Effects of eccentric exercise on muscle architecture in adults: a systematic review / Efectos del ejercicio excéntrico en la arquitectura muscular en adultos: una revisión sistemática

SUMMARY: The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the effects of eccentric training on muscle architecture in the adult population. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statements were followed using keywords associated with architecture muscular and eccentric training. Four databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. A total of 1260 articles were retrieved, 18 included in this review. The parameters most frequently evaluated in the studies consulted were pennation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL), and muscle thickness (MT). These were assessed mainly in lower limb muscles such as biceps femoris long head (BFlh), vastus lateralis (VL), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG), respectively. Eccentric training for at least four weeks generates adaptations in these parameters, mainly by increasing MT with FL and decreasing PA, determining muscle function. These results provide evidence on the effects of eccentric training on muscle architecture, which could be helpful to prevent injuries and favor muscle recovery processes.

RESUMEN: El propósito de esta revisión sistemática fue determinar los efectos del entrenamiento excéntrico sobre la arquitectura muscular en la población adulta. Se siguieron las recomendaciones del Ìtems de referencia para publicar Revisiones Sistemáticas y Metaanálisis (PRISMA) utilizando palabras clave asociadas con la arquitectura muscular y el entrenamiento excéntrico en cuatro bases de datos: PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus y Web of Science. La calidad metodológica se evaluó mediante la escala PEDro. Se encontró un total de 1260 artículos, del los cuales, 18 fueron incluidos en esta revisión. Los parámetros más frecuentemente evaluados en los estudios fueron el ángulo de penación (AP), la longitud del fascículo (LF) y el grosor muscular (Gm). Estos fueron evaluados principalmente en músculos de los miembros inferiores como la cabeza larga del bíceps femoral (CLBf), el vasto lateral (VL), el gastrocnemio medial (GM) y el gastrocnemio lateral (GL), respectivamente. El entrenamiento excéntrico durante al menos cuatro semanas genera adaptaciones en estos parámetros, principalmente aumentando el GM con la LF y disminuyendo el AP, determinando de esta manera la función muscular. Estos resultados aportan evidencias sobre los efectos del entrenamiento excéntrico en la arquitectura muscular, que podrían ser útiles para prevenir lesiones y favorecer los procesos de recuperación muscular.

Spatial and temporal variation of phytoplankton in a tropical eutrophic river / Variação espacial e temporal do fitoplâncton em um rio eutrófico tropical

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the environmental factors determining of the changes in phytoplankton structure in spatial (upper, middle and lower course) and seasonal (dry and rainy period) scales in a eutrophic river (Almada River, northeastern Brazil). In the study period, total accumulated rainfall was below of the historic average, resulting in flow reduction, mainly in rainy period. High orthophosphate concentration was found at the sampling sites. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a increased from upstream to downstream. Geitlerinema splendidum (S1) and Chlamydomonas sp. (X2) were the most abundant species in the upper course and several species of diatoms (D), Euglenophyceae (W1, W2) and Chlorophyceae (X1) in the middle and lower course. The functional groups were found to be characteristic of lotic ecosystem, shallow, with low light availability, rich in organic matter and eutrophic environments. We conclude that phytoplankton community structure was sensitive to change of the river flow and nutrient availability in spatial and seasonal scale in a tropical river.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os fatores ambientais determinantes das mudanças na estrutura do fitoplâncton em escala espacial (alto, médio e baixo curso) e temporal (seca e chuva) em um rio eutrófico tropical (rio Almada, nordeste do Brasil). No período de estudo, a precipitação acumulada mensal foi abaixo da média histórica, resultando na redução da vazão, principalmente no período chuvoso. A concentração de ortofosfato foi elevada nos pontos de amostragem. A clorofila a do fitoplâncton aumentou de montante para jusante. Geitlerinema splendidum (S1) e Chlamydomomas sp. (X2) foram as espécies mais abundantes no alto curso e várias espécies de diatomáceas (D), Euglenophyceae (W1, W2) e Chlorophyceae (X1) no médio e/ou baixo curso. Os grupos funcionais foram característicos de ambientes lóticos, rasos, com baixa disponibilidade de luz, rico em matéria orgânica e eutrófico. Concluímos que a estrutura da comunidade fitoplanctônica foi sensível às mudanças na vazão e na disponibilidade de nutrientes em escala espacial e temporal em um rio tropical.

