Effect of a Neuromodulation Protocol Associated With Sports Training on the Precision Sports Performance of a Wheelchair Basketball Para-Athlete: A Case Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) optimizes the performance of a wheelchair basketball player on precision tasks. METHODS: A right-handed wheelchair basketball player (1.5 points functional class) with myelomeningocele (low lumbar level) participated in this case study. The tDCS neuromodulation protocol was applied throughout 10 interventions of 20 minutes with a current intensity of 2 mA, simultaneously with sport-specific training, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Anodic stimulation was performed on the right cerebellar hemisphere (CB2) and cathodic stimulation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A control participant was submitted to a sham-tDCS stimulation protocol for the same period. Functional performance was assessed before the intervention and after the 5th and 10th interventions using "pass accuracy," "free-throw shooting," and "spot shot" tests. Outcome measures were compared using percentage differences between preintervention, intermediate intervention, and postintervention values. RESULTS: There was a gradual increase in the athlete's total and average scores in all tests performed, with an overall improvement of 78% between the baseline and final assessments, while the control participant had an overall improvement of 6.5%. CONCLUSION: The tDCS protocol was effective in improving performance in precision activities in a wheelchair basketball player.

Anti-inflammatory effect, antibiotic potentiating activity against multidrug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and evaluation of antibiotic resistance mechanisms by the ibuprofen derivative methyl 2-(-4-isobutylphenyl)propanoate.

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria and the limited efficacy of current available antibiotics cause every year approximately 700 000 deaths per year. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect and antibacterial potential of the ibuprofen derivative Methyl 2-(-4-isobutylphenyl)propanoate (MET-IBU). The molecular structure of MET-IBU was confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Our in vivo study using adult zebrafish model demonstrated that the ibuprofen derivative MET-IBU also possesses anti-inflammatory effect, and in vitro antibacterial activity assays showed that in the association of ampicillin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin with MET-IBU occurred reduction in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for MDR bacterial strains of Escherichia coli 06 and Staphylococcus aureus 10, indicating a potentiating in the growth inhibition of these pathogenic bacteria. Regarding the strain of Staphylococcus aureus K2068 (overexpressing mepA gene), a potentiation of ethidium bromide was found in the association with MET-IBU, indicating the action of this compound on the efflux pump mechanism present in this strains. This result corroborates the molecular docking study that indicated a high affinity of the MET-IBU with the MepA efflux pump. It was also noticed an antibiotic potentiating activity in the association MET-IBU with norfloxacin against strains of Staphylococcus aureus 1199B (overexpressing norA gene) when compared to the norfloxacin control. This enhanced antibiotic effect of MET-IBU is associated with a second resistance mechanism, which is due to the modification in the topoisomerase enzyme. These results bring attention to the ibuprofen derivative MET-IBU as possible candidate for the development of new options for the treatment of bacterial infections with protective anti-inflammatory action.

Pharmacological potential of the triterpene 3ß,6ß,16ß-trihidroxilup-20 (29)-ene isolated from Combretum leprosum: A literature review.

Globally, plant-derived medicines have been playing an increasing and relevant role in the treatment of several diseases, thus fostering the search for new bioactive substances. Among the various families of plants studied, those of the Combretum genus can be highlighted since they are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of hepatitis, malaria, respiratory infections, cancer, skin hemorrhage, and anxiety. Phytochemical studies carried out on species of the Combretum genus demonstrated the presence of several classes of bioactive chemical compounds, including the triterpene 3ß,6ß,16ß-trihydroxilup-20(29)-ene (CLF-1). In this perspective, the objective of this review was to gather all pharmacological activities attributed to the CLF-1 triterpene, highlighting its importance for the pharmaceutical industry. The research was performed in scientific databases such as PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, SciFinder and Science Direct. The literature indicates a great pharmacological potential of CLF-1, evidencing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antiparasitic, antinociceptive, healing, and antibacterial action, antinociceptive and antitumor effect. Therefore, based on the different research above, it is plausible to consider CLF-1, obtained from different parts of the C. leprosum plant, as a molecule with biotechnological potential that may contribute to the development of new drugs and, consequently, in the treatment of various human pathologies.

