RESUMO
Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn. (Talinaceae), popularly known as "major gomes," is a Brazilian Cerrado plant used in traditional medicine and as a food source. Recent studies have demonstrated its diuretic effects. However, no studies have been performed on its effects on the reproductive system. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of the ethanol-soluble fraction of T. paniculatum leaves (ESTP) on general toxicity and on the pubertal development of male and female Wistar rats. For this purpose, the uterotrophic and the pubertal assays were performed. In the uterotrophic test, female immature rats were treated for three consecutive days with 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg of ESTP. Uterus without luminal fluid was weighed and the relative weight calculated. For the pubertal assay, male and female immature rats were submitted to 30-day treatment with 30 or 300 mg/kg of ESTP. Clinical signs of toxicity, biochemical, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. ESTP treatment did not promote estrogenic effects in female rats. In the pubertal test, no daily signs of toxicity or weight loss were observed. Moreover, ESTP did not affect the onset of vaginal opening and preputial separation and did not cause significant changes in biochemical parameters as well as in organ weight and histopathological analyses of animals.
Assuntos
Caryophyllales , Extratos Vegetais/toxicidade , Maturidade Sexual/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Bioensaio , Brasil , Estrogênios , Feminino , Masculino , Tamanho do Órgão , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , ÚteroRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the immunohistochemical expression of SOX2 and BCL-2 in Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) and Ameloblastoma (AB) specimens, and to identify a possible correlation in their expression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to evaluate SOX2 and BCL-2 expression in OKC (n = 20) and AB (n = 20). The immunoexpression was analyzed by a quantitative and qualitative scoring system. The comparison between the immunoexpression of SOX 2 and BCL-2 was assessed by the Mann-Whitney U-test. Spearman's correlation coefficient evaluated the correlation between SOX2 and BCL-2 expressions. RESULTS: SOX2 and BCL-2 expression was observed in all specimens of OKC in the full thickness of the epithelium lining. SOX2 immunostaining was higher in OKC, in comparison with AB samples (P<0.05). BCL-2 immunostaining between OKC and AB was not statistically significant. There was no significant correlation between SOX2 and BCL-2 in OKC and AB specimens. CONCLUSIONS: SOX2 and BCL-2 expressions in OKC may suggest their relationship with the biological behavior of this lesion, and the higher expression of SOX2 might be an upstream influence on the Hh signaling pathway.
Assuntos
Ameloblastoma , Cistos Odontogênicos , Tumores Odontogênicos , Humanos , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas c-bcl-2 , Fatores de Transcrição SOXB1RESUMO
The main objective of this study was to establish a protocol to validate urine spot samples to estimate N excretion and microbial synthesis in goat and sheep; and to study factors that affect daily creatinine and purine derivatives (PD) urinary excretion. Also a performance trial was carried out to compare goat and sheep slaughtered after different feedlot periods. Twelve Boer goats (20.6 kg ± 3.4 initial BW) and 12 Dorper sheep (18.4 kg ± 2.3 initial BW), all 4-mo-old, males, were used. Eight animals (4 goats and 4 sheep) were randomly allocated to be slaughtered at 28, 56, and 84 d in feedlot. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme, in which the factors were both species and the 3 feedlot periods. Diet consisted of 50% sorghum silage and 50% concentrate on a DM basis. Nutrient intake was higher (P < 0.01) for sheep than goats. Apparent digestibility of nutrients was similar (P > 0.05) in both species. Sheep had greater (P < 0.01) ADG and final BW than goats. Fat deposition and fat:muscle ratio was higher (P < 0.01) in sheep carcasses. Sheep had higher N urinary (P = 0.02) excretion and N retention (g/d; P < 0.01) than goats. Urinary N excretion increased linearly (P < 0.01) in response to feedlot period. However, feedlot did not affect (P = 0.20) N retention, but linearly reduced the relationship between N retained and ingested (P = 0.04) or apparently digested (P < 0.01). Microbial efficiency (P > 0.05) did not differ between species. Creatinine excretion (C mg/d; P < 0.01) was higher in sheep than goats. Purine derivatives (Y) were related closely with OM intake (Y = 0.013±0.0007X; r2 = 94). A difference (P < 0.01) was found between the allometric model for creatinine excretion (Y) and muscle weight (X) for both species, and the following equations were obtained: Y = 89.04(±31.44)X0.9797(±0.16) for goats and Y = 109.8(±47.50)X0.8002(±0.20) for sheep. Creatinine concentration was greater during nocturnal than diurnal periods, with lower diurnal fluctuations. Sampling time did not affect (P = 0.27) the PD:C ratio. The urea (U):C ratio was higher (P < 0.01) in sheep than goats, and was also higher (P < 0.01) during diurnal than nocturnal sampling periods. Our results suggest that it is necessary to take 2 and 3 spot urine samples after feeding to estimate N compounds excretions in goats and sheep, respectively.
