Coronary anatomy in neotropical carnivores: A comparative analysis.

This study aims to investigate the anatomy of coronary arteries and their primary branches in neotropical carnivores, given the functional significance of coronary circulation and the limited existing descriptions in this order. For this purpose, coronary arteries were dissected, and their branches were counted in 74 hearts from 20 species belonging to five families: Canidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, Mephitidae, and Felidae. In all specimens of the suborder Caniformia, the subsinuosal interventricular branch originated at the end of the circumflex branch of the left coronary artery (LCA). In contrast, in all hearts of Felidae specimens, the subsinuosal branch was derived from the right coronary artery. Among the 50 neotropical specimens of the suborder Caniformia, 13.1 ± 5.2 ventricular branches originated from the LCA and only 4.6 ± 1.4 from the right (p < 0.0001), characterizing a consistent left dominance. However, in the 24 specimens of the Felidae family, 10.5 ± 4.0 ventricular branches were found originating from the LCA and 10.4 ± 3.4 from the right, with no difference between the means (p = 0.82), defining a balanced pattern. It is suggested that the type of coronary circulation may correlate with the phylogeny of carnivorans.

The impact of teenage pregnancy on school dropout in Brazil: a Bayesian network approach.

BACKGROUND: As reported by the World Health Organization, adolescent pregnancy is a major public health concern given its impact on the life of mothers and their family members. In this study we investigated possible cause-effect relations between teenage pregnancy and school dropout, and other attributes that gravitate around them, using the Bayesian network approach. METHODS: We used a database prepared by the Adolescent House Project and invited experts in the areas of Health, Education and Social Assistance to answer a survey containing questions aimed at detecting possible causal relationships. To perform the statistical analysis and the numerical simulations we employed the language and formalism of Bayesian networks. RESULTS: The analysis indicated a strong cause-effect relation between teenage pregnancy and school dropout, bolstered by economic vulnerability. We were able to identify the profile of the female teenager who drops out from school: white girls older than 15 years who got pregnant at least once, are not working to generate an income, and who belong to the group where the family income is less than or equal to US$780 per month. Also we detected the "maternal impact factor", i.e., the effect caused by whether or not the mothers of the teenagers have experienced teenage pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There are many factors that lead teenagers to drop out of school; we confirmed not only the commonsense notion that pregnancy of the teenager is a major factor but found that a history of teenage pregnancy on the part of the mother is a major factor. Moreover, Bayesian networks emerged as an interesting mathematical framework to perform the statistical analysis.

COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-qPCR in alternative specimens.

BACKGROUND: The high demand for adequate material for the gold standard reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR)-based diagnosis imposed by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, combined with the inherent contamination risks for healthcare workers during nasopharyngeal swab (NP) sample collection and the discomfort it causes patients, brought the need to identify alternative specimens suitable for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to compare saliva and gingival fluid swabs to NP swabs as specimens for RT-qPCR-based SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. METHODS: We compared gingival fluid swabs (n = 158) and saliva (n = 207) to the rayon-tipped NP swabs obtained from mild-symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects as specimens for RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 detection. FINDINGS: When compared to NP swabs, gingival fluid swabs had a concordance rate of 15.4% among positive samples, zero among inconclusive, and 100% among negative ones. For saliva samples, the concordance rate was 67.6% among positive samples, 42.9% among inconclusive, and 96.8% among negative ones. However, the concordance rate between saliva and NP swabs was higher (96.9%) within samples with lower cycle threshold (Ct) values (Ct > 10 ≤ 25). MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that whereas gingival fluid swabs are not substitutes for NP swabs, saliva might be considered whenever NP swabs are not available or recommended.

Evolutionary history or function? Which preponderates in the expression of the muscle mass of the thoracic limb in wild carnivorans?

