Acute anodal transcranial direct current stimulation improves the performance of professional rowers.

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of acute transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on physical and subjective responses in professional rowing during the 2,000-m time trial test. Methods: Seven rowers (age 20.86 ± 4.49 years; weight 71.66 ± 7.97 kg) participated in this randomized triple-blind trial with a crossover experimental design. The protocol consists of 2 days with different conditions (anodal and sham). The tDCS anodic stimulation conducted was 2 mA for 20 min in the left temporal cortex (2.5 cm from the F7 zone and 2.5 cm from the T3 zone), targeting the left insular cortex. In the sham moment, the participants experienced 30 s of stimulation. Afterward, they performed a standardized progressive warm-up for 15 min, following the Brazilian Rowing Confederation's assessment protocols, and rested for 3 min before the test started. All procedures were made on an indoor rowing machine, which allowed the capture of performance variables such as time performed, power in watts (W), pace (m/min), and stroke rate (strokes/min). The ratings of perceived exertion [Borg scale (CR-20)] were recorded in each 2-min during the test. Results: The results presented differences in power [Z: -2.371; p = 0.018; effect size (ES) = -0.896 (large)] and pace [Z: -2.371; p = 0.018; ES = -0.896 (large)] and time performance [Z: -1.612; p = 0.107; ES = -0.609 (large)] throughout the protocol for the anodal moment. Discussion: However, no differences for the other variables were found. According to the results, the current tDCS with the present protocol improved the physical performance at the 2,000-m time trial Test providing ergogenic aid.

Actualización profesional y educación sanitaria para empleados de una unidad de urgencias / Atualização profissional e educação em saúde para funcionários de uma unidade de pronto atendimento: nota prévia

Resumen Objetivos Promover actividades de actualización profesional para el equipo de Enfermería de la Unidad de Emergencias y brindar acciones de Educación en Salud para los equipos de Enfermería y el equipo de Limpieza y Conservación de la Unidad de Emergencias. Metodología Se trata de una investigación cualitativa del tipo investigación-acción, dividida en tres etapas: exploratoria, proposicional y programación-acción. Para la recolección de datos, se pretende utilizar un instrumento impreso específico con el fin de mapear las necesidades educativas de los equipos y registrar las reuniones educativas mediante grabación. Resultados esperados Se espera, a través de esta investigación, establecer un proceso de Educación Permanente en la Unidad de Atención de Emergencias, basado en la acción participativa de los trabajadores de Enfermería, además de incentivar, a través de la Educación en Salud, el autocuidado, generar conciencia y empoderamiento de los trabajadores de la unidad. Palabras clave: Educación en Salud; Servicios Médicos de Urgencia; Educación Permanente.

Characterization of Skeletal Muscle Strain Lesion Induced by Stretching in Rats: Effects of Laser Photobiomodulation.

BACKGROUND: Unusual and exhaustive physical exercise can lead to muscle lesions depending on the type of contraction, intensity, duration, age, and level of conditioning. Different therapies have been proposed to prevent or reduce exercise-induced muscle damage. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy on skeletal muscle strain in an experimental model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Wistar rats (200 g) were used. The animals were randomized into groups of six animals. We performed tibialis muscle elongation using a previously described protocol. The animals were anesthetized and submitted to passive stretching of the anterior tibial muscle attached to a weight corresponding to 150% of the body mass of the animal for 20 min, rested for 3 min, and received a second traction for 20 min. The cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and IL-10, edema, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined in the tibialis anterior muscle. RESULTS: Plasma extravasation of groups treated with different doses of laser energy, lesion +1 J (2.61 ± 0.46), lesion +3 J (2.33 ± 0.13), lesion +6 J (2.92 ± 0.91), and lesion +9 J (2.80 ± 0.55), shows a significant reduction of extravasation when compared with the injury group (5.46 ± 1.09). Laser therapy was able to significantly reduce CRP and cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10). CONCLUSIONS: Laser photobiomodulation reduced skeletal muscle edema as well as cytokines and CRP, leading to a significant reduction in inflammatory markers.

Assessing the clinical and molecular diagnosis of inherited forms of impaired sensitivity to thyroid hormone from a single tertiary center.

