Les différents génotypes de Coronavirus canins (CCoV-I/II) et félins (FCoV-I/II) sont phylogénétiquement proches, suggérant des transmissions inter-espèces entre chiens et chats. Lors d’analyses de séquences menées sur des chats infectés, des souches félines atypiques ont pu être mises en évidence, contenant un gène S de type FCoV-I, un gène N de type CCoV-I, ainsi que la présence du gène ORF3, spécifique à CCoV-I. Dans ces souches, le gène ORF3 est présent avec une ou deux délétions toujours identiques, conduisant à la synthèse de protéines tronquées gp3-Δ1 et gp3-Δ2. Les délétions de protéines accessoires étant déjà impliquées dans les transmissions inter-espèces, une étude de caractérisation de la protéine gp3 et de ses différentes formes a été menée. Les trois protéines s’oligomérisent de manière covalente et sont retenues dans le réticulum endoplasmique, en absence de signal spécifique de rétention. Les délétions influencent le niveau d’expression des protéines en cellules félines, où seule l’expression de gp3-Δ1 est visible, alors qu’elles conservent toutes une expression optimale en cellules canines. En l’absence de souches de Coronavirus cultivables en laboratoire contenant le gène ORF3, des cellules canines exprimant l’une des protéines gp3 ont été infectées par une souche CCoV-II. Dans ce modèle, les protéines gp3 ne modifient pas le cycle viral. Dans un contexte d’émergence de nouveaux Coronavirus, la compréhension des mécanismes moléculaires de changement d’hôte est cruciale et les Coronavirus félins et canins peuvent représenter un modèle d’étude utile. / The different genotypes of canine (CCoV-I/II) and feline (FCoV-I/II) Coronaviruses share a close phylogenetic relationship, suggesting inter-species transmissions between cats and dogs. Through sequence analyses of cat samples, atypical FCoV strains, harbouring an S gene related to FCoV-I, an N gene close to the CCoV-I cluster and the ORF3 gene, peculiar to CCoV-I, were discovered. This ORF3 gene was systematically truncated in feline samples, displaying either one or two identical deletions, leading to the translation of gp3-Δ1 and gp3-Δ2. As deletions in accessory proteins have already been involved in host-switch, studies of the different variants of gp3 were conducted. Results demonstrate that all proteins oligomerize through covalent bonds and are retained in the ER, without any specific retention signal. Deletions influence the expression level with a proper expression of the three proteins in canine cells, whereas only gp3-Δ1 expression is sustained in feline cells. As no isolates of Coronavirus harbouring the ORF3 gene exists, cells expressing the different gp3 proteins have been infected with a CCoV-II strain. In this model, the gp3 proteins do not influence the viral life cycle. In the light of emergence of new Coronaviruses, investigations on their molecular mechanisms during the host-switch are crucial and canine and feline Coronaviruses could represent a useful model.

