The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of significant changes in systemic blood press... more The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of significant changes in systemic blood pressure (SBP) during surgical-dental procedures. A prospective study was performed with a sample of 135 randomly selected individuals who underwent surgical procedures at the Bucomaxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Dentistry School of the ESFA (ES) between the second half of 2017 and April 2018. After consent, sociodemographic, lifestyle data, weight and height were obtained through a questionnaire, weighing and measurement, respectively. BP measurements were performed at three moments: preoperative (BP1), intraoperative (BP2) and postoperative (BP3) using a mercury column sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Values <120/80 mmHg were used as normal values. When BP1 and BP2 were compared, 63.0% remained within normal values and 22.2% reached the stage of hypertension. In the comparison of BP1 and BP3, 66.7% remained normal, and only 7.4% reached the stage of hypertension. When BP2 and BP3...
BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive global cognitive impairment syndrome. In 2010, more than 35 ... more BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive global cognitive impairment syndrome. In 2010, more than 35 million people worldwide were estimated to be living with dementia. Some people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to dementia but others remain stable or recover full function. There is great interest in finding good predictors of dementia in people with MCI. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the best-known and the most often used short screening tool for providing an overall measure of cognitive impairment in clinical, research and community settings. OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of the Mini Mental State Examination for the early detection of dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment SEARCH METHODS: We searched ALOIS (Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Specialized Register of diagnostic and intervention studies (inception to May 2014); MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1946 to May 2014); EMBASE (OvidSP) (1980 to May 2014); BIOSIS (Web of Science) (inception to May 2014); Web of Science Core Collection, including the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI Web of Science) (inception to May 2014); PsycINFO (OvidSP) (inception to May 2014), and LILACS (BIREME) (1982 to May 2014). We also searched specialized sources of diagnostic test accuracy studies and reviews, most recently in May 2014: MEDION (Universities of Maastricht and Leuven, www.mediondatabase.nl), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, via the Cochrane Library), HTA Database (Health Technology Assessment Database, via the Cochrane Library), and ARIF (University of Birmingham, UK, www.arif.bham.ac.uk). No language or date restrictions were applied to the electronic searches and methodological filters were not used as a method to restrict the search overall so as to maximize sensitivity. We also checked reference lists of relevant studies and reviews, tracked citations in Scopus and Science Citation Index, used searches of known relevant studies in PubMed to track related articles, and contacted research groups conducting work on MMSE for dementia diagnosis to try to locate possibly relevant but unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered longitudinal studies in which results of the MMSE administered to MCI participants at baseline were obtained and the reference standard was obtained by follow-up over time. We included participants recruited and clinically classified as individuals with MCI under Petersen and revised Petersen criteria, Matthews criteria, or a Clinical Dementia Rating = 0.5. We used acceptable and commonly used reference standards for dementia in general, Alzheimer's dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We screened all titles generated by the electronic database searches. Two review authors independently assessed the abstracts of all potentially relevant studies. We assessed the identified full papers for eligibility and extracted data to create two by two tables for dementia in general and other dementias. Two authors independently performed quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool. Due to high heterogeneity and scarcity of data, we derived estimates of sensitivity at fixed values of specificity from the model we fitted to produce the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. MAIN RESULTS In this review, we included 11 heterogeneous studies with a total number of 1569 MCI patients followed for conversion to dementia. Four studies assessed the role of baseline scores of the MMSE in conversion from MCI to all-cause dementia and eight studies assessed this test in conversion from MCI to Alzheimer´s disease dementia. Only one study provided information about the MMSE and conversion from MCI to vascular dementia. For conversion from MCI to dementia in general, the accuracy of baseline MMSE scores ranged from sensitivities of 23% to 76% and specificities from 40% to 94%. In relationship to conversion from MCI to Alzheimer's disease dementia, the accuracy of baseline MMSE scores ranged from sensitivities of 27% to 89% and specificities from 32% to 90%. Only one study provided information about conversion from MCI to vascular dementia, presenting a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 80% with an incidence of vascular dementia of 6.2%. Although we had planned to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, this was not undertaken due to the scarcity of studies included in our analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our review did not find evidence supporting a substantial role of MMSE as a stand-alone single-administration test in the identification of MCI patients who could develop dementia. Clinicians could prefer to request additional and extensive tests to be sure about the management of these patients. An important aspect to assess in future updates is if conversion to dementia from MCI stages could be predicted better by MMSE changes over time instead of single measurements. It is also important to assess if a…
