Potencial evocado auditivo de média latência em crianças com dificuldades de aprendizagem

INTRODUÇÃO: Trata-se de uma semiologia laboratorial objetiva para avaliação do sistema auditivo de crianças com distúrbio de aprendizagem. OBJETIVO: Examinar os componentes do potencial evocado auditivo de média latência em uma amostra de crianças com distúrbio de aprendizagem e determinar suas propriedades. MÉTODO: O estudo realizado é do tipo prospectivo contemporâneo de corte transversal, quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório. 50 crianças de ambos os sexos com 8 a 14 anos de idade dividido em dois grupos iguais, com e sem distúrbio de aprendizagem. Causas orgânicas, ambientais ou genéticas foram excluídas do estudo. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÃO: As ondas Na, Pa, Nb foram identificadas em todos os integrantes do estudo. Os valores de latência dos componentes foram Na= 19,2 ms, Pa= 32,5 ms, Nb= 46,4 ms (grupo controle) e Na= 19,7 ms, Pa= 35,1 ms, Nb= 49,6 ms (grupo pesquisa). O valor médio de amplitude Na-Pa foi 1,4 mV para ambos os grupos. As análises mostraram diferenças funcionais entre os grupos, foi observado o hemisfério esquerdo Nb latência mais longa de Nb no hemisfério esquerdo do grupo de estudo em relação ao controle. Tal estudo promoveu informações adicionais sobre PEAML e pode ser referência para outros estudos clínicos e experimentais nesta população.

FTY720 in combination with cyclosporine - an analysis of skin allograft survival and renal function

Acute and chronic nephrotoxicity caused by CsA Continuous administration impair kidney allograft survival. Several clinical and experimental protocols have shown benefits to the kidney after decreasing CsA dose, withdrawing the drug or delaying its introduction after transplantation.FTY720 is a new Compound that has immunosuppressive characteristics and increase allograft survival in animal models without causing the side effects of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs). FTY720 described mechanism of action that consists to alter the lymphocyte migration pattern without impairment of the immune system response against pathogens.In our mice model, FTY720 administered alone or in combination with CsA during 21 days increased skin allograft survival in a fully mismatched strain combination and did not cause significant changes in renal function. Moreover, renal structure was normal in all groups suggesting that at low doses (10 mg/kg/day) CsA can be associated during short-term period to other immunosuppressive drugs, i.e. FTY720 without affecting the kidney.Combination of immunosuppressive compounds with FTY720 and/or delayed introduction of low cyclosporine dose Could prevent graft rejection and avoid nephrotoxicity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Maximal lactate steady state in running mice: Effect of exercise training

1. Maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) corresponds to the highest blood lactate concentration (MLSSc) and workload (MLSSw) that can be maintained over time without continual blood lactate accumulation and is considered an important marker of endurance exercise capacity. The present study was undertaken to determine MLSSw and MLSSc in running mice. In addition, we provide an exercise training protocol for mice based on MLSSw.2. Maximal lactate steady state was determined by blood sampling during multiple sessions of constant-load exercise varying from 9 to 21 m/min in adult male C57BL/6J mice. The constant-load test lasted at least 21 min. The blood lactate concentration was analysed at rest and then at 7 min intervals during exercise.3. The MLSSw was found to be 15.1 +/- 0.7 m/min and corresponded to 60 +/- 2% of maximal speed achieved during the incremental exercise testing. Intra- and interobserver variability of MLSSc showed reproducible findings. Exercise training was performed at MLSSw over a period of 8 weeks for 1 h/day and 5 days/week. Exercise training led to resting bradycardia (21%) and increased running performance (28%). of interest, the MLSSw of trained mice was significantly higher than that in sedentary littermates (19.0 +/- 0.5 vs 14.2 +/- 0.5 m/min; P = 0.05), whereas MLSSc remained unchanged (3.0 mmol/L).4. Altogether, we provide a valid and reliable protocol to improve endurance exercise capacity in mice performed at highest workload with predominant aerobic metabolism based on MLSS assessment.

