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Sample records for capacidad contractil uterina

  1. EFECTO IN VITRO DE LA INSULINA SOBRE LA CAPACIDAD CONTRACTIL UTERINA INDUCIDA POR OXITOCINA

    OpenAIRE

    Figueroa D.,Horacio; Marusic B.,Elisa T.; González N.,Magdalena; Barcos M.,Francisca; Yungue V.,Paola

    2002-01-01

    La capacidad contráctil del útero puede ser evaluada in vitro por medio del método isométrico. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la efectividad de la administración simultánea de oxitocina e insulina en la contractilidad uterina. La comparación entre ambas hormonas se realizó en úteros aislados de dos modelos experimentales: ratas hembras adultas en diferentes fases del ciclo estral y ratas preñadas en fase final de preñez. Los úteros de estos animales fueron sometidos, in vitro, a la ...

  2. Intussuscepção uterina em uma cadela Yorkshire Terrier

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    Pinto Filho, S.T.L.; Carus, D.S.; Dalmolin, F.; Anjos, B.L.; Segatto, T.; Krabbe, A.; Oliveira, M.T.; Pippi, N.L.; Brun, M.V.

    2015-01-01

    A intussuscepção uterina é condição rara em pequenos animais. No presente relato descreve-se um caso de intussuscepção uterina em um canino, fêmea Yorkshire Terrier no pós-parto imediato, diagnosticada por meio de laparotomia exploratória e pela avaliação anatomopatológica. Realizou-se a ovariossalpingo-histerectomia (OSH) como tratamento definitivo para a alteração. Conclui-se, portanto, que a intussuscepção uterina pode ocorrer em cadelas, de forma espontânea no pós-parto imediato. Uteri...

  3. Patología uterina y su impacto en la fertilidad

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    V. Jaime Albornoz, Dr.; A. Gonzalo Duque, Dr.

    2010-01-01

    El útero es un órgano fundamental dentro del proceso reproductivo y participa en eventos claves, como el transporte espermático, la implantación y la nutrición fetal. Los miomas uterinos, las anomalías congénitas, los pólipos endometriales y las sinequias uterinas son las principales patologías uterinas en mujeres en edad reproductiva, y pueden ser causa de infertilidad, aborto recurrente o parto prematuro. De acuerdo a la evidencia, el tratamiento quirúrgico de miomas uterinos submucosos e i...

  4. Patología uterina y su impacto en la fertilidad

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    V. Jaime Albornoz, Dr.

    2010-05-01

    Full Text Available El útero es un órgano fundamental dentro del proceso reproductivo y participa en eventos claves, como el transporte espermático, la implantación y la nutrición fetal. Los miomas uterinos, las anomalías congénitas, los pólipos endometriales y las sinequias uterinas son las principales patologías uterinas en mujeres en edad reproductiva, y pueden ser causa de infertilidad, aborto recurrente o parto prematuro. De acuerdo a la evidencia, el tratamiento quirúrgico de miomas uterinos submucosos e intramurales (que distorsionan la cavidad uterina, pólipos endometriales y sinequias se asocia a un aumento significativo en las tasas de embarazo. El tratamiento quirúrgico del septum uterino disminuye significativamente la probabilidad de aborto a repetición y puede incrementar la probabilidad de embarazo en pacientes sin otra causa aparente de infertilidad. El tratamiento quirúrgico de miomas intramurales y subserosos (que no comprometen la cavidad endometrial es controvertido y su indicación depende de la evaluación de cada caso en particular.

  5. Estudo anatômico comparativo do útero e tubas uterinas de vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore (Bos primigenius indicus

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    Cristina Maria Rodrigues Monteiro

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available Ao finalizarmos esta pesquisa, obtivemos dados anatômicos comparativos dos comprimentos dos cornos uterinos e tubas uterinas de vacas e novilhas da raça Nelore. Foram utilizadas para tais fins 45 amostras dos órgãos para cada grupo de animais. Os resultados mostraram que os comprimentos médios dos cornos uterinos e das tubas uterinas direitos e esquerdos das vacas não diferem estatisticamente entre si, sendo de 26,0 cm para os cornos uterinos direito e esquerdo, 17,6 cm para a tuba uterina direita e 17,7 cm para a esquerda. Os comprimentos médios dos cornos uterinos e das tubas uterinas direitos e esquerdos das novilhas não diferem estatisticamente entre si, apresentando 14,6 cm para o corno direito, 14,8 cm para o esquerdo, 15,4 cm para a tuba uterina direita e 15,2 cm para a esquerda. Há diferença estatisticamente significativa no comprimento médio dos cornos uterinos entre vacas e novilhas, com, respectivamente, 26,01 cm e 14,72 cm. Há diferença estatisticamente significativa no comprimento médio das tubas uterinas entre vacas e novilhas, com, respectivamente 17,64 cm e 15,29 cm. Nas vacas, o comprimento médio dos cornos uterinos, 26,01 cm, é maior que o comprimento médio das tubas uterinas, 17,64 cm. Nas novilhas, o comprimento médio dos cornos uterinos, 14,72 cm, é ligeiramente menor que o comprimento médio das tubas uterinas, 15,29 cm. Quando há aumento do comprimento médio dos cornos uterinos, há aumento concomitante das tubas uterinas em vacas, não acontecendo o mesmo em novilhas.

  6. Symphysis-fundal height curve in the diagnosis of fetal growth deviations Curva de altura uterina por edad de gestación y diagnóstico de desvíos del crecimiento fetal Curva de altura uterina por idade gestacional e diagnóstico de desvios do crescimento fetal

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    Djacyr Magna Cabral Freire

    2010-12-01

    marzo y octubre de 2006, con edad de gestación por encima de 27 semanas. La altura uterina fue medida de acuerdo con técnica recomendada por el Ministerio de la Salud. El patrón-oro fue el peso fetal, estimado por el ultrasonido con base en la curva de referencia brasilera por edad de gestación. Una sub-muestra de 122 casos con pesos neonatales obtenidos hasta siete días después de la estimación del peso fetal, la clasificación de la altura uterina fue comparada con la curva de Lubchenco como estándar-oro. La sensibilidad, la especificidad y los valores predictivos positivo y negativo fueron calculados. Para comparar el desempeño de la sensibilidad entre ambas curvas de altura uterina, se utilizó la prueba chi-cuadrado de McNemar. RESULTADOS: La sensibilidad de la nueva curva para la detección de fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación fue de 51,6%, mientras que la curva del patrón-oro fue significativamente menor (12,5%. En la sub-muestra que tuvo el peso neonatal como estándar-oro, la sensibilidad de la nueva curva de referencia fue de 87,7%, mientras que la del Ministerio de la Salud exhibió 42,9% de sensibilidad para la detección de fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación. CONCLUSIONES: La capacidad diagnóstica de la nueva curva de referencia para detectar fetos pequeños para la edad de gestación fue significativamente mejor que la curva recomendada por el Ministerio de la Salud.OBJETIVO: Validar curva de referência de altura uterina por idade gestacional para o rastreamento de desvios do crescimento fetal e comparar sua performance com a curva-padrão adotada pelo Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional que envolveu 753 gestantes de baixo risco de João Pessoa, PB, entre março e outubro de 2006, com idade gestacional acima de 27 semanas. A altura uterina foi medida de acordo com técnica preconizada pelo Ministério da Saúde. O padrão-ouro foi o peso fetal, estimado pelo ultrassom com base na curva de refer

  7. La sutura compresiva del útero en cesárea con atonía uterina

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    Percy Pacora

    2004-12-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: Determinar si el empleo de la sutura compresiva del útero (técnica de B-Lynch durante la cesárea en casos de atonía uterina disminuye la pérdida sanguínea y evita la histerectomía posparto. Material y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de las cesáreas que cursaron con atonía uterina durante la intervención, desde el 1 de enero de 1990 al 31 de diciembre de 2003, en el Hospital San Bartolomé de Lima. El método estándar de manejo de la atonía uterina en la cesárea consiste en el masaje uterino, el empleo de agentes uterotónicos (ocitocina, prostaglandinas, ligadura de arterias uterinas/hipogástricas y la histerectomía posparto. Las variables maternas y perinatales obtenidas de las historias clínicas fueron ingresadas a una base de datos computarizado (SPSS versión 10. Resultados: Se identificó 46 casos: en 30 se empleó la técnica B-Lynch y en 16 el método estándar. No hubo diferencias en las características maternas entre ambos grupos. El grupo de B-Lynch presentó subjetivamente menor perdida sanguínea, recibió menor número de unidades de sangre transfundida y presentó significativo menor riesgo de histerectomía posparto comparado con el método estándar (promedio ± DE: 1144,4±311,7 mL vs 1666,9±794,4 mL, p<0,05; 0,36±0,66 vs 2,90±3,64, p<0,05; y OR 0,08, IC95% 0,01-0,45, p<0,01, respectivamente. Conclusiones: La sutura compresiva del útero durante la cesárea en la atonía uterina parece reducir el sangrado vaginal, la transfusión sanguínea y el empleo de la histerectomía comparado con el método estándar.

  8. Efeitos da doença uterina na eficiência reprodutiva de bovinos leiteiros

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    Pires, Maria João de Almeida

    2018-01-01

    Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária O período do pós-parto é um período de grande importância na vida reprodutiva de uma vaca leiteira, em que é bastante comum o desenvolvimento de doença uterina. A função uterina no pós-parto está frequentemente comprometida devido à contaminação bacteriana presente neste período, e pela persistência de microrganismos no lúmen uterino, causando assim doença e consequentemente infertilidade. Esta doença está associada a taxas de conce...

  9. Malformación arterio-venosa uterina y hemorragia obstétrica: diagnóstico y manejo en tres casos clínicos

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    Hasbun H, Jorge; Palavecino R, Patricio; Segura H, Patricia; Chavez R, Ignacio; Burgos S, Nelson; Tobar A, Hermógenes; Aliaga Q, Adolfo

    2014-01-01

    Las malformaciones vasculares uterinas son muy infrecuentes y se presentan asociadas a metrorragia con riesgo vital. Su incidencia no es conocida porque las series son de pocos casos. Presentamos tres pacientes con hemorragia obstétrica cuyo estudio diagnóstico con ultrasonido y angiografía, demostró malformación arteriovenosa uterina. En un caso, dada la extensión de la lesión, el tratamiento fue con embolización bilateral de arterias uterinas seguida de histerectomía. Otras dos pacientes, p...

  10. Resposta inflamatória uterina em éguas submetidas a inseminação artificial

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    Carmona, Julieta Maria Peixoto

    2011-01-01

    Dissertação de Mestrado Integrado em Medicina Veterinária A inseminação artificial de éguas resulta invariavelmente numa resposta inflamatória uterina transitória e fisiológica cuja função é eliminar o excesso de espermatozóides, plasma seminal, diluidores e microrganismos do lúmen uterino. Esta inflamação é caracterizada por um influxo de polimorfonucleares neutrófilos (PMNs) para o lúmen uterino. A sua presença e magnitude pode ser diagnosticada através de ecografia uterina transrectal e...

  11. Vascularização uterina de éguas prenhes de jumento e de garanhão monitoradas por ultrassonografia Doppler

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    Sabina G.C. Lemos

    Full Text Available RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do útero de éguas gestantes de diferentes idades, de jumento e garanhão, utilizando a técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler Espectral, visando caracterizar os índices de resistência (RI e pulsatilidade (PI até 154 dias de gestação. Foram utilizadas 20 éguas em idade reprodutiva, sem raça definida. As avaliações foram realizadas nas artérias uterinas. Não foi constatada interação entre os valores de RI e PI obtidos nos cornos uterinos (que iniciaram ou não a gestação com o tempo da gestação (P>0,05, desta forma os dados foram discutidos separadamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as avaliações de RI e PI quando comparado os cornos que iniciaram ou não a gestação (P>0,05. Verificou-se efeito de tempo (P0,05. As éguas gestantes de jumento apresentaram maior vascularização uterina no corno não gestante, que as éguas gestantes do garanhão. Com exceção do RI no lado não gravídico, foi verificado efeito de idade da fêmea sobre o lado da gestação (P<0,05, onde as éguas idosas, tanto no corno que iniciou a gestação e o contralateral, tiveram PI e RI mais altos, ou seja, menos vascularizados. Concluiu-se que a vascularização uterina não apresentou diferença entre os cornos uterinos. Há um aumento da vascularização uterina no 70º dia de gestação. Éguas gestantes de jumentos apresentaram maior vascularização uterina, quando comparada às éguas gestantes de garanhões. Éguas com idade acima de 15 anos apresentaram menor vascularização uterina, quando comparadas com idade inferior a 15 anos.

  12. Rotura Uterina Espontánea en embarazo de segundo trimestre: presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura

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    Airam Amoroso

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available La rotura uterina se define como la solución de continuidad de la pared uterina. Es una complicación obstétrica poco frecuente y potencialmente letal para la madre y el feto, que ocurre generalmente durante el segundo o tercer trimestre de gestación, y que está asociada principalmente a la cirugía uterina previa, constituyendo así un desafío médico por su difícil diagnóstico diferencial y controversial manejo. Se presenta el caso de una paciente de 26 años de edad, con rotura espontánea de útero grávido de 18 semanas de gestación y antecedente de cicatriz uterina. Se realiza laparotomía exploradora obteniendo como hallazgo placenta y cordón umbilical unido a feto sin vida en cavidad abdominal, lo que confirma diagnóstico intraoperatorio. Spontaneous Uterine Rupture in Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Case report and Literature review Abstract Uterine rupture is a solution of continuity of the uterine wall. It is an uncommon and potentially lethal obstetric complication, for both mother and fetus, that mainly occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy, and that is mainly associated to previous uterine surgery, thus forming a medical challenge for its difficult differential diagnosis and controversial management. We report the case of a 26 years old patient with a spontaneous gravid uterine rupture, 18 weeks of gestation and cesarean scar background. Laparotomy is conducted finding both placenta and umbilical cord attached to no-living fetus in the abdominal cavity, which confirms intraoperative diagnosis.

  13. Malformación arteriovenosa uterina: A propósito de un caso

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    Badía Agustí, Paloma; Tamarit Bordes, Silvia; Alcover Barrachina, Inmaculada; Tamarit Bordes, Gemma; Pérez-Moneo Pérez, Patricia; Reyes Balanzá Chancosa, María

    2016-01-01

    Paciente de 37 años que acudió a urgencias por metrorragia, G3P1A2, el último de ellos un aborto tardío en gestación gemelar monocorial biamniótica de 20 semanas hacía dos meses. En la ecografía destaca en zona miometrial un área de marcada vascularización de 67 x 45 mm. Tras descartar proceso residual gestacional y ante la sospecha de malformación arteriovenosa uterina se solicitó resonancia magnética nuclear y angiotac, tras confirmar la malformación vascular se programó para embolización d...

  14. Modulatory effects of taurine on jejunal contractility

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    Q.Y. Yao

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid is widely distributed in animal tissues and has diverse pharmacological effects. However, the role of taurine in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still controversial. We propose that taurine (5-80 mM can exert bidirectional modulation on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments. Different low and high contractile states were induced in isolated jejunal segments of rats to observe the effects of taurine and the associated mechanisms. Taurine induced stimulatory effects on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments at 3 different low contractile states, and inhibitory effects at 3 different high contractile states. Bidirectional modulation was not observed in the presence of verapamil or tetrodotoxin, suggesting that taurine-induced bidirectional modulation is Ca2+ dependent and requires the presence of the enteric nervous system. The stimulatory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments was blocked by atropine but not by diphenhydramine or by cimetidine, suggesting that muscarinic-linked activation was involved in the stimulatory effects when isolated jejunal segments were in a low contractile state. The inhibitory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments were blocked by propranolol and L-NG-nitroarginine but not by phentolamine, suggesting that adrenergic β receptors and a nitric oxide relaxing mechanism were involved when isolated jejunal segments were in high contractile states. No bidirectional effects of taurine on myosin phosphorylation were observed. The contractile states of jejunal segments determine taurine-induced stimulatory or inhibitory effects, which are associated with muscarinic receptors and adrenergic β receptors, and a nitric oxide associated relaxing mechanism.

  15. Modulatory effects of taurine on jejunal contractility

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    Yao, Q.Y.; Chen, D.P.; Ye, D.M.; Diao, Y.P.; Lin, Y. [Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning (China)

    2014-10-14

    Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is widely distributed in animal tissues and has diverse pharmacological effects. However, the role of taurine in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still controversial. We propose that taurine (5-80 mM) can exert bidirectional modulation on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments. Different low and high contractile states were induced in isolated jejunal segments of rats to observe the effects of taurine and the associated mechanisms. Taurine induced stimulatory effects on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments at 3 different low contractile states, and inhibitory effects at 3 different high contractile states. Bidirectional modulation was not observed in the presence of verapamil or tetrodotoxin, suggesting that taurine-induced bidirectional modulation is Ca{sup 2+} dependent and requires the presence of the enteric nervous system. The stimulatory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments was blocked by atropine but not by diphenhydramine or by cimetidine, suggesting that muscarinic-linked activation was involved in the stimulatory effects when isolated jejunal segments were in a low contractile state. The inhibitory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments were blocked by propranolol and L-NG-nitroarginine but not by phentolamine, suggesting that adrenergic β receptors and a nitric oxide relaxing mechanism were involved when isolated jejunal segments were in high contractile states. No bidirectional effects of taurine on myosin phosphorylation were observed. The contractile states of jejunal segments determine taurine-induced stimulatory or inhibitory effects, which are associated with muscarinic receptors and adrenergic β receptors, and a nitric oxide associated relaxing mechanism.

  16. Modulatory effects of taurine on jejunal contractility

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yao, Q.Y.; Chen, D.P.; Ye, D.M.; Diao, Y.P.; Lin, Y.

    2014-01-01

    Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is widely distributed in animal tissues and has diverse pharmacological effects. However, the role of taurine in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still controversial. We propose that taurine (5-80 mM) can exert bidirectional modulation on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments. Different low and high contractile states were induced in isolated jejunal segments of rats to observe the effects of taurine and the associated mechanisms. Taurine induced stimulatory effects on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments at 3 different low contractile states, and inhibitory effects at 3 different high contractile states. Bidirectional modulation was not observed in the presence of verapamil or tetrodotoxin, suggesting that taurine-induced bidirectional modulation is Ca 2+ dependent and requires the presence of the enteric nervous system. The stimulatory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments was blocked by atropine but not by diphenhydramine or by cimetidine, suggesting that muscarinic-linked activation was involved in the stimulatory effects when isolated jejunal segments were in a low contractile state. The inhibitory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments were blocked by propranolol and L-NG-nitroarginine but not by phentolamine, suggesting that adrenergic β receptors and a nitric oxide relaxing mechanism were involved when isolated jejunal segments were in high contractile states. No bidirectional effects of taurine on myosin phosphorylation were observed. The contractile states of jejunal segments determine taurine-induced stimulatory or inhibitory effects, which are associated with muscarinic receptors and adrenergic β receptors, and a nitric oxide associated relaxing mechanism

  17. Modulatory effects of taurine on jejunal contractility

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yao, Q.Y.; Chen, D.P.; Ye, D.M.; Diao, Y.P.; Lin, Y.

    2014-01-01

    Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is widely distributed in animal tissues and has diverse pharmacological effects. However, the role of taurine in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still controversial. We propose that taurine (5-80 mM) can exert bidirectional modulation on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments. Different low and high contractile states were induced in isolated jejunal segments of rats to observe the effects of taurine and the associated mechanisms. Taurine induced stimulatory effects on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments at 3 different low contractile states, and inhibitory effects at 3 different high contractile states. Bidirectional modulation was not observed in the presence of verapamil or tetrodotoxin, suggesting that taurine-induced bidirectional modulation is Ca2+ dependent and requires the presence of the enteric nervous system. The stimulatory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments was blocked by atropine but not by diphenhydramine or by cimetidine, suggesting that muscarinic-linked activation was involved in the stimulatory effects when isolated jejunal segments were in a low contractile state. The inhibitory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments were blocked by propranolol and L-NG-nitroarginine but not by phentolamine, suggesting that adrenergic β receptors and a nitric oxide relaxing mechanism were involved when isolated jejunal segments were in high contractile states. No bidirectional effects of taurine on myosin phosphorylation were observed. The contractile states of jejunal segments determine taurine-induced stimulatory or inhibitory effects, which are associated with muscarinic receptors and adrenergic β receptors, and a nitric oxide associated relaxing mechanism. PMID:25387674

  18. Fractalkine depresses cardiomyocyte contractility.

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    David Taube

    Full Text Available Our laboratory reported that male mice with cardiomyocyte-selective knockout of the prostaglandin E2 EP4 receptor sub-type (EP4 KO exhibit reduced cardiac function. Gene array on left ventricles (LV showed increased fractalkine, a chemokine implicated in heart failure. We therefore hypothesized that fractalkine is regulated by PGE2 and contributes to depressed contractility via alterations in intracellular calcium.Fractalkine was measured in LV of 28-32 week old male EP4 KO and wild type controls (WT by ELISA and the effect of PGE2 on fractalkine secretion was measured in cultured neonatal cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. The effect of fractalkine on contractility and intracellular calcium was determined in Fura-2 AM-loaded, electrical field-paced cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes (AVM from male C57Bl/6 mice were treated with fractalkine and responses measured under basal conditions and after isoproterenol (Iso stimulation.LV fractalkine was increased in EP4 KO mice but surprisingly, PGE2 regulated fractalkine secretion only in fibroblasts. Fractalkine treatment of AVM decreased both the speed of contraction and relaxation under basal conditions and after Iso stimulation. Despite reducing contractility after Iso stimulation, fractalkine increased the Ca(2+ transient amplitude but decreased phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I, suggesting direct effects on the contractile machinery.Fractalkine depresses myocyte contractility by mechanisms downstream of intracellular calcium.

  19. UTERINE PROLAPSE IN QUEEN AND UTERINE PROLAPSO UTERINO EM GATA E RETROFLEXÃO UTERINA EM CADELA

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    Giuliano Queiroz Mostachio

    2008-10-01

    Full Text Available

    Obstetrical emergencies are problem in veterinary clinics and hospital. So, the aim of this report is to describe the clinical-surgical aspect of one of them, the uterine prolapse. Complete protrusion and retroflexion of uterus had been diagnosed in a queen and female dog, respectively. After the stabilization of the animals and reduction of the prolapses followed by ovary-hysterectomy, one of the animals came to death due to septicemia and hypovolemic shock. Rapid assessment and intensive treatments are required to sustain the life of the animal.

    KEY WORDS: Cat, dog, uterine prolapse, uterine retroflexion.

    Emergências obstétricas, como o prolapso uterino, constituem um problema em clínicas e hospitais veterinários. Neste relato descreve-se o aspecto clínico-cirúrgico do prolapso uterino. Diagnosticaram-se, em uma gata e em uma cadela, protrusão completa e retroflexão uterina, respectivamente. Após a estabilização dos animais e redução dos prolapsos seguidos de ovário-histerectomia, um dos animais veio a óbito, em decorrência de septicemia e choque hipovolêmico. Portanto, a rápida avaliação e tratamentos intensivos são requeridos para assegurar a vida do animal.

     

    PALAVRAS-CHAVES: Cão, gato, prolapso uterino, retroflexão uterina

  20. Structural comparison of contractile nanomachines

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    Sebastian Kube

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available Contractile molecular machines are a common feature among bacteriophages and prokaryotes. Due to their stability and the large size, contractile-tailed bacteriophages are traditionally investigated by electron microscopic methods. Complemented by crystallographic studies, a molecular model of contraction for the T4 phage was developed. Lately, also related contractile structures like the Photorhabdus virulence cassette-like particles, the R-Type pyocins and the contractile tubule of the bacterial Type VI secretion system have been analyzed by cryo electron microscopy. Photorhabdus virulence cassette particles and R-Type pyocins are toxin complexes reminiscent of bacteriophage tails that are secreted by bacteria to kill their insect host or competing bacteria. In contrast, the Type VI secretion system is an intracellular apparatus for injection of effector proteins into bacterial and eukaryotic cells. Although it shares homology with other contractile systems, the Type VI secretion system is additionally equipped with a recycling function, which makes it suitable for multiple rounds of action. Starting from the 3D reconstructions, we compare these molecular machines structurally and functionally to their viral counterparts and summarize the current knowledge on their respective mode of action.

  1. Cadmium translocation by contractile roots differs from that in regular, non-contractile roots.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lux, Alexander; Lackovič, Andrej; Van Staden, Johannes; Lišková, Desana; Kohanová, Jana; Martinka, Michal

    2015-06-01

    Contractile roots are known and studied mainly in connection with the process of shrinkage of their basal parts, which acts to pull the shoot of the plant deeper into the ground. Previous studies have shown that the specific structure of these roots results in more intensive water uptake at the base, which is in contrast to regular root types. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the basal parts of contractile roots are also more active in translocation of cadmium to the shoot. Plants of the South African ornamental species Tritonia gladiolaris were cultivated in vitro for 2 months, at which point they possessed well-developed contractile roots. They were then transferred to Petri dishes with horizontally separated compartments of agar containing 50 µmol Cd(NO3)2 in the region of the root base or the root apex. Seedlings of 4-d-old maize (Zea mays) plants, which do not possess contractile roots, were also transferred to similar Petri dishes. The concentrations of Cd in the leaves of the plants were compared after 10 d of cultivation. Anatomical analyses of Tritonia roots were performed using appropriately stained freehand cross-sections. The process of contraction required specific anatomical adaptation of the root base in Tritonia, with less lignified and less suberized tissues in comparison with the subapical part of the root. These unusual developmental characteristics were accompanied by more intensive translocation of Cd ions from the basal part of contractile roots to the leaves than from the apical-subapical root parts. The opposite effects were seen in the non-contractile roots of maize, with higher uptake and transport by the apical parts of the root and lower uptake and transport by the basal part. The specific characteristics of contractile roots may have a significant impact on the uptake of ions, including toxic metals from the soil surface layers. This may be important for plant nutrition, for example in the uptake of nutrients from

  2. Altas capacidades en el aula /

    OpenAIRE

    Conesa Muñoz., María Gregoria

    2014-01-01

    Las altas capacidades necesitan un tratamiento específico, del mismo modo que lo necesitan otros alumnos con dificultades para el aprendizaje, el hecho de que les sea más fácil aprender no significa que no se deban potenciar sus capacidades. Se analiza el tratamiento que han tenido las altas capacidades intelectuales a lo largo de los diferentes sistemas educativos, se ven las características más importantes que pueden tener estos niños y las diferentes vías de identificación y diagnóstico. ...

  3. Prevalência de alterações uterinas e tubárias na histerossalpingografia em mulheres inférteis: estudo de 48 casos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pérez Juliano Adams

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available A histerossalpingografia é um exame realizado para avaliação da anatomia uterina e da permeabilidade tubária, característica esta que torna a pesquisa de causa de infertilidade primária ou secundária sua principal indicação. Este trabalho se propôs a estudar a prevalência de alterações na histerossalpingografia em pacientes com infertilidade. Para tal, foram alocadas todas as pacientes que se submeteram ao exame, num período de quatro meses. Entre as 48 pacientes estudadas, 36 apresentavam infertilidade primária e 12, infertilidade secundária. As pacientes com infertilidade primária apresentaram maior índice de malformações uterinas, enquanto as pacientes com infertilidade secundária apresentaram obstrução tubária como alteração mais freqüente. Não ocorreu nenhuma intercorrência significativa durante a realização dos exames. O trabalho permite afirmar que este exame é muito útil na pesquisa de infertilidade, uma vez que, freqüentemente, diagnostica alterações importantes, sendo um exame barato e de raras complicações.

  4. Genome sequence of Haloplasma contractile, an unusual contractile bacterium from a deep-sea anoxic brine lake.

    KAUST Repository

    Antunes, Andre; Alam, Intikhab; El Dorry, Hamza; Siam, Rania; Robertson, Anthony J.; Bajic, Vladimir B.; Stingl, Ulrich

    2011-01-01

    We present the draft genome of Haloplasma contractile, isolated from a deep-sea brine and representing a new order between Firmicutes and Mollicutes. Its complex morphology with contractile protrusions might be strongly influenced by the presence of seven MreB/Mbl homologs, which appears to be the highest copy number ever reported.

  5. Genome sequence of Haloplasma contractile, an unusual contractile bacterium from a deep-sea anoxic brine lake.

    KAUST Repository

    Antunes, Andre

    2011-09-01

    We present the draft genome of Haloplasma contractile, isolated from a deep-sea brine and representing a new order between Firmicutes and Mollicutes. Its complex morphology with contractile protrusions might be strongly influenced by the presence of seven MreB/Mbl homologs, which appears to be the highest copy number ever reported.

  6. Compensatory Hypertrophy of Skeletal Muscle: Contractile Characteristics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ianuzzo, C. D.; Chen, V.

    1977-01-01

    Describes an experiment using rats that demonstrates contractile characteristics of normal and hypertrophied muscle. Compensatory hypertrophy of the plantaris muscle is induced by surgical removal of the synergistic gastrocnemium muscle. Includes methods for determination of contractile properties of normal and hypertrophied muscle and…

  7. Capacidade de Carga em Cidades Históricas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernando Vicente de Oliveira

    2010-08-01

    Full Text Available Neste artigo são apresentados os conceitos de capacidade de carga e capacidade ambiental vinculando-os ao manejo de cidades históricas dentro dos pressupostos do turismo sustentável. A avaliação da capacidade ambiental é uma valiosa ferramenta para planejamento turístico. O principal é determinar até que ponto um meio ambiente pode suportar uma intervenção, sem que a mesma danifique ou prejudique a característica principal deste local. As cidades históricas e turísticas com desejo de fomentar o turismo devem, necessariamente, delimitar suas capacidades de crescimento, para geração de riquezas através de sua economia diversificada e, sobretudo, bem estar de sua população, principal objetivo do estudo de capacidade ambiental.

  8. Operative contractility: a functional concept of the inotropic state.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Curiel, Roberto; Perez-Gonzalez, Juan; Torres, Edwar; Landaeta, Ruben; Cerrolaza, Miguel

    2005-10-01

    1. Initial unsuccessful attempts to evaluate ventricular function in terms of the 'heart as a pump' led to focusing on the 'heart as a muscle' and to the concept of myocardial contractility. However, no clinically ideal index exists to assess the contractile state. The aim of the present study was to develop a mathematical model to assess cardiac contractility. 2. A tri-axial system was conceived for preload (PL), afterload (AL) and contractility, where stroke volume (SV) was represented as the volume of the tetrahedron. Based on this model, 'operative' contractility ('OperCon') was calculated from the readily measured values of PL, AL and SV. The model was tested retrospectively under a variety of different experimental and clinical conditions, in 71 studies in humans and 29 studies in dogs. A prospective echocardiographic study was performed in 143 consecutive subjects to evaluate the ability of the model to assess contractility when SV and PL were measured volumetrically (mL) or dimensionally (cm). 3. With inotropic interventions, OperCon changes were comparable to those of ejection fraction (EF), velocity of shortening (Vcf) and dP/dt-max. Only with positive inotropic interventions did elastance (Ees) show significantly larger changes. With load manipulations, OperCon showed significantly smaller changes than EF and Ees and comparable changes to Vcf and dP/dt-max. Values of OperCon were similar when AL was represented by systolic blood pressure or wall stress and when volumetric or dimensional values were used. 4. Operative contractility is a reliable, simple and versatile method to assess cardiac contractility.

  9. Modelo computacional para caracterización de células escamosas de citologías cérvico-uterinas

    OpenAIRE

    Martínez Abaunza Víctor Eduardo; Mendoza Castellanos Alfonso; Uribe Pérez Claudia Janeth

    2005-01-01

    El trabajo se realizó entre el Grupo de Investigación en Ingeniería Biomédica (GIIB) y el Grupo de Investigación en Patología Estructural, Funcional y Clínica de la Universidad Industrial de Santander (UIS), junto con la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Autónoma de Bucaramanga (UNAB); el objetivo principal es construir un modelo computacional que permita caracterizar las células presentes en una citología cérvico uterina, con el propósito de clasificarlas como normales o displásicas. La...

  10. O modelo de pseudogestação em camundongos para o estudo 'in situ' das celulas Natural Killer uterinas

    OpenAIRE

    Juares Ednaldo Romero Bianco

    2006-01-01

    Resumo: Durante o período peri-implantacional na gestação de humanos e roedores, ocorre no estroma da mucosa uterina um conjunto de fenômenos que envolvem modificações dos componentes celulares e da matriz extracelular. Este conjunto de modificações é conhecido como decidualização ou reação decidual. Concomitante a este processo ocorre a migração de leucócitos provenientes de órgão hematopoéticos para este estroma. Dentre estes leucócitos predominam as subpopulações de linfócitos denominados ...

  11. CAPACIDAD TRANSACCIONAL: EVIDENCIAS DEL SISTEMA FINANCIERO PERUANO

    OpenAIRE

    TELLO-GAMARRA, JORGE; HERNANI-MERINO, MARTÍN; LÍMACO-MAMANI, BRYAN IVÁN

    2017-01-01

    RESUMEN Aunque existen algunos esfuerzos por integrar las perspectivas de capacidades y la economía de los costos de transacción, los avances en esa dirección son escasos. La integración de esas dos perspectivas es una emergente área de estudio llamada capacidad transaccional. Este artículo tiene por objetivo examinar la capacidad transaccional de firmas que operan en el sistema financiero peruano. El método escogido para la búsqueda de evidencias en ese sector es el estudio de casos múltiple...

  12. Cell stiffness, contractile stress and the role of extracellular matrix

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    An, Steven S.; Kim, Jina; Ahn, Kwangmi; Trepat, Xavier; Drake, Kenneth J.; Kumar, Sarvesh; Ling, Guoyu; Purington, Carolyn; Rangasamy, Tirumalai; Kensler, Thomas W.; Mitzner, Wayne; Fredberg, Jeffrey J.; Biswal, Shyam

    2009-01-01

    Here we have assessed the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and rigidity on mechanical properties of the human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell. Cell stiffness and contractile stress showed appreciable changes from the most relaxed state to the most contracted state: we refer to the maximal range of these changes as the cell contractile scope. The contractile scope was least when the cell was adherent upon collagen V, followed by collagen IV, laminin, and collagen I, and greatest for fibronectin. Regardless of ECM composition, upon adherence to increasingly rigid substrates, the ASM cell positively regulated expression of antioxidant genes in the glutathione pathway and heme oxygenase, and disruption of a redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2), culminated in greater contractile scope. These findings provide biophysical evidence that ECM differentially modulates muscle contractility and, for the first time, demonstrate a link between muscle contractility and Nrf2-directed responses.

  13. Cell stiffness, contractile stress and the role of extracellular matrix

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    An, Steven S., E-mail: san@jhsph.edu [Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E-7616, Baltimore, MD 21205 (United States); Kim, Jina [Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E-7616, Baltimore, MD 21205 (United States); Ahn, Kwangmi [Division of Biostatistics, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 (United States); Trepat, Xavier [CIBER, Enfermedades Respiratorias, 07110 Bunyola (Spain); Drake, Kenneth J. [Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115 (United States); Kumar, Sarvesh; Ling, Guoyu; Purington, Carolyn; Rangasamy, Tirumalai; Kensler, Thomas W.; Mitzner, Wayne [Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E-7616, Baltimore, MD 21205 (United States); Fredberg, Jeffrey J. [Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115 (United States); Biswal, Shyam [Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E-7616, Baltimore, MD 21205 (United States); Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 (United States)

    2009-05-15

    Here we have assessed the effects of extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and rigidity on mechanical properties of the human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell. Cell stiffness and contractile stress showed appreciable changes from the most relaxed state to the most contracted state: we refer to the maximal range of these changes as the cell contractile scope. The contractile scope was least when the cell was adherent upon collagen V, followed by collagen IV, laminin, and collagen I, and greatest for fibronectin. Regardless of ECM composition, upon adherence to increasingly rigid substrates, the ASM cell positively regulated expression of antioxidant genes in the glutathione pathway and heme oxygenase, and disruption of a redox-sensitive transcription factor, nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor (Nrf2), culminated in greater contractile scope. These findings provide biophysical evidence that ECM differentially modulates muscle contractility and, for the first time, demonstrate a link between muscle contractility and Nrf2-directed responses.

  14. Carcinoma urotelial primario de la trompa uterina, una patología infrecuente: reporte de un caso

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Stefano Pozzobon-Borregales

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available El carcinoma primario de la trompa uterina es una patología maligna infrecuente que ocurre entre el 0,1% al 1,8% de todos los tumores malignos del organismo, siendo aun menos frecuente el tipo histológico transicional o urotelial que representa el 10% de los tumores malignos de trompa uterina. Se presentan principalmente entre la 5ta y 7ma décadas de la vida, y clínicamente se manifiesta, en el 18% de los casos, con la triada de masa palpable y/o distensión abdominal, dolor pélvico y metrorragia. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 44 años de edad quien inicia enfermedad actual en diciembre del 2010, con antecedente de dolor pélvico y sangrado genital continuo. En la resonancia magnética se apreció un lesión ocupante de espacio parauterina derecha, sugestiva de neoplasia maligna de ovario derecho. El reporte del marcador tumoral Ca 125 mostró valores elevados, acompañado de clínica y paraclínica sugestiva enfermedad tumoral maligna. Se decidió realizar laparotomía ginecológica en la que se evidenció tumoración en trompa uterina derecha. El estudio histológico se concluyó como carcinoma con diferenciación uroterial. Posteriormente se realizó cirugía de estadiaje, que incluyó lavado peritoneal, histerectomía total, salpingooforectomía izquierda, omentectomía subcolónica, apendicectomía y linfadenectomía bilateral selectiva. El reporte de biopsia de dichas piezas operatorias resultaron negativas para malignidad. La paciente se encuentra actualmente libre de enfermedad. Dado lo infrecuente de la patología se reporta este caso. Primary Carcinoma of the uterine tube, an unusual malignant pathology: case report Abstract Primary Carcinoma of the uterine tube is an unusual malignant pathology that occurs between the 0,1% and the 1,8% of all malignant tumors, being the urothelial histological type even less frequent, which represents 10% of malignant tumors of the uterine tubes. These tumors usually appear in women

  15. Contractile injection systems of bacteriophages and related systems

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Taylor, Nicholas M I; van Raaij, Mark J; Leiman, Petr G

    2018-01-01

    Contractile tail bacteriophages, or myobacteriophages, use a sophisticated biomolecular structure to inject their genome into the bacterial host cell. This structure consists of a contractile sheath enveloping a rigid tube that is sharpened by a spike-shaped protein complex at its tip. The spike ...

  16. Correr el riesgo: ¿desventaja social o capacidad?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luz Adriana Muñoz-Duque

    2018-05-01

    Full Text Available El artículo aborda las nociones de riesgo y aceptabilidad del riesgo desde una perspectiva de justicia social, particularmente, a la luz del enfoque de capacidades propuesto por Amartya Sen. Se argumenta que el riesgo puede ser la expresión de restricciones en las capacidades de los sujetos, partiendo de desventajas sociales que pueden estar normalizadas en su cotidianidad. Por otro lado, puede ser pensado como expresión de capacidad, en aquellos casos en los cuales es aceptado o admitido a través del ejercicio de la libertad, siempre que los sujetos que así se relacionan con el riesgo, lo conciban en consonancia con su idea de una vida buena, cuya construcción implica el desarrollo pleno de la capacidad de agencia. Finalmente, se presentan algunas reflexiones sobre la materia dentro del ámbito de la salud pública.

  17. Modelo de capacidades e maturidade para defesa cibernética

    OpenAIRE

    Sylvio Andre Diogo Silva

    2011-01-01

    Uma implantação eficaz de defesa cibernética requer o desenvolvimento de esforços coordenados nas seguintes capacidades-chave: detecção de ataques, mecanismos de defesa, monitoramento de situação, comando e controle, aprimoramento de estratégias e táticas e desenvolvimento seguro de sistemas. A dissertação apresenta um modelo de capacidades para defesa cibernética. A partir das seis capacidades-chave, foi identificado um modelo com capacidades essenciais para a defesa cibernética. O modelo de...

  18. Tamizaje y prevención de pre-eclampsia guiado por Doppler de arterias uterinas: revisión sistemática de la literatura

    OpenAIRE

    Sáez O, Nicolás; Carvajal C, Jorge

    2012-01-01

    Antecedentes: La pre-eclampsia (PE) es una enfermedad grave asociada al embarazo con una prevalencia de ~3%. La identificación de las mujeres en riesgo podría mejorar el resultado materno y perinatal. La estimación de riesgo individual de PE permitiría ofrecer un tratamiento preventivo para ésta [ej: aspirina (AAS)]. Se ha descrito el Doppler de arterias uterinas (DAUt) en primer y segundo trimestre como un método de tamizaje de PE. Objetivo: Recopilar la evidencia disponible sobre el uso del...

  19. Cuerpos, capacidades, exigencias funcionales... y otros lechos de Procusto Cuerpos, capacidades, exigencias funcionales... y otros lechos de Procusto

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mario Toboso Martín

    2010-03-01

    Full Text Available El denominado modelo social de la discapacidad interpreta ésta como una construcción social, pero no presenta de la misma manera la capacidad. Habitualmente se supone que las capacidades lo son propiamente del cuerpo, mientras que se pasa por alto que llegar a poseer un determinado conjunto de capacidades es un hecho normativamente impuesto por nuestros patrones culturales de vida. Las capacidades que definen este conjunto retratan fielmente las capacidades de lo que aquí denominamos cuerpo normativo. La reflexión en torno al cuerpo, como elemento sociocultural clave, debe cuestionar el esencialismo en la atribución de tales capacidades, notando que el primer paso para caer bajo las miradas médica y capacitista es, precisamente, definir y asumir un conjunto previo de capacidades inherentes atribuibles al cuerpo. Como vía para la deconstrucción del cuerpo normativo nos planteamos poner en práctica una mirada alternativa, que se sitúe lejos de la creencia generalizada en un modo de funcionamiento mayoritario y único, y permita también tener en cuenta los modos minoritarios y menos habituales. La reflexión se convierte así en una cuestión de respeto a la diversidad funcional que, como condición inherente al cuerpo y al ser humano, resulta del reconocimiento de todas las expresiones diferentes de funcionamiento posibles.The so-called social model of disability interprets it as a social construction, but it does not present capability in the same manner. Usually abilities are supposed to be inherent to the body, whereas is overlooked that being able to reach certain set of abilities is an imposed normative fact demanded by our cultural life standards. This set defining abilities reflects accurately the abilities of what we call normative body. The reflection around the body, as a key sociocultural element, must question the essentialism in the attribution of such abilities, remarking that the first step to fall under medical and able

  20. LA CAPACIDAD ACELERATIVA EN EL DEPORTE

    OpenAIRE

    Isidoro Hornillos Baz

    2010-01-01

    La capacidad acelerativa adquiere una gran relevancia en las disciplinas deportivas que exigen desplazamientos rápidos. Forma parte de la velocidad, como cualidad motora, en su dimensión compleja. Desde una perspectiva bioenergética, la aceleración depende de la potencia del sistema anaeróbico aláctico. Para mejorar esta capacidad será necesario realizar ejercicios a la máxima intensidad, con recuperaciones completas y con una duración no superior a los seis segundos, en general. También desa...

  1. Estudo ultra-sonográfico da involução uterina pós-parto em cadelas Ultrasonography study of the post-partum uterine involution in bitches

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    S.T.S. Ferri

    2002-02-01

    Full Text Available Utilizando-se 15 cadelas no pós-parto, são descritas as características da involução uterina e determinado o diâmetro do útero, por meio de exames seriados de ultra-som em modo B (tempo real, no período de zero a 28 dias pós-parto. O diâmetro uterino declina progressivamente, sem influência da ordem de parto ou tamanho da ninhada. As características ultra-sonográficas do útero são melhor visualizadas na primeira semana pós-parto e a qualidade da imagem diminui com o progresso da involução. Pela técnica usada são visualizadas apenas três camadas constituintes da parede uterina.The ultrasonographic characteristics and the involution of the uterus were described in 15 pregnant bitches by serial B-mode (real time technique at period of 0 to 28 days postpartum. The uterine diameter decreased progressively, without influence of parity or litter size. The ultrasonographic image of the uterus is better view in the first week and the image quality is poor at subsequent weeks. The uterus was composed of only three ecographic layers.

  2. Quantifying esophagogastric junction contractility with a novel HRM topographic metric, the EGJ-Contractile Integral: normative values and preliminary evaluation in PPI non-responders.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nicodème, F; Pipa-Muniz, M; Khanna, K; Kahrilas, P J; Pandolfino, J E

    2014-03-01

    Despite its obvious pathophysiological relevance, the clinical utility of measures of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) contractility is unsubstantiated. High-resolution manometry (HRM) may improve upon this with its inherent ability to integrate the magnitude of contractility over time and length of the EGJ. This study aimed to develop a novel HRM metric summarizing EGJ contractility and test its ability distinguish among subgroups of proton pump inhibitor non-responders (PPI-NRs). 75 normal controls and 88 PPI-NRs were studied. All underwent HRM. PPI-NRs underwent pH-impedance monitoring on PPI therapy scored in terms of acid exposure, number of reflux events, and reflux-symptom correlation and grouped as meeting all criteria, some criteria, or no criteria of abnormality. Control HRM studies were used to establish normal values for candidate EGJ contractility metrics, which were then compared in their ability to differentiate among PPI-NR subgroups. The EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI), a metric integrating contractility across the EGJ for three respiratory cycles, best distinguished the All Criteria PPI-NR subgroup from controls and other PPI-NR subgroups. Normal values (median, [IQR]) for this measure were 39 mmHg-cm [25-55 mmHg-cm]. The correlation between the EGJ-CI and a previously proposed metric, the lower esophageal sphincter-pressure integral, that used a fixed 10 s time frame and an atmospheric as opposed to gastric pressure reference was weak. Among HRM metrics tested, the EGJ-CI was best in distinguishing PPI-NRs meeting all criteria of abnormality on pH-impedance testing. Future prospective studies are required to explore its utility in management of broader groups of gastroesophageal reflux disease patients. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  3. LA CAPACIDAD ACELERATIVA EN EL DEPORTE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Isidoro Hornillos Baz

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available La capacidad acelerativa adquiere una gran relevancia en las disciplinas deportivas que exigen desplazamientos rápidos. Forma parte de la velocidad, como cualidad motora, en su dimensión compleja. Desde una perspectiva bioenergética, la aceleración depende de la potencia del sistema anaeróbico aláctico. Para mejorar esta capacidad será necesario realizar ejercicios a la máxima intensidad, con recuperaciones completas y con una duración no superior a los seis segundos, en general. También desarrollar las técnicas de salida y de carrera. Los principales medios para la mejora de la aceleración son los multisaltos; las cuestas; los arrastres; los ejercicios con cinturones y tobilleras; los lastres en forma de cinturones, tobilleras o carreras con paracaídas; el entrenamiento de fuerza con cargas y los sprints en terreno liso. Pero en algunos deportes colectivos va a ser determinante la resistencia a la aceleración, debido al alto número de carreras de máxima o alta velocidad durante un partido. En estos casos será también necesario desarrollar la capacidad anaeróbica aláctica y la potencia y capacidad lactácida. Asimismo, hay que alcanzar un mínimo nivel de potencia aeróbica, que representa la máxima cantidad de producción de ATP por unidad de tiempo en base a procesos metabólicos de naturaleza aeróbica.

  4. Histomorfometria e histoquímica da tuba uterina e do útero de ratas púberes e pré-púberes induzidas ao hipertireoidismo Histomorphometry and histochemistry of the uterine tubes and uterus of puberal and prepuberal rats induced for hyperthyroidism

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    T.S. Oliveira

    2005-08-01

    Full Text Available Foram estudadas a histomorfometria e a atividade secretória das tubas uterinas e do útero de 38 ratas Wistar púberes, distribuídas em quatro grupos: (1 eutireóideo em proestro-estro, (2 hipertireóideo em proestro-estro, (3 eutireóideo em metaestro-diestro e (4 hipertireóideo em metaestro-diestro. Posteriormente, foram utilizadas outras 24 ratas Wistar pré-púberes, com 12 dias de idade, distribuídas em dois grupos: (1 hipertireóideo (n=12 e (2 eutireóideo (n=12. O útero e as tubas uterinas foram colhidos para avaliação histomorfométrica e histoquímica. A altura do epitélio da ampola, tanto no proestro-estro quanto no metaestro-diestro, elevou-se com a administração de tiroxina, tornando-se semelhante à do istmo. O hipertireoidismo aumentou a secreção PAS positiva e de mucossubstâncias ácidas do infundíbulo na fase estrogênica, igualando-a à do istmo. A parede uterina apresentou-se mais espessa na fase estrogênica, resultado da ação conjunta da tiroxina no endométrio e no miométrio. A atividade secretória e a composição do colágeno uterino não diferiram entre tratamentos. Nas ratas pré-púberes, o hipertireoidismo aumentou a espessura do miométrio e da parede uterina, mas não alterou a tuba uterina. O hipertireoidismo em ratas pré-púberes induz modificações significativas somente no útero; após a maturidade sexual, as modificações ocorrem no útero e na tuba uterina em intensidade variável e dependentes da fase do ciclo estral.The histomorphometry and the secretory activity of the uterine tubes and uterus of 38 puberal Wistar rats were studied. Rats were divided in four groups: (1 euthyroid in proestrus-estrus, (2 hyperthyroid in proestrus-estrus, (3 euthyroid in metestrus-diestrus and, (4 hyperthyroid in metestrus-diestrus. In other experiment, 24 prepuberal 12-day-old Wistar rats were divided in two groups: (1 hyperthyroid and (2 euthyroid. The uterus and the uterine tubes were collected for

  5. Prevenção do Nascimento Prematuro: Importância da Monitorização das Contrações Uterinas Prevention of Preterm Birth: Role of Uterine Contraction Monitoring

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eduardo Sérgio Borges da Fonseca

    1999-10-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre alterações das contrações uterinas e parto prematuro. Metodologia: entre fevereiro de 1996 e junho de 1998, 73 gestantes com risco para o parto prematuro foram submetidas à monitorização externa das contrações uterinas, da 24ª à 34ª semana de gestação, duas vezes por semana, durante 60 minutos. O teste foi considerado positivo quando as contrações uterinas apresentavam freqüência maior ou igual a 4 contrações/hora antes da 30ª semana e a 6 contrações/hora após esta data. Resultado: foram excluídas da análise 17 pacientes (23,28% por apresentarem patologias obstétricas ou evolução desfavorável para os resultados finais. Das 56 gestantes restantes, a incidência de partos prematuros espontâneos foi de 23,21% (13/56. A freqüência média das contrações uterinas foi significativamente maior no grupo que evoluiu para o parto prematuro. O método revelou uma sensibilidade de 69,23%, uma especificidade de 86,04% e valores preditivos positivo e negativo de 60% e 90,24%, respectivamente. Conclusão: o teste negativo está associado a baixo risco de nascimento prematuro. Contudo, diante do teste positivo, torna-se necessária a associação com outros marcadores do parto prematuro para melhor identificar pacientes com risco elevado.Purpose: to evaluate the relationship between uterine contractions and premature delivery. Methods: between February 1996 and July 1998, 73 high risk pregnant women for preterm delivery, between the 24th and 34th weeks of gestation, were submitted to uterine contraction monitoring with tokodynamometers for 1 hour twice a week. The positive test was the presence of 4 contractions/h before the 30th week of gestation, and after this time, 6 contractions/h. Result: of 73 women, 17 patients (23.28% were excluded from the final analysis because they presented obstetric problems or unfavorable development for the final result. The rate of preterm delivery was 21

  6. Efeito do sulfato de magnésio sobre o índice de pulsatilidade das artérias uterinas, umbilical e cerebral média fetal de acordo com a persistência da incisura protodiastólica da artéria uterina na pré-eclâmpsia grave Effect of magnesium sulfate on pulsatility index of uterine, umbilical and fetal middle cerebral arteries according to the persistence of bilateral diastolic notch of uterine arteries in patients with severe preeclampsia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alex Sandro Rolland Souza

    2009-02-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: avaliar o efeito do sulfato de magnésio sobre o índice de pulsatilidade (IP das artérias uterinas, umbilicais e cerebral média fetal, de acordo com a persistência ou não da incisura protodiastólica bilateral das artérias uterinas na pré-eclâmpsia grave. MÉTODOS: foi desenvolvido um estudo do tipo coorte, incluindo 40 gestantes com pré-eclâmpsia grave, das quais 23 apresentavam incisura protodiastólica bilateral e 17, incisura ausente/unilateral. As pacientes foram submetidas a doplervelocimetria antes e depois de 20 minutos da administração intravenosa de 6 g do sulfato de magnésio. O exame foi realizado com a paciente em posição semi-Fowler, obtendo-se os sonogramas durante a inatividade fetal, em períodos de apneia e ausência de contrações uterinas. Todos os exames foram realizados por dois pesquisadores, considerando a média como resultado final. A comparação dos IP antes e depois do sulfato de magnésio em cada grupo foi realizada pelo teste de Wilcoxon. A diferença das duas medidas (antes e depois do sulfato de magnésio foi comparada entre os grupos (incisura bilateral e incisura ausente/unilateral utilizando-se o teste de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: houve um aumento significativo da frequência cardíaca materna e uma diminuição da pressão arterial materna e da mediana dos IP das duas artérias uterinas e da artéria cerebral média fetal depois da utilização do sulfato de magnésio em ambos os grupos. Houve redução significativa do IP da artéria uterina esquerda e da artéria umbilical apenas no grupo com incisura protodiastólica unilateral/ausente. No entanto, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas em relação ao IP da artéria uterina direita e relação umbilical/cerebral antes e depois do sulfato de magnésio em cada grupo. Não se encontrou diferença entre os grupos, antes e depois do sulfato de magnésio, para nenhum dos desfechos estudados. CONCLUSÕES: após a administra

  7. LAS CAPACIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS COMO BASE PARA EL DESARROLLO

    OpenAIRE

    Álvaro Carbajal Villaplana

    2010-01-01

    En este artículo interesa determinar la estructura lógica del concepto de capacidades tecnológicas para establecer las características y los componentes más relevantes, esto con la intención de proponer una definición filosófica a partir de las ideas de capacidades y funcionamientos de Amartya Sen y del concepto de disposiciones de Gilbert Ryle. Se trata de una ampliación o aplicación de esas nociones a la idea de capacidades tecnológicas con el fin de obtener dicho concepto operativo y aprop...

  8. Detecting cardiac contractile activity in the early mouse embryo using multiple modalities

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chiann-mun eChen

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available The heart is one of the first organs to develop during mammalian embryogenesis. In the mouse, it starts to form shortly after gastrulation, and is derived primarily from embryonic mesoderm. The embryonic heart is unique in having to perform a mechanical contractile function while undergoing complex morphogenetic remodelling. Approaches to imaging the morphogenesis and contractile activity of the developing heart are important in understanding not only how this remodelling is controlled but also the origin of congenital heart defects. Here, we describe approaches for visualising contractile activity in the developing mouse embryo, using brightfield time lapse microscopy and confocal microscopy of calcium transients. We describe an algorithm for enhancing this image data and quantifying contractile activity from it. Finally we describe how atomic force microscopy can be used to record contractile activity prior to it being microscopically visible.

  9. Validation of an in vitro contractility assay using canine ventricular myocytes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Harmer, A.R., E-mail: alex.harmer@astrazeneca.com; Abi-Gerges, N.; Morton, M.J.; Pullen, G.F.; Valentin, J.P.; Pollard, C.E.

    2012-04-15

    Measurement of cardiac contractility is a logical part of pre-clinical safety assessment in a drug discovery project, particularly if a risk has been identified or is suspected based on the primary- or non-target pharmacology. However, there are limited validated assays available that can be used to screen several compounds in order to identify and eliminate inotropic liability from a chemical series. We have therefore sought to develop an in vitro model with sufficient throughput for this purpose. Dog ventricular myocytes were isolated using a collagenase perfusion technique and placed in a perfused recording chamber on the stage of a microscope at ∼ 36 °C. Myocytes were stimulated to contract at a pacing frequency of 1 Hz and a digital, cell geometry measurement system (IonOptix™) was used to measure sarcomere shortening in single myocytes. After perfusion with vehicle (0.1% DMSO), concentration–effect curves were constructed for each compound in 4–30 myocytes taken from 1 or 2 dog hearts. The validation test-set was 22 negative and 8 positive inotropes, and 21 inactive compounds, as defined by their effect in dog, cynolomolgous monkey or humans. By comparing the outcome of the assay to the known in vivo contractility effects, the assay sensitivity was 81%, specificity was 75%, and accuracy was 78%. With a throughput of 6–8 compounds/week from 1 cell isolation, this assay may be of value to drug discovery projects to screen for direct contractility effects and, if a hazard is identified, help identify inactive compounds. -- Highlights: ► Cardiac contractility is an important physiological function of the heart. ► Assessment of contractility is a logical part of pre-clinical drug safety testing. ► There are limited validated assays that predict effects of compounds on contractility. ► Using dog myocytes, we have developed an in vitro cardiac contractility assay. ► The assay predicted the in vivo contractility with a good level of accuracy.

  10. Blood pressure and the contractility of a human leg muscle.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luu, Billy L; Fitzpatrick, Richard C

    2013-11-01

    These studies investigate the relationships between perfusion pressure, force output and pressor responses for the contracting human tibialis anterior muscle. Eight healthy adults were studied. Changing the height of tibialis anterior relative to the heart was used to control local perfusion pressure. Electrically stimulated tetanic force output was highly sensitive to physiological variations in perfusion pressure showing a proportionate change in force output of 6.5% per 10 mmHg. This perfusion-dependent change in contractility begins within seconds and is reversible with a 53 s time constant, demonstrating a steady-state equilibrium between contractility and perfusion pressure. These stimulated contractions did not produce significant cardiovascular responses, indicating that the muscle pressor response does not play a major role in cardiovascular regulation at these workloads. Voluntary contractions at forces that would require constant motor drive if perfusion pressure had remained constant generated a central pressor response when perfusion pressure was lowered. This is consistent with a larger cortical drive being required to compensate for the lost contractility with lower perfusion pressure. The relationship between contractility and perfusion for this large postural muscle was not different from that of a small hand muscle (adductor pollicis) and it responded similarly to passive peripheral and active central changes in arterial pressure, but extended over a wider operating range of pressures. If we consider that, in a goal-oriented motor task, muscle contractility determines central motor output and the central pressor response, these results indicate that muscle would fatigue twice as fast without a pressor response. From its extent, timing and reversibility we propose a testable hypothesis that this change in contractility arises through contraction- and perfusion-dependent changes in interstitial K(+) concentration.

  11. Ciclo estral, histologia e ultra-estrutura do epitelio da tuba uterina da linhagem de ratos UChA e UChB (bebedores voluntarios de etanol)

    OpenAIRE

    Camila Contin Diniz de Almeida-Francia

    2005-01-01

    Resumo: O alcoolismo é o terceiro problema mais sério de Saúde Pública Mundial. A maioria é constituída de homens, entretanto, o índice de mulheres viciadas em bebidas alcoólicas vem aumentando. A tuba uterina promove o meio necessário para a maturação dos gametas femininos e masculinos (capacitação), a fertilização e o desenvolvimento inicial do embrião. As variedades UChA e UChB constituem modelos para os trabalhos relacionados aos aspectos genéticos, bioquímicos, fisiológicos, nutricionais...

  12. Bienestar psicológico en personas con alta capacidad intelectual

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pedro Ramiro Olivier

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available El bienestar psicológico en las personas de alta capacidad intelectual ha sido motivo de controversia en la literatura especializada. En ocasiones se ha considerado que estas personas son más proclives a un desajuste psicológico, mientras que otras veces los resultados han sido poco concluyentes. En el presente trabajo se ha estudiado el bienestar psicológico en personas de altas capacidades intelectuales, administrando la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico a 28 participantes de edades comprendidas entre los 22 y 34 años de edad. Fueron divididos en 2 grupos, uno de altas capacidades y otro de inteligencia estándar. El grupo de altas capacidades había sido identificado como tal 25 años atrás, cuando tenían una edad comprendida entre los 5 y 13 años, utilizando el modelo de los 3 anillos de Renzulli. Los resultados indicaron la inexistencia de diferencias significativas entre los participantes de altas capacidades e inteligencia estándar en las diferentes subescalas de bienestar personal, a excepción de la subescala de bienestar material.

  13. Comparison of contractile and extensile pneumatic artificial muscles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pillsbury, Thomas E.; Wereley, Norman M.; Guan, Qinghua

    2017-09-01

    Pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) are used in robotic and prosthetic applications due to their high power to weight ratio, controllable compliance, and simple design. Contractile PAMs are typically used in traditional hard robotics in place of heavy electric motors. As the field of soft robotics grows, extensile PAMs are beginning to have increased usage. This work experimentally tests, models, and compares contractile and extensile PAMs to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of each type of PAM and applications for which they are best suited.

  14. Stalk-length-dependence of the contractility of Vorticella convallaria

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gul Chung, Eun; Ryu, Sangjin

    2017-12-01

    Vorticella convallaria is a sessile protozoan of which the spasmoneme contracts on a millisecond timescale. Because this contraction is induced and powered by the binding of calcium ions (Ca2+), the spasmoneme showcases Ca2+-powered cellular motility. Because the isometric tension of V. convallaria increases linearly with its stalk length, it is hypothesized that the contractility of V. convallaria during unhindered contraction depends on the stalk length. In this study, the contractile force and energetics of V. convallaria cells of different stalk lengths were evaluated using a fluid dynamic drag model which accounts for the unsteadiness and finite Reynolds number of the water flow caused by contracting V. convallaria and the wall effect of the no-slip substrate. It was found that the contraction displacement, peak contraction speed, peak contractile force, total mechanical work, and peak power depended on the stalk length. The observed stalk-length-dependencies were simulated using a damped spring model, and the model estimated that the average spring constant of the contracting stalk was 1.34 nN µm-1. These observed length-dependencies of Vorticella’s key contractility parameters reflect the biophysical mechanism of the spasmonemal contraction, and thus they should be considered in developing a theoretical model of the Vorticella spasmoneme.

  15. Inhibition of isolated human myometrium contractility by minoxidil and reversal by glibenclamide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Prabhakaran, S S; Dhanasekar, K R; Thomas, E; Jose, R; Peedicayil, J; Samuel, P

    2010-03-01

    This study investigated the ability of the antihypertensive drug minoxidil to inhibit potassium chloride (KCl)-induced contractility of the isolated human myometrium. Twelve strips of myometrium obtained from 12 patients who underwent hysterectomy were triggered to contract with 55 mM KCl before and after incubation with 3 concentrations (1, 3 and 10 microM) of minoxidil. The percent inhibition by minoxidil on the extent of contraction, and the area under the contractile curve of KCl-induced contraction of the myometrial strips was determined. Furthermore, the effect of 10 microM glibenclamide on the inhibition generated by 3 microM minoxidil on KCl-induced contractility was studied. It was found that minoxidil produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of KCl-induced contractility of the myometrium and that glibenclamide reversed this inhibitory effect. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of minoxidil on isolated human myometrium contractility may prove useful in clinical conditions requiring relaxation of the myometrium. 2010 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.

  16. Papel da Histerossonografia no Estudo da Cavidade Uterina em Pacientes com Sangramento Uterino Anormal Role of Sonohysterography in the Evaluation of the Uterine Cavity in Patients with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Angélica Lemos Debs Diniz

    2000-06-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: determinar o papel da histerossonografia na avaliação das anormalidades da cavidade uterina, em pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal, selecionadas previamente pela ultra-sonografia transvaginal. Métodos: foram selecionadas 48 pacientes na menacme e pós-menopausa, portadoras de sangramento uterino anormal e anormalidades da cavidade uterina, diagnosticadas inicialmente pela ultra-sonografia transvaginal. Todas as pacientes se submeteram à histerossonografia e, posteriormente, aos métodos "padrão ouro", a histeroscopia e/ou histerectomia. As histerossonografias foram avaliadas por dois diferentes médicos e os diagnósticos confrontados. Resultados: a histerossonografia mostrou ter alta sensibilidade e especificidade no diagnóstico das patologias benignas da cavidade uterina. Na presença de pólipo a sensibilidade e a especificidade do método foram, respectivamente, de 100 e 97%, seguido do mioma submucoso cuja sensibilidade e especificidade foram, respectivamente, de 83 e 100%. Já na hiperplasia endometrial e no endométrio normal a sensibilidade e especificidade foram de 100%. Diagnosticamos 33 casos de pólipos, 13 casos de miomas submucosos, quatro casos de hiperplasia endometrial e três casos normais na análise dos métodos "padrão ouro". Houve alta correlação entre os diagnósticos dados pelos dois examinadores. Conclusões: a histerossonografia mostrou ser um exame reprodutível, com alta sensibilidade e especificidade no diagnóstico das patologias benignas da cavidade uterina em pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal.Purpose: to determine the role of sonohysterography in the evaluation of abnormalities in the uterine cavity in patients presenting abnormal uterine bleeding, who had previously been selected by transvaginal ultrasonography. Methods: forty-eight patients presenting abnormal uterine bleeding and changes in the uterine cavity seen by transvaginal ultrasonography were selected, and they were in

  17. LAS CAPACIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS COMO BASE PARA EL DESARROLLO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Álvaro Carbajal Villaplana

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available En este artículo interesa determinar la estructura lógica del concepto de capacidades tecnológicas para establecer las características y los componentes más relevantes, esto con la intención de proponer una definición filosófica a partir de las ideas de capacidades y funcionamientos de Amartya Sen y del concepto de disposiciones de Gilbert Ryle. Se trata de una ampliación o aplicación de esas nociones a la idea de capacidades tecnológicas con el fin de obtener dicho concepto operativo y apropiado. El estudio se lleva a cabo, porque la noción de capacidades tecnológicas es muy utilizada en diversos textos de economía, administración, tecnología y filosofía, pero sin que se las defina apropiadamente ni se les fundamente filosóficamente. La investigación en la que se sustenta el artículo se realizó en el año 2005 con un enfoque de análisis inscrito en la tradición filosófica analítica.

  18. Actomyosin contractility rotates the cell nucleus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumar, Abhishek; Maitra, Ananyo; Sumit, Madhuresh; Ramaswamy, Sriram; Shivashankar, G V

    2014-01-21

    The cell nucleus functions amidst active cytoskeletal filaments, but its response to their contractile stresses is largely unexplored. We study the dynamics of the nuclei of single fibroblasts, with cell migration suppressed by plating onto micro-fabricated patterns. We find the nucleus undergoes noisy but coherent rotational motion. We account for this observation through a hydrodynamic approach, treating the nucleus as a highly viscous inclusion residing in a less viscous fluid of orientable filaments endowed with active stresses. Lowering actin contractility selectively by introducing blebbistatin at low concentrations drastically reduced the speed and coherence of the angular motion of the nucleus. Time-lapse imaging of actin revealed a correlated hydrodynamic flow around the nucleus, with profile and magnitude consistent with the results of our theoretical approach. Coherent intracellular flows and consequent nuclear rotation thus appear to be an intrinsic property of cells.

  19. HEALTHY AND PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF MYOMETRIUM: PREGNANT MYOMETRIUM, UTERINE FIBROIDS AND LEIOMYOSARCOMA. Cambios normales y patológicos del miometrio: miometrio del embarazo, fibrosis uterina y leiomiosarcoma

    OpenAIRE

    Pasquapina Ciarmela; Soriful Islam; Pasquale Lamanna; Andrea Tranquilli; Mario Castellucci

    2016-01-01

    El miometrio, la pared muscular del útero, puede modificar su misma masa y las propiedades celulares en el embarazo y también en los tumores como el leiomioma y el leiomiosarcoma. El leiomioma, dicho también fibroma, es un tumor benigno del útero y se considera como  una de las causas más frecuentes de infertilità en el período reproductivo femenino. El leiomiosarcoma, en cambio, es un tumor maligno y agresivo de la musculatura lisa uterina. La presente revisión discute las características ge...

  20. Slack length reduces the contractile phenotype of the Swine carotid artery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rembold, Christopher M; Garvey, Sean M; Tejani, Ankit D

    2013-01-01

    Contraction is the primary function of adult arterial smooth muscle. However, in response to vessel injury or inflammation, arterial smooth muscle is able to phenotypically modulate from the contractile state to several 'synthetic' states characterized by proliferation, migration and/or increased cytokine secretion. We examined the effect of tissue length (L) on the phenotype of intact, isometrically held, initially contractile swine carotid artery tissues. Tissues were studied (1) without prolonged incubation at the optimal length for force generation (1.0 Lo, control), (2) with prolonged incubation for 17 h at 1.0 Lo, or (3) with prolonged incubation at slack length (0.6 Lo) for 16 h and then restoration to 1.0 Lo for 1 h. Prolonged incubation at 1.0 Lo minimally reduced the contractile force without substantially altering the mediators of contraction (crossbridge phosphorylation, shortening velocity or stimulated actin polymerization). Prolonged incubation of tissues at slack length (0.6 Lo), despite return of length to 1.0 Lo, substantially reduced contractile force, reduced crossbridge phosphorylation, nearly abolished crossbridge cycling (shortening velocity) and abolished stimulated actin polymerization. These data suggest that (1) slack length treatment significantly alters the contractile phenotype of arterial tissue, and (2) slack length treatment is a model to study acute phenotypic modulation of intact arterial smooth muscle. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. A altura uterina é capaz de diagnosticar os desvios do volume de líquido amniótico? Is uterine height able to diagnose amniotic fluid volume deviations?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Djacyr Magna Cabral Freire

    2013-02-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Avaliar o desempenho de uma curva de altura uterina (AU quanto à capacidade de rastrear desvios do volume de líquido amniótico, utilizando uma curva brasileira de índice de líquido amniótico (ILA como padrão-ouro. MÉTODOS: O presente estudo representa um corte transversal no qual foram incluídas 753 gestantes em acompanhamento pré-natal na rede pública de João Pessoa (PB no período de março a outubro de 2006 e que tiveram um exame de ultrassonografia (US de rotina agendado para depois da 26ª semana de idade gestacional. Foram excluídos os casos com diagnóstico de gestação gemelar, óbito fetal intrauterino e malformações fetais maiores. Além de informações sociodemográficas, foram coletados também os valores da AU medida de forma padronizada, os valores do peso fetal estimado, do ILA e a idade gestacional pelo exame de US. A capacidade da curva de AU em predizer os desvios do volume de líquido amniótico foi avaliada tendo uma curva brasileira de ILA em função da idade gestacional como padrão-ouro. Para isso, foram estimados a sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo e negativo para diferentes pontos de corte. RESULTADOS: A medida da AU identificou 10,5% das mulheres como AU baixa e possivelmente associada ao oligoâmnio, e 25,2% como AU alta e possivelmente associada ao polidrâmnio. Utilizando uma curva brasileira de referência para ILA, a AU foi capaz de predizer pobremente a ocorrência de oligoâmnio (sensibilidade variando entre 37 a 28% e de forma razoável a ocorrência de polidrâmnio (sensibilidade variando entre 88 a 69%. CONCLUSÃO: A medida da altura uterina mostrou um desempenho ruim para predizer oligoâmnio e um desempenho razoável para predizer polidrâmnio. Sua utilização para essa finalidade só se justifica, portanto, em situações nas quais o exame ultrassonográfico não esteja fácil e rotineiramente disponível, a fim de ajudar na priorização dos casos que

  2. Calcium-responsive contractility during fertilization in sea urchin eggs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stack, Christianna; Lucero, Amy J; Shuster, Charles B

    2006-04-01

    Fertilization triggers a reorganization of oocyte cytoskeleton, and in sea urchins, there is a dramatic increase in cortical F-actin. However, the role that myosin II plays during fertilization remains largely unexplored. Myosin II is localized to the cortical cytoskeleton both before and after fertilization and to examine myosin II contractility in living cells, Lytechinus pictus eggs were observed by time-lapse microscopy. Upon sperm binding, a cell surface deflection traversed the egg that was followed by and dependent on the calcium wave. The calcium-dependence of surface contractility could be reproduced in unfertilized eggs, where mobilization of intracellular calcium in unfertilized eggs under compression resulted in a marked contractile response. Lastly, inhibition of myosin II delayed absorption of the fertilization cone, suggesting that myosin II not only responds to the same signals that activate eggs but also participates in the remodeling of the cortical actomyosin cytoskeleton during the first zygotic cell cycle. (c) 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  3. 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate vehicle, castor oil, enhances the contractile effect of oxytocin in human myometrium in pregnancy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    O'Sullivan, Michael D; Hehir, Mark P; O'Brien, Yvonne M; Morrison, John J

    2010-05-01

    The possibility exists that the vehicle for 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, castor oil, exerts an effect on human uterine contractility. The aim of this study was to evaluate its effects on contractility of myometrial preparations that were obtained during pregnancy. Myometrial strips were suspended under isometric conditions. Contractility was induced with oxytocin. Strips were incubated in castor oil or physiologic salt solution and suspended for a further oxytocin challenge. Contractile integrals were compared between both groups. Strips that were exposed to castor oil demonstrated increased contractile activity that was elicited by oxytocin (mean contractility value, 165.53%+/-17.03%; n=8; P=.004), compared with control strips (mean contractility value, 72.57%+/-7.48%; n=8; P=.003). There was a significant increase in contractile activity of the castor oil-exposed strips, compared with those that were exposed to physiologic salt solution (n=8; Pcastor oil results in enhanced oxytocin-induced contractility. Copyright (c) 2010 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Diagnóstico não invasivo da anemia fetal pela medida do pico de velocidade sistólica na dopplervelocimetria da artéria cerebral média Noninvasive fetal anemia diagnosis by middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity waveform measurement

    OpenAIRE

    Marcos Roberto Taveira; Antônio Carlos Vieira Cabral; Henrique Vítor Leite; Isabela Gomes de Melo; Ana Paula Brum de Miranda Lopes

    2004-01-01

    OBJETIVO: avaliar se existe associação entre a medida do pico de velocidade sistólica (PVS) na dopplervelocimetria da artéria cerebral média (ACM) e a concentração de hemoglobina fetal e determinar a sua capacidade diagnóstica. MÉTODOS: entre janeiro de 2000 e maio de 2003, 44 gestantes isoimunizadas foram submetidas a transfusão intra-uterina. Realizou-se estudo dopplervelocimétrico da ACM antes de cada transfusão fetal, sempre com intervalo inferior a 3 horas, antecedendo o procedimento. O ...

  5. Free radicals in hypoxic rat diaphragm contractility: no role for xanthine oxidase.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Heunks, L.M.A.; Machiels, H.A.; Abreu, R.A. de; Zhu, X.; Heijden, E. van der; Dekhuijzen, P.N.R.

    2001-01-01

    Recent evidence indicates that hypoxia enhances the generation of oxidants. Little is known about the role of free radicals in contractility of the rat diaphragm during hypoxia. We hypothesized that antioxidants improve contractility of the hypoxic rat diaphragm and that xanthine oxidase (XO) is an

  6. Contractility of the guinea pig bladder measured in situ and in vitro

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    J.M. Groen (Jan); R. van Mastrigt (Ron); J.L.H.R. Bosch (Ruud)

    1994-01-01

    textabstractTo study the relative importance of neurogenic factors in detrusor contractility and to relate a total bladder in vitro contractility model to a previously described bladder wall strip model, active intravesical pressure values were compared in situ and in vitro in eight male guinea

  7. Myocardial contractile function in survived neonatal piglets after cardiopulmonary bypass

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Popov Aron-Frederik

    2010-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Hemodynamic function may be depressed in the early postoperative stages after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was the analysis of the myocardial contractility in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB and mild hypothermia. Methods Three indices of left ventricular myocardial contractile function (dP/dt, (dP/dt/P, and wall thickening were studied up to 6 hours after CPB in neonatal piglets (CPB group; n = 4. The contractility data were analysed and then compared to the data of newborn piglets who also underwent median thoracotomy and instrumentation for the same time intervals but without CPB (non-CPB group; n = 3. Results Left ventricular dP/dtmax and (dP/dtmax/P remained stable in CPB group, while dP/dtmax decreased in non-CPB group 5 hours postoperatively (1761 ± 205 mmHg/s at baseline vs. 1170 ± 205 mmHg/s after 5 h; p max and (dP/dtmax/P there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Comparably, although myocardial thickening decreased in the non-CPB group the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. Conclusions The myocardial contractile function in survived neonatal piglets remained stable 6 hours after cardiopulmonary bypass and mild hypothermia probably due to regional hypercontractility.

  8. Spontaneous actin dynamics in contractile rings

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kruse, Karsten; Wollrab, Viktoria; Thiagarajan, Raghavan; Wald, Anne; Riveline, Daniel

    Networks of polymerizing actin filaments are known to be capable to self-organize into a variety of structures. For example, spontaneous actin polymerization waves have been observed in living cells in a number of circumstances, notably, in crawling neutrophils and slime molds. During later stages of cell division, they can also spontaneously form a contractile ring that will eventually cleave the cell into two daughter cells. We present a framework for describing networks of polymerizing actin filaments, where assembly is regulated by various proteins. It can also include the effects of molecular motors. We show that the molecular processes driven by these proteins can generate various structures that have been observed in contractile rings of fission yeast and mammalian cells. We discuss a possible functional role of each of these patterns. The work was supported by Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, (ANR-10-LABX-0030-INRT) and by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft through SFB1027.

  9. Thick filament length and isoform composition determine self-organized contractile units in actomyosin bundles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Thoresen, Todd; Lenz, Martin; Gardel, Margaret L

    2013-02-05

    Diverse myosin II isoforms regulate contractility of actomyosin bundles in disparate physiological processes by variations in both motor mechanochemistry and the extent to which motors are clustered into thick filaments. Although the role of mechanochemistry is well appreciated, the extent to which thick filament length regulates actomyosin contractility is unknown. Here, we study the contractility of minimal actomyosin bundles formed in vitro by mixtures of F-actin and thick filaments of nonmuscle, smooth, and skeletal muscle myosin isoforms with varied length. Diverse myosin II isoforms guide the self-organization of distinct contractile units within in vitro bundles with shortening rates similar to those of in vivo myofibrils and stress fibers. The tendency to form contractile units increases with the thick filament length, resulting in a bundle shortening rate proportional to the length of constituent myosin thick filament. We develop a model that describes our data, providing a framework in which to understand how diverse myosin II isoforms regulate the contractile behaviors of disordered actomyosin bundles found in muscle and nonmuscle cells. These experiments provide insight into physiological processes that use dynamic regulation of thick filament length, such as smooth muscle contraction. Copyright © 2013 Biophysical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. A comparative study of contractility of the heart ventricle in some ectothermic vertebrates

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sergey Kharin

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to analyze contractility of the heart ventricle in selected reptilian and amphibian species having the same ventricular excitation pattern. Systolic time intervals and indices of contractility of the heart ventricle were measured in anaesthetized frogs, snakes, and tortoises by use of polycardiography. The electromechanical delay was significantly shorter in tortoises compared with the other two species. The isovolumetric contraction time in frogs was approximately twofold longer than in reptiles. The pre-ejection period was the longest in frogs and the shortest in tortoises, whereas snakes were intermediate. The ejection time was slightly longer in tortoises compared with the other two species. The greatest isovolumetric contraction index and the smallest myocardial tension index corresponded to the frog and tortoise heart ventricle, respectively. The intrasystolic index in tortoises was significantly greater than in frogs, whereas quite similar to that in snakes. The frog ventricle had lower contractility compared with the reptilian one. Although ventricular contractility tended to be lower in snakes compared with tortoises, this difference was not statistically significant. Possible causes for these differences are discussed. We suppose a large variety in ventricular contractility among amphibian and reptilian species having the same ventricular activation pattern. This variety may be conditioned by heart anatomy, intracardiac shunting, lifestyles, and habitats. It can only be hypothesized that on the average, ventricular contractility is higher in reptiles compared with amphibians and in chelonians compared with snakes.

