Muscular activity and fatigue in lower-limb and trunk muscles during different sit-to-stand tests

Sit-to-stand (STS) tests measure the ability to get up from a chair, reproducing an important component of daily living activity. As this functional task is essential for human independence, STS performance has been studied in the past decades using several methods, including electromyography. The aim of this study was to measure muscular activity and fatigue during different repetitions and speeds of STS tasks using surface electromyography in lower-limb and trunk muscles. This cross-sectional study recruited 30 healthy young adults. Average muscle activation, percentage of maximum voluntary contraction, muscle involvement in motion and fatigue were measured using surface electrodes placed on the medial gastrocnemius (MG), biceps femoris (BF), vastus medialis of the quadriceps (QM), the abdominal rectus (AR), erector spinae (ES), rectus femoris (RF), soleus (SO) and the tibialis anterior (TA). Five-repetition STS, 10-repetition STS and 30-second STS variants were performed. MG, BF, QM, ES and RF muscles showed differences in muscle activation, while QM, AR and ES muscles showed significant differences in MVC percentage. Also, significant differences in fatigue were found in QM muscle between different STS tests. There was no statistically significant fatigue in the BF, MG and SO muscles of the leg although there appeared to be a trend of increasing fatigue. These results could be useful in describing the functional movements of the STS test used in rehabilitation programs, notwithstanding that they were measured in healthy young subjects.

Interactions and turnover of the muscular dystrophy protein myotilin

The striated muscle sarcomere is a force generating and transducing unit as well as an important sensor of extracellular cues and a coordinator of cellular signals. The borders of individual sarcomeres are formed by the Z-disks. The Z-disk component myotilin interacts with Z-disk core structural proteins and with regulators of signaling cascades. Missense mutations in the gene encoding myotilin cause dominantly inherited muscle disorders, myotilinopathies, by an unknown mechanism. In this thesis the functions of myotilin were further characterized to clarify the molecular biological basis and the pathogenetic mechanisms of inherited muscle disorders, mainly caused by mutated myotilin. Myotilin has an important function in the assembly and maintenance of the Z-disks probably through its actin-organizing properties. Our results show that the Ig-domains of myotilin are needed for both binding and bundling actin and define the Ig domains as actin-binding modules. The disease-causing mutations appear not to change the interplay between actin and myotilin. Interactions between Z-disk proteins regulate muscle functions and disruption of these interactions results in muscle disorders. Mutations in Z-disk components myotilin, ZASP/Cypher and FATZ-2 (calsarcin-1/myozenin-2) are associated with myopathies. We showed that proteins from the myotilin and FATZ families interact via a novel and unique type of class III PDZ binding motif with the PDZ domains of ZASP and other Enigma family members and that the interactions can be modulated by phosphorylation. The morphological findings typical of myotilinopathies include Z-disk alterations and aggregation of dense filamentous material. The causes and mechanisms of protein aggregation in myotilinopathy patients are unknown, but impaired degradation might explain in part the abnormal protein accumulation. We showed that myotilin is degraded by the calcium-dependent, non-lysosomal cysteine protease calpain and by the proteasome pathway, and that wild type and mutant myotilin differ in their sensitivity to degradation. These studies identify the first functional difference between mutated and wild type myotilin. Furthermore, if degradation of myotilin is disturbed, it accumulates in cells in a manner resembling that seen in myotilinopathy patients. Based on the results, we propose a model where mutant myotilin escapes proteolytic breakdown and forms protein aggregates, leading to disruption of myofibrils and muscular dystrophy. In conclusion, the main results of this study demonstrate that myotilin is a Z-disk structural protein interacting with several Z-disk components. The turnover of myotilin is regulated by calpain and the ubiquitin proteasome system and mutations in myotilin seem to affect the degradation of myotilin, leading to protein accumulations in cells. These findings are important for understanding myotilin-linked muscle diseases and designing treatments for these disorders.

