Is the algorithm used to process heart rate variability data clinically relevant? Analysis in male adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the algorithm used for the heart rate variability assessment (fast Fourier transform versus autoregressive methods) influenced its association with cardiovascular risk factors in male adolescents. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 1,152 male adolescents (aged 14 to 19 years). The low frequency, high frequency components (absolute numbers and normalized units), low frequency/high frequency ratio, and total power of heart rate variability parameters were obtained using the fast Fourier transform and autoregressive methods, while the adolescents were resting in a supine position. RESULTS: All heart rate variability parameters calculated from both methods were different (p<0.05). However, a low effect size (<0.1) was found for all parameters. The intra-class correlation between methods ranged from 0.96 to 0.99, whereas the variation coefficient ranged from 7.4 to 14.8%. Furthermore, waist circumference was negatively associated with high frequency, and positively associated with low frequency and sympatovagal balance (p<0.001 for both fast Fourier transform and autoregressive methods in all associations). Systolic blood pressure was negatively associated with total power and high frequency, whereas it was positively associated with low frequency and sympatovagal balance (p<0.001 for both fast Fourier transform and autoregressive methods in all associations). Body mass index was negatively associated with high frequency, while it was positively associated with low frequency and sympatovagal balance (p values ranged from <0.001 to 0.007). CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in heart rate variability parameters obtained with the fast Fourier transform and autoregressive methods in male adolescent; however, these differences are not clinically significant. OBJETIVO: Analisar se o algoritmo usado para avaliação da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (transformada rápida de Fourier versus autoregressivo) influencia em sua associação com fatores de risco cardiovascular adolescentes do gênero masculino. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, que incluiu 1.152 adolescentes do gênero masculino (14 a 19 anos). Componentes de baixa e alta frequência (absolutos e unidades normalizadas), razão componente de baixa frequência/componente de alta frequência e poder total da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca foram obtidos em repouso, na posição supina, usando os métodos transformada rápida de Fourier e autorregressivo. RESULTADOS: Todos os parâmetros da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca para ambos os métodos foram diferentes (p<0,05). Entretanto, um pequeno tamanho do efeito (<0,1) foi observado para todos os parâmetros. Os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse entre os métodos variaram de 0,96 a 0,99, enquanto os coeficientes de variação foram de 7,4 a 14,8%. A circunferência abdominal foi negativamente associada com o componente de alta frequência, e positivamente associada com o componente de baixa frequência e o balanço simpatovagal (p<0,001 para a transformada rápida de Fourier e o autorregressivo em todas as associações). A pressão arterial sistólica foi negativamente associada com o poder total e o componente de alta frequência, enquanto foi positivamente associada com o componente de baixa frequência e o balanço simpatovagal (p<0,001 para a transformada rápida de Fourier e o autorregressivo em todas as associações). O índice de massa corporal foi negativamente associado com o componente de alta frequência, enquanto foi positivamente associado com o componente de baixa frequência e o balanço simpatovagal (valores de p variando de <0,001 a 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: Houve diferenças significantes nos parâmetros da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca obtidos com os métodos transformada rápida de Fourier e autorregressivo em adolescentes masculinos, mas essas diferenças não foram clinicamente significativas

Effectiveness of carbamide peroxide and sodium perborate in non-vital discolored teeth

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 16% carbamide peroxide gel (CP16%), tetrahydrate sodium perborate (SP) and mixture (CP16% + SP), in walking bleaching of non-vital discolored teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty single-rooted human premolars with intact crowns were used and initial color was assessed using Vita shade guide and standardized photos. The teeth were stained using rabbit fresh blood for 18 days and photos of discolored teeth and color evaluation were performed. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n= 15), according to bleaching agent used: G1) CP16% gel; G2) CP16% gel + SP; G3) SP + distilled water; G4: control. The bleaching agents were replaced twice at 7-day intervals for 21 days. All teeth were evaluated by two endodontists at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and the color changes were assessed using Vita shade guide and standardized photos. The results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests (p=0.05). RESULTS: The experimental groups presented statistically similar bleaching results (p>;0.05) at the end of 7, 14 and 21 days. These groups presented significantly higher bleaching efficacy than control group (G4) (

Digestibilidade (aparente) de rações com diferentes níveis de torta de filtro de usina açucareira com ovinos (Ovis aries L.)

