cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900124
title: Antidepressant-like effect of Hoodia gordonii in a forced swimming test in mice: evidence for involvement of the monoaminergic system

description: Hoodia gordonii is a plant species used traditionally in southern Africa to suppress appetite. Recently, it has been associated with a significant increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in women, suggesting sympathomimetic activity. The present study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effects of acute and repeated (15 days) administration of H. gordonii extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, po) to mice exposed to a forced swimming test (FST). Neurochemical analysis of brain monoamines was also carried out to determine the involvement of the monoaminergic system on these effects. Acute administration of H. gordonii decreased the immobility of mice in the FST without accompanying changes in general activity in the open-field test during acute treatment, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. The anti-immobility effect of H. gordonii was prevented by pretreatment of mice with PCPA [an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis], NAN-190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist), ritanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist), ondansetron (a 5-HT3A antagonist), prazosin (an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), and sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist). A significant increase in 5-HT levels in the striatum was detected after acute administration, while 5-HT, norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly elevated after chronic treatment. Results indicated that H. gordonii possesses antidepressant-like activity in the FST by altering the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900130
title: Monitoring of air quality before the Olympic Games Rio 2016

description: For the accomplishment of Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro city (Rio 2016), the government of the Rio de Janeiro state has undertaken to monitor air quality before and during the events. In Beijing, China, and Athens, Greece, the air quality was monitored in Olympic venues in order to evaluate the athletes’ performance in relation to the environment in which they were exposed. This study has the same proposal to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The air quality scenario of the three previous years (2013, 2014, 2015) of Rio 2016 was considered. Coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particles and O3 were monitored continuously on the stations located near to competition venues, as required by International Olympic Committee (IOC). The levels registered ranged from 6 to 96 μg m-3 for PM10, 1 to 44 μg m-3 for PM2.5 and 121 to 269 μg m-3 for O3. These concentrations exceeded the national and international air quality standards. These high concentrations are associated with uncountable civil works to build Olympic arenas and the urban mobility´s improvement. However, the concentrations for all the pollutants monitored in Rio de Janeiro city were in lower concentrations than in Beijing Olympic Games 2008.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900133.v1
title: Epilepsy-induced electrocardiographic alterations following cardiac ischemia and reperfusion in rats

description: The present study evaluated electrocardiographic alterations in rats with epilepsy submitted to an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) model induced by cardiac ischemia and reperfusion. Rats were randomly divided into two groups: control (n=12) and epilepsy (n=14). It was found that rats with epilepsy presented a significant reduction in atrioventricular block incidence following the ischemia and reperfusion procedure. In addition, significant alterations were observed in electrocardiogram intervals during the stabilization, ischemia, and reperfusion periods of rats with epilepsy compared to control rats. It was noted that rats with epilepsy presented a significant increase in the QRS interval during the stabilization period in relation to control rats (P&lt;0.01). During the ischemia period, there was an increase in the QRS interval (P&lt;0.05) and a reduction in the P wave and QT intervals (P&lt;0.05 for both) in rats with epilepsy compared to control rats. During the reperfusion period, a significant reduction in the QT interval (P&lt;0.01) was verified in the epilepsy group in relation to the control group. Our results indicate that rats submitted to an epilepsy model induced by pilocarpine presented electrical conductivity alterations of cardiac tissue, mainly during an AMI episode.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900124.v1
title: Antidepressant-like effect of Hoodia gordonii in a forced swimming test in mice: evidence for involvement of the monoaminergic system

description: Hoodia gordonii is a plant species used traditionally in southern Africa to suppress appetite. Recently, it has been associated with a significant increase in blood pressure and pulse rate in women, suggesting sympathomimetic activity. The present study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effects of acute and repeated (15 days) administration of H. gordonii extract (25 and 50 mg/kg, po) to mice exposed to a forced swimming test (FST). Neurochemical analysis of brain monoamines was also carried out to determine the involvement of the monoaminergic system on these effects. Acute administration of H. gordonii decreased the immobility of mice in the FST without accompanying changes in general activity in the open-field test during acute treatment, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. The anti-immobility effect of H. gordonii was prevented by pretreatment of mice with PCPA [an inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) synthesis], NAN-190 (a 5-HT1A antagonist), ritanserin (a 5-HT2A/2C antagonist), ondansetron (a 5-HT3A antagonist), prazosin (an α1-adrenoceptor antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 receptor antagonist), yohimbine (an α2-adrenoceptor antagonist), and sulpiride (a D2 receptor antagonist). A significant increase in 5-HT levels in the striatum was detected after acute administration, while 5-HT, norepinephrine and dopamine were significantly elevated after chronic treatment. Results indicated that H. gordonii possesses antidepressant-like activity in the FST by altering the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900130.v1
title: Monitoring of air quality before the Olympic Games Rio 2016

