Hormônio do crescimento e exercício físico: considerações atuais

Embora o hormônio do crescimento (GH) seja um dos hormônios mais estudados, vários de seus aspectos fisiológicos ainda não estão integralmente esclarecidos, incluindo sua relação com o exercício físico. Estudos mais recentes têm aumentado o conhecimento a respeito dos mecanismos de ação do GH, podendo ser divididos em: 1) ações diretas, mediadas pela rede de sinalizações intracelulares, desencadeadas pela ligação do GH ao seu receptor na membrana plasmática; e 2) ações indiretas, mediadas principalmente pela regulação da síntese dos fatores de crescimento semelhantes à insulina (IGF). Tem sido demonstrado que o exercício físico é um potente estimulador da liberação do GH. A magnitude deste aumento sofre influência de diversos fatores, em especial, da intensidade e do volume do exercício, além do estado de treinamento. Atletas, normalmente, apresentam menor liberação de GH induzida pelo exercício que indivíduos sedentários ou pouco treinados. Evidências experimentais demonstram que o GH: 1) favorece a mobilização de ácidos graxos livres do tecido adiposo para geração de energia; 2) aumenta a capacidade de oxidação de gordura e 3) aumenta o gasto energético.

Lei n.º 11.889/2008: avanço ou retrocesso nas competências do técnico em saúde bucal?

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as competências que, desde a aprovação da lei n.º 11.889/08, incumbem ao técnico em saúde bucal (TSB) no Brasil, incluindo os termos definidos para sua supervisão. Foi realizada análise documental, comparando-se as competências definidas no referido instrumento legal com as previstas no parecer n.º 460/75 do Conselho Federal de Educação e na resolução n.º 63/2005 do Conselho Federal de Odontologia. Foram empregadas técnicas de análise temática considerando-se as habilidades em termos de ações diretas e indiretas distribuídas em quatro áreas de competência: planejamento e administração em saúde, promoção da saúde, prevenção de doenças e de assistência individual. Embora as competências aprovadas na lei tenham sido distribuídas em um número menor de itens, comparado aos dois outros documentos, do ponto de vista qualitativo, os resultados da análise permitiram concluir que vários avanços foram obtidos com a regulamentação da profissão, nos termos aprovados, em todas as áreas de competência. Houve impacto positivo para o processo de trabalho em saúde, tanto com relação à cooperação interprofissional quanto à supervisão técnica das atividades, representando uma conquista relevante dos trabalhadores da área e também uma contribuição significativa para avançar na ampliação do acesso aos serviços odontológicos

Melatonin reduces LH, 17 beta-estradiol and induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in reproductive tissues during rat ovulation

Background: Melatonin is associated with direct or indirect actions upon female reproductive function. However, its effects on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovulation are not clearly defined. This study aimed to verify whether exposure to long-term melatonin is able to cause reproductive hormonal disturbances as well as their role on sex steroid receptors in the rat ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation. Methods: Twenty-four adult Wistar rats, 60 days old (+/-250 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Control group (Co): received 0.9% NaCl 0.3 mL + 95% ethanol 0.04 mL as vehicle; Melatonin-treated group (MEL): received vehicle + melatonin [ 100 mu g/100 g BW/day] both intraperitoneally during 60 days. All animals were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus at 4 a. m. Results: Melatonin significantly reduced the plasma levels of LH and 17 beta-estradiol, while urinary 6-sulfatoximelatonin (STM) was increased at the morning estrus. In addition, melatonin promoted differential regulation of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and melatonin receptor (MTR) along the reproductive tissues. In ovary, melatonin induced a down-regulation of ER-alpha and PRB levels. Conversely, it was observed that PRA and MT1R were up-regulated. In oviduct, AR and ER-alpha levels were down-regulated, in contrast to high expression of both PRA and PRB. Finally, the ER-beta and PRB levels were down-regulated in uterus tissue and only MT1R was up-regulated. Conclusions: We suggest that melatonin partially suppress the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, in addition, it induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in the ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation.

