Vapochromic features of new luminogens based on julolidine-containing styrene copolymers.

We report on vapochromic films suitable for detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), based on new polystyrene copolymers containing julolidine fluorescent molecular rotors (JCAEM). Poly(styrene-co-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) copolymers functionalized with cyanovinyl-julolidine moieties of different compositions were prepared, (P(STY-co-JCAEM)(m) with m = 0.06-0.61). The sensing performance of the spin-coated copolymer films demonstrated significant vapochromism when exposed to VOCs characterized by high vapour pressure and a favourable interaction with the polymer matrix, such as Et2O and CH2Cl2. It is worth mentioning that the fluorescence decrease rate was 7 times faster than that of previously investigated julolidine-based fluorescent molecular rotors dispersed in PS films. This phenomenon was attributed to the better control of the JCAEM moiety distribution in the polymer matrix conferred by the covalent approach, combined with a minimal film thickness of 4 microns. These factors, in concert, strongly accelerate the deactivation pathways of the JCAEM units in the presence of VOCs which interact well. Overall, the present results support the use of julolidine-enriched styrene copolymers as effective chromogenic materials suitable for the fast detection of VOCs.

Middle paleolithic human deciduous incisor from Grotta del Cavallo, Italy.

OBJECTIVES: In this contribution, we present a morphological description and comparative morphometric analysis of Cavallo D, a human tooth unearthed from the Mousterian FIII sublayer of Grotta del Cavallo (Apulia, Italy). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used microCT data to provide a detailed morphological description and morphometric analysis of the Cavallo D human tooth based on traditional diameter measurements and 3D enamel thickness. Moreover, new AMS radiocarbon dating of charcoals from layers FII was carried out. RESULTS: Morphological features observed in Cavallo D align the tooth to Neandertals. Similarly, the large size of the tooth (e.g., BL diameter) and the relatively thinner enamel thickness are typical Neandertal traits. 14 C datings of layer FII attribute the tooth to a time range of 45,600-42,900 cal BP (at 68% level of probability). DISCUSSION: Up to now, the Rdi1 Cavallo D represents the most recent Neandertal human remain in southern Italy related to a radiocarbon dated stratigraphy. Moreover, since deciduous teeth have been less investigated than the permanent ones, this contribution brings new data to increase our knowledge on the variability of the Neandertal deciduous dentition.

Methodological strategies to assess the degree of bone preservation for ancient DNA studies.

BACKGROUND: Archaeological bones contain only small amounts of DNA due to post-mortem DNA degradation and the changes endogenous DNA is subjected to during diagenesis. An important step before undertaking such time-consuming and costly analyses as ancient DNA investigation is to predict the presence of DNA in ancient samples. To date, the leading screening method has been amino acid racemization; however, other analytical techniques can also be used to assess the degree of bone preservation. AIM: The aim of the present study was to relate the presence of DNA with bone preservation in order to select samples potentially suitable for ancient DNA analysis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Bones collected from several archaeological sites, different locations (cave, rockshelter or sub divo) and diachronic periods were selected for analytical and spectroscopic analysis in order to correlate bone tissue preservation with the presence of DNA. Different techniques were combined to assess the degree of preservation of organic and inorganic components. RESULTS: As determined by different analytical methods, preservation of the inorganic component was best associated with the presence of DNA. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the bone preservation state may be an efficient step to predict the presence of DNA in ancient samples prior to aDNA analysis.

[Eating habit and metabolic syndrome in a sample of Brazilian adults]. / Hábito alimentar e síndrome metabólica em uma amostra de adultos brasileiros.

The objective was to analyze indicators related to eating habits and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a representative sample of adults in a community from State of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample was comprised of 1,112 participants aged ≥ 20 years. Data from sociodemographic issues, indicators regarding eating habits, anthropometric measures, resting arterial pressure, blood glucose and plasma lipids were registered. MetS was assessed according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. The results showed that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was reported by less than 10% of the individuals. Regular consumption of fatty foods (5 days/week) was reported by 54.2% and sugar-added products and soft drinks by 3 8.6% of the interviewees. Gender, age, schooling, socioeconomic level and nutritional status influenced significantly the eating habits. Prevalence of MetS was approximately 24%, significantly higher in men (27.8% vs 20.3%; p = 0.005). Risk to identify MetS in individuals who reported not consuming regularly fruits and vegetables was approximately two times higher than their peers who reported adequate intake (women: OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.51 - 2.38; men: OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.63 - 2.40). Exposure risk for MetS was progressively higher according to reported higher consumption of fatty foods, sugar-added products and soft drinks. The findings suggest interventions in order to emphasize healthy eating habits, which could help to minimize risk of MetS.