AIM: Resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH), characterized by persistent hyperthyroxinemia with non-suppressed thyrotropin (TSH), is mostly caused by mutations in thyroid hormone receptor beta gene (THRB). Two differential diagnoses should be considered due to similar clinical and laboratory findings: TSH-producing pituitary adenoma (TPA) and Familial Dysalbuminemic Hyperthyroxinemia (FDH). The aim of this study is to describe our single tertiary center experience in the molecular diagnosis of RTH in Brazilian patients, analyzing their clinical and laboratory characteristics and the most common differential diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 30 subjects with clinical and laboratory features of RTH. Patient´s evaluations included clinical examination, thyroid hormone profile and imaging tests. Sequencing analysis for THRB hot spot region was conducted on all patients, and those without mutations in beta isoform of the thyroid hormone receptor (TRß) (non-TR-RTH) were investigated for albumin gene (ALB) mutation. RESULTS: Seventeen patients presented mutations in TRß (RTHß); six were non-TR-RTH, three had a diagnosis of FDH with a mutation in ALB, and four were diagnosed with TPA. Two characteristics were different to what is commonly described in the literature: higher serum TSH levels in RTHß patients when compared to the non-TR-RTH group, but this difference did not extend to free T4 (FT4) level; also the percentage of non-TR-RTH was higher than what was reported in other series. CONCLUSION: In the present series, most cases were RTHß with higher levels of TSH. We described three novel mutations in THRB (p.M313V, p.R320G and p.R438P) and the first patients with FDH molecular diagnosis (p.R242H) documented in Brazil.

Consulta de enfermagem com homens que vivem com câncer de próstata: o autocuidado na perspectiva da dialogicidade / Nursing consultation with men living with prostate cancer: self-care in the perspective of dialogicity

Trata-se de um estudo sobre a consulta de enfermagem desenvolvida com homens que vivem com câncer de próstata, assistidos no ambulatório de urologia do Instituto Nacional do Câncer, com foco na educação em saúde. O Câncer de próstata é o segundo mais comum entre os homens, e a taxa de incidência é cerca de seis vezes maior nos países desenvolvidos em comparação aos países em desenvolvimento. É considerado um câncer da terceira idade, já que cerca de ¾ dos casos no mundo ocorrem a partir dos 60 anos. Diante disso vemos a consulta de enfermagem, realizada como meio de informação, reorientação de atitudes e a construção de novos saberes e práticas. O estudo tem como objetivo geral: compreender as repercussões das consultas de enfermagem desenvolvidas com homens assistidos no ambulatório de câncer de próstata do Instituto Nacional do Câncer, unidade 1 (HC1), tendo em vista seu caráter educativo. Os objetivos específicos foram descrever como são realizadas as consultas de enfermagem neste ambulatório, à partir da visão dos homens assistidos nesse serviço; analisar as concepções dos pacientes em relação a essa atividade; e discutir a consulta de enfermagem junto à clientela, no que tange a dialogicidade e o autocuidado. Estudo de natureza qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso, com abordagem participativa. Os participantes foram 30 homens com diagnóstico de neoplasia de próstata assistidos nas consultas. O cenário foi o ambulatório de urologia do Instituto Nacional do Câncer. Os dados foram coletados entre Julho e Novembro de 2017 por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, rodas de conversa e observação participante. Em seguida, foi realizada a análise dos dados por meio da análise de conteúdo de Bardin, do tipo temática. Após esta análise, foram construídas categorias que ajudaram na construção e tratamento dos dados que compuseram este estudo, que são: a consulta de enfermagem como ambiente de construção do saber para o autocuidado; família, espiritualidade e a religiosidade: formas de resiliência desveladas na consulta de enfermagem; e a consulta de enfermagem e as formas de enfrentamento das consequências do câncer. Os resultados demonstram que existe um forte caráter educativo e dialógico nestas consultas que têm a família e na religião pilares fundamentais para o enfrentamento da doença. Questões relativas à masculinidade, ao trabalho e queixas urinárias também contribuem para o convivência com esta patologia

