Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Adults (BackPEI-A): Updating and an online application.

INTRODUCTION: Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument for Adults (BackPEI-A) lags the most recent literature, as it does not assess issues related to activity increasingly present in the daily lives of people of all ages. PURPOSE: (1) to update the BackPEI-A by including four new questions regarding the use of mobile devices; (2) to present a new graphic design of the issues related to back and neck pain to facilitate understanding of the location of these pains; (3) to test the content validity and the reliability of the new questions; and (4) to identify whether the BackPEI-A version in online form has adequate reliability. METHODS: The content validation by evaluation of eight experts, and the reliability of the new questions and of the online version were assessed. The new questions were translated to English. Content validation was assessed by the content validity index (CVI). Reliability was assessed using the agreement percentage (%C), the kappa statistic (k), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). k > 0.4 and %C > 0.5 were assumed to include new questions. RESULTS: The new questions showed good agreement among the experts, k > 0.4 and %C > 0.5. Both forms applied presented an average kappa of total sample ranging from moderate to good, and moderate ICC values, showing an adequate reliability. CONCLUSION: The updated BackPEI-A is valid and reliable and allows the identification of aspects related to back and neck pain, as well as possible risk factors.

The Effects of Methylfolate on Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Dementia and cognitive decline are highly prevalent in later life and are growing public health concerns worldwide due to the increasing aging population. Individuals diagnosed with dementia have reduced mental function, resulting in social and cognitive skill deficits, increased dependence, and reduced autonomy-all of which are conditions associated with higher mortality rates. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of treating dementia and cognitive decline with methylfolate. The main outcomes analyzed will be dementia and changes in cognitive function measured by different instruments in older adults treated with methylfolate. Secondary outcomes, such as inflammatory markers, plasma folic-acid levels, and total homocysteine, will also be assessed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This protocol is registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews, under the code CRD42021275755. We will include clinical trials conducted with older adults diagnosed with dementia or cognitive decline and treated with folic acid. The searches will be conducted on the PubMed, Scopus, and Embase databases, and the articles will be selected by reading their titles and abstracts first, followed by the full text. The quality of the selected studies will be assessed using GRADE and the risk of bias will be assessed using the Downs-and-Black method. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The results will be presented at scientific conferences and disseminated by publishing a scientific article in an international English-language journal. We hope to find robust and significant evidence regarding the effectiveness of methylfolate supplementation in improving dementia symptoms and cognitive decline among older adults. By systematizing this evidence and possibly performing a meta-analysis study, we expect to significantly contribute to the treatment of this health problem, reduce mortality, and improve the quality of life and health of this population, boosting the development of medical protocols capable of reducing the financial effects of public health.

Nutritional and food education as a complementary treatment approach in severe obese individuals.

Background: The treatment for obesity, specifically severe obesity, is a challenge for health professionals and services. It requires a multidisciplinary and holistic approach covering the complexity and difficulties of incorporating healthy habits to prevent associated diseases and mortality. Individual intervention's methods are not enough to change eating habits. Objective: To describe and investigate the contribution of nutritional and food education as a complementary therapeutic approach in the treatment of individuals with severe obesity and their family members. Methods: A multidisciplinary team adopted a group approach. A different topic was addressed at each therapeutic meeting to assist in the nutritional treatment of obesity, such as diet and healthy habits i.e. barriers to lifestyle changes. The topics were developed based on different methodological and teaching approaches to facilitate adherence to non-drug treatment. Results: Overall, there was a greater understanding towards the adoption of healthy eating habits of the whole family, greater motivation to adhere to dietary changes and adoption of a more physical active lifestyle. This interventional educational support methodology had been accepted in such a positive way for patients and their relatives. Family member participation expands the possibilities of establishing necessary and lasting changes in the lifestyle of not only the patients, but their whole families. Conclusion: Health education actions constitute an important complementary therapeutic approach in promoting health and preventing complications in individuals with severe obesity. This article can be useful to enlarge the debate on the subject and face the challenges related to the effective treatment of obesity, notably severe obesity.

Positive Effects of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Supplementation and DietBra on Inflammation and Glycemic Profiles in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes and Class II/III Obesity: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Evidence on the effects of dietary interventions on inflammatory markers in individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is scarce. Our study evaluated the effects of extra-virgin olive oil alone and in combination with a traditional Brazilian diet on inflammatory markers and glycemic profiles in adults with both T2DM and class II/III obesity. Methods: Adults aged 18-64 years with T2DM and class II/III obesity were randomized into two intervention groups: 1) extra-virgin olive oil only and 2) extra-virgin olive oil + a traditional Brazilian diet (OliveOil+DietBra). Data on sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle, anthropometry, biochemical markers and inflammatory markers were collected. The primary outcomes were glycemic parameters and inflammatory markers. The body mass index (BMI) and weight were the secondary outcomes. Results: Forty individuals with T2DM and class II/III obesity were enrolled, and 34 (85%) completed the intervention course. The intake of olive oil was 37.88 ± 12.50 mL/day in the olive oil group and 37.71 ± 12.23 mL/day in the OliveOil+DietBra group, with no significant difference between groups (p = 0.484). Compared to the olive oil only group, the OliveOil+DietBra group had significantly lower levels of fasting insulin (p = 0.047) at the end of the intervention, whereas the other glycemic parameters were not altered. In the OliveOil+DietBra group, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1α (p = 0.006) and adiponectin (p = 0.049) were lower and those of TNFα were higher (p = 0.037). There was a significant reduction in BMI and weight compared to the baseline values in the OliveOil+DietBra group (p = 0.015). Conclusions: The intervention with OliveOil+DietBra effectively decreased the levels of fasting insulin, IL-1α and adiponectin, suggesting its beneficial role in improving the inflammatory profiles and fasting insulin levels in adults with class II/III obesity and T2DM. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT02463435.

