Níveis de sobrecarga, ansiedade e depressão de cuidadores de pacientes com doença de Alzheimer participantes e não participantes de grupos de apoio

Currently , as a result of the significant increase in the number of elderly, one can observe an increase in the number of chronic diseases , among them Alzheimer's disease (AD) , which affects both patients and their caregivers , that due care with the patient , just overwhelmed , anxious and depressed. Therefore, this study aims to draw a profile of caregivers of Alzheimer's patients, correlating the physical activity of patients with levels of overload, anxiety, depression caregivers. For both sample consisted of 40 patients with AD to characterize the physical activity levels and perform activities of daily living. In addition, we evaluated 40 caregivers. Patient assessment was made through a medical history, beyond the score Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Mini - Mental State Examination (MMSE), Modified Baecke Questionnaire for Older Adults (MBQ) , Functional Activities Questionnaire PFEFFER (QAFP) , and the Self Perception Performance in Activities of Daily Living (EAPAVD). For assessing the caregiver was also used an interview, then the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), anxiety and depression scale (HAD) Scale and the Zarit caregiver burden (Zarit). The data were processed using descriptive procedures for the analysis of characterization of samples, such as cognitive screening and physical activity level and profile of caregivers. There was a normal distribution of the data using the Shapiro Wilk, For data with normal distribution were used parametric descriptive procedures using One Way ANOVA to compare groups and applying a post hoc Bonferroni. As for the data that showed the destruction not normal was used to standardize the test by Z -score , and then treated by means of parametric statistical procedures , as presented earlier . The Pearson correlation was used to identify possible associations between variables. It was assumed significance level of 5 % (p ≤ 0.05) for all analyzes. Given these results, we conclude that...

Comparação da aptidão física em idosos submetidos a diferentes intervenções de exercício físico

Introduction: The elderly population has increased, and the aging process is responsible for physical and metabolic changes in the body. For the elderly remain independent, with a better quality of life, preventing and treating diseases responsible for this increased of mortality should remain physically active. Objective: To investigate the influence of two types of exercise intervention on physical fitness and physical activity levels in older practitioners of Rio Claro-SP. Method: The study included 18 older adults with mean age 65.8 years (± 2.88) divided into two groups, Program in Physical Exercises Health Unit (PEFUS, n = 9) and Adapted Volleyball (n = 9). Classes of PEFUS were held twice a week lasting 60 min with strength, aerobic endurance, agility, coordination and balance exercises. Classes of Volleyball Adapted were performed 2 times per week lasting 120 minutes, divided into volleyball fundamental exercises and game. For evaluation of physical skills (strength, agility, coordination and flexibility), was performed the AAHPERD test battery. All participants were assessed at the baseline and after 3 months of interventions. The statistical analysis used was the repeated measures ANOVA, through the SPSS version 17.0 and significance level p <0.05. Result: After the interventions there was an increase of leisure time from 362.2 ± 214.9 min / week and 16.7 ± 28.3 min / week to 541.7 ± 137.2 and 44.4 ± 44.8 min / week to Adapted Volleyball and PEFUS, respectively. The variable coordination showed significant improvements after the interventions, decreasing from 12.1 ± 0.7 to 10.8 ± 0.5 sec for Volleyball Adapted and from 14.8 ± 0.9 to 12.1 ± 0, 9 sec for PEFUS (p <0.05). For the variable strength it was observed a group-moment interaction (p <0.05). Conclusion: The interventions showed positive results... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Dinâmica linear e não linear da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca: sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo e correlação de características físicas e clínicas no Diabetes Mellitus tipo 1

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Extrato hidroalcoólico de Punica granatum Linn. sobre Staphylococcus spp. isolado de leite bovino

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Chromosome mapping of retrotransposable elements Rex1 and Rex3 in Leporinus Spix, 1829 species (Characiformes: Anostomidae) and its relationships among heterochromatic segments and W sex chromosome

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Higher screen time is associated with overweight, poor dietary habits and physical inactivity in Brazilian adolescents, mainly among girls

To analyse the associations between high screen time and overweight, poor dietary habits and physical activity in adolescents according to sex. The study comprised 515 boys and 716 girls aged 14-17 years from Londrina, Brazil. Nutritional status (normal weight or overweight/obese) was assessed by calculating the body mass index. Eating habits and time spent in physical activity were reported using a questionnaire. The measurement of screen time considered the time spent watching television, using a computer and playing video games during a normal week. Associations between high screen time and dependent variables (nutritional status, eating habits and physical activity levels) were assessed by binary logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. Most adolescents (93.8% of boys and 87.2% of girls) spent more than 2 hours per day in screen-time activities. After adjustments, an increasing trend in the prevalence of overweight and physical inactivity with increasing time spent on screen activities was observed for both sexes. Screen times of >4 hours/day compared with <2 hours/day were associated with physical inactivity, low consumption of vegetables and high consumption of sweets only in girls and the consumption of soft drinks in both sexes. The frequency of overweight and physical inactivity increased with increasing screen time in a trending manner and independently of the main confounders. The relationship between high screen time and poor eating habits was particularly relevant for adolescent girls.

