Comparative Study of the Efficacy of L-Tryptophan Nanoparticles on Motor and Cognitive Behavior in an Alzheimer's Experimental Model

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, with cognitive as well as behavioral manifestations. Also related to this pathology, is the decreased production and activation of some neurotransmitters, such as Serotonin, which is derived from the Tryptophan. Different methods to improve the effect and performance of some drugs have been studied including the Nanoparticles. The objective was to analyze the efficacy of L-tryptophan and L-tryptophan Nanoparticles in the acute response of motor and cognitive behavior in an Alzheimer's experimental model. Methods: 15 Wistar rats, divided into 3 groups (n = 5): GC (Alzheimer's control group), GLt (L-tryptophan), and GN (Nanoparticles). They were treated for six consecutive days. Anxiety tests, spatial memory tests, aversive memory tests, and motor behavior tests were all performed during this study. In the analysis of anxiety, improvement was observed in both treatments, being that GN presented improvement in two variables: freezing (79±18.8; 74.6±14.2) and TBF (287.8±1.08; 268±40.8). GLt only presented improvement in freezing (103.8±44.4). In the spatial memory analysis, there were no significant differences in aversive memory and motor behavior during the treatments. During the Size Effect analysis treatments, it is possible to observe some differences both in anxiety and motor behavior, precisely where NG presented better results than GLt. Even in a short period of time, the nanoparticles demonstrated great benefits as a treatment method. Conclusion: the use of nanoparticles is an effective treatment against changes in motor and cognitive behavior caused by Alzheimer´s, as it lowers anxiety and improves motor behavior.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Ozone Therapy in an Experimental Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To verify the influence of ozone (O3) therapy on an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 30 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 2 groups, control (C) and treatment (T), and subdivided into control (C12, C48, C72) and treatment (T12, T48, T72) groups. RA was induced by administration of collagenase plus complete Freud's adjuvant in the knee joint region. The animals were treated with ozone therapy (1 ml O3 injection in the knee i.a.) according to group assignment: T12, 2 h; T48, 2 and 24 h; and T72, 2, 24, and 48 h post-RA induction. The different animal groups were euthanized 12, 24, or 72 h post-RA induction, respectively. Synovial exudate levels of IL-10, IL-12p70, TNF-α, INF-γ, and MCP-1 were assessed by flow cytometry, and histopathological analysis of the knee cartilage was conducted. Ozone therapy effectively decreases inflammation, reducing IL-12 and TNF-α, and increasing IL10. O3 did not statistically affect INF-γ or MCP-1 levels. More expressive results were obtained with group T72, i.e., treated 2, 24, and 48 h post-RA induction, which indicates that longer-term ozone treatment is more effective than a single acute application. Ozone therapy effectively reduced inflammation with effects, at least in part, mediated through reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of IL-10 anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Study of transcranial photobiomodulation at 945-nm wavelength: anxiety and depression.

Transcranial photobiomodulation is an innovative method for the stimulation of neural activity which consists of the exposure of neural tissue to low-level light irradiance. In the present study, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were used as light source due to their practicality and low cost. The objective was to analyze the effects of transcranial photobiomodulation using 945-nm LED in university students with anxiety and depression. Sample was composed of 22 individuals (17-25 years of age) divided into 2 groups of 11. LED group was treated with 945-nm LEDs for 1 min and 25 s (9.35 J/cm2), while in the placebo group, the device was off when placed in contact with the frontal bone for the same amount of time as in treatment group. Participants were evaluated at baseline and after 30 days with the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), the faces test, the designs test, and the grip strength test. On the HADS for anxiety, the mean PAB, PAA, PhAB, and PhAA were 13.89 ± 3.55, 12.82 ± 3.18, 10.75 ± 2.49, and 6.66 ± 2.50 points, respectively. In the HADS for depression, the mean for the PDB group was 13.89 ± 3.55 points, in the PhDB group 12.82 ± 3.18 points, in the PDA group 10.75 ± 2.49 points, and in the PhDA group 6.66 ± 2.50 points. In the PA and PD groups, mean values of 8.0 ± 1.5 and 8.9 ± 1.26 scores were obtained, but did not reach significance; however, between PA and PhD analysis, a significance level of p = 0.0003 was obtained. The 945-nm LED transcranial photobiomodulation improves brain activity and may clinically decrease anxiety and depression.

