Severity of prepregnancy diabetes on the fetal malformations and viability associated with early embryos in rats†.

Preexisting/pregestational diabetes enhances the risk of birth defects. Several factors have been involved during the implantation process, such as cytokines (granulocyte-macrophage-colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF]). The objective was to evaluate the effects of two levels of diabetes on the redox status of preimplantation embryos during the implantation process to comprehend how both are involved in embryo and fetal viability against maternal diabetes. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received streptozotocin at birth (mild diabetes [MD]) or at adulthood (severe diabetes [SD]) to obtain two experimental diabetes intensities. After confirming the diabetic status, the nondiabetic and diabetic groups were mated around day 110 of life. At gestational day (GD) 21, fetuses were assessed for viability and malformations and ovaries for embryo loss before implantation. Other pregnant nondiabetic and diabetic rats were sacrificed at GD2-4 for maternal and preimplantation embryo oxidative stress markers, maternal serum insulin, uterine fluid GM-CSF, and preimplantation embryo morphological analysis. MD and SD caused abnormal redox levels, lower GM-CSF and insulin levels during the preimplantation period, and embryonic loss before implantation. SD caused lower fetal viability and higher fetal malformation percentages at GD21. The SD dam-derived preimplantation embryos presented lower glutathione levels and higher thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration at GD3 and an increased frequency of abnormal preimplantation embryos at GD4. In conclusion, preexisting diabetes leads to complications in the implantation process. Furthermore, maternal oxidative stress and other metabolic changes alter the redox state and morphological structure of preimplantation embryos, contributing to damaged growth and development in late pregnancy.

Short and long-term repercussions of the experimental diabetes in embryofetal development.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic pregnancy have increased rates of congenital malformation and neonatal mortality. In vitro studies suggest hyperglycemia associated with diabetes impair embryogenesis but in vivo investigations on maternal hyperglycemic insult and early embryo development are scarce. We evaluated the embryofetal development on experimental diabetes models to assess whether hyperglycemia at preimplantation period impairs the progression of pregnancy. METHODS: Different hyperglycemic intensities were obtained by two experimental diabetes models. Female Sprague Dawley rats received streptozotocin at birth (mild diabetes) or at day 90 of life (severe diabetes). For both diabetic groups hyperglycemia was confirmed 5 days after diabetes induction and the mating was performed around 100 day of life. For preimplantation analysis, embryos were recovered at D4 of pregnancy. Another group of animals was submitted to laparotomy at D21 to assess contents of the uterus and fetal viability. RESULTS: Mild (i) and Severe (ii) diabetes modified the early development. Degenerating embryos percentage was higher compared to control (11%) (i) 30.7%, (ii) 37.3%. Cell number mean dropped according to hyperglycemic intensity (control 30.57, (i) 21.42, (ii) 13.42). Pre and post-implantation loss rates were higher in diabetic groups. The fetal viability also decreased from 96% in the control group to (i) 78.7% and (ii) 80.6%. CONCLUSION: Our results show that during diabetic pregnancy, preimplantation embryos present decreased cell number due to higher apoptosis rates, which are dependent of the hyperglycemic intensity. Moreover, fetal viability was also decreased suggesting that the quality of these embryos at long-term may be questioned.

Melatonin prevents oxidative stress, inflammatory activity, and DNA damage in cirrhotic rats.

BACKGROUND: Cirrhosis is an important health problem characterized by a significant change in liver parenchyma. In animals, this can be reproduced by an experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Melatonin (MLT) is a physiological hormone synthesized from serotonin that has been studied for its beneficial properties, including its antioxidant potential. AIM: To evaluate MLT's effects on oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and DNA damage in an experimental model of secondary biliary cirrhosis. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (CO), CO + MLT, BDL, and BDL + MLT. MLT was administered (20 mg/kg) daily beginning on day 15 after biliary obstruction. On day 29 the animals were killed. Blood samples, liver tissue, and bone marrow were collected for further analysis. RESULTS: BDL caused changes in biochemical and histological parameters and markers of inflammatory process. Thiobarbituric acid (0.46 ± 0.01) reactive substance levels, superoxide dismutase activity (2.30 ± 0.07) and nitric oxide levels (2.48 ± 0.36) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) n the groups that received MLT. DNA damage was also lower (P < 0.001) in MLT-treated groups (171.6 ± 32.9) than the BDL-only group (295.5 ± 34.8). Tissue damage and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-1ß, Nrf2, NQO1 and Hsp70 were significantly lower in animals treated with MLT (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: When administered to rats with BDL-induced secondary biliary cirrhosis, MLT effectively restored the evaluated parameters.

[Influences of lunar cycle in labor: myth or scientific finding?]. / Influência do ciclo lunar no parto: mito ou constatação científica?

Superstitions are found everywhere in our lives, and medicine, a profession that is prides itself on an evidence-based approach to treatment, is not exempt. A superstition that pervades the labor and delivery floor is that it is busier during certain phases of the lunar cycle, specifically the full moon. Although some studies have demonstrated an increase in deliveries that are related to the lunar cycle, there has been disagreement about when, in the lunar cycle, the peak volume occurs. Front to the divergence of the existent results in the literature to relate the events of the lunar cycle with deliveries, the aim of this review was to accomplish the literature in the attempt of explaining this popular culture with base in the results presented by different researchers.

Echo intensity reliability between two rectus femoris probe sites.

INTRODUCTION: The ultrasound technique has been extensively used to measure echo intensity, with the goal of measuring muscle quality, muscle damage, or to detect neuromuscular disorders. However, it is not clear how reliable the technique is when comparing different days, raters, and analysts, or if the reliability is affected by the muscle site where the image is obtained from. The goal of this study was to compare the intra-rater, inter-rater, and inter-analyst reliability of ultrasound measurements obtained from two different sites at the rectus femoris muscle. METHODS: Muscle echo intensity was quantified from ultrasound images acquired at 50% [RF50] and at 70% [RF70] of the thigh length in 32 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Echo intensity values were higher (p = 0.0001) at RF50 (61.08 ± 12.04) compared to RF70 (57.32 ± 12.58). Reliability was high in both RF50 and RF70 for all comparisons: intra-rater (ICC = 0.89 and 0.94), inter-rater (ICC = 0.89 and 0.89), and inter-analyst (ICC = 0.98 and 0.99), respectively. However, there were differences (p < 0.05) between raters and analysts when obtaining/analyzing echo intensity values in both rectus femoris sites. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in echo intensity values between positions suggest that rectus femoris's structure is not homogeneous, and therefore measurements from different muscle regions should not be used interchangeably. Both sites showed a high reliability, meaning that the measure is accurate if performed by the same experienced rater in different days, if performed by different experienced raters in the same day, and if analyzed by different well-trained analysts, regardless of the evaluated muscle site.

Maternal reproductive performance and fetal development of the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain.

Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain is an animal model for epilepsy studies, the chronic multifactorial disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The animals of this strain are genetically predisposed to sound-induced seizures, called audiogenic seizures, and have been used for many years in studies to understand the mechanisms involved in the epilepsies and their neuropsychiatric comorbidities, as well as the screening of potential anti-convulsant agents. Nevertheless, little is known about the reproductive characteristics of these animals. The main goal of this study was to characterize the female reproductive performance and the fetal growth of WARs in comparison to the Wistar rats, obtaining important information for physiology and behavioral studies, as well as for the preservation of the strain. The results indicated few differences between WAR and Wistar regarding the female reproductive performance. There was no significant difference in the number of pregnant females by mating, number of live births per female, number of cells per blastocyst, and several characteristics related to reproductive performance, such as pre- and post-implantation losses. However, significant differences were observed in birth weight and weight gain until weaning, with WAR animals presenting a body weight below Wistar at birth and reduced body weight gain during the lactation period. In addition, the WAR females showed lower body weight on the day 20 of pregnancy and a larger number of corpora lutea, when compared with those of Wistar animals. Thus, we conclude that although Wistar and WAR strains have few differences in their reproductive performance, which might impact future physiological life challenges or others experimentally induced procedures, it still is a very viable strain regarding reproduction. Abbreviations: CONCEA: National Council for the Control of Animal Experimentation; GEPR: genetically epilepsy-prone rats; WAR: Wistar Audiogenic Rat.

Muscle thickness of the pectoralis major and rectus abdominis and level of physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients.

