Vascular complications of black patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Southern Brazil

Ethnicity has been shown to be associated with micro- and macrovascular complications of diabetes in European and North American populations. We analyzed the contribution of ethnicity to the prevalence of micro- and macrovascular complications in Brazilian subjects with type 2 diabetes attending the national public health system. Data from 1810 subjects with type 2 diabetes (1512 whites and 298 blacks) were analyzed cross-sectionally. The rates of ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, distal sensory neuropathy, and diabetic retinopathy were assessed according to self-reported ethnicity using multiple logistic regression models. Compared to whites, black subjects [odds ratio = 1.72 (95%CI = 1.14-2.6)] were more likely to have ischemic heart disease when data were adjusted for age, sex, fasting plasma glucose, HDL cholesterol, hypertension, smoking habit, and serum creatinine. Blacks were also more likely to have end-stage renal disease [3.2 (1.7-6.0)] and proliferative diabetic retinopathy [1.9 (1.1-3.2)] compared to whites when data were adjusted for age, sex, fasting plasma glucose, HDL cholesterol, hypertension, and smoking habit. The rates of peripheral vascular disease, stroke and distal sensory neuropathy did not differ between groups. The higher rates of ischemic heart disease, end-stage renal disease and proliferative diabetic retinopathy in black rather than in white Brazilians were not explained by differences in conventional risk factors. Identifying which aspects of ethnicity confer a higher risk for these complications in black patients is crucial in order to understand why such differences exist and to develop more effective strategies to reduce the onset and progression of these complications.

The effect of a low dose of clenbuterol on rat soleus muscle submitted to joint immobilization

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of joint immobilization on morphometric parameters and glycogen content of soleus muscle treated with clenbuterol. Male Wistar (3-4 months old) rats were divided into 4 groups (N = 6 for each group): control, clenbuterol, immobilized, and immobilized treated with clenbuterol. Immobilization was performed with acrylic resin orthoses and 10 ��g/kg body weight clenbuterol was administered subcutaneously for 7 days. The following parameters were measured the next day on soleus muscle: weight, glycogen content, cross-sectional area, and connective tissue content. The clenbuterol group showed an increase in glycogen (81.6%, 0.38 �� 0.09 vs 0.69 �� 0.06 mg/100 g; P < 0.05) without alteration in weight, cross-sectional area or connective tissue compared with the control group. The immobilized group showed a reduction in muscle weight (34.2%, 123.5 �� 5.3 vs 81.3 �� 4.6 mg; P < 0.05), glycogen content (31.6%, 0.38 �� 0.09 vs 0.26 �� 0.05 mg/100 mg; P < 0.05) and cross-sectional area (44.1%, 2574.9 �� 560.2 vs 1438.1 �� 352.2 ��m��; P < 0.05) and an increase in connective tissue (216.5%, 8.82 �� 3.55 vs 27.92 �� 5.36%; P < 0.05). However, the immobilized + clenbuterol group showed an increase in weight (15.9%; 81.3 �� 4.6 vs 94.2 �� 4.3 mg; P < 0.05), glycogen content (92.3%, 0.26 �� 0.05 vs 0.50 �� 0.17 mg/100 mg; P < 0.05), and cross-sectional area (19.9%, 1438.1 �� 352.2 vs 1724.8 �� 365.5 ��m��; P < 0.05) and a reduction in connective tissue (52.2%, 27.92 �� 5.36 vs 13.34 �� 6.86%; P < 0.05). Statistical analysis was performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and homoscedasticity tests. For the muscle weight and muscle glycogen content, two-way ANOVA and the Tukey test were used. For the cross-sectional area and connective tissue content, Kruskal-Wallis and Tukey tests were used. This study emphasizes the importance of anabolic pharmacological protection during immobilization to minimize skeletal muscle alterations resulting from disuse.

