Action observation and motor imagery have no effect on balance and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Combining action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) training may induce greater brain activity in areas usually involved in Parkinson's disease (PD) and lead to greater behavioral and neurophysiological effects than when used separately. AIM: To determine the effects of combining AO, MI, and gait training on balance and freezing of gait in individuals with PD. DESIGN: This is a single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Laboratory of Intervention and Analysis of Movement (LIAM) from the Department of Physical Therapy of a Brazilian University. POPULATION: Study sample consisted of individuals diagnosed with idiopathic PD by a neurologist specialized in movement disorders. METHODS: 39 individuals with PD were divided into experimental (EG=21) and control groups (CG=18). EG performed 12 sessions of AO, MI, and gait training, whereas CG watched PD-related educational videos and performed 12 sessions of gait training. Balance (measured using the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test [MiniBESTest]) and freezing of gait (measured using the Freezing of Gait Questionnaire) were reassessed one day after the end of the intervention. RESULTS: We did not observe significant intra- and intergroup differences in freezing of gait. For the EG, we observed a significant intragroup difference in the total score of MiniBESTest (F=5.2; P=0.02), and sensory orientation (F=4.5; P=0.04) and dynamic gait (F=3.6; P=0.03) domains. MiniBESTest domains were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Combining AO, MI, and gait training was not more effective than isolated gait training for balance and freezing of gait in individuals with PD. CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT: MI training can moderate AO effects and enhance motor learning when both therapies are combined. Therefore, this approach may still have the potential to be included in the treatment of PD. New studies should investigate whether the factors that influence these results are related to the protocol's sensitivity in changing the evaluated parameters or to the time and intensity of AO and MI training.

Are Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency and Insufficiency Risk Factors for the Incidence of Dynapenia?

Epidemiological evidence showing the association between low 25(OH)D and age-related reduction in neuromuscular strength (dynapenia) is a paucity and controversial and, to date, the effect of osteoporosis and vitamin D supplementation on these associations has not been measured. Thus, we analyze whether serum 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency are risk factors for the incidence of dynapenia in individuals aged 50 or older and whether osteoporosis or vitamin D supplementation modify these associations. For that, 3205 participants of the ELSA study who were non-dynapenic at baseline were followed for 4 years. Vitamin D was measured at baseline by the serum concentration of 25(OH)D and classified as sufficient (> 50 nmol/L), insufficient (≥ 30 and ≤ 50 nmol/L) or deficient (< 30 nmol/L). The incidence of dynapenia was determined by a grip strength < 26 kg for men and < 16 kg for women at the end of the 4-year follow-up. Poisson regression models were adjusted by sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical and biochemical characteristics. Serum 25(OH)D deficient was a risk factor for the incidence of dynapenia (IRR = 1.70; 95% CI 1.04-2.79). When only individuals without osteoporosis and those who did not use vitamin D supplementation were analyzed, both serum 25(OH)D deficiency (IRR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.01-3.13) and insufficiency (IRR = 1.77; 95% CI 1.06-2.94) were risk factors for the incidence of dynapenia. In conclusion, a serum level of 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L is a risk factor for the incidence of dynapenia. Among individuals without osteoporosis and those who do not take vitamin D supplementation, the threshold of risk is higher (≤ 50 nmol/L).

Mental health promotion and protection actions aimed at the elderly in the context of primary health care: an integrative review. / Ações de promoção e proteção à saúde mental do idoso na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão integrativa.

The increase in the elderly population requires rethinking the organization of society, especially health services. The aim was to analyze actions aimed at promoting and protecting the mental health of the elderly in the context of primary health care, through an integrative review. The databases used were: Lilacs, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF and Index Psicologia. The descriptors used were "elderly", "health promotion", "mental health" and "primary health care". The final sample included 15 articles. The results indicate that group actions contribute to the reduction of depressive symptoms; health education in the perspective of active learning, aiming at health literacy and memory workshop strengthening spaces for socialization. Matrix support is highlighted as an indispensable tool for new mental health practices. We conclude that the moment is right for expanding the scope of actions offered to the elderly in psychological distress. Efforts have been detected in the production of care aiming at integrality, which is still incipient.

