Sarcopenia: a predictor of mortality and the need for early diagnosis and intervention.

The term sarcopenia refers to the loss of muscle mass that occurs with aging. Sarcopenia is defined by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) as low muscle mass and low muscle function (strength and performance). Its prevalence varies depending on the definition used for it, but estimates propose a loss of approximately 8 % per decade until the age of 70 years; afterwards, the loss increases and ranges from 13 to 24 % per decade. Irrespective of how sarcopenia is defined, both low muscle mass and poor muscle strength are highly prevalent and important risk factors for disability and increased mortality in individuals as they age. In this review, we address age-related muscle loss and the risk factors of mortality, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention.

Changes in physical function over time in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Self-reported disability is potentially influenced by many factors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this sense, we evaluated the association between self-reported disability and (1) clinical features, (2) muscle strength and (3) physical performance over time among patients with RA from two distinct patient cohorts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two independent prospective RA cohorts were analyzed. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Disease Activity Score in 28 Joints (DAS28), handgrip test, chair stand test, timed-up-and-go (TUG) test and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) were performed at baseline and in follow-up. T test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney U test, Spearman correlation coefficients and linear regression with generalized estimating equations were performed to assess associations between individual constructs at baseline and over time. RESULTS: A total of 205 total RA patients were included [North American Cohort (n = 115); Brazilian Cohort (n = 90)]. At enrollment, Brazilian men had better HAQ than North American men (p<0.001). Brazilian patients overall had lower muscle strength than North American patients (p<0.05). HAQ was associated with DAS28, handgrip test, chair stand test, TUG and SPPB (p<0.001) in both cohorts. Worsening of the DAS28 and chair stand test were each associated with worsening in HAQ in longitudinal analysis over time. Worsening of handgrip was also associated in with worsening HAQ in both cohorts (p<0.05). A worse TUG test was associated with worsening in HAQ in Brazilian cohort (p<0.05) and a worse SPPB was associated with worsening in HAQ in North American cohort (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Greater disability measured by HAQ is closely associated with disease activity, pain, muscle strength, and physical performance among RA. Worsening in self-reported disability correlate with worsening clinical factors including objectively-observed physical function.

The role of proteasome in muscle wasting of experimental arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that often leads patients to muscle impairment and physical disability. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the activity of proteasome system in skeletal muscles of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and treated with etanercept or methotrexate. METHODS: Male DBA1/J mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): CIA-Vehicle (treated with saline), CIA-ETN (treated with etanercept, 5.5 mg/kg), CIA-MTX (treated with methotrexate, 35 mg/kg) and CO (healthy control group). Mice were treated two times a week for 6 weeks. Clinical score and hind paw edema were measured. Muscles were weighted after euthanasia and used to quantify proteasome activity, gene (MuRF-1, PMSα4, PSMß5, PMSß6, PSMß7, PSMß8, PSMß9, and PSMß10), and protein (PSMß1, PSMß5, PSMß1i, PSMß5i) expression of proteasome subunits. RESULTS: Both treatments slowed disease development, but only CIA-ETN maintained muscle weight compared to CIA-MTX and CIA-Vehicle groups. Etanercept treatment showed caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome similar to CO group, while CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX had higher activity compared to CO group (p: 0.0057). MuRF-1 mRNA expression was decreased after etanercept administration compared to CIA-Vehicle and CO groups (p: 0.002, p: 0.007, respectively). PSMß8 and PSMß9 mRNA levels were increased in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX compared to CO group, while CIA-ETN presented no difference from CO. PMSß6 mRNA expression was higher in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX groups than in CO group. Protein levels of the PSMß5 subunit were increased in CO group compared to CIA-Vehicle; after both etanercept and methotrexate treatments, PSMß5 expression was higher than in CIA-Vehicle group and did not differ from CO group expression (p: 0.0025, p: 0.001, respectively). The inflammation-induced subunit ß1 (LMP2) was enhanced after methotrexate treatment compared to CO group (p: 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: The results of CIA-Vehicle show that arthritis increases muscle proteasome activation by enhanced caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome and increased PSMß8 and PSMß9 mRNA levels. Etanercept treatment was able to maintain the muscle weight and to modulate proteasome so that its activity and gene expression were compared to CO after TNF inhibition. The protein expression of inflammation-induced proteasome subunit was increased in muscle of CIA-MTX group but not following etanercept treatment. Thus, anti-TNF treatment may be an interesting approach to attenuate the arthritis-related muscle wasting.