How auditory temporal processing deficits relate to dyslexia

Studies have shown that dyslexic children present a deficiency in the temporal processing of auditory stimuli applied in rapid succession. However, discussion continues concerning the way this deficiency can be influenced by temporal variables of auditory processing tests. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to analyze by auditory temporal processing tests the effect of temporal variables such as interstimulus intervals, stimulus duration and type of task on dyslexic children compared to a control group. Of the 60 children evaluated, 33 were dyslexic (mean age = 10.5 years) and 27 were normal controls (mean age = 10.8 years). Auditory processing tests assess the abilities of discrimination and ordering of stimuli in relation to their duration and frequency. Results showed a significant difference in the average accuracy of control and dyslexic groups considering each variable (interstimulus intervals: 47.9 �� 5.5 vs 37.18 �� 6.0; stimulus duration: 61.4 �� 7.6 vs 50.9 �� 9.0; type of task: 59.9 �� 7.9 vs 46.5 �� 9.0) and the dyslexic group demonstrated significantly lower performance in all situations. Moreover, there was an interactive effect between the group and the duration of stimulus variables for the frequency-pattern tests, with the dyslexic group demonstrating significantly lower results for short durations (53.4 �� 8.2 vs 48.4 �� 11.1), as opposed to no difference in performance for the control group (62.2 �� 7.1 vs 60.6 �� 7.9). These results support the hypothesis that associates dyslexia with auditory temporal processing, identifying the stimulus-duration variable as the only one that unequally influenced the performance of the two groups.

Flow rate, pH and calcium concentration of saliva of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Alterations in salivary parameters may increase the caries risk in diabetic children, but, contradictory data on this issue have been reported. The aims of this study were to compare salivary parameters (flow rate, pH and calcium concentration) between healthy and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) individuals. The sample consisted of 7- to 18-year-old individuals divided into two groups: 30 subjects with T1DM (group A) and 30 healthy control subjects (group B). Fasting glucose levels were determined. Unstimulated and stimulated saliva was collected. The pH of unstimulated saliva was measured with paper strips and an electrode. Calcium concentrations in stimulated saliva were determined with a selective electrode. Group A individuals had inadequate blood glucose control (HbA1C >9%), with means �� SD unstimulated salivary flow rate of 0.15 �� 0.1 mL/min compared to 0.36 �� 0.2 mL/min for group B (P < 0.01). Stimulated salivary flow rate was similar by both groups and above 2.0 mL/min. Saliva pH was 6.0 �� 0.8 for group A and significantly different from 7.0 �� 0.6 for group B (P < 0.01). Salivary calcium was 14.7 �� 8.1 mg/L for group A and significantly higher than 9.9 �� 6.4 mg/L for group B (P < 0.01). Except for elevated calcium concentrations in saliva, salivary parameters favoring caries such as low saliva pH and unstimulated salivary flow rate were observed in T1DM individuals.

Effects of chronic treadmill training on body mass gain and visceral fat accumulation in overfed rats

This study evaluated the effects of chronic treadmill training on body mass gain and visceral fat accumulation in overfed rats. Overfeeding was induced by reducing the litter size to 3 male pups per mother during the suckling period. The litter size of control rats was adjusted to 10 male pups per mother. Seven weeks after birth overfed and normally fed rats were selected and assigned to a sedentary protocol or to a low-intensity treadmill training protocol (60 min, 5 times/week, for 9 weeks). Four groups (overfed sedentary, N = 23; normally fed sedentary, N = 32; overfed exercised, N = 18, and normally fed exercised, N = 18) were evaluated at 18 weeks. Data are reported as means �� SEM. Initial body weight was similar in control and overfed rats [8.0 �� 0.2 g (N = 42) vs 8.0 �� 0.1 g (N = 50); P > 0.05] and body weight gain during the suckling period was higher in the overfed rats (30.6 �� 0.9 vs 23.1 �� 0.3 g; P < 0.05). Exercise attenuated the body weight gain of overfed compared to sedentary rats (505 �� 14 vs 537 �� 12 g; P < 0.05). The sedentary overfed rats showed higher visceral fat weight compared to normally fed animals (31.22 �� 2.08 vs 21.94 �� 1.76 g; P < 0.05). Exercise reduced visceral fat by 36.5% in normally fed rats and by 35.7% in overfed rats. Exercise attenuated obesity in overfed rats and induced an important reduction of visceral fat.