O aumento da população de idosos exige repensar a organização da sociedade, especialmente os serviços de saúde. Por meio de revisão integrativa, o objetivo foi analisar ações de promoção e proteção à saúde mental do idoso no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. As bases de dados foram: LILACS, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF e Index Psicologia. Os descritores foram "idoso", "promoção da saúde", "saúde mental" e "atenção primária à saúde". A amostra final foi constituída por 15 artigos. Os resultados apontam ações em grupo contribuindo para a redução de sintomas depressivos, educação em saúde na perspectiva da aprendizagem ativa, visando à alfabetização em saúde, e oficina de memória, fortalecendo espaços de socialização. Ressalta-se o apoio matricial como ferramenta indispensável a novas práticas em saúde mental. Conclui-se que o momento é de ampliação do escopo de ações oferecidas aos idosos em sofrimento psíquico. Detectam-se esforços para a produção do cuidado na direção da integralidade, mas ainda incipientes.

Ações de promoção e proteção à saúde mental do idoso na atenção primária à saúde: uma revisão integrativa / Mental health promotion and protection actions aimed at the elderly in the context of primary health care: an integrative review

Resumo O aumento da população de idosos exige repensar a organização da sociedade, especialmente os serviços de saúde. Por meio de revisão integrativa, o objetivo foi analisar ações de promoção e proteção à saúde mental do idoso no contexto da atenção primária à saúde. As bases de dados foram: LILACS, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF e Index Psicologia. Os descritores foram "idoso", "promoção da saúde", "saúde mental" e "atenção primária à saúde". A amostra final foi constituída por 15 artigos. Os resultados apontam ações em grupo contribuindo para a redução de sintomas depressivos, educação em saúde na perspectiva da aprendizagem ativa, visando à alfabetização em saúde, e oficina de memória, fortalecendo espaços de socialização. Ressalta-se o apoio matricial como ferramenta indispensável a novas práticas em saúde mental. Conclui-se que o momento é de ampliação do escopo de ações oferecidas aos idosos em sofrimento psíquico. Detectam-se esforços para a produção do cuidado na direção da integralidade, mas ainda incipientes.

Abstract The increase in the elderly population requires rethinking the organization of society, especially health services. The aim was to analyze actions aimed at promoting and protecting the mental health of the elderly in the context of primary health care, through an integrative review. The databases used were: Lilacs, Scopus, IBECS, Medline, CINAHL, BDENF and Index Psicologia. The descriptors used were "elderly", "health promotion", "mental health" and "primary health care". The final sample included 15 articles. The results indicate that group actions contribute to the reduction of depressive symptoms; health education in the perspective of active learning, aiming at health literacy and memory workshop strengthening spaces for socialization. Matrix support is highlighted as an indispensable tool for new mental health practices. We conclude that the moment is right for expanding the scope of actions offered to the elderly in psychological distress. Efforts have been detected in the production of care aiming at integrality, which is still incipient.

Non-pharmacologic strategies for the management of intestinal inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, and mucositis are characterized by intestinal inflammation, but vary according to their pathological mechanisms, severity, location, and etiology. Significant intestinal inflammation that occurs in these diseases induces weight loss, nutritional depletion, and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction. Nutritional support is important in alleviating symptoms and improving patients' quality of life. In this review, we summarize some nutritional components used to manage intestinal disorders. These include fatty acids, probiotics, parabiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and low FODMAP (LFD) diets. These components and LFD diets have been studied and clinical trials have been designed to develop new strategies to alleviate intestinal inflammation and improve the quality of life. Clinical trials on their use in intestinal inflammation do not allow firm conclusions to be drawn mainly because of the heterogeneity of the dose used and the study design or their inconclusive results. However, in the majority of cases, the use of omega-3, probiotics, parabiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and LFD improve the health.

Prevenção Quaternária: da medicalização social à atenção integral na Atenção Primária à Saúde / Prevención Cuaternaria: de la medicalización social a la atención integral en Atención Primaria de Salud / Quaternary Prevention: from social medicalization to integral care on the Primary Health Care

Resumo Objetivo conhecer as percepções e perspectivas dos profissionais da saúde para o desenvolvimento da Prevenção Quaternária na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método Pesquisa Apreciativa, que aplicou as fases do "ciclo 4-D", na língua inglesa: discovery, dream, design e destiny. Este artigo analisa os resultados referentes à fase discovery (descoberta), de cujos dois encontros correspondentes participaram nove profissionais da Atenção Primária. Realizou-se análise de conteúdo, seguindo as etapas de pré-análise, exploração do material e tratamento dos dados. Resultados a Prevenção Quaternária representa uma potencialidade na inovação da atenção, com possibilidade de reduzir a medicalização social, que ocorre mediante a sobremedicalização, sobrediagnósticos e sobretratamentos. Como perspectivas, é apresentada a necessidade de conscientização da sociedade e dos profissionais sobre esses excessos e de (re) posicionamento da indústria, do mercado e da mídia sobre o significado de "estar saudável". Conclusão e implicações para prática é necessário atentar para a ética na prestação de cuidados quanto ao rastreio, diagnóstico e tratamento de doenças. A Prevenção Quaternária tem potencial para reverter um modelo hegemônico em relação ao cuidado de indivíduos e famílias ao fomentar a integralidade. A Enfermagem, como prestadora do cuidado, junto com a equipe multiprofissional, deve incorporar ações de Prevenção Quaternária em suas práticas.

Resumen Objetivo conocer las percepciones y perspectivas de los profesionales de la salud para el desarrollo de la Prevención Cuaternaria en Atención Primaria de Salud. Método Investigación Apreciativa, que aplicó las fases del "ciclo 4-D", en inglés: discovery, dream, design y destiny Este artículo analiza los resultados de la fase discovery (descubrimiento), en cuyos dos encuentros correspondientes participaron nueve profesionales de Atención Primaria. Se realizó análisis de contenido, siguiendo los pasos de pre-análisis, exploración de material y procesamiento de datos. Resultados la Prevención Cuaternaria representa un potencial en la innovación asistencial, con posibilidad de reducir la medicalización social, que se produce por sobremedicalización, sobrediagnóstico y sobretratamiento. Como perspectivas, se presenta la necesidad de concienciar a la sociedad y los profesionales sobre estos excesos y de (re) posicionar a la industria, el mercado y los medios de comunicación sobre el significado de "estar sano". Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica es necesario prestar atención a la ética en la prestación de cuidados en cuanto al cribado, diagnóstico y tratamiento de enfermedades. La Prevención Cuaternaria tiene el potencial de revertir un modelo hegemónico en relación al cuidado de las personas y familias al promover la integralidad. La Enfermería, como proveedora de cuidados, junto con el equipo multidisciplinario, deben incorporar las acciones de Prevención Cuaternaria en sus prácticas.

Abstract Objective to know the perceptions and perspectives of health professionals for the development of Quaternary Prevention in Primary Health Care. Method an Appreciative Research, which applied the phases of the "4-D cycle": discovery, dream, design and destiny. This article analyzes the results referring to the discovery phase (discovery), in which nine professionals from Primary Care participated in two corresponding meetings. Content analysis was performed, following the steps of pre-analysis, material exploration and data treatment. Results the Quaternary Prevention represents a potentiality in care innovation, with the possibility of reducing social medicalization, which occurs through over-medicalization, over-diagnosis and overtreatment. As perspectives, it is presented the need for society and professionals to be aware of these excesses and the (re) positioning of the industry, market and media about the meaning of "being healthy". Conclusion and implications for the practice it is necessary to pay attention to ethics in care provision regarding screening, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Quaternary Prevention has potential to revert a hegemonic model in relation to the care of individuals and families by promoting integrality. Nursing, as a care provider, together with the multi-professional team, must incorporate Quaternary Prevention actions in its practices.

Semysinthetic biflavonoid Morelloflavone-7,4',7″,3‴,4‴-penta-O-butanoyl is a more potent inhibitor of Proprotein Convertases Subtilisin/Kexin PC1/3 than Kex2 and Furin.

BACKGROUND: Garcinia brasiliensis is a species native to the Amazon forest. The white mucilaginous pulp is used in folk medicine as a wound healing agent and for peptic ulcer, urinary, and tumor disease treatments. The activity of the proprotein convertases (PCs) Subtilisin/Kex is associated with the development of viral, bacterial and fungal infections, osteoporosis, hyperglycemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and neoplastic diseases. METHODS: Morelloflavone (BF1) and semisynthetic biflavonoid (BF2, 3 and 4) from Garcinia brasiliensis were tested as inhibitor of PCs Kex2, PC1/3 and Furin, and determined IC50, Ki, human proinflammatory cytokines secretion in Caco-2 cells, mechanism of inhibition, and performed molecular docking studies. RESULTS: Biflavonoids were more effective in the inhibition of neuroendocrine PC1/3 than mammalian Furin and fungal Kex2. BF1 presented a mixed inhibition mechanism for Kex2 and PC1, and competitive inhibition for Furin. BF4 has no good interaction with Kex2 and Furin since carboxypropyl groups results in steric hindrance to ligand-protein interactions. Carboxypropyl groups of BF4 promote steric hindrance with Kex2 and Furin, but effective in the affinity of PC1/3. BF4 was more efficient at inhibiting PCl/3 (IC50 = 1.13 µM and Ki = 0,59 µM, simple linear competitive mechanism of inhibition) than Kex2, Furin. Also, our results strongly suggested that BF4 also inhibits the endogenous cellular PC1/3 activity in Caco-2 cells, since PC1/3 inhibition by BF4 causes a large increase in IL-8 and IL-1ß secretion in Caco-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: BF4 is a potent and selective inhibitor of PC1/3. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: BF4 is the best candidate for further clinical studies on inhibition of PC1/3.