Multicomponent or Resistance Training for Nursing Home Residents: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a systematic review with meta-analysis to verify the effects of multicomponent and resistance training on the physical performance in older adult residents in long-term care, as well as to compare these modalities. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Older adults age over 60 years who are nursing home residents in long-term care. METHODS: Seven electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Central, Web of Science, SportDiscus, LILACS, and SCIELO) were searched from their inception until May 1, 2022. The methodological quality was assessed using PEDro scale. Mean difference and 95% confidence interval were pooled using a random-effects model. The significance level established was P value of ≤.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: A total of 30 studies were included in the qualitative review (n = 1887, mean age 82.68 years and 70% female). Multicomponent training appeared in 19 studies and resistance training in 12 studies. Out of these, 17 studies were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Multicomponent training and resistance training showed statistically significant difference (P ≤ .05) in the physical performance of institutionalized older adults compared with the control groups (usual care); this was evaluated with the Short Physical Performance Battery (+1.2 points; +2 points), 30-second chair-stand (approximately +3 repetitions; both), and Timed Up and Go (-4 seconds on mean; both) tests. Comparisons between multicomponent and resistance training did not show statistically significant differences in any of the physical outcomes evaluated. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The studies provide evidence that both multicomponent training and resistance training may be effective in improving the physical performance of institutionalized older adults. Further studies with more representative sample numbers, an improvement in methodological quality, and a more specified prescription of the training used are necessary.

Nitric oxide regulates the repair of injured skeletal muscle.

Skeletal muscle repair can be understood as a balance between fibrosis and regeneration, the result of which may lead to complete recovery or loss of muscle function. To study the involvement of nitric oxide in post-trauma muscle repair, we used an experimental murine model of crush injury muscle. The animals were divided into four groups, (i) control (CO), (ii) sham trauma, (iii) trauma and (iv) trauma+l-NAME. The animals received a single dose of 100mg/kg of the l-NAME, an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, 2h after lesion, and the muscle tissue was analyzed in two time-points: 24h and 7 days. Twenty-four hours after injury, the crushed muscle was characterized by an intense inflammatory cell infiltrate and edema demonstrated by histological analysis. These changes were accompanied by increased iNOS, MMP-2 and HGF mRNA transcription and protein expression of the iNOS and MMP-2 in the gastrocnemius muscle. Crushing injury also promoted cell proliferation and increase number satellite cell, responsible for the regeneration of the muscle fiber. Treatment with l-NAME blocking local NO production, greatly attenuated these histological and molecular findings at 24h. On the 7th day the molecular findings of both groups were comparable to the control (sham trauma) group. However, the l-NAME group showed increase deposition of collagen and decrease of SC expression. These findings demonstrate that activation of NO during muscle crush is critical in the early phases of the skeletal muscle repair process and indicate its possible role as a regulator of the balance between fibrosis and muscle regeneration.

The role of nitric oxide during healing of trauma to the skeletal muscle.

INTRODUCTION: The role of NO in muscle injury is not clear. METHODS: We examined the involvement of the NO system in the development of muscle damage in an experimental model of crush injury. The animals were divided into four groups: (1) control (CO), (2) sham trauma, (3) trauma, (4) trauma + L -NAME, in two experimental phases, 24 h and 7 days after injury. RESULTS: Twenty-four hours post-trauma, the crushed muscle was characterized by an intense inflammatory reaction. These changes were accompanied by increased oxidative damage, increased cytokine mRNA transcription, NF-κB binding ability and TGF-ß growth factor expression in the gastrocnemius muscle. Treatment with L: -NAME markedly decreased these histological and molecular abnormalities at 24 h. However, at 7 days post-trauma, increased collagen formation was observed in the L: -NAME group. DISCUSSION: These findings indicate that NO is involved in the balance between fibrosis and healing with regeneration.

Nitric oxide and repair of skeletal muscle injury.

The muscle wound healing occurs in three overlapping phases: (1) degeneration and inflammation, (2) muscle regeneration, and (3) fibrosis. Simultaneously to injury cellular infiltration by neutrophils and macrophages occur, as well as cellular 'respiratory burst' via activation of the enzyme NADPH oxidase. When skeletal muscle is stretched or injured, myogenic satellite cells are activated to enter the cell cycle, divide, differentiate and fuse with muscle fibers to repair damaged regions and to enhance hypertrophy of muscle fibers. This process depends on nitric oxide (NO) production, metalloproteinase (MMP) activation and release of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) from the extracellular matrix. Generation of a fibrotic scar tissue, with partial loss of function, can also occur, and seems to be dependent, at least in part, on local TGF-beta expression, which can be downregulated by NO. Hence, regeneration the muscle depends on the type and severity of the injury, the appropriate inflammatory response and on the balance of the processes of remodeling and fibrosis. It appears that in all these phases NO exerts a significant role. Better comprehension of this role, as well as of the participation of other important mediators, may lead to development of new treatment strategies trying to tip the balance in favor of greater regeneration over fibrosis, resulting in better functional recovery.