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the s... more The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the socket healing of estrogen-deficient rats. Seventy-two rats were allocated into one of the following groups: Control, Ovariectomy and LiCl (150 mg/kg/2 every other day orally) + Ovariectomy. Animals received LiCl or water from the 14th day post-ovariectomy, until the completion of the experiment. On the 21st day after ovariectomy, the first molars were extracted. Rats were euthanized on the 10th, 20th and 30th days following extractions. Bone healing (BH), TRAP positive cells and immunohistochemical staining for OPG, RANKL, BSP, OPN and OCN were evaluated. The Ovariectomy group presented decreased BH compared to the LiCl group at 10 days, and the lowest BH at 20 days (p<0.05). At 30 days, the Ovariectomy and LiCl-groups presented lower BH than that of the Control (p<0.05). The number of TRAP-stained cells was the lowest in the LiCl group at 20 days and the highest in the Ovariectomy...
Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Significance: Breast Can... more Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Significance: Breast Cancers (BC) evolve and acquire adaptive changes while in active communication with the surrounding host normal tissue. Understanding how host tissue interacts with cancers during breast cancer progression could lead to novel biomarkers or targeted therapies. Innovation: We hypothesized that novel molecular subtypes of microenvironment (ME) can be identified and have prognostic value. Stromal signatures are poorly understood and the independent prognostic value of stroma and/or ME response has not been widely studied. Approach: We used gene expression data 1) to identify molecular subtypes of microenvironment, 2) to study the distribution and prevalence of microenvironment subtypes in an ethnically diverse group of BC cases and 3) to test the value of ME in predicting breast cancer progression. In 2009, our team initiated the UNC NORMAL BREAST STUDY (NBS), a unique epidemiologic study of normal tissue from ethnically diverse patients at UNC Hospitals. The NBS has recruited over 200 patients undergoing breast surgery at UNC Hospitals, including cosmetic surgeries, excisional diagnostic breast biopsies, lumpectomies and mastectomies. All participants donate snap frozen and paraffin-embedded normal breast tissue. For all patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the gross distance between the tumor and the normal breast tissue specimen is measured. In addition all study participants are asked to submit a blood sample and complete a telephone interview regarding demographics and environmental exposures. Medical record abstraction is performed to obtain treatment data and anthropometry. Each sample is carefully analyzed for histopathology and whole genome gene expression data is collected. Results: Among the breast cancer patients profiled in our initial studies, unsupervised clustering resulted in two groups of patients, one of which showed expression features suggestive of an activated mesenchyme. We then generated an EMT signature using cell line models and observed that this signature is enriched in one cluster or subgroup of these patients. In the approximately 40% of patients where the EMT signature is enriched, survival was decreased, and survival was significantly decreased among patients with ER positive disease. Conclusion: The NBS allows a unique opportunity to make an impact in discovering novel biology of human breast cancer microenvironment. The information gained from this translational study will establish whether microenvironment subtypes are associated with recurrence risk and will elucidate how variation in host biology contributes to BC disparities. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2213. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2213
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Myofibroblasts are cells with a hybrid ... more Tuberous sclerosis is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Myofibroblasts are cells with a hybrid phenotype between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The objective of this study is to describe clinical and histopathological characteristics of tuberous sclerosis and to conduct an immunohistochemical evaluation of myofibroblasts in cutaneous angiofibromas present in this condition. Lesion sections removed were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. Immunohistochemistry against alpha-SMA was done to determine the presence of myofibroblasts, and the reaction was negative. Since alpha-SMA is a specific marker for myofibroblasts, this result suggests that myofibroblasts are not involved in cutaneous angiofibromas present in the tuberous sclerosis case reported.