Impacto da realidade virtual no equilíbrio e na qualidade de vida em indivíduos com lesão / Impact of virtual reality in balance and quality of life in individuals with spinal cord injuries

O Traumatismo Raquimedular é considerado como um acometimento da coluna vertebral em quaisquer dos seus componentes que dependendo do nível de lesão o indivíduo apresenta comprometimentos em sua funcionalidade e qualidade de vida. Entre os recursos fisioterapêuticos destaca-se a realidade virtual, visando aumentar o equilíbrio e amplitude de movimento, através da interação com o ambiente virtual que simula atividades esportivas e diárias. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a influência da realidade virtual sobre o equilíbrio de tronco e qualidade de vida de indivíduos com lesão medular em nível torácico. Participaram do estudo três voluntários do gênero masculino com idade média de 33 ±3,4 anos e diagnóstico clínico de lesão medular em nível torácico, sendo avaliados antes e após tratamento o equilíbrio estático pelo teste de Romberg modificado e em sedestação com cronômetro e a qualidade de vida pelo Instrumento de Avaliação da Qualidade de Vida da Organização Mundial de Saúde. Para o protocolo de tratamento utilizou-se o videogame XBOX 360® e jogos de Kinect, na postura ortostática por 20 minutos seguido da postura sentada por 20 minutos, com intervalo de 5 minutos entre as duas, totalizando 45 minutos em cada sessão, durante três vezes por semana, em 24 sessões. Verificou-se melhora de 31,3% e 127,4% no equilíbrio em sedestação e de 68,2% e 204,3% em ortostatismo de olhos abertos e fechados no pós-tratamento se comparados ao pré-tratamento respectivamente, assim como aumento de 1,9% na qualidade de vida no pós-tratamento em comparação ao pré-tratamento. Conclui-se que o protocolo de tratamento utilizado para o estudo se mostrou eficaz para o equilíbrio e qualidade de vida, permitindo maior segurança para realização das atividades nas posturas de sedestação e bipedestação...(AU)

The spinal cord trauma is considered as an affection of the vertebral column in any of its components that depending on the level of injury the individual presents compromises in its functionality and quality of life. Among resources physical therapy stands out the virtual reality, aiming to increase the balance and range of motion, through the interaction with the virtual environment that simulates sports activities and daily. The objective of the study was to verify the influence of virtual reality on the balance of the trunk and the quality of life of individuals with spinal cord injury in thoracic level. Participated of the study three male volunteers with a mean age of 33 ± 3.4 years and clinical diagnosis of medullary injury in thoracic level, being evaluated before and after treatment the static balance by Romberg test modified and in sedestation with timer and the quality of life by instrument for the Evaluation of World Health Organization Quality of Life. For the treatment protocol was used the XBOX 360 video game® and games of Kinect, in the orthostatic posture for 20 minutes followed by sitting posture for 20 minutes, with 5 minutes interval between the two, totaling 45 minutes in each session, during three times per week, 24 sessions. It was verified an improvement of 31,3% and 127,4% in the balance in sedestation and of 68,2% and 204,3% in orthostatism of open and closed eyes in the post-treatment if compared to pre-treatment respectively, as well as 1,9% increase in quality of life in the post-treatment in comparison to the pretreatment. It is concluded that the treatment protocol used for the study proved to be effective for the balance and quality of life, allowing greater security for the realization of the activities on the postures of sedestation and bipedalism...(AU)

Impacto do treinamento funcional no equilíbrio e funcionalidade de idosos não institucionalizados / Functional training impact on balance and elderly functionality not institutionalized

As perdas funcionais progressivas que a população idosa enfrenta com o avançar da idade, causam importantes déficits, que com o tempo se tornam mais significativos e no intuito de minimizá-los; o treinamento funcional tem proporcionado ganho de propriocepção, força, resistência, flexibilidade, coordenação motora e condicionamento cardiovascular. Assim como auxilia na obtenção de funcionalidade, contribuindo para a manutenção da independência e qualidade de vida. O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a influência da aplicação de um protocolo de treinamento funcional sobre o equilíbrio e funcionalidade de idosos não institucionalizados. Selecionou-se vinte e um idosos não institucionalizados, com idade média de 69,04 ± 6,4 anos que foram avaliados pela Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg, Escala de Equilíbrio e Marcha de Tinetti e Índex de Independência de Atividades de Vida Diária de Katz antes e após serem submetidos a um programa de treinamento funcional dividido em quatro fases que consistiram em aquecimento, exercícios de equilíbrio, fortalecimento muscular e alongamentos durante uma hora, com frequência de 3 vezes na semana, totalizando 24 sessões. Utilizou-se o teste de normalidade Shapiro-Wilk seguido do teste T student para análise das Escalas de Equilíbrio de Berg, Tinetti e funcionalidade pré e pós-treinamento (p≤0,05). Observou-se melhora de 100% na avaliação do equilíbrio pela Escala de Berg, 85,71% e 77,77% na avaliação da Escala de Tinetti marcha e equilíbrio respectivamente, no pós-treinamento se comparados ao pré-treinamento (p<0,0001). Entretanto na funcionalidade não foram encontradas diferenças entre os momentos avaliados (p>0,05). Conclui-se que o protocolo de treinamento funcional utilizado no estudo foi eficaz na melhora do equilíbrio estático e dinâmico dos idosos, o que favorece a redução do risco de quedas e consequentemente a redução da inabilidade desta população...(AU)