Gadolinium increases the vascular reactivity of rat aortic rings

Gadolinium (Gd) blocks intra- and extracellular ATP hydrolysis. We determined whether Gd affects vascular reactivity to contractile responses to phenylephrine (PHE) by blocking aortic ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase). Wistar rats of both sexes (260-300 g, 23 females, 7 males) were used. Experiments were performed before and after incubation of aortic rings with 3 ��M Gd. Concentration-response curves to PHE (0.1 nM to 0.1 mM) were obtained in the presence and absence of endothelium, after incubation with 100 ��M L-NAME, 10 ��M losartan, or 10 ��M enalaprilat. Gd significantly increased the maximum response (control: 72.3 �� 3.5; Gd: 101.3 �� 6.4%) and sensitivity (control: 6.6 �� 0.1; Gd: 10.5 �� 2.8%) to PHE. To investigate the blockade of E-NTDase activity by Gd, we added 1 mM ATP to the bath. ATP reduced smooth muscle tension and Gd increased its relaxing effect (control: -33.5 �� 4.1; Gd: -47.4 �� 4.1%). Endothelial damage abolished the effect of Gd on the contractile responses to PHE (control: 132.6 �� 8.6; Gd: 122.4 �� 7.1%). L-NAME + Gd in the presence of endothelium reduced PHE contractile responses (control/L-NAME: 151.1 �� 28.8; L-NAME + Gd: 67.9 �� 19% AUC). ATP hydrolysis was reduced after Gd administration, which led to ATP accumulation in the nutrient solution and reduced ADP concentration, while adenosine levels remained the same. Incubation with Gd plus losartan and enalaprilat eliminated the pressor effects of Gd. Gd increased vascular reactivity to PHE regardless of the reduction of E-NTPDase activity and adenosine production. Moreover, the increased reactivity to PHE promoted by Gd was endothelium-dependent, reducing NO bioavailability and involving an increased stimulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme and angiotensin II AT1 receptors.

Stability of relative oxygen pulse curve during repeated maximal cardiopulmonary testing in professional soccer players

During cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), stroke volume can be indirectly assessed by O2 pulse profile. However, for a valid interpretation, the stability of this variable over time should be known. The objective was to analyze the stability of the O2 pulse curve relative to body mass in elite athletes. VO2, heart rate (HR), and relative O2 pulse were compared at every 10% of the running time in two maximal CPETs, from 2005 to 2010, of 49 soccer players. Maximal values of VO2 (63.4 �� 0.9 vs 63.5 �� 0.9 mL O2&#8226;kg-1&#8226;min-1), HR (190 �� 1 vs188 �� 1 bpm) and relative O2 pulse (32.9 �� 0.6 vs 32.6 �� 0.6 mL O2&#8226;beat-1&#8226;kg-1) were similar for the two CPETs (P &gt; 0.05), while the final treadmill velocity increased from 18.5 �� 0.9 to 18.9 �� 1.0 km/h (P < 0.01). Relative O2 pulse increased linearly and similarly in both evaluations (r�� = 0.64 and 0.63) up to 90% of the running time. Between 90 and 100% of the running time, the values were less stable, with up to 50% of the players showing a tendency to a plateau in the relative O2 pulse. In young healthy men in good to excellent aerobic condition, the morphology of the relative O2 pulse curve is consistent up to close to the peak effort for a CPET repeated within a 1-year period. No increase in relative O2pulse at peak effort could represent a physiologic stroke volume limitation in these athletes.

