Expression in Escherichia coli, Refolding, and Purification of Plant Aspartic Proteases.

Aspartic proteases (APs) are widely distributed in plants. The large majority of genes encoding putative APs exhibit distinct features when compared with the so-called typical APs, and have been grouped as atypical and nucellin-like APs. Remarkably, a diverse pattern of enzymatic properties, subcellular localizations, and biological functions are emerging for these proteases, illustrating the functional complexity among plant pepsin-like proteases. However, many key questions regarding the structure-function relationships of plant APs remain unanswered. Therefore, the expression of these enzymes in heterologous systems is a valuable strategy to unfold the unique features/biochemical properties among members of this family of proteases. Here, we describe our protocol for the production and purification of recombinant plant APs, using a procedure where the protein is refolded from inclusion bodies by dialysis. This method allows the production of untagged versions of the target protease, which has revealed to be critical to disclose differences in processing/activation requirements between plant APs. The protocol includes protein expression, washing and solubilization of inclusion bodies, refolding by dialysis, and a protein purification method. Specific considerations on critical aspects of the refolding process and further suggestions for evaluation of the final recombinant product are also provided.

Carbon Monoxide-Neuroglobin Axis Targeting Metabolism Against Inflammation in BV-2 Microglial Cells.

Microglia are the immune competent cell of the central nervous system (CNS), promoting brain homeostasis and regulating inflammatory response against infection and injury. Chronic or exacerbated neuroinflammation is a cause of damage in several brain pathologies. Endogenous carbon monoxide (CO), produced from the degradation of heme, is described as anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory in several contexts, including in the CNS. Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a haemoglobin-homologous protein, which upregulation triggers antioxidant defence and prevents neuronal apoptosis. Thus, we hypothesised a crosstalk between CO and Ngb, in particular, that the anti-neuroinflammatory role of CO in microglia depends on Ngb. A novel CO-releasing molecule (ALF826) based on molybdenum was used for delivering CO in microglial culture.BV-2 mouse microglial cell line was challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for triggering inflammation, and after 6 h ALF826 was added. CO exposure limited inflammation by decreasing inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and by increasing interleukine-10 (IL-10) release. CO-induced Ngb upregulation correlated in time with CO's anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, knocking down Ngb reversed the anti-inflammatory effect of CO, suggesting that dependents on Ngb expression. CO-induced Ngb upregulation was independent on ROS signalling, but partially dependent on the transcriptional factor SP1. Finally, microglial cell metabolism is also involved in the inflammatory response. In fact, LPS treatment decreased oxygen consumption in microglia, indicating a switch to glycolysis, which is associated with a proinflammatory. While CO treatment increased oxygen consumption, reverting LPS effect and indicating a metabolic shift into a more oxidative metabolism. Moreover, in the absence of Ngb, this phenotype was no longer observed, indicating Ngb is needed for CO's modulation of microglial metabolism. Finally, the metabolic shift induced by CO did not depend on alteration of mitochondrial population. In conclusion, neuroglobin emerges for the first time as a key player for CO signalling against exacerbated inflammation in microglia.

A simple method for quantifying de novo lipogenesis rate and substrate selection in cell cultures by 13 C NMR isotopomer analysis of the crude lipid fraction.

