Lagged response of Tropical Atlantic Ocean to cold and fresh water pulse from Antarctic sea ice melting.

The formation of dense water masses at polar regions has been largely influenced by climate changes arising from global warming. In this context, based on ensemble simulations with a coupled model we evaluate the meridional shift of a climate signal (i.e., a cold and fresh water input pulse generated from melting of positive Antarctic sea ice (ASI) extremes) towards the Tropical Atlantic Ocean (TAO). This oceanic signal propagated from Southern Ocean towards the equator through the upper layers due to an increase in its buoyance. Its northward shift has given by the Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW) and Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW) flows, that inject cold and fresh mode/intermediate waters from into subtropical basin. The signal has reached low latitudes through the equatorial upwelling and spreads out southwards, through the upper branch of southern subtropical gyre. We concluded that 10 years of coupled simulations was enough time to propagate the climate signal generated by ASI positive extremes melting, which reached TOA around 2 year later. The oceanic connection between Southern Ocean and TAO is indeed established within the timescale analyzed in the study (10 years). Nonetheless, the period needed to completely dissipate the disturbance generated from ASI seems to be longer.

Predictors of Medical Students' Views toward Research: Insights from a Cross-Cultural Study among Portuguese-Speaking Countries.

Developing the skills and interest in scientific research of medical students is crucial to ensuring effective healthcare systems. As such, in this study, we aimed to assess Portuguese-speaking medical students' attitudes and perceptions toward scientific research and clinical practice, and how they are influenced by individual characteristics and regional indicators. A total of 455 first-year students from three medical schools in three countries (Portugal, Brazil, and Angola) participated in this study by completing a questionnaire. Portuguese students attributed the most importance to scientific skills and were the most confident in their ability to perform these skills. Angolan students were the most motivated to perform research and integrate it into the curriculum, despite having the most negative attitudes and perceiving themselves as having less ability to perform scientific skills. Brazilian students had the least positive attitudes toward science. In Portugal, attitudes depended on gross domestic product (GDP), while in Angola, they were influenced by the type of secondary school attendance. Portuguese students' perceptions of scientific skills were related to sex, GDP, type of secondary school, and participation in research. In Brazilian and Angolan students, perceptions were associated with age and research participation, respectively. The findings support the need to promote skills and positive attitudes toward scientific research in future physicians, fostering physician-scientists and improving patient care.

Portuguese Medical Students' Interest for Science and Research Declines after Freshman Year.

The integration of scientific research into medical curricula remains insufficient despite its advantages for medical students' professional development and the advancement of medicine. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of first-year medical course attendance on medical students' attitudes and perceptions towards scientific research and clinical practice, while also assessing the contribution of sociodemographic and academic factors. Two hundred and thirteen medical students self-administrated a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the first school year. Their responses were compared and two regression models were calculated to assess factors influencing students' attitudes and perceptions. After freshman year, students displayed significantly lower positive attitudes towards science and research. Their motivation to perform research and to integrate it into the curriculum also decreased, while the importance attributed to research skills for clinical practice increased. Motivation to perform research and negative attitudes were positively and negatively associated with grade point average (GPA), respectively. Female students and those who attended public secondary schools attributed greater importance to communication skills. This study reinforces the need to early develop research skills and positive attitudes in medical students, motivating them to become physician-scientists. Additional follow-up studies may offer further contributions to the integration of research into medical curricula.

Sudden Death Due to Thrombosis Associated with Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Electrodes.

Thrombosis associated with pacemaker leads is extremely rare, although the literature on this subject is scarce. A clinical case is reported, describing this condition and its clinical presentation, the complementary tests for establishing the diagnosis and the available therapeutic options. LEARNING POINTS: Thrombosis associated with pacemaker leads is extremely rare.The different causes that contribute to thrombosis all have Virchow's triad (blood stasis, endothelial injury/dysfunction and hypercoagulability) in common.Transthoracic and/or transoesophageal Doppler echocardiography is the gold standard for establishing the diagnosis, while the treatment options are anticoagulation, thrombolysis and surgical or endovascular embolectomy.

