O uso das ferramentas de Abordagem Familiar no tratamento do Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção/Hiperatividade (TDAH): um estudo de caso / The use of Family Approach tools in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatment: a case study

A ESF se apresenta como ferramenta primária de cuidado à saúde no SUS, uma vez que atua no lócus central da sociedade: a família. O TDAH tem um grande impacto sobre a dinâmica e bem-estar da família, por isso as ferramentas de abordagem familiar se tornam especialmente úteis no tratamento deste transtorno na APS. Com o uso delas foi possível compreender os processos de adoecimento da família e elaborar planos terapêuticos para resolvê-los. Desta forma, esta pesquisa objetiva demonstrar o uso das ferramentas de abordagem familiar e da Análise do Comportamento no tratamento de TDAH de um paciente da Equipe de Saúde da Família Dália, no município de Montes Claros ­MG. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de estudo de caso de família de corte transversal. Os instrumentos de abordagem familiar utilizados foram: Genograma, Ecomapa, F.I.R.O., PRACTICE e Ciclo Vital. A família em escolhida para este estudo apresentava um conflito central entre as duas cuidadoras de Lírio (diagnosticado com TDAH), que atrapalhava o tratamento deste e era perpassado por angústias não faladas. A pesquisa demonstrou como intervenções na dinâmica familiar podem produzir efeitos positivos no tratamento de crianças com TDAH. Além de explicitar como a conferência familiar pode ser uma ferramenta poderosa para ajudar familiares com estratégias de estimulação, dentro do contexto do SUS. Por meio da abordagem familiar, foi possível identificar os problemas de organização funcional presentes na família e fazer modificações em sua rotina que apresentaram resultados positivos.

The ESF presents itself as a primary health care tool in the SUS, since it acts in the society core locus: the family. The ADHD has a great impact over the family dynamic and well-being, so family approach tools become especially useful in the disorder treatment at the PHC. With their use it was possible to understand the family illness processes and develop therapeutic plans to solve them. Thus, this research aims to demonstrate the usage of family approach tools and the Behavior Analysis in the ADHD treatment of a patient from the Family Health Team Dália, in the city of Montes Claros ­MG. This is a family case study research with cross section. The family approach tools utilized were: Genogram, Ecomap, F.I.R.O., PRACTICE e Family Life Cycle. The family chosen to this study presented a core conflict between the two Lírio's (diagnosed with ADHD) caregivers, which interfered his treatment and was pearmeted by non-spoken anguishes. The research has demonstrated how family dynamic interventions can produce positive effects in the treatment of children diagnosed with ADHD. In addition to explaining how the family conference can be a powerful tool to help family members with stimulation strategies, in the SUS context. Through the family approach, it was possible to identify the problems of functional organization present in the family and to make modifications in their routine that showed positive results.

Antifungal Activity, Antibiofilm and Association Studies with O-Alkylamidoximes against Cryptococcus spp.

This is the first study that describes the antifungal and anti-biofilm potential of O-alkylamidoximes against strains of Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. In vitro tests have shown that O-alkylamidoximes are capable of inhibiting fungal growth and biofilm formation of the C. neoformans and C. gattii strains, suggesting, from molecular docking, the potential for interaction with the Hsp90. The associations between O-alkylamidoximes and amphotericin B were beneficial. Therefore, O-alkylamidoximes can be a useful alternative to contribute to the limited arsenal of drugs, since they showed a powerful action against the primary agents of Cryptococcosis.

Dengue induces iNOS expression and nitric oxide synthesis in platelets through IL-1R.

