A regional model (Northeastern Brazil) of induced mal-nutrition delays ontogeny of reflexes and locomotor activity in rats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of malnutrition, induced by a regional basic diet (RBD), on motor development. RBD is a 7.87%-protein diet based on aliments typical of Northeastern Brazil, elaborated after nutritional investigation by Teodosio et al. (1979). Female rats were treated with RBD during lactation. The reflex ontogenesis and the development of locomotor activity in their offspring were assessed. Malnourished (MN) rats showed a delay in reflex maturation and in locomotor activity evolution. The decreased locomotor activity may be related to the reduced movement experiences induced by the delay in the reflex maturation. Occurring during the critical period of brain development, this fact could jeopardize all the steps in future locomotion evolution. The present results confirm deleterious effects of RDB-induced malnutrition on the somatic development and maturation of the nervous system (NS).     

A practical approach to reporting treatment abandonment in pediatric chronic conditions

Treatment abandonment, the failure to complete therapy that is required for definitive disease control, frequently causes treatment failure for pediatric patients in low‐ and middle‐income countries with chronic conditions, particularly cancer. Other forms of incomplete treatment affecting children in all settings, such as nonadherence and loss to follow‐up, are often confused with treatment abandonment. Unclear definitions of incomplete treatment dramatically affect reported outcomes. To facilitate disease‐specific and cross‐sector analyses, we outline a practical approach to categorize forms of incomplete treatment, present distinct semantic categories with case examples and provide an algorithm that could be tailored to disease‐ and context‐specific needs. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:565–570. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Hispanic Men in the United States: Acculturation and Recent Sexual Behaviors With Female Partners, 2006–2010

Objectives. We examined Hispanic men’s recent risky and protective sexual behaviors with female partners by acculturation.Methods. Using the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth, we performed bivariate analyses to compare acculturation groups (Hispanic Spanish-speaking immigrants, Hispanic English-speaking immigrants, Hispanic US natives, and non-Hispanic White men) by demographics and recent sexual behaviors with women. Multivariable logistic regression models for sexual behaviors by acculturation group were adjusted for demographics.Results. Compared with Hispanic Spanish-speaking immigrants, non-Hispanic White men were less likely to report exchange of money or drugs for sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.1, 0.9), but were also less likely to report condom use at last vaginal (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.8) and anal sex (AOR = 0.4; 95% CI = 0.3, 0.7). Hispanic US natives were less likely to report condom use at last vaginal sex than were Spanish-speaking immigrants (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.8). English- and Spanish-speaking immigrants did not differ in risky or protective sexual behaviors.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that targeted interventions focusing on unique sexual risks and sociodemographic differences by acculturation level, particularly nativity, may be helpful for preventing sexually transmitted infections.In the United States, Hispanics are one of the subpopulations disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).1 In 2010, reported cases of chlamydia were 2.7 times higher for Hispanics than for non-Hispanic Whites.1 Similarly, primary and secondary syphilis cases were 2.2 times higher for Hispanics than for non-Hispanic Whites, an increase of 9.5% since 2009.1 Reported gonorrhea rates were also 2.2 times higher for Hispanics than for non-Hispanic Whites. Regarding gender, the racial/ethnic disparity in gonorrhea rates was higher for men (48.7 per 100 000 for Hispanics vs 19.5 per 100 000 for non-Hispanic Whites) than for women (51.1 per 100 000 for Hispanics vs 26.6 per 100 000 for non-Hispanic Whites).1 Among young adult men (18–26 years), STI disparities were even greater; among Hispanic men, the prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea was 5.3 and 4.1 times higher than for non-Hispanic White men, respectively.2Research has shown that Hispanics face many unique challenges that increase their risks for STIs, including immigration-related challenges, living apart from their spouse or regular partner, language barriers, racism, social isolation, and limited access to health care.1,3–5 Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanics often also have higher poverty, unemployment, and high school dropout rates, and are younger.1,4,6 From 2000 to 2010, the Hispanic population in the United States increased by more than 15.2 million (an increase of 43%), contributing to half of the total population growth in the country.7 Because of the growing Hispanic population, the disproportionate burden of STIs, and the numerous barriers and challenges increasing their risk for STIs, an assessment of the sexual behaviors of Hispanics, including risk and protective behaviors, are of public health importance.An epidemiological concept known as the Hispanic paradox posits that health outcomes for Hispanics tend to be more similar to those of non-Hispanic Whites than those of non-Hispanic Blacks because of less acculturation, or “Americanization,” among Hispanics, which has been shown to be associated with lower sexual risk behaviors and better health outcomes.8–10 Some research suggests that the Hispanic paradox is variable and fluid or may not exist at all.11,12 Although many studies have examined the relationship between acculturation and sexual risk behaviors that are related to STI transmission, most of this research has focused on Hispanic women, adolescents, or men who have sex with men.13–22 Fewer studies have examined differences among Hispanic men in their sexual behaviors with female partners in terms of acculturation group. One study found that low-income, recent-immigrant Hispanic men (living in the United States less than 5 years) were more likely to commercially exchange sexual services and less likely to have a main sex partner than established immigrants (living in the United States for more than 5 years).23 Conversely, established Hispanic immigrant men were more likely to report unprotected sexual intercourse and multiple sex partners than recent immigrants.23 For protective behaviors, condom use at last sex did not significantly differ by acculturation among Hispanic men, although condom use is positively associated with acculturation for women.18,24,25 All of these studies were restricted to specific local areas.Acculturation of Hispanics has been measured in many ways—the use of a single variable, a combination of variables, or scales developed to capture the various aspects of acculturation. Complex measures of acculturation include attitudinal and behavioral factors focused on cultural values.10 More intricate scales of acculturation include heritage and mainstream scales with measures of attitude, behavior, and social relations.10,26 However, it is difficult to include comprehensive measures of acculturation in national surveys that have limited space and competing interests. Measures such as language, country of origin, nativity, and length of time in the country are considered proxy measures of acculturation.11,13,19,27–29 The most frequently used variable to measure acculturation is language of interview (English or Spanish) or the language spoken at home.3,13,14,17,19,21,22,24,27–33 Although acculturation is a multifaceted concept, research suggests that language preference may be a reliable proxy for more complex acculturation measures of Hispanics living in the United States.17For an examination of differences in Hispanic men’s sexual behaviors with female partners by level of acculturation, a national-level examination is useful given the diversity of the Hispanic population in the United States, where origin (Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, Central American, etc.) differs by geography.34 Using data from a national survey, we analyzed the recent sexual behaviors of acculturation groups of Hispanic men (categorized by language of interview and nativity) and compared them with those of non-Hispanic White men. Specifically, we sought to examine differences in recent risky and protective sexual behaviors with female partners among acculturation groups using the 2006–2010 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG).     