Fatigue index and anaerobic power obtained in different surfaces types / Índice de fadiga e potência anaeróbia obtida em diferentes tipos de solo

Abstract Due to the high intensity of competitive sports, the anaerobic power is a very important physical capacity for most sports. However, the diverse surfaces were these sports may interfere in the performance of this capacity. In running-based sports, the Running Anaerobic Sprint Test - RAST is largely used to evaluate anaerobic power. Considering the specificity of each sport, it is suggested to apply this test on the surface that it is played. Thus, the aim of the present study is to analyze the performance of RAST on different surfaces. The sample was composed by 10 subjects, mean age 20.2 ± 0.9 years old, mean height 1.8 ± 0.1 meters, mean body weight 77.4 ± 15.9 kg, and practice time of 6.0 ± 2.0 years. RAST was conducted on three different surfaces (hard, grass and sand). The maximum and minimum power and the fatigue index were compared between the surfaces. The results indicate that maximum and minimum power were lower in sand when compared to grass and hard surfaces. However, the fatigue index did not change. So, we observed that the surface is an important factor in RAST performance.

Resumo Devido à alta intensidade do esporte competitivo, a potência anaeróbia é uma capacidade física de natureza decisiva para a maioria das modalidades esportivas. Entretanto, diferentes tipos de superfícies onde são jogadas estas modalidades podem interferir no desempenho dessa capacidade física. Em esportes cuja corrida é base para sua prática, o Running Anaerobic Sprint Test - RAST é largamente utilizado para a avaliação da potência anaeróbia e levando em consideração à especificidade de cada esporte, sugere-se que este teste seja aplicado na superfície onde ele é praticado. Neste sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o desempenho no RAST em diferentes tipos de solo. A amostra foi composta por 10 sujeitos com idade média de 20,2 ± 0,9 anos, estatura média de 1,8 ± 0,1 metros, massa corporal média de 77,4 ± 15,9 kg e histórico médio de treinamento de 6,0 ± 2,0 anos. O RAST foi realizado em três superfícies diferentes (cimento, grama e areia). A potência máxima e mínima e o índice de fadiga foram comparados entre os solos. Os resultados indicam que as potências máxima e mínima foram menores na areia comparadas a grama e ao cimento. No entanto, não houve diferença no índice de fadiga. Conclui-se que o tipo de solo é um fator que influencia no desempenho do RAST.

Relative age effect on competitive performance in judo athletes / Efeito da idade relativa no desempenho competitivo em atletas de judô

ABSTRACT Differences in chronological age within an age group are known as Relative Age (RA), and their consequences to athletic performance are referred to as Relative Age Effect (RAE). The RAE among athletes is believed to affect their competitive success in several ways, even in adulthood. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the RAE on all judo fighters competing nationally in 2013, by age category and competitive performance. A total of 862 male and 637 female athletes participated in this research. The chi-squared test was used for comparing observed and expected values among quartiles, adopting p < 0.05 as significance. A Bonferroni post hoc analysis was employed to identify where significant differences were (adjusted p < 0.00417). Results showed significant differences in the male under-15 category (Q2 in G1: OV = 17; EV = 9.7; p = 0.001) and male under-23 category (Q1 in G3: OV = 37; VE = 10.1; p < 0.0001). In conclusion, RAE was identified only in male athletes. However, there were major discrepancies between athletes born in the first semester and those born in the second semester.

RESUMO A diferença da idade cronológica em uma faixa etária é chamada de Idade Relativa (IR) e suas consequências no desempenho de atletas é chamada de Efeito da Idade Relativa (EIR). Acredita-se que o EIR entre atletas pode afetar o sucesso competitivo de diversas maneiras, até mesmo na idade adulta. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar o EIR em todos os competidores de judô das competições nacionais do ano de 2013, fazendo-se a diferenciação por categorias etárias e o desempenho competitivo. Fizeram parte da presente investigação 862 atletas do sexo masculino e 637 do sexo feminino. O qui-quadrado foi empregado para comparar os valores observados e esperados entre quartis, adotando-se significância como p < 0,05. Uma análise post hoc de Bonferroni foi utilizada para identificar onde estavam as diferenças significativas (p ajustado < 0,00417). Os resultados mostraram diferença significativa nas categorias sub-15 masculino (Q2 em G1: VO = 17; VE = 9,7; p = 0,001) e sub-23 masculino (Q1 em G3: VO = 37; VE = 10,1; p < 0,0001). Em conclusão, o EIR foi identificado apenas em atletas do sexo masculino. Contudo, houve grande discrepância entre atletas nascidos no primeiro semestre e atletas nascidos no segundo semestre.

