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Purpose: The present study aimed to investigate associations between hormonal profile (cortisol and testosterone) and the psychobiological aspects of Paralympic athletes during a competitive season. Method: Male Brazilian Paralympic swimmers (n=11) were evaluated in three Training Camps (TC) during the cycle of training for the Paralympic Games RIO 2016. Questionnaires were used for data collection of stress and recovery, motivation in sport and hormonal status was assessed by salivary samples of cortisol ([Csal]) and testosterone ([Tsal]) concentrations. The Friedman test was used to identify overall significant differences at the three TC for each variable. When the overall p value indicated statistical significance (p<0.05), a post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired data was used to compare pairs of TC. The Spearman correlation was used to identify associations between the hormonal profile and the psychobiological aspects. Results: There was an association between the [Csal] and the "Conflicts/Pressure" sub-scale (r=0.60; p=0.04) in TC1 and the "Lack of Energy" subscale (r=0.63; p=0.03) in TC2. In the TC3, there were correlations between [Tsal] and "To Know" intrinsic motivation (r=0.83, p<0.01), "Objectives"(r=0.66, p<0.02), "Experiences" (r=0.65, p<0.02) and "Amotivation" (r=-0.70, p=0.01). There were also associations between the [Tsal] and the "Social Recovery" (r=0.77, p<0.01), "General Wellness" (r=0.73, p<0.01), "Sleep Quality" (r=0.63, p=0.03) and "Self-efficacy" (r=0.60, p=0.05) subscales. In TC3, there was an association between [Tsal] and the "Success" (r=0.61, p=0.04), "Sleep Quality" (r=0.62, p=0.03), "Personal Accomplish" (r=0.82, p<0.01), "Self-efficacy" (r=0.82, p<0.05), "Self-regulation" (r=0.85, p<0.01) and "Physical Recovery" (r=0.80, p<0.01) subscales. The data demonstrate associations between biomarkers (salivary testosterone and cortisol) and psychobiological domains of Paralympic swimmers.

The complexity of phytosanitary control for bacterial spot disease is a major challenge in tomato production for industrial processing. The climatic conditions in Goiás and the number of species causing the disease make this management difficult. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the severity and reaction to bacterial leafspot of sixteen tomato hybrids for industrial processing under the Cerrado conditions in Goiás. The experiment was carried out in randomised blocks, with sixteen tomato hybrids for industrial processing with five replicates, in Hidrolândia‐GO. Once the bacterial spot presence in the area was verified, a severity assessment was performed weekly with a diagrammatic scale, totalling five assessments. The area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. At 115 days after transplanting (DAT), harvesting was performed manually, and vegetative development, yield, number of fruits with Xanthomonas spp. symptoms and scalding by the sun. Bacterial spot symptoms were observed in all hybrids evaluated. Above all, the symptoms observed in the fruits and leaves do not coincide with the hybrid showing the greatest disease severity. The hybrid CVR 6116 had the highest yield, lowest AUDPC and the lowest number of fruits with bacterial‐spot and sunscald damage symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the evaluation of the effectiveness of different soil covers on the development, productivity, yield and metabolic content of patchouli oil (Pogostemon cablin) and its hydrolate. The agronomic experiments were carried out in the field, including four types of soil cover and six replications (4 x 6), using green cover (peanut), straw (crotalaria and millet straw), white plastic cover, and no mulch (weeding). After transplanting, the initial growth of seedlings was analyzed through weekly monitoring of plant height, stem diameter, and the number of leaves. At harvest time, the harvest yield (green mass) was performed. After drying the leaves, the oil and hydrolate were extracted by steam distillation and then the yield of patchouli oil was determined. Regarding the agronomic analyses, white plastic and straw coverage was superior to the other treatments, with higher plant heights, number of leaves, whereas the plastic and straw coverage was superior to the other treatments, with higher plant heights, number of leaves and green mass yield. The metabolic content was evaluated using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), and the chemical markers were identified through the analysis of the MS/MS fragmentation spectra and chemotaxonomic data. No significant differences were observed in the essential oils yields and their hydrolates and the intensities of the major ions found in the samples identified as chemical markers for the quality control of P. cablin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Sleep serves many important functions for athletes, particularly in the processes of learning, memory, recovery, and cognition. Objectives: Define the sleep parameters of Paralympic athletes and identify the instruments