Baroreflex sensitivity differs among same strain Wistar rats from the same laboratory

Previous studies showed that a proportion of normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats spontaneously exhibit lower baroreflex sensitivity. However, investigations have not yet been carried out on Wistar rats. We aimed to compare baroreflex sensitivity among rats from the same strain and the same laboratory. Male Wistar normotensive rats (300–400g) were studied. Cannulas were inserted into the abdominal aortic artery through the right femoral artery to measure mean arterial pressure and heart rate. Baroreflex was calculated as the derivative of the variation of heart rate in function of the mean arterial pressure variation (ΔHR/ΔMAP) tested with a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (50 µg/kg) and with a pressor dose of phenylephrine (8µg/kg) in the right femoral venous approach through an inserted cannula. We divided the rats into four groups: i) high bradycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain less than −2 tested with phenylephrine; ii) low bradycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain between −1 and −2 tested with phenylephrine; iii) high tachycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain less than −3 tested with sodium nitroprusside; and iv) low tachycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain between −1 and −3 tested with sodium nitroprusside. Approximately 71% of the rats presented a decrease in bradycardic reflex while around half showed an increase in tachycardic reflex. No significant changes in basal mean arterial pressure and heart rate, tachycardic and bradycardic peak and heart rate range were observed. There was a significant change in baroreflex sensitivity among rats from the same strain and the same laboratory

Evaluation of movements of lower limbs in non-professional ballet dancers: hip abduction and flexion

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The literature indicated that the majority of professional ballet dancers present static and active dynamic range of motion difference between left and right lower limbs, however, no previous study focused this difference in non-professional ballet dancers. In this study we aimed to evaluate active movements of the hip in non-professional classical dancers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We evaluated 10 non professional ballet dancers (16-23 years old). We measured the active range of motion and flexibility through Well Banks. We compared active range of motion between left and right sides (hip flexion and abduction) and performed correlation between active movements and flexibility.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There was a small difference between the right and left sides of the hip in relation to the movements of flexion and abduction, which suggest the dominant side of the subjects, however, there was no statistical significance. Bank of Wells test revealed statistical difference only between the 1^stand the 3^rdmeasurement. There was no correlation between the movements of the hip (abduction and flexion, right and left sides) with the three test measurements of the bank of Wells.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>There is no imbalance between the sides of the hip with respect to active abduction and flexion movements in non-professional ballet dancers.</p

The presence of fungi on contact electrical stimulation electrodes and ultrasound transducers in physiotherapy clinics

Objectives To evaluate the presence of fungi on contact electrodes and ultrasound transducers from physiotherapy clinics.Design Quantitative study conducted at the Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology of Piaui - NOVAFAPI, Teresina, Brazil.Setting Sample collection was performed in 10 clinics ( 20 ultrasound transducers and 20 contact electrodes).Main outcome measures Swabs were soaked with saline solution, inoculated in culture and incubated for filamentous fungi and yeast growth.Results Fourteen taxons were identified: Acremomium hyalinulum (Sacc.), Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium elatum, Cladosporium oxysporum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosphialophora bantiana, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia senegalensis, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium decumbens, Scopulariopsis candida and Sporothrix schenckii. Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium oxysporum, Sporothrix shenckii and Candida albicans were found most often on contact electrodes, and Penicillium decumbens and Cladosporium cladosporioides were found most often on ultrasound transducers.Conclusion Fungi were found on all of the contact electrodes and ultrasound transducers. Physiotherapy professionals need to improve the disinfection procedures for this equipment. (C) 2010 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Faculdade de Saude, Ciencias Humanas e Tecnologicas do Piaui - NOVAFAPICiencias Humanas & Tecnol Piaui NOVAFAPI, Fac Saude, Teresina, PI, BrazilFiocruz MS, Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Taxon Bioquim & Prospeccao Fungos, BR-21045900 Rio de Janeiro, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Cardiol, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilUniv Estadual Paulista, Fac Ciencias & Tecnol, Dept Fisioterapia, Presidente Prudente, SP, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Disciplina Cardiol, Dept Med, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Chest associated to motor physiotherapy acutely improves oxygen saturation, heart rate and respiratory rate in premature newborns with periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage

Background: The literature presents contradictory data regarding physiotherapy effects on premature newborns. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of chest associated to motor physiotherapy on oxygen saturation (SO(2)%), heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR) in premature newborns with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH).Methods: This study was performed in an intensive care unit. We included newborns with birth weights below 2,000g and we used Papille classification, which classifies PVIH into four grades according to the degree. Newborns were divided in control (n=38) and PIVH (n=32) groups. The protocol followed this sequence: monitoring, physiotherapy, respiratory therapy, physiotherapy and motor monitoring. We compared the cardiorespiratory parameters between before the first physiotherapy session and after the third (last) physiotherapy session in one day.Results: SO(2)% increased after physiotherapy procedures in control and PIVH groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, HR and RR decreased after physiotherapy treatment in PIVH group (p<0.001).Conclusion: Chest associated to motor physiotherapy treatment acutely improved SO(2)%, HR and RR in premature PIVH newborns. Thus, we recommend performing chest associated to motor physiotherapy in neonatal critically ill newborns.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP