Níveis de homocisteína e desempenho cognitivo em uma amostra populacional de idosos da cidade do Natal-RN

The imprecision of the frontier that separates those cognitive deficits inherent to the human physiological aging process from those which represent the early signs of nervous system degenerative pathologies ,very prevalent among the elderly, has brought attention to the need of studies aiming to establish clinical and/or laboratorial criteria to allow this differentiation. Elderly people living in poor and developing countries are frequently exposed to precarious socioeconomic conditions which facilitate the development of an array of pathologies which have metabolic and nutritional dysfunctions as the established or proposed etiological agents. The levels of certain micronutrients, such as the vitamins B12 and B9 (folic acid), and of some intermediary metabolites, such as homocysteine are being thought of as etiological factors and/or as biological markers of a group of alterations which affect the normal functioning of the nervous system with important reflexes upon cognitive performance. This study aims to investigate the influence of homocysteine, B12 vitamin and folic acid levels on the cognitive performance of the low income elderly population. This transversal study took place in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte State, Brazil, and involved 205 dwelling elderly people, users of the Programa de Saúde da Família, a public healthcare program, maintained by the city s health authorities. A multidimensional questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic aspects and the overall health and nutrition conditions. The cognitive performance was measured by the use of the Portuguese version of the Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE). The serum levels of homocysteine, B12 vitamin and folic acid were determined by chemiluminescence. The association between the socio-demographic and serum levels of Hcy, B12 vitamin and folic acid was determined by multiple linear regression. Serum levels higher than 13.5 μmol/l, indicative of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), were found on 25.4% of the sample, being more prevalent in men (p<0.05). Deficitary levels of folic acid (<5ng/mol) and of B12 vitamin (<193 pg/ml) were found on 3.9% and 10.2% of the sample respectively. A negative correlation was found between cognitive performance with both age and HHcy and a positive correlation was found between cognitive performance and schooling. The isolated HHcy R2 values were an explanation to only 4% of the variance of the MMSE scores. However, when associated with schooling and age, this model explains about 25% of this association

Sintomatologia depressiva e avaliação de níveis de TNFα IL-2 em indivíduos idosos e com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of depressive symptomatology among elderly residents in long-stay institutions (LSI) and in the community of Recife, Brazil. In total, 81 long-stay elderly patients (mean age of 75.55 ± 9.18 years) and 132 elderly (mean age of 73.14 ± 8.27 years) individuals from the community were evaluated. Depressive symptomatology was assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), cognitive status by the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and capacity to perform the activities of daily living (ADL) by the Katz Index. Comorbities and the use of medication were recorded. The LSI elderly exhibited more depressive symptoms (p < 0.001) and more dependency (p< 0.001). We observed no differences in MMSE (p = 0.058). The elderly in the community displayed more comorbidities and the LSI elderly consumed more medication (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). According to multivariate analysis (logistic regression), being male, having no spouse and having a low schooling level are risk factors for depressive symptoms. In conclusion, most elderly with depressive symptoms received no medication fordepression.

Modificações introduzidas pelos treinamentos cardiopulmonar e neuromuscular nos níveis séricos basais de fatores de crescimento insulina símile i (igf-1), cortisol, autonomia funcional e qualidade de vida de mulheres idosas

