Cannabidiol exerts antipyretic effects by downmodulating inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced fever.

Contrasting to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) has virtually no psychoactive effects and thus presents a minor risk for abuse. Furthermore, emerging preclinical and clinical evidence indicates that CBD exerts several beneficial pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Even though fever is one of the responses associated with systemic inflammation, no previous study assessed the putative impact of CBD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fever. The present study aimed to evaluate whether CBD exerts effects on febrile responses, by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and the inflammatory reflex, in this response. CBD caused no change in euthermic mice, indicating that it does not alter euthermia. Conversely, CBD blunted all the assessed systemic inflammation parameters including fever (a hallmark of infection), plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) surges, and hypothalamic PGE2 (the proximal mediator of fever) synthesis. Moreover, CBD also reduced LPS-induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels and spleen TNF-α. These data are consistent with the notion that CBD has antipyretic effects, reducing peripheral febrigenic signaling (plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines levels), and eventually down-modulating hypothalamic PGE2 production, possibly in a corticosterone- and inflammatory reflex-dependent manner.

Reliability of dynamic and isometric upper muscle strength testing in breast cancer survivors.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, and its treatment usually involves a combination of many medical procedures, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. One of the detrimental effects on physical function is reduced upper limb muscle strength. This study aimed to evaluate upper body strength intra-day and inter-day (test-retest) reliability using the handgrip strength test (HGS) and the bilateral isometric bench press (BIBP) and the test-retest reliability of the one repetition maximum on the bench press (BP-1RM) in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Thirty-two (52.94 ± 8.99 yrs) BCS participated in this study. The muscle strength tests were performed in two different moments, three to seven days apart. Intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were used to assess the reliability. Standard error of measurement (SEM), typical error of measurement (TEM), and minimally detectable change (MDC) analyses were performed. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess the agreement between test-retest. We found a reliability that can be described as "high" to "very high" (ICC ≥ 0.88; CV ≤ 10%) for intra-day and test-retest. SEM% and MDC% were lower than 5% and 11%, respectively, for all intra-day testing. SEM% and TEM% ranged from 3% to 11%, and MDC% ranged from 9% to 23% in the test-retest reliability. The agreement demonstrated a systematic bias ranging from 2.3% to 6.0% for all testing, and a lower systematic bias may be presented in the non-treated side assessed by HGS and BIBP. HGS, BIBP, and BP-1RM assessments are reliable for measuring upper-body muscle strength in BCS.

Bilateral testicular myxosarcoma in a cryptorchid dog.

Myxosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal neoplasm of soft tissues originating from fibroblasts. This report describes a case of bilateral myxosarcoma in a three-year-old cryptorchid dog. The animal was referred to the veterinary clinic because of the absence of testicles in the scrotum. Ultrasonography revealed two masses in the abdominal cavity with testicular echotexture. Exploratory laparotomy revealed the presence of cryptorchid testicles, and orchiectomy was recommended to treat the animal. Testicles were gray and reddish in color and enlarged with firm consistency. For histopathological analysis, testis fragments were fixed in 10% formalin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian blue. Immunohistochemistry was performed using the following primary antibodies:1A4, HHF35, desmin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, CD31, S-100, vimentin, and Ki-67. Histopathological evaluation revealed the proliferation of fusiform and round cells associated with extensive areas of myxoid matrix. Neoplasms featured multinucleated giant cells, pleomorphism, karyomegaly, nuclear hyperchromasia, anisokaryosis, mitoses, and necrosis, with coarse chromatin and prominent nucleoli. Immunohistochemical analysis of vimentin- and the Alcian blue-positive cells confirmed the diagnosis of myxosarcoma. A high mitotic count and Ki-67 proliferative index suggests this myxosarcoma had a high degree of malignancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of bilateral testicular myxosarcoma in a cryptorchid animal.

Non-invasive evaluation of vascular permeability in formalin-induced orofacial pain model using infrared thermography.

