Evidências de validade do teste informatizado para avaliação das funções executivas / Evidence of validity of the computerized test for evaluating executive functions / Evidencia de validez de la prueba computarizada para evaluación de funciones ejecutivas

Funções executivas (FE) referem-se ao conjunto de habilidades que, de forma integrada, coordenam o comportamento e a cognição. Assim, o comprometimento no desenvolvimento das FE está ligado a vários desfechos negativos ao longo da vida. Portanto, a avaliação dessas habilidades na infância é essencial para identificar e prevenir prejuízos na vida adulta. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar evidências de validade do Teste Informatizado para Avaliação das Funções Executivas (Tafe) pelo critério de idade e pelo padrão de correlação entre medidas do TAFE e outras medidas de FE. Para isso, foi utilizada uma amostra de 51 crianças, entre 4 e 10 anos de idade, matriculadas em uma escola privada na cidade de Goiânia (GO), da pré-escola ao 4º ano do ensino fundamental. Como instrumentos, foram utilizados, além do Tafe, as tarefas de Bloco de Corsi, Teste de Trilhas A e B, Teste de Trilhas Pré-Escolares, Teste de Stroop Pré-Escolares e Subteste Dígitos da Escala Wechsler de Inteligência. Foram conduzidas análises estatísticas Kruskal Wallis para verificar a evidência de validade por relação com idade e análises de correlação não paramétrica de Spearman para avaliar as evidências de validade convergente. O instrumento investigado mostrou-se efetivo para discriminar entre as diferentes faixas etárias, assim, sensível ao desenvolvimento das FE. Os resultados obtidos no Tafe correlacionaram-se aos obtidos em outros testes que também avaliaram FE, mostrando claros padrões de convergência. Logo, as análises dos resultados fornecem evidências de validade ao Tafe, derivadas a partir de diferentes estratégias de investigação.(AU)

Executive functions (EF) refer to the set of skills that, in an integrated way, coordinate behavior and cognition. Thus, the commitment in developing EF is linked to several negative outcomes throughout life. Therefore, the assessment of these abilities in childhood is essential to identify and prevent possible harm in adult life. This study aimed to investigate evidences of validity of the Computerized Test for Evaluation of Executive Functions (TAFE) by the age criterion and by the pattern of correlation between TAFE measures and other EF measures. To this end, a sample of 51 children, between 4 and 10 years old, enrolled in a private school in the municipality of Goiânia (GO), from preschool to the 4th year of elementary school, was used. As instruments, in addition to TAFE, the tasks of Corsi Block, Trails Test A and B, Preschool Trails Test, Preschool Stroop Test and the Digits Subtest of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale were used. Kruskal Wallis statistical analyzes were conducted to verify the evidence of validity by age criteria and Spearman's nonparametric correlation analysis to assess evidence of convergent validation. The instrument investigated was effective to discriminate between different age groups, thus being sensitive to the development of EF. The results obtained in TAFE were correlated with those obtained in other tests that also assess FE, showing patterns of convergence. Therefore, the analysis of the results provides validation evidence to TAFE, derived from different investigation methods.(AU)

Las funciones ejecutivas (FE) se refieren al conjunto de habilidades que coordinan la conducta y la cognición. Así, el deterioro en el desarrollo de FE está relacionado con varios resultados negativos durante la vida. Por tanto, la valoración de estas habilidades en la infancia es fundamental para identificar y prevenir posibles daños en la vida adulta. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la evidencia de validez de la Prueba Computarizada para Evaluación de Funciones Ejecutivas (Tafe) por el criterio de edad y convergencia entre las medidas Tafe y otras medidas de FE. Para ello, se utilizó una muestra de 51 niños, de entre 4 y 10 años de edad, matriculados en un colegio privado de Goiânia (Goiás, Brasil) desde la preescolar hasta 4.º de primaria. Como instrumentos, además del Tafe, se utilizaron las tareas de Bloque de Corsi, el Test de los senderos A y B, el Test de los Senderos Preescolares, el Test de Stroop Preescolar y la Subprueba de Dígitos de la Escala Wechsler de Inteligencia. Se realizaron análisis estadísticos de Kruskal Wallis para verificar la validez por criterios de edad y análisis de correlación no-paramétrica de Spearman para evaluar la evidencia de validez convergente. Tafe demostró ser efectivo para discriminar entre diferentes grupos de edad, así es sensible al desarrollo de FE. Los resultados en Tafe se correlacionaron con los obtenidos en otras pruebas de FE, lo que muestra claros patrones de convergencia. Por tanto, el análisis aporta evidencias de validez para Tafe, derivadas de diferentes estrategias de investigación.(AU)