Progressive functional losses that the elderly population faces with advancing age, causing major deficits, which over time become more significant and in order to minimize; them functional training has provided gain proprioception, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination and cardiovascular conditioning. As well as assists in obtaining feature, helping to maintain independence and quality of life. The study aimed to assess the effect of applying a functional training protocol on balance of oninstitutionalized elderly. Twenty one elderly non-institutionalized were selected, mean age: 69,04 ± 6,4 years, were evaluated by the Berg Balance Scale, Balance Scale and Tinetti Gait and Index of Activities of Daily Living of Independence Katz before and after they underwent functional training program divided into four phases that consisted of heating, balance exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching for one hour, with a frequency of three times a week, totaling 24 sessions. In the statistical analysis we used the Shapiro-Wilk normality test for all variables and the Student t test for analysis of variance of the Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti and functionality. There was 100% improvement in the balance of the assessment by the Berg Scale, 85,71% and 77,77% in the evaluation of Tinetti gait and balance scale respectively, in the post-training compared to pre-training (p <0 ,0001). However in functionality were no differences between the evaluated moments (p>0.05). It concludes that functional training protocol used in the study was effective in improving the static and dynamic balance o felderly, which helps reduce the risk of falls and consequently ther eduction of disability in this population...(AU)

Perfil epidemiológico e análise microbiológica da infecção de sítio cirúrgico em pacientes humanos e animais de companhia / Epidemiological profile and microbiological analysis of surgical site infection in human and pet patients

A infecção de sítio cirúrgico (ISC) tem sido apontada como a terceira causa mais comum de infecção nosocomial. Este estudo objetivou determinar o perfil epidemiológico da ISC e sua associação aos fatores de risco descritos. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado no Hospital São João Batista de Viçosa-MG e na Clínica Cirúrgica de Cães e Gatos do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade Federal de Viçosa-MG, no período de setembro de 2012 a fevereiro de 2013. As taxas globais de ISC foram de 0,7% no hospital humano e 3,46% no veterinário. No hospital veterinário, a taxa de ISC não mostrou relação com o potencial de contaminação, apresentando a maior taxa nos procedimentos classificados como limpos. Quanto ao tipo de cirurgia, as ortopédicas são as mais comuns em ambos os hospitais e também as que apresentam maior taxa de ISC. Cirurgias com duração maior que 120 minutos corresponderam a 15,25% do total de procedimentos no hospital humano e são ainda menos comuns no veterinário, com 1,26%. A taxa de ISC não parece estar relacionada à duração da cirurgia nesta estratificação. As bactérias isoladas das feridas cirúrgicas foram multirresistentes e os dados levantados indicam que não houve critério quanto ao emprego da antibioticoprofilaxia, principalmente nas cirurgias limpas. Este cenário mostra que é de extrema relevância a atuação de uma comissão de controle de infecção hospitalar, a fim de garantir obtenção de dados fidedignos, para que se possa avaliar a qualidade do serviço prestado e assim promover a redução dos riscos de complicações pós- operatórias...

Surgical site infection (SSI) has been indicated as the third cause of nosocomial infection. The present study aimed to determine the epidemiological profile of SSI and its association with the risk factors. It is a transversal study done at the São João Batista Hospital of Viçosa-MG and at the Surgery Service of the Small Animals Veterinary Hospital of the Universidade Federal de Viçosa-MG, from September 2012 to February 2013. Global SSI rates were 0.7% at the human and 3.46% at the veterinary hospitals. At the veterinary hospital, SSI rates were not related to contamination potential, with clean procedures presenting the greater rates. As for the type of surgery, orthopedic ones are the most common in both hospital and also the ones presenting the greater SSI rates. Surgeries during more than 120 minutes were 15.25% of the total of procedures at the human hospital and are even less common in the veterinary, with 1.26%. Rate of SSI does not seem to be related to surgery duration in this classification. Bacteria isolated from surgical wounds were multi-resistant and the obtained data indicated that no criteria of antibiotic prophylaxis existed, mainly for clean surgeries. This scenario shows that the action of a commission to control nosocomial infection are extremely relevant in order to guarantee reliable data so that the quality of service may be evaluated and thus, promoting a decrease the risk of in post-operative complications...

