Assessing Sarcocornia as a Salt Substitute: Effects on Lipid Profile and Gelatinase Activity.

Sodium, although essential for life, is a key factor in changes in vascular function and cardiovascular disease when consumed in excess. Sarcocornia spp., a halophyte plant with many nutritional benefits, presents itself as a promising substitute for the consumption of purified salt. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9 are widely studied due to their action in physiological processes and as biomarkers at the diagnostic level due to their increased expression in inflammatory processes. This study aimed to evaluate whether replacing salt with Sarcocornia perennis (S. perennis) powder in healthy young people leads to an improvement in biochemical profiles and the attenuation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. In the present study, 30 participants were randomized into a control group that consumed salt and an intervention group that replaced salt with powdered S. perennis. The evaluation of the biochemical parameters was carried out by the spectrophotometry method, and the evaluation of MMP activity was carried out by zymography. A significant decrease was observed in the intervention group in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), and creatinine (p-value ≤ 0.05), along with lower but not significantly different mean values of triglycerides. Regarding MMP activity after the intervention, a lower mean value was observed for MMP-9 activity, with there being higher mean values for MMP-2 activity, both with p-values ≥ 0.05. The results confirmed that the consumption of S. perennis is a beneficial choice for health regarding the lipid profile. The evaluation of MMP activity indicated the potential of S. perennis in the regulation of MMP-9 activity in healthy individuals, along with the need for the further study of these proteases in individuals with pathologies.

Laboratory Assessment of the Effects of AGA@4life Multidisciplinary Intervention on the Inflammatory Profile, MMPs, and TIMPs in a Geriatric Population.

In recent years, the world's aging population has increased, contributing to the development of age-related pathologies, which have been aggravated by physical inactivity and excessive fat intake. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing a nutritional program (control group-CG) combined with exercise (intervention group-IG) on the inflammatory profile, MMPs, and TIMPs in a group of 34 elderly participants (IG, n = 18; CG, n = 16). Participants underwent a full multidisciplinary diagnostic evaluation (T0), with the gathering of clinical information and biochemical and hematological determinations being re-evaluated eight weeks later (T1). A diet manual was made, which provided a selection of different types of diets resulting from the nutritional needs of the different users at the center. The aerobic exercise consisted of two sessions per week with a total duration of 1 h. The laboratory evaluation was performed by slot blot. Statistical analysis included a paired sample t-test and Spearman's correlation coefficient. We observed that in the IG, there was a significant increase at T1 of TNF-α (p < 0.05) and MMP-2 (p < 0.05), without changes in IL-6 and MMP-9, showing that the intervention did not cause an exacerbated inflammatory response in exercised elderly people. The intervention program implemented showed potential to contribute to better active aging strategies, taking advantage of the known benefits of exercise without inducing a harmful inflammatory response in elderly participants.

Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: results from the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll project survey.

PURPOSE: To analyse the existing radiation protection (RP) education and training (E&T) capabilities in the European Union and identify associated needs, problems and challenges. METHOD: An online survey was disseminated via the EURAMED Rocc-n-Roll consortium network and prominent medical societies in the field of radiological research. The survey sections analyse the RP E&T during undergraduate, residency/internship and continuous professional development; RP E&T problems and legal implementation. Differences were analysed by European geographic regions, profession, years of professional experience and main area of practice/research. RESULTS: The majority of the 550 respondents indicated that RP topics are part of undergraduate curricula in all courses for their profession and country (55%); however, hands-on practical training is not included according to 30% of the respondents. The lack of E&T, practical aspects in current E&T, and mandatory continuing E&T were considered the major problems. The legal requirement that obtained higher implementation score was the inclusion of the practical aspects of medical radiological procedures on education (86%), and lower score was obtained for the inclusion of RP E&T on medical and dental school curriculums (61%). CONCLUSIONS: A heterogeneity in RP E&T during undergraduate, residency/internship and continuous professional development is evident across Europe. Differences were noted per area of practice/research, profession, and European geographic region. A large variation in RP E&T problem rating was also obtained.

Agreement between mechanical and digital skinfold callipers.

Background: Skinfold callipers are often used in clinical practice to estimate subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness. Recently, LipoTool emerged as a potential digital system to measure skinfolds, however comparisons with competing equipment are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to test the agreement between two competing skinfold callipers (digital and mechanical). Methods: The sample included 22 healthy male adult participants. A certified observer measured eight skinfolds twice using different skinfold callipers (digital and mechanical). Differences between equipment were tested using Wilcoxon signed rank test The distribution of error was examined using the normality test Results: Differences between skinfold callipers were significantly in five skinfolds: triceps (Z = -3.546; P < 0.001), subscapular (Z = -3.984; P < 0.001), suprailiac (Z = 3.024; P = 0.002), supraspinale (Z = 3.885; P < 0.001), abdominal (Z z = -2.937; P = 0.003), thigh (Z = -2.224; P = 0.026) and calf (Z = -2.052; P = 0.040). Differences between callipers were constant. Conclusions: Mechanical and digital callipers tended to record different values of skinfold thickness. Clinical examination should consider equipment-related variation in fat mass estimation.

