Sincronização dos ritmos de atividade motora e temperatura central à disponibilidade de glicose em ratos

Food is essential for the survival of all animals. Its temporal availability is an important enviromental cue for the behavioral and physiological organization throughout the 24 hours of day in different species. Rats and mice, for example, show increased locomotion in the hours before food availability when it is presented in a recurrent manner, a behavior named foodanticipatory activity. Several lines of evidence indicate that this anticipation is mediated by a circadian oscillator. In this work, based on the hypothesis that pre- or post-ingestive humoral signals are involved in the entrainment process, we tested whether the daily intake of glucose is sufficient to induce anticipatory activity in rats. The rhythms of motor activity and central temperature were recorded in animals undergoing 10 days of temporal glucose (solution at 50%) or chow restriction in light-dark (LD) and constant darkness (DD). Animals under temporal glucose restriction increase motor activity and and central temperature in the hours preceding glucose availability and such aticipation is extremely similar to that observed in animals under temporal chow restriction. Glucose ingestion is, therefore, a sufficient temporal cue to induce anticipation in rats. It is possible that the increase in plasma glucose after food ingestion constitutes one of the signals involved in the behavioral entrainment process to food availability

A new spin-2 self-dual model in D=2+1

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Dual descriptions of spin-two massive particles in D=2+1 via master actions

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Proposta de Intervenção para Auxiliar a Reabilitação Motora e Cognitiva de Pacientes com Acidente Vascular Cerebral

Stroke is the leading cause of combined motor and cognitive disability worldwide. The rehabilitation of stroke patients is mostly directed towards motor recovery through the training of the affected member under supervision of a Physical Therapist. In the present study we introduce a new approach for both cognitive and motor therapy, which relies on motor imagery of the upper limbs and working memory training. This therapy should be utilized as an adjuvant to physical therapy. Ten individuals (5 men and 5 women) were selected for the pilot study, all of them in the acute phase of the first ischemic stroke episode. The control group had 5 individuals who were submitted to physical therapy only, whilst the other 5 patients in the experimental group also performed the cognitive and motor training with a video game specially built for this study. Two patients left the experimental group before the end. Total training lasted for 9 weeks, 2 times a week, for half an hour. Patients reported they enjoyed playing the game, even though it required a lot of mental effort, according to them. Plus, they considered it had a beneficial influence in their activities of daily living. No side effects were reported. Preliminary results suggest there is a difference between groups in cognitive and upper limb motor evaluation following the intervention. It is important to notice that our conclusions are limited due the small sample number. Overall, this work is supported by other studies in literature focused in rehabilitation with motor imagery and working memory and indicate a continuity of the research, increasing total training hours

Influência da auto seleção à luz no ritmo circadiano de atividade motora em Callithrix Jacchus

Marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, are strictly diurnal animals. The motor activity rhythmicity is generated by the circadian timing system and is modulated by environmental factors, mainly by photic stimuli that compose the light-dark cycle. Photic stimuli can reset the biological oscilators changing activity motor pattern, by a mechanism called entrainment. Otherwise, light can act directly on expressed rhythm, without act on the biological oscillators, promoting the masking. Thus, photic stimuli can synchronize the circadian activity rhythm (CAR) by two distinct mechanisms, acting isolated or at a combined way. Among the elements that can influence photic synchronization, the duration and time of photic exposure is pointed out. If in the natural environment the marmoset can choose places of different intensity illumination and is synchronized to light-dark cycle (LD), how the photic synchronization mechanism can be evaluated in laboratory by light self-selection? With objective to response this question, four adult male marmosets were studied at two conditions: with and without sleeping box. The animals were submitted to a LD cycle (12:12/ 350:2 lx) and constant light (LL: 350 lx) conditions in individual cages with an opaque sleeping box, that permitted the light self-selection. At the room, the temperature was 25.6 ºC (± 0.3 ºC) and humidity was 78.7 (± 5%). The motor activity was recorded at 5 min bins by infrared movement sensors installed at the top of the cages. The motor activity profile was distinct at the two conditions: without the sleeping box protection against light, the activity frequency was higher at CT 11-12 (ANOVA; F(3.23) = 62.27; p < 0.01). Also, the duration of the active phase (α) was prolonged of about 1 h (t test, p < 0.05) and the animals showed a significant delay on the activity onset and offset (t test, p < 0.05) and at the acrophase (confidence intervals of 5%) of CAR. In LL, the light continuous exposure prolonged the active phase and influenced the endogenous expression of the circadian activity rhythm period. From the result analysis, it is concluded that the light self-selection can modify several parameters of CAR in marmosets, allowing the study of the synchronization mechanism using the burrow model. Thus, without sleeping box there was a phase delay between the CAR and LD (entrainment) and an increase of activity near lights off (positive masking). Furthermore, in LL, the light continuous exposure modifies α and the endogenous expression of CAR. It is suggested that the light self-selection might be take into account at investigations that evaluate the biological rhythmicity in marmosets

