6-Nitrodopamine is a novel catecholamine released by vascular tissues, heart, and vas deferens. The aim of this study was to investigate whether 6-nitrodopamine is released from the thoracic aorta and pulmonary artery rings of marmosets (Callithrix spp.) and to evaluate the relaxing and anti-contractile actions of this catecholamine. Release of 6-nitrodopamine, dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline was assessed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The relaxations induced by 6-nitrodopamine and by the selective dopamine D2 receptor antagonist L-741,626 were evaluated on U-46619 (3 nM)-pre-contracted vessels. The effects of 6-nitrodopamine and L-741,626 on the contractions induced by electric-field stimulation (EFS), dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline were also investigated. Both aorta and pulmonary artery rings exhibited endothelium-dependent release of 6-nitrodopamine, which was significantly reduced by the NO synthesis inhibitor L-NAME. Addition of 6-nitrodopamine or L-741,626 caused concentration-dependent relaxations of both vascular tissues, which were almost abolished by endothelium removal, whereas L-NAME and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor ODQ had no effect on 6-nitrodopamine-induced relaxations. Additionally, pre-incubation with 6-nitrodopamine antagonized the dopamine-induced contractions, without affecting the noradrenaline- and adrenaline-induced contractions. Pre-incubation with L-741,626 antagonized the contractions induced by all catecholamines. The EFS-induced contractions were significantly increased by L-NAME, but unaffected by ODQ. Immunohistochemical assays showed no immunostaining of the neural tissue markers S-100 and calretinin in either vascular tissue. The results indicated that 6-nitrodopamine is the major catecholamine released by marmoset vascular tissues, and it acts as a potent and selective antagonist of dopamine D2-like receptors. 6-nitrodopamine release may be the major mechanism by which NO causes vasodilatation.

Abstract The treatment of tracheal pathologies remains challenging.Nanotechnology allows adding substances to decellularized human amniotic membrane (DHAM), such as 15-Deoxy-∆12,14ProstaglandinJ2 nanoparticles (15D-PGJ2-NC).This study performed a tracheotomy in rabbits randomized into three groups.The tissue repair process was evaluated when treated with DHAM associated or not with 15D-PGJ2-NC.The average of the area in the control group was 54.76% smaller than DHAM group and 41.98% smaller than DHAM + 15D-PGJ2-NC group (p=0.004 for both).The DHAM + 15D-PGJ2-NC group had significantly more immature cartilage (p=0.015).DHAM impregnated with 15D-PGJ2-NC could provide support for the healing of the tracheal defect and may prevent reduction of its lumen.

RESUMO: O tembotrione é registrado no Brasil para a cultura do milho, sendo aplicado em extensas áreas do país em cada safra agrícola. Nos últimos anos, produtores relataram efeitos carryover desse herbicida em culturas sucessivas ao milho. Esse fato pode ser atribuído a recomendações do tembotrione sem o conhecimento de suas interações com os coloides dos solos tropicais. Nesta pesquisa, utilizando a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência, foi avaliada a influência dos atributos químicos e físicos na sorção e dessorção do tembotrione, bem como do seu metabólito AE 1417268, em sete solos de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Os coeficientes referentes à sorção e dessorção, além do índice de histerese (Kf, 1/n e H) do tembotrione e do seu metabólito, foram influenciados pelo pH, teor de argila e matéria orgânica. Em solos com baixos teores de argila e matéria orgânica, os valores dos coeficientes de sorção foram reduzidos com o aumento do pH. A dessorção do tembotrione e do metabólito em todos os solos foi baixa, principalmente naqueles argilosos e com maiores teores de matéria orgânica. A sorção do tembotrione e seu metabólito varia com os atributos dos solos, apresentando relação direta com os teores de argila e de matéria orgânica e inversa com o pH dos solos. A dessorção do tembotrione e do seu metabólito reduziu com o aumento dos teores de argila e matéria orgânica dos solos avaliados.

