Paulo Roberto Santos Silva

Protoporphyrin IX Nanoparticle Carrier: Preparation, Optical Properties, and Singlet Oxygen Generation

The present study is focused on developing a nanoparticle carrier for the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX for use in photodynamic therapy. The entrapment of protoporphyrin IX (Pp IX) in silica spheres was achieved by modification of Pp IX molecules with an organosilane reagent. The immobilized drug preserved its optical properties and the capacity to generate singlet oxygen, which was detected by a direct method from its characteristic phosphorescence decay curve at near-infrared and by a chemical method using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran to trap singlet oxygen. The lifetime of singlet oxygen when a suspension of Pp IX-loaded particles in acetonitrile was excited at 532 nm was determined as 52 micros, which is in good agreement with the value determined for methylene blue in acetonitrile solution under the same conditions. The Pp IX-loaded silica particles have an efficiency of singlet oxygen generation (eta Delta) higher than the quantum yield of free porphyrins. This high efficiency of singlet oxygen generation was attributed to changes on the monomer-dimer equilibrium after photosentisizer immobilization.

Avaliaçäo funcional multivariada em jogadores de futebol profissional - uma metanálise

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar, de modo amplo, o comportamento de variaveis importantes para a saude preventiva e o desempenho atletico, em jogadores de futebol profissional. Alem disso, o estudo tece comentarios, atraves de longa revisao bibliografica, sobre os resultados de nossos atletas e os observados na literatura especializada, nessa modalidade esportiva. Os futebolistas foram submetidos a uma bateria de testes clinicos, laboratoriais e de aptidao cardiorespiratoria, metabolica e muscular, pre-participacao ao Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol de 1996, que constou das seguintes variaveis: consumo de oxigenio, limiar anaerobio ventilatorio, eletrocardiografia em repouso e no exercicio, potencia muscular ( wingate), flexibilidade, hemograma, reacoes sorologicas para doenca de Chagas, protoparasitologico, glicose, ureia, creatinina, colesterol total e fracoes, hormonios, eletrolitos, minerais, composicao corporal, avaliacao fisioterapica, odontologica e nutricional. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o emprego de uma avaliacao multifatorial, em atletas de alto rendimento, e um procedimento importante para verificar se o nivel de aptidao fisica esta adequado e/ou detectar possiveis deficiencias, que possam interferir no desempenho atletico dos futebolistas, durante os treinamentos e jogos.

Efeito do treinamento físico de membros superiores aeróbio de curta duração no deficiente físico com hipertensão leve

PURPOSE: To study the modifications induced by physical training (PT) using upper limbs in aerobic condition of short duration on cardiovascular and metabolic variables. METHODS: Eleven paraplegic persons, with a mean age of 59 years, 7 men and 4 women with lesions at T9 through T11 and mild hypertension (HAS) were studied. The patients were studied before and after 12 weeks of a supervised program of PT, through exercise tests in a mechanic ergometer (ST) adapted for the arms. We employed an intermittent protocol with stress increments of 125 (20w) and 140 kgm/min (25w) for women and men, respectively every 3 min. The ergometric speed ranged from 83 to 95 rpm. The oxygen consumption (VO2) was estimated according to American College of Sports Medicine equation for arms. The exercise intensity during the TF program was estimated through the Karvonen cardiac frequency reserve, with a variation of 65% to 85% and the Borg stress scale of subjective perception during the stress test. RESULTS: The mean maximal aerobic capacity increased in 22% (930 +/- 349 vs 1138 +/- 290 mL/min; p = 0.003); there was a reduction of systolic and diastolic pressures at rest and after submaximal exercise of 4%, 15% and 5% and 5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Physical training of mild to moderate intensity using the upper limbs in paraplegic persons, besides inducing functional capacity increment, is an important model of non drug control of the hypertensive response.

Association between muscle strength and the cardiopulmonary status of individuals living with HIV/AIDS

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare aerobic function [anaerobic threshold (%V˙O2-AT), respiratory compensation point (%V˙O2-RCP) and peak oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak)] between physically active patients with HIV/AIDS and matched controls and to examine associations between disease status, poor muscle strength, depression (as estimated by the profile of mood states questionnaire) and the aerobic performance of patients. METHODS: Progressive treadmill test data for %V˙O2-AT (V-slope method), RCP and (V˙O2peak) were compared between 39 male patients with HIV/AIDS (age 40.6±1.4 years) and 28 male controls (age 44.4±2.1 years) drawn from the same community and matched for habitual physical activity. Within-patient data were also examined in relation to CD4+ counts (nadir and current data) and peak isokinetic knee torque. RESULTS: AT, RCP and (V˙O2peak) values were generally similar for patients and controls. Within the patient sample, binary classification suggested that AT, RCP and (V˙O2peak) values were not associated with either the nadir or current CD4+ count, but treadmill test variables were positively associated with peak isokinetic knee torque. CONCLUSION: The aerobic performance of physically active patients with HIV/AIDS is generally well conserved. Nevertheless, poor muscle strength is observed in some HIV/AIDS patients, which is associated with lower anaerobic power and (V˙O2peak), suggesting the possibility of enhancing the aerobic performance of patients with weak muscles through appropriate muscle-strengthening activities.