Education and training in radiation protection in Europe: an analysis from the EURAMED rocc-n-roll project.

BACKGROUND: A Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis was performed to understand the status quo of education and training in radiation protection (RP) and to develop a coordinated European approach to RP training needs based on stakeholder consensus and existing activities in the field. Fourteen team members represented six European professional societies, one European voluntary organisation, two international healthcare organisations and five professions, namely: Medical Physicists; Nuclear Medicine Physicians; Radiologists; Radiation Oncologists and Radiographers. Four subgroups analysed the "Strengths", "Weaknesses", "Opportunities" and "Threats" related to E&T in RP developed under previous European Union (EU) programmes and on the Guidelines on Radiation Protection Education and Training of Medical Professionals in the EU. RESULTS: Consensus agreement identified four themes for strengths and opportunities, namely: (1) existing structures and training recommendations; (2) RP training needs assessment and education & training (E&T) model(s) development; (3) E&T dissemination, harmonisation, and accreditation; (4) financial supports. Weaknesses and Threats analysis identified two themes: (1) awareness and prioritisation at a national/global level and (2) awareness and prioritisation by healthcare professional groups and researchers. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of effective implementation of RP principles in daily practice was identified. EuRnR strategic planning needs to consider processes at European, national and local levels. Success is dependent upon efficient governance structures and expert leadership. Financial support is required to allow the stakeholder professional agencies to have sufficient resources to achieve a pan European radiation protection training network which is sustainable and accredited across multiple national domains.

Impact of Hydrotherapy on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in an Elderly Population.

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between reactive species and antioxidant agents. One of the effects of oxidative stress is the normal process of cellular aging that stems from the accumulation of tissue damage. Epidemiological studies show that regular physical exercise prevents the injuries caused by aging. The objective was to evaluate whether the practice of hydrotherapy, in an elderly population, positively influenced the activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase that act by reducing reactive species in the body. The study involved 37 participants aged ≥ 60 years, of both sexes, divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed 15 hydrotherapy sessions. Enzyme activity was evaluated in two moments: T0-before the first session, and T1-after the last session, with blood collections conducted in both. In T1, there was a significant increase vs. T0 of glutathione peroxidase activity (57.72 ± 19.99 vs. 48.14 ± 17.22 U/g Hb) and glutathione reductase activity (100.18 ± 30.85 vs. 78.44 ± 21.26 U/L). Both sexes tended to show higher values at T1. We concluded that hydrotherapy proved to be a positive stimulus for the enzymatic antioxidant activity of the elderly, suggesting that a regular and moderate practice of physical exercise induces better and higher quality of life.

Electroacupuncture and acupuncture in the treatment of anxiety - A double blinded randomized parallel clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The estimated number of people living with anxiety disorders worldwide is around 264 million and is estimated to have worsened with the recent pandemic of COVID-19. Acupuncture has shown to have excellent therapeutic effects in reducing anxiety. DESIGN: Double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 56 participants (21-82 years) with anxiety diagnosed by 3 different anxiety scales (BAI, GAD-7 and OASIS). A 30-min acupuncture session was applied once a week for 10 weeks. AIMS: Evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in the treatment of anxiety to verify if: (1) People with high anxiety report reduced scores after 5 and 10 sessions; (2) Salivary cortisol levels accompanied the reduced scores; (3) Electroacupuncture treatment is more effective than acupuncture; (4) the treatments is independent of anxiolytic medication. METHODS: Volunteers were randomized into 3 groups (control, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture). The results were analyzed by anxiety scales and salivary cortisol tests. RESULTS: The findings show an improvement in anxiety, assessed by BAI, GAD-7 and OASIS, after the 5th session of acupuncture (p < 0.05) and electroacupuncture (p < 0.05) and the 10th session for both techniques (p < 0.001). The salivary cortisol values measured in the morning followed this pattern (p < 0.05), although the reduction of the night cortisol values was not statistically significant. Electroacupuncture and acupuncture show similar efficacy. The positive effect after the treatments is independent of anxiolytic medication (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are effective in treating anxiety on their own or as adjuncts to pharmacological therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NºP445-08/2017 (Unidade de Investigação em Ciências da Saúde).