Gbg subunits bind to GIRK's cytosolic domain, promoting channel opening. The main activating moie... more Gbg subunits bind to GIRK's cytosolic domain, promoting channel opening. The main activating moiety is Gb which harbors most of GIRK-interacting residues within its Ga-binding interface. Gg is not considered important for GIRK activation, although one work challenged this view [1]. We found that expression of Gg in Xenopus oocytes activates GIRK1* (a homotetrameric GIRK1 F137S channel), enhancing both basal and agonist-evoked currents (I basal and I evoked). YFP-tagged Gg, which expressed as a fairly stable protein in E. coli or mammalian cell lysate, activated GIRK1* better than untagged Gg. Gg activated GIRK1/3 and GIRK1/4 to variable extent, but, importantly, not the homotetrameric GIRK2. The presence of the unique, long distal C-terminus of GIRK1 (dCT) was necessary but not sufficient for GIRK1* activation by Gg. Expression of Gg did not change plasma membrane levels of GIRK1*, thus Gg acted by affecting the gating of the channel. Activation by Gg depended on the presence of ambient (endogenous) Gb. Interestingly, coexpression of low doses of Gb's RNA enhanced the effect of Gg on I basal but high doses reduced it and suppressed I evoked , indicating that excess Gb intercepts both free Gg and possibly Ga and obstructs their action(s). The observed phenomena are in line with the hypothesis that dCT of GIRK1 subunit is part of a ''lock'' mechanism that reduces channel's open probability, helping to keep it closed at rest [2]. We propose that Gg relieves the inhibitory constraint imposed by the ''lock'', helping Gb to activate the GIRK channels.
This piece reflects the work of a group of middle- and high-school students who are exploring iss... more This piece reflects the work of a group of middle- and high-school students who are exploring issues of social justice, educational equity, and access in the context of a community- based partnership between the University of Pennsylvania and the St. Thomas Aquinas community in South Philadelphia. The youth, who represent a range of racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, each explored what “home” meant to them through multiple rounds of writing and revision. Then, after reflecting further through art projects and group conversations, they collaboratively assembled these final compositions with their peers.
Calculating measurement uncertainty is a helpful exercise for identifying components or steps in ... more Calculating measurement uncertainty is a helpful exercise for identifying components or steps in a forensic analytical procedure that contribute to measurement variance. In this study, we used a bottom up approach to identify components in our procedures that contribute to measurement variance in our Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) analytical procedures for benzoylecgonine (BZE) and the THC metabolite, 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THCA) at 125% the DDRP concentration threshold (cutoff). Each assay was run 10 times over 30 days, each assay containing five calibrators and five samples (125%). Measurement uncertainty was estimated to be ±7.6 and ±0.6 ng/mL, for the BZE and THCA methods, respectively (α = 0.05). In both assays, method precision and the preparation of calibrator and samples were major contributors to measurement uncertainty. While this exercise will help with evaluating assay performance fro...
Objetivo: Este estudo buscou avaliar o conhecimento e as percepções dos estudantes de Odontologia... more Objetivo: Este estudo buscou avaliar o conhecimento e as percepções dos estudantes de Odontologia sobre o câncer oral, nas quatro faculdades de Odontologia do estado do Espírito Santo. Material e Métodos: Um questionário objetivo composto por 16 perguntas foi aplicado presencialmente aos alunos matriculados nos dois últimos períodos de Odontologia das respectivas instituições mediante assinatura do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Resultados: Os dados obtidos revelam que, dos 196 participantes voluntários, 94,9% acreditam ser responsáveis pelo diagnóstico e prevenção do câncer oral, 67,3% consideram seu grau de conhecimento sobre o assunto insuficiente ou mediano e 53,6% não reconhecem, com precisão, os principais fatores de risco para este câncer. Conclusão: Esses achados reiteram a importância de instruir e capacitar o cirurgião-dentista, desde a sua formação, sobre o tema câncer oral, a fim de que estes sejam profissionais aptos a intervir, diagnosticar e prevenir essa...