Genetic analysis of an Indian family with members affected with Waardenburg syndrome and Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Purpose: Waardenburg syndrome (WS) is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and pigmentation defects of the eye, skin, and hair. It is caused by mutations in one of the following genes: PAX3 (paired box 3), MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor), EDNRB (endothelin receptor type B), EDN3 (endothelin 3), SNAI2 (snail homolog 2, Drosophila) and SOX10 (SRY-box containing gene 10). Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive disorder caused by mutations in the DMD gene. The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic causes of WS and DMD in an Indian family with two patients: one affected with WS and DMD, and another one affected with only WS. Methods: Blood samples were collected from individuals for genomic DNA isolation. To determine the linkage of this family to the eight known WS loci, microsatellite markers were selected from the candidate regions and used to genotype the family. Exon-specific intronic primers for EDN3 were used to amplify and sequence DNA samples from affected individuals to detect mutations. A mutation in DMD was identified by multiplex PCR and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method using exon-specific probes. Results: Pedigree analysis suggested segregation of WS as an autosomal recessive trait in the family. Haplotype analysis suggested linkage of the family to the WS4B (EDN3) locus. DNA sequencing identified a novel missense mutation p.T98M in EDN3. A deletion mutation was identified in DMD. Conclusions: This study reports a novel missense mutation in EDN3 and a deletion mutation in DMD in the same Indian family. The present study will be helpful in genetic diagnosis of this family and increases the mutation spectrum of EDN3.

Nanolipodendrosome-loaded glatiramer acetate and myogenic differentiation I as augmentation therapeutic strategy approaches in muscular dystrophy

Backgrond: Muscular dystrophies consist of a number of juvenile and adult forms of complex disorders which generally cause weakness or efficiency defects affecting skeletal muscles or, in some kinds, other types of tissues in all parts of the body are vastly affected. In previous studies, it was observed that along with muscular dystrophy, immune inflammation was caused by inflammatory cells invasion - like T lymphocyte markers (CD8+/CD4+). Inflammatory processes play a major part in muscular fibrosis in muscular dystrophy patients. Additionally, a significant decrease in amounts of two myogenic recovery factors (myogenic differentation 1 MyoD] and myogenin) in animal models was observed. The drug glatiramer acetate causes anti-inflammatory cytokines to increase and T helper (Th) cells to induce, in an as yet unknown mechanism. MyoD recovery activity in muscular cells justifies using it alongside this drug. Methods: In this study, a nanolipodendrosome carrier as a drug delivery system was designed. The purpose of the system was to maximize the delivery and efficiency of the two drug factors, MyoD and myogenin, and introduce them as novel therapeutic agents in muscular dystrophy phenotypic mice. The generation of new muscular cells was analyzed in SW1 mice. Then, immune system changes and probable side effects after injecting the nanodrug formulations were investigated. Results: The loaded lipodendrimer nanocarrier with the candidate drug, in comparison with the nandrolone control drug, caused a significant increase in muscular mass, a reduction in CD4+/CD8+ inflammation markers, and no significant toxicity was observed. The results support the hypothesis that the nanolipodendrimer containing the two candidate drugs will probably be an efficient means to ameliorate muscular degeneration, and warrants further investigation.

Cômputo do tempo de serviço voluntário para ingresso na universidade

Consultoria Legislativa - Área XVII - Segurança Pública e Defesa Nacional.

Estudo pormenorizado da situação dos secretários parlamentares contratados pelo regime da CLT com pelo menos cinco anos de tempo de serviço à data da promulgação da Constituição Federal de 1988, visando subsidiar decisão da administração superior da Casa sobre reivindicações de vínculo pelo RJU

Consultoria Legislativa - Área VIII - Administração Pública.