Construction and validation of content of one instrument to assess falls in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate the content of the online Questionnaire for Fall Risk Assessment in the Elderly. METHODS: The instrument was developed based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organization. Initially, the set of items was submitted to evaluation of judges (healthcare professionals with experience in elderly health), who could suggest inclusion or exclusion of questions from the instrument; they were also asked to rate each question according to the expected scope. At this stage, clarity and relevance levels for each item were evaluated, generating a total of Content Validity Coefficient (CtVC). RESULTS: Content Validity Coefficient values were satisfactory for both clarity (CtVC=0.76) and relevance (CtVC=0.82) of the questions. Next, a group of elderly volunteers participating in a socializing group evaluated the questionnaire for comprehension. The level of comprehension for each item was identified on a Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 5. The questionnaire was considered easy to understand by most participants (95%), with a mean of 4.75 (±0.11) points for each item. CONCLUSION: The instrument showed acceptable psychometric qualities for screening fall risk among the elderly population. Future studies shall investigate different validation aspects of construct for this measure.

The role of proteasome in muscle wasting of experimental arthritis

Abstract Background Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that often leads patients to muscle impairment and physical disability. This study aimed to evaluate changes in the activity of proteasome system in skeletal muscles of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and treated with etanercept or methotrexate. Methods Male DBA1/J mice were divided into four groups (n = 8 each): CIA-Vehicle (treated with saline), CIA-ETN (treated with etanercept, 5.5 mg/kg), CIA-MTX (treated with methotrexate, 35 mg/kg) and CO (healthy control group). Mice were treated two times a week for 6 weeks. Clinical score and hind paw edema were measured. Muscles were weighted after euthanasia and used to quantify proteasome activity, gene (MuRF-1, PMSα4, PSMβ5, PMSβ6, PSMβ7, PSMβ8, PSMβ9, and PSMβ10), and protein (PSMβ1, PSMβ5, PSMβ1i, PSMβ5i) expression of proteasome subunits. Results Both treatments slowed disease development, but only CIA-ETN maintained muscle weight compared to CIA-MTX and CIA-Vehicle groups. Etanercept treatment showed caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome similar to CO group, while CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX had higher activity compared to CO group (p: 0.0057). MuRF-1 mRNA expression was decreased after etanercept administration compared to CIA-Vehicle and CO groups (p: 0.002, p: 0.007, respectively). PSMβ8 and PSMβ9 mRNA levels were increased in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX compared to CO group, while CIA-ETN presented no difference from CO. PMSβ6 mRNA expression was higher in CIA-Vehicle and CIA-MTX groups than in CO group. Protein levels of the PSMβ5 subunit were increased in CO group compared to CIA-Vehicle; after both etanercept and methotrexate treatments, PSMβ5 expression was higher than in CIA-Vehicle group and did not differ from CO group expression (p: 0.0025, p: 0.001, respectively). The inflammation-induced subunit β1 (LMP2) was enhanced after methotrexate treatment compared to CO group (p: 0.043). Conclusions The results of CIA-Vehicle show that arthritis increases muscle proteasome activation by enhanced caspase-like activity of 26S proteasome and increased PSMβ8 and PSMβ9 mRNA levels. Etanercept treatment was able to maintain the muscle weight and to modulate proteasome so that its activity and gene expression were compared to CO after TNF inhibition. The protein expression of inflammation-induced proteasome subunit was increased in muscle of CIA-MTX group but not following etanercept treatment. Thus, anti-TNF treatment may be an interesting approach to attenuate the arthritis-related muscle wasting.

O idoso, a desospitalização e a família: os desafios para pratica do cuidado domiciliar / Personas mayores, deshospitalización y familia: los desafíos para la práctica de cuidado en casa / The elderly, de-hospitalization and the family: challenges for the practice of home care