Enhanced vascular permeability at the site of injury is a prominent feature in acute inflammatory pain models, commonly assessed through the Evans Blue test. However, this invasive test requires euthanasia, thereby precluding further investigations on the same animal. Due to these limitations, the integration of non-invasive tools such as IRT has been sought. Here, we aimed to evaluate the use of thermography in a common orofacial pain model that employs formalin as a chemical irritant to induce local orofacial inflammation. Male Hannover rats (290-300 g, N = 43) were used. In the first approach, radiometric images were taken before and after formalin administration, assessing temperature changes and extravasated Evans Blue. The second approach included capturing pre- and post-formalin test radiometric images, followed by cytokine measurements in excised vibrissae tissue. Rats were anesthetized for vibrissae tissue collection, allowing correlations between thermographic patterns, nocifensive behavior duration, and cytokine levels in this area. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between local temperature, measured via thermography, and vascular permeability in the contralateral (r2 = 0.3483) and ipsilateral (r2 = 0.4502) side, measured using spectrophotometry. The obtained data supports the notion that thermography-based temperature assessment can effectively evaluate vascular permeability in the orofacial region.

Acute effects of foam roller or stick massage on indirect markers from exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of foam roller or stick massage performed after exercise-induced muscle damage protocols on indirect markers of muscle damage compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. METHODS: PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library database were searched in August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Were included clinical trials involving healthy adult individuals who received foam roller/stick massage versus a non-intervention group and evaluated indirect markers of muscle damage. Risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tools. Standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were used to measure the foam roller/stick massage effect on muscle soreness. RESULTS: The five included studies investigated 151 participants (136 men). Overall, the studies presented a moderate/high risk of bias. A between-groups meta-analysis showed no significant difference between massage and non-intervention control groups on muscle soreness immediately after (0.26 [95%CI: 0.14; 0.65], p = 0.20), 24 h (-0.64 [95%CI: 1.34; 0.07], p = 0.08), 48 h (-0.35 [95%CI: 0.85; 0.15], p = 0.17), 72 h (-0.40 [95%CI: 0.92; 0.12], p = 0.13), and 96 h (0.05 [95%CI: 0.40; 0.50], p = 0.82) after an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. Moreover, the qualitative synthesis showed that foam roller or stick massage had no significant effect on range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction recovery. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the current literature appears to not support the advantage of foam roller or stick massage to improve recovery of muscle damage indirect markers (muscle soreness, range of motion, muscle swelling, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction) compared to a non-intervention control group in healthy individuals. Furthermore, due to the heterogeneity of the methodological designs among the included studies, making it difficult to compare the results. In addition, there are not enough high-quality and well-designed studies on foam roller or stick massage to draw any definite conclusions. REVIEW PROTOCOL NUMBER: The study was pre-registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Review (PROSPERO) on August 2, 2020, with last update on February 21, 2021. Protocol number: CRD2017058559.

Orofacial anti-hypernociceptive effect of citral in acute and persistent inflammatory models in rats.

Orofacial pain has significant psychological and physiological effects. Citral (3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienal) is the main component of Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf, an herb with analgesic properties. Although citral has been considered a potent analgesic, its putative effects on orofacial pain are still unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that citral modulates orofacial pain using two experimental models: formalin-induced hyperalgesia in the vibrissae area and during persistent temporomandibular hypernociception using Complete Freund's Adjuvant - CFA test. METHODS: For the formalin test, citral (100 and 300 mg/kg, oral gavage) or its vehicle (Tween 80, 1 %) were given 1 h before the formalin injection subcutaneously (sc) into the vibrissae area. For the CFA model, we analyzed the prophylactic (100 mg/kg of citral by oral gavage, 1 h before CFA injection) and the chronic therapeutic (citral treatment 1-hour post-CFA injection and daily post-CFA injection) effect of citral or its vehicle in animals treated with CFA for 8 days. RESULTS: Citral caused a decrease in formalin-induced local inflammation and the time spent performing nociceptive behavior in a dose-dependent fashion. Similarly, prophylactic and therapeutic citral treatment decreased the CFA-induced persistent mechanical hypernociception in the temporomandibular area. CONCLUSION: Our data strengthen the notion that citral plays a powerful antinociceptive role by decreasing orofacial hypernociception in formalin and CFA models.

Hydrogel encapsulation as a handling and vitrification tool for zebrafish ovarian tissue.

