Effects of Laser Acupuncture on Metabolic Functions of Sedentary People: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background: Laser acupuncture regulates energy flow and restores body fluid metabolism. Objective: To evaluate the effects of the laser acupuncture protocol (LAP) on hepatic and renal metabolism in sedentary people. Methods: Longitudinal, double-blind, and randomized clinical trial with 29 participants, adults, both sexes, sedentary, without pre-existing metabolic diseases, subdivided into control and laser groups. Based on the STandards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture 2010 guidelines, 10 laser applications (660 nm ±10 nm wavelength, 100 mW power. The irradiation tip has a diameter of 5 mm, which corresponds to an area of 0.19 cm2, totaling a power density of 0.52 W/cm2 and considering the irradiation time of 90 s, the energy density applied was 47.3 J/cm2) were performed on the acupoints of metabolic functions (LR3, SP6, ST36, and LI4) and blood samples were collected for fasting glycemia, lipid profile (HDL, LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), liver function (AST/GOT and ALT/GPT), and renal function (serum creatinine and urea). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni corrected post hoc comparisons was applied to compare statistical differences between groups and times, adopting p < 0.05 as the null hypothesis. Results: The laser stimulated changes in serum lipid profile values and renal and hepatic functions. There was a significant (p = 0.014) reduction in LDL ("bad" cholesterol) from 105.75 ± 32.83 pre- to 84.32 ± 18.38 mg/dL postintervention, associated with cardioprotective function. Positive significant (p = 0.035) impacts were also observed in the reduction of creatinine (0.86 ± 0.12 mg/dL to 0.75 ± 0.12 mg/dL) and the enzyme AST/GOT (33.73 ± 12.95 U/L to 20.80 ± 4.99 U/L, p = 0.002). Conclusion: LAP applied to basal metabolism acupoints promoted positive metabolic changes in the lipid profile (LDL), and in main markers of the liver (AST/GOT) and kidney (creatinine) functions, contributing to risk control of cardiovascular diseases.

Impactos do lockdown sobre os direitos dos cidadãos na cidade de São Luís do Maranhão / Impacts of the lockdown on citizens' rights in the municipality of São Luís do Maranhão / Impactos del confinamiento sobre los derechos de los ciudadanos en la ciudad de São Luís do Maranhão

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar os impactos do período do lockdown ocorrido em 2020 na cidade de São Luís, no Maranhão, de acordo com as percepções de cinco categorias profissionais. Trata-se de um estudo observacional descritivo de caráter qualitativo, realizado por meio de entrevista semiestruturada aplicada aos profissionais selecionados sobre os impactos do lockdown no direito constitucional de ir e vir, na vida profissional e no sistema de saúde brasileiro. Foram entrevistados 130 profissionais, entre médicos, professores universitários, gestores de saúde, empresários e autônomos. Para a análise da pergunta aberta, foi utilizado o método do discurso do sujeito coletivo (DSC). Foram também aplicados Testes de qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, adotando-se p < 0,05 como hipótese de nulidade, para verificar a associação entre variáveis categóricas. A maioria dos entrevistados considerou como negativos os impactos do lockdown sobre o direito de ir e vir dos cidadãos (51,6%) e nas atividades de vida diária de suas respectivas profissões (67,7%). O Sistema Único de Saúde não conseguiu conter os avanços da doença, segundo opiniões da maioria (59,2%) dos entrevistados. Os resultados qualitativos mostraram que o lockdown foi desfavorável para 66 profissionais, seguido de 33 que o classificaram como favorável. Os participantes destacaram que o lockdown causou impactos negativos no direito de ir e vir e na vida profissional dos cidadãos, tendo sido considerada uma medida política equivocada e ineficiente na contenção da disseminação da covid-19.