description: For the accomplishment of Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro city (Rio 2016), the government of the Rio de Janeiro state has undertaken to monitor air quality before and during the events. In Beijing, China, and Athens, Greece, the air quality was monitored in Olympic venues in order to evaluate the athletes’ performance in relation to the environment in which they were exposed. This study has the same proposal to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The air quality scenario of the three previous years (2013, 2014, 2015) of Rio 2016 was considered. Coarse (PM10) and fine (PM2.5) particles and O3 were monitored continuously on the stations located near to competition venues, as required by International Olympic Committee (IOC). The levels registered ranged from 6 to 96 μg m-3 for PM10, 1 to 44 μg m-3 for PM2.5 and 121 to 269 μg m-3 for O3. These concentrations exceeded the national and international air quality standards. These high concentrations are associated with uncountable civil works to build Olympic arenas and the urban mobility´s improvement. However, the concentrations for all the pollutants monitored in Rio de Janeiro city were in lower concentrations than in Beijing Olympic Games 2008.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900112
title: Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

description: Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900115
title: Late emergence of A594V and L595W mutations related to ganciclovir resistance in a patient with HCMV retinitis and long-term HIV progression

description: The emergence of ganciclovir (GCV) resistance during the treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a serious clinical challenge, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we describe the emergence of two consecutive mutations (A594V and L595W) related to GCV resistance in a patient with HCMV retinitis and long-term HIV progression after approximately 240 days of GCV use. Following the diagnosis of retinitis, the introduction of GCV did not result in viral load reduction. The detected mutations appeared late in the treatment, and we propose that other factors (high initial HCMV load, previous GCV exposure, low CD4+ cell count), in addition to the presence of resistance mutations, may have contributed to the treatment failure of HCMV infection in this patient.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900106
title: Association of body mass index with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

description: The objective of this observational, multicenter study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A total of 339 patients (197 females, 142 males) diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis by high-resolution computed tomography were classified into four groups: underweight (BMI&lt;18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5≤BMI&lt;25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0≤BMI&lt;30.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical variables expressing disease severity were recorded, and acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and survival rates were estimated during the follow-up period. The mean BMI was 21.90 kg/m2. The underweight group comprised 28.61% of all patients. BMI was negatively correlated with acute exacerbations, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiographic extent of bronchiectasis, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa and positively correlated with pulmonary function indices. BMI was a significant predictor of hospitalization risk independent of relevant covariates. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative survival rates were 94%, 86%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with decreasing BMI (χ2=35.16, P&lt;0.001). The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, inspiratory capacity, age, BMI, and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s independently predicted survival in the Cox proportional hazard model. In conclusion, an underweight status was highly prevalent among patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Patients with a lower BMI were prone to developing more acute exacerbations, worse pulmonary function, amplified systemic inflammation, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa. BMI was a major determinant of hospitalization and death risks. BMI should be considered in the routine assessment of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900109
title: Litter Size Reduction Induces Metabolic and Histological Adjustments in Dams throughout Lactation with Early Effects on Offspring

description: In the present study we analyzed morphological and metabolic alterations in dams nursing small litters and their consequences to offspring throughout lactation. Offspring sizes were adjusted to Small Litter (SL, 3 pups/ dam) and Normal Litter (NL, 9 pups/ dam). Body weight, food intake, white adipose tissue (WAT) content, histological analysis of the pancreas, mammary gland (MG) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) as well as, plasma parameters and milk composition were measured in dams and pups on the 7th, 14th and 21st days of lactation. In general, SL-dams presented higher body weight and retroperitoneal fat content, elevated fat infiltration in BAT, reduced islets size and hyperglycemia throughout lactation in relation to NL-dams (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, MG from SL-dams had reduced alveoli development and high adipocytes content, resulting in milk with elevated energetic value and fat content in relation to NL-dams (p&lt;0.05). Maternal states influenced offspring anthropometric conditions during lactation, offspring-SL displayed higher body weight and growth, hyperglycemia, augmented lipid deposition in BAT and elevated islet. Thus, maternal histological and metabolic changes are due to modifications to nursing small litters and reinforce the importance of preserving maternal health during lactation avoiding early programming effects on offspring preventing metabolic consequences later in life.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900109.v1
title: Litter Size Reduction Induces Metabolic and Histological Adjustments in Dams throughout Lactation with Early Effects on Offspring

