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The effects of antibiotics on sperm longevity in collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) fresh diluted semen was evaluated. Semen samples from six adult males were collected by electroejaculation and diluted in Tris-citrate-fructose alone (control) and plus streptomycin-penicillin (2 mg/ml-2000 IU/ml) or gentamicin (70 µg/ml). Membrane integrity and functionality, mitochondrial activity and sperm morphology were assessed subjectively. Sperm motility and other kinetic parameters were objectively assessed using CASA (computer-assisted semen analysis). The semen diluted according to the treatments were submitted to the thermoresistance test, incubated at 37 ° C, and the sperm parameters analyzed at 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min. The average values of the treatments were compared with each other and between the times. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between treatments until the end of the test. Control and streptomycin-penicillin samples maintained sperm function for up to 180 min (with total motility of 24.3 ± 7.1% and 28 ± 8.7%, respectively). Gentamicin aliquots retained most parameters until the end of the incubation, except for membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity that declined (P < 0.05) at 180 min (53.1 ± 7.1% and 50.7 ± 6.2%, respectively) compared to 0 min (80.5 ± 4.7% and 86.3 ± 3.4%, respectively). In conclusion, a multiparametric thermoresistance test proved that Tris-based extenders used for collared peccary semen can be effectively supplemented by streptomycin-penicillin (2 mg/ml-2000 IU/ml) or gentamicin (70 µg/ml), especially during 180-min incubation at 37 °C.

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We evaluated the influence of different media plus various concentrations of Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) during the in vitro culture (IVC) of testicular tissues from prepubertal collared peccary. Testes from 5 individuals were collected, fragmented and cultured for 28 days (34°C and 5% CO2). Culture media were Dulbecco's modified essential medium (DMEM) or stem cell serum free media (StemPro-34™ SFM), both supplemented with various concentrations of GDNF (0, 10, or 20 ng/mL). Fragments were cultured on the flat surface of 0.75% agarose gel and were evaluated every 7 days for fragment area, histomorphology, cellular viability, and proliferative activity. Data were expressed as mean ± standard error and analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis's and Tukey test. Fragments area decreased over the 28 days-culture, regardless of the treatment. For morphology, the StemPro-37 SFM medium plus 10 ng/mL GDNF provided higher scores at all time points in comparison to DMEM using any GDNF concentration (p < .05). After 28 days, similar cellular viability (~70%) was observed in all treatments (p > .05). For proliferating cell nuclear antigen assay, only DMEM plus 10 ng/mL GDNF improved (p < .05) cellular proliferation on Days 14 and 28. Looking at argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions, after 28 days, there were no differences among treatments regarding cell proliferative capacity for both spermatogonia and Sertoli cells (p > .05). In summary, the DMEM and StemPro-34 SFM are adequate medium for IVC of prepubertal peccary testicular tissue. Supplementation with GDNF, especially at a 10 ng/mL concentration, appears to be essential for the maintenance of cell survival and proliferation.

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This study investigated whether the origin of sperm (epididymal vs. ejaculate) affects the cryopreservation efficiency in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). Five sexually mature agoutis underwent electroejaculation, resulting in obtaining four semen samples. After 15 days, the same animals were euthanized, and through retrograde flushing, sperm samples were obtained from the epididymis tails. In both collection methods, samples were evaluated for sperm parameters (sperm concentration, motility, vigor, membrane integrity, osmotic response, and morphology). Then, samples were diluted in ACP 109c, added with 20% egg yolk, and a final concentration of 6% glycerol. Finally, the samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen. After one week, samples were thawed and evaluated in the same way as fresh samples, with the addition of membrane integrity analysis using fluorescent probes (C-FDA/PI) and computerized analysis (CASA). Immediately after obtaining the sperm, samples obtained directly from the epididymis presented higher values (P ≤ 0.05) than those obtained by electroejaculation concerning the parameters of volume, sperm concentration, and total number of sperm (1,398.25 ± 206.0 x106 and 184.5 ± 78.0 x106 sperm). On the other hand, in the classical evaluation of the other sperm parameters and the computerized analysis (CASA) after thawing, such as total motility, no statistical differences were observed between sperm from both origins (ejaculate: 16.7 ± 8.2% and epididymal: 24.8 ± 12.0%, P > 0.05). This demonstrates the possibility of direct application of the cryopreservation protocol for agouti (D. leporina) sperm obtained via the epididymis or ejaculate.

