[Influence of multimorbidity patterns on the activities in the day-to-day lives of the elderly: nine-year follow-up of the Fibra Study]. / Influência de padrões de multimorbidade nas atividades de vida diária da pessoa idosa: seguimento de nove anos do Estudo Fibra.

The scope of this article was to evaluate the influence of multimorbidity and associated effects on the activities in the day-to-day lives of community-dwelling elderly individuals. It involved a cohort study with data from the FIBRA Study, the baseline (2008-2009) and follow-up (2016-2017). The basic activities in daily living (ADL) were evaluated using Katz's index, and the chronic diseases were classified as: (1) multimorbidity and multimorbidity patterns; (2) cardiopulmonary; (3) vascular-metabolic; and (4) mental-musculoskeletal. The chi-square test and Poisson regression data were used for analysis. A total of 861 older adults with no functional dependency at baseline were analyzed. Elderly individuals with multimorbidity (RR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.19-2.10) and classified according to cardiopulmonary (RR = 2.43; 95%CI: 1.77-3.33), vascular-metabolic (RR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.19-1.89) and mental-musculoskeletal (RR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.03-1.65) had a higher risk of presenting functional decline in ADL in the follow-up compared to those who didn't have the same disease patterns. Multimorbidity and its patterns increased the risk of functional disability in older adults over the nine-year period.

O objetivo foi avaliar a influência da multimorbidade e seus padrões nas atividades básicas de vida diária da pessoa idosa residente na comunidade. Trata-se de estudo de coorte com dados provenientes do Estudo FIBRA, linha de base (2008-2009) e seguimento (2016-2017). As atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD) foram avaliadas pelo questionário de Katz e as doenças crônicas foram classificadas como (1) multimorbidade e padrões de multimorbidade: (2) cardiopulmonar; (3) vascular-metabólico; e (4) mental-musculoesquelético. Para a análise de dados, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão de Poisson. Foram analisados 861 indivíduos sem limitação para ABVD na linha de base. As pessoas idosas com multimorbidade (RR = 1,58; IC95%: 1,19-2,10) e classificados nos padrões cardiopulmonar (RR = 2,43; IC95%: 1,77-3,33), vascular-metabólico (RR = 1,50; IC95%: 1,19-1,89) e mental-musculoesquelético (RR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,03-1,65) tiveram maior risco de apresentar declínio funcional nas ABVD no seguimento em comparação aos que não tinham os mesmos padrões de doenças. A multimorbidade e seus padrões aumentaram o risco de incapacidade na pessoa idosa ao longo de nove anos.

Influência de padrões de multimorbidade nas atividades de vida diária da pessoa idosa: seguimento de nove anos do Estudo Fibra / Influence of multimorbidity patterns on the activities in the day-to-day lives of the elderly: nine-year follow-up of the Fibra Study

Resumo O objetivo foi avaliar a influência da multimorbidade e seus padrões nas atividades básicas de vida diária da pessoa idosa residente na comunidade. Trata-se de estudo de coorte com dados provenientes do Estudo FIBRA, linha de base (2008-2009) e seguimento (2016-2017). As atividades básicas de vida diária (ABVD) foram avaliadas pelo questionário de Katz e as doenças crônicas foram classificadas como (1) multimorbidade e padrões de multimorbidade: (2) cardiopulmonar; (3) vascular-metabólico; e (4) mental-musculoesquelético. Para a análise de dados, utilizou-se o teste qui-quadrado e a regressão de Poisson. Foram analisados 861 indivíduos sem limitação para ABVD na linha de base. As pessoas idosas com multimorbidade (RR = 1,58; IC95%: 1,19-2,10) e classificados nos padrões cardiopulmonar (RR = 2,43; IC95%: 1,77-3,33), vascular-metabólico (RR = 1,50; IC95%: 1,19-1,89) e mental-musculoesquelético (RR = 1,30; IC95%: 1,03-1,65) tiveram maior risco de apresentar declínio funcional nas ABVD no seguimento em comparação aos que não tinham os mesmos padrões de doenças. A multimorbidade e seus padrões aumentaram o risco de incapacidade na pessoa idosa ao longo de nove anos.

Abstract The scope of this article was to evaluate the influence of multimorbidity and associated effects on the activities in the day-to-day lives of community-dwelling elderly individuals. It involved a cohort study with data from the FIBRA Study, the baseline (2008-2009) and follow-up (2016-2017). The basic activities in daily living (ADL) were evaluated using Katz's index, and the chronic diseases were classified as: (1) multimorbidity and multimorbidity patterns; (2) cardiopulmonary; (3) vascular-metabolic; and (4) mental-musculoskeletal. The chi-square test and Poisson regression data were used for analysis. A total of 861 older adults with no functional dependency at baseline were analyzed. Elderly individuals with multimorbidity (RR = 1.58; 95%CI: 1.19-2.10) and classified according to cardiopulmonary (RR = 2.43; 95%CI: 1.77-3.33), vascular-metabolic (RR = 1.50; 95%CI: 1.19-1.89) and mental-musculoskeletal (RR = 1.30; 95%CI: 1.03-1.65) had a higher risk of presenting functional decline in ADL in the follow-up compared to those who didn't have the same disease patterns. Multimorbidity and its patterns increased the risk of functional disability in older adults over the nine-year period.

Ageism against older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review.

OBJECTIVE: To report the main results of studies on prejudice, stereotyping, and age-based discrimination (ageism) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is an integrative review of the literature on ageism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted between May and June 2020, with data collected from the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTS: Twenty-one publications addressing ageism during the pandemics, its origins, consequences, and ethical and political implications were analyzed. All publications were theoretical with a critical/reflexive approach, being 90,5% opinion articles (n = 19) and 9,5% research (n = 2). The main findings indicate criticisms regarding resources allocation and intensive care based exclusively on age. The results also highlight the impacts of social isolation, the use of technologies and social media, and intergenerational relationships within the COVID-19 scenario. CONCLUSION: According to most publications, although ageism has always been present, it became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of discrimination against older adults. "Ageist" discourses may exert a negative influence in older adults' lives, causing severe social and psychological impacts.

Ageism against older adults in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review / Ageismo contra idosos no contexto da pandemia da covid-19: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To report the main results of studies on prejudice, stereotyping, and age-based discrimination (ageism) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This is an integrative review of the literature on ageism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, conducted between May and June 2020, with data collected from the following databases: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs) and Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTS Twenty-one publications addressing ageism during the pandemics, its origins, consequences, and ethical and political implications were analyzed. All publications were theoretical with a critical/reflexive approach, being 90,5% opinion articles (n = 19) and 9,5% research (n = 2). The main findings indicate criticisms regarding resources allocation and intensive care based exclusively on age. The results also highlight the impacts of social isolation, the use of technologies and social media, and intergenerational relationships within the COVID-19 scenario. CONCLUSION According to most publications, although ageism has always been present, it became more evident during the COVID-19 pandemic as a form of discrimination against older adults. "Ageist" discourses may exert a negative influence in older adults' lives, causing severe social and psychological impacts.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Descrever os principais resultados de estudos sobre preconceito, estereotipia e discriminação relacionados à idade (ageismo) no contexto da pandemia da covid-19. MÉTODOS Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre o ageismo no contexto da pandemia da covid-19, realizada entre maio e junho de 2020, a partir das seguintes bases de dados: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE/PubMed), Web of Science (Thompson Reuters), Scopus (Elsevier Science), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO). RESULTADOS Foram analisadas 21 publicações que discorreram sobre o ageismo durante a pandemia, suas origens, consequências e implicações ético-políticas. As publicações identificadas são de natureza teórica com abordagem crítico-reflexiva, sendo 90,5% artigos opinativos (n = 19) e 9,5% de pesquisa (n = 2). Os principais resultados encontrados apontam críticas em relação à destinação de recursos e cuidados intensivos baseados exclusivamente no critério etário. São também apontados os impactos do isolamento social, o uso das tecnologias e mídias sociais e as relações intergeracionais no cenário da covid-19. CONCLUSÃO A maioria das publicações indicam que o ageismo sempre esteve presente, mas tornou-se mais evidente durante a pandemia da covid-19 como forma de discriminação contra idosos. Ressalta-se que discursos "ageistas" podem influenciar negativamente na vida dos idosos e causar impactos sociais e psicológicos prejudiciais.

Evaluation of a magnetic coagulant based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Moringa oleifera extract on tartrazine removal: coagulation-adsorption and kinetics studies.

The lack of data regarding the mechanisms at work in the coagulation processes of different substances using magnetic coagulants makes it difficult to understand the phenomena involved and, consequently, makes it difficult to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the coagulation process. Thus, the present study aimed at evaluating the performance of a magnetic coagulant composed of iron oxide (Fe3O4) functionalised with Moringa oleifera (MO) salt extract in the treatment of a synthetic food industry wastewater simulated by the addition of dye to distilled water. From the data obtained in the coagulation/flocculation assays followed by magnetic sedimentation, the different mechanisms involved were evaluated for their fit to pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Langmuir and Freundlich theoretical models. The adjustments to the models were evaluated from the kinetic data and indicated that at pH 3 the best fit was to the pseudo-second order model, whereas for pH 6 and 9 the best fit was for the pseudo-first order model. The isothermal data were adjusted to the Langmuir model, suggesting adsorption of a monolayer, characterising chemical processes with selective adsorption. In relation to the mechanisms involved in the process, it is suggested that the neutralisation of charges was the predominant mechanism in the removal of tartrazine at pH 3, whereas at the other pH values evaluated the mechanism that prevailed was monolayer adsorption. Thus, the proposed magnetic coagulant was found to be an efficient alternative material for tartrazine removal, allowing easy separation in the sedimentation stage while also being compatible with environmental issues.

The practical utility of the synthesis FeNi3@SiO2@TiO2 magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient photocatalyst for the humic acid degradation.

Humic acid (HA) compounds in drinking water and wastewater disinfection processes are viewed as precursors of highly toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic disinfection by-product chemicals. In recent times, these compounds have gained considerable attention of scientists for their successful removal from aqueous solutions to permissible limits. To achieve this aim, the present study investigated, for the first time, the photocatalytical performance of the synthesis FeNi3@SiO2@TiO2 nanoparticles for the HA degradation under different environmental conditions. The photocatalytic reactions were performed using ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whose intensity was fixed at 2500 µW/cm2 throughout the experimental study. The characterization study performed, using specific diagnostic techniques, revealed the presence of several good morphological, magnetic, and catalytic specifications of the synthesized nanoparticles. The use of the simplified form of the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation sufficiently describes the experimental data of the HA kinetic degradation, as it shows a high coefficient of regression values. Furthermore, the complete HA degradation was reached under conditions of pH = 3; initial HA concentration = 10 mg/L; FeNi3@SiO2@TiO2 nanoparticles dosage = 0.01 g/L; and reaction time >30 min. Thus, the results obtained from this research suggested that the catalyst of FeNi3@SiO2@TiO2 nanoparticles was an attractive, novel, and effective agent, which could be used for the degradation of HA in the photocatalytic processes.

Adsorption of cephalexin in aqueous media by graphene oxide: kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics.

The present study proposes the synthesis and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) and its application in the adsorption of the antibiotic cephalexin (CFX) in aqueous solution. The characterization of graphene oxide was obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential. The influence of pH on the batch adsorption process was investigated by analysing adsorption equilibrium isotherms and adsorption kinetics. The images obtained by SEM and TEM presented the typical morphology attributed to GO sheets. The kinetic adsorption tests showed that equilibrium was reached in 420 min, and an adsorption capacity of 164 mg g-1 was obtained. The models that best fit the experimental data were pseudo-second as well as the Langmuir isotherm. Therefore, GO was effective for removing the CFX antibiotic from aqueous solution by using a batch adsorption process.

Development of an activated carbon impregnation process with iron oxide nanoparticles by green synthesis for diclofenac adsorption.

The objective of this study was to impregnate the surface of palm coconut activated carbon with nanoparticles of iron compounds using Moringa oleifera leaf extracts and pomegranate leaf by a green synthesis method and to evaluate its adsorption capacity for sodium diclofenac. The adsorbent material was characterized by zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption/desorption (BET method), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) coupled to dispersive energy spectrometry X-ray (EDX) methods. To evaluate the adsorption capacity of sodium diclofenac, the influence of pH, kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamic properties were analysed. The impregnated adsorbents showed efficiency in the adsorption of sodium diclofenac. The kinetic model that best fit the experimental data was the pseudo-second-order model, and the equilibrium model was the Langmuir model. As for the thermodynamic study, it was verified that the adsorption reaction for all adsorbents occurs in a spontaneous, favourable way, and it is endothermic by physisorption. Therefore, this process is promising because it is a clean and non-toxic method when compared with chemical methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles.

Morbidades e associações com autoavaliação de saúde e capacidade funcional em idosos / Morbidities and associations with self-rated health and functional capacity in the older people

Resumo Objetivos investigar a relação entre número de doenças crônicas e autoavaliação de saúde/capacidade funcional em relação a sexo e diferentes níveis educacionais. Métodos foi realizado um estudo transversal com 419 idosos que haviam participado do estudo FIBRA, o qual investiga fragilidade em indivíduos idosos. Foram avaliadas variáveis sociodemográficas, doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, autoavaliação de saúde e capacidade funcional. Foi utilizado o teste qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher para testar as associações entre número de doenças e autoavaliação de saúde e capacidade funcional, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados A autoavaliação de saúde negativa foi significativamente associada com número de doenças crônicas na amostra geral, no sexo feminino e em ambas as categorias de escolaridade. Por outro lado, relatar dependência parcial ou total para realizar uma ou mais atividades instrumentais de vida diária (AIVDs) apresentou associação significativa para número de doenças crônicas na amostra completa, sexo feminino e 0 a 4 anos de escolaridade. Conclusão as doenças crônicas possuem um impacto negativo na autoavaliação de saúde, especialmente em mulheres e em relação aos anos de escolaridade; e na dependência funcional para AIVDs, especialmente em mulheres e pessoas com 0 a 4 anos de escolaridade.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the relationship between diseases and self-rated health / functional capacity between gender and in different educational levels. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with follow-up of 419 older adults who participated in the FIBRA Study, which investigated frailty in aged individuals. Socio-demographic variables, chronic non-communicable diseases, self-rated health and functional capacity were evaluated. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test were used to test associations between the number of diseases and self-rated health and functional capacity, with the significance level set to 5%. Results Negative self-rated health was significantly associated with the number of chronic diseases in the overall sample, among women and in both schooling categories. Having partial or total dependency on at least one or more instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) showed a significant association for number of chronic diseases in the overall sample, among women and among individuals with 0 to four years of schooling. Conclusion The chronic diseases seem to have a negative impact on self-rated health, especially in women and in relation to years of schooling, and they seem to have a functional disability in relation to instrumental activities of daily living, especially in women and the old people with 0 to 4 years of schooling.

Dor crônica em idosos e associações diretas e indiretas com variáveis sociodemográficas e de condições de saúde: uma análise de caminhos / Chronic pain in older adults and direct and indirect associations with sociodemographic and health-related characteristics: a path analysis

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de dor crônica em idosos acima de 70 anos de idade e as relações diretas e indiretas entre dor crônica e variáveis sociodemográficas e de condições de saúde. Método Estudo transversal, realizado com 419 idosos de 72 anos ou mais, entre 2016 e 2017. Os participantes são provenientes do estudo de seguimento do Estudo FIBRA, que incluiu idosos não institucionalizados residentes da zona urbana dos municípios de Campinas e Ermelino Matarazzo, do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A variável mediadora foi dor crônica, avaliada positivamente pelo autorrelato da presença de dor nos últimos seis meses. As variáveis independentes contempladas foram: sociodemográficas, comportamentos relacionados à saúde, multimorbidade, sintomas depressivos, insônia e autoavaliação de saúde. As relações diretas e indiretas foram testadas por meio da análise de caminhos. Resultados 57,0% da população estudada relatou dor crônica. O sexo feminino, o Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) elevado, a multimorbidade e os sintomas de insônia e de depressão apresentaram associação direta com dor crônica. A dor crônica figurou como variável mediadora das associações entre autoavaliação de saúde e gênero, IMC, multimorbidade e sintomas de insônia. Conclusão Os dados mostram uma rede de interações da dor crônica com variáveis sociodemográficas e de condições de saúde. Esse conhecimento poderá beneficiar o manejo e o cuidado à pessoa idosa acometida por dor crônica.

Abstract Objective Identify the prevalence of chronic pain in individuals older than 70 years of age and identify relations between chronic pain and both sociodemographic and health-related characteristics to determine the role of chronic pain as a mediator between these variables in relation to self-rated health. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 419 individuals aged 72 years and older, between the years of 2016 and 2017. The participants were from the follow-up of the FIBRA Study, which included non-institutionalized older adults living in urban areas of the cities of Campinas and Ermelino Matarazzo in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The mediating variable was chronic pain, which was assessed by the self-report of the presence of pain in the previous six months. The independent variables were sociodemographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, multimorbidity, depressive symptoms, insomnia and self-rated health. Direct and indirect relations were tested using path analysis. Results A total of 57.0% of the sample reported chronic pain. The female gender, a high body mass index (BMI), multimorbidity, insomnia, and depressive symptoms were directly associated with chronic pain. Chronic pain figured as a mediator variable in the associations between self-rated health and gender, BMI, multimorbidity, and symptoms of insomnia. Conclusion Data demonstrate a complex network of interactions between chronic pain and both sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Such knowledge can benefit the management and care of the older adults affected with chronic pain.

Combined Effect of Dynapenia (Muscle Weakness) and Low Vitamin D Status on Incident Disability.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There is little epidemiologic evidence considering the combined effect of dynapenia and low 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] on incident disability. Our aim was to investigate whether the combination of dynapenia and low 25 (OH) D serum levels increases the risk of activities of daily living (ADL) incident disability. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTINGS: English Longitudinal Study of Aging. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4630 community-dwelling adults aged 50 years and older without ADL disability at baseline. MEASUREMENTS: The baseline sample was categorized into 4 groups (ie, nondynapenic/normal 25 (OH) D, low 25 (OH) D only, dynapenic only, and dynapenic/low 25 (OH) D according to their handgrip strength (<26 kg for men and <16 kg for women) and 25 (OH) D (≤50 nmol/L). The outcome was the presence of any ADL disability 2 years after baseline according to the modified Katz Index. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) adjusted by sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics were estimated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The fully adjusted model showed that older adults with dynapenia only and those with lower serum levels of 25 (OH) D combined with dynapenia had higher incident ADL disability risk compared with nondynapenic and those with normal serum levels of 25 (OH) D. The IRRs for lower 25 (OH) D serum levels combined with dynapenia were higher than for dynapenia only, however, the confidence intervals (CIs) showed similar effect for these 2 groups. The IRRs were 1.31 for low 25(OH) D only (95% CI 0.99-1.74), 1.77 for dynapenia only (95% CI 1.08-2.88), and 1.94 for combined dynapenia and low 25(OH)D (95% CI 1.28-2.94). CONCLUSIONS: Dynapenia only and dynapenia combined with low 25 (OH) D serum levels were important risk factors for ADL disability in middle-aged individuals and older adults in 2 years of follow-up.

Lack of accessibility in public transport and inadequacy of sidewalks: effects on the social participation of elderly persons with functional limitations / Falta de acessibilidade no transporte público e inadequação de calçadas: efeitos na participação social de pessoas idosas com limitações funcionais

Abstract Objective: To analyze the association between the decline in the mobility of community dwelling elderly persons in São Paulo, Brazil and their capacity to use public transportation, and its impact on their quality of life and social participation. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 32 community dwelling elderly persons, of both genders (59% female), with an average age of 75.5 years (±9.2). The participants were evaluated by functional mobility, risk of falls, fear of falls and independence in activities of daily living. In addition, the perception of the elderly persons of their mobility on public transport and its impact on their social participation was evaluated. The elderly persons were divided into two groups: with mobility impairment and without mobility impairment. The groups were compared using the Fisher's Exact, Chi-Squared and Mann-Whitney tests, and the unpaired Student's t-test. An alpha level of 0.05 was adopted as a level of statistical significance. Result: Elderly persons with greater mobility impairment exhibited greater difficulty accessing public transport and a greater number of falls during their use of the same. Elderly persons who reported difficulty accessing public transport suffered greater impact on their social participation and quality of life. Conclusion: Elderly persons with greater mobility impairment had a greater number of complaints related to public transport. Additionally, they suffered a greater impact on their social participation, characterized by limitations in their capacity for independent movement around the city, limiting their social activities. AU

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre o declínio da mobilidade de idosos da comunidade em São Paulo, SP, Brasil, com a sua capacidade de utilização do transporte público e seu impacto na qualidade de vida e participação social. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal no qual foram incluídos 32 idosos, de ambos os sexos (59% mulheres), com média de idade de 75,5 anos (±9,2). Os participantes foram avaliados em relação a mobilidade funcional, risco de quedas, medo de cair, independência nas atividades de vida diária e na vida social. Além disso, foi avaliada a percepção dos idosos sobre a mobilidade no transporte público e o seu impacto na sua participação social. Os idosos foram divididos em dois grupos: sem deficiência de mobilidade e com deficiência de mobilidade. Os grupos foram comparados por meio dos testes: exato de Fisher, qui-quadrado, Mann-Whitney e o teste t de Student não pareado. Foi adotado alfa de 0,05 como nível de significância estatística. Resultado: Idosos com maior comprometimento da mobilidade apresentaram maior dificuldade para acessar o transporte público e maior número de quedas durante a sua utilização. Os idosos que relataram ter dificuldade em acessar o transporte público sofreram maior impacto na participação social e na qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Idosos com maior comprometimento da mobilidade apresentam maior número de queixas relacionadas ao transporte público. Além disso, sofrem maior impacto na participação social caracterizado pela limitação na capacidade de deslocamento de forma independente pela cidade, o que limita suas atividades sociais. AU

The effect of supervised and home based exercises on balance in elderly subjects: a randomized controlled trial to prevent falls / O efeito do exercício físico supervisionado e domiciliar sobre o equilíbrio de indivíduos idosos: ensaio clínico randomizado para prevenção de quedas

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of a balance training program on the semi-static balance of elderly persons by comparing a supervised group with individual home-based application. Method: A blinded randomized controlled multi-arm trial was conducted. The elderly individuals were randomized into: Supervised Group (SG; n=18); Domiciliary Group (DG; n=20) and Control Group (CG; n=18). The SG and DG participated in twice weekly training sessions for 10 weeks. A posturography evaluation was performed based on velocity, anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) medial amplitude variables in firm surface with eyes open (FSEO) and closed (FSEC), tandem stance with eyes open (Tandem EO) and closed (Tandem EC), and single-leg stance (SL) situations. Two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc were used for parametric data, the Friedman and Wilcoxon post-hoc tests were used for intragroup analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney post-hoc tests were used for intergroup analysis. Results: In intergroup analysis, the DG group showed improvement in body sway in the Tandem EC (velocity and medial amplitude AP) and single-leg stance (medial amplitude ML) situations. The SG showed a decline in the Tandem EO situation in all the variables. In intergroup analysis, the DG showed improvement in the FSEO position (medial amplitude ML), in the Tandem EC position (medial velocity ML), and the single-leg stance position (medial amplitude AP and ML). The SG showed improvement in the FSEO position (medial amplitude ML) and the single-leg stance position (medial amplitude AP), but showed a decline in the FSEO (variable medial velocity AP) and Tandem EO position (medial amplitude AP). Conclusion: The exercises were beneficial for the balance of the elderly individuals, with the DG presenting the best results. REBEC: RBR-3S9M65.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de treinamento sobre o equilíbrio semiestático de idosos, comparando a forma de aplicação supervisionada em grupo e individual domiciliar. Método: Ensaio clínico cego randomizado controlado com múltiplos braços. Idosos randomizados em Grupo Supervisionado (GS; n=18); Grupo Domiciliar (GD; n=20) e Grupo Controle (GC; n=18). O GS e o GD participaram do treinamento por 10 semanas, duas vezes por semana. O equilíbrio foi avaliado pela posturografia [variáveis velocidade e amplitude média antero-posterior (AP) e médio-lateral (ML)] nas situações: plataforma fixa olhos abertos (PFOA), plataforma fixa olhos fechados (PFOF), tandem olhos abertos (Tandem OA), tandem olhos fechados (Tandem OF) e Unipodal. ANOVA two-way e post-hoc de Tukey foram utilizados nos dados paramétricos, teste de Friedman e post-hoc de Wilcoxon para análise intragrupos e teste de Kruskal-Wallis e post-hoc de Mann-Whitney para análise intergrupos. Resultados: Na análise intragrupo, o GD apresentou melhora na oscilação corporal pós-treinamento nas posições Tandem OF (velocidade e amplitude média AP) e Unipodal (amplitude média ML). O GS apresentou piora na posição Tandem OA em todas as variáveis. Na análise intergrupo, o GD apresentou melhora na posição PFOA (amplitude média ML), Tandem OF (velocidade média ML) e Unipodal (amplitude média AP e ML). Já o GS apresentou melhora na posição PFOA (amplitude média ML) e Unipodal (amplitude média AP), contudo apresentou piora na posição PFOA (variável velocidade média AP) e na Tandem OA (amplitude média AP). Conclusão: Os exercícios proporcionaram benefícios para o equilíbrio dos idosos investigados, embora o GD tenha apresentado os melhores resultados. REBEC: RBR-3S9M65.

Cellophane and filter paper as cellulosic support for silver nanoparticles and its thermal decomposition catalysis.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted great attention due to its optical, electrical and thermal properties. Cellulosic supports for these nanoparticles are of particular interest because of its availability, flexibility and biocompatibility. In this work, AgNPs were synthesized using two cellulosic materials, cellophane (CP) and filter paper (FP), as matrix support. Cellulosic materials were immersed in an aqueous solution of silver nitrate containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and then reduced with hydroxylamine. The obtained nanocomposites (CP-AgNPs and FP-AgNPs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (DRX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). AgNPs of near 15nm anchored onto cellulosic surfaces were detected. The thermal properties of these materials were investigated through thermogravimetry (TG). Their kinetic of thermal decomposition was studied by the Vyasovkin method of dynamic isoconvertion, which indicated a catalytic effect of AgNPs in the cellulose thermal decomposition reaction.

Targeting cancer with nano-bullets: curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol and quercetin on flying carpets.

