Cranial and postcranial anatomy of a juvenile baurusuchid (Notosuchia, Crocodylomorpha) and the taxonomical implications of ontogeny.

Baurusuchidae comprises a clade of top-tier terrestrial predators and are among the most abundant crocodyliforms found in the Adamantina Formation, Bauru Basin, Brazil (Campanian-Maastrichtian). Here, we provide a detailed description of the cranial and postcranial osteology and myology of the most complete juvenile baurusuchid found to date. Although the preservation of juvenile individuals is somewhat rare, previously reported occurrences of baurusuchid egg clutches, a yearling individual, and larger, but skeletally immature specimens, comprise a unique opportunity to track anatomical changes throughout their ontogenetic series. Its cranial anatomy was resolved with the aid of a three-dimensional model generated by the acquisition of computed tomography data, and its inferred adductor mandibular musculature was compared to that of mature specimens in order to assess possible ontogenetic shifts. A subsequent phylogenetic analysis included the scoring of Gondwanasuchus scabrosus, the smallest baurusuchid species known to date, to evaluate its phylogenetic relations relative to a known juvenile. We find considerable differences between juveniles and adults concerning skull ornamentation and muscle development, which might indicate ontogenetic niche partitioning, and also anatomical and phylogenetic evidence that G. scabrosus corresponds to a young semaphoront lacking mature cranial features.

Safety and Immunogenicity of an In Vivo Muscle Electroporation Delivery System for DNA-hsp65 Tuberculosis Vaccine in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

A Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is still the only licensed vaccine for the prevention of tuberculosis, providing limited protection against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in adulthood. New advances in the delivery of DNA vaccines by electroporation have been made in the past decade. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine administered by intramuscular electroporation (EP) in cynomolgus macaques. Animals received three doses of DNA-hsp65 at 30-day intervals. We demonstrated that intramuscular electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccine immunization of cynomolgus macaques was safe, and there were no vaccine-related effects on hematological, renal, or hepatic profiles, compared to the pre-vaccination parameters. No tuberculin skin test conversion nor lung X-ray alteration was identified. Further, low and transient peripheral cellular immune response and cytokine expression were observed, primarily after the third dose of the DNA-hsp65 vaccine. Electroporated DNA-hsp65 vaccination is safe but provides limited enhancement of peripheral cellular immune responses. Preclinical vaccine trials with DNA-hsp65 delivered via EP may include a combination of plasmid cytokine adjuvant and/or protein prime-boost regimen, to help the induction of a stronger cellular immune response.

Photo-Fenton process applied for the treatment of industrial wastewaters containing diclofenac: optimization with low iron ions concentrations and without pH control.

Diclofenac (DCF) can cause several adverse effects in the environment and it should be removed from industrial pharmaceutical wastewaters. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) are promising methods for the DCF degradation. But, in many cases, AOPs require acidic pH. However, at this condition, DCF precipitates, which may hinder its oxidation. Thus, in this work, some AOP were studied for the DCF degradation, especially the photo-Fenton process, applying the experimental design technique (Doehlert matrix), operating without and with pH control (between 6.5 and 7.0). As independent variables, the initial ferrous ion concentration ([Fe2+]) and the molar addition rate of H2O2 (FH2O2) were evaluated. Empirical models were proposed and optimized conditions were determined without ([Fe2+] = 0.27 mmol L-1 and FH2O2 = 1.64 mmol min-1) and with pH control ([Fe2+] = 1.0 mmol L-1 and FH2O2 = 1.64 mmol L-1), with the following predicted mineralization percentages: 93% and 68%, respectively. So, photo-Fenton process without pH control presented the best performances. Furthermore, at this condition, iron concentration respects the limit value established by the Brazilian environmental legislation. That is, in this condition, additional processes, in order to remove iron ions, would not be necessary, that is very interesting for applications on an industrial scale.

