Is the Pilates method efficient to cause changes in the body composition of healthy individuals? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The Pilates Method has become more popular as an option for physical activity, also among healthy individuals, who seek a better quality of life and also an improve in body composition. This paper is a systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of Pilates in the body composition of healthy individuals. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out using the PEDro, Cochrane Library, Medline and Pubmed databases; the inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and the final studies were evaluated using the PEDro checklists. To ensure methodological quality, all steps were performed by two examiners and when discrepancies appeared, these were resolved by a third reviewer. RESULTS: Nine studies, published between 2004 and 2019, met the inclusion criteria. Six articles showed some improvement in relation to body composition, such as increased skeletal muscle mass and decrease in body fat mass and of these, when evaluated by the PEDro scale, only one obtained good methodological quality. CONCLUSION: This systematic review shows that the influence of Pilates on the body composition of healthy individuals is still uncertain due to the controversial results and the scarcity of studies with this public. The lack of studies with excellent methodological quality can be considered one of the factors that prevent a statement.

Pattern of gonadotropin secretion along the estrous cycle of C57BL/6 female mice.

The pattern of gonadotropin secretion along the estrous cycle was elegantly described in rats. Less information exists about the pattern of gonadotropin secretion in gonad-intact mice, particularly regarding the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Using serial blood collections from the tail-tip of gonad-intact C57BL/6 mice on the first day of cornification (transition from diestrus to estrus; hereafter called proestrus), we observed that the luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH surge cannot be consistently detected since only one out of eight females (12%) showed increased LH levels. In contrast, a high percentage of mice (15 out of 21 animals; 71%) exhibited LH and FSH surges on the proestrus when a single serum sample was collected. Mice that exhibited LH and FSH surges on the proestrus showed c-Fos expression in gonadotropin-releasing hormone- (GnRH; 83.4% of co-localization) and kisspeptin-expressing neurons (42.3% of co-localization) of the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Noteworthy, mice perfused on proestrus, but that failed to exhibit LH surge, showed a smaller, but significant expression of c-Fos in GnRH (32.7%) and AVPVKisspeptin (14.0%) neurons. Finally, 96 serial blood samples were collected hourly in eight regular cycling C57BL/6 females to describe the pattern of LH and FSH secretion along the estrous cycle. Small elevations in LH and FSH levels were detected at the time expected for the LH surge. In summary, the present study improves our understanding of the pattern of gonadotropin secretion and the activation of central components of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis along the estrous cycle of C57BL/6 female mice.

Electroacupuncture reduces weight, skinfold thickness and waist circumference and increases skin temperature of the abdominal region in women: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture, as a complementary and alternative medical treatment, has shown some promise as a therapeutic option for obesity and weight control. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on body weight, body mass index (BMI), skin fold thickness, waist circumference and skin temperature of the abdominal region in non-obese women with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat. METHODS: A total of 50 women with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat (and average BMI of 22) were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an EA group (n = 25) receiving 10 EA sessions (insertion of needles connected to an electrical stimulator at a frequency of 40 Hz for 40 min) and a control group (n = 25) that received no treatment. Outcome measures evaluated included waist circumference, supra-iliac and abdominal skinfolds, body composition and superficial skin temperature (measured by cutaneous thermography) before and after treatment. RESULTS: Compared with the untreated group, women in the EA group exhibited decreased supra-iliac and abdominal skin folds (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p < 0.001), percentage body fat (p = 0.001) and percentage abdominal fat (p < 0.001). In addition, the EA group showed an elevated skin temperature at the site of the treatment. However, EA did not significantly impact body weight (p = 0.01) or BMI (p = 0.2). CONCLUSION: EA promoted a reduction in abdominal waist circumference, supra-iliac and abdominal skin folds, and percentage body and abdominal fat in women of normal BMI with excessive abdominal subcutaneous fat, as well as an increase in the superficial skin temperature of the abdominal region. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-9tsmpp (Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials).

The effects of auricular acupuncture on vascular parameters on the risk factors for diabetic foot: A randomized clinical trial.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of auricular acupuncture on vascular parameters on the risk factors for Diabetic Foot. METHODS: Randomized and masked clinical trial. The sample was composed of 44 individuals with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and they were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (n = 22), which received five sessions of auricular acupuncture, and control (n = 22), which did not receive the therapy. Three evaluations were performed: before the intervention; one day after the last acupuncture session and 15 days after the second evaluation. For this, the subject's characterization instrument, the Ankle-Brachial Index measurement, and thermography were used. For data analysis, Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Fisher's Exact and Chi-Square tests were used. RESULTS: Auriculotherapy provided results in the Ankle-Brachial Index Test, as well as in thermography, which showed significant temperature improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The technique proved to be efficient in improving circulatory conditions and plantar temperature.

