Relationship of the mobility of the sacroiliac joint with foot plant pressure.

[Purpose] To evaluate mobility of the sacroiliac joint and plantar pressure changes. [Participants and Methods] This was an analytical study comprised of 300 participants, using a functional kinetic evaluation involving the test of standing flexion (SFT), the test of Downing, the test of Gillet, and the analysis of baropodometry. [Results] There was an association between mobility of the sacroiliac joint and the standing center of gravity. However, the mobility of this joint was not associated with plantar pressure and the plantar contact area. [Conclusion] These data suggest that sacroiliac mobility is linked to the center of gravity. This connection may precede sacroiliac dysfunction and may help to improve the accuracy of the tests.

Inhalation of printer-emitted particles impairs cardiac conduction, hemodynamics, and autonomic regulation and induces arrhythmia and electrical remodeling in rats.

BACKGROUND: Using engineered nanomaterial-based toners, laser printers generate aerosols with alarming levels of nanoparticles that bear high bioactivity and potential health risks. Yet, the cardiac impacts of printer-emitted particles (PEPs) are unknown. Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) promotes cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and ultra-fine particulates (< 0.1 µm aerodynamic diameter) may bear toxicity unique from larger particles. Toxicological studies suggest that PM impairs left ventricular (LV) performance; however, such investigations have heretofore required animal restraint, anesthesia, or ex vivo preparations that can confound physiologic endpoints and/or prohibit LV mechanical assessments during exposure. To assess the acute and chronic effects of PEPs on cardiac physiology, male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to PEPs (21 days, 5 h/day) while monitoring LV pressure (LVP) and electrocardiogram (ECG) via conscious telemetry, analyzing LVP and heart rate variability (HRV) in four-day increments from exposure days 1 to 21, as well as ECG and baroreflex sensitivity. At 2, 35, and 70 days after PEPs exposure ceased, rats received stress tests. RESULTS: On day 21 of exposure, PEPs significantly (P < 0.05 vs. Air) increased LV end systolic pressure (LVESP, + 18 mmHg) and rate-pressure-product (+ 19%), and decreased HRV indicating sympathetic dominance (root means squared of successive differences [RMSSD], - 21%). Overall, PEPs decreased LV ejection time (- 9%), relaxation time (- 3%), tau (- 5%), RMSSD (- 21%), and P-wave duration (- 9%). PEPs increased QTc interval (+ 5%) and low:high frequency HRV (+ 24%; all P < 0.05 vs. Air), while tending to decrease baroreflex sensitivity and contractility index (- 15% and - 3%, P < 0.10 vs. Air). Relative to Air, at both 2 and 35 days after PEPs, ventricular arrhythmias increased, and at 70 days post-exposure LVESP increased. PEPs impaired ventricular repolarization at 2 and 35 days post-exposure, but only during stress tests. At 72 days post-exposure, PEPs increased urinary dopamine 5-fold and protein expression of ventricular repolarizing channels, Kv1.5, Kv4.2, and Kv7.1, by 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest exposure to PEPs increases cardiovascular risk by augmenting sympathetic influence, impairing ventricular performance and repolarization, and inducing hypertension and arrhythmia. PEPs may present significant health risks through adverse cardiovascular effects, especially in occupational settings, among susceptible individuals, and with long-term exposure.

Non-Alcoholic Cirrhosis and Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Mini-Review.

. Background and Objectives: Cirrhosis is a liver disease that causes about one million deaths annually worldwide. The estimated cirrhosis prevalence ranges from 4.5-9.5% in the general population. Up to 40% of cirrhotic patients are asymptomatic and may be diagnosed late. Studies have described the importance of the functions of the liver and autonomic nervous system (ANS) and their relationship. There is limited information available on non-alcoholic cirrhosis and heart rate variability (HRV), which is a measure of the ANS. This study aimed to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation through HRV in non-alcoholic cirrhosis individuals reported in previous observational and clinical trial studies. Materials and Methods: We performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement using the Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases. Five studies were identified and reviewed. Results: HRV was decreased in patients with non-alcoholic cirrhosis, even in the first stage. Conclusions: HRV could be used as a complementary method to improve both the diagnosis and prognosis of non-alcoholic cirrhosis.

Cardiac autonomic modulation in children with severe liver disease, before and after liver transplantation.

Background: The cardiovascular system is directly influenced by the autonomic nervous system (ANS); its changes affect heart rate variability (HRV) and are sensitive indicators of physiological changes. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is manifested in up to 60% of patients with cirrhosis. Therefore, we aim to analyze the indexes of HRV pre- and post-surgery of children submitted for liver transplantation (LT). Methods: HRV, in children of both genders from 6 months of age to 10 years, that attended at the pediatric surgery clinic in the queue for LT at the Children's Institute were analyzed. To access HRV we analyzed indexes such as standard deviation of the RR intervals (SDNN), root-mean-square of the successive normal sinus RR interval difference (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF. Results: The analysis of the behavior of cardiac autonomic modulation, in the period prior to LT and after surgery, showed an increase in HRV linear parameters SDNN, TINN (triangular interpolation of NN interval histogram), HFms2. In the time domain, there was also an increase in the HFms2 index. Conclusions: The analysis of the period preceding LT and two months after surgery showed an increase in the HRV linear parameters representing a global HRV improvement. In the time domain, there was also an increase in the HFms2 index, parasympathetic tone of the HRV.

