RESUMO Contexto: Dados relacionados às taxas de exposição ao SARS-CoV-2 em pacientes com doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) são escassos. Objetivo Nosso objetivo foi determinar a prevalência de marcadores sorológicos do SARS-Cov-2 e os fatores preditivos de positividade em pacientes com DII. Métodos: Este foi um estudo transversal observacional realizado no período de maio a setembro de 2020. Os marcadores sorológicos SARS-CoV-2 foram determinados por imunoensaio de quimioluminescência em 233 pacientes com DII sem evidência de sintomas de COVID-19. A idade dos pacientes foi 36,6±11,1 anos, 118 pacientes eram do sexo masculino (50,6%) e 63,1% tinham doença de Crohn. Os dados clínicos dos pacientes foram extraídos de prontuários médicos eletrônicos individuais e complementados por meio de uma entrevista estruturada. Resultados: Vinte e seis dos 233 pacientes com DII apresentaram marcadores sorológicos positivos para SARS-CoV-2 (11,2%). Sexo feminino (P<0,003), manifestações extra-intestinais (P=0,004), uso de corticosteroides (P=0,049) e contato prévio com indivíduos com sintomas gripais (P<0,001) ou diagnóstico confirmado de COVID -19 (P<0,001), foram associados a um aumento significativo da taxa de positividade para marcadores sorológicos do SARS-Cov-2. Não foi observada diferença significativa em relação à adesão às medidas de proteção e positividade dos marcadores sorológicos para o SARS-Cov-2 (P>0,05). Conclusão: A infecção prévia pelo SARS-CoV-2 não é tão incomum em pacientes com DII e sua prevalência em nossa série foi de 11,2%. A positividade aos marcadores sorológicos SARS-CoV-2 foi associada ao sexo feminino, manifestações extra-intestinais, uso de corticosteroides e contato com indivíduos com suspeita ou diagnóstico confirmado de COVID-19. Estudos com períodos de acompanhamento mais longos são necessários para confirmar esses achados.

ABSTRACT Background: Data related to SARS-CoV-2 exposure rates in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are scarce. Objective - Our aim was to determine the prevalence of serological markers of SARS-Cov-2 and the predictive factors for positivity in patients with IBD. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study carried out from May to September 2020. SARS-CoV-2 serological markers were determined using chemiluminescence immunoassay in 233 IBD patients without evidence of COVID-19 symptoms. Patient age was 36.6±11.1 years, 118 patients were male (50.6%), and 63.1% had Crohn’s disease. Patient clinical data were extracted from individual electronic medical records and complemented by a structured interview. Results: Twenty-six out of the 233 patients with IBD had positive serum markers for SARS-CoV-2 (11.2%). Female sex (P<0.003), extra-intestinal manifestations (P=0.004), use of corticosteroids (P=0.049), and previous contact with individuals with flu-like symptoms (P<0.001) or confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 (P<0.001), were associated with a significant increased rate of positive SARS-Cov-2 serological markers. No significant difference was observed regarding to adherence to protection measures and positivity of SARS-Cov-2 serological markers (P>0.05). Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 previous infection in IBD patients was not that uncommon, and its prevalence was 11.2% in our series. Positivity to SARS-CoV-2 serological markers was associated with female sex, extra-intestinal manifestations, use of corticosteroids, and contact with individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings.

Resumo O objetivo do trabalho é compreender a associação entre o esporte e a criminalidade. A hipótese apresentada é que essa associação é negativa, visto que a participação esportiva pode diminuir a criminalidade por três canais: i) ocupação do tempo, ii) aumento do custo moral e iii) aumento da renda legal esperada. A pesquisa testa esta hipótese ao mensurar a correlação da criminalidade com os gastos públicos e as instituições de formulação de políticas públicas de esporte e lazer dos municípios brasileiros para 2002 e 2010. Utiliza-se o modelo de efeitos fixos, tendo como variáveis dependentes a taxa de homicídios e a taxa de homicídios entre jovens. Os resultados mostram que há correlação negativa entre a taxa de homicídios em duas das cinco variáveis proxy de esporte estimadas. Ademais, a correlação esportecrime é negativa para a taxa de homicídios juvenis, exceto na estimação com a variável de gastos com esporte e lazer.

Abstract The aim of this paper is to understand the association between sport and crime. The hypothesis presented is that this association is negative, since sports participation can reduce crime through three channels: i) time occupation, ii) increase in moral cost and iii) increase in expected legal income. The research tests this hypothesis by measuring the correlation of crime with public spending and public institutions that formulate policies of sport and leisure in Brazilian municipalities for 2002 and 2010. The fixed effects model is used, adopting as dependent variables homicide rate and homicide rate among youngsters. The results show that there is a negative correlation between the homicide rate in two of the five estimated sport proxy variables. Furthermore, the sport-crime correlation is negative for the juvenile homicide rate, except for the estimation with the variable of spending on sport and leisure.