The effect of plyometric training on vertical jump performance in young basketball athletes / O efeito do treinamento pliométrico no desempenho do salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of plyometric training (PT) on vertical jump in young basketball athletes. A total of 39 athletes were divided into two experimental groups (male - MEG and female - FEG) and two control groups (male - MCG and female - FCG). The My Jump app quantified jump height from flight time. Data analysis relied on repeated measures ANOVA, Cohen's effect size (ES) and magnitude-based inference, with a level of significance of p≤ 0.05. Results showed that the MEG and the MCG obtained significant improvements in the countermovement jump (CMJ) and in the squat jump (SJ). The FEG and the FCG presented significant differences in the SJ, with interaction effect; as for the CMJ, only the FEG showed improvements with interaction effect. Concerning ES, the MEG showed greater effects in the CMJ and in the SJ compared to the MCG; within the FEG, the ES was greater only for the CMJ in comparison with the FCG. Qualitative responses showed that PT is likely beneficial for the MEG, whereas for the FEG it is likely beneficial in the SJ, and very likely beneficial in the CMJ. It is concluded that PT brought about positive effects on the MEG and on the FEG, both in the CMJ and in the SJ. In the control groups, both obtained significant improvements in the SJ, but only the MCG showed an improvement in the CMJ. Furthermore, results were better in the MEG and in the FEG compared to the MGC and to the FCG. Thus, PT is suitable for vertical jump enhancement in young basketball athletes.

RESUMO Este estudo investigou o efeito do treinamento pliométrico (TP) no salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete. Participaram 39 atletas, divididos em dois grupos experimentais (masculino - GEM e feminino - GEF) e dois grupos controle (masculino - GCM e feminino - GCF). O aplicativo My Jump quantificou a altura do salto a partir do tempo de voo. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se anova de medidas repetidas, tamanho de efeito de Cohen (TE) e a inferência baseada na magnitude, com nível de significância (p≤ 0,05). Os resultados indicam que o GEM e GCM apresentaram melhoras significativas no countermovement jump (CMJ) e squart jump (SJ). O GEF e GCF apresentaram diferenças significativas no SJ com efeito de interação, no CMJ apenas o GEF apresentou melhoras com efeito de interação. No TE, o GEM apresentou maiores efeitos no CMJ e SJ quando comparado ao GCM, no GEF, o TE foi maior somente no CMJ em relação ao GCF. As respostas qualitativas mostraram que o TP é provavelmente benéfico no GEM, já no GEF, mostrou que é provavelmente benéfico no SJ e muito provavelmente benéfico no CMJ. Conclui-se que o TP promoveu efeitos positivos no GEM e GEF, tanto no CMJ quanto no SJ. Nos grupos controles, ambos obtiveram melhorias significativas no SJ, porém no CMJ, somente o GCM apresentou aumento. Ademais, os resultados foram maiores no GEM e GEF em comparação com o GCM e GCF. Assim, o TP é indicado para potencializar o salto vertical em atletas jovens de basquete.

Perfil de pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de vesícula biliar / Profile of patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer

Objetivo: Descrever o perfil clínico-epidemiológico de pacientes diagnosticados com câncer de vesícula e identificar o estadiamento do tumor estabelecido no momento do diagnóstico, bem como o padrão histopatológico no momento da biópsia. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal e descritivo realizado em um serviço de referência em oncologia clínica, baseado em análise secundária de dados correspondentes aos prontuários de indivíduos com diagnóstico de câncer de vesícula biliar atendidos entre janeiro de 2007 e janeiro de 2017. Resultados: A distribuição por sexo foi de cinco mulheres (62,5%) e três homens (37,5%). A idade variou de 47 a 74 anos, com média de 61,1 anos e desvio padrão de ±9,03. Nenhum indivíduo era assintomático ao diagnóstico; seis (75%) apresentaram dor em hipocôndrio direito, dois (25%) perda de peso e dois outros (25%) massa palpável. Dos oito indivíduos, seis (75%) apresentavam estadiamento clínico (EC) IV ao diagnóstico. O perfil histopatológico apresentou 100% de adenocarcinoma, sendo uma amostra com áreas papilíferas, três moderadamente diferenciadas, três metastáticas e uma bem diferenciada. Conclusão: O perfil clínico-epidemiológico estabelecido foi maior prevalência de câncer de vesícula biliar em mulheres, com média de idade na sétima década. Predominou a cólica biliar como sintoma. O padrão de adenocarcinoma foi identificado em todos os indivíduos. Três quartos dos indivíduos apresentavam estágio avançado de doença. (AU)