This is a study about the nursing consultation developed with men living with prostate cancer, assisted at the urology outpatient clinic of the National Cancer Institute, focusing on health education. Prostate cancer is the second most common among men, and the incidence rate is about six times higher in developed countries compared to developing countries. It is considered a cancer of the third age, since about ¾ of the cases in the world occur from the 60 years. In face of this we see the nursing consultation, held as a means of information, reorientation of attitudes and the construction of new knowledge and practices. The main objective of this study is to understand the repercussions of the nursing consultations developed with men assisted in the prostate cancer outpatient clinic of the National Cancer Institute, unit 1 (HC1), considering its educational character. The specific objectives were to describe how the nursing consultations are performed in this outpatient clinic, based on the vision of the men assisted in this service; analyze the patients' conceptions regarding this activity; and to discuss the nursing consultation with the clientele, regarding the dialogicity and self-care. A qualitative study, of the case study type, with a participatory approach. Participants were 30 men with prostate neoplasia diagnosed in the consultations. The scenario was the outpatient urology of the National Cancer Institute. Data were collected between July and November 2017 through semi-structured interviews, talk wheels and participant observation. Then, the data analysis was performed through the content analysis of Bardin, thematic type. After this analysis, categories were constructed that helped in the construction and treatment of the data that composed this study, which are: the nursing consultation as an environment of knowledge construction for self-care; family, spirituality and religiosity: forms of resilience unveiled in the nursing consultation; and nursing consultation and ways of coping with the consequences of cancer. The results demonstrate that there is a strong educational and dialogical character in these consultations that have the family and in the religion fundamental pillars for the confrontation of the disease. Issues related to masculinity, work and urinary complaints also contribute to the coexistence with this pathology

O Cuidado de Enfermagem no Atendimento de Emergências Oncológicas: uma revisão integrativa / The Nursing Care at Emergency Cancer Care: an integrative review

Este estudo versa sobre a assistência de enfermagem nas emergências oncológicas. Objetiva-se destacar o conhecimento sobre o cuidado de enfermagem no atendimento a pessoas que vivem com neoplasias e encontram-se em situação de emergência oncológica. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com a seguinte questão norteadora: como se dá o cuidado de enfermagem numa emergência oncológica, tendo em vista o aprimoramento da assistência? A busca das publicações foi realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, PUBMED e BVS. Como critério de inclusão, foram selecionados artigos publicados entre os anos de 2007 e 2016, utilizando-se os seguintes descritores: Enfermagem em Emergência, Cuidados de Enfermagem e Neoplasias. O conhecimento evidenciado nas publicações selecionadas mostrou-se reduzido. Todavia, entre os artigos de enfermagem relativos às emergências oncológicas, a maioria limitou-se a descrever as intervenções específicas para cada situação, tais como: observação do paciente, favorecimento do conforto físico, orientações ao paciente e seus familiares. Conclui-se a necessidade de um maior incentivo para estudos nesta temática, para que os enfermeiros estejam cada vez mais capacitados e embasados em princípios científicos, contribuindo para um melhor desempenho da prática profissional

This study deals with nursing care in oncologic emergencies. The aim is to highlight the knowledge about nursing care to people living with neoplasms and who are in an oncologic emergency situation. This is an integrative review with the following guiding question: how does nursing care take place in an oncologic emergency, bearing in mind the enhancement of care? The search of the publications was performed in the LILACS, PUBMED and BVS databases. Concerning the inclusion criteria, we selected papers published between 2007 and 2016, using the following descriptors: Emergency Nursing, Nursing Care and Neoplasms. The knowledge evidenced in the selected publications proved to be reduced. Nevertheless, among the nursing papers related to oncologic emergencies, most were limited to describing specific nursing interventions for each situation, such as observing the patient, favoring of the physical comfort, guidance to the patient and to their family members. In conclusion, there is a need for greater encouragement for this field of research, so that the nurses are increasingly trained and based on scientific principles, thus achieving a good performance in their function

Thickened pituitary stalk associated with a mass in the sphenoidal sinus: an alarm to suspect hypophysitis by immunoglobulin g4?

Introduction Hypophysitis is a chronic inflammation of the pituitary gland of complex and still incompletely defined pathogenesis. It belongs to the group of non-hormonesecreting sellar masses, sharing with them comparable clinical presentation and radiographic appearance. Objectives Describe the case of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypophysitis presenting as a mass in the sphenoid sinus. Resumed Report A 40-year-old Brazilian man had a diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus since 2001 associated with pituitary insufficiency. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a centered pituitary stalk with focal nodular thickening and the presence of heterogeneous materials inside the sphenoid sinus. The patient was treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Laboratory results revealed increased IgG4 serum. Conclusion IgG4-related hypophysitis should be considered in patients with pituitary insufficiency associated with sellar mass and/or thickened pituitary stalk. IgG4 serum measurement for early diagnosis of IgG4-related hypophysitis should be performed.

Thickened Pituitary Stalk Associated with a Mass in the Sphenoidal Sinus: An Alarm to Suspect Hypophysitis by Immunoglobulin G4?

