Resumo Os microRNAs (miRNAs) são reconhecidos como biomarcadores do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), úteis para a compreensão do metabolismo da doença, e possuem grande potencial como alvos terapêuticos. O aumento da expressão de BDNF e IGF1 está altamente envolvido nos benefícios as vias de insulina e glicose, porém, são regulados negativamente em condições de resistência à insulina, enquanto seu aumento de expressão está correlacionado com a melhora do metabolismo da glicose e da insulina. Estudos sugerem a regulação desses genes por microRNA em vários contextos diferentes, proporcionando uma nova abordagem de investigação para compreender o metabolismo do DM2 e revelar potenciais alvos terapêuticos. No presente estudo, investigamos em diferentes modelos animais (humanos, ratos e camundongos) miRNAs que têm como alvo BDNF e IGF1 em tecido muscular esquelético com condições fisiológicas de DM2. As análises foram realizadas utilizando ferramentas de bioinformática e bancos de dados para predição de miRNA, homologia molecular, validação experimental de interações, expressão na condição fisiológica estudada e interação em rede. Os resultados mostraram três candidatos a miRNAs para IGF1 (miR-29a, miR-29b e miR-29c) e um para BDNF (miR-206). As avaliações experimentais e a busca pela expressão no músculo esquelético de indivíduos com DM2 confirmaram a interação prevista entre miRNA-mRNA para miR-29b e miR-206 através de modelos humanos, ratos e camundongos. Essa interação foi reafirmada em múltiplas análises de rede. Em conclusão, nossos resultados mostram a relação de regulação entre miR-29b e miR-206 com os genes investigados, em diversos tecidos, sugerindo um padrão de inibição. Contudo, esses dados mostram um grande número de possíveis processos fisiológicos de interação para perspectivas biotecnológicas.

Abstract microRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) biomarkers useful for disease metabolism comprehension and have great potential as therapeutics targets. BDNF and IGF1 increased expression are highly involved in the benefits of insulin and glucose paths, however, they are down-regulated in insulin resistance conditions, while their expression increase is correlated to the improvement of glucose and insulin metabolism. Studies suggest the microRNA regulation of these genes in several different contexts, providing a novel investigation approach for comprehending T2DM metabolism and revealing potential therapeutic targets. In the present study, we investigate in different animal models (human, rat, and mouse) miRNAs that target BDNF and IGF1 in skeletal muscle tissue with T2DM physiological conditions. Bioinformatics tools and databases were used to miRNA prediction, molecular homology, experimental validation of interactions, expression in the studied physiological condition, and network interaction. The findings showed three miRNAs candidates for IGF1(miR-29a, miR-29b, and miR-29c) and one for BDNF (miR-206). The experimental evaluations and the search for the expression in skeletal muscle from T2DM subjects confirmed the predicted interaction between miRNA-mRNA for miR-29b and miR-206 through human, rat, and mouse models. This interaction was reaffirmed in multiple network analyses. In conclusion, our results show the regulation relationship between miR-29b and miR-206 with the investigated genes, in several tissues, suggesting an inhibition pattern. Nevertheless, these data show a large number of possible interaction physiological processes, for future biotechnological prospects.

ABSTRACT To evaluate differences in dietary habits among women with breast cancer versus healthy controls. We conducted a case-control study with 160 women with and without cancer, pairing 1:1. Socio-demographic variables and food consumption were investigated through three food recalls, which was corrected for energy variation using the residual method. Data analysis was performed using Kolmogorov- Smirnov, Student's t, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon Two-Sample tests and calculating odds ratios with level of significance of p<0.05. The majority (87.5%) of women with breast cancer did not follow dietary recommendations. Women with breast cancer (cases) had higher odds of not following dietary recommendations compared to controls (OR= 3.37, 95%CI= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Regarding consumption of micro and macronutrients, breast cancer patients had increased odds of insufficient vitamin A intake compared to controls (OR= 2.46, 95%CI= 1.19-5.05, p<0.01). The results suggest the women with breast cancer are more likely to not follow dietary recommendation and have insufficient consumption of vitamin A compared to women without breast cancer.

