Obesity Resistance Promotes Mild Contractile Dysfunction Associated with Intracellular Ca2+ Handling

Abstract Background: Diet-induced obesity is frequently used to demonstrate cardiac dysfunction. However, some rats, like humans, are susceptible to developing an obesity phenotype, whereas others are resistant to that. Objective: To evaluate the association between obesity resistance and cardiac function, and the impact of obesity resistance on calcium handling. Methods: Thirty-day-old male Wistar rats were distributed into two groups, each with 54 animals: control (C; standard diet) and obese (four palatable high-fat diets) for 15 weeks. After the experimental protocol, rats consuming the high-fat diets were classified according to the adiposity index and subdivided into obesity-prone (OP) and obesity-resistant (OR). Nutritional profile, comorbidities, and cardiac remodeling were evaluated. Cardiac function was assessed by papillary muscle evaluation at baseline and after inotropic maneuvers. Results: The high-fat diets promoted increase in body fat and adiposity index in OP rats compared with C and OR rats. Glucose, lipid, and blood pressure profiles remained unchanged in OR rats. In addition, the total heart weight and the weight of the left and right ventricles in OR rats were lower than those in OP rats, but similar to those in C rats. Baseline cardiac muscle data were similar in all rats, but myocardial responsiveness to a post-rest contraction stimulus was compromised in OP and OR rats compared with C rats. Conclusion: Obesity resistance promoted specific changes in the contraction phase without changes in the relaxation phase. This mild abnormality may be related to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Fractal Dimension in Quantifying Experimental-Pulmonary-Hypertension-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction in Rats

Abstract Background: Right-sided heart failure has high morbidity and mortality, and may be caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension. Fractal dimension is a differentiated and innovative method used in histological evaluations that allows the characterization of irregular and complex structures and the quantification of structural tissue changes. Objective: To assess the use of fractal dimension in cardiomyocytes of rats with monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension, in addition to providing histological and functional analysis. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups: control (C; n = 8) and monocrotaline-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (M; n = 8). Five weeks after pulmonary arterial hypertension induction with monocrotaline, echocardiography was performed and the animals were euthanized. The heart was dissected, the ventricles weighed to assess anatomical parameters, and histological slides were prepared and stained with hematoxylin/eosin for fractal dimension analysis, performed using box-counting method. Data normality was tested (Shapiro-Wilk test), and the groups were compared with non-paired Student t test or Mann Whitney test (p < 0.05). Results: Higher fractal dimension values were observed in group M as compared to group C (1.39 ± 0.05 vs. 1.37 ± 0.04; p < 0.05). Echocardiography showed lower pulmonary artery flow velocity, pulmonary acceleration time and ejection time values in group M, suggesting function worsening in those animals. Conclusion: The changes observed confirm pulmonary-arterial-hypertension-induced cardiac dysfunction, and point to fractal dimension as an effective method to evaluate cardiac morphological changes induced by ventricular dysfunction.

Morphological development of Corydoras aff. paleatus (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) and correlation with the emergence of motor and social behaviors

Here we examine major anatomical characteristics of Corydoras aff. paleatus (Jenyns, 1842) post-hatching development, in parallel with its neurobehavioral evolution. Eleutheroembryonic phase, 4.3-8.8 days post-fertilization (dpf); 4.3-6.4 mm standard length (SL) encompasses from hatching to transition to exogenous feeding. Protopterygiolarval phase (8.9-10.9 dpf; 6.5-6.7 mm SL) goes from feeding transition to the commencement of unpaired fin differentiation, which marks the start of pterygiolarval phase (11-33 dpf; 6.8-10.7 mm SL) defined by appearance of lepidotrichia in the dorsal part of the median finfold. This phase ends with the full detachment and differentiation of unpaired fins, events signaling the commencement of the juvenile period (34-60 dpf; 10.8-18.0 mm SL). Eleutheroembryonic phase focuses on hiding and differentiation of mechanosensory, chemosensory and central neural systems, crucial for supplying the larval period with efficient escape and nutrient detection-capture neurocircuits. Protopterygiolarval priorities include visual development and respiratory, digestive and hydrodynamic efficiencies. Pterygiolarval priorities change towards higher swimming efficacy, including carangiform and vertical swimming, necessary for the high social interaction typical of this species. At the end of the protopterygiolarval phase, simple resting and foraging aggregations are seen. Resting and foraging shoals grow in complexity and participant number during pterygiolarval phase, but particularly during juvenile period.