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This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of different extenders on the cryopreservation of semen from Africanized honeybees (A. mellifera). Semen from honeybee drones from 10 different colonies was obtained by endophallus exposure technique and immediately evaluated for motility, viability using fluorescent probes, functional membrane integrity using the water test, and morphology. Samples from each colony were divided in three aliquots and subjected to a dilution ratio of 12:1 (diluent: semen) using Tris, Tris + egg yolk (Tris+EY), and Collins extender. Samples were cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen for one week and then rewarmed and reevaluated. Immediate dilution provoked no significant effect on sperm motility and functional membrane integrity, regardless of the extender used; however, the greatest values (P < 0.05) for normal sperm morphology were found at the use of isolate Tris (69.3 ± 1.9%). After thawing, there were no significant differences among extenders with relation to the preservation of sperm motility, viability, and functional membrane integrity, but the Tris extender provided the highest post-thawing values (P < 0.05) for sperm normal morphology (49.2 ± 4.9%) while the Collins extender provoked the highest amounts (P < 0.05) of curled tail defects (67.5 ± 3.2%). Moreover, the Tris was the only extender at preserving the proportion of normal sperm after thawing similar to what was verified for fresh samples. In summary, we suggest the use of a Tris-based extender for the cryopreservation of Africanized honeybee semen.

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The use of assisted reproductive techniques, such as chilled semen, contributes to the maintenance and genetic improvement of canine breeding. The INRA-96 extender is a commercially available, chemically defined medium that was initially developed for the preservation of equine semen and exhibits preservation potential in the canine species. This research aims to evaluate the INRA-96 extender as an alternative for the short-term preservation of canine semen in terms of sperm quality parameters such as motility and kinetic parameters, integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane in fresh and chilled-rewarmed samples, as well as the sperm-binding ability using the perivitelline membrane of the chicken egg as an indicator of the fertilizing capacity of the preserved semen. A total of 18 ejaculates from 9 French bulldogs (two ejaculates per dog) were collected and divided into two aliquots that were diluted in Tris-egg yolk 20% (control) or INRA-96 to a final concentration of 100 × 106 sperm/mL. Samples were refrigerated in a biological incubator at 5°C and evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 h time points. Comparing the two treatments after 48 h of refrigeration, both extenders showed similar values (p < .5) for the majority of kinetic parameters, with the INRA-96 group promoting a total motility of 88.1 ± 2.9%. In addition, the morphology, integrity and functionality of the plasma membrane were preserved above 70% in this group. Dilution with INRA-96 also provided a significantly higher amount of sperm bound (256.2 ± 21.1) to the perivitelline membrane of the egg yolk compared to the sperm-binding rates (p < .05) achieved at the use of Tris-egg yolk (215.2 ± 21 bound spermatozoa) at 48 h. Our study proved similar functional properties of dog sperm cells treated with INRA-96 in comparison to commonly used home-made Tris-based extender during short-time storage.

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Considering the relevance of establishing biodiversity conservation tools, the study aimed to investigate the TCM199 supplemented with different follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations on survival and development of fresh and vitrified preantral follicles enclosed in red-rumped agouti ovarian tissues cultured in vitro. In the first experiment, six pairs of ovaries were fragmented and cultured for 6 days according to groups: 10 ng/mL pFSH (FSH10 group) and 50 ng/mL (FSH50 group). Non-cultured tissues were considered as a control. In the second experiment, vitrified/warmed fragments of four pairs of ovaries were cultured with the best concentration of FSH established (cryopreserved and cultured group). Non-cryopreserved (fresh control group) and cryopreserved but non-cultured (non-cultured group) tissues were used as controls. For both experiments, preantral follicles were evaluated for survival and development using morphological and viability analysis by trypan blue staining. After culturing fresh samples, FSH50 showed a higher percentage of morphologically normal follicles when compared to FSH10 (P < 0.05). This same response was observed for primordial follicles. Regardless of the concentrations of FSH used during in vitro culture, no difference was observed regarding the percentage of viable follicles and diameters (P > 0.05). Thus, the FSH50 group was used for second experiment, in which 76.2 ± 7.2% normal preantral follicles previously vitrified was found after 6-day culture, also presenting the highest values (P < 0.05) for morphology of primordial follicles (95.2 ± 4.7%). Nevertheless, in vitro culture did not affect the viability and diameter of preantral follicles of cryopreserved tissues (P > 0.05). In conclusion, TCM199 supplemented with 50 ng/mL FSH was efficient in maintaining the in vitro survival of fresh and vitrified red-rumped agouti preantral follicles. This was the first study related to the in vitro culture of ovarian preantral follicles in this species, aiming to contribute to its conservation.

