Search

Copyright of Cadernos de Saude Publica is the property of Escola Nacional de Saude Publica Sergio Arouca 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.)

We looked to compare the aerobic performance between professional soccer referees and players. Fifty male soccer referees and 61 male soccer players were tested on a treadmill. The referees and players possessed 15 ± 7 years and 7 ± 3 years of experience in soccer, respectively. Significant differences were observed between the referees and players with regards to: age (34.8 ± 4.6 years vs 20.8 ± 2.7 years; P < 0.001, maximum oxygen uptake (54.7 ± 5.4 mL·kg·min vs 58.8 ± 4.4 mL·kg·min; P < 0.001), and maximal heart rate in peak exercise (184 ± 11 bpm vs 192 ± 9 bpm, P < 0.001). Less significant differences also were observed and included; running speed at the maximum oxygen uptake (16.6 ± 1 km·h vs 16.4 ± 1.1 km·h), running speed at the ventilatory threshold (213.5 ± 1.1 km·h vs 13.2 ± 0.9 km·h), and percentage of maximal oxygen uptake at the ventilatory threshold (285.1% ± 3.2% vs 84.1% ± 6.2%). The effect size of most comparative variables between the two groups was small (<0.6). Older elite-level soccer referees are able to reach and maintain aerobic physical fitness levels similar to professional soccer players. Aerobic physical fitness may be a measurable factor for maintaining elite-level soccer licensure rather than age alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Boletim de Geografia is the property of Universidade Estadual de Maringa 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.)

In this paper we study three time scale singular perturbation problems εx' = f(x, ε, δ), y' = g(x, ε, δ), z' = δh(x, ε, δ), where x = (x, y, z) ∅ Rn x Rm x Rp, ε and δ are two independent small parameters (0 < ε, δ << 1), and f, g, h are Cr functions, where r is big enough for our purposes. We establish conditions for the existence of compact invariant sets (singular points, periodic and homoclinic orbits) when ε, δ > 0. Our main strategy is to consider three time scales which generate three different limit problems. In addition, we prove that double regularization of nonsmooth dynamical systems with self-intersecting switching variety provides a class of three time scale singular perturbation problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an industrial scale process for extraction, purification, and isolation of epiisopiloturine (EPI) (2(3H)-Furanone,dihydro-3-(hydroxyphenylmethyl)-4-[(1-methyl-1H-imidazol-4-yl)methyl]-, [3S-[3a(R*),4b]]), which is an alkaloid from jaborandi leaves (Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf). Additionally for the first time a set of structural and spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize this alkaloid. EPI has shown schistomicidal activity against adults and young forms, as well as the reduction of the egg laying adult worms and low toxicity to mammalian cells (in vitro). At first, the extraction of EPI was done with toluene and methylene chloride to obtain a solution that was alkalinized with ammonium carbonate. The remaining solution was treated in sequence by acidification, filtration and alkalinization. These industrial procedures are necessary in order to remove impurities and subsequent application of the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The HPLC was employed also to remove other alkaloids, to obtain EPI purity higher than 98%. The viability of the method was confirmed through HPLC and electrospray mass spectrometry, that yielded a pseudo molecular ion of m/z equal to 287.1 Da. EPI structure was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in deuterated methanol/chloroform solution, vibrational spectroscopy and mass coupled thermal analyses. EPI molecule presents a parallel alignment of the benzene and the methyl imidazol ring separated by an interplanar spacing of 3.758 Å indicating a π-π bond interaction. The imidazole alkaloid melts at 225°C and decomposes above 230°C under air. EPI structure was used in theoretical Density Functional Theory calculations, considering the single crystal XRD data in order to simulate the NMR, infrared and Raman spectra of the molecule, and performs the signals attribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early infestations of Diceraeus melacanthus in maize during vegetative stages can cause substantial economic loss. Currently, there are no objective decision-making criteria that can be used to manage the pest during these stages. Also, there is a lack of information regarding efficacy of insecticides registered to control the pest. Hence, the goal of this study was to estimate decision-making indexes for D. melacanthus infesting maize during different vegetative periods (VE-V2, VE-V4 and VE-V6) and to evaluate if insecticides registered for seed treatment and foliar application avoid economic loss caused by the pest. Trials with varying insect densities (0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 insects per plot) were performed, where damage rating and yield were measured. These estimations, together with the control cost and production value, were used to calculate economic injury levels (EILs) and economic thresholds (ETs) based on the number of insects and damage rating. We also tested insecticides recommended for seed treatment and foliar application, and analyzed their residues in selected scenarios. Economic thresholds for D. melacanthus infesting maize during vegetative stages should be based on the number of insects found on the plants, as damage rating-based thresholds are so low as to be difficult to determine. Economic thresholds are 3–46 insect 100 plants−1, depending on the stage of the plants and maize market value. Decision-making to control D. melacanthus , disregarding market value, should occur when 1.4, 0.5 and 0.2 adult row m−1 is found infesting maize in VE-V2, VE-V4 and VE-V6, respectively. Insecticides registered for foliar application and seed treatment do not prevent economic loss caused by the pest. This is likely the result of a significant reduction in insecticide concentrations (up to 440x) after only 14 days post-treatment. Hence, other effective D. melacanthus management methods should be explored. Image 1 • Decision-making should be based on the number of D. melacanthus per corn plant. • Decision-making should occur when 0.03 to 0.46 adult plant−1 is found. • High market corn prices produce ET's 50% less than low market corn prices. • Seed treatment or foliar sprays do not prevent D. melacanthus from reaching ET. • Neonicotinoids alone or with pyretroids do not offer efficient pest control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine through a questionnaire applied to interviewers, the current or past use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS), as well as other hormones (OH), and other medicines (OM), food supplement and illicit drugs among strength training apprentices in the city of Porto Alegre, RS. We interviewed 288 subjects draw from a sample of 13 gyms. The prevalence of current and past use of AAS was about 11.1% (32/288), OH 5.2% (16/288) and OM 4.2% (12/288). The most used AAS were nandrolone and stanozolol; the OH were gonadotropin, triiodothyronine (T3) and OM, like lipostabil, diuretics and veterinary medicines (Monovin E). The most frequent side-effects were behavioral such as humor oscillation, irritability and hostility, and endocrine disturbances such as acne and increased or decreased libido. When analyzed together with other hormones in a variable named "hormonal agents" (AH), AAS presented a statistical difference (p< 0.05) among genders considering that the most frequent use of AH occurred among men and those who consume food supplements. The comparison of these findings to other national and international results is difficult due to the epidemiological design. Even if it is considered, the observed prevalence suggests that preventive attitudes as well as special care in the orientation and education of this population must be taken.