The Absence of Pineal Melatonin Abolishes the Daily Rhythm of Tph1 (Tryptophan Hydroxylase 1), Asmt (Acetylserotonin O-Methyltransferase), and Aanat (Aralkylamine N-Acetyltransferase) mRNA Expressions in Rat Testes.

This study examined the effects of pinealectomy in Wistar rats and melatonin replacement therapy on the daily mRNA expression of melatonin (Tph1, Aanat, Asmt, Mt1, Mt2, and Rorα), and steroidogenic (Star, 17ßhsd3, and Lhr) related genes as well as clock genes (Rev-erbα, Bmal1, Per1, Per2, Cry1, and Cry2) in testes. The testes of control animals express the Tph1, Aanat, and Asmt and Per2 genes with 24-h rhythms in mRNA, reaching the maximal values during the dark phase. Pinealectomy abolished and melatonin treatment restored the 24-h rhythmicity. Daytime differences in mRNA expression were significant for Star, Lhr, Mt1, Mt2, Rorα, Rev-erbα, Bmal1, Cry1, and Cry2 genes in testes of control rats. Conversely, 17ßhsd3 and Per1 mRNA expression did not show a daytime difference in testes of control animals. Pinealectomy abolished the peak time of Mt1 and Mt2 mRNA expression, phase shifted the peak time of Star, Rorα, Rev-erbα, Bmal1, and Cry2 mRNA expression, downregulated the 24-h Lhr mRNA expression, and inverted the peak time of Per1, Per2, and Cry1 mRNA expression to the light phase. The melatonin replacement therapy completely restored the control levels of Lhr, Rev-erbα, and Per1 mRNA expression patterns, partially restored the daily control of Star, Mt2, Rorα, Bmal1, Cry1, and Cry2 mRNA expression but did not re-establish the daily control of Mt1 mRNA expression. This suggests that the daily mRNA expression of these genes is probably driven by pineal melatonin and melatonin treatment restores (partially or completely) the daily control of gene expression patterns.

Influences of torque and joint angle on heart rate responses during isometric exercise in young men

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of joint angle on heart rate (HR) responses induced by isometric exercise. METHODS: Ten healthy men (23.8 ± 2.5 years old) underwent isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) tests lasting 10 sec using an electronic dynamometer under the following experimental conditions: knee extension at angles of 60º and 90º and knee flexion at angles of 30º and 90º angles. Their HR was recorded at rest (65 sec), during MVC (10 sec) and during the recovery period (120 sec). The data on mean maximum torque (MMT) and HR variation (deltaHR) were analyzed using the Friedman test with the Dunn post-hoc test, and their correlation was analyzed using the Spearman test (alpha= 0.05). RESULTS: 1) MMT was significantly higher at 60º and 90º knee extension than at 30º and 90º knee flexion (p< 0.05), while no significant differences were found between the two extension angles or between the two flexion angles; 2) deltaHR was similar under all the experimental conditions; 3) No correlation was found between MMT and deltaHR. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that the rapid increase in HR during the 10 sec of isometric MVC does not depend on the joint angle or the morphofunctional differences between the two muscle groups studied.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a influência do ângulo articular nas respostas da freqüência cardíaca (FC) induzida pelo exercício isométrico. MÉTODOS: Dez homens saudáveis (23,8 ± 2,5 anos) foram submetidos a testes de contração voluntária máxima (CVM) isométrica, durante 10s, em um dinamômetro eletrônico, nas seguintes condições experimentais: extensão do joelho nos ângulos de 60º e 90º e flexão do joelho nos ângulos de 30º e 90º. A freqüência cardíaca foi registrada durante o repouso (65s), durante a CVM (10s) e durante o período de recuperação (120s). Os dados de torque médio máximo (TMM) e de variação da FC (deltaFC) foram analisados usando teste de Friedman, com pós-teste de Dunn, e sua correlação foi analisada usando o teste de Spearman (alfa= 0,05). RESULTADOS: 1) TMM foi significativamente maior nos ângulos de 60º e 90º de extensão em relação aos ângulos de 30º e 90º de flexão (p< 0,05), enquanto entre os dois ângulos de flexão e entre os dois de extensão não foram encontradas diferenças significativas; 2) deltaFC foi similar em todas as condições experimentais; 3) Não foi encontrada correlação entre TMM e deltaFC. CONCLUSÕES: Os dados sugerem que a elevação rápida da FC, durante os 10 s de CVM isométrica, independe do ângulo articular e das diferenças morfofuncionais entre os dois grupos musculares estudados.