Objective: to analyze the impacts of the lockdown period in the municipality of São Luís, Maranhão (2020), according to the perceptions of five professional categories. Methodology: this descriptive, qualitative, and observational study was carried out by a semi-structured interview applied to selected professionals about the impacts of the lockdown on their constitutional right to free movement, their professional life, and on the Brazilian health system. Results: Overall, 130 professionals were interviewed, including physicians, university professors, health managers, businesspeople, and self-employed people. To analyze the open question, the Collective Subject Discourse-DSC method was used. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact tests were also applied, adopting p < 0.05 as the null hypothesis, to attest to the association between categorical variables. Most interviewees considered the impacts of the lockdown on citizens' right to free movement (51.6%) and on the daily life activities of their respective professions (67.7%) as negative. The Brazilian Unified Health System was unable to contain the spread of the disease, according to the opinions of most (59.2%) interviewees. Qualitative results showed that the lockdown was unfavorable for 66 professionals, followed by 33 professionals who classified it as favorable. Conclusion: the lockdown negatively impacted the right to free movement and professional lives and was considered a mistaken and inefficient political measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar los impactos del período de confinamiento en 2020 en la ciudad de São Luís, Maranhão, según las percepciones de cinco categorías profesionales. Se trata de un estudio observacional descriptivo, de carácter cualitativo, realizado mediante una entrevista semiestructurada aplicada a profesionales seleccionados sobre los impactos del confinamiento en el derecho constitucional de ir y venir, en la vida profesional y en el sistema de salud brasileño. Se entrevistaron a 130 profesionales, entre médicos, profesores universitarios, gestores de salud, empresarios y autónomos. Para analizar la pregunta abierta se utilizó el método discurso del sujeto colectivo (DSC). También se aplicaron las pruebas de Chi-cuadrado o exacta de Fisher, adoptando p < 0,05 como hipótesis nula, para verificar la asociación entre variables categóricas. La mayoría de los entrevistados consideraron negativos los impactos del confinamiento en el derecho de ir y venir de los ciudadanos (51,6%) y en las actividades de la vida diaria de sus respectivas profesiones (67,7%). El Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) no pudo contener la propagación de la enfermedad, según la opinión de la mayoría (59,2%) de los entrevistados. Los resultados cualitativos mostraron que el confinamiento fue desfavorable para 66 profesionales, seguido de 33 profesionales que lo calificaron como favorable. Los participantes destacaron que el confinamiento provocó impactos negativos en el derecho a ir y venir y en la vida profesional, además, fue considerado una medida política equivocada e ineficaz para contener la propagación del covid-19.

Raman spectroscopy and sciatic functional index (SFI) after low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in a rat sciatic nerve crush injury model.

Axonotmesis causes sensorimotor and neurofunctional deficits, and its regeneration can occur slowly or not occur if not treated appropriately. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) promotes nerve regeneration with the proliferation of myelinating Schwann cells to recover the myelin sheath and the production of glycoproteins for endoneurium reconstruction. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LLLT on sciatic nerve regeneration after compression injury by means of the sciatic functional index (SFI) and Raman spectroscopy (RS). For this, 64 Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to the length of treatment: 14 days (n = 32) and 21 days (n = 32). These two groups were subdivided into four sub-groups of eight animals each (control 1; control 2; laser 660 nm; laser 808 nm). All animals had surgical exposure to the sciatic nerve, and only control 1 did not suffer nerve damage. To cause the lesion in the sciatic nerve, compression was applied with a Kelly clamp for 6 s. The evaluation of sensory deficit was performed by the painful exteroceptive sensitivity (PES) and neuromotor tests by the SFI. Laser 660 nm and laser 808 nm sub-groups were irradiated daily (100 mW, 40 s, energy density of 133 J/cm2). The sciatic nerve segment was removed for RS analysis. The animals showed accentuated sensory and neurofunctional deficit after injury and their rehabilitation occurred more effectively in the sub-groups treated with 660 nm laser. Control 2 sub-group did not obtain functional recovery of gait. The RS identified sphingolipids (718, 1065, and 1440 cm-1) and collagen (700, 852, 1004, 1270, and 1660 cm-1) as biomolecular characteristics of sciatic nerves. Principal component analysis revealed important differences among sub-groups and a directly proportional correlation with SFI, mainly in the sub-group laser 660 nm treated for 21 days. In the axonotmesis-type lesion model presented herein, the 660 nm laser was more efficient in neurofunctional recovery, and the Raman spectra of lipid and protein properties were attributed to the basic biochemical composition of the sciatic nerve.

