Neuroinflammatory Effects of tDCS in Ovariectomized Rats with Chronic Inflammation

Introduction: Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to chronic condition such as osteoporosis, arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Then, we investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) upon biomarkers levels in ovariectomized rats subjected to inflammatory model.Methods: 20 females adult Wistar rats were subjected to ovariectomy and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation model and divided into two groups: OAS and OAT (active tDCS). Fifteen days after, rats were submitted to bimodal tDCS treatment (20min, 0.5mA, 8 days). Rats were killed 24 h after the last session of tDCS, tissue samples (hypothalamus, cerebral cortex and brainstem) were collected, for biomarkers analysis by ELISA. And paws were extracted for histological analysis.Results: tDCS increased hypothalamus TNF-α; IL-1β; IL-10 and NGF levels. Also, tDCS group increased cortical cerebral TNF-α and NGF levels; as well as IL-1β levels in the brainstem. Inflammatory profile was observed in the histology of hindpaws, however, no tDCS effect was observed.Conclusion: bimodal tDCS showed an effect in the inflammatory central axis, with a small effect in the peripheral site evaluated in this current study through the histology

Isoflurane and the analgesic effect of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in an animal model of neuropathic pain

The present study aimed to determine whether isoflurane interferes with the analgesic effects of acupuncture (Ac) and electroacupuncture (EA), using a neuropathic pain (NP) rat model. In total, 140 male Wistar rats were used; isoflurane-induced nociceptive response was evaluated using the von Frey test, serum calcium-binding protein b (S100b) levels and nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in the left sciatic nerve. The NP model was induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve at 14 days after surgery. Treatment was initiated after NP induction with or without isoflurane anesthesia (20 min/ day/8 days). The von Frey test was performed at baseline, 14 days postoperatively, and immediately, 24 h, and 48 h after the last treatment. Results of the nociceptive test and three-way analysis of variance were analyzed by generalized estimating equations, the Bonferroni test, followed by StudenteNewmaneKeuls or Fisher’s least significant difference tests for comparing biochemical parameters (significance defined as p 0.05). At baseline, no difference was noted in the nociceptive response threshold among all groups. Fourteen days after surgery, compared with other groups, NP groups showed a decreased pain threshold, confirming establishment of NP. Ac and EA enhanced the mechanical pain threshold immediately after the last session in the NP groups, without anesthesia. Isoflurane administration caused increased nociceptive threshold in all groups, and this effect persisted for 48 h after the last treatment. There was an interaction between the independent variables: pain, treatments, and anesthesia in serum S100b levels and NGF levels in the left sciatic nerve. Isoflurane enhanced the analgesic effects of Ac and EA and altered serum S100b and left sciatic nerve NGF levels in rats with NP

Neuroinflammatory effects of tDCS in ovariectomized rats with chronic inflammation

Introduction: Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to chronic conditions, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. We investigated the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on biomarker levels in ovariectomized rats subjected to an inflammatory model. Methods: Twenty adult female Wistar rats underwent ovariectomy and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammation. We divided them into 2 groups: OAS (sham tDCS) and OAT (active tDCS). Fifteen days later, the rats underwent bimodal tDCS treatment (20 min, 0.5 mA, 8 days). After 24 h of the last tDCS session, we killed the rats and collected tissue samples (hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, and brainstem) for biomarker analysis by ELISA. We removed the paws for histological analysis. Results: Active tDCS increased hypothalamic and cortical TNF-α and NGF levels, hypothalamic and brainstem IL-1β levels, and hypothalamic IL-10 levels. Histology of paws showed an inflammatory profile. We observed a small tDCS effect, not statistically significant. Discussion: Bimodal tDCS had an effect on the central inflammatory axis, with a small effect on the peripheral site as evaluated by histology in the current study

Evolução radicular da cultivar ‘gold jewel’ de kalanchoe blossfeldiana poelln cultivada em distintas lâminas de irrigação / Root evolution of kalanchoe blossfeldiana poelln 'gold jewel' cultivated on different irrigation blades

 O sistema radicular é indispensável para a absorção de água e nutrientes do substrato. Embora seja indiscutível sua importância, este tem sido pouco estudado. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a evolução do sistema radicular da Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln., cv ‘Gold Jewel’, cultivada em substrato comercial, em função de diferentes lâminas de irrigação. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, no delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamento de irrigação (50, 38, 26 e 14% da capacidade de vaso (CV)) e seis repetições. As mudas foram feitas pelo método de estaquia e transplantadas para vasos, preenchidos de substrato comercial, após 32 dias. Ao longo do ciclo foi avaliado o número de flores por planta. Aos 51, 103 e 133 DAT (dias após o transplante) avaliou-se o sistema radicular, através do teor de umidade. Por meio dos resultados observou-se a máxima eficiência técnica, para o número de flores por planta, à lâmina de irrigação de 34% da CV. No final do ciclo, ambas as lâminas de irrigação apresentaram redução do sistema radicular. Conclui-se que tanto a falta quanto o excesso de umidade no substrato causam inibição do crescimento da parte aérea e radicular da cultivar, bem como redução da produtividade de flores.

