Efeito anticonvulsivante de frações isoladas da peçonha da formiga Dinoponera quadriceps (Formicidae: Ponerinae)

A epilepsia é uma patologia crônica do sistema nervoso central que afeta cerca de 65 milhões de indivíduos no mundo. Aproximadamente 30% desses indivíduos desenvolvem crises convulsivas que persistem apesar do tratamento monitorado com drogas antiepiléptica s. Assim, há uma evidente necessidade do desenvolvimento de novos fármacos antiepilépticos e as peçonhas podem ser uma excelente fonte de modelos. Nesse contexto, enquanto já vários estudos sobre peçonhas de serpentes, escorpiões e aranhas, pouco se sabe s obre as peçonhas de formigas. Estudos prévios do nosso laboratório demonstraram que a peçonha desnaturada da formiga Dinoponera quadríceps protegeu camundongos de crises convulsivas e morte induzidas por bicuculina (BIC). Nesse contexto, o objetivo desse t rabalho foi investigar o potencial anticonvulsivante de frações isoladas da peçonha de D. quadríceps em crises convulsivas induzidas pela BIC, bem como uma análise dos efeitos dessas frações no comportamento natural dos camundongos no campo aberto. Os anim ais foram divididos em grupos, os quais receberam injeções (1 mg/ml i.c.v.) de seis frações distintas e tiveram seu comportamento geral observado no campo aberto durante 3 0 min. No segundo experimento, o s animais receberam as mesmas frações 20 min antes da administração de bicuculina (10 mg/ml). Em seguida, foi analisado o comportamento motor convulsivo desses animais durante 30 minutos no campo aberto. No primeiro experimento, não foram observadas alterações comportamentais. Já no segundo experimento, a ad ministração prévia de DqTx1, DqTx3, DqTx4 e DqTx6 aumentou a latência para o desenvolvimento de crises tônico - clônicas. Além disso, todas as frações, exceto DqTx5, aumentaram a latência para a morte dos animais. Ainda, os melhores resultados foram obtidos com a fração DqTx6, que protegeu 62,5% dos animais testados contra o desenvolvimento de crises tônico - clônicas e 100% dos animais contra a morte.

A simulação como método de ensino de habilidades no curso de medicina: relato de uma experiência com punção lombar

The teaching of the lumbar puncture (LP) technique with simulator is not well systematized in the curricula of medical schools. Studies show that training in the simulator provides learning technical skills, acquisition and retention of knowledge, improve self-confidence of the learner and enables the transfer to clinical practice. We intend this study to introduce simulated training in LP in medical course at the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte evaluating the experience taking into account quantitative aspects (performance on standardized tests) and qualitative (perception of the students regarding the method and the teaching process learning). The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase practical training in PL was introduced in the 3rd year of medical school. Seventy-seven students were trained in small groups, guided by a checklist developed in the model Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS), at this moment they knew they were not under performance evaluation. They were also asked whether they had prior chances to make an LP in patients. At the end of the first phase the students evaluated training in the following areas: teaching technique, simulator realism, time available per group, number of participants per group and relevance to medical practice. In the second phase, two years later, 18 students trained in first stage performed a new LP on the mannequin simulator, and its performance was evaluated through the same checklist of training in order to verify the technical retention. In addition, they answered a multiple choice test about practical aspects of the LP technique. Each participant received individual feedback on their performance at the end of their participation in the study. In the first phase of the study we found that only 4% of students had performed a lumbar puncture in patients until the 3rd year. The training of LP technique with simulator mannequin was considered relevant and the teaching methods was thoroughly evaluated. In the second phase, all participants were successful in implementing the lumbar puncture on the mannequin simulator, compliance with the most steps in a reasonable time, suggesting that would be able to perform the procedure in a patient.

Modulaçao do estresse social sobre parâmetros fisiológicos, comportamentais, cognitivos e plasticidade neuronal em saguis (Callithrix jacchus) juvenis: um modelo psiquiátrico e cognitivo

Nos períodos críticos de plasticidade neural ocorre uma maior permissividade do sistema nervoso ao ambiente, por isto, a ação do estresse sobre o individuo e suas repercussões sobre áreas responsáveis pelo controle dos sistemas de resposta ao estresse e por funções cognitivas complexas vem recebendo bastante atenção. A utilização de modelos experimentais translacionais tem sido imprescindível na elucidação destes mecanismos e das patologias associadas. Diante disto, este trabalho investigou os efeitos do estresse social sobre parâmetros fisiológicos, comportamentais, cognitivos e sobre a neurogênese no córtex pré-frontal (CPF) durante um período crítico de plasticidade cerebral, a fase juvenil, em machos de Callithrix jacchus. Durante cinco meses, 5 animais foram acompanhados em suas famílias (GF) e 5 animais foram isolados socialmente por 4 meses (GI), após um mês em observação em ambiente familiar (fase basal- FB). Ao final do 5º mês foram aplicados 2 testes de memória de trabalho (MT) nos animais GF e GI. Em seguida, 3 animais de cada grupo foram sacrificados para análise do fator de neurogênese BDNF ( Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) por imunofluorescência no CPF (sub-regiões orbitofrontal e lateral). Os animais do GF não variaram significativamente o cortisol ao longo do estudo, enquanto o GI elevou o cortisol e comportamentos indicadores de ansiedade (CA) na primeira semana do isolamento. Em seguida, o GI apresentou uma redução no cortisol, nos CA, no peso corporal e um aumento de comportamentos estereotipados e da anedonia, alterações tipicamente depressivas em primatas não-humanos. Ao final, o GI apresentaram níveis de cortisol menores que em FB. Ambos os grupos apresentaram dificuldades em realizar e aprender as tarefas cognitivas e a presença de BDNF no córtex pré-frontal foi independente do grupo (GF ou GI), porém correlacionou-se com os níveis de cortisol presentes na ultima semana do estudo, e os animais com presença de BDNF no CPF lateral e orbitofrontal apresentaram maiores níveis de cortisol. Estes resultados contribuem no processo de validação do sagui como um bom modelo psiquiátrico translacional e aponta para possibilidade de estudos sobre transtornos depressivos na juventude e suas repercussões posteriores. Além disto, os resultados observados para as tarefas cognitivas levou-nos a fazer uma releitura dos protocolos utilizados em estudos de memoria de trabalho com animais adultos desta espécie, com a finalidade de aprimora-los facilitando a aprendizagem em animais juvenis, naives e em situações de estresse. Ademais, evidenciou-se pela primeira vez a relação do estresse, cortisol e níveis de BDNF, em animais juvenis desta espécie, com a fim de contribuir com sua utilização como modelo animal neurocognitivo.

Plasticidade dependente da experiência induzida por manipulação da matriz extracelular

The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) receives inputs from peripheral tactile receptors and plays a crucial role on many important behaviors. However, the plastic potential of this region is greatly reduced during adulthood, limiting functional recovery after injuries. This fact is due to the presence, in the brain parenchima, of structures and substances that have an inhibitory effect on plasticity, such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglicans (CSP) present in the perineuronal.nets (PNNs) surrounding a subset of neurons. Maturation of PNNs coincide with the closure of critical periods of plasticity in cortical areas, since CSP act to stabilize synaptic contacts. Removal of CSP is proven to be an effective therapeutic approach to restore plasticity and increase the odds of functional recovery after cortical lesion. In the present work, we removed CSP from the sensorimotor cortex of rats to restore plasticity and promote the compensatory morphofunctional regeneration of cortical circuits modified by removal of mystacial vibrissae during the critical period. Treatment with the CSP-digesting enzyme chondroitinase ABC proved efficient to restore plasticity in S1 circuits, as evidenced by morphological rearrangements and functional recovery.

