Development

Many studies have demonstrated that the seated position is more effective in promoting reaching movements when compared with supine. The aim of this longitudinal study was to verify the effect of seated and supine positions on spatio-temporal parameters of reaching in 4-6-month-old infants. Four infants were observed during reaching trials in both positions. A total of 235 reaches were analyzed by using the 3D movement reconstruction. Our results showed that frequency of reaching and straightness index increased over age. Significant differences between the positions were observed at 4 months, when the frequency increased and the duration and deceleration time decreased in the seated position. There were no significant differences at 5 and 6 months. These findings suggest that young infants are able to change kinematical parameters of reaching to adapt themselves to intrinsic and extrinsic constraints (i.e. age and position). © 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Composição química e propriedades antioxidantes de duas espécies silvestres de camomila do Nordeste de Portugal: camomila-alemã e camomila-romana.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a composição química e as propriedades antioxidantes de duas espécies de camomila, camomila-alemã (Matricaria recutita) e camomila-romana (Chamaemelum nobile), de forma a comprovar a utilidade do seu uso na medicina tradicional. A composição química das duas espécies foi determinada através da quantificação em açúcares livres (HPLC-RI), ácidos gordos (GC-FID) e tocoferóis (HPLC-fluorescência). A atividade antioxidante foi avaliada através de quatro métodos diferentes: capacidade captadora de radicais DPPH (1,1-difenil-2-picril-hidrazilo), poder redutor, inibição da descoloração do β-caroteno e inibição da peroxidação lipídica em homogeneizados cerebrais de animais pelo ensaio TBARS (espécies reativas do ácido tiobarbitúrico). Assim sendo, este trabalho contribui para a caracterização química das espécies silvestres presentes na flora Transmontana, conferindo-lhe assim um valor acrescentado devido ao potencial antioxidante que apresentam

Long-term perturbations due to a disturbing body in elliptic inclined orbit

In the current study, a double-averaged analytical model including the action of the perturbing body's inclination is developed to study third-body perturbations. The disturbing function is expanded in the form of Legendre polynomials truncated up to the second-order term, and then is averaged over the periods of the spacecraft and the perturbing body. The efficiency of the double-averaged algorithm is verified with the full elliptic restricted three-body model. Comparisons with the previous study for a lunar satellite perturbed by Earth are presented to measure the effect of the perturbing body's inclination, and illustrate that the lunar obliquity with the value 6.68\degree is important for the mean motion of a lunar satellite. The application to the Mars-Sun system is shown to prove the validity of the double-averaged model. It can be seen that the algorithm is effective to predict the long-term behavior of a high-altitude Martian spacecraft perturbed by Sun. The double-averaged model presented in this paper is also applicable to other celestial systems.Comment: 28 pages, 6 figure

Effects of exercise training on atrophy gene expression in skeletal muscle of mice with chronic allergic lung inflammation

We evaluated the effects of chronic allergic airway inflammation and of treadmill training (12 weeks) of low and moderate intensity on muscle fiber cross-sectional area and mRNA levels of atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in the mouse tibialis anterior muscle. Six 4-month-old male BALB/c mice (28.5 ± 0.8 g) per group were examined: 1) control, non-sensitized and non-trained (C); 2) ovalbumin sensitized (OA, 20 µg per mouse); 3) non-sensitized and trained at 50% maximum speed _ low intensity (PT50%); 4) non-sensitized and trained at 75% maximum speed _ moderate intensity (PT75%); 5) OA-sensitized and trained at 50% (OA+PT50%), 6) OA-sensitized and trained at 75% (OA+PT75%). There was no difference in muscle fiber cross-sectional area among groups and no difference in atrogin-1 and MuRF1 expression between C and OA groups. All exercised groups showed significantly decreased expression of atrogin-1 compared to C (1.01 ± 0.2-fold): PT50% = 0.71 ± 0.12-fold; OA+PT50% = 0.74 ± 0.03-fold; PT75% = 0.71 ± 0.09-fold; OA+PT75% = 0.74 ± 0.09-fold. Similarly significant results were obtained regarding MuRF1 gene expression compared to C (1.01 ± 0.23-fold): PT50% = 0.53 ± 0.20-fold; OA+PT50% = 0.55 ± 0.11-fold; PT75% = 0.35 ± 0.15-fold; OA+PT75% = 0.37 ± 0.08-fold. A short period of OA did not induce skeletal muscle atrophy in the mouse tibialis anterior muscle and aerobic training at low and moderate intensity negatively regulates the atrophy pathway in skeletal muscle of healthy mice or mice with allergic lung inflammation.FAPESPCNP

