ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the association between obesity and urinary incontinence rate in men submitted to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a high-volume cancer center. Materials and Methods: We reported 1.077 men who underwent RARP as the primary treatment for localized prostate cancer from 2013 to 2017. Patients were classified as non-obese (normal BMI or overweight) or obese men (BMI ≥30kg/m2). They were grouped according to the age, PSA level, D’Amico risk group, Gleason score, ASA classification, pathological stage, prostate volume, salvage/adjuvant radiotherapy, perioperative complications, and follow-up time. Urinary continence was defined as the use of no pads. For the analysis of long-term urinary continence recovery, we conducted a 1:1 propensity-score matching to control confounders. Results: Among the obese patients, mean BMI was 32.8kg/m2, ranging 30 - 45.7kg/m2. Only 2% was morbidly obese. Obese presented more comorbidities and larger prostates. Median follow-up time was 15 months for the obese. Complications classified as Clavien ≥3 were reported in 5.6% of the obese and in 4.4% of the non-obese men (p=0.423). Median time for continence recovery was 4 months in both groups. In this analysis, HR was 0.989 for urinary continence recovery in obese (95%CI=0.789 - 1.240; p=0.927). Conclusions: Obese can safely undergo RARP with similar continence outcomes comparing to the non-obese men when performed by surgeons with a standardized operative technique. Future studies should perform a subgroup analysis regarding the association of obesity with other comorbidities, intending to optimize patient counseling.

Abstract Introduction: The benefit of total arterial revascularization (TAR) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains a controversial issue. This study sought to evaluate whether there is any difference on the long-term results of TAR and non-TAR CABG patients. Methods: The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL/CCTR), Clinical Trials.gov, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published by October 2020. Randomized clinical trials and observational studies with propensity score matching comparing TAR versus non-TAR CABG were included. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed. The current barriers to implementation of TAR in clinical practice and measures that can be used to optimize outcomes were reviewed. Results: Fourteen publications (from 2012 to 2020) involving a total of 22,746 patients (TAR: 8,941 patients; non-TAR: 13,805 patients) were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for long-term mortality (over 10 years) was lower in the TAR group than in the non-TAR group (random effect model: HR 0.676, 95% confidence interval 0.586-0.779, P<0.001). There was evidence of low heterogeneity of treatment effect among the studies for mortality, and none of the studies had a particular impact on the summary result. The result was not influenced by age, sex, or comorbidities. We identified low risk of publication bias related to this outcome. Conclusion: This review found that TAR presents the best long-term results in patients who undergo CABG. Given that many patients are likely to benefit from TAR, its use should be encouraged.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a previsibilidade refrativa pós-operatória do IOLMaster 500 e Pentacam HR com base nos valores de ceratometria e profundidade de câmara anterior nos olhos com indicação de implante de lentes intraoculares multifocais. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo realizado em 118 olhos tratados com facoemulsificação e implante de lentes intraoculares multifocal. Apenas os olhos que atingiram a emetropia na refração dinâmica no 30º dia pós-operatório foram incluídos. A fórmula de Haigis foi usada em cada caso para calcular o poder das lentes intraoculares, e a lente intraocular com a refração alvo mais próxima da emetropia foi implantada. Cenários de cálculo de quatro lentes foram testados pela combinação de medidas de ceratometria e profundidade de câmara anterior obtidas usando os dois dispositivos. Resultados: IOLMaster 500 e Pentacam HR diferiram quanto à média de ceratometria (D 0,07 ± 0,03 D; p=0,0065) e profundidade de câmara anterior (D 0,08 ± 0,01 mm; p<0,001). Na análise da covariância, as seguintes diferenças foram obtidas usando a fórmula de Haigis quando confrontadas com os valores biométricos obtidos pela inserção dos valores de ceratometria e profundidade de câmara anterior, respectivamente: Penta/IOL x IOL/Penta (0,13 ± 0,03; p<0,0001); Penta/Penta x IOL/Penta (0,13 ± 0,03; p<0,0001); Penta/IOL x IOL/IOL (0,11 ± 0,03; p=0,001); Penta/Penta x IOL/IOL (0,11 ± 0,03; p=0,002); IOL/IOL x IOL/Penta (0,02 ± 0,03; p=0,865); Penta/IOL x Penta/Penta (0,002 ± 0,03; p=0,99). A diferença foi menor ao medir a profundidade da câmara anterior usando o IOLMaster 500, independentemente de qual dispositivo foi usado para medir a ceratometria. Conclusões: O Pentacam HR diferiu significativamente do IOLMaster 500 no cálculo de ceratometria. Quanto à profundidade da câmara anterior, os dois dispositivos foram igualmente precisos.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the postoperative refractive predictability of IOLMaster 500 and Pentacam HR on the basis of keratometry and anterior chamber depth values in eyes with an indication for multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on 118 eyes treated with phacoemulsification and multifocal intraocular lens implantation. Only the eyes that achieved emmetropia in the dynamic refraction performed on postoperative day 30 were included. Haigis’ formula was used in each case to calculate the intraocular lens power, and the intraocular lens with the target refraction closest to emmetropia was implanted. Four lens calculation scenarios were tested by combining keratometry and anterior chamber depth measurements obtained using the two devices. Results: IOLMaster 500 and Pentacam HR differed with regard to mean keratometry (D 0.07 ± 0.03 D; p=0.0065) and anterior chamber depth (D 0.08 ± 0.01 mm; p<0.001). In the analysis of covariance, the following differences were obtained using the Haigis’ formula when confronted with the biometric values obtained by inserting keratometry and anterior chamber depth values, respectively: Penta/IOL x IOL/Penta (0.13 ± 0.03; p<0.0001); Penta/Penta × IOL/Penta (0.13 ± 0.03; p<0.0001); Penta/IOL × IOL/IOL (0.11 ± 0.03; p=0.001); Penta/Penta × IOL/IOL (0.11 ± 0.03; p=0.002); IOL/IOL × IOL/Penta (0.02 ± 0.03; p=0.865); and Penta/IOL × Penta/Penta (0.002 ± 0.03; p=0.99). The difference was smaller when measuring the anterior chamber depth using the IOLMaster 500, regardless of which device was used to measure keratometry. Conclusions: Pentacam HR significantly differed from IOLMaster 500 when calculating keratometry. As regards the anterior chamber depth, the two devices were equally accurate.

