Validation of the Brazilian version of the Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) for patients with femoroacetabular impingement: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) is a hip-specific instrument for assessing the present levels of physical activity among patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. When evaluating treatment outcomes in patients with FAI syndrome, it is necessary to use joint-specific instruments and ones that can evaluate the levels of physical activity in these patients, such as the HSAS-Brazil. OBJECTIVE: To validate the HSAS-Brazil among a group of physically active patients after arthroscopic treatment of FAI syndrome. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional research of quantitative and qualitative types using data obtained from July 2018 to October 2019. METHODS: A total of 58 patients of both genders diagnosed with FAI syndrome and who had undergone hip arthroscopy participated in this research. To establish reliability and validity, patients first answered the Brazilian versions of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), Nonarthritic Hip Score (NAHS), and HSAS; after a 48-hour interval, they answered the HSAS-Brazil again. RESULTS: For test-retest reliability, the interclass correlation was 0.908 (P < 0.001). The HSAS-Brazil correlated to the NAHS-Brazil (r = 0.63, P < 0.001), as well as the SF-12 (Physical Health) (r = 0.42, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The HSAS-Brazil was validated and proved to be a reliable and valid scale to assess sports activity levels in physically active patients with FAI syndrome after arthroscopic treatment.

Effects of the Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Sleep Disorders, Body Temperature, Body Composition, Tone, and Clinical Parameters in a Child with Down Syndrome Who Underwent Total Atrioventricular Septal Defect Surgery: A Case-Report.

BACKGROUND: The health and developmental issues of people with Down syndrome (DS) are complex and are associated with many medical, psychological, and social problems from childhood through into adulthood. DS children have an increased risk of multiorgan comorbidities, including congenital heart disease. Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) is a congenital heart malformation that often occurs in DS people. AIM: Physical activity and exercise are recommended for patients with cardiovascular disease and are considered to be the gold standard of cardiac rehabilitation. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) is considered a form of exercises. The aim of this case report is to show the effects of WBVE on sleep disturbances, body temperature, body composition, tone, and clinical parameters in a child with DS with corrected total AVSD. The subject is a 10-year-old girl, with free-type DS, who underwent surgery to correct a total AVSD at 6 months. She underwent periodic cardiological monitoring and was released to perform any type of physical exercise, including WBVE. WBVE improved sleep quality and body composition. CONCLUSION: WBVE leads to physiological effects that benefit the DS child.

Whole-Body Vibration Training on Oxidative Stress Markers, Irisin Levels, and Body Composition in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction and redox imbalance seem to be involved in fibromyalgia (FM) pathogenesis. The results of our previous studies suggest that whole-body vibration training (WBVT) would improve redox status markers, increase blood irisin levels, and ameliorate the body composition of women with FM. (2) Objective: The current study aimed to investigate WBVT on oxidative stress markers, plasma irisin levels, and body composition in women with FM. (3) Methods: Forty women with FM were randomized into WBVT or untrained (UN) groups. Before and after 6 weeks of WBVT, body composition was assessed by dual-energy radiological absorptiometry (DXA), and inflammatory marker activities were measured by enzymatic assay. (4) Results: Body composition, blood irisin levels, and oxidative stress markers were similar between UN and WBVT groups before the intervention. After 6 weeks of intervention, the WBVT group presented higher irisin levels (WBVT: 316.98 ± 109.24 mg·dL³, WBVT: 477.61 ± 267.92 mg·dL³, p = 0.01) and lower TBARS levels (UN: 0.39 ± 0.02 nmol MDA/mg protein, WBVT: 0.24 ± 0.06 nmol MDA/mg protein, p = 0.001) and visceral adipose tissue mass (UN: 1.37 ± 0.49 kg, WBVT: 0.69 ± 0.54 kg, p = 0.001) compared to the UN group. (5) Conclusions: Six weeks of WBVT improves blood redox status markers, increases irisin levels, and reduces visceral adipose tissue mass, favoring less cell damage and more outstanding oxidative balance in women with FM.

Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Quality of Life Are Contributing Factors of Muscle Pain and Lean Body Mass in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

(1) The evidence points to an increase in oxygen reactive species as one of the possible causes of fibromyalgia (FM). In addition, it is plausible that an imbalance in redox markers can be associated with pain amplification and dynapenia in FM patients. The aim of our study was to investigate possible factors associated with muscle pain and lean body mass in FM patients. (2) Methods: This was a quantitative, exploratory and cross-sectional study of 47 patients with FM (53.45 + 7.32 years). We evaluated self-perceptions of muscle pain, lean body mass, body composition, quality of life, sleep quality, depression index, muscle performance and oxidative stress biomarkers. (3) Results: We observed that lower blood levels of antioxidants and poor quality of life explained 21% of the greater muscle pain. In addition, high blood levels of oxidative stress, worse muscle performance and poor quality of life explained 27% of the lower lean mass in patients with FM. (4) Conclusions: Larger amounts of lipid peroxidation and reductions in antioxidant levels, in addition to lower muscle performance and poor life quality, are possible independent contributors to greater muscle pain and lower lean body mass in FM patients.

The Brazilian version of the Hip Sports Activity Scale: translation and cross-cultural adaptation

Abstract BACKGROUND: The Hip Sports Activity Scale (HSAS) is a reliable and valid tool for determining the levels of sports activities among patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). OBJECTIVE: To translate and cross-culturally adapt the HSAS to the Brazilian Portuguese language. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the State University of Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: The Brazilian version of the HSAS was developed following a process that comprised six steps: translation, synthesis, back-translation, review by committee, pretesting and submission of documentation to the developers. The translation phase involved three independent bilingual translators whose mother language was Brazilian Portuguese. The back-translation phase involved three independent translators whose mother language was English. In order to verify comprehension of the questionnaire, 30 undergraduate students in physical education (65% men), with mean age 23.2 years (standard deviation = 6.8), participated in the pre-testing phase. RESULTS: During the translation step, some terms and expressions were changed to obtain cultural equivalence to the original HSAS. In the pre-testing phase, each item of the scale showed a comprehension level of 100%. CONCLUSION: The HSAS was translated from English to the Brazilian Portuguese language and adapted to Brazilian culture. The HSAS validation is ongoing.

The effects of whole-body vibration on cognition: a systematic review / Os efeitos da vibração de corpo inteiro na cognição: uma revisão sistemática

Porpouse: To systematically review the mechanisms by WBV improves the ability to learn, think, memorize and all other processes involving cognition. Methods: The present study collected data from three databases using the keywords "whole-body-vibration" and "cognition". Randomized clinical trials focusing on the association of WBV and cognition were considered. The study was registered in the database of systematic reviews protocols PROSPERO. All included studies used healthy patients, exposed to WBV. The included articles were obtained regarding the risk of bias according to the Cochrane Collaboration criteria, level of evidence and strength of recommendation following the GRADE and Oxford classification. Results: Of the 89 articles published to the eligibility criteria, four were submitted to data extraction. Cognitive parameters were improved in relation to attention, memory or learning in almost all articles evaluated in this systematic review. Conclusion: Intervention with WBV would positive effects on individuals' cognitive ability, although further randomized investigations must be conducted. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020203679

Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente os mecanismos pelos quais a vibração de corpo inteiro (VCI) melhora a capacidade de aprender, pensar, memorizar e todos os outros processos que envolvem a cognição. Método: O presente estudo coletou dados de três bancos de dados usando as palavras-chave "vibração de corpo inteiro" e "cognição". Ensaios clínicos randomizados com foco na associação de WBV e cognição foram considerados. O estudo foi registrado no banco de dados de protocolos de revisões sistemáticas PROSPERO. Todos os estudos incluídos usaram pacientes saudáveis, expostos à VCI. Os artigos incluídos foram avaliados quanto ao risco de viés de acordo com os critérios da Colaboração Cochrane, nível de evidência e força de recomendação segundo a classificação GRADE e Oxford. Discussão e Resultados: Dos 89 artigos publicados, de acordo com os critérios de elegibilidade, quatro foram submetidos à extração de dados. Os parâmetros cognitivos, atenção, memória e aprendizagem demonstraram melhora em quase todos os artigos avaliados nesta revisão sistemática. Conclusão: A intervenção com VCI teria efeitos positivos na capacidade cognitiva dos indivíduos, embora mais ensaios clínicos randomizadas devam ser realizados para avaliação de tais parâmetros. Número de registro PROSPERO: CRD42020203679

Efficacy of Whole-Body Vibration Training on Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Clinical and Functional Outcomes, and Quality of Life in Women with Fibromyalgia Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on blood brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and determine the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Thirty-two women with FMS were randomized into an intervention group (IG), receiving 6 weeks of WBVT, or a control group (CG) with no intervention. The outcomes at the baseline and follow-up in both groups included blood BDNF levels, sit-to-stand test (STS), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS). WBVT resulted in a group-by-time interaction effect. Thus, after the intervention time, the IG had increased blood BDNF levels (p=0.045), a higher number of repetitions on the STS test (p=0.011), and increased walking distance on the 6MWT (p=0.010), compared to CG. Moreover, there was a reduction in the scores of the FIQ (p=0.001), the PSQI (p=0.001), the BDI (p=0.017), and pain assessed using VAS (p=0.008) in IG. The results demonstrate that WBVT promotes an increase in blood BDNF levels, with concomitant improvement in lower limb muscle strength, aerobic capacity, clinical symptoms, and quality of life in women with FMS. This trial is registered with Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC; RBR-38nbbx) (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-38nbbx).

COVID-19 Lockdown and the Behavior Change on Physical Exercise, Pain and Psychological Well-Being: An International Multicentric Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the following lockdown on physical exercise (PEx) practice, pain, and psychological well-being. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicentric study was performed using a nonrandom convenience sampling from the general population (≥18 years-old) of 6 countries (Brazil, Italy, France, Portugal, Germany, and Spain) adopting social isolation (SI). The validated self-administered online survey (PEF-COVID19) was used. The tests T-test and Chi-square with Bonferroni correction were used for statistical analysis and a multivariate logistic regression model (p ˂ 0.05). RESULTS: We included 3194 replies and ~80% of the respondents were in SI. Brazilian sample was highly influenced by the pandemic considering PEx practice and habits, pain, anxiety, and stress (p ˂ 0.05). Among the European countries, Italy presented the major changes. The model to predict the non-practice of PEx during SI showed that the variables countries, smoking, SI, and PEx level were significant predictors (p ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: The pandemic changed the PEx practice and habits, and the psychological well-being of populations in different manners. Countries, smoking, SI, and PEx level were predictors for the non-practice of PEx. Public health strategies are suggested to avoid sedentary lifestyles and quality of life decrease.

