Baccharis anomala DC. extract reduces inflammation and attenuates hepatic fibrosis in vivo by decreasing NF-kB and extracellular matrix compounds.

Baccharis anomala DC. (BA) is a plant species found in the tropical regions of South America and is widely used for its hepatoprotective effects, as well as for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. Studies have recently reported its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. BA extract can reverse the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), which plays a central role in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the development of liver fibrosis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the treatment with BA extract on liver fibrosis in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in BALB/c mice. Methanolic extract was obtained from BA leaves, a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect the compounds present was performed, and then administered by intraperitoneal injection in Balb/C mice at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg together with the administration of CCl4 for inducing liver fibrosis. After 10 weeks, blood analysis, histopathology, oxidative stress, as well as protein and gene expression in the hepatic tissue were performed. Treatment with BA extract was able to reduce profibrotic markers by reducing the expression of α-SMA and Col-1 proteins, as well as reducing the formation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. (BA extract showed anti-inflammatory effects in the liver by suppressing NF-kB activation and reducing gene expression of signaling targets (IL-6 and iNOS). The data obtained showed that BA extract has antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Bezafibrate reduces the damage, activation and mechanical properties of lung fibroblast cells induced by hydrogen peroxide.

In pulmonary fibrosis, the proliferation of fibroblasts and their differentiation into myofibroblasts is often caused by tissue damage, such as oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which leads to progressive rupture and thus destruction of the alveolar architecture, resulting in cell proliferation and tissue remodeling. Bezafibrate (BZF) is an important member of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARs) family agonists, used in clinical practice as antihyperlipidemic. However, the antifibrotic effects of BZF are still poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of BZF on pulmonary oxidative damage in lung fibroblast cells. MRC-5 cells were treated with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress activation and BZF treatment was administered at the same moment as H2O2 induction. The outcomes evaluated were cell proliferation and cell viability; oxidative stress markers such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), catalase (CAT) levels and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); col-1 and α-SMA mRNA expression and cellular elasticity through Young's modulus analysis evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The H2O2-induced oxidative damage decreased the cell viability and increased ROS levels and decreased CAT activity in MRC-5 cells. The expression of α-SMA and the cell stiffness increased in response to H2O2 treatment. Treatment with BZF decreased the MRC-5 cell proliferation, ROS levels, reestablished CAT levels, decreased the mRNA expression of type I collagen protein (col-1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and cellular elasticity even with H2O2 induction. Our results suggest that BZF has a potential protective effect on H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These results are based on an in vitro experiment, derived from a fetal lung cell line and may emerge as a possible new therapy for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Conventional Mirror Therapy versus Immersive Virtual Reality Mirror Therapy: The Perceived Usability after Stroke.

Background: Stroke is a widespread and complex health issue, with many survivors requiring long-term rehabilitation due to upper-limb impairment. This study is aimed at comparing the perceived usability of two feedback-based stroke therapies: conventional mirror therapy (MT) and immersive virtual reality mirror therapy (VR). Methods: The study involved 45 participants, divided into three groups: the stroke survivors (n = 15), stroke-free older adults (n = 15), and young controls (n = 15). Participants performed two tasks using both MT and VR in a semirandom sequence. Usability instruments (SUS and NASA-TLX) were applied at the end of the activities, along with two experience-related questions. Results: The results indicated that both MT and VR had similar levels of perceived usability, with MT being more adaptable and causing less overall discomfort. Conversely, VR increased the perception of task difficulty and prevented participants from diverting their attention from the mirror-based feedback. Conclusion: While VR was found to be less comfortable than MT, both systems exhibited similar perceived usability. The comfort levels of the goggles may play a crucial role in determining the usability of VR for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke.

Simvastatin attenuates inflammatory process on LPS-induced acute lung injury in mice.

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a disease of high prevalence and is characterized by the excessive production of inflammatory mediators in the lungs of people sick. Inflammation is the major characteristic of ALI and studies report that inhibition of inflammatory cytokines could be an alternative treatment. Statins such as Simvastatin (SV) are known to their use for cholesterol reduction but also for inflammatory and immunoregulatory processes. In this study, we evaluated the effects of SV on LPS-induced alveolar macrophages and in ALI mice model. Our study has demonstrated the protective effects of SV on LPS-activated alveolar macrophages RAW 264.7 and LPS-induced ALI in mice. SV treatment significantly inhibited the alveolar macrophages activation by decreasing the iNOS, IL-1ß, and IL-6 gene expression in vitro and in vivo. The treatment also decreased the inflammatory cells migration and the cytokines gene expression. Our findings suggest that SV can act as an anti-inflammatory agent for acute lung injury.

Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum extract inhibits the proliferation of an activated hepatic stellate cell line (GRX) by regulating the p27 pathway to generate cell cycle arrest.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The chosen plant and its extracts have been an alternative in the treatment of several inflammatory and oxidant diseases, and is therefore a viable option for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to use Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum, mainly the ethanolic extract and fractions, in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracts were prepared from dried leaves in 100% ethanol (ET) and fractionated with an increased polarity solvent (dichloromethane to methanol). The quantification of compounds in the extracts was characterized by GCMS. The decrease in cell proliferation and the cytotoxicity of the extracts were evaluated together with the mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagy. The expression of genes associated with decreased fibrosis and cell cycle control was assessed and the production of lipid droplets was quantified by Oil Red O staining. RESULTS: The experiments showed that treatment with ET and fraction 1 (F1) inhibited the expression of CDKIs (CCDN1, CDK2, CDK4 and CDK6) through an increase in p27, related to an increase in autophagic vesicles. The extract and F1 were able to decrease proliferation and revert the activated state of GRX cells to their quiescent state. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that extracts obtained from Moquiniastrum polymorphum subsp. polymorphum have a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.

Coumaric acid from M. polymorphum extracts reverses the activated state of hepatic stellate cells (GRX) and inhibits their proliferation by decreasing the p53/p21 pathway.

Coumaric acid is a phenolic compound found in medicinal plants. Its use has been reported in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, prevention of alterations induced by oxidative stress, as well as acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, this study evaluated coumaric acid as a potential treatment for liver fibrosis. Cell proliferation was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion technique and the cytotoxicity of coumaric acid was performed using an LDH assay. Mechanisms of cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of genes associated with apoptosis, cell cycle control, and fibrosis was assessed by qPCR. The production of lipid droplets was quantified by oil red staining. The experiments performed showed that the treatment with coumaric acid was able to reduce cell proliferation without causing cell cytotoxicity or apoptosis. Coumaric acid was able to inhibit the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK's (CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6), increasing p53 and p21, which could lead to cell cycle arrest. Treatment with coumaric acid was also able to revert the activated phenotype of GRX cells to their quiescent state. Thus, our results suggest that coumaric acid has a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.

Utilização da posição prona em ventilação espontânea em paciente com COVID-19: relato de caso / The use of the prone position in spontaneous ventilation in a patient with COVID-19: a case report

OBJETIVO: Descrever caso de uma paciente adulta com COVID-19, internada em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e submetida à posição prona. RELATO DO CASO: paciente do sexo feminino, 44 anos, portadora de síndrome metabólica prévia, com síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida, chegou ao pronto atendimento apresentando febre, congestão nasal, negando dispneia. Após a realização de exames clínicos e de imagem, foi transferida para a UTI, com suspeita de COVID-19. Na chegada na unidade intensiva, estava respirando espontaneamente com oxigenoterapia de baixo fluxo à 5L/min, apresentando hipoxemia (SpO2 = 88% e PaO2=76mmHg). Além das terapias médicas instituídas, foi orientada a se posicionar na PP durante um período de 15 a 30 minutos, realizado uma vez por turno. Após o primeiro posicionamento foi possível observar melhora na difusão pulmonar, pois a gasometria arterial demonstrou aumento da PaO2 para 96mmHg e de 18% na relação PaO2/FiO2, além de evolução clínica favorável. CONCLUSÕES: A indicação precoce da PP como terapia adicional no tratamento de paciente com COVID-19 pode ter contribuído para o desfecho clínico favorável, principalmente no que tange à oxigenação, evidenciada através da melhora de parâmetros de PaO2, relação PaO2/FiO2 e progressão com alta hospitalar.