description: In the present study we analyzed morphological and metabolic alterations in dams nursing small litters and their consequences to offspring throughout lactation. Offspring sizes were adjusted to Small Litter (SL, 3 pups/ dam) and Normal Litter (NL, 9 pups/ dam). Body weight, food intake, white adipose tissue (WAT) content, histological analysis of the pancreas, mammary gland (MG) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) as well as, plasma parameters and milk composition were measured in dams and pups on the 7th, 14th and 21st days of lactation. In general, SL-dams presented higher body weight and retroperitoneal fat content, elevated fat infiltration in BAT, reduced islets size and hyperglycemia throughout lactation in relation to NL-dams (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, MG from SL-dams had reduced alveoli development and high adipocytes content, resulting in milk with elevated energetic value and fat content in relation to NL-dams (p&lt;0.05). Maternal states influenced offspring anthropometric conditions during lactation, offspring-SL displayed higher body weight and growth, hyperglycemia, augmented lipid deposition in BAT and elevated islet. Thus, maternal histological and metabolic changes are due to modifications to nursing small litters and reinforce the importance of preserving maternal health during lactation avoiding early programming effects on offspring preventing metabolic consequences later in life.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900112.v1
title: Mechanisms involved in anti-aging effects of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Caenorhabditis elegans

description: Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is habitually ingested by people in the Amazon region and is a key ingredient in various energy drinks consumed worldwide. Extension in longevity and low prevalence of chronic age-related diseases have been associated to habitual intake of guarana. Anti-aging potential of guarana was also demonstrated in Caenorhabditis elegans; however, the mechanisms involved in its effects are not clear. Herein, we investigated the putative pathways that regulate the effects of guarana ethanolic extract (GEE) on lifespan using C. elegans. The major known longevity pathways were analyzed through mutant worms and RT-qPCR assay (DAF-2, DAF-16, SKN-1, SIR-2.1, HSF-1). The possible involvement of purinergic signaling was also investigated. This study demonstrated that GEE acts through antioxidant activity, DAF-16, HSF-1, and SKN-1 pathways, and human adenosine receptor ortholog (ADOR-1) to extend lifespan. GEE also downregulated skn-1, daf-16, sir-2.1 and hsp-16.2 in 9-day-old C. elegans, which might reflect less need to activate these protective genes due to direct antioxidant effects. Our results contribute to the comprehension of guarana effects in vivo, which might be helpful to prevent or treat aging-associated disorders, and also suggest purinergic signaling as a plausible therapeutic target for longevity studies.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900097
title: Study of major genetic factors involved in pituitary tumorigenesis and their impact on clinical and biological characteristics of sporadic somatotropinomas and non-functioning pituitary adenomas

description: Genetic and functional aberrations of guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha stimulating (GNAS), aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP), and pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG) are among the most prominent events in pituitary tumorigenesis. A cohort of Brazilian patients with somatotropinomas (n=41) and non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA, n=21) from a single tertiary-referral center were evaluated for GNAS and AIP mutations and gene expression of AIP and PTTG. Results were compared to the clinical and biological (Ki67 and p53 expression) characteristics of tumors and their response to therapy, if applicable. Genetic analysis revealed that 27% of somatotropinomas and 4.8% of NFPA harbored GNAS mutations (P=0.05). However, no differences were observed in clinical characteristics, tumor extension, response to somatostatin analog therapy, hormonal/surgical remission rates, Ki67 index, and p53 expression between mutated and non-mutated somatotropinomas patients. PTTG overexpression (RQ mean=10.6, min=4.39, max=11.9) and AIP underexpression (RQ mean=0.56, min=0.46-max=0.92) were found in virtually all cases without a statistically significant relationship with clinical and biological tumor features. No patients exhibited somatic or germline pathogenic AIP mutations. In conclusion, mutations in GNAS and abnormal PTTG and AIP expression had no impact on tumor features and treatment outcomes in this cohort. Our data support some previous studies and point to the need for further investigations, probably involving epigenetic and transcriptome analysis, to improve our understanding of pituitary tumor behavior.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900100
title: Approaches and reflexions on advance healthcare directives in Brazil