RESUMEN Evaluar diferencias en los hábitos alimentarios de mujeres con cáncer de mama y mujeres normales. Estudio de casos y controles con 160 mujeres con y sin cáncer y emparejamiento de l:l. Se investigaron las variablessociodemográ-ficas y el consumo de alimentos mediante tres encuestas alimentarias, sometidas a la corrección de la variación de energía por el método residual. El análisis fueran realizados por Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-Student, Mann-Whitney/Wilcoxon y Odds Ratio con nivel de significación: p<0,05. La mayoría de las mujeres con cáncer de mama (87,5%) no siguió las recomendaciones dietéticas. Las mujeres con cáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas en comparación con los controles 3.37 (IC 95%= 1.50-7.58, p= 0.004). Con respecto al consumo de micro y macronutrientes, las mujeres concáncer de mama tuvieron un mayor riesgo de ingesta insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con los controles (OR= 2.46, IC 95%= 1.19-5.05, p<0.0l). Los resultados sugieren que las mujeres con cáncer de mama tienen más riesgo de no seguir las recomendaciones dietéticas con un consumo insuficiente de vitamina A en comparación con las mujeres sin cáncer de mama.

RESUMEN This article presents the case report of a giant lateral dermoid cyst in the floor of mouth surgically excised by intraoral approach, initially misdiagnosed by imaging studies as a ranula. Other cases of dermoid cysts preoperatively diagnosed ranulae are present in literature, but none directly compares their clinical, radiological and therapeutic aspects. This article will also discuss these aspects in order to possibly aid in their correct diagnosis and management.

ABSTRACT Este artículo presenta el caso clínico de un gran quiste dermoide lateral en el suelo de la boca, extirpado quirúrgicamente por abordaje intraoral, inicialmente diagnosticado erróneamente por estudios de imagen como una ránula. Otros casos de quistes dermoides diagnosticados preoperatoriamente como una ránula están presentes en la literatura, pero ninguno compara directamente sus aspectos clínicos, radiológicos y terapéuticos. Este artículo también tratará estos aspectos para, posiblemente, ayudarles en su diagnóstico y manejo correctos.

A desafiante intervenção na obesidade pediátrica motivou um estudo quantitativo e qualitativo sobre os aspetos psicossociais num programa comportamental baseado no exercício físico com adolescentes e envolvendo os seus pais. Os 24 adolescentes (17 raparigas) com excesso de peso (31 ± 4,9 kg/m2), com 13,2 anos em média, seguidos na consulta dum hospital, participaram num programa de 4 meses que incluiu exercício físico estruturado, oito sessões educativas sobre mudança comportamental e envolvimento parental. Mediu-se a percepção do suporte da equipa técnica, a autoregulação para o tratamento, as necessidades psicológicas básicas e a percepção do suporte parental,aos 0 e 4 meses. Aos 2,5 meses 20 adolescentes e 16 pais participaram voluntariamente em grupos focais analisando o impacto do programa. Verificaram-se melhorias na satisfação da necessidade de relacionamento, mas não no peso. Na opinião dos filhos o exercício é a principal força do programa, mas para os pais é o formato personalizado e em grupo; sendo a desilusão com a escassa perda de peso uma fraqueza para ambos.A discussão compara os dados quantitativos com e as opiniões convergentes e divergentes de pais e filhos, reforçando a pertinência do exercício e da teoria da auto-determinação para a intervenção na obesidade, por trazer benefícios psicológicos mesmo sem perda de peso.