used to assess and monitor sleep Paralympic athletes. Evidence Acquisition: This systematic review was carried out based on the PRISMA guidelines. The survey was conducted in April 2020, the searches were carried out again in September 2021 to check whether there were new scientific publications in the area of sleep and Paralympic sport, searches were performed in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Virtual Health Library (BIREME), and SciELO. This systematic review has included studies that investigated at least one of the following sleep parameters: total sleep time, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, number of awakenings, quality of sleep, daytime sleepiness, and chronotype; the participants were comprised of athletes with disabilities. Studies published at any time in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, were included. Evidence Synthesis: Data extraction and study selection were performed by 2 researchers independently, and a third author was consulted as necessary. The search returned a total of 407 studies. Following the screening based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 13 studies were considered. Paralympic athletes have a low amount (7.06 h) of sleep with poor quality and sleep latency (28.05 min), and 57.2% have daytime sleepiness, with the majority belonging to the indifferent chronotype (53, 5%). Moreover, 11 studies assess sleep using subjective instruments (questionnaires), and 2 studies used an objective instrument (actigraphy). Conclusions: Sleep disorders are common among Paralympic athletes, poor sleep quality and quantity, and high rates of daytime sleepiness. Subjective methods are most commonly used to assess sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente is the property of Revista em Agronegocio e Meio Ambiente and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Previous studies have shown that Crambe abyssinica and Raphanus sativus are physiologically tolerant to water deficits; however, there is a lack of information on the mechanisms responsible for their tolerance regarding root morphological characteristics. This study aimed to characterize morphological changes in the root system of C. abyssinica and R. sativus subjected water deficit, as well as to identify the responses that improve tolerance and post-stress recovery capacity of these plants. Methods: Independent experiments for each specieswere performed in a controlled greenhouse, where plants were randomly set in a randomized block design with five replicates. Plants of C. abyssinica and R. sativus were cultivated in pots and exposed to well-watered treatment (WW; 90% water holding capacity--WHC of the substrate) or water deficit (WD; 40% WHC) conditions, at 28 days after planting. The plants were kept underWDfor 7, 14, or 21 days with rehydration soon after each episode of water deficit. Assessment of water relations, biomass allocation, leaf and root system morphological characteristics and gas exchange were performed after each period of water deficit and 48 h after rehydration. Results: The water deficit reduced the water status of both species, and morphological and biomass allocation were not recovered after rehydration. Photosynthesis of C. abyssinica decreased with prolonged water deficit, which was also not recovered after rehydration. In R. sativus, photosynthesis was not altered by WD for 21 days, and a higher WUE was recorded. Root morphology of R. sativus was mainly affected at 14 days of WD, while the traits related to very fine roots increased at 21 days of WD, when compared to WW plants. Thus, R. sativus has shown greater tolerance to water deficits mainly due to the presence of very fine roots throughout the period of stress, when compared to C. abyssinica in which the fine roots predominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Body-composition assessments of high-performance athletes are very important for identifying physical performance potential. Although the relationship between the kinanthropometric characteristics and performance abilities of Olympic swimmers is extremely important, this subject is not completely understood for Paralympic swimmers. Objective: To investigate the relationship between body composition and sport performance in Brazilian Paralympic swimmers 6 mo after training. Design: Experimental pre/posttest design. Setting: Research laboratory and field evaluations of swimming were conducted to verify the 50-m freestyle time of each athlete. Participants: 17 Brazilian Paralympic swim team athletes (12 men, 5 women). Main Outcome Measures: Body-composition assessments were performed using a BOD POD, and swimming performance was assessed using the 50-m freestyle, which was performed twice: before and after 6 mo of training. Results: Increased lean mass and significantly reduced relative fat mass and swimming time (P < .05) were observed 6 mo after training. Furthermore, a positive correlation between body-fat percentage and performance (r = .66, P < .05) was observed, but there was no significant correlation between body density and performance (r = -.14, P > .05). Conclusions: After a 6-mo training period, Paralympic swimmers presented reduced fat mass and increased lean body mass associated with performance, as measured by 50-m freestyle time. These data suggest that reduced fat-mass percentage was significantly correlated with improved swimming performance in Paralympic athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity in the Brazilian Cerrado biome has been declining sharply with the continued expansion of agriculture and the excessive use of herbicides. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphophysiological and biochemical responses in Dipteryx alata plants to various doses of the herbicide 2,4-D. Specific biomarkers that characterize the phytoindicator potential of this species were determined. Gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes and cellulase were performed after 24, 96 and/or 396 hours after 2,4-D application (HAA). The herbicide caused higher antioxidant enzymatic activity 24 HAA and damage to the photosynthetic machinery after 96 HAA. Reduction in gas exchange, chlorophyll content, and photochemical traits were observed. Increased respiratory rates, non-photochemical quenching, and carotenoid concentrations in 2,4-D-treated plants were important mechanisms in the defense against the excess energy absorbed. Furthermore, the absence of leaf symptoms suggested tolerance of D. alata to 2,4-D. Nevertheless, changes in the photosynthetic and biochemical metabolism of D. alata are useful as early indicators of herbicide contamination, especially in the absence of visual symptoms. These results are important for early monitoring of plants in conserved areas and for preventing damage to sensitive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. Paralympic athletes need physical, technical, and psychological training. The study aim was to monitor and compare multi-parameter variables during Paralympic swimmers' training cycle before Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Methods. Internal training load, motivation levels, mood states, stress, and recovery were measured at 3 testing times (T1, T2, T3) in 11 Paralympic swimmers. Friedman and Wilcoxon post-hoc tests served to verify differences (p 0.05). Results. No significant differences occurred in motivation and mood states; however, the athletes' mood states followed the 'iceberg mood profile'. In sources and symptoms of stress, a difference existed in the number of 'worse than normal' responses (p = 0.03) in T1>T3 (p = 0.05) and T2>T3 (p = 0.05). Considering the training load, there was a difference in total internal training load (p = 0.02), with T1 showing greater values than T3 (p = 0.02) and T2>T3 (p = 0.02). The questionnaire to measure the recovery-stress status presented significant differences in conflicts/pressure subscales (p = 0.01) in T1>T2 (p = 0.03) and T1>T3 (p < 0.01), and in fatigue (p < 0.01) in T1>T2 (p = 0.05) and T1>T3 (p = 0.01). Conclusions. Internal training load decreased from T1 to T3; lowest stress symptoms were observed in T3 with the lowest internal load, and scales of conflicts/pressure and fatigue were highest in T1. Monitoring multi-parameter data in the training cycle may explain the psychobiological aspects of Paralympic swimmers and provide important information for coaches and athletes to meet the specific demands of impaired athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Body composition is a physiological variable associated with physical activity and, in some cases, is related to athletic performance. Our objectives were to describe the body composition of participants in three distinct Paralympic sports and to compare the values of body density and estimated body fat obtained from the Paralympic athletes on the National Team by air-displacement plethysmography (ADP) and by the anthropometric method (skinfolds (SFs)). The sample consisted of 70 volunteers of both genders. The body composition of the volunteers was evaluated using the ADP in aBod Pod®and seven SFs. There were no significant differences between the values obtained by ADP and SF for body fat percentage (p = .58) and body density (p = .49). Analysis by Bland–Altman plots showed mean differences of 0.56 ± 4.94 (−9.12–10.23) and −0.0017 ± 0.0113 (−0.024–0.020) for body fat percentage and body density, respectively. In conclusion, body composition analyses of Paralympic athletes by the ADP and SF methods show similar results, and ADP should be used as the first option when available. When the use of ADP is not possible, estimating body density and fat percentage by SF is a viable alternative for Paralympic athletes when future comparisons will use the same analysis method. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article provides the subsequent progress on a patient who underwent through-knee amputation related to difficulties with adequately fitting a prosthesis to her below-knee amputation stump requiring the removal of the neuromodulation leads. She experienced complete relief of her pain-related symptoms after programming of the new leads following surgery.

