exercício. Para a elaboração desta revisão foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados Scielo e Pubmed Medline, utilizando-se palavras-chave como "thermoregulation", "heat stress", "exercise", "performance", "dehydration", "hydration", "fluid balance"...(AU)

Sweat evaporation is the main mechanism of human thermoregulation during exercise performed on land. This is an important physiological mechanism for maintaining the thermal homeostasis, however, it can lead to a significant body fluid loss causing dehydration. Evidences have shown that fluid losses corresponding to 2% of body weight is sufficient to cause a decrease in exercise capacity. Therefore, avoiding dehydration by drinking fluids during exercise is important not only to maintain physical performance capacity, but also to prevent problems associated with hyperthermia and dehydration. Thus, the aim of this review is to discuss the main effects of dehydration on physical performance of athletes and non-athletes who exercise in order to obtain improvements in physical fitness. In addition, we will present ways to identify and assess hydration status in exercise settings as well as relevant aspects to the development of an effective hydration strategy to prevent dehydration and also excessive fluid consumption before, during and after exercise. In this review we searched the databases Scielo and PubMed Medline using the following key-words: "thermoregulation", "heat stress", "exercise", "performance", "dehydration", "hydration", "fluid balance...(AU)

Assessment of isokinetic peak torque reliability of the hip flexor, extensor, adductors and abductors muscles in female soccer players from 14 to 25 years old.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate test-retest reliability of concentric flexor, extensor, abductor and adductor muscular isokinetic hip torques in female soccer players. METHODS: Sixteen highly-trained female soccer players were evaluated. Isokinetic dynamometer assessment was performed at 30°/s and 150°/s concentrically. The muscles tested were hip flexor (Fl), extensor (Ext), adductor (Add) and abductor (Abd). The reproducibility of the measured peak torque (PT) was analyzed by using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The difference in PT between the first and second tests was tested using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The ICC for the observed PT values revealed moderate to high reproducibility (ranging from 0.55 to 0.76) for the hip Fl and Ext measurements at 150º/s and for Add and Abd measurements at 30 and 150º/s. For the hip Fl and Ext measurements at 30º/s the ICC was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The isokinetic assessment of the concentric PT values generated by the hip Fl and Ext and Add and Abd is moderate to highly reproducible, when assessed at the highest test velocity (150º/s). The test-retest reliability of hip isokinetic strength measures seems to be affected by the type muscle and test velocity.

[Evaluation of the contamination of lettuce crops after the establishment of the monitoring system in Ribeirão Preto, SP]. / Avaliação da contaminação de hortas produtoras de verduras após a implantação do sistema de fiscalização em Ribeirão Preto, SP.

This study evaluated the microbiological and parasitological contamination of 88 market gardens producing green vegetables, of which 47 had been investigated previously. The contamination rate was 38.3% in the market gardens previously evaluated and 43.9% in the new market gardens. Food safety requires a continuous and efficient sanitary surveillance system for market gardens.

Avaliação da contaminação de hortas produtoras de verduras após a implantação do sistema de fiscalização em Ribeirão Preto, SP / Evaluation of the contamination of lettuce crops after the establishment of the monitoring system in Ribeirao Preto, SP

O estudo avaliou a contaminação microbiológica e parasitológica de 88 hortas produtoras de verduras, das quais 47 haviam sido investigadas anteriormente. A taxa de contaminação foi de 38,3 por cento nas hortas previamente investigadas e de 43,9 por cento nas novas hortas. A segurança alimentar requer um contínuo e eficiente sistema de vigilância sanitária das hortas.

This study evaluated the microbiological and parasitological contamination of 88 market gardens producing green vegetables, of which 47 had been investigated previously. The contamination rate was 38.3 percent in the market gardens previously evaluated and 43.9 percent in the new market gardens. Food safety requires a continuous and efficient sanitary surveillance system for market gardens.

[Analysis of the vegetable productive chain in Ribeirão Preto, SP]. / Análise da cadeia de produção de verduras em Ribeirão Preto, SP.

With the aim of assessing the cumulative risk of lettuce contamination, 45 production chains were investigated. The presence of thermotolerant coliforms, Salmonella and/or parasites was detected in 69% of these, in all steps of the production chain. Quality control in all steps of the lettuce production process should be intensified.

Análise da cadeia de producão de verduras em Ribeirão Preto, SP / Analysis of the vegele productive chain in Ribeirão Preto, SP

Com o objetivo de avaliar o risco cumulativo de contaminacão de hortalicas, investigou-se 45 cadeias produtoras. Foi detectada a presenca de coliformes a 45ºC, Salmonella e/ou parasitas em 69 por cento delas, em todas as etapas de producão. Ressalta-se a necessidade de se intensificar o controle de qualidade ao longo da cadeia produtiva.

Association of the length polymorphism in the human Per3 gene with the delayed sleep-phase syndrome: does latitude have an influence upon it?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of a previously reported hPer3 gene-length polymorphism in the delayed sleep-phase syndrome and in morningness-eveningness tendencies at low latitudes in the southern hemisphere. DESIGN: We have genotyped a length polymorphism in the hPer3 gene characterized by a short repeat allele (4-repeat) and a long repeat allele (5-repeat). PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen patients with delayed sleep-phase syndrome; 156 volunteers chosen according to Horne-Ostberg questionnaire to have morning, intermediate, or evening preference; and 110 volunteers with no Horne-Ostberg score as a sample of the general population. RESULTS: We have found a higher frequency of 5-repeat allele in the delayed sleep-phase syndrome group and an association of this polymorphism with diurnal preference. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that latitude has a role in the influence of hPer3 gene polymorphism on delayed sleep-phase syndrome and confirm previous data showing its association with morningness-eveningness tendencies.