Relative contributions of beta-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity to fasting and postglucose-load glycemia

We performed hyperglycemic clamps in 283 nondiabetic Caucasians and, with multiple linear regression, determined the contribution of beta-cell function and tissue insulin sensitivity to variations in glycemia and insulinemia during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects had reduced insulin sensitivity(P < .02) and beta-cell function (P < .0001). Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) subjects with first-degree type 2 diabetic relatives had reduced first and second phase insulin secretion (both, P < .05), but normal insulin sensitivity(P = .37). beta-Cell function and insulin sensitivity accounted for one fourth of the variability in glucose tolerance. Fasting plasma glucose in subjects with NGT (n = 185) was a function of both phases of insulin secretion and of insulin sensitivity tall, P < .05), whereas, in IGT subjects (n = 98), it was a function of first phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity(P < .01). Two-hour glycemia was a function of second phase secretion and insulin sensitivity (P < .01). Fasting and 2-hour plasma insulin levels were determined by insulin sensitivity land glycemia) in NGT subjects (P < .001), but by second phase secretion in IGT (P < .001). We conclude that beta-cell function is reduced in subjects with IGT; glycemia and insulinemia are not regulated by the same mechanisms in IGT and NGT; insulin sensitivity does not contribute to insulinemia in IGT; family history of diabetes influences beta-cell function, but not insulin sensitivity in Caucasians. Copyright (C) 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.

Immune modulation induced by tuberculosis DNA vaccine protects non-obese diabetic mice from diabetes progression

We have described previously the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of a DNA vaccine encoding the Mycobacterium leprae 65 kDa heat shock protein (DNA-HSP65) in experimental murine tuberculosis. However, the high homology of this protein to the corresponding mammalian 60 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp60), together with the CpG motifs in the plasmid vector, could trigger or exacerbate the development of autoimmune diseases. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse develops insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) spontaneously as a consequence of an autoimmune process that leads to destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. IDDM is characterized by increased T helper 1 (Th1) cell responses toward several autoantigens, including Hsp60, glutamic acid decarboxylase and insulin. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of DNA-HSP65 injection to modulate diabetes in NOD mice. Our results show that DNA-HSP65 or DNA empty vector had no diabetogenic effect and actually protected NOD mice against the development of severe diabetes. However, this effect was more pronounced in DNA-HSP65-injected mice. The protective effect of DNA-HSP65 injection was associated with a clear shift in the cellular infiltration pattern in the pancreas. This change included reduction of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells infiltration, appearance of CD25(+) cells influx and an increased staining for interleukin (IL)-10 in the islets. These results show that DNA-HSP65 can protect NOD mice against diabetes and can therefore be considered in the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies.

Brain versus peripheral angiotensin II receptors in hypovolaemia: Behavioural and cardiovascular implications

1. Angiotensin (Ang)II is involved in responses to hypovolaemia, such as sodium appetite and increase in blood pressure, Target areas subserving these responses for AngII include the cardiovascular system in the periphery and the circumventricular organs in the brain.2. Conflicting data have been reported for the role of systemic versus brain AngII in the mediation of sodium appetite.3. The role for systemic AngII and systemic AngII receptors in the control of blood pressure in hypovolaemia is well established. In contrast with systemic injections, i.c.v injections of AngII non-peptide AT(1) and AT(2) receptor antagonists, such as losartan and PD123319, do not reduce arterial pressure in sodium-depleted (furosemide injection plus removal of ambient sodium for 24 h) rats. Thus, brain AngII receptors are likely not important for cardiovascular responses to hypovolaemia induced by sodium depletion.4. Intracerebroventricular injections of losartan or PD 123319 increase arterial pressure when injected at relatively high doses. This hypertensive effect is unlikely to be an agonist effect on brain AngII receptors, Increases in arterial pressure produced by i.c.v, losartan are attenuated by lesions of the tissue surrounding the anterior third ventricle (AV3V). The hypertensive effect of i.c.v, AngII is abolished by lesions of the AV3V.5. Hypertension induced by AngII receptor antagonists is consistent with hypotension induced by AngII acting in the brain, However, the full physiological significance of this hypotensive effect mediated by brain AngII receptors remains to be determined.