Morphological description of the first protozoeal stage of the deep-sea shrimps Aristeus antennatus and Gennadas elegans, with a key.

Accurate information on commercial marine species larvae is key to fisheries science, as their correct identification is the first step towards studying the species' connectivity patterns. In this study, we provide a complete morphological description of the first protozoeal stage of the valued deep-sea blue and red shrimp Aristeus antennatus and of the small mesopelagic shrimp Gennadas elegans. These two larval morphologies previously posed a risk of misidentification, thus hindering the study of A. antennatus larval ecology and dynamics in the context of fisheries science. Using specimens caught in the plankton at various locations in the Northwestern Mediterranean Sea and identification confirmed by molecular methods, the larvae of A. antennatus and G. elegans are distinguished from each other by the ornamentation of the antennula. A possible confusion in previous descriptions of Aristeidae larvae is addressed and a new key for the identification of Dendrobranchiata larvae provided.

Validação de um protocolo de auriculoterapia com laser para dor crônica na coluna vertebral / Validación de un protocolo de auriculoterapia láser para el dolor crónico en la columna vertebral / Validation of a laser auriculotherapy protocol for chronic spinal pain

RESUMO Objetivo: validar um protocolo de auriculoterapia com laser para dor crônica na coluna vertebral. Método: estudo metodológico realizado a partir de uma revisão sistemática, baseada no PRISMA Statement; validação de conteúdo por 21 experts e validação clínica do protocolo desenvolvido em pessoas com dor. Resultados: a partir da análise de 13 artigos foi observado o efeito positivo da acupuntura no alívio da dor e foi possível construir o seguinte protocolo: auriculoterapia com laser, em cinco sessões, com a proporção de uma sessão por semana, aplicação bilateral com alternância do pavilhão auricular nos pontos Shenmen, rim, simpático, bexiga, fígado, subcórtex e vértebras cervical, torácica e/ ou lombar, dependendo do local da dor. A avaliação desse conteúdo assumindo nível de concordância de 80% interavaliadores resultou em aprovação de todos os itens do protocolo. Na avaliação clínica, ao ser administrado em pessoas com dor na coluna vertebral, o protocolo desenvolvido demonstrou reduzir a média de dor, aumentar o limiar de tolerância e diminuir o impacto da dor nas atividades de vida diária. Conclusão: a acupuntura auricular, realizada com laser de baixa potência infravermelho no protocolo estudado, provou ser capaz de tratar com efetividade a dor crônica na coluna vertebral.

RESUMEN Objetivo: validar un protocolo de auriculoterapia láser para el dolor crónico en la columna vertebral. Método: estudio metodológico realizado a partir de una revisión sistemática, en base a la declaración PRISMA; validación de contenido por 21 expertos y validación clínica del protocolo de tratamiento en personas con dolor. Resultados: del análisis de 13 artículos se observó el efecto positivo de la acupuntura en el alivio del dolor y se pudo construir el siguiente protocolo: auriculoterapia láser, en cinco sesiones, con una sesión por semana, aplicación bilateral con alternancia de pabellón auricular en los puntos Shen Men, Riñón, Nervio simpático, Vejiga, Hígado, Subcórtex y vértebras cervicales, torácicas y / o lumbares, dependiendo de la localización del dolor. La evaluación de este contenido, asumiendo un nivel de acuerdo del 80% entre evaluadores, resultó en la aprobación de todos los ítems del protocolo. En la evaluación clínica, cuando se administró a personas con dolor en la columna, el protocolo de tratamiento demostró reducir el promedio de dolor, aumentar el umbral de tolerancia y disminuir el impacto del dolor en las actividades de la vida diaria. Conclusión: la acupuntura auricular, realizada con láser infrarrojo de baja potencia en el protocolo estudiado, demostró ser capaz de tratar eficazmente el dolor crónico de columna vertebral.