Plasticidade dependente da experiência induzida por manipulação da matriz extracelular

The primary somatosensory cortex (S1) receives inputs from peripheral tactile receptors and plays a crucial role on many important behaviors. However, the plastic potential of this region is greatly reduced during adulthood, limiting functional recovery after injuries. This fact is due to the presence, in the brain parenchima, of structures and substances that have an inhibitory effect on plasticity, such as chondroitin sulfate proteoglicans (CSP) present in the perineuronal.nets (PNNs) surrounding a subset of neurons. Maturation of PNNs coincide with the closure of critical periods of plasticity in cortical areas, since CSP act to stabilize synaptic contacts. Removal of CSP is proven to be an effective therapeutic approach to restore plasticity and increase the odds of functional recovery after cortical lesion. In the present work, we removed CSP from the sensorimotor cortex of rats to restore plasticity and promote the compensatory morphofunctional regeneration of cortical circuits modified by removal of mystacial vibrissae during the critical period. Treatment with the CSP-digesting enzyme chondroitinase ABC proved efficient to restore plasticity in S1 circuits, as evidenced by morphological rearrangements and functional recovery.

Avaliação preliminar da contaminação por BTEX, em água subterrânea de poços tubulares, no município de Natal-RN

Among the different types of pollutants typically attributed to human activities, the petroleum products are one of the most important because of its toxic potential. This toxicity is attributed to the presence of substances such as benzene and its derivatives are very toxic to the central nervous system of man, with chronic toxicity, even in small concentrations. The area chosen for study was the city of Natal, capital of Rio Grande do Norte, where samples were collected in six different areas in the city, comprising 10 wells located in the urban area, being carried out in three distinct periods March/2009, December / June/2010 and 2009, and were evaluated for contamination by volatile hydrocarbons (BTEX - benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), so this work aimed to assess the quality of groundwater wells that supply funding for public supply and trade in the urban area of the city of Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, contributing to the environmental assessment of the municipality. The analysis of BTEX in water was performed according to EPA Method 8021b. Was used the technique of headspace (TriPlus TP100) coupled to high resolution gas chromatography with selective photoionization detector (PID) and flame ionization (FID) - model Trace GC Ultra, Thermo Electron Corporation brand. The procedure adopted allowed the detection of concentrations of the order of μg.L-1. Data analysis with respect to BTEX in groundwater in the area monitored so far, shows that water quality is still preserved, because it exceeds the limits imposed by the potability Resolution CONAMA Nº. 396, April 2008

Alterações de linguagem oral e escreta em crianças pré-escolares e escolares com epilepsia

A epilepsia cursa com diversas comorbidades e, entre elas, estão as alterações de linguagem, que levam a criança a problemas educacionais e sociais desfavoráveis. A etiologia das alterações de linguagem envolve aspectos orgânicos, cognitivos e sociais, ocorrendo, na maioria das vezes, uma interrelação entre todos esses fatores. A idade da primeira crise epiléptica, o tipo de epilepsia, o uso de drogas antiepilépticas e a intervenção medicamentosa em politerapia podem implicar na ocorrência dessas alterações em crianças. O objetivo dessa pesquisa foi verificar a ocorrência de alterações de linguagem em crianças pré-escolares e escolares com diagnóstico de epilepsia atendidas no setor de Neurologia Infantil do Hospital de Pediatria Professor Heriberto Ferreira Bezerra. Caracterizou-se como um estudo prospectivo e transversal realizado com 90 crianças com epilepsia, submetidas à avaliação fonoaudiológica de linguagem oral e de leitura e escrita e como pesquisa interdisciplinar uma vez que envolveu áreas como a Fonoaudiologia, a Neurologia e a Psicologia. Os critérios de inclusão foram: 1) diagnóstico inequívoco de epilepsia, segundo a definição da ILAE (2005), 2) idade de 3 aos 12 anos, 3) padrão neurológico e desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor normais; os de exclusão: 1) diagnóstico de epilepsia duvidoso, 2) padrão neurológico e desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor alterados, 3) crianças com patologias pediátricas associadas. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade da primeira crise epiléptica, tipo de crise epiléptica, regime de tratamento, presença de crise epiléptica, frequência à escola, tipo de escola e repetência. A análise estatística centrou-se na análise descritiva; determinou-se a razão de chances (odds ratio), adotando-se um intervalo de confiança de 95%; e na aplicação do teste exato de Fisher, levando-se em consideração p<0,05. Portanto, no que se refere à presença de alterações de linguagem oral, pôdese observar que o início das crises epilépticas durante o período de aquisição e desenvolvimento da linguagem oral bem como o tratamento medicamentoso neste período podem interferir no desenvolvimento da linguagem devido à imaturidade do sistema nervoso central além dos aspectos socioambientais, uma vez que o estigma e as crenças errôneas interferem negativamente no processo interacional tão importante para a aquisição e desenvolvimento da linguagem, o que também repercute nas habilidades de leitura e escrita. Dessa forma percebe-se a importância da atuação de uma equipe interdisciplinar (Fonoaudiologia, Psicologia e Neurologia Infantil) no processo avaliativo e no acompanhamento dos pacientes com epilepsia, o que trará benefícios psicosocioafetivos no que se refere à reorganização da sua qualidade de vida e, consequentemente, de seus familiares.

