Cardiac sympathetic-parasympathetic balance in rats with experimentally-induced acute chagasic myocarditis

To clarify the mechanism responsible for the transient sinus tachycardia in rats with acute chagasic myocarditis, we have examined the cardiac sympathetic-parasympathetic balance of 29 rats inoculated with 200,000 parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi). Sixteen infected animals and 8 controls were studied between days 18 and 21 after inoculation (acute stage). The remaining 13 infected animals and 9 controls were studied between days 60 and 70 after inoculation (sub-acute stage). Under anesthesia (urethane 1.25 g/kg), all animals received intravenous atenolol (5 mg/kg) and atropine (10 mg/kg). Acute stage: The baseline heart rate of the infected animals was significantly higher than that of the controls (P < 0.0001). The magnitude of the negative chronotropic response to atenolol was 4 times that of the controls (P < 0.00001). This response correlated with the baseline heart rate (r= - 0.72, P < 0.001). The heart rate responses to the beta-blocker and to atropine, of the infected animals studied during the sub-acute stage, were not different from controls. These findings suggest that cardiac sympathetic activity is transiently enhanced and cardiac parasympathetic activity is not impaired, in rats with acute chagasic myocarditis. The transient predominance of cardiac sympathetic activity could explain, in part, the sinus tachycardia observed in the acute stage of experimentally-induced chagasic myocarditis.

The application of Basel III in Portugal: previsions based on 2012 and 2013 banking balance-sheets

The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) introduced new regulations for banking supervision in December 2010, better known as Basel III recommendations that aimed at guaranteeing the solidity of banks worldwide and the mitigation of new banking crises risks. The European Union transposed these directives through the Credit Review Directives IV (CRD IV). Portugal adopted CRD IV by a new decree-law no. 157/2014, on 24 th October 2014, enforced from 24 th November 2014. While individual banks have been given the option of using the internal ratings based method, this study analyses the compliance levels of all Portuguese banking institutions using the standard method, also prescribed by BCBS. Our results show that out of thirteen banks on 31-12-2013 only five banks were in a comfortable position and the remaining eight could not reach the minimum requirements set up by BCBS for 1-1-2014.

Jerónimo José Nogueira de Andrade, militar e inventor português do séc. XVIII

pp. 189-197

Standing balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease during single and dual-task conditions

This study aimed to examine the differences in standing balance between individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) and subjects without PD (control group), under single and dual-task conditions. A cross-sectional study was designed using a non-probabilistic sample of 110 individuals (50 participants with PD and 60 controls) aged 50 years old and over. The individuals with PD were in the early or middle stages of the disease (characterized by Hoehn and Yahr as stages 1-3). The standing balance was assessed by measuring the centre of pressure (CoP) displacement in single-task (eyes-open/eyes-closed) and dual-task (while performing two different verbal fluency tasks). No significant differences were found between the groups regarding sociodemographic variables. In general, the standing balance of the individuals with PD was worse than the controls, as the CoP displacement across tasks was significantly higher for the individuals with PD (p<0.01), both in anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Moreover, there were significant differences in the CoP displacement based parameters between the conditions, mainly between the eyes-open condition and the remaining conditions. However, there was no significant interaction found between group and condition, which suggests that changes in the CoP displacement between tasks were not influenced by having PD. In conclusion, this study shows that, although individuals with PD had a worse overall standing balance than individuals without the disease, the impact of performing an additional task on the CoP displacement is similar for both groups.

Effects of dual-task training on balance and executive functions in Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of cognitive-motor dual-task training compared with single-task training on balance and executive functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Fifteen subjects, aged between 39 and 75 years old, were randomly assigned to the dual-task training group (n = 8) and single-task training group (n = 7). The training was run twice a week for 6 weeks. The single-task group received balance training and the dual-task group performed cognitive tasks simultaneously with the balance training. There were no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. After the intervention, the results for mediolateral sway with eyes closed were significantly better for the dual-task group and anteroposterior sway with eyes closed was significantly better for the single-task group. The results suggest superior outcomes for the dual-task training compared to the single-task training for static postural control, except in anteroposterior sway with eyes closed.

