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Purpose Verify if sodium nitroprusside (SNP) is able to improve endothelial function and if this effect is independent of nitric oxide (NO) release of the compound. Methods Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were used. Intact endothelium aortas were placed in a myograph and incubated with SNP: 0.1 nM; 1 nM or 10 nM during 30 min. Cumulative concentration-effect curves for acetylcholine (Ach) were realized to measure the relaxing capacity. Intracellular NO were measured (by DAF-2DA probe) in HUVEC treated with SNP 0.1 nM or DETA/NO 0.1 μM. The detection of intracellular superoxide radical (O 2 •- ) was obtained by using DHE probe. Results Treatment of 2K-1C aortic rings with SNP (0.1; 1.0 and 10 nM) improved endothelium dependent relaxation induced by acetylcholine. This improvement induced by SNP was verified at the concentration of 0.1 nM, which does not release NO, suggesting that this effect was not induced due to NO release by SNP compound. Besides, we show that the cell treatment with 0.1 nM of SNP decreased the fluorescence intensity to DHE in cells stimulated with angiotensin II. These results indicate that SNP decreases the concentration of O 2 •- in HUVEC cells. Conclusions The SNP at a concentration that does not release NO inside the cells is able to attenuate endothelial dysfunction. Drugs and chemicals Acetylcholine (Ach) (PubChem CID:6060); angiotensin II human (Ang II) (PubChem CID: 16211177); diethylenetriamine/nitric oxide (DETA-NO) (PubChem CID 4518); dihydroethidium (DHE) (PubChem CID: 128682); phenylephrine (Phe) (PubChem CID: 5284443); sodium nitroprusside (SNP) (PubChem CID: 11963579); Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) (PubChem CID: 64965); 4,5-diaminofluorescein diacetate (DAF-2DA); 4-hidroxy-Tempo (Tempol) (PubChem CID: 137994), were purchased from Sigma–Aldrich (St. Louis, MO, USA).

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) on arterial pressure in hypertensive and normotensive rats with application in an abdominal region. Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were treated with PBM. Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured before, during and after PBM application. The nitric oxide (NO) serum concentration was measured before and after PBM application. Vascular reactivity study was performed in isolated thoracic aortas. Aluminum gallium arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser was used, at 660nm wavelength and 100mW optical output. The PBM application induced a decrease of SAP in 2K-1C rats. In 2K rats, the PBM application had no effect on SAP, DAP and MAP. Moreover, the magnitude of hypotensive effect was higher in 2K-1C than in 2K rats. The PBM application induced a decrease of HR in 2K-1C and 2K, with higher effect in 2K-1C rats. In 2K-1C, the hypotensive effect induced by PBM was longer than that obtained in 2K rats. PBM application induced an elevation of NO concentration in serum from 2K-1C and 2K rats, with higher effect in 2K-1C. In isolated aortic rings PBM effect is dependent of NO release, and is not dependent of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activation. Our results indicate that the abdominal acute application of PBM at 660nm is able to induce a long lasting hypotensive effect in hypertensive rats and vasodilation by a NO dependent mechanism.

The main purpose of this work was to construct an energy-dependent response curve of photobiomodulation on arterial pressure in hypertension animal model. To reach this objective, we have used a two-kidney one clip (2K-1C) rat model. Animals received acute laser light irradiation (660 nm) on abdominal region using different energy (0.6, 1.8, 3.6, 7.2, 13.8, 28.2, 55.8, and 111.6 J), the direct arterial pressure was measured by femoral cannulation, and systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), heart rate (HR), and time of effect were obtained. Our results indicated that 660 nm laser light presents an energy-dependent hypotensive effect, and 28.2 J energy irradiation reached the maximum hypotensive effect, inducing a decreased SAP, DAP, and HR (decrease in SAP: − 19.23 ± 1.82 mmHg, n = 11; DAP: − 9.57 ± 2.23 mmHg, n = 11; HR: − 39.15 ± 5.10 bpm, n = 11; and time of hypotensive effect: 3068.00 ± 719.00 s, n = 11). The higher energy irradiation evaluated (111.6 J) did not induce a hypotensive effect and induced an increase in HR (21.69 ± 7.89 bpm, n = 7). Taken together, our results indicate that red laser energy irradiation from 7.2 to 55.8 J is the effective therapeutic window to reduce SAP, DAP, MAP, and HR and induce a long-lasting hypotensive effect in rats, with effect loss at higher energy irradiation (111.6 J).

Objetivo: Analisar a cinética da creatina quinase (CK) e suas concentrações no treinamento resistido em circuito, com diferentes volumes de um peso fixo de vinte repetições máximas (20RM), para homens treinados (TR) e destreinados (DT). Método: Compuseram a amostra, por voluntariado, 18 homens (9 voluntários TR e 9 DT), com idade entre 18 e 35 anos. Após receberem informações sobre o projeto, os voluntários, realizaram uma avaliação física, e posteriormente testes e retestes de uma repetição máxima (1RM) e 20RM. O protocolo de treinamento consistiu em: 3 sessões de exercícios (leg press, supino reto, mesa flexora, puxador frente), com intervalos de 1 minuto entre os exercícios e 2 minutos entre cada volta, totalizando 3 voltas por sessão. Cada sessão teve diferentes volumes (12, 16 e 20 repetições) e intervalo de 96 horas (h) entre as sessões. A dosagem da CK, a partir de uma amostra sanguínea, foi realizada em repouso, 24, 48 e 72h pós sessão. Os dados foram analisados pelo software STATISTIC 7, adotando significância de p

Objective: To evaluate the energy expenditure (EE) in a resistance training protocol with different volumes of a fixed weight by the alternating circuit method by segment in trained (TR) and untrained (UT) men. Method: The sample comprised, by volunteering, 18 men aged between 18 and 35 years. After being informed about the stages of the project, the volunteers carried out an assessment of their body composition, followed by the tests of a maximum repetition (1RM) and twenty maximum repetitions (20RM), and later retest. The protocol consisted of three circuit-training sessions with different training volumes (12, 16 and 20 repetitions) of a fixed weight of 20RM in the leg press, bench press, flexor table and front puller exercises, with 1-minute intervals between the exercises and 2 minutes between each lap, totaling 3 laps per session. For data analysis, the STATISTIC 7 software was used, adopting a significance of p