Spatial and temporal variation of phytoplankton in a tropical eutrophic river.

This study aims to evaluate the environmental factors determining of the changes in phytoplankton structure in spatial (upper, middle and lower course) and seasonal (dry and rainy period) scales in a eutrophic river (Almada River, northeastern Brazil). In the study period, total accumulated rainfall was below of the historic average, resulting in flow reduction, mainly in rainy period. High orthophosphate concentration was found at the sampling sites. Phytoplankton chlorophyll a increased from upstream to downstream. Geitlerinema splendidum (S1) and Chlamydomonas sp. (X2) were the most abundant species in the upper course and several species of diatoms (D), Euglenophyceae (W1, W2) and Chlorophyceae (X1) in the middle and lower course. The functional groups were found to be characteristic of lotic ecosystem, shallow, with low light availability, rich in organic matter and eutrophic environments. We conclude that phytoplankton community structure was sensitive to change of the river flow and nutrient availability in spatial and seasonal scale in a tropical river.

Anthropometric and somatotype characteristics of world class male roller skaters by discipline.

AIM: The aim of this study was twofold: 1) to describe the anthropometric profile and somatotype of the elite male roller skaters; and: 2) to assess if there are any differences in these items by roller skating discipline (figures, freestyle, pair and dance). METHODS: Eighty-eight male skater participants in the 51st Figure Roller Skating World Championship were selected for the study. The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol was used to determine the anthropometric profile of the figure skaters. Additionally, Body Mass Index (BMI), sum of four and six skinfolds and somatotype were also analysed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found for the sum of four and six skinfolds among disciplines. Significant differences were found for flexed arm (P≤0.05), forearm (P≤0.05) and wrist girths (P≤0.001) between artistic roller figure and pair skaters. Significant differences were found in waist girth (P≤0.05), flexed arm, forearm and wrist girths (P≤0.001) between artistic roller freestyle and pairs skaters. No differences were found in lower limbs girths among disciplines. Significant differences were found in humerus (P<0.05) and bistyloid (P<0.05) breadth among disciplines. The general somatotype is endo-mesomorphic for roller freestyle and figure skaters. In pair skaters the somatotype is ecto-mesomorphic, and for dance skaters it is balanced mesomorphic.

Relationship among maximal grip, throwing velocity and anthropometric parameters in elite water polo players.

AIM: As independent aspects, body size, body composition, and physiological performance of elite athletes have aroused the interest of sports scientists but, unfortunately, studies that combine these aspects are scarcely avalaible in water polo. The aim of the present study was to: 1) to develop an anthropometric profile of highly skilled male Water Polo players, and 2) to identify significant relationships between these features and overhead throwing velocity in highly skilled male water polo players. METHODS: Thirteen male water polo players, with a mean age of 26.10±4.82, were recruited from the Spanish Water Polo team and an anthropometric assessment on all of them was carried out. Throwing velocity was evaluated in three different situations from the 5 m-penalty line on the center of the water polo goal: A) throwing without a defender nor a goalkeeper; B) throwing with a goalkeeper only, and C) 3) armfuls running shot with goalkeeper. Maximal handgrip was also tested. RESULTS: Biacromial breadth shows a significative correlation with hand grip in water polo players (r=0.792; P=0.001) and also correlates with Throwing velocity (r=0.716; P<0.001). Biepicondylar femur breadth correlates significatively with hand grip (r=0.727; P<0.05) and also with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation (r=0.664; P<0.05). Hand grip shows a significant correlation with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation (r=0.603; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, body mass aspects are not related with throwing velocity in highly skilled Water Polo players. Maximal hand grip is related with throwing velocity in "throwing with goalkeeper" situation. More investigations about water polo are necessary.

Curva de potencia en jugadores de baloncesto de liga EBA / No disponible

En baloncesto, la habilidad de generar altos niveles de fuerza en cortos periodos de tiempo (potencia muscular) es un factor determinante para mejorar el rendimiento deportivo (Hedrick, 1993). Así los métodos de entrenamiento con pesas, el entrenamiento pliométrico y la combinación de ambos, parecen ser los más efectivos para la mejora de la potencia muscular (Santos & Janeira, 2008), siempre que se conozca la intensidad óptima con la que trabajar para el desarrollo de la máxima potencia. Sin embargo, no se ha encontrado ningún estudio que la defina en baloncesto. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente trabajo fue definir la curva potencia-fuerza (P-F) en jugadores de baloncesto de élite pertenecientes a un equipo de Liga EBA (AU)

[Mechanical ventilation in pediatrics (III). Weaning, complications and other types of ventilation. Compications of mechanical ventilation]. / Ventilación mecánica en pediatría (III). Retirada de la ventilación, complicaciones y otros tipos de ventilación. Complicaciones de la ventilación mecánica.

Mechanical ventilation can produce multiple complications. The most important acute complications are mechanical problems (respirator failure, problems with the connections and circuit, incorrect parameters or alarms), problems in the airway (disconnection, extubation, mal-positioning of the endotracheal tube, leaks, nose erosions, obstruction of the endotracheal tube due to secretions or kinking, mainstem bronchus intubation, bronchospasm, postextubation croup), pulmonary complications (ventilator-induced lung injury with barotrauma, volutrauma and biotrauma), hemodynamic complications, nosocomial infections (tracheobronchitis, pneumonia, otitis, sinusitis), failure of adjustment of the respirator to the patient, and nutritional complications. The most important chronic problems are subglottal stenosis, chronic pulmonary injury, and psychological alterations.

[Control and assist-control modes of mechanical ventilation]. / Ventilación mecánica controlada y asistida-controlada.

Control ventilation is a mode of ventilation in which the respirator delivers the preset volume or pressure regardless of the patient's own inspiratory efforts. It is indicated in patients with severe neurological alterations, deep sedation, shock or severe respiratory failure. In this mode, breathing is performed by the respirator, diminishing energy expenditure and reducing the risk of hypo- and hyperventilation. In the assist-control ventilation mode the respirator delivers the preset number of breaths and the patient may also obtain further breaths by making a sufficient respiratory effort to open the triggering sensor. All respiration (preset and patient initiated) is performed by the respirator. Assist-control ventilation is indicated inpatients without deep sedation who are able to initiate respiration but who cannot maintain spontaneous respiration.

Genetic divergence at the SODA locus of six different formae speciales of Pneumocystis carinii.

Genetic divergence at the SODA (manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase, MnSOD) locus were compared in six Pneumocystis carinii formae speciales isolated from mouse, rabbit, human, macaque and pig. A degenerate oligonucleotide primer strategy was designed to amplify 85-90% of the full-length SODA gene from P. carinii genomic DNA isolates. DNA sequence analysis revealed an A/T bias in the nucleotide composition (71-77.2%) and the presence of seven small introns (41-142 bp), interrupting each P. carinii open reading frame (ORF) at the same position. The MnSOD deduced amino acid sequences from all P. carinii isolates shared residues which were conserved within the MnSOD family and which are required for enzymatic activity and binding of the cofactor metal. Phylogenetic analysis including MnSOD sequences from representatives of the fungal phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota indicated that the P. carinii formae speciales form a monophyletic group that is related to the budding yeasts (subphylum Saccharomycotina, previously called class Hemiascomycetes) in the Ascomycota. In the whole Pneumocystis group, P. carinii f. sp. hominis, P. carinii f. sp. macacae and P. carinii f. sp. oryctolagi MnSOD sequences clustered together, as did the rat-derived P. carinii and P. carinii f. sp. muris sequences.

Molecular cloning, expression analysis and iron metal cofactor characterisation of a superoxide dismutase from Toxoplasma gondii.

A genomic region of 12 kb encompassing the gene encoding the superoxide dismutase (SOD) of Toxoplasma gondii has been cloned. The gene contains four exons of 121, 42, 381 and 59 bp which are separated by three introns of 321, 202, and 577 bp, respectively. The open reading frame can be translated into a protein of 201 amino acids with a molecular mass of 22.6 kDa. Alignment indicated that it is a FeSOD, a type only found in bacteria, protozoa and chloroplast of higher plants. Recombinant SOD was expressed in a Escherichia coli double mutant lacking both MnFeSOD and FeSODs. The presence of iron as metal cofactor was confirmed by measurements of iron by absorption mass spectrometry and electron paramagnetic resonance studies. Semi-quantitative reverse transcribed polymerase chain reaction experiments showed a similar amount of SOD transcripts in two developmental stages of T. gondii. Antibodies raised against the purified recombinant protein detected SOD protein in both bradyzoite and tachyzoite forms suggesting this SOD might be essential for the intracellular growth of both developmental stages. Southern blot analysis indicated that SOD occured as a single copy gene in T. gondii genome.

[C.F.C.-type ureterosigmoidostomy. Results]. / Ureterosigmoidostomía tipo C.F.C. Aportación de resultados.

This paper presents the results obtained with a C.F.C. type ureterosygmoidostomy technique described by us. A total of 25 patients aged between 52 and 74 years (mean age, 65 years), 23 (23/25) male and 2 (2/25) female were evaluated. 24 of the total 25 patients had infiltrant neoplasia of the bladder (pT2: 8; pT3a: 12; pT3b: 4) which was graded as moderately differentiated (G2: 10) or undifferentiated (G3: 14). The remaining patient, a female, had tuberculous microbladder. Male patients underwent radical cystoprostatectomy (23/25); while in two females traditional cystectomy was performed (2/25). Patients with neoplasia of the bladder (24/25) were performed bilateral lymphadenectomy prior to radical surgery. All 25 patients were performed C.F.C. type ureterosygmoidostomy (Actas Urol Esp 20: 324, 1996). Follow-up of patients was carried out over a mean period of 27 months (July 1994-October 1997). The complications reported were 4 cases of ureterointestinal stricture and one stercoral fistula. The strictures were resolved with endoscopic techniques and the fistula through discharge colostomy. Death (6/25) occurred as a result of the tumour progression, and in no case was related to the surgical technique. All patients showed daytime continence (100%), and 22/25 were also continent during the nighttime (88%): there were occasional leaks in 5/25 (20%). No metabolic disorders were seen in any of the patients. (All patients were given drug therapy to prevent metabolic acidosis).

Molecular cloning and characterization of a superoxide dismutase (sod) gene in Pneumocystis carinii.

This work reports the isolation and characterization of a gene encoding a superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC.1.15.1.1.) from Pneumocystis carinii derived from rat. Sense and antisense oligonucleotides, deduced from SOD amino acid sequences from a wide variety of organisms, allowed amplification of a 669 bp genomic DNA fragment specific to this P. carinii. RACE-PCR was used to obtain the major part of the complementary DNA; the 5'- and 3'-genomic regions were obtained respectively from a Mbol subgenomic library and from an amplified fragment using oligonucleotides designed from the cDNA sequence. Comparison of genomic and cDNA sequences showed an open reading frame of 660 bp interrupted by seven small introns. The deduced amino acid sequence contained 220 residues. Protein sequence alignment demonstrated the highest homology (50.5% identity; 70.3% similarity) with Saccharomyces cerevisiae manganese-SOD (MnSOD) suggesting that P. carinii SOD belongs to the mitochondrial MnSOD group. A putative targeting peptide found at the 5'-end of the P. carinii SOD sequence also suggested its mitochondrial localization.

The MIC1 microneme protein of Toxoplasma gondii contains a duplicated receptor-like domain and binds to host cell surface.

The cDNA encoding the Toxoplasma gondii microneme protein MIC1 and the corresponding gene have been cloned and sequenced. The MIC1 gene contains three introns. The cDNA encodes a 456 amino acid (aa) sequence, with a typical signal sequence and no other trans-membrane domain. The protein contains a tandemly duplicated domain with conservation of cysteines and presents distant homology with the Plasmodium sp. microneme protein TRAP-SSP2. The MIC1 protein from tachyzoite lysates and a PMAL recombinant expressing the N-terminal duplicated domain of the protein bound to the surface of putative host cells, suggesting a possible involvement of MIC1 in host cell binding/recognition.

