Ultrastructural analysis of Lyophilized Human Spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVE: Lyophilization is potentially more practical and cost-effective alternative for sperm preservation. However, there are no studies that evaluate the ultrastructure of human spermatozoa after lyophilization. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the ultrasctructure of lyophilized spermatozoa using Transmission Electron Microscopy. METHODS: From a total of 21 donated seminal samples, 30 aliquots were originated and divided into two aliquots so that one could have been submitted to cryopreservation/thaw and the other for lyophilization/rehydration. The liquefied aliquots were homogenized at room temperature. Samples assigned for cryopreservation were placed in straws and samples assigned for lyophilization were placed in the appropriate vials. Cryopreservation samples were placed at -30oC for 30 minutes subsequently for 30 minutes at vapour phase and then plunged into liquid nitrogen. Lately, were warmed in water bath at 37oC for 10 minutes followed by 10 minutes centrifugation. The pellet was resuspended and analysed in a Makler chamber. The semen vials assigned for lyophilization were loaded into a pre-fixed freeze-drying chamber. Following lyophilization, vials were removed from the freeze-drying chamber and kept at 4oC until rehydration. TEM was performed after rehydration and thawing. Sperm samples were fixed, rinsed in buffer, post fixed and dehydration was carried out in escalating concentrations of alcohol solution, acetone and then, embedding in Epon resin. Ultrathin sections were stained and examined in a Transmission Electron Microscope. RESULTS: Analysis of sperm after freezing/thawing using Transmission Electron Microscopy showed lesions to the midpiece, with some mitochondria degeneration and random rupture of plasma membrane. In the head, we identified intact plasma membrane, nucleus and acrosome, as in the flagellum all main structures remained intact including the plasma membrane, the longitudinal columns of dense fibers and the semicircular fibers. Analysis by Transmission Electron Microscopy showed that spermatozoa heads had ruptured plasma membranes, absence of acrosomes, nuclei with heterogeneous and decompressed chromatin. Mitochondria were deteriorated in the midpiece. Longitudinal columns of dense fibers were absent in the flagellum. Axonemes, in cross-sections, were disrupted with disorganized structures. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our study demonstrated, for the first time, the structure of the human spermatozoa after lyophilization using Transmission Electron Microscopy. The use of a fixed lyophilization protocol with media containing cryoprotectants might explain the damage to the structures. More studies are necessary to improve the results of sperm lyophilization. In the future, the use of lyophilization of spermatozoa might reduce the costs of fertility preservation, since there will be no need for storage space and transportation is simpler.

Integrated environmental monitoring and multivariate data analysis-A case study.

The present article describes integration of environmental monitoring and discharge data and interpretation using multivariate statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares (PLS) regression. The monitoring was carried out at the Peregrino oil field off the coast of Brazil. One sensor platform and 3 sediment traps were placed on the seabed. The sensors measured current speed and direction, turbidity, temperature, and conductivity. The sediment trap samples were used to determine suspended particulate matter that was characterized with respect to a number of chemical parameters (26 alkanes, 16 PAHs, N, C, calcium carbonate, and Ba). Data on discharges of drill cuttings and water-based drilling fluid were provided on a daily basis. The monitoring was carried out during 7 campaigns from June 2010 to October 2012, each lasting 2 to 3 months due to the capacity of the sediment traps. The data from the campaigns were preprocessed, combined, and interpreted using multivariate statistics. No systematic difference could be observed between campaigns or traps despite the fact that the first campaign was carried out before drilling, and 1 of 3 sediment traps was located in an area not expected to be influenced by the discharges. There was a strong covariation between suspended particulate matter and total N and organic C suggesting that the majority of the sediment samples had a natural and biogenic origin. Furthermore, the multivariate regression showed no correlation between discharges of drill cuttings and sediment trap or turbidity data taking current speed and direction into consideration. Because of this lack of correlation with discharges from the drilling location, a more detailed evaluation of chemical indicators providing information about origin was carried out in addition to numerical modeling of dispersion and deposition. The chemical indicators and the modeling of dispersion and deposition support the conclusions from the multivariate statistics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:387-395. © 2016 SETAC.