INTRODUCTION: Patients on chronic hemodialysis tend to lose lean body mass and have sedentary behavior. OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of physical activity and the morphology of the muscles pectoralis major and rectus abdominis of patients on hemodialysis with healthy subjects. METHODS: We studied 17 patients and 17 healthy individuals. Muscle thickness were evaluated by ultrasound, and the level of physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), long version. RESULTS: The patients had lower thicknesses of the pectoralis major (5.92 ± 0.35 mm vs. 8.35 ± 0.62 mm, p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis (0.96 ± 0.10 mm vs. 2 21 ± 0.40 mm, p < 0.001) compared to healthy subjects. Patients were physically less active than healthy individuals: 1502.55(788.19-2513.00) MET-minutes/week vs. 2268.0(1680.0-4490,8) MET-minutes/week (p = 0.006); the weekly caloric expenditure of patients was also lower: 1384.0(480,7-2253.7) kcal/kg/week vs. 1680.0(1677.4-4950.0) kcal/kg/week (p = 0.010). The average time spent sitting per week of the patients was higher than in healthy subjects (394.0 ± 33.1 min/day vs. 293.0 ± 38.6, p = 0.009) as well as the average time spent sitting during weekend (460.0 ± 40.1 vs. 201.0 ± 10.7, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis have sedentary behavior and lower muscle thickness of the trunk.

Influence of environment on the leaf morpho-anatomy and histochemical of the ayahuasca leaf: Populations cultivated in extra-Amazonian regions

Psychotria viridis Ruiz & Pav (Rubiaceae) occurs naturally throughout the Amazon and it is traditionally used by indigenous communities, being incorporated into religious use in urban contexts over the last few decades. It is known and cultivated in many regions of South America for possessing valuable bioactive alkaloids. In this paper, we described P. viridis leaf morphology, anatomy and histochemistry from three populations cultivated in the southeastern Brazil, in order to identify possible adaptations to local environment and management. All plants presented terminal stipules and basic morpho-anatomical patterns of leaves, consistent with most species of the genus, as heterogeneous dorsiventral mesophyll, uniseriate epidermis, presents large cells with prominent vacuoles and druses. Unicellular non-glandular trichomes and multicellular starry trichomes were present in the primary and secondary veins. Amphi-hypostomatic leaf pattern, not yet described for the species, was common in all studied plants. Variation in the presence of domatia in the same population indicates that this structure cannot be used for taxonomic determination of P. viridis, as already described for other species of the genus. Presence of secretory ducts and reduction in stomata density and leaf area represent the main morpho-anatomic adaptations of plants from drier and warmer climates. Histochemical tests were positive for alkaloids, polysaccharides, proteins and phenolic compounds, being negative for starch only in plants subjected to water stress. We concluded that the morpho-anatomical and histochemical alterations found in the plants of this study resulted from seasonal water deficit adaptations and to maintain or attract mutualistic organisms

Força muscular respiratória e capacidade funcional em pacientes com doença renal crônica / Respiratory muscle force and functional capacity in patients with chronic kidney disease

A Doença Renal Crônica (DRC) é caracterizada pela perda progressiva, irreversível e multifatorial da função renal que pode desencadear alterações nos diversos sistemas do organismo. A progressão da DRC leva ao desenvolvimento da miopatiaurêmica, que se caracteriza pela perda de músculos e redução da capacidade física. O presente estudo objetiva avaliar a força muscular respiratória e a capacidade funcional, bem como a relação entre os valores preditos e obtidos em pacientes com DRC submetidos a hemodiálise. A amostra foi composta por 17 pacientes com diagnóstico de DRC (com média de idade de 54,1±14,1 anos, massa de 64,2±11,8 kg, estatura 161,3±8,1 e índice de massa corporal (IMC) de 24,5±3,1 kg/m²) em acompanhamento no Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre HCPA (CAAE 36473714.1.0000.5327). A funcionalidade dos pacientes foi avaliada pelo teste de caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6') e a força muscular respiratória através da manovacuometria. O tempo médio de tratamento em hemodiálise (THD) foi de 72,38±41,62 meses. A pressão inspiratória máxima (PI_máx) obtida foi menor que a PI_máx predita (71,5±25,5; 97,7±11 cm H2O; p=0,000), no entanto, não houve diferença entre a pressão expiratória máxima (PE_máx) obtida e a predita (100,53±36,56; 102,29±14,87 11 cm H2O; p= 0,474). Não foram encontradas correlações estatisticamente significativas entre as variáveis pulmonares e o TC6' e nem com o THD. Sugere-se que os pacientes com DRC desse estudo possuem fraqueza muscular inspiratória, no entanto, não foi encontrada relação entre a força muscular respiratória com a funcionalidade e com o tempo de hemodiálise.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is characterized by the progressive, irreversible and multifactorial loss of kidney function that can trigger changes in the various systems of the body. The progression of CKD leads to the development of uremic myopathy, characterized by muscle loss and reduced physical capacity. This study aims at evaluating respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity, as well as the relationship between predicted and obtained values in patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis. The sample consisted of 17 patients with a diagnosis of CKD (mean age 54.1 ± 14.1 years, body mass of 64.2 ± 11.8 kg, height 161.3 ± 8.1 and body mass index (BMI) of 24.5 ± 3.1 kg / m²) under follow-up at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre HCPA (CAAE 36473714.1.0000.5327). The patients' functionality was assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and respiratory muscle strength through manovacuometry test. The mean treatment time on hemodialysis (THD) was 72.38 ± 41.62 months. The maximal inspiratory pressure (PI_max) obtained was lower than the predicted PI_max (71.5 ± 25.5, 97.7 ± 11 cm H2O, p = 0.000). However, there was no difference between the maximum expiratory pressure (PE_max) obtained and predicted (100.53 ± 36.56, 102.29 ± 14.87 11 cm H2O, p = 0.474). No statistically significant correlations were found between the pulmonary variables and the 6MWT nor the THD. It is suggested that patients with CKD in this study have inspiratory muscle weakness; however, no relationship was found between respiratory muscle strength and time and function of hemodialysis.

