Melatonin alters the excitability of mouse cerebellar granule neurons by inhibiting voltage-gated sodium, potassium, and calcium channels.

Besides its role in the circadian rhythm, the pineal gland hormone melatonin (MLT) also possesses antiepileptogenic, antineoplastic, and cardioprotective properties, among others. The dosages necessary to elicit beneficial effects in these diseases often far surpass physiological concentrations. Although even high doses of MLT are considered to be largely harmless to humans, the possible side effects of pharmacological concentrations are so far not well investigated.

Functional characterization of acid-sensing ion channels in the cerebellum-originating medulloblastoma cell line DAOY and in cerebellar granule neurons.

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are Na channels that are almost ubiquitously expressed in neurons of the brain. Functional ASIC1a is also expressed in glioblastoma stem cells, where it might sense the acidic tumor microenvironment. Prolonged acidosis induces cell death in neurons and reduces tumor sphere formation in glioblastoma via activation of ASIC1a.

Risk factors for the development of phlebitis: an integrative review of literature.

Objective: To describe the scientific evidence published in literature regarding the risk factors for the development of phlebitis.

Method: Integrative literature review with the inclusion of 14 original articles found in the LILACS, Scielo and Pubmed bases from January 2004 to April 2015, analyzed by levels of evidence and frequency, associated factors, degree and treatment of phlebitis.

Results: The frequency / incidence / minimum rate of phlebitis was 3% and the maximum was 59.

Translation and adaptation to Portuguese of the haemodialysis patient assessment tool - CUDYR-DIAL.

Objective To translate and culturally adapt the tool Categorización de usuario según dependencia y riesgo en unidades de hemodiálisis (CUDYR-DIAL) into Brazilian Portuguese. Method This is a methodological study for the translation and cultural adaptation or localization of the instrument CUDYR-DIAL. Results In the pre-test stage, three nurses applied the instrument to 78 patients of the haemodialysis unit of the São Lucas Hospital of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul.

[Medication-related adverse events: perception of nursing aides].

The process of administering medication is linked to an elevated rate of adverse events and has been the focus of institutional investments. This study aimed at uncovering the perception of nursing aides regarding medication-related adverse events. A qualitative research was carried out with ten nursing aides from a clinical and surgical inpatient unit in a university hospital in Porto Alegre,RS, Brazil.