Short-term Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Blood Pressure and Vascular Function in Wistar Rats.

Chronic cadmium exposure is known to be associated with vascular changes and increased blood pressure, but its short-term effects on the cardiovascular system remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the pressoric and vascular effects of a 7-day exposure to CdCl2 in Wistar rats. The rats were divided in control group (Ct), which received tap water, and the Cd group, which received a 100 mg/L CdCl2 solution via drinking water for 7 days. We analyzed body weight, plasma Cadmium concentration, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and vascular responses. Despite relatively low plasma Cadmium concentration, the Cd group exhibited elevated SBP and increased contractile response to phenylephrine. Endothelium removal and NOS inhibition increased contractions in both groups. In the Cd group's aorta, we observed enhanced levels of phospho-eNOS (Ser1177) and basal NO release. Cd group showed reduced Catalase expression and increased basal release of H2O2, with catalase reducing the contractile response. In arteries pre-contracted with phenylephrine, Cd group showed impaired endothelium-dependent (Acetylcholine) and independent (sodium nitroprussiate-SNP) relaxation responses. However, responses to SNP were similar after pre-contraction with KCl in both groups. These data suggest early effects of Cadmium on blood pressure and aortic function, indicating impaired H2O2-scavenging by catalase. Increased H2O2 due to Cadmium exposure might explain heightened responses to phenylephrine and weakened relaxation responses mediated by the NO-K+-channels pathway. Our findings shed light on Cadmium's short-term impact on the cardiovascular system, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying its effects on blood pressure regulation and vascular function.

Cessation Restores Blood Pressure Levels and Endothelial Function Affected by Cadmium Exposure on Rats.

Chronic cadmium exposure produces high blood pressure and endothelial damage; however, it is not known whether these effects could be reversed by interrupting the exposure to the metal. Therefore, we evaluate the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and vascular reactivity during and following chronic cadmium-exposure discontinuance. Rats received 100 mg.L-1 cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in the drinking water or tap water (Ct) for 30 days and/or tap water for 30 days more. The cadmium plasma content, blood pressure and vascular reactivity of isolated aorta were evaluated. Cadmium exposure increased cadmium plasma content, SBP and aorta contractile responses to phenylephrine, all reversed after suspending exposure. Endothelial removal and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition increased phenylephrine response both on control and Cd-discontinuation models. Cd-discontinuation group presented increased CAMKII and PKA protein expression, as peNOSSer1177. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) incubation reduced contractile response on control group, and catalase incubation enhanced the response to phenylephrine in this group. Meanwhile, both SOD2 and catalase protein expression were increased in Cd-cessation rats. Our findings provide evidence that increased SBP and endothelial dysfunction induced by Cd chronic exposure are reversed by suspending the metal exposure probably due to an improvement of antioxidant enzymes and eNOS function.

Sex-dependent vascular effects of cadmium sub-chronic exposure on rats.

Cadmium exposure is related to several cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. However, the toxic effect of cadmium can be dependent on the sex when examined sex in experimental models. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cadmium exposure on the cardiovascular system of male and female rodents. The experiments were carried out on both-sexes Wistar at 4 months of age, where from 3 months onwards, cadmium (CdCl2 100 mg/l in placed the drinking water for 30 days) or vehicle delivered (distilled water) was ingested. Before and after 30 days of exposure to cadmium, systolic blood pressure was regularly measured. After exposure, blood was collected to measure dosage of cadmium, in male and female, and estrogen in females. Vascular reactivity to phenylephrine (Phe), acetylcholine (ACh), and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was studied at respective isolated aortic segments. After the period to Cd-exposure, systolic blood pressure was increased only in the male rats. Males also had higher levels of plasma cadmium than those of female rats, and exposure to the metal did not affect the amount of estrogen produced in the female rats. Increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was also observed in both the males and females that had been exposed to the metal. Moreover, exposure to the cadmium reduced the ACh relaxation and increased vascular reactivity to Phe, resulting in an imbalance between nitric oxide superoxide anion in the isolated aorta of male rats. In female rats, sub-chronic cadmium exposure did not modify the vascular reactivity to Phe and neither to the ACh. The present study revealed that the Cd exposure for 30 days induced sex-dependent cardiovascular abnormalities.

Copper exposure for 30 days at a daily dose twice the recommended increases blood pressure and cardiac contractility.

