The Role of Helminthophagous Fungi in the Biological Control of Human and Zoonotic Intestinal Helminths.

Nematophagous, or helminthophagous fungi of the genera Duddingtonia, Arthrobotrys, Monacrosporium, Pochonia, Paecilomyces, and Mucor, have been used over the years in in vitro and in vivo experiments to control helminth parasites that are potentially zoonotic. These fungi have shown efficacy against the following helminth genera: Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Enterobius, Strongyloides, Angiostrongylus, Taenia, Fasciola, and Schistosoma. The results obtained from these experiments, together with studies on soil contamination, suggest the viability of their use as a sustainable and effective strategy to reduce environmental contamination by these zoonotic parasites. Therefore, the aim of this review was to address the role of helminthophagous fungi in the biological control of potentially zoonotic helminths. To this end, we describe (1) a brief history of helminthophagous fungi; (2) a discussion of some potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites; (3) the importance of helminthophagous fungi in the control of nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes; and (4) the potential of helminthophagous fungi as a practical and sustainable strategy.

A digital image-based colorimetric method for measuring free acidity in edible vegetable oils.

The standard method used to quantify free acidity (FA) in vegetable oil is neutralization titration, which requires many toxic chemicals and depends on an analyst's experience in detecting endpoints. Here, a digital image colorimetry (DIC) method using a smartphone camera was developed to measure FA in vegetable oils. A cupric acetate solution was used to produce the colorimetric reaction. The coloured solutions were imaged, and R values (from the RGB colour system) were calibrated against the respective FAs in the standards. The FA values of the samples were determined by standard addition calibration. These results were compared to measurements of FA obtained by the standard titrimetric method. An excellent correlation was obtained, with an R2 of 0.98 and a mean absolute error of 0.06%. The chemicals needed for analysis were reduced by approximately 90%. Thus, DIC is a less subjective and more economical method for determining FA in vegetable oils.

Efficiency of Experimental Formulation Containing Duddingtonia flagrans and Pochonia chlamydosporia against Moniezia expansa Eggs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the experimental formulation containing chlamydospores of Duddingtonia flagrans and Pochonia chlamydosporia fungi, against Moniezia expansa. Two experiments were carried out. The first experiment evaluated the in vitro efficacy using 1 g of the experimental formulation (V1) added to 100 M. expansa eggs and the control (V2) (without the fungal formulation). Intact eggs or eggs with alterations were counted in order to evaluate their effectiveness. The second experiment evaluated the action of the fungal formulation on M. expansa eggs after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of goats. Three groups were identified as B1, B2, and B3, which received 1.0, 1.5 g of experimental fungal formulation, and placebo, respectively. In experiment 1, all the eggs in V1 were subjected to the predatory action of fungi, while in V2, the eggs remained intact. In experiment 2, the reduction of eggs in groups B1 and B2 were 49% and 57% 24 h after ingestion, 60% and 63% 48 h after, and 48% and 58% 72 h after. The predatory capacity against M. expansa eggs shown in the tests demonstrated that experimental fungal formulation has the potential to be used on integrated helminth control programs.

Nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia to control parasitic diseases in animals.

The control of gastrointestinal parasites in animals has become more challenging every year due to parasite resistance to conventional chemical control, which has been observed worldwide. Ovicidal or opportunistic fungi do not form traps to capture larvae. Their mechanism of action is based on a mechanical/enzymatic process, which enables the penetration of their hyphae into helminth eggs, with subsequent internal colonization of these. The biological control with the Pochonia chlamydosporia fungus has been very promising in the treatment of environments and prevention. When used in intermediate hosts of Schistosoma mansoni, the fungus promoted a high percentage decrease in the population density of aquatic snails. Secondary metabolites were also found in P. chlamydosporia. Many of these compounds can be used by the chemical industry in the direction of a commercial product. This review aims to provide a description of P. chlamydosporia and its possible use as a biological parasitic controller. The ovicidal fungus P. chlamydosporia is effective in the control of parasites and goes far beyond the control of verminosis, intermediate hosts, and coccidia. It can also be used not only as biological controllers in natura but also as their metabolites and molecules can have chemical action against these organisms. KEY POINTS: • The use of the fungus P. chlamydosporia is promising in the control of helminths. • Metabolites and molecules of P. chlamydosporia may have chemical action in control.

