Corrigendum: Methylmercury impact on adult neurogenesis: is the worst yet to come from recent Brazilian environmental disasters?

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.591601.].

Methylmercury Impact on Adult Neurogenesis: Is the Worst Yet to Come From Recent Brazilian Environmental Disasters?

Worldwide environmental tragedies of anthropogenic origin causing massive release of metals and other pollutants have been increasing considerably. These pollution outbreaks affect the ecosystems and impact human health. Among those tragedies, recent large-scale environmental disasters in Brazil strongly affected riverside populations, leading to high-risk exposure to methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg is highly neurotoxic to the developing brain. This toxicant causes neural stem cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, less is known about the effects of MeHg in the postnatal neurogenic niche, which harbors neural stem cells and their progeny, in the adult brain. Therefore, taking in consideration the impact of MeHg in human health it is urgent to clarify possible associations between exposure to mercury, accelerated cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this perspectives paper, we discuss the neurotoxic mechanisms of MeHg on postnatal neurogenesis and the putative implications associated with accelerated brain aging and early-onset cognitive decline in populations highly exposed to this environmental neurotoxicant.

Microglia cytoarchitecture in the brain of adenosine A2A receptor knockout mice: Brain region and sex specificities.

Microglia cells exert a critical role in brain development, mainly supported by their immune functions, which predicts an impact on the genesis of psychiatric disorders. In fact, microglia stress during gestation is, for instance, associated with chronic anxiety and cognitive deficits accompanied by long-lasting, region- and sex-specific changes in microglia morphology. We recently reported that the pattern of microglia morphologic plasticity, which is sex-determined, impacts on anxious-like behaviour and cognition. We also reported that the pharmacologic blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2A R) is able to reshape microglia morphology, in a sex-specific manner and with behavioural sequelae. In order to better understand the role of A2A R in the sex differentiation of microglia, we now compared their morphology in wild-type and A2A R knockout male and female C57BL/6 mice in two cardinal brain regions implicated in anxiety-like behaviour and cognition, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP). We report interregional differences between PFC and dHIP in a sex-specific manner: while males presented more complex microglia in the dHIP, microglia from females had a more complex morphology in the PFC. Surprisingly, the genetic deletion of A2A R did not alter these sex differences, but promoted the exclusive remodelling (increase in complexity) in PFC microglia from females. These findings further support the existence of a heterogeneous microglial network, distinct between sexes and brain regions, and help characterizing the role of A2A R in the sex- and brain region-specific morphologic differentiation of microglia.

The neurobiological mechanisms of physical exercise in methamphetamine addiction.

Methamphetamine (METH) is the primary drug within amphetamine-type stimulants which are the second most abused group of drugs worldwide. There is no pharmacological treatment addressed specifically to METH addiction, and behavioral therapy is shadowed by poor long-term recovery and relapse. Therefore, novel approaches to manage METH addiction are an urgent need. This review aims to describe the current state of physical exercise use on methamphetamine addiction management. The following searching terms in PubMed were used: ("physical exercise" OR "exercise") AND "methamphetamine." Relevant references from key publications and gray literature were also reviewed to identify additional citations for inclusion. Original investigation regarding physical exercise and methamphetamine addiction (clinical data) or neurobiological mechanisms of physical exercise in animal models of methamphetamine administration (preclinical data) was included. Overall, METH users demonstrated improvements, including better fitness and emotional measures, lower relapse rates, and sustained abstinence when compared to nonexercised individuals. The neurobiological mechanisms of physical exercise in METH users seem to reflect an interplay of several agents, including neurochemicals, oxidative stress, neurogenesis, gliogenesis, and blood-brain barrier as disclosed by preclinical data. Exercise-based interventions alone or as a conjoint therapy may be a useful tool for managing METH addiction.

Myxofibrosarcoma - Case report.

Myxofibrosarcoma is recognized as a malignant neoplasm of fibroblastic origin with increased prevalence in the elderly, presenting as nodules or tumors that may extend to the dermis and skeletal muscle, preferably in the lower limbs. Histologically it is characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells in a myxoid stroma. Myxofibrosarcoma has a high potential for local recurrence and metastasis, mainly when it presents a high or intermediate histological grade. We report the case of an eighty-four year old patient with a difficult diagnosis of a highly aggressive tumor.

Myxofibrosarcoma - Case report

Abstract Myxofibrosarcoma is recognized as a malignant neoplasm of fibroblastic origin with increased prevalence in the elderly, presenting as nodules or tumors that may extend to the dermis and skeletal muscle, preferably in the lower limbs. Histologically it is characterized by a proliferation of spindle cells in a myxoid stroma. Myxofibrosarcoma has a high potential for local recurrence and metastasis, mainly when it presents a high or intermediate histological grade. We report the case of an eighty-four year old patient with a difficult diagnosis of a highly aggressive tumor.

Involvement of α1B-adrenoceptors in the anti-immobility effect of imipramine in the tail suspension test.

Imipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant inhibitor of norepinephrine and serotonin neuronal reuptake. The roles of specific α1-adrenoceptor subtypes that might be targeted by the increased synaptic levels of noradrenaline induced by imipramine are not well understood. This study investigates the α1-adrenoceptor subtypes involved in the anti-immobility effect of imipramine in the mouse tail suspension test. The anti-immobility effect of imipramine (32mg/kg, i.p.) was significantly antagonised by the non-subtype-selective α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin (0.5 and 1.0mg/kg, i.p.). Neither the selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist 5-methyl-3-[3-[3-[4-[2-(2,2,2,-trifluroethoxy)phenyl]-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-2,4-(1H,3H)-pyrimidinedione (RS-100329, 0.5 and 1.0mg/kg) nor the selective α1D-adrenoceptor antagonist 8-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-8-azaspiro[4.5]decane-7,9-dione dihydrochloride, (BMY-7378, up to 1.0mg/kg, i.p.) affected the anti-immobility effect of imipramine. However, the anti-immobility effect of imipramine was significantly antagonised by the selective α1B-adrenoceptor antagonist (2S)-4-(4-amino-6,7-dimethoxy-2-quinazolinyl)-2-[[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]carbonyl]-1-piperazinecarboxylate (L-765,314). In addition, mice treated only with RS-100329 or BMY-7378, but not with L-765,314, showed reduced immobility times in comparison to mice treated with vehicle. These results indicate that the selective antagonism of α1A- and α1D-adrenoceptors results in antidepressant-like effects and that the α1B-subtype is the main target for the increased levels of noradrenaline caused by imipramine.

Relações perigosas: limitações incapacitantes para o trabalho e habilitação para condução de veículos / Dangerous relationships: disabling limitations to work and possession of a driver's license

Introdução: É frequente a situação em que pessoas incapacitadas pela perícia médica do Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) obtenham habilitação para condução de veículos junto ao Departamento Estadual de Trânsito (Detran). Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar, em uma amostra de pessoas que recebem benefícios previdenciários por doença, aqueles habilitados para condução de veículos e portadores de limitações que possam vir a representar risco de acidentes e morbidade para si próprios e para terceiros. Métodos: Uma amostra de 587 beneficiários de auxílio-doença (B31) e 525 beneficiários de aposentadoria por invalidez (B32) foi obtida junto pela Empresa de Tecnologia e Informações da Previdência Social. A condição de habilitação dos segurados foi pesquisada no site do Detran-RS utilizando a identificação civil (RG). Os resultados foram agrupados por tipo de benefício, categoria de habilitação e entidade nosológica, conforme CID10 (Classifi cação Internacional de Doenças, 10ª edição). Resultados: Havia identidade válida para pesquisa em 551 casos do grupo B31 e em 525 casos do grupo B32. Os portadores de limitações incapacitantes habilitados para condução de veículos representaram 31,76% dos beneficiários de auxílio-doença (B31) e 19,43% dos aposentados por invalidez (B32). Conclusões: Considerando a população de beneficiários dos mesmos benefícios no país, estima-se que existam 669.163 e 575.765 condutores atualmente habilitados, portadores de limitações incapacitantes, em cada um dos grupos de benefi ciários, respectivamente. Essa prevalência é de tal ordem a justificar a necessidade de notificação da autoridade competente por parte dos agentes previdenciários como atitude preventiva de acidentes de trânsito e consequente morbidade/mortalidade (AU)