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Medicina do Esporte is the property of Redprint Editora Ltda. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Malignant cerebral artery strokes have a poor prognosis, with nearly 80% of mortality in some series despite intensive care. After a large randomized trial, decompressive hemicraniectomy has been performed more often in stroke patients. Here, we describe patients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil, emphasizing the impact of age on outcomes. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients, with malignant strokes which received a decompressive hemicraniectomy, from paper and electronic medical records, from January 2010 to December 2013 was divided into two groups according to age. Results: The final analysis included 60 patients. The overall mortality was higher among patients older than 60 yrs (67% vs. 41%; p = 0.039), whose group also had a worse outcome (76% with mRS 5 or 6) at 90 days (OR 3.91 CI95% 1.30–11.74), whereas only 24% had mRS of 0–4 (p = 0.015). All patients who presented with sepsis died (p = 0.003). The incidence of pulmonary infection was very high in the elderly group (76%) with significant intergroup differences (p = 0.027, OR 8.32 CI95% 0.70–98.48). Conclusions: Older patients present more commonly with infections, more disabilities and a higher mortality, highlighting very poor results in elderly population. These results should be proved with a South American trial, and if confirmed, it can impact on future decisions regarding decompressive craniectomy for acute ischemic stroke in our region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and monitor the peak torque of the knee extensor and flexor muscles in flexion and extension and the reports of musculoskeletal complaints in members of the main Brazilian Paralympic athletics team through 1 yr. Design: Fourteen healthy athletes from both sexes were assessed three times in 1 yr. The volunteers were assessed for the presence of musculoskeletal complaints and muscle strength at three time points: (1) at the onset of the preparatory phase on December 2009, (2) at a follow-up assessment on June 2010, and (3) before actual competition on December 2010. The athletes' self-reported musculoskeletal complaints were assessed in structured interviews, and the muscle strength was assessed by means of isokinetic dynamometry. Results: The knee flexor and extensor muscle strength exhibited significant increase in both the right and left lower limbs at the second and third assessments compared with the first one (P G 0.05). Muscle imbalance was associated with knee and thigh complaints at all three assessments (P G 0.05). Conclusions: The knee flexor and extensor muscle strength exhibited a gradual increase in both lower limbs during the course of the three assessments. In parallel, muscle imbalance was associated with the occurrence of knee and thigh complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria is the property of Thieme Medical Publishing Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background Meningiomas are the most common benign neoplasm of the brain whereas ectopic presentation, although reported, is rare. Among these ectopic tumors, there are a group of purely intraosseous meningiomas, which usually are diagnosed differentially from common primary osseous tumor such as fibrous dysplasia and osteoid osteoma. Case description We report a 62-year-old female with a history of headaches and 6 months of progressive right parietal bulging, with no neurological signs. Parietal craniotomy was performed with immediate titanium cranioplasty of the parietal convexity. Histopathology exams revealed an ectopic intradiploic meningioma without invasion of cortical layers, with positive staining for progesterone receptors and epithelial membrane antigen. Conclusions Ectopic intraosseous meningiomas remain a rare neoplasm with only a few cases reported. The main theories to justify the unusual topography appear to be embryological remains of neuroectodermal tissue or cellular dedifferentiation. Surgical treatment seems the best curative option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ischemic acute kidney injury is a common occurrence in the perioperative period and in critical patients admitted to intensive care units. The reestablishment of blood supply may worsen injury through the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) mechanism. We investigated the effect of dexmedetomidine on the kidneys of rats subjected to an experimental I/R model. Methods: 34 rats anesthetized with isoflurane was undergone right nephrectomy and randomly assigned to four groups: Control C (saline solution); Dexmedetomidine D (dexmedetomidine); Sham S (saline solution); Sham with Dexmedetomidine SD (dexmedetomidine). The serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) were measured at time-points T1 (following stabilization), T2 (ischemia), T3 (reperfusion), T4 (12 h after of I/R). The kidneys were subjected to histological examination. Results: The NGAL levels were significantly higher at T4 compared with T1. Upon histological examination, the left kidneys in groups C and D exhibited a similar extent of cell injury. Conclusion: The levels of NGAL did not indicate either protection against or worsening of kidney injury. Histological examination for acute tubular necrosis showed that dexmedetomidine did not protect the kidneys from I/R. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Visually impaired athletes sustain overuse injuries in the lower limbs, but the pattern of injuries may vary according to the sport. The characteristics of sports injuries in visually impaired swimmers are unknown. Objective: To determine the characteristics and epidemiologic measures (prevalence, clinical incidence, and incidence rate) of sports injuries in visually impaired elite national swimmers and to assess differences among visual classes and between sexes. Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Setting: International Paralympic competitions held between 2004 and 2008. Patients or Other Participants: Twenty-eight elite, visually impaired swimmers (19 males, 9 females) from the Brazilian Paralympic Team participated in this study. Twelve were visual class S11 (blind swimmers), 12 were S12 (low-vision swimmers), and 4 were S13 (low-vision swimmers). Intervention(s): A standardized report form was used to collect data during 5 competitions. This was endorsed by 2 Brazilian sports governing bodies. Main Outcome Measures: The characteristics, prevalence, clinical incidence, and incidence rate of injuries were calculated. Results: Eighteen athletes reported 41 sports injuries, with a prevalence of 64%, clinical incidence of 1.5 injuries per athlete, and an incidence rate of 0.3 injuries per athlete per competition. Overuse injuries (80%) were more frequent than traumatic injuries (20%). The clinical incidence and prevalence varied according to sex and visual class, but no statistical differences were observed (P > .05). The highest proportion of injuries was in the trunk (46.34%), followed by the upper limbs (34.15%). The shoulders (29.27%) were most affected, followed by the thoracic (21.95%) and lumbar spine (17.07%). Spasm (36.59%) was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by tendinopathy (26.83%). Conclusions: Visually impaired swimmers had a relatively high proportion of overuse injuries, predominantly associated with muscle spasm in the spine and tendinopathy in the shoulders. No differences were apparent in injury prevalence and clinical incidence among visual classes or between sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which created a prediction mathematical equation for bone age of young athletes, based on anthropometric variables. It measured skinfolds, body circumferences and bone diameters in order to come up with the final result. It concluded that this type of model illustrates approximate values to those observed using hand and wrist radiography.

Ependymomas are glial tumors derived from ependymal cells lining the ventricles and the central canal of the spinal cord. It may occur outside the ventricular structures, representing the extraventicular form, or without any relationship of ventricular system, called ectopic ependymona. Less than fifteen cases of ectopic ependymomas were reported and less than five were anaplastic. We report a rare case of pure cortical ectopic anaplastic ependymoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which analyzed the sports injuries frequency in visually impaired athletes. The site of the injury, its mechanism and the main injuries that happen to these athletes were determined. Subjects were members of the Brazilian team of athletics, soccer five, goalball, judo and swimming, who played in international competitions between 2004 and 2008. Findings showed that lower limbs sustained more injuries, followed by upper limbs, spine, head and trunk.