Changes introduced by cardiopulmonar and neuromuscular training on basal serum insulin-like grow factor-1 (IGF-1) and cortisol levels, functional autonomy and quality of life in elderly women The aim of this study was to compare the effects of strength and aerobic training on basal serum IGF-1 and Cortisol levels, functional autonomy (FA) and quality of life (QoL) in elderly women after 12 weeks of training. The subjects were submitted the strength training (75-85% 1-RM) with weight exercises (SG; n=12; age=66.08 ± 3,37 years; BMI=26,77 ± 3,72 kg/m2), aerobic training with aquatic exercises (AG; n=13; age=68,69 ± 4,70 years; BMI=29,19 ± 2,96 kg/m2) and control group (CG; n=10; age=68,80 ± 5,41 years; BMI=29,70 ± 2,82 kg/m2). Fasting blood was analyzed to measure basal IGF-1 and cortisol levels by chemiluminescence method. The t-Student test showed increased IGF-1 in the SG (p<0.05) for intragroup comparison. The Repeated-measure ANOVA presented increased IGF-1 (p<0.05) in the SG compared to the other two groups. There were no differences in cortisol levels. All the FA tests (GDLAM autonomy protocol) presented decreased significant in the time marked in seconds to the SG. The same results were found in the AG, except in the rise from a sitting position test. The autonomy index presented significant improvements (p<0.05) in the SG related to the AG and CG and in the AG to the CG. The SG showed increased QoL (p<0.05) (by WHOQOL-Old questionnaire) in the facet 1 (sensorial functioning) and facet 5 (death and dying). Thus, the SG obtained positive changes on IGF-1 and FA levels when compared to the AG. This suggests that strength training can indicated to decrease the effects of ageing.

Dança Folclórica: um estudo das qualidades físicas básicas em universitários de diferentes níveis técnicos

Health and life quality can be preserved and improved by the regular practice of physical activity. Sedentarism is an undesirable condition and represents risk for the health. This study has as objective to analyze the caloric cost and the basic physical qualities in college students of different technical levels. The research was descriptive and applied to 35 students, volunteers, from 19 to 34 years old, from both sexes, participants of the Dance Body of State University of Piauí, in the city of Teresina, in the activities of folkloric dance and walking. The caloric cost was evaluated with the accelerometer Caltrac 100/100 Plan, the basic physical qualities through the sitting and reaching test (flexibility); the vertical impulsion test, crouch (inferior members strength); the abdominal test (located muscular resistance); and the Burpee test (motor coordination). The participants were separated in two groups according to their time of practice: group 1 (beginners), group 2 (advanced). The parametric tests t by Student and correlation by Pearson were used, observing a significance p<0,05 in the sense of comparing the observed results, which showed that there are no significant differences between the two groups of students, according to the time of practice, in which concerns the caloric cost. The results of Strength, Resistance and Co-ordination test did not differ so much between the two groups. On the other hand, in the variable flexibility significant differences were observed (sig.p = 0,0022 << 0,05) between the observed groups, being Group 1 (31,5 ± 6,3) meaningfully less than Group 2 (38,1 ± 4,9), which constitutes a difference of about 21%. Such results present relations of caloric cost compensation between the studied groups, the motivation to the beginners group and flexibility to tne advanced group, justifying the lack of significant distinctions. In this sense the folkloric dance, as a physical activity, appears to be efficient, for significant co-relations are still noticed between the caloric cost levels of the dance with the walking, besides not presenting expressive differences between them.

Avaliação do desempenho funcional de crianças com paralisia cerebral de acordo com níveis de comprometimento motor

Contextualization: Several studies have examined the mobility of this group of children, however little is known about the impact of motor function in activities of daily living, considering the seriousness of their neuromotor damage. Objective: Identify the functional differences of children with Cerebral Palsy with different levels of motor dysfunction and correlate these differences with the areas of mobility, self-care and social function in functional ability and caregiver´s assistance of these children. Methods: An l analytical cross-section search was developed, which were part 70 children / families aged from 4 to 7.5 years, in the Rehabilitation Center for Children. As tools were used the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (PEDI) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Data analysis was performed by ANOVA and Pearson's correlation tests. Results: The results show the functional variability of children CP in different severity levels of motor disfunction This variation was observed in the areas of mobility, self-care and social function. The results also showed a strong correlation between the domains mobility and self-care, mobility and social function. Conclusions: The variability shown by the children with CP, suggests the use of PEDI and GMFCS as this association appears to increase the understanding of how the gross motor functions are related to activities of daily living, describing the best commitments and their degree of impact on functional activities. This correlation demonstrates how mobility is crucial to evaluate the performance and guide the therapeutic practice, to develop the children´s potencial, and guide the caregiver in stimulation