Copper is an essential factor for the body's homeostasis. However, excess copper compromises organic functions. AIMS: We investigated the effects of copper exposure for 30 days on blood pressure (BP) and cardiac contractility and the putative involvement of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species. MAIN METHODS: Wistar rats (12 weeks old, 280 g) were randomized to the treated group that was exposed for 30 days to copper (2000 µg/kg/day CuCl2) and the control (Ct) group that received intraperitoneal saline (0.9%). KEY FINDINGS: The blood concentration of copper was ~1.26 µg/mL in the copper-exposed group and ~0.024 µg/mL in the Ct group. The main metal accumulations occurred in the liver and kidneys. Copper exposure increased systolic BP (Cu: 141 ± 3 mmHg; Ct: 133 ± 3 mmHg) (tail cuff method), left ventricular systolic pressure and papillary muscle force. Calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum was reduced. The contractile response to Ca2+ was increased by copper, and the effect was not altered by L-NAME. Copper increased contractions dependent on sarcolemmal Ca2+ influx, and this effect was not altered by L-NAME. The percentage response to isoproterenol decreased in the copper-exposed group, but L-NAME did not alter this reduction. Papillary force development at the peak and plateau of tetanic contractions also increased after copper exposure, but this effect was not altered by L-NAME. In situ detection of OH local production increased. SIGNIFICANCE: Copper increased BP and cardiac force, increased Ca2+ inflow, reduced Ca2+ reuptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and increased OH local production. Copper exposure at doses considered tolerable affects cardiac contractility.

COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against laboratory confirmed symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths, among individuals aged 65 years or more in Portugal: a cohort study based on data-linkage of national registries February-September 2021

BackgroundUsing data from electronic health registries, this study intended to estimate the COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in the population aged 65 years and more, against symptomatic infection, COVID-19 related hospitalizations and deaths, overall and by time since complete vaccination. MethodsWe stablished a cohort of individuals aged 65 and more years old, resident in Portugal mainland, using the National Health Service unique identifier User number to link eight electronic health registries. Outcomes included were symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections, COVID-19 related hospitalizations or deaths. The exposures of interest were the mRNA vaccines (Cominarty or Spikevax) and the viral vector Vaxzevria vaccine. Complete scheme vaccine effectiveness (VE) was estimated as one minus the confounder adjusted hazard ratio, for each outcome, estimated by time-dependent Cox regression with time dependent vaccine exposure. ResultsFor the cohort of individuals aged 65-79 years, complete scheme VE against symptomatic infection varied between 43% (Vaxzevria) and 65% (mRNA vaccines). This estimate was slightly lower in the [≥]80 year cohort (53% for mRNA vaccines. VE against COVID-19 hospitalization varied between 89% (95%CI: 52-94) for Vaxzevria and 95% (95%CI: 93-97) for mRNA vaccines for the cohort aged 65-79 years and was 76% (95%CI: 67-83) for mRNA vaccines in the [≥]80 year cohort. High VE against COVID-19 related deaths were estimated, for both vaccine types, 95% and 81% for the 65-79 years and the [≥]80 year cohort, respectively. We observed a significant waning of VE against symptomatic infection, with VE estimates reaching approximately 34% for both vaccine types and cohorts. Significant waning was observed for the COVID-19 hospitalizations in the [≥]80 year cohort (decay from 83% 14-41 days to 63% 124 days after mRNA second dose). No significant waning effect was observed for COVID-19 related deaths in the period of follow-up of either cohorts. ConclusionsIn a population with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 complications, we observed higher overall VE estimates against more severe outcomes for both age cohorts when compared to symptomatic infections. Considering the analysis of VE according to time since complete vaccination, the results showed a waning effect for both age cohorts in symptomatic infection and COVID-19 hospitalization for the 80 and more yo cohort.

mRNA vaccines effectiveness against COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in older adults: a cohort study based on data-linkage of national health registries in Portugal

BackgroundWe used electronic health registries to estimate the mRNA vaccine effectiveness (VE) against COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths in older adults. MethodsWe established a cohort of individuals aged 65 and more years, resident in Portugal mainland through data linkage of eight national health registries. For each outcome, VE was computed as one minus the confounder-adjusted hazard ratio, estimated by time-dependent Cox regression. ResultsVE against COVID-19 hospitalization [≥]14 days after the second dose was 94% (95%CI 88 to 97) for age-group 65-79 years old (yo) and 82% (95%CI 72 to 89) for [≥]80 yo. VE against COVID-19 related deaths [≥] 14 days after second dose was 96% (95%CI 92 to 98) for age-group 65-79 yo and 81% (95%CI 74 to 87), for [≥]80 yo individuals. No evidence of VE waning was observed after 98 days of second dose uptake. ConclusionsmRNA vaccine effectiveness was high for the prevention of hospitalizations and deaths in age-group 65-79 yo and [≥]80 yo with a complete vaccination scheme, even after 98 days of second dose uptake.