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The objectives of the study were to (1) describe the kinematic parameters of spermatozoa (2) compare methods of evaluating sperm viability (3) validate assays of functionality and integrity of the sperm membrane and (4) evaluate possible changes between spermatozoa from the epididymis and the vas deferens of the greater rhea. Semen samples were recovered from 7 adult individuals. Sperm motility was characterized by adjusting the set-up for Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) to that new species. For sperm viability evaluation, smears of bromophenol blue and eosin-nigrosine dyes were used. Five solutions of different osmolarities were then tested for the hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST). The combination of fluorescent probes (propidium iodide - IP and Hoechst 33342) was also used to assess plasma membrane integrity. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. Rhea spermatozoa from the vas deferens had an overall motility of 14.6 ± 2.5%. The bromophenol blue staining technique revealed that 64.6 ± 5.2% sperm were viable, while that proportion was 72.1 ± 2.5% using eosin-nigrosine. An average of 77.6 ± 4.8% of spermatozoa reacted to the HOST with distilled water at 0 mOsm/l. Fluorescent probes indicated that 65.3 ± 2.6% of spermatozoa had intact membranes. Interestingly, no statistical differences were observed between the parameters analyzed in the epididymal spermatozoa and the vas deferens. These new assays set reference values that can now be used to further exploration of sperm handling conditions and freezing protocols in rheas.

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We evaluated the effect of open and closed systems used for ovarian tissue vitrification on the microbiological load and preservation of preantral follicles (PAFs) in the red-rumped agoutis. The ovaries from eight females were recovered and fragmented, with four cortexes fragments immediately fixed and evaluated (fresh group). The other fragments were processed for the solid-surface vitrification method (SSV) or an ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) using fetal calf serum, ethylene glycol, and sucrose as cryoprotectants, stored for two weeks, and rewarmed. Subsequently, fragments were subjected to a 24-h in vitro culture and assessed for microbiological load, PAF morphology, and DNA integrity. There was no fungal contamination; however, the vitrified samples from two individuals showed bacterial contamination of 79 200 colony forming units per milliliter (CFU)/mL for SSV and 3120 CFU/mL for OTC. From those samples, a total of eight different types of bacterial colonies were isolated and identified as coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Gram-positive bacilli. Regarding PAF morphology, both systems provided adequate preservation, with values higher than 70% normal follicles observed before and after culture. The TUNEL assay revealed that both SSV (52.39%) and OTC (41.67%) could preserve DNA integrity after vitrification and after 24 h of culture. In summary, both open and closed systems were equally efficient in preserving agouti ovarian tissues, especially concerning the preantral follicle morphology and DNA integrity; however, the OTC seems to provide a less adequate environment for bacterial proliferation.

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Anhydrous preservation is a promising approach for storage of living biomaterials at nonfreezing temperatures. Using the domestic cat model, the objectives of this study were to characterize changes in histology, DNA integrity, and viability of testicular tissues from adult versus prepubertal individuals during microwave-assisted drying. Testes from each age group were cut into small pieces before reversible membrane permeabilization, exposure to trehalose, and microwave-assisted drying during different time periods. In Experiment 1, water content was monitored for up to 40 minutes of drying. Tissues from adult or prepubertal cats experienced similar decreases of water content during the first 10 minutes. Desiccation progressed slowly between 10 and 20 minutes and then remained stable. In Experiment 2, structural properties were explored at 5, 10, and 20 minutes of desiccation. Percentages of normal seminiferous tubules were lower after 20 minutes drying in adult (43%) than in prepubertal tissues (61%). At the same time point, the proportion of cell degeneration was higher in adult (53%) than prepubertal tissues (28%). Percentages of intact DNA in tissues remained above 85% regardless of the microwave time in both age groups. Lastly, adult and prepubertal tissues only lost 33% of viability in both age groups. Collective results demonstrated for the first time that normal morphology, incidence of degeneration, DNA integrity, and viability of testicular tissues remained at acceptable levels during microwave-assisted drying for 20 minutes. Overall, prepubertal testicular tissues appeared to be more resilient to microwave-assisted desiccations than adult tissues. Importantly, water loss in the presence of trehalose after 20 minutes of desiccation already is compatible with long-term storage of testicular tissues at temperatures above -20°C, which is one step closer to future storage at supra-zero temperatures.