Influence of acute physical exercise on cognitive and motor behavior in an experimental model of alzheimer's disease / Influência do exercício físico agudo no comportamento cognitivo e motor em modelo experimental de alzheimer / Influencia del ejercicio físico agudo en el comportamiento cognitivo y motor en modelo experimental de alzheimer

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aging causes alterations in various executive and cognitive functions, mainly related to the incidence of dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several studies mention physical exercise as a preventive resource for depressive symptoms. Objective: To investigate the cognitive and behavioral alterations related to AD that are capable of slowing disease progression and its complications. Methods: The sample consisted of 10 male Wistar rats, divided into 2 groups (n = 5), swimming and Alzheimer + swimming, with a 6-day intervention protocol. The elevated plus maze test was used to assess anxiety, the Morris water maze for spatial memory, the isolation box for aversive memory, and the open field test to assay motor behavior. Results: There was improvement in spatial memory in the Swimming group (169 ± 142.9 x 24.2 ± 31.3), but motor behavior deteriorated after exercise. An increase in anxious behavior (8 ± 13.03 x 67.8 ± 48.1) was observed in the animals with AD. This is a relevant characteristic of the disease, which did not improve after acute exercise. By analyzing the size effect, it was possible to observe a difference in the Alzheimer + swimming group in terms of reduced anxiety and improved motor behavior after exercise. Despite the benefits of physical exercise for AD symptoms, there is still no consensus on the type of physical exercise and length of intervention necessary to achieve a positive response as a treatment method, since studies are yet to confirm this fact in an acute or chronic manner. Conclusion: Acute physical exercise was not fully effective as a means of treating behavioral alterations related to AD, but had a mean effect on the size effect analysis of motor behavior and anxiety, specifically. Level of evidence IV; Investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: O envelhecimento causa alterações de diversas funções executivas e cognitivas, principalmente relacionadas à incidência de demências, em especial, a doença Alzheimer (DA). Diversos estudos mencionam o exercício físico como um recurso preventivo de sintomas de depressão. Objetivo: Investigar as alterações cognitivas e comportamentais relacionadas à DA capazes de retardar a progressão da doença e suas complicações. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 10 ratos Wistar machos divididos em 2 grupos (n = 5), Natação e Alzheimer+Natação, com protocolo de 6 dias de intervenção. Foram realizadas avaliações da ansiedade pelo teste de labirinto elevado em cruz, memória espacial pelo labirinto aquático de Morris, memória aversiva pelo teste de aversão em caixa de isolamento e comportamento motor por meio do teste Open Field. Resultados: No grupo Natação houve melhora na memória espacial (169 ± 142,9 x 24,2 ± 31,3), porém verificou-se comportamento motor pior depois do exercício. Igualmente, observou-se aumento do comportamento de ansiedade (8 ± 13,03 x 67,8 ± 48,1) nos animais com DA, característica relevante da doença, que não apresentou melhora após o exercício agudo. Através da análise do Size effect foi possível observar que houve diferença no grupo Alzheimer+Natação na diminuição da ansiedade e melhora do comportamento motor após o exercício. Apesar dos benefícios do exercício físico para os sintomas da DA, ainda não existe um consenso sobre o tipo de exercício e o tempo de intervenção necessários para que se tenha uma resposta positiva como método de tratamento, uma vez que ainda não existem estudos que comprovem esse fato de maneira aguda ou crônica. Conclusão: O exercício físico de forma aguda não se mostrou totalmente eficaz como tratamento das alterações comportamentais com relação à DA, porém obteve um efeito médio na análise pelo Size effect sobre o comportamento motor e a ansiedade, especificamente. Nível de evidência IV; Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El envejecimiento causa cambios de diversas funciones ejecutivas y cognitivas, relacionadas con la incidencia de demencias, en especial, la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA). Diversos estudios mencionan el ejercicio físico como un recurso preventivo de síntomas de depresión. Objetivo: Investigar las alteraciones cognitivas y de comportamiento relacionadas a la EA capaces de retardar la progresión de la enfermedad y sus complicaciones. Métodos: Diez ratas Wistar machos divididas en 2 grupos (n = 5), Natación y Alzheimer+natación, con protocolo de intervención de 6 días. Se realizaron evaluaciones de la ansiedad por la prueba del laberinto elevado en cruz, memoria espacial por el laberinto acuático de Morris, memoria aversiva por la prueba de aversión en caja de aislamiento y comportamiento motor por de la prueba de campo abierto. Resultados: En el grupo Natación hubo mejoría en la memoria espacial (169 ± 142,9 x 24,2 ± 31,3), pero se observó comportamiento motor peor después del ejercicio. También se observó un aumento del comportamiento de ansiedad (8 ± 13,03 x 67,8 ± 48,1) en los animales con EA, característica relevante de la enfermedad, que no presentó mejoría después del ejercicio agudo. A través del análisis del Size effect fue posible observar que hubo diferencia en el grupo Alzheimer+Natación en la reducción de la ansiedad y de mejora del comportamiento motor después del ejercicio. A pesar de los beneficios del ejercicio físico en los síntomas de la EA, todavía no hay consenso sobre el tipo de ejercicio físico y el tiempo de intervención necesarios para tener una respuesta positiva como método de tratamiento, ya que aún no existen estudios que demuestren ese tipo de hecho agudo o crónico. Conclusión: El ejercicio físico de forma aguda no fue totalmente eficaz como tratamiento de las alteraciones de comportamiento con relación a la EA, pero obtuvo un efecto promedio en el análisis por el Size effect sobre el comportamiento motor y la ansiedad, específicamente. Nivel de evidencia IV; Investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Study of transcranial therapy 904 nm in experimental model of stroke.

Cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs), commonly known as strokes, can damage the brain through vascular injuries caused by either blood vessel blockages (ischemic stroke) or ruptures (hemorrhagic stroke) which disrupt regular brain blood supply and can cause severe damage to the individual. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation with a light-emitting diode (LED) device (904 nm, 110 mW, 7 J/cm2) on neurogenesis, muscle resistance, and motor behavior in animals submitted to an experimental model of hemiplegia. The sample consisted of 30 Wistar rats, divided into two groups: control group (GC) and 904-nm LED-treated group (TG). All animals underwent stereotactic surgery for electrode implant and subsequent electrolytic injury to induce an ischemic stroke. TG was subjected to daily LED irradiation (904 nm, 110 mW, 7 J/cm2) for 63 s. Suspension test results indicate an improvement of TG muscle resistance when compared with baseline evaluation (BLT); a reduction in open-field freezing time and the number of fecal bolus pellets suggest diminished anxiety induced by 904-nm LED treatment on treatment days 7 and 21 (TG7 and TG21) compared with the baseline results; and lastly, histological analysis showed important signs of neurogenesis in TG in comparison to CG, especially on treatment days 7 and 21 (TG7 and TG21). In conclusion, the present study suggests that 904-nm LED irradiation may beneficially affect neurogenesis, muscle resistance, and animal motor behavior following ischemic CVA.