  11. Clinical Relationship between Steatocholecystitis and Gallbladder Contractility Measured by Cholescintigraphy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chang Seok Bang

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Objective. Contractility of gallbladder is known to be decreased in fatty gallbladder diseases. However, clinical estimation data about this relationship is still lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between steatocholecystitis and contractility of gallbladder. Methods. Patients with cholecystitis (steatocholecystitis versus nonsteatocholecystitis who underwent cholescintigraphy before cholecystectomy were retrospectively evaluated in a single teaching hospital of Korea. The association of steatocholecystitis with contractility of gallbladder, measured by preoperative cholescintigraphy, was assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis. Results. A total of 432 patients were finally enrolled (steatocholecystitis versus nonsteatocholecystitis; 75 versus 357, calculous versus acalculous cholecystitis; 316 versus 116. In the multivariable analysis, age (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.90–0.99, P=0.01 and total serum cholesterol (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04, P=0.04 were related to steatocholecystitis in patients with acalculous cholecystitis. Only age (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.94–0.99, P=0.004 was significantly related to steatocholecystitis in patients with calculous cholecystitis. However, ejection fraction of gallbladder reflecting contractility measured by cholescintigraphy was not related to steatocholecystitis irrespective of presence of gallbladder stone in patients with cholecystitis. Conclusion. Ejection fraction of gallbladder measured by cholescintigraphy cannot be used for the detection or confirmation of steatocholecystitis.

  12. The role of voltage-gated potassium channels in the regulation of mouse uterine contractility

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Abel Peter W

    2007-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Uterine smooth muscle cells exhibit ionic currents that appear to be important in the control of uterine contractility, but how these currents might produce the changes in contractile activity seen in pregnant myometrium has not been established. There are conflicting reports concerning the role of voltage-gated potassium (Kv channels and large-conductance, calcium-activated potassium (BK channels in the regulation of uterine contractility. In this study we provide molecular and functional evidence for a role for Kv channels in the regulation of spontaneous contractile activity in mouse myometrium, and also demonstrate a change in Kv channel regulation of contractility in pregnant mouse myometrium. Methods Functional assays which evaluated the effects of channel blockers and various contractile agonists were accomplished by quantifying contractility of isolated uterine smooth muscle obtained from nonpregnant mice as well as mice at various stages of pregnancy. Expression of Kv channel proteins in isolated uterine smooth muscle was evaluated by Western blots. Results The Kv channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4-AP caused contractions in nonpregnant mouse myometrium (EC50 = 54 micromolar, maximal effect at 300 micromolar but this effect disappeared in pregnant mice; similarly, the Kv4.2/Kv4.3 blocker phrixotoxin-2 caused contractions in nonpregnant, but not pregnant, myometrium. Contractile responses to 4-AP were not dependent upon nerves, as neither tetrodotoxin nor storage of tissues at room temperature significantly altered these responses, nor were responses dependent upon the presence of the endometrium. Spontaneous contractions and contractions in response to 4-AP did not appear to be mediated by BK, as the BK channel-selective blockers iberiotoxin, verruculogen, or tetraethylammonium failed to affect either spontaneous contractions or 4-AP-elicited responses. A number of different Kv channel alpha subunit proteins were

  13. Effects of minoxidil and nitroprusside on reflex increases in myocardial contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Robie, N W

    1978-01-01

    1 The effects of nitroprusside and minoxidil on increases in myocardial contractility resulting from carotid artery occlusion were investigated in anaesthetized dogs. The results were compared with those produced by intravenous influsion of noradrenaline. 2 Nitroprusside and minoxidil attenuated the pressor responses produced by carotid artery occlusion. 3 Nitroprusside, but not minoxidil, attenuated the maximal myocardial contractility resulting from carotid occlusion. 4 The pressor and contractility responses to noradrenaline infusion were unaffected by either agent. 5 Nitroprusside failed to alter the myocardial responses produced by dimethylphenylpiperazinium. 6 These results, in conjunction with those of other investigators who have demonstrated that nitroprusside does not affect the release of noradrenaline from adrenergic neurons, suggest that nitroprusside may inhibit sympathetic nervous system reflex activity via an afferent and/or central component. PMID:620094

  14. Procesos de automatización cognitiva en alumnado con altas capacidades intelectuales

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juan Montero-Linares

    2013-05-01

    Full Text Available Proponemos desde el enfoque del procesamiento de la información, el estudio de características cognitivas que faciliten la identificación de las altas capacidades. A tal fin, elaboramos una tarea de habilidad de segmentación silábica que, a partir del modelo propuesto por Baddeley sobre la memoria de trabajo y la distinción entre procesos automáticos y controlados, nos permitiese comprobar las diferencias en cuanto a la capacidad de automatización de la información y si los indicadores propuestos en la misma, tenían suficiente poder clasificatorio o predictivo en la identificación de la alta capacidad intelectual. Participaron 480 niños y niñas de primero a cuarto de Educación Primaria. Se clasificaron, en función de su CI, en dos grupos: alumnado de altas capacidades y alumnado de capacidades medias. Se les administró una batería de pruebas entre las que se encontraba el test de habilidad de segmentación silábica, lo que permitió realizar su estandarización. Los resultados mostraron que los alumnos con CI superior a 130 fueron capaces de automatizar la segmentación de forma más eficiente que los de inteligencia media. La medición de los procesos automáticos a través del test de habilidad de segmentación silábica, permitió diferenciar a los participantes de altas capacidades de los que no lo eran.

  15. Menor de edad y capacidad de ejercicio: Reto del Derecho Familiar contemporáneo Menor de edad y capacidad de ejercicio: Reto del Derecho Familiar contemporáneo.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jetzabel Mireya Montejo Rivero

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available Change in family relations that took place at the opening of the 21st comporting new paradigms in conceptions of minor is already in progress. These reflections are referred to understanding child legal status capacity that takes into consideration its legal ability from the perspective of dynamic participation in concrete legal relations according to his progressive ability and secures the protection of his rights at the same time. The present article demonstrate the legal concepts of individual, personality and ability are interpreted the legal ability of child individuals is evaluated following that viewpoint. The study outlines the necessity of harmonizing the notion of child and ability for “child’s best interest” in contemporary family low.Los cambios en las relaciones familiares acaecidos en los albores de siglo XXI, comportan nuevos paradigmas en la concepción de la capacidad del menor. En estas reflexiones, se hace referencia a la enunciación de la capacidad de obrar del menor desde una dinámica participativa en las relaciones jurídicas civiles y familiares acorde a su capacidad progresiva y una más efectiva protección al ejercicio de sus derechos. El presente artículo, expone sucintamente valoraciones sobre el ejercicio de la capacidad del menor a partir de la fundamentación teórica de los conceptos jurídicos de persona, personalidad y capacidad, en aras de armonizar las nociones de menor de edad y capacidad de ejercicio desde el interés superior del niño en el Derecho Familiar contemporáneo.

  16. Effect of heat stress on contractility of tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscle.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Takagi, Shunya; Nakamura, Tomohiro; Fujisato, Toshia

    2018-01-23

    The effects of heat stress on tissue like skeletal muscle have been widely studied. However, the mechanism responsible for the effect of heat stress is still unclear. A useful experimental tissue model is necessary because muscle function in cell culture may differ from native muscle and measuring its contractility is difficult. We previously reported three-dimensional tissue-engineered artificial skeletal muscle (TEM) that can be easily set in a measurement apparatus for quantitative evaluation of contractility. We have now applied TEM to the investigation of heat stress. We analyzed contractility immediately after thermal exposure at 39 °C for 24 or 48 h to evaluate the acute effects and after thermal exposure followed by normal culture to evaluate the aftereffects. Peak twitch contractile force and time-to-peak twitch were used as contractile parameters. Heat stress increased the TCF in the early stage (1 week) after normal culture; the TCF decreased temporarily in the middle to late stages (2-3 weeks). These results suggest that heat stress may affect both myoblast fusion and myotube differentiation in the early stage of TEM culture, but not myotube maturation in the late stage. The TCF increase rate with thermal exposure was significantly higher than that without thermal exposure. Although detailed analysis at the molecular level is necessary for further investigation, our artificial skeletal muscle may be a promising tool for heat stress investigation.

  17. Effects of ageing on single muscle fibre contractile function following short-term immobilisation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hvid, Lars G; Ørtenblad, Niels; Aagaard, Per

    2011-01-01

    Very little attention has been given to the combined effect of healthy ageing and short-term disuse on the contractile function of human single muscle fibres. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of 2 weeks of lower limb cast immobilisation (i.e. disuse) on selected contractile...

  18. CAPACIDAD DE AGENCIA DE AUTOCUIDADO EN LAS PERSONAS ADULTAS QUE PADECEN ARTRITIS REUMATOIDE

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    Viriam Leiva Díaz

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available El objetivo de la investigación consistió en analizar la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado que poseen laspersonas con diagnóstico de artritis reumatoide, quienes habitan en los cantones de Palmares y San Ramón. Se desarrolló una metodología de investigación cuantitativa de tipo descriptiva transversal. En cuanto a la población participante del estudio, estuvo conformada por 13 personas diagnosticadas con artritis reumatoide; respecto de los instrumentos utilizados para recolectar información, a los colaboradores se les aplicó el instrumento “Escala de apreciación de la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado”, propuesta por Dorothea Orem. Se determinó que los participantes poseen alta capacidad de agencia de autocuidado en las diferentes categorías, ya que únicamente se detectó baja capacidad de agencia de autocuidado en cuanto a interacción social (2 personas, y respecto del consumo insuficiente de alimentos (5 personas. La escala ASA permite a la Enfermera (o determinar la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado, de forma oportuna y eficaz. Además, permitió a las investigadoras observar un panorama general de las necesidades de autocuidado de la población participante y constatar que esta presenta alta capacidad de agencia de autocuidado.

  19. Effect of cadmium on myocardial contractility and calcium fluxes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pilati, C.F.

    1979-01-01

    The effect of cadmium on myocardial mechanical performance and calcium fluxes was studied in kitten isometric papillary muscles and in isovolumic Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts. Therefore, it is concluded that cadmium-induced decreases in contractility are not primarily the result of cadmium interference with ATP metabolic processes. Furthermore, these results imply that cadmium causes no structural alterations of the contractile proteins. These data suggest that cadmium may be competing with the calcium needed for excitation-contraction coupling. During experiments using radioisotopic calcium, a statistically significant cellular influx of calcium was observed following the onset of 100 μM Cd ++ perfusion of isolated, Langendorff-prepared rabbit hearts

  20. REFLEXOS DAS CAPACIDADES MERCADOLÓGICAS NO DESEMPENHO: HOTELARIA EXECUTIVA

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    Deosir Flávio Lobo de Castro Júnior

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre as capacidades mercadológicas e o desempenho dos hotéis executivos em Santa Catarina. Para isto se faz necessário, identificar as variáveis relacionadas as capacidades mercadológicas, observar as variáveis relacionadas ao desempenho na hotelaria executiva e especificar as características do setor da hotelaria executiva. A metodologia empregada na pesquisa foi composta pela abordagem, quantitativo-descritivo, que é o caso da pesquisa descritiva, havendo teste de hipótese, o tipo e estratégia utilizado foi utilizado a survey, o universo e amostra foram os hotéis executivos de Santa Catarina., Após as técnicas estatísticas descritivas de análise do material empírico que foram utilizadas e pela análise multivariada de dados. As conclusões apontam para esta relação e a importância do aumento das capacidades mercadológicas da organização em ambiente dinâmico.

  1. Progesterone Metabolites Produced by Cytochrome P450 3A Modulate Uterine Contractility in a Murine Model

    Science.gov (United States)

    Patil, Avinash S.; Swamy, Geeta K.; Murtha, Amy P.; Heine, R. Phillips; Zheng, Xiaomei; Grotegut, Chad A.

    2015-01-01

    Objective: We seek to characterize the effect of progesterone metabolites on spontaneous and oxytocin-induced uterine contractility. Study Design: Spontaneous contractility was studied in mouse uterine horns after treatment with progesterone, 2α-hydroxyprogesterone, 6β-hydroxyprogesterone (6β-OHP), 16α-hydroxyprogesterone (16α-OHP), or 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) at 10−9 to 10−6 mol/L. Uterine horns were exposed to progestins (10−6 mol/L), followed by increasing concentrations of oxytocin (1-100 nmol/L) to study oxytocin-induced contractility. Contraction parameters were compared for each progestin and matched vehicle control using repeated measures 2-way analysis of variance. In vitro metabolism of progesterone by recombinant cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) microsomes (3A5, 3A5, and 3A7) identified major metabolites. Results: Oxytocin-induced contractile frequency was decreased by 16α-OHP (P = .03) and increased by 6β-OHP (P = .05). Progesterone and 17-OHPC decreased oxytocin-induced contractile force (P = .02 and P = .04, respectively) and frequency (P = .02 and P = .03, respectively). Only progesterone decreased spontaneous contractile force (P = .02). Production of 16α-OHP and 6β-OHP metabolites were confirmed in all CYP3A isoforms tested. Conclusion: Progesterone metabolites produced by maternal or fetal CYP3A enzymes influence uterine contractility. PMID:26037300

  2. UN ANÁLISIS DE LA CAPACIDAD ESPACIAL EN ESTUDIOS DE INGENIERÍA TÉCNICA

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    Iera Arrieta

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Desde el siglo pasado se ha recalcado la importancia que tiene la capacidad espacial en la inteligencia y en la enseñanza-aprendizaje de las matemáticas. En este trabajo se ha elegido el modelo de Carroll para analizar la capacidad espacial del alumnado de la Escuela Politécnica Universitaria de San Sebastián. Se han planteado tres objetivos: (a analizar la capacidad espacial de los estudiantes de primero en función de la especialidad y del sexo, y en relación con la nota obtenida en dibujo técnico; (b analizar, igualmente, la capacidad espacial de los estudiantes de tercero; y (c comparar ambos resultados

  3. Bienestar psicológico en personas con alta capacidad intelectual

    OpenAIRE

    Ramiro Olivier, Pedro; Navarro Guzmán, José I.; Menacho Jiménez, Inmaculada; López Sinoga, M. Mar; García Sedeño, Manuel A.

    2016-01-01

    El bienestar psicológico en las personas de alta capacidad intelectual ha sido motivo de controversia en la literatura especializada. En ocasiones se ha considerado que estas personas son más proclives a un desajuste psicológico, mientras que otras veces los resultados han sido poco concluyentes. En el presente trabajo se ha estudiado el bienestar psicológico en personas de altas capacidades intelectuales, administrando la Escala de Bienestar Psicológico a 28 participantes de edades comprendi...

  4. [Gallbladder contractility in children with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Iwańczak, Franciszek; Siedlecka-Dawidko, Jolanta; Iwanczak, Barbara

    2013-07-01

    III Rome Criteria of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children, distinguished the disturbances with abdominal pain, to which irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pains, functional dyspepsia and abdominal migraine were included. THE AIM OF THE STUDY was sonographic assessment of the gallbladder and its contractility in functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in children. The study comprised 96 children aged 6 to 18 years, 59 girls and 37 boys. Depending on diagnosis, the children were divided into three groups. 38 children with functional abdominal pain constituted the first group, 26 children with irritable bowel syndrome were included to the second group, the third group consisted of 32 healthy children (control group). Diagnosis of functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome was made based on the III Rome Criteria. In irritable bowel syndrome both forms with diarrhea (13) and with constipation (13) were observed. Anatomy and contractility of the gallbladder were assessed by ultrasound examination. The presence of septum, wall thickness, thick bile, vesicle volume in fasting state and 30th and 60th minute after test meal were taken into consideration. Test meal comprised about 15% of caloric requirement of moderate metabolism. Children with bile stones and organic diseases were excluded from the study. Thickened vesicle wall and thick bile were present more frequently in children with irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain than in control group (p functional abdominal pain than in irritable bowel syndrome and control group (p = 0.003, p = 0.05). Vesicle contractility after test meal was greatest in children with functional abdominal pain. Evaluation of diminished (smaller than 30%) and enlarged (greater then 80%) gallbladder contractility at 30th and 60th minute after test meal demonstrated disturbances of contractility in children with irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain. In children

  5. Sex differences and the effects of ovariectomy on the β-adrenergic contractile response

    Science.gov (United States)

    McIntosh, Victoria J.; Chandrasekera, P. Charukeshi

    2011-01-01

    The presence of sex differences in myocardial β-adrenergic responsiveness is controversial, and limited studies have addressed the mechanism underlying these differences. Studies were performed using isolated perfused hearts from male, intact female and ovariectomized female mice to investigate sex differences and the effects of ovarian hormone withdrawal on β-adrenergic receptor function. Female hearts exhibited blunted contractile responses to the β-adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO) compared with males but not ovariectomized females. There were no sex differences in β1-adrenergic receptor gene or protein expression. To investigate the role of adenylyl cyclase, phosphodiesterase, and the cAMP-signaling cascade in generating sex differences in the β-adrenergic contractile response, dose-response studies were performed in isolated perfused male and female hearts using forskolin, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (CPT-cAMP). Males showed a modestly enhanced contractile response to forskolin at 300 nM and 5 μM compared with females, but there were no sex differences in the response to IBMX or CPT-cAMP. The role of the A1 adenosine receptor (A1AR) in antagonizing the β-adrenergic contractile response was investigated using both the A1AR agonist 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyl-adenosine and A1AR knockout (KO) mice. Intact females showed an enhanced A1AR anti-adrenergic effect compared with males and ovariectomized females. The β-adrenergic contractile response was potentiated in both male and female A1ARKO hearts, with sex differences no longer present above 1 nM ISO. The β-adrenergic contractile response is greater in male hearts than females, and minor differences in the action of adenylyl cyclase or the A1AR may contribute to these sex differences. PMID:21685268

  6. Accessory left atrial diverticulae: contractile properties depicted with 64-slice cine-cardiac CT.

    LENUS (Irish Health Repository)

    Killeen, Ronan P

    2012-02-01

    To assess the contractility of accessory left atrial appendages (LAAs) using multiphasic cardiac CT. We retrospectively analyzed the presence, location, size and contractile properties of accessory LAAs using multiphasic cardiac 64-slice CT in 102 consecutive patients (63 males, 39 females, mean age 57). Multiplanar reformats were used to create image planes in axial oblique, sagittal oblique and coronal oblique planes. For all appendages with an orifice diameter >or= 10 mm, axial and sagittal diameters and appendage volumes were recorded in atrial diastole and systole. Regression analysis was performed to assess which imaging appearances best predicted accessory appendage contractility. Twenty-three (23%) patients demonstrated an accessory LAA, all identified along the anterior LA wall. Dimensions for axial oblique (AOD) and sagittal oblique (SOD) diameters and sagittal oblique length (SOL) were 6.3-19, 3.4-20 and 5-21 mm, respectively. All appendages (>or=10 mm) demonstrated significant contraction during atrial systole (greatest diameter reduction was AOD [3.8 mm, 27%]). Significant correlations were noted between AOD-contraction and AOD (R = 0.57, P < 0.05) and SOD-contraction and AOD, SOD and SOL (R = 0.6, P < 0.05). Mean diverticulum volume in atrial diastole was 468.4 +\\/- 493 mm(3) and in systole was 171.2 +\\/- 122 mm(3), indicating a mean change in volume of 297.2 +\\/- 390 mm(3), P < 0.0001. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed SOL to be the strongest independent predictor of appendage contractility (R(2) = 0.86, P < 0.0001) followed by SOD (R(2) = 0.91, P < 0.0001). Accessory LAAs show significant contractile properties on cardiac CT. Those accessory LAAs with a large sagittal height or depth should be evaluated for contractile properties, and if present should be examined for ectopic activity during electrophysiological studies.

  7. Calidad de vida urbana y capacidad de pago de los hogares bogotanos 2011

    OpenAIRE

    Bonilla, Ricardo; Fresneda, Óscar; Gallo, Ignacio; Martínez, Jorge; Moreno, Álvaro; Muñoz, Manuel; Pachón, Nelson; Torres, Hugo; Villamizar, Óscar

    2014-01-01

    Antecedentes. Entre los años 2002 y 2006, el CID desarrolló un estudio de capacidad de pago de los hogares bogotanos con el objetivo específico de analizar si la estratificación de los hogares utilizada como la base para definir las tarifas de los servicios públicos domiciliarios se correspondía con la capacidad de pago de los hogares. Así se realizó la “Encuesta de capacidad de pago de los hogares bogotanos”, la cual fue aplicada por el CID en 2004. A partir del análi...

  8. Gene transfer of heterologous G protein-coupled receptors to cardiomyocytes: differential effects on contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Laugwitz, K L; Weig, H J; Moretti, A; Hoffmann, E; Ueblacker, P; Pragst, I; Rosport, K; Schömig, A; Ungerer, M

    2001-04-13

    In heart failure, reduced cardiac contractility is accompanied by blunted cAMP responses to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Parathyroid hormone (PTH)-related peptide and arginine vasopressin are released from the myocardium in response to increased wall stress but do not stimulate contractility or adenylyl cyclase at physiological concentrations. To bypass the defective beta-adrenergic signaling cascade, recombinant P1 PTH/PTH-related peptide receptors (rPTH1-Rs) and V(2) vasopressin receptors (rV(2)-Rs), which are normally not expressed in the myocardium and which are both strongly coupled to adenylyl cyclase, and recombinant beta(2)-adrenergic receptors (rbeta(2)-ARs) were overexpressed in cardiomyocytes by viral gene transfer. The capacity of endogenous hormones to increase contractility via the heterologous, recombinant receptors was compared. Whereas V(2)-Rs are uniquely coupled to Gs, PTH1-Rs and beta(2)-ARs are also coupled to other G proteins. Gene transfer of rPTH1-Rs or rbeta(2)-ARs to adult cardiomyocytes resulted in maximally increased basal contractility, which could not be further stimulated by adding receptor agonists. Agonists at rPTH1-Rs induced increased cAMP formation and phospholipase C activity. In contrast, healthy or failing rV(2)-R-expressing cardiomyocytes showed unaltered basal contractility. Their contractility and cAMP formation increased only at agonist exposure, which did not activate phospholipase C. In summary, we found that gene transfer of PTH1-Rs to cardiomyocytes results in constitutive activity of the transgene, as does that of beta(2)-ARS: In the absence of receptor agonists, rPTH1-Rs and rbeta(2)-ARs increase basal contractility, coupling to 2 G proteins simultaneously. In contrast, rV(2)-Rs are uniquely coupled to Gs and are not constitutively active, retaining their property to be activated exclusively on agonist stimulation. Therefore, gene transfer of V(2)-Rs might be more suited to test the effects of c

  9. DIAGNOSIS AND THERAPEUTIC CONSIDERATIONS OF UTERINE INFECTIONS IN DAIRY CATTLE CONSIDERACIONES DIAGNÓSTICAS Y TERAPÉUTICAS PARA INFECCIONES UTERINAS EN VACAS LECHERAS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Risco Carlos

    2009-05-01

    Full Text Available From an animal health-well being, welfare, and performance perspective, the postpartum period is comprised of an early window where acute health and cow survival is an issue with the development of septic metritis. Subsequently, sustained presence of endometritis is likely to be contributing to sub-fertility in lactating dairy cows with an overall herd pregnancy rate of approximately 16%. The challenge is to integrate on commercial dairies preventive medicine programs with reproductive management to improve herd fertility. Cows affected by periparturient disorders such as hypocalcemia, dystocia, and retained fetal membranes are more likely to contract uterine infections than cows that calve normally are. Thus, appropriate management of the transition period is critical in the prevention of uterine infections at the herd level. In addition, a postpartum program to monitor health to provide treatment to cows in the early stages of disease should be implemented.Desde el punto de vista del bienestar animal y de la perspectiva de productividad, el periodo postparto puede estar comprometido por una pequeña ventana durante el postparto temprano, en la cual la salud y supervivencia de las vacas es un problemática, debido a la presentación de metritis séptica. Esta se perpetuán subsecuentemente con la presentación de endometritis, la cual muy posiblemente contribuye con los patrones de sub-fertilidad en vacas lactantes, generando en general bajas tasas de preñez del 16 %. El reto es entonces integrar en las explotaciones comerciales un programa de medicina veterinaria preventiva con el manejo reproductivo, con el fin de mejorar la fertilidad del hato. Se ha descrito que las vacas que sufren problemas durante el periparto tales como hipocalcemia y retención de las membranas fetales son más susceptibles de contraer infecciones uterinas, comparadas con aquellas vacas que tienen un parto normal. Por ello un manejo apropiado del periodo de transici

  10. Suppression of guinea pig ileum induced contractility by plasma albumin of hibernators

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bruce, David S.; Ambler, Douglas L.; Henschel, Timothy M.; Oeltgen, Peter R.; Nilekani, Sita P.; Amstrup, Steven C.

    1992-01-01

    Previous studies suggest that hibernation may be regulated by internal opioids and that the putative “hibernation induction trigger” (HIT) may itself be an opioid. This study examined the effect of plasma albumin (known to bind HIT) on induced contractility of the guinea pig ileum muscle strip. Morphine (400 nM) depressed contractility and 100 nM naloxone restored it. Ten milligrams of lyophilized plasma albumin fractions from hibernating ground squirrels, woodchucks, black bears, and polar bears produced similar inhibition, with partial reversal by naloxone. Five hundredths mg of d-Ala2-d-Leu5-enkephalin (DADLE) also inhibited contractility and naloxone reversed it. Conclusions are that hibernating individuals of these species contain an HIT substance that is opioid in nature and summer animals do not; an endogenous opioid similar to leu-enkephalin may be the HIT compound or give rise to it.

  11. A global, myosin light chain kinase-dependent increase in myosin II contractility accompanies the metaphase-anaphase transition in sea urchin eggs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lucero, Amy; Stack, Christianna; Bresnick, Anne R; Shuster, Charles B

    2006-09-01

    Myosin II is the force-generating motor for cytokinesis, and although it is accepted that myosin contractility is greatest at the cell equator, the temporal and spatial cues that direct equatorial contractility are not known. Dividing sea urchin eggs were placed under compression to study myosin II-based contractile dynamics, and cells manipulated in this manner underwent an abrupt, global increase in cortical contractility concomitant with the metaphase-anaphase transition, followed by a brief relaxation and the onset of furrowing. Prefurrow cortical contractility both preceded and was independent of astral microtubule elongation, suggesting that the initial activation of myosin II preceded cleavage plane specification. The initial rise in contractility required myosin light chain kinase but not Rho-kinase, but both signaling pathways were required for successful cytokinesis. Last, mobilization of intracellular calcium during metaphase induced a contractile response, suggesting that calcium transients may be partially responsible for the timing of this initial contractile event. Together, these findings suggest that myosin II-based contractility is initiated at the metaphase-anaphase transition by Ca2+-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity and is maintained through cytokinesis by both MLCK- and Rho-dependent signaling. Moreover, the signals that initiate myosin II contractility respond to specific cell cycle transitions independently of the microtubule-dependent cleavage stimulus.

  12. A Global, Myosin Light Chain Kinase-dependent Increase in Myosin II Contractility Accompanies the Metaphase–Anaphase Transition in Sea Urchin Eggs

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lucero, Amy; Stack, Christianna; Bresnick, Anne R.

    2006-01-01

    Myosin II is the force-generating motor for cytokinesis, and although it is accepted that myosin contractility is greatest at the cell equator, the temporal and spatial cues that direct equatorial contractility are not known. Dividing sea urchin eggs were placed under compression to study myosin II-based contractile dynamics, and cells manipulated in this manner underwent an abrupt, global increase in cortical contractility concomitant with the metaphase–anaphase transition, followed by a brief relaxation and the onset of furrowing. Prefurrow cortical contractility both preceded and was independent of astral microtubule elongation, suggesting that the initial activation of myosin II preceded cleavage plane specification. The initial rise in contractility required myosin light chain kinase but not Rho-kinase, but both signaling pathways were required for successful cytokinesis. Last, mobilization of intracellular calcium during metaphase induced a contractile response, suggesting that calcium transients may be partially responsible for the timing of this initial contractile event. Together, these findings suggest that myosin II-based contractility is initiated at the metaphase–anaphase transition by Ca2+-dependent myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) activity and is maintained through cytokinesis by both MLCK- and Rho-dependent signaling. Moreover, the signals that initiate myosin II contractility respond to specific cell cycle transitions independently of the microtubule-dependent cleavage stimulus. PMID:16837551

  13. Reliability of contractile properties of the knee extensor muscles in individuals with post-polio syndrome.

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    Eric L Voorn

    Full Text Available To assess the reliability of contractile properties of the knee extensor muscles in 23 individuals with post-polio syndrome (PPS and 18 age-matched healthy individuals.Contractile properties of the knee extensors were assessed from repeated electrically evoked contractions on 2 separate days, with the use of a fixed dynamometer. Reliability was determined for fatigue resistance, rate of torque development (MRTD, and early and late relaxation time (RT50 and RT25, using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC and standard error of measurement (SEM, expressed as % of the mean.In both groups, reliability for fatigue resistance was good, with high ICCs (>0.90 and small SEM values (PPS: 7.1%, healthy individuals: 7.0%. Reliability for contractile speed indices varied, with the best values found for RT50 (ICCs>0.82, SEM values <2.8%. We found no systematic differences between test and retest occasions, except for RT50 in healthy subjects (p = 0.016.In PPS and healthy individuals, the reliability of fatigue resistance, as obtained from electrically evoked contractions is high. The reliability of contractile speed is only moderate, except for RT50 in PPS, demonstrating high reliability.This was the first study to examine the reliability of electrically evoked contractile properties in individuals with PPS. Our results demonstrate its potential to study mechanisms underlying muscle fatigue in PPS and to evaluate changes in contractile properties over time in response to interventions or from natural course.

  14. Protein kinase Cα deletion causes hypotension and decreased vascular contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wynne, Brandi M; McCarthy, Cameron G; Szasz, Theodora; Molina, Patrick A; Chapman, Arlene B; Webb, R Clinton; Klein, Janet D; Hoover, Robert S

    2018-03-01

    Protein kinase Cα (PKCα) is a critical regulator of multiple cell signaling pathways including gene transcription, posttranslation modifications and activation/inhibition of many signaling kinases. In regards to the control of blood pressure, PKCα causes increased vascular smooth muscle contractility, while reducing cardiac contractility. In addition, PKCα has been shown to modulate nephron ion transport. However, the role of PKCα in modulating mean arterial pressure (MAP) has not been investigated. In this study, we used a whole animal PKCα knock out (PKC KO) to test the hypothesis that global PKCα deficiency would reduce MAP, by a reduction in vascular contractility. Radiotelemetry measurements of ambulatory blood pressure (day/night) were obtained for 18 h/day during both normal chow and high-salt (4%) diet feedings. PKCα mice had a reduced MAP, as compared with control, which was not normalized with high-salt diet (14 days). Metabolic cage studies were performed to determine urinary sodium excretion. PKC KO mice had a significantly lower diastolic, systolic and MAP as compared with control. No significant differences in urinary sodium excretion were observed between the PKC KO and control mice, whether fed normal chow or high-salt diet. Western blot analysis showed a compensatory increase in renal sodium chloride cotransporter expression. Both aorta and mesenteric vessels were removed for vascular reactivity studies. Aorta and mesenteric arteries from PKC KO mice had a reduced receptor-independent relaxation response, as compared with vessels from control. Vessels from PKC KO mice exhibited a decrease in maximal contraction, compared with controls. Together, these data suggest that global deletion of PKCα results in reduced MAP due to decreased vascular contractility.

  15. PKA catalytic subunit compartmentation regulates contractile and hypertrophic responses to β-adrenergic signaling

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Jason H.; Polanowska-Grabowska, Renata K.; Smith, Jeffrey S.; Shields, Charles W.; Saucerman, Jeffrey J.

    2014-01-01

    β-adrenergic signaling is spatiotemporally heterogeneous in the cardiac myocyte, conferring exquisite control to sympathetic stimulation. Such heterogeneity drives the formation of protein kinase A (PKA) signaling microdomains, which regulate Ca2+ handling and contractility. Here, we test the hypothesis that the nucleus independently comprises a PKA signaling microdomain regulating myocyte hypertrophy. Spatially-targeted FRET reporters for PKA activity identified slower PKA activation and lower isoproterenol sensitivity in the nucleus (t50 = 10.60±0.68 min; EC50 = 89.00 nmol/L) than in the cytosol (t50 = 3.71±0.25 min; EC50 = 1.22 nmol/L). These differences were not explained by cAMP or AKAP-based compartmentation. A computational model of cytosolic and nuclear PKA activity was developed and predicted that differences in nuclear PKA dynamics and magnitude are regulated by slow PKA catalytic subunit diffusion, while differences in isoproterenol sensitivity are regulated by nuclear expression of protein kinase inhibitor (PKI). These were validated by FRET and immunofluorescence. The model also predicted differential phosphorylation of PKA substrates regulating cell contractility and hypertrophy. Ca2+ and cell hypertrophy measurements validated these predictions and identified higher isoproterenol sensitivity for contractile enhancements (EC50 = 1.84 nmol/L) over cell hypertrophy (EC50 = 85.88 nmol/L). Over-expression of spatially targeted PKA catalytic subunit to the cytosol or nucleus enhanced contractile and hypertrophic responses, respectively. We conclude that restricted PKA catalytic subunit diffusion is an important PKA compartmentation mechanism and the nucleus comprises a novel PKA signaling microdomain, insulating hypertrophic from contractile β-adrenergic signaling responses. PMID:24225179

  16. The Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Detects Esophageal Contractility not Observed with Manometry in Patients with Achalasia

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carlson, Dustin A.; Lin, Zhiyue; Kahrilas, Peter J.; Sternbach, Joel; Donnan, Erica N.; Friesen, Laurel; Listernick, Zoe; Mogni, Benjamin; Pandolfino, John E.

    2015-01-01

    Background & Aims The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) could improve characterization of achalasia subtypes by detecting non-occlusive esophageal contractions not observed with standard manometry. We aimed to evaluate for esophageal contractions during volumetric distention in patients with achalasia using FLIP topography. Methods Fifty one treatment-naïve patients with achalasia, defined and sub-classified by high-resolution esophageal pressure topography, and 10 asymptomatic individuals (controls) were evaluated with the FLIP during endoscopy. During stepwise distension, simultaneous intra-bag pressures and 16 channels of cross-sectional areas were measured; data were exported to software that generated FLIP topography plots. Esophageal contractility was identified by noting periods of reduced luminal diameter. Esophageal contractions were further characterized by propagation direction, repetitiveness, and based on whether they were occluding or non-occluding. Results Esophageal contractility was detected in all 10 controls: 8/10 had repetitive, antegrade, contractions and 9/10 had occluding contractions. Contractility was detected in 27% (4/15) of patients with type I achalasia and 65% (18/26, including 9 with occluding contractions) of patients with type II achalasia. Contractility was detected in all 10 patients with type III achalasia; 8 of these patients had a pattern of contractility not observed in controls (repetitive, retrograde contractions). Conclusions Esophageal contractility not observed with manometry can be detected in patients with achalasia using FLIP topography. The presence and patterns of contractility detected with FLIP topography may represent variations in pathophysiology, such as mechanisms of pan-esophageal pressurization in patients with type II achalasia. These findings could have implications for additional sub-classification to supplement prediction of the achalasia disease course. PMID:26278501

  17. Clinical Characteristics and Associated Systemic Diseases in Patients With Esophageal "Absent Contractility"-A Clinical Algorithm.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Laique, Sobia; Singh, Tavankit; Dornblaser, David; Gadre, Abhishek; Rangan, Vikram; Fass, Ronnie; Kirby, Donald; Chatterjee, Soumya; Gabbard, Scott

    2018-01-19

    This study was carried out to assess the clinical characteristics and associated systemic diseases seen in patients diagnosed with absent contractility as per the Chicago Classification version 3.0, allowing us to propose a diagnostic algorithm for their etiologic testing. The Chicago Classification version 3.0 has redefined major and minor esophageal motility disorders using high-resolution esophageal manometry. There is a dearth of publications based on research on absent contractility, which historically has been associated with myopathic processes such as systemic sclerosis (SSc). We conducted a retrospective, multicenter study. Data of patients diagnosed with absent contractility were pooled from Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH (January 2006 to July 2016) and Metrohealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH (July 2014 to July 2016) and included: age, gender, associated medical conditions, surgical history, medications, and specific antibody testing. A total of 207 patients, including 57 male individuals and 150 female individuals, with mean age of 56.1 and 60.0 years, respectively, were included. Disease distribution was as follows: SSc (diffuse or limited cutaneous) 132, overlap syndromes 7, systemic lupus erythematosus17, Sjögren syndrome 4, polymyositis 3, and dermatomyositis 3. Various other etiologies including gastroesophageal reflux disease, postradiation esophagitis, neuromuscular disorders, and surgical complications were seen in the remaining cohort. Most practitioners use the term "absent contractility" interchangeably with "scleroderma esophagus"; however, only 63% of patients with absent contractility had SSc. Overall, 20% had another systemic autoimmune rheumatologic disease and 16% had a nonrheumatologic etiology for absent contractility. Therefore, alternate diagnosis must be sought in these patients. We propose an algorithm for their etiologic evaluation.

  18. Inhalation of Budesonide/Formoterol Increases Diaphragm Muscle Contractility

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    Chiyohiko Shindoh

    2012-01-01

    Conclusions: BUD/FORM inhalation has an inotropic effect on diaphragm muscle, protects diaphragm muscle deterioration after endotoxin injection, and inhibits NO production. Increments in muscle contractility with BUD/FORM inhalation are induced through a synergistic effect of an anti-inflammatory agent and 02-agonist.

  19. Myocardial contractility in the echo lab: molecular, cellular and pathophysiological basis

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    Bombardini Tonino

    2005-09-01

    Full Text Available Abstract In the standard accepted concept, contractility is the intrinsic ability of heart muscle to generate force and to shorten, independently of changes in the preload or afterload with fixed heart rates. At molecular level the crux of the contractile process lies in the changing concentrations of Ca2+ ions in the myocardial cytosol. Ca2+ ions enter through the calcium channel that opens in response to the wave of depolarization that travels along the sarcolemma. These Ca2+ ions "trigger" the release of more calcium from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR and thereby initiate a contraction-relaxation cycle. In the past, several attempts were made to transfer the pure physiological concept of contractility, expressed in the isolated myocardial fiber by the maximal velocity of contraction of unloaded muscle fiber (Vmax, to the in vivo beating heart. Suga and Sagawa achieved this aim by measuring pressure/volume loops in the intact heart: during a positive inotropic intervention, the pressure volume loop reflects a smaller end-systolic volume and a higher end-systolic pressure, so that the slope of the pressure volume relationship moves upward and to the left. The pressure volume relationship is the most reliable index for assessing myocardial contractility in the intact circulation and is almost insensitive to changes in preload and after load. This is widely used in animal studies and occasionally clinically. The limit of the pressure volume relationship is that it fails to take into account the frequency-dependent regulation of contractility: the frequency-dependent control of transmembrane Ca2+ entry via voltage-gated Ca2+ channels provides cardiac cells with a highly sophisticated short-term system for the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis. An increased stimulation rate increases the force of contraction: the explanation is repetitive Ca2+ entry with each depolarization and, hence, an accumulation of cytosolic calcium. As the heart

  20. Contractility Dispersion in Long QT Syndrome

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    MH Nikoo

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available Background: Previous studies, using M mode echocardiography, provided unexpected evidence of a mechanical alteration in patients with long QT syndrome. The aim of this study was to evaluate entire left ventricular (LV wall motion characteristics in patients with long QT syndrome using tissue Doppler imaging. Methods: We enrolled 17 patients with congenital long QT syndrome [11 female and 6 male], aged 21 to 45 years. 10 subjects without cardiac disease were also selected as a control group. Two-dimensional tissue Doppler imaging (TDI recording of the LV was obtained from the basal and mid-segments from apical four-chamber, two-chamber, and long-axis views. ‘Myocardial Contraction Duration’ [MCD] was defined as the time from start of R wave on ECG to end of S wave on TDI. MCD was measured in the six LV wall positions: septal, anteroseptal, lateral, inferior, posterior and anterior positions.Results: LV contractility dispersion was significantly greater in long QT syndrome patients compared to control group [0.051 ± 0.011 vs. 0.016 ± 0.06; P < 0.001]. Conclusion: Our study evaluated left ventricular dispersion of contractility duration in patients with long QT syndrome. This mechanical dispersion may be a reflection of the inhomogeneity of repolarisation in the long QT syndrome.

  1. Relación entre Capacidad Aeróbica e Índices Antropométricos en los Trabajadores Manuales Venezolanos

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    Francisco José Burgos Navarrete

    2016-07-01

    Full Text Available Al iniciar el presente estudio no se encontró literatura nacional sobre data antropométrica de los trabajadores manuales venezolanos, que determinase la relación entre la potencia aeróbica o capacidad aeróbica relativa (mlO2/kg-min, ni la capacidad aeróbica absoluta (kcal/min vs los índices antropométricos: edad, estatura, sexo, masa corporal, perímetro abdominal, índice de masa corporal, frecuencia cardíaca después del ejercicio. En este contexto el objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la asociación entre la capacidad aeróbica vs los índices antropométricos escogidos. Marco metodológico: el paradigma es el cuantitativo, su tipo es correlacional, con diseño de campo, epidemiológico y de corte transversal. La Capacidad aeróbica relativa es un parámetro fisiológico de competencia personal de umbral o, un índice de salud. A partir de la Capacidad aeróbica relativa se deduce matemáticamente la Capacidad aeróbica absoluta, la cual indica la capacidad para sostener un consumo metabólico en trabajos físicos durante períodos de tiempo variable, se evaluó la Capacidad aeróbica relativa empleando la prueba del escalón (USDA Forest Service Step Test, participantes: 40 hombres y 33 mujeres, de 20 a 59 años de edad. En los hombres la Capacidad aeróbica relativa, la Capacidad aeróbica absoluta, el perímetro abdominal y el índice de masa corporal fueron mayores que en las mujeres. Mostraron correlaciones negativas: 1. la Capacidad aeróbica relativa vs los índices: edad, perímetro abdominal, Índice de masa corporal, frecuencia cardíaca después del ejercicio; 2. la Capacidad aeróbica absoluta vs edad, perímetro abdominal, frecuencia cardíaca después del ejercicio; sin embargo, la correlación resultó positiva entre Capacidad aeróbica absoluta vs índice de masa corporal. Fue posible obtener dos ecuaciones, ambas con R2 = 0,78, predictoras de las Capacidad aeróbica absoluta para ambos sexos y a partir de

  2. A CAPACIDADE INOVATIVA E O DESEMPENHO ECONÔMICO-FINANCEIRO DE EMPRESAS INOVADORAS BRASILEIRAS

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    Kléber Formiga Miranda

    Full Text Available RESUMOCom base nos pressupostos teóricos da Visão Baseada em Recursos (VBR, considerando a utilização de recursos disponíveis internamente nas organizações para manutenção de sua vantagem competitiva por meio da diferenciação, a pesquisa analisa a relação entre a capacidade inovativa e o desempenho econômico-financeiro de empresas brasileiras. A amostra foi extraída a partir das empresas listadas na BM&FBovespa consideradas inovadoras, segundo o IBI. As variáveis de capacidade inovativa coletadas a partir das PINTECs 2005 e 2008 e de desempenho através do Economática(r foram tratadas por meio de análises de correlação e de regressão. Os resultados indicam que os desempenhos econômico (ROA e operacional (EBITDA/Ativo Total não são significativamente influenciados pela capacidade inovativa. No entanto, quando se separa a capacidade inovativa por seus componentes (inovação de produto, processo, organizacional e marketing, observa-se uma influência positiva de inovação de produto sobre ambos os desempenhos. Por sua vez, o desempenho de valor (MVA é influenciado positiva e significativamente pela capacidade inovativa. Esses resultados sugerem melhores resultados contábeis quando as empresas inovam no produto e maior geração de valor pelo mercado ao possuir um portfólio diversificado de inovação, ou seja, maior capacidade inovativa. Não se pode, entretanto, negligenciar as inovações em processo, organizacional emarketing. A pouca relação dessas inovações, perceptíveis no âmbito interno da empresa, com o desempenho pode residir nas diferentes estratégias inovativas adotadas em prol do objetivo principal de cada empresa.

  3. Una propuesta metodológica para la determinación de capacidades estratégicas en pymes industriales

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    Carolina Saavedra Sueldo

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available Una forma para evaluar los problemas internos de las empresas y conocer las fuentes de sus ventajas competitivas es estudiar sus recursos y capacidades. Los recursos son la base de las capacidades, y estas se pueden desarrollar y transformar en capacidades estratégicas que llevan a la obtención de una ventaja o igualdad competitiva. En este trabajo se propone una metodología para determinar y valorar las capacidades actuales de pymes industriales de una región argentina, para después conocer su efecto competitivo. Para ello, se definen cuatro capacidades principales denominadas directiva, innovación, comercialización e integración, que a su vez se dividen en subcapacidades compuestas por recursos. Estas capacidades se evalúan para determinar si están presentes en las empresas motivo de estudio. Posteriormente se aplica el test VRIO para definir la consecuencia competitiva de las mismas. La metodología desarrollada sistematiza la evaluación de capacidades estratégicas en el marco de la teoría de recursos.

  4. Robust gap repair in the contractile ring ensures timely completion of cytokinesis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Silva, Ana M; Osório, Daniel S; Pereira, Antonio J; Maiato, Helder; Pinto, Inês Mendes; Rubinstein, Boris; Gassmann, Reto; Telley, Ivo Andreas; Carvalho, Ana Xavier

    2016-12-19

    Cytokinesis in animal cells requires the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, whose architecture and mechanism remain poorly understood. We use laser microsurgery to explore the biophysical properties of constricting rings in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Laser cutting causes rings to snap open. However, instead of disintegrating, ring topology recovers and constriction proceeds. In response to severing, a finite gap forms and is repaired by recruitment of new material in an actin polymerization-dependent manner. An open ring is able to constrict, and rings repair from successive cuts. After gap repair, an increase in constriction velocity allows cytokinesis to complete at the same time as controls. Our analysis demonstrates that tension in the ring increases while net cortical tension at the site of ingression decreases throughout constriction and suggests that cytokinesis is accomplished by contractile modules that assemble and contract autonomously, enabling local repair of the actomyosin network. Consequently, cytokinesis is a highly robust process impervious to discontinuities in contractile ring structure. © 2016 Silva et al.

  5. Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional entre idosos

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    Tereza Etsuko da Costa Rosa

    2003-02-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO; Investigar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos relativos à saúde, bem como os fatores ligados às atividades sociais e à avaliação subjetiva da saúde sobre a capacidade funcional dos idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, integrante de estudo multicêntrico, em amostra representativa do município de São Paulo, realizado em 1989. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada através da escala de atividades da vida diária pessoal e instrumental e investigada como variável dicotômica: ausência de dependência - incapacidade/dificuldade em nenhuma das atividades versus presença de dependência moderada/grave - incapacidade/dificuldade em 4 ou mais atividades. Análise de regressão logística múltipla foi aplicada aos fatores hierarquicamente agrupados. RESULTADOS: As características que se associaram com a dependência moderada/grave foram analfabetismo, ser aposentado, ser pensionista, ser dona de casa, não ser proprietário da moradia, ter mais de 65 anos, ter composição familiar multigeracional, ter sido internado nos últimos 6 meses, ser "caso" no rastreamento de saúde mental, não visitar amigos, ter problemas de visão, ter história de derrame, não visitar parentes e ter avaliação pessimista da saúde ao se comparar com seus pares. CONCLUSÕES: As características identificadas que se associaram à dependência moderada/grave sugerem uma complexa rede causal do declínio da capacidade funcional. Pode-se supor, entretanto, que ações preventivas especificamente voltadas para certos fatores podem propiciar benefícios para o prolongamento do bem estar da população idosa.

  6. Fatores determinantes da capacidade funcional entre idosos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rosa Tereza Etsuko da Costa

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO; Investigar a influência de fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos relativos à saúde, bem como os fatores ligados às atividades sociais e à avaliação subjetiva da saúde sobre a capacidade funcional dos idosos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, integrante de estudo multicêntrico, em amostra representativa do município de São Paulo, realizado em 1989. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada através da escala de atividades da vida diária pessoal e instrumental e investigada como variável dicotômica: ausência de dependência - incapacidade/dificuldade em nenhuma das atividades versus presença de dependência moderada/grave - incapacidade/dificuldade em 4 ou mais atividades. Análise de regressão logística múltipla foi aplicada aos fatores hierarquicamente agrupados. RESULTADOS: As características que se associaram com a dependência moderada/grave foram analfabetismo, ser aposentado, ser pensionista, ser dona de casa, não ser proprietário da moradia, ter mais de 65 anos, ter composição familiar multigeracional, ter sido internado nos últimos 6 meses, ser "caso" no rastreamento de saúde mental, não visitar amigos, ter problemas de visão, ter história de derrame, não visitar parentes e ter avaliação pessimista da saúde ao se comparar com seus pares. CONCLUSÕES: As características identificadas que se associaram à dependência moderada/grave sugerem uma complexa rede causal do declínio da capacidade funcional. Pode-se supor, entretanto, que ações preventivas especificamente voltadas para certos fatores podem propiciar benefícios para o prolongamento do bem estar da população idosa.

  7. Retosiban Prevents Stretch-Induced Human Myometrial Contractility and Delays Labor in Cynomolgus Monkeys.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aye, Irving L M H; Moraitis, Alexandros A; Stanislaus, Dinesh; Charnock-Jones, D Stephen; Smith, Gordon C S

    2018-03-01

    Stretch of the myometrium promotes its contractility and is believed to contribute to the control of parturition at term and to the increased risk of preterm birth in multiple pregnancies. To determine the effects of the putative oxytocin receptor (OTR) inverse agonist retosiban on (1) the contractility of human myometrial explants and (2) labor in nonhuman primates. Human myometrial biopsies were obtained at planned term cesarean, and explants were exposed to stretch in the presence and absence of a range of drugs, including retosiban. The in vivo effects of retosiban were determined in cynomolgus monkeys. Prolonged mechanical stretch promoted myometrial extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, stretch-induced stimulation of myometrial contractility was prevented by ERK1/2 inhibitors. Retosiban (10 nM) prevented stretch-induced stimulation of myometrial contractility and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of retosiban on stretch-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation was prevented by coincubation with a 100-fold excess of a peptide OTR antagonist, atosiban. Compared with vehicle-treated cynomolgus monkeys, treatment with oral retosiban (100 to 150 days of gestational age) reduced the risk of spontaneous delivery (hazard ratio = 0.07, 95% confidence interval 0.01 to 0.60, P = 0.015). The OTR acts as a uterine mechanosensor, whereby stretch increases myometrial contractility through agonist-free activation of the OTR. Retosiban prevents this through inverse agonism of the OTR and, in vivo, reduced the likelihood of spontaneous labor in nonhuman primates. We hypothesize that retosiban may be an effective preventative treatment of preterm birth in high-risk multiple pregnancies, an area of unmet clinical need.

  8. CIUDADES INTELIGENTES COMO ESPACIOS DE INTEGRACIÓN PARA INDIVIDUOS CON CAPACIDADES DIVERSAS

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    Luisenia Fernández O.

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available Hoy en día las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (TIC penetran en el entramado social y sobre él se configura la sociedad. Esta investigación describe el uso de las TIC en ciudades que distan desemejarse de la urbe tradicional gracias al empleo racional de las tecnologías que hacen los entornos más inteligentes, logrando cerrarlas brechas existentes entre sus usuario; generando el confort de aquellos cuyas capacidades son diversas en la diversidad o con capacidades disminuidas. Es decir, estas ciudades ponen a disposición de sus pobladores todos sus recursos tecnológicos disponibles y sus aportes al servicio de sus habitantes. La metodología utilizada para esta investigación fue de tipo exploratorio- descriptivo en la cual se intenta mostrar el uso de las tecnologías (TIC y la transformación del entorno, así como sus bondades en pro de la incorporación de los ciudadanos con capacidades diversas como ciudadanos de primera, a través de la construcción de espacios que aprovechan las aportaciones de las TIC para hacer del medio ambiente un espacio inteligente para la inclusión de los vulnerables cuyo fin último no es otro que el bienestar común. Se concluye que las denominadas ciudades inteligentes son hoy en día urbes que combinan la interconectividad de redes para la confortabilidad del ciudadano con capacidades diversas; éstas procuran el equilibrio, el desarrollo, la inclusión y el bienestar de los todos individuos con capacidades disímiles en la diversidad.

  9. Regional gastrointestinal contractility parameters using the wireless motility capsule

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Farmer, A D; Wegeberg, A-M L; Brock, B

    2018-01-01

    BACKGROUND: The wireless motility capsule concurrently measures temperature, pH and pressure as it traverses the gastrointestinal tract. AIMS: To describe normative values for motility/contractility parameters across age, gender and testing centres. METHODS: Healthy participants underwent...

  10. con la generación de capacidades innovativas

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    Matilde Flores Urbáez

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available En el presente artículo se destacan los diferentes enfoques teóricos sobre la gerencia del conocimiento en términos de su relación con la generación de capacidades innovativas y el aprendizaje organizacional. Uno de los procesos que ha favorecido el auge de la gerencia del conocimiento es la globalización. Se intenta con el contenido de este artículo comprender, en primer lugar los principios más esenciales de cada uno de los referentes teóricos analizados y en segundo lugar, la relación entre ellos. Se concluye que las empresas inmersas en un entorno cambiante, característico del mundo globalizado, así como los cambios motivados por la misma empresa, han acelerado en ellas la generación y adquisición de nuevos conocimientos y capacidades innovativas para alcanzar posiciones competitivas.

  11. Um índice de capacidade para especificações unilaterais

    OpenAIRE

    Barriga,Gladys D. Cacsire; Ho,Linda Lee; Borges,Wagner Sousa

    2003-01-01

    Nos últimos anos, índices de capacidade de processos têm sido usados freqüentemente para determinar se um processo é capaz de produzir itens em conformidade com a tolerância especificada. No entanto, poucos estudos têm sido feitos acerca de índices de capacidade para situações em que há apenas um limite de especificação. Neste trabalho, um índice para situações em que há apenas um limite de especificação é apresentado. Ele é invariante com respeito à fração não-conforme do processo e "calibra...

  12. Un modelo educativo de adaptación curricular en alumnos de altas capacidades

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Celestino RODRÍGUEZ

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available En base a la legislación educativa española vigente, las altas capacidades se incluyen en el marco de las necesidades educativas específicas de apoyo educativo. En el presente estudio ejemplificamos una propuesta de adaptación curricular individual para alumnos con altas capacidades, que pretende promover el desarrollo equilibrado de los objetivos de aprendizaje propuestos en su programación de aula. Todo ello, a través de una descripción por pasos del proceso, partiendo de una evaluación previa de las altas capacidades, una planificación de la intervención educativa, una propuesta educativa concreta (ejemplificada en el área de Lengua castellana y el desarrollo de programas complementarios.

  13. The Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Detects Esophageal Contractility Not Observed With Manometry in Patients With Achalasia.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carlson, Dustin A; Lin, Zhiyue; Kahrilas, Peter J; Sternbach, Joel; Donnan, Erica N; Friesen, Laurel; Listernick, Zoe; Mogni, Benjamin; Pandolfino, John E

    2015-12-01

    The functional lumen imaging probe (FLIP) could improve the characterization of achalasia subtypes by detecting nonocclusive esophageal contractions not observed with standard manometry. We aimed to evaluate esophageal contractions during volumetric distention in patients with achalasia using FLIP topography. Fifty-one treatment-naive patients with achalasia, defined and subclassified by high-resolution esophageal pressure topography, and 10 asymptomatic individuals (controls) were evaluated with the FLIP during endoscopy. During stepwise distension, simultaneous intrabag pressures and 16 channels of cross-sectional areas were measured; data were exported to software that generated FLIP topography plots. Esophageal contractility was identified by noting periods of reduced luminal diameter. Esophageal contractions were characterized further by propagation direction, repetitiveness, and based on whether they were occluding or nonoccluding. Esophageal contractility was detected in all 10 controls: 8 of 10 had repetitive antegrade contractions and 9 of 10 had occluding contractions. Contractility was detected in 27% (4 of 15) of patients with type I achalasia and in 65% (18 of 26, including 9 with occluding contractions) of patients with type II achalasia. Contractility was detected in all 10 patients with type III achalasia; 8 of these patients had a pattern of contractility that was not observed in controls (repetitive retrograde contractions). Esophageal contractility not observed with manometry can be detected in patients with achalasia using FLIP topography. The presence and patterns of contractility detected with FLIP topography may represent variations in pathophysiology, such as mechanisms of panesophageal pressurization in patients with type II achalasia. These findings could have implications for additional subclassification to supplement prediction of the achalasia disease course. Copyright © 2015 AGA Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights

  14. Qual capacidade crítica? Relendo Luc Boltanski à luz de Margaret Archer

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luiz Augusto Campos

    Full Text Available Resumo A chamada “sociologia da capacidade crítica” de Luc Boltanski vem se tornando um dos principais paradigmas teóricos de interpretação das relações sociais. Contrário ao modo como a sociologia crítica à la Bourdieu entende a reflexividade humana, Boltanski propõe tratar os indivíduos como seres reflexivos, plenamente capazes de julgar e criticar o mundo. No entanto, essa “capacidade crítica” funciona em sua sociologia mais como premissa teórica do que como objeto concreto de investigação. Diante disso, este texto argumenta que uma sociologia interessada na capacidade crítica dos sujeitos não pode apenas “supô-la”, deve constituí-la em objeto de estudo sociológico. Para tal, propõe-se reconceituar a capacidade crítica como competência reflexiva, no sentido dado à expressão pela socióloga inglesa Margaret Archer. O recurso às categorias de Archer não apenas ajuda a identificar os limites da sociologia de Boltanski, mas, sobretudo, permite ampliar o seu alcance.

  15. Uso público y capacidad de carga perceptual en espacios naturales protegidos

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    Felipe Leco Berrocal

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Este trabajo muestra algunos de los resultados de la investigación realizada en el Proyecto «Las áreas de uso público en la Reserva de la Biosfera de Monfragüe. Accesibilidad y capacidad de carga» (Plan Nacional de Investigación Científica, Desarrollo e Innovación Tecnológica 2004-2007. Orden MAM/321/207. Expte. 024/SGTB/2007/4.1. En líneas generales, se presenta un estudio de las principales áreas de uso público desde la perspectiva de la capacidad de carga, ya que dichas áreas polarizan por regla general los flujos de usuarios, las inversiones y son el eje principal sobre el que descansa la afluencia de usuarios al Parque, por ello es necesario evaluar no sólo la capacidad de carga sino también la intensidad de su uso.

  16. Plasticity of TOM complex assembly in skeletal muscle mitochondria in response to chronic contractile activity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Joseph, Anna-Maria; Hood, David A

    2012-03-01

    We investigated the assembly of the TOM complex within skeletal muscle under conditions of chronic contractile activity-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Tom40 import into mitochondria was increased by chronic contractile activity, as was its time-dependent assembly into the TOM complex. These changes coincided with contractile activity-induced augmentations in the expression of key protein import machinery components Tim17, Tim23, and Tom22, as well as the cytosolic chaperone Hsp90. These data indicate the adaptability of the TOM protein import complex and suggest a regulatory role for the assembly of this complex in exercise-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved. All rights reserved.

  17. Indicadores antropométricos de estado nutricional como preditores de capacidade em idosos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kleyton Trindade Santos

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available INTRODUÇÃO: Trata-se de estudo seccional que analisou dados de pesquisa epidemiológica de base populacional e domiciliar conduzida em um município do nordeste do Brasil. OBJETIVO: Identificar os indicadores antropométricos de estado nutricional que apresentam melhor capacidade preditiva de capacidade funcional em idosos. MÉTODOS: A população foi constituída por 316 idosos que foram avaliados por meio de questionário contendo informações sociodemográficas, atividade física e condições de saúde, seguido de avaliação antropométrica. A capacidade funcional foi avaliada por meio das escalas de Katz e de Lawton e Brody para atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária, respectivamente. Foram utilizados como indicadores de estado nutricional, o índice de massa corporal, a área muscular do braço e o perímetro da panturrilha. Estimou-se modelos simples e múltiplos de regressão logística multinomial, tendo a capacidade funcional como variável dependente e os indicadores antropométricos como variáveis de interesse. RESULTADOS: Participaram do estudo 173 mulheres (54,7% e 143 homens (45,3%. Os resultados da regressão múltipla mostraram que o perímetro da panturrilha foi o único preditor de capacidade funcional em mulheres (≤ P25: OR = 5,77, p = 0,028, para dependência nas atividades instrumentais, enquanto que nos homens o índice de massa corporal foi o único indicador associado (baixo peso: OR = 11,36, p = 0,006; sobrepeso: OR = 22,06, p = 0,002; para dependência nas atividades básicas e instrumentais. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados permitem concluir que os indicadores antropométricos preditores de capacidade funcional em idosos variam de acordo com o sexo, com o perímetro da panturrilha sendo mais adequada às mulheres e o índice de massa corporal aos homens.

  18. Transient impairments in single muscle fibre contractile function after prolonged cycling in elite endurance athletes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hvid, L G; Gejl, Kasper Degn; Bech, R D

    2013-01-01

    Prolonged muscle activity impairs whole-muscle performance and function. However, little is known about the effects of prolonged muscle activity on the contractile function of human single muscle fibres. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of prolonged exercise and subsequent...... recovery on the contractile function of single muscle fibres obtained from elite athletes....

  19. Effects of endothelin, calcium channel blockade and EDRF inhibition on the contractility of human uteroplacental arteries.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fried, G; Liu, Y A

    1994-08-01

    In order to examine the possibility that endothelin might be important in the regulation of placental blood flow, human uteroplacental vessels were superfused in vitro to study the contractile effect of endothelin as compared with a known strong contractor of placental blood vessels, serotonin (5-HT). The contractile responses were compared in the presence and absence of calcium channel blocking agents, as well as in the presence of L-NMA, an inhibitor of EDRF/nitric oxide. Endothelin (ET, 10(-10)-10(-6) M) and 5-HT (10(-8)-10(-4) M) induced contractions in the vessels. Maximal contractions in the presence of endothelin were elicited at 10(-7) M, whereas 5-HT elicited maximal contractions at 10(-5) M. At 10(-7) M, ET was more potent than 5-HT. The calcium-channel blocking agents nifedipine, diltiazem and NiCl2 relaxed the vessels by 5-15% from baseline. The contractile response to ET in the presence of nifedipine or diltiazem was reduced by 55 and 67%, respectively. The response of 5-HT in the presence of nifedipine was reduced by 58%. The contractile response to 5-HT as well as ET in the presence of both nifedipine and NiCl2 was not significantly lower than in the presence of nifedipine only. The EDRF-inhibiting agent L-NMA caused a small contractile response at concentrations of 10(-6)-10(-5) M. ET as well as 5-HT added after pretreatment with L-NMA produced a larger contractile response than ET or 5-HT alone. The results show that ET has a strong contractile effect on placental blood vessels at concentrations likely to occur during labor and delivery. The mechanism whereby ET as well as 5-HT contracts placental vessel smooth muscle appears to partly involve nifedipine- and diltiazem-sensitive calcium channels, but almost half of the response depends on mobilization of calcium through other means.

  20. A human in vitro model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy muscle formation and contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nesmith, Alexander P; Wagner, Matthew A; Pasqualini, Francesco S; O'Connor, Blakely B; Pincus, Mark J; August, Paul R; Parker, Kevin Kit

    2016-10-10

    Tongue weakness, like all weakness in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), occurs as a result of contraction-induced muscle damage and deficient muscular repair. Although membrane fragility is known to potentiate injury in DMD, whether muscle stem cells are implicated in deficient muscular repair remains unclear. We hypothesized that DMD myoblasts are less sensitive to cues in the extracellular matrix designed to potentiate structure-function relationships of healthy muscle. To test this hypothesis, we drew inspiration from the tongue and engineered contractile human muscle tissues on thin films. On this platform, DMD myoblasts formed fewer and smaller myotubes and exhibited impaired polarization of the cell nucleus and contractile cytoskeleton when compared with healthy cells. These structural aberrations were reflected in their functional behavior, as engineered tongues from DMD myoblasts failed to achieve the same contractile strength as healthy tongue structures. These data suggest that dystrophic muscle may fail to organize with respect to extracellular cues necessary to potentiate adaptive growth and remodeling. © 2016 Nesmith et al.

  1. Relação familiar da pessoa idosa com comprometimento da capacidade funcional

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luana Araújo dos Reis

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: comprender la relación familiar de la persona adulta con comprometimiento de la capacidad funcional. Materiales y mé - todos: estudio exploratorio y descriptivo de abordaje cualitativo, fundamentado en el método de la historia oral, realizado con 15 adultos mayores asistidos por una unidad de salud de la familia, residentes con familiares y que presentaban comprometimiento de la capacidad funcional. Se recolectaron los datos en el período de marzo y abril del 2012, por medio de entrevistas en profundidad. Las categorías temáticas fueron: buena relación familiar, cambios en la relación familiar, sintiéndose un estorbo para la familia, sintiéndose abandonado por la familia. Resultado: el estudio ha revelado que las personas mayores con comprometimiento de la capacidad funcional vivencian sentimientos diversos que van desde la alegría porque son respetadas y tienen sus necesidades atendidas, hasta la tristeza y revuelta, por la adaptación negativa de la familia y el abandono de los hijos. Conclusión: la relación familiar de la persona mayor pasa por reajustes luego del comprometimiento de la capacidad funcional, lo que repercute significativamente en la dinámica de las relaciones. Desde esta comprensión, los profesionales de salud, sobre todo de enfermería, deben reconocer los retos a los que la familia afronta, orientarla y capacitarla para la atención a las demandas de cuidado presentadas por la persona mayor con comprometimiento de la capacidad funcional, y favorecer la realización del cuidado sin que esto desgaste las relaciones.

  2. Las nominaciones de los profesores en la identificación de alumnos de alta capacidad intelectual

    OpenAIRE

    Tourón, J. (Javier); Repáraz, C. (Charo); Peralta, F. (Feli)

    2006-01-01

    La capacidad de los profesores para identificar, a través de sus nominaciones, a los alumnos de alta capacidad intelectual en la Clase regular, es uno de los aspectos más controvertidos en la literatura de investigación. Mientras unos trabajos señalan la adecuación y conveniencia de las mismas, otros estudios ponen de manifiesto su falta de consitencia. En este estudio analizamos las nominaciones de los profesores en un proceso de identificación de alumnos de alta capacidad intelectual ...

  3. Spontaneous and α-adrenoceptor-induced contractility in human collecting lymphatic vessels require chloride

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mohanakumar, Sheyanth; Majgaard, Jens; Telinius, Niklas

    2018-01-01

    - with the impermeant anion aspartate and inhibition of Cl- transport and channels with the clinical diuretics furosemide and bendroflumethiazide, as well as DIDS and NPPB. The molecular expression of calcium-activated chloride channels was investigated by RT-PCR and proteins localized using immunoreactivity....... Spontaneous and norepinephrine-induced contractility in human lymphatic vessels was highly abrogated after Cl- substitution with aspartate. 100‒300µM DIDS or NPPB inhibited spontaneous contractile behavior. Norepinephrine-stimulated tone was furthermore markedly abrogated by 200µM DIDS. Furosemide lowered...

  4. Propuesta para evaluar la capacidad de procesos de manufactura multivariados

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manuel Alberto Rodriguez Medina

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available Los productos manufacturados hoy en día poseen varias características de calidad que son importantes para el cliente y cuando no están correlacionadas, se usan varios índices de capacidad, tales como el Cp, Cpk y Cpm para evaluar la habilidad que tiene el proceso de producir productos de calidad. Para el caso contrario, se encontró en la revisión de literatura, índices de capacidad propuestos para medir la capacidad de un proceso cuando las características de calidad están correlacionadas. La mayoría de las propuestas coinciden en que debe definirse una región de especificación que represente lo que el cliente desea y otra región de variación del proceso que muestre el desempeño que tiene el proceso. Adicionalmente, como resultados de la revisión anterior, se observa que los autores difieren en la forma de definir ambas regiones, oportunidad que se aprovecha para presentar una nueva propuesta, mediante la cual se definen de una manera confiable ambas regiones y que al compararlas se obtienen un par de índices de capacidad multivariados CpM y CpkM, que son extensiones de los índices univariados Cp y Cpk. Por último, se utilizan los datos de un proceso, los cuales se pueden modelar por medio de una distribución normal bivariada para calcular los índices de capacidad propuestos en este trabajo, posteriormente se comparan con el valor de otros índices de capacidad similares, propuestos por otros autores, obteniéndose un desempeño por sobre otros índices de la literatura consultada. The manufactured products have several quality characteristics that are important for the customer. When the quality characteristics are not correlated, using several indices, such as Cp, Cpk and Cpm to assess the ability of the process to produce quality products. For the opposite case was found in the literature review, proposed capability indices to measure the ability of a process when the quality characteristics are correlated. Most proposals

  5. LA CAPACIDAD Y EL BIENESTAR SUBJETIVO COMO DIMENSIONES DE ESTUDIO DE LA CALIDAD DE VIDA

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    Beatriz Yasuko Arita Watanabe

    2005-06-01

    Full Text Available La Calidad de vida es trabajada científicamente como un constructo muy amplio que abarca diversos significados pero en lo general apunta a la búsqueda de la explicación de la buena vida, aquella que se disfruta, que satisface al que la vive y que le produce estados de felicidad. De allí que sea la persona, desde su percepción, la que evalúe su propia vida, sus capacidades y, en el propio contexto, desarrolle mecanismos de búsqueda del bienestar personal. El Plan de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD, al hablar de desarrollo humano utiliza un índice combinado que considera niveles de ingreso y educación así como la esperanza de vida de la población. Son medidas objetivas de capacidad centradas en la búsqueda de mejoría de las condiciones de vida de las personas. En México, sus planteamientos son retomados por la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social (Sedesol en su programa “Oportunidades†haciendo referencia a la capacidad de las personas. Este programa no alcanza a definir indicadores que permitan trabajar el estudio de la apreciación de la vida, respecto a las capacidades percibidas y la evaluación del resultado de vida. El objetivo de la presente investigación va dirigido a integrar el estudio de los indicadores objetivos y subjetivos de la capacidad junto con los indicadores del bienestar subjetivo (satisfacción por la vida y felicidad sentida, para considerar a la capacidad y al bienestar subjetivo como dimensiones de explicación de la calidad de vida. La medición de los niveles de ingreso y educación junto con escalas de capacidad para enfrentar la vida y de bienestar subjetivo es utilizada para correr un análisis factorial exploratorio en una muestra representativa de la población adulta de la Zona Urbana de Culiacán, México. Palabras clave: Calidad

  6. La capacidad y el bienestar subjetivo como dimensiones de estudio de la calidad de vida

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Beatriz Yasuko Arita Watanabe

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available La Calidad de vida es trabajada científicamente como un constructo muy amplio que abarca diversos significados pero en lo general apunta a la búsqueda de la explicación de la buena vida, aquella que se disfruta, que satisface al que la vive y que le produce estados de felicidad. De allí que sea la persona, desde su percepción, la que evalúe su propia vida, sus capacidades y, en el propio contexto, desarrolle mecanismos de búsqueda del bienestar personal. El Plan de Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD, al hablar de desarrollo humano utiliza un índice combinado que considera niveles de ingreso y educación así como la esperanza de vida de la población. Son medidas objetivas de capacidad centradas en la búsqueda de mejoría de las condiciones de vida de las personas. En México, sus planteamientos son retomados por la Secretaría de Desarrollo Social (Sedesol en su programa “Oportunidades” haciendo referencia a la capacidad de las personas. Este programa no alcanza a definir indicadores que permitan trabajar el estudio de la apreciación de la vida, respecto a las capacidades percibidas y la evaluación del resultado de vida. El objetivo de la presente investigación va dirigido a integrar el estudio de los indicadores objetivos y subjetivos de la capacidad junto con los indicadores del bienestar subjetivo (satisfacción por la vida y felicidad sentida, para considerar a la capacidad y al bienestar subjetivo como dimensiones de explicación de la calidad de vida. La medición de los niveles de ingreso y educación junto con escalas de capacidad para enfrentar la vida y de bienestar subjetivo es utilizada para correr un análisis factorial exploratorio en una muestra representativa de la población adulta de la Zona Urbana de Culiacán, México.

  7. Recently active contractile deformation in the forearc of southern Peru

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hall, S. R.; Farber, D.; Audin, L.; Finkel, R. C.

    2010-12-01

    In the Precordillera and Western Cordillera of southern Peru (14°-18°S), vast pediment surfaces have been abandoned through drainage diversion and river incision, with the major drainages carving deep canyons. Within this region, we have identified range-sub-parallel contractile structures that accommodate significant distributed crustal deformation. Young geomorphic features document both the presence and youthfulness of these contractile structures. Here, we determine exposure ages on geomorphic features such as pediment surfaces and fluvial terraces using in situ produced cosmogenic radionuclides, in conjunction with field and remote mapping. This chronologic data reveals that ancient surfaces have been preserved as a result of very low erosion rates. We measure this rate to be chronology and geomorphic mapping, we calculate a Pleistocene river incision rate of ~0.3mm/yr determined from data collected along exoreic rivers. This rate is consistent with longer-term incision rates measured in other localities along this margin. We suggest that, in this region of southern Peru, the steep western wedge of the Andean margin supports the high topography of the Altiplano through a combination of uplift along steeply dipping contractile west-vergent structures and isostatic responses to the focused removal of large amounts of crustal material through canyon incision. Further, that these range sub-parallel structures are related at depth to a thrust system that plays a role in not only the maintenance of the Andean margin, but potentially in its formation as well.

  8. Effects of hypoxia and hypercapnia on geniohyoid contractility and endurance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Salmone, R J; Van Lunteren, E

    1991-08-01

    Sleep apnea and other respiratory diseases produce hypoxemia and hypercapnia, factors that adversely affect skeletal muscle performance. To examine the effects of these chemical alterations on force production by an upper airway dilator muscle, the contractile and endurance characteristics of the geniohyoid muscle were examined in situ during severe hypoxia (arterial PO2 less than 40 Torr), mild hypoxia (PO2 45-65 Torr), and hypercapnia (PCO2 55-80 Torr) and compared with hyperoxic-normocapnic conditions in anesthetized cats. Muscles were studied at optimal length, and contractile force was assessed in response to supramaximal electrical stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve (n = 7 cats) or geniohyoid muscle (n = 2 cats). There were no significant changes in the twitch kinetics or force-frequency curve of the geniohyoid muscle during hypoxia or hypercapnia. However, the endurance of the geniohyoid, as reflected in the fatigue index (ratio of force at 2 min to initial force in response to 40-Hz stimulation at a duty cycle 0.33), was significantly reduced by severe hypoxia but not by hypercapnia or mild hypoxia. In addition, the downward shift in the force-frequency curve after the repetitive stimulation protocol was greater during hypoxia than hyperoxia, especially at higher frequencies. In conclusion, the ability of the geniohyoid muscle to maintain force output during high levels of activation is adversely affected by severe hypoxia but not mild hypoxia or hypercapnia. However, none of these chemical perturbations affected muscle contractility acutely.

  9. Evaluation of a second uterine flushing on embryo recovery in Nelore cows / Avaliação de uma segunda lavagem uterina sobre a recuperacão de embriões em vacas Nelore

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marcelo Marcondes Seneda

    2008-08-01

    Full Text Available The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a second uterine flushing on number of recovered embryos. Cyclic Nelore cows (n= were used as donors. Animals were kept under grazing conditions in a farm at Mamborê, Paraná state. Cows were submitted to two sessions of multiple ovulation 80 days apart. At a random stage of estrus cycle (Day 0 donors received an intravaginal device with 1.9 g of progesterone (CIDR; Pfizer; Brasil. Twenty four hours later (Day 1 cows were injected with 2.5 mg/ IM of Estradiol Benzoate (Estrogin, Farmavet, Brasil. Between Day 5 and Day 9, donors received decreasing doses of 250 UI of FSH (Pluset; Calier, Brasil. On Days 7 and cows received 25 mg/ IM of dinoprost (Lutalyse, Pfizer, Brasil and progesterone implants were removed 12 hs later. Artificial insemination was performed 12 and 24 hours after estrus detection. The first embryo recovery was performed 7 days after AI with the Foley catheter positioned in the uterine body. A total of 1.000 mL of PBS (Embriocare, Cultilab, Brasil was used in a closed system of uterine flushing, with a 70 µm filter. Recovered uterine fluid was evaluated under a stereomicroscope (SMZ 654, Nikon, Japan and embryos were classified accord to IETS (1998. Twenty four hours later, the second uterine flushing was performed following the same procedure. Results were analyzed by t-Student test (p O objetivo do presente experimento foi verificar a viabilidade de uma segunda lavagem uterina sobre a recuperação de embriões. Doadoras cíclicas da raça Nelore (n= foram mantidas a pasto no município de Mamborê, Estado do Paraná. Os animais foram submetidos a tratamentos de superovulação com intervalo de 80 dias. Em um dia aleatório do ciclo estral (Dia 0 as doadoras receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1,9 g de progesterona (CIDR; Pfizer, Brasil. Vinte e quatro horas após (Dia 1 administrou-se , mg de benzoato de Estradiol (Estrogin; Farmavet, Brasil por via

  10. UN MODELO CAUSAL DE COMPETITIVIDAD EMPRESARIAL PLANTEADO DESDE LA VBR: CAPACIDADES DIRECTIVAS, DE INNOVACIÓN, MARKETING Y CALIDAD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Martínez Santa María, R.

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available El propósito de esta investigación es desarrollar un modelo explicativo de la competitividad empresarial a partir de factores internos a la empresa. Para ello se identifican los factores de competitividad más importantes en el caso de las empresas manufactureras vascas, así como las variables que permiten caracterizarlos, utilizando técnicas cualitativas basadas en entrevistas con directivos. Los factores resultantes son las capacidades directivas, las capacidades de innovación, las capacidades de marketing y las capacidades de calidad. Tras analizar estos factores bajo la Visión de la empresa Basada en Recursos (VBR, y definir sus escalas de medida, se plantea un modelo causal que relaciona cada uno de ellos con la competividad de la empresa. Este modelo otorga una importancia especial a las capacidades directivas al plantear este factor como precedente del resto de capacidades de la empresa. El modelo es contrastado a través de la técnica de modelado con ecuaciones estructurales utilizando una muestra representativa de la población de empresas manufactureras vascas formada por 861 empresas.