O envelhecimento da população tem exigido uma maior sobrecarga de cuidados por parte dos sistemas de saúde e familiares dos idosos, principalmente após a hospitalização. Os profissionais de saúde, em especial os enfermeiros, são responsáveis pela educação em saúde, para que a reabilitação seja segura e o cuidado seja exitoso. O objetivo deste estudo é relatar a experiência de educação em saúde realizada com familiares (cuidadores) e idosos após a alta para prevenir quedas no domicílio. Trata-se de um relato de experiência oriundo de visitas domiciliares realizadas três meses após a alta hospitalar de idosos que receberam tratamento cirúrgico de fratura de membros inferiores em um hospital público de Porto Alegre-RS. Realizamos a pesquisa de campo em três etapas, que são descritas a seguir: contato telefônico prévio para agendamento da visita, durante a visita iniciamos a abordagem baseada no diálogo informal, resgatando as vivências relacionadas ao ato de cuidar do idoso por conta própria. despesas, retorno ao domicílio e, por fim, orientações sobre cuidados domiciliares para prevenção de novas quedas. Foram realizadas 55 visitas domiciliares em Porto Alegre e região metropolitana. A educação em saúde utilizou o calendário como recurso para a discussão das melhores práticas na atenção domiciliar para prevenir o risco de quedas e promover a autonomia e independência dos idosos. Esta intervenção conseguiu reabilitar a autoconfiança, autonomia e independência do idoso, promovendo qualidade de vida e reinserção social, além de tornar o familiar solidariamente responsável por um cuidado seguro.

El envejecimiento de la población ha exigido una mayor carga asistencial por parte de los sistemas de salud de las personas mayores y de los familiares, especialmente después de la hospitalización. Los profesionales de la salud, especialmente las enfermeras, son responsables de la educación sanitaria, para que la rehabilitación sea segura y la atención sea exitosa. El objetivo de este estudio es relatar la experiencia de educación sanitaria realizada con familiares (cuidadores) y personas mayores tras el alta para prevenir caídas en el domicilio. Se trata de un relato de experiencia derivada de las visitas domiciliarias realizadas tres meses después del alta hospitalaria de ancianos que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico por fracturas de miembros inferiores en un hospital público de Porto Alegre-RS. Realizamos la investigación de campo en tres etapas, las cuales se describen a continuación: contacto telefónico previo a programar la visita, durante la visita iniciamos el abordaje basado en el diálogo informal, rescatando las experiencias relacionadas con el acto de cuidar al adulto mayor por su cuenta. gastos, regreso a casa y, fi nalmente, orientación sobre cuidados domiciliarios para evitar nuevas caídas. Se realizaron 55 visitas domiciliarias en Porto Alegre y su región metropolitana. La educación para la salud utilizó el calendario como un recurso para discutir las mejores prácticas en la atención domiciliaria para prevenir el riesgo de caídas y promover la autonomía e independencia de las personas mayores. Esta intervención logró rehabilitar la autoconfianza, autonomía e independencia de las personas mayores, promoviendo la calidad de vida y la reinserción social, además de responsabilizar solidariamente al familiar de un cuidado seguro.

The aging of the population has demanded a greater burden of care on the part of the elderly's health systems and family members, especially after hospitalization. Health professionals, especially nurses, are responsible for health education, so that rehabilitation is safe and care is successful. The aim of this study is to report the experience of health education carried out with family members (caregivers) and elderly people after discharge to prevent falls at home. This is an experience report arising from home visits carried out three months after hospital discharge of elderly people who received surgical treatment for fractures of the lower limbs in a public hospital in Porto Alegre-RS. We carried out the field research in three stages, which are described below telephone contact prior to scheduling the visit, during the visit we started the approach based on informal dialogue, rescuing the experiences related to the act of caring for the elderly on their own. Expenses, return home and, finally, guidance on home care to prevent further falls. 55 home visits were carried out in Porto Alegre and its metropolitan region. Health education used the calendar as a resource for discussing best practices in home care to prevent the risk of falls and promote the autonomy and independence of the elderly. The intervention managed to rehabilitate the elderly's self-confidence, autonomy and independence, promoting quality of life and social reintegration, in addition to making the family member jointly responsible for safe care.

Development of new adjusted equations to estimate the skeletal muscle mass stratified by nutritional status for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a methodological study / Desenvolvimento de novas equações ajustadas para estimativa da massa muscular esquelética estratificada pelo estado nutricional para pacientes com artrite reumatoide: um estudo metodológico

Abstract Our objective was to adjust and validate predictive equations for appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Whole-body DXA data in 90 RA patients were used for measurement of ASM (kg). The prediction equation anthropometric for muscle mass proposed by Lee et al was used to generate estimates of ASM. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI, kg/m2) was calculated. Frequency analysis, Paired student's t-test, Linear regression, Pearson correlation, Intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman scatter were performed. The statistical significance considered was p<0.05. Lee's equation was overestimated by 30% when compared with ASMI by DXA. When stratified by nutritional status, Lee's equation overestimated the ASMI by 30% in overweight patients and by 50% in obese patients when compared with DXA (p<0.05). These adjusted equations estimated values for ASMI were closer to those obtained by DXA than those estimated by the original Lee's equation (p<0.05). This greater concordance was confirmed by the observed interclass correlation coefficients and by Bland-Altman scatter graphs. In conclusion, the prediction of muscle mass in RA patients may be performed with equations that consider the nutritional status of patients.

