Sildenafil attenuates nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory-induced gastric ulceration in mice via antioxidant and antigenotoxic mechanisms.

Sildenafil (SIL) has potential as an interesting gastroprotective drug. However, the pathways of its protective effect still needs to be clarified, and its use as a potential gastroprotective agent validated. This study aims to evaluate the effects of SIL via modulation of oxidative stress in a NSAID-induced gastric lesion model. Male Swiss mice were divided into six groups: control (CON, water), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, water), proton pump inhibitor (PPI, 30 mg/kg of lansoprazole), SIL 5 (5 mg/kg), SIL 25 (25 mg/kg) and SIL 50 (50 mg/kg). The animals were treated by gavage (a single dose) after 24 hours of fasting, and gastric lesions were performed after 30 minutes, with indomethacin (40 mg/kg, by gavage). After 6h, the animals were killed and the stomach was removed to evaluate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, oxidation of macromolecules, quantification of antioxidant enzymes, DNA fragmentation, apoptosis and macroscopic and histologic analysis of gastric lesions. SIL exerts a dose-dependent gastroprotective effect against NSAID-induced mucosal injury, also reducing cytoplasmic levels of ROS and consequent oxidative damage to macromolecules. In addition, SIL increases nitric oxide bioavailability, antioxidant enzymes and gastric cellular viability, as well as restoring important factors involved in gastroprotection. Our results demonstrate that different doses of SIL prevent indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice via different, but complementary antioxidant, antigenotoxic and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Bioproducts characterization of residual periphytic biomass produced in an algal turf scrubber (ATS) bioremediation system.

The transformation of residual biomass from bioremediation processes into new products is a worldwide trend driven by economic, environmental and social gain. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential for obtaining bioproducts of technological interest from the remaining periphytic biomass formed during a bioremediation process with an algal turf scrubber (ATS) system installed in a lake catchment. Different methodologies were used according to the target bioproduct. Analyses were performed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC/DAD), gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results demonstrated that the periphytic biomass presented potential since protein (17.7%), carbohydrates (22.4%), total lipids (3.3%) with 3.6 mg mL-1 of fatty acids, antioxidants (144.5 µmol Trolox eq. g-1) and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids (1,719.7 µg mL-1, 541.2 µg mL-1 and 317.7 µg mL-1, respectively) were obtained. Inorganic analysis presented a value of 42.3 ± 2.58% of total ash and metal presence was detected, indicating bioaccumulation. The properties found in periphyton strengthen the possibility of its application in different areas, ensuring bioremediation efficiency.

Sala de espera: uma possibilidade de intervenção em Saúde do Trabalhador / The waiting room: a possibility of intervention in Workers' Health

Resumo Introdução Este trabalho relata a experiência da reconfiguração da sala de espera de um serviço público de Atenção à Saúde do Trabalhador vinculado a um Hospital Universitário. Objetivo As ações realizadas tiveram como objetivo transformar o momento de espera em uma oportunidade para o desenvolvimento de ações de educação em saúde, promovendo a reflexão sobre o trabalho e o processo de saúde-doença a partir do favorecimento das interações entre usuários. Buscou-se ainda contribuir para ampliar o protagonismo desses em relação ao cuidado com a própria saúde e transcender a ações de assistência oferecendo intervenções mais diversas no serviço. Método O projeto na sala de espera foi estruturado em duas etapas: revisão de literatura sobre saúde do trabalhador e sala de espera e desenvolvimento e implementação da proposta de reconfiguração. Resultados O ponto de partida foi o levantamento de opiniões sobre a sala de espera, realizado por meio de entrevistas estruturadas com 52 usuários, acompanhantes, servidores e estagiários do serviço. 71,2% dos participantes responderam positivamente que mudariam algo na sala de espera. A proposta final considerou as possibilidades do ambiente e do serviço, as sugestões dos entrevistados e os propósitos da reconfiguração da sala de espera. Houve a modificação do layout das cadeiras e foram realizados grupos de discussão sobre saúde e trabalho com os usuários. Conclusão Espera-se com a divulgação desse processo ressaltar as potencialidades da sala de espera e incentivar a utilização desse espaço para o desenvolvimento de ações em outros serviços de saúde do trabalhador.