Assessing the potential impact of water-based drill cuttings on deep-water calcareous red algae using species specific impact categories and measured oceanographic and discharge data.

The potential impact of drill cuttings on the two deep water calcareous red algae Mesophyllum engelhartii and Lithothamnion sp. from the Peregrino oil field was assessed. Dispersion modelling of drill cuttings was performed for a two year period using measured oceanographic and discharge data with 24 h resolution. The model was also used to assess the impact on the two algae species using four species specific impact categories: No, minor, medium and severe impact. The corresponding intervals for photosynthetic efficiency (ΦPSIImax) and sediment coverage were obtained from exposure-response relationship for photosynthetic efficiency as function of sediment coverage for the two algae species. The temporal resolution enabled more accurate model predictions as short-term changes in discharges and environmental conditions could be detected. The assessment shows that there is a patchy risk for severe impact on the calcareous algae stretching across the transitional zone and into the calcareous algae bed at Peregrino.

Prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in old men and the agreement between different methods in the city of Recife, Brazil.

Osteoporosis is relatively common in men and has a great impact on quality of life. Despite the importance of the subject, there are few studies regarding the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in men and the associated risk factors. To determine the prevalence of morphometric vertebral fractures in elderly men by three different methods and the agreement between them, 234 asymptomatic men aged >60 years (mean age 69.4 ± 6.5 years) were evaluated using lateral thoracolumbar radiograph that were analyzed by two experienced radiologists according to semiquantitative (SQ) Genant and algorithm-based qualitative (ABQ) Jiang methods. A third senior radiologist adjudicated Genant's method. The highest prevalence of fractures in ABQ Jiang and SQ Genant methods were 37.6 and 36.8 %, respectively (both examiner 2). The lowest prevalence rates were 26.5 % in ABQ Jiang method and 5.6 % in SQ Genant (both examiner 1). The prevalence found by the Genant adjudicated was 31.6 %. The agreement between the examiners were 69.2 % in ABQ Jiang method (κ 0.30; 95 % CI 0.17-0.43) and 65.5 % in SQ Genant (κ 0.09; 95 % CI 0.01-0.17). We evaluated skin phototype, waist circumference, hypertension, body mass index (BMI), history of fracture, calcium intake, serum 25 OHD and sun index. After multivariate regression analysis, we found that lower BMI (prevalence ratio = 1.41; p = 0.024; 95 % CI 1.05-2.03) and sun index (prevalence ratio = 1.45; p = 0.049; 95 % CI 1.01-1.95) were independently associated with morphometric vertebral fractures.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in patients with Paget's disease of bone compared with age-matched controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in patients with Paget's disease of bone (PDB) than in age-matched controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We measured serum 25-OHD in 28 untreated patients with PDB and two control groups: 284 elderly men from an ongoing cohort from our department, and 151 postmenopausal women seen in our outpatient clinic for routine medical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean ± SD serum 25-OHD was significantly lower in subjects with PDB (23.76 ± 6.29 ng/mL) than in the control groups of elderly men (27.86 ± 13.52 ng/mL) and postmenopausal women (30.30 ± 9.59 ng/mL), p = 0.015. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency considering a cut-off point of serum 25-OHD < 30 ng/mL was 85.7% in patients with PDB, and in elderly men and postmenopausal women it was 66.7 % and 54.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with Paget's disease living in the tropics.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency during the summer and its relationship with sun exposure and skin phototype in elderly men living in the tropics.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study reported here was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among elderly men and its association with sun exposure and skin phototypes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was an analytical cross-sectional study, which involved 284 men aged 60 years or over, randomly recruited from a basic care unit in the city of Recife (Brazil). MEASUREMENTS: Serum levels of 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), sun index, and skin phototypes were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 31.5% and 66.7% when cut points of less than 20 and 30 ng/mL, respectively, were used. Mean serum 25(OH)D was 27.86 ± 13.52 standard deviation (SD) ng/mL. There was no difference (P = 0.113) in 25(OH) D (23.98 ± 14.66 SD vs 29.88 ± 13.78 SD) between individuals in the lowest quartile (Q) of the sun index (Q1: 1.96) compared with those in the highest (Q4: 7.86). When considering a cutoff of 20 ng/mL, the sun index was different in the two groups (P = 0.006), but there was no difference when cutoffs of 25 and 30 ng/mL were used. After adjustment, sun index and body mass index were associated positively and negatively, respectively with serum 25(OH)D independently. Most subjects (66.7%) had Fitzpatrick's skin phototypes IV, V, and VI. Low calcium intake was observed in 72%. There was no difference in serum 25(OH)D levels between patients with low intake and those with intermediate and high intakes. Only 2.5% were taking a vitamin supplement. CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among elderly men despite their high sun exposure during the summer months.

