The effect of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in older adults with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE:: To determine the effects of group exercises on balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment. DESIGN:: Single blinded, randomized, matched pairs clinical trial. SETTING:: Four primary healthcare units. SUBJECTS:: Fifty-two sedentary subjects with mild cognitive impairment were paired (age, sex, body mass index, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination Revised score), tested, and then randomized into an intervention group ( n = 26) and a control group ( n = 26). INTERVENTION:: The intervention group performed strength (ankle weights, elastic bands, and dumbbells) and aerobic exercises (walking) in their communities' public spaces, twice a week (60 minutes each), during 24 weeks. The control group maintained its usual routine. MAIN MEASURES:: Balance (Berg Balance Scale (BBS)), mobility (Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)), and depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15) were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS:: Before the intervention, the two groups did not differ statistically. After, the intervention group showed significant improvement ( P < 0.05) in balance (before: 53 ± 3; after: 55.1 ± 1.1 points), mobility (before: 10.7 ± 2.9 seconds; after: 8.3 ± 2 seconds), and depressive symptoms (median punctuation (interquartile range) before: 4 (1.8-6); after: 2.5 (1-4)). The control group presented a significant increase in their depressive symptoms (median before: 3.5 (2-7.3); after: 4 (2-5.3)), while their balance and mobility showed no significant modification. Small effect sizes were observed in the intervention group and control group depressive symptoms, as well as in the control group's mobility and balance. Large effect sizes were observed the intervention group's mobility and balance. CONCLUSION:: Group exercises improved balance, mobility, and depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Impact of human aging and modern lifestyle on gut microbiota.

Human evolution and lifestyle changes caused by the agricultural and industrial revolutions have led to great advances in medicine and increased life expectancy, whilst also profoundly altering the ecological relationships and disease patterns of populations. Studies involving populations that still enjoy a rural way of life and with traits similar to the Paleolithic period reveal them to present a more robust, resistant and diverse gut microbiota, in comparison to highly industrialized civilizations. The human diet has expanded and broadened to include the consumption of high-calorie foods, particularly from animal sources such as game meat and eggs. For some time, authors have been alert to the fact that a modern lifestyle leads to reduced intake of beneficial bacteria, suggesting that nonpathogenic bacteria are being eradicated. Furthermore, therapeutic procedures, including the use of probiotics and prebiotics, have been proposed to lead to recovery of this microbiota, which is altered due to both the ageing process and lifestyle related aspects. Accordingly, this article aims to review the impact of human aging and modern lifestyle on gut microbiota, within an evolutionary, ecological, epidemiological and therapeutic context.

Accuracy of the triglyceride-glucose index as a surrogate marker for identifying metabolic syndrome in non-diabetic individuals.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to verify the performance of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in predicting metabolic syndrome (MetS) using three different criteria in healthy individuals living in rural areas. In addition, it aimed to estimate the TyG index cutoff point in the prediction of MetS. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional study of healthy individuals (aged ≥18 y) living in rural areas of southern Brazil. Individuals with diabetes mellitus were excluded. The variables investigated were waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, and TyG index. MetS was defined using three criteria: harmonized, International Diabetes Foundation, and National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. The Poisson regression model was used for the multivariate analysis. The performance of the TyG index in identifying MetS was determined by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: A total of 133 individuals were included in this study, with a mean age of 49.0 ± 13.5 y; 54.1% were female. The TyG index performed better in predicting MetS through the harmonized criteria, with area under the curve (AUC) = 0.889 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.829-0.949), followed by the International Diabetes Foundation criteria, with AUC = 0.877 (95% CI, 0.814-0.940), and the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria, with AUC = 0.867 (95% CI, 0.797-0.937). The TyG index cutoff points defined for the harmonized and International Diabetes Foundation criteria were ≥ 8.61, and ≥ 8.79 for the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. CONCLUSIONS: The TyG index proved to be valid for diagnosing MetS. The largest AUC of the TyG index was identified for the harmonized criteria. Thus, the TyG index can be used to diagnose MetS in individuals living in rural areas.

Lumbar safety triangle: comparative study of coronal and coronal oblique planes in 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging.