High-voltage electrical stimulation improves nerve regeneration after sciatic crush injury.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury causes prolonged functional limitation being a clinical challenge to identify resources that accelerates its recovery. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) on the morphometric and functional characteristics of the regenerated nerve after crush injury in rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: Control (CON) - without injury and without HVES; Denervated (D) - sciatic nerve crush only; Denervated + HVES - sciatic nerve crush and HVES; SHAM - without injury but HVES. The HVES and SHAM groups were stimulated (100 Hz; minimum voltage of 100 V, 20 µs, 100 µs interpulse interval) for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. The sciatic functional index (SFI) was evaluated before the injury and at the 7th, 14th and 21st postoperatory (PO) days. Neural components and the area density of connective tissue, blood vessels and macrophages were analyzed. RESULTS: Axonal diameter was higher on the HVES than on D group, reaching almost 80% above the control values after 21 days (p<0.05). Fiber diameter and myelin sheath thickness were higher on the HVES than on D group (p<0.05) reaching 96.5% and 100% of the control values, respectively. Functional recovery at the 14th PO day was better on group HVES. The macrophages and connective tissue area density was lower on the HVES group, while blood vessels number did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The HVES accelerated the functional recovery, potentiated the nerve fibers maturation and decreased macrophages and connective tissue area density, suggesting acceleration of neural repair.

High-voltage electrical stimulation improves nerve regeneration after sciatic crush injury / Estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem favorece a regeneração nervosa após compressão do nervo isquiático

BACKGROUND: Peripheral nerve injury causes prolonged functional limitation being a clinical challenge to identify resources that accelerates its recovery. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation (HVES) on the morphometric and functional characteristics of the regenerated nerve after crush injury in rats. METHODS: Twenty Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: Control (CON) - without injury and without HVES; Denervated (D) - sciatic nerve crush only; Denervated + HVES - sciatic nerve crush and HVES; SHAM - without injury but HVES. The HVES and SHAM groups were stimulated (100 Hz; minimum voltage of 100 V, 20 μs, 100 μs interpulse interval) for 30 min/day, 5 days/week. The sciatic functional index (SFI) was evaluated before the injury and at the 7th, 14th and 21st postoperatory (PO) days. Neural components and the area density of connective tissue, blood vessels and macrophages were analyzed. RESULTS: Axonal diameter was higher on the HVES than on D group, reaching almost 80 percent above the control values after 21 days (p<0.05). Fiber diameter and myelin sheath thickness were higher on the HVES than on D group (p<0.05) reaching 96.5 percent and 100 percent of the control values, respectively. Functional recovery at the 14th PO day was better on group HVES. The macrophages and connective tissue area density was lower on the HVES group, while blood vessels number did not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: The HVES accelerated the functional recovery, potentiated the nerve fibers maturation and decreased macrophages and connective tissue area density, suggesting acceleration of neural repair.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Lesões nervosas periféricas provocam limitação funcional prolongada, sendo um desafio para a clínica identificar recursos que acelerem sua recuperação. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a influência da estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem (EEAV) sobre a morfologia e a função do nervo regenerado após esmagamento em ratos. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratos Wistar foram divididos nos grupos: controle (CON) - sem lesão e sem EEAV; desnervado (D) - esmagamento do nervo isquiático; desnervado + EEAV (EEAV) - esmagamento do nervo e EEAV; SHAM - sem lesão, porém submetido à EEAV. Os grupos EEAV e SHAM foram estimulados (100 Hz, tensão mínima de 100 V; 20 μs e 100 μs interpulso) 30 min/dia, 5 dias/semana. O índice funcional do ciático (IFC) foi avaliado antes da lesão, nos 7º, 14º e 21º dias pós-operatório (PO). Componentes neurais, densidade de área de tecido conjuntivo, de vasos sanguíneos e macrófagos foram analisados. RESULTADOS: O diâmetro axonal foi maior no grupo EEAV que no grupo D, atingindo quase 80 por cento dos valores-controle após 21 dias (p<0,05). O diâmetro das fibras e espessura das bainhas de mielina foram maiores no grupo EEAV que no D (p<0,05), alcançando 96,5 por cento e 100 por cento dos valores-controle, respectivamente. A recuperação funcional no 14º dia PO foi melhor no grupo EEAV. A densidade de área de macrófagos e tecido conjuntivo foi menor no grupo EEAV, enquanto o número de vasos sanguíneos não diferiu entre os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: A EEAV acelerou a recuperação funcional, potencializou a maturação das fibras nervosas regeneradas e promoveu diminuição da densidade de área de macrófagos e tecido conjuntivo no nervo, sugerindo aceleração do reparo neural.

Gastos tributários do governo federal: um debate necessário / Comunicados do Ipea 117: Gastos Tributários do governo federal: um debate necessário

Debate as principais informações oficiais disponíveis sobre os gastos tributários federais no Brasil e apresenta uma proposta de estimativa de gastos tributários de caráter social, chamados de gastos tributários sociais (GTS), para o exercício de 2011, com o intuito de destacar, no universo dos gastos tributários, aqueles que são realizados em nome de objetivos sociais.