Disfunção miocárdica e alterações no trânsito de cálcio intracelular em ratos obesos

Abstract Background: Several mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to cardiac dysfunction in obesity models, such as alterations in calcium (Ca2+) handling proteins and β-adrenergic receptors. Nevertheless, the role of these factors in the development of myocardial dysfunction induced by obesity is still not clear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether obesity induced by hypercaloric diets results in cardiac dysfunction. Furthermore, it was evaluated whether this functional abnormality in obese rats is related to abnormal Ca2+ handling and the β-adrenoceptor system. Methods: Male 30-day-old Wistar rats were fed with standard food (C) and a cycle of five hypercaloric diets (Ob) for 15 weeks. Obesity was defined as increases in body fat percentage in rats. Cardiac function was evaluated by isolated analysis of the left ventricle papillary muscle under basal conditions and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers. Results: Compared with the control group, the obese rats had increased body fat and glucose intolerance. The muscles of obese rats developed similar baseline data, but the myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular Ca2+ were compromised. There were no changes in cardiac function between groups after β-adrenergic stimulation. Conclusion: Obesity promotes cardiac dysfunction related to changes in intracellular Ca2+ handling. This functional damage is probably caused by reduced cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA2) activation via Ca2+ calmodulin kinase. (Arq Bras Cardiol 2011; 97(3) : 232-240).

Gravidez na adolescência: determinante para prematuridade e baixo peso

Prematurity and low birth weight are public health problems. This paper aims to relate the occurrence of premature labors and low birth weight with adolescent pregnancy. We performed a literature review about the socioeconomic and cultural conditions of adolescent pregnancy and perinatal results. Through bibliographical data, we identified observational and systematic review articles that deal with the subject. The literature analysis permits us to conclude that adolescent pregnancies as well as the socioeconomic and cultural environment in which the young mother is inserted are associated with the increased frequency of prematures and low birth weight babies. The development and the implementation of effective public policies directed to that population are necessary to a better approach of the problem.

Detecção molecular do rearranjo Line-1 /c-Myc em tumores venéreos transmissíveis caninos espôntaneos

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a neoplasia that develops naturally in dogs. It can be easily transplanted, which demonstrates its ability to spread from animal to animal. Since the Linr-1/c-MYC rearrangement in TVT cells had not been studied at the Veterinary Hospital of the Veterinary School, Unesp in Botucatu, SP, this study aimed to detect this genetic alteration specific to this kind of tumor by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Twenty dogs with cytological diagnosis of TVT were used. Samples of neoplastic cells were collected to determine the presence of the Line-1/c-MYC marker. The rearrangement characterized by 340bp amplicons did not vary, in agreement with previous studies using the same methodology. This contributed to a more precise identification of persistent tumor cells in cases in which gross or microscopical detection was not possible.

Neural differentiation from equine inner cell mass cells in vitro

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

Antiulcerogenic activity of the aqueous fraction of Anacardium humile St. Hil (Anacardiaceae)

Anacardium humile St. Hil. is being used in traditional medicine to treat ulcer. The present work evaluated the mechanisms of action involved in the anti-ulcer properties of the aqueous fraction from leaves of A. humile (AHQ). Gastroprotection of A. humile was evaluated in ethanol and piroxicam models. Mechanisms of action such as mucus production, nitric oxide (NO), sulfhydryl compounds (SH) and the anti-secretory action were evaluated. The acetic acid-induced gastric ulcer model was used to evaluate the A. humile healing properties. Results obtained in the ethanol model showed that AHQ provided significant gastroprotection at all the tested doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg). Thereby, the following protocols were performed using the dose capable of producing the most effective gastroprotection, which was the AHQ 200 mg/kg (P < 0.001). Moreover, AHQ (200 mg/kg) protected the mucosa from piroxicam-induced damage. Mucus, NO, and SH did not participate on this gastroprotection. AHQ interfere in H+ secretion in gastric mucosa, thus exerting an anti-secretory activity. Our results suggest that the gastroprotection and cicatrisation process executed by AHQ occurred due to its anti-secretory activity. This study reinforces its traditional medicinal use. Considering that the current therapies are based on the use of anti-secretory agents, the A. humile arises as a promising alternative antiulcer therapy.