Thoracic limbs are extremely versatile and exhibit informative characteristics about habits of the Carnivora order in the wild. Despite this relevance, comparative studies with quantitative variables on thoracic limb muscles are still scarce in carnivorans. The aims of this study were to measure the mass of the intrinsic muscles of the thoracic limb of neotropical species of the Carnivora order and to establish comparative conjectures. For this purpose, 39 thoracic limbs of 10 neotropical carnivorans species were dissected. The mass of each muscle was measured on a digital scale, muscles were grouped by function, and the mass average percentage that each functional group of muscles occupied in the thoracic limb was calculated. The data of the present study was added to that available in the literature for 22 other carnivoran species. Three groups of species were considered: Canidae, Musteloidea, and Feliformia. Comparatively, the eight canid species included in this analyses concentrate muscle mass proximally in the thoracic limb to prioritize essential cursoriality. The nine musteloids had more muscle mass in the distal muscles due to the demand for versatility and manual strength, and the 14 Feliformia species exhibited an intermediate trend. The analysis of clusters revealed a great overlap of the percentage distribution of muscle mass with the phylogeny previously established for carnivorans. It could be verified that the distribution of muscle masses meets the demand of the locomotor habits of the species up to a certain level, from which phylogeny begins to limit morphological adaptations.

Os membros torácicos são extremamente versáteis e exibem características informativas sobre os hábitos das espécies da ordem Carnivora em vida livre. A despeito desta relevência, estudos comparativos com variéveis quantitativas dos músculos do membro torácico são escassos em carnívoros. Os objetivos deste estudo foram aferir a massa dos músculos intrínsecos do membro torácico de espécies neotropicais da ordem Carnivora e estabelecer conjecturas comparativas. Para este fim, foram dissecados 39 membros torácicos de dez espécies de carnívoros neotropicais. A massa de cada músculo foi mensurada em uma balança digital, os músculos foram agrupados por função e calculou-se a massa percentual média a que cada grupo funcional de músculos correspondia no membro torácico. Os dados do presente estudo foram analisados conjuntamente às informações disponíveis na literatura para outras 22 espécies da ordem Carnivora. Três grupos de espécies foram considerados: Canidae, Musteloidea e Feliformia. Comparativamente, as oito espécies de canídeos incluídas nesta análise demonstraram concentração de massa muscular mais proximalmente no membro torácico em razão dos hábitos essencialmente cursoriais. As nove espécies da superfamília Musteloidea exibiram mais massa nos músculos distais devido à maior demanda por versatilidade e força manual. As 14 espécies da subordem Feliformia apresentaram um padrão intermediário. A análise de clusters revelou nítida sobreposição entre o percentual de distribuição da massa muscular com a filogenia previamente estabelecida para a ordem Carnivora. Verificou-se que a distribuição da massa dos músculos atende à demanda dos hábitos locomotores das espécies até um certo nível, a partir do qual a filogenia começa a limitar as adaptações morfológicas.

Craniometry in Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae) / Craneometría en Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora, Canidae)

The objective of this study was to obtain data on craniometric parameters in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and to define the general skull type of this species, analysing whether the craniometric classification of domestic dogs can be applied. Eleven skulls of C. thous were included in the analysis, irrespective of age and sex. The location of nine craniometric points established for craniometry in domestic dogs was determined and based on the distances between these points, 17 craniometric parameters were measured. Those parameters were used to calculate the following six craniometric indices: 53.17 ± 2.54 mm skull index, 2.33 ± 0.08 mm craniofacial index, 59.17 ± 3.57 mm neurocranial index, 125.58 ± 6.63 mm facial index, 37.52 ± 2.65 mm basal index and the index of the foramen magnum 54.47 ± 3.48 mm. According to the analysed indices, the skull shape in C. thous can be classified as mesaticephalic.

El objetivo de este estudio fue obtener datos sobre los parámetros craneométricos del zorro cangrejero (Cerdocyon thous) y definir el tipo general de cráneo de esta especie, analizando si se puede aplicar la clasificación craneométrica de los perros domésticos. Once cráneos de C. thous fueron incluidos en el análisis, independientemente de la edad y el sexo. Se determinó la ubicación de nueve puntos craneométricos establecidos para la craneometría en perros domésticos y, en función de las distancias entre estos puntos, se midieron 17 parámetros craneométricos. Esos parámetros se usaron para calcular los siguientes índices craneométricos: índice craneal de 53,17 ± 2,54 mm, índice craneofacial de 2,33 ± 0,08 mm, índice neurocraneal de 59,17 ± 3,57 mm, índice facial de 125,58 ± 6,63 mm, índice basal de 37,52 ± 2,65 mm y el índice del foramen magnum 54,47 ± 3,48 mm. Según los índices analizados, la forma del cráneo en C. thous se puede clasificar como mesaticefálica.

