Nonadiabatic Coherent Evolution of Two-Level Systems under Spontaneous Decay

In this Letter we extend current perspectives in engineering reservoirs by producing a time-dependent master equation leading to a nonstationary superposition equilibrium state that can be nonadiabatically controlled by the system-reservoir parameters. Working with an ion trapped inside a nonideal cavity, we first engineer effective interactions, which allow us to achieve two classes of decoherence-free evolution of superpositions of the ground and excited ionic levels: those with a time-dependent azimuthal or polar angle. As an application, we generalize the purpose of an earlier study [Phys. Rev. Lett. 96, 150403 (2006)], showing how to observe the geometric phases acquired by the protected nonstationary states even under nonadiabatic evolution.

Heritability of cardiovascular risk factors in a Brazilian population: Baependi Heart Study

Background: The heritability of cardiovascular risk factors is expected to differ between populations because of the different distribution of environmental risk factors, as well as the genetic make-up of different human populations. Methods: The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate genetic and environmental influences on cardiovascular risk factor traits, using a variance component approach, by estimating the heritability of these traits in a sample of 1,666 individuals in 81 families ascertained randomly from a highly admixed population of a city in a rural area in Brazil. Results: Before adjustment for sex, age, age(2), and age x sex interaction, polygenic heritability of systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure were 15.0% and 16.4%, waist circumference 26.1%, triglycerides 25.7%, fasting glucose 32.8%, HDL-c 31.2%, total cholesterol 28.6%, LDL-c 26.3%, BMI 39.1%. Adjustment for covariates increased polygenic heritability estimates for all traits mainly systolic and diastolic blood pressure (25.9 and 26.2%, respectively), waist circumference (40.1%), and BMI (51.0%). Conclusion: Heritability estimates for cardiovascular traits in the Brazilian population are high and not significantly different from other studied worldwide populations. Mapping efforts to identify genetic loci associated with variability of these traits are warranted.

Non-Cardiac Surgery in Developing Countries: Epidemiological Aspects and Economical Opportunities - The Case of Brazil

Background: Worldwide distribution of surgical interventions is unequal. Developed countries account for the majority of surgeries and information about non-cardiac operations in developing countries is scarce. The purpose of our study was to describe the epidemiological data of non-cardiac surgeries performed in Brazil in the last years. Methods and Findings: This is a retrospective cohort study that investigated the time window from 1995 to 2007. We collected information from DATASUS, a national public health system database. The following variables were studied: number of surgeries, in-hospital expenses, blood transfusion related costs, length of stay and case fatality rates. The results were presented as sum, average and percentage. The trend analysis was performed by linear regression model. There were 32,659,513 non-cardiac surgeries performed in Brazil in thirteen years. An increment of 20.42% was observed in the number of surgeries in this period and nowadays nearly 3 million operations are performed annually. The cost of these procedures has increased tremendously in the last years. The increment of surgical cost was almost 200%. The total expenses related to surgical hospitalizations were more than $10 billion in all these years. The yearly cost of surgical procedures to public health system was more than $1.27 billion for all surgical hospitalizations, and in average, U$445.24 per surgical procedure. The total cost of blood transfusion was near $98 million in all years and annually approximately $10 million were spent in perioperative transfusion. The surgical mortality had an increment of 31.11% in the period. Actually, in 2007, the surgical mortality in Brazil was 1.77%. All the variables had a significant increment along the studied period: r square (r(2)) = 0.447 for the number of surgeries (P = 0.012), r(2) = 0.439 for in-hospital expenses (P = 0.014) and r(2) = 0.907 for surgical mortality (P = 0.0055). Conclusion: The volume of surgical procedures has increased substantially in Brazil through the past years. The expenditure related to these procedures and its mortality has also increased as the number of operations. Better planning of public health resource and strategies of investment are needed to supply the crescent demand of surgery in Brazil.