Lethal and sublethal effects of azadirachtin on the bumblebee Bombus terrestris (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Ecotoxicology - Azadirachtin is a biorational insecticide commonly reported as selective to a range of beneficial insects. Nonetheless, only few studies have been carried out with pollinators,...     

Comparable long-term outcomes between DAS28-ESR remission criteria and ACR/EULAR definitions in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis

Clinical Rheumatology - To compare long-term clinical, immunological, and radiographic outcomes between five sets of remission criteria (four clinical and one ultrasound (US)-based) in a cohort of...     

Increased physical activity: A protective factor against heart attacks in Puerto Rico

The incidence and potential risk factors of coronary heart disease were assessed in 2,585 rural and 6,208 urban men, aged 45 to 64 years, participating in the Puerto Rico Heart Health Program, a prospective epidemiologic study of coronary heart disease initiated in 1965. An index of daily physical activity and a metabolic equivalent of heaviest activity were estimated from each individual history. Rural men had higher mean levels of overall activity as well as higher levels of heavy activity than urban men. An $\text{8}\text{1}\text{4}$ year follow-up study for coronary heart disease other than angina pectoris was analyzed for relationships with physical activity. Significant inverse associations were found for both urban and rural men. Metabolic equivalent of heaviest activity showed similar results. Although the physical activity index was inversely associated with most known coronary risk factors, multivariate analyses indicated that a significant independent inverse relationship existed with the incidence of coronary heart disease. In Puerto Rico, increased physical activity appears to be a separate protective factor against heart attacks.     