Effects of prenatal exposure to deltamethrin on forced swimming behavior, motor activity, and striatal dopamine levels in male and female rats

The effects of prenatal exposure of rat pups to 0.08 mg/kg deltamethrin (DTM) on physical, reflex and behavioral developmental parameters, on forced swimming and open-field behaviors, and on striatal monoamine levels at 60 days of age were observed. Maternal and offspring body weight, physical and reflex development were unaffected by the exposure to the pesticide. At 21 days of age, open-field locomotion frequency and immobility duration of male and female offspring were not different between control and exposed animals. However, male rearing frequency was increased in experimental animals. A decreased immobility latency to float and in general activity after the swimming test in male offspring was observed at adult age; no interference was detected in the float duration during the swimming test. In addition, these animals presented higher striatal 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels without modification in dopamine (DA) levels and an increased DOPAC/DA ratio. These data indicate a higher activity of the dopaminergic system in these animals. Noradrenaline (NA) levels were increased, while MHPG levels were not detectable in the system studied. Serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels, as well as the homovanillic acid (HVA)/DA ratio, were not modified by the exposure to the pesticide. No changes were observed in swimming and open-field behaviors nor were there any changes in striatal monoamines or their metabolites in the female experimental group. In relation to the pesticide formula, the present data showing that prenatal exposure to DTM alters latency to float and the activity of striatal dopaminergic system might reflect a persistent effect of the pesticide on animal motor activity, mainly in males. on the other hand, the decrease in general activity observed in experimental male rats suggests higher levels of emotionality induced by previous exposure to the swimming behavior test in relation to control animals. Data gathered in the present study may be important for the assessment of the safety of pyrethroid insecticides. (C) 2001 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on suppression of otoacoustic emissions: lateral domain

A pon stimulation by contralateral, ipsilateral or bilateral noise, the medial olivocochlear efferent tract changes the amplitude of otoacoustic emissions relative to the tested ear, reducing or removing it; this resulted in a reduction/suppression effect of otoacoustic emissions. Differences in patterns of elimination/reduction of otoacoustic emissions between ears have been documented worldwide; there are, however, no Brazilian studies investigating the effect of lateral dominance.Aims: To compare the effect of the presence of deletion/reduction of otoacoustic emissions and their amplitude relative to lateral dominance in normal hearing adults.Methods: A clinical and experimental study. The sample comprised 75 individuals. The methodology was conventional - linear click intensity of 60 dB SPL; white noise was contralateral stimulation at 60 dB SPL.Description of results: There were no statistically significant differences between right and left ear results, in terms of asymmetry of the degree of otoacoustic emissions and the presence of suppression/reduction.Conclusion: There is no lateral dominance in the degree of otoacoustic emissions in the presence of suppression/reduction in the study population.

Serum titres of anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 and anti-IA-2 autoantibodies are associated with different immunoregulatory milieu in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients

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

Treatment of rat nephrotoxic nephritis. Use of 5-fluorouracil or methotrexate-5-fluorouracil association

To evaluate the effect of 5-fluorouracil (F) and methotrexate-5-fluorouracil association (MTX-F) on nephrotoxic nephritis, seven groups of 10 rats were inoculated with anti-rat glomerular basement membrane serum (AGBMS); five groups were treated with different doses of F, beginning on the 2nd or the 6th day, one group with MTX-F beginning on the 2nd day and one group (control) with distilled water. Twenty-four hour proteinuria was determined weekly until the 71st day. The kidneys were examined histologically and by immunofluorescence. The group treated with F (1.3 mg/100 g body weight) developed a severe glomerulonephritis similar to the control group; (b) the groups treated with F (2.0 mg/100 g body weight) or with MTX-F showed progressively lower proteinuria, less severe histological changes and less intense fluorescence due to autologous antibodies. The best results were observed in the MTX-F group and in the F group treated from the 6th day. These groups presented at the 71st day proteinuria of 84 and 91 mg as compared to 312 mg in the control group, and minimal histological lesions as compared to glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy in the control group. We concluded that either F or MTX-F produced significant improvement of nephrotoxic nephritis due to inhibition of autologous antibody production.