Índices de aptidão funcional em jogadores de futebol da Seleção Nacional da Jamaica

This study is mainly aimed at showing some functional aptitude indices in 24 soccer players of the Jamaican all-star team, aged 23.9 ± 3.7 years and pre-classified for the 1998 World Cup in France. All of the athletes were submitted to a battery of tests including: 1) evaluation of power, muscular endurance, and fatigue index by means of the Wingate Test carried out on a computerized bicycle (Cybex trademark-Bike model); 2) lower limb computerized isokinetic test using Cybex equipment (model 1200); 3) flexibility evaluation using Wells & Dillon test; 4) laboratorial analyses; 5) dental evaluation by clinical examination in Funk office (model MLX Plus). Parameters and results obtained were the following: Wingate Test: peak power corrected by weight = 11.8 ± 1.8 w.kg-1; average power = 9.1 ± 1.2 w.kg-1; fatigue index = 46.2 ± 15.2%; Flexibility = 19.8 ± 4.6 cm; Laboratorial analyses: urine type 1, feces, hemoglobin = 14.3 ± 1.0 g%; iron = 104 ± 29 ng/dl; ferritin = 81.8 ± 41.7 ng/dl; transferrin = 502.5 ± 502.5 ug/dl; hematocrit = 43.5 ± 2.9%; erythrocytes = 49.95 ± 0.40 million/m3; glucose = 91.0 ± 8.5 mg/dl; Dental evaluation: tartar in 5 (21%); caries in 24 (100%); gingivitis in 10 (42%); endodontia in 3 (12.5%); pulpitis in 1 (4%); diastema in 2 (8%); heterotopic in 13 (54%); extractions achieved in 14 (58%); extractions unachieved in 4 (17%); fillings in 4 (17%); prosthesis in 16 (67%). Seventeen (71%) of the athletes were under prophylactic treatment. Kinetic performance: LL right torque at 60oS-1 in extension = 290.4 ± 95.6 Nm; in flexion = 216.1 ± 31.4 Nm; LL left torque at 60oS-1 in extension = 291.6 ± 62.5 Nm; in flexion = 205.8 ± 35.8 Nm. CONCLUSION: despite the lack of technological structure in the Jamaican soccer, results have shown that soccer player indices of functional aptitude with respect to the players submitted to evaluation in this study are similar to those observed in the Center for Integrated Medicine.

A importância do limiar anaeróbio e do consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2 máx.) em jogadores de futebol

O objetivo deste estudo foi fazer uma abordagem sobre a importância do limiar anaerobio (LA) e o consumo maximo de oxigenio (VO2max.) em jogadores de futebol e comparar os resultados encontrados em nossos futebolistas com os da literatura especializada. Foram avaliados 18 jogadores de futebol profissional, com media de idade de 24 ± 4 anos, peso de 72,5 ± 5,9kg; estatura de 176,5 ± 7,0cm e superficie corporea de 1,91 ± 0,15m2. Todos os atletas foram avaliados apos um periodo de dois meses de treinamentos. Os futebolistas foram submetidos a teste maximo em esteira ergometrica, utilizando-se protocolo escalonado e continuo. A resposta de frequencia cardiaca (FC) foi registrada por meio de um eletrocardiografo (HeartWare) de 12 derivacoes simultâneas e, a pressao arterial (PA), por meio de metodo auscultatorio. A ventilacao pulmonar (VE), o consumo de oxigenio (VO2), a producao de dioxido de carbono (VCO2) e a razao de troca respiratoria (RER) foram avaliados por metodo espirometrico computadorizado respiracao-a-respiracao (MedGraphics Corporation [MGC]). Os seguintes resultados foram verificados: no (LA): [FC = 173,6 ± 8,6bpm; VO2 = 55,78 ± 5,93ml.kg.-1.min-1; velocidade = 14,6 ± 1,0km.h-1]; no exercicio maximo [FC = 189,5 ± 11,4bpm; VE = 134,1 ± 15,9L.min-1; VO2max. = 63,75 ± 4,93ml.kg.-1.min-1; velocidade = 17,8 ± 1,0km.h-1; Borg = 18,3 ± 1,3 pontos]. Concluindo: Os resultados, comparados com os da literatura especializada na modalidade futebol, demonstraram que os indices de LA e VO2max. foram semelhantes e, ate mesmo, superiores a varios de estudos publicados sobre essas duas variaveis em jogadores de futebol profissional. Entretanto, considerando as posicoes dos jogadores, nao ha um consenso definido sobre os indices mais adequados de LA e VO2max. em futebolistas, mas, sim, sugestoes.

Características fisiológicas, músculo-esqueléticas, antropométricas e oftalmológicas em jogadoras de futebol feminino consideradas de elite

Female soccer has grown substantially in our country. Fifteen female soccer players aged 22.3 ± 6.2, weight 58.2 ± 8.3 kg and height 162.5 ± 61 cm were submitted to an evaluation of several parameters which are considered important to their physical capacity and athletic fitness. Moreover, we compared some functional rates in the literature showing the results of players from other countries with more practical experience in this game. The parameters and results were: Metabolic and cardiorespiratory during rest and during exercise: HR = 87 ± 8 bpm; SBP = 100.6 ± 4.5 mmHg; DBP = 62.6 ± 4.5 mmHg; HRmax. = 194 ± 7 bpm; Borg Scale = 19.5 ± 0.8; running velocity max. = 13.4 ± 0.9 km.h-1; VT1 = 8.5 km.h-1; VT2 = 11.2 km.h-1; VO2 peak = 47.3 ± 4.5 mlO2.kg-1.min-1; Cybex: right isokinetic torque of knee extensor at 60o S-1 = 198.5 ± 44.1 Nm; in flexors = 116.5 ± 18.8 Nm; left = 203.6 ± 38.1 Nm; 116.5 ± 18.8 Nm; Wingate: peak power corrected by weight = 9.5 ± 0.9 w.kg-1; mean power = 7.5 ± 0.5 w.kg-1; fatigue rate = 56.7 ± 7.3%; body fat % = 17.4 ± 2.3%; Ophthalmologic evaluation: long-range visual acuity in the right and left eye = 97.5 ± 5.8%, respectively; intraocular pressure in the right and left eye = 13.7 ± 2.7 and 13.1 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. The variable which could be compared to international female soccer results pointed our athletes had equivalent rates and rather superior, in some cases. Nevertheless, because of lack of information, the most adequate rates for the practice of this modality by women could not be quantified. In the authors opinion, a greater volume of investigation is needed focusing various female soccer features.

Correlation between body composition and walking capacity in severe obesity

Background Obesity is associated with mobility reduction due to mechanical factors and excessive body fat. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) has been used to assess functional capacity in severe obesity. Objective To determine the association of BMI, total and segmental body composition with distance walked (6MWD) during the six-minute walk test (6MWT) according to gender and obesity grade. Setting University of São Paulo Medical School, Brazil; Public Practice. Methods Functional capacity was assessed by 6MWD and body composition (%) by bioelectrical impedance analysis in 90 patients. Results The mean 6MWD was 514.9 ± 50.3 m for both genders. The male group (M: 545.2 ± 46.9 m) showed a 6MWD higher (p = 0.002) than the female group (F: 505.6 ± 47.9 m). The morbid obese group (MO: 524.7 ± 44.0 m) also showed a 6MWD higher (p = 0.014) than the super obese group (SO: 494.2 ± 57.0 m). There was a positive relationship between 6MWD and fat free mass (FFM), FFM of upper limps (FFM_UL), trunk (FFM_TR) and lower limbs (FFM_LL). Female group presented a positive relationship between 6MWD and FFM, FFM_UL and FFM_LL and male group presented a positive relationship between 6MWD and FFM_TR. In morbid obese group there was a positive relationship between 6MWD with FFM, FFM_UL, FFM_TR and FFM_LL. The super obese group presented a positive relationship between 6MWD with FFM, FFM_TR and FFM_LL. Conclusions Total and segmental FFM is associated with a better walking capacity than BMI.