Influence of quick massage and pilates on the occupational health of workers of a private value securities network agency: a clinical, controlled, randomized and blind study

Introduction: This study aims to analyze the influence of quick massage and pilatespilates on bank employees. The project was sent to the Research Ethics Committee and obtained a favorable opinion (1,045,371 / 2015). Methods: It is a clinical, controlled, randomized, and blind study. The study had had initially involved 70 employeesparticipants, but only 50 were included. They were divided into 3 groups: quick massage group (n = 20), ppilates group (n = 20) and control group (n = 10). They were evaluated with experimental times of 3, 6 and 9 months and the protocol was applied 3 times per week. Results: The results of the present study were presented in standard deviation and mean of all groups, then a one-way analysis of the variance was performed, obtaining a value of P <0.0198, being considered significant. However, it is noted that when presenting the detailed data of each group (mean and standard deviation) it is observed that the group which received the quick massage had a small advantage.: (6 months) 4.03 ± 0.82, (12 months) 3.43 ± 1.15 and pilatespilates group (3 months) 6.21 ± 1.98016, (6 months) 4.26 ± 0.57873 (9 months) 4.14 ± 0.63. Conclusions: The quick massage techniques and the pilatespilates protocol have shown great potential in reducing anxiety, depression and fatigue. (AU)

Transcranial LED therapy on amyloid-ß toxin 25-35 in the hippocampal region of rats.

Excessive Aß deposition in the brain is associated with the formation of senile plaques, and their diffuse distribution is related to Alzheimer's disease. Thirty rats (EG) were irradiated with light-emitting diode (photobiomodulation (PBM)) in the frontal region of the skull after being inoculated with the Aß toxin in the hippocampus; 30 rats were used as the control group (CG). The analysis was conducted at 7, 14, and 21 days after irradiation. We observed a decreased in Aß deposits in treated animals compared with animals in the CG. The behavioral and motor assessment revealed that the EG group covered a larger ground distance and explored the open field than the CG group on days 14 and 21 (p < 0.05). The EG group was statistically significant in the spatial memory test compared to the CG group on day 14. The use of PBM significantly reduced the presence of Aß plaques and improved spatial memory and behavioral and motor skills in treated animals on day 21.

Study of l-tryptophan in an experimental model of depression caused by alzheimer's disease / Estudo do l-triptofano na depressão ocorrida pela doença de alzheimer em modelo experimental

ABSTRACT Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive impairment commonly associated with mood disorders, which trigger depressive reactions and compromise mental performance and functionality. The objective of the present study was to verify the effects of L-tryptophan and to analyze motor behavior in an experimental model of depression caused by the Alzheimer's disease process. The sample consisted of 40 Wistar rats divided equally into two groups, 20 animals treated with L-tryptophan and 20 control animals. Both groups received spatial memory training in the water maze task and were submitted to stereotaxic surgery to induce dementia. The treated group achieved better spatial memory activity than the control group in the Morris water maze. Treatment with L-tryptophan had beneficial effects on reactive memory.

RESUMO O Alzheimer é uma doença neurodegenerativa caracterizado pelo comprometimento cognitivo comumente associado a transtornos do humor, os quais desencadeiam reações depressivas, comprometem o desempenho mental e a funcionalidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar os efeitos do L-triptofano e analisar o comportamento motor em modelo experimental com depressão decorrente do processo de Alzheimer. A amostra foi composta por 40 ratos da linhagem wistar divididos igualmente em dois grupos, 20 animais tratados com L-triptofano e 20 animais pertencentes ao grupo controle. Ambos os grupos receberam treinamento da memória espacial no later water maze e foram submetidos à cirurgia estereotáxica para indução demencial. Verificou-se através do labirinto aquático de Morris que o grupo tratado obteve atividade para memória espacial melhor do que o grupo controle. O tratamento com L-triptofano demonstrou melhor benefício na memória reativa.