  11. Predicting changes in cardiac myocyte contractility during early drug discovery with in vitro assays

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Morton, M.J.; Armstrong, D.; Abi Gerges, N.; Bridgland-Taylor, M.; Pollard, C.E.; Bowes, J.; Valentin, J.-P.

    2014-01-01

    Cardiovascular-related adverse drug effects are a major concern for the pharmaceutical industry. Activity of an investigational drug at the L-type calcium channel could manifest in a number of ways, including changes in cardiac contractility. The aim of this study was to define which of the two assay technologies – radioligand-binding or automated electrophysiology – was most predictive of contractility effects in an in vitro myocyte contractility assay. The activity of reference and proprietary compounds at the L-type calcium channel was measured by radioligand-binding assays, conventional patch-clamp, automated electrophysiology, and by measurement of contractility in canine isolated cardiac myocytes. Activity in the radioligand-binding assay at the L-type Ca channel phenylalkylamine binding site was most predictive of an inotropic effect in the canine cardiac myocyte assay. The sensitivity was 73%, specificity 83% and predictivity 78%. The radioligand-binding assay may be run at a single test concentration and potency estimated. The least predictive assay was automated electrophysiology which showed a significant bias when compared with other assay formats. Given the importance of the L-type calcium channel, not just in cardiac function, but also in other organ systems, a screening strategy emerges whereby single concentration ligand-binding can be performed early in the discovery process with sufficient predictivity, throughput and turnaround time to influence chemical design and address a significant safety-related liability, at relatively low cost. - Highlights: • The L-type calcium channel is a significant safety liability during drug discovery. • Radioligand-binding to the L-type calcium channel can be measured in vitro. • The assay can be run at a single test concentration as part of a screening cascade. • This measurement is highly predictive of changes in cardiac myocyte contractility

  12. Predicting changes in cardiac myocyte contractility during early drug discovery with in vitro assays

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Morton, M.J., E-mail: michael.morton@astrazeneca.com [Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG (United Kingdom); Armstrong, D.; Abi Gerges, N. [Drug Safety and Metabolism, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG (United Kingdom); Bridgland-Taylor, M. [Discovery Sciences, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG (United Kingdom); Pollard, C.E.; Bowes, J.; Valentin, J.-P. [Drug Safety and Metabolism, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TG (United Kingdom)

    2014-09-01

    Cardiovascular-related adverse drug effects are a major concern for the pharmaceutical industry. Activity of an investigational drug at the L-type calcium channel could manifest in a number of ways, including changes in cardiac contractility. The aim of this study was to define which of the two assay technologies – radioligand-binding or automated electrophysiology – was most predictive of contractility effects in an in vitro myocyte contractility assay. The activity of reference and proprietary compounds at the L-type calcium channel was measured by radioligand-binding assays, conventional patch-clamp, automated electrophysiology, and by measurement of contractility in canine isolated cardiac myocytes. Activity in the radioligand-binding assay at the L-type Ca channel phenylalkylamine binding site was most predictive of an inotropic effect in the canine cardiac myocyte assay. The sensitivity was 73%, specificity 83% and predictivity 78%. The radioligand-binding assay may be run at a single test concentration and potency estimated. The least predictive assay was automated electrophysiology which showed a significant bias when compared with other assay formats. Given the importance of the L-type calcium channel, not just in cardiac function, but also in other organ systems, a screening strategy emerges whereby single concentration ligand-binding can be performed early in the discovery process with sufficient predictivity, throughput and turnaround time to influence chemical design and address a significant safety-related liability, at relatively low cost. - Highlights: • The L-type calcium channel is a significant safety liability during drug discovery. • Radioligand-binding to the L-type calcium channel can be measured in vitro. • The assay can be run at a single test concentration as part of a screening cascade. • This measurement is highly predictive of changes in cardiac myocyte contractility.

  13. Measuring the Contractile Response of Isolated Tissue Using an Image Sensor

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    David Díaz-Martín

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available Isometric or isotonic transducers have traditionally been used to study the contractile/relaxation effects of drugs on isolated tissues. However, these mechanical sensors are expensive and delicate, and they are associated with certain disadvantages when performing experiments in the laboratory. In this paper, a method that uses an image sensor to measure the contractile effect of drugs on blood vessel rings and other luminal organs is presented. The new method is based on an image-processing algorithm, and it provides a fast, easy and non-expensive way to analyze the effects of such drugs. In our tests, we have obtained dose-response curves from rat aorta rings that are equivalent to those achieved with classical mechanic sensors.

  14. In vitro contractile effects of agents used in the clinical management of postpartum haemorrhage.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Morrison, John J; Crosby, David A; Crankshaw, Denis J

    2016-10-15

    Uterine atony is a major cause of postpartum haemorrhage and maternal mortality. However, the comparative pharmacology of agents used to treat this condition is poorly understood. This study evaluates, using human pregnant myometrium in vitro, a range of contractile parameters for agents used in the clinical treatment of atonic postpartum haemorrhage. The effects of oxytocin, carbetocin, ergometrine, carboprost, syntometrine and misoprostol were investigated in 146 myometrial strips from 19 donors. The potency and maximal response values were obtained, and compared, using both maximal amplitude and mean contractile force as indices of contraction. Single, EC50 concentrations of the agents were administered and both force and contraction peak parameters were compared during a 15-min exposure. Differences were considered significant when Poxytocin and carbetocin being the most potent. The most important difference between the agents was in their ability to increase the mean contractile force, with oxytocin superior to all agents except syntometrine. In single dose experiments, mean contractile force was the parameter that separated the agents. In this respect, oxytocin was not statistically different from carboprost or syntometrine, but was superior to all other agents. These findings support a clear role for oxytocin as the first line agent for treatment of postpartum haemorrhage and raise doubts about the potential clinical usefulness of misoprostol. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Genetic fuzzy system predicting contractile reactivity patterns of small arteries

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tang, J; Sheykhzade, Majid; Clausen, B F

    2014-01-01

    strategies. Results show that optimized fuzzy systems (OFSs) predict contractile reactivity of arteries accurately. In addition, OFSs identified significant differences that were undetectable using conventional analysis in the responses of arteries between groups. We concluded that OFSs may be used...

  16. Capacidad funcional y salud: orientaciones para cuidar al adulto mayor

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    CLARA INÉS GIRALDO M

    2008-07-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: valorar la salud y la capacidad funcional de ancianos con dependencia funcional para el autocuidado, como elementos para orientar el cuidado de enfermería y el cuidado familiar en casa. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal en 40 personas de 65 y más años con dependencia funcional, cuidados por familiar, en Envigado Colombia; muestreo por conveniencia. Valoración de la capacidad funcional con el índice de Katz y la escala de Lawton y Brody, ajustados según grupo de Neurociencias, Universidad de Antioquia. Hallazgos: población entre 67 y 98 años, edad promedio 84,08 años; 82,5% mujeres. Sistemas orgánicos más afectados: cardiovascular, osteomuscular y neurológico; entre 47,5% y 27,5% de los ancianos los tenían comprometidos. Se identificaron dos comportamientos: los hombres, y las personas de edad más avanzada, con mayores grados de dependencia en las actividades básicas e instrumentales; no se determinó asociación estadística por el pequeño tamaño muestral. Las actividades básicas estaban afectadas así: entre el 67,5% y el 55% de los ancianos requería ayuda; y las actividades instrumentales estuvieron comprometidas: entre el 95% y el 75% de los ancianos son totalmente dependientes en ellas. Conclusiones: Enfermería ha de considerar la valoración de la capacidad funcional articulada al estado de salud integral de los ancianos, para orientar su cuidado y apoyar a los cuida-dores familiares. Esto además previene dependencias de cuidado innecesarias que estarían en contra de las aspiraciones del adulto mayor como individuo autónomo e independiente. Es tarea de profesionales en enfermería capacitar a cuidadores familiares sobre valoración de la capacidad funcional.

  17. 2-Deoxyadenosine triphosphate restores the contractile function of cardiac myofibril from adult dogs with naturally occurring dilated cardiomyopathy

    OpenAIRE

    Cheng, Yuanhua; Hogarth, Kaley A.; O'Sullivan, M. Lynne; Regnier, Michael; Pyle, W. Glen

    2015-01-01

    1) First report to characterize and define the contractile kinetics and defects associated with naturally occurring dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. 2) Novel findings that dATP is able to reverse the contractile defects associated with naturally occurring canine DCM.

  18. Changes in contractile activation characteristics of rat fast and slow skeletal muscle fibres during regeneration.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gregorevic, Paul; Plant, David R; Stupka, Nicole; Lynch, Gordon S

    2004-07-15

    Damaged skeletal muscle fibres are replaced with new contractile units via muscle regeneration. Regenerating muscle fibres synthesize functionally distinct isoforms of contractile and regulatory proteins but little is known of their functional properties during the regeneration process. An advantage of utilizing single muscle fibre preparations is that assessment of their function is based on the overall characteristics of the contractile apparatus and regulatory system and as such, these preparations are sensitive in revealing not only coarse, but also subtle functional differences between muscle fibres. We examined the Ca(2+)- and Sr(2+)-activated contractile characteristics of permeabilized fibres from rat fast-twitch (extensor digitorum longus) and slow-twitch (soleus) muscles at 7, 14 and 21 days following myotoxic injury, to test the hypothesis that fibres from regenerating fast and slow muscles have different functional characteristics to fibres from uninjured muscles. Regenerating muscle fibres had approximately 10% of the maximal force producing capacity (P(o)) of control (uninjured) fibres, and an altered sensitivity to Ca(2+) and Sr(2+) at 7 days post-injury. Increased force production and a shift in Ca(2+) sensitivity consistent with fibre maturation were observed during regeneration such that P(o) was restored to 36-45% of that in control fibres by 21 days, and sensitivity to Ca(2+) and Sr(2+) was similar to that of control (uninjured) fibres. The findings support the hypothesis that regenerating muscle fibres have different contractile activation characteristics compared with mature fibres, and that they adopt properties of mature fast- or slow-twitch muscle fibres in a progressive manner as the regeneration process is completed.

  19. A contractile and counterbalancing adhesion system controls the 3D shape of crawling cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Burnette, Dylan T; Shao, Lin; Ott, Carolyn; Pasapera, Ana M; Fischer, Robert S; Baird, Michelle A; Der Loughian, Christelle; Delanoe-Ayari, Helene; Paszek, Matthew J; Davidson, Michael W; Betzig, Eric; Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer

    2014-04-14

    How adherent and contractile systems coordinate to promote cell shape changes is unclear. Here, we define a counterbalanced adhesion/contraction model for cell shape control. Live-cell microscopy data showed a crucial role for a contractile meshwork at the top of the cell, which is composed of actin arcs and myosin IIA filaments. The contractile actin meshwork is organized like muscle sarcomeres, with repeating myosin II filaments separated by the actin bundling protein α-actinin, and is mechanically coupled to noncontractile dorsal actin fibers that run from top to bottom in the cell. When the meshwork contracts, it pulls the dorsal fibers away from the substrate. This pulling force is counterbalanced by the dorsal fibers' attachment to focal adhesions, causing the fibers to bend downward and flattening the cell. This model is likely to be relevant for understanding how cells configure themselves to complex surfaces, protrude into tight spaces, and generate three-dimensional forces on the growth substrate under both healthy and diseased conditions.

  20. Carboxyl-terminal-dependent recruitment of nonmuscle myosin II to megakaryocyte contractile ring during polyploidization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Badirou, Idinath; Pan, Jiajia; Legrand, Céline; Wang, Aibing; Lordier, Larissa; Boukour, Siham; Roy, Anita; Vainchenker, William; Chang, Yunhua

    2014-10-16

    Endomitosis is a unique megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation process that is the consequence of a late cytokinesis failure associated with a contractile ring defect. Evidence from in vitro studies has revealed the distinct roles of 2 nonmuscle myosin IIs (NMIIs) on MK endomitosis: only NMII-B (MYH10), but not NMII-A (MYH9), is localized in the MK contractile ring and implicated in mitosis/endomitosis transition. Here, we studied 2 transgenic mouse models in which nonmuscle myosin heavy chain (NMHC) II-A was genetically replaced either by II-B or by a chimeric NMHCII that combined the head domain of II-A with the rod and tail domains of II-B. This study provides in vivo evidence on the specific role of NMII-B on MK polyploidization. It demonstrates that the carboxyl-terminal domain of the heavy chains determines myosin II localization to the MK contractile ring and is responsible for the specific role of NMII-B in MK polyploidization.

  1. Chronic clenbuterol treatment compromises force production without directly altering skeletal muscle contractile machinery

    Science.gov (United States)

    Py, G; Ramonatxo, C; Sirvent, P; Sanchez, A M J; Philippe, A G; Douillard, A; Galbès, O; Lionne, C; Bonnieu, A; Chopard, A; Cazorla, O; Lacampagne, A; Candau, R B

    2015-01-01

    Clenbuterol is a β2-adrenergic receptor agonist known to induce skeletal muscle hypertrophy and a slow-to-fast phenotypic shift. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of chronic clenbuterol treatment on contractile efficiency and explore the underlying mechanisms, i.e. the muscle contractile machinery and calcium-handling ability. Forty-three 6-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to one of six groups that were treated with either subcutaneous equimolar doses of clenbuterol (4 mg kg−1 day−1) or saline solution for 9, 14 or 21 days. In addition to the muscle hypertrophy, although an 89% increase in absolute maximal tetanic force (Po) was noted, specific maximal tetanic force (sPo) was unchanged or even depressed in the slow twitch muscle of the clenbuterol-treated rats (P muscle contraction and relaxation force kinetics indicated that clenbuterol treatment significantly reduced the rate constant of force development and the slow and fast rate constants of relaxation in extensor digitorum longus muscle (P fast rate constant of relaxation in soleus muscle (P fibres (fast twitch fibres) from clenbuterol-treated animals demonstrated decreased amplitude after 14 days (−19%, P < 0.01) and 21 days (−25%, P < 0.01). In conclusion, we showed that chronic clenbuterol treatment reduces contractile efficiency, with altered contraction and relaxation kinetics, but without directly altering the contractile machinery. Lower Ca2+ release during contraction could partially explain these deleterious effects. PMID:25656230

  2. Myosin phosphorylation improves contractile economy of mouse fast skeletal muscle during staircase potentiation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bunda, Jordan; Gittings, William; Vandenboom, Rene

    2018-01-30

    Phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) by skeletal myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK) potentiates rodent fast twitch muscle but is an ATP-requiring process. Our objective was to investigate the effect of skMLCK-catalyzed RLC phosphorylation on the energetic cost of contraction and the contractile economy (ratio of mechanical output to metabolic input) of mouse fast twitch muscle in vitro (25°C). To this end, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from wild-type (WT) and from skMLCK-devoid (skMLCK -/- ) mice were subjected to repetitive low-frequency stimulation (10 Hz for 15 s) to produce staircase potentiation of isometric twitch force, after which muscles were quick frozen for determination of high-energy phosphate consumption (HEPC). During stimulation, WT muscles displayed significant potentiation of isometric twitch force while skMLCK -/- muscles did not (i.e. 23% versus 5% change, respectively). Consistent with this, RLC phosphorylation was increased ∼3.5-fold from the unstimulated control value in WT but not in skMLCK -/- muscles. Despite these differences, the HEPC of WT muscles was not greater than that of skMLCK -/- muscles. As a result of the increased contractile output relative to HEPC, the calculated contractile economy of WT muscles was greater than that of skMLCK -/- muscles. Thus, our results suggest that skMLCK-catalyzed phosphorylation of the myosin RLC increases the contractile economy of WT mouse EDL muscle compared with skMLCK -/- muscles without RLC phosphorylation. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  3. Modifying influence of incorporated 137Cs upon the mechanisms of adrenergic control over contractile myucard function

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lobanok, L.M.; Bulanova, K.Ya.; Gerasimovich, N.V.; Sineleva, M.V.; Milyutin, A.A.

    1994-01-01

    Incorporated 137 Cs (absorbed dose of 0.26 Gy) causes decrease of myocard's contractile function and intropic response to β-adrenagonists effect, isoproterenol-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity and β-adrenoreceptors affinity. Adrenergic effects, mediated by α-adrenergic structures on heart contractile function, on the contrary, become stronger, that is due to the increase of the receptors' dencity on sarcolemma surface

  4. Functions of nonmuscle myosin II in assembly of the cellular contractile system.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Shutova

    Full Text Available The contractile system of nonmuscle cells consists of interconnected actomyosin networks and bundles anchored to focal adhesions. The initiation of the contractile system assembly is poorly understood structurally and mechanistically, whereas system's maturation heavily depends on nonmuscle myosin II (NMII. Using platinum replica electron microscopy in combination with fluorescence microscopy, we characterized the structural mechanisms of the contractile system assembly and roles of NMII at early stages of this process. We show that inhibition of NMII by a specific inhibitor, blebbistatin, in addition to known effects, such as disassembly of stress fibers and mature focal adhesions, also causes transformation of lamellipodia into unattached ruffles, loss of immature focal complexes, loss of cytoskeleton-associated NMII filaments and peripheral accumulation of activated, but unpolymerized NMII. After blebbistatin washout, assembly of the contractile system begins with quick and coordinated recovery of lamellipodia and focal complexes that occurs before reappearance of NMII bipolar filaments. The initial formation of focal complexes and subsequent assembly of NMII filaments preferentially occurred in association with filopodial bundles and concave actin bundles formed by filopodial roots at the lamellipodial base. Over time, accumulating NMII filaments help to transform the precursor structures, focal complexes and associated thin bundles, into stress fibers and mature focal adhesions. However, semi-sarcomeric organization of stress fibers develops at much slower rate. Together, our data suggest that activation of NMII motor activity by light chain phosphorylation occurs at the cell edge and is uncoupled from NMII assembly into bipolar filaments. We propose that activated, but unpolymerized NMII initiates focal complexes, thus providing traction for lamellipodial protrusion. Subsequently, the mechanical resistance of focal complexes activates a

  5. Microtubule depolymerization normalizes in vivo myocardial contractile function in dogs with pressure-overload left ventricular hypertrophy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koide, M.; Hamawaki, M.; Narishige, T.; Sato, H.; Nemoto, S.; DeFreyte, G.; Zile, M. R.; Cooper G, I. V.; Carabello, B. A.

    2000-01-01

    BACKGROUND: Because initially compensatory myocardial hypertrophy in response to pressure overloading may eventually decompensate to myocardial failure, mechanisms responsible for this transition have long been sought. One such mechanism established in vitro is densification of the cellular microtubule network, which imposes a viscous load that inhibits cardiocyte contraction. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, we extended this in vitro finding to the in vivo level and tested the hypothesis that this cytoskeletal abnormality is important in the in vivo contractile dysfunction that occurs in experimental aortic stenosis in the adult dog. In 8 dogs in which gradual stenosis of the ascending aorta had caused severe left ventricular (LV) pressure overloading (gradient, 152+/-16 mm Hg) with contractile dysfunction, LV function was measured at baseline and 1 hour after the intravenous administration of colchicine. Cardiocytes obtained by biopsy before and after in vivo colchicine administration were examined in tandem. Microtubule depolymerization restored LV contractile function both in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: These and additional corroborative data show that increased cardiocyte microtubule network density is an important mechanism for the ventricular contractile dysfunction that develops in large mammals with adult-onset pressure-overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

  6. Resolving the role of actoymyosin contractility in cell microrheology.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Christopher M Hale

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available Einstein's original description of Brownian motion established a direct relationship between thermally-excited random forces and the transport properties of a submicron particle in a viscous liquid. Recent work based on reconstituted actin filament networks suggests that nonthermal forces driven by the motor protein myosin II can induce large non-equilibrium fluctuations that dominate the motion of particles in cytoskeletal networks. Here, using high-resolution particle tracking, we find that thermal forces, not myosin-induced fluctuating forces, drive the motion of submicron particles embedded in the cytoskeleton of living cells. These results resolve the roles of myosin II and contractile actomyosin structures in the motion of nanoparticles lodged in the cytoplasm, reveal the biphasic mechanical architecture of adherent cells-stiff contractile stress fibers interdigitating in a network at the cell cortex and a soft actin meshwork in the body of the cell, validate the method of particle tracking-microrheology, and reconcile seemingly disparate atomic force microscopy (AFM and particle-tracking microrheology measurements of living cells.

  7. Thrombopoietin modulates cardiac contractility in vitro and contributes to myocardial depressing activity of septic shock serum.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lupia, Enrico; Spatola, Tiziana; Cuccurullo, Alessandra; Bosco, Ornella; Mariano, Filippo; Pucci, Angela; Ramella, Roberta; Alloatti, Giuseppe; Montrucchio, Giuseppe

    2010-09-01

    Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a humoral growth factor that has been shown to increase platelet activation in response to several agonists. Patients with sepsis have increased circulating TPO levels, which may enhance platelet activation, potentially participating to the pathogenesis of multi-organ failure. Aim of this study was to investigate whether TPO affects myocardial contractility and participates to depress cardiac function during sepsis. We showed the expression of the TPO receptor c-Mpl on myocardial cells and tissue by RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting. We then evaluated the effect of TPO on the contractile function of rat papillary muscle and isolated heart. TPO did not change myocardial contractility in basal conditions, but, when followed by epinephrine (EPI) stimulation, it blunted the enhancement of contractile force induced by EPI both in papillary muscle and isolated heart. An inhibitor of TPO prevented TPO effect on cardiac inotropy. Treatment of papillary muscle with pharmacological inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, NO synthase, and guanilyl cyclase abolished TPO effect, indicating NO as the final mediator. We finally studied the role of TPO in the negative inotropic effect exerted by human septic shock (HSS) serum and TPO cooperation with TNF-alpha and IL-1beta. Pre-treatment with the TPO inhibitor prevented the decrease in contractile force induced by HSS serum. Moreover, TPO significantly amplified the negative inotropic effect induced by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in papillary muscle. In conclusion, TPO negatively modulates cardiac inotropy in vitro and contributes to the myocardial depressing activity of septic shock serum.

  8. Investigating Cardiac MRI Based Right Ventricular Contractility As A Novel Non-Invasive Metric of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure

    Science.gov (United States)

    Menon, Prahlad G; Adhypak, Srilakshmi M; Williams, Ronald B; Doyle, Mark; Biederman, Robert WW

    2014-01-01

    BACKGROUND We test the hypothesis that cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging-based indices of four-dimensional (4D) (three dimensions (3D) + time) right ventricle (RV) function have predictive values in ascertaining invasive pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) measurements from right heart catheterization (RHC) in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). METHODS We studied five patients with idiopathic PAH and two age and sex-matched controls for RV function using a novel contractility index (CI) for amplitude and phase to peak contraction established from analysis of regional shape variation in the RV endocardium over 20 cardiac phases, segmented from CMR images in multiple orientations. RESULTS The amplitude of RV contractility correlated inversely with RV ejection fraction (RVEF; R2 = 0.64, P = 0.03) and PASP (R2 = 0.71, P = 0.02). Phase of peak RV contractility also correlated inversely to RVEF (R2 = 0.499, P = 0.12) and PASP (R2 = 0.66, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS RV contractility analyzed from CMR offers promising non-invasive metrics for classification of PAH, which are congruent with invasive pressure measurements. PMID:25624777

  9. Governança e capacidades estatais: uma análise comparativa de programas federais

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Roberto Rocha Coelho Pires

    Full Text Available Resumo O artigo se dedica ao exame dos arranjos institucionais que marcaram a implementação de políticas públicas pelo governo federal no Brasil na última década. Pretende-se compreender de que forma as características desses arranjos condicionaram as capacidades estatais disponíveis e afetaram o desempenho e os resultados até então observados de políticas públicas pré-selecionadas. A pesquisa se baseia em uma análise comparativa de oito casos de políticas públicas federais prioritárias no período recente (nomeadamente entre os anos de 2003 e 2013. Os casos foram selecionados em função da homogeneidade de seus contextos de implementação e da heterogeneidade de suas áreas temáticas (social, infraestrutura e desenvolvimento industrial. A partir do mapeamento dos arranjos institucionais e da avaliação de capacidades técnico-administrativas e político-relacionais de cada caso, desenvolveu-se uma comparação entre os casos baseada em técnicas de QCA (Qualitative Comparative Analysis, as quais permitiram identificar associações e mecanismos causais entre as características dos arranjos, tipos e níveis de capacidades estatais e o desempenho observado por fontes secundárias das políticas públicas em termos de entrega de resultados e inovação. A análise comparativa indicou uma expressiva variação na configuração dos arranjos institucionais que sustentam a implementação de políticas federais contemporâneas. O exame dessa variação apontou dois achados relevantes. De um lado, verificou-se que os arranjos institucionais indutores de altas capacidades técnico-administrativas, envolvendo combinação de organizações profissionalizadas com mecanismos efetivos de coordenação intra e intergovernamentais, tendem a promover um melhor desempenho relativo em termos de entrega de resultados. De outro lado, arranjos promotores de altas capacidades político-relacionais, envolvendo interações com agentes pol

  10. Contractile properties are disrupted in Becker muscular dystrophy, but not in limb girdle type 2I.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Løkken, Nicoline; Hedermann, Gitte; Thomsen, Carsten; Vissing, John

    2016-09-01

    We investigated whether a linear relationship between muscle strength and cross-sectional area (CSA) is preserved in calf muscles of patients with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD, n = 14) and limb-girdle type 2I muscular dystrophy (LGMD2I, n = 11), before and after correcting for muscle fat infiltration. The Dixon magnetic resonance imaging technique was used to quantify fat and calculate a fat-free contractile CSA. Strength was assessed by dynamometry. Muscle strength/CSA relationships were significantly lower in patients versus controls. The strength/contractile-CSA relationship was still severely lowered in BMD, but was almost normalized in LGMD2I. Our findings suggest close to intact contractile properties in LGMD2I, which are severely disrupted in BMD. Ann Neurol 2016;80:466-471. © 2016 American Neurological Association.

  11. Mechanobiological induction of long-range contractility by diffusing biomolecules and size scaling in cell assemblies

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dasbiswas, K.; Alster, E.; Safran, S. A.

    2016-06-01

    Mechanobiological studies of cell assemblies have generally focused on cells that are, in principle, identical. Here we predict theoretically the effect on cells in culture of locally introduced biochemical signals that diffuse and locally induce cytoskeletal contractility which is initially small. In steady-state, both the concentration profile of the signaling molecule as well as the contractility profile of the cell assembly are inhomogeneous, with a characteristic length that can be of the order of the system size. The long-range nature of this state originates in the elastic interactions of contractile cells (similar to long-range “macroscopic modes” in non-living elastic inclusions) and the non-linear diffusion of the signaling molecules, here termed mechanogens. We suggest model experiments on cell assemblies on substrates that can test the theory as a prelude to its applicability in embryo development where spatial gradients of morphogens initiate cellular development.

  12. Dynamic MR cholangiography after fatty meal loading. Cystic contractility and dynamic evaluation of biliary stasis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Omata, Takayuki; Saito, Kazuhiro; Kotake, Fumio; Mizokami, Yuji; Matsuoka, Takeshi; Abe, Kimihiko

    2002-01-01

    Dynamic MR cholangiography was conducted on patients with cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis who had consumed a fatty test meal (Molyork) and the cystic contractility and dynamics of biliary stasis was evaluated. The subjects were 25 with intracystic cholelithiasis, 10 with choledocholithiasis and 10 normal controls. For an imaging sequence, the rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) method was employed and imaging was conducted for 40 min (every 30 s following Molyork administration) without breath-holding. The gallbladder contraction ratio was computed and the contractile ratio for the common bile duct was calculated. To determine the bile flow to the duodenum, the high-intensity signal, indicating the flow from the lower common bile duct, and perfusion of the duodenum were observed in dynamic mode on the monitor with the naked eye and interpreted as positive bile flow. The frequency of this flow was visually monitored. The gallbladder contractile ratio was significantly reduced in patients with cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis compared with the controls. In a comparison with the normal controls, no sequential changes were noted in the mean contractile ratio of the common bile duct of the patients with cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis. The mean frequency of bile flow observed for each 40 min period was 13±2.4, 6±2.2, and 4±1.3 times for the controls, those with intracystic cholelithiasis, and those with choledocholithiasis, respectively. Compared with the controls, the latter two patient groups showed evident reductions in the frequency of bile flow to the duodenum (p<0.001). Dynamic MRC combined with Molyork loading makes it possible to compute cystic contractile ratios and perform a dynamic examination of bile flow under non-invasive, near-physiological conditions. (author)

  13. A Mobilização de Capacidades Dinâmicas na Lojas Renner

    OpenAIRE

    Adalberto Escalona Gonçalves Garcia; Luiz Paulo Bignetti

    2014-01-01

    O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a trajetória de uma das empresas varejistas de maior destaque no mercado brasileiro, através de um estudo longitudinal que enfatiza a mobilização de seus recursos e capacidades ao longo de 90 anos de história. Explorando o conceito de capacidades dinâmicas, descrevem-se as ações estratégicas empreendidas em momentos de crescimento e de crise. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com dez tomadores de decisão que vivenciaram diferentes mom...

  14. A massa gorda de risco afeta a capacidade aeróbia de jovens adolescentes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luís Massuça

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Estudar o comportamento do sexo e os efeitos da idade e da massa gorda sobre a capacidade aeróbia de jovens adolescentes. MÉTODOS: Os 621 estudantes do ensino secundário participantes no estudo (14 aos 17 anos; feminino: n = 329, idade, 15,84 ± 0,92 anos; masculino: n = 292, idade, 15,82 ± 0,87 anos foram avaliados em duas categorias: morfologia (altura, peso e % massa gorda - %MG e aptidão física (capacidade aeróbia. As medições antropométricas foram realizadas de acordo com o protocolo descrito por Marfell-Jones e a %MG foi calculada por bioimpedância. A avaliação da capacidade aeróbia foi realizada com o teste aeróbio de corrida - PACER, e VO2máx relativo foi calculado utilizando a equação de Léger. Os resultados das avaliações foram classificados de acordo com os valores normativos das tabelas de referência da bateria de testes FITNESSGRAM® As técnicas estatísticas utilizadas foram: 1 cálculo de frequências; 2 teste t de Student para amostras independentes; e 3 ANOVA two-way seguida do teste post-hoc HSD de Bonferroni. RESULTADOS: 1 existem diferenças significativas entre sexos no que se refere à %MG e ao VO2máx; 2 durante a adolescência, o VO2máx estabiliza nos rapazes e sofre um declínio nas moças; 3 independentemente do sexo, a classe de %MG e a idade cronológica têm um efeito significativo sobre a capacidade aeróbia; e 4 em jovens adolescentes, com %MG de risco, a redução da %MG para níveis saudáveis parece resultar na melhoria da capacidade aeróbia. CONCLUSÃO: O impacto da %MG na capacidade aeróbia, reforça a importância da educação física escolar na promoção da saúde cardiovascular.

  15. Associação entre a Incisura Diastólica das Artérias Uterinas e a Histologia do Leito Placentário em Grávidas com Pré-eclâmpsia Association between Diastolic Notch of Uterine Artery and the Histology of the Placental Bed in Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Regina Amélia Lopes Pessoa de Aguiar

    2001-08-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: avaliar a associação entre a presença da incisura diastólica nas artérias uterinas maternas e as alterações histopatológicas dos vasos útero-placentários. Métodos: estudo transversal incluindo 144 pacientes com gestação única interrompida por via abdominal entre a 27ª e a 41ª semana. Destas, 84 gestações estavam associadas à pré-eclâmpsia e 60 não apresentaram intercorrências clínicas. Neste grupo realizou-se dopplerfluxometria de ambas as artérias uterinas e biópsia do leito placentário. Resultados: das 144 pacientes, 88 (61% tiveram o fragmento da biópsia considerado representativo do leito placentário. A incisura diastólica estava presente em 40 (70% dos casos de alterações fisiológicas inadequadas e ausente em 28 (90% dos casos de alterações fisiológicas presentes (p=0,05. A dopplerfluxometria apresentou sensibilidade de 70%, especificidade de 90% e valores preditivos positivo e negativo de 44 e 97%, respectivamente. A associação entre a presença de incisura diastólica bilateral das artérias uterinas e arteriopatia decidual também foi significativa (dos 25 casos de arteriopatia decidual a incisura estava presente em 24, p=0,05. A sensibilidade da dopplerfluxometria foi de 96%, especificidade de 70% e valores preditivos positivo e negativo de 26 e 99%, respectivamente, ao passo que para a arteriolosclerose a dopplerfluxometria apresentou sensibilidade de 80%, especificidade de 55% e valores preditivos positivo e negativo de 17 e 96%, respectivamente. Conclusões: a incisura diastólica nas artérias uterinas maternas é indicador seguro de vasculopatia no leito placentário. A adequada invasão trofoblástica do leito placentário, revelada por histologia típica de alterações fisiológicas, resulta na ausência de incisura diastólica bilateral das artérias uterinas maternas.Purpose: to evaluate the association between the presence of diastolic notch in the maternal uterine arteries, and

  16. Effect of a Carbohydrate-Rich Diet on Rat Detrusor Smooth Muscle Contractility: An Experimental Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mustafa Suat Bolat

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Objectives. We aimed to investigate the effect of a carbohydrate-rich diet on detrusor contractility in rats. Materials and Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into two groups. The control group received regular food and water. The study group received carbohydrate-rich diet for six weeks. The rats’ detrusor muscle was isolated for pharmacological and histopathological examinations. Results. In the control and study groups, mean body weights were 431.5 ± 27.6 g and 528.0 ± 36.2 g, respectively (p < 0.001. Electrical stimulation of the detrusor strips of the control group resulted in gradual contraction. A decreased contractile response was shown in the study group. Acetylcholine in 10-7-10-3 molar concentration produced a decreased contractile response in the study group, compared to the control group (p < 0.01. The study group showed marked subepithelial and intermuscular fibrosis in the bladder. Conclusion. Carbohydrate-rich diet causes marked subepithelial and extracellular fibrosis and changes in contractility in the detrusor within a six-week period. Changes have higher costs in therapeutic choices and correction of these changes remains difficult. Putting an end to carbohydrate-rich diet would seem to be more cost-effective than dealing with the effects of consuming it in high proportions which should be the national policy worldwide.

  17. Capacidade institucional: uma revisão de conceitos e programas federais de governo para o fortalecimento da administração pública

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    Fabiana Silva Fernandes

    Full Text Available Resumo Este artigo é uma revisão de conceitos sobre a capacidade institucional e de alguns programas federais implementados para fortalecer a capacidade institucional de estados, municípios e órgãos da administração pública. Para a elaboração deste trabalho, realizou-se um levantamento bibliográfico e documental sobre, respectivamente, o conceito de capacidade institucional e os programas e ações do governo federal para o fortalecimento de sua capacidade institucional. Verificou-se que o conceito tem caráter polissêmico e pragmático e foi desenvolvido para mensurar e elaborar estratégias de fortalecimento da capacidade das instituições. Da mesma forma, notou-se a existência de estreita vinculação entre capacidade institucional e capacidade de planejamento e de gestão das políticas públicas.

  18. Adipose-derived stem cells inhibit the contractile myofibroblast in Dupuytren's disease.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Verhoekx, J.S.; Mudera, V.; Walbeehm, E.T.; Hovius, S.E.

    2013-01-01

    BACKGROUND: In an attempt to provide minimally invasive treatment for Dupuytren's disease, percutaneous disruption of the affected tissue followed by lipografting is being tested. Contractile myofibroblasts drive this fibroproliferative disorder, whereas stem cells have recently been implicated in

  19. Análisis de la capacidad de aceleración en mujeres atletas de modalidades de velocidad

    OpenAIRE

    Carmona Dalmases, Gerard; González-Haro, Carlos

    2012-01-01

    Objetivos. Caracterizar la capacidad de aceleración con relación al rendimiento (tiempo en sprint de 30 m), la velocidad máxima y las manifestaciones de fuerza (capacidad de salto) y potencia (en ½ squat) musculares en 4 mujeres atletas de especialidades de velocidad de nivel nacional. Métodos. Se realizaron dos días de pruebas (pista y laboratorio). Se valoró la capacidad de aceleración (velocidades instantánea a 1, 2 y 3 s –vi1, vi2 i vi3–), aceleración inicial (ainicial), tiempo de sprint ...

  20. La doble cara de la capacidad empresarial: una alternativa a la noción popular

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bögenhold , Dieter

    2003-06-01

    Full Text Available La capacidad empresarial es un tema estratégico en los estudios de los procesos que llevan a la prosperidad y a la creación de empleos. Pese a ello, el concepto no está aún bien definido. Este artículo estudia los supuestos centrales y cuestiona lo que muchos contemporáneos dan por supuesto. El artículo muestra la necesidad de definir la capacidad empresarial. La discusión reciente debe explicar el fenómeno, a veces contradictorio, del rápido crecimiento de las grandes empresas y las nuevas microempresas de empleados por cuenta propia que no tienen posibilidades ni intenciones de crecer. Las políticas económicas deben especificar a qué se refieren cuando hablan de capacidad empresarial

  1. Local 3D matrix microenvironment regulates cell migration through spatiotemporal dynamics of contractility-dependent adhesions

    Science.gov (United States)

    Doyle, Andrew D.; Carvajal, Nicole; Jin, Albert; Matsumoto, Kazue; Yamada, Kenneth M.

    2015-11-01

    The physical properties of two-dimensional (2D) extracellular matrices (ECMs) modulate cell adhesion dynamics and motility, but little is known about the roles of local microenvironmental differences in three-dimensional (3D) ECMs. Here we generate 3D collagen gels of varying matrix microarchitectures to characterize their regulation of 3D adhesion dynamics and cell migration. ECMs containing bundled fibrils demonstrate enhanced local adhesion-scale stiffness and increased adhesion stability through balanced ECM/adhesion coupling, whereas highly pliable reticular matrices promote adhesion retraction. 3D adhesion dynamics are locally regulated by ECM rigidity together with integrin/ECM association and myosin II contractility. Unlike 2D migration, abrogating contractility stalls 3D migration regardless of ECM pore size. We find force is not required for clustering of activated integrins on 3D native collagen fibrils. We propose that efficient 3D migration requires local balancing of contractility with ECM stiffness to stabilize adhesions, which facilitates the detachment of activated integrins from ECM fibrils.

  2. Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of Catalase Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Myocardial Contractile Dysfunction: Role of Autophagy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Turdi, Subat; Han, Xuefeng; Huff, Anna F.; Roe, Nathan D.; Hu, Nan; Gao, Feng; Ren, Jun

    2012-01-01

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is a major initiator of sepsis, leading to cardiovascular collapse. Accumulating evidence has indicated a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular complication in sepsis. This study was designed to examine the effect of cardiac-specific overexpression of catalase in LPS-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction and the underlying mechanism(s) with a focus on autophagy. Catalase transgenic and wild-type FVB mice were challenged with LPS (6 mg/kg) and cardiac function was evaluated. Levels of oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis and protein damage were examined using fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, TUNEL assay, caspase-3 activity and carbonyl formation. Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed for survival following LPS treatment. Our results revealed a lower mortality in catalase mice compared with FVB mice following LPS challenge. LPS injection led to depressed cardiac contractile capacity as evidenced by echocardiography and cardiomyocyte contractile function, the effect of which was ablated by catalase overexpression. LPS treatment induced elevated TNF-α level, autophagy, apoptosis (TUNEL, caspase-3 activation, cleaved caspase-3), production of ROS and O2−, and protein carbonyl formation, the effects of which were significantly attenuated by catalase overexpression. Electron microscopy revealed focal myocardial damage characterized by mitochondrial injury following LPS treatment, which was less severe in catalase mice. Interestingly, LPS-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction was prevented by antioxidant NAC and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. Taken together, our data revealed that catalase protects against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and mortality, which may be associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and autophagy. PMID:22902401

  3. Changes of contractile responses due to simulated weightlessness in rat soleus muscle

    Science.gov (United States)

    Elkhammari, A.; Noireaud, J.; Léoty, C.

    1994-08-01

    Some contractile and electrophysiological properties of muscle fibers isolated from the slow-twitch soleus (SOL) and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of rats were compared with those measured in SOL muscles from suspended rats. In suspendede SOL (21 days of tail-suspension) membrane potential (Em), intracellular sodium activity (aiNa) and the slope of the relationship between Em and log [K]o were typical of fast-twitch muscles. The relation between the maximal amplitude of K-contractures vs Em was steeper for control SOL than for EDL and suspended SOL muscles. After suspension, in SOL muscles the contractile threshold and the inactivation curves for K-contractures were shifted to more positive Em. Repriming of K-contractures was unaffected by suspencion. The exposure of isolated fibers to perchlorate (ClO4-)-containing (6-40 mM) solutions resulted ina similar concentration-dependent shift to more negative Em of activation curves for EDL and suspended SOL muscles. On exposure to a Na-free TEA solution, SOL from control and suspended rats, in contrast to EDL muscles, generated slow contractile responses. Suspended SOL showed a reduced sensitivity to the contracture-producing effect of caffeine compared to control muscles. These results suggested that the modification observed due to suspension could be encounted by changes in the characteristics of muscle fibers from slow to fast-twitch type.

  4. Parasympathetic neurons in the cranial medial ventricular fat pad on the dog heart selectively decrease ventricular contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dickerson, L W; Rodak, D J; Fleming, T J; Gatti, P J; Massari, V J; McKenzie, J C; Gillis, R A

    1998-05-28

    We hypothesized that selective control of ventricular contractility might be mediated by postganglionic parasympathetic neurons in the cranial medial ventricular (CMV) ganglion plexus located in a fat pad at the base of the aorta. Sinus rate, atrioventricular (AV) conduction (ventricular rate during atrial pacing), and left ventricular contractile force (LV dP/dt during right ventricular pacing) were measured in eight chloralose-anesthetized dogs both before and during bilateral cervical vagus stimulation (20-30 V, 0.5 ms pulses, 15-20 Hz). Seven of these dogs were tested under beta-adrenergic blockade (propranolol, 0.8 mg kg(-1) i.v.). Control responses included sinus node bradycardia or arrest during spontaneous rhythm, high grade AV block or complete heart block, and a 30% decrease in contractility from 2118 +/- 186 to 1526 +/- 187 mm Hg s(-1) (P 0.05) decrease in contractility but still elicited the same degree of sinus bradycardia and AV block (N = 8, P < 0.05). Five dogs were re-tested 3 h after trimethaphan fat pad injection, at which time blockade of vagally-induced negative inotropy was partially reversed, as vagal stimulation decreased LV dP/dt by 19%. The same dose of trimethaphan given either locally into other fat pads (PVFP or IVC-ILA) or systemically (i.v.) had no effect on vagally-induced negative inotropy. Thus, parasympathetic ganglia located in the CMV fat pad mediated a decrease in ventricular contractility during vagal stimulation. Blockade of the CMV fat pad had no effect on vagally-mediated slowing of sinus rate or AV conduction.

  5. Changes in contractile properties of muscles receiving repeat injections of botulinum toxin (Botox).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fortuna, Rafael; Vaz, Marco Aurélio; Youssef, Aliaa Rehan; Longino, David; Herzog, Walter

    2011-01-04

    Botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) is a frequently used therapeutic tool to denervate muscles in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders. Although considered safe by the US Food and Drug Administration, BTX-A can produce adverse effects in target and non-target muscles. With an increased use of BTX-A for neuromuscular disorders, the effects of repeat injections of BTX-A on strength, muscle mass and structure need to be known. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in strength, muscle mass and contractile material in New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Twenty NZW rabbits were divided into 4 groups: control and 1, 3 and 6 months of unilateral, repeat injections of BTX-A into the quadriceps femoris. Outcome measures included knee extensor torque, muscle mass and the percentage of contractile material in the quadriceps muscles of the target and non-injected contralateral hindlimbs. Strength in the injected muscles was reduced by 88%, 89% and 95% in the 1, 3 and 6 months BTX-A injected hindlimbs compared to controls. Muscle mass was reduced by 50%, 42% and 31% for the vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM), respectively, at 1 month, by 68%, 51% and 50% at 3 months and by 76%, 44% and 13% at 6 months. The percentage of contractile material was reduced for the 3 and 6 months animals to 80-64%, respectively, and was replaced primarily by fat. Similar, but less pronounced results were also observed for the quadriceps muscles of the contralateral hindlimbs, suggesting that repeat BTX-A injections cause muscle atrophy and loss of contractile tissue in target muscles and also in non-target muscles that are far removed from the injection site. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Acute hypoxia limits endurance but does not affect muscle contractile properties.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Degens, H.; Sanchez Horneros, J.M.; Hopman, M.T.E.

    2006-01-01

    Acute hypoxia causes skeletal muscle dysfunction in vitro, but little is known about its effect on muscle function in vivo. In 10 healthy male subjects, isometric contractile properties and fatigue resistance of the quadriceps muscle were determined during normoxia and hypoxia using electrically

  7. El mejoramiento de la capacidad para aprender a través de la lectura

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Armando Morles

    1997-12-01

    Full Text Available El presente estudio discute la importancia de la instrucción en la capacidad para aprender el contenido de textos escritos. Al inicio se define el aprendizaje a través de la lectura para luego continuar con la identificación de los factores que condicionan este aprendizaje. Luego se suministra lineamientos para mejorar esa capacidad. Finalmente se aportan ideas acerca de cómo conducir el entrenamiento de los estudiantes, incluyendo las modalidades y su ubicación dentro del contexto educativo.

  8. Effects of ageing on single muscle fibre contractile function following short-term immobilisation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hvid, Lars G; Ortenblad, Niels; Aagaard, Per

    2011-01-01

    Very little attention has been given to the combined effects of healthy ageing and short-term disuse on the contractile function of human single muscle fibres. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of 2 weeks of lower limb cast immobilisation (i.e. disuse) on selected contractile...... IIa: young 18% and old 25%; P selective decrease in Ca(2+) sensitivity in MHC IIa fibres of young (P ....05), respectively. In conclusion, 2 weeks of lower limb immobilisation caused greater impairments in single muscle fibre force and specific force in MHC IIa than MHC I fibres independently of age. In contrast, immobilisation-induced changes in Ca(2+) sensitivity that were dependent on age and MHC isoform....

  9. Invertir para el futuro: el fortalecimiento de capacidades en Marruecos

    OpenAIRE

    André, Mathieu; Charlet, France

    2007-01-01

    En 2006, a petición de ACNUR, la ONG francesa Forum Réfugiés dirigió dos misiones para ayudar a reforzar la capacidad local en Marruecos con el fin de proporcionar asistencia letrada y asesoramiento a los solicitantes de asilo y los refugiados.

  10. Myocardial mitochondrial and contractile function are preserved in mice lacking adiponectin.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Martin Braun

    Full Text Available Adiponectin deficiency leads to increased myocardial infarct size following ischemia reperfusion and to exaggerated cardiac hypertrophy following pressure overload, entities that are causally linked to mitochondrial dysfunction. In skeletal muscle, lack of adiponectin results in impaired mitochondrial function. Thus, it was our objective to investigate whether adiponectin deficiency impairs mitochondrial energetics in the heart. At 8 weeks of age, heart weight-to-body weight ratios were not different between adiponectin knockout (ADQ-/- mice and wildtypes (WT. In isolated working hearts, cardiac output, aortic developed pressure and cardiac power were preserved in ADQ-/- mice. Rates of fatty acid oxidation, glucose oxidation and glycolysis were unchanged between groups. While myocardial oxygen consumption was slightly reduced (-24% in ADQ-/- mice in isolated working hearts, rates of maximal ADP-stimulated mitochondrial oxygen consumption and ATP synthesis in saponin-permeabilized cardiac fibers were preserved in ADQ-/- mice with glutamate, pyruvate or palmitoyl-carnitine as a substrate. In addition, enzymatic activity of respiratory complexes I and II was unchanged between groups. Phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and SIRT1 activity were not decreased, expression and acetylation of PGC-1α were unchanged, and mitochondrial content of OXPHOS subunits was not decreased in ADQ-/- mice. Finally, increasing energy demands due to prolonged subcutaneous infusion of isoproterenol did not differentially affect cardiac contractility or mitochondrial function in ADQ-/- mice compared to WT. Thus, mitochondrial and contractile function are preserved in hearts of mice lacking adiponectin, suggesting that adiponectin may be expendable in the regulation of mitochondrial energetics and contractile function in the heart under non-pathological conditions.

  11. Impact of tamsulosin and nifedipine on contractility of pregnant rat ureters in vitro.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haddad, Lisette; Corriveau, Stéphanie; Rousseau, Eric; Blouin, Simon; Pasquier, Jean-Charles; Ponsot, Yves; Roy-Lacroix, Marie-Ève

    2018-01-01

    To evaluate the in vitro effect of tamsulosin and nifedipine on the contractility of pregnant rat ureters and to perform quantitative analysis of the pharmacological effects. Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is commonly used to treat urolithiasis. However, this treatment is seldom used in pregnant women since no studies support this practice. This was an in vitro study on animal tissue derived from pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats. A total of 124 ureteral segments were mounted in an organ bath system and contractile response to methacholine (MCh) was assessed. Tamsulosin or nifedipine were added at cumulative concentrations (0.001-1 μM). The area under the curve (AUC) from isometric tension measurements was calculated. The effect of pharmacological agents and the respective controls were assessed by calculating the AUC for each 5-min interval. Statistical analyses were performed using the Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon nonparametric test. Both drugs displayed statistically significant inhibitory activity at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 μM for tamsulosin and 1 μM for nifedipine when calculated as the AUC as compared to DMSO controls. Tamsulosin and nifedipine directly inhibit MCh-induced contractility of pregnant rat ureters. Further work is needed to determine the clinical efficacy of these medications for MET in pregnancy.

  12. Cardiac-specific catalase overexpression rescues anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction: role of oxidative stress and autophagy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kandadi, Machender R; Yu, Xuejun; Frankel, Arthur E; Ren, Jun

    2012-11-07

    Lethal and edema toxins secreted by Bacillus anthracis during anthrax infection were found to incite serious cardiovascular complications. However, the underlying mechanisms in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac anomalies remain unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of antioxidant enzyme catalase in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction. Wild type (WT) and cardiac-specific catalase overexpression mice were challenged with lethal toxin (2 μg/g, intraperotineally (i.p.)). Cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) properties were assessed 18 h later using an IonOptix edge-detection system. Proteasome function was assessed using chymotrypsin-like and caspase-like activities. GFP-LC3 puncta and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate autophagy and protein ubiquitination. Lethal toxin exposure suppressed cardiomyocyte contractile function (suppressed peak shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/re-lengthening, prolonged duration of shortening/re-lengthening, and impaired intracellular Ca(2+) handling), the effects of which were alleviated by catalase. In addition, lethal toxin triggered autophagy, mitochondrial and ubiquitin-proteasome defects, the effects of which were mitigated by catalase. Pretreatment of cardiomyocytes from catalase mice with the autophagy inducer rapamycin significantly attenuated or ablated catalase-offered protection against lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction. On the other hand, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA ablated or significantly attenuated lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile anomalies. Our results suggest that catalase is protective against anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) anomalies, possibly through regulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function.

  13. Hydrogen ion changes and contractile behavior in the perfused rat heart

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Cingolani, H.E.; Maas, A.H.J.; Zimmerman, A.N.E.; Meijler, F.L.

    1975-01-01

    The effect of acid-base alterations was analyzed using isolated rat hearts perfused at constant coronary perfusion pressure, and stimulated to contract at constant rate. The amount of shortening in the major axis and its derivative were measured to assess myocardial contractility. Both the

  14. Envelhecimento e capacidade para o trabalho dos trabalhadores de higiene e limpeza hospitalar Envejecimiento y capacidad para el trabajo de los empleados de higiene y limpieza hospitalar Aging and work ability of workers of a university hospital's cleaning and hygiene service

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cristiane Batista Andrade

    2007-06-01

    Full Text Available As mudanças demográficas ocorridas no Brasil mostram um aumento da população que está envelhecendo e em idade produtiva. Estudo com trabalhadores do Serviço de Higiene e Limpeza de um hospital universitário, não terceirizado, teve por objetivo avaliar a capacidade para o trabalho. Foi utilizado o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho, instrumento auto-aplicável, desenvolvido por pesquisadores finlandeses. Foram entrevistados 69 trabalhadores: 21,7% tinham ótima capacidade para o trabalho; 31,9% boa; 31,9% moderada e 14,5%, baixa. As doenças com diagnóstico médico mais freqüentes foram as lesões por acidentes, músculo-esqueléticas e cardiovasculares. O grupo etário de 50 a 60 anos obteve menor Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho e maior número de doenças, afetando, portanto, a capacidade para o trabalho. Sendo assim, há necessidade do desenvolvimento de programas de promoção à saúde, tendo em vista a recuperação e manutenção da capacidade para o trabalho.El estudio ha sido hecho con trabajadores del Servicio de Higiene y Limpieza de un hospital universitario, ya que son empleados públicos y no son de empresas de terceros. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la capacidad para el trabajo de estos funcionarios con distintas edades. Se ha utilizado el ICT (Índice de Capacidad para el Trabajo, instrumento auto-aplicable, desarrollado por investigadores finlandeses. La población ha sido compuesta por 69 trabajadores, siendo que el 21,7% tienen óptima capacidad para el trabajo; el 31,9% buena; el 31,9% moderada y el 14,5%, baja. Las enfermedades con diagnostico médico más frecuente han sido las lesiones por accidentes, las músculo-esqueléticas y las cardiovasculares. El grupo de más edad, de 50 a 60 anos, tuvo menor índice de capacidad para el trabajo y mayor número de enfermedades.This study was conducted with the cleaning personnel of a university hospital in the city of Campinas, State of São Paulo

  15. Reduced Contractility and Motility of Prostatic Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts after Inhibition of Heat Shock Protein 90

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alex Henke

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available Background: Prostate cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF can stimulate malignant progression and invasion of prostatic tumour cells via several mechanisms including those active in extracellular matrix; Methods: We isolated CAF from prostate cancer patients of Gleason Score 6–10 and confirmed their cancer-promoting activity using an in vivo tumour reconstitution assay comprised of CAF and BPH1 cells. We tested the effects of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90 inhibitors upon reconstituted tumour growth in vivo. Additionally, CAF contractility was measured in a 3D collagen contraction assay and migration was measured by scratch assay; Results: HSP90 inhibitors dipalmitoyl-radicicol and 17-dimethylaminoethylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-DMAG reduced tumour size and proliferation in CAF/BPH1 reconstituted tumours in vivo. We observed that the most contractile CAF were derived from patients with lower Gleason Score and of younger age compared with the least contractile CAF. HSP90 inhibitors radicicol and 17-DMAG inhibited contractility and reduced the migration of CAF in scratch assays. Intracellular levels of HSP70 and HSP90 were upregulated upon treatment with HSP90 inhibitors. Inhibition of HSP90 also led to a specific increase in transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFβ2 levels in CAF; Conclusions: We suggest that HSP90 inhibitors act not only upon tumour cells, but also on CAF in the tumour microenvironment.

  16. Pulmonary artery radiocardiography and rheography in the diagnosis of hemodynamic and contractile function impairments of the right ventricle in patients with obstructive bronchitis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paleev, N.P.; Cherejskaya, N.K.; Tsar'kova, L.N.; Baklykova, S.N.; Novoderezhkina, L.B.; Oblovatskaya, O.G.; Dubinina, E.B.

    1990-01-01

    Radiocardiography and rheography of the pulmonary artery were used to examine impairments in hemodynamics and contractile function of the right ventricle in 40 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis complicated with persistent hypertension. Right ventricular hemodynamic and contractile impairments were shown to be not equivalent with similar clinical and functional signs of pulmonary hypertension. This fact indicates that the use of special techiques is of practical value in the determination of right ventricular hemodynamics and myocardial contractility in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis. Radiocardiography and rheography of the pulmonary artery are sufficiently reliable noninvasive techniques for examining the hemodynamics and contractile function of the right ventricular myocardium

  17. Effect of serotonin on small intestinal contractility in healthy volunteers

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hansen, M.B.; Arif, F.; Gregersen, H.

    2008-01-01

    The physiological significance of serotonin released into the intestinal lumen for the regulation of motility is unknown in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serotonin infused into the lumen of the gastric antrum, duodenum or the jejunum, on antro-duodeno-jejunal contrac......The physiological significance of serotonin released into the intestinal lumen for the regulation of motility is unknown in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of serotonin infused into the lumen of the gastric antrum, duodenum or the jejunum, on antro......-duodeno-jejunal contractility in healthy human volunteers. Manometric recordings were obtained and the effects of either a standard meal, continuous intravenous infusion of serotonin (20 nmol/kg/min) or intraluminal bolus infusions of graded doses of serotonin (2.5, 25 or 250 nmol) were compared. In addition, platelet......-depleted plasma levels of serotonin, blood pressure, heart rate and electrocardiogram were evaluated. All subjects showed similar results. Intravenous serotonin increased migrating motor complex phase In frequency 3-fold and migrating velocity 2-fold. Intraluminal infusion of serotonin did not change contractile...

  18. Estudio de la capacidad estabilizadora del peroné en fracturas de tibia de conejo

    OpenAIRE

    Fornells Miquel, P.; GÓMEZ BENITO, M.J.; García Aznar, J. M.; BEA CASCAROSA, J.A.

    2008-01-01

    El objetivo de este trabajo es estudiar la capacidad estabilizadora del peroné en fracturas de tibia. Si dicha capacidad es suficiente, sería posible evitar el uso de sistemas de fijación en los experimentos de laboratorio con este tipo de fracturas. Para comprobarlo se ha realizado una simulación computacional por elementos finitos de la tibia y el peroné de un conejo, con una fractura en el tercio medio superior de la diáfisis sin ningún elemento estabilizador. El conjunto ha sido sometido ...

  19. Proposta para estimar curva carga-recalque e capacidade de carga em estacas de madeira

    OpenAIRE

    Segundinho, Pedro Gutemberg de Alcântara; Miná, Alexandre José Soares; Dias, Antonio Alves; Regazzi, Adair José; Carreira, Marcelo Rodrigo

    2014-01-01

    Este trabalho teve como objetivo propor um método para estimar a curva carga-recalque e a capacidade de carga de estacas de madeira a partir do ajuste de equações de regressão não lineares utilizando o método de Gauss Newton modificado. Para isso, foram utilizados dados experimentais obtidos para 12 estacas de madeira, curvas carga-recalque durante a cravação e capacidade de carga determinada no ensaio de carregamento dinâmico, utilizando modelo teórico. Nesta pesquisa, realizada de forma pio...

  20. Cardiac-specific overexpression of catalase attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction: role of autophagy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Turdi, Subat; Han, Xuefeng; Huff, Anna F; Roe, Nathan D; Hu, Nan; Gao, Feng; Ren, Jun

    2012-09-15

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from gram-negative bacteria is a major initiator of sepsis, leading to cardiovascular collapse. Accumulating evidence has indicated a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular complications in sepsis. This study was designed to examine the effect of cardiac-specific overexpression of catalase in LPS-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction and the underlying mechanism(s) with a focus on autophagy. Catalase transgenic and wild-type FVB mice were challenged with LPS (6 mg/kg) and cardiac function was evaluated. Levels of oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis, and protein damage were examined using fluorescence microscopy, Western blot, TUNEL assay, caspase-3 activity, and carbonyl formation. A Kaplan-Meier curve was constructed for survival after LPS treatment. Our results revealed a lower mortality in catalase mice compared with FVB mice after LPS challenge. LPS injection led to depressed cardiac contractile capacity as evidenced by echocardiography and cardiomyocyte contractile function, the effect of which was ablated by catalase overexpression. LPS treatment induced elevated TNF-α level, autophagy, apoptosis (TUNEL, caspase-3 activation, cleaved caspase-3), production of ROS and O(2)(-), and protein carbonyl formation, the effects of which were significantly attenuated by catalase overexpression. Electron microscopy revealed focal myocardial damage characterized by mitochondrial injury after LPS treatment, which was less severe in catalase mice. Interestingly, LPS-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction was prevented by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine and the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. Taken together, our data revealed that catalase protects against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and mortality, which may be associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and autophagy. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  1. Análisis de la capacidad de aceleración en mujeres atletas de modalidades de velocidad

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    Gerard Carmona Dalmases

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available Objetivos. Caracterizar la capacidad de aceleración con relación al rendimiento (tiempo en sprint de 30 m, la velocidad máxima y las manifestaciones de fuerza (capacidad de salto y potencia (en ½ squat musculares en 4 mujeres atletas de especialidades de velocidad de nivel nacional. Métodos. Se realizaron dos días de pruebas (pista y laboratorio. Se valoró la capacidad de aceleración (velocidades instantánea a 1, 2 y 3 s –vi1, vi2 i vi3–, aceleración inicial (ainicial, tiempo de sprint en 30 m (rendimiento, velocidad máxima (vmàx, capacidad de salto (SJ, CMJ, LJ bw y RJ 5s y potencia media máxima (Pm màx desarrollada en ½ squat. Resultados. Se hallaron correlaciones significativas entre el rendimiento (t30m y la vmáx (r = –0,980; P < 0,01, la capacidad de aceleración (velocidades instantáneas y el t30m (r = –0,954; P < 0,05 y la vmáx (r = 0,992 y 0,979; P < 0,01 y 0,05, la manifestación elástica de la fuerza (CMJ y el t30m (r = –0,983; P < 0,05 y la fuerza dinámica máxima relativa y la ainicial (r = 0,980; P < 0,01. Conclusiones. El principal hallazgo del presente estudio fue que la vmáx era el mayor determinante del t30m. También la capacidad de aceleración, sobretodo la vi2, y el CMJ tuvieron una gran ascendencia sobre el t30m y la vmáx.

  2. Effects of Crocetin Esters and Crocetin from Crocus sativus L. on Aortic Contractility in Rat Genetic Hypertension

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Silvia Llorens

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available Background: Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by an enhancement in vasoconstriction, is clearly associated with hypertension. Saffron (Crocus sativus L. bioactive compounds have been recognized to have hypotensive properties. Recently, we have reported that crocetin exhibits potent vasodilator effects on isolated aortic rings from hypertensive rats. In this work, we have aimed to analyze the anticontractile ability of crocetin or crocetin esters pool (crocins isolated from saffron. Thus, we have studied the effects of saffron carotenoids on endothelium-dependent and -independent regulation of smooth muscle contractility in genetic hypertension. Methods: We have measured the isometric responses of aortic segments with or without endothelium obtained from spontaneously hypertensive rats. The effects of carotenoids were studied by assessing the endothelial modulation of phenylephrine-induced contractions (10−9–10−5 M in the presence or absence of crocetin or crocins. The role of nitric oxide and prostanoids was analyzed by performing the experiments with L-NAME (NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester or indomethacin (both 10−5 M, respectively. Results: Crocetin, and to a minor extent crocins, diminished the maximum contractility of phenylephrine in intact rings, while crocins, but not crocetin, increased this contractility in de-endothelizated vessels. In the intact vessels, the effect of crocetin on contractility was unaffected by indomethacin but was abolished by L-NAME. However, crocetin but not crocins, lowered the already increased contractility caused by L-NAME. Conclusions: Saffron compounds, but especially crocetin have endothelium-dependent prorelaxing actions. Crocins have procontractile actions that take place via smooth muscle cell mechanisms. These results suggest that crocetin and crocins activate different mechanisms involved in the vasoconstriction pathway in hypertension.

  3. [A basis for application of cardiac contractility variability in the Evaluation and assessment of exercise and fitness].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bu, Bin; Wang, Aihua; Han, Haijun; Xiao, Shouzhong

    2010-06-01

    Cardiac contractility variability (CCV) is a new concept which is introduced in the research field of cardiac contractility in recent years, that is to say, there are some disparities between cardiac contractilities when heart contracts. The changing signals of cardiac contractility contain a plenty of information on the cardiovascular function and disorder. In order to collect and analyze the message, we could quantitatively evaluate the tonicity and equilibrium of cardiac sympathetic nerve and parasympathetic nerve, and the effects of bio-molecular mechanism on the cardiovascular activities. By analyzing CCV, we could further understand the background of human being's heritage characteristics, nerve types, the adjusting mechanism, the molecular biology, and the adjustment of cardiac automatic nerve. With the development of the computing techniques, the digital signal processing method and its application in medical field, this analysis has been progressing greatly. By now, the assessment of CCV, just like the analysis of heart rate variability, is mainly via time domain and frequency domain analysis. CCV is one of the latest research fields in human cardiac signals being scarcely reported in the field of sports medicine; however, its research progresses are of important value for cardiac physiology and pathology in sports medicine and rehabilitation medicine.

  4. Long-term vascular contractility assay using genipin-modified muscular thin films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hald, Eric S; Steucke, Kerianne E; Reeves, Jack A; Win, Zaw; Alford, Patrick W

    2014-01-01

    Vascular disease is a leading cause of death globally and typically manifests chronically due to long-term maladaptive arterial growth and remodeling. To date, there is no in vitro technique for studying vascular function over relevant disease time courses that both mimics in vivo-like tissue structure and provides a simple readout of tissue stress. We aimed to extend tissue viability in our muscular thin film contractility assay by modifying the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate with micropatterned genipin, allowing extracellular matrix turnover without cell loss. To achieve this, we developed a microfluidic delivery system to pattern genipin and extracellular matrix proteins on PDMS prior to cell seeding. Tissues constructed using this method showed improved viability and maintenance of in vivo-like lamellar structure. Functional contractility of tissues fabricated on genipin-modified substrates remained consistent throughout two weeks in culture. These results suggest that muscular thin films with genipin-modified PDMS substrates are a viable method for conducting functional studies of arterial growth and remodeling in vascular diseases. (paper)

  5. Compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante em frutos de tomateiros mutantes fotomorfogenéticos

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    Tiago Dias

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available Compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante são mecanismos de defesa das plantas aos danos do estresse oxidativo. Os compostos fenólicos são sintetizados pela via dos fenilpropanoides, cuja enzima chave, fenilalanina amônia liase, é influenciada pela luz e ação de fotorreceptores, como o fitocromo. O objetivo do presente trabalho é avaliar a concentração de compostos fenólicos e a capacidade antioxidante de frutos de microtomateiro selvagem, cultivar "Micro-Tom" (MT, e seus mutantes fotomorfogenéticos high pigment 1 (hp1, super-responsivo a eventos mediados por luz e aurea (au, deficiente quantitativo em fitocromos. Vinte frutos maduros de cada genótipo (MT, hp1 e au foram utilizados para as análises, realizadas em triplicata. Para quantificação dos compostos fenólicos totais, foi utilizado o método de Folin-Ciocalteu e a capacidade antioxidante foi realizada pelos métodos Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP e 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH. Os frutos do mutante hp1 apresentaram maiores conteúdos de compostos fenólicos totais e também maior capacidade antioxidante em relação à cultivar selvagem ("MT" e ao mutante au, o qual não diferiu significativamente da cultivar "MT".

  6. Cardiac-specific catalase overexpression rescues anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction: role of oxidative stress and autophagy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kandadi Machender R

    2012-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Lethal and edema toxins secreted by Bacillus anthracis during anthrax infection were found to incite serious cardiovascular complications. However, the underlying mechanisms in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac anomalies remain unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of antioxidant enzyme catalase in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction. Methods Wild type (WT and cardiac-specific catalase overexpression mice were challenged with lethal toxin (2 μg/g, intraperotineally (i.p.. Cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were assessed 18 h later using an IonOptix edge-detection system. Proteasome function was assessed using chymotrypsin-like and caspase-like activities. GFP-LC3 puncta and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate autophagy and protein ubiquitination. Results Lethal toxin exposure suppressed cardiomyocyte contractile function (suppressed peak shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/re-lengthening, prolonged duration of shortening/re-lengthening, and impaired intracellular Ca2+ handling, the effects of which were alleviated by catalase. In addition, lethal toxin triggered autophagy, mitochondrial and ubiquitin-proteasome defects, the effects of which were mitigated by catalase. Pretreatment of cardiomyocytes from catalase mice with the autophagy inducer rapamycin significantly attenuated or ablated catalase-offered protection against lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction. On the other hand, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA ablated or significantly attenuated lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile anomalies. Conclusions Our results suggest that catalase is protective against anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ anomalies, possibly through regulation of autophagy and mitochondrial function.

  7. Capacidade de alcance em idosas submetidas a um treinamento de flexibilidade

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    Elciana de Paiva Lima Vieira

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2015v17n6p722   O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a influência de um treinamento de flexibilidade nos níveis de amplitude articular máxima e capacidade de alcance em idosas praticantes de hidroginástica participantes do projeto Prev-Quedas. As idosas foram alocadas em dois grupos: Intervenção (GI, n=25, no qual foram submetidas a um programa de treinamento de flexibilidade; e Controle (GC, n=21, no qual as idosas participavam, apenas, das aulas de hidroginástica. O treinamento de flexibilidade teve a duração de três meses e frequência semanal de dois dias, composto por exercícios de alongamento envolvendo tronco e membros inferiores, realizados após as aulas de hidroginástica. O método de alongamento utilizado foi o estático passivo. A aferição foi constituída pelos testes de alcance funcional, lateral e goniométrico. A análise estatística foi feita através dos seguintes testes: normalidade de Shapiro-Wilk, ANCOVA, correlação de Pearson e de Spearman. Foram encontrados resultados significativos para o GI no ganho de amplitude articular máxima na articulação do quadril direito (p=0,0025, porém, o mesmo não foi visto nas demais articulações aferidas, assim como também, não houve melhora na capacidade de alcance funcional e lateral para ambos os grupos. Também não foram vistas correlações significativas entre a capacidade de alcance e amplitude articular no tronco, quadril e tornozelo. Portanto, o treinamento de flexibilidade associado à prática da hidroginástica, promoveu aumento da amplitude articular máxima somente na articulação do quadril, contudo, não foi visto melhora na capacidade de alcance. A prática, somente da hidroginástica, apresentou resultados não significativos.

  8. Fadiga e capacidade para o trabalho em turnos fixos de doze horas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Metzner Ricardo Jorge

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Analisar as variáveis que interferem na percepção de fadiga e na capacidade para o trabalho em trabalhadores que executam suas atividades em turnos fixos diurnos e noturnos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, com participação de 43 trabalhadores de turnos diurnos e noturnos de uma indústria têxtil, que trabalhavam em turnos fixos de 12 horas diárias e semana reduzida. Mediante vários questionários, o grupo estudado respondeu a questões sobre: fadiga, índice de capacidade para o trabalho, características individuais, estilos de vida e condições de trabalho. Foi feita análise de regressão linear univariada. RESULTADOS: Os fatores que influenciaram a percepção de fadiga associam-se a estilos de vida dos trabalhadores (a prática de exercício físico é um fator protetor e à dificuldade em manter o sono, que, se presente, aumenta a percepção de fadiga. Os fatores associados à percepção do índice de capacidade para o trabalho (ICT foram o tempo de exercício na função e o turno noturno de trabalho: quanto maior o primeiro, menor o ICT; trabalhar à noite aumenta o ICT. A duração da jornada diária de 12 horas pode provocar aumento considerável na carga de trabalho, influenciando a percepção do trabalhador sobre a capacidade para o trabalho, a fadiga e as alterações do sono. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados indicam que nem sempre o trabalho noturno mostra-se como fator prejudicial à saúde. Entretanto, a amostra estudada é pequena, o estudo é transversal, e pode ter ocorrido um efeito de seleção. Assim, é necessária a realização de estudos longitudinais, com amostras maiores, dado que o ICT tende a diminuir à medida que aumenta o tempo na função.

  9. A Mobilização de Capacidades Dinâmicas na Lojas Renner

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adalberto Escalona Gonçalves Garcia

    2014-03-01

    Full Text Available O artigo tem como objetivo analisar a trajetória de uma das empresas varejistas de maior destaque no mercado brasileiro, através de um estudo longitudinal que enfatiza a mobilização de seus recursos e capacidades ao longo de 90 anos de história. Explorando o conceito de capacidades dinâmicas, descrevem-se as ações estratégicas empreendidas em momentos de crescimento e de crise. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas em profundidade com dez tomadores de decisão que vivenciaram diferentes momentos da história da empresa e que desempenharam distintos papéis nos últimos 50 anos. Além disso, dado o aspecto histórico da pesquisa, especial ênfase foi dada à obtenção e à análise de dados secundários. Boletins internos, comunicados ao mercado de capitais, relatórios anuais, demonstrações financeiras, artigos da mídia, entre outras fontes, totalizaram mais cerca de 600 páginas de material analisado. No que diz respeito às contribuições teóricas, a pesquisa identificou a existência de quatro mecanismos de mobilização das capacidades dinâmicas: a alavancagem, a criação, o acesso e a liberação de recursos e de capacidades. Com relação às implicações gerenciais, o estudo mostrou que habilidades dos gestores vinculadas seletivamente aos quatro mecanismos de mobilização se tornam essenciais na condução de uma empresa em seus momentos, tanto de estabilidade e crescimento, quanto de turbulência. DOI:10.5585/riae.v13i1.2029

  10. Ultra-sonografia tridimensional em ginecologia: malformações uterinas Three-dimensional ultrasound in gynecology: uterine malformations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adilson Cunha Ferreira

    2007-04-01

    Full Text Available As malformações uterinas são achados pouco comuns na clínica ginecológica. As estatísticas nesta área são muito falhas. Corrobora, ainda, a falta de uniformização na terminologia empregada e as dificuldades diagnósticas. A partir da década de oitenta, a ultra-sonografia tornou-se um procedimento indispensável à prática toco-ginecológica, contribuindo e modificando conceitos e procedimentos dentro dessa especialidade. O advento dos transdutores endocavitários, a análise com Doppler colorido de amplitude e espectral, assim como a melhoria crescente da qualidade de imagem contribuíram para isso. Nos últimos dez anos muito se tem pesquisado, publicado e discutido sobre o papel da ultra-sonografia tridimensional. Os autores fazem uma revisão do tema e ressaltam a importância dessa metodologia como modalidade diagnóstica.Uterine malformations are unusual findings in the clinical practice of gynecology. Statistics regarding this abnormality are flawed, and there is a lack of standardization of the pertinent terminology, besides difficulty in the diagnosis. Starting in the 1980's, ultrasound became a procedure indispensable to the clinical practice in the field of tocogynecology, modifying concepts and procedures, and bringing an important contribution to this specialty. The advent of endocavitary transducers, amplitude and spectral color Doppler, as well as the increasing improvement in the imaging quality, has contributed to this progress. Over the last ten years, much has been studied, published and discussed about the role of the three-dimensional ultrasonography. The authors review the topic and emphasize the importance of this method as a diagnostic modality.

  11. Protective effects of anisodamine on cigarette smoke extract-induced airway smooth muscle cell proliferation and tracheal contractility

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Xu, Guang-Ni; Yang, Kai; Xu, Zu-Peng; Zhu, Liang; Hou, Li-Na; Qi, Hong; Chen, Hong-Zhuan; Cui, Yong-Yao

    2012-01-01

    Anisodamine, an antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), has been used therapeutically to improve smooth muscle function, including microvascular, intestinal and airway spasms. Our previous studies have revealed that airway hyper-reactivity could be prevented by anisodamine. However, whether anisodamine prevents smoking-induced airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation remained unclear. In this study, a primary culture of rat ASM cells was used to evaluate an ASM phenotype through the ability of the cells to proliferate and express contractile proteins in response to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and intervention of anisodamine. Our results showed that CSE resulted in an increase in cyclin D1 expression concomitant with the G0/G1-to-S phase transition, and high expression of M2 and M3. Functional studies showed that tracheal hyper-contractility accompanied contractile marker α-SMA high-expression. These changes, which occur only after CSE stimulation, were prevented and reversed by anisodamine, and CSE-induced cyclin D1 expression was significantly inhibited by anisodamine and the specific inhibitor U0126, BAY11-7082 and LY294002. Thus, we concluded that the protective and reversal effects and mechanism of anisodamine on CSE-induced events might involve, at least partially, the ERK, Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways associated with cyclin D1 via mAChRs. Our study validated that anisodamine intervention on ASM cells may contribute to anti-remodeling properties other than bronchodilation. -- Highlights: ► CSE induces tracheal cell proliferation, hyper-contractility and α-SMA expression. ► Anisodamine reverses CSE-induced tracheal hyper-contractility and cell proliferation. ► ERK, PI3K, and NF-κB pathways and cyclin D1 contribute to the reversal effect.

  12. Cardiac myofibrillar contractile properties during the progression from hypertension to decompensated heart failure.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hanft, Laurin M; Emter, Craig A; McDonald, Kerry S

    2017-07-01

    Heart failure arises, in part, from a constellation of changes in cardiac myocytes including remodeling, energetics, Ca 2+ handling, and myofibrillar function. However, little is known about the changes in myofibrillar contractile properties during the progression from hypertension to decompensated heart failure. The aim of the present study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of myofibrillar functional properties from health to heart disease. A rodent model of uncontrolled hypertension was used to test the hypothesis that myocytes in compensated hearts exhibit increased force, higher rates of force development, faster loaded shortening, and greater power output; however, with progression to overt heart failure, we predicted marked depression in these contractile properties. We assessed contractile properties in skinned cardiac myocyte preparations from left ventricles of Wistar-Kyoto control rats and spontaneous hypertensive heart failure (SHHF) rats at ~3, ~12, and >20 mo of age to evaluate the time course of myofilament properties associated with normal aging processes compared with myofilaments from rats with a predisposition to heart failure. In control rats, the myofilament contractile properties were virtually unchanged throughout the aging process. Conversely, in SHHF rats, the rate of force development, loaded shortening velocity, and power all increased at ~12 mo and then significantly fell at the >20-mo time point, which coincided with a decrease in left ventricular fractional shortening. Furthermore, these changes occurred independent of changes in β-myosin heavy chain but were associated with depressed phosphorylation of myofibrillar proteins, and the fall in loaded shortening and peak power output corresponded with the onset of clinical signs of heart failure. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This novel study systematically examined the power-generating capacity of cardiac myofilaments during the progression from hypertension to heart disease. Previously

  13. La situación de las personas con capacidad intelectual límite en España

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Agustín Huete García

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available Se presentan los resultados principales de un estudio de carácter fundamentalmente descriptivo sobre la situación actual de las personas con capacidad intelectual límite en 2015. Se centra en describir la realidad demográfica y social de las personas con capacidad intelectual límite, sus necesidades de apoyo y extraer propuestas estratégicas hacia una inclusión social efectiva. Metodológicamente, de acuerdo al nivel de análisis, se optó por técnicas cuantitativas (análisis de fuentes estadísticas y cualitativas (entrevistas semiestructuradas a un grupo de personas con capacidad intelectual límite, familias y profesionales. Entre sus principales conclusiones, las personas con capacidad intelectual límite y sus familias demandan una visibilización de sus necesidades de apoyo para una inclusión social efectiva, siendo clave el apoyo para favorecer una vida autónoma e independiente. Las propuestas y buenas prácticas aportan elementos para un modelo de atención individualizada, al mismo tiempo fundamentada en una participación activa en la comunidad.

