Epithelium-derived 6-nitrodopamine modulates noradrenaline-induced contractions in human seminal vesicles.

AIMS: To evaluate the basal release of 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND) from human isolated seminal vesicles (HISV) and to characterize its action and origin. MAIN METHODS: Left HISV obtained from patients undergoing prostatectomy surgery was suspended in a 3-mL organ bath containing warmed (37 °C) and gassed (95%O2:5%CO2) Krebs-Henseleit's solution (KHS) with ascorbic acid. An aliquot of 2 mL of the supernatant was used to quantify catecholamines by LC-MS/MS. For functional studies, concentration-responses curves to catecholamines were obtained, and pEC50 and Emax values were calculated. Detection of tyrosine hydroxylase and S100 protein were also carried out by both immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in-situ hybridization assays (FISH). KEY FINDINGS: Basal release of 6-ND was higher than the other catecholamines (14.76 ± 14.54, 4.99 ± 6.92, 3.72 ± 4.35 and 5.13 ± 5.76 nM for 6-ND, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine, respectively). In contrast to the other catecholamines, the basal release of 6-ND was not affected by the sodium current (Nav) channel inhibitor tetrodotoxin (1 µM; 10.4 ± 8.9 and 10.4 ± 7.9 nM, before and after tetrodotoxin, respectively). All the catecholamines produced concentration-dependent HISV contractions (pEC50 4.1 ± 0.2, 4.9 ± 0.3, 5.0 ± 0.3, and 3.9 ± 0.8 for 6-ND, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine, respectively), but 6-ND was 10-times less potent than noradrenaline and adrenaline. However, preincubation with very low concentration of 6-ND (10-8 M, 30 min) produced significant leftward shifts of the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline. Immunohistochemical and FISH assays identified tyrosine hydroxylase in tissue epithelium of HISV strips. SIGNIFICANCE: Epithelium-derived 6-ND is the major catecholamine released from human isolated seminal vesicles and that modulates smooth muscle contractility by potentiating noradrenaline-induced contractions.

Lack of mTORC2 signalling in CD11c+ myeloid cells inhibits their migration and ameliorates experimental colitis.

The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a key role in determining immune cells function through modulation of their metabolic status. By specific deletion of Rictor in CD11c+ myeloid cells (referred to here as CD11cRicΔ/Δ), this study investigated the role of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) signalling in dendritic cells (DCs) function in mice. We showed that upon DSS-induced colitis, lack of mTORC2 signalling CD11c+ cells diminishes colitis score, and abrogates dendritic cell (DC) migration to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), thereby diminishing the infiltration of T helper (Th) 17 cells in the lamina propria (LP) and subsequent inflammation. These findings corroborate with abrogation of cytoskeleton organization and decreased activation of Rac1 and Cdc42 GTPases observed in CD11c+-mTORC2-deficient cells. Meta-analysis on colonic samples from ulcerative colitis (UC) patients revealed increased gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines which coincided with augmented expression of mTOR pathway, positive correlation between the DC marker ITGAX and IL-6, the expression of RICTOR, and CDC42. Together, this work proposes that targeting mTORC2 on DCs offers a key to hamper inflammatory responses and this way, ameliorates the progression and severity of intestinal inflammatory diseases.

GKT137831 and hydrogen peroxide increase the release of 6-nitrodopamine from the human umbilical artery, rat-isolated right atrium, and rat-isolated vas deferens.

Introduction: The human umbilical artery (HUA), rat-isolated right atrium, and rat-isolated vas deferens present a basal release of 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND). The basal release of 6-ND from these tissues was significantly decreased (but not abolished) when the tissues were pre-incubated with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Methods: In this study, the effect of the pharmacological modulation of the redox environment on the basal release of 6-ND was investigated. The basal release of 6-ND was measured using Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Results and Discussion: Pre-incubation (30 min) of the tissues with GKT137831 (1 µM) caused a significant increase in the basal release of 6-ND from all tissues. In the HUA, pre-incubation with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) (100 µM) also caused significant increases in the basal release of 6-ND. Preincubation of the HUA with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (100 µM) increased 6-ND basal release, whereas pre-incubation with catalase (1,000 U/mL) significantly decreased it. Pre-incubation of the HUA with superoxide dismutase (SOD) (250 U/mL; 30 min) also significantly increased the basal release of 6-ND. Preincubation of the HUA with either allopurinol (100 µM) or uric acid (1 mM) had no effect on the basal release of 6-ND. Pre-treatment of the HUA with L-NAME (100 µM) prevented the increase in the basal release of 6-ND induced by GKT137831, diphenyleneiodonium, and H2O2. The results obtained indicate a major role of endogenous H2O2 and peroxidases as modulators of 6- ND biosynthesis/release and a lack of peroxynitrite contribution.