Isolation of mineralizing Nestin+ Nkx6.1+ vascular muscular cells from the adult human spinal cord

Background: The adult central nervous system (CNS) contains different populations of immature cells that could possibly be used to repair brain and spinal cord lesions. The diversity and the properties of these cells in the human adult CNS remain to be fully explored. We previously isolated Nestin(+) Sox2(+) neural multipotential cells from the adult human spinal cord using the neurosphere method (i.e. non adherent conditions and defined medium). -- Results: Here we report the isolation and long term propagation of another population of Nestin(+) cells from this tissue using adherent culture conditions and serum. QPCR and immunofluorescence indicated that these cells had mesenchymal features as evidenced by the expression of Snai2 and Twist1 and lack of expression of neural markers such as Sox2, Olig2 or GFAP. Indeed, these cells expressed markers typical of smooth muscle vascular cells such as Calponin, Caldesmone and Acta2 (Smooth muscle actin). These cells could not differentiate into chondrocytes, adipocytes, neuronal and glial cells, however they readily mineralized when placed in osteogenic conditions. Further characterization allowed us to identify the Nkx6.1 transcription factor as a marker for these cells. Nkx6.1 was expressed in vivo by CNS vascular muscular cells located in the parenchyma and the meninges. -- Conclusion: Smooth muscle cells expressing Nestin and Nkx6.1 is the main cell population derived from culturing human spinal cord cells in adherent conditions with serum. Mineralization of these cells in vitro could represent a valuable model for studying calcifications of CNS vessels which are observed in pathological situations or as part of the normal aging. In addition, long term propagation of these cells will allow the study of their interaction with other CNS cells and their implication in scar formation during spinal cord injury.

Dinâmica legislativa da apreciação dos vetos : tempo, visibilidade e incentivos eleitorais

Propõe conhecer a dinâmica legislativa da apreciação dos vetos presidenciais pelo Congresso Nacional, durante a 53ª legislatura, por meio de levantamento de bibliografia e de dados nos sites institucionais do Senado Federal e da Câmara dos Deputados. Dados sobre o quantitativo de vetos presidenciais apreciados na 53ª legislatura foram demonstrados em quadro, abordando o distanciamento temporal existente entre a aposição do veto e sua apreciação; dados sobre os momentos de aprovação do projeto e de apreciação do veto pela Casa iniciadora foram comparados por meio de quadros e gráficos ilustrativos; e uma análise das dificuldades que existem para se derrubar o veto foi apresentada. Conclui que o adiamento, por várias legislaturas, da realização de sessões conjuntas para apreciação dos vetos, bem como a manutenção de 100% dos vetos apreciados na 53ª Legislatura, deve-se à falta de interesse parlamentar em dar apoio a projetos de lei quando não há incentivos eleitorais.

Seniority e presidência : estudo sobre a relação entre o tempo de permanência nas comissões permanentes da CLDF e a ocupação do cargo de presidente

Analisa o tempo (contados em dias de trabalho) de permanência do parlamentar nas comissões permanentes da Câmara Legislativa do Distrito Federal, e a sua ocupação na presidência, fazendo assim, uma síntese histórica das referidas comissões.

Aposentadoria por tempo de contribuição do professor

O objetivo deste trabalho não é a investigação do fundamento da aposentadoria por tempo de contribuição com critério diferenciado, conhecida como aposentadoria de professor, mas sim o detalhamento de suas regras atuais. Para tanto, traça um breve histórico do benefício, segue-se com a apresentação do conceito que foi adotado pela legislação ordinária e lista os pontos em que há controvérsia. Orienta como contar o tempo de contribuição diante das várias mudanças da legislação e a possibilidade de conversão desse tempo. Por fim, apresenta a regra de cálculo e a listagem de proposições que tramitam na Câmara dos Deputados para alterar regras da aposentadoria por tempo de contribuição do professor.

Alvará em forma de Lei, por que Vossa Magestade ha por bem ampliar, cassar, e abolir a capitação, que pagão ao seu Real Erario os moradores das Minas geraes :e excitar, restabelecer, e reintegrar para a cobrança do Direito Senhoreal dos Quintos o outro methodo, que os ditos moradores propuzerão ao Conde das Galvêas em vinte e quatro de março de mil setecentos e trinta e quatro, e que foi por elles praticado desde aquelle tempo ; até o em que a mesma capitação teve o seu principio : para Vossa Magestade ver

Ao alto do título: Diogo de Mendonça Corte-Real.