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is higher in patients with Paget's disease of bone compared with age-matched controls / Deficiência de vitamina D é maior em pacientes com doença de Paget óssea comparada a controles pareados por idade

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in patients with Paget's disease of bone (PDB) than in age-matched controls. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We measured serum 25-OHD in 28 untreated patients with PDB and two control groups: 284 elderly men from an ongoing cohort from our department, and 151 postmenopausal women seen in our outpatient clinic for routine medical evaluation. RESULTS: The mean ± SD serum 25-OHD was significantly lower in subjects with PDB (23.76 ± 6.29 ng/mL) than in the control groups of elderly men (27.86 ± 13.52 ng/mL) and postmenopausal women (30.30 ± 9.59 ng/mL), p = 0.015. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency considering a cut-off point of serum 25-OHD < 30 ng/mL was 85.7% in patients with PDB, and in elderly men and postmenopausal women it was 66.7 % and 54.3%, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients with Paget's disease living in the tropics.

OBJETIVO: Investigar se a deficiência de vitamina D é mais prevalente nos pacientes com doença de Paget óssea (DPO) do que em controles equiparados pela idade. SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Neste estudo retrospectivo avaliamos a 25-OHD em 28 pacientes não tratados com DPO e dois grupos controle: 284 homens idosos de uma coorte de nosso departamento e 151 mulheres na pós-menopausa atendidas em nosso ambulatório para avaliação médica de rotina. RESULTADOS: A média ± DP da 25-OHD foi significativamente menor em indivíduos com DPO (23,76 ± 6,29 ng/mL) do que nos grupos controle de homens idosos (27,86 ± 13,52 ng/mL) e de mulheres na pós-menopausa (30,30 ± 9,59 ng/mL), p = 0,015. A prevalência de deficiência de vitamina D, considerando um ponto de corte < 30 ng/mL, foi de 85,7% em pacientes com DPO e, em homens idosos e mulheres na pós-menopausa, foi de 66,7% e 54,3%, respectivamente (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Esses resultados sugerem uma alta prevalência de hipovitaminose D em pacientes com DPO nos trópicos.

Função endotelial, perfusão uterina e fluxo central em gestações complicadas por Pré-Eclampsia / Endothelial function, uterine perfusion and central Flow in pregnancies complicated by Preeclampsia

