Electromyographic fatigue threshold of erector spinae muscle induced by a muscular endurance test in health men

Purpose: To identify the electromyographic fatigue threshold in the erector spinae muscle. Methods: Eight 19 to 24-year-old male volunteers participated in this study, in which surface electrodes were used, as well as a biological signals acquisition module (Lynx) with a sampling frequency of 1000Hz, a 1000 times gain, a 20Hz high pass filter and a 500Hz low pass filter. The test consisted of repeated isometric contractions of the erector spinae muscle in a 45° hip flexion posture, with 30%, 40%, 50% and 60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Results: A positive correlation of the RMS (root mean square) value as a function of time was found for most of the subjects with 40% (N = 6), 50% (N = 7) and 60% (N = 8) loads of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Conclusions: It was concluded, from this study, that the proposed protocol provides evidence, through the electromyographic signal, of the development of fatigue in the erector spinae muscle with loads of 40%, 50% and 60% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. The protocol also allows the electromyographic fatigue threshold and its probable applicability in the diagnosis of this phenomenon during repetitive activities to be determined.

Characterization of bornite (Cu5FeS4) electrodes in the presence of the bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Bornite electrodes were characterized in the absence or in the presence of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, which is an important microorganism involved in metal bioleaching processes. The presence of the bacterium modified the mineral/electrolyte interface, increasing the corrosion rate, as revealed by interferometric, AEM, ICP and EIS analyses. As a consequence of bacterial activity the electrode became porous, increasing its surface heterogeneity. This behavior was correlated with the evolution of impedance diagrams obtained during the time course of experiments. The main difference in these diagrams was the presence of an inductive feature (up to 44 h), which was related to bacterial action on the mineral dissolution, better than to its adhesion on the bornite. The total real impedance measured in presence of the bacterium was about 10 times lower than in its absence, due to the acceleration of the mineral dissolution, because an oxidant environment was maintained.

Immunocytochemical study of Ki-67 as a prognostic marker in canine mammary neoplasia

Background: Canine mammary tumors are challenging for clinicians and pathologists because of complex histologic classification, low specificity of cytologic diagnosis, and unpredictable biological behavior. In histologic specimens, expression of tumor proliferation marker Ki-67, a nuclear nonhistone protein, has been shown to have prognostic value for canine mammary tumors and to correlate with malignancy and low survival rates. Objective: The objective of this study was to measure the proliferation index of canine mammary tumors by immunochemical detection of Ki-67 in cytologic specimens and to determine its relationship to clinical and pathologic variables and patient outcome. Methods: Spontaneous mammary tumors from 31 female dogs were surgically excised. Imprint specimens for cytologic evaluation were wet-fixed in ethanol; histologic specimens were prepared routinely. Immunostaining was performed with the PH 177 monoclonal antibody against Ki-67; proliferation index was graded from negative to +++. Dogs were followed for 18 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine correlations between immunocytochemical results, tumor and clinical variables, and patient outcome. Results: Ki-67 proliferation indices in cytologic specimens were significantly lower for nonmalignant tumors than for malignant tumors. High index values of Ki-67 were positively correlated with metastasis, death from neoplasia, low disease-free survival rates, and low overall survival rate. With the exception of 4 specimens for which cellularity was insufficient, positive expression of Ki-67 in cytologic specimens correlated with that of histologic specimens. Conclusions: The prognostic value of the Ki-67 index in canine mammary tumors by using wet-fixed cytology imprint specimens was similar to that observed previously for histologic specimens. Immunocytochemical detection of Ki-67 could improve the accuracy and value of cytology by providing safe and rapid information about malignancy and patient outcome. © 2004 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

Comportamento do cafeeiro apoatã em consórcio com culturas anuais

This study was conducted in Adamantina, region of Alta Paulista, São Paulo State, Brazil, from 1989 to 1993. Yield of Apoatã coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex Froehner) was evaluated during four years of intercropping with five plant species: IAC 20 - cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.); cv. Tatu - peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.); IAC 165 - rice (Oryza sativa L.); cv. Guarani - castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) and IAC 100-B - corn (Zea mays L.). The crops were seeded 50 cm apart from coffee canopy. The treatments were arranged in randomized complete block design with five replications. Yield was significantly decreased when coffee was intercropped with castor bean, corn, cotton and peanut, but height and diameter of orthotropic branches were not affected. Linear correlation analysis showed that coffee yield was inversely correlated with the dry biomass of the intercrops.