Bioactivity of different enriched phenolic extracts of wild fruits from Northeastern Portugal: a comparative study

Arbutus unedo, Prunus spinosa, Rosa micrantha and Rosa canina are good sources of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins. These compounds have potent antioxidant properties, which have been related to anticancer activity. Herein, the in vitro antioxidant and antitumor properties of enriched phenolic extracts (non-anthocyanin phenolic compounds enriched extract- PE and anthocyanins enriched extract- AE) of the mentioned wild fruits were evaluated and compared. PE gave higher bioactive properties than the corresponding AE. It was observed a high capacity of A. unedo phenolic extract to inhibit lipid peroxidation in animal brain homogenates (EC50 = 7.21 µg/mL), as also a high antitumor potential against NCI-H460 human cell line (non-small lung cancer; GI50 = 37.68 µg/mL), which could be related to the presence of galloyl derivatives (exclusively found in this species). The bioactivity of the studied wild fruits proved to be more related to the phenolic compounds profile than to the amounts present in each extract, and could be considered in the design of new formulations of dietary supplements or functional foods.Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for PEst-OE/AGR/UI0690/2011, PEst-C/QUI/UI0686/2011, BD/78307/2011 (R. Guimarães), BPD/68344/2010 (R. Calhelha) and researcher contract of L. Barros

Two Different Methods For Kinematic Analysis Of Head Movements Relating To Eye-head Coordination In Infants