ABSTRACT: Tembotrione is registered in Brazil for maize and is used in large areas of the country in each harvest. In recent years, producers have reported carryover effects of this herbicide in succeeding crops to maize. This fact can be attributed to tembotrione recommendations without knowing their interactions with tropical soils colloids. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography, it was possible to evaluate the influence of chemical and physical attributes on the sorption and desorption of tembotrione, as well as its metabolite AE 1417268, on seven soils from different regions of Brazil. The coefficients referring to sorption and desorption, as well as the hysteresis index (Kf, 1/n and H) of tembotrione and its metabolite were influenced by pH, clay content and organic matter. In soil samples with low levels of clay and organic matter, values of sorption coefficients were reduced as pH increased. The desorption of tembotrione and its metabolite in all soils were low, mainly in the clayey ones and in soils with higher organic matter content. The sorption of tembotrione and its metabolites varies with the attributes of soil, presenting a direct relation with clay and organic matter contents and an inverse one with soil pH. The desorption of tembotrione and its metabolite decreased with the increase in clay and organic matter contents in the evaluated soils.

ABSTRACT The physical, physiological and biochemical changes during the development until the dispersal of rubber tree seeds were evaluated with the purpose of estimating the point at physiological maturity. A total of 30 plants were selected at different points in a commercial planting area and had their flowers marked during the anthesis and every 15 days after marking. Fruits and seeds were collected for analysis of moisture content, dry matter, diameter and length. Details of the anatomy ultra-structure of the seeds were evaluated. The seed emergence, emergency speed index, heat resistant proteins and oxidative stress enzymes were examined. It was observed that fruits reached maximum size at 120 days after anthesis and seeds at 150 days. The seeds acquired germination capacity after 150 days. At 175 days, they presented the highest percentage of dry matter and lowest moisture, in addition to a higher percentage of germination and vigor. Therefore, it was possible to conclude that the physiological maturity of the rubber tree seeds occurs at 175 days after anthesis, and coincides with its maximum physiological quality. At 175 and 180 days post-anthesis, there is a greater expression of heat resistant proteins as well as low molecular weight and greater oxidative stress enzyme activity.

RESUMO: Estudos sobre o comportamento de herbicidas no solo podem ser realizados utilizando métodos biológicos e químicos. A condição para o método biológico ser eficiente depende da sensibilidade da espécie indicadora às baixas concentrações do herbicida na solução do solo. Entre os herbicidas comumente usados no Brasil para a cultura do milho, destaca-se o tembotrione; nas últimas safras, tem-se relatado intoxicação de algumas culturas quando cultivadas em sucessão a esta cultura. Esse fato pode ser atribuído a recomendações do tembotrione sem o conhecimento de suas interações com os coloides dos solos tropicais. Nesta pesquisa, selecionou-se uma espécie vegetal indicadora de resíduos do tembotrione no solo, após a triagem de 12 espécies. Estimou-se em seguida a sorção desse herbicida em Latossolo Amarelo, Organossolo e Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo com diferentes atributos. Inicialmente, após a triagem das 12 espécies vegetais, selecionaram-se as duas mais eficientes em detectar o tembotrione no solo. Na segunda etapa, foi selecionada a espécie mais sensível. Na terceira, foi avaliada a sorção do tembotrione nos três solos utilizando a espécie selecionada. Das 12 espécies avaliadas, Beta vulgaris e Brassica oleracea var. capitata foram as mais eficientes em detectar o tembotrione em baixas concentrações no solo, sendo B. vulgaris (beterraba) a mais sensível. Conclui-se que a beterraba, pela sua facilidade de cultivo, alta sensibilidade e rápido crescimento inicial, pode ser usada como espécie indicadora da presença do tembotrione na solução do solo. A sorção desse herbicida foi maior no Organossolo e está diretamente relacionada ao teor de matéria orgânica.

