Head and neck carcinogenesis: Impact of MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism

Objective: To investigate the MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism involved in the folate metabolism as a risk for head and neck cancer, and to find the association of the polymorphism with the risk factors and clinical and histopathological characteristics. Methods: Retrospective study investigating MTHFD1 G1958A polymorphism in 694 subjects (240 patients in the Case Group and 454 in the Control Group) by Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) Analysis. Multiple logistic regression and chi-square tests were used in the statistical analysis. Results: Multivariable analysis showed that smoking and age over 42 years were disease predictors (p < 0.05). MTHFD1 1958GA or AA genotypes were associated with smoking (p = 0.04) and alcoholism (p = 0.03) and were more ofen found in more advanced stage tumors (p = 0.04) and in patients with a shorter survival (p = 0.03). Conclusion: Te presence of MTHFD1 G1948A polymorphism associated with smoking and alcoholism raises the head and neck cancer risk.

QK-Means: A clustering technique based on community detection and K-Means for deployment of cluster head nodes

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) are a special kind of ad-hoc networks that is usually deployed in a monitoring field in order to detect some physical phenomenon. Due to the low dependability of individual nodes, small radio coverage and large areas to be monitored, the organization of nodes in small clusters is generally used. Moreover, a large number of WSN nodes is usually deployed in the monitoring area to increase WSN dependability. Therefore, the best cluster head positioning is a desirable characteristic in a WSN. In this paper, we propose a hybrid clustering algorithm based on community detection in complex networks and traditional K-means clustering technique: the QK-Means algorithm. Simulation results show that QK-Means detect communities and sub-communities thus lost message rate is decreased and WSN coverage is increased. © 2012 IEEE.

Identification of sperm head subpopulations with defined pleiomorphic characteristics in ejaculates of captive Goeldi's monkeys (Callimico goeldii)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of pleiomorphisms and its influence on the distribution of sperm morphometric subpopulations in ejaculates from the vulnerable Goeldi's monkey (Callimico goeldii) by using a combination of computerized analysis system and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) methods Each sperm head was measured for four primary spermatozoal head dimensional parameters (area [A (μm2)], perimeter [P (μm)], length [L (μm)] and width [W (μm)]) and three head shape derived parameters (ellipticity [(L/W)], elongation [(L-W)/(L+W)] and rugosity [(4πA/P2)]) Six separate subpopulations (SPs) were identified: SP1, constituted by very large, narrow and very elliptical spermatozoa (A=16.85±1.56μm2, W=2.75±0.42μm and ellipticity=2.16±0.24); SP2, characterized by average sized, short, wide and round spermatozoa (A=15.00±1.92μm2, L=5.06±0.49μm, W=3.51±0.31μm and ellipticity=1.44±0.15); SP3, represented by small, wide and slightly round spermatozoa (A=14.95±1.75μm2, W=3.47±0.29μm and ellipticity=1.48±0.14); SP4 included very small, short and very round spermatozoa (A=14.15±2.38μm2, L=4.90±0.57μm and elongation=0.18±0.05); SP5 consisted of average sized and slightly elliptical spermatozoa (A=15.14±1.72μm2 and ellipticity=1.49±0.14); and SP6 included large and round spermatozoa (A=16.30±1.62μm2 and elongation=0.19±0.04) There were differences in the sperm subpopulation distribution (P<0.001) among the five donors analyzed In conclusion, the results of the current study confirmed that the use of computer sperm analysis methods combined with PCA cluster analyses are useful methods to identify, classify, and characterize different sperm head morphometric subpopulations in neotropical primates Broadening our knowledge of C goeldii sperm morphometric abnormalities as well as developing reliable techniques for sperm evaluation may be essential for ex situ conservation of this threatened species © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

Estudo morfológico e modulações dos tipos de fibras do m. reto femoral de ratos wistar, após a estimulação com corrente russa

Pós-graduação em Ciências da Motricidade - IBRC

Correlação entre a intensidade do refluxo venoso na junção safeno-femoral e alterações morfológicas da veia safena magna ao mapeamento dúplex em pacientes portadores de varizes primárias

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo anatômico e imaginológico do braço e da coxa em tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - linnaeus, 1758) para a determinação de acesso cirúrgico

Pós-graduação em Medicina Veterinária - FMVZ

Efeitos do treinamento físico associado à suplementação de L-arginina na resposta relaxante de artéria femoral de ratos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Estudo radiológico comparativo da displasia coxofemoral entre gatos da raça persa e sem raça definida