Clavicle in Carnivorans: A Forgotten Bone.

The clavicle is a bone whose development is related to the versatility of the thoracic limbs in mammals. Studies with vestigial structures are scarce and controversial, especially in the order Carnivora. The objective of this study was to verify the presence and to investigate the shape and constitution of the clavicle in neotropical carnivores. In order to do this, 108 cadavers of 19 different species were collected dead on highways and were analyzed. The clavicles were submitted to dissections, longitudinal length measurements, radiographs, histological sections and, in some cases, diaphanization. Sixteen of the 19 species had clavicles in both sides, being significantly larger (P < 0.05) and distinctly more radiopaque in the felids than in the other families. There were no macro or microscopic evidence of clavicle in the specimens of Nasua nasua (n = 6), Conepatus semistriatus (n = 2), and Conepatus chinga (n = 1). The clavicle of the males of Lycalopex gymnocercus, Galictis cuja, and Leopardus geoffroyi was significantly larger (P < 0.05). The predominating contour of the clavicles was a thin stick with cranial convexity. The histological sections demonstrated compact bone consisting of trabecula and lamellae filled by bone marrow and different levels of occupation by chondroid matrix. It can be proposed the clavicles of the order Carnivora, although vestigial and rarely absent, have their presence, constitution and shape more associated with the phylogenetic proximity and evolutionary history of the species than to the variety of movements the thoracic limbs perform in free-living conditions. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1831-1841, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Possibilidades na atenção em álcool e drogas: levantamento e proposta da linha de cuidado para a saúde na adolescência e juventude para o SUS-SP / Possibilities in alcohol and drug care: survey and proposal of the health care line in adolescence and youth for SUS-SP

Este artigo faz um relato dos perfis de serviços disponíveis nos municípios do estado de São Paulo para a atenção em saúde relativas às questões de álcool e drogas para adolescentes e jovens, além da proposta da Linha de Cuidado para a Saúde de Adolescentes e Jovens para o SUS no Estado de São Paulo, elaborada em 2018, que orienta como esses serviços devem abordar e atuar com este tema.

Oncicola luehei in a wild crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) from the Brazilian Cerrado Savanna

The occurrence of Oncicola luehei is reported in a road killed crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) near the municipality of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State. The animal was collected as part of a study that monitors wildlife road killing in the Triângulo Mineiro region. In necropsy, a single male acanthocephalan was recovered from the large intestine. The parasite was wrinkled, whitish in color, with a total body length of 15.88mm, globular proboscis (0.71 x 0.81mm) armed with 36 spiraled hooks, long lemniscus (7.30 x 0.81 mm) surpassing the anterior testis. The testes were ellipsoid in shape, disposed in tandem, the anterior measuring 1.44 x 0.53mm and the posterior 1.5 x 0.50mm. At the posterior part of the body, eight cement glands arranged in two rows of four, measuring 0.38 x 0.46 mm each. Based on this, the parasite was classified as Oncicola luehei. This study represents a new host and locality records for the parasite.

Functional myology of the thoracic limb in Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus): a descriptive and comparative analysis.

The characteristics of the muscles of the thoracic limb were evaluated in 22 specimens of Lycalopex gymnocercus. Descriptive and comparative analyses showed similarity with other canids in terms of topography and tendon insertions. Differences with the domestic dog were observed in the pectoralis profundus, triceps brachii and interflexorii muscles. Intraspecific variations were observed in the rhomboideus capitis, serratus ventralis cervicis, extensor carpi radialis, extensor digiti I and II, lumbricales, flexor digiti I brevis, abductor digiti I brevis, and flexor digiti V muscles. The analyses of muscle architecture carried out in nine specimens showed that there was no difference in muscle percentage mass in the thoracic limb of males and females, but a young specimen showed significant lower percentage mass. The triceps brachii caput longus muscle showed the greatest mass, the subscapularis muscle showed the greatest physiological cross-sectional area value, and the extrinsic muscles, in general, presented the longest fascicles and higher architectural indexes. Muscle architecture data were compatible with those of a thoracic limb adapted to fast cursorial locomotion that prioritizes movements in a sagittal plane instead of rotation or adduction/abduction. There was a high association between functional percentage mass of the muscles in the thoracic limb and phylogeny in the Carnivora order. It may be inferred that carnivoran muscle mass is largely determined by phylogeny.

