Physical and functional evaluations in oncological patients elective to medium and large operations.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of sarcopenia on the length of hospital stay and deaths in preoperative cancer patients as well its relation to physical and functional capacity. METHODS: Preoperative patients admitted to the Cancer Hospital of Mato Grosso comprised the sample. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle data, and a questionnaire for sarcopenia screening were collected. Subsequently, total body mass, height, muscle strength, muscle mass, and physical performance were evaluated. The primary, secondary and tertiary outcomes were sarcopenia, length of stay and death, respectively. The data were tabulated and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (25.0). The significance level was 5%. RESULTS: We observed 12 (7.4%) patients with low muscle strength, 20 (12.3%) patients with low muscle mass, 11 (6.8%) patients with low physical performance, and 18 (11.1%) patients with scores for possible sarcopenia. When the risk of sarcopenia was observed, 44 (27.2%) patients had at least one risk related to muscle disorder. When analyzing the prevalence and association of sarcopenia with sociodemographic variables, we observed that education level was associated with sarcopenia (p = 0.031). In addition, there was an association between preoperative sarcopenia and postoperative death (p = 0.006). Finally, there were important correlations between muscle strength and physical performance (p < 0.05), between muscle strength and the sarcopenia questionnaire (p < 0.001), and between physical performance and the sarcopenia questionnaire (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest the need for counseling and the need to evaluate patients for risk of sarcopenia, since early intervention, such as dietary supplementation and physical exercise, may favor a better postoperative prognosis, possibly corresponding to shorter hospital stays and longer survival and quality of life for patients, especially those who will undergo surgical procedures.

Immunodominant antibody responses directed to SARS-CoV-2 hotspot mutation sites and risk of immune escape.

Introduction: Considering the likely need for the development of novel effective vaccines adapted to emerging relevant CoV-2 variants, the increasing knowledge of epitope recognition profile among convalescents and afterwards vaccinated with identification of immunodominant regions may provide important information. Methods: We used an RBD peptide microarray to identify IgG and IgA binding regions in serum of 71 COVID-19 convalescents and 18 vaccinated individuals. Results: We found a set of immunodominant RBD antibody epitopes, each recognized by more than 30% of the tested cohort, that differ among the two different groups and are within conserved regions among betacoronavirus. Of those, only one peptide, P44 (S415-429), recognized by 68% of convalescents, presented IgG and IgA antibody reactivity that positively correlated with nAb titers, suggesting that this is a relevant RBD region and a potential target of IgG/IgA neutralizing activity. Discussion: This peptide is localized within the area of contact with ACE-2 and harbors the mutation hotspot site K417 present in gamma (K417T), beta (K417N), and omicron (K417N) variants of concern. The epitope profile of vaccinated individuals differed from convalescents, with a more diverse repertoire of immunodominant peptides, recognized by more than 30% of the cohort. Noteworthy, immunodominant regions of recognition by vaccinated coincide with mutation sites at Omicron BA.1, an important variant emerging after massive vaccination. Together, our data show that immune pressure induced by dominant antibody responses may favor hotspot mutation sites and the selection of variants capable of evading humoral response.

Combined Physical Training Increases Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Levels, But Not Irisin in People Living with HIV/AIDS.

This study evaluated plasma levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), irisin, and lactate in people living with HIV/AIDS who completed a combined physical training program. Nineteen HIV+ participants (age: 39.60 ± 10.96 years; carrier time: 7.75 ± 7.88 years; time of ART: 6.41 ± 5.93 years) performed strength/aerobic training (combined physical training) in the same session for 8 weeks and levels of BDNF, irisin, and lactate were assessed. BDNF (pg/mL) was higher post-CPT (Pre: 1258.73 ± 372.30; Post: 1504.17 ± 322.30; p < 0.001). Irisin (ng/mL) showed no change (Pre: 115.61 ± 72.41; Post: 125.87 ± 81.14; p = 0.973). There was positive correlation between irisin and lactate (mmol/L) pre (r = 0.55, p = 0.04), and lactate values were higher in the group with the highest value of irisin (3.65 ± 0.69 × 2.82 ± 0.59, p = 0.02). Combined physical training results in increased basal BDNF in people living with HIV/AIDS, this finding suggests that increased concentration of BDNF may be associated with decreased chances of developing cognitive disorders or HIV-associated dementia. Further studies involving molecular mechanisms on this subject are necessary.

Análise microbiológica e correlação do ph da água dos bebedouros utilizada para o consumo humano em escolas do município de Alagoa Grande ­ Paraíba / Microbiological analysis of the water of drinking fountains used for human consumption in schools of the county of Alagoa Grande ­ Paraíba

Introdução: a análise microbiológica das águas em escolas é de suma importância, visto que crianças em idade escolar são extremamente vulneráveis podendo desenvolver doenças por causa das condições do seu sistema gastrointestinal. Objetivo: avaliar os parâmetros microbiológicos da água de bebedouros destinados ao consumo humano de escolas de Alagoa Grande ­ PB. Metodologia: foram realizadas avaliações microbiológicas das águas disponíveis nos bebedouros, analisando a potabilidade, bem como as torneiras destes, fazendo levantamento da quantidade de fungos e bactérias encontrados. Os testes foram realizados nos laboratórios do Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau ­ Campina Grande. Resultados: 24% das amostras estudadas apresentaram positividade para o grupo coliforme e termotolerante, portanto, não estão em estado potável para o consumo, e que a manutenção da limpeza dos bebedouros que armazenam a água está deficiente, revelando elevado número de microrganismos e presença de contaminação de todos. Conclusão: as higienizações dos aparelhos, bem como o monitoramento da água consumida nas escolas, são essenciais no controle de doenças que obviamente prejudicam o rendimento escolar dos alunos. As escolas em parcerias com instituições de saúde devem se mobilizar no sentido de capacitar e educar os funcionários que realizam a limpeza dos bebedouros, os alunos e a comunidade que os utilizam, visando a colaboração de todos para melhorar a qualidade da água consumida.

Introduction: the microbiological testing of water available in schools is of paramount importance, as school-age children are extremely vulnerable to developing diseases because of their gastrointestinal system conditions, which underscore the importance of water quality in schools and proper maintenance of the same. The water for consumption is that which is called potable water. The water that do not fit into the standards of potability can lead to pathologies to humans through their consumption. The main pathologies carried by the waters are typhoid fever, cholera, salmonellosis, shigellosis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis A, verminoses, amebiasis and giardiasis. The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of water from drinking fountains intended for human consumption in schools in Alagoa Grande-PB. Metodology: the microbiological analyzes were carried out of the water available in the drinking fountain, analyzing the potability, as well as the taps of these, surveying the amount of fungi and bacteria found. The tests were executed in the laboratories of the Mauricio de Nassau Faculty ­ Campina Grande and it was found that. Resulting: 24% of the samples studied presented positivity to the coliform and thermotolerant group, therefore, were not in the potable state for consumption, and that the cleaning of the water fountains is deficient, revealing presence of a high numbers of microorganisms. The fact that the coliform group and thermotolerants were not detected in the other water samples analyzed does not mean that the water is totally safe, since high numbers of fungal and bacterial colonies were found in the nozzles of the drinking fountains. Conclusion: the results showed that the hygiene of the devices, as well as the monitoring of the water consumed in schools, are essential in the control of diseases that obviously impair the students' school performance. The schools in partnerships with health institutions should mobilize to train and educate water cleaners, students, and the community that use them, in order to collaborate with each other to improve the quality of water consumed.

Effect of administration of high-protein diet in rats submitted to resistance training.

PURPOSE: Although there is limited evidence regarding the pathophysiological effects of a high-protein diet (HD), it is believed that this type of diet could overload the body and cause damage to the organs directly involved with protein metabolism and excretion. The aim of this study was to verify the effects of HD on biochemical and morphological parameters of rats that completed a resistance training protocol (RT; aquatic jump) for 8 weeks. METHODS: Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 8 for each group): sedentary normal protein diet (SN-14%), sedentary high-protein diet (SH-35%), trained normal protein diet (TN-14%), and trained high-protein diet (TH-35%). Biochemical, tissue, and morphological measurements were made. RESULTS: Kidney (1.91 ± 0.34) and liver weights (12.88 ± 1.42) were higher in the SH. Soleus muscle weight was higher in the SH (0.22 ± 0.03) when compared to all groups. Blood glucose (123.2 ± 1.8), triglycerides (128.5 ± 44.0), and HDL cholesterol levels (65.7 ± 20.9) were also higher in the SH compared with the other experimental groups. Exercise reduced urea levels in the trained groups TN and TH (31.0 ± 4.1 and 36.8 ± 6.6), respectively. Creatinine levels were lower in TH and SH groups (0.68 ± 0.12; 0.54 ± 0.19), respectively. HD negatively altered renal morphology in SH, but when associated with RT, the apparent damage was partially reversed. In addition, the aquatic jump protocol reversed the damage to the gastrocnemius muscle caused by the HD. CONCLUSIONS: A high-protein diet promoted negative metabolic and morphological changes, while RT was effective in reversing these deleterious effects.