Involvement of &#946;3-adrenergic receptors in the control of food intake in rats

This study examined the food intake changes evoked by intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of a selective agonist (BRL37344, 2 and 20 nmol) or antagonist (SR59230A, 10 and 50 nmol) of &#946;3-adrenergic receptors in 24-h fasted rats (adult male Wistar rats, 200-350 g, N = 6/treatment). The animals were also pretreated with saline icv (SAL) or SR59230A (50 nmol) followed by BRL37344 (20 nmol) or SAL in order to determine the selectivity of the effects evoked by BRL37344 on food intake or the selectivity of the effects evoked by SR59230A on risk assessment (RA) behavior. The highest dose of BRL37344 (N = 7) decreased food intake 1 h after the treatment (6.4 �� 0.5 g in SAL-treated vs 4.2 �� 0.8 g in drug-treated rats). While both doses of SR59230A failed to affect food intake (5.1 �� 1.1 g for 10 nmol and 6.0 �� 1.8 g for 50 nmol), this treatment reduced the RA frequency (number/30 min) (4 �� 2 for SAL-treated vs 1 �� 1 for 10 nmol and 0.5 �� 1 for 50 nmol SR59230A-treated rats), an ethological parameter related to anxiety. While pretreatment with SR59230A (7.0 �� 0.5 g) abolished the hypophagia induced by BRL37344 (3.6 �� 0.9 g), BRL37344 suppressed the reduction in RA frequency caused by SR59230A. These results show that the hypophagia caused by BRL37344 is selectively mediated by &#946;3-adrenergic receptors within the central nervous system. Moreover, they suggest the involvement of these receptors in the control of anxiety.

Glial cell activity is maintained during prolonged inflammatory challenge in rats

We evaluated the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), ionized calcium binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1), and ferritin in rats after single or repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, which is known to induce endotoxin tolerance and glial activation. Male Wistar rats (200-250 g) received ip injections of LPS (100 ��g/kg) or saline for 6 days: 6 saline (N = 5), 5 saline + 1 LPS (N = 6) and 6 LPS (N = 6). After the sixth injection, the rats were perfused and the brains were collected for immunohistochemistry. After a single LPS dose, the number of GFAP-positive cells increased in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC; 1 LPS: 35.6 �� 1.4 vs control: 23.1 �� 2.5) and hippocampus (1 LPS: 165.0 �� 3.0 vs control: 137.5 �� 2.5), and interestingly, 6 LPS injections further increased GFAP expression in these regions (ARC = 52.5 �� 4.3; hippocampus = 182.2 �� 4.1). We found a higher GS expression only in the hippocampus of the 6 LPS injections group (56.6 �� 0.8 vs 46.7 �� 1.9). Ferritin-positive cells increased similarly in the hippocampus of rats treated with a single (49.2 �� 1.7 vs 28.1 �� 1.9) or repeated (47.6 �� 1.1 vs 28.1 �� 1.9) LPS dose. Single LPS enhanced Iba-1 in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN: 92.8 �� 4.1 vs 65.2 �� 2.2) and hippocampus (99.4 �� 4.4 vs 73.8 �� 2.1), but had no effect in the retrochiasmatic nucleus (RCA) and ARC. Interestingly, 6 LPS increased the Iba-1 expression in these hypothalamic and hippocampal regions (RCA: 57.8 �� 4.6 vs 36.6 �� 2.2; ARC: 62.4 �� 6.0 vs 37.0 �� 2.2; PVN: 100.7 �� 4.4 vs 65.2 �� 2.2; hippocampus: 123.0 �� 3.8 vs 73.8 �� 2.1). The results suggest that repeated LPS treatment stimulates the expression of glial activation markers, protecting neuronal activity during prolonged inflammatory challenges.

Acute effects of resistance exercise and intermittent intense aerobic exercise on blood cell count and oxidative stress in trained middle-aged women