PURPOSE: De novo lipogenesis (DNL) is critical for cell growth and maintenance, and acetyl-CoA precursors can be derived from different substrates. We developed a 13 C NMR analysis of lipid extracts from cultured microglia cells administered with [U-13 C]glucose that informs overall lipogenic activity as well as the contribution of glucose to lipogenic acetyl-CoA. METHODS: BV-2 microglial cell line cultured with glucose and glutamine was provided with [U-13 C]glucose and unlabeled glutamine for 24 h and studied in either the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were then extracted for lipids and the crude lipid fraction was analyzed by 13 C NMR. 13 C-isotopomer signals in the fatty acid ω - 1 and ω - 2 signals representing consecutive or non-consecutive enrichment of the fatty acid chain by [1,2-13 C2 ]acetyl-CoA were quantified and applied to a probabilistic model of acetyl-CoA precursor and fatty acid enrichment. RESULTS: Glucose contributed 72 ± 2% of lipogenic acetyl-CoA while DNL from all sources accounted for 16 ± 2% of lipid turnover. With LPS, there was a significant decrease in glucose contribution (59 ± 4%, p < 0.05) while DNL was unchanged (11 ± 3%). CONCLUSIONS: A simple 13 C NMR analysis of the crude lipid fractions of BV-2 cells administered with [U-13 C]glucose informs DNL activity and the contribution of glucose to the acetyl-CoA precursors. While DNL was preserved in the presence of LPS, there was redirection of lipogenic acetyl-CoA sources from glucose to other substrates. Thus, in the present article, we describe a novel and simple 13 C NMR analysis approach to disclose the overall lipogenic activity and substrate contribution to DNL, suitable for evaluating DNL rates in cell cultures.

CO-mediated cytoprotection is dependent on cell metabolism modulation.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gasotransmitter endogenously produced by the activity of heme oxygenase, which is a stress-response enzyme. Endogenous CO or low concentrations of exogenous CO have been described to present several cytoprotective functions: anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, vasomodulation, maintenance of homeostasis, stimulation of preconditioning and modulation of cell differentiation. The present review revises and discuss how CO regulates cell metabolism and how it is involved in the distinct cytoprotective roles of CO. The first found metabolic effect of CO was its increase on cellular ATP production, and since then much data have been generated. Mitochondria are the most described and studied cellular targets of CO. Mitochondria exposure to this gasotransmitter leads several consequences: ROS generation, stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, increased oxidative phosphorylation or mild uncoupling effect. Likewise, CO negatively regulates glycolysis and improves pentose phosphate pathway. More recently, CO has also been disclosed as a regulating molecule for metabolic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes with promising results.

Phenolic Metabolites Modulate Cardiomyocyte Beating in Response to Isoproterenol.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health concern, and the third cause of death worldwide. Several epidemiological studies and experimental approaches have demonstrated that consumption of polyphenol-enriched fruits and vegetables can promote cardioprotection. Thus, diet plays a key role in CVD development and/or prevention. Physiological ß-adrenergic stimulation promotes beneficial inotropic effects by increasing heart rate, contractility and relaxation speed of cardiomyocytes. Nevertheless, chronic activation of ß-adrenergic receptors can cause arrhythmias, oxidative stress and cell death. Herein the cardioprotective effect of human metabolites derived from polyphenols present in berries was assessed in cardiomyocytes, in response to chronic ß-adrenergic stimulation, to disclose some of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Ventricular cardiomyocytes derived from neonate rats were treated with three human bioavailable phenolic metabolites found in circulating human plasma, following berries' ingestion (catechol-O-sulphate, pyrogallol-O-sulphate, and 1-methylpyrogallol-O-sulphate). The experimental conditions mimic the physiological concentrations and circulating time of these metabolites in the human plasma (2 h). Cardiomyocytes were then challenged with the ß-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO) for 24 h. The presence of phenolic metabolites limited ISO-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress. Likewise, phenolic metabolites increased cell beating rate and synchronized cardiomyocyte beating population, following prolonged ß-adrenergic receptor activation. Finally, phenolic metabolites also prevented ISO-increased activation of PKA-cAMP pathway, modulating Ca2+ signalling and rescuing cells from an arrhythmogenic Ca2+ transients' phenotype. Unexpected cardioprotective properties of the recently identified human-circulating berry-derived polyphenol metabolites were identified. These metabolites modulate cardiomyocyte beating and Ca2+ transients following ß-adrenergic prolonged stimulation.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Favor the Initial Growth of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in Soil Contaminated with Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd.