Comme en droit privé, la théorie de l’accessoire s’exprime en droit administratif par l’adage "accessorium sequitur principale", selon lequel "l’accessoire suit le principal". Son utilisation dans cette matière est, si ce n’est croissante, tout du moins de plus en plus consciente. Tant le juge que la doctrine s’y réfèrent aujourd’hui volontiers pour justifier diverses solutions, appliquées le plus souvent de longue date – par exemple pour étendre la qualification de "contrat administratif" ou l’application du régime de la domanialité publique –, mais pour lesquelles on avait jusqu’alors omis de leur trouver un fondement. Cette utilisation demeure néanmoins assez largement impressionniste, dès lors que ne sont véritablement déterminés, ni ce qu’est un élément "accessoire", ni ce que signifie "suivre le principal", ni encore moins la raison pour laquelle l’accessoire devrait le suivre. Noyée dans un chaos de procédés juridiques voisins, et de solutions jurisprudentielles non ou peu motivées, la théorie de l’accessoire peut apparaître in fine comme un simple artifice argumentatif. Cette étude poursuit ainsi un triple objectif. Tout d’abord, faciliter l’identification des situations d’accessoriété, c’est-à-dire des situations dans lesquelles un élément peut être appréhendé comme étant l’accessoire d’un autre, de façon à pouvoir anticiper quand la théorie de l’accessoire est amenée à jouer. Ensuite, identifier les effets juridiques qui peuvent lui être imputés, de manière à saisir ce qu’il est possible d’attendre d’elle. Enfin, mettre en lumière les fonctions qu’elle remplit, afin de comprendre sur quel fondement et dans quel but elle est susceptible d’être mise en œuvre. / The "accessory theory" is a legal rule that tends to suggest that the accessory has to follow the principal. Even though it had been increasingly invoked in administrative law, it has been used in a somewhat impressionistic way. In order to better understand it and facilitate its application, this study aims to figure out when, how and why this theory applies in French administrative law.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:25:52Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ana Carolina Rossi Barreto.pdf: 452321 bytes, checksum: 5571ae7b4969e1b64394787e43f807f6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-08-29 / This paper has the intention of presenting the accessory obligations provisioned by the social security legislation; to establish their purpose, justify their concepts, and to demonstrate their importance within the scope of the Brazilian social security. It also intends to demonstrate that, with the Federal Constitution of 1988 abandoning the adoption of the concept of a Constitution directed to the state adopting a Constitution directed to Society and here, specifically regarding accessory obligations, there was the emergence of multiple effects, among them the requirement that these meet their finality content, which is, the interest of the tax collection or of the inspecting authorities .Regarding their concept and delimitation, it can be seen that there are conflicts in the doctrine on nomenclature, so that the values and principles brought by the Federal Constitution of 1988, which in their force, allow imparting effectiveness to the compliance and development of the social protection programs. For this, seeking to improve the reader s understanding within this universe, first there is a study of the financing of the Brazilian Social Security, the concept and the features of the social contributions directed to it, as well as the composition of its legal relation / O presente trabalho tem o intuito de apresentar as obrigações acessórias previstas na legislação previdenciária; estabelecer sua finalidade, justificar seu conceito, e demonstrar sua importância no âmbito da Previdência Social Brasileira. Pretende ademais demonstrar que com Constituição Federal de 1988 - em que se abandonou uma concepção de Constituição voltada para o Estado e passou-se a adotar uma Constituição dirigida para a Sociedade e aqui, especificamente no que atine às obrigações acessórias, deu-se margem ao nascimento de múltiplos efeitos, dentre eles a exigência de estas atendam ao seu conteúdo finalístico, qual seja, o interesse da arrecadação ou da fiscalização .Quanto ao seu conceito e delimitação, verifica-se a existência de conflitos na doutrina acerca de sua nomenclatura, modo de os valores e princípios trazidos pela Constituição Federal de 1988, que em sua aplicação possibilitam dar efetividade ao cumprimento e desenvolvimento dos programas de proteção social. Para tanto, buscando melhor situar o leitor dentro deste universo, primeiramente encontra-se o estudo do financiamento da Seguridade Social Brasileira, o conceito e características das contribuições sociais à ele destinada, bem como a composição de sua relação jurídica

Submitted by William Justo Figueiro (williamjf) on 2015-06-26T21:43:13Z No. of bitstreams: 1 40.pdf: 1940998 bytes, checksum: 1013285a70a8eb4710a6cb3c414da9c6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-06-26T21:43:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 40.pdf: 1940998 bytes, checksum: 1013285a70a8eb4710a6cb3c414da9c6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / Nenhuma / Com que acessório eu vou? configura um estudo exploratório sobre a construção da identidade social da consumidora de acessórios de moda. Dios (2007) diz que o consumo é, hoje, parte central da definição da identidade das pessoas. Logo, o consumo de acessórios de moda pode possibilitar o entendimento acerca de múltiplos processos sociais e culturais. Sob tal perspectiva, a presente pesquisa busca contribuir com a discussão sobre o tema que se refere ao consumo, pensando em sua relação com um produto, especialmente: o acessório de moda. Para tanto, visa entender como se processa a relação entre o consumo de acessórios de moda e a construção de identidade das consumidoras, explorando e investigando o referido relacionamento como forma de diferenciação e de expressão. Em específico, objetiva-se analisar as práticas de uso/consumo das consumidoras de acessórios de moda e descrever suas representações, no que concerne às mulheres que o realizam. Ademais, busca verificar os possíveis projetos de identidades da mulher consumidora de acessórios. Nesse sentido, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, de caráter exploratório e abordagem interpretativa. E, para isso, adotaram-se as seguintes técnicas: entrevistas autodirigidas com imagens ou de elicitação fotográfica (Photo Elicitation Technique (PET)) e entrevistas em profundidade. Ao que parece, o consumo pode ser visto como fator fundamental na construção da identidade das mulheres. O crescimento da importância feminina em diferentes mercados e da exigência da boa aparência só faz aumentar o consumo de acessórios. Portanto, a cultura como sistema dinâmico rompe continuamente velhas relações e estabelece novas ligações e identidades, o que torna possível concluir que os sujeitos querem, através das práticas de consumo, comunicar significados, acentuando a dimensão cultural do consumo. Por fim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi contribuir com o tema do consumo de acessório de moda e seu papel na construção e manutenção da identidade das mulheres consumidoras de acessórios de moda. Neste sentido, as informações encontradas na pesquisa sobre a consumidora de acessório de moda são importantes tanto para a academia quanto para as empresas que atuam na comercialização e fabricação desses bens, como também para aquelas organizações que se preocupam em conhecer as tendências de consumo e identidade das mulheres dentro de uma sociedade ou cultura específica. / What accessory do I go? it is an exploratory study on the construction of social identity in consumer fashion accessories. Dios (2007) says that consumption is today the central part of the definition of the identity of persons. Therefore, the consumption of fashion accessories can seek to understand the multiple social and cultural processes. Thus, this study seeks to contribute to the discussion on the topic consumer thinking about their relationship with a product specifically: the fashion accessory. Therefore, the research seeks to understand how is the relationship between the consumption of fashion accessories and identity construction of these consumers, exploring and investigating this relationship for consumption as a form of differentiation and expression. In particular, the objective is to analyze the practices of use/ consumption of consumer fashion accessories and also describe the representations of the use/ consumption of fashion accessories for women. Furthermore, the research seeks to verify the identities of possible projects consuming woman accessories. In this sense, qualitative research, exploratory and interpretive approach will be made. For this, the following techniques are used: selfdirected interviews with images or photo elicitation (PET) and in-depth interviews. Apparently, the consumption can be seen as a key factor in the construction of identities of women. The growing importance of women in different markets and the requirement of looking well is only increasing consumption of accessories. Culture as a dynamic system continually breaks old relationships and establishing new connections, identities. People want through consumption practices, communicate meanings, emphasizing the cultural dimension of consumption. Finally, the aim of this work was to contribute to the theme of consumption of fashion accessory and its role in building and maintaining the identity of women consumers of fashion accessories. In this sense, the information found in research on consumer of fashion accessory are important both for the academy and for the companies operating in the manufacturing and marketing of these goods, but also for those organizations who care to know the trends of consumption and identity women within a specific society or culture.