Immune Dysfunction and the Pathogenesis of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Much has been learned about how HIV-induced immune dysfunction contributes to B cell hyperactivation, and potentially, to the pathogenesis of AIDS-lymphoma. However, further studies are needed to fully understand how HIV infection and immune dysfunction promote B cell hyperactivation and the development/growth of AIDS-lymphoma. In particular, studies are needed to define the role of HHV8 vIL6, IL6 receptor-expression, and lymphocyte surface stimulatory molecules, in promoting B cell hyperactivation or lymphoma cell growth.

Brain natriuretic peptide and left ventricular dysfunction in chagasic cardiomyopathy

Global left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is the strongest predictor of morbidity and mortality in Chagas disease. Echocardiography is considered the gold standard for the detection of LV dysfunction, but not always available in endemic areas where chagasic cardiomyopathy is most common. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone that has been recently described as a simple and inexpensive diagnostic and prognostic marker for patients with congestive heart failure. Chagasic patients (n = 63) and non-infected healthy individuals (n = 18) were recruited prospectively and underwent complete clinical examination, echocardiography and 24-h Holter monitoring. BNP was measured from thawed plasma samples using the Triage BNP test. We observed high levels of BNP in association with depression of LV ejection fraction, with increase of LV end-diastolic diameter and with LV premature complexes. An elevated concentration of BNP, defined as a concentration of 60 pg/ml or more, had a sensitivity of 91.7%, specificity of 82.8%, positive predictive value of 52.4%, and negative predictive value of 98% for detecting LV dysfunction (LV ejection fraction < 40%).BNP measurement using a simple, relatively inexpensive and rapid test has a promising role in identifying LV dysfunction associated with chagasic cardiomyopathy. Equally important, patients with Trypanosoma cruzi infection who have low levels of BNP level in plasma have a very low likelihood of severe cardiac involvement, and echocardiography is probably not necessary.

Cardiomyocyte dysfunction during the chronic phase of Chagas disease

Chagas disease, which is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is an important cause of heart failure. We investigated modifications in the cellular electrophysiological and calcium-handling characteristics of an infected mouse heart during the chronic phase of the disease. The patch-clamp technique was used to record action potentials (APs) and L-type Ca2+ and transient outward K+ currents. [Ca2+]i changes were determined using confocal microscopy. Infected ventricular cells showed prolonged APs, reduced transient outward K+ and L-type Ca2+ currents and reduced Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Thus, the chronic phase of Chagas disease is characterised by cardiomyocyte dysfunction, which could lead to heart failure.

Vascular dysfunction as a target for adjuvant therapy in cerebral malaria

Cerebral malaria (CM) is a life-threatening complication of Plasmodium falciparum malaria that continues to be a major global health problem. Brain vascular dysfunction is a main factor underlying the pathogenesis of CM and can be a target for the development of adjuvant therapies for the disease. Vascular occlusion by parasitised red blood cells and vasoconstriction/vascular dysfunction results in impaired cerebral blood flow, ischaemia, hypoxia, acidosis and death. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction in CM and the roles of low nitric oxide bioavailability, high levels of endothelin-1 and dysfunction of the angiopoietin-Tie2 axis. We also discuss the usefulness and relevance of the murine experimental model of CM by Plasmodium berghei ANKA to identify mechanisms of disease and to screen potential therapeutic interventions.

Natureza e gravidade das lesões em vítimas de acidente de trânsito de veículo a motor

Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo que teve por objetivo caracterizar a natureza e gravidade da lesão de pacientes hospitalizados, vítimas de acidente de trânsito de veículo a motor através da Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS). Foram analisadas 220 vítimas internadas em uma Instituição referência para trauma em São Paulo, Brasil. Do total de pacientes, 111 eram pedestres, 83 ocupantes de auto e 26 ocupantes de moto. As lesões mais frequentes localizaram se em membros/cintura pélvica e cabeça/pescoço para toda população do estudo com gravidade de lesão AIS £ 3. Faleceram 45 vítimas, sendo dois terços de pedestres.

