Abstract Fly ash is one of the main precursors for alkali-activated cement.However, the combined use of fly ash and bottom ash is not common and little information is present.Therefore, this paper focuses on investigating the fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated pastes with the addition of fly ash and bottom ash. In the fresh state, setting time, fluidity and plasticity were evaluated. In the hardened state, mechanical, chemical, and microstructural properties were evaluated.The incorporation of bottom ash up to 50% improves the workability of the pastes, in addition to acting as a retardant for setting. Mechanical strength tends to decrease with increasing ash content.However, the paste containing 100% bottom ash was 14.4 MPa, indicating potential for application. The main reaction product was identified in chemical and microstructural analyses as the N-A-S-H gel.In general, the blend based on bottom ash and fly ash has the potential for alkali activation, so a higher valorization of these by-products can be obtained, especially of the bottom ash.

Resumo A cinza volante é um dos principais precursores para cimentos álcali-ativados. Contudo, o uso combinado de cinza volante e cinza pesada não é comum e são poucas as informações disponíveis. Portanto, o foco deste artigo é investigar as propriedades no estado fresco e no estado endurecido de pastas álcali-ativadas com adição de cinza volante e cinza pesada. No estado fresco foram avaliados o tempo de pega, a fluidez e a plasticidade. No estado endurecido foram avaliadas propriedades mecânicas, químicas e microestruturais. Os resultados indicam que a incorporação de cinza pesada em até 50% melhora a trabalhabilidade das pastas, além de atuar como retardador de pega. A resistência mecânica tende a diminuir com o aumento do teor de cinza pesada. Contudo, a pasta contendo 100% de cinza pesada alcançou 14,4 MPa, indicando potencial de aplicação. O gel N-A-S-H foi identificado nas análises químicas e microestruturais como principal produto de reação. De modo geral, a mistura à base de cinza pesada e cinza volante tem potencial para a álcali-ativação, portanto, pode-se obter uma maior valorização desses subprodutos, principalmente da cinza pesada.

Abstract This article studies the shift from a Ministry of Hygiene in Colombia to a Ministry of Public Health, from 1946 to 1953. This was not only a new name for the ministry, but a transitional process from government policies based on European public hygiene towards institutionalizing the North American model of public health. The process involved negotiations between local government representatives and the Currie Mission, which was sent to Colombia by the Inter-American Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the Inter-American Cooperative Health Service. These negotiations took place via asymmetrical relationships of interdependence, within the framework of the “invisible government” implemented by the United States in Latin America during the Cold War.

Resumen Este artículo estudia el cambio de un Ministerio de Higiene en Colombia a un Ministerio de Salud Pública, de 1946 a 1953. Este no fue solo un nuevo nombre para el ministerio sino un proceso de transición de políticas gubernamentales basadas en la higiene pública europea hacia la institucionalización del modelo norteamericano de salud pública. El proceso involucró negociaciones entre representantes del gobierno local y la Misión Currie, que fue enviada a Colombia por el Banco Interamericano de Reconstrucción y Desarrollo y el Servicio Cooperativo Interamericano de Salud. Estas negociaciones se dieron a través de relaciones asimétricas de interdependencia, en el marco del “gobierno invisible” implementado por Estados Unidos en América Latina durante la Guerra Fría.

Resumen Introducción: este artículo pretende estudiar las medidas tomadas en las epidemias de viruela de Santiago (1787), Concepción (1789) y Santafé (1782/1802), para compararlas y entender cómo el estudio de estas epidemias nos puede dar luces para el abordaje del reto de salud pública actual: la pandemia de COVID-19. Desarrollo: el artículo está dividido en tres partes: en la primera se exponen las medidas de higiene que se tomaron para subsanar y prevenir estas epidemias, previas a la llegada de la vacunación, comparando el rol desempeñado por los actores locales en cada región; en la segunda se relata y se compara el proceso de llegada y búsqueda de la vacuna contra la viruela en cada territorio, y en la tercera se reflexiona brevemente sobre la pandemia actual. Conclusiones: en el análisis comparativo, se destaca la manera en la que la agenda transcolonial incluye una serie de similitudes para su aplicación en cada territorio, pero también las diferencias que los procesos locales y transcoloniales plantean para su domesticación en cada uno de ellos. Además, se resaltan las particularidades que ha tenido la pandemia de COVID-19 y las lecciones que este estudio de caso deja para pensar en la necesidad de enfrentarla desde una perspectiva global.