Background: Kinematic analysis is a method for quantitative assessment applied in different fields of study. In the field of motor development, this analysis may promote better understanding of the acquisition and development of motor skills. Objective: To develop and compare two experimental set-ups for kinematic analysis of head movements relating to eye-head coordination (EHC) in infants. Methods: Two experimental set-ups (A and B) were tested. They differed from each other regarding the numbers and locations of the cameras, and regarding the volume of the calibration system. Results: The accuracy of the two experimental set-ups was 2.47mm, thus indicating that both can provide realistic reconstructions of the movement. The three cameras used in set-up B made it possible to view the full range of motion with at least one of the cameras. This led to improvement of the qualitative analysis and reduction of the time taken to process quantitative data, which was 33% shorter than seen with set-up A. In addition, set-up B presented a better cost-benefit relationship. Conclusions: Although both set-ups were adequate for kinematic analysis of head movements relating to EHC in infants, set-up B is more advantageous. The methodology for set-up B can be used in studies investigating head movements in either typical or atypical infants. The results from such studies could be used to complement assessments on at-risk infants and consequently could assist in implementing early interventions.125425431Besier, T.F., Lloyd, D.G., Ackland, T.R., Cochrane, J.L., Antecipatory effects on knee joint loading during running and cutting maneuvers (2001) Med Sci Sports Exerc, 33 (7), pp. 1176-1181Lindquist, A.R.R., Silva, I.A.B., Barros, R.M.L., Mattioli, R., Salvini, T.F., A influência da estimulação elétrica funcional associada ao treinamento em esteira com suporte parcial de peso na marcha de hemiparéticos. (2005) Rev Bras Fisioter, 9 (1), pp. 109-112Lindquist, A.R.R., Prado, C.L., Barros, R.M.L., Mattioli, R., Costa, P.H.L., Salvini, T.F., Gait training combining partial body weight support, a treadmill, and functional electrical stimulation: Effects on poststroke gait (2007) Phys Ther, 87 (9), pp. 1144-1154Pieruccini-Faria, F., Menuchi, M.R.T.P., Vitorio, R., Gobbi, L.T.B., Stella, F., Gobbi, S., Parâmetros cinemáticos da marcha com obstáculos em idosos com doença de Parkinson, com e sem efeito da levodopa: Um estudo piloto. (2006) Rev Bras Fisioter, 10 (2), pp. 233-239Silva, J.B.F., Barros, R.M.L., Análise quantitativa e qualitativa dos sintomas de antecipação nas ações motoras de crianças. (2000) Rev Bras Cien Mov, 8 (2), pp. 19-24Barela, J.A., Godoi, D., Freitas, P.B., Polastri, P.F., Visual information and body sway coupling in infants during sitting acquisition (2000) Infant Behav Dev, 23 (3-4), pp. 285-297Barela, J.A., Jeka, J.J., Clark, J.E., Postural control in children: Coupling to dynamic somatosensory information (2003) Exp Brain Res, 150 (4), pp. 434-442Toledo, D.R., Rinaldi, N.M., Barela, J.A., Controle postural em crianças: Efeito da manipulação da informação visual discreta. (2006) Revista Brasileira de Comportamento Motor, 1 (1), pp. 82-88Godoi, D., Barela, J.A., Body sway and sensory motor coupling adaptation in children: Effects of distance manipulation (2008) Dev Psychobiol, 50 (1), pp. 77-87Thelen, E., Spencer, J.P., Postural control during reaching in young infants: A dynamic system approach (1998) Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 22 (4), pp. 507-514Fallang, B., Saugstad, O.D., Hadders-Algra, M., Goal directed reaching and postural control in supine position in healthy infants (2000) Behav Brain Res, 115 (1), pp. 9-18Rocha, N.A., Silva, F.P., Tudella, E., The impact of object size and rigidity on infant reaching (2006) Infant Behav Dev, 29 (2), pp. 251-261Rocha, N.A., Silva, F.P., Tudella, E., Influência do tamanho e da rigidez dos objetos nos ajustes proximais e distais do alcance de lactentes. (2006) Rev Bras Fisioter, 10 (3), pp. 263-269Carvalho, R.P., Tudella, E., Savelsbergh, G.J., Spatio-temporal parameters in infant's reaching movements are in. uenced by body orientation (2007) Infant Behav Dev, 30 (1), pp. 26-35Carvalho, R.P., Tudella, E., Caljouw, S.R., Savelsbergh, G.J., Early control of reaching: Effects of experience and body orientation (2008) Infant Behav Dev, 31 (1), pp. 23-33Bly, L., (1994) Motor skills acquisition in the first year, , San Antonio, Texas: Therapy Skills Builders;Erhardt, R.P., Developmental visual dysfunction (1993) Model for assessment and management. Maplewood, , MN: Therapy Skill Builders;von Hofsten, C., Rosander, K., The development of gaze control and predictive tracking in young infants (1996) Vision Res, 36 (1), pp. 81-96von Hofsten, C., Rosander, K., Development of smooth pursuit tracking in young infants (1997) Vison Res, 37 (13), pp. 1799-1810Bertenthal, B., von Hofsten, C., Eye, head and trunk control: The foundation for manual development (1998) Neurosci Biobehav Rev, 22 (4), pp. 515-520Barros, R.M.L., Brenzikofer, R., Leite, N.J., Figueiroa, P.J., Desenvolvimento e avaliação de um sistema para análise cinemática tridimensional de movimentos humanos. (1999) Rev Bras Eng Biomed, 15 (1-2), pp. 79-86Landgraf JF. Efeitos do acréscimo de peso nos chutes espontâneos de lactentes nos primeiros 2 meses de vida [dissertação de mestrado]. São Carlos: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde2006Carvalho RP. A influência da postura corporal no movimento de alcance manual em lactentes de 4 meses de vida [dissertação de mestrado]. São Carlos: Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde2004Carvalho, R.P., Tudella, E., Barros, R.M.L., Utilização do sistema Dvideow na análise cinemática do alcance manual de lactentes. (2005) Rev Bras Fisioter, 9 (1), pp. 41-47Andrade LA. Análise da marcha: protocolo experimental a partir de variáveis cinemáticas e antropométricas [dissertação de mestrado]. Campinas: Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física2002Andrade, L.M., Araújo, A.G.N., Barros, R.M.L., Análise de marcha: Protocolo experimental para posicionamento e orientação dos segmentos do corpo humano baseado em sistemas de marcas técnicas. (2004) Revista Brasileira de Biomecânica, 5 (8), pp. 33-40Keller, F.J., Gettys, W.E., Skove, M.J., (1997) Física, , São Paulo, SP: Makron Books;Fantz, R.L., Patterns vision in newborn infants (1963) Science, 140 (3564), pp. 296-297Figueiroa, P.J., Leite, N.J., Barros, R.M., A flexible software for tracking of markers used in human motion analysis (2003) Comput Methods Programs Biomed, 72 (2), pp. 155-165Barros, R.M., Russomanno, T.G., Brenzikofer, R., Figueroa, P.J., A method to synchronise video cameras using the audio band (2006) J Biomech, 39 (4), pp. 776-78

