Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Correlação da espirometria com o teste de caminhada de seis minutos em eutróficos e obesos

OBJECTIVE: To assess the distance covered by both eutrophic individuals and individuals with different grades of obesity and correlate the data obtained with spirometric values. This study is justified by the existing difficulty in assessing the functional capacity in obese individuals, and by the low cost and good specificity of six-minute walk test (6MWT) in predicting reduced capacity for activities of daily living for any individual. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four individuals of both genders were assessed after being divided into two groups: G1, obese individuals (n = 93, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and G2, eutrophic individuals (n = 61, BMI 18.5 to 24.99 kg/m2). The 6MWT was performed using the methodology described by the American Thoracic Society (ATS-2002). Spirometry was performed both before and after the application of a bronchodilator agent (BDA) in accordance with the Guidelines for Pulmonary Function Tests by the Brazilian Society of Pneumology and Phthisiology (SBPT-2002). The statistical analysis, consisting of mean, standard deviation, Pearson's correlation, Student's t test and Spearman's correlation, considered p < 0.05. RESULTS: The 6MWT analysis with spirometry for G1 was positively correlated only with pre- and post-BDA peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). CONCLUSION: The present study showed a positive correlation between pre- and post-BDA PEFR and the distance covered in the 6MWT in obese subjects, that is, the higher the PEFR, the higher the physico-functional capacity of the individual, and consequently, the greater the distance covered
Fitness differences between parapatric lake and stream stickleback revealed by a field transplant

Molecular comparisons of populations diverging into ecologically different environments often reveal strong differentiation in localized genomic regions, with the remainder of the genome being weakly differentiated. This pattern of heterogeneous genomic divergence, however, is rarely connected to direct measurements of fitness differences among populations. We here do so by performing a field enclosure experiment in threespine stickleback fish residing in a lake and in three replicate adjoining streams, and displaying weak yet heterogeneous genomic divergence between these habitats. Tracking survival over 29 weeks, we consistently find that lake genotypes transplanted into the streams suffer greatly reduced viability relative to local stream genotypes and that the performance of F1 hybrid genotypes is intermediate. This observed selection against migrants and hybrids combines to a total reduction in gene flow from the lake into streams of around 80%. Overall, our study identifies a strong reproductive barrier between parapatric stickleback populations, and cautions against inferring weak fitness differences between populations exhibiting weak overall genomic differentiation.
Is the hook of muroid rodent's sperm related to sperm train formation?

Competition between spermatozoa of rival males to gain fertilizations has led to a wide array of modifications in sperm structure and function. Sperm cells of most muroid rodents have hook‐shaped extensions in the apical–ventral tip of the head, but the function of this structure is largely unknown. These ‘hooks’ may facilitate aggregation of spermatozoa in so‐called ‘trains’, as an adaptation to sperm competition, because sperm in trains may swim faster than free‐swimming cells. However, there is controversy regarding the role of the hook in train formation, and in relation to whether it is selected by sperm competition. We examined spermatozoa from muroid rodents with varying levels of sperm competition to assess whether (i) sperm aggregates are common in these taxa, (ii) presence of a hook relates to the formation of sperm aggregations, and (iii) formation of sperm aggregations is explained by sperm competition. Our analyses in 25 muroid species revealed that > 92% of spermatozoa swim individually in all species, with the exception of the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus, which has ~50% spermatozoa swimming freely. Species with hooked spermatozoa had higher sperm competition levels and longer sperm than species whose sperm lack a hook. Neither the presence of hook nor sperm competition levels were related to the percentage of sperm in aggregations. Thus, (i) sperm aggregates in muroid rodents are an exceptional trait found only in a few species, (ii) evolution of the sperm hook is associated to sperm competition levels, but (iii) the hook is unlikely to be related to the formation of sperm aggregates. The evolutionary significance of the sperm head hook thus remains elusive, and future studies should examine potential roles of this pervasive structure in sperm's hydrodynamic efficiency and sperm–female tract interactions.
Heritability, evolvability, phenotypic plasticity and temporal variation in sperm‐competition success of Drosophila melanogaster