Objective: To compare the measurements of the lumbar safety triangle (Kambin's triangle) and the invasion of the dorsal root ganglion in the triangle in coronal and coronal oblique planes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, in which 210 3.0-T magnetic resonance images of L2-L5 were analyzed in coronal and coronal oblique planes. Exams with lumbar spine anomalies were excluded. Demographic (sex and age) and radiological variables were recorded by a single evaluator. Results: Most sample was female (57.1%), mean age 45.5 ± 13.3 (18-98 years). The measurements average, as well as the areas, gradually increased from L2 to L5. The dorsal root ganglion invaded the triangle in all images. The safety triangle average area was smaller in the coronal oblique plane than in the coronal plane. Of the seven dimensions of safety triangle obtained for each level of the lumbar spine, six were significantly smaller in the coronal oblique plane than in the coronal plane. The only dimension that showed no difference was the smallest ganglion dimension. Conclusion: The dimensions and areas investigated were smaller in coronal oblique plane, especially the area (difference > 1 mm). The analysis of the triangular zone in this plane becomes important in the preoperative assessment of minimally invasive procedures.

Objetivo: Comparar as medidas do triângulo de segurança lombar (triângulo de Kambin) e invasão do gânglio da raiz dorsal no triângulo nas incidências coronal e coronal oblíqua. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal, em que foram analisadas 210 imagens de ressonância magnética 3.0-T de L2-L5 nos planos coronal e coronal oblíquo. Foram excluídos exames com anomalias da coluna lombar. Variáveis demográficas (sexo e idade) e radiológicas foram registradas por um único avaliador. Resultados: A maioria da amostra era do sexo feminino (57,1%), com idade média de 45,5 ± 13,3 (18­98 anos). A média das medidas, assim como as áreas, aumentaram gradativamente de L2 a L5. O gânglio da raiz dorsal invadiu o triângulo em todas as imagens. A área média do triângulo de segurança foi menor na incidência coronal oblíqua do que na incidência coronal. Das sete dimensões do triângulo de segurança obtidas para cada nível da coluna lombar, seis foram significativamente menores no plano coronal oblíquo do que no plano coronal. Única dimensão que não apresentou diferença foi a menor dimensão do gânglio. Conclusão: As dimensões e áreas investigadas foram menores na incidência coronal oblíqua, especialmente a área (diferença > 1 mm). A análise da zona triangular nesta incidência torna-se importante na avaliação pré-operatória de procedimentos minimamente invasivos.

Transtheoretical model for lifestyle changes in older persons: a systematic review protocol.

Adherence to lifestyle changes is a major challenge for healthcare professionals. The transtheoretical model (TTM) was proposed to promote behavioral changes, used in different health conditions (smoking, alcoholism, drug addiction, and obesity) and age groups. However, the effectiveness of the model in older persons is not yet known. This systematic review protocol follows the PRISMA-P guidance. The question the review will address is, Are interventions based on the TTM, compared with conventional interventions, associated with lifestyle changes in older adults? Databases MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL, WoS, and PsycINFO will be searched. Randomized clinical controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies describing the effectiveness of TTM-based interventions in changing the lifestyle of individuals aged 65 and over, compared with conventional interventions for lifestyle changes, will be included. Studies that do not address the stages of change characteristic of TTM or that use pharmacological interventions as a comparator will be excluded. Reviewers independently will screen papers for eligibility criteria, and, extracting data, assess the risk of bias for included studies and will evaluate the overall quality of evidence (GRADE system). If possible, a meta-analysis will be conducted. Otherwise, a narrative synthesis will be prepared according to the SWiM guideline.

Accuracy of SARC-F and SARC-CalF for sarcopenia screening in older women from southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify the accuracy of the SARC-F and the SARC-CalF as screening tools for sarcopenia in community-dwelling older women ≥60 y of age. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study evaluating a convenience sample of women ≥60 y of age, living in Southern Brazil. Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria proposed in the latest European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People consensus (EWGSOP2). Appendicular muscle mass was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Muscle strength was measured by handheld dynamometry, and physical performance through the 4-m gait speed test. The SARC-F questionnaire and SARC-CalF score for sarcopenia screening were also applied. RESULTS: We evaluated 288 participants, with a mean age of 67.6 ± 5.8 y. The frequency of probable and confirmed sarcopenia in the sample was 7.3% and 2.1%, respectively. The frequency of risk for sarcopenia assessed by the SARC-F was 4.5% and SARC-CalF 22.2%. Despite the excellent specificity (95.4%) demonstrated by the SARC-F, its sensitivity in identifying confirmed cases was null, whereas the SARC-CalF showed high sensitivity (83.3%) and good specificity (79%). CONCLUSION: The present study findings suggested that SARC-CalF may be able to outperform SARC-F as a sarcopenia screening tool in women ≥60 y of age even under the new EWGSOP2 criteria, the main determinant of which is strength as observed in studies based on the previous definition.

