Anti-pseudo-allergic components in licorice extract inhibit mast cell degranulation and calcium influx / 中国天然药物

Pseudo-allergic reactions (PARs) widely occur upon application of drugs or functional foods. Anti-pseudo-allergic ingredients from natural products have attracted much attention. This study aimed to investigate anti-pseudo-allergic compounds in licorice. The anti-pseudo-allergic effect of licorice extract was evaluated in rat basophilic leukemia 2H3 (RBL-2H3) cells. Anti-pseudo-allergic compounds were screened by using RBL-2H3 cell extraction and the effects of target components were verified further in RBL-2H3 cells, mouse peritoneal mast cells (MPMCs) and mice. Molecular docking and human MRGPRX2-expressing HEK293T cells (MRGPRX2-HEK293T cells) extraction were performed to determine the potential ligands of MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2), a pivotal target for PARs. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and licorice chalcone A (LA) were screened and shown to inhibit Compound48/80-induced degranulation and calcium influx in RBL-2H3 cells. GA and LA also inhibited degranulation in MPMCs and increase of histamine and TNF-α in mice. LA could bind to MRGPRX2, as determined by molecular docking and MRGPRX2-HEK293T cell extraction. Our study provides a strong rationale for using GA and LA as novel treatment options for PARs. LA is a potential ligand of MRGPRX2.

The mechanism of enriched environment repairing the learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress by regulating the expression of activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated and insulin-like growth factor-2 in hippocampus

BACKGROUND@#Prenatal stress can cause neurobiological and behavioral defects in offspring; environmental factors play a crucial role in regulating the development of brain and behavioral; this study was designed to test and verify whether an enriched environment can repair learning and memory impairment in offspring rats induced by prenatal stress and to explore its mechanism involving the expression of insulin-like growth factor-2 (IGF-2) and activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) in the hippocampus of the offspring.@*METHODS@#Rats were selected to establish a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model during pregnancy. Offspring were weaned on 21st day and housed under either standard or an enriched environment. The learning and memory ability were tested using Morris water maze and Y-maze. The expression of IGF-2 and Arc mRNA and protein were respectively measured by using RT-PCR and Western blotting.@*RESULTS@#There was an elevation in the plasma corticosterone level of rat model of maternal chronic stress during pregnancy. Maternal stress's offspring exposed to an enriched environment could decrease their plasma corticosterone level and improve their weight. The offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy exhibited abnormalities in Morris water maze and Y-maze, which were improved in an enriched environment. The expression of IGF-2, Arc mRNA, and protein in offspring of maternal stress during pregnancy was boosted and some relationships existed between these parameters after being exposed enriched environment.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The learning and memory impairment in offspring of prenatal stress can be rectified by the enriched environment, the mechanism of which is related to the decreasing plasma corticosterone and increasing hippocampal IGF-2 and Arc of offspring rats following maternal chronic stress during pregnancy.

Reduced Firing of Nucleus Accumbens Parvalbumin Interneurons Impairs Risk Avoidance in DISC1 Transgenic Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

A strong animal survival instinct is to approach objects and situations that are of benefit and to avoid risk. In humans, a large proportion of mental disorders are accompanied by impairments in risk avoidance. One of the most important genes involved in mental disorders is disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1), and animal models in which this gene has some level of dysfunction show emotion-related impairments. However, it is not known whether DISC1 mouse models have an impairment in avoiding potential risks. In the present study, we used DISC1-N terminal truncation (DISC1-N

miR-27a protects human mitral valve interstitial cell from TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory injury via up-regulation of NELL-1

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to be associated with heart valve disease, which can be caused by inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the functional impacts of miR-27a on TNF-α-induced inflammatory injury in human mitral valve interstitial cells (hMVICs). hMVICs were subjected to 40 ng/mL TNF-α for 48 h, before which the expressions of miR-27a and NELL-1 in hMVICs were altered by stable transfection. Trypan blue staining, BrdU incorporation assay, flow cytometry detection, ELISA, and western blot assay were performed to detect cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the release of proinflammatory cytokines. We found that miR-27a was lowly expressed in response to TNF-α exposure in hMVICs. Overexpression of miR-27a rescued hMVICs from TNF-α-induced inflammatory injury, as cell viability and BrdU incorporation were increased, apoptotic cell rate was decreased, Bcl-2 was up-regulated, Bax and cleaved caspase-3/9 were down-regulated, and the release of IL-1β, IL-6, and MMP-9 were reduced. NELL-1 was positively regulated by miR-27a, and NELL-1 up-regulation exhibited protective functions during TNF-α-induced cell damage. Furthermore, miR-27a blocked JNK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and the blockage was abolished when NELL-1 was silenced. This study demonstrated that miR-27a overexpression protected hMVICs from TNF-α-induced cell damage, which might be via up-regulation of NELL-1 and thus modulation of JNK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways.