Abstract This article presents the perception of human resource (HR) top managers at strategic level in Brazilian corporations regarding labor union activity. It is a quantitative study about the perception of 354 experienced HR top managers on the unionization of employees, influence of the union on the organization, recognition of the union for labor negotiations and the existence of an advisory committee (workers’ council) within organizations. The theoretical approach addresses both the fields of study on HR and Industrial Relations (IR). The research shows low unionization and management perceptions that unions have little influence on organizations. On the other hand, the HR managers recognize the union influence for collective bargaining purposes and for defining general terms of employment. These contradictions are related to the fact that collective bargaining is mandatory in Brazilian legislation. In general terms of employment, Brazilian legislation is too rigid, prescriptive and detailed. This strong state of regulation reserves to the union an automatic participation in the negotiation process with employers, although this trade union action is somehow inefficient. In this scenario, the perception of HR managers of a relative union influence, although inefficient, is an expected consequence.

Las plantas C3 y CAM reaccionan fotosintéticamente diferentes, sin embargo, ambas pueden crecer en la misma zona agroecológica en los trópicos. Por esta razón se evaluó el comportamiento de estomas en frutos y hojas de gulupa y en frutos y cladodios de pitahaya amarilla bajo condiciones naturales en los municipios de Granada y Fusagasugá, departamento de Cundinamarca (Colombia). Se hicieron improntas sobre la superficie de las hojas, frutos y cladodios. Se realizaron tres lecturas, cada una duró 72 horas, haciendo impresiones cada 3 horas sobre tres muestras diferentes para luego observarlas en microscopio, haciendo un conteo de estomas abiertos y cerrados en cada especie. En cada muestreo se obtuvieron datos de radiación solar, temperatura y humedad relativa (HR). En gulupa se encontró un comportamiento típico de una planta C3 tanto para las hojas como para los frutos, además de encontrar una correlación positiva entre la apertura estomática y la radiación y temperatura, así como una correlación negativa entre la apertura estomática y la HR. En pitahaya se encontró un comportamiento típico de una planta CAM, observando una correlación negativa entre la apertura estomática y la radiación y temperatura, así como una correlación positiva entre apertura estomática y HR. La radiación, la temperatura y la HR afectaron la apertura estomático en frutos y cladodios. Las densidades estomáticas contrastaron altamente entre las especies y los órganos de la planta. En gulupa fueron encontrados 106,53 estomas/mm² en la superficie de las hojas, pero solo 12,64 estomas/mm² en la del fruto; mientras que en pitahaya fueron encontrados 11,28 y 1,43 estomas/mm² en cladodios y frutos, respectivamente

Plants as C3 and CAM react photosynthetically different but both can grow in the same agroecological zone in the tropics. Therefore we studied the behavior of stomatal opening in fruits and leaves of the purple passion fruit and fruits and cladodes of the yellow pitaya was studied under natural growing conditions in Granada and Fusagasuga, Cundinamarca (Colombia). Imprints were made on the surface of leaves, fruits and cladodes using cosmetic enamel impressions. Three cycles were carried out, each cycle took 72 hours, obtaining three different samples every 3 hours; then the impressions were observed by microscope and the opened and closed stomata were counted in each species. In each sampling, data of solar radiation, temperature and relative humidity (RH) were measured. The purple passion fruit had the typical behavior of a C3 plant in the leaves as well as the fruits, and a positive correlation between the stomatal aperture and radiation and temperature was found, along with a negative correlation between stomatal aperture and RH. The pitaya showed the typical behavior of a CAM plant with a negative correlation between the stomatal opening and radiation and temperature, as well as a positive correlation between stomatal opening and RH. Radiation, temperature and RH affected the stomatal opening in the fruits and cladodes. Stomatal densities differed greatly between the species and plant organs. In the purple passion fruit, 106.53 stomata per mm² leaf surface were found, but only 12.64 stomata per mm² fruit surface; whereas in the pitaya, 11.28 and 1.43 stomata per mm² were found on the cladodes and fruits, respectively

FUNDAMENTO: O Transplante Cardíaco (TC) é uma alternativa para os indivíduos com doença cardíaca terminal. Na evolução pós-transplante, a ocorrência de episódios de Rejeição Cardíaca (RC) é evento frequente que aumenta a morbimortalidade, sendo necessário o emprego de exame não invasivo com boa acurácia para seu diagnóstico, pois a Biópsia Endomiocárdica (BEM) não é um procedimento isento de complicações. OBJETIVO: Comparar parâmetros obtidos com o princípio Doppler, entre os pacientes transplantados com RC (TX1) e os pacientes transplantados sem rejeição (TX0); utilizando como referência o Grupo Controle (GC) e observando o comportamento da função sistodiastólica ventricular esquerda expressa por meio do Índice de Performance Miocárdica (IPM). MÉTODOS: Foram realizados ecocardiogramas transtorácicos no período de janeiro de 2006 a janeiro de 2008, para a avaliação prospectiva de 47 pacientes, subdivididos em GC (36,2%), TX0 (38,3%) e TX1 (25,5%), comparando-se o IPM entre eles. Para a análise dos dados foram realizados os testes exato de Fisher e o não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis, ambos com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Os grupos não diferiram em relação a idade, peso, altura e superfície corpórea. Quando comparado ao GC, TX0 e TX1 apresentaram alteração da função sistodiastólica ventricular esquerda, expressa como aumento do IPM, que foi mais intenso no TX1 [0,38 (0,29 - 0,44) X 0,47 (0,43 - 0,56) X 0,58 (0,52 - 0,74) p < 0,001]. CONCLUSÃO: O ecocardiograma mostrou-se como exame de boa acurácia na detecção das alterações da função sistodiastólica do coração transplantado; entretanto, não foi confiável como método substituto da BEM para o diagnóstico seguro de RC.