Degradation of amoxicillin applying photo-Fenton and acid hydrolysis processes with toxicity evaluation via antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

ABSTARCTThe antibiotic amoxicillin (AMX) is a semisynthetic aminopenicillin, classified as an ß-lactam antibiotic. This work aims to evaluate the AMX degradation (190 mg L-1), in aqueous medium, applying photo-Fenton ([TOC]0 = 100 mgC L-1; FH2O2 = 3.27 mmol min-1; [Fe2+] = 0.27 mmol L-1; pH = 3.0; T = 40°C) and acid hydrolysis processes. Along the experiments, samples were withdrawn and analyzed by a total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer and a liquid chromatography system coupled to diode array (HPLC-DAD) and mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) detectors. The hydrolysis process proved to be less efficient, because AMX removals greater than 80% were observed only after 24 hours of reaction (pH 2). Conversely, the photo-Fenton process removed completely AMX in just 20 minutes, reaching 85% of TOC removal in 2 hours. Finally, the AMX aqueous solutions treated by the studied processes was also evaluated in respect of its toxicity to some microorganisms, applying two antimicrobial susceptibility tests: disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods. It was observed that the AMX aqueous solutions, pretreated by the photo-Fenton process, for just 7.5 min of reaction time, did not inhibit the microorganisms growth. The obtained results show that the photo-Fenton process was able to degrade AMX, in a relatively short time, and that the generated degradation products did not inhibit the microorganisms growth, when compared to acid hydrolysis process. Thus, it was verified the potential application of the photo-Fenton system as a pretreatment step to conventional biological oxidation processes for the treatment of industrial wastewaters.

Unraveling the Risk Factors and Etiology of the Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma: Results of an Epidemiological Questionnaire, Oral Microbiome Analysis and Investigation of Papillomavirus Infection.

Oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is the most common oral cancer in dogs and is very aggressive in this species; its risk factors and etiology are yet to be determined. This study aimed to unravel the risk factors for the development of OMM in dogs and to investigate the possible presence of papillomaviruses as an etiological factor. A case-control study was conducted in 15 dogs with OMM and 15 paired controls whose owners answered an epidemiological questionnaire. Oral swabs from the same dogs were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for microbiome analyses. In addition, DNA fragments of OMM had their DNA extracted and amplified by polymerase chain reaction in an attempt to detect canine papillomaviruses. The gingiva was the most frequent anatomical site (47%) of OMM, and most tumors were stage III when diagnosed. Most dogs bearing OMM and the controls had grade 3 periodontal disease, and this factor, along with tartar treatment and tooth brushing, did not differ between cases and controls. Most dogs with OMM and most controls had contact with smokers; there was no statistically significant difference. Canine papillomaviruses were not detected among OMM cases. Tannerella forsythia and Porphyromonas gingivalis were significantly increased in case dogs compared to the controls. As these bacteria are reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and esophageal cancer in humans, we suggest that they might be risk factors for the development of canine OMM. The limitations of this study include the low number of dogs, and therefore, further studies on canine OMM with larger numbers of animals are encouraged.

The outcomes of polyparasitism in stray cats from Brazilian Midwest assessed by epidemiological, hematological and pathological data.

We evaluated the epidemiological, hematological, and pathological data of Leishmania spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Platynosomum illiciens, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infections and the coinfections in stray cats of an endemic area for leishmaniasis. The diagnosis was performed by serological tests and necropsy. We described gross lesions and histopathological findings. We used immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization for L. infantum detection. We found infection in 27 out of 50 sampled cats, among them, 14 presented coinfections. A strong correlation between splenomegaly and lymphadenomegaly with FeLV, and an association between hepatic lesions and cachexia with parasitism due to P. illiciens were observed. Moreover, we found a significant increase in the monocyte count in the FeLV-infected and a decrease in the red blood cell count in the FIV-infected animals. Amastigote forms of Leishmania spp. and tissue changes were detected in lymphoid organs of an animal coinfected with P. illiciens, T. gondii, and FIV. Polyparasitism recorded in stray cats of the Brazilian Midwest should be considered in effective control strategies for public health diseases. Moreover, stray cats of Campo Grande may be a source of infection of FIV, FeLV and P. illiciens for populations of domiciled cats.