Background: Despite knowing that resveratrol has effects on blood vessels, blood pressure and that phytostrogens can also improve the endothelium-dependent relaxation/vasodilation, there are no reports of reveratrol's direct effect on the endothelial function and blood pressure of animals with estrogen deficit (mimicking post-menopausal increased blood pressure). Objective: To verify the effect of two different periods of preventive treatment with resveratrol on blood pressure and endothelial function in ovariectomized young adult rats. Methods: 3-month old female Wistar rats were used and distributed in 6 groups: intact groups with 60 or 90 days, ovariectomized groups with 60 or 90 days, and ovariectomized treated with resveratrol (10 mg/kg of body weight per day) for 60 or 90 days. The number of days in each group corresponds to the duration of the experimental period. Vascular reactivity study was performed in abdominal aortic rings, systolic blood pressure was measured and serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration was quantified. Results: Ovariectomy induced blood pressure increase 60 and 90 days after surgery, whereas the endothelial function decreased only 90 days after surgery, with no difference in NO concentration among the groups. Only longer treatment (90 days) with resveratrol was able to improve the endothelial function and normalize blood pressure. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 90 days of treatment with resveratrol is able to improve the endothelial function and decrease blood pressure in ovariectomized rats. Resumo Fundamentos: Apesar de se saber que o resveratrol apresenta efeitos sobre a pressão arterial e os vasos sanguíneos, e que os fitoestrógenos podem melhorar o relaxamento/vasodilatação dependente do endotélio, não há relatos do efeito direto do resveratrol sobre a pressão arterial e a função endotelial em animais com deficiência de estrógeno (mimetizando a pressão arterial aumentada pós-menopausa). Objetivo: Verificar o efeito de dois diferentes períodos de tratamento preventivo com resveratrol sobre a pressão arterial e a função endotelial em ratas adultas jovens ovariectomizadas. Métodos: Foram utilizadas ratas Wistar com 3 meses de idade, distribuídas em 6 grupos: grupos intactas com 60 ou 90 dias, grupos ovariectomizadas com 60 ou 90 dias, grupos ovariectomizadas e tratadas com resveratrol na dose de 10mg/kg de massa corporal por dia, durante 60 ou 90 dias, sendo o número de dias em cada grupo relativo à duração do período experimental. Foi realizado um estudo de reatividade vascular em anéis da aorta abdominal, mensurada a pressão arterial sistólica e quantificada a concentração sérica de óxido nítrico (NO). Resultados: A ovariectomia induziu aumento da pressão arterial 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, enquanto a função endotelial decaiu apenas após 90 dias, e não houve diferença na concentração de NO entre os grupos. Apenas o tratamento prolongado com resveratrol (90 dias) foi capaz de melhorar a função endotelial e normalizar a pressão arterial. Conclusão: Nossos resultados sugerem que o tratamento por 90 dias com resveratrol é capaz de melhorar a função endotelial e diminuir a pressão sanguínea em ratas ovariectomizadas.

Introduction: The provision of health interventions in Brazil presents regional differences and the development of studies is important to support public policy. Objective: To describe the distribution of physical therapy, the percentage of cities which have this kind of professional and the ratio between physiotherapists/1000 inhabitants in different regions and federative units in Brazil. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study using data from the National Register of Health Service Providers (CNES) and demographic census 2010. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics techniques. Results: The study identified 53 181 registries of physical therapists: 50% in the Southeast, 21% Northeast 18% South, Central-west 7% and 4% North. The existence of physical therapists occurred in 76% of cities in the country, with the highest proportion in the Southeast (91% of the cities) and the lowest in the North (40%). Metropolises and big cities where reponsible for 64% of the registries,with the highest ratio of physical therapists / 1000 inhabitants. Conclusion: Southeast and South regions, metropolises and big cities were the main actuation sites of physiotherapists indicating the need of policies to promote a more heterogeneous distribution of this professional throughout the country.

In this study, we investigated the effects of resistance training (RT), caloric restriction (CR), and the association of both interventions in aortic vascular reactivity and morphological alterations, matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, insulin resistance and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in ovariectomized rats. Fifty female Holtzman rats were subjected to ovariectomy and Sham surgery and distributed into the following groups: Sham-sedentary, ovariectomized-sedentary, ovariectomized-resistance training, ovariectomized-caloric restriction, and ovariectomized-resistance training and caloric restriction groups. RT and 30% CR protocols were performed for 13 weeks. Analyses were conducted to evaluate the following: acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside-induced relaxation of aortic rings, MMP-2 activity, insulin tolerance test, highlighting of the aorta wall cross-sectional area by hematoxylin-eosin stain, aorta vessel remodeling and SBP. We observed that ovariectomy decreased the potency of dependent and independent endothelium relaxation and MMP-2 activity, prevented insulin resistance, promoted aorta vessel remodeling in the cross-sectional area, and promoted the media-to-lumen ratio, the collagen content, and the alteration of the structure and elastic fibers of the vessel. The effects of the ovariectomy could contribute to SBP increases. However, the association of exercise and diet improved the relaxation potency in dependent and independent endothelium relaxation, elevated MMP-2 activity, ameliorate insulin sensitivity, increased the aorta cross-sectional area and media-to-lumen ratio, decreased collagen content and promoted histological parameters of the aorta vessel wall, preventing the increase of SBP. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the RT and CR separately, and even associatively, improved vascular function, activated MMP-2, and produced a beneficial hypertrophic remodeling, preventing the elevation of SBP in ovariectomized rats.