Atuação da psicologia em unidade neonatal no contexto da pandemia da covid-19 / The work of psychology in a neonatal unit in the covid-19 pandemic / Actuación de la psicología en una unidad neonatal en el contexto de la pandemia de la covid-19

A pandemia de covid-19 provocou intensas mudanças no contexto do cuidado neonatal, exigindo dos profissionais de saúde a reformulação de práticas e o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para a manutenção da atenção integral e humanizada ao recém-nascido. O objetivo deste artigo é relatar a atuação da Psicologia nas Unidades Neonatais de um hospital público de Fortaleza (CE), Brasil, durante o período de distanciamento físico da pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de estudo descritivo, do tipo relato de experiência, que ocorreu no período de março a agosto de 2020. No contexto pandêmico, o serviço de Psicologia desenvolveu novas condutas assistenciais para atender às demandas emergentes do momento, como: atendimento remoto; registro e envio on-line de imagens do recém-nascido a seus familiares; visitas virtuais; e reprodução de mensagens de áudio da família para o neonato. Apesar dos desafios encontrados, as ações contribuíram para a manutenção do cuidado centrado no recém-nascido e sua família, o que demonstra a potencialidade do fazer psicológico.(AU)

The COVID-19 pandemic brought intense changes to neonatal care and required health professionals to reformulate practices and develop new strategies to ensure comprehensive and humanized care for newborn. This study aims to report the experience of the Psychology Service in the Neonatal Units of a public hospital in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceará, Brazil, during the social distancing period of the COVID-19 pandemic. This descriptive experience report study was conducted from March to August 2020. During the pandemic, the Psychology Service developed new care practices to meet the emerging demands of that moment, such as remote care, recordings and online submission of newborns' pictures and video images for their family, virtual tours, and reproduction of family audio messages for the newborns. Despite the challenges, the actions contributed to the maintenance of a care that is centered on the newborns and their families, which shows the potential of psychological practices.(AU)

La pandemia de la COVID-19 ha traído cambios intensos en el contexto de la atención neonatal, que requieren de los profesionales de la salud una reformulación de sus prácticas y el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para asegurar una atención integral y humanizada al recién nacido. El objetivo de este artículo es reportar la experiencia del Servicio de Psicología en las Unidades Neonatales de un hospital público de Fortaleza, en Ceará, Brasil, durante el periodo de distanciamiento físico en la pandemia de la COVID-19. Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, un reporte de experiencia, que se llevó a cabo de marzo a agosto de 2020. En el contexto pandémico, el servicio de Psicología desarrolló nuevas conductas asistenciales para atender a las demandas emergentes del momento, tales como: atención remota; grabación y envío em línea de imágenes del recién nacido; visitas virtuales; y reproducción de mensajes de audio de la familia para el recién nacido. A pesar de los desafíos encontrados, las acciones contribuyeron al mantenimiento de la atención centrada en el recién nacido y su familia, lo que demuestra el potencial de la práctica psicológica.(AU)

Flexible endoscopic laser surgery for early glottic carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Flexible endoscopic laser surgery (FELS) is able to overcome some limitations of traditional transoral CO2 laser surgery. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of FELS in the treatment of T1-T2 glottic carcinoma. METHODS: We applied FELS for 120 patients with T1-T2 glottic carcinoma. Tumour ablation was performed with Nd:YAG laser. In 76 (63.3%) cases the intervention was performed under local anesthesia. Twenty nine (24.2%) patients (T1b - 2, T2-27) underwent postoperative radiation therapy (RT). RESULTS: Successful treatment, with local control and larynx preservation, was obtained in 106 cases (88.3%), with mean follow-up of 6.4 years. More than 50% of the patients were followed-up over 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: FELS can be proposed as an alternative treatment method for patients with early glottic carcinoma. The advantages of the method include: possibility of applying treatment under local anesthesia, that allows avoiding of general anesthesia and its related risks; applicability to patients with contraindications to general anesthesia and patients with anatomic particularities, that make transoral microsurgery impossible, allowing avoidance of the laryngofissure and tracheotomy.

Design and synthesis of transparent and flexible nanofibrillated cellulose films to replace petroleum-based polymers.

