O jogo como mediador na entrevista: um novo lugar no processo psicoterápico com adolescentes

It is a fact that between the child and the adult there is an adolescent being that experiments his experiences in a different way than those others. Therefore, in clinical care, the use of toys and play do not have the same value as for the children, and, on the other hand, the majority of adolescents are not ready, as the adult is, for the exclusive use of speech in the psychotherapy context. There is the need to introduce some specific strategy in order to give the adolescent conditions to express himself openly in the psychotherapy process. The mediator's resource introduces this variable to enable the expression of emotions for those who cannot find the available channels for that. This paper seeks to answer this question by presenting the Time Tunnel Game in the psychotherapy with young people, based, during several years, on its clinical use with patients during this period of their lives. Explaining, when it is a question of a demand for a game, that the youngster tries to respect the rules, therefore, expressing his experiences more at ease. By using the mentioned game, it is not the psychotherapist that questions or addresses the youngster, but it is through this playing that the questions arise, providing the youngster a facilitating context for his experiences, even for the more difficult ones. At the direct request of the psychotherapist, it is possible that the adolescent may have the imposing idea that he is being evaluated, which is inadequate when attending any youngster. It is understood that this facilitation also occurs because in a game the atmosphere of lucidity is less threatening to the patient to reveal himself as playing. It is the game that "interviews" and, therefore, the youngster has less to be afraid of when expressing his experiences.

Ceramide formation during heat shock: a potential mediator of alpha B-crystallin transcription.

Ceramide has been identified as a potential second messenger that may mediate cell differentiation and apoptosis after exposure to hormonal agonists such as 1 alpha, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, tumor necrosis factor alpha, or gamma-interferon. The secondary cellular events that follow ceramide generation remain undefined. We report that in NIH WT-3T3 cells, ceramide induces an enhancement of gene transcription of alpha B-crystallin, a small heat shock protein. The levels of alpha B-crystallin, as measured by Northern blot and immunoblot analyses, were increased by the addition of an exogenous short-chain ceramide, N-acetylsphingosine, or by increasing endogenous intracellular ceramide by inhibition of glucosylceramide synthase. Similar effects were not seen in the expression of the closely related gene, Hsp25. To ascertain whether ceramide-mediated gene transcription was a feature of the heat shock response, cell ceramide was measured in heat shocked cells and observed to be elevated 2-fold immediately upon the return of cells to 37 degrees C. Thus ceramide formed after heat shock treatment of 3T3 cells may mediate the transcription events associated with the cell stress response.

Effects of prone and supine position on oxygenation and inflammatory mediator in a hydrochloric acid-induced lung dysfunction in rats

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation of supine versus prone position in hydrochloric acid (HCl)-induced lung dysfunction. METHODS: Twenty, adult, male, Wistar-EPM-1 rats were anesthetized and randomly grouped (n=5 animals per group) as follows: CS-MV (mechanical ventilation in supine position); CP-MV (mechanical ventilation in prone position); bilateral instillation of HCl and mechanical ventilation in supine position (HCl+S); and bilateral instillation of HCl and mechanical ventilation in prone position (HCl+P). All groups were ventilated for 180 minutes. The blood partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide were measured in the time points 0 (zero; 10 minutes before lung injury for stabilization), and at the end of times acid injury, 60, 120 and 180 minutes of mechanical ventilation. At the end of experiment the animals were euthanized, and bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were taken to determine the contents of total proteins, inflammatory mediators, and lungs wet-to-dry ratios. RESULTS: In the HCl+P group the partial pressure of oxygen increased when compared with HCl+S (128.0±2.9 mmHg and 111.0±6.7 mmHg, respectively) within 60 minutes. TNF-α levels in BAL do not differ significantly in the HCl+P group (516.0±5.9 pg/mL), and the HCl+S (513.0±10.6 pg/mL). CONCLUSION: The use of prone position improved oxygenation, but did not reduce TNF-α in BAL upon lung dysfunction induced by HCl.

Feature selection environment for genomic applications

Background: Feature selection is a pattern recognition approach to choose important variables according to some criteria in order to distinguish or explain certain phenomena (i.e., for dimensionality reduction). There are many genomic and proteomic applications that rely on feature selection to answer questions such as selecting signature genes which are informative about some biological state, e. g., normal tissues and several types of cancer; or inferring a prediction network among elements such as genes, proteins and external stimuli. In these applications, a recurrent problem is the lack of samples to perform an adequate estimate of the joint probabilities between element states. A myriad of feature selection algorithms and criterion functions have been proposed, although it is difficult to point the best solution for each application. Results: The intent of this work is to provide an open-source multiplataform graphical environment for bioinformatics problems, which supports many feature selection algorithms, criterion functions and graphic visualization tools such as scatterplots, parallel coordinates and graphs. A feature selection approach for growing genetic networks from seed genes ( targets or predictors) is also implemented in the system. Conclusion: The proposed feature selection environment allows data analysis using several algorithms, criterion functions and graphic visualization tools. Our experiments have shown the software effectiveness in two distinct types of biological problems. Besides, the environment can be used in different pattern recognition applications, although the main concern regards bioinformatics tasks.

