Evaluation of lipolysis and toxicological parameters of low-level laser therapy at different wavelengths and doses in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue.

Investigate the effects of low-level lasers therapy (LLLT) aiming abdominal lipolysis. Female Wistar rats received applications of LLLT directly in the abdominal skin twice a week (5 weeks). Except the control group (n = 5), animals received treatments with red wavelength 660 nm being (I) R3.3 group (n = 5): 3.3 J/cm2, and (II) R5 group (n = 5): 5 J/cm2, or infrared wavelength 808 nm being (III) IR3.3 group (n = 5): 3.3 J/cm2, and (IV) IR5 group (n = 5): 5 J/cm2. Abdominal subcutaneous and liver tissues were evaluated histologically. Levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and catalase (CAT) activity were analyzed in liver tissue. In the peripheral blood aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol were investigated. Micronucleus assay was performed in the bone marrow. Except for the IR3.3 group, all treated groups reduced the body weight (p < 0.001). The R5 group reduced the abdominal subcutaneous tissue weight and thickness (p < 0.05), even though all treated groups reduced the number of adipocytes and its size (p < 0.001). No histological changes in the liver. There were no alterations in the triglycerides and LDL levels. The IR5 group increased the total cholesterol levels and decreased the HDL, ALT (both p < 0.05), and AST levels (p < 0.001). The group IR3.3 showed higher levels of ALP (p < 0.01). The R3.3 group increased the TBARS and CAT activity (p < 0.05). No mutagenic effects were found. The red laser treatment at 5 J/cm2 led to lipolysis and did not alter the liver's parameters.

Boswellia serrata has beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in a model of experimental colitis.

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that involves only the colon and rectum, being characterized by leukocyte infiltrate and superficial ulcers in the intestinal mucosa. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of extract from the Boswellia serrata plant in an experimental rat model of acute ulcerative colitis induced by the administration of acetic acid (AA). An extract of B. serrata (34.2 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 2 days before and after the induction of colitis with 4 mL of 4% AA. The anal sphincter pressure in the colitis group showed a significant decrease compared to that of the control groups (p < 0.001). The analysis of the values of lipid peroxidation (LPO) obtained by substances that react with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) showed a significantly increased LPO in the colitis group compared to the control groups (p < 0.001). The nitric oxide levels and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) showed a significant increase in the colitis group compared to control groups (p < 0.01). Both pretreatment and treatment with B. serrata exhibited significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and iNOS and showed improvements in tissue injury and anal sphincter pressure in animals with ulcerative colitis. The B. serrata extract has protective anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that inhibit inflammatory mediators in acute experimental colitis.

Evaluation of the efficacy and toxicity of oral and topical pumpkin oil on the hair growth of mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical and oral administration of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) on the hair growth of BALB/c male mice. The animals had their dorsal area shaved (2 ×2 cm) and they were divided into 6 experimental groups. They received orally saline (OS), finasteride (F), or PSO (OP) for 14 days; or topically saline (TS), minoxidil (M), or PSO (TP) for 7 days. The euthanasia of all of the mice occurred on the 22nd day, and the histological slides from the skin area were analyzed. Lipoperoxidation in the liver was assessed through the TBARS method and was also evaluated by the antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT). The comet assay and the micronucleus tests were performed for genotoxic/mutagenic safety analyses. A significant increase in the number of hair follicles in the TP group was seen (8.8 ± 0.8) but it was disorganized, with loose dermal collagen. Finasteride presented a significant increase in the levels of the TBARS, SOD, and CAT in the liver, and M increased the DNA damage in the blood and the liver tissues. PSO did not induce any significant changes. In addition, PSO did not induce genotoxic or mutagenic effects. In conclusion, the oral PSO for 14 days acted in the proliferation of the hair follicles, without toxicity signals in the liver. DATA AVAILABILITY: The authors confirm that all of the relevant data is included in the article and/or in the supplementary information file.

Behavioral, Oxidative, and Biochemical Effects of Omega-3 on an Ovariectomized Rat Model of Menopause.