Sperm‐competition success (SCS) is seen as centrally important for evolutionary change: superior fathers sire superior sons and thereby inherit the traits that make them superior. Additional hypotheses, that phenotypic plasticity in SCS and sperm ageing explain variation in paternity, are less considered. Even though various alleles have individually been shown to be correlated with variation in SCS, few studies have addressed the heritability, or evolvability, of overall SCS. Those studies that have addressed found low or no heritability and have not examined evolvability. They have further not excluded phenotypic plasticity, and temporal effects on SCS, despite their known dramatic effects on sperm function. In Drosophila melanogaster, we found that both standard components of sperm competition, sperm defence and sperm offence, showed nonsignificant heritability across several offspring cohorts. Instead, our analysis revealed, for the first time, the existence of phenotypic plasticity in SCS across an extreme environment (5% CO2), and an influence of sperm ageing. Evolvability of SCS was substantial for sperm defence but weak for sperm offence. Our results suggest that the paradigm of explaining evolution by sperm competition is more complex and will benefit from further experimental work on the heritability or evolvability of SCS, measuring phenotypic plasticity, and separating the effects of sperm competition and sperm ageing.
Climate‐mediated adaptation after mainland colonization of an ancestrally subtropical island lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Climate‐mediated evolution plays an integral role in species migration and range expansion. Gaining a clearer understanding of how climate affects demographic history and adaptation provides fundamental insight into the generation of intra‐ and interspecific diversity. In this study, we used the natural colonization of the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) from the island of Cuba to mainland North America to investigate the role of evolution at the niche, phenotypic and genetic levels after long‐term establishment in a novel environment. The North American green anole occupies a broader range of thermal habitats than its Cuban sister species. We documented niche expansion in the mainland green anole, mediated primarily through adaptation to winter temperatures. Common garden experiments strongly suggest a genetic component to differences in thermal performance found between populations in different temperature regimes. Analysis of geographic variation in population structure based on 53 486 single nucleotide variants from RAD loci revealed increased genetic isolation between populations in different vs. similar thermal environments. Selection scans for environment‐allele correlations reveal 19 genomic loci of known function that may have played a role in the physiological adaptation of A. carolinensis to temperate environments on the mainland.
Group V secreted phospholipase A2 contributes to LPS‐induced leukocyte recruitment

Secreted phospholipases A2 (sPLA2s) are well known for their contribution in the biosynthesis of inflammatory eicosanoids. These enzymes also participate in the inflammatory process by regulating chemokine production and protein expression of adhesion molecules. The majority of sPLA2 isoforms are up‐regulated by proinflammatory stimuli such as bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which predominantly increases the expression of group V sPLA2 (sPLA2‐V). Furthermore, it has recently been shown that sPLA2‐V is a critical messenger in the regulation of cell migration during allergic airway responsiveness. Herein, we investigated the effect of sPLA2‐V on LPS‐mediated leukocyte recruitment and its capacity to modulate adhesion molecule expression. We conducted our study in the murine air pouch model, using sPLA2‐V null mice (sPLA2‐V−/−) and control wild‐type (WT) littermates. We observed that LPS (1 µg/ml)‐mediated leukocyte emigration in sPLA2‐V−/− was attenuated by 52% and 86% upon 6 and 12 h of treatment respectively, as compared to WT mice. In WT mice, treatment with the cell‐permeable sPLA2 inhibitor (12‐epi‐scalaradial; SLD) reduced LPS‐mediated leukocyte recruitment by 67%, but had no additional inhibitory effect in sPLA2‐V−/− mice. Protein analyses from the air pouch skin were carried out upon LPS‐challenge, and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)‐1 were both significantly reduced in sPLA2‐V−/− mice as compared to control WT mice. Together, our data demonstrate the role of sPLA2‐V in LPS‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 protein overexpression and leukocyte recruitment, supporting the contribution of sPLA2‐V in the development of inflammatory innate immune responses. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:127–134, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
β1 integrins mediate cell proliferation in three‐dimensional cultures by regulating expression of the sonic hedgehog effector protein, GLI1

The β1 integrins play an important role in the modulation of cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. We have previously shown that β1 integrins associate with insulin‐like growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF‐IR) and regulate IGF‐stimulated prostate cancer cell proliferation. In the present study, we find that downregulation of β1 in prostate cancer cells inhibits IGF‐IR and AKT activation. We also show that β1 downregulation in two‐ and three‐dimensional (3D) prostate cancer cell cultures significantly reduces expression of GLI1, a transcription factor known to be regulated by the IGF/AKT signaling pathway and to be a downstream effector of sonic hedgehog. Re‐expression of GLI1 rescues the inhibitory effect of β1 downregulation on prostate cancer cell proliferation in 3D cultures. We find that downregulation of β1 significantly reduces surface expression of the associated α5 integrin subunit. Our results indicate that the β1/IGF–IR complex regulates expression of GLI1, which in turn promotes cancer cell proliferation in 3D cultures. J. Cell. Physiol. 224:210–217, 2010 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomic Position of the Lingual Nerve in the Mandibular Third Molar Region as Potential Risk Factors for Nerve Palsy