A new medium-throughput screening design approach for the development of hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH) nanostructured lipid carrier for treating leishmaniasis.

Hydroxymethilnitrofurazone (NFOH) is a nitrofurazone derivative and has potential use in treating leishmaniasis. However, due to low water solubility and bioavailability, NFOH has failed in in vivo tests. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is an alternative to overcome these limitations by improving pharmacokinetics and modifying drug delivery. This work is focused on developing a novel NFOH-loaded NLC (NLC-NFOH) using a D-optimal mixture statistical design and high-pressure homogenization, for oral administration to treat leishmaniasis. The optimized NLC-NFOH consisted of Mygliol® 840, Gelucire® 50/13, and Precirol® ATO 5 as lipids. These lipids were selected using a rapid methodology Technobis Crystal 16 T M, microscopy, and DSC. Different tools for selecting lipids provided relevant scientific knowledge for the development of the NLC. NLC-NFOH presented a z-average of 198.6 ±â€¯5.4 nm, PDI of 0.11 ±â€¯0.01, and zeta potential of -13.7 ±â€¯0.7 mV. A preliminary in vivo assay was performed by oral administration of NLC-NFOH (2.8 mg/kg) in one healthy male Wistar rat (341 g) by gavage. Blood from the carotid vein was collected, and the sample was analyzed by HPLC. The plasma concentration of NFOH after 5 h of oral administration was 0.22 µg/mL. This same concentration was previously found using free NFOH in the DMSO solution (200 mg/kg), which is an almost 100-fold higher dose. This study allowed a design space development approach of the first NLC-NFOH with the potential to treat leishmaniasis orally.

Severe food restriction activates the central renin angiotensin system.

We previously showed that 2 weeks of a severe food restricted (sFR) diet (40% of the caloric intake of the control (CT) diet) up-regulated the circulating renin angiotensin (Ang) system (RAS) in female Fischer rats, most likely as a result of the fall in plasma volume. In this study, we investigated the role of the central RAS in the mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) dysregulation associated with sFR. Although sFR reduced basal mean MAP and HR, the magnitude of the pressor response to intracerebroventricular (icv) microinjection of Ang-[1-8] was not affected; however, HR was 57 ± 13 bpm lower 26 min after Ang-[1-8] microinjection in the sFR rats and a similar response was observed after losartan was microinjected. The major catabolic pathway of Ang-[1-8] in the hypothalamus was via Ang-[1-7]; however, no differences were detected in the rate of Ang-[1-8] synthesis or degradation between CT and sFR animals. While sFR had no effect on the AT1 R binding in the subfornical organ (SFO), the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) and median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) of the paraventricular anteroventral third ventricle, ligand binding increased 1.4-fold in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. These findings suggest that sFR stimulates the central RAS by increasing AT1 R expression in the PVN as a compensatory response to the reduction in basal MAP and HR. These findings have implications for people experiencing a period of sFR since an activated central RAS could increase their risk of disorders involving over activation of the RAS including renal and cardiovascular diseases.

Avaliação dos efeitos da Suplementação do Ácido Graxo ômega 3 em modelo de tumor de mama murino e mucosite induzida por 5-Fluouracil / Evaluation of the effects of Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplementation in a model of murine breast tumor and mucositis induced by 5-Fluouracil

O ômega 3 é um ácido graxo poliinsaturado utilizado como agente terapêutico no tratamento de diversas doenças. Evidências sugerem efeito anti-inflamatório com sua utilização. A escolha do tratamento eficiente que minimize os efeitos adversos do tratamento oncológico tem sido desafiadora para a prática clínica. Dessa forma, ele seria interessante na prevenção e / ou tratamento da mucosite, uma inflamação que acomete as mucosas da boca ao ânus, decorrente da utilização de quimioterápico e radioterápico. As consequências deste agravo vão desde a perda de peso, anorexia e odinofagia, ao aumento do risco de translocação bacteriana, em virtude do aumento da permeabilidade intestinal (PI). Tais complicações podem levar à interrupção do tratamento quimioterápico até que o paciente se restabeleça. Trabalhos anteriores do nosso grupos de pesquisa demonstraram que o ômega 3 foi capaz de atenuar a perda de peso e reduzir a PI pela regulação da apoptose de células intestinais. Entretanto, possíveis efeitos da suplementação do ômega 3 no tumor não foram investigados. O presente estudo avaliou o efeito deste composto na mucosite induzida por quimioterápico em modelo de tumor de mama murino. Para tanto, camundongos Balb/c foram divididos nos grupos controle (CTL), controle tumor (CTLTU), tumor ômega 3 (TUW3), tumor 5-fluouracil (TU5FU) e tumor 5-fluouracil ômega 3 (TU5FUW3). Nos animais dos grupos com tumor foi realizada a inoculação das células tumorais (dia 1) e, uma vez que os tumores já se encontravam palpáveis (dia10), os grupos TUW3 e TU5FUW3 iniciaram a suplementação com ômega 3 pela ração por 10 dias, enquanto os demais animais receberam ração controle. Ao final desse período, os animais dos grupos TU5FU e TU5FUW3 receberam injeção intraperitoneal de 5-FU (300mg/kg) para indução da mucosite, enquanto os demais animais receberam a injeção de solução salina. Após 72 horas, os animais foram eutanasiados para coleta de dados. A suplementação com ômega 3 não foi capaz de prevenir a perda de peso em decorrência da mucosite. Entretanto, os animais do grupo TU5FUW3 apresentaram redução da PI por meio da recuperação das junções firmes ZO-1 e ocludina, além da preservação da arquitetura dos vilos. Os animais do grupo CTLTU também apresentaram aumento da PI e redução da expressão das proteínas de junção, provavelmente pela liberação de citocinas TNF-α e IL-1ß, conforme dosagem destas no baço. Nos animais suplementados com ômega 3 foi observado redução do tamanho do tumor e do número de metástases tumorais, além de redução da proliferação de células tumorais e aumento da afinidade das células tumorais ao quimioterápico, levando à apoptose destas. Este processo de citotoxicidade seletiva foi observado pela redução da toxicidade hepática. Diante desses resultados, pode-se concluir que a suplementação de ômega 3, por período de dez dias, foi capaz de atenuar os efeitos da mucosite induzida por quimioterápico, sem causar prejuízo à sua atividade antitumoral.

Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fatty acid used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of various diseases. It is widely accepted that its use can exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, it would be interesting in the prevention and treatment of mucositis, which is described as an inflammation that affects mucosal membranes from the mouth to the anus, due to the use of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Patients who suffer from this outcome, usually presents weight loss, anorexia and odynophagia,also there is an increased risk of bacterial translocation, due to the increase of the intestinal permeability (IP). Such complications can lead to the interruption of chemotherapy treatment until the patient is recovered. Previous work has shown that omega 3 was able to reduce weight loss and reduce IP by reducing intestinal cell apoptosis. However, the effects of omega 3 supplementation from the diet on the tumor remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effect of this compound on chemotherapy-induced mucositis in the murine breast tumor model. For that, BALB/ c mice were divided into the control (CTL), tumor control (CTLTU), omega 3 tumor (TUW3), 5-fluouracil tumor (TU5FU) and 5-fluouracil omega 3 tumor (TU5FUW3) groups. Tumor cells were inoculated (day 1) and, since they were already palpable (day 10), groups TUW3 and TU5FUW3 started receiving the chow supplemented with omega 3 for 10 days, while the other animals received control chow. At the end of this period, animals from groups TU5FU and TU5FUW3 received an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (300mg / kg) to induce mucositis, while the other animals received an injection of saline. After 72 hours, all animals were euthanized for data collection. Omega 3 supplementation was not able to prevent weight loss due to mucositis. However, animals from TU5FUW3 group showed a reduction in IP by recovering the tight-junctions ZO-1 and occludin, and by preventing the mucosal damage. Animals from CTLTU group also showed increased PI and reduced expression of tight-junction proteins, probably due to the release of cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß, according to their dosage in the spleen. In addition, our results have demonstrated that animals supplemented with omega 3, have shown a reduction in the size of the tumor and the number of metastasis in lungs. We have found that the reduction was mediated through a reduction in the proliferation of tumor cells and also by an increased affinity of tumor cells to the chemotherapeutic drug, leading to their apoptosis. This selective cytotoxicity process leads to the reduction of liver toxicity. Given these results, we can conclude that omega 3 supplementation, for ten days, was able to attenuate the effects of chemotherapy-induced mucositis, without causing damage to its antitumor activity.