Is Sensory Loss an Understudied Risk Factor for Frailty? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Age-related sensory loss and frailty are common conditions among older adults, but epidemiologic research on their possible links has been inconclusive. Clarifying this relationship is important because sensory loss may be a clinically relevant risk factor for frailty. METHODS: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 3 databases for observational studies investigating 4 sensory impairments-vision (VI), hearing (HI), smell (SI), and taste (TI)-and their relationships with frailty. We meta-analyzed the cross-sectional associations of VI/HI each with pre-frailty and frailty, investigated sources of heterogeneity using meta-regression and subgroup analyses, and assessed publication bias using Egger's test. RESULTS: We included 17 cross-sectional and 7 longitudinal studies in our review (N = 34,085) from 766 records. Our cross-sectional meta-analyses found that HI and VI were, respectively, associated with 1.5- to 2-fold greater odds of pre-frailty and 2.5- to 3-fold greater odds of frailty. Our results remained largely unchanged after subgroup analyses and meta-regression, though the association between HI and pre-frailty was no longer significant in 2 subgroups which lacked sufficient studies. We did not detect publication bias. Longitudinal studies largely found positive associations between VI/HI and frailty progression from baseline robustness, though they were inconclusive about frailty progression from baseline pre-frailty. Sparse literature and heterogenous methods precluded meta-analyses and conclusions on the SI/TI-frailty relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analyses demonstrate significant cross-sectional associations between VI/HI with pre-frailty and frailty. Our review also highlights knowledge gaps on the directionality and modifiability of these relationships and the impact of SI/TI and multiple sensory impairments on frailty.

Association between manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) gene polymorphism and elderly obesity.

Evidence suggests an association between obesity and oxidative stress caused by superoxide production. Since the dismutation of superoxide is catalyzed by superoxide dismutase enzymes, we tested the association between obesity and Ala16Val manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase gene (MnSOD) polymorphism. We analyzed 815 free-living community subjects (> or =60 years old) grouped into subjects who were either obese (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)) or non-obese (BMI < 25 kg/m(2)). Additionally, we investigated the possible interaction between the Ala16Val MnSOD gene polymorphism and obesity in the modulation of biochemical and nutritional variables. We found a positive association between MnSOD polymorphism and obesity, since higher VV frequency (28.2%) was observed in the obese group (P = 0.002, odds ratio 1.949, 95% CI: 1.223-3.008). This result was independent of sex, age, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome. A possible biological explanation of the association described here could be a chronic state of superoxide enzyme imbalance present in VV carriers, which could affect differential metabolic pathways contributing to the obese state.

Performance of Anthropometric Indicators in the Prediction of Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly.

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated the relevance of anthropometric indicators in the prediction of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, researches involving older people are still scarce. Therefore, the objective was to describe the frequency of MetS and to determine the performance of anthropometric indicators as predictors of MetS in the total sample, in men and women. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving 479 elderly individuals attended in primary health care. The revised National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) guidelines were used for the MetS diagnosis. The anthropometric indicators evaluated were neck circumference, sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD), SAD/height, sagittal index, and conicity index (C-Index). The predictive performance of the MetS anthropometric indicators was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A cutoff point >0.700 was used to evaluate diagnostic performance. Results: The frequency of MetS was 60.5%. The anthropometric indicators demonstrating adequate performance were in total sample: SAD/height (auROC = 0.810), SAD (auROC = 0.777), and C-Index (auROC = 0.706); in women: SAD (auROC = 0.820), SAD/height (auROC = 0.810), neck circumference (auROC = 0.782), and C-Index (auROC = 0.727); in men: SAD/height (auROC = 0.768), SAD (auROC = 0.760), and C-Index (auROC = 0.724). Conclusions: A high frequency of MetS was observed. Of the five anthropometric indicators investigated, three presented good performance in the total sample (SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index), four in women (SAD, SAD/height, neck circumference, and C-Index), and three in men (SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index). The anthropometric indicators, SAD, SAD/height, and C-Index, proved to perform adequately in all the three segments investigated.

