Residual effects of abomasal 5-hydroxytryptophan administration on serotonin metabolism in cattle.

Studies of serotonin in animal husbandry has received growing interest. However, there is limited information about serotonin manipulation using 5-HTP administered postruminally and its residual effects in cattle. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 5-HTP infused into the abomasum for enhancing circulating serotonin in cattle. Four Holstein steers (487 ± 7.6 kg) fitted with ruminal cannulas were used in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design experiment. The treatments were intra-abomasal infusion of 5-HTP at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg BW. Blood was collected from the jugular vein of each steer at -60, -30, 0, 30, 60, 120, 240, and 480 min from 5-HTP infusion for basal and short term evaluation and, at 1, 2, 4, and 7 d after 5-HTP infusion for long term evaluation. Dry matter intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by intra-abomasal infusions. The half-life of 5-HTP was dose-independent (128 min). The serum 5-HTP, serotonin, and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid area under the curve increased (P < 0.05) linearly with an increased dose of 5-HTP. Serum 5-HTP reached peak concentration in approximately 30 min after dosing while serum and plasma serotonin peaked after 240 min postinfusion. Serotonin was greater than control for all 5-HTP doses 1 d and 2 d after infusion in serum and plasma, respectively. Intra-abomasal infusion of 5-HTP at doses up to 1 mg/ kg BW increases circulating serotonin for up 2 days.

Effects of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on pacing during 5-km running trial.

This study analyzed the influence of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on the pacing strategy adopted by runners during a 5-km running trial. Sixteen male recreational long-distance runners were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n=8) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=8). The HIIT group performed high-intensity interval-training twice per week, while the CON group maintained their regular training program. Before and after the training period, the runners performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to measure the onset of blood lactate accumulation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS). A submaximal constant-speed test to measure the running economy (RE) and a 5-km running trial on an outdoor track to establish pacing strategy and performance were also done. During the 5-km running trial, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to cover the 5-km trial (T5) were registered. After the training period, there were significant improvements in the HIIT group of ∼7 and 5% for RE (P=0.012) and PTS (P=0.019), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for VO2max (P=0.495) or onset of blood lactate accumulation (P=0.101). No difference was found in the parameters measured during the 5-km trial before the training period between HIIT and CON (P>0.05). These findings suggest that 4 weeks of HIIT can improve some traditional physiological variables related to endurance performance (RE and PTS), but it does not alter the perception of effort, pacing strategy, or overall performance during a 5-km running trial.

Effects of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on pacing during 5-km running trial

This study analyzed the influence of a 4-week high-intensity interval training on the pacing strategy adopted by runners during a 5-km running trial. Sixteen male recreational long-distance runners were randomly assigned to a control group (CON, n=8) or a high-intensity interval training group (HIIT, n=8). The HIIT group performed high-intensity interval-training twice per week, while the CON group maintained their regular training program. Before and after the training period, the runners performed an incremental exercise test to exhaustion to measure the onset of blood lactate accumulation, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak treadmill speed (PTS). A submaximal constant-speed test to measure the running economy (RE) and a 5-km running trial on an outdoor track to establish pacing strategy and performance were also done. During the 5-km running trial, the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to cover the 5-km trial (T5) were registered. After the training period, there were significant improvements in the HIIT group of ∼7 and 5% for RE (P=0.012) and PTS (P=0.019), respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups for VO2max (P=0.495) or onset of blood lactate accumulation (P=0.101). No difference was found in the parameters measured during the 5-km trial before the training period between HIIT and CON (P>0.05). These findings suggest that 4 weeks of HIIT can improve some traditional physiological variables related to endurance performance (RE and PTS), but it does not alter the perception of effort, pacing strategy, or overall performance during a 5-km running trial.