Effect of methylprednisolone on perivascular pulmonary edema, inflammatory infiltrate, VEGF and TGF-beta immunoexpression in the remaining lungs of rats after left pneumonectomy

Pneumonectomy is associated with high rates of morbimortality, with postpneumonectomy pulmonary edema being one of the leading causes. An intrinsic inflammatory process following the operation has been considered in its physiopathology. The use of corticosteroids is related to prevention of this edema, but no experimental data are available to support this hypothesis. We evaluated the effect of methylprednisolone on the remaining lungs of rats submitted to left pneumonectomy concerning edema and inflammatory markers. Forty male Wistar rats weighing 300 g underwent left pneumonectomy and were randomized to receive corticosteroids or not. Methylprednisolone at a dose of 10 mg/kg was given before the surgery. After recovery, the animals were sacrificed at 48 and 72 h, when the pO2/FiO2 ratio was determined. Right lung perivascular edema was measured by the index between perivascular and vascular area and neutrophil density by manual count. Tissue expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry light microscopy. There was perivascular edema formation after 72 h in both groups (P = 0.0031). No difference was observed between operated animals that received corticosteroids and those that did not concerning the pO2/FiO2 ratio, neutrophil density or TGF-β expression. The tissue expression of VEGF was elevated in the animals that received methylprednisolone both 48 and 72 h after surgery (P = 0.0243). Methylprednisolone was unable to enhance gas exchange and avoid an inflammatory infiltrate and TGF-β expression also showed that the inflammatory process was not correlated with pulmonary edema formation. However, the overexpression of VEGF in this group showed that methylprednisolone is related to this elevation

NEW SEISMIC SOURCE ZONE MODEL FOR PORTUGAL AND AZORES

The development of seismogenic source models is one of the first steps in seismic hazard assessment. In seismic hazard terminology, seismic source zones (SSZ) are polygons (or volumes) that delineate areas with homogeneous characteristics of seismicity. The importance of using knowledge on geology, seismicity and tectonics in the definition of source zones has been recognized for a long time [1]. However, the definition of SSZ tends to be subjective and controversial. Using SSZ based on broad geology, by spreading the seismicity clusters throughout the areal extent of a zone, provides a way to account for possible long-term non-stationary seismicity behavior [2,3]. This approach effectively increases seismicity rates in regions with no significant historical or instrumental seismicity, while decreasing seismicity rates in regions that display higher rates of seismicity. In contrast, the use of SSZ based on concentrations of seismicity or spatial smoothing results in stationary behavior [4]. In the FP7 Project SHARE (Seismic Hazard Harmonization in Europe), seismic hazard will be assessed with a logic tree approach that allows for three types of branches for seismicity models: a) smoothed seismicity, b) SSZ, c) SSZ and faults. In this context, a large-scale zonation model for use in the smoothed seismicity branch, and a new consensus SSZ model for Portugal and Azores have been developed. The new models were achieved with the participation of regional experts by combining and adapting existing models and incorporating new regional knowledge of the earthquake potential. The main criteria used for delineating the SSZ include distribution of seismicity, broad geological architecture, crustal characteristics (oceanic versus continental, tectonically active versus stable, etc.), historical catalogue completeness, and the characteristics of active or potentially-active faults. This model will be integrated into an Iberian model of SSZ to be used in the Project SHARE seismic hazard assessment