Metabolic profile and genotoxicity in obese rats exposed to cigarette smoke.

OBJECTIVE: Experimental studies have shown that exposure to cigarette smoke has negative effects on lipid metabolism and oxidative stress status. Cigarette smoke exposure in nonpregnant and pregnant rats causes significant genotoxicity (DNA damage). However, no previous studies have directly evaluated the effects of obesity or the association between obesity and cigarette smoke exposure on genotoxicity. Therefore, the aim of the present investigation was to evaluate DNA damage levels, oxidative stress status and lipid profiles in obese Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. DESIGN AND METHODS: Female rats subcutaneously (s.c.) received a monosodium glutamate solution or vehicle (control) during the neonatal period to induce obesity. The rats were randomly distributed into three experimental groups: control, obese exposed to filtered air, and obese exposed to tobacco cigarette smoke. After a 2-month exposure period, the rats were anesthetized and killed to obtain blood samples for genotoxicity, lipid profile, and oxidative stress status analyses. RESULTS: The obese rats exposed to tobacco cigarette smoke presented higher DNA damage, triglycerides, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, VLDL-c, HDL-c, and LDL-c levels compared to control and obese rats exposed to filtered air. Both obese groups showed reduced SOD activity. These results showed that cigarette smoke enhanced the effects of obesity. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the association between obesity and cigarette smoke exposure exacerbated the genotoxicity, negatively impacted the biochemical profile and antioxidant defenses and caused early glucose intolerance. Thus, the changes caused by cigarette smoke exposure can trigger the earlier onset of metabolic disorders associated with obesity, such as diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Muscle thickness of the pectoralis major and rectus abdominis and level of physical activity in chronic hemodialysis patients / Espessura muscular do pectoralis major e do rectus abdominis e nível de atividade física em pacientes em hemodiálise crônica

Abstract Introduction: Patients on chronic hemodialysis tend to lose lean body mass and have sedentary behavior. Objective: To compare the level of physical activity and the morphology of the muscles pectoralis major and rectus abdominis of patients on hemodialysis with healthy subjects. Methods: We studied 17 patients and 17 healthy individuals. Muscle thickness were evaluated by ultrasound, and the level of physical activity by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), long version. Results: The patients had lower thicknesses of the pectoralis major (5.92 ± 0.35 mm vs. 8.35 ± 0.62 mm, p < 0.001) and rectus abdominis (0.96 ± 0.10 mm vs. 2 21 ± 0.40 mm, p < 0.001) compared to healthy subjects. Patients were physically less active than healthy individuals: 1502.55(788.19-2513.00) MET-minutes/week vs. 2268.0(1680.0-4490,8) MET-minutes/week (p = 0.006); the weekly caloric expenditure of patients was also lower: 1384.0(480,7-2253.7) kcal/kg/week vs. 1680.0(1677.4-4950.0) kcal/kg/week (p = 0.010). The average time spent sitting per week of the patients was higher than in healthy subjects (394.0 ± 33.1 min/day vs. 293.0 ± 38.6, p = 0.009) as well as the average time spent sitting during weekend (460.0 ± 40.1 vs. 201.0 ± 10.7, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Chronic renal failure patients on hemodialysis have sedentary behavior and lower muscle thickness of the trunk.

