The effects of a muscle resistance program on the functional capacity, knee extensor muscle strength and plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in pre-frail elderly women: a randomized crossover clinical trial - a study protocol

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With the increase in the elderly population, a growing number of chronic degenerative diseases and a greater dependency on caregivers have been observed. Elderly persons in states of frailty remain more susceptible to significant health complications. There is evidence of an inverse relationship between plasma levels of inflammatory mediators and levels of functionality and muscle strength, suggesting that muscle-strengthening measures can aid in inflammatory conditions. The purpose of this study will be verified the effect of a muscle-strengthening program with load during a ten-week period in pre-frail elderly women with attention to the following outcomes: (1) plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), (2) functional capacity and (3) knee extensor muscle strength.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>The study design is a randomized crossover clinical trial evaluating 26 elderly women (regardless of their race and/or social condition) who are community residents, older than 65, and classified as pre-frail according to the criteria previously described by Fried et al. (2004). All subjects will be assessed using the Timed up and go and 10-Meter Walk Test functional tests. The plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α will be assessed by ELISA (<it>enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay</it>) with high sensitivity kits (Quantikine^®HS, R&D Systems Minneapolis, MN, U.S.). Knee extensor muscle strength will be assessed using the <it>Byodex System 3 Pro</it>^{<it>® </it>}isokinetic dynamometer at angular speeds of 60 and 180°/s. The intervention will consist of strengthening exercises of the lower extremities at 50 to 70% of 1RM (maximal resistance) three times per week for ten weeks. The volunteers will be randomized into two groups: group E, the intervention group, and group C, the control group that did not initiate any new activities during the initial study period (ten weeks). After the initial period, group C will begin the intervention and group E will maintain everyday activities without exercising. At the end of the total study period, all volunteers will be reassessed.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>To demonstrate and discuss possible influences of load-bearing exercises on the modification of plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF-α and in the functional performance of pre-frail elderly women.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>ISRCTN62824599</p

American marsupials chromosomes: Why study them?

Marsupials, one of the three main groups of mammals, are only found in Australia and in the American continent. Studies performed in Australian marsupials have demonstrated the great potential provided by the group for the understanding of basic genetic mechanisms and chromosome evolution in mammals. Genetic studies in American marsupials are relatively scarce and cytogenetic data of most species are restricted to karyotype descriptions, usually without banding patterns. Nevertheless, the first marsupial genome sequenced was that of Monodelphis domestica, a South American species. The knowledge about mammalian genome evolution and function that resulted from studies on M. domestica is in sharp contrast with the lack of genetic data on most American marsupial species. Here, we present an overview of the chromosome studies performed in marsupials with emphasis on the South American species

Percepção do enfermeiro sobre promoção da saúde na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva

Objetivou-se relatar a percepção dos enfermeiros sobre a promoção da saúde, descrever ações de promoção da saúde e identificar dificuldades na realização de atividades de promoção da saúde na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório, qualitativo realizado com 31 enfermeiros de duas UTIs adulto e uma UTI neonatal de hospital de referência em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, entre julho e agosto de 2009, mediante questionário. Os dados foram analisados e categorizados a partir da análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Emergiram as seguintes categorias e subcategorias: Conceito de promoção da saúde: visão biomédica x visão holística de promoção da saúde; Ações de promoção da saúde; Comunicação e apoio emocional ao paciente/família; Promoção da saúde na UTI; Promoção da saúde com enfoque na educação em saúde; e Dificuldades para o desenvolvimento de ações de promoção da saúde