Genomic ancestry, diet and microbiomes of Upper Palaeolithic hunter-gatherers from San Teodoro cave.

Recent improvements in the analysis of ancient biomolecules from human remains and associated dental calculus have provided new insights into the prehistoric diet and genetic diversity of our species. Here we present a multi-omics study, integrating metagenomic and proteomic analyses of dental calculus, and human ancient DNA analysis of the petrous bones of two post-Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) individuals from San Teodoro cave (Italy), to reconstruct their lifestyle and the post-LGM resettlement of Europe. Our analyses show genetic homogeneity in Sicily during the Palaeolithic, representing a hitherto unknown Italian genetic lineage within the previously identified Villabruna cluster. We argue that this lineage took refuge in Italy during the LGM, followed by a subsequent spread to central-western Europe. Analysis of dental calculus showed a diet rich in animal proteins which is also reflected on the oral microbiome composition. Our results demonstrate the power of this approach in the study of prehistoric humans and will enable future research to reach a more holistic understanding of the population dynamics and ecology.

Exploring mobility in Italian Neolithic and Copper Age communities.

As a means for investigating human mobility during late the Neolithic to the Copper Age in central and southern Italy, this study presents a novel dataset of enamel oxygen and carbon isotope values (δ18Oca and δ13Cca) from the carbonate fraction of biogenic apatite for one hundred and twenty-six individual teeth coming from two Neolithic and eight Copper Age communities. The measured δ18Oca values suggest a significant role of local sources in the water inputs to the body water, whereas δ13Cca values indicate food resources, principally based on C3 plants. Both δ13Cca and δ18Oca ranges vary substantially when samples are broken down into local populations. Statistically defined thresholds, accounting for intra-site variability, allow the identification of only a few outliers in the eight Copper Age communities, suggesting that sedentary lifestyle rather than extensive mobility characterized the investigated populations. This seems to be also typical of the two studied Neolithic communities. Overall, this research shows that the investigated periods in peninsular Italy differed in mobility pattern from the following Bronze Age communities from more northern areas.

Atividade física, aptidão física e dor lombar em adultos jovens: revisão sistemática de evidências observacionais / Physical activity, physical fitness and low back pain in young adults: systematic review of observational evidence

Introdução: Dor lombar caracteriza-se como um importante problema de saúde pública desde idades jovens. Dentre as variáveis que podem impactar nesta ocorrência encontra-se atividade física e aptidão física, contudo os resultados dos diferentes estudos observacionais sobre a temática apresentam inconsistências. Objetivo: Verificar associação entre atividade física, aptidão física e dor lombar em adultos jovens. Métodos: Foi realizada revisão sistemática de estudos observacionais, na qual atividade física e aptidão física foram variáveis de exposição e dor lombar desfecho. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados: Pubmed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Lilacs, Scielo, PEDRo e Central. Resultados: No total, oito estudos foram incluídos. Um estudo dentre quatro identificou que atividade física vigorosa aumenta as chances de dor lombar. Para força muscular, dois de cinco estudos verificaram associação entre menor força de tronco e maior chance de dor lombar, enquanto para flexibilidade nenhum resultado foi observado. Baixa aptidão cardiorrespiratória se associou com dor lombar em um dentre dois estudos. Para composição corporal, dois de três estudos acharam associação contraditória com IMC. Conclusão: Em vista dos resultados apresentados pelos estudos incluídos na revisão sistemática, não foi identificada nenhuma evidência consistente de associação entre atividade física, aptidão física e dor lombar em adultos jovens. (AU)

Direct radiocarbon dating and genetic analyses on the purported Neanderthal mandible from the Monti Lessini (Italy).

