Universidade Estadual de Londrina

About: Universidade Estadual de Londrina is a education organization based out in Londrina, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Toxoplasma gondii. The organization has 13052 authors who have published 19291 publications receiving 212123 citations.

Determining the Optimum Power Load in Jump Squat Using the Mean Propulsive Velocity.

Abstract: The jump squat is one of the exercises most frequently used to improve lower body power production, which influences sports performance. However, the traditional determination of the specific workload at which power production is maximized (i.e., optimum power load) is time-consuming and requires one-repetition maximum tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to verify whether elite athletes from different sports would produce maximum mean propulsive power values at a narrow range of mean propulsive velocities, resulting in similar jump heights. One hundred and nine elite athletes from several individual/team sport disciplines underwent repetitions at maximal velocity with progressive loads, starting at 40% of their body mass with increments of 10% to determine the individual optimum power zone. Results indicated that regardless of sport discipline, the athletes’ optimum mean propulsive power was achieved at a mean propulsive velocity close to 1.0 m.s−1 (1.01 ± 0.07 m.s−1) and at a jump height close to 20 cm (20.47 ± 1.42 cm). Data were narrowly scattered around these values. Therefore, jump squat optimum power load can be determined simply by means of mean propulsive velocity or jump height determination in training/testing settings, allowing it to be implemented quickly in strength/power training.

Challenges of treatment adherence by people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Analisar as dificuldades referentes a adesao ao tratamento de pacientes vivendo com HIV/Aids em terapia anti-retroviral altamente ativa. METODOS: Pesquisa qualitativa baseada em 34 entrevistas com pacientes em tratamento de diversos servicos ambulatoriais do estado de Sao Paulo em 1998-1999. O grupo compreendeu pessoas de diferentes niveis socioeconomicos, sexo, tempo no tratamento e diferentes graus de adesao de acordo com a percepcao da equipe de saude. As entrevistas foram focalizadas na narrativa do paciente sobre sua doenca. A analise de conteudo classificou as dificuldades relacionadas a fatores sociais e do estilo de vida, incluindo o estigma; a crencas acerca do uso da medicacao; e diretamente ao uso da medicacao. RESULTADOS: Todos os entrevistados relataram dificuldades relacionadas ao estigma de viver com HIV/Aids. As dificuldades relacionadas ao uso da medicacao predominaram entre pacientes com melhor adesao. Pacientes com aderencia media apresentaram os tres tipos de dificuldade. CONCLUSOES: Os fatores sociais e culturais sao mais dificeis de serem superados para adesao ao tratamento do que aqueles relacionados a tomar a medicacao, o que torna importante o papel desempenhado pelo setor saude, apoiado por politicas publicas sociais claras. Essas dimensoes devem ser enfrentadas nao somente no setor saude, mas tambem nos âmbitos politico e social.

Comparing the Pilates method with no exercise or lumbar stabilization for pain and functionality in patients with chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis:

Abstract: Objective: To perform a systematic review with meta-analyses that evaluates the effectiveness of the Pilates method on the pain and functionality outcome in adults with non-specific chronic low back pain.Data sources: The search was performed in the following databases: Medline, Embase, AMED, Cinahl, Lilacs, Scielo, SportDiscus, ProQuest, Web of Science, PEDro, Academic Search Premier and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1950 to 2011; the following keywords were used: ‘Pilates’, ‘Pilates-based’, ‘back exercises’, ‘exercise therapy’, ‘low back pain’, ‘back pain’ and ‘backache.’Review methods: The inclusion criteria were studies that assessed the effects of the Pilates method on patients with chronic low back pain.Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients was 71 in the Pilates group and 68 in the control group. Pilates exercise did not improve functionality (standardized mean difference (SMD = –1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) −2.80, 0.11; P = 0....

Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Renal Failure in Patients Treated with Colistin versus Polymyxin B

Abstract: Nephrotoxicity is the main adverse effect of colistin and polymyxin B (PMB). It is not clear whether these two antibiotics are associated with different nephrotoxicity rates. We compared the incidences of renal failure (RF) in patients treated with colistimethate sodium (CMS) or PMB for ≥48 h. A multicenter prospective cohort study was performed that included patients aged ≥18 years. The primary outcome was renal failure (RF) according to Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, and End-stage renal disease (RIFLE) criteria. Multivariate analysis with a Cox regression model was performed. A total of 491 patients were included: 81 in the CMS group and 410 in the PMB group. The mean daily doses in milligrams per kilogram of body weight were 4.2 ± 1.3 and 2.4 ± 0.73 of colistin base activity and PMB, respectively. The overall incidence of RF was 16.9% (83 patients): 38.3% and 12.7% in the CMS and PMB groups, respectively (P< 0.001). In multivariate analysis, CMS therapy was an independent risk factor for RF (hazard ratio, 3.35; 95% confidence interval, 2.05 to 5.48;P< 0.001) along with intensive care unit admission, higher weight, older age, and bloodstream and intraabdominal infections. CMS was also independently associated with a higher risk of RF in various subgroup analyses. The incidence of RF was higher in the CMS group regardless of the patient baseline creatinine clearance. The development of RF during therapy was not associated with 30-day mortality in multivariate analysis. CMS was associated with significantly higher rates of RF than those of PMB. Further studies are required to confirm our findings in other patient populations.