Assuntos
Ração Animal/análise , Cabras/fisiologia , Estado Nutricional , Proteínas/metabolismo , Ovinos/fisiologia , Animais , Dieta/veterinária , Ingestão de Alimentos , Grão Comestível , Masculino , Nitrogênio/metabolismo , Distribuição Aleatória , Rúmen/metabolismo , Silagem/análise , Sorghum , Ureia/química , Ureia/urinaRESUMO
Purpose Hyper-attenuating lesions, or contrast staining, on a non-contrast brain computed tomography (NCCT) scan have been investigated as a predictor for hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). However, the association of hyper-attenuating lesions and final ischemic areas are poorly investigated in this setting. The aim of the present study was to assess correlations between hyper-attenuating lesions and final brain infarcted areas after thrombectomy for AIS. Methods Data from patients with AIS of the anterior circulation who underwent endovascular treatment were retrospectively assessed. Images of the brain NCCT scans were analyzed in the first hours and late after treatment. The hyper-attenuating areas were compared to the final ischemic areas using the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). Results Seventy-one of the 123 patients (65.13%) treated were included. The association between the hyper-attenuating region in the post-thrombectomy CT scan and final brain ischemic area were sensitivity (58.3% to 96.9%), specificity (42.9% to 95.6%), positive predictive values (71.4% to 97.7%), negative predictive values (53.8% to 79.5%), and accuracy values (68% to 91%). The highest sensitivity values were found for the lentiform (96.9%) and caudate nuclei (80.4%) and for the internal capsule (87.5%), and the lowest values were found for the M1 (58.3%) and M6 (66.7%) cortices. Conclusions Hyper-attenuating lesions on head NCCT scans performed after endovascular treatment of AIS may predict final brain infarcted areas. The prediction appears to be higher in the deep brain regions compared with the cortical regions.
Assuntos
Infarto Encefálico/diagnóstico por imagem , Infarto Encefálico/terapia , Isquemia Encefálica/diagnóstico por imagem , Isquemia Encefálica/terapia , Angiografia Cerebral/métodos , Angiografia por Tomografia Computadorizada/métodos , Procedimentos Endovasculares/métodos , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/diagnóstico por imagem , Acidente Vascular Cerebral/terapia , Trombectomia/métodos , Adulto , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Meios de Contraste , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Valor Preditivo dos Testes , Estudos Retrospectivos , Sensibilidade e Especificidade , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
DM type 1 (T1D) incidence is increasing around 3% every year and represents risks for maternal and fetal health. The objective of this study was to explore the effects of diabetes on fetus liver cells in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. Hyperglycemic NOD (HNOD), normoglycemic NOD (NNOD) and BALB/c females were used for mating, and the fetus livers were collected at 19.5 gestation day (gd). HNOD group had reduced fetal weight (989.5±68.32 vs 1290±57.39 mg BALB/c, P<0.05) at 19.5 gd and higher glycemia (516.66±28.86 mg dl-1, P<0.001) at both 0.5 gd and 19.5 gd compared to other groups. The protein expression of albumin (ALB) was significantly reduced in HNOD group (0.9±0.2 vs 3.36±0.36 NNOD P<0.01, vs 14.1±0.49 BALB/c P<0.001). Reduced gene expression of ALB (1.34±0.12 vs 5.53±0.89 NNOD and 5.23±0.71 BALB/c, P<0.05), Hepatic Nuclear Factor-4 alpha (HNF-4α) (0.69±0.1 vs 3.66±0.36 NNOD, P<0.05) and miR-122 (0.27±0,10 vs 0.88±0.15 NNOD, P<0.05) was present in HNOD group. No difference for alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) and gene expression was observed. In conclusion, our findings show the impacts of T1D on the expression of ALB, AFP, HNF-4α and miR-122 in fetus liver cells by using NNOD and HNOD mice.
Assuntos
Albuminas/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/metabolismo , Hepatócitos/metabolismo , Fígado/metabolismo , Albuminas/genética , Animais , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 1/genética , Feminino , Feto , Expressão Gênica , Fator 4 Nuclear de Hepatócito/genética , Fator 4 Nuclear de Hepatócito/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos Endogâmicos NOD , MicroRNAs/genética , MicroRNAs/metabolismoRESUMO
In the present study, metagenomic technique and fosmid vectors were used to construct a library of clones for exploring the biotechnological potential of mangrove soils by isolation of functional genes encoding hydrolytic enzymes. The library was built with genomic DNA from the soil samples of mangrove sediments and the functional screening of 1824 clones (~64 Mbp) was performed to detect the hydrolytic activity specific for cellulases, amylases (at acidic, neutral and basic pH), lipases/esterases, proteases, and nitrilases. Significant numbers of clones, positive for the tested enzyme activities were obtained. Our results indicate the importance and biotechnological potential of mangrove soils especially when compared to those obtained using other soil metagenomic libraries.
