"COVID toes": A meta-analysis of case and observational studies on clinical, histopathological, and laboratory findings.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is related to several extrapulmonary disorders; however, little is known about the clinical, laboratory, and histopathological characteristics of pernio-like skin lesions associated with COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and summarize the clinical, laboratory, and histopathological characteristics of pernio-like lesions reported in the literature. METHODS: We conducted a search of the PubMed, SciELO, and ScienceDirect databases for articles published between January 1, 2020 and November 30, 2020, following the PRISMA recommendations (PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42020225055). The target population was individuals with suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 with pernio-like lesions. Observational studies, research letters, and case/series reports were all eligible for inclusion. Observational studies were evaluated using a random-effects model to calculate the weighted mean prevalence, overall mean, and 95% confidence interval. We evaluated case studies using the chi-square test for dichotomous variables and the Mann-Whitney test for continuous variables. RESULTS: A total of 187 patients from case reports and 715 patients from 18 observational studies were included. The mean age of patients was 16.6 years (range 14.5-18.8). Feet were affected in 91.4% (87.0-94.4%) of patients in observational studies. The proportion of patients with a positive RT-PCR test was less than 15%. Lesion topography and morphology were associated with age. CONCLUSION: Lesions mostly occurred in pediatric patients, and the morphological characteristics tended to differ between pediatric and non-pediatric populations. There is a possible multifactorial component in lesion pathophysiology. The non-positivity of laboratory tests does not exclude an association with COVID-19. Pernio-like lesions may be a late manifestation of COVID-19.

Physical activity and better medication compliance improve mini-mental state examination scores in the elderly.

In addition to hypertension, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle plays a pivotal role in cerebro- and cardiovascular disease and progressive cognitive decline, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The present study investigated whether controlling the key risks and participating in physical activity have a beneficial impact on these disorders. Elderly volunteers were enrolled in a 3-month program that consisted of structured exercise three times per week. The daily routine, medical treatment, and vital parameters were evaluated and correlated with the subjects' neuropsychiatric status. High blood pressure was found in 40% of the participants, with no significant differences between the sexes. A higher proportion of females (55%) than males (18%) forgot to take their medication during the observation period. Significant negative correlations were found between Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores and age, lack of a caregiver, and increased pulse rate before or after exercise. These results suggest that the presence of home assistance and subsequent improvement in medication compliance, vital parameter optimization, and regular physical activity may yield better MMSE results and a lower risk for cerebro- and cardiovascular disease.

Psychological and Cognitive Profile of Hypertensive and Diabetic Patients.

Chronic disorders such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus are often associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as cognitive decline. Once developed, psychological support is essential for improving the quality of life. This study is aimed at identifying impaired mental health in connection with these systemic metabolic disorders. A total of 34 patients were included in this cross-sectional study: 17 hypertensive individuals with a mean age of 59 ± 10 years, and 17 diabetic patients aged 54 ± 10 years. The following psychometric tests were used: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20). A large number of patients with high blood pressure or diabetes was associated with mental health problems (82% or 65%, respectively; p = 0.246). Affective disorder, especially moderate to severe depression, was seen mainly in diabetic patients (76%), whereas hypertensive individuals had higher prevalence of anxiety (64%). There was no cognitive impairment in this middle-aged population. This study shows a high proportion of depression and anxiety symptoms in patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus, reinforcing the importance of psychiatric support for appropriate control of these metabolic disorders.

Abusive Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages and Associated Factors in Brazilian University Students.

The university is considered an environment that favors the initiation and use of substances, especially those that are legal, such as alcohol. This consumption can be differentiated in university students, which makes it necessary to better understand this behavior. Taking into account these aspects, we analyzed the abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages in university students and its association with socioeconomic and behavioral factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study with regularly enrolled students. We assessed the abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages using the binge drinking pattern. We collected socioeconomic and behavioral data using a questionnaire. The association between the variables was verified using logistic regression. Abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages was high, with a high weekly frequency. The association with sociodemographic and behavioral factors can increase the health risk. Education campaigns within institutions with students in the classroom and with all those who can influence these students are important. As there are few studies that consider other health risk factors that have not been analyzed yet, such as those treated in our study, with the abusive consumption of alcoholic beverages, this study seeks to contribute to the knowledge of the relationships between these variables and in the elaboration of actions aimed at improving the lifestyle and health of university students.