Função autonômica em pacientes portadores de lipodistrofia generalizada congênita - sindrome de berardinelli - SEIP

A Síndrome de Berardinelli-Seip ou Lipodistrofia Generalizada Congênita (LGC) é uma doença rara, com transmissão autossômica recessiva, caracterizada principalmente pela ausência quase total de tecido adiposo. Os pacientes afetados apresentam resistência a insulina, dislipidemia e hipertensão arterial. Estudos têm evidenciado que estas alterações metabólicas interferem na modulação autonômica para o nó sinusal. O principal objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a modulação autonômica em pacientes portadores de LGC, através da variabilidade de freqüência cardíaca (VFC), pelo método linear de domínio de tempo na Eletrocardiografia Dinâmica de 24 horas e estabelecer um critério relativamente simples, não invasivo, para diagnóstico de disfunção autonômica nestes pacientes. Participou voluntariamente deste estudo transversal, um grupo de pacientes portadores de LGC (n=18) na faixa etária de 9,3 a 39,8 anos (21,3 ± 8,3) cuja variabilidade de freqüência cardíaca foi comparada com um grupo de pacientes controles (n=19) com idade de 9,3 a 39,1 anos (21,4 ± 7,8). Todos os voluntários foram submetidos à avaliação clínica, laboratorial, antropométrica e análise de VFC no domínio de tempo através de eletrocardiografia dinâmica de 24 horas. Para análise dos dados relativos aos índices temporais de VFC foram utilizados o MeanRR, SSDN e rMSSD. Pacientes com LGC apresentavam aumento da pressão arterial comparados com indivíduos do grupo controle (sistólica, 131,1 vs 106,3 mmHg, p<0,05); diastólica, 85,0 vs 68,2 mmHg, p<0,05) e 10 tinham critérios para diagnóstico de Hipertensão Arterial e Hipertrofia do Ventrículo Esquerdo. Os níveis de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol e HOMA-R eram elevados e 12 pacientes tinham critérios para diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Comparado com os controles, pacientes com LGC tinham diminuição dos índices MeanRR (639,8 vs 780,5 ms, p<0,001), SDNN (79,2 vs 168,5 ms, p<0,001), e rMSSD (15,8 vs 59,6 ms, p<0,001). Em pacientes com LGC, a redução da VFC foi independente de distúrbios metabólicos e hemodinâmicos. Os resultados de nosso experimento indicam que pacientes com LGC apresentavam modulação autonômica anormal caracterizada pelo aumento da freqüência cardíaca e pronunciada redução da VFC, independente de distúrbios metabólicos e hemodinâmicos observados nesta síndrome. O caráter multidisciplinar desse estudo fica contemplado pela interação de profissionais de diversas áreas como: cardiologia, endocrinologia, metabolismo, neurologia, nutrição, etc

Níveis de homocisteína e desempenho cognitivo em uma amostra populacional de idosos da cidade do Natal-RN