Study on the relationship between expression patterns of cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript and hormones secretion in porcine ovarian follicles

Abstract Background Cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) is an endogenous neuropeptide, which is widespread in animals, plays a key role in regulation of follicular atresia in cattle and sheep. Among animal ovaries, CART mRNA was firstly found in the cattle ovaries. CART was localized in the antral follicles oocytes, granulosa and cumulus cells by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Further research found that secretion of E2 was inhibited in granulosa cells with a certain dose of CART, the effect depends on the stage of cell differentiation, suggesting that CART could play a crucial role in regulating follicle atresia. The objective of this study was to characterize the CART expression model and hormones secretion in vivo and vitro in pig follicle granulosa cells, preliminarily studied whether CART have an effect on granulosa cells proliferation and hormones secretion in multiparous animals such as pigs. Methods The expression levels of CART mRNA in granulosa cells of different follicles were analyzed using qRT-PCR technology. Immunohistochemistry technology was used to localize CART peptide. Granulosa cells were cultured in medium supplemented with different concentrations of CART and FSH for 168 h using Long-term culture system, and observed using a microscope. The concentration of Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in follicular fluids of different test groups were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Results showed that expression level of CART mRNA was highest in medium follicles, and significantly higher than that in large and small follicles (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that CART were expressed both in granulosa cells and theca cells of large follicles, while CART were detected only in theca cells of medium and small follicles. After the granulosa cells were cultured for 168 h, and found that concentrations of E2 increase with concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increase when the CART concentration was 0 μM. And the concentration of FSH reached 25 ng/mL, the concentration of E2 is greatest. It shows that the production of E2 needs induction of FSH in granulosa cells of pig ovarian follicles. With the increasing of CART concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 μM), E2 concentration has a declining trend, when the FSH concentrations were 25 and 50 ng/mL in the medium, respectively. Conclusions These results suggested that CART plays a role to inhibit granulosa cells proliferation and E2 production, which induced by FSH in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells in vitro, but the inhibition effect is not significant. So we hypothesis CART maybe not a main local negative regulatory factor during porcine follicular development, which is different from the single fetal animals.

Expression of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in hen ovary

BACKGROUND: Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), discovered initially by via differential display RT-PCR analysis of brains of rats administered cocaine, is expressed mainly in central nervous system or neuronal origin cells, and is involved in a wide range of behaviors, such as regulation of food intake, energy homeostasis, and reproduction. The hens egg-laying rate mainly depends on the developmental status of follicles, expression of CART have not been identified from hen follicles, the regulatory mechanisms of CART biological activities are still unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize the mRNA expression of CART in hen follicular granulosa cells and determine CART peptide localization and regulatory role during follicular development. METHODS: Small white follicles (1-2 mm in diameter) were treated for RNA isolation; Small white follicles (1-2 mm in diameter) and large white follicles (4-6 mm in diameter) were treated for immunohistochemical localization and large white follicles (4-6 mm in diameter), small yellow follicles (6-8 mm in diameter), large yellow follicles (9-12 mm in diameter), mature follicles (F5, F4, F3, F2, F1, >12 mm in diameter) were treated for RNA isolation and Real time PCR. RESULTS: The results showed that full length of the CDS of hen CART was 336 bp encoding a 111 amino acid polypeptide. In the hen ovary, CART peptide was primarily localized to the theca layer, but not all, the oocyte and granulosa layer, with diffused, weaker staining than relative to the theca cell layer. Further, amount of CART mRNA was more (P < 0.05) in granulosa cells of 6-8 mm follicles compared with that in granulosa cells of other follicles. However, CART mRNA amount was greater in theca cells of 4-6 mm follicles relative to follicles of other sizes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that CART could play a potential role in developmental regulation of chicken follicles.

Progress on Correlation between the Expression of CDK5 and Brain Injury Time / 法医学杂志

Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) is a member of cyclin-dependent kinase family, which does not directly regulate cell cycle. Through phosphorylation of target protein, CDK5 plays an irreplaceable role in the development, reparation and degeneration of neurons. Brain injury refers to the organic injury of brain tissue caused by external force hit on the head. Owing to the stress and repair system activated by our body itself after injury, various proteins and enzymes of the brain tissues are changed quantitatively, which can be used as indicators for estimating the time of injury. This review summarizes the progress on the distribution, the activity mechanism and the physiological effects of CDK5 after brain injury and its corresponding potential served as a marker for brain injury determination.

Expression of CD90 and P75NTR stem cell markers in ameloblastomas: a possible role in their biological behavior

Abstract Multicystic and unicystic ameloblastomas are benign odontogenic tumors that present distinct biological behavior. The investigation of stem cells has become an important branch of tumor biology, with several studies addressing the possible role of these cells in tumor growth, angiogenesis, progression, infiltration and invasiveness. This study evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of CD90(Thy-1) and P75NTR stem cell markers in multicystic and unicystic ameloblastomas. Seventeen (17) samples of ameloblastomas (multicystic, n = 10; unicystic, n = 7) were submitted to immunohistochemical reactions and graded semi-quantitatively. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to verify possible differences in CD90 and P75NTR expressions between multicystic and unicystic ameloblastomas (p < 0.05). CD90 immunostaining was observed in all multicystic ameloblastoma specimens (n = 10), in the cytoplasm of the fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells of the tumor stroma, near the neoplastic odontogenic epithelia. The staining of stromal CD90 was significantly higher in multicystic than in unicystic ameloblastomas (p = 0.003). Nuclear P75NTR immunostaining was observed in all ameloblastoma specimens. A significant difference was seen in the epithelial staining of P75NTR between multicystic and unicystic types (p = 0.007). The increased expression of CD90 and P75NTR found in multicystic ameloblastomas suggests a behavioral biological difference between multicystic and unicystic ameloblastomas, as well as a difference in ameloblastoma development.

Evaluation of brachial plexus fascicles involvement on infraclavicular block: unfixed cadaver study / Avaliação do envolvimento dos fascículos do plexo braquial no bloqueio por via infraclavicular: estudo em cadáveres não fixados / Evaluación de la implicación de los fascículos del plexo braquial en el bloqueo por vía infraclavicular: estudio en cadáveres no fijos

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study shows how the diffusion of the anesthetic into the sheath occurs through the axillary infraclavicular space and hence proves the efficacy of the anesthetic block of the brachial plexus, and may thereby allow a consolidation of this pathway, with fewer complications, previously attached to the anesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 33 armpits of adult cadavers were analyzed and unfixed. We injected a solution of neoprene with latex dye in the infraclavicular space, based on the technique advocated by Gusmão et al., and put the corpses in refrigerators for three weeks. Subsequently, the specimens were thawed and dissected, exposing the axillary sheath along its entire length. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Was demonstrated involvement of all fasciculus of the plexus in 51.46%. In partial involvement was 30.30%, 18.24% of cases the acrylic was located outside the auxiliary sheath involving no issue. CONCLUSIONS: The results allow us to establish the infraclavicular as an effective and easy way to access plexus brachial, because the solution involved the fascicles in 81.76% partially or totally, when it was injected inside the axillary sheath. We believe that only the use of this pathway access in practice it may demonstrate the efficiency. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Procuramos demonstrar como ocorre a difusão do anestésico no interior da bainha axilar, quando se utiliza o bloqueio por via infraclavicular, através da fossa infraclavicular e, consequentemente, provar a eficácia dessa via, podendo, com isso, permitir uma consolidação da utilização desse acesso, com redução das complicações. MATERIAS E MÉTODO: Foram utilizadas 33 axilas de cadáveres adultos não fixados. Injetamos uma solução de neoprene látex com corante na fossa infraclavicular, baseando-se na técnica preconizada por Gusmão e col, e colocamos os cadáveres em geladeiras por três semanas. Posteriormente, as peças foram descongeladas e dissecadas, expondo a bainha axilar em toda sua extensão. RESULTADOS E DISCUSSÃO: Foi demonstrado envolvimento de todos os fascículos do plexo em 51,46%. Em 30,30% houve envolvimento parcial, e em 18,24% dos casos o acrílico foi localizado fora da bainha axilar, não envolvendo nenhum fascículo. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados obtidos permitem estabelecer a via infraclavicular como uma via eficaz e de fácil acesso ao plexo braquial, visto que a solução injetada envolveu os fascículos em 81,76% parcialmente ou totalmente, quando era injetada dentro da bainha axilar. Acreditamos que apenas a utilização desta via de acesso na prática poderá demonstrar a eficiência da mesma. .

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: Este estudio intenta demostrar cómo ocurre la difusión del anestésico en el interior de la vaina axilar, cuando se utiliza el bloqueo por vía infraclavicular a través de la fosa infraclavicular, y al mismo tiempo, probar la eficacia de esa vía, pudiendo así permitir una consolidación de la utilización de ese acceso con reducción de las complicaciones. MATERIALES Y MÉTODO: Fueron utilizadas 33 axilas de cadáveres adultos no fijadas. Inyectamos una solución de neopreno látex con colorante en la fosa infraclavicular, con la técnica preconizada por Gusmão et al., y colocamos los cadáveres en frigoríficos durante 3 semanas. Posteriormente, las piezas fueron descongeladas y disecadas, exponiendo la vaina axilar en toda su extensión. RESULTADOS Y DISCUSIÓN: Quedó demostrada la implicación de todos los fascículos del plexo en un 51,46%. En un 30,30% hubo una participación parcial, y en un 18,24% de los casos el acrílico fue ubicado fuera de la vaina axilar sin la participación de ningún fascículo. CONCLUSIONES: Los datos obtenidos permiten establecer la vía infraclavicular como una vía eficaz y de fácil acceso al plexo braquial, visto que la solución inyectada tuvo la participación de los fascículos en un 81,76% parcial o totalmente, cuando se inyectaba dentro de la vaina axilar. Creemos que solamente con la utilización de esta vía de acceso en la práctica podrá quedar demostrada su eficacia. .

