Proximate Analysis, Phytochemical Screening and High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry Analysis of Essential Oils of Hedychium Coronarium J. Koenig, a Medicinal and Aromatic Plant

Medicinal plants have been used in all cultures as a source of medicine since ages. When parts of plants such as rhizomes, leaves or barks and other natural materials are used as drugs to treat illnesses, they are called crude drugs and the study of crude drugs is called pharmacognosy. Proximate analysis in plants gives valuable information and help to assess the quality of a crude drug. Beneficial effects of crude drugs are believed to be attributed to plant phytochemicals. Hedychium coronarium J. Koenig, a medicinal and aromatic plant of high value is an endangered and red-listed plant. The rhizome of this plant is used for the treatment of various diseases. Crude extracts prepared from the rhizomes show antibacterial and antifungal properties. Essential oils obtained from Hedychium coronarium are found to be rich in terpenes and used for bactericidal, fungicidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications. The present study assesses the quality of crude drugs prepared from this highly medicinal plant. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening of rhizomes of Hedychium coronarium, which is frequently consumed as food and as medicine were carried out. Ash content was found to be low) when compared to the moisture content. The water extractive value was more than alcohol extractive. Preliminary tests carried out on phytochemicals revealed the presence of terpenoids and oils. High Resolution Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometry was carried to ascertain the different components of essential oils and revealed the presence of eucalyptol (1,8-cineole), caryophyllene oxide, camphor, linoleic acid, ricinin, phloroglucinol, 6-gingerol, carvone and arjungenin.

Investigating the role of Prefrontal Neurons in cognitive tasks through Fiber Photometry and Adapted Barnes Maze Protocols

The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is essential in the execution of cognitive tasks, however very little is known on how these neurons are modulated during specific tasks and which subtype of neurons are responsible for so. Therego, with the intention of addressing this issue, we recorded mPFC gabaergic and glutamatergic activation patterns through fiber photometry (FIP) in mice, while simultaneously performing the Barnes Maze (BM) cognitive task (4 day behavioral trial). In addition, an altered structural and procedural protocol for BM was validated in this study due to necessary modifications allowing FIP and BM to happen simultaneously. A successful protocol validation was followed by our preliminary results, which showed that both glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented significant change in activation intensity and number of events in specific contexts throughout the task days. In addition, when stratified and crossed with BM performance parameters, such as latency to complete tasks and adopted strategy, glutamatergic and gabaergic neurons presented a significant decline in both activation patterns and number of activation events throughout the days. This data suggest not only an important role of glutamatergic and gabaergic mPFC neurons in learning, memory and decision making, but also that activation patterns of each of these groups may serve as markers for cognitive progression and/or dysfunction. KEY-WORDS: Memory, Learning, Decision Making, Medial Prefrontal Cortex (mPFC), Fiber Photometry (FIP), Barnes Maze (BM), Glutamatergic, Gabaergic, Neuronal Activity, Neuronal Activation Patterns, Neuronal Dynamics.

O córtex pré-frontal medial (mPFC) é essencial na execução de tarefas cognitivas, no entanto, pouco se sabe sobre como esses neurônios são modulados durante tarefas específicas e qual subtipo de neurônios é responsável por isso. Portanto, com a intenção de abordar essa questão, registramos os padrões de ativação de neurônios gabaérgicos e glutamatérgicos do mPFC por meio de fotometria de fibra (FIP) em camundongos, enquanto realizávamos simultaneamente a tarefa cognitiva do Labirinto de Barnes (BM) (ensaio comportamental de 4 dias). Além disso, um protocolo estrutural e procedimental alterado para o BM foi validado neste estudo devido a modificações necessárias que permitiram a realização simultânea de FIP e BM. Uma validação bem-sucedida do protocolo foi seguida pelos nossos resultados preliminares, que mostraram que tanto os neurônios glutamatérgicos quanto os gabaérgicos apresentaram mudanças significativas na intensidade de ativação e no número de eventos em contextos específicos ao longo dos dias da tarefa. Além disso, quando estratificados e cruzados com parâmetros de desempenho do BM, como latência para completar as tarefas e estratégia adotada, os neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos apresentaram uma diminuição significativa nos padrões de ativação e no número de eventos de ativação ao longo dos dias. Esses dados sugerem não apenas um papel importante dos neurônios glutamatérgicos e gabaérgicos do mPFC na aprendizagem, memória e tomada de decisões, mas também que os padrões de ativação de cada um desses grupos podem servir como marcadores de progressão e/ou disfunção cognitiva. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Memória, Aprendizagem, Tomada de Decisões, Córtex Pré-Frontal Medial (mPFC), Fotometria de Fibra (FIP), Labirinto de Barnes (BM), Glutamatérgico, Gabaérgico, Atividade Neuronal, Padrões de Ativação Neuronal, Dinâmica Neuronal.

Facilitation of behavioral and cortical emergence from isoflurane anesthesia by GABAergic neurons in basal forebrain / 中国药理学与毒理学杂志

OBJECTIVE To reveal the role of the basal forebrain(BF)GABAergic neurons in the regulation of isoflurane anesthesia and to elucidate the underlying neural pathways.METHODS The activity of BF GABAer-gic neurons was monitored during isoflurane anesthesia using a genetically encoded calcium indicator in Vgat-Cre mice of both sexes.The activity of BF GABAer-gic neurons was manipulated by chemogenetic and opto-genetic approaches.Sensitivity,induction time and emer-gence time of isoflurane anesthesia were estimated by righting reflex.The electroencephalogram(EEG)power and burst-suppression were monitored by EEG recording.The effects of activation of GABAergic BF-thalamic reticu-lar nucleus(TRN)pathway on isoflurane anesthesia were investigated with optogenetics.RESULTS The activity of BF GABAergic neurons was generally inhibited during isoflurane anesthesia,obviously decreased during the induction of anesthesia and gradually restored during the emergence from anesthesia.Activation of BF GABAergic neurons with chemogenetics and optogenetics promoted behavioral emergence from isoflurane anesthesia,with decreased sensitivity to isoflurane,delayed induction and accelerated emergence from isoflurane anesthesia.Optogenetic activation of BF GABAergic neurons prom-oted cortical activity during isoflurane anesthesia,with decreased EEG delta power and burst suppression ratio during 0.8%and 1.4%isoflurane anesthesia,respectively.Similar to the effects of activating BF GABAergic cell bod-ies,photostimulation of BF GABAergic terminals in the TRN also strongly promoted cortical activation and behav-ioral emergence from isoflurane anesthesia.CONCLU-SION The GABAergic neurons in the BF is a key neural substrate for general anesthesia regulation that facilitates behavioral and cortical emergence from general anesthe-sia via the BF-TRN pathway.

The Dynamics of Dopamine D2 Receptor-Expressing Striatal Neurons and the Downstream Circuit Underlying L-Dopa-Induced Dyskinesia in Rats / 神经科学通报·英文版

L-dopa (l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)-induced dyskinesia (LID) is a debilitating complication of dopamine replacement therapy for Parkinson's disease. The potential contribution of striatal D2 receptor (D2R)-positive neurons and downstream circuits in the pathophysiology of LID remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of striatal D2R+ neurons and downstream globus pallidus externa (GPe) neurons in a rat model of LID. Intrastriatal administration of raclopride, a D2R antagonist, significantly inhibited dyskinetic behavior, while intrastriatal administration of pramipexole, a D2-like receptor agonist, yielded aggravation of dyskinesia in LID rats. Fiber photometry revealed the overinhibition of striatal D2R+ neurons and hyperactivity of downstream GPe neurons during the dyskinetic phase of LID rats. In contrast, the striatal D2R+ neurons showed intermittent synchronized overactivity in the decay phase of dyskinesia. Consistent with the above findings, optogenetic activation of striatal D2R+ neurons or their projections in the GPe was adequate to suppress most of the dyskinetic behaviors of LID rats. Our data demonstrate that the aberrant activity of striatal D2R+ neurons and downstream GPe neurons is a decisive mechanism mediating dyskinetic symptoms in LID rats.