This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with a mixture of spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus macrocarpum, Paraglomus occultum, and Glomus sp.) on the initial establishment of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in soil contaminated with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic pots containing 1.8 kg of soil, which presented 7200, 1140, 480, and 72 mg of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of inoculated plants of A. mangium and U. brizantha was higher than those of non-inoculated plants (p < 0.05). No differences were detected for the concentration of heavy metals in plant shoots, whether the plant was inoculated or not. However, inoculated plants had greater root length (S. bicolor and U. brizantha) (p < 0.05) and greater plant height (A. mangium) (p < 0.05). The present results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of AMF on plant growth and the alleviation of contaminants are imperative factors for the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Pure Polyphenols Applications for Cardiac Health and Disease.

Polyphenols are natural compounds present in fruits and vegetables that can exert beneficial effects on human health and notably, on the cardiovascular system. Some of these compounds showed significant protective activities toward atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction, anthracyclin-induced cardiomyopathy, angiogenesis as well as heart failure. Polyphenols can act through systemic effects as well as through modulation of signaling pathways such as redox signaling, inflammation, autophagy and cell death in the heart and vessels. These effects can be mediated by changes in expression level and by post-translational modifications of proteins (e.g. Stat1, CaMKII, Sirtuins, BCL-2 family members, PDEs, TRF2, eNOS and SOD). This non-comprehensive short review aims to summarize recent knowledge on the main pharmacological effects and mechanisms of cardioprotection of pure polyphenols, using different approaches such as cell culture, animal models and human studies.

Perspectivas jurídicas da interrupção da gravidez com infecção pelo vírus zika a partir das consequencias médicas, emocionais e sociais / Juridical perspectives of interruption of pregnancy with zika virus infection regarding medical, emotional and social consequences

INTRODUCTION: The Zika virus was identified in 1947 in Rhesus monkeys in the Republic of Uganda and isolated in humans in 1952 in the same country. Up to 2007 there were few cases of human infection in African and Asian countries. The first outbreak of the Zika virus occurred in Brazil in 2015, becoming a serious public health problem due to the increase in the number of cases of microcephaly in infected pregnant women. OBJECTIVE: To describe the legal abortion at Zika virus infection during pregnancy regarding medical, emotional and social consequences. perspectives of abortion for the pregnant woman with Zika virus regarding the medical, emotional and social consequences. METHODS: This is a documentary study based on documents about abortion and its outcomes in Brazil. Technical norms, textbooks, indexed articles of Scopus and PubMed, documents extracted from international human rights treaties and conventions, and legal documents on the subject were used. It was decided to direct the text based on the experiences of each theme on abortion and its outcomes in Brazil, with a synthesis of the current scenario. RESULTS: Recognizing the exceptional nature of this situation, it is sought to confer an interpretation according to the Constitution and Article 128 of the Criminal Code, based on an analogical application, which seeks to protect the physical and mental health of women infected by the Zika virus. It is possible to qualify the practice of abortion in these circumstances as atypical conduct by the state of necessity, excluding the unlawfulness by comparing with articles 23, I and 24 of the Penal Code. CONCLUSION: Authorizing the termination of pregnancy after diagnosis of the virus Zika guarantees women the free exercise of their reproductive rights, which is not confused with state imposition of abortion or eugenic practice.