O impacto do ensino público e privado na memória de crianças / The impact of public and private education on children's memory / El impacto de la educación pública y privada en la memoria de los niños

Esse estudo teve como objetivo comparar o desempenho de memória operacional e memória episódica em estudantes do ensino público e privado. A amostra foi composta por 79 crianças, com idades entre 9 e 12 anos, divididos por gênero, idade e tipo de escola. A avaliação foi realizada individualmente por meio da CMS e Raven. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o teste t de Student, com nível de significância adotado de 5%. Os resultados evidenciam melhor desempenho das crianças de escola pública nas tarefas de inteligência e memória visual, enquanto os estudantes de escola particular apresentaram melhor desempenho em memória verbal e visual, corroborando com estudos que apontam diferenças em tarefas cognitivas para crianças de níveis socioeconômicos diferentes. Esses resultados fomentam a importância de mais pesquisas na área, para compreensão e melhorias no desenvolvimento cognitivo das crianças e adolescentes brasileiros. (AU)

This study aimed to compare the performance of working memory and episodic memory in students from public and private schools. A sample consisted of 79 children, aged between 9 and 12 years; divided by gender, age and type of school. The assessment was carried out individually using the CMS and Raven's test. For the data analysis student's t-test was used, the level of significance adopted was 5%. The results showed better performance by the public school children in tasks of intelligence and visual memory, while the students from private schools showed better performance in verbal and visual memory, corroborating studies that highlight differences in cognitive tasks for children with different socioeconomic levels. These results demonstrate the importance of more research in the area, aiming to better understand and improve the cognitive development of Brazilian children and adolescents. (AU)

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el rendimiento de la memoria de trabajo y la memoria episódica en estudiantes de escuelas públicas y privadas. La muestra se compuso por 79 niños, con edades comprendidas entre 9 y 12 años; divididos por género, edad y tipo de escuela. La evaluación se realizó individualmente a través de la CMS y Raven. Se utilizó la prueba t de student para el análisis de datos, el nivel de significación adoptado fue del 5%. Los resultados evidenciaron un mejor rendimiento de los niños de las escuelas públicas en tareas de inteligencia y memoria visual, mientras que los estudiantes de la escuela privada mostraron un mejor rendimiento en la memoria verbal y visual, corroborando con estudios que señalan diferencias en las tareas cognitivas para niños de diferentes niveles socioeconómicos. Estos resultados alientan la importancia de una mayor investigación en el área, para comprender y mejorar el desarrollo cognitivo de los niños y adolescentes brasileños. (AU)

High fructose intake and the route towards cardiometabolic diseases.

It is known that dietary habits have a strong influence on body metabolism. In the last decades, the dietary habits have changed worldwide, and the consumption of fructose, especially in sugar-sweetened beverages, increased significantly. In this perspective, the present review aimed to summarize the effects of fructose on different cardiometabolic conditions. Clinical, experimental, and epidemiological studies evidenced that fructose can exert several deleterious effects when its consumption is above the recommended amounts. The increased fructose consumption decreases satiety, favoring a positive energy balance, increases adipogenesis, leading to visceral fat accumulation, induces ectopic fat accumulation, especially in the skeletal muscle and liver, leading to insulin resistance, inflammation, and lipid metabolism impairment, increases arterial blood pressure and causes vascular damage. Therefore, increased fructose consumption is linked to the development of alarming cardiometabolic conditions, such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases, through several different mechanisms. Further clinical and experimental studies are still necessary to elucidate additional signaling pathways and mechanisms by which fructose is involved in all the mentioned cardiometabolic disorders. Also, the reported findings raise the need for the creation of public health policies aimed to prevent diet-associated cardiometabolic disorders, thus improving the population quality of life.