Effect of chronic alcohol intake on motor functions on the elderly.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic and progressive disease influenced by genetic, psychosocial, and environmental factors. The consequences of alcohol consumption involve alterations in neural circuits of emotion and cognition, as well as in the motor planning circuit. Furthermore, during the natural aging process, several biochemical and functional alterations are also observed with neurological consequences. Thus, considering the consequences of chronic alcohol consumption on neural systems and natural aging process, we aimed to analyze the degree of motor and functional impairment in elderly with chronic alcohol consumption. Sixty elderly underwent an analysis of alcohol consumption profile (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - AUDIT) that divided them into a control group (CON) and an alcohol group (ALC). The analysis of quality of life was performed using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), the analysis of motor function was performed using the Borg Scale, the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the Motor Scale for Elderly (MSE). We were able to conclude that the misuse of alcohol by the elderly promotes significant physical limitations. These limitations result in a worsening of functional capacity of walking and various dimensions of motor ability: fine motor skill, global coordination, balance, body scheme, spatial organization, temporal organization, and general motor aptitude. Besides the physical limitations caused by alcohol use, the quality of life in their physical, mental, and social aspects was reduced. Thus, actions are required to help the elderly understand these losses and exercise control over alcohol misuse.

Treatment of simulated industrial pharmaceutical wastewater containing amoxicillin antibiotic via advanced oxidation processes.

The treatment of pharmaceutical industrial wastewaters, containing the antibiotic amoxicillin (218.29 mg L-1), via some advanced oxidation processes (POA), was studied. The H2O2 photolysis process presented the highest percentage of mineralization (97%), after the total reaction time (180 min). However, the photo-Fenton process showed the highest organic carbon removal rate, mineralizing 65% of the initial concentration, in 30 min. Because of this fact, this process was studied in more detail. The initial concentration of ferrous ions (0.03-1.00 mmol L-1) did not affect the performance of the photo-Fenton process, possibly operating using concentrations of below 15 mg L-1 (0.27 mmol L-1), that is the iron content limit for discharging wastewaters established in the Brazilian environmental legislation. Furthermore, experiments were performed according to the composite experimental design technique (Doehlert matrix), analyzing the following variables: (i) the inlet molar flow rate of H2O2 (FH2O2 ) and (ii) the initial concentration of ferrous ions ([Fe2+]). Besides that, the initial mineralization rate and the total organic carbon removal percentages, measured at 5, 10, 15 and 30 min of reaction, were chosen as the response variables. It was observed that FH2O2 was the most important variable in relation to the initial degradation rate. In the optimal conditions (FH2O2 = 3.27 mmol min-1 and [Fe2+] = 0.27 mmol L-1), the photo-Fenton process achieved a percentage of organic carbon removal of 84%, in only 30 min of reaction, presenting an interesting potential for real industrial applications, combined, or not, with conventional technologies (as biological treatments, for example).

In silico and in vitro Evaluation of Mimetic Peptides as Potential Antigen Candidates for Prophylaxis of Leishmaniosis.

Antigen formulation is the main feature for the success of leishmaniosis diagnosis and vaccination, since the disease is caused by different parasite species that display particularities which determine their pathogenicity and virulence. It is desirable that the antigens are recognized by different antibodies and are immunogenic for almost all Leishmania species. To overcome this problem, we selected six potentially immunogenic peptides derived from Leishmania histones and parasite membrane molecules obtained by phage display or spot synthesis and entrapped in liposome structures. We used these peptides to immunize New Zealand rabbits and determine the immunogenic capacity of the chimeric antigen. The peptides induced the production of antibodies as a humoral immune response against L. braziliensis or L. infantum. Next, to evaluate the innate response to induce cellular activation, macrophages from the peptide mix-immunized rabbits were infected in vitro with L. braziliensis or L. infantum. The peptide mix generated the IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4 and TGF-ß that led to Th1 and Th2 cellular immune responses. Interestingly, this mix of peptides also induced high expression of iNOS. These results suggest that the mix of peptides derived from histone and parasites membrane molecules was able to mimic parasites proteins and induce cytokines important to CD4+ T cell Th1 and Th2 differentiation and effector molecule to control the parasite infection. Finally, this peptide induced an immune balance that is important to prevent immunopathological disorders, inflammatory reactions, and control the parasite infection.