ABSTRACT: Studies on herbicide behavior in soils may be performed using biological and chemical methods. The efficiency of the biological method depends on the indicator species sensitivity to low herbicide concentrations in the soil solution. Among the herbicides commonly used in Brazil for corn cultivation, tembotrione stands out. In the last agricultural seasons, the intoxication of some crops when cultivated in succession to corn has been reported, which may be attributed to tembotrione recommendations without the knowledge of their interactions with colloids of tropical soils. In this research, we selected an indicator plant species of tembotrione residues in the soil after sorting 12 species. The sorption of this herbicide was estimated in two Oxisols (Latossolo Amarelo and Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo, Brazilian Soil Classification) and in a Histosol (Organossolo, Brazilian Soil Classification) with different attributes. Initially, after sorting the 12 plant species, the two most efficient in detecting tembotrione in the soil were selected. In the second stage, the most sensitive species was selected. In the third stage, tembotrione sorption was assessed in the three soils by using the selected species. Among the 12 species, Beta vulgaris and Brassica oleracea var. capitata were the most efficient in detecting tembotrione at low concentrations in the soil, being B. vulgaris (beet) the most sensitive. Thus, due to its ease of cultivation, high sensitivity, and fast initial growth, beet can be used as an indicator species of tembotrione presence in the soil solution. The sorption of this herbicide was higher in the Histosol and it is directly related to the organic matter content.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do pneumoperitônio e da posição de Trendelenburg sobre o fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo em gatos anestesiados. Quatorze gatos foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, ambos submetidos ao pneumoperitônio com 10mmHg de dióxido de carbono (CO2). No grupo controle (GC n=7), os animais foram submetidos apenas ao pneumoperitônio e, no grupo Trendelenburg (GTREN n=7), os animais foram colocados em cefalodeclive 20° após o pneumoperitônio. A indução anestésica foi realizada com isoflurano, utilizando-se caixa de indução. Posteriormente, os animais foram mantidos sob anestesia inalatória com o mesmo fármaco. Foram avaliados a velocidade do fluxo de saída do ventrículo esquerdo (VFSVE), os gradientes máximo (GmáxSVE) e médio (GmédSVE) de pressão e a integral velocidade-tempo (IVT). Os parâmetros foram mensurados nos momentos T0 (basal), antes da insuflação; T5 (cinco), T15 (quinze) e T30 (trinta) minutos após a insuflação. Os resultados mostraram um aumento da VFSVE no GC, em T15 e T30 (P=0,024), e um aumento do GmáxSVE no GC, em T30 (P=0,045). As variáveis não se alteraram significativamente em nenhum momento no GTREN. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a posição de Trendelenburg favoreceu o sistema cardiovascular, preservando os índices de fluxo sanguíneo na saída do ventrículo esquerdo.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position on the left ventricular outflow in anesthetized cats. Fourteen cats were randomly divided into two groups, both submitted to pneumoperitoneum of 10 mmHg with carbon dioxide (CO2), and in the control group (GC n = 7) the animals were subjected only to pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg group (n = 7 GTREN) the animals were placed in cefalodeclive 20° after pneumoperitoneum. Anesthesia of the animals was performed with isoflurane using induction box, keeping the animals under inhalation anesthesia with the same drug. We evaluated the speed of the left ventricular outflow (VFSVE), the maximum pressure gradient (GmáxSVE), mean pressure gradient (GmédSVE) and velocity-time integrals (IVT). The parameters were measured in time, T0 (baseline), before the insufflation; T5 (five); T15 (fifteen) and T30 (thirty) minutes after inflation. The results showed an increase in VFSVE in GC, T15 and T30 (p = 0,024) and an increase in GmáxSVE in GC in T30 (p = 0,045). The variables did not change significantly at any time in GTREN. Thus, it is concluded that the Trendelenburg position favored the cardiovascular system, preserving blood flow rates in the left ventricular outflow.

The conventional method for quantification of polyhydroxyalkanoates based on whole-cell methanolysis and gas chromatography (GC) is laborious and time-consuming. In this work, a method based on flow cytometry of Nile red stained bacterial cells was established to quantify poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) production by the diazotrophic and plant-associated bacteria, Herbaspirillum seropedicae and Azospirillum brasilense. The method consists of three steps: i) cell permeabilization, ii) Nile red staining, and iii) analysis by flow cytometry. The method was optimized step-by-step and can be carried out in less than 5 min. The final results indicated a high correlation coefficient (R2=0.99) compared to a standard method based on methanolysis and GC. This method was successfully applied to the quantification of PHB in epiphytic bacteria isolated from rice roots.

RESUMO O sistema de cultivo Clearfield(r) utiliza os herbicidas imazethapyr e imazapic no controle de plantas daninhas. Um dos principais problemas relacionados ao uso desse sistema é a restrição ao cultivo de outras culturas, causada pelo efeito residual dos herbicidas. Três experimentos foram realizados para avaliar a persistência do imazethapyr e imazapic em solos utilizados no sistema Clearfield(r). Cada experimento correspondeu a um solo avaliado: Plintossolo Háplico, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo ou Gleissolo Háplico. O imazethapyr e o imazapic isolados e em mistura comercial foram aplicados no solo, e seu residual foi avaliado em 11 épocas (1, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135 e 150 dias após o tratamento). A planta indicadora utilizada foi o sorgo (Sorghum vulgare). O imazethapyr e sua mistura com o imazapic causaram reduções da matéria seca das plantas indicadoras superiores a 94%, mesmo após 150 dias da aplicação, independentemente do solo avaliado. O imazapic causou menor inibição do crescimento do sorgo, indicando menor efeito residual desse herbicida nos solos. A mistura comercial teve maior persistência, comparada à aplicação isolada dos herbicidas. Independentemente do tipo de solo, a persistência do imazethapyr foi maior que a do imazapic.