Effects of Calendula officinalis extract on liver histopathology, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in rats submitted to a diet rich in cholesterol and carbohydrates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the modulatory properties of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) (C. officinalis) extract on cafeteria diet-fed rats. METHODS: A cafeteria diet was administered ad libitum for 45 days to induce dyslipidemia. Then, the rats were treated with the formulations containing C. officinalis in the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg or only with the vehicle formulation; the control group received a commercial ration. RESULTS: The cafeteria diet decreased glutathione S-transferase activity and high-density lipoprotein plasmatic levels and damaged the hepatic architecture. The C. officinalis extract was able to reduce lipid infiltration in liver tissue and to modulate oxidative stress and lipid profile markers. CONCLUSIONS: The correlations between the variables suggest a pathological connection between oxidative stress markers and serum lipid profile.

Factors associated with the lethality of patients hospitalized with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 in Brazil.

Due to the high rates of transmission and deaths due to COVID-19, understanding the factors associated with its occurrence, as well as monitoring and implementing control measures should be priority actions in health surveillance, highlighting the use of epidemiological surveillance information systems as an important ally. Thus, the objectives of this study were to calculate the mortality rate of hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 and to identify factors associated with death, in the period corresponding to epidemiological weeks 01 to 53 of the year 2020. This was a longitudinal study, using the national influenza epidemiological surveillance information system database, routinely collected by healthcare services. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of 563,051 hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 in the five regions of Brazil were analyzed. Cox regression was performed to assess factors associated with patient death during hospitalization. The national lethality rate was 35.7%, and the highest rates of lethality occurred in the Northeast (44.3%) and North (41.2%) regions. During the hospital stay, death was associated with older age (Hazard Ratio-HR = 1.026; p<0.001); male sex (HR = 1.052; p<0.001); living in the North (HR = 1.429; p<0.001), Northeast (HR = 1.271; p<0.001) or Southeast regions of Brazil (HR = 1.040; p<0.001), presenting any risk factor (HR = 1.129; p< 0.001), the use of invasive (HR = 2.865; p<0.001) or noninvasive (HR = 1.401; p<0.001) mechanical ventilation devices. A high case lethality rate was evidenced in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19, however, deaths were not evenly distributed across the country's regions, being heavily concentrated in the Northeast and North regions. Older male patients living in the North, Northeast, or Southeast regions of Brazil, who presented any risk factor and were submitted to the use of invasive or noninvasive mechanical ventilation devices, presented a higher risk of evolving to death.

Hospitalizations and mortality by severe acute respiratory syndrome: comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics and the factors associated with mortality of cases hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome in a health region, in pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. METHODS: A retrospective documentary study of epidemiological surveillance carried out with secondary data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, regarding the cases of patients belonging to a health region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. RESULTS: During the pandemic period, there was an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to severe acute respiratory syndrome, in addition to differences between sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological characteristics. In both periods, the age and the use of invasive ventilatory support were the predictors of hospital mortality. The mortality in the pandemic period was also associated with male gender, presence of risk factors, admission to an intensive care unit, use of non-invasive ventilatory support, and infection by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In 2020, the detection rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome was 21 times higher than in 2019 and new symptoms, such as anosmia and ageusia, were included in their investigation. In both periods evaluated, elderly patients and patients on invasive mechanical ventilation had a higher risk of mortality. With the pandemic, there was a greater number of hospitalizations and factors associated with mortality.

Secretory phospholipase A2 in patients with coronary artery disease.

This study investigated the correlation of sPLA2 (secretory phospholipase A2) activity with the atheromatosis extent in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing coronary angiography. We analyzed 123 patients, including 35 subjects with angiographically normal coronary arteries (controls), 31 with mild/moderate atheromatosis (stenosis of 30-70% of the luminal diameter in one or more coronary arteries) and 57 with severe atheromatosis (>70% stenosis). Plasma sPLA2 activity was significantly higher in subjects with severe [127.7 U/ml (102.3-162.7); p < 0.0001] and mild/moderate [112.0 U/ml (100.6-146.9); p < 0.0001] atheromatosis than in controls [19.8 U/ml (15.1-32.1)]. In a multiple logistic regression model, adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, tabagism, hypertension, sedentarism, family history for coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, total cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, triglycerides, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and phospholipase A2, only sPLA2 was observed to be independently associated with severe CAD (>70% of stenosis) (p < 0.0001).