  14. La medición de la capacidad de resolución de problemas en las ciencias experimentales

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    José Joaquín García García

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Este trabajo presenta un estudio, sobre el diseño de una prueba para medir la capacidad de resolución de problemas utilizando la técnica de análisis factorial. La prueba presentó un alfa de Cronbach (α de 0,76 y 16 peguntas distribuidas en 7 factores ordenados de acuerdo al porcentaje en el cual explicaban la varianza de la capacidad: predicción y transferencia, capacidad de síntesis, lectura crítica del enunciado, análisis, interpretación de información, comprensión metacognitiva de enunciados y procesos, delimitación del problema. Así, la resolución de problemas es una capacidad que está más relacionada con factores de carácter estructural y global, como la selección de soluciones e hipótesis más adecuadas y la representación misma del problema, y en menor medida con aspectos estratégicos de delimitación, precisión y planeación, tal vez por la usual ausencia de dichos aspectos en las aulas de clase.

  15. PTP1B triggers integrin-mediated repression of myosin activity and modulates cell contractility

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    Ana E. González Wusener

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Cell contractility and migration by integrins depends on precise regulation of protein tyrosine kinase and Rho-family GTPase activities in specific spatiotemporal patterns. Here we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B cooperates with β3 integrin to activate the Src/FAK signalling pathway which represses RhoA-myosin-dependent contractility. Using PTP1B null (KO cells and PTP1B reconstituted (WT cells, we determined that some early steps following cell adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin occurred robustly in WT cells, including aggregation of β3 integrins and adaptor proteins, and activation of Src/FAK-dependent signalling at small puncta in a lamellipodium. However, these events were significantly impaired in KO cells. We established that cytoskeletal strain and cell contractility was highly enhanced at the periphery of KO cells compared to WT cells. Inhibition of the Src/FAK signalling pathway or expression of constitutive active RhoA in WT cells induced a KO cell phenotype. Conversely, expression of constitutive active Src or myosin inhibition in KO cells restored the WT phenotype. We propose that this novel function of PTP1B stimulates permissive conditions for adhesion and lamellipodium assembly at the protruding edge during cell spreading and migration.

  16. PTP1B triggers integrin-mediated repression of myosin activity and modulates cell contractility

    Science.gov (United States)

    González Wusener, Ana E.; González, Ángela; Nakamura, Fumihiko; Arregui, Carlos O.

    2016-01-01

    ABSTRACT Cell contractility and migration by integrins depends on precise regulation of protein tyrosine kinase and Rho-family GTPase activities in specific spatiotemporal patterns. Here we show that protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B cooperates with β3 integrin to activate the Src/FAK signalling pathway which represses RhoA-myosin-dependent contractility. Using PTP1B null (KO) cells and PTP1B reconstituted (WT) cells, we determined that some early steps following cell adhesion to fibronectin and vitronectin occurred robustly in WT cells, including aggregation of β3 integrins and adaptor proteins, and activation of Src/FAK-dependent signalling at small puncta in a lamellipodium. However, these events were significantly impaired in KO cells. We established that cytoskeletal strain and cell contractility was highly enhanced at the periphery of KO cells compared to WT cells. Inhibition of the Src/FAK signalling pathway or expression of constitutive active RhoA in WT cells induced a KO cell phenotype. Conversely, expression of constitutive active Src or myosin inhibition in KO cells restored the WT phenotype. We propose that this novel function of PTP1B stimulates permissive conditions for adhesion and lamellipodium assembly at the protruding edge during cell spreading and migration. PMID:26700725

  17. Capacidad aeróbica, felicidad y satisfacción con la vida en adolescentes españoles

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juan A. Jim\\u00E9nez-Moral

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Objetivos: Analizar la asociación entre capacidad aeróbica, felicidad subjetiva y satisfacción con la vida en adolescentes. Método: Participaron 388 adolescentes (207 mujeres de 12-18 años de edad. La capacidad aeróbica se evaluó mediante el test de 20 metros de ida y vuelta. La felicidad subjetiva y la satisfacción con la vida se evaluaron mediante las escalas Subjective Happiness Scale y Satisfaction With Life Scale, respectivamente. Se midió el peso y la talla de los adolescentes y se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC. Los adolescentes indicaron el nivel de estudios de la madre. Resultados: Los análisis de regresión lineal mostraron que la capacidad aeróbica se asocia positivamente con felicidad subjetiva (ß no estandarizada = .09 ± .03, r = .128, p = .013 y satisfacción con la vida (ß no estandarizada = .31 ± .13, r = .118, p = .022, independientemente del sexo, IMC y estudios de la madre. Conclusión: Los resultados de este estudio sugieren que los adolescentes que tienen una mejor capacidad aeróbica también son más felices y tienen una mayor satisfacción con la vida. Hacen falta estudios de intervención para corroborar si un programa dirigido a la mejora de la capacidad aeróbica puede inducir también mejoras en los niveles de felicidad y satisfacción con la vida en adolescentes.

  18. CAPACIDAD ANTAGÓNICA Y QUITINOLÍTICA DE MICROORGANISMOS AISLADOS DE RESIDUOS DE HIGUERILLA (Ricinus communis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    TERESA CABRA C

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available Se ha comprobado que los fertilizantes y controladores biológicos a base de microorganismos benéficos productores de metabolitos de interés, inducen el crecimiento vegetal y actúan contra microorganismos patógenos y plagas que afectan los agroecosistemas. Por lo tanto, su uso constituye una práctica eficiente de producción limpia que ayuda a reducir el impacto ambiental causado por el uso de agroquímicos. En este trabajo se evaluó la capacidad antagónica y quitinolítica de 15 cepas bacterianas y una levaduriforme, aisladas de residuos lignocelulósicos de higuerilla (Ricinus communis. La actividad antagónica de cada cepa se determinó por la capacidad de inhibir el crecimiento del hongo fitopatógeno Fusarium equiseti, en medio de cultivo PDA. Solamente la bacteria Bacillus subtilis, presentó una inhibición significativa del crecimiento del hongo equivalente al 76,08%. Por lo tanto se demuestra que la cepa de Bacillus subtilis puede ser empleada en la formulación de inoculantes microbianos. La capacidad quitinolítica de las cepas se definió por el crecimiento del microorganismo y por la formación de halos de hidrólisis alrededor de las colonias sobre el medio de cultivo suplementado con quitina coloidal. Ninguna de las cepas evaluadas mostró capacidad para degradar quitina.

  19. Innovación incremental basada en capacidades dinámicas. Evidencia empírica en las empresas peruanas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alejandro Flores Castro

    2015-09-01

    Full Text Available Los resultados macroeconómicos logrados por el Perú en los últimos años, hacen prever uncrecimiento de la actividad empresarial desde la perspectiva de sus capacidades a fin dealcanzar posiciones de ventaja. Sin embargo, este crecimiento estará basado esencialmenteen procesos de mejora, no vislumbrándose un aporte significativo de parte de las empresasa desarrollar procesos de innovación radical o disruptiva, abocándose preferentemente aprocesos de innovación incremental o de bajo impacto. En la primera parte del documentose aborda el tema de la innovación como factor de ventaja competitiva basado en un modelode capacidades dinámicas, en el contexto de la teoría de recursos y capacidades, analizandolos diferentes modelos de innovación tecnológica. En la segunda parte del trabajo se presentaun modelo de innovación basada en capacidades dinámicas. Y finalmente se presenta lametodología y los resultados del el estudio empírico acerca de los procesos de innovaciónincremental que se dan en las empresas peruanas.

  20. Innovación incremental basada en capacidades dinámicas. Evidencia empírica en las empresas peruanas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alejandro Flores Castro

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available Los resultados macroeconómicos logrados por el Perú en los últimos años, hacen prever uncrecimiento de la actividad empresarial desde la perspectiva de sus capacidades a fin dealcanzar posiciones de ventaja. Sin embargo, este crecimiento estará basado esencialmenteen procesos de mejora, no vislumbrándose un aporte significativo de parte de las empresasa desarrollar procesos de innovación radical o disruptiva, abocándose preferentemente aprocesos de innovación incremental o de bajo impacto. En la primera parte del documentose aborda el tema de la innovación como factor de ventaja competitiva basado en un modelode capacidades dinámicas, en el contexto de la teoría de recursos y capacidades, analizandolos diferentes modelos de innovación tecnológica. En la segunda parte del trabajo se presentaun modelo de innovación basada en capacidades dinámicas. Y finalmente se presenta lametodología y los resultados del el estudio empírico acerca de los procesos de innovaciónincremental que se dan en las empresas peruanas.

  1. Role of contractile prostaglandins and Rho-kinase in growth factor-induced airway smooth muscle contraction

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Zaagsma Johan

    2005-07-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background In addition to their proliferative and differentiating effects, several growth factors are capable of inducing a sustained airway smooth muscle (ASM contraction. These contractile effects were previously found to be dependent on Rho-kinase and have also been associated with the production of eicosanoids. However, the precise mechanisms underlying growth factor-induced contraction are still unknown. In this study we investigated the role of contractile prostaglandins and Rho-kinase in growth factor-induced ASM contraction. Methods Growth factor-induced contractions of guinea pig open-ring tracheal preparations were studied by isometric tension measurements. The contribution of Rho-kinase, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK and cyclooxygenase (COX to these reponses was established, using the inhibitors Y-27632 (1 μM, U-0126 (3 μM and indomethacin (3 μM, respectively. The Rho-kinase dependency of contractions induced by exogenously applied prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 was also studied. In addition, the effects of the selective FP-receptor antagonist AL-8810 (10 μM and the selective EP1-antagonist AH-6809 (10 μM on growth factor-induced contractions were investigated, both in intact and epithelium-denuded preparations. Growth factor-induced PGF2α-and PGE2-release in the absence and presence of Y-27632, U-0126 and indomethacin, was assessed by an ELISA-assay. Results Epidermal growth factor (EGF-and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-induced contractions of guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle preparations were dependent on Rho-kinase, MAPK and COX. Interestingly, growth factor-induced PGF2α-and PGE2-release from tracheal rings was significantly reduced by U-0126 and indomethacin, but not by Y-27632. Also, PGF2α-and PGE2-induced ASM contractions were largely dependent on Rho-kinase, in contrast to other contractile agonists like histamine. The FP-receptor antagonist AL-8810 (10 μM significantly

  2. Levothyroxine treatment generates an abnormal uterine contractility patterns in an in vitro animal model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Corriveau, Stéphanie; Blouin, Simon; Raiche, Évelyne; Nolin, Marc-Antoine; Rousseau, Éric; Pasquier, Jean-Charles

    2015-12-01

    Abnormal uterine contraction patterns were recently demonstrated in uterine strips from pregnant women treated with Levothyroxine (T4). These abnormalities were correlated with an increased risk of C-section delivery and associated surgical complications. To date, no study has investigated whether uterine contractility is modified by hypothyroidism or T4 treatment. Herein, we analyze the physiological role of T4 on uterine contractions. Female non-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats ( N  = 22) were used and divided into four groups: 1) control, 2) hypothyroidism, 3) hypothyroidism treated with low T4 doses (20 μg/kg/day) and 4) with high T4 doses (100 μg/kg/day). Hypothyroidism was induced by an iodine-deficient diet. Isometric tension measurements were performed in vitro on myometrium tissues in isolated organ baths. Contractile activity parameters were quantified (amplitude, duration, frequency and area under the curve) using pharmacological tools to assess their effect. Screening of thyroid function confirmed a hypothyroid state for all rats under iodine-free diet to which T4 was subsequently administered to counterbalance hypothyroidism. Results demonstrate that hypothyroidism significantly decreased contractile duration (-17%) and increased contractile frequency (+26%), while high doses of T4 increased duration (+200%) and decreased frequency (-51%). These results thus mimic the pattern of abnormal contractions previously observed in uterine tissue from T4-treated hypothyroid pregnant women. Our data suggest that changes in myometrial reactivity are induced by T4 treatment. Thus, in conjunction with our previous observations on human myometrial strips, management of hypothyroidism should be improved to reduce the rate of C-sections in this group of patients.

  3. CAMBIO Y GENERACIÓN de capacidades competitivas Un estudio en las empresas medianas y grandes de confecciones del eje cafetero

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paula Andrea Cruz Mejía

    2006-07-01

    Full Text Available Este artículo pretende constatar las relaciones entre el cambio organizacional y las capacidades organizativas críticas para la competitividad, relaciones que la literatura especializada define desde un enfoque teórico. Se seleccionaron seis capacidades críticas: flexibilidad, gestión del capital humano, liderazgo, aprendizaje organizacional, relaciones con el cliente y claridad estratégica. En este trabajo estas relaciones se analizan desde la teoría de recursos y capacidades. La muestra se cotejo aplicando el cuestionario propuesto a 35 directivos de siete empresas medianas y grandes del sector confecciones del Eje Cafetero; posteriormente se realizó una entrevista con cinco expertos del sector para analizar los hallazgos. Se encontró evidencia empírica para afirmar que el cambio organizacional incide en el desarrollo de las capacidades críticas competitivas.

  4. Prolonged ischemic heart disease and coronary artery bypass - relation to contractile reserve

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kofoed, Klaus F; Bangsgaard, Regitze; Carstensen, Steen

    2002-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: A major effect of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in patients with ischemic heart disease and impaired left ventricular (LV) contractile function is believed to be an improvement in LV function due to recovery of dysfunctional, but viable myocardium. However, recent studies have...

  5. Upregulation of contractile endothelin type B receptors by lipid-soluble cigarette smoking particles in rat cerebral arteries via activation of MAPK

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sandhu, Hardip; Xu, Cang Bao; Edvinsson, Lars

    2010-01-01

    Cigarette smoke exposure increases the risk of stroke. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Endothelin system plays key roles in the pathogenesis of stroke. The present study was designed to examine if lipid-soluble (dimethyl sulfoxide-soluble) cigarette smoke particles (DSP) induces upregulation of contractile endothelin type B (ET B ) receptors in rat cerebral arteries and if activation of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) mediate the upregulation of contractile endothelin receptors in the cerebral arteries. Rat middle cerebral arteries were isolated and organ cultured in serum free medium for 24 h in the presence of DSP with or without specific inhibitors: MEK specific (U0126), p38 specific (SB202190), JNK specific (SP600125), NF-κB specific (BMS-345541) or (IMD-0354), transcription inhibitor (actinomycin D), or translation blocker (cycloheximide). Contractile responses to the ET B receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c were investigated by a sensitive myograph. The expression of the ET B receptors were studied at mRNA and protein levels using quantitative real time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Results show that organ culture per se induced transcriptional upregulation of contractile ET B receptors in the cerebral vascular smooth muscle cells. This upregulation was further increased at the translational level by addition of DSP to the organ culture, but this increase was not seen by addition of nicotine or water-soluble cigarette smoke particles to the organ culture. The increased upregulation of contractile ET B receptors by DSP was abrogated by U0126, SP600125, actinomycin D, and cycloheximide, suggesting that the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in this process include activation of MEK and JNK MAPK-mediated transcription and translation of new contractile ET B receptors. Thus, the MAPK-mediated upregulation of contractile ET B receptors in cerebral arteries might be a

  6. The effect of N-acetylcysteine on cardiac contractility to dobutamine in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Xing; Xia, Zhengyuan; Leo, Joyce M; Pang, Catherine C Y

    2005-09-05

    We examined if myocardial depression at the acute phase of diabetes (3 weeks after injection of streptozotocin, 60 mg/kg i.v.) is due to activation of inducible nitric oxide synthase and production of peroxynitrite, and if treatment with N-acetylcysteine (1.2 g/day/kg for 3 weeks, antioxidant) improves cardiac function. Four groups of rats were used: control, N-acetylcysteine-treated control, diabetic and N-acetylcysteine-treated diabetic. Pentobarbital-anaesthetized diabetic rats, relative to the controls, had reduced left ventricular contractility to dobutamine (1-57 microg/min/kg). The diabetic rats also had increased myocardial levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, immunostaining of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine, and similar baseline 15-F2t-isoprostane. N-acetylcysteine did not affect responses in the control rats; but increased cardiac contractility to dobutamine, reduced myocardial immunostaining of inducible nitric oxide synthase and nitrotyrosine and level of 15-F2t-isoprostane, and increased cardiac contractility to dobutamine in the diabetic rats. Antioxidant supplementation in diabetes reduces oxidative stress and improves cardiac function.

  7. Contractile Defect Caused by Mutation in MYBPC3 Revealed under Conditions Optimized for Human PSC-Cardiomyocyte Function

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Matthew J. Birket

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available Maximizing baseline function of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs is essential for their effective application in models of cardiac toxicity and disease. Here, we aimed to identify factors that would promote an adequate level of function to permit robust single-cell contractility measurements in a human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC model of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM. A simple screen revealed the collaborative effects of thyroid hormone, IGF-1 and the glucocorticoid analog dexamethasone on the electrophysiology, bioenergetics, and contractile force generation of hPSC-CMs. In this optimized condition, hiPSC-CMs with mutations in MYBPC3, a gene encoding myosin-binding protein C, which, when mutated, causes HCM, showed significantly lower contractile force generation than controls. This was recapitulated by direct knockdown of MYBPC3 in control hPSC-CMs, supporting a mechanism of haploinsufficiency. Modeling this disease in vitro using human cells is an important step toward identifying therapeutic interventions for HCM.

  8. ¿Contribuyen las asignaturas de finanzas al desarrollo de la capacidad gerencial del administrador?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luis M. Prada B.

    1996-12-01

    Full Text Available En este artículo el autor presenta los resultados de un trabajo de investigación sobre el aporte de las asignaturas de finanzas al desarrollo de capacidades gerenciales de innovación, liderazgo, comunicación e integridad ética, entre estudiantes de la carrera de Administración en la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. La investigación se realizó de dos maneras: una teórica, consistente en verificar que los programas de esas asignaturas mencionaran de manera explícita en los objetivos, contenidos, metodologías y formas de evaluación, la intención de propiciar el desarrollo de dichas capacidades. La otra, práctica, consistente en conocer la opinión de los estudiantes sobre el aporte real que hicieron esas asignaturas a su desarrollo personal y profesional, con respecto a las mencionadas capacidades. Según los estudiantes, los programas de las cuatro asignaturas obligatorias de finanzas no integran, ni en su enunciado, ni en su desarrollo, principios y estrategias educativas, elementos que promuevan el desarrollo de las mencionadas características gerenciales.

  9. Galectin-3 and fibulin-1 in systolic heart failure - relation to glucose metabolism and left ventricular contractile reserve

    OpenAIRE

    Holmager, Pernille; Egstrup, Michael; Gustafsson, Ida; Schou, Morten; Dahl, Jordi S.; Rasmussen, Lars Melholt; M?ller, Jacob E.; Tuxen, Christian; Faber, Jens; Kistorp, Caroline

    2017-01-01

    Background: Heart failure (HF) patients with diabetes (DM) have an adverse prognosis and reduced functional capacity, which could be associated with cardiac fibrosis, increased chamber stiffness and reduced left ventricular (LV) contractile reserve. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) and fibulin-1 are circulating biomarkers potentially reflecting cardiac fibrosis. We hypothesize that plasma levels of Gal-3 and fibulin-1 are elevated in HF patients with DM and are associated with reduced LV contractile reserv...

  10. Acute exposure to lead increases myocardial contractility independent of hypertension development

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Fioresi, M. [Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Departamento de Enfermagem, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Furieri, L.B.; Simões, M.R.; Ribeiro, R.F. Junior; Meira, E.F.; Fernandes, A.A.; Stefanon, I. [Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Vassallo, D.V. [Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitória, ES (Brazil); Centro de Ciências da Saúde de Vitória, Escola Superior de Ciências da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Vitória, Vitória, ES (Brazil)

    2013-02-01

    We studied the effects of the acute administration of small doses of lead over time on hemodynamic parameters in anesthetized rats to determine if myocardial contractility changes are dependent or not on the development of hypertension. Male Wistar rats received 320 µg/kg lead acetate iv once, and their hemodynamic parameters were measured for 2 h. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in vitro using left ventricular papillary muscles as were Na{sup +},K{sup +}-ATPase and myosin Ca{sup 2+}-ATPase activities. Lead increased left- (control: 112 ± 3.7 vs lead: 129 ± 3.2 mmHg) and right-ventricular systolic pressures (control: 28 ± 1.2 vs lead: 34 ± 1.2 mmHg) significantly without modifying heart rate. Papillary muscles were exposed to 8 µM lead acetate and evaluated 60 min later. Isometric contractions increased (control: 0.546 ± 0.07 vs lead: 0.608 ± 0.06 g/mg) and time to peak tension decreased (control: 268 ± 13 vs lead: 227 ± 5.58 ms), but relaxation time was unchanged. Post-pause potentiation was similar between groups (n = 6 per group), suggesting no change in sarcoplasmic reticulum activity, evaluated indirectly by this protocol. After 1-h exposure to lead acetate, the papillary muscles became hyperactive in response to a β-adrenergic agonist (10 µM isoproterenol). In addition, post-rest contractions decreased, suggesting a reduction in sarcolemmal calcium influx. The heart samples treated with 8 µM lead acetate presented increased Na{sup +},K{sup +}-ATPase (approximately 140%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) and myosin ATPase (approximately 30%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) activity. Our results indicated that acute exposure to low lead concentrations produces direct positive inotropic and lusitropic effects on myocardial contractility and increases the right and left ventricular systolic pressure, thus potentially contributing to the early development of hypertension.

  11. Acute exposure to lead increases myocardial contractility independent of hypertension development

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fioresi, M.; Furieri, L.B.; Simões, M.R.; Ribeiro, R.F. Junior; Meira, E.F.; Fernandes, A.A.; Stefanon, I.; Vassallo, D.V.

    2013-01-01

    We studied the effects of the acute administration of small doses of lead over time on hemodynamic parameters in anesthetized rats to determine if myocardial contractility changes are dependent or not on the development of hypertension. Male Wistar rats received 320 µg/kg lead acetate iv once, and their hemodynamic parameters were measured for 2 h. Cardiac contractility was evaluated in vitro using left ventricular papillary muscles as were Na + ,K + -ATPase and myosin Ca 2+ -ATPase activities. Lead increased left- (control: 112 ± 3.7 vs lead: 129 ± 3.2 mmHg) and right-ventricular systolic pressures (control: 28 ± 1.2 vs lead: 34 ± 1.2 mmHg) significantly without modifying heart rate. Papillary muscles were exposed to 8 µM lead acetate and evaluated 60 min later. Isometric contractions increased (control: 0.546 ± 0.07 vs lead: 0.608 ± 0.06 g/mg) and time to peak tension decreased (control: 268 ± 13 vs lead: 227 ± 5.58 ms), but relaxation time was unchanged. Post-pause potentiation was similar between groups (n = 6 per group), suggesting no change in sarcoplasmic reticulum activity, evaluated indirectly by this protocol. After 1-h exposure to lead acetate, the papillary muscles became hyperactive in response to a β-adrenergic agonist (10 µM isoproterenol). In addition, post-rest contractions decreased, suggesting a reduction in sarcolemmal calcium influx. The heart samples treated with 8 µM lead acetate presented increased Na + ,K + -ATPase (approximately 140%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) and myosin ATPase (approximately 30%, P < 0.05 for control vs lead) activity. Our results indicated that acute exposure to low lead concentrations produces direct positive inotropic and lusitropic effects on myocardial contractility and increases the right and left ventricular systolic pressure, thus potentially contributing to the early development of hypertension

  12. Differential Kolaviron Attenuated Contractile Responses to Agonists on Isolated Rabbit Aorta in Na+-K+ Pump Blockade.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Uche, O K; Ofeimun, J O

    2017-12-30

    The mechanism of kolaviron-induced vascular smooth muscles (VSMs) responses has not been fullycharacterised. The present study investigated the effect and mode of action of kolaviron a biflavanoid-complex and majorcomponent of Garcinia Kola-fraction on differential contractile responses to agonists-[phenylephrine (PHE) and histamine(HIST)] on VSMs of rabbit isolated aortic rings in K+-free physiological salt solution (KFPSS). Cumulative concentrationresponses to PHE and HIST were examined on 2 mm ring segments of the thoracic aortae which were suspended in 20 mlorgan baths containing physiological salt solution (PSS) for measurement of isometric contractions, at 370C and pH 7.4. Themedium was bubbled with 95% O2, 5% CO2, and rings were given an initial load of 1g. Cumulative contractile responses tothe agonists were studied in normal PSS (control) and following 30 minutes exposure to K+-free PSS and/or 800µg/mLkolaviron. Contractile responses were expressed as percentage of 80 mM K+ contractions in normal PSS. Maximalcontractions (Emax) induced by PHE and HIST compared with high K+ contraction in the various preparations weredifferentially altered following exposure to K+-free or 800µg/mL kolaviron in both intact (+E) and endotheliumdenuded (-E) rings. Based on the efficacy (Emax) and potency (EC50) values for the dose-response curves of the agonists, it isconcluded that enhanced differential contractile responses elicited by agonists in K+-free PSS were significantly attenuatedby kolaviron concentration-dependently. This observation probably suggests the existence of another pathway of kolavironmode of action in vascular smooth muscle reactivity.

  13. La evaluación psicopedagógica del alumnado con altas capacidades

    OpenAIRE

    Grau Rubio, Claudia

    2012-01-01

    Se describen los instrumentos de evaluación psicopedagógica aplicables al alumnado con altas capacidades. Instrumentos referidos al alumno, al contexto escolar, a las variables socio-familiares y la determinación de las necesidades educativas especiales.

  14. Gallbladder contractility and mucus secretion after cholesterol feeding in the prairie dog

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Li, Y. F.; Moody, F. G.; Weisbrodt, N. W.; Zalewsky, C. A.; Coelho, J. C.; Senninger, N.; Gouma, D.

    1986-01-01

    The purpose of our study was to evaluate changes in gallbladder contractility and mucus secretion in vitro during the early stages of gallstone formation in prairie dogs. Thirty-two animals were divided into five groups. Control animals were fed a trace cholesterol diet. Experimental animals were

  15. Adaptive responses of mouse skeletal muscle to contractile activity: The effect of age.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vasilaki, A; McArdle, F; Iwanejko, L M; McArdle, A

    2006-11-01

    This study has characterised the time course of two major transcriptional adaptive responses to exercise (changes in antioxidant defence enzyme activity and heat shock protein (HSP) content) in muscles of adult and old male mice following isometric contractions and has examined the mechanisms involved in the age-related reduction in transcription factor activation. Muscles of B6XSJL mice were subjected to isometric contractions and analysed for antioxidant defence enzyme activities, heat shock protein content and transcription factor DNA binding activity. Data demonstrated a significant increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity and HSP content of muscles of adult mice following contractile activity which was associated with increased activation of the transcription factors, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), activator protein-1 (AP-1) and heat shock factor (HSF) following contractions. Significant increases in SOD and catalase activity and heat shock cognate (HSC70) content were seen in quiescent muscles of old mice. The increase in antioxidant defence enzyme activity following contractile activity seen in muscles of adult mice was not seen in muscles of old mice and this was associated with a failure to fully activate NF-kappaB and AP-1 following contractions. In contrast, although the production of HSPs was also reduced in muscles of old mice following contractile activity compared with muscles of adult mice following contractions, this was not due to a gross reduction in the DNA binding activity of HSF.

  16. Numerical investigation of perforated polymer microcantilever sensor for contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khoa Nguyen, Trieu; Lee, Dong-Weon; Lee, Bong-Kee

    2017-06-01

    In this study, a numerical investigation of microcantilever sensors for detecting the contractile behavior of cardiomyocytes (CMs) was performed. Recently, a novel surface-patterned perforated SU-8 microcantilever sensor has been developed for the preliminary screening of cardiac toxicity. From the contractile motion of the CMs cultured on the microcantilever surface, a macroscopic bending of the microcantilever was obtained, which is considered to reflect a physiological change. As a continuation of the previous research, a novel numerical method based on a surface traction model was proposed and verified to further understand the bending behavior of the microcantilevers. Effects of various factors, including surface traction magnitude, focal area of CMs, and stiffness of microcantilever, on the bending displacement were investigated. From static and transient analyses, the focal area was found to be the most crucial factor. In addition, the current result can provide a design guideline for various micromechanical devices based on the same principle.

  17. CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE O IMC E AS CAPACIDADES MOTORAS CONDICIONAIS EM JOVENS PRATICANTES DE MODALIDADES DESPORTIVAS EXTRA-CURRICULARES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    C. Alves

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available As capacidades motoras são “a base para a capacidade de aprendizagem sensorial e motora”, responsáveis pela execução de uma ação, desde a mais simples à mais complexa (andar, correr, etc. (Moraes, 2003. Estas capacidades são condicionadas por fatores genéticos, contudo, desenvolvem-se através do treino, potenciando um elevado desempenho motor (Moraes, 2003. É, por isso, importante avaliar as capacidades motoras dos jovens, adequando por esta via, as experiências motoras a cada criança/grupo de crianças e/ou jovens (Neto, Marcarenhas, Nunes, Lepre & Campos, 2004. As relações entre a prática de atividade física e obesidade configuram-se como objeto de estudo prioritário e as evidências na literatura apontam para a existência de associação entre o excesso de peso na adolescência e alterações da sua saúde na idade adulta, dado o excesso de gordura corporal, além de ser fator de risco para diversas doenças, prejudica o desempenho físico. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o IMC e as Capacidades Motoras Condicionais em jovens praticantes de modalidades desportivas extra-curriculares.

  18. Justicia social en clave de capacidades y reconocimiento

    OpenAIRE

    Fascioli, Ana

    2011-01-01

    La teoría del reconocimiento de Axel Honneth es un intento de crear una visión ampliada de la justicia social e interpreta los problemas distributivos como problemas de reconocimiento. Este artículo analiza, sin embargo, las insuficiencias de la teoría de Honneth al momento de abordar la justicia distributiva, y propone que la misma puede ser complementada con la base informacional que propone el enfoque de las capacidades de Amartya Sen y Martha Nussbaum. A su vez, se sugiere cómo tal enfoqu...

  19. Capacidad transactivadora del gen pttg1 y su implicación en tumorigénesis

    OpenAIRE

    Romero Franco, Ana

    2016-01-01

    Falta palabras clave Objetivos: Los objetivos planteados en esta tesis doctoral son los que se enumeran a continuación: 1) Estudiar la capacidad moduladora que ejerce el gen pttg1 sobre la expresión de genes relacionados con el microambiente del tumor, en células inmortalizadas de ratón NIH3T3. 2) Estudiar la capacidad transactivadora del gen pttg1 en células tumorales humanas y establecer nexos con su posible implicación biológica en el desarrollo del tumor. 3) Estudiar el efecto en el de...

  20. Avaliação da Capacidade de Decisão em Psiquiatria de Ligação

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    Filipe Lopes Vicente

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available Introdução: Entre as funções do psiquiatra de ligação, encontra-se a avaliação da capacidade de decidir. Esta envolve a capacidade de fazer escolhas de forma autónoma e surge de forma relevante na prática clínica diária como pré-condição ao consentimento informado. Objetivos: Os autores pretendem rever o pro- cesso subjacente à avaliação da capacidade de decisão, assim como outra informação relevante publicada a este respeito. Métodos: Revisão não sistemática da literatura através da pesquisa eletrónica nos motores de busca Medline/Pubmed. Resultados: A capacidade de decidir apenas pode ser avaliada relativamente a uma decisão em particular, sendo que o seu resultado não é necessariamente estável ao longo do tempo. Da mesma forma, não existe nenhum diagnóstico que permita concluir, por si só, pela incapacidade para decidir ou que possibilite prescindir da sua avaliação. Depende de vários fatores: conteúdo, forma do pensa- mento e funções cognitivas. Pode igualmente ser influenciada pelo nível de instrução do indivíduo,  traços  da  personalidade,  estados emocionais/mecanismos de coping ou fatores circunstanciais. Qualquer  médico  deverá  estar  habilitado para  a  realização  desta  avaliação.  O  psiquiatra  de  ligação  deve  ser  envolvido  perante  a  suspeita  de  doença  mental  capaz de  prejudicar  a  capacidade  de  consentir ou  perante  a  necessidade  de  validar  uma avaliação já realizada. Appelbaum e Grisso propuseram  uma  avaliação  sistematizada segundo os seguintes critérios: a comunicação da escolha, b compreensão, c apreciação  e  d  processo  de  decisão  racional/ raciocínio.  Numa  tentativa  de  minimizar diferenças entre avaliadores, foram desenvolvidos vários instrumentos de avaliação, entre os quais se destaca a MacArthur Competence  Assessment  Tool.  Particularmente nos doentes com d

  1. Internacionalización de las pymes: análisis de recursos y capacidades internas mediante lógica difusa

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    Jorge Aníbal Restrepo Morales

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Las pymes del sector textil enfrentan grandes desafíos de internacionalización derivados de la dinámica de la globalización y de la firma de tratados de libre comercio en la última década. Para ello se requiere analizar su capacidad de internacionalización en términos de recursos, habilidades y capacidades para desarrollar estrategias que permitan participar de la nueva dinámica en una forma apropiada. Se propone un sistema de inferencia difuso para modelar estos factores que determinan el éxito en un proceso de internacionalización. Se utilizan variables lingüísticas, extraídas de empresarios, expertos, consultores e investigadores de la materia y, por medio del juicio de expertos, se definen los factores internos que explican la capacidad de internacionalización. El modelo propuesto se aplica por medio de un estudio de caso del clúster textil- confección en Medellín (Colombia. Se obtiene en la ejecución del modelo un índice global particular de 26.7 para las capacidades internas para iniciar un proceso de internacionalización. El resultado obtenido confirma la hipótesis de que las capacidades y recursos de que dispone actualmente el sector analizado no son suficientes para una inserción exitosa en el mercado internacional y, lo más importante, especifica los factores y variables en los que intervenir para mejorar la capacidad interna de internacionalización. Derechos Reservados © 2015 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Contaduría y Admi- nistración. Este es un artículo de acceso abierto distribuido bajo los términos de la Licencia Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

  2. Effects of testosterone on contractile properties of sexually dimorphic forelimb muscles in male bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana, Shaw 1802

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    Aaron R. Kampe

    2013-07-01

    This study examined the effects of testosterone (T on the contractile properties of two sexually dimorphic forelimb muscles and one non-dimorphic muscle in male bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana, Shaw 1802. The dimorphic muscles in castrated males with testosterone replacement (T+ achieved higher forces and lower fatigability than did castrated males without replaced testosterone (T0 males, but the magnitude of the differences was low and many of the pair-wise comparisons of each muscle property were not statistically significant. However, when taken as a whole, the means of seven contractile properties varied in the directions expected of masculine values in T+ animals in the sexually dimorphic muscles. Moreover, these data, compared with previous data on male and female bullfrogs, show that values for T+ males are similar to normal males and are significantly different from females. The T0 males tended to be intermediate in character between T+ males and females, generally retaining masculine values. This suggests that the exposure of young males to T in their first breeding season produces a masculinizing effect on the sexually dimorphic muscles that is not reversed between breeding seasons when T levels are low. The relatively minor differences in contractile properties between T+ and T0 males may indicate that as circulating T levels rise during breeding season in normal males, contractile properties can be enhanced rapidly to maximal functional levels for breeding success.

  3. Automated Video-Based Analysis of Contractility and Calcium Flux in Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes Cultured over Different Spatial Scales.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huebsch, Nathaniel; Loskill, Peter; Mandegar, Mohammad A; Marks, Natalie C; Sheehan, Alice S; Ma, Zhen; Mathur, Anurag; Nguyen, Trieu N; Yoo, Jennie C; Judge, Luke M; Spencer, C Ian; Chukka, Anand C; Russell, Caitlin R; So, Po-Lin; Conklin, Bruce R; Healy, Kevin E

    2015-05-01

    Contractile motion is the simplest metric of cardiomyocyte health in vitro, but unbiased quantification is challenging. We describe a rapid automated method, requiring only standard video microscopy, to analyze the contractility of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPS-CM). New algorithms for generating and filtering motion vectors combined with a newly developed isogenic iPSC line harboring genetically encoded calcium indicator, GCaMP6f, allow simultaneous user-independent measurement and analysis of the coupling between calcium flux and contractility. The relative performance of these algorithms, in terms of improving signal to noise, was tested. Applying these algorithms allowed analysis of contractility in iPS-CM cultured over multiple spatial scales from single cells to three-dimensional constructs. This open source software was validated with analysis of isoproterenol response in these cells, and can be applied in future studies comparing the drug responsiveness of iPS-CM cultured in different microenvironments in the context of tissue engineering.

  4. Are interstitial cells of Cajal involved in mechanical stress-induced gene expression and impairment of smooth muscle contractility in bowel obstruction?

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    Chester C Wu

    Full Text Available The network of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC is altered in obstructive bowel disorders (OBD. However, whether alteration in ICC network is a cause or consequence of OBD remains unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that mechanical dilation in obstruction disrupts the ICC network and that ICC do not mediate mechanotranscription of COX-2 and impairment of smooth muscle contractility in obstruction.Medical-grade silicon bands were wrapped around the distal colon to induce partial obstruction in wild-type and ICC deficient (W/W(v mice.In wild-type mice, colon obstruction led to time-dependent alterations of the ICC network in the proximal colon segment. Although unaffected on days 1 and 3, the ICC density decreased markedly and the network was disrupted on day 7 of obstruction. COX-2 expression increased, and circular muscle contractility decreased significantly in the segment proximal to obstruction. In W/W(v control mice, COX-2 mRNA level was 4.0 (±1.1-fold higher (n=4 and circular muscle contractility was lower than in wild-type control mice. Obstruction further increased COX-2 mRNA level in W/W(v mice to 7.2 (±1.0-fold vs. W/W(v controls [28.8 (±4.1-fold vs. wild-type controls] on day 3. Obstruction further suppressed smooth muscle contractility in W/W(v mice. However, daily administration of COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 significantly improved muscle contractility in both W/W(v sham and obstruction mice.Lumen dilation disrupts the ICC network. ICC deficiency has limited effect on stretch-induced expression of COX-2 and suppression of smooth muscle contractility in obstruction. Rather, stretch-induced COX-2 plays a critical role in motility dysfunction in partial colon obstruction.

  5. Effect of Propafenone on the Contractile Activity of Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Isolated in an Organ Chamber: Experimental Study in Rats

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    Ricardo Simões

    2002-03-01

    Full Text Available OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of propafenone on the contractile function of latissimus dorsi muscle isolated from rats in an organ chamber. METHODS: We studied 20 latissimus dorsi muscles of Wistar rats and divided them into 2 groups: group I (n=10, or control group - we studied the feasibility of muscle contractility; group II (n=10, in which the contralateral muscles were grouped - we analyzed the effect of propafenone on muscle contractility. After building a muscle ring, 8 periods of sequential 2-minute baths were performed, with intervals of preprogrammed electrical stimulation using a pacemaker of 50 stimuli/min. In group II, propafenone, at the concentration of 9.8 µg/mL, was added to the bath in period 2 and withdrawn in period 4. RESULTS: In group I, no significant depression in muscle contraction occurred up to period 5 (p>0.05. In group II, a significant depression occurred in all periods, except between the last 2 periods (p0.05. CONCLUSION: Propafenone had a depressing effect on the contractile function of latissimus dorsi muscle isolated from rats and studied in an organ chamber.

  6. Orientación Emprendedora, Capacidad de Aprendizaje Organizativo y Desempeño Innovador

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    Anabel Fernández Mesa

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available Este artículo examina la relación entre la orientación emprendedora y el desempeño innovador tomando como variable mediadora la capacidad de aprendizaje organizativo. Esta cuestión de investigación es importante porque nos permite comprender mejor por qué la orientación emprendedora no afecta siempre de forma positiva a la cuenta de resultados. Consideramos que el desempeño innovador es una medida muy próxima al resultado general. Utilizando un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales en una muestra de 182 empresas de la industria cerámica, los resultados muestran que la capacidad de aprendizaje organizativo juega un rol fundamental en determinar los efectos de la orientación emprendedora en el desempeño innovador.

  7. INDICADORES DE CAPACIDAD APLICADOS A LA DESERCIÓN EN LAS UNIVERSIDADES COLOMBIANAS

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    José Daniel Mosquera Artamónov

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available En este trabajo, se presenta una propuesta para implementar los Índices de Capacidad de un Proceso como herramienta para medir la efectividad de un proceso social. Estos índices son ampliamente empleados en la industria de productos de consumo, pero no es clara la forma como pueden ser usados en el control de procesos sociales. El trabajo se centra en el análisis de aquellos procesos que no están normalmente distribuidos y que por lo tanto, en una primera aproximación teórica, no son susceptibles de ser controlados con el uso de Índices de Capacidad. Mediante un doble ejemplo aplicado al caso de la deserción en las universidades colombianas, se ofrece una metodología detallada de cómo solucionar el problema de la no normalidad de los datos con el uso de la transformación de Box-Cox, la distribución de Weibull y el método de percentiles de Clements. De esta manera, se demuestra la aplicabilidad de los métodos ya contrastados en otros ámbitos, a casos concretos de deserción en las universidades colombianas. El método de índices de capacidad puede usarse para evaluar el proceso de deserción y definir las metas reales de deserción, posibles de cumplir. Se propone además, que esta metodología sea usada en el control de otros procesos sociales.

  8. Atomic Structure of Type VI Contractile Sheath from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Salih, Osman; He, Shaoda; Planamente, Sara; Stach, Lasse; MacDonald, James T; Manoli, Eleni; Scheres, Sjors H W; Filloux, Alain; Freemont, Paul S

    2018-02-06

    Pseudomonas aeruginosa has three type VI secretion systems (T6SSs), H1-, H2-, and H3-T6SS, each belonging to a distinct group. The two T6SS components, TssB/VipA and TssC/VipB, assemble to form tubules that conserve structural/functional homology with tail sheaths of contractile bacteriophages and pyocins. Here, we used cryoelectron microscopy to solve the structure of the H1-T6SS P. aeruginosa TssB1C1 sheath at 3.3 Å resolution. Our structure allowed us to resolve some features of the T6SS sheath that were not resolved in the Vibrio cholerae VipAB and Francisella tularensis IglAB structures. Comparison with sheath structures from other contractile machines, including T4 phage and R-type pyocins, provides a better understanding of how these systems have conserved similar functions/mechanisms despite evolution. We used the P. aeruginosa R2 pyocin as a structural template to build an atomic model of the TssB1C1 sheath in its extended conformation, allowing us to propose a coiled-spring-like mechanism for T6SS sheath contraction. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

  9. Incubadoras de empresas e o desenvolvimento de capacidades em empresas incubadas

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    José Eduardo Storopoli

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-8077.2013v15n35p36   No Brasil, as incubadoras de empresa vêm-se consolidando ao longo dos anos com contribuições importantes para o processo de desenvolvimento de ideias que se transformam em negócios e também de empreendedores que se tornam empresários. As incubadoras permitem que as capacidades e recursos disponíveis deem suporte ao desenvolvimento das potencialidades empreendedoras de seus associados. Este trabalho analisa a contribuição desse processo para o desenvolvimento das empresas nos diferentes estágios de incubação. O método de pesquisa foi o estudo de casos múltiplos, com o gerente do CIETEC e quatro empresas em estágios distintos de incubação. A análise dos dados seguiu as técnicas de agrupamento e de cluster. Os principais resultados indicam que: a as capacidades possuem suas raízes em experiências profissionais ou acadêmicas dos empreendedores; b o papel da incubadora na formação dessas capacidades é passivo; c a capacitação de empreendedores para a elaboração de um plano de negócios é um fator positivo para o estabelecimento do negócio; d o networking proporcionado pela incubadora mostrou-se fundamental para todas as empresas; e a infraestrutura é importante para os estágios inicias de incubação, porém perde importância na medida em que as empresas avançam em seus estágios de incubação.

  10. El derecho a la salud: una visión a partir del enfoque de capacidades

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    Alba L. Vélez Arango

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available Objetivos: 1 identificar en las tesis libertarias y en la tradición liberal igualitaria de John Rawls la aceptación y/o rechazo de la protección de la salud como requisito de justicia social. 2 Analizar en los idearios teóricos de Amartya Sen y Martha Nussbaum elementos a favor de la protección de la salud y su goce efectivo como parte de los derechos que deben reconocerse por la sociedad, como respuesta a cuestiones de justicia social. Metodología: investigación de carácter filosófico, analizó críticamente los fundamentos morales y políticos que sustentan el reconocimiento del derecho a la salud como un requisito de justicia social. Resultados: en el proyecto rawlsiano la estructura básica de la sociedad debe distribuir ciertos “bienes primarios”, cosas que se presume que todo ser racional desea para poder desarrollar los planes de vida. Amartya Sen y Martha Nussbaum proponen el enfoque de las capacidades humanas básicas; el primero lo justifica en torno a la libertad y la segunda como requisitos básicos para una vida digna. Nussbaum justifica una lista de diez capacidades, dentro de las cuales incluye la vida, la salud física y la integridad física; todas relacionadas directamente con la salud. Así la tutela en salud se torna en condición necesaria de justicia social. El enfoque de las capacidades introduce la idea de un umbral para cada capacidad, por debajo del cual se considera que los ciudadanos no pueden funcionar de un modo auténticamente humano. Conclusiones: la protección de la salud instrumentalizada a través del sistema de salud es condición necesaria para el desarrollo de la vida que cada individuo tiene razones para valorar. Su protección debe darse dentro de los umbrales mínimos de justicia y la meta social debería entenderse en el sentido de lograr que los ciudadanos se sitúen por encima de este conjunto de capacidades entre las que se encuentra la salud.

  11. Contractility-afterload mismatch in patients with protein-losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ozawa, Hideto; Ueno, Takayoshi; Iwai, Shigemitsu; Kawata, Hiroaki; Nishigaki, Kyouichi; Kishimoto, Hidefumi; Sawa, Yoshiki

    2014-10-01

    This study aimed to clarify the relationship between onset of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) and Fontan circulation, with special reference to the development of contractility-afterload mismatch. The PLE group comprised 9 patients who experienced PLE after undergoing the Fontan operation, and the control group consisted of 32 patients had did not experienced PLE more than 10 years after the Fontan operation. The study compared the pre- and postoperative values of arterial elastance (Ea), end-systolic elastance (Ees), and contractility-afterload mismatch (Ea/Ees). Furthermore, the variations in the values were examined during the preoperative, postoperative, and midterm postoperative periods in seven PLE patients who underwent cardiac catheterization at the onset of PLE and during the pre- and postintervention periods in three PLE patients who underwent surgical intervention to improve the Fontan circulation after the onset of PLE. Comparison of the values obtained before and after Fontan operations showed that the Ea values increased significantly in the PLE group. However, the pre- and postoperative Ees values did not differ in the two groups. During the postoperative period, Ea/Ees increased significantly, and the Ea and Ea/Ees values increased continuously until the onset of PLE in the PLE group. In the patients who underwent surgical intervention to improve the Fontan circulation after the onset of PLE, the Ea/Ees decreased significantly, and the serum albumin levels improved after the intervention. Contractility-afterload mismatch, mainly caused by the increase in the afterload of the systemic ventricle, may have an important role in the development of PLE after the Fontan operation.

  12. Influence of metabolism modifiers of cyclic nucleotides on contractility of right ventricle of rat heart with intact and removed endocardial endothelium

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    Savić Slađana

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Introduction. Endocardial endothelium, a natural biological barrier between circulating blood in heart ventricle and cells, creates a complex yet finely tuned balance of interactions with the immediate environment. Objective. We investigated the roles of theophylline, nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and imidazole, an activator of phosphodiesterase on contractility of the right ventricle of rat heart, with intact and removed endocardial endothelium. Methods. Adult rats, of both sexes, type Wistar albino, were used in this experiment. All experiments were conducted on the preparations of the right ventricle using two experimental models. In the first experimental model, an endocardial endothelium (EE was preserved, and in the second model, an endocardial endothelium (-EE was removed using 1% solution Triton X-100. Results. Theophylline (1x10-2 mol/l expressed the positive inotropic effect on the heart, regardless of the presence of the endocardial endothelium. Inotropic response as multiple process can be induced by inhibition of phosphodiesterase, accumulation of cyclic nucleotides and activation of Ca2+ channels. Imidazole (2x10-3 mol/l increased the contractility of the right ventricle of the heart with EE. The modulator effect of endocardial endothelium on contractility of imidazole proved to be significant. As imidazole influenced the contractility of the right ventricle only in the presence of the endocardial endothelium, it is assumed that its effect is mediated via deliverance of endothelial mediators with positive inotropic effect. Conclusion. An intact endocardial endothelium is necessary for completion of contractile performance of the heart.

  13. Structure of the Elastin-Contractile Units in the Thoracic Aorta and How Genes That Cause Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections Disrupt This Structure.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karimi, Ashkan; Milewicz, Dianna M

    2016-01-01

    The medial layer of the aorta confers elasticity and strength to the aortic wall and is composed of alternating layers of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and elastic fibres. The SMC elastin-contractile unit is a structural unit that links the elastin fibres to the SMCs and is characterized by the following: (1) layers of elastin fibres that are surrounded by microfibrils; (2) microfibrils that bind to the integrin receptors in focal adhesions on the cell surface of the SMCs; and (3) SMC contractile filaments that are linked to the focal adhesions on the inner side of the membrane. The genes that are altered to cause thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections encode proteins involved in the structure or function of the SMC elastin-contractile unit. Included in this gene list are the genes encoding protein that are structural components of elastin fibres and microfibrils, FBN1, MFAP5, ELN, and FBLN4. Also included are genes that encode structural proteins in the SMC contractile unit, including ACTA2, which encodes SMC-specific α-actin and MYH11, which encodes SMC-specific myosin heavy chain, along with MYLK and PRKG1, which encode kinases that control SMC contraction. Finally, mutations in the gene encoding the protein linking integrin receptors to the contractile filaments, FLNA, also predispose to thoracic aortic disease. Thus, these data suggest that functional SMC elastin-contractile units are important for maintaining the structural integrity of the aorta. Copyright © 2016 Canadian Cardiovascular Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Da construção de capacidade avaliatória em iniciativas sociais: algumas reflexões Constructión de capacidad en avaluación Some reflections on building evaluation capacity on social initiatives

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel Braga Brandão

    2005-09-01

    Full Text Available Este ensaio discute alternativas de apoio ao desenvolvimento da capacidade avaliatória em organizações da sociedade civil. Nele são debatidos elementos estratégicos para apoiar processos de aprendizagem nas organizações e para fortalecer conquista de autonomia no campo da avaliação. Aborda-se a construção da capacidade avaliatória como processo de construção de sujeitos, e não como um movimento de natureza predominantemente técnica. Com base nos princípios de aprendizagem, autonomia, respeito e participação são propostas cinco dimensões estratégicas para apoiar o desenvolvimento de capacidade avaliatória: 1 a consciência a respeito e a capacidade de lidar com as relações de poder presentes nas ações avaliatórias; 2 a busca de razões e motivação para avaliar as práticas; 3 a construção de um certo grau de identidade organizacional em torno da avaliação; 4 o desenvolvimento de competências no campo da facilitação e gestão de processos e da investigação da realidade, necessárias a realização de avaliações; 5 a captação e alocação de recursos para criar as condições de trabalho necessárias aos processos de avaliação.Este texto trata de la construcción de capacidades en evaluación en organizaciones de la sociedad civil. Aborda el tema orientado por los proceso de aprendijage organizacional y considera cinco dimensiones presentes en la construcción de la capacidad en evaluación en una organización: 1 Las relaciones de poder entre los stakholders y sus consecuencias en las decisiones; 2 Las razones y los motivos para desarrollar una evaluación; 3 La elaboración de una identidad organizacional para la evaluación; 4 La necesidad del desarrollo de competencias en evaluación y 5 La necesidad de garantizar y manejar fondos para la evaluación.This essay focuses on building evaluation capacity in civil society organizations. It considers aspects to support the organizational learning process

  15. APRENDIZAJE Y ACUMULACIÓN DE CAPACIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS EN UN GRUPO DEL SECTOR SIDERÚRGICO

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    Rodrigo Ortega Rangel

    2005-12-01

    Full Text Available El aprendizaje y la acumulación de capacidades tecnológicas son unos de los rasgos que integran la sociedad del conocimiento actual. Por ello son parte fundamental de la competitividad entre países, regiones y empresas. El aprendizaje y la acumulación de capacidadesimplican un proceso de desarrollo de capacidades internas que se construyen a partir de esfuerzos propios y de la experiencia y conocimientos disponibles desarrollados por la propia empresa u otras instituciones para generar innovaciones;son, por lo tanto, elementos fundamentales de la competitividad.La regularidad con la que una empresa incorpora mejoras radicales o incrementales en sus productos, procesos o esquemas organizacionales es factor decisivo para el crecimiento de su productividad. Este trabajo analiza el proceso de innovación desde una perspectiva interna, para elucidar la forma en que un grupo industrial del sector siderúrgico desarrolla sus capacidades tecnológicas a través del ejercicio de sus funciones técnicas de inversión, producción y soporte. “Los procesos de aprendizaje comprenden el aprendizaje por la práctica (aumentar por ejemplo, la eficiencia de las operaciones de producción, el aprendizaje por el uso (por ejemplo, utilizar más eficientemente los equipos complejos, el aprendizaje por interacción (asociando usuarios y productores en una interacción en el desarrollo de nuevos productos, y hasta el aprendizaje por aprendizaje, donde la capacidad de las empresas en asimilar las innovaciones realizadas en otra parte depende de su experiencia en materia de aprendizaje, enriquecida por la I&D o por otras inversiones inmateriales”

  16. Stochastic Ratcheting on a Funneled Energy Landscape Is Necessary for Highly Efficient Contractility of Actomyosin Force Dipoles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Komianos, James E.; Papoian, Garegin A.

    2018-04-01

    Current understanding of how contractility emerges in disordered actomyosin networks of nonmuscle cells is still largely based on the intuition derived from earlier works on muscle contractility. In addition, in disordered networks, passive cross-linkers have been hypothesized to percolate force chains in the network, hence, establishing large-scale connectivity between local contractile clusters. This view, however, largely overlooks the free energy of cross-linker binding at the microscale, which, even in the absence of active fluctuations, provides a thermodynamic drive towards highly overlapping filamentous states. In this work, we use stochastic simulations and mean-field theory to shed light on the dynamics of a single actomyosin force dipole—a pair of antiparallel actin filaments interacting with active myosin II motors and passive cross-linkers. We first show that while passive cross-linking without motor activity can produce significant contraction between a pair of actin filaments, driven by thermodynamic favorability of cross-linker binding, a sharp onset of kinetic arrest exists at large cross-link binding energies, greatly diminishing the effectiveness of this contractility mechanism. Then, when considering an active force dipole containing nonmuscle myosin II, we find that cross-linkers can also serve as a structural ratchet when the motor dissociates stochastically from the actin filaments, resulting in significant force amplification when both molecules are present. Our results provide predictions of how actomyosin force dipoles behave at the molecular level with respect to filament boundary conditions, passive cross-linking, and motor activity, which can explicitly be tested using an optical trapping experiment.

  17. Stochastic Ratcheting on a Funneled Energy Landscape Is Necessary for Highly Efficient Contractility of Actomyosin Force Dipoles

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    James E. Komianos

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available Current understanding of how contractility emerges in disordered actomyosin networks of nonmuscle cells is still largely based on the intuition derived from earlier works on muscle contractility. In addition, in disordered networks, passive cross-linkers have been hypothesized to percolate force chains in the network, hence, establishing large-scale connectivity between local contractile clusters. This view, however, largely overlooks the free energy of cross-linker binding at the microscale, which, even in the absence of active fluctuations, provides a thermodynamic drive towards highly overlapping filamentous states. In this work, we use stochastic simulations and mean-field theory to shed light on the dynamics of a single actomyosin force dipole—a pair of antiparallel actin filaments interacting with active myosin II motors and passive cross-linkers. We first show that while passive cross-linking without motor activity can produce significant contraction between a pair of actin filaments, driven by thermodynamic favorability of cross-linker binding, a sharp onset of kinetic arrest exists at large cross-link binding energies, greatly diminishing the effectiveness of this contractility mechanism. Then, when considering an active force dipole containing nonmuscle myosin II, we find that cross-linkers can also serve as a structural ratchet when the motor dissociates stochastically from the actin filaments, resulting in significant force amplification when both molecules are present. Our results provide predictions of how actomyosin force dipoles behave at the molecular level with respect to filament boundary conditions, passive cross-linking, and motor activity, which can explicitly be tested using an optical trapping experiment.

  18. Modulation of cardiac contractility by the phospholamban/SERCA2a regulatome.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kranias, Evangelia G; Hajjar, Roger J

    2012-06-08

    Heart disease remains the leading cause of death and disability in the Western world. Current therapies aim at treating the symptoms rather than the subcellular mechanisms, underlying the etiology and pathological remodeling in heart failure. A universal characteristic, contributing to the decreased contractile performance in human and experimental failing hearts, is impaired calcium sequestration into the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). SR calcium uptake is mediated by a Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2), whose activity is reversibly regulated by phospholamban (PLN). Dephosphorylated PLN is an inhibitor of SERCA and phosphorylation of PLN relieves this inhibition. However, the initial simple view of a PLN/SERCA regulatory complex has been modified by our recent identification of SUMO, S100 and the histidine-rich Ca-binding protein as regulators of SERCA activity. In addition, PLN activity is regulated by 2 phosphoproteins, the inhibitor-1 of protein phosphatase 1 and the small heat shock protein 20, which affect the overall SERCA-mediated Ca-transport. This review will highlight the regulatory mechanisms of cardiac contractility by the multimeric SERCA/PLN-ensemble and the potential for new therapeutic avenues targeting this complex by using small molecules and gene transfer methods.

  19. ANTECEDENTES DEL USO DE LOS MEDIOS SOCIALES POR EL TURISTA: MOTIVACIÓN, OPORTUNIDAD Y CAPACIDAD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Desiderio Gutiérrez Taño

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available El presente trabajo utiliza el modelo MOA para analizar en qué medida la motivación, la oportunidad y la capacidad de los usuarios son factores determinantes de las intenciones de uso de medios sociales en la organización y desarrollo de viajes turísticos. Las conclusiones del estudio revelan que las intenciones de uso de los medios sociales se ven afectadas por la motivación y las capacidades de los usuarios y, sin embargo, no se ven influenciadas por la oportunidad. A su vez, en las motivaciones influyen los beneficios funcionales y hedónicos, pero no los sociales.

  20. Capacidades de fabricación y almacenaje óptimas en un sistema con logística inversa y demanda aleatoria

    OpenAIRE

    Benedito Benet, Ernest; Corominas Subias, Albert

    2009-01-01

    En el presente trabajo se estudia un sistema con demanda y retornos aleatorios para calcular las capacidades óptimas de fabricación y almacenaje. El modelo presentado permite estudiar el comportamiento de las capacidades de fabricación y almacenaje óptimas cuando varían los costes de producción.

  1. Isolation and maintenance-free culture of contractile myotubes from Manduca sexta embryos.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Amanda L Baryshyan

    Full Text Available Skeletal muscle tissue engineering has the potential to treat tissue loss and degenerative diseases. However, these systems are also applicable for a variety of devices where actuation is needed, such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS and robotics. Most current efforts to generate muscle bioactuators are focused on using mammalian cells, which require exacting conditions for survival and function. In contrast, invertebrate cells are more environmentally robust, metabolically adaptable and relatively autonomous. Our hypothesis is that the use of invertebrate muscle cells will obviate many of the limitations encountered when mammalian cells are used for bioactuation. We focus on the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, due to its easy availability, large size and well-characterized muscle contractile properties. Using isolated embryonic cells, we have developed culture conditions to grow and characterize contractile M. sexta muscles. The insect hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone was used to induce differentiation in the system, resulting in cells that stained positive for myosin, contract spontaneously for the duration of the culture, and do not require media changes over periods of more than a month. These cells proliferate under normal conditions, but the application of juvenile hormone induced further proliferation and inhibited differentiation. Cellular metabolism under normal and low glucose conditions was compared for C2C12 mouse and M. sexta myoblast cells. While differentiated C2C12 cells consumed glucose and produced lactate over one week as expected, M. sexta muscle did not consume significant glucose, and lactate production exceeded mammalian muscle production on a per cell basis. Contractile properties were evaluated using index of movement analysis, which demonstrated the potential of these cells to perform mechanical work. The ability of cultured M. sexta muscle to continuously function at ambient conditions without medium replenishment

  2. Opportunities to Target Specific Contractile Abnormalities with Smooth Muscle Protein Kinase Inhibitors

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    Annegret Ulke-Lemée

    2010-05-01

    Full Text Available Smooth muscle is a major component of most hollow organ systems (e.g., airways, vasculature, bladder and gut/gastrointestine; therefore, the coordinated regulation of contraction is a key property of smooth muscle. When smooth muscle functions normally, it contributes to general health and wellness, but its dysfunction is associated with morbidity and mortality. Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK is central to calcium-independent, actomyosin-mediated contractile force generation in the vasculature, thereby playing a role in smooth muscle contraction, cell motility and adhesion. Recent evidence supports an important role for ROCK in the increased vasoconstriction and remodeling observed in various models of hypertension. This review will provide a commentary on the development of specific ROCK inhibitors and their clinical application. Fasudil will be discussed as an example of bench-to-bedside development of a clinical therapeutic that is used to treat conditions of vascular hypercontractility. Due to the wide spectrum of biological processes regulated by ROCK, many additional clinical indications might also benefit from ROCK inhibition. Apart from the importance of ROCK in smooth muscle contraction, a variety of other protein kinases are known to play similar roles in regulating contractile force. The zipper-interacting protein kinase (ZIPK and integrin-linked kinase (ILK are two well-described regulators of contraction. The relative contribution of each kinase to contraction depends on the muscle bed as well as hormonal and neuronal stimulation. Unfortunately, specific inhibitors for ZIPK and ILK are still in the development phase, but the success of fasudil suggests that inhibitors for these other kinases may also have valuable clinical applications. Notably, the directed inhibition of ZIPK with a pseudosubstrate molecule shows unexpected effects on the contractility of gastrointestinal smooth muscle.

  3. Facilitated ethanol metabolism promotes cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction through autophagy in murine hearts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guo, Rui; Hu, Nan; Kandadi, Machender R; Ren, Jun

    2012-04-01

    Chronic drinking leads to myocardial contractile dysfunction where ethanol metabolism plays an essential role. Acetaldehyde, the main ethanol metabolite, mediates alcohol-induced cell injury although the underlying mechanism is still elusive. This study was designed to examine the mechanism involved in accelerated ethanol metabolism-induced cardiac defect with a focus on autophagy. Wild-type FVB and cardiac-specific overexpression of alcohol dehydrogenase mice were placed on a 4% nutrition-balanced alcohol diet for 8 weeks. Myocardial histology, immunohistochemistry, autophagy markers and signal molecules were examined. Expression of micro RNA miR-30a, a potential target of Beclin 1, was evaluated by real-time PCR. Chronic alcohol intake led to cardiac acetaldehyde accumulation, hypertrophy and overt autophagosome accumulation (LC3-II and Atg7), the effect of which was accentuated by ADH. Signaling molecules governing autophagy initiation including class III PtdIns3K, phosphorylation of mTOR and p70S6K were enhanced and dampened, respectively, following alcohol intake. These alcohol-induced signaling responses were augmented by ADH. ADH accentuated or unmasked alcohol-induced downregulation of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and MiR-30a. Interestingly, ADH aggravated alcohol-induced p62 accumulation. Autophagy inhibition using 3-MA abolished alcohol-induced cardiomyocyte contractile anomalies. Moreover, acetaldehyde led to cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction and autophagy induction, which was ablated by 3-MA. Ethanol or acetaldehyde increased GFP-LC3 puncta in H9c2 cells, the effect of which was ablated by 3-MA but unaffected by lysosomal inhibition using bafilomycin A(1), E64D and pepstatin A. In summary, these data suggested that facilitated acetaldehyde production via ADH following alcohol intake triggered cardiac autophagosome formation along with impaired lysosomal degradation, en route to myocardial defect.

  4. Effect of short-term outlet obstruction on rat bladder nerve density and contractility

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Barendrecht, M. M.; Chichester, P.; Michel, M. C.; Levin, R. M.

    2007-01-01

    1 The present study was designed to investigate the relationship between innervation density and contractile responses to field stimulation and exogenous agonists at early time points after induction of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) in rats. 2 When compared with sham-operated animals, 1, 3 and 7

  5. The importance of myocardial contractile reserve in predicting response to cardiac resynchronization therapy

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Kloosterman, Mariëlle; Damman, Kevin; Van Veldhuisen, Dirk J; Rienstra, Michiel; Maass, Alexander H

    AimTo perform a meta-analysis and systematic review of published data to assess the relationship between contractile reserve and response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure. Methods and resultsWe searched MEDLINE/PubMed and Cochrane for all papers published up

  6. Um modelo de simulação para gestão da capacidade dos aeroportos brasileiros

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    Antonio Rodolfo Araujo Marcos

    Full Text Available A importância do setor aéreo para o desenvolvimento de um país e o crescimento da demanda aérea brasileira implica na necessidade de uma gestão eficiente dos aeroportos, buscando o equilíbrio entre a capacidade e a demanda aérea. Diante disso, este artigo apresenta um modelo em Dinâmica de Sistemas capaz de auxiliar a gestão aeroportuária brasileira em relação ao dimensionamento dos subsistemas de um aeroporto (Terminal de Passageiros, Pistas e Pátio. O modelo utiliza dados sobre demanda aérea de passageiros, número médio de passageiros por voo, demanda hora-pico, nível de serviço do terminal de passageiros e tempo médio de estacionamento das aeronaves para analisar a situação de treze aeroportos brasileiros. Por fim, através da comparação da capacidade ideal produzida pelo modelo de simulação com a capacidade real instalada, o artigo classifica a situação de cada um dos subsistemas dos aeroportos estudados em adequada, crítica e preocupante. Entre os principais resultados obtidos pode-se destacar que: a Pista é o subsistema que apresenta melhores condições, enquanto que o terminal de passageiros é o subsistema em pior condição; os investimentos e aumento da capacidade são insuficientes para atender uma demanda de crescimento de 5% ao ano na hora-pico.

  7. Contractile function and motor unit firing rates of the human hamstrings.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kirk, Eric A; Rice, Charles L

    2017-01-01

    Neuromuscular properties of the lower limb in health, aging, and disease are well described for major lower limb muscles comprising the quadriceps, triceps surae, and dorsiflexors, with the notable exception of the posterior thigh (hamstrings). The purpose of this study was to further characterize major muscles of the lower limb by comprehensively exploring contractile properties in relation to spinal motor neuron output expressed as motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) in the hamstrings of 11 (26.5 ± 3.8) young men. Maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation, stimulated contractile properties including a force-frequency relationship, and MUFRs from submaximal to maximal voluntary contractile intensities were assessed in the hamstrings. Strength and MUFRs were assessed at two presumably different muscle lengths by varying the knee joint angles (90° and 160°). Knee flexion MVCs were 60-70% greater in the extended position (160°). The frequency required to elicit 50% of maximum tetanic torque was 16-17 Hz. Mean MUFRs at 25-50% MVC were 9-31% less in the biceps femoris compared with the semimembranosus-semitendinosus group. Knee joint angle (muscle length) influenced MUFRs such that mean MUFRs were greater in the shortened (90°) position at 50% and 100% MVC. Compared with previous reports, mean maximal MUFRs in the hamstrings are greater than those in the quadriceps and triceps surae and somewhat less than those in the tibialis anterior. Mean maximal MUFRs in the hamstrings are influenced by changes in knee joint angle, with lower firing rates in the biceps femoris compared with the semimembranosus-semitendinosus muscle group. We studied motor unit firing rates (MUFRs) at various voluntary contraction intensities in the hamstrings, one of the only major lower limb muscles to have MUFRs affected by muscle length changes. Within the hamstrings muscle-specific differences have greater impact on MUFRs than length changes, with the biceps femoris

  8. Inhibition of MMP-2 Expression with siRNA Increases Baseline Cardiomyocyte Contractility and Protects against Simulated Ischemic Reperfusion Injury

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    Han-Bin Lin

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs significantly contribute to ischemia reperfusion (I/R injury, namely, by the degradation of contractile proteins. However, due to the experimental models adopted and lack of isoform specificity of MMP inhibitors, the cellular source and identity of the MMP(s involved in I/R injury remain to be elucidated. Using isolated adult rat cardiomyocytes, subjected to chemically induced I/R-like injury, we show that specific inhibition of MMP-2 expression and activity using MMP-2 siRNA significantly protected cardiomyocyte contractility from I/R-like injury. This was also associated with increased expression of myosin light chains 1 and 2 (MLC1/2 in comparison to scramble siRNA transfection. Moreover, the positive effect of MMP-2 siRNA transfection on cardiomyocyte contractility and MLC1/2 expression levels was also observed under control conditions, suggesting an important additional role for MMP-2 in physiological sarcomeric protein turnover. This study clearly demonstrates that intracellular expression of MMP-2 plays a significant role in sarcomeric protein turnover, such as MLC1 and MLC2, under aerobic (physiological conditions. In addition, this study identifies intracellular/autocrine, cardiomyocyte-produced MMP-2, rather than paracrine/extracellular, as responsible for the degradation of MLC1/2 and consequent contractile dysfunction in cardiomyocytes subjected to I/R injury.

  9. A thermodynamical model for stress-fiber organization in contractile cells

    OpenAIRE

    Foucard, Louis; Vernerey, Franck J.

    2012-01-01

    Cell mechanical adaptivity to external stimuli is vital to many of its biological functions. A critical question is therefore to understand the formation and organization of the stress fibers from which emerge the cell’s mechanical properties. By accounting for the mechanical aspects and the viscoelastic behavior of stress fibers, we here propose a thermodynamic model to predict the formation and orientation of stress fibers in contractile cells subjected to constant or cyclic stretch and dif...

  10. COMPLEMENTARIEDAD FORMATIVA EN LAS CAPACIDADES ORGANIZATIVAS: CREACIÓN DE CONOCIMIENTO Y FLEXIBILIDAD DEL RECURSO HUMANO EN LAS EMPRESAS DE ALTA TECNOLOGÍA

    OpenAIRE

    Pérez de Miguel, A; Sáiz Bárcena, L.

    2010-01-01

    En este estudio se teoriza e investiga empíricamente sobre un marco avanzado de análisis de los procesos formativos de las capacidades, para la determinación de su grado de complementariedad formativa, como punto de partida para una eficiente gestión de las capacidades organizativas. Los resultados sobre 136 organizaciones españolas de alta tecnología superaron las expectativas, puesto que demostraron, al mismo tiempo y sin efectos contrarios, la formación de una capacidad objetivo y de su ho...

  11. Moderate ethanol administration accentuates cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction and mitochondrial injury in high fat diet-induced obesity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yuan, Fang; Lei, Yonghong; Wang, Qiurong; Esberg, Lucy B; Huang, Zaixing; Scott, Glenda I; Li, Xue; Ren, Jun

    2015-03-18

    Light to moderate drinking confers cardioprotection although it remains unclear with regards to the role of moderate drinking on cardiac function in obesity. This study was designed to examine the impact of moderate ethanol intake on myocardial function in high fat diet intake-induced obesity and the mechanism(s) involved with a focus on mitochondrial integrity. C57BL/6 mice were fed low or high fat diet for 16 weeks prior to ethanol challenge (1g/kg/d for 3 days). Cardiac contractile function, intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, myocardial histology, and mitochondrial integrity [aconitase activity and the mitochondrial proteins SOD1, UCP-2 and PPARγ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)] were assessed 24h after the final ethanol challenge. Fat diet intake compromised cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) properties (depressed peak shortening and maximal velocities of shortening/relengthening, prolonged duration of relengthening, dampened intracellular Ca(2+) rise and clearance without affecting duration of shortening). Although moderate ethanol challenge failed to alter cardiomyocyte mechanical property under low fat diet intake, it accentuated high fat diet intake-induced changes in cardiomyocyte contractile function and intracellular Ca(2+) handling. Moderate ethanol challenge failed to affect fat diet intake-induced cardiac hypertrophy as evidenced by H&E staining. High fat diet intake reduced myocardial aconitase activity, downregulated levels of mitochondrial protein UCP-2, PGC-1α, SOD1 and interrupted intracellular Ca(2+) regulatory proteins, the effect of which was augmented by moderate ethanol challenge. Neither high fat diet intake nor moderate ethanol challenge affected protein or mRNA levels as well as phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β in mouse hearts. Taken together, our data revealed that moderate ethanol challenge accentuated high fat diet-induced cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) anomalies as well as mitochondrial injury. Copyright

  12. Inhibition of CYP2E1 attenuates chronic alcohol intake-induced myocardial contractile dysfunction and apoptosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Rong-Huai; Gao, Jian-Yuan; Guo, Hai-Tao; Scott, Glenda I; Eason, Anna R; Wang, Xiao-Ming; Ren, Jun

    2013-01-01

    Alcohol intake is associated with myocardial contractile dysfunction and apoptosis although the precise mechanism is unclear. This study was designed to examine the effect of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP2E1 inhibition on ethanol-induced cardiac dysfunction. Adult male mice were fed a 4% ethanol liquid or pair-fed control diet for 6weeks. Following 2weeks of diet feeding, a cohort of mice started to receive the CYP2E1 inhibitor diallyl sulfide (100mg/kg/d, i.p.) for the remaining feeding duration. Cardiac function was assessed using echocardiographic and IonOptix systems. Western blot analysis was used to evaluate CYP2E1, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), iNOS, the intracellular Ca(2+) regulatory proteins sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, Na(+)Ca(2+) exchanger and phospholamban, pro-apoptotic protein cleaved caspase-3, Bax, c-Jun-NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK-1). Ethanol led to elevated levels of CYP2E1, iNOS and phospholamban, decreased levels of HO-1 and Na(+)Ca(2+) exchanger, cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) defects, cardiac fibrosis, overt O(2)(-) production, and apoptosis accompanied with increased phosphorylation of JNK and ASK-1, the effects were significantly attenuated or ablated by diallyl sulfide. Inhibitors of JNK and ASK-1 but not HO-1 inducer or iNOS inhibitor obliterated ethanol-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction, substantiating a role for JNK and ASK-1 signaling in ethanol-induced myocardial injury. Taken together, these findings suggest that ethanol metabolism through CYP2E1 may contribute to the pathogenesis of alcoholic cardiomyopathy including myocardial contractile dysfunction, oxidative stress and apoptosis, possibly through activation of JNK and ASK-1 signaling. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Aportaciones a la evaluación de las Capacidades Físicas en la Educación Primaria

    OpenAIRE

    Velasco Martín, M.

    1994-01-01

    Una de las primeras misiones que debe tener el maestro es un conocimiento, lo más completo posible del niño, porque será la base para poder programar mejor y realizar su trabajo en la escuela. En educación física ese conocimiento viene dado por la Evaluación, entre otras, de las Capacidades Físicas Básicas. Se plantea qué pruebas y cuántas tenemos que hacer para evaluar esas Capacidades Físicas Básicas

  14. Capacidade aerobia de futebolistas profissionais de altitude durante o periodo competitivo da cidade de Arequipa-Peru

    OpenAIRE

    Alejandro Inostroza Aeloiza

    2004-01-01

    Resumo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi de descrever e analisar a capacidade aeróbia de futebolistas profissionais de altitude durante o período competitivo, onde a seleção da amostra foi de tipo não-probabilístico 27 jogadores, para tal efeito, foram mensuradas as variáveis de massa corporal, estatura, quatro dobras cutâneas (triciptal, subescapular, supra- Ilíaca, e panturrilha), e para a capacidade aeróbia progressiva foi utilizado o teste físico de (corrida de ida e volta de 20m) de Nav...

  15. Permanent Distal Occlusion of Middle Cerebral Artery in Rat Causes Local Increased ETB, 5-HT1B and AT1 Receptor-Mediated Contractility Downstream of Occlusion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Rasmussen, Marianne N P; Hornbak, Malene; Larsen, Stine S

    2013-01-01

    Background/Aims: In response to experimental stroke, a characteristic functional and expressional upregulation of contractile G-protein-coupled receptors has been uncovered in the affected cerebral vasculature; however, the mechanism initiating this phenomenon remains unknown. Methods: Using...... a model of permanent distal occlusion of rat middle cerebral arteries, we investigated whether there was a regional difference in receptor-mediated contractility of segments located upstream and downstream of the occlusion site. The contractile response to endothelin, angiotensin and 5-hydroxytryptamine...... receptor stimulation was studied by sensitive wire myograph. Results: Only downstream segments exhibited an augmented contractile response to stimulation with each of the three ligands, with the response towards sarafotoxin 6c being especially augmented compared to sham, upstream and contralateral controls...

  16. Estudo dopplerfluxométrico das artérias uterinas antes e após inserção do DIU Color doppler flow analysis of the uterine arteries before and after DIU insertion

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marco Aurélio Martins de Souza

    2004-06-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: averiguar se ocorrem alterações nos parâmetros da dopplervelocimetria em usuárias do dispositivo intra-uterino (DIU T cobre 380, por meio do estudo das artérias uterinas antes e depois da inserção do DIU em mulheres lactantes e não lactantes. MÉTODOS: ensaio clínico prospectivo, analítico, com 100 pacientes, em que avaliamos à dopplervelocimetria: índice de resistência (IR, índice de pulsatilidade (IP e relação sístole/diástole (SD. As pacientes selecionadas foram submetidas à avaliação pré-inserção do DIU e a novos exames pós-inserção, realizados com 30 dias (um ciclo e com 90 dias (três ciclos. RESULTADOS: os valores obtidos nas artérias uterinas no grupo antes da inserção do DIU foram de 0,9 para o IR, de 2,4 para o IP e de 10,0 para a relação SD. Os valores 30 dias após a inserção do DIU foram de 0,9 para o IR, de 2,5 para o IP e de 10,7 para a relação SD. Após três ciclos aferimos um valor de 0,9 para o IR, de 2,5 para o IP e de 10,7 para a relação SD. A comparação dos resultados obtidos antes e depois da inserção do DIU mostrou valor p de 0,51 para o IR, de 0,37 para o IP e de 0,51 para a relação SD, demonstrando que após a inserção, não houve modificações significativas na dopplervelocimetria. CONCLUSÕES: o uso do DIU T cobre 380 não tem efeito nos índices de dopplervelocimetria das artérias uterinas tanto em pacientes amamentando ou não.OBJECTIVE: to observe if there is any alteration in the Dopplervelocimetry of the uterine arteries of nursing and not nursing women after the insertion of the copper T 380 intrauterine device (IUD. METHODS: prospective, analytical, self-paired clinical assay, with 100 patients in whom we evaluated the color doppler flow: resistance index (RI, pulsative index (PI and systole/diastole (SD ratio. Nursing and not nursing women were assessed before IUD insertion as well as 30 days (one cycle and 90 days (three cycles after the insertion

  17. Proposta para estimar curva carga-recalque e capacidade de carga em estacas de madeira

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    Pedro Gutemberg de Alcântara Segundinho

    Full Text Available Este trabalho teve como objetivo propor um método para estimar a curva carga-recalque e a capacidade de carga de estacas de madeira a partir do ajuste de equações de regressão não lineares utilizando o método de Gauss Newton modificado. Para isso, foram utilizados dados experimentais obtidos para 12 estacas de madeira, curvas carga-recalque durante a cravação e capacidade de carga determinada no ensaio de carregamento dinâmico, utilizando modelo teórico. Nesta pesquisa, realizada de forma pioneira no Brasil, fez-se a análise do comportamento de estacas de madeira imersas no solo durante a cravação delas. As médias do erro percentual absoluto médio foram 4,0% e 29,3%, obtidas a partir das equações não lineares ajustadas via método de Gauss Newton modificado e proposto por Van Der Veen respectivamente. Concluiu-se que as equações ajustadas via método de Gauss Newton modificado conduziram a uma maior exatidão nas estimativas, apresentando boa concordância com os dados experimentais obtidos nos ensaios de carregamento dinâmico, indicando sua utilização para estimar a curva carga-recalque e a capacidade de carga em estacas de madeira.