Doze carneiros adultos, com peso médio de 43 kg, foram utilizados num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, para determinar o valor nutritivo de rações com diferentes níveis da mistura de torta de filtro com feno de Coast Cross (Cynodon dactylon), visando avaliar a torta como alimento presente em rações animais. O período experimental teve duração de 21 dias, sendo a coleta total de fezes e urina realizada nos últimos 7, quando a ingestão foi restringida a 80% do valor obtido ad libitum. Os tratamentos foram as rações seguintes, compostas de torta de filtro e feno de Coast-Cross, balanceadas para serem isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas: A - 20% de torta + 80% de feno; B - 40% de torta e 60% de feno; C - 60% de torta + 40% de feno e D - 80% de torta + 20% de feno. Os resultados mostraram que a ingestão da matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra bruta, extrativos não nitrogenados diminuiu linearmente (p&lt;0,05) com o aumento da porcentagem de torta de filtro nas rações. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos tratamentos foram: Matéria Seca - 27,86%, 41,68%, 31,18% e 33,80%; Proteína Bruta - 43,99%, 38,78%, 36,08% e 35,58%; Fibra Bruta - 31,70%, 47,00%, 33,72% e 35,88%; Extrativo Não Nitrogenado - 31,56%, 48,18%, 44,55% e 48,51%; Extrato Etéreo - 26,63%, 27,49%, 19,48% e 31,18%, sendo os Nutrientes Digestíveis Totais iguais a 31,52%, 43,01%, 34,89% e 38,90% para os tratamentos A, B, C e D respectivamente, não diferindo estatisticamente, exceto para ENN.An experiment was conducted with 12 crossbreed wether in a completely randomized design to evaluate rations with different levels of filter cake and Coast Cross hay (Cynodon dactylon). The sheep received the experimental diets for 21 days, and in the last seven, total faeces and urine collections were made. Isoproteic and isoenergetic diets contained filter cake and Coast Cross hay as follow: A - 20% cake and 80% hay; B - 40% cake and 60% hay; C - 60% cake and 40% hay; D - 80% cake and 20% hay. Dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen-free extract intake decreased linearly (p&lt;0.05) with increasing levels of filter cake. Except to nitrogen-free extract, apparent digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ether extract and TDN values were not affected by filter cake addition to the diets

5-Lipoxygenase Deficiency Impairs Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses during Fungal Infection

5-lipoxygenase-derived products have been implicated in both the inhibition and promotion of chronic infection. Here, we sought to investigate the roles of endogenous 5-lipoxygenase products and exogenous leukotrienes during Histoplasma capsulatum infection in vivo and in vitro. 5-LO deficiency led to increased lung CFU, decreased nitric oxide production and a deficient primary immune response during active fungal infection. Moreover, H. capsulatum-infected 5-LO-/- mice showed an intense influx of neutrophils and an impaired ability to generate and recruit effector T cells to the lung. The fungal susceptibility of 5-LO-/- mice correlated with a lower rate of macrophage ingestion of IgG-H. capsulatum relative to WT macrophages. Conversely, exogenous LTB4 and LTC4 restored macrophage phagocytosis in 5-LO deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that leukotrienes are required to control chronic fungal infection by amplifying both the innate and adaptive immune response during histoplasmosis.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisas do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP, Brazil)Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisas do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP, Brazil)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq, Brazil)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq), BrazilNational Institutes of Health (NIH)National Institutes of Health (NIH) [HL-103777 01

Psychoactive substances and sexually transmitted infections among military police officers from central-western, Brazil

The aim of this work was to evaluate the profile of military police officers regarding the use of psychoactive substances and the presence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI). Cross-sectional study carried out with military police officers in 2015 in the central-western, Brazil. The ASSIST (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) questionnaire was applied to investigate the use of psychoactive substances and serology was performed for syphilis, viral B and C hepatitis and HIV. Cronbach's alpha and Pearson Correlation Coefficient were employed. The ASSIST presented alpha coefficients of Cronbach almost perfect for tobacco (α=0.83) and substantial for the use of alcohol (α=0.70). Of 657 police officers, 78.5% consumed psychoactive substances at some point in their lives, with 76.7% alcohol, 28.5% tobacco, and 5.2% illegal psychoactive substances. A short intervention was required for 23.3% of police officers who used psychoactive substances, and 1.4% should be referred for treatment. Tobacco use was strongly associated with the use of more than one psychoactive substances in life (φ=0.9327), and the use of marijuana showed a moderate correlation with cocaine/crack (φ=0.5241). The prevalence of STI was 14.0%, being 7.6% for HBV, 6.8% syphilis, 0.5% HIV, and 0.3% HCV. HBV/syphilis and HBV/HIV co-infection were observed in 1.1% and 0.1%, respectively. There was no correlation between STI and use of psychoactive substances. The prevalence of HBV and syphilis was higher among police officers than in the general population. The ASSIST questionnaire was consistent when applied to this group and can be a significant tool for monitoring and decision making for timely intervention