Osteologia do membro torácico de Lycalopex gymnocercus Fischer, 1814 (Carnivora, Mammalia): abordagens comparada, radiográfica e osteométrica / Osteology of the thoracic limb in the Lycalopex gymnocercus Fischer, 1814 (Carnivora, Mammalia): comparative, radiograpahic and osteometric approaches

O membro torácico é a parte do esqueleto pós-craniano que mais informações oferece sobre a locomoção e hábitos de vida de uma espécie. Objetivou-se realizar uma descrição macroscópica, comparativa, radiográfica e osteométrica do esqueleto do membro torácico de Lycalopex gymnocercus. Para tal foram analisados ossos de 24 espécimes adultos coletados mortos em rodovias. Foram realizadas descrições macroscópicas e comparadas com as de outros canídeos, imagens radiográficas para reconhecimento dos padrões de trabeculação e topografia óssea, mensurações lineares e tridimensionais e avaliações histológicas das clavículas. O esqueleto do membro torácico de L. gymnocercus apresentou adaptações morfofuncionais em todos os segmentos para a locomoção cursorial especializada e alguma capacidade de pronação e supinação para captura de presas de porte menor. Houve uma tendência de os ossos serem maiores nos machos, especialmente na região distal do úmero, presumivelmente para a fixação de músculos antebraquiais mais fortes. A clavícula vestigial foi encontrada em todos os espécimes, teve natureza predominantemente cartilagínea e foi significativamente maior nos machos. A conformação básica do esqueleto do membro torácico foi semelhante à dos canídeos domésticos e silvestres descritos na literatura, ainda que particularidades de L. gymnocercus sejam encontradas.(AU)

The forelimb is the part of the post-cranial skeleton that provides more information about locomotion and life habits of a species. The objective of this study was to perform a detailed macroscopic, comparative, radiographic and osteometric investigation of the thoracic limb of Lycalopex gymnocercus. Twenty-four adult specimens collected dead from roadkill were studied. Analysis included macroscopic and comparative descriptions to other canids, radiographic images for recognition of trabeculation patterns and topographical arrangement of bones, linear and three-dimensional measurements, and histological evaluation of the clavicles. The forelimb skeleton of L. gymnocercus presented morphological and functional adaptations in every segment for a specialized cursorial locomotion and some ability to pronation and supination for capture of small vertebrates. There was a tendency for the bones to be longer in males, especially in the distal end of humerus, presumably to fixation of stronger antebrachial muscles. The vestigial clavicle bone was found in all the specimens, had a predominantly cartilaginous nature and was significantly larger in males. The basic conformation of the forelimb skeleton was similar to that of domestic and wild canids described in the literature, although peculiar characteristics of L. gymnocercus have been found.(AU)

Coronary irrigation in Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae) / Irrigación coronaria en Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae)

This study described the anatomy of the coronary arteries and their main branches in Puma concolor. The hearts of six individuals of Puma concolor, were analyzed. The A. coronaria sinistra formed the ramus interventricularis paraconalis and the ramus circunflexus. A ramus septal was formed close to the origin of the ramus interventricularis paraconalis and yielded from six to eight ventricular branches. The circumflex branch originated from two to five atrial branches and from three to seven ventricular branches. The right coronary artery formed two to six atrial branches, and four to nine ventricular branches. In half of the individuals, an accessory coronary artery was identified as the first branch of the right coronary artery. In all individuals, the subsinusal interventricular branch originated in the right coronary artery. It could be inferred that coronary circulation in Puma concolor is balanced, as each coronary artery yielded an interventricular branch and there was no significant difference in the total number of branches that originated from each coronary artery. These findings are different from the descriptions of most carnivore species, and may aid a better understanding of the phylogenetic relationships and synapomorphies of carnivore coronary circulation, especially in the Felidae family.