RESUMO Esta pesquisa analisa em nível descritivo e exploratório a relação entre taxa de imigração e um conjunto de variáveis socioeconômicas caracterizadoras da “esclerose urbana”, conforme definida por Moore (1997), nas áreas mínimas comparáveis (AMCs) mineiras entre 1991 e 2010. Além da delimitação de agrupamentos ad hoc de AMCs propõe-se a análise multivariada de cluters para a definição de agrupamentos naturais, baseados naquelas variáveis, e a análise discriminante para validar esses grupos naturais, na averiguação da presença de esclerose urbana. Não é possível evidenciar que nas AMCs com as maiores taxas de imigração esteja presente a deterioração de indicadores socioeconômicos; quer sob a classificação ad hoc, quer sob a classificação por métodos multivariados. A pesquisa procura contribuir para o contínuo debate acerca dos efeitos líquidos do excesso imigratório, especialmente quanto à classificação das unidades de observação em termos de taxa de imigração.

ABSTRACT This research analyzes at a descriptive and exploratory level the relationship between immigration rate and a set of socioeconomic variables characterizing "urban sclerosis", as defined by Moore (1997), in the minimum comparable areas (AMCs) between 1991 and 2010. In addition to the delimitation of ad hoc groups of AMCs propose the multivariate analysis of clusters for the definition of natural clusters, based on those variables, and the discriminant analysis to validate these natural groups in the investigation of the presence of urban sclerosis. It is not possible to show that in the AMCs with the highest immigration rates the deterioration of socioeconomic indicators is present; either under ad hoc classification or under multivariate classification. The research seeks to contribute to the ongoing debate about the net effects of excess immigration, especially regarding the classification of observation units in terms of immigration rate.

Resumen Introducción: Rhinella schneideri está ampliamente distribuida en Suramérica y su veneno es caracterizado por inducir cardiotoxicidad y neurotoxicidad. Objetivo: En este trabajo, investigamos estrategias farmacológicas para atenuar la neurotoxicidad periférica inducida por el veneno de R. schneideri en preparaciones neuromusculares de aves. Métodos: Los experimentos fueron realizados usando preparaciones de biventer cervicis de pollos sometidas a estimulación de campo para el registro de las contracciones musculares o expuestas a la acetilcolina y al cloruro de potasio para la respuesta contractural. Resultados: El veneno (10 µg/ml) provocó un bloqueo neuromuscular completo en las preparaciones después de aproximadamente 70 min de incubación (tiempos para 50 y 90 % de bloqueo: 15 ± 3 min y 40 ± 2 min, respectivamente; P < 0.05, N = 5); las contracturas en respuesta a la acetilcolina y el KCl exógenos no fueron afectadas por el veneno, indicando que no hay una interacción especifica con receptores postsinápticos o miotoxicidad respectivamente. El bloqueo neuromuscular causado por el veneno (10 µg/ml) no fue prevenido por la heparina (5 y 150 UI/ml) bajo condiciones pre y post-tratamiento. La incubación a bajas temperaturas (23-25 ºC) abolió el bloqueo neuromuscular; después de aumentar la temperatura a 37 ºC, el bloqueo neuromuscular total fue levemente más lento que el visto en preparaciones directamente incubadas a 37 ºC (tiempos para 50 y 90 % de bloqueo: 23 ± 2 min y 60 ± 2.5 min, respectivamente; P < 0.05, N= 4). Neostigmina (3.3 µM) no revirtió el bloqueo neuromuscular, mientras que 3.4-diaminopiridina (91.6 µM) produjo una reversión parcial y sostenida de las respuestas neuromusculares (29 ± 7.8 % de la reversión máxima alcanzada en aproximadamente 40 min de incubación; P < 0.05, N = 4). Conclusiones: El veneno de R. schneideri indujo neurotoxicidad periférica potente in vitro, el cual puede ser revertido por 3.4-diaminopiridina.