Anatomically modern humans replaced Neanderthals in Europe around 40,000 years ago. The demise of the Neanderthals and the nature of the possible relationship with anatomically modern humans has captured our imagination and stimulated research for more than a century now. Recent chronological studies suggest a possible overlap between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans of more than 5,000 years. Analyses of ancient genome sequences from both groups have shown that they interbred multiple times, including in Europe. A potential place of interbreeding is the notable Palaeolithic site of Riparo Mezzena in Northern Italy. In order to improve our understanding of prehistoric occupation at Mezzena, we analysed the human mandible and several cranial fragments from the site using radiocarbon dating, ancient DNA, ZooMS and isotope analyses. We also performed a more detailed investigation of the lithic assemblage of layer I. Surprisingly we found that the Riparo Mezzena mandible is not from a Neanderthal but belonged to an anatomically modern human. Furthermore, we found no evidence for the presence of Neanderthal remains among 11 of the 13 cranial and post-cranial fragments re-investigated in this study.

Effects of the Pilates method on variables related to functionality of a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5: A case study.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 is a rare complication in the spine, which impairs variables related to the functionality of the person affected. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of the Pilates method on strength and muscular resistance, flexibility, postural balance and level of pain in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5. METHODS: The following evaluations were performed pre and post-intervention: resistance of the flexor and extensor muscles of the trunk; isokinetic peak torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee; hip and torso flexibility; static postural balance; and the visual analog scale of pain. The treatment consisted of three weekly sessions of Pilates, performed over 12 weeks. RESULTS: There was improvement in all the tests, except for one variable related to postural balance. CONCLUSIONS: The Pilates method was effective for improving muscle resistance and strength, flexibility, postural balance and pain, in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5.

A revised timescale for human evolution based on ancient mitochondrial genomes.

BACKGROUND: Recent analyses of de novo DNA mutations in modern humans have suggested a nuclear substitution rate that is approximately half that of previous estimates based on fossil calibration. This result has led to suggestions that major events in human evolution occurred far earlier than previously thought. RESULTS: Here, we use mitochondrial genome sequences from ten securely dated ancient modern humans spanning 40,000 years as calibration points for the mitochondrial clock, thus yielding a direct estimate of the mitochondrial substitution rate. Our clock yields mitochondrial divergence times that are in agreement with earlier estimates based on calibration points derived from either fossils or archaeological material. In particular, our results imply a separation of non-Africans from the most closely related sub-Saharan African mitochondrial DNAs (haplogroup L3) that occurred less than 62-95 kya. CONCLUSIONS: Though single loci like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) can only provide biased estimates of population divergence times, they can provide valid upper bounds. Our results exclude most of the older dates for African and non-African population divergences recently suggested by de novo mutation rate estimates in the nuclear genome.

Quality of life and physical activity in a sample of Brazilian older adults.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between physical activity and quality of life in a sample of Brazilian older adults. METHOD: The Portuguese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-Older Adults Module and International Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered to 1,204 subjects (645 women and 559 men) aged ≥ 60 years. RESULTS: Older adults of both genders who reported to be more physically active attributed higher scores to the sensory ability, autonomy, and intimacy domains, in addition to presenting significantly higher overall quality of life, irrespectively of age, marital status, educational level, and socioeconomic status. Specifically in women, the scores obtained for the social participation domain were significantly higher in the strata of active and very active subjects when compared to sedentary subjects. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that increases in the levels of physical activity can contribute to improvements in quality of life of older adults.

Efeitos imediatos e tardios da mobilização neural sobre força de preensão palmar e complacência neural de membro superior: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Immediate and delayed effect of neural mobilization on hand grip strength and neural complacency of upper limb: a randomized controlled trial

Introdução: A mobilização neural tem sido utilizada clinicamente a fim de restaurar e otimizar a função dos tecidos. Objetivos: Analisar o efeito imediato e tardio de técnicas de mobilização neural sobre a força de preensão palmar e complacência neural. Métodos: Vinte e sete participantes foram randomizadas em três grupos (G1: mobilização do nervo mediano, G2: mobilização do nervo radial e G3: mobilização do nervo ulnar). Valores de preensão palmar e complacência neural foram registrados nos momentos basal, 24 e 48 horas após a técnica. Resultados: O G1 apresentou diferença com relação ao basal (p<0,05) no momento tardio para força, e G1 e G2 apresentaram melhora da complacência neural no momento imediato. Não houve diferença entre os grupos. Conclusões: A mobilização neural do nervo mediano apresenta os melhores resultados para força de preensão palmar. Porém, não se observaram evidências que sugerissem a otimização de diferentes variáveis a partir da mobilização de único nervo.