Abstract Introduction: This study aimed to investigate and compare measures implemented during the smallpox epidemics in Santiago (1787), Concepción (1789), and Santafé (1782/1802). In addition, we also tried to understand how the study of these epidemics could help identify an approach for managing the current public health challenge, i.e., the COVID-19 pandemic. Development: The article is divided into three parts: the first part studies the hygienic measures that were taken to face and prevent the epidemics as well as compares the role played by local actors in each region; the second part studies the processes of searching and acquiring smallpox vaccine in Santafé and Santiago; and the third part reflects on the current pandemic scenario. Conclusions: Through comparative analysis, we evaluated the similarities in the application of transcolonial agenda in each territory and the differences brought about by local and transcolonial processes implemented for its domestication. Furthermore, we highlighted particular processes conducted for managing and treating COVID-19 as well as lessons learnt from this case study about the need of dealing with COVID-19 from a global perspective.

Resumo Introdução: este artigo tem como objetivo estudar as medidas tomadas nas epidemias de varíola de Santiago (1787), Concepción (1789) e Santafé (1782/1802), compará-las e compreender como o estudo dessas epidemias pode lançar luz sobre a abordagem do desafio atual da saúde pública: a pandemia COVID-19. Desenvolvimento: o artigo está dividido em três partes: na primeira, são expostas as medidas de higiene que foram tomadas para corrigir e prevenir estas epidemias, antes da chegada da vacinação, comparando o papel desempenhado pelos atores locais em cada região; na segunda, relaciona-se e compara-se o processo de chegada e busca da vacina contra a varíola em cada território; e, na terceira, faz uma breve reflexão sobre a atual pandemia. Conclusões: na análise comparativa, destacamos a forma como a agenda transcolonial suscita uma série de semelhanças para a sua aplicação em cada território, mas também as diferenças que os processos locais e transcoloniais colocam para a sua domesticação em cada um deles. Além disso, destacamos as particularidades que a pandemia COVID-19 teve e as lições que este estudo de caso deixa para pensar a necessidade de enfrentá-la a partir de uma perspectiva global.

RESUMEN Este artículo es la segunda parte de una serie que explora la trayectoria histórica de la configuración del internado en la educación y en la práctica médica. En el artículo anterior se estudió el surgimiento del internado en la Francia napoleónica y su posterior consolidación bajo la reforma flexneriana estadounidense en la educación médica. Esta segunda parte explora, en cinco apartados, el proceso de constitución del internado en el contexto colombiano. El primero empieza analizando la influencia francesa a inicios del siglo xx; el segundo revisa el cambio hacia el modelo flexneriano que se dio con la llegada de varias misiones médicas estadounidenses y por sus sugerencias sobre la educación médica; el tercero estudia el proceso de ensamblaje de estos modelos en el país, su regulación y la crisis de esta; el cuarto recoge las propuestas actuales; en el epílogo se reflexiona sobre el futuro del internado en la coyuntura de la pandemia de la COVID-19.

SUMMARY This article is the second part of a series that explores the historical process of the configuration of the intern-ship in medical education and practice. In a previous article, we studied the emergence of the internship in Napoleonic France and its latter configuration trough the North American Flexnerian reforms to medical education. This second part deals with the process by which the internship was constituted in Colombia through five sections. The first one analyses the French influence at the beginning of the 20th century; the second part, the change towards the North American flexnerian model, which was motivated by the arrival of multiple medical missions and their suggestions regarding medical education; the third part studies the process by which these models assembled in the country, their regulation and its crisis; the fourth discusses the actual proposals; and the epilogue talks about the future of the internship in the COVID-19 pandemics.

ABSTRACT The chemical composition of ceramics has a deep impact on our understanding of their physical and chemical properties. This work performed a chemical and mineralogical characterization of clay mixtures with incorporation of a residue from the steel industry. The clay mixtures could be used in the brick production. Two types of clays were mixed with the proportion of 1:1 and the residue were incorporated with the proportions of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. Each material had their chemical composition analysed before the burning step. Five specimens were used to analyse their mineralogical composition after the burning step at the temperature of 800 °C. The tests performed to make the characterization were: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetry (TG) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The XFR analysis showed that the main components of the clays are the silicon oxide (SiO2) and the aluminium oxide (Al2O3), and for the residue, the main components are the iron oxides, represented by iron content (T-Fe). The XRD analysis showed the quartz as the most abundant mineral in clays, but that hematite, the most abundant mineral in the residue, appeared more as the amount of residue increased in the sample. Thermal Analysis confirmed the expected peaks in clays and identified an exothermic reaction in the sample with residue. The increase in the percentage of residue caused changes in the chemical composition of the samples, however, these variations were not remarkable, which suggests the red clay industry could add the residue in its production.