Abstract Introduction: Rhinella schneideri is a toad widely distributed in South America and its poison is characterized by inducing cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Objective: In this work, we investigated pharmacological strategies to attenuate the peripheral neurotoxicity induced by R. schneideri poison in avian neuromuscular preparation. Methods: The experiments were carried out using isolated chick biventer cervicis preparation subjected to field stimulation for muscle twitches recordings or exposed to acetylcholine and potassium chloride for contracture responses. Results: Poison (10 μg/ml) produced complete neuromuscular blockade in chick biventer cervicis preparation within approximately 70 min incubation (times for 50 and 90 % blockade: 15 ± 3 min and 40 ± 2 min, respectively; P < 0.05, N= 5); contracture responses to exogenous acetylcholine and KCl were unaffected by poison indicating no specificity with postsynaptic receptors or myotoxicity, respectively. Poison (10 μg/ml)-induced neuromuscular blockade was not prevented by heparin (5 and 150 IU/ml) under pre- or post-treatment conditions. Incubation at low temperature (23-25 °C) abolished the neuromuscular blockade; after raising the temperature to 37 °C, the complete neuromuscular blockade was slightly slower than that seen in preparations directly incubated at 37 °C (times for 50 and 90 % blockade: 23 ± 2 min and 60 ± 2.5 min, respectively; P < 0.05, N= 4). Neostigmine (3.3 μM) did not reverse the neuromuscular blockade in BC preparation whereas 3,4-diaminopyridine (91.6 μM) produced a partial and sustained reversal of the twitch responses (29 ± 7.8 % of maximal reversal reached in approximately 40 min incubation; P < 0.05, N= 4). Conclusions: R. schneideri poison induces potent peripheral neurotoxicity in vitro which can be partially reversible by 3,4-diaminopyridine.

ABSTRACT Asian soybean rust (ASR), triggered by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, can cause great yield losses on soybean and nickel (Ni) has potential to control this disease. This study evaluated the effect of using soybean seeds with different Ni contents on ASR control by performing two experiments. In experiment 1, seeds with different Ni contents were obtained by spraying plants three times with solutions containing either 60 or 100 gNi·ha-1. Plants sprayed with water served as the control treatment. In experiment 2, plants originated from seeds obtained in experiment 1 (T1 = 0.9 µgNi·seed-1, T2 = 1.2 µgNi·seed-1, and T3 = 1.6 µgNi·seed-1) were inoculated with P. pachyrhizi at the V4 growth stage. The ASR severity was evaluated 16 days after inoculation (DAI) and the chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence parameters at 8 and 16 DAI. The ASR severity decreased by 64 and 47% for treatments T2 and T3, respectively, in comparison to T1 treatment. The photosynthetic apparatus was negatively affected by ASR. The efficiency of the use of light by photosystem II decreased while the energy dissipated by nonregulated form increased in the infected leaflets. There was no significant difference for Chl a fluorescence parameters for T1, T2, and T3 treatments applied to inoculated plants probably due to the biotrophic lifestyle of P. pachyrhizi associated with lower ASR severity. In conclusion, the potential of using seeds with higher Ni content as a tool for ASR integrated management control is highlighted in this study.

ABSTRACT Nickel (Ni) was the latest element to have its nutritional essentiality recognized for plants (Brown et al. 1987). It is a component of various enzymes, including glyoxalases (family I), hydrogenases, superoxide dismutase and urease (Chen et al. 2009). Inadequate Ni supply promotes changes in the plant metabolism, including processes related to nitrogen metabolism, such as amino acids, urea and ureides metabolisms (Rodríguez-Jiménez et al. 2016; Bai et al. 2006). Legumes that are dependent on N2 fixation (e.g., soybean) have their process impaired by Ni deficiency, because this element is an essential catalytic cofactor of [NiFe]-hydrogenase, an enzyme found in some symbiotic bacteria that recycles the H2 produced by a side reaction of nitrogenase in root nodules formed by the plant-bacteria association (Cammack 1995; Bagyinka 2014). Moreover, Ni has shown the potential to control soybean diseases, such as powdery mildew (Barcelos et al. 2018) and Asian soybean rust (Einhardt et al. 2020a; 2020b).