Ensaio para a implementação de procedimentos de um plano de manutenção das juntas de dilatação do estádio do Dragão

No Estádio do Dragão existem doze juntas de dilatação localizadas simetricamente, que separam o estádio em doze corpos independentes, com o objetivo de minimizar a fendilhação provocada pelas movimentações da estrutura resultantes da solicitação de ações diretas e, principalmente, indiretas nessa mesma estrutura. Neste relatório explicar-se-á a importância, causas e objetivos que levam à necessidade de utilização destas juntas de dilatação em geral nas edificações, e no caso particular do estádio referido. Este elemento estrutural é considerado pela empresa responsável pela manutenção do Estádio do Dragão como a causa de um dos principais problemas recorrentes no estádio que necessitam de uma exigente atenção. Esta consideração deve-se ao fato das intervenções nas juntas de dilatação terem um custo de manutenção bastante oneroso e também pelo frequente aparecimento de novas patologias associadas a este elemento, tais como infiltrações de água, que necessitam de uma reparação urgente. Portanto, no sentido de resolver estas patologias decorrentes do mau funcionamento dos sistemas de juntas existentes no Estádio do Dragão, foi proposto pela PortoEstádio a elaboração de procedimentos de um plano de manutenção das juntas de dilatação que permitisse planear as intervenções e mitigar o aparecimento dessas patologias, com o objetivo principal de minimizar os custos inerentes à manutenção das juntas de dilatação. Estes procedimentos solicitados e demais elementos complementares são apresentados no presente trabalho, com a classificação dos sistemas de juntas do Estádio do Dragão, identificação das principais patologias nos diversos sistemas de juntas, escolha de novos sistemas para substituição dos existentes no estádio e finalmente, a criação de uma calendarização de intervenções nas juntas para a implementação de um plano de manutenção preventiva neste elemento de grande importância estrutural.

Terapia da fala no Serviço Nacional de Saúde : avaliação das necessidades de recursos humanos

RESUMO - O planeamento dos recursos humanos em saúde é um assunto relevante na formulação de políticas, face às importantes alterações nos cuidados e necessidades, características demográficas e socioeconómicas. Este planeamento consiste na estimativa do número de profissionais necessários para se atingir determinados objetivos, existindo diferentes métodos para a sua realização. Segundo a Direção Geral de Saúde considera-se adequado um Terapeuta da Fala para 60.000 habitantes – valores calculados através de estudos de prevalência de doença. Porém, o número de recursos humanos encontra-se intimamente ligado à produtividade, determinada através de unidades de medida como os procedimentos. Nesta área, fatores como a complexidade dos doentes e trabalho indireto, podem influenciar o produto final. Neste estudo pretende-se averiguar a necessidade de recursos humanos em Terapia da Fala, analisando a atividade destes serviços nos hospitais da região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo e aplicando a fórmula de preconização proposta pelo Ministério da Saúde, baseada num modelo de oferta. Participaram no estudo 23 Terapeutas da Fala de 9 instituições hospitalares. Foi construída uma folha de registo do trabalho diário, preenchida durante cinco dias não consecutivos, averiguando-se assim o tempo gasto nas diferentes atividades. Verificou-se que 63,21% do horário laboral é utilizado na concretização de atos diretos e 36,76% gasto em atos indiretos, relacionados com os utentes, não contabilizados na fórmula proposta. Incluindo as diferentes componentes (atos diretos e indiretos), constata-se que o número de profissionais existentes na região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo é adequado, embora numa análise por instituição o resultado seja contraditório.

TRP channels, omega-3 fatty acids, and oxidative stress in neurodegeneration: from the cell membrane to intracellular cross-links

The transient receptor potential channels family (TRP channels) is a relatively new group of cation channels that modulate a large range of physiological mechanisms. In the nervous system, the functions of TRP channels have been associated with thermosensation, pain transduction, neurotransmitter release, and redox signaling, among others. However, they have also been extensively correlated with the pathogenesis of several innate and acquired diseases. On the other hand, the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 fatty acids) have also been associated with several processes that seem to counterbalance or to contribute to the function of several TRPs. In this short review, we discuss some of the remarkable new findings in this field. We also review the possible roles played by n-3 fatty acids in cell signaling that can both control or be controlled by TRP channels in neurodegenerative processes, as well as both the direct and indirect actions of n-3 fatty acids on TRP channels.

