Ethnic differences in normal electrocardiographic findings in elite brazilian football players: b-pro foot ECG pilot study

INTRODUCTION: The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG-12) is a useful tool in the assessment of athletes. The prevalence of normal electrocardiographic findings in elite Brazilian football players (EBFP) of different ethnicities is not well described. PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of normal ECG-12 findings in Caucasian, Mixed-race (MR), and Afro-Brazilian (AB) EBFP. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with exams performed on EBFP as a pre-participation assessment from February 18, 2002, through October 20, 2022. RESULTS: 4,363 EBFP from 51 professional clubs (from all five regions of Brazil; 15 states, and 21 cities), aged 15-35 years (median: 19 years; IQR: 16-23) were evaluated. 2,027 were Caucasians, 1,324 were MRs, and 1,012 were ABs. In general, we recorded 4,155 ECG-12 with normal variations (95.2%). Positive Sokolow-Lyon criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy was more prevalent in ABs (41.8%) than in Caucasians (33.4%), or MRs (32.7%). The prevalence of early repolarization in ABs (41.5%) was higher than in Caucasians (34.6%), or MRs (35.5%). The PR interval was longer in ABs (157.1 ms) than in Caucasians (151.4 ms), or MRs (153.3 ms), and the first-degree atrioventricular block was more frequent in ABs compared to MRs (4.2% vs. 2.3%, respectively). On the other hand, Caucasians had a higher prevalence of incomplete right bundle branch block (14.2%) than MRs (11.2%), or ABs (9.7%). In our sample, only three EBFP showed second-degree atrioventricular block Mobitz type I (0.07%; one Caucasian and two AB athletes). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large study to compare the prevalence of ECG-12 findings in EBFP from different ethnic groups. Those of AB origin have a significantly higher prevalence of ECG-12 findings compatible with the athlete's heart than Caucasians and MRs.

Maximum entropy principle in recurrence plot analysis on stochastic and chaotic systems.

The recurrence analysis of dynamic systems has been studied since Poincaré's seminal work. Since then, several approaches have been developed to study recurrence properties in nonlinear dynamical systems. In this work, we study the recently developed entropy of recurrence microstates. We propose a new quantifier, the maximum entropy (Smax). The new concept uses the diversity of microstates of the recurrence plot and is able to set automatically the optimum recurrence neighborhood (ϵ-vicinity), turning the analysis free of the vicinity parameter. In addition, ϵ turns out to be a novel quantifier of dynamical properties itself. We apply Smax and the optimum ϵ to deterministic and stochastic systems. The Smax quantifier has a higher correlation with the Lyapunov exponent and, since it is a parameter-free measure, a more useful recurrence quantifier of time series.

Extracts of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling: in vitro and in vivo antibacterial activity against fish pathogenic bacteria.

AIMS: This study investigated the in vitro antibacterial activity of Hesperozygis ringens (Benth.) Epling leaf extracts against fish pathogenic bacteria, as well as the in vivo activity of the most active extract in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) experimentally infected with Aeromonas hydrophila. Moreover, the chemical composition of the extract used in the survival assay was evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS: Only hexane extract (HEHR) showed in vitro antibacterial activity (MIC and MBC ranging from 1600 to 3200 µg ml-1 ) against clinical isolates of A. hydrophila, Raoultella ornithinolytica and Citrobacter freundii, obtained from naturally infected silver catfish, and A. hydrophilaATCC 7966. The major compound of the volatile fraction of HEHR was determined as pulegone. HEHR promoted a 93·33% relative survival rate of silver catfish experimentally infected with A. hydrophila 7 days after a single therapeutic bath at 30 mg l-1 , while florfenicol at 4 mg l-1 , which promoted a 60% relative survival rate. CONCLUSIONS: The antibacterial activity of H. ringens (Benth.) Epling leaf extracts seems to be related to phytochemicals of apolar character, since HEHR promoted better survival rate of infected animals than florfenicol. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The HEHR has potential to be used in the control and treatment of bacterial infections in organic aquaculture.