Effects of motor imagery training of Parkinson's disease: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Gait disorders in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD) may be associated with alterations in the motor control system and aggravated by psychoemotional and cognitive issues. Therapeutic strategies aimed at self-perception and motor regulation seem to be promising. Motor imagery (MI) has been shown to be one of these strategies, but there is still no clear evidence of its applicability in this population. The aim of this trial is to determine the effects of motor-imagery training on the gait and electroencephalographic activity of individuals with PD. METHODS/DESIGN: The sample will consist of 40 individuals, aged between 45 and 75 years, in the mild and moderate phase of the disease, with the ability to generate voluntary mental images. They will be assessed for cognitive level, degree of physical disability, mental-image clarity, kinematic gait variables, electroencephalographic activity and mobility. Next, subjects will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) and a control group (CG). The EG will perform motor imagery and gait, while the CG will only engage in gait exercises. Twelve training sessions will be conducted lasting up to 90 min each, three times a week, for 4 weeks. The subjects will be reassessed on the kinematic variables of gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility at 1, 7 and 30 days after the final training session. DISCUSSION: The results may provide an important advance in neurological rehabilitation where an easy-access and low-cost intervention may help to improve gait, electroencephalographic activity and mobility in individuals with PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT03439800. Registered on 15 November 2017.

Perfil hídrico e consumo de suplementos por frequentadores de academias / Water profile and consumption of supplements by academics / Perfil hídrico y consumo de suplementos por frecuentadores de gimnasios

Objetivo: avaliar o perfil hídrico e o consumo de suplementos de pessoas fisicamente ativas inseridas em academias da cidade Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Trata-se de estudo transversal, realizado com praticantes de atividade física, em 2018. Participaram da pesquisa 200 pessoas, maiores de 20 anos, de ambos os sexos, frequentadores de academias. Realizou-se a avaliação nutricional dos participantes, com aplicação de questionário estruturado, contendo questões relacionadas à prática de atividade física, ingestão hídrica e uso de suplementos alimentares. Resultados: dentre os participantes, 52,5% era do sexo feminino e 65% estavam com peso adequado. Verificou-se que a 71% da população estuda consumia mais que dois litros de água por dia. Dentre os praticantes de atividade física, 60,5% e 99% não faziam o uso de suplementos e anabolizantes, respectivamente. Além disso, 96% não utilizavam ergogênicos. Conclusão: este estudo demonstrou que a população estudada possui ingestão adequada de água e baixo consumo de suplementos, anabolizantes e ergogênicos.(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the water profile and the consumption of supplements by physically active people inserted in academies of the city of Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional study, carried out with physical activity practitioners in 2018. The study included 200 people, over 20 years old, of both sexes, attending academies. The nutritional evaluation of the participants was carried out with the application of a structured questionnaire containing questions related to the practice of physical activity, water intake and use of dietary supplements. Results: among the participants, 52.5% were female and 47.5% male. Among all respondents, 65% had normal weight. It was found that 71% of the study population consumed more than two liters of water per day. Among practitioners of physical activity, 60.5% and 99% were not using supplements and steroids, respectively. In addition, 96% of the participants did not use ergogenics. Conclusion: this study demonstrated that the population had adequate water intake and low intake of supplements, steroids and ergogenics.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar el perfil hídrico y el consumo de suplementos de personas físicamente activas insertadas en gimnasios de la ciudad Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Método: Se trata de un estudio transversal, realizado con practicantes de actividad física, en 2018. Participaron de la investigación 200 personas, mayores de 20 años, de ambos sexos, frecuentadores de gimnasios. Se realizó la evaluación nutricional de los participantes, con aplicación de cuestionario estructurado, conteniendo cuestiones relacionadas a la práctica de actividad física, ingestión hídrica y uso de suplementos alimenticios. Resultados: de los participantes, el 52,5% era del sexo femenino y el 47,5% del sexo masculino. Entre todos los entrevistados, el 65% estaba con peso adecuado. Se verificó que el 71% de la población estudia consumía más de dos litros de agua al día. Entre los practicantes de actividad física, el 60,5% y el 99% no hacían el uso de suplementos y anabolizantes, respectivamente. Además, el 96% de los estudiados no utilizaba ergogénicos. Conclusión: este estudio demostró que la población estudiada posee ingestión adecuada de agua y bajo consumo de suplementos, anabolizantes y ergogénicos.(AU)

Effects of copaiba oil on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia venom.

BACKGROUND: Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. METHODS: Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days, after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom inoculation to measure the hematological parameters. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4 µg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by L. intermedia venom.

