RESUMO
Animals exhibit sociability behaviors and spatial use patterns that are important for species survival. Bats are animals that exhibit complex patterns of aggregation of individuals, which can vary according to sex and age. Aggregation can be explained by active or passive mechanisms. In this behavioural note, we report a group of female Artibeus lituratus in the reproductive stage that exhibits aggregation behavior supporting the active mechanism hypothesis. The females returned to the same roost, for two reproductive season, maintaining the aggregation with the same individuals with which the social bonds were already established.
Os animais exibem comportamentos de sociabilidade e padrões de uso espacial que são importantes para a sobrevivência das espécies. Os morcegos são animais que apresentam padrões complexos de agregação de indivíduos, que podem variar de acordo com o sexo e a idade. A agregação pode ser explicada por mecanismos ativos ou passivos. Nesta nota comportamental, relatamos um grupo de fêmeas de Artibeus lituratus em fase reprodutiva que exibe comportamento de agregação apoiando a hipótese do mecanismo ativo. As fêmeas retornaram ao mesmo poleiro, por duas estações reprodutivas, mantendo a agregação com os mesmos indivíduos com os quais os laços sociais já foram estabelecidos.
Assuntos
AnimaisRESUMO
RATIONALE: Pharmacological treatments for depression are not always effective and produce unwanted side effects. Male and female sexual dysfunction is one of these side effects, which can lead to treatment withdrawal. Combination of two antidepressants with different mechanisms of action, like mirtazapine (MTZ) and venlafaxine (VLF) have been shown to be effective for treatment-resistant depression in humans. Combination of low doses of these drugs may still exert antidepressant-like effects without altering sexual behavior. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential antidepressant-like effect of the chronic administration of low doses of MTZ plus VLF combined, as well as its impact on male and female sexual behavior in rats. METHODS: The antidepressant-like effect of a 14-day treatment with combinations of MTZ plus VLF (0/0, 2.5/3.75 or 5/7.5 mg/kg) was assessed in young adult male and female rats in the forced swim test (FST). The 5/7.5 mg/kg MTZ/VLF combination was also tested in the chronic mild stress (CMS) test, in both males and females treated for 21 days. The sexual effects of this last treatment were assessed in sexually experienced males and in gonadally-intact females during proestrus. RESULTS: The 5/7.5 mg/kg MTZ/VLF combination produced an antidepressant-like effect in the FST and reversed the CMS-induced anhedonia in both male and female rats. This combination did not alter male sexual behavior, female proceptive and receptive behaviors or the regularity of the estrous cycle. CONCLUSION: The combination of low doses of MTZ and VLF might be a promising therapeutic alternative to treat depression without affecting the sexual response.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Congenital uterine anomalies include a wide diversity of uterine malformations that can compromise reproductive potential. Uterus transplantation (UTx) proposes an innovative treatment for absolute uterine factor infertility; however, there is a lack of standardized protocols to guide clinical management among this population. OBJECTIVES: To describe recipient and donor characteristics and obstetric outcomes in patients undergoing UTx. SEARCH STRATEGY: We performed a literature search using the PubMed database to retrieve available scientific articles. We analyzed the references of included articles to assess additional articles that could be eligible to be included in the review. Likewise, we identified further studies using other methods, including Google Scholar. SELECTION CRITERIA: Titles and abstracts were screened in duplicate to select original reports with information available for the outcomes of interest. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: This review assessed the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques used, patient characteristics, obstetric and non-obstetric complications, functional duration of the organ, and neonatal outcomes. MAIN RESULTS: Among the 36 reports included in this review we found 55 pregnancies and 38 live births following UTx and a higher success rate for in vivo uterine donations. The most common obstetric complications reported included miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, and gestational hypertension. The most common non-obstetric complications reported include episodes of rejection, acute kidney injury, anemia, and cholestasis. Living donors required a comprehensive preoperative workup, decreasing organ rejection, infection, and vascular complications. CONCLUSIONS: More studies are needed to standardize the UTx procedure and improve obstetric, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. Further understanding of which recipient and donor characteristics minimize complications will significantly decrease the risk of adverse outcomes.