The pivotal role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the release of 6-nitrodopamine from mouse isolated vas deferens.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released from rat and human vas deferens and is considered a major mediator of both tissues contractility. The contractions induced by 6-ND are selectively blocked by both tricyclic antidepressants and α1-adrenoceptor antagonists. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is the major isoform responsible for 6-ND release in mouse isolated heart, however the origin of 6-ND in the vas deferens is unknown. Here it was investigated by LC-MS/MS the basal release of 6-ND from isolated vas deferens obtained from control, eNOS-/-, nNOS-/-, and iNOS-/- mice. In addition, it was evaluated in vitro vas deferens contractility following electric field stimulation (EFS). Basal release of 6-ND was significantly reduced in nNOS-/- mice compared to control mice, but not decreased when the vas deferens were obtained from either eNOS-/- or iNOS-/- mice. Pre-incubation of the vas deferens with tetrodotoxin (1 µM) significantly reduced the basal release of 6-ND from control, eNOS-/-, and iNOS-/- mice but had no effect on the basal release of 6-ND from nNOS-/- mice. EFS-induced frequency-dependent contractions of the vas deferens, which were significantly reduced when the tissues obtained from control, eNOS-/- and iNOS-/- mice, were pre-incubated with l-NAME, but unaltered when the vas deferens was obtained from nNOS-/- mice. In addition, the EFS-induced contractions were significantly smaller when the vas deferens were obtained from nNOS-/- mice. The results clearly demonstrate that nNOS is the main NO isoform responsible for 6-ND release in mouse vas deferens and reinforces the concept of 6-ND as a major modulator of vas deferens contractility.

6-Nitrodopamine is an endogenous mediator of the rabbit corpus cavernosum relaxation.

BACKGROUND: 6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel endogenous catecholamine that has a potent relaxant action on vascular smooth muscle in vitro. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the basal release of 6-ND and noradrenaline from rabbit-isolated corpus cavernosum (RbCC) and its relaxing action on this tissue. METHODS: Rabbit corpus cavernosa were dissected and suspended in a 5-mL organ bath containing oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit's solution. 6-ND and noradrenaline release was quantified by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The relaxant activity of 6-ND was assessed in RbCC strips pre-contracted with endothelin-1 (10 nM). RESULTS: Rabbit corpus cavernosum presented basal release of both 6-ND (2.9 ± 0.8 ng/mL, n = 12) and noradrenaline (1.7 ± 1.3 ng/mL, n = 12). The 6-ND release was reduced by pre-treatment with Nω -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) (100 µM), whereas that of noradrenaline was unaffected. Tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 µM) abolished the noradrenaline release but had no effect on 6-ND release, indicating a non-neurogenic origin for 6-ND. 6-ND and the selective dopamine D2 -agonist L-741,626 caused concentration-dependent RbCC relaxations (pEC50 of 11 ± 0.15 and 11.15 ± 0.28, respectively). Pre-treatment with either l-NAME or the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4] oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-on (ODQ) (100 µM) caused a rightward shift of the concentration-response curve to 6-ND, without affecting the L-741,626 responses. In TTX (100 nM)-pre-treated preparations, neither l-NAME nor ODQ shifted the 6-ND concentration-response curve. Dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline caused concentration-dependent RbCC contractions. Pre-incubation with 6-ND concentration-dependently inhibited the dopamine-induced contractions, without affecting those induced by either noradrenaline or adrenaline. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: 6-Nitrodopamine is the most potent endogenous relaxant agent in RbCC ever described and represents a novel mechanism by which NO causes corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation. The finding that 6-ND acts as a truly selective dopamine D2 -receptor antagonist indicates that the balance of dopamine and 6-ND release/synthesis may be the main mechanism that modulates corpus cavernosum smooth muscle tonus in vivo.