En este estudio se describió la anatomía de las arterias coronarias, y sus principales ramas, en el Puma concolor. Se analizaron los corazones de seis especímenes de Puma concolor. La arteria coronaria izquierda formó la rama interventricular paraconal y la rama circunfleja. Una rama septal se formó cerca del origen de la rama paraconal y otorgó de seis a ocho ramas ventriculares. La rama circunfleja originó de dos a cinco ramas atriales y de tres a siete ramas ventriculares. La arteria coronaria derecha originó de dos a seis ramas atriales y de cuatro a nueve ramas ventriculares. En la mitad de los especímenes, se identificó una arteria coronaria accesoria como la primera rama de la arteria coronaria derecha. En todos los individuos, la rama interventricular subsinusal se originó en la arteria coronaria derecha. Se podría inferir que la circulación coronaria en el Puma concolor es equilibrada, ya que cada arteria coronaria produce una rama interventricular y no hay diferencia significativa en el número total de ramas que se originan de cada arteria coronaria. Estos hallazgos son diferentes de las descripciones de la mayoría de las especies carnívoras y pueden ayudar a una mejor comprensión de las relaciones filogenéticas y de las sinapomorfias de la circulación de los carnívoros, especialmente en la familia Felidae.

Giant vestibular schwannomas: Surgical nuances influencing outcome in 179 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Giant vestibular schwannomas (VSs; ≥4 cm in size) are considered a separate entity owing to their surgical difficulty and increased morbidity. We studied the clinical presentation and surgical outcomes in a large series of giant VS patients. We also present the surgical nuances, which we believe can improve surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical profiles, radiology, surgical results, and complications of 179 consecutive patients with a unilateral giant VS were reviewed. The study population was classified into two groups: Group A (4-4.9 cm, 124 [69.3%] patients) and Group B (≥5 cm, 55 [30.7%] patients). RESULTS: The mean tumor size in Group A was 4.3 ± 0.2 cm (range, 4-4.8 cm), and in Group B, it was 5.3 ± 0.4 (range, 5-6.7 cm). Patients in Group B were younger, with a mean age at presentation of 34.8 ± 12.3 years versus 41.8 ± 13.1 years in Group A (P < 0.05). There was no difference in the clinical presentation except for papilledema (81.8% vs. 66.9%) and VI cranial nerve (CN) dysfunction (9.1% vs. 2.4%; P< 0.05), which was higher in Group B. There was no difference in the rate of total excision (86.2% vs. 85.4%), anatomical and physiological facial nerve preservation rates between the two groups (approximately 2/3 and 1/3, respectively), and the facial function at discharge. The incidence of postoperative morbidity was not statistically different between the two groups, except for the occurrence of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea, which was greater in Group B (10.9% vs. 2.4%). There were two mortalities in each group (overall, 4/179; 2.2%; P= 0.58). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ≥5cm VSs were younger, with a higher incidence of papilledema and lateral rectus paresis. However, when compared with tumors ≥4 cm in size, there was no difference in the extent of excision, facial nerve preservation, and postoperative complications (except CSF rhinorrhea) or mortality. Thus, further subclassification of giant VSs does not seem to be necessary.

Topografia da papila parotídea em Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) e Lycalopex gymnocercus (G. Fisher, 1814) / Topography of the parotid duct opening in Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) and Lycalopex gymnocercus (G. Fischer, 1814)