Resumo Introdução: Pacientes que realizam hemodiálise crônica tendem a perder massa magra e ter comportamento sedentário. Objetivo: Comparar o nível de atividade física e morfologia dos músculos peitoral maior e reto do abdômen de pacientes que realizam hemodiálise com indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos: Foram estudados 17 pacientes e 17 indivíduos saudáveis. As espessuras musculares foram avaliadas por meio de ultrassonografia, e o nível de atividade física pelo Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física versão longa (IPAQ). Resultados: Os pacientes apresentaram menores espessuras do peitoral maior (5,92 ± 0,35 mm vs. 8,35 ± 0,62 mm, p < 0,001) e de reto abdominal (0,96 ± 0,10 mm vs. 2,21 ± 0,40 mm, p < 0,001) comparados aos sujeitos saudáveis. Os pacientes foram fisicamente menos ativos que os indivíduos saudáveis: 1502.55(788.19-2513.00) MET-minutos/semana vs. 2268.0(1680.0-4490,8) MET-minutos/semana (p = 0,006); o gasto calórico semanal dos pacientes também foi menor: 1384,0(480,7-2253.7) kcal/kg/semana vs. 1680,0(1677,4-4950,0) kcal/kg/semana (p = 0,010). O tempo médio gasto sentado por semana dos pacientes foi maior que dos sujeitos saudáveis (394,0 ± 33,1 min/dia vs. 293,0 ± 38,6, p = 0,009), assim como o tempo médio gasto sentado durante o fim de semana (460,0 ± 40,1 vs. 201,0 ± 10,7, p = 0,003). Conclusão: Pacientes renais crônicos em hemodiálise apresentam comportamento sedentário e menores espessuras musculares do tronco.

Neonatally induced mild diabetes in rats and its effect on maternal, placental, and fetal parameters.

The aim of this study was to assess placental changes and reproductive outcomes in neonatally induced mild diabetic dams and fetal development in their offspring. At birth, female rats were assigned either to control or diabetic group (100 mg of streptozotocin/Kg, subcutaneously). At adulthood, the female rats were mated. During pregnancy, the blood glucose levels and glucose and insulin tolerance tests were performed. At term, maternal reproductive outcomes, fetal and placental weight, and placental morphology were analyzed. Diabetic rats had smaller number of living fetuses, implantations and corpora lutea, and increased rate of embryonic loss. Placenta showed morphometric alterations in decidua area. Our results showed that mild diabetes was sufficient to trigger alterations in maternal organism leading to impaired decidua development contributing to failure in embryonic implantation and early embryonic losses. Regardless placental decidua alteration, the labyrinth, which is responsible for the maternal-fetal exchanges, showed no morphometric changes contributing to an appropriate fetal development, which was able to maintain normal fetal weight at term in mild diabetic rats. Thus, this experimental model of diabetes induction at the day of birth was more effective to reproduce the reproductive alterations of diabetic women.

Evaluation of neonatally-induced mild diabetes in rats: Maternal and fetal repercussions.

Many experimental studies have been performed to evaluate mild diabetes effects. However, results are divergent regarding glycemia and insulin measurement, fetal macrossomia, and placental weights. The aim was to investigate repercussions of neonatally-induced mild diabetes on the maternal organism and presence of congenital defects in their offspring in other mild diabetes model. On the day of birth, female offspring were distributed into two groups: Group streptozotocin (STZ): received 100 mg STZ/kg body weight, and Control Group: received vehicle in a similar time period. Maternal weights and glycemias were determined at days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of pregnancy. At day 21 of pregnancy, the rats were anesthetized and a laparotomy was performed to weigh and analyze living fetuses and placentas. The fetuses were classified as small (SPA), appropriate (APA) and large (LPA) for pregnancy age. Fetuses were also analyzed for the presence of external anomalies and processed for skeletal anomaly and ossification sites analysis. Statistical significance was considered as p < 0.05. In STZ group, there was increased glycemia at 0 and 14 days of pregnancy, lower weights throughout pregnancy, higher placental weight and index, an increased proportion of fetuses classified as SPA and LPA, and their fetuses presented with an increased frequency of abnormal sternebra, and absent cervical nuclei, which were not enough to cause the emergence of skeletal anomalies. Thus, this study shows that mild diabetes altered fetal development, characterized by intrauterine growth restriction. Further, the reached glycemia does not lead to any major congenital defects in the fetuses of streptozotocin-induced mild diabetic rats.

Evaluation of placental glycogen storage in mild diabetic rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the placental glycogen storage and fetal development in the pregnancy of neonatally streptozocin-induced diabetic rats and to establish relation with glycemia and insulin levels. METHODS: At the birth day, 147 female rats were randomly distributed in two experimental groups: 1) Non-diabetic Group (Control, n=45) - received the vehicle; 2) Diabetic Group (STZ, n=102) - received 100 mg streptozocin/kg in neonatal period. At day 0 of pregnancy, adult female rats were included in the control group when presented glycemia below 120 mg/dL and, in the group STZ with glycemia between 120 and 300 mg/dL. At day 21 of pregnancy, blood samples were collected for glycemia and insulin determination, and placentas withdrawn for placental glycogen determination. The newborns (NB) were classified in small (SGA), appropriate (AGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age. RESULTS: Rats STZ presented higher glycemia at days 0 and 14 of pregnancy. At end of pregnancy, rats STZ showed higher proportion of NB SGA and LGA; reduced rate of NB AGA and unaltered glycemia, insulin and placental glycogen determinations. CONCLUSION: Mild diabetes altered the maternal glycemia in the early pregnancy, impairing future fetal development, but it caused no alteration on insulin and placental glycogen determination, confirming that this glycemic intensity was insufficient to change glycogen metabolism.

Perfil de usuários com dores musculoesqueléticas crônicas encaminhados ao ''grupo da coluna'' / Perfl de los usuarios con dolores musculoesqueléticos crónicos encaminados al grupo de la columna / Pr9file of the users with chronic musculoskeletal pain submitted to the back group

As dores musculoesqueléticas crônicas afetam grande parte da população mundial. O projeto de extensão "Grupo da Coluna" é um programa educativo que visa à promoção da saúde e a redução de danos gerados por dores crônicas. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil dos 138 usuários com dores musculoesqueléticas crônicas encaminhados ao Grupo da Coluna em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde de Porto Alegre. Para coleta de dados, utilizou-se uma anamnese, a Escala Visual Analógica, o questionário de qualidade de vida Short Form Health Survey e o questionário de capacidade funcional Oswestry Disability Index. A média de idade da amostra foi de 58,2 anos, com maior porcentagem de mulheres, de baixa escolaridade e atuantes no mercado de trabalho. Os resultados demonstraram um maior número de usuários com incapacidade funcional moderada e queixa de dor em duas ou mais regiões corporais, sendo a região lombar a mais citada pelos usuários avaliados. Em relação à qualidade de vida, as médias mais baixas foram nos domínios Aspectos Físicos e Dor. Conclui-se que os usuários da Unidade Básica de Saúde apresentam demandas de intervenção para redução da dor e melhora da funcionalidade e da qualidade de vida, e que contemple todas as regiões corporais.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain affects much of the world's population. The extension project "Back Group" is an educational program aimed at promoting health and reducing damage caused by chronic pain. The aim of this study was to analyze the profile of the 138 users with chronic musculoskeletal pain referred to the Back Group in a Basic Health Unit of Porto Alegre. For data collection, we used an interview, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Short Form of the Quality of Life Health Survey Questionnaire and the Oswestry Disability Index questionnaire of functional capacity. The average age of the sample was 58,2 years, with a higher percentage of women with low education and active in the labor market. The results showed a greater number of users with moderate functional disability and pain complaint in two or more body regions, with the lumbar region the most cited by users reviews. Regarding quality of life, the lowest averages were in the fields Pain and Physical Aspects. It is concluded that users of Basic Health Unit have demands intervention for reducing pain and improving function and quality of life, and that includes all body regions.