Introduction Hypophysitis is a chronic inflammation of the pituitary gland of complex and still incompletely defined pathogenesis. It belongs to the group of non-hormone-secreting sellar masses, sharing with them comparable clinical presentation and radiographic appearance. Objectives Describe the case of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related hypophysitis presenting as a mass in the sphenoid sinus. Resumed Report A 40-year-old Brazilian man had a diagnosis of central diabetes insipidus since 2001 associated with pituitary insufficiency. Pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a centered pituitary stalk with focal nodular thickening and the presence of heterogeneous materials inside the sphenoid sinus. The patient was treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Laboratory results revealed increased IgG4 serum. Conclusion IgG4-related hypophysitis should be considered in patients with pituitary insufficiency associated with sellar mass and/or thickened pituitary stalk. IgG4 serum measurement for early diagnosis of IgG4-related hypophysitis should be performed.

Análise retrospectiva do tratamento clínico em uma população de pacientes com prolactinoma / Retrospective analysis of clinical treatment in a population of prolactinoma patients

Os prolactinomas são os tumores hipofisários mais comuns e sua frequência varia de acordo com a idade e sexo. É uma importante causa de hipogonadismo e infertilidade e dependendo do tamanho e da extensão tumoral, pode levar a sintomas compressivos, como cefaléia, perda visual e comprometimento de pares cranianos. Os agonistas dopaminérgicos (ADs) são o tratamento de escolha para os pacientes com prolactinomas. Atualmente, a dúvida não é mais se o AD deve ou não ser interrompido, e sim qual seria o momento ideal para sua retirada.Objetivos: Analisar os resultados do tratamento clínico dos pacientes com prolactinomas do nosso serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal (HSPM) e realizar revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema. O estudo também teve como objetivo caracterizar, na população estudada, apresentação clínico-laboratorial e radiológica no momento do diagnóstico e sua evolução durante e após a suspensão do tratamento.Materiais e métodos: Foram analisados 24 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de prolactinoma do nosso ambulatório de Neuroendocrinologia do Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal que receberam tratamento medicamentoso, e 12 preencheram critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Dos 12 pacientes analisados, 7 obtiveram normoprolactinemia após 6 meses da interrupção do tratamento e 5 pacientes a mantiveram após 1 ano. Dos 7 pacientes, 100% eram do sexo feminino, a média de idade dos pacientes foi de 37,4 ± 9,4 anos e os sinais e sintomas encontrados foram galactorréia, oligoamenorréia, diminuição de libido e hirsutismo. A mediana encontrada do nível de prolactina (PRL) inicial nos 7 pacientes foi de 178 pg/mL. O microprolactinoma foi mais prevalente. Dos pacientes com remissão após 1 ano da interrupção do tratamento, o tempo médio de uso dos ADs foi de 74,7 ±43,2 meses; enquanto que nos pacientes que recidivaram antes de 1 ano, o tempo médio de uso foi de 15,5 ± 0,7 meses. Conclusão: O tratamento com AD é muito eficaz e bem tolerado nos pacientes com prolactinomas. A suspensão pode ser tentada, mas acompanhamento é necessário pela possibilidade de recidiva. Mais longo tempo de tratamento parece ter maior impacto no sucesso da remissão. Com esses dados esperamos conseguir desenvolver um protocolo de tratamento e retirada dos ADs em pacientes com prolactinomas no nosso serviço de endocrinologia.

Análise retrospectiva do tratamento clínico em uma população de pacientes com prolactinoma / Retrospective analysis of clinical treatment in a population of patients with prolactinoma

