Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

Influence of Thickness and Translucency of Lithium Disilicate Ceramic on the Degree of Conversion of Resin Cements with Different Initiators.

INTRODUCTION: The degree of conversion (DC) of resin cements can be affected by ceramics, and by the type of resin cement. The purpose was to evaluate the influence of thickness and translucencies of lithium disilicate ceramic on the DC of resin cements: two light-cure (Variolink LC; NX3 LC) and one dual-cure (NX3 Dual). METHODS: IPS e.max Press ceramic (A2) discs were prepared in 4 thicknesses (0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mm) and in 3 translucencies: HT (high translucency), LT (low translucency), and MO (medium opacity). Subsequently, 234 samples of resin cement (5 x 1 mm) were light-cured through those ceramic discs. The DC was assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). RESULTS: Ceramic thicknesses decreased DC of NX3 Dual through HT-1.0 and HT 1.5 (p=0.005). Between translucencies, only MO-0.3 affected Variolink LC DC (p=0.018). There was difference among light- and dual-cured resin cements (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Increasing thickness and opacity lead to a decrease in the DC of all resin cements, with a significantly lower DC value in NX3 Dual (HT-1.0; HT-1.5), and in Variolink LC (MO- 0.3). Light- and dual-cured resin cements were different among each other. NX3 Dual achieved a significantly lower value than its counterpart NX3 LC.

Nutritional Status and Adverse Outcomes in Older Depressed Inpatients: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: Significant weight loss and/or loss of appetite is a criterion of a depressive episode. While malnutrition is associated with many adverse health outcomes, the impact of malnutrition in late-life depression has hardly been examined. The present study aims to (1) evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition in depressed older inpatients, and (2) whether and which indices of malnutrition predict adverse health outcomes in late-life depression. DESIGN: A prospective study at 6 months follow-up. SETTING: A University-based psychiatric hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 105 older adults (psychiatric inpatients suffering from unipolar MDD). MEASUREMENTS: Participants were evaluated according the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and anthropometric measures to assess their nutritional status. Multiple regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between the MNA score as well as anthropometric measures with either falls or rehospitalization for any reason. RESULTS: Based on the MNA score, 78 (74.3%) patients were at risk of malnutrition and 13 (12.4%) actually presented malnutrition. Malnutrition was associated with a higher age, frailty, lower body mass index, and smaller calf circumference. During follow-up, 21 (20%) patients fell, 27 (25.7%) were rehospitalized, and 3 died (2.9%). The MNA score was associated with adverse health outcomes, but a low calf circumference predicted falling (OR 4.93 [95% CI: 1.42-17.2], p=.012) and a higher calf circumference rehospitalization (OR 1.17 [95% CI: 1.01-1.35], p=.032). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition is prevalent in older depressed inpatients. In contrast to subjective proxies for malnutrition, which are common in depression, only objective measures of malnutrition predict adverse health outcomes such as falls and rehospitalization.

Antitumoral synergism between a copper(II) complex and cisplatin improves in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity against melanoma, lung and breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsic resistance of cancer cells is a major concern for the success of chemotherapy, and this undesirable feature stimulates further research into the design of new compounds and/or alternative multiple drug chemotherapy protocols. METHODS: In this study, we investigated the antitumoral potential of the coordination compounds [Cu(HPClNOL)Cl]Cl (1), [Fe(HPClNOL)Cl2]NO3(2) and [Mn(HPClNOL)Cl2] (3). Using the human, MCF-7 and A549, and the murine melanoma, B16-F10, cell lines, we determined the cytotoxicity, DCFH oxidation, disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), Sub-G1 and TUNEL positive cells, and caspase 8 and 9 activities. Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) and xenograft models were also assessed to evaluate the efficacy of antitumoral potential. RESULTS: We observed that only complex 1 was cytotoxic. The treatment of cancer cells with complex 1 triggered ROS generation and promoted the disruption of ΔΨm. Complex 1 increased the number of Sub-G1 and TUNEL positive cells, and the measurement of caspase 8 and 9 activity confirmed that apoptosis was triggered by the intrinsic pathway. FIC demonstrated that the combination of complex 1 with cisplatin was additive for the A549 cells whilst it was synergic for MCF-7 and B16-F10. Treatment with complex 1, either alone or combined with cisplatin, reduced tumor growth on xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS: The present study brings new clues regarding the mechanism of action of [Cu(HPClNOL)Cl]Cl, either alone or in combination with cisplatin. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results indicate that complex 1, administered either singly or in combination with current drugs, has real potential for use in cancer therapy.

