Objective
This study investigated the association between periodontitis severity (exposure) and metabolic syndrome (MetS - outcome), using two criteria for diagnosis of the outcome, since this ...relationship remains unexplored.
Materials and methods
A case-control study was conducted with 870 individuals: 408 with first MetS diagnosis (cases) and 462 without MetS (controls). Participants’ general information was obtained using a questionnaire and laboratory data was collected from medical records. Periodontitis severity criteria followed the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: none, mild, moderate, and severe. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were determined by logistic regression analysis.
Results
Findings showed a positive association between moderate and severe periodontitis and MetS: OR
adjusted
= 1.64 (95% CI: 1.01 to 2.68) and OR
adjusted
= 1.94 (95% CI: 1.19 to 3.16), respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, schooling level, smoking habit, and cardiovascular disease. The adjusted measurements showed that among individuals with moderate or severe periodontitis, the probability of having MetS was around two times greater than among those without periodontitis, and that the chance was greater among participants with severe periodontitis than those with moderate periodontitis.
Conclusion
An association between the severity of periodontal status and MetS was found, suggesting a possible relationship between the two diseases.
Clinical relevance
MetS influences the etiology of cardiovascular diseases, one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The findings suggest that the greater the severity of periodontitis, the greater is the association magnitude with MetS. The health professional needs to recognize that the importance of periodontal disease may play in MetS.
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CMK, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Conventional in vitro propagation may affect normal morphophysiological characteristics and survival during the acclimatization of commercial plants, such as
Etlingera Elatior
(Jack) R.M. Smith. CO
2
...enrichment, gas-permeable membranes, and reduced carbohydrate concentration in culture media can be used to mitigate these effects. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of photomixotrophic and photoautotrophic growth on morphophysiological responses of
E. elatior
and its survival during ex vitro acclimatization. In vitro-established plants were placed in flasks containing semisolid MS medium with 0.54 µM α-naphthalene acetic acid and sucrose (0 or 15 g L
−1
). The flasks were sealed with lids with or without orifices covered by gas-permeable membranes and kept for 45 days under forced-air ventilation (360 or 1000 µmol
−1
CO
2
). Growth variables, anatomical and physiological characteristics, and survival rate were evaluated. Overall, 1000 µmol mol
−1
CO
2
, gas-permeable membranes, and 15 g L
−1
sucrose resulted in plants with higher fresh and dry mass, higher level of photosynthetic pigments, as well as more developed secondary ribs in the leaves, prominent midribs, highly organized and differentiated chlorenchyma cells (palisade and spongy parenchyma), more developed vascular bundles, and intercellular gaps were reduced, compared to conventionally in vitro-propagated plants. Moreover, these conditions promote morphophysiological responses and favored survival of
E. elatior
plants (75%) when transferred to ex vitro conditions.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Pristimerin is a triterpenoid considered the main component of Salacia crassifolia extracts. This terpene has shown promising antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. Likewise, S. ...crassifolia has been used in traditional medicine to treat cancer and as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent.
This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the hexane extract of Salacia crassifolia roots (HER) and its isolate, pristimerin, against pathogenic bacteria.
First, we evaluated the spectrum of action of HER and pristimerin by the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Subsequently, we analyzed the time-kill curve of these plant-derived compounds against Staphylococcus aureus. Then, we examined their mode of action by three different assays: the crystal violet methodology, the release of intracellular material, and transmission electron microscopy methods (TEM). Finally, we evaluated the effect of HER and pristimerin on the pre-formed biofilm of S. aureus by the crystal violet assay, the synergistic effect by the checkerboard method, the cytotoxicity against Vero cells, and the in silico activity using the online software PASS.
HER and pristimerin presented a narrow spectrum of action against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC 0.195–25 μg/mL), and their primary mode of action is the alteration of membrane permeability of S. aureus. Our results show that the compounds disrupted the pre-formed biofilm of S. aureus in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, HER and pristimerin presented a significant synergic effect after the combination with well-known antibiotics, which was associated with the ability of these phytomedicines to change membrane permeability. Regarding the cytotoxic effect, the selective index (SI) of HER ranged from 0.37 to 11.86, and the SI of pristimerin varied from 0.24 to 30.87, according to the bacteria tested.
Overall, HER and pristimerin showed a promising antibacterial effect in vitro through the alteration of membrane permeability of S. aureus.