Synchronous behaviour in network model based on human cortico-cortical connections.

OBJECTIVE: We consider a network topology according to the cortico-cortical connection network of the human brain, where each cortical area is composed of a random network of adaptive exponential integrate-and-fire neurons. APPROACH: Depending on the parameters, this neuron model can exhibit spike or burst patterns. As a diagnostic tool to identify spike and burst patterns we utilise the coefficient of variation of the neuronal inter-spike interval. MAIN RESULTS: In our neuronal network, we verify the existence of spike and burst synchronisation in different cortical areas. SIGNIFICANCE: Our simulations show that the network arrangement, i.e. its rich-club organisation, plays an important role in the transition of the areas from desynchronous to synchronous behaviours.

Physical and chemical characteristics of meat from broilers raised in 4 different rearing systems, stored under freezing for up to 12 months.

This study evaluated the effects of freezing (-18°C) for 12 mo on attributes related to the texture of breast, drumstick, and thigh from broilers raised in 4 different rearing systems. Five-hundred carcasses of male broilers raised in 4 rearing systems (Antibiotic-free, Cobb 500, n = 125; Free-range, Hubbard ISA, n = 125; Conventional, Cobb 500, n = 125; Organic, Cobb 500, n = 125) were divided into breast, drumstick, and thigh and stored under freezing (-18°C) for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Breast, drumstick, and thigh meat from broilers raised in all studied rearing systems showed reduction (P < 0.001) of water-holding capacity (WHC) during freezing for up 12 months. It was observed an increase (P < 0.001) of cooking loss in breast samples from antibiotic-free, conventional, and organic broilers, and in thigh samples from broilers raised in all rearing systems studied. Breast meat from alternative broilers showed an increase in shear force values, while breast meat from conventional broilers became tenderer during the freezing storage. In general, alternative broilers had harder thigh meat than conventional broilers. A reduction (P < 0.001) in myofibrillar fragmentation index and total collagen concentration was verified in breast, drumstick, and thigh samples throughout the experiment. The freezing for up to 12 mo affects characteristics related to the succulence of chicken meat. Freezing chicken meat cuts for long periods, regardless of the rearing system, may interfere with the meat texture during preparation and consumption and, consequently, influence the consumer decision in a next purchase.

Phase synchronization of coupled bursting neurons and the generalized Kuramoto model.

Bursting neurons fire rapid sequences of action potential spikes followed by a quiescent period. The basic dynamical mechanism of bursting is the slow currents that modulate a fast spiking activity caused by rapid ionic currents. Minimal models of bursting neurons must include both effects. We considered one of these models and its relation with a generalized Kuramoto model, thanks to the definition of a geometrical phase for bursting and a corresponding frequency. We considered neuronal networks with different connection topologies and investigated the transition from a non-synchronized to a partially phase-synchronized state as the coupling strength is varied. The numerically determined critical coupling strength value for this transition to occur is compared with theoretical results valid for the generalized Kuramoto model.

Control of bursting synchronization in networks of Hodgkin-Huxley-type neurons with chemical synapses.

Thermally sensitive neurons present bursting activity for certain temperature ranges, characterized by fast repetitive spiking of action potential followed by a short quiescent period. Synchronization of bursting activity is possible in networks of coupled neurons, and it is sometimes an undesirable feature. Control procedures can suppress totally or partially this collective behavior, with potential applications in deep-brain stimulation techniques. We investigate the control of bursting synchronization in small-world networks of Hodgkin-Huxley-type thermally sensitive neurons with chemical synapses through two different strategies. One is the application of an external time-periodic electrical signal and another consists of a time-delayed feedback signal. We consider the effectiveness of both strategies in terms of protocols of applications suitable to be applied by pacemakers.

Desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes fontes de selênio, zinco e manganês, criados sob condições de estresse térmico / Performance of broilers fed diets containing different sources of selenium, zinc and manganese reared under thermal stress conditions

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça e partes de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas que continham selênio, zinco e manganês complexados ou não a moléculas orgânicas, criados em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizados 980 pintinhos machos de um dia de idade, de linhagem comercial, criados durante 42 dias em três câmaras climáticas, que proporcionaram temperaturas alta, termoneutra e baixa. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3x2+1, sendo três temperaturas de criação, duas fontes de Se, Zn e Mn - inorgânica e orgânica, mais o tratamento testemunha - criação em câmara termoneutra sem adição de Se, Zn e Mn na ração, com sete repetições por tratamento. As aves criadas em condições de estresse térmico apresentaram piores resultados para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e viabilidade, sendo mais sensíveis ao calor do que ao frio. Quando criadas em ambientes quentes, a conversão alimentar foi melhor quando se utilizaram os minerais na forma orgânica. Sob temperatura neutra, as aves não necessitaram da suplementação da dieta com os minerais avaliados.

The performance and carcass yield of broilers fed supplemented diets with different selenium, zinc and manganese sources (organic and inorganic) and reared under different environmental temperatures were evaluated. A total of 980 one-day-old broilers were reared until 42 days of age. Three climatic chambers (high, neutral and low temperatures) and twenty chickens per pen, distributed in a 3x2 + 1 factorial arrangement with three breeding temperatures, two mineral sources and a control treatment that provided neutral temperature without mineral supplementation, with seven replicates each were used. The thermal stressed broilers showed lower results for feed intake, weight gain and viability, mainly under high temperature. The organic mineral utilization provided a better feed conversion ratio when high temperature was tested. Mineral supplementation under neutral breeding temperature was not necessary.

Desempenho de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes fontes de selênio, zinco e manganês, criados sob condições de estresse térmico / Performance of broilers fed diets containing different sources of selenium, zinc and manganese reared under thermal stress conditions

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça e partes de frangos de corte alimentados com dietas que continham selênio, zinco e manganês complexados ou não a moléculas orgânicas, criados em diferentes temperaturas. Foram utilizados 980 pintinhos machos de um dia de idade, de linhagem comercial, criados durante 42 dias em três câmaras climáticas, que proporcionaram temperaturas alta, termoneutra e baixa. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3x2+1, sendo três temperaturas de criação, duas fontes de Se, Zn e Mn - inorgânica e orgânica, mais o tratamento testemunha - criação em câmara termoneutra sem adição de Se, Zn e Mn na ração, com sete repetições por tratamento. As aves criadas em condições de estresse térmico apresentaram piores resultados para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e viabilidade, sendo mais sensíveis ao calor do que ao frio. Quando criadas em ambientes quentes, a conversão alimentar foi melhor quando se utilizaram os minerais na forma orgânica. Sob temperatura neutra, as aves não necessitaram da suplementação da dieta com os minerais avaliados.(AU)

The performance and carcass yield of broilers fed supplemented diets with different selenium, zinc and manganese sources (organic and inorganic) and reared under different environmental temperatures were evaluated. A total of 980 one-day-old broilers were reared until 42 days of age. Three climatic chambers (high, neutral and low temperatures) and twenty chickens per pen, distributed in a 3x2 + 1 factorial arrangement with three breeding temperatures, two mineral sources and a control treatment that provided neutral temperature without mineral supplementation, with seven replicates each were used. The thermal stressed broilers showed lower results for feed intake, weight gain and viability, mainly under high temperature. The organic mineral utilization provided a better feed conversion ratio when high temperature was tested. Mineral supplementation under neutral breeding temperature was not necessary.(AU)

Complete atrioventricular block during renal transplantation in a patient with Alport's syndrome: case report.