Submitted by Filipe dos Santos (fsantos@pucsp.br) on 2017-10-23T12:21:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Eliza Remédio Alecrim.pdf: 1523949 bytes, checksum: 7e1b19ed75902a3a781b1a9e2535880c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-23T12:21:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Eliza Remédio Alecrim.pdf: 1523949 bytes, checksum: 7e1b19ed75902a3a781b1a9e2535880c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-10-03 / The purpose of the present work, at first, is to investigate the nature of the rule that determines the behavior of to do, not to do, or support in tax matters, which we call accessory obligations. Such research is supported by the different conceptions by the legal doctrine, allocated on different currents of thought. In that it takes highlighted the proliferation of these impositions created daily in the various spheres of public administration, it is necessary to pursue the limits imposed in the creation of these, by analyzing the general and abstract norm, in line with its foundation of validity, the constitutional norm. Then, with a more pragmatic perspective, intends unravel for the impacts of such exemptions, either alone regarding its expression in monetary value, as concomitantly, when instituted in specific scenarios, such as immunity, exemption, or through computerization of public administration. On the latter, draws a comparison of the impacts considered at a global level. The aim is to awaken to the importance of this investigation, in view of the effect that such senses may cause / A presente dissertação tem como escopo, num primeiro momento, investigar a natureza da norma que determina o comportamento de fazer, não fazer ou suportar em matéria tributária, a que denominamos obrigação acessória. Tal pesquisa tem respaldo nas diferentes concepções albergadas pela doutrina jurídica, alocadas em distintas correntes de pensamento. Na medida em que toma destaque a proliferação destas imposições criadas diariamente nos diversos âmbitos da administração pública, faz-se necessária a perseguição dos limites impostos na criação destas, por meio da análise destrinchada da norma geral e abstrata, em linha com seu fundamento de validade, qual seja, a norma constitucional. Num segundo momento, sob um prisma mais pragmático, intenta desvendar para os impactos de tais exações, tanto isoladamente, no que diz respeito a sua expressão em valor pecuniário, como concomitantemente, quando instituída em situações específicas, como na imunidade, na isenção, ou em meio à informatização da administração pública. Por último, traça um comparativo dos impactos considerados em âmbito global. O intuito é o de despertar para a importância desta investigação, tendo em vista as consequências que tais acepções podem causar

The maximum sensitivity of a thermal IR sensor can be available either by means of the sensor material, having its own absorbing properties, or by the deposition of an additional absorber structure on the detector surface. In this thesis, the theory of two absorption structures is discussed. The first is called the interferometric absorber structure. The second structure under investigation uses a lead selenide layer for the IR absorption. In the interferometric structure, a new epoxy material SU8-2002 was used as a dielectric medium. This material has a very low thermal conductivity of 0.3 W/mK, which makes it suitable for thermal detectors. The interferometric structure is based on three layers, a 40–60 Å thick Ti layer, a SU8–2002 layer with a thickness of 2000 Å thick and a 2000Å Al layer. Using standard cleanroom processing an interferometric structure was fabricated. Transfer matrix theory was used in order to simulate the interferometric structure and the lead selenide was fabricated by means of an argon-plasma sputtering process. Both fabricated samples were characterized through Fourier transfer infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy together with a specular reflectance accessory. The thicknesses of the added layers were measured using Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for both the interferometric and lead selenide structure.  It was determined  that by changing the reflective index value of the SU8-2002 from the reported value of 1.575 to about 2.40 that this provided a better agreement with the experimental results. The absorption results for the interferometric structure were determined to be approximately 82–98% for the wavelength region of 2-20µm at 30 degree. The PbSe absorption spectra showed 30%–50% absorption for the wavelength region 2.5 – 6.67μm.