OBJECTIVES: Menopause induces changes in neuronal transmission, leading to anxiety and depression. Changes in the brain's glutamate levels cause psychological behavior in postmenopausal women. Omega-3 has been studied to improve some of these behaviors. METHODS: Twenty-four female Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sham-operated treated with water (SO-W), sham-operated treated with omega-3 (SO-O), ovariectomized (OVX) treated with water (OVX-W), and bilateral OVX treated with omega-3 (OVX-O). These treatments were performed for 20 days via gavage, before and after surgery, totaling 40 days. RESULTS: In the forced swimming, elevated plus-maze, and open field tests to assess behaviors, such as depression and anxiety, omega-3 improved these behaviors in both treated groups. The levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the brain were not different between the groups; however, there was a significant decrease in the catalase activity in the SO-O group compared with the SO-W group (P < 0.05). The glutamate level in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was elevated in the SO-O group (P < 0.001) but not in the OVX-W or OVX-O groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results bring novel data when related to the glutamatergic system in the SO-O group. This has suggested that the action mechanism of omega-3 was not dependent on glutamate levels in the CSF of the OVX group, but it played a regulatory role in the sham-operated animals. To confirm this, more studies are needed to explore this field when relating to the estrogen and glutamate receptor changes in specific brain regions.

Adaptogenic effects of curcumin on depression induced by moderate and unpredictable chronic stress in mice.

Curcumin has been investigated for the prevention and treatment of diseases due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective actions. This current study evaluated the adaptogenic effects of a subchronic oral administration of curcumin to Swiss mice that were submitted to a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. Four groups of mice (vehicle control, CO; curcumin control, COC; CUMS + vehicle, CUMS; CUMS + curcumin, CUMSC) were evaluated for the biochemical parameters. The CUMS model caused depressive-like and anxiety-like behavior in the animals when they were viewed in the Forced Swimming Test and in the Elevated Plus Maze Test. The treatments with curcumin prevented the depressive-like behavior in the Forced Swimming Test and they had anxiolytic effects on the non-stressed animals. This was confirmed by the Elevated Plus Maze Test. Curcumin showed antioxidant effects (IC50 of 38.86 ± 1.78 µg/mL) in the in vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrozole) test. The compound also showed antioxidant effects in vivo, increasing the catalase (CAT) levels in the brains of the stressed animals. The biochemical analyses did not reveal potential renal and hepatic damage. Together, these results have demonstrated the antidepressant and antioxidant effects of curcumin, highlighting in this mice model, the compound's novel adaptogenic potential.

Vulnerabilidade e envelhecimento humano, conceitos e contextos: uma revisão / Vulnerability and human aging, concepts and contexts: a review

O presente artigo trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, cujo objetivo central é discutir o conceito de vulnerabilidade e descrever os estudos acerca da temática vulnerabilidade e envelhecimento humano. Foram realizadas buscas nas plataformas CAPES, BVS e PUBMED, utilizando os descritores, vulnerability study, aged, older person, older people, durante o período de janeiro a março de 2019. Utilizou-se 27 publicações para a confecção do presente artigo, organizadas em cinco temáticas distintas: conceito de vulnerabilidade; estudos sobre percepção/significado de vulnerabilidade; estudos teóricos sobre vulnerabilidade; ferramentas e índices de vulnerabilidade; estudos empíricos de prevalência e fatores associados à vulnerabilidade. A literatura dispõe diferentes conceitos para os diferentes contextos aplicáveis à vulnerabilidade. Para o idoso, quase sempre vulnerabilidade está relacionada a incapacidades físicas e dependência. Existem diversas publicações destinadas a adaptar e validar instrumentos. Foram levantados diversos fatores associados à vulnerabilidade, dentre os quais destacaram-se a incapacidade funcional, as doenças crônicas e a depressão.(AU)

This article is an integrative literature review, whose central objective is to discuss the concept of vulnerability and describe studies on the theme of vulnerability and human aging. Searches were carried out on the CAPES, BVS, and PUBMED platforms, using the descriptors, "vulnerability study", "aged", "older person", "older people", from January to March 2019. 27 publications were used for the making of this article, organized into five different themes: the concept of vulner- ability; studies on the perception/meaning of vulnerability; theoretical studies on vulnerability; tools and vulnerability indexes; and empirical studies of prevalence and factors associated with vulnerability. Th literature provides different concepts for the different application contexts of vulnerability. For the elderly, vulnerability is almost always related to physical disabilities and dependence. There are several publications aimed at adapting and validating instruments. Several factors associated with vulnerability were raised, among which, functional disability, chronic diseases, and depression stood out.(AU)

ClimatÚrio e menopausa: relašNo da imagem corporal e sintomas associados em mulheres ribeirinhas na Amaz?nia / Climacteric and menopause: relationship between body image and associated symptoms in riverside women in the Amazon