CONTEXT: Patients with Alport's syndrome (causing 5% of end-stage renal disease) have a higher risk of heart conduction abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of Alport's syndrome developing complete atrioventricular block during renal transplantation. CASE REPORT: A 21-year-old man with chronic renal failure due to Alport's syndrome was submitted to a renal transplantation under epidural anesthesia and, during the intraoperative period, a complete atrioventricular block was diagnosed and promptly treated with a transcutaneous pacemaker. This extensive sympathetic block can contribute towards disturbances in the heart conduction system, particularly in patients with chronic renal disease in hemodialysis. Even in patients with a normal preoperative electrocardiogram or no conduction system disturbances, some degree of atrioventricular block, including complete atrioventricular block, can occur. In this situation, a transcutaneous pacemaker provides rapid and effective treatment in the operating room, thereby permitting the planning of a definitive treatment.

Infrarenal aortic aneurysm repair by retroperitoneal approach combined with laparoscopic cholecystectomy: two case reports.

Simultaneous repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm and treatment of cholelithiasis by the transperitoneal approach is controversial because of the risk of prosthesis infection. We report two patients who underwent a successful combined procedure using a retroperitoneal approach for the aortic aneurysm repair and a laparoscopic approach to the cholecystectomy. This combined approach reduces the risk of infection of the aortic prosthesis and is associated with a rapid return of normal peristalsis.

Antinociceptive properties of morusin, a prenylflavonoid isolated from Morus nigra root bark.

The antinociceptive effects of morusin (1), the main prenylflavonoid present in the Morus nigra root barks have been investigated in classical models of pain in mice. The results showed that 1 exhibits a promising antinociceptive or analgesic profile by the intraperitoneal route, being more potent than some standard drugs used as reference. The mechanism by which the morusin exerts antinociceptive activity still remains undetermined, but our results strongly suggest that it involves the participation of the opioid system.

Inside-out vs. standard vein graft to repair a sensory nerve in rats.

Nerve regeneration in a sensory nerve was obtained by the application of different techniques: inside-out vein graft (IOVG group) and standard vein graft (SVG group). These techniques provide a good microenvironment for axon regeneration in motor nerves, but their efficiency for regeneration of sensory nerves is controversial. The saphenous nervtce was sectioned and repaired by the inside-out and standard vein graft techniques in rats. After 4, 12, and 20 weeks the graft and the distal stump were observed under electron microscopy. In each studied period, the pattern, diameters, and thickness of the myelin sheaths of the regenerated axons were measured in the graft and distal stump. A comparative study about the regenerated nerve fibers by these two different techniques was performed. Regenerated nerve fibers were prominent in both vein grafts 4 weeks after the surgical procedures. On the other hand, in the distal stump, regenerated nerve fibers were observed only from 12 weeks. In both inside-out vein graft and standard vein graft statistical difference was not observed about the diameters and thickness of the myelinated fibers after 20 weeks. On the other hand, the inside-out group had greater regenerated axon number when compared to the standard group. There is a capillary invasion in both graft and distal stump, especially in the IOVG group. The regenerated axons follow these capillaries all the time like satellite microfascicles. After 20 weeks, the diameters of regenerated fibers repaired by the standard vein graft technique were closer to the normal fibers compared to the inside-out vein graft. On the other hand, the pattern of these regenerated axons was better in the IOVG group.

Complicaciones de la prostatectomía radical retropúbica: nuestra experiencia en 62 pacientes / Complications of radical retropubic prostatectomy: our experience with 62 patients