Disfunções orgânicas de pacientes internados em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva segundo o Logistic Organ Dysfunction System

Foi objetivo do estudo verificar as associações entre a probabilidade de morte, número e tipo de insuficiências orgânicas na admissão de pacientes na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI), segundo o Logistic Organ Dysfunction System (LODS), e as seguintes variáveis: tempo de internação, condição de saída e readmissão na unidade. Estudo prospectivo longitudinal de 600 pacientes adultos internados em UTI gerais de quatro hospitais do Município de São Paulo. Como resultados, a probabilidade de morte apresentou associação com as condições de saída da UTI (p<0,001). Também houve associação do número de insuficiências orgânicas com as condição de saída (p<0,001) e tempo de internação na UTI (p<0,001). Quanto ao tipo de insuficiências e tempo de internação na Unidade houve diferença apenas entre os pacientes com insuficiência neurológica (p<0,001), pulmonar (p<0,001) e renal (p=0,020). A readmissão dos pacientes na UTI não teve associação com nenhuma das variáveis estudadas.

Desempenho motor de idosos do Nordeste brasileiro: diferenças entre idade e sexo

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar o desempenho motor, de acordo com o sexo e o grupo etário, em idosos residentes em comunidade do Nordeste brasileiro. Trata-se de estudo transversal que analisou dados de 316 idosos de uma pesquisa epidemiológica de base domiciliar e populacional realizada em janeiro de 2011. Participaram do estudo 173 mulheres (54,7%) e 143 homens com idade média de 74,2 (± 9,8 anos). As mulheres apresentaram maior declínio funcional com o avanço da idade e mais limitação funcional em testes de força/resistência de membros inferiores e locomoção. Em ambos os sexos, a prevalência de limitação funcional foi mais elevada nos grupos etários de 70-79 anos e > 80 anos, com as mulheres apresentando mais limitação a partir dos 70 anos e os homens, a partir dos 80 anos. Os dados desta pesquisa podem subsidiar o planejamento de medidas para prevenção, manutenção ou melhora da limitação funcional em idosos, proporcionando maiores cuidados integrados.

Intraclass reliability of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale in the Brazilian version

This study had as its objective to analyze the intraclass reliability of the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), in the Brazilian version, in preterm and term infants. It was a methodological study, conducted from November 2009 to April 2010, with 50 children receiving care in two public institutions in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil. Children were grouped according to gestational age as preterm and term, and evaluated by three evaluators in the communication laboratory of a public institution or at home. The intraclass correlation indices for the categories prone, supine, sitting and standing ranged from 0.553 to 0.952; most remained above 0.800, except for the standing category of the third evaluator, in which the index was 0.553. As for the total score and percentile, rates ranged from 0.843 to 0.954. The scale proved to be a reliable instrument for assessing gross motor performance of Brazilian children, particularly in Ceará, regardless of gestational age at birth.

Terms of international classification for Nursing Practice in motor and physical rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE To validate terms of nursing language especially for physical-motor rehabilitation and map them to the terms of ICNP® 2.0. METHOD A methodology research based on document analysis, with collection and analysis of terms from 1,425 records. RESULTS 825 terms were obtained after the methodological procedure, of which 226 had still not been included in the ICNP® 2.0. These terms were distributed as follows: 47 on the Focus axis; 15 on the Judgment axis; 31 on the Action axis; 25 on the Location axis; 102 on the Means axis; three on the Time axis; and three on the Client axis. All non-constant terms in ICNP® have been validated by experts, having reached an agreement index ≥0.80. CONCLUSION The ICNP® is applicable and used in nursing care for physical-motor rehabilitation.

Conocimiento, aprendizaje y capital social como motor de desarrollo

Este paper analiza la aparición de la Sociedad del Conocimiento como una consecuencia del doble impacto del gran avanzo científico que caracteriza esta virada de siglo, el reciente surgimiento de tecnologías de información y comunicación, y el proceso de globalización que está transformando los mercados de producción y finanzas, y causando profundos cambios en los ambientes institucionales de la generación del concocimiento y su utilización. Se analiza también la importancia de redes y procesos de aprendizaje; la sinergia y tensiones que son simultáneamente generadas por la dinámica interacción que está ocurriendo entre la "apropiación social y privada del conocimiento"; y los retos en la formación de nueva estructura normativa para la generación y utilización del conocimiento en la solución de cuestiones de política de derechos de propiedad intelectual. Se hace referencia también a casos innovadores de promoción de redes de aprendizaje y desarrollo de diálogo entre depositarios. Se relatan también experiencias en foros sobre cuestiones estratégicas y otros mecanismos relacionados a la apropiación social del conocimiento, así como el surgimiento del Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), como una nueva expresión de globalización de la ciencia.