University of São Paulo

About: University of São Paulo is a education organization based out in São Paulo, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 136513 authors who have published 272320 publications receiving 5127869 citations. The organization is also known as: USP & Universidade de São Paulo.

A cascade of cytokines mediates mechanical inflammatory hypernociception in mice.

Abstract: The hypernociceptive effects of cytokines [TNF-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and IL-1β] and their participation in carrageenan (Cg)-induced inflammatory hypernociception in mice were investigated. Nociceptor sensitization (hypernociception) was quantified with an electronic version of the von Frey filament test in WT and TNF receptor type 1 knockout mice (TNF-R1–/–). TNF-α-induced hypernociception was abolished in TNF-R1–/– mice, partially inhibited by pretreatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) or indomethacin and unaffected by Ab against KC (AbKC) or guanethidine. IL-1ra and indomethacin pretreatment strongly inhibited the hypernociception induced by IL-1β, which was not altered by AbKC or guanethidine or by knocking out TNF-R1. KC-induced hypernociception was abolished by AbKC, inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin plus guanethidine, and partially inhibited by IL-1ra, indomethacin, or guanethidine. In contrast, KC-induced hypernociception was not altered by knocking out TNF-R1. Cg-induced hypernociception was abolished by administration of indomethacin plus guanethidine, diminished in TNF-R1–/– mice, and partially inhibited in WT mice pretreated with AbKC, IL-1ra, indomethacin, or guanethidine. TNF-α, KC, and IL-1β concentrations were elevated in the skin of Cg-injected paws. The TNF-α and KC concentrations rose concomitantly and peaked before that of IL-1β. In mice, the cytokine cascade begins with the release of TNF-α (acting on TNF-R1 receptor) and KC, which stimulate the release of IL-1β. As in rats, the final mediators of this cascade were prostaglandins released by IL-1β and sympathetic amines released by KC. These results extend to mice the concept that the release of primary mediators responsible for hypernociception is preceded by a cascade of cytokines.

Semiological Seizure Classification

Abstract: We propose an epileptic seizure classification based exclusively on ictal semiology. In this semiological seizure classification (SSC), seizures are classified as follows: a. Auras are ictal manifestations having sensory, psychosensory, and experiential symptoms. b. Autonomic seizures are seizures in which the main ictal manifestations are objectively documented autonomic alterations. c. "Dialeptic" seizures have as their main ictal manifestations an alteration of consciousness that is independent of ictal EEG manifestations. The new term "dialeptic" seizure has been coined to differentiate this concept from absence seizures (dialeptic seizures with a generalized ictal EEG) and complex partial seizures (dialeptic seizures with a focal ictal EEG). d. Motor seizures are characterized mainly by motor symptoms and are subclassified as simple or complex. Simple motor seizures are characterized by simple, unnatural movements that can be elicited by electrical stimulation of the primary and supplementary motor area (myoclonic, tonic, clonic and tonic-clonic, versive). Complex motor seizures are characterized by complex motor movements that resemble natural movements but that occur in an inappropriate setting ("automatisms"). e. Special seizures include seizures characterized by "negative" features (atonic, astatic, hypomotor, akinetic, and aphasic seizures). The SSC identifies in detail the somatotopic distribution of the ictal semiology as well as the seizure evolution. The advantages of a pure SSC, as opposed to the current classification of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), which is actually a classification of electroclinical syndromes, are discussed.

Early Signs of Atherosclerosis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract: Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with several cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms are not completely understood. Recent studies have shown that OSA is associated with multiple markers of endothelial damage. We hypothesized that OSA affects functional and structural properties of large arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis progression. Methods and Measurements: Twelve healthy volunteers, 15 patients with mild to moderate OSA, and 15 with severe OSA matched for age, sex, and body mass index were studied by using (1) full standard overnight polysomnography; (2) carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity with a noninvasive automatic device; and (3) a high-definition echo-tracking device to measure intima-media thickness, diameter, and distensibility. All participants were free of hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, and were not on any medications. Patients with OSA were naive to treatment. Main Results: Significant differences existed between control subjects and patients wit...

Catalytic Activity−d-Band Center Correlation for the O2 Reduction Reaction on Platinum in Alkaline Solutions

Abstract: We determined, by the rotating disk electrode technique, the kinetics of the oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) on the surfaces of single crystals of Au(111), Ag(111), Pd(111), Rh(111), Ir(111), and R...