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of an intermittent intense aerobic exercise session and a resistance exercise session on blood cell counts and oxidative stress parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-four women were selected and divided into three groups: RE group (performing 60 min of resistance exercises, N = 12), spinning group (performing 60 min of spinning, N = 12), and control group (not exercising regularly, N = 10). In both exercise groups, lymphocytes and monocytes decreased after 1-h recuperation (post-exercise) compared to immediately after exercise (P < 0.05). Immediately after exercise, in both exercised groups, a significant increase in TBARS (from 16.5 �� 2 to 25 �� 2 for the spinning group and from 18.6 �� 1 to 28.2 �� 3 nmol MDA/mL serum for the RE group) and protein carbonyl (from 1.0 �� 0.3 to 1.6 �� 0.2 for the spinning group and from 0.9 �� 0.2 to 1.5 �� 0.2 nmol/mg protein for the RE group) was observed (P < 0.05). A decrease in antioxidant activities (non-protein sulfhydryl, superoxide dismutase, catalase) was also demonstrated with a negative correlation between damage markers and antioxidant body defenses (P < 0.05). These results indicate that an acute bout of intermittent or anaerobic exercise induces immune suppression and increases the production of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress in middle-aged and trained women. Furthermore, we demonstrated that trained women show improved antioxidant capacity and lower oxidative damage than sedentary ones, demonstrating the benefits of chronic regular physical activity.

Serum uric acid and disorders of glucose metabolism: the role of glycosuria

Hyperuricemia has been associated with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. We studied the association between hyperuricemia and glycemic status in a nonrandomized sample of primary care patients. This was a cross-sectional study of adults &#8805;20 years old who were members of a community-based health care program. Hyperuricemia was defined as a value >7.0 mg/dL for men and >6.0 mg/dL for women. The sample comprised 720 participants including controls (n=257) and patients who were hypertensive and euglycemic (n=118), prediabetic (n=222), or diabetic (n=123). The mean age was 42.4��12.5 years, 45% were male, and 30% were white. The prevalence of hyperuricemia increased from controls (3.9%) to euglycemic hypertension (7.6%) and prediabetic state (14.0%), with values in prediabetic patients being statistically different from controls. Overall, diabetic patients had an 11.4% prevalence of hyperuricemia, which was also statistically different from controls. Of note, diabetic subjects with glycosuria, who represented 24% of the diabetic participants, had a null prevalence of hyperuricemia, and statistically higher values for fractional excretion of uric acid, Na excretion index, and prevalence of microalbuminuria than those without glycosuria. Participants who were prediabetic or diabetic but without glycosuria had a similarly elevated prevalence of hyperuricemia. In contrast, diabetic patients with glycosuria had a null prevalence of hyperuricemia and excreted more uric acid and Na than diabetic subjects without glycosuria. The findings can be explained by enhanced proximal tubule reabsorption early in the course of dysglycemia that decreases with the ensuing glycosuria at the late stage of the disorder.

Effects of conventional vs high-dose rocuronium on the QTc interval during anesthesia induction and intubation in patients undergoing coronary artery surgery: a randomized, double-blind, parallel trial

Myocardial ischemia, as well as the induction agents used in anesthesia, may cause corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation. The objective of this randomized, double-blind trial was to determine the effects of high- vs conventional-dose bolus rocuronium on QTc duration and the incidence of dysrhythmias following anesthesia induction and intubation. Fifty patients about to undergo coronary artery surgery were randomly allocated to receive conventional-dose (0.6 mg/kg, group C, n=25) or high-dose (1.2 mg/kg, group H, n=25) rocuronium after induction with etomidate and fentanyl. QTc, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure were recorded before induction (T0), after induction (T1), after rocuronium (just before laryngoscopy; T2), 2 min after intubation (T3), and 5 min after intubation (T4). The occurrence of dysrhythmias was recorded. In both groups, QTc was significantly longer at T3 than at baseline [475 vs 429 ms in group C (P=0.001), and 459 vs 434 ms in group H (P=0.005)]. The incidence of dysrhythmias in group C (28%) and in group H (24%) was similar. The QTc after high-dose rocuronium was not significantly longer than after conventional-dose rocuronium in patients about to undergo coronary artery surgery who were induced with etomidate and fentanyl. In both groups, compared with baseline, QTc was most prolonged at 2 min after intubation, suggesting that QTc prolongation may be due to the nociceptive stimulus of intubation.