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Tribocorrosion response of the Ti6Al4V alloys commonly used in femoral stems

In prosthesis, tribochemical reactions occur at the stem/bone interface. When coupled with micromotions it can lead to the loosening of the implant, osteolysis, release of metal ion and wear particles. The effect of these movements and the underlying mechanisms are quite unknown. This work investigates the tribocorrosion behavior of etched Ti6Al4V alloys under reciprocating sliding. Tests were performed in a phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing proteins. A normal load of 1 N and anodic potentials of -0.1 and +0.5 V/SCE were applied. The destruction pathways of the top surface layers (adsorbed proteins, passive film) were studied. The results showed that the favorable/undesired effect of proteins in solution depends on the characteristics of the passive film under a mechanical stress. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Invasive head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: clinical and histopathological characteristics, frequency of local recurrence and metastasis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeito do treinamento com haste vibratória na biomecânica da marcha com dupla-tarefa em idosas

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Involvement of the AT1 receptor in the venoconstriction induced by angiotensin II in both the inferior vena cava and femoral vein

Although angiotensin II-induced venoconstriction has been demonstrated in the rat vena cava and femoral vein, the angiotensin II receptor subtypes (AT1 or AT2) that mediate this phenomenon have not been precisely characterized. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the pharmacological receptors involved in the angiotensin II-induced constriction of rat venae cavae and femoral veins, as well as the opposing effects exerted by locally produced prostanoids and NO upon induction of these vasomotorresponses. The obtained results suggest that both AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptors are expressed in both veins. Angiotensin II concentration–response curves were shifted toward the right by losartan but not by PD 123319 in both the vena cava and femoral vein. Moreover, it was observed that both 10−5 Mindomethacin and 10−4 M L-NAME improve the angiotensin II responses in the vena cava and femoral vein. In conclusion, in the rat vena cava and femoral vein, angiotensin II stimulates AT1 but not AT2 to induce venoconstriction, which is blunted by vasodilator prostanoids and NO.

Exercise reduces angiotensin II responses in rat femoral veins

The control of blood flow during exercise involves different mechanisms, one of which is the activation of the renin-angiotensin system, which contributes to exercise-induced blood flow redistribution. Moreover, although angiotensin II (Ang II) is considered a potent venoconstrictor agonist, little is known about its effects on the venous bed during exercise. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the Ang II responses in thefemoral vein taken from sedentary and trained rats at rest or subjected to a single bout of exercise immediately before organ bath experiments. Isolated preparations of femoral veins taken from resting-sedentary, exercised-sedentary, resting-trained and exercised-trained animals were studied in an organ bath. In parallel, the mRNA expression of prepro-endothelin-1 (ppET-1), as well as the ETA and ETB receptors, was quantified by real-time PCR in this tissue. The results show that, in the presence of L-NAME, Ang II responses in resting-sedentary animals were higher compared to the other groups. However, this difference disappeared after co-treatment with indomethacin, BQ-123 or BQ-788. Moreover, exercise reduced ppET-1 mRNA expression. These reductions in mRNA expression were more evident in resting-trained animals. In conclusion, either acute or repeated exercise adapts the rat femoral veins, thereby reducing the Ang II responses. This adaptation is masked by the action of locally produced nitric oxide and involves, at least partially, the ETB- mediated release of vasodilator prostanoids. Reductions in endothelin-1 production may also be involved in these exercise-induced modifications of Ang II responses in the femoral vein.

Analysis of the positioning of the head, trunk, and upper limbs during gait in children with visual impairment

Background: This study analyzed the positioning of the head, trunk, and upper extremities during gait in children with visual impairment. Methods: A total of 11 children participated in this study: 6 with blindness and 5 with low vision. The kinematics of the positioning of the head, trunk, shoulders, and elbows in each participant was analyzed during the four phases of the gait cycle: foot strike, support, toe-off, and swing. Results: There were significant differences between children with blindness and low vision in the positioning of the trunk in the sagittal plane during the foot strike, support, and swing phases. Conclusions: The analysis identified postural alterations of the head, trunk, shoulder, and elbow during the children’s gait, highlighting the relevance of appropriate stimulation at an early age in orientation and mobility programs, as well as the essential presence of professionals who work with movement.

Linear Versus Geometric Morphometric Approaches for the Analysis of Head Shape Dimorphism in Lizards

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)