Multimodal exercise intervention improves frontal cognitive functions and gait in Alzheimer's disease: A controlled trial

Aim: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of a multimodal exercise intervention on frontal cognitive functions and kinematic gait parameters in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Methods: A sample of elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease (n=27) were assigned to a training group (n=14; aged 78.0±7.3years) and a control group (n=13; aged 77.1±7.4years). Multimodal exercise intervention includes motor activities and cognitive tasks simultaneously. The participants attended a 1-h session three times a week for 16weeks, and the control participants maintained their regular daily activities during the same period. The frontal cognitive functions were evaluated using the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Clock Drawing Test and the Symbol Search Subtest. The kinematic parameters of gait-cadence, stride length and stride speed were analyzed under two conditions: (i) free gait (single task); and (ii) gait with frontal cognitive task (walking and counting down from 20 - dual task). Results and discussion: The patients in the intervention group significantly increased the scores in frontal cognitive variables, Frontal Assessment Battery (P<0.001) and Symbol Search Subtest (P<0.001) after the 16-week period. The control group decreased the scores in the Clock Drawing Test (P=0.001) and increased the number of counting errors during the dual task (P=0.008) after the same period. Conclusion: The multimodal exercise intervention improved the frontal cognitive functions in patients with Alzheimer's disease. © 2012 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Monitoring chronic physical stress using biomarkers, performance protocols and mathematical functions to identify physiological adaptations in rats

This study was undertaken to characterize the effects of monotonous training at lactate minimum (LM) intensity on aerobic and anaerobic performances; glycogen concentrationsin the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius muscle and the liver; and creatine kinase (CK), free fatty acids and glucose concentrations in rats. The rats were separated into trained (n =10), baseline (n = 10) and sedentary (n=10) groups. The trained group was submitted to the following: 60 min/day, 6 day/week and intensity equivalent to LM during the 12-week training period. The training volume was reduced after four weeks according to a sigmoid function. The total CK (U/L) increased in the trained group after 12 weeks (742.0±158.5) in comparison with the baseline (319.6±40.2) and the sedentary (261.6+42.2) groups. Free fatty acids and glycogen stores (liver, soleus muscle and gastrocnemius muscle) increased after 12 weeks of monotonous training but aerobic and anaerobic performances were unchanged in relation to the sedentary group. The monotonous training at LM increased the level of energy substrates, unchanged aerobic performance, reduced anaerobic capacity and increased the serum CK concentration; however, the rats did not achieve the predicted training volume.

Treatments for invasive carcinoma of the cervix: What are their impacts on the pelvic floor functions?

Aims: Describe the impact of surgery, radiotherapy and chemoradiation in the pelvic floor functions in cervical cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective study with women submitted to radical hysterectomy (RH) (n = 20),exclusive radiotherapy (RT) (n= 20)or chemoradiation (CT/RT)(n = 20)for invasive cervical cancer. Urinary, intestinal and sexual function, as well as vaginal length and pelvic floor musclecontraction were evaluated. Comparisons between groups were performed by Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Results: The groups were similar in stress urinary incontinence incidence (p = 0.56), urinary urgency (p = 0.44),urge incontinence (p = 0.54),nocturia(p = 0.53), incomplete bowel emptying (p = 0.76),bowel urgency(p = 0.12)and soilage(p = 0.43). The CT/ RT group presented a higher urinary frequency(p < 0.001)and diarrhea(p = 0.025). Patients in the RH group were more sexually active(p = 0.01) and experienced less dyspareunia (p = 0.021). Vaginal length was shorter in RT group (5.5 ± 1.9 cm) and CT/ RT(.3 ± 1.5 cm) than in the RH group (7.4 ± 1.1 cm) (p < 0.001). Pelvic floor muscle contraction was similar (p = 0.302). Conclusions: RT and CT/RT treatment for cervical carcinoma are more associated to sexual and intestinal dysfunctions.

A heuristic approach for accessing and employing the infrared behavior of Yang-Mills correlation functions

This work analyses a hypothetically improved perturbative approach taking a dressed massive-like gluon propagator and an effective coupling into account. As an early step, corrections were calculated to the ghost and gluon propagators, and the ghost-gluon vertex in the Landau gauge, pure SU(3) Yang-Mills theory. Results were satisfactorily compared with lattice data. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.

