Polymorphism of the ACE gene is associated with extent and severity of coronary disease.

Background: The progression and extent of coronary heart disease (CHD) are extremely variable and in many instances independent of conventional risk factors. The differences may be partly explained by less favorable genetic polymorphisms that are associated with them. The polymorphisms of the angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene have been thoroughly evaluated, but the connection between them and the extent of CHD is unknown.

Angiotensin converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and coronary risk in a Portuguese population.

Background: A family history of coronary heart disease (CHD) is a strong risk marker for the disease, independently of classical risk factors. It could be decoded by recognizing the polymorphisms associated with increased risk. Renin-angiotensin system genes are candidate genes in CHD and the deletion allele of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) has been reported as deleterious.

[The experience of someone involved in the psychiatry reform in Brazil].

This report is a descriptive study based on bibliographic reviews, developed in the Health Policies course, a subject which is part of the Master's degree from the University of Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO). Our objective is to report on our experiences working with psychosocial care, which has been our goal over the last 4 years, with an approach on the strategies adopted by the Brazilian Health Department, directed toward restructuring mental health care in Brazil. One realizes the need for objective interventions in order to make this process effective, such as the construction of a solid and amplified network for mental health care, the municipalization of health services which would reduce the risk of a fragmentation in services provided and would promote participation of family members and society in caring and reinserting mentally-ill patients.