Abstract Aims: To compare the effects of different verbal commands on the perceptual, affective, and physiological responses during running. Methods: Twenty men who regularly performed aerobic exercise and running (mean age: 30.7±10.1 years; mean VO2max: 55.3 ± 7.1 mL·kg−1·min−1). All subjects completed four exercise sessions: a familiarization trail; three running sessions consisting of a self-selected pace defined by one of the verbal commands: low, moderate, or high. These conditions were counterbalanced. Each running session lasted 20 min. Affective responses (measured by the Feeling Scale and the Felt Arousal Scale) and physiological (measured by the hate rate and treadmill speed) were evaluated during each exercise session. Session RPE (OMNI-RES) was measured 15 min after each exercise session. Results: The perceptual and physiological responses were different for all verbal commands, with the intensity increasing according to the verbal commands given during running (p < 0.01). Affective responses to low and moderate exercise were similar and more pleasant than at high intensities; however, the affective responses to all verbal commands were positive. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that verbal commands can be used in running prescriptions. A moderate verbal command can promote greater perceptual and physiological stimuli than a low verbal command, without significant changes in affective responses.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Dados referentes à prevalência de anemia em pacientes com doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) são escassos no Brasil. Sabe-se que anemia e a anemia ferropriva causam comprometimento funcional significativo, menor qualidade de vida e maior morbimortalidade e podem estar correlacionadas com um impacto no custo do tratamento. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a prevalência e os fatores de risco de anemia e de anemia ferropriva em pacientes com DII em um centro de referência de DII no Sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Realizamos uma análise retrospectiva dos pacientes com DII adultos, aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética Institucional do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil, constituída por 579 pacientes no período de janeiro de 2014 a julho de 2018. Dados clínico-epidemiológicos, níveis de hemoglobina e de ferritina sérica foram obtidos dos prontuários eletrônicos. A prevalência de anemia foi calculada entre os fenótipos de retocolite ulcerativa (RCU) e doença de Crohn (DC). Fatores de risco para anemia também foram calculados. RESULTADOS: Um total de 529 (91%) pacientes tinha disponível o exame de hemograma completo em seus prontuários médicos. Apenas 35,5% dos pacientes com DII tinha o rastreamento completo para anemia. A prevalência de anemia nos pacientes com DII foi de 24,6% (29,1% na DC e 19,1% na RCU, P=0,008). A anemia foi moderada a grave em 16,9% (19,8% na DC e 11,4% na RCU, P=0,34). A prevalência de deficiência de ferro foi de 52,3% (53,6% na DC e 51,2% na RCU, P=0,95). Anemia de doença crônica estava presente em 14,1% dos pacientes com DII. Um total de 53,8% dos pacientes com anemia estavam em remissão clínica. A DC esteve associada a um aumento da prevalência de anemia (P=0,008; OR=1,76; IC 95% =1,16-2,66) em comparação à RCU. O fenótipo da doença penetrante na DC foi associado a um menor risco de anemia (P<0,0001; OR=0,25; IC 95% =0,14-0,43). A doença ativa comparada à doença em remissão clínica foi associada a um risco aumentado de anemia (P=0,0003; OR=2,61; IC 95% =1,56-4,36) na DC. A presença de anemia foi menos frequente nos pacientes com DC submetidos à ressecção intestinal em comparação aos que não foram submetidos à cirurgia (P<0,0001; OR=0,24; IC 95% =0,14-0,40). Não foram observadas diferenças na prevalência de anemia em relação à localização da DC, idade ao diagnóstico, extensão da RCU ou terapia biológica (P>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar do baixo rastreamento completo, tanto a anemia como a anemia ferropriva foram manifestações comuns da DII. A DC foi associada a um risco aumentado de anemia, especialmente com doença ativa. Além disto, pacientes com DC submetidos a ressecção intestinal e/ou com fenótipo penetrante tiveram menor risco de anemia.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Data regarding the prevalence of anemia in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are scarce in Brazil. Anemia and iron deficiency anemia have been known to cause significant functional impairment, lower quality of life, and higher morbidity and mortality and may be correlated with an impact on the cost of treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for anemia and iron deficiency anemia in patients with IBD in a tertiary IBD unit in Southeast Brazil. METHODS: We conducted an Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective analysis of an adult IBD cohort (IBD Unit, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Brazil) consisting of 579 patients between January 2014 and July 2018. Clinicoepidemiological data, hemoglobin measurements and serum ferritin were extracted from electronic medical records. Anemia prevalence was calculated among ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD) phenotypes. Risk factors for anemia were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 529 (91%) patients had complete blood counts available in their medical records. Only 35.5% of IBD patients were fully screened for anemia. The prevalence of anemia in IBD patients was 24.6% (29.1% in CD and 19.1% in UC, P=0.008). The anemia was moderate to severe in 16.9% (19.8% in CD and 11.4% in UC, P=0.34). The prevalence of iron deficiency was 52.3% (53.6% in CD and 51.2% in UC, P=0.95). Anemia of chronic disease was present in 14.1% of IBD patients. A total of 53.8% of patients with anemia were in clinical remission. CD was associated with an increased prevalence of anemia (P=0.008; OR=1.76; CI 95% =1.16-2.66) compared to UC. The penetrant disease phenotype in CD was associated with a lower risk of anemia (P<0.0001; OR=0.25; CI 95% =0.14-0.43). Active disease compared to the disease in clinical remission was associated with an increased risk of anemia (P=0.0003; OR=2.61; CI 95% =1.56-4.36) in CD. The presence of anemia was less frequent in patients with CD who underwent surgical bowel resection compared to those who did not undergo surgery (P<0.0001; OR=0.24; CI 95% =0.14-0.40). No differences in anemia prevalence were observed regarding CD localization, age at diagnosis, UC extension or biological therapy (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite the low levels of full screening, anemia and iron deficiency anemia were common manifestations of IBD. CD was associated with an increased risk of anemia, especially with active disease. In addition, patients with CD who underwent surgical bowel resection and penetrant disease phenotype in CD were associated with lower risk of anemia.