Resumo Nosso objetivo foi ajustar e validar equações preditivas para massa muscular esquelética apendicular (ASM) em pacientes com Artrite Reumatoide (AR). Dados de DXA de corpo inteiro em 90 pacientes com AR foram usados ​​para medição de ASM (kg). A equação de predição antropométrica de massa muscular proposta por Lee et al foi utilizada para gerar estimativas de ASM. Índice de massa muscular esquelética apendicular (ASMI, kg / m2) foi calculada. Análise de frequência, Teste t de Student pareado, Regressão linear, Correlação de Pearson, Coeficientes de correlação intraclasse e Dispersão de Bland-Altman foram realizados. A significância estatística considerada foi p<0,05. A equação de Lee superestimou em 30% quando comparada com a ASMI da DXA. Quando estratificada por estado nutricional, a equação de Lee superestimou o ASMI em 30% em pacientes com sobrepeso e em 50% em pacientes obesos em comparação com DXA (p<0,05). Esses valores estimados de equações ajustadas para ASMI foram mais próximos daqueles obtidos por DXA do que aqueles estimados pela equação de Lee original (p<0,05). Essa maior concordância foi confirmada pelos coeficientes de correlação interclasses observados e pelos gráficos de dispersão de Bland-Altman. Em conclusão, a predição da massa muscular em pacientes com AR pode ser realizada com equações que consideram o estado nutricional dos pacientes.

Sarcopenia e estado nutricional de idosos residentes em uma comunidade no sul do Brasil / Sarcopenia and the nutritional status of older residents in a comunity in southern Brazil

Introdução: Atualmente, a sarcopenia tem sido considerada como importante fator de risco para a redução da mobilidade, aumento no número de quedas e fraturas; e, é comumente associada com um alto risco de hospitalização, institucionalização, dependência, piora da qualidade de vida e mortalidade. Objetivo: verificar a prevalência de sarcopenia e o estado nutricional em idosos de um município do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado com idosos do Sul do Brasil. A sarcopenia foi determinada de acordo com o critério European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2). O estado nutricional foi avaliado pelo Questionário Mini Avaliação Nutricional (MAN). Aspectos socioeconômicos, demográficos e de desempenho físico foram descritos. Resultados: o estudo contou com uma amostra de 327 idosos; destes, 52,6% apresentaram provável sarcopenia, 23,7% obtiveram confirmação do diagnóstico de sarcopenia e 20,7% apresentavam sarcopenia severa de acordo com os critérios de EWGSOP2. Na avaliação do estado nutricional pela MAN, todos os idosos foram considerados com estado nutricional normais, porém 34,3% dos prováveis sarcopênicos apresentavam excesso de peso, enquanto 17,6% idosos apresentaram risco de desnutrição e 2% desnutridos. Conclusão: os dados apontam uma alta prevalência de idosos com provável sarcopenia (baixa força muscular) e excesso de peso (aumento da circunferência da cintura e índice de massa corporal), sugerindo um desequilíbrio energético nutricional desses idosos.(AU)

Introduction: Currently, sarcopenia has been considered an important risk factor for the reduction of mobility, an increase in the number of falls and fractures, and is commonly associated with a high risk of hospitalization, institutionalization, dependence, worsening of quality of life and mortality. Purpose: to verify the prevalence of sarcopenia and nutritional status in older adults in a city in the South of Brazil. Methods: this is a cross-sectional population-based study, carried out with older people in southern Brazil. Sarcopenia was determined according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (MAN). Socioeconomic and demographic aspects and physical performance were described. Results: the study included a sample of 327 older people, of whom 52.6% had probable sarcopenia, 23.7% obtained confirmation of the diagnosis of sarcopenia and, 20.7% had severe sarcopenia according to the EWGSOP2 criteria. In the assessment of nutritional status by MAN, all the older adults were considered to have a normal nutritional status, however, 34.3% of the probable sarcopenics were overweight, while 17.6% were at risk of malnutrition and 2% were malnourished. Conclusion: the data point to a high prevalence of older people with probable sarcopenia (low muscle strength) and excess weight (increased waist circumference and body mass index), suggesting a nutritional energy imbalance in these older people.(AU)

Muscle wasting in collagen-induced arthritis and disuse atrophy.