El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar los resultados de la prostatetectomía radical por vía retropúbica como tratamiento electivo de pacientes con adenocarcinoma de próstata clínicamente localizado. Material y métodos: Se examinaron 62 prostatectomías radicales realizadas entre febrero de 1989 y marzo de 1998. Resultados: De los 62 pacientes operados, 2 fallecidos (3,33 por ciento).1 dentro de las 48 horas y el otro a los 45 días. La unica complicación intraoperatoria fue la hemorragia, que ascendió al 16,66 por ciento . Se observaron complicaciones postoperatoria tempranas en el 11,66 por ciento de los pacientes (angina de pecho 3,33 por ciento, infarto agudo de miocardio 1,66 por ciento, linfocele pelviano 3,33 por ciento, anemia aguda 1,66 por ciento y tromboembolismo pulmonar 1,66 por ciento). Las complicaciones tardías afectaron al 93,33 por ciento de los pacientes. De éstas, las más importantes fueron impotencia (66,66 por ciento) e incontinencia (20 por ciento más allá de los 6 meses de la intervención: 3,33 por ciento tenía incontinencia total, 3,33 por ciento incontinencia severa y 13,33 incontinencia leve); se observó asimismo estrechez uretral (3,33 por ciento), estenosis de la anastomosis uretrovesical (1,66 por ciento) y litiasis de la anastomosis uretrovesical (1,66 por ciento). Conclusiones: La prostatectomía radical implica una baja mortalidad y resultados aceptables en lo quie resdpecta a la calidad de vida en pacientes seleccionados con adenocarcinoma de próstata localizado y expectativa de vida mayor de 10 años. La incontinencia y la impotencia son las principales complicaciones derivadas de esta intervención

Complicaciones de la prostatectomía radical retropúbica: nuestra experiencia en 62 pacientes / Complications of radical retropubic prostatectomy: our experience with 62 patients

El propósito de este trabajo es evaluar los resultados de la prostatetectomía radical por vía retropúbica como tratamiento electivo de pacientes con adenocarcinoma de próstata clínicamente localizado. Material y métodos: Se examinaron 62 prostatectomías radicales realizadas entre febrero de 1989 y marzo de 1998. Resultados: De los 62 pacientes operados, 2 fallecidos (3,33 por ciento).1 dentro de las 48 horas y el otro a los 45 días. La unica complicación intraoperatoria fue la hemorragia, que ascendió al 16,66 por ciento . Se observaron complicaciones postoperatoria tempranas en el 11,66 por ciento de los pacientes (angina de pecho 3,33 por ciento, infarto agudo de miocardio 1,66 por ciento, linfocele pelviano 3,33 por ciento, anemia aguda 1,66 por ciento y tromboembolismo pulmonar 1,66 por ciento). Las complicaciones tardías afectaron al 93,33 por ciento de los pacientes. De éstas, las más importantes fueron impotencia (66,66 por ciento) e incontinencia (20 por ciento más allá de los 6 meses de la intervención: 3,33 por ciento tenía incontinencia total, 3,33 por ciento incontinencia severa y 13,33 incontinencia leve); se observó asimismo estrechez uretral (3,33 por ciento), estenosis de la anastomosis uretrovesical (1,66 por ciento) y litiasis de la anastomosis uretrovesical (1,66 por ciento). Conclusiones: La prostatectomía radical implica una baja mortalidad y resultados aceptables en lo quie resdpecta a la calidad de vida en pacientes seleccionados con adenocarcinoma de próstata localizado y expectativa de vida mayor de 10 años. La incontinencia y la impotencia son las principales complicaciones derivadas de esta intervención(AU)

Study of the antinociceptive action of the ethanolic extract and the triterpene 24-hydroxytormentic acid isolated from the stem bark of Ocotea suaveolens.

We describe here the antinociceptive action of the crude extract (CE), the chemical isolation and characterisation and preliminary pharmacological analysis of 24-hydroxytormentic acid, isolated from the stem bark of Ocotea suaveolens (Lauraceae). The CE given by i.p. or p.o. routes, 30 min and 1 h prior, produced significant inhibition of abdominal constrictions caused by acetic acid and also inhibited both phases of formalin-induced licking in mice. The antinociception caused by the CE, given by i.p. and p.o. routes, lasted up to 4 and 2h, respectively. When assessed in the hot-plate test, the CE was inactive. Its antinociceptive action was not associated with non-specific effects such as muscle relaxation or sedation. The antinociception of CE was not influenced by naloxone, L-arginine or DL-p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester, when assessed against the formalin assay. The triterpene 24-hydroxytormentic acid, given i.p. 30 min before testing, produced significant, dose-related and equipotent antinociceptive action against both phases of formalin-induced licking in mice. These results demonstrate, for the first time, the occurrence of the triterpene 24-hydroxytormentic acid in the stem bark of Ocotea suaveolens, and show that the CE and 24-hydroxytormentic acid exhibit marked antinociception against the neurogenic and the inflamamtory algesic responses induced by formalin in mice. The mechanism by which this compound and CE produces antinociception still remains unclear, but is unlikely to involve the activation of opioid, nitric oxide or serotonin systems or non-specific peripheral or central depressant actions.