Effect of low-level laser therapy in an experimental model of osteoarthritis in rats evaluated through Raman spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the biochemical changes associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using 660 and 780 nm, on a well-established experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA) in the knees of rats with induced collagenase, using histomorphometry and Raman spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control (GCON, n=9), collagenase without treatment (GCOL, n=9), collagenase with LLLT 660 nm treatment (G660, n=8), and collagenase with LLLT 780 nm treatment (G780, n=10). LLLT protocol was: 30 mW power output, 10 sec irradiation time, 0.04 cm(2) spot size, 0.3 J energy, 0.75 W/cm(2) irradiance, and 7.5 J/cm(2) fluence per session per day, during 14 days. Then, knees were withdrawn and submitted to histomorphometry and Raman spectroscopy analysis. Principal components analysis (PCA) and Mahalanobis distance were employed to characterize the spectral findings. RESULTS: Histomorphometry revealed a significant increase in the amount of collagen III for the group irradiated with 660 nm. The Raman bands at 1247, 1273, and 1453 cm(-1) (from principal component score PC2), attributed to collagen type II, and 1460 cm(-1) (from PC3), attributed to collagen type III, suggested that the LLLT causes acceleration in cellular activity, especially on the cells that repair cartilage, accelerating the breakdown of cartilage destroyed by collagenase and stimulating the fibroblast to synthesize repairing collagen III. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT accelerated the initial breakdown of cartilage destroyed by collagenase and stimulated the fibroblast to synthesize the repairing collagen III, suggesting a beneficial effect of LLLT on OA.

Raman spectroscopy detection of molecular changes associated with two experimental models of osteoarthritis in rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying Raman spectroscopy in probing the molecular changes in terms of collagen deposition and tissue remodeling associated with two well-established experimental models of osteoarthritis (OA) in knee of rats. In order to evaluate alterations in the articular surface area, the menisci-covered tibial region was assessed into three groups as follows: control (joint preserved) and two models of experimental knee OA: collagenase-induced model (n = 8) and treadmill exercise-induced model (n = 8). Each group was examined for molecular changes using spectral parameters related to cartilage, subchondral bone, and bone tissues. A significant increase of Raman ratios related to mineralization and tissue remodeling was found (p < 0.05), suggesting that both models were successful for inducing OA in rats. The significantly lower phenylalanine content and higher crystallinity in the treadmill exercise-induced model of OA than collagenase-induced model of OA (p < 0.05) indicated that the OA pathogenesis was model-dependent. Thus, this work suggests that the Raman spectroscopy technique has potential for the diagnosis and detection of cartilage damage and monitoring of subchondral bone and bone in OA pathogenesis at the molecular level.

Correlation between clinical parameters and health-related quality of life in women with COPD.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate health-related quality of life (HRQL) of women with COPD with clinical parameters and with the six-minute walk distance (6MWD; six-minute walk test). METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 30 female patients diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD treated at the Respiratory Outpatient Clinic of the Presidente Dutra University Hospital. Patients completed the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and were evaluated in terms of respiratory pressures, spirometry parameters and 6MWD. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out, as were Student's t-tests for dependent variables, together with Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients for numerical and ordinal variables, respectively. RESULTS: According to the SGRQ total scores, HRQL was impaired, to some extent, in most of the participants. Most SGRQ total scores were between the second and the third quartiles, reflecting poor HRQL. The participants also presented poor functional capacity. Mean 6MWD (317.7 m), inspiratory muscle strength (-53.48 cmH2O) and expiratory muscle strength (69.5 cmH2O) were all below reference values. We found that HRQL was not correlated with body mass index or pulmonary function. However, HRQL presented a negative linear correlation with age, MIP and 6MWD, as well as a positive correlation with the sensation of dyspnea and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HRQL, determined using the SGRQ, was severely impaired in COPD patients, who presented severe limitations in functional capacity, breath control and personal life.