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•The hexane extract of roots of Salacia crassifolia and pristimerin are promising anti-Gram-positive agents.•The hexane extract of roots of Salacia crassifolia and pristimerin disrupt cell membranes of Gram-positive bacteria.•The hexane extract of roots of Salacia crassifolia and pristimerin showed antibiofilm effect against Staphylococcus aureus.•The combination of the extract of roots of Salacia crassifolia and pristimerin with antibiotics produced a synergic effect.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To assess the factors associated with overweight and obesity among women of childbearing age in Brazil.
Cross-sectional study.
Using the National Health Survey (PNS) database, from the year 2013. The ...socio-economic and demographic factors analysed were age, race/skin colour, region, marital status, education level, employment and family income. Concerning health history, diagnoses of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, chronic kidney disease, menarche, parity and depression were evaluated. For lifestyle information, health status, alcoholic beverage consumption, smoking and physical activity were included. The outcomes were obesity and overweight. The association of excess weight with socio-economic and demographic factors, health history and lifestyle characteristics was investigated according to the appropriate theoretical-conceptual model for the topic.
The sample size was 17 109 women aged 18-49 years.
The prevalence of women with excess weight was 55·20 %, with 33·26 % being overweight and 21·94 % with obesity. The factors associated with excess weight were age, non-white skin colour, having a partner, family income of up to two minimum wages, menarche before the age of 12, multiparity, diabetes mellitus, depression, hypertension, high cholesterol, stroke and heart attack.
The results showed an association between excess weight and socio-demographic factors, both determinants of general and reproductive health history. Implementation of effective public health policies is necessary to prevent unfavourable outcomes related to the health of women of childbearing age with excess weight.
The reduction in ammonia (NH3) losses from volatilization has significant implications in forage production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of N fertilizers (urea, ammonium ...nitrate, and ammonium sulfate) and four doses (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg N ha−1) on N losses by NH3 volatilization, accumulation, and forage chemical composition of Urochloa brizantha cv Marandu. Two field experiments were conducted to measure NH3 losses using semi-open chambers. The forage accumulation and chemical composition were evaluated in the third experiment; the response variables included forage accumulation, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Compared to urea, ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate reduced NH3 losses by 84% and 87% and increased total forage accumulation by 14% and 23%, respectively. Forage accumulation rate and CP increased linearly with the N levels, while NDF contents decreased linearly with the N levels. In both experiments, NH3 losses and forage characteristics were different according to the rainfall pattern and temperature variations. Our results indicate that the use of nitric and ammoniacal fertilizers and the application of fertilizer in the rainy season constitute an efficient fertilizer management strategy to increase forage yield and decrease losses from volatilization of NH3.
The wild grass species
Brachypodium distachyon
(L.) has been proposed as a new model for temperate grasses. Among the biotechnological tools already developed for the species, an efficient induction ...protocol of somatic embryogenesis (SE) using immature zygotic embryos has provided the basis for genetic transformation studies. However, a systematic work to better understanding the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the SE process of this grass species is still missing. Here, we present new insights at the morpho-histological, histochemical, and molecular aspects of
B. distachyon
SE pathway. Somatic embryos arose from embryogenic callus formed by cells derived from the protodermal-dividing cells of the scutellum. These protodermal cells showed typical meristematic features and high protein accumulation which were interpreted as the first observable steps towards the acquisition of a competent state. Starch content decreased along embryogenic callus differentiation supporting the idea that carbohydrate reserves are essential to morphogenetic processes. Interestingly, starch accumulation was also observed at late stages of SE process. Searches in databanks revealed three sequences available annotated as
BdSERK
, being two copies corresponding to
SERK1
and one showing greater identity to
SERK2
. In silico analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic domains in a
B. distachyon Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase
genes candidates (
BdSERKs
), which suggests
SERK
functions are conserved in
B. distachyon.
In situ hybridization demonstrated the presence of transcripts of
BdSERK
1 in all development since globular until scutellar stages. The results reported in this study convey important information about the morphogenetic events in the embryogenic pathway which has been lacking in
B. distachyon
. This study also demonstrates that
B. distachyon
provides a useful model system for investigating the genetic regulation of SE in grass species.