Com o objetivo de analisar dados de 697 comportamentos observados em cerca de 30 bebês considerados clinicamente normais, na faixa etária de O a 6 meses, provenientes de dois estudos, da cidade de Ribeirão Preto, SP, foi realizada neste trabalho a exploração detalhada das informações consideradas relevantes para a compreensão de alguns aspectos do processo de desenvolvimento infantil, através da construção e emprego de técnicas estatísticas adequadas à natureza dos dados em questão, em um trabalho cuja diretriz foi determinada pela integração entre profissionais, particularmente das áreas de Estatística e Neurodesenvolvimento. Os resultados da aplicação das técnicas propiciaram a melhoria na compreensão do processo de desenvolvimento desses bebês, através de: a) levantamento das tendências das freqüências comportamentais; b) comprovação da igualdade entre os grupos de bebês dos dois estudos na idade de um mês; c) determinação dos grupos de comportamentos com freqüências semelhantes na faixa etária considerada; d) constatação de que os objetos estimuladores não apresentam efeitos diferentes; e) verificação de que as situações de estimulação podem ser simplificadas; f) redução substancial do número de comportamentos avaliados e, g) constmção de um indicador (IPC) visando a avaliação de padrões de comportamentos de bebês na faixa etária considerada. This thesis analyses data based on 697 behaviors of about 30 clinically normal babies, from zero to six months old, in two studies conducted in Ribeirão Preto, SP. The work explores in detail information relevant to the comprehension of certain aspects of infant development processes and required the elaboration and use of statistical techniques appropriate to the nature of the data. Collaboration of professionals in many areas, particularly Statistics and Neuro-Development, was necessary. The results of the applications of these techniques increase comprehension of developmental process, taking into account: a) trend analysis of frequency of behaviors; b) corroboration of hypothesis of equality between two groups of one month-old babies; c) determination of behavioral groups with similar frequencies at give ages; d) conclusion that stimulation objects did not have different effects; e) verifications that stimulation situations can be simplified; f) conclusion that number of evaluated behaviors should be reduced, and g) construction of a statistical formula (IPC (\"Indicator of Behavior Pattern\")) to analyse standard behaviors of babies.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a distribuição de fisioterapeutas na atenção primária à saúde (APS) no Brasil, e analisar a relação do número de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS, de acordo com o Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo, a partir de dados do CNES e do Censo Demográfico de 2010. A partir disso, foram identificados 6.917 cadastros de fisioterapeutas na APS, com predomínio na região Sudeste (49%), a qual, em junto com a Sul, foram as regiões com melhores relações de habitantes por fisioterapeuta na APS (aproximadamente 23.000/1), enquanto na região Norte foram observados 32.000 habitantes por profissional. Dos municípios do Brasil, 47% possuem fisioterapeuta na APS, e a análise por porte populacional indicou maior percentual de fisioterapeutas na APS em municípios de pequeno porte (39%) e médio porte (34%). A melhor relação entre habitantes por fisioterapeuta ocorreu nos municípios de pequeno porte do Sudeste (6.948/1), e a pior em metrópoles do Centro-Oeste (371.672/1). Observou-se, ainda, que municípios de pequeno porte apresentam fisioterapeutas apenas na APS, ao passo que, por outro lado, a maioria dos municípios de demais portes possui fisioterapeutas em todos os níveis de atenção. RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio es describir la distribución de fisioterapeutas en la atención primaria de salud (APS) en Brasil y analizar la relación del número de habitantes por fisioterapeuta en la APS, según el Registro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (Renaes) - Cadastro Nacional de Establecimientos de Salud (CNES) en Brasil. Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo desde datos del Renaes y del Censo Demográfico de 2010. Desde eso, se identificaron 6.917 registros de fisioterapeutas en la APS, con predominio en la región Sudeste de Brasil (49%), que, junto con la Sur, fueron las regiones con las mejores relaciones de habitantes por fisioterapeuta en la APS (aproximadamente 23.000/1), mientras en la región Norte se observaron 32.000 habitantes por profesional. De los municipios de Brasil, el 47% presentan fisioterapeuta en la APS y el análisis por porte poblacional indicó mayor porcentaje de fisioterapeutas en la APS en municipios de pequeño porte (39%) y medio porte (34%). La mejor relación entre habitantes por fisioterapeuta ocurrió en municipios de pequeño porte de la región Sudeste (6.948/1), y la peor en metrópolis de la Centro-Oeste (371.672/1). Se observó, además, que municipios de pequeño porte presentan fisioterapeutas solo en la APS, mientras que, por otro lado, la mayoría de los municipios de otros portes presenta fisioterapeutas en todos los niveles de atención. ABSTRACT This study aimed to describe the distribution of physical therapists in the Brazilian primary health care (PHC) and the ratio of inhabitants per physical therapist in PHC, according to the National Register of Health Service Providers (CNES - Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde). A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from CNES and Census/2010 data. In total, 6,917 physical therapists were registered in PHC, and most were located in the Southeast region (49%). Southeast and South were the regions with the best ratios of inhabitants per physical therapist in PHC (about 23,000/1). The North presented a ratio of 32,000 inhabitants/professional. 47% of the Brazilian cities have a physical therapist in PHC. Our analysis by population size indicated a higher percentage of physical therapists in PHC in small (39%) and midsize cities (34%). The best inhabitants/physical therapist ratio occurred in small cities of the Southeast (6,948/1) and the worst, in metropolises of the Midwest (371,672/1). Small cities have physical therapists only in PHC; on the other hand, most cities of larger sizes have physical therapists in all health care levels.

Background/Aims: Autophagy plays a fundamental role in cell survival under stress conditions such as nutrient deprivation. Decreased nitric oxide (NO) production, which may contribute to vascular dysfunction, is one of the consequences of autophagy in endothelial cells. The antimalarial drug chloroquine (CLQ) inhibits autophagy by blocking autophagosome formation and has been proposed as adjuvant chemotherapy in other diseases. Methods: Autophagy was induced by serum deprivation in Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) as demonstrated by formation of Acidic Vesicular Organelles (AVOs), conversion of Microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain (LC3), and Sequestosome-1 (SQTM1/p62) degradation. Using endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation assays, intracellular NO production in an ex vivo rat aortic ring model pre-constricted with phenylephrine was estimated along with DAF-2 DA cell membrane-permeable NO sensitive fluorescent dye. Results: The inhibition of autophagy by CLQ restored NO levels, protected against superoxide generation and preserved morphology as well as proliferation of HUVEC under serum deprivation. Interestingly, the incubation of rat aortic rings with CLQ resulted in endothelium-dependent relaxation mediated by the increase of NO. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of autophagy in endothelial function and demonstrate the potential use of autophagy inhibitors to protect vascular function during nutrient deprivation.

Introduction: The Gerontology points out concerns in understanding aging and its consequences, in order to propose specific policies. Objective: Identify occupational roles of older Brazilians and the relationship of these roles to demographic, socioeconomic, and health factors. Method: Participants included 67 non-institutionalized individuals 70–84 years of age (33 men and 34 women; average age: 74.6 years). The roles performed in the Past, Present and Future were examined using the Role Checklist. Results: The occupational roles have changed over time, evidencing the loss of roles during the transition from Past to Present, although the participants stated that they intend to be engaged in a higher number of roles in the Future. The main roles performed in the Present are Hobbyist/Amateur, Home Maintainer and Family Member. In general, engaging in occupational roles was associated with higher education and income either in the Past, Present and Future. Conclusions: The study enabled to detect the diversity and complexity of older people’s participation in society, contributing to a further understanding of their occupational careers. The main limitation of this study concerns to the specific sample composition, with independent older people. Further studies are in need to obtain an in-depth theoretical and empirical understanding of the trends and trajectories of the roles of older people.

To compare the effects of water-based and land-based physical therapy on postural control of older women with osteoporosis.Thirty-six postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were allocated into two groups: land-based or water-based. Volunteers received 12 weeks of a supervised land-based or water-based physical therapy treatment. The outcome measure was postural control of the body during quiet standing on upright stance (eyes opened and closed), tandem and one-limb stance on a force plate. A two-way ANOVA with a Tukey HSD post-hoc test were used to highlight differences between pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Effect sizes were measured with Cohen d coefficient. For all variables, a level of 5% of significance was adopted.Significant improvements at tandem (p 0.05, effect sizes from -0.67 to -1.35) and one-limb stance (p 0.05, effect sizes from -0.76 to -1.03) for women carrying out water-based treatment were observed. Land-based treatment did not present significant improvement.Group-based water-based physical therapy treatment may be more effective than land-based therapy to improve postural control at one-limb stance in women with osteoporosis.