Introduction: Persons considered disabled by the medical inspection of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) often do obtain a license to drive vehicles with the State Department of Motor Vehicles (Detran). This study aimed to identify, in a sample of people who receive social security benefits for sickness, those entitled to drive vehicles and those with limitations that may pose risk of accidents and morbidity for themselves and for others. Methods: A sample of 587 beneficiaries of sick pay (B31) and 525 recipients of disability pensions (B32) was obtained from the Company of Information and Technology of Social Security. The insured's license condition was searched in the Detran-RS website using civil identification (ID). The results were grouped by type of benefit, license category, and disease entity according to ICD10 (International Classifi cation of Diseases, 10th edition). Results: There was valid identity for search in 551 cases of group B31 and in 525 cases of group B32. Holders of disabling limitations licensed for driving accounted for 31.76 % of recipients of sick pay (B31) and 19.43% of disability retirees (B32). Conclusions: Considering the population of beneficiaries of the same benefits in the country, it is estimated that there are 669,163 and 575,765 currently licensed drivers with disabling limitations in each group of beneficiaries, respectively. This prevalence is such as to justify the need for notification to the competent authority by pension agents as a preventive attitude of traffic accidents and consequent morbidity/mortality (AU)

Dexamethasone effect on postoperative pain and tramadol requirement after thyroidectomy.

Tramadol is a central-acting analgesic associated with nausea and vomiting. Clinical studies have demonstrated that glucocorticoids have analgesic and antiemetic effects when administered perioperatively. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that coadministration of tramadol and dexamethasone decreases both postoperative pain and tramadol requirement by patient-controlled analgesia (PCA). Forty female patients undergoing thyroidectomy under general anesthesia were enrolled in a double-blind randomized controlled study and allocated to receive dexamethasone 4 mg i.v. (dexamethasone group, n = 20) or saline (control group, n = 20). At 0, 1, 2, 4 and 22 h of PCA, tramadol consumption and pain were evaluated. Although pain (numerical rating scale 0-10) was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group compared to the control group (2.9 ± 1.4 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2, p = 0.02) at the beginning of PCA, tramadol demand was not significantly different. Although the results herein show a possible beneficial effect of a preoperative single low dose of dexamethasone on postoperative pain, the hypothesis that this corticosteroid decreases tramadol requirement is not supported.

Perfil antropométrico e fisiológico dos jogadores de rugby portugueses - Parte I: comparação entre atletas de diferentes grupos posicionais / Anthropometric and physiological profile of Portuguese rugby players - Part I: comparison between athletes of different position groups