Nanofibrillated cellulose films have garnered attention due to their interesting proprieties such as transparency and high mechanical strength. However, they are brittle, very hydrophilic, which is decreasing their potential applications. We have successfully achieved a simple and effective chemical modification based on polymer grafting and through plasticizer additions to increase the performance of the films as well as to improve the compatibility within conventional polymer. A preliminary study shows the possibility of using this film as an interlayer in safety glazing and/or bulletproof glass with polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The modified NFC films displays high optical transmittance (93 %), increases tensile stretch and is more hydrophobic (83°). A higher flexibility was also achieved, as the film was greatly stretched and bended without cracking or breaking. The NFC / PVB composite has three times more elongation at break, 13 % more specific energy absorbed with a half-tensile stress compared to an interlayer of PVB.

Liquefaction of starch using solid-acid catalysts derived from spent coffee for the production of plasticized poly (vinyl alcohol) films.

This paper reports a strategy for preparing polyether polyols from corn starch, with (i) a mixture of polyethylene glycol 400 and glycerin (7:3, w/w) as the liquefying solvent and (ii) a spent-coffee-derived solid-acid catalyst (SC-SAC) (1:10, w/w, SC-SAC/starch) at 433 K for 1.5 h, under which conditions the liquefaction yield exceeded 99 %. The SC-SAC was prepared via hydrothermal carbonization at 453 K for 12 h, followed by sulfonation with H2SO4 at 343 K for 10 h. The liquefied starch product (SLP) was then used to plasticize poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) films with various mixing ratios. The optimal 0.4 SLP/PVA blend film exhibited good mechanical properties (tensile strength 38.07 MPa, elongation at break 1199 %), good transparency, and excellent flexibility. The results highlight the possibility of using SLP/PVA films in the development of degradable packaging materials.

Amylose/cellulose nanofiber composites for all-natural, fully biodegradable and flexible bioplastics.

Thermoplastic, polysaccharide-based plastics are environmentally friendly. However, typical shortcomings include lack of water resistance and poor mechanical properties. Nanocomposite manufacturing using pure, highly linear, polysaccharides can overcome such limitations. Cast nanocomposites were fabricated with plant engineered pure amylose (AM), produced in bulk quantity in transgenic barley grain, and cellulose nanofibers (CNF), extracted from agrowaste sugar beet pulp. Morphology, crystallinity, chemical heterogeneity, mechanics, dynamic mechanical, gas and water permeability, and contact angle of the films were investigated. Blending CNF into the AM matrix significantly enhanced the crystallinity, mechanical properties and permeability, whereas glycerol increased elongation at break, mainly by plasticizing the AM. There was significant phase separation between AM and CNF. Dynamic plasticizing and anti-plasticizing effects of both CNF and glycerol were demonstrated by NMR demonstrating high molecular order, but also non-crystalline, and evenly distributed 20 nm-sized glycerol domains. This study demonstrates a new lead in functional polysaccharide-based bioplastic systems.

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Versus Exercise Program in Runners With Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: The effects of an exercise program (EP) for the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) are well known. However, the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) are unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of OMT versus EP on knee pain, functionality, plantar pressure in middle foot (PPMF), posterior thigh flexibility (PTF), and range of motion of hip extension in runners with PFPS. DESIGN: This is a randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Human performance laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 82 runners with PFPS participated in this study. INTERVENTIONS: The participants were randomized into 3 groups: OMT, EP, and control group. The OMT group received joint manipulation and myofascial release in the lumbar spine, hip, sacroiliac joint, knee, and ankle regions. The EP group performed specific exercises for lower limbs. The control group received no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main evaluations were pain through the visual analog scale, functionality through the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, dynamic knee valgus through the step-down test, PPMF through static baropodometry, PTF through the sit and reach test, and range of motion through fleximetry. The evaluations were performed before the interventions, after the 6 interventions, and at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS: There was a significant pain decrease in the OMT and EP groups when compared with the control group. OMT group showed increased functionality, decreased PPMF, and increased PTF. The range of motion for hip extension increased only in the EP group. CONCLUSION: Both OMT and EP are effective in treating runners with PFPS.