Abstract Introduction This study reported the experience of the reconfiguration of the waiting room of a Workers' Health Care public service linked to a University Hospital. Objective The actions taken had the objective of transforming the waiting time for the development of health educational interventions, fostering the reflection on the work and the health-illness process by favoring users interactions. The intention was also to enhance their protagonism towards their health and to transcend the assistance actions offering a more diverse set of courses of action in the service. Method The waiting-room project was structured in two phases: literature review on the worker´s health and the waiting room and development and implementation of the reconfiguration proposal. Results In this phase, the starting point was the collecting of opinions about the waiting room that was held by structured interviews with users, companions, employees, and interns of the service. In 52 people interviewed, 71.2% answered that they would positively change something in the waiting room. The final elaborated proposal considered the possibilities of the environment and the service and the suggestions of the interviewees and the purposes of the waiting room reconfiguration. There has been a change in the layout of the chairs and discussion groups with users were held. Conclusion This process is expected to highlight the potential of the waiting room and encourage the use of this space for the development of actions in other workers´ health services.

Silymarin protects against radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in mice.

Silymarin, an extract from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) containing a standardized mixture of flavonolignans that ameliorates some types of liver disease and, more recently, kidney damage, could be used for the ROS-scavenging effect of these antioxidants. Furthermore, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic impairment of renal function in patients subjected to angiographic procedures for which there is not yet a successful preventative treatment. Recent evidence has shown that this event is related to tubular/vascular injury activated mainly by oxidative stress. However, whether this bioavailable and pharmacologically safe extract protects against CIN is not clear. We proposed to evaluate the possible protective role of the antioxidant silymarin in an experimental model of CIN. Adult male Swiss mice were separated into 6 groups and pretreated orally with silymarin (50, 200 and 300 mg/kg), N-acetylcysteine (200 mg/kg) or vehicle for 5 days before the CIN and control groups. Renal function was analyzed by plasma creatinine, urea and cystatin C levels. Additionally, blood reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated using ROS bioavailability, protein oxidation and DNA damage. Renal oxidative damage was evaluated using apoptosis/cell viability assays and histological analysis. We showed that silymarin preserved renal function and decreased systemic and renal oxidative damage (antigenotoxic and antiapoptotic properties, respectively) in a dose-dependent manner and was superior to conventional treatment with N-acetylcysteine. Histologically, silymarin treatment also had beneficial effects on renal glomerular and tubular injuries. Therefore, silymarin prophylaxis may be an interesting strategy for the prevention of CIN.

Avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill.) prevents indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice.

The long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs is the most common cause of gastric ulcer disease, one of the major gastrointestinal disorders affecting people worldwide. Persea americana Mill. (avocado) seed is a by-product generally discarded as waste, but can be used to treat gastric disorder due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential protective effects of the ethyl acetate fraction of avocado seeds (SEAP) extracts against indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice. It was found that SEAP were effective in mitigating oxidative stress through a decrease on the oxidized products levels (reduction of 90% in lipid peroxidation in plasma) and increasing superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity (4.25-fold increase compared to the indomethacin group), also preventing the rise in ulcer and lesions areas (92% of protection) and histological changes induced by indomethacin. Chemical analysis using mass spectrometry by (-)-ESI-FT-ICR MS revealed the presence of (-)-epicatechin and (+)-catechin, confirmed by HPLC-DAD, and other important phenolic compounds in avocado seeds, such as caffeoylquinic acid, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids and tannins, substances that promote inhibition of pathways involved in gastric ulcer formation. Thus, avocado seeds extract may be a suitable natural source for the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer.

Gastroprotective effect of oral kefir on indomethacin-induced acute gastric lesions in mice: Impact on oxidative stress.

AIMS: This study investigated the gastroprotective effects and the systemic oxidative status of oral kefir pretreatment in albino mice submitted to acute gastric ulcer induced by indomethacin. MAIN METHODS: Male Swiss mice were divided into three groups (n = 7): Vehicle (0.3 mL of whole milk/100 g body weight, pH adjusted to 5.0), Kefir (0.3 mL of kefir/100 g body weight) and Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI, 30 mg/kg of lansoprazole), via gavage for 14 days. Animals were fasted for 16 h and treated orally with indomethacin (40 mg/kg). After 6 h the animals were euthanized, the blood samples were obtained and used for the determination of ROS production, oxidation of macromolecules and apoptosis. The stomachs were removed, opened by the greater curvature, and a macroscopic analysis of the gastric lesions was performed. KEY FINDINGS: Our findings demonstrated that the symbiotic kefir significantly alleviated blood oxidative stress by reducing superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl/peroxynitrite radicals, thereby leading to reduced oxidative damage to macromolecules due to a decreased oxidative stress status in induced gastric lesions. These anti-oxidative properties might contribute favorably to the ulcer attenuation in the kefir group. SIGNIFICANCE: Taken together, these findings support a significant role played by the antioxidant actions of kefir in counteracting the gastric damage induced by this cyclooxygenase inhibitor. It is also worthy to mention that, kefir also exerted the gastroprotective property partly by inhibiting oxidative systemic damage. Based on these considerations, it was implied that kefir might be a contributor for the ROS-scavenging effect.

