Distances from the Correlation between Galaxy Luminosities and Rotation Rates

A large luminosity--linewidth template sample is now available, improved absorption corrections have been derived, and there are a statistically significant number of galaxies with well determined distances to supply the zero point. A revised estimate of the Hubble Constant is H_0=77 +-4 km/s/Mpc where the error is the 95% probability statistical error. Systematic uncertainties are potentially twice as large.Comment: 21 pages, 9 figures. Invited chapter for the book `Post-Hipparcos Cosmic Candles', Eds. F. Caputo and A. Heck (Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

Baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial [ISRCTN32121581]

BACKGROUND: Results of preclinical studies suggest that the GABA(B )receptor agonist baclofen may be useful in treatment of opioid dependence. This study was aimed at assessing the possible efficacy of baclofen for maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. METHODS: A total of 40 opioid-dependent patients were detoxified and randomly assigned to receive baclofen (60 mg/day) or placebo in a 12-week, double blind, parallel-group trial. Primary outcome measure was retention in treatment. Secondary outcome measures included opioids and alcohol use according to urinalysis and self-report ratings, intensity of opioid craving assessed with a visual analogue scale, opioid withdrawal symptoms as measured by the Short Opiate Withdrawal Scale and depression scores on the Hamilton inventory. RESULTS: Treatment retention was significantly higher in the baclofen group. Baclofen also showed a significant superiority over placebo in terms of opiate withdrawal syndrome and depressive symptoms. Non-significant, but generally favorable responses were seen in the baclofen group with other outcome measures including intensity of opioid craving and self-reported opioid and alcohol use. However, no significant difference was seen in the rates of opioid-positive urine tests. Additionally, the drug side effects of the two groups were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: The results support further study of baclofen in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence

ATUAÇÃO DA FISIOTERAPIA NO ESPORTE PARALÍMPICO

Cada vez mais, atletas paralímpicos têm obtido resultados expressivos em importantes competições, bem como o aparecimento de lesões musculoesqueléticas tem aumentando nesses atletas e, com isso, a ação da fisioterapia passa a ser importante e vem ganhando espaço nessa área. O objetivo do presente estudo é demonstrar as principais lesões musculoesqueléticas e a atuação do fisioterapeuta no esporte paralímpico. Observou-se que existem vários artigos publicados sobre lesões musculoesqueléticas, relacionados com a deficiência e a modalidade praticada pelo atleta. No entanto, são pouco detalhados quanto à atuação do fisioterapeuta e quais seriam as possíveis contribuições desse profissional na avaliação, no monitoramento, na intervenção e na prevenção das lesões em atletas paralímpicos. Pode-se concluir que o fisioterapeuta é um profissional de extrema relevância para a reabilitação de lesões. Contudo, as informações sobre sua atuação no esporte paralímpico ainda são restritas no que se refere às áreas nas quais pode atuar e auxiliar o atleta paralímpico

Effects of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone on intracranial self-stimulation in C57BL/6J Mice

RATIONALE: The neuroactive steroid (3α,5α)-3-hydroxy-pregnan-20-one (3α,5α-THP, allopregnanolone) has effects on reward-related behaviors in mice and rats that suggest that it may activate brain reward circuits. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) is an operant behavioral technique that detects changes in the sensitivity of brain reward circuitry following drug administration. OBJECTIVE: to examine the effects of the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone on ICSS and to compare these effects to those of cocaine. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice implanted with stimulating electrodes implanted into the medial forebrain bundle responded for reinforcement by electrical stimulation (brain stimulation reward, BSR). Mice received cocaine (n=11, 3.0 – 30.0 mg/kg, i.p.) or the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (n=11, 3.0 – 17.0 mg/kg, i.p.). BSR thresholds (θ(0)) and maximum operant response rates (MAX) after drug treatments were compared to those after vehicle injections. RESULTS: Cocaine and allopregnanolone dose dependently lowered BSR thresholds relative to vehicle injections. Cocaine was maximally effective (80 % reduction) in the second 15 minutes following the 30 mg/kg dose, while allopregnanolone was maximally effective (30% reduction) 15-45 minutes after the 17 mg/kg dose. Neither drug had significant effects on MAX response rates. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of allopregnanolone on BSR thresholds are consistent with the previously reported effects of benzodiazepines and alcohol suggesting that positive modulation of GABA(A) receptors can facilitate reward-related behaviors in C57BL/6J mice