EFEITOS DO SULFATE DE MAGNESIO NA HEMODINAMICA E FUNCAO RENAL DE CAES ANESTESIADOS CORN PENTOBARBITAL SODICO

Background and objectives - The use of magnesium sulphate for the prevention of seizures in pre-eclampsia may induce hypermagnesemia. Clinical and experimental studies are not in agreement about the effects of magnesium on the renal hemodynamics and function. We therefore studied the effects of hypermagnesemia on the renal hemodynamics and function of dogs anesthetized with pentobarbitone. Methods - Sixteen mongrel dogs were anesthetized with pentobarbitone 30 mg.kg-1 and submitted to extracellular ) and mechanical ventilation with room air. The dogs were volume expansion with Ringer's solution (0.4 ml.kg.min allocated into two groups of 8 animals, for the study of renal hemodynamics and function following the administration of 5 mg.kg-1 of pentobarbitone (Group 1 - control or of pentobarbitone associated with magnesium sulphate in the dose (Group 2). The parameters studied were: PAH of 140 mg.kg, administered in 15 minutes, followed by 80 mg.kg-1.h-1 clearance, creatinine clearance, osmolar clearance, free water clearance, renal blood flow, renal vascular resistance, filtration fraction, urinary volume, plasmatic and urinary osmolarity, urinary and fractionary excretion of sodium and potassium, measured at five moments: 15 (M1), 30 (M2), 60 (M3) and 75 (M4) minutes after the first supplementary dose of pentobarbitone and 15 minutes (M5) after the second supplementary dose in Group 1. In Group 2, the moments M3, M4, M5 were 15, 30 and 60 minutes after the priming dose of magnesium sulphate and during the maintenance dose. Results - In Group I no significant changes were observed in renal hemodynamic parameters and creatinine clearance. The extracellular volume expansion increased urinary volume and decreased urinary osmolarity as a consequence of sodium, potassium and free water clearance. The fractionary excretion of sodium was maintained. The plasmatic osmolarity increased. In Group 2, renal hemodynamic parameters and creatinine clearance were also maintained. There was an increase in renal sodium clearance, as detected by the increase in the fractionary excretion of sodium. Conclusions - Magnesium sulphate did not produce significant changes in renal hemodynamics and facilitated the renal excretion of sodium in dogs anesthetized with pentobarbitone.

The Brazilian version of the Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ)

We report the cross-cultural adaptation and validation into Brazilian-Portuguese of the parent's version of two health related quality of life instruments. The Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) is a disease specific health instrument that measures functional ability in daily living activities in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ) is a generic health instrument designed to capture the physical and psychosocial well-being of children regardless the underlying disease. The Brazilian CHAQ was revalidated, while the CHQ has been derived from the Portuguese version. A total of 471 subjects were enrolled: 157 patients with JIA (27% systemic onset, 38% polyarticular onset, 9% extended oligoarticular subtype, and 26% persistent oligoarticular subtype) and 314 healthy children. The CHAQ discriminated clinically healthy subjects from JIA patients, with the systemic, polyarticular and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a higher degree of disability, pain, and lower overall well-being scores when compared to their healthy peers. Also the CHQ discriminated clinically healthy subjects from JIA patients, with the systemic onset, polyarticular onset and extended oligoarticular subtypes having a lower physical and psychosocial well-being score when compared to their healthy peers. In conclusion the Brazilian versions of the CHAQ-CHQ are reliable and valid tools for the combined physical and psychosocial assessment of children with JIA. © Copyright Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 2001.