RESUMO O climatÚrio/menopausa Ú caracterizado por intensas alteraš§es morfofisiol?gicas e comportamentais. O objetivo foi identificar os sinais e sintomas do climatÚrio/menopausa e a sua relašNo com a Imagem corporal de mulheres ribeirinhas de uma regiNo da Amaz?nia Brasileira. Estudo incluiu 100 mulheres de seis comunidades ribeirinhas de Itaituba/Parß. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: o questionßrio sociodemogrßfico, a Escala dos Sinais e Sintomas da Menopausa (MRS) e a Escala de Silhuetas de Stunkard. Para avaliar as associaš§es entre as varißveis categ?ricas, o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e teste exato de Fisher foram utilizados, (p≤0,05). Os resultados indicaram que 76% das mulheres estavam insatisfeitas com a sua imagem corporal, seja porque queriam ter corpos menores ou corpos maiores. Em relašNo aos sintomas do climatÚrio/menopausa, estes sNo percebidos de forma moderada pelas mulheres. ConclusNo: Se faz necessßrio levar as mulheres o conhecimento desta fase da vida e assim promover sa?de neste importante perÝodo da vida.

ABSTRACT The climacteric / menopause is characterized by intense morphophysiological and behavioral changes. The objective was to identify the signs and symptoms of climacteric / menopause and their relationship with the body image of women from the riverside of a region of the Brazilian Amazon. A study included 100 women from six riverside communities in Itaituba / Parß. The instruments used were: the sociodemographic questionnaire, the Menopause Signs and Symptoms Scale (MRS) and the Stunkard Silhouettes Scale. To assess associations between categorical variables, Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used (p≤0.05). The results indicated that 76% of women were dissatisfied with their body image, either because they wanted to have smaller bodies or larger bodies. Regarding the climacteric / menopause symptoms, these are moderately perceived by women. Conclusion: It is necessary to bring women the knowledge of this phase of life and thus promote health in this important period of life.

Independência funcional após acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) isquêmico em relação à fisiopatologia de acordo com TOAST / Functional independence after ischemic stroke in relation to pathophysiology according to TOAST

FUNDAMENTO: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral é uma das principais causas de morte no Brasil. O conhecimento sobre a etiologia do AVC é fundamental para uma adequada abordagem dessa doença. OBJETIVO: Avaliar se existe relação entre o subtipo de AVC isquêmico com o prognóstico dele e os fatores de risco. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 86 casos de AVC isquêmico no Ambulatório de Neurologia do Hospital Universitário da cidade de Canoas-RS, no período de outubro de 2018 a novembro de 2019. Foi analisada a relação do prognóstico (mRankinS) com fatores de risco de AVC e TOAST. RESULTADOS: Avaliando 86 pacientes com 60.5 (±10.1) anos (40 homens), identificamos que oclusão de pequenos vasos apresentou melhor prognóstico (p: 0.031) e cardioembolia um pior prognóstico de acordo com mRankinS (p< 0.001). Diabetes mellitus também apresentou um pior prognóstico (p: 0.021). CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com AVC isquêmico secundário a oclusão de pequenos vasos apresentam melhor prognóstico de acordo com mRs. Mecanismos cardioembólicos e a presença de DM estão associados com o pior prognóstico neurológico

BACKGROUND: Stroke is one of the main causes of death in Brazil. Knowledge about the etiology of stroke is essential for an adequate approach to this disease. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether there is a relationship between the ischemic stroke subtype and its prognosis and risk factors. METHODS: 86 cases of ischemic stroke were evaluated at the Neurology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital in the city of Canoas-RS, from October 2018 to November 2019. The relationship between prognosis (mRankinS) and stroke risk factors and TOAST. RESULTS: Evaluating 86 patients aged 60.5 (±10.1) years (40 men), we identified that small vessel occlusion had a better prognosis (p: 0.031) and cardioembolism a worse prognosis according to mRankinS (p <0.001). Diabetes mellitus also had a worse prognosis (p: 0.021). CONCLUSION: Patients with secondary ischemic stroke small vessel occlusion have a better prognosis according to mRs. Cardioembolic mechanisms and the presence of DM are associated with a worse neurological prognosis

Conhecimento da população sobre acidente vascular cerebral em Torres RS / Knowledge of stroke in Torres-RS population