GSTT1, GSTM1 and CYP2E1 genetic polymorphisms in gastric cancer and chronic gastritis in a Brazilian population

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Use of the internal standardization for difficult sampling by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This work shows the potentiality of As as internal standard to compensate errors from sampling of sparkling drinking water samples in the determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The mixture Pd(NO 3) 2/Mg(NO 3) 2 was used as chemical modifier. All samples and reference solutions were automatically spiked with 500 μg l -1 As and 0.2% (v/v) HNO 3 by the autosampler, eliminating the need for manual dilutions. For 10 μl dispensed sample into the graphite tube, a good correlation (r=0.9996) was obtained between the ratio of analyte absorbance by the internal standard absorbance and the analyte concentrations. The relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of measurements varied from 0.05 to 2% and from 1.9 to 5% (n=12) with and without internal standardization, respectively. The limit of detection (LD) based on integrated absorbance was 3.0 μg l -1 Se. Recoveries in the 94-109% range for Se spiked samples were obtained. Internal standardization (IS) improved the repeatability of measurements and increased the lifetime of the graphite tube in ca. 15%. © 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental peri-implant tissue breakdown around different dental implant surfaces: Clinical and radiographic evaluation in dogs

Purpose: Tissue reactions to 4 different implant surfaces were evaluated in regard to the development and progression of ligature-induced peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: In 6 male mongrel dogs, a total of 36 dental implants with different surfaces (9 titanium plasma-sprayed, 9 hydroxyapatite-coated, 9 acid-etched, and 9 commercially pure titanium) were placed 3 months after mandibular premolar extraction. After 3 months with optimal plaque control, abutment connection was performed. Forty-five days later, cotton ligatures were placed around the implants to induce peri-implantitis. At baseline and 20, 40, and 60 days after placement, the presence of plaque, peri-implant mucosal redness, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, mobility, vertical bone loss, and horizontal bone loss were assessed. Results: The results did not show significant differences among the surfaces for any parameter during the study (P > .05). All surfaces were equally susceptible to ligature-induced peri-implantitis over time (P < .001). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between width of keratinized tissue and vertical bone loss (r 2 = 0.81; P = .014) and between mobility and vertical bone loss (r 2 = 0.66; P = .04), both for the titanium plasma-sprayed surface. Discussion and Conclusions: The present data suggest that all surfaces were equally susceptible to experimental peri-implantitis after a 60-day period.

Potencial cognitivo P300 em indivíduos com diabetes mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus may lead to alterations in the eyes, kidneys, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, ears etc. The cognitive function, also, seems to be compromised in subjects presented with Diabetes Mellitus, since the cortical and subcortical structures responsible for this function are hindered in some insulin-dependent patients. The cognitive potential P300 has been used as an objective procedure to assess cerebral cognitive functions. Objective: Analyze the sensitivity of P300 cognitive potential for the detection of alterations on the auditory cortex secondary to Diabetes Mellitus. Study design: transversal cohort. Material and Method: Sixteen diabetic subjects of both genders aged 7 to 71 years, and seventeen non-diabetic individuals at the same age range participated in this study, the evaluation procedures were pure tone audiometry (PTA) and P300 cognitive potential. Glycemia of the group presented with Diabetes was assessed prior to applying the P300. Results: No statistically significant difference was shown for the PTA results. A statically significant difference was observed between groups when analyzing the latency of the P300 component measured in Fz. there was a correlation between glycemia and the latency and amplitude of P300. Conclusion: The investigation of the cognitive potential of P300 is an important procedure for the prevention and early diagnosis of neurological changes in individuals presented with Diabetes Mellitus.