Melatonin reduces LH, 17 beta-estradiol and induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in reproductive tissues during rat ovulation

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

Caracterização estrutural do fator de crescimento de fibroblasto-10 (FGF-10) e seu papel na fisiologia folicular ovariana

Background: Interest in folliculogenesis has grown extensively in recent years. Nevertheless, several aspects of follicular activity are still poorly understood. Thus, in vitro culture of ovarian follicles using new substances has been established as a very viable model, enhancing the prospects for a better understanding of follicular activity. Among the family members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGFs), FGF-10 has received recent attention for its ability to regulate the development of ovarian follicles and oocyte maturation. Given the relevance of FGF-10 in the folliculogenesis process, this review aimed to describe the structural features, expression and the main biological effects of FGF-10 on the development of ovarian follicles in mammals.Review: Along this work, it was shown aspects related to structural characterization of FGF-10 and its receptors, as well as FGF-10 expression in different cell types, emphasizing its importance to follicular development. FGF-10 is a paracrine member of the family of FGFs, and is characterized by promoting biological responses via cell surface receptors (FGFRs) of tyrosine kinase-type. of these receptors, FGFR-1, FGFR-2 and FGFR-3 may undergo alternative transcriptional arrangements, enabling the formation of two isoforms (b and c) that have varying degrees of affinity for the various FGFs. Thus, seven FGFR proteins (FGFRs 1b, 1c, 2b, 2c, 3b, 3c and 4) with different binding specificities are generated from the four FGFR genes. The FGFRs transmit intracellular signals after binding with the ligand through the phosphorylation of tyrosine, which activates various transduction patterns in the cytoplasm. The signal transduction of FGF-10 may occur through three main pathways: protein of rat sarcoma (Ras)/MAPK, PLC gamma/Ca(2+) and phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), which are involved in the transmission of biological signals, leading to cellular proliferation and differentiation. FGF-10 mRNA expression was detected in the ovarian stroma, oocyte and theca cells of preantral and antral follicles. on the other hand, the expression of mRNA for FGF-10 receptors was found in, granulosa cells, theca cells, cumulus cells and oocytes. Although FGFs are widely distributed in different tissues and cell types, the importance and function of FGFs in the ovary are still poorly documented. FGF-10 has been shown to be an important mediator of mesenchymal and epithelial cell interactions during follicle development, promoting follicular survival, activation and growth. Besides the action on folliculogenesis, FGF-10 was recently identified as a growth factor able to improve oocyte competence. However, in antral follicles, the presence of FGF-10 is associated with increased follicular atresia, which matches its anti-estrogenic action.Discussion: From this review, we can conclude that FGF-10 is an important regulator of female reproduction. This growth factor acts in follicle survival, oocyte maturation, expansion of cumulus cells and proliferation of granulosa/theca cellsthrough direct and/or indirect actions in the control of folliculogenesis. Furthermore, FGF-10 seemed to have different effects throughout the follicular development. However, it is necessary to perform additional studies that may provide a better understanding about the importance of FGF-10 during folicullogenesis.

Uma investigação sobre o papel do interlocutor de libras como mediador em aulas de física para alunos com deficiência auditiva

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Síndromes paraneoplásicas hematológicas em cães

Tumoral masses can cause several direct problems in the organism, such as invading organs and altering their functions, leading to other problems such as the Paraneoplastic syndrome. The paraneoplastic syndrome is an alteration in the structure and function of the body due to the non-invasive actions of the tumor, for example, liberating hormones, peptides, cytokines and leading to cross reactions between normal tissues. The syndrome can affect different locations in the body, being that some are indicative of specific tumors, however the interpretation of the clinical and pathological findings referring to this syndrome should be utilized in the diagnostic and treatment. In the hematological paraneoplastic syndrome, there are alterations that occur due to indirect actions of the tumor on the blood cellular elements and the coagulation system, and that are generally detected in routine clinical and laboratorial exams. This study objective is to aboard some hematological paraneoplastic syndromes in dogs such as: anemia, thrombocytopenia, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypergammaglobulinemia and erythrocytosis, emphasizing the different etiologies that may assist in differential diagnosis and the principal neoplasm related to this syndrome. Besides this, the early discovery and treatment of the paraneoplatic syndrome is important as the tumor itself, as it improves the prognostic and quality of life of the patient

Impacto de andrógenos na diferenciação e atividade de osteoclastos em cultura celular