Mechanistic Insights into Self-Reinforcing Processes Driving Abnormal Histogenesis During the Development of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, one of the most feared lethal and painful diseases, is increasing in incidence. The poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma–affected patients primarily is owing to our inability to develop effective therapies. Mechanistic studies of genetic, epigenetic, and cell-to-cell signaling events are providing clues to molecular pathways that can be targeted in an attempt to cure this disease. The current review article seeks to draw inferences from available mechanistic knowledge to build a theoretical framework that can facilitate these approaches. This conceptual model considers pancreatic cancer as a tissue disease rather than an isolated epithelial cell problem, which develops and progresses in large part as a result of three positive feedback loops: i) genetic and epigenetic changes in epithelial cells modulate their interaction with mesenchymal cells to generate a dynamically changing process of abnormal histogenesis, which drives more changes; ii) the faulty tissue architecture of neoplastic lesions results in unsynchronized secretion of signaling molecules by cells, which generates an environment that is poor in oxygen and nutrients; and iii) the increased metabolic needs of rapidly dividing cells serve as an evolutionary pressure for them to adapt to this adverse microenvironment, leading to the emergence of resistant clones. We discuss how these concepts can guide mechanistic studies, as well as aid in the design of novel experimental therapeutics.CME Accreditation Statement: This activity (“ASIP 2013 AJP CME Program in Pathogenesis”) has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint sponsorship of the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and the American Society for Investigative Pathology (ASIP). ASCP is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.The ASCP designates this journal-based CME activity (“ASIP 2013 AJP CME Program in Pathogenesis”) for a maximum of 48 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.CME Disclosures: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.The incidence of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is increasing with more than 44,000 predicted new cases in the United States and 65,000 in Europe,^1,2 with a 5-year survival of less than 5%. PDAC arises from epithelial cells through an accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in oncogenes and tumor suppressors,^3,4 which contribute to form precursor lesions^5,6 known as pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) (Figures 1 and ​and2).2). Less frequently, PDAC may progress from two types of cystic lesions: mucinous cystic neoplasms and intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms. In this process, tumor cells proliferate and secrete molecules that drive their communication with surrounding cells. In the fashion of a self-reinforcing loop, surrounding cells also proliferate and secrete new substances, which initiate new communications among themselves, with other noncancer cell types within the tumor (Figure 3).Open in a separate windowFigure 1Self-reinforcing processes that drive abnormal histogenesis during the development of pancreatic cancer. Diagrammatic representation of positive feedback loops that contribute to pancreatic carcinogenesis involves the progressive genetic and epigenetic changes in epithelial cells, which modulate their interaction with mesenchymal cells to generate a dynamically changing process of abnormal histogenesis to further drive more changes. The faulty tissue architecture of neoplastic lesions results in unsynchronized secretion of signaling molecules by cells, which generates an oxygen- and nutrient-poor environment as a result of aberrant angiogenesis. Finally, the increased metabolic needs of rapidly dividing cells serve as an evolutionary pressure for them to adapt to this adverse microenvironment, leading to the emergence of resistant clones.Open in a separate windowFigure 2Histologic correlates of abnormal histogenesis during pancreatic cancer progression. Neoplastic pancreatic tissue from p48-cre/Kras^G12D transgenic animals were stained using the Masson trichromic method, in which epithelial cells are labeled in red and the extracellular matrix is labeled in blue. This series of micrographs show that from the beginning, pancreatic cancer development involves the tight interaction between epithelial cells and its surrounding mesenchyma. A: PanIN1A lesion formed by cells with normal-shaped nuclei but showing incipient nuclear piling up and increased cytoplasm. B: PanIN1B lesion showing papillary projections formed by cells with normal-looking nuclei with a mucin-containing cytoplasm that displaces nuclei to the base of the lesion. C: PanIN2 lesion with abnormally shaped nuclei and typical papilar projections occupying the duct lumen. D: PanIN2 to 3 lesion showing the typical piling up of nuclei with incipient atypia showing anisokaryosis, poikilokaryosis, and papilar projections. Note that a ring of extracellular matrix surrounds the duct-like structure. E: PanIN3 lesion with extensive atypia showing the surrounding ECM as a dense ring that deforms the ductular structures. F: Multifocal cancerous lesions embedded in a dense desmoplasia.Open in a separate windowFigure 3Epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during the development of pancreatic cancer. The functional co-evolution between pancreatic epithelial cells and their stromal counterparts from early preneoplastic to frank neoplastic lesions is shown. Several growth factors are secreted at abnormal amounts, times, and places to generate abnormal signaling cascades that drive the communication between both the epithelial compartment and the tissue microenvironment. As explained in the text, different growth factors exert their function either in a paracrine or autocrine manner to help form the tumors, desmoplasia, and generate an oxygen- and nutrient-poor tumor bed, impacting the pathobiology of pancreatic cancer and contributing to its resistance and aggressiveness. FGF, fibroblast growth factor; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor; SDF1, serum derived factor-1; SHH, Sonic hedgehog; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor.This extended cellular network generates a dynamic tumor microenvironment that influences genetically heterogeneous tumor cells and selects for highly proliferative and resistant clones. Epithelial and mesenchymal cells each contribute to remodeling the stroma into a dense fibrotic tissue (desmoplasia) enriched in fibrillar collagens, stromal cells, and other migratory cell populations. Accordingly, each component of the developing tumor takes an active role in the process of carcinogenesis. Thus, dissecting the temporal and spatial sequence of events that drives these processes should provide new ways for therapeutically transforming pancreatic cancer from a rapidly fatal to a chronic and treatable, or even curable, disease.