Opuntia fícus-indica and Opuntia cochenillifera are species of Cactaceae, found in the arid regions of the planet. They present water, cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, extractives, ashes and ...lignins. Here we aimed to study the immunomodulatory action of lignins from these two species against mice splenocytes, since no study for this purpose has yet been reported. The antioxidant activities of these lignins were evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, NO assays and total antioxidant activity. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide-PE probs and cell proliferation was determined by CFSE. Immunomodulation studies with Opuntia lignins obtained were performed through investigation of ROS levels, cytosolic calcium release, changes on mitochondrial membrane potential, cytokine production and NO release. Results showed that Opuntia cochenillifera lignin presented more phenolic amount and antioxidant activities than Opuntia ficius-indica. Both lignins showed high cell viability (>96%) and cell proliferation. Activation signal was observed for both lignins with increase of ROS and cytosolic calcium levels, and changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. In addition, lignins induced high TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 production and reduced NO release. Therefore, these lignins present great potential to be used as molecules with a proinflammatory profile, being shown as a promising therapeutic agent.
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•Lignins obtained presented β-O-4, β-5, –OCH3•Lignins did not present cytotoxicity and induced immune cell activation•Lignins promoted can be use as immunomodulatory compounds
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Introduction: Neuropsychiatric diseases, particularly dementias, has become more prominent with a great impact on the quality of life of the elderly population. Objective: To verify the rate of ...increase in mortality due to Alzheimer’s disease in the Federal District, Brazil from 2010 to 2018. Method: An ecological study was conducted, with a time series, about the evolution of the mortality coefficient in the Federal District, Brazil carried out at the Federal District State Department of Health. Mortality rates were defined as the dependent variable and years evaluated as the independent variable—from 2010 to 2018. For temporal trend analysis, the Prais–Winsten linear regression model was used and the increment rate with the respective 95% confidence interval was estimated. Results: From 2010 to 2018, 1665 deaths which had Alzheimer’s disease as the underlying cause were recorded in the Mortality Information System. The results showed an overall mortality rate of 6.55 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, with a higher predominance in females, non-Black people, and those aged 80 years or older. There was an increase in the annual trend of the overall mortality coefficient in both sexes. Conclusion: The findings demonstrated a significant increase in the temporal evolution of mortality due to Alzheimer’s disease in the Federal District, Brazil. It was recommended to conduct original studies to evaluate the factors that can cause the disease in order to collaborate in the process of formulating policies in the area of public health and improvements in clinical practice.
To assess the performance of the phonatory deviation diagram and its measurements in monitoring voice quality before and after voice exercise in individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Retrospective ...and documentary study. A sample of 30 subjects was used, 50% male, with a mean age of 62.13 ± 9.05 years. The results of the phonatory deviation diagram were analyzed, in the moments before and after vocal exercise with the pushing technique associated with plosive sounds, considering the area, density, shape and location of the diagram in the quadrants. For comparison purposes, the acoustic parameters of jitter, shimmer, glottal to noise excitation ratio and results of the auditory-perceptual analysis, carried out in previous research, were also considered, in the pre- and post-technical moments.
Despite the fact that there was no difference in the distribution of samples in the diagram, after performing the vocal technique, a change in the displacement of the diagram towards the area of normality was identified in the visual qualitative analysis, and there was an association between the general degree of vocal deviation in the analysis auditory perception and the area of the diagram. There was an improvement in the shimmer values after the vocal technique.
The displacement of the phonatory deviation diagram towards the area of normality corroborated the results in relation to the general degree of dysphonia, evaluated by the auditory-perceptual analysis and the shimmer results, after the vocal technique. Thus, the diagram shows good performance in monitoring voice quality of individuals with Parkinson's.
The intensification of pasture production has increased the use of N fertilizers—a practice that can alter soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the ...fluxes of CH4, CO2, and N2O in the soil of Urochloa brizantha ‘Marandu’ pastures fertilized with different sources and doses of N. Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate GHG fluxes following N fertilization with urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate at doses of 0, 90, 180, and 270 kg N ha−1. GHG fluxes were quantified using the static chamber technique and gas chromatography. In both experiments, the sources and doses of N did not significantly affect cumulative GHG emissions, while N fertilization significantly affected cumulative N2O and CO2 emissions compared to the control treatment. The N2O emission factor following fertilization with urea, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate was lower than the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change standard (0.35%, 0.24%, and 0.21%, respectively, with fractionation fertilization and 1.00%, 0.83%, and 1.03%, respectively, with single fertilization). These findings are important for integrating national inventories and improving GHG estimation in tropical regions.
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