E-cigarettes and their lone constituents induce cardiac arrhythmia and conduction defects in mice.

E-cigarette use has surged, but the long-term health effects remain unknown. E-cigarette aerosols containing nicotine and acrolein, a combustion and e-cigarette byproduct, may impair cardiac electrophysiology through autonomic imbalance. Here we show in mouse electrocardiograms that acute inhalation of e-cigarette aerosols disturbs cardiac conduction, in part through parasympathetic modulation. We demonstrate that, similar to acrolein or combustible cigarette smoke, aerosols from e-cigarette solvents (vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol) induce bradycardia, bradyarrhythmias, and elevations in heart rate variability during inhalation exposure, with inverse post-exposure effects. These effects are slighter with tobacco- or menthol-flavored aerosols containing nicotine, and in female mice. Yet, menthol-flavored and PG aerosols also increase ventricular arrhythmias and augment early ventricular repolarization (J amplitude), while menthol uniquely alters atrial and atrioventricular conduction. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosols from vegetable glycerin and its byproduct, acrolein, diminish heart rate and early repolarization. The pro-arrhythmic effects of solvent aerosols on ventricular repolarization and heart rate variability depend partly on parasympathetic modulation, whereas ventricular arrhythmias positively associate with early repolarization dependent on the presence of nicotine. Our study indicates that chemical constituents of e-cigarettes could contribute to cardiac risk by provoking pro-arrhythmic changes and stimulating autonomic reflexes.

Cardiac autonomic modulation during different modes of weaning of mechanical ventilation / Modulação autonômica cardíaca durante diferentes modos de desmame em ventilação mecânica

INTRODUCTION: Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive method to analyze variations of time intervals between heart beats. HRV is a promising method to analyze autonomic balance quantitatively. During the weaning process of mechanical ventilation, alterations occur in the autonomic activity. Methods to identify increased risk for weaning failure are needed. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the behavior of cardiac autonomic modulation in different phases of weaning mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Cardiorespiratory parameters (SBP, DBP, MAP, RR, SpO2) of 18 participants were collected and a cardio-frequency meter was placed. The subjects were kept in supine Fowler's position t, ventilating for 10 minutes in the assist-controlled (A/C) ventilation mode the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) mode, pressure support ventilation (PSV) 18 and 10, and with nebulization through a T-piece. At the end of all ventilator modes, the pre-specified variables were measured. The HRV parameters were analyzed in the domains of time, frequency and geometric indexes. RESULTS: There was an increase in the mean rMSSD of the A/C moment of 20.67 ± 19.36ms for the PSV 10 time 29.96 ± 21.26ms (p = 0.027), increase between the SIMV moments of 24.04 ± 18.31ms and PSV 10 to 29.96 ± 21.26ms (p = 0.042), but reduced between PSV 10 and T-Tube moments 21.22 ± 13.84ms (p = 0.035). There was an increase in the LF mean of the SIMV moments 158.46 ± 229.77ms2 and PSV 10 265.50 ± 359.88ms2 for T-tube 408.92 ± 392.77ms2 (p = 0.011 and p = 0.037 respectively). The mean LF showed a decrease between C/A and SIMV moments, respectively, 62.48 ± 17.99nu and 54.29 ± 15.29nu (p = 0.024), increase in SIMV moments 54.29 ± 15.29nu and PSV 10 55.05 ± 23.07nu for TUBE T 65.57 ± 17.08nu (p = 0.049 and p = 0.027 respectively). HF increased between SIMV moments 162.89 ± 231.19ms2 and PSV 10 247.83 ± 288.99ms2 (p = 0.020) and also between SIMV and T-Tube moments 248.28 ± 214.46 ms2 (p = 0.044). There was a reduction in mean HF between PSV 10 times 44.71 ± 22.95nu and T-tube 34.22 ± 17.03nu (p = 0.026 CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that in comparison with spontaneous breathing, controlled breathing was associated with lower HRV during weaning from mechanical ventilation.