INTRODUÇÃO: O vírus Zika foi identificado em 1947 em macacos Rhesus na República de Uganda e isolado em seres humanos, em 1952, no mesmo país. Até 2007 registram-se poucos casos da infecção em humanos em países africanos e asiáticos. O primeiro surto epidêmico do vírus Zika ocorreu no Brasil, em 2015, tornando-se grave problema de saúde pública devido a elevação do número de casos de microcefalia em gestantes infectadas. OBJETIVO: Descrever as perspectivas jurídicas do aborto para a gestante com vírus Zika a partir das consequências médicas, emocionais e sociais. MÉTODO: Trata-se de estudo documental realizado a partir de documentos sobre o aborto e seus desfechos no Brasil. Utilizaram-se normativas técnicas, livros-texto, artigos em bases indexadas do Scopus e PubMed, documentos extraídos de tratados e convenções internacionais de Direitos Humanos e documentos jurídicos acerca da temática. Optou-se por direcionar o texto a partir das experiências de cada temática sobre o aborto e seus desfechos no Brasil, com síntese do cenário atual. RESULTADOS: Reconhecendo o caráter excepcional dessa situação, busca-se conferir uma interpretação conforme a Constituição e o artigo 128 do Código Penal, a partir de uma aplicação analógica, que busque tutelar a saúde física e psíquica das mulheres contaminadas pelo vírus Zika. É possível qualificar a prática do aborto nessas circunstâncias como conduta atípica pelo estado de necessidade, excluindo a ilicitude por equiparação aos artigos 23, I e 24, do Código Penal. CONCLUSÃO: Autorizar a interrupção da gravidez após o diagnóstico do vírus Zika garante às mulheres o livre exercício dos seus direitos reprodutivos, o que não se confunde com imposição estatal do aborto ou prática eugênica.

Hippocampal neurogenesis response: What can we expect from two different models of hypertension?

Hypertension is associated with cerebrovascular disease, white matter lesion and cognitive deficit, both in experimental models and clinical observations. Furthermore, in non-clinical models it is shown that hippocampus is affected by hypertension and hypoxia. Herein, two distinct hypertension models were used to study neurogenic response in hippocampus. Dahl salt sensitive (DSS) rat model is a genetic based idiopathic model, while chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) mimics the hypertension observed in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Both models are chronic and trigger hypertension. No macroscopic alterations based on histological analysis were found in hippocampus derived from DSS and CIH exposure rats. Nevertheless, in hippocampus derived from CIH-induced hypertensive rats, there was a decrease on neuronal population (MAP2 and NeuN positive cells) and an increase on astrocytic marker GFAP. Accordingly, a higher increase on Ki67 expressing cells was found in dentate gyrus (DG) region, suggesting an enhancement of cell proliferation, concomitantly with an increase of Nestin staining, which indicates the presence of immature neurons under differentiation. While, in hippocampus of DSS rats with or without high salt diet, there was no remarkable difference indicating potential neuronal loss, astrocytic activation or neurogenesis. Furthermore, in both models hypertension did not alter the levels of expression of the stress response enzyme heme oxygenase-1 in DG. These data indicate that intermittent hypoxia might be the key factor involved in neurogenesis modulation in hippocampus. Furthermore, two hypotheses can be explored: (i) activation of neurogenesis is a response against neuronal loss induced by hypertension and/or hypoxia or (ii) neurogenesis can be directly stimulated by hypoxia as a neuroprotective mechanism.

Characteristics of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women.

BACKGROUND: Sexual violence is considered a serious violation of human rights which affects mainly young women and adolescents. There is little information about the conditions under which sexual offences occur. We evaluated characteristics of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women. METHOD: This is a quantitative, retrospective, descriptive study of sexual violence against adolescent girls and adult women. Analyses were carried out on data collected from 1118 women, 546 adolescents (10-19 years) and 572 adults (≥ 20 years), with a complaint of rape treated at Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, between 1994 and 1999. The age limit of the adolescent sample met the World Health Organization's (WHO) criteria. We analyzed the type of sexual contact, degree of intimidation, perpetrator and activity of the victim during the approach. RESULTS: Crimes without penetration were five times more frequent in adolescents and use of threats of death or intimidation was common in both groups. Mental illness was more prevalent in adult victims and the majority of adolescent victims were aged <14 years. Uncle and stepfather perpetrators were more frequent among adolescents and partners or former intimate partners in adult women. In most cases the approach occurred in public places, although sex crimes at the perpetrator's residence were more frequent amongst adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Although children and adolescents require the same intervention measures and legal protection, a considerable proportion of adolescent sex offenders can face conditions similar to those of adult women.