Introdução: Os prolactinomas são os tumores hipofisários mais comuns e sua frequência varia de acordo com a idade e sexo. Os agonistas dopaminérgicos (ADs) são o tratamento de escolha para os pacientes com prolactinomas. Objetivos: Analisar os resultados do tratamento clínico dos pacientes com prolactinomas do nosso serviço de Endocrinologia do HSPM e realizar revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema. Caracterizar, na população estudada, apresentação clínico-laboratorial e radiológica no momento do diagnóstico e sua evolução durante e após a suspensão do tratamento. Materiais e métodos: Foram analisados 24 prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de prolactinoma que receberam tratamento medicamentoso, e 12 preencheram critérios de inclusão. Resultados: Dos 12 pacientes analisados, 7 obtiveram normoprolactinemia após 6 meses da interrupção do tratamento e 5 pacientes a mantiveram após 1 ano. Dos 7 pacientes, 100% eram do sexo feminino, a média de idade dos pacientes foi de 37,4 ± 9,4 anos e os sinais e sintomas encontrados foram galactorréia, oligoamenorréia, diminuição de libido e hirsutismo. Conclusão: O tratamento com AD é muito eficaz e bem tolerado nos pacientes com prolactinomas. A suspensão pode ser tentada, mas acompanhamento é necessário pela possibilidade de recidiva. Mais longo tempo de tratamento parece ter maior impacto no sucesso da remissão. Com esses dados esperamos conseguir desenvolver um protocolo de tratamento e retirada dos ADs em pacientes com prolactinomas no nosso serviço de endocrinologia

Infrared (810-nm) low-level laser therapy on rat experimental knee inflammation.

Arthritis of the knee is the most common type of joint inflammatory disorder and it is associated with pain and inflammation of the joint capsule. Few studies address the effects of the 810-nm laser in such conditions. Here we investigated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT; infrared, 810-nm) in experimentally induced rat knee inflammation. Thirty male Wistar rats (230-250 g) were anesthetized and injected with carrageenan by an intra-articular route. After 6 and 12 h, all animals were killed by CO(2) inhalation and the articular cavity was washed for cellular and biochemical analysis. Articular tissue was carefully removed for real-time PCR analysis in order to evaluate COX-1 and COX-2 expression. LLLT was able to significantly inhibit the total number of leukocytes, as well as the myeloperoxidase activity with 1, 3, and 6 J (Joules) of energy. This result was corroborated by cell counting showing the reduction of polymorphonuclear cells at the inflammatory site. Vascular extravasation was significantly inhibited at the higher dose of energy of 10 J. Both COX-1 and 2 gene expression were significantly enhanced by laser irradiation while PGE(2) production was inhibited. Low-level laser therapy operating at 810 nm markedly reduced inflammatory signs of inflammation but increased COX-1 and 2 gene expression. Further studies are necessary to investigate the possible production of antiinflammatory mediators by COX enzymes induced by laser irradiation in knee inflammation.

Infrared (810 nm) low-level laser therapy in experimental model of strain-induced skeletal muscle injury in rats: effects on functional outcomes.

Muscle strains are among the most prevalent causes for athletes' absence from sport activities. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently emerged as a potential contender to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in muscle strain treatment. In this work we investigated effects of LLLT and diclofenac on functional outcomes in the acute stage after muscle strain injury in rats. Muscle strain was induced by overloading the tibialis anterior muscle of rats during anesthesia. The injured groups received either no treatment, or a single treatment with diclofenac 30 min prior to injury, or LLLT (810 nm, 100 mW) with doses of 1, 3, 6 or 9 J, at 1 h after injury. Functional outcome measures included a walking index and assessment of electrically induced muscle performance. All treatments (except 9 J LLLT) significantly improved the walking index 12 h postinjury compared with the untreated group. The 3 J group also showed a significantly better walking index than the drug group. All treatments significantly improved muscle performance at 6 and 12 h. LLLT dose of 3 J was as effective as the pharmacological agent in improving functional outcomes in the early phase after a muscle strain injury in rats.

Infrared (810 nm) low-level laser therapy in rat achilles tendinitis: a consistent alternative to drugs.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used and can reduce musculoskeletal pain in spite of the cost of adverse reactions like gastrointestinal ulcers or cardiovascular events. The current study investigates if a safer treatment such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) could reduce tendinitis inflammation, and whether a possible pathway could be through inhibition of either of the two-cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in inflammation. Wistar rats (six animals per group) were injected with saline (control) or collagenase in their Achilles tendons. Then, we treated them with three different doses of IR LLLT (810 nm; 100 mW; 10 s, 30 s and 60 s; 3.57 W cm(-2); 1 J, 3 J, 6 J) at the sites of the injections, or intramuscular diclofenac, a nonselective COX inhibitor/NSAID. We found that LLLT dose of 3 J significantly reduced inflammation through less COX-2-derived gene expression and PGE(2) production, and less edema formation compared to nonirradiated controls. Diclofenac controls exhibited significantly lower PGE(2) cytokine levels at 6 h than collagenase control, but COX isoform 1-derived gene expression and cytokine PGE(2) levels were not affected by treatments. As LLLT seems to act on inflammation through a selective inhibition of the COX-2 isoform in collagenase-induced tendinitis, LLLT may have potential to become a new and safer nondrug alternative to coxibs.