ResumoObjetivoanalisar os efeitos do envelhecimento no grau de cifose torácica e no pico de torque dos músculos flexores e extensores de tronco entre mulheres sem diagnóstico densitométrico de osteoporose.Métodosforam selecionadas 30 mulheres para compor os três grupos: jovens (n=10; 24,60±2,27 anos); adultas (n=10; 43,50±2,88); e idosas (n=10; 62,40±2,67). Densidade mineral óssea (DMO), grau de cifose torácica e pico de torque de flexores e extensores de tronco foram avaliados. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelos testes Anova de Kruskal‐Wallis e Mann‐Whitney U. Correlações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Foi considerado um nível de significância de 5% (p ≤ 0,05).Resultadoso Grupo Idosas apresentou um maior grau de cifose torácica (p=0,009) e menor pico de torque extensor e flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. O Grupo Adultas apresentou menor pico de torque flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. Foram observadas correlação negativa entre idade e pico de torque flexor e extensor de tronco (p ≤ 0,001) e correlação positiva entre idade e grau de cifose torácica (r=0,58; p ≤ 0,001). O Grupo Idosas apresentou valores mais altos para a relação excêntrico/concêntrico de pico de torque flexor (p=0,03) e extensor (p=0,02).Conclusãoo envelhecimento fisiológico pode estar associado a um maior grau de cifose torácica e a menor força muscular de flexores e extensores de tronco. Ainda, as idosas mostram uma relativa capacidade de preservação da força excêntrica.AbstractObjectivethe aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles among women without a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis.Methodsthirty women were selected to make up three groups: young women (n=10; 24.60±2.27 years of age); adults (n=10; 43.50±2.88); and elderly women (n=10; 62.40±2.67). Bone mineral density (BMD), degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors were evaluated. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Kruskal‐Wallis ANOVA and Mann‐Whitney U tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. The significance level was taken to be 5% (p ≤ 0.05).Resultsthe elderly group presented a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis (p=0.009) and lower peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors than the young group. The adult group presented lower peak torque of the trunk than the young group. A negative correlation was observed between age and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors (p ≤ 0.001), and a positive correlation between age and the degree of thoracic kyphosis (r=0.58; p ≤ 0.001). The elderly group presented higher values for the eccentric/concentric ratio of the peak torque for flexors (p=0.03) and extensors (p=0.02).Conclusionthis study suggests that physiological aging may be associated with a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and lower muscle strength of the trunk flexors and extensors. Moreover, the elderly women showed a relative capacity for preservation of eccentric strength.

Intense research efforts are being devoted to developing materials capable of releasing nitric oxide (NO) for numerous clinical applications, such as cardiovascular devices, wound healing and bone regeneration. However, the use of such technologies is still challenging due to their complexity, high cost, toxicity and lack of specificity. Here we investigated whether a novel biomaterial, F18 bioactive glass, can induce NO cell production in situ. Results indicated that F18 indeed increased the NO synthesis by a NOS activation-dependent mechanism, being this material a promising alternative for biomedical applications that aim rapid tissue regeneration. Keywords: Bioactive glass, Nitric oxide, Tissue regeneration, Endothelial cells, NOS activation

Adipose tissue development is associated with modifications involving extracellular matrix remodelling, and metalloproteinases play a significant role in this process. Reduced circulating sexual hormones cause impacts on the size, morphology and functions of the adipose tissue, increasing susceptibility to diseases. This study investigated whether exercise training may be an alternative strategy to combat the effects promoted by estrogen decay through modulation in gene expression patterns in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of visceral adipose tissue of ovariectomized rats. Nulliparous rats (n = 40) were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 10/group): sham sedentary (Sh-S), sham resistance training (Sh-Rt), ovariectomized sedentary (Ovx-S) and ovariectomized resistance training (Ovx-Rt). The Sh-S animals did not have any type of training. The body mass and food intake, ECM gene expression, gelatinase MMP-2 activity and adipocyte area were measured. A lack of estrogen promoted an increase in body mass, food intake and the visceral, parametrial and subcutaneous adipocyte areas. The ovariectomy upregulated the expression of MMP-2, MMP-9, TGF-β, CTGF, VEGF-A and MMP-2 activity. On the other hand, resistance training decreased the body mass, food intake and the adipocyte area of the three fat depots analysed; upregulated TIMP-1, VEGF-A and MMP-2 gene expression; downregulated MMP-9, TGF-β and CTGF gene expression; and decreased the MMP-2 activity. We speculate that resistance training on a vertical ladder could play an important role in maintaining and remodelling ECM by modulation in the ECM gene expression and MMP-2 activity, avoiding its destabilization which is impaired by the lack of estrogen.

BACKGROUND: The Brazilian Health System is organized on a regional and hierarchical form with three levels of complexity of health care. The Primary Care represents the first element of a continuing health care process, complemented by specialized actions. However, the centrality of the specialized care is still a problem in Brazil, especially in the private sector. Studies on the distribution of professionals in the health system allowing the formulation of appropriate policies are needed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of physical therapists in the levels of complexity of health care and between public and private establishments, according to data from the National Register of Health Service Providers (NRHSP). METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed considering NRHSP-national bank data collected in March 2010 and demographic census 2010 data. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics techniques. RESULTS: We identified 53,181 registries of physical therapists, 60% linked to the private sector. Only 13% of all entries were linked to primary care. The predominance in specialized care occurred in the public sector (65%) and private sector (100%). The specialized establishments of private sector linked to the southeast region (16,043) were the main sites of physical therapists. Only the public sector in the south had a majority in the Primary Care. When considering the sizes of the cities, there is focus on specialist care in bigger cities. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified the concentration of physical therapists in the specialized care, mostly in metropolis and big cities and in the private sector, with restricted to participation in the primary care.CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) é organizado de forma regionalizada e hierarquizada, apresentando três níveis de complexidade de atenção à saúde. A atenção primária à saúde (APS) representa o primeiro elemento de um continuado processo de assistência à saúde, sendo complementada pelas ações especializadas. No entanto, a centralidade na atenção especializada ainda é uma realidade no país, principalmente no setor privado. Estudos sobre a distribuição das profissões no sistema de saúde permitem a formulação de políticas adequadas que fortaleçam a APS. OBJETIVOS: Investigar a distribuição dos fisioterapeutas nos níveis de complexidade de atenção à saúde e entre os estabelecimentos públicos e privados de acordo com dados do Cadastro Nacional de Estabelecimentos de Saúde (CNES). MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo. Os dados foram coletados no banco nacional do CNES, em março de 2010, sendo analisados por técnicas estatísticas descritivas. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 53.181 cadastros de fisioterapeutas, com 60% vinculados ao setor privado. Apenas 13% de todos os cadastros estiveram vinculados à APS. A predominância na atenção especializada ocorreu no setor público (65%) e privado (aproximadamente 100%), sendo o maior número de profissionais vinculados a estabelecimentos privados especializados da região Sudeste (16.043). Apenas o setor público da região Sul apresentou maioria na APS. Quando considerados os portes dos municípios, verifica-se concentração na atenção especializada em municípios de maior porte. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo identificou concentração de fisioterapeutas na atenção especializada, majoritariamente em municípios de maior porte populacional e no setor privado, sendo ainda restrita a participação na APS.