BACKGROUND: Heart transplantation is an alternative for individuals with end-stage heart disease. However, episodes of heart rejection (HR) are frequent and increase morbidity and mortality, requiring the use of an accurate non-invasive exam for their diagnosis, since endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) is not a complication-free procedure. OBJECTIVE: To compare the parameters obtained by use of Doppler echocardiography in a group of transplanted patients with HR (TX1) and another group of transplanted patients without rejection (TX0), having as reference a control group (CG) and observing the behavior of the left ventricular systo-diastolic function expressed as the myocardial performance index (MPI) METHODS: Transthoracic echocardiographies were performed from January 2006 to January 2008 to prospectively assess 47 patients divided into three groups: CG (36.2%); TX0 (38.3%); and TX1 (25.5%). The MPI was compared between the groups, and data were analyzed by use of Fisher exact test and nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, both with significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The groups did not differ regarding age, weight, height, and body surface. When compared to GC, TX0 and TX1 showed a change in the left ventricular systo-diastolic function, expressed as an increase in MPI, which was greater in TX1 [0.38 (0.29 - 0.44); 0.47 (0.43 - 0.56); 0.58 (0.52 - 0.74), respectively; p < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Echocardiography was a very accurate test to detect changes in the systo-diastolic function of the transplanted heart; however, it did not prove to be reliable to replace BEM in the safe diagnosis of HR.

We investigated the effect of L-NAME, a nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an NO-donating agent, on pilocarpine-induced alterations in salivary flow, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in rats. Male Holtzman rats (250-300 g) were implanted with a stainless steel cannula directly into the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO). Pilocarpine (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 µg) injected into the MnPO induced an increase in salivary secretion (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg) ip also increased salivary secretion (P<0.01). Injection of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine (10, 20, 40, 80, 160 µg) injected into the MnPO or ip (1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg/kg) increased salivary secretion (P<0.01). SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO or ip prior to pilocarpine attenuated salivary secretion (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (40 µg) injection into the MnPO increased MAP and decreased HR (P<0.01). Pilocarpine (4 mg/kg body weight) ip produced a decrease in MAP and an increase in HR (P<0.01). Injection of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine potentiated the increase in MAP and reduced HR (P<0.01). SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO prior to pilocarpine attenuated (100%) the effect of pilocarpine on MAP, with no effect on HR. Administration of L-NAME (40 µg) into the MnPO potentiated the effect of pilocarpine injected ip. SNP (30 µg) injected into the MnPO attenuated the effect of ip pilocarpine on MAP and HR. The present study suggests that in the rat MnPO 1) NO is important for the effects of pilocarpine on salivary flow, and 2) pilocarpine interferes with blood pressure and HR (side effects of pilocarpine), that is attenuated by NO.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos para avaliar o requerimento de cloro para matrizes pesadas. O período experimental foi de doze semanas e foram testadas sete rações. As racões continham os seguintes níveis de cloro: 0,040, 0,047, 0,054, 0,060, 0,073, 0,099 e 1,74%. Foi utilizado o bicarbonato de sódio para se manter um nível constante de sódio. Os níveis de cloro abaixo de 0,054% reduziram a produção, o peso e o conteúdo dos ovos, o mesmo ocorrendo com o nível mais alto de cloro na ração. Os níveis de cloro não exerceram um efeito significativo sobre o peso corporal, fertilidade e eclodibilidade dos ovos. ONRC (1994) sugere um nível de 185mg de cloro por dia para matrizes pesadas. Nos experimentos 1 e 2, o requerimento encontrado foi de 96,1 mg/ave/dia e 101,1 mg/ave/dia para produção de ovos, 116,1 mg/ave/dia e 148,3 mg/ave/dia para peso máximo dos ovos e 95,9 mg/ave/dia e 109,5 mg/ave/dia para conteúdo do ovo, respectivamente.