Correlação entre parâmetros clínicos e qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde em mulheres com DPOC / Correlation between clinical parameters and health-related quality of life in women with COPD

OBJETIVO: Correlacionar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS) de mulheres portadoras de DPOC com parâmetros clínicos e com a distância percorrida no teste de caminhada de seis minutos (TC6). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com 30 mulheres portadoras de DPOC leve ou moderada, atendidas no Ambulatório de Pneumologia do Hospital Universitário Presidente Dutra. Foi aplicado o Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), assim como foram realizadas as medidas das pressões respiratórias, da espirometria e dos resultados do TC6. Executou-se a análise estatística descritiva, assim como o teste t de Student para variáveis dependentes, o coeficiente linear de Pearson para correlações de variáveis numéricas e o de Spearman para variáveis ordinais. RESULTADOS: A QVRS esteve, na grande maioria das mulheres entrevistadas, comprometida, em graus variados, de acordo com o escore total do SGRQ. Os escores totais do SGRQ da maioria das participantes estavam entre o segundo e o terceiro quartil, o que reflete baixa QVRS. As participantes apresentaram ainda baixa capacidade funcional no TC6, com distância média percorrida (317,7 m) e força muscular inspiratória (-53,48 cmH2O) e expiratória (69,5 cmH2O) abaixo dos valores de normalidade. Não houve correlação entre a QVRS e o índice de massa corpórea e a função pulmonar. No entanto, houve correlação linear negativa com a idade, a PImáx e o TC6 e correlação positiva com a sensação de dispneia e de fadiga. CONCLUSÕES: A QVRS medida pelo SGRQ das pacientes com DPOC desta pesquisa esteve muito comprometida, de modo a provocar limitações graves na funcionalidade, no controle da respiração e na vida pessoal.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate health-related quality of life (HRQL) of women with COPD with clinical parameters and with the six-minute walk distance (6MWD; six-minute walk test). METHODS: Cross-sectional study involving 30 female patients diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD treated at the Respiratory Outpatient Clinic of the Presidente Dutra University Hospital. Patients completed the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and were evaluated in terms of respiratory pressures, spirometry parameters and 6MWD. Descriptive statistical analysis was carried out, as were Student's t-tests for dependent variables, together with Pearson's and Spearman's correlation coefficients for numerical and ordinal variables, respectively. RESULTS: According to the SGRQ total scores, HRQL was impaired, to some extent, in most of the participants. Most SGRQ total scores were between the second and the third quartiles, reflecting poor HRQL. The participants also presented poor functional capacity. Mean 6MWD (317.7 m), inspiratory muscle strength (-53.48 cmH2O) and expiratory muscle strength (69.5 cmH2O) were all below reference values. We found that HRQL was not correlated with body mass index or pulmonary function. However, HRQL presented a negative linear correlation with age, MIP and 6MWD, as well as a positive correlation with the sensation of dyspnea and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, HRQL, determined using the SGRQ, was severely impaired in COPD patients, who presented severe limitations in functional capacity, breath control and personal life.

Avaliação de implantação de ações básicas de saúde / Assessment of implantation of action primary health

O presente artigo descreve uma estratégia de avaliação da implementação de atenção básica de saúde desenvolvida no município de Monteiro (Paraíba/Nordeste/Brasil), privilegiando o Programa de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde (PACS). Teve como objetivo contribuir na diminuição da incidência da mortalidade infantil. Foi realizado treinamento teórico-metodológico sobre avaliação de programação em saúde, através de Discussão de Grupos e técnicas de Tempestade Mental. Participaram das atividades trinta profissionais de saúde. Identificando os principais problemas de saúde, em cada área de atuação, verificou-se que as ações não correspondiam aos problemas das áreas de cobertura do PACS. Esta análise possibilitou a reorganização das ações de saúde dirigidas à população adscrita, tendo em vista suas necessidades. Apontou para a redefinição das práticas em programas de atenção básica. Uma vez que o PACS tem grande abrangência nos municípios, particularmente na região Nordeste do Brasil, é recomendável que suas práticas mereçam uma adequação em função da realidade local