Introduction: The neural mobilization has been used clinically to restore and optimize tissue function. Objectives: To analyze the immediate and late effects of neural mobilization techniques on grip strength and neural complacency. Methods: Twenty- seven subjects were randomized into three groups (G1: mobilization of the median nerve, G2: mobilization of the radial nerve, and G3: mobilization of the ulnar nerve). Handgrip values and neural complacency were recorded at baseline, 24 and 48 hours after the technique. Results: G1 difference from baseline (p <0.05) in delayed effect for strength, and G1 and G2 showed improved neural compliance in the immediate effect. There was no difference between groups. Conclusions: Neural mobilization of the median nerve provides the best results for grip strength. However, there was no evidence to suggest the optimization of several variables from the single nerve mobilization.

Efeitos do método pilates no torque isocinético dos extensores e flexores do joelho: estudo piloto / Effects of the pilates method in isokinetic torque of knee extensors and flexors: pilot study / Efectos del método pilates en el torque isocinético de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla: estudio piloto

INTRODUÇÃO: apesar da popularização do método Pilates como forma de exercício físico, os estudos com a técnica ainda não têm explorado os seus efeitos sobre o torque isocinético dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho. OBJETIVO: verificar os efeitos do método Pilates no torque isocinético dos extensores e flexores do joelho em mulheres jovens. MÉTODOS: 10 voluntárias foram submetidas à avaliação isocinética (60°/s e 300°/s) dos extensores e flexores do joelho, do membro inferior dominante, pré e pós-intervenção com o método Pilates, considerando-se o pico de torque (PT) e o trabalho total (TT). Oito intervenções foram realizadas ao longo de quatro semanas, constando de 28 exercícios de alongamento e fortalecimento para os principais grupos musculares. A análise estatística, utilizando os testes t de Student ou Wilcoxon para amostras dependentes, foi utilizada (p<0,05). RESULTADOS: os resultados mostraram melhora significativa para a maioria das variáveis observadas, tanto na extensão do joelho (TT 60°/s - 8,98%, p = 0,0166; PT 300°/s - 11,80%, p = 0,0077; TT 300°/s - 19,68%, p = 0,0051), quanto na flexão (PT 60°/s - 11,44%, p = 0,0171; TT 60°/s - 11,55%, p = 0,0395; TT 300°/s - 12,86%, p = 0,0145), com exceção para duas variáveis, uma referente ao movimento de extensão do joelho (PT 60°/s - 3,04%, p = 0,4413) e outra ao movimento de flexão (PT 300°/s - 2,30%, p = 0,3873). CONCLUSÃO: foi possível verificar que oito sessões de Pilates, realizadas ao longo de quatro semanas, proporcionaram melhora significativa do torque isocinético dos músculos extensores e flexores do joelho em mulheres jovens, em relação ao PT e TT (60°/s e 300°/s) para a maioria das variáveis analisadas. .

INTRODUCTION: despite the popularity of Pilates as a form of exercise, studies with the technique still have not explored their effects on isokinetic torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee. OBJECTIVES: check the effects of the Pilates method on isokinetic torque of the knee extensors and flexors in young women. METHODS: 10 volunteers underwent isokinetic evaluation (60°/s and 300°/s) of the knee extensors and flexors of the dominant leg, pre-and post-intervention with the Pilates method, considering the peak torque (PT) and total work (TW). Eight interventions were conducted over four weeks, 28 consisting of stretching and strengthening exercises for the major muscle groups. Statistical analysis using the Student t or Wilcoxon for dependent samples was used (p<0.05). RESULTS: the results showed significant improvement for most of the observed variables in both knee extension (TW 60°/s - 8.98%, p = 0.0166, PT 300°/s - 11.80%, p = 0.0077, TW 300°/s - 19.68%, p = 0.0051) and in flexion (PT 60°/s - 11.44%, p = 0.0171; TW 60°/s - 11.55%, p = 0.0395; TW 300°/s - 12.86%, p = 0.0145), as an exception to two variables: one related to the movement of knee extension (PT 60°/s - 3.04 %, p = 0.4413) and the other to flexion (PT 300°/s - 2.30%, p = 0.3873). CONCLUSION: we found that eight sessions of Pilates, conducted over four weeks, provided significant improvement in isokinetic torque of the extensor and flexor muscles of the knee in young women, in relation to the PT and TT (60°/s and 300°/s) for most variables. .

