Effect of glyphosate in Johnsongrass submitted to different soil water potentials.

This work aimed to study the efficiency of herbicide glyphosate to control Johnsongrass plants (Sorghum halepense) in different phenological stages of development and when submitted to different types of soil water potentials. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. The treatments were arranged in a triple factor scheme 3 × 3 × 2, being: three soil water conditions [no water deficit (-0.03 MPa), intermediate water deficit (-0.07 MPa), and high water deficit (-1.5 MPa)], associated with three doses of glyphosate (0.0, 270.0, and 540.0 g a.e. ha-1) applied in two phenological stages (4-6 leaves and 1-3 tillers). Visual control evaluations were conducted at 7, 14, 21, and 35 days after the herbicide application. Biometric and morphophysiological parameters were also analyzed. With the increase of water restriction, there was a decrease in Johnsongrass morphophysiological components, such as specific leaf area, stomatal conductance, and the difference between environment and leaf temperature, as well as the accumulation of aerial part and roots dry matter, independently of the phenological stage evaluated. The development stage of Johnsongrass influenced the control provided by glyphosate, independently of the dose used. The different water deficits studied reduced the control of glyphosate in the two Johnsongrass development stages evaluated. Severe water deficits reduced the control of glyphosate in Johnsongrass using the recommended dose. In conditions of moderate water deficit, the control was not affected. Thus, the control with lower doses can be the most affected by water deficit.

Chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in Latin America.

OBJECTIVES: To report clinical, angiographic characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of unsuccessful procedures in patients who underwent chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in Latin America. BACKGROUND: CTO PCI has been increasingly performed worldwide, but there is a lack of information in this region. METHODS: An international multicenter registry was developed to collect data on CTO PCI performed in centers in Latin America. Patient, angiographic, procedural and outcome data were evaluated. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were assessed by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: We have included data related to 1,040 CTO PCIs performed in seven countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Puerto Rico). The mean age was 64 ± 10 years, and CTO PCI was performed mainly for angina control (81%) or treatment of a large ischemic area (30%). Overall technical success rate was 82.5%, and it was achieved with antegrade wire escalation in 81%, antegrade dissection/re-entry in 8% and with retrograde techniques in 11% of the successful procedures. Multivariable analysis identified moderate/severe calcification, a blunt proximal cap and a previous attempt as independent predictors of unsuccessful procedures. In-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in 3.1% of the cases, death in 1% and cardiac tamponade in 0.9% CONCLUSIONS: CTO PCI in Latin America has been performed mainly for ischemia relief. Procedures were associated with a success rate above 80% and low incidence of MACE. Predictors of unsuccessful procedures were similar to those previously reported in the literature.

Ischemic preconditioning boosts post-exercise but not resting cardiac vagal control in endurance runners.

PURPOSE: High cardiac vagal control in endurance athletes has been generally associated with adequate recovery from training and readiness to cope high-intensity training. A method that improves cardiac vagal control in endurance athletes could therefore be advantageous. Accordingly, we sought to test whether ischemic preconditioning (IPC) could enhance cardiac vagal control in endurance runners. METHODS: Fifteen subjects underwent IPC, sham ultrasound (SHAM) or control (CT), in random order. Subjects were informed both IPC and SHAM would be beneficial vs. CT (i.e., similar placebo induction), and IPC would be harmless despite ischemia sensations (i.e., nocebo avoidance). Resting cardiac vagal control was assessed via respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and heart rate variability (HRV) indexes. Post-exercise cardiac vagal control was assessed via heart rate recovery [HR time constant decay (T30) and absolute HR decay (HRR30s)] during 30-s breaks of a discontinuous incremental test. Capillary blood samples were collected for lactate threshold identification. RESULTS: RSA and HRV were similar among interventions at pre- and post-intervention assessments. Lactate threshold occurred at 85 ± 4% of maximal effort. T30 was similar among interventions, but IPC increased HRR30s at 70% and 75% of maximal effort vs. SHAM and CT (70%: IPC = 31 ± 2 vs. SHAM = 26 ± 3 vs. CT = 26 ± 2 bpm, mean ± SEM, P < 0.01; 75%: IPC = 29 ± 2 vs. SHAM = 25 ± 2 vs. CT = 24 ± 2 bpm, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IPC did not change resting cardiac vagal control, but boosted fast post-exercise cardiac vagal reactivation at exercise intensities below lactate threshold in endurance runners.

Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on the Recovery of Cardiac Autonomic Control From Repeated Sprint Exercise.

Repeated sprint exercise (RSE) acutely impairs post-exercise heart rate (HR) recovery (HRR) and time-domain heart rate variability (i. e., RMSSD), likely in part, due to lactic acidosis-induced reduction of cardiac vagal reactivation. In contrast, ischemic preconditioning (IPC) mediates cardiac vagal activation and augments energy metabolism efficiency during prolonged ischemia followed by reperfusion. Therefore, we investigated whether IPC could improve recovery of cardiac autonomic control from RSE partially via improved energy metabolism responses to RSE. Fifteen men team-sport practitioners (mean ± SD: 25 ± 5 years) were randomly exposed to IPC in the legs (3 × 5 min at 220 mmHg) or control (CT; 3 × 5 min at 20 mmHg) 48 h, 24 h, and 35 min before performing 3 sets of 6 shuttle running sprints (15 + 15 m with 180° change of direction and 20 s of active recovery). Sets 1 and 2 were followed by 180 s and set 3 by 360 s of inactive recovery. Short-term HRR was analyzed after all sets via linear regression of HR decay within the first 30 s of recovery (T30) and delta from peak HR to 60 s of recovery (HRR60s). Long-term HRR was analyzed throughout recovery from set 3 via first-order exponential regression of HR decay. Moreover, RMSSD was calculated using 30-s data segments throughout recovery from set 3. Energy metabolism responses were inferred via peak pulmonary oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O 2 peak), peak carbon dioxide output ( V ˙ O 2 peak), peak respiratory exchange ratio (RERpeak), first-order exponential regression of V ˙ O 2 decay within 360 s of recovery and blood lactate concentration ([Lac-]). IPC did not change T30, but increased HRR60s after all sets (condition main effect: P = 0.03; partial eta square (η2 p ) = 0.27, i.e., large effect size). IPC did not change long-term HRR and RMSSD throughout recovery, nor did IPC change any energy metabolism parameter. In conclusion, IPC accelerated to some extent the short-term recovery, but did not change the long-term recovery of cardiac autonomic control from RSE, and such accelerator effect was not accompanied by any IPC effect on surrogates of energy metabolism responses to RSE.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (ADOXACEAE).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy's solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Effect of Ischemic Preconditioning on Endurance Performance Does Not Surpass Placebo.

PURPOSE: Recent studies have reported ischemic preconditioning (IPC) can acutely improve endurance exercise performance in athletes. However, placebo and nocebo effects have not been sufficiently controlled, and the effect on aerobic metabolism parameters that determine endurance performance (e.g., oxygen cost of running, lactate threshold, and maximal oxygen uptake [V˙O2max]) has been equivocal. Thus, we circumvented limitations from previous studies to test the effect of IPC on aerobic metabolism parameters and endurance performance in well-trained runners. METHODS: Eighteen runners (14 men/4 women) were submitted to three interventions, in random order: IPC; sham intervention (SHAM); and resting control (CT). Subjects were told both IPC and SHAM would improve performance compared to CT (i.e., similar placebo induction), and IPC would be harmless despite circulatory occlusion sensations (i.e., nocebo avoidance). Next, pulmonary ventilation and gas exchange, blood lactate concentration, and perceived effort were measured during a discontinuous incremental test on a treadmill. Then, a supramaximal test was used to verify the V˙O2max and assess endurance performance (i.e., time to exhaustion). RESULTS: Ventilation, oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, lactate concentration, and perceived effort were similar among IPC, SHAM, and CT throughout the discontinuous incremental test (P > 0.05). Oxygen cost of running, lactate threshold, and V˙O2max were also similar among interventions (P > 0.05). Time to exhaustion was longer after IPC (mean ± SEM, 165.34 ± 12.34 s) and SHAM (164.38 ± 11.71 s) than CT (143.98 ± 12.09 s; P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively), but similar between IPC and SHAM (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: IPC did not change aerobic metabolism parameters, whereas improved endurance performance. The IPC improvement, however, did not surpass the effect of a placebo intervention.