Challenges in Direct Detection of Flaviviruses: A Review.

Arthropods transmit arboviruses via mosquito and tick bites to humans and other animals. The genus flavivirus, which causes diseases, sequelae, and thousands of deaths, mainly in developing and underdeveloped countries, is among the arboviruses of interest to public health. Given the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, this review analyzes the methods of direct detection of flaviviruses, such as reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification, microfluidics, localized surface plasmon resonance, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and presents the advantages, disadvantages, and detection limits identified in studies reported in the literature for each methodology. Among the different methods available, it is essential to balance four fundamental indicators to determine the ideal test: good sensitivity, high specificity, low false positive rate, and rapid results. Among the methods analyzed, reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification stands out, owing to result availability within a few minutes, with good sensitivity and specificity; in addition, it is the best-characterized methodology.

The impact of an early intervention home-based program on body composition in preterm-born preschoolers with very low birth weight.

Background and aims: Early child interventions focused on the family prevented neurodevelopmental and behavioral delays and can provide more knowledge regarding responsive feeding, thus creating learning opportunities to promote better quality nutrition and preventing failure to thrive. The aim is to verify the impact of a continuous program of early home-based intervention on the body composition of preschool infants who were born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW). Methods: This is a longitudinal analysis from a randomized controlled trial, including VLBW preterm children, born in a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil and followed up at the high-risk institutional ambulatory clinic. Participants were divided into the intervention group (IG): skin-to-skin care with the mother (kangaroo care), breastfeeding policy, and tactile-kinesthetic stimulation by mothers until hospital discharge. Subsequently, they received a program of early intervention with orientation and a total of 10 home visits, independently from the standard evaluation and care that was performed following the 18 months after birth; conventional group (CG): standard care according to the routine of the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), which includes kangaroo care, and attending to their needs in the follow-up program. Body composition estimation was performed using bioelectrical impedance analyses (BIA), and physical activity and feeding practices questionnaires were evaluated at preschool age, as well as anthropometric measurements and biochemical analysis. Results: Data of 41 children at 4.6 ± 0.5 years old were evaluated (CG n = 21 and IG n = 20). Body weight, height, body mass index, waist and arm circumferences, and triceps and subscapular skinfold did not differ between groups. The IG presented higher segmented fat-free mass (FFM) when compared to the CG (right arm FFM: 0.74 vs. 0.65 kg, p = 0.040; trunk FFM: 6.86 vs. 6.09 kg, p = 0.04; right leg FFM: 1.91 vs. 1.73 kg, p = 0.063). Interaction analyses showed that segmented FFM and FFM Index were associated with higher iron content in the IG. In the CG, interaction analyses showed that increased visceral fat area was associated with higher insulin resistance index. Conclusion: An early intervention protocol from NICU to a home-based program performed by the mothers of VLBW preterm children of low-income families presents a small effect on FFM.

Efficacy of a Fungal Formulation with the Nematophagous Fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia in the Biological Control of Bovine Nematodiosis.

In the control of bovine worms, biological control by nematophagous fungi stands out, especially Pochoniachlamydosporia which causes the destruction of helminth eggs. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a formulation containing the nematophagous fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia isolated for the biological control of bovine nematodiosis. Twelve cattle were divided into two groups: control group (GC) and the group that received the formulation (GT). Feces and pasture samples were collected for the research of gastrointestinal nematodes. Lung worms and trematodes were investigated. The animals were weighed monthly. The averages of temperature and rainfall were recorded. The supply of the fungus Pochonia chlamydosporia was not effective in reducing the eggs per gram of feces of gastrointestinal nematodes (EPG) of the animals, not differing statistically (p > 0.05) between the groups. The mean values of larvae recovered in the pasture did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). The genus Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent. There was no correlation between the number of larvae with temperature and rainfall (p > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the penultimate weighing of the experiment. The formulation containing Pochonia chlamydosporia was not efficient in the biological control of bovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