Objective: to describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of patients diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, and to identify tumor staging established at the time of diagnosis, as well as the histopathological pattern at the biopsy. Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, carried out in a reference service of clinical oncology, based on secondary analysis of data corresponding to the medical records of patients diagnosed with Gallbladder cancer seen between January-2007 and January-2017. Results: Gender distribution was of five women (62.5%), and three men (37.5%). Patients' ages ranged from 47-74 years, mean age of 61.1 years and standard deviation of ±9.03). No patient was asymptomatic at diagnosis, six (75%) had right hypochondrium pain, two (25%) showed weight loss, and two others (25%), palpable mass. Of the eight patients, six (75%) had EC IV staging at diagnosis. The histopathological profile showed 100% of adenocarcinoma, with one sample having papilliferous areas, three being moderately differentiated, three metastatic, and one well differentiated. Conclusion: The clinical-epidemiological profile established in this study had a higher prevalence of gallbladder cancer in women, with a mean age of the individual around the 7th decade. The most frequent symptom was biliary colic. The adenocarcinoma pattern was identified in all individuals. Three-quarters of them had advanced disease. (AU)

Vivenciando a Rede: Caminhos para a Formação do Médico no Contexto do SUS / Experiencing the Network: Paths for Medical Training in the Context of the SUS

RESUMO Os cursos de educação médica têm implementado disciplinas e módulos que aproximem os discentes da realidade da saúde nacional, a fim de se adequarem às crescentes necessidades de reorganização da formação médica. O presente artigo relata uma experiência de acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC) com as atividades e ações incluídas no módulo de Gestão e Rede de Atenção à Saúde, parte da Prática de Integração Ensino-Serviço-Comunidade (PIESC), como proposta de reorientação do currículo na aquisição de habilidades de liderança e gerenciamento de recursos físicos e humanos em saúde. A proposta foi inserir os discentes em diferentes níveis de complexidade tecnológica do SUS a fim de contextualizar o estudo da Rede de Atenção à Saúde (RAS) por meio de vivências e pesquisa-ação em serviços de saúde situados nos diferentes níveis de atenção. Para isso, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com profissionais e usuários em cada ambiente visitado. Tais vivências ampliaram a visão dos acadêmicos sobre os serviços de saúde, possibilitando um melhor entendimento da estruturação da RAS, bem como um dimensionamento dos entraves encontrados nos diferentes cenários e proporcionando uma experiência in loco das críticas e dificuldades apresentadas e vividas por usuários e profissionais. Percebeu-se que não há resolutividade dos problemas de saúde dos usuários nos serviços, bem como existe uma falta de entendimento destes acerca de seus direitos e da continuidade da atenção à saúde nos diferentes níveis de atenção. Explicitou-se que as instâncias primárias de atenção não funcionam como porta de entrada adequada, o que culmina com a desestruturação da RAS observada. A experiência relatada neste artigo demonstrou um modo dinâmico de abordar a temática da Gestão e Rede de Atenção à Saúde, além de contribuir para a formação do estudante de Medicina, já que possibilitou um melhor entendimento da rede quanto às práticas em saúde e às dimensões do processo saúde-doença implicados na gestão do SUS.