Detecção imunoistoquímica de receptores de estrógeno e progesterona no endométrio de vacas Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) durante o anestro pós-parto

Twenty-four postpartum anestrous Nelore purebred cows were used in the study. Anestrous was determined based on the reproductive history which was confirmed in each cow based on plasma progesterone concentration and by transrectal ultrasonography. Endometrial biopsies were collected. The animals were separated into two groups according to maximum follicular diameter- Group 1: follicles <6mm (n=12) and Group 2: follicles >-6mm follicles (n=12). The immunohistochemistry technique was employed to evaluate the presence of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the uterine glandular epithelium and stroma. High counts of positive nuclei and high intensity of immunostain for estrogen and progesterone receptors in the glandular epithelium and stroma were observed in the two groups. However, the immunostain intensity of progesterone receptors in the glandular epithelium was higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1. When glandular epithelium and stroma were compared within each group, the relative number of estrogen receptors in the Group 1 was higher in the glandular epithelium compared to stroma and the immunostain intensity for the progesterone receptor in Group 2 was higher in the glandular epithelium compared to stroma. The results suggest that the mechanisms that control the expression of endomerial receptors in the anestrus are similar to the ones observed during the estrus cycle.

Avaliação das alterações cardiopulmonares precoces e tardias resultantes da secção da cadeia simpática realizada por videotoracoscopia em pacientes com hiperidrose

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Expressão gênica de Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri colonizando laranja doce ‘pêra rio’ (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) e lima ácida ‘galego’ (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Lima Barreto: O Brasil sob a ótica do Dr. Bogóloff

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Ilhas de facilitação no Parque Estadual de Porto Ferreira, SP

Novas pesquisas apontam que as interações positivas e o processo de facilitação sobre a comunidade tem fornecido importantes conhecimentos sobre a ecologia de diversas espécies no mundo. Existe uma carência de informações sobre quais as espécies interferem nos mecanismos facilitadores que conduzem a regeneração natural da vegetação e a atual necessidade de identificar estratégias de conservação, manejo sustentável e recuperação ambiental em ambientes tropicais. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar quais são as espécies arbóreas que facilitam o aumento da riqueza e abundância de outras espécies arbóreas/arbustivas regenerantes sob suas copas numa antiga área de pastagem no Parque Estadual de Porto Ferreira - SP. Foram selecionadas 42 árvores isoladas que foram chamadas de matrizes. Destas matrizes foram feitas 42 parcelas cirulares na qual cada matriz teve duas subparcelas: a Área da Influência (Ai) e a Área do Entorno (Ae), totalizando 84 unidades amostrais. Para cada matriz, nestas unidades amostrais foram incluídos todos os indivíduos arbustivos e arbóreos com altura superior a 1,3 metros de altura. Foram analisadas a florística, fitossociologia e distribuição da abundância das espécies regenerantes. Já para as espécies das matrizes foram analisadas seis diferentes atributos, divididos em dendrométicos e funcionais para entender como elas influênciam a riqueza e abundância das espécies regenerantes. Em Ai e Ae foram indentificados 883 indivíduos distríbuidos em 28 famílias, 49 gêneros, totalizando 64 espécies em uma área total de 3.028 m³. Em Ai foram intentificados 775 inividuos em uma área total de 1.346 m³, com a mesma composição florística citada acima. As espécies Dimorphandra mollis, Qualea grandiflora, Byrsonima intermedia e Aegiphila lhotzkiana são indicadas aqui neste trabalho como as melhores facilitadoras, por serem decíduas e, por possuírem copas amplas...

Ilhas de facilitação no Parque Estadual de Porto Ferreira, SP

Novas pesquisas apontam que as interações positivas e o processo de facilitação sobre a comunidade tem fornecido importantes conhecimentos sobre a ecologia de diversas espécies no mundo. Existe uma carência de informações sobre quais as espécies interferem nos mecanismos facilitadores que conduzem a regeneração natural da vegetação e a atual necessidade de identificar estratégias de conservação, manejo sustentável e recuperação ambiental em ambientes tropicais. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de avaliar quais são as espécies arbóreas que facilitam o aumento da riqueza e abundância de outras espécies arbóreas/arbustivas regenerantes sob suas copas numa antiga área de pastagem no Parque Estadual de Porto Ferreira - SP. Foram selecionadas 42 árvores isoladas que foram chamadas de matrizes. Destas matrizes foram feitas 42 parcelas cirulares na qual cada matriz teve duas subparcelas: a Área da Influência (Ai) e a Área do Entorno (Ae), totalizando 84 unidades amostrais. Para cada matriz, nestas unidades amostrais foram incluídos todos os indivíduos arbustivos e arbóreos com altura superior a 1,3 metros de altura. Foram analisadas a florística, fitossociologia e distribuição da abundância das espécies regenerantes. Já para as espécies das matrizes foram analisadas seis diferentes atributos, divididos em dendrométicos e funcionais para entender como elas influênciam a riqueza e abundância das espécies regenerantes. Em Ai e Ae foram indentificados 883 indivíduos distríbuidos em 28 famílias, 49 gêneros, totalizando 64 espécies em uma área total de 3.028 m³. Em Ai foram intentificados 775 inividuos em uma área total de 1.346 m³, com a mesma composição florística citada acima. As espécies Dimorphandra mollis, Qualea grandiflora, Byrsonima intermedia e Aegiphila lhotzkiana são indicadas aqui neste trabalho como as melhores facilitadoras, por serem decíduas e, por possuírem copas amplas...