RESUMO A composição química das cerâmicas tem grande importância no entendimento das propriedades químicas e físicas desse material. Neste trabalho foram realizadas caracterizações química e mineralógica de misturas de argilas, incorporando um resíduo proveniente de uma indústria siderúrgica, para aplicar na produção de cerâmica. Dois tipos de argila foram misturados na proporção de 1:1 e o resíduo foi adicionado nas proporções de 5%, 10%, 15% e 20%. Avaliou-se a composição química de cada material puro e a composição mineralógica foi analisada após a etapa de queima, na qual 5 corpos de prova foram submetidos a uma temperatura de 800 °C. A caracterização foi realizada com os ensaios de Fluorescência de Raios X (FRX), Difração de Raios X (DRX), Termogravimetria (TG) e Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC). A FRX mostrou os óxidos de silício (SiO2) e alumínio (Al2O3) como principais componentes das argilas e os óxidos de ferro (T-Fe, teor de ferro) como principais componentes do resíduo. A DRX mostrou o quartzo como o mineral mais abundante nas argilas, mas que à medida que a concentração de resíduo aumentava na amostra, aumentava também o teor de hematita, principal mineral encontrado no resíduo. A TG e a DSC confirmaram picos esperados nas argilas e identificou uma reação exotérmica nas amostras com resíduo. O aumento do percentual de resíduo provocou alterações na composição química das amostras, no entanto, não foram alterações significativas, o que indica a possibilidade do uso desse resíduo na produção de cerâmica vermelha.

RESUMEN Este artículo recoge la primera parte de un estudio sobre el desarrollo del internado en la educación médica colombiana. En esta se presenta un panorama histórico-cronológico de los antecedentes europeos y norteamericanos de la aparición y desarrollo de la figura del médico interno en la práctica médica. Cubre el periodo comprendido entre el surgimiento del internado durante el gobierno de Napoleón en Francia en el siglo XIX y su transformación al modelo propuesto por la reforma flexneriana en los Estados Unidos al iniciarse el siglo XX, como punto de partida para la comprensión de dicho proceso en el caso colombiano.

SUMMARY This article presents the results of the first part of a study about the development of the internship in Colombian medical education. This first part offers a historical-chronological overview of the birth and development of the “internship” in European and North American medical practice, covering the period of time that begins with its appearance during Napoleonian government in France during the 19th century, and its transformation with the model proposed during the flexnerian reform in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century, as a starting point for the understanding of the Colombian case.

RESUMO Foi estudada a viabilidade técnica da utilização de resíduos de granito como matéria prima na fabricação de corpos de prova cerâmicos, com adições dos Produtos da Combustão do Carvão Mineral (PCC’s) como fase reforço. Os materiais utilizados foram granito Asa Branca (RGAB) e os Produtos da Combustão do Carvão mineral (PCC´s), nas concentrações de 0%p, 5%p, 10%p, 15%p, 20%p, 25%p e 30%p de PCC´s. Para a caracterização das matérias primas e das amostras foram utilizadas as técnicas de: Difração de Raios-X, Fluorescência de Raios-X, Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura. Para a determinação das propriedades mecânicas foram realizados os ensaios de Microdureza Vickers e Resistência à compressão diametral. Foram feitos ensaios de Microscopia óptica e EDS a fim de verificar entre as composições químicas da superfície e do interior das amostras. Foi feito análise estatística dos resultados (análise de variância – ANOVA), através do teste de Tukey, que teve como objetivo comparar se as médias aritméticas obtidas nos testes mecânicos eram estatisticamente significantes. Foi atribuído o número 1, para os pares em que as médias eram estatisticamente diferentes, e o número 0, para parem em que não houve diferença estatística entre as médias. Os resultados obtidos permitem concluir que o uso do rejeito do Granito Asa Branca com a adição de PCC´s para a fabricação de revestimento cerâmico é viável.