Alpha1-adrenergic blockers selectively antagonize the contractions induced by 6-nitrodopamine in the human vas deferens.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released from human vas deferens and plays a modulatory role in the male ejaculation. Therapeutical use of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists is associated with ejaculatory abnormalities. To evaluate the effect of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists on the contractions induced by 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline in the human epididymal vas deferens (HEVD). HEVD strips were suspended in glass chambers containing heated and oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit's solution. Cumulative concentration-response curves to catecholamines (10 nM-300 µM) were constructed in HEVD strips pre-incubated (30 min) with doxazosin (0.1-1 nM), tamsulosin (1-10 nM), prazosin (10-100 nM) and/or silodosin (0.1-10 nM). The effects of these α1-adrenoceptor antagonists were also evaluated in the electric-field stimulation (EFS, 2-32 Hz)-induced contractions. Doxazosin (0.1 nM) caused significant reductions in 6-ND-induced HEVD contractions without affecting the contractions induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Similar results were observed with tamsulosin (1 nM) and prazosin (10 nM). At these concentrations, these α1-adrenoceptor antagonists largely reduced the EFS-induced contractions. Silodosin (1 nM) caused concentration-dependent rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to 6-ND but had no effect on the contractions induced by dopamine and adrenaline. Silodosin (0.1 nM) only inhibited the contractions induced by noradrenaline. Silodosin at 1 nM, but not at 0.1 nM, caused significant reductions in the EFS-induced contractions. The results reinforce the concept that 6-ND plays a major role in the human vas deferens contractility and indicate that the ejaculation disorders caused by doxazosin, tamsulosin, prazosin and silodosin cause in man, may be due to inhibition of the contractions induced by 6-ND rather than by the classical catecholamines dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline.

6-Nitrodopamine Is the Most Potent Endogenous Positive Inotropic Agent in the Isolated Rat Heart.

BACKGROUND: 6-nitrodopamine released from rat isolated atria exerts positive chronotropic action, being more potent than noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine. Here, we determined whether 6-nitrodopamine is released from rat isolated ventricles (RIV) and modulates heart inotropism. METHODS: Catecholamines released from RIV were quantified by LC-MS/MS and their effects on heart inotropism were evaluated by measuring left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in Langendorff's preparation. RESULTS: 6-nitrodopamine was the major released catecholamine from RIV. Incubation with L-NAME (100 µM), but not with tetrodotoxin (1 µM), caused a significant reduction in 6-nitrodopamine basal release. 6-nitrodopamine release was significantly reduced in ventricles obtained from L-NAME chronically treated animals. 6-nitrodopamine (0.01 pmol) caused significant increases in LVDP and dP/dtmax, whereas dopamine and noradrenaline required 10 pmol, and adrenaline required 100 pmol, to induce similar increases in LVDP and dP/dtmax. The infusion of atenolol (10 nM) reduced basal LVDP and blocked the increases in LVDP induced by 6-ND (0.01 pmol), without affecting the increases in LVDP induced by 10 nmol of dopamine and noradrenaline and that induced by adrenaline (100 nmol). CONCLUSIONS: 6-nitrodopamine is the major catecholamine released from rat isolated ventricles. It is 1000 times more potent than dopamine and noradrenaline and is selectively blocked by atenolol, indicating that 6-ND is a main regulator of heart inotropism.

Release of 6-nitrodopamine from human popliteal artery and vein.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel catecholamine that is released from human umbilical cord vessels, and it causes vascular relaxation by acting as a dopamine D2-receptor antagonist. Here it was investigated whether human peripheral vessels obtained from patients who have undergone surgery for leg amputation release 6-ND, and its action in these tissues. Popliteal artery and vein strips present basal release of 6-ND, as measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The release was significantly reduced when the tissues were pre-treated with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME (100 µM), or when the endothelium was mechanically removed. In U-46619 (3 nM) pre-contracted rings, 6-ND induced concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50 8.18 ± 0.05 and 8.40 ± 0.08, in artery and vein rings, respectively). The concentration-dependent relaxations induced by 6-ND were unaffected in tissues pre-treated with L-NAME, but significantly reduced in tissues where the endothelium has been mechanically removed. In U-46619 (3 nM) pre-contracted rings, the selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist L-741,626 also caused concentration-dependent relaxations (pEC50 8.92 ± 0.22 and 8.79 ± 0.19, in artery and vein rings, respectively). The concentration-dependent relaxations induced by L-741,626 were unaffected in tissues pre-treated with L-NAME, but significantly reduced in tissues where the endothelium has been mechanically removed. This is the first demonstration that 6-nitrodopamine is released from human peripheral artery and vein rings. The results also indicate that endothelium-derived dopamine is a major contractile agent in the popliteal artery and vein, and that selective dopamine D2-receptor antagonists such as 6-ND, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of human peripheral vascular diseases.