The Role of Antioxidants in the Prevention of Cadmium-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium is a worldwide spread toxicant that accumulates in tissues and affects many organs, mainly through oxidative damage. Oxidative stress is often associated with cardiovascular diseases and, when it affects vessels, it induces endothelial dysfunction, which, in turn, could precipitate atherosclerosis and hypertension. Therefore, it is reasonable to suggest antioxidant supplementation as a therapy against cadmiuminduced endothelial dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: This literature review aims to present the mechanisms involving oxidative stress in which cadmium induces endothelial dysfunction and the benefits of antioxidant supplementation as a therapeutic strategy against its harmful effects. METHODS: On PubMed Central, articles that contemplated studies on cadmium intoxication and associated oxidative stress with endothelial dysfunction as well as articles that reported the use of antioxidant supplementation in an attempt to prevent or avoid endothelial dysfunction induced by cadmium exposure were selected. RESULTS: Most of the studies that associated cadmium intoxication with endothelial dysfunction suggested oxidative stress as the major mechanism for this damage. Furthermore, experimental studies also revealed that the administration of substances with antioxidant properties, such as ascorbic acid and curcumin, has beneficial effects on the prevention of such dysfunction, reducing reactive oxygen species within the vessels, preventing a reduction in the amount of glutathione and the increase in blood pressure observed in animals exposed to cadmium. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant therapy demonstrated to be a potential treatment to reduce cardiovascular injuries provoked by cadmium, but more studies are needed to determine the best antioxidant substance and dose to treat or avoid this complication.

Desafios dos enfermeiros frente à criança com osteogênese imperfeita / Nurse's challenges regarding children with osteogenesis imperfecta

Objetivo: identificar os desafios dos enfermeiros na assistência à criança com osteogênese imperfeita. Método: tratase de um estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, com 14 enfermeiras plantonistas do complexo pediátrico, que responderam a um questionário. Analisaram-se os dados pela Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: entendeu-se que o cuidado dessas crianças se torna um desafio, visto que qualquer intervenção inapropriada relacionada à mobilização poderá desencadear complicações devido à fragilidade óssea. Conclusão: aponta-se que o estudo serviu como aprendizado para uma doença não muito conhecida, a qual instiga alguns profissionais de saúde em relação ao seu manejo. Torna-se indispensável, nesse contexto, a sistematização da assistência de Enfermagem aos portadores de OI, já que necessitam de cuidados diferenciados.(AU)

Objective: to identify nurses' challenges in the care of children with osteogenesis imperfecta. Method: this is a qualitative, descriptive and exploratory study with 14 on duty nurses in the pediatric complex, who answered a questionnaire. Data was analyzed by Content Analysis. Results: it was understood that the care of these children becomes a challenge, since any inappropriate intervention related to mobilization may trigger complications due to bone fragility. Conclusion: it is pointed out that the study served as learning for a disease that is not well known, which instigates some health professionals regarding its management. In this context, the systematization of nursing care for patients with OI becomes indispensable, as they require special care.(AU)

Objetivo: identificar los desafíos de los enfermeros en el cuidado de niños con osteogénesis imperfecta. Método: este es un estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio con 14 enfermeras pediátricas en el complejo pediátrico, que respondieron un cuestionario. Los datos fueron analizados por el Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: se entendió que el cuidado de estos niños se convierte en un desafío, ya que cualquier intervención inapropiada relacionada con la movilización puede desencadenar complicaciones debido a la fragilidad ósea. Conclusión: se señala que el estudio sirvió como aprendizaje para una enfermedad no conocida, lo que instiga a algunos profesionales de la salud a tratarla. En este contexto, la sistematización de la atención de enfermería para pacientes con OI se vuelve indispensable, ya que requieren atención diferenciada.(AU)

Use of an automated pyrosequencing technique for confirmation of sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of sickle cell disease (SCD) is made by hemoglobin assays such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), isoelectric focusing and cellulose acetate or citrate agar electrophoresis. These assays are easy to perform and used in large-scale newborn screening in many countries. These tests however may not easily differentiate Sß0 thalassemia from SS or identify other hemoglobin variants, and in this case, hemoglobin (HBB) gene sequencing may be necessary. OBJECTIVES: To develop a high throughput DNA based confirmatory assay for SCD and to detect mutations in the HBB gene. METHODS: We developed an automated pyrosequencing technique (PyS) based on QIAGEN technology (Hilden, Germany) to detect homozygous or heterozygous hemoglobin S mutations as well as hemoglobin C mutations. The technique was tested on 2,748 samples from patients enrolled in a multi-center SCD cohort in Brazil. Patients were previously tested using HPLC to diagnose SCD as part of routine clinical care. Any subjects with discrepant results between HPLC and PyS or with heterozygous hemoglobin S detected had Sanger sequencing of the HBB gene. RESULTS: We identified 168 samples with discrepant results between HPLC and PyS and 100 with concordant PyS = heterozygous S and HPLC, which would suggest SB-thalassemia or other heterozygous S variants. The PyS assay correctly identified 1906 (98.7%) of the 1930 HbSS and 628 (98.7%) of the 636 HbSC samples. Of the 179 remaining samples, PyS correctly indicated S heterozygosis in 165 (92.2%). Of the 165 heterozygous S samples confirmed by Sanger as consistent with Sß thalassemia genotype, 84 samples were classified as Sß0 thalassemia and 81 as Sß+ thalassemia. The most frequent beta thalassemia mutations of Sß0 and Sß+ were HBB: c.118C>T (Gln40Stop) and HBB c.92 + 6T> C, respectively. DISCUSSION: The PyS proved to be satisfactory for large-scale confirmatory testing of hemoglobin mutation. Moreover, with this study we were able to describe the most common ß+ and ß0 mutations in SCD patients with Sß-thalassemia in a large multi-institutional SCD cohort in Brazil.