Prática de atividades físicas, doenças crônicas não transmissíveis e mortalidade entre adultos usuários da atenção primária do sistema público de saúde de Bauru, São Paulo: estudo longitudinal

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Variáveis antropométricas e hemodinâmicas em relação a diferentes níveis e categorias de atividade física

This study aimed to investigate the relation between physical activity levels (PAL) of hypertensive patients, seeing different do- mains, and, to compare anthropometric variables and blood pressure (BP). The survey was conducted with 192 patients, mean age 63 ± 11 years. The anthropometric variables were body weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC). PAL was estimated using Baecke ́s questionnaire and categorized in four domains (OPA = occupational; leisure time = LTPA; locomotion = LPA and Total PA). Student t test unpaired was applied for comparisons between active and insufficiently active. Differences between active and sedentary in relation to anthropometry and resting blood pressure were observed for the LTPA, LPA and Total PA and significant negative correlations were observed between LPA and Total PA with systolic BP (p<0,05). Conclusion: the LPA and LTPA were associated with resting BP in hypertensive. No differences in BMI and WC among physically active and insuffi- ciently active were found.

Fatores associados aos componentes de aptidão e nível de atividade física de usuários da Estratégia de Saúde da Família, Município de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, 2006 a 2007

Fundo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Selection for Increased Starvation Resistance Using Drosophila melanogaster: Investigating Physiological and Life History Trait Responses to Starvation and Dietary Supplementation in the Context of an Obese Phenotype

Artificial selection for starvation resistance provided insight into the relationships between evolved physiological and life history trait responses following exposure to biologically induced stress. Investigations of alterations to body composition, metabolic rate, movement, and life history traits including development time, female egg production, and longevity in response to brief periods of starvation were conducted on genetically based starvation-resistant and control lines of Drosophila melanogaster. Analysis of the starvation-resistant lines indicated increased energy storage with increased triglyceride deposition and conversion of carbohydrates to lipid, as identified by respiratory quotient values. Correlations between reductions in metabolic rates and movement in the starvation-resistant lines, suggested the presence of an evolved physiological response resulting in energy conservation. Investigations of life history traits in the starvation-resistant lines indicated no significant differences in development time or reproduction between the selected and control lines. Measurements of longevity, however, indicated a significant reduction in starvation-resistant D. melanogaster lifespan. These results suggested that elevated lipid concentrations, similar to that observed with obesity, were correlated with premature mortality. Exposure of the starvation-resistant and control lines to diets supplemented with glucose, palmitic acid, and a 2:1 mixture of casein to albumin were used to investigate alterations in body composition, movement, and life history traits. Results obtained from this study indicated that increased sugar in the diet led to increased carbohydrate, glycogen, total sugar, trehalose, and triglyceride concentrations, while increased fat and protein in the diet resulted in increased soluble protein, carbohydrate, glycogen, total sugar, and trehalose concentrations. Examination of life history trait responses indicated reduced fecundity in females exposed to increased glucose concentrations. Increased supplementations of palmitic acid was consistently correlated with an overall reduction in lifespan in both the starvation-resistant and control Drosophila lines, while measurements of movement indicated increased female activity levels in flies exposed to diets supplemented with fat and protein. Analyses of the physiological and life history trait responses to starvation and dietary supplementation on Drosophila melanogaster used in the present study has implications for investigating the mechanisms underlying the development and persistence of human obesity and associated metabolic disorders.

Effects of the antimycobacterial compound 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanone on rat hepatocytes and formation of metabolites

Context: Neolignans are usually dimers formed by oxidative coupling of allyl and propenyl phenols, and the neolignan analogue, 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanone (LS-2) is a promising antimycobacterial compound showing very weak cytotoxicity in mammalian cells and lack of acute toxicity in murine models. Objectives: To investigate the mechanism of action of LS-2 in rat hepatocytes by evaluating the activity levels of enzymes related to oxidation status and drug-metabolizing activity. Materials and methods: Hepatocytes were treated with LS-2 from 0.05 up to 1 mM, for 24 and 48 h, and reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation and cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP450) activity were assayed. A homologous series of phenoxazone ethers were used as substrates to measure the enzymatic profile. The biotransformation of LS-2 was studied in hepatocytes by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for detection and analysis of possible metabolites. Results: Hepatocytes treated with LS-2 up to 1 mM for 24 or 48 h did not induce the formation of GSH and lipid peroxidation. O-Dealkylation activities of the isoenzymes CYP4501A1, CYP4501A2, CYP4502B1 and CYP4502B2 were also not detected in the hepatocytes treated with LS-2 for 24 or 48 h. Discussion and conclusion: The results indicate that LS-2 or its two detected metabolites, 2-phenoxy-1-phenylethanol and 2,4-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethoxy) phenol, are not cytotoxic to rat hepatocytes. These compounds maintain a balance between the production of pro-oxidant agents and their respective antioxidant systems. The data show that enzymes related to oxidation status and drug-metabolizing activities are not involved in the mechanism of action of LS-2.