On the performance of a dual-mode non-linear vibration energy harvesting device

The research trend for harvesting energy from the ambient vibration sources has moved from using a linear resonant generator to a non-linear generator in order to improve on the performance of a linear generator; for example, the relatively small bandwidth, intolerance to mistune and the suitability of the device for low-frequency applications. This article presents experimental results to illustrate the dynamic behaviour of a dual-mode non-linear energy-harvesting device operating in hardening and bi-stable modes under harmonic excitation. The device is able to change from one mode to another by altering the negative magnetic stiffness by adjusting the separation gap between the magnets and the iron core. Results for the device operating in both modes are presented. They show that there is a larger bandwidth for the device operating in the hardening mode compared to the equivalent linear device. However, the maximum power transfer theory is less applicable for the hardening mode due to occurrence of the maximum power at different frequencies, which depends on the non-linearity and the damping in the system. The results for the bi-stable mode show that the device is insensitive to a range of excitation frequencies depending upon the input level, damping and non-linearity.

Função motora fina, sensorial e perceptiva de escolares com transtorno do déficit de atenção com hiperatividade

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar e comparar as funções motoras fina, sensorial e perceptiva de escolares com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade (TDAH) e escolares com bom desempenho escolar sem alterações de comportamento. MÉTODOS: Participaram 22 escolares do ensino fundamental, de gênero masculino, distribuídos em: GI - 11 escolares com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade; e GII - 11 escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico e sem alterações de comportamento. Os escolares foram submetidos à aplicação do Protocolo de Avaliação da Função Motora Fina, Sensorial e Perceptiva e da Escala de Disgrafia. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença nas tarefas de função motora fina, função sensorial e função perceptiva entre o GI e o GII, com desempenho inferior do GI. Todos os escolares de GI apresentaram disgrafia. CONCLUSÃO: Escolares com Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção com Hiperatividade apresentam desempenho inferior aos escolares com bom desempenho acadêmico em relação às funções motoras fina, sensorial e perceptiva. Tais dificuldades podem causar impacto significativo sobre o desempenho acadêmico, uma vez que comprometem o desenvolvimento da linguagem escrita, ocasionando disgrafia nesses escolares.

Alcohol use disorders in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: The importance of appropriate dual-diagnosis

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Urinary fluoride output in children following the use of a dual-fluoride varnish formulation

Objective: This study evaluated the bioavailability of fluoride after topical application of a dual-fluoride varnish commercially available in Brazil, when compared to Duraphat T. Material and methods: The urinary fluoride output was evaluated in seven 5-year-old children after application of the fluoride varnishes, in two different phases. In the first phase (I), children received topical application of the fluoride varnish Duofluorid XII (2.92% fluorine, calcium fluoride + 2.71% fluorine, sodium fluoride, FGM (TM)). After 1-month interval (phase II), the same amount (0.2 mL) of the fluoride varnish Duraphat (2.26% fluorine, sodium fluoride, Colgate T) was applied. Before each application all the volunteers brushed their teeth with placebo dentifrice for 7 days. Urinary collections were carried out 24 h prior up to 48 h after the applications. Fluoride intake from the diet was also estimated. Fluoride concentration in diet samples and urine was analyzed with the fluoride ion-specific electrode and a miniature calomel reference electrode coupled to a potentiometer. Data were tested by ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: There were significant differences in the urinary fluoride output between phases I and II. The use of Duofluorid XII did not significantly increase the urinary fluoride output, when compared to baseline levels. The application of Duraphat caused a transitory increase in the urinary fluoride output, returning to baseline levels 48 h after its use. Conclusions: The tested varnish formulation, which has been shown to be effective in in vitro studies, also can be considered safe.