Evaluation of acute and chronic treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

The extract of Harpagophytum procumbens, widely utilized in Europe and, more recently, in other countries, is traditionally indicated to treat inflammatory processes. Harpagophytum procumbens acts by way of interleukins and leukocyte migration to the painful and inflamed joint area. Chemically, its secondary tuberous roots contains iridoid glycosides, harpagogide, procumbide, and harpagoside, as the active principle. The purpose of the present study was evaluate the therapeutic potential as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent in rat model of Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis both in the acute and chronic phases. The animals were injected with Freund's adjuvant in sub-plantar tissue of the right posterior paw and randomly assigned in acute (25, 50, or 100 mg/kg) or chronic (100 mg/kg) treatments with Harpagophytum procumbens solution test or vehicle. Then, submitted to behavioral test and assessment of body weight and right paw's measurements. The results show that Harpagophytum procumbens extract increased the animals 'latency of paws' withdrawal, indicating a protective effect against the pain induced by the thermal stimulus, both in acute and chronic treatments. In addition to reduction in the right paw edema in the experimental groups when compared to control group. Thus, the data showed anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens extract with all doses tested, thus confirming its indication for inflammatory processes.

Sleep parameters among offshore workers: an initial assessment in the Campos Basin, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.

Shift work has potentially adverse effects on health, particularly on sleep. The purpose of the present study was to assess sleep parameters among personnel working in oil and gas offshore installations in the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred and seventy-nine subjects were asked to complete a sleep questionnaire with multiple-choice answers. Offshore workers were divided into two groups according to their work schedule: (1) fixed daytime workers (n = 86; age: 35.8+/-9.6 yrs) and (2) shift (n = 87) or night (n = 6) workers (total n = 93; age: 37.7+/-9.7 yrs). Shift/night workers reported poor sleep more frequently than the daytime workers (20.4% vs. 1.2%, p < 0.01), as well as habitual difficulty in falling asleep (15.1% vs. 4.7%, p<0.01), long latency of sleep onset (28% vs. 7%, p<0.01), fragmented sleep (45.2% vs. 16.3%, p<0.01), short sleep episodes (44.1% vs. 16.3%, p < 0.01), irregular bedtimes (29.0% vs. 12.8%, p < 0.01), and feeling tired upon awakening (15.1% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.01). Habitual napping and loud snoring were reported twice as often in shift/night than in day workers (p < 0.01). Nightmares, somnambulism, and unpleasant feeling in the legs were equality reported by both groups (p > 0.05). Few offshore workers had sought medical help for their sleep problems. A higher number of shift/night workers reported feelings of sadness compared with day workers (26.9% vs. 9.3%, p < 0.01). The findings of this study show that subjective reports of sleep-related problems are quite common among Brazilian offshore shift workers. Reliance on self-reported sleep problems and a cross-sectional design are the main limitations of our study.

Fiscalizaçäo de hortas produtoras de verduras do município de Ribeiräo Preto, SP / Monitoring of lettuce crops of Ribeiräo Preto, SP, Brazil

O consumo de verduras cruas desempenha importante papel na transmissäo de várias doenças infecciosas pela freqüente prática de irrigaçäo de hortas com água contaminada. O objetivo deste estudo é a avaliaçäo das condiçöes higiênico-sanitárias de todas as hortas produtoras de verduras de Ribeiräo Preto, SP com implantaçäo de um sistema de fiscalizaçäo. A análise laboratorial de 129 hortas revelou irregularidades em 20,1 por cento delas, destacando-se elevada concentraçäo de coliformes fecais em 17 por cento, presença de Salmonella em 3,1 por cento e de vários enteroparasitas (Ascaris sp, Ancylostomidae, Strongyloides sp, Hymenolepis nana e Giardia sp) em 13,1 por cento. A repetiçäo da análise das hortas irregulares determinou a interdiçäo definitiva de uma delas; todas as demais foram aprovadas, comprovando a eficácia do sistema de fiscalizaçäo, particularmente com a implantaçäo, inédita no país, do cerificado de vistoria sanitária

Case of human rabies in the urban area of Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil

Paciente masculino, com 39 anos de idade, foi admitido no Hospital Universitário da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeiräo Preto com sinais e sintomas repentinos de dispneia, mialgia generalizada e disturbios comportamentais. A suspeita inicial foi de sindrome de abstinencia alcoolica e o paciente foi encaminhado para tratamento psiquiatrico e neurologico. A evoluçäo do paciente foi com piora de sinais e sintomas, presença de crises de taquipneia, agitaçäo, dificuldade de engolir, irritabilidade e hidrofobia e o seu relato de ter sido mordido por um cäo suspeito levou a hipotese de raiva. O diagnostico foi confirmado pelo exame de esfregaço corneal, testes biologicos no liquor...