This study aimed to analyze the changes in self-regulation, basic psychological needs, staff and parents support after the first 4-months of a weight management program with adolescents. To improve our understanding about the clinical implications, we also analyze the participants' views (adolescents and their parents) about the program. The 24 overweight adolescents (31 ± 4.9 kg/m²; 17 girls; 13,2 years), followed in a tertiary health unit, participated in a 4-month program with structured exercise, eight educational sessions on behavioral change and parental involvement. We measured the perception of staff and parental support, self-regulation for treatment, basic psychological needs at 0 and 4 months. At 2,5 months 20 adolescents and 16 parents participated in focus groups to analyze the impact of the program. There were improvements in relatedness satisfaction, but not in weight. The adolescent’s opinion found the exercise as the main strength of the program, but for parents was the personalized and group format; for both parents and sons the main weakness of the program was the disillusionment with weight loss. The discussion suggests that the weight loss treatmentbased on exercise and self-determination theory principles could bring psychological benefits even without weight loss.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar e comparar o perfil genético de dois modelos de epilepsia em roedores (Wistar Audiogenic Rat - WAR e generalized epilepsy with absence seizures - GEAS) através da análise da expressão gênica em larga escala. MÉTODOS: Para a análise do perfil de expressão gênica foi utilizada a técnica de microarranjos de DNA (microarray). RESULTADOS: Na linhagem WAR a análise do perfil de expressão mostrou que dentro os genes mais hiperexpressos está o Neurod1, envolvido com o desenvolvimento do ducto coclear. Além desse encontramos também diferenças significativas na expressão dos genes Apbb1, Foxg1 e Scn1A. Já nos animais GEAS os genes com maior expressão diferencial foram àqueles relacionados com o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central, além de genes envolvidos com a via da MAPK, fatores de transcrição, migração neuronal e apoptose. CONCLUSÃO: Esta análise pode ajudar a esclarecer o mecanismo molecular subjacente que leva a predisposição a crises nesses animais. Até o momento, nossos resultados apontam para a ativação de vias moleculares distintas em ambos os modelos.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize and compare the genetic profile of two rodent models of epilepsy (Wistar Audiogenic Rat - WAR and rats with generalized epilepsy with absence seizures-GEAS) using gene expression analysis METHODS: We used microarray technology for gene expression analysis. RESULTS: The analysis of gene expression profiles in WAR showed among genes up-regulated Neurod1, involved in the development of the cochlear duct. In addition, we found significant differences in gene expression of Apbb1, Foxg1 and Scn1A. GEAS rats had differentially expressed genes related to the development of central nervous system, as well as genes involved in the MAPK pathway, transcription factors, neuronal migration and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: This study may help to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism that leads to the predisposition to seizures in these animals. Our results indicate the activation of distinct molecular pathways in both models.

The main function of the cardiac adrenergic system is to regulate cardiac work both in physiologic and pathologic states. A better understanding of this system has permitted the elucidation of its role in the development and progression of heart failure. Regardless of the initial insult, depressed cardiac output results in sympathetic activation. Adrenergic receptors provide a limiting step to this activation and their sustained recruitment in chronic heart failure has proven to be deleterious to the failing heart. This concept has been confirmed by examining the effect of ß-blockers on the progression of heart failure. Studies of adrenergic receptor polymorphisms have recently focused on their impact on the adrenergic system regarding its adaptive mechanisms, susceptibilities and pharmacological responses. In this article, we review the function of the adrenergic system and its maladaptive responses in heart failure. Next, we discuss major adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and their consequences for heart failure risk, progression and prognosis. Finally, we discuss possible therapeutic implications resulting from the understanding of polymorphisms and the identification of individual genetic characteristics.

The electrochemical removal of the textile dye C. I. Direct Red 80 (DR80) was carried out using three different materials as anodes: iron, polypyrrole (PPy) and boron doped diamond (BDD). Iron electrodes are consumed during the electrolysis, and promote flocculation/coagulation of the dye. Polypyrrole, a conducting polymer, was prepared by chemical/electrochemical precipitation over a cotton cloth; it enables the precipitation of the dissolved dye through a conversion reaction in a less soluble compound. Boron doped diamond electrode was used to achieve the complete mineralization of the dye. Bulk electrolysis were studied using Na2SO4 as electrolyte. In the case of the PPy electrode, NH4NO3 was also used as electrolyte. The variation of the dye concentration was followed by UV-visible absorbance measurements and chemical oxygen demand (COD) tests were also performed, to compare the rates of colour and COD removal in each case. From the COD measurements over the time of electrolysis, using the BDD anode, a mass transfer coefficient for the DR80 molecule was determined. The obtained results show an almost complete colour removal for all the electrodes tested and a COD removal between 50 and 90 %, being the best results obtained with the BDD electrode.