Focus on: II – physiological principles of acid-base balance: an integrative perspective

Normal human metabolism leads to the daily production of large amounts of volatile and non-volatile acids. The maintenance of the pH within physiological limits is a demanding task in which several mechanisms are involved. The most immediate answer comes from several physiological buffers that quickly neutralize pH deviations caused by the addition of strong acids or bases to the body. Bicarbonate/carbonic acid is the most important buffer pair of the extracellular milieu, but is chemically inefficient and depends on the continuous activity of the lung and kidney. Other physiological buffers have higher efficacy and are very important in the intracellular environment and renal tubules. The capacity of the various chemical buffers is kept by operating in an open system and by several controlling mechanisms. The lung is responsible for the elimination of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced in the body. In metabolic disorders, respiratory adjustment of the elimination of CO2 prolongs the effect of the bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer, but this process consumes bicarbonate. The kidney contributes to acid-base balance through several mechanisms: 1) controls the reabsorption of filtered bicarbonate; 2) regenerates bicarbonate consumed in buffer reactions; 3) eliminates non-volatile acids. Renal elimination of acid and bicarbonate regeneration is only possible due to the existence of several urinary buffers and to the ability of the kidneys to produce ammonia

Validação da Versão Portuguesa da "Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale"

Introdução: Muitos dos instrumentos disponíveis para a avaliação do equilíbrio, risco de queda e medo de cair medem apenas actividades simples no domicílio e apresentam tendência para um “efeito de tecto” em idosos residentes na comunidade. A “Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale” foi concebida para avaliar o equilíbrio de forma abrangente, num conjunto de actividades de vida diária associadas a um largo espectro de dificuldade. Objectivos: Traduzir para português e adaptar culturalmente para Portugal a “Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABS) Scale” e avaliar a sua fiabilidade. População e Métodos: Tradução e adaptação cultural do instrumento e subsequente aplicação a uma população idosa portuguesa, para determinação da sua fiabilidade inter-observador, fiabilidade intra-observador e consistência interna. Resultados: Os resultados foram muito homogéneos na grande maioria das comparações realizadas, quer intra-observador, quer inter-observador. A avaliação da consistência interna revelou valores muito elevados. Estes níveis de fiabilidade mantiveram-se mesmo removendo qualquer uma das 16 questões que compõem o questionário, mantendo-se praticamente constantes os valores registados com o questionário completo. Conclusões: A versão portuguesa da escala ABC demonstrou boa fiabilidade intra-observador, fiabilidade inter-observador e consistência interna na avaliação da auto-percepção do equilíbrio para diversas actividades de vida diária numa população idosa portuguesa. Outros trabalhos serão necessários para avaliar a utilidade desta escala na avaliação do risco de queda e do efeito de intervenções terapêuticas nesta população.

Portuguese banks and the economic adjustment programme: balance sheet adjustments and impact on profitability

Double Degree. A Work Project presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA – School of Business and Economics and a Masters Degree in Finance from Louvain School of Management

Isokinetic assessment of the flexor-extensor balance of the knee in athletes with total rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament

The purpose of this study was to assess the flexor-extensor group of muscles of the knee in young athletes diagnosed with a total rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Eighteen knees of 18 athletes (14 men and 4 women) with an average age of 21.6 years (range 16-32 years) were assessed with a Cybex 6000 model isokinetic apparatus. The average interval between occurrence of the injury and assessment was 10.2 months (range 2 - 48 months). There was an associated meniscal injury in eight of the knees. Athletes with any other kind of associated injury, limitation, or blockage of the movement of the joint, significant pain during the exam, or interval between injury and exam of less than two months were excluded from the study. The parameters studied were the peak torque-velocity and flexor-extensor relationships at the constant angular velocities of 60°/sec and 240°/sec. Previous warming-up was done by means of an ergometric bicycle and adaptation with 3 submaximal repetitions. The contra-lateral side, which presented no injury, was used as control. Peak torque (PT) at the constant velocity of 60°/sec was greater than that at 240°/sec for knees with and without injuries. However, there was no significant difference between the injured and uninjured sides at 60°/sec or at 240°/sec. The average value for the flexor-extensor relationship at 60°/sec on the injured was 60% (( 6), compared to 57% (( 10) on the contra-lateral side. At 240°/sec, the average value was 75% ((10) on the injured side, and 65% ((12) on the contra-lateral side. In conclusion, despite the complete rupture of the ACL of one knee, the average values for the flexor-extensor relationship were similar on the injured and uninjured sides at the velocity of 60°/sec. As the velocity increased, an increase in the values for the flexor-extensor relationship of the knee also occurred, indicating a tendency of the performance of the flexor muscle group to approach that of the extensor muscle group, and this tendency was more pronounced on the side of the injury.

Evaluating balance, stability and gait symmetry of stroke patients using kinematic and dynamic gait lab data

Dissertação de mestrado integrado em Engenharia Biomédica

Regionalización provincial y asociativismo intermunicipal en Córdoba (2005-2007): balance y recomendaciones

A partir de un amplio acuerdo entre los gobiernos locales de todos los partidos políticos y el gobierno provincial, el 22 de diciembre de 2004, la Legislatura de Córdoba sancionó la Ley orgánica de regionalización provincial Nº 9206. Con el desarrollo como fin, la Ley Nº 9206 supuso dos innovaciones trascendentes: por una parte, la creación de 26 nuevas regiones a razón de una por cada departamento existente y, por la otra, el reconocimiento de Comunidades Regionales a integrarse por decisión autónoma de los municipios y comunas (gobernadas por los Intendentes municipales y Presidentes comunales de cada región). En el 2005, se integraron 212 municipios y 152 comunas (es decir el 85% del total provincial) en 23 Comunidades Regionales que, además, acordaron sus prioridades de gestión regional y un Indicador de Desarrollo Regional, mediante la asistencia técnica del Programa de Fortalecimiento Institucional de Municipios (PROFIM) de la UCC. Sobre esas bases, en el 2006; las universidades cordobesas (mediante convenios con el Gobierno provincial) asesoraron a 17 Comunidades Regionales en el diseño de políticas de desarrollo. Esta investigación problematiza la regionalización en Córdoba, analizando críticamente sus avances y demoras, desde su puesta en marcha (diciembre de 2004) hasta el recambio de autoridades (diciembre de 2007) con el propósito de recomendar correcciones.

A nutrient balance model for typical Irish farming systems

The twin objectives of the work described were to construct nutrient balance models (NBM) for a range of Irish animal production systems and to evaluate their potential as a means of estimating the nutrient composition of farm wastes. The NBM has three components. The first is the intake of nutrients in the animal's diet. The second is retention or the nutrients the animal retains for the production of milk, meat or eggs. The third is the balance or the difference between the nutrient intake and retention. Data on the intake levels and their nutrient value for dairy cows, beef cattle, pigs and poultry systems were assembled. Literature searches and interviews with National experts were the primary sources of information. NBMs were then constructed for each production system. Summary tables of the nutrient values for the common diet constituents used in Irish animal production systems, the nutrient composition of the animal products and the NBMs (nutrient intake, retention and excretion) for a range of production systems were assembled. These represent the first comprehensive data set of this type for Irish animal production systems. There was generally good agreement between the derived NBMs values and those published in the literature. The NBMs were validated on a number of farms. Data on animal numbers, fertiliser use, concentrates inputs and production output were recorded on seven farms. Using the data a nutrient input/output balance was constructed for each farm. This was compared with the NBM estimate of the farm nutrient balance. The results showed good agreement between the measured balance and the NBM estimate particularly for the pig and poultry farms. However, the validation emphasised the inherent risks associated with NBMs. The average values used for feed intake and production parameters in the NEMs may result in the under or over estimate of actual nutrient balances on individual farms where these variables are substantially different. On the grassland farms there was a poor correlation between the input/output estimate and the NBM. This possibly results from the omission of the soil's contribution to the nutrient balance. However, the results indicate that the NBMs developed are a potentially useful tool for estimating nutrient balances. They also will serve to highlight the significant fraction of the nutrient inputs into farming systems that are retained on the farm. The potential of the NBM as a means of estimating the nutrient composition of farm wastes was evaluated on two farms. Feed intake and composition, animal production, slurry production was monitored during the indoor winter feeding period. Slurry samples were taken for analysis. The appropriates NBMs were used to estimate the nutrient balance for each farm. The nutrient content of the slurry produced was calculated. There was a good agreement between the NBM estimate and the measured values. This preliminary evaluation suggests that the NBM has a potential to provide the farmer with a simple means of estimating the nutrient value of his slurry.

Stabilized finite element methods applied to transient convection-diffusion-reaction and population balance equations

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. für Mathematik, Diss., 2011

Numerical approximations of population balance equations in particulate systems

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. für Mathematik, Diss., 2006

Simulations for modelling of population balance equations of particulate processes using the discrete particle model (DPM)

Magdeburg, Univ., Fak. für Mathematik, Diss., 2009