Dry Needling for Hamstring Flexibility: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

CONTEXT: Hamstring muscle tightness is one of the most common problems in athletic and healthy people. Dry needling (DN) was found to be an effective approach for improving muscle flexibility, but there is no study to compare this approach with static stretching (SS) as a common technique for the increase of muscle length. OBJECTIVE: To compare the immediate effects of DN and SS on hamstring flexibility in healthy subjects with hamstring tightness. STUDY DESIGN: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. SETTING: A musculoskeletal physiotherapy clinic at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. SUBJECTS: Forty healthy subjects (female: 32, age range: 18-40 y) with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned into 2 groups of DN and SS. INTERVENTION: The DN group received a single session of DN on 3 points of the hamstring muscles, each for 1 minute. The SS group received a single session of SS of the hamstrings, consisting of 3 sets of 30-second SS with a 10-second rest between sets in the active knee extension test (AKET) position. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The AKET, muscle compliance, passive peak torque, and stretch tolerance were measured at the baseline, immediately, and 15 minutes after the interventions. RESULTS: Improvements in all outcomes was better for the DN group than for the SS group. DN increased muscle compliance significantly 15 minutes after the intervention, but it did not improve in the SS group. CONCLUSION: DN is effective in improving hamstring flexibility compared with SS. One session of DN can be an effective treatment for hamstring tightness and increase hamstring flexibility. The improvements suggest that DN is a novel treatment for hamstring flexibility.

Flexible DNA Hydrogel SERS Active Biofilms for Conformal Ultrasensitive Detection of Uranyl Ions from Aquatic Products.

It is of great significance to sensitively and conveniently detect trace UO22+ ions in biological and environmental samples due to severe health risks. However, such suitable sensors are still scarce. In this work, DNAzyme-based hydrogels modified on Ag NP-grafted PAN nanorods array as flexible SERS biosensor have been developed for ultrasensitive UO22+ ion detection. They were first formed by the substrate strand and enzyme strand comprising the main cleavage-reaction stem-loop complex. Then, a UO22+ ions responsive smart hydrogel capsule was achieved by DNAzyme complex hybridized with DNA polyacrylamide chains. Raman reporter RhB was introduced and intentionally trapped inside the hydrogel. In the absence of UO22+ ions, a tiny Raman signal was presented because RhB was trapped inside the hydrogel and far away from SERS substrates. Conversely, the responsive hydrogel could be specifically attacked by UO22+ ions to release RhB, leading to a strong Raman signal. With the amplified signal procedure, this flexible SERS biofilm accomplished sensitive and selective detection of UO22+ ions with a wide linear range from 1 pM to 0.1 µM and a low detection limit of 0.838 pM. This result is nearly five orders below the EPA-defined maximum contaminant level (180 nM). Furthermore, this biofilm gives full play to the advantages of a flexible biosensor. It can directly detect the aquatic products (such as fish and kelp) polluted by UO22+ ions, demonstrating that this flexible SERS biofilm has promising potential for applications in a rapid environmental safety inspection.

Effects of withering on the main physical properties of withered tea leaves and the sensory quality of congou black tea.

To explore the relationship between the moisture content of withered tea leaves and their physical properties (i.e., elasticity, plasticity, flexibility, and texture) during withering, texture analyzer was employed to test the elasticity and flexibility of withered tea leaves with different moisture contents. The texture was evaluated by computer vision technology. The withered tea leaves with different moisture contents were used to process congou black tea, which was then subjected to sensory evaluation. Results showed that good elasticity, optimal flexibility, and plasticity were achieved when the moisture content of the withered tea leaves of Fudingdabai comprising two leaves and one bud varied arranging from 65.51 to 61.48%. The sensory evaluation of congou black tea revealed that moderate withering was better than long-term withering and that both moderate and long-term withering were better than no withering during processing. The moisture content was significantly correlated with the flexibility and plasticity of the withered tea leaves. Fresh tea leaves undergoing moderate withering with moisture content of 65.51-61.48% to process congou black tea, good tea shape and liquor color were achieved. This study provided new evidence that the moisture content of withered tea leaves significantly affected the quality of black tea.

Efeitos de exercícios físicos aquáticos na flexibilidade e alcance funcional de indivíduos com Doença de Parkinson / Effects of aquatic physical exercises on the flexibility and functional reach in individuals with Parkinson's Disease

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos aquáticos na flexibilidade e no alcance funcional de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson (DP). Para avaliar a flexibilidade foi utilizado o Teste de Flexibilidade da bateria AAHPERD (adaptado), enquanto que para verificar o alcance funcional, utilizou-se o Functional Reach Test (FRT). As variáveis foram analisadas pré e pós-intervenção. O programa de intervenção consistiu em 20 atendimentos, duas vezes por semana, 40 minutos de imersão em piscina aquecida a 33ºC, com exercícios aquáticos envolvendo Dupla Tarefa (DT) com uma progressão gradual de complexidade. A análise estatística consistiu no Teste T pareado para o comparativo pré e pós-intervenção. Os resultados encontrados mostraram melhora significativa nas variáveis analisadas no Teste de Flexibilidade da bateria AAHPERD (p<0,0001) e FRT (p<0,001) após a FA. Assim, conclui-se que o programa de exercícios aquáticos proposto foi capaz de promover melhora no alcance funcional e flexibilidade dos indivíduos com DP participantes da pesquisa...(AU)