Zebrafish is an important animal model, thousands lines have been developed, thus having a great need for their preservation. However, the cryopreservation of fish oocytes is still limited and needs improvement. The sodium alginate hydrogel, in addition to providing support for the cells, has been shown to be a potential cryoprotectant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation technique efficiency during zebrafish ovarian tissue vitrification. The encapsulation methodology was standardized in the first experiment. In Experiment 2, we evaluated four vitrified groups: standard protocol without encapsulation (VS); encapsulated with cryoprotectants (VS1-A); encapsulated with half the cryoprotectants concentration (VS2-A); encapsulated without cryoprotectants (VA). VS treatment (54.6 ± 12.3%; 23.7 ± 9.9%; 12.6 ± 5.0%) did not differ from the VS1-A and VA showed a lower membrane integrity percentage (1.2 ± 1.4%; 0.3 ± 0.6%; 0.5 ± 1.5%). Mitochondrial activity was significantly greater in non-encapsulated treatment (VS) when compared to the encapsulated treatments. VS1-A and VS obtained the lowest lipid peroxidation (39.4 ± 4.4 and 40.5 ± 3.3 nmol MDA/mg respectively) in which VS was not significantly different from the VS2-A treatment (63.6 ± 3.1 nmol MDA/mg), unlike, VA obtained the highest lipid peroxidation level (124.7 ± 7.9 nmol MDA/mg). The results obtained in this study demonstrate that the sodium alginate hydrogel encapsulation technique did not have a cryoprotective action, but maintained the membrane integrity when used the standard concentration of cryoprotectants. However, halving the cryoprotectant concentration of fragments encapsulated in alginate hydrogel did not cause an increase in lipid peroxidation. In addition, it provided support and prevented the oocytes from loosening from the tissue during the vitrification process, being an interesting alternative for later in vitro maturation.

O exercício físico como uma alternativa para o controle da pressão arterial em hipertensos: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Physical exercise as an alternative for blood pressure control in hypertensive individuals: an integrative literature review / El ejercicio físico como alternativa para el control de la presión arterial en hipertensos: una revisión bibliográfica integradora

Introdução: A Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (HAS) é uma doença crônica de alta prevalência que pode provocar consequências desastrosas em indivíduos não tratados. Por isso, a comunidade científica busca encontrar formas para mitigar os efeitos danosos da hipertensão. Nesse sentido, a prática de exercícios físicos (EF) surge como uma medida não farmacológica interessante para o controle da pressão arterial (PA). Objetivo: Evidenciar os potencias benefícios do exercício físico no controle da PA. Métodos: Trata-se de uma revisão bibliográfica integrativa da literatura, elaborada a partir de trabalhos científicos acerca dos benefícios da prática de exercícios físicos no controle da pressão arterial. Foram considerados artigos originais e completos publicados em português, espanhol e inglês nos últimos dez anos, de 2013 até 2023, obtidos nas plataformas SCIELO, PUBMED e LILACS. Resultados: Os estudos atuais disponíveis sobre o tema mostram grande eficácia da realização de atividades físicas na prevenção e no tratamento da HAS. Algumas evidências sugerem que a prática regular de EF possui muitos benefícios para diversos órgãos e sistemas do corpo humano, principalmente para o coração e o sistema cardiovascular. Conclusão: A partir dos estudos analisados, evidencia-se que a prática regular de atividades físicas resulta em uma série de benefícios para a saúde no geral, como melhora na capacidade cognitiva, diminuição da gordura visceral e controle dos níveis pressóricos. O EF possui relação significativa com a HAS, sendo comprovadamente benéfica. A prática prolongada de atividades físicas teve um efeito protetor na incidência de doenças cardiovasculares e na mortalidade em comparação aos indivíduos sedentários. É importante que comunidade científica busque formas de realizar mais estudos, a fim de informar e influenciar pessoas a praticarem atividades físicas.

Introduction: Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is a chronic disease of high prevalence that can cause disastrous consequences in untreated individuals. Therefore, the scientific community seeks to find ways to mitigate the harmful effects of hypertension. In this sense, the practice of physical exercises (PE) emerges as an interesting non-pharmacological measure for the control of blood pressure (BP). Objective: To highlight the potential benefits of physical exercise in BP control. Methods: This is an integrative literature review, based on scientific papers about the benefits of physical exercise in blood pressure control. Original and complete articles published in Portuguese, Spanish and English in the last ten years, from 2013 to 2023, obtained from SCIELO, PUBMED and LILACS platforms were considered.Results: The current studies available on the subject show great effectiveness of performing physical activities in the prevention and treatment of SAH. Some evidence suggests that the regular practice of PE has many benefits for various organs and systems of the human body, especially for the heart and cardiovascular system. Conclusion: From the studies analyzed, it is evident that regular physical activity results in a series of benefits for overall health, such as improved cognitive ability, decreased visceral fat, and control of blood pressure levels. PE has a significant relation with SAH, being proven beneficial. Long-term physical activity had a protective effect on the incidence of cardiovascular disease and mortality compared to sedentary individuals. It is important that the scientific community seek ways to conduct further studies in order to inform and influence people to practice physical activities.