The current state of play of research on the social, political and legal dimensions of HIV / O estado atual da pesquisa sobre as dimensões sociais, políticas e legais do HIV / Estado actual de la investigación sobre las dimensiones sociales, políticas y legales del VIH

This paper offers a critical overview of social science research presented at the 2014 International AIDS Conference in Melbourne, Australia. In an era of major biomedical advance, the political nature of HIV remains of fundamental importance. No new development can be rolled out successfully without taking into account its social and political context, and consequences. Four main themes ran throughout the conference track on social and political research, law, policy and human rights: first, the importance of work with socially vulnerable groups, now increasingly referred to as "key populations"; second, continued recognition that actions and programs need to be tailored locally and contextually; third, the need for an urgent response to a rapidly growing epidemic of HIV among young people; and fourth, the negative effects of the growing criminalization of minority sexualities and people living with HIV. Lack of stress on human rights and community participation is resulting in poorer policy globally. A new research agenda is needed to respond to these challenges.

Este artigo oferece uma perspectiva crítica da pesquisa em ciências sociais apresentada na Confe-rência Internacional de AIDS de Melbourne, Aus-trália, em 2014. Em tempos de grandes avanços no campo biomédico, a natureza política do HIV permanece de importância fundamental. Nenhuma inovação será bem-sucedida na prática se desconsiderar o contexto sociopolítico e suas consequências. Quatro temas emergiram da Conferência nos campos do direito, dos direitos humanos e da pesquisa social e política: (1) a importância do trabalho com grupos socialmente vulneráveis, crescentemente chamado de "populações chaves"; (2) o reconhecimento de que ações e programas devem ser sob medida para cada local e contexto; (3) a urgência da resposta a uma epidemia crescendo muito rapidamente entre adolescentes; (4) o efeito negativo da crescente criminalização de minorias sexuais e pessoas vivendo com HIV. Globalmente, a falta de ênfase nos direitos humanos e da participação comunitária tem como resultado políticas públicas de pior qualidade. Precisamos de uma nova agenda de pesquisa para responder a esses desafios.

El artículo ofrece una perspectiva crítica de la investigación en ciencias sociales, presentada en la Conferencia Internacional de SIDA en Melbourne (Australia), 2014. En tiempos de enormes avances biomédicos, la naturaleza política del VIH sigue siendo muy importante. Ninguna innovación será exitosa sin considerar el contexto sociopolítico y sus consecuencias. Cuatro temas surgieron de la conferencia en el campo legal y derechos humanos, además de investigación social y política: (1) la importancia del trabajo con grupos socialmente vulnerables, crecientemente denominados "poblaciones claves"; (2) el reconocimiento de que las acciones y programas deben ser adaptados a un contexto local; (3) la urgencia de una respuesta a una epidemia con crecimiento rápido entre adolescentes; (4) el efecto negativo de la creciente criminalización de las minorías sexuales y personas viviendo con VIH. Globalmente, un limitado énfasis en los derechos humanos y la participación comunitaria tiene como consecuencia peores políticas públicas. Necesitamos una nueva agenda de investigación para responder a estos desafíos.

Human prefrontal layer II interneurons in areas 46, 10 and 24 / Interneuronas de la lámina II en las áreas prefrontales 46, 10 y 24 del humano

Background: Prefrontal cortex (PFC) represents the highest level of integration and control of psychic and behavioral states. Several dysfunctions such as autism, hyperactivity disorders, depression, and schizophrenia have been related with alterations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Among the cortical layers of the PFC, layer II shows a particular vertical pattern of organization, the highest cell density and the biggest non-pyramidal/pyramidal neuronal ratio. We currently characterized the layer II cytoarchitecture in human areas 10, 24, and 46. Objective: We focused particularly on the inhibitory neurons taking into account that these cells are involved in sustained firing (SF) after stimuli disappearance. Methods: Postmortem samples from five subjects who died by causes different to central nervous system diseases were studied. Immunohistochemistry for the neuronal markers, NeuN, parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) were used. NeuN targeted the total neuronal population while the rest of the markers specifically the interneurons. Results: Cell density and soma size were statically different between areas 10, 46, 24 when using NeuN. Layer II of area 46 showed the highest cell density. Regarding interneurons, PV+-cells of area 46 showed the highest density and size, in accordance to the proposal of a dual origin of the cerebral cortex. Interhemispheric asymmetries were not identified between homologue areas. Conclusion: First, our findings suggest that layer II of area 46 exhibits the most powerful inhibitory system compared to the other prefrontal areas analyzed. This feature is not only characteristic of the PFC but also supports a particular role of layer II of area 46 in SF. Additionally, known functional asymmetries between hemispheres might not be supported by morphological asymmetries.