Revista De Especialidades Medico Quirurgicas, 2004
Resumen Los fármacos opioides se encuentran entre las herramientas terapéuticas de mayor relevanc... more Resumen Los fármacos opioides se encuentran entre las herramientas terapéuticas de mayor relevancia en el tratamiento del dolor, a pesar de su alto poder adictivo. Se han desarrollado nuevos análogos de la morfina que tienen mayor efecto analgésico y menor poder adictivo y el desarrollo de éstos análogos ha mostrado la existencia de efectos selectivos en determinadas áreas del sistema nervioso central y periférico. Lo que condujo a la clonación de los 15 subtipos de receptores a opioides m (MOR). Los MOR-1, localizados en el asta dorsal de la médula espinal, se han implicados en el efecto analgésico supraespinal observado con la administración intratecal de opioides. Finalmente, los diferentes fármacos opioides conocidos tienen mecanismos de acción comunes, por lo que el entendimiento de la vía de señalización de estos fármacos nos permite la utilización de alternativas terapéuticas contra el dolor.
Introducción C on el fin de contribuir al desarrollo integral del individuo, la FAREM-Carazo, UNA... more Introducción C on el fin de contribuir al desarrollo integral del individuo, la FAREM-Carazo, UNAN-Managua, ha implementado diversas actuaciones que persiguen mejorar la calidad académica y profesional tanto de sus estudiantes como de sus docentes.
The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of significant changes in systemic blood press... more The present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of significant changes in systemic blood pressure (SBP) during surgical-dental procedures. A prospective study was performed with a sample of 135 randomly selected individuals who underwent surgical procedures at the Bucomaxillofacial Surgery Clinic of the Dentistry School of the ESFA (ES) between the second half of 2017 and April 2018. After consent, sociodemographic, lifestyle data, weight and height were obtained through a questionnaire, weighing and measurement, respectively. BP measurements were performed at three moments: preoperative (BP1), intraoperative (BP2) and postoperative (BP3) using a mercury column sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. Values <120/80 mmHg were used as normal values. When BP1 and BP2 were compared, 63.0% remained within normal values and 22.2% reached the stage of hypertension. In the comparison of BP1 and BP3, 66.7% remained normal, and only 7.4% reached the stage of hypertension. When BP2 and BP3...
BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive global cognitive impairment syndrome. In 2010, more than 35 ... more BACKGROUND Dementia is a progressive global cognitive impairment syndrome. In 2010, more than 35 million people worldwide were estimated to be living with dementia. Some people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) will progress to dementia but others remain stable or recover full function. There is great interest in finding good predictors of dementia in people with MCI. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is the best-known and the most often used short screening tool for providing an overall measure of cognitive impairment in clinical, research and community settings. OBJECTIVES To determine the accuracy of the Mini Mental State Examination for the early detection of dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment SEARCH METHODS: We searched ALOIS (Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement Specialized Register of diagnostic and intervention studies (inception to May 2014); MEDLINE (OvidSP) (1946 to May 2014); EMBASE (OvidSP) (1980 to May 2014); BIOSIS (Web of Science) (inception to May 2014); Web of Science Core Collection, including the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (ISI Web of Science) (inception to May 2014); PsycINFO (OvidSP) (inception to May 2014), and LILACS (BIREME) (1982 to May 2014). We also searched specialized sources of diagnostic test accuracy studies and reviews, most recently in May 2014: MEDION (Universities of Maastricht and Leuven, www.mediondatabase.nl), DARE (Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, via the Cochrane Library), HTA Database (Health Technology Assessment Database, via the Cochrane Library), and ARIF (University of Birmingham, UK, www.arif.bham.ac.uk). No language or date restrictions were applied to the electronic searches and methodological filters were not used as a method to restrict the search overall so as to maximize sensitivity. We also checked reference lists of relevant studies and reviews, tracked citations in Scopus and Science Citation Index, used searches of known relevant studies in PubMed to track related articles, and contacted research groups conducting work on MMSE for dementia diagnosis to try to locate possibly relevant but unpublished data. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered longitudinal studies in which results of the MMSE administered to MCI participants at baseline were obtained and the reference standard was obtained by follow-up over time. We included participants recruited and clinically classified as individuals with MCI under Petersen and revised Petersen criteria, Matthews criteria, or a Clinical Dementia Rating = 0.5. We used acceptable and commonly used reference standards for dementia in general, Alzheimer's dementia, Lewy body dementia, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We screened all titles generated by the electronic database searches. Two review authors independently assessed the abstracts of all potentially relevant studies. We assessed the identified full papers for eligibility and extracted data to create two by two tables for dementia in general and other dementias. Two authors independently performed quality assessment using the QUADAS-2 tool. Due to high heterogeneity and scarcity of data, we derived estimates of sensitivity at fixed values of specificity from the model we fitted to produce the summary receiver operating characteristic curve. MAIN RESULTS In this review, we included 11 heterogeneous studies with a total number of 1569 MCI patients followed for conversion to dementia. Four studies assessed the role of baseline scores of the MMSE in conversion from MCI to all-cause dementia and eight studies assessed this test in conversion from MCI to Alzheimer´s disease dementia. Only one study provided information about the MMSE and conversion from MCI to vascular dementia. For conversion from MCI to dementia in general, the accuracy of baseline MMSE scores ranged from sensitivities of 23% to 76% and specificities from 40% to 94%. In relationship to conversion from MCI to Alzheimer's disease dementia, the accuracy of baseline MMSE scores ranged from sensitivities of 27% to 89% and specificities from 32% to 90%. Only one study provided information about conversion from MCI to vascular dementia, presenting a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 80% with an incidence of vascular dementia of 6.2%. Although we had planned to explore possible sources of heterogeneity, this was not undertaken due to the scarcity of studies included in our analysis. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our review did not find evidence supporting a substantial role of MMSE as a stand-alone single-administration test in the identification of MCI patients who could develop dementia. Clinicians could prefer to request additional and extensive tests to be sure about the management of these patients. An important aspect to assess in future updates is if conversion to dementia from MCI stages could be predicted better by MMSE changes over time instead of single measurements. It is also important to assess if a…
The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the s... more The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of lithium chloride (LiCl) on the socket healing of estrogen-deficient rats. Seventy-two rats were allocated into one of the following groups: Control, Ovariectomy and LiCl (150 mg/kg/2 every other day orally) + Ovariectomy. Animals received LiCl or water from the 14th day post-ovariectomy, until the completion of the experiment. On the 21st day after ovariectomy, the first molars were extracted. Rats were euthanized on the 10th, 20th and 30th days following extractions. Bone healing (BH), TRAP positive cells and immunohistochemical staining for OPG, RANKL, BSP, OPN and OCN were evaluated. The Ovariectomy group presented decreased BH compared to the LiCl group at 10 days, and the lowest BH at 20 days (p<0.05). At 30 days, the Ovariectomy and LiCl-groups presented lower BH than that of the Control (p<0.05). The number of TRAP-stained cells was the lowest in the LiCl group at 20 days and the highest in the Ovariectomy...
Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Significance: Breast Can... more Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Significance: Breast Cancers (BC) evolve and acquire adaptive changes while in active communication with the surrounding host normal tissue. Understanding how host tissue interacts with cancers during breast cancer progression could lead to novel biomarkers or targeted therapies. Innovation: We hypothesized that novel molecular subtypes of microenvironment (ME) can be identified and have prognostic value. Stromal signatures are poorly understood and the independent prognostic value of stroma and/or ME response has not been widely studied. Approach: We used gene expression data 1) to identify molecular subtypes of microenvironment, 2) to study the distribution and prevalence of microenvironment subtypes in an ethnically diverse group of BC cases and 3) to test the value of ME in predicting breast cancer progression. In 2009, our team initiated the UNC NORMAL BREAST STUDY (NBS), a unique epidemiologic study of normal tissue from ethnically diverse patients at UNC Hospitals. The NBS has recruited over 200 patients undergoing breast surgery at UNC Hospitals, including cosmetic surgeries, excisional diagnostic breast biopsies, lumpectomies and mastectomies. All participants donate snap frozen and paraffin-embedded normal breast tissue. For all patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, the gross distance between the tumor and the normal breast tissue specimen is measured. In addition all study participants are asked to submit a blood sample and complete a telephone interview regarding demographics and environmental exposures. Medical record abstraction is performed to obtain treatment data and anthropometry. Each sample is carefully analyzed for histopathology and whole genome gene expression data is collected. Results: Among the breast cancer patients profiled in our initial studies, unsupervised clustering resulted in two groups of patients, one of which showed expression features suggestive of an activated mesenchyme. We then generated an EMT signature using cell line models and observed that this signature is enriched in one cluster or subgroup of these patients. In the approximately 40% of patients where the EMT signature is enriched, survival was decreased, and survival was significantly decreased among patients with ER positive disease. Conclusion: The NBS allows a unique opportunity to make an impact in discovering novel biology of human breast cancer microenvironment. The information gained from this translational study will establish whether microenvironment subtypes are associated with recurrence risk and will elucidate how variation in host biology contributes to BC disparities. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2213. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2213
Tuberous sclerosis is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Myofibroblasts are cells with a hybrid ... more Tuberous sclerosis is a rare autosomal dominant disorder. Myofibroblasts are cells with a hybrid phenotype between fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. The objective of this study is to describe clinical and histopathological characteristics of tuberous sclerosis and to conduct an immunohistochemical evaluation of myofibroblasts in cutaneous angiofibromas present in this condition. Lesion sections removed were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. Immunohistochemistry against alpha-SMA was done to determine the presence of myofibroblasts, and the reaction was negative. Since alpha-SMA is a specific marker for myofibroblasts, this result suggests that myofibroblasts are not involved in cutaneous angiofibromas present in the tuberous sclerosis case reported.
Gbg subunits bind to GIRK's cytosolic domain, promoting channel opening. The main activating moie... more Gbg subunits bind to GIRK's cytosolic domain, promoting channel opening. The main activating moiety is Gb which harbors most of GIRK-interacting residues within its Ga-binding interface. Gg is not considered important for GIRK activation, although one work challenged this view [1]. We found that expression of Gg in Xenopus oocytes activates GIRK1* (a homotetrameric GIRK1 F137S channel), enhancing both basal and agonist-evoked currents (I basal and I evoked). YFP-tagged Gg, which expressed as a fairly stable protein in E. coli or mammalian cell lysate, activated GIRK1* better than untagged Gg. Gg activated GIRK1/3 and GIRK1/4 to variable extent, but, importantly, not the homotetrameric GIRK2. The presence of the unique, long distal C-terminus of GIRK1 (dCT) was necessary but not sufficient for GIRK1* activation by Gg. Expression of Gg did not change plasma membrane levels of GIRK1*, thus Gg acted by affecting the gating of the channel. Activation by Gg depended on the presence of ambient (endogenous) Gb. Interestingly, coexpression of low doses of Gb's RNA enhanced the effect of Gg on I basal but high doses reduced it and suppressed I evoked , indicating that excess Gb intercepts both free Gg and possibly Ga and obstructs their action(s). The observed phenomena are in line with the hypothesis that dCT of GIRK1 subunit is part of a ''lock'' mechanism that reduces channel's open probability, helping to keep it closed at rest [2]. We propose that Gg relieves the inhibitory constraint imposed by the ''lock'', helping Gb to activate the GIRK channels.