Avaliar a mobilidade e o risco de quedas, da população idosa da área de abrangência da Estratégia Saúde da Família (EsSF) de São Carlos, e identificar alguns fatores associados ao risco de quedas. Estudo transversal que apresenta dados de 739 idosos (idade média 69,90 ± 7,20) cadastrados no banco de dados do Grupo de Pesquisa Saúde e Envelhecimento. Dados relacionados a sexo, idade, ocorrência de quedas no ano anterior; mobilidade, por meio do teste Timed Up & Go (TUG) e alterações cognitivas pelo Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) foram analisados. Foram utilizados os testes Qui-quadrado e não paramétricos ANOVA de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney U. Foi adotado um nível de significância de 5%. O grupo de caidores apresentou um desempenho pior no TUG em comparação ao grupo de não-caidores (p < 0,001). Foi encontrada uma maior prevalência de mulheres entre os caidores (p < 0,001). Não houve associação significativa entre idosos caidores e status cognitivo, avaliado pelo MEEM (p = 0,11). O desempenho no TUG apresentou diferença significativa entre as diferentes faixas etárias (p < 0,001). A população idosa da área de abrangência da EsSF São Carlos apresentou menor mobilidade e maior risco de quedas em comparação a uma população idosa sem doenças em estágios limitantes e independente para as atividades de vida diária.The scope of this study was to assess the mobility and risk of falls among elderly people living within the Family Health Strategy area in São Carlos and identify some factors that have been associated with risks of falls. This is a cross-sectional study that presents data from 739 elderly people (mean age of 69.9 ± 7.2 years old) registered in the Health and Aging Research Group. Data related to sex, age, falls in the last year, mobility using the Timed "Up & Go" (TUG) test and cognitive impairment by Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U non-parametric tests. The level of significance used for all comparisons was 5% (p < 0.05). Fallers present worse performance to TUG than non-fallers (p < 0.001). A higher prevalence of fallers was found among women (p < 0.001). No significant association was found between elderly fallers and cognitive impairment by MMSE (p = 0.11). Performance in TUG revealed a significant difference between the different age groups (p < 0.001). Elderly people from São Carlos had lower mobility and higher risk of falls in comparison with healthy people without chronic disorders and independent for daily living activities.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of successive cycles of a moderately restrictive diet and refeeding with a high-fat diet on the metabolism of the adipose and hepatic tissues of obese rats. Rats were assigned to the following groups: a chow diet; a high-fat diet; a moderate caloric restriction; or a moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding. Some animals in each group were given [1-(14)C]triolein intragastrically, while others received an intraperitoneal injection of 3 mCi (3)H(2)O. All animals were killed by decapitation. The retroperitoneal, visceral epididymal and omental white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue, liver and blood were immediately removed. The lipid uptake from the diet, in vivo rate of lipogenesis, percentage of fat, lipid profile and leptin concentration were analysed. The high-fat diet promoted an increase in fatty liver (P ≤ 0.05), adiposity mass (P ≤ 0.05) and the plasma concentration of leptin (P ≤ 0.05) and a decreased lipid uptake in white adipose tissue depots (P ≤ 0.05) in relation to the chow diet. The moderate caloric restriction did not reverse the changes promoted by the high-fat diet but induced a small decrease in adiposity, which was reversed after refeeding, and the animals maintained a dyslipidaemic profile and high fat deposition in the liver. We can conclude that the high-fat diet and subsequent moderate caloric restriction plus refeeding increased the risks of developing visceral obesity, dyslipidaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which suggests that this type of experimental protocol can be used to study mechanisms related to the metabolic syndrome.

The present study estimated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) according to the criteria established by the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and analyzed the contribution of social factors in an adult urban population in the Southeastern region of Brazil. The sample plan was based on multistage probability sampling according to family head income and educational level. A random sample of 1116 subjects aged 30 to 79 years was studied. Participants answered a questionnaire about socio-demographic variables and medical history. Fasting capillary glucose (FCG), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides were determined and all non-diabetic subjects were submitted to the 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)), waist circumference and blood pressure (BP) were determined. Age- and gender-adjusted prevalence of MS was 35.9 and 43.2% according to NCEP-ATPIII and IDF criteria, respectively. Substantial agreement was found between NCEP-ATPIII and IDF definitions. Low HDL-C levels and high BP were the most prevalent MS components according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria (76.3 and 59.2%, respectively). Considering the diagnostic criteria adopted, 13.5% of the subjects had diabetes and 9.7% had FCG ≥100 mg/dL. MS prevalence was significantly associated with age, skin color, BMI, and educational level. This cross-sectional population-based study in the Southeastern region of Brazil indicates that MS is highly prevalent and associated with an important social indicator, i.e., educational level. This result suggests that in developing countries health policy planning to reduce the risk of MS, in particular, should consider improvement in education.

Mobilizados pela problemática em torno das mudanças sociodemográficas, particularmente com o aumento da população de idosos, pela consolidação de uma política nacional de saúde calcada na noção de direitos de cidadania e a partir das reflexões suscitadas pela experiência de São Carlos (SP), na qual há a inserção do fisioterapeuta no PSF sob a forma de apoio matricial, os autores propõem, neste artigo, uma configuração do campo e núcleo das práticas de fisioterapia, na atenção à saúde do idoso, sob a perspectiva de sua inserção qualificada no Programa de Saúde da Família.The premise of this paper was to introduce the concept of elderly physical therapy care in the Family Health Program. Inspired by the impact attributable to the socio-demographic changes, the increase of an elderly population and for the consolidation of a national health policy inspired by civil rights principles, the authors present an initiative for physical therapy practice aimed at the elderly. The successful integration of physical therapy in the Family Health Program conducted in the city of São Carlos, São Paulo State, has shown that the idea is likely to achieve great results and qualified participation.