INTRODUÇÃO: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de morbi-mortalidade na América Latina, poucos estudos avaliam o conhecimento da população brasileira sobre o mesmo. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o conhecimento da população de Torres/RS sobre fatores de risco e sinais/sintomas de AVC. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo transversal de caráter descritivo e exploratório, com entrevista a 375 habitantes, no qual responderam a dois questionários, um sociodemográfico e outro relativo ao conhecimento dos sinais e sintomas do Acidente vascular cerebral. O teste de Qui-Quadrado (χ2) e teste T-student foram realizados para avaliar a associação existente entre as variáveis qualitativas e para verificar diferenças na frequência absoluta e percentual das variáveis. RESULTADOS: A idade média dos participantes foi de 39,7 (+/- 14,6) anos, sendo 230 mulheres, a média de acertos sobre fatores de risco foi de 3.7/11 (34.4%) e de reconhecimento de sinais/sintomas foi de 3,2/10 (32,5%). Em relação aos fatores de risco, Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica foi descrita por 229 (17,4%) indivíduos e quanto aos sinais/sintomas, o mais descrito foi a Paralisia Facial Central, relatada por 197 (17,2%). Além disso, foi observado que indivíduos com menor nível de instrução, do sexo masculino e com menos de 39 anos, apresentaram um pior desempenho em relação ao conhecimento sobre AVC. CONCLUSÃO: Dessa forma, sugere-se a necessidade de implementar políticas públicas que levem à população informações sobre a importância do reconhecimento destes sinais e sintomas com a necessidade do socorro rápido a este paciente.

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability in Latin America and few paper evaluate the knowledge of brazilian population about this subject. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the knowledge of Torres/RS about stroke risk factors and signs/symptoms of stroke. METHODS: It was performed a transversal study with 375 inhabitants of Torres, in which they answered two questionnaires, a sociodemographic and the other related to the knowledge of the signs and symptoms of stroke. The Chi-square test (χ2) and the T-student test were performed to assess the association between qualitative variables and to verify differences in the absolute frequency and percentage of variables. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 39.7 (+/-14.6) years, (230 were women). The average of correct answers about risk factors was 3.7/11 (34.4%) and recognition of signs/symptoms was 3.2/10 (32.5%). Systemic Arterial Hypertension was the risk factor most recognized by the population (229 individuals). Facial Paralysis reported by 197 individuals was the signs/symptoms most recognized by the Torres population. In addition, it was observed that individuals with a lower level of education, male and under 39 years old, presented a worse performance in relation to knowledge about stroke. CONCLUSION: The implementation of public policies that provide the population information about the importance of the early recognization of stroke signs and symptoms is fundamental for a better result in the care of this disease.

Percepção das gestantes sobre o pré-natal em um centro de atendimento do interior do sul do Brasil / Pregnant women perceptions about prenatal care in a health care center in the interior of the south of Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo descritivo e qualitativo foi conhecer a percepção das gestantes sobre a importância do pré-natal e sobre o papel da equipe de saúde durante o pré-natal e sua relação com a gestante. Para tanto, realizou-se entrevista com 14 gestantes com idade entre 18 e 38 anos, em Unidade de Referência à Saúde da Mulher, em município do interior do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados foram analisados a partir da técnica de análise numa perspectiva dialética, sendo analisadas as relações contidas nos discursos, tanto da perspectiva individual quanto coletiva. Para elas, o pré-natal é um momento importante para se conhecer como está a saúde do bebê e a sua. Neste sentido, o papel da equipe de saúde é fundamental. No entanto, relataram dificuldades quanto à oportunidade de conversarem com os médicos sobre isso, pois eles têm pouco tempo e disponibilidade para orientações. Salientaram que enfermeiras e nutricionistas são mais acessíveis e oferecem informações importantes sobre este momento. Os resultados deste estudo mostram a necessidade de mais espaços de escuta das gestantes, de suas necessidades e inseguranças, pois isto poderá impactar positivamente na saúde da gestante e do recém-nascido.(AU)

The aim of this descriptive and qualitative research was to know pregnant women´s perceptions about the importance of prenatal care and about their relation with the health care team. The survey´s profile is qualitative and it researched a group of 14 pregnant women with ages between 18 and 38, in the Woman´s Health Reference Unit of Cruz Alta, RS. Data were collected through individual interviews with open questions and dealt with by a dialectical content analysis method. The relations found in discourse were analyzed both individually and collectively. Women said that prenatal care is important for them to know about theirs and the baby´s health conditions. They also argued that the health team may facilitate or make it difficult for them to get the necessary information. Lack of opportunity to talk to doctors about fears and anxieties about pregnancy and especially about delivery is something that makes the communication difficult. On the other hand, the team composed by nurses and nutritionists is usually very attentive and the orientations they give are highly important for pregnancy and childbirth.(AU)