Antecedentes: La corteza prefrontal (CPF) representa el nivel más alto de integración y control de funciones psíquicas y comportamentales. Varias patologías como autismo, desórdenes de hiperactividad, depresión y esquizofrenia se han relacionado con alteraciones de la CPF. La lámina II de las áreas que constituyen la CPF posee un patrón de organización vertical, una alta densidad celular y la mayor proporción de neuronas no-piramidal/piramidal. Sin embargo, la distribución del componente inhibitorio en estas regiones no se ha descrito. Objetivo: En el presente estudio nos propusimos caracterizar la lámina II de las áreas 10, 24 y 46 del humano, particularmente su componente inhibitorio teniendo en mente su participación en procesos de actividad sostenida relevantes cuando desaparece el estímulo. Métodos: Se utilizaron muestras de cinco sujetos que fallecieron por causas diferentes a enfermedades del sistema nervioso. Se tomaron secciones de las áreas 10, 24 y 46 de Brodmann y se procesaron con los anticuerpos contra NeuN para determinar la población neuronal total y contra Parvalbumina (PV), Calbindina (CB) y Calretinina (CR) para analizar la población de interneuronas. Resultados: Los resultados no mostraron diferencias interhemisféricas entre las áreas. Sin embargo, las tres áreas seleccionadas son significativamente diferentes entre sí en todos los parámetros analizados. El área 46 posee la mayor densidad y tamaño de interneuronas positivas para PV. Conclusiones: La ausencia de asimetrías morfológicas no permite explicar las asimetrías funcionales. La lámina II del área 46 posee el sistema inhibitorio más poderoso. Teniendo en cuenta la arquitectura modular de las capas supragranulares, este sistema inhibitorio subyace a la actividad sostenida, eje fundamental de la memoria operativa.

El uso de placebo en ensayos clínicos de fase III en Brasil / The use of placebos in phase III clinical trials in Brazil

El Consejo Federal de Medicina de Brasil (CFM) -órgano normativo y fiscalizador del ejercicio ético de la medicina- prohibió, en 2008, la participación de médicos brasileños en investigaciones que utilizaran placebo para enfermedades con tratamiento eficaz y efectivo, en contraposición a la Declaración de Helsinki, que permite su uso en condiciones metodológicamente justificadas. Con el objetivo de verificar si la normativa ética del CFM modificó el uso de placebo en ensayos clínicos de fase III en Brasil, se analizaron varias características de sus registros en el ClinicalTrials.gov, en los períodos de 2003 a 2007 y de 2009 a 2013. Se concluye que: a) la normativa promulgada por el CFM en 2008 fue ineficaz y prevaleció la posición adoptada por la Declaración de Helsinki; b) el patrocinio de ensayos con placebo por parte de la industria farmacéutica multinacional fue significativo; c) predominaron las investigaciones de fármacos para enfermedades crónicas, y fueron poco significativas para las enfermedades postergadas, de importancia para Brasil.

In 2008, Brazil's Federal Council of Medicine [Conselho Federal de Medicina] (CFM) - regulatory and supervisory agency on the ethical practice of medicine - banned the participation of Brazilian doctors in studies using placebos for diseases with efficient and effective treatment. This position differs with the Helsinki Declaration, which allows the use of placebos in methodologically justified conditions. To ascertain whether the CMF's ethical regulation modified the use of placebos in phase III clinical trials in Brazil, characteristics of the records in ClinicalTrials.gov were researched in the periods from 2003 to 2007 and from 2009 to 2013. The conclusions reached were: a) the regulations issued by the CFM in 2008 were ineffective and the position adopted by the Helsinki Declaration prevails; b) there was significant sponsorship by the multinational pharmaceutical industry of trials with placebos; c) the research was predominantly on new drugs for chronic diseases, with little study done of the neglected diseases which are of great importance to Brazil.

Sinovite e tenossinovite no Brasil: uma análise dos benefícios auxílio-doença / Synovitis and tenosynovitis in Brazil: analysis of sickness benefit claims

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores pessoais associados à prevalência e duração dos benefícios auxílio-doença decorrentes de sinovite e tenossinovite (CID10 M65). MÉTODO: Estudo transversal referente aos benefícios auxílio-doença decorrentes de sinovite e tenossinovite concedidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Seguro Social aos empregados no Brasil em 2008. Dados sobre o ramo de atividade econômica (Classificação Nacional de Atividades Econômicas - CNAE divisão, classe), sexo, idade, espécie e duração dos benefícios foram coletados do Sistema Único de Benefícios. A população corresponde à média mensal dos vínculos empregatícios declarados ao Cadastro Nacional de Informações Sociais. RESULTADOS: Em 2008 foram concedidos 35.601 benefícios auxílio-doença decorrentes de sinovite e tenossinovite, com prevalência de 10,9/10.000 vínculos empregatícios. No conjunto dos benefícios auxílio-doença houve maior razão de prevalência (RP) acidentária (RP 1,2), sendo esta maior em mulheres (RP 3,3), e em trabalhadores com idade acima de 39 anos (RP 1,4). As CNAE 37-Esgoto (55,4) e 60-Atividade de rádio e TV (47,1) apresentaram as maiores prevalências, no entanto, 64-Atividade de serviços financeiros e 6422-Bancos múltiplos caracterizaram mais acidentes de trabalho (RP 3,2 e 3,8, respectivamente) e maior duração (70 e 73 dias, respectivamente). A maior duração de benefício ocorreu entre trabalhadores com idade superior a 39 anos. Tanto a CNAE-divisão 60-Atividade de rádio e TV, quanto a CNAE-classe 6010-Atividade de rádio apresentaram elevadas razões de feminilidade (RP 8,1 e 10,8, respectivamente). CONCLUSÃO: A incapacidade para o trabalho por sinovite e tenossinovite apresenta associação tanto da prevalência quanto da duração com o ramo de atividade, sexo, idade e espécie de benefício (previdenciário/acidentário). .