Mobilizados pela problemática em torno das mudanças sociodemográficas, particularmente com o aumento da população de idosos, pela consolidação de uma política nacional de saúde calcada na noção de direitos de cidadania e a partir das reflexões suscitadas pela experiência de São Carlos (SP), na qual há a inserção do fisioterapeuta no PSF sob a forma de apoio matricial, os autores propõem, neste artigo, uma configuração do campo e núcleo das práticas de fisioterapia, na atenção à saúde do idoso, sob a perspectiva de sua inserção qualificada no Programa de Saúde da Família. The premise of this paper was to introduce the concept of elderly physical therapy care in the Family Health Program. Inspired by the impact attributable to the socio-demographic changes, the increase of an elderly population and for the consolidation of a national health policy inspired by civil rights principles, the authors present an initiative for physical therapy practice aimed at the elderly. The successful integration of physical therapy in the Family Health Program conducted in the city of São Carlos, São Paulo State, has shown that the idea is likely to achieve great results and qualified participation.

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: A dor crônica e difusa encontra-se presente tanto nas Lesões por Esforços Repetitivos (LER)/Distúrbios Osteomusculares Relacionados ao Trabalho (DORT) como na Fibromialgia, trazendo dificuldades diagnósticas, preventivas e terapêuticas para profissionais da saúde envolvidos no tratamento de acometidos. OBJETIVOS: Analisar os aspectos relevantes na emissão dos diagnósticos de DORT e Fibromialgia na percepção de médicos assistenciais e peritos. MÉTODOS: Neste estudo, 75 médicos (36 assistenciais e 39 peritos) responderam a questões estruturadas e abertas sobre aspectos considerados relevantes na emissão de diagnóstico destas síndromes. RESULTADOS: As respostas dos dois grupos foram correlacionadas pelo teste de Spearman (α=0,05) e submetidos ao método de Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo (DSC). Os médicos assistenciais tenderam a valorizar o fator "quadro clínico e tempo de evolução", enquanto os médicos peritos tenderam a apontar "história ocupacional" na definição do diagnóstico de LER/DORT. Já para o diagnóstico de Fibromialgia, os peritos tenderam a apontar o fator "quantidade de tender points", enquanto os médicos assistenciais indicaram mais frequentemente "característica da dor". Apesar dessas discretas discrepâncias, alta correlação (r=0,85, ρ=0,01) foi identificada entre os grupos quando apontaram aspectos comuns e distintos no estabelecimento do diagnóstico para as duas síndromes. Os relatos também enfatizaram a necessidade da investigação de riscos presentes no trabalho para a definição de um diagnóstico mais preciso. CONCLUSÕES: Nesse sentido, objetivando uniformizar condutas avaliativas, preventivas e terapêuticas para médicos, fisioterapeutas e demais profissionais envolvidos no atendimento dessas síndromes, seria recomendável maior divulgação dos critérios utilizados por entidades internacionais no diagnóstico da Fibromialgia e a inclusão de treinamento para identificação de efeitos adversos de condições inadequadas do trabalho na formação desses profissionais.

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a dor e o consumo de analgésicos em mulheres com osteoporose, após a realização de um programa de atividade física. Participaram do estudo 15 mulheres com média de idade 59±7,6 anos, com diagnóstico densitométrico em L2-L4 de osteoporose e que haviam feito uso de analgésicos para dorsalgia pelo menos três vezes por semana no mês precedente à avaliação inicial. A dor foi avaliada por questões extraídas do Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire, aplicadas antes e após um programa de atividade física; o escore variou de 0 (melhor, sem dor) a 10 (pior, dor diária). O programa, que consistiu em caminhadas, exercícios livres de membros superiores e inferiores e relaxamento, foi realizado duas vezes por semana durante 28 semanas consecutivas. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente. Comparando-se as pontuações obtidas, a dor apresentou uma diminuição significativa entre a avaliação inicial (7,33±3,05) e final (4,17±2,61, p=0,0007). Observou-se também uma redução no consumo de analgésicos. Esses resultados sugerem que o programa de atividade física foi efetivo para a diminuição da dor, contribuindo para a melhora da qualidade de vida das mulheres com osteoporose.This paper aimed at evaluating the effect of a physical activity program onto the level of pain as perceived by women with osteoporosis. Fifteen women (mean age 59±7.6 years old) with bone-densitometry diagnosis of lumbar osteoporosis took part in the study; they all took analgesics at least thrice a week in the month prior to the study. Pain was assessed by questions extracted from the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire both before and after the program; scores ranged from 0 (no pain) to 10 (pain everyday). The program consisted of walking, lower and upper limb free exercises, massage, and relaxation, twice a week, during 28 weeks. Data were statistically analysed. A significant decrease in pain was found after the program (from 7.33±3.05 to 4.17±2.61, p=0,0007), and a lesser use of analgesics was reported. These results suggest that the program of physical activity brought pain relief, thus contributing to improve quality of life of women with osteoporosis.

Influence of the Open University for the Third Age (UATI) and the revitalization program (REVT) on quality of life in middle-aged and elderly adults

Purpose: The ruthenium complex cis -[Ru(H-dcbpy - ) 2 (Cl)(NO)] (DCBPY) is a nitric oxide (NO) donor and studies suggested that the ruthenium compounds can inactivate O 2 - . The aim of this study is to test if DCBPY can revert and/or prevent the endothelial dysfunction. Methods: Normotensive (2K) and hypertensive (2K-1C) wistar rats were used. To vascular reactivity study, thoracic aortas were isolated, rings with intact endothelium were incubated with: DCBPY: 0.1; 1 and 10μM, DCBPY plus hydroxocobalin (NO scavenger) or tempol during 30 minutes, and concentration effect curves to acetylcholine were performed. The potency values (pD2) and maximum effect (ME) were analyzed. The O 2 - was generated using hypoxantine xantine oxidase and the reduction of cytochrome c, NO consumption by O 2 - and the effect in avoid NO consumption was measured. Results: In 2K-1C DCBPY at 0.1; 1 or 10μM improved the relaxation endothelium dependent induced by acetylcholine in aortic rings compared to control 2K-1C, and also improved ME. In rings from 2K incubation with DCBPY (0.1; 1.0 and 10 μM) did not change pD2 or ME. Incubation with 0.1 μM of DCBPY plus hydroxocobalamin did not modify the potency and ME in 2K-1C compared to DCBPY (0.1 μM). DCBPY and SOD inhibits the reduction of cytochrome c and inhibited the NO consumption by O 2 - , showing that O 2 - has been removed from the solution. Conclusion: Our results suggest that DCBPY at a lower concentration (0.1 µM) is not an NO generator, but can inactivate superoxide and improves the endothelial function. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW . Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Objectives To investigate the effects of an exercise program on respiratory function, thoracic kyphosis, tolerance to exercise and quality of life in women with osteoporosis. Design Pilot observational study. Setting Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Brazil. Participants Fourteen women with densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in the spine. Interventions An exercise program comprising of three sessions per week, lasting 1 hour each, over an 8-week period. Each session incorporated: 5 minutes of stretching exercises, including the lower limb and upper limb muscles; 15 minutes of posture exercises; 20 minutes of walking; 15 minutes of exercises to improve the strength of respiratory muscles and a 5-minutes, cool-down and relaxation. Main outcome measures Respiratory function evaluation, submaximal exercise tolerance test measurement of the thoracic kyphosis angle, and the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire (OPAQ) to measure the quality of life at baseline and at 8-week follow-up. Results At follow-up, increases of between 12% and 23% in respiratory pressures were noted. The results also suggest an increase of 13% in submaximal exercise tolerance and a small increase of approximately 5% in the magnitude of thoracic curvature. The value of the OPAQ for this group of subjects is questionable. Sample size calculations based on the results of this pilot study are provided. Conclusions After an 8-week exercise program, benefits to the fitness of the participants were observed. The results suggest that exercise may have a role in the management of this group of patients. The outcome measures, with the possible exception of the OPAQ, and the protocol used in this pilot study would be feasible for a definitive study. Further research is recommended in a sufficiently powered study and should include an appropriate control group.