INTRODUCCIÓN: a pesar de la popularización del método Pilates, como una forma de ejercicio físico, los estudios con la técnica aún no han explorado sus efectos sobre el torque isocinético de los músculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla. OBJETIVOS: verificar los efectos del método Pilates, el torque isocinético de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jóvenes. MÉTODOS: diez voluntarias fueron sometidas a evaluación isocinética (60°/s y 300º/s) de los extensores y flexores de la rodilla, del miembro inferior dominante, antes y después de la intervención con el método Pilates, considerándose el pico de torque (PT) y trabajo total (TT). Ocho intervenciones fueron realizadas durante cuatro semanas, siendo 28 ejercicios de alongamiento y fortalecimiento para los principales grupos musculares. Fue aplicado análisis estadístico utilizando los tests t de Student o de Wilcoxon para muestras dependientes (p <0,05). RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron mejora significativa para la mayoría de las variables observadas, tanto en extensión de la rodilla (TT 60°/s - 8,98%, p = 0,0166, PT 300°/s - 11,80%, p = 0,0077, TT 300°/s - 19,68%, p = 0,0051) como en la flexión (PT 60°/s - 11,44%, p = 0,0171; TT 60°/s - 11,55%, p = 0,0395; TT 300°/s - 12,86%, p = 0,0145), como excepción a dos variables: una referente al movimiento de extensión de la rodilla (PT 60°/s - 3,04 %, p = 0,4413) y otra al movimiento de flexión (PT 300°/s - 2,30%, p = 0,3873). CONCLUSIÓN: fue posible verificar que ocho sesiones de Pilates, realizadas a lo largo de cuatro semanas, proporcionó mejora significativa en el torque isocinético, de los músculos extensores y flexores de la rodilla en mujeres jóvenes, en relación al PT y TT (60°/s y 300º/s), para la mayoría de las variables analizadas. .

Hábito alimentar e síndrome metabólica em uma amostra de adultos brasileiros / Eating habit and metabolic syndrome in a sample of Brazilian adults

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar indicadores relacionados ao hábito alimentar e sua associação com síndrome metabólica (SMet) em amostra representativa de adultos de uma comunidade do interior do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A amostra foi composta por 1.112 sujeitos de ambos os sexos, com idades ≥ 20 anos. A coleta de dados constituiu de informações sociodemográficas, indicadores quanto aos hábitos alimentares, medidas antropométricas, pressão arterial em repouso, dosagens de glicemia e lipídeos plasmáticos. A SMet foi identificada de acordo com critérios definidos pelo NCEP-ATP III. Os resultados apontaram que menos de 10% da amostra apresentou consumo adequado de frutas e hortaliças. Consumo regular de alimentos ricos em gordura (≥ 5 dias/semana) foi relatado por 54,2% e de produtos açucarados e refrigerantes por 38,6% da amostra. Sexo, idade, escolaridade, classe econômica familiar e estado nutricional influenciaram significativamente os hábitos alimentares. A proporção de ocorrência de SMet se aproximou dos 24%, significativamente mais elevada nos homens (27,8% vs 20,3%; p = 0,005). Risco de identificar SMet em sujeitos que relataram não consumir frutas e hortaliças regularmente foi aproximadamente duas vezes maior que em seus pares que relataram consumo adequado (mulheres: OR = 1,93; 95% IC 1,51 - 2,38; homens: OR = 2,04; 95% IC 1,63 - 2,40). Exposição de risco para SMet foi progressivamente maior de acordo com o maior consumo relatado de alimentos ricos em gordura, produtos açucarados e refrigerantes. Os achados sugerem intervenções imediatas voltadas à adoção de hábitos alimentares saudáveis, auxiliando na minimização dos riscos de aparecimento e desenvolvimento da SMet.