Fish oil supplementation during adolescence attenuates metabolic programming of perinatal maternal high-fat diet in adult offspring.

Perinatal maternal high-fat diet (HFD) increases susceptibility to obesity and fatty liver diseases in adult offspring, which can be attenuated by the potent hypolipidaemic action of fish oil (FO), an n-3 PUFA source, during adult life. Previously, we described that adolescent HFD offspring showed resistance to FO hypolipidaemic effects, although FO promoted hepatic molecular changes suggestive of reduced lipid accumulation. Here, we investigated whether this FO intervention only during the adolescence period could affect offspring metabolism in adulthood. Then, female Wistar rats received isoenergetic, standard (STD: 9 % fat) or high-fat (HFD: 28·6 % fat) diet before mating, and throughout pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, male offspring received the standard diet; and from 25 to 45 d old they received oral administration of soyabean oil or FO. At 150 d old, serum and hepatic metabolic parameters were evaluated. Maternal HFD adult offspring showed increased body weight, visceral adiposity, hyperleptinaemia and decreased hepatic pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio, suggestive of hepatic leptin resistance. FO intake only during the adolescence period reduced visceral adiposity and serum leptin, regardless of maternal diet. Maternal HFD promoted dyslipidaemia and hepatic TAG accumulation, which was correlated with reduced hepatic carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1a content, suggesting lipid oxidation impairment. FO intake did not change serum lipids; however, it restored hepatic TAG content and hepatic markers of lipid oxidation to STD offspring levels. Therefore, we concluded that FO intake exclusively during adolescence programmed STD offspring and reprogrammed HFD offspring male rats to a healthier metabolic phenotype in adult life, reducing visceral adiposity, serum leptin and hepatic TAG content in offspring adulthood.

Amygdala and Hypothalamus: Historical Overview With Focus on Aggression.

Aggressiveness has a high prevalence in psychiatric patients and is a major health problem. Two brain areas involved in the neural network of aggressive behavior are the amygdala and the hypothalamus. While pharmacological treatments are effective in most patients, some do not properly respond to conventional therapies and are considered medically refractory. In this population, surgical procedures (ie, stereotactic lesions and deep brain stimulation) have been performed in an attempt to improve symptomatology and quality of life. Clinical results obtained after surgery are difficult to interpret, and the mechanisms responsible for postoperative reductions in aggressive behavior are unknown. We review the rationale and neurobiological characteristics that may help to explain why functional neurosurgery has been proposed to control aggressive behavior.

Effect of a high-fat diet on the rat bladder wall and bioactive action of Brazil nut oil

ABSTRACT High-fat diet-induced obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. The Brazil nut has bioactive substances and has been used to control the damage caused by obesity in several organs. The work intended to show the damage caused by high-fat diet in the bladder wall and if the Brazil nut oil added to the diet could ameliorate or reverse this effect. Sixty-day-old rats were divided into two groups: C (control, n = 30) and HF (high-fat, n = 30) diets. At 90 days, 10 animals of each group were sacrificed. The others were divided into 4 groups: C and HF (animals that maintained their previous diet, n = 10 for each group) and C / Bno and HF / Bno (animals whose control or high-fat diet was supplemented by Brazil nut oil, n = 10 for each group). Sacrifice occurred at 120 days, and the bladders were removed and analyzed. Epithelial height was increased in the HF compared to the C group. In contrast, the C / Bno had a lower epithelial height compared to the others. The percentage of collagen between the detrusor muscle fibers was significantly greater in C / Bno, HF and HF / Bno than in control group. The HF had a larger muscle fiber diameter than the C group, while the C / Bno presented lower values than the HF and HF / Bno groups. HF diets induced bladder wall damage. These changes in the rat's bladder wall were partially reversed by the Bno.

Effect of a high-fat diet on the rat bladder wall and bioactive action of Brazil nut oil.

High-fat diet-induced obesity is associated with metabolic disorders. The Brazil nut has bioactive substances and has been used to control the damage caused by obesity in several organs. The work intended to show the damage caused by high-fat diet in the bladder wall and if the Brazil nut oil added to the diet could ameliorate or reverse this effect. Sixty-day-old rats were divided into two groups: C (control, n = 30) and HF (high-fat, n = 30) diets. At 90 days, 10 animals of each group were sacrificed. The others were divided into 4 groups: C and HF (animals that maintained their previous diet, n = 10 for each group) and C / Bno and HF / Bno (animals whose control or high-fat diet was supplemented by Brazil nut oil, n = 10 for each group). Sacrifice occurred at 120 days, and the bladders were removed and analyzed. Epithelial height was increased in the HF compared to the C group. In contrast, the C / Bno had a lower epithelial height compared to the others. The percentage of collagen between the detrusor muscle fibers was significantly greater in C / Bno, HF and HF / Bno than in control group. The HF had a larger muscle fiber diameter than the C group, while the C / Bno presented lower values than the HF and HF / Bno groups. HF diets induced bladder wall damage. These changes in the rat's bladder wall were partially reversed by the Bno.