Resumen Rhinella schneideri (o Bufo paracnemis), conocido popularmente en Brasil como sapo cururu, también se encuentra en otros países de América del Sur. Los efectos cardiovasculares de este veneno son ampliamente conocidos y recientemente se demostró que es capaz de afectar la unión neuromuscular en la preparación aislada de aves y ratones. En este trabajo, utilizamos microscopía electrónica de transmisión para investigar la ultraestructura de la terminación nerviosa motora y pliegues de unión postsináptica de preparaciones de nervio frénico-hemidiafragma incubadas durante 5 o 60 min con el extracto metanólico de R. schneideri (50 μg/mL). Además, se examinó el estado de los receptores de acetilcolina (AChR) mediante la ubicación de inmunofluorescencia de TRITC-α-bungarotoxina en la membrana de la placa terminal. Los resultados muestran que 5 min de incubación con el extracto de secreción de glándula disminuyeron significativamente (32 %) el número de vesículas sinápticas en el terminal del nervio motor, pero no disminuyeron la densidad electrónica en la parte superior de los pliegues de unión donde se concentran los receptores nicotínicos. Sin embargo, 60 min de incubación condujeron a una recarga significativa de los terminales nerviosos en las vesículas sinápticas, mientras que la inmunorreactividad del AChR no fue tan marcada como en el control y después de 5 min de incubación. Las fibras musculares estaban bien conservadas, pero los axones motores intramusculares no. Los hallazgos corroboraron los datos farmacológicos ya que la disminución en el número de vesículas sinápticas (5 min) seguida de recuperación (60 min) está de acuerdo con el aumento transitorio de la frecuencia de MEPPs, lo que significa una mayor liberación de neurotransmisores. Estos datos apoyan el modo de acción presináptico predominante de R. schneideri, pero no excluyen la posibilidad de una acción postsináptica secundaria dependiendo del tiempo en que la preparación esté expuesta al veneno.

Abstract Rhinella schneideri (or Bufo paracnemis), popularly known in Brazil as cururu toad, is also found in other countries in South America. The cardiovascular effects of this poison are largely known and recently was shown that it is capable to affect the neuromuscular junction on avian and mice isolated preparation. In this work, we used transmission electron microscopy to investigate the ultrastructure of the motor nerve terminal and postsynaptic junctional folds of phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparations incubated for either 5 or 60 min with the methanolic extract of R. schneideri (50 µg/mL). In addition, the status of the acetylcholine receptors (AChR) was examined by TRITC-α-bungarotoxin immunofluorescence location at the endplate membrane. The results show that 5 min of incubation with the gland secretion extract significantly decreased (32 %) the number of synaptic vesicles into the motor nerve terminal, but did not decrease the electron density on the top of the junctional folds where nicotinic receptors are concentrated; however, 60 min of incubation led to significant nerve terminal reloading in synaptic vesicles whereas the AChR immunoreactivity was not as marked as in control and after 5 min incubation. Muscle fibers were well-preserved but intramuscular motor axons were not. The findings corroborated pharmacological data since the decrease in the number of synaptic vesicles (5 min) followed by recovery (60 min) is in accordance with the transient increase of MEPPs frequency meaning increased neurotransmitter release. These data support the predominant presynaptic mode of action of the R. schneideri, but do not exclude the possibility of a secondary postsynaptic action depending on the time the preparation is exposed to poison. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(3): 1290-1297. Epub 2018 September 01.