The mechanisms of muscle wasting and decreased mobility have a major functional effect in rheumatoid arthritis, but they have been poorly studied. The objective of our study is to describe muscular involvement and the pathways in an experimental model of arthritis compared to the pathways in disuse atrophy. Female Wistar rats were separated into three groups: control (CO), collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and immobilized (IM). Spontaneous locomotion and weight were evaluated weekly. The gastrocnemius muscle was evaluated by histology and immunoblotting to measure the expression of myostatin (a negative regulator), LC3 (autophagy), MuRF-1 (proteasome-mediated proteolysis), MyoD, and myogenin (satellite-cell activation). The significance level was set at P < 0.05, and histological analysis of joints confirmed the severity of the arthropathy. There was a significant difference in spontaneous locomotion in the CIA group. Animal body weight, gastrocnemius muscle weight, and relative muscle weight decreased 20%, 30%, and 20%, respectively, in the CIA rats. Inflammatory infiltration and swelling were present in the gastrocnemius muscles of the CIA rats. The mean cross-sectional area was reduced by 30% in the CIA group and by 60% in the IM group. The expressions of myostatin and LC3 between the groups were similar. There was increased expression of MuRF-1 in the IM (1.9-fold) and CIA (3.1-fold) groups and of myogenin in the muscles of the CIA animals (1.7-fold), while MyoD expression was decreased in the IM (20%) rats. This study demonstrated that the development of experimental arthritis is associated with decreased mobility, body weight, and muscle loss. Both IM and CIA animal models presented muscle atrophy, but while proteolysis and the regeneration pathways were activated in the CIA model, there was no activation of regeneration in the IM model. We can assume that muscle atrophy in experimental arthritis is associated with the disease itself and not simply with decreased mobility.

Motivation and adherence to psychosocial treatment for alcohol and drug use-related problems / Motivação e adesão ao tratamento psicossocial entre usuários de substâncias químicas

This is a prospective cohort study of 150 individuals attending a specialized health service for substance-related disorders. The study investigated the association between motivation to remain in treatment and treatment adherence. All service users were interviewed soon after admission to the treatment program and were followed-up during the first two months of treatment. A Cox Regression Model was used to estimate the hazard ratios for dropout during the two months following the admission interview. The results indicated that individuals with a primary-school education, lack of income, and low motivation toward treatment at the admission interview presented a higher risk of treatment dropout. This study showed the importance of motivation in changing addictive behavior and in adherence to treatment as essential factors for recovery.

A associação entre a motivação para manter-se em tratamento e a respectiva adesão foi estudada em uma coorte prospectiva de 150 usuários de um Centro de Atenção Psicossocial-Álcool e Drogas. Modelo de Regressão de Cox foi usado para estimar as razões de risco para o abandono do tratamento durante os dois primeiros meses após a entrevista de admissão. Os resultados sugerem que a pouca escolaridade (até a 9ª série), a ausência ou insuficiência de renda, bem como a baixa motivação no momento da entrevista de admissão são fatores de risco para o abandono do tratamento. As motivações para mudar o comportamento aditivo e para aderir ao tratamento foram identificadas como um dos fatores importantes para a recuperação de indivíduos com problemas relacionados ao uso de substâncias químicas.

Construction and validation of content of one instrument to assess falls in the elderly / Construção e validade de conteúdo de um instrumento para avaliação de quedas em idosos

ABSTRACT Objective To develop and validate the content of the online Questionnaire for Fall Risk Assessment in the Elderly. Methods The instrument was developed based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organization. Initially, the set of items was submitted to evaluation of judges (healthcare professionals with experience in elderly health), who could suggest inclusion or exclusion of questions from the instrument; they were also asked to rate each question according to the expected scope. At this stage, clarity and relevance levels for each item were evaluated, generating a total of Content Validity Coefficient (CtVC). Results Content Validity Coefficient values were satisfactory for both clarity (CtVC=0.76) and relevance (CtVC=0.82) of the questions. Next, a group of elderly volunteers participating in a socializing group evaluated the questionnaire for comprehension. The level of comprehension for each item was identified on a Likert scale, ranging from 0 to 5. The questionnaire was considered easy to understand by most participants (95%), with a mean of 4.75 (±0.11) points for each item. Conclusion The instrument showed acceptable psychometric qualities for screening fall risk among the elderly population. Future studies shall investigate different validation aspects of construct for this measure.