Effect of Exercise on Cognition, Conditioning, Muscle Endurance, and Balance in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be a precursor to dementia; however, its progression may be prevented or slowed with exercise. This study aimed at determining the effects of group aerobic and strength training on cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance in underprivileged community-dwelling older adults with MCI. METHODS: This was a single-blind, randomized, and matched-pair controlled (gender, age, body mass index, and Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised for MCI diagnosis) clinical trial. It was developed in 4 community centers. Fifty-two sedentary, functionally independent individuals, aged 60 years or more, with MCI were randomized into intervention group (n = 26) and control group (n = 26). Participants were tested before and after a 24-week exercise program. Sociodemographic characteristics, cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination), conditioning (2-minute stationary walk test), lower-limb endurance (30-second sit/stand test), and balance data (Functional Reach test) were collected. The intervention group walked and exercised twice weekly (60 minutes each) using ankle weights, latex resistance bands, and dumbbells. The exercise load and intensity were regularly increased on the basis of a preestablished incremental number of sets and repetitions and on the basis of the participants' correct movement execution with a given load. Data were analyzed with Pearson χ test, Fisher exact test, Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance, and the Cohen d. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Before the intervention, no significant differences were found between groups for any of the variables. Postintervention, significant differences were observed in cognition, conditioning, muscle endurance, and balance. Significant time-by-group interactions were detected in all the intergroup analyses. The improvements observed in the intervention group had medium to large effect sizes (0.35-1.15). The control group's decrease in cognition (13.9%) had a large effect size, while its Functional Reach test decrease (11.4%) had a medium effect size, with no significant change in conditioning or muscle endurance. CONCLUSION: The training program improved cognitive function, muscle endurance, aerobic conditioning, and balance in older adults with MCI.

Association between adductor pollicis muscle thickness and nutritional parameters in hospitalized elderly patients.

INTRODUCTION: the measurement of the adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) has been investigated as an anthropometric parameter; however, there are few studies related to hospitalized elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: to analyze the association between APMT and nutritional parameters in hospitalized elderly patients. METHOD: cross-sectional study made in 331 hospitalized elderly patients. The following variables have been assessed: APMT, Mini Nutritional Assessment® (MNA®), body mass index (BMI), arm circumference (AC), calf circumference (CC) and handgrip strength (HGS). RESULTS: the mean age was 78.4 ± 9.7 years and 56.8% were women. The women had showed APMT mean values significantly lower than the men (12.67 ± 4.13 mm vs 15.26 ± 4.01 mm), as well as the elderly patients ≥ 80 years old showed APMT values lower than the younger patients (12.62 ± 4.38 mm vs 14.83 ± 3.90 mm). In relation to the APMT classification, the women were more frequently below P5 than the men (89.9% vs 37.1%). In the univariate analysis, the mean values of APMT were significantly lower in the malnourished elderly patients (MNA®), thinness (BMI), AC < 21 cm, CC < 31 and HGS < P5, regardless of gender. In the multivariate analysis, APMT remained as a factor independently associated with all nutritional indicators, even when adjusted to age and gender. CONCLUSION: APMT has associated with all the nutritional parameters investigated, regardless of gender and age, reinforcing its applicability in the nutritional assessment of elderly people.

Lumbar safety triangle: comparative study of coronal and coronal oblique planes in 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging / Triângulo de segurança lombar: estudo comparativo dos planos coronal e coronal oblíquo em ressonância magnética 3.0-T