The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of an aquatic physical exercise program on the flexibility and functional range of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). To evaluate flexibility, the Flexibility Test of the AAHPERD (adapted) battery was used, while the Functional Reach Test (FRT) was used to verify the functional range. The variables were analyzed before and after intervention. The intervention program consisted of 20 visits, twice a week, 40 minutes of immersion in a heated pool at 33ºC, with aquatic exercises involving dual task (DT) conditions with a gradual progression of complexity. tatistical analysis consisted of paired T-test for the pre and post-intervention comparative. The results showed a significant improvement in the variables analyzed in the Flexibility Test of AAHPERD (p<0.0001) and FRT (p <0.001) after aquatic physical exercise program. Thus, it is concluded that the proposed aquatic exercise program was able to promote improvement in the functional scope and flexibility of individuals with PD participating in the research...(AU)

Efeito agudo de diferentes métodos de termoterapia na amplitude de movimento articular / Acute effect of different thermotherapy methods on articular range of motion

Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar quantitativamente o efeito agudo de diferentes técnicas de termoterapia no ganho da amplitude de movimento. Participaram da pesquisa voluntários (n=34) de ambos os sexos e média de idade de 22,3 anos (±3,3 anos). Métodos Os participantes foram divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos: em um grupo, os indivíduos foram submetidos a aplicação da lâmpada infravermelha (calor superfi cial), enquanto no outro grupo utilizou-se o aparelho de ondas curtas (calor profundo) como técnica de termoterapia. Resultados Como resultado, observou-se que o grupo submetido ao calor profundo obteve melhora significante em relação a amplitude de movimento, tanto em comparação dentro do mesmo grupo, confrontando-se a amplitude de movimento pré- e pós-intervenção (aumento médio de 10,9+3,1º), quanto quando comparado ao grupo submetido ao calor superficial, que não apresentou melhora significativa (aumento médio de 3,1+2,5º). Conclusão Concluiu-se que, embora o efeito agudo da termoterapia seja benéfico no ganho de amplitude de movimento, o calor profundo parece ter um efeito mais pronunciado quando comparado às técnicas de calor superficial.

Objective The objective of this study was to quantitatively compare the acute effect of different thermotherapy techniques on the gain of range of motion. Methods Research volunteers (n=34) of both genders and mean age of 22.3 years (±3.3 years) were randomly divided into two groups: one group in which subjects were treated with infrared lamp (surface heat) while the other group was treated with the selected thermotherapy technique with the shortwave apparatus (deep heat). Results The deep heat group obtained a significant improvement in terms of range of motion, both within the same group, comparing the pre and post intervention range of motion (mean increase of 10.9±3.1º) when compared to the superficial heat group, which in turn did not show significant improvement (mean increase of 3.1+2.5º). Conclusion Although the acute effect of thermotherapy is beneficial in gain of range of motion, deep heat seems to have a more pronounced effect when compared to surface heat techniques

Biofibers and biocomposites from sabai grass: A unique renewable resource.

Natural cellulose fibers were extracted from a fast growing perennial grass Eulaliopsis binata (commonly known as Sabai) and characterized for their structure and properties. The untreated sabai grass has been used as reinforcement for polypropylene composites and properties of the composites have been investigated. Although the composition of the sabai grass is typical to other lignocellulosic sources, there is a high content of flavonoids (630 mg/g) and phenols (510 mg/g) which provides high antibacterial, and antifungal properties to the fibers and composites developed. Fiber bundles extracted from the grass had tensile strength of 493 MPa and tensile modulus of 21 GPa, similar to common natural cellulose fibers. Both tensile and flexural properties of polypropylene composites increased with increasing ratio of sabai grass. Polypropylene composites reinforced with sabai grass show high noise insulation and thermal resistance properties suggesting their suitability for automotive and building applications.