ABSTRACT Medical courses in Brazil have implemented subjects and modules that aim to bring students closer to actual national health concerns, as one way of adapting to the growing needs for medical training reorganization. Thus, this article reports on the experience of medical students at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (UESC) [State University of Santa Cruz] with activities and actions included in the Health Care Network and Management module, part of the Teaching-Service-Community Intergration Practice (PIESC), as a proposal for the reorientation of the curriculum and acquisition of leadership skills and management of physical and human resources in health. The proposal was to insert the students at different levels of technological complexity of the Unified Health System (SUS) in order to contextualize the study of the Health Care Network (RAS) through experiences and action research in health services located at different care levels. Semi-structured interviews with professionals and users were therefore performed in each visited environment. These experiences served to broaden the students' vision of health care networks, enabling a better understanding of how the services are structured, as well as of the magnitude of the obstacles found in different scenarios, providing an in loco experience of the criticisms and difficulties faced by users and professionals. It was noticed that user health problems are often not resolved within the health care services, and the users lack understanding of their health rights. A lack of continuity of the health care was also observed through the various health care levels. Thus, it is concluded that the instances of primary care fail to offer adequate gateway services, culminating in the breakdown of the observed network. The experiment reported in this article demonstrated a dynamic way to approach the issue of Health Care Network Management, contributing to medical student training, as it enabled a better understanding of the network in terms of the health practices and the dimensions of the health-disease process involved in the management of the SUS.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha -308 promoter polymorphism and insulin resistance in overweight and obese adolescents

Study Model/Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study with a sample of 104 overweight/obese adolescents, with a mean weight of 52.98 kg ± 22.00, mean age 16.01 ± 2.91 years. We used the homeostasis model assessment-estimated IR (HOMA-IR) index to quantify the insulin resistance (IR). The -308 polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α was performed using polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Statistical analysis of the quantitative measures was conducted with a student's t-test. For correlation between the genotype and alleles, we used chisquare statistical test. To test the heterogeneity between HOMA-IR and the anthropometric parameters the Mann-Whitney test was used, associated with the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The association between -308G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α and HOMA-IR was tested by univariate linear regression analysis. Objective: Investigate the association between -308G/A polymorphism in the promoter of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and susceptibility to IR in overweight/obese adolescents. Results: The prevalence of IR was 18.30% according to the HOMA-IR. The frequency of GG, AG and AA genotype was found 75 (72.12%), 28 (26.92%) and 1.0 (0.96%) respectively. Allele frequencies for guanine (G) and adenine (A) were 178 (85.58%) and 30 (14.42%), respectively. The allele A as well as GA and AA genotype contributed to increase RI (14.42% and 27.88% respectively). Conclusion: The - 308 G/A polymorphism of the promoter of TNF-α can contribute to the IR increase in obese adolescents with GA and AA genotypes. (AU)

Modelo de Estudo / Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 104 adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade, com peso médio de 52,98 kg ± 22,00, média de idade de 16,01 ± 2,91 anos. Utilizamos o índice estimado (HOMA-IR) do modelo de homeostase para quantificar a resistência insulínica (RI). O polimorfismo do promotor -308 do TNF-α foi realizado utilizando a técnica de polimorfismo de comprimento de fragmento de restrição. A análise estatística das medidas quantitativas foi realizada com o teste t student. Para a correlação entre o genótipo e os alelos, utilizamos o teste estatístico qui-quadrado. Para testar a heterogeneidade entre HOMA-IR e os parâmetros antropométricos foi utilizado o teste de Mann-Whitney associado ao equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg. A associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A do promotor do TNF-α e HOMA-IR foi testada por análise de regressão linear univariada. Objetivo: investigar a associação entre o polimorfismo -308G/A no promotor do fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e a susceptibilidade à RI em adolescentes com sobrepeso/ obesidade. Resultados: A prevalência de RI foi de 18,30% de acordo com o HOMA-IR. A frequência dos genótipos GG, AG e AA encontrados foram 75 (72,12%), 28 (26,92%) e 1,0 (0,96%), respectivamente. As frequências de alelos para guanina (G) e adenina (A) foram 178 (85,58%) e 30 (14,42%), respectivamente. O alelo A, bem como o genótipo GA e AA, contribuíram para aumentar o RI (respectivamente 14,42% e 27,88%). Conclusão: O polimorfismo -308 G / A do promotor do TNF-α pode contribuir para o incremento de RI em adolescentes sobrepesos/obesos com genótipos GA e AA.(AU)

“Além da Mama”: o Cenário do Outubro Rosa no Aprendizado da Formação Médica / “Beyond the Breast”: the Pink October Scenario among Medical Students