Abstract Objective: To compare the measurements of the lumbar safety triangle (Kambin's triangle) and the invasion of the dorsal root ganglion in the triangle in coronal and coronal oblique planes. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study, in which 210 3.0-T magnetic resonance images of L2-L5 were analyzed in coronal and coronal oblique planes. Exams with lumbar spine anomalies were excluded. Demographic (sex and age) and radiological variables were recorded by a single evaluator. Results: Most sample was female (57.1%), mean age 45.5 ± 13.3 (18-98 years). The measurements average, as well as the areas, gradually increased from L2 to L5. The dorsal root ganglion invaded the triangle in all images. The safety triangle average area was smaller in the coronal oblique plane than in the coronal plane. Of the seven dimensions of safety triangle obtained for each level of the lumbar spine, six were significantly smaller in the coronal oblique plane than in the coronal plane. The only dimension that showed no difference was the smallest ganglion dimension. Conclusion: The dimensions and areas investigated were smaller in coronal oblique plane, especially the area (difference > 1 mm). The analysis of the triangular zone in this plane becomes important in the preoperative assessment of minimally invasive procedures.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar as medidas do triângulo de segurança lombar (triângulo de Kambin) e invasão do gânglio da raiz dorsal no triângulo nas incidências coronal e coronal oblíqua. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal, em que foram analisadas 210 imagens de ressonância magnética 3.0-T de L2-L5 nos planos coronal e coronal oblíquo. Foram excluídos exames com anomalias da coluna lombar. Variáveis demográficas (sexo e idade) e radiológicas foram registradas por um único avaliador. Resultados: A maioria da amostra era do sexo feminino (57,1%), com idade média de 45,5 ± 13,3 (18-98 anos). A média das medidas, assim como as áreas, aumentaram gradativamente de L2 a L5. O gânglio da raiz dorsal invadiu o triângulo em todas as imagens. A área média do triângulo de segurança foi menor na incidência coronal oblíqua do que na incidência coronal. Das sete dimensões do triângulo de segurança obtidas para cada nível da coluna lombar, seis foram significativamente menores no plano coronal oblíquo do que no plano coronal. Única dimensão que não apresentou diferença foi a menor dimensão do gânglio. Conclusão: As dimensões e áreas investigadas foram menores na incidência coronal oblíqua, especialmente a área (diferença > 1 mm). A análise da zona triangular nesta incidência torna-se importante na avaliação pré-operatória de procedimentos minimamente invasivos.

Anthropometric Measures and Frailty Prediction in the Elderly: An Easy-to-Use Tool.

PURPOSE: Anthropometry is a useful tool for assessing some risk factors for frailty. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the discriminatory performance of anthropometric measures in identifying frailty in the elderly and to create an easy-to-use tool. METHODS: Cross-sectional study: a subset from the Multidimensional Study of the Elderly in the Family Health Strategy (EMI-SUS) evaluating 538 older adults. Individuals were classified using the Fried Phenotype criteria, and 26 anthropometric measures were obtained. The predictive ability of anthropometric measures in identifying frailty was identified through logistic regression and an artificial neural network. The accuracy of the final models was assessed with an ROC curve. RESULTS: The final model comprised the following predictors: weight, waist circumference, bicipital skinfold, sagittal abdominal diameter, and age. The final neural network models presented a higher ROC curve of 0.78 (CI 95% 0.74-0.82) (P < 0.001) than the logistic regression model, with an ROC curve of 0.71 (CI 95% 0.66-0.77) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The neural network model provides a reliable tool for identifying prefrailty/frailty in the elderly, with the advantage of being easy to apply in the primary health care. It may help to provide timely interventions to ameliorate the risk of adverse events.

Association of alcohol consumption with coronary artery disease severity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The ingestion of small to moderate alcohol consumption amounts has been associated to cardiovascular protection. This study aimed to evaluate the association between alcohol consumption and coronary artery disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional Study with patients undergoing coronary angiography. Age, cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, systemic arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) and alcohol drinking habit were investigated. Alcohol consumption was divided in three categories: nondrinker, moderate alcohol consumption (less than 15 g ethanol/day for women or 30 g ethanol/day for men) and heavy alcohol consumption. Coronary artery disease severity was assessed through the Friesinger Score (FS) in the coronary angiography, by interventional cardiologists blinded to alcohol consumption. RESULTS: The final sample included 363 adults; of those, 228 were men (62.81%). Mean age was 60.5 ± 10.9 y. Unadjusted analyses identified sex, age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and alcohol consumption as the main covariates associated with the Friesinger score. Lower Friesinger scores were also observed in moderate alcohol consumption when comparing to those who do not drink (RR 0.86; 95% CI 0.79-0.95). CONCLUSION: Among patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing coronary angiography, moderate alcohol consumption is associated to a lower coronary artery disease severity than heavy drinking.