Early Bone Healing and Biomechanical Fixation of Dual Acid-Etched and As-Machined Implants with Healing Chambers: An Experimental Study in Dogs

Purpose: To evaluate the biomechanical fixation, bone-to-implant contact (BIC), and bone morphology of screw-type root-form implants with healing chambers with as-machined or dual acid-etched (DAE) surfaces in a canine model. Materials and Methods: The animal model included the placement of machined (n = 24) and DAE (n = 24) implants along the proximal tibiae of six mongrel dogs, which remained in place for 2 or 4 weeks. Following euthanasia, half of the specimens were subjected to biomechanical testing (torque to interface failure) and the other half were processed for histomorphologic and histomorphometric (%BIC) assessments. Statistical analyses were performed by one-way analysis of variance at the 95% confidence level and the Tukey post hoc test for multiple comparisons. Results: At 4 weeks, the DAE surface presented significantly higher mean values for torque to interface failure overall. A significant increase in %BIC values occurred for both groups over time. For both groups, bone formation through the classic appositional healing pathway was observed in regions where intimate contact between the implant and the osteotomy walls occurred immediately after implantation. Where contact-free spaces existed after implantation (healing chambers), an intramembranous-like healing mode with newly formed woven bone prevailed. Conclusions: In the present short-term evaluation, no differences were observed in BIC between groups; however, an increase in biomechanical fixation was seen from 2 to 4 weeks with the DAE surface. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFAC IMPLANTS 2011;26:75-82

On a possible dual role for the lateral septal area 5-HT1A receptor system in the regulation of water intake and urinary excretion

The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)(1A) receptor system plays a prominent role in a variety of physiological functions and behavior and regulation of this responsiveness of the receptor system has been implicated in the central regulation of water intake and urinary excretion. The lateral septal area (LSA) exhibits a high density of 5-HT1A receptors, as well as a subpopulation of oxytocin (OT) receptors. Here we report the effects of pMPPF (a selective 5-HT1A antagonist), d(CH2)(5)[Tyr(Me)(2)Thr(4), Orn(5), Tyr(NH2)(9)]-vasotocin (an OT antagonist), and that 5-HT1A receptor system is regulated as a consequence of activation of the Na+ channel by veratridine. Cannulae were implanted into the LSA of rats to enable the introduction of the drugs. Injections of 8-OH-DPAT (a 5-HT1A agonist) blocked water intake and increased urinary excretion, while pMPPF or the OT antagonist injected bilaterally before 8-OH-DPAT blocked its inhibitory effect on water intake and its diuretic effect. In contrast, increases in extracellular sodium levels induced by the sodium channel modulator, veratridine, enhanced 5-HT1A responsiveness for water intake and reduced the diuretic effects induced by 8-OH-DPAT. These trials demonstrated that the responsiveness of the 5-HT1A receptor system in the LSA can be enhanced or depressed as a consequence of an induced rise in extracellular sodium. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Calculating the Best Dual Bound for Problems with Multiple Lagrangian Relaxations

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Bonding Efficacy of New Self-etching, Self-adhesive Dual-curing Resin Cements to Dental Enamel

Purpose: This study evaluated the efficacy of the union between two new self-etching self-adhesive resin cements and enamel using the microtensile bond strength test.Materials and Methods: Buccal enamel of 80 bovine teeth was submitted to finishing and polishing with metallographic paper to a refinement of #600, in order to obtain a 5-mm(2) flat area. Blocks (2 x 4 x 4 mm) of laboratory composite resin were cemented to enamel according to different protocols: (1) untreated enamel + RelyX Unicem cement (RX group); (2) untreated enamel + Bifix SE cement (BF group); (3) enamel acid etching and application of resin adhesive Single Bond + RelyX Unicem (RXA group); (4) enamel acid etching and application of resin adhesive Solobond M + Bifix SE (BFA group). After 7 days of storage in distillated water at 37 degrees C, the blocks were sectioned for obtaining microbar specimens with an adhesive area of 1 mm(2) (n = 120). Specimens were submitted to the microtensile bond strength test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The results (in MPa) were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tu key's test.Results: Enamel pre-treatment with phosphoric acid and resin adhesive (27.9 and 30.3 for RXA and BFA groups) significantly improved (p <= 0.05) the adhesion of both cements to enamel compared to the union achieved with as-polished enamel (9.9 and 6.0 for RX and BF).Conclusion: Enamel pre-treatment with acid etching and the application of resin adhesive significantly improved the bond efficacy of both luting agents compared to the union achieved with as-polished enamel.