ABSTRACT The commercial mixture of imazethapyr and imazapic herbicides has been used for the control of red rice and several other species of weeds found in rice crops; this system called Clearfield. However, its use may limit the succession of non-tolerant crops for long residual activity. The research objective with this work was to determine the persistence of imazethapyr, imazapic and their mixture in three soils in the Brazilian state of Tocantins. Three experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications, each corresponding to the evaluated soil (Haplic Plinthosol (FX), red-yellow Latosol (LVA) and Haplic Gleysol (GX)). The treatments were arranged in a split plot design, with the allocated plots herbicides (imazethapyr and imazapic alone and commercial mixture) and the plots allocated the 11 evaluation times (1, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 135, 150 days after treatment (DAT)), and a control without application. Contacted up long residual effect of imazethapyr and commercial mixture of imazethapyr and imazapic, regardless of assessed soil. After 150 days of applying herbicides or the commercial mixture, their residues in the soil also inhibited approximately 94% of the mass of the dry matter accumulation of the indicator plants. When imazapic was applied alone, there was a higher dry matter accumulation of the indicator plants, indicating less residual effect of this herbicide in the soil and this was attributed to the lower dose of this herbicide applied. The attributes of the soil pH, texture and iron oxides were what most affected the persistence of the herbicides. It can be concluded that the persistence of imazethapyr and imazapic is too long in the Brazilian state of Tocantins soils and the use of these herbicides in the region should be avoided due to the high risk of the occurrence of carryover,or be well planned, as land use in rotation for susceptible crops.

ABSTRACT We evaluated an artificial tritrophic exposure system for use in ecotoxicological evaluations of environmental stressors on aphidophagous predators. It consists of an acrylic tube with a Parafilm M sachet containing liquid aphid diet, into which can be added environmental stressors. Immature Cycloneda sanguinea, Harmonia axyridis and Chrysoperla externa, and adult H. axyridis were reared on Myzus persicae. Larval and pupal development and survival of all species and reproductive parameters of H. axyridis were similar to published results. The system provides a suitable tritrophic exposure route, enables ex-ante evaluation of stressors, and improves the accuracy of the assessment.

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 2 billion people worldwide have already had contact with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 373 million have become chronic carriers. Hepatitis B is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to a large number of deaths annually. Both viral factors and the host immune response have been implicated in the pathogenesis and clinical result of HBV infection. Many Brazilian cities, including the cities of the northern region of the state of Espírito Santo are located in regions with little health infrastructure. Our study performed an epidemiological analysis of cases of Hepatitis B in São Mateus, using methodology of Geographic Information System (GIS), aiming to raise the number of disease cases, establishing preventive measures to control the disease, improving the quality of life of people affected by this pathology. The city of São Mateus had the largest number of reported cases of hepatitis B northern region of Espírito Santo. The age group with the highest number of hepatitis B notifications was 20-49 years, mostly females. The major forms of contact with HBV in these cities were dental treatment, use of injectable medications, surgical procedures and multiple sexual partners.