Dolor musculoesquelético crónico afecta a gran parte de la población mundial. El proyecto de extensión "Grupo de la Columna" es un programa educativo destinado a promover la salud y reducir los daños causados por el dolor crónico. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el perfil de los 138 usuarios con dolores musculoesqueléticos crónicos encaminados al Grupo de la Columna en una Unidad Básica de Salud de Porto Alegre. Para la recolección de datos se utilizaron una entrevista, la Escala Analógica Visual, el cuestionario de calidad de vida Short Form Health Survey y el cuestionario de capacidad funcional Oswestry Disability Index. La edad media de la muestra fue de 58,2, con un mayor porcentaje de mujeres con bajo nivel educativo y activo en el mercado laboral. Los resultados mostraron un mayor número de usuarios con incapacidad funcional moderada y la queja de dolor en dos o más regiones del cuerpo, con la región lumbar como más citada por los usuarios. En cuanto a la calidad de vida, los promedios más bajos fueron en el campo del dolor y los aspectos físicos. Se concluye que los usuarios de la Unidad Básica de Salud tienen demandas de intervención para reducir el dolor y mejorar la función y la calidad de vida, y que contemplen todas las regiones del cuerpo.

The importance for growth of dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of dietary calcium and vitamin D in the process of growth and development of children and adolescents, focusing in particular on the prevention and treatment of delayed growth caused by nutritional deficiency. SOURCES: Information was gathered from articles published in the last 2 decades, from searches on the databases SciELO, PubMed and Medline, technical books and publications of international organizations. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Growth is influenced by intrinsic (genetic and metabolic) and extrinsic factors (environmental factors such as diet, health, hygiene, housing and access to health services). Among the nutritional factors are vitamin and oligoelement deficiencies which may be associated with malnutrition or caused by insufficient absorption. Since calcium is one of the main mineral components of bone tissue, it is essential for adequate bone formation and, considering that vitamin D plays an important role in calcium metabolism, a diet with insufficient quantities of these nutrients can impact on the formation of the skeleton and on the process of growth and development. CONCLUSIONS: In children and adolescents, low intake or low absorption of calcium and vitamin D may limit their statural growth, and it is necessary to supply sufficient quantities of both during the critical growth phases.

Evaluation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in placentas of rats with severe diabetes

The aim of this work was to analyze the cell proliferation and apoptosis indexes on the 18th and 21st days of pregnancy of diabetic rats and to correlate with maternal glycemia and perinatal outcomes. Placentas from 20 Wistar rats were collected and divided into four experimental groups: control and diabetic of 18 and 21 days of pregnancy. The cell proliferation was analyzed using the PCNA expression and apoptosis by the TUNEL method. It was observed that PCNA and TUNEL indexes decreased from day 18 to 21 of pregnancy in the placentas of diabetic rats and these values were lower than control groups. Diabetic dams presented higher percentage of small for pregnancy age (SPA) fetuses. However, there was no difference between the PCNA and TUNEL indexes in SPA and N-SPA fetuses in all the groups and these indexes were not correlated to maternal glycemic. Thus, placental cell proliferation and apoptosis did not interfere in the intrauterine growth restriction.

Neonatally induced diabetes: liver glycogen storage in pregnant rats

The aim of this sstudy was to evaluate the liver glycogen storage in pregnant rats presenting neonatal streptozotocin-induced diabetes and to establish a relation with glycemia and insulin levels. Wistar rats were divided in to two groups: 1) Mild Diabetes (STZ) - received streptozotocin (glycemia from 120 to 300 mg/dL), 2) Control - received vehicle (glycemia below 120 mg/dL). At days 0, 7, 14 and 21 of the pregnancy, body weight and glycemia were evaluated. At day 21 of the pregnancy, the rats were anesthetized for blood and liver collection so as to determine insulin and liver glycogen, which showed no changes in the STZ group as compared to the controls. In the STZ group, maternal weight gain were lower as compared to those in the control group. Significantly increased glycemia was observed at days 0 and 14 of the pregnancy in the STZ group. Therefore, neonatally induced diabetes in the rats did not cause metabolic changes that impaired insulin and liver glycogen relation in these rats.

