Psychoanalysis and its role in brain plasticity: much more than a simple bla, bla, bla

Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Animal models of intellectual disability: towards a translational approach

Intellectual disability is a prevalent form of cognitive impairment, affecting 2–3% of the general population. It is a daunting societal problem characterized by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning and in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social and practical adaptive skills. Intellectual disability is a clinically important disorder for which the etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. Moreover, although tremendous progress has been made, pharmacological intervention is still currently non-existent and therapeutic strategies remain limited. Studies in humans have a very limited capacity to explain basic mechanisms of this condition. In this sense, animal models have been invaluable in intellectual disability investigation. Certainly, a great deal of the knowledge that has improved our understanding of several pathologies has derived from appropriate animal models. Moreover, to improve human health, scientific discoveries must be translated into practical applications. Translational research specifically aims at taking basic scientific discoveries and best practices to benefit the lives of people in our communities. In this context, the challenge that basic science research needs to meet is to make use of a comparative approach to benefit the most from what each animal model can tell us. Intellectual disability results from many different genetic and environmental insults. Taken together, the present review will describe several animal models of potential intellectual disability risk factors

A large and active debris-rockslide in the Central Andes of Argentina (30.26°S): Morphometry and triggering mechanisms

A large (>0.1 km2) and complex mass movement in the Central Andes of Argentina (final portion of Cordillera de Olivares, Frontal Cordillera), was studied to identify the triggering factors and understand their relationship with geomorphic, cryogenic and climatic dynamics. This debris-rockslide is composed of clast supported blocks of Permian–Triassic volcanic breccias. In order to characterize this feature, high resolution satellite imagery interpretation was carried out, together with the study of the landslide detachment zones and landslide bodies. These debris-rockslide events could have originated as a consequence of the combination of internal slow deformation and fragmentation under periglacial conditions, followed by a sudden collapse of the rock mass. Pre- and post-slide digital elevation models (DEMs) were created from topographical data with the help of a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool. Approximately 14.89 M m3 of rock and debris travelled nearly 2 km from an elevation of 5023 m–4325 m asl. Although usually the origin of such catastrophic movements is related to seismically active areas with earthquakes whose magnitude frequently exceed Ms 6, our hypothesis is that this debris-rockslide event has a climatic origin caused by large snow accumulations during winters and subsequent fast meltdown processes during spring, which would have facilitated the sliding. The paper outlines the important role that snowmelt can play in the genesis and evolution of rock displacements and the importance of meteorological data, seismic catalogues, historical aerial photography and satellite images in geomorphological back-analysis.Fil: Esper Angillieri, Maria Yanina. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales. Instituto de Geologia "Dr. Emiliano Aparicio". Gabinete de Neotectonica y Geomorfologia; ArgentinaFil: Perucca, Laura Patricia A.. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales. Instituto de Geologia "Dr. Emiliano Aparicio". Gabinete de Neotectonica y Geomorfologia; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico San Juan. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera; Argentin

Sudden cardiac death in epilepsy disappoints, but epileptologists keep faith

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of death in people with intractable epilepsy. Probably, optimization of seizure control will prevent some of these deaths. Briefly, we integrated in this paper some data about the epidemiology, risk factors, etiology, and preventative measures in the management of SUDEP.FAPESP (Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo)CNPq (Conselho National de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES), CEPID/FAPESPFAPESP/PRONEXFAPESP/CNPq/MCT (Instituto Nacional de Neurociencia Translational)Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Disciplina Neurociencia, Dept Neurol Neurocirurgia, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilPontificia Univ Catolica Rio Grande do Sul, Hosp Sao Lucas, Porto, BrazilPontificia Univ Catolica Rio Grande do Sul, Inst Cerebro Rio Grande Sul, Serv Neurol, Porto, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Disciplina Neurociencia, Dept Neurol Neurocirurgia, Sao Paulo, SP, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Comprimento da peça intermediária de espermatozóides bovinos e suas relações com características do sêmen e fertilidade.

Visando identificar preditores de fertilidade em touros, foram estimados os coeficientes de correlacao do comprimento da peca intermediária (CPI) dos espermatozóides com características físicas e metabolicas do semem e fertilidade. Utilizaram-se amostras de sêmen de 50 touros mestiços, submetidos a teste de progenie. O CPI foi determinados em 40 espermatozóides de cada touro por um sistema de analise de imagens (Videoplan). alem das características físicas antes e após a congelacao, foram verificados a velocidade do consumo de oxigênio e o índice de atividade citoquímica do semem desses touros. Os coeficientes de correlacao entre o CPI e os resultados da avaliações física e metabolicas do sêmen e fertilidade foram baixos e nao significativos (P>0,05), não sendo o CPI considerado como um bom indicador da fertilidade

Pesquisas em epilepsia 150 anos após a teoria da evolução de Darwin

On February 12, 2009, we commemorated the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the ûrst edition of the "On the origin of species". Only in the sixth edition of the Origin Darwin explicitly stated that natural selection applied to the brain as to all other organs and contemporary epilepsy research plays an interesting role in this scenario. Epilepsy affects approximately 3 percent of the general population and is a complex disease. At least 11 genes have now been described for human epilepsy and over 50 more genes have been identified in animal models of epilepsy. The complex gene to gene interactions and gene-environment interactions may account for epilepsy susceptibility and antiepileptic drug response. Darwin's thoughts on evolution are relevant to understand these gene interactions, contributing to current development of new treatments and prevention of chronic diseases, such as epilepsy.Em 12 de Fevereiro de 2009 nós comemoramos o aniversário de 200 anos de Charles Darwin e os 150 anos da publicação da primeira edição do livro "A Origem das Espécies". Apenas na sexta edição do livro A Origem, Darwin explicitamente definiu que a seleção natural se aplicava ao cérebro, assim como a todos os outros órgãos e as pesquisas contemporâneas em epilepsia tem um papel interessante neste cenário. A epilepsia afeta aproximadamente 3% da população geral e é uma doença complexa. Ao menos 11 genes foram descritos até o momento na epilepsia humana e mais de 50 genes foram identificados em modelos animais de epilepsia. As complexas interações gene-gene e genes-meio ambiente podem estar relacionadas com a susceptibilidade à epilepsia e respostas às drogas antiepilépticas. Os pensamentos de Darwin quanto à evolução são relevantes para a compreensão dessas interações gênicas, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento de novos tratamentos e na prevenção de doenças crônicas, como a epilepsia.FAPESPCInAPCe-FAPESPCNP

Because scientists are unable to explain the unexplained, screening for cardiovascular abnormalities is a good method to protect against sudden unexpected death in patients with epilepsy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de FisiologiaUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Hospital das ClínicasUNIFESP, EPMUNIFESP, Depto. de FisiologiaSciEL

Profile of neurologists in Brazil: a glimpse into the future of epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy

Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Disciplina de Neurologia ExperimentalUNIFESP, EPM, Disciplina de Neurologia ExperimentalSciEL

A utilidade do ácido graxo ômega-3 na epilepsia: mais do que uma criação de tilápias!

The epilepsies are one of the most common serious brain disorders and 20 to 30% of people developing epilepsy continue to have seizures and are refractory to treatment with the currently available therapies. Approximately one in a 1000 patients with chronic epilepsy will die suddenly, unexpectedly, and without explanation, even with post-mortem examination and this phenomenon is called sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Understanding the mechanisms underlying SUDEP may lead to the identification of previously unrecognized risk factors that are more amenable to correction. We discuss here the possible implications of omega-3 fatty acids consumption on SUDEP prevention.As epilepsias encontram-se entre as mais sérias doenças neurológicas; 20 a 30% dos pacientes com epilepsia continuam apresentando crises e são refratários as terapias disponíveis atualmente. Aproximadamente um em cada 1000 pacientes com epilepsia crônica irá morrer de forma súbita, não esperada e sem explicação, mesmo com o exame pós-morte. Este fenômeno é denominado morte súbita e inesperada em epilepsia (SUDEP). Compreender os mecanismos envolvidos nos casos de SUDEP pode levar à identificação de fatores ainda não reconhecidos e passíveis de serem corrigidos. Discutiremos a seguir as possíveis implicações do consumo do ácido graxo ômega-3 na prevenção dos casos de SUDEP.CNPqFAPESP - CInAPCeFAEP