RESUMO
Pyriproxyfen (PPF) is an insecticide used in agriculture, which is approved for use in drinking water tanks for human consumption. However, some studies indicate that it may act as an endocrine disruptor and affect nontarget organisms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PPF on reproduction and general health status in female mice exposed from pre-puberty to adulthood. In the first experiment, females were treated by gavage from postnatal day (PND) 23 to (PND) 75 and were distributed into three experimental groups: control (vehicle), PPF 0.1 mg/kg, and PPF 1 mg/kg. Female mice were assessed for the age of puberty onset, body mass, water and food consumption, and the estrous cycle. On PDN 75, a subgroup was euthanized, when vital and reproductive organs were collected and weighed. The thyroid, ovary, and uterus were evaluated for histomorphometry. The other subgroup was assessed in relation to reproductive performance and fetal parameters. In a second experiment, the uterotrophic assay was performed with juvenile females (PND 18) using doses of 0.01, 0.1, or 1 mg/kg of PPF. PPF treatment reduced thyroid mass and increased liver mass. Furthermore, there was an increase in ovarian interstitial tissue and, in the uterus, a decrease in the thickness of the endometrial stroma with reduced content of collagen fibers. There was also a reduction of 30% in pregnancy rate in the treated groups and an increase in the frequency of fetal death. This study suggests that, based on this experimental model, the insecticide may pose a reproductive risk for females chronically exposed to the substance from the pre-pubertal period until adulthood. These results raise concerns about prolonged exposure of women to the same compound.
RESUMO
Despite significant advances in the study of fear and fear memory formation, little is known about fear learning and expression in females. This omission has been proven surprising, as normal and pathological behaviors are highly influenced by ovarian hormones, particularly estradiol and progesterone. In the current study, we investigated the joint influence of serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission and estrous cycle phases (low or high levels of estradiol and progesterone) on the expression of conditioned fear in a group of female rats that were previously divided according to their response to stressful stimuli into low or high anxiety-like subjects. The baseline amplitude of the unconditioned acoustic startle responses was high in high-anxiety female rats, with no effect on the estrous cycle observed. Data collected during the proestrus-estrus phase revealed that low-anxiety rats had startle amplitudes similar to those of high-anxiety rats. It is supposed that high-anxiety female rats benefit from increased estradiol and progesterone levels to achieve comparable potentiated startle amplitudes. In contrast, female rats experienced a significant decrease in hormone levels during the Diestrus phase. This decrease is believed to play a role in preventing them from displaying a heightened startle response when faced with strongly aversive stimuli. Data collected after 5-HT and 8-OH-DPAT were administered into the basolateral nuclei and dorsal periaqueductal gray suggest that 5-HT neurotransmission works with progesterone and estrogen to reduce startle potentiation, most likely by activating the serotonin-1A receptor subtype.
Assuntos
Complexo Nuclear Basolateral da Amígdala , Estradiol , Medo , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal , Progesterona , Receptor 5-HT1A de Serotonina , Reflexo de Sobressalto , Animais , Feminino , Ratos , Ansiedade/metabolismo , Ansiedade/fisiopatologia , Complexo Nuclear Basolateral da Amígdala/metabolismo , Complexo Nuclear Basolateral da Amígdala/efeitos dos fármacos , Condicionamento Clássico/fisiologia , Condicionamento Clássico/efeitos dos fármacos , Estradiol/farmacologia , Estradiol/metabolismo , Ciclo Estral/fisiologia , Medo/fisiologia , Medo/efeitos dos fármacos , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/metabolismo , Substância Cinzenta Periaquedutal/efeitos dos fármacos , Progesterona/farmacologia , Progesterona/metabolismo , Ratos Wistar , Receptor 5-HT1A de Serotonina/metabolismo , Reflexo de Sobressalto/fisiologia , Reflexo de Sobressalto/efeitos dos fármacos , Serotonina/metabolismoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Syphilis remains a significant global public health issue, and female sex workers (FSWs) are highly vulnerable to the etiological agent of this disease. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of exposure to Treponema pallidum, as well as the vulnerability factors among FSWs in the state of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective study involving 360 FSWs from five cities in Pará was conducted from 2005 to 2007. Blood samples were collected for treponemal and non-treponemal testing, and epidemiological information was obtained through interviews. RESULTS: The exposure rate to T. pallidum was 37.7% (136/360), and the majority of FSWs had serological results indicating past exposure (21.1%). Among the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum, most of them were single, aged 23 to 42 years old, had less than 8 years of schooling, and had a family income of between 1 and 3 minimum wages. They reported using condoms during sexual intercourse and had no history of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Furthermore, many of the FSWs exposed to T. pallidum reported having more than 20 sexual partners per month, and had partners from other Brazilian states, but not from other countries. An age over 42 years and a reduced level of education were factors associated with exposure to T. pallidum. Finally, a high rate of exposure to T. pallidum among FSWs in the Brazilian state of Pará (from 2005 to 2007) was detected. In later years, epidemiological studies conducted with FSWs recorded that this rate remained high. Measures to control, treat, and prevent syphilis among FSWs were necessary between 2005 and 2007, and they are still imperative today. Actions related to educational programs and STI control, treatment, and prevention measures contained in Brazilian policies aimed at women's health have not changed the vulnerability scenario of FSWs regarding their exposure to T. pallidum, even after 16 years, and must be reviewed and adapted to the conditions of the Brazilian Amazon.
