Sex-Dependent Effects of the Intake of NOVA Classified Ultra-Processed Foods on Syndrome Metabolic Components in Brazilian Adults

Longitudinal studies evaluating the relationship between UPF consumption and the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its components are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of UPF consumption on the incidence of MetS and its components in adults. A prospective study was conducted with 896 participants from the 1978/79 Ribeirão Preto cohort, São Paulo, Brazil. UPF consumption was evaluated in %kcal and %g at ages 23–25 years. Incidence of MetS and its components were estimated at ages 37–39 years, according to the Joint Interim Statement criteria. Poisson regression was used to assess associations, and interactions with sex were investigated. UPF consumption had no association with MetS (%kcal Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01; %g Adjusted PR: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.99–1.01). However, women with higher UPF consumption, in %kcal and %g, had a higher risk of abdominal obesity (%kcal: p = 0.030; %g: p = 0.003); and women with higher UPF consumption, in %g, had a higher risk of low HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.041). For the other components of MetS, no significant associations were observed in either sex. These findings suggest evidence of no association between UPF consumption and MetS; however, consumption of UPF was associated with increased WC and low HDL-c, but only in women.     

Cycle of the seminiferous epithelium of the bat Molossus molossus,characterized by tubular morphology and acrosomal development

ObjectiveTo describe the seminiferous epithelium cycle (SEC) by tubular morphology method, and the acrosomal development of individualizing spermatids, and to explore the distinction of the stages between two generations of spermatids.MethodsTesticular fragments were fixed in Karnovsky, embedded in glycol methacrylate and examined under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Sections in 3 μm thickness were stained with toluidine blue for the characterization of the stages of the SEC by the tubular morphology method, or submitted to the PAS reaction for the visualization of the acrosomal formation. Additional details on the acrosomal formation were observed under transmission electron microscopy.ResultsThrough the eight stages described by tubular morphology method, 10 steps of acrosomal formation were observed in the spermatid development, called acrosomal steps. As the spermatids were produced in stage V of the tubular morphology method, it was at this stage from which began the steps of acrosomal development.ConclusionsWe propose association of the acrosomal steps for the first time, with the different stages by tubular morphology method. This method presents an alternative to the existent Methods, allowing interspecific comparisons of the SEC, not only among different species of bats, but also among the other mammals.     

Salvage treatment of disseminated strongyloidiasis in an immunocompromised patient: therapy success with subcutaneous ivermectin

Disseminated strongyloidiasis is a disease with high mortality rate, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Paralytic ileus and intestinal malabsorption are frequent symptoms caused by this severe disease. As there are no licensed parenteral anthelmintic drugs for human use, off-label formulations are often used in the treatment of this disease. In this case report, the use of subcutaneous ivermectin is described as a successful therapy for this life-threatening infection.