Introducción: La hipertensión arterial sistémica (HSA) es una enfermedad crónica de alta prevalencia que puede causar consecuencias desastrosas en individuos no tratados. Por isso, a comunidade científica procura encontrar formas de mitigar os efeitos nocivos da hipertensão. En este sentido, la práctica de ejercicios físicos (EF) surge como una medida no farmacológica interesante para el control de la presión arterial (PA). Objetivo: Demostrar los beneficios del ejercicio físico en el control de la PA. Métodos: Se trata de una revisión bibliográfica integradora de la literatura, elaborada a partir de trabajos científicos acerca de los beneficios de la práctica de ejercicios físicos en el control de la presión arterial. Fueron considerados artículos originales y completos publicados en portugués, español e inglés en los últimos diez años, de 2013 a 2023, obtenidos de las plataformas SCIELO, PUBMED y LILACS. Resultados: Los estudios actuales disponibles sobre el tema muestran gran eficacia de la realización de actividades físicas en la prevención y tratamiento de la HSA. Algunas evidencias sugieren que la práctica regular de EF tiene muchos beneficios para diversos órganos y sistemas del cuerpo humano, especialmente para el corazón y el sistema cardiovascular. Conclusión: De los estudios analizados se desprende que la práctica regular de actividades físicas conlleva una serie de beneficios para la salud en general, como la mejora de la capacidad cognitiva, la disminución de la grasa visceral y el control de los niveles de presión arterial. La PE tiene una relación significativa con la HSA, demostrándose beneficiosa. La práctica prolongada de actividades físicas tuvo un efecto protector sobre la incidencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares y la mortalidad en comparación con los individuos sedentarios. Es importante que la comunidad científica busque la forma de realizar más estudios para informar e influenciar a las personas para que practiquen actividades físicas.

Morbi-mortalidade e gastos hospitalares com idosos de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Morbis-mortality and hospital costs with elderly people from Minas Gerais, Brazil / Morbi-mortalidad y gasto hospitalario en ancianos de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Introdução: O envelhecimento populacional é uma realidade em todo o mundo, representando um desafio significativo para os sistemas de saúde. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de morbidades e os gastos relacionados a internações de idosos em comparação aos adultos registradas no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, entre 2008 e 2017. Métodos: Estudo descritivo, de corte transversal, com dados do DATASUS e com base na CID-10. Resultados: Embora o maior número de internações esteja na faixa etária adulta, a proporção de gastos é maior com os idosos, com maior prevalência entre doenças mentais e comportamentais, osteomusculares e do tecido conjuntivo, seguidos das doenças de causas externas e do aparelho circulatório. Conclusão: Sugere-se a adoção de políticas mais abrangentes e maior investimento em ações de promoção da saúde, prevenção de agravos e tratamento oportuno e adequado para as doenças mais prevalentes nos idosos, em especial na atenção primária à saúde.

Introduction: Population aging is a reality around the world, representing a significant challenge for health systems. Objective: To describe the profile of morbidities and spending related to hospitalizations of elderly in comparison to adults registered in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2008 and 2017. Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with data from DATASUS and based on ICD-10. Results: Although the highest number of hospitalizations is in the adult age group, the proportion of expenditures is higher with the elderly, with a higher prevalence among mental and behavioral diseases, osteomuscular diseases and connective tissue, followed by diseases of external causes and the circulatory system. Conclusion: It is suggested to adopt more comprehensive policies and to invest more in actions to promote health, prevention of diseases and timely and adequate treatment for the most prevalent diseases in the elderly, especially in primary health care.

Introducción: El envejecimiento de la población es una realidad mundial, que representa un importante desafío para los sistemas de salud. Objetivo: Describir el perfil de morbilidad y los gastos relacionados con las internaciones de los ancianos en comparación con los adultos registrados en el estado de Minas Gerais (Brasil) entre 2008 y 2017. Métodos: estudio descriptivo, transversal con datos DATASUS y basado en CID-10. Resultados: Aunque el mayor número de internaciones se encuentra en el grupo de edad adulta, la proporción de gastos es mayor con los ancianos, con una mayor prevalencia entre las enfermedades mentales y conductuales, las enfermedades osteomusculares y el tejido conjuntivo, seguidas de enfermedades de causas externas y el aparato circulatorio. Conclusión: Se sugiere adoptar políticas más amplias e invertir más en acciones para promover la salud, prevenir las agravaciones y el tratamiento oportuno y adecuado de las enfermedades más prevalentes en las personas de edad, especialmente en la atención primaria de la salud.