ABSTRACT Objective: to validate a laser auriculotherapy protocol for chronic spinal pain. Method: methodological study carried from a systematic review based on the PRISMA Statement; content validation carried out by 21 specialists and pilot test with clinical validation of the protocol developed in people with pain. Results: from the analysis of 13 articles, a positive effect of acupuncture on pain relief was noted and it was possible to develop the following protocol: laser auriculotherapy, in 5 sessions, with the proportion of one session a week, bilateral application with alternation of the auricular pavilion at Shenmen points, Kidney, Sympathetic Nervous System, Urinary Bladder, Liver, Subcortex and Cervical, Thoracic and/or Lumbar Vertebrae, depending on the location of the pain. The evaluation of this content, assuming a level of agreement of 80% interobserver, resulted in the approval of all items in the protocol. In the clinical evaluation, when it was administered in people with spinal pain, the protocol developed showed a reduction in the pain average, an improvement in the tolerance threshold and a reduction in the pain impact on daily activities. Conclusion: the auricular acupuncture, carried out using an infrared low-level laser, in the studied protocol, proved to be capable of effectively treating chronic spinal pain.

The photobiomodulation (658, 830 and 904nm) on wound healing in histomorphometric analysis / A fotobiomodulação (658, 830 e 904nm) na cicatrização de feridas na análise histomorfométrica / La fotobiomodulación (658, 830 y 904nm) en la cicatrización de heridas en el análisis histomorfométrico

Abstract Introduction: Photobiomodulation (PBM) assists in the processes of angiogenesis and cellular mitosis after skin lesion, contributing to tissue repair. Objective: to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (during the proliferative phase) of 658 nm, 830 nm and 904 nm in the repair of skin lesions in an animal model. Method: 658 nm (G658), 830 nm (G830), 904 nm (G904) PBM, and control group (CG) integrated the research. We submitted the animals to an excisional wound and treatment at different wavelengths for 14 days. On the seventh and 14-1485004059th postoperative days, we calculated the area and percentage of lesion contraction. The animals were sacrificed on the 14-1485004056th postoperative day and cutaneous section of the injured region was collected for histomorphometric evaluation of the cellularity, neovascularization, thickness of the epidermis and volume density of collagen fibers colored with H&E and Picross Sirius respectively. For the statistical analysis, we applied the ANOVA test. Results: the G658 presented higher cellularity than GC (p = 0.03). The animals in the G658 group showed a significant increase in the neovascularization in relation to the CG (p = 0.01). Type III collagen significantly increased in G904 compared to G830 (p < 0.0001) and CG (p < 0.0001). The G658 had a significant increase in type III collagen fibers compared to G830 (p < 0.0001) and GC (p < 0.0001). We found no significant difference in the thickness of the epidermis, wound area, and in the percentage wound of contraction between the analyzed groups. Conclusion: PBM was effective to stimulate the tissue repair process, with better results for the 658 nm wavelength.

Resumo Introdução: A Fotobiomodulação (FBM) auxilia nos processos de angiogênese e mitose celular após lesão cutânea, contribuindo para reparo do tecido. Objetivo: investigar os efeitos da fotobiomodulação (durante a fase proliferativa) com comprimento de onda de 658 nm, 830 nm e 904 nm no reparo de lesões cutâneas em modelo animal. Método: FBM 658 nm (G658), 830 nm (G830), 904 nm (G904) e controle (GC) integraram a pesquisa. Os animais foram submetidos a uma ferida excisional e receberam tratamento em diferentes comprimentos de por 14 dias. No 7º e 14º dia pós-operatório, calculou-se a área e a porcentagem de contração da lesão. Os animais foram sacrificados no 14º dia pós-operatório e a secção cutânea da região lesada foi coletada para avaliação histomorfométrica da celularidade, neovascularização, espessura da epiderme e densidade volumétrica das fibras colágenas, corados com H&E e Picross Sirius respectivamente. Para a análise estatística, foi aplicado o teste ANOVA. Resultados: o G658 apresentou maior celularidade que GC (p = 0,03). Os animais do grupo G658 apresentaram aumento significativo da neovascularização em relação ao GC (p = 0,01). Houve aumento significativo do colágeno tipo III no G904 em relação ao G830 (p < 0,0001) e GC (p < 0,0001). O G658 teve um aumento significativo nas fibras colágenas tipo III em comparação ao G830 (p < 0,0001) e GC (p < 0,0001). Nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada na espessura da epiderme, área da ferida e na porcentagem de contração da ferida entre os grupos analisados. Conclusão: a PBM foi efetiva para estimular o processo de reparo tecidual, com melhores resultados para o comprimento de onda de 658 nm.