Introduction: Dengue is an arthropod-born disease caused by dengue virus (DENV), that may manifest as a mild illness or severe form, characterized by hemorrhagic fever and shock. Nitric oxide (NO) is a vasodilator signaling molecule and an inhibitor of platelet aggregation known to be increased in platelets from dengue patients. However, the mechanisms underlying NO synthesis by platelets during dengue are not yet elucidated. IL-1ß is a pro-inflammatory cytokine able to induce iNOS expression in leukocytes and present in dengue patients at high levels. Nevertheless, the role of IL-1ß in platelet activation, especially regarding iNOS expression, are not clear. Methods: We prospectively followed a cohort of 28 dengue-infected patients to study NO synthesis in platelets and its relationship with disease outcomes. We used in vitro infection and stimulation models to gain insights on the mechanisms. Results and Discussion: We confirmed that platelets from dengue patients express iNOS and produce higher levels of NO during the acute phase compared to healthy volunteers, returning to normal levels after recovery. Platelet NO production during acute dengue infection was associated with the presence of warning signs, hypoalbuminemia and hemorrhagic manifestations, suggesting a role in dengue pathophysiology. By investigating the mechanisms, we evidenced increased iNOS expression in platelets stimulated with dengue patients´ plasma, indicating induction by circulating inflammatory mediators. We then investigated possible factors able to induce platelet iNOS expression and observed higher levels of IL-1ß in plasma from patients with dengue, which were correlated with NO production by platelets. Since platelets can synthesize and respond to IL-1ß, we investigated whether IL-1ß induces iNOS expression and NO synthesis in platelets. We observed that recombinant human IL-1ß enhanced iNOS expression and dose-dependently increased NO synthesis by platelets. Finally, platelet infection with DENV in vitro induced iNOS expression and NO production, besides the secretion of both IL-1α and IL-1ß. Importantly, treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist or a combination of anti-IL-1α and anti-IL-1ß antibodies prevented DENV-induced iNOS expression and NO synthesis. Our data show that DENV induces iNOS expression and NO production in platelets through mechanisms depending on IL-1 receptor signaling.

Impacto da meningite entre os anos de 2010 e 2020 no Brasil: um estudo documental / Impact of meningitis between the years 2010 and 2020 in Brazil: a documentary study

Introdução: a meningite é uma infecção que afeta as membranas as quais revestem o encéfalo e a medula espinhal, sendo incluída na Lista Nacional de Doenças de Notificação Compulsória. Objetivo: investigar o perfil epidemiológico de acometidos por meningite no Brasil, entre os anos de 2010 a 2020. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico, retrospectivo, analítico e documental, pelo qual as informações acerca dos casos confirmados no Brasil foram extraídas através do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Para análise estatística foi utilizado o software Statistical Package for Social Sciences (versão 20.0). Resultados: no período analisado, foram notificados 187.508 casos de meningite, sendo 2012 o ano com maior número de casos (11,6%). A região que apresentou o maior número de mortes foi sudeste (54,2%), possuindo São Paulo como o estado de maior número de notificações (41%). O perfil foi composto, predominantemente, por indivíduos do gênero masculino (59,1%), com faixa etária entre ≤1 a 9 anos (47%) e etiologia viral (45,5%). O método quimiocitológico foi o mais utilizado (60,9%), o qual os enfermos evoluíam a alta (75,8%). Além disso, a meningite bacteriana apresentou a maior taxa de mortalidade (1,8/100.000 habitantes), enquanto a meningococcemia a maior taxa de letalidade (36,7%). Houve associação estatística positiva entre as variáveis: número de óbitos e faixa etária, número de óbitos e gênero e, número de óbitos e etiologia. Conclusão: é essencial a adoção de políticas públicas com escopo às populações de risco, sendo esse estudo, profícuo na construção de tais projetos.