Beneficial Morphofunctional Changes Promoted by Sildenafil in Resistance Vessels in the Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertension Model.

BACKGROUND: By acting on multiple targets and promoting diverse actions, angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a pivotal role in vascular function. Recent studies suggested that phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors exhibit therapeutic effects in cardiovascular diseases. Here, the effects of sildenafil on vascular disturbances were analyzed in a mouse model of Ang II-induced hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: Male C57BL/6 mice were used as untreated animals (control) or infused with Ang II (1000 ηg/kg/min) for 28 days and treated with sildenafil (40 mg/kg/min) or vehicle (Ang II) during the last two weeks. After 4 weeks, the Ang II animals exhibited a high systolic blood pressure (186±3 mmHg vs. 127±3 mmHg for control mice), which was attenuated by sildenafil (163±7 mmHg). The mesenteric vessels from the Ang II animals revealed damage to the endothelial layer, an increase in the cross-section area (1.9-fold) and vascular cell production of peroxynitrite (512±13 a.u.), which was ameliorated in the Ang II-Sil group (1.2-fold and 400±17 a.u.). Analysis of the vascular responsiveness showed an increased contractility response to norepinephrine in Ang II animals (Rmax: 70%), which was abolished by sildenafil through increased nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and vasoconstrictor prostanoids. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil attenuates the morphofunctional deleterious effects of Ang II on resistance vessels. The benefits of sildenafil seem to occur through restoring the balance of ROS/NO/eicosanoids. Therefore, this study opened new avenues for further clinical targeting of the treatment of cardiovascular diseases related to activation of the renin-angiotensin system.

General and oral characteristics of Rett syndrome: case report / Características gerais e orais da Síndrome de Rett: um relato de caso

Introdução: a Síndrome de Rett é uma doença neurodegenerativa que ocorre em indivíduos do sexo feminino. É a segunda causa mais frequente de deficiência mental em meninas e pode atingir diversos grupos raciais em todo o mundo. Objetivo: descrever as características gerais e orais de um indivíduo que está no terceiro estágio da doença. Relato de caso: paciente do sexo feminino portador da síndrome, com 7 anos e sete meses de idade, leucoderma, procedente de Vallo della Lucania, Salerno, Itália. O indivíduo encontra-se no terceiro estágio da síndrome, no qual são observadas características como a redução do comportamento autista, melhoras no contato visual, no sorriso e melhoras nas habilidades comunicativas. Durante o primeiro estágio da síndrome, dos seis aos dezoito meses de vida, o indivíduo se alimentava sozinho, porém ainda não andava. Já no segundo estágio a partir dos 18 meses de vida, começou a andar com a base alargada e com dois anos parou de falar. O exame genético molecular para síndrome de Rett acusou que houve uma mutação genética chamada "ad novo", ou seja, a mutação não foi de caráter hereditário. Conclusão: não há tratamento específico para a síndrome de Rett, apenas de suporte por meio da fisioterapia, hidroterapia, terapia ocupacional, musicoterapia, equoterapia, além de terapêuticas que tratam apenas alguns sintomas apresentados pela síndrome. O tratamento deve ser realizado de maneira multidisciplinar. O prognóstico consiste em acompanhar o paciente por toda a vida, tratando os sintomas por ele apresentados.(AU)

Introduction: Rett syndrome is a neurodegenerative disease that affects females of all races worldwide. It is the second most frequent cause of mental disability in girls. Objective: To describe the general and oral characteristics at stage three. Case report: A girl aged seven years and seven months, leukoderma, coming from Vallo della Lucania, Salerno, Italy was at the stage three of Rett syndrome. At the first stage, from six to eighteen months of life, the girl ate by herself, but she did not walk. At the second stage, from eighteen months of life, she started the ataxic gait and stopped talking. At the third stage, she had the reduction of the autist behavior, improved the eye contact, smile and communicative abilities. The genetic examination revealed de novo mutation, that is, without inheritance. Conclusion: Rett syndrome lacks specific treatment. Adjuvant therapies include physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, occupational therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, as well as therapies to treat some symptoms. A multidisciplinary treatment is required. The prognosis consists of following-up the individual throughout life, treating the symptoms.(AU)

Método espectrofotométrico na região UV a 205 nm para determinação de íon nitrato em água: validação / Spectrophotometric method in UV region at 205 nm for determination of nitrate ion in water: validation

Este estudo teve por objetivo validar o método espectrofotométrico na região ultravioleta(205 nm) para determinação de nitrato em água para consumo humano e de diálise, bemcomo calcular sua incerteza associada. A linearidade, seletividade, precisão, exatidão, limitede detecção (LD) e limite de quantificação (LQ) foram avaliados de acordo com o documentode orientação INMETRO DOQ-CGCRE-008. Os resultados obtidos utilizando água deabastecimento indicaram que a matriz não tem efeito significativo sobre a seletividade dométodo. A exatidão e a repetitividade foram avaliadas com três níveis de concentração doanalito na água de abastecimento, na água de diálise e em material de referência certificado,apresentando resultados satisfatórios para todas as matrizes utilizadas. Os limites de detecção equantificação foram de 0,074 e 0,248 mg/L de nitrato, respectivamente. O método mostrou-seadequado para determinação de nitrato em água de abastecimento e em água de diálise.

This study validated the spectrophotometric method in ultraviolet region (205 nm) fordetermining nitrate in water used for human consumption and dialysis procedure and tocalculate its associated uncertainty. The linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy, limit ofdetection (LD) and limit of quantification (LQ) were evaluated according to the INMETRODOQ-CGCRE-008. The results obtained using water supply indicated that the matrix has nosignificant effect on the selectivity of the method. Accuracy and repeatability were evaluatedusing three different levels of analyte concentration in the supply water, in the dialysis waterand in the certified reference material, showing satisfactory results at all matrices used.The limits of detection and of quantification were 0.074 and 0.248 mg/L of nitrate, respectively.The method proved to be adequate for determining nitrate in water supply and dialysis water.

Método espectrofotométrico na região UV a 205 nm para determinação de íon nitrato em água: validação / Spectrophotometric method in UV region at 205 nm for determination of nitrate ion in water: validation

Este estudo teve por objetivo validar o método espectrofotométrico na região ultravioleta (205 nm) para determinação de nitrato em água para consumo humano e de diálise, bemcomo calcular sua incerteza associada. A linearidade, seletividade, precisão, exatidão, limite de detecção (LD) e limite de quantificação (LQ) foram avaliados de acordo com o documentode orientação INMETRO DOQ-CGCRE-008. Os resultados obtidos utilizando água de abastecimento indicaram que a matriz não tem efeito significativo sobre a seletividade do método. A exatidão e a repetitividade foram avaliadas com três níveis de concentração do analito na água de abastecimento, na água de diálise e em material de referência certificado,apresentando resultados satisfatórios para todas as matrizes utilizadas. Os limites de detecção e quantificação foram de 0,074 e 0,248 mg/L de nitrato, respectivamente. O método mostrou-se adequado para determinação de nitrato em água de abastecimento e em água de diálise.

This study validated the spectrophotometric method in ultraviolet region (205 nm) fordetermining nitrate in water used for human consumption and dialysis procedure and tocalculate its associated uncertainty. The linearity, selectivity, precision, accuracy, limit ofdetection (LD) and limit of quantification (LQ) were evaluated according to the INMETRODOQ-CGCRE-008. The results obtained using water supply indicated that the matrix has nosignificant effect on the selectivity of the method. Accuracy and repeatability were evaluatedusing three different levels of analyte concentration in the supply water, in the dialysis waterand in the certified reference material, showing satisfactory results at all matrices used.The limits of detection and of quantification were 0.074 and 0.248 mg/L of nitrate, respectively.The method proved to be adequate for determining nitrate in water supply and dialysis water.

Influence of the current density on the electrochemical treatment of concentrated 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solutions on diamond electrodes.

This paper focuses on the influence of the current density treatment of a concentrated 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMImCl) solution on an electrochemical reactor with a boron-doped diamond (BDD) anode. The decrease in the total organic carbon (TOC) and the BMImCl concentration demonstrate the capability of BDD in oxidizing ionic liquids (ILs) and further mineralizing (to CO2 and NO3 (-)) more rapidly at higher current densities in spite of the reduced current efficiency of the process. Moreover, the presence of Cl(-) led to the formation of oxychlorinated anions (mostly ClO3 (-) and ClO4 (-)) and, in combination with the ammonia generated in the cathode from the nitrate reduction, chloramines, more intensely at higher current density. Finally, the analysis of the intermediates formed revealed no apparent influence of the current density on the BMImCl degradation mechanism. The current density presents therefore a complex influence on the IL treatment process that is discussed throughout this paper.

Increase in cholinergic modulation with pyridostigmine induces anti-inflammatory cell recruitment soon after acute myocardial infarction in rats.

We tested the hypothesis that an increase in the anti-inflammatory cholinergic pathway, when induced by pyridostigmine (PY), may modulate subtypes of lymphocytes (CD4+, CD8+, FOXP3+) and macrophages (M1/M2) soon after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Wistar rats, randomly allocated to receive PY (40 mg·kg(-1)·day(-1)) in drinking water or to stay without treatment, were followed for 4 days and then were subjected to ligation of the left coronary artery. The groups-denominated as the pyridostigmine-treated infarcted (IP) and infarcted control (I) groups-were submitted to euthanasia 3 days after MI; the heart was removed for immunohistochemistry, and the peripheral blood and spleen were collected for flow cytometry analysis. Noninfarcted and untreated rats were used as controls (C Group). Echocardiographic measurements were registered on the second day after MI, and heart rate variability was measured on the third day after MI. The infarcted groups had similar MI areas, degrees of systolic dysfunction, blood pressures, and heart rates. Compared with the I Group, the IP Group showed a significant higher parasympathetic modulation and a lower sympathetic modulation, which were associated with a small, but significant, increase in diastolic function. The IP Group showed a significant increase in M2 macrophages and FOXP3(+)cells in the infarcted and peri-infarcted areas, a significantly higher frequency of circulating Treg cells (CD4(+)CD25(+)FOXP3(+)), and a less extreme decrease in conventional T cells (CD25(+)FOXP3(-)) compared with the I Group. Therefore, increasing cholinergic modulation with PY induces greater anti-inflammatory cell recruitment soon after MY in rats.

Estudos psicométricos preliminares da escala baptista de depressão para adultos / Preliminary psychometric studies of baptista's depression scale for adults

O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar evidências de validade interna, com base na relação com outras variáveis, por meio de grupos critério e índices de sensibilidade, especificidade e precisão de uma nova escala, intitulada Escala Baptista de Depressão - versão adulto. Participaram do estudo 771 pessoas de 17 a 69 anos, sendo 70,2% do gênero feminino. Do total, 691 eram estudantes universitários, 40 eram diagnosticados com depressão, e outros 40 constituíam uma subamostra não depressiva, emparelhada com os diagnosticados depressivos em termos de gênero, idade e escolaridade. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada uma entrevista estruturada para o Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV - Transtornos do Eixo I, para confirmação diagnóstica dos pacientes depressivos, bem como a Escala Baptista de Depressão, versão adulto. Os resultados encontrados indicaram um ponto de corte igual a 88,5, com capacidade de identificar 97,5% de casos verdadeiros positivos (sensibilidade) e 87,5% de casos verdadeiros negativos (especificidade). A análise fatorial por componentes principais, em sua resolução final, indicou dois fatores responsáveis por 35,3% da variância total explicada. A precisão pelo alfa de Cronbach variou de 0,90 a 0,96 para os grupos de participantes e grupos de gênero. Sugere-se que outros estudos incluam amostras clínicas maiores.

The aim of the study was to investigate the Baptista Depression Rating Scale for Adults to find evidence of validity based on its internal structure, relationship with other variables through criterion groups, sensitivity, specificity and reliability indexes. A total of 771 individuals (70.2% females; 17 to 69 years old) participated in the study of which 691 were undergraduate students, 40 were depressive patients, and 40 were a non-depressive sub-sample paired with the depressive patients according to gender, age and education. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV(r) Axis I Disorders (SCID-CV), Clinician Version, (to confirm diagnosis of depressive patients) and the Baptista Depression Rating Scale for Adults were used to collect the data. The results indicated a cutoff point of 88.5, identifying 97.5% of true positive cases (sensitivity) and 87.5% of true negative cases (specificity). The factor principal component analysis indicated two factors responsible for 35.3% of total variance explained. The reliability of Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.90 to 0.96 for groups of participants and gender groups. Further studies including greater clinical samples are suggested.

Estudos psicométricos preliminares da Escala Baptista de Depressão para Adultos / Preliminary psychometric studies of Baptista's Depression Scale for Adults

O objetivo deste estudo foi buscar evidências de validade interna, com base na relação com outras variáveis, por meio de grupos critério e índices de sensibilidade, especificidade e precisão de uma nova escala, intitulada Escala Baptista de Depressão - versão adulto. Participaram do estudo 771 pessoas de 17 a 69 anos, sendo 70,2% do gênero feminino. Do total, 691 eram estudantes universitários, 40 eram diagnosticados com depressão, e outros 40 constituíam uma subamostra não depressiva, emparelhada com os diagnosticados depressivos em termos de gênero, idade e escolaridade. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada uma entrevista estruturada para o Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV - Transtornos do Eixo I, para confirmação diagnóstica dos pacientes depressivos, bem como a Escala Baptista de Depressão, versão adulto. Os resultados encontrados indicaram um ponto de corte igual a 88,5, com capacidade de identificar 97,5% de casos verdadeiros positivos (sensibilidade) e 87,5% de casos verdadeiros negativos (especificidade). A análise fatorial por componentes principais, em sua resolução final, indicou dois fatores responsáveis por 35,3% da variância total explicada. A precisão pelo alfa de Cronbach variou de 0,90 a 0,96 para os grupos de participantes e grupos de gênero. Sugere-se que outros estudos incluam amostras clínicas maiores.(AU)

The aim of the study was to investigate the Baptista Depression Rating Scale for Adults to find evidence of validity based on its internal structure, relationship with other variables through criterion groups, sensitivity, specificity and reliability indexes. A total of 771 individuals (70.2% females; 17 to 69 years old) participated in the study of which 691 were undergraduate students, 40 were depressive patients, and 40 were a non-depressive sub-sample paired with the depressive patients according to gender, age and education. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV(r) Axis I Disorders (SCID-CV), Clinician Version, (to confirm diagnosis of depressive patients) and the Baptista Depression Rating Scale for Adults were used to collect the data. The results indicated a cutoff point of 88.5, identifying 97.5% of true positive cases (sensitivity) and 87.5% of true negative cases (specificity). The factor principal component analysis indicated two factors responsible for 35.3% of total variance explained. The reliability of Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.90 to 0.96 for groups of participants and gender groups. Further studies including greater clinical samples are suggested.(AU)

Breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland.

Metastatic tumors to the pituitary gland are an unusual complication typically seen in elderly patients with diffuse malignant disease. Breast and lung are the commonest sites of the primary tumor. Prognosis of patients with breast cancer metastasis is poor and depends on the primary neoplastic extension. We report a 54 year-old woman with breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary stalk first diagnosed because of visual disturbance with no other symptoms. Pituitary gland stalk metastasis is a very uncommon find and this case report includes a literature review.

Breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland / Metástase de câncer de mama para a hipófise

Metastatic tumors to the pituitary gland are an unusual complication typically seen in elderly patients with diffuse malignant disease. Breast and lung are the commonest sites of the primary tumor. Prognosis of patients with breast cancer metastasis is poor and depends on the primary neoplastic extension. We report a 54 year-old woman with breast cancer metastasis to the pituitary stalk first diagnosed because of visual disturbance with no other symptoms. Pituitary gland stalk metastasis is a very uncommon find and this case report includes a literature review.

Os tumores hipofisários malignos são raros e geralmente se constituem de metástases de neoplasias disseminadas. Câncer de mama e pulmão são os sítios primários mais frequentes e o prognóstico depende do grau de comprometimento da doença. Este é o relato do caso de uma mulher de 54 anos que apresentou uma lesão tumoral restrita à haste hipofisária, que se revelou como metástase do câncer de mama previamente conhecido. O acometimento da haste hipofisária é muito raro, motivo pelo qual descrevemos o caso com a revisão da literatura específica.

Escala Baptista de Depressão (EBADEP-A): evidências de validade com o Big Five / Baptista Depression Scale (EBADEP-A): evidence for validity with the Big Five / Escala Baptista de Depresión (EBADEP-A): evidencia de validez con el Big Five

O presente estudo teve por objetivo buscar evidências de validade baseadas na relação com outras variáveis para a Escala Baptista de Depressão – (EBADEP-A), por meio de sua relação com o Big Five – Adjetivos Marcadores da Personalidade. Foram participantes 317 estudantes de graduação de uma universidade particular do interior do estado de São Paulo, que fizeram parte do grupo A (não clínico) e 29 pacientes de um consultório particular de psiquiatria que fizeram parte do grupo B (clínico). Os principais resultados indicaram correlações negativas entre a EBADEP-A e os fatores Socialização, Extroversão, Realização e Abertura, sendo esta última dimensão significativa apenas no grupo clínico, além de magnitude positiva com o fator Neuroticismo. Além disso, foram encontradas diferenças de sexo entre os grupos, indicando que as mulheres pontuaram mais no instrumento que avalia depressão, ao passo que os homens pontuaram mais no fator Socialização do Big Five...

The present study aimed to find evidence of validity based on the relationship with other variables for Baptista Depression Scale (EBADEP-A), through its relationship with the Big Five – Personality Adjectives markers. Participants were 317 undergraduate students from a private university in the state of São Paulo, who were part of the group A (non-clinical) and 29 patients in a private practice of psychiatry that were part of the group B (medical). The main results indicated negative correlations between EBADEP-A and socialization factors, Extroversion, Openness and Achievement, the latter being the only sizeable clinical group, and with the magnitude positive factor Neuroticism. Furthermore, gender differences were found between the groups, indicating that women scored higher on the instrument that assesses depression, while men scored higher on Agreeableness factor of the Big Five...

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo buscar evidencias de validez basadas en la relación con otras variables de la Escala Baptista de Depresión (EBADEP-A), a través de su relación con el Big Five – Adjetivos Marcadores de Personalidad. Participaron 317 estudiantes de una universidad privada en el estado de São Paulo, que formaban parte del grupo A (no clínico) y 29 pacientes en una clínica privada de psiquiatría que formaban parte del grupo B (clínico). Los resultados indicaron correlaciones negativas entre EBADEP-A y factores de Socialización, Extraversión, Realización y Apertura, siendo esta última dimensión significativa solo en el grupo clínico, además de magnitud positiva con el factor Neuroticismo. Además, se encontraron diferencias de sexo entre los grupos, indicando que las mujeres puntuaron más alto en el instrumento que evalúa depresión y que los varones puntuaron más alto en el factor Socialización del Big Five...

Escala Baptista de Depressão (EBADEP-A): evidências de validade com o Big Five / Baptista Depression Scale (EBADEP-A): evidence for validity with the Big Five / Escala Baptista de Depresión (EBADEP-A): evidencia de validez con el Big Five

O presente estudo teve por objetivo buscar evidências de validade baseadas na relação com outras variáveis para a Escala Baptista de Depressão – (EBADEP-A), por meio de sua relação com o Big Five – Adjetivos Marcadores da Personalidade. Foram participantes 317 estudantes de graduação de uma universidade particular do interior do estado de São Paulo, que fizeram parte do grupo A (não clínico) e 29 pacientes de um consultório particular de psiquiatria que fizeram parte do grupo B (clínico). Os principais resultados indicaram correlações negativas entre a EBADEP-A e os fatores Socialização, Extroversão, Realização e Abertura, sendo esta última dimensão significativa apenas no grupo clínico, além de magnitude positiva com o fator Neuroticismo. Além disso, foram encontradas diferenças de sexo entre os grupos, indicando que as mulheres pontuaram mais no instrumento que avalia depressão, ao passo que os homens pontuaram mais no fator Socialização do Big Five.(AU)

The present study aimed to find evidence of validity based on the relationship with other variables for Baptista Depression Scale (EBADEP-A), through its relationship with the Big Five – Personality Adjectives markers. Participants were 317 undergraduate students from a private university in the state of São Paulo, who were part of the group A (non-clinical) and 29 patients in a private practice of psychiatry that were part of the group B (medical). The main results indicated negative correlations between EBADEP-A and socialization factors, Extroversion, Openness and Achievement, the latter being the only sizeable clinical group, and with the magnitude positive factor Neuroticism. Furthermore, gender differences were found between the groups, indicating that women scored higher on the instrument that assesses depression, while men scored higher on Agreeableness factor of the Big Five.(AU)

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo buscar evidencias de validez basadas en la relación con otras variables de la Escala Baptista de Depresión (EBADEP-A), a través de su relación con el Big Five – Adjetivos Marcadores de Personalidad. Participaron 317 estudiantes de una universidad privada en el estado de São Paulo, que formaban parte del grupo A (no clínico) y 29 pacientes en una clínica privada de psiquiatría que formaban parte del grupo B (clínico). Los resultados indicaron correlaciones negativas entre EBADEP-A y factores de Socialización, Extraversión, Realización y Apertura, siendo esta última dimensión significativa solo en el grupo clínico, además de magnitud positiva con el factor Neuroticismo. Además, se encontraron diferencias de sexo entre los grupos, indicando que las mujeres puntuaron más alto en el instrumento que evalúa depresión y que los varones puntuaron más alto en el factor Socialización del Big Five.(AU)