Diagnostic Methods for Vaginal Stenosis and Compliance to Vaginal Dilator Use: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Vaginal stenosis (VS) is a common side effect of pelvic radiotherapy for gynecological cancer in women. It has a high incidence variability, likely due to unstandardized and subjective assessment methods. Furthermore, even though the worldwide standard treatment for VS is vaginal dilation, low compliance rates have been noted. AIM: To evaluate the parameters used to diagnose VS and to assess whether the lack of an objective measure of VS hampers vaginal dilator use. METHODS: A systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA reporting guidelines was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched. Randomized trials and prospective, retrospective, and cross-sectional studies published from January 2011 to February 2020 were included. OUTCOMES: The main outcome of this study was a review of the published literature on assessment methods for VS and compliance to vaginal dilator use. RESULTS: Of the 28 articles obtained, only 7 used objective methods to measure the vaginal volume. 3 studies have demonstrated patient's concern with VS development and showed a high compliance to dilator use, whereas others reported several barriers to dilator use. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Lack of an objective assessment method can be a predisposing factor for uncertain VS incidence rates and impair compliance to vaginal dilator therapy, leading to long-term VS and sexual dysfunction. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the first systematic review on the heterogeneity of VS evaluation methods and compliance to vaginal dilator use. All studies were comprehensively evaluated by 2 reviewers. The limitations included the heterogeneity of the study designs and the unstandardized criteria used to classify stenosis or to evaluate compliance to dilator use. Although 3 well-known databases were used, the inclusion of more data sources could have increased the number of publications included in this review. CONCLUSION: VS is frequently diagnosed using subjective parameters. Few unstandardized objective methods are used to evaluate this condition. Regarding compliance to vaginal dilator use, there was a high dropout rate during follow-up and no consensus on starting time or ideal usage. Haddad NC, Soares Brollo LC, Pinho Oliveira MA, et al. Diagnostic Methods for Vaginal Stenosis and Compliance to Vaginal Dilator Use: A Systematic Review. J Sex Med 2021;18:493-514.

Whole-Body Vibration for Individuals with Reconstructed Anterior Cruciate Ligament: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: ACL ruptures are a prevalent condition, affecting daily living activities, associated with high financial burden. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of whole-body vibration (WBV) in the rehabilitation of patients with reconstructed anterior cruciate ligament. Methodology. An electronic search in Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro databases was conducted and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans that analysed the effects of WBV in patients with ACL injury subjected to reconstruction surgery, published in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, or French were included. Records were identified through database search and reference screening by two reviewers, which independently examined titles and abstracts and irrelevant studies were excluded based in eligibility criteria. Relevant full texts were analysed for eligibility, and all relevant studies were included in the systematic review. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the systematic review with a mean methodological quality score of 6. Results demonstrate positive effects of WBV in relevant outcomes such as knee function, electromyographic activity, balance, and muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: WBV demonstrated a positive effect in strength, balance, electromyographic activity, and knee function.

Whole body vibration exercise in the management of cancer therapy-related morbidities: A systematic review.

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the effects of whole body vibration (WBV) exercise in the management of cancer therapy-related morbidities. The PubMED and PEDro databases were used to access publications published in English about the use of whole body vibration (WBV) exercises in cancer patients until February 22nd 2017. The studies included were classified according to the level of evidence (LE) by the National Health and Medical Research Council Hierarchy of evidence and the methodological quality (MQ) by the PEDro scale. The four included studies (2 of them with "high" LE-II and MQ) were performed in patients with different types of cancer (i.e. breast, lung, prostate, solid or hematological), treated with WBV exercise to counteract the cancer therapy-related morbidities. The variables evaluated were muscle activity, subjective rate of perceived exertion, exercise capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, resting urinary incontinence and severity of peripheral neuropathy. Although WBV exercise appears to be a potential treatment procedure of cancer therapy-related morbidities, further additional studies are required to determine specific and tailored protocols to be used in the different stages of the disease.

Do whole body vibration exercises affect lower limbs neuromuscular activity in populations with a medical condition? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The use of surface electromyography (sEMG) to evaluate muscle activation when executing whole body vibration exercises (WBVE) in studies provide neuromuscular findings, in healthy and diseased populations. OBJECTIVES: Perform a systematic review of the effects of WBVE by sEMG of lower limbs in non-healthy populations. METHODS: The search using the defined keywords was performed in PubMed, PEDRo and EMBASE databases by three independent researchers. Applying the PRISMA statement several studies were selected according to eligibility criteria and organized for the review. Full papers were included if they described effects of WBVE for the treatment of illnesses, evaluated by sEMG of lower limbs independently on the year of the publication; in comparison or associated with other treatment and evaluation techniques. RESULTS: Seven publications were selected; two in spinal cord injury patients, one in Friedreich's ataxia patients, three in stroke patients and one study in breast cancer survivors. Reported effects of WBV in were muscle activation by sEMG and also on strength, blood flow and exercise resistance; even in paretic limbs. CONCLUSION: By the use of sEMG it was verified that WBVE elicits muscle activation in diseased population. These results may lead to the definition of exercise protocols to maintain or increase muscular activation. However, due to the heterogeneity of methods among studies, there is currently no consensus on the sEMG signal processing. These strategies might also induce effects on muscle strength, balance and flexibility in these and other illnesses.