The impact of asymptomatic vertebral fractures on quality of life in older community-dwelling women: the Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymptomatic vertebral fractures on the quality of life in older women as part of the Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 180 women 65 years of age or older with or without vertebral fractures. The Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis was administered to all subjects. Anthropometric data were obtained by physical examination, and the body mass index was calculated. Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray scans were obtained to identify asymptomatic vertebral fractures using a semi-quantitative method. RESULTS: Women with asymptomatic vertebral fractures had lower total scores [61.4(15.3) vs. 67.1(14.2), p = 0.03] and worse physical function domain scores [69.5(20.1) vs. 77.3(17.1), p = 0.02] for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis compared with women without fractures. The total score of this questionnaire was also worse in women classified as obese than in women classified as overweight or normal. High physical activity was related to a better total score for this questionnaire (p = 0.01). Likewise, lower physical function scores were observed in women with higher body mass index values (p < 0.05) and lower physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Generalized linear models with gamma distributions and logarithmic link functions, adjusted for age, showed that lower total scores and physical function domain scores for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis were related to a high body mass index, lower physical activity, and the presence of vertebral fractures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Vertebral fractures are associated with decreased quality of life mainly physical functioning in older community-dwelling women regardless of age, body mass index, and physical activity. Therefore, the results highlight the importance of preventing and controlling asymptomatic vertebral fractures to reduce their impact on quality of life among older women.

Effects of enamel matrix derivative and transforming growth factor-β1 on human osteoblastic cells

Abstract Background Extracellular matrix proteins are key factors that influence the regenerative capacity of tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), TGF-β1, and the combination of both factors (EMD+TGF-β1) on human osteoblastic cell cultures. Methods Cells were obtained from alveolar bone of three adult patients using enzymatic digestion. Effects of EMD, TGF-β1, or a combination of both were analyzed on cell proliferation, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) immunodetection, total protein synthesis, ALP activity and bone-like nodule formation. Results All treatments significantly increased cell proliferation compared to the control group at 24 h and 4 days. At day 7, EMD group showed higher cell proliferation compared to TGF-β1, EMD + TGF-β1 and the control group. OPN was detected in the majority of the cells for all groups, whereas fluorescence intensities for ALP labeling were greater in the control than in treated groups; BSP was not detected in all groups. All treatments decreased ALP levels at 7 and 14 days and bone-like nodule formation at 21 days compared to the control group. Conclusions The exposure of human osteoblastic cells to EMD, TGF-β1 and the combination of factors in vitro supports the development of a less differentiated phenotype, with enhanced proliferative activity and total cell number, and reduced ALP activity levels and matrix mineralization.

Circadian pattern of Bothrops moojeni in captivity (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Members of the subfamily Crotalinae are considered to be essentially nocturnal and most of the data about these snakes have been collected from the field. Information on how nutritional status affects the movement rate and activity patterns is a key point to elucidating the ecophysiology of snakes. In this study, we distributed 28 lancehead Bothrops moojeni into three groups under distinct feeding regimens after a month of fasting. Groups were divided as follows: ingestion of meals weighing (A) 40%, (B) 20%, or (C) 10% of the snake body mass. Groups were monitored for five days before and after food intake and the activity periods and movement rates were recorded. Our results show that B. moojeni is prevalently nocturnal, and the activity peak occurs in the first three hours of the scotophase. After feeding, a significant decrease in activity levels in groups A and B was detected. The current results corroborate previous field data that describe B. moojeni as a nocturnal species with low movement rates. The relationship between motion and the amount of food consumed by the snake may be associated with its hunting strategy.

The impact of asymptomatic vertebral fractures on quality of life in older community-dwelling women: the São Paulo Ageing & Health Study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of asymptomatic vertebral fractures on the quality of life in older women as part of the Sao Paulo Ageing & Health Study. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study with a random sample of 180 women 65 years of age or older with or without vertebral fractures. The Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis was administered to all subjects. Anthropometric data were obtained by physical examination, and the body mass index was calculated. Lateral thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray scans were obtained to identify asymptomatic vertebral fractures using a semi-quantitative method. RESULTS: Women with asymptomatic vertebral fractures had lower total scores [61.4(15.3) vs. 67.1(14.2), p = 0.03] and worse physical function domain scores [69.5(20.1) vs. 77.3(17.1), p = 0.02] for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis compared with women without fractures. The total score of this questionnaire was also worse in women classified as obese than in women classified as overweight or normal. High physical activity was related to a better total score for this questionnaire (p = 0.01). Likewise, lower physical function scores were observed in women with higher body mass index values (p<0.05) and lower physical activity levels (p,0.05). Generalized linear models with gamma distributions and logarithmic link functions, adjusted for age, showed that lower total scores and physical function domain scores for the Quality of Life Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis were related to a high body mass index, lower physical activity, and the presence of vertebral fractures (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Vertebral fractures are associated with decreased quality of life mainly physical functioning in older community-dwelling women regardless of age, body mass index, and physical activity. Therefore, the results highlight the importance of preventing and controlling asymptomatic vertebral fractures to reduce their impact on quality of life among older women.