ABSTRACT The technical feasibility of the use of granite residues as raw material in the manufacture of ceramic test specimens, with additions of the Coal Mineral Combustion (PCC's) products as a reforestation phase, was studied. The materials used were White Wing granite (RGAB) and Coal Combustion Products (PCC), in concentrations of 0% w / w, 5% w / w, 10% w / w, 15% w / P of PCCs. For a characterization of the raw materials and the samples with the techniques of: X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Fluorescence, Scanning Electron Microscopy. For a determination of the mechanical properties performed with tests of Vickers Microhardness and Diametral Compression Resistance. Optical microscopy and EDS assays were performed to verify the chemical composition of the surface and the interior of the samples. Statistical analysis of the results (analysis of variance -ANOVA) was analyzed through the Tukey test, which had as objective as sections as arithmetic means obtained in the mechanical testicles were statistically significant. We assigned the number 1, for the pairs in which as means are statistically different, and the number 0, to stop where is not the statistical difference between as means. The results obtained allow to conclude the use of the tailings of the Asa Branca Granite with an addition of PCC to a ceramic coating manufacturing is feasible.

RESUMO O Fosfato Tricálcico-β (TCP-β) é um material sintético que apresenta composição química similar à do tecido ósseo, sendo, por essa razão, frequentemente empregado como biomaterial. Nesta pesquisa, TCP-β foi sintetizado por reação via estado sólido e caracterizado por Difração de Raios X (DRX), Espectroscopia de Infravermelho (IV), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Espectroscopia de Raios X por Dispersão de Energia (EDX). A área superficial e a distribuição do tamanho de partículas foram determinadas pelo método BET (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller). Também se realizou teste de citotoxicidade segundo as normas ISO 10993-5 e ISO 10993-12. As técnicas de DRX e IV permitiram confirmar a formação da fase fosfato tricálcico-β, mediante seus padrões de difração e dos grupos funcionais característicos, respectivamente. Através do BET, constatou-se o caráter nanométrico das partículas sintetizadas. O MEV permitiu comparar a evolução da morfologia microestrutural, antes e após o tratamento térmico. Com os resultados de EDX, calculou-se a razão molar entre cálcio e fósforo, parâmetro usualmente empregado para identificação das diferentes fases de apatitas. No ensaio de citotoxicidade, as amostras não apresentaram alterações celulares (morfologia) e nem inibição do crescimento celular, indicando que, nas condições in vitro, o material não é tóxico. Todas essas caracterizações sugerem que o fosfato tricálcico-β obtido pode ser potencialmente utilizado para aplicações biomédicas.

ABSTRACT The β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a synthetic material that present similar chemical composition to bone tissue and is frequently used as biomaterial. In this research, β-TCP was synthesized by solid state reaction and characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The surface area and particle size distribution were determined by BET method (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller). A cytotoxicity test was performed according to ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-12. Diffraction patterns (XRD) and characteristic functional groups (IR) of material allowed to confirm the formation of the β-TCP phase. BET leaded to verification of the nanometric character of the synthesized particles. SEM allowed to compare the evolution of the microstructural morphology before and after heat treatment. Molar ratio of calcium phosphate nanoparticles, usually used to identify the different phases of apatites, was calculated by EDX. In the cytotoxicity assay, the samples showed no cellular morphological

RESUMO O Fosfato Tricálcico-β (TCP-β) é um material sintético que apresenta composição química similar à do tecido ósseo, sendo, por essa razão, frequentemente empregado como biomaterial. Nesta pesquisa, TCP-β foi sintetizado por reação via estado sólido e caracterizado por Difração de Raios X (DRX), Espectroscopia de Infravermelho (IV), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e Espectroscopia de Raios X por Dispersão de Energia (EDX). A área superficial e a distribuição do tamanho de partículas foram determinadas pelo método BET (Brunauer-Emmet-Teller). Também se realizou teste de citotoxicidade segundo as normas ISO 10993-5 e ISO 10993-12. As técnicas de DRX e IV permitiram confirmar a formação da fase fosfato tricálcico-β, mediante seus padrões de difração e dos grupos funcionais característicos, respectivamente. Através do BET, constatouse o caráter nanométrico das partículas sintetizadas. O MEV permitiu comparar a evolução da morfologia microestrutural, antes e após o tratamento térmico. Com os resultados de EDX, calculou-se a razão molar entre cálcio e fósforo, parâmetro usualmente empregado para identificação das diferentes fases de apatitas. No ensaio de citotoxicidade, as amostras não apresentaram alterações celulares (morfologia) e nem inibição do crescimento celular, indicando que, nas condições in vitro, o material não é tóxico. Todas essas caracterizações sugerem que o fosfato tricálcico-β obtido pode ser potencialmente utilizado para aplicações biomédicas.