A clínica em situações de abuso sexual: aspectos conceituais e atuação interdisciplinar / Clinic in situations of sexual abuse: conceptual aspects and interdisciplinary work

A violência sexual é classificada como grave violação de direitos humanos e importante problema de saúde pública,representando a extrema restrição da autonomia sexual e reprodutiva da mulher. Trata-se de um fenômeno universal de rápido crescimento e elevada prevalência na população. Embora possa comprometer pessoas de ambos os sexos e em todas as idades, as evidências apontam que a violência sexual declina contundentemente sobre as mulheres, particularmente as mais jovens e vulneráveis. O objetivo deste artigo foi descrever a experiência de um serviço de referência para atendimento de pessoas em situação de violência, com ênfase na organização das ações e papel dos profissionais de psicologia na atenção interdisciplinar.

Sexual violence is taken to be a serious violation of human rights and an important problem of public health, representing the extreme restriction of sexual and reproductive autonomy of women. It is a universal increasing phenomenon and a high prevalence in the population. Though it could compromise persons of both sexes and all ages, evidences point that sexual violence affects preponderantly women, particularly the youngest and vulnerable. The objective of this article isto describe the experience of a service of reference for caring people in situations of violence, with an emphasis in the organization of actions and the role of professionals of psychology in interdisciplinary care.

Hydatidiform mole resulting from sexual violence.

BACKGROUND: Hydatidiform mole (HM) is characterized by abnormal proliferation of human trophoblast with producers functioning tissues of human chorionic gonadotropin. It can evolve with ovarian cysts tecaluteínicos, hypertension of pregnancy or hyperthyroidism. The incidence of HM is variable and its etiology poorly known, associated with nutritional factors, environmental, age, parity, history of HM, oral contraceptives, smoking, consanguinity or defects in germ cells. There is no reference in literature on HM resulting from sexual violence, objective of this report. METHOD: Description of two cases of HM among 1146 patients with pregnancy resulting from sexual violence treated at Hospital Pérola Byington, São Paulo, from July 1994 to August 2011. RESULTS: The cases affected young, white, unmarried, low educated and low parity women. Sexual violence was perpetrated by known offenders unrelated to the victims, under death threat. Ultrasound and CT of the pelvis showed bulky uterus compatible with HM without myometrial invasion. One case was associated with theca lutein cysts. The two cases were diagnosed in the second trimester of pregnancy and evolved with hyperthyroidism. There was no hypertension, disease recurrence, metastasis or sexually transmitted infection. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HM was 1:573 pregnancies resulting from rape, within the range estimated for Latin American countries. Trophoblastic material can be preserved to identify the violence perpetrator, considering only the paternal HM chromosomes. History of sexual violence should be investigated in cases of HM in the first half of adolescence and women in a vulnerable condition.

Transmission of anogenital warts in children and association with sexual abuse

INTRODUÇÃO: A incidência do condiloma acuminado anogenital em crianças mostra notável aumento nas últimas duas décadas, bem como o interesse por sua associação com o abuso sexual. No entanto, essa relação apresenta controvérsias quanto à etiologia da infecção, o que torna o atendimento desafiador, particularmente nos aspectos ético-legais. OBJETIVO: Revisão da literatura sobre transmissão do HPV em crianças e relação com abuso sexual. MÉTODO: Síntese de dados da consulta ao Journal Citation Reports (JCR-ISI), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs). Foram utilizados descritores MeSH Terms com sintaxes (HPV [All Fields]) AND ("Child Abuse, Sexual" [MeSH Terms]). Artigos relevantes entre 1989 e 2009 foram selecionados. Aspectos ético-legais foram consultados na legislação penal e Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. RESULTADOS: Diferentes formas de transmissão não sexual do HPV em crianças estão documentadas, destacando-se a transmissão vertical, auto e heteroinoculação de verrugas cutâneas, e aquisição por instrumentos. Estudos são discordantes quanto à aplicabilidade do DNA-HPV para diferenciar a transmissão sexual e não sexual das verrugas anogenitais. CONCLUSÃO: Evidências indicam que em crianças com menos de dois anos de idade a transmissão não sexual do HPV deve ser fortemente considerada na ausência de lesões genitais, de outra DST, ou de história consistente de abuso. A probabilidade de associação entre HPV e abuso sexual aumenta diretamente com a idade, principalmente após os cinco anos.