Development of bacterial endotoxin standard for insoluble samples / 中国药理学通报

Aim To establish a batch of endotoxin standard for baeterial endotoxin detection of insoluble samples.Methods Candidate A and candidate B were prepared by freeze -drying bacterial endotoxin without excipient.The two batches of candidates were calibrated by three methods, including 13 laboratories for gel method, 9 laboratories for kinetic-turbidimetric assay and 5 laboratories for kinetic chromogenic assay.Results After statistical analysis, the geometric mean values of gel method, kinetic-turbidimetric assay and kinetic chromogenic assay calibration of candidate A were 680.1 EU, 827.0 EU and 800.8 EU, with RSD of 22.4%, 16.2% and 16.7%, respectively.The P value of variance analysis of calibration results of the three methods was 0.067, showing no significant difference.The weighted mean of potency was 774.0 EU (95% confidence interval 721.0 - 831.0, FL% 7.10).The geometric mean values of the calibration of candidate B by gel method, kinetic-turbidimetric assay and kinetic chromogenic assay method were 1 640.6 EU, 1 828.6 EU and 3 224.8 EU, with RSD of 33.9% , 47.0% and 54.4% , respectively.The P val¬ue of variance analysis of the calibration results of the three methods was 0.030, showing significant differ¬ence.Chi-square test was used to correct the weight of each method , and weighted average of the results of the three methods was used to obtain a corrected weighted average efficiency value of 1 822.7 EU (95% confi¬dence interval 1 548.7 -2 145.2, FL% 16.4).Can¬didate B was eliminated based on the results.Conclu¬sion Candidate A has become the first batch of na¬tional standard bacterial endotoxin (for insoluble sam¬ples only) approved by National Standard Substance Committee of China, and the potency is 700 EU.

Association of Increased Amygdala Activity with Stress-Induced Anxiety but not Social Avoidance Behavior in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Chronic stress leads to many psychiatric disorders, including social and anxiety disorders that are associated with over-activation of neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). However, not all individuals develop psychiatric diseases, many showing considerable resilience against stress exposure. Whether BLA neuronal activity is involved in regulating an individual's vulnerability to stress remains elusive. In this study, using a mouse model of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), we divided the mice into susceptible and resilient subgroups based on their social interaction behavior. Using in vivo fiber photometry and in vitro patch-clamp recording, we showed that CSDS persistently (after 20 days of recovery from stress) increased BLA neuronal activity in all the mice regardless of their susceptible or resilient nature, although impaired social interaction behavior was only observed in susceptible mice. Increased anxiety-like behavior, on the other hand, was evident in both groups. Notably, the CSDS-induced increase of BLA neuronal activity correlated well with the heightened anxiety-like but not the social avoidance behavior in mice. These findings provide new insight to our understanding of the role of neuronal activity in the amygdala in mediating stress-related psychiatric disorders.

Entrainment of Astrocytic and Neuronal Ca2+ Population Dynamics During Information Processing of Working Memory in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Astrocytes are increasingly recognized to play an active role in learning and memory, but whether neural inputs can trigger event-specific astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in real time to participate in working memory remains unclear due to the difficulties in directly monitoring astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in animals performing tasks. Here, using fiber photometry, we showed that population astrocytic Ca2+ dynamics in the hippocampus were gated by sensory inputs (centered at the turning point of the T-maze) and modified by the reward delivery during the encoding and retrieval phases. Notably, there was a strong inter-locked and antagonistic relationship between the astrocytic and neuronal Ca2+ dynamics with a 3-s phase difference. Furthermore, there was a robust synchronization of astrocytic Ca2+ at the population level among the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, and striatum. The inter-locked, bidirectional communication between astrocytes and neurons at the population level may contribute to the modulation of information processing in working memory.

An Infrared Touch System for Automatic Behavior Monitoring / 神经科学通报·英文版

Key requirements of successful animal behavior research in the laboratory are robustness, objectivity, and high throughput, which apply to both the recording and analysis of behavior. Many automatic methods of monitoring animal behavior meet these requirements. However, they usually depend on high-performing hardware and sophisticated software, which may be expensive. Here, we describe an automatic infrared behavior-monitor (AIBM) system based on an infrared touchscreen frame. Using this, animal positions can be recorded and used for further behavioral analysis by any PC supporting touch events. This system detects animal behavior in real time and gives closed-loop feedback using relatively low computing resources and simple algorithms. The AIBM system automatically records and analyzes multiple types of animal behavior in a highly efficient, unbiased, and low-cost manner.