Energy system contribution in a maximal incremental test: correlations with pacing and overall performance in a 10-km running trial

This study aimed to verify the association between the contribution of energy systems during an incremental exercise test (IET), pacing, and performance during a 10-km running time trial. Thirteen male recreational runners completed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to determine the respiratory compensation point (RCP), maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), peak treadmill speed (PTS), and energy systems contribution; and a 10-km running time trial (T10-km) to determine endurance performance. The fractions of the aerobic (WAER) and glycolytic (WGLYCOL) contributions were calculated for each stage based on the oxygen uptake and the oxygen energy equivalents derived by blood lactate accumulation, respectively. Total metabolic demand (WTOTAL) was the sum of these two energy systems. Endurance performance during the T10-km was moderately correlated with RCP, V˙O2maxand PTS (P<@0.05), and moderate-to-highly correlated with WAER, WGLYCOL, and WTOTAL (P<0.05). In addition, WAER, WGLYCOL, and WTOTAL were also significantly correlated with running speed in the middle (P<0.01) and final (P<0.01) sections of the T10-km. These findings suggest that the assessment of energy contribution during IET is potentially useful as an alternative variable in the evaluation of endurance runners, especially because of its relationship with specific parts of a long-distance race.

Energy system contribution in a maximal incremental test: correlations with pacing and overall performance in a 10-km running trial.

This study aimed to verify the association between the contribution of energy systems during an incremental exercise test (IET), pacing, and performance during a 10-km running time trial. Thirteen male recreational runners completed an incremental exercise test on a treadmill to determine the respiratory compensation point (RCP), maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), peak treadmill speed (PTS), and energy systems contribution; and a 10-km running time trial (T10-km) to determine endurance performance. The fractions of the aerobic (WAER) and glycolytic (WGLYCOL) contributions were calculated for each stage based on the oxygen uptake and the oxygen energy equivalents derived by blood lactate accumulation, respectively. Total metabolic demand (WTOTAL) was the sum of these two energy systems. Endurance performance during the T10-km was moderately correlated with RCP, V˙O2max and PTS (P<@0.05), and moderate-to-highly correlated with WAER, WGLYCOL, and WTOTAL (P<0.05). In addition, WAER, WGLYCOL, and WTOTAL were also significantly correlated with running speed in the middle (P<0.01) and final (P<0.01) sections of the T10-km. These findings suggest that the assessment of energy contribution during IET is potentially useful as an alternative variable in the evaluation of endurance runners, especially because of its relationship with specific parts of a long-distance race.

Association between anaerobic components of the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit and 30-second Wingate test

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the anaerobic components of the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and of the 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (30-WAnT). Nine male physical education students performed: a) a maximal incremental exercise test; b) a supramaximal constant workload test to determine the anaerobic components of the MAOD; and c) a 30-WAnT to measure the peak power (PP) and mean power (MP). The fast component of the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and blood lactate accumulation were measured after the supramaximal constant workload test in order to determine the contributions made by alactic (ALMET) and lactic (LAMET) metabolism. Significant correlations were found between PP and ALMET (r=0.71; P=0.033) and between MP and LAMET (r=0.72; P=0.030). The study results suggested that the anaerobic components of the MAOD and of the 30-WAnT are similarly applicable in the assessment of ALMET and LAMET during high-intensity exercise.

Association between anaerobic components of the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit and 30-second Wingate test.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between the anaerobic components of the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (MAOD) and of the 30-second Wingate anaerobic test (30-WAnT). Nine male physical education students performed: a) a maximal incremental exercise test; b) a supramaximal constant workload test to determine the anaerobic components of the MAOD; and c) a 30-WAnT to measure the peak power (PP) and mean power (MP). The fast component of the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption and blood lactate accumulation were measured after the supramaximal constant workload test in order to determine the contributions made by alactic (ALMET) and lactic (LAMET) metabolism. Significant correlations were found between PP and ALMET (r=0.71; P=0.033) and between MP and LAMET (r=0.72; P=0.030). The study results suggested that the anaerobic components of the MAOD and of the 30-WAnT are similarly applicable in the assessment of ALMET and LAMET during high-intensity exercise.

O papel terapêutico do Programa Farmácia Viva e das plantas medicinais / The therapeutic role of the Program Farmacia Viva and the medicinal plants in the center-south of Piauí

RESUMOEste trabalho realizou um levantamento sobre o uso de plantas medicinais na cidade de Picos-PI, identificou as plantas cultivadas no horto pertencente ao Laboratório Fitoterápico de Picos (LAFIPI), e analisou o uso de fitoterápicos dispensados pelo Programa Farmácia Viva no triênio 2008-2010. Do total dos 750 entrevistados, 37,6% foram homens e 62,4 % mulheres, dentre os quais a maioria não concluiu o segundo grau (69,2%) e 77,2% possuíam renda mensal de até dois salários mínimos. Com relação ao consumo de plantas medicinais, 76,3% afirmaram utilizá-las para tratar doenças, principalmente por considerá-las mais saudáveis (84,8%). A indicação do uso foi orientada, sobretudo, por familiares (82,2%), embora a maioria adquira as plantas em feiras livres (32,8%). Das 127 plantas relatadas, as mais citadas foram erva-cidreira, boldo e hortelã, sendo as folhas a parte mais utilizada (42,3%), predominantemente por infusão (39,4%). As aplicações mais lembradas foram para tratar dores em geral (17%), distúrbios respiratórios (16,5%) e digestivos (16%). As espécies mais cultivadas no horto são chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) e erva cidreira (Lippia alba). O lambedor de chambá foi o fitoterápico mais procurado pela população entre 2008 e 2010. Esse estudo descreveu, pela primeira vez, o uso tradicional de plantas medicinais no município de Picos e demonstrou, também de forma inédita, a relevância de investimentos do Programa Farmácia Viva no município de Picos e sua inclusão no Programa Saúde da Família como forma de disponibilizar à população de baixa renda fitoterápicos produzidos localmente a custos reduzidos.

ABSTRACTThis study performed a research about the use of medicinal plants in Picos city, identifying the plants grown in the garden belonging to the Laboratory of Phytotherapics in Picos (LAFIPI) and analying the use of phytotherapics distributed by the Farmácia Viva Project between 2008-2010. From the total of 750 interviewed participants, 37.6% were men and 62.4 % women. Most of them do not have secondary education (69.2%) and 77.2% had an income of up until two minimum wages. Regarding consumption of medicinal plants, 76.3 % used them to treat diseases, mainly because they considered them to be healthier (84.8%). The indication of use of the plants was mainly suggested by relatives (82.2%), even though the majority of the participants acquires plants in open markets (32.8%). From the 127 plants mentioned, the most cited ones were balm, boldo and mint, and leaves were the most utilized parts (42.3%), predominantly by infusion (39.4%). The most common reasons for the usewere to treat pain in general (17%), and respiratory (16.5%) and digestive disorders (16%). The most cultivated species in the garden were chambá (Justicia pectoralis), alecrim pimenta (Lippia sidoides), malva santa (Plectranthus barbatus) and erva cidreira (Lippia alba). The "chambá licker" was the most herbal medicine searched by the population between 2008 and 2010. This investigation described, for the first time, the traditional use of medicinal plants in Picos and demonstrated,alsounprecedentedly, the relevance of investments in the Farmácia Viva Project in Picos city and its inclusion in the Family Health Program as a strategyin order to provide locally producedphytotherapics for low-income population at low costs.

Application and effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in critically ill patients: systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the applications and effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in critically ill patients in ICU by means of a systematic review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in the databases Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, AMED, and PEDro. The PEDro score was used to assess the methodological quality of the eligible studies. RESULTS: The search yielded a total of 9759 titles and nine articles satisfied the eligibility criteria. These studies showed that NMES can maintain or increase muscle mass, strength and volume, reduce time in mechanical ventilation and weaning time, and increase muscle degradation in critically ill patients in ICU. Two studies allowed a meta-analysis of the effects of NMES on quadriceps femoris strength and it showed a significant effect in favor of NMES in the Medical Research Council (MRC) Scale (standardized mean difference 0.77 points; p=0.02; 95% CI: 0.13-1.40). CONCLUSIONS: The selected studies showed that NMES has good results when used for the maintenance of muscle mass and strength in critically ill patients in ICU. Future studies with high methodological quality should be conducted to provide more evidence for the use of NMES in an ICU setting.

Strength-training with whole-body vibration in long-distance runners: a randomized trial.

A parallel group randomized trial was designed to analyze the impact of 6 weeks of strength training programs performed with or without whole-body vibration on muscular and endurance performance parameters in long-distance runners. 22 endurance runners were allocated into strength with whole-body vibration (n=8), without (n=8), and control (n=6) groups. Before and after the experimental period the subjects performed the following tests: a) maximum dynamic strength test, b) maximal incremental treadmill test, and c) time to exhaustion at velocity corresponding to maximal oxygen uptake. The fractions of the aerobic and anaerobic contribution in time to exhaustion test were also calculated. Both strength trained groups showed a similar increase in maximum dynamic strength (~18%). The aerobic contribution was enhanced for strength training group without whole-body vibration (~25%) after experimental period. No statistical differences were observed in any other variable. These results suggest that 6 weeks of strength training performed with or without whole-body vibration improve similarly the maximum dynamic strength in long-distance runners. In addition, both training modes studied had no deleterious effects on the traditional parameters of endurance performance, traditional strength training program results in increased aerobic contribution during high-intensity aerobic exercise.

Evaluation of the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for spinal cord lesion in correlation with the moment of intervention.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, controlled, animal study. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy administered shortly, one day after, and no intervention (control) in standardized experimental spinal cord lesions in Wistar rats. SETTING: São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: In all, 30 Wistar rats with spinal cord lesions were divided into three groups: one group was submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy beginning half an hour after the lesion and with a total of 10 one-hour sessions, one session per day, at 2 atm; the second received the same treatment, but beginning on the day after the lesion; and the third received no treatment (control). The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scales were used for functional evaluation on the second day after the lesion and then weekly, until being killed 1 month later. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in the functional analysis on the second day after the lesion. There was no functional difference comparing Groups 1 and 2 (treated shortly after or one day after) in any evaluation moment. On the 7th day, as well as on the 21st and 28th postoperative days, the evaluation showed that groups 1 and 2 performed significantly better than the control group (receiving no therapy). CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric chamber therapy is beneficial in the functional recovery of spinal cord lesions in rats, if it is first administered just after spinal cord injury or within 24 h.

Variable positive end-expiratory pressure can maintain oxygenation in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by oleic acid in dogs.

The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or lung recruitment maneuvers (RM) to improve oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is used but it may reduce cardiac output (CO). Intermittent PEEP may avoid these complications. Our objective was to determine if variable PEEP compared with constant PEEP is capable of maintaining arterial oxygenation and minimizing hemodynamic alterations with or without RM. Eighteen dogs with ARDS induced by oleic acid were randomized into three equal groups: group 1, low variable PEEP; group 2, high variable PEEP, and group 3, RM + high variable PEEP. All groups were submitted to constant PEEP, followed by variable PEEP (PEEP was increased from 5 to 10 cmH(2)O in group 1, and from 5 to 18 cmH(2)O in the other two groups). PaO(2) was higher in group 3 (356.2 +/- 65.4 mmHg) than in group 1 (92.7 +/- 29.7 mmHg) and group 2 (228.5 +/- 72.4 mmHg), P < 0.05. PaO(2) was maintained during variable PEEP except in group 2 (318.5 +/- 82.9 at constant PEEP to 228.5 +/- 72.4 at variable PEEP). There was a reduction in CO in group 3 after RM (3.9 +/- 1.1 before to 2.7 +/- 0.5 L*min(-1)*(m(2))(-1) after; P < 0.05), but there was not any difference between constant and variable PEEP periods (2.7 +/- 0.5 and 2.4 +/- 0.7 L*min(-1)*(m(2))(-1); P > 0.05. Variable PEEP is able to maintain PaO(2) when performed in combination with RM in dogs with ARDS. After RM, CO was reduced and there was no relevant difference between the variable and constant PEEP periods.

Variable positive end-expiratory pressure can maintain oxygenation in experimental acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by oleic acid in dogs

The use of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) or lung recruitment maneuvers (RM) to improve oxygenation in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is used but it may reduce cardiac output (CO). Intermittent PEEP may avoid these complications. Our objective was to determine if variable PEEP compared with constant PEEP is capable of maintaining arterial oxygenation and minimizing hemodynamic alterations with or without RM. Eighteen dogs with ARDS induced by oleic acid were randomized into three equal groups: group 1, low variable PEEP; group 2, high variable PEEP, and group 3, RM + high variable PEEP. All groups were submitted to constant PEEP, followed by variable PEEP (PEEP was increased from 5 to 10 cmH2O in group 1, and from 5 to 18 cmH2O in the other two groups). PaO2 was higher in group 3 (356.2 ± 65.4 mmHg) than in group 1 (92.7 ± 29.7 mmHg) and group 2 (228.5 ± 72.4 mmHg), P < 0.05. PaO2 was maintained during variable PEEP except in group 2 (318.5 ± 82.9 at constant PEEP to 228.5 ± 72.4 at variable PEEP). There was a reduction in CO in group 3 after RM (3.9 ± 1.1 before to 2.7 ± 0.5 L·min-1·(m2)-1 after; P < 0.05), but there was not any difference between constant and variable PEEP periods (2.7 ± 0.5 and 2.4 ± 0.7 L·min-1·(m2)-1; P > 0.05. Variable PEEP is able to maintain PaO2 when performed in combination with RM in dogs with ARDS. After RM, CO was reduced and there was no relevant difference between the variable and constant PEEP periods.

[Contribution of phenomenological studies to nursing care]. / Contribuição dos estudos fenomenológicos para o cuidado de enfermagem.

This essay reflects the contributions of phenomenological studies to nursing care, as exemplified in the knowledge concerning the adhesion of persons suffering from coronary diseases to daily idle talk. It considers that the understanding of human manifestations allows one to interpret attitudes and behaviors and that the contributions of phenomenological studies can facilitate the reach of excellence in nursing care.

[Nursing care: its meaning to nurses and patients]. / Cuidado de enfermagem: o sentido para enfermeiros e pacientes.

The objective of this research is to clarify the concept of nursing care through the analysis of the discourse of nurses and patients. The data were collected in a clinic of a university hospital in Fortaleza-Ceará, in January 2001. The sampling frame was categorized through forms, and the speech of nurses and patients was obtained through semi-structured interviews. Data were formatted into textual form and analyzed according to the discourse analysis method. In the following phase, results were interpreted based on hermeneutic principles. Results showed that nursing professionals link the concept of care to the satisfaction of patients' needs and to their physical and emotional well-being. However, even though, these professionals value the interpersonal relationship they establish with their patients, their main concern is technical. Patients, on the other hand, link nursing care to the manifestation of attention, affection and patience. The hermeneutic analysis revealed that nursing care is based on a human predisposition for assistance. This assistance can either be committed and conscious, when it is concerned and solicitous, or uncompromising when it is an inauthentic occupation which only meets mundane immediatisms. We concluded that this study promotes the consolidation of comprehensive-philosophical investigations which can contribute to the qualification of the nursing care.

Mimics of copper proteins: structural and functional aspects.

The importance of copper as an essential element can be estimated by the wide range of copper proteins and enzymes playing different roles in biological systems. In the last decades many bioinorganic studies were developed on mimetic complexes of copper-dependent proteins, in order to verify the interrelations between structural and functional properties of active copper centers. Among the most studied copper ion ligand, diimine compounds have deserved special attention due their flexibility, facility of preparation, and ability to stabilize both oxidation states of this metal. In our laboratory, we have been investigating some Schiff base copper complexes as mimics of different proteins, with emphasis on functional aspects, trying to elucidate mechanisms of reaction, based on proposed intermediary species, in addition to molecular shapes. Particularly, mimics of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and of monooxigenases and oxidases exhibiting dicopper sites are discussed in this work.

Increased apolipoprotein B serum concentration in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the lipoprotein profile in a group of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with AD and 32 elderly controls were evaluated. Fasting blood samples were obtained for determination of total VLDL, HDL and LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein (a), triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B. RESULTS: Significantly higher levels of apolipoprotein B were found in AD patients (P = 0.004), whereas the concentration of lipoprotein (a) and plasma lipids was not statistically different. Apo B levels were similar between AD patients with or without leukoaraiosis on CT scan. CONCLUSION: AD patients had high serum concentration of apolipoprotein B. This finding suggests that apolipoprotein E may not be the single factor in lipid metabolism to play a role in AD pathogenesis.

[Living with coronary disease: between authentic living and living with daily ties]. / O ser-coronariopata: entre o viver autêntico e as amarras ao cotidiano.

Phenomenological study, which purpose is the meaning that the persons suffering from coronary diseases ascribe to the experiences undergone. From the interviews, significances were obtained: fear of death and of the return of the acute symptoms; perceiving the social, professional and sexual life transformations; feeling watched; resigning oneself to the new conditions; and feel sadness and no resignation. These significances permitted the comprehensive analyses, that was supported by Martin Heidegger in his book Being and time. The person suffering from coronary diseases showed themselves as inauthentic existences when fearing "something", by becoming tied to chatter and to the satisfaction they once had. Moreover, they transcend to the authentic living when they feel anguished, assuming coronary illness as a possibility of existence, although they fail and become tied to daily life traps. The study reflects about the need to privilege the existential dimension in health assistance and in the training of professionals, getting ahead the idea of the other as a guidance to be followed.