ABSTRACT The β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a synthetic material that present similar chemical composition to bone tissue and is frequently used as biomaterial. In this research, β-TCP was synthesized by solid state reaction and characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The surface area and particle size distribution were determined by BET method (BrunauerEmmet-Teller). A cytotoxicity test was performed according to ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-12. Diffraction patterns (XRD) and characteristic functional groups (IR) of material allowed to confirm the formation of the β-TCP phase. BET leaded to verification of the nanometric character of the synthesized particles. SEM allowed to compare the evolution of the microstructural morphology before and after heat treatment. Molar ratio of calcium phosphate nanoparticles, usually used to identify the different phases of apatites, was calculated by EDX. In the cytotoxicity assay, the samples showed no cellular morphological changes or inhibition of cell growth, indicating that the material is non-toxic. All these characterizations suggest that the obtained β-tricalcium phosphate may be potentially used for biomedical applications.

O femproporex é o segundo anorexígeno à base de anfetamina mais consumido no mundo; esse fármaco é rapidamente convertido in vivo em anfetamina e atua através do aumento dos níveis de dopamina na fenda sináptica. Considerando que os efeitos do femproporex sobre o Sistema Nervoso Central são ainda pouco conhecidos e que a acetilcolinesterase é uma enzima reguladora envolvida na transmissão colinérgica e que indiretamente pode modular a liberação de dopamina, o presente estudo investigou os efeitos da administração aguda de femproporex sobre a atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase em cérebro de ratos jovens. Ratos Wistar machos jovens receberam uma única injeção de femproporex (6,25, 12,5 ou 25 mg/kg i.p.) ou veículo (Tween 80 2%). Duas horas após a injeção, os ratos foram mortos por decapitação e o cérebro foi removido para avaliação da atividade da acetilcolinesterase. Os resultados mostraram que a administração de femproporex aumentou a atividade da acetilcolinesterase no hipocampo e córtex posterior, enquanto que no córtex pré-frontal, estriado e cerebelo a atividade da enzima não foi alterada. Em conclusão, o presente estudo demonstrou que a administração aguda de femproporex exerce um efeito no sistema colinérgico causando um aumento na atividade da acetilcolinesterase, de um modo dose dependente, no hipocampo e córtex posterior. Assim, sugere-se que o desequilíbrio na homeostase colinérgica pode ser considerado um importante mecanismo fisiopatológico subjacente ao dano cerebral observado em pacientes que utilizam anfetaminas, como o femproporex.

Fenproporex is the second most commonly amphetamine-based anorectic consumed worldwide; this drug is rapidly converted into amphetamine, in vivo, and acts by increasing dopamine levels in the synaptic cleft. Considering that fenproporex effects on the central nervous system are still poorly known and that acetylcholinesterase is a regulatory enzyme which is involved in cholinergic synapses and may indirectly modulate the release of dopamine, the present study investigated the effects of acute administration of fenproporex on acetylcholinesterase activity in brain of young rats. Young male Wistar rats received a single injection of fenproporex (6.25, 12.5 or 25mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle (2% Tween 80). Two hours after the injection, the rats were killed by decapitation and the brain was removed for evaluation of acetylcholinesterase activity. Results showed that fenproporex administration increased acetylcholinesterase activity in the hippocampus and posterior cortex, whereas in the prefrontal cortex, striatum and cerebellum the enzyme activity was not altered. In conclusion, in the present study we demonstrated that acute administration of fenproporex exerts an effect in the cholinergic system causing an increase in the activity of acetylcholinesterase in a dose-dependent manner in the hippocampus and posterior cortex. Thus, we suggest that the imbalance in cholinergic homeostasis could be considered as an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying the brain damage observed in patients who use amphetamines such as fenproporex.

Background: the National Program of Comprehensive Stomatological Attention for the Population includes the Oral Cancer Detection Program. Oral cavity carcinoma is the eighth cause of death in Cuba. Objective: to assess the Oral Cancer Detection Program in the stomatological service of the Camilo Torres Restrepo Polyclinic. Method: a restrospective, descriptive study was conducted in the Camilo Torres Restrepo Polyclinic from January, 2012 to October, 2013. The universe was composed of 35 patients referred to the consultation of the Oral Cancer Detection Program. The main variables were: age; sex; risk factors like alcoholism, smoking habits, and coffee consumption; type of lesion and its position; and the level of knowledge of the patients about the Oral Cancer Detection Program. Results: the most affected sex was male; the most affected age group was 19-59 years old; leukoplakia was the most significant lesion; the location of the cheek mucosa and the level of knowledge of the population were regular. Conclusions: the Oral Cancer Detection Program must increase its usefulness in our health area and fulfill the objectives it was created with.