Is Nitric Oxide a Mediator of the Effects of Low-Intensity Electrical Stimulation on Bone in Ovariectomized Rats?

Low-intensity electrical stimulation (LIES) may counteract the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression, osteocyte viability, bone structure, and microarchitecture in rats (Lirani-Galvo et al., Calcif Tissue Int 84:502-509, 2009). The aim of the present study was to investigate if these effects of LIES could be mediated by NO. We analyzed the effects of NO blockage (by l-NAME) in the response to LIES on osteocyte viability, bone structure, and microarchitecture in OVX rats. Sixty rats (200-220 g) were divided into six groups: sham, sham-l-NAME (6 mg/kg/day), OVX, OVX-l-NAME, OVX-LIES, and OVX-LIES-l-NAME. After 12 weeks, rats were killed and tibiae collected for histomorphometric analysis and immunohistochemical detection of endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS), and osteocyte apoptosis (caspase-3 and TUNEL). In the presence of l-NAME, LIES did not counteract the OVX-induced effects on bone volume and trabecular number (as on OVX-LIES). l-NAME blocked the stimulatory effects of LIES on iNOS and eNOS expression of OVX rats. Both l-NAME and LIES decreased osteocyte apoptosis. Our results showed that in OVX rats l-NAME partially blocks the effects of LIES on bone structure, turnover, and expression of iNOS and eNOS, suggesting that NO may be a mediator of some positive effects of LIES on bone.

Prostacyclin, not only nitric oxide, is a mediator of the vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortas from rats submitted to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP)

Nitric oxide has been pointed out as the main agent involved in the vasodilatation, which is the major symptom of septic shock. However, there must be another mediator contributing to the circulatory failure observed in sepsis. This study aimed to investigate the endothelium-dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine and the factors involved in this relaxation, using aortic rings isolated from rats submitted to cecal ligation and perforation (CLP), 2 h after induction of sepsis, which characterizes the hyperdynamic phase of sepsis. Under inhibition of constitutive NO-synthases (cNOS), the relaxation induced by acetylcholine was greater in the aortic rings of rats submitted to CLP compared with sham-operated rat aortic rings. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin normalized this response, and the concentration of the stable metabolite of prostacyclin in the aorta of CLP rats increased in basal conditions and after stimulation with acetylcholine. Acetylcholine-induced NO production was lower in the endothelial cells from the aorta of CLP rats compared with sham rat aorta, but the protein expression of the cNOS was not altered. Moreover, iNOS protein expression could not be detected. Therefore, prostacyclin, and not only nitric oxide, is a mediator of the vasorelaxation induced by acetylcholine in aortas from rats submitted to CLP. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

RANKL is a mediator of bone resorption in idiopathic hypercalciuria

Background and objectives: This study aimed to determine the expression of osteoprotegerin, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand, interleukin-la, transforming growth factor-beta, and basic fibroblast growth factor in stone-forming patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria. Design, setting, participants, & measurements: Immunohistochemical analysis was performed in undecalcified bone samples previously obtained from 36 transiliac bone biopsies of patients who had idiopathic hypercalciuria and whose histomorphometry had shown lower bone volume, increased bone resorption, and prolonged mineralization lag time. Results: Bone expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand and osteoprotegerin was significantly higher in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria versus control subjects. Transforming growth factor-beta immunostaining was lower in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria than in control subjects and correlated directly with mineralization surface. Interleukin-la and basic fibroblast growth factor staining did not differ between groups. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand bone expression was significantly higher in patients who had idiopathic hypercalciuria and exhibited higher versus normal bone resorption. Conclusion: A higher expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand in bone tissue suggests that increased bone resorption in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria is mediated by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand. Osteoprotegerin bone expression might have been secondarily increased in an attempt to counteract the actions of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand. The low bone expression of transforming growth factor-beta could contribute to the delayed mineralization found in such patients.

