-Context -Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, has been considered the most common liver disease nowadays, which is also the most frequent cause of elevated transaminases and cryptogenic cirrhosis. The greatest input of fatty acids into the liver and consequent increased beta-oxidation contribute to the formation of free radicals, release of inflammatory cytokines and varying degrees of hepatocytic aggression, whose histological expression may vary from steatosis (HS) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The differentiation of these forms is required by the potential risk of progression to cirrhosis and development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Objective -To review the literature about the major risk factors for NAFLD in the context of metabolic syndrome, focusing on underlying mechanisms and prevention. Method -PubMed, MEDLINE and SciELO data basis analysis was performed to identify studies describing the link between risk factors for metabolic syndrome and NAFLD. A combination of descriptors was used, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, metabolic syndrome and risk factors. At the end, 96 clinical and experimental studies, cohorts, meta-analysis and systematic reviews of great impact and scientific relevance to the topic, were selected. Results -The final analysis of all these data, pointed out the central obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension as the best risk factors related to NAFLD. However, other factors were highlighted, such as gender differences, ethnicity, genetic factors and the role of innate immunity system. How these additional factors may be involved in the installation, progression and disease prognosis is discussed. Conclusion -Risk factors for NAFLD in the context of metabolic syndrome expands the prospects to 1) recognize patients with metabolic syndrome at high risk for NAFLD, 2) elucidate pathways common to other co-morbidities, 3) determine risk factors associated with a worse prognosis, 4) develop therapeutic strategies with goal of reducing risk factors, 5) apply acquired knowledge in public health policies focusing on preventive strategies. HEADINGS -Metabolic syndrome X. Fatty liver, non-alcoholic. Risk factors.

This study follows the left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy in rats undergoing aerobic training alone (A), resistance training alone (R), or combined resistance and aerobic training (RA) (usually referred as concurrent training) program. A sedentary control group (C) was included. LV remodeling was evaluated using electron and light microscopy. The LV weight to body weight (LVW: BW) increased 11.4% in A group, 35% in the R group, and 18% in the RA group compared to the C group. The LV thickness increased 6% in the A group, 17% in the R group, and 10% in the RA group. The LV internal diameter increased 19% in the A group, 3% in the R group, and 8% in the RA group compared with the C group. The cross-sectional area of cardiomyocyte increased by 1% with the A group, 27% with R group, and 12% with RA training. The capillary density increased by 5.4% with A training, 11.0% with R training, and 7.7% with RA training compared with the C group. The volume fraction of interstitial collagen increased by 0.4% with training A, increased by 2.8% with R training, and 0.9% with RA training. In conclusion, except for the LV internal diameter, which increased more in the A group, the cardiac parameters increased more in the R group than in the other groups and in RA group than in A group. Collagen density increased from 5.4 6 0.8% in the C group to 5.8 6 0.6% in the A group (n. s.) (P > 0.05), to 8.2 6 0.7% in the R group (P < 0.05), and to 6.3 6 0.4% in the RA group (P < 0.05). These results demonstrate a significant increase for collagen content in the LV with R and RA exercise, but the increase was higher with R training alone than with RA training. Microsc.

Studies have determined the effects of joint immobilization on the articular cartilage of sedentary animals, but we are not aware of any studies reporting the effects of joint immobilization in previously trained animals. The objective of the present study was to determine whether exercise could prevent degeneration of the articular cartilage that accompanies joint immobilization. We used light microscopy to study the thickness, cell density, nuclear size, and collagen density of articular cartilage of the femoral condyle of Wistar rats subjected to aerobic physical activity on an adapted treadmill five times per week. Four groups of Wistar rats were used: a control group (C), an immobilized group (I), an exercised group (E), and an exercised and then immobilized group (EI). The right knee joints from rats in groups I and EI were immobilized at 90°C of flexion using a plastic cast for 8 weeks. Cartilage thickness decreased significantly in group I (mean, 120.14 AE 15.6 lm, P < 0.05), but not in group EI (mean, 174 AE 2.25), and increased significantly in group E (mean, 289.49 AE 9.15) compared with group C (mean, 239.20 AE 6.25). The same results were obtained for cell density, nuclear size, and collagen density (in all cases, P < 0.05). We concluded that exercise can prevent degenerative changes in femoral articular cartilage caused by immobilization of the knee joint.

SUMMARY:In this work, we studied the effects of CO 2 , Nd:YAG and diode lasers on the enamel and dentin of deciduous human teeth. After the irradiations, the samples were duly prepared and set up on metallic bases, covered with gold and examined in the scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the irradiation with the CO 2 mode locked laser with 1.0 W power caused melting and irregularities with small cavities on the surface of the enamel. The irradiated area on the dentin surface appeared circular and well delimited, containing blocks of dentin and cracks. By using the pulsed Nd:YAG laser with 1.0 W mean power and 10 Hz frequency, the enamel surface presented granules of molten enamel, with a typical melting look. The irradiated dentin surface presented a cavity with a margin elevated with granules and holes, and its bottom presented dentinary tubules with globules of melted dentin. Irradiation with the mode locked of diode laser with 1.0 W mean power, showed the formation of a melted and evenly resolidified enamel surface, and the dentin surface presented a block of melted dentin with adjacent regions of normal dentin, evidently with a relatively smooth surface.