6-Nitrodopamine potentiates contractions of rat isolated vas deferens induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine and electric field stimulation.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel endogenous catecholamine that is released from the rat isolated vas deferens, and has been characterized as a major modulator of the contractility of rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD). Drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, α1 and ß1ß2 adrenoceptor blockers, act as selective antagonists of the 6-ND receptor in the RIEVD. In the rat isolated atria, 6-ND has a potent positive chronotropic action and causes remarkable potentiation of the positive chronotropic effects induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Here, whether 6-ND interacts with the classical catecholamines in the rat isolated vas deferens was investigated. Incubation with 6-ND (0.1 and 1 nM; 30min) caused no contractions in the RIEVD but provoked significant leftward shifts in the concentration-response curves to noradrenaline, adrenaline, and dopamine. Pre-incubation of the RIEVD with 6-ND (1 nM), potentiated the contractions induced by electric-field stimulation (EFS), whereas pre-incubation with 1 nM of dopamine, noradrenaline or adrenaline, did not affect EFS-induced contractions. In tetrodotoxin (1 µM) pre-treated (30 min) RIEVD, pre-incubation with 6-ND (0.1 nM) did not cause leftward shifts in the concentration-dependent contractions induced by noradrenaline, adrenaline, or dopamine. Pre-incubation of the RIEVD with the α2A-adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan (30 min, 10 nM) did not affect dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and EFS-induced contractions. However, when idazoxan (10 nM) and 6-ND (0.1 nM) were simultaneously pre-incubated (30 min), a significant potentiation of the EFS-induced contractions of the RIEVD was observed. 6-nitrodopamine causes remarkable potentiation of dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline contractions on the RIEVD, due to activation of adrenergic terminals, possibly via pre-synaptic adrenoceptors.

Investigation on the positive chronotropic action of 6-nitrodopamine in the rat isolated atria.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released from rat isolated atria being 100 times more potent than noradrenaline and adrenaline, and 10,000 times more potent than dopamine as a positive chronotropic agent. The present study aimed to investigate the interactions of 6-ND with the classical catecholamines, phosphodiesterase (PDE)-3 and PDE4, and the protein kinase A in rat isolated atria. Atrial incubation with 1 pM of dopamine, noradrenaline, or adrenaline had no effect on atrial frequency. Similar results were observed when the atria were incubated with 0.01 pM of 6-ND. However, co-incubation of 6-ND (0.01 pM) with dopamine, noradrenaline, or adrenaline (1 pM each) resulted in significant increases in atrial rate, which persisted over 30 min after washout of the agonists. The increased atrial frequency induced by co-incubation of 6-ND with the catecholamines was significantly reduced by the voltage-gated sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (1 µM, 30 min), indicating that the positive chronotropic effect of 6-ND is due in part to activation of nerve terminals. Pre-treatment of the animals with reserpine had no effect on the positive chronotropic effect induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, or adrenaline; however, reserpine markedly reduced the 6-ND (1 pM)-induced positive chronotropic effect. Incubation of the rat isolated atria with the protein kinase A inhibitor H-89 (1 µM, 30 min) abolished the increased atrial frequency induced by dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, but only attenuated the increases induced by 6-ND. 6-ND induces catecholamine release from adrenergic terminals and increases atrial frequency independently of PKA activation.

Intrarater and interrater agreement of a 6-item movement control test battery and the resulting diagnosis in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intrarater and interrater agreement of a 6-item test battery in nonspecific chronic low back pain (LBP) and investigate the agreement between raters to assign the resulting movement control (MC) diagnoses. METHODS: Thirty patients with chronic LBP (18-30 years) were included in this study. Six raters were trained and rated the videos of the patients during the execution of the tests. After one week, the raters re-watched the videos and repeated the examination. A diagnosis of MC was assigned for each patient. Agreement was analyzed using weighted kappa and prevalence-adjusted and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) coefficients. RESULTS: We showed an acceptable intrarater agreement for the 6-item test battery for four out of six raters, except for one test: prone knee flexion. The results of the interrater agreement between the three pairs of raters showed acceptable agreement levels (k > 0.4), except for two tests, "rocking on all four backward" and "prone knee flexion test." For the diagnosis of MC impairment, acceptable agreement levels (k > 0.4) were observed for five out of six raters for intrarater agreement. For interrater assessment, we found an acceptable agreement between pairs of raters. CONCLUSION: We showed acceptable levels of agreement between the intrarater and interrater for a 6-item test battery to identify MC impairment, except for two tests. Agreement in the MC diagnoses achieved acceptable levels for five of the six raters (intrarater) and all three pairs of raters (interrater). Such results support the use of the 6-item test battery to detect MC impairment.