It is becoming progressively more understandable that different phytochemicals isolated from edible plants interfere with specific stages of carcinogenesis. Cancer cells have evolved hallmark mechanisms to escape from death. Concordant with this approach, there is a disruption of spatiotemproal behaviour of signaling cascades in cancer cells, which can escape from apoptosis because of downregulation of tumor suppressor genes and over- expression of oncogenes. Genomic instability, intra-tumor heterogeneity, cellular plasticity and metastasizing potential of cancer cells all are related to molecular alterations. Data obtained through in vitro studies has convincingly revealed that curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol and quercetin are promising anticancer agents. Their efficacy has been tested in tumor xenografted mice and considerable experimental findings have stimulated researchers to further improve the bioavailability of these nutraceuticals. We partition this review into different sections with emphasis on how bioavailability of curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol and quercetin has improved using different nanotechnology approaches.

Ionizing radiations induce apoptosis in TRAIL resistant cancer cells: in vivo and in vitro analysis.

Increasingly it is being realized that despite considerable advancements in therapeutic interventions related to treatment of cancer, satisfactory results are still difficult to achieve. Rapidly accumulating evidence has started to shed light on the fact that cancer cells escape from death via constitutive activation of pro-survival signaling cascades. Cell biology and genetics have extensively enhanced our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie loss of apoptosis in cancer cells. This review is focused on ionizing radiation mediated restoration of TRAIL mediated apoptosis as evidenced by cell culture and animal model studies. Moreover, we also bring to the limelight radiation induced expression of miRNAs and how miRNAs further control response of cancer cells to radiation.

Optimization of maghemite-loaded PLGA nanospheres for biomedical applications.

Magnetic nanoparticles have been proposed as interesting tools for biomedical purposes. One of their promising utilization is the MRI in which magnetic substances like maghemite are used in a nanometric size and encapsulated within locally biodegradable nanoparticles. In this work, maghemite has been obtained by a modified sol-gel method and encapsulated in polymer-based nanospheres. The nanospheres have been prepared by single emulsion evaporation method. The different parameters influencing the size, polydispersity index and zeta potential surface of nanospheres were investigated. The size of nanospheres was found to increase as the concentration of PLGA increases, but lower sizes were obtained for 3 min of sonication time and surfactant concentration of 1%. Zeta potential response of magnetic nanospheres towards pH variation was similar to that of maghemite-free nanospheres confirming the encapsulation of maghemite within PLGA nanospheres. The maghemite entrapment efficiency and maghemite content for nanospheres are 12% and 0.59% w/w respectively.

Dor nas costas em estudantes do último ano de fisioterapia: um estudo de prevalência / Back pain in students of the last year of physiotherapy course: a prevalence study

As dores na coluna vertebral vêm acometendo um número cada vez maior de trabalhadores das mais diversas áreas profissionais. O fator principal para o surgimento desses incômodos é a má postura adotada durante a jornada de trabalho. O estudante de fisioterapia é educado para tratar pacientes com alterações físicas e ensiná-los a evitar dores na coluna. Dessa forma, este estudo objetivou analisar a prevalência de dores nas costas em acadêmicos do último ano de fisioterapia e localizar a região mais acometida. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo de caráter exploratório, transversal e descritivo, composta por 60 alunos de três faculdades de Fortaleza. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de um questionário durante o mês de maio de 2006. Os resultados mostram que 88,3% dos alunos que participaram da pesquisa tinham dores nas costas, comprometendo principalmente, a região lombar. A maneira incorreta na qual eles se portam durante os atendimentos, a utilização de calçados inapropriados, além das obrigações que o estudante do último ano tem a cumprir, como provas e prazos da monografia, o que pode levar, muitas vezes, a uma sobrecarga mental e ao sedentarismo provocando assim as dores. Concluímos que os estudantes sofrem muito de dor na coluna, devendo, portanto, rever o aspecto ergonômico e preventivo para proporcionar uma melhor qualidade de vida do seu futuro desempenho profissional, assim como realizar atividade física.