Terapia morfoanalítica nos transtornos de sintomas somáticos / Morphoanalytic therapy in somatic symptom disorders / Terapia morfoanalítica en los trastornos de síntomas somáticos

A Terapia Morfoanalítica (TM) é uma terapia psicocorporal analítica que possibilita a integração das experiências psicoafetivas a partir do corpo. Permite compreender o componente psíquico da manifestação física, bem como a somatização do fenômeno psíquico. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da TM em pessoas com transtornos de sintomas somáticos, além de observar o impacto desta terapia na vida pessoal destes indivíduos. Trata-se de um Estudo de Caso de dois indivíduos. Foram realizadas 24 sessões de TM, uma vez por semana, com duração de uma hora. As avaliações constituíram-se de coleta de dados pessoais e antropométricos, nível de dor e flexibilidade muscular, bem como avaliação da presença de ansiedade, depressão e alexitimia, por meio de questionários. Também foi realizada avaliação da modulação autonômica. A evolução psicoemocional foi acompanhada no decorrer de todo tratamento morfoanalítico. A eficácia da TM foi observada tanto nos índices emocionais, quanto físicos. Isso demonstra a efetividade desta modalidade terapêutica, que associa os trabalhos corporais com o trabalho verbal analítico, na melhor integração psicossomática.

Morphoanalytic Therapy (MT) is an analytical psycho-corporal therapy that enables the integration of psycho-affective experiences from the body. It allows us to understand the psychic component of physical manifestation as well as the somatization of the psychic phenomenon. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MT in people with somatic symptom disorder, in addition to observe the impact of this therapy on the personal life of these individuals. This is a case study of two individuals. Twenty-four MT sessions were performed once a week, lasting one hour each. The evaluations consisted of personal and anthropometric data collection, pain level and muscular flexibility, as well as of the presence of anxiety, depression and alexithymia, through questionnaires. Autonomic modulation was also evaluated. The psychoemotional evolution was followed during all morphoanalytic treatment. The efficacy of MT was observed in emotional and physical indexes. This demonstrates the effectiveness of this therapeutic modality, which associates bodily works with analytical verbal work, in the best psychosomatic integration.

La Terapia Morfoanalítica (TM) es una terapia psico-corporal analítica que posibilita la integración de las experiencias psico-afectivas desde el cuerpo. Permite la comprensión del componente psíquico de la manifestación física, así como la somatización del fenómeno psíquico. Este estudio objetivó evaluar el efecto de la TM en personas con trastorno de síntomas somáticos, además de observar el impacto de esta terapia en la vida personal de estos individuos. Se trata de un estudio de caso de dos individuos. Se realizaron 24 sesiones de TM, una vez por semana, con una duración de una hora. Las evaluaciones se constituyeron de recolección de datos personales y antropométricos, nivel de dolor y flexibilidad muscular, así como evaluación de la presencia de ansiedad, depresión y alexitimia, por medio de cuestionarios. También se realizó una evaluación de la modulación autonómica. La evolución psicoemocional fue acompañada en el transcurso de todo tratamiento morfoanalítico. La eficacia de la TM fue observada tanto en los índices emocionales, como físicos. Esto demuestra la efectividad de esta modalidad terapéutica, que asocia los trabajos corporales con el trabajo verbal analítico, en la mejor integración psicosomática.

Nível de flexibilidade de adolescentes praticantes de jiu-jitsu e judô: um estudo comparativo / Level of flexibility of jiu-jitsu and judo practicing adolescents: a comparative study

Objetivo: O estudo de delineamento transversal objetivou in-vestigar a flexibilidade de adolescentes praticantes de jiu-jitsu e judô participantes de projetos sociais. Metodologia: Partici-param 74 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 10 e 17 anos, que responderam um questionário em forma de entrevista: a) informações gerais e b) flexibilidade. Resultados:A frequência de treino de 3 a 4 vezes por semana teve diferença significativa sendo os praticantes de judô com maior porcen-tagem (82%) quando comparados com os de jiu-jitsu (30%). A maioria dos adolescentes encontram-se em condição de risco para a flexibilidade de quadril. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que em ambas as modalidades os adolescentes encontram-se em condições atléticas para flexibilidade de ombros, no entanto, para a flexibilidade de quadril parece haver a necessidade de uma maior prática nas aulas para o aumento da mesma. (AU)

Objective: The cross-sectional study aimed at investigating the flexibility of jiu-jitsu and judo students participating in social projects. Methods: Participants were 74 adolescents of both sexes, aged between 10 and 17 years. They answered a ques-tionnaire in the form of an interview: a) general information and b) flexibility. Results: The training frequency of 3 to 4 times a week had a significant difference in relation to judo practitioners with a greater percentage (82%) when compared to jiu-jitsu (30%). Most children are at risk for hip flexibility. Conclusion: It was concluded that in both modalities the adolescents found the conditions for shoulder flexibility, but for hip flexibility there seems to be a need for greater practice in the classes for its increase. (AU)