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Systematic cryo-banking of reproductive tissues could enhance reproductive management and ensure sustainability of rare mammalian genotypes. Testicular tissues contain a vast number of germ cells, including at early stages (spermatogonia and spermatocytes), that can potentially develop into viable spermatozoa after grafting or culture in vitro, and the resulting sperm cells then can be used for assisted reproductive techniques. The objective of this review was to describe current advances, limitations, and perspectives related to the use of testicular tissue preservation as a strategy for the conservation of male fertility. Testes can be obtained from mature or prepubertal individuals, immediately postmortem or by orchiectomy, but testicular biopsies could also be an alternative to collect samples from living individuals. Testicular fragments can be then cryopreserved by using slow or ultra-rapid freezing, or even vitrification methods. The composition of cryopreservation media can vary according to species-specific characteristics, especially regarding the cryoprotectant type and concentration. Finally, spermatozoa have been usually obtained after xenografting of testicular fragments into severely immunodeficient mice, while this method still has to be optimized after in vitro culture conditions.

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Due to the global decrease in jaguar population, conservation strategies are essential and the development of effective semen cryopreservation protocols would contribute to the formation of germplasm banks. Therefore, the objectives were to (1) evaluate the use of TRIS and ACP-117c extenders for jaguar semen freezing, (2) describe the ultrastructural changes in sperm after cryopreservation, and (3) evaluate the binding capacity of the thawed sperm. Eight ejaculates from five mature individuals were collected by electroejaculation, extended in TRIS or a coconut based-extender (ACP-117c), and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Samples were evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, morphology (using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy - SEM and transmission electron microscopy - TEM), sperm kinetic parameters (by computerized analysis - CASA), and sperm binding capability using an egg yolk perivitelline membrane assay. Samples preserved in TRIS presented better post-thaw motility (46.0 ±â€¯7.7%) and membrane functionality (60.5 ±â€¯4.2%) and higher mitochondrial activity (21.5 ±â€¯3.7%) than those preserved in ACP-117c (20.9 ±â€¯5.4% motile sperm; 47.1 ±â€¯2.5% functional membrane; 11.8 ±â€¯1.7% mitochondrial activity). Regarding ultrastructural evaluations, SEM showed that both extenders were able to preserve the superficial membrane of the sperm, but TEM revealed the occurrence of nuclear electron lucent points, especially in samples extended in ACP-117c. Additionally, TRIS also provided a higher number of sperm bound to the perivitelline membrane (29.5 ±â€¯3.3%) in comparison to samples diluted in ACP-117c (18.6 ±â€¯1.5%). Overall, we suggest the use of a TRIS-based extender for cryopreservation of jaguar semen.

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The objective was to evaluate different permeating cryoprotectants to vitrify testicular tissue biopsies from adult collared peccaries. Five pairs of testicles were dissected into fragments (9 mm³) that were allocated to non-vitrified (control) and vitrified groups using a solid-surface method following exposure to different cryoprotectants (3.0 M dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 3.0 M ethylene glycol (EG) or 1.5 M DMSO + 1.5 M EG). After warming, samples were evaluated for histomorphology, ultrastructure, viability, and proliferative capacity potential. The appropriate conservation of the ultrastructural organization of the seminiferous tubule in terms of lumen presence and cell junctions was only observed at the use of DMSO/EG combination. Regardless of the cryoprotectant, the vitrification effectively preserved cell nuclear visualization and condensation similarly as observed at the non-vitrified group. Moreover, DMSO/EG combination provided a better preservation of basal membranes of seminiferous tubules than DMSO (P < 0.05). The occurrence of cell swelling was more evident in the use of DMSO than EG (P < 0.05), but both isolate cryoprotectants were similar to the DMSO/EG combination. Only the DMSO/EG combination maintained the proliferative capacity potential for spermatogonia (3.69 NORs/cell) and Sertoli cell (3.19 NORs/cell) similar to controls (3.46 and 3.31 NORS/cell, respectively). Moreover, ~40% cell viability was found after vitrification independent of cryoprotectant. In conclusion, DMSO/EG in combination is better than DMSO or EG alone for SSV of testicular tissue biopsies from adult collared peccaries.