Transmission of anogenital warts in children and association with sexual abuse / Transmissão de verrugas anogenitais em crianças e associação com abuso sexual

INTRODUCTION: the incidence of anogenital condyloma acuminata in children shows remarkable increase in the last two decades, as well as by its association with sexual abuse. However, this relationship presents controversies regarding the etiology of infection, which makes answering challenging, particularly in legal-ethical aspects. OBJECTIVE: review of the literature about HPV transmission in children and relationship with sexual abuse. METHODS: synthesis of data from the query to Journal Citation Reports (JCR-ISI), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences (Lilacs). MeSH descriptors were used Terms with syntax (HPV [All Fields]) AND ("Child Sexual Abuse," [MeSH Terms]). Relevant articles between 1989 and 2009 were selected. Legal-ethical aspects were consulted in the criminal law and Brazilian Child and Adolescent Statute. RESULTS: different forms of non-sexual transmission of HPV in children are documented, including the vertical transmission, self and hetero inoculation of cutaneous warts, and acquisition by instruments. Studies are conflicting as to the applicability of HPV-DNA to differentiate the sexual transmission and not sexual anogenital warts. CONCLUSION: evidence indicates that in children under two years non-sexual transmission of HPV should be strongly considered in the absence of genital lesions, another STD, or consistent history of abuse. The likelihood of association between HPV and sexual abuse increases directly with age, especially after five years.(AU)

INTRODUÇÃO: A incidência do condiloma acuminado anogenital em crianças mostra notável aumento nas últimas duas décadas, bem como o interesse por sua associação com o abuso sexual. No entanto, essa relação apresenta controvérsias quanto à etiologia da infecção, o que torna o atendimento desafiador, particularmente nos aspectos ético-legais. OBJETIVO: Revisão da literatura sobre transmissão do HPV em crianças e relação com abuso sexual. MÉTODO: Síntese de dados da consulta ao Journal Citation Reports (JCR-ISI), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Scientific Eletronic Library Online (Scielo) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs). Foram utilizados descritores MeSH Terms com sintaxes (HPV [All Fields]) AND ("Child Abuse, Sexual" [MeSH Terms]). Artigos relevantes entre 1989 e 2009 foram selecionados. Aspectos ético-legais foram consultados na legislação penal e Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente. RESULTADOS: Diferentes formas de transmissão não sexual do HPV em crianças estão documentadas, destacando-se a transmissão vertical, auto e heteroinoculação de verrugas cutâneas, e aquisição por instrumentos. Estudos são discordantes quanto à aplicabilidade do DNA-HPV para diferenciar a transmissão sexual e não sexual das verrugas anogenitais. CONCLUSÃO: Evidências indicam que em crianças com menos de dois anos de idade a transmissão não sexual do HPV deve ser fortemente considerada na ausência de lesões genitais, de outra DST, ou de história consistente de abuso. A probabilidade de associação entre HPV e abuso sexual aumenta diretamente com a idade, principalmente após os cinco anos.(AU)

Depressão infantil e desenvolvimento psicocognitivo: descrição das relações de causalidade / Childhood depression and psychocognitive development: description of causality relationships