Progressive tension protocol for muscle strength with Kinesio tape in runners - double-blind randomized clinical trial / Protocolo de tensão progressiva para força muscular com Kinesio tape em corredores - ensaio clínico randomizado duplo-cego

Abstract Introduction Kinesio tape (KT), although frequently used in sports, is still a matter of debate, and the results of studies that evaluated its effects on muscle strength (MS) in athletes are still inconclusive and contradictory. Objective To evaluate the effect of a progressive KT tension protocol on knee MS in runners over an eight-week intervention. Methods Clinical trial involving 49 runners of both sexes randomized into two groups: KT (KT with progressive tension protocol) and placebo (KT without tension). The MS of knee flexors and extensors was evaluated by isokinetic dynamometer (60º/s and 90º/s) at four moments: (1) without KT; (2) with KT and without tension; (3) without KT (after 8 weeks after of intervention); (4) with KT and with tension (after 8 weeks after of intervention). Inter- and intra-group comparisons were made. The significance level adopted was 95% (p < 0.05). Results There were no significant differences in MS between the groups at any of the evaluated moments. There was a statistically significant difference in MS (60º/s) in both groups (KT and placebo) when comparing moments 4 and 2 for knee flexors, and in the placebo group between moments 4 and 2 and moments 4 and 3 for knee extensors. Conclusion The progressive tension protocol of KT was not able to intervene in the SM gain of knee flexors and extensors of runners in inter and intragroup comparisons.

Resumo Introdução A Kinesio tape (KT), apesar de muito utilizada na prática esportiva, ainda é motivo de debate e os resultados de estudos que avaliaram seus efeitos na força muscular (FM) em atletas ainda são inconclusivos e contraditórios. Objetivo Avaliar o efeito de um protocolo de tensão progressiva KT na FM do joelho em corredores ao longo de uma intervenção de oito semanas. Métodos Ensaio clínico envolvendo 49 corredores de ambos os sexos randomizados em dois grupos: KT (KT com protocolo de tensão progressiva) e placebo (KT sem tensão). A FM dos flexores e extensores do joelho foi avaliada por dinamômetro isocinético (60º/s e 90º/s) em quatro momentos: (1) sem KT; (2) com KT e sem tensão; (3) sem KT (após 8 semanas); (4) com KT e com tensão (pós-protocolo 8 semanas). Comparações inter e intragrupos foram feitas. O nível de significância adotado foi de 95% (p < 0,05). Resultados Não houve diferenças signi-ficativas na FM entre os grupos em nenhum dos momentos avaliados. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante na FM (60º/s) em ambos os grupos (KT e placebo, quando comparados os momentos 4 e 2 para flexores de joelho, e no grupo placebo entre os momentos 4 e 2 e os momentos 4 e 3 para extensores de joelho. Conclusão O protocolo de tensão progressiva de KT não foi capaz de intervir no ganho de FM de flexores e extensores de joelho de corredores em comparações inter e intragrupos.

Association of smartphone addiction with pain, sleep, anxiety, and depression in university students / Análise da dependência do uso de smartphone em comparação à dor, sono, ansiedade e depressão em universitários

Abstract Introduction: Smartphone use has become a popular social communication phenomenon worldwide. Its excessive use can compromise daily routines and habits, which is associated with sleep disorders, stress, anxiety and pain. Therefore, the university student stands out, as they has a lifestyle in which it is necessary to reconcile daily activities with curriculum activities, aggravating psychosocial factors. Objective: To investigate whether smartphone addiction influences sleep quality, anxiety, depression and pain in university students. Methods: We carried out an analytical cross-sectional study. For data collection, the following self-administered questionnaires were used: Smartphone Addiction Inventory (SPAI-BR), to assess smartphone dependence; Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), to evaluate sleep quality; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, to assess anxiety and depression (HADS), where it was subdivided into HADS-A for anxiety and HADS-D for depression; and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) to determine physical pain intensity. The sample consisted of 301 university students studying physiotherapy and physical education at the State University of Northern Paraná (UENP). They were divided according to the score obtained in the SPAI-BR between the "regular" group (up to 6 points) and "predisposed" to smartphone dependence (7 or more points). Results: The comparisons were statistically significant in favor of the regular group: the predisposed group obtained a higher score for the questionnaires used with an average NRS of 2.37 points, average HADS-D of 9.05 points and average HADS-A of 6.01 points. Differences between groups were statistically significant: NRS, p = 0.018; HADS-A, p = 0.001; HADS-D p = 0.001; and PSQI, p = 0.001. Conclusion: The university students analyzed in this study classified as predisposed were more prone to being addicted to their smartphone, and they were more likely to have anxiety, with a worse quality of sleep and with a greater intensity of pain.

Resumo Introdução: O uso de smartphones se tornou um fenômeno social mundialmente popular de comunicação. Seu uso excessivo pode comprometer as rotinas e hábitos diários, que estão associados aos distúrbios do sono, estresse, ansiedade, algias; logo, destaca-se o universitário, que apresenta um estilo de vida em que é preciso conciliar as atividades diárias com as curriculares, agravando fatores psicossociais. Objetivo: Investigar se a dependência do uso de smartphone influencia a qualidade de sono e os níveis de ansiedade, depressão e dor em universitários. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal analítico. Para a coleta dos dados foram utilizados os questionários autoaplicáveis Inventário de Dependências do Smartphone (SPAI-BR), Escala de Pittsburgh (PSQI), Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HADS), sendo este subdividido em HADS-A (ansiedade) e HADS-D (depressão), e Escala Numérica da Dor (END). A amostra foi composta por 301 universitários da Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, dos cursos de fisioterapia e educação física. Os estudantes foram divididos de acordo com o escore obtido no SPAI-BR entre grupo regular (até 6 pontos) e pré-disposto à dependência do uso de smartphone (7 ou mais pontos). Resultados: As comparações foram estatisticamente significativas a favor do grupo regular; sendo assim, o grupo pré-disposto obteve uma pontuação pior nos questionários utilizados, sendo a média END de 2,37 pontos, a média HADS-D de 9,05 e a média HADS-A de 6,01. Os valores de intensidade de dor entre os grupos foram de p = 0,018; HADS-A: p = 0,001; HADS-D: p = 0,001; PSQI: p= 0,001. Conclusão: Os universitários classificados como pré- dispostos apresentaram uma maior propensão à dependência do smartphone, além de maior chance de terem ansiedade com uma pior qualidade de sono e maior intensidade de dor.

Prevalência de sífilis e fatores de risco associados em internos do sistema prisional do Piauí / Prevalence of syphilis and associated risk factors in prisoners in the Piauí prison system / Prevalencia de sífilis y factores de riesgo asociados en internos del sistema penitenciario de Piauí

Objetivo: Objetivou-se analisar a prevalência de sífilis e fatores de risco em internos nos presídios do Estado do Piauí, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo epidemiológico, transversal, realizado com 2.131 presidiários. Na estatística inferencial foram aplicados testes de hipóteses, com a utilização de regressão logística. O nível de significância utilizado foi de 5%. Resultados: A prevalência de positividade para sífilis foi de 8,4% (IC95% = 7,3-9,6), sendo 19,5% no sexo feminino e 80,5% no sexo masculino. Na análise bivariada observou-se associação entre a sífilis e as variáveis: sexo, uso de drogas ilícitas, uso de piercings, prática sexual com parceiros do mesmo sexo, uso de drogas antes das relações sexuais e conhecimento sobre a forma de transmissão. No modelo multivariado permaneceu associada apenas o uso de drogas antes das relações sexuais. Conclusão: Faz-se necessário promover articulação entre esferas governamentais e entre gestão da saúde e da justiça, para elaborar estratégias de modo a contemplar a demanda de saúde dos internos do sistema prisional do Estado. (AU)

Objective: The objective was to analyze the prevalence of syphilis and risk factors in inmates in prisons in the State of Piauí, Brazil. Methods: Epidemiological, cross-sectional study carried out with 2,131 inmates. In inferential statistics, hypothesis tests were applied, using logistic regression. The level of significance used was 5%. Results: The prevalence of positivity for syphilis was 8.4% (95% CI = 7.3-9.6), 19.5% in females and 80.5% in males. In the bivariate analysis, an association was observed between syphilis and the variables: sex, use of illicit drugs, use of piercings, sexual practice with partners of the same sex, use of drugs before sexual intercourse and knowledge about the form of transmission. In the multivariate model, only drug use remained associated before sexual intercourse. Conclusion: It is necessary to promote articulation between governmental spheres and between health and justice management, in order to develop strategies in order to contemplate the health demand of inmates in the state prison system. (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la prevalencia de sífilis y factores de riesgo en reclusos en cárceles del estado de Piauí, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico transversal realizado con 2.131 internos. En estadística inferencial se aplicaron pruebas de hipótesis mediante regresión logística. El nivel de significancia utilizado fue del 5%. Resultados: La prevalencia de positividad para sífilis fue del 8,4% (IC 95% = 7,3-9,6), siendo 19,5% en mujeres y 80,5% en hombres. En el análisis bivariado se observó asociación entre sífilis y las variables: género, uso de drogas ilícitas, uso de piercings, práctica sexual con parejas del mismo sexo, uso de drogas antes de la relación sexual y conocimiento sobre la forma de transmisión. En el modelo multivariado, solo el consumo de drogas antes de las relaciones sexuales permaneció asociado. Conclusion: Es necesario promover la articulación entre los ámbitos gubernamentales y entre la gestión de la salud y la justicia, a fin de desarrollar estrategias para atender la demanda de salud de los internos del sistema penitenciario estatal. (AU)

Release of 6-nitrodopamine modulates vascular reactivity of Pantherophis guttatus aortic rings.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is a novel catecholamine that is released from human umbilical cord vessels and Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings. The synthesis/release of 6-ND is inhibited by either pre-incubation of the vessels with the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor L-NAME or by mechanical removal of the endothelium. 6-ND causes powerful vasorelaxation, acting as a potent and selective dopamine D2-like receptor antagonist. Basal release of 6-ND from Panterophis guttatus endothelium intact and denuded aortic rings was quantified by LC-MS/MS. In order to evaluate the interaction of 6-ND with other catecholamines, aortic rings were suspended vertically between two metal hooks in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit's solution and attached to isometric transducers. Endothelium intact aortic rings presented basal release of 6-ND, which was significantly reduced by previous incubation with L-NAME (100 µM). In endothelin-1 (3 nM) pre-contracted endothelium intact aortic rings, 6-ND (10pM-1 µM) and the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist L-761,626 (10 pM-1 µM) induced concentration-dependent relaxations, which were not affected by incubation with L-NAME but greatly reduced in endothelium-removed aortic rings. 6-ND (0.1-1 µM) produced significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to dopamine in L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact (pA2 7.01) rings. Contractions induced by noradrenaline and adrenaline were not affected by pre-incubation with 6-ND (1 µM). The EFS-induced contractions of L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact aortic rings were significantly inhibited by incubation with 6-ND (1 µM). The results indicate that 6-ND released from Pantherophis guttatus aortic rings is coupled to NO release and represents a new mechanism by which NO can modulate vascular reactivity independently of cGMP production.

ß1- and ß1/ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonists block 6-nitrodopamine-induced contractions of the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens.

6-Nitrodopamine (6-ND) is an endogenous modulator of the contractility in the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD) and considered to be the main peripheral mediator of the emission process. Use of selective and unselective ß-adrenergic receptor antagonists has been associated with ejaculatory failure. Here, the effects of selective ß1- and ß1/ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonists on RIEVD contractions induced by 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline, and electric-field stimulation (EFS) were investigated. The selective ß1-adrenergic receptor antagonists atenolol (0.1 and 1 µï»¿M), betaxolol (1 µï»¿M), and metoprolol (1 µï»¿M) and the unselective ß1/ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonists propranolol (1 and 10 µï»¿M) and pindolol (10 µï»¿M) caused significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to 6-ND (pA2 6.41, 6.91, 6.75, 6.47, and 5.74; for atenolol, betaxolol, metoprolol, propranolol, and pindolol), but had no effect on dopamine-, noradrenaline-, and adrenaline-induced contractions. The effects of selective ß1- and ß1/ß2-adrenergic receptor antagonists at a higher concentration (atenolol 1 µï»¿M, betaxolol 1 µï»¿M, metoprolol 1 µï»¿M, propranolol 10 µï»¿M, and pindolol 10 µï»¿M) also reduced the EFS-induced RIEVD contractions in control, but not in RIEVD obtained from L-NAME-treated animals. The selective ß1-adrenoceptor agonist RO-363, the selective ß2-adrenoceptor agonist salbutamol, and the selective ß3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron, up to 300 µï»¿M, had no effect on the RIEVD tone. The results demonstrate that ß1- and ß1-/ß2-adrenoceptor receptor antagonists act as 6-ND receptor antagonists in RIEVD, further confirming the main role of 6-ND in the RIEVD contractility.

6-Nitrodopamine is an endogenous selective dopamine receptor antagonist in Chelonoidis carbonaria aorta.

Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings present endothelium-derived release of dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and 6-nitrodopamine (6-ND). Here it was investigated whether 6-ND release is coupled to nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and its action on the vascular smooth muscle reactivity. Basal release of 6-ND from aortic rings in the absence and presence of the NO synthesis inhibitor L-NAME was quantified by LC-MS-MS. Aortic rings were suspended vertically between two metal hooks in 10-mL organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit's solution and attached to isometric transducers. The tissues were allowed to equilibrate for 1 h before starting the experiments. The release of 6-ND was significantly reduced by previous incubation with L-NAME. 6-ND (up to 300 µM) had no contractile activity in the aortic rings. 6-ND (1, 3 and 10 µM) produced significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curves to dopamine in endothelium-intact (pA2 6.09) and L-NAME pre-treated endothelium-intact (pA2 7.06) aortic rings. Contractions induced by noradrenaline and adrenaline were not affected by pre-incubation with 6-ND. The EFS (16 Hz)-induced aortic contractions were significantly inhibited by incubation with 6-ND (10 µM). In the thromboxane A2 mimetic U-46619 (30 nM) pre-contracted endothelium intact aortic rings, 6-ND (1 nM-1 µM) and the dopamine D2-receptor antagonist haloperidol (1 nM-1 µM) induced concentration-dependent relaxations. The relaxations were not present in endothelium-removed aortic rings but they were not affected by incubation with L-NAME in endothelium-intact aortic rings. The results indicate that the synthesis of this novel catecholamine in Chelonoidis carbonaria aortic rings is coupled to NO release and that 6-ND acts as a highly selective dopamine D2-like receptor antagonist.

Influence of Sociodemographic and Emotional Factors on the Relationship between Self-Compassion and Perceived Stress among Men Residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The analysis of sociodemographic and emotional factors is essential to understanding how men perceive stress and practice self-compassion. In health crises, this problem becomes an emergency for public health. This study aimed to analyze the influence of sociodemographic and emotional factors on the relationship between self-compassion and the perceived stress of men residing in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a nationwide cross-sectional study carried out between June and December 2020 with 1006 men who completed a semi-structured electronic questionnaire. Data were collected using the snowball technique. Perceived stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and self-compassion was assessed using the Self-Compassion Scale. Most men had low self-compassion (51.5%; n = 516) and a moderate level of perceived stress (60.9%; n = 613), while 15.9% (n = 170) had a high level of stress. The prevalence of men in the combined situation of low self-compassion and high perceived stress was 39.4% (n = 334). Living with friends had a higher prevalence of low self-compassion and high perceived stress. The prevalence of common mental disorders was high (54.3%). Men with low levels of self-compassion reported higher levels of perceived stress; however, this association was moderated by emotional and sociodemographic variables. These findings highlight the importance of considering individual and contextual factors in public policies promoting men's mental health.

Alpha1-adrenergic antagonists block 6-nitrodopamine contractions on the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens.

6-nitrodopamine (6-ND) is released from rat isolated vas deferens and modulates electrical-field stimulation (EFS) contractions of the rat isolated epididymal vas deferens (RIEVD) via a specific receptor which is blocked by tricyclic antidepressants. Here, the effects of selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists on RIEVD contractions induced by 6-ND, dopamine, noradrenaline, adrenaline and EFS were investigated. Doxazosin and tamsulosin (3-10 nM) caused significant rightward shifts of the concentration-response curve to 6-ND, but had no effect on dopamine-, noradrenaline- and adrenaline-induced contractions. Alfuzosin (10 nM) produced rightward shifts on concentration-response curves to all catecholamines. Silodosin (10 nM) and terazosin (100 nM) displaced to the right the noradrenaline, dopamine and adrenaline curves, but higher concentrations of both antagonists (100 and 300 nM, respectively) were required to displace the 6-ND curves. The EFS-induced contractions were significantly inhibited only at the concentrations that the α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists caused rightward shifts on the 6-ND concentration-response curves. The inhibition of EFS-induced contractions by doxazosin (10 nM), tamsulosin (10 nM), alfuzosin (10 nM), silodosin (100 nM) and terazosin (300 nM), were not observed in RIEVD obtained from animals chronically treated with L-NAME. This work demonstrates that α1-adrenoceptor antagonists act as 6-ND receptor antagonists in RIEVD, opening the possibility that many actions previously attributed to noradrenaline could be due to 6-ND antagonism. In addition, blockade of the 6-ND receptors by both tricyclic antidepressants and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists may represent the common mechanism of action responsible for their therapeutic use in the treatment of premature ejaculation.

Star-Shape Kinesio Taping Is Not Better Than a Minimal Intervention or Sham Kinesio Taping for Pain Intensity and Postural Control in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of star-shape Kinesio taping (KT) compared with both sham KT and minimal intervention (MI) on pain intensity and postural control. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient physical therapy. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 120 people with chronic low back pain (CLBP) aged 18-60 years (N=120). INTERVENTIONS: Star-shape KT, sham KT (no tension), and MI (educational booklet for self-management counseling). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were pain intensity and center of pressure (COP) mean sway speed, and disability score (Oswestry Disability Index) was a secondary outcome. The outcomes were obtained immediately after initial KT application, on the seventh day of intervention and at the 1-month follow-up. Linear mixed-model analyses using Bonferroni post hoc analyses were applied to investigate between-group differences. The model included treatment, time, and treatment×time interaction as fixed effects. RESULTS: Pain intensity was significantly lower for the star-shape KT group than for the MI group (mean difference [MD], -1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.63 to -0.07) immediately after the intervention and on the seventh day of intervention (MD, -1.32; 95% CI, -2.56 to -0.07). No difference in pain intensity between star-shape KT vs sham-KT groups was observed. In addition, no significant between-group differences were observed for the COP mean sway speed and disability score at any of the follow-up times. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed no meaningful effect of star-shape KT intervention on pain intensity and postural control in people with CLBP compared with MI or sham KT. The observed reduction of 1.3 units between star-shape KT and MI groups was statistically different, but it could not be considered clinically relevant. The results of this trial suggest that benefits from KT are more likely attributable to contextual factors rather than specific taping parameters.