Influência do clareamento dentário de consultório na dureza superficial de resinas compostas: um estudo in vitro / Influence of in-office tooth whitening on the surface hardness of composite resins: An In Vitro Study

O estudo objetivou avaliar a dureza superficial de três resinas compostas (Filtek Z350 - 3M ESPE, Zirconfil - TECHNEW, Vitra ­ FGM), após processo de clareamento dental de consultório a base de peróxido de Hidrogênio a 40%. Foram confeccionados 60 corpos de prova, com espessuras de 6,0 x 2,0 mm, sendo 20 corpos de cada material restaurador (n=20). Após processo de acabamento e polimento, os espécimes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos para cada material restaurador (n=10), onde o grupo controle G1-C, foi mantido em saliva artificial e o grupo experimental G2-E, foi submetido ao gel clareador de consultório a base de peróxido de hidrogênio a 40% de acordo com a indicação do fabricante. O teste de dureza utilizado foi o de Vickers. Para cada corpo de prova, foram realizadas quatro leituras consecutivas e equidistantes, com uma carga de 300g de força durante 15s. Os valores de dureza para resinas testadas foram estatisticamente mais elevadas no grupo controle, do que no grupo teste. Sendo que a maior diferença nos valores das médias entre os grupos ocorreu na resina Z350XT e para a margem de erro fixada (5%) se comprova diferença significativa (p < 0,05) entre os grupos teste e controle para cada resina. O uso do peróxido de hidrogênio 40% pela técnica de consultório, promoveu mudanças significativas na dureza superficial das resinas testadas. Além disso, a resina Z350XT apresentou dureza superior as demais resinas, porém foi a mais afetada pelo agente clareador (AU).

The study aimed to evaluate the surface hardness of three composite resins (Filtek Z350 - 3M ESPE, Zirconfil - TECHNEW, Vitra - FGM), after an in-office tooth whitening process using 40% hydrogen peroxide. Sixty specimens were made, with thicknesses of 6.0 x 2.0 mm, with 20 specimens of each restorative material (n=20). After finishing and polishing, the specimens were randomly divided into two groups for each restorative material (n=10), where the control group G1-C was maintained in artificial saliva and the experimental group G2-E was subjected to gel in-office bleaching agent based on 40% hydrogen peroxide, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The hardness test used was the Vickers hardness test and for each specimen, four consecutive and equidistant readings were performed, with a load of 300g of force for 15s. Hardness values for tested resins were statistically higher in the control group than in the test group. The greatest difference in mean values between the groups occurred in the Z350XT resin and for the fixed margin of error (5%) there is a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the test and control groups for each resin. The use of 40% hydrogen peroxide by the in-office technique promoted significant changes in the surface hardness of the tested resins. In addition, the Z350XT resin presented higher hardness than the other resins, but was the most affected by the bleaching agent (AU).

Abortion and congenital transmission of Trypanosoma vivax in goats and ewes in semiarid northeastern Brazil.

The main effects of trypanosomosis in Brazil are related to reproductive alterations. In this context, the present study aimed to report the occurrence of abortions in goats and sheeps in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil, associated with Trypanosoma vivax. Trypomastigotes forms visualized by Buffy coat technique (BCT) method in 68.7% of the goats and 50.0% of the ewes that aborted. PCR identified that 100% of the goats and ewes that aborted were infected with T. vivax. The goats and ewes that aborted showed high parasitemia and developed clinical signs of trypanosomosis. The presence of T. vivax DNA was identified in the blood of fetuses by the PCR technique, proving infection by T. vivax in aborted fetuses, as well as confirming the congenital transmission of the parasite.

Resistance Training Performed to Failure or Not to Failure Results in Similar Total Volume, but With Different Fatigue and Discomfort Levels.