Cell migration is a crucial event in the general process of thymocyte differentiation. The cellular interactions involved in the control of this migration are beginning to be defined. At least chemokines and extracellular matrix proteins appear to be part of the game. Cells of the thymic microenvironment produce these two groups of molecules, whereas developing thymocytes express the corresponding receptors. Moreover, although chemokines and extracellular matrix can drive thymocyte migration per se, a combined role for these molecules appears to contribute to the resulting migration patterns of thymocytes in their various stages of differentiation. The dynamics of chemokine and extracellular matrix production and degradation is not yet well understood. However, matrix metalloproteinases are likely to play a role in the breakdown of intrathymic extracellular matrix contents. Thus, the physiological migration of thymocytes should be envisioned as a resulting vector of multiple, simultaneous and/or sequential stimuli involving chemokines, adhesive and de-adhesive extracellular matrix proteins, as well as matrix metalloproteinases. Accordingly, it is conceivable that any pathological change in any of these loops may result in the alteration of normal thymocyte migration. This seems to be the case in murine infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas' disease. A better knowledge of the physiological mechanisms governing thymocyte migration will provide new clues for designing therapeutic strategies targeting developing T cells.

Avaliaram-se as perdas de solo e água por erosão hídrica em sistemas florestais, relacionando-as com os limites admissíveis de perdas para as principais classes de solo nos Tabuleiros Costeiros da região de Aracruz (ES), com vistas em obter indicativos da adequação do manejo deste sistema de produção. O experimento foi instalado em parcelas em Argissolo Amarelo textura média/argilosa (PA1), Plintossolo Háplico (FX) e Argissolo Amarelo moderadamente rochoso (PA8), com declividade variando de 1,8 a 8,2 %; 1,3 a 12,4 % e 28,8 a 35,5 %, respectivamente, contemplando três situações: eucalipto, mata nativa e solo descoberto. As perdas de solo por erosão hídrica para o sistema com eucalipto apresentaram a seguinte ordem: PA8 > PA1 > FX. As perdas de água por enxurrada para o sistema com eucalipto apresentaram a seguinte ordem: PA8 > FX > PA1, com uma variação de 9,09 a 70,48 mm, correspondendo a 0,79 e 6,1 % da precipitação total anual, respectivamente. As perdas de solo para o povoamento de eucalipto foram bem abaixo dos limites de tolerância para os solos referentes a cada classe, indicando a adequação do manejo deste sistema de produção em relação à erosão hídrica. O fato de as perdas de solo para o eucalipto ficarem relativamente próximas daquelas da mata nativa indica a sustentabilidade daquele ambiente no contexto de erosão.

Soil and water losses by erosion were measured in forest ecosystems and were related to the calculated maximum tolerable soil losses. Main soil classes in the Coastal Plains of the region of Aracruz (ES) were studied, with the aim of obtaining indicators of management adequacy for this production system. The experimental plots were set on loamy/clayey Yellow Argisol (PA1), Haplic Plinthosol (FX), and moderately rocky Yellow Argisol (PA8). The slopes ranged from 2-8 %, 1-12 %, and 29-36 %, for each soil class. Three soil covers were studied of each soil class: eucalyptus trees, native forest, and bare soil. Soil and water losses under eucalyptus followed the order: PA8 > PA1 > FX. Water losses ranged from 9-70 mm, equivalent to 1-6 % of the total annual rainfall. Soil losses in the eucalyptus plots lay well below the calculated maximum tolerable soil losses in all soil classes, which indicates adequacy of management in this production system regarding water erosion. The fact that soil losses in eucalyptus were relatively close to those in native forest indicates the sustainability of the former environment regarding erosion.

A morfologia e a distribuição das células do epitélio branquial foram analisadas no cascudo Hypostomus cf. plecostomus, peixe que vive em água doce, caracterizada por ser pobre em íons, no Brasil. As células pavimentosas são as mais abundantes em ambos os epitélios, do filamento e lamelar. Entre essas células há um grande número de células mucosas e de células de cloreto. As células mucosas são quase totalmente encobertas pelas células pavimentosas adjacentes e possuem grandes grânulos que mostram eletrondensidades diferentes. Não foram encontradas células mucosas no epitélio lamelar. As células de cloreto estão distribuídas em ambos os epitélios e, em geral, têm uma extensa superfície, que pode exibir poucas microvilosidades curtas em contato com o meio externo. A presença de células de cloreto no epitélio lamelar pode indicar uma adaptação à reduzida concentração de íons na água, a fim de aumentar a capacidade de transporte ativo de íons por meio das brânquias. O tamanho e a forma dessas células aumenta a barreira água-sangue e pode afetar a troca de gases para a respiração. Entretanto, o efeito negativo no processo respiratório pode ser minimizado pelo fato de essa espécie possuir respiração aérea facultativa e poder utilizar o ar atmosférico para suprir sua necessidade de oxigênio.

