Sophrology versus resistance training for treatment of women with fibromyalgia: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionPhysical training has been recommended to improve overall well-being in patients with fibromyalgia. Body relaxation exercises also seem to have some beneficial effect, however there is no consensus regarding this modality.ObjectiveComparing the effectiveness of sophrology and resistance training in improving the pain of women with fibromyalgia.MethodA randomized controlled clinical trial with a blind evaluator. Sixty (60) women with a medical diagnosis of fibromyalgia were randomized and included in two groups: sophrology group (SG) who participated in a relaxation program based on sophrology (n = 30), and resistance group (RG) (n = 30) who participated in a resistance training program for biceps, pectoral, triceps, knee extensors, trapezius, knee flexors, hip abductors. Both groups were treated twice a week for 12 weeks and reevaluated every 4 weeks. The assessment instruments used were the Visual Analog Scale for Pain (VAS), the one-repetition maximum test (1 RM), the overall quality of life (SF-36), the 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Timed Up and Go test (TUG) and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).ResultsWe found that the RG presented statistically significant decreases in pain (VAS) during the evaluations (p < 0.05) and increased strength of the evaluated muscles (p < 0.05). A statistically significant decrease in pain (p < 0.05) was observed in the SG compared to T0, with no significant differences in muscle strength. Differences between groups were observed, with better indices only for 6MWT and functional capacity domain of the SF36 for the RG (p < 0.05).ConclusionNo differences in pain were found between the groups. Resistance training was more effective than sophrology in improving strength and functional capacity of women with fibromyalgia.     

An inherited p53 mutation that contributes in a tissue-specific manner to pediatric adrenal cortical carcinoma

The incidence of pediatric adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) in southern Brazil is 10-15 times higher than that of pediatric ACC worldwide. Because childhood ACC is associated with Li-Fraumeni syndrome, we examined the cancer history and p53 status of 36 Brazilian patients and their families. Remarkably, 35 of 36 patients had an identical germ-line point mutation of p53 encoding an R337H amino acid substitution. Differences within intragenic polymorphic markers demonstrated that at least some mutant alleles arose independently, thus eliminating a founder effect. In tumor cells, the wild-type allele was deleted, and mutant p53 protein accumulated within the nuclei. Although these features are consistent with Li-Fraumeni syndrome-associated adrenal tumors, there was no history of increased cancer incidence among family members. Therefore, this inherited R337H p53 mutation represents a low-penetrance p53 allele that contributes in a tissue-specific manner to the development of pediatric ACC.     

A multivalent chimeric vaccine composed of Schistosoma mansoni SmTSP‐2 and Sm29 was able to induce protection against infection in mice

Schistosoma mansoni is a blood fluke parasite responsible for schistosomiasis. The best long‐term strategy to control schistosomiasis is through immunization combined with drug treatment. In this study, we cloned, expressed and purified SmTSP‐2 fused to the N‐ and C‐terminal halves of Sm29 and tested these chimeras as vaccine candidates using an adjuvant approved to be used in humans. The results demonstrated that vaccination with SmTSP‐2 fused to N‐ or C‐terminus of Sm29‐induced reduction in worm burden and liver pathology when compared to control animals. Additionally, we detected high levels of mouse‐specific IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a against both chimeras and significant amounts of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α and no IL‐4. Finally, studies with sera from patients resistant to infection and living in schistosomiasis endemic areas revealed high levels of specific IgG to both chimeras when compared to healthy individuals. In conclusion, SmTSP‐2/Sm29 chimeras tested here induced partial protection against infection and might be a potential vaccine candidate.     

Recreational football is medicine against non-communicable diseases: A systematic review

The purpose of this research was to conduct a systematic review of published articles related to the effect of recreational football on non-communicable diseases. A systematic review of Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Only empirical studies were included. There were no restrictions on the types of study design eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measures result from the potential effects of recreational football on non-communicable diseases (eg, blood pressure, bone density, LDL cholesterol, and fat mass). A total of 44 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included. Recreational football is shown to: (a) decrease blood pressure and resting heart rate, improve cardiac structure and functioning, as well as increase maximal oxygen uptake in both sexes; (b) reduce cholesterol and triglycerides levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and have a positive impact on glycemic control; (c) improve bone mineralization, increase both bone mineral density and content, as well as acting as a stimulus for osteogenesis; and (d) be clearly beneficial for bone health, while slightly beneficial for body composition, muscle strength, and maximal oxygen uptake in adults with prostate cancer. The present systematic review demonstrated the benefits of recreational football practice on non-communicable diseases related to cardiovascular and bone health, body composition, type 2 diabetes, and prostate cancer. The effectiveness of recreational football on the aforementioned diseases may be related to age and gender; however, further research is required.     

Methods for measurement of root canal curvature: a systematic and critical review

The assessment of root canal curvature is essential for clinical and research purposes. This systematic review presents an overview of the published techniques for the measurement of root canal curvature features using imaging and to provide a critique of their clinical application. A database search in PubMed, PubMed Central, Embase, Scopus, EBSCO Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source and Virtual Health Library was conducted, using appropriate key words to identify measurement methods for root canal curvatures. The search strategy retrieved 10594 records in total, and 31 records fulfilled the inclusion criteria. From 2D image acquisitions, eleven studies measured exclusively the angle of curvature, an additional thirteen measured other curvature features (level, height, radius, length and shape). Seven reports described methods from 3D imaging (CBCT, μCT). Root canal curvatures should be measured, for clinical proposes, to facilitate endodontic treatment planning, and in research, to reduce the risk of selection bias. This review has revealed that there are many methods described in the literature; however, no consensus exists on which method should be used. Some of the methodologies have potential clinical translation, whereas others are suitable for research purpose only, as they require a specific software or radiographic exposure in the mesiodistal direction.