Mental health of Brazilian university students during the Covid-19 / Saúde mental dos estudantes universitários brasileiros durante a pandemia de Covid-19 / Salud mental de estudiantes universitarios brasileños durante la pandemia Covid-19

This study aimed to investigate the effects of positive and negative affects, anxiety, and obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors on Brazilian university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Participated in this study 492 students, aged 18 years or over, from all regions of the country. The survey was conducted between April and May 2020, using self-report instruments applied in the online format. The results indicated that 37% (N=182) of the students had a high level of anxiety and 46.1% (N=227) moderate levels for obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors. In addition, it was found that positive affects were negatively correlated with anxiety, as well as with obsessive and compulsive thoughts and behaviors, while negative affects were positively correlated with independent variables. It is concluded that the mental health of university students must be monitored during pandemics.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os efeitos dos afetos positivos e negativos, da ansiedade e dos pensamentos e comportamentos obsessivos e compulsivos nos estudantes universitários brasileiros durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Participaram deste estudo 492 estudantes de todas as regiões do país e com idades a partir de 18 anos. A pesquisa foi realizada entre os meses de abril e maio de 2020, por meio de instrumentos de autorrelatos aplicados no formato on-line. Os resultados indicaram que 37% (N = 182) dos estudantes apresentaram alto nível de ansiedade e 46,1% (N = 227) níveis moderados para os pensamentos e comportamentos obsessivos e compulsivos. Além disso, verificou-se que os afetos positivos se relacionaram negativamente à ansiedade, assim como se relacionaram negativamente aos pensamentos e comportamentos obsessivos e compulsivos, enquanto os afetos negativos se relacionaram positivamente às variáveis independentes. Conclui-se que a saúde mental dos estudantes universitários deve ser monitorada durante pandemias.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar los efectos de los afectos positivos y negativos, la ansiedad y los pensamientos y comportamientos obsesivos y compulsivos en estudiantes universitarios brasileños durante la pandemia de Covid-19. En este estudio participaron 492 estudiantes de todas las regiones del país y mayores de 18 años. La encuesta se realizó entre los meses de abril y mayo de 2020, utilizando instrumentos se autoinforme aplicados en formato online. Los resultados indicaron que el 37% (N = 182) de los estudiantes tenían niveles altos de ansiedad y el 46,1% (N = 227) niveles moderados de pensamientos y comportamientos obsesivos y compulsivos. Además, se encontró que los afectos positivos se correlacionaron negativamente con la ansiedad, así como el pensamiento y el comportamiento obsesivo y compulsivo se correlacionaron negativamente, mientras que los afectos negativos se correlacionaron positivamente con variables independientes. Se concluye que la salud mental de los estudiantes universitarios debe ser monitoreada durante las pandemias.

Expressões da precarização do trabalho nas regras do jogo: Organizações Sociais na Atenção Primária do município do Rio / Expressions of precarious working conditions in the rules of the game: Social Organizations in Primary Care in the municipality of Rio

RESUMO Objetivou-se analisar as relações de trabalho no âmbito da Atenção Primária (AP) operada pelas Organizações Sociais (OSs) no município do Rio de Janeiro no período de 2009 a 2019. Foram utilizadas contribuições do neoinstitucionalismo histórico para analisar as regras formais das relações de trabalho e sua relação com a precarização a partir dos documentos elaborados pelas instâncias legislativa, executiva e prestadora de serviços. Foram consideradas as modalidades de contratação; contribuições previdenciárias ou trabalhistas; modalidades de recrutamento e seleção; representação dos trabalhadores; plano de cargos, salários e benefícios; remuneração; escopo de práticas e composição das equipes. Destacaram-se como expressões da precarização as incertezas na garantia de direitos trabalhistas, a insegurança quanto ao futuro profissional, a sobrecarga de trabalho, entre outros. O estudo da trajetória da política de AP no período considerado permitiu reconstruir argumentos, dimensões legislativas e regulamentares, bem como as inflexões e a evolução da política. As regras do jogo contidas nas normativas expressam a flexibilização e a precarização do trabalho na AP do município, colocando em questão a sustentabilidade dos serviços baseados no modelo das OSs.