Resumen Introducción: La fotobiomodulación (FBM) auxilia en los procesos de angiogénesis y mitosa celular después de lesión cutánea, contribuyendo para la reparación. Objetivo: investigar los efectos de la fotobiomodulación (durante la fase proliferativa) con longitud de onda de 658 nm, 830 nm y 904 nm en la reparación de lesiones cutáneas en modelo animal. Método: grupos de FBM 658 nm (G658), 830 nm (G830), 904 nm (G904) y control (GC) integraron la investigación. Los animales fueron sometidos a una herida excisional y recibieron tratamiento 14 días. En el 7º y 14º día postoperatorio, se calculó el área y el porcentaje de contracción de la lesión. Los animales fueron sacrificados en el 14º día postoperatorio y la sección cutánea de la región lesada fue recolectada para evaluación histomorfométrica de la celularidad, neovascularización, espesor de la epidermis y densidad volumétrica de las fibras colágenas, colorados con H & E y Picross Sirius respectivamente. Para el análisis estadístico, se aplicó la prueba ANOVA. Resultados: G658 presentó mayor celularidad que GC (p = 0,03). G658 presentaron un aumento significativo de la neovascularización en relación al GC (p = 0,01). Se observó un aumento significativo del colágeno tipo III en el G904 con respecto al G830 (p < 0,0001) y GC (p < 0,0001). El G658 tuvo un aumento significativo en las fibras colágenas tipo III en comparación con el G830 (p < 0,0001) y GC (p < 0,0001). Ninguna diferencia significativa se encontró en el espesor de la epidermis, área de la herida entre los grupos. Conclusión: la PBM fue efectiva para estimular el proceso de reparación del tejido, con mejores resultados para grupo 658 nm.

Galvano-puncture and dermabrasion for striae distensae: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of galvano-puncture (GG) and dermabrasion (DG) in reducing striae distensae in the gluteal region of women. METHODS: This randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted at the UNIFAL-MG. Participants were 48 female who had striae distensae alba in the gluteal region. They were randomly divided in GG; DG; and Control Group (CG). The length and width of the largest striae were measured (in millimeters) using a caliper. The same striae were assessed before and after treatment. Infrared thermography was performed in the gluteal region to assess local microcirculation. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis showed a significant reduction in the dimension of the striae between baseline and treatment session 10 in the GG and DG groups. Between-group analysis revealed a reduction in the width and length of the striae for both the GG and DG groups, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. When compared to the CG and the DG group, the GG group had significant improvements, as shown by thermography. CONCLUSION: Both GG and DG are effective in reducing striae length and width. However, only the thermography results showed significant differences between GG and control, and between GG and DG.

Whole-body vibration in the reduction of the cellulite.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of the whole body vibration in improving of cellulite in the women's gluteal region. METHODS: Controlled clinical trial performed with 42 women, with cellulite in the gluteal region, detected by means of clinical examination. After evaluation, the women were divided into two groups: Whole-Body Vibration (WBV_G) and control (C_G). The evaluations were performed at the beginning and the end of 10 sessions and superficial skin temperature, perimetry in the gluteal region, analysis of body contouring, analysis of improvement by blind reviewers and instrument of satisfaction, by numeric scale were investigated. RESULTS: In the thermographic analysis, the WBV_G obtained significant increase of superficial skin temperature on the right (p = 0.02) and left (p = 0.02) gluteal region. There was no difference in intra- and intergroups in perimetry and the analysis of body contour. The WBV_G obtained a higher percentage of improvement by assessment of the blind reviewers (p = 0.003) and greater aesthetics satisfaction (p = 0.006), when compared to C_G. CONCLUSION: WBV provided an improvement in the aspect of the cellulite when assessed by blind reviewers and greater participants' satisfaction, providing a significant increase in the superficial skin temperature in the gluteal region.