Introduction: meningitis is an infection that affects the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord, being included in the National List of Compulsory Reporting Diseases. Objective: to investigate the epidemiological profile of people affected by meningitis in Brazil, between the years 2010 to 2020. Methodology: this is an epidemiological, retrospective, analytical and documentary study, through which information about confirmed cases in Brazil were extracted through the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). For statistical analysis, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (version 20.0) was used. Results: in the period analyzed, 187,508 cases of meningitis were reported, with 2012 being the year with the highest number of cases (11.6%). The region with the highest number of deaths was the Southeast (54.2%), with São Paulo as the state with the highest number of notifications (41%). The profile was predominantly composed of male individuals (59.1%), aged between ≤1 to 9 years (47%) and viral etiology (45.5%). The chemocytological method was the most used (60.9%), in which patients progressed to discharge (75.8%). In addition, bacterial meningitis had the highest mortality rate (1.8/100,000 population), while meningococcemia had the highest fatality rate (36.7%). There was a positive statistical association between the variables: number of deaths and age group, number of deaths and gender and number of deaths and etiology. Conclusion: it is essential to adopt public policies aimed at populations at risk, and this study is useful in the construction of such projects.

Photobiomodulation effects in metalloproteinases expression in zymosan-induced arthritis.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in the degenerative course of rheumatic disorders. They are responsible for cartilage and other joint-associated tissues breakdown. Amid arthritis treatments, photobiostimulation (PBM), a non-thermal and non-invasive low-power laser application, appears to be an outstanding therapy alternative once it has succeeded in MMPs modulation. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the PBM effects of low infrared laser (830 nm), testing two different energy densities (3 and 30 Jcm-2) in MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-13, and MMP-14 as well as the inhibitor TIMP-2 expressions using zymosan-induced arthritis model. C57BL/6 mice were distributed into four groups (n = 8): zymosan-induced arthritis without treatment; zymosan-induced arthritis and dexamethasone-treated; zymosan-induced arthritis and PBM at energy density of 3 Jcm-2 treated; and zymosan-induced arthritis and PBM at energy density of 30 Jcm-2 treated. MMPs and TIMP-2 mRNA relative levels by qRT-PCR and proteins expression by immunohistochemical and Western blotting techniques were performed after PBM treatment in the inflamed joint. Our results demonstrated PBM could modulate both mRNA relative levels and proteins expression of the MMP-2, -9, -13, -14, and TIMP-2 in joint tissues, decreasing MMP-9 protein expression and increasing TIMP-2 protein expression. PBM promotes a better arthritis prognostic, modulating metalloproteinase and its inhibitor, especially MMP-9 and TIMP-2 protein expression that is important inflammatory markers. These findings may also corroborate that PBM may regulate MMPs expression using different pathways.

Platelet-leukocyte interactions in the pathogenesis of viral infections.

Evolving evidence demonstrates that platelets have major roles in viral syndromes through previously unrecognized viral sensing and effector functions. Activated platelets and increased platelet-leukocyte aggregates are observed in clinical and experimental viral infections. The mechanisms and outcomes of platelet-leukocyte interactions depend on the interacting leukocyte as well as on the pathogen and pathological conditions. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms involved in platelet interactions with leukocytes and its functions during viral infections. We focus on the contributions of human platelet-leukocyte interactions to pathophysiological and protective responses during viral infections of major global health relevance, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS), influenza pneumonia, and COVID-19.

Platelets in dengue infection: more than a numbers game.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is responsible for the development of dengue illness, which can be either asymptomatic, present mild manifestations or evolve to severe dengue. Thrombocytopenia is an important characteristic during DENV infection, being observed both in mild and severe dengue, although the lowest platelet counts are encountered during severe cases. This review gathers information regarding several mechanisms that have been related to alterations in platelet number and function, leading to thrombocytopenia but also platelet-mediated immune and inflammatory response. On this regard, we highlight that the decrease in platelet counts may be due to bone marrow suppression or consumption of platelets at the periphery. We discuss the infection of hematopoietic progenitors and stromal cells as mechanisms involved in bone marrow suppression. Concerning peripheral consumption of platelets, we addressed the direct infection of platelets by DENV, adhesion of platelets to leukocytes and vascular endothelium and platelet clearance mediated by anti-platelet antibodies. We also focused on platelet involvement on the dengue immunity and pathogenesis through translation and secretion of viral and host factors and through platelet-leukocyte aggregates formation. Hence, the present review highlights important findings related to platelet activation and thrombocytopenia during dengue infection, and also exhibits different mechanisms associated with decreased platelet counts.Graphical abstract:Schematic mechanistic representation of platelet-mediated immune responses and thrombocytopenia during dengue infection. (A) DENV-infected platelets secrete cytokines and chemokines and also adhere to activated vascular endothelium. Platelets aggregate with leukocytes, inducing the secretion of NETs and inflammatory mediators by neutrophils and monocytes, respectively. (B) DENV directly infects stromal cells and hematopoietic precursors, including megakaryocytes, which compromises megakaryopoiesis. Both central and peripheric mechanisms contribute to DENV-associated thrombocytopenia.