Characterizing diversity in the tumor-immune microenvironment of distinct subclasses of gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas (GEAs) are heterogeneous cancers where immune checkpoint inhibitors have robust efficacy in heavily inflamed microsatellite instability (MSI) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive subtypes. Immune checkpoint inhibitor responses are markedly lower in diffuse/genome stable (GS) and chromosomal instable (CIN) GEAs. In contrast to EBV and MSI subtypes, the tumor microenvironment of CIN and GS GEAs have not been fully characterized to date, which limits our ability to improve immunotherapeutic strategies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Here we aimed to identify tumor-immune cell association across GEA subclasses using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (N = 453 GEAs) and archival GEA resection specimen (N = 71). The Cancer Genome Atlas RNAseq data were used for computational inferences of immune cell subsets, which were correlated to tumor characteristics within and between subtypes. Archival tissues were used for more spatial immune characterization spanning immunohistochemistry and mRNA expression analyses. RESULTS: Our results confirmed substantial heterogeneity in the tumor microenvironment between distinct subtypes. While MSI-high and EBV+ GEAs harbored most intense T cell infiltrates, the GS group showed enrichment of CD4+ T cells, macrophages and B cells and, in ∼50% of cases, evidence for tertiary lymphoid structures. In contrast, CIN cancers possessed CD8+ T cells predominantly at the invasive margin while tumor-associated macrophages showed tumor infiltrating capacity. Relatively T cell-rich 'hot' CIN GEAs were often from Western patients, while immunological 'cold' CIN GEAs showed enrichment of MYC and cell cycle pathways, including amplification of CCNE1. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal the diversity of immune phenotypes of GEA. Half of GS gastric cancers have tertiary lymphoid structures and are therefore promising candidates for immunotherapy. The majority of CIN GEAs, however, exhibit T cell exclusion and infiltrating macrophages. Associations of immune-poor CIN GEAs with MYC activity and CCNE1 amplification may enable new studies to determine precise mechanisms of immune evasion, ultimately inspiring new therapeutic modalities.

An Optimized Solid-Phase Microextraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Assay for the Determination of Ethyl Palmitate in Hair.

The use of hair as a matrix for the evaluation of chronic ethanol drinking behavior presents the advantage of a longer window of detection and higher specificity when compared to classical biochemical markers. The most recent recommendations the Society of Hair Testing (SOHT) indicate that ethyl palmitate (EtP) hair levels can be used to estimate the ethanol drinking behavior, alternatively to the combined measurement of four main fatty acid ethyl esters. In this study, solid-phase microextraction (SPME) conditions for the extraction of EtP from hair were optimized using response surface analysis, after a Box-Behnken experiment. Analyses were performed by GC-MS. The optimized HS-SPME conditions, using a PDMS-DVB (65 µm) fiber, were pre-adsorption time of 6 min, extraction time of 60 min and incubation temperature of 94°C. The linear range was 0.05 to 3 ng mg-1, with accuracy within 95.15-109.91%. Between-assay and within-assay precision were 8.58-12.53 and 6.12-6.82%, respectively. The extraction yield was 61.3-71.9%. The assay was applied to hair specimens obtained from 46 volunteers, all presenting EtP levels within the linear range of the assay. Using a statistically designed experiment, a sensitive SPME-GC-MS assay for the measurement of EtP in hair was developed and validated, requiring only 20 mg of hair.

Improved measurement of ethyl glucuronide concentrations in hair using UPLCMS/MS for the evaluation of chronic ethanol consumption.

The presence of Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) in hair provides a strong indication of ethanol consumption and its investigation is of interest in both clinical and forensic contexts because of the wide window of detection. However, due to the possibility of false negative results in cases of small ethanol intake or excessive hair washing, the combined measurement of ethyl palmitate (EtP) with EtG could be useful. In this study, a sensitive UHPLC-MS/MS procedure for the measurement of EtG in hair was developed and validated, using optimized sample preparation and chromatographic separation. Milled hair was extracted with water for 24 h at room temperature, followed by clean-up of the extract by ion-exchange solid phase extraction (SPE). Extraction was highly efficient, with yield of 96.93-101.06%. Chromatographic separation was performed with a Fluoro-Phenyl stationary phase. The assay was linear from 4 to 500pgmg-1, with accuracy in the range of 100.30-106.16%. Matrix effects (-0.87 to 5.89%) were adequately compensated by the use of deuterated EtG as internal standard. EtG was measured in hair samples of 46 volunteers, and results were compared with hair concentrations of ethyl palmitate (EtP) and the score in the AUDITC questionnaire. EtG hair concentrations were significantly correlated to the AUDIT-C classification (rs=0.365, p<0.05), but not to EtP hair levels. The diagnostic performance of EtG hair concentrations to identify excessive or moderate ethanol use was similar to the capability of AUDIT-C to identify severe and high health risk (Kappa, p=0.013). The developed assay is suitable for clinical use, providing a useful tool to evaluate chronic ethanol consumption.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a triterpene-rich fraction from Himatanthus drasticus.