Palsy of the lingual nerve (LN) during third molar extractions, ramus osteotomies, anesthetic injections, procedures of orthognathic, preprosthetic, and periodontal surgery are important complications reported with varying frequency. The purpose of this study is to present quantitative data describing the position and shape of the LN in the third molar area. In the course of dissection, the LN was noted, as well as the furcation pattern, position, course, and anatomic relations under 2.5X loupe magnification in 21 adult male human cadavers. The distance of the junction of the LN and the chorda tympani from the foramen ovale was measured as average 15.1 ± 5.8mm. The 4 furcation patterns of the LN and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) were observed based on their relative positions. Bifurcation of them above the level of the mandibular notch (type I) was observed in 66.7% of the specimens. The horizontal distance of the LN from the lingual plate of the mandible was greater in this study than in previous studies. This study provided measurable objective criteria for the relationship of LN in the third molar region. The knowledge of the relationship between the LN and third molar region is useful for the surgeon in avoiding unexpected complications.
Videofluoroscopic Analysis of Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis

The causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis, or hypomobility, are many, and it is important to understand the underlying etiology before treatment. Classically, TMJ ankylosis has been diagnosed by clinical evaluation and static imaging techniques such as plain radiographs, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Static imaging demonstrates the size and location of the bones and soft tissues of the TMJ at a given moment; however, it fails to show the dynamic relationship of structures as the condylar head goes through its range of motion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of videofluoroscopy as a dynamic means of assessing TMJ ankylosis. To do so, videofluoroscopy must be able to distinguish between bony fusion, fibrosis of the surrounding soft tissues, degeneration of the joint space, and mechanical causes of joint limitation. Six patients-2 healthy controls and 4 patients with known TMJ ankylosis-were submitted to standardized videofluoroscopic evaluation and thorough physical examination that included measurement of mandibular excursion. Videofluoroscopic data were compared with physical data. Condylar displacement was recorded in all patients, and values ranged from 0% to 100%. Videofluoroscopy allowed for the measurement of the TMJ joint space and for a detailed observation of bony and soft tissue components as they ranged in motion. In all cases, the exact cause limiting mandibular excursion was noted. Videofluoroscopy has become our preferred method of imaging the TMJ because it provides a detailed and dynamic evaluation at a reasonable cost.
Leptin potentiates antiproliferative action of cAMP elevation via protein kinase A down‐regulation in breast cancer cells

Previously, we have shown that leptin potentiates the antiproliferative action of cAMP elevating agents in breast cancer cells and that the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT‐5720 prevented the antiproliferative effects induced by the leptin plus cAMP elevation. The present experiments were designed to gain a better understanding about the PKA role in the antitumor interaction between leptin and cAMP elevating agents and on the underlying signaling pathways. Here we show that exposure of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells to leptin resulted in a strong phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and STAT3. Interestingly, intracellular cAMP elevation upon forskolin pretreatment completely abrogated both ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation in response to leptin and was accompanied by a consistent CREB phosphorylation. Notably, leptin plus forskolin cotreatments resulted in a strong decrease of both PKA regulatory RIα and catalytic subunits protein levels. Importantly, pretreatment with the PKA inhibitor KT‐5720 blocked the forskolin‐induced CREB phosphorylation and prevented both the inhibition by forskolin of leptin‐induced ERK1/2 and STAT3 phosphorylation and the PKA subunits down‐regulation induced by the combination of leptin and forskolin. Altogether, our results indicate that leptin‐dependent signaling pathways are influenced by cAMP elevation and identify PKA as relevantly involved in the pharmacological antitumor interaction between leptin and cAMP elevating drugs in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. We propose a molecular model by which PKA confers its effects. Potential therapeutic applications by our data will be discussed. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 801–809, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fatores de risco associados a alterações renais em pacientes infectados por HIV-1

INTRODUCAO: A doenca renal e uma das principais comorbidades envolvendo pacientes infectados com o HIV, em razao da melhora da sobrevida proporcionada pela terapeutica antirretroviral. O objetivo deste estudo foi detectar fatores de risco, possivelmente correlacionados com funcao renal alterada, em pacientes infectados pelo HIV. METODOS: Estudo transversal foi realizado em 254 pacientes infectados pelo HIV, atendidos em ambulatorio na Santa Casa de Vitoria. Eles foram entrevistados e submetidos a coletas de amostras de sangue para contagem de celulas CD4, quantificacao de carga viral do HIV-1, dosagens de glicose, lipideos e creatinina. A proteinuria foi avaliada em amostra de primeira urina da manha. A filtracao glomerular foi estimada com as formulas de modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) simplificada e Cockcroft-Gault. RESULTADOS: Cento e tres (40,6%) pacientes tinham alguma anormalidade no exame de urina, sendo proteinuria o achado mais comum (46; 18,1% pacientes). Vinte e cinco (9,8%) pacientes tinham filtracao glomerular estimada inferior a 60ml/min/1.73m2 de acordo com MDRD. A analise de regressao logistica multivariada mostrou que baixa filtracao glomerular foi positivamente correlacionada com raca negra [OR 9,6 (IC95% 1,28-23,80)], hipertensao arterial sistemica [OR 3,3 (IC95% 1,28-23,81)], idade acima de 51 anos [OR 3,3 (IC95%1,11-9,90)], proteinuria [OR 5,2 {IC95% 1,67-16,25}]; hematuria [OR 3,2 (1,12-9,29)] e negativamente com pacientes em uso de zidovudina [OR 0,2 (0,04-0,78)]. CONCLUSOES: Os fatores de risco tradicionais para doenca renal como raca negra, hipertensao arterial e idade avancada foram correlacionados com menor filtracao glomerular estimada em nossos pacientes.
PKCε regulates contraction‐stimulated GLUT4 traffic in skeletal muscle cells

