Rio de Janeiro State University

About: Rio de Janeiro State University is a education organization based out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Large Hadron Collider. The organization has 16631 authors who have published 30919 publications receiving 465753 citations. The organization is also known as: UERJ & Rio de Janeiro State University.

An Anatomically Detailed Arterial Network Model for One-Dimensional Computational Hemodynamics

Abstract: Simulation platforms are increasingly becoming complementary tools for cutting-edge cardiovascular research. The interplay among structural properties of the arterial wall, morphometry, anatomy, wave propagation phenomena, and ultimately, cardiovascular diseases continues to be poorly understood. Accurate models are powerful tools to shed light on these open problems. We developed an anatomically detailed computational model of the arterial vasculature to conduct 1-D blood flow simulations to serve as simulation infrastructure to aid cardiovascular research. An average arterial vasculature of a man was outlined in 3-D space to serve as geometrical substrate for the mathematical model. The architecture of this model comprises almost every arterial vessel acknowledged in the medical/anatomical literature, with a resolution down to the luminal area of perforator arteries. Over 2000 arterial vessels compose the model. Anatomical, physiological, and mechanical considerations were employed for the set up of model parameters and to determine criteria for blood flow distribution. Computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate blood flow and wave propagation phenomena in such arterial network. A sensitivity analysis was developed to unveil the contributions of model parameters to the conformation of the pressure waveforms. In addition, parameters were modified to target model to a patient-specific scenario. On the light of the knowledge domain, we conclude that the present model features excellent descriptive and predictive capabilities in both patient-generic and patient-specific cases, presenting a new step toward integrating an unprecedented anatomical description, morphometric, and simulations data to help in understanding complex arterial blood flow phenomena and related cardiovascular diseases.

Heme Inhibits Human Neutrophil Apoptosis: Involvement of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase, MAPK, and NF-κB

Abstract: High levels of free heme are found in pathological states of increased hemolysis, such as sickle cell disease, malaria, and ischemia reperfusion. The hemolytic events are often associated with an inflammatory response that usually turns into chronic inflammation. We recently reported that heme is a proinflammatory molecule, able to induce neutrophil migration, reactive oxygen species generation, and IL-8 expression. In this study, we show that heme (1-50 microM) delays human neutrophil spontaneous apoptosis in vitro. This effect requires heme oxygenase activity, and depends on reactive oxygen species production and on de novo protein synthesis. Inhibition of ERK and PI3K pathways abolished heme-protective effects upon human neutrophils, suggesting the involvement of the Ras/Raf/MAPK and PI3K pathway on this effect. Confirming the involvement of these pathways in the modulation of the antiapoptotic effect, heme induces Akt phosphorylation and ERK-2 nuclear translocation in neutrophils. Futhermore, inhibition of NF-kappa B translocation reversed heme antiapoptotic effect. NF-kappa B (p65 subunit) nuclear translocation and I kappa B degradation were also observed in heme-treated cells, indicating that free heme may regulate neutrophil life span modulating signaling pathways involved in cell survival. Our data suggest that free heme associated with hemolytic episodes might play an important role in the development of chronic inflammation by interfering with the longevity of neutrophils.

Factors associated with dietary patterns in the urban Brazilian population

Abstract: This study evaluated factors associated with dietary patterns in the Brazilian population based on the Living Standards Survey conducted in the Northeast and Southeast regions of the country. Multi-stage probability sampling was employed to select the households, and for the present analysis 5,121 adults aged 20 to 50 years were included. Pregnant women and individuals reporting chronic health conditions were excluded. Through principal component analysis, two major family dietary patterns were identified: a mixed pattern, in which all groups and foods have approximately the same factor loading, and a second pattern based main1y on rice and beans, which was called a traditional diet. Weight and height were measured in the households, and food intake was based on a 21-item semi-quantitative family questionnaire. The Northeast (as compared to the Southeast) was negatively associated with the mixed pattern. Body mass index was positively associated with the mixed pattern, whereas leisure physical activity and Black skin color were negatively associated with the mixed pattern. Schooling and income levels explained most of the dietary variance, but after adjusting for education and income, region of residence remained significantly associated and was the third most important explanatory variable.

Normative data for healthy elderly on the phonemic verbal fluency task - FAS.

Abstract: Phonemic verbal fluency tests assess the production of words beginning with specific letters. Of these letters, the most frequently used are F, A and S. It is a sensitive test for assessing frontal lobe functions. Objective: To provide normative data for the elderly Brazilian population on the FAS test and to investigate the effects of age and schooling on test performance. Methods: The individuals were divided into three age groups (60-69, 70-79 and ≥80 years), and into four groups according to education (1-3, 4-7, 8-11 and ≥12 years). All subjects were assessed by the Mini Mental State Examination and the FAS. Data were analyzed with Student's t test, ANOVA, simple linear regression and Spearman's correlation. Results: We evaluated 345 cognitively healthy volunteers, 66.66% being female, aged 60 to 93 years, with an educational level ranging from one to 24 years. The average (number of items) ±SD for the whole sample was 28.28±11.53. No significant effect of gender was observed (p=0.5). Performance on the MMSE and education exerted a direct influence on FAS scores ( p<0.001), with education being the most significant factor. A positive correlation was found between FAS and the MMSE (r=0.404; p<0.001). Conclusion: The performance of Brazilian elderly on the phonemic verbal fluency tests-FAS is significantly influenced by education, where individuals with higher educational level present better performance than those with fewer years of schooling. Age and gender did not prove significant with the FAS. Dados normativos de idosos saudaveis na prova de fluencia verbal fonemica - FAS Resumo - Testes de fluencia verbal fonemica avaliam a producao de palavras que se iniciam com determinadas letras. Destas, as mais utilizadas sao F, A e S. E um teste sensivel para avaliar funcoes do lobo frontal. Objetivo: Estabelecer dados normativos para a populacao idosa brasileira no teste de fluencia verbal fonemica FAS e investigar os efeitos da idade e escolaridade no mesmo teste. Materiais e Metodos: Os sujeitos foram divididos em tres grupos de idade (60-69, 70-79 e ≥80 anos) e quatro de escolaridade (1-3, 4-7, 8-11, ≥12 anos). Todos foram avaliados pelo Mini-Exame do Estado Mental e fluencia verbal fonemica FAS. Os dados foram analisados com o test t de Student, ANOVA, regressao linear simples e correlacao de Spearman. Resultados: Foram avaliados 345 idosos cognitivamente saudaveis, 66,66% do genero feminino, idade entre 60 e 93 anos e escolaridade entre 01 e 24 anos. A media (numero de itens) ±DP na amostra toda foi 28.28±11.53. Nao houve influencia do genero nos resultados (p=0.5). A performance no MEEM e o nivel educacional exerceram influencia direta nos escores do FAS (p<0.001), com a educacao sendo o fator mais importante. Uma correlacao positiva foi encontrada entre os escores no FAS e MEEM (r=0.404; p<0.001). Conclusao: O desempenho de idosos brasileiros no Teste de Fluencia Verbal Fonemica - FAS e significativamente influenciado pelo grau de escolaridade, com os individuos com nivel educacional mais elevado apresentando desempenho superior aqueles com menos tempo de estudo formal. Idade e genero nao apresentaram significância com o FAS. Palavras-chave: idosos saudaveis, fluencia verbal, nivel educacional, dados normativos. 1