Com o objetivo de realizar a versão e estudos psicométricos do Questionário de Suporte Social de Sarason, aplicou-se o instrumento em 113 mulheres-mães. Para a análise, utilizou-se a estatística Kappa, o Índice de Concordância Bruta e a Correlação de Spearman. A consistência interna do instrumento foi avaliada. Os resultados indicam uma fidedignidade teste-reteste aceitável e um alto nível de consistência interna. Observaram-se associações estatísticas entre os índices de suporte social e as variáveis trabalho, gravidez e renda. Apresentam-se informações sobre fontes de suporte social e extensão da rede as quais sugerem uma participação maior da família próxima como fornecedora de suporte.Con el objetivo de realizar la versión y estudios psicométricos del Cuestionario del Apoyo Social de Saranson, se empleó el instrumento en 113 mujeres-madres. Para la análisis se utilizó la estatística Kappa, el Índice de Concordancia Bruta y la Correlación de Spearman. Se estimó la consistencia interna del instrumento. Los resultados muestran una fidelidad test-retest acetable y un elevado nivel de consistencia interna. Se observaron asociaciones estadísticas entre los índices de apoyo social y las variables trabajo, gestación y renta. Se presentan informaciones sobre fuentes de soporte social y extensión de la red¿, las cuales sugieren una mayor participación de la familia como proveedora del apoyo.With the aim of developing psychometrical studies using the Saranson's Social Support Questionnaire, an adapted version of the instrument was applied to 113 mothers. The Kappa Statistical Parameter, the Index of Gross Agreement and Spearman's Correlation were used to the analysis. The analysis of the internal consistency instrument showed a high level of it. In addition, the results indicated an acceptable test-retest reliability as well as statistical relationships between the social support indexes and variables related to work, pregnancy and income. Information on social support sources and the extension of the network suggest a greater participation of the family as the provider of the support.

The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) is high in workers doing highly repetitive movements. This study compared WRMDs symptoms for female and male workers doing the same repetitive industrial tasks. The 103 workers (84 female and 19 male) worked in two product sorting sections. In these two sections, exclusively female until 2 yr before this study, 19 men were hired in an attempt to control WRMDs. The analysis indicates that symptoms were primarily influenced by the work done. Symptoms were secondarily influenced by gender, job tenure and age. When compared within the same age group or in the same job tenure, there was no significant difference in symptoms between male and female workers. Sick leave, reflecting more severe clinical symptoms, was influenced mainly by job tenure. Thus, when confronting poor working conditions, replacements of female workers by male workers is a worthless strategy to control WRMDs. Relevance to industry The identification and characterization of risk factors for WRMDs is a pre-requisite for the proposal and implementation of control measures.

Obesity affects approximately 20% of the world population, and exercise is the primary non-pharmacological therapy. The combined use of exercise and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may potentiate the effects promoted by exercise. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise in combination with phototherapy on adipocyte area, activity of the enzyme citrate synthase and muscle morphological analysis. We used 64 Wistar rats, which were divided into eight groups with 8 rats each: sedentary chow-diet (SC); sedentary chow-diet plus laser therapy (SCL), exercised chow-diet (EC); exercised chow-diet plus laser therapy (ECL); sedentary high-fat diet (SH); sedentary high-fat diet plus laser therapy (SHL); exercised high-fat diet (EH); exercised high-fat diet, laser therapy (EHL). The animals were submitted to a program of swimming training for 90 min/5 times per week for 8 weeks and LLLT (GA-Al-AS, 830 nm) at a dose of 4.7 J/point and a total energy of 9.4 J/animal, with duration of 47 s, which was applied to both gastrocnemius muscles after exercise. We conclude that the combined use of exercise and phototherapy increases the activity of the enzyme citrate synthase and decreases the white adipocyte area epididymal, retroperitoneal and visceral in obese rats, enhancing the effects of exercise.

Ethanol alters motricity, learning, cognition, and cellular metabolism in the cerebellum. We evaluated the effect of ethanol on apoptosis in Golgi, Purkinje, and granule cells of the cerebellum in adult rats. There were two groups of 20 rats: a control group that did not consume ethanol and an experimental group of UChA rats that consumed ethanol at 10 % (