The circular, single-stranded (ss) DNA genomes of plant viruses in the families Geminiviridae and Nanoviridae are replicated within the nucleus of a host cell by a mechanism called rolling circle replication (RCR). Although this process relies almost exclusively on the replication machinery of the host cell, initiation occurs via the interaction of the viral replication initiation protein (Rep) with regulatory DNA sequences within the viral genome. The use of a virus-based episomal amplification technology as a plant bioreactor platform exploits the process of Rep-mediated RCR for the high-level amplification of virus-based episomes in plants and subsequent expression of heterologous proteins; such an approach offers advantages over existing gene expression technologies. This PhD thesis describes research towards the development of a virus-based episomal amplification system for use in sugarcane. Such a crop is ideally suited for a plant bioreactor system due to the efficient high-level production of plant biomass and the existence of established production, harvesting and processing infrastructure. In order to rapidly assess the potential of a virus-based episomal amplification system in sugarcane, a transient assay system was established. Sugarcane callus was identified as the most suitable cell preparation; providing rapid cell regeneration, uniform experimental samples and upon isolation, total DNA suitable for Southern analysis. This assay system once established, proved effective in rapidly identifying virus-based episomes capable of undergoing RCR within sugarcane host cells. This transient assay system was then used to test the functionality of a virus-based episomal amplification system based on the ssDNA virus, Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) in sugarcane. BBTV-based episomal amplification vectors were constructed with a reporter gene expression cassette flanked by two copies of the BBTV regulatory DNA sequences. The episomal amplification vectors were bombarded into sugarcane and banana host cells in various combinations and evidence of RCR was assessed through Southern blot analysis. RCR products were identified in banana host cells bombarded with the BBTV-based episomal amplification vectors in combination with vectors encoding BBTV Master-Rep (M Rep). RCR products were not identified within sugarcane cells bombarded with the same construct combinations. Integrated InPAct (In Plant Activation) episomal vectors based on BBTV were then employed to confirm the transient results, in addition, the functionality of an InPAct vector based on an alternate virus, Tobacco yellow dwarf virus (TYDV) was also assessed. InPAct vectors based on BBTV were constructed with an untranslatable expression cassette for integration within the sugarcane genome. Transient experiments were performed to assess the ability of BBTV M-Rep and TYDV Rep to initiate RCR of their respective InPAct vectors. Visual observation of GFP expression indicated that BBTV M-Rep was capable of initiating RCR of the BBTVbased InPAct vectors within banana host cells but no evidence was observed in sugarcane host cells. TYDV Rep was capable of initiating RCR of the TYDV-based InPAct vector within sugarcane host cells with a 100-fold increase in the number of fluorescent foci compared to cells bombarded with the TYDV InPAct vector alone. The BBTV-based InPAct vector was stably integrated within the sugarcane genome and the ability for BBTV M-Rep to initiate episome formation and RCR was assessed by Southern blot analysis. Evidence of BBTV M-Rep mediated RCR was not detected within the transgenic sugarcane bombarded with BBTV M-Rep. Transgenic sugarcane containing the TYDV-based InPAct vectors was assessed for the ability to be activated by TYDV Rep and undergo RCR. Southern blot analysis demonstrated that TYDV Rep was capable of recognising the integrated TYDVbased InPAct vector and RCR was detected within the transgenic sugarcane. The observation that episomal vectors based on TYDV were functional within sugarcane host cells and BBTV-based vectors were not, was unexpected. It had been hypothesised that an episomal vector based on a monocot-infecting virus would replicate in an alternate monocot host, while an episomal vector based on a dicot infecting virus would not. Virus replication is thought to be host-specific however most host range studies have been conducted with full length infectious clones and not deconstructed virus-based episomes. The implication that viral Reps may be functional in plant cells of non-host species was then investigated. The ability for viral Reps to recognise their cognate IR and initiate RCR of virus-based episomes in different host cells was assessed through cross-replication experiments. Four ssDNA plant viruses; BBTV, TYDV, Chloris striate mosaic virus (CSMV) and Tomato leaf curl virus - Australia (ToLCV-Au) were assessed via Southern blot analysis for their ability to initiate both autonomous replication of infectious clones and episomal amplification within three different plant hosts; tobacco, sugarcane and banana. Results from cross replication studies indicated a complex interaction between viral and host replication components. BBTV infectious clones and episomal vectors were restricted to replication within banana host cells providing a clear indication that episomal amplification vectors based on BBTV are restricted to Musa spp. BBTV M-Rep was unable to recognise the viral regulatory DNA sequences of the other three ssDNA viruses. TYDV infectious clones and episomal vectors were capable of replicating within all three host cells tested, indicating that TYDV is capable of undergoing RCR within a broad range of plant hosts. TYDV Rep was also capable of recognising the viral regulatory DNA sequences of both CSMV and BBTV given favourable conditions within specific plant hosts. Replication of the CSMV infectious clone was not detected in any of the three host cells, although fidelity of this clone requires further confirmation. CSMV episomal vectors were functional within banana host cells only, indicating that although closely related to TYDV, episomal amplification vectors based on CSMV have a restricted host range. CSMV Rep could not initiate RCR of episomal amplification vectors containing the viral regulatory DNA regions of the other three viruses in any of the plant host cells. ToLCV-Au infectious clones were capable of replicating within banana and tobacco host cells. Episomal amplification vectors based on ToLCV-Au extended the host range to sugarcane. ToLCV-Au Rep was unable to recognise the viral regulatory DNA sequences of the other three viruses in any of the plant host cells. The ability for a viral Rep to recognise its own cognate regulatory DNA sequences within alternate plant host cells is variable. Episomal amplification vectors based on TYDV and ToLCV-Au appear to be the most suitable for the further development of a virusbased bioreactor system in sugarcane. This study details the initial steps taken towards the development of a virus-based episomal amplification system in sugarcane. In doing so, fundamental knowledge into the mechanisms involved in Rep recognition of viral regulatory DNA sequences has been gathered. These research findings will provide a solid foundation for the further development of a sugarcane-based bioreactor.

Thesis (doctoral)--Universiteit Leiden, 2005. / "Stellingen" inserted. Includes bibliographical references (p. xiii-xxiii) and index.

INTRODUÇÃO: A desvantagem mecânica induzida pela hiperinsuflação leva os pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) a usar a musculatura acessória da respiração. Os efeitos do alongamento destes músculos em pacientes com DPOC não são bem conhecidos. OBJETIVOS: a) Comparar a ativação dos músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC e controles e estudar a relação entre a ativação muscular e a capacidade inspiratória (CI); b) avaliar os efeitos de uma técnica de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (FNP) sobre os músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 homens com DPOC e 30 controles com espirometria normal. Todos os indivíduos realizaram espirometria, medida das pressões inspiratória e expiratória máxima (PImáx, PEmáx) e avaliação da ativação muscular através da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs). Os pacientes com DPOC foram randomizados para FNP dos músculos acessórios da respiração ou contração isotônica do bíceps (tratamento simulado, TS). Capacidade vital forçada (CVF), CI, PImáx, PEmáx, oximetria de pulso (SpO2) e mobilidade torácica foram medidos antes e após a intervenção. RESULTADOS: Os valores basais dos pacientes com DPOC foram: CVF 2,69 ± 0,6 L, VEF1 1,07 ± 0,23 L (34,9 ± 8,2%), CI 2,25 ± 0,5 L, PImáx -71,8 ± 19,8 cmH2O e PEmáx 106,1 ± 29,9 cmH2O. No grupo controle os valores funcionais basais foram normais. Pacientes com DPOC apresentaram maior ativação dos músculos escalenos e intercostal direito no repouso e do músculo escaleno e intercostal esquerdo durante a manobra da CI (p<0,05). Foi observada correlação moderada entre CI e atividade muscular do esternocleidomastoideo direito (r=-0,41;p=0,026) e do escaleno esquerdo (r=- 0,40;p=0,031) em pacientes com DPOC. Nenhuma associação foi verificada no grupo controle. A CI variou (OCI) 0,083 ± 0,04 L após FNP e -0,029 ± 0,015 L após TS (p=0,03). A PEmáx aumentou de 102,4 ± 20,6 cmH2O para 112,4 ± 24,5 cmH2O (p=0,02) após FNP e não variou significativamente após TS. Observou-se um aumento significativo da SpO2 com a FNP (p=0,02). Não houve alteração da CV, da PImáx e da mobilidade torácica após a FNP. Não houve alteração no sinal EMG após FNP ou TS. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que pacientes com DPOC apresentam maior ativação dos músculos acessórios da respiração no repouso e durante a realização da CI em comparação com controles e que esta ativação está inversamente associada com a CI. Nosso estudo também demonstrou que uma sessão de FNP dos músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC aumentou a CI, a PEmáx e a SpO2, sem alteração no sinal EMG. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar os efeitos da técnica de FNP em longo prazo em pacientes com DPOC. / BACKGROUND: The mechanical disadvantage induced by hyperinflation forces chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to use their accessory respiratory muscles. In COPD patients the effects of applying stretching techniques to these muscles are not well understood. AIM: The aims of our study were: a) to compare the activation of accessory respiratory muscles in patients with COPD and control subjects and study the relationship between muscle activation and inspiratory capacity (IC); b) to analyze the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique applied to the accessory respiratory muscles on patients with COPD. METHODS: We studied 30 male COPD and 30 control subjects. All subjects underwent spirometry, measurement of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP) and assessment of muscle activation by surface electromyography (sEMG). COPD patients were randomized for PNF of accessory respiratory muscles or isometric contraction of the biceps (sham treatment; ST). Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), IC, MIP, MEP, pulse oximetry (SpO2) and thoracic expansion were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: Baseline values of COPD patients were: FVC 2.69 ± 0.6 l, FEV1 1.07 ± 0.23 l (34.9 ± 8.2%), IC 2.25 ± 0.5l, PImax -71.8 ± 19.8 cmH2O and PEmax 106.1 ± 29.9 cmH2O. Control subjects had all baseline values normal. Patients with COPD showed higher activation of both scalene and right intercostal muscles at rest and of left intercostal and left scalene muscle during the IC maneuver (p <0.05). Moderate correlation was observed between CI and the right sternocleidomastoid muscle activity (r = -0.41, p = 0.026) and left scalene (r = -0.40, p = 0.031) in patients with COPD. No association was observed in the control group. CI varied (OCI) 0.083 ± 0.04 l after PNF and -0.029 ± 0.015 l after ST (p = 0.03). The MEP increased from 102.4 ± 20.6 to 112.4 ± 24.5 cmH2O (p = 0.02) after PNF and did not change significantly after TS. There was a significant increase in the SpO2 with PNF (p=0.02). There was no change in FVC, MIP or thoracic mobility after PNF. There was no change in EMG after PNF or TS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that patients with COPD have greater activation of accessory respiratory muscles at rest and during CI compared with controls, and that this activation is inversely associated with CI. Our study also demonstrated that a session of PNF applied to the accessory respiratory muscles in patients with COPD increased CI, MEP and SpO2, with no change in the sEMG signal. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of PNF applied to the acessory respiratory muscles on patients with COPD.

INTRODUÇÃO: A desvantagem mecânica induzida pela hiperinsuflação leva os pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) a usar a musculatura acessória da respiração. Os efeitos do alongamento destes músculos em pacientes com DPOC não são bem conhecidos. OBJETIVOS: a) Comparar a ativação dos músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC e controles e estudar a relação entre a ativação muscular e a capacidade inspiratória (CI); b) avaliar os efeitos de uma técnica de facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (FNP) sobre os músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 30 homens com DPOC e 30 controles com espirometria normal. Todos os indivíduos realizaram espirometria, medida das pressões inspiratória e expiratória máxima (PImáx, PEmáx) e avaliação da ativação muscular através da eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs). Os