Incorporating environmental factors in gait assessments of persons following amputation / Consideração dos fatores ambientais para avaliar a marcha de indivíduos com amputação

Abstract Introduction: Environmental factors have also been recognized to be a component of a multidimensional gait assessment of people living with disabilities, like persons following an amputation. Objective: To investigated whether the environmental factors outlined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) are considered when evaluating gait following lower limb amputations. Materials and methods: A literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus databases was performed. The keywords "amputation" and "gait" were combined with the keywords "barriers", "facilitators", and "environmental factors". Searches were performed without language restrictions. All articles containing data about environmental influences on gait functionality after lower limb amputations published during or after 2002, were included. Manuscripts that did not study adults and literature reviews were excluded. Two researchers identified potentially eligible articles and the methods used to assess gait. To make comparisons between scales, the 2 researchers selected the categories from the ICF chapter on environmental factors. Results: Fourteen studies were obtained from the search. Seven studies were duplicates and 4 were excluded. The remaining 3 articles were evaluated. We identified a total of 74 possibilities for categorization according to the ICF environmental factors, but only 7 ICF categories (9.45%) were considered in the studies analyzed. Conclusions: The influence of environmental factors is frequently not considered in the evaluation of gait following a lower limb amputation. Thorough evaluation of gait after lower limb amputation should reflect the complex nature of gait changes, including environmental factors.

Resumo Introdução: Fatores ambientais fazem parte da avaliação multidimensional da marcha de pessoas que vivem com deficiência, como as que possuem uma amputação. Objetivo: Investigar se os fatores ambientais definidos pela Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) são considerados quando se avalia a marcha de indivíduos com amputação de membros inferiores. Materiais e métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão consultando as bases de dados PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, e SPORTDiscus. Utilizaram-se os termos "amputação" e "marcha" combinados com os termos "facilitadores", "barreiras" e "fatores ambientais". As pesquisas foram realizadas sem restrições de idioma. Foram incluídos os artigos publicados no ano de 2002 e a partir dele, que continham dados sobre a influência dos fatores ambientais sobre a funcionalidade da marcha em indivíduos com amputação de membros inferiores. Dois pesquisadores identificaram, selecionaram os artigos, identificaram os métodos e instrumentos usados para avaliar a marcha. Para comparar as escalas dois pesquisadores selecionaram as categorias dos capítulos fatores ambientais da CIF. Resultados: Foram identificados 14 estudos, destes sete eram duplicatas e quatro não tinham relação com os objetivos estudados. Dos três artigos restantes foram identificadas 74 possibilidades de categorização com os fatores ambientais das CIF, porém apenas 7 categorias (9,45%) puderam ser correlacionadas. Conclusões: Os fatores ambientais não são comumente considerados na avaliação da marcha de indivíduos com amputação de membros inferiores. Uma avaliação após uma amputação de membros inferiores reflete a complexidade das alterações da marcha, as quais incluem os fatores ambientais.

Fisioterapia em pacientes com amputação transtibial: revisão sistemática / Physical therapy in transtibial amputations: a systematic review

Introdução: A fisioterapia atua na reabilitação de pacientes com amputação transtibial, como também pode intervir na prevenção e tratamento das complicações decorrentes da amputação. Objetivo: Investigar a intervenção da fisioterapia em pacientes com amputação transtibial. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura, consultando as bases de dados: PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, LILACS e SciELO. Utilizaram-se os descritores "amputação" e "transtibial" combinados com os descritores "fisioterapia" ou "terapia física". A busca foi realizada na segunda quinzena de fevereiro de 2013. Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados, sem restrição de idioma ou período de publicação, que versavam sobre a intervenção fisioterapêutica em pacientes com amputação transtibial. Para avaliação da qualidade metodológica dos estudos foram utilizadas a Escala de Qualidade de Jadad e a Escala PEDro. Resultados: Pela estratégia de busca retornaram 23 artigos, dos quais três foram incluídos na revisão. Um utilizou a técnica de aprendizagem sem erros para a colocação da prótese, outro investigou os efeitos de um programa de treinamento de força e o terceiro comparou os efeitos da aplicação da bandagem convencional e a fisioterapia descongestiva na redução do edema no pós-operatório. Somente um estudo foi considerado de alta ou boa qualidade metodológica pelas Escala PEDro e Jadad, os outros dois estudos foram classificados de baixa qualidade metodológica pelas duas escalas. Conclusões: Observou-se evidência limitada para as modalidades de fisioterapia utilizadas.