Do essential oils from plants occurring in the Brazilian Caatinga biome present antifungal potential against dermatophytoses? A systematic review.

The Caatinga is an exclusively Brazilian biome where semiarid climatic conditions promote singularities in adaptive biodiversity. Many aromatic species are found in this region possessing antifungal properties, which are attributed to their essential oils. Thus, we questioned whether essential plant oils found in the Caatinga present anti-dermatophytic potential. Dermatophytes are keratinophilic fungi that cause one of the most prevalent mycoses globally, skin infections known as dermatophytoses (tineas). Here, we provide a comprehensive report of the available published information, analyzing the methods used to evaluate the antifungal activity, verifying the quality of the evidence and possible clinical applications, and discussing research trends in this area. The plants studied concentrated in the genera Croton (Euphorbiaceae), Lippia (Verbenaceae), Piper (Piperaceae), and Mentha (Lamiaceae). All of the studies used in vitro tests to analyze antifungal potential, and little evidence was ascertained concerning the mechanism of antifungal action. In addition, the essential oils also evidenced drug modifying activity of conventional antifungal drugs (Ketoconazole and Terbinafine). We believe that the anti-dermatophyte potential of plant essential oils occurring within the Caatinga is underestimated and that this review will encourage future chemical-pharmacological investigations into the plants within this biome.Key points• The essential oils from plants occurring in the Caatinga Biome present unknown anti-dermatophyte potential.• The studies against dermatophyte fungi concentrate on the families Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae.• In vitro assays were used to assess the anti-dermatophyte potential of the essential oils.

The prevalence of dermatophytoses in Brazil: a systematic review.

Dermatophytosis is a common cutaneous mycosis worldwide whose prevalence in Brazil is still unknown. This systematic review has estimated the burden of dermatophytoses from updated literature data reported in the general Brazilian population. We used the following databases: Web of Science, Medline/PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library and Scopus for studies published between 2011 and 2020. Original articles with an emphasis on prevalence data for dermatophytosis in the Brazilian population, and diagnosed by culture exam or molecular biology were eligible. We also assessed the methodological quality of the studies. A total of 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed. The occurrence of dermatophytoses found in the studies ranged from 4-88.50 %. The pooled prevalence of dermatophytosis for the population studies was 25 % (95 % CI: 24.7-25.3 %). The size of the samples used in the studies ranged from 45 to 36 446 participants, and ages ranged up to 98 years old. The populations studied involved mostly women. The presence of tinea unguium (toenail and fingernail) and tinea pedis were the most frequent dermatophytosis, and we observed a predominance of Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale and T. mentagrophytes. The studies were primarily conducted in patient groups with suspected mycoses and were not entirely representative of the general population. Yet we believe that in the future, more collaborative strategies would improve both diagnostic capacity and epidemiological methodologies, associating the prevalence of dermatophytosis with social and environmental risk factors. This review helps to better understand future epidemiological trends in Brazil and the world.

Innate immune receptors in platelets and platelet-leukocyte interactions.