Antitumor Properties of Curcumin in Breast Cancer Based on Preclinical Studies: A Systematic Review.

Breast cancer is one of the most common neoplasms among women. Anticancer strategies using natural formulations and phytotherapies are promising antitumor treatment alternatives. This review assesses the antitumor effects of curcumin on breast cancer reported in preclinical in vitro and in vivo animal models. We used five databases to search for preclinical studies published up to May 2021. The assessments included the effects of curcumin on the proliferation, viability, and apoptosis of breast cancer cell lineages and on tumor volume. In total, 60 articles met the inclusion criteria. Curcumin administered at different concentrations and via different routes of administration inhibited proliferation, decreased viability, and induced apoptosis in human and animal breast cancer cells. Nanoparticle formulations of curcumin administered orally, via implant, and intraperitoneally reduced the tumor volume of human and murine mammary cells in vivo. Moreover, curcumin nanoformulations exert positive effects on tumor growth inhibition in animal models of breast cancer. Further randomized clinical trials are warranted to assess the efficacy and safety of curcumin formulations for clinical use.

Nutritional Intervention Reduces Dyslipidemia, Fasting Glucose and Blood Pressure in People Living with HIV/AIDS in Antiretroviral Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Two Nutritional Interventions.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the risk of cardiometabolic diseases in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness of a nutritional intervention on several cardiometabolic parameters in this population. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two nutritional interventions on several cardiometabolic parameters in PLWHA treated with ART. A parallel randomized clinical trial was performed with PLWHA treated with ART. The participants (n = 88) were divided into two intervention groups: (1) nutritional counseling (n = 44) and (2) individualized dietary prescription (n = 44). The follow-up period was 30 weeks. A reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome variables were reductions in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP, respectively), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and increases in high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A multiple linear regression was used to analyze the effectiveness of the interventions, adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics. Sixty-two PLWHA completed the trial (nutritional counseling, n = 32; individualized dietary prescription, n = 30). At follow-up, we observed in the nutritional counseling group significant reductions in SBP (p = 0.036) and DBP (p = 0.001). Significant reductions in FPG (p = 0.008) and DBP (p = 0.023) were found in the individualized dietary prescription group. In the fully adjusted models, significant reductions in LDL, SBP, DBP, and BMI were found in the individualized dietary prescription group. In conclusion, the two investigated nutritional interventions were effective in reducing some cardiometabolic risk factors in PLWHA. However, after adjustments for covariates, the individualized dietary prescription showed significant reductions in the primary outcome and, also, in more cardiometabolic risk factors than the nutritional counseling.

Effects of auriculotherapy on weight and body mass index reduction in patients with overweight or obesity: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Auriculotherapy is based on the stimulation of reflex points in the ear. However, little is known about its weight-reducing effects. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of auriculotherapy on weight and/or (BMI) reduction in overweight or patients with obesity. METHODS: Twelve articles were selected for systematic review. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating weight reduction and five investigating BMI reduction were selected for the meta-analyzes. RESULTS: The results revealed an association between auriculotherapy and weight reduction (WMD, 1.507; 95% CI, 0.606-2.407; p < 0.000). Auriculotherapy was also significantly associated with BMI reduction (WMD, 0.865; 95% CI, 0.533-1.196; p < 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: We found that auriculotherapy was effective in reducing weight and/or BMI in overweight or patients with obesity. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to heterogeneity.