Distinct Characteristics of Odor-evoked Calcium and Electrophysiological Signals in Mitral/Tufted Cells in the Mouse Olfactory Bulb / 神经科学通报·英文版

Fiber photometry is a recently-developed method that indirectly measures neural activity by monitoring Ca

Macular Pigment Optical Density in the Korean Population: a Cross Sectional Study

50 years) showed lower MPOD than younger (30–49 years) subjects. But, in the healthy population, the estimated MPOD values exhibited a decreasing trend with age, but there were no significant differences according to age, after excluding patients with AMD. MPOD was significantly lower in patients with AMD than in aged healthy controls. Furthermore, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking were identified as risk factors for AMD.CONCLUSION: MPOD measured with MPSII® reflects the MP density in healthy individuals and patients with dry AMD. Aging was not significantly associated with low MPOD in healthy population, but the presence of dry AMD was significantly associated with low MPOD. Then, low MPOD may be a risk factor for development of dry AMD. Furthermore, routine screening with MPS II® for ages 50 and older is thought to help detect early low MPOD and identify individuals who should take supplements.

Dopamine D1 receptor in ventrolateral periaqueductal gray modulates propofol anesthesia in rats / 医学研究生学报

ObjectiveVentrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) locates in ascending reticular activating system, which plays a key role in the sleep-wake circle. However, the role of vlPAG in general anesthesia has not been identified. To investigate the effect of the dopamine receptor in vlPAG neurons on propofol anesthesia, we used real-time in vivo fiber photometry, microinjection and EEG.MethodsTo observe the alteration of neuronal activity in the vlPAG throughout propofol anesthesia, 10 Sprague-Dawley rats were used for calcium fiber photometry recording. 50 vlPAG bilateral microinjection models were established and assigned into five groups randomly, including D1R agonist group, D1R antagonist group, D2R agonist group, D2R antagonist group, and control group (n=10). Under propofol anesthesia, 1 μL of D1R agonist, D1R antagonist, D2R agonist, D2R antagonist, and isotonic saline were microinjected into the vlPAG of animals in the corresponding groups, respectively. The induction time, recovery time and the changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) before and after microinjection were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe neuronal activity in the vlPAG was significantly inhibited during the induction period and markedly recovered during the recovery period from propofol anesthesia (P<0.05). Subsequently, the microinjection of D1R agonist into the vlPAG notably prolonged the induction time and reduced the emergence time of propofol anesthesia with a decrease of δ-band ratio. While the microinjection of D1R antagonist accelerated the induction time and prolonged the emergence time of propofol anesthesia with an increase of δ-band ratio and a decrease in β-band ratio in cortical EEG (P<0.05). The induction and recovery time of D2R agonist /antagonist group did not differ with those of control group. As well, EEG before and after microinjection in D2R agonist /antagonist group did not different.ConclusionThese results indicate that vlPAG modulates the process of propofol anesthesia via D1R.

Determination of urinary iodine by catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To establish a method for quantitative detection of urine iodine by catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer.Methods After digestion of urine samples,discrete chemical analyzer was used to control the reaction temperature and time,determine the iodine content,which replaced the urine iodine arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry (standard method) after sample digestion in the testing process,and the linear range,detection limit,precision and accuracy of the method were tested.The method was used to detect the urine iodine and the results were compared with the standard method.Results The urinary iodine was in a linear range of 0-1 000 μg/L,correlation coefficient r =-0.999 7.The detection limit of the method was 4.5 μg/L.Precision:the relative standard deviation (RSD) of urine iodine samples with high,medium,and low concentrations were all ＜ 5％.Accuracy:the contents of urinary iodine in reference materials at high,medium,and low concentrations were within their respective given value ranges.No statistical significant was found in the urinary iodine content detected either by this method or the standard method (t =0.643 8,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion Catalytic spectrophotometry using discrete chemical analyzer is succeessfully established,this method is simple,rapid,accurate and easy to operate.