INTRODUÇÃO: No rugby, cada posição apresenta exigências muito específicas e distintas, tanto em nível antropométrico como fisiológico. Os diferentes estudos publicados revelam a existência de diferenças significativas em nível das características antropométricas e fisiológicas dos atletas de rugby das diferentes posições. Apesar de comuns em países onde a modalidade é mais popular, nenhum estudo procurando caracterizar o atleta de rugby português foi, até agora, publicado. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses, procurando identificar eventuais diferenças entre atletas de grupos posicionais distintos. Comparar os resultados obtidos com os demais trabalhos já publicados. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos 46 jogadores de rugby de duas equipes a disputarem competições nacionais seniores masculinas. Os atletas foram agrupados, em função das suas posições em campo, em avançados (n = 24) e recuados (n = 22). Todos os atletas foram submetidos a uma avaliação antropométrica com determinação de estatura, massa corporal e nove pregas cutâneas. Quarenta submeteram-se, igualmente, a uma avaliação das suas capacidades físicas que consistiu na determinação da velocidade, aceleração e capacidade aeróbia máxima. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao software IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19, tendo sido considerado um valor de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os avançados apresentaram um peso corporal médio de 96,02 kg (± 13,44) e 1,80 m (± 0,06) de estatura, contra os 76,84 kg (± 7,28) de peso médio e 1,73 m (± 0,06) de estatura dos recuados. Quanto à avaliação fisiológica, os recuados apresentaram globalmente melhores resultados. No teste dos 10m demoraram apenas 1,97 s (± 0,20) contra os 2,10 s (± 0,27) dos avançados. No teste de velocidade, os recuados demoraram, em média, 4,50 s (± 0,32), menos 0,36s que os avançados. A capacidade aeróbia máxima em função do peso verificada para os recuados (52,33 mlO2/min/kg ± 5,41) foi, igualmente, superior à dos avançados (46,60 mlO2/min/kg ± 5,64). DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Os avançados eram significativamente mais altos, mais pesados e apresentavam uma maior percentagem de gordura corporal que os recuados. Eram, também, mais lentos, e tinham uma menor capacidade aeróbia máxima em função das suas massas corporais. No entanto, apresentavam uma maior capacidade aeróbia máxima em valor absoluto e produziam um maior momento linear. As diferenças entre avançados e recuados foram ao encontro às da literatura e estão relacionadas com os distintos papéis desempenhados pelos atletas durante o jogo. Apesar das limitações inerentes a este estudo, acreditamos que este é pertinente e irá estimular o aprofundamento dos conhecimentos nesta área. Estudos semelhantes mas de maiores dimensões deverão ser realizados, no futuro, de forma a podermos avaliar e caracterizar mais fielmente o atleta de rugby português.

INTRODUCTION: In rugby, each position has very specific and unique requirements, both anthropometric and physiological. Several studies have documented the significant differences in the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of athletes in the different playing positions. However, despite being common in countries where rugby is more popular, no studies seeking to investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of the Portuguese rugby players have been published yet. OBJECTIVES: To anthropometrically and physiologically characterize Portuguese rugby players, attempting to identify any differences between athletes of different positions and to compare the recorded results with similar studies. METHODS: 46 rugby players from two teams competing in the senior male national championships were assessed. Athletes were grouped according to their positions on the field, as forwards (n = 24) and backs (n = 22). All athletes underwent anthropometric assessment with determination of height, body mass and nine skin folds. Out of these, forty also underwent physical abilities assessment which consisted in determination of speed, acceleration and maximal aerobic capacity. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19 and significance level of 5% was considered. RESULTS: Forwards presented average body weight of 96.02 kg (+/-13.44) and 1.80 m (+/-0.06) of height, compared to 76.84 kg (+/-7.28) and 1.73 m (+/-0.06) height of backs. As for the physiological assessment, backs recorded better results. In the 10m test they only took 1.97 s (+/-0.20), while forwards spent 2.10s (+/-0.27). In the speed test, backs also spent 0.36 s less than forwards. Maximal aerobic capacities, weight dependent, recorded by backs (52.33+/-5.41 mlO2/min/kg) were also better than those determined for forwards (46.60+/-5.64mlO2/min/kg). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: In the present study forwards were significantly taller, heavier and had higher percentage of body fat than backs. They were also slower and had lower maximal aerobic capacity concerning their body mass. However, they had higher maximal aerobic capacity in absolute value and produced greater momentum. Differences between forwards and backs were consistent with the literature and related to the different roles in the game. Despite its intrinsic limitations, we believe this study is relevant and will promote further investigations about this issue. Similar but larger studies should be conducted in the future so that we can more accurately assess and characterize the Portuguese rugby players.

Perfil antropométrico e fisiológico dos jogadores de rugby portugueses - Parte II: comparação entre atletas de diferentes níveis competitivos / Anthropometric and physiological profile of Portuguese rugby players - Part II: comparison between athletes with different competitive levels