Effect of low-level laser therapy (GaAs 904 nm) in skeletal muscle fatigue and biochemical markers of muscle damage in rats.

We wanted to test if pre-exercise muscle irradiation with 904 nm laser affects the development of fatigue, blood lactate levels and creatine kinase (CK) activity in a rat model with tetanic contractions. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups receiving either one of four different laser doses (0.1, 0.3, 1.0 and 3.0 J) or a no-treatment control group. Laser irradiation was performed immediately before the first contraction for treated groups. Electrical stimulation was used to induce six tetanic tibial anterior muscle contractions with 10 min intervals between them. Contractions were stopped when the muscle force fell to 50% of the peak value for each contraction; blood samples were taken before the first and immediately after the sixth contraction. The relative peak forces for the sixth contraction were significantly better (P < 0.05) in the two laser groups irradiated with highest doses [151.27% (SD +/- 18.82) for 1.0 J, 144.84% (SD +/- 34.47) for 3.0 J and 82.25% (SD +/- 11.69) for the control group]. Similar significant (P < 0.05) increases in mean performed work during the sixth contraction for the 1.0 and 3.0 J groups were also observed. Blood lactate levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the control group in all irradiated groups. All irradiated groups except the 3.0 J group had significantly lower post-exercise CK activity than the control group. We conclude that pre-exercise irradiation with a laser dose of 1.0 J and 904 nm wavelength significantly delays muscle fatigue and decreases post-exercise blood lactate and CK in this rat model.

Effect of cluster multi-diode light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) on exercise-induced skeletal muscle fatigue and skeletal muscle recovery in humans.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are some indications that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may delay the development of skeletal muscle fatigue during high-intensity exercise. There have also been claims that LED cluster probes may be effective for this application however there are differences between LED and laser sources like spot size, spectral width, power output, etc. In this study we wanted to test if light emitting diode therapy (LEDT) can alter muscle performance, fatigue development and biochemical markers for skeletal muscle recovery in an experimental model of biceps humeri muscle contractions. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten male professional volleyball players (23.6 [SD +/-5.6] years old) entered a randomized double-blinded placebo-controlled crossover trial. Active cluster LEDT (69 LEDs with wavelengths 660/850 nm, 10/30 mW, 30 seconds total irradiation time, 41.7 J of total energy irradiated) or an identical placebo LEDT was delivered under double-blinded conditions to the middle of biceps humeri muscle immediately before exercise. All subjects performed voluntary biceps humeri contractions with a workload of 75% of their maximal voluntary contraction force (MVC) until exhaustion. RESULTS: Active LEDT increased the number of biceps humeri contractions by 12.9% (38.60 [SD +/-9.03] vs. 34.20 [SD +/-8.68], P = 0.021) and extended the elapsed time to perform contractions by 11.6% (P = 0.036) versus placebo. In addition, post-exercise levels of biochemical markers decreased significantly with active LEDT: Blood Lactate (P = 0.042), Creatine Kinase (P = 0.035), and C-Reative Protein levels (P = 0.030), when compared to placebo LEDT. CONCLUSION: We conclude that this particular procedure and dose of LEDT immediately before exhaustive biceps humeri contractions, causes a slight delay in the development of skeletal muscle fatigue, decreases post-exercise blood lactate levels and inhibits the release of Creatine Kinase and C-Reative Protein. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:572-577, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effect of 830 nm low-level laser therapy applied before high-intensity exercises on skeletal muscle recovery in athletes.