Radiofrequency treatment induces fibroblast growth factor 2 expression and subsequently promotes neocollagenesis and neoangiogenesis in the skin tissue.

Radiofrequency (RF) treatment appears to be involved in production of new collagen fibrils and the improvement of existing collagen structures; however, the molecular bases of the effect of non-invasive RF on the skin tissue have not been fully elucidated. This study reports the effects of RF associated or not with hydrolyzed collagen (HC) in the skin tissue. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, according to the treatment received: control group (G1, n = 5), no treatment; subjects in group G2 (n = 5) were treated with HC; and capacitive RF was applied to the back of each subject in G3 (n = 5) and RF associated with HC in G4 (n = 5). Biopsies were taken 30 days after treatment and then were histologically processed and studied for inflammatory cell counting, collagen content, and morphometry. In addition, FGF2, CD105, and COX-2 expression was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. The most relevant changes were the increase in cellularity and accumulation of intercellular substance in RF-treated animals (G3 and G4). The greatest dermis thickness rate was observed in G4, followed by G3 and G2 (p < 0.05). RF-treated skins (G3 and G4) exhibited a significant overexpression of FGF2 (p < 0.0001) and increased microvessel density (p < 0.0001) in comparison with G1 and G2. Moreover, the amount of COX-2 was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in dermis of RF-treated areas compared to G1 and G2, and demonstrated differences in G3 (RF) compared to G4 (RF + HC) (p < 0.0001). Our results suggests that RF treatment associated or not with HC induces FGF2 overexpression, promotes neoangiogenesis and modulates the COX-2 expression, subsequently promotes neocollagenesis, and increased thickness rate of dermis.

Streptozotocin (STZ) and schistosomiasis mansoni change the biodistribution of radiopharmaceutical sodium (99m)Tc-pertechnetate in mice.

INTRODUCTION: Technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) is a radionuclide commonly used in nuclear medicine to obtain (99m)Tc-radiopharmaceuticals, which can be used to evaluate either physiological processes or changes related to diseases. It is also used in some experimental studies. Streptozotocin (STZ) administration to rodents causes lesions in very early stages and induces severe and permanent diabetes. Most morbidity of schistosomiasis mansoni is attributed to a granulomatous inflammatory response and associated liver fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate whether STZ administration and schistosomiasis modify the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium (99m)Tc-pertechnetate. METHODS: Adult female mice were infected by exposure to 100Schistosoma mansoni cercariae (BH strain, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and euthanized after nine weeks. STZ was administered by a single intraperitoneal injection of 100mg/kg body weight, 3 or 15days before euthanasia. Each animal received 100µl of sodium (Na) (99m)Tc-pertechnetate ((99m)TcO4(-)) (740kBq). The animals were divided into four groups: A, uninfected; B, infected; C, uninfected + STZ; and D, infected + STZ. Blood, brain, thyroid, heart, lungs, liver, spleen, pancreas and kidneys were removed. The radioactivity was counted and the percentage of the injected dose of Na(99m)TcO4 per gram of the organ (% ID/g) was determined. RESULTS: Three days after the STZ injection, there was a decrease of Na(99m)TcO4 uptake by the liver, lungs, pancreas and kidneys (p<0.05) in group D when compared with group A. After 15days, the decrease of Na(99m)TcO4 uptake occurred also in the brain, thyroid, heart, spleen and blood (p<0.05) in group D. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated modifications on the biodistribution of Na(99m)TcO4 due to STZ administration and schistosomiasis, possibly due to physiological alterations in some organs. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PATIENT CARE: The biodistribution of radiopharmaceutical Na(99m)TcO4 should be carefully evaluated in subjects with diabetes and/or schistosomiasis infection.