Assessment of the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity and phytochemical screening of aqueous extracts of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. (ADOXACEAE)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and antigenotoxic activity of Sambucus australis Cham. & Schltdl. aqueous extracts on the cell cycle of Allium cepa L. as well as determine the phenolic compounds in such extracts. S. australis inflorescences and leaves of two accessions were used for aqueous extract preparation at concentrations: 0.003 g/ml and 0.012 g/ml. A. cepa bulbs were rooted in distilled water and, subsequently, placed in treatments for 24 hours. Rootlets were collected and fixed in modified Carnoy's solution for 24 hours and kept. The squash technique was performed for slide preparation. Root tips were smashed and stained with 2% acetic orcein, and a total of 4000 cells per treatment were analyzed. The phenolic compounds were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography and data was analyzed using the Scott-Knott test. The results show that S. australis aqueous extracts have antiproliferative potential. Besides, the extracts prepared from S. australis leaves of both accessions at a concentration of 0.012 g/ml have shown antigenotoxic activity. The phytochemical analysis allowed us to determine the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids, of which kaempferol and chrologenic acid were the most predominant compounds in the extracts from the inflorescences and leaves, respectively.

Two new species of Curuapira Martins & Galileo, 1998 (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Lamiinae, Desmiphorini).

Two new species of Curuapira Martins & Galileo, 1998 are described: C. hovorei sp. nov. from Ecuador and C. armandi sp. nov. from Panama. A key to species of the genus is provided.

Effect of Intermittent Hypoxic Training Followed by Intermittent Hypoxic Exposure on Aerobic Capacity of Long Distance Runners.

Effects of intermittent hypoxic training (IHT) are still controversial and detraining effects remain uninvestigated. Therefore, we investigated (a) whether IHT improves aerobic capacity; (b) whether aerobic detraining occurs post-IHT; and (c) whether intermittent hypoxic exposure (IHE) at rest reduces a possible aerobic detraining post-IHT. Twenty eight runners (21 men/7 women; 36 ± 2 years; maximal oxygen uptake [V[Combining Dot Above]O2max] 55.4 ± 1.3 ml·kg·min) participated in a single-blinded placebo-controlled trial. Twice a week, 1 group performed 6 weeks of IHT (n = 11), followed by 4 weeks of IHE (n = 11) at rest (IHT+IHE group). Another group performed 6 weeks of IHT (n = 10), followed by 4 weeks of normoxic exposure (NE, n = 9) at rest (IHT+NE group). A control group performed 6 weeks of normoxic training (NT, n = 7), followed by 4 weeks of NE (n = 6) at rest (NT+NE group). Hematological and submaximal/maximal aerobic measurements were conducted in normoxia at pretraining, posttraining, and postexposure. Hemoglobin concentration did not change, but lactate threshold and running economy improved in all groups at posttraining (p ≤ 0.05 vs. pretraining). Ventilatory threshold, respiratory compensation point, and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max increased after IHT (IHT+IHE group: 7.3, 5.4, and 9.2%, respectively; IHT+NE group: 10.7, 7.5, and 4.8%; p ≤ 0.05 vs. pretraining), but not after NT (-1.1, -1.0, and -3.8%; p > 0.05 vs. pretraining). Such IHT-induced adaptations were maintained at postexposure (p > 0.05 vs. postexposure). In conclusion, IHT induced further aerobic improvements than NT. These additional IHT adaptations were maintained for 4 weeks post-IHT, regardless of IHE.