Advances on statistical/thermodynamical models for unpolarized structure functions

During the eights and nineties many statistical/thermodynamical models were proposed to describe the nucleons' structure functions and distribution of the quarks in the hadrons. Most of these models describe the compound quarks and gluons inside the nucleon as a Fermi / Bose gas respectively, confined in a MIT bag[1] with continuous energy levels. Another models considers discrete spectrum. Some interesting features of the nucleons are obtained by these models, like the sea asymmetries d̄/ū and d̄-ū. © 2013 American Institute of Physics.

Mechanisms in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis involved in control of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions: A review

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Comparative feeding kinematics of tropical hylid tadpoles

Anuran larvae, which are otherwise simple in shape, typically have complex keratinized mouthparts (i.e. labial teeth and jaw sheaths) that allow them to graze upon surfaces. The diversity in these structures among species presumably reflects specializations that allow for maximal feeding efficiency on different types of food. However, we lack a general understanding of how these oral structures function during feeding. We used high-speed digital imaging (500 Hz) to observe tadpoles of six species from the anuran family Hylidae grazing on a standardized food-covered substrate. Tadpoles of these species vary in the number of labial tooth rows, belong to two different feeding guilds (benthic and nektonic), and inhabit ponds and streams. We confirmed that the labial teeth in these species serve two functions: anchoring the mouth to the substrate and raking material off of the substrate. In general, tadpoles with a larger maximum gape or those with fewer labial tooth rows opened and closed their mouths slower than tadpoles with smaller gape or more tooth rows. Nektonic feeding tadpoles released each of their tooth rows proportionally earlier in the gape cycle compared with benthic feeding tadpoles. Lastly, we found some support for the idea that deformation of the jaw sheaths during a feeding cycle is predictable based on tadpole feeding guild. Collectively, our data show that anatomical (e.g. number of labial teeth) and ecological features (e.g. feeding guild) of tadpoles significantly influence how tadpoles open and close their mouths during feeding. © 2013. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

The fat body of termites: Functions and stored materials

The functions of the fat body in the different castes of termites, and accumulation of energy reserves, proteins and urates within this organ, are reviewed. The termite fat body is involved in multiple metabolic activities, including recycling of nitrogen. Termite fat body showed three different types of cells: adipocytes, urocytes and mycetocytes, the latter restricted to the species Mastotermes darwiniensis. Adipocytes synthesize and store lipids, glycogen and several proteins. These cells also elaborate important peptides, including some that act in immune processes. Urocytes are responsible for the storage of spherocrystals of urates, which vary quantitatively among the termite castes. The different metabolic functions of the fat body in the several castes and stages of termites are associated with specific adipocyte morphologies. The synthesis and storage of different compounds modify the structure of the fat body; this differentiation is coordinated by hormones involved with molting and reproductive cycles. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Anaerobic running capacity determined from the critical velocity model is not significantly associated with maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in army runners

Purpose: The aim of this study was to verify whether there is an association between anaerobic running capacity (ARC) values, estimated from two-parameter models, and maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) in army runners. Methods: Eleven, trained, middle distance runners who are members of the armed forces were recruited for the study (20 ± 1 years). They performed a critical velocity test (CV) for ARC estimation using three mathematical models and an MAOD test, both tests were applied on a motorized treadmill. Results: The MAOD was 61.6 ± 5.2 mL/kg (4.1 ± 0.3 L). The ARC values were 240.4 ± 18.6 m from the linear velocity-inverse time model, 254.0 ± 13.0 m from the linear distance-time model, and 275.2 ± 9.1 m from the hyperbolic time-velocity relationship (nonlinear 2-parameter model), whereas critical velocity values were 3.91 ± 0.07 m/s, 3.86 ± 0.08 m/s and 3.80 ± 0.09 m/s, respectively. There were differences (P < 0.05) for both the ARC and the CV values when compared between velocity-inverse time linear and nonlinear 2-parameter mathematical models. The different values of ARC did not significantly correlate with MAOD. Conclusion: In conclusion, estimated ARC did not correlate with MAOD, and should not be considered as an anaerobic measure of capacity for treadmill running. © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Insulin concentrations in cerebellum and body balance in diabetic male rats: Aerobic training effects

Brain insulin has had widespread metabolic, neurotrophic, and neuromodulatory functions and has been involved in the central regulation of food intake and body weight, learning and memory, neuronal development, and neuronal apoptosis. Purpose: The present study investigated the role of swimming training on cerebral metabolism on insulin concentrations in cerebellum and the body balance performance of diabetic rats. Methods: Forty Male Wistar rats were divided in four groups: sedentary control (SC), trained control (TC), sedentary diabetic (SD), and trained diabetic (TD). Diabetes was induced by alloxan (32 mg kg b.w.), single dose injection. The mean blood glucose of diabetic groups was 367 ± 40 mg/dl. Training program consisted in swimming 5 days/week, 1 h/day, 8 weeks, supporting a workload corresponding to 90% of maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). For the body balance testing rats were trained to traverse for 5 min daily for 5-7 days. All dependent variables were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and a significance level of p < 0.05 was used for all comparisons. Results: The body balance testing scores were different between groups. Insulin concentrations in cerebellum were not different between groups. Conclusion: It was concluded that in diabetic rats, aerobic training does not induce alterations on cerebellum insulin but induces important metabolic, hormonal and behavioral alterations which are associated with an improvement in glucose homeostasis, serum insulin concentrations and body balance. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Comparison of the lactate minimum speed and the maximal lactate steady state to determine aerobic capacity in purebred Arabian horses

AIM: To compare five different protocols for estimating the lactate minimum speed (LMS) with that for estimating the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in Arabian horses, in order to obtain a more rapid method for monitoring aerobic capacity and prescribing training schedules. METHODS: Eight purebred Arabian horses were conditioned to exercise on a treadmill for 12 days then submitted to three to five exercise sessions to determine the MLSS. Blood samples were collected from a jugular catheter at specific intervals for measurement of lactate concentrations. The MLSS was the velocity maintained during the last 20 minutes of constant submaximal exercise, at which the concentration of lactate increased by no more than 1.0 mmol/L. The LMS test protocols (P1 - P5) included a warm-up period followed by a high-intensity gallop. The speed was then reduced to 4 m/s, and the incremental portion of the test was initiated. In P1, P2, and P3, the velocity increment was 0.5 m/s, and the duration of each incremental stage was three, five and seven minutes, respectively. In P4 and P5, the velocity increments were 1.0 and 1.5 m/s, respectively, and the duration of the stages was fixed at five minutes each. A second-degree polynomial function was fitted to the lactate-velocity curve, and the velocity corresponding to the lowest concentration of lactate was the LMS. RESULTS: Only the mean LMS determined by P1 and P2 did not differ from the velocity determined by the MLSS test (p > 0.1). There was a strong correlation (r >0.6) between P1 and the MLSS velocity. A limits of agreement plot revealed that the best agreement occurred between the MLSS test and P1 (mean bias = 0.14 m/s), followed by P2 (bias = -0.22 m/s). The lactate concentrations associated with the various LMS protocols did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows the variation between protocols of the LMS test for determining the onset of blood lactate accumulation but also reveals that, at least for Arabian horses, the P1 protocol of the LMS has good agreement with the MLSS. © 2013 Copyright New Zealand Veterinary Association.

Effects of square-stepping exercise on cognitive functions of older people

Aim: Cognitive functions can decline with age, and interventions focusing on stimulating them may have positive results. Previous studies have shown that square-stepping exercise (SSE) has a good influence on balance, but this exercise also seems to promote cognitive stimulation. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyse the effect of 16 weeks of SSE on cognitive functions in non-demented community-dwelling older people. Methods: This was a longitudinal, non-randomized study. Forty-one older adults (60 years and older) were recruited, and 21 participated in the SSE group (practised only SSE sequences) and 20 were in the control group (continued with their activities of daily living). Both groups were evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Digit Span test, the Toulouse-Pierón Attention Test and the Modified Card Sorting Test. Results: The SSE group showed a significant improvement in global cognitive status, concentrated attention and mental flexibility after 16 weeks of the SSE intervention. Conclusion: Evidence shows that SSE is a physical activity that positively influences cognitive functions in non-demented older people. © 2013 Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.

Resistance training for explosive and maximal strength: Effects on early and late rate of force development

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Reducing the conservatism of LMI-based stabilisation conditions for TS fuzzy systems using fuzzy Lyapunov functions

In this article, the fuzzy Lyapunov function approach is considered for stabilising continuous-time Takagi-Sugeno fuzzy systems. Previous linear matrix inequality (LMI) stability conditions are relaxed by exploring further the properties of the time derivatives of premise membership functions and by introducing slack LMI variables into the problem formulation. The relaxation conditions given can also be used with a class of fuzzy Lyapunov functions which also depends on the membership function first-order time-derivative. The stability results are thus extended to systems with large number of rules under membership function order relations and used to design parallel-distributed compensation (PDC) fuzzy controllers which are also solved in terms of LMIs. Numerical examples illustrate the efficiency of the new stabilising conditions presented. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.