Objetivou-se determinar o local de desembocadura do ducto excretor da glândula salivar parótida nos canídeos silvestres Cerdocyon thous e Lycalopex gymnocercus e, assim, fornecer subsídios para procedimentos em medicina veterinária e estudos de anatomia comparada. Para tal, foram inspecionadas as papilas parotídeas de 28 cadáveres (56 hemiarcadas) recolhidos mortos em rodovias: C. thous (cinco machos e nove fêmeas) e L. gymnocercus (nove machos e cinco fêmeas). A partir da papila parotídea traçou-se uma linha imaginária vertical para determinar sua correspondência topográfica em relação aos dentes pré-molares (P) e molares (M). Dois cadáveres de cada espécie foram dissecados para determinação macroscópica da posição da glândula parótida e respectivo ducto. A glândula localizou-se ventralmente à cartilagem auricular e seu ducto apresentou trajeto sobre a face lateral do m. masseter, abrindo-se no vestíbulo oral. Quando consideradas as hemiarcadas, no C. thous houve predominância da abertura do ducto no nível entre P4 e M1 (53,6% dos casos), seguida pela abertura oposta a M1 (46,4%). Os machos de C. thous apresentaram local de desembocadura do ducto em nível significativamente (p-valor = 0,0006) mais caudal do que as fêmeas. No L. gymnocercus em metade das hemiarcadas a abertura ocorreu entre P4 e M1 e na outra metade opostamente a M1, não havendo diferença significativa entre sexos. Pode-se concluir que em ambas espécies a papila parotídea teve posição mais caudal em relação ao que é relatado para os cães domésticos.

This study aimed to determine point of opening of excretory parotid duct in the wild canids Cerdocyon thous and Lycalopex gymnocercus and compare the findings with those available for other carnivores. We analyzed 28 cadavers (56 hemiarcads) collected dead from highways, which included five males and nine females of C. thous and nine males and five females of L. gymnocercus. Thereafter, the parotid papilla was inspected and an imaginary vertical line was projected to determine its topography in relation to the premolars (P) and molars (M). Two cadavers of each species were macrodissected to determine the position of the salivary parotid gland and its duct. The parotid gland was located ventrally to the ear cartilage and its duct crossed on lateral surface of the masseter muscle, opening in the buccal region of the oral vestibule. When considered hemiarcades, the opening of the duct in C. thous predominated at the level between P4 and M1 (53.6% of cases), followed by opening opposite to the M1 (46.4%). Males of C. thous presented the duct opening in a significantly (p-value = 0.0006) caudally level when compared to females. In L. gymnocercus half of hemiarcades showed the opening at the level between P4 and M1 and the other half opposed to M1, with no significant difference between genders. It could be concluded that these two species have parotid papilla in a caudal position in relation to the reports concerning domestic dogs.

Topografia da papila parotídea em Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) e Lycalopex gymnocercus (G. Fisher, 1814)

Objetivou-se determinar o local de desembocadura do ducto excretor da glândula salivar parótida nos canídeos silvestres Cerdocyon thous e Lycalopex gymnocercus e, assim, fornecer subsídios para procedimentos em medicina veterinária e estudos de anatomia comparada. Para tal, foram inspecionadas as papilas parotídeas de 28 cadáveres (56 hemiarcadas) recolhidos mortos em rodovias: C. thous (cinco machos e nove fêmeas) e L. gymnocercus (nove machos e cinco fêmeas). A partir da papila parotídea traçou-se uma linha imaginária vertical para determinar sua correspondência topográfica em relação aos dentes pré-molares (P) e molares (M). Dois cadáveres de cada espécie foram dissecados para determinação macroscópica da posição da glândula parótida e respectivo ducto. A glândula localizou-se ventralmente à cartilagem auricular e seu ducto apresentou trajeto sobre a face lateral do m. masseter, abrindo-se no vestíbulo oral. Quando consideradas as hemiarcadas, no C. thous houve predominância da abertura do ducto no nível entre P4 e M1 (53,6% dos casos), seguida pela abertura oposta a M1 (46,4%). Os machos de C. thous apresentaram local de desembocadura do ducto em nível significativamente (p-valor = 0,0006) mais caudal do que as fêmeas. No L. gymnocercus em metade das hemiarcadas a abertura ocorreu entre P4 e M1 e na outra metade opostamente a M1, não havendo diferença significativa entre se