Análise da glicemia capilar após 12 semanas de treinamento de força em mulheres / Blood glucose analyzes after 12 weeks of strength training in women

O envelhecimento é um processo pelo qual todos os indivíduos e organismos são acometidos e é caracterizado pela diminuição gradativa dos vários sistemas orgânicos em realizar suas funções de maneira eficaz. Nesse sentido, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a glicemia capilar de mulheres de meia idade e idosas após 12 semanas de treinamento de força. Participaram do estudo 22 mulheres fisicamente ativas (41 a 71 anos de idade), separadas em dois grupos: mulheres de meia idade (n = 14) e mulheres idosas (n = 8). Foram determinadas massa corporal (MC), IMC e glicemia capilar pós-prandial (GPP) (duas horas após o almoço) em dois momentos: no início do estudo (M0) e após 12 semanas de acompanhamento (M1). O treinamento de força teve duração total de 12 semanas. Os dados foram analisados mediante o pacote estatístico BioEstat® 5.0 (Brasil) e expressos em média ± erro padrão. Foi utilizado Mann-Whitney para comparação entre os grupos e Wilcoxon para comparar os momentos M0 e M1 intragrupos. Para as mulheres de meia idade a MC (M0 = 67,8±8,3; M1 = 67,4±8,8), IMC (M0 = 27,4±4,4; M1 = 27,2±4,5) e GPP (M0 = 109,6±5,2; M1 = 113,6±5,3) não apresentaram diferença estatisticamente significativa (p = 0,55; 0,62; 0,73 respectivamente). Em relação às mulheres idosas, MC (M0 = 74,3±8,0; M1 = 73,8±7,7), IMC (M0 = 29,8±2,1; M1 = 29,6±1,9) e GPP (M0 = 158,2±41,0; M1 = 121,6±20,6) o mesmo foi observado (p = 0,12; 0,13; 0,07). Concluímos que o treinamento de força em 12 semanas foi insuficiente para promover a redução da glicemia pós-prandial em mulheres de meia-idade, possivelmente em decorrência da alteração hormonal própria do climatério.

The aging is characterized by gradual reduction in the function of hysiological systems. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the capillary glucose of middle-age and elderly women subjected to 12-week strength-training. Twenty-two non sedentary women (41-71 years old) were separated into 2 groups: middle-age (n=14), and elderly (n=8). It were determined body mass (BM) and postprandial capillary glucose (PCG) (two hours after launch) in two different moments: baseline (B) and after 12 weeks (12w). The strength training lasted 12 weeks. The data were analyzed by BioEstat® 5.0 (Brazil) statistical package and expressed as mean ± standard error. Mann-Whitney test was used for comparison between groups plus Wilcoxon to compare the B and 12w moments within groups. The BM (B = 67.8±8.3; 12w = 67.4±8.8; p=0.55), BMI (B = 27.4±4.4; 12w = 27.2±4.5; p=0.62), and PCG (B = 109.6±5.2; 12w = 113.6±5.3; p=0.73) were not changed after training period. Concern for elderly woman, the same was observed in relation to BM (B = 74.3±8.0; 12w = 73.8±7.7; 0.12), BMI (B = 29.8±2.1; 12w = 29.6±1.9; 0.13), and PCG (B = 158.2±41.0; 12w = 121.6±20.6; 0.07). We concluded that 12-week strength-training was not able to promote postprandial capillary glucose reduction in middle-aged and elderly women, possibly due to the hormonal changes inherent to menopause condition.