The Effect of Health Promotion Program on the Frailty of Rural Elderly Women Implemented at Primary Health Care Posts / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the effects of a health promotion program on the health condition of rural elderly women implemented at primary health care posts using Korean Frailty Index. METHODS: The research was designed a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest setting. The participants in this study were 50 residents (intervention group: 25, control group: 25) selected from 4 villages 2 primary health care posts in J city Gyeongsangnam-do. The health promotion program was conducted at the primary health care posts twice a week for 12 weeks. This program consisted of basic exercises(Gukseondo + Theraband muscle strength training) and additional activities(including modified Theraband activity, rubber ball exercise, ball massage, nutrition class, singing class). Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS 21.0. RESULTS: Results of the health promotion program showed that the health conditions(measured by perceived health status, frailty score, upper/lower flexibility, maximum grip strength, dynamic balance test Timed Up and Go) of the experimental group(25) all statistical significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Study findings indicate that the health promotion program implemented at primary health care posts on rural elderly women is effective and can contribute to a developed health promotion program for local residents in the future.

Fiabilidad del fenómeno de flexión-relajación cervical. Factores que definen el protocolo de valoración / Reliability of the cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon. Factors defining an assessment protocol

Introducción: El fenómeno de flexión-relajación en columna cervical (FRc) no tiene la misma difusión clínica que el test lumbar. La respuesta de los músculos cervicales es menos evidente. Tanto el protocolo de evaluación como la instrumentación utilizada tienen influencia para alcanzar un valor de fiabilidad con validez clínica. Se plantea un estudio test-retest en 3 condiciones distintas, para definir un protocolo de valoración idóneo. Material y método: Se evalúan 3 grupos con 9, 11 y 10 voluntarios, respectivamente, en un test-retest efectuado con un intervalo entre 7 a 14 días. En el grupo i, se evalúa la prueba con electromiografía de superficie (EMGs) bipolar, sin control del movimiento. Para el grupo ii se usa electrodo bipolar, con control de la velocidad de ejecución y una leve ayuda para estabilizar el tronco. En el grupo iii, se controla la velocidad, se aumenta la estabilización y se usa un electrodo tetrapolar. Como variables de resultado se toman la ratio de flexión-relajación y su logaritmo neperiano. Se efectúa un test sentado con el tronco recto y otro en flexión a 45°. Resultados: Para el grupo iii las 4 variables obtienen valores en el coeficiente de correlación intraclase (ICC > 0,80). En el grupo ii, el ICC estaba comprendido entre 0,3-0,6. Para el grupo i, las 4 variables fueron muy inferiores a 0,3. Conclusión: Con una adecuada estabilización de la postura, control de la velocidad y adecuada instrumentación de la prueba, puede objetivarse una respuesta de FRc. Definir un protocolo fiable permite avanzar en el uso clínico del test

Introduction: The cervical flexion-relaxation phenomenon (FRP) is not as well-known as the lumbar test. The response of the cervical muscles is less evident. Both the ASSESSMENT protocol and the instrumentation used influence the achievement of a reliability value with clinical validity. We conducted a test-retest study in 3 different conditions, to define a suitable assessment protocol. Material and method: Three groups were evaluated with 9, 11 and 10 volunteers, respectively, in a test-retest study with an interval between 7 and 14 days. In group i, the test was assessed with a bipolar electrode of surface electromyography (EMGs) and without movement control. In group ii, we used a bipolar electrode, the speed of the movement was controlled and we introduced a slight help to stabilise the trunk. In group iii, speed was controlled, stabilisation was increased and a four-pole electrode was used. As outcome variables, we took the flexion-relaxation ratio and its neperian logarithm. A sitting test was performed with the trunk straight and another was conducted with 45° flexion. Results: In group iii, the 4 variables obtained intraclass correlation coefficient values with clinical validity (ICC > 0.80). In group ii, the ICC ranged from 0.3-0.6. In group i, the 4 variables were much lower than 0.3 Conclusion: A valid cervical FRP can be obtained with good stabilisation of posture, control of speed and suitable instrumentation of the test. Definition of a reliable protocol would increase the clinical use of the test

Orthosiphon stamineus (Misai Kucing) ameliorated postmenopausal osteoporosis in rat model.