Oxidative stress markers in cognitively intact patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Various forms of vascular injury are frequently associated with type-2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Macro-angiopathy has alarming signs and symptoms such as those seen with stroke or heart attack, however the presentation of small vessel disease is generally more subtle and therefore usually unnoticed for a long period of time. While it may affect any organ, complications involving the nervous system such as diabetic poly-neuropathy (DPN) are especially debilitating, and it may also be a risk factor for other brain disorders such as dementia. The underlying mechanisms are likely to be multi-faceted, but piling evidence indicates oxidative stress as one of the crucial factors. Here we evaluate the oxidative profile of patients with DM2. The total anti-oxidant capacity appears to be reduced in DM2 with or without complications. Of the specific bio-markers studied, the levels of tissue-damage indicator malon-dialdehyde (MDA) were significantly lower in the DM2 + DPN population only. These results suggest that diabetic patients present with wavering oxidative status, and the low MDA concentrations in patients with complications such as DPN may represent either an exhausted anti-oxidative defense system or a response to anti-inflammatory medications. The findings may also support the use of anti-oxidants such as vitamins A and E.

Evaluating the effects of exercise on cognitive function in hypertensive and diabetic patients using the mental test and training system.

OBJECTIVES: Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are important risk factors for developing cognitive impairment. General life-style changes including physical training are known to reduce elevated blood pressure and sugar levels, as well as improve mental health. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether supervised physical exercise enhances the cognitive status of patients with chronic diseases. METHODS: Volunteers with SAH, DM or SAH + DM participated in either aerobic or resistance training during a period of 12 weeks. Several domains of cognitive functions were evaluated using the mental test and training system before and after the 3 months. RESULTS: Participants with either of these chronic diseases demonstrated significantly improved attention and concentration, but not reaction time, following the supervised exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Structured physical training promotes several aspects of cognitive functions in diabetic and hypertensive patients.

Effects of Calendula officinalis extract on liver histopathology, lipid profile, and oxidative stress in rats submitted to a diet rich in cholesterol and carbohydrates

Purpose: To evaluate the modulatory properties of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae) (C. officinalis) extract on cafeteria diet-fed rats. Methods: A cafeteria diet was administered ad libitum for 45 days to induce dyslipidemia. Then, the rats were treated with the formulations containing C. officinalis in the doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg or only with the vehicle formulation; the control group received a commercial ration. Results: The cafeteria diet decreased glutathione S-transferase activity and high-density lipoprotein plasmatic levels and damaged the hepatic architecture. The C. officinalis extract was able to reduce lipid infiltration in liver tissue and to modulate oxidative stress and lipid profile markers. Conclusions: The correlations between the variables suggest a pathological connection between oxidative stress markers and serum lipid profile.

Euterpe edulis effects on cardiac and renal tissues of Wistar rats fed with cafeteria diet.

INTRODUCTION: This study's objective was to evaluate the antioxidant and toxic effects of E. edulison cardiac and renal tissues of Wistar rats fed with cafeteria diet. METHODS: Catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in cardiac muscle and renal tissue of 60 animals, which were randomly assigned for 10 equal groups. Half of the rats were fed with cafeteria diet and the other half with commercial chow, combined or not to E. edulislyophilized extract, E. edulis deffated lyophilized extract or E. edulisoil. Data were evaluated using ANOVA, followed by the Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Data showed a significant increase of CAT activity in cardiac tissue of animals from the groups fed with cafeteria diet associated to E. edulis lyophilized extract at 5%, E. edulis lyophilized extract at 10% and E. edulis deffated lyophilized extract at 10%. In addition, the same result was found in animals from the groups fed with commercial chow and commercial chow combined with E. edulislyophilized extract at 10% in comparison to the group fed exclusively with cafeteria diet. GST and SOD enzyme activity showed significant increase in the heart tissue of animals nourished with commercial chow when compared to the groups fed with cafeteria diet. On the other hand, there were no significant differences enzymatic levels in renal tissues. CONCLUSION: The oil and the extract of E. edulishad an important role promoting an increase of antioxidant enzymes levels in cardiac muscle, which prevent the oxidative damage resulting from the cafeteria diet in Wistar rats. There were no evidenced signs of lipid peroxidation in renal or in cardiac tissue of the animals studied, indicating that the E. edulisuse did not promote any increase in malondialdehyde cytotoxic products formation. This show that both E. edulis oil and extracts evaluated in this study were well tolerated in the studied doses.

[Duration of breastfeeding in preterm infants followed at a secondary referral service]. / Duração do aleitamento materno em prematuros acompanhados em serviço de referência secundário.