[The use of clinical score to estimate the severity of an acute attack of asthma] / Uso de escore clínico para a avaliação da gravidade da crise de asma.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patients with acute asthma who require intensive care, using a clinical score.METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 299 patients who were admitted to the hospital for acute asthma, between 1993 and 1996. Two groups were selected: group I (GI) with 26 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit; group II (GII) with 52 patients admitted to the Emergency Room, matched by age and sex with those of GI. A clinical score to assess the groups had the following items: heart rate, respiratory rate, retractions, cyanosis, alertness level, previous treatment, previous hospitalization, and duration of attack. The score ranged from 0 to 2 points for each of those, summing up 11 points.RESULTS: The clinical parameters that discriminated well the 2 groups were: retractions (p<0.001), cyanosis (p<0.01) and alertness level (p<0.005). Through a discriminate analysis of the clinical score components, 22/26 patients were recognized as GI and 40/52 patients were recognized as GII, showing an accuracy of 85% and 77% respectively for GI and GII.CONCLUSION: The clinical score was useful to discriminate patients with severe attack of asthma who might require intensive care, and should be employed at hospital admission.

[Prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren in Curitiba - ISAAC] / Prevalência de asma em escolares de Curitiba - projeto ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood).

OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of asthma in schoolchildren from Curitiba.METHOD: A written questionnaire of asthma symptoms (ISAAC-International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) was applied to children ages 6-7 years and adolescents 13-14 years registered in 32 public schools.RESULTS: 3,200 questionnaires were applied to 13-14 year-old adolescents, and 2,863 questionnaires to 6-7 year-old children. The questionnaire should be answered by the parents of 6-7 year-old children (group I) and by the adolescents themselves (13-14 year-old, group II). The rate of questionnaires returned was 58% for group I and 92% for group II. A presumptive diagnosis of asthma was based on having had 4 or more attacks of wheezing in the last 12 months, or 1-3 wheezing episodes in addition to night awakening for wheezing, nocturnal cough and wheezing after exercise. Under these criteria there were 15.7% asthmatics in group I and 11.6% in group II. Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis were found in 38% and 36%, and eczema in 11% and 10% for groups I and II, respectively. Among those with presumed asthma, over 70% denied having had asthma. The question "have you ever had asthma" although specific is not sensitive enough.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of asthma in Curitiba was 15.7% for children 6-7 years old and 11.6% for adolescents 13-14 years. The question "have you ever had asthma" did not contribute to defining cases with asthma.

Leiomiosarcoma de prostata / Leiomyosarcoma of prostate

Se presenta un caso clínico de leiomiosarcoma de próstata de alto grado con invasión a pelvis y muslo izquierdo. Se propuso cirugía, pero no fué aceptada por el paciente, por lo que sólo se realizó tratamiento paliativo del dolor. Se discuten las posibilidades de terapia codjuvante con quimio o radioterapia y su eficacia controvrtida

Leiomiosarcoma de prostata / Leiomyosarcoma of prostate

Se presenta un caso clínico de leiomiosarcoma de próstata de alto grado con invasión a pelvis y muslo izquierdo. Se propuso cirugía, pero no fué aceptada por el paciente, por lo que sólo se realizó tratamiento paliativo del dolor. Se discuten las posibilidades de terapia codjuvante con quimio o radioterapia y su eficacia controvrtida(AU)