OBJECTIVE: Orthosiphon stamineus (OS) or Misai Kucing (Java tea) is a popular herbal supplement from Southeast Asia for various metabolic, age-related diseases. This study investigated the potential use of OS leaf extracts to ameliorate osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Fifty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into eight groups (n = 7): SHAM (healthy sham control); OVX (ovarietomized) nontreated rats (negative control); OVX + Remifemin (100 mg/kg body weight), and 2% green tea extract (positive controls); OVX + OS 50% ethanolic and aqueous extracts, both at either 150 or 300 mg/kg. After 16 weeks, the rats' bones and blood were evaluated for osteoporosis indicators (protein and mRNA expressions), micro-computed tomography for bone histomorphometry, and three-point bending test for tibia mechanical strength. RESULTS: The extracts dose-dependently and significantly (P < 0.05) improved bone strength and flexibility, bone mineral density, bone formation protein markers (P1NP), and bone histomorphometry. All extracts reduced the inflammation biomarker (interleukin-6). The extracts up-regulated osteoblastogenesis (bone morphogenetic protein-2) and collagen-1 synthesis (collagen type 1 alpha-1) mRNA expressions, and down-regulated bone resorption (TNFSF11 and nuclear factor-kappa B) mRNA expressions. Both the water and 50% ethanolic extract were effective. The effective dose is equivalent to 25 to 50 mg/kg extract for humans. CONCLUSIONS: The extract showed bone-protective and antiosteoporotic effects (improving bone strength, flexibility, bone density, and bone morphometry) by reducing inflammation and the bone resorption biomarkers, while enhancing bone formation biomarkers and collagen synthesis.

Acute Effects and Perceptions of Deep Oscillation Therapy for Improving Hamstring Flexibility.

CONTEXT: Hamstring inflexibility is typically treated using therapeutic massage, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization. An alternative intervention is deep oscillation therapy (DOT). Currently, there is a lack of evidence to support DOT's effectiveness to improve flexibility. OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of DOT to improve hamstring flexibility. DESIGN: Randomized single-cohort design. SETTING: Research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-nine healthy, physically active individuals (self-reported activity of a minimum 200 min/wk). INTERVENTIONS: All participants received a single session of DOT with randomization of the participant's leg for the intervention. The DOT intervention parameters included a 1∶1 mode and 70% to 80% dosage at various frequencies for 28 minutes. Hamstring flexibility was assessed using passive straight leg raise for hip flexion using a digital inclinometer. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated using the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score and the Global Rating of Change (GRoC). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The independent variable was time (pre and post). The dependent variables included passive straight leg raise, the GRoC, and the participant's perceptions of the intervention. Statistical analyses included a dependent t test and a Pearson correlation. RESULTS: Participants reported no issues with sport, activities of daily living, or quality of life prior to beginning the intervention study on the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score. Passive straight leg raise significantly improved post-DOT (95% confidence interval, 4.48°-7.85°, P < .001) with a mean difference of 6.17 ± 4.42° (pre-DOT = 75.43 ± 21.82° and post-DOT = 81.60 ± 23.17°). A significant moderate positive correlation was identified (r = .439, P = .02) among all participants between the GRoC and the mean change score of hamstring flexibility. Participants believed that the intervention improved their hamstring flexibility (5.41 ± 1.02 points) and was relaxing (6.21 ± 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: DOT is an effective intervention to increase hamstring flexibility.

Flexible endoscopically assisted evacuation of acute and subacute subdural hematoma through a small craniotomy: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: The first choice to treat acute subdural hematoma (SDH) is a large craniotomy under general anesthesia. However, increasing age or comorbid burden of the patients may render invasive treatment strategy inappropriate. These medically frail patients with SDH may benefit from a combination of small craniotomy and endoscopic hematoma removal, which is less invasive and even available under local anesthesia. Although hematoma evacuation with a rigid endoscope for acute or subacute SDHs has been reported in the literature, use of a flexible endoscope may have distinct advantages. In this article, we attempted to clarify the utility of small craniotomy evacuation with a flexible endoscope for acute and subacute SDH in the elderly patients. METHOD: Between November 2013 and September 2016, a total of 17 patients with acute SDH (15 patients), subacute SDH (1 patient), or acute aggravation of chronic SDH (1 patient) underwent hematoma evacuation with a flexible endoscope at our hospital and were enrolled in this retrospective study. Either under local or general anesthesia, the SDH was removed with a flexible suction tube with the aid of the flexible endoscope through the small craniotomy (3 × 4 cm). Hematoma evacuation rate, improvement of clinical symptoms, and procedure-related complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Hematoma evacuation rate was satisfactory, and statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in postoperative Glasgow Coma Scale in all cases compared to the preoperative assessment. No procedure-related hemorrhagic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported here suggest that small craniotomy evacuation with a flexible endoscope is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment for acute and subacute SDH in selected cases.