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the personal and occupational factors associated with the prevalence and duration of sickness benefit claims due to synovitis and tenosynovitis (CID10 M65). METHODS: Cross-sectional study regarding sickness benefit claims due to synovitis and tenosynovitis granted to employees by National Institute of Social Security in Brazil in 2008. Data on economic activity (Economic Activities National Classification - CNAE division, class), sex, age, type and duration of benefits were collected from the Unified Benefit System. The study's population consists of the average monthly employment contracts declared to the National Register of Social Information. RESULTS: In 2008, 35,601 employees were granted sickness benefits due to synovitis and tenosynovitis, with a prevalence of 10.9/10,000 employments. Sickness benefits showed higher prevalence rates (PR) for work-related claims (PR 1,2), mostly made by females (PR 3.3) and by workers older than 39 years (PR 1,4). The CNAE 37-Sewage (55.4) and 60-Broadcasting Activity (47.1) had the highest overall prevalence. However, the 64-Financial service activities, except insurance and pension funding and 6422-Multiple banks with commercial service had the highest rates of work-related claims (RP 3.2 and 3.8, respectively), and the longer duration (70 and 73 days, respectively). Workers older than 39 years had the highest durations of work disability claims. Both the CNAE-division 60-Broadcasting Activity, and the CNAE-class 6010-Radio showed a high activity ratio of females (PR 8.1 and 10.8, respectively). CONCLUSION: The work disability due to synovitis and tenosynovitis presents prevalence and duration associated with economic activity, sex, age and kind of benefit (non work-related and work-related claims). .

Abnormal heart rate variability and atrial fibrillation after aortic surgery / Variabilidade anormal da frequência cardíaca e fibrilação atrial após cirurgia aórtica

Introduction: Complete denervation of transplanted heart exerts protective effect against postoperative atrial fibrillation; various degrees of autonomic denervation appear also after transection of ascending aorta during surgery for aortic aneurysm. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate if the level of cardiac denervation obtained by resection of ascending aorta could exert any effect on postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence. Methods: We retrospectively analysed the clinical records of 67 patients submitted to graft replacement of ascending aorta (group A) and 132 with aortic valve replacement (group B); all episodes of postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred during the 1-month follow-up have been reported. Heart Rate Variability parameters were obtained from a 24-h Holter recording; clinical, echocardiographic and treatment data were also evaluated. Results: Overall, 45% of patients (group A 43%, group B 46%) presented at least one episode of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Older age (but not gender, abnormal glucose tolerance, ejection fraction, left atrial diameter) was correlated with incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Only among a subgroup of patients with aortic transection and signs of greater autonomic derangement (heart rate variability parameters below the median and mean heart rate over the 75th percentile), possibly indicating more profound autonomic denervation, a lower incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation was observed (22% vs. 54%). Conclusion: Transection of ascending aorta for repair of an aortic aneurysm did not confer any significant protective effect from postoperative atrial fibrillation in comparison to patients with intact ascending aorta. It could be speculated that a limited and heterogeneous cardiac denervation was produced by the intervention, creating an eletrophysiological substrate for the high incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation observed. .

Introdução: Denervação completa do coração transplantado exerce efeito protetor contra a fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório; vários graus de denervação autonômica aparecem também após a transecção da aorta ascendente durante a cirurgia de aneurisma da aorta. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o nível de denervação cardíaca obtida por ressecção da aorta ascendente poderia exercer algum efeito sobre a incidência de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 67 pacientes submetidos a enxerto de substituição de aorta torácica (grupo A) e 132 com a substituição da valva aórtica (grupo B). Foram relatados todos os episódios de fibrilação atrial pós-operatória ocorridos durante 1 mês de seguimento. Parâmetros de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca foram obtidos a partir de 24 h de gravação do Holter; dados clínicos, ecocardiográficos e de tratamento também foram avaliados. Resultados: No geral, 45% dos pacientes (grupo A 43%, grupo B 46%) apresentaram pelo menos um episódio de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório. Idade mais avançada (mas não gênero, tolerância à glicose anormal, fração de ejeção, diâmetro do átrio esquerdo) foi correlacionada com a incidência de fibrilação atrial pós-operatória. Apenas em um subgrupo de pacientes com transecção aórtica e sinais de maior desarranjo autonômico (parâmetros de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca abaixo da mediana e a média de frequência cardíaca acima do percentil 75), indicando possivelmente denervação autonômica mais profunda, foi observada menor incidência de fibrilação atrial pós-operatória (22% vs. 54%). Conclusão: Transecção da aorta ascendente para correção de um aneurisma da aorta não confere qualquer efeito protetor significativo de fibrilação atrial no pós-operatório em comparação com pacientes com aorta ascendente intacta. Pode-se especular que uma denervação cardíaca limitada e heterogênea foi produzida pela ...