FUNDAMENTO: A fisiopatologia da Pré-Eclampsia (PE) é caracterizada por deficiência no processo de placentação, disfunção endotelial sistêmica e hiperfluxo do Sistema Nervoso Central (SNC). Do ponto de vista clínico, seria interessante determinar a ocorrência desses fenômenos antes do aparecimento das manifestações clínicas da doença, levantando a possibilidade de novos métodos de predição da PE. OBJETIVO: Comparar o processo de placentação, a função endotelial e o hiperfluxo do SNC em gestantes de alto risco para desenvolvimento de PE que posteriormente desenvolveram ou não a síndrome. MÉTODOS: Um total de 74 gestantes foi submetido ao exame de Dilatação Fluxo-Mediada (DFM) da artéria braquial, dopplerfluxometria de artérias uterinas e oftálmica para avaliação da função endotelial, processo de placentação e hiperfluxo central, respectivamente. Os exames foram realizados entre 24 e 28 semanas de gestação e as pacientes foram acompanhadas até o puerpério para coleta de dados. RESULTADOS: Quinze pacientes tiveram a gestação complicada pela PE e 59 se mantiveram normotensas até o puerpério. Pacientes que subsequentemente desenvolveram PE apresentaram entre 24 e 28 semanas de gestação, maiores valores no índice de pulsatilidade das artérias uterinas e menores valores de DFM (p < 0,001 e p = 0,001, respectivamente). Entretanto, não houve diferença nos valores obtidos no índice de resistência da artéria oftálmica (p = 0,08). CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos sugerem que a deficiência no processo de placentação e a disfunção endotelial precedem cronologicamente as manifestações clínicas da PE, o que não ocorre com o hiperfluxo do SNC.

BACKGROUND: The physiopathology of Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by a deficiency in the process of placentation, systemic endothelial dysfunction and Central Nervous System (CNS) hyperflow. From a clinical point of view, it would be interesting to determine the occurrence of these phenomena before the onset of clinical manifestations of the disease, raising the possibility of new methods for predicting PE. OBJECTIVE:Compare the process of placentation, endothelial function and CNS hyperflow in pregnant women at high risk for the development of PE who subsequently developed or not the syndrome. METHODS: A total of 74 pregnant women underwent the Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, Doppler study of uterine and ophthalmic arteries for the assessment of endothelial function, process of placentation and central hyperflow, respectively. The examinations were performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation and were followed until the postpartum period for data collection. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had PE and 59 remained normotensive until the puerperium. Patients who subsequently developed PE had between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, higher pulsatility index of uterine arteries and lower values of FMD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, there was no difference in the values obtained in the resistive index in the ophthalmic artery (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that the deficiency in the process of placentation and endothelial dysfunction chronologically precede the clinical manifestations of PE, which does not occur with CNS hyperflow.

Endothelial function, uterine perfusion and central flow in pregnancies complicated by Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: The physiopathology of Preeclampsia (PE) is characterized by a deficiency in the process of placentation, systemic endothelial dysfunction and Central Nervous System (CNS) hyperflow. From a clinical point of view, it would be interesting to determine the occurrence of these phenomena before the onset of clinical manifestations of the disease, raising the possibility of new methods for predicting PE. OBJECTIVE: Compare the process of placentation, endothelial function and CNS hyperflow in pregnant women at high risk for the development of PE who subsequently developed or not the syndrome. METHODS: A total of 74 pregnant women underwent the Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, Doppler study of uterine and ophthalmic arteries for the assessment of endothelial function, process of placentation and central hyperflow, respectively. The examinations were performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation and were followed until the postpartum period for data collection. RESULTS: Fifteen patients had PE and 59 remained normotensive until the puerperium. Patients who subsequently developed PE had between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation, higher pulsatility index of uterine arteries and lower values of FMD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). However, there was no difference in the values obtained in the resistive index in the ophthalmic artery (p = 0.08). CONCLUSION: The data obtained suggest that the deficiency in the process of placentation and endothelial dysfunction chronologically precede the clinical manifestations of PE, which does not occur with CNS hyperflow.

Prevenção dos defeitos de tubo neural com o uso periconcepcional do ácido fólico / Periconceptional use of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects

Introdução: em todo o mundo, a cada ano, nascem cerca de 250 mil crianças portando defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural. O uso de suplementação de ácido fólico tem impacto positivo na prevenção dessas malformações. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento atual a respeito do uso periconcepcional de ácido fólico na prevenção dos defeitos de tubo neural. Métodos: foi realizada a busca de artigos na base de dados do Medline, por meio do Pubmed, usando os termos: folic acid, neural tube e malformations. Foram selecionados os artigos mais relevantes, além de estudos históricos. Síntese de dados: estudos randomizados foram capazes de demonstrar o papel preventivo da suplementação dietética com ácido fólico contra defeitos de fechamento do tubo neural. Conclusão: o ácido fólico deve ter sua administração iniciada pelo menos 30 dias antes da provável concepção, na dose de 0,4 mg por dia, se possível não associado Ó suplementação de ferro. Para populações de risco a dose recomendada é de 4 mg, iniciada 90 dias antes da concepção e mantida pela embriogenese (até 12 semanas).