Our aim was to investigate the immediate effects of bilateral, 830 nm, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on high-intensity exercise and biochemical markers of skeletal muscle recovery, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial set in a sports physiotherapy clinic. Twenty male athletes (nine professional volleyball players and eleven adolescent soccer players) participated. Active LLLT (830 nm wavelength, 100 mW, spot size 0.0028 cm(2), 3-4 J per point) or an identical placebo LLLT was delivered to five points in the rectus femoris muscle (bilaterally). The main outcome measures were the work performed in the Wingate test: 30 s of maximum cycling with a load of 7.5% of body weight, and the measurement of blood lactate (BL) and creatine kinase (CK) levels before and after exercise. There was no significant difference in the work performed during the Wingate test (P > 0.05) between subjects given active LLLT and those given placebo LLLT. For volleyball athletes, the change in CK levels from before to after the exercise test was significantly lower (P = 0.0133) for those given active LLLT (2.52 U l(-1) +/- 7.04 U l(-1)) than for those given placebo LLLT (28.49 U l(-1) +/- 22.62 U l(-1)). For the soccer athletes, the change in blood lactate levels from before exercise to 15 min after exercise was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the group subjected to active LLLT (8.55 mmol l(-1) +/- 2.14 mmol l(-1)) than in the group subjected to placebo LLLT (10.52 mmol l(-1) +/- 1.82 mmol l(-1)). LLLT irradiation before the Wingate test seemed to inhibit an expected post-exercise increase in CK level and to accelerate post-exercise lactate removal without affecting test performance. These findings suggest that LLLT may be of benefit in accelerating post-exercise recovery.

Clinical Quality Guarantee in Real-time ECG Compression.

This paper presents a new approach for ECG compression: to set a variable compression threshold to a value equal to the estimated noise in the ECG block. This approach presents several advantages. On the one hand, it solves the problem of where to place the compression threshold so as to obtain a compressed ECG signal preserving all its diagnostic properties. On the other hand, it provides a flexible threshold that is adapted block to block in order to remove noise from the block at the same time it considerably reduces the data to be stored or transmitted, depending on the application where the compression approach is being used. The new approach has been clinically tested using two kind of MOS tests: blind and semi-blind. Clinical evaluation using records from MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database carried out by three expert cardiologists has shown that the compressed signals produced with this compression approach preserves all their clinical diagnostic properties, being rated as very good, the maximum possible score.

Efeito da administração oral de arginina sobre a pressão arterial e parâmetros cardíacos em ratos submetidos ao bloqueio crônico da síntese de óxido nítrico / Efecto de la administración oral de arginina sobre la presión arterial y los parámetros cardiacos en ratones sometidos al bloqueo crónico de síntesis de óxido nítrico / Effect of oral arginine administration over blood pressure and cardiac parameters in rats submitted to chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis

Já está claramente estabelecido, que a inibição crônica da síntese de óxido nítrico resulta em hipertensão sustentada, remodelamento cardíaco e fibrose. Além disso, resultados de nosso grupo demonstraram que a suplementação oral com L-arginina foi capaz de aumentar a resistência da musculatura esquelética a fadiga muscular localizada em humanos. O tratamento experimental de ratos com L-NAME é um dos modelos mais comumente utilizados para se induzir hipertensão. A resposta compensatória esperada contra o aumento da resistência vascular sistêmica seria a hipertrofia ventricular esquerda; entretanto, isso tem sido um ponto bastante controverso na literatura. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos da inibição do óxido nítrico pela administração oral de L-NAME sobre o tecido cardíaco de ratos e a possível reversão pela L-arginina. Foram utilizados 30 ratos Wistar machos (250-350g), mantidos em condições de temperatura, luz e umidade controlada, e com água e comida ad libitum. Ao final de quatro semanas, os animais foram sacrificados por inalação de CO2 e os corações foram removidos e imediatamente dissecados, sendo separados átrios e ventrículos, obtendo-se os pesos total e parcial. Os valores foram corrigidos em função do peso corporal obtido na última semana de tratamento e expressos como índice cardíaco. O L-NAME foi capaz de induzir hipertensão e aumento significativo do duplo produto, porém sem resultados significativos sobre os pesos cardíacos, não sendo observada hipertrofia do órgão. Os aumentos de pressão arterial e duplo produto foram revertidos pela administração concomitante de arginina, de maneira dependente da dose. Dados preliminares não publicados demonstraram a reversão da fibrose cardíaca induzida pelo L-NAME, nos animais que receberam tratamento com arginina. Podemos concluir que a arginina pode vir a ser uma ferramenta valiosa na prevenção da hipertensão e do remodelamento cardíaco, principalmente nos casos ...