ABSTRACT: Santos, WDNd, Vieira, CA, Bottaro, M, Nunes, VA, Ramirez-Campillo, R, Steele, J, Fisher, JP, and Gentil, P. Resistance training performed to failure or not to failure results in similar total volume, but with different fatigue and discomfort levels. J Strength Cond Res 35(5): 1372-1379, 2021-The purpose of this study was to compare the acute response to 4 sets of high velocity parallel squats performed to momentary failure (MF) or not to momentary failure (NF). Twelve women (24.93 ± 5.04 years) performed MF and NF protocols, in a randomized order with 2-3 interday rest. The protocol involved 4 sets of parallel squats executed at high velocity at 10RM load, with 2 minutes of rest interval between sets. During the NF protocol, the sets were interrupted when the subject lost more than 20% of mean propulsive velocity. The analysis involved the number of repetitions performed per set, total number of repetitions, movement velocity loss, power output loss, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), rating of perceived discomfort (RPD), and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Compared with NF, MF resulted in a higher number of repetitions in the first set (11.58 ± 1.83 vs. 7.58 ± 1.72, p < 0.05), but a lower in the last set (3.58 ± 1.08 vs. 5.41 ± 1.08, p < 0.05). Total number of repetitions was similar between the protocols (MF 26.25 ± 3.47 vs. NF 24.5 ± 3.65, p > 0.05). In both protocols, there were significant decreases in maximum and mean movement velocity loss and power output loss, but higher decreases were observed in MF than NF (p < 0.05). Values for RPE, sRPE, and RPD were higher during MF than NF (p < 0.05). Controlling the movement velocity in NF protocol enabled performance of a similar total volume of repetitions with lower movement velocity and power output losses, RPE, sRPE, and RPD than during an MF protocol.

Studies of Classical Ballet Dancers' Equilibrium at Different Levels of Development and Versus Non-Dancers: A Systematic Review.

In classical ballet, the execution of extreme movements on small bases of support causes the dancers constantly to seek balance. The objective of this systematic literature review was to evaluate the effects of classical ballet training on static and dynamic balance in order to emphasize the differences between dancers and non-dancers and between dancers with different levels of experience. Searches for scientific papers were conducted by two independent researchers in the PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS databases. A secondary search was carried out by "snowballing" references in the selected studies. A modified Downs and Black checklist and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) scale were used to evaluate the methodological quality and evidence strength of the included studies, respectively. From 364 initial studies, nine were found to be eligible (five did analyses in static situations, two in dyna- mic situations, and two in both). With a maximum potential of 10 points, the methodological quality ranged from 6 to 8 on the Downs and Black checklist. It was found that the level of experience in ballet makes for better balance. However, there are indications that classical ballet dancers become more dependent on vision to control balance compared to non-dancers.

Effect of caffeine supplementation on exercise performance, power, markers of muscle damage, and perceived exertion in trained CrossFit men: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Caffeine is a popular nutritional supplement among athletes. It is frequently used as an ergogenic aid to improve physical performance, delay fatigue, and increase muscle power. However, these effects have not been tested in CrossFit athletes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute caffeine supplementation on workout performance, power, markers of muscle damage, and soreness in trained CrossFit men. METHODS: Nine men (28±2 years) with experience in CrossFit (2±0.3 years) were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, with a 7-day washout between treatment periods. The athletes received anhydrous caffeine (CAF: 6 mg/kg body mass) or placebo (PLA) 60 minutes before a CrossFit workout with tasks that involved muscle strength, power, gymnastic movements, and metabolic conditioning. Blood samples were collected for creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein, and glucose determination. Workout performance, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle strength (handgrip strength) and power (bench throw, jump squat and countermovement jump) were also evaluated. RESULTS: CAF resulted in higher glucose concentration after workout compared to PLA (+3.2 mmol/L, 95% CI: 2.1 to 4.3 vs. +1.5, 95% CI: -0.1 to 3.0 mmol/L, P=0.01). No differences were found between treatments in workout performance, CK, DOMS, RPE, muscle power and strength. CONCLUSIONS: Acute CAF supplementation did not alter performance, markers of muscle damage, power, and RPE in trained CrossFit men.

Reliability and Agreement of the 10-Repetition Maximum Test in Breast Cancer Survivors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and agreement between the test and retest of the 10-repetition maximum (10-RM) test for leg press and bench press in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Thirty-one BCS participated in this study, age 54.87 ± 5.7 years. All performed 10-RM tests and retests for the leg press 45° and the bench press. For reliability analyses, an intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) were performed. The limits of agreement were calculated using a Bland-Altman plot with 95% CIs. For absolute and relative error of measurement, we used standard error of measurement and minimally detectable change. The result showed a high reliability for the bench press and leg press; ICC of 0.94 and 0.98, respectively. CV was <10% for both exercises. The systematic error were 1.5 kg (10%) and 6.1 (8%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. The standard errors of measurements were 0.96 kg (6.08%) and 4.11 kg (5.27%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. The minimally detectable changes were 2.72 kg (17.20%) and 5.62 kg (7.21%) for the bench press and leg press, respectively. In breast cancer survivors, the muscular strength measurement for the 10-RM test showed a high to very high rate of reliability and agreement, with acceptable error of measurement.