OBJECTIVE: Identify and analyze variables associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding in preterm infants. METHODS: Retrospective cohort of premature infants followed up at secondary referral service in the period of 2010-2015. INCLUSION: first appointment in the first month of corrected age and have undergone three or more consultations. Exclusion: diseases that impaired oral feeding. OUTCOME: duration of breastfeeding. A total of 103 preterm infants were evaluated, accounting for 28.8% of the preterm infants born in the municipality in that period, with a power of study of 80%. Descriptive analysis, t-test, chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression were used. p-values<0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The median duration of breastfeeding among preterm infants was 5.0 months. The risk of breastfeeding discontinuation among preterm infants with gestational age <32 weeks was 2.6-fold higher than for those born at 32 weeks or more and the risk of breastfeeding interruption in preterm infants who were receiving breastfeeding supplementation in the first outpatient visit was 3-fold higher when compared to those who were exclusively breastfed in the first consultation. CONCLUSIONS: The median duration of breastfeeding in preterm infants was below the recommended one and discontinuation was associated with gestational <32 weeks and the fact that the infant was no longer receiving exclusive breastfeeding in the first outpatient visit. When these two variables were associated, their negative effect on the median duration of breastfeeding was potentiated.

Fatores associados ao consumo de alimentos segundo o grau de processamento na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Factors associated with the consumption of food according to the degree of processing in the Primary Health Care

Introdução: O consumo alimentar de uma população pode estar relacionado a fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de estilo de vida, podendo sua qualidade ser avaliada de acordo com o grau de processamento de alimentos proposto pela Classificação NOVA. Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de alimentos de acordo com o grau de processamento entre usuários da atenção primária à saúde em relação às condições socioeconômicas, demográficas e de estilo de vida. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado entre setembro de 2019 e março de 2020, com adultos e idosos usuários da atenção primária à saúde no município de Guidoval-MG. Foi aplicado um questionário estruturado com variáveis socioeconômicas e demográficas e um questionário de frequência alimentar qualitativo, no qual os alimentos foram classificados conforme a classificação NOVA. Foi realizada regressão de Poisson com variância robusta, permanecendo no modelo final as variáveis com nível de significância menor que 5%. A medida de efeito utilizada foi a razão de prevalência com intervalo de confiança de 95%. Resultados: Foram avaliados 361 indivíduos. Foi encontrada maior prevalência de consumo regular de alimentos ultraprocessados entre indivíduos negros, residentes em localidades urbanas, solteiros e com maior nível socioeconômico. O maior consumo regular de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados foi associado à cor de pele branca, maior escolaridade e a prática de atividade física. Conclusões: Fatores individuais e contextuais estudados influenciaram o consumo de alimentos in natura ou minimamente processados e de ultraprocessados, sugerindo a necessidade de maior intervenção em grupos populacionais específicos e ressaltando a importância de se adotar uma alimentação saudável. (AU)

Introduction: The consumption of a population can be related to socioeconomic, demographic and lifestyle factors, and its quality can be assessed according to the degree of food processing proposed by the NOVA Classification. Objective: Assess food consumption according to the degree of processing among users of primary health care in relation to socioeconomic, demographic and lifestyle conditions. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted between September 2019 and March 2020, with adults and elderly users of primary health care in the city of Guidoval-MG. We elaborated a structured questionnaire with socioeconomic and demographic variables and a qualitative food frequency questionnaire, in which foods were classified according to the NOVA classification. We made Poisson regression with robust variance, remaining in the final model as variables with a significance level of less than 5%. We used the prevalence ratio with a 95% confidence interval as measure of effect. Results: We took 361 requests. We found a higher prevalence of regular consumption of ultra-processed foods among black individuals, living in urban areas, single and with higher socioeconomic status. Higher regular consumption of in natura or minimally processed foods was associated with white skin color, higher educational level and the practice of physical activity. Conclusions: Individual and contextual factors studied influence the consumption of in natura or minimally processed and ultra-processed foods, suggesting the need for greater intervention in specific population groups and emphasizing the importance of adopting a healthy diet. (AU)

Número de passos diário e sua associação com fatores de risco cardiometabólicos em professores / Daily steps and their association with cardiometabolic risk factors in teachers