Differences in physical performance between U-20 and senior top-level Brazilian futsal players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare performance in the Yo-Yo IR1, 20-meter sprint, COD test, loaded and unloaded lower-limb muscle power tests (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ] and jump squat [JS] tests), as well as resting and exercise heart rate variability parameters in high-level senior professional and under-20 (U-20) futsal players. METHODS: All the players (18 senior and 15 U-20 male players) performed the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1), 20-m sprint, COD test, loaded and unloaded lower-limb power tests (SJ, CMJ and JS tests), as well as resting and post-exercise log-transformed root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals (lnRMSSD) recording. The t-test for independent samples and magnitude-based inference were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: Seniors were likely to very likely superior than U-20 in the Yo-Yo IR1 (1506.7±287.1 and 1264.0±397.9 m, P<0.05), and resting (3.43±0.32 and 3.21±0.37 ms) and post-exercise lnRMSSD (2.95±0.39 and 2.48±0.59 ms, P<0.05). Conversely, U-20 players performed very likely to almost certainly better than seniors in the relative mean propulsive power (10.39±1.60 and 9.05±1.57 W/kg, P<0.05), 20-m sprint time (2.92±0.10 and 3.05±0.10 s, P<0.05) and COD (5.50±0.15 and 5.71±0.22 s, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this cross-sectional study indicate that long-term exposure to futsal may lead to improvement in the aerobic fitness and cardiac autonomic regulation, while impairing the muscle power and speed performance of players. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to confirm the occurrence of such concurrent training adaptations.

Hemilaminectomy approach for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors: an analysis of 164 patients.

OBJECT The authors report their experience with the use of a minimally invasive hemilaminectomy approach for the excision of intradural extramedullary (IDEM) tumors of the spinal cord. METHODS Included were 164 consecutive patients (167 tumors in total), treated between January 2004 and December 2014, in whom the hemilaminectomy approach for IDEM spinal cord tumors was planned. The clinicoradiological data of patients presenting to Christian Medical College were analyzed retrospectively using a computerized chart-review method. Preoperative MRI localization was used in 51 cases. RESULTS The mean age (± SD) of the patients was 42.6 ± 16.6 years, and the mean duration of symptoms was 20.8 ± 27.8 months. The average tumor size was 2.4 ± 1.7 cm. Forty-four tumors were cervical, 5 were cervicothoracic, 72 were thoracic, 7 were thoracolumbar, and 39 were lumbar. Forty-two tumors were ventrally located, whereas 11 were ventrolateral; the rest were either dorsal or dorsolateral. The most common pathologies were schwannoma (110 cases) and meningioma (31 cases). Total excision was achieved for 93% of the tumors. The average duration of surgery was 1.6 ± 0.6 hours. CONCLUSIONS The hemilaminectomy approach to the removal of intradural tumors was quick and safe and resulted in minimal morbidity and no mortality. Preoperative MRI localization improved accuracy and reduced operating time by eliminating the need for intraoperative fluoroscopy.

Topography of arterial and venous blood vessels in the kidneys of English Thoroughbred Horses / Topografia dos vasos sanguíneos arteriais e venosos nos rins de Cavalos Puro Sangue Inglês

In equines, kidney diseases are typically associated with respiratory and digestive problems, but surgical intervention is not common. The study of kidney blood vessels of domestic and wild animals are of fundamental importance for understanding many aspects of their physiology and nutrition. The current study used 30 pairs of kidneys from English Thoroughbred horses being 15 males and 15 females of different ages. The organs were donated by the Jockey Club of Sao Paulo. During the animal necropsies, the kidneys and their arteries and veins were removed together. The organs were fixed in formalin 10% for about 48 hours, for dissection and individualization of the components of the renal pedicle. After dissecting the material, the components of the renal pedicle were individualised. To analyse the results, the cranioventral, craniodorsal, caudoventral and caudodorsal quadrants were defined using two lines: craniocaudal and dorsoventral. Overall, the following results were obtained: in the hilar region, two arterial branches occurred in the right kidney in 50% of cases and two in the left kidney (33.3%); in the juxtahilar region, the number of arterial branches ranged from four to five in the right kidney in 20% of cases, whereas six occurred in the left kidney (16.7%); and regarding the extrahilar region, three branches occurred in the right kidney (26.7%) and three in the left kidney (20.0%).