RESUMO O câncer de mama pode ser considerado, atualmente, um problema de saúde pública devido a sua crescente incidência e índices de letalidade. Diante disso, o movimento Outubro Rosa visa chamar a atenção da população a respeito dessas neoplasia em mulheres de todo o mundo, de modo que suas ações têm por objetivo comum realizar o diagnóstico precoce no intuito de diminuir a mortalidade em decorrência dessa neoplasia. Dessa forma, o presente artigo objetiva relatar a experiência de acadêmicos do curso de Medicina da Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, no Módulo de Práticas de Integração Ensino, Serviço e Comunidade III (Piesc III), numa ação conjunta com a Equipe de Saúde da Família (ESF) de Iguape, em Ilhéus (BA), no contexto do movimento Outubro Rosa, objetivando também compartilhar considerações sobre a formação médica levantadas pelo grupo acerca da vivência descrita. No período, realizou-se abordagem inicial na sala de espera, anamnese dirigida e foi feito o exame físico das mamas das pacientes que compareceram à Unidade de Saúde da Família. A experiência não consistiu apenas em identificar pacientes com suspeita de câncer de mama e quantificar os dados, mas numa oportunidade de exercício da Educação e Comunicação em Saúde e de desenvolvimento da relação médico-paciente. Ainda permitiu aos acadêmicos reconhecer e entender melhor as dificuldades das usuárias em relação à prevenção e promoção da saúde das mamas, sendo que se observou que diversas mulheres não estavam familiarizadas com os temas abordados. O estudante de Medicina precisa compreender que o conhecimento teórico-prático se reconstrói em cada paciente com contexto histórico específico e com diferentes visões e interpretações dos conceitos de saúde e doença. Além disso, o profissional médico deve exercitar, desde a graduação, habilidades que extrapolam o ortodoxo trabalho médico, assumindo também uma postura de multiplicador de cidadania, um agente propagador de direitos e deveres.

ABSTRACT The breast cancer can now be considered a public health problem due to its increasing incidence and lethality rates. In view of this, the October Rosa mobilization aims at drawing the population’s attention regarding this neoplasm in women from all over the world, so that their common objective is to perform the early diagnosis in order to reduce mortality due to this neoplasm. Thus, the following article describes the experiences of undergraduate medical students at the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz (Uesc) regarding the practice module on Integrated Teaching with Community Health and Service, as part of a joint initiative with a Family Health Team in the outskirts of Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil, within the context of the “Pink October” movement, also aiming to share thoughts on the medical degree raised by the group on the experience described. As part of the Pink October initiative, the students were given the opportunity to take a clinical approach in the waiting room, collecting information and performing physical examinations on patients who appear at the Family Health Unit. This experience was not only intended to identify patients with suspected cancer and measure the data collected, but was also designed to provide the students the opportunity to put their health education and communication skills into practice, developing the doctor-patient relationship. It also allows academics to better recognize and understand users’ difficulties in preventing and promoting breast health. In this context, it was observed that several women were not familiar with the recommended techniques for the breast self-exam (???). Medical students must understand that practical and theoretical knowledge is reconstructed with every single patient according to their specific historical context and varying viewpoints and interpretations of the concepts of health and disease. In addition, the medical professional must exercise, from the undergraduate, skills that extrapolate the orthodox medical work, also assuming a position of multiplier of citizenship, a propagating agent of rights and duties.

Dietary unsaturated fatty acids differently affect catecholamine handling by adrenal chromaffin cells.

Catecholamines (CA) play an important role in cardiovascular (CDV) disease risk. Namely, noradrenaline (NA) levels positively correlate whereas adrenaline (AD) levels negatively correlate with obesity and/or CDV disease. Western diets, which are tipically rich in Ω-6 fatty acids (FAs) and deficient in Ω-3 FAs, may contribute to the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and/or coronary artery disease. Taking this into consideration and the fact that our group has already described that saturated FAs affect catecholamine handling by adrenal chromaffin cells, this work aimed to investigate the effect of unsaturated FAs upon catecholamine handling in the same model. Our results showed that chronic exposure to unsaturated FAs differently modulated CA cellular content and release, regardless of both FA series and number of carbon atoms. Namely, the Ω-6 arachidonic and linoleic acids, based on their effect on CA release and cellular content, seemed to impair NA and AD vesicular transport, whereas γ-linolenic acid selectively impaired AD synthesis and release. Within the Ω-9 FAs, oleic acid was devoid of effect, and elaidic acid behaved similarly to γ-linolenic acid. Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids (Ω-3 series) impaired the synthesis and release of both NA and AD. These results deserve attention and future development, namely, in what concerns the mechanisms involved and correlative effects in vivo.