RESUMO As DCV são as principais causas de morbimortalidade mundial, sendo o sedentarismo um dos principais fatores de risco para seu desenvolvimento. Assim, esta investigação teve como objetivo avaliar o número de passos diários e sua associação com fatores de risco cardiometabólicos (FRCV) em professores. Foram avaliados o número de passos diários, parâmetros antropométricos, hemodinâmicos e bioquímicos de 150 professores, divididos em Dois grupos (G1 < 10000 passos e G2 ≥ 10000 passos). Para determinar a associação e magnitude desta entre FRCV e níveis insuficientes de atividade física foram utilizados o teste qui quadrado e razão de chances. Correlação de Pearson foi utilizada para verificar a relação entre o número de passos e as demais variáveis e curvas ROC para avaliar o ponto de corte de passos diários em relação a cada FRCV. Entre os docentes avaliados, 42% eram ativos fisicamente, apresentando melhor perfil antropométrico, hemodinâmico e bioquímico. Hipertensão arterial e dislipidemias foram os FRCV que apresentaram associação com a condição de baixo número de passos. O ponto de corte de número de passos indicou valores superiores a 12,500 passos/dia para proteção contra os FRCV. Assim, a maioria dos docentes era insuficientemente ativa, destacando que aqueles que atingiram 10000 passos por dia de média, apresentaram um melhor perfil cardiometabólico.

ABSTRACT Cardiovascular diseases are the main causes of worldwide morbidity and mortality, with a sedentary lifestyle being one of the main risk factors for its development. Thus, this investigation aimed to evaluate the number of daily steps and their association with cardiometabolic risk factors (CRF) in teachers. The number of daily steps, anthropometric, hemodynamic and biochemical parameters of 150 teachers were evaluated, divided into two groups (G1 <10,000 steps and G2 ≥ 10,000 steps). To determine the association and magnitude of this between CRF and insufficient levels of physical activity, the chi square test and odds ratio were used. Pearson's correlation was used to verify the relationship between the number of steps and the other variables and ROC curves to assess the cutoff point of daily steps in relation to each CRF. Among the teachers evaluated, 42% were physically active, with a better anthropometric, hemodynamic and biochemical profile. Arterial hypertension and dyslipidemia were the CRF that were associated with the condition of low number of steps. The cut-off point for the number of steps indicated values greater than 12,500 steps/day for protection against CRF. Thus, most teachers were insufficiently active, highlighting that those who reached 10,000 steps per day on average, had a better cardiometabolic profile.

Hospitalizations and mortality by severe acute respiratory syndrome: comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods / Internações hospitalares e mortalidade por síndrome respiratória aguda grave: comparação entre os períodos pré-pandêmico e pandêmico

ABSTRACT: Objective: To analyze the characteristics and the factors associated with mortality of cases hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome in a health region, in pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Methods: A retrospective documentary study of epidemiological surveillance carried out with secondary data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System, regarding the cases of patients belonging to a health region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Results: During the pandemic period, there was an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths due to severe acute respiratory syndrome, in addition to differences between sociodemographic and clinical-epidemiological characteristics. In both periods, the age and the use of invasive ventilatory support were the predictors of hospital mortality. The mortality in the pandemic period was also associated with male gender, presence of risk factors, admission to an intensive care unit, use of non-invasive ventilatory support, and infection by COVID-19. Conclusions: In 2020, the detection rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome was 21 times higher than in 2019 and new symptoms, such as anosmia and ageusia, were included in their investigation. In both periods evaluated, elderly patients and patients on invasive mechanical ventilation had a higher risk of mortality. With the pandemic, there was a greater number of hospitalizations and factors associated with mortality.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Analisar as características e os fatores associados à mortalidade dos casos hospitalizados por Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave em uma regional de saúde, nos períodos pré-pandêmico e pandêmico. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo documental de vigilância epidemiológica realizado com dados secundários provenientes do Sistema de Informação de Vigilância Epidemiológica da Gripe, referentes aos casos de pacientes pertencentes a uma regional de saúde de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Resultados: Observou-se, no período pandêmico, aumento do número de hospitalizações e óbitos por Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave, além de diferenças entre as características sociodemográficas e clínico-epidemiológicas. Em ambos os períodos, comportaram-se como preditores da mortalidade hospitalar a idade e o uso de suporte ventilatório invasivo. A mortalidade no período pandêmico associou-se também a sexo masculino, presença de fatores de risco, internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, uso de suporte ventilatório não invasivo e infecção por COVID-19. Conclusões: Em 2020, a taxa detecção de Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave foi 21 vezes maior do que em 2019 e novos sintomas, como a anosmia e ageusia, foram incluídos em sua investigação. Nos dois períodos avaliados, pacientes idosos e em ventilação mecânica invasiva apresentaram maior risco de mortalidade. Com a pandemia, houve maior número de hospitalizações e fatores associados à mortalidade.