Regeneración axonal posterior a lesiones traumáticas de médula espinal: Papel crítico de galectina-1

Al producirse una lesión de médula espinal (LME), un sinnúmero de proteínas inhibidoras de la regeneración axonal ocupan el sitio de lesión en forma secuencial. La primer proteína en llegar al mismo se conoce como semaforina 3A (Sema3A), siendo además una de las más potentes por su acción de inhibir la regeneración axonal. A nivel mecanístico la unión de esta proteína al complejo-receptor neuronal neuropilin-1 (NRP-1)/PlexinA4 evita que se produzca regeneración axonal. En este trabajo de revisión se discutirá la acción de galectin-1 (Gal-1), una proteína endógena de unión a glicanos, que selectivamente se une al complejo-receptor NRP-1/PlexinA4 de las neuronas lesionadas a través de un mecanismo dependiente de interacciones lectina-glicano, interrumpiendo la señalización generada por Sema3A y permitiendo de esta manera la regeneración axonal y recuperación locomotora luego de producirse la LME. Mientras ambas formas de Gal-1 (monomérica y dimérica) contribuyen a la inactivación de la microglia, solo la forma dimérica de Gal-1 es capaz de unirse al complejo-receptor NRP-1/PlexinA4 y promover regeneración axonal. Por lo tanto, Gal-1 dimérica produce recuperación de las lesiones espinales interfiriendo en la señalización de Sema3A a través de la unión al complejo-receptor NRP-1/PlexinA4, sugiriendo el uso de esta lectina en su forma dimérica para el tratamiento de pacientes con LME.

When spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs, a great number of inhibitors of axonal regeneration consecutively invade the injured site. The first protein to reach the lesion is known as semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), which serves as a powerful inhibitor of axonal regeneration. Mechanistically binding of Sem3A to the neuronal receptor complex neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) / PlexinA4 prevents axonal regeneration. In this special article we review the effects of galectin-1 (Gal-1), an endogenous glycan-binding protein, abundantly present at inflammation and injury sites. Notably, Gal1 adheres selectively to the NRP-1/PlexinA4 receptor complex in injured neurons through glycan-dependent mechanisms, interrupts the Sema3A pathway and contributes to axonal regeneration and locomotor recovery after SCI. While both the monomeric and dimeric forms of Gal-1 contribute to ’switch-off’ classically-activated microglia, only dimeric Gal-1 binds to the NRP-1/PlexinA4 receptor complex and promotes axonal regeneration. Thus, dimeric Gal-1 promotes functional recovery of spinal lesions by interfering with inhibitory signals triggered by Sema3A adhering to the NRP-1/PlexinA4 complex, supporting the use of dimeric Gal-1 for the treatment of SCI patients.

Limits and possibilities experienced by nurses in the treatment of women with chronic venous ulcers / Límites y posibilidades vividas por enfermeras en el tratamiento de mujeres con úlcera venosa crónica / Limites e possibilidades vivenciados por enfermeiras no tratamento de mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica

Objective To understand the experiences and expectations of nurses in the treatment of women with chronic venous ulcers. Method Phenomenological research was based on Alfred Schütz, whose statements were obtained in January, 2012, through semi-structured interviews with seven nurses. Results The nurse reveals the difficulties presented by the woman in performing self-care, the perceived limitations in the treatment anchored in motivation, and the values and beliefs of women. It showed professional frustration because venous leg ulcer recurrence, lack of inputs, interdisciplinary work and training of nursing staff. There was an expected adherence to the treatment of women, and it emphasized the need for ongoing care, supported self-care and standard practices in treatment. Conclusion That treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers constitutes a challenge that requires collective investment, involving women, professionals, managers and health institutions. .

Objetivo Comprender las experiencias y expectativas de enfermeras en el tratamiento de mujeres con úlcera venosa crónica. Método Investigación fenomenológica fundamentada en Alfred Schutz, que buscó Se realizó entrevista semiestructurada con siete enfermeras, en enero del 2012. Resultados La enfermera revela dificultades presentadas por la mujer para realizar el autocuidado, percibe limitaciones en el tratamiento relacionadas con la desmotivación, los valores y las creencias de las mujeres. Refiere frustración profesional debido a la recidiva de la lesión, a la falta de insumos, al deficiente trabajo interdisciplinar y a la limitada capacitación del equipo de enfermeras. Espera la adhesión de la mujer al tratamiento y resalta la necesidad del cuidado continuo, del autocuidado apoyado y de estandarizar conductas de tratamiento. Conclusión El tratamiento de la úlcera venosa crónica es un desafío que requiere contribución colectiva, involucrando a las mujeres, a los profesionales, a los gestores y a las instituciones de salud. .

Objetivo Compreender as experiências e expectativas de enfermeiras no tratamento de mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Pesquisa fundamentada na fenomenologia social de Alfred Schütz, com depoimentos obtidos em janeiro de 2012, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada com sete enfermeiras. Resultados As enfermeiras revelam dificuldades apresentadas pelas mulheres com úlcera venosa crônica para realizar o autocuidado, percebem limitações na terapêutica ancoradas na desmotivação e nos valores e crenças das mulheres. Referem frustração profissional em razão da recidiva da lesão, falta de insumos e tecnologia, de trabalho interdisciplinar e da capacitação da equipe de enfermagem. Esperam a adesão das mulheres ao tratamento e ressaltam a necessidade do cuidado contínuo, do autocuidado apoiado e da padronização de condutas no tratamento. Conclusão O tratamento da úlcera venosa crônica constitui-se em um desafio que requer investimento coletivo, envolvendo a mulher, os profissionais, os gestores e as instituições de saúde. .

Toxic effects of methylmercury, arsanilic acid and danofloxacin on the differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells into neural cells

This study was performed to assess the neurotoxic effects of methylmercury, arsanilic acid and danofloxacin by quantification of neural-specific proteins in vitro. Quantitation of the protein markers during 14 days of differentiation indicated that the mouse ESCs were completely differentiated into neural cells by Day 8. The cells were treated with non-cytotoxic concentrations of three chemicals during differentiation. Low levels of exposure to methylmercury decreased the expression of GABAA-R and Nestin during the differentiating stage, and Nestin during the differentiated stage. In contrast, GFAP, Tuj1, and MAP2 expression was affected only by relatively high doses during both stages. Arsanilic acid affected the levels of GABA(A)-R and GFAP during the differentiated stage while the changes of Nestin and Tuj1 were greater during the differentiating stage. For the neural markers (except Nestin) expressed during both stages, danofloxacin affected protein levels at lower concentrations in the differentiated stage than the differentiating stage. Acetylcholinesterase activity was inhibited by relatively low concentrations of methylmercury and arsanilic acid during the differentiating stage while this activity was inhibited only by more than 40 microM of danofloxacin in the differentiated stage. Our results provide useful information about the different toxicities of chemicals and the impact on neural development.

Confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunohistochemistry of cerebellar Lugaro cells

The present paper shows by means of confocal laser scanning microscopy the immunoreactivity of rat cerebellar Lugaro cells for calbindin, synapsin-I, PSD-95, GluR1, CaMKII alpha, and N-cadherin. Lugaro cells were easily characterized by their location beneath Purkinje cells. Calbindin revealed immunoreactivity in the cell body, and the axonal and dendritic processes. Synapsin-I labelled the presynaptic endings on Lugaro cells. Synapsin-I and PSD-95 immunoreactivity demonstrated the localization of presynaptic and postsynaptic endings surrounding cell soma, corresponding to afferent extrinsic and intrinsic cerebellar fibers. GluR1 immunoreactivity of the soma and cell processes indicates that Lugaro cells have functional ionotropic glutamate receptors that regulate calcium levels. CaMKII alpha immunoreactivity of L ugaro cell soma and processes suggest its participation as a molecular switch for long-term information storage, and serving as a molecular basis of long-term synaptic memory. N-cadherin immunoreactivity was correlated with somato-somatic and somato-dendritic junctions between Lugaro cells and their synaptic connections.

Attenuation of Spinal Cord Injury-Induced Astroglial and Microglial Activation by Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Rats

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes not only loss of sensory and motor function below the level of injury but also chronic pain, which is difficult and challenging of the treatment. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to the motor cortex, of non-invasive therapeutic methods, has the motor and sensory consequences and modulates pain in SCI-patients. In the present study, we studied the effectiveness of rTMS and the relationship between the modulation of pain and the changes of neuroglial expression in the spinal cord using a rat SCI-induced pain model. Elevated expressions of Iba1 and GFAP, specific microglial and astrocyte markers, was respectively observed in dorsal and ventral horns at the L4 and L5 levels in SCI rats. But in SCI rats treated with 25 Hz rTMS for 8 weeks, these expressions were significantly reduced by about 30%. Our finding suggests that this attenuation of activation by rTMS is related to pain modulation after SCI. Therefore, rTMS might provide an alternative means of attenuating neuropathic pain below the level of SCI.

Intrathecal Lamotrigine Attenuates Antinociceptive Morphine Tolerance and Suppresses Spinal Glial Cell Activation in Morphine-Tolerant Rats

Glial cells play a critical role in morphine tolerance, resulting from repeated administration of morphine. Both the development and the expression of tolerance are suppressed by the analgesic lamotrigine. This study investigated the relationship between the ability of lamotrigine to maintain the antinociceptive effect of morphine during tolerance development and glial cell activation in the spinal cord. In a rat model, morphine (15 microg) was intrathecally injected once daily for 7 days to induce morphine tolerance. Lamotrigine (200 microg) was co-administered with morphine either for 7 days or the first or last 3 days of this 7 day period. Thermal nociception was measured. OX-42 and GFAP immunoreactivity, indicating spinal microglial and astrocytic activation were evaluated on day 8. Tolerance developed after 7 days of intrathecal morphine administration; however, this was completely blocked and reversed by co-administration of lamotrigine. When lamotrigine was coinjected with morphine on days 5-7, the morphine effect was partially restored. Glial cell activation increased with the development of morphine tolerance but was clearly inhibited in the presence of lamotrigine. These results suggest that, in association with the suppression of spinal glial cell activity, intrathecally coadministered lamotrigine attenuates antinociceptive tolerance to morphine.