Histochemistry profile of the biceps brachii muscle fibres of capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella, Linnaeus, 1758).

A general analysis of the behaviour of "Cebus" shows that when this primate moves position to feed or perform another activity, it presents different ways of locomotion. This information shows that the brachial biceps muscle of this animal is frequently used in their locomotion activities, but it should also be remembered that this muscle is also used for other development activities like hiding, searching for objects, searching out in the woods, and digging in the soil. Considering the above, it was decided to research the histoenzimologic characteristics of the brachial biceps muscle to observe whether it is better adpted to postural or phasic function. To that end, samples were taken from the superficial and deep regions, the inserts proximal (medial and lateral) and distal brachial biceps six capuchin monkeys male and adult, which were subjected to the reactions of m-ATPase, NADH-Tr. Based on the results of these reactions fibres were classified as in Fast Twitch Glycolitic (FG), Fast Twitch Oxidative Glycolitic (FOG) and Slow Twitc (SO). In general, the results, considering the muscle as a whole, show a trend of frequency FOG> FG> SO. The data on the frequency were studied on three superficial regions FOG=FG>SO; the deep regions of the inserts proximal FOG=FG=SO and inserting the distal FOG>FG=SO. In conclusion, the biceps brachii of the capuchin monkey is well adapted for both postural and phasic activities.

Comparison of heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements from Masimo and Nellcor pulse oximeters in newly born term infants.

AIM: To compare heart rate (HR) measurements from Masimo and Nellcor pulse oximeters (POs) against HR measured via a three lead electrocardiograph (ECG) (HRECG ). We also compared peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) measurements between Nellcor and Masimo oximeters. METHOD: Term infants born via elective caesarean section were studied. ECG leads were placed on the infant's chest and abdomen. Masimo and Nellcor PO sensors were randomly allocated to either foot. The monitors were placed on a trolley, and data from each monitor screen captured by a video camera. HR, SpO2 measurements and signal quality were extracted. Bland-Altman analysis was used to determine agreement between HR from the ECG and each oximeter, and between SpO2 from the oximeters. RESULTS: We studied 44 infants of whom 4 were resuscitated. More than 8000 pairs of observations were used for each comparison of HR and SpO2. The mean difference (±2SD) between HRECG and HRN ellcor was -0.8 (±11) beats per minute (bpm); between HRECG and HRM asimo was 0.2 (±9) bpm. The mean (±2SD) difference between SpO2Masimo and SpO2Nellcor was -3 (±15)%. The Nellcor PO measured 20% higher than the Masimo PO at SpO2 <70%. CONCLUSION: Both oximeters accurately measure HR. There was good agreement between SpO2 measurements when SpO2 ≥70%. At lower SpO2 , agreement was poorer.

Determining the best method of Nellcor pulse oximeter sensor application in neonates.

AIM: To identify the optimal sensor application method that gave the quickest display of accurate heart rate (HR) data using the Nellcor OxiMax N-600x pulse oximeter (PO). METHODS: Stable infants who were monitored with an electrocardiograph were included. Three sensor application techniques were studied: (i) sensor connected to cable, then applied to infant; (ii) sensor connected to cable, applied to investigator's finger, and then to infant; (iii) sensor applied to infant, then connected to cable. The order of techniques tested was randomized for each infant. Time taken to apply the PO sensor, to display data and to display accurate data (HR(PO) = HR(ECG) ± 3 bpm) were recorded using a stopwatch. RESULTS: Forty infants were studied [mean (SD) birthweight, 1455 (872) g; gestational age, 31 (4) weeks; post-menstrual age, 34 (4) weeks]. Method 3 acquired any data significantly faster than methods 1 (p = 0.013; CI, -9.6 to -3.0 sec) and 2 (p = 0.004; CI, -5.9 to -1.2 sec). Method 3 acquired accurate data significantly faster than method 1 (p = 0.016; CI, -9.4 to -1.0 sec), but not method 2 (p = 0.28). CONCLUSION: Applying the sensor to the infant before connecting it to the cable yields the fastest acquisition of accurate HR data from the Nellcor PO.

Morphometry and Histochemistry of the Rectus abdominis Muscle Fibers of Tufted Capuchin Monkeys (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758) / Morfometría e Histoquímica de las Fibras del Músculo Recto del Abdomen del Mono Capuchino Almohadillado (Cebus apella Linnaeus, 1758)

The phylogenetic proximity of primates to humans, along with their behavioral, biochemical, and anatomical similarities, make such animals more interesting experimental models for biomedical researches, as compared to classical laboratory animals. Another aspect that has called the attention of researchers is the differentiated quadrupedalism present in some primates. The tufted capuchin monkey uses the ground and tree branches as its support for locomotion, showing various postures while performing this task. On the basis of this information, we have decided to study the rectus abdominis muscle of the tufted capuchin monkey, with the following goals: the frequency and area of fiber types; its possible compartmentalization; and identify if this muscle is better adapted to phasic or postural activities. To do this, samples were removed from 4 regions of the rectus abdominis muscle of 6 adult male tufted capuchin monkeys, and were submitted to reaction with m-ATPase, (with alkaline and acid pre-incubation), NADH, and H.E.. Results showed: a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) for both frequency and area, between fiber types FG and FOG and FG and SO, but did not show a statistically significant difference between fibers FOG and SO, in all studied regions; similarity in frequency and area of a same fiber type (FG, FOG, and SO) among the studied regions. Based on these data, it was concluded that: the rectus abdominis muscle of the tufted capuchin monkey does not show fiber compartmentalization, since the distribution and size patterns of the different fiber types are similar in the studied regions; there is a predominance of fast twitch fibers (FG + FOG) over slow twitch fibers (SO), for frequency and area, which characterizes the muscle as being more dedicated to phasic than to postural activities.

La proximidad filogenética y las semejanzas de comportamiento, bioquímicos y anatómicos, de los primates con los humanos convierten a estos animales en modelos experimentales más interesantes para las investigaciones biomédicas, que los animales clásicos de laboratorio. Otro aspecto que ha llamado la atención de los investigadores es el movimiento cuádruple diferente que presentan algunos primates. El macado clavo se traslada usando como apoyo el suelo y las ramas de los árboles, presentando posturas variadas en la ejecución de esas tareas. En base a estas informaciones se resolvió estudiar el músculo recto del abdomen del macaco-clavo, con los siguientes objetivos: observar la frecuencia y el área de los tipos de fibras de este músculo; observar posibles diferencias entre e1las y sus regiones media proximal y distal; y su participación en la locomoción de este animal. Para ello, fueron retiradas 4 muestras de 4 regiones del músculo recto del abdomen, de 6 macacos-clavos machos adultos, que fueron sometidos a las reacciones de m-ATPasa (previa incubaciones alcalina y ácida), NADH y HE. Los resultados mostraron: diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p<0,05) tanto en la frecuencia como en el área, entre las fibras del tipo FG y FOG y FG y SO, pero no presentaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las fibras FOG y SO, en todas las regiones estudiadas. Basándome en estos datos, se concluye que el músculo recto del abdomen del macaco-clavo no presenta división de sus fibras, pues los patrones de distribución y tamaño de los diferentes tipo de de fibras son semejantes en las regiones estudiadas con predominio de las fibras de contracción rápida (FG + FOG) sobre aquellas de contracción lenta (SO), tanto en la frecuencia como en el área, caracterizándolo como un músculo más adaptado para las actividades sutiles que posturales.

[Neurologic pathology in the neonatal period: relation to birth weight and gestational age]. / Patologia neurologica in epoca neonatale: relazione con il peso e l'età gestazionale.

Six Italian university centers have taken part in the Perinatal Preventive Medicine Project of the National Research Council since 1973. In this report the preliminary data on neonatal neurological disorders of 38775 single not malformed infants are presented. Neurological abnormality has been defined by the presence of at least one of the following symptoms: seizures, hypertonia, hypotonia, apneic spells. The relative frequencies of seizures vary from a minimum of 0.28% to a maximum of 0.75% in the six centers. The frequencies of the other symptoms demonstrate a greater variability among centers. Males are more affected than females. The relative frequency of neurological abnormalities is higher among babies with low birthweight, short gestational age or retarded intrauterine growth. Also, the frequency of seizures is higher among babies with low birthweight or retarded intrauterine growth while the relationship between seizures and gestational age is not clear.

Clinical assessment of gestational age in the newborn infant. Comparison of two methods.

A clinical assessment of gestational age was performed in a group of 92 newborn infants. The Dubowitz method (1970) based on 10 neurological and 11 "external" criteria and the Finnström method (1977) based on 7 "external" criteria have been applied. A comparison between these two methods showed a correct estimation of gestational age within +/- 2 weeks in 86.95% of cases with the Finnström method and in 80.72% of cases with the Dubowitz method. A correct estimation within +/- 3 weeks was found in more than 90% of the infants with both methods. No significant difference between the two methods was found. In about 10% of cases of Dubowitz method could not be applied because of the serious conditions of the infants. Assessment of gestational age with the Finnström method proves to be less stressful for the infant, less time consuming and feasible on a larger number of infants than the assessment with the Dubowitz method. For these reasons the Finnström method seems to be more advisable for clinical routine work.