Comparison of Speciation Analysis of 7 Trace Elements in Opercalina turperthum by Water Extraction and Semi-bionic Extraction / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the extraction rate and speciation of antivitiligo-related elements in Opercalina turperthum by water extraction and semi-bionic extraction. METHODS:Water extraction and semi-bionic extraction were respectively used. Wa-ter-soluble state and suspension state in extract of O. turperthum were separated by microporous filtering film;organic and inorgan-ic trace elements in water-soluble state were separated by macroporous resin. The contents of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Mn and Sr were detected by flame atomic adsorption spectrophotometry,and speciation analysis was conducted. RESULTS:After water extrac-tion,extraction rates of 7 trace elements were 40.47%-72.49%;ratio of suspended particles was 3.69%-8.78%;ratio of organic state/inorganic state was 104.36% in water-soluble state of Sr and 3.94%-48.39% in water-soluble state of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg, Mn. After semi-bionic extraction,except for Mn,extraction rates of trace elements were higher than water extraction,extraction rates of Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Sr were 77.69%-90.19%;ratio of suspended particles was 0.39%-8.57%;the ratio of organic state/inorganic state was 72.74%-180.79% in water-soluble state of elements. CONCLUSIONS:Cu,Zn,Fe,Ca,Mg,Mn and Sr in O. turperthum are dissolved easily,mainly existing in the form of inorganic state. After semi-bionic extraction,except for Mn,the dis-solution rate of other elements and the proportion of organic trace elements after dissolution increase significantly. Both dissolution and effective utilization rate of trace elements by semi-bionic extraction are higher than water extraction.

A nonrandomized controlled study of inflammatory response between uveitic glaucoma and other refractory glaucoma following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background The aqueous flare is obvious in uveitic glaucomatous eye due to the damage of blood-aqueous barrier,especially following intraocular surgery.How to quantitatively determine the aqueous flare is important for us to understand the severity of inflammatory response.Objective This study was to assess inflammatory response following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in uveitic glaucomatous eye.Methods A nonrandomized controlled study was carried out under the approval of Ethic Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University.Twenty-nine eyes of 29 subjects with refractory glaucoma were enrolled this hospital from October 2011 through July 2012.The patients were divided into the uveitic glaucoma group (10 eyes) and the other refractory glaucoma group (19 eyes) with the matched demography,and Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation was performed on all the eyes under the informed consent of each patient.The aqueous flare value was determined with FC-2000 flare-cell photometry and intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured with Goldmann tonometer before surgery and 1 day,3 days,1 week,2 weeks,1 month and 3 months after surgery.The outcomes were compared between the two groups,and the correlation of aqueous flare value with IOP was analyzed.Results In the uveitic glaucoma group,the aqueous flare values were 21.10 (10.50,38.58) photoparticles/ms,88.00 (23.55,168.63) photoparticles/ms and 29.90 (8.90,65.18)photoparticles/ms 1 day,3 days and 1 week after surgery,which were significantly higher than 13.53 (7.60,24.00) photoparticles/ms before surgery (all at P＜0.01).The same trend was found in the other refractory glaucoma group.In addition,the aqueous flare value was higher in the uveitic glaucoma group than that in the other refractory glaucoma group in 3 months after surgery (q=-3.445,P＜0.01).No significant differences were seen in IOP between the two groups at various time points (all at P＞0.05).Also,no significant correlations were seen between IOP and aqueous flare value in all patients at various time points (preoperation:rs =0.136,P =0.481; postoperative 1 day:rs =0.019,P =0.922 ; postoperative 3 days:rs =-0.035,P =0.858 ; postoperative 1 week:rs =0.317,P=0.094; postoperative 2 weeks:rs =0.034,P =0.861 ; postoperative 1 month:rs =-0.094,P =0.628 ; postoperative 3 months:rs =0.065,P =0.738).Conclusions FC-2000 flare-cell photometry can reflect the inflammatory reaction of the anterior chamber following Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation in various types of refractory glaucomatous eyes.The postoperative inflammatory response is more serious and lasting in uveitic glaucomatous eye.

Wake Up Time, Light, and Mood in a Population Sample Age 40-64 Years

OBJECTIVE: Concern that disturbances of sleep and light exposures at night might increase cancer risks have been expressed, but little actual exposure data has been collected. Measurements from a representative population sample were examined to understand the magnitude of in-bed light exposure at night and possible correlates. METHODS: From 1990 to 1994, a home survey of sleep disorders among adults ages 40-64 was conducted in the City of San Diego California, using stratified representative sampling techniques. Along with questionnaires, sleep logs, and 3-night wrist activity and pulse oximetry measures, bedside illumination was measured with a computer recording system. Questionnaires included the CESD depression scale and a scale of symptoms typical of winter depression. RESULTS: Complete data were available from 286 men and women, whose mean in-bed intervals averaged 7 hours and 42 minutes. The mean room illumination during the first part of the night was mean 12.7 lux (median 3.2 lux) and during the last 2 hours in bed averaged 28.7 lux (median 18.9 lux). Nocturnal light exposure was positively correlated with age, male gender, summer season, time in bed, wake-up time, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Complex bi-directional interactions may take place between sleep disturbances, depression, time in bed, wake-up-time, and in-bed illumination. The most crucial light exposures appear to occur in the last 2 hours in bed, largely after dawn, so daylight exposure may be an important factor.