Assuntos
Bactérias/enzimologia , Proteínas de Bactérias/genética , Biblioteca Gênica , Vetores Genéticos/química , Metagenoma , Microbiologia do Solo , Áreas Alagadas , Aminoidrolases/genética , Amilases/genética , Bactérias/genética , Proteínas de Bactérias/metabolismo , Celulases/genética , Meios de Cultura/química , Esterases/genética , Consórcios Microbianos/genética , Peptídeo Hidrolases/genética , Análise de Sequência de DNA , Solo/químicaRESUMO
AIM: The aim of this paper was to compare the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in pre- and postmenopausal women and to evaluate the association between endogenous sex hormones, body fat distribution, and insulin resistance and the IMT. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 145 women aged 45-65 yr, comprising 56 premenopausal (FSH<20IU/mL and regular menstrual cycles) and 89 postmenopausal (FSH>40IU/ml and amenorrheic). All patients were evaluated for lipid profile, estradiol and testosterone, insulin ratio (G/I), HOMA-IR, and ultrasound measurement of IMT. Each variable was assessed for correlation with IMT using the univariate model. RESULTS: No difference was observed in IMT between pre- and postmenopausal women. A positive and statistically significant correlation was found between IMT and FSH levels (rs=0.21, P<0.009) and HOMA (rs=0.16, P<0.04). A positive and statistically significant correlation was observed between testosterone and waist (rs=0.3, P<0.04). No correlation was found between IMT and time of menopause (r=0.02, P=0.19). CONCLUSION: Estradiol and testosterone are not associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in menopausal women. A positive correlation between IMT and FSH may reflect an association between low estrogen and IMT. Abdominal fat can be an important link between androgenic levels and cardiovascular risk.
Assuntos
Gordura Abdominal/metabolismo , Aterosclerose/patologia , Espessura Intima-Media Carotídea , Pós-Menopausa , Idoso , Distribuição da Gordura Corporal , Estudos Transversais , Estradiol/sangue , Feminino , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/sangue , Humanos , Insulina/metabolismo , Resistência à Insulina , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Pré-Menopausa , Testosterona/sangue , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
Functional MRI (fMRI) resting-state experiments are aimed at identifying brain networks that support basal brain function. Although most investigators consider a 'resting-state' fMRI experiment with no specific external stimulation, subjects are unavoidably under heavy acoustic noise produced by the equipment. In the present study, we evaluated the influence of auditory input on the resting-state networks (RSNs). Twenty-two healthy subjects were scanned using two similar echo-planar imaging sequences in the same 3T MRI scanner: a default pulse sequence and a reduced "silent" pulse sequence. Experimental sessions consisted of two consecutive 7-min runs with noise conditions (default or silent) counterbalanced across subjects. A self-organizing group independent component analysis was applied to fMRI data in order to recognize the RSNs. The insula, left middle frontal gyrus and right precentral and left inferior parietal lobules showed significant differences in the voxel-wise comparison between RSNs depending on noise condition. In the presence of low-level noise, these areas Granger-cause oscillations in RSNs with cognitive implications (dorsal attention and entorhinal), while during high noise acquisition, these connectivities are reduced or inverted. Applying low noise MR acquisitions in research may allow the detection of subtle differences of the RSNs, with implications in experimental planning for resting-state studies, data analysis, and ergonomic factors.
Assuntos
Mapeamento Encefálico/métodos , Encéfalo/fisiologia , Imageamento por Ressonância Magnética/métodos , Ruído , Descanso/fisiologia , Adulto , Feminino , Humanos , MasculinoRESUMO
Previous studies in dementia epidemiology have reported higher Alzheimer's disease rates in African-Americans when compared with White Americans. To determine whether genetically determined African ancestry is associated with neuropathological changes commonly associated with dementia, we analyzed a population-based brain bank in the highly admixed city of São Paulo, Brazil. African ancestry was estimated through the use of previously described ancestry-informative markers. Risk of presence of neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, small vessel disease, brain infarcts and Lewy bodies in subjects with significant African ancestry versus those without was determined. Results were adjusted for multiple environmental risk factors, demographic variables and apolipoprotein E genotype. African ancestry was inversely correlated with neuritic plaques (P=0.03). Subjects with significant African ancestry (n=112, 55.4%) showed lower prevalence of neuritic plaques in the univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.95, P=0.01) and when adjusted for age, sex, APOE genotype and environmental risk factors (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.21-0.89, P=0.02). There were no significant differences for the presence of other neuropathological alterations. We show for the first time, using genetically determined ancestry, that African ancestry may be highly protective of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology, functioning through either genetic variants or unknown environmental factors. Epidemiological studies correlating African-American race/ethnicity with increased Alzheimer's disease rates should not be interpreted as surrogates of genetic ancestry or considered to represent African-derived populations from the developing nations such as Brazil.