Associação dos níveis de motivação e autoestima na aderência à prática de atividade física de universitários

A aderência à prática da atividade física se constitui na maior dificuldade encontrada pelos profissionais da área da saúde. É importante ter conhecimento de determinantes que podem influenciar na aderência. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram o de elaborar, desenvolver e validar uma escala para avaliar a Autoestima referenciada na aderência da prática da atividade física e verificar a associação da Motivação e Autoestima à prática de atividade física. A Escala de Autoestima proposta para validação é uma escala de auto-resposta com dezesseis itens, cinco dimensões e com respostas com três níveis de concordância. Os participantes no estudo de validação são 312 universitários de ambos os sexos, com idades compreendidas entre 18 e 35 anos. Metade deles é praticante regular de atividade física. A Análise Fatorial dos itens mostra cinco dimensões: Introspecção, Imagem Física, Satisfação com a vida, Aceitação e Confiança. As propriedades psicométricas são aceitáveis, com Alfa de Cronbach igual a 0,75. O estudo de validação baseado nas correlações entre esta escala e a de Rosenberg, segundo o teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson, com sig. p < 0, 001 nas classificações e na correlação sugere que a escala pode ser utilizada em estudos de investigação e programas de promoção da saúde. As escalas de Autoestima e de Motivação (MPAM-R) foram aplicadas a um grupo de 110 universitários, 65% do sexo feminino e 35% do sexo masculino, com idade média compreendida entre 18 e 35 anos. Segmentados em dois grupos de praticantes regulares e não regulares de atividade física. Foram controladas as variáveis demográficas, ambientais e antropométricas. Verificou-se associação significativa entre as variáveis Autoestima e Motivação pelo teste Qui-Quadrado, e que denotam que a dimensão da Autoestima Imagem Física, quando cruzada com as dimensões da Motivação, mostra-se em alto grau discricionário e associação direta. Motivação Diversão (sig.p = 0,002), Competência (sig.p = 0.007) e Social (sig.p = 0.016). Ainda, no cruzamento do Escore Total da dimensão Autoestima e a dimensão Diversão da variável Motivação, apresenta associação diretas e significativas (sig.p = 0.020). A síntese dos resultados denota ações combinadas de estímulo na melhora da percepção positiva da Imagem Física do indivíduo, tendo como plano de fundo, ambiente divertido, desafiador (competência) e social (interação com os pares), traduz em aderência a prática da Atividade Física

Níveis pressóricos elevados em mulheres com síndrome dos ovários policísticos: prevalência e fatores de risco associados

investiga a prevalência de níveis pressóricos elevados e avaliar a correlação entre níveis de pressão arterial (PA) e outros fatores de risco cardiovascular em pacientes com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP).Por meio de estudo transversal foram comparados os níveis de PA e parâmetros antropométricos e bioquímicos de risco cardiovascular em 113 mulheres com SOP (idade 26,2±4,3 anos) e num grupo controle constituído por 242 mulheres saudáveis da população geral (26,8±5,0 anos). o grupo SOP apresentou prevalência de PA alterada (≥130/85 mmHg) significativamente superior ao grupo controle (18,6% vs. 9,9%, respectivamente; p<0,05). Mulheres com SOP apresentaram valores médios superiores de PA sistólica, índice de massa corporal (IMC), circunferência da cintura (CC), triglicerídeos e glicemia de jejum, além de níveis inferiores de HDL - colesterol, em comparação ao grupo controle (p<0,01). No grupo SOP, os valores de PA sistólica e diastólica apresentaram correlação positiva significativa com a idade, IMC, CC e triglicerídeos (p<0,05). A freqüência de mulheres com valores de PA acima do limite da normalidade foi significativamente maior no grupo SOP, em relação ao grupo controle. Adicionalmente, os valores de PA se correlacionaram positivamente com outros fatores de risco cardiovascular como obesidade e níveis de triglicerídeos. Esses achados alertam para a relevância de estratégias preventivas em mulheres com SOP, no sentido de evitar eventos mórbidos relacionados ao sistema cardiovascular