Differences in muscle strength after ACL reconstruction do not influence cardiorespiratory responses to isometabolic exercise.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the muscle strength decrease that follows anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction would lead to different cardiorespiratory adjustments during dynamic exercise. METHOD: Eighteen active male subjects were submitted to isokinetic evaluation of knee flexor and extensor muscles four months after ACL surgery. Thigh circumference was also measured and an incremental unilateral cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed separately for both involved and uninvolved lower limbs in order to compare heart rate, oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, and ventilatory pattern (breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, expiratory time, tidal volume/inspiratory time) at three different workloads (moderate, anaerobic threshold, and maximal). RESULTS: There was a significant difference between isokinetic extensor peak torque measured in the involved (116.5 ± 29.1 Nm) and uninvolved (220.8 ± 40.4 Nm) limbs, p=0.000. Isokinetic flexor peak torque was also lower in the involved limb than in the uninvolved limb (107.8 ± 15.4 and 132.5 ± 26.3 Nm, p=0.004, respectively). Lower values were also found in involved thigh circumference as compared with uninvolved limb (46.9 ± 4.3 and 48.5 ± 3.9 cm, p=0.005, respectively). No differences were found between the lower limbs in any of the variables of the incremental cardiopulmonary tests at all exercise intensities. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that, four months after ACL surgery, there is a significant deficit in isokinetic strength in the involved limb, but these differences in muscle strength requirement do not produce differences in the cardiorespiratory adjustments to exercise. Based on the hypotheses from the literature which explain the differences in the physiological responses to exercise for different muscle masses, we can deduce that, after 4 months of a rehabilitation program after an ACL reconstruction, individuals probably do not present differences in muscle oxidative and peripheral perfusion capacities that could elicit higher levels of peripheral cardiorepiratory stimulus during exercise.

Differences in muscle strength after ACL reconstruction do not influence cardiorespiratory responses to isometabolic exercise

Objectives: To investigate whether the muscle strength decrease that follows anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction would lead to different cardiorespiratory adjustments during dynamic exercise. Method: Eighteen active male subjects were submitted to isokinetic evaluation of knee flexor and extensor muscles four months after ACL surgery. Thigh circumference was also measured and an incremental unilateral cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed separately for both involved and uninvolved lower limbs in order to compare heart rate, oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, and ventilatory pattern (breath rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time, expiratory time, tidal volume/inspiratory time) at three different workloads (moderate, anaerobic threshold, and maximal). Results: There was a significant difference between isokinetic extensor peak torque measured in the involved (116.5±29.1 Nm) and uninvolved (220.8±40.4 Nm) limbs, p=0.000. Isokinetic flexor peak torque was also lower in the involved limb than in the uninvolved limb (107.8±15.4 and 132.5±26.3 Nm, p=0.004, respectively). Lower values were also found in involved thigh circumference as compared with uninvolved limb (46.9±4.3 and 48.5±3.9 cm, p=0.005, respectively). No differences were found between the lower limbs in any of the variables of the incremental cardiopulmonary tests at all exercise intensities. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that, four months after ACL surgery, there is a significant deficit in isokinetic strength in the involved limb, but these differences in muscle strength requirement do not produce differences in the cardiorespiratory adjustments to exercise. Based on the hypotheses from the literature which explain the differences in the physiological responses to exercise for different muscle masses, we can deduce that, after 4 months of a rehabilitation program after an ACL reconstruction, individuals probably ...