Fundamento: el Programa Nacional de Atención Estomatológica Integral a la Población contiene el Programa de Detección de Cáncer Bucal. El carcinoma de cavidad bucal es la octava causa de muerte en Cuba. Objetivo: evaluar el Programa de Detección Precoz del Cáncer Bucal en el servicio estomatológico del Policlínico Camilo Torres. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo en el servicio estomatológico del Policlínico Camilo Torres Restrepo desde enero de 2012 y octubre de 2013. El universo estuvo constituido por 35 pacientes remitidos a la consulta del Programa de Detección de Cáncer Bucal. Las principales variables fueron: edad, sexo, factores de riesgo tales como el alcoholismo, tabaquismo, ingestión de café; tipo de lesión, localización de las mismas y nivel de conocimiento de los pacientes sobre el Programa de Detección de Cáncer Bucal. Resultados: el sexo más afectado fue el masculino, el grupo de edad 19-59 años, la leucoplasia fue la lesión más importante, la localización de la mucosa del carrillo y el nivel de conocimiento de la población fue regular. Conclusiones: el Programa de Detección de Cáncer Bucal debe incrementar su funcionalidad en nuestra área de salud y debe cumplir los objetivos para el cual fue creado.

Objective: Several studies support the hypothesis that metabolism impairment is involved in the pathophysiology of depression and that some antidepressants act by modulating brain energy metabolism. Thus, we evaluated the activity of Krebs cycle enzymes, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and creatine kinase in the brain of rats subjected to prolonged administration of fluvoxamine. Methods: Wistar rats received daily administration of fluvoxamine in saline (10, 30, and 60 mg/kg) for 14 days. Twelve hours after the last administration, rats were killed by decapitation and the prefrontal cortex, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, and cerebellum were rapidly isolated. Results: The activities of citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV were decreased after prolonged administration of fluvoxamine in rats. However, the activities of complex II, succinate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase were increased. Conclusions: Alterations in activity of energy metabolism enzymes were observed in most brain areas analyzed. Thus, we suggest that the decrease in citrate synthase, malate dehydrogenase, and complexes I, II-III, and IV can be related to adverse effects of pharmacotherapy, but long-term molecular adaptations cannot be ruled out. In addition, we demonstrated that these changes varied according to brain structure or biochemical analysis and were not dose-dependent.

Objectives: Fenproporex is an amphetamine-based anorectic which is rapidly converted into amphetamine in vivo. Na+, K+-ATPase is a membrane-bound enzyme necessary to maintain neuronal excitability. Considering that the effects of fenproporex on brain metabolism are poorly known and that Na+, K+-ATPase is essential for normal brain function, this study sought to evaluate the effect of this drug on Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and striatum of young rats. Methods: Young male Wistar rats received a single injection of fenproporex (6.25, 12.5, or 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or polysorbate 80 (control group). Two hours after the last injection, the rats were killed by decapitation and the brain was removed for evaluation of Na+, K+-ATPase activity. Results: Fenproporex decreased Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the striatum of young rats at doses of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg and increased enzyme activity in the hypothalamus at the same doses. Na+, K+-ATPase activity was not affected in the hippocampus or prefrontal cortex. Conclusion: Fenproporex administration decreased Na+, K+-ATPase activity in the striatum even in low doses. However, in the hypothalamus, Na+, K+-ATPase activity was increased. Changes in this enzyme might be the result of the effects of fenproporex on neuronal excitability.

Introduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction has been postulated to participate in the development of many neuropsychiatric disorders, but there is no consensus as to its role. The aim of this paper is to review recent studies and to outline the current understanding of the association between mitochondrial dysfunction and psychiatric disorders. Methodology: We reviewed articles that evaluated mitochondrial dysfunction and psychiatric disorders, with a particular focus on depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and autism spectrum disorder, and the association between mitochondrial dysfunction and development of these disorders. Results: Evidence suggests that alterations in mitochondrial morphology, brain energy metabolism, and mitochondrial enzyme activity may be involved in the pathophysiology of different neuropsychiatric disorders, given their key role in energy metabolism in the cell. Conclusions: Understanding the interactions between mitochondrial dysfunction and development of psychiatric disorders may help establish more effective therapeutic strategies for these disorders and thus lead to better outcomes for affected subjects.