Breast cancer metastatic to uterine leiomyosarcoma. A case report and review of the literature.

An unusual case of breast cancer metastatic to leiomyosarcoma of the uterus is reported. The patient had multiple metastases from the breast carcinoma and presented a pelvic mass in its evolution. A laparotomy with total hysterectomy and bilateral oophorectomy was performed to give pain relief. A review of the world literature about these uncommon sites of breast metastases is presented.

Simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation of peracetic acid-pretreated biomass.

Previous work in our laboratories has demonstrated the effectiveness of peracetic acid for improving enzymatic digestibility of lignocellulosic materials. The use of dilute alkali solutions as a pre-pretreatment prior to peracetic acid lignin oxidation increased carbohydrate hydrolysis yields in a synergistic as opposed to additive manner. Deacetylation of xylan is easily achieved using dilute alkali solutions under mild conditions. In this article, we evaluate the effectiveness of peracetic acid combined with an alkaline pre-pretreatment through simultaneous saccharification and cofermentation (SSCF) of pretreated hybrid poplar wood and sugar cane bagasse. Respective ethanol yields of 92.8 and 91.9% of theoretical are achieved using 6% NaOH/15% peracetic acid-pretreated substrates and recombinant Zymomonas mobilis CP4/pZB5. Reduction of acetyl groups of the lignocellulosic materials is demonstrated following alkaline pre-pretreatments. Such processing may be helpful in reducing peracetic acid requirements. The influence of deacetylation is more significant in combined pretreatments using lower peracetic acid loadings.

Ovarian germ cell cancer: clinicopathologic analysis and outcome of 31 cases.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate some clinicopathologic characteristics and the outcome of patients with ovarian germ cell cancer (OGCC) treated with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. METHODS: It was a clinical retrospective study. The clinical charts of 31 patients with OGCC assisted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the State University of Campinas, Brazil, from January 1986 to June 1997 were reviewed. RESULTS: Ten patients had dysgerminoma and 21 patients nondysgerminomatous tumors. Women with dysgerminoma and nondysgerminomatous tumors did not present differences regarding surgical staging, age, ascites or residual tumor after the initial surgery. Frozen section, performed in 16 patients, showed some discrepancy with paraffin histology diagnosis in 8 patients. Platinum-based chemotherapy was used in 5/10 patients with dysgerminoma and in 17/21 patients with nondysgerminomatous tumors, with a 5-year survival of 100% for the dysgerminoma and 53% for the nondysgerminomatous group. CONCLUSIONS: Women with dysgerminoma and nondysgerminomatous tumors did not present differences regarding clinicopathologic characteristics. The prognosis for patients with dysgerminoma was better than for those with nondysgerminomatous tumors. Frozen section had a high error rate in diagnosing OGCC intraoperatively.

Primary melanoma of the uterine cervix figo stage III B.

The primary malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix is rare, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and with poor prognosis. The diagnosis is made through histological evaluation and confirmed by special staining procedures. Radical surgery has been used and advocated. However in its advanced stages chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy can be employed. A case of a patient with malignant melanoma of the uterine cervix, Stage IIIb, is presented in addition to a clinical and pathological discussion.

Clinical evaluation of gallium alloy as a posterior restorative material.

This study evaluated 30 gallium alloy (Gallium alloy GF) and 31 amalgam (Dispersalloy) restorations over a period of 8 months in both Class I and Class II cavity preparations in 28 human subjects. At baseline, all gallium alloy and amalgam restorations were considered acceptable (Alfa) in terms of caries, anatomic form, marginal adaptation, surface texture, and bulk fracture. Postoperative sensitivity was reported in 67% of the gallium alloy restorations and in 29% of the amalgam restorations. At 8 months, 61% of the gallium alloy restorations were rated Beta for marginal adaptation, and all restorations exhibited tarnish and corrosion. With a few exceptions, the amalgam restorations were rated Alfa for those criteria. Three gallium alloy restorations had to be replaced during the evaluation period because of severe postoperative sensitivity and 39% of gallium restorations still presented some sensitivity at 8 months. Additional problems exhibited by gallium restorations were tooth fractures, tooth cracks, and marginal whitening.

Effect of polishing burs and stones on the micro-hardness of dental amalgam.

