To analyze the factors associated with negative health perception in older Brazilians. Population study of a cross-sectional sample, conducted in 2009 in three cities of Brazil. The stratified simple random sample consisted of 909 adults between 60 and 91 years of age. A gross and multivariate analysis by estimated prevalence rate (PR) using Poisson regression with calculation of adjusted prevalence ratios, p < 0.05 was performed to identify factors associated with negative perception of health (NPH). The prevalence of NPH was 49.6%. After the multivariate association, a certain association for men with older age PR = 1.03 (Cl = 1.01 to 1.06), risk of malnutrition PR = 1.66 (CI = 1.13 to 2.43) and disability PR = 1.79 (CI = 1.21 to 1.77) was observed. For women, the association was with taking more than two medications PR = 1.41 (CI = 1.13 to 2.52), hypertension PR = 1.52 (CI = 1.43 to 1.97) and functional disability PR = 1.36 (CI = 1.13 to 1.86). Nearly half of the elderly have NHP, therefore preventive actions that decrease drug use and encourage behaviors toward better nutritional conditions should be tied to public policies in order to promote the functional independence and well-being of the elderly.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) consists of a set of metabolic and endocrine disorders which evolve into deficiency in insulin action and hyperglycemia. Physical exercise is considered the main intervention to prevent and control T2DM. Literature has suggested that circulating microRNAs (miRs) help to understand responses to physical activity among diabetic patients. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the acute effect of two interventions (strength and cardiovascular) on the total, whole blood circulating concentrations of miR-126, miR-146a and miR-155 in older adults with and without T2DM. A total of 23 male and female older adults (68.2±5.3 years) participated in the trial, 13 of whom presented with controlled T2DM and 10 were nondiabetics. They underwent both interventions separately, performed with intensity from 60% to 70% of reserve heart rate. Glucose and miRs levels were quantified and compared across groups with baseline titers as covariables. Diabetic patients showed more reduction in serum blood glucose than nondiabetics, with a great magnitude of reduction after the strength training intervention, which was paralleled by a positive change of the whole blood circulating levels of miR-146a, but not of the other miRs. Our report supports evidence that miR-146a levels in peripheral blood leukocytes are negatively associated with a state of insulin resistance, which is suggested as a novel marker to trace response to antidiabetic interventions.

This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal ideation among Brazilian adolescents. The instrument designed for the research was used considering three models with outcomes that identified the following: (a) adolescent had considered suicide, (b) adolescents have planned suicide, and (c) adolescents have attempted suicide. Logistic Regression was used in all models with significance level of 5%. An association between being female and suicidal ideation(OR=2.18, CI 95% 1.60 to 2.97), suicide planning(OR=1.80, CI 95% = 1.26–2.56), and suicide attempt(OR=2.91, CI 95% 1.79 to 4.75) was found. Violent behavior/involvement in fights was associated with thinking about suicide(OR=2.00, CI 95% = 1.43 to 2.81), suicide planning(OR=1.65, CI 95% = 1.10–2.46), and suicide attempt(OR=2.35, CI 95% = 1.49 to 3.70). For cigarette consumption, association was found with suicide ideation(OR=1.62, CI 95% 1.03 to 2.55), planning(OR=1.88, CI 95% = 1.15 to 3.08), and attempt(OR=2.35, CI 95% 1.37 to 4.03). For alcohol consumption, association was found with suicide ideation(OR=1.93, CI 95% 1.47 to 2.54), planning(OR=2.22, CI 95% 1.61 to 3.08), and attempt(OR=1.73, CI 95% 1.15 to 2.59). It was concluded that suicidal ideation was associated with female sex, involvement in fights, and illicit drug use.

Although sickle cell anemia (SCA) is related to inflammation, the profile of inflammatory markers in sickle cell trait (SCT) is poorly studied. This is a cross‐sectional study of inflammatory biomarkers carried out involving adults with SCA in steady state, SCT and controls. The SCA group had higher levels of lactato dehydrogenase, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor alpha than the others, while the SCT group had similar levels to control group. In addition, SCA group had lower IL‐8/IL‐10 and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells‐1/IL‐10 ratios. These findings indicate that individuals with SCT do not have a chronic inflammatory profile and reinforce that cytokines are involved in the maintenance of the inflammatory state in SCA.

Introduction: Several strength training protocols have been tested in the search for systemic adaptations to improve functionality in the elderly. For this purpose, integrated exercises aimed at improving essential movements can be an interesting strategy to improve the performance of activities of the daily living. Objective: To compare the effects of eight weeks of functional training with traditional strength training on the physical fitness of sedentary elderly women. Methods: Thirty-two elderly women were divided into functional training group (FT, n=16) and traditional training group (TT, n=16). For the verification of functional responses, the Senior Fitness Test battery was used, as well as complementary tests of strength and muscular power. The data were analyzed using a 2x2 ANOVA with post hoc Sidak test to verify the differences between the groups. Results: At the end of eight weeks, when compared to TT group, the FT group showed significant increases in balance/agility variables (p=0.01; +7.6%), lower limbs strength (p=0.04; +15.3%), upper limbs strength (p=0.05; +11.7%), and cardiorespiratory power (p=0.05; +10.7%). However, in relation to flexibility tests and conventional tests of maximum dynamic force and muscular strength, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusions: Both interventions are efficient to improve physical fitness of sedentary elderly women; however, functional training induces better adaptive responses to functionality when compared with traditional training. Level of Evidence I; Randomized clinical trial.