Evaluation of physical capacity and quality of life in osteoporotic women

Introduction: Osteoporotic vertebral fractures result in increased kyphosis angle, an alteration that may lead to disturbance in physical capacity. Objective: We sought to evaluate physical capacity and disability in a group of osteoporotic patients. Material and methods: Fifteen women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (G1), 20 women with osteoporosis without vertebral fractures (G2), and 20 control women (G3) were selected. the variables of physical capacity were measured using a treadmill. the patients spent 4 min standing quietly, 4 min walking at 3 km/h, and 10 min walking at 4 km/h. the SF-36 questionnaire was also applied. Results: the results showed that women with osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (G1) had increased kyphosis angle (median 60degrees), while the angle was 43.5degrees for G2 and 37degrees for G3. Oxygen consumption (VO2 (kg)), METS (metabolic equivalent), and energy expenditure (kcal/h) during the standing period were higher in G1 than in G2 (G1 vs G2, p=0.016, p=0.017, and p=0.012, respectively), whereas no difference in these parameters was observed between groups during the walking period. the energy expenditure during walking at 3 km/h and at 4 km/h showed a correlation with thoracic kyphosis in G1 (p=0.01 and p=0.017, respectively). No difference in SF-36 scores was observed between the three groups. Conclusion: Energy expenditure showed a correlation with the angle of thoracic kyphosis. Patients with or without osteoporosis showed the same energy expenditure during the walking period. the SF-36 score was similar for the three groups.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, Rheumatol Rehabil Sect, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Phys Act & Sport, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Div Rheumatol, Rheumatol Rehabil Sect, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Ctr Phys Act & Sport, BR-04023900 São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Low-cost equipment for the evaluation of reach and grasp in post-stroke individuals: a pilot study

Abstract Background Reach–grasp movements are motor components commonly affected after stroke and directly related to the independence of these individuals. Evaluations of these activities can be performed using clinical instruments and assessed by detailed and costly kinematic analyses. The aim of this study was to develop an analysis of reach–grasp movements in post-stroke patients using a simple, inexpensive, and manageable instrument. Results A Mann–Whitney test was used to compare paretic and non-paretic limb motor performance. A statistically significant difference was found between the variables of total time (p = 0.02) and speed to reach target 3 (p = 0.04) for task 1, while in task 2 significance was found only in the aspect of speed to reach target 2 (p = 0.04). The correlation between clinical tests and variables of tasks was then performed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. At task 1, when compared with the REACH instrument, the close target sub-item; there was a high positive correlation between the parameters of total time (p = 0.028), target velocity 3 (p = 0.028), and target acceleration 3 (p = 0.028). Another instrument that showed a high positive correlation with the target time 3 (p = 0.01) and target acceleration 3 (p = 0.028) variables was the Box and Block Test. When correlated, the data between the task 2 variables and clinical instruments did not present statistically significant data. Conclusion Our instrument—the Temporal Data Acquisition Instrument—TDAI—fulfilled the expected objectives and can be used as an option to evaluate the movements of reach and grasp of upper limb post-stroke, using an easy and fast application, without the need for calibration. Trial registration Trial Registration: Research Ethics Committee of the Trairi School of Health Sciences—Number 2.625.609, approved on April 13, 2018; Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials—RBR-4995cr approved on July 4, 2019 retrospectively registered (http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4995cr/) </jats:sec

Cenostigma bracteosum Hydroethanolic Extract: Chemical Profile, Antibacterial Activity, Cytotoxicity, and Gel Formulation Development

Background:Cenostigma bracteosum (Tul.) Gagnon &amp; G.P. Lewis (Fabaceae), popularly known as &ldquo;catingueira&rdquo;, is a plant widely distributed in the Caatinga biome, which comprises 11% of the Brazilian territory. While this species is of interest given local knowledge, formal reports are lacking in the literature, warranting targeted investigation. This study aimed to prepare and characterize a hydroethanolic extract of C. bracteosum leaves, prepare carbopol gels containing the extract, and evaluate their cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Methods: The initial extract was prepared in an ultrasonic bath using ethanol/water (70:30, v/v). The extract (1 mg/mL) was analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). Carbopol-based gels containing 1% and 3% of C. bracteosum extract were prepared and characterized in terms of pH, conductivity, spreadability, and rheology. The cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT method using MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells and L929-CCL1 fibroblast cells. The antibacterial activity of the extract and gels was evaluated using the agar diffusion method against S. aureus and E. coli. Results: The C. bracteosum leaves extract demonstrated antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, were not cytotoxic for the assessed cells at concentrations up to 100 &mu;g/mL, and its analysis by UHPLC-MS/MS allowed the annotation of 18 metabolites, mainly of the phenolic acid and flavonoids glycoside classes, together with a biflavonoid. The prepared gels remained stable over the 30-day post-production analysis period. Conclusions: These findings provide a better understanding of the chemical diversity of the secondary metabolites of a common Caatinga biome species&mdash;C. bracteosum&mdash;specifically present in leaves hydroethanolic extract and gel formulation adapted for skin application with activity against S. aureus

The relationship between people and lizards in Patagonia

Abstract: Understanding how human beings perceive and interact with the local herpetofauna is fundamental for its conservation. In this chapter, we propose looking forward to the local ecological knowledge (LEK) of the Patagonian lizards, especially the "matuasto". The preliminary analysis of ethnohistorical sources points out the relevant role of "matuastos" in the cosmologies of the original people from Patagonia, often considered as immortal, selfish and harmful beings. Field reports agree on the warning not to disturb these territorial lizards, otherwise they would react aggressively with bites. The recorded stories account for frequent biting events on sheep. The local perception on "matuastos" as harmful beings would provoke an attitude of caution and rejection towards them. This work provides a first overview on the relationship of lizards and the people from Patagonia while constituting an initial step for future research.Fil: Aigo, Juana del Carmen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral; ArgentinaFil: Ladio, Ana Haydee. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Boretto, Jorgelina Mariela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Cabezas Cartes, Facundo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Ibarguengoytía, Nora. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin