Physiological functions of the mitochondrial uncoupling proteins UCP2 and UCP3

Evidence for the physiological functions of UCP2 and UCP3 is critically reviewed. They do not mediate adaptive thermogenesis, but they may be significantly thermogenic under specific pharmacological conditions. There is strong evidence that the mild regulated uncoupling they cause attenuates mitochondrial ROS production, protects against cellular damage, and diminishes insulin secretion. Evidence that they export fatty acids physiologically is weak. UCP2 and UCP3 are important potential targets for treatment of aging, degenerative diseases, diabetes, and perhaps obesity

Corantes naturais: uma alternativa aos indicadores de pH “convencionais”

Descrece-se a obtenção de extractos de diferentes vegetais, plantas e frutos e estabelece-se, para cada um, a respectiva escala de pH.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologi

Metastatic Testicular Germ Cell Tumor or a Chemoresponsive Liver Hemangioma?

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common solid organ malignancy in young adult men. The presence of non-pulmonary visceral metastasis is an independent factor that places such patients into the higher risk group. Hepatic hemangiomas are the most common tumors of the liver and are entirely benign. Overlap between these entities may occur, particularly when metastases are hypervascular. We describe a case of a 27-year-old man with a testicular germ cell tumor and a nodule in the right hepatic lobe suggestive of hemangioma. After three cycles of chemotherapy, a size reduction in the hepatic nodule was confirmed, and this lesion was removed. Pathology revealed a fibrosing hemangioma. In this case report, the authors discuss the possible mechanisms for the hemangioma chemotherapy response

Duración y calidad de la analgesia postoperatoria después del bloqueo del plexo braquial para cirugía del hombro: ropivacaína 0,5% frente a ropivacaína 0,5% con clonidina

Resumen OBJETIVOS: Algunos estudios han demostrado que la duración de los bloqueos nerviosos realizados con anestésicos locales puede ser prolongada con clonidina. En este estudio evaluamos la duración y la calidad de la analgesia proporcionada por el bloqueo del plexo braquial por vía interescalénica para cirugía del hombro, comparando la ropivacaína 0,5% con la ropivacaína 0,5% asociada a clonidina. PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Treinta pacientes fueron distribuidos en dos grupos en un estudio doble ciego. Grupo A - bloqueo realizado con ropivacaína 0,5%, 40 ml, y grupo B - ropivacaína 0,5%, 40 ml con clonidina (40 μg). Se procedió a la anestesia general con la administración de propofol e introducción de la mascarilla laríngea, siendo los pacientes mantenidos en ventilación espontánea con propofol en perfusión continua. Después de la estimulación nerviosa del plexo braquial fue administrado el (los) fármaco(s) seleccionado(s). El paciente fue instruido para recordar la hora de la reversión del bloqueo motor y sensitivo, y la analgesia postoperatoria fue evaluada a través de la escala visual analógica (EVA) a las 2, 4, 6, 8 y 24 horas. RESULTADOS: El tiempo medio de reversión del bloqueo sensitivo y motor y la evaluación del grado de dolor (EVA 0-10) a las 4, 6, 8 y 24 horas, no mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIONES: La asociación de 40 μg de clonidina a 200 mg de ropivacaína 0,5% no prolonga el bloqueo sensitivo y motor y no mejora la calidad de la analgesia en el postoperatorio inmediato

Living with hearing loss: psychosocial impact and the role of social support

Background: Hearing loss is one of the most common diseases affecting older occupying the 10th place among the diseases with greatest influence in human life conditions, and in Portugal it is considered the 5th main cause of suffering in this population. Objectives: The present study was designed to evaluate the psychosocial impact (daily activities, social activities, general emotional state) of this disease as a function of the hearing loss degree (mild, moderate or severe)On the other hand, considering the protector role that social support (instrumental and informational) can play in chronic diseases, we analyzed the moderation role of variable in the relation between hearing loss and negative emotional symptoms (anxiety, depression and stress). Methods: One hundred and ten patients with a hearing loss diagnosed, with a mean age of 70 years old (SD=7.89) participated in the study. Self report measures of social support and emotional distress were administered and sociodemographic characteristics were collected. Results: In general, the results showed that hearing loss has a negative role in daily and social activities as well as in the general emotional state of these patients. Nevertheless, for negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression and stress, the instrumental support had a buffering effect, since independently from the hearing loss degree, higher social support was associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression and stress. Conclusions: Overall, the results contribute to enhance the protective role that social support might have in chronic diseases and particularly in hearing loss.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Óleo de soja e gordura animal na alimentação de eqüinos.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos da gordura animal e do óleo de soja como fontes de energia em potras da raça Árabe e Cruza/Árabe. Forarm utilizados 21 animais, com peso médio inicial de 228 kg e 13 meses de idade media, distribuidos em três tratamentos