  18. À espera da seca que vem: capacidade adaptativa em comunidades rurais do semiárido

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    Ansu Mancal

    Full Text Available Este artigo avalia a disponibilidade de recursos necessários para criação de capacidade adaptativa em comunidades rurais do semiárido brasileiro. A pesquisa utiliza dados primários obtidos por meio de aplicação de questionários. Dada a grande extensão geográfica da região, adota-se como recorte uma amostra de comunidades rurais inseridas em áreas susceptíveis à desertificação no Estado do Ceará. A discussão é feita a partir de um sistema de indicadores definido por meio de consultas a especialistas (método Delphi e subdividido em quatro dimensões da capacidade adaptativa: capital social, capital econômico, capital humano e capital natural, pressupondo que a capacidade adaptativa é definida pela disponibilidade de um conjunto de recursos capazes de promover o bem-estar local. A análise da distribuição dos indicadores selecionados mostra que as comunidades possuem baixos níveis de recursos necessários para adaptação, sendo que os pontos mais críticos são destacados na dimensão de capital humano. No contexto observado acredita-se que as ações governamentais que poderiam melhorar a capacidade adaptativa das comunidades rurais do semiárido em relação às secas não encontram ambiente social propício para expressarem seu potencial, sendo o maior desafio a adoção de estratégias integradas de educação e capacitação da população que atuem de forma transversal em todas as políticas voltadas para o desenvolvimento local.

  19. Determinantes de la capacidad de innovación en PYMES regionales Determinants of innovativeness in regional SMES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Maria Fernández-Jardón

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available DOI: 10.5902/198346597689La capacidad de innovación es una competencia distintiva que permite innovar y, en consecuencia, potencia la competitividad, especialmente en las pequeñas y medianas empresas (PYME. Dicha capacidad se ve condicionada por factores internos y externos. Este artículo analiza como combina la empresa dichos factores para mejorar la capacidad de innovación. Por un lado, la empresa genera una competencia distintiva denominada gestión de los recursos humanos y tecnológicos a partir del capital intelectual interno. Por otro lado, organiza otra competencia distintiva denominada gestión de los recursos y relaciones territoriales a partir de los recursos tangibles asociados al territorio y del capital intelectual fruto de las relaciones con el entorno. Mediante técnicas de Mínimos cuadrados parciales aplicados  en una muestra de pequeñas y medianas empresas en una región del noroeste de España se demuestra que ambos factores influyen en la capacidad de innovación. Este estudio contribuye a delimitar cuales son los factores que potencian la capacidad de innovación y como la empresa asocia esos factores, indicando cual es el proceso de construcción de competencias básicas para mejorar su capacidad de innovación. Como consecuencia, sugiere elementos de reflexión para elaborar políticas de apoyo a la innovación empresarial.The innovativeness is a core competence to innovate and therefore enhancing competitiveness, especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs. This capability is constrained by internal and external factors. This article discusses how the company combines these factors to improve innovativeness. First, the company generates a core competence called human resource management and technology from internal intellectual capital. Furthermore, the company organizes another core competence called resource management and territorial relations from tangible resources associated with intellectual capital

  20. Correlation between the Doppler velocimetry findings of the uterine arteries during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy Correlação entre os achados doppplervelocimétricos das artérias uterinas no primeiro e segundo trimestres da gestação

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adolfo Wenjaw Liao

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the feasibility of transvaginal uterine artery Doppler examination in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, establish reference ranges in a Brazilian population and examine the correlation between these Doppler findings. METHODS: Longitudinal prospective study at the antenatal clinic of a tertiary teaching hospital. Uterine artery Doppler examinations were carried out transvaginally at 11 to 14 weeks and 20 to 25 weeks of gestation. Uterine artery mean pulsatility index (PI distributions were determined and the presence or absence of an early diastolic notch was also noted. The degree of correlation between first and second trimester Doppler findings was examined. RESULTS: Three hundred and forty four women with live singleton pregnancies and normal outcome were first examined at a mean gestation of 12.7 weeks. The values corresponding to the 50th and 95th centiles of mean PI were 1.69 and 2.48. Bilateral notches were observed in 44% of cases and unilateral notches were present in 19%. Second trimester Doppler examinations were carried out at a mean gestation of 23.2 weeks and corresponding figures for the 50th and 95th centiles were 1.03 and 1.57. Bilateral notches were noted in 4.4% of the cases. First trimester impedance indices were significantly higher and positively correlated to second trimester findings (r = 0.42, pOBJETIVO: Avaliar a aplicabilidade de realizar exames dopplervelocimétricos endovaginais das artérias uterinas no primeiro e segundo trimestres da gestação, definir valores normais na população brasileira e examinar a correlação entre esses achados. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo longitudinal conduzido em Hospital Universitário Terciário. Os exames dopplervelocimétricos das artérias uterinas foram realizados pela via endovaginal, entre 11 a 14 semanas e 20 a 25 semanas de gestação. Em cada período gestacional estudado, a distribuição dos valores dos índices de pulsatilidade (IP m

  1. Capacidades de investigación sobre determinantes sociales de la salud en Brasil, Colombia y México

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Elis Borde

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: analizar las capacidades de investigación sobre determinantes sociales y determinación social de los procesos salud-enfermedad (dss en Brasil, Colombia y México con base en los sistemas nacionales de ciencia, tecnología e innovación (sncti y la producción científica sobre dss (2005- 2012 de cada país. Metodología: se realiza un estudio exploratorio a partir de revisión de literatura, consulta de plataformas nacionales de cada sncti, entrevistas y foros de consulta, contemplando las siguientes categorías de estudio para de analizar las capacidades de: 1. Producción científica, formación de investigadores y políticas relativas a capacidades de investigación; 2. Redes de colaboración; 3. Infraestructura para la investigación y 4. Producción y apropiación social del conocimiento. Resultados y discusión: La investigación sobre dss se divulga principalmente en revistas científicas de circulación nacional, en Brasil y Colombia, mientras que en México se publica principalmente en revistas extranjeras. Los tres países cuentan con sncti consolidados, sin embargo, son escasos los montos de financiamiento para investigación sobre dss. Conclusiones: es necesario articular acciones de fortalecimiento de capacidades de investigación, fortaleciendo redes y posicionando los dss en agendas estratégicas.

  2. Matching of sarcoplasmic reticulum and contractile properties in rat fast- and slow-twitch muscle fibres.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Trinh, Huong H; Lamb, Graham D

    2006-07-01

    1. The twitch characteristics (fast-twitch or slow-twitch) of skeletal muscle fibres are determined not only by the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, but also by the time-course of Ca2+ release and re-uptake by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The present study examined, in individual fibres from non-transforming muscle of the rat, whether particular SR properties are matched to the contractile apparatus properties of the fibre, in particular in the case of fibres with fast-twitch contractile apparatus located in a slow-twitch muscle, namely the soleus. 2. Force was recorded in single, mechanically skinned fibres from extensor digitorum longus (EDL), gastrocnemius, peroneus longus and soleus muscles. Using repeated cycles in which the SR was emptied of all releasable Ca2+ and then reloaded, it was possible to determine the relative amount of Ca2+ present in the SR endogenously, the maximum SR capacity and the rate of Ca2+ loading. The sensitivity of the contractile apparatus to Ca2+ and Sr2+ was used to classify the fibres as fast-twitch (FT), slow-twitch (ST) or mixed (fibres examined) and thereby identify the likely troponin C and myosin heavy chain types present. 3. There was no significant difference in SR properties between the groups of FT fibres obtained from the four different muscles, including soleus. Despite some overlap in the SR properties of individual fibres between the FT and ST groups, the properties of the FT fibres in all four muscles studied were significantly different from those of the ST and mixed fibres. 4. In general, in FT fibres the SR had a larger capacity and the endogenous Ca2+ content was a relatively lower percentage of maximum compared with ST fibres. Importantly, in terms of their SR properties, FT fibres from soleus muscle more closely resembled FT fibres from other muscles than they did ST fibres from soleus muscle.

  3. La relación entre la capacidad de atencion dividida y la estimación prospectiva del tiempo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Susana Celeste Azzollini

    2004-01-01

    Full Text Available Se realizó una investigación cuyo objetivo fue determinar si la capacidad de atención dividida resultaba explicativa de la variabilidad de las estimaciones prospectivas del tiempo. Los modelos teóricos sobre dicha estimación postulan que los recursos atencionales de procesamiento están divididos entre un procesador temporal, que cuenta y almacena unidades temporales subjetivas (Subjective Temporal Units - STUs y otras actividades de procesamiento no temporal (Zakay, 1993. Se seleccionó una muestra de 36 estudiantes universitarios que fueron asignados al azar a cada una de las seis condiciones experimentales, determinadas por un diseño factorial 3 x 2, y sus factores básicos fueron: cantidad de tareas y niveles de complejidad del material. Se confeccionaron materiales para las diferentes tareas y otros con el fin de evaluar las aptitudes mnémicas y la capacidad de atención dividida. Se solicitó a los sujetos que mientras realizaban las tareas, detuvieran un cronómetro cuando consideraran que había pasado un período de tiempo predeterminado. La estimación del tiempo se calculó por la diferencia en segundos entre el tiempo real y el tiempo estimado. Los datos se procesaron con análisis de correlación, discriminante y factorial de variancia. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la capacidad de atención dividida se correlaciona con la estimación temporal prospectiva y además, la capacidad de atención dividida resulta un buen predictor de la capacidad estimativa de los sujetos, especialmente de los sobre-estimadores. Las diferencias en las aptitudes mnémicas no explicaron la variabilidad de las estimaciones prospectivas.

  4. Contribution of contractile state of the non-infarcted area to global ventricular performance after acute myocardial infarction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Nishimura, Tsunehiko; Yasuda, Tsunehiro; Gold, H.K.; Leinbach, R.C.; Boucher, C.A.; McKusick, K.A.; Strauss, H.W.

    1986-01-01

    To evaluate the regional contractile state of the non-infarcted zone and to determine the contribution of this area to left ventricular (LV) performance, 112 patients (42 anterior and 70 inferior infarction) with their first acute myocardial infarction were investigated by radionuclide ventriculography at admission and 10 days after admission. Wall motion at the non-infarcted area was defined as hyperkinetic, normal, or hypokinetic, if radial chord shortening had above normal, normal, or below normal values, respectively, by quantitative wall motion analysis. Hyperkinetic, normal, and hypokinetic wall motion of the non-infarcted area were observed in three (7 %), 12 (29 %), and 27 (64 %) patients in anterior infarction and 14 (20 %), 28 (40 %), and 28 (40 %) in inferior infarction, respectively. In the patients with hypokinetic wall motion at the non-infarcted area, the infarct involved more than 30 % of the left ventricle manifesting akinetic contractile segment (ACS), radial chord shortening in the infarcted area was severely depressed, and the incidence of multi-vessel involvement was higher compared with those with hyperkinetic or normal wall motion. In serial measurements, radial chord shortening in the infarcted and non-infarcted area, percent ACS, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left ventricular end-diastolic volume index did not change significantly from acute to follow-up study in any group. In conclusion, our data indicated that the non-infarcted area following acute infarction had various contractile states and these conditions were determined primarily by the severity and extent of infarct and underlying coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the contractile state of the non-infarcted area has a supplemental role in determination of LV function following acute infarction. (author)

  5. A influência da capacidade de aprendizado, da criatividade organizacional, da orientação empreendedora internacional, da capacidade tecnológica e da capacidade de reconfiguração na habilidade em desenvolvimento de novos produtos

    OpenAIRE

    Panizzon, Mateus

    2016-01-01

    Em um contexto de globalização, com a intensificação do desenvolvimento econômico baseado em conhecimento, inovação e criatividade como fontes de valor agregado, empresas buscam continuamente vantagem competitiva sustentável em ambientes de mudança e turbulência. Deste modo, a agenda de pesquisa teórica nos campos das Capacidades Dinâmicas Baseadas em Conhecimento, Criatividade Organizacional, Orientação Empreendedora Internacional e Desenvolvimento de Novos Produtos motiva novos estudos e re...

  6. The effects of space flight on the contractile apparatus of antigravity muscles: implications for aging and deconditioning

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baldwin, K. M.; Caiozzo, V. J.; Haddad, F.; Baker, M. J.; Herrick, R. E.

    1994-01-01

    Previous studies have shown that the unloading of skeletal muscle, as occurring during exposure to space flight, exerts a profound effect on both the mass (cross sectional area) of skeletal muscle fibers and the relative expression of protein isoforms comprising the contractile system. Available information suggests that slow (type I) fibers, comprising chiefly the antigravity muscles of experimental animals, in addition to atrophying, undergo alterations in the type of myosin heavy chain (MHC) expressed such that faster isoforms become concomitantly expressed in a sub-population of slow fibers when insufficient force-bearing activity is maintained on the muscle. Consequently, these transformations in both mass and myosin heavy chain phenotype could exert a significant impact on the functional properties of skeletal muscle as manifest in the strength, contractile speed, and endurance scope of the muscle. To further explore these issues, a study was performed in which young adult male rats were exposed to zero gravity for six days, following which, the antigravity soleus muscle was examined for a) contractile properties, determined in situ and b) isomyosin expression, as studied using biochemical, molecular biology, and histochemical/immunohistochemical techniques.

  7. Expressão da capacidade de empatia em bebês de 8 e 18 semanas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kornilia Hatzinikolaou

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available Este estudo investigou o padrão temporal e expressivo da capacidade de empatia em bebês de 8 e 18 semanas no contexto de interações face-face entre 90 duplas de mãe-bebê. As interações foram analisadas em tempo real e através de micro-análise. Alguns comportamentos infantis apresentaram maior probabilidade de fazerem parte do padrão expressivo da empatia do que outros. Ainda, o padrão expressivo se manifestou diferente em instâncias de empatia com emoções negativas e instâncias de empatia com emoções positivas comunicadas pela mãe. Em relação ao padrão temporal, observou-se que a manifestação da capacidade de empatia ocorreu dentro de um intervalo de tempo igual de ½ segundo antes e 1 segundo depois da mudança emocional da mãe. Os resultados indicam a necessidade de reavaliação das proposições tradicionais sobre as capacidades comunicativas precoces de bebês, e sugerem uma coerência entre os achados e as proposições teóricas contemporâneas na área da Psicologia Infantil.

  8. Smoothelin-B deficiency results in reduced arterial contractility, hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy in mice

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Rensen, Sander S.; Niessen, Petra M.; van Deursen, Jan M.; Janssen, Ben J.; Heijman, Edwin; Hermeling, Evelien; Meens, Merlijn; Lie, Natascha; Gijbels, Marion J.; Strijkers, Gustav J.; Doevendans, Pieter A.; Hofker, Marten H.; de Mey, Jo G. R.; van Eys, Guillaume J.

    2008-01-01

    Smoothelins are actin-binding proteins that are abundantly expressed in healthy visceral (smoothelin-A) and vascular (smoothelin-B) smooth muscle. Their expression is strongly associated with the contractile phenotype of smooth muscle cells. Analysis of mice lacking both smoothelins (Smtn-A/B(-/-)

  9. New insights into roles of acidocalcisomes and contractile vacuole complex in osmoregulation in protists.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Docampo, Roberto; Jimenez, Veronica; Lander, Noelia; Li, Zhu-Hong; Niyogi, Sayantanee

    2013-01-01

    While free-living protists are usually subjected to hyposmotic environments, parasitic protists are also in contact with hyperosmotic habitats. Recent work in one of these parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, has revealed that its contractile vacuole complex, which usually collects and expels excess water as a mechanism of regulatory volume decrease after hyposmotic stress, has also a role in cell shrinking when the cells are submitted to hyperosmotic stress. Trypanosomes also have an acidic calcium store rich in polyphosphate (polyP), named the acidocalcisome, which is involved in their response to osmotic stress. Here, we review newly emerging insights on the role of acidocalcisomes and the contractile vacuole complex in the cellular response to hyposmotic and hyperosmotic stresses. We also review the current state of knowledge on the composition of these organelles and their other roles in calcium homeostasis and protein trafficking. © 2013, Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

  10. Proposta de utilização da técnica de contagem como preditor da capacidade vital lenta em indivíduos hospitalizados

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Aline Cabral Palmeira

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO:avaliar se existe correlação entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação, mais especificamente pela técnica de contagem numérica e se é possível a partir do tempo máximo de fonação estimar a capacidade vital lenta em indivíduos hospitalizados.MÉTODOS:trata-se de um estudo do tipo transversal, crossover e a escolha das técnicas (espirometria e técnica de contagem numérica foram realizadas de forma randomizada (sorteio simples. A capacidade vital lenta foi mensurada por meio da espirometria e o tempo máximo de fonação foi avaliado a partir da técnica de contagem numérica.RESULTADOS:participaram da pesquisa 221 pacientes hospitalizados. Foi verificada uma correlação positiva entre a capacidade vital lenta e o tempo máximo de fonação avaliados de forma absoluta (r = 0,75; p < 0,001 e relativa (r = 0,76; p < 0,001. A partir da regressão linear simples dos dados, foram verificados equações das retas analisadas de forma absoluta, Capacidade vital lenta = 55 Técnica de contagem numérica + 735 (r2= 0,56; p < 0,0001 e relativa, Capacidade vital lenta = 0,84 Técnica de contagem numérica + 14 (r2= 0,57; p < 0,0001.CONCLUSÕES:os resultados obtidos nesta pesquisa mostraram uma boa correlação entre as técnicas avaliadas, sendo possível estimar a capacidade vital lenta a partir da técnica de contagem numérica em indivíduos hospitalizados.

  11. Occupational stress and work capacity of nurses of a hospital group Estrés laboral y capacidad para el trabajo de enfermeros de un grupo hospitalario Estresse laboral e capacidade para o trabalho de enfermeiros de um grupo hospitalar

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Christian Negeliskii

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available The study aimed to evaluate the relationship between occupational stress and the work capacity index of 368 nurses (82.1% of the population of a Hospital Group. A questionnaire with socio-occupational questions was used as well as two scales: the Job Stress Scale and the Work Capacity Index. The group of nurses was predominantly female (93.2%, worked in care activities (63.9%, had undertaken at least one Postgraduate course (76% and were satisfied with the unit where they worked (70.5%. Occupational stress was present in 23.6% of the nurses, of these 15.2% presented High Strain work and 8.4% Passive Work. Social Support exercised a significant positive influence on all groups - exposed or not to occupational stress. Regarding the Work Capacity, this was Moderate (28-36 points for 51.4% of the nurses and Good (37-43 points for 47.4%. There was no correlation between stress and work capacity.Se trata de un estudio con objetivo de evaluar la relación entre el estrés laboral y el índice de capacidad para el trabajo de 368 enfermeros (82,1% de la población de un Grupo Hospitalario. Se utilizó un cuestionario con cuestiones socio ocupacionales y dos escalas: la Job Stress Scale y el Índice de Capacidad para el Trabajo. El grupo de enfermeros es predominantemente femenino (93,2%, trabaja en actividades asistenciales (63,9%, posee por lo menos un curso de posgraduación (76% y está satisfecho con la unidad donde trabaja (70,5%. El estrés laboral está presente en 23,6% de los enfermeros, de estos 15,2% presentan Alta Exigencia en el trabajo y 8,4% Trabajo Pasivo. El Apoyo Social ejerce influencia positiva significativa sobre todos los grupos expuestos y no expuestos al estrés laboral. En cuanto a la Capacidad para el Trabajo, está es Moderada (28-36 puntos para 51,4% de los enfermeros y Buena (37-43 puntos para 47,4%. No se encontró correlación entre el estrés y la capacidad para el trabajo.Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a rela

  12. Contractile profile of esophageal and gastric fundus strips in experimental doxorubicin-induced esophageal atresia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    F.A. Capeto

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available Esophageal atresia (EA is characterized by esophageal and gastric motility changes secondary to developmental and postsurgical damage. This study evaluated the in vitro contractile profile of the distal esophagus and gastric fundus in an experimental model of EA induced by doxorubicin (DOXO. Wistar pregnant rats received DOXO 2.2 mg/kg on the 8th and 9th gestational days. On day 21.5, fetuses were collected, sacrificed, and divided into groups: control, DOXO without EA (DOXO-EA, and DOXO with EA (DOXO+EA. Strips from the distal esophagus and gastric fundus were mounted on a wire myograph and isolated organ-bath system, respectively, and subjected to increasing concentrations of carbamylcholine chloride (carbachol, CCh. The isolated esophagus was also stimulated with increasing concentrations of KCl. In esophagus, the concentration-effect curves were reduced in response to CCh in the DOXO+EA and DOXO-EA groups compared to the control group (P0.05. In response to KCl, the distal esophagus samples in the three groups were not statistically different with regard to Emax or EC50 values (P>0.05. No significant difference was noted for EC50 or Emax values in fundic strips stimulated with CCh (P>0.05. In conclusion, exposure of dams to DOXO during gestation inhibited the contractile behavior of esophageal strips from offspring in response to CCh but not KCl, regardless of EA induction. The gastric fundus of DOXO-exposed offspring did not have altered contractile responsiveness to cholinergic stimulation.

  13. Altered Ca fluxes and contractile state during pH changes in cultured heart cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kim, D.; Smith, T.W.

    1987-01-01

    The authors studied mechanisms underlying changes in myocardial contractile state produced by intracellular (pH/sub i/) or extracellular (pH 0 ) changes in pH using cultured chick embryo ventricular cells. A change in pH 0 of HEPES-buffered medium from 7.4 to 6.0 or to 8.8 changed the amplitude of cell motion by -85 or +60%, and 45 Ca uptake at 10 s by -29 or +22%, respectively. The pH 0 induced change in Ca uptake was not sensitive to nifedipine but was Na gradient dependent. Changes in pH/sub i/ produced by NH 4 Cl or preincubation in media at pH values ranging from 6.0 to 8.8 failed to alter significantly 45 Ca uptake or efflux. However, larger changes in pH/sub i/ were associated with altered Ca uptake. Changes in pH 0 from 7.5 to 6.0 or to 8.8 were associated with initial changes in 45 Ca efflux by +17 or -18%, respectively, and these effects were not Na dependent. Exposure of cells to 20 mM NH 4 Cl produced intracellular alkalinization and a positive inotropic effect, whereas subsequent removal of NH 4 Cl caused intracellular acidification and a negative inotropic effect. There was, however, a lack of close temporal relationships between pH/sub i/ and contractile state. These results indicated that pH 0 -induced changes in contractile state in cultured heart cells are closely correlated with altered transarcolemmal Ca movements and presumably are due to these Ca flux changes

  14. Contractile responses to ergotamine and dihydroergotamine in the perfused middle cerebral artery of rat

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tfelt-Hansen, Peer; Nilsson, Elisabeth; Edvinsson, Lars

    2007-01-01

    mmHg and luminally perfused. All vessels used attained spontaneous contractile tone (34.9+/-1.8% of resting tone) and responded to luminal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) with dilatation (24.1+/-4.0%), which showed functioning endothelium. Luminally added ergotamine or DHE induced maximal contractions...

  15. EVALUACIÓN DE LA CAPACIDAD PROTECTORA DE RECUBRIMIENTOS Ni-SiC y Ni-Co-W DEPOSITADOS POR PROYECCIÓN TÉRMICA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    JUAN E. MONTOYA

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available Recubrimientos de aleaciones de alto contenido de níquel, níquel-cobalto-tungsteno y carburo de silicio-níquel fueron depositados mediante rociado térmico y se estudió la capacidad de dichos recubrimientos para proteger un sustrato de acero de la corrosión en un medio agresivo. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que los recubrimientos realizados, a pesar de su porosidad, tienen la capacidad de aislar y proteger al sustrato de sustancias liquidas corrosivas, debido a que la porosidad de los depósitos es aislada y por lo tanto dificulta la difusión de dichas sustancias a través del recubrimiento. Los resultados permiten establecer que el recubrimiento monocapa de níqueltiene buena capacidad de proteger al sustrato y que los sistemas bicapa (níquel / níquel cobalto-tungsteno y tricapa (níquel, / níquel-cobalto-tungsteno / carburo de silicio-níquel, mejoran aún más la capacidad protectora del recubrimiento.

  16. Cellular contractility and substrate elasticity: a numerical investigation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell adhesion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ronan, William; Deshpande, Vikram S; McMeeking, Robert M; McGarry, J Patrick

    2014-04-01

    Numerous experimental studies have established that cells can sense the stiffness of underlying substrates and have quantified the effect of substrate stiffness on stress fibre formation, focal adhesion area, cell traction, and cell shape. In order to capture such behaviour, the current study couples a mixed mode thermodynamic and mechanical framework that predicts focal adhesion formation and growth with a material model that predicts stress fibre formation, contractility, and dissociation in a fully 3D implementation. Simulations reveal that SF contractility plays a critical role in the substrate-dependent response of cells. Compliant substrates do not provide sufficient tension for stress fibre persistence, causing dissociation of stress fibres and lower focal adhesion formation. In contrast, cells on stiffer substrates are predicted to contain large amounts of dominant stress fibres. Different levels of cellular contractility representative of different cell phenotypes are found to alter the range of substrate stiffness that cause the most significant changes in stress fibre and focal adhesion formation. Furthermore, stress fibre and focal adhesion formation evolve as a cell spreads on a substrate and leading to the formation of bands of fibres leading from the cell periphery over the nucleus. Inhibiting the formation of FAs during cell spreading is found to limit stress fibre formation. The predictions of this mutually dependent material-interface framework are strongly supported by experimental observations of cells adhered to elastic substrates and offer insight into the inter-dependent biomechanical processes regulating stress fibre and focal adhesion formation.

  17. The effect of exercise hypertrophy and disuse atrophy on muscle contractile properties: a mechanomyographic analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Than, Christian; Tosovic, Danijel; Seidl, Laura; Mark Brown, J

    2016-12-01

    To determine whether mechanomyographic (MMG) determined contractile properties of the biceps brachii change during exercise-induced hypertrophy and subsequent disuse atrophy. Healthy subjects (mean ± SD, 23.7 ± 2.6 years, BMI 21.8 ± 2.4, n = 19) performed unilateral biceps curls (9 sets × 12 repetitions, 5 sessions per week) for 8 weeks (hypertrophic phase) before ceasing exercise (atrophic phase) for the following 8 weeks (non-dominant limb; treatment, dominant limb; control). MMG measures of muscle contractile properties (contraction time; T c , maximum displacement; D max , contraction velocity; V c ), electromyographic (EMG) measures of muscle fatigue (median power frequency; MPF), strength measures (maximum voluntary contraction; MVC) and measures of muscle thickness (ultrasound) were obtained. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA showed significant differences (P muscle thickness was greater than control, reflecting gross hypertrophy. MMG variables Dmax (weeks 2, 7) and Vc (weeks 7, 8) declined. During the atrophic phase, MVC (weeks 9-12) and muscle thickness (weeks 9, 10) initially remained high before declining to control levels, reflecting gross atrophy. MMG variables D max (weeks 9, 14) and V c (weeks 9, 14, 15) also declined during the atrophic phase. No change in T c was found throughout the hypertrophic or atrophic phases. MMG detects changes in contractile properties during stages of exercise-induced hypertrophy and disuse atrophy suggesting its applicability as a clinical tool in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

  18. EXERCISE PERFORMANCE AND MUSCLE CONTRACTILE PROPERTIES AFTER CREATINE MONOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTATION IN AEROBIC-ANAEROBIC TRAINING RATS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nickolay Boyadjiev

    2007-12-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation on exercise performance and contractile variables in aerobic-anaerobic training rats. Twenty 90-day-old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into two groups - creatine (Cr and controls (K. The creatine group received creatine monohydrate as a nutritional supplement, whereas the control group was given placebo. Both groups were trained 5 days a week on a treadmill for 20 days in a mixed (aerobic-anaerobic metabolic working regimen (27 m·min-1, 15% elevation for 40 min. The exercise performance (sprint-test, contractile properties (m. tibialis anterior, oxidative enzyme activity (SDH, LDH, NADH2 in m. soleus and blood hematological and chemical variables were assessed in the groups at the end of the experiment. It was found out that creatine supplementation improved the exercise performance after 20 days of administration in a dose of 60 mg per day on the background of a mixed (aerobic-anaerobic exercise training. At the end of the trial the Cr-group demonstrated better values for the variables which characterize the contractile properties of m. tibialis anterior containing predominantly types IIA and IIB muscle fibers. On the other hand, a higher oxidative capacity was found out in m. soleus (type I muscle fibers as a result of 20-day creatine supplementation. No side effects of creatine monohydrate supplementation were assessed by the hematological and blood biochemical indices measured in this study

  19. Influence of intracellular acidosis on contractile function in the working rat heart

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jeffrey, F.M.H.; Malloy, C.R.; Radda, G.K.

    1987-01-01

    The decrease in myocardial contractility during ischemia, hypoxia, and extracellular acidosis has been attributed to intracellular acidosis. Previous studies of the relationship between pH and contractile state have utilized respiratory or metabolic acidosis to alter intracellular pH. The authors developed a model in the working perfused rat heart to study the effects of intracellular acidosis with normal external pH and optimal O 2 delivery. Intracellular pH and high-energy phosphates were monitored by 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Hearts were perfused to a steady state with a medium containing 10 mM NH 4 Cl. Acidosis induced a substantial decrease in aortic flow and stroke volume which was associated with little change in peak systolic pressure. It was concluded that (1) for the same intracellular acidosis the influence on tension development was more pronounced with a combined extra- and intracellular acidosis than with an isolated intracellular acidosis, and (2) stroke volume at constant preload was impaired by intracellular acidosis even though changes in developed pressure were minimal. These observations suggest that isolated intracellular acidosis has adverse effects on diastolic compliance and/or relaxation

  20. EFFECT OF HYDROGEN SULFIDE ON ATRIUM CONTRACTILITY IN CONTROL AND DIABETHIC MICE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. S. Lifanova

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Hydrogen sulfide (H2S is endogenously synthesized gasotransmitter that has a regulatory effect in cardiovascular system. Diabetes mellitus leads to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, so the purpose of the study was to analyze the contractility of the atria mice after application of L-cysteine and H2S. Contractile activity of the myocardium was investigated in the experiment on isolated mouse atria. Alloxan was used for modeling diabetes. Intraperitoneal injection of alloxan resulted in a significant increase of glucose concentration in blood, whereas the concentration of glucose didn’t change at the injection of physiological solution. In control, the addition of NaHS resulted in a significant dose-dependent decrease of the amplitude of contraction of the myocardium, whereas the negative inotropic effect of NaHS was significantly lower in terms of modeling diabetes compare to control conditions. In the control, L-cysteine reduced the amplitude contractions significantly, whereas L-cysteine did not lead to significant changes in the amplitude of contractions in terms of modeling diabetes. These data indicate that the sensitivity of mice’s atria reduced for H2S and L-cysteine in diabetes mellitus.

  1. Hysteroscopic sterilization with occlusion of sheep uterine tube using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive Esterilização histeroscópica com oclusão da tuba uterina de ovelha com adesivo de n-butil-2-cianoacrilato

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sergio Bigolin

    2007-10-01

    Full Text Available PURPOSE: To evaluate the fertility and analyze the macroscopic, microscopic and morphometric aspects of sheep uterine tube sterilization with a hysteroscopically insert of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate adhesive. METHODS: 12 adult sheep, with one previous pregnancy, were distributed as follows: group L (n=3 subjected to laparotomy and Pomeroy uterine tube ligation, group S (n=3 subjected to hysteroscopic application of saline solution in tube isthmus and group AD(n=6, that was subjected to hysteroscopic application of 0.5 ml of n-2-butil-cyanoacrylate in tube isthmus. They were mated with fertile males for ninety days. The non pregnant sheep, at the 90th day, were subjected to laparotomy with uterus and tubes uterine resection. The fragments of uterine tubes were fixated in 10% formalin and processes for histology evaluated, and slices dyes for H.E. Data were evaluated by Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: All sheep from groups L and AD did not get pregnant (0% in contrast with sheep from group S (100%; the adhesive remained integral in the uterine tube lumen. The percentual of adherences (66.6% and fibrosis responses (100% was significantly higher in the group L than group AD (0% (pOBJETIVO: Avaliar a fertilidade e aspectos macroscópicos, microscópicos e morfométricos da esterilização histeroscópica de tubas uterinas de ovelhas com o adesivo de n-butil-2-cianoacrilato. MÉTODOS: 12 ovelhas adultas, com uma prenhez anterior, foram distribuídas como segue: o grupo L (n=3 submetidas à laparotomia e laqueadura tipo Pomeroy, grupo S (n=3 submetidas à aplicação histeroscópica de solução salina no istmo tubário e grupo AD (n=6, com aplicação histeroscópica de 0,5 ml de cianoacrilato. As ovelhas foram acasaladas com machos de comprovada fertilidade por noventa dias. As ovelhas não prenhes aos 90 dias, foram submetidas à laparotomia com ressecção do útero e tubas uterinas, que foram fixadas em formalina 10%s e os

  2. Changes in muscle fiber contractility and extracellular matrix production during skeletal muscle hypertrophy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mendias, Christopher L; Schwartz, Andrew J; Grekin, Jeremy A; Gumucio, Jonathan P; Sugg, Kristoffer B

    2017-03-01

    Skeletal muscle can adapt to increased mechanical loads by undergoing hypertrophy. Transient reductions in whole muscle force production have been reported during the onset of hypertrophy, but contractile changes in individual muscle fibers have not been previously studied. Additionally, the extracellular matrix (ECM) stores and transmits forces from muscle fibers to tendons and bones, and determining how the ECM changes during hypertrophy is important in understanding the adaptation of muscle tissue to mechanical loading. Using the synergist ablation model, we sought to measure changes in muscle fiber contractility, collagen content, and cross-linking, and in the expression of several genes and activation of signaling proteins that regulate critical components of myogenesis and ECM synthesis and remodeling during muscle hypertrophy. Tissues were harvested 3, 7, and 28 days after induction of hypertrophy, and nonoverloaded rats served as controls. Muscle fiber specific force (sF o ), which is the maximum isometric force normalized to cross-sectional area, was reduced 3 and 7 days after the onset of mechanical overload, but returned to control levels by 28 days. Collagen abundance displayed a similar pattern of change. Nearly a quarter of the transcriptome changed over the course of overload, as well as the activation of signaling pathways related to hypertrophy and atrophy. Overall, this study provides insight into fundamental mechanisms of muscle and ECM growth, and indicates that although muscle fibers appear to have completed remodeling and regeneration 1 mo after synergist ablation, the ECM continues to be actively remodeling at this time point. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study utilized a rat synergist ablation model to integrate changes in single muscle fiber contractility, extracellular matrix composition, activation of important signaling pathways in muscle adaption, and corresponding changes in the muscle transcriptome to provide novel insight into the basic

  3. Definición y cálculo de la capacidad ambiental de una vía urbana

    OpenAIRE

    Aguilar Rovira, Mª del Mar

    2005-01-01

    Durante décadas se ha trabajado en las ciudades con volúmenes de tráfico relacionados con la capacidad física de los carriles destinados a la circulación, entendida como la máxima utilización del espacio viario disponible. La capacidad física va ligada al detrimento de necesidades de espacio para peatones, cilcistas y pasajeros de autobuses, además de contribuir a la contaminación atmosférica, acústica y a la accidentalidad que atenta contra la calidad y la movilidad urbana. Por eso define...

  4. Compreender o Agir Organizacional para Construção de Capacidades Dinâmicas: uma análise exploratória

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luciano Munck

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-8077.2015v17n42p131 Neste estudo, de caráter bibliográfico, inter-relaciona-se as características de um fenômeno – capacidades dinâmicas – a outro fenômeno – o agir social organizacional. O objetivo é fundamentar um modelo interpretativo do processo cíclico de construção das capacidades dinâmicas pelos agentes sociais em seu agir organizacional. A partir da discussão teórica realizada, argumenta-se que os processos de ações e de decisões realizados pelos gestores em seu agir organizacional, pautando-se pelo fator ético e racional, são elementares para a construção de um processo cíclico das capacidades dinâmicas. Considerando esse argumento, questiona-se a prerrogativa de que as organizações são dependentes de recursos fixos para enfrentarem as transformações do ambiente. Para tanto, articulou-se o entendimento de que o uso das capacidades dinâmicas internalizadas nas práticas dos agentes sociais torna-se meio para se aperfeiçoar a aprendizagem organizacional oriunda dos processos decisórios. Por fim, contribui-se com a sistematização de um modelo interpretativo do processo cíclico de construção das capacidades dinâmicas pelos agentes sociais em seu agir organizacional.

  5. Cell density and actomyosin contractility control the organization of migrating collectives within an epithelium

    Science.gov (United States)

    Loza, Andrew J.; Koride, Sarita; Schimizzi, Gregory V.; Li, Bo; Sun, Sean X.; Longmore, Gregory D.

    2016-01-01

    The mechanisms underlying collective migration are important for understanding development, wound healing, and tumor invasion. Here we focus on cell density to determine its role in collective migration. Our findings show that increasing cell density, as might be seen in cancer, transforms groups from broad collectives to small, narrow streams. Conversely, diminishing cell density, as might occur at a wound front, leads to large, broad collectives with a distinct leader–follower structure. Simulations identify force-sensitive contractility as a mediator of how density affects collectives, and guided by this prediction, we find that the baseline state of contractility can enhance or reduce organization. Finally, we test predictions from these data in an in vivo epithelium by using genetic manipulations to drive collective motion between predicted migratory phases. This work demonstrates how commonly altered cellular properties can prime groups of cells to adopt migration patterns that may be harnessed in health or exploited in disease. PMID:27605707

  6. Perfusion-induced changes in cardiac contractility depend on capillary perfusion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dijkman, M A; Heslinga, J W; Sipkema, P; Westerhof, N

    1998-02-01

    The perfusion-induced increase in cardiac contractility (Gregg phenomenon) is especially found in heart preparations that lack adequate coronary autoregulation and thus protection of changes in capillary pressure. We determined in the isolated perfused papillary muscle of the rat whether cardiac muscle contractility is related to capillary perfusion. Oxygen availability of this muscle is independent of internal perfusion, and perfusion may be varied or even stopped without loss of function. Muscles contracted isometrically at 27 degrees C (n = 7). During the control state stepwise increases in perfusion pressure resulted in all muscles in a significant increase in active tension. Muscle diameter always increased with increased perfusion pressure, but muscle segment length was unaffected. Capillary perfusion was then obstructed by plastic microspheres (15 microns). Flow, at a perfusion pressure of 66.6 +/- 26.2 cmH2O, reduced from 17.6 +/- 5.4 microliters/min in the control state to 3.2 +/- 1.3 microliters/min after microspheres. Active tension developed by the muscle in the unperfused condition before microspheres and after microspheres did not differ significantly (-12.8 +/- 29.4% change). After microspheres similar perfusion pressure steps as in control never resulted in an increase in active tension. Even at the two highest perfusion pressures (89.1 +/- 28.4 and 106.5 +/- 31.7 cmH2O) that were applied a significant decrease in active tension was found. We conclude that the Gregg phenomenon is related to capillary perfusion.

  7. Efecto de las estrategias competitivas y los recursos y capacidades orientados al mercado sobre el crecimiento de las organizaciones

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carmen Berenice Ynzunza Cortés

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available Este estudio analiza las relaciones entre las fuerzas de mercado, las estrategias competitivas, los recursos y capacidades orientados al mercado, así como el desempeño organizacional. La investigación se realizó en Pyme del sector industrial del estado de Querétaro, con un muestreo de conveniencia no probabilístico; asimismo, se diseñó un modelo estructural para probar las relaciones entre las variables, las cuales se analizaron con el software AMOS. El tamaño de muestra alcanzado fue de 116 y la recopilación de información se hizo mediante entrevistas. Las fuerzas de mercado, la estrategia competitiva y la orientación a mercado fueron medidas con las escalas de Kohly y Javorsky (1990, Segev (1987 y Narver y Slater (1990. Los ítems para el desempeño organizacional y los recursos de tecnología e innovación fueron diseñados. Los hallazgos prueban que las fuerzas de mercado tienen un impacto grande en la estrategia competitiva, el cual no es significativo sobre los recursos y capacidades, y es negativo respecto al desempeño, medido por el crecimiento organizacional. El efecto de la estrategia competitiva ha sido significativo sobre los recursos y capacidades de orientación a mercado, tecnología e innovación y no significativo respecto al desempeño. Estos recursos y capacidades influyen de manera significativa en el desempeño organizacional. Los resultados de este estudio enfatizan la implementación de estrategias prospectoras y analizadoras, que crean recursos y capacidades que den valor, con beneficios económicos para las empresas, así como los de orientación a mercado, tecnología e innovación. Estos hallazgos son consistentes con los encontrados en otras investigaciones realizadas en otros países.

  8. Influencia de la capacidad de absorción sobre la innovación: un análisis empírico en las mipymes colombianas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Hernán González-Campo

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available Este artículo analiza la capacidad de absorción como un constructo multidimensional y tiene como objetivo determinar la presencia de dicha capacidad en las mipymes colombianas y su relación con la innovación, siendo este uno de los primeros estudios en este campo realizados en Colombia. Partiendo de una muestra de 403 mipymes colombianas, se efectúa un análisis de conglomerados bietápico que permite probar que la capacidad de absorción no es un determinante de la innovación en estas empresas, y permite demostrar que la capacidad de absorción se desarrolla principalmente en las pequeñas empresas colombianas y los procesos de innovación están determinados por las estrategias competitivas asumidas por cada tipo de empresas.

  9. Enhanced basal contractility but reduced excitation-contraction coupling efficiency and beta-adrenergic reserve of hearts with increased Cav1.2 activity.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tang, Mingxin; Zhang, Xiaoying; Li, Yingxin; Guan, Yinzheng; Ai, Xiaojie; Szeto, Christopher; Nakayama, Hiroyuki; Zhang, Hongyu; Ge, Shuping; Molkentin, Jeffery D; Houser, Steven R; Chen, Xiongwen

    2010-08-01

    Cardiac remodeling during heart failure development induces a significant increase in the activity of the L-type Ca(2+) channel (Cav1.2). However, the effects of enhanced Cav1.2 activity on myocyte excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling, cardiac contractility, and its regulation by the beta-adrenergic system are not clear. To recapitulate the increased Cav1.2 activity, a double transgenic (DTG) mouse model overexpressing the Cavbeta2a subunit in a cardiac-specific and inducible manner was established. We studied cardiac (in vivo) and myocyte (in vitro) contractility at baseline and upon beta-adrenergic stimulation. E-C coupling efficiency was evaluated in isolated myocytes as well. The following results were found: 1) in DTG myocytes, L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) density, myocyte fractional shortening (FS), peak Ca(2+) transients, and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca(2+) content (caffeine-induced Ca(2+) transient peak) were significantly increased (by 100.8%, 48.8%, 49.8%, and 46.8%, respectively); and 2) cardiac contractility evaluated with echocardiography [ejection fraction (EF) and (FS)] and invasive intra-left ventricular pressure (maximum dP/dt and -dP/dt) measurements were significantly greater in DTG mice than in control mice. However, 1) the cardiac contractility (EF, FS, dP/dt, and -dP/dt)-enhancing effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (2 microg/g body wt ip) was significantly reduced in DTG mice, which could be attributed to the loss of beta-adrenergic stimulation on contraction, Ca(2+) transients, I(Ca,L), and SR Ca(2+) content in DTG myocytes; and 2) E-C couplng efficiency was significantly lower in DTG myocytes. In conclusion, increasing Cav1.2 activity by promoting its high-activity mode enhances cardiac contractility but decreases E-C coupling efficiency and the adrenergic reserve of the heart.

  10. Testando o Modelo da Casa da Capacidade para o Trabalho entre profissionais do setor hospitalar

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Carmen Martinez

    Full Text Available RESUMO: Objetivo: Testar o Modelo da Casa da Capacidade para o Trabalho, verificando a hierarquia das dimensões propostas para um grupo de trabalhadores do setor hospitalar. Métodos: Estudo de coorte (2009-2011 conduzido com 599 trabalhadores de um hospital na cidade de São Paulo. Foi usado um formulário com questões sobre dados sociodemográficos, estilo de vida e condições de trabalho, e as versões brasileiras da Escala Estresse no Trabalho, Desequilíbrio Esforço-Recompensa, Work-Related Activities That May Contribute To Job-Related Pain and/or Injury e Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística hierárquica: as variáveis independentes foram alocadas em níveis de acordo com as dimensões do modelo teórico para avaliar os fatores associados ao comprometimento da capacidade para o trabalho (CT. Resultados: As variáveis associadas ao comprometimento da CT em cada dimensão foram: (a dimensão sociodemográfica: idade < 30 anos (p = 0,20, (b dimensão saúde: história de acidente de trabalho (p = 0,029, (c dimensão competência profissional: baixo nível educacional (p = 0,008, (d dimensão valores: intensificação do excesso de comprometimento (< 0,001, e (e dimensão trabalho: intensificação do desequilíbrio esforço-recompensa (p = 0,009 e das demandas elevadas (p = 0,040. Conclusão: Os resultados do estudo confirmaram as dimensões propostas para o Modelo da Casa da Capacidade para o Trabalho, indicando que ele é válido como representação de um construto multidimensional de determinação multicausal, podendo ser utilizado na gestão da CT.

  11. Contractile properties of motor units and expression of myosin heavy chain isoforms in rat fast-type muscle after volitional weight-lifting training.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Łochyński, Dawid; Kaczmarek, Dominik; Mrówczyński, Włodzimierz; Warchoł, Wojciech; Majerczak, Joanna; Karasiński, Janusz; Korostyński, Michał; Zoladz, Jerzy A; Celichowski, Jan

    2016-10-01

    Dynamic resistance training increases the force and speed of muscle contraction, but little is known about modifications to the contractile properties of the main physiological types of motor units (MUs) that contribute to these muscle adaptations. Although the contractile profile of MU muscle fibers is tightly coupled to myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression, it is not well understood if MyHC transition is a prerequisite for modifications to the contractile characteristics of MUs. In this study, we examined MU contractile properties, the mRNA expression of MyHC, parvalbumin, and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca 2+ pump isoforms, as well as the MyHC protein content after 5 wk of volitional progressive weight-lifting training in the medial gastrocnemius muscle in rats. The training had no effect on MyHC profiling or Ca 2+ -handling protein gene expression. Maximum force increased in slow (by 49%) and fast (by 21%) MUs. Within fast MUs, the maximum force increased in most fatigue-resistant and intermediate but not most fatigable MUs. Twitch contraction time was shortened in slow and fast fatigue-resistant MUs. Twitch half-relaxation was shortened in fast most fatigue-resistant and intermediate MUs. The force-frequency curve shifted rightward in fast fatigue-resistant MUs. Fast fatigable MUs fatigued less within the initial 15 s while fast fatigue-resistant units increased the ability to potentiate the force within the first minute of the standard fatigue test. In conclusion, at the early stage of resistance training, modifications to the contractile characteristics of MUs appear in the absence of MyHC transition and the upregulation of Ca 2+ -handling genes. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  12. Capacidades tecnológicas e suas implicações para performance técnica: a experiência de duas empresas de telefonia celular no Brasil

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rodrigo C. Araujo

    Full Text Available Este artigo examina as implicações da acumulação de capacidades tecnológicas para o aprimoramento da performance técnica em duas empresas de telefonia celular no Brasil. O estudo adotou uma perspectiva abrangente para capacidade tecnológica que vai além dos seus elementos convencionais, tais como sistemas técnico-físicos e capital humano, para captar a dimensão organizacional da capacidade tecnológica. Neste artigo examina-se atividade tecnológica - aquilo que a empresa é capaz de fazer tecnologicamente de maneira independente - como expressão da capacidade tecnológica. Para operacionalizar tal perspectiva, faz-se uso de uma métrica sistemática, compreensiva e calibrada para medir capacidade tecnológica na indústria de telefonia celular. A métrica identifica tipos e níveis de capacidades para três funções tecnológicas: (i gestão de projetos; (ii serviços; e (iii equipamentos. O artigo faz uso de vários indicadores de performance técnica em nível das empresas estudadas (1993-200. Este estudo baseia-se em evidências empíricas de primeira-mão coletadas por meio de múltiplas técnicas durante extensivo trabalho de campo. A maneira e a velocidade de acumulação de capacidade tecnológica jogaram um papel crucial no incremento da performance técnica das empresas. O estudo sugere que, em um ambiente de competição acirrada, onde a qualidade dos serviços ao usuário é uma condição crucial para sua permanência no mercado, as empresas são obrigadas a desenvolver capacidades tecnológica a uma velocidade rápida para garantirem a melhoria de sua performance técnica - e a sua própria sobrevivência.

  13. Persistencia y capacidad predictiva de márgenes y rotaciones. un análisis empírico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juan Monterrey

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available En el presente trabajo abordamos el estudio empírico de la persistencia y capacidad predictiva de los componentes margen y rotación de la rentabilidad. A partir de una amplia muestra de compañías españolas, hemos documentado cómo la persistencia de la rotación es superior a la del margen, y cómo los componentes anormales de margen y rotación son menos persistentes que sus componentes sectoriales. Con relación a la capacidad predictiva, nuestros hallazgos confirman que el poder de predicción del margen es más elevado que el de la rotación, aunque su persistencia sea menor. Al separar los componentes sectorial y anormal de margen y rotación hemos comprobado cómo los componentes anormales muestran una capacidad predictiva superior a los componentes sectoriales. Los análisis complementarios muestran el distinto poder predictivo según el signo positivo o negativo de márgenes y rotaciones anormales, y según el signo del resultado, así como la robustez de nuestros hallazgos.

  14. Effect of a crude sulfated polysaccharide from Halymenia floresia (Rhodophyta on gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractility

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Ronaldo Vasconcelos Graça

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this work was to study the effect of Halymenia floresia (Hf on duodenum contractility, and on experimental protocols of gastric compliance (GC in rats. Fraction Hf2s exhibited a concentration-dependent myocontractile effect (EC50 12.48 µg/ml, and an inhibitory effect after consecutive washing. The contractile response promoted by Hf2s in the duodenum strips was completely inhibited by verapamil, and the effects were prevented in the presence of Ca2+-free medium. The pretreatment with atropine prevented the Hf2s myocontractile effect. Hf2s was also capable to decrease the GC (from 3.8±0.06 to 3.4±0.13 ml, P<0.05, which did not return to basal levels after more 50 min of observation. These results indicated that the algal polysaccharide possessed in vitro and in vivo gastrointestinal effects.

  15. An Estimating Method of Contractile State Changes Come From Continuous Isometric Contraction of Skeletal Muscle

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, H.J.; Lee, S.J. [Wonkwang University, Iksan (Korea)

    2003-01-01

    In this study was proposed that a new estimating method for investigation of contractile state changes which generated from continuous isometric contraction of skeletal muscle. The physiological changes (EMG, ECG) and the psychological changes by CNS(central nervous system) were measured by experiments, while the muscle of subjects contracted continuously with isometric contraction in constant load. The psychological changes were represented as three-step-change named 'fatigue', 'pain' and 'sick(greatly pain)' from oral test, and the method which compared physiological change with psychological change on basis of these three steps was developed. The result of analyzing the physiological signals, EMG and ECG signal changes were observed at the vicinity of judging point in time of psychological changes. Namely, it is supposed that contractile states have three kind of states pattern (stable, fatigue, pain) instead of two states (stable, fatigue). (author). 24 refs., 7 figs.

  16. Dynamics of myosin II organization into cortical contractile networks and fibers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nie, Wei; Wei, Ming-Tzo; Ou-Yang, Daniel; Jedlicka, Sabrina; Vavylonis, Dimitrios

    2014-03-01

    The morphology of adhered cells critically depends on the formation of a contractile meshwork of parallel and cross-linked stress fibers along the contacting surface. The motor activity and mini-filament assembly of non-muscle myosin II is an important component of cell-level cytoskeletal remodeling during mechanosensing. To monitor the dynamics of myosin II, we used confocal microscopy to image cultured HeLa cells that stably express myosin regulatory light chain tagged with GFP (MRLC-GFP). MRLC-GFP was monitored in time-lapse movies at steady state and during the response of cells to varying concentrations of blebbistatin which disrupts actomyosin stress fibers. Using image correlation spectroscopy analysis, we quantified the kinetics of disassembly and reassembly of actomyosin networks and compared them to studies by other groups. This analysis suggested that the following processes contribute to the assembly of cortical actomyosin into fibers: random myosin mini-filament assembly and disassembly along the cortex; myosin mini-filament aligning and contraction; stabilization of cortical myosin upon increasing contractile tension. We developed simple numerical simulations that include those processes. The results of simulations of cells at steady state and in response to blebbistatin capture some of the main features observed in the experiments. This study provides a framework to help interpret how different cortical myosin remodeling kinetics may contribute to different cell shape and rigidity depending on substrate stiffness.

  17. Effects of Silodosin and Tamsulosin on the Seminal Vesicle Contractile Response.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hayashi, Tokumasa; Takeya, Mitsue; Nakamura, Kei-ichiro; Matsuoka, Kei

    2016-01-01

    To understand the mechanisms underlying ejaculation dysfunction caused by α1A-adrenocetor (AR) antagonists, the effects of α1A-AR antagonists on the contractile responses of the seminal vesicle were investigated. Isolated seminal vesicles from guinea pigs were cannulated and pressurized, and the changes in the intraluminal pressure were recorded. Periodic applications of electrical stimulation (ES) caused biphasic increase in the intraluminal pressure, that is, initial and subsequent contractions. The effects of silodosin and tamsulosin, α1A-AR antagonists, on the contractile responses were examined. The ES-induced biphasic contractions were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). Silodosin and tamsulosin suppressed the initial contractions in a dose-dependent manner, while also exerting various inhibitory effects on the subsequent contractions. Increases in the intraluminal pressure facilitated spontaneous phasic contractions. The spontaneous contractions were not affected by TTX or α1A-AR antagonists, but were abolished by nifedipine. The initial contractions triggered by neuronal excitations were suppressed by silodosin and tamsulosin, suggesting that the ejaculation dysfunction may be attributed to the α1A-AR antagonist-mediated suppression of nerve-evoked contractions in the seminal vesicle. The subsequent contractions may be induced by mechanical stimulation associated with the initial, nerve-evoked contractions. Alternatively, other transmitters may be involved to various degrees in the neuromuscular transmission of the seminal vesicle. © 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  18. Central hemodynamics and left-ventricural contractility in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and stable pulmonary hypertension: a radionuclide study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Paleev, N.R.; Malov, G.A.; Cherejskaya, N.K.; Oblovatskaya, O.G.; Tsar'kova, L.N.; Zil'berman, E.Eh.; Akademiya Meditsinskikh Nauk SSSR, Moscow. Inst. Serdechno-Sosudistoj Khirurgii)

    1987-01-01

    Systemic, central and intracardiac hemodynamics and left-ventricular contractility were studied radiocardiographically and radioventriculographically in 22 patients with stable pulmanory hypertension, developing in the presence of chronic obstructive pulmanory diseases. A tendency to increased circulating blood volume, significantly elevated end diastolic and end systolic indices, reduced total ejection fraction, and a tendency to decreased segmental ejection fractions were demonstrated. A significant reduction of the speed and percetage of left-ventricular myocardial circular fibre contraction is another evedence of incompetent left-ventricular contractility, in addition to the reduced ejection fraction

  19. Robust gap repair in the contractile ring ensures timely completion of cytokinesis.

    OpenAIRE

    Silva, AM; Osório, DS; Pereira, AJ; Maiato, H; Pinto, IM; Rubinstein, B; Gassmann, R; Telley, IA; Carvalho, AX

    2016-01-01

    Cytokinesis in animal cells requires the constriction of an actomyosin contractile ring, whose architecture and mechanism remain poorly understood. We use laser microsurgery to explore the biophysical properties of constricting rings in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. Laser cutting causes rings to snap open. However, instead of disintegrating, ring topology recovers and constriction proceeds. In response to severing, a finite gap forms and is repaired by recruitment of new material in an acti...

  20. The role of apical contractility in determining cell morphology in multilayered epithelial sheets and tubes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhen Tan, Rui; Lai, Tanny; Chiam, K.-H.

    2017-08-01

    A multilayered epithelium is made up of individual cells that are stratified in an orderly fashion, layer by layer. In such tissues, individual cells can adopt a wide range of shapes ranging from columnar to squamous. From histological images, we observe that, in flat epithelia such as the skin, the cells in the top layer are squamous while those in the middle and bottom layers are columnar, whereas in tubular epithelia, the cells in all layers are columnar. We develop a computational model to understand how individual cell shape is governed by the mechanical forces within multilayered flat and curved epithelia. We derive the energy function for an epithelial sheet of cells considering intercellular adhesive and intracellular contractile forces. We determine computationally the cell morphologies that minimize the energy function for a wide range of cellular parameters. Depending on the dominant adhesive and contractile forces, we find four dominant cell morphologies for the multilayered-layered flat sheet and three dominant cell morphologies for the two-layered curved sheet. We study the transitions between the dominant cell morphologies for the two-layered flat sheet and find both continuous and discontinuous transitions and also the presence of multistable states. Matching our computational results with histological images, we conclude that apical contractile forces from the actomyosin belt in the epithelial cells is the dominant force determining cell shape in multilayered epithelia. Our computational model can guide tissue engineers in designing artificial multilayered epithelia, in terms of figuring out the cellular parameters needed to achieve realistic epithelial morphologies.

  1. PLANIFICACIÓN JERÁRQUICA CON ANÁLISIS DE CARGA-CAPACIDAD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tulio Gerardo Motoa

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available

    La planificación jerárquica de múltiples proyectos, surge como una opción robusta y potente, para resolver el problema de gestión del sistema global. La propuesta se basa en la construcción de una estructura de descomposición-agregación de los proyectos y los recursos, con múltiples niveles, en la cual, los niveles más altos presentan los datos más agregados, con horizontes de tiempo más largos y los niveles inferiores son más detallados y con horizontes más cortos. Dentro del ámbito de la planificación jerárquica, el análisis de carga-capacidad pretende fundamentalmente mejorar la relación entre la oferta y la demanda de recursos en los procesos de planificación de proyectos, de tal manera que se garantice el cumplimiento de las fechas ya establecidas. Este análisis, se implementa midiendo algunos indicadores que reflejan el estado de la relación entre la carga y la capacidad y ejecutando un procedimiento de nivelación que avanza en el equilibrio de tal estado. El procedimiento de análisis se ha experimentado mediante un conjunto de proyectos generados aleatoriamente y los resultados son bastante buenos.

  2. TEORÍA DE LA MENTE EN NIÑOS PREESCOLARES: DIFERENCIAS ENTRE SEXOS Y CAPACIDAD DE MEMORIA DE TRABAJO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Michael Padilla-Mora

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available La teoría de la mente refiere a la habilidad para predecir y explicar el comportamiento de los demás, haciendo referencia a sus estados mentales internos, y es considerada como un aspecto fundamental del desarrollo cognitivo durante los años preescolares. Por otra parte, la capacidad de memoria de trabajo es un sistema que permite mantener en mente un determinado número de representaciones de manera simultánea, y también constituye una habilidad central para el desarrollo cognitivo de la población preescolar. En esta investigación se analizan las relaciones entre el desarrollo de la teoría de la mente y la capacidad de memoria de trabajo en 60 niños y niñas preescolares de entre 5 y 7 años, enfatizando posibles diferencias asociadas con el sexo de los participantes. Para la evaluación de la teoría de la mente se utilizaron 6 pruebas de falsa-creencia, mientras la capacidad de memoria de trabajo fue evaluada por medio de 2 tareas de señalamiento autoordenado. Los resultados revelan diferencias entre los sexos en el desarrollo de la teoría de la mente, y descartan la asociación entre esa misma habilidad y la capacidad de memoria de trabajo. Estos hallazgos se discuten en el contexto del debate actual respecto al de sarrollo de la teoría de la mente y las diferencias entre los sexos en el desarrollo cognitivo.

  3. Metodologia para avaliação ultrassonográfica da biometria uterina na fêmea bovina

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Víctor Gómez-L

    2017-07-01

    Full Text Available Objetivou-se avaliar uma metodologia para mensurar a espessura endometrial e diâmetro dos cornos uterinos. Para o qual, os cornos uterinos foram divididos em três regiões. A partir do septo intercornual até o início a curvatura maior, foi considerada a primeira região. A partir da curvatura maior até o início do ápice do corno segunda região, e extremidade livre do corna a terceira região. Mensurou-se a espessura endometrial e o diâmetro dos cornos em animais in vivo e nos órgãos genitais dos mesmos post mortem. Foram utilizadas cinco vacas sexualmente maturas da raça Holandesa, criadas em manejo Losing-House. Os dados quantitativos foram analisados pela ANOVA e as médias comparadas pelos testes de Tukey ou pela análise não paramétrica comparando as médias pelo teste de Kruskall Wallis. Os valores médios não apresentaram diferenças para as características avaliadas no animal in vivo comparadas aos obtidos post mortem (P>0,05. Nas mensurações obtidas, a terceira região mostrou valores médios semelhantes para diâmetro (21,0±2,6 mm - 22,9±2,8 mm e espessura endometrial de ambos cornos (10,4±4,9 mm - 10,8±5,2 mm. De igual forma os valores obtidos para espessura e diâmetro de ambos cornos uterinos da terceira região mostrou-se semelhante aos valores obtidos na segunda e primeira região. Já os valores da segunda região diferiram dos obtidos na primeira região (P<0,05. Dessa forma, a obtenção de imagens ultrassonográficas em cortes transversais e a mensuração das biometrias uterinas a partir da bifurcação até a curvatura maior, mostra-se eficiente e representativa da espessura endometrial e diâmetro dos cornos uterinos como um tudo.

  4. Towards a Tissue-Engineered Contractile Fontan-Conduit: The Fate of Cardiac Myocytes in the Subpulmonary Circulation.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniel Biermann

    Full Text Available The long-term outcome of patients with single ventricles improved over time, but remains poor compared to other congenital heart lesions with biventricular circulation. Main cause for this unfavourable outcome is the unphysiological hemodynamic of the Fontan circulation, such as subnormal systemic cardiac output and increased systemic-venous pressure. To overcome this limitation, we are developing the concept of a contractile extracardiac Fontan-tunnel. In this study, we evaluated the survival and structural development of a tissue-engineered conduit under in vivo conditions. Engineered heart tissue was generated from ventricular heart cells of neonatal Wistar rats, fibrinogen and thrombin. Engineered heart tissues started beating around day 8 in vitro and remained contractile in vivo throughout the experiment. After culture for 14 days constructs were implanted around the right superior vena cava of Wistar rats (n = 12. Animals were euthanized after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days postoperatively. Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed cardiomyocytes arranged in thick bundles within the engineered heart tissue-conduit. Immunostaining of sarcomeric actin, alpha-actin and connexin 43 revealed a well -developed cardiac myocyte structure. Magnetic resonance imaging (d14, n = 3 revealed no constriction or stenosis of the superior vena cava by the constructs. Engineered heart tissues survive and contract for extended periods after implantation around the superior vena cava of rats. Generation of larger constructs is warranted to evaluate functional benefits of a contractile Fontan-conduit.

  5. Myosin phosphorylation potentiates steady-state work output without altering contractile economy of mouse fast skeletal muscles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gittings, William; Bunda, Jordan; Vandenboom, Rene

    2018-01-30

    Skeletal myosin light chain kinase (skMLCK)-catalyzed phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (RLC) increases (i.e. potentiates) mechanical work output of fast skeletal muscle. The influence of this event on contractile economy (i.e. energy cost/work performed) remains controversial, however. Our purpose was to quantify contractile economy of potentiated extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles from mouse skeletal muscles with (wild-type, WT) and without (skMLCK ablated, skMLCK -/- ) the ability to phosphorylate the RLC. Contractile economy was calculated as the ratio of total work performed to high-energy phosphate consumption (HEPC) during a period of repeated isovelocity contractions that followed a potentiating stimulus (PS). Consistent with genotype, the PS increased RLC phosphorylation measured during, before and after isovelocity contractions in WT but not in skMLCK -/- muscles (i.e. 0.65 and 0.05 mol phosphate mol -1 RLC, respectively). In addition, although the PS enhanced work during repeated isovelocity contractions in both genotypes, the increase was significantly greater in WT than in skMLCK -/- muscles (1.51±0.03 versus 1.10±0.05, respectively; all data P economy calculated for WT muscles was similar to that calculated for skMLCK -/- muscles (i.e. 5.74±0.67 and 4.61±0.71 J kg -1  μmol -1 P, respectively ( P economy. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  6. Capacidad de carga estática en rodamientos. Normalización y tendencias.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. García Toll

    2007-01-01

    Full Text Available Para ilustrar la funcionalidad de la norma NC-ISO 76: 2006, establecida a partir de una adopción idéntica de la Norma ISO 76: 1987/ amd.1: 1999 (E “Cojinetes de Rodamiento – Capacidad de Carga Estática”, son mostradas las correspondencias entre las magnitudes de capacidad de carga estática declaradas en los catálogos técnicos de reconocidos fabricantes de rodamientos con los valores presentes en NC-ISO 76 y considerando diferentes geometrías de rodamientos radiales de bolas rígidos y de contacto angular, rodamientos axiales de bolas y rodamientos de rodillos cilíndricos. Adicionalmente, el estudio ha permitido establecer las dependencias entre la capacidad de carga nominal estática del rodamiento y algunos parámetros geométricos, como el diámetro del elemento rodante, el diámetro interior y la relación diámetro interior - diámetro exterior del cojinete.At the present time, Standard NC-ISO 76: 2006 is a national standard established as identical adoption of ISO standard 76:1987 / amd.1: 1999 (E "Rolling Bearings - Static Load Rating¨. In this sense, the static load rating of rolling bearings declared in technical catalogs of renowned bearing manufacturers and the basic static load rating according to calculation procedures stated in Standard NC-ISO 76 are compared. The evaluation has taken into account different geometries of radial groove ball bearings, angular contact ball bearings, thrust ball bearings and radial roller bearings. Additionally, they are established dependences between the static load rating of rolling bearings and the interior diameter of different types of radial and thrust bearings.

  7. Evaluación de la capacidad ferroviaria del corredor Bogotá – Belencito/An Assessment of Railway Capacity of Corridor Bogotá – Belencito

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Luis Gabriel Márquez Díaz

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Se aplican modelos analíticos para evaluar cuatro tipos de capacidad ferroviaria en siete tramos del corredor Bogotá - Belencito. Se identifica el cantón crítico de la red ferroviaria, lo mismo que el tramo de mayor capacidad. Se analiza la capacidad disponible para el tren de cercanías de Bogotá y para un tren de pasajeros entre Tunja y Sogamoso, dadas las condiciones actuales de operación. Se hace un análisis de sensibilidad de la capacidad con respecto a la velocidad de operación y la distancia entre estaciones. Por último, se presentan recomendaciones para aumentar la capacidad ferroviaria del corredorAnalytical models are applied to evaluate four types of railway capacity in seven sections of the corridor Bogotá – Belencito. The critical canton of the railway network is identified, and the higher capacity segment. Given the current operating conditions, we analyzed the available capacity of Bogota’s commuter train and a passenger train between Tunja and Sogamoso. A sensitivity analysis of capacity is done about the operating speed and distance between stations and we then present recommendations to increase railway capacity in the corridor.

  8. Perfil docente para alumnos/as con altas capacidades

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María Leonor Conejeros-Solar

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available El presente artículo tiene por objeto determinar un perfil de competencias docentes construido desde la percepción de estudiantes con altas capacidades pertenecientes a un programa universitario para talentos académicos. Se utiliza una metodología cualitativa con una estrategia documental de carácter retrospectivo. Los resultados indican que los estudiantes realizan una evaluación profunda sobre la docencia, incluyendo elementos pedagógicos como flexibilidad, ritmo e integración teoría-práctica. Las percepciones de los estudiantes, poco incorporadas en discusiones relativas a la enseñanza, permiten repensar y delinear un perfil de las competencias docentes relevadas para un trabajo pedagógico efectivo con talentosos en el aula.

  9. New Insights into the Roles of Acidocalcisomes and the Contractile Vacuole Complex in Osmoregulation in Protists

    Science.gov (United States)

    Docampo, Roberto; Jimenez, Veronica; Lander, Noelia; Li, Zhu-Hong; Niyogi, Sayantanee

    2013-01-01

    While free-living protists are usually subjected to hyposmotic environments, parasitic protists are also in contact with hyperosmotic habitats. Recent work in one of these parasites, Trypanosoma cruzi, has revealed that its contractile vacuole complex, which usually collects and expels excess water as a mechanism of regulatory volume decrease after hyposmotic stress, has also a role in cell shrinking when the cells are submitted to hyperosmotic stress. Trypanosomes also have an acidic calcium store rich in polyphosphate (polyP), named the acidocalcisome, which is involved in their response to osmotic stress. Here, we review newly emerging insights on the role of acidocalcisomes and the contractile vacuole complex in the cellular response to hyposmotic and hyperosmotic stresses. We also review the current state of knowledge on the composition of these organelles and their other roles in calcium homeostasis and protein trafficking. PMID:23890380

  10. Matrix elasticity regulates the optimal cardiac myocyte shape for contractility

    Science.gov (United States)

    McCain, Megan L.; Yuan, Hongyan; Pasqualini, Francesco S.; Campbell, Patrick H.

    2014-01-01

    Concentric hypertrophy is characterized by ventricular wall thickening, fibrosis, and decreased myocyte length-to-width aspect ratio. Ventricular thickening is considered compensatory because it reduces wall stress, but the functional consequences of cell shape remodeling in this pathological setting are unknown. We hypothesized that decreases in myocyte aspect ratio allow myocytes to maximize contractility when the extracellular matrix becomes stiffer due to conditions such as fibrosis. To test this, we engineered neonatal rat ventricular myocytes into rectangles mimicking the 2-D profiles of healthy and hypertrophied myocytes on hydrogels with moderate (13 kPa) and high (90 kPa) elastic moduli. Actin alignment was unaffected by matrix elasticity, but sarcomere content was typically higher on stiff gels. Microtubule polymerization was higher on stiff gels, implying increased intracellular elastic modulus. On moderate gels, myocytes with moderate aspect ratios (∼7:1) generated the most peak systolic work compared with other cell shapes. However, on stiffer gels, low aspect ratios (∼2:1) generated the most peak systolic work. To compare the relative contributions of intracellular vs. extracellular elasticity to contractility, we developed an analytical model and used our experimental data to fit unknown parameters. Our model predicted that matrix elasticity dominates over intracellular elasticity, suggesting that the extracellular matrix may potentially be a more effective therapeutic target than microtubules. Our data and model suggest that myocytes with lower aspect ratios have a functional advantage when the elasticity of the extracellular matrix decreases due to conditions such as fibrosis, highlighting the role of the extracellular matrix in cardiac disease. PMID:24682394

  11. Generation of Functional Cardiomyocytes from Efficiently Generated Human iPSCs and a Novel Method of Measuring Contractility.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sheeja Rajasingh

    Full Text Available Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs derived cardiomyocytes (iCMCs would provide an unlimited cell source for regenerative medicine and drug discoveries. The objective of our study is to generate functional cardiomyocytes from human iPSCs and to develop a novel method of measuring contractility of CMCs. In a series of experiments, adult human skin fibroblasts (HSF and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs were treated with a combination of pluripotent gene DNA and mRNA under specific conditions. The iPSC colonies were identified and differentiated into various cell lineages, including CMCs. The contractile activity of CMCs was measured by a novel method of frame-by-frame cross correlation (particle image velocimetry-PIV analysis. Our treatment regimen transformed 4% of HSFs into iPSC colonies at passage 0, a significantly improved efficiency compared with use of either DNA or mRNA alone. The iPSCs were capable of differentiating both in vitro and in vivo into endodermal, ectodermal and mesodermal cells, including CMCs with >88% of cells being positive for troponin T (CTT and Gata4 by flow cytometry. We report a highly efficient combination of DNA and mRNA to generate iPSCs and functional iCMCs from adult human cells. We also report a novel approach to measure contractility of iCMCs.

  12. Generation of Functional Cardiomyocytes from Efficiently Generated Human iPSCs and a Novel Method of Measuring Contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rajasingh, Sheeja; Thangavel, Jayakumar; Czirok, Andras; Samanta, Saheli; Roby, Katherine F; Dawn, Buddhadeb; Rajasingh, Johnson

    2015-01-01

    Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived cardiomyocytes (iCMCs) would provide an unlimited cell source for regenerative medicine and drug discoveries. The objective of our study is to generate functional cardiomyocytes from human iPSCs and to develop a novel method of measuring contractility of CMCs. In a series of experiments, adult human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with a combination of pluripotent gene DNA and mRNA under specific conditions. The iPSC colonies were identified and differentiated into various cell lineages, including CMCs. The contractile activity of CMCs was measured by a novel method of frame-by-frame cross correlation (particle image velocimetry-PIV) analysis. Our treatment regimen transformed 4% of HSFs into iPSC colonies at passage 0, a significantly improved efficiency compared with use of either DNA or mRNA alone. The iPSCs were capable of differentiating both in vitro and in vivo into endodermal, ectodermal and mesodermal cells, including CMCs with >88% of cells being positive for troponin T (CTT) and Gata4 by flow cytometry. We report a highly efficient combination of DNA and mRNA to generate iPSCs and functional iCMCs from adult human cells. We also report a novel approach to measure contractility of iCMCs.

  13. Scintigraphic measurement of the contractile activity of the gastric antrum using factor analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bergmann, H.; Hoebart, J.; Kugi, A.; Stacher, G.; Granser, G.V.

    1990-01-01

    The motor activity of the gastric antrum is difficult to record by manometric means and scintigraphic methods have proved unsatisfactory so far as no consistent relationship between antral contractile activity and gastric emptying rate could be detected. We investigated, using data recorded in 16 healthy human subjects after the ingestion of a semisolid standard meal, whether a newly developed method employing factor analysis would yield more meaningful and reproducible results. Factor analysis was applied to sequential scintigraphic images (3-s frame time) of gastric antrum. The computed factor images and the respective factor curves are representative of distinct dynamic structures of the antrum. From the more or less sinusoidal excursions of the factor curves, which exhibited the 3 cycles per minute frequency characteristic for the stomach, amplitude, frequency and propagation velocity of antral contractions can be calculated. The amplitudes of the factor curves were used to calculate a contraction index. This contraction index was found to be correlated significantly negatively with the gastric half-emptying time of the ingested meal. The employed factor analytical approach thus seems a promising tool to further investigate the role of antral contractility in the process of gastric emptying. (Authors)

  14. Separate effects of ischemia, hypoxia, and contractility on thallium-201 kinetics in rabbit myocardium

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Leppo, J.A.; Macneil, P.B.; Moring, A.F.; Apstein, C.S.

    1986-01-01

    The effects of hypoxia and ischemia, as well as altered contractility, on thallium-201 ( 201 TI) kinetics were evaluated in 42 isolated isovolumetrically contracting rabbit hearts. In Group A, three subgroups (n = 7 each) were studied that had either normal flow and oxygenation, hypoxia and normal flow, or ischemic flow and normal perfusate oxygen content. In Group B, three subgroups (n = 7 each) were studied and all hearts had normal flow but the contractile state was either enhanced with isoproterenol or impaired by hypocalcemia. A hemoglobin-free buffer perfusate was used in all experiments and multiple timed collections of arterial and coronary sinus effluent were used to model myocardial isotope activity during 30 min of constant uptake followed by 30 min of tracer clearance. During ischemia, hypoxia and hypocalcemia peak developed pressure and peak positive and negative dP/dt were all significantly reduced when compared to normal hemodynamic parameters (p less than 0.01). As expected, isoproterenol significantly elevated these parameters (p less than 0.04). Myocardial 201 TI kinetics were adequately described utilizing a bi-exponential model having a fast and slow component. Only ischemic hearts had significantly lower rate constants for 201 TI uptake and clearance than normal hearts (p less than 0.001). The mean (+/- s.d.) myocardial uptake and clearance rates for 201 TI (%/min) varied between 4.86 +/- 0.87 and 7.18 +/- 1.45 for the remaining groups of hearts. Therefore, myocardial 201 TI kinetics appear to be dominated by coronary flow and may not reflect marked alterations in the metabolic and contractile state. These data suggest that normal 201 TI uptake in impaired or hypercontractile cells, receiving normal flow, may not represent normal cellular function

  15. Relación entre Capacidad Aeróbica e Índices Antropométricos en los Trabajadores Manuales Venezolanos

    OpenAIRE

    Francisco José Burgos Navarrete; Evelin Escalona

    2016-01-01

    Al iniciar el presente estudio no se encontró literatura nacional sobre data antropométrica de los trabajadores manuales venezolanos, que determinase la relación entre la potencia aeróbica o capacidad aeróbica relativa (mlO2/kg-min), ni la capacidad aeróbica absoluta (kcal/min) vs los índices antropométricos: edad, estatura, sexo, masa corporal, perímetro abdominal, índice de masa corporal, frecuencia cardíaca después del ejercicio. En este contexto el objetivo de esta investigación fue deter...

  16. A thermodynamical model for stress-fiber organization in contractile cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Foucard, Louis; Vernerey, Franck J

    2012-01-02

    Cell mechanical adaptivity to external stimuli is vital to many of its biological functions. A critical question is therefore to understand the formation and organization of the stress fibers from which emerge the cell's mechanical properties. By accounting for the mechanical aspects and the viscoelastic behavior of stress fibers, we here propose a thermodynamic model to predict the formation and orientation of stress fibers in contractile cells subjected to constant or cyclic stretch and different substrate stiffness. Our results demonstrate that the stress fibers viscoelastic behavior plays a crucial role in their formation and organization and shows good consistency with various experiments.

  17. Endothelin-1 and endothelin-2 initiate and maintain contractile responses by different mechanisms in rat mesenteric and cerebral arteries

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Compeer, M. G.; Janssen, G. M. J.; De Mey, J. G. R.