Metabolic syndrome components relationship with lipid indices and anthropometric parameters in rural workers: exploratory factor analysis / Relação dos componentes da síndrome metabólica com índices lipídicos e parâmetros antropométricos em trabalhadores rurais: análise fatorial exploratória / Relación de los componentes del síndrome metabólico con índices lipídicos y parámetros antropométricos en trabajadores rurales: análisis factorial exploratório

Background and Objectives: The search for simple and rapid screening indicators for metabolic syndrome (MS) is important due to its high frequency in the adult population. And this aspect is little explored in the rural Brazilian population. The objective of this study was to verify the relationship of MS components with lipid indices and anthropometric parameters in rural workers. Methods: Cross-sectional study with rural workers aged 18 years or older. The MS was determined through harmonized criteria. The fasting glucose (GLI), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, HDL-c and waist circumference (WC); anthropometric parameters: body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio (WHtR) and body fat percentage (%F); and lipid indices: glycemic triglyceride index (TyG), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Exploratory factor analysis was performed that included, in model I, the anthropometric parameters and, in model II, the lipid indices. Results: out of the 167 workers, 21.0% were older adults (≥60 years), 39.5% were male and 61.1% had MS, with a higher prevalence in females. Model II responded to the highest explained variance (78.43%) including metabolic (VAI, LAP, TyG and TG and -HDL-c), cardiometabolic (SBP, DBP and CC) and glycemic factors. Model I explained 70.4% of the variance, which included excess weight, blood pressure and lipid/glycemic factors. Conclusion: the model that included the lipid indices explained the greatest variance observed and the VAI presented the most significant load of this factor.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: A busca por indicadores simples e rápidos de rastreio de síndrome metabólica (SM) é importante, devido a sua alta frequência na população adulta. Contudo, este aspecto é pouco explorado na população rural brasileira. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação dos componentes da SM com índices lipídicos e parâmetros antropométricos em trabalhadores rurais. Métodos: Estudo transversal com trabalhadores rurais com 18 anos ou mais. A SM foi determinada pelo critério harmonizado. Foram investigados os seguintes componentes da SM: triglicerídeos (TG), glicose em jejum (GLI), pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), HDL-c e circunferência da cintura (CC); os parâmetros antropométricos: índice de massa corporal (IMC), relação cintura/estatura (RCE) e percentual de gordura corporal (%G); e os índices lipídicos: índice triglicerídeos glicemia (TyG), produto de acumulação de lipídios (LAP) e índice de adiposidade visceral (VAI). Foi realizada análise fatorial exploratória que incluiu, no modelo I, os parâmetros antropométricos e, no modelo II, os índices lipídicos. Resultados: Dos 167 indivíduos investigados, 21,0% eram idosos (≥60 anos), 39,5% do sexo masculino e 61,1% apresentaram SM, com maior frequência no sexo feminino. O modelo II respondeu a maior variância explicada (78,43%) incluindo os fatores metabólico (VAI, LAP, TyG, TG e o -HDL-c), cardiometabólico (PAS, PAD e CC) e glicêmico. O modelo I explicou 70,4% da variância, que incluiu os fatores excesso de peso, pressão arterial e lipídico/glicêmico. Conclusão: o modelo que incluiu os índices lipídicos explicou a maior variância observada e o VAI apresentou a carga mais significativa desse fator.(AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: La búsqueda de indicadores de detección simples y rápidos para el síndrome metabólico (SM) es importante debido a su alta frecuencia en la población adulta. Y este aspecto es poco explorado en la población rural brasileña. El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar la relación de los componentes del SM com índices lipídicos e parámetros antropométricos en trabajadores rurales. Métodos: estudio transversal con trabajadores rurales de 18 años o más. El SM fue determinado por criterio armonizado. Se investigaron los seguientes componentes de la SM: triglicéridos (TG), glucosa en ayunas (GLI), presión arterial sistólica (PAS) y diastólica (PAD), HDL-c y circunferencia de cintura (CC); parámetros antropométricos: índice de masa corporal (IMC), relación cintura /talla (WHtR) y porcentaje de grasa corporal (% F); y índices de lípidos: índice glucémico de triglicéridos (TyG), el producto de acumulación de lípidos (LAP) y el índice de adiposidad visceral (VAI). Se realizo um análisis factorial exploratorio que incluyó, em modelo I, los parâmetros antropométricos y, en el modelo II, los índices lipídicos. Resultados: De los 167 trabajadores, 21,0% eran ancianos (≥60 años), 39,5% hombres y 61,1% tenían SM, con mayor frecuencia en mujeres. El modelo II respondió a la mayor varianza explicada (78,43%) incluyendo factores metabólico (VAI, LAP, TyG y TG y -HDL-c), cardiometabólico (SBP, DBP y CC) y glucémico. El modelo I explicó el 70,4% de la varianza, que incluía exceso de peso, presión arterial y factores lipídicos / glucémicos. Conclusión: el modelo que incluyó los índices lipídicos explicó la mayor varianza observada y el VAI presentó la carga más significativa de este factor.(AU)