Capacidade funcional, desempenho e solicitação metabólica em futebolistas profissionais durante situação real de jogo monitorados por análise cinematográfica

The purpose of this investigation was to caracterize the relationship between the level of physical fitness, performance and metabolic needs in soccer players during a real match-play. Six professional soccer players aged 20.8 ± 2.6 years old (17-25), weight 70.4 ± 7.5 kg (63-81.3) and height 173.3 ± 9.7 cm (166-188) were submitted to a fitness test which was performed in the soccer field. The players were assessed by a video-camera, in the field, during the match-play with lactate evaluation. The alactic metabolic pathway was evaluated by means of five 30 m sprints, in maximum velocity and one minute of passive pause between each sprint. The lactic acid concentrations were assessed at one, three and five minutes after the five sprints had been finished. To detect anaerobic threshold (AT), three 1,200 m races were performed at an intensity of 80, 85 and 90% from de maximum speed to that distance, with 5 minutes intervals between each running. The soccer players underwent individual film recording by a video-camera, during the match-play and the lactic acid concentrations were assessed before, during the interval and at the end of the match, to analyze the metabolic and energetics expenditure. The following results were verified: 1) the AT at running, relationed to 4 mmol.L_1 lactic acid concentration, was found at 268 ± 28 m.min_1 or 16.1 ± 1.6 km.h_1; 2) the average speed and the maximum lactate concentration at 30m sprint were 6.9 ± 0.2 to 4.5 ± 1.0 mmol.L_1, respectively; 3) the total performed distance was 10,392 ± 849 m, 5,446 ± 550 m was found in the first half of the match and 4,945 ± 366 m was found in the second half of the match; 4) the average values found in assessing blood lactate concentrations were 1.58 ± 0.37; 4.5 ± 0.42 and 3.46 ± 1.54 mmol.L_1; before, during the first to the second interval and at the end of the match, respectively; 5) the total average distance approached at the end of the matches by midfield players (10,910 ± 121 m) was slightly greater than the one reached by the forward players (10,377 ± 224 m) and defenders (9,889 ± 102 m), nevertheless, it was not significant. There was a negative correlation (r =- 0.84; p < 0.05) among the AT (268 ± 28 m.min_1 or 16.1 ± 1.6 km.h_1) and blood lactate concentration (4.5 ± 0.42 mmol.L_1) in the first half of the match-play. Thus, the results suggest that the aerobic capacity is an important determinant, which leads the soccer players to cover the long distance runnings in the matches, and be able to recover earlier from the high intensity effort with a lower development of blood lactic acid concentrations in the whole match-play.

Estudo descritivo de alterações odontológicas verificadas em 400 jogadores de futebol

O principal objetivo deste estudo foi verificar as alteracoes odontologicas mais frequentes encontradas em jogadores de futebol. Num levantamento realizado pela Secao de Odontologia da Associacao Portuguesa de Desportos-SP, 400 prontuarios de futebolistas, correspondentes a um periodo de seis anos, foram avaliados. Todos eram do sexo masculino, sendo 353 amadores e 47 profissionais, com media de idade de 16,5 ± 2,1 anos (variacao de 9 a 20) e 24,7 ± 3,6 anos (variacao de 21 a 34), respectivamente, pertencentes ao quadro de atletas do Departamento de Futebol. Os equipamentos utilizados durante os procedimentos foram: espelho clinico e explorador no 5 da marca Duflex em um consultorio modelo MLX Plus da marca Funk. As radiografias oclusais foram realizadas com filmes da marca Kodak no equipamento de raios-X modelo Spectro II da marca Dabi Atlante. As seguintes alteracoes e os resultados encontrados nos futebolistas amadores foram: 199 casos (56%) de tartarectomia, 283 de caries (71%), 61 de gengivites (17%), 51 de endodontias (14%), 51 de pulpites (14%), 33 de abscessos (9%), 21 de fistulas (6%) e 10 de aftas (3%). Nos casos de ortodontia foram verificados: diastema em 12 atletas (3,5%), apinhados em 35 (10%), heterotopicos em 36 (10,2%) e empactados em 4 (1%). Foram realizadas 78 exodontias (22%), 41 obturacoes (11,5%) e 72 proteses (20%). A profilaxia realizada atingiu 148 casos (42%). Os jogadores profissionais apresentaram os seguintes resultados: 17 casos de tartarectomia (36%), 32 caries (68%), 14 gengivites (30%), 11 endodontias (23%), 6 pulpites 13%), nenhum abscesso, 2 fistulas e aftas (4%), respectivamente. Foram verificados 6 casos de ortodontia, subdivididos em 3 apinhados e heterotopicos (6%), respectivamente. Foram realizadas 24 exodontias (51%), 6 obturacoes (13%) e 23 proteses (49%). Conclusao: os resultados verificados neste estudo demonstraram a importância da odontologia, como medida preventiva e/ou corretiva, em jogadores de futebol. E importante salientar que uma denticao inadequada pode gerar desde alteracoes gastrintestinais ate lesoes musculo-esqueleticas, dificultando a participacao do atleta em treinamentos e jogos competitivos.