4'-Hydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-3-methoxyflavone: A novel flavonoid from Dulacia egleri with potential inhibitory activity against cathepsins B and L.

A new flavone, 4'-hydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxy-3-methoxyflavone 1, and two other nucleosides, ribavirin 2 and adenosine 3, were isolated from the leaves of Dulacia egleri. The nucleosides were identified by spectroscopic techniques (1D, 2D-NMR) while the structure of the flavonoid was established by 1D, 2D-NMR analysis, including HRESIMS data. The results obtained in the biological assays showed that the compound 1 was able to inhibit cathepsins B and L with IC50 of 14.88 ±â€¯0.18 µM and 3.19 ±â€¯0.07 µM, respectively. The mechanism of inhibition for both enzymes were determined showing to be competitive at cathepsin B with Ki = 12.8 ±â€¯0.6 µM and non-linear non-competitive with positive cooperativity inhibition at cathepsin L with Ki = 322 ±â€¯33 µM, αKi = 133 ±â€¯15 µM, ßKi = 5.14 ±â€¯0.41 µM and γKi = 13.2 ±â€¯13 µM.

Effects of copaiba oil on dermonecrosis induced by Loxosceles intermedia venom

Accidents caused by spiders of the genus Loxosceles constitute an important public health problem in Brazil. The venom of Loxosceles sp induces dermonecrosis at the bite site and systemic disease in severe cases. Traditional medicine based on plant-derived products has been proven to reduce the local effects of envenomation. The present study verified the healing effects of copaiba oil on lesions induced by the venom of L. intermedia. Methods: Cutaneous lesions were induced on the backs of rabbits by intradermal injection of L. intermedia venom. Copaiba oil was applied topically 6 hours after injection; the treatment was repeated for 30 days, after which animal skins were removed and processed for histopathological analysis. Blood samples were also collected before and 24 hours after venom inoculation to measure the hematological parameters. Results: Compared to the control group, the platelet count was reduced significantly in all groups inoculated with venom, accompanied by a decreased number of heterophils in the blood. The minimum necrotic dose (MND) was defined as 2.4 μg/kg. Topical treatment with copaiba oil demonstrated a differentiated healing profile: large skin lesions were observed 10 days after venom inoculation, whereas formation of a thick crust, without scarring was observed 30 days after venom inoculation. Histopathological analysis showed no significant difference after treatment. Nevertheless, the copaiba oil treatment induced a collagen distribution similar to control skin, in marked contrast to the group that received only the spider venom injection. Conclusions: We conclude that copaiba oil may interfere in the healing process and thus propose it as a possible topical treatment for cutaneous lesions induced by L. intermedia venom.(AU)

Antioxidant Action of an Aqueous Extract of Royal Sun Medicinal Mushroom, Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes), in Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate possible effects of the administration of an aqueous Agaricus brasiliensis extract on the oxidative state of the liver, brain, and plasma in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats, a model for human rheumatoid arthritis. Daily doses of 400 mg · kg-1 were administered by gavage for 23 days. This treatment produced significant diminutions in protein carbonylation and lipid damage in the liver, brain, and plasma. It also diminished the tissue reactive oxygen species and increased the antioxidant capacity of the plasma. Antioxidant defenses, which are diminished by arthritis, were improved by treatment with the A. brasiliensis extract, as revealed by preservation of the reduced glutathione and protein thiol levels and by the tendency of the activities of some antioxidant enzymes to normalize. The increased glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was also almost normalized by the treatment. In addition, there were indications that A. brasiliensis can inhibit the initiation of structural events that can lead to hepatocyte necrosis. In conclusion, A. brasiliensis aqueous preparations can, in principle, be visualized as potential auxiliaries in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis as a result of their capacity to reduce oxidative stress. This effect was exerted in multiple organs, as can be judged from the results obtained in the liver, brain, and plasma. The continuous ingestion of A. brasiliensis as specific preparations or as a food supplement can possibly help to attenuate the systemic effects of rheumatoid arthritis and improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease.