Effects of combined physical exercise on plasma lipid variables, paraoxonase 1 activity, and inflammation parameters in adults with obesity: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate whether combined physical exercise may affect plasma lipid variables, paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity, and inflammation parameters in adults with obesity. METHODS: Thirty-six participants were recruited to complete the study protocol. The mean age was 37 ± 1 years, and the baseline body mass index was 33.0 ± 0.4 kg/m2. Participants were allocated to the control group (CG) and the exercise group (EG). The EG performed three weekly sessions of combined physical exercise for 16 weeks. Plasma lipid variables, PON1 activity, and inflammatory profile were determined before and after intervention. RESULTS: Total cholesterol levels decreased in both groups, without intergroup difference (time p = 0.001). Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels decreased in both groups (time p = 0.001); however, they were lower in the EG than in the CG (p = 0.038). The EG had increased HDL-C levels, but the CG had decreased HDL-C levels (time*group p = 0.011). PON1 activity was reduced in both groups (time, p = 0.001). The Castelli risk Index I and II reduced in the EG and increased in the CG (time*group, p = 0.008 and p = 0.011, respectively). The inflammatory markers were not modified. CONCLUSION: Adults with obesity may benefit from regular practice of combined physical exercise training in many metabolic aspects that are related to protection against the development of cardiovascular disease.

Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults submitted to endoscopy in southern Brazil

The most important characteristics of Helicobacter pylori infection were studied in 96 patients submitted endoscopic examination at the University Hospital of the Federal Unlversity of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis southern Brazil. As diagnostic method of the infection we used the presence of Helicobacter pylori on histologic examination, stained by hematoxilin-eosin and Giemsa stains ("gold standard"), immunologic test (ELISA Roche), bacteriologic slide (Gram stained), and urease biopsy test. The rnedian age of the series was 44.6 years (range 14 to 84 years, SD = 18.1), with 56 (58.3 per cent) males. The prevalence of the infection was 78.1 per cent 75/96 and Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with gastritis in 96.6 per cent of the cases (68/75, p < O.0 1). Sixteen of 17 patients with peptic ulcer disease tested positive for the presence of Helicobacter pylori. The infection proportionally more prevalent in the older groups, and there was no statistical gender difference.

[Evaluation of severity of illness in the emergency service of the university hospital of UFSC]. / Avaliação da gravidade dos atendimentos no Serviço de Emergência do Hospital Universitário da UFSC.

In order to determine whether emergency wards are inappropriately used we undertook a prospective study to evaluate the severeness of condition of patients seen at the UFSC University Hospital Emergency Ward. The time required for adequate therapeutic intervention was used as the main criterion of severity. Patients considered themselves to be emergencies in 16.6% of cases, whereas physicians thought so in only 2.6% (initial evaluation) and 1.0% (final evaluation) of cases. Sixty five percent of the patients could have been taken care of at a primary care site. The main reasons that prevented the use of a primary care unit were the more rapid and more convenient emergency room facilities. We conclude that the UFSC University Hospital Emergency Room is inappropriately used and suggest possible measures to improve health care delivery to the general public.