Introduction: Physical therapy contributes to the rehabilitation of persons following a transtibial amputation, but may also intervene in prevention and complications treatment. Objective: To investigate the physical therapy intervention in persons following a transtibial amputation. Methods: A systematic review of the PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, LILACS and SciELO databases was performed. The keywords "amputation" and "transtibial" were combined with the keywords "physiotherapy" or "physical therapy". The search was conducted in February 2013 without language restrictions. We included randomized controlled trials that focused on physical therapy intervention in persons following a transtibial amputation. The Jadad score and the PEDro score were used to assess the methodological quality. Results: Twenty-three studies were obtained from the search. Three were included in the review. One used errorless learning to fit a prosthetic limb, another investigated the effects of a strength training program, and the third study compared the conventional banding and decongestive physiotherapy to reduce edema postoperatively. Only one was considered of high or good methodological quality by Jadad and PEDro scales. The other two studies were rated low methodological quality by two scales. Conclusion: There was limited evidence for physiotherapy modalities used.

Effect of light-emitting diode (ʎ 627 nm and 945 nm ʎ) treatment on first intention healing: immunohistochemical analysis.

Collagen I is not only responsible for maintaining the integrity of most tissues due to its mechanical properties, but also for its active participation in the functionality of tissues because of its interaction with cells present in the extracellular matrix. The synthesis of collagen begins with tissue injury and remains until the end of the healing process. The use of non-coherent light for healing processes is still understudied. This procedure stands out as a biostimulation method for tissue repair, which increases local circulation, cell proliferation, and collagen synthesis. This study sought to quantify collagen I in the healing process after the treatment of wounds with the light-emitting diode (LED) treatment. The histologic analysis with tissue samples stained with picrosirius red showed a statistical difference between the positive controls, LED 627 and LED 945 nm groups; the group treated with LED 627 nm showed a predominance of mature collagen. The immunohistochemical analysis showed a statistically significant high concentration of collagen I in the LED 945 nm group. The irradiation of wounds with the higher wavelength (945 nm) used in the study produced the best activity of collagen I formation in experimental model.

Ingestão aguda de cafeína reduz a glicemia sanguínea antes e após o exercício físico agudo em ratos diabéticos / Acute caffeine intake lowers glycemia before and after acute physical exercise in diabetic rats

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo verificou os efeitos da suplementação com cafeína associada ao exercício físico agudo sobre a resposta glicêmica em ratos diabéticos. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 32 animais, com 60 dias de idade, e 238±3 g de peso, divididos em quatro grupos: controle, controle cafeína, diabetes e diabetes/cafeína. O modelo de diabetes foi induzido pela administração intraperitoneal de 60 mg/kg de estreptozotocina. De forma aguda, os animais receberam 6 mg de cafeína ou salina para os grupos-controles 60 minutos antes do exercício físico. Os animais realizaram um protocolo de natação de 60 minutos de exercício físico, com sobrecarga de 6% do peso corporal com lactacidemia compatível com a máxima produção de lactato em estado estável (5,5 mmol/L). Após o exercício físico agudo, foi realizada a eutanásia dos animais para coleta de sangue e análises glicêmicas. Antes e após a prescrição das suplementações, ocorreu a aferição das respostas cardiovasculares por meio de um pletismógrafo de cauda. Foi realizado o teste estatístico Analise de Variância one way com post hoc de Student-Newman-Keuls para analisar as diferenças estatísticas entre as suplementações, sendo considerado p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A prescrição de cafeína na dose de 6 mg/kg não alterou respostas cardiovasculares. No entanto, a cafeína promoveu uma significante redução na glicemia sanguínea (42%; p<0,05) após 60 minutos do protocolo de exercício nos ratos diabéticos em relação aos grupos-controles. CONCLUSÃO: A ingestão aguda de cafeína associada ao exercício físico agudo pode aumentar a captação de glicose sem alterar as respostas ...