Platelets are chief cells in hemostasis. Apart from their hemostatic roles, platelets are major inflammatory effector cells that can influence both innate and adaptive immune responses. Activated platelets have thromboinflammatory functions linking hemostatic and immune responses in several physiological and pathological conditions. Among many ways in which platelets exert these functions, platelet expression of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including TLR, Nod-like receptor, and C-type lectin receptor families, plays major roles in sensing and responding to pathogen-associated or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs, respectively). In this review, an increasing body of evidence is compiled showing the participation of platelet innate immune receptors, including PRRs, in infectious diseases, sterile inflammation, and cancer. How platelet recognition of endogenous DAMPs participates in sterile inflammatory diseases and thrombosis is discussed. In addition, platelet recognition of both PAMPs and DAMPs initiates platelet-mediated inflammation and vascular thrombosis in infectious diseases, including viral, bacterial, and parasite infections. The study also focuses on the involvement of innate immune receptors in platelet activation during cancer, and their contribution to tumor microenvironment development and metastasis. Finally, how innate immune receptors participate in platelet communication with leukocytes, modulating leukocyte-mediated inflammation and immune functions, is highlighted. These cell communication processes, including platelet-induced release of neutrophil extracellular traps, platelet Ag presentation to T-cells and platelet modulation of monocyte cytokine secretion are discussed in the context of infectious and sterile diseases of major concern in human health, including cardiovascular diseases, dengue, HIV infection, sepsis, and cancer.

Comparative study of the use of miltefosine, miltefosine plus allopurinol, and allopurinol in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an infectious disease caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, an intracytoplasmic parasite that affects humans and other species of domestic and wild mammals. In Brazil, the treatment of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) with miltefosine has been implemented since 2016, and the reports on the clinical and immunological conditions of treated dogs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess and monitor the clinical, laboratory, and immunological condition of dogs with CVL before (D0) and after (D29) using three pharmacotherapeutic protocols: miltefosine monotherapy (Milteforan™, Virbac) (G1), miltefosine plus allopurinol (G2), and allopurinol monotherapy (G3). Forty-five dogs with CVL were assigned to one of three treatment groups. The dogs were evaluated for clinical signs, was well as haematological, biochemical, serological, and cytokine levels. Significant reduction in clinical scores was observed in all protocols, with no differences between groups. We did not observe a clinical cure in any of the dogs in the groups. Haematological and biochemical parameters showed slow recovery, with better results observed in G2. Anti-Leishmania antibody titre remained increased in all groups. The quantification of serum cytokines demonstrated a mixed Th1/Th2 profile in CVL. The IL-2 levels decreased in all groups after treatment. Evaluation of IFN-y and IL-10 did not show changes in the groups analysed, and it did not contribute to short term therapeutic monitoring. All therapeutic protocols promoted, to varying degrees, an improvement in the general condition (clinical signs, haematological, and biochemical levels) of the animals. Through clinical-pathological exams, we found that the combination of miltefosine plus allopurinol promoted better effects in the short-term, representing the best choice for the treatment of CVL, even when compared to the only therapeutic protocol allowed in Brazil, miltefosine monotherapy. Through the quantification of cytokines, IL-2 proved to be a potential therapeutic marker for the monitoring and follow-up of dogs with CVL.

Inflammatory signaling in dengue-infected platelets requires translation and secretion of nonstructural protein 1.