Introduction: Around 250,000 children worldwide are born with neural tube defect every year. The supplementary use of folic acid has positive impact on the prevention of such malformations. Objective: To assess the current base of knowledge on the periconceptional use of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects. Methods: The most relevant papers and historical studies on acid folic, neural tube and malformations were collected from the Medline/Pubmed databank. Data synthesis: Randomized studies were capable to demonstrate the preventive role of dietary supplementation with folic acid against neural tube defects. Conclusion: A doses of 0.4 mg acid folic/day must be administered at least 30 days before the potential conception ? if possible, not associated with supplementary iron. For risk populations, the administration of doses of 4 mg is recommended to start 90 days before potential conception and maintained during embryogenesis (up to 12 weeks).

A suplementação de ferro na gravidez: orientações atuais / Iron supplementation in pregnancy: current guidelines

O ferro é um dos minerais mais abundantes na crosta terrestre e nos organismos. Participa da síntese da hemoglobina, mioglobina, além de ser co-fator de uma série de reações enzimáticas. Durante a gravidez, vários processos fisiológicos fazem com que a demanda desse micronutriente tenha um incremento significativo, o que torna necessárias maiores ingestão e absorção de ferro. Sabe-se que, durante a gestação, a quantidade de ferro absorvida nos intestinos aumenta, mas, mesmo assim, a maioria das gestantes não ingere quantidade satisfatória desse mineral, o que torna explicável a suplementação oral da dieta com ferro. Vários autores advogam que essa suplementação não deva ser feita de maneira rotineira, mas individualizada, devido a possíveis efeitos deletérios do ferro durante a gestação, dentre eles o aumento nas taxas de Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional e pré-eclâmpsia. O objetivo desse estudo é realizar uma revisão na literatura médica que versa sobre o assunto, criando uma análise crítica sobre a suplementação oral rotineira de ferro e seus possíveis riscos durante a gestação

Iron is one of the most abundant mineral on the Earth's crust and organisms. It is essential for the synthesis of hemoglobin and myoglobin; besides, it acts as a co-factor in a series of enzymatic reactions. During pregnancy, multiple physiological adaptations cause an increase in the demand of micro-nutrients, which makes further ingestion and absorption of iron necessary. It is known that, during pregnancy, the amount of iron absorbed in the intestines increases, but even so, most pregnant women do not have an adequate iron intake, which makes the oral supplementation of diet with iron a reasonable action. A considerable number of authors advocate that this supplementation should not be made as a routine, but individualized, due to the possible deleterious effects of iron during pregnancy, among them the increased risk of Gestational Diabetes and pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study is to perform a review in the medical literature about the subject, creating a critical analysis of routine iron supplementation and its possible risks during pregnancy

O endotélio vascular e seu papel-chave na fisiopatologia da pré-eclâmpsia / The vascular endothelium and its key role in preeclampsia physiopathology