Determinants of Functional and Structural Properties of Large Arteries in Healthy Individuals / Determinantes das Propriedades Funcionais e Estruturais de Grandes Artérias em Indivíduos Saudáveis

Background: Changes in the properties of large arteries correlate with higher cardiovascular risk. Recent guidelines have included the assessment of those properties to detect subclinical disease. Establishing reference values for the assessment methods as well as determinants of the arterial parameters and their correlations in healthy individuals is important to stratify patients. Objective: To assess, in healthy adults, the distribution of the values of pulse wave velocity, diameter, intima-media thickness and relative distensibility of the carotid artery, in addition to assessing the demographic and clinical determinants of those parameters and their correlations. Methods: This study evaluated 210 individuals (54% women; mean age, 44 ± 13 years) with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was measured with a Complior® device. The functional and structural properties of the carotid artery were assessed by using radiofrequency ultrasound. Results: The means of the following parameters were: pulse wave velocity, 8.7 ± 1.5 m/s; diameter, 6,707.9 ± 861.6 μm; intima-media thickness, 601 ± 131 μm; relative distensibility, 5.3 ± 2.1%. No significant difference related to sex or ethnicity was observed. On multiple linear logistic regression, the factors independently related to the vascular parameters were: pulse wave velocity, to age (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p = 0.02); intima-media thickness, to age (p < 0.01); diameter, to creatinine (p = 0.03) and age (p = 0.02); relative distensibility, to age (p < 0.01) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Pulse wave velocity showed a positive correlation with intima media thickness (p < 0.01) and with relative distensibility (p < 0.01), while diameter showed a positive correlation with distensibility (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In healthy individuals, ...

Fundamento: Alterações das propriedades de grandes artérias são correlacionadas a maior risco cardiovascular. Recentes diretrizes incluem a avaliação dessas propriedades para detecção de doença subclínica. O estabelecimento de valores de referência dos métodos para essa avaliação e de determinantes dos parâmetros arteriais e suas correlações em indivíduos saudáveis é importante para a estratificação dos pacientes. Objetivo: Avaliar, em adultos saudáveis, a distribuição dos valores de velocidade de onda de pulso e de diâmetro, espessura íntima-média e distensão relativa da artéria carótida, além de avaliar os determinantes demográficos e clínicos desses parâmetros e suas correlações. Métodos: Foram avaliados 210 indivíduos (54% mulheres; idade média, 44 ± 13 anos) sem evidência de doença cardiovascular. A velocidade de onda de pulso carótida-femoral foi medida com o aparelho Complior®. Propriedades funcionais e estruturais da carótida foram avaliadas por ultrassom de radiofrequência. Resultados: As seguintes médias foram obtidas: velocidade de onda de pulso, 8,7 ± 1,5 m/s; diâmetro, 6.707,9 ± 861,6 µm; espessura íntima-média, 601 ± 131 µm; distensão relativa, 5,3 ± 2,1%. Não houve diferenças significativas conforme sexo ou raça. Na análise de regressão logística linear múltipla, os fatores independentemente relacionados aos parâmetros vasculares foram: velocidade de onda de pulso, com idade (p < 0,01) e triglicérides (p = 0,02); espessura íntima-média, com idade (p < 0,01); diâmetro, com creatinina (p = 0,03) e idade (p = 0,02); distensão relativa, com idade (p < 0,01) e ...

Determinants of Functional and Structural Properties of Large Arteries in Healthy Individuals.

Background: Changes in the properties of large arteries correlate with higher cardiovascular risk. Recent guidelines have included the assessment of those properties to detect subclinical disease. Establishing reference values for the assessment methods as well as determinants of the arterial parameters and their correlations in healthy individuals is important to stratify patients. Objective: To assess, in healthy adults, the distribution of the values of pulse wave velocity, diameter, intima-media thickness and relative distensibility of the carotid artery, in addition to assessing the demographic and clinical determinants of those parameters and their correlations. Methods: This study evaluated 210 individuals (54% women; mean age, 44 ± 13 years) with no evidence of cardiovascular disease. The carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity was measured with a Complior® device. The functional and structural properties of the carotid artery were assessed by using radiofrequency ultrasound. Results: The means of the following parameters were: pulse wave velocity, 8.7 ± 1.5 m/s; diameter, 6,707.9 ± 861.6 µm; intima-media thickness, 601 ± 131 µm; relative distensibility, 5.3 ± 2.1%. No significant difference related to sex or ethnicity was observed. On multiple linear logistic regression, the factors independently related to the vascular parameters were: pulse wave velocity, to age (p < 0.01) and triglycerides (p = 0.02); intima-media thickness, to age (p < 0.01); diameter, to creatinine (p = 0.03) and age (p = 0.02); relative distensibility, to age (p < 0.01) and systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). Pulse wave velocity showed a positive correlation with intima media thickness (p < 0.01) and with relative distensibility (p < 0.01), while diameter showed a positive correlation with distensibility (p = 0.03). Conclusion: In healthy individuals, age was the major factor related to aortic stiffness, while age and diastolic blood pressure related to the carotid functional measure. The carotid artery structure was directly related to aortic stiffness, which was inversely related to the carotid artery functional property.

Exercise-induced muscle vasodilatation and treadmill exercise test responses in individuals without overt heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of exercise on cardiovascular health may be related to the improvement in several physiologic pathways, including peripheral vascular function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cardiovascular responses during the treadmill exercise test and exercise-induced muscle vasodilatation in individuals without overt heart disease. METHODS: The study included 796 asymptomatic subjects (431 females and 365 males) without overt heart disease. We evaluated the heart rate (chronotropic reserve and heart rate recovery), blood pressure (maximum systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as systolic blood pressure recovery) and exercise capacity during symptom-limited treadmill exercise testing. Exercise-induced muscle vasodilatation was studied with venous occlusion plethysmography and estimated by forearm blood flow and vascular conductance responses during a 3-min handgrip maneuver. RESULTS: Forearm blood flow increase during the handgrip exercise was positively associated with heart rate recovery during treadmill exercise testing (p < 0.001). Forearm vascular conductance increase during the handgrip exercise was inversely associated with exercise diastolic blood pressure during exercise treadmill testing (p = 0.038). No significant association was found between exercise capacity and exercise-induced muscle vasodilation. CONCLUSION: In a sample of individuals without overt heart disease, exercise-induced muscle vasodilatation was associated with heart rate and blood pressure responses during treadmill exercise testing, but was not associated with exercise capacity. These findings suggest that favorable hemodynamic and chronotropic responses are associated with better vasodilator capacity, but exercise capacity does not predict muscle vasodilatation.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and treadmill exercise test responses in men and women without overt heart disease.

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of systemic inflammatory activity and may be modulated by physical fitness. Treadmill exercise testing is used to evaluate cardiovascular health through different variables including exercise capacity, heart rate and blood pressure responses. It was hypothesized that CRP levels are associated with these variables in men and women without overt heart disease. METHODS: A total of 584 asymptomatic subjects (317 [54.3%] women and 267 [45.7%] men) were enrolled in the present study and underwent clinical evaluation. CRP levels in men and women were examined relative to clinical characteristics and to variables of treadmill exercise testing: peak heart rate, exercise systolic blood pressure, exercise time, chronotropic reserve and heart rate recovery at the first and second minutes after exercise. Multivariate analysis was performed using a log-linear regression model. RESULTS: In women, exercise time on the treadmill exercise test (P=0.009) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P=0.002) were inversely associated with CRP levels. Body mass index (P<0.001) and total cholesterol levels (P=0.005) were positively associated with CRP levels. In men, exercise time on the treadmill exercise test was inversely associated with CRP levels (P=0.015). Body mass index (P=0.001) and leukocyte count (P=0.002) were positively associated with CRP levels. CRP levels were not associated with peak heart rate, chronotropic reserve, heart rate recovery at the first and second minutes, or exercise systolic blood pressure. CONCLUSIONS: These findings contribute to the evidence that CRP is lower in individuals with better exercise capacity and demonstrate that this relationship is also apparent in individuals without overt heart disease undergoing cardiovascular evaluation through the treadmill exercise test. Lowering inflammatory markers may be an additional reason to stimulate sedentary individuals with low exercise capacity in the treadmill exercise test to improve physical conditioning through regular exercise.