Emerging evidence identifies major contributions of platelets to inflammatory amplification in dengue, but the mechanisms of infection-driven platelet activation are not completely understood. Dengue virus nonstructural protein-1 (DENV NS1) is a viral protein secreted by infected cells with recognized roles in dengue pathogenesis, but it remains unknown whether NS1 contributes to the inflammatory phenotype of infected platelets. This study shows that recombinant DENV NS1 activated platelets toward an inflammatory phenotype that partially reproduced DENV infection. NS1 stimulation induced translocation of α-granules and release of stored factors, but not of newly synthesized interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Even though both NS1 and DENV were able to induce pro-IL-1ß synthesis, only DENV infection triggered caspase-1 activation and IL-1ß release by platelets. A more complete thromboinflammatory phenotype was achieved by synergistic activation of NS1 with classic platelet agonists, enhancing α-granule translocation and inducing thromboxane A2 synthesis (thrombin and platelet-activating factor), or activating caspase-1 for IL-1ß processing and secretion (adenosine triphosphate). Also, platelet activation by NS1 partially depended on toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), but not TLR-2/6. Finally, the platelets sustained viral genome translation and replication, but did not support the release of viral progeny to the extracellular milieu, characterizing an abortive viral infection. Although DENV infection was not productive, translation of the DENV genome led to NS1 expression and release by platelets, contributing to the activation of infected platelets through an autocrine loop. These data reveal distinct, new mechanisms for platelet activation in dengue, involving DENV genome translation and NS1-induced platelet activation via platelet TLR4.

Antifungal activity study of the monoterpene thymol against Cryptococcus neoformans.

Cryptococcus neoformans is a yeast fungus, which causes cryptococcosis, triggered by basidiospore inhalation and consequent dissemination to the central nervous system. In this study, we analyzed the antifungal action of thymol against 10 clinical strains of C. neoformans and analyzed the interaction of this monoterpene with sterols. The MICs of thymol ranged from 20 to 51 µg/ml, while the MFC values varied between 40 and 101 µg/ml. For the strains ICB-2601 and LM-39, in the presence of ergosterol, the MIC of thymol was 64 µg/ml, and in the presence of cholesterol, its MIC was 32 µg/ml. Based on the results, thymol presents antifungal action and seems to interact with ergosterol, but not with cholesterol. Complementary studies are needed to analyze its full effects.

Platelet function in HIV plus dengue coinfection associates with reduced inflammation and milder dengue illness.

HIV-infected subjects under virological control still exhibit a persistent proinflammatory state. Thus, chronic HIV infection changes the host homeostasis towards an adapted immune response that may affect the outcome of coinfections. However, little is known about the impact of HIV infection on inflammatory amplification and clinical presentation in dengue. Platelets have been shown to participate in immune response in dengue and HIV. We hypothesized that altered platelet responses in HIV-infected subjects may contribute to altered inflammatory milieu and disease progression in dengue. We prospectively followed a cohort of 84 DENV-infected patients of whom 29 were coinfected with HIV under virological control. We report that dengue and HIV coinfection progress with reduced inflammation and milder disease progression with lower risk of vascular instability. Even though the degree of thrombocytopenia and platelet activation were similar between dengue-infected and HIV plus dengue-coinfected patients, plasma levels of the platelet-derived chemokines RANTES/CCL5 and PF4/CXCL4 were lower in coinfection. Consistently, platelets from coinfected patients presented defective secretion of the stored-chemokines PF4 and RANTES, but not newly synthesized IL-1ß, when cultured ex vivo. These data indicate that platelets from HIV-infected subjects release lower levels of chemokines during dengue illness, which may contribute to milder clinical presentation during coinfection.

Investigation of the antifungal activity of carvacrol against strains of Cryptococcus neoformans.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus neoformans is the etiologic agent of opportunistic systemic fungal infection cryptococcosis, which affects individuals with compromised immune systems. Thus, natural products research has become important, since monoterpenes such as carvacrol, a promising molecule in the search antifungal agents, have shown significant biological activity. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the antifungal activity and mode of action of carvacrol against strains of C. neoformans. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined by microdilution method. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was performed by seeding technique on solid media. Studying the mode of action was performed using broth microdilution. RESULTS: The MIC ranged from 25 to 81 µg/mL and the MFC ranged from 25 to 102 µg/mL. Carvacrol bonded to exogenous ergosterol and cholesterol. DISCUSSION: The results suggest that carvacrol has antifungal activity against C. neoformans and its mode of action is related to fungal membrane instability. CONCLUSIONS: The phytoconstituent carvacrol may eventually become a drug; however, further studies are needed to elucidate its mechanism.