RESUMO O objetivo desse estudo foi observar a ação da romã (Punica granatum L.) em estomatites induzidas por queimaduras no dorso da língua de ratos Wistar. Foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar machos adultos, provenientes do Biotério da UNIVASF. Foram formados quatro grupos (G1: Polpa da romã por gavagem; G2: Polpa da romã por gavagem + aplicação local do chá da casca do fruto; G3: aplicação local do chá da casca do fruto e G4: Controle negativo). As queimaduras foram confeccionadas com instrumental odontológico padrão. Os tratamentos foram realizados duas vezes ao dia, durante 14 dias. Metade dos animais de cada grupo (n=3) foi eutanasiada no sétimo dia de experimentação, enquanto o restante foi eutanasiado no 14º dia. As línguas foram removidas e fixadas com formaldeído a 10% tamponado, processadas com cortes de 5 µm e coradas em HE. Clinicamente, os animais do grupo G2 tiveram melhores resultados. Na análise histológica qualitativa foi avaliada a reepitelização e os graus de inflamação numa escala de 0 a 4. Na análise estatística, utilizou-se o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson. Houve significância estatística (p=0,026 e p=0,023) quando se comparou o tratamento com os graus de reepitelização e inflamação nos quatro grupos estudados. O grupo G2 apresentou cicatrização completa com 14 dias. Os piores escores obtidos foram atribuídos ao Grupo G4 nos dois parâmetros de avaliação qualitativa. Diante dos resultados obtidos, observa-se que a romã (Punica granatum L.) possui ação cicatrizante na mucosa lingual de ratos Wistar.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to observe the action of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) on stomatitis induced burns on the dorso-lingual musosa in Wistar rats. Twenty-four male, adult Wister albino rats were used, from the bioterium of UNIVASF. There were four groups (G1: Pomegranate juice by gavage; G2: Pomegranate juice by gavage + local application of fruit peel tea; G3: Local application of fruit peel tea only and G4: a negative control). The burns were made with standard dental instruments. The treatments were performed twice a day for 14 days. Half the animals in each group (n = 3) were euthanized on the seventh day of experimentation, while the remainder were euthanized on day 14. The tongues were removed and fixed with a 10% formaldehyde buffer, processed as 5µm sections and stained with HE. Clinically the animals treated with tea showed better healing. For statistical analysis the Pearson chi-squared test was used. There was a statistical significance (p = 0.026 and p = 0.023) when compared to treatment with the degree of re-epithelialization and inflammation of the four groups studied. The G2 group showed complete healing within 14 days. The worst scores were found in the G4 group in both qualitative assessment parameters. Based on these results, it was observed that pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has a healing action on the lingual mucosa of Wistar rats.

O pinhão manso (Jatropha curcas) é uma planta cultivada para a produção de biocombustível. O pericarpo é um coproduto com potencial para alimentação animal, e a presença de componentes tóxicos, principalmente ésteres de forbol, pode limitar sua utilização. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar a toxicidade do pericarpo. Vinte ovinos foram distribuídos em quatro grupos - um grupo-controle, que não recebeu a planta, e três experimentais, que receberam o pericarpo nas concentrações de 15% (G15), 30% (G30) e 45% (G45), durante 23 dias. Após o 10º dia, a ingestão do pericarpo promoveu redução do consumo de alimento, diarreia, desidratação e caquexia. Todos os grupos tratados apresentaram redução na concentração de fosfatase alcalina. Animais do G30 apresentaram redução na concentração de ureia e proteínas totais e elevação de potássio e sódio. No G45, houve aumento de aspartato aminotransferase, albumina, creatinina bilirrubina indireta e total. A avaliação anatomo-histopatológica revelou ascite, hidropericárdio, congestão no trato gastrintestinal e nos pulmões, edema pulmonar, aderências à parede torácica, degeneração hepática centrolobular e das células tubulares renais, pneumonia linfo-histiocitica e enterite linfoplasmocitária e histiocítica. À análise fitoquímica, constatou-se 0,3845mg de ésteres de forbol/g de pericarpo. Conclui-se que o pericarpo de J. curcas é tóxico, não sendo recomendado para alimentação de ovinos.

Physic nut (Jatropha curcas) is a plant cultivated for biofuel production. Pericarp is a potential livestock food source by-product. However, its use may be limited due to the presence of toxic compounds, mainly phorbol esters. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate pericarp toxicity. Twenty sheep were divided in four groups, one control group which did not receive the plant and three experimental groups which received pericarp in 15% (G15), 30% (G30) and 45% (G45) concentrations for 23 days. After 10 days of treatment, pericarp ingestion produced food intake decrease, diarrhea, dehydration and loss of body condition. All treated groups showed decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity. G30 animals presented reductions in urea and total protein concentrations, and increase in potassium and sodium levels. G45 animals showed increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase activity and in albumin, creatinin, total and indirect bilirubin levels. Anatomohistopathologic findings included ascites, hydropericardium, congestion of the gastintestinal tract and lungs, pulmonary edema and adhesions in the thoracic cavity, renal tubular cells and centrilobular cytoplasmic vacuolation and lymphohistiocytic pneumonia and lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic enteritis. On the physiochemical analysis 0.3845mg of phorbol esters/g of pericarp were detected. It is concluded that J. curcas pericarp is toxic and is not recommended for sheep feeding.