    2013-01-01

    , but relaxed ET-1-induced contractions in MRA. A PLC inhibitor prevented contractile responses to ET-1 and ET-2 in MRA and BA, and relaxed ET-1- and ET-2-induced responses in MRA and ET-1 effects in BA. A Rho-kinase inhibitor did not modify sensitivity, maximum and maintenance of responses to both peptides...... in both arteries but relaxed ET-2, but not ET-1, effects in MRA and ET-1 effects in BA. Conclusions and ImplicationsPLC played a key role in arterial contractile responses to ETs, but ET-1 and ET-2 initiated and maintained vasoconstriction through different mechanisms, and these differed between MRA...

  18. Capacidade de combinação de genitores de batata para caracteres de aparência e rendimento de tubérculos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Giovani Olegário da Silva

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as capacidades de combinação de genitores de batata, em gerações iniciais de seleção. Os experimentos foram realizados em Pelotas e Canoinhas. Foram estudadas 12 famílias, derivadas de dois grupos de genitores, cruzados em esquema dialelo parcial (3 x 4 'Eliza', 'C-1730-7-94' e 'C-1742-8-95'; 'Shepody', 'Asterix', 'White Lady' e 'Caesar'. As famílias foram avaliadas, na geração de plântula e na primeira geração de campo, para caracteres componentes de aparência e rendimento de tubérculos. Os dados foram submetidos às análises de variância e dialélica parcial. No conjunto de caracteres avaliados, verificou-se superioridade de efeitos significativos para a capacidade geral de combinação, em relação à capacidade específica de combinação, indicando predominância de efeitos aditivos dos genes, no controle dos caracteres. Em relação à capacidade geral de combinação, 'White Lady' é o genitor mais destacado positivamente, contribuindo com genes de ação aditiva para a melhoria, tanto dos caracteres que compõem a aparência dos tubérculos, quanto dos caracteres de rendimento. Quanto à capacidade específica de combinação, o cruzamento ('C1730-7-94' x 'White Lady' é o mais indicado para a geração de famílias superiores quanto a caracteres de aparência e a caracteres componentes do rendimento de tubérculos.

  19. Introduction of non-linear elasticity models for characterization of shape and deformation statistics: application to contractility assessment of isolated adult cardiocytes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bazan, Carlos; Hawkins, Trevor; Torres-Barba, David; Blomgren, Peter; Paolini, Paul

    2011-08-22

    We are exploring the viability of a novel approach to cardiocyte contractility assessment based on biomechanical properties of the cardiac cells, energy conservation principles, and information content measures. We define our measure of cell contraction as being the distance between the shapes of the contracting cell, assessed by the minimum total energy of the domain deformation (warping) of one cell shape into another. To guarantee a meaningful vis-à-vis correspondence between the two shapes, we employ both a data fidelity term and a regularization term. The data fidelity term is based on nonlinear features of the shapes while the regularization term enforces the compatibility between the shape deformations and that of a hyper-elastic material. We tested the proposed approach by assessing the contractile responses in isolated adult rat cardiocytes and contrasted these measurements against two different methods for contractility assessment in the literature. Our results show good qualitative and quantitative agreements with these methods as far as frequency, pacing, and overall behavior of the contractions are concerned. We hypothesize that the proposed methodology, once appropriately developed and customized, can provide a framework for computational cardiac cell biomechanics that can be used to integrate both theory and experiment. For example, besides giving a good assessment of contractile response of the cardiocyte, since the excitation process of the cell is a closed system, this methodology can be employed in an attempt to infer statistically significant model parameters for the constitutive equations of the cardiocytes.

  20. Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger inhibition exerts a positive inotropic effect in the rat heart, but fails to influence the contractility of the rabbit heart.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Farkas, A S; Acsai, K; Nagy, N; Tóth, A; Fülöp, F; Seprényi, G; Birinyi, P; Nánási, P P; Forster, T; Csanády, M; Papp, J G; Varró, A; Farkas, A

    2008-05-01

    The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) may play a key role in myocardial contractility. The operation of the NCX is affected by the action potential (AP) configuration and the intracellular Na(+) concentration. This study examined the effect of selective NCX inhibition by 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 microM SEA0400 on the myocardial contractility in the setting of different AP configurations and different intracellular Na(+) concentrations in rabbit and rat hearts. The concentration-dependent effects of SEA0400 on I(Na/Ca) were studied in rat and rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes using a patch clamp technique. Starling curves were constructed for isolated, Langendorff-perfused rat and rabbit hearts. The cardiac sarcolemmal NCX protein densities of both species were compared by immunohistochemistry. SEA0400 inhibited I(Na/Ca) with similar efficacy in the two species; there was no difference between the inhibitions of the forward or reverse mode of the NCX in either species. SEA0400 increased the systolic and the developed pressure in the rat heart in a concentration-dependent manner, for example, 1.0 microM SEA0400 increased the maximum systolic pressures by 12% relative to the control, whereas it failed to alter the contractility in the rabbit heart. No interspecies difference was found in the cardiac sarcolemmal NCX protein densities. NCX inhibition exerted a positive inotropic effect in the rat heart, but it did not influence the contractility of the rabbit heart. This implies that the AP configuration and the intracellular Na(+) concentration may play an important role in the contractility response to NCX inhibition.

  1. Actividad física y capacidad funcional en el adulto mayor: el taekwondo como alternativa de mejoramiento

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pedro Carazo Vargas

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available Con el envejecimiento se presenta una serie decambios de orden fisiológico, psicológico y social, capacesde reducir la capacidad para efectuar eficientemente lastareas de la vida diaria. En la presente revisión de litera-tura se realiza una descripción de estas modificaciones,así como una recopilación de los principales efectos de laactividad física sobre la capacidad funcional del adultomayor. Se analizan los primeros indicios que señalan altaekwondo como una importante alternativa para mejo-rar el desempeño en las tareas de la vida diaria y a la vezse recomiendan las principales pautas a seguir para in-vestigar la temática

  2. Avaliação da capacidade funcional de idosos com acidente vascular encefálico Evaluación de la capacidad funcional de adultos mayores con accidente vascular encefálico Evaluation of functional capaciy in elders with encephalic vascular accident

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Keila Cristianne Trindade da Cruz

    2009-10-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade funcional de idosos com acidente vascular encefálico (AVE e verificar a relação, bem como a influência de variáveis sociodemográficas e de saúde na capacidade funcional desses sujeitos. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas entrevistas com 44 idosos, vítimas de AVE, durante o atendimento nos locais de coleta de dados. O instrumento de coleta de dados contemplou dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Para avaliar a capacidade funcional dos sujeitos foi aplicado o instrumento de Medida de Independência Funcional (MIF. RESULTADOS: Houve predomínio da faixa etária entre 60 e 69 anos. A MIF apresentou boa consistência interna. A pontuação total MIF dos apresentou média de 97,0. Os pacientes com acesso ao serviço de saúde apresentaram valores superiores aos dos indivíduos que não tinham acesso (Teste de Mann-Whitney. Foi observada correlação negativa entre a MIF e seus domínios e a idade (Pearson. CONCLUSÃO: O AVE causou alteração na capacidade funcional dos sujeitos da pesquisa, o que aponta para a necessidade de se investir em estratégias de reabilitação que venham a amenizar as perdas funcionais advindas da própria idade e, principalmente, das seqüelas de AVE.OBJETIVO: Evaluar la capacidad funcional de personas adultas mayores con accidente vascular encefálico (AVE y verificar la relación, así como la influencia de variables sociodemográficas y de salud en la capacidad funcional de esos sujetos. MÉTODOS: Fueron entrevistadas 44 personas adultas mayores, víctimas de AVE, durante la atención en los locales de recolección de datos. El instrumento de recolección de datos incluyó datos sociodemográficos y clínicos. Para evaluar la capacidad funcional de los sujetos se aplicó el instrumento de Medida de Independencia Funcional (MIF. RESULTADOS: Hubo predominio del grupo etáreo comprendido entre 60 y 69 años. La MIF presentó buena consistencia interna. La puntuación total de la MIF present

  3. Alterações na gasometria de fetos aloimunizados após procedimento de transfusão intra-uterina

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nomura Roseli Mieko Yamamoto

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: este estudo, realizado em gestações com aloimunização pelo fator Rh, tem como objetivo descrever as alterações gasométricas e do equilíbrio ácido-básico fetal antes e após transfusões intra-uterinas (TIU. MÉTODO: no período de junho de 2001 a outubro de 2001, antes e após a TIU em fetos de gestantes aloimunizadas, foram avaliados prospectivamente a gasometria e o equilíbrio ácido-básico no sangue da veia umbilical. As medidas foram realizadas em 8 amostras de sangue de 5 fetos. O sangue fetal foi obtido por cordocentese da veia umbilical antes e após TIU. Os resultados obtidos foram comparados com a expansão volêmica na TIU, a idade gestacional no procedimento, o peso fetal estimado pela ultra-sonografia e as variações da hemoglobina fetal (g/dL. RESULTADOS: em todos os casos foi observada queda nos valores do pH, com redução média de 0,09 (DP=0,02. A hemoglobina fetal apresentou aumento médio de 8,4 g/dL (DP=2,9 g/dL. Foi constatada também variação negativa da pO2 (média = -1,28 mmHg na concentração de HCO3_ (média = _2,25 mEq/l. Houve aumento da pCO2 (média = 3,2 mmHg e redução nos valores do excesso de bases (média = -3,75. CONCLUSÃO: a análise das gasometrias permite concluir que o procedimento de TIU acompanha-se de queda nos valores do pH de sangue de veia umbilical, demonstrando haver acidemia fetal relativa após o procedimento.

  4. Oscillatory behaviors and hierarchical assembly of contractile structures in intercalating cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fernandez-Gonzalez, Rodrigo; Zallen, Jennifer A

    2011-01-01

    Fluctuations in the size of the apical cell surface have been associated with apical constriction and tissue invagination. However, it is currently not known if apical oscillatory behaviors are a unique property of constricting cells or if they constitute a universal feature of the force balance between cells in multicellular tissues. Here, we set out to determine whether oscillatory cell behaviors occur in parallel with cell intercalation during the morphogenetic process of axis elongation in the Drosophila embryo. We applied multi-color, time-lapse imaging of living embryos and SIESTA, an integrated tool for automated and semi-automated cell segmentation, tracking, and analysis of image sequences. Using SIESTA, we identified cycles of contraction and expansion of the apical surface in intercalating cells and characterized them at the molecular, cellular, and tissue scales. We demonstrate that apical oscillations are anisotropic, and this anisotropy depends on the presence of intact cell–cell junctions and spatial cues provided by the anterior–posterior patterning system. Oscillatory cell behaviors during axis elongation are associated with the hierarchical assembly and disassembly of contractile actomyosin structures at the medial cortex of the cell, with actin localization preceding myosin II and with the localization of both proteins preceding changes in cell shape. We discuss models to explain how the architecture of cytoskeletal networks regulates their contractile behavior and the mechanisms that give rise to oscillatory cell behaviors in intercalating cells

  5. El papel de la generación de capacidades tecnológicas en la formación de comunicadores

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernando Villalobos

    2004-01-01

    Full Text Available Al suponer que el pensum es el instumento que regula la practica educativa en la escuela de comunicacion social de la Universidad del Zulia, este debe responder a las expectivas y exigencia sociales de comunicacion e informacion, tambien debera sastifacer, responsablemente, las demandas de generacion de conocimiento que la mediacion tecnologica aplicada al campo comucacional sugiere. Especialmente en el periodismo impreso, donde el cambio tecnologico impone la necesidad de adquirir y reciclar las capacidades requeridas para utilizar eficientemente las tecnologias de la informacion como herramientas del aprendizaje, que permitan al egresado un desempeño relevante en su practica profesional especifica. Esta articulo interna vincular los antecedentes en torno a la adopcion y utilizacion de las tecnologias de la informacion y la comunicacion en el proceso de produccion de por medio impreso, con categorias como gestion de tecnologia, capacidad tecnologica, capacidad de produccion, formas de aprendizaje tecnologico y el uso social de las tecnologias, tomando en cuenta las promesas y desafios que el inevitable ingreso a la "Sociedad de la Informacion" impone a las escuelas de Comunicacion Social.

  6. Considerations for Contractile Electroactive Materials and Actuators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lenore Rasmussen, David Schramm, Paul Rasmussen, Kevin Mullaly, Ras Labs, LLC, Intelligent Materials for Prosthetics & Automation, Lewis D. Meixler, Daniel Pearlman and Alice Kirk

    2011-05-23

    Ras Labs produces contractile electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that bend, swell, ripple, and contract (new development) with low electric input. In addition, Ras Labs produces EAP materials that quickly contract and expand, repeatedly, by reversing the polarity of the electric input, which can be cycled. This phenomenon was explored using molecular modeling, followed by experimentation. Applied voltage step functions were also investigated. High voltage steps followed by low voltage steps produced a larger contraction followed by a smaller contraction. Actuator control by simply adjusting the electric input is extremely useful for biomimetic applications. Muscles are able to partially contract. If muscles could only completely contract, nobody could hold an egg, for example, without breaking it. A combination of high and low voltage step functions could produce gross motor function and fine manipulation within the same actuator unit. Plasma treated electrodes with various geometries were investigated as a means of providing for more durable actuation.

  7. Dor neuropática central após lesão medular traumática: capacidade funcional e aspectos sociais

    OpenAIRE

    Vall, Janaina; Braga, Violante Augusta Batista

    2005-01-01

    Estudo de caso comparativo com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade funcional e os aspectos sociais de dois pacientes, ambos com lesão medular traumática, sem e com dor neuropática central associada, respectivamente. Para avaliar a capacidade funcional, foi utilizado como instrumento o Functional Independence Measure ou Escala de Independência Funcional. E para avaliar os aspectos sociais foi construído o ecomapa de cada paciente, preconizado pelo modelo Calgary de avaliação de famílias. Ambos ...

  8. Bladder contractility is modulated by Kv7 channels in pig detrusor

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Svalø, Julie; Bille, Michala; Parameswaran Theepakaran, Neeraja

    2013-01-01

    Kv7 channels are involved in smooth muscle relaxation, and accordingly we believe that they constitute potential targets for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome. We have therefore used myography to examine the function of Kv7 channels in detrusor, i.e. pig bladder, with a view...... relaxation, suggesting that Kv7.2 and/or Kv7.4 channels constitute the subtypes that are relevant to bladder contractility. The effects of retigabine and ML213 were attenuated by pre-incubation with 10µM XE991 (Kv7.1-7.5 channel blocker) (P...

  9. Substâncias fenólicas, flavonoides e capacidade antioxidante em erveiras sob diferentes coberturas do solo e sombreamentos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    T.S. FERRERA

    Full Text Available RESUMO Objetivou neste trabalho analisar a concentração de polifenóis totais, flavonoides e capacidade antioxidantes por meio dos métodos ABTS e FRAP, em erveiras jovens cultivadas em solo coberto e com sombreamento. Mudas de erva-mate foram submetidas aos tratamentos com solos cobertos e desnudos em sombreamentos de 0, 18, 35 e 50%, após sete e onze meses de cultivo, verão e outono, respectivamente. Foram coletadas folhas maduras para realização dos extratos utilizados para as análises de compostos fenólicos por meio da reação de oxirredução com reagente de Folin-Ciocalteu, flavonoides por método colorimétrico e capacidade antioxidante por frente ao radical ABTS e poder de redução do ferro (FRAP. O teor de compostos fenólicos foi maior nos tratamentos com 35% de sombreamento em comparação ao grupo dos flavonoides e capacidade antioxidante, o que foi demonstrado pela correlação do sombreamento com estes parametros. No método FRAP a maior correlação demonstra que o outono é a melhor época de colheita por apresentar maior concentração de compostos fitoquímicos. Ficou evidente a influência positiva dos sombreamentos (35 e 50% no teor de compostos fenólicos e flavonoides relacionados à capacidade antioxidante e à qualidade da erva-mate para atender ao mercado consumidor.

  10. Regulation of myofibrillar accumulation in chick muscle cultures - Evidence for the involvement of calcium and lysosomes in non-uniform turnover of contractile proteins

    Science.gov (United States)

    Silver, Geri; Etlinger, Joseph D.

    1985-01-01

    The effects of calcium on the synthesis and the degradation of individual myofibrillar proteins were investigated using primary chick-leg skeletal muscle cultures labeled with S-35-methionine (for protein accumulation experiments) or Ca(2+)-45 (for calcium efflux experiments). It was found that the turnover of individual contractile proteins is regulated nonuniformly by a calcium-dependent mechanism involving lysosomes. The results also indicate that contractile proteins are released from the myofibril before their breakdown to amino acids.

  11. Cómo mejorar la capacidad de aprendizaje en las pymes: identificando dimensiones que afectan el conocimiento y las actividades de creación de conocimiento.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cristina Pacheco Ornelas

    2016-02-01

    Full Text Available la capacidad de la empresa para usar efectivamente el conocimiento externo (su capacidad absortiva es importante para la competitividad e innovación de la empresa. En este trabajo se examinan tres dimensiones del constructo de capacidad absortiva: la vinculación de la empresa con el ambiente externo, la dimensión colectiva considerando el conocimiento base relevante de la industria y las estructuras y rutinas; la dimensión individual, y como elemento facilitador el contexto de trabajo, para determinar si estas dimensiones de la capacidad absortiva tienen efecto en el conocimiento privado de la empresa y las actividades de creación de conocimiento. El estudio empírico se llevó a cabo en una muestra de setenta pequeñas y medianas empresas (pymes de la industria alimenticia de la Zona Metropolitana de guadalajara. los hallazgos del estudio indican que cada una de estas dimensiones contribuye al conocimiento o las actividades de creación de conocimiento

  12. Capacidade para o trabalho de trabalhadores de empresa de tecnologia da informação Capacidad para el trabajo de empleados de empresa de tecnologia de la información Work ability of workers from an information technology company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Inês Monteiro

    2006-10-01

    Full Text Available Estudo epidemiológico transversal que avaliou a capacidade para o trabalho entre trabalhadores de empresa de tecnologia da informação e telecomunicações, que utilizou o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho desenvolvido por pesquisadores finlandeses e questionário com dados sociodemográficos e estilo de vida. A maioria dos 173 sujeitos era casada (78%, homens (60,1%, média de idade 42,2a; curso superior completo (72,8%; com segundo emprego (13,9%; 69,4% praticavam atividade física; 12,1% fumavam; 50,3% utilizavam bebida alcoólica; 66,5% tinham doenças com diagnóstico médico sendo o distúrbio mental leve a mais freqüente. A capacidade para o trabalho foi moderada (9,2%, boa (42,2% e ótima (48,6%. No modelo de regressão logística os sem atividade física tinham 2,5 vezes mais risco de ter o ICT moderado/bom.Estudio transversal epidemiológico que tuvo como objetivo evaluar la capacidad para el trabajo entre empleados de una empresa de tecnología de la información y telecomunicaciones, utilizando el Índice de Capacidad para el Trabajo (ICT, desarrollado por investigadores finlandeses, además de un cuestionario con datos sociodemográficos y de estilo de vida. Participaron del estudio 173 sujetos, de los cuales 60,1% hombres, con edad promedia de 42,2a, 78% casados, 72,8% graduados en universidad, 13,9% tenían un segundo empleo; 69,4% practicaban actividad física, solamente 12,1% fumaban y 50,3% utilizaban bebida alcohólica. Las enfermedades con diagnóstico médico fueron reportadas por 66,5% siendo la perturbación mental leve la más frecuente. La capacidade para el trabajo de los entrevistados fue moderada (9,2%, buena (42,2% y óptima (48,6%. El modelo de regressión logistica indcó que los trabajadores sin actividad fisica tienen 2,5 veces más riesgo de tener ICT moderado/bueno.Cross sectional epidemiological study aimed to assess the work ability of workers at a telecommunications and information technology company

  13. Pre-treatment with Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced preterm uterine contractility, cytokines, and prostaglandins in rhesus monkeys

    Science.gov (United States)

    Adams Waldorf, Kristina M.; Persing, David; Novy, Miles J.; Sadowsky, Drew W.; Gravett, Michael G.

    2009-01-01

    Intra-uterine infection, which occurs in the majority of early preterm births, triggers an immune response culminating in preterm labor. We hypothesized that blockade of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune responses by a Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist (TLR4A) would prevent elevations in amniotic fluid (AF) cytokines, prostaglandins, and uterine contractility. Chronically catheterized rhesus monkeys at 128-147 days gestation received intra-amniotic infusions of either: 1) saline (n=6), 2) LPS (0.15-10μg; n=4), or 3) TLR4A pre-treatment with LPS (10 μg) one hour later (n=4). AF cytokines, prostaglandins, and uterine contractility were compared using oneway ANOVA with Bonferroni-adjusted pairwise comparisons. Compared to saline controls, LPS induced significant elevations in AF IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2, PGF2α, and uterine contractility (p<0.05). In contrast, TLR4A pre-treatment inhibited LPS-induced uterine activity and was associated with significantly lower AF IL-8, TNF-α, PGE2, and PGF2α versus LPS alone (p<0.05). Toll-like receptor antagonists, together with antibiotics, may delay or prevent infection-associated preterm birth. PMID:18187405

  14. O Risco na Sociedade de Consumo: Superendividamento como Perda de Capacidades

    OpenAIRE

    Carqui, Vagner Bruno Caparelli

    2015-01-01

    Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar, críticamente, los riesgos que existen en la sociedad de consumo, vinculándolo a la idea de la modernidad líquida, desarrollada por Zygmunt Bauman, considerando el sobreendeudamiento del consumidor entendido en este trabajo como la pérdida de capacidades civiles de los individuos. Las "necesidades" que surgen en la modernidad líquida están relacionados con el consumismo desechable, responsable, entre otras situaciones,por la redefinición del sentido ...

  15. Effects of Using Tricaine Methanesulfonate and Metomidate before Euthanasia on the Contractile Properties of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Myocardium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Roberts, Jordan C; Syme, Douglas A

    2016-01-01

    Because many anesthetics work through depressing cell excitability, unanesthetized euthanasia has become common for research involving excitable tissues (for example muscle and nerve) to avoid these depressive effects. However, anesthetic use during euthanasia may be indicated for studies involving isolated tissues if the potential depressive effects of brief anesthetic exposure dissipate after subsequent tissue isolation, washout, and saline perfusion. We explore this here by measuring whether, when applied prior to euthanasia, standard immersion doses of 2 fish anesthetics, tricaine methanesulfonate (TMS; 100 mg/L, n = 6) and methyl 1-(1-phenylethyl)-1H-imidazole-5-carboxylate (metomidate, 10 mg/L, n = 6), have residual effects on the contractile properties (force and work output) of isolated and saline-perfused ventricular compact myocardium from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Results suggest that direct exposure of muscle to immersion doses of TMS-but not metomidate-impairs muscle contractile performance. However, brief exposure (2 to 3 min) to either anesthetic during euthanasia only-providing that the agent is washed out prior to tissue experimentation-does not have an effect on the contractile properties of the myocardium. Therefore, the use of TMS, metomidate, and perhaps other anesthetics that depress cell excitability during euthanasia may be indicated when conducting research on isolated and rinsed tissues.

  16. VALIDEZ DEL DÉFICIT MÁXIMO DE OXÍGENO ACUMULADO COMO ÍNDICE DE CAPACIDAD ANAERÓBICA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    C. Ferragut

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available


    RESUMEN

    Para determinar la validez del déficit acumulado de oxígeno (DMOA como índice de capacidad anaeróbica, en 29 varones, estudiantes de Educación Física, se determinó el DMOA, la concentración de lactato en sangre capilar al finalizar un test supramáximo al 120 % VO2max, la potencia media y máxima desarrolladas en el test de Wingate y la masa muscular de las extremidades inferiores mediante absorciometría fotónica dual de rayos X. El DMOA correlacionó con la concentracción de lactato en sangre alcanzada al final del test de capacidad anaeróbica (r=0.43, p<0.05, n=28, con el trabajo realizado y con el VO2 acumulado en el test de capacidad anaeróbica (r=0.59, p<0.001, n=28 y r=0.56, p<0.01, n=29, respectivamente. La lactatemia al final del test de capacidad anaeróbica correlacionó con trabajo realizado en el test de capacidad anaeróbica en valores absolutos (r=0.49, p<0.01, n=27 y con el trabajo divido entre la masa muscular de las extremidades inferiores (r=0.65, p<0.001, n=26. No se observaron correlaciones significativas entre el DMOA y la potencia máxima, ni tampoco entre el DMOA y la potencia media desarrolladas en el test Wingate, ya sea expresadas en valores absolutos o referidos a la masa muscular de las piernas. Tampocó correlacionó la lactatemia alcanzada al final del test de capacidad anaeróbica con la potencia máxima ni con la potencia media desarrollada en el test de Wingate. Aunque conceptualmente el DMOA es el mejor no invasivo procedimiento para medir la capacidad anaeróbica, la ausencia de correlaciones con otras variables que se han mostrado útiles en la evaluación de las cualidades anaeróbicas limita su interés desde el punto de vista práctico.
    PALABRAS CLAVE: déficit de oxígeno, capacidad anaeróbica, rendimiento, validez, condición física.

  17. Capacidad Predictiva de Modelos de Insolvencia con Base en Números Contables y Datos Descriptivos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Júlio Orestes da Silva

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available En el Brasil la pesquisa sobre modelos de previsión de insolvencia se inició en la década de 1970, siendo que lamayor parte de los trabajos hizo uso del Análisis Discriminante como herramienta estadística del modelo. En losúltimos años, se buscó verificar si es posible prever la insolvencia de las empresas utilizando datos descriptivoscontenidos en los informes de las organizaciones. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo verificar la capacidad dealgunos modelos de previsión de insolvencia en prever la discontinuidad de empresas brasileñas que decretaron quiebra. La pesquisa se caracteriza como descriptiva y posee abordaje cuantitativo, realizado por medio de pesquisadocumental. La muestra totalizó 13 empresas que decretaron quiebra entre los años de 1997 y 2003. Los resultadosindican que la mayoría de los modelos de previsión de quiebra testados presentó resultados elevados deprevisiones correctas. Los modelos de previsión de discontinuidad con base en informes descriptivos obtuvieronen media más previsiones asertivas en relación a la capacidad de prever la quiebra de las empresas. Esos descubrimientosdemuestran que, a pesar de que algunas pesquisas apunten hacia la falta de validez de predictores creadosen realidades empresariales diferentes, algunos modelos todavía poseen buena capacidad de previsión de insolvencia.Se concluye que tanto los modelos de previsión de insolvencia con base en números contables en relación alos modelos que se utilizan datos de informes descriptivos pueden prever la discontinuidad de las organizaciones.Por fin, se puede inferir que la mayoría de los modelos de previsión de quiebra que hacen uso de números contablespueden ser funcionales y capaces de prever la discontinuidad de las organizaciones.

  18. Importância dos parâmetros seminais nos resultados de inseminação intra-uterina

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Borges Junior Edson

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVOS: analisar a relevância dos parâmetros seminais nos resultados dos ciclos de inseminação intra-uterina (IIU em pacientes com causa masculina de infertilidade e salientar o caráter prognóstico de cada parâmetro para o sucesso da técnica. MÉTODOS: duzentos e trinta e nove ciclos de IIU (155 casais foram analisados durante período de 15 meses. Todos as pacientes foram submetidas à indução da ovulação de acordo com protocolos do I Consenso Brasileiro de Indução de Ovulação. A análise seminal foi realizada de acordo com os critérios da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS para parâmetros como concentração e motilidade e critério estrito de Kruger para avaliação da morfologia. O preparo da amostra para IIU foi realizado por meio de gradientes descontínuos de densidade (ISolate®. Foram formados dois grupos de pacientes de acordo com o resultado de gestação: grupo G - gestação positiva e grupo NG - gestação negativa. RESULTADOS: não houve diferença significativa nos valores obtidos relacionados à concentração total de espermatozóides/mL de sêmen, motilidade total, motilidade de formas progressivas antes e depois do processamento seminal. Quando a morfologia estrita de Kruger foi comparada entre os dois grupos, diferenças significativas foram encontradas (grupo G=10,6% de formas normais; grupo NG=6,4% de formas normais; p<0.05 quando o número de espermatozóides/mL inseminados foi superior a 15 milhões/mL, a taxa de gravidez foi significantemente maior. CONCLUSÕES: tanto a morfologia estrita de Kruger como o número de espermatozóides inseminados parecem ser fatores prognósticos positivos para o estabelecimento da gestação, devendo ser salientados na investigação do homem infértil.

  19. The neuromechanical functional contractile properties of the thigh muscles measured using tensiomyography in male athletes and non-athletes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Toskić Lazar

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Involuntary neuromechanical muscle contractile properties, especially of the extensor muscles and knee joint flexors as the largest muscle groups of the caudal part of the body, play an important role in both everyday movement and sport. Based on these data we can obtain important information on the functional properties of muscles. The basic means of evaluation of the functional involuntary neuromechanical muscles contractile properties is the non-invasive tensiomyographic method (TMG. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between the involuntary neuromechanical contractile properties of the thigh muscles measured using the TMG method on a sample of male athletes and non-athletes. The sample of participants was made up of 17 athletes and 10 non-athletes. By applying the multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA and the t-test, we achieved results which indicate that of the overall 30 variables, a difference was determined among 13 of them. Most of the differences were determined for the extensor muscles of the right knee, especially of the rectus femoris muscle. It was also shown that in addition to the main knee joint extensor muscle (rectus femoris the main knee joint flexor muscle (biceps femoris also takes part in the definition of the difference between athletes and non-athletes. The results have shown that the following variables: contraction time (Tc and delay contraction time (Td are the functional parameters for which the highest difference between athletes and non-athletes were determined (from t = -2.284, p < 0.05 for the vastus lateralis of the right leg to t = -4.018, p < 0.01 for the rectus femoris of the left leg. These results have shown that it is possible to determine the differences in the functional involuntary neuromechanical contractile properties of the thigh muscles among trained and untrained individuals using the tensiomyographic method, but at the same time indicated that these differences were very

  20. Effect of changes in contractility on the index of myocardial performance in the dysfunctional left ventricle

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lavine Steven J

    2006-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background The index of myocardial performance has prognostic power in patients with cardiomyopathy and following myocardial infarction. As the index of myocardial performance has been shown to be preload and afterload dependent, the effect of altering contractility on IMP and its components with left ventricular dysfunction has been incompletely delineated. Methods Chronic left ventricular dysfunction was induced in 10 canines using coronary microsphere embolization. Each dog was instrumented and imaged with 2D echo and Doppler. At the same atrially paced rate, contractility was increased with a dobutamine infusion and then following 4 weeks of oral digoxin. Results With chronic left ventricular dysfunction, a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (42 ± 3%, p Conclusion Increased inotropy with digoxin and dobutamine reduced the index of myocardial performance in dogs with left ventricular dysfunction. Shortened isovolumic contraction time, increased diastolic filling period, and reduced left ventricular end diastolic pressure with digoxin may provide insight into its efficacy in heart failure.

  1. Avaliação da capacidade resistente última de estacas em compressão usando análises em tensão/deformação

    OpenAIRE

    Vieira, Ana Rita Ribeiro

    2013-01-01

    Dissertação para obtenção do Grau de Mestre em Engenharia Civil - Ramo de Estruturas e Geotecnia Nesta dissertação avalia-se a capacidade resistente última de estacas em compressão usando análises em tensão/deformação. A capacidade resistente última das estacas é avaliada através do programa computacional de elementos finitos Plaxis 2D v. 8 e é comparada com a capacidade resistente última prevista por métodos de extrapolação da curva carga vs. assetamento de ensaios de carga que não ...

  2. A stepwise procedure to test contractility and susceptibility to injury for the rodent quadriceps muscle

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Stephen J.P. Pratt

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available In patients with muscle injury or muscle disease, assessment of muscle damage is typically limited to clinical signs, such as tenderness, strength, range of motion, and more recently, imaging studies.  Biological markers can also be used in measuring muscle injury, such as increased creatine kinase levels in the blood, but these are not always correlated with loss in muscle function (i.e. loss of force production.  This is even true of histological findings from animals, which provide a “direct measure” of damage, but do not account for loss of function.  The most comprehensive measure of the overall health of the muscle is contractile force.  To date, animal models testing contractile force have been limited to the muscle groups moving the ankle.  Here we describe an in vivo animal model for the quadriceps, with abilities to measure torque, produce a reliable muscle injury, and follow muscle recovery within the same animal over time.  We also describe a second model used for direct measurement of force from an isolated quadriceps muscle in situ. 

  3. Treinamento aerobio e resistido, qualidade de vida e capacidade funcional de hipertensas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Thais Inacio Rolim Povoa

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available INTRODUÇÃO: Pacientes hipertensos podem apresentar comprometimento da qualidade de vida (QV e da qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS, tanto pela hipertensão arterial (HA, quanto pelos eventuais efeitos adversos do tratamento. Exercícios físicos, aeróbios e resistidos, melhoram a performance cardiorrespiratória e neuromuscular, mas há poucas evidências sobre seus efeitos na QV, QVRS e capacidade funcional (CF em mulheres hipertensas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar os efeitos dos treinamentos aeróbio e resistido sobre a QV, QVRS e a capacidade funcional em hipertensas. MÉTODOS: Ensaio clínico randomizado, cego, com total de 18 sessões de exercícios. Foram incluídas mulheres hipertensas sob tratamento medicamentoso, não participantes de programas de exercícios, com 50 anos de idade ou mais, que não apresentaram arritmias e/ou alterações isquêmicas em teste ergométrico (protocolo de Bruce. A amostra foi randomizada como segue: grupo aeróbio (GA (n = 21 e grupo resistido (GR (n = 20. Intensidade GA: leve a moderada (Escala de Borg adaptada; GR: até 50-65% de 1 RM. Duas séries com 12 a 15 repetições. Antes e após a intervenção foram aplicados os questionários WHOQOL-bref (QV e SF-36 (QVRS e realizado o teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6` para avaliar a CF. Estatística: testes Shapiro-Wilk, t de Student, Fisher, U de Mann-Whitney e Wilcoxon. Nível de significância: p 0,05. Após a intervenção houve melhora significativa em todos os domínios do WHOQOL-bref no GA e no GR houve melhora no domínio aspectos físicos. No SF-36, constatou-se melhora significativa em sete de oito domínios tanto no GA quanto no GR. Capacidade funcional: verificou-se melhora nos dois grupos (p < 0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Os dois tipos de treinamento melhoraram a QV e a CF e, dependendo dos objetivos estabelecidos, ambos podem ser eficazes.

  4. Las capacidades de mercadotecnia como un factor de incide en la competitividad de los productores de flores en México

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    Ana Lilia Coria Páez

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available En México existe un enorme potencial del sector floricultor que desafortunadamente no se ha aprovechado: la privilegiada posición geográfica de México, su cercanía con Estados Unidos y Canadá, la variedad de climas y suelos propicios para la actividad; sin embargo, la oportunidad la han aprovechado otros países. El presente estudio empírico tiene como objetivo determinar en qué medida la calidad, la innovación, las capacidades gerenciales y de mercadotecnia inciden en la competitividad de los productores del sector floricultor del pueblo de San Andrés Totoltepec, Tlalpan. Para tal efecto se realizaron entrevistas y se aplicó un cuestionario. Dentro de los hallazgos se encontró que las capacidades de mercadotecnia y la competitividad presentan una correlación apreciable y más bien alta de 0.653, lo cual aporta evidencia empírica relacionada con la mercadotecnia como uno de los factores internos con mayor capacidad para generar competitividad (Ketchen, Hult y Slater, 2007; Kloter, 1994.

  5. Effect of acute and chronic simvastatin treatment on post-ischemic contractile dysfunction in isolated rat heart

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Szárszoi, Ondrej; Malý, J.; Ošťádal, P.; Netuka, I.; Bešík, J.; Kolář, František; Ošťádal, Bohuslav

    2008-01-01

    Roč. 57, č. 5 (2008), s. 793-796 ISSN 0862-8408 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) 1M0510 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z50110509 Keywords : simvastatin * contractile dysfunction * protection Subject RIV: FA - Cardiovascular Diseases incl. Cardiotharic Surgery Impact factor: 1.653, year: 2008

  6. Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibition exerts a positive inotropic effect in the rat heart, but fails to influence the contractility of the rabbit heart

    OpenAIRE

    Farkas, A S; Acsai, K; Nagy, N; Tóth, A; Fülöp, F; Seprényi, G; Birinyi, P; Nánási, P P; Forster, T; Csanády, M; Papp, J G; Varró, A; Farkas, A

    2008-01-01

    Background and purpose: The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) may play a key role in myocardial contractility. The operation of the NCX is affected by the action potential (AP) configuration and the intracellular Na+ concentration. This study examined the effect of selective NCX inhibition by 0.1, 0.3 and 1.0 μM SEA0400 on the myocardial contractility in the setting of different AP configurations and different intracellular Na+ concentrations in rabbit and rat hearts.

  7. Capacidades dinámicas que influyen en la operación de la Red de Turismo de La Candelaria

    OpenAIRE

    Gutiérrez Rodríguez, Alejandro Javier

    2013-01-01

    El desarrollo de la presente investigación, centra su atención en las capacidades dinámicas que influyen en la operación de la Red de Turismo de La Candelaria de Bogotá. Para este fin, se realizó una encuesta a 100 directivos o dueños de las empresas que conforman dicha red, y que es una muestra significativa para los propósitos de la investigación, puesto que permite describir a nivel de la empresa y a nivel de la red, la influencia de las capacidades dinámicas de absorción, adaptación e inn...

  8. Beta adrenergic overstimulation impaired vascular contractility via actin-cytoskeleton disorganization in rabbit cerebral artery.

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    Hyoung Kyu Kim

    Full Text Available BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Beta adrenergic overstimulation may increase the vascular damage and stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of beta adrenergic overstimulation in cerebrovascular dysfunctions are not well known. We investigated the possible cerebrovascular dysfunction response to isoproterenol induced beta-adrenergic overstimulation (ISO in rabbit cerebral arteries (CAs. METHODS: ISO was induced in six weeks aged male New Zealand white rabbit (0.8-1.0 kg by 7-days isoproterenol injection (300 μg/kg/day. We investigated the alteration of protein expression in ISO treated CAs using 2DE proteomics and western blot analysis. Systemic properties of 2DE proteomics result were analyzed using bioinformatics software. ROS generation and following DNA damage were assessed to evaluate deteriorative effect of ISO on CAs. Intracellular Ca(2+ level change and vascular contractile response to vasoactive drug, angiotensin II (Ang II, were assessed to evaluate functional alteration of ISO treated CAs. Ang II-induced ROS generation was assessed to evaluated involvement of ROS generation in CA contractility. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis revealed remarkably decreased expression of cytoskeleton organizing proteins (e.g. actin related protein 1A and 2, α-actin, capping protein Z beta, and vimentin and anti-oxidative stress proteins (e.g. heat shock protein 9A and stress-induced-phosphoprotein 1 in ISO-CAs. As a cause of dysregulation of actin-cytoskeleton organization, we found decreased level of RhoA and ROCK1, which are major regulators of actin-cytoskeleton organization. As functional consequences of proteomic alteration, we found the decreased transient Ca(2+ efflux and constriction response to angiotensin II and high K(+ in ISO-CAs. ISO also increased basal ROS generation and induced oxidative damage in CA; however, it decreased the Ang II-induced ROS generation rate. These results indicate that ISO disrupted actin cytoskeleton proteome network

  9. Influência da suplementação de creatina na capacidade funcional de pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca

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    Ana Paula Perillo Ferreira Carvalho

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available FUNDAMENTO: A Insuficiência Cardíaca (IC é uma síndrome complexa, marcada pela intolerância ao esforço e perda da capacidade funcional. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a capacidade funcional dos pacientes com IC suplementados com creatina. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo cego. Foram randomizados em dois grupos 33 pacientes com IC, com idade > 18 anos, sexo masculino, classes funcionais II a IV. O grupo experimental (G CRE, n = 17 foi suplementado com creatina com dose de 5 g por dia durante seis meses. E o grupo placebo (G PLA, n = 16 recebeu 5 g de maltodextrina por dia durante o mesmo período de tempo. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a avaliação da capacidade funcional por meio da ergoespirometria e teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6 pré e pós-intervenção. O modelo estatístico Ancova e a correlação de Pearson foram utilizados na análise dos grupos e nas formas de tratamento. RESULTADOS: Das variáveis avaliadas na ergoespirometria, o volume de oxigênio pico (VO2 pico, limiar anaeróbio (LA e o pulso de oxigênio (pulso de O2 não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos (P>0,05. No TC6 não houve diferença significativa na distância percorrida. CONCLUSÃO: A suplementação de creatina em pacientes com IC não promoveu melhora significativa na capacidade funcional.

  10. Predictores cognitivos de la capacidad de planificación en niños de 6 y 7 años de edad

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    Florencia Stelzer

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available La planificación implica la habilidad para identificar y organizar secuencias de acciones con el fin de alcanzar metas específicas. En la literatura se observan resultados dispares respecto de cuáles son los mejores predictores de esta capacidad en niños. Nuestro objetivo en este trabajo fue identificar en qué medida la voluntad de control, el control inhibitorio perceptual, la memoria de trabajo y la inteligencia fluida explican tal capacidad en niños que inician la educación primaria básica. La muestra estuvo conformada por 289 participantes de entre 6 y 7 años de edad. Los resultados indicaron que únicamente la inteligencia fluida y la memoria de trabajo se asociaban y explicaban la capacidad de planificar. Discutimos las implicaciones de estos resultados para el diseño de futuras investigaciones.

  11. LAS CAPACIDADES TECNOLÓGICAS COMO BASE PARA EL DESARROLLO (TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT

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    Carvajal Villaplana Álvaro

    2010-04-01

    Full Text Available Resumen:En este artículo interesa determinar la estructura lógica del concepto de capacidades tecnológicas para establecer las características y los componentes más relevantes, esto con la intención de proponer una definición filosófica a partir de las ideas de capacidades y funcionamientos de Amartya Sen y del concepto de disposiciones de Gilbert Ryle. Se trata de una ampliación o aplicación de esas nociones a la idea de capacidades tecnológicas con el fin de obtener dicho concepto operativo y apropiado. El estudio se lleva a cabo, porque la noción de capacidades tecnológicas es muy utilizada en diversos textos de economía, administración, tecnología y filosofía, pero sin que se las defina apropiadamente ni se les fundamente filosóficamente. La investigación en la que se sustenta el artículo se realizó en el año 2005 con un enfoque de análisis inscrito en la tradición filosófica analítica.Abstract:In this work I am interested in determining the logical structure of the concept of technological capabilities to establish their characteristics and components. This is done with the intention of proposing an operative definition of such a notion. For this purpose I proceed to establish its theoretical foundation, inspired in Amartya Sen’s conception of capability and operation, as well as in Ryle's concept of disposition. It is an amplification or application from those notions to the idea of technological capability in order to obtain an operative and appropriate notion. An exploration of the notion of tecnological capabilities seems very timely because of its widespread use in economics, business administration and philosophy, areas in which both a clear definition and a theoretical explanation are usually missing. The research for this paper took place in 2005, when its author was working for his Ph.D. at the Carlos III University in Madrid. Our approach here is typical of the analytical tradition in philosophy.

  12. Los peligros de la interpretación de las evidencias indirectas sobre la evolución del lenguaje: dextralidad y capacidad lingüística de los Neandertales

    OpenAIRE

    Benítez Burraco, Antonio; Longa Martínez, Víctor Manuel

    2011-01-01

    La cuestión de las capacidades lingüísticas de Homo neanderthalensis ha sido muy debatida, y se han sostenido muy diferentes argumentos a favor de esas capacidades. Reciente-mente, Frayer & al. (2010, 2011) han defendido que los Neandertales tenían capacidades lin-güísticas similares a las de los humanos modernos. Esos trabajos son interesantes, dado que sostienen que esa idea es apoyada por diferentes evidencias (dextralidad, anatomía, conducta moderna, simbolismo o ADN fósil). El presente a...

  13. Capacidade de Carga Turística: Um Estudo no Caminhos Rurais de Porto Alegre, RS

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    Juliane Magagnin Da Soller

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Nesse artigo, apresenta-se o contexto do turismo de base comunitária, além de breve histórico e discussão acerca do conceito e da metodologia da Capacidade de Carga Turística, assim como a adaptação da metodologia para estudo aqui relatado. Descreve-se o estudo realizado para determinar a Capacidade de Carga Turística, tendo por amostra as propriedades rurais partícipes da Associação Porto Alegre Rural (POA RURAL, mais especialmente do roteiro Caminhos Rurais de Porto Alegre, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Propôs-se adaptar a para o local a metodologia de cálculo de Capacidade de Carga Turística a partir de Cifuentes (1992; et al 1996, considerando suas particularidades, principalmente aquelas que dizem respeito a saúde e ao bem-estar das famílias que recebem os visitantes e aos impactos ambientais causados pelas construções de infraestrutura turística. A Capacidade de Carga Turística é uma metodologia desenvolvida para áreas preservadas de uso público. Assim, não costuma dar enfoque às questões referentes à comunidade local e aos resíduos gerados pelas instalações e pelos serviços prestados no Turismo.  Tourist Carrying Capacity: A study in the Caminhos Rurais de Porto Alegre, RS  - This paper presents the community based tourism and a brief history, concept and methodology of Tourist Carrying Capacity, and the adaptation of that methodology to the present case. The paper presents the study to determine the Tourist Carrying Capacity in rural proprieties that currently constitute the Porto Alegre Rural Association (RURAL POA, the tourist destination Caminhos Rurais de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul. The research proposes to adapt the methodology of Tourist Carrying Capacity from Cifuentes (1992, et al 1996, to the Caminhos Rurais, considering its particularities, especially those relate to health and well-being of families who receives visitors, and the environmental impacts caused by the construction of

  14. El enfoque de las capacidades, la agencia cognitiva y los recursos morales

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    Agustín Reyes Morela

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available El enfoque de Sen se presenta como una alternativa en el terreno de la justicia distributiva. Su noción central es la de capacidad de agencia, es decir, la libertad efectiva para alcanzar aquello que se tienen razones para valorar. A su vez, la idea de agencia cognitiva refiere a la capacidad de revisar o reforzar estas razones. Bajo la autocomprensión de las sociedades modernas, la única forma válida de desarrollarla es a través de la deliberación pública. Del intercambio surgen los recursos morales (entre ellos las razones morales que permiten modificar la concepción del bien y fortalecer sentido de justicia de los sujetos.The Sen’s approach is presented as an alternative in the field of distributive justice. Its main concept is the capability of agency, namely the effective freedom to achieve whatever you have reason to value. In turn, the idea of cognitive agency refers to the capability to review and strengthen these reasons. Under the self-understanding of modern societies, the only valid way to develop them is through public deliberation. Through the exchange emerge the moral resources that allow to modify the conception of the good and strengthen the sense of justice of the people.

  15. Uma proposta de analise da capacidade de inovação da firma a partir de estudos de caso em empresas do setor agroindustrial da Região

    OpenAIRE

    Benedet, Daniele Mello

    2013-01-01

    Sendo inovação um tema complexo, que merece destaque, busca-se compreender o processo inovativo da firma que é um agente dinâmico, formado por um conjunto de recursos produtivos que se adaptam ao ambiente competitivo ao qual pertence, por meio da identificação da sua capacidade de inovação. O objetivo da presente dissertação é compreender as características da capacidade inovativa de firmas que incorporam inovações tecnológicas, por meio de quatro capacidades entendidas como formadoras da cap...

  16. Cardiac-Specific Overexpression of Catalase Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Myocardial Contractile Dysfunction: Role of Autophagy

    OpenAIRE

    Turdi, Subat; Han, Xuefeng; Huff, Anna F.; Roe, Nathan D.; Hu, Nan; Gao, Feng; Ren, Jun

    2012-01-01

    Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria is a major initiator of sepsis, leading to cardiovascular collapse. Accumulating evidence has indicated a role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiovascular complication in sepsis. This study was designed to examine the effect of cardiac-specific overexpression of catalase in LPS-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction and the underlying mechanism(s) with a focus on autophagy. Catalase transgenic and wild-type FVB mice were challenged ...

  17. Influence of genotype on contractile protein differentiation in different bovine muscles during foetal life

    OpenAIRE

    Gagnière , Hélène; Ménissier , François; Geay , Yves; Picard , Brigitte

    2000-01-01

    International audience; The purpose of this work was to compare muscle fibre differentiation in two genetic types: "normal charolais" and double-muscled (DM) "INRA 95" cattles displaying muscle hypertrophy. Six muscles with different contractile and metabolic characteristics in adult animal: Masseter, Diaphragma (Di), Biceps femoris (BF), Longissimus thoracis, Semitendinosus and Cutaneus trunci (CT) were excised from 60 to 260-day-old fœtuses of both genotypes. These muscles present different...

  18. Modelo de capacidad dinámica de aprendizaje organizacional: experiencia de la biotecnológia en Cuba

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    Marle Pérez de Armas

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available La experiencia y práctica internacional fundamentan el conocimiento como recurso estratégico y resultado del aprendizaje organizacional, lo que conduce a plantear la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional vinculada con la obtención de resultados de desempeños positivos y fuente de ventajas competitivas. En este sentido, la empresa de alta tecnología (EAT del sector de la biotecnología en Cuba representa una experiencia singular lo que se vincula con el problema científico, ya que se necesita explicar, sobre bases científicas, cómo el desarrollo de la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional contribuye a fundamentar el éxito alcanzado por empresas líderes del sector, y que a su vez posibiliten su extensión a otras de su tipo en el sector. A partir de la utilización de la metodología de estudio de caso aplicada al Centro de Inmunología Molecular como caso piloto y el juicio de expertos se obtiene como, principal resultado, un modelo conceptual que fundamenta y explica el éxito alcanzado por empresas líderes de alta tecnología del sector biotecnológico cubano desde el desarrollo de la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional y sus tres dimensiones claves: elementos de gestión técnico-organizativos, comportamiento organizacional y actores externos.

  19. Modelo de capacidad dinámica de aprendizaje organizacional: experiencia de la biotecnología en Cuba

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marle Pérez De Armas

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available La experiencia y práctica internacional fundamentan el conocimiento como recurso estratégico y resultado del aprendizaje organizacional, lo que conduce a plantear la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional vinculada con la obtención de resultados de desempeños positivos y fuente de ventajas competitivas. En este sentido, la empresa de alta tecnología (EAT del sector de la biotecnología en Cuba representa una experiencia singular lo que se vincula con el problema científico, ya que se necesita explicar, sobre bases científicas, cómo el desarrollo de la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional contribuye a fundamentar el éxito alcanzado por empresas líderes del sector, y que a su vez posibiliten su extensión a otras de su tipo en el sector. A partir de la utilización de la metodología de estudio de caso aplicada al Centro de Inmunología Molecular como caso piloto y el juicio de expertos se obtiene como, principal resultado, un modelo conceptual que fundamenta y explica el éxito alcanzado por empresas líderes de alta tecnología del sector biotecnológico cubano desde el desarrollo de la Capacidad Dinámica de Aprendizaje Organizacional y sus tres dimensiones claves: elementos de gestión técnico-organizativos, comportamiento organizacional y actores externos.

  20. HEALTHY AND PATHOLOGICAL CHANGES OF MYOMETRIUM: PREGNANT MYOMETRIUM, UTERINE FIBROIDS AND LEIOMYOSARCOMA. Cambios normales y patológicos del miometrio: miometrio del embarazo, fibrosis uterina y leiomiosarcoma

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    Pasquapina Ciarmela

    2016-03-01

    Full Text Available El miometrio, la pared muscular del útero, puede modificar su misma masa y las propiedades celulares en el embarazo y también en los tumores como el leiomioma y el leiomiosarcoma. El leiomioma, dicho también fibroma, es un tumor benigno del útero y se considera como  una de las causas más frecuentes de infertilità en el período reproductivo femenino. El leiomiosarcoma, en cambio, es un tumor maligno y agresivo de la musculatura lisa uterina. La presente revisión discute las características generales del leiomioma y el leiomiosarcoma y los relativos tratamientos clínicos actualmente usados y además describe las características del miometrio normal en el embarazo.  The myometrium, the muscular wall of the uterus, can modify its mass and cellular properties in pregnancy as well as in tumor conditions such as leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyomas, also known as fibroids, are benign tumors of the uterus, considered to be one of the most frequent causes of infertility in reproductive years of women. Leiomyosarcomas in turn, are rare aggressive malignant uterine smooth-muscle tumors. The present review is discussing the general features of leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma with their current treatments and also discussing the characteristics of normal pregnant myometrium and compare with leiomyoma.

  1. Un estudio exploratorio de capacidades emocionales en adultos mayores

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    Zoe S. Bello Dávila

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract The study of the emotional world of the elderly is a fundamental requisite for guaranteeing the well-being and health of this group. The objective of this research paper was to characterize a group of elderly people according to their motional capabilities. The group consisted of 122 elderly persons: 107 female, 15 male. All attendants participated in a “Círculo de Abuelos” (Circle of Grandparents. The study was descriptive, it sought to gather information about the responses of older adults in situations of emotional content by completing a questionnaire. The results provided a profile of capacities where areas of strength and weakness are clearly distinguished. Selfconfidence and the possibility of fulfilling projects are among the strengths while the weaknesses are found in interpersonal or intrapersonal managing of emotions. These results have led to a better understanding of the emotional world of the elderly and guide future educational activities. Resumen El estudio del mundo emocional de los adultos mayores es un requisito fundamental para garantizar el estado de bienestar y salud de los mismos. El presente artículo de investigación se fijó como objetivo caracterizar a un grupo de ancianos, en función de sus capacidades emocionales. Los participantes fueron 122 ancianos, en concreto 107 mujeres y 15 hombres, que asisten a un “Círculo de Abuelos”. El estudio fue de tipo descriptivo, pues pretendió recoger información acerca de las respuestas de los adultos mayores ante situaciones de contenido emocional que se exploran por medio de un cuestionario elaborado al efecto. Los resultados ofrecen un perfil de capacidades en que la autoconfianza y la posibilidad de elaborar proyectos se erigen como fortalezas, mientras que las debilidades se expresan en las dificultades para el manejo emocional tanto a nivel intra como interpersonal. Estos resultados han permitido lograr una mejor comprensión del mundo emocional del

  2. Integrated Analysis of Contractile Kinetics, Force Generation, and Electrical Activity in Single Human Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes

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    Jan David Kijlstra

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The quantitative analysis of cardiomyocyte function is essential for stem cell-based approaches for the in vitro study of human cardiac physiology and pathophysiology. We present a method to comprehensively assess the function of single human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocyte (hPSC-CMs through simultaneous quantitative analysis of contraction kinetics, force generation, and electrical activity. We demonstrate that statistical analysis of movies of contracting hPSC-CMs can be used to quantify changes in cellular morphology over time and compute contractile kinetics. Using a biomechanical model that incorporates substrate stiffness, we calculate cardiomyocyte force generation at single-cell resolution and validate this approach with conventional traction force microscopy. The addition of fluorescent calcium indicators or membrane potential dyes allows the simultaneous analysis of contractility and calcium handling or action potential morphology. Accordingly, our approach has the potential for broad application in the study of cardiac disease, drug discovery, and cardiotoxicity screening.

  3. Frequência de mola hidatiforme em tecidos obtidos por curetagem uterina Frequency of hydatidiform mole in tissue obtained by curettage

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    Andressa Biscaro

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência de mola hidatiforme em tecidos obtidos por curetagem uterina. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, prospectivo e descritivo que incluiu pacientes submetidas à curetagem uterina por diagnóstico de aborto ou mola hidatiforme cujo material obtido foi encaminhado para exame anatomopatológico. Foram excluídas aquelas que não aceitaram participar da pesquisa, recusando-se a assinar o Termo de Consentimento Informado Livre e Esclarecido. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: achados anatomopatológicos, idade, raça/cor, número de gestações e abortos prévios, idade gestacional no momento do diagnóstico, níveis séricos quantitativos da fração beta da gonadotrofina coriônica humana e achados ultrassonográficos. As variáveis foram empregadas para a verificação com o diagnóstico histológico, considerado o padrão-ouro. Os dados foram armazenados e analisados no software Microsoft Excel® e no programa Epi-Info, versão 6.0 (STATCALC e os resultados apresentados como frequência (porcentagem ou média±desvio padrão. Para a associação entre variáveis qualitativas foi usado o teste do χ², e admitiu-se significância estatística quando pPURPOSE: To determine the frequency of hydatiform mole in tissues obtained by curettage. METHODS: A cross-sectional, prospective and descriptive conducted on patients who underwent curretage due to a diagnosis of abortion or hydatiform mole whose material was sent for pathological examination. We excluded women who did not accept to participate and refused to sign the free informed consent form. We studied the following variables: pathological findings, age, race, number of pregnancies and previous abortions, gestational age at diagnosis, quantitative serum beta fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin and ultrasound findings. The data were compared to the to histological diagnosis, considered to be the gold standard. Data were stored and analyzed in Microsoft Excel

  4. Alterações histoquímicas das glicosaminoglicanas na cérvice uterina no final da prenhez da rata albina após ministração local de hialuronidase Histochemical changes of the glycosaminoglycans in the uterine cervix of pregnant rats after local injection of hyaluronidase

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Viviane Almeida de Alcântara Lopes

    2008-07-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: estudar as alterações histoquímicas relacionadas às glicosaminoglicanas da cérvice uterina da rata albina, após ministração local de hialuronidase no final da prenhez. MÉTODOS: dez ratas com teste de prenhez positivo foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois grupos, numericamente iguais. O Grupo Controle (Gc foi constituído pelas ratas que receberam 1 mL de água destilada, dose única, no 18º dia da prenhez, sob anestesia, ministrado na cérvice uterina. O Grupo Experimental (Gex constou de ratas que receberam, sob as mesmas condições do Gc, 0,02 mL de hialuronidase, diluído em 0,98 mL de água destilada (total de 1 mL. No 20º dia de prenhez, as ratas foram novamente anestesiadas e submetidas à dissecção, preparando-se a cérvice uterina para estudo histoquímico com coloração de alcian blue e seus bloqueios (pH=0,5, pH=2,5, metilação e saponificação. RESULTADOS: verificou-se na lâmina própria no Gc, reação fortemente positiva (+3 e, no Gex, reação negativa, na coloração de alcian blue no pH=0,5. Em pH=2,5 a coloração também se apresentou fortemente positiva (+4 no Gc e fracamente positiva (+1 no Gex. Após metilação, tanto o Gc quanto o Gex mostraram reação negativa após coloração de alcian blue no pH=2,5. Com a reação de metilação seguida de saponificação e na digestão enzimática em lâmina, a coloração da lâmina própria se mostrou negativa em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: há uma nítida predominância de glicosaminoglicanas sulfatadas no Gc em relação ao Gex e uma tênue quantidade de glicosaminoglicanas carboxiladas identificadas no Gex. As modificações evidenciadas na matriz extracelular sugerem que a hialuronidase injetada localmente na cérvix uterina promoveu alterações bioquímicas compatíveis com maturação cervical.PURPOSE: to study the histochemical changes related to the uterine cervix glycosaminoglycan of the albino female rat, after local ministration of

  5. Capacidad y percepción de autocuidado del adulto mayor del programa Centro día/vida, Ibagué,Colombia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Myriam Angélica Castiblanco Amaya

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: Evaluar la capacidad y percepción de autocuidado del adulto mayor, usuario del programa Centro día/vida del Centro Integral Comunitario (CIC de la comuna ocho, ubicado en el barrio La Cima de Ibagué en el departamento del Tolima, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, trasversal con muestra de 88 adultos mayores, entre 60 y 93 años de edad. La información se recolectó entre octubre y diciembre de 2014, durante la práctica de la asignatura Enfermería del Adulto Mayor; se aplicó la encuesta: evaluación de la capacidad de percepción de autocuidado del adulto mayor, constó de ocho categorías que evalua- ron la capacidad y percepción de autocuidado del adulto mayor; fue procesada con el programa Excel en cuatro etapas: 1. Sistematización de información; 2. Transcripción de respuestas en tablas estadísticas, 3. Análisis de categorías según criterios de evaluación del instrumento y 4. Interpretación de los resultados obtenidos a partir de su aplicación. Resultados: El adulto mayor presentó adecuada capacidad y percepción de autocuidado en las siguientes categorías: actividad física, alimentación, medicación, adicciones y hábitos tóxicos. No se evidenció déficit de autocuidado, debido a que el estudio demostró en esta categoría el mayor porcentaje y la calificación más alta. Conclusiones: Se determinó que la capacidad y percepción de autocuidado de los adultos mayores es parcialmente adecuada en las siguientes categorías: eliminación, descanso y sueño, higiene y confort, y control de salud, debido a que estas categorías obtuvieron puntaje mayor en la calificación intermedia. No se evidencio déficit de autocuidado inadecuado para ninguna categoría, debido a la interdisciplinariedad del programa.

  6. La limitada capacidad del concepto de populismo punitivo como herramienta de interpretación del sistema penal colombiano

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fernando León Tamayo Arboleda

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available En los intentos por explicar la evolución reciente en la configuración de los sistemas de castigo penal y el reformismo que en esta materia se ha presentado en diversos países del hemisferio occidental, se ha propuesto el concepto de populismo punitivo como herramienta analítica. Sin embargo, su capacidad explicativa parece reducida desde el punto de vista teórico, debido a la dificultad para su determinación y diferenciación de otros conceptos, así como desde el punto de vista práctico, por su insuficiencia para explicar las tendencias recientes en materia de castigo. Por ello, el presente artículo busca problematizar la capacidad analítica que brinda el concepto de populismo punitivo, a partir de un análisis teórico contrastado con las recientes tendencias políticas en Colombia y las reformas penales que mayor impacto han tenido desde la implementación del Código Penal vigente. A partir de lo anterior, se concluye que el concepto de populismo punitivo no representa una novedad frente a otros conceptos previamente utilizados en Colombia, y que su formulación tiene una limitada capacidad para explicar la política criminal en el país.

  7. Evaluación de capacidades para testificar en víctimas con discapacidad intelectual

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María José Contreras

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Las habilidades para testificar de las víctimas con discapacidad intelectual (DI suelen ser consideradas de acuerdo con estereotipos más que con su realidad, teniendo en cuenta que se observa una gran heterogeneidad en este colectivo. Por ello es necesario un procedimiento que permita conocer específicamente las características cognitivas de cada víctima con DI con el fin último de adaptar los procedimientos policiales y judiciales a sus capacidades y evaluar adecuadamente la información que aportan en sus testimonios. Con este objetivo se desarrolló el protocolo de entrevista CAPALIST, que evalúa las capacidades cognitivas que intervendrían en la aportación de testimonio. En el presente trabajo se describe la herramienta y se aportan datos sobre su aplicación a cuatro víctimas reales de abuso sexual con DI. Los resultados muestran mínimas diferencias en los acuerdos interjueces. Se concluye que el CAPALIST podría ser de utilidad en la evaluación de las habilidades para testificar en víctimas con DI.

  8. EFECTIVIDAD DE LA ORIENTACIÓN EMPRENDEDORA: EL PAPEL DEL CAPITAL SOCIAL Y LAS CAPACIDADES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rodrigo-Alarcón, Job

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available La orientación emprendedora ha sido uno de los aspectos que mayor interés ha suscitado en los últimos años en el campo del entrepreneurship. La revisión de la literatura nos permite señalar la necesidad de abordar la ambigüedad y la complejidad de la relación entre la orientación emprendedora y los resultados empresariales. En este trabajo planteamos esta relación desde un enfoque configuracional, abordando la coherencia de factores relacionales —capital social— y organizativos —capacidades tecnológicas y de marketing— con la orientación emprendedora. El objetivo del trabajo consiste en desarrollar un modelo configuracional que explique el efecto moderador conjunto del capital social y las capacidades empresariales sobre la efectividad de la orientación emprendedora. Se establecen 3 modelos teóricos —universal, contingente y configuracional— que se definen mediante proposiciones teóricas. Exploramos y ejemplificamos empíricamente las relaciones establecidas mediante un estudio de casos de empresas agroalimentarias españolas. Finalmente, extraemos diversas conclusiones a partir de los modelos planteados y proponemos futuras líneas de investigación.

  9. CAPACIDAD TECNOLÓGICA Y POLÍTICAS PÚBLICAS DE LAS ORGANIZACIONES GESTORAS DE RIESGOS AMBIENTALES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Johana Quintero

    2014-07-01

    Full Text Available El desarrollo del País esta indivisiblemente unido al aprendizaje tecnológico que generan las capacidades tecnológicas necesarias para lograr un cambio tecnológico. La presente investigación analiza la capacidad tecnológica y las políticas públicas de las organizaciones que gestionan los riesgos ambientales en Venezuela y formula los lineamientos teóricos en materia de políticas públicas que beneficien la interrelación del estado venezolano con las organizaciones que gestionan de los riesgos. Para alcanzar los objetivos de la investigación, se fundamentó en las teorías de Mora y Barrios (2000, CLAD (2000, Gaynor (1999, Vásquez (2000, de la misma manera se consultaron leyes, decretos y normativas vigentes. La investigación fue de tipo descriptiva, documental, de campo, con un diseño no experimental transaccional descriptivo, correlacional, utilizando como técnicas e instrumentos de recolección de datos los documentos bibliográficos, el cuestionario y la entrevista, los cuales fueron aplicados a veintitrés sujetos quienes  representan los informantes claves de las organizaciones población de estudio. Con los resultados obtenidos se concluyó que la capacidad tecnológica se incorpora en forma creciente en las organizaciones debido a la consecución de sus cuatro componentes y se comprobó que interactúan entre si y cada uno de ellos contribuye de modo diferente a las mismas, permitiendo integrar las políticas públicas en materia de riesgos ambientales, para poder lograr así una orientación en la elaboración de lineamientos teóricos para el desarrollo de ambas variables.

  10. Factores de capacidad en el uso de control prenatal adecuado en gestantes de Sincelejo (Colombia

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Clarybel Miranda Mellado

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Objetivo: Determinar los factores de capacidad relacionados con el uso adecuado de control prenatal en gestantes de Sincelejo (Colombia en 2014. Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico de corte transversal, con una muestra de 730 gestantes, seleccionadas mediante muestreo por conglomerados. La información fue reco - lectada por medio de Encuesta Sociodemográfica y de Caracterización familiar, Escala de Apgar Familiar y Escala de Satisfacción con los Servicios Sanitarios. Para la tabulación de datos se usó Microsoft Excel V-2010, SPSSS V-17, y para el análisis, las pruebas OR y Análisis Multivariado. Resultados: El 97,7 % de las gestantes asiste al control prenatal. Sobre las razones de asistencia, 83,9 % (598 dijo que lo hacía para detectar alteraciones y 14,6 % (104 por recomendación de alguien; las 17 gestantes que no asistían al control citaron como razo - nes: porque deben hacer mucho trámite (47,1 %(8, por haber perdido la cita (23,5 %(4, porque creen no necesitar el control porque habían tenido hijos sin problemas (23,5 %(4, y porque creen que es muy temprano para iniciar el control (5,9 %(1. Acerca del uso de control prenatal se encontró que el 75,6 % (552 hace uso adecuado de este servicio. Conclusiones: Al hacer un análisis estadístico mediante razones de momios ( OR , para hallar asociación con los factores de capacidad, se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el uso adecuado de control prenatal y dos variables de capacidad: la afiliación a un régimen de salud y la satisfacción con los servicios de control prenatal.

  11. Enhancement of S1P-induced contractile response in detrusor smooth muscle of rats having cystitis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Anjum, Irfan; Denizalti, Merve; Kandilci, Hilmi Burak; Durlu-Kandilci, Nezahat Tugba; Sahin-Erdemli, Inci

    2017-11-05

    Interstitial cystitis is a chronic disease characterized by lower abdominal pain and some nonspecific symptoms including an increase in urinary frequency and urgency. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that controls smooth muscle tone via G-protein coupled receptors (S1P 1-3 receptors). S1P production is known to take place both in physiological states and some pathological situations, such as in overactive bladder syndrome. The intracellular mechanism of S1P-induced contractile response was investigated in β-escin permeabilized detrusor smooth muscle of rats having cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. The bladder was isolated from rats and detrusor smooth muscle strips were permeabilized with β-escin. S1P (50µM)-induced contraction and calcium sensitization response were significantly increased in cystitis. S1P-induced augmented contractile response was inhibited by S1P 2 receptor antagonist JTE-013 and S1P 3 receptor antagonist suramin. S1P 2 receptor protein expressions were increased in cystitis, where no change was observed in S1P 3 expressions between control and cystitis groups. S1P-induced contraction was reduced by Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 and protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF-109203X in both control and cystitis group. S1P-induced increased calcium sensitization response was decreased by ROCK inhibitor and PKC inhibitor in cystitis. Our findings provide the first evidence that interstitial cystitis triggers S1P-induced increase in intracellular calcium in permeabilized detrusor smooth muscle of female rats. Both S1P 2 and S1P 3 receptors are involved in S1P mediated enhanced contractile response. The augmentation in S1P-induced contraction in interstitial cystitis involves both PKC and ROCK pathways of calcium sensitization. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Palmitate diet-induced loss of cardiac caveolin-3: a novel mechanism for lipid-induced contractile dysfunction.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Catherine J Knowles

    Full Text Available Obesity is associated with an increased risk of cardiomyopathy, and mechanisms linking the underlying risk and dietary factors are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that dietary intake of saturated fat increases the levels of sphingolipids, namely ceramide and sphingomyelin in cardiac cell membranes that disrupt caveolae, specialized membrane micro-domains and important for cellular signaling. C57BL/6 mice were fed two high-fat diets: palmitate diet (21% total fat, 47% is palmitate, and MCT diet (21% medium-chain triglycerides, no palmitate. We established that high-palmitate feeding for 12 weeks leads to 40% and 50% increases in ceramide and sphingomyelin, respectively, in cellular membranes. Concomitant with sphingolipid accumulation, we observed a 40% reduction in systolic contractile performance. To explore the relationship of increased sphingolipids with caveolins, we analyzed caveolin protein levels and intracellular localization in isolated cardiomyocytes. In normal cardiomyocytes, caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 co-localize at the plasma membrane and the T-tubule system. However, mice maintained on palmitate lost 80% of caveolin-3, mainly from the T-tubule system. Mice maintained on MCT diet had a 90% reduction in caveolin-1. These data show that caveolin isoforms are sensitive to the lipid environment. These data are further supported by similar findings in human cardiac tissue samples from non-obese, obese, non-obese cardiomyopathic, and obese cardiomyopathic patients. To further elucidate the contractile dysfunction associated with the loss of caveolin-3, we determined the localization of the ryanodine receptor and found lower expression and loss of the striated appearance of this protein. We suggest that palmitate-induced loss of caveolin-3 results in cardiac contractile dysfunction via a defect in calcium-induced calcium release.

  13. Impacto de la capacidad de absorción del conocimiento en la innovación. El caso del sector petroquímico en Reynosa, México

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    Sheila Yazmín Solis Vázquez

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available La capacidad de absorción del conocimiento para generar innovaciones se ha convertido en la clave de éxito para que las empresas enfrenten la competitividad. El propósito de esta investigación es determinar el efecto de la capacidad de absorción del conocimiento en la innovación de las empresas que integran el sector petroquímico en Tamaulipas, México. Para ello, se aplicó un cuestionario a una muestra de 96 empresas en Reynosa, ciudad de Tamaulipas. En un primer apartado, se llevó a cabo un análisis factorial exploratorio, de donde se extrajeron dos dimensiones de la capacidad de absorción y dos dimensiones para la innovación. En la etapa posterior se utilizó el análisis de regresión lineal para comprobar las hipótesis planteadas. Finalmente, los resultados indican que la capacidad de absorción del conocimiento incide directamente sobre la innovación.

  14. La bioluminiscencia como recurso para potenciar la capacidad creativa del ser humano

    OpenAIRE

    Laugerud Tabarini, Isabel

    2014-01-01

    La bioluminiscencia, capacidad que poseen algunos organismos vivos de producir luz, ocurre mayormente en hábitats marinos donde raramente tiene testigos humanos. Al asombro natural que nos causa lo desconocido se le suma la particularidad de este fenómeno, poco representado y que además nos es solamente evidente en total ausencia de luz. Fuera de su zona de confort es donde el ser humano generalmente incrementa su habilidad de generar y/o conectar ideas para crear algo e implementarlo en su r...

  15. Capacidad de agencia de autocuidado y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes

    OpenAIRE

    Morales Aguilar, Rosa del Socorro

    2013-01-01

    Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación entre la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado y los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en adolescentes de una Institución de Educación Superior en el Distrito de Barranquilla. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio, de corte transversal, con abordaje cuantitativo, basado en la teoría del déficit de autocuidado de Orem. La muestra fue de 133 adolescentes, seleccionados mediante muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó la escala ASA, el c...

  16. Mark-up bancário, conflito distributivo e utilização da capacidade produtiva: uma macrodinâmica pós-keynesiana

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lima Gilberto Tadeu

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available Elabora-se um modelo macrodinâmico pós-keynesiano de utilização da capacidade, distribuição e inflação por conflito, no qual a oferta de moeda de crédito é endógena. A taxa nominal de juros é determinada pela aplicação de um mark-up sobre a taxa básica fixada pela autoridade monetária. Ao longo do tempo, o mark-up bancário varia com a taxa de lucro sobre o capital físico, enquanto a taxa básica varia com excessos de demanda que não são acomodáveis pela utilização da capacidade. São analisados os casos em que a demanda é suficiente ou não para gerar a plena utilização da capacidade.

  17. A Administração Estratégica do Capital Intelectual: Um Modelo Baseado na Capacidade Absortiva para Potencializar Inovação

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alessandra Cassol

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available O capital intelectual é percebido como um recurso estratégico capaz de ser propulsor da inovação. Neste contexto, sugere-se que o capital intelectual e a capacidade absortiva podem ser influenciadores da capacidade de inovar nas organizações e propõe-se um Modelo de administração estratégica do capital intelectual. Este artigo tem como objetivo propor e analisar um Modelo de Administração Estratégica do Capital Intelectual a partir de práticas da capacidade absortiva como potencializadora de inovação. Como método utiliza-se a pesquisa exploratória com abordagem quantitativa e aplicação de questionários para uma amostra de 104 gestores. Na análise dos dados utiliza-se a técnica de modelagem de equações estruturais por meio do Partial Least Squares (PLS, com a análise dos coeficientes de caminho observa-se uma forte relação entre os constructos o que confirmou as hipóteses da pesquisa. Verificamos que as práticas organizacionais adotadas para o desenvolvimento do capital intelectual, da capacidade absortiva e da inovação são: a capacitação constante dos colaboradores; b programas de sugestões; c assimilação de novas tecnologias; d aplicação de conhecimentos técnicos; e parcerias com órgãos de apoio à inovação. Como contribuições, as evidências encontradas indicam que a capacidade absortiva promove o avanço da inovação, podendo ainda ser possível observar práticas de gestão do capital intelectual a partir de rotinas organizacionais.

  18. Evolutionarily conserved sites in yeast tropomyosin function in cell polarity, transport and contractile ring formation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Susanne Cranz-Mileva

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available Tropomyosin is a coiled-coil protein that binds and regulates actin filaments. The tropomyosin gene in Schizosaccharomyces pombe, cdc8, is required for formation of actin cables, contractile rings, and polar localization of actin patches. The roles of conserved residues were investigated in gene replacement mutants. The work validates an evolution-based approach to identify tropomyosin functions in living cells and sites of potential interactions with other proteins. A cdc8 mutant with near-normal actin affinity affects patch polarization and vacuole fusion, possibly by affecting Myo52p, a class V myosin, function. The presence of labile residual cell attachments suggests a delay in completion of cell division and redistribution of cell patches following cytokinesis. Another mutant with a mild phenotype is synthetic negative with GFP-fimbrin, inferring involvement of the mutated tropomyosin sites in interaction between the two proteins. Proteins that assemble in the contractile ring region before actin do so in a mutant cdc8 strain that cannot assemble condensed actin rings, yet some cells can divide. Of general significance, LifeAct-GFP negatively affects the actin cytoskeleton, indicating caution in its use as a biomarker for actin filaments.

  19. O Processo de Internacionalização como Elemento Gerador de Capacidades Dinâmicas: o caso da WEG na Argentina e na ChinaThe Internationalization Process as Generator Element of Dynamic Capacities: the case of WEG in Argentina and ChinaEl Proceso de Internacionalización como Elemento Generador de Capacidades Dinámicas: el caso de WEG en Argentina y China

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    FLEURY, Maria Tereza Leme

    2009-12-01

    Full Text Available RESUMOO artigo tem o objetivo de investigar as capacidades dinâmicas desenvolvidas e utilizadas pela WEG no processo de internacionalização e explicar como essas capacidades contribuem para que a empresa defenda e sustente a vantagem competitiva. De forma mais específica, o artigo apresenta um estudo exploratório por meio do caso do processo de internacionalização da empresa WEG na Argentina e na China. Tal artigo, tendo como enfoque de análise as capacidades dinâmicas, contribui à literatura de gestão internacional em dois aspectos. Primeiro, acrescenta o olhar analítico da internacionalização baseado em capacidades dinâmicas que ainda é bem restrito. Segundo, ao trabalhar as capacidades dinâmicas como elemento central da análise do processo de internacionalização propõe um framework de análise integrativo das teorias econômica e comportamental que são muito usadas para explicar o processo de internacionalização de empresas, porém são tratadas de maneira independente e por vezes antagônica. O resultado mostra como as capacidades dinâmicas são articuladas no caso da WEG no processo de internacionalização para a Argentina e o subsequente movimento para a China. As capacidades dinâmicas desenvolvidas na Argentina foram adquiridas pela matriz brasileira e puderam ser aplicadas com as devidas proporções no processo de internacionalização para a China. Entretanto, não pode ser identificado uma estrutura organizacional mais complexa em que os relacionamentos diretos inter-subsidiárias pudessem compartilhar capacidades dinâmicas como proposto no framework.ABSTRACTThe objective of the article is to research the dynamic capacities developed and used by WEG in its internationalization process and to explain how these capacities help the company defends and supports competitive advantage. The article presents an exploratory study of the internationalization process of WEG in Argentina and China. This article has as

  20. Assessment of drug-induced arrhythmic risk using limit cycle and autocorrelation analysis of human iPSC-cardiomyocyte contractility

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kirby, R. Jason [Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, 6400 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827 (United States); Qi, Feng [Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Applied Bioinformatics Facility, 6400 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827 (United States); Phatak, Sharangdhar; Smith, Layton H. [Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, 6400 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827 (United States); Malany, Siobhan, E-mail: smalany@sbpdiscovery.org [Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, 6400 Sanger Rd, Orlando, FL 32827 (United States)

    2016-08-15

    Cardiac safety assays incorporating label-free detection of human stem-cell derived cardiomyocyte contractility provide human relevance and medium throughput screening to assess compound-induced cardiotoxicity. In an effort to provide quantitative analysis of the large kinetic datasets resulting from these real-time studies, we applied bioinformatic approaches based on nonlinear dynamical system analysis, including limit cycle analysis and autocorrelation function, to systematically assess beat irregularity. The algorithms were integrated into a software program to seamlessly generate results for 96-well impedance-based data. Our approach was validated by analyzing dose- and time-dependent changes in beat patterns induced by known proarrhythmic compounds and screening a cardiotoxicity library to rank order compounds based on their proarrhythmic potential. We demonstrate a strong correlation for dose-dependent beat irregularity monitored by electrical impedance and quantified by autocorrelation analysis to traditional manual patch clamp potency values for hERG blockers. In addition, our platform identifies non-hERG blockers known to cause clinical arrhythmia. Our method provides a novel suite of medium-throughput quantitative tools for assessing compound effects on cardiac contractility and predicting compounds with potential proarrhythmia and may be applied to in vitro paradigms for pre-clinical cardiac safety evaluation. - Highlights: • Impedance-based monitoring of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte contractility • Limit cycle analysis of impedance data identifies aberrant oscillation patterns. • Nonlinear autocorrelation function quantifies beat irregularity. • Identification of hERG and non-hERG inhibitors with known risk of arrhythmia • Automated software processes limit cycle and autocorrelation analyses of 96w data.