INTRODUÇÃO: Desde a introdução, em 1995, do profissionalismo, que os estudos publicados têm vindo a apontar para uma maior diferenciação dos atletas, em todos os níveis, para cada uma das posições. Todavia, apesar de serem comuns em países onde o rugby é mais popular, nenhum estudo procurando caracterizar do ponto de vista antropométrico e fisiológico o atleta de rugby português foi, até agora, publicado. Procuramos avaliar e caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses de diferentes níveis competitivos, estudando as seguintes variáveis: idade, massa corporal, estatura, composição corporal, capacidade aeróbia máxima, aceleração, velocidade e agilidade. OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar antropométrica e fisiologicamente os atletas de rugby portugueses, procurando identificar eventuais diferenças entre atletas de patamares competitivos distintos. Comparar os resultados obtidos com os demais trabalhos já publicados. MÉTODOS: Avaliamos 46 jogadores de rugby de duas equipes a disputarem competições nacionais seniores masculinas em escalões distintos. Dos 46 atletas avaliados, 24 pertenciam a uma equipe semiprofissional e 22 a uma equipe amadora. Os atletas foram submetidos a uma avaliação antropométrica através da determinação das suas estaturas, massas corporais e pregas cutâneas. Do total de atletas avaliados, 40 submeteram-se, também, a uma avaliação das suas capacidades físicas que consistiu na determinação da velocidade e capacidade de aceleração, através dos testes de corrida de 30 e dez metros, respectivamente. Determinou-se, igualmente, as suas capacidades aeróbias máximas, através da realização do teste de Luc Léger. A análise estatística foi realizada com recurso ao software IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19, tendo sido considerado um valor de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Verificamos que os semiprofissionais eram, em média, 3cm mais altos que os recuados e apresentavam uma percentagem de massa gorda média de apenas 15,09% (± 6,03) contra os 22,39% (± 6,54) dos recuados. Os amadores eram igualmente quatro anos mais velhos e apresentavam um índice de massa corporal superior aos semiprofissionais. Nos testes físicos os resultados obtidos foram semelhantes para ambos os grupos de atletas. DISCUSSÃO E CONCLUSÕES: Não se verificaram, no presente estudo, as esperadas diferenças entre atletas de diferentes patamares competitivos. Efetivamente, no que diz respeito à composição corporal e à estatura dos atletas, verificamos uma vantagem dos atletas semiprofissionais, quando comparados com os amadores. No entanto, a homogeneidade verificada parece indicar que o rugby português ainda não terá dado o salto qualitativo que o profissionalismo trouxe aos países com maior tradição na modalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Since it became professional in 1995, several studies have reported greater differentiation of athletes at all levels for each position. However, despite being common in countries where rugby is more popular, no studies seeking to investigate the anthropometric and physiological characteristics of Portuguese rugby players have been published yet. We sought to evaluate the physiological and anthropometric characteristics of the Portuguese rugby athletes playing in different competitive levels by studying the following variables: age, body mass, stature, body composition, maximal aerobic capacity, acceleration, speed and agility. OBJECTIVES: To anthropometrically and physiologically characterize Portuguese rugby players, attempting to identify any differences between athletes of different competitive levels and to compare the recorded results with similar studies. METHODS: We assessed 46 rugby players from two teams competing in different divisions of the men senior national championships. Out of the 46 athletes evaluated, 24 belonged to a semiprofessional team and 22 to an amateur team. The 46 athletes underwent anthropometric assessment, where stature, body mass and skin folds were determined. Out of these, 40 also underwent physical capabilities assessment which consisted in determining speed and acceleration capability, through 30 and 10 meter- running tests, respectively. Additionally, their maximum aerobic capacity was determined through the Luc Léger field test. Statistical analysis was performed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics v.19 and a significance level of 5% was considered. RESULTS: It was found that semiprofessionals were on average 3cm taller than backs and presented average body fat percentage of only 15.09% (+ / -6.03) compared to the 22.39% (+/-6.54) of backs. Amateurs were also four years older and presented higher average Body Mass Index than semiprofessionals. Concerning the physical tests, results were similar between groups. Discussion and CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, the expected differences between athletes from different competitive levels were not identified. In fact, regarding body composition and height, we have found an advantage of the semiprofessional athletes. However, the homogeneity observed seems to indicate that Portuguese rugby has not given the qualitative leap yet that professionalism brought up to the countries with greater tradition in this sport.