O limiar de esforço percebido (LEP) corresponde à potência crítica e a um indicador de máximo estado estável de consumo de oxigěnio

The perceived exertion has been a target of several investigations, many times with association with objective physiological indicators in exercise. Recently, the identification of the perceived exertion threshold (PET) was proposed in the water running, which presented no difference in relation to the critical velocity. Theoretically, both parameters would be indicators of the maximum steady state of variables such as V̇O2 and blood lactate. The objective of this work was to verify the coincidence between PET, critical power (PCrit) and an indicator of maximum V̇O2 steady state (PCrit') in cycle ergometer. Eight male participants were submitted to progressive effort test in order to determine V̇O2peak (46.7 ± 8.5 ml/kg/min) and to four rectangular tests until exhaustion for the estimation of the critical power model parameters, PET and PCrit'. The hyperbolic relation between mechanical power and time spent for the V̇O2peak to be reached in each test was used for the PCrit' estimation, considered as the asymptote in the power axis, and the portion of the anaerobic work capacity (CTAnaer) depleted up to the establishment of the V̇O2peak (CTAnaer'). In order to identify PET, the straight lines angular coefficients of the perceived exertion in time (ordinate) and the powers used (abscissa) were adjusted to a linear function that provided a point in the power axis in which the perceived exertion would be kept indefinitely stable. The parameters PCrit and CTAnaer were estimated by means of the power-time non-linear equation. In order to compare the estimations of PET, PCrit and PCrit', the analysis of variance ANOVA for repeated measurements was employed, and the associations were established through the Pearson correlation. CTAnaer and CTAnaer' were compared through the t test. PET (180 W ± 61 W), PCrit (174 W ± 43 W) and PCrit' (176 W ± 48 W) were not significantly different and the correlations were of 0.92-0.98. CTAnaer' (14,080 ± 5,219 J) was lower than CTAnaer (22,093 ± 9,042 J). One concludes that the PET predicts the intensity of PCrit and PCrit' with accuracy.

The relationship between onset of blood lactate accumulation, critical velocity, and maximal lactate steady state in soccer players

The objective of this study was to analyze the validity of the velocity corresponding to the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA) and critical velocity (CV) to determine the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) in soccer players. Twelve male soccer players (21.5 ± 1.0 years) performed an incremental treadmill test for the determination of OBLA. The velocity corresponding to OBLA (3.5 mM of blood lactate) was determined through linear interpolation. The subjects returned to the laboratory on 7 occasions for the determination of MLSS and CV. The MLSS was determined from 5 treadmill runs of up to 30-minute duration and defined as the highest velocity at which blood lactate did not increase by more than 1 mM between minutes 10 and 30 of the constant velocity runs. The CV was determined by 2 maximal running efforts of 1,500 and 3,000 m performed on a 400-m running track. The CV was calculated as the slope of the linear regression of distance run versus time. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences between OBLA (13.6 ± 1.4 km·h-1) and MLSS (13.1 ± 1.2 km·h-1) and between OBLA and CV (14.4 ± 1.1 km·h-1). The CV was significantly higher than the MLSS. There was a significant correlation between MLSS and OBLA (r = 0.80), MLSS and CV (r = 0.90), and OBLA and CV (r = 0.80). We can conclude that the OBLA can be utilized in soccer players to estimate the MLSS. In this group of athletes, however, CV does not represent a sustainable steady-state exercise intensity. © 2005 National Strength & Conditioning Association.

Lack of inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion induced by cimetidine

The dopaminergic, serotoninergic and GABA-ergic systems are closely involved in PRL secretion, as well as thyrotropin-releasing hormone. There is some evidence that zinc interacts with some of these neuroamines and neuropeptides. The histamine H2-receptor cimetidine stimulates PRL secretion rapidly following an intravenous injection in man. In this sense, we investigated probable inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion following cimetidine injection (300 mg). Therefore, we studied five healthy adult men, before and after oral zinc administration (25 mg elemental zinc) during three consecutive months. The results did not demonstrate any inhibitory effect of zinc on prolactin secretion. So, we originally concluded that zinc did not interact with dopamine, serotonine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and the thyrotropin-releasing hormone in humans. In addition, the intravenous administration of cimetidine did not change the serum zinc profile. © 2005 Dustri-Vertag Dr. K. Feistle.