ABSTRACT The objective was to analyze the labor relations in the scope of Primary Care operated by Social Organizations in the city of Rio de Janeiro in the period from 2009 to 2019. The contributions of historical neoinstitutionalism were used to analyze the formal rules of labor relations and their relationship with precarious working conditions based on documents prepared by the legislative, executive and service providers. The following hiring modalities were considered: social security or labor contributions; recruitment and selection modalities; worker representation; job, salary and benefits plan; remuneration; scope of practices and team composition. The uncertainties in guaranteeing labor rights, insecurity about the professional future, work overload, among others, stood out as expressions of precarious working conditions. The study of the trajectory of Primary Care policy in the considered period reconstructs arguments, legislative and regulatory dimensions, as well as the inflections and evolution of the policy. The rules of the game contained in the regulations express the flexibility and precarious working conditions in Primary Care in the municipality, calling into question the sustainability of services based on the model of Social Organizations.

Efecto de los extractos fitoquímicos en la eliminación del barro dentinario en el tratamiento de conductos radiculares / Effects of phytochemical extracts on smear layer removal in root canal treatment

Introduction: Studies suggested that phytochemical products are considered potential solutions to smear layer removal due to their biological safety in cleaning root canal systems, lower toxicity, lower irritant effect and antimicrobial effect. Objective: The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review to evaluate smear layer removal of root canal systems by different natural product solutions. Methods: systematic review. Search of the literature was performed on Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scielo and Google Scholar according the PRISMA protocol. Studies were included if they performed the experiments of smear layer removal on extracted permanent human teeth. Articles published in any language without restriction of year of publication were included in this review. The risk of bias assessment in the included studies was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies. The search strategy resulted in the retrieval of 6221 publications. After the eligibility criteria application, 8 articles were selected for analysis. Results: It was observed that some natural products solutions showed effects on smear layer removal, especially on coronal third. The phytochemical products such as Salvadora persica, chamomile alcohol extract and grape seed extract demonstrated good potential of smear layer removal, however, its effectiveness and clinical applicability are still unclear. Conclusions: Although the limitations of this study, it is possible to highlight those phytochemical products such as Salvadora persica, chamomile alcohol extract and grape seed extract that demonstrated good potential on SL removal(AU)

Introducción: Los productos fitoquímicos se consideran soluciones potenciales para la eliminación del barro dentinario debido a su seguridad biológica en la limpieza del sistema de conductos radiculares, menor toxicidad, menor efecto irritante y efecto antimicrobiano. Objetivo: Evaluar la eliminación del barro dentinario de los sistemas de conductos radiculares mediante diferentes soluciones de productos naturales. Métodos: La búsqueda de la literatura se realizó en Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Web of Science, SciELO y Google Scholar, según el protocolo PRISMA. Los estudios se incluyeron si realizaron los experimentos de eliminación del barro dentinario en dientes humanos permanentes extraídos. En esta revisión se incluyeron artículos publicados en cualquier idioma, sin restricción de año de publicación. La evaluación del riesgo de sesgo en los estudios incluidos se evaluó mediante la lista de verificación de evaluación crítica del Instituto Joanna Briggs para estudios cuasiexperimentales. La estrategia de búsqueda resultó en la recuperación de 6221 publicaciones. Después de la aplicación de los criterios de elegibilidad, se seleccionaron 8 artículos para su análisis. Resultados: Se observó que algunas soluciones de productos naturales mostraron efectos sobre la eliminación del barro dentinario, especialmente en el tercio coronal. Los productos fitoquímicos como salvadora pérsica, extracto de alcohol de manzanilla y extracto de semilla de uva demostraron un buen potencial de eliminación del barro dentinario; sin embargo, su efectividad y aplicabilidad clínica aún no están claras. Conclusiones: A pesar de las limitaciones de este estudio, es posible destacar aquellos productos fitoquímicos como salvadora pérsica, extracto de alcohol de manzanilla y extracto de semilla de uva demostraron buen potencial de eliminación del barro dentinario(AU)