A new spectrophotometric method for quantification of potassium solubilized by bacterial cultures.

A new spectrophotometric method was developed for the quantification of potassium in the culture broth supernatant of K-solubilizing bacteria. The standard curve of potassium with the new method, which is based on the measurement of cobalt, showed a regression coefficient (R2) of 0.998. The quantification values of potassium obtained with flame photometric method and the newly developed method showed a significant correlation (r) of 0.978. The new method depends on the precipitation of sodium cobaltinitrite with solubilized potassium in liquid medium as potassium sodium cobaltinitrite, which develops bluish green colour by the addition of conc. HCl. The intensity of developed colour can be recorded at 623 nm. This method involves less number of steps, is easy and time saving, and can be used for the reliable estimation of available potassium in culture broth supernatant of K-solubilizing bacteria.

Adaptación del método GOSS para la medición de la postura tri-planar en sedente / Adaptation of the GOSS method for tri-planar postural measurment in sitting

Antecedentes. La postura en sedente es un elemento esencial en la valoración global fisioterapéutica, el análisis en el campo de la ergonomía y la prescripción de silla de ruedas. De los métodos existentes, ninguno ofrece la combinación de ser comprensivo con el uso de técnicas de medición fáciles de implementar y económicas. Objetivo. Adaptar un método de medición tri-planar de la postura en bípedo a sedente. Materiales y métodos. Unidades de análisis incluyen el método de medición tri-planar de la postura en bípedo GOSS y documentos de referencia primaria y secundaria. Resultados. El método de medición GOSS-Petrocci identifica los parámetros (el sistema de referencia, los segmentos corporales, los puntos de referencia corporal) y los mecanismos (los instrumentos de medición y el protocolo de medición) de la postura en sedente. Conclusión. El método GOSS-Petrocci se utiliza para medir la postura en sedente en tres planos de manera comprensivo, utilizando fotometría lo cual permite entender la postura de acuerdo a la posición de mayor estabilidad/postura ideal y permite una implementación fácil en el ámbito clínico.

Background. Seated posture is an essential element in global physical therapy evaluations, in analysis in the field of ergonomics and for the prescription of wheelchairs. Existing methods of seated posture do not offer the combination of measuring posture comprehensively in an easy and economic way. Objective. To adapt a tri-planar standing postural measurement method to sitting. Materials and methods. Units of analysis include the tri-planar measurement method in standing, GOSS method, and primary and secondary reference documents. Results. The GOSS-Petrocci method, which include the identification of the parameters (the reference system, the body segments, body reference points) and the mechanisms (the measurement instruments and the measurement protocol) of seated posture. Conclusion. The GOSS-Petrocci method is used to measure seated posture in three planes comprehensively, using photometry, which permits the understanding of posture according to the position of greatest stability/ideal posture and can be easily implemented in a clinical setting.

A postura de atletas de ginástica rítmica: análise através da fotometria / Rhythmic gymnastics athletes posture: analysis through photometry

A postura apresenta relação com o tipo de modalidade esportiva praticada, acompanhada de características próprias. Por isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a postura e suas possíveis alterações em atletas de ginástica rítmica. Trata-se de um estudo de fotometria - fotografias retiradas de pontos específicos demarcados no corpo da atleta, sendo analisados pelo software de avaliação postural (SAPO). Participaram do estudo 27 indivíduos do sexo feminino, entre sete e 15 anos, atletas de uma equipe GR de Maringá, PR. Foram verificadas alterações em todas as atletas, sendo que algumas mostraram-se maiores, que podem ser justificadas pelos aspectos característicos da modalidade, e necessitam de novas análises. Portanto, a avaliação postural das atletas de GR torna-se importante como medida profilática para identificar os possíveis desalinhamentos posturais.