Prevalência do uso de drogas entre acadêmicos de uma universidade particular do sul do Brasil / Prevalence of drug use among students from a private university from southern Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência e motivos do uso de álcool, tabaco e outras drogas por acadêmicos. A amostra foi composta por 560 estudantes, entre 17 e 74 anos (M = 31,16, DP = 11,10). As substâncias com maior prevalência de uso na vida foram álcool e tabaco. Dentre as drogas ilícitas, a maconha, as anfetaminas e a cocaína ou o crack foram as mais relatadas. O uso de álcool na vida foi mais prevalente em homens do que em mulheres, considerando os últimos três meses. Quanto aos motivos para o uso das substâncias psicoativas, os mais relatados foram diversão ou prazer, curiosidade e alívio de tensão psicológica. Cerca de 90% dos participantes se mostraram receptivos à implementação de um serviço de prevenção ao uso de drogas na universidade avaliada. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade do desenvolvimento de prevenções específicas ao uso de drogas no meio acadêmico.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of and motives for consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by undergraduate students. The sample consisted of 560 students, between 17 and 74 years (M = 31.16, SD = 11.10). Results showed highest lifetime use rates for alcohol and tobacco among substances. Regarding illicit substances, marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine were the most reported. Lifetime alcohol use was more prevalent among men than women, and consumption of amphetamines or ecstasy within the last three months was more prevalent among women than men. Fun or pleasure seeking, curiosity and tension relief were the most frequent motives for using drugs. Although almost 90% of the sample showed positive attitude toward implementing a prevention program in the university, men and substance users were significantly less favorable. Results suggest the need for preventions specifically targeted at reducing substance use in the Brazilian university context.

Infarto do miocárdio experimental e aumento do estresse oxidativo em diafragma de ratos / Experimental myocardial infarction and increased oxidative stress in the rat diaphragm

OBJETIVO: Este é um estudo experimental que visa a avaliar o efeito da insuficiência cardíaca no estresse oxidativo em diafragma de ratos. MÉTODOS: O modelo de infarto do miocárdio por ligadura da artéria coronária esquerda foi utilizado para desenvolvimento de insuficiência cardíaca. No 42° dia após a ligadura coronária, os animais foram mortos e tiveram o diafragma retirado e homogeneizado. O estresse oxidativo foi avaliado em homogeneizados de diafragma através de medidas de lipoperoxidação e de ensaios de atividade enzimática antioxidante: catalase, glutationa peroxidase (enzimas que reduzem o peróxido de hidrogênio à água) e superóxido dismutase (enzima antioxidante que reduz o superóxido a peróxido de hidrogênio). RESULTADOS: Os resultados encontrados foram os seguintes: o modelo de ligadura de artéria coronária esquerda foi efetivo em gerar insuficiência cardíaca, com área média de infarto de 39 por cento da área do ventrículo esquerdo; a lipoperoxidação estava 217 por cento aumentada no diafragma dos animais infartados em relação aos controles; a atividade antioxidante da catalase estava reduzida em 77 por cento e a da glutationa peroxidase em 20 por cento, em comparação com o grupo controle; o infarto não alterou a atividade enzimática da superóxido dismutase. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados sugerem a presença de estresse oxidativo no músculo diafragmático em animais submetidos à ligadura da artéria coronária esquerda.

OBJECTIVE: To use an experimental model to evaluate the effect of heart failure on oxidative stress in the rat diaphragm. METHODS: The model of myocardial infarction was developed through left coronary artery ligation. On day 42 after coronary artery ligation, the animals were killed, after which the diaphragms were collected and homogenized. Oxidative stress was evaluated in diaphragm homogenates through measurement of lipid peroxidation and assays of the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase and glutathione peroxidase (enzymes that reduce hydrogen peroxide to water), as well as superoxide dismutase (an antioxidant enzyme that reduces superoxide anions to hydrogen peroxide). RESULTS: The coronary artery ligation model was found to be effective in causing heart failure. In the animals submitted to coronary artery ligation, the mean infarcted area of the left ventricle was 39 percent. Lipid peroxidation was 217 percent greater in the diaphragms of ligated animals than in those of controls. The activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase was 77 percent and 20 percent lower, respectively, in study rats than in control rats. Infarction did not modify superoxide dismutase activity. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that left coronary artery ligation results in oxidative stress in the diaphragm.