Resumo As intensidades autosselecionadas observadas tanto na caminhada como no treinamento resistido em obesos são inferiores as recomendações do ACSM, (2011) as quais, promovem melhora na aptidão cardiorrespiratória e força muscular. A partir disso, surge a hipótese de combinar os exercícios, aeróbio e resistido em uma única sessão com o intuito de aumentar o volume de treinamento otimizando os ajustes fisiológicos tentando preservar baixos níveis de percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE) e sensações prazerosas (SPD) observadas nessa intensidade. Desta maneira, o presente estudo teve três objetivos: 1) verificar ao longo de uma sessão de treinamento combinado a PSE e a SPD em mulheres obesas; 2) analisar se ocorrerá alteração na PSE e SPD entre os diferentes exercícios resistidos; 3) investigar se existe correlação entre a PSE e SPD. Participaram doze mulheres obesas não praticantes de exercício físico com idades de 39.2±11.1 anos e IMC: 33.6±1.2 kg.m-2 as quais, foram submetidas a uma sessão de treinamento combinado com duração total de 60 minutos. Ao longo da sessão foram reportadas a PSE e SPD. Para analisar os dados foi utilizado uma ANOVA de medidas repetidas seguido de um Post Hock de Bonferroni. Os resultados demonstram que o volume aumentado produziu baixos valores de PSE (~3) e sensações prazerosas (~3) ao longo da sessão. Não foi encontrado diferença significativa da PSE e SPD entre os exercícios resistidos e foi evidenciada uma relação negativa moderada significativa (r= -0.624; p= 0.001 com 95% IC: -0.710; -0.280) entre a PSE e SPD. Sendo assim, o treinamento combinado pode ser prescrito para mulheres obesas, pois, produz baixa percepção de esforço e sensações prazerosas.

Abstract Self-selected intensities during walking and resistances training by obese subjects are below recommended guidelines to improve health-related outcomes. From this perspective, there is the possibility of combining both aerobic and resistance training in a single exercise session with the purpose of increasing training volume and optimizing physiological adaptations, while preserving positive affective responses. Until now, no study has assessed ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and sensations of pleasure/displeasure (SPD) during a combined training session in obese women. The present study aimed to: (1) assess RPE and SPD during a combined training session in obese women; and (2) compare RPE and SPD responses during different resistance training exercises. Twelve sedentary obese women (age: 39.2 ±11.1 years; height: 160.4 ± 5.9 cm; body mass: 87.4 ± 5.8 kg; BMI: 33.6 ±1.2 kg.m-2) performed a combined aerobic and resistance training session. RPE and SPD were recorded during the session. Data were analyzed with One-way repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni’s post hoc tests. The results revealed that, despite the increase in exercise volume, RPE responses were low and affective responses were positive. There were no significant differences in RPE and SPD values among resistance exercises. Combined aerobic and resistance training can be prescribed during the initial phase of a training program because it produces low perceived exertion and positive affective responses.

BACKGROUND In Brazil, few studies have investigated the prevalence of infection with the precore (PC) and basal core promoter (BCP) mutants of the hepatitis B virus (HBV). OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the frequency of PC and BCP mutations among patients infected with HBV and to evaluate the association between the variants and advanced hepatic disease. METHODS A total of 161 patients infected with HBV were studied. To identify PC and BCP mutations, a 501-bp fragment of HBV DNA was amplified and sequenced. FINDINGS PC and BCP regions from HBV strains were successfully amplified and sequenced in 129 and 118 cases, respectively. PC and BCP mutations were detected in 61.0% and 80.6% of the cases, respectively. The A1762T/G1764A variant was identified in 36.7% of the patients with grade 1 and 2 liver fibrosis (29/79) and in 81.8% of the patients with grade 3 and 4 liver fibrosis (9/11) (p < 0.01); in 76.9% of the patients with cirrhosis (10/13) and in 38.1% of the patients without cirrhosis (40/105) (p = 0.01); and in 77.8% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (7/9) and in 39.4% of the patients without HCC (43/109) (p = 0.03). MAIN CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of HBV PC and BCP mutants was found. The A1762T/G1764A variant was independently associated with advanced forms of liver fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, and HCC.

Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is distributed worldwide, with geographical variations regarding prevalence of the different genotypes. The aim of this study was to determine the HBV genotypes and subgenotypes circulating in Southeast Brazil and compare the genetic sequences found with HBV sequences previously described in the world. Sequences from 166 chronic HBV carriers were analyzed using the fragment constituted by 1306 base pairs comprising surface and polymerase regions of the HBV genome. The sequences obtained were submitted to phylogenetic analysis. HBV subgenotypes A1, A2, D1-D4, F2a, and F4 were found. HBV genotype D was the most frequent, found in 99 patients (58.4%). Within this group, subgenotype D3 was the most prevalent, in 73 patients (42.9%). HBV genotype A was identified in 58 (36%) patients, subgenotype A1, in 48 (29.8%) subjects. Genotype F was identified in 9 (5.4%). According to the phylogenetic analysis, the sequences found were grouped with sequences from Europe, Asia and Middle East (subgenotypes D1, D2, D3) and sequences from Latin America and Africa (subgenotype A1). HBV D3 grouped in different clusters inside D3 clade, several of them with sequences isolated in Italy. We also identified eight families whose relatives were infected with the same HBV subgenotype, most with high similarity between sequences. In conclusion, the distribution of the HBV sequences obtained interweaved with sequences from other continents, corresponding to regions from where many immigrants came to this region, in accordance to the hypothesis that the HBV detected over there were brought during the colonization times.