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the latex from its trunk bark (Hd) is known as "janaguba milk". This latex is widely used in Northeast Brazil, mainly in the Cariri region, for its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to investigate a triterpene-rich fraction (FJNB) from H. drasticus latex on acute models of nociception and inflammation and to clarify its mechanisms of action. Wistar rats or Swiss mice were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test or the formalin test, respectively, after the acute oral treatment with FJNB. The inflamed paws from the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assays, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and considered significant at P<0.05. FJNB (10 mg/kg) decreased the paw edema by 25% at the 3rd h after the carrageenan injection. Indomethacin, used as reference, inhibited the paw edema by 59% at the same time-point. In the formalin test, FJNB inhibited the 1st phase by 27, 49, and 52% and the 2nd phase by 37, 50, and 67%, at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, FJNB significantly inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) were also inhibited at the same doses. In conclusion, the FJNB inhibitory actions on iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, HDAC, and NF-kB could be involved with the drug anti-inflammatory activity.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a triterpene-rich fraction from Himatanthus drasticus

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the latex from its trunk bark (Hd) is known as "janaguba milk". This latex is widely used in Northeast Brazil, mainly in the Cariri region, for its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to investigate a triterpene-rich fraction (FJNB) from H. drasticus latex on acute models of nociception and inflammation and to clarify its mechanisms of action. Wistar rats or Swiss mice were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test or the formalin test, respectively, after the acute oral treatment with FJNB. The inflamed paws from the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assays, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and considered significant at P<0.05. FJNB (10 mg/kg) decreased the paw edema by 25% at the 3rd h after the carrageenan injection. Indomethacin, used as reference, inhibited the paw edema by 59% at the same time-point. In the formalin test, FJNB inhibited the 1st phase by 27, 49, and 52% and the 2nd phase by 37, 50, and 67%, at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, FJNB significantly inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) were also inhibited at the same doses. In conclusion, the FJNB inhibitory actions on iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, HDAC, and NF-kB could be involved with the drug anti-inflammatory activity.

Precisely dating the Frasnian-Famennian boundary: implications for the cause of the Late Devonian mass extinction.

The Frasnian-Famennian boundary records one of the most catastrophic mass extinctions of the Phanerozoic Eon. Several possible causes for this extinction have been suggested, including extra-terrestrial impacts and large-scale volcanism. However, linking the extinction with these potential causes is hindered by the lack of precise dating of either the extinction or volcanic/impact events. In this study, a bentonite layer in uppermost-Frasnian sediments from Steinbruch Schmidt (Germany) is re-analysed using CA-ID-TIMS U-Pb zircon geochronology in order to constrain the date of the Frasnian-Famennian extinction. A new age of 372.36 ± 0.053 Ma is determined for this bentonite, confirming a date no older than 372.4 Ma for the Frasnian-Famennian boundary, which can be further constrained to 371.93-371.78 Ma using a pre-existing Late Devonian age model. This age is consistent with previous dates, but is significantly more precise. When compared with published ages of the Siljan impact crater and basalts produced by large-scale volcanism, there is no apparent correlation between the extinction and either phenomenon, not clearly supporting them as a direct cause for the Frasnian-Famennian event. This result highlights an urgent need for further Late Devonian geochronological and chemostratigraphic work to better understand the cause(s) of this extinction.

High sucrose consumption induces memory impairment in rats associated with electrophysiological modifications but not with metabolic changes in the hippocampus.