Two experiments wore conducted to evaluate the chloride requirement of the broiler breeder hen. Experiments were conducted for a twelve-week period and seven experimental diets wore fed. The diets contained the following dietary chloride levels: 0. 040, 0. 047, 0. 054, 0.060, 0.073, 0.09g, and 0. 174%. Sodiam bicarbonate was used to maintain a constant level of sodium. Levels of dietary chloride below 0.054% reduced EF; EW, & EC (ED X (EW-shell wt). Also, the highest level of dietary chloride reduced all characteristics. Dietary chloride did not have a significant effect on body weight gain or fertility and hatchability of eggs. The Nationa/ Research Council (1994) suggests that the broller breeder hen have daily chloride intake of 185 milligrams per hen per day. In Experiments 1 and 2 the requirement was 96.1 mg/hen/day and 101. 1 mg/hen/day for EP, 116.1 mg/hen/day and 148.3 mg/hen/day for maximum EW, and 95.9 mg/hen/day and 109. 5 mg/hen/day for EC, respectively.

Foram avaliadas 37 jogadoras de futebol, com média de idade de 21,5 ± 5,9 anos, peso de 57,0 ± 8,3kg, estatura de 161 ± 7cm e índice de massa corpórea de 21,8 ± 2,1kg/m². Todas as atletas foram submetidas à avaliação espirométrica e metabólica, por meio de um sistema computadorizado de análise de gases expirados (modelo Vmax 29c, SensorMedics, EUA). A resposta cardiovascular foi verificada por meio de um eletrocardiógrafo computadorizado (modelo 6.4, HeartWare, BRA). A capacidade física máxima foi avaliada por meio de teste de esforço realizado em esteira rolante (modelo ATL-10.100, Inbramed, BRA) utilizando-se protocolo escalonado contínuo. Os seguintes parâmetros e os resultados encontrados foram: no limiar ventilatório 1 (LV1): VO2 = 30,5 ± 3,7ml O2.kg-1.min-1; % VO2 = 64 ± 7%; velocidade de corrida = 8,1 ± 0,3km.h-1; FC = 154 ± 9bpm. No limiar ventilatório 2 (LV2): VO2 = 40,9 ± 4,5ml O2.kg-1.min-1; % VO2 = 85,7 ± 4,9%; velocidade de corrida = 11,4 ± 1,1km.h-1; FC = 179 ± 7bpm. O VO2 de pico foi de 47,4 ± 4,1ml O2.kg-1.min-1. CONCLUSÃO: A verificação de limiares ventilatórios e a potência aeróbia em jogadoras de futebol são parâmetros fisiológicos de grande importância, pois permitem ampliar suas aplicações práticas, qualificando, controlando e desenvolvendo de modo mais adequado e objetivo o treinamento físico dessas atletas.

Thirty-seven female soccer players aged 21.5 ± 5.9, weight 57.0 ± 8.3 kg, height 161 ± 7 cm and body mass index 21.8 ± 2.1 kg/m² were submitted to spirometric and metabolic evaluation by a computerized analysis system of expired gases (model Vmax 29c, SensorMedics, EUA). Cardiovascular response was recorded by means of a computerized ECG (model 6.4, HeartWare, BRA). Maximum physical capacity was evaluated by a treadmill test (model ATL 10.100, Inbramed, BRA), using incremental continuous protocol. The parameters and results were: in ventilatory threshold 1 (VT1): VO2 = 30.5 ± 3.7 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; %VO2 = 64 ± 7%; running velocity = 8.1 ± 0.3 km.h-1; HR = 154 ± 9 bpm; in ventilatory threshold 2 (VT2): VO2 = 40.9 ± 4.5 ml O2.kg-1.min-1; %VO2 = 85.7 ± 4.9%; running velocity = 11.4 ± 1.1 km.h-1; HR = 179 ± 7 bpm. The peak VO2 was 47.4 ± 4.1 ml O2. kg-1.min-1. In conclusion, the ventilatory thresholds and the aerobic power verified in female soccer players are physiological parameters of great importance, as they make it possible to enlarge their practical application, qualifying, controlling and developing the physical training of such athletes in a more practical and objective manner.