  1. Assessment of drug-induced arrhythmic risk using limit cycle and autocorrelation analysis of human iPSC-cardiomyocyte contractility

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kirby, R. Jason; Qi, Feng; Phatak, Sharangdhar; Smith, Layton H.; Malany, Siobhan

    2016-01-01

    Cardiac safety assays incorporating label-free detection of human stem-cell derived cardiomyocyte contractility provide human relevance and medium throughput screening to assess compound-induced cardiotoxicity. In an effort to provide quantitative analysis of the large kinetic datasets resulting from these real-time studies, we applied bioinformatic approaches based on nonlinear dynamical system analysis, including limit cycle analysis and autocorrelation function, to systematically assess beat irregularity. The algorithms were integrated into a software program to seamlessly generate results for 96-well impedance-based data. Our approach was validated by analyzing dose- and time-dependent changes in beat patterns induced by known proarrhythmic compounds and screening a cardiotoxicity library to rank order compounds based on their proarrhythmic potential. We demonstrate a strong correlation for dose-dependent beat irregularity monitored by electrical impedance and quantified by autocorrelation analysis to traditional manual patch clamp potency values for hERG blockers. In addition, our platform identifies non-hERG blockers known to cause clinical arrhythmia. Our method provides a novel suite of medium-throughput quantitative tools for assessing compound effects on cardiac contractility and predicting compounds with potential proarrhythmia and may be applied to in vitro paradigms for pre-clinical cardiac safety evaluation. - Highlights: • Impedance-based monitoring of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocyte contractility • Limit cycle analysis of impedance data identifies aberrant oscillation patterns. • Nonlinear autocorrelation function quantifies beat irregularity. • Identification of hERG and non-hERG inhibitors with known risk of arrhythmia • Automated software processes limit cycle and autocorrelation analyses of 96w data

  2. Estrategia de desarrollo de capacidades y el empoderamiento de mujeres en riesgo de violencia familiar grave. Distrito de Ambo; Huánuco-2017.

    OpenAIRE

    Fernández Picón, Clara

    2017-01-01

    El objetivo del estudio fue demostrar que la estrategia de desarrollo de capacidades tiene efecto en el empoderamiento de las mujeres con riesgo de violencia familiar grave, del distrito de Ambo; Huánuco, en el 2017. El estudio fue de enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo cuasi experimental, longitudinal (pre y pos-test), analítico, prospectivo y con grupo experimental y control; con 48 mujeres seleccionadas aleatoriamente. Al grupo experimental se le aplicó la estrategia de desarrollo de capacidades...

  3. Na+,K+-pump stimulation improves contractility in isolated muscles of mice with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Clausen, Torben; Nielsen, Ole Bækgaard; Clausen, Johannes D; Pedersen, Thomas Holm; Hayward, Lawrence J

    2011-07-01

    In patients with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HyperKPP), attacks of muscle weakness or paralysis are triggered by K(+) ingestion or rest after exercise. Force can be restored by muscle work or treatment with β(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. A missense substitution corresponding to a mutation in the skeletal muscle voltage-gated Na(+) channel (Na(v)1.4, Met1592Val) causing human HyperKPP was targeted into the mouse SCN4A gene (mutants). In soleus muscles prepared from these mutant mice, twitch, tetanic force, and endurance were markedly reduced compared with soleus from wild type (WT), reflecting impaired excitability. In mutant soleus, contractility was considerably more sensitive than WT soleus to inhibition by elevated [K(+)](o). In resting mutant soleus, tetrodotoxin (TTX)-suppressible (22)Na uptake and [Na(+)](i) were increased by 470 and 58%, respectively, and membrane potential was depolarized (by 16 mV, P Na(+),K(+) pump-mediated (86)Rb uptake was 83% larger than in WT. Salbutamol stimulated (86)Rb uptake and reduced [Na(+)](i) both in mutant and WT soleus. Stimulating Na(+),K(+) pumps with salbutamol restored force in mutant soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Increasing [Na(+)](i) with monensin also restored force in soleus. In soleus, EDL, and tibialis anterior muscles of mutant mice, the content of Na(+),K(+) pumps was 28, 62, and 33% higher than in WT, respectively, possibly reflecting the stimulating effect of elevated [Na(+)](i) on the synthesis of Na(+),K(+) pumps. The results confirm that the functional disorders of skeletal muscles in HyperKPP are secondary to increased Na(+) influx and show that contractility can be restored by acute stimulation of the Na(+),K(+) pumps. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) restored force in mutant soleus but caused no detectable increase in (86)Rb uptake. Repeated excitation and capsaicin also restored contractility, possibly because of the release of endogenous CGRP from nerve endings in the isolated

  4. Formation of contractile networks and fibers in the medial cell cortex through myosin-II turnover, contraction, and stress-stabilization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nie, Wei; Wei, Ming-Tzo; Ou-Yang, H Daniel; Jedlicka, Sabrina S; Vavylonis, Dimitrios

    2015-01-01

    The morphology of adhered cells depends crucially on the formation of a contractile meshwork of parallel and cross-linked fibers along the contacting surface. The motor activity and minifilament assembly of non-muscle myosin-II is an important component of cortical cytoskeletal remodeling during mechanosensing. We used experiments and computational modeling to study cortical myosin-II dynamics in adhered cells. Confocal microscopy was used to image the medial cell cortex of HeLa cells stably expressing myosin regulatory light chain tagged with GFP (MRLC-GFP). The distribution of MRLC-GFP fibers and focal adhesions was classified into three types of network morphologies. Time-lapse movies show: myosin foci appearance and disappearance; aligning and contraction; stabilization upon alignment. Addition of blebbistatin, which perturbs myosin motor activity, leads to a reorganization of the cortical networks and to a reduction of contractile motions. We quantified the kinetics of contraction, disassembly and reassembly of myosin networks using spatio-temporal image correlation spectroscopy (STICS). Coarse-grained numerical simulations include bipolar minifilaments that contract and align through specified interactions as basic elements. After assuming that minifilament turnover decreases with increasing contractile stress, the simulations reproduce stress-dependent fiber formation in between focal adhesions above a threshold myosin concentration. The STICS correlation function in simulations matches the function measured in experiments. This study provides a framework to help interpret how different cortical myosin remodeling kinetics may contribute to different cell shape and rigidity depending on substrate stiffness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  5. La internacionalización de la empresa a través del enfoque de recursos y capacidades

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jiménez Palmero, Alfredo

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available La internacionalización de la empresa constituye un fenómeno de especial relevancia dadas las controvertidas repercusiones que las actividades de las empresas multinacionales tienen tanto en su país de origen como de destino. El enfoque de recursos y capacidades ha sido un marco teórico muy empleado en la investigación científica para tratar de explicar el porqué y el cómo de esta importante decisión estratégica. El presente trabajo pretende ofrecer una revisión bibliográfica de algunos de los trabajos de referencia que han analizado la relación entre la dotación de recursos y capacidades y la estrategia, el método de entrada y el empleo de expatriados por parte de las empresas que han acometido el proceso de internacionalización.

  6. Melodías en el proceso de desarrollo de la capacidad lectora

    OpenAIRE

    Fonseca Mora, María Carmen

    2013-01-01

    La existencia de un vínculo entre la destreza lectora, la capacidad auditiva y la música ha sido descrita en numerosos estudios. Leer un texto significa sonorizar un mensaje escrito, ya que sin sonidos, en la lectura silenciosa es la voz interior del lector, no puede haber acceso desde los símbolos escritos al léxico y a la comprensión del mismo. Tanto en la lectura en voz alta como en la lectura silenciosa, las grafías que descifra el ojo necesitan apoyarse en elementos son...

  7. Las Capacidades Dinámicas e Administración Estratégica

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Vidigal Fernandes Martins

    2011-09-01

    Full Text Available Este ensayo teórico se centra en las teorías que explican cómo las organizaciones a obtener y mantener una ventaja competitiva. Tres Paradigmas se resumen, el paradigma y el paradigma de conflicto estratégico de Porter, y las conversaciones para poner fin al paradigma de recursos basado en recursos. "Capacidad dinámica" se derivan de la fuerte relación entre las nociones generalizadas de eficacia con respecto a los cambios y las fórmulas genéricas e la ventaja competitiva sustentable.

  8. Acurácia da histeroscopia na avaliação da cavidade uterina em pacientes com sangramento uterino pós-menopausa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Machado Maria Karenina N.

    2003-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: investigar a acurácia da histeroscopia como método de estudo da cavidade uterina de pacientes com sangramento na pós-menopausa. MÉTODO: trata-se de estudo transversal, que consistiu na avaliação de 78 prontuários de pacientes menopausadas com queixa de sangramento, no período de janeiro de 2000 a junho de 2002 no Centro Estadual de Oncologia do Estado da Bahia, submetidas à histeroscopia com biópsia de endométrio. Os achados histeroscópicos foram classificados como benignos (miomas, pólipos, atrofia, normal e suspeitos (espessamento, hiperplasias e câncer e os achados histopatológicos como benignos (miomas, pólipos, atrofia, hiperplasia típica e malignos (hiperplasia atípica e câncer. Os resultados da histeroscopia foram comparados com os exames histopatológicos. RESULTADOS: em relação aos achados suspeitos (espessamento, hiperplasias e câncer, a sensibilidade da histeroscopia foi de 85,7% e a especificidade de 88,7%, quando comparados à histopatologia. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 42,8% e o negativo 98,4%. A razão de probabilidades do teste positivo e a razão de probabilidades do teste negativo foram respectivamente 7,6 e 0,16. A acuidade da histeroscopia foi de 88,4% e o índice kappa 0,5. CONCLUSÃO: a histeroscopia isoladamente não apresentou, no presente estudo, acurácia aceitável, reforçando o conceito de que sua principal vantagem é dirigir a biópsia, devendo sempre estar associada ao diagnóstico histopatológico.

  9. Personas con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y su capacidad de agencia de autocuidado, Cartagena Pessoas com diabete mellitus tipo 2 e sua capacidade de agência de autocuidado, Cartagena Patients with Type 2 Mellitus Diabetes and their Self-Care Agency Capacity, Cartagena

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Arleth Herrera Lían

    2012-07-01

    Full Text Available Contexto: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se constituye en un problema de salud pública por las repercusiones bio-psicosociales, la presencia de complicaciones neurovasculares y metabólicas en la persona que la padece. Enfermería cumple un papel importante a través de la educación y la capacitación. Objetivo: Identificar la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado de las personas con diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus tipo 2, inscritos en los programas de control de diabetes en 19 UPAS de Cartagena. Metodología: diseño descriptivo con abordaje cuantitativo, en una muestra de 225 adultos de ambos sexos, seleccionados en forma aleatoria. La capacidad de agencia de autocuidado se identificó con la escala de Valoración de las capacidades de autocuidado, desarrollada por Isenberg y Everest, traducida al español por Gallegos y adaptada por la Universidad Nacional de Colombia. Para presentar los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva, los resultados se presentan en tablas y gráficas. Resultados: Predominó el sexo femenino (68,4 %; la unión libre (59,1 %; escolaridad (50,6 % con básica primaria; bajos ingresos económicos (menos de un salario mínimo mensual vigente, 34.7 %. Al valorar la capacidad de agencia de autocuidado, el 73.8 % de los pacientes obtuvo una calificación de muy buena (76-100 %, según escala. Al valorar los aspectos comprendidos en la escala se encontró que más del 50 % de las personas siempre sacan tiempo para ellos, piden explicación sobre su salud, examinan su cuerpo para ver si hay cambios y conservan un ambiente limpio. Conclusiones: El apoyo social recibido por los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y las prácticas de higiene personal y del entorno, el conocimiento y la adherencia a la dieta, permiten a los pacientes una buena capacidad de agencia de autocuidado.Contexto: A diabete mellitus tipo 2 se configura como um problema de saúde pública por conta das repercussões biopsicossociais e da presen

  10. Cómo mejorar la capacidad inferencial en estudiantes universitarios Como melhorar a capacidade inferencial em estudantes universitários How to Improve the Inferential Ability of College Students

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mireya Cisneros-Estupiñán

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available La investigación titulada "Mejoramiento de la capacidad inferencial en estudiantes universitarios" se propuso diseñar estrategias didácticas para desarrollarla comprensión lectora de textos académicos entre estudiantes. Se trabajó bajo la modalidad de proyecto factible, con intervención de pilotajes en la fase de desarrollo. El principal hallazgo es la propuesta estructurada, gradual y adaptable de un programa de entrenamiento en lectura comprensiva para los programas universitarios y sus cursos de alfabetización académica.A pesquisa intitulada "Melhoramento da capacidade inferencial em estudantes universitários" propôs desenhar estratégias didáticas para desenvolver a compreensão leitora de textos acadêmicos entre estudantes. Trabalhou-se sob a modalidade de projeto factível, com intervenção de pilotagens na fase de desenvolvimento. O principal descobrimento foi a proposta estruturada, gradual e adaptável de um programa de treinamento em leitura compreensiva para os programas universitários e seus cursos de alfabetização acadêmica.The study entitled "Improving the Inferential Ability of College Students" was intended to design educational strategies to develop students' reading comprehension with respect to academic texts. It was set up as a feasible project with pilot intervention in the developmental stage. The main finding centers on a gradual and adaptable structured proposal for a comprehensive reading training program for university curricula and university courses in academic literacy.

  11. Muscle contractility decrement and correlated morphology during the pathogenesis of streptozotocin-diabetic mice.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fahim, M A; el-Sabban, F; Davidson, N

    1998-06-01

    Peripheral neuropathy of both motor and sensory nerves has been well documented in diabetes mellitus, but the evidence for physiological and correlated morphological changes during the pathogenesis of myopathy is scarce. In the present report, we have chosen the dorsiflexor muscle of adult male mice as a model for studying in situ muscle contraction and neuromuscular ultrastructure during the pathogenesis of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Thirty mice (30 g bodyweight) were injected once i.p. with streptozotocin solution (200 mg/Kg) to induce experimental diabetes mellitus. Comparative analyses of in situ muscle isometric contractile characteristics were studied (at 1 Hz, 5 Hz and 30 Hz nerve stimulation) in urethane-anesthetized (2 mg/g, i.p.) control and diabetic mice at three time points, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks postinjection. Synaptic delay was also recorded in diabetic and age-matched control mice. There was a significant increase in synaptic delay in both 4-week and 8-week diabetic mice compared with control mice (8.9 +/- 1.2 msec and 7.6 +/- 0.6 msec, respectively, compared with 6.1 +/- 0.5 msec). At all three stimulation frequencies, diabetes did not affect muscle contractile speed but significantly reduced the twitch tension after 8 weeks, with no changes at 2 weeks or 4 weeks. The recorded single-twitch tension values were 2.6 +/- 0.3 g, 2.1 +/- 0.6 g, 2.2 +/- 0.7 g, and 1.2 +/- 0.1 g for control, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, respectively. At 30 Hz, the recorded tension values were 4.6 +/- 1.6 g, 3.1 +/- 1.2 g, 3.1 +/- 1.1 g, and 2.1 +/- 1.0 g for control, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, respectively. Ultrastructural changes in neuromuscular junctions were similar to those that have been described in disuse and aging. These changes were observed after 8 weeks and included serve loss of synaptic vesicles, electron-dense bodies, and myelin-like figures as well as degeneration of mitochondria. The results reveal that streptozotocin-induced diabetes

  12. Dynamic Contractility and Efficiency Impairments in Stretch-Shortening Cycle Are Stretch-Load-Dependent After Training-Induced Muscle Damage

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Vaczi, Mark; Racz, Levente; Hortobagyi, Tibor; Tihanyi, Jozsef

    Vaczi, M, Racz, L, Hortobagyi, T, and Tihanyi, J. Dynamic contractility and efficiency impairments in stretch-shortening cycle are stretch-load-dependent after training-induced muscle damage. J Strength Cond Res 27(8): 2171-2179, 2013To determine the acute task and stretch-load dependency of

  13. Alterations in serotonin receptor-induced contractility of bovine lateral saphenous vein in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue

    Science.gov (United States)

    As part of a large 2-year study documenting the physiologic impact of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on growing cattle, 2 experiments were conducted to characterize and evaluate the effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures on vascular contractility and ser...

  14. Exposure to low mercury concentration in vivo impairs myocardial contractile function

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Furieri, Lorena Barros; Fioresi, Mirian; Junior, Rogerio Faustino Ribeiro; Bartolome, Maria Visitacion; Fernandes, Aurelia Araujo; Cachofeiro, Victoria; Lahera, Vicente; Salaices, Mercedes; Stefanon, Ivanita; Vassallo, Dalton Valentim

    2011-01-01

    Increased cardiovascular risk after mercury exposure has been described but cardiac effects resulting from controlled chronic treatment are not yet well explored. We analyzed the effects of chronic exposure to low mercury concentrations on hemodynamic and ventricular function of isolated hearts. Wistar rats were treated with HgCl 2 (1st dose 4.6 μg/kg, subsequent dose 0.07 μg/kg/day, im, 30 days) or vehicle. Mercury treatment did not affect blood pressure (BP) nor produced cardiac hypertrophy or changes of myocyte morphometry and collagen content. This treatment: 1) in vivo increased left ventricle end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) without changing left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and heart rate; 2) in isolated hearts reduced LV isovolumic systolic pressure and time derivatives, and β-adrenergic response; 3) increased myosin ATPase activity; 4) reduced Na + -K + ATPase (NKA) activity; 5) reduced protein expression of SERCA and phosphorylated phospholamban on serine 16 while phospholamban expression increased; as a consequence SERCA/phospholamban ratio reduced; 6) reduced sodium/calcium exchanger (NCX) protein expression and α-1 isoform of NKA, whereas α-2 isoform of NKA did not change. Chronic exposure for 30 days to low concentrations of mercury does not change BP, heart rate or LVSP but produces small but significant increase of LVEDP. However, in isolated hearts mercury treatment promoted contractility dysfunction as a result of the decreased NKA activity, reduction of NCX and SERCA and increased PLB protein expression. These findings offer further evidence that mercury chronic exposure, even at small concentrations, is an environmental risk factor affecting heart function. - Highlights: → Unchanges blood pressure, heart rate, systolic pressure. → Increases end diastolic pressure. → Promotes cardiac contractility dysfunction. → Decreases NKA activity, NCX and SERCA, increases PLB protein expression. → Small concentrations constitutes

  15. Inteligencia y memoria de trabajo: la relación entre factor g, complejidad cognitiva y capacidad de procesamiento

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Colom Roberto

    2001-01-01

    Full Text Available La psicologia experimental ha estudiado extensivamente las características de la memoria, mientras que la psicología correlacional ha actualizado las principales propiedades de la inteligencia. El acercamiento entre ambos enfoques se basa en el análisis de las relaciones entre un concepto nuclear de la memoria -- la memoria de trabajo -- y el principal ingrediente del concepto psicométrico de inteligencia -- el factor g. Las evidencias disponibles sugieren que las diferencias individuales en g podrían ser explicadas por los conceptos cognitivos de capacidad y de velocidad asociados a la memoria de trabajo. Esas evidencias sugieren nuevos modos de mejorar la inteligencia -- y, por tanto, los correlatos asociados a ella -- a través del incremento de la capacidad del sistema para procesar información de manera eficiente.

  16. Degradación de tiocianato por hongos aislados de ambientes mineros y evaluación de su capacidad degradativa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Susan Medina

    2012-10-01

    Full Text Available El Perú es uno de los principales países en la extracción de minerales como el oro, zinc, plomo y estaño. En la producción de oro se utiliza cianuro, el cual es tóxico para el medio ambiente, y que por reacción natural con el azufre se convierte en tiocianato (-SCN. En el presente trabajo se aislan hongos con capacidad de degradar tiocianato procedentes de aguas y suelos de zonas mineras de Junín y Tumbes. Estas cepas se sometieron a ensayos con concentraciones de tiocianato entre 5 y 600 mM. Asimismo, se evaluó la cinética de degradación de tiocianato en medio Kwon partiendo de 1,2 g.L-1 de KSCN y luego se realizó la identificación morfológica. De un total de 58 mohos aislados, obtuvimos 4 mohos con excelentes capacidades de degradar tiocianato y que pueden ser utilizados en biorremediación. La capacidad degradativa de estas cepas fue en promedio 10,05 mg.L-1 de -SCN con una velocidad de 28,77 mg.L-1.h-1. Dos cepas fueron identificadas fenotípica y molecularmente como Fusarium trincictum usando el marcador ITS del gen rDNA.

  17. Capacidades motoras envolvidas na habilidade psicomotora da técnica de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar: subsídios para o processo ensino-aprendizagem Capacidades motoras involucradas en la habilidad psicomotora de la técnica de resucitación cardiopulmonar: subsídios para el proceso ensenanza-aprendizaje Motor capacities involved in the psychomotor skills of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation: subsidies of the teaching-learning process

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Maria Kazue Miyadahira

    2001-12-01

    Full Text Available Trata-se de uma estudo bibliográfico sobre a identificação das capacidades motoras envolvidas na habilidade psicomotora da técnica de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP cuja finalidade é obter subsídios para o planejamento do processo ensino-aprendizagem desta habilidade. Verificou-se que as capacidades motoras envolvidas na habilidade psicomotora da técnica de RCP são predominantemente cognitivas e motoras, envolvendo 9 capacidades perceptivo-motoras e 8 capacidades de proficiência física. A técnica de RCP é uma habilidade psicomotora classificada como aberta, seriada e categorizada como uma habilidade fina e global e o processo de ensino-aprendizagem da técnica de RCP tem alto grau de complexidade.Se trata de un estudio bibliográfico sobre la identificación de las capacidades motoras involucradas en la habilidad psicomotora de la técnica de resucitación cardiopulmonar (RCP cuya finalidad fue obtener subsidios para la planificación del proceso ensenanza-aprendizaje de esta habilidad. Se verifico que las capacidades motoras involucradas en la habilidad psicomotora de la técnica de RCP son predominantemente cognitivas y motoras, involucrando 9 capacidades perceptivo-motoras y 8 capacidades de proficiencia física. La técnica de RCP es una habilidad psicomotora clasificada como abierta, seriada y categorizada como una habilidad fina y global y el proceso de ensenanza-aprendizaje de la técnica de RCP tiene alto grado de complejidad.It is a bibliographic study about the identification of the motor capacities involved in the psychomotor skills of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR which aims to obtain subsidies to the planning of the teaching-learning process of this skill. It was found that: the motor capacities involved in the psychomotor skill of the CPR technique are predominantly cognitive and motor, involving 9 perceptive-motor capacities and 8 physical proficiency capacities. The CPR technique is a psychomotor skill

  18. α,β-Unsaturated aldehyde pollutant acrolein suppresses cardiomyocyte contractile function: Role of TRPV1 and oxidative stress.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wu, Zhenbiao; He, Emily Y; Scott, Glenda I; Ren, Jun

    2015-01-01

    Air pollution is associated with an increased prevalence of heart disease and is known to trigger a proinflammatory response via stimulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid cation channels (TRPV1, also known as the capsaicin receptor). This study was designed to examine the effect of acrolein, an essential α,β-unsaturated aldehyde pollutant, on myocardial contractile function and the underlying mechanism involved with a focus on TRPV1 and oxidative stress. Cardiomyocyte mechanical and intracellular Ca(2+) properties were evaluated using an IonOptix MyoCam® system including peak shortening (PS), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (± dL/dt), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR90 ), fura-2 fluorescence intensity (FFI) and intracellular Ca(2+) decay. Changes in apoptosis and TRPV1 were evaluated using Western blot analysis. The degree of oxidative stress was assessed using the ratio between reduced and oxidized glutathione. Results obtained revealed that exposure of cardiomyocytes to acrolein acutely compromised contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) properties including depressed PS, ± dL/dt and ΔFFI, as well as prolonged TR90 and intracellular Ca(2+) decay. In addition, acrolein exposure upregulated TRPV1 associated with an increase in both apoptosis and oxidative stress. However, the acrolein-induced cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) anomalies, as well as apoptosis (as evidenced by Bcl-2, Bax, FasL, Caspase-3 and -8), were negated by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger glutathione or the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine. Collectively these data suggest that the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde pollutant acrolein may play a role in the pathogenesis and sequelae of air pollution-induced heart disease via a TRPV1- and oxidative stress-dependent mechanism. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  19. ÓXIDO NÍTRICO E DINÂMICA DE CA2+ EM CARDIOMIÓCITOS: INFLUÊNCIA DA CAPACIDADE DE EXERCÍCIO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lucas Rios Drummond

    2016-02-01

    Full Text Available RESUMO Introdução: A capacidade intrínseca para o exercício aeróbico está relacionada com o inotropismo cardíaco. Por outro lado, a participação do óxido nítrico (NO como mensageiro intracelular sobre a dinâmica do Ca2+ ainda permanece desconhecida em ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício. Objetivo: Avaliar se o NO modula diferentemente o transiente intracelular de Ca2+ e liberações espontâneas de Ca2+(sparks em cardiomiócitos de ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício. Métodos: Ratos machos Wistar foram selecionados como desempenho padrão (DP e alto desempenho (AD, de acordo com a capacidade de exercício até a fadiga, mensurada através de teste de esforço progressivo em esteira. Os cardiomiócitos dos ratos foram utilizados para determinar o transiente intracelular de Ca2+ e Ca2+sparks em microscópio confocal. Para estimar a contribuição do NO foi utilizado o inibidor das sínteses do NO (L-NAME, 100 µM. Os dados foram analisados através de ANOVA two-way seguido do pós-teste de Tukey e apresentados como médias ± EPM. Resultados: Os cardiomiócitos de ratos AD exibiram aumentos na amplitude do transiente de Ca2+ em comparação aos DP. Entretanto, o L-NAME aumentou a amplitude do transiente de Ca2+ somente em ratos DP. Não foram encontradas diferenças na constante de tempo de decaimento do transiente de Ca2+ (t em cardiomiócitos de ratos com DP e AP, contudo, a administração do L-NAME diminuiu o t em cardiomiócitos em ambos os grupos. cardiomiócitos de ratos AD apresentaram menor amplitude e frequência de Ca2+sparks em comparação ao grupo DP. A administração de L-NAME aumentou a amplitude de Ca2+sparks em cardiomiócitos do grupo AD. Conclusão: O NO modula o transiente de Ca2+ e as sparks de Ca2+ em cardiomiócitos de ratos com diferentes capacidades intrínsecas para o exercício.

  20. Interleukin-6 downregulated vascular smooth muscle cell contractile proteins via ATG4B-mediated autophagy in thoracic aortic dissection.

    Science.gov (United States)

    An, Zhao; Qiao, Fan; Lu, Qijue; Ma, Ye; Liu, Yang; Lu, Fanglin; Xu, Zhiyun

    2017-12-01

    Interleukin-6 (IL-6) overexpression played an important role in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection (TAD). Our previous study found enhanced autophagy accompanying with contractile proteins α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and smooth muscle 22α (SM22α) degradation in TAD aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Autophagy is an important way for intracellular proteins degradation, while IL-6 has been found as a contributing factor of autophagy in some cancers. These indicated IL-6 might contribute to the occurrence of TAD by promoting autophagy-induced contractile proteins degradation, which has not been investigated. The aim of the present study is to verify this hypothesis and investigate the mechanism of it. We collected 10 TAD and 10 control aortic specimens from patients underwent TAD surgical repair and coronary artery bypass grafting, respectively. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect mRNA expression. Protein expression level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta overexpression adenovirus with green and red fluorescent protein tags and transmission electron microscopy were used to detect autophagy level in VSMCs. 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine were used to block autophagy in human VSMCs. Experiment results showed that the expression of IL-6 was significantly increased accompanying with up-regulated autophagy in TAD aortic wall compared with controls. In vitro results showed that IL-6 stimulation decreased the expression of VSMCs contractile proteins α-SMA and SM22α accompanying with up-regulated autophagy. Blocking autophagy with 3-MA or chloroquine inhibited IL-6 induced α-SMA and SM22α degradation. Further investigation showed that autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase (ATG4B) was significantly overexpressed in TAD aortic wall and played important role in IL-6 induced autophagy up

  1. El cortometraje como herramienta innovadora para el alumnado con Altas Capacidades en Educación Primaria

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Belén Fernández del Río

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available El presente estudio muestra los resultados de una experiencia implementada con alumnado de Altas Capacidades de Educación Primaria utilizando el cortometraje como estrategia innovadora basada en la animación y creación audiovisual, para la mejora de sus potencialidades. Se pretende, por un lado, analizar la progresión de dichos estudiantes y, por otro, ejemplificar dicho análisis utilizando la técnica short-films, dando a conocer sus posibilidades como herramienta didáctico-pedagógica que promueva la mejora de su potencial creativo. De forma específica, se procura crear, manipular y combinar textos e imágenes de forma creativa, favorecer la adquisición de habilidades sociales, utilizar eficazmente procedimientos de búsqueda, recogida y procesamiento de la información, así como valorar los medios de comunicación social como instrumento para aprender a acceder a informaciones y experiencias. Como método de investigación se utiliza el estudio de casos y también la investigación-acción. La muestra seleccionada de carácter intencional está constituida por 12 estudiantes de Altas Capacidades de Educación Primaria. En el análisis cualitativo de los datos se utilizó el software ATLAS.ti. Tras la intervención se constata una mejora relevante en la creatividad del alumnado; así como un incremento en su motivación,  destacando  la adquisición y desarrollo de habilidades como el trabajo colaborativo en donde se aprenden estrategias para resolver problemas. Asimismo, habilidades interpersonales como la comunicación, el liderazgo y la capacidad de decisión.

  2. Solución de problemas de ruteo de vehículos con restricciones de capacidad usando la teoría de grafos

    OpenAIRE

    Correa Espinal, Alexander Alberto; Cogollo Florez, Juan M; Salazar lopez, Juan Carlos

    2012-01-01

    La teoría de grafos es una herramienta para la solución de problemas de ruteo de vehículos con restricciones de capacidad (Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem, CVRP). En este artículo se muestra la aplicación de una herramienta informática basada en la teoría de grafos para analizar y resolver un un problema CVRP en una empresa de transporte de carga a nivel nacional. El análisis se realizó en una flotilla de 13 vehículos con las mismas especificaciones técnicas y capacidad de carga similar (...

  3. The effects of RSR13 on microvascular Po2 kinetics and muscle contractile performance in the rat arterial ligation model of peripheral arterial disease.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Watanabe, Aiko; Poole, David C; Kano, Yutaka

    2017-10-01

    Exercise intolerance and claudication are symptomatic of peripheral arterial disease. There is a close relationship between muscle O 2 delivery, microvascular oxygen partial pressure (P mv O 2 ), and contractile performance. We therefore hypothesized that a reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 would maintain a higher P mv O 2 and enhance blood-muscle O 2 transport and contractile function. In male Wistar rats (12 wk of age), we created hindlimb ischemia via right-side iliac artery ligation (AL). The contralateral (left) muscle served as control (CONT). Seven days after AL, phosphorescence-quenching techniques were used to measure P mv O 2 at rest and during contractions (electrical stimulation; 1 Hz, 300 s) in tibialis anterior muscle (TA) under saline ( n = 10) or RSR13 ( n = 10) conditions. RSR13 at rest increased TA P mv O 2 in CONT (13.9 ± 1.6 to 19.3 ± 1.9 Torr, P < 0.05) and AL (9.0 ± 0.5 to 9.9 ± 0.7 Torr, P < 0.05). Furthermore, RSR13 extended maintenance of the initial TA force (i.e., improved contractile performance) such that force was not decreased significantly until contraction 240 vs. 150 in CONT and 80 vs. 20 in AL. This improved muscle endurance with RSR13 was accompanied by a greater ΔP mv O 2 (P mv O 2 decrease from baseline) (CONT, 7.4 ± 1.0 to 11.2 ± 1.3; AL, 6.9 ± 0.5 to 8.6 ± 0.6 Torr, both P < 0.05). Whereas RSR13 did not alter the kinetics profile of P mv O 2 (i.e., mean response time) substantially during contractions, muscle force was elevated, and the ratio of muscle force to P mv O 2 increased. In conclusion, reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 in AL increased P mv O 2 and improved muscle contractile performance most likely via enhanced blood-muscle O 2 diffusion. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first investigation to examine the effect of RSR13 (erythrocyte allosteric effector) on skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen partial pressure kinetics and contractile function using an arterial ligation model of

  4. Metodología para la determinación de la evapotranspiración integrada y la capacidad de canales en una zona de riego

    OpenAIRE

    Íñiguez-Covarrubias, Mauro; Ojeda-Bustamante, Waldo; Rojano-Aguilar, Abraham

    2011-01-01

    La capacidad de la red de canales en un sistema de riego depende de satisfacer la demanda hídrica máxima de los cultivos. Los métodos para determinar la capacidad del canal requieren de la estimación de la variable agronómica: evapotranspiración de los cultivos. En grandes áreas de riego, con un padrón diversificado de cultivos, diferentes fechas de siembra y varios ciclos agrícolas no existe un procedim...

  5. Regulation of glycogen synthesis in rat skeletal muscle after glycogen-depleting contractile activity: effects of adrenaline on glycogen synthesis and activation of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase.

    OpenAIRE

    Franch, J; Aslesen, R; Jensen, J

    1999-01-01

    We investigated the effects of insulin and adrenaline on the rate of glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscles after electrical stimulation in vitro. The contractile activity decreased the glycogen concentration by 62%. After contractile activity, the glycogen stores were fully replenished at a constant and high rate for 3 h when 10 m-i.u./ml insulin was present. In the absence of insulin, only 65% of the initial glycogen stores was replenished. Adrenaline decreased insulin-stimulated glycogen s...

  6. Capacidades institucionales y desempeño de los organismos operadores de agua en Hermosillo, Sonora, y Mexicali, Baja California

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Edmundo Loera Burnes

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Con el enfoque de capacidad institucional, aquí se analizan los factores políticos que influyeron en la asignación de recursos jurídicos, organizacionales y humanos para la Comisión Estatal de Servicios Públicos de Mexicali y para Agua de Hermosillo. También cómo influye el titular del Ejecutivo en su operación, y cómo se refleja la influencia de los factores institucionales en su desempeño. Si bien el estudio muestra la baja capacidad de ambos organismos en el aspecto de recursos humanos, el de Mexicali es superior en los otros rubros, y eso se traduce en más planeación y, por lo tanto, en mejor desempeño.

  7. Dependence of intramyocardial pressure and coronary flow on ventricular loading and contractility: a model study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bovendeerd, Peter H M; Borsje, Petra; Arts, Theo; van De Vosse, Frans N

    2006-12-01

    The phasic coronary arterial inflow during the normal cardiac cycle has been explained with simple (waterfall, intramyocardial pump) models, emphasizing the role of ventricular pressure. To explain changes in isovolumic and low afterload beats, these models were extended with the effect of three-dimensional wall stress, nonlinear characteristics of the coronary bed, and extravascular fluid exchange. With the associated increase in the number of model parameters, a detailed parameter sensitivity analysis has become difficult. Therefore we investigated the primary relations between ventricular pressure and volume, wall stress, intramyocardial pressure and coronary blood flow, with a mathematical model with a limited number of parameters. The model replicates several experimental observations: the phasic character of coronary inflow is virtually independent of maximum ventricular pressure, the amplitude of the coronary flow signal varies about proportionally with cardiac contractility, and intramyocardial pressure in the ventricular wall may exceed ventricular pressure. A parameter sensitivity analysis shows that the normalized amplitude of coronary inflow is mainly determined by contractility, reflected in ventricular pressure and, at low ventricular volumes, radial wall stress. Normalized flow amplitude is less sensitive to myocardial coronary compliance and resistance, and to the relation between active fiber stress, time, and sarcomere shortening velocity.

  8. Dynamics of myosin II organization into contractile networks and fibers at the medial cell cortex

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nie, Wei

    The cellular morphology of adhered cells depends crucially on the formation of a contractile meshwork of parallel and cross-linked stress fibers along the contacting surface. The motor activity and mini-filament assembly of non-muscle myosin II is an important component of cell-level cytoskeletal remodeling during mechanosensing. To monitor the dynamics of non-muscle myosin II, we used confocal microscopy to image cultured HeLa cells that stably express myosin regulatory light chain tagged with GFP (MRLC-GFP). MRLC-GFP was monitored in time-lapse movies at steady state and during the response of cells to varying concentrations of blebbistatin (which disrupts actomyosin stress fibers). Using image correlation spectroscopy analysis, we quantified the kinetics of disassembly and reassembly of actomyosin networks and compared to studies by other groups. This analysis suggested the following processes: myosin minifilament assembly and disassembly; aligning and contraction; myosin filament stabilization upon increasing contractile tension. Numerical simulations that include those processes capture some of the main features observed in the experiments. This study provides a framework to help interpret how different cortical myosin remodeling kinetics may contribute to different cell shape and rigidity depending on substrate stiffness. We discuss methods to monitor myosin reorganization using non-linear imaging methods.

  9. PPARγ Ligands Regulate Noncontractile and Contractile Functions of Airway Smooth Muscle: Implications for Asthma Therapy

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    Chantal Donovan

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available In asthma, the increase in airway smooth muscle (ASM can contribute to inflammation, airway wall remodeling and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR. Targetting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ, a receptor upregulated in ASM in asthmatic airways, may provide a novel approach to regulate these contributions. This review summarises experimental evidence that PPARγ ligands, such as rosiglitazone (RGZ and pioglitazone (PGZ, inhibit proliferation and inflammatory cytokine production from ASM in vitro. In addition, inhaled administration of these ligands reduces inflammatory cell infiltration and airway remodelling in mouse models of allergen-induced airways disease. PPARγ ligands can also regulate ASM contractility, with acute treatment eliciting relaxation of mouse trachea in vitro through a PPARγ-independent mechanism. Chronic treatment can protect against the loss of bronchodilator sensitivity to β2-adrenoceptor agonists and inhibit the development of AHR associated with exposure to nicotine in utero or following allergen challenge. Of particular interest, a small clinical trial has shown that oral RGZ treatment improves lung function in smokers with asthma, a group that is generally unresponsive to conventional steroid treatment. These combined findings support further investigation of the potential for PPARγ agonists to target the noncontractile and contractile functions of ASM to improve outcomes for patients with poorly controlled asthma.

  10. An EMMPRIN–γ-catenin–Nm23 complex drives ATP production and actomyosin contractility at endothelial junctions

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moreno, Vanessa; Gonzalo, Pilar; Gómez-Escudero, Jesús; Pollán, Ángela; Acín-Pérez, Rebeca; Breckenridge, Mark; Yáñez-Mó, María; Barreiro, Olga; Orsenigo, Fabrizio; Kadomatsu, Kenji; Chen, Christopher S.; Enríquez, José A.; Dejana, Elisabetta; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco; Arroyo, Alicia G.

    2014-01-01

    ABSTRACT Cell–cell adhesions are important sites through which cells experience and resist forces. In endothelial cells, these forces regulate junction dynamics and determine endothelial barrier strength. We identify the Ig superfamily member EMMPRIN (also known as basigin) as a coordinator of forces at endothelial junctions. EMMPRIN localization at junctions correlates with endothelial junction strength in different mouse vascular beds. Accordingly, EMMPRIN-deficient mice show altered junctions and increased junction permeability. Lack of EMMPRIN alters the localization and function of VE-cadherin (also known as cadherin-5) by decreasing both actomyosin contractility and tugging forces at endothelial cell junctions. EMMPRIN ensures proper actomyosin-driven maturation of competent endothelial junctions by forming a molecular complex with γ-catenin (also known as junction plakoglobin) and Nm23 (also known as NME1), a nucleoside diphosphate kinase, thereby locally providing ATP to fuel the actomyosin machinery. These results provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of actomyosin contractility at endothelial junctions and might have broader implications in biological contexts such as angiogenesis, collective migration and tissue morphogenesis by coupling compartmentalized energy production to junction assembly. PMID:24994937

  11. An EMMPRIN-γ-catenin-Nm23 complex drives ATP production and actomyosin contractility at endothelial junctions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Moreno, Vanessa; Gonzalo, Pilar; Gómez-Escudero, Jesús; Pollán, Ángela; Acín-Pérez, Rebeca; Breckenridge, Mark; Yáñez-Mó, María; Barreiro, Olga; Orsenigo, Fabrizio; Kadomatsu, Kenji; Chen, Christopher S; Enríquez, José A; Dejana, Elisabetta; Sánchez-Madrid, Francisco; Arroyo, Alicia G

    2014-09-01

    Cell-cell adhesions are important sites through which cells experience and resist forces. In endothelial cells, these forces regulate junction dynamics and determine endothelial barrier strength. We identify the Ig superfamily member EMMPRIN (also known as basigin) as a coordinator of forces at endothelial junctions. EMMPRIN localization at junctions correlates with endothelial junction strength in different mouse vascular beds. Accordingly, EMMPRIN-deficient mice show altered junctions and increased junction permeability. Lack of EMMPRIN alters the localization and function of VE-cadherin (also known as cadherin-5) by decreasing both actomyosin contractility and tugging forces at endothelial cell junctions. EMMPRIN ensures proper actomyosin-driven maturation of competent endothelial junctions by forming a molecular complex with γ-catenin (also known as junction plakoglobin) and Nm23 (also known as NME1), a nucleoside diphosphate kinase, thereby locally providing ATP to fuel the actomyosin machinery. These results provide a novel mechanism for the regulation of actomyosin contractility at endothelial junctions and might have broader implications in biological contexts such as angiogenesis, collective migration and tissue morphogenesis by coupling compartmentalized energy production to junction assembly. © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

  12. Pretreatment with remifentanil protects against the reduced-intestinal contractility related to the ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hale Sayan-Ozacmak

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Serious functional and structural alterations of gastrointestinal tract are observed in failure of blood supply, leading to gastrointestinal dismotility. Activation of opioid receptors provides cardioprotective effect against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R injury. The aim of the present study was to determine whether or not remifentanil could reduce I/R injury of small intestine. METHODS: Male Wistar Albino rats were subjected to mesenteric ischemia (30 min followed by reperfusion (3 h. Four groups were designed: sham control; remifentanil alone; I/R control; and remifentanil + I/R. Animals in remifentanil + I/R group were subjected to infusion of remifentanil (2 ug kg-1 min-1 for 60 min, half of which started before inducing ischemia. Collecting the ileum tissues, evaluation of damage was based on contractile responses to carbachol, levels of lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration, and observation of histopathological features in intestinal tissue. RESULTS: Following reperfusion, a significant decrease in carbachol-induced contractile response, a remarkable increase in both lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration, and a significant injury in mucosa were observed. An average contractile response of remifentanil + I/R group was significantly different from that of the I/R group. Lipid peroxidation and neutrophil infiltration were also significantly suppressed by the treatment. The tissue samples of the I/R group were grade 4 in histopathological evaluation. In remifentanil + I/R group, on the other hand, the mucosal damage was moderate, staging as grade 1. CONCLUSIONS: The pretreatment with remifentanil can attenuate the intestinal I/R injury at a remarkable degree possibly by lowering lipid peroxidation and leukocyte infiltration.

  13. Comparación de la capacidad rítmica en personas con discapacidad intelectual, síndrome de Down y personas sin discapacidad

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    María José Montilla Reina

    2016-06-01

    Full Text Available La capacidad rítmica es una capacidad coordinativa compleja que se manifiesta en diversas actividades cotidianas. Se caracteriza por la sincronización sensoriomotora, o la adecuación de movimientos a un estímulo externo constante, y por la de producir pulsaciones regulares y constantes, denominado tempo espontáneo. En el estudio se evalúa el tempo espontáneo, en concreto la velocidad para realizar 21 golpeos, y la capacidad de sincronización en una prueba de patrón simple y otra de patrón cuaternario, a una velocidad de 60 ppm. Se aplica para ello el Test de Ritmo© de Montilla (1998, a un grupo de personas con síndrome de Down (SD de 10 participantes (M = 39,7 años; DT=6,18, un grupo de 14 personas con discapacidad intelectual (DI, (M = 37,8 años; DT = 5,25, ambos grupos con una capacidad intelectual que corresponde a 6-7 años, y un último grupo de 15 participantes sin discapacidad (ND, (M = 6,33 años; DT = 0,48. En la prueba de tempo espontáneo, los resultados muestran diferencias significativas entre los participantes con ND y los otros dos grupos (SD y DI. No se aprecian diferencias estadísticas entre grupos en la de sincronización (en patrón simple y cuaternario de 60 ppm. Se debe destacar que la prueba de patrón cuaternario, dada su complejidad, no ha sido realizada por ninguno de los participantes con SD. Las pruebas realizadas son adecuadas para la cuantificación de las capacidades rítmicas aunque es necesario en un futuro ampliar el número de participantes, así como mejorar el protocolo para facilitar la comprensión y ejecución en personas con discapacidad.

  14. Pharmacological characterization and chemical fractionation of a liposterolic extract of saw palmetto (Serenoa repens): effects on rat prostate contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chua, Thiam; Eise, Nicole T; Simpson, Jamie S; Ventura, Sabatino

    2014-03-14

    Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) was first used medicinally by native American Indians to treat urological disorders. Nowadays, saw palmetto extracts are widely used in Europe and North America to treat the urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia even though its mechanisms of action are poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the bioactive constituents of a lipid extract of saw palmetto that are able to affect contractility of the rat prostate gland. The mechanism of action will also be investigated. A commercially available lipid extract of saw palmetto was subjected to fractionation using normal phase column chromatography. Composition of fractions was assessed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Contractile activities of these fractions were evaluated pharmacologically using isolated preparations of rat prostate gland and compared to the activity of the crude extract. Saw palmetto extract inhibited contractions of the rat prostate gland which were consistent with smooth muscle relaxant activity. Only the ethyl acetate fraction resulting from chromatography inhibited contractions of isolated rat prostates similarly to the inhibition produced by the crude lipid extract. Comparison with authentic samples and analysis of NMR data revealed that this bioactivity was due to the fatty acid components present in the ethyl acetate fraction. Bioassay using various pharmacological tools identified multiple contractile mechanisms which were affected by the bioactive constituents. A fatty acid component of saw palmetto extract causes inhibition of prostatic smooth muscle contractions via a non-specific mechanism. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Apelin and APJ orchestrate complex tissue-specific control of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and contractility in the hypertrophy-heart failure transition.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Parikh, Victoria Nicole; Liu, Jing; Shang, Ching; Woods, Christopher; Chang, Alex Chia Yu; Zhao, Mingming; Charo, David N; Grunwald, Zachary; Huang, Yong; Seo, Kinya; Tsao, Philip S; Bernstein, Daniel; Ruiz-Lozano, Pilar; Quertermous, Thomas; Ashley, Euan A

    2018-05-18

    The G protein coupled receptor APJ is a promising therapeutic target for heart failure. Constitutive deletion of APJ in the mouse is protective against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition via elimination of ligand-independent, β-arrestin dependent stretch transduction. However, the cellular origin of this stretch transduction and the details of its interaction with apelin signaling remain unknown. We generated mice with conditional elimination of APJ in the endothelium (APJ endo-/- ) and myocardium (APJ myo-/- ). No baseline difference was observed in LV function in APJ endo-/- , APJ myo-/- or controls (APJ endo+/+ , APJ myo+/+ ). After exposure to transaortic constriction (TAC), APJ endo-/- animals developed left ventricular failure while APJ myo-/- were protected. At the cellular level, carbon fiber stretch of freshly isolated single cardiomyocytes demonstrated decreased contractile response to stretch in APJ -/- cardiomyocytes compared to APJ +/+ cardiomyocytes. Calcium transient did not change with stretch in either APJ -/- or APJ +/+ cardiomyocytes. Application of apelin to APJ +/+ cardiomyocytes resulted in decreased calcium transient. Further, hearts of mice treated with apelin exhibited decreased phosphorylation at Troponin I (cTnI) N-terminal residues (Ser 22,23), consistent with increased calcium sensitivity. These data establish that APJ stretch transduction is mediated specifically by myocardial APJ, that APJ is necessary for stretch-induced increases in contractility, and that apelin opposes APJ's stretch-mediated hypertrophy signaling by lowering calcium transient while maintaining contractility through myofilament calcium sensitization. These findings underscore apelin's unique potential as a therapeutic agent that can simultaneously support cardiac function and protect against the hypertrophy-heart failure transition.

  16. Capacidades dinâmicas na Controladoria-Geral da União : estudo de caso nas capacidades operacionais de auditoria e fiscalização em compras e licitações

    OpenAIRE

    Souza, Cristiano Coimbra de

    2014-01-01

    O pensamento estratégico administrativo tem muitas abordagens teóricas, dentre elas o pensamento sobre as Capacidades Dinâmicas (CD) das organizações, de ramificação de estudos econômicos das firmas, voltado a descrever como acontecem processos específicos para manutenção do desempenho organizacional em ambientes dinâmicos, dentre eles aspectos relacionados ao aprendizado organizacional e à gestão do conhecimento. Utilizando essa teoria como principal referencial teórico, o estudo teve como o...

  17. AB286. SPR-13 Sex differences and participation of Toll-like receptor 4 to rat bladder contractile function

    Science.gov (United States)

    Szasz, Theodora; Burgess, Beth; Webb, R. Clinton

    2016-01-01

    Objective Innate immune mechanisms have been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic sterile conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. We have recently demonstrated that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation by endogenous molecules such as high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) contributes to hypertrophy and hypercontractility in diabetic bladder dysfunction. It has been reported that women have a higher frequency of overactive bladder symptoms, while men have higher detrusor overactivity. We hypothesized that sex differences in the contribution of TLR4 to bladder contraction may underlie the sex differences observed clinically. Methods Female and male rat bladder contractile responses to carbacholine (CCh) and electrical field stimulation (EFS) were measured in the presence and absence of TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095 and in the presence and absence of urothelium. Results We observed that contractile responses to both CCh and EFS were higher in the male than the female bladder segments in both the presence and absence of urothelium [CCh Emax (mN): male + urothelium =84.3±1.2, male – urothelium =83.7±1.2, female + urothelium =49.8±0.8, female – urothelium =59.2±1.1; EFS 32 Hz (mN): male + urothelium= 84.9±7.1, male – urothelium =66.8±5.2, female + urothelium =57.8±5.9, female – urothelium =54.5±3.5]. Incubation of bladder segments with the TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095 significantly decreased contractile responses to both CCh and EFS in both sexes, irrespective of the presence of urothelium [CCh Emax (mN): male + urothelium =91.1±0.8, male – urothelium =75.4±1.8, female + urothelium =42.9±1.1, female – urothelium =52.5±1.1; EFS 32 Hz (mN): male + urothelium =80.8±7.9, male – urothelium =59.6±10.6, female + urothelium =43.3±2.6, female – urothelium =46.4±1.9]. Conclusions Our data suggest that although there are sex differences in the contractile function of the rat bladder in basal conditions, the participation of TLR4 to bladder contraction

  18. Consideraciones para el desarrollo de capacidades de investigación en universidades privadas

    OpenAIRE

    Maria Luisa Isla; Juan Carlos Seijo; Francisco Javier Espinosa

    2013-01-01

    Se presentan reflexiones y estrategias que contribuyan a formar capacidades de investigación en universidades privadas con investigadores jóvenes comprometidos con el avance del conocimiento en su área de investigación así como con su entorno natural y soc ial. Mediante una combinación de formación en el aula y formación experiencial, se presentan las habilidades investigativas a desarrollar y los ejes de formación universitaria que contribuyen a formar investigadores. Adicionalmente a esta f...

  19. Capacidad administrativa como factor de eficiencia interna y global de las organizaciones

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos E. Martínez Fajardo

    1997-06-01

    Full Text Available El concepto de eficiencia ha sido precisado y simplificado por los autores de la teoría clásica de la administración en el sentido de maximizar la producción de las organizaciones con los mínimos costos. En el presente artículo se analizará la eficiencia interna y global de las organizaciones de acuerdo con nuevos criterios adicionales que permitan estudiar el problema con un enfoque de mayor complejidad la naturaleza, fines y estructura de las organizaciones, entre ellos la incidencia del factor de este siglo denominado capacidad administrativa.

  20. CAPACIDAD PREDICTIVA DE MODELOS DE INSOLVENCIA CON BASE EN NÚMEROS CONTABLES Y DATOS DESCRIPTIVOS

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    Júlio Orestes da Silva

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available En el Brasil la pesquisa sobre modelos de previsión de insolvencia se inició en la década de 1970, siendo que la mayor parte de los trabajos hizo uso del Análisis Discriminante como herramienta estadística del modelo. En los últimos años, se buscó verificar si es posible prever la insolvencia de las empresas utilizando datos descriptivos contenidos en los informes de las organizaciones. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo verificar la capacidad de algunos modelos de previsión de insolvencia en prever la discontinuidad de empresas brasileñas que decretaron quiebra. La pesquisa se caracteriza como descriptiva y posee abordaje cuantitativo, realizado por medio de pesquisa documental. La muestra totalizó 13 empresas que decretaron quiebra entre los años de 1997 y 2003. Los resultados indican que la mayoría de los modelos de previsión de quiebra testados presentó resultados elevados de previsiones correctas. Los modelos de previsión de discontinuidad con base en informes descriptivos obtuvieron en media más previsiones asertivas en relación a la capacidad de prever la quiebra de las empresas. Esos descubrimientos demuestran que, a pesar de que algunas pesquisas apunten hacia la falta de validez de predictores creados en realidades empresariales diferentes, algunos modelos todavía poseen buena capacidad de previsión de insolvencia. Se concluye que tanto los modelos de previsión de insolvencia con base en números contables en relación a los modelos que se utilizan datos de informes descriptivos pueden prever la discontinuidad de las organizaciones. Por fin, se puede inferir que la mayoría de los modelos de previsión de quiebra que hacen uso de números contables pueden ser funcionales y capaces de prever la discontinuidad de las organizaciones.

  1. 5-HT4 receptors mediating enhancement of contractility in canine stomach; an in vitro and in vivo study

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Prins, NH; van der Grijn, A; Lefebvre, RA; Akkermans, LMA; Schuurkes, JAJ

    1 We aimed to study 5-HT4 receptors in canine stomach contractility both in vivo and in vitro. 2 In anaesthetized Beagle dogs, the selective 5-HT4 receptor agonist prucalopride (i.v.) induced dose-dependent tonic stomach contractions under isobaric conditions, an effect that was antagonized by the

  2. ¿Es posible potenciar la capacidad de liderazgo en la universidad?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    C. Delia Dávila Quintana

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available El objetivo del trabajo es analizar la importancia de la educación superior, concretamente de los métodos de enseñanza-aprendizaje, en el comportamiento posterior de los graduados en el puesto de trabajo en relación a tres dimensiones del liderazgo: liderazgo orientado a las tareas, a las relaciones y al cambio. Las competencias profesionales desarrolladas por los graduados durante sus estudios son el canal de transmisión desde la educación al futuro desempeño como líderes. Para ello se estimaron modelos de ecuaciones estructurales (SEM con una muestra de aproximadamente 3.500 jóvenes graduados por universidades españolas provenientes de la base de datos reflex. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el comportamiento como líderes en las tres dimensiones analizadas depende crucialmente del nivel competencial de los individuos en determinadas competencias clave. Las competencias relacionadas con la capacidad de liderazgo son desarrolladas durante los estudios universitarios y posteriormente ampliadas a través de la experiencia y formación en el puesto. El análisis también identifica los métodos de enseñanza-aprendizaje que presentan una mayor influencia en el desarrollo de las competencias para el liderazgo. La principal implicación del análisis consiste en que un entorno educativo adecuado puede favorecer la adquisición durante los estudios de las competencias necesarias para el ejercicio de la capacidad de liderazgo, lo que a su vez favorece el desarrollo posterior de estas mismas competencias en las primeras experiencias laborales, incrementando así la propensión de los graduados a actuar efectivamente como líderes en las organizaciones para las que trabajan en las tres dimensiones del liderazgo analizadas.

  3. Modelo de gestión del conocimiento para medir la capacidad productiva en grupos de investigación

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fredy Eduardo Vásquez Rizo

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Las organizaciones actuales manejan y producen numerosos datos e información. Muchos de estos elementos son subutilizados o despreciados al carecer de mecanismos y/o procesos para transformarlos en conocimiento útil. El estudio que se expone se centra en datos e información relacionados con la capacidad productiva de los grupos de investigación de una universidad colombiana (Universidad Autónoma de Occidente- UAO, utilizándolos para la generación de conocimiento valioso, a través de la construcción de un modelo. Este modelo, basado en indicadores, permite medir dicha capacidad productiva y sugerir algunas opciones para potenciar sus posibilidades de éxito en las convocatorias colombianas de reconocimiento y medición de grupos de investigación, establecidas por el Departamento Administrativo de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación-Colciencias.

  4. POTÊNCIA E CAPACIDADE ANAERÓBIA EM ATLETAS DE KARATE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Keith Sato Urbinati

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar o nível de potência muscular, bem como a intensidade de esforço durante prova de potência e capacidade anaeróbia em atletas de Karate. Participaram do estudo treze karatekas especialistas em prova de kumitê (luta,sexo masculino, idade média de 20,7±3,79 anos. Realizou-se a avaliação de potência e capacidade anaeróbia (Wingate test, com coleta das variáveis fisiológicas:frequência cardíaca (FC, pressão arterial (PA e lactato sanguíneo (LAC de repouso, imediatamente após e em 5 min de recuperação. Para verificar se ocorrem diferenças nas variáveis fisiológicas durante o teste, realizou-se análise de variância, post hoc de Bonferronie (p?0,05. Verificou-se potência de pico(PP de 8,77 ± 0,99 W/kg-1, potência média (PM de 5,13± 0,49 W.kg-1 e % de fadiga de 50,5 ± 6,45%. Para as variáveis fisiológicas,a FC (F=9,79; p=0,00 pós-teste de Wingate foi estatisticamente maior e diferenteda FC de repouso e recuperação. Não foram encontradas diferenças nos níveis pressatórios e nas concentrações de LAC. Em relação aos valores de FC e LAC tais variáveis pós-teste não se apresentaram elevados. Os valores de potência anaeróbia estão de acordo com a necessidade da modalidade esportiva. Assim, verificou-se menores intensidades de esforço em teste de Wingate quando comparados a de situação real de competição. O nível de potência muscular parece estar adequado ao kumitê.

  5. Capacidade para o trabalho de enfermeiros de um hospital universitário Capacidad para lo trabajo de enfermeros de un hospital universitario Work capacity of nurses in a university hospital

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Eunice Fabiani Hilleshein

    2011-09-01

    Full Text Available Estudo transversal que avaliou o Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho (ICT e os aspectos sociodemográficos e laborais de 93 enfermeiros de um hospital universitário. Os dados foram coletados por questionário e analisados por estatística descritiva e analítica. A amostra foi predominantemente feminina (98,9%, com 41,7 (dp=9,0 anos de idade, 63,4% têm companheiro, dormem 6,9 (dp=1,3 horas por dia, 8,6% fumavam e 37,6% realizavam atividade física regular. O escore médio do ICT foi de 40,1 (dp=3,7, indicando boa capacidade para o trabalho. Houve correlações entre o ICT e idade (r=-0,22; p=0,0394; tempo de trabalho (r=-0,23; p=0,0295 e horas de sono (r=0,26; p=0,0162. Enfermeiros que vivem sozinhos e os não fumantes apresentaram médias superiores no ICT àqueles com companheiro e que fumam (41,3 e 39,6; 40,4 e 37,8; p=0,0476. Hábitos saudáveis de vida como dormir sete horas ou mais e não fumar associam-se positivamente com a capacidade para o trabalho.Estudio seccional que evaluó el Índice de Capacidad para el Trabajo (ICT según las características socio demográficas y del empleo de 93 enfermeros de un hospital universitario. Los datos fueron recogidos en un cuestionario y se analizaran mediante la estadística. La muestra era de mujeres (98,9%, con 41,7 años (DE=9,0, 63,4% tiene pareja, duerme 6,9 horas por día (DE=1,3, 8,6% hace uso de tabaco y 37,6% realiza actividad física regular. El puntaje promedio fue 40,1 puntos (DE 3,7 en el Índice. Se encontró correlaciones entre del Índice y: edad (r=-0,22, p=0,0394, tiempo de trabajo (r=-0,23, p=0,0295 y horas de sueño al día (r=0,26;p= 0,0162. Los enfermeros que viven solos y que no usan tabaco presentaran promedio mayores en que aquellos con pareja y que fumaban (41,3 y 39,6; 40,4 y 37,8; p=0,0476. Hábitos de vida saludables como dormir sete horas o más y no fumar se asociaran positivamente con ICT.This is a cross-sectional study that evaluated the work ability index (WAI

  6. Desenvolvimento da capacidade avaliativa na gestão da atenção básica: um estudo de caso exemplar em Santa Catarina, Brasil, de 2008 a 2011

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniela Alba Nickel

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available O artigo analisa o desenvolvimento da capacidade avaliativa em um caso exemplar de uma Secretaria de Estado da Saúde (SES participante do Projeto de Fortalecimento da Capacidade Técnica das Secretarias Estaduais de Saúde em Monitoramento e Avaliação da Atenção Básica. Estudo de caso de abordagem mista, com informações provenientes de documentos, entrevistas semiestruturadas e da avaliação da atenção básica realizada pela SES no período de 2008-2011. Empregou-se a análise de processos para identificar os eventos lógicos que contribuíram para o desenvolvimento da capacidade avaliativa, com duas categorias: eventos de construção da capacidade avaliativa e eventos de construção de estrutura organizacional. A pactuação em instâncias deliberativas para a continuidade da avaliação, a coleta e análise dos dados realizada pela SES, a iniciativa de mudança de indicadores e reestruturação da matriz avaliativa e a comunicação dos resultados aos municípios formaram a cadeia lógica de eventos. A análise triangulada demonstrou que o objetivo de desenvolver a capacidade avaliativa foi alcançado.

  7. Número de anteras por flor, grãos de pólen por antera e capacidade germinativa do pólen de diferentes cultivares de macieiras

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Celso Lopes de Albuquerque Junior

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o número de anteras por flor, grãos de pólen por antera e capacidade germinativa do pólen de diferentes cultivares de macieiras. O trabalho foi executado no Laboratório de Fisiologia do Desenvolvimento e Genética Vegetal da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, e as coletas a campo foram realizadas na Epagri/Estação Experimental de Caçador-SC, em outubro de 2005. Foram utilizadas as seguintes cultivares comerciais de macieira desenvolvidas no Brasil: Primícia, Princesa, Fred Hough, Catarina, Baronesa, Lisgala, Suprema, Condessa, Daiane, Duquesa, Imperatriz e Joaquina. As cultivares de macieira Condessa, Princesa, Eva, Duquesa, Imperatriz, Gala, Fred Hough, Daiane, Baronesa e Suprema produzem pólen em quantidade suficiente e com boa capacidade germinativa. A cv. Condessa, embora apresente alta capacidade germinativa de pólen, produz menos anteras e grãos de pólen por antera que as demais. A cv. Princesa é a que apresenta o melhor perfil como polinizadora, por conjugar número de anteras/flor, número de grãos de pólen/antera e capacidade germinativa do pólen mais satisfatórios.

  8. La capacidad de actualizar información inferencial en la lectura

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana I. Pérez Muñoz

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Durante la comprensión lectora, el proceso de actualización inferencial nos permite sustituir una idea del texto que hayamos generado equívocamente por otra más plausible que aún está por confirmar. Esta habilidad parece depender de nuestra capacidad de Memoria de Trabajo, la cual nos ayuda a mantener una representación coherente de lo que estamos leyendo, mientras que comprendemos la información posterior y descartamos ideas que hemos podido interpretar de forma errónea. El entrenamiento en actualización inferencial a edades tempranas podría beneficiar la comprensión lectora de textos a lo largo de toda la vida.

  9. Estrutura organizacional, capacidade dos serviços e impacto sobre o desempenho de fornecedores logísticos no contexto B2B

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Margareth Rodrigues de Carvalho Borella

    Full Text Available Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo é verificar quais aspectos associados à estrutura organizacional e à capacidade de prestação de serviços contribuem para o desempenho de fornecedores logísticos no contexto de relações B2B (business to business com empresas cliente, configuradas em cadeias de suprimentos (CS. Uma amostra, incluindo 80 empresas fornecedoras de serviços logísticos no sul do Brasil, foi obtida através de uma survey num universo de empresas que desenvolvem atividades logísticas de armazenagem, controle de estoque, transporte, entregas programadas, operações portuárias e desembaraço aduaneiro. O questionário utilizado continha escalas múltiplas para representar as variáveis dos constructos relacionados à estrutura organizacional, capacidade dos serviços e desempenho. As respostas refletiram a percepção que os fornecedores de serviços logísticos tinham de suas atividades em relação ao seu principal cliente na cadeia de suprimentos. Utilizando análise estatística multivariada baseada em modelagem de equações estruturais, LV-PLS (Latent Variable – Partial Least Squares com procedimento bootstrapping, verificou-se que o único atributo que provoca impacto sobre a obtenção de melhor desempenho do fornecedor de serviço logístico é a sua capacidade de cumprir técnica e operacionalmente o serviço contratado pelo cliente. A capacidade de fornecer serviços logísticos recebe influência positiva e significante tanto de uma estrutura organizacional dotada de autonomia quanto de formalização.

  10. The Effect of Cleft Palate Repair on Contractile Properties of Single Permeabilized Muscle Fibers From Congenitally Cleft Goats Palates

    Science.gov (United States)

    A cleft palate goat model was used to study the contractile properties of the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle which is responsible for the movement of the soft palate. In 15-25% of patients that undergo palatoplasty, residual velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) remains a problem and often require...

  11. Estudo comparativo da capacidade de contração do assoalho pélvico em atletas de voleibol e basquetebol

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ariana Oliveira Reis

    2011-04-01

    Full Text Available As modalidades esportivas de alto impacto podem produzir um aumento exagerado e frequente na pressão intra-abdominal, um dos fatores desencadeadores da incontinência urinária de esforço (IUE em atletas. Foi realizado um estudo com 20 atletas, sendo 10 de basquetebol e 10 de voleibol, do tipo quantitativo, observacional, transversal e comparativo, no qual foi comparada a capacidade de contração do assoalho pélvico (AP entre atletas de voleibol e basquetebol, e então correlacionadas com sintomas de IUE. A avaliação das atletas foi composta por um questionário, a avaliação funcional do assoalho pélvico (AFA e avaliação da capacidade de contração do AP através do Biofeedback Eletromiográfico Fênix®. Após a avaliação, não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante com relação à capacidade de contração do assoalho pélvico entre atletas de basquetebol e voleibol; porém, ambas as modalidades apresentaram atletas com relatos de perda involuntária de urina mediante esforço físico, com maior proporção no grupo de atletas de basquetebol.

  12. An anthelmintic drug, pyrvinium pamoate, thwarts fibrosis and ameliorates myocardial contractile dysfunction in a mouse model of myocardial infarction.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Motoaki Murakoshi

    Full Text Available Metabolic adaptation to limited supplies of oxygen and nutrients plays a pivotal role in health and disease. Heart attack results from insufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, where cardiomyocytes die and cardiac fibroblasts proliferate--the latter causing scar formation, which impedes regeneration and impairs contractility of the heart. We postulated that cardiac fibroblasts survive metabolic stress by adapting their intracellular metabolism to low oxygen and nutrients, and impeding this metabolic adaptation would thwart their survival and facilitate the repair of scarred heart. Herein, we show that an anthelmintic drug, Pyrvinium pamoate, which has been previously shown to compromise cancer cell survival under glucose starvation condition, also disables cardiac fibroblast survival specifically under glucose deficient condition. Furthermore, Pyrvinium pamoate reduces scar formation and improves cardiac contractility in a mouse model of myocardial infarction. As Pyrvinium pamoate is an FDA-approved drug, our results suggest a therapeutic use of this or other related drugs to repair scarred heart and possibly other organs.

  13. Considerations for Contractile Electroactive Materials and Actuators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rasmussen, Lenore; Erickson, Carl J.; Meixler, Lewis D.; Ascione, George; Gentile, Charles A.; Tilson, Carl; Bernasek, Stephen L.; Abelev, Esta

    2010-02-19

    Ras Labs produces electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that bend, swell, ripple and now contract (new development) with low electric input. This is an important attribute because of the ability of contraction to produce life-like motion. The mechanism of contraction is not well understood. Radionuclide-labeled experiments were conducted to follow the movement of electrolytes and water in these EAPs when activated. Extreme temperature experiments were performed on the contractile EAPs with very favorable results. One of the biggest challenges in developing these actuators, however, is the electrode-EAP interface because of the pronounced movement of the EAP. Plasma treatments of metallic electrodes were investigated in order to improve the attachment of the embedded electrodes to the EAP material. Surface analysis, adhesive testing, and mechanical testing were conducted to test metal surfaces and metal-polymer interfaces. The nitrogen plasma treatment of titanium produced a strong metal-polymer interface; however, oxygen plasma treatment of both stainless steel and titanium produced even stronger metal-polymer interfaces. Plasma treatment of the electrodes allows for the embedded electrodes and the EAP material of the actuator to work and move as a unit, with no detachment, by significantly improving the metal-polymer interface.

  14. Cardiac contractility, central haemodynamics and blood pressure regulation during semistarvation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Stokholm, K H; Breum, L; Astrup, A

    1991-01-01

    pressure (BP) declined. The fall in BP was caused by the reduction in cardiac output as the total peripheral resistance was unchanged. Finally, the decline in total blood volume was not significant. These findings together with a reduction in heart rate indicated that a reduced sympathetic tone via......Eight obese patients were studied before and after 2 weeks of treatment by a very-low-calorie diet (VLCD). Cardiac output and central blood volume (pulmonary blood volume and left atrial volume) were determined by indicator dilution (125I-albumin) and radionuclide angiocardiography (first pass...... and equilibrium technique by [99Tcm]red blood cells). Cardiac output decreased concomitantly with the reduction in oxygen uptake as the calculated systemic arteriovenous difference of oxygen was unaltered. There were no significant decreases in left ventricular contractility indices, i.e. the ejection fraction...

  15. Altered contractile responses of arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rat: The role of endogenous mediators and membrane depolarization

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Bencze, Michal; Behuliak, Michal; Vavřínová, Anna; Zicha, Josef

    2016-01-01

    Roč. 166, Dec 1 (2016), s. 46-53 ISSN 0024-3205 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP304/12/0259; GA MZd(CZ) NV15-25396A Institutional support: RVO:67985823 Keywords : femoral artery * SHR * vascular contractility * adrenergic contraction * tyramine * propranolol * neuropeptide Y Subject RIV: FA - Cardiovascular Diseases incl. Cardiotharic Surgery Impact factor: 2.936, year: 2016

  16. Dor neuropática central após lesão medular traumática: capacidade funcional e aspectos sociais Dolor neuropático central después de lesión medular traumática: capacidad funcional y aspectos sociales Central neuropathic pain after traumatic spinal cord injury: functional capacity and social aspects

    OpenAIRE

    Janaina Vall; Violante Augusta Batista Braga

    2005-01-01

    Estudo de caso comparativo com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade funcional e os aspectos sociais de dois pacientes, ambos com lesão medular traumática, sem e com dor neuropática central associada, respectivamente. Para avaliar a capacidade funcional, foi utilizado como instrumento o Functional Independence Measure ou Escala de Independência Funcional. E para avaliar os aspectos sociais foi construído o ecomapa de cada paciente, preconizado pelo modelo Calgary de avaliação de famílias. Ambos ...

  17. Alterations in serotonin receptor-induced contractility of bovine lateral saphenous vein in cattle grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Klotz, J L; Brown, K R; Xue, Y; Matthews, J C; Boling, J A; Burris, W R; Bush, L P; Strickland, J R

    2012-02-01

    As part of a 2-yr study documenting the physiologic impact of grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue on growing cattle, 2 experiments were conducted to characterize and evaluate effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures on vascular contractility and serotonin receptors. Experiment 1 examined vasoconstrictive activities of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT), α-methylserotonin (ME5HT; a 5HT(2) receptor agonist), d-lysergic acid (LSA), and ergovaline (ERV) on lateral saphenous veins collected from steers immediately removed from a high-endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture (HE) or a low-endophyte-infected mixed-grass (LE) pasture. Using the same pastures, Exp. 2 evaluated effects of grazing 2 levels of toxic endophyte-infected tall fescue on vasoconstrictive activities of (±)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane hydrochloride (DOI), BW 723C86 (BW7), CGS-12066A (CGS), and 5-carboxamidotryptamine hemiethanolate maleate (5CT), agonists for 5HT(2A),( 2B), 5HT(1B), and 5HT(7) receptors, respectively. One-half of the steers in Exp. 2 were slaughtered immediately after removal from pasture, and the other one-half were fed finishing diets for >91 d before slaughter. For Exp. 1, maximal contractile intensities were greater (P 91 d. Experiment 1 demonstrated that grazing of HE pastures for 89 to 105 d induces functional alterations in blood vessels, as evidenced by reduced contractile capacity and altered serotonergic receptor activity. Experiment 2 demonstrated that grazing HE pastures alters vascular responses, which may be mediated through altered serotonin receptor activities, and these alterations may be ameliorated by the removal of ergot alkaloid exposure as demonstrated by the absence of differences in finished steers.

  18. 2-Deoxyadenosine triphosphate restores the contractile function of cardiac myofibril from adult dogs with naturally occurring dilated cardiomyopathy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Yuanhua; Hogarth, Kaley A; O'Sullivan, M Lynne; Regnier, Michael; Pyle, W Glen

    2016-01-01

    Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major type of heart failure resulting from loss of systolic function. Naturally occurring canine DCM is a widely accepted experimental paradigm for studying human DCM. 2-Deoxyadenosine triphosphate (dATP) can be used by myosin and is a superior energy substrate over ATP for cross-bridge formation and increased systolic function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of dATP on contractile function of cardiac myofibrils from dogs with naturally occurring DCM. We measured actomyosin NTPase activity and contraction/relaxation properties of isolated myofibrils from nonfailing (NF) and DCM canine hearts. NTPase assays indicated replacement of ATP with dATP significantly increased myofilament activity in both NF and DCM samples. dATP significantly improved maximal tension of DCM myofibrils to the NF sample level. dATP also restored Ca(2+) sensitivity of tension that was reduced in DCM samples. Similarly, dATP increased the kinetics of contractile activation (kACT), with no impact on the rate of cross-bridge tension redevelopment (kTR). Thus, the activation kinetics (kACT/kTR) that were reduced in DCM samples were restored for dATP to NF sample levels. dATP had little effect on relaxation. The rate of early slow-phase relaxation was slightly reduced with dATP, but its duration was not, nor was the fast-phase relaxation or times to 50 and 90% relaxation. Our findings suggest that myosin utilization of dATP improves cardiac myofibril contractile properties of naturally occurring DCM canine samples, restoring them to NF levels, without compromising relaxation. This suggests elevation of cardiac dATP is a promising approach for the treatment of DCM. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

  19. Effect of lead on cholinergic contractile function in the forestomach, ileum and colon of the male Wistar rat

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ryden, E.B.

    1986-01-01

    Gastrointestinal symptoms, including colic, are signs of lead poisoning in man, but the mechanism of these effects has not been elucidated. In order to understand the effects of lead on acetylcholine (ACh)-mediated responses, studies were undertaken to determine the isometric contractile response to methacholine, KCl and electric field stimulation in rat forestomach, ileum and colon under conditions of in vitro and in vivo treatment with lead acetate. Rats were dosed with 4% lead acetate in their diet, NIH-07, for 7 weeks, which resulted in renal and hematologic toxicity and blood lead levels of 180-389 ug/dl (1.2 x 10 -5 M). Tissues from in vivo treated rats were exposed to 1.2 x 10 -5 M lead acetate during in vitro contractile studies. E/sub max/ or ED 50 methacholine was not affected by 1.2 x 10 -5 M lead acetate, administered in vitro to control tissue. In the forestomach, a 10-fold higher concentration of lead (16 x 10 -5 M), administered in vitro, increased baseline tension and inhibition response to methacholine. However, in vivo lead treatment potentiated response to methacholine in the forestomach and increased baseline tension in the presence of physostigmine. The EFS response, attributable to ACh release, was not affected in the forestomach or ileum by 1.2 x 10 -5 M in vitro lead treatment. These data indicate that lead, administered in vivo in concentrations which cause renal and hematologic toxicity, does not impair cholinergic contractile response in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Instead, the response to methacholine may be potentiated in the forestomach. Possible mechanisms of lead-induced potentiation of baseline or evoked tension include increased levels of non-elicited ACh release, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase or sensitization of muscarinic receptors

  20. La formación en altas capacidades intelectuales de los profesionales psicoeducativos: resultados del curso de especialización de la Universidad de Málaga

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Milagros Fernández Molina

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available La atención educativa de los estudiantes con altas capacidades intelectuales la realizan diferentes profesionales en la escuela, pero son escasas las oportunidades de formación de las que disponen. En la Universidad de Málaga se desarrolla un curso especializado desde 2011, que ha sido evaluado para este trabajo mediante el método de encuesta. Los resultados muestran que existe una tasa de matriculación alta, la mayoría son mujeres y suelen ser estudiantes o graduados en Psicología o Magisterio, con escasa formación ni experiencia previa en alta capacidad. Los alumnos han realizado aprendizajes muy valiosos sobre los prejuicios, la intervención, y la cooperación con las familias. Asimismo se perciben positivamente los contenidos curriculares impartidos yla metodología de clase utilizada por los docentes. Se discuten estos resultados resaltando sus implicaciones de cara a la mejora de la cultura social acerca de la alta capacidad.