Avaliação de efeitos de um extrato de "três bailarinas" em modelos experimentais em diferentes níveis de organização biológica

Drogas naturais ou sintéticas podem ser capazes de alterar a sobrevivência de culturas bacterianas, interferir na marcação de estruturas sanguíneas com tecnécio- 99m (99mTc) e alterar a morfologia das hemácias. De acordo com as instruções do fabricante, a formula denominada de Três Bailarinas (TB) é sugerida para ser usada, como bebida, por pessoas que desejam ajustar o peso sem dieta. Os ingredientes dessa fórmula são a Cassia angustifolia e a Malva verticellate. Informações cientificas sobre TB não foram encontradas no indexador PubMed, e esse fato tem estimulado nossas investigações sobre seus efeitos biológicos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, em diferentes modelos experimentais, o efeito de um extrato aquoso de Três Bailarinas: (i) na sobrevivência de culturas de E. coli AB1157, ii) efeito do SnCl2 em culturas bacterianas, iii) na marcação das hemácias e proteínas plasmáticas e celulares com 99mTc e iv) na morfologia de hemácias de sangue de ratos Wistar. Os resultados encontrados demonstram que o extrato de TB não alterou a sobrevivência de cultura de E. coli AB1157 e aboliu o efeito letal do SnCl2 na sobrevivência dessa cultura bacteriana. Na marcação de estruturas sangüíneas com 99mTc o extrato de TB reduziu a percentagem de atividade (%ATI) referente ao 99mTc no compartimento celular e nas proteínas plasmáticas, mas não alterou a %ATI nas proteínas celulares. O extrato de TB não foi capaz de alterar a morfologia das hemácias. Os modelos experimentais realizados mostram a importância dos mesmos na avaliação de efeitos biológicos de agentes químicos, e contribui para um melhor entendimento das propriedades do extrato de Três Bailarinas. Esse trabalho abrange varias áreas do conhecimento, tais como: radiobiologia, botânica, fitoterapia e hematologia

Tempo livre de lazer e composição corporal de escolares do meio-oeste catarinense

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between free time for leisure and body composition of students in the crucial ninth year. (N = 228) of towns in the Midwest catarinense. We used the Adolescent Behavior Questionnaire of Santa Catarina (COMPAC) to assess lifestyle, considering that Active schoolchildren during the week, accumulated 300 or more minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Were used the time to 2 hours or more / day to determine the time of excessive use of TV and computer video game. To analyze body composition were used two criteria: the Body Mass Index (BMI) and sum of skinfolds (EDC). It was observed a proportion of 67.3% of girls and 68.7% of boys assets and more than 98% of students were using excessive TV time, computer and video game. In the classification by EDC, most of the boys showed great or low levels of body composition, while more than half of girls were classified at higher levels. As for BMI, most boys and girls had not overweight. Significant difference in the comparison of total minutes per week of MVPA reported between the groups, the second criterion of EDC and BMI for girls but not for BMI in boys. It is concluded that students with higher accumulation in minutes of MVPA showed better body composition indicators, but no significant difference was found when compared active groups with inactive, according to criteria used.

Programas de exercícios físicos e níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios em mulheres com distúrbios metabólicos: uma revisão sistemática

Uma grande quantidade de informações dá suporte à relação existente entre inatividade física e processos inflamatórios latentes em distúrbios metabólicos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi acessar criticamente o corpo de evidências existentes na literatura sobre a associação entre programas de exercícios físicos e os níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios em mulheres entre 18 e 82 anos de idade. Foram realizadas buscas bibliográficas sistemáticas usando as bases de dados PubMed Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, LILACS e SciELO de publicações entre janeiro de 1993 e janeiro de 2012 usando os seguintes termos: inflamação, citocinas, exercícios, treinamento físico, treinamento aeróbico, treinamento cardiovascular, treinamento de força, treinamento contra resistência, treinamento intervalado, reabilitação cardíaca e gerenciamento/modificação terapêutica de estilo de vida. Do total de estudos incluídos na revisão, três deles reportaram mudanças não significativas nos níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios, um estudo documentou um aumento nos biomarcadores e 12 estudos reportaram decréscimos nos níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios associados com exercício. Características secundárias do estilo de vida, como trabalho físico extenuante e fumo, afetaram os níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios. Intervenções integrativas incluindo dieta, exercício aeróbico moderado (60% a 80% da frequência cardíaca máxima ou 50% a 60% do VO2Máx), treinamento contra resistência em circuito (8 a 10 exercícios, 8 a 12 repetições), aconselhamento e educação voltados para a saúde, usados conjuntamente, se apresentaram como possíveis estratégias efetivas na melhoria nos níveis de biomarcadores inflamatórios em mulheres

Uso de técnicas de otimização baseadas em derivadas como suporte do planejamento operacional de redes de distribuição de energia elétrica

The usual programs for load flow calculation were in general developped aiming the simulation of electric energy transmission, subtransmission and distribution systems. However, the mathematical methods and algorithms used by the formulations were based, in majority, just on the characteristics of the transmittion systems, which were the main concern focus of engineers and researchers. Though, the physical characteristics of these systems are quite different from the distribution ones. In the transmission systems, the voltage levels are high and the lines are generally very long. These aspects contribute the capacitive and inductive effects that appear in the system to have a considerable influence in the values of the interest quantities, reason why they should be taken into consideration. Still in the transmission systems, the loads have a macro nature, as for example, cities, neiborhoods, or big industries. These loads are, generally, practically balanced, what reduces the necessity of utilization of three-phase methodology for the load flow calculation. Distribution systems, on the other hand, present different characteristics: the voltage levels are small in comparison to the transmission ones. This almost annul the capacitive effects of the lines. The loads are, in this case, transformers, in whose secondaries are connected small consumers, in a sort of times, mono-phase ones, so that the probability of finding an unbalanced circuit is high. This way, the utilization of three-phase methodologies assumes an important dimension. Besides, equipments like voltage regulators, that use simultaneously the concepts of phase and line voltage in their functioning, need a three-phase methodology, in order to allow the simulation of their real behavior. For the exposed reasons, initially was developped, in the scope of this work, a method for three-phase load flow calculation in order to simulate the steady-state behaviour of distribution systems. Aiming to achieve this goal, the Power Summation Algorithm was used, as a base for developing the three phase method. This algorithm was already widely tested and approved by researchers and engineers in the simulation of radial electric energy distribution systems, mainly for single-phase representation. By our formulation, lines are modeled in three-phase circuits, considering the magnetic coupling between the phases; but the earth effect is considered through the Carson reduction. It s important to point out that, in spite of the loads being normally connected to the transformer s secondaries, was considered the hypothesis of existence of star or delta loads connected to the primary circuit. To perform the simulation of voltage regulators, a new model was utilized, allowing the simulation of various types of configurations, according to their real functioning. Finally, was considered the possibility of representation of switches with current measuring in various points of the feeder. The loads are adjusted during the iteractive process, in order to match the current in each switch, converging to the measured value specified by the input data. In a second stage of the work, sensibility parameters were derived taking as base the described load flow, with the objective of suporting further optimization processes. This parameters are found by calculating of the partial derivatives of a variable in respect to another, in general, voltages, losses and reactive powers. After describing the calculation of the sensibility parameters, the Gradient Method was presented, using these parameters to optimize an objective function, that will be defined for each type of study. The first one refers to the reduction of technical losses in a medium voltage feeder, through the installation of capacitor banks; the second one refers to the problem of correction of voltage profile, through the instalation of capacitor banks or voltage regulators. In case of the losses reduction will be considered, as objective function, the sum of the losses in all the parts of the system. To the correction of the voltage profile, the objective function will be the sum of the square voltage deviations in each node, in respect to the rated voltage. In the end of the work, results of application of the described methods in some feeders are presented, aiming to give insight about their performance and acuity