Thermal stress reduces plant growth and development, resulting in considerable economic losses in crops such as soybeans. Nitric oxide (NO) in plants is associated with tolerance to various abiotic stresses. Nevertheless, there are few studies of the range of observed effects of NO in modulating physiological and metabolic functions in soybean plants under high temperature. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, NO donor), on anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and metabolic processes of soybean plants exposed to high temperature. Soybean plants were grown in soil: sand (2:1) substrate in acclimatized growth chambers. At developmental V3 stage, plants were exposed to two temperatures (25 °C and 40 °C) and SNP (0 and 100 μM), in a randomized block experimental design, with five replicates. After six days, we quantified NO concentration, leaf anatomy, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, photosynthetic pigments, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolite profiles. Higher NO concentration in soybean plants exposed to high temperature and SNP showed increased effective quantum yields of photosystem II (PSII) and photochemical dissipation, thereby maintaining the photosynthetic rate. Under high temperature, NO also promoted greater activity of ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase activity, avoiding lipid peroxidation of cell membranes, in addition to regulating amino acid and organic compound levels. These results suggest that NO prevented damage caused by high temperature in soybean plants, illustrating the potential to mitigate thermal stress in cultivated plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the evaluation of the effectiveness of different soil covers on the development, productivity, yield and metabolic content of patchouli oil (Pogostemon cablin) and its hydrolate. The agronomic experiments were carried out in the field, including four types of soil cover and six replications (4 x 6), using green cover (peanut), straw (crotalaria and millet straw), white plastic cover, and no mulch (weeding). After transplanting, the initial growth of seedlings was analyzed through weekly monitoring of plant height, stem diameter, and the number of leaves. At harvest time, the harvest yield (green mass) was performed. After drying the leaves, the oil and hydrolate were extracted by steam distillation and then the yield of patchouli oil was determined. Regarding the agronomic analyses, white plastic and straw coverage was superior to the other treatments, with higher plant heights, number of leaves, whereas the plastic and straw coverage was superior to the other treatments, with higher plant heights, number of leaves and green mass yield. The metabolic content was evaluated using High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRMS), and the chemical markers were identified through the analysis of the MS/MS fragmentation spectra and chemotaxonomic data. No significant differences were observed in the essential oils yields and their hydrolates and the intensities of the major ions found in the samples identified as chemical markers for the quality control of P. cablin.

Purpose:: To evaluate a model for studying the toxicity in nervous tissue and meninges using ultrasound to guide needle insertion into the subarachnoid space of rabbits, with the objective of avoiding injuries triggered by the puncture and by intraneural injection of solutions., Methods:: Forty-five adult female rabbits were divided into 3 groups (G): G1 underwent subarachnoid puncture, G2 underwent subarachnoid injection of saline solution and G3 underwent subarachnoid injection of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. A needle was inserted into the S1-S2 subarachnoid space guided by ultrasound. The sensitivity and motility of the animals were evaluated for 3 days, after which the animals were sacrificed for removal of lumbar and sacral portions of the spinal cord for histological examination by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry., Results:: All animals had motor function and pain sensitivity on the evaluation period. No animal had complication during or after the procedures., Conclusion:: Ultrasound is a useful and safe method for the correct identification of the subarachnoid space of rabbits.

Background: Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) is a fundamental parameter used to evaluate physical capacity. The objective of this study was to explore two types of incremental exercise tests used to determine VO2peak in four Paralympic swimmers: arm ergometer testing in the laboratory and testing in the swimming pool., Methods: On two different days, the VO2peak values of the four athletes were measured in a swimming pool and by a cycle ergometer. The protocols identified the VO2peak by progressive loading until the volitional exhaustion maximum was reached. The results were analyzed using the paired Student's t-test, Cohen's d effect sizes and a linear regression., Results: The results showed that the VO2peak values obtained using the swimming pool protocol were higher (P=0.02) than those obtained by the arm ergometer (45.8±19.2 vs. 30.4±15.5; P=0.02), with a large effect size (d=3.20). When analyzing swimmers 1, 2, 3 and 4 individually, differences of 22.4%, 33.8%, 60.1% and 27.1% were observed, respectively., Conclusions: Field tests similar to the competitive setting are a more accurate way to determine the aerobic capacity of Paralympic swimmers. This approach provides more sensitive data that enable better direction of training, consequently facilitating improved performance.

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain is responsible for up to 40% of all cases of lumbar back pain. Objective Report the long-term efficacy of radiofrequency denervation for sacroiliac joint pain at six, twelve and eighteen months.Method Third-two adults' patients with sacroiliac join pain diagnosis were included for a prospective study. Primary outcome measure was pain intensity on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Secondary outcome measure was Patient Global Impression of Change Scale (PGIC).Results Short-term pain relief was observed, with the mean NRS pain score decreasing from 7.7 ± 1.8 at baseline to 2.8 ± 1.2 at one month and to 3.1 ± 1.9 at six months post-procedure (p < 0.001). Long-term pain relief was sustained at twelve and eighteen months post-procedure, with NRS pain remaining at 3.4 ± 2.1 and 4.0 ± 2.7, respectively.Conclusion Radiofrequency denervation of the SIJ can significantly reduce pain in selected patients with sacroiliac syndrome.