Resumo Objetivo: Traduzir o Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire para o português do Brasil, adaptá-lo culturalmente e verificar a sua validade e confiabilidade. Métodos: O desenvolvimento da versão brasileira do Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ-Brasil) foi baseado nas diretrizes propostas por Guillemin. O processo aplicado consistiu em tradução, retrotradução, revisão por um comitê e pré-teste. Participaram deste estudo 61 voluntários que apresentavam dor cervical; 35 deles participaram durante a fase de pré-teste para verificar a compreensão do instrumento e os 26 restantes durante a análise psicométrica. A avaliação psicométrica incluiu a análise da confiabilidade interavaliadores e intra-avaliador e da validade do construto (correlação entre o NBQ-Brasil, o SF-36, a escala numérica de dor e o Neck Disability Index). Resultados: Alguns termos e algumas expressões foram alterados para se obter equivalência cultural com o NBQ-Brasil durante a fase de tradução. O NBQ mostrou uma CCI intra-avaliador de 0,96 e CCI interavaliadores de 0,87. A análise da validade do construto mostrou correlações moderadas com o SF-36 e correlação forte com a escala numérica de dor e o Neck Disability Index. Conclusão: O Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire foi traduzido e adaptado culturalmente para o idioma português e demonstrou ser válido e confiável para avaliar a dor cervical dos pacientes.

Abstract Objective: To translate the Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire to Brazilian Portuguese, cross-culturally adapt, and to verify its validity and its reliability. Methods: The development of the Brazilian version of Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (Brazil-NBQ) was based on the guideline proposed by Guillemin. The applied process consisted of translation, back-translation, committee review and pre-test. Sixty-one volunteers presenting neck pain participated in this study. Thirty-five of them participated during pre-testing phase to verify the instrument comprehension, and the remaining 26 took part during psychometric analysis. Psychometric evaluation included interrater and intrarater reliability and construct validity (correlation among Brazil-NBQ, SF-36, Numerical rating score and Neck Disability Index). Results: Some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence for Brazil-NBQ during the translation phase. The NBQ showed an intrarater ICC of 0.96 and interrater ICC of 0.87. Construct validity analysis showed moderate correlations with SF-36 and strong correlation with Numerical rating score and Neck Disability Index. Conclusion: Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire was translated and culturally adapted to Portuguese language, and it demonstrated to be valid and reliable to evaluate patients’ neck pain.

INTRODUÇÃO: Sensações de prazer/desprazer são moduladas de acordo com as intensidades prescritas para o exercício, demonstrando uma relação simples, onde quanto mais intenso o estímulo, maior o esforço percebido. OBJETIVO: Verificar as diferenças entre as respostas perceptuais e afetivas agudas em diferentes intensidades de exercícios com pesos em mulheres idosas. MÉTODOS: Quatorze mulheres com idade entre 65 e 75 anos, previamente sedentárias, com sobrepeso, foram submetidas a três diferentes intensidades de treinamento com pesos: 35% e 70% de 1RM, e autosselecionada. Foram avaliados o afeto e a percepção subjetiva do esforço (PSE). Após 30 minutos do término da sessão, foi avaliada a percepção subjetiva do esforço da sessão (PSE-S). Foi utilizado o teste de variância One-way ANOVA de um fator de medidas repetidas para as variáveis dependentes PSE-S, PSE e afeto, seguido de post hock de Tukey. RESULTADOS: A PSE-S demonstrou diferença significativa da testagem (F (7,99) =15,358; p=0,001) entre as intensidades, assim como para PSE entre cada exercício. A PSE-S, para 35% de 1RM, foi menor, quando comparada à PSE-S para 70% de 1RM, e à intensidade autosselecionada. A intensidade de 70% de 1RM, quando comparada com a intensidade autosselecionada, não apresentou diferença significativa. Em relação a PSE nos exercícios, foi observado um esforço significativamente maior (p < 0,001) para 70% de 1RM, quando comparados com a autosseleção da carga. O afeto revelou diferença significativa na intensidade de 35% de 1RM, mostrando uma resposta mais prazerosa, quando comparado à carga de 70% de 1RM, e à autosseleção da carga. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstraram que baixas intensidades são percebidas como menor esforço e este fato contribuiu para a produção de respostas afetivas mais prazerosas. Além disso, fatores interindividuais são capazes de modular estas respostas, possibilitando a diminuição da percepção do esforço em intensidades mais vigorosas.