Epithelial gill cell morphology and distribution were investigated in the armored catfish, Hypostomus cf. plecostomus, which lives in soft ion-poor Brazilian freshwaters. Pavement cells are the most abundant type of cell on both filament and lamellar epithelia and there are a great number of mucous and chloride cells between them. Mucous cells are almost covered by adjacent pavement cells and have large packed granules showing electrondense differences. No mucous cells were found on the lamellar epithelium. Chloride cell were distributed throughout both epithelia and usually have large apical surface facing the external medium and may exhibit short and sparsely distributed microvilli. The presence of chloride cells on the lamellar epithelium may be an adaptation to low ion concentrations in the water, allowing for improved ion-transport capacity of the gill. The large size of these cells increases the water-blood barrier and may affect the transference of respiratory gases. However, the negative effect on the respiratory process may be minimized by this species' ability to resort to atmospheric air to fulfill its oxygen requirements.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre o resultado do teste CAGE aplicado em pacientes internados num hospital geral universitário (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre - HCPA) e a percepção e registro de abuso de álcool e de doenças relacionadas pelas equipes de saúde. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: O delineamento envolveu três fases: a) aplicação do teste CAGE aos 385 pacientes adultos e adolescentes internados considerados elegíveis para o estudo; b) revisão dos prontuários dos pacientes CAGE-positivo e de um número igual de pacientes CAGE-negativo, estratificados por área de internação e sorteados, para identificar hábitos alcoólicos e a presença de doenças relacionadas ao uso de álcool; c) entrevista com os membros das equipes médicas responsáveis para avaliar sua percepção sobre o hábito alcoólico em seu paciente. As diferenças encontradas foram analisadas através do teste Qui-quadrado e do teste t de Student, com significância estatística em nível de 5% bicaudal. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 51 pacientes CAGE-positivo (13%). A equipe médica registrou abuso de álcool no prontuário de 51% dos pacientes CAGE-positivo e 10% dos CAGE-negativo, e a equipe de enfermagem fez este registro no prontuário de 31% dos pacientes CAGE-positivo e 8% dos CAGE-negativo (p=.724). Não houve diferença entre o registro e a percepção da equipe médica (p=.184). A prevalência de doenças relacionadas ao abuso de álcool foi 27% quando se examinou os prontuários médicos e 26% quando se entrevistou a equipe médica (p=.861), sendo maior entre os pacientes CAGE-positivo (43%) do que entre os CAGE-negativo (10%) (p=.0003). CONCLUSÕES: O abuso de bebidas alcoólicas e a presença de doenças associadas ao mesmo são condições prevalentes nos pacientes admitidos ao HCPA. Entretanto, mais de metade dos casos não foram detectados pela equipe de saúde, havendo correspondência entre os registros de prontuário e a entrevista.

BACKGROUND: The high frequency of alcohol related problems highlights the importance of its approach. The association of both the alcohol-abuse and alcohol related diseases has been pointed in the literature and are often the main reason for hospitalization. Physicians use different tools to detect abusive drinkers, and one of them is the CAGE-test, validated by Mayfield et al. in 1974. OBJECTIVES: To study the association between the result of the CAGE-test and the perception and registration of alcohol abuse by the medical staff and the nurses in charge of inpatients of Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, southern Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The design involved three phases. First, the application of the CAGE-test to the 385 eligible patients. Second, review of all 51 CAGE-positive patients' records as well the controlled evaluation of 51 randomized CAGE-negative patients, to seek alcoholic habits and alcohol-related diseases. Third, interview with the medical staff to find out their perception about these subjects. RESULTS: We found 51 patients CAGE-positive (prevalence = 13%). When evaluated through the registration and through a standardized interview, medical staff and nurses were not aware of more than half of CAGE-positive patients. No significant differences were found between medical staff registration and perception; the prevalence of alcohol related diseases was the same for both: 26 and 27% (p = .861). The prevalence of alcohol related diseases was higher among CAGE-positive patients (p = .0003). CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the high prevalence among our patients, alcohol abuse is not pursued by our health teams as it should be. As for the future, there is reason to envision a continuing alcoholism rapprochement.