Effects of different exercise programs and minimal detectable changes in hemoglobin A1c in patients with type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide, resulting in a global epidemic. The most common type, the type 2 diabetes mellitus, constitutes of 90-95 % of the cases and is characterized by the action of and/or impaired insulin secretion. Regular exercise is a recommended strategy in several studies and guidelines for type 2 diabetes control and complications associated with it. Therefore, we evaluated and compared the effects of aerobic and strength exercise programs on the glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: The selected patients were divided into groups which performed moderate strength training (ST) and aerobic training (AT). The study lasted 20 weeks and was divided into two 10 week phases with anthropometric (body mass index, waist, abdomen and hips circumferences, waist/hip ratio) and biochemical (glycemic and lipid profile) assessments at baseline, 10 weeks and 20 weeks. For intra and inter analyses a mixed ANOVA model was used. Individual changes were calculated using the minimum detectable change, based on a 90 % confidence interval. RESULTS: Eleven patients (five men and six women) completed the 20 weeks of training; five from the ST group and six from the AT. No significant changes were observed in any anthropometric variable in either group. Statistically significant differences were found in mean hemoglobin A1c in both groups between baseline (AT: 8.6 ± 2.5; ST: 9.2 ± 1.9) and 10 weeks (AT: 7.2 ± 1.7; ST: 7.9 ± 1.2) (p = 0.03), and baseline (AT: 8.6 ± 2.5; ST: 9.2 ± 1.9) and 20 weeks (AT: 7.5 ± 1.7; ST: 7.4 ± 0.9) (p = 0.01). For the minimal detectable changes, 40 % of the ST and 33 % of AT achieved these changes for hemoglobin A1c. CONCLUSION: Both aerobic and strength exercises can help the metabolic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, even without significant changes in anthropometry over the 20 weeks of training. However, this period was sufficient to cause changes in hemoglobin A1c values and the estimated average glucose, which are important parameters in controlling diabetes, thus signaling an important consequence of adhering to an exercise routine for type 2 diabetic patients.

Euterpe edulis Extract but Not Oil Enhances Antioxidant Defenses and Protects against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced by a High-Fat Diet in Rats.

We investigated the effects of E. edulis bioproducts (lyophilized pulp [LEE], defatted lyophilized pulp [LDEE], and oil [EO]) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) in rats. All products were chemically analyzed. In vivo, 42 rats were equally randomized into seven groups receiving standard diet, HFD alone or combined with EO, LEE, or LDEE. After NAFLD induction, LEE, LDEE, or EO was added to the animals' diet for 4 weeks. LEE was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From LEE degreasing, LDEE presented higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity in vitro. Dietary intake of LEE and especially LDEE, but not EO, attenuated diet-induced NAFLD, reducing inflammatory infiltrate, steatosis, and lipid peroxidation in liver tissue. Although both E. edulis bioproducts were not hepatotoxic, only LDEE presented sufficient benefits to treat NAFLD in rats, possibly by its low lipid content and high amount of phenols and anthocyanins.

Micronutrient supplementation adherence and influence on the prevalences of anemia and iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies in preemies with a corrected age of six months.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze adherence to the recommended iron, zinc and multivitamin supplementation guidelines for preemies, the factors associated with this adherence, and the influence of adherence on the occurrence of anemia and iron, zinc and vitamin A deficiencies. METHODS: This prospective cohort study followed 58 preemies born in 2014 until they reached six months corrected age. The preemies were followed at a referral secondary health service and represented 63.7% of the preterm infants born that year. Outcomes of interest included high or low adherence to iron, zinc and multivitamin supplementation guidelines; prevalence of anemia; and prevalences of iron, zinc, and vitamin A deficiencies. The prevalence ratios were calculated by Poisson regression. RESULTS: Thirty-eight (65.5%) preemies presented high adherence to micronutrient supplementation guidelines. At six months of corrected age, no preemie had vitamin A deficiency. The prevalences of anemia, iron deficiency and zinc deficiency were higher in the low-adherence group but also concerning in the high-adherence group. Preemies with low adherence to micronutrient supplementation guidelines were 2.5 times more likely to develop anemia and 3.1 times more likely to develop zinc deficiency. Low maternal education level increased the likelihood of nonadherence to all three supplements by 2.2 times. CONCLUSIONS: Low maternal education level was independently associated with low adherence to iron, zinc and vitamin A supplementation guidelines in preemies, which impacted the prevalences of anemia and iron and zinc deficiencies at six months of corrected age.