The objective was to analyze indicators related to eating habits and their association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a representative sample of adults in a community from State of São Paulo, Brazil. The sample was comprised of 1,112 participants aged ≥ 20 years. Data from sociodemographic issues, indicators regarding eating habits, anthropometric measures, resting arterial pressure, blood glucose and plasma lipids were registered. MetS was assessed according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. The results showed that adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was reported by less than 10% of the individuals. Regular consumption of fatty foods (≥ 5 days/week) was reported by 54.2% and sugar-added products and soft drinks by 38.6% of the interviewees. Gender, age, schooling, socioeconomic level and nutritional status influenced significantly the eating habits. Prevalence of MetS was approximately 24%, significantly higher in men (27,8% vs 20,3%; p = 0.005). Risk to identify MetS in individuals who reported not consuming regularly fruits and vegetables was approximately two times higher than their peers who reported adequate intake (women: OR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.51 - 2.38; men: OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.63 - 2.40). Exposure risk for MetS was progressively higher according to reported higher consumption of fatty foods, sugar-added products and soft drinks. The findings suggest interventions in order to emphasize healthy eating habits, which could help to minimize risk of MetS.

O método Pilates no tratamento de espondilolistese traumática em L4-L5: estudo de caso / The Pilates method in the treatment of traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5: case report

INTRODUÇÃO: O método Pilates é uma forma de tratamento conservador, que vem sendo utilizado em patologias da coluna vertebral. Dentre estas se encontra a espondilolistese, que se mostra como uma ocorrência rara, quando do tipo traumática entre as vértebras L4-L5. OBJETIVO: Verificar os efeitos do método Pilates sobre força, flexibilidade e dor de um paciente com espondilolistese traumática em L4-L5, que apresentava quadro estável. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Avaliações pré e pós-intervenção foram realizadas com o intuito de avaliar a força da musculatura abdominal e paravertebral, a flexibilidade da cadeia posterior e a dor lombar, envolvendo os seguintes testes: enrolamento repetitivo do tronco, estático de resistência das costas de Sorenson, sentar e alcançar e escala visual analógica (EVA) da dor. Para a intervenção, foram realizados exercícios do método Pilates, uma hora por dia, quatro vezes na semana, durante 12 semanas, nesta sequência: alongamentos iniciais, fortalecimento de membros inferiores, abdominais e membros superiores, alongamentos finais e relaxamento. RESULTADOS: O paciente passou de 28 para 39 repetições no teste de enrolamento repetitivo do tronco, e de 17 para 65 segundos, no teste estático de resistência das costas de Sorenson. No teste de sentar e alcançar passou de -5 para 2 cm e o nível de dor, de 7 para 3. CONCLUSÃO: O método Pilates se mostrou eficiente no aumento da força da musculatura abdominal e paravertebral, da flexibilidade da cadeia posterior e na melhora da dor na coluna lombar, em um paciente com espondilolistese traumática de L4-L5, sendo uma alternativa para o tratamento conservador, em casos em que não exista instabilidade no quadro.

INTRODUCTION: The Pilates method is a form of conservative treatment, which has been used in diseases of the spine. Among the diseases is spondylolisthesis, which is a rare event when the type traumatic between the L4-L5 vertebrae. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the effects of Pilates on the strength, flexibility and pain, in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis at L4-L5 stable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pre- and post-intervention were performed to assess the strength of the abdominal muscles and posterior chain flexibility and low back pain, involving the following tests: repeated rolling of the trunk, static endurance of the back of Sorenson, sit and reach and scale visual analogue score (VAS) of pain. For the intervention, were made of the Pilates exercises, one hour per day, four times a week for twelve weeks, in the following sequence: the initial stretching, strengthening of the lower limbs, abdomen and upper limbs, stretching and final relaxation. RESULTS: Patient went from 28 to 39 repetitions in the test repeated rolling of the trunk and 17 to 65 seconds in the static test of endurance of the back of Sorenson. In the sit and reach test increased from -5 to 2 cm and the pain level of 7 to 3. CONCLUSION: The Pilates method was proved effective in increasing muscle strength and abdominal paravertebral, posterior chain flexibility and to reduce pain in the lumbar spine in a patient with traumatic spondylolisthesis of L4-L5, being an alternative to conservative treatment in cases where there is not instability.