OBJECTIVE: Describes a case of an adult COVID-19, who was addmited patient admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and submitted to the prone position. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 44 years old, with a previous metabolic syndrome and acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome, arrived at the emergency department. She had fever, nasal congestion, but without dyspnea. After clinical and imaging tests, she was transferred to an ICU, with suspected COVID-19. Upon arrival at the intensive unit, she was breathing spontaneously with low flow oxygen therapy, presenting hypoxemia. In addition to the established medical therapies, he was instructed to position himself in the PP for a period of 15 to 30 minutes, performed once when turning. Arterial blood gases increase to 96mmHg in PaO2 and consequently 18% in the PaO2 / FiO2 ratio, in addition to the favorable clinical evolution. CONCLUSIONS: The early indication of PP as an additional therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, can have contributed to the favorable clinical outcome, especially with regard to oxygenation, evidenced by the improvement of PaO2 parameters, PaO2/FiO2 ratio and progress discharged.

Mars walking simulation: An electromyographic analysis.

CONTEXT: With a long duration return mission to Mars on the horizon, we must learn as much about the environment and its influence on the musculoskeletal system as possible to develop countermeasures and mitigate deleterious health effects and maladaptation. AIMS: To determine the influence of simulated Mars gravity on the activity of four locomotor muscles while walking, in comparison to 1 G, using lower body positive pressure (LBPP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 14 male subjects (mean age: 20.6 ± 2.4 years) performed bouts of walking in both simulated Mars gravity (0.38 G) and Earth gravity (1 G) using an LBPP device. The dependent variables were the muscle activity evoked in the tibialis anterior, vastus lateralis, gluteus maximus and lateral portion of the gastrocnemius, measured using electromyography and expressed as percentages of maximum voluntary isometric contractions, and heart rate (HR). For statistical analysis, a paired t-test was performed. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. RESULTS: No significant differences in muscle activity were found across conditions for any of the investigated muscles. A significant mean difference in the HR was identified between Earth (105.15 ± 8.1 bpm) and Mars (98.15 ± 10.44 bpm) conditions (P = 0.027), wherein the HR was lower during the Mars trial. CONCLUSIONS: The Mars environment may not result in any deteriorative implications for the musculoskeletal system. However, if future research should report that stride frequency and thus activation frequency is decreased in the simulated Mars gravity, negative implications may be posed for muscle retention and reconditioning efforts on the Red Planet.

Fructose-1,6-Bisphosphate Prevents Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice and Inhibits the Proliferation of Lung Fibroblasts.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a specific form of interstitial pneumonia. In addition to the idiopathic cause, it may be caused by drugs such as bleomycin (BLM)-used in the treatment of tumors. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) is a high-energy endogenous glycolytic compound that has antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FBP on both BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and in a human embryonic lung fibroblast (MRC-5) culture system. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: control, FBP, BLM, and BLM plus FBP. A single dose of bleomycin (7.5 U/kg) was administered intratracheally, and survival, body weight, Ashcroft score, and histological analysis were evaluated. Pulmonary function and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were also evaluated after a single dose of bleomycin (1.2 U/kg-intratracheally). Treatment with FBP (500 mg/kg) was given on day 0 intraperitoneally. Fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells) were used to access the effect of FBP in vitro. In vivo, FBP increased the survival rate and reduced body weight loss (BLM vs. BLM plus FBP-p < 0.05). FBP also prevented BLM-induced loss of pulmonary function and decreased BALF inflammatory cells, level of fibrosis, and superficial collagen density (p < 0.05). In vitro, FBP (0.62 and 1.25 mM) had inhibitory activity on MRC-5 cells and was able to induce senescence in fibroblasts. These results showed that FBP has the potential of reducing the toxic effects of BLM and may provide supportive therapy for conventional methods used for the treatment of cancer.

Changes in Cervical Lordosis After Orthognathic Surgery in Skeletal Class III Patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cervical lordosis and head posture changes using lateral cephalographs after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery for mandibular prognatism by null hypothesis. Twenty-five patients with skeletal class III dentofacial deformities (10 men, 15 women; mean age, 29.28 ±â€Š8.23 years; range 18-48 years) were included in this prospective clinical study. Lateral cephalographs were taken in natural head position (NHP) 2 weeks before and 6 months after orthognathic surgery. The reproducibility of the radiographer's technique of taking radiographs in NHP was investigated using a photographic method and found to be acceptable. All measurements for cervical lordosis (CV1/CV2; CV3/CV7; CV1/CV7), head posture (NSL/OPT; NSL/VER), and other cephalometric values (NSL/Go-Gn; NSL/OCL; Overjet) were repeated 3 times by the same blinded investigator at 2-week intervals and the average values of the 3 measurements were calculated to use in statistical analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged between 0.996 and 1.000, demonstrating a high reliability of the measures. Statistically significant differences were found for CV3/CV7 (P = 0.006) and CV1/CV7 (P = 0.005) and no significant differences were identified in head posture for both cranio-cervical and cranio-vertical angles. The null hypothesis was rejected. Orthognathic surgery resulted in significant cervical lordosis extension, and a tendency for head extension could also be observed.

Postural assessment in class III patients before and after orthognathic surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess body posture before and after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery by photogrammetry in skeletal class III patients. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with skeletal class III dentofacial deformities (14 men, 17 women) who underwent orthodontic preparation for surgery were included in this non-randomized controlled trial. Of these, 15 who did not undergo orthognathic surgery during the period of this study served as controls. Postural assessment was performed by photogrammetry using SAPO® (Postural Assessment Software) based on anterior-, posterior-, and lateral-view images taken 1 month before and 4 months after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with internal rigid fixation (or 4 months after the initial assessment, for the control group). The study was approved by PUCRS Research Ethics Committee, and written informed consent was obtained from all individual participants prior to their inclusion in the study. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between groups for age, gender, and GAP. In the intervention group, the right leg/hindfoot angle, which initially indicated a valgus deformity, normalized after intervention (P < 0.048). Posterior displacement of the head (P < 0.005) and trunk (P < 0.004) were observed after intervention. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that correction of class III dentofacial deformities by bimaxillary orthognathic surgery can produce systemic postural adjustments, especially posterior displacement of the head and trunk and knee and ankle valgus.

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulates mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells through calcium and phosphate uptake.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on pre-osteoblast mineralization using in vitro bioassays. Pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to LIPUS at 1 MHz frequency, 0.2 W/cm2 intensity and 20% duty cycle for 30 min. The analyses were carried out up to 336 h (14 days) after exposure. The concentration of collagen, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, calcium and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1) in cell supernatant and the presence of calcium deposits in the cells were analyzed. Our results showed that LIPUS promotes mineralized nodules formation. Collagen, phosphate, and calcium levels were decreased in cell supernatant at 192 h after LIPUS exposure. However, alkaline phosphatase and TGF-ß1 concentrations remained unchanged. Therapeutic pulsed ultrasound is capable of stimulating differentiation and mineralization of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells by calcium and phosphate uptake with consequent hydroxyapatite formation.

Postural Assessment in Class III Patients Before Orthognathic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the postural characteristics of patients with Class III dentofacial deformities before orthognathic surgery by photogrammetry using SAPO postural assessment software. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Eligible participants were adult patients who had an indication for orthognathic surgery to correct skeletal Class III dentofacial deformities and were undergoing orthodontic preparation for surgery. Patients were recruited at the outpatient clinic for dentofacial deformities of the authors' institution from March to November 2015. Postural assessment was performed by photogrammetry based on anterior, posterior, and lateral images, which were analyzed using SAPO software. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 40 patients with a mean age of 28.7 years; 55% were men. Postural changes were found in most anatomic structures, and the main changes were anterior displacement of the center of gravity (sagittal plane asymmetry, 43.77%) and a tendency to left lateral deviation (frontal plane asymmetry, -3.89%). The anterior view showed a pattern of head tilt to the left (measured value minus reference value [Δ], -0.22), elevation of the left acromion (Δ, 2.31), elevation of the right anterior superior iliac spine (Δ, -0.56), right knee with genu varum (Δ, 1.25), and left knee with genu valgum (Δ, -1.55). The posterior view displayed scapular asymmetry with abduction of the right scapula (Δ, 7.54) and valgus foot deformity (Δright, 8.35; Δleft, 11.60). The lateral view depicted decreased cervical lordosis (Δright, 22.63; Δleft, 19.98), pelvic anteversion (Δright, -0.56; Δleft, -0.26), and genu flexum at the right (Δ, 6.85) and left (Δ, 4.40) knees. Twenty-seven patients (67.5%) reported temporomandibular joint pain. CONCLUSIONS: Postural assessment by photogrammetry showed that most anatomic structures were outside the normal range in patients with skeletal Class III dentofacial deformities before orthognathic surgery. These results suggest that dentofacial abnormalities can lead to postural disorders in this population.

Chordata method combined with electrotherapy in functional recovery after brachial plexus injury: report of three clinical cases / Método Chordata combinado com eletroterapia na recuperação funcional após lesão do plexo braquial: relato de três casos clínicos

AIMS: To report three clinical cases of complex brachial plexus injury treated with an innovative physical therapy program, the Chordata Method, combined with electrotherapy. CASE DESCRIPTION: Three patients suffered a complex brachial plexus injury. They were submitted to surgery and to long-term rehabilitation with the Chordata method (including suspension and tilting exercises) combined with electrotherapy. All patients exhibited significant signs of recovery in post-treatment electroneuromyography. Moreover, improvements in muscle strength and in the range of motion of the injured upper limb were also observed, leading to better posture and gains in activities of daily living (e.g., driving a modified car, holding objects, performing household chores, and doing leisure activities). CONSLUSIONS: There was great functional recovery after the physical therapy program with the Chordata Method combined with electrotherapy, with an impact on patients' daily lives as well as on electroneuromyography findings. Randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm or refute this new non-pharmacological strategy for the treatment of brachial plexus injuries.

OBJETIVOS: Descrever três casos clínicos em que os indivíduos tiveram lesão de plexo braquial complexa, tratada com um programa inovador de fisioterapia, o Método Chordata, associado à eletroterapia. DESCRIÇÃO DOS CASOS: Três pacientes sofreram lesões complexas do plexo braquial. Os três sujeitos foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica e a um longo período de reabilitação com o emprego do método Chordata (envolvendo exercícios de suspensão e pendulação corporal), combinada com a eletroterapia. Todos os pacientes apresentaram sinais significativos de recuperação na eletroneuromiografia pós-tratamento. Além disso, os três também apresentaram melhora na força muscular e nas amplitudes de movimento do membro superior acometido. Observou-se melhor postura e ganhos importantes nas atividades de vida diária (tais como dirigir um carro modificado, segurar objetos, realizar tarefas domésticas e atividades de lazer). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados revelaram uma importante recuperação funcional após o programa de fisioterapia com o Método Chordata associado à eletroterapia, com impacto na vida diária dos pacientes, bem como nos achados eletroneuromiográficos. Ensaios clínicos randomizados são necessários para confirmar ou refutar esta nova estratégia terapêutica não farmacológica nas lesões de plexo braquial.

Biochemical and inflammatory aspects in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: The predictive role of IL-18 in mortality.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a major health care problem, with a significant mortality rate in intensive care units. We evaluated biochemical and inflammatory markers in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock and its association of with mortality rates. METHODS: Critically ill patients with diagnoses of sepsis - severe sepsis group (n=23) and septic shock group (n=25), and a control group (n=17) were recruited within 24h of entry into the ICU. Serum levels of inflammatory mediators were measured (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, IL-18 and nitric oxide). We have also collected clinical parameters and laboratorial tests to estimate severity and organ dysfunction (APACHE II, SOFA, lactate). These results were compared between survivors and no survivors. RESULTS: IL-18 was directly related to mortality independently of other inflammatory mediators, especially IL-1ß, although the inflammatory pathway is closely linked to inflammasome activation and both have simultaneous release in the infectious process. Mortality was directly proportional to IL-18 plasma levels, which did not occur with other inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSIONS: IL-18 is an important predictor of mortality in humans with both severe sepsis and septic shock, independent of IL-1ß.

Gallic acid reduces the effect of LPS on apoptosis and inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.

Apoptosis and NETosis of neutrophils are two major mechanisms of programmed cell death that differ in their morphological characteristics and effects on the immune system. Apoptosis can be delayed by the presence of pathogens or chemical components such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Neutrophils have other antimicrobial strategy, called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which contributes to the elimination and control of the pathogen. NETosis is induced by infection, inflammation or trauma and represents an innate immune activation mechanism. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gallic acid (GA) in the modulation of apoptosis and NETs release. The results show that GA decreased the anti-apoptotic effect of LPS, blocked the induction of NETs and prevented the formation of free radicals induced by LPS. These findings demonstrate that the GA is a novel therapeutic agent for decreasing the exacerbated response of the body against an infectious agent.

Therapeutic ultrasound stimulates MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation through the activation of NF-κB1, p38α, and mTOR.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: As the population ages, osteometabolic diseases and osteoporotic fractures emerge, resulting in substantial healthcare resource utilization and impaired quality of life. Many types of mechanical stimulation have the potential of being recognized by bone cells after a mechanical sign is transformed into a biological one (a process called mechanotransduction). The therapeutic ultrasound (TU) is one of several resources capable of promoting bone cell mechanical stimulation. Therefore, the main purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of TU on the proliferation of pre-osteoblasts using in vitro bioassays. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast lineage cells kept in Alpha medium. Cells were treated using pulsed mode therapeutic ultrasound, with frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 0.2 W/cm(2) (SATA), duty cycle of 20%, for 30 minutes. Nifedipine and rapamycin were used to further investigate the role of L-type Ca(2+) channels and mTOR pathway. Intracellular calcium, TGF-ß1, magnesium, and the mRNA levels of osteopontin, osteonectin, NF-κB1, p38α were evaluated. RESULTS: The results show that TU stimulates the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells and decreases the supernatant calcium and magnesium content. Also, it increases intracellular calcium, activates NF-κB1 and mTOR complex via p38α. Moreover, TU promoted a decrease in the TGF-ß1 synthesis, which is a cell growth inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic ultrasound, with frequency of 1 MHz, intensity of 0.2 W/cm(2) (SATA) and pulsed mode, for 30 minutes, was able to increase the proliferation of preosteoblast-like bone cells. This effect was mediated by a calcium influx, with a consequent activation of the mTOR pathway, through increased NF-κB1 and p38α.

Antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of lavender essential oil.

Several studies have investigated the antinociceptive, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of compounds found in the lavender essential oil (LEO), however to date, there is still lack of substantial data. The objective of this study was to assess the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of lavender essential oil. The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical decolorization assay was used for antioxidant activity evaluation. The anti-inflammatory activity was tested using two models of acute inflammation: carrageenan-induced pleurisy and croton oil-induced ear edema. The antinociceptive activity was tested using the pain model induced by formalin. LEO has antioxidant activity, which is dose-dependent response. The inflammatory response evoked by carrageenan and by croton oil was reduced through the pre-treatment of animals with LEO. In the pleurisy model, the drug used as positive control, dexamethasone, was more efficacious. However, in the ear swelling, the antiedematogenic effect of the oil was similar to that observed for dexamethasone. In the formalin test, LEO consistently inhibited spontaneous nociception and presented a similar effect to that of tramadol. The results of this study reveal (in vivo) the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of LEO and demonstrates its important therapeutic potential.

Physical exercise recommendations improve postural changes found in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postural changes and the distribution of plantar pressures in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). We also sought to evaluate the effects of an educational guideline for physical activity on body posture in children and adolescents with CF. STUDY DESIGN: This was a 2-phase study of individuals between age 7 and 20 years. Phase I was a cross-sectional study in which healthy subjects were selected for postural evaluation and baropodometry, aiming to perform a later comparison with patients with CF. In phase II, we performed a randomized controlled clinical trial to assess the influence of the exercise guideline on the postural changes. Patients were assigned to 2 groups: control and intervention. The intervention consisted of a handbook with instructions for aerobic exercise and stretching. Main outcomes were postural abnormalities, plantar pressure distribution, and lung function. RESULTS: In phase I, 34 patients with CF and 34 healthy matched individuals were included. No significant baseline differences were identified. Children with CF presented more postural deviations compared with healthy subjects (P < .05), as to alignment of the head, shoulder girdle, and pelvis, increased cervical lordosis, and lateral chest distance. In phase II (n = 34), there were no baseline differences between groups. The intervention caused (P < .05) a decrease in cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, lateral chest distance, and abdominal protrusion, as well as in the baropodometric mean pressure and contact area. CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with CF present postural changes when compared with healthy individuals. The educational guideline for exercise practice helped to improve posture, preventing the progression of some postural disorders.