Correlation between anthropometric data and length and thickness of the tendons of the semitendinosus and gracilis muscles used for grafts in reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative estimation of the length and diameter of the semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (G) tendons can assist surgeons and allow them to have the opportunity to choose alternative grafts. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anthropometric measurements such as height, weight and body mass index (BMI) or the patient's age and sex have any correlation with the thickness and the length of ST and G tendons. METHODS: Data were gathered from 64 patients who underwent the surgical procedure of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using the tendons of the ST and G muscles as grafts, between June 2012 and August 2013. Variables such as age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI) and length and diameter of the tendons of the ST and G muscles were analyzed. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between the height and total diameter of the quadruple graft (r = 0.254; p = 0.043), total length of the ST tendon (r = 0.450; p < 0.01), diameter of the double ST (r = 0.270; p = 0.031), triple ST (r = 0.347; p = 0.005), length of G tendon (r = 0.249; p = 0.047) and diameter of the double-G (r = 0.258; p = 0.039). However, age (r = -0.015; p = 0.908), weight (r = 0.165; p = 0.193) and body mass index (r = 0.012; p = 0.926) showed no correlation. CONCLUSION: Our results show that age, weight and BMI did not correlate with the diameter and length of the graft, while the height had a positive correlation with the total length of the flexor tendons and the diameter of the graft from the flexors (ST and G).

OBJETIVO: A estimativa pré-operatória do comprimento e do diâmetro dos tendões semitendinoso (ST) e grácil (G) pode auxiliar e permitir que os cirurgiões tenham a oportunidade de escolher opções de enxerto. O objetivo deste estudo foi pesquisar se existe correlação entre as medidas antropométricas, como altura, peso, índice de massa corpórea (IMC), idade e sexo do paciente, com a espessura e o comprimento dos tendões ST e G. MÉTODOS: Entre junho de 2012 e agosto de 2013, foram coletados os dados de 64 pacientes que se submeteram ao procedimento cirúrgico de reconstrução do ligamento cruzado anterior em que se usaram como enxerto os tendões dos músculos ST e G. Foram analisadas variáveis como idade, sexo, peso, altura e índice de massa corporal (IMC), comprimento e diâmetro dos tendões dos músculos ST e G. RESULTADOS: Houve uma correlação positiva entre altura e diâmetro total do enxerto de quádruplo (r = 0,254 p = 0,043), comprimento total do tendão ST (r = 0,450, p < 0,01), diâmetro do ST duplo (r = 0,270 p = 0,031), ST triplo (r = 0,347 p = 0,005), comprimento do tendão G (r = 0,249 p = 0,047) e diâmetro do G duplo (r = 0,258 p = 0,039). No entanto, idade (r = -0,015 p = 0,908), peso (r = 0,165 p = 0,193) e índice de massa corporal (r = 0,012 p = 0,926) não apresentaram correlação. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados mostram que idade, peso e IMC não se correlacionaram com o diâmetro e comprimento do enxerto, enquanto a altura tinha uma correlação positiva com o comprimento total dos tendões flexores e com o diâmetro do enxerto dos flexores (ST e G).

Teleconsultation in the prevention and control of older persons' health with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic: study protoco / Teleconsulta para prevenção e controle da saúde do idoso frente à pandemia de COVID-19: protocolo do estudo

OBJECTIVE: To report the following study protocol: "Prevention program for older persons' health care focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in the city of Recife ­ PE." METHODS: An action research study will be conducted with 151 older people of both sexes residing in the 8 health districts of Recife, Brazil. A teleconsultation service will be used to converse with participants. Activities will be organized into 2 moments: diagnosis and intervention. A guided conversation strategy will be used, dealing with issues related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prevention; social isolation; thoughts, emotions, and spirituality; family and community support; and personal development and ground rules for everyday life. The intervention with each older person will happen weekly for 12 weeks and will be characterized by listening to them and exchanging knowledge with the aim of bonding and optimizing adherence and compliance to COVID-19 prevention and control measures. Our data analysis will follow 3 approaches: cross-sectional (multivariate regression model), quasi-experimental (analysis of standardized residuals), and qualitative (interview and content analysis). EXPECTED RESULTS AND RELEVANCE: The construction of scientific knowledge is a key strategy when faced with the great challenge to global collective health presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Data generated in this study may contribute to the improvement of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices, as well as to a good acceptance of the prevention program by older participants.'