À pré-eclâmpsia (PE) atribui-se o maior número de óbitos maternos e perinatais no mundo. Apesar de ter sua etiologia ainda desconhecida, muito se sabe sobre sua fisiopatologia e o papel fundamental da lesão endotelial para a instalação da doença. O endotélio é uma estrutura parácrina com função de regular o tônus arterial através da produção e liberação de Óxido Nítrico (NO). Essa função é primordial para a boa evolução da gestação e da adequada perfusão placentária e, através da desregulação dos fatores de controle da angiogênese e do Sistema Renina-Angiotensina (SRA), ocorra uma progressiva lesão endotelial sistêmica e o fenômeno, antes localizado na placenta, propague-se por todo o organismo materno. O presente estudo teve como objetivo apresentar os resultados provenientes de uma revisão na literatura médica (Medline/Pubmed), no que diz respeito ao papel do endotélio na fisiopatologia da PE. Além da conclusão, foram apresentadas recomendações para diretrizes de pesquisas futuras e uma análise crítica dos métodos disponíveis e de sua aplicabilidade na avaliação da função endotelial em gestantes durante o pré-natal.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the biggest responsible for maternal and perinatal deaths in the world. Despite its etiology is unknown, yet much is known about its pathophysiology and the fundamental role of endothelial injury for the installation of the disease. The endothelium is a paracrine structure that regulates arterial tone through the production and release of Nitric Oxide (NO). This function is vital to the proper development of gestation placental perfusion and adequate fetal nutrition. It is believed that an inadequate trophoblastic invasion manages a placental ischemic and a response via angiogenic controlling factors and Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS), a progressive systemic and endothelial injury turns the phenomenon, before located in placenta, propagate throughout the maternal body. This study aimed to present the findings from a review of medical literature (Medline/Pubmed) regarding the role of endothelium in the pathophysiology of PE. Apart from conclusion, it presents recommendations for future research guidelines and a critical analysis of available methods and their applicability in the assessment of endothelial function in pregnant women during prenatal care.

Predição de pré-eclâmpsia: realidade atual e as direções futuras / Prediction of pre-eclampsia: the current reality and future directions

A pré-eclâmpsia (PE) é a principal causa de morbimortalidade materno-fetal, acometendo de 5 a 7% das gestantes no mundo. Apesar de exaustivamente estudada, ainda não existe tratamento satisfatório, além da interrupção da gestação nos casos mais graves. Além da divisão clássica da doença entre leve e grave, os estudos mais recentes sugerem uma nova classificação, subdividindo a PE em precoce (com aparecimento dos sintomas antes de 34 semanas de gestação) e tardia (sintomas após 34 semanas de gestação). As etapas fisiopatológicas diferem de tal forma entre esses dois grupos que alguns autores chegam a propor que se trata de entidades patológicas distintas. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica dos métodos de predição de PE atualmente pesquisados, dando ênfase a exames que podem ser realizados ainda no primeiro trimestre de gestação e àqueles que melhor identificam a paciente com risco aumentado de desenvolver PE precoce, devido ao pior prognóstico materno-fetal dessa condição.

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the main cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality, reaching 5 to 7% of pregnant women in the world. Although it has been broadly studied, there is still no satisfactory treatment other than the interruption of pregnancy in the most serious cases. In addition to the classical division of the disease in mild and severe, more recent studies suggest a new classification, subdividing the PE in early (with the appearance of symptoms before 34 weeks of gestation) and late (symptoms showing after 34 weeks of gestation). Physiopathology events differ so between these groups that some authors propose that those pathological entities are distinct. The goal of this study was to perform a bibliographic review of methods for predicting PE currently in research, emphasizing the exams that can be performed even in the first trimester of pregnancy and those that best recognize the patient with increased risk of developing PE early due to the worse prognosis of this condition.

Aspectos atuais da fisiopatologia da pré-eclâmpsia com repercussões na conduta / Current aspects in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia with repercussions in the management

A pré-eclâmpsia é a principal causa de morte materna nos países em desenvolvimento e contribui para a prematuridade e outras complicações perinatais. Sua etiologia ainda é desconhecida e exitem diversas formulações fisiopatológicas que se aplicam à doença. Um dos pontos centrais da fisiopatologia da doença é a lesão endotelial generalizada. Esse evento vem sendo estudado no Centro de Medicina Fetal da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, e diversos marcadores de lesão endotelial já foram descobertos e correlacionados com a ocorrência da pré-eclâmpsia. A literatura clássica e estudos realizados neste centro indicam e confirmam a teoria da placentação secundária deficiente, como causa da lesão endotelial dos vasos placentários. Uma exacerbação do sistema renina-angiotensina seria responsável pelo acometimento generalizado do organismo materno. Um método promissor para se verificar essa lesão endotelial generalizada é a dilatação fluxo-mediada da artéria braquial. É assumida a lesão endotelial como ponto central da fisiopatologia da doença; então, estão em andamento diversos estudos para se avaliar tratamentos que recuperem o endotélio e ofereçam sua proteção.