Executive functions in children with dyslexia.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to verify whether children with dyslexia have difficulties in executive functions (shifting, working memory, inhibition). METHODS: A sample of 47 children (ages 8-13 years) participated in the study: 24 who were dyslexic and 23 controls with typical development. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used. RESULTS: Results revealed executive function difficulties among the dyslexic children when compared with controls, encompassing selective attention modulation processes, shifting, and inhibitory control. These difficulties appeared to be affected by phonological working memory deficits, typically associated with dyslexia. CONCLUSION: Our findings support the consensus among scholars regarding the central involvement of phonological skill dysfunctions in dyslexia.

Executive functions in children with dyslexia / Funções executivas em crianças com dislexia

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify whether children with dyslexia have difficulties in executive functions (shifting, working memory, inhibition). Methods: A sample of 47 children (ages 8-13 years) participated in the study: 24 who were dyslexic and 23 controls with typical development. A battery of neuropsychological tests was used. Results: Results revealed executive function difficulties among the dyslexic children when compared with controls, encompassing selective attention modulation processes, shifting, and inhibitory control. These difficulties appeared to be affected by phonological working memory deficits, typically associated with dyslexia. Conclusion: Our findings support the consensus among scholars regarding the central involvement of phonological skill dysfunctions in dyslexia.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se crianças com dislexia têm dificuldades nas habilidades de funções executivas (shifting, memória operacional e inibição). Métodos: Uma amostra de 47 crianças (idades entre 8 e 13 anos) participaram do estudo: 24 crianças disléxicas e 23 crianças com desenvolvimento típico. Uma bateria de avaliação neuropsicológica foi usada. Results: Os resultados revelaram dificuldades nas funções executivas nas crianças disléxicas quando comparadas com as controle, envolvendo processos de modulação de atenção seletiva, shifting e controle inibitório. Essas dificuldades parecem ser afetadas pelos déficits na memória operacional fonológica, tipicamente associada à dislexia. Conclusion: Assim, nossos achados suportam o consenso de que a disfunção central da dislexia está nas habilidades fonológicas.

Oocyte cryopreservation for future fertility: comparison of ovarian response between cancer and non-cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether a diagnosis of cancer interferes with ovarian function prior to the treatment of the disease. METHODS: This observational retrospective study used data from medical records of ovarian stimulation cycles performed for purposes of oocyte cryopreservation. RESULTS: The included patients had a mean age of 35.13±3.72 years and 51.6% of them were aged between 36 and 40 years. More than half of the patients (57.6%) were single and 82.1% had a normal body mass index (BMI). Most women had not become pregnant (85.5%) or had babies (95.1%) or miscarriages (89.6%) prior to cryopreservation. The mean number of oocytes obtained from non-cancer patients was 11.4±8, while for cancer patients the number was 13.8±9. The mean number of frozen mature oocytes was 9.7±7 for the non-cancer group and 11.2±7.2 for the cancer group. The majority (63.1%) of the patients had up to 10 oocytes frozen per cycle. Breast cancer had the highest incidence among the included patients. There was no significant difference in ovarian response between patients with different types of cancer. CONCLUSION: The number of harvested and frozen oocytes from cancer and non-cancer patients indicated that in the two groups response to ovarian stimulation was similar.