Effects of musical improvisation as a cognitive and motor intervention for the elderly / Efeitos da improvisação musical como intervenção cognitiva e motora para idosos

Music has been debated as a positive factor for the health of elderly people. In a randomized study, the researchers compared an intervention based on percussion and musical improvisation with a choir activity. The objective was to investigate whether improvisation would influence the executive functioning and motor skills of healthy elderly people. A set of instruments for psychological and motor assessment was used before and after the procedure. Differences were found in the performance of the participants of the improvisation group in the Clock Drawing Test suggesting possible gains in executive function. There were gains, regardless of the group, in part A of the Trail Making Test, which indicates a sustained attention. No evidence of motor effects was found in this study. The results suggest that musical activities can contribute to the prevention of cognitive decline caused by aging.

A música tem sido discutida como fator promotor da saúde do idoso. Em um estudo randomizado, uma intervenção baseada em exercícios de percussão e improvisação foi comparada a uma atividade de canto coral. O objetivo foi investigar os efeitos sobre o funcionamento executivo e motor de idosos saudáveis. Um conjunto de instrumentos de avaliação psicológica e motora foi aplicado antes e depois da intervenção. Foram encontradas diferenças no desempenho do grupo de improvisação no Teste de Desenho do Relógio sugerindo possíveis ganhos executivos. Houve ganhos independentes de grupo na parte A do Teste de Trilhas, que avalia a atenção sustentada. Não foram verificadas evidências de efeitos motores. Os resultados indicam que atividades musicais podem contribuir na prevenção do declínio cognitivo decorrente do envelhecimento.

Correlations between body measures with live weight in young male goats

Data analysis in goat production, such as those related to body and scrotal measurements, indicate the productive and reproductive animal development. The current study aimed to evaluate the correlations between thoracic perimeter (TP), body length (BL), body compacity (BC), body volume (BV), and scrotal circumference (SC) with body weight (BW) in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breeds. It was used 38 Saanen and 24 Boer male goats, with age average of 7.2 ± 2.0 months. Thoracic perimeter and body length measurements were obtained using a tape measure (cm) and the live weight (kg) a mechanic scale. The variables body compacity (BC) and body volume (BV) were calculated using the equations: and . Boer breed showed live weight and body compacity higher than Saanen breed (p 0.05). The scrotal circumference presented the lowest association with body weight (p < 0.05). However, all biometric measurements showed highly significant correlations with live body (p < 0.01). In conclusion, thoracic perimeter was the main measure of body weight predictor, considering efficiency and practical aspects.

Correlations between body measures with live weight in young male goats

Data analysis in goat production, such as those related to body and scrotal measurements, indicate the productive and reproductive animal development. The current study aimed to evaluate the correlations between thoracic perimeter (TP), body length (BL), body compacity (BC), body volume (BV), and scrotal circumference (SC) with body weight (BW) in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breeds. It was used 38 Saanen and 24 Boer male goats, with age average of 7.2 ± 2.0 months. Thoracic perimeter and body length measurements were obtained using a tape measure (cm) and the live weight (kg) a mechanic scale. The variables body compacity (BC) and body volume (BV) were calculated using the equations: and . Boer breed showed live weight and body compacity higher than Saanen breed (p < 0.05). Regarding correlations between biometric measurements and body weight, we did not find any statistical differences between the breeds (p > 0.05). The scrotal circumference presented the lowest association with body weight (p < 0.05). However, all biometric measurements showed highly significant correlations with live body (p < 0.01). In conclusion, thoracic perimeter was the main measure of body weight predictor, considering efficiency and practical aspects.(AU)

A Tomada de Decisão (Bio)ética: Estudo Preliminar Utilizando o Mobile Eye Tracking / Decision-Making in (Bio)ethics: a Preliminary Study Using Mobile Eye Tracking

RESUMO A tomada de decisão é uma das dimensões essenciais da formação do profissional da saúde, como mencionado nas atuais Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais do Curso de Graduação em Medicina. O processo decisório, no âmbito da saúde, envolve diferentes aspectos, incluindo os elementos (bio)éticos. Nesse sentido, pesquisas que investiguem a tomada de decisão em (bio)ética poderão elucidar passos ainda não completamente esclarecidos, permitindo uma construção mais efetiva das competências em (bio)ética, na graduação e na pós-graduação. Diante desta perspectiva, o objetivo deste estudo é explorar possibilidades de uso do Mobile Eye Tracking para o estudo do papel da atenção visual – durante a exibição de filmes de cinema – no processo decisório em (bio)ética.