Knoop Microhardness and FT-Raman Spectroscopic Evaluation of a Resin-Based Dental Material Light-Cured by an Argon Ion Laser and Halogen Lamp: An in Vitro Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the Knoop microhardness (Knoop hardness number [KHN]) and the degree of conversion using FT-Raman spectroscopy of a light-cured microhybrid resin composite (Z350-3M-ESPE) Vita shade A3 photopolymerized with a halogen lamp or an argon ion laser. Background Data: Optimal polymerization of resin-based dental materials is important for longevity of restorations in dentistry. Materials and Methods: Thirty specimens were prepared and inserted into a disc-shaped polytetrafluoroethylene mold that was 2.0 mm thick and 3 mm in diameter. The specimens were divided into three groups (n = 10 each). Group 1 (G1) was light-cured for 20 sec with an Optilux 501 halogen light with an intensity of 1000 mW/cm(2). Group 2 (G2) was photopolymerized with an argon laser with a power of 150 mW for 10 sec, and group 3 (G3) was photopolymerized with an argon laser at 200 mW of power for 10 sec. All specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C and kept in lightproof containers. For the KHN test five indentations were made and a depth of 100 mu m was maintained in each specimen. One hundred and fifty readings were obtained using a 25-g load for 45 sec. The degree of conversion values were measured by Raman spectroscopy. KHN and degree of conversion values were obtained on opposite sides of the irradiated surface. KHN and degree of conversion data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The results of KHN testing were G1 = 37.428 +/- 4.765; G2 = 23.588 +/- 6.269; and G3 = 21.652 +/- 4.393. The calculated degrees of conversion (DC%) were G1 = 48.57 +/- 2.11; G2 = 43.71 +/- 3.93; and G3 = 44.19 +/- 2.71. Conclusions: Polymerization with the halogen lamp ( G1) attained higher microhardness values than polymerization with the argon laser at power levels of 150 and 200 mW; there was no difference in hardness between the two argon laser groups. The results showed no statistically significant different degrees of conversion for the polymerization of composite samples with the two light sources tested.

Determination of the geographical origin of Brazilian wines by isotope and mineral analysis

In the present research, we studied wines from three different south Brazilian winemaking regions with the purpose of differentiating them by geographical origin of the grapes. Brazil`s wide territory and climate diversity allow grape cultivation and winemaking in many regions of different and unique characteristics. The wine grape cultivation for winemaking concentrates in the South Region, mainly in the Serra GaA(0)cha, the mountain area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which is responsible for 90% of the domestic wine production. However, in recent years, two new production regions have developed: the Campanha, the plains to the south and the Serra do Sudeste, the hills to the southeast of the state. Analysis of isotopic ratios of (18)O/(16)O of wine water, (13)C/(12)C of ethanol, and of minerals were used to characterize wines from different regions. The isotope analysis of delta(18)O of wine water and minerals Mg and Rb were the most efficient to differentiate the regions. By using isotope and mineral analysis, and discrimination analysis, it was possible to classify the wines from south Brazil.

Radiossensitivity of two propagules of citrus

Studies have shown that the radiossensitivity in plants varies depending on the varieties and the propagules used in mutagenic treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiossensitivity of two types of propagules (buds and in vitro segments of epicotyl) in `Murcott` tangor, `Thomas` and `Fremont` mandarins and `Rangpur` lime (only in vitro segments of epicotyl) and to compare the gamma-rays sensitivity among propagules and among varieties. The following doses were used: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Gy of gamma-rays. The parameters shoot mortality and shoot height, for experiment of bud irradiation, and number of regenerated shoots per explant and percentage of responsive explants, for experiment of peicotyl segments irradiation were evaluated after 60 days. The mutagenic doses tested in buds caused significant reduction in shoot height of all varieties. In the experiment of irradiation of in vitro segments of epicotyl, only `Murcott` tangor and `Rangpur` lime showed significant reduction in the number of regenerated shoots per explant, due to the increase of mutagen doses. Results indicate that radiossensitivity of in vitro (segments of epicotyl) and in vivo (buds) propagules is variable depending on the variety. Also, in some cases the in vitro propagules are more sensitive, to irradiation and in other cases, there is no differential sensibility.

Effect of different resistance-training regimens on the WNT-signaling pathway

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of strength and power training on the expression of genes related to the canonical WNT pathway and beta-catenin protein levels in physically active men. Twenty-five subjects (27.4 +/- A 4.6 years) were balanced based on their relative maximum strength in the squat exercise (squat 1RM/body mass) and randomly assigned to strength training (ST) (n = 10), power training (PT) (n = 10), and control (C) (n = 5) groups. The ST and the PT groups performed high and low intensity squats, respectively, thrice a week, for 8 weeks. Muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle were collected before and after the training period. Relative strength and power increased similarly in both ST and PT groups (P < 0.001). Fiber cross-sectional area also increased similarly in both ST and PT groups. Gene expression and beta-catenin protein expression levels were assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. Certain genes were up-regulated in the ST group (WNT1: 6.4-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 3.3-fold, P < 0.0001 and LEF1: 7.3-fold, P < 0.0001) and also in the PT group (WNT1: 24.9-fold, P < 0.0001; SFRP1: 2.7-fold, P < 0.0001; LEF1: 34.1-fold, P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: 7.7-fold, P < 0.001). In addition, the expression of key WNT pathway genes was substantially more responsive to PT than to ST (WNT1: P < 0.0001; LEF1: P < 0.0001 and Cyclin D1: P < 0.001). Finally, the total beta-catenin protein content increased only in the PT group (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that a PT regimen triggers greater responses in key elements of the WNT pathway.