Reconstrução areolar com pele palpebral / Areolar reconstruction using eyelid skin

Introdução: Sabe-se que o câncer de mama é hoje a segunda neoplasia mais frequente entre as mulheres, as quais são submetidas desde a tratamentos clínicos até cirúrgicos mutilantes da mama. Ter mamas bonitas e harmoniosas é um direito legítimo, sendo assim o conceito de reconstrução mamária e do complexo areolo papilar se torna importante na reinserção social feminina. Este estudo visa apresentar uma técnica eficaz de reconstrução areolar, utilizando enxerto cutâneo livre palpebral bilateral, demonstrando sua eficácia através de resultados fotográficos, comparação com outras técnicas já descritas e questionários de satisfação dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, 50 pacientes operados de reconstrução areolar com enxerto de pele palpebral e outras técnicas já descritas, operados por um único cirurgião sênior. O grupo de pacientes operados com pele palpebral não obtiveram diferenças significativas dentro da análise de resultados, comparados com outras técnicas de reconstrução. Houve boa satisfação por parte dos pacientes, quanto ao resultado das cirurgias das aréolas. Conclusão: O estudo obteve baixos índices de complicações, apresentando-se como boa opção terapêutica, dentro do arsenal cirúrgico de reconstrução areolar.

Introduction: Breast cancer is currently the second most common neoplasm among women who undergo clinical treatments and breast-mutilating surgeries. Having beautiful and harmonious breasts is a legitimate right, so the concept of reconstructing the breast and nipple-areolar complex becomes important in female social reinsertion. This study aimed to present an effective technique of areolar reconstruction using free bilateral eyelid skin grafts and demonstrate its effectiveness through photographic results, comparison with previously described techniques, and patient satisfaction questionnaires. Results: The authors retrospectively evaluated 50 patients who underwent areolar reconstruction with eyelid skin grafts and other techniques performed by a single senior surgeon. Patients who underwent eyelid skin graft surgery did not achieve significantly different results from those who underwent other reconstruction techniques. Patients who underwent areola surgeries reported good satisfaction. Conclusion: The study revealed low complication rates and demonstrated that the use of eyelid skin is a good therapeutic option for areolar reconstruction.

Hemodynamic Changes During Heart Displacement in Aorta No-Touch Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sequential changes of hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in patients who underwent aorta no-touch off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). METHODS: Prospective study involving twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent aorta no-touch OPCAB. The FloTrac/PreSep/Vigileo™ system (Edwards Lifesciences) was used to continuously record heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), central venous pressure (CVP), continuous cardiac index (FCI), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume variation (SVV), and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). The parameters were assessed 5 min before, during and 5 min after each anastomosis (left anterior descending [LAD], posterior descending [PD], obtuse marginal [OM] and diagonal [Dg]). Postoperative lactate was also evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant change in HR and MABP for all anastomoses, except for MABP during PD grafting (-10.1±2.7 mmHg, P=0.03). There was a significant decrease in ScvO2 only during PD and OM anastomoses (-9.4±0.4, P=0.03; -4.4±0.4, P=0.02; respectively). CVP drop after PD manipulation was strongly associated with a higher lactate during the first hours after surgery (r=-0.82; P=0.001). These hemodynamic changes were transient and entirely recovered after the heart was returned to its anatomical position. No significant differences were observed in FCI, SVV, or the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) during all anastomoses, except for a drop in SVRI during PD grafting (-8.03±2.3, P=0.007). SV tended to decrease during the procedure in all territories, but with statistically significant drop only in PD and OM grafting (-10.4±1.2, P=0.02; -13.6±5.1, P=0.007; respectively). CONCLUSION: Heart displacement for performing aorta no-touch OPCAB is well tolerated, with transient and endurable hemodynamic variations.