Tissue engineering active biological machines : bio-inspired design, directed self-assembly, and characterization of muscular pumps simulating the embryonic heart

Biological machines are active devices that are comprised of cells and other biological components. These functional devices are best suited for physiological environments that support cellular function and survival. Biological machines have the potential to revolutionize the engineering of biomedical devices intended for implantation, where the human body can provide the required physiological environment. For engineering such cell-based machines, bio-inspired design can serve as a guiding platform as it provides functionally proven designs that are attainable by living cells. In the present work, a systematic approach was used to tissue engineer one such machine by exclusively using biological building blocks and by employing a bio-inspired design. Valveless impedance pumps were constructed based on the working principles of the embryonic vertebrate heart and by using cells and tissue derived from rats. The function of these tissue-engineered muscular pumps was characterized by exploring their spatiotemporal and flow behavior in order to better understand the capabilities and limitations of cells when used as the engines of biological machines.

As horas cinzas : memória e reminiscência no tempo da velhice

A tese pretende discutir o papel da memória individual e sua possível perda, lapsos que podem ocorrer na velhice. Com o sujeito desprovido de suas recordações vive o vazio de sua existência. A vida e a morte, o tempo, a finitude pensados através do acúmulo de lembranças que compõem o imaginário de cada um. A modernidade transformou o idoso num ser esquecido e, ao final do século XX, os anciãos ganharam mais visibilidade por se tornarem numerosos e um verdadeiro problema para as políticas de saúde e previdenciária em todo o mundo. O papel da identidade individual, do qual a memória é uma parte preciosa, contrapõe-se a uma sociedade do descartável. A memória coletiva se esvai como as lembranças de um velho demenciado. É possível recompor a memória perdida? Que queixas fazem os idosos em relação a perda de memória? Fizemos uma seleção de alguns autores que se dedicaram ao tema da memória. Em uma parte do percurso faremos uma incursão mais detalhada, nas contribuições da psicanálise. Mostraremos através de breves relatos (fragmentos biográficos de idosos que não têm o diagnóstico de doença neuropsiquiátrica) os exemplos de possíveis falhas de memória. Tentaremos responder as questões propostas, buscando um caminho para minimizar as angústias dos idosos, que, ao perderem parte de suas lembranças, perdem também um pedaço, às vezes muito significativo, de suas vidas.

Análise da composição da matriz extracelular das camadas urotelial e muscular da bexiga de mulheres em diferentes idades

A complacência da bexiga depende de músculos lisos, fibras colágenas, fibras elásiticas e suas relações. O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar a composição da matriz extracelular em amostras de bexigas normais através de análise bioquímica de colágeno e glicosaminoglicanos em amostras obtidas de mulheres em diferentes grupos de idade, analisando separadamente as camadas urotelial e muscular. Avaliamos 17 amostras de bexiga divididas em três grupos: infância (N=5), menacme (N=6) e pós-menopausa (N=6). As bexigas foram analisadas para concentração de GAG total e colágeno e para análise qualitativa de GAG por eletroforese em gel de agarose. Na camada muscular, não houve diferença entre os grupos tanto para GAG quanto para colágeno. Na camada urotelial, a análise da concentração de colágeno não mostrou diferença entre os grupos, mas a concentração de GAG no grupo da pós-menopausa (0.21 0.12 μg de ácido hexurônico/mg de tecido seco) apresentou diferença em relação aos grupos do menacme (1.78 1.62 μg de ácido hexurônico/mg de tecido seco) e da infância ( 2.29 1.32 μg de ácido hexurônico/mg de tecido seco).Nosso trabalho concluiu que a concentração de GAG está substancialmente diminuída na camada urotelial da bexiga de mulheres na pós-menopausa.