Morphological Aspects And Cox-2 Expression After Exposure To 780-nm Laser Therapy In Injured Skeletal Muscle: An In Vivo Study.

The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in muscle regeneration is still not well known. To investigate the effects of laser irradiation during muscle healing. For this purpose, 63 rats were distributed to 3 groups: non-irradiated control group (CG); group irradiated at 10 J/cm(2) (G10); and group irradiated at 50 J/cm(2) (G50). Each group was divided into 3 different subgroups (n=7), and on days 7, 14 and 21 post-injury the rats were sacrificed. Seven days post-surgery, the CG showed destroyed zones and extensive myofibrillar degeneration. For both treated groups, the necrosis area was smaller compared to the CG. On day 14 post-injury, treated groups demonstrated better tissue organization, with newly formed muscle fibers compared to the CG. On the 21(st) day, the irradiated groups showed similar patterns of tissue repair, with improved muscle structure at the site of the injury, resembling uninjured muscle tissue organization. Regarding collagen deposition, the G10 showed an increase in collagen synthesis. In the last period evaluated, both treated groups showed statistically higher values in comparison with the CG. Furthermore, laser irradiation at 10 J/cm(2) produced a down-regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) immunoexpression on day 7 post-injury. Moreover, Cox-2 immunoexpression was decreased in both treated groups on day 14. Laser therapy at both fluencies stimulated muscle repair through the formation of new muscle fiber, increase in collagen synthesis, and down-regulation of Cox-2 expression.18395-40

A Força Aérea, Enquanto Agente de Protecção Civil, no Combate ao Terrorismo

Este estudo pretende determinar de que forma a Força Aérea Portuguesa (FAP), na sua condição de agente primário de proteção civil, poderá contribuir para a capacidade de resposta nacional perante ações terroristas com recurso a materiais nucleares, radiológicos, biológicos e químicos (NRBQ). Complementarmente será abordado o enquadramento doutrinário da defesa NRBQ (DNRBQ) na FAP e analisadas as suas capacidades reais de intervenção numa resposta a uma situação de terrorismo que envolva este tipo de produtos, relacionando-as com as competências dos outros agentes primários de proteção civil. Nesta perspetiva, aborda-se a estrutura de atuação implementada em alguns países europeus, que servirá como modelo de análise comparativa entre sistemas de resposta a incidentes desta natureza. Caracteriza-se o conceito de terrorismo associado a este tipo de dispositivos e as ações desenvolvidas por organizações internacionais, das quais Portugal é membro, objetivando a criação de mecanismos de resposta capazes de fazer face a este tipo de situações. Para procurar enquadrar a equipa que a FAP disponibiliza ao Estado-Maior General das Forças Armadas (EMGFA), apresenta-se a estrutura de DNRBQ e o modelo de organização da Equipa de Alerta NRBQ, entidade da FAP responsável pela atuação num cenário desta natureza, analisando o sistema nacional de proteção civil e traduzindo para a realidade nacional a capacidade de resposta que os agentes primários dispõem para atuarem em incidentes desta natureza. A forma como este objetivo é atingido é através da formulação de hipóteses que são sujeitas a validação, recorrendo a entrevistas, pesquisa bibliográfica e análise documental. Identifica-se a necessidade da criação de valências que cubram a DNRBQ, como garantia da segurança dos militares destacados em teatros de operações onde esta ameaça seja uma realidade, e adicionalmente a sua utilização pela Força Aérea, enquanto agente de proteção civil, no combate ao terrorismo. Identifica-se também a necessidade de reestruturar a diretiva que regula a DNRBQ, no sentido de a operacionalizar face à realidade da FAP e de traduzir a doutrina a ser adotada. Conclui-se que a DNRBQ deverá ser caracterizada por uma estrutura simples, centralizada num único local, que envolva as áreas operacional e de instrução, constituída por pequenas equipas especializadas que assegurem todas as componentes e, desta forma contribuam para a missão da FAP. No final deste estudo apresentam-se algumas recomendações que poderão contribuir para a reflexão sobre a utilidade das conclusões. Abstract: This study aims to determine how the Portuguese Air Force (PRTAF), in its capability as initial reaction element, may contribute to the national response capability in case of terrorist acts using chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) devices. In addition, the framework of the PRTAF guidelines for CBRN defence is evaluated and the actual response to terrorism acts involving such kind of materials is analyzed, linking them with the skills of the other elements. In this perspective, the response structure implemented in some European countries is discussed to serve as a model for a comparative analysis of the response systems to such incidents. The terrorism concept associated with such devices and the actions taken by the international organizations of which Portugal is a member are characterized aiming the creation of response mechanisms able to cope with such incidents. In order to frame the PRTAF CBRN Response Team available to the Armed Forces General Staff (EMGFA), the CBRN defence structure and the CBRN Response Team organization are presented. The national civil protection system is also considered and the first response capability to act in such incidents is also considered, bearing in mind the national reality. In this work, the hypotheses created were validated using interviews, literature research and document analysis. It is undeniable that there is a need for the CBRN defence capability in the PRTAF to ensure the safety of the troops which are deployed to areas of operations where this threat is a reality. In addition, this capability may be used to combat terrorism in the homeland. There is, also, a need to restructure the FAP CBRN defence directive in order to adjust it to nowadays situations and a need to translate the doctrine to be adopted. As a conclusion, the CBRN defence should be characterised by a simple structure, centralized in one place, involving operational and educational areas, consisting of small specialized teams that will ensure all components and thus contribute to the PRTAF’s main mission. At the end of the present study, there are some recommendations that may contribute to the debate on the usefulness of the findings

Effects of an exercise program on respiratory function, posture and on quality of life in osteoporotic women: a pilot study

Abstract 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