Afetividade, território e vulnerabilidade na relação pessoa-ambiente: um olhar ético político / Affectiviness, territory and vulnerability in the person-environment interrelationship: a political ethical vision

Este artigo objetiva dialogar os conceitos território e vulnerabilidade, a partir da categoria afetividade, fundamentados na Psicologia Ambiental e na psicologia social de base psicossocial e histórico-cultural, ao buscar uma compreensão dialética da inter-relação pessoa-ambiente. Como eixo de observação, investigação e análise, a afetividade subsidia uma perspectiva ética de transformação social, em territórios vulneráveis, como fio condutor de estratégias de enfrentamento e proposição de políticas de proteção a populações submetidas às desigualdades. Indicamos algumas intervenções oriundas de reflexões teórico-práticas que possibilitam compreender os afetos como potencializadores dos sujeitos, pela implicação destes com territórios e coletividades, rumo a processos emancipatórios humanos.(AU)

This article aims to discuss the concepts of territory and vulnerability, based on the affectivity category, based on Environmental Psychology and on social psychology with a psychosocial and historical-cultural basis, when It seeks a dialectical understanding of the person-environment interrelationship. As an axis of observation, investigation and analysis, affectivity subsidizes an ethical perspective of social transformation in vulnerable territories as the guiding thread of coping strategies and proposing policies to protect populations subjected to inequalities. We indicate some interventions derived from theoretical-practical reflections that make it possible to understand the affections as potentializers of the subjects, by the implication of these with territories and collectivities, towards human emancipation processes.(AU)

Ditos sobre o uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas: significados e histórias de vida / Sayings about abusive use of alcohol and other drugs: meanings and life stories / Dicho sobre el uso abusivo de alcohol y otras drogas: significados e historias de vida

Objetivou-se compreender os significados atribuídos à droga pelas pessoas que fazem uso abusivo e conhecer como estas relacionam o uso da droga com sua história de vida. Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, realizada com 22 pessoas em tratamento no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e outras Drogas. Os dados foram produzidos através de entrevista semiestruturada e analisados conforme análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Emergiram quatro categorias: Primeiro contato com a droga; Contexto do uso abusivo da droga; Consequências do uso abusivo das drogas; e Motivos para mudança no padrão de uso das drogas. O uso abusivo de álcool e outras drogas é um fenômeno complexo e a droga possui diversos significados vinculados ao modo de viver da pessoa.

The objective was to understand the meanings attributed to the drug by abusers and to know how these people relate the use of the drug to their life history. This is a descriptive research with qualitative approach performed with 22 people under treatment in the Center for Psychosocial Care Alcohol and other Drugs. Data were produced through a semi-structured interview and analyzed according to Bardin's content analysis. Four categories emerged: first contact with the drug; context of drug abuse; consequences of drug abuse and reasons for changing the pattern of drug use. The abusive use of alcohol and other drug is a complex phenomenon and the drug has several meanings linked to the person's way of life.

Se objetivó comprender los significados atribuidos a la droga por las personas que hacen uso abusivo y conocer cómo esas personas relacionan el uso de la droga con su historia de vida. Se trata de una investigación descriptiva con abordaje cualitativo realizada con 22 personas en tratamiento en el Centro de Atención Psicosocial Alcohol y otras Drogas. Los datos fueron producidos a través de una entrevista semiestructurada y analizados según el análisis de contenido de Bardin. Se han emergido cuatro categorías: primer contacto con la droga; contexto del uso abusivo de la droga; las consecuencias del uso abusivo de las drogas y motivos para el cambio en el patrón de uso de las drogas. El uso abusivo de alcohol y outras drogas es un fenómeno complejo y la droga tiene diversos significados vinculados al modo de vivir de la persona.

Thermographic and anthropometric assessment of electrical stimulation on localized body fat / Avaliação termográfica e antropométrica da eletrolipólise na adiposidade localizada

Abstract Introduction: Adiposity is defined as the accumulation of energy reserves within the adipose tissue at specific body sites. Low-frequency electrical stimulation elicits lipolysis. When applied by insertion of needles into the dermis-hypodermis junction, it leads to a modification of the interstitial space, favoring metabolic changes and lipolysis. Objective: To investigate the effects of electrical stimulation on body fat localized to the abdomen and flanks. Methods: Randomized, controlled clinical trial consisted of two groups of women with body fat localized to the abdomen and flanks. The intervention group (IG) was made up of 9 women (± 24,77 years) who received ten sessions of electrical stimulation, whereas the control group (CG) was made up of 7 women (± 21,8 years) who did not receive electrical stimulation. Perimetric, adipometric and thermographic data were collected before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, t test, one-way ANOVA. The significance level was set at p < 0,05. Results: There were statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the assessment immediately following intervention (IG: 33.08 ± 1.00; CG: 30.83 ± 1.5; p = 0.002), 15 minutes following intervention (IG: 33.05 ± 0.48; CG: 30.40± 1.24; p < 0.0001) and at the endpoint (IG: 32.22 ± 14.20; CG: 30.53 ± 1.34; p=0.005) for the thermographic data. For the anthropometric variables, there were no statistically significant differences before and after treatment. Conclusion: Electrical stimulation evokes a significant increase in the temperature of the subcutaneous tissue.