Posture is correlated with the sports modality and presents its own characteristics which the body has to adapt to and can cause postural disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to verify posture and its alterations in rhythmic gymnastics athletes using software called SAPO. It is a study that uses photometry - analysis of pictures captured of specific points marked on the athlete's body. 27 women aged between seven and 15 years, rhythmic gymnastics athletes from Maringá-PR participated in the study. Alterations were verified in all the athletes; however, some disorders being more remarkable, which can be justified by the characteristic aspects of the modality, and hence need to be further investigated. Thus, the evaluation of postural disorders becomes important to identify possible postural disorders.

Alterações posturais em crianças e adolescentes obesos e não-obesos / Postural changes in obese and non-obese children and adolescents

Nos últimos anos, a obesidade assumiu proporções epidêmicas, relacionando-se aos fatores de risco cardiovasculares e também ao aparecimento de alterações posturais, tanto no adulto como em crianças e adolescentes. O objetivo do presente estudo foi identificar e comparar a frequência de alterações posturais e dor em escolares obesos e não obesos de acordo com o gênero. Foram analisadas 51 crianças e adolescentes, de 9 a 17 anos, de ambos os sexos, divididas em dois grupos: obesos (n=33) e não-obesos (n=18), estes foram posteriormente subdivididos por sexo para as análises. A partir da massa corporal e da estatura, foi calculado o índice de massa corporal (IMC). Utilizou-se questionário elaborado pelos autores e validado em conteúdo para avaliar a presença ou não de dor. Foram avaliados desvios posturais de ombro, cabeça e joelho, pelo uso de fotometria para análise angular e de dimensão. Os meninos obesos apresentaram maiores alterações posturais do que os não-obesos somente na região do joelho (p<0,01). Entre as meninas, não houve diferença para nenhuma das regiões. A frequência de dor nas meninas obesas foi significativamente maior do que nas não-obesas (p<0,05). Conclui-se que as alterações não são exclusivas dos indivíduos obesos, mas o excesso de peso pode acentuar esses desvios. Mais estudos são necessários para diagnosticar, já na infância, essas alterações, possibilitando intervenção precoce e boa postura na vida adulta.

Obesity has reached epidemic proportions over recent years and is related to cardiovascular risk factors, as well as to the occurrence of postural changes in adults, children and adolescents. The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of postural abnormalities and pain in schoolchildren. Fifty-one children and adolescents of both genders aged 9-17 years were divided into an obese (n = 33) and a non-obese group (n = 18). Weight and height were measured to calculate the body mass index. A questionnaire was used to assess the presence or absence of pain. Postural deviations of the shoulder, head and knees were analyzed by photometry using the Corel Draw12 software for the determination of angular measures and size. Obese boys showed greater postural changes in the region of the knees than non-obese ones (p<0.001). No significant differences in any of the regions analyzed were observed for girls. On the other hand, the prevalence of pain was significantly higher among obese girls than among non-obese girls. We conclude that postural changes are not limited to obese children, but excess weight may increase this deviation. Further studies are needed to diagnose these changes during childhood in order to permit early intervention and good posture in adult life.

Efeito agudo da técnica de reeducação postural global na postura de mulheres com encurtamento da cadeia muscular anterior / Acute effect of global posture reeducation technique in the posture of women with anterior muscular chain shortening

Introdução: A reeducação postural global (RPG) é um método de avaliação e tratamento das diversas disfunçõesposturais, que utiliza posturas globais para tratar as cadeias musculares em alteração. Objetivo: Analisar o efeito de uma sessão de RPG na postura de mulheres com encurtamento da cadeia muscular anterior. Métodos: Trinta voluntárias (20 ± 2,4 anos) com encurtamento da cadeia anterior foram divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo experimental e grupo controle. No grupo experimental foi aplicada a postura de RPG (40 min), e no grupo controle, as participantes não foram submetidas a nenhum procedimento.Foram mensuradas 11 variáveis relacionadas à análise postural por meio da fotometria, antes e imediatamente após a técnica de reeducação postural. Resultados: Algumas variáveis relacionadas à posição da cabeça e do ombro apresentaram alterações significativas: o ângulo de protusão da cabeça (p = 0,00), o alinhamento horizontal da cabeça (p = 0,02), distância fio de prumo-trago (p = 0,00) e distância fio de prumo-acrômio (p = 0,00). Conclusão: A técnica de reeducação postural global apresentou efeito imediato na posição da cabeça e do ombro, porém uma única intervenção não foi capaz de alterar o posicionamento de outras estruturas analisadas, como o tronco, a pelve e o membro inferior.