Os processos de subjetivação de deficientes intelectuais no mercado de trabalho: uma cartografia / The processes of subjectivation of intellectual mentally retarded on the job market: a cartography / Los procesos de la subjetividad de la discapacidad intelectual en el mercado de trabajo: una cartografía

A Este artigo tem como tema o estudo dos processos de subjetivação de jovens deficientes intelectuais inseridos em empresas no Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Seu objetivo principal é cartografar a trajetória de quatro deficientes intelectuais, maiores de 21 anos, a partir dos seus encontros com o mercado de trabalho, procurando rastrear as forças que atuam nesses territórios e que operam tanto endurecimentos quanto agenciamentos que possibilitam a invenção. Buscamos sustentação na Filosofia da Diferença de Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari, também conhecida como Esquizoanálise, que aborda a realidade por meio de planos que coexistem simultaneamente, em estado de imanência, formas e forças. Escolhemos como conceito-eixo para pensar essas realidades o de território, entendido como segmento, estrato que se sustenta por meio das representações, mas também comporta fluxos, agenciamentos que permitem a expansão da vida.

This article focuses on the study of subjective processes of intellectually disabled youths placed in businesses in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Its main objective is to map the trajectory of four intellectually disabled youths, over 21 years, from their encounters with the labour market, seeking to trace the forces that act on these territories which operate both as hardening assemblages that enable the invention. We seek support in the Philosophy of Difference Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, also known as schizoanalysis, which addresses the reality through plans that coexist simultaneously in a state of immanence, forms and forces. Chosen as concept-axis to think these realities of the territory, understood as segment stratum that holds through the representations, but alsobehavioural streams, assemblages that allow the expansion of life.

Este artículo se centra en el estudio de los procesos subjetivos de jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual en las empresas situadas en la ciudad de Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais. Su principal objetivo es trazar la trayectoria de cuatro personas con discapacidad intelectual, mayores de 21 años a partir de sus encuentros con el mercado de trabajo, tratando de rastrear las fuerzas que actúan sobre estos territorios y que operan tanto endurecimiento, como conjuntos que permitan la invención. Buscamos apoyo en la filosofía de la diferencia de Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari, también conocida como la esquizofrenia, que aborda la realidad a través de los planes que coexisten simultáneamente en un estado de inmanencia, formas y fuerzas. Elegimos como un concepto para pensar en estas realidades eje del territorio como segmento comprendido estrato que se sostiene a través de las representaciones, sino que también incluye cursos de agua, asociaciones que permitan la expansión de la vida.

Os processos de subjetivação de deficientes intelectuais no mercado de trabalho: uma cartografia / The processes of subjectivation of intellectual mentally retarded on the job market: a cartography / Los procesos de la subjetividad de la discapacidad intelectual en el mercado de trabajo: una cartografía

A Este artigo tem como tema o estudo dos processos de subjetivação de jovens deficientes intelectuais inseridos em empresas no Município de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Seu objetivo principal é cartografar a trajetória de quatro deficientes intelectuais, maiores de 21 anos, a partir dos seus encontros com o mercado de trabalho, procurando rastrear as forças que atuam nesses territórios e que operam tanto endurecimentos quanto agenciamentos que possibilitam a invenção. Buscamos sustentação na Filosofia da Diferença de Gilles Deleuze e Félix Guattari, também conhecida como Esquizoanálise, que aborda a realidade por meio de planos que coexistem simultaneamente, em estado de imanência, formas e forças. Escolhemos como conceito-eixo para pensar essas realidades o de "território", entendido como segmento, estrato que se sustenta por meio das representações, mas também comporta fluxos, agenciamentos que permitem a expansão da vida.(AU)

This article focuses on the study of subjective processes of intellectually disabled youths placed in businesses in the city of Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Its main objective is to map the trajectory of four intellectually disabled youths, over 21 years, from their encounters with the labour market, seeking to trace the forces that act on these territories which operate both as hardening assemblages that enable the invention. We seek support in the Philosophy of Difference Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, also known as schizoanalysis, which addresses the reality through plans that coexist simultaneously in a state of immanence, forms and forces. Chosen as concept-axis to think these realities of the "territory", understood as segment stratum that holds through the representations, but alsobehavioural streams, assemblages that allow the expansion of life.(AU)

