AIMTo evaluate the effects of melatonin (Mel) on oxidative stress in an experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL).METHODSMale Wistar rats (n = 32, weight ± 300 g) were allocated across four groups: CO (sham BDL), BDL (BDL surgery), CO + Mel (sham BDL and Mel administration) and BDL + Mel (BDL surgery and Mel administration). Mel was administered intraperitoneally for 2 wk, starting on postoperative day 15, at a dose of 20 mg/kg.RESULTSMel was effective at the different standards, reestablishing normal liver enzyme levels, reducing the hepatosomatic and splenosomatic indices, restoring lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme concentrations, reducing fibrosis and inflammation, and thereby reducing liver tissue injury in the treated animals.CONCLUSIONThe results of this study suggest a protective effect of Mel when administered to rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis induced by BDL.

SummaryBackground: Heart failure (HF) is the inability of the heart to pump enough blood to supply the necessities of the body. Pulmonary function and respiratory muscles can be affected and typical symptoms presented by the patients include discomfort at a minimal exertion.

Introdução: A doença renal crônica (DRC) causa prejuízos na capacidade funcional dos pacientes, comprometendo a qualidade de vida (QV). Objetivo: Avaliar a QV de pacientes com DRC em hemodiálise e compará-la entre gênero, estado civil e situação ocupacional. Métodos: Estudo observacional e transversal com portadores de DRC. Utilizou-se o Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form (KDQOL-SF). Resultados: Foram avaliados 60 pacientes, 31 homens, idade média de 56,3±12,3 anos. As mulheres apresentaram pior função física (p=0,02), capacidade física (p=0,04), emocional (p=0,02) e escore total do KDQOL-SF (p=0,03). Indivíduos viúvos apresentaram pior vitalidade/fadiga (p=0,01) e função cognitiva (p=0,01). Indivíduos empregados apresentaram menor efeito da DRC na vida diária (p=0,01) e no escore total do KDQOL-SF (p=0,01). A idade correlacionou-se fraca e negativamente com a função física (r= -0,258; p=0,046) e função sexual (r= -0,323; p=0,012). Conclusão: Mulheres, indivíduos viúvos e mais velhos com DRC apresentam piores escores no questionário de QV.

Objective To assess the Perme mobility scale score as a predictor of functional status and complications in the postoperative period in patients undergoing liver transplantation. Methods The sample consisted of 30 patients who underwent liver transplantation. The patients were evaluated at two time points to determine their perception of pain, degree of dyspnea, peripheral muscle strength, and functional status according to the Perme scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. To compare the means between the evaluations, Student's t test for paired samples was applied. In case of asymmetry, the Wilcoxon test was used. In the evaluation of the association between the quantitative variables, the Pearson or Spearman correlation tests were applied. Results A total of 30 individuals who underwent liver transplantation were included. The patients were predominantly male, and the mean age was 58.4 ± 9.9 years. The most prevalent underlying pathology was cirrhosis C virus (23.3%). Significant associations of the time on mechanical ventilation with the Perme scale score at discharge from the intensive care unit (r = -0.374; p = 0.042) and the number of physical therapy treatments (r = -0.578; p = 0.001) were recorded. When comparing the results of the initial evaluation and the evaluation at hospital discharge, there was a significant improvement in functional status (p < 0.001). Conclusion Functional mobility, peripheral muscle strength, pain perception, and dyspnea are significantly improved at hospital discharge compared with those at inpatient unit admission.

In order to minimize postoperative complications of abdominal surgery, early initiation of postoperative treatment is necessary. The objective of the present study was to evaluate patients submitted to abdominal surgery in terms of the effect of physical therapy in the immediate postoperative period in the recovery room.This was a randomized clinical trial, in which patients who underwent open abdominal surgery and remained in the recovery room wereThe incidence of clinically relevant pulmonary complications in the postoperative period after abdominal surgery ranges from 5% to 30%. Such complications are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, increasing hospital stays, medication use and hospital costs.(1) Respiratory therapy has been shown to be effective in the postoperative period, reducing the incidence of pulmonary complications in patients submitted to abdominal surgery. AbstractA series of pulmonary complications can occur after abdominal surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce appropriate treatment early in order to minimize postoperative complications. The objective of the present study was to evaluate patients submitted to abdominal surgery in terms of the effect of physical therapy in the immediate postoperative period. This was a randomized clinical trial, in which one group of patients was submitted to physical therapy in the postoperative recovery room and, subsequently, in the infirmary, whereas another group was submitted to physical therapy in the infirmary exclusively. We conclude that physical therapy performed in the immediate postoperative period minimizes losses in lung function and respiratory muscle strength, as well as shortening recovery room stays.Keywords: Physical therapy (specialty); Postoperative period; Surgery/abdomen. ResumoA cirurgia abdominal causa uma série de complicações pulmonares após o processo cirúrgico. Assim, faz-se necessário um tratamento precoce adequado objetivando minimizar as complicações no período pós-operatório. Objetivamos avaliar o efeito do atendimento fisioterapêutico no pós-operatório imediato de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia abdominal. Este foi um ensaio clínico randomizado, no qual um grupo recebeu atendimento fisioterapêu-tico na sala de recuperação e, posteriormente, nas enfermarias, e outro grupo o recebeu somente nas enfermarias. Concluímos que a fisioterapia realizada no pós-operatório imediato reduziu a perda da função pulmonar, a perda da força muscular ventilatória e o tempo de internação na sala de recuperação.Descritores: Fisioterapia (especialidade); Período pós-operatório; Cirurgia/abdome.