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This study aimed to evaluate different vitrification methods using distinct cryoprotectants (CPAs) for the preservation of collared peccary ovarian preantral follicles (PFs). Ovarian pairs from six females were fragmented and three fragments (fresh control group) were immediately evaluated for morphology, viability, cell proliferation capacity (assessed by quantifying the number of argyrophilic nucleolus organizer regions - NORs), and apoptosis (by the identification of activated caspase-3 expression). The remaining 18 fragments were vitrified using the solid surface vitrification (SSV) method or the ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) with 3 M ethylene glycol (EG), 3 M dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), or a combination of the two (1.5 M EG/1.5 M DMSO). After two weeks, samples were rewarmed and evaluated as described previously. The OTC with any of the CPAs provided a similar conservation of morphologically normal PFs as the fresh control group (75.6 ±â€¯8.6%); however, the SSV was only efficient with DMSO alone (63.9 ±â€¯7.6%). Regarding the viability or cell proliferation, all tested groups provided post rewarming values similar to those observed for the fresh control group, 84.0 ±â€¯2.9% viable cells with 2.0 ±â€¯0.2 NORs. Related to apoptosis analysis, only the OTC with EG (46.7%) and the SSV method with EG (43.4%) or the combination of EG and DMSO (33.4%) provided similar values to those found for the fresh control group (36.7%). Our findings indicate the utilization of a closed system, the OTC, with 3 M EG as the CPA for the vitrification of collared peccary ovarian tissue.

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Focusing on its application in reproductive biotechnology, we evaluated the effects of the essential oil of Syzygium aromaticum (EOSA) on bovine epididymal sperm quality variables, including morphology, membrane functional integrity, membrane structural integrity, mitochondrial activity, metabolic activity, motility and oxidative stress by reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Bovine spermatozoa from eight males were incubated into the following groups: EOSA0 (without EOSA), EOSA10 (10 µg/ml of EOSA), EOSA15 (15 µg/ml of EOSA) and EOSA20 (20 µg/ml of EOSA); the incubation time with and without the EOSA was 1 or 6 hr. None of the sperm quality variables presented difference among the EOSA concentrations. However, the incubation time had a significant effect on the membrane functional integrity, membrane structural integrity, mitochondrial activity, progressive motility and some kinetic parameters. The effect of interaction among EOSA and incubation time was significant only on ROS levels. Spermatozoa incubated in the presence of 15 µg/ml of the EOSA for 1 hr had significantly reduced ROS levels compared with all other groups in the same time. In conclusion, the EOSA at a concentration of 15 µg/ml has antioxidant effects and protects bovine epididymal spermatozoa; hence, the EOSA may potentially be used in the field of reproductive biotechnology.

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We compare the efficiency of mechanical or enzymatic methods, and their combination, for the isolation of ovarian preantral follicles (PFs) from collared peccaries. The ovaries from six females were subjected to the different methods investigated here. For the enzymatic method, ovary fragments were exposed to collagenase type IV in TCM-HEPES medium; the mechanical procedure was based on ovarian cortex dissociation by using a scalpel blade. The residual solution obtained after the mechanical isolation was subjected to the enzymatic procedure. The number of isolated PFs was quantified and classified as primordial, primary, or secondary; their viability was assessed using trypan blue dye assay. To confirm the results, PFs derived from the most efficient method were evaluated for integrity using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and subjected to a 24 h in vitro culture for subsequent evaluation of viability by using fluorescent probes. A higher number of PFs (P < 0.05) was obtained from the enzymatic method (961.7 ± 132.9) in comparison with the mechanical method (434.3 ± 88.9), but no difference was observed between the two methods and their combination (743.2 ± 92.8). The trypan blue assay showed that the enzymatic method (98.7 ± 0.6%) provided the highest percentage of viable follicles (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SEM confirmed the ultrastructural integrity of the surface architecture of peccary PFs isolated by the enzymatic procedure; epifluorescence microscopy was used to confirm their viability (86.0%). In conclusion, we suggest that the enzymatic method investigated here is useful for the isolation of viable ovarian PFs from collared peccaries.