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the effects of caffeine supplementation combined with acute physical exercise on the glycemic response of diabetic rats. METHODS: Thirty-two 60-day-old rats with a mean weight of 238±3 g were divided into four groups: control, control caffeine, diabetes, and diabetes/caffeine. Diabetes was induced by 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin intraperitoneally. The control groups received an acute dose of caffeine (6 mg) or saline 60 minutes before exercise. The animals were then forced to swim for 60 minutes carrying a ballast weighing 6% of their body weight, producing lactacidemia compatible with the maximum lactate production during the steady state (5.5 mmol/L). After the acute exercise session, the animals were sacrificed and their blood collected for glucose analysis. The cardiovascular responses were measured before and after supplementation by tail cuff plethysmography. The one-way Analysis of Variance (Anova) was realized with post hoc of Student-Newman-Keuls to analyse the statistical differences between the supplementations, considering p<0.05. RESULTS: Caffeine at a dose of 6 mg/kg did not change the cardiovascular responses. However, compared with the control groups, caffeine reduced the blood glucose (42%, p<0.05) of diabetic rats after 60 minutes of exercise. CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine ingestion together with exercise can increase glucose uptake without changing cardiovascular responses in animal models. .

Sulfonylurea induction of caffeine-enhanced insulin secretion and reduction of glycemic levels in diabetic rats.

CONTEXT: Caffeine can stimulate insulin secretion by attenuating hyperglycemia in diabetes models with significant reduction of pancreatic functional ß cells. Knowledge of these mechanisms could contribute to new strategies for treating diabetes. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of caffeine and physical exercise on glycemic and insulin responses in diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The diabetes model was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 60 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ). Animals were divided into six groups: control, caffeine, STZ control, STZ caffeine, STZ sulfonylurea, and STZ caffeine + sulfonylurea. Acutely, control animals received 6 mg of caffeine and 10 mg/kg sulfonylurea or 10 mg/kg saline. Animals were sacrificed after physical exercise; blood samples were collected for glucose, glycerol, lactate, and insulin analyses. Cardiovascular responses were recorded before and after treatments. A one-way ANOVA and the post hoc Student-Newman-Keuls test were used to analyze statistical differences between treatments (p < 0.05). RESULTS: About 6 mg/kg of caffeine did not alter cardiovascular responses, but promoted blood glucose reduction after 60 min of exercise when compared to animals in the control groups (387-187 mg/dL; p < 0.05). Insulin levels increased significantly (0.6-10 µU/mL; p < 0.05) in rats that received acute caffeine treatment associated with sulfonylurea compared to rats in the other groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Acute caffeine intake with exercise can increase glucose uptake enhancing insulin secretion stimulated by sulfonylurea in ß cells-deficient pancreas. The results indicate the potential use of caffeine as a strategy for glycemic and insulin control in diabetes.

Analysis of electromyographic activity in spastic biceps brachii muscle following neural mobilization.

INTRODUCTION: Hypertonia is prevalent in anti-gravity muscles, such as the biceps brachii. Neural mobilization is one of the techniques currently used to reduce spasticity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess electromyographic (EMG) activity in spastic biceps brachii muscles before and after neural mobilization of the upper limb contralateral to the hemiplegia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Repeated pre-test and post-test EMG measurements were performed on six stroke victims with grade 1 or 2 spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale). The Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test (ULNT1) was the mobilization technique employed. RESULTS: After neural mobilization contralateral to the lesion, electromyographic activity in the biceps brachii decreased by 17% and 11% for 90° flexion and complete extension of the elbow, respectively. However, the results were not statistically significant (p gt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When performed using contralateral techniques, neural mobilization alters the electrical signal of spastic muscles.

Análise do comportamento motor em ratos acometidos por acidente vascular encefálico / Review of motor behavior in mice affected by stroke

Introdução: O acidente vascular cerebral é a doença neurológica que mais frequentemente acomete o sistema nervoso e é a principal causa de incapacidades físicas e mentais. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento motor em modelos de animais após cirurgia de oclusão da carótida comum. Método: Foram utilizados 16 ratos Wistars, e foi realizado cirurgia anteriormente na cervical para exposição da carótida comum, sendo obstruída por pinça hemostática. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos, GI e GII Resultados: Na análise estatística, os valores da média e desvio-padrão para a reação normal foi de 42,5±0,70 e para a reação de flexão 0,0±0,0 para o Grupo I. Para o grupo II, a média e o desvio-padrão para reação normal foi de 36,0±1,41 e para a reação de flexão, de 20,0±2,82. Conclusão: A atividade física é essencial para o dia a dia em pacientes portadores de lesão neurológica, proporcionando melhora locomotora.

Introduction: The stroke is a neurological disease that most commonly affects the nervous system and is the leading cause of mental and physical disabilities. Objective: To evaluate motor behavior in animal models after coronary occlusion of the common carotid. Method: 16 Wistar rats, and surgery was performed earlier in the neck to expose the common carotid artery, being obstructed by a hemostat. The sample was divided into two groups GI and GII Results: Statistical analysis, the mean and standard deviation for the normal reaction was 42.5 ± 0.70 and for the reaction of flexion 0.0 ± 0, 0 for Group I. In group II, the mean and standard deviation for normal reaction was 36.0 ± 1.41 and for the reaction of flexion, 20.0 ± 2.82. Conclusion: Physical activity is essential for daily life in patients with neurological injury and improved the locomotor activity.

Avaliação podal de crianças do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública / Podal evaluation of the childrens in fundamental teaching of a public school

Para o processamento normal das funções como deambulação e sustentação do peso corporal, é considerado que a integridade do membro inferior é de fundamental importância. O presente trabalho tem por finalidade avaliar e quantificar os pés de crianças das primeiras e segundas séries do ensino fundamental, com idade entre 6 a 12 anos, elaborar palestras sobre a importância da patologia, orientando e conscientizando os responsáveis sobre a mesma. Foi obtido um total de 153 amostras. Verifi cou-se que houve normalidade dos pés em 57 crianças (37,25%) da amostra, 44 crianças (28,75%) apresentaram pé plano tipo dois, 31 crianças (20,26%) o pé cavo e em 15 crianças (9,8%) encontrou-se o pé plano tipo três. A normalidade foi prevalente no sexo masculino, com um total de 31 crianças contra 26 do sexo feminino, também a presença de pé plano tipo dois foi prevalente entre os sexos, com 30 indivíduos masculinos contra 14 para o sexo feminino. Embasando-se nos resultados encontrados, foram elaboradas palestras para explanar aos responsáveis sobre a importância da patologia e da realização de um tratamento. Contudo, foi possível orientar e conscientizar aos responsáveis da importância de uma visão criteriosa no desenvolvimento podálico das crianças, evitando-se, dessa forma, a instalação de possíveis patologias e deformidades decorrentes do incorreto desenvolvimento plantar.

For the normal processing of the functions as walking and sustenance of the corporal weight, is consideredthat the integrity of the inferior member is of fundamental importance. For so much, the present work has the purposeof evaluate and quantify the children’s feet from the fi rst and second series of the fundamental teaching, with ageamong 6 to 12 years totaling 153 samples. It was verifi ed that there was normality of the feet in 57 children (37,25%) of the sample, with the foot plane type two in 44 children (28,75%), in 31 children (20,26%) the concave foot and in 15 children (9,8%), he/she was the foot plane type three. The normality was prevalence in the masculine sex, with a total of 31 children against 26 of the feminine sex, the presence of foot plane type two was also prevalence among the sexes, with 30 masculine individuals against 14 for the feminine sex. Based in the found results, lectures were elaborated to explain to the children’s responsible about the importance of the pathology and of the importance of a treatment. However, it was possible to guide and to become aware to the responsible, of the importance of a discerning vision in the children’s feet development, avoiding the installation of possible pathologies and deformities, derived from the incorrect development of the feet.