Once a Week Resistance Training Improves Muscular Strength in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Exercise has been shown to reduce adverse outcomes related to breast cancer. However, the rate of adherence to physical exercise is very low among breast cancer survivors (BCS). This study investigated the effects of high supervision ratio resistance training (RT), once a week for 8 weeks, on changes in body composition and muscular strength in BCS. Methods: Twenty-five female BCS undergoing hormone therapy were randomized into resistance training group (TG, n = 12) or control (CG, n = 13) group. The TG performed 8 weeks of supervised RT, with 1 trainer per volunteer, once a week. Body composition was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and muscle strength was evaluated by 10 repetition maximum (10 RM) for leg press (45°) and bench press exercises. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to compare within-group effects at pre- and post-intervention. An analysis of covariance test was used to compare post-intervention values, using pre-intervention measures as covariates. The effect size (ES) was calculated by Cohen's d. Results: The TG improved muscle strength in 10 RM leg press (45°; Δ 33.75 ± 11.51 kg, P = .02; ES = 0.96) and bench press (Δ 4.08 ± 1.83 kg, P = .01; ES = 1.15). Adherence to training was more than 99%. Changes in body composition were not detected. There were no changes in the CG for any assessment. Conclusion: Once-weekly supervised RT could be an alternative to increase the adherence to exercise and improve muscular strength in BCS.

Chronic Effects of Resistance Training in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Objective. To analyse effects of resistance training (RT) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) and how protocols and acute variables were manipulated. Methods. Search was made at PubMed, Science Direct, and LILACS. All articles published between 2000 and 2016 were considered. Studies that met the following criteria were included: written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese; BCS who have undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy; additional RT only; analysis of muscle performance, body mass composition (BMC), psychosocial parameters, or blood biomarkers. Results. Ten studies were included. PEDro score ranged from 5 to 9. Rest interval and cadence were not reported. Two studies reported continuous training supervision. All reported improvements in muscle strength, most with low or moderate effect size (ES), but studies performed with high loads presented large ES. Five described no increased risk or exacerbation of lymphedema. Most studies that analysed BMC showed no relevant changes. Conclusions. RT has been shown to be safe for BCS, with no increased risk of lymphedema. The findings indicated that RT is efficient in increasing muscle strength; however, only one study observed significant changes in BMC. An exercise program should therefore consider the manipulation of acute and chronic variables of RT to obtain optimal results.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical constituents of essential oils and oleoresins extracted from eight pepper species / Atividade antimicrobiana e constituintes químicos dos óleos essenciais e oleoresinas extraídas

ABSTRACT: Essential oils are the most important compounds produced during secondary metabolism in aromatic plants. Essential oils are volatile, have characteristic odor and are used as defensive agents by plants. In pepper, it is possible to say that essential oils are the “flavor fingerprint” of each species. In the present article, eight species of pepper were studied in order to extract their essential oils and oleoresins, test their antibacterial and antifungal activities and also to identify the compounds present in the most bioactive samples. Results demonstrated that two essential oils [Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. and Schinus terebinthifolius] and three oleoresins (Schinus terebinthifolius and Piper nigrum white and black) recorded significant antimicrobial activity. These active essential oils and oleoresins are interesting for use in biotechnological processes employed in food, pharmaceutical and other industries.

RESUMO: Os óleos essenciais são os compostos mais importantes produzidos durante o metabolismo secundário de plantas aromáticas. No caso das pimentas, é possível afirmar que os óleos essenciais são a “impressão digital do sabor” de cada espécie. No presente artigo, oito espécies de pimenta foram estudadas a fim de extrair seus óleos essenciais e oleoresinas, testar a sua atividade antibacteriana e antifúngica, bem como, identificar os compostos presentes nas amostras mais ativas. Os resultados obtidos mostram que dois óleos essenciais (Pimenta dioica e Schinus terebinthifolius) e três oleoresinas (Schinus terebinthifolius e Piper nigrum branco e preto) apresentaram atividade antimicrobiana significativa. Esses óleos essenciais e oleoresinas bioativos mostram-se interessantes para a utilização em processos biotecnológicos empregados na indústria alimentar, farmacêutica e outras indústrias.