Influence of Lactic Acid on Endogenous and Viral RNA-Induced Immune Mediator Production by Vaginal Epithelial Cells

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of lactic acid on immune mediator release from vaginal epithelial cells. METHODS: The human vaginal epithelial cell line, VK2/E6E7, was cultured in the presence or absence of physiological concentrations of lactic acid, and in the presence or absence of the viral Toll-like receptor 3 agonist, poly (inosinic acid: cytidylic acid). Supernatants were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-23, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor. RESULTS: Vaginal epithelial cells spontaneously released IL-1 beta (25.9 pg/mL), IL-8 (1.0 ng/mL), TGF-beta (175 pg/mL), and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (33.8 ng/mL). Only TGF-beta production was marginally enhanced (49%) by addition of lactic acid alone. Poly (inosinic acid: cytidylic acid) by itself stimulated the release of IL-6 (305 pg/mL) and enhanced IL-8 production (2.8 ng/mL). The combination of poly (inosinic acid: cytidylic acid) and lactic acid markedly increased IL-8 production (5.0 ng/mL) and induced the release of IL-1 beta (96.2 pg/mL). The poly (inosinic acid: cytidylic acid)-mediated lactic acid effect on IL-1 beta and IL-8 release was abrogated when the lactic acid was neutralized or if acetic acid was substituted for lactic acid. CONCLUSION: Lactic acid enhances the release of selective mediators from vaginal epithelial cells and stimulates antiviral immune responses. (Obstet Gynecol 2011;118:840-6) DOI: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31822da9e9

Voice Feature Characteristic in Morbid Obese Population

Morbid obesity is highly prevalent in the Western World, and its consequences present a real public health challenge. Voice alterations can represent one of these consequences and represent an opportunity for interference with therapeutic methods. This particularly features of the individual`s voice was the goal of the present study. A group of 45 adult volunteers of both sexes with a BMI greater than 35 Kg/m(2) was selected among patients of the Obesity Ambulatory of the Digestive Surgery Division. The control group consisted of volunteers matched by sex, age (+/- 1 year), and smoking habits, but with a BMI bellow 30 Kg/m(2). All subjects were submitted to laryngoscopic examination, audio perceptive analysis, and voice acoustics determination. Examinations were always performed by the same doctor, and diagnoses were provided by two different physician specialists in laryngology and voice. Obese individuals exhibit the following modifications in voice feature: hoarseness, murmuring, vocal instability, altered jitter and shimmer, and reduced maximum phonation times as well the presence of voice strangulation at the end of emission. The voices of individuals with morbid obesity are different of the voice of nonobese people and demonstrate significant changes in vocal characteristics.

Claudin-7 down-regulation is an important feature in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Aims: Claudins, a large family of essential tight junction (TJ) proteins, are abnormally regulated in human carcinomas, especially claudin-7. The aim of this study was to investigate claudin-7 expression and alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods and results: Expression of claudin-7 was analysed in 132 cases of OSCC organized in a tissue microarray. Claudin-7 mRNA transcript was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction and the methylation status of the promoter was also assessed. Claudin-7 was negative in 58.3% of the cases. Loss of claudin-7 protein expression was associated with recurrence (P = 0.019), tumour size (P = 0.014), clinical stage of OSCC (P = 0.055) and disease-free survival (P = 0.015). Down-regulation of the claudin-7 mRNA transcripts was observed in 78% of the cases, in accordance with immunoexpression. Analysis of the methylation status of the promoter region of claudin-7 revealed that treatment of O28 cells (that did not express claudin-7 mRNA transcripts) with 5-Aza-2`-Deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dC) led to the re-expression of claudin-7 mRNA transcript. Conclusion: Loss of claudin-7 expression is associated with important subcellular processes in OSCC with impact on clinical parameters.

The application of adaptive partitioned random search in feature selection problem

Feature selection is one of important and frequently used techniques in data preprocessing. It can improve the efficiency and the effectiveness of data mining by reducing the dimensions of feature space and removing the irrelevant and redundant information. Feature selection can be viewed as a global optimization problem of finding a minimum set of M relevant features that describes the dataset as well as the original N attributes. In this paper, we apply the adaptive partitioned random search strategy into our feature selection algorithm. Under this search strategy, the partition structure and evaluation function is proposed for feature selection problem. This algorithm ensures the global optimal solution in theory and avoids complete randomness in search direction. The good property of our algorithm is shown through the theoretical analysis.

Effects of Caffeoylquinic Acid Derivatives and C-Flavonoid from Lychnophora ericoides on in vitro Inflammatory Mediator Production

In this study we aimed at evaluating the effect of the major polar constituents of the medicinal plant Lychnophora ericoides on the production of inflammatory mediators produced by LPS-stimulated U-937 cells. The 6,8-di-C-beta-glucosylapigenin (vicenin-2) presented no effect on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha production, but inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the production of prostaglandin (PG) E(2) without altering the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 protein. 3,5-Dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, at lower concentrations, had small but significant effects on reducing PG E, levels; at higher doses these compounds stimulated PGE(2) and also TNF-alpha production by the cells. All the caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, in a dose-dependent fashion, were able to inhibit monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 synthesis/release, with 4,5-DCQ being the most potent at the highest tested concentration. These results add important information on the effects of plant natural polyphenols, namely vicenin-2 and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives, on the production of inflammatory mediators by cultured cells.