The imprecision of the frontier that separates those cognitive deficits inherent to the human physiological aging process from those which represent the early signs of nervous system degenerative pathologies ,very prevalent among the elderly, has brought attention to the need of studies aiming to establish clinical and/or laboratorial criteria to allow this differentiation. Elderly people living in poor and developing countries are frequently exposed to precarious socioeconomic conditions which facilitate the development of an array of pathologies which have metabolic and nutritional dysfunctions as the established or proposed etiological agents. The levels of certain micronutrients, such as the vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid), and of some intermediary metabolites, such as homocysteine are being thought of as etiological factors and/or as biological markers of a group of alterations which affect the normal functioning of the nervous system with important reflexes upon cognitive performance. This study aims to investigate the influence of homocysteine, B12 vitamin and folic acid levels on the cognitive performance of the low income elderly population. This transversal study took place in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, and involved 205 dwelling elderly people, users of the Programa de Saúde da Família, a public healthcare program, maintained by the city s health authorities. A multidimensional questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic aspects and the overall health and nutrition conditions. The cognitive performance was measured by the use of the Portuguese version of the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). The serum levels of homocysteine, B12 vitamin and folic acid were determined by chemiluminescence. The association between the socio-demographic and serum levels of Hcy, B12 vitamin and folic acid was determined by multiple linear regression. Serum levels higher than 13.5 μmol/l, indicative of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), were found on 25.4% of the sample, being more prevalent in men (p<0.05). Deficitary levels of folic acid (<5ng/mol) and of B12 vitamin (<193 pg/ml) were found on 3.9% and 10.2% of the sample respectively. A negative correlation was found between cognitive performance with both age and HHcy and a positive correlation was found between cognitive performance and schooling. The isolated HHcy R2 values were an explanation to only 4% of the variance of the MMSE scores. However, when associated with schooling and age, this model explains about 25% of this association

ANÁLISE COMPARATIVA DO CONHECIMENTO, ATITUDES E PRECONCEITOS DE UNIVERSITÁRIOS DOS CURSOS DE PEDAGOGIA, EDUCAÇÃO FÍSICA E MEDICINA EM RELAÇÃO À EPILEPSIA

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the central nervous system, most frequently characterized by abnormal electrical impulses in the brain. It is the oldest recorded neurological disease and has been surrounded by myths, mistaken beliefs and preconceptions. Three professionals work with epileptic patients on a daily basis: teachers, physical educators and physicians . This study aimed to analyze and compare the level of knowledge, preconceptions and attitudes of undergraduate students in the courses of Pedagogy, Physical Education and Medicine, future professionals who will deal with epileptic patients. This descriptive observational study was conducted with 286 university undergraduates of both sexes (women 99/34.6% and men 187/65.4%) from the first to fourth year of Pedagogy, Physical Education and Medicine courses at the Universidade Estadual Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), with mean age of 23 years. A validated and adapted 17-question questionnaire, divided into nine knowledge-based questions, five related to preconceptions and three on attitudes, was applied. Results allowed elaboration of a manuscript entitled Comparative Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude and Preconceptions in University Undergraduates of Pedagogy, Physical Education and Medicine Courses in Relation to Epilepsy. The findings of this article show that knowledge of epilepsy in the three groups is very satisfactory. The low level of preconception indicates that educational or clarifying information is being transmitted, albeit by television, a layman s information vehicle, which has undoubtedly contributed to reducing the stigma of epilepsy through educational information. Results also suggest a lack of knowledge on how to act during a seizure, especially in education professionals. Although there are limitations in our sample, the relevance and contribution of this study is to call attention to the importance and need for these future professionals to be informed and learn correct attitudes with respect to epilepsy during their academic formation. This is essential at a time when the disease is being brought out of the shadows. This research was supported by the Office of the Dean of Teaching, and Deans of Pedagogy, Physical Education and Medicine at UERN. The research was made possible by the multidisciplinary interaction among a physical educator, child neurologist and statistician, all contributing to achieving the aims set out here

Efeito positivo da suplementação de zinco no crscimeto, GH, IGF-1 E IGFBP-3 em crianças eutróficas