Empregou-se a estimulação elétrica neuromuscular (EENM) de baixa freqüência no músculo quadríceps femoral de cães com atrofia induzida e avaliou-se a ocorrência de ganho de massa nessa musculatura. Foram utilizados oito cães com pesos entre 15 e 30kg, distribuídos aleatoriamente em dois grupos denominados de I ou controle e II ou tratado. A articulação femorotibiopatelar esquerda foi imobilizada por 30 dias pelo método de transfixação percutânea tipo II, com retirada de aparelho de imobilização após esse período. Decorridas 48 horas da remoção, foi realizada a EENM nos cães do grupo II, cinco vezes por semana, com intervalo de 24 horas cada sessão, pelo período de 60 dias. Foram avaliadas a circunferência da coxa, a goniometria do joelho, a análise clínica da marcha, as enzimas creatina-quinase (CK) e aspartato-amino-transferase (AST) e a morfometria das fibras musculares em cortes transversais do músculo vasto lateral colhido mediante biópsia muscular. A EENM foi empregada no músculo quadríceps femoral na freqüência de 50Hz, duração de pulso de 300 milisegundos e relação de tempo on/off de 1:2. Quanto à morfometria das fibras do músculo vasto lateral, no grupo tratado houve aumento significativo (P<0,05) da área transversal aos 90 dias em relação ao dia zero. A EENM de baixa freqüência ocasiona hipertrofia do músculo vasto lateral em cães após a imobilização rígida temporária da articulação do joelho.

Low frequency neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) was used on the femoral quadriceps of dogs with induced muscular atrophy and the occurrence of gain in mass in these muscles was evaluated. Eight dogs from 15 to 30kg were randomly distributed in two groups named I, or control; and II, or treated. For the induction of muscular atrophy, the left femoral-tibial-patellar joint was immobilized for 30 days by percutaneous transfixation type II. After 30 days, the immobilization device was removed. The NMES treatment began 48 hours after the removal of the immobilization device of the dogs of group II, and it was carried out five times per week with an interval of 24 hours between each session, for 60 days. The following parameters were measured: thigh circumference, goniometry of the knee, clinical gait analysis, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes, and morphometry of the muscular fibers in transversal cuts of the vastus lateralis muscle collected through muscular biopsy. The NMES was applied on the femoral quadriceps at a frequency of 50 Hz, with pulse duration of 300 milliseconds, and the on/off time was at a proportion of 1:2. Regarding the morphometry of the vastus lateralis fibers, a significant increase (P<0.05) in the transversal area of the treated group at 90 days was observed when compared with that identified at the time of immobilization. Thus, it can be concluded that low frequency NMES brings about hypertrophy of the vastus lateralis muscle in dogs after temporary rigid immobilization of the knee joint.

We measured visual performance in achromatic and chromatic spatial tasks of mercury-exposed subjects and compared the results with norms obtained from healthy individuals of similar age. Data were obtained for a group of 28 mercury-exposed subjects, comprising 20 Amazonian gold miners, 2 inhabitants of Amazonian riverside communities, and 6 laboratory technicians, who asked for medical care. Statistical norms were generated by testing healthy control subjects divided into three age groups. The performance of a substantial proportion of the mercury-exposed subjects was below the norms in all of these tasks. Eleven of 20 subjects (55%) performed below the norms in the achromatic contrast sensitivity task. The mercury-exposed subjects also had lower red-green contrast sensitivity deficits at all tested spatial frequencies (9/11 subjects; 81%). Three gold miners and 1 riverine (4/19 subjects, 21%) performed worse than normal subjects making more mistakes in the color arrangement test. Five of 10 subjects tested (50%), comprising 2 gold miners, 2 technicians, and 1 riverine, performed worse than normal in the color discrimination test, having areas of one or more MacAdam ellipse larger than normal subjects and high color discrimination thresholds at least in one color locus. These data indicate that psychophysical assessment can be used to quantify the degree of visual impairment of mercury-exposed subjects. They also suggest that some spatial tests such as the measurement of red-green chromatic contrast are sufficiently sensitive to detect visual dysfunction caused by mercury toxicity.