Shoulder isokinetic profile of male handball players of the Brazilian National Team

BACKGROUND: Data obtained on an isokinetic dynamometer are useful to characterize muscle status and have been reported in muscle imbalance studies in different types of sport. However, few studies have assessed elite handball players to establish reference values. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare, for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) side, the isokinetic profile of shoulder rotator muscle strength between male handball players (H) and asymptomatic non-athletes (NA). METHOD: Isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength tests for D upper limbs were performed by the H group (n=20) and the NA group (n=12). Internal and external rotator muscle peak torque in concentric action was assessed at 60°/s and 300°/s and in eccentric action at 300°/s. We also calculated conventional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action) and functional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque in eccentric action to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action). RESULTS: In the H group, dominant limbs were stronger in concentric action for external rotation at 60 and 300°/s. The conventional balance ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 60 and 300°/s for H compared to NA. The functional ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 300º/s for H compared to NA. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to asymptomatic non-athletes, handball players presented significant muscular imbalance resulting from daily sports practice, a known risk factor for shoulder injuries. .

Shoulder isokinetic profile of male handball players of the Brazilian National Team.

BACKGROUND: Data obtained on an isokinetic dynamometer are useful to characterize muscle status and have been reported in muscle imbalance studies in different types of sport. However, few studies have assessed elite handball players to establish reference values. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare, for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) side, the isokinetic profile of shoulder rotator muscle strength between male handball players (H) and asymptomatic non-athletes (NA). METHOD: Isokinetic concentric and eccentric strength tests for D upper limbs were performed by the H group (n=20) and the NA group (n=12). Internal and external rotator muscle peak torque in concentric action was assessed at 60°/s and 300°/s and in eccentric action at 300°/s. We also calculated conventional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action) and functional balance (the ratio of external rotator peak torque in eccentric action to internal rotator peak torque in concentric action). RESULTS: In the H group, dominant limbs were stronger in concentric action for external rotation at 60 and 300°/s. The conventional balance ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 60 and 300°/s for H compared to NA. The functional ratio for the D side was significantly lower at 300º/s for H compared to NA. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to asymptomatic non-athletes, handball players presented significant muscular imbalance resulting from daily sports practice, a known risk factor for shoulder injuries.

Determination of the power-duration relationship in upper-limb exercises.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the power-duration relationship in upper limb exercises and to investigate the relationships between parameters derived from this function with physiological indicators of aerobic fitness. METHODS: Ten healthy men (26.2 ± 2.3 years, 75.0 ± 11.8 kg, 178.2 ± 11.5 cm and 15.0 ± 5.7% body fat) performed a ramped test on an arm cycle ergometer with increments of 20 W/min. Subsequently, five tests with constant load were performed until exhaustion, with 70, 80, 90, 95 and 100% difference between VT1 and VO2peak. The critical power (CP) was obtained by means of linearization of the power-duration function. RESULTS: The power-duration relationship was described using an adjusted function (r=0.98 ± 0.02). The VO2 at CP (2.66 ± 0.62 l/min) was higher than VT1 (1.62 ± 0.38 l/min) and VT2 (2.36 ± 0.59 l/min), but lower than VO2peak (3.06 ± 0.62 l/min). The CP workload (103.0 ± 26 W) was significantly different from VT1 (69.5 ± 21 W) and VO2peak workloads (151.0 ± 26.3), but was no different of VT2 (103.5 ± 30.8 W). The association between critical power and aerobic condition indexes were always significant when expressed as VO2 (0.73 to 0.78, p<0.05) and in W (0.83 to 0.91, p<0.05). Determination of CP in upper-limb dynamic exercises is simple and inexpensive, and can be used by physical therapists for prescribing and evaluating upper-limb training programs. CONCLUSIONS: The power-duration relationship in upper-limb exercises can be described by a hyperbolic function and it is associated with physiological indicators of aerobic fitness.