Sufferers of schistosomiasis mansoni can evolve a clinical form of the disease associated with portal hypertension. To differentiate this form, routine clinical tests and biological indices were evaluated. In all, 54 HBsAg- and HCV-negative patients were studied, 42 with schistosomiasis and 12 normal volunteers. Using clinical criteria, ultrasonography, and endoscopy, the schistosomiasis patients were classified into two groups: mild chronic form (MS, N = 14) and chronic form associated with portal hypertension (PH, N = 28). The laboratory parameters of the MS group did not differ from the controls. The PH group differed from the others in prothrombin index, thrombocytemia, gamma-glutamyltransferase, serum alpha2-macroglobulin, and the calculated indices. ROC plot cutoff levels verified that isolated thrombocytemia was the most efficient marker for discrimination of the PH and MS forms. Thrombocytemia of 130 x 10(9) platelets/liter discriminated the groups with an 86% accuracy when all patients were analyzed and 96% when only schistosomiasis patients who did not consume alcohol were included.

RESUMO -Racional -As alterações hepáticas constituem as mais importantes manifestações da esquistossomose mansônica. Não são conhecidos fatores que expliquem elevação sérica de enzimas indicadoras de colestase na forma hepatoesplênica da doença. Objetivo -Avaliar a correlação entre elevação da γ-glutamiltransferase sérica e a carga parasitária e alterações ultra-sonográficas em pacientes esquistossomóticos. Casuística e método -Foram avaliados 25 pacientes portadores da forma crônica pura da esquistossomose, quanto a presença ou não de elevação enzimática, quanto a carga parasitária (baixa x média/alta) e quanto a parâmetros ultra-sonográficos. Foi realizada, ainda, análise do índice de protrombina e contagem de plaquetas. Resultados -Dos 25 pacientes, 13 apresentavam elevação da γ-glutamiltransferase sérica. Não houve correlação significativa entre elevação de γ-glutamiltransferase e carga parasitária, ou entre elevação da enzima e alterações ultra-sonográficas. O índice de protrombina e a contagem de plaquetas também não foram diferentes entre os dois grupos (γ-glutamiltransferase normal e γ-glutamiltransferase elevada). Conclusão -A carga parasitária não explica o aumento da γ-glutamiltransferase sérica em pacientes portadores de esquistossomose e a ultra-sonografia convencional não é método sensível para detectar alteração sugerida pela elevação da enzima nestes pacientes.DESCRITORES -Esquistossomose mansoni. Colestasia intra-hepática. Gama-glutamiltransferase.

A sensibilidade geral da cabeça, incluindo as estruturas intra-orais e a articulação temporomandibular (ATM), assim como o controle dos músculos mastigatórios, são funções relacionadas a um conjunto de núcleos encefálicos denominado complexo trigeminal. O ritmo, tipo de movimento e força mastigatória podem estar alterados em patologias como nas desordens motoras orofaciais, entre elas o bruxismo noturno que poderá provocar secundariamente distúrbios da ATM. Movimentos mandibulares são atividades complexas que envolvem a ativação de motoneurônios localizados em um dos núcleos do complexo trigeminal denominado núcleo motor do trigêmeo. Esse núcleo está localizado na formação reticular pontina, cercado por um anel de neurônios pré-motores chamado região h. Pesquisas utilizando traçadores retrógrados têm demonstrado que neurônios pré-motores também estão distribuídos no tronco encefálico e em regiões prosencefálicas envolvidas com o controle autonômico e com o estresse. O estudo dessas conexões é importante para a compreensão da fisiopatologia das desordens motoras orofaciais.

Objectives Previous studies of variation in mandibular foramen characteristics with age have involved comparison in different populations, but few data, between non-atrophic and atrophic mandibles are available. The aim of this original article was to compare the position, shape and area of the mandibular foramen between non-atrophic and atrophic mandibles. Material and Methods Morphometric methods were used to study the mandibular foramen variation. Fifty adult dry mandibles from the laboratory of anatomy were selected. Mandibles were considered non-atrophic if the distance between the base and alveolar ridge was homogeneous and greater than 25 mm in the anterior region and 20 mm in the posterior region. Conversely, mandibles were considered atrophic if that distances were lower than those described to a minimum of 11 mm in all areas. All measurements were performed with a digital caliper. For statistical analysis, the admitted level of significance was 5%. Results When non-atrophic mandibles were compared to atrophic ones, the mandibular foramen shifted significantly to an anterior position (mean difference [MD]: 4.81 mm; P < 0.0001) and to an inferior position (MD: 3.04 mm; P < 0.0001) and changed from an elliptical shape to round one, with a significant decrease in its area (MD: 3.66 mm 2 ; P < 0.05). Conclusions The results indicate that there are significant differences in the position, shape and area of the mandibular foramen between non-atrophic and atrophic mandibles. These data should be considered in anaesthetic techniques and surgical procedures to prevent vascular and nervous lesions.