Resumo Introdução: Adiposidade é o acúmulo de reservas energéticas no tecido adiposo, em regiões específicas. A estimulação elétrica de baixa frequência como geradora da lipólise, quando aplicada com agulhas inseridas na junção derme-hipoderme, gera modificação do meio intersticial, favorecendo as trocas metabólicas e a lipólise. Objetivo: Investigar o efeito da eletrolipólise na adiposidade localizada em região abdominal e de flancos. Métodos: Ensaio clínico controlado e randomizado constituído de dois grupos: grupo intervenção GI, constituído de 9 mulheres (± 24,77 anos) com adiposidade localizada nas regiões abdominal e de flancos, que realizaram dez sessões de eletrolipólise; e o grupo controle GC, constituído de 7 mulheres (± 21,8 anos) que não realizaram as sessões de eletrolipólise. Prévia e posteriormente à intervenção foram coletados a perimetria, a adipometria e a análise termográfica. Para análise dos dados foram utilizados os testes Shapiro-Wilk, teste T, teste One-Way ANOVA; considerou-se nível de significância de p < 0,05. Resultados: Para os dados termográficos, observou-se diferença estatística entre os grupos intervenção e controle na reavaliação imediata (GI: 33,08 ± 1,00; GC: 30,83 ± 1,5; p = 0,002), reavaliação após 15 minutos de aplicação da técnica (GI: 33,05 ± 0,48; GC: 30,40±1,24; p < 0,0001) e na reavaliação final (GI:32,22 ± 14,20; GC: 30,53 ± 1,34; p=0,005). Para as variáveis antropométricas, não houve resultado significativo antes e após o tratamento. Conclusão: A eletrolipólise promove incremento significativo na temperatura do tecido subcutâneo.

Comparação da termografia cutânea após aplicação da massagem modeladora, endermoterapia e eletrolipólise / Comparison of skin thermography after application of massage, endermotheraphy and electrolipolysis

Introdução: massagem modeladora, endermoterapia e eletrolipólise agem na superfície cutânea estimulando o aumento da temperatura, a qual pode ser avaliada pela termografia cutânea. Objetivo: comparar as variações na temperatura cutânea superficial da região abdominal, a curto prazo, após massagem modeladora, endermoterapia e eletrolipólise. Metodologia: trinta mulheres foram aleatorizadas para os grupos: massagem modeladora, endermoterapia e eletrolipólise, realizados na região abdominal, uma única vez. Foi realizada avaliação termográfica antes (primeira avaliação), imediatamente após (segunda avaliação) e 20 minutos após a aplicação das técnicas (terceira avaliação). Para análise dos dados utilizou-se ANOVA e Teste T. Resultados: observou-se aumento significativo da temperatura após a massagem modeladora (p<0,0001), endermoterapia (p<0,0001) e eletrolipólise (p<0,0001). Massagem modeladora e endermoterapia apresentaram aumento de temperatura significativo em relação a eletrolipólise. Conclusões: conclui-se que as técnicas são capazes de gerar aumento significativo na temperatura cutânea a curto prazo, com maior aumento da temperatura para massagem modeladora e endermoterapia.

Introduction: massage, dermotherapy and electrolipolysis act in stimulating the skin surface temperature increase, which can be assessed by skin thermography. Objective: To compare the variations in the surface skin temperature of the abdomenal region, in the short term, after massage, dermotherapy and electrolipolysis. Methodology: Thirty women were randomized to groups: massage, dermotherapy and electrolipolysis, performed in the abdominal region, once. Thermographic evaluation was performed before (first assessment), immediately after (second evaluation) and 20 minutes after application of techniques (third assessment). For data analysis we used ANOVA and T test. Results: there was significant rise in temperature after the massage (p<0.0001), dermotherapy (p<0.0001) and electrolipolysis (p<0.0001). Massage and dermotherapy showed significant temperature rise in relation to electrolipolysis. Conclusions: the techniques are capable of generating significant increase in the skin temperature in short term, there was a greater increase in temperature for massage and dermotherapy.