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico

Efeitos da eletroestimulação percutânea na incontinência urinária e qualidade de vida pós-prostatectomia: registro de seis casos

Introduction: Radical prostatectomy surgery is the best treatment currently adopted by detecting prostate cancer. The urinary incontinence is one more common and difficult to treat postoperative complications, which causes a negative impact on quality of life of the individual prostatectomy . The surface electrical nerve stimulation involves the transmission of electrical impulses from an external stimulator for peripheral nerve through surface electrodes attached to skin. It is an easy and efficient technique, widely used for pain relief, rehabilitation and muscle strengthening. Objective: To analyze the effect of T10-L2 percutaneous electrical stimulation, in individuals with urinary incontinence who underwent radical prostatectomy by the laparoscopic technique. Methods: Six patients had previously undergone radical prostatectomy were submitted to 20 sections of surface electrical stimulation with frequency of 4 Hz, pulse width of 1ms during 20 minutes. All subjects fillid a quality of life - International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire- Short FormI - ICIQ-SF questionnaire evaluating. Results: Results showed reduction in the use of the number of pads, number of leaks before and after treatment, and reduced voiding frequency and consequent improvement in quality of life. No side effects were reported. Conclusion: Percutanous electrical stimulation in T10-L2 may be an effective technique to treat urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy video laparoscopy

Avaliação clínica da saúde bucal de crianças com neoplasias malignas atendidas no Hospital Infantil Varela Santiago em Natal-RN

The childhood cancer is characterized by a predominance of hematogenic and lymphatic system neoplasm, although a fTequency of the central nervous system tumors and sarcomas are widely common. Particularities of many childhood cancers and the adverses effect of the antineoplastic agents can change radically the oral environrnent and predisposes to the risk of oral complications. This study assessment clinically the oral health of 40 children on treatment for different types of malignant neoplasm with age range of O to 1S years old (Group I) and compared to 38 nonnal children in the same age range (Group lI). The results shown that nonnal patients had a gingival bleeding index (GBI) and caries experience minar than patients of Group lI, the visivel plaque index (VPI) was lightly higher in patients of Group 1. There was not difference statistically significant in the variables. Sixteen patients of Group I developed together 61 oral complications with predominance of mucositis, followed by spontaneous oral bleeding, candidiasis and xerostomy, that complication were most commons in patients with systemic neoplasm. Its was concluded that patients submitted to antineoplastic therapy with poor oral health had a higher risk to develop oral complications

Avaliação da estimulação da medula espinhal como modelo de tratamento da doença de parkinson no primata Callithrix jacchus

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Plasticidade de células tronco mesenquimais de medula óssea de ratos na presença de meio condicionado do nervo facial e do fator de crescimento fibroblástico 2

A number of evidences show the influence of the growth of injured nerve fibers in Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) as well as potential implant stem cells (SCs) to make it more suitable for nerve regeneration medium. In this perspective, this study aimed to evaluate the plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow of mice in the presence of culture medium conditioned with facial nerve explants (D-10) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). In this perspective, the cells were cultivated only with DMEM (group 1), only with D-10(group 2), only with FGF-2(group 3) or with D-10 and FGF-2(group 4). The growth and morphology were assessed over 72 hours. Quantitative phenotypic analysis was taken from the immunocytochemistry for GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulin III, NeuN and NF-200 on the fourth day of cultivation. Cells cultured with conditioned medium alone or combined with FGF-2 showed distinct morphological features similar apparent at certain times with neurons and glial cells and a significant proliferative activity in groups 2 and 4 throughout the days. Cells cultived only with conditioned medium acquired a glial phenotype. Cells cultured with FGF-2 and conditioned medium expressed GFAP, OX-42, MAP-2, β-tubulin III, NeuN and NF-200. On average, area and perimeter fo the group of cells positive for GFAP and the área of the cells immunostained for OX-42 were higher than those of the group 4. This study enabled the plasticity of mesenchymal cells (MCs) in neuronal and glial nineage and opened prospects for the search with cell therapy and transdifferentiation