O recordatório de 24 horas como instrumento na avaliação do consumo alimentar de cálcio, fósforo e vitamina D em crianças e adolescentes de baixa estatura / The 24-hour recall for the assessment of dietary calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D intakes in stunted children and adolescents

OBJETIVO: Verificar em que medida o Recordatório Alimentar de 24 horas como instrumento de avaliação do consumo alimentar contribui para a avaliação de parâmetros biológicos envolvidos no metabolismo de cálcio, fósforo e vitamina D em crianças e adolescentes de baixa estatura. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 59 crianças e adolescentes com baixa estatura do Ambulatório de Baixa Estatura do Serviço de Endocrinologia do Hospital das Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Causas orgânicas, genéticas e endócrinas de baixa estatura foram excluídas da avaliação. Foram dosados cálcio, fósforo, creatinina, vitamina D, paratormônio fosfatase alcalina no soro e cálcio, fósforo, creatinina e sódio em urina de Recordatório Alimentar de 24h foi empregado para estimar o consumo dietético. RESULTADOS: Foi constatada ingestão reduzida de cálcio e vitamina D, em relação ao recomendado para idade e sexo. Verificou-se correlação negativa entre paratormônio e vitamina D dietética (r= -0,46; p<0,01), consumo de cálcio (r= -0,41; p<0,001), calciúria (r= -0,41; p<0,001) e o índice de excreção de cálcio na urina de 24 horas (r= -0,36; p<0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Quando comparados os resultados do Recordatório Alimentar de 24 horas com seus parâmetros bioquímicos, este instrumento pareceu adequado na estimativa do consumo dietético de micronutrientes de crianças e adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to verify the extent to which the 24 hour recall, used as a tool to assess dietary intake, contributes to the assessment of biological parameters involved in the metabolism of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in stunted children and adolescents. METHODS: A total of 59 stunted children and adolescents seen at the outpatient clinic that specializes in stunting of the Endocrinology Service of Hospital das Clínicas in Porto Alegre, were assessed. Organic, genetic and endocrine causes of stunting were excluded from the assessment. Serum calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, vitamin D, parathormone and alkaline phosphatase and urine calcium, phosphorus, creatinine and sodium were measured. The 24 hour recall was used to determine dietary intake of these nutrients. RESULTS: Calcium and vitamin D intakes were low according to the values recommended for the two genders and studied age groups. There was a negative correlation between parathormone and dietary vitamin D (r= -0.46; p<0.01), calcium intake (r= -0.41; p<0.001), urine calcium (r= -0.41; p<0.001) and the calcium excretion index in the 24 hour urine (r= -0.36; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: When the 24-hour recall results were compared with their biochemical parameters, this instrument seemed to estimate the dietary micronutrient intakes of children and adolescents correctly.

Influência do ciclo lunar no parto: mito ou constatação científica?: [revisão] / Influencia del ciclo lunar en el parto: mito o constatación científica?: [revision] / Influences of lunar cycle in labor: myth or scientific finding?: [review]

Muitas superstições são encontradas em nossas vidas. Na medicina, uma profissão que se orgulha em métodos baseados em evidências para tratamentos, isso não é uma exceção. Uma superstição que abrange o parto é a influência de determinadas fases do ciclo da lua, mais especificamente a lua cheia. Embora estudos tenham demonstrado que o aumento de partos está relacionado com o ciclo lunar, existe discordância sobre quando ocorre o pico do volume de partos em cada fase da lua. Frente à divergência de resultados existentes na literatura que relaciona os eventos do ciclo lunar com parto, o objetivo desta revisão foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico na tentativa de esclarecer esta cultura popular com base nos resultados apresentados por diferentes autores.

Superstitions are found everywhere in our lives, and medicine, a profession that is prides itself on an evidence-based approach to treatment, is not exempt. A superstition that pervades the labor and delivery floor is that it is busier during certain phases of the lunar cycle, specifically the full moon. Although some studies have demonstrated an increase in deliveries that are related to the lunar cycle, there has been disagreement about when, in the lunar cycle, the peak volume occurs. Front to the divergence of the existent results in the literature to relate the events of the lunar cycle with deliveries, the aim of this review was to accomplish the literature in the attempt of explaining this popular culture with base in the results presented by different researchers.

Se encuentran las supersticiones por todas partes en nuestras vidas, y la medicina, una profesión que tiene orgullo acerca de los tratamientos con base en evidencia, no está extinta. La influencia de ciertas fases del ciclo lunar, específicamente la luna llena, es una superstición sobre el parto. Aunque algunos estudios han demostrado un aumento en los partos que se relacionan al ciclo lunar, ha habido discordancia sobre cuando, en el ciclo lunar, el volumen máximo ocurre. Afronte a la divergencia de los resultados existentes en la literatura que relacionan los eventos del ciclo lunar con los partos, el objetivo de esta revisión era explorar la literatura en el esfuerzo de explicar esta cultura popular con la base en los resultados presentado por los diferentes investigadores.