O futebol feminino tem crescido acentuadamente em nosso país. Quinze jogadoras de futebol com média de idade de 22,3 ± 6,2 anos, peso 58,2 ± 8,3kg e estatura 162,5 ± 6,1cm foram submetidas à avaliação de vários parâmetros considerados importantes para o rendimento atlético das futebolistas. Além disso, compararam-se alguns índices funcionais encontrados na literatura com os de jogadoras de outros países com mais experiência na prática dessa modalidade. Os seguintes parâmetros e resultados foram: Cardiorrespiratório e metabólico em repouso e no exercício: FC = 87 ± 8bpm; PAS = 100,6 ± 4,5mmHg; PAD = 62,6 ± 4,5mmHg; FCmax. = 194 ± 7bpm; Borg = 19,5 ± 0,8; veloc. max. = 13,4 ± 0,9km.h-1; LV1 = 8,5km.h-1; LV2 = 11,2km.h-1; V Emax. = 93,9 ± 16,5L.min-1; VO2pico = 47,3 ± 4,5mlO2.kg-1.min-1 ; Cybex: força isocinética de MMII direito a 60º S-1 na extensão = 198,5 ± 44,1Nm; na flexão 133,3 ± 30,5Nm; MMII esquerdo a 60º S-1 na extensão = 203,6 ± 38,1Nm; na flexão 116,5 ± 18,8Nm; Wingate: potência de pico corrigida pelo peso = 9,5 ± 0,9w.kg-1; potência média = 7,5 ± 0,5w.kg-1; índice de fadiga = 56,7 ± 7,3%; % de gordura = 17,4 ± 2,3%; Avaliação oftalmológica: acuidade visual para longe dos olhos direito e esquerdo foi de 97,5 ± 5,8%, pressão intra-ocular do olho direito e esquerdo = 13,7 ± 2,7 e 13,1 ± 2,4mmHg, respectivamente. Os resultados das variáveis cuja comparação foi possível com os das futebolistas internacionais mostraram que nossas atletas estavam com os índices equivalentes e, em alguns casos, até superiores. Entretanto, pela escassez de informações, ainda não há condições de estabelecer a quantificação dos índices mais adequados para a prática desta modalidade esportiva pelas mulheres. É necessária a realização de um volume maior de estudos, enfocando vários aspectos do futebol feminino.

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 author's opinion, a greater volume of investigation is needed focusing various female soccer features.

The observation that murine thymocytes increase their proliferation to interleukin 1 (IL-1) in the presence of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) when pre-incubated with interleukin 2 (IL-2) allowed the introduction of a modified assay for the measurement of IL-1 or the search of thymocyte-inducing proliferative activities in biological samples. Pre-incubation of thymocytes for 24 hr with 50 u/ml IL-2, followed by washings, elicited their maximal response to IL-1 in the usual lymphocyte activating factor (LAF) assay. This suggests that sequential events lead to thymocyte activation. The responsiveness is three to five fold greater than, and the total time of assay is the same as that of the LAF assay. Interestingly, pre-incubation with IL-2 renders thymocytes more sensitive than responsive to crude monocyte conditioned media. The use of the MTT colorimetric method for the assessment of thymocyte proliferation, and of the lectin jacalin as a co-mitogen are suggested as alternatives to be used in co-stimulatory assays.