Fatores associados à ocorrência de parasitoses intestinais em uma população de crianças e adolescentes / Factors associated with intestinal parasitosis in a population of children and adolescents / Factores asociados a la ocurrencia de parasitosis intestinales en una población de niños y adolescentes

Analisar a prevalência de infecções por parasitos intestinais em crianças e adolescentes matriculados em escolas de ensino fundamental no município de São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais, e os fatores associados à infecção. MÉTODOS: Estudo epidemiológico seccional, realizado entre março/2008 e julho/2009. Foram realizados exames coproscópicos por sedimentação espontânea e Kato-Katz em 1.172 escolares. Foram ajustados modelos de regressão logística múltipla para o estudo dos fatores associados às infecções em geral e, separadamente, por helmintos e por protozoários. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de infecções foi de 29%, havendo uma variação de 7 a 83%, respectivamente, entre as escolas de menor e maior ocorrência. A presença de instalação sanitária no domicílio foi associada a uma ocorrência menor de helmintos; o aumento na idade dos escolares associou-se a uma maior ocorrência de protozoários e de parasitos em geral; enquanto a presença de filtro de água e a localização do domicílio em área urbana mostraram-se associadas a uma ocorrência menor dos três desfechos analisados. Em todas as regiões, foi registrado o consumo de medicação preventiva contra helmintos. CONCLUSÕES: Desigualdades nas condições de vida tornaram as prevalências diferenciadas entre as regiões do estudo. O estudo ressalta a necessidade de promover o uso de filtros de água nas residências de áreas endêmicas e de avaliar o consumo preventivo de medicamentos anti-helmínticos na dinâmica e na saúde dos indivíduos. Medidas de controle que levem em conta os fatores descritos devem ser prioritárias em nível de Saúde Pública.

To analyze the prevalence and the factors associated with intestinal parasites infections in children and adolescents enrolled in elementary schools from São João del-Rei, Southeast Brazil. METHODS: In this sectional study, coproscopic examinations were performed by spontaneous sedimentation and Kato-Katz techniques in 1,172 schoolchildren. Multivariate logistic regression models were adjusted for the study of factors associated with infections in general and separately for helminthes and protozoon. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection was 29%, ranging from 7 to 83% between schools of lower and higher occurrence respectively. The presence of toilets in the home was associated with a lower prevalence of helminths; the increasing age of the students was associated with a higher rates of protozoon and parasites in general, while the presence of water filter and living in urban area were associated with a lower prevalence of the three outcomes. In all regions, the consumption of preventive medication against helminths was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Inequalities in living conditions have changed the prevalence of parasitosis differently among the study regions. The study underscores the need to promote the use of water filters in endemic areas houses and to evaluate the preventive use of anti-helminthic drugs in the dynamic of individual health. Control measures that take into account the factors described should be a priority.

Analizar la prevalencia de infecciones por parasitas intestinales en niños y adolescentes matriculados en escuelas de enseñanza primaria en el municipio de São João del-Rei, Minas Gerais (Brasil), y los factores asociados a la infección. MÉTODOS: Estudio epidemiológico seccional, realizado entre marzo/2008 y julio/2009. Se realizaron exámenes coproscópicos por sedimentación espontánea y Kato-Katz en 1.172 escolares. Se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística múltiple para el estudio de los factores asociados a las infecciones en general y, separadamente, por helmintos y protozoos. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia de infecciones fue de 29%, habiendo una variación de 7 a 83%, respectivamente, entre las escuelas de menor y mayor ocurrencia. La presencia de instalación sanitaria en el domicilio fue asociada a una ocurrencia menor de helmintos; el aumento en la edad de los escolares se asoció a una mayor ocurrencia de protozoos y de parasitas en general; mientras que la presencia de filtro de agua y la ubicación del domicilio en área urbana se mostraron asociadas a una ocurrencia menor de los tres desenlaces analizados. En todas las regiones, se registró el consumo de medicación preventiva contra helmintos. CONCLUSIONES: Desigualdades en las condiciones de vida convirtieron las prevalencias diferenciadas entre las regiones del estudio. El estudio subraya la necesidad de promover el uso de filtros de agua en las residencias de áreas epidémicas y de evaluar el consumo preventivo de medicamentos anti-helmínticos en la dinámica de las infecciones y en la salud de los individuos. Medidas de control que tengan en cuenta los factores descritos deben ser prioritarias en nivel de Salud Pública.