Crescimento físico de escolares: comparação com a referência do Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mediante o método LMS / Physical growth of schoolchildren: a comparison with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference using the LMS method

OBJETIVOS: analisar o crescimento físico em amostra representativa de crianças e adolescentes da população escolar da cidade de Londrina, Paraná, em comparação com a referência proposta pelo Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC-2000). MÉTODOS: a amostra foi constituída por 6084 sujeitos (3135 do sexo feminino e 2949 do sexo masculino) com idades entre 7 e 18 anos. Os percentis equivalentes às medidas de massa corporal e de estatura para a idade foram obtidos mediante o método LMS. As comparações estatísticas e gráficas foram estabelecidas com os correspondentes percentis da referência CDC-2000, calculados por intermédio do mesmo método. RESULTADOS: em geral, os valores dos parâmetros L, M e S e dos percentis calculados se aproximaram dos valores da referência CDC-2000, sobretudo nos adolescentes de ambos os sexos com mais de 14 anos de idade. As discrepâncias entre os valores calculados e publicados variaram entre 0,02 e 0,71 por cento para os valores positivos e -0,01 e -2,84 por cento para os valores negativos. CONCLUSÕES: os percentis equivalentes às medidas de massa corporal e de estatura para a idade de amostra representativa de escolares de Londrina, Paraná, obtidos pelo método LMS não diferem substancialmente da referência CDC-2000.

OBJECTIVES: to analyze physical growth in a representative sample of children and adolescents from the school population of the city of Londrina, Paraná, in the southern region of Brazil, by comparison with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reference (CDC-2000). METHODS: a total of 6084 subjects (3135 girls and 2949 boys) aged 7 to 18 years-old were included in the study. The body weight-for-age and height-for-age percentiles were obtained using the LMS method. The statistical and graphical comparisons were based on the corresponding percentiles of the CDC-2000 reference, estimated using the same method. RESULTS: in general, the values of L, M and S parameters and the estimated percentiles agree with those of the CDC-2000 reference, principally in adolescents of both sexes aged over 14 years. The discrepancies between the estimated and published values fluctuated between 0.02 and 0.71 percent for the positive values and -0.01 and -2.84 percent for the negative values. CONCLUSIONS: the body weight-for-age and height-for-age percentiles of representative samples from schoolchildren in Londrina, Paraná, obtained using the LMS method, do not differ substantially from those of the CDC-2000 reference.

Avaliação, proposta de tratamento e intervençãofi sioterapêutica em um paciente com aderênciacicatricial no joelho / Evaluation, treatment proposal and physical therapy intervention in a patient with surgical adherence scarring in knee

Verificar os efeitos de um protocolo de tratamentofi sioterapêutico, em um paciente com aderência cicatricial cirúrgicada pele na região da patela, aplicado um ano após a cirurgia. Métodos:As avaliações ocorreram pré e pós-intervenção, envolvendo:severidade da aderência cicatricial, amplitude de movimento (ADM)articular do joelho, perimetria da perna e coxa, teste de fl exibilidadee força de resistência dos músculos quadríceps e isquiostibiais, potênciade membros inferiores, Atividades da Vida Diária (AVDs),Atividades Instrumentais da Vida Diária (AIVDs) e qualidade devida. O protocolo de tratamento envolveu: aplicação de aparelhoultrassom, alongamento de quadríceps e isquiostibiais, exercíciosde mobilizações articulares do membro inferior e fortalecimentomuscular voluntário, associado à eletroestimulação no quadríceps.O tratamento teve duração de sessenta minutos, cinco vezes porsemana, durante três meses. Resultados: Não foi observada alteraçãona severidade da aderência. Ocorreu melhora na ADM articular,perimetria, fl exibilidade, força de resistência e potência muscular domembro inferior acometido pela aderência, assim como na pontuaçãodas AVDs, AIVDs e qualidade de vida...

To evaluate the eff ects of a physical therapy protocolin a patient with adhe rence a surgical scarring tissue of the skin inthe region of the patella, implemented one year after surgery. Methods:Th e evaluations were performed pre-and post-intervention,involving: severity of scar tissue, range of motion (ROM) of theknee, leg and thigh perimeter, fl exibility test and resistance forceof the quadriceps and hamstrings, lower limb power, Activitiesof Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living(IADLs) and quality of life. Th e treatment protocol involved: theapplication of ultrasound device, stretching the quadriceps andhamstrings, exercises of lower limb joint mobilization and musclestrengthening volunteer associated with electrical stimulation to thequadriceps. Th e treatment lasted sixty minutes, fi ve times a week forthree months. Results: there was no change in severity of adhesionscar. Th ere was improvement in joint ROM, perimetry, fl exibility,strength and muscular power of the aff ected limb by adherence, aswell as scores of ADLs, IADLs and quality of life...