Efeitos do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático na Memória / Effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Memory / Efectos del Trastorno de Estrés Postraumático en la Memoria

O Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (TEPT) é frequentemente associado a déficits cognitivos, porém ainda existem divergências com relação as funções cognitivas afetadas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o impacto do TEPT na memória operacional, na memória visual de curto prazo, na memória episódica de longo prazo, na memória semântica de longo prazo e na memória prospectiva. A amostra foi composta por 20 mulheres com idades entre 20 e 60 anos, sendo 10 mulheres provenientes do Programa de Atendimento e Pesquisa em Violência da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (PROVE) com diagnóstico de TEPT (GTEPT) e 10 mulheres controle com a mesma idade e escolaridade (GC). O instrumento utilizado foi o Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve (NEUPSILIN). Os dados foram analisados por teste t de Student para amostras dependentes e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Os resultados obtidos a partir da análise do NEUPSILIN apontam para prejuízos na memória operacional (p = 0,04) e na memória prospectiva (p = 0,02) associados ao TEPT. Porém não foram observadas diferenças entre os grupos no que diz respeito aos outros tipos de memória investigados (p > 0,05). Os achados deste estudo, com relação aos prejuízos na memória operacional e na memória prospectiva associados ao TEPT estão de acordo com a literatura. Ambas funções são de extrema importância para o desempenho de atividades cotidianas, portanto, a intervenção e reabilitação destas funções no sujeito com TEPT podem auxiliar significativamente na melhora da qualidade de vida....(AU)

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with cognitive deficits, but there are still some differences regarding cognitive functions affected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of PTSD on working memory, visual shortterm memory, long-term episodic memory, long-term semantic memory and prospective memory. The sample consisted of 20 women aged between 20 and 60 years, ten women from the Program of Assistance and Research on Violence of the Federal University of São Paulo (PROVE) diagnosed with PTSD and overlapping violence (GTEPT) and ten women control of the same age and educational level (GC). The instrument used was the Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument (NEUPSILIN). Data were analyzed by Student's t-test for dependent samples, and the significance level was 5%. The results obtained from the analysis NEUPSILIN point to the losses in working memory (p = 0.04) and prospective memory (p = 0.02) associated with PTSD. Differences between groups were not observed on other types of memory investigated (p > 0.05). The findings of this study on losses in working memory and prospective memory associated with PTSD are in agreement with the literature. Both functions are critical to the performance of daily activities. Therefore, intervention and rehabilitation of these functions in the subject with PTSD can help significantly in improving the quality of life....(AU)

El trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) suele asociarse a déficits cognitivos, pero todavía existen divergencias con las funciones cognitivas afectadas. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el impacto del TEPT en la memoria operativa, en la memoria visual de corto plazo, en la memoria episódica de largo plazo, en la memoria semántica de largo plazo y en la memoria prospectiva. La muestra fue compuesta por 20 mujeres conedades entre 20 y 60 años, siendo 10 mujeres provenientes del Programa de Atención e Investigación en Violencia de la Universidad Federal de São Paulo (PROVE) con diagnóstico de TEPT (GTEPT) y 10 mujeres control con la misma edad y escolaridad (GC). El instrumento utilizado fue el Instrumento de Evaluación Neuropsicológica Breve (NEUPSILIN). Los datos fueron analizados por test t de Student para muestras dependientes y el nivel de significancia adoptado fue del 5%. Los resultados obtenidos a partir del análisis del NEUPSILIN apuntan a pérdidas en la memoria operativa (p = 0,04) y en la memoria prospectiva (p = 0,02) asociados al TEPT. Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias entre los grupos en lo que se refiere a los otros tipos de memoria investigados (p > 0,05). Los hallazgos de este estudio, con relación a los perjuicios en la memoria operativa y en la memoria prospectiva asociados al TEPT están de acuerdo con la literatura. Ambas funciones son de extrema importancia para el desempeño de actividades cotidianas, por lo tanto, la intervención y rehabilitación de estas funciones en el sujeto con TEPT pueden auxiliar significativamente en la mejora de la calidad de vida....(AU)

Influência de tratamento dentinário com EDTA sobre a resistência de união de sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes / Effectiveness of EDTA in restorative procedures with self-etching adhesives

Resumo Introdução Os adesivos autocondicionantes apresentam técnica adesiva simplificada e diminuição na sensibilidade pós-operatória. Quando aplicados sobre a dentina, atuam sobre a smear layer, cuja efetiva remoção ainda constitui um desafio. Uma substância utilizada como pré-tratamento dentinário na ajuda da remoção da smear layer é o etilenodiamino tetracético dissódico (EDTA). Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos do EDTA em associação com sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes na resistência de união ao microcisalhamento. Material e método Foram seccionadas as superfícies oclusais de 72 terceiros molares humanos extraídos, para expor superfície dentinária plana. Os dentes preparados foram divididos em: dentina sem pré-tratamento; dentina tratada com EDTA 0,1M; dentina tratada com EDTA 0,5M. Cada grupo recebeu tratamento de três sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes: Single Bond Universal (SBU), AdheSE (AdheSE) e Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB). Foi delimitada a área adesiva e assim posicionada uma matriz transparente, para inserção com resina composta Z250XT seguida de polimerização por 40 segundos. Após 24 horas de armazenamento, os dentes foram submetidos ao ensaio de microcisalhamento. Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente, utilizando-se os testes Two-Way ANOVA e Bonferroni, e sendo considerado nível de significância de 5%. Resultado Não houve diferença estatística significante na resistência de união entre os pré-tratamentos dentinários (p=0,8353), porém houve diferença significativa entre os adesivos (p<0,05) CSEB e AdheSE, mostrando semelhança entre CSEB e SBU, e entre SBU e AdheSE. Conclusão O pré-tratamento dentinário com solução de EDTA não afetou a resistência de união com nenhum dos sistemas adesivos autocondicionantes utilizados.