pacientes com DPOC foram randomizados para FNP dos músculos acessórios da respiração ou contração isotônica do bíceps (tratamento simulado, TS). Capacidade vital forçada (CVF), CI, PImáx, PEmáx, oximetria de pulso (SpO2) e mobilidade torácica foram medidos antes e após a intervenção. RESULTADOS: Os valores basais dos pacientes com DPOC foram: CVF 2,69 ± 0,6 L, VEF1 1,07 ± 0,23 L (34,9 ± 8,2%), CI 2,25 ± 0,5 L, PImáx -71,8 ± 19,8 cmH2O e PEmáx 106,1 ± 29,9 cmH2O. No grupo controle os valores funcionais basais foram normais. Pacientes com DPOC apresentaram maior ativação dos músculos escalenos e intercostal direito no repouso e do músculo escaleno e intercostal esquerdo durante a manobra da CI (p<0,05). Foi observada correlação moderada entre CI e atividade muscular do esternocleidomastoideo direito (r=-0,41;p=0,026) e do escaleno esquerdo (r=- 0,40;p=0,031) em pacientes com DPOC. Nenhuma associação foi verificada no grupo controle. A CI variou (OCI) 0,083 ± 0,04 L após FNP e -0,029 ± 0,015 L após TS (p=0,03). A PEmáx aumentou de 102,4 ± 20,6 cmH2O para 112,4 ± 24,5 cmH2O (p=0,02) após FNP e não variou significativamente após TS. Observou-se um aumento significativo da SpO2 com a FNP (p=0,02). Não houve alteração da CV, da PImáx e da mobilidade torácica após a FNP. Não houve alteração no sinal EMG após FNP ou TS. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que pacientes com DPOC apresentam maior ativação dos músculos acessórios da respiração no repouso e durante a realização da CI em comparação com controles e que esta ativação está inversamente associada com a CI. Nosso estudo também demonstrou que uma sessão de FNP dos músculos acessórios da respiração em pacientes com DPOC aumentou a CI, a PEmáx e a SpO2, sem alteração no sinal EMG. Estudos adicionais são necessários para avaliar os efeitos da técnica de FNP em longo prazo em pacientes com DPOC. / BACKGROUND: The mechanical disadvantage induced by hyperinflation forces chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to use their accessory respiratory muscles. In COPD patients the effects of applying stretching techniques to these muscles are not well understood. AIM: The aims of our study were: a) to compare the activation of accessory respiratory muscles in patients with COPD and control subjects and study the relationship between muscle activation and inspiratory capacity (IC); b) to analyze the effects of a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching technique applied to the accessory respiratory muscles on patients with COPD. METHODS: We studied 30 male COPD and 30 control subjects. All subjects underwent spirometry, measurement of maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP, MEP) and assessment of muscle activation by surface electromyography (sEMG). COPD patients were randomized for PNF of accessory respiratory muscles or isometric contraction of the biceps (sham treatment; ST). Mean forced vital capacity (FVC), IC, MIP, MEP, pulse oximetry (SpO2) and thoracic expansion were measured before and after intervention. RESULTS: Baseline values of COPD patients were: FVC 2.69 ± 0.6 l, FEV1 1.07 ± 0.23 l (34.9 ± 8.2%), IC 2.25 ± 0.5l, PImax -71.8 ± 19.8 cmH2O and PEmax 106.1 ± 29.9 cmH2O. Control subjects had all baseline values normal. Patients with COPD showed higher activation of both scalene and right intercostal muscles at rest and of left intercostal and left scalene muscle during the IC maneuver (p <0.05). Moderate correlation was observed between CI and the right sternocleidomastoid muscle activity (r = -0.41, p = 0.026) and left scalene (r = -0.40, p = 0.031) in patients with COPD. No association was observed in the control group. CI varied (OCI) 0.083 ± 0.04 l after PNF and -0.029 ± 0.015 l after ST (p = 0.03). The MEP increased from 102.4 ± 20.6 to 112.4 ± 24.5 cmH2O (p = 0.02) after PNF and did not change significantly after TS. There was a significant increase in the SpO2 with PNF (p=0.02). There was no change in FVC, MIP or thoracic mobility after PNF. There was no change in EMG after PNF or TS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that patients with COPD have greater activation of accessory respiratory muscles at rest and during CI compared with controls, and that this activation is inversely associated with CI. Our study also demonstrated that a session of PNF applied to the accessory respiratory muscles in patients with COPD increased CI, MEP and SpO2, with no change in the sEMG signal. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of PNF applied to the acessory respiratory muscles on patients with COPD.