Preeclampsia is the main cause of maternal mortality in developing countries and it contributes to pre-term birth and other perinatal complications. Its etiology is still unknown and there are lots of physiopathology formulations that apply to this disease. One of the central points of this disease's physiopathology is the systemic endothelial lesion. This event has been studied in the Fetal Medicine Center of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and a great number of markers of endothelial lesion has been discovered, and correlated with the presence of preeclampsia. Classic literature and other studies, performed by our center, point out and confirm the theory of the deficient secondary placentation as cause of endothelial lesion in placentary vessels. An uncontrolled activity of the renin-angiotensin system would be responsible for the systemic compromise of the maternal organism. A promising method to verify this systemic endothelial lesion is the flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. It is assumed the endothelial lesion as the central point of this disease's physiopathology; thus, there are several studies to evaluate treatments which provide recovery and protection to the vascular endothelium.

Relações estéticas, atividade criadora e constituição do sujeito: algumas reflexões sobre a formação de professores(as) / Aesthetic relations, creative activity and subjectivity: some reflections on teachers education

Este trabalho tem por objetivo refletir sobre as temáticas constituição do sujeito, atividade criadora e relação estética, consideradas fundamentais para propostas de formação continuada de professores(as). Busca-se discutir na interface entre os campos de conhecimento da psicologia e da pedagogia e a partir do enfoque histórico-cultural a relevância destas temáticas para a prática pedagógica diante dos desafios dos processos de escolarização formal. Ressalta-se a importância da educação estética e, principalmente da formação estética dos professores(as), uma vez que se entende que todo processo de ensinar e aprender é constitutivo dos sujeitos, sendo a experiência estética uma possibilidade de vivenciar novas formas de relação. Relações pautadas na imaginação e no fazer criativo em contraposição a práticas e relações excessivamente técnicas e reprodutoras, que predominam na sociedade atual em que vivemos

This work has as objective to reflect about the thematic subjectivity, creative activity and aesthetic relation, considered basic for proposals of teacher’s education. It search to argue, in the interface between the knowledge fields of psychology and the pedagogy and from the historical-cultural approach, the relevance of these thematic for the pedagogical practice ahead the challenges of the processes of the school education. Stands out the importance of aesthetic education and, mainly of the aesthetic formation of the teachers, therefore it is understood that all process of teaching and learning is constituent of the subjectivity, being the aesthetic experience a possibility to live new forms of relation. Relations based in the imagination and creative making in contraposition to practices and to relations excessively techniques and reproductive, that are predominate in the current society where we live

Estudio del ahorro de la demanda de agua potable en la ciudad de Salta con la instalación de medidores

Estudia el derroche de agua que se produce en la ciudad de Salta, cuantifica los volúmenes desperdiciados, su costo y la posibilidad de revertirlo con la instalación de medidores. Plantea una metodología para determinar los micromedidores posibles de instalar en la actualidad y su impacto en el servicio

Necesidad de realizar micromedición de consumos de agua potable en al ciudad de Salta

Trabajo base que marca un punto de partida en el tema. Se estudian las fugas y excesos de consumos

Estudio del ahorro de la demanda de agua potable en la ciudad de Salta con la instalación de medidores

El servicio de agua potable en Salta Capital es prestado con una elevada dotación media aparente, sin embargo el 66

del mismo sufre cortes programados, esto se debe a fugas en redes y a los desperdicios de los usuarios por la desvalorización del recurso. El trabajo estudia el derroche, cuantificando los volúmenes desperdiciados, su costo y la posibilidad de revertirlo con la instalación de micromedidores. Plantea una metodología para determinar los micromedidores posibles de instalar en la actualidad y su impacto en el servicio