Neptunomonas phycophila sp. nov. isolated from a culture of Symbiodinium sp., a dinoflagellate symbiont of the sea anemone Aiptasia tagetes.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, oxidase- and catalase-positive, rod-shaped bacterium, strain SYM1(T), was isolated from a culture of Symbiodinium sp., an algal symbiont of the sea anemone Aiptasia tagetes collected in Puerto Rico. Growth was observed at 4-40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 5.0-11.0 (optimum pH 8.0) and with 0.5-8 % (optimum 2 %) (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SYM1(T) was a member of the genus Neptunomonas with the type strain of Neptunomonas naphthovorans as the closest phylogenetic relative with a pairwise sequence similarity of 98.15 %. However, DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SYM1(T) and N. naphthovorans CIP 106451(T) was 24 %. Moreover, strain SYM1(T) could be distinguished from its closest relative by several phenotypic characteristics such as NaCl, pH and temperature tolerance, nitrate reduction and utilization of carbon substrates. The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SYM1(T) was 45 mol%. Ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) was the only respiratory quinone detected. Based on a polyphasic taxonomic characterization, strain SYM1(T) represents a novel species of the genus Neptunomonas, for which the name Neptunomonas phycophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYM1(T) ( = LMG 28329(T) = CECT 8716(T)).

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the relief of post-partum uterine contraction pain during breast-feeding: a randomized clinical trial.

AIM: To evaluate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) used to relieve uterine contraction pain during breast-feeding in multiparous women. METHODS: A controlled and randomized clinical trial was performed with 32 post-partum multiparous women who were breast-feeding. The participants were randomized into an experimental (EG, n = 16) and a control group (CG, n = 16). Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale and the descriptors of the Present Pain Intensity (PPI - McGill) during two sequential feeds. In the first assessment, the post-partum women in the EG and CG were monitored while breast-feeding and questioned regarding the degree of uterine contraction pain. In the second assessment, which was performed at the next feed, the EG used TENS while the CG was monitored, with pain being reassessed following. In the EG, the TENS electrodes were placed between T10-L1 and S2-S4, with a frequency of 100 Hz, a pulse duration of 75 µs and amplitude adjusted to produce a strong and tolerable sensation for 40 min. A descriptive analysis of the data and comparative intra- and intergroup analyses were performed by means of a non-parametrical test, with a significance level P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The level of basal pain was 5.56 in the EG and 5.50 in the CG. In the intragroup analysis, the EG (P < 0.0001) and CG (P = 0.04) presented significant pain reduction. In the intergroup analysis, the EG had significant pain reduction (P < 0.01) in comparison to the CG. In the PPI analysis, a non-significant decrease in pain intensity was observed in the EG. CONCLUSION: TENS was found to be effective in reducing post-partum uterine contraction pain during breast-feeding.

[Measurement and characteristics of pain after episiotomy and its relationship with the activity limitations]. / Mensuração e caracterização da dor após episiotomia e sua relação com a limitação de atividades.

This is a descriptive study, involving fifty women after vaginal delivery with episiotomy. The study aimed to measure and to characterize the perineal pain in primiparae who have had a natural childbirth with episiotomy and to verify the activities limited by the perineal pain. For evaluation of perineal pain, a Numeric Scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were used, as well as another questionnaire to analyze the activities limited. In the Numeric Scale, the median of perineal pain referred were five. The sensory and subjective evaluation categories were the most selected in the McGill questionnaire. The perineal pain was characterized as pulsing, pulling, hot, stinging, hurting, annoying, troublesome, tight and tense. The most limited activities were sitting, laying down (onto the bed), and walking. In conclusion, it was possible to verify the presence of perineal pain between women in the postpartum period caused by episiotomy and identify the activities of sitting, lying down and walking were limited for this symptom.

[A non-pharmacologic treatment to relieve breast engorgement during lactation: an integrative literature review]. / Terapêutica não-farmacológica para alívio do ingurgitamento mamário durante a lactação: revisão integrativa da literatura.

Breast engorgement affects breastfeeding and leads to early weaning. The literature presents techniques for treating engorgement, but there is no agreement as to which is the best treatment. The objective of this study is to identify and analyze the evidence found in the literature regarding non-pharmacological treatments to relieve breast engorgement symptoms during breastfeeding. We performed an integrative literature review of studies published since 1990, on MEDLINE and LILACS, using the keywords: breastfeeding, lactation disorder and therapy. We found ten studies: two systematic literature reviews, seven randomized controlled trials and one quasi-experimental study. The analyzed studies show conflicting results and there is not enough evidence to recommend the implementation of the evaluated treatments. Further randomized controlled trials are necessary to determine effective therapies for treating breast engorgement.