Associação entre postura sentada e alterações posturais da coluna vertebral no plano sagital de escolares de Lajeado, RS / Association between posture and chandes in spine on sagital plane of students in Lajeado, RS

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a prevalência das alterações da colunavertebral no plano sagital e dos hábitos adotados na postura sentada para escrever e sentadapara utilizar o computador, assim como verificar se existe associação entre a postura sentadae a postura estática em pé. A amostra foi composta por 75 escolares da cidade de Lajeado,Rio Grande do Sul. Os escolares responderam ao questionário BackPEI para obtençãode informações acerca da postura que adotam ao sentar para escrever e ao utilizar ocomputador. As curvaturas torácicas e lombares dos escolares foram avaliadas e mensuradaspor meio de um arcômetro. Os dados foram analisados no SPSS, através estatística descritiva ede razões de prevalência, com variância robusta (alfa=0,05). Os resultados indicaram que 20 por centodos escolares apresentaram alterações na coluna torácica e 37,4 por cento apresentaram alterações nacoluna lombar. Em relação às posições sentadas, grande parte dos escolares adotam posturasinadequadas ao sentar para utilizar o computador (86,7 por cento) e para escrever (89,3 por cento), sendoessa última associada significativamente às alterações na coluna torácica. Conclui-se que osescolares, quando na posição sentada, apresentam posturas inadequadas, o que parece estarrelacionado com as alterações posturais da coluna vertebral na posição em pé...

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of spinalabnormalities in the sagital plane and habits adopted in the “writing’s sitting posture”and the “sitting in front of the computer posture” as well as to investigate the associationbetween sitting posture and standing static posture. The sample consisted of 75 studentsfrom Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. To obtain information about the posture theyadopt to sit down to write and use the computer, the school children were asked to answerthe BackPEI questionnaire. Thoracic and lumbar curvatures of the subjects were measuredand evaluated using an arcometer. Data were analyzed with SPSS, through descriptivestatistics and prevalence ratios, with a robust variance (alpha=0.05). The results indicated that20 percent of the students showed changes in the thoracic spine and 37.4 percent showed changes inthe lumbar spine. Regarding seating positions, most of the students adopt inadequatepostures when sitting to use the computer (86.7 percent) and to write (89.3 percent), the latter beingsignificantly associated with changes in the thoracic spine. It was concluded that thestudents, when seated, have poor posture, which seems to be related to postural changes inthe spine in the standing position...

El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la prevalencia de las alteracionesen la columna vertebral en el plan sagital y hábitos adoptados en la postura sentada paraescribir y sentada para usar la computadora, así como para verificar si hay asociaciónentre la postura sentada y la estática de pie. La muestra fue de 75 estudiantes de laciudad de Lajeado, Rio Grande do Sul. Los estudiantes respondieron al cuestionarioBackPEI para obtener información sobre la postura que adoptan al sentarse a escribiry usar la computadora. Las curvaturas torácica y lumbar de los estudiantes fueronevaluadas y medidas por medio de un arco metro. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el programa SPSS, a través de la estadística descriptiva y las razones de prevalencia convarianza robusta (alfa=0,05). Los resultados indicaron que el 20 percent de los estudiantesmostraron alteraciones en la columna torácica y 37,4 percent presentaron alteraciones en lacolumna lumbar. En cuanto a posiciones sentadas, la mayoría de los estudiantes adoptaposturas inadecuadas al sentarse a utilizar la computadora (86,7 percent) y escribir (89,3 percent), siendola última asociada significativamente con los cambios en la columna torácica. Se concluyeque la escuela, una vez sentado, tiene una postura inadecuada, lo que parece estarrelacionado con los cambios posturales de la columna vertebral en la posición de pie...

Escola postural para crianças de 10 a 14 anos inserida no contexto do Ensino Fundamental / Back school for 10 to 14 year-old children inserted in the context of basic education

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar se uma Escola Postural (EP) com metodologia adaptada para crianças e inserida no ambiente escolar poderia proporcionar: (1) mudanças nos hábitos de postura nas atividades da vida diária (AVDs); (2) ajustes posturais em busca de uma postura correta; e (3) melhora das informações acerca da coluna vertebral. Participaram 41 crianças de 10 a 14 anos de idade, divididas em grupo experimental (n=21) e controle (n=20). Os instrumentos de avaliação de pré e pós-experimento foram: (1) questionário teórico, (2) filmagem das AVDs e (3) registro fotográfico da postura estática. Foi desenvolvida uma EP composta de dez encontros, com freqüência de duas vezes por semana, apenas com o grupo experimental. Os resultados demonstraram que a participação das crianças do grupo experimental na EP proporcionou melhora no conhecimento teórico sobre a coluna vertebral, melhora da postura nas AVDs e também na postura estática, podendo-se atribuir estes fatos aos conteúdos adaptados ao nível cognitivo e ao interesse das crianças e a própria metodologia da EP.

This study aimed at verifying if a Back School with a methodology adapted for children and inserted in the school environment could proportionate: (1) change in posture habits during daily activities; (2) posture adjustments towards a correct posture, and (3) improvement of information related to the spine. To accomplish this study, 41 children were divided in experimental group (n=21) and control group (n=20). The instruments of evaluation of pre and post experiment were: (1) theoretical questionnaire, (2) recording of the posture during daily activities and (3) photographical registers of static posture. Back School was developed with the experimental group, which was composed by ten meetings with frequency of twice a week. The results demonstrated that the children from the experimental group developed their theoretical knowledge about spine, improved their posture in daily activities, and also their static posture. Those facts can be attributed to the adaptation of the content according to the cognitive level and the interests of the children, beyond the own methodology of the Back School.