Alterações de humor e distúrbios de saúde mental têm reconhecida influência no comportamento social, familiar e escolar de crianças e adolescentes. A incidência desses transtornos tem apresentado a tendência de aumento em todo o mundo e seu diagnóstico precoce aventa discussões a respeito da interferência dessas patologias no processo natural de desenvolvimento psicocognitivo de seus portadores. Este estudo pretende descrever como a depressão infantil interfere no desenvolvimento cognitivo, a partir de alterações na esfera psicocognitiva. Para tal, foram consultadas as bases de dados da SciELO e da Bi-blioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) no período de 2006 a 2011, utilizando os termos "depressão", "infantil" e "desenvolvimento". Após seleção dos resultados, oito artigos foram usados para a elaboração deste trabalho. Os resultados evidenciaram que a depressão infantil repercute negativamente no desenvolvimento cognitivo infantil. Transtornos psíquicos fazem a criança reconhecer-se como incapaz e expressar sentimentos de vergonha, indefinição, baixos níveis de autoestima e distanciamento das demandas da aprendizagem. O profissional de educação deve estar apto a reconhecer essas alterações manifestadas no ambiente escolar. A análise dos estudos mostrou que um ambiente externo saudável possibilita adequada maturação do sistema cognitivo e protege a criança da depressão infantil. Enquanto a maioria dos estudos sugere relação causal entre depressão e dificuldade cognitiva, outros estudos mostram a relação inversa, em que a baixa cognição gera sintomas de depressão. A dificuldade de aprendizagem e a depressão infantil podem coexistir sem que haja, necessariamente, uma relação de causalidade entre si. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário o diagnóstico precoce a fim de que as modificações do desenvolvimento cognitivo possam ser reparadas, sem maiores injúrias para as crianças acometidas.

Mecanismo de ação da anticoncepção de emergência: [revisão] / Emergency contraception action mechanism: [review]

Introdução: A anticoncepção de emergência (AE) é método contraceptivo reservado para situações especiais em que outros métodos não são utilizados, falham ou não podem ser empregados. Sua inclusão nas políticas públicas de saúde é estratégica para reduzir a incidência da gravidez indesejada e diminuir a ocorrência do abortamento induzido, clandestino e inseguro. Contudo, persistem barreiras contra o método pautadas no desconhecimento de seu mecanismo de ação e na suposição de efeito abortivo. Objetivo: Revisão dos mecanismos de ação demonstráveis da AE, incluindo efeitos para o endométrio e relação com a implantação do blastocisto. Método: Consulta nas bases de dados do Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e JCR-ISL, incluindo artigos indexados publicados entre 1970 e 2011. Resultados: Evidências diretas e indiretas indicam que a AE impede exclusivamente a fecundação por suprimirou postergar a ovulação, e/ou por interferir na migração sustentada e capacitação dos espermatozoides. Não há evidência de efeito para a morfologia ou receptividade do endométrio, ou efeito sobre a nidação do blastocisto. Conclusão: O mecanismo de ação da AE não interfere nos eventos posteriores à fecundação, não impede ou prejudica a nidação e não se associa com a eliminação precoce do embrião.

Introduction: The emergency contraception is a contraceptive method reserved for special situations, where other methods are not used, fail or cannot be applied. Its inclusion into the public health policies has a strategic nature aiming at reducing the incidence of the undesired pregnancy and minimizing the incidence of the induced, illegal and unsafe abortion. However, barriers persist against the method, based on the ignorance about its action mechanism and on the assumption of its abortive effect. Objective: Review of the emergency contraception demonstrable action mechanisms including their impact on the endometrium and their relationship with the blastocyst implantation. Method: Consultation to the Medline, Lilacs, Scielo e JCR-ISL database, including indexed articles published between 1970 and 2011. Results: Direct and indirect evidence indicate that the emergency contraception blocks only the fecundation by suppressing or postponing ovulation, and/or interfere in the sperm capacity and sustained migration. There is no evidence of effect on the morphology or on the endometrium, or of impact on the blastocyst nidation. Conclusion: The emergency contraception action mechanism does not interfere on the post-fecundation events, does not impede or harm nidation and does not associate with the embryo early elimination.