Acetylcysteine for Prevention of Renal Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Coronary and Peripheral Vascular Angiography Main Results From the Randomized Acetylcysteine for Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Trial (ACT)

Background-It remains uncertain whether acetylcysteine prevents contrast-induced acute kidney injury. Methods and Results-We randomly assigned 2308 patients undergoing an intravascular angiographic procedure with at least 1 risk factor for contrast-induced acute kidney injury (age >70 years, renal failure, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, or hypotension) to acetylcysteine 1200 mg or placebo. The study drugs were administered orally twice daily for 2 doses before and 2 doses after the procedure. The allocation was concealed (central Web-based randomization). All analysis followed the intention-to-treat principle. The incidence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (primary end point) was 12.7% in the acetylcysteine group and 12.7% in the control group (relative risk, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 1.25; P = 0.97). A combined end point of mortality or need for dialysis at 30 days was also similar in both groups (2.2% and 2.3%, respectively; hazard ratio, 0.97; 95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 1.69; P = 0.92). Consistent effects were observed in all subgroups analyzed, including those with renal impairment. Conclusions-In this large randomized trial, we found that acetylcysteine does not reduce the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury or other clinically relevant outcomes in at-risk patients undergoing coronary and peripheral vascular angiography.

CRITICAL APPLICATIONS OF SW 846 US EPA METHODS TO EVALUATION OF MARINE SAMPLES QUALITY

Technical evaluation of analytical data is of extreme relevance considering it can be used for comparisons with environmental quality standards and decision-making as related to the management of disposal of dredged sediments and the evaluation of salt and brackish water quality in accordance with CONAMA 357/05 Resolution. It is, therefore, essential that the project manager discusses the environmental agency`s technical requirements with the laboratory contracted for the follow-up of the analysis underway and even with a view to possible re-analysis when anomalous data are identified. The main technical requirements are: (1) method quantitation limits (QLs) should fall below environmental standards; (2) analyses should be carried out in laboratories whose analytical scope is accredited by the National Institute of Metrology (INMETRO) or qualified or accepted by a licensing agency; (3) chain of custody should be provided in order to ensure sample traceability; (4) control charts should be provided to prove method performance; (5) certified reference material analysis or, if that is not available, matrix spike analysis, should be undertaken and (6) chromatograms should be included in the analytical report. Within this context and with a view to helping environmental managers in analytical report evaluation, this work has as objectives the discussion of the limitations of the application of SW 846 US EPA methods to marine samples, the consequences of having data based on method detection limits (MDL) and not sample quantitation limits (SQL), and present possible modifications of the principal method applied by laboratories in order to comply with environmental quality standards.

Podochela meloi Sankarankutty, Ferreira & Cunha, 2001, a junior synonym of the spider crab Inachoides forceps A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Inachoididae)

Podochela meloi Sankarankutty, Ferreira & Cunha, 2001, originally described in the Inachidae MacLeay, 1838, was recently transferred to the Inachoididae genus Inachoides H. Milne Edwards & Lucas, 1842, based upon overall similarities. Placement of P. meloi in both Inachoididae and Inachoides is found to be supported by a number of synapomorphies as shown herein. Podochela meloi is shown to be a junior synonym of Inachoides forceps A. Milne-Edwards, 1879.

Color tunability of intense upconversion emission from Er3+-Yb3+ co-doped SiO2-Ta2O5 glass ceramic planar waveguides

This work reports on the infrared-to-visible CW frequency upconversion from planar waveguides based on Er3+-Yb3+-doped 100-xSiO(2)-xTa(2)O(5) obtained by a sol-gel process and deposited onto a SiO2-Si substrate by dip-coating. Surface morphology and optical parameters of the planar waveguides were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and the m-line technique. The influence of the composition on the electronic properties of the glass-ceramic films was followed by the band gap ranging from 4.35 to 4.51 eV upon modification of the Ta2O5 content. Intense green and red emissions were detected from the upconversion process for all the samples after excitation at 980 nm. The relative intensities of the emission bands around 550 nm and 665 nm, assigned to the H-2(11/2) -> I-4(15/2), S-4(3/2) -> I-4(15/2), and F-4(9/2) -> I-4(15/2) transitions, depended on the tantalum oxide content and the power of the laser source at 980 nm. The upconversion dynamics were investigated as a function of the Ta2O5 content and the number of photons involved in each emission process. Based on the upconversion emission spectra and 1931CIE chromaticity diagram, it is shown that color can be tailored by composition and pump power. The glass ceramic films are attractive materials for application in upconversion lasers and near infrared-to-visible upconverters in solar cells.