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockade restores angiotensin-(1-7)-induced coronary vasodilation in hypertrophic rat hearts.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the coronary effects of Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)] in hypertrophic rat hearts. Heart hypertrophy was induced by abdominal aorta CoA (coarctation). Ang-(1-7) and AVE 0991, a non-peptide Mas-receptor agonist, at picomolar concentration, induced a significant vasodilation in hearts from sham-operated rats. These effects were blocked by the Mas receptor antagonist A-779. Pre-treatment with L-NAME (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) or ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinozalin-1-one) [NOS (NO synthase) and soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitors respectively] also abolished the effect of Ang-(1-7) in control hearts. The coronary vasodilation produced by Ang-(1-7) and AVE 0991 was completely blunted in hypertrophic hearts. Chronic oral administration of losartan in CoA rats restored the coronary vasodilation effect of Ang-(1-7). This effect was blocked by A-779 and AT2 receptor (angiotensin II type 2 receptor) antagonist PD123319. Acute pre-incubation with losartan also restored the Ang-(1-7)-induced, but not BK (bradykinin)-induced, coronary vasodilation in hypertrophic hearts. This effect was inhibited by A-779, PD123319 and L-NAME. Chronic treatment with losartan did not change the protein expression of Mas and AT2 receptor and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) and ACE2 in coronary arteries from CoA rats, but induced a slight increase in AT2 receptor in aorta of these animals. Ang-(1-7)-induced relaxation in aortas from sham-operated rats was absent in aortas from CoA rats. In vitro pre-treatment with losartan restored the Ang-(1-7)-induced relaxation in aortic rings of CoA rats, which was blocked by the Mas antagonist A-779 and L-NAME. These data demonstrate that Mas is strongly involved in coronary vasodilation and that AT1 receptor (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) blockade potentiates the vasodilatory effects of Ang-(1-7) in the coronary beds of pressure-overloaded rat hearts through NO-related AT2- and Mas-receptor-dependent mechanisms. These data suggest the association of Ang-(1-7) and AT1 receptor antagonists as a potential therapeutic avenue for coronary artery diseases.

Relação das variáveis idade e escolaridade com desempenho escolar de estudantes de ensino fundamental / Relation between age and schooling with school performance of students in elementary education / Relación de las variables edad y escolaridad con desempeño escolar de estudiantes de enseñanza primaria

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a relação das variáveis idade e escolaridade com desempenho escolar de alunos do ensino fundamental. Participaram da pesquisa 855 alunos, estudantes de ensino fundamental da rede pública estadual do estado de Santa Catarina, com idades entre 6 e 16 anos. Foi aplicado em todos os participantes o Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE), que é composto por três subtestes: Escrita, Aritmética e Leitura. Os resultados demonstraram que o desempenho escolar da amostra estudada relacionou-se de forma significativa com as séries, podendo ser observada uma linearidade entre nível de escolaridade e desempenho escolar. O mesmo não ocorreu com a variável idade. Diante dos dados mencionados é relevante ressaltar a importância em identificar precocemente aspectos relacionados ao desempenho escolar, bem como a necessidade de atualizações de normas para interpretação dos resultados do Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE) por meio das análises mostradas nesta pesquisa.

This study aimed at assessing the relation between age and schooling with the academic performance of elementary students. 855 students participated in the research, elementary school students attending at public schools in the state of Santa Catarina-Brasil, aging between 6 and 16 years old. The Teste de Desempenho Escolar (TDE) was administrated to all participants, which is composed of three subtests, namely, Writing, Arithmetic and Reading. The results showed that school performance was significantly related to grades, so that it was observed a linear correlation between schooling and school performance. This was not seen with the variable age. From the data listed above, it is relevant to emphasize the importance of early identification of issues related to school performance, as well as the need for updates of standards for interpreting the results of TDE through the analysis shown in this investigation.

El objetivo del presente estudio fue verificar la relación de las variables edad y escolaridad con desempeño escolar de alumnos de enseñanza primaria. Participaron de la investigación 855 alumnos, estudiantes de enseñanza primaria de escuelas públicas del estado de Santa Catarina-Brasil, con edades entre 6 e 16 años. Fue aplicado en todos los participantes el Test de Desempeño Escolar (TDE), que es compuesto por tres subtestes: Escrita, Aritmética y Lectura. Los resultados demostraron que el desempeño escolar de la muestra estudiada se relacionó significativamente con los años escolares, siendo observada una linealidad entre nivel de escolaridad y desempeño escolar. Lo mismo no ocurrió con la variable edad. Ante esos datos, es relevante señalar la importancia de identificarse precozmente aspectos relacionados al desempeño escolar, así como la necesidad de actualizaciones de normas para interpretación de los resultados del TDE a través de análisis mostradas en el presente trabajo.