INTRODUCTION: Feelings of pleasure/displeasure are modulated according to prescribed exercise intensities, where the more intense the stimulus, the higher the perception of effort. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences between perceptual and affective responses to different intensities of acute resistance training in elderly women. METHODS: Fourteen women aged between 65 and 75 years old, previously sedentary and overweight were subjected to three different intensities of resistance training: 35% and 70% 1-RM, and self-selected. Affect and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Session rate of perceived exertion (RPE-S) was assessed 30 minutes after the conclusion of the session. One way ANOVA test for repeated measures was used for the dependent variables (RPE-S, RPE and affect), followed by Tukey's post hock. RESULTS: RPE-S showed a significant difference (F (7.99) = 15.358; p = 0.001) between the intensities as well as RPE between each exercise. RPE-S of 35% 1-RM was lower when compared to RPE-S for 70% 1-RM, and self-selected intensity. The intensity of 70% 1-RM, compared with the self-selected intensity, showed no significant difference. Regarding RPE during the exercises, significantly more effort (p<0.001) was observed for the 70% 1-RM when compared with the self-selection of the load. The affect revealed a significant difference for the intensity of 35% 1-RM, showing a more pleasant response when compared to the load of 70% 1-RM, and self-selection of the load. CONCLUSION: Results showed that low intensities are perceived as less effort and this fact contributed to the production of more pleasurable affective responses. Moreover, inter-individual factors between subjects can modulate these responses, enabling the reduction of perceived exertion in more vigorous intensities.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los sensaciones de placer/desplacer son moduladas de acuerdo con las intensidades prescritas para el ejercicio, demostrando una relación simple, en donde cuanto más intenso es el estímulo, mayor será el esfuerzo percibido. OBJETIVO: Verificar las diferencias entre las respuestas perceptuales y afectivas agudas en diferentes intensidades de ejercicio en mujeres ancianas. MÉTODOS: Catorce mujeres entre 65 y 75 años, previamente sedentarias, con sobrepeso, fueron sometidas a tres intensidades diferentes de entrenamiento con pesos: 35% y 70% de 1RM, y autoseleccionada. Fueron evaluados el afecto y la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo (PSE). Después de 30 minutos del término de la sesión, fue evaluada la percepción subjetiva del esfuerzo de la sesión (PSE-S). Se utilizó ANOVA de un factor de medidas repetidas para las variables dependientes PSE-S, PSE y afecto, seguido por post hoc de Tukey. RESULTADOS: La PSE-S demostró diferencia significativa del test (F (7,99) = 15,358, p = 0,001) entre las intensidades, así como para PSE entre cada ejercicio. La PSE-S para 35% de 1RM fue menor, cuando comparada con la PSE-S para 70% de 1RM, e intensidad autoseleccionada. La intensidad de 70% de 1RM, cuando comparada con la intensidad autoseleccionada, no mostró diferencias significativas. En relación a la PSE con los ejercicios, fue observado un esfuerzo significativamente mayor (p <0,001) para 70% de 1RM, cuando comparados con la autoselección de carga. El afecto reveló diferencia significativa en la intensidad de 35% de 1RM, mostrando una respuesta más placentera, cuando comparado con la carga de 70% de 1RM, y autoselección de carga. CONCLUSIÓN: Los resultados demostraron que bajas intensidades son percibidas como menor esfuerzo y este hecho contribuyó para la producción de respuestas afectivas más placenteras. Además, los factores interindividuales son capaces de modular estas respuestas, posibilitando la disminución de la percepción del esfuerzo en intensidades más vigorosas.

BackgroundRhinella schneideri, previously known as Bufo paracnemis, is a common toad in many regions of Brazil. Its venom exerts important cardiovascular effects on humans and other animals. Although this toad venom has been the subject of intense investigations, little is known about its neuromuscular activity.MethodsThe neurotoxicity of a methanolic extract of R. schneideri venom was tested on mouse phrenic nerve-diaphragm (PND) preparations mounted for conventional twitch tension recording – in response to indirect stimulation – and for electrophysiological measurements.ResultsVenom extract (50 μg/mL) increased the muscle twitch tension in PND preparations but did not significantly alter the resting membrane potential values. Electrophysiological evaluations showed that the extract (50 μg/mL) significantly augmented the frequency of miniature end-plate potential (from 38 ± 3.5 to 88 ± 15 after 60 minutes; n = 5; p< 0.05) and quantal content (from 128 ± 13 to 272 ± 34 after five minutes; n = 5; p< 0.05). Pretreatment with ouabain (1 μg/mL) for five minutes prevented the increase in quantal content (117 ± 18 and 154 ± 33 after five and 60 minutes, respectively).ConclusionThese results indicate that the methanolic extract of R. schneiderivenom acts primarily presynaptically to enhance neurotransmitter release in mouse phrenic-diaphragm preparations.