Hemodynamic changes during heart displacement in aorta no-touch off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a pilot study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the sequential changes of hemodynamic and metabolic parameters in patients who underwent aorta no-touch off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB). Methods: Prospective study involving twenty-seven consecutive patients who underwent aorta no-touch OPCAB. The FloTrac/PreSep/Vigileo™ system (Edwards Lifesciences) was used to continuously record heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), central venous pressure (CVP), continuous cardiac index (FCI), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume variation (SVV), and central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO2). The parameters were assessed 5 min before, during and 5 min after each anastomosis (left anterior descending [LAD], posterior descending [PD], obtuse marginal [OM] and diagonal [Dg]). Postoperative lactate was also evaluated. Results: There was no significant change in HR and MABP for all anastomoses, except for MABP during PD grafting (-10.1±2.7 mmHg, P=0.03). There was a significant decrease in ScvO2 only during PD and OM anastomoses (-9.4±0.4, P=0.03; -4.4±0.4, P=0.02; respectively). CVP drop after PD manipulation was strongly associated with a higher lactate during the first hours after surgery (r=-0.82; P=0.001). These hemodynamic changes were transient and entirely recovered after the heart was returned to its anatomical position. No significant differences were observed in FCI, SVV, or the systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) during all anastomoses, except for a drop in SVRI during PD grafting (-8.03±2.3, P=0.007). SV tended to decrease during the procedure in all territories, but with statistically significant drop only in PD and OM grafting (-10.4±1.2, P=0.02; -13.6±5.1, P=0.007; respectively). Conclusion: Heart displacement for performing aorta no-touch OPCAB is well tolerated, with transient and endurable hemodynamic variations.

Perceived health in the Portuguese population aged ≥ 35.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the exploratory relationship between determinants of health, life satisfaction, locus of control, attitudes and behaviors and health related quality of life in an adult population. METHODS: Observational study (analytical and cross-sectional) with a quantitative methodological basis. The sample was composed oy 1,214 inhabitants aged ≥ 35 in 31 civil parishes in the County of Coimbra, Portugal, 2011-2012. An anonymous and voluntary health survey was conducted, which collected the following information: demographic, clinical record, health and lifestyle behaviors; health related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form-36); health locus of control; survey of health attitudes and behavior, and quality of life index. Pearson's Linear Correlation, t-Student, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney; One-way ANOVA; Brown-Forsythe's F; Kruskal-Wallis; Multiple Comparisons: Tukey (HSD), Games-Howell and Conover were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Health related quality of life was shown to be lower in females, in older age groups, in obese/overweight individuals, widows, unassisted, those living alone, living in rural/suburban areas, those who did not work and with a medium-low socioeconomic level. Respondents with poor/very poor self-perceived health (p < 0.0001), with chronic disease (p < 0.0001), who consumed < 3 meals per day (p ≤ 0.01), who were sedentary, who slept ≤ 6 h/day and had smoked for several years revealed the worst health results. Health related quality of life was positively related with a bigger internal locus, with better health attitudes and behaviors (physical exercise, health and nutritional care, length of dependence) and with different areas of life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Better health related quality of life was associated with certain social, psychological, family and health characteristics, a satisfactory lifestyle, better socioeconomic conditions and a good internal locus of control over health attitudes and behaviors.

Perceived health in the Portuguese population aged ? 35 / Perceção de saúde na população portuguesa ? 35 anos*

OBJECTIVE : To evaluate the exploratory relationship between determinants of health, life satisfaction, locus of control, attitudes and behaviors and health related quality of life in an adult population. METHODS : Observational study (analytical and cross-sectional) with a quantitative methodological basis. The sample was composed oy 1,214 inhabitants aged ≥ 35 in 31 civil parishes in the County of Coimbra, Portugal, 2011-2012. An anonymous and voluntary health survey was conducted, which collected the following information: demographic, clinical record, health and lifestyle behaviors; health related quality of life (Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form-36); health locus of control; survey of health attitudes and behavior, and quality of life index. Pearson’s Linear Correlation, t-Student, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney; One-way ANOVA; Brown-Forsythe’s F; Kruskal-Wallis; Multiple Comparisons: Tukey (HSD), Games-Howell and Conover were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS : Health related quality of life was shown to be lower in females, in older age groups, in obese/overweight individuals, widows, unassisted, those living alone, living in rural/suburban areas, those who did not work and with a medium-low socioeconomic level. Respondents with poor/very poor self-perceived health (p < 0.0001), with chronic disease (p < 0.0001), who consumed < 3 meals per day (p ≤ 0.01), who were sedentary, who slept ≤ 6 h/day and had smoked for several years revealed the worst health results. Health related quality of life was positively related with a bigger internal locus, with better health attitudes and behaviors (physical exercise, health and nutritional care, length of dependence) and with different areas of life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS : Better health related quality of life was associated with certain social, psychological, family and health characteristics, a satisfactory lifestyle, better socioeconomic ...