Abstract Introduction Self-etching adhesives have simplified adhesive technique and decreased the postoperative sensitivity. When applied on dentin, it acts on the smear layer, but it is still a challenge in the effectiveness of this removal. A substance used as a pre-treatment for the removal of the smear layer is disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Objective To evaluate the effects of EDTA in association with self-etching adhesive systems on micro-shear bond strength. Material and method The occlusal surfaces of 72 extracted human third molars were sectioned to expose a flat dentin surface. The prepared teeth were divided into: dentin without pre-treatment; dentin treated with 0.1M EDTA; dentin treated with 0.5M EDTA. Each group received treatment of 3 self-etching adhesive systems: Single Bond Universal (SBU), AdheSE (AdheSE), and Clearfil SE Bond (CSEB). The adhesive area was delimited and positioned a transparent matrix for insertion with Z250XT composite resin followed by polymerization for 40 seconds. After 24h of storage, the teeth were submitted to the micro-shear test. The data were analyzed statistically using the Two-Way ANOVA and Bonferroni tests, considering a level of significance of 5%. Result There was no statistically significant difference in bond strength between dentin pre-treatments (p = 0.8353), but showed a significant difference between CSEB and AdheSE adhesives (p <0.05), showing similarity between CSEB and SBU, and between SBU and AdheSE. Conclusion Dentin pretreatment with EDTA solution did not affect bond strength with any of the self-etching adhesive systems used.

Linoleic acid reduces vascular reactivity and improves the vascular dysfunction of the small mesentery in hypertension.

We aimed to investigate the effect of linoleic acid (LA) treatment on the blood pressure and function of mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR). Male SHR were treated daily with LA (15 mg/kg) or vehicle (control) for 15 days. Compared with controls, LA treatment decreased blood pressure and showed the following in MRA: (1) increased lumen and external diameter, (2) decreased wall:lumen ratio and wall thickness, (3) decreased stiffness and (4) less collagen deposition. LA treatment reduced the contractile response to phenylephrine, although there were no changes observed in MRA in regard to the acetylcholine or sodium nitroprusside responses. Incubation with L-NAME left-shifted the reactivity to phenylephrine only in the MRA treated group, suggesting that LA treatment can improve NO bioavailability. This result was accompanied by an increase "in situ" NO production. Incubation with tiron decreased vascular reactivity to phenylephrine in MRA in LA rats, which was accompanied by decreased superoxide anion production. Moreover, incubation with indomethacin (non-selective COX inhibitor, 10 µM), NS 398 (COX-2 specific inhibitor, 1 µM), furegrelate (TXA2 synthase inhibitor, 1 µM), SQ 29.548 (TP receptor antagonist, 1 µM) and SC 19220 (EP1 receptor antagonist, 10 µM) reduced the vasoconstrictor responses to phenylephrine in MRA in the treated group. These results were accompanied by a reduction in COX-2 protein expression. In conclusion, these findings show that LA treatment decreases blood pressure. In addition, the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and structural changes in this hypertension model may be responsible for the reduction in blood pressure.

Métodos não farmacológicos utilizados pelo enfermeiro na prevenção e controle da Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica / Non-pharmacological methods used by the nurse in the prevention and control of Systemic Arterial Hypertension

A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) é uma doença crônica multifatorial caracterizada por níveis tensionais elevados e sustentados. Objetivos: descrever e analisar a eficácia das terapias não farmacológicas no controle da HAS, utilizadas pelo enfermeiro. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo, quantitativo, realizado com 43 adultos atendidos pelo Programa Academia Carioca de um Centro Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro no período de agosto a setembro de 2017. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados com aplicação de um questionário estruturado com cinco perguntas objetivas e através de análise documental do prontuário do paciente no programa. Resultado: 87,5% dos entrevistados conseguiram melhorar ou estabilizar os níveis pressóricos em detrimento de 12,5% dos entrevistados que apresentaram piora destes níveis. Conclusão: O uso de terapias não farmacológicas indica uma melhora da qualidade de vida dos participantes do Programa Academia Carioca, sendo estes portadores ou não de HAS, contudo nota-se ainda que os enfermeiros não priorizam a indicação à prática de exercícios físicos.

Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SH) is a chronic multifactorial disease characterized by elevated and sustained blood pressure levels. Objectives: To describe and analyze the efficacy of non-pharmacological therapies in the control of hypertension, used by nurses. Methodology: A descriptive, quantitative study with 43 adults attended by the Carioca Academy Program of a Municipal Health Center of Rio de Janeiro from August to September 2017. The research data were collected using a structured questionnaire with five questions and documentary analysis of the patient's medical record in the program. Outcome: 77.5% of the interviewees were able to stabilize blood pressure levels, to the detriment of 12.5% of those interviewed who presented worsening of these levels. Conclusion: The use of non-pharmacological therapies indicates an improvement in the quality of life of participants in the Carioca Academy Program, whether or not those with hypertension are present. However, nurses do not prioritize their indication for physical exercise.

La Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (HAS) es una enfermedad crónica multifactorial caracterizada por niveles tensionales elevados y sostenidos. Objetivos: describir y analizar la eficacia de las terapias no farmacológicas en el control de la HAS, utilizadas por el enfermero. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo, realizado con 43 adultos atendidos por el Programa Academia Carioca de un Centro Municipal de Salud de Río de Janeiro en el período de agosto a septiembre de 2017. Los datos de la encuesta fueron recolectados con aplicación de un cuestionario estructurado con cinco preguntas objetiva y a través del análisis documental del prontuario del paciente en el programa. Resultado: 77,5% de los entrevistados lograron estabilizar los niveles presóricos en detrimento del 12,5% de los entrevistados que presentaron empeoramiento de estos niveles. Conclusión: El uso de terapias no farmacológicas indica una mejora de la calidad de vida de los participantes del Programa Academia Carioca, siendo estos portadores o no de HAS, sin embargo se nota que los enfermeros no priorizan la indicación a la práctica de ejercicios físicos.

Fatores intervenientes na qualidade de vida do estudante de enfermagem / Intervening factors in the quality of life of nursing student

Objetivo: avaliar o grau de qualidade de vida dos estudantes concluintes do curso de enfermagem de uma universidade privada acerca dos fatores considerados estressantes. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo em que participaram 60 graduandos do curso de enfermagem e que utilizou como instrumento de coleta a Escala de Qualidade de Vida de Flanagan. Resultados: observou-se que a maioria entrevistada é do sexo feminino, com idade entre 23 e 27 anos. Constatou-se que a QV destes alunos conforme as dimensões do questionário foi classificada como média a baixa. Conclusão: os níveis de QV desses alunos são considerados preocupantes, uma vez que a QV implica diretamente no desempenho acadêmico e emocional do indivíduo, ocasionando problemas na sua saúde mental. Esses achados podem contribuir para o desenvolvimento de medidas que diminuam o estresse provocado neste ambiente e, assim, promover a melhora da QV de universitários.(AU)

Xanthine Oxidase Activation Modulates the Endothelial (Vascular) Dysfunction Related to HgCl2 Exposure Plus Myocardial Infarction in Rats.

Heavy metal exposure is associated with cardiovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI). Vascular dysfunction is related to both the causes and the consequences of MI. We investigated whether chronic exposure to low doses of mercury chloride (HgCl2) worsens MI-induced endothelial dysfunction 7 days after MI. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (vehicle), HgCl2 (4 weeks of exposure), surgically induced MI and combined HgCl2-MI. Morphological and hemodynamic measurements were used to characterize the MI model 7 days after the insult. Vascular reactivity was evaluated in aortic rings. Chronic HgCl2 exposure did not cause more heart injury than MI alone in terms of the morphological or hemodynamic parameters. Vascular reactivity increased in all groups, but the combination of HgCl2-MI increased the vasorelaxation induced by ACh compared with the HgCl2 and MI groups. Results showed reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expression in the MI group; increased iNOS activity in the HgCl2-MI group, although without enough magnitude to reverse the reduction in NO bioavailability; and increased phenylephrine response in the HgCl2-MI group due to an increase in ROS production, notably via xanthine oxidase (XO). Results suggest that the combination of 1 month pre-exposure of HgCl2 before MI changed the endothelial generation of oxidative stress induced by mercury exposure from NADPH oxidase pathway to XO (xanthine oxidase)-dependent ROS production.