The signaling pathways that stimulate glucose uptake in response to muscle contraction are not well defined. Recently, we showed that carbachol, an acetylcholine analog, stimulates contraction of C2C12 myotube cultures and the rapid arrival of myc‐epitope tagged GLUT4 glucose transporters at the cell surface. Here, we explore a role for protein kinase C (PKC) in regulating GLUT4 traffic. Cell surface carbachol‐induced GLUT4myc levels were partly inhibited by the conventional/novel PKC inhibitors GF‐109203X, Gö6983, and Ro‐31‐8425 but not by the conventional PKC inhibitor Gö6976. C2C12 myotubes expressed several novel isoforms of PKC mRNA with PKCδ and PKCε in greater abundance. Carbachol stimulated phosphorylation of PKC isoforms and translocation of PKCδ and PKCε to membranes within 5 min. However, only a peptidic inhibitor of PKCε translocation (myristoylated‐EAVSLKPT), but not one of PKCδ (myristoylated‐SFNSYELGSL), prevented the GLUT4myc response to carbachol. Significant participation of PKCε in the carbachol‐induced gain of GLUT4myc at the surface of C2C12 myotubes was further supported through siRNA‐mediated PKCε protein knockdown. These findings support a role for novel PKC isoforms, especially PKCε, in contraction‐stimulated GLUT4 traffic in muscle cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 173–180, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Encapsulation of bacteria and viruses in electrospun nanofibres

Bacteria and viruses were encapsulated in electrospun polymer nanofibres. The bacteria and viruses were suspended in a solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in water and subjected to an electrostatic field of the order of 1 kV cm−1. Encapsulated bacteria in this work, (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus albus) and bacterial viruses (T7, T4, λ) managed to survive the electrospinning process while maintaining their viability at fairly high levels. Subsequently the bacteria and viruses remain viable during three months at −20 and −55 °C without a further decrease in number. The present results demonstrate the potential of the electrospinning process for the encapsulation and immobilization of living biological material.
Use of Performance Testing for Monitoring Overtraining in Elite Youth Basketball Players

Jay R. Hoffman, PhD, CSCS, *D, FACSMDepartment of Health and Physical EducationThe College of New JerseyMeir KaminskyIsrael Basketball OrganizationTel Aviv, IsraelKeywords: ﬁtness; basketball; overtraining; elite athletes; conditioning.THE OVERTRAINING SYNDROMEmay be considered a continuum ofnegative adaptations to training.Symptoms of overtraining appearwhen the training stimulus hasreached the point where either orboth training intensity and trainingvolume has become too excessiveand is coupled with inadequate restand recovery. Initial stages of over-training are generally accompaniedby subjective feelings of fatigue andstaleness but may or may not beaccompanied by decrements inperformance. As this continuumproceeds, these subjective feelingsof fatigue and staleness become as-sociated with decreases in perfor-mance. When the training stimulusis excessive and recovery and adap-tation do not occur within an antic-ipated time, the athlete is consid-ered to be overreaching. With adecrease in the training stimulusand adequate rest, complete recov-ery will usually occur within a weekor two (14). This recovery may alsocoincide with an overcompensationand improved performance. Often,overreaching is a planned phase ofmany training programs. When the imbalance betweentraining and recovery continues foran indeﬁnite period of time, theathlete will progress from a stage ofoverreaching and fatigue to themore serious problem of overtrain-ing. Overtraining may be the cul-mination of repeated warningsthat went unacknowledged or un-noticed by the athlete or coach.Many times, a plateau or a decre-ment in performance will be metwith frustration on the part of theathlete and/or coach. This may bethe initial symptom of what wasearlier referred to as overreaching.However, the athlete or coach mayignore these signs, and instead ofreducing the training stimulus andresting, they increase the trainingstimulus, thinking that the athleteneeds to train harder to get pastthis plateau. This will result in adownward spiral of events that cul-minates in chronic fatigue and insigniﬁcant performance decre-ments that are associated with theovertraining syndrome. Recoveryfrom overtraining may be quitelong (exceeding 6 months; 14).