This piece reflects the work of a group of middle- and high-school students who are exploring iss... more This piece reflects the work of a group of middle- and high-school students who are exploring issues of social justice, educational equity, and access in the context of a community- based partnership between the University of Pennsylvania and the St. Thomas Aquinas community in South Philadelphia. The youth, who represent a range of racial, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds, each explored what “home” meant to them through multiple rounds of writing and revision. Then, after reflecting further through art projects and group conversations, they collaboratively assembled these final compositions with their peers.
Calculating measurement uncertainty is a helpful exercise for identifying components or steps in ... more Calculating measurement uncertainty is a helpful exercise for identifying components or steps in a forensic analytical procedure that contribute to measurement variance. In this study, we used a bottom up approach to identify components in our procedures that contribute to measurement variance in our Department of Defense (DoD) Drug Demand Reduction Program (DDRP) Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GCMS) analytical procedures for benzoylecgonine (BZE) and the THC metabolite, 11-nor-Δ9-THC-9-carboxylic acid (THCA) at 125% the DDRP concentration threshold (cutoff). Each assay was run 10 times over 30 days, each assay containing five calibrators and five samples (125%). Measurement uncertainty was estimated to be ±7.6 and ±0.6 ng/mL, for the BZE and THCA methods, respectively (α = 0.05). In both assays, method precision and the preparation of calibrator and samples were major contributors to measurement uncertainty. While this exercise will help with evaluating assay performance fro...
Objetivo: Este estudo buscou avaliar o conhecimento e as percepções dos estudantes de Odontologia... more Objetivo: Este estudo buscou avaliar o conhecimento e as percepções dos estudantes de Odontologia sobre o câncer oral, nas quatro faculdades de Odontologia do estado do Espírito Santo. Material e Métodos: Um questionário objetivo composto por 16 perguntas foi aplicado presencialmente aos alunos matriculados nos dois últimos períodos de Odontologia das respectivas instituições mediante assinatura do termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Resultados: Os dados obtidos revelam que, dos 196 participantes voluntários, 94,9% acreditam ser responsáveis pelo diagnóstico e prevenção do câncer oral, 67,3% consideram seu grau de conhecimento sobre o assunto insuficiente ou mediano e 53,6% não reconhecem, com precisão, os principais fatores de risco para este câncer. Conclusão: Esses achados reiteram a importância de instruir e capacitar o cirurgião-dentista, desde a sua formação, sobre o tema câncer oral, a fim de que estes sejam profissionais aptos a intervir, diagnosticar e prevenir essa...
Revista De Especialidades Medico Quirurgicas, 2004
Resumen Los fármacos opioides se encuentran entre las herramientas terapéuticas de mayor relevanc... more Resumen Los fármacos opioides se encuentran entre las herramientas terapéuticas de mayor relevancia en el tratamiento del dolor, a pesar de su alto poder adictivo. Se han desarrollado nuevos análogos de la morfina que tienen mayor efecto analgésico y menor poder adictivo y el desarrollo de éstos análogos ha mostrado la existencia de efectos selectivos en determinadas áreas del sistema nervioso central y periférico. Lo que condujo a la clonación de los 15 subtipos de receptores a opioides m (MOR). Los MOR-1, localizados en el asta dorsal de la médula espinal, se han implicados en el efecto analgésico supraespinal observado con la administración intratecal de opioides. Finalmente, los diferentes fármacos opioides conocidos tienen mecanismos de acción comunes, por lo que el entendimiento de la vía de señalización de estos fármacos nos permite la utilización de alternativas terapéuticas contra el dolor.
Introducción C on el fin de contribuir al desarrollo integral del individuo, la FAREM-Carazo, UNA... more Introducción C on el fin de contribuir al desarrollo integral del individuo, la FAREM-Carazo, UNAN-Managua, ha implementado diversas actuaciones que persiguen mejorar la calidad académica y profesional tanto de sus estudiantes como de sus docentes.
Uploads
Papers by erick perez