COMPOSI����O, PERFIL NITROGENADO E CARACTER��STICAS DO LEITE CAPRINO (SAANEN): REGI��O SUDESTE, BRASIL

Durante um ano, trabalhou-se com o leite de conjunto produzido por tr��s grupos distintos de cabras "Saanen", perfazendo um total vari��vel entre 44 e 56 animais em lacta����o e um total de 179 amostras analisadas, nas quais determinou-se a composi����o qu��mica, o perfil nitrogenado e as principais caracter��sticas f��sico-qu��micas. Para a composi����o geral, os valores determinados foram: 3,27% para prote��na total, 3,74% para gordura, 4,35% para lactose, 0,74% para cinzas e 88,49% para ��gua. O perfil nitrogenado distribuiu-se em: 3,27% para prote��na bruta (PB), 2,97% para prote��na verdadeira (TP), 2,43% para a fra����o case��nas (C), e 0,84% para as prote��nas do soro (PS), incluindo 0,30% para a fra����o nitrogenada n��o prot��ica (NNP). As caracter��sticas determinadas foram: 1,0324 para a densidade a 15��C, 6,65 para o pH a 25��C, 16,11��D para a acidez, 0,172 g% para o teor de cloretos, -0,574��H para o ponto de congelamento, 11,51% para s��lidos totais (ST), 7,77% para s��lidos desengordurados (SD), 12,45% para o extrato seco total (EST) calculado e 8,90% para o extrato seco desengordurado (ESD), tamb��m calculado.

PROPRIEDADES TERMOF��SICAS DE SOLU����ES MODELO SIMILARES A CREME DE LEITE

A demanda de creme de leite UHT tem aumentado significativamente. Diversas empresas diversificaram e aumentaram sua produ����o, visto que o consumidor, cada vez mais exigente, almeja cremes com ampla faixa de teor de gordura. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar a densidade, viscosidade aparente e difusividade t��rmica, de solu����es modelo similares a creme de leite, na faixa de temperatura de 30 a 70��C, estudando a influ��ncia do teor de gordura e da temperatura nas propriedades f��sicas dos produtos. O delineamento estat��stico aplicado foi o planejamento 3X5, usando n��veis de teor de gordura e temperatura fixos em 15%, 25% e 35%; 30��C, 40��C, 50��C, 60��C e 70��C, respectivamente (STATISTICA 6.0). Manteve-se constante a quantidade de carboidrato e de prote��na, ambos em 3%. A densidade foi determinada pelo m��todo de deslocamento de fluidos em picn��metro; a difusividade t��rmica com base no m��todo de Dickerson e a viscosidade aparente foi determinada em re��metro Rheotest 2.1. Os resultados de cada propriedade foram analisados atrav��s de m��todo de superf��cie de resposta. No caso destas propriedades, os dados obtidos apresentaram resultados significativos, indicando que o modelo representou de forma confi��vel a varia����o destas propriedades com a varia����o da gordura (%) e da temperatura (��C).

Folhas de alface lisa (Lactuca sativa) minimamente processadas armazenadas em atmosfera modificada: an��lises f��sicas, qu��micas e f��sico-qu��micas

Alfaces (Lactuca sativa) cv. lisa, ap��s sele����o e pr��-lavagem, foram lavadas com ��gua clorada a 5��C contendo 150ppm de cloro residual livre e pH ajustado para 6.0, enxag��adas e centrifugadas por 8 minutos a 2200rpm. Em seguida, foram acondicionadas em embalagens pl��sticas de nylon poli 5 camadas, sem e com atmosfera modificada (N2 contendo 20ppm de O2 e no m��ximo 20ppm umidade) e estocadas a 4��C. Durante 5 dias foram realizadas mensura����es de pH, concentra����o de s��lidos sol��veis (graus Brix) e an��lises de acidez (mL NaOH 0,1M/100g folhas de alface). Os produtos sofreram acidifica����o detect��vel pela diminui����o do pH em ambas as atmosferas. O incremento da acidez foi mostrado, sendo os registros maiores para as amostras controle (sem atmosfera modificada), e n��o ocorreram varia����es de graus Brix. Os resultados fizeram concluir que avan��os tecnol��gicos v��m sendo alcan��ados visando melhorar a qualidade e vida-de-prateleira do vegetal.