Thyroglobulin measurements in washout of fine needle aspirates in cervical lymph nodes for detection of papillary thyroid cancer metastases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement of thyroglobulin in washout needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB-Tg) to detect papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) metastases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients (51.4 ± 14.6 years) with PTC diagnosis and evidence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (LN) were included. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious LN was performed, for both cytological examination and measurement of FNAB-Tg. RESULTS: The median values of FNAB-Tg in patients with metastatic LN (n = 5) was 3,419 ng/mL (11.1-25,538), while patients without LN metastasis (n = 38) showed levels of 3.7 ng/mL (0.8-7.4). Considering a 10 ng/mL cutoff value for FNAB-Tg, the sensitivity and specificity was 100%. There were no differences on the median of FNAB-Tg measurements between those on (TSH 0.07 mUI/mL) or off levothyroxine (TSH 97.4 mUI/mL) therapy (3.3 vs. 3.8 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.2). CONCLUSION: The results show that evaluation of FNAB-Tg in cervical LN is a valuable diagnostic tool for PTC metastases that can be used independent of the thyroid status.

Determinação da relação potência-duração em exercício com membros superiores / Determination of the power-duration relationship in upper-limb exercises

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a relação potência-duração em exercícios de membros superiores (MMSS) e verificar a relação dos parâmetros derivados dessa função com indicadores fisiológicos de aptidão aeróbia. Métodos: Dez homens saudáveis (26,2±2,3 anos, 75,0±11,8 kg, 178,2±11,5 cm e 15,0±5,7 por cento de gordura) realizaram um teste de rampa em cicloergômetro de braço com incrementos de 20 W/min. Posteriormente, cinco testes de carga constante até a exaustão a 70, 80, 90, 95 e 100 por cento da diferença entre LV1 e o VO2pico foram realizados. A potência crítica (PC) foi obtida por meio da linearização da função potência-duração. RESULTADOS: A relação potência-duração foi descrita pela função ajustada (r=0,98±0,02). O VO2 na PC (2,66±0,62 l/min) foi maior do que no LV1 (1,62±0,38 l/min) e LV2 (2,36±0,59 l/min, respectivamente), mas menor do que o VO2pico (3,06±0,62 l/min). A carga da PC (103,0±26,0 W) foi diferente da encontrada em LV1 (69,5±21 W) e VO2pico (151,0±26,3 W), mas não da em LV2 (103,5±30,8 W). A associação entre a PC e esses indicadores de aptidão aeróbia foram todas significantes quando expressas em VO2 (0,73 a 0,78; p<0,05) e em W (0,83 a 0,91; p<0,05). A determinação da PC em exercícios dinâmicos de MMSS é simples e de baixo custo, podendo ser utilizada pelo fisioterapeuta na prescrição e avaliação do treinamento de MMSS. CONCLUSÃO: A relação potência-duração em exercícios com os MMSS pode ser descrita por uma função hiperbólica e está associada a indicadores fisiológicos da aptidão aeróbia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the power-duration relationship in upper limb exercises and to investigate the relationships between parameters derived from this function with physiological indicators of aerobic fitness. METHODS: Ten healthy men (26.2±2.3 years, 75.0±11.8 kg, 178.2±11.5 cm and 15.0±5.7 percent body fat) performed a ramped test on an arm cycle ergometer with increments of 20 W/min. Subsequently, five tests with constant load were performed until exhaustion, with 70, 80, 90, 95 and 100 percent difference between VT1 and VO2peak. The critical power (CP) was obtained by means of linearization of the power-duration function. RESULTS: The power-duration relationship was described using an adjusted function (r=0.98±0.02). The VO2 at CP (2.66±0.62 l/min) was higher than VT1 (1.62±0.38 l/min) and VT2 (2.36±0.59 l/min), but lower than VO2peak (3.06±0.62 l/min). The CP workload (103.0±26 W) was significantly different from VT1 (69.5±21 W) and VO2peak workloads (151.0±26.3), but was no different of VT2 (103.5±30.8 W). The association between critical power and aerobic condition indexes were always significant when expressed as VO2 (0.73 to 0.78, p<0.05) and in W (0.83 to 0.91, p<0.05). Determination of CP in upper-limb dynamic exercises is simple and inexpensive, and can be used by physical therapists for prescribing and evaluating upper-limb training programs. CONCLUSIONS: The power-duration relationship in upper-limb exercises can be described by a hyperbolic function and it is associated with physiological indicators of aerobic fitness.