High-frequency TENS in post-episiotomy pain relief in primiparous puerpere: a randomized, controlled trial.

AIM: We evaluated the effectiveness of high-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as a pain relief resource for primiparous puerpere who had experienced natural childbirth with an episiotomy. METHODS: A controlled, randomized clinical study was conducted in a Brazilian maternity ward. Forty puerpere were randomly divided into two groups: TENS high frequency and a no treatment control group. Post-episiotomy pain was assessed in the resting and sitting positions and during ambulation. An 11-point numeric rating scale was performed in three separate evaluations (at the beginning of the study, after 60 min and after 120 min). The McGill pain questionnaire was employed at the beginning and 60 min later. TENS with 100 Hz frequency and 75 µs pulse for 60 min was employed without causing any pain. Four electrodes ware placed in parallel near the episiotomy site, in the area of the pudendal and genitofemoral nerves. RESULTS: An 11-point numeric rating scale and McGill pain questionnaire showed a significant statistical difference in pain reduction in the TENS group, while the control group showed no alteration in the level of discomfort. Hence, high-frequency TENS treatment significantly reduced pain intensity immediately after its use and 60 min later. CONCLUSION: TENS is a safe and viable non-pharmacological analgesic resource to be employed for pain relief post-episiotomy. The routine use of TENS post-episiotomy is recommended.

Mensuração e caracterização da dor após episiotomia e sua relação com a limitação de atividades / Measurement and characteristics of pain after episiotomy and its relationship with the activity limitations / Medición y características del dolor después de la episiotomía y su relación con la limitación de actividades

Trata-se de um estudo descritivo realizado com cinquenta mulheres em pós-parto vaginal com episiotomia. Objetivou-se mensurar e caracterizar a dor perineal em primíparas submetidas ao parto normal com episiotomia e verificar as atividades limitadas pela dor. Para avaliação da dor foi utilizada a Escala Numérica e o Questionário McGill, bem como um formulário para analisar as atividades que estavam limitadas. A média de dor perineal encontrada foi cinco. As categorias sensorial e avaliação subjetiva foram as mais selecionadas no Questionário McGill. A dor perineal foi caracterizada como latejante, que repuxa, que esquenta, ardida, dolorida, chata, incômoda, que prende e que deixa tensa. Sentar, deitar e deambular foram as atividades mais limitadas. Em conclusão, foi possível verificar a presença de dor perineal nas puérperas causada pela episiotomia e identificar que as atividades de sentar, deitar e deambular estavam limitadas por este sintoma.

This is a descriptive study, involving fifty women after vaginal delivery with episiotomy. The study aimed to measure and to characterize the perineal pain in primiparae who have had a natural childbirth with episiotomy and to verify the activities limited by the perineal pain. For evaluation of perineal pain, a Numeric Scale and the McGill Pain Questionnaire were used, as well as another questionnaire to analyze the activities limited. In the Numeric Scale, the median of perineal pain referred were five. The sensory and subjective evaluation categories were the most selected in the McGill questionnaire. The perineal pain was characterized as pulsing, pulling, hot, stinging, hurting, annoying, troublesome, tight and tense. The most limited activities were sitting, laying down (onto the bed), and walking. In conclusion, it was possible to verify the presence of perineal pain between women in the postpartum period caused by episiotomy and identify the activities of sitting, lying down and walking were limited for this symptom.

Se realizo un estudio descriptivo de cincuenta mujeres después del parto vaginal con episiotomía. Objetivó-se medir y caracterizar el dolor perineal en primíparas sometidas al parto normal con episiotomía y verificar las actividades limitadas por el dolor perineal. Para la evaluación del dolor se utilizo la Escala Numérica, el Cuestionario de del Dolor de McGill y un cuestionario para analizar las actividades limitadas. En la Escala Numérica, la media de dolor fue cinco. Las categorías de evaluación sensorial y subjetiva fueron los más seleccionados en el cuestionario McGill. La dolor perineal se caracterizó como palpitante, de esfuerzo, que se calienta, quema, duele, aburrido, incómodo, y deja que mantiene estrechos. Sentado, tumbado y caminar son las actividades más limitados. Finalización: fue posible verificar la presencia de dolor perineal entre primíparas causada por la episiotomia e identificar las actividades de sentado, acostado y caminando se vieron limitados por en este síntoma.