As doenças renais em equinos, geralmente estão associadas a problemas respiratórios e digestórios, entretanto não são frequentes as intervenções cirúrgicas neste órgão para estes animais. O estudo dos vasos sanguíneos relativos aos rins nos animais domésticos e selvagens é de fundamental importância para o entendimento de diversos aspectos de sua fisiologia e nutrição. Neste trabalho, foram utilizados 30 pares de rins de equinos Puro Sangue Inglês, dos quais 15 machos e 15 fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias, provenientes de doação do Jockey Club de São Paulo. Durante a necropsia dos animais, os rins unidos por meio de suas artérias e veias renais foram retirados em bloco. Em seguida, foram fixados em solução de formol a 10%, por aproximadamente 48h, para a dissecação e individualização dos componentes dos pedículos renais. Para a análise dos resultados foram demarcados os quadrantes cranioventral, craniodorsal, caudoventral e caudodorsal, com duas linhas uma craniocaudal e a outra dorsoventral. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que: os ramos arteriais da região hilar são observados no rim direito em número de dois em 50%, no esquerdo em número de dois (33,3%), os ramos arteriais na região justahilar são computados no rim direito em número de quatro a cinco em 20% e no rim esquerdo em número de seis (16,7%), e nos ramos dispostos na região extrahilar são registrados no rim direito em número de três (26,7%) e no esquerdo em número de três (20%).

Dilemas da política científica da educação física brasileira em tempos de produtivismo acadêmico / Dilemmas of science policy in Brazil's Physical Education in times of academic productivism / Los dilemas de la Educación Física científica política en tiempos de productivismo académico brasileño

A pretensão deste ensaio é discutir sucintamente os dilemas da política científica da Educação Física brasileira em tempos de produtivismo acadêmico, particularmente a que se desenvolve no âmbito da pós-graduação stricto sensu. A partir da análise do panorama da pós-graduação brasileira, visualizamos o processo de reconfiguração da Capes e da Universidade brasileira nos últimos anos, no qual destacamos os indicadores "otimistas" da política científica dos Programas de Pós-Graduação em Educação Física - PPGEF, como também os aspectos preocupantes para a área. Diante desse quadro e no intuito de instigar o debate, apontamos então algumas possibilidades existentes na Educação Física

The essay aims to conduct a brief discussion on the political dilemmas faced by Brazil's science policy for physical education in times of academic productivism, particularly the one developing in the context of "stricto sensu" post-graduate programs. After an overview of Brazilian Graduate Studies, we look at reconfiguration process of CAPES and Brazilian universities in recent years, where we point out "optimistic" indicators of science policy of postgraduate programs in Physical Education as well as troubling aspects in the area. Given that situation and in order to raise debate, we point out some possibilities in Physical Education

La intención de este trabajo es analizar brevemente los dilemas políticos de la Educación Física científica en tiempos de productivismo académico brasileño, en especial aquel que se desarrolla en el contexto de postgrado stricto sensu. En el panorama de los cursos de postgrado, visualizamos el proceso de reconfiguración de la Capes y la universidad brasileña en los últimos años, donde se destacan los indicadores de la política optimista de los programas de postgrado científicos en la Educación Física - PPGEF, así como los aspectos problemáticos de la zona. Frente a esta situación, y con el fin de provocar el debate, se ha señalado algunas posibilidades de la Educación Física

Colonization of palm trees by Rhodnius neglectus and household and invasion in an urban area, Araçatuba, São Paulo State, Brazil.

The objective of this study is to report on the colonization of palm trees by Rhodnius neglectus, its invasion in an urban area, in Araçatuba - São Paulo, and the control and surveillance measures that have been put in place. Domiciliary triatomine searches occurred in apartments upon the inhabitants' notification. The collected insects were identified and examined for natural infection and food sources with a precipitin test. To search the palm trees, tarps were used to cover the floor, and a "Munck" truck equipped with a tree-pruning device was utilized. Chemical control was performed with the utilization of a manual compression. In 2009, 81 specimens of Rhodnius neglectus were collected from the domiciles by the population. The precipitin test revealed a presence of human blood in 2.7% of the samples. Entomological studies were carried out in these domiciles and in those located within a radius of 200 meters. The search performed in the palm trees resulted in the capture of 882 specimens of triatomines, negative for tripanosomatids. Mechanical and chemical controls were carried out. New searches conducted in the palm trees in the same year resulted in the capture of six specimens. The mechanical and chemical controls of the palm trees, together with the population's work, proved to be effective, therefore preventing these insects' colonization of the city's domiciles.