Thyroglobulin measurements in washout of fine needle aspirates in cervical lymph nodes for detection of papillary thyroid cancer metastases / Determinação da tireoglobulina no lavado da agulha da punção aspirativa de linfonodos cervicais para detecção de metástases do câncer papilar de tireoide

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the measurement of thyroglobulin in washout needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB-Tg) to detect papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) metastases. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty-three patients (51.4 ± 14.6 years) with PTC diagnosis and evidence of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (LN) were included. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspicious LN was performed, for both cytological examination and measurement of FNAB-Tg. RESULTS: The median values of FNAB-Tg in patients with metastatic LN (n = 5) was 3,419 ng/mL (11.1-25,538), while patients without LN metastasis (n = 38) showed levels of 3.7 ng/mL (0.8-7.4). Considering a 10 ng/mL cutoff value for FNAB-Tg, the sensitivity and specificity was 100 percent. There were no differences on the median of FNAB-Tg measurements between those on (TSH 0.07 mUI/mL) or off levothyroxine (TSH 97.4 mUI/mL) therapy (3.3 vs. 3.8 ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.2). CONCLUSION: The results show that evaluation of FNAB-Tg in cervical LN is a valuable diagnostic tool for PTC metastases that can be used independent of the thyroid status.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a acurácia da dosagem de tireoglobulina no lavado da agulha da punção aspirativa (PAAF-Tg) de linfonodos (LN) cervicais para detecção de metástases do câncer papilar de tireoide (CPT). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 43 pacientes (51,4 ± 14,6 anos) com diagnóstico de CPT e evidência de LN cervicais aumentados. Os LN suspeitos foram submetidos à punção aspiração com agulha fina guiada por ecografia para análise citológica e dosagem de tireoglobulina (PAAF-Tg). RESULTADOS: A mediana dos valores de PAAF-Tg nos LN metastáticos (n = 5) foi 3.419,0 ng/mL (11,1-25.538), enquanto nos LN não metastáticos (n= 38) a mediana foi de 3,7 ng/mL (0,8-7,4). Utilizando-se o nível de 10 ng/mL como ponto de corte, observaram-se sensibilidade e especificidade de 100 por cento. Os níveis de TSH sérico não interferiram na dosagem de PAAF-Tg (3,3 e 3,8 ng/mL nos grupos com TSH supresso (TSH 0,07 mUI/mL) e hipotireoidismo (TSH 97,4 mUI/mL), respectivamente, P = 0,2). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstram que a dosagem de PAAF-Tg é uma ferramenta importante no diagnóstico de metástases do CPT, podendo ser utilizada independente do "status" tireoidiano.

Comparison between constant and decreasing rest intervals: influence on maximal strength and hypertrophy.

Most resistance training programs use constant rest period lengths between sets and exercises, but some programs use decreasing rest period lengths as training progresses. The aim of this study was to compare the effect on strength and hypertrophy of 8 weeks of resistance training using constant rest intervals (CIs) and decreasing rest intervals (DIs) between sets and exercises. Twenty young men recreationally trained in strength training were randomly assigned to either a CI or DI training group. During the first 2 weeks of training, 3 sets of 10-12 repetition maximum (RM) with 2-minute rest intervals between sets and exercises were performed by both groups. During the next 6 weeks of training, the CI group trained using 2 minutes between sets and exercises (4 sets of 8-10RM), and the DI group trained with DIs (2 minutes decreasing to 30 seconds) as the 6 weeks of training progressed (4 sets of 8-10RM). Total training volume of the bench press and squat were significantly lower for the DI compared to the CI group (bench press 9.4%, squat 13.9%) and weekly training volume of these same exercises was lower in the DI group from weeks 6 to 8 of training. Strength (1RM) in the bench press and squat, knee extensor and flexor isokinetic measures of peak torque, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) using magnetic resonance imaging were assessed pretraining and posttraining. No significant differences (p < or = 0.05) were shown between the CI and DI training protocols for CSA (arm 13.8 vs. 14.5%, thigh 16.6 vs. 16.3%), 1RM (bench press 28 vs. 37%, squat 34 vs. 34%), and isokinetic peak torque. In conclusion, the results indicate that a training protocol with DI is just as effective as a CI protocol over short training periods (6 weeks) for increasing maximal strength and muscle CSA; thus, either type of program can be used over a short training period to cause strength and hypertrophy.