Expression of genes related to muscle plasticity after strength and power training regimens

The purpose of our study was to compare the effects of 8-week progressive strength and power training regimens on strength gains and muscle plasticity [muscle fiber hypertrophy and phenotype shift, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), regulatory-associated protein of mTOR (RAPTOR), rapamycin-insensitive companion of m-TOR (RICTOR), calcineurin and calcipressin gene expression]. Twenty-nine physically active subjects were divided into three groups: strength training (ST), power training (PT) and control (C). Squat 1 RM and muscle biopsies were obtained before and after the training period. Strength increased similarly for both ST and PT groups (P < 0.001). Fiber types I, IIa and IIb presented hypertrophy main time effect (P < 0.05). Only type IIb percentage decreased from pre- to post-test (main time effect, P < 0.05). mTOR and RICTOR mRNA expression increased similarly from pre- to post-test (P < 0.01). RAPTOR increased after training for both groups (P < 0.0001), but to a greater extent in the ST (P < 0.001) than in the PT group. 4EBP-1 decreased after training when the ST and PT groups were pooled (P < 0.05). Calcineurin levels did not change after training, while calcipressin increased similarly from pre- to post-test (P < 0.01). In conclusion, our data indicate that these training regimens produce similar performance improvements; however, there was a trend toward greater hypertrophy-related gene expression and muscle fiber hypertrophy in the ST group.

ACUTE EFFECT OF A BALLISTIC AND A STATIC STRETCHING EXERCISE BOUT ON FLEXIBILITY AND MAXIMAL STRENGTH

Bacurau, RFP, Monteiro, GA, Ugrinowitsch C, Tricoli, V, Cabral, LF, Aoki, MS. Acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching exercise bout on flexibility and maximal strength. J Strength Cond Res 23(1): 304-308, 2009-Different stretching techniques have been used during warm-up routines. However, these routines may decrease force production. The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effect of a ballistic and a static stretching protocol on lower-limb maximal strength. Fourteen physically active women (169.3 +/- 8.2 cm; 64.9 +/- 5.9 kg; 23.1 +/- 3.6 years) performed three experimental sessions: a control session (estimation of 45 degrees leg press one-repetition maximum [1RM]), a ballistic session (20 minutes of ballistic stretch and 45 degrees leg press 1RM), and a static session (20 minutes of static stretch and 45 degrees leg press 1RM). Maximal strength decreased after static stretching (213.2 +/- 36.1 to 184.6 +/- 28.9 kg), but it was unaffected by ballistic stretching (208.4 +/- 34.8 kg). In addition, static stretching exercises produce a greater acute improvement in flexibility compared with ballistic stretching exercises. Consequently, static stretching may not be recommended before athletic events or physical activities that require high levels of force. On the other hand, ballistic stretching could be more appropriate because it seems less likely to decrease maximal strength.

Use of Hyaluronidase to Prevent Perineal Trauma During Spontaneous Births: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-blind, Clinical Trial

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency and severity of perineal trauma during spontaneous birth with or without perineal injections of hyaluronidase (HAase). Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was conducted in a midwife-led, in-hospital birth center in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Primiparous women (N = 160) were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 80) or control (n = 80) group. During the second stage of labor, women in the experimental group received an injection of 20.000 turbidity-reducing units of HAase in the posterior region of the perineum, and those in the control group received a placebo injection. The assessment of perineal outcome was performed by 2 independent nurse-midwives. A 1-tailed Fisher exact test was performed, and a P value < .025 was considered statistically significant. Results: Perineal integrity occurred in 34.2% of the experimental group and in 32.5% of the control group, which was not a statistically significant difference (P = .477). First-degree laceration was the most common trauma in the posterior region of the perineum in women in both groups (experimental = 56%, control = 42.6%). Severe perineal trauma occurred in 28.9% of the experimental group and 38.8% of the control group, which also was not a statistically significant difference (P =. 131). The depth of second-degree perineal lacerations in the experimental and control groups, measured by the Peri-Rule, was 1.9 cm and 2.3 cm, respectively. An episiotomy was performed in 11 women (experimental group = 3, control group = 8), and 4 (all in control group) had third-degree lacerations. Discussion: The use of injectable HAase did not increase the proportion of intact perineum and did not reduce the proportion of severe perineal trauma in our sample. J Midwifery Womens Health 2011; 56: 436-445 (C) 2011 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.

Religiosity and Sexuality: Experiences of Brazilian Catholic Women

The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of a group of Catholic women related to the orientations received from priests and parents and their influence on sexual attitudes. The oral history method was used to interview 17 Catholic women. Three categories summarize women`s experiences: orientations about sexuality received from priests; lack of orientation or existence of open dialogue about sexuality: distinct experiences in the family context; adherence or repudiation; and distinct attitudes toward orientations received. Health professionals systematically should seek knowledge about women`s religious principles, because this is essential for meaningful and ethical health care.