Este artículo se centra en el estudio de los procesos subjetivos de jóvenes con discapacidad intelectual en las empresas situadas en la ciudad de Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais. Su principal objetivo es trazar la trayectoria de cuatro personas con discapacidad intelectual, mayores de 21 años a partir de sus encuentros con el mercado de trabajo, tratando de rastrear las fuerzas que actúan sobre estos territorios y que operan tanto endurecimiento, como conjuntos que permitan la invención. Buscamos apoyo en la filosofía de la diferencia de Gilles Deleuze y Félix Guattari, también conocida como la esquizofrenia, que aborda la realidad a través de los planes que coexisten simultáneamente en un estado de inmanencia, formas y fuerzas. Elegimos como un concepto para pensar en estas realidades eje del "territorio" como segmento comprendido estrato que se sostiene a través de las representaciones, sino que también incluye cursos de agua, asociaciones que permitan la expansión de la vida.(AU)

Disruption of striatal glutamatergic/GABAergic homeostasis following acute methamphetamine in mice.

Methamphetamine leads to functional changes in basal ganglia that are linked to impairment in motor activity. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that a single high-methamphetamine injection induces striatal dopaminergic changes in rodents. However, striatal glutamatergic, GABAergic and serotoninergic changes remain elusive under this methamphetamine regimen. Moreover, nothing is known about the participation of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE), which is overexpressed upon synaptic dysfunction and glial response, on methamphetamine-induced striatal dysfunction. The aim of this work was to provide an integrative characterization of the striatal changes in amino acids, monoamines and astroglia, as well as in the RAGE levels, and the associated motor activity profile of C57BL/6 adult mice, 72 h after a single-high dose of methamphetamine (30 mg/kg, i.p.). Our findings indicate, for the first time, that methamphetamine decreases striatal glutamine, glutamate and GABA levels, as well as glutamine/glutamate and GABA/glutamate ratios, while serotonin (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) levels remain unchanged. This methamphetamine regimen also produced dopaminergic terminal degeneration in the striatum, as evidenced by dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase depletion. Consistently, methamphetamine decreased the locomotor activity of mice, in the open field test. In addition, increased levels of glutamine synthase and glial fibrillary acidic protein were observed. Nevertheless, methamphetamine failed to change RAGE levels. Our results show that acute methamphetamine intoxication induces pronounced changes in the striatal glutamatergic/GABAergic and dopaminergic homeostasis, along with astrocyte activation. These neurochemical and glial alterations are accompanied by impairment in locomotor activity.

Cochlear implant rehabilitation outcomes in Waardenburg syndrome children.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of children with documented Waardenburg syndrome implanted in the ENT Department of Centro Hospitalar de Coimbra, concerning postoperative speech perception and production, in comparison to the rest of non-syndromic implanted children. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for children congenitally deaf who had undergone cochlear implantation with multichannel implants, diagnosed as having Waardenburg syndrome, between 1992 and 2011. Postoperative performance outcomes were assessed and confronted with results obtained by children with non-syndromic congenital deafness also implanted in our department. Open-set auditory perception skills were evaluated by using European Portuguese speech discrimination tests (vowels test, monosyllabic word test, number word test and words in sentence test). Meaningful auditory integration scales (MAIS) and categories of auditory performance (CAP) were also measured. Speech production was further assessed and included results on meaningful use of speech Scale (MUSS) and speech intelligibility rating (SIR). RESULTS: To date, 6 implanted children were clinically identified as having WS type I, and one met the diagnosis of type II. All WS children received multichannel cochlear implants, with a mean age at implantation of 30.6±9.7months (ranging from 19 to 42months). Postoperative outcomes in WS children were similar to other nonsyndromic children. In addition, in number word and vowels discrimination test WS group showed slightly better performances, as well as in MUSS and MAIS assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that cochlear implantation should be considered a rehabilitative option for Waardenburg syndrome children with profound deafness, enabling the development and improvement of speech perception and production abilities in this group of patients, reinforcing their candidacy for this audio-oral rehabilitation method.