RESUMO Objetivo Desenvolver e validar o conteúdo do Questionário on-line para Avaliação do Risco de Quedas em Idosos. Métodos A construção do instrumento foi baseada na Classificação Internacional de Funcionalidade, Incapacidade e Saúde (CIF) da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Inicialmente, o conjunto de itens foi submetido à avaliação de juízes (profissionais da saúde com experiência em saúde do idoso), que puderam sugerir questões a serem incluídas/excluídas do instrumento, além de verificarem cada questão do questionário, observando se as dimensões a serem avaliadas tinham sido abrangidas. Nesta etapa, os níveis de clareza e pertinência do conteúdo foram avaliados, gerando um total de Coeficiente de Validade de Conteúdo (CVCt). Resultados Os valores do Coeficiente de Validade de Conteúdo foram satisfatórios, tanto para a clareza (CVCt=0,76) quanto para a pertinência (CVCt=0,82) das questões. A seguir, a compreensão do questionário foi avaliada por idosos voluntários participantes de um grupo de convivência. O grau de compreensão para cada questão foi identificado em uma escala do tipo Likert, variando de 0 a 5. O questionário foi considerado de fácil compreensão pela maioria dos idosos (95%), com média de 4,75 (±0,11) pontos para cada questão. Conclusão O instrumento apresentou qualidades psicométricas aceitáveis para ser utilizado como ferramenta para rastrear o risco de quedas entre a população de idosos. Futuros estudos devem investigar diferentes aspectos da validade de construto desta medida.

Timed Up and Go como ferramenta de screening para fragilidade em idosos fisicamente ativos / The Timed Up and Go as a screening tool for fragility in physically active elderly

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a performance do Timed Up and Go (TUG) como ferramenta de rastreamento para fragilidade em idosos fisicamente ativos. Método Realizou-se estudo transversal e uma curva Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) foi construída para avaliar a capacidade diagnóstica do teste. Reultados O TUG apresentou adequada sensibilidade (90,0%), especificidade (35,5%), VPP (32,6%) e VPN (90,9%) na predição da fragilidade, com ponto de corte de TUG≥7,21 segundos. Conclusão Além da fácil aplicabilidade e baixo custo, o TUG passa ser importante para o rastreamento, podendo identificar precocemente indivíduos com provável fragilidade, possibilitando o planejamento de intervenções, prevenindo o declínio funcional.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) as a screening tool for fragility in physically active elderly. Method This is a cross-sectional study with a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve to evaluate the diagnostic adequacy of the test. Results The TUG showed adequate sensitivity (90.0%), specificity (35.5%), PPV (32.6%) and VPN (90.9%) for predicting fragility. The suggested cutoff point was TUG ≥7.21 seconds. Conclusion In addition to the easy applicability and low cost, the TUG is important for tracking and early identifying individuals with likely fragility, enabling planning interventions, preventing functional decline. Keywords: ROC curve; frail elderly; exercise.

Mechanisms of muscle wasting in sarcopenia.

Approximately 66% of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have significant loss of cell mass (rheumatoid cachexia), mainly of skeletal muscle (rheumatoid sarcopenia). Sarcopenia is defined as muscle wasting associated with functional impairment. Patients with RA possess significant reduction in muscle strength, caused by muscle protein wasting, and loss of functionality. Various conditions leading to muscle wasting involve different pathways of intracellular signaling that trigger: (i) programmed cell death (apoptosis); (ii) increased protein degradation through autophagy, calcium-dependent proteases (calpains and caspases), and proteasome system; (iii) decreased satellite cell activation, responsible for muscle regeneration. This article aimed at reviewing these general mechanisms of sarcopenia and their involvement in RA. Greater knowledge of these mechanisms may lead to the development of innovative therapies to this important comorbidity.

Timed Up and Go test as a sarcopenia screening tool in home-dwelling elderly persons / Timed Up and Go test no rastreamento da sarcopenia em idosos residentes na comunidade

Abstract Objective: to evaluate the performance of the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) as a screening tool for sarcopenia in elderly persons living in a city in the south of Brazil. Method: A cross-sectional, home-based study was conducted with 322 elderly persons. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on the criteria proposed by the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EGWSOP). A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the discriminatory power of the TUG on sarcopenia screening. Results: With a cutoff point of 7.5 seconds, the test had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.66 (CI 0.56-0.76; p=0.002) and adequate sensitivity and negative predictive values (88.9% and 93.2%, respectively). Conclusion: Due to its ease of use and rapid execution, in addition to its low cost, this test is useful for the screening of sarcopenia, especially among elderly persons with good physical and cognitive abilities. The early identification of individuals with probable sarcopenia may allow for preventive or directive interventions for the management of this geriatric syndrome.

Resumo Objetivo: avaliar a performance do timed up and go test (TUG) como ferramenta de rastreamento para sarcopenia em idosos residentes em um município da região Sul do Brasil. Método: Realizou-se um estudo transversal, de base domiciliar com 322 idosos. O diagnóstico de sarcopenia foi baseado nos critérios propostos pelo European Group Working Sarcopenia Older People (EGWSOP). Uma curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) foi construída para avaliar o poder discriminatório do TUG no rastreamento da sarcopenia. Resultado: Com um ponto de corte de 7,5 segundos, o teste apresentou uma área sob a curva (AUC) de: 0,66 (IC 0,56-0,76; p=0,002), sensibilidade e valor preditivo negativo adequados, 88,9% e 93,2%, respectivamente. Conclusão: Em função da facilidade e rápida execução, além do baixo custo, esse teste torna-se interessante para o rastreamento da sarcopenia, especialmente em idosos com boa capacidade física e cognitiva. Identificar precocemente os indivíduos com provável sarcopenia pode possibilitar intervenções preventivas ou intervenções diretivas para o manejo dessa síndrome geriátrica.

Identifying frailty syndrome with tug test in home-dwelling elderly / Identificação da síndrome da fragilidade com o teste TUG em idosos residentes na comunidade

Introduction: Frailty is an important geriatric syndrome linked to increased mortality, morbidity and the risk of falls Detection of pre-frail and early frail individuals is essential to minimize adverse health outcomes, enabling effective interdisciplinary interventions. Objective: To identify frailty syndrome with Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in home-dwelling elderly. Methods: A home-based cross-sectional study was carried out with 322 elderly people living in a Southern city of Brazil. The Fried frailty criteria was used in order to assess the levels of frailty; the TUG score was investigated as a possible predictor of frailty. The diagnostic ability of different cut-off points for the TUG test was evaluated using the ROC curve. Results: ROC curve analysis for the TUG test, a value of eight seconds was identified as the good cut-off point for the screening of the frailty syndrome. The AUROC was 0.775, with a sensitivity of 85.0%, specificity of 59.5% and negative predictive value of 78.6%. Conclusions: Considering the limitations of a single test to accomplish the overall complexity of frailty syndrome, in the present study, TUG test was a good screening tool in home-dwelling elderly.

Introdução: A fragilidade é uma importante síndrome geriátrica associada ao aumento da mortalidade, morbidade e risco de quedas. A detecção de indivíduos pré-frágeis e frágeis precoces é essencial para minimizar os efeitos adversos à saúde, possibilitando intervenções interdisciplinares eficazes. Objetivo: Identificar a síndrome de fragilidade com o teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) em idosos domiciliares. Métodos: Estudo transversal de base domiciliar, com 322 idosos residentes em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. O critério de fragilidade de Fried foi utilizado para avaliar os níveis de fragilidade; O teste TUG foi investigado como um possível preditor de fragilidade. A capacidade diagnóstica de diferentes pontos de corte para o teste TUG foi avaliada utilizando a curva ROC. Resultados: A análise da curva ROC para o teste TUG, identificou-se um valor de oito segundos como o bom ponto de corte para a triagem da síndrome de fragilidade. O AUROC foi de 0,775, com sensibilidade de 85,0%, especificidade de 59,5% e valor preditivo negativo de 78,6%. Conclusões: Considerando as limitações de um único teste para realizar a complexidade geral da síndrome de fragilidade, no presente estudo, o teste TUG foi uma boa ferramenta de rastreamento em idosos domiciliares.

Effect of antioxidant treatment on fibrogenesis in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis.

Aim. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of quercetin (Q) in an experimental model of cirrhosis induced by CCl(4) inhalation. Materials and Methods. We used 25 male Wistar rats (250 g) that were divided into 3 groups: control (CO), CCl(4), and CCl(4) + Q. The rats were subjected to CCl(4) inhalation (2x/week) for 16 weeks, and they received phenobarbital in their drinking water at a dose of 0.3 g/dL as a P450 enzyme inducer. Q (50 mg/Kg) was initiated intraperitoneally at 10 weeks of inhalation and lasted until the end of the experiment. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA Student Newman-Keuls (mean ± SEM), and differences were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. Results. After treatment with quercetin, we observed an improvement in liver complications, decreased fibrosis, as analyzed by picrosirius for the quantification of collagen, and decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) compared with the CCl(4) group. It also reduced oxidative stress, as confirmed by the decrease of substances reacting to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the reduced glutathione ratio and glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG). Conclusion. We suggest that the use of quercetin might be promising as an antioxidant therapy in liver fibrosis.