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Impacto de andrógenos na diferenciação e atividade de osteoclastos em cultura celular

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Melatonin reduces LH, 17 beta-estradiol and induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in reproductive tissues during rat ovulation

Abstract Background Melatonin is associated with direct or indirect actions upon female reproductive function. However, its effects on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovulation are not clearly defined. This study aimed to verify whether exposure to long-term melatonin is able to cause reproductive hormonal disturbances as well as their role on sex steroid receptors in the rat ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation. Methods Twenty-four adult Wistar rats, 60 days old (+/- 250 g) were randomly divided into two groups. Control group (Co): received 0.9% NaCl 0.3 mL + 95% ethanol 0.04 mL as vehicle; Melatonin-treated group (MEL): received vehicle + melatonin [100 μg/100 g BW/day] both intraperitoneally during 60 days. All animals were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus at 4 a.m. Results Melatonin significantly reduced the plasma levels of LH and 17 beta-estradiol, while urinary 6-sulfatoximelatonin (STM) was increased at the morning estrus. In addition, melatonin promoted differential regulation of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), androgen receptor (AR) and melatonin receptor (MTR) along the reproductive tissues. In ovary, melatonin induced a down-regulation of ER-alpha and PRB levels. Conversely, it was observed that PRA and MT1R were up-regulated. In oviduct, AR and ER-alpha levels were down-regulated, in contrast to high expression of both PRA and PRB. Finally, the ER-beta and PRB levels were down-regulated in uterus tissue and only MT1R was up-regulated. Conclusions We suggest that melatonin partially suppress the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, in addition, it induces differential regulation of sex steroid receptors in the ovary, oviduct and uterus during ovulation.

Hormones, genes, and behavior

With assays of hormone-sensitive behaviors, it is possible to demonstrate both direct and indirect actions of genes on mammalian social behaviors. Direct effects of estrogen receptor gene expression and progesterone receptor gene expression figure prominently in well analyzed neuroendocrine mechanisms for sex behavior, operating through a neural circuit that has been delineated. Indirect effects, notably the consequences of sexual differentiation, display complex dependencies. In a human condition, Kallmann syndrome, the data show a clear, indirect genetic influence on an important human social behavior, in which damage at chromosome Xp-22.3 works through at least six discrete steps to affect libido. Altogether, simplistic extrapolations from lower animals, especially during brief summaries for nonscientists, do not appear justified as we discover and conceptualize genetic influences on mammalian brain and behavior.

The Legal Status and Influence of Decisions of International Organizations and other Bodies in the European Union. College of Europe Research Paper in Law 01/2014

Introduction. The European Union’s external action is not only defined by its influence on international developments, but also by its ability and the need to respond to those developments. While traditionally many have stressed the EU’s ‘autonomy’, over the years its ‘dependence’ on global developments has become more clear.2 International law has continued to play a key role in, not only in the EU’s external relations, but also in the Union’s own legal order.3 The purpose of this paper is not to assess the role or performance of the EU in international institutions.4 Rather it purports to reverse the picture and focus on a somewhat under-researched topic: the legal status of decisions of international organizations in the EU’s legal order.5 While parts of the status of these decisions relate to the status of international agreements and international customary law, it can be argued that decisions of international organizations and other international bodies form a distinct category. In fact, it has been observed that “this phenomenon has added a new layer of complexity to the already complex law of external relations of the European Union”.6 Emerging questions relate to the possible difference between decisions of international organizations of which the EU is a member (such as the FAO) and decisions of organizations where it is not (irrespective of existing competences in that area – such as in the ILO). Questions also relate to the hierarchical status of these decisions in the EU’s legal order and to the possibility of them being invoked in direct or indirect actions before the Court of Justice. This contribution takes a broad perspective on decisions of international organizations by including decisions taken in other international institutions which do not necessarily comply with the standard definition of international organizations,7 be it bodies set-up by multilateral conventions or informal (transnational / regulatory) bodies. Some of these bodies are relatively close to the EU (such as the Councils established by Association Agreements – see further Section 5 below); others operate at a certain distance. Limiting the analysis to formal international organizations will not do justice to the manifold relationships between the European Union and various international bodies and to the effects of the norms produced by these bodies. The term ‘international decisions’ is therefore used to refer to any normative output of international institutional arrangements.