Effects of Aerobic Exercise Applied Early After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory Muscle Strength, and Functional Capacity: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity is beneficial in several clinical situations and recommended for patients with ischemic heart disease, as well as for those undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 34 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. A randomized control group (n = 15) submitted to conventional physiotherapy. The intervention group (n = 19) received the same protocol plus additional aerobic exercise with cycle ergometer. Pulmonary function by spirometry, respiratory muscle strength by manovacuometry, and functional capacity through 6-minute walking test was assessed before surgery and at hospital discharge. RESULTS: There was significant reduction in pulmonary function in both groups. In both groups, inspiratory muscle strength was maintained while expiratory muscle strength significantly decreased. Functional capacity was maintained in the intervention group (364.5 [324.5 to 428] vs. 348 [300.7 to 413.7] meters, P = .06), but it decreased significantly in control group patients (320 [288.5 to 393.0] vs. 292 [237.0 to 336.0] meters, P = .01). A significant difference in functional capacity was also found in intergroup analyses at hospital discharge (P = .03). CONCLUSION: Aerobic exercise applied early on coronary artery bypass grafting patients may promote maintenance of functional capacity, with no impact on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength when compared with conventional physiotherapy.

The relevance of the procedures related to the physiotherapy in the interventions in patients with prostate cancer: short review with practice approach.

Advances in medical science procedures and their utilization in the field of oncology improved the survival of patients. In consequence, these advances have influenced the practice of physiotherapy. Physiotherapists utilize physical agents with the objective to enhance the health, welfare and quality of life and thus they can play important role in the management and rehabilitation of patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are effects normally associated with the radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy due to the damage of the muscles of the pelvic floor (MPV). The aim of this work is to present findings related to the PCa and how the physiotherapist can guide the patient in relation to the knowledge and understanding of the anatomic structures related directly with the pelvic floor, the correct breathing and the perception of the MPV, as other muscles of the pelvis. Interventions of the physiotherapy will re-train the muscles of the pelvis by improving the active retention strength of the MPV in order to overcome the insufficiency (mainly the UI and ED) of the injured muscles. In conclusion, it is suggested to consider and to offer to the PCa patients the techniques related to the physiotherapy before and after the treatment.

Evaluation of deoxyribonucleic acid toxicity induced by the radiopharmaceutical 99mTechnetium-Methylenediphosphonic acid and by stannous chloride in Wistar rats.

Radiopharmaceuticals are employed in patient diagnostics and disease treatments. Concerning the diagnosis aspect, technetium-99m (99mTc) is utilized to label radiopharmaceuticals for single photon computed emission tomography (SPECT) due to its physical and chemical characteristics. 99mTc fixation on pharmaceuticals depends on a reducing agent, stannous chloride (SnCl(2)) being the most widely-utilized. The genotoxic, clastogenic and anegenic properties of the 99mTc-MDP(methylene diphosphonate used for bone SPECT) and SnCl(2) were evaluated in Wistar rat blood cells using the Comet assay and micronucleus test. The experimental approach was to endovenously administer NaCl 0.9% (negative control), cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg b.w. (positive control), SnCl(2) 500 μg/mL or 99mTc-MDP to animals and blood samples taken immediately before the injection, 3, and 24 h after (in the Comet assay) and 36 h after, for micronucleus test. The data showed that both SnCl(2) and 99mTc-MDP-induced deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand breaks in rat total blood cells, suggesting genotoxic potential. The 99mTc-MDP was not able to induce a significant DNA strand breaks increase in in vivo assays. Taken together, the data presented here points to the formation of a complex between SnCl(2) in the radiopharmaceutical 99mTc-MDP, responsible for the decrease in cell damage, compared to both isolated chemical agents. These findings are important for the practice of nuclear medicine.