Cultivo de kalanchoe blossfeldiana poelln, cultivar ‘debbie’ sobmetida a diferentes doses de irrigação / Cultivation of kalanchoe blossfeldiana poelln, cultivar 'debbie' under different doses of irrigation

O aumento da produtividade no setor da floricultura vem se expandindo ao longo dos anos, proporcionando rentabilidade para as regiões produtoras e oportunizando emprego. Dentro deste contexto objetivou-se avaliar lâminas de irrigação no crescimento e desenvolvimento da cultivar ‘Debbie’ de Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Poelln. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal do Pampa, Alegrete/RS. A cultivar foi cultivada em vaso preenchido com substrato composto por: 50% de cinza de casca do arroz, 20% húmus, 25% de substrato comercial e 5% de pinha triturada. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos de irrigação e quatro repetições. As lâminas de irrigação foram correspondentes a reposição da capacidade de vaso (CV), sendo estas: 70, 50, 30 e 20% da CV. Ao longo do ciclo avaliou-se: altura de planta, número de folhas, diâmetro de caule e consumo hídrico. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. A máxima eficiência técnica em função das lâminas de irrigação para altura de planta, número de folhas e diâmetro de caule corresponderam, respectivamente, a lâminas de irrigação referentes a 33%, 48% e 48,95% da CV. Conclui-se que a cultivar estudada apresentou sensibilidade tanto quanto exposta à condições de excesso quanto de déficit hídrico. 

Educação em saúde na sala de espera de uma policlínica infantil: relato de experiência

Aim: to report the experience of Nursing students in regards to the educational activities developed in a waiting room at the Children's Polyclinic of the municipality of Uruguaiana-RS. Method:  experience report about the practices of health education carried out in the waiting room of the Children's Polyclinic. These practices were divided into four moments, based on Freire’s circles of culture. Results: through the practices of health education, conducted with users of the service, it was possible to clarify doubts about childcare by addressing myths and truths on themes such as: breastfeeding, childhood accidents and personal hygiene. It is believed that the waiting room is a dynamic space that is ideal for the development of educational activities. Final considerations: the actions provided the Nursing students with development of health education practices and comprehension of the exchange of knowledge among users, relatives, caregivers, students and health professionals.Objetivo: presentar la experiencia de estudiantes de enfermería, ante las actividades educativas desarrolladas en una sala de espera en la Policlínica Infantil del municipio de Uruguayana (RS, Brasil). Método: relato de experiencia sobre la práctica de la educación sanitaria efectuada en la sala de espera del Policlínico Infantil. Estas prácticas se dividen en cuatro momentos, fundamentados en los círculos de cultura de Paulo Freire. Resultados: mediante las prácticas de educación en salud, realizadas con los usuarios del servicio, fue posible aclarar dudas sobre el cuidado de los niños, abordando mitos y verdades en los temas: lactancia materna, accidentes en la infancia e higiene corporal. Se cree que la sala de espera es un espacio dinámico, ideal para el desarrollo de actividades educativas. Consideraciones finales: las acciones emprendidas proporcionaron a los estudiantes de enfermería el desarrollo de prácticas en educación sanitaria y entender el intercambio de conocimientos entre usuarios, familiares, cuidadores, estudiantes y profesionales de la salud.Objetivo: relatar a experiência de acadêmicas do curso de enfermagem frente às ações educativas desenvolvidas em uma sala de espera na Policlínica Infantil do município de Uruguaiana-RS. Método: relato de experiência acerca das práticas de educação em saúde realizadas na sala de espera da Policlínica Infantil. Essas práticas dividiram-se em quatro momentos fundamentados pelos círculos de cultura de Freire. Resultados: por meio das práticas de educação em saúde, realizadas com os usuários do serviço, foi possível esclarecer as dúvidas acerca dos cuidados à criança, abordando mitos e verdades nas temáticas: amamentação, acidentes na infância e higiene corporal. Acredita-se que a sala de espera é um espaço dinâmico, ideal para o desenvolvimento de atividades educacionais. Considerações Finais: as ações desenvolvidas proporcionaram às discentes de enfermagem desenvolver práticas de educação em saúde e compreender a troca de saberes entre usuários, familiares, acompanhantes, discentes e profissionais da saúde

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) reverts behavioral alterations and brainstem BDNF level increase induced by neuropathic pain model: Long-lasting effect

AbstractIntroductionNeuropathic pain (NP) is a chronic pain modality that usually results of damage in the somatosensory system. NP often shows insufficient response to classic analgesics and remains a challenge to medical treatment. The transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive technique, which induces neuroplastic changes in central nervous system of animals and humans. The brain derived neurotrophic factor plays an important role in synaptic plasticity process. Behavior changes such as decreased locomotor and exploratory activities and anxiety disorders are common comorbidities associated with NP.ObjectiveEvaluate the effect of tDCS treatment on locomotor and exploratory activities, and anxiety-like behavior, and peripheral and central BDNF levels in rats submitted to neuropathic pain model.MethodsRats were randomly divided: Ss, SsS, SsT, NP, NpS, and NpT. The neuropathic pain model was induced by partial sciatic nerve compression at 14days after surgery; the tDCS treatment was initiated. The animals of treated groups were subjected to a 20minute session of tDCS, for eight days. The Open Field and Elevated Pluz Maze tests were applied 24h (phase I) and 7days (phase II) after the end of tDCS treatment. The serum, spinal cord, brainstem and cerebral cortex BDNF levels were determined 48h (phase I) and 8days (phase II) after tDCS treatment by ELISA.ResultsThe chronic constriction injury (CCI) induces decrease in locomotor and exploratory activities, increases in the behavior-like anxiety, and increases in the brainstem BDNF levels, the last, in phase II (one-way ANOVA/SNK, P<0.05 for all). The tDCS treatment already reverted all these effects induced by CCI (one-way ANOVA/SNK, P<0.05 for all). Furthermore, the tDCS treatment decreased serum and cerebral cortex BDNF levels and it increased these levels in the spinal cord in phase II (one-way ANOVA/SNK, P<0.05).ConclusiontDCS reverts behavioral alterations associated to neuropathic pain, indicating possible analgesic and anxiolytic tDCS effects. tDCS treatment induces changes in the BDNF levels in different regions of the central nervous system (CNS), and this effect can be attributed to different cellular signaling activations