description: ABSTRACT Objective: to explain the approaches and discussions about the Advance Healthcare Directives spread among health professionals, lawyers and society. Method: bibliographic search in the databases SciELO, LILACS, BDENF, in Portuguese, carried out from December 2017 to January 2018. Results: 22 articles were considered for analysis with interviews and testimonies of physicians, intensivists and geriatricians, nurses, technicians and Nursing auxiliaries, Medical students, lawyers and Law students. Conclusion: there is a small number of papers on the Advance Healthcare Directives in Brazil, and a wide range of approaches that have not yet been clarified. The theme is not widely spread and little clarified in its essence.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900103
title: Leaf proline content and its relation to fruit load and flowering in citrus under field conditions

description: Abstract Citrus species grown in temperate zones have sprouting inhibited in winter and this is retaken in spring when they also bloom. The main factor that defines the vegetative or reproductive destiny of the buds is the presence of fruits in development. Low winter temperatures slow plant metabolism, which has been reported as necessary for the expression of the reproductive program. During the winter period of the annual cycle, osmotically active compounds such as proline are increased as part of the cold tolerance response. We investigated whether the presence of developing fruit and the application of exogenous gibberellins affect the proline level in citrus leaves. In an orchard of adult ‘Montenegrina’ mandarin trees, leaf proline contents were measured over two rest periods for branches with or without fruits. Branches that bloomed, the ones that did not have developing fruits, had higher proline levels as well as higher proline: chlorophyll and proline: total amino acid ratios than did branches with fruits. However, the application of exogenous gibberellins, which reduced flowering, did not affect proline content during the same periods. We discuss the ways in which proline may be involved in floral induction in citrus.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900106.v1
title: Association of body mass index with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis

description: The objective of this observational, multicenter study was to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) with disease severity and prognosis in patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. A total of 339 patients (197 females, 142 males) diagnosed with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis by high-resolution computed tomography were classified into four groups: underweight (BMI&lt;18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5≤BMI&lt;25.0 kg/m2), overweight (25.0≤BMI&lt;30.0 kg/m2), and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Clinical variables expressing disease severity were recorded, and acute exacerbations, hospitalizations, and survival rates were estimated during the follow-up period. The mean BMI was 21.90 kg/m2. The underweight group comprised 28.61% of all patients. BMI was negatively correlated with acute exacerbations, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiographic extent of bronchiectasis, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa and positively correlated with pulmonary function indices. BMI was a significant predictor of hospitalization risk independent of relevant covariates. The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year cumulative survival rates were 94%, 86%, 81%, and 73%, respectively. Survival rates decreased with decreasing BMI (χ2=35.16, P&lt;0.001). The arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure, inspiratory capacity, age, BMI, and predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s independently predicted survival in the Cox proportional hazard model. In conclusion, an underweight status was highly prevalent among patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis. Patients with a lower BMI were prone to developing more acute exacerbations, worse pulmonary function, amplified systemic inflammation, and chronic colonization by P. aeruginosa. BMI was a major determinant of hospitalization and death risks. BMI should be considered in the routine assessment of patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.7900115.v1
title: Late emergence of A594V and L595W mutations related to ganciclovir resistance in a patient with HCMV retinitis and long-term HIV progression

description: The emergence of ganciclovir (GCV) resistance during the treatment of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a serious clinical challenge, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. In this case report, we describe the emergence of two consecutive mutations (A594V and L595W) related to GCV resistance in a patient with HCMV retinitis and long-term HIV progression after approximately 240 days of GCV use. Following the diagnosis of retinitis, the introduction of GCV did not result in viral load reduction. The detected mutations appeared late in the treatment, and we propose that other factors (high initial HCMV load, previous GCV exposure, low CD4+ cell count), in addition to the presence of resistance mutations, may have contributed to the treatment failure of HCMV infection in this patient.