Production of a kinesin-related recombinant protein (Lbk39) from Leishmania braziliensis by Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes and its application in the serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis.

The leishmaniases are multifactorial zoonotic diseases requiring a multidisciplinary One Health approach for diagnosis and control. For leishmaniasis diagnosis, here we describe production of a new recombinant protein based on a kinesin-related gene of Leishmania braziliensis (Lbk39), which shows 59% amino acid identity to the L. infantum homologue. The Lbk39 gene was synthesized, inserted into the pLEXSY-sat2 vector and transfected into L. tarentolae cells by electroporation. Culturing was carried out, and the secreted recombinant protein with a C-terminal histidine tag purified using nickel affinity chromatography on the culture supernatant, yielding a final product at 0.4 mg/mL. An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was standardised using sera from 74 Brazilian patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis and 11 with visceral leishmaniasis. Optimal ELISA conditions were established for the Lbk39 antigen in comparison with a crude extract from L. braziliensis. The sensitivity, specificity analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were determined with a significance level of 5%. The ROC curve showed a good accuracy with an area under curve (AUC) = 0.967, p < 0.001 (0.941-0.993) for CL patients and an AUC = 100 (100-100) for VL patients. The values of sensitivity and specificity were 88 and 98% for CL and 100 and 100% for VL, respectively. The study showed good production and expression of the target protein and has generated a potential new antigen for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis.

Efeitos da intervenção robótica associada à terapia convencional na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral / Effects of robotic intervention associated with conventional therapy on gait speed and resistance and trunk control in stroke patients

Objetivo: Verificar os efeitos do treino de marcha e escada robótica, com o G-EO System, associado à reabilitação convencional, na velocidade e resistência de marcha e controle de tronco de participantes acometidos pelo acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo com 28 participantes na fase crônica da doença. Utilizou-se o G-EO System como intervenção de marcha e escada robótica. Protocolo de 20 sessões de 20 minutos associado à terapia multidisciplinar convencional. Utilizados as ferramentas de Teste de Caminhada de 10 metros(TC10m), Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos(TC6min) e Escala de Deficiências de Tronco(EDT). Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos com teste de Wilcoxon pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Encontradas diferenças significativas nos testes. EDT apresentou valor médio inicial de 14.29 (±5.30) e final de 17.04 (±4.49), com p=0.00044. TC10m apresentou velocidade inicial média de 0.498 m/s (±0,27) e final de 0,597 m/s (±0.32), p=0.00008. TC6min apresentou valor inicial médio de 155.89m (±85,96) e final de 195.39m (±109.78), p=0.00152. Conclusão: Terapia de marcha e escada robótica, associada à terapia convencional, foi eficaz para promover aumento na velocidade, resistência e aptidão para maiores distâncias de marcha e controle de tronco nos indivíduos em fase crônica após acometimento de AVC.

Objective: To verify the effects of gait and robotic stair training with G-EO System, associated with conventional rehabilitation, on gait speed and endurance and trunk control of stroke participants. Methods: Retrospective study with 28 participants in the chronic phase of the disease. G-EO System was used for gait and stair robotic intervention. 20-session protocol of 20 minutes associated with conventional multidisciplinary therapy. The 10-meter Walk Test (10mWT), 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) tools were used. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant with Wilcoxon test before and after intervention. Results: Significant differences found in the tests. TIS presented initial mean value of 14.29 (± 5.30) and final value of 17.04 (± 4.49), with p = 0.00044. 10mWT presented average initial velocity of 0.498 m/s (± 0.27) and final velocity of 0.597 m/s (± 0.32), p = 0.00008. 6mWT presented mean initial value of 155.89m (± 85.96) and final value of 195.39m (± 109.78), p = 0.00152. Conclusion: Gait and stair robotic therapy, associated with conventional therapy, was effective in promoting increased speed, endurance aptitude for greater gait distances and trunk control in individuals with chronic stroke after stroke.

Efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e terapia robótica no equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com lesão medular incompleta / Combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait balance and speed in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury

Restaurar a capacidade de andar é um dos objetivos da reabilitação na lesão medular incompleta (LMI). O treino orientado a tarefa abrange os princípios do aprendizado motor, envolvendo mecanismos de neuroplasticidade central e, consequentemente, reorganização cortical. O treinamento da marcha robótica G-EO System (GS) atua como um reforço da prática repetitiva e específica das fases da marcha. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos combinados da fisioterapia e da terapia robótica na funcionalidade da marcha em relação ao equilíbrio e velocidade da marcha em pacientes com LMI. Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo com 14 pacientes na fase crônica da doença, que realizaram 20 sessões de GS associado à fisioterapia convencional (FC). Utilizamos o Teste de Caminhada de 10 Metros (TC10) e a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB). Valores de p <0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos pelo teste de Wilcoxon ao início da fisioterapia convencional e pré e pós intervenção. Resultados: Observou-se que no TC10, a velocidade inicial média variou de 2,60 m/s ± 1,72 no início da FC a 1,57 m/s ± 0,80 no final das 20 sessões de GS com p = 0,0424. Para a EEB no início da FC, a média foi de 31,85 pontos ± 12,50 e 42,35 ± 14,25 ao final da intervenção, com p = 0,0096. Conclusão: A terapia robótica da marcha associada à FC mostrou-se eficaz na promoção do equilíbrio e da melhora da velocidade da marcha em indivíduos na fase crônica da LMI.

Restoring the ability to walk, especially independently, is one of the goals in the rehabilitation of patients with incomplete spinal cord injury (ISCI). The G-EO System (GS) robotic gait training acts as a reinforcer of the repetitive and specific practice of the gait phases. Objective: Investigate the combined effects of physiotherapy and robotic therapy on gait functionality in relation to balance and gait speed in patients with ISCI. Methods: Retrospective cohort study with 14 patients in the chronic phase of the disease, using the GS as a robotic intervention for gait and stairs, consisting of a 20-session protocol associated with conventional physical therapy. We used the 10-meter Walk Test (10WT) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant using the Wilcoxon test at the beginning of conventional physical therapy and before and after intervention. Results: At the 10WT, the mean initial velocity ranged from 2.60 m/s ± 1.72 at the beginning of conventional physical therapy to 1.57 m/s ± 0.80 at the end of the 20 GS sessions with p = 0.0424. For BBS at the beginning of conventional physical therapy, the average was 31.85 points ± 12.50, and 42.35 ± 14.25 at the end of the 20 GS sessions, with p = 0.0096. Conclusions: Robotic gait therapy associated with conventional physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in promoting balance and gait speed improvement in individuals in the chronic phase after involvement of incomplete spinal cord injury.

Do Girls with Excess Adiposity Perform Poorer Motor Skills than Leaner Peers?

The main aim of this study was to analyze the joint association of body fat percentage and physical activity levels on motor coordination scores in girls with different adiposity status. Sixty-eight school-aged children between 12 and 14 years participated in the study. Skinfold thickness was measured and the Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder test was administered. Participants completed a self-reporting questionnaire on physical activity. Children's adiposity status was attributed in according to age-specific cutoff points of a Brazilian database. Analysis of Variance was used to compare motor coordination scores among groups with different status of adiposity and physical activity. Girls with appropriate body fat percentage performed higher motor coordination scores than girls with excess adiposity, regardless of their physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, within groups with the same adiposity status, no differences were found in motor coordination scores (p > 0.05). Adiposity status was predominant over physical activity status when joint associations of body fat percentage and physical activity levels on motor coordination scores were analyzed in girls. In addition to metabolic and cardiovascular issues, the acquisition and/or maintenance of appropriate body fat levels in female students should be focused in physical education classes due to its association with motor skills performance.