INTRODUÇÃO: A variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC) é um método não invasivo para analisar variações de intervalos de tempo entre batimentos cardíacos. A VFC é um método promissor para analisar o balanço autonômico quantitativamente. Durante o processo de desmame da ventilação mecânica, ocorrem alterações na atividade autonômica. OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento da modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca em diferentes modos do desmame da VM. MÉTODO: 18 pacientes foram estudados. Os parâmetros cardiorrespiratórios (PAS, PAD, PAM, FR, SpO2) iniciais e finais foram registrados em uma ficha. Um cardiofrequencimetro foi posicionado (relógio no punho e cinta no tórax). Os pacientes foram mantidos em decúbito Fowler e permaneceram 10' em cada modo ventilatório (A/C, SIMV, PSV 18 e 10 e nebulização com Tubo T). Os sinais captados pelo cardiofrequencimetro foram analisados através do software Kubios®. RESULTADOS: Os parâmetros da Variabilidade da Frequência Cardíaca foram analisados nos domínios do tempo, frequência e índices geométricos. Houve aumento na média rMSSD - modulação parassimpática, do momento A/C para o momento PSV 10 (p=0,027), aumento entre os momentos SIMV e PSV 10 (p=0,042), mas reduziu entre os momentos PSV 10 e TUBO T (p=0,035). Houve aumento na média do LF (low frequency) -modulação simpática, dos momentos SIMV e PSV 10 para TUBO T (p=0,011 e p=0,037). A média de LF apresentou queda entre os momentos A/C e SIMV (p=0,024), aumento nos momentos SIMV e PSV 10 para TUBO T (p =0,049 e p=0,027). HF (high frequency) - modulação simpática aumentou entre os momentos SIMV e PSV 10 (p=0,020) e também entre os momentos SIMV e TUBO T (p=0,044). Houve redução na média HF entre os momentos PSV e TUBO T (p=0,026). CONCLUSÃO: Modos controlados apresentaram diminuição da VFC e maior predomínio simpático em relação a modos espontâneos.

Discal Cyst: a Rare Cause of Neurologic Compression in the Young Adult

INTRODUCTION: discal cysts are rare pathology. Its clinical presentation can be mistaken for disc herniation, with back pain, radiculopathy and neurological deficit. It is more common in male patients in their fourth life decade. Because they are rare, there is no consensus about the treatment. A great variety of procedures, from medication for the pain to endoscopic or microdiscectomy excision, have been described. OBJETIVE: Describe a case of discal cyst on the l4-l5 level with compression of l5 right nerve root treated successfully with a minimal invasive procedure. : Case report. METHODS: Review medical records, pertinent images, interview with the patient and surgical team, intraoperative and histopathological findings. The surgical technique used was minimally invasive. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a cystic lesion imaging at the level of the L4-L5 disc. The cystic mass displaced the thecal sac dorsally compressed the L5 transversing root. The patient was submitted to a minimally invasive microendoscopic technique using a tubular retractor. He recovered completely after the procedure, presenting absence of leg pain and went back to his regular activities 3 weeks after the surgery. Histopathological examination of the cyst revealed thick fibrous connective tissue interspersed with areas of chronic inflammation. CONCLUSION: Discal cysts are rare intraspinal lesions. They can trigger severe neurological symptoms, and should be differentiated from other forms of epidural cysts and tumors. There are many treatment options that can be chosen from but no consensus. We used a treatment that was less invasive than the ones described in the literature.

INTRODUÇÃO: cistos discais são patologia rara. Sua apresentação clínica pode ser confundida com hérnia de disco, com dor nas costas, radiculopatia e déficit neurológico. É mais comum em pacientes do sexo masculino em sua quarta década de vida. Porque eles são raros, não há consenso sobre o tratamento. Uma grande variedade de procedimentos, de medicação para a dor para a endoscopia ou excisão microdiscectomy, têm sido descritas. OBJETIVO: descrever um caso de cisto discal no nível L4-L5 com compressão da raiz nervosa L5 di-reita tratada com sucesso com um procedimento minimamente invasivo. Desenho do estudo: Relato de caso. MÉTODO: revisão de registros médicos, imagens pertinentes, entrevista com o paciente e equipe cirúrgica, intra e histopatológicos. A técnica cirúrgica utilizada foi minimamente invasiva. : A ressonância magnética (MRI) demonstrou uma imagiologia lesão cística ao nível do disco L4-L5. A massa cística deslocou o saco tecal dorsal comprimido a transversing raiz L5. O paciente foi submetido a uma técnica microendoscópica minimamente invasiva utilizando um afastador tubular. Ele se recuperou completamente após o procedimento, apresentando ausência de dor nas pernas e voltou às suas atividades regulares 3 semanas após a cirurgia. O exame histopatológico do cisto revela tecido conjuntivo fibroso de espessura intercaladas com áreas de inflamação crónica. CONCLUSÃO: cistos discais são lesões intra-espinhais raras. Eles podem desencadear os sintomas neurológicos graves, e deve ser diferenciada de outras formas de cistos epidurais e tumores. Há muitas opções de tratamento que podem ser escolhidos a partir de, mas não há consenso. Utilizou-se um tratamento que era menos invasiva do que os descritos na literatura.