Square standard cavities were prepared in human teeth and restored with amalgam obtained from alloys of different trade-marks. Twenty-four hours after condensation, excess amalgam was removed from three of the four margins, each with a different rotatory instrument (number 4 bur, multiblade finishing bur, and fine green stone). No rotatory instrument was used on the fourth margin (control), and this control was polished with pumice and zinc-oxide pastes and Sweeney's brushes. Vickers' tests for micro-hardness of the amalgam were performed on the four margins of the restorations. The restorations were then submitted to metallographic polishing, and a second micro-hardness measurement was made seven days later. The statistical analysis of the data showed that micro-hardness values were higher at the margins on which no rotatory instruments were used. The lowest micro-hardness values were found at the margins where finishing and/or round burs were used. Polishing with fine green stones gave intermediate values.

Situation of radiotherapy in Latin America.

A survey to evaluate situation of radiotherapy in Latin America was conducted. Consultation was made with representatives of 10 countries, resulting in the responses of 5. These five countries represent around 80% and 81%, respectively, from the total area and population of South America. Situation of equipment, modern facilities, and human resources is analyzed. A Cobalt machine is the basic megavoltage equipment in Latin America; half of the total number, however, is of old units with very low output sources. Linacs represent one-third of cobalt machines, the majority of low photon energy without electron capability. Treatment planning, localization, patient positioning, and immobilization are inadequade or of low quality in a high number of institutions. Teaching programs are insufficient or inexistent in certain areas. Late diagnosis and referral for treatment is a major problem for cancer control in Latin America. Hierarchization and regionalization of radiation therapy centers are indicated as a way to provide high quality services and teaching programs. In Latin America, lodging and facilities for transportation are essential to assure the continuity of radiation treatment and regular follow-up to patients from rural or distant areas.

A problemática dos condilomas atípicos do cérvix / The problem of atypical cervical condylomas

Com base em uma revisäo dos casos de condilomas cervicais estudados clinicamente, colpo-cito-histologicamente e mediante auto-radiografia e microscopia eletrônica, investigou-se o problema dos condilomas atípicos. Descrevem-se as últimas variedades de HPV descobertas, a relaçäo dos condilomas com as CIN e seu possível diagnóstico diferencial. Finalmente, destaca-se a importância do estudo das células de Langerhans e dos mercadores imunológicos para o diagnóstico dos condilomas atípicos

Determinaçäo da elevaçäo térmica pré-ovulatória da mama como indicador da ovulaçäo nos ciclos estimulados com clomifeno e gonadotrofinas / Determination of pre-ovulatory thermic rise of the mammary skin as indicator of ovulation in the cycles stimulated by clomiphene and gonadotropin

A determinaçäo do dia da ovulaçäo é fato importante, tanto para as questöes de esterilidade, como para aquelas de anticoncepçäo. Neste trabalho, estudaram-se 36 pacientes em programa de fertilizaçäo in vitro, objetivando avaliar se a temperatura da superfície da mama, medida através da termografia de placa, serviria como indicador da ovulaçäo. Os resultados demonstram aumento da temperatura mamária a partir de dois ou três dias antes da ovulaçäo. Porém näo houve confiabilidade suficiente para sua utilizaçäo em programas de fertilizaçäo in vitro

Diagnóstico histeroscópico das metrorragias causadas por patologias uterinas benignas / Hysteroscopic diagnosis of uterine hemorrhages caused by benign uterine pathologies

Considerando que a metrorragia no climatério representa 31,6% a 64,8% das consultas ginecológicas, pretendemos demonstrar a utilidade da histeroscopia, como procedimento diagnóstico, em suas duas variantes, a panorâmica e a de contato, no diagnóstico de lesöes orgânicas intracavitárias benignas e que säo causadoras da metrorragia. Trezentos e sessenta e três pacientes foram avaliados em Valência (270) (*) e em Campinas (93) (**), com técnicas e propostas semelhantes. Neste trabalho apresentamos os resultados das 270 pacientes de Valência que foram submetidas a uma técnica exploratória para atendimento ambulatorial, sendo que em 26 casos utilizamos a histeroscopia de contato. As confirmaçöes diagnósticas foram feitas através do estudo ecográfico, da biópsia dirigida, da curetagem e do exame anatomopatológico. Do total de histeroscopias, 50,2% apresentavam um tumor benigno intracavitário, diagnóstico que foi confirmado, por outras técnicas, em 84,7% dos casos. Houve 7,8% casos de diagnósticos falsos positivos e 6,8% de falsos negativos. Näo incluímos os casos de lesöes malignas. Realizamos também histeroscopias em casos sem metrorragia, para diagnosticar outras lesöes 366 em Valência e 377 em Campinas (24)

Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínicos do câncer da mama / Epidemiological and clinical aspects of breast neoplasm