Análise da relação entre níveis de coordenação motora, aptidão física e desempenho acad~emico em crianças: implicações para a educação física na escola / Analysis of the relationship among levels of motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement in children: implications for physical education in the school / Análisis de la relación entre los niveles de coordinación motora, habilidad física y rendimiento académico en niños: implicaciones para la educación física en la escuela

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a relação entre os níveis de coordenação motora, força/resistência muscular e desempenho acadêmico em crianças. A amostra foi composta por 119 escolares com idade entre 12 e 14 anos sem registros de distúrbios de aprendizagem. Os níveis de coordenação, força/resistência muscular e desempenho acadêmico foram estimados utilizando-se, respectivamente, os testes KTK, sit-up e exames governamentais. Os resultados indicaram que os níveis de força/resistência muscular podem influenciar as associações entre coordenação e desempenho acadêmico, assim como os níveis de coordenação podem influenciar as associações entre força/resistência e desempenho acadêmico. As tendências de associações positivas entre as variáveis analisadas sugerem que a prática de atividades físicas nas escolas não deve ser preterida em detrimento do alcance de metas no desempenho acadêmico.

This study aimed to analyze the relationships among motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement among children. The sample consisted of 119 students aged between 12 and 14 years old without medical certificate of learning disabilities. Motor coordination, physical fitness, and academic achievement were estimated through KTK, sit-up, and governmental tests respectively. Results suggest that muscular strength/endurance may influence the associations between coordination and academic achievement, as well as the coordination levels may influence the associations between muscular strength/endurance and academic achievement. The trends of positive associations among these variables suggest that engagement in physical activity should not be discouraged due to goals in academic achievement.

El objetivo de estudio fue analizar la relación entre los niveles de coordinación motora, fuerza/resistencia muscular y rendimiento académico en niños. La muestra se estuvo compuesta por 119 alumnos con edades comprendidas entre 12 y 14 años y sin registros de trastornos de aprendizaje. Los niveles de coordinación, fuerza/resistencia muscular y rendimiento académico fueron estimados usándose, respectivamente, KTK, sit-up, y las pruebas gubernamentales. Los resultados sugieren que los resultados de fuerza/resistencia muscular pueden influenciar las asociaciones entre coordinación y rendimiento académico, así como los niveles de la coordinación y desempeño pueden influenciar las asociaciones entre fuerza/resistencia y rendimiento académico. Las tendencias de las asociaciones positivas entre las variables sugieren que la práctica de actividades físicas en las escuelas no debe ser restringida en detrimiento del logro de los objetivos en el rendimiento académico.

Eletromiografia do bíceps braquial em contrações dinâmicas / Electromyography of the biceps brachii during dynamic contractions / Electromiografía del bíceps braquial en contracciones dinámicas

INTRODUÇÃO: A reprodutibilidade da atividade eletromiográfica de superfície (EMG) é mais estudada em protocolos que envolvem contrações isométricas. Alguns fatores relacionados às contrações dinâmicas podem contribuir para a instabilidade do sinal mioelétrico e dificultar a reprodutibilidade da medida da EMG. OBJETIVO: Determinar a reprodutibilidade teste-reteste e quantificar o erro técnico da medida da frequência mediana (FM) e da amplitude (root mean square, RMS) da EMG, em contrações dinâmicas e estáticas. MÉTODOS: Dez sujeitos foram testados em dois dias, sendo a atividade EMG registrada na maior porção do bíceps braquial. No primeiro dia foi feito o teste de uma repetição máxima (1RM) e de contração voluntária máxima (CVM). No segundo dia foram realizadas duas séries de 10 contrações dos flexores do cotovelo com 75% de 1RM, entremeadas por 1 h em repouso. Antes de cada série foi realizada uma CVM. RESULTADOS: Para a FM e RMS foi observado alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para o sinal do bíceps braquial (CCI = 0,90-0,98 para a FM; CCI = 0,89-0,94 para o RMS) e de baixo para moderado coeficiente de variação (CV = 2,5-6,2% para a FM; CV = 14,6-16,3% para o RMS) em ambos os testes. Não foi observada diferença significativa entre teste e reteste (p > 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A FM e o RMS apresentam alta confiabilidade e baixo a moderado erro em contrações estáticas e dinâmicas, possibilitando o uso da EMG para investigação da fadiga e de desordens neuromusculares.