Aneurisma de artéria ilíaca em equinos

Background: Aneurysm is a dilation and a weakening of the vessel, usually 2 times higher than the normal diameter of thevessel. Considering the complexity of the definitive diagnosis of iliac artery aneurysm, it is necessary to use technology byimaging, aiming an early diagnosis. Thus, application of Doppler ultrasound allows the study of the horse’s vascular systemallowing various types of diagnoses among these members and vascularization for diagnosing thrombi in the abdominalaorta and mesenteric arteries in side verminotic aneurysm. The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence of twocases of aneurysm involving the aortic-iliac diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound.Cases: The study describes two cases of the aneurism in horses diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound at the Veterinary Hos-pital of UPIS. The animals showed clinical signs of edema in the pelvic limb, with varied degree of lameness 3 to 4, pain and wound did not heal and septic arthritis. The final diagnosis was obtained by Doppler ultrasound. In case one, Doppler ultrasound analysis indicated high arterial distension and blood flow disorganized, suggesting aneurysm. The patient did not respond adequately to therapy and due to the severity of these changes, the euthanasia was performed for definitive diagnostic. On the other hand, in case two, in the imaging examination, it was diagnosed with a dilated aortic Iliac left four times larger than the right and disorganized blood flow suggesting aneurysm. As a result of diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis, it was decided to stop sports activities by the animal mainly due to the progressive increase of the aneurysm.Discussion: Between the two reported cases, one animal died with excessive extension of injury and in another it was possible to establish a palliative treatment being observed improvement in clinical symptomatology. The aneurysm was defined as a dilation of the artery, which may be congenital or acquired. In this case, it was not possible to define the main cause. However, their characteristics, visualized through ultrasound and necropsy corroborate to described in the literature, such as slow growth, achieve considerable volume may compress, displace and destroy neighboring structures. They also tend to increase in size until they break, causing bleeding. In the reports one and two it was found aneurysm verum, where in the animal of the report one was carried out euthanasia due to the rupture of the iliac artery. Surgical procedures are not usually indicated, due to the rapid evolution of the aneurysm culminating in hemorrhage and death of the patient. Ultrasound in these cases was also able to measure the extent of the lesion, to evaluate the blood flow and consequently the turbulence of blood. It is a disease with an unfavorable prognosis, by the progressive increase of the aneurysm or due to the possibility of aneurysm rupture. According to the results of this report can be concluded that Doppler ultrasound should be included in the routine practice of equine veterinary clinic, mainly in athletic horses to diagnose arterial lesions with complicated detection on clinical examination. The clinical symptomatology presented by the animals can be included in routine practice. The aneurysm of the iliac artery if was not diagnosed in time can cause death of the animal, however, if it was detected early, it can be established a palliative treatment extending the duration of animal life

BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE MAJOR FREE-LIVING AMOEBAE OF MEDICAL IMPORTANCE

O objetivo desta revisão é de compilar informações sobre os principais aspectos das amebas de vida-livre (AVL). Para tal, foram consultados artigos depositados no PubMed, entre os anos de 1947 a 2014. As AVL são protozoários amplamente distribuídos no ambiente. Apesar de não serem considerados parasitos clássicos, tais como o Trypanosoma cruzi, as AVL são responsáveis por infecções oportunistas e não oportunistas em seres humanos e animais. Entre todas as AVL, apenas três gêneros são conhecidamente capazes de infectar o homem e outros animais, são eles Balamuthia, Naegleria e Acanthamoeba. Felizmente, as infecções por AVL são extremamente raras. Espécies desses gêneros são responsáveis por infecções fatais, tais como: i) Acanthamoeba causa a encefalite amebiana granulomatosa (EAG), além de causar ceratites e infecções de pele, rins e pulmões; ii) Balamuthia mandrillaris também provoca o mesmo tipo de encefalite; iii) Naegleria fowleri é o agente etiológico da meningoencefalite amebiana primária (MAP).Palavras-chave: Amebas de vida-livre; Balamuthia mandrillaris; Naegleria fowleri; Acanthamoeba spp.; encefalite amebiana.The goal of this review is to compile information on the main aspects of free-living amoebae (FLA). For such articles deposited in PubMed, between the years 1947 to 2014 were consulted. FLA are protozoa widely distributed in the environment. Although not considered classic parasites, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the FLA are responsible for opportunistic and non-opportunistic infections in humans and animals. Among all FLA, only three genera are able to infect humans and other animals, they are Balamuthia, Naegleria, and Acanthamoeba. Fortunately, FLA infections are extremely rare. Species of these genera are responsible for fatal infections, such as: i) Acanthamoeba causes granulomatous amoebiac encephalitis (GAE), in addition to causes keratitis skin, lung, and kidney infections ii) Balamuthia causes encephalitis infections similar to GAE; iii) Naegleria fowleri is the etiologic agent of primary amoebic menigoencephalitis (PAM).Keywords: Free-living amoebae; Balamuthia mandrillaris; Naegleria fowleri; Acanthamoeba spp.; amoebic encephalitis