OBJETIVO:analisar os efeitos do envelhecimento no grau de cifose torácica e no pico de torque dos músculos flexores e extensores de tronco entre mulheres sem diagnóstico densitométrico de osteoporose.MÉTODOS:foram selecionadas 30 mulheres para compor os três grupos: jovens (n = 10; 24,60 ± 2,27 anos); adultas (n = 10; 43,50 ± 2,88); e idosas (n = 10; 62,40 ± 2,67). Densidade mineral óssea (DMO), grau de cifose torácica e pico de torque de flexores e extensores de tronco foram avaliados. Diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelos testes Anova de Kruskal-Wallis e Mann-Whitney U. Correlações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas pelo coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Foi considerado um nível de significância de 5% (p < 0,05).RESULTADOS:o Grupo Idosas apresentou um maior grau de cifose torácica (p = 0,009) e menor pico de torque extensor e flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. O Grupo Adultas apresentou menor pico de torque flexor de tronco do que o Grupo Jovens. Foram observadas correlação negativa entre idade e pico de torque flexor e extensor de tronco (p < 0,001) e correlação positiva entre idade e grau de cifose torácica (r = 0,58; p < 0,001). O Grupo Idosas apresentou valores mais altos para a relação excêntrico/concêntrico de pico de torque flexor (p = 0,03) e extensor (p = 0,02).CONCLUSÃO:o envelhecimento fisiológico pode estar associado a um maior grau de cifose torácica e a menor força muscular de flexores e extensores de tronco. Ainda, as idosas mostram uma relativa capacidade de preservação da força excêntrica. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of aging on the degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexor and extensor muscles among women without a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis.METHODS:Thirty women were selected to make up three groups: young women (n = 10; 24.60 ± 2.27 years of age); adults (n = 10; 43.50 ± 2.88); and elderly women (n = 10; 62.40 ± 2.67). Bone mineral density (BMD), degree of thoracic kyphosis and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors were evaluated. Differences between the groups were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U tests. Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess correlations between the variables. The significance level was taken to be 5% (p < 0.05).RESULTS:The elderly group presented a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis (p = 0.009) and lower peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors than the young group. The adult group presented lower peak torque of the trunk than the young group. A negative correlation was observed between age and peak torque of the trunk flexors and extensors (p < 0.001), and a positive correlation between age and the degree of thoracic kyphosis (r = 0.58; p < 0.001). The elderly group presented higher values for the eccentric/concentric ratio of the peak torque for flexors (p = 0.03) and extensors (p = 0.02).CONCLUSION:This study suggests that physiological aging may be associated with a greater degree of thoracic kyphosis and lower muscle strength of the trunk flexors and extensors. Moreover, the elderly women showed a relative capacity for preservation of eccentric strength. Universidade Federal de São Carlos Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Baixada Santista, Santos, SP, Brazil Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Campus Baixada Santista, Santos, SP, Brazil SciELO

OBJECTIVE : To compare the reliability and convergent validity of instruments assessing quality of life in Brazilian older adults. METHODS : Cross-sectional study of 278 literate, community-dwelling older adults attending a municipal university for the elderly in Sao Carlos, SP, Southeastern Brazil between 2006 and 2008. The Brazilian versions of the SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF instruments to assess quality of life were compared. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to estimate reliability and Pearson’s correlation for comparison between the two scales. RESULTS : Most of participants were women (87.8%) with a mean age of 63.83±7.22 years. Both scales showed an acceptable internal consistency – WHOQOL-BREF Cronbach’s alpha was 0.832 and SF-36 was 0.868. There was a weak (r ≤ 0.6) correlation between the related fields in the two questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS : The SF-36 and WHOQOL-BREF are reliable instruments for clinical and research uses in Brazilian older women. To select one, researchers should consider which aspects of quality of life they aim to capture because of weak convergent validity signs. This study’s results indicate that WHOQOL-BREF may be more relevant to evaluate changes in the quality of life of older women because it prioritizes responses to the aging process and avoids focusing on impairment. OBJETIVO : Comparar a confiabilidade e validade convergente de instrumentos de qualidade de vida em idosos brasileiros. MÉTODOS : Estudo transversal com 278 idosos, alfabetizados e frequentadores de universidade de terceira idadeno município de São Carlos, SP, entre 2006 e 2008. Foram comparadas as versões brasileiras dos instrumentos 36-item form constructed to survey health status (SF-36) e World Health Organization quality of life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). O coeficiente alfa de Cronbach foi usado para estimar a confiabilidade e a correlação de Pearson para a comparação entre as duas escalas. RESULTADOS : A maioria dos participantes eram mulheres (87,8%) com média de idade de 63,83 anos (DP = 7,22). Ambas as escalas mostraram consistência interna aceitável: os coeficientes alfa de Cronbach do WHOQOL-BREF e do SF-36 foram, respectivamente, 0,832 e 0,868. Houve correlação (r ≤ 0,6) pobre entre os campos relacionados dos dois questionários. CONCLUSÕES : SF-36 e WHOQOL-BREF são instrumentos confiáveis para usos clínicos e de pesquisa entre mulheres idosas brasileiras. Para selecionar um deles, é preciso considerar quais aspectos de qualidade de vida são de interesse em razão dos indicativos de fraca validade convergente. O WHOQOL-BREF pode ser mais relevante para avaliar as mudanças na qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas saudáveis porque prioriza as respostas ao processo de envelhecimento e evita foco em sua incapacidade. OBJETIVO : Comparar la confiabilidad y validez convergente de instrumentos de calidad de vida en ancianos brasileños MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con 278 ancianos, alfabetizados y frecuentadores de universidad de tercera edad en el municipio de São Carlos, SP-Brasil, entre 2006 y 2008. Se compararon las versiones brasileñas de los instrumentos 36-item form constructed to survey health status (SF-36) y World Health Organization quality of life assessment instrument (WHOQOL-BREF). El coeficiente alfa de Cronbach fue usado para estimar la confiabilidad y la correlación de Pearson para la comparación entre las dos escalas. RESULTADOS : La mayoría de los participantes eran mujeres (87,8%) con promedio de edad de 63,83 años (DS= 7,22). Ambas escalas mostraron consistencia interna aceptable: los coeficientes alfa de Cronbach de WHOQOL-BREF y de SF-36 fueron, respectivamente, 0,832 y 0,868. Hubo correlación (r< 0,6) pobre entre los campos relacionados de los dos cuestionarios. CONCLUSIONES : SF-36 y WHOQOL-BREF son instrumentos confiables para usos clínicos y de investigación entre mujeres ancianas brasileñas. Para seleccionar uno de ellos, es necesario considerar cuales son los aspectos de calidad de vida que son de interés con base en los indicativos de validez débil convergente. El WHOQOL-BREF puede ser más relevante para evaluar los cambios en la calidad de vida de mujeres ancianas saludables porque prioriza las respuestas al proceso de envejecimiento y evita foco en su capacidad.

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe upper limb symptoms in manicurists, who also performed domestic chores, and compare them with symptoms identified in house wives. Seventy female manicurists (mean age 34 years) and seventy house wives (mean age 37 years from a similar social class as the manicurists) were interviewed by the authors. A questionnaire designed for this study provided structure to the interview. The results showed a significant difference between these groups. The manicurists were twice more prone to experience musculoskeletal symptoms than the house wives (Relative Risk=2). Some types of symptoms, such as trembling, heaviness sensation and temperature alterations, were experienced only by the manicurists. Concerning pain symptoms, the manicurists were almost three times more prone to be affected (Relative Risk=3.0). Although no statistical differences were found, the production rates for the non-symptomatic manicurists were 18% higher than for the symptomatic ones. Therefore, the results suggest the necessity of redesigning the nail clippers. Relevance to industry Different types of cutters are used in several industrial activities. Depending on their design, they can cause hand discomforts and injuries. Concurrent studies on a group of subjects exposed to such risks may lead to a better understanding of the problem, and also provide basic data for redesigning the tool.