Importância da linha de base pré-exposição das colinesterases (ChEs) no controle ocupacional a praguicidas organofosforados e carbamatos

The most immediate toxic effects of a poisoning for organophosphate or carbamate are promoted by inhibition of cholinesterases (ChEs). However, a serious limitation to the diagnosis of mild organophosphate or carbamate poisoning and to preventive screening of organophosphate-exposed workers has been the large interindividual variability in ChEs activity. This makes it necessary to obtain a pre-exposure baseline measurement of enzyme activity as a basis for evaluating subsequent declines. Thus, the objective of this work is demonstrate the value of the pre-exposure baseline in the interpretation of the results of the ChEs activity of the carbamate or organophosphate-exposed workers. Using Nabb & Whitfield (1967) method to analyze blood of 48 workers the results have shown a erythrocyte cholinesterase range of 10.1 to 19.7 μmol/min/mL and plasm cholinesterase range of 2.2 to 6.9 μmol/min/mL. Despite the large interindividual variation presented, when one used the pre-exposure baseline it was possible to correlate symptoms of light poisoning of the exposure workers to carbamate with fall in the Er-ChE activity lesser then 30% of the pre-exposure baseline activity.

The β-chemokines MIP-1α and RANTES and lipoprotein metabolism in HIV-infected Brazilian patients

HIV patients are predisposed to the development of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia as a result of both viral infection and HIV infection therapy, especially the protease inhibitors. Chemokines and cytokines are present at sites of inflammation and can influence the nature of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis. We investigated the correlation between biochemical variables and β-chemokines (MIP-1α and RANTES) and the apolipoprotein E genotype in HIV-infected individuals. The apolipoproteins were measured by nephelometry. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by standard enzymatic procedures. The β-chemokines were detected by ELISA. The genetic category of CCR5 and apolipoprotein E were determined by PCR amplification and restriction enzymes. Immunological and virological profiles were assessed by TCD4 + and TCD8 + lymphocyte counts and viral load quantification. Positive correlations were found between apo E and CD8 + (p = 0.035), apo E and viral load (p = 0.018), MIP-1α and triglycerides (p = 0.039) and MIP-1α and VLDL (p = 0.040). Negative correlations were found between viral load and CD4 + (p = 0.05) and RANTES and CD4 + (p = 0.029). The β-chemokine levels may influence lipid metabolism in HIV-infected individuals. © 2005 by The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Contexto Publishing. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates for the serodiagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus)

Use of serological tests in the diagnosis of infectious diseases in wild animals has several limitations, primarily the difficulty of obtaining species-specific reagents. Wild canids, such as maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), are highly predisposed to infection by Toxoplasma gondii and, to a lesser extent, to Neospora caninum. The aim of the present study was to evaluate homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFATs) for detecting immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum in maned wolves. Serum samples were obtained from 59 captive animals in Brazil and tested by ELISA for T. gondii serology and IFAT for N. caninum serology using 3 different enzymatic and fluorescent conjugates: homologous (guinea pig anti-maned wolf IgG-peroxidase and -fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]), heterologous (rabbit anti-dog IgG-peroxidase and -FITC), and affinity (protein A-peroxidase and -FITC). Seropositivity to T. gondii was comparable among the homologous (69.5%), heterologous (74.6%), and affinity (71.2%) enzymatic conjugates. A significant positive correlation was found between the antibody levels determined by the 3 enzymatic conjugates. The highest mean antibody levels (ELISA index = 4.5) were observed with the protein A-peroxidase conjugate. The same seropositivity to N. caninum (8.5%) was found with the homologous and heterologous fluorescent conjugates, but protein A-FITC was not able to detect or confirm any positive samples with homologous or heterologous conjugates. Our results demonstrate that homologous, heterologous, and affinity conjugates might be used in ELISA for serological assays of T. gondii in wild canids, whereas for N. caninum infection, only the homologous or heterologous fluorescent conjugates have been shown to be useful. © American Society of Parasitologists 2005.

Length structure of fishes from a protected area in the State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

The aim of this work was to study the length distribution of some fish species from the Protected Area of São Pedro and Analândia, State of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil. Length distributions were correlated to environmental conditions at each sample site. For the most abundant species, length structure was compared among the streams of each basin and between basins. Differences in length structure were related to differences in growth, habitats, and even population.