ABSTRACT Decision-making is a key dimension in the training of health professionals, as mentioned in the current National Curriculum Guidelines for Medicine Undergraduate Course. Decision-making in the health context involves various aspects, including (bio)ethical elements. Hence, researches to investigate decision-making in (bio)ethics may elucidate steps not completely clarified yet, allowing a more effective building of skills in (bio)ethics, both in undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to explore the possibilities of using mobile eye tracking while watching feature films, to investigate the role of visual attention in (bio)ethical decision-making.

Art and pain in Frida Kahlo / Arte e dor em Frida Kahlo

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. After being involved in a car accident, remained at home to recover from several injuries, significant event for the dawning of her painting. The aim of this study was to present aspects of the biography and life of Frida, seeking intersections between her artwork and her painful experiences. CONTENTS: From the appreciation of film and screens selected author - analyzed with the support of the articles obtained in the literature review - held four sections to the presentation of evidence obtained: (1) the 'origins' of Frida (2) first accident, (3) the second accident: Diego Rivera and (4) the Martyrdom of frustrated motherhood. CONCLUSION: Frida found in art her comfort, transforming her painful and intense trajectory in a work that reflected the meaning of her existence. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A pintora mexicana Frida Kahlo é uma das mais importantes artistas do século XX. Após envolvimento em um acidente automobilístico, permaneceu em repouso para se recuperar das diversas lesões, evento significativo para o alvorecer de sua pintura. O objetivo deste estudo foi apresentar aspectos da biografia e da arte de Frida, buscando interseções entre sua arte e suas experiências de dor. CONTEÚDO: A partir da apreciação do filme e de telas selecionadas da autora - analisadas com o apoio dos artigos obtidos na revisão da literatura - foram organizadas quatro seções para a apresentação dos elementos obtidos: (1) As 'origens' de Frida, (2) O primeiro acidente, (3) O segundo acidente: Diego Rivera e (4) O martírio da maternidade frustrada. CONCLUSÃO: Frida obteve na arte seu maior conforto, transformando sua trajetória dolorosa e intensa em um fecundo processo de criação, o qual refletiu os sentidos de sua existência. .

Avaliação da memória de pacientes com lesão em núcleos da base e tálamo pós-AVC

Estudos demonstram a importância dos núcleos da base e do tálamo em memória, atenção, seleção e monitoramento de informações. Nesta pesquisa analisamos quatro casos com lesão subcortical unilateral de hemisfério esquerdo pós-AVC. As participantes foram avaliadas com o Questionário de Aspectos de Saúde e Socioculturais e o Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve NEUPSILIN. Objetivou-se verificar e discutir discrepâncias no desempenho em diferentes tarefas de memória de pacientes com lesões subcorticais. Todas as pacientes apresentaram prejuízo na tarefa de evocação imediata e nenhuma na de evocação tardia. Os resultados parecem estar relacionados à menor capacidade para criar estratégias, organizar as informações e reter novos estímulos. Ressalta-se o envolvimento dessas estruturas em circuitos que, em conjunto com regiões corticais, fazem parte do processamento da memória operacional e das funções executivas. Estudos futuros devem incluir amostras mais amplas e controlar a influência das variáveis sociodemográficas.(AU)

Studies show the importance of the basal ganglia and thalamus in memory, attention, selection and monitoring of information. In this research we analyze four cases with unilateral subcortical lesions after stroke. The participants were assessed with the “Questionnaire of sociocultural and health aspects” and the “NEUPSILIN Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument”. The objective was to analyze and discuss discrepancies in performance on different memory tasks in patients with subcortical lesions. All patients showed prejudice in the immediate recall task and none in the delayed recall task. The results appear to be related to a lower capacity to create strategies, organize information and retain new stimuli. We emphasize the involvement of these structures in circuits that are part of, together with cortical regions, the processing of working memory and executive functions. Future studies should include larger samples and control the influence of sociodemographic variables.(AU)