It has been clearly established that chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis results in a sustained increase in blood pressure, cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. It was also demonstrated by our group that arginine supplementation was able to increase the skeletal muscle resistance to fatigue, but its mechanism remains uncertain. The experimental treatment of rats with L-NAME is one of the most common models employed to induce hypertension. The expected compensatory response against increases in systemic vascular resistance would be ventricular hypertrophy. However, the presence of cardiac hypertrophy still controversial. The aim of the present study was to verify the effects of nitric oxide inhibition through oral L-NAME administration on the cardiac tissue of rats, and the possible reversion by L-arginine. Thirty male Wistar rats (250-350 g) were kept in controlled conditions of temperature, light, humidity, with water and food "ad libitum". At the end of 4 weeks or treatments the animals were sacrificed by CO2 inhalation and the hearts were removed. Soon after, the hearts were dissected, to separate atria and ventricules, obtaining the total heart weight. After the retreat of the right ventricule, the remaining part was weighed, to obtain the left ventricular weight (LVW, mg); the difference between the total heart weight and the LVW was considered the right ventricular weight (RVW, mg). These values were corrected in function of the corporal weight obtained in the last week of treatment. L-NAME was able to induced hypertension and increases in double product but without any heart hypertrophy. The increase arterial pressure and double product were reversed by L-arginine administration in a dose-dependent way. Preliminary findings demonstrated a reversion of heart fibroses induced by L-NAME, after arginine treatment. We concluded that arginine may constitute a valuable tool in preventing hypertension and cardiac remodeling mainly ...

Está claramente establecido que la inhibición crónica de la síntesis de óxido nítrico resulta en hipertensión sustentada, remodelación cardiaca y fibrosis. Además de esto, los resultados de nuestro grupo demostraron que el suplemento oral con L-arginina fue capaz de aumentar la resistencia de la musculatura esquelética a la fadiga muscular localizada en humanos. El tratamiento experimental de ratones con L-NAME, es uno de los modelos más utilizado para inducir hipertensión. La respuesta compensatoria esperada contra el aumento de la resistencia vascular sistémica sería la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, sin embargo, esto ha sido un punto bastante controversial en la literatura. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido el de verificar los efectos de la inhibición del óxido nítrico por la administración oral de L-NAME sobre el tejido cardiaco de ratones, y la posible reversión por la L-arginina. Fueron utilizados 30 ratones Wistar machos (250-350g), mantenidos en condiciones de temperatura, luz y humedad controlada, y con agua y comida "ad libitum". Al final de 4 semanas, los animales fueron sacrificados por inhalación de CO2 y los corazones fueron removidos e inmediatamente disecados, siendo separados atrios y ventrículos, obteniéndose los pesos total y parcial. Los valores fueron corregidos en función del peso corporal obtenido en la última semana de tratamiento y expresados como índice cardiaco. El L-NAME fue capaz de inducir hipertensión y aumento significativo del doble producto, pero sin resultados significativos sobre los pesos cardiacos, no siendo observada hipertrofia del órgano. Los aumentos de presión arterial y el doble producto fueron revertidos por la administración concomitante de arginina, de manera dependiente de la dosis. Datos preliminares no publicados demostraron la reversión de fibrosis cardiaca inducida por L-NAME, en los animales que recibieron tratamiento con arginina. Podemos entonces concluir que la arginina ...

On the guarantee of reconstruction quality in ECG wavelet codecs.

Guaranteeing reconstruction quality in ECG lossy compression is essential to obtain signals useful from a clinical point of view. In this paper we discuss the advantages and drawbacks of using two very well known mathematical error measures (PRD and RMS) in order to guarantee quality in threshold wavelet compression codecs that work segmenting the signal into blocks. We use two different error indices to analyze the results: mathematical (RMS global error) and clinical (MOS error). Although mathematical results conclude that guaranteeing RMS is better than PRD, clinical results have shown that the election is subordinated to the signal specific morphology.

Rapid expression of recombinant proteins in modified CHO cells using the baculovirus system.

Baculovirus containing the mammalianCMV promoter, in place of the insect polyhedronpromoter (BacMam), has been used to transientlytransfect COS, CHO and CHOE1a (CHO cells expressing theE1a transcriptional activator). Using this system forthe expression of a cellular adhesion factor (SAF-3) Fcfusion protein in CHOE1a, we found that levels ofexpression were highest with a MOI of 100, 20mM sodiumbutyrate, at 34 degrees C. Production increased furtherif the cells were resuspended in fresh medium, about3 x 10(6) cells ml(-1), prior to addition of the virus. These conditions were used to express 3 secretedproteins, SAF-3-Fc, CD40-hexa his and Asp 2-Fc, and, at2 to 6 days post infection, protein levels ranged from4 ug ml(-1) to 25 ug ml(-1). Based on these results, theBacMam system represents a viable technique forproducing protein at ug ml(-1) levels in a relatively shortperiod of time.