Motivos para interromper legalmente a gravidez decorrente de estupro e efeitos do abortamento nos relacionamentos cotidianos das mulheres / Grounds to legally interrupt pregnancy resulting of rape and effects ofabortion on women daily relations

Conhecer os motivos das mulheres para realizar o abortamento por gravidez decorrente de violência sexual e eventuais efeitos em seus relacionamentos cotidianos. Estudo descritivo com 43 mulheres entre 19–44 anos que realizaram abortamento legal entre janeiro de 2000 e junho de 2007, utilizando questionário estruturado, perguntas abertas não estimuladas. Analisou-se: autor da violência, intimidação; pessoa consultadana decisão; motivo para o abortamento, e repercussão nos relacionamentos pessoais. Predominou a violência sexual praticada por desconhecido (65,1%) com ameaça (46,5%), e a decisão do abortamento foi tomada sem apoio por 41,9% das mulheres. O repúdio pela gravidez foi encontrado em 88,4%; vínculo com a violência em 86,0%; violação do direito da maternidade em 76,7%; temor de dano social (44,2%) ou psicológico (18,6%) para afutura criança. Não houve arrependimento. A maioria das mulheres não experimentou alterações nos relacionamentos cotidianos, exceto transtorno para sexualidade em 65,8%. Escolher o abortamento apresentou estreito vínculo com a violência sexual e com a expectativa de dano para a futura criança. O abortamento não interferiu negativamente nas relações pessoais e o impacto para a sexualidade se associou com a violência sexual.

Identify the reasons for women to perform the abortion for pregnancy resulting from sexual assault and potential effects on their everyday relationships. Descriptive study of 43 women aged 19–44 years who underwent legal abortions between January 2000 and June 2007 using a structured questionnaire, open questions not stimulated. Analyzed: the author of violence, intimidation; person consulted in the decision, cause for abortion, and impact on personal relationships. The predominant sexual violence was by strangers (65.1%) with intimidation (46.5%), and the decision to abort was made without support for 41.9% of women. The rejection of the pregnancy was found in 88.4%; link to violence in 86.0%; violation of motherhood in 76.7%, fear of social harm (44.2%) or psychological (18.6%) for the future child. There was no repentance. Most women did not experience changes in everyday relationships, except for sexual disorders in 65.8%. Choose abortion had close connection with the sexual assault and the expectation of harm to the future child. The abortion had no negative effect on personal relationships and the impact on sexuality is linked with sexual assault.

Depressão infantil e desenvolvimento psicocognitivo: descrição das relações de causalidade / Childhood depression and psychocognitive development: description of causality relationships

Alterações de humor e distúrbios de saúde mental têm reconhecida influência no comportamento social, familiar e escolar de crianças e adolescentes. A incidência desses transtornos tem apresentado a tendência de aumento em todo o mundo e seu diagnóstico precoce aventa discussões a respeito da interferência dessas patologias no processo natural de desenvolvimento psicocognitivo de seus portadores. Este estudo pretende descrever como a depressão infantil interfere no desenvolvimento cognitivo, a partir de alterações na esfera psicocognitiva. Para tal, foram consultadas as bases de dados da SciELO e da Bi-blioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) no período de 2006 a 2011, utilizando os termos "depressão", "infantil" e "desenvolvimento". Após seleção dos resultados, oito artigos foram usados para a elaboração deste trabalho. Os resultados evidenciaram que a depressão infantil repercute negativamente no desenvolvimento cognitivo infantil. Transtornos psíquicos fazem a criança reconhecer-se como incapaz e expressar sentimentos de vergonha, indefinição, baixos níveis de autoestima e distanciamento das demandas da aprendizagem. O profissional de educação deve estar apto a reconhecer essas alterações manifestadas no ambiente escolar. A análise dos estudos mostrou que um ambiente externo saudável possibilita adequada maturação do sistema cognitivo e protege a criança da depressão infantil. Enquanto a maioria dos estudos sugere relação causal entre depressão e dificuldade cognitiva, outros estudos mostram a relação inversa, em que a baixa cognição gera sintomas de depressão. A dificuldade de aprendizagem e a depressão infantil podem coexistir sem que haja, necessariamente, uma relação de causalidade entre si. Dessa forma, faz-se necessário o diagnóstico precoce a fim de que as modificações do desenvolvimento cognitivo possam ser reparadas, sem maiores injúrias para as crianças acometidas.(AU)