Avaliação da memória de pacientes com lesão em núcleos da base e tálamo pós-avc / Memory evaluation of patients with lesion in the basal ganglia and thalamus following stroke

Estudos demonstram a importância dos núcleos da base e do tálamo em memória, atenção, seleção e monitoramento de informações. Nesta pesquisa analisamos quatro casos com lesão subcortical unilateral de hemisfério esquerdo pós-AVC. As participantes foram avaliadas com o Questionário de Aspectos de Saúde e Socioculturais e o Instrumento de Avaliação Neuropsicológica Breve NEUPSILIN. Objetivou-se verificar e discutir discrepâncias no desempenho em diferentes tarefas de memória de pacientes com lesões subcorticais. Todas as pacientes apresentaram prejuízo na tarefa de evocação imediata e nenhuma na de evocação tardia. Os resultados parecem estar relacionados à menor capacidade para criar estratégias, organizar as informações e reter novos estímulos. Ressalta-se o envolvimento dessas estruturas em circuitos que, em conjunto com regiões corticais, fazem parte do processamento da memória operacional e das funções executivas. Estudos futuros devem incluir amostras mais amplas e controlar a influência das variáveis sociodemográficas.

Studies show the importance of the basal ganglia and thalamus in memory, attention, selection and monitoring of information. In this research we analyze four cases with unilateral subcortical lesions after stroke. The participants were assessed with the “Questionnaire of sociocultural and health aspects” and the “NEUPSILIN Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument”. The objective was to analyze and discuss discrepancies in performance on different memory tasks in patients with subcortical lesions. All patients showed prejudice in the immediate recall task and none in the delayed recall task. The results appear to be related to a lower capacity to create strategies, organize information and retain new stimuli. We emphasize the involvement of these structures in circuits that are part of, together with cortical regions, the processing of working memory and executive functions. Future studies should include larger samples and control the influence of sociodemographic variables.

Cytotoxicity of catechol towards human glioblastoma cells via superoxide and reactive quinones generation

It is known that the exposure to benzene in the petroleum industry causes lympho-haematopoietic cancer among workers. However, there is little data concerning the toxicity of benzene to the central nervous system. Benzene easily penetrates the brain where it is metabolized to catechol. Since catechol autoxidizes in physiological phosphate buffer, we hypothesized that it could be toxic towards glial cells due to the generation of reactive oxygen species and quinones. In this work we studied the cytotoxic properties of catechol towards human glioblastoma cells. We found that catechol was toxic towards these cells after 72 hours and this toxicity was related to the formation of quinones. Catechol at 230µM killed 50% of cells. The catechol-induced cytotoxicity was prevented by the addition of 100U superoxide dismutase, which also inhibited the formation of quinones. These data suggest that catechol induces cytotoxicity via the extracellular generation of superoxide and quinones.

Sabe-se que a exposição de trabalhadores ao benzeno na indústria petrolífera é uma causa de câncer do sistema linfo-hematopoiético. Pouco se sabe, contudo, a respeito da toxicidade do benzeno no sistema nervoso central. O benzeno penetra facilmente no cérebro, onde é metabolizado a catecol. Como o catecol se auto-oxida em tampão fosfato no pH fisiológico, supôs-se que esse composto poderia ser tóxico para células gliais por gerar espécies reativas do oxigênio e quinonas. Nesse trabalho estudou-se a citotoxicidade do catecol para células de glioblastoma humano. O catecol foi tóxico após 72 horas e essa toxicidade relacionou-se com a formação de quinonas. O catecol a 230mM matou metade das células em cultura. A toxicidade do catecol e a produção de quinonas foram inibidas por 100U de superóxido dismutase. Esses dados sugerem que a toxicidade induzida pelo catecol deve-se à produção extracelular de superóxido e quinonas reativas.