Fibromyalgia and the relevance of the whole-body vibration exercises in vibratory platforms: a short review

Among nonpharmacological strategy to manage fibromyalgia, exercise (aerobic) has shown efficacy. Whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise has been proposed as a potential clinical intervention. WBV would induce increase in growth hormone (GH). An impairment of the hypothalamic-pituitary-GH-Insulin Growth Factor-1(IGF-1) axis has been implicated in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia. This article aims to review the studies on exploring the relationship between WBV and fibromyalgia. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed database on 04/03/2010 using terms related to "pain", "whole body vibration" and "fibromyalgia". An important number of publications were identified with the term "pain" and in comparison, only a small number of articles were found related to "fibromyalgia". Three publications found with "whole body vibration" and fibromyalgia were analyzed.There are reports describing increase in serum IGF-1 following exposure to WBV in elderly patients. However, one randomized fibromyalgia trial revealed no changes in serum IGF-1 levels in women undergoing WBV. Due to the paucity of available, effective therapies for fibromyalgia, further studies that explore the relationship between the neuroendocrine system, fibromyalgia and WBV are merited.

Determination of insulin-like growth factor-I reference values using an immunoradiometric assay in a Brazilian adult population.

BACKGROUND: Serum levels of total insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) reflect endogenous growth hormone (GH) secretion in healthy adults, which makes it a good diagnostic marker for screening of GH-related disorders. Studies also have supported a possible relation between IGF-I levels and the risk and prognostic for some malignancies, besides a relation between IGF-I levels and mortality. OBJECTIVE: As the determination of the IGF-I normal values for local populations is strongly desired, the aim of this investigation was to determine reference values for IGF-I using an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) in an adult Brazilian population of Rio de Janeiro city, since there is no other study using this methodology in Brazilian population, and that this method is widely used in Brazil and worldwide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included samples of blood taken from 484 healthy subjects (251 men and 233 women) aged 18-70. The subjects agreed with this study, approved by the Ethical Committee of the Instituto Estadual de Hematologia Arthur de Siqueira Cavalcanti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The samples were analyzed using a Diagnostic System Laboratories kit. For data analysis, age- and sex-specific figures were fitted after transformation of IGF-I values. RESULTS: In adulthood, a slow age-dependent decrease was found. There was no significant difference in IGF-I values between men and women. CONCLUSION: This study established age-specific IGF-I reference values, for a healthy Brazilian adult population, determined by a widely IGF-I, IRMA used currently in Brazil.

An experimental model to study the effects of a senna extract on the blood constituent labeling and biodistribution of a radiopharmaceutical in rats

Cassia angustifolia Vahl (senna) is a natural product that contains sennosides, which are active components that affect the intestinal tract and induce diarrhea. Authors have shown that senna produces DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) lesions in Escherichia coli cultures and can act as an antifungal agent. Natural drugs can alter the labeling of blood constituents with technetium-99m (99mTc) and can affect the biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals. In this work, we have evaluated the influence of a senna extract on the radiolabeling of blood constituents and on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4)in Wistar rats. Twelve animals were treated with senna extract for 7 days. Blood samples were withdrawn from the animals and the radiolabeling procedure was carried out. The senna extract did not modify the radiolabeling of the blood constituents. A biodistributional assay was performed by administering Na99mTcO4 and determining its activity in different organs and in blood. The senna extract altered the biodistribution of Na99mTcO4 in the thyroid, liver, pancreas, lungs and blood. These results are associated with properties of the chemical substances present in the aqueous senna extract. Although these assays were performed in animals, our findings suggest that caution should be exercised when nuclear medicine examinations using Na99mTcO4 are conducted in patients who are using senna extract.