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A Doença de Parkinson (DP) é uma doença degenerativa e progressiva do sistema nervoso central, caracterizada por sintomas motores, alterações musculoesqueléticas e posturais que podem ser influenciadas por um processo de organização sensorial anormal. A eletromiografia (EMG) é uma ferramenta de avaliação não invasiva importante para análise do recrutamento da musculatura postural. A terapia vibratória surge como uma opção promissora na estimulação somatossensorial desta população. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da terapia vibratória no recrutamento da musculatura postural em pacientes com DP. Métodos: Foram analisados os músculos longuíssimo lombar (LL) e trapézio ascendente (TA) por EMG. Foi realizada a aplicação de um protocolo de 8 semanas (24 atendimentos) de terapia vibratória em 10 indivíduos com DP, com avaliação e reavaliação por análise eletromiográfica da contração isométrica voluntária (CIV). Resultados: A terapia vibratória não mostrou resultados significativos na ativação da musculatura postural na DP, pela avaliação por EMG, sendo na comparação pré e pós-tratamento TAD (p = 0,655), TAE (p = 0,655), LLD (p = 0,848) e LLE (p = 0,565). Conclusão: Não houve resultados significativos na EMG após intervenção com terapia vibratória em indivíduos com DP, o que pode ser devido principalmente ao tamanho amostral. Sugere-se a realização de novos estudos com maior tamanho amostral para comprovar a eficiência da terapia vibratória nesta população.

Parkinson Disease (PD) is a degenerative and progressive disease of the central nervous system, characterized by motor symptoms, musculoskeletal and postural disturbance, which may be influenced by an abnormal sensory organization process. Electromyography (EMG) is an important non-invasive assessment tool for postural muscle recruitment analysis. Vibratory therapy appears as promising option to somatosensory stimulation in this population. Objective: To evaluate the effects of vibratory therapy on the recruitment of postural muscles in patients with PD. Methods: Longissimus lumborum (LL) and the upper trapezius (UT) muscles were analyzed by EMG. A protocol of 8 weeks (24 attendances) of vibratory therapy was applied in 10 individuals with PD, with evaluation and revaluation performed by EMG analysis of voluntary isometric contraction (VIC). Results: Vibratory therapy did not show significant results in the activation of the postural muscles in the PD, by the EMG evaluation, being the TAD (p = 0.655), APR (p = 0.655), LLD (p = 0.848) and LLE (p = 0.565). Conclusion: We did not observe significant results in the EMG after intervention with vibratory therapy in individuals with PD, which may be mainly due to the sample size. It is suggested to carry out new studies with a larger sample size to prove the efficiency of the vibratory therapy in this population.

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Introdução: A laserpuntura é utilizada para analgesia, embora os protocolos para aplicação na dor neuropática permaneçam contraditórios. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da laserpuntura na modulação da dor neuropática, impacto na qualidade de vida e processo inflamatório local. Material e métodos: Cinco pacientes com diagnóstico de lesão nervosa periférica e dor neuropática associada receberam aplicação do laser AlGaInP, 658 nm, 10 mW, 9 J/cm2, em acupontos especí­ficos, durante 15 sessões, 3 vezes na semana, por 50 minutos. A avaliação pré e pós-intervenção foi realizada pela Escala Visual Analógica, questionário para dor (McGill), questionário de qualidade de vida (SF-36), Índice de incapacidade de Oswestry e termografia. Resultados: Foi observada redução da média da pontuação na Escala Visual Analógica em 3 de 5 pacientes e redução da média de dor após 15 sessões. A avaliação pelo McGill mostrou redução nas dimensões afetivo, avaliativo e total. No questionário SF-36 foi observada melhora das dimensões Capacidade Funcional e Limitação por Aspectos Emocionais. No Índice de Oswestry observou-se redução da média da porcentagem e na termografia não houve diferença nos valores pré e pós-intervenção. Conclusão: Estes resultados sugerem eficácia da laserpuntura na redução da dor e melhora da qualidade de vida em pacientes com dor neuropática decorrente de lesão nervosa periférica. (AU)

Introduction: Laserpuncture is used for analgesia, although the protocols for use in neuropathic pain remain contradictory. Objective: To evaluate the effect of laserpuncture in modulating neuropathic pain, impact on quality of life and local inflammatory process. Methods: Five patients with peripheral nerve injury and neuropathic pain associated application received AlGaInP laser, 658 nm, 10 mW, 9 J/cm2 at specific acupoints for 15 sessions, 3 times a week for 50 minutes. The pre- and post-intervention were performed by Visual Analogue Scale, questionnaire for pain (McGill), quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), Oswestry disability index and thermography. Results: A significant reduction in Visual Analogue Scale score average was observed in 3 of 5 patients in addition to an overall reduction of average pain after 15 sessions. The evaluation by McGill showed reduction in affective, evaluative and overall dimensions. In the SF-36 questionnaire was observed an increase of the dimensions Functional Capacity and Emotional Aspects. In Oswestry Index a reduction was observed in the average percentage and in the thermography no difference was noticed in pre and post-intervention. Conclusion: These results suggest effectiveness of laser acupuncture in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. (AU)