Molecular cloning of the Toxoplasma gondii sag4 gene encoding an 18 kDa bradyzoite specific surface protein.

An 18 kDa bradyzoite specific surface protein of Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) has been purified by affinity chromatography with a specific monoclonal antibody using parasites grown in vitro under conditions inducing the biosynthesis of bradyzoite specific proteins. N-terminal and internal amino acid sequences obtained by microsequencing enabled us to design degenerate oligonucleotides. A fragment of 187 bp was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was used as a probe to clone a 4 kb-Bam HI fragment encompassing the gene encoding the 18 kDa protein. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed a single open reading frame of 516 nucleotides encoding a 172 amino acid protein. The deduced amino acid sequence matched perfectly the peptides microsequenced from the native protein. The N-terminal hydrophobic region was found to possess the characteristics of a signal peptide of 27 amino acids. The hydrophobic C-terminal part could represent a signal for a glycan-phosphoinositide anchor. The full-length cDNA was also isolated and both the 5' and 3' untranslated regions were determined. Reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) using p18-specific primers showed a stage-specific expression of this gene. Comparison of the nucleic acid sequence and the predicted amino acid sequence with databases did not reveal significant homology with known genes or proteins. This gene is proposed to be named sag4, according to the existing T. gondii nomenclature.

[Ultrasonographic (intra- and extraluminal) pattern of cervico-urethral anastomosis after radical prostatectomy]. / Patrón sonográfico (intra y extraluminal) de la anastomosis cérvico-uretral tras la prostatectomía radical.

Thirteen patients, mean age 61 years (range 54 to 71), diagnosed with prostate adenocarcinoma underwent radical prostatectomy. To achieve a diagnosis they were all performed blood PSA determination, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound and a prostate ultrasound-guided biopsy by automatic gun puncture. Serum PSA quantification, digital rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound were repeated in the immediate post-operative, and three and six months after surgery. Through the information obtained with endocavitary ultrasound, the lumen of the cervicourethral anastomosis and the perianastomotic tissue was assessed. Transrectal ultrasound plays a relevant role in the follow-up of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy. When a patient with prostate radical surgery shows an elevation of serum PSA and/or abnormal digital rectal examination, an ultrasound-guided biopsy (at the node or perianastomotic area) is indicated.

[Ureterosigmoidostomy detubularized with surgical staplers: C.F.C. (Original technique)]. / Ureterosigmoidostomía destubulizada mediante súturas mecánicas: C.F.C. (Técnica original).

Description of our modification of the detubulized ureterosigmoidostomy surgical technique (Castiñeiras-Ferragut-Camacho). In an attempt to shorten the surgery time, we used for these changes absorbable mechanical sutures (Poli Gia and T.A.). This paper analyzes the technical details of interest as well as the anatomicosurgical considerations that should be known prior to carry out this type of by-pass. The anatomicophysiological principles on which our developments are based are those referred by N.G. Kock15 and used by R. Hohenfellner and R. Fisch14, when they described the detubulized ureterosigmoidostomy performed manually. We believe that both surgical procedures, R. Hohenfellner & R. Fisch14 and ours (detubulized ureterosigmoidostomy, C.F.C.), are suitable alternatives to conventional ureterosigmoidostomy.

[Complications of ultrasound-guided transperineal puncture biopsy of the prostate]. / Análisis de las complicaciones de la punción-biópsica transperineal ecodirigida de próstata (P.B.T.E.P.).

Between June 1988 and February 1993, 520 ultrasound-guided transperitoneal prostate biopsy punctures were performed in patients with prostate disease. Of these, 89 (17.1 %) were positive for malignancy. An analysis is made of the highly uncommon complications observed, which corresponded to 17 cases of haematuria (3.26%) and 3 of fever (0.5%). Likewise, reference is made to perineal neoplastic implantation, since such complication was evident in one of the cases contributed (0.19%). Also, a review of the literature relative to the complications is made, concluding by stating the relevance of this diagnostic technique in spite of said complications.