High sugar consumption is a risk factor for metabolic disturbances leading to memory impairment. Thus, rats subject to high sucrose intake (HSu) develop a metabolic syndrome and display memory deficits. We now investigated if these HSu-induced memory deficits were associated with metabolic and electrophysiological alterations in the hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were submitted for 9 weeks to a sucrose-rich diet (35% sucrose solution) and subsequently to a battery of behavioral tests; after sacrifice, their hippocampi were collected for ex vivo high-resolution magic angle spinning (HRMAS) metabolic characterization and electrophysiological extracellular recordings in slices. HSu rats displayed a decreased memory performance (object displacement and novel object recognition tasks) and helpless behavior (forced swimming test), without altered locomotion (open field). HRMAS analysis indicated a similar hippocampal metabolic profile of HSu and control rats. HSu rats also displayed no change of synaptic transmission and plasticity (long-term potentiation) in hippocampal Schaffer fibers-CA1 pyramid synapses, but had decreased amplitude of long-term depression in the temporoammonic (TA) pathway. Furthermore, HSu rats had an increased density of inhibitory adenosine A1 receptors (A1R), that translated into a greater potency of A1R in Schaffer fiber synapses, but not in the TA pathway, whereas the endogenous activation of A1R in HSu rats was preserved in the TA pathway but abolished in Schaffer fiber synapses. These results suggest that HSu triggers a hippocampal-dependent memory impairment that is not associated with altered hippocampal metabolism but is probably related to modified synaptic plasticity in hippocampal TA synapses.

Vitamin D levels and cytokine profiles in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and verify the association between serum cytokine levels and vitamin D concentration. METHODS: The sample consisted of 172 patients with SLE. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured by chemiluminescence and 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/mL were considered to reflect vitamin D deficiency. Serum cytokine levels were measured in once-thawed samples, using a Th1/Th2/Th17 CBA (cytometric beads array) kit. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-one (93.6%) patients were women and 128 (74.4%) were of European descent. Mean patient age was 40.5 ± 13.8 years, and mean age at diagnosis was 31.5 ± 13.4 years. At the time of study entry, patients had a median (IQR) SLEDAI of 2 (1-4) and SLICC of 0 (0-1). Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 25.4 ± 11.04 ng/mL. Fifty-nine (34.3%) patients had a vitamin D deficiency. No statistically significant associations were identified between cytokine and vitamin D levels. The most significant finding was a positive correlation between INF-α levels and SLEDAI (r(s) = 0.22, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Although vitamin D deficiencies are highly prevalent in patients with SLE, vitamin D levels were not significantly associated with patient cytokine profiles. The positive correlation between IFN-α levels and SLEDAI showed in this study corroborates other findings in the literature. The present results did not replicate those of in vitro studies of the effect of vitamin D levels on cytokine profiles. Placebo-controlled intervention trials of the effect of vitamin D on cytokine profiles are still required before any definitive conclusions can be drawn regarding the association between these variables.

Strength field tests performance are correlated with isokinetic strength of shoulder rotator muscles in female handball players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the isokinetic shoulder strength of the athletes and their performance on strength field tests. Data on the balance and functional strength ratios of the internal and external rotator muscles of shoulders of handball players was also investigated. METHODS: Twenty-seven female athletes (23±3.4 years, 71±10.6 kg and 173.3±7.1 cm) underwent an isokinetic assessment of the strength of the shoulder rotator muscles. Athletes also performed the following strength field tests: bench press test, lying bench barbell row test, handgrip test, and medicine ball throwing. RESULTS: The bench press test results and the lying bench barbell row test results were significantly correlated with the concentric internal and external rotator peak torques at 1.05 rad.s-1 and 5.23 rad.s-1, with total work at 1.05 rad.s-1 and with average power at 5.23 rad.s-1 (r=0.51 to 0.81). CONCLUSION: We suggested the use of field test to infer about internal and external rotator muscular strength, but not to infer about isokinetic muscular strength ratios. These findings could be useful to coaches and trainers.

Brazilian obesity prevention and control initiatives.

Obesity prevalence in the Brazilian adult population is 12.5% among men and 16.9% among women. Obesity control has been a subject of concern in Brazilian health policies since the publication of the National Food and Nutrition Policy in 1999. The initiatives include a comprehensive national intersectorial plan for obesity prevention and control focused on confronting its social and environmental causes, development of a food and nutrition education framework aimed at intersectorial public policies in the food and nutritional security field, promotion and provision of healthy food in school environments (linked to family farming), structuring nutrition actions in primary healthcare in the national healthcare system, promoting community physical activity, food regulation and control, and encouragement of public participation and food control. We conclude that several initiatives have been developed in Brazil to deal with the challenge of implementing an intergovernmental, intersectorial response to reverse the rising overweight and obesity rates. The success of this response will depend on a governance model that promotes joint and integrated action by different sectors and active participation of society to consolidate the actions, places and laws that protect health and promote healthy lifestyles.