  1. Izalpinin from fruits of Alpinia oxyphylla with antagonistic activity against the rat bladder contractility.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yuan, Yuan; Tan, Yin-Feng; Xu, Peng; Li, Hailong; Li, Yong-Hui; Chen, Wen-Ya; Zhang, Jun-Qing; Chen, Feng; Huang, Guo-Jun

    2014-01-01

    Alpinia oxyphylla (Zingiberaceae), an herbaceous perennial plant, its capsular fruit is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of different urinary incontinence symptoms including frequency, urgency and nocturia. These symptoms are similar to the overactive bladder syndrome. In our lab, we found that the 95% ethanol extract of the capsular fruits exhibited significant anti-muscarinic activity. Some constituents in capsular fruits including flavonoids (e.g., izalpinin and tectochrysin), diarylheptanoids (e.g., yakuchinone A and yakuchinone B) and sesquiterpenes (e.g., nootkatone), are regarded as representative chemicals with putative pharmacological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antagonistic actions of izalpinin on carbachol-induced contraction of the rat detrusor muscle. In vitro inhibition of rat detrusor contractile response to carbachol was used to study the functional activity of izalpinin. The isolated detrusor strips of rats were mounted in organ baths containing oxygenated Krebs' solution. The cumulative consecutive concentration-response curves to carbachol-evoked contractions in strips of rat bladder were obtained. Carbachol induced concentration-dependent contractions of isolated rat bladder detrusor strips. The vehicle DMSO had no impact on the contraction response. The contraction effects were concentration-dependently antagonized by izalpinin, with a mean EC50 value of 0.35 µM. The corresponding cumulative agonist concentration-response curves shifted right-ward. Izalpinin exhibits inhibitory role of muscarinic receptor-related detrusor contractile activity, and it may be a promising lead compound to treat overactive bladder.

  2. Abnormal glucose metabolism is associated with reduced left ventricular contractile reserve and exercise intolerance in patients with chronic heart failure

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Egstrup, M; Kistorp, C N; Schou, M

    2013-01-01

    AIMS: To investigate the associations between glucose metabolism, left ventricular (LV) contractile reserve, and exercise capacity in patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS: From an outpatient HF clinic, 161 patients with systolic HF were included (mean age 70 ± 10...... or new DM. All patients completed low-dose dobutamine echocardiography (LDDE) and 154 patients a 6-min walking distance test (6MWD). Compared with patients with NGT, patients with known DM had lower resting LVEF (33.4 vs. 39.1%, P ... in LVEF could be observed in all glycemic groups (mean 8.2% absolute increase), but the contractile reserve was lower in patients with known DM (-5.4%, P = 0.001) and new DM (-3.5%, P = 0.035) compared to patients with NGT. 6MWD was lower in known DM (349 m) and new DM (379 m) compared with NGT (467 m) (P...

  3. Validade e confiabilidade da versão brasileira do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho Validez y confiabilidad de la versión brasilera del Índice de Capacidad para el Trabajo Validity and reliability of the Brazilian version of the Work Ability Index questionnaire

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Carmen Martinez

    2009-06-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Avaliar a validade e a confiabilidade da versão brasileira de índice de capacidade para o trabalho. MÉTODOS:Estudo transversal com amostra de 475 trabalhadores de empresa do setor elétrico no estado de São Paulo (dez municípios em Campinas e região, realizado em 2005. Foram avaliados os seguintes aspectos da versão brasileira do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho: validade de construto, por meio de análise fatorial confirmatória e da capacidade discriminante; validade de critério, correlacionado o escore do índice com medidas de saúde auto-referidas; e confiabilidade, por meio da análise da consistência interna utilizando o coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: A análise fatorial indicou três fatores do construto capacidade para o trabalho: questões relativas aos "recursos mentais" (20,6% da variância, à autopercepção da capacidade para o trabalho (18,9% da variância e à presença de doenças e limitações decorrentes do estado de saúde (18,4% da variância. O índice discriminou os trabalhadores segundo nível de absenteísmo, identificando média estatisticamente significativa (pOBJETIVO: Evaluar la validez y la confiabilidad de la versión brasilera del índice de capacidad para el trabajo. MÉTODOS:Estudio transversal con muestra de 475 trabajadores de empresa del sector eléctrico en el estado de Sao Paulo (fueron diez municipios en Campinas y región, en Sureste de Brasil, realizado en 2005. Se evaluaron los siguientes aspectos de la versión brasilera del Índice de Capacidad para el trabajo: validez del constructo, por medio del análisis factorial confirmatorio y de la capacidad discriminante, validez del criterio, correlacionado el puntaje del Índice con medidas de salud auto-referidas; y confiabilidad, por medio del análisis de la consistencia interna utilizando el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS:El análisis factorial indicó tres factores de constructo habilidad para el trabajo

  4. LET-99 functions in the astral furrowing pathway, where it is required for myosin enrichment in the contractile ring.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Price, Kari L; Rose, Lesilee S

    2017-09-01

    The anaphase spindle determines the position of the cytokinesis furrow, such that the contractile ring assembles in an equatorial zone between the two spindle poles. Contractile ring formation is mediated by RhoA activation at the equator by the centralspindlin complex and midzone microtubules. Astral microtubules also inhibit RhoA accumulation at the poles. In the Caenorhabditis elegans one-cell embryo, the astral microtubule-dependent pathway requires anillin, NOP-1, and LET-99. LET-99 is well characterized for generating the asymmetric cortical localization of the Gα-dependent force-generating complex that positions the spindle during asymmetric division. However, whether the role of LET-99 in cytokinesis is specific to asymmetric division and whether it acts through Gα to promote furrowing are unclear. Here we show that LET-99 contributes to furrowing in both asymmetrically and symmetrically dividing cells, independent of its function in spindle positioning and Gα regulation. LET-99 acts in a pathway parallel to anillin and is required for myosin enrichment into the contractile ring. These and other results suggest a positive feedback model in which LET-99 localizes to the presumptive cleavage furrow in response to the spindle and myosin. Once positioned there, LET-99 enhances myosin accumulation to promote furrowing in both symmetrically and asymmetrically dividing cells. © 2017 Price and Rose. This article is distributed by The American Society for Cell Biology under license from the author(s). Two months after publication it is available to the public under an Attribution–Noncommercial–Share Alike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0).

  5. Removal of urothelium affects bladder contractility and release of ATP but not release of NO in rat urinary bladder

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Boone Timothy B

    2010-05-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background The objective of our work was to investigate both the contractile function and the release of ATP and NO from strips of bladder tissue after removal of the urothelium. Methods The method of removal was a gentle swabbing motion rather than a sharp surgical cutting to separate the urothelium from the smooth muscle. The contractile response and ATP and NO release were measured in intact as well as on swabbed preparations. The removal of the urothelial layer was affirmed microscopically. Results After the swabbing, the smaller contractions were evoked by electrical as well as by chemical stimulation (50 μM carbachol or 50 μM α, β meATP. Electrical stimulation, carbachol and substance P (5 μM evoked lower release of ATP in the swabbed strips than in intact strips. Although release of NO evoked by electrical stimulation or substance P was not changed, release of NO evoked by carbachol was significantly less in the swabbed preparations. Conclusion Since swabbing removes only the urothelium, the presence of the suburothelial layer may explain the difference between our findings and those of others who found an increase in contractility. Evoked release of ATP is reduced in swabbed strips, indicating that ATP derives solely from the urothelium. On the other hand, electrical stimulation and substance P evoke identical degrees of NO release in both intact and swabbed preparations, suggesting that NO can be released from the suburothelium. Conversely, carbachol-induced release of NO is lower in swabbed strips, implying that the cholinergic receptors (muscarinic or nicotinic are located in the upper layer of the urothelium.

  6. Estimativa da capacidade de campo pela curva de retenção e pela densidade de fluxo da água

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alexsandro dos Santos Brito

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available A capacidade de campo é um parâmetro de inegável relevância para o manejo adequado da irrigação. A partir da determinação confiável do conteúdo de água no solo na capacidade de campo, pode-se otimizar a produtividade das culturas agrícolas, maximizando a eficiência do uso da água pelas plantas e evitando a contaminação do lençol freático por lixiviação de fertilizantes e agroquímicos. Nesse sentido, o trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a capacidade de campo (a pelo cálculo da densidade de fluxo da água durante o processo de redistribuição no experimento clássico de determinação desse parâmetro e (b a partir de uma dada tensão da água na curva de retenção, em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo textura média, localizado em área experimental da Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz, município de Piracicaba, Estado de São Paulo (Brasil. Para isso, instalaram-se no solo, até a profundidade de 1,9 m, 60 tubos de acesso a uma sonda de nêutrons, numa rede de malha quadrada de 5 m (6 x 10 pontos amostrais, e, adjacente a cada tubo, dois tensiômetros, um a 0,75 m e outro a 0,85 m de profundidade. Nos 60 pontos (locais amostrais, desenvolveu-se um experimento similar ao experimento clássico de determinação da capacidade de campo, no qual o solo foi devidamente submetido a uma lâmina de infiltração visando à saturação do seu perfil; sua superfície, coberta com lona plástica para evitar fluxo de água através dela; e a redistribuição da água, monitorada até a profundidade de 0,8 m durante 20 dias. Observou-se que o conteúdo de água correspondente a uma densidade de fluxo de 1,0 mm dia-1 é a melhor estimativa da capacidade de campo para esse solo, uma vez que as densidades de fluxo de 0,1 e 0,01 mm dia-1, também recomendadas para estimar a capacidade de campo, são muito baixas, a ponto de não terem sido alcançadas neste estudo. Quanto aos resultados obtidos pelo método baseado na curva de

  7. Dor neuropática central após lesão medular traumática: capacidade funcional e aspectos sociais Dolor neuropático central después de lesión medular traumática: capacidad funcional y aspectos sociales Central neuropathic pain after traumatic spinal cord injury: functional capacity and social aspects

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Janaina Vall

    2005-12-01

    Full Text Available Estudo de caso comparativo com o objetivo de avaliar a capacidade funcional e os aspectos sociais de dois pacientes, ambos com lesão medular traumática, sem e com dor neuropática central associada, respectivamente. Para avaliar a capacidade funcional, foi utilizado como instrumento o Functional Independence Measure ou Escala de Independência Funcional. E para avaliar os aspectos sociais foi construído o ecomapa de cada paciente, preconizado pelo modelo Calgary de avaliação de famílias. Ambos foram aplicados no domicílio do paciente. Os resultados mostraram que o paciente com dor neuropática central secundária à lesão medular possui baixa capacidade funcional e precária rede social de apoio, quando comparado com o paciente com as mesmas condições, porém sem dor associada.Estudio de caso comparativo con el objetivo de evaluar la capacidad funcional y los aspectos sociales de dos paciente, ambos con lesión medular traumática, sin y con el dolor neuropático central, respectivamente. Para evaluar la capacidad funcional, se usó como instrumento la Escala de Independencia Funcional. Y para evaluar los aspectos sociales, el ecomapa de cada paciente fue construido, preconizado por el modelo Calgary de evaluación de familias. Los dos furon aplicados en la casa del paciente. Los resultados mostraron que el paciente con dolor neuropatico central secundario a la lesión medular posee capacidad funcional baja y precaria red social de apoyo, cuando comparado con el paciente con las mismas condiciones, pero sin el dolor asociado.Comparative study of case with the aim of evaluating the functional capacity and social aspects of two patients, both with traumatic spinal cord injury, without and with central neuropathic pain associated, respectively. To evaluate the functional capacity it was used as instrument Functional Independence Measure. And to evaluate the social aspects the ecomap of each patient one it was built, extolled by the model

  8. Apego materno-fetal e a percepção materna acerca da capacidade interativa do bebê no primeiro mês = Maternal-fetal attachment and maternal perception about infant interactive skills in the first month = Apego materno-fetal y la percepción materna sobre la capacidad interactiva del bebé en el primer mes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alvarenga, Patrícia

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available A percepção da mãe acerca das capacidades interativas do recém-nascido tem sido apontada como um fator crucial para o estabelecimento de padrões interativos de qualidade entre a díade mãe-filho. O objetivo deste estudo foi examinar as relações entre o apego materno-fetal e a percepção da mãe acerca das capacidades interativas do bebê. Participaram do estudo 64 mães de bebês do sexo masculino, que responderam a Escala de Apego Materno-fetal, no terceiro trimestre da gestação, e uma entrevista sobre a experiência da maternidade, no primeiro mês do bebê. Houve uma correlação positiva entre o apego materno-fetal e a percepção geral das capacidades interativas do bebê (r=0,23; p<0,05. A análise de regressão confirmou que a escolaridade materna e o apego materno-fetal explicaram 12% da variância na percepção da mãe acerca das capacidades interativas dos bebês. Discute-se a relevância da relação da mãe com o feto durante a gestação para a interação mãe-bebê no período pós-natal

  9. Dietary nitrate increases tetanic [Ca2+]i and contractile force in mouse fast-twitch muscle.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hernández, Andrés; Schiffer, Tomas A; Ivarsson, Niklas; Cheng, Arthur J; Bruton, Joseph D; Lundberg, Jon O; Weitzberg, Eddie; Westerblad, Håkan

    2012-08-01

    Dietary inorganic nitrate has profound effects on health and physiological responses to exercise. Here, we examined if nitrate, in doses readily achievable via a normal diet, could improve Ca(2+) handling and contractile function using fast- and slow-twitch skeletal muscles from C57bl/6 male mice given 1 mm sodium nitrate in water for 7 days. Age matched controls were provided water without added nitrate. In fast-twitch muscle fibres dissected from nitrate treated mice, myoplasmic free [Ca(2+)] was significantly greater than in Control fibres at stimulation frequencies from 20 to 150 Hz, which resulted in a major increase in contractile force at ≤ 50 Hz. At 100 Hz stimulation, the rate of force development was ∼35% faster in the nitrate group. These changes in nitrate treated mice were accompanied by increased expression of the Ca(2+) handling proteins calsequestrin 1 and the dihydropyridine receptor. No changes in force or calsequestrin 1 and dihydropyridine receptor expression were measured in slow-twitch muscles. In conclusion, these results show a striking effect of nitrate supplementation on intracellular Ca(2+) handling in fast-twitch muscle resulting in increased force production. A new mechanism is revealed by which nitrate can exert effects on muscle function with applications to performance and a potential therapeutic role in conditions with muscle weakness.

  10. As capacidades da liderança na perspectiva do diálogo.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Francisco Javier Uribe Rivera

    2008-05-01

    unificadora o manejo comunicativo da intersubjetividade, a capacidade de mobilizar e de gerar contextos dialógicos capazes de patrocinar o consenso necessário à gestão por compromissos. Palavras-chave: liderança; gestão comunicativa; diálogo e condução; aprendizagem organizacional. Abstract This paper is a review of the concept of leadership including several authors, having as an unified feature the communicative management of intersubjetivity rapports, the capacity of generate mobilization and dialogical contexts that can allow the consensus needed for a management based on commitments. Keywords: leadership; communicative management; dialogue and management; learning organization.

  11. Asociación entre la capacidad funcional y los resultados de autocuidado en personas con enfermedad cardiovascular Relação entre a capacidade funcional e os resultados de autocuidado em pessoas com doença cardiovascular Relation between functional capacity and self-care results in people with cardiovascular diseases

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Clara Victoria Bastidas Sánchez

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available El presente artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación realizada con una población de 55 pacientes con enfermedad cardiovascular de Ibagué, en la que se establece la influencia de la capacidad funcional y el autocuidado, utilizando la escala europea de autocuidado en insuficiencia cardiaca y la versión modificada del índice de actividad de Duke (DASI. Los resultados muestran mayor incidencia de enfermedad cardiovascular en el sexo femenino, entre 35 y 65 años, con diagnóstico de cardiopatía dilatada, considerándose esta como la etapa más grave de la enfermedad coronaria. Al realizar la revisión global se encontró que la insuficiencia cardiaca corresponde al mayor rango de personas con 69,1 %. En cuanto a la capacidad funcional encontramos que el 40 % se encuentra entre mínimo y moderado, y el 92,7 %, entre moderado y peor, en relación con el autocuidado. El gráfico de dispersión muestra claramente las afinidades comportamentales de los pacientes en relación con las dos variables evaluadas. La gráfica de relación muestra que no se evidencia mucha relación entre las dos variables -autocuidado y capacidad funcional- a pesar de que los resultados no evidencien concordancia total o muy grande. Se encontró que la capacidad funcional de las personas con enfermedad cardiovascular está comprometida en un 40 %, frente al no compromiso, de un 60 % lo que preocupa pues la capacidad funcional disminuye a medida que la edad y la enfermedad avanzan por lo que en este grupo de personas podría ir en aumento por lo que se deben realizar más estudios tanto en mujeres como en personas mayores de diferente sexo e intervenir de mayor forma en el seguimiento de recomendaciones que contribuyan a mejorar su capacidad funcional teniendo en cuenta los comportamientos de autocuidado como elemento importante para el logro de mayor bienestar del paciente con enfermedad cardiovascular.Opresente trabalho apresenta os resultados da investiga

  12. Análise da capacidade combinatória em feijoeiro comum submetido ao déficit hídrico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    João Guilherme Ribeiro Gonçalves

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o comportamento de genitores de feijoeiro para compor um programa de melhoramento visando à tolerância à seca. A capacidade geral e específica de combinação das cultivares foram avaliadas utilizando genitores identificados como tolerantes à seca (BAT 477 e SEA 5, genitores desenvolvidos pelo Instituto Agronômico – IAC (IAC Alvorada e IAC Carioca Tybatã e suas progênies, oriundas de um dialelo completo, incluindo os recíprocos. A semeadura foi realizada em solo, usando delineamento de blocos casualizados com três repetições, tanto para o experimento com irrigação como para o experimento com déficit hídrico, aplicado a partir do pré-florescimento. As plantas submetidas ao déficit hídrico permaneceram nessa condição por um período de 30 dias. Foram avaliados caracteres fisiológicos, morfológicos, componentes de produção e produtividade de grãos, observando-se a presença de efeitos aditivos e não aditivos no controle das características, além de indicar que os genitores empregados no estudo contribuíram de forma diferenciada nos cruzamentos de que participaram. Considerando o déficit hídrico na pré-floração, os genitores SEA 5 e IAC Alvorada apresentaram efeitos positivos quanto à capacidade geral de combinação para os caracteres produtividade e massa de mil grãos, enquanto o genitor SEA 5 também destacou-se com efeito positivo em relação ao número de sementes por vagem, sugerindo o incremento para essas características nos cruzamentos dos quais participaram. O cruzamento SEA 5 × IAC Alvorada destacou-se para a característica produtividade de grãos por apresentar maior efeito positivo para capacidade específica de combinação e por ter como genitores as cultivares que apresentaram valores positivos para capacidade geral de combinação.

  13. Mechanism of action of ethanol on heart contractility

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Oquendo-Muriente, I.; De Mello, W.C.

    1986-01-01

    Ethanol depresses heart contractility. To investigate the mechanism of the negative inotropic action of ethanol, rat ventricular strips were dissected and mounted vertically in a transparent chamber. The preparation was superfused initially with normal oxygenated Tyrode solution (32.5 0 C) and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). After 1 hour of equilibration, contractures were elicited by exposing the muscle strips to high K + (100 mM) solution. Studies on the influence of (Ca 2+ ) 0 on K + contractures showed that the first rapid component of the contracture (58 mg/sec - S.E. +/- 8; n = 8) was greatly dependent upon (Ca 2+ ) 0 while the second slow component (20 mg/sec - S.E. +/- 5; n = 8) was slightly altered. The addition of ethanol (400 mg/100 ml) to high K solution abolished the fast component and reduced the amplitude of the second phase of K contractures. Similar results were obtained with verapamil (10 -5 M). These results, as well as studies on the effect of the drug on 45 Ca fluxes support the view that ethanol decreases the permeability of the heart cell membrane to Ca

  14. Mechanism of action of ethanol on heart contractility

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Oquendo-Muriente, I.; De Mello, W.C.

    1986-03-05

    Ethanol depresses heart contractility. To investigate the mechanism of the negative inotropic action of ethanol, rat ventricular strips were dissected and mounted vertically in a transparent chamber. The preparation was superfused initially with normal oxygenated Tyrode solution (32.5/sup 0/C) and electrically stimulated (1 Hz). After 1 hour of equilibration, contractures were elicited by exposing the muscle strips to high K/sup +/ (100 mM) solution. Studies on the influence of (Ca/sup 2 +/)/sub 0/ on K/sup +/ contractures showed that the first rapid component of the contracture (58 mg/sec - S.E. +/- 8; n = 8) was greatly dependent upon (Ca/sup 2 +/)/sub 0/ while the second slow component (20 mg/sec - S.E. +/- 5; n = 8) was slightly altered. The addition of ethanol (400 mg/100 ml) to high K solution abolished the fast component and reduced the amplitude of the second phase of K contractures. Similar results were obtained with verapamil (10/sup -5/ M). These results, as well as studies on the effect of the drug on /sup 45/Ca fluxes support the view that ethanol decreases the permeability of the heart cell membrane to Ca.

  15. Postextrasystolic potentiation and contractile reserve: requirements and restrictions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lust, R M; Lutherer, L O; Gardner, M E; Cooper, M W

    1982-12-01

    These studies were conducted to examine the basic characteristics of postextrasystolic potentiation (PESP) and the relationship of loading effects to PESP. Measurements of left ventricular (LV) and aortic pressures, the rate of pressure rise, and echocardiographically determined LV dimensions were made in anesthetized open-chest dogs. The hearts were paced, and timed extrasystoles were introduced that were followed by postextrasystoles (PES). PES's were elicited after an interval equal to either a full compensatory pause or a time when the diastolic properties of the LV could not be distinguished from control (isolength). Potentiation of contraction for the PES's introduced after an isolength pause was dependent on both the heart rate and the extrasystolic interval, whereas the PES's that occurred after a full pause showed no dependence on either of these intervals. PESP elicited during the isolength period was not dependent on either preload and afterload. It is concluded that PESP depends on the combination of heart rate and extrasystolic and postextrasystolic intervals. Further, PESP may be inaccurate in assessing contractile reserve unless the heart rate and extrasystolic interval are known and the PES is introduced after an isolength pause.

  16. Innovation capability and organizational resources configuration Capacidad de innovación y configuración de recursos organizativos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Liliana Herrera

    2009-07-01

    Full Text Available The main purpose of this article is to contribute to a better understanding of the organizational sources pertaining to continuous innovation. This work identifies a set of best practices, which once integrated, create the innovative activities that help organizations to acquire a continuous innovation capability by means of the development of new products. Furthermore, in an effort to understand how the innovation capacity is created, based on the dynamic capability theory, a conceptual model is presented in this study. This model shows that the innovation capability is the result of four processes: knowledge creation, knowledge absorption, knowledge integration, and knowledge reconfiguration. These processes are leveraged by four kinds of resources: human capital, structures and systems, leadership, and company culture. Companies applying this model can identify and restructure the most important organizational actions in order to achieve a continuous innovation process. Finally, identification of best practices and model validation are carried out by means of an exploratory case study, which is applied to two technology based organizations of the audiovisual sector.El propósito de este artículo es contribuir a un mejor entendimiento de los recursos involucrados en el proceso de innovación continua en las empresas. En este trabajo se identifican un conjunto de buenas prácticas, las cuales integradas, forman actividades innovadoras que ayudan a las organizaciones a adquirir la capacidad para innovar continuamente por medio de los proyectos de desarrollo de nuevos productos. Además, en un esfuerzo por comprender como esta conformada la capacidad de innovación, en esta investigación se presenta un modelo conceptual basado en la perspectiva de las capacidades dinámicas, el cual muestra esta capacidad como el resultado de cuatro procesos: creación de conocimiento, absorción de conocimiento, integración de conocimiento y reconfiguraci

  17. MODULAÇÃO AUTONÔMICA DA FREQUÊNCIA CARDÍACA E CAPACIDADE FUNCIONAL AERÓBICA EM HEMIPARÉTICOS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mônica Furquim de Campos

    Full Text Available RESUMO Introdução: Tem sido observado que indivíduos acometidos por acidente vascular encefálico (AVE apresentam, além dos danos físicos, diminuição da capacidade aeróbica e alteração da modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca, sendo estes importantes fatores para o aparecimento de doenças cardíacas e arritmias. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos crônicos do AVE sobre a capacidade aeróbica (VO2pico e os índices de variabilidade da frequência cardíaca (VFC, e se existe correlação entre essas duas variáveis. Métodos: Foram avaliados 11 indivíduos do sexo masculino, com idade entre 55 e 65 anos, acometidos por lesão cerebrovascular há pelo menos seis meses, e todos com hemiparesia. Foram realizadas as seguintes avaliações: teste de capacidade aeróbica máxima; registro dos intervalos R-R e cálculo dos índices da VFC (RMSSD, pNN50, AF, BF e a razão BF/AF. Para comparação entre VO2pico previsto e obtido utilizou-se o teste t de Student não pareado. Para testar a hipótese de correlação entre os índices de VFC e o VO2pico utilizou-se o teste de correlação de Pearson. Resultados: VO2pico (mL.kg-1.min-1 previsto e obtido, respectivamente = 32,15 ± 1,87 e 16,12 ± 5,51; índices da VFC: RMSSD (ms = 28,69 ± 26,78; pNN50 (% = 8,76 ± 12,62; AF (u.n. = 51,96 ± 22,4; BF (u.n. = 48,04 ± 22,49. O VO2pico correlacionou-se negativamente com os índices RMSSD, pNN50 e AF e positivamente com o índice BF (p < 0,05. Conclusão: Na fase crônica do AVE, variabilidade da frequência cardíaca encontra-se normal e os indivíduos com menor capacidade aeróbica apresentam maior modulação parassimpática e menor simpática, provavelmente em consequência da maior exigência física nas atividades de vida diária.

  18. Capacidade estatal, burocracia e tributação nos municípios brasileiros

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    André Marenco

    Full Text Available Resumo Diagnósticos sobre relações intergovernamentais e implementação de políticas públicas após a Constituição de 1988 enfatizaram os elementos de descentralização, centralização ou coordenação federativa. Sem desprezar mecanismos institucionais que estruturam relações verticais entre governos federal, estadual e municipais, este trabalho pretende analisar diferenças entre os 5,5 mil municípios brasileiros no que diz respeito a indicadores de sua capacidade estatal. Busca-se examinar em que medida municípios com burocracias profissionalizadas tiveram melhores condições para aproveitar a transferência de responsabilidades e autoridade política e administrativa para governos municipais, ampliando seu potencial para tributar e implementar políticas públicas. Adotou-se a definição restrita de capacidade estatal, utilizando-se a “escala weberiana” proposta por Evans e Rauch como medida. Para operacionalizá-la, foi considerada a proporção de “estatutários com formação superior” entre servidores públicos nas 5,5 mil administrações municipais brasileiras. Como variável dependente, foi utilizada a arrecadação de Imposto sobre a Propriedade Predial e Territorial Urbana como proporção da receita própria municipal. Os resultados mostraram que administrações municipais com serviço público mais profissionalizado incrementam suas razões de chance para arrecadação do imposto patrimonial.

  19. Capacidades do Estado brasileiro e arquitetura institucional da EaD: da organização burocrática à autonomia inserida dos órgãos estatais

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Daniela da Costa Britto Pereira Lima

    2018-04-01

    Full Text Available Resumo: O tema deste estudo é a arquitetura institucional da educação a distância (EaD no Brasil sob a ótica das capacidades do Estado no que se refere à organização burocrática. Seu objetivo geral é apresentar e discutir algumas das capacidades do Estado brasileiro para gerir sua política pública de EaD. A pesquisa é do tipo bibliográfica e de natureza empírica, com suporte teórico em Evans (1993, 1995, 2004. O estudo empírico considerou o mapeamento e a análise da arquitetura institucional da EaD no Brasil entre 2010 e 2013 (LIMA, 2013. Constata-se que o Estado precisa rever sua arquitetura institucional da EaD, visando desenvolver a sua capacidade de organização burocrática e autonomia inserida, para passar de um Estado intermediário para desenvolvimentista. Palavras-chave: Educação a distância; educação superior; capacidades do Estado; arquitetura institucional.   Abstract: The theme of this study is the institutional architecture of distance education - EaD - in Brazil, from the point of view of the state's capabilities, regarding the bureaucratic organization. Its general objective is to present and discuss some of the capabilities of the Brazilian State to manage it's public DE policy. The research is a bibliographical and empirical study, with theoretical support in Evans (1993, 1995, 2004. The empirical study considered the mapping and analysis of the institutional architecture of EaD in Brazil between 2010 and 2013 (LIMA, 2013. It concludes that the Brazilian State needs to reassess its DE institutional architecture as a means to develop its bureaucratic organization capacity and inserted autonomy, and as a condition to move from an intermediary State to a developed one. Keywords: distance education; higher education; State capacity; institutional architecture.   Resumen: El tema de este estudio es la arquitectura institucional de la educación a distancia (EaD en Brasil bajo la óptica de las capacidades

  20. Modelo para la generación de capacidades a partir del e-learning fundamentado en aprendizaje autónomo. Aplicación a un caso

    OpenAIRE

    2008-01-01

    El presente trabajo plantea su fundamento teórico y conceptual en tres capítulos o apartados: la importancia del capital intelectual en el desarrollo de la organización; e-Learning y aprendizaje autónomo; y desarrollo de capacidades a partir del e-Learning. El modelo se sustenta en cuatro conceptos: el e-Learning, que conjuga aprendizaje y tecnología, el desarrollo de capacidades y el aprendizaje autónomo, en el marco de la organización; considera además una dinámica interdependiente entre el...

  1. PERFORMANCE RÍTMICA. ANÁLISIS Y CUANTIFICACIÓN DE LA CAPACIDAD RÍTMICA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ana Paula Batalha

    2007-01-01

    Pretendemos también en este artículo seleccionar las variables rítmicas implicadas en el proyecto motriz, principalmente los factores rítmicos -Trascripción, Sincronización y Reproducción (TSR- y las estructuras rítmicas jerarquizadas por grados de complejidad, con el objetivo de demostrar la posibilidad de cuantificar la Capacidad Rítmica Motora General (CRMG. Esta estrategia aplicada a los factores TSR posibilitó evaluar analíticamente los factores rítmicos, estableciendo entre ellos relaciones que traducen comportamientos individuales potenciando de una forma integrada una nueva dimensión de RITMO-TIPO.

  2. Un repaso de los conceptos sobre capacidad y esfuerzo fiscal, y su aplicación en los gobiernos locales mexicanos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Laura Sour

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available En este estudio se revisan los métodos con que es posible calcular el esfuerzo y la capacidad fiscal de una región, y se demuestra que la falta de disponibilidad de información limita las posibilidades de examinar estos aspectos de las finanzas públicas. Se presentan además algunos de los esfuerzos teóricos y empíricos que se han realizado con la intención de brindar un panorama general sobre el tema. Se calcula el esfuerzo y la capacidad fiscal de 2 412 gobiernos locales de México para los años 1993 a 2004. Los resultados cuestionan el mito de que los gobiernos locales grandes suelen desarrollar un mayor esfuerzo fiscal ante la política de transferencias, sean éstas condicionadas o no condicionadas.

  3. INFLUÊNCIA DO TIRO COM ZARABATANA NA CAPACIDADE RESPIRATÓRIA DO IDOSO

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Catarina Leitão

    2015-05-01

    Full Text Available A  respiração é um processo vital e faz parte das funções primordiais do corpo humano. A falta de consciência respiratória é responsável por diversos problemas o que leva a que com o passar do tempo, a respiração, possa provocar não só deformidades no tórax como também modificações posturais, incapacidade funcional e diversas patologias (Tribastone, 2001.O sistema respiratório é o sistema do organismo que envelhece mais rápido devido à exposição aos poluentes ambientais ao longo da vida. A nível clínico ocorrem mudanças relevantes que se traduzem na deterioração da função pulmonar. Calculando-se que em Portugal, as doenças respiratórias a curto prazo sejam a terceira causa de morte e afetem maioritariamente as pessoas idosas (Ruivo et al., 2009. No processo respiratório são essenciais dois tempos, a inspiração e expiração, que resultam de movimentos respiratórios nos quais o diafragma e os pulmões exercem funções fundamentais (Parreiral, 2005. Acreditamos que o tiro com zarabatana, que trabalha a expiração- através da expulsão enérgica de dardos e a inspiração- aquando do início do treino, poderá ser benéfico para a capacidade respiratória dos idosos. Objetivo: O presente estudo visa avaliar os efeitos da prática de Tiro com Zarabatana, na capacidade respiratória de pessoas idosas, mais precisamente as alterações ao nível do débito expiratório máximo.

  4. Comportamientos y capacidad de agencia de autocuidado de adultos con insuficiencia cardiaca

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    EDITH ARREDONDO HOLGUÍN

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available Este estudio tiene como objetivo describir comportamientos y capacidad de agencia de autocuidado de pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca de una clínica cardiovascular de Medellín entre noviembre de 2007 y mayo de 2008. Es un estudio descriptivo con abordaje cuantitativo. La muestra fue de 206 adultos con insuficiencia cardiaca diagnosticados por sintomatología clínica, fracción de eyección menor o igual a 40%. Se usaron para la recolección de datos la Escala Capacidad de Agencia de Autocuidado desarrollada por Isemberg y Evers et ál. (1993, traducida por Gallego, que mide el nivel de agencia de autocuidado, y la Escala Comportamientos de Autocuidado validada en Colombia en 2007 por Arredondo, que mide la frecuencia de comportamientos de autocuidado de adultos con insuficiencia cardiaca en la solicitud de ayuda, adaptación a vivir con la enfermedad y el régimen terapéutico, modificación del autoconcepto y aceptación de sí mismo, vivir con efectos de la insuficiencia cardiaca y el tratamiento. Concluye que el mayor número de pacientes eran hombres; que factores básicos condicionantes como el apoyo de la familia, desempeño de un trabajo, afiliación al sistema de salud, nivel socioeconómico y acceso a un nivel educativo fueron importantes para los pacientes. La frecuencia de comportamientos de autocuidado fue media en los adultos en la mayoría de las dimensiones y el nivel de agencia fue alto y muy alto. Igualmente se concluyó que no hay una correlación entre agencia y comportamientos de autocuidado. Lo que plantea que los adultos tienen el conocimiento pero no han tomado la decisión de realizar acciones de autocuidado.

  5. Una vía de colaboración entre la economía y la administración: la teoría de los recursos y las capacidades

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manuel Alfonso Garzón Castrillón

    2009-01-01

    Full Text Available La teoría de los recursos y las capacidades surge en el seno de la dirección estratégica, bajo la premisa fundamental de que existe heterogeneidad entre las organizaciones, en lo que a dotación de recursos y capacidades se refiere; explicando las diferencias de resultados entre ellas. En los últimos años se han producido una serie de aportes trascendentales a la teoría de los recursos y las capacidades de las organizaciones, de los que se hace eco en este artículo, cuyo objetivo es presentar una visión global y sistematizada de dicha teoría. Se aborda el estudio de sus antecedentes, del contenido –el cual se centra en la definición de los conceptos de recursos y capacidades–, y de las condiciones a cumplir por dichos conceptos en las decisiones relacionadas con la gestión de los recursos y las capacidades de las organizaciones. En la parte final se analizan las posibles aplicaciones de dicha teoría a la administración de las organizaciones, y las principales limitaciones de ésta tanto en lo que se refiere a sus fundamentos teóricos como a su aplicación práctica.

  6. Effect of a Periodized Power Training Program on the Functional Performances and Contractile Properties of the Quadriceps in Sprinters

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kamandulis, Sigitas; Skurvydas, Albertas; Brazaitis, Marius; Stanislovaitis, Aleksas; Duchateau, Jacques; Stanislovaitiene, Jurate

    2012-01-01

    Our purpose was to compare the effect of a periodized preparation consisting of power endurance training and high-intensity power training on the contractile properties of the quadriceps muscle and functional performances in well trained male sprinters (n = 7). After 4 weeks of high-intensity power training, 60-m sprint running time improved by an…

  7. Planificación estratégica de la capacidad en una empresa del sector limentación

    OpenAIRE

    Companys Pascual, Ramón; Ribas Vila, Immaculada; Bautista Valhondo, Joaquín

    2012-01-01

    En esta comunicación se describe el procedimiento propuesto a una empresa del sector de la alimentación para planificar la capacidad productiva de las diferentes plantas aprovechando el cambio de ubicación forzoso de una de ellas. El caso de estudio puede servir de referencia a otros profesionales que se enfrenten a una situación semejante.

  8. La arquitectura organizacional y las capacidades estratégicas empresariales empresariales

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jesús Perdomo-Ortiz

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available El diseño organizacional y la teoría basada en los recursos han sido las dos áreas de la economía de la empresa que más desarrollo e impacto en la gerencia, y en el estado del arte de la disciplina, han tenido durante los últimos 15 años. Este documento aborda desde una perspectiva comparada ambos temas y encuentra una estrecha relación de mutuo apoyo conceptual. Es importante precisar que el presente documento no es una revisión de la literatura sobre diseño o arquitectura organizacional; no obstante se soporta en un conjunto de lecturas centradas en dicha temática. En este sentido, el objetivo del documento es hacer una reflexión crítica, planteando unas hipótesis de trabajo y argumentando su elaboración. La literatura sobre dirección estratégica tiene como uno de sus soportes disciplinares la denominada teoría (visión de la empresa basada en los recursos (The Resource-Based View of the Firm, RBV y defiende una lógica implícita de causalidad, al considerar la estructura organizacional como una consecuencia de la estrategia empresarial. Una visión crítica de la arquitectura organizacional contrasta la causalidad estrategia → estructura y puede explicar un vacío en la RBV, cuando ésta trata de explicar el tránsito del concepto de recurso a capacidad, haciendo alusión a un necesario proceso de integración de recursos básicos. Este documento plantea, entonces, la hipótesis de que la arquitectura organizacional es una forma de explicar la conformación de capacidades empresariales y, desde su argumentación, muestra cómo la causalidad → estrategia estructura se puede entender en forma inversa.

  9. Cellular Architecture Regulates Collective Calcium Signaling and Cell Contractility.

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    Jian Sun

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available A key feature of multicellular systems is the ability of cells to function collectively in response to external stimuli. However, the mechanisms of intercellular cell signaling and their functional implications in diverse vascular structures are poorly understood. Using a combination of computational modeling and plasma lithography micropatterning, we investigate the roles of structural arrangement of endothelial cells in collective calcium signaling and cell contractility. Under histamine stimulation, endothelial cells in self-assembled and microengineered networks, but not individual cells and monolayers, exhibit calcium oscillations. Micropatterning, pharmacological inhibition, and computational modeling reveal that the calcium oscillation depends on the number of neighboring cells coupled via gap junctional intercellular communication, providing a mechanistic basis of the architecture-dependent calcium signaling. Furthermore, the calcium oscillation attenuates the histamine-induced cytoskeletal reorganization and cell contraction, resulting in differential cell responses in an architecture-dependent manner. Taken together, our results suggest that endothelial cells can sense and respond to chemical stimuli according to the vascular architecture via collective calcium signaling.

  10. Improvement of cardiac contractile function by peptide-based inhibition of NF-κB in the utrophin/dystrophin-deficient murine model of muscular dystrophy

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    Guttridge Denis C

    2011-05-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD is an inherited and progressive disease causing striated muscle deterioration. Patients in their twenties generally die from either respiratory or cardiac failure. In order to improve the lifespan and quality of life of DMD patients, it is important to prevent or reverse the progressive loss of contractile function of the heart. Recent studies by our labs have shown that the peptide NBD (Nemo Binding Domain, targeted at blunting Nuclear Factor κB (NF-κB signaling, reduces inflammation, enhances myofiber regeneration, and improves contractile deficits in the diaphragm in dystrophin-deficient mdx mice. Methods To assess whether cardiac function in addition to diaphragm function can be improved, we investigated physiological and histological parameters of cardiac muscle in mice deficient for both dystrophin and its homolog utrophin (double knockout = dko mice treated with NBD peptide. These dko mice show classic pathophysiological hallmarks of heart failure, including myocyte degeneration, an impaired force-frequency response and a severely blunted β-adrenergic response. Cardiac contractile function at baseline and frequencies and pre-loads throughout the in vivo range as well as β-adrenergic reserve was measured in isolated cardiac muscle preparations. In addition, we studied histopathological and inflammatory markers in these mice. Results At baseline conditions, active force development in cardiac muscles from NBD treated dko mice was more than double that of vehicle-treated dko mice. NBD treatment also significantly improved frequency-dependent behavior of the muscles. The increase in force in NBD-treated dko muscles to β-adrenergic stimulation was robustly restored compared to vehicle-treated mice. However, histological features, including collagen content and inflammatory markers were not significantly different between NBD-treated and vehicle-treated dko mice. Conclusions We conclude

  11. The retardation of myometrial infiltration, reduction of uterine contractility, and alleviation of generalized hyperalgesia in mice with induced adenomyosis by levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP) and andrographolide.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mao, Xiaoyan; Wang, Yuedong; Carter, Andrew V; Zhen, Xuechu; Guo, Sun-Wei

    2011-10-01

    Adenomyosis is a tough disease to manage nonsurgically. Levo-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), a known analgesic, and andrographolide, a nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) inhibitor, are both active ingredients extracted from Chinese medicinal herbs. We sought to determine whether treatment of l-THP, andrographolide, and valproic acid (VPA) would suppress the myometrial infiltration, improve pain behavior, and reduce uterine contractility in a mice model of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis was induced in 55 female ICR mice neonatally dosed with tamoxifen, while another 8 (group C) were dosed with solvent only. Starting from 4 weeks after birth, hotplate test was administrated to all mice every 4 weeks. At the 16th week, all mice with induced adenomyosis were randomly divided into 6 groups, each receiving different treatment for 3 weeks: low- or high-dose l-THP, andrographolide, low-dose l-THP and andrographolide jointly, VPA, and untreated. Group C received no treatment. After treatment, the hotplate test was administered and all mice were killed. The depth of myometrial infiltration of ectopic endometrium and uterine contractility were measured and compared across groups. We found that induction of adenomyosis resulted in progressive generalized hyperalgesia, along with elevated amplitude and irregularity of uterine contractions. Treatment with either l-THP, andrographolide, VPA, or l-THP and andrographolide jointly suppressed myometrial infiltration, improved generalized hyperalgesia, and reduced the amplitude and irregularity of uterine contractions. These results suggest that increased uterine contractility, in the form of increased contractile amplitude and irregularity, may contribute to dysmenorrhea in women with adenomyosis. More importantly, l-THP, andrographolide, and VPA all seem to be promising compounds for treating adenomyosis.

  12. Análisis de la capacidad de las variables conductuales para pronosticar el rendimiento

    OpenAIRE

    Álvaro Alcalde, Jordi; Gómez López, María Teresa; Barriopedro Moro, Maribel

    2005-01-01

    El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la capacidad de las variables conductuales propias del fútbol para pronosticar el rendimiento de los equipos en competición. Se analizaron los 380 partidos de la Liga Española de Fútbol de la temporada 2003 – 2004. Se identificaron 31 variables correspondientes a 19 conductas de competición, estableciéndose un total de 80 categorías y se analizaron las relaciones con el rendimiento (goles), en la doble perspectiva según que los equipos actuasen como loc...

  13. Suscetibilidade magnética do solo e estimação da capacidade de suporte à aplicação de vinhaça

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rafael Gonçalves Peluco

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência da suscetibilidade magnética do solo para estimar a capacidade de suporte de áreas à aplicação de vinhaça. Foram coletadas 241 amostras de solo, de uma área de 380 ha, nas quais foram determinados os atributos químicos, os teores de argila e a suscetibilidade magnética do solo. Foram calculadas as doses de vinhaça recomendadas para cada amostra. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva, e foram desenvolvidos modelos de regressão entre a suscetibilidade magnética e os outros atributos avaliados. A análise da dependência espacial dos dados foi feita com uso da geoestatística. Foram construídos mapas de krigagem e variogramas cruzados, para averiguar a correlação espacial entre a suscetibilidade magnética e os atributos estudados. Com base no mapa de recomendação de vinhaça, nas classes de solo e nos mapas de krigagem, foram calculadas as doses médias de vinhaça e as capacidades de suporte médias, ponderadas pela área. A suscetibilidade magnética apresenta correlação espacial linear significativa com as doses de vinhaça recomendadas e com a capacidade de suporte do solo à aplicação desse efluente, e pode ser utilizada como componente da função de pedotransferência, na quantificação indireta da capacidade de suporte.

  14. Capacidade para o trabalho, saúde e ausência por doença de trabalhadoras de um centro de pesquisa por grupos de idade

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Silvia Monteiro

    Full Text Available Este estudo avaliou a capacidade para o trabalho de trabalhadoras brasileiras por grupo de idade e ocupação e analisou as ausências por doença registradas durante um ano. A capacidade para o trabalho das mulheres foi avaliada através do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho, desenvolvido por pesquisadores finlandeses. Este instrumento é baseado na autopercepção dos trabalhadores e é composto de sete itens. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no Centro de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de uma companhia de alta tecnologia. A taxa de resposta final dos sujeitos foi de 38%. Este artigo inclui somente as trabalhadoras (n=43. A idade dos sujeitos variou de 35 a 54 anos e 79% deles tinham curso universitário. O índice de capacidade para o trabalho médio foi semelhante no grupo mais jovem e no grupo mais velho. A análise dos itens do índice mostrou diferença estatisticamente significante em relação às exigências físicas do trabalho na direção do grupo mais jovem. Em relação ao número de doenças com diagnóstico médico, à ausência por doença no último ano e aos recursos mentais, o grupo mais velho teve melhor desempenho. A promoção de atividades deve ser planejada com o objetivo de reduzir a carga física de trabalho das trabalhadoras mais velhas e de prevenir as doenças mais prevalentes entre todas as trabalhadoras.

  15. Nonequilibrium phase transitions, fluctuations and correlations in an active contractile polar fluid.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gowrishankar, Kripa; Rao, Madan

    2016-02-21

    We study the patterning, fluctuations and correlations of an active polar fluid consisting of contractile polar filaments on a two-dimensional substrate, using a hydrodynamic description. The steady states generically consist of arrays of inward pointing asters and show a continuous transition from a moving lamellar phase, a moving aster street, to a stationary aster lattice with no net polar order. We next study the effect of spatio-temporal athermal noise, parametrized by an active temperature TA, on the stability of the ordered phases. In contrast to its equilibrium counterpart, we find that the active crystal shows true long range order at low TA. On increasing TA, the asters dynamically remodel, concomitantly we find novel phase transitions characterized by bond-orientational and polar order upon "heating".

  16. Action of ouabain and an amino-cardenolide on Na+-pump function and contractility of isolated canine heart cells

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Porterfield, L.M.; Songu-Mize, E.; Chryssanthis, T.; Caldwell, R.W.

    1986-01-01

    Viable, rod-shaped, Ca ++ -tolerant cells were isolated from the cardiac ventricle of adult mongrel dogs, a digitalis-sensitive species. These cells do not contract spontaneously but contractions were driven by electrical field stimulation. Changes in contractile amplitude were assessed by computer-assisted analysis of recorded phase contrast images. Addition of a polar aminocardenolide (AC), ASI-222, produced a dose-related increase in contractility with a concentration producing a 50% maximal response (RC 50 ) of 4 x 10 -8 M. For ouabain (OB) the RC 50 was 7 x 10 -7 M. Cellular Na + -pump (NaP) function was determined as digitalis-sensitive 86 Rb + -uptake. Addition of AC and OB to these cells produced a dose-related decrease in 86 Rb + -uptake; concentrations which produced a 50% inhibition (IC 50 ) of NaP function were of 6 x 10 -8 M and 1.2 x 10 -6 M for AC and OB, respectively. Their data indicates that in isolated dog heart cells AC is both a more potent inotropic agent and an inhibitor of NaP function by 15-20 fold than OB. The RC 50 and IC 50 for these processes correlate for each glycoside

  17. Analysis on oscillating actuator frequency influence of the fluid flow characterization for 2D contractile water jet thruster

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shaari, M. F.; Abu Bakar, H.; Nordin, N.; Saw, S. K.; Samad, Z.

    2013-12-01

    Contractile body is an alternative mechanism instead of rotating blade propeller to generate water jet for locomotion. The oscillating motion of the actuator at different frequencies varies the pressure and volume of the pressure chamber in time to draw in and jet out the water at a certain mass flow rate. The aim of this research was to analyze the influence of the actuating frequency of the fluid flow in the pressure chamber of the thruster during this inflation-deflation process. A 70mm × 70mm × 18mm (L × W × T) 2D water jet thruster was fabricated for this purpose. The contractile function was driven using two lateral pneumatic actuators where the fluid flow analysis was focused on the X-Y plane vector. Observation was carried out using a video camera and Matlab image measurement technique to determine the volume of the flowing mass. The result demonstrated that the greater actuating frequency decreases the fluid flow rate and the Reynolds number. This observation shows that the higher frequency would give a higher mass flow rate during water jet generation.

  18. Estudo das capacidades organizacionais sob a lente da ambidestria: uma abordagem a partir do ponto de vista estratégico

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Diego Jacob Kurtz

    2013-11-01

    Full Text Available O presente trabalho alinha-se à visão de que a criação de riqueza em regimes de rápida mudança depende em grande medida da capacidade de aperfeiçoar tecnologias, processos e a gestão interna da empresa. Isso é permitido na medida em que a organização equilibra suas capacidades referentes à eficácia e eficiência de suas operações (explotação àquelas ligadas às novas formas de negócio e exploração de oportunidades (exploração. O objetivo desta pesquisa consiste na realização de uma busca e análise sistemática da literatura que aborda as capacidades das organizações sob a lente da ambidestria e orientação estratégica em ambientes de elevada turbulência. A sessão de resultados apresenta as principais abordagens referentes às capacidades de exploração e explotação dos recursos e orientação estratégica. Apresenta-se também uma análise a respeito de como o ambiente modera e influencia a utilização desses recursos em contextos de rápida mudança e elevada instabilidade. Identificou-se que parte das pesquisas não expõe de forma clara a relação entre a ambidestria e outros constructos. Quando associados aos termos relacionados a ambientes turbulentos, muitas vezes são utilizados apenas de forma superficial, servindo somente de contexto para o estudo; em outras vezes, é abordado de forma mais ativa, sendo apresentado como moderador direto sobre as variáveis analisadas. Novos trabalhos devem considerar a ambidestria organizacional no curto prazo e suas respectivas implicações de desempenho no longo prazo. Existe ainda a necessidade de criar uma visão mais dinâmica de como organizações ambidestras adaptam-se às mudanças, considerando o impacto sobre a orientação estratégica em diferentes contextos. 

  19. Saúde e capacidade para o trabalho em trabalhadores de área administrativa Health and work ability among office workers

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Carmen Martinez

    2006-10-01

    Full Text Available OBJETIVO: Identificar as dimensões da saúde que estão associadas à capacidade para o trabalho e verificar se estas relações são influenciadas por características demográficas ou ocupacionais. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 224 empregados de uma empresa de auto-gestão de planos de previdência privada e de saúde na cidade de São Paulo, em 2001. Foram administrados questionários auto-aplicados referentes a aspectos sociodemográficos e ocupacionais, satisfação no trabalho, saúde e capacidade para o trabalho. As associações entre variáveis foram analisadas por meio do teste qui-quadrado, análise de variância e análise de covariância. RESULTADOS: As variáveis demográficas e relacionadas ao trabalho que apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com capacidade para o trabalho foram tempo de emprego (p=0,0423 e satisfação no trabalho (p=0,0072. Todas as dimensões da saúde analisadas apresentaram associação estatisticamente significativa com capacidade para o trabalho (pOBJECTIVE: To identify dimensions of health associated with work ability and to verify whether such relationships are influenced by demographic or occupational characteristics. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out, including 224 employees of an employee health insurance and retirement savings company in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2001. Subjects responded to self-administered questionnaires evaluating demographic and occupational characteristics, job satisfaction, health, and work ability. Associations between variables were measured using Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and analysis of covariance. RESULTS: Occupational and demographic variables significantly associated with work ability were time in job (p=0.0423 and job satisfaction (p=0.0072. All dimensions of health evaluated were significantly associated with work ability (p<0.0001, and were independent of demographic and occupational

  20. Capacidad de compra del salario mínimo mensual y estado social de derecho en Colombia, 1983-2013

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Gersaín Cortés Pinto

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available Este artículo analiza el comportamiento de la capacidad de compra del salario mínimo mensual legal vigente (SMMLV en Colombia para el periodo 1983-2013, a la luz de las implicaciones derivadas del paso del régimen de un Estado de derecho al de un Estado social de derecho, introducido por la Constitución Política Nacional de 1991 y su antecedente inmediato en materia laboral: la Ley 50 de 1990. Inicialmente se hace una caracterización del perfil institucional y técnico del proceso de toma de decisiones sobre el reajuste anual del SMMLV con sus correspondientes resultados. En la segunda sección se analiza el comportamiento del SMMLV de manera comparada con el de la inflación. La tercera sección se dedica al análisis de la capacidad de compra (perdida o ganada por los trabajadores en el proceso, a través de un indicador construido con este propósito específico. Al final se obtienen algunas conclusiones y recomendaciones.

  1. Capacidad de esfuerzo en snowboarders: diferencias individuales en una prueba de máximo esfuerzo en half-pipe

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    J. Arruza

    2005-01-01

    Full Text Available El propósito de esta investigación es analizar y valorar la capacidad de realizar esfuerzos de los snowboarders, en una prueba específica. Evaluaremos dicha capacidad de trabajo individual a través de la Frecuencia cardiaca (FC, del Esfuerzo Percibido (REP y del Nivel de Fatiga Percibida (NFP, en la modalidad de Half-Pipe. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, valorativo y correlacional de diseño cuasiexperimental unifactorial multivariado, con una muestra de n=5 sujetos, que constituyen la totalidad del equipo Olímpico español de Snowboard. La prueba diseñada ad hoc se ha realizado a 3.000 m. en el glaciar de Tignes. Las conclusiones de este estudio demuestran 1 que es posible realizar una investigación de campo en la que se cuantifique la intensidad de la tarea, y 2 que para valorar el esfuerzo debemos combinar variables fisiológicas y psicológicas. Finalmente se plantea la importancia del Nivel de Fatiga Percibida, como instrumento predictivo en el proceso de toma de decisiones.

  2. Desarrollo de habilidades, hábitos y capacidades en la licenciatura en cultura física

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jorge Luis Cobas Portuondo

    2011-09-01

    Full Text Available EL siguiente trabajo está destinado a resolver el problema de aprendizaje en nuestra SUM. Para ello, el mismo se basa en la elaboración de un folleto que contiene orientaciones metodológicas para el desarrollo de habilidades, hábitos y capacidades siendo aplicable a la carrera de Licenciatura en Cultura Física. Se realiza un análisis bibliográfico donde se plantean los fundamentos que sustentan el desarrollo y formación de habilidades, hábitos y capacidades en forma de una recopilación de los temas más importante de la misma. La evaluación de los resultados obtenidos en la validación del producto científico durante el curso escolar 2008-2009 permitió obtener juicios de valor sobre su funcionalidad evidenciándose cambios en los resultados, aproximándose al estado deseado. Por estas razones, los resultados de la aplicación de este producto corroboran la pertinencia social del mismo, con respecto a las necesidades, expectativas y características de los docentes y estudiantes, por lo que puede avalarse la satisfacción del objetivo propuesto y por consiguiente su contribución al desempeño profesional.

  3. Identificación y establecimiento de las características motivacionales y actitudinales de los estudiantes con rendimiento académico menor de lo esperado según su capacidad (underachievement

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juan Luis Castejón

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available El término underachievement hace referencia a la discrepancia entre la capacidad potencial y el rendimiento académico observado en el alumnado. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es la identificación del alumnado con rendimiento académico menor de lo esperado con base en su capacidad, así como establecer los factores diferenciales que les caracterizan en comparación con el alumnado con rendimiento acorde con su capacidad. Por una parte, se trata de profundizar en la definición conceptual y operativa de lo que se entiende por alumnado con capacidad mayor a su rendimiento académico, a la vez que se comparan los resultados del empleo de diferentes procedimientos de identificación. Por otra, se trata de identificar los factores motivacionales y actitudinales que caracterizan a este alumnado y lo diferencian del alumnado con rendimiento mayor del esperado y al alumnado con rendimiento acorde a lo esperado. A partir del conocimiento de estos perfiles y sus características diferenciales se pueden establecer implicaciones educativas precisas para el alumnado, los padres y el profesorado, con el objetivo final de revertir su menor rendimiento académico.

  4. The effectiveness of two novel techniques in establishing the mechanical and contractile responses of biceps femoris

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ditroilo, Massimiliano; De Vito, Giuseppe; Hunter, Angus M; Haslam, Samuel

    2011-01-01

    Portable tensiomyography (TMG) and myotonometry (MMT) devices have been developed to measure mechanical and contractile properties of skeletal muscle. The aim of this study was to explore the sensitivity of the aforementioned techniques in detecting a change in passive mechanical properties of the biceps femoris (BF) muscle as a result of change in knee joint angle (i.e. muscle length). BF responses were assessed in 16 young participants (23.4 ± 4.9 years), at three knee joint angles (0°, 45° and 90°), for maximal isometric torque (MIT) along with myo-electrical activity. Contractile and mechanical properties were measured in a relaxed state. Inter-day reliability of the TMG and MMT was also assessed. MIT changed significantly (p < 0.01) across the three angles, so did stiffness and other parameters measured with MMT (p < 0.01). Conversely, TMG could detect changes only at two knee angles (0° and 45°, p < 0.01), when there is enough tension in the muscle. Reliability was overall insufficient for TMG whilst absolute reliability was excellent (coefficient of variation < 5%) for MMT. The ability of MMT more than TMG to detect an inherent change in stiffness can be conceivably exploited in a number of clinical/therapeutic applications that have to do with unnatural changes in passive muscle stiffness

  5. Capacidades y recursos que influyen en las empresas femeninas

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Diana M. Escandón Barbosa

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available Este artículo tiene como propósito tratar de conocer las principales capacidades y los recursos que influyen en las empresas femeninas. Para lo cual se analizan los datos recopilados por GEM Colombia 2009, pero filtrando la base de datos y permitiendo utilizar solo lo relacionado con el género femenino. Dentro de los resultados se logró obtener un modelo consistente con la literatura sobre competitividad, destacando los recursos humanos, la innovación y la internacionalización. Sin embargo, no hay evidencia que explique cada una de estas variables por género y mucho menos la relación con competitividad. Para lo cual, los autores plantean una primera aproximación y que puede generar tendencias investigativas al respecto. La metodología aplicada en este artículo, es un sistema de ecuaciones estructurales, mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS Amos 18, que permite generar un esquema de relaciones entre las variables, y, acercarse a las tendencias de modelos en las explicaciones de las ciencias sociales.

  6. OS LIMITES DA CAPACIDADE REGULATÓRIA DO ESTADO NAS DINÂMICAS DA VIOLÊNCIA DOS ATORES NÃO ESTATAIS GLOBAIS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Luiza Roman Folle

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available O presente estudo consiste em abordar os limites da capacidade regulatória do Estado nas dinâmicas da violência dos atores não estatais globais. Identifica-se a sociedade global, apresentando-a como o cenário de insurgência dos tipificados atores não estatais,demonstrando as dinâmicas de violências exercidas pelas organizações criminosas e terroristas e seus desdobramentos negativos. A atuação dos atores não estatais a nível global transcende o alcance atual da capacidade regulatória do Estado, tornando-o altamente vulnerável, seja pela real fragmentação de sua soberania, seja pela inércia do Direito diante do fenômeno multifacetado da globalização, transformando assim o estatocentrismo enfático presente nas Relações Internacionais tradicionais.

  7. Cardiac-specific catalase overexpression rescues anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction: role of oxidative stress and autophagy

    OpenAIRE

    Kandadi, Machender R; Yu, Xuejun; Frankel, Arthur E; Ren, Jun

    2012-01-01

    Abstract Background Lethal and edema toxins secreted by Bacillus anthracis during anthrax infection were found to incite serious cardiovascular complications. However, the underlying mechanisms in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiac anomalies remain unknown. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of antioxidant enzyme catalase in anthrax lethal toxin-induced cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction. Methods Wild type (WT) and cardiac-specific catalase overexpression mice were challenged...

  8. Desarrollo de yogurt con capacidad antioxidante elaborado con leche de cabra (Capra hircus y tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Enrique Alvarado Carrasco

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available El desarrollo de productos es el proceso secuencial de encontrar ideas para nuevos bienes y servicios, para convertirlas en productos comercialmente exitosos, seguros, beneficiosos para el consumidor y manufacturados de manera rentable. En el presente trabajo se siguieron todos los pasos de un Desarrollo Exploratorio en la elaboración de un yogurt a partir leche de cabra (Capra hircus, saborizado con una mermelada de tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn. para incrementar su capacidad antioxidante gracias a su contenido de polifenoles y otros componentes bioactivos. Se partió de un concepto de producto evaluado favorablemente por un grupo de consumidores y de criterios de formulación basados en la norma venezolana para yogurt COVENIN 2393:2001. La fórmula final seleccionada fue sometida a análisis físicos, químicos, microbiológicos y sensoriales para su caracterización. Los resultados corroboraron el cumplimiento de lo establecido en la norma. Se cuantificó su actividad antioxidante, mediante la prueba ‘oxigen radical absorbance capacity’, antes y después de la adición de la mermelada de tomate de árbol, encontrándose que la capacidad antioxidante del yogurt saborizado fue 71 % mayor que la del yogurt natural. Por tanto, la incorporación de la mermelada de tomate de árbol permite incrementar la capacidad antioxidante del yogurt de leche de cabra.

  9. Desarrollo de yogurt con capacidad antioxidante elaborado con leche de cabra (Capra hircus y tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carlos Enrique Alvarado Carrasco

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available El desarrollo de productos es el proceso secuencial de encontrar ideas para nuevos bienes y servicios, para convertirlas en productos comercialmente exitosos, seguros, beneficiosos para el consumidor y manufacturados de manera rentable. En el presente trabajo se siguieron todos los pasos de un Desarrollo Exploratorio en la elaboración de un yogurt a partir leche de cabra (Capra hircus, saborizado con una mermelada de tomate de árbol (Cyphomandra betacea Sendtn. para incrementar su capacidad antioxidante gracias a su contenido de polifenoles y otros componentes bioactivos. Se partió de un concepto de producto evaluado favorablemente por un grupo de consumidores y de criterios de formulación basados en la norma venezolana para yogurt COVENIN 2393:2001. La fórmula final seleccionada fue sometida a análisis físicos, químicos, microbiológicos y sensoriales para su caracterización. Los resultados corroboraron el cumplimiento de lo establecido en la norma. Se cuantificó su actividad antioxidante, mediante la prueba ‘oxigen radical absorbance capacity’, antes y después de la adición de la mermelada de tomate de árbol, encontrándose que la capacidad antioxidante del yogurt saborizado fue 71 % mayor que la del yogurt natural. Por tanto, la incorporación de la mermelada de tomate de árbol permite incrementar la capacidad antioxidante del yogurt de leche de cabra.

  10. Tension cost correlates with mechanical and biochemical parameters in different myocardial contractility conditions

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cleci M. Moreira

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available OBJECTIVES: Tension cost, the ratio of myosin ATPase activity to tension, reflects the economy of tension development in the myocardium. To evaluate the mechanical advantage represented by the tension cost, we studied papillary muscle contractility and the activity of myosin ATPase in the left ventricles in normal and pathophysiological conditions. METHODS: Experimental protocols were performed using rat left ventricles from: (1 streptozotocin-induced diabetic and control Wistar rats; (2 N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME hypertensive and untreated Wistar rats; (3 deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA salt-treated, nephrectomized and salt- and DOCA-treated rats; (4 spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR and Wistar Kyoto (WKY rats; (5 rats with myocardial infarction and shamoperated rats. The isometric force, tetanic tension, and the activity of myosin ATPase were measured. RESULTS: The results obtained from infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate-salt-treated rats showed reductions in twitch and tetanic tension compared to the control and sham-operated groups. Twitch and tetanic tension increased in the N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats compared with the Wistar rats. Myosin ATPase activity was depressed in the infarcted, diabetic, and deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-treated rats compared with control and sham-operated rats and was increased in N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-treated rats. These parameters did not differ between SHR and WKY rats. In the studied conditions (e.g., post-myocardial infarction, deoxycorticosterone acetate salt-induced hypertension, chronic N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester treatment, and streptozotocin-induced diabetes, a positive correlation between force or plateau tetanic tension and myosin ATPase activity was observed. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the myocardium adapts to force generation by increasing or reducing the tension cost to maintain myocardial contractility with a better

  11. Respuesta fisiológica y capacidad antagonista de aislamientos filosféricos de levaduras obtenidos en cultivos

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cluadia Milena Medina

    2009-09-01

    Full Text Available La filósfera es un ecosistema complejo que a pesar de contar con un gran número de microorganismos asociados, presenta pocos estudios diseñados para entender las características eco-fisiológicas de los microorganismos que lo habitan.  Las levaduras, como elemento importante de este hábitat, están expuestas a un ambiente variable afectado por la planta hospedera, edad y posición de la hoja, disponibilidad y calidad de nutrientes, temperatura, pH, radiación y actividad del agua.  Estos factores producen una presión de selección para el establecimiento de poblaciones naturales o introducidas de levaduras que puedan desplazar otras poblaciones de hongos fitopatógenos.  En este estudio se obtuvieron 80 aislamientos de levaduras filosféricas de dos cultivos de mora (Rubus glaucus, a las que se les determinó su nicho potencial en términos de su capacidad para crecer a diferentes condiciones de temperatura, pH, estrés osmótico y tolerancia a radiación UV.  El estrés osmótico fue la condición evaluada más restrictiva para las levaduras obtenidas, ya que únicamente seis aislamientos presentaron un crecimiento superior a 0.3 unidades de DO a 405nm, cuando fueron crecidas a 50% y 60% de glucosa.  Este estudio permitió seleccionar diez aislamientos filosféricos de levaduras, destacados por su capacidad para crecer en un amplio rango de condiciones.  De estos, cuatro aislamientos LvF 34, LvF 43, LvF 44 y  LvF 50 se destacaron por su capacidad de antagonismo contra el hongo fitopatogeno Botritys cinérea. Su determinación taxonómica permitió reportar por primera vez las especies Candida kunwinensis y Rhodotorula colostri con potencial biocontrolador.

  12. Persistencia y capacidad predictiva de márgenes y rotaciones. Un análisis empírico.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juan Monterrey

    2011-06-01

    Full Text Available ABSTRACTThis paper presents an empirical analysis of the persistence and predictive ability of the components the profitability ratio, namely, margin and turnover. Based on a large sample of Spanish companies, we document that the persistence of turnover is greater than that of profit margin and that abnormal components of both, turnover and margin have a lower degree of persistence when compared to industry components. As for predictive ability, our findings confirm that albeit having a lower persistence, margin has a greater predictive power than turnover. By decomposing margin and turnover into their industry and abnormal components, we confirm that abnormal items have a greater predictive ability than industry components. Additional tests revealed that our findings are robust, although the predictive power of our variables changes depending on their sign as well as in the presence of positive and negative earnings.RESUMENEn el presente trabajo abordamos el estudio empírico de la persistencia y capacidad predictiva de los componentes margen y rotación de la rentabilidad. A partir de una amplia muestra de compañías españolas, hemos documentado cómo la persistencia de la rotación es superior a la del margen, y cómo los componentes anormales de margen y rotación son menos persistentes que sus componentes sectoriales. Con relación a la capacidad predictiva, nuestros hallazgos confirman que el poder de predicción del margen es más elevado que el de la rotación, aunque su persistencia sea menor. Al separar los componentes sectorial y anormal de margen y rotación hemos comprobado cómo los componentes anormales muestran una capacidad predictiva superior a los componentes sectoriales. Los análisis complementarios muestran el distinto poder predictivo según el signo positivo o negativo de márgenes y rotaciones anormales, y según el signo del resultado, así como la robustez de nuestros hallazgos.

  13. Considerations for Contractile Electroactive Polymeric Materials and Actuators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rasmussen, Lenore; Erickson, Carl J.; Meixler, Lewis D.; Ascione, George; Gentile, Charles A.; Tilson, Charles; Bernasek, Stephen L.; Abelev, Esta

    2009-06-16

    Ras Labs produces electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that bend, swell, ripple and now contract (new development) with low electric input. This is an important attribute because of the ability of contraction to produce life-like motion. The mechanism of contraction is not well understood. Radionuclide-labeled experiments were conducted to follow the movement of electrolytes and water in these EAPs when activated. Extreme temperature experiments were performed on the contractile EAPs with very favorable results. One of the biggest challenges in developing these actuators, however, is the electrode-EAP interface because of the pronounced movement of the EAP. Plasma treatments of metallic electrodes were investigated in order to improve the attachment of the embedded electrodes to the EAP material. Surface analysis, adhesive testing, and mechanical testing were conducted to test metal surfaces and metal-polymer interfaces. The nitrogen plasma treatment of titanium produced a strong metal-polymer interface; however, oxygen plasma treatment of both stainless steel and titanium produced even stronger metal-polymer interfaces. Plasma treatment of the electrodes allows for the embedded electrodes and the EAP material of the actuator to work and move as a unit, with no detachment, by significantly improving the metal-polymer interface.

  14. Considerations for Contractile Electroactive Polymeric Materials and Actuators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rasmussen, L.; Erickson, Carl J.; Meixler, Lewis D.; Ascione, G.; Gentile, Charles A.; Tilson, C.; Bernasek, Stephen L.; Abelev, E.

    2009-01-01

    Ras Labs produces electroactive polymer (EAP) based materials and actuators that bend, swell, ripple and now contract (new development) with low electric input. This is an important attribute because of the ability of contraction to produce life-like motion. The mechanism of contraction is not well understood. Radionuclide-labeled experiments were conducted to follow the movement of electrolytes and water in these EAPs when activated. Extreme temperature experiments were performed on the contractile EAPs with very favorable results. One of the biggest challenges in developing these actuators, however, is the electrode-EAP interface because of the pronounced movement of the EAP. Plasma treatments of metallic electrodes were investigated in order to improve the attachment of the embedded electrodes to the EAP material. Surface analysis, adhesive testing, and mechanical testing were conducted to test metal surfaces and metal-polymer interfaces. The nitrogen plasma treatment of titanium produced a strong metal-polymer interface; however, oxygen plasma treatment of both stainless steel and titanium produced even stronger metal-polymer interfaces. Plasma treatment of the electrodes allows for the embedded electrodes and the EAP material of the actuator to work and move as a unit, with no detachment, by significantly improving the metal-polymer interface

  15. Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1) Deficiency Ameliorates Sex Difference in Cardiac Contractile Function and Intracellular Ca2+ Homeostasis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ceylan-Isik, Asli F.; Li, Qun; Ren, Jun

    2011-01-01

    Sex difference in cardiac contractile function exists which may contribute to the different prevalence in cardiovascular diseases between genders. However, the precise mechanisms of action behind sex difference in cardiac function are still elusive. Given that sex difference exists in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) cascade, this study is designed to evaluate the impact of severe liver IGF-1 deficiency (LID) on sex difference in cardiac function. Echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ properties were evaluated including ventricular geometry, fractional shortening, peak shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (± dL/dt), time-to-peak shortening (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR90), fura-fluorescence intensity (FFI) and intracellular Ca2+ clearance. Female C57 mice exhibited significantly higher plasma IGF-1 levels than their male counterpart. LID mice possessed comparably low IGF-1 levels in both sexes. Female C57 and LID mice displayed lower body, heart and liver weights compared to male counterparts. Echocardiographic analysis revealed larger LV mass in female C57 but not LID mice without sex difference in other cardiac geometric indices. Myocytes from female C57 mice exhibited reduced peak shortening, ± dL/dt, longer TPS, TR90 and intracellular Ca2+ clearance compared with males. Interestingly, this sex difference was greatly attenuated or abolished by IGF-1 deficiency. Female C57 mice displayed significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, SERCA2a and phosphorylated phospholamban as well as SERCA activity compared with male C57 mice. These sex differences in Ca2+ regulatory proteins were abolished or overtly attenuated by IGF-1 deficiency. In summary, our data suggested that IGF-1 deficiency may significantly attenuated or mitigate the sex difference in cardiomyocyte contractile function associated with intracellular Ca2+ regulation. PMID:21763763

  16. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) deficiency ameliorates sex difference in cardiac contractile function and intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ceylan-Isik, Asli F; Li, Qun; Ren, Jun

    2011-10-10

    Sex difference in cardiac contractile function exists which may contribute to the different prevalence in cardiovascular diseases between genders. However, the precise mechanisms of action behind sex difference in cardiac function are still elusive. Given that sex difference exists in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) cascade, this study is designed to evaluate the impact of severe liver IGF-1 deficiency (LID) on sex difference in cardiac function. Echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) properties were evaluated including ventricular geometry, fractional shortening, peak shortening, maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (±dL/dt), time-to-peak shortening (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR(90)), fura-fluorescence intensity (FFI) and intracellular Ca(2+) clearance. Female C57 mice exhibited significantly higher plasma IGF-1 levels than their male counterpart. LID mice possessed comparably low IGF-1 levels in both sexes. Female C57 and LID mice displayed lower body, heart and liver weights compared to male counterparts. Echocardiographic analysis revealed larger LV mass in female C57 but not LID mice without sex difference in other cardiac geometric indices. Myocytes from female C57 mice exhibited reduced peak shortening, ±dL/dt, longer TPS, TR(90) and intracellular Ca(2+) clearance compared with males. Interestingly, this sex difference was greatly attenuated or abolished by IGF-1 deficiency. Female C57 mice displayed significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger, SERCA2a and phosphorylated phospholamban as well as SERCA activity compared with male C57 mice. These sex differences in Ca(2+) regulatory proteins were abolished or overtly attenuated by IGF-1 deficiency. In summary, our data suggested that IGF-1 deficiency may significantly attenuated or mitigate the sex difference in cardiomyocyte contractile function associated with intracellular Ca(2+) regulation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland

  17. Administration of imatinib mesylate in rats impairs the neonatal development of intramuscular interstitial cells in bladder and results in altered contractile properties.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gevaert, Thomas; Hutchings, Graham; Everaerts, Wouter; Prenen, Hans; Roskams, Tania; Nilius, Bernd; De Ridder, Dirk

    2014-04-01

    The KIT receptor is considered as a reliable marker for a subpopulation of interstitial cells (IC), and by persistent neonatal inhibition of KIT we have investigated the role of this receptor in the development of IC-networks in bladder and we have observed the functional consequences of this inhibition. Newborn rat pups were treated daily with the KIT inhibitor imatinib mesylate (IM). After 7 days animals were sacrificed and bladder samples were dissected for morphological and functional studies. Morphological research consisted of immunohistochemistry with IC specific antigens (KIT and vimentin) and electron microscopy. The functional studies were based on isolated bladder strips in organ baths, in which spontaneous bladder contractility and the response to a non-subtype selective muscarinic agonist was evaluated. Suburothelial and intramuscular IC were found and characterized in neonatal rat bladder. IM-treatment induced a significant decrease in numbers of IC based on specific immunohistochemical markers, and electron microscopy revealed evidence of IC cell injury. These morphological alterations were observed on intramuscular IC only and not on IC in the suburothelium. Isolated muscle strips from IM-treated animals had a lower contractile frequency and an altered response to muscarinic agonists. The present study shows the presence of regional subpopulations of IC in neonatal rat bladder, provides evidence for a dependence on KIT of the development of intramuscular IC and supports the hypothesis that a poor development of networks of intramuscular IC might have repercussions on spontaneous and muscarinic-induced bladder contractility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. Passive heating following the prematch warm-up in soccer: examining the time-course of changes in muscle temperature and contractile function.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Marshall, Paul W M; Cross, Rebecca; Lovell, Ric

    2015-12-01

    This study examined changes in muscle temperature, electrically evoked muscle contractile properties, and voluntary power before and after a soccer specific active warm-up and subsequent rest period. Ten amateur soccer players performed two experimental sessions that involved performance of a modified FIFA 11+ soccer specific warm-up, followed by a 12.5-min rest period where participants were required to wear either normal clothing or a passive electrical heating garment was applied to the upper thigh muscles. Assessments around the warm-up and cool-down included measures of maximal torque, rate of torque development, muscle temperature (Tm), and electrically evoked measures of quadriceps contractile function. Tm was increased after the warm-up by 3.2 ± 0.7°C (P warm-up between 20% and 30% (P warm-up did not effect variables measured. While Tm was reduced by 1.4 ± 0.4°C after the rest period (P warm-up levels. Voluntary and evoked rate of torque development remained elevated from pre warm-up levels at the end of the cool-down (P warm-up elevated muscle temperature by 3.2°C and was associated with concomitant increases of between 20% and 30% in voluntary rate of torque development, which seems explained by elevations in rate-dependent measures of intrinsic muscle contractile function. Application of a passive heating garment did not attenuate declines in muscle temperature during a 12.5-min rest period. © 2015 The Authors. Physiological Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Physiological Society and The Physiological Society.

  19. Capacidad predictiva del apoyo social en la inteligencia emocional de adolescentes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lorea Azpiazu

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el apoyo social (familiar, amistades y profesorado y la inteligencia emocional (atención, claridad y reparación. La muestra está compuesta por 1543 adolescentes, 728 chicos (47.18% y 815 chicas (52.81%, entre los 11 y 18 años (Medad = 14.24, DT = 1.63. Los análisis estadísticos se llevan a cabo con el programa SPSS 21 para Windows. Los resultados del análisis correlacional señalan que el apoyo social y la inteligencia emocional están significativamente relacionados en ambos sexos. Por otro lado, el análisis de regresión demuestra la capacidad predictiva de los diferentes apoyos en la inteligencia emocional tanto en la muestra masculina como en la femenina.

  20. Pentamidine rescues contractility and rhythmicity in a Drosophila model of myotonic dystrophy heart dysfunction

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mouli Chakraborty

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Up to 80% of individuals with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1 will develop cardiac abnormalities at some point during the progression of their disease, the most common of which is heart blockage of varying degrees. Such blockage is characterized by conduction defects and supraventricular and ventricular tachycardia, and carries a high risk of sudden cardiac death. Despite its importance, very few animal model studies have focused on the heart dysfunction in DM1. Here, we describe the characterization of the heart phenotype in a Drosophila model expressing pure expanded CUG repeats under the control of the cardiomyocyte-specific driver GMH5-Gal4. Morphologically, expression of 250 CUG repeats caused abnormalities in the parallel alignment of the spiral myofibrils in dissected fly hearts, as revealed by phalloidin staining. Moreover, combined immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization of Muscleblind and CUG repeats, respectively, confirmed detectable ribonuclear foci and Muscleblind sequestration, characteristic features of DM1, exclusively in flies expressing the expanded CTG repeats. Similarly to what has been reported in humans with DM1, heart-specific expression of toxic RNA resulted in reduced survival, increased arrhythmia, altered diastolic and systolic function, reduced heart tube diameters and reduced contractility in the model flies. As a proof of concept that the fly heart model can be used for in vivo testing of promising therapeutic compounds, we fed flies with pentamidine, a compound previously described to improve DM1 phenotypes. Pentamidine not only released Muscleblind from the CUG RNA repeats and reduced ribonuclear formation in the Drosophila heart, but also rescued heart arrhythmicity and contractility, and improved fly survival in animals expressing 250 CUG repeats.