Objetivando estabelecer, através da anamnese adequada, as bases para o estudo epidemiológico dos fatores de risco para o câncer mamário, o Centro de Atençäo Integral `a Saúde da Mulher (CAISM/UNICAMP) e o Departamento de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia do Hospital Clínico-Universitário de Valência, Espanha, iniciaram um estudo conjunto em 1983. Nesta comunicaçäo preliminar, descrevemos o resultado da análise de 95 casos, com ênfase na idade, nos antecedentes pessoais, familiares, menstruais, obstétricos e mamários e nos motivos que levaram a paciente `a consulta. Mais especificamente säo, discutidos os resultados que apontam para um perfil preliminar dos aspectos epidemiológicos do câncer mamário na regiäo de Valência, concluindo-se pela validade e necessidade do aprofundamento desses estudos

Estudo preliminar sobre a extensäo da cirurgia no controle do câncer mamário / Preliminary study on the surgical extension in the control of breast cancer

Este estudo analisa os resultados preliminares obtidos com 95 pacientes submetidos `a cirurgia por câncer de mama em 1983. Na maioria dos casos (74,7%) foi aplicada a técnica de PATEY modificada, com um número médio de 16,4 gânglios dissecados. Dezesseis pacientes foram mastectomizados pela técnica de Halsted (16,8%) com a dissecçäo média de 14,8 gânglios e foram feitas oito mastectomias simples com esvaziamento auxiliar (8,5%), com média de 11,1 gânglios dissecados nos três níveis. O estudo, ainda em andamento, objetiva avaliar o impacto da extensäo de cirurgia sobre a sobrevida livre de doença da paciente, considerando a recidiva loco-regional. Como fase preliminar, considera-se neste trabalho os fatores que podem influenciar o prognóstico, verificando-se que o esvaziamento axilar da cirurgia de HALSTED e na de PATEY modificada é praticamente igual em termos de radicalidade

Correlaçäo entre a localizaçäo, o tamanho e o tipo histológico do câncer da mama e o número de gânglios axilares comprometidos: resultado preliminares / Correlation among the localization, the size and histological type of breast cancer and the number of axilar nades involved: preliminary results

Trata-se de um estudo preliminar com 95 mulheres com câncer de mama no Hospital Clínico Universitário de Valência, Espanha, realizado em colaboraçäo com o Centro de Atençäo Integral `a Saúde da Mulher (CAISM-UNICAMP), cujo objetivo foi estabelecer uma correçäo entre certas variáveis do tumor e o número de gânglios axilares dissecado. Observamos que o número de gânglios comprometidos aumenta proporcionalmente ao avanço do tamanho do tumor: para os tumores T3 e T4 correspondeu a 37,7%, para os tumores T2 a 16,13% e para os tumores T1 a 2,97%. A média de gânglios dissecados foi superior a quinze e o número de gânglios foi maior quanto mais indiferenciado o tumor. O tipo histológico mais frequente correspondeu ao carcinoma ductal infiltrativo e os tumores do quadrante central foram os que proporcionaram um maior número de adenopatias. O maior número de gânglios axilares dissecados foi encontrado nos tumores dos quadrantes externos

Tratamento cirúrgico conservador do câncer de mama / Conservative surgical treatment of cancer of the breast

Os autores descrevem as variaçöes técnicas da quadrantectomia e a incisäo padräo axilar para o tratamento do carcinoma de mama estádios I e II. Salientam a importância do planejamento pré-cirúrgico, onde a presença do cirurgiäo plástico é indispensável a fim de se obter um bom resultado estético. Após o tratamento primário, as 77 pacientes foram tratadas com irradiaçäo e 36 delas receberam quimioterapia, devido ao envolvimento ganglionar axilar. As complicaçöes dos tratamentos foram mínimas. Após seguimento médio de 50 meses, näo se observou diferença quanto à recidiva local (2,5% x 3,89%) e metástases a distância, quando se comparou estas pacientes àquelas tratadas com mastectomia radical, mantendo-se equiparáveis o intervalo livre de doença e a sobrevida total

[Neurocutaneous melanosis: autopsy study of a case]. / Melanose neurocutânea: estudo autópsico de um caso.

The clinical, radiological and autopsy features of a 5-month-old child with neurocutaneous melanosis are described. The patient had multiple disseminated benign cutaneous nevi. The pneumoencephalogram showed non-obstructive hydrocephalus. The patient died at the third day of hospitalization and autopsy was performed. A mild hydrocephalus and melanic specks in cerebellum and in the brainstem were disclosed.