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Introdução: O Teste de Caminhada de 6 minutos (TC6) tem sido utilizado especialmente para mensurar a capacidade funcional e avaliar a eficiência de diversos tratamentos cardiovasculares. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi aplicar e comparar as equações preditas do TC6, em indivíduos hipertensos participantes de reabilitação cardiovascular (RCV). Material e métodos: A amostra foi composta por 39 pacientes de ambos os sexos (masculino: 11 e feminino: 28) com média de idade 57,5 ± 11 anos portadores de hipertensão arterial. Resultados: Após o programa de RCV foi verificado um aumento significativo (p < 0,001) da distância caminhada no TC6 quando comparada aos valores antes da RCV (514,7 ± 100,6 x 382,4 ± 116,3 m). Entretanto, não houve diferença estatística quando comparado os valores preditos das duas equações. Conclusão: A distância percorrida no TC6 foi maior após a RCV quando comparada aos valores iniciais, demostrando que a RCV produz benefícios na capacidade funcional dessa população. Além disso, os resultados sugerem que as duas equações avaliadas, tem aplicabilidade semelhante para a população de indivíduos hipertensos brasileiros.

Introduction: The 6-minute Walk Test (6MWT) has been used especially to measure functional capacity, to evaluate the efficiency of various cardiovascular treatments. Objective: The objective of the present study was to apply and compare the predicted EQ6 equations in hypertensive individuals participating in cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR). Methods: The sample consisted of 39 patients of both sexes (male: 11 and female: 28) with mean age 57.5 ± 11 years old with arterial hypertension. Results: After the CR program, was verified a significant increase (p < 0.001) in the 6MWT when compared to values before of CR (514.7 ± 100.6 x 382.4 ± 116.3 m). However, there was no statistical difference when compared to the predicted values of the two equations. Conclusion: The distance walked on the 6MWT was higher after the RCV when compared to the initial values, showing that the RCV produces benefits in the functional capacity of this population. In addition, the results suggest that the two equations evaluated have similar applicability for the population of Brazilian hypertensive individuals.

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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of auricular acupoint associated with physical exercise on balance, mobility, and fear of falling in the elderly. METHOD: The study is characterized as a clinical, controlled, and randomized trial with 22 elderly people divided into two groups: kinesiotherapy group (n = 11) and kinesiotherapy/auriculotherapy group (n = 11). The instruments used for evaluation were Falls Efficacy Scale International; Berg Balance Scale, and Timed up and Go Test. The intervention was performed with frequency 2×/week for 8 weeks. In the kinesiotherapy/auriculotherapy group, in addition to kinesiotherapy, auriculotherapy was applied in specific acupoints. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to determine the normality of the data, and for comparison, analysis of variance was used for repeated measures of two factors. RESULTS: There was a significant intragroup reduction for the Timed up and Go Test (p = 0.00) and Falls Efficacy Scale International (p = 0.00), and significant intragroup Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.00) for both groups. CONCLUSION: The auricular acupoint did not influence the balance, mobility, and fear of falling in the elderly studied.

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The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare intra and intergroup the immediate effect of the auricular and LR8 systemic acupuncture on the electromyographic activity of the trapezius with the trigger points. This is an experimental clinical trial; 40 people were split in 4 distinct groups (n = 10): GI mustard seed application in the auricular acupoint; GII bilateral needle application in the LR8 acupoint; GIII combination of the techniques; GIV/Control Group mustard seed application in an acupoint not linked to the muscle tension. The EMG was used to assess the muscle contraction for 5 seconds during the resting time and during the isometric contraction time. The EMG signal was first collect without the acupuncture intervention; then both techniques were applied for 5 minutes; and the EMG was collected again right after these applications. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used, the t test was paired with the Wilcoxon test to the intragroup comparison; One-way analysis of variance test for intergroup comparison. There was no statistical difference in the intragroup comparison for the groups. The same happened to the intergroup comparison before and after application. Systemic and auricular acupuncture did not promote immediate changes in the EMG activity of the trapezius muscle in individuals with MTrPs.

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