Acute arrhythmogenesis after myocardial infarction in normotensive rats: influence of high salt intake.

A high salt diet is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases that leads to cardiac hypertrophy and creates a substrate for arrhythmias and sudden death. However, acute arrhythmogenesis after infarction has not been studied. Male Wistar rats (21 days) received drinking water (MI) or 1% NaCl solution (MI-Salt-C) for 4 weeks. Water was given to another group for 4 weeks, and on the day before surgery, animals received a 1% NaCl solution (MI-Salt-A). Non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) was obtained before surgery. Myocardial infarction (MI) was produced by permanent occlusion of the left coronary artery. Electrocardiogram was monitored during the first 30 min post-occlusion to evaluate arrhythmias. Although SBP was not altered by salt intake (SHAM: 114±2, MI: 112±2, MI-Salt-C: 115±2, MI-Salt-A: 116±4 mm Hg), ventricular hypertrophy was observed in the animals receiving chronic salt diet (SHAM: 0.22±0.008, MI: 0.23±0.007, MI-Salt-C: 0.28±0.01; MI-Salt-A: 0.23±0.01 g/cm; P<0.05). Ventricular premature beats increased in both salt-loaded groups compared to MI group (MI: 805±81, MI-Salt-C: 1145±98; MI-Salt-A: 1023±77; P<0.05). Atrioventricular blockade was only observed in animals subjected to high salt intake (MI-Salt-C: 38.9%; MI-Salt-A: 42.1%). High salt intake was associated with increased post-infarct arrhythmias; however, this effect was unrelated to ventricular hypertrophy.

Lecturing to 200 students and its effects on cytokine concentration and salivary markers of adrenal activation.

Stress not only activates the SAM system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes, but also the immune system. The aims of this study are to assess the physiological variations in saliva (cytokines, cortisol and alpha-amylase) and perceived stress in professors when they had to lecture to 200 students. A total of eight unstimulated saliva samples were collected from nine professors: four on a working day that included the lecture and four controls on a working day without a lecture. The professors also rated subjective stress on a seven-point scale 5 min before the lecture, immediately after the lecture and at the same times on the control day. The lecture elicited substantial increases in subjective stress ratings, with the values on the lecture day significantly higher than those on the control day. Lecturing resulted in significant increases in Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α, Interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-4 concentrations, but did not affect the IL-10 values. These changes appeared to be concomitant with changes in the concentrations of the stress markers, alpha-amylase and cortisol. The mechanisms by which psychosocial stress can induce cytokine changes and modify the activity of salivary alpha-amylase are not entirely understood, and further research is thus warranted.

Effect of lecturing to 200 students on heart rate variability and alpha-amylase activity.

The aim of this study was to examine cardiovascular [heart rate variability (HRV)] and autonomic nervous system activation (by evaluating salivary alpha-amylase activity) that occur in professors both to, and after, the delivery of a lecture to 200 students and to determine whether gender is an influencing factor upon response. Fifty-two participants (26 women and 26 men) collected eight unstimulated saliva samples on 2 days (one a working day on which the lecture was given, the other a non-work or rest day). They also completed the Trait version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to assess their dispositional anxiety on the rest day and the State section of the STAI 15 min before and 10 min after their lecture, repeated at the same hour on the control (rest) day. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was also recorded 15 min before the lecture. Continuous RR intervals were recorded before and after the lecture and the following HRV parameters were calculated: total spectral power (P (TOT)); the spectral power of the low frequency component (P (LF)); the high frequency component (P (HF)); and the ratio LF/HF. A reduction (P < 0.05) in the HF and HFnu component of HRV and an increase in the LH/HF ratio (P < 0.05) were observed at the end of the lecture. AA activity measured on the teaching day was significantly higher than that noted on the resting day. Lecturing resulted in a significant increase in the secretion of the stress marker alpha-amylase. Men and women did not differ in trait and state anxiety and no gender differences for HRV or AA activity were found.