OBJETIVO: Apresentar o protocolo "Programa de prevenção para a saúde do idoso com foco na pandemia de COVID-19 no município do Recife ­ PE". METODOLOGIA: Um estudo de pesquisa-ação será conduzido com 151 idosos de ambos os sexos que residem nos 8 distritos sanitários de Recife, Brasil. Um serviço de teleconsulta será usado para comunicação com os participantes. As atividades serão organizadas em 2 momentos: diagnóstico e intervenção. Uma estratégia de conversa guiada será adotada para com os idosos, tratando de temas relacionados à prevenção de COVID-19; isolamento social; pensamentos, emoções e espiritualidade; família e suporte comunitário; desenvolvimento pessoal; e regras básicas para o cotidiano. A intervenção com cada idoso ocorrerá uma vez por semana por 12 semanas, sendo caracterizada pela escuta e troca de conhecimentos com o objetivo de gerar um vínculo e otimizar a aderência e observância de medidas de prevenção e controle de COVID-19. A análise de dados seguirá 3 abordagens: transversal (modelo de regressão multivariada), quase-experimental (análise de resíduos padronizados), e qualitativa (entrevista e análise de conteúdo). RESULTADOS ESPERADOS E RELEVÂNCIA: A construção do conhecimento científico é uma estratégia chave frente ao grande desafio para a saúde coletiva global representado pela pandemia de COVID-19. Dados gerados por este estudo podem contribuir para a melhoria do conhecimento, atitudes, e medidas de prevenção, além de uma boa aceitação do programa de prevenção por parte dos participantes idosos.

[Cardiovascular mortality predictors in the oldest old]. / Preditores cardiovasculares da mortalidade em idosos longevos.

This article investigates the association between cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the oldest old. In 1996, 91% of the population > or = 80 years of age from Veranópolis, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, were evaluated to detect cardiovascular risk factors and morbidity. The sample was followed up for three years, with the assessment of deaths. The analysis was done using univariate statistics and multivariate logistic regression analysis. There were 41 deaths (21%): 20 men and 21 women. Deaths were distributed by year as follow: 03 (7.3%) in the first year, 08 (19.5%) in the second, and 30 (73.2%) in the third. There was a significant and independent association between death and the following variables: diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, ApoA-I, prior stroke (CVA), right bundle branch block (RBBB), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by ECG. Survivors presented higher levels of DBP, TC, LDL-C, ApoA-I, CVA, RBBB and LVH. According to the multivariate analysis, the variables were independent risk factors for mortality. Cardiovascular risk factors appear to have a distinct impact on the oldest old.

Analysis of the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism and cardiovascular risk factors in an elderly population with longevity.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the allelic and genotypic frequencies related to apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism and association of the genotypes with risk factors and cardiovascular morbidity in an elderly population with longevity. METHODS: We analyzed 70 elderly patients aged 80 years or more who were part of the Projeto Veranópolis. We used the gene amplification technique through the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and cleavage with the restriction enzyme Hha I to identify the ApoE genotypes. The most frequent genotypes were compared considering biological variables and cardiovascular risks and morbidity. RESULTS: The frequencies of the E2, E3, and E4 alleles were 0.05, 0.84, and 0.11, respectively, and of the genotypes were as follows: E3E3 (0.70), E3E4 (0.22), E2E3 (0.06), and E2E2 (0.02). Individuals with the E3E4 had a mean age greater than those with the E3E3. No association was observed between the genotypes and the variables analyzed, except for obesity, which was associated with the E3E3 genotype. Individuals with the E3E4 genotype had high levels of LDL-cholesterol and fibrinogen as compared with those with the E3E3 genotype. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the E4E4 genotype may be associated with early mortality. A balance between the protective or neutral factors and the cardiovascular risk factors may occur among the individuals with different genotypes, attenuating the negative effects of the E4 allele.