The ethical component of professional competence in nursing: An analysis

The purpose of this article is to initiate a philosophical discussion about the ethical component of professional competence in nursing from the perspective of Brazilian nurses. Specifically, this article discusses professional competence in nursing practice in the Brazilian health context, based on two different conceptual frameworks. The first framework is derived from the idealistic and traditional approach while the second views professional competence through the lens of historical and dialectical materialism theory. The philosophical analyses show that the idealistic view of professional competence differs greatly from practice. Combining nursing professional competence with philosophical perspectives becomes a challenge when ideals are opposed by the reality and implications of everyday nursing practice.

Involvement of L-type calcium channel and SERCA2a in myocardial dysfunction induced by obesity

Obesity has been shown to impair myocardial performance. Nevertheless, the mechanisms underlying the participation of calcium (Ca(2+)) handling on cardiac dysfunction in obesity models remain unknown. L-type Ca(2+) channels and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a), may contribute to the cardiac dysfunction induced by obesity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether myocardial dysfunction in obese rats is related to decreased activity and/or expression of L-type Ca(2+) channels and SERCA2a. Male 30-day-old Wistar rats were fed standard (C) and alternately four palatable high-fat diets (Ob) for 15 weeks. Obesity was determined by adiposity index and comorbidities were evaluated. Myocardial function was evaluated in isolated left ventricle papillary muscles under basal conditions and after inotropic and lusitropic maneuvers. L-type Ca(2+) channels and SERCA2a activity were determined using specific blockers, while changes in the amount of channels were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Phospholamban (PLB) protein expression and the SERCA2a/PLB ratio were also determined. Compared with C rats, the Ob rats had increased body fat, adiposity index and several comorbidities. The Ob muscles developed similar baseline data, but myocardial responsiveness to post-rest contraction stimulus and increased extracellular Ca(2+) was compromised. The diltiazem promoted higher inhibition on developed tension in obese rats. In addition, there were no changes in the L-type Ca(2+) channel protein content and SERCA2a behavior (activity and expression). In conclusion, the myocardial dysfunction caused by obesity is related to L-type Ca(2+) channel activity impairment without significant changes in SERCA2a expression and function as well as L-type Ca(2+) protein levels. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2934-2942, 2011. (C) 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The effect of 5 days of aspartate and asparagine supplementation on glucose transport activity in rat muscle

The consumption of protein supplements containing amino acids is increasing around the world Aspartate (Asp) and asparagine (Asn) are amino acids metabolized by skeletal muscle. This metabolism involves biochemical pathways that are involved in increasing Krebs cycle activity via anaplerotic reactions. resulting in higher glutamine concentrations. A connection between amino acid supplementation, glycogen concentration, and glucose uptake has been previously demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of asp and Asn Supplementation on glucose uptake in rats using three different glycogen concentrations The results indicate that Asp and Asn supplementation in rats with high glycogen concentrations (fed state) further increased the glycogen concentration in the muscle, and decreased in vitro 2-deoxyglucose (a glucose analog.) uptake by the muscle at maximal insulin concentrations When animals had a medium glycogen concentration (consumed lard for 3 days). glucose uptake was higher in the supplemented group at sub-maximal insulin concentrations. We conclude that supplementation of Asp and Asn reduced glucose transport in rat muscle only at higher levels of glycogen. The ingestion of lard for 3 days changed the responsiveness and sensitivity to insulin, and that group had higher levels of insulin sensivity with Asp and Asn supplementation. Copyright (C) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Quantitative assessment of postural alignment in young adults based on photographs of anterior, posterior, and lateral views

Objective: Postural assessment through photography is a simple method that allows the acquisition of quantitative values to define the alignment of body segments. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the postural alignment of several body segments in standing through anterior, posterior, and lateral views. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 122 subjects were initially evaluated. Seven subjects were excluded from the study after cluster analysis. The final sample had 115 subjects, 75% women with a mean age of 26 + 7 years. Photographs were taken from anterior, posterior, and lateral views after placement of markers on specific anatomical points. Photographs were analyzed using free Postural Analysis Software/Software of Postural Analysis (PAS/SAPO). Quantitative values for postural analysis variables were ascertained for head, upper and lower limbs, and trunk, along with the frequency of inclinations to the left and to the right. Results: Regarding the head, 88% of the sample presented some inclination, 67% of which was to the right. There was a predominance of right inclination of the shoulder and pelvis in 68% and 43% of study subjects, respectively. Lower limbs presented mean alignment of 178 in the anterior view, and the trunk showed predominant right inclination in 66% of participants. Conclusion: Small asymmetries were observed in anterior and posterior views. This study suggests that there is no symmetry in postural alignment and that small asymmetries represent the normative standard for posture in standing. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2011;34:371-380)