OBJETIVO : Analisar a relação entre determinantes de saúde, satisfação com a vida, locus de controlo, atitudes e comportamentos com a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde numa população adulta. MÉTODOS : Estudo observacional (analítico-transversal) com base metodológica quantitativa. A amostra foi de 1.214 habitantes ≥ 35 anos de 31 freguesias do Concelho de Coimbra, Portugal, 2011-2012. Foi realizado inquérito de saúde anónimo e voluntário com as seguintes informações: demográfica, inventário clínico, comportamentos de saúde e estilos de vida; qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form-36); locus de controlo da saúde; questionário de atitudes e comportamentos de saúde e índice de qualidade de vida. Para análise estatística foram utilizados os métodos: Correlação Linear de Pearson; t-Student; Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney; ANOVA a um Fator; F de Brown-Forsythe; Kruskal-Wallis; Comparações Múltiplas: Tukey HSD, Games-Howell e Conover. RESULTADOS : A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde esteve diminuída no sexo feminino, nos grupos etários mais avançados, nos indivíduos com excesso de peso/obesidade, baixas habilitações, viúvos, sozinhos, residentes no meio rural/suburbano, inativos profissionalmente e estatuto socioeconómico médio baixo. Expressaram piores indices de saúde: os inquiridos com autoperceção de saúde de mau/muito mau (p < 0,0001), na presença de doença crónica, a sua frequência (p < 0,0001), que consumiam < 3 refeições diárias (p ≤ 0,01), os sedentários, os que dormiam ≤ 6 h/dia; e os com maior número de anos de tabagismo. A qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde ...

Efeitos da temperatura e do tempo de armazenamento na estabilidade química de soluções de hipoclorito de sódio / Effects of temperature and storage time on the stability of sodium hypochlorite solutions

Introdução: Nas últimas décadas, a Endodontia teve um grande avanço tecnológico e, dentre as mudanças nessa evolução, reduziu-se significativamente o tempo necessário para o preparo do canal radicular. Nesse contexto, soluções cada vez mais concentradas de hipoclorito de sódio (NaOCl) começaram a ser utilizadas. Objetivo: O  objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da temperatura e do tempo de armazenamento na estabilidade química de soluções de hipoclorito de sódio a 8% em diferentes pHs, comparando esses possíveis efeitos com aqueles relativos às concentrações comumente encontradas no mercado. Material e método: Soluções de NaOCl nas concentrações de 1%; 2,5%; 5,25% e 8% foram manipuladas com valores de pH 7 e 10,4. As amostras foram armazenadas à temperatura ambiente e em geladeira, tendo sido avaliadas após 1, 2 e 3 meses de armazenamento. Após os diferentes tempos experimentais, as amostras tiveram sua concentração determinada. A concentração de cloro ativo das soluções foi determinada por titulação, método da iodometria. Os dados foram avaliados estatisticamente. Resultado: Os resultados mostraram que o armazenamento da solução em geladeira, comparado àquele em temperatura ambiente, reduziu a perda de cloro ativo em todas as concentrações avaliadas e que, nestas diferentes concentrações, houve a perda do teor de cloro com o passar do tempo. Conclusão: As soluções de NaOCl a 8% mostraram-se mais instáveis à temperatura ambiente, quando comparadas àquelas armazenadas em geladeira, do que as demais concentrações avaliadas. A temperatura e o tempo de armazenamento afetaram a estabilidade química de todas as concentrações avaliadas.

Introduction: In recent decades, endodontics had great technological advances that have significantly reduced the time required for root canal preparation. In this context, increasingly concentrated sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions have been used. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of temperature and storage time on chemical stability of 8% sodium hypochlorite solutions, at different pHs, comparing with usual concentrations. Material and method: 1%, 2.5%, 5.25% and 8% NaOCl solutions, at pH 7 and 10.4 were manipulated. Paired samples were stored at room temperature and in a refrigerator and were evaluated after 1, 2 and 3 months of storage. After the different experimental times, the NaOCl concentration was determined. The active chlorine concentration of the NaOCl solutions was determined by iodometric titration. The data were statistically analyzed. Result: When the solution was stored in refrigerator, compared to room temperature, there was reduced loss of active chlorine in all tested concentrations. Over time there was loss of chlorine content in all solutions. Conclusion: 8% NaOCl solutions were more unstable than other concentrations tested at ambient temperature, as compared to those stored in the refrigerator. The temperature and storage time affected the chemical stability of all concentrations tested.

Avaliação da estabilidade do cloro ativo após o aquecimento das soluções de hipoclorito de sódio / Evaluation of chlorine stability after sodium hypochlorite solution heating

O aquecimento das soluções de hipoclorito de sódio tem sido realizado para potencializar suas reações, porém, tal aquecimento causa uma degradação mais rápida do cloro presente nas soluções. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a quantidade de cloro presente nas soluções de hipoclorito de sódio, em concentrações de 1 por cento, 2,5 por cento, 5,25 por cento e 8 por cento, após seu aquecimento a uma temperatura de 50°C. Os resultados mostraram que o aquecimento das soluções exerce grande influência na perda de cloro