INTRODUCTION: Reproducibility of electromyographic activity (EMG) is the most studied in protocols involving isometric contractions. Some factors related to dynamic contractions may contribute to the instability of the myoelectric signal and affect the reproducibility of the measurement of EMG. OBJECTIVE: To determine the test-retest reproducibility and quantify the technical error of the measurement of the median frequency (MF) and amplitude (root mean square, RMS) of the surface EMG in static and dynamic contractions. METHODS: Ten subjects were tested in two days with the EMG activity recorded for the greatest portion of the biceps brachii tendon. In the first day the subjects did one test of maximum repetition (1MR) and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). On the second day the subjects performed two sets of 10 dynamic contractions of the elbow flexors at 75% of 1MR interspersed by 1 h at rest. Before each set one MVC was performed. RESULTS: For both MF and RMS, was observed high intraclass reliability for biceps brachii (ICC = 0.90-0.98 for MF; ICC = 0.89-0.94 for RMS) and low to moderate coefficient of variation (CV = 2.5-6.2% for MF; CV =14.6-16.3% for RMS) in both tests. No significant difference between test and retest was found (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The MF and RMS have high reliability and low to moderate error in static and dynamic contractions, enabling the use of EMG for the investigation of fatigue and neuromuscular disorders.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La reproducibilidad de la actividad electromiográfica de superficie (EMG) es más estudiada en protocolos que involucran contracciones isométricas. Algunos factores relacionados con las contracciones dinámicas pueden contribuir para la inestabilidad de la señal mioeléctrica y dificultar la reproducibilidad de la medida de la EMG. OBJETIVO: Determinar la reproducibilidad prueba-nueva prueba y cuantificar el error técnico cuanto a la medida de la frecuencia mediana (FM) y de la amplitud (root mean square, RMS) de la EMG de superficie, en contracciones dinámicas y estáticas. MÉTODOS: diez individuos fueron examinados en dos días, siendo la actividad EMG registrada en el área más grande del bíceps braquial. En el primer día, se hizo la prueba de una repetición máxima (1RM) y de contracción voluntaria máxima (CVM). En el segundo día, se realizaron dos series de 10 contracciones de los flexores del codo, con 75% de 1RM, alternadas por 1 hora en reposo. Antes de cada serie, se hizo una CVM. RESULTADOS: Para la FM y el RMS se observó un alto coeficiente de correlación para la señal del bíceps braquial (CCI = 0,90-0,98 para la FM; CCI = 0,89-0,94 para el RMS) y un coeficiente de variación de bajo para moderado (CV = 2,5-6,2% para la FM; CV = 14,6-16,3% para el RMS) en ambas pruebas. No se observó una diferencia significativa entre prueba y nueva prueba (p > 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN: La FM y el RMS presentan alta confiabilidad, y error de bajo a moderado en contracciones estáticas y dinámicas, posibilitando el uso de la EMG para investigación de la fatiga y de desórdenes neuromusculares.

The interaction of Bacteroides fragilis with components of the human fibrinolytic system.

Bacteroides fragilis is a minor component of the intestinal microbiota and the most frequently isolated from intra-abdominal infections and bacteremia. Previously, our group has shown that molecules involved in laminin-1 (LMN-1) recognition were present in outer membrane protein extracts of B. fragilis MC2 strain. One of these proteins was identified and showed 98% similarity to a putative B. fragilis plasminogen-binding protein precursor, deposited in the public database. Thus, the objective of this work was to overexpress and further characterize this novel adhesin. The ability of B. fragilis MC2 strain and purified protein to convert plasminogen into plasmin was tested. Our results showed that B. fragilis strain MC2 strain adhered to both LMN-1 and plasminogen and this adhesion was inhibited by either LMN-1 or plasminogen. Regarding the plasminogen activation activity, both the whole bacterial cell and the purified protein converted plasminogen into plasmin similar to streptokinase used as a positive control. Bacterial receptors that recognize plasminogen bind to it and enhance its activation, transforming a nonproteolytic bacterium into a proteolytic one. We present in vitro evidence for a pathogenic function of the plasminogen receptor in promoting adherence to laminin and also the formation of plasmin by B. fragilis.