RESUMO
Female carriers of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) carry a heterozygous pathogenic variant in the dystrophin gene and can transmit pathogenic variants to their offspring. DMD is an X-linked recessive disease that affects up to 19.8 in every 100,000 male births. Those carriers with symptoms can be referred to as women with dystrophinopathy. Even among asymptomatic carriers, cardiac involvement can be verified in between 2.5% and 75% through echocardiography. The most commonly affected wall of the left ventricle is the inferolateral, with myocardial fibrosis detected by cardiac nuclear resonance. Therefore, screening is recommended for these women carriers due to the risk of cardiomyopathy. There is a lack of longitudinal studies on the evolution of these carriers. In this article, data on clinical presentation, cardiac assessment for female patients with dystrophinopathy and DMD carriers, and approaches for these patients are discussed.
RESUMO
Introdução: A hipertrofia de pequenos lábios combinada com capuz clitoriano redundante é uma queixa comum entre mulheres que procuram cirurgia plástica genital cosmética por queixas funcionais, psicológicas e estéticas. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a técnica boomerang, um tratamento cirúrgico da hipertrofia labial que se estende a todo o capuz clitoriano. Método: Foi conduzido um estudo retrospectivo, de caráter analítico, para avaliar os prontuários médicos de 48 pacientes consecutivas submetidas a cirurgia estética genital feminina entre julho de 2017 e julho de 2021. Todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos foram realizados pela mesma cirurgiã. A técnica utilizada nas pacientes consistiu na ressecção longitudinal dos excessos de pequenos lábios vaginais associado à ressecção de capô clitoriano em forma de boomerang e à clitoropexia. Resultados: A idade média das pacientes submetidas a cirurgia foi de 36,25 anos (intervalo 18-59 anos), entre as quais 94,44% apresentaram queixas estéticas associadas ou não a queixas funcionais, e 5,56% apresentaram somente queixas funcionais. Duas pacientes apresentaram hematomas nos grandes lábios no pós-operatório imediato, e uma paciente teve deiscência de sutura nos pequenos lábios. Conclusão: A técnica boomerang é reprodutível e proporciona benefícios estéticos e/ou funcionais na genitália feminina.
Introduction: Hypertrophy of the labia minora combined with a redundant clitoral hood is a common complaint among women seeking aesthetic genital cosmetic surgery for functional, psychological, and aesthetic complaints. The objective of this study was to describe the boomerang technique, a surgical treatment for labial hypertrophy that extends to the entire clitoral hood. Method: A retrospective, analytical study was conducted to evaluate the medical records of forty-eight consecutive patients who underwent female genital cosmetic surgery between July 2017 and July 2021. The same surgeon performed all surgical procedures. The technique used in the patients consisted of longitudinal resection of excess small vaginal lips associated with resection of the boomerang-shaped clitoral hood associated with clitoroplasty. Results: The average age of patients undergoing surgery was 36.25 years (range 18-59 years), among whom 94.44% had aesthetic complaints associated or not with functional complaints, and 5.56% had only functional complaints. Two patients had bruises on the labia majora in the immediate postoperative period, and one patient had suture dehiscence on the labia minora. Conclusion: The boomerang technique is reproducible and provides aesthetic and/or functional benefits to the female genitalia.
RESUMO
SUMMARY: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different training programs based on small-sided games (SSG) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the body composition of female handball players. A total of 45 female handball players (age: 16.13±0.89 years; training experience: 6.18±1.33 years) were assigned to three groups: game group (GG; N = 15), running group (RG; N = 15), and control group (CON; N = 15). The training programs lasted eight weeks, with two training sessions per week. The GG performed three vs. three small-sided games on a 20 m x 20 m court; the RG performed 15 s HIIT running followed by 15 s of active recovery; the CON group maintained regular handball training. Regardless of the group assignment, all participants were measured for each of the following variables: Body height, body mass, fat-free mass, fat mass, muscle mass, intracellular water, and extracellular water. The results demonstrate significant differences (p0.01) in muscle mass. The GG showed significant (p<0.001) greater improvement in these body composition variables than RG and CON. Body composition variables improved with GG, moving from 2.04 % in fat mass to 1.3 % in extracellular water. In the RG, results show significant improvements (p<0.001) only in intra- and extracellular water. The CON shows improvements in fat-free mass, muscle mass, intracellular water, and extracellular water. To conclude, eight weeks of SSG in handball provide better changes in body composition compared to HIIT 15 s - 15 s and handball training alone.
El propósito de este estudio fue comparar los efectos de diferentes programas de entrenamiento basados en juegos reducidos (SSG) y entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad (HIIT) sobre la composición corporal de jugadoras de balonmano. Un total de 45 jugadoras de balonmano (edad: 16,13 ± 0,89 años; experiencia de entrenamiento: 6,18 ± 1,33 años) fueron asignadas a tres grupos: grupo de juego (GG; N = 15), grupo de carrera (RG; N = 15) y grupo de control (CON; N = 15). Los programas de formación duraron ocho semanas, con dos sesiones de formación por semana. El GG realizó partidos reducidos de tres contra tres en una cancha de 20 x 20 m; el RG realizó 15 s de carrera HIIT seguidos de 15 s de recuperación activa; El grupo CON mantuvo un entrenamiento regular de balonmano. Independientemente de la asignación de grupo, a todos los participantes se les midió cada una de las siguientes variables: altura corporal, masa corporal, masa libre de grasa, masa grasa, masa muscular, agua intracelular y agua extracelular. Los resultados demuestran diferencias significativas (p0,01) en la masa muscular. El GG mostró una mejora significativa (p<0,001) mayor en estas variables de composición corporal que RG y CON. Las variables de composición corporal mejoraron con GG, pasando de un 2,04 % en masa grasa a un 1,3 % en agua extracelular. En el RG, los resultados mostraron mejoras significativas (p<0,001) sólo en el agua intra y extracelular. El CON indicó mejoras en la masa magra, la masa muscular, el agua intracelular y el agua extracelular. En conclusión, ocho semanas de SSG en balonmano proporcionan mejores cambios en la composición corporal en comparación con el HIIT de 15 s - 15 s y el entrenamiento de balonmano solo.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Adolescente , Composição Corporal , Exercício Físico , Atletas , Treinamento Intervalado de Alta IntensidadeRESUMO
PURPOSE: This study aimed to map the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) in preventing and controlling radiotoxicity in women with gynecological cancer undergoing radiotherapy. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of eight electronic databases: CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, LIVIVO, and the Web of Science Core Collection. In addition, a grey literature search was performed using Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. A manual search was also identified additional references. The search was conducted on May 18, 2023. We included primary studies, reviews, and guidelines that discussed the use of HA to prevent and manage the toxicities resulting from gynecological radiotherapy. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this scoping review, published between 2009 and 2022. There was heterogeneity in the use of HA, particularly in the method of application (moisturizing gel, vaginal ovules, spacer gel, and bladder instillations). Furthermore, the radiotoxicities varied among studies, encompassing, among others, vaginal atrophy, dryness, dyspareunia, telangiectasis, adhesions, vaginal stenosis, bleeding, hematuria, and bladder issues. Most studies addressed the potential benefits of HA in managing the signs and symptoms resulting from radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: HA has been utilized in clinical practice, in various formulations, for managing signs and symptoms in patients with gynecological cancer undergoing radiotherapy. However, further studies are necessary to thoroughly investigate the most effective method of HA application and its effectiveness in managing radiotoxicity.