Innate profiles of cytokines implicated on oral tolerance correlate with low- or high-suppression of humoral response.

SUMMARY: Oral tolerance (OT) is being studied with great interest because of its therapeutic potential in allergy and autoimmunity. In the present study, two mouse strains with extreme phenotypes of OT susceptibility (TS) or resistance (TR) to ovalbumin (OVA) were used to demonstrate whether the tr and ts genes, cumulated during 18 generations of bi-directional genetic selection, influence expression of immunobiological traits in naive or antigen-gavaged TR/TS mice. The difference in anti-OVA titres was 2048-fold between OVA-gavaged TS and TR mice. Tolerance susceptibility to OVA gavage in individuals from a (TS x TR)F(2) population was 24% high-susceptibility, 62% low-susceptibility and 14% non-tolerant. Different antigens, unrelated to OVA, were tested by gavage and TS mice were generally susceptible while TR mice were resistant. The stability of TS and TR phenotypes was not affected by the use of strict protocols of intraperitoneal immunization or feeding over 30 consecutive days. The levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, interferon-gamma and IL-10 cytokines evaluated in concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cells from naive mice and in OVA-stimulated spleen cells from OVA-gavaged mice were higher in TS mice. Interleukin-10 was up-regulated in OVA-gavaged TS mice and down-regulated in TR mice. In naive mice, the percentage of CD4(+) CD25(+) and CD4(+) Foxp3(+) spleen cells and IL-10 expression by CD4(+) cells was significantly higher in TS mice. These results indicate that regulation of IL-10 expression could be an important factor contributing to the mechanisms controlling OT susceptibility, and that the OT responses of TR and TS individuals strongly correlate with their innate potential to secrete this cytokine.

Inspiratory resistive loading after all-out exercise improves subsequent performance.

We have previously shown that post-exercise inspiratory resistive loading (IRL) reduces blood lactate ([Lac(b)(-)]). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that IRL during recovery could improve subsequent exercise performance. Eight healthy men underwent, on different days, two sequential 30-s, cycle ergometer Wingate tests. During the 10-min recovery period from test 1, subjects breathed freely or through an inspiratory resistance (15 cm H(2)O) with passive leg recovery. Arterialized [Lac(b)(-)] values, perceptual scores (Borg), cardiac output by impedance cardiography (QT), and changes in the deoxygenation status of the M. vastus lateralis by near-infrared spectroscopy (DeltaHHb), were recorded. [Lac(b)(-)] was significantly reduced after 4 min of recovery with IRL (peak [Lac(b)(-)] 12.5 +/- 2.3 mmol l(-1) with free-breathing vs. 9.8 +/- 1.5 mmol l(-1) with IRL). Effort perception was reduced during late recovery with IRL compared with free-breathing. Cardiac work was increased with IRL, since heart rate and QT were elevated during late recovery. Peripheral muscle reoxygenation, however, was significantly impaired with IRL, suggesting that post-exercise convective O(2) delivery to the lower limbs was reduced. Importantly, IRL had a dual effect on subsequent performance, i.e., improvement in peak and mean power, but increased fatigue index (P < 0.05). Our data demonstrate that IRL after a Wingate test reduces post-exercise effort perception and improves peak power on subsequent all-out maximal-intensity exercise.