Multi-site clinical assessment of Complete Revitalens MPDS in 2981 contact lens wearers across Europe and USA.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular response and subject acceptance of a new multipurpose disinfecting solution (MPDS), Complete Revitalens (RevitaLens OcuTec in the US Market), for soft contact lens care in a large "real practice" setting. METHOD: This is an international multi-center, open-label assessment carried out in 10 countries across Europe and in the USA. Up to 10 subjects who were currently wearing soft contact lenses for at least 1 year and using a MPS as a lens care system were included at each investigational site. RESULTS: Data were collected from 996 European and 1985 American wearers, 75% of those patients wore silicone hydrogel contact lenses. Approximately 94% found the new MPDS "somewhat more effective" to "much more effective" in keeping contact lenses feeling clean and 88% found the new MPDS to be somewhat more effective to much more effective in keeping their lenses feeling comfortable in the evening. Over 93% reported an improvement in vision clearness in the evening after approximately 1 month while using the new MPDS. Wearers with grade 2, 3 or 4 of severity decreased by 11.3, 6.4 and 9.8% over 1 month period for redness, burning and irritation, respectively. After approximately 1 month 83% of wearers declared that they would prefer to use the new MPDS. CONCLUSIONS: Over 88% felt their lenses were somewhat to much more comfortable at the end-of-day and 94% found the new MPDS to be somewhat to much more effective in keeping their lenses feeling clean compared to their previous care system.

Topical versus peribulbar anesthesia in non-penetrating deep sclerectomy. A cost-effectiveness analysis.

AIM: To assess the costs and cost-effectiveness ratio of topical and peribulbar anesthesia in non-penetrating deep sclerectomy for the surgical treatment of open-angle glaucoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the associated direct costs with both topical and peribulbar anesthesia. Effectiveness was defined as the proportion of patients that experienced no pain during the surgical procedure and was obtained from the literature. Cost-effectiveness was defined as direct cost of anesthesia per patient with no pain. We also calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in order to determine which intervention was dominant. RESULTS: Direct costs were US$ 45.60 and US$ 49.18 for topical and peribulbar anesthesia respectively. The great majority of patients experienced no pain with any of the procedures (91.7% for the topical group and 69.7% for the peribulbar group). Cost-effectiveness ratio was US$ 49.73 for topical anesthesia and US$ 70.56 for peribulbar anesthesia. The ICER was negative and topical anesthesia was dominant over peribulbar anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Topical anesthesia was less costly and more effective than peribulbar anesthesia in avoiding pain in non-penetrating deep sclerectomy.

[Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and their parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) associated to host plants in the southern region of Bahia State]. / Moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) e seus parasitoides (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) associados às plantas hospedeiras no sul da Bahia.

The association among Anastrepha species, braconid parasitoids and host fruits in southern Bahia is recorded. Doryctobracon areolatus (Szépligeti) was associated with A. serpentina (Wied.) in Pouteria caimito, A. bahiensis Lima in Helicostylis tomentosa, A. sororcula Zucchi in Eugenia uniflora, and A. obliqua (Macquart) in Spondias purpurea. Anatrepha obliqua was unique in fruits of Averrhoa carambola, but associated with D. areolatus, Asobara anastrephae (Muesebeck) and Utetes anastrephae (Viereck). In Achras sapota, A. serpentina was associated with A. anastrephae and D. areolatus, while in Psidium guajava, A. fraterculus (Wied.) and A. sororcula were associated with D. areolatus and U. anastrephae.

Relationship between aerobic and anaerobic parameters and functional classification in wheelchair basketball players.

Participation in sports for individuals with disabilities continues to gain popularity. In order to provide fair and equitable competition among persons with different disabilities and functional capacity, a separate functional classification system has been devised for each sport. The aims of the present study were to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic performance of wheelchair basketball athletes and verify a correlation with the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation functional classification system. For this, 17 highly trained male Brazilian basketball wheelchair athletes (25.4+/-4.4 years) from the national team who had taken part in the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games were assessed. These athletes were submitted to cardiopulmonary exercise testing and Wingate-like 30-s sprint test using upper limbs. The present study demonstrated that the functional classification score correlated with relative (r=0.90; P<0.0001) and absolute peak power (r=0.50; P=0.0353) and absolute mean power (r=0.93; P<0.0001) obtained from the Wingate-like 30-s sprint test and also correlated with absolute O(2) peak (r=0.68; P=0.0026) and O(2) at ventilatory threshold (r=0.71; P=0.0014), measured on cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Therefore, our findings support the functional classification created to classify athletes' functional capability on the court, which also correlated with aerobic and anaerobic performance parameters of the elite wheelchair basketball players.