Developmental norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard: a study with children of a metropolitan school in Brazil

Norms for the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard were developed for the neuropsychological assessment of children in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro. A computer-generated unbiased sample of 346 children with a mean age of 9.4 years (SD = 2.76), who were attending a large normal public school in this urban area, was the subject of this study. Two boys were removed from the study, one for refusing to participate and the other due to severe strabismus. Therefore, the final sample contained 344 children (173 boys and 171 girls). Sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing, but not ethnic membership or social class, had significant effects on performance in the Gardner Steadiness Test and the Purdue Pegboard. Girls outperformed boys. Older children performed better than younger children. However, the predictive relationship between age of the child and neuropsychological performance included linear and curvilinear components. Comparison of the present results to data gathered in the United States revealed that the performance of this group of Brazilian children is equivalent to that of US children after Bonferroni's correction of the alpha level of significance. It is concluded that sex and age of the child and hand preferred for writing should be taken into account when using the normative data for the two instruments evaluated in the present study. Furthermore, the relevance of neurobehavioral antidotes for the obliteration of some of the probable neuropsychological effects of cultural deprivation in Brazilian public school children is hypothesized.

Effect of perimuscular injection of Bothrops jararacussu venom on plasma creatine kinase levels in mice: influence of dose and volume

The effect of dose and volume of a perimuscular injection of Bothrops jararacussu venom on myonecrosis of skeletal muscle was studied in mice. An increase of the venom dose (0.25 to 2.0 µg/g) at a given volume (50 µl) resulted in an increase in plasma creatine kinase (CK) levels 2 h after injection. Plasma CK activity increased from the basal level of 129.27 ± 11.83 (N = 20) to 2392.80 ± 709.43 IU/l (N = 4) for the 1.0 µg/g dose. Histological analysis of extensor digitorum longus muscle 4 h after injection showed lesion of peripheral muscle fibers, disorganization of the bundles or the complete degeneration of muscle fibers. These lesions were more extensive when higher doses were injected. Furthermore, an increase in volume (12.5 to 100 µl) by dilution of a given dose (0.5 µg/g) also increased plasma CK levels from 482.31 ± 122.79 to 919.07 ± 133.33 IU/l (N = 4), respectively. These results indicate that care should be taken to standardize volumes and sites of venom injections.

APOA1/C3/A4 gene cluster variability and lipid levels in Brazilian children

Genetic studies have suggested that polymorphisms of genes coding for apolipoproteins are significant determinants of serum lipoprotein and lipid levels in adults. However, only a few studies have investigated the association of these polymorphisms in children. Therefore, in the present investigation we studied the distribution of APOA1 -75 G>A, +83 C>T, APOC3 -482 C>T, -455 T>C and 3238 C>G, and APOA4 Q360H and T347S polymorphisms and their influence on plasma lipoprotein levels in children from a Brazilian northeastern admixed population. The seven polymorphic sites were genotyped in 414 children aged 5 to 15 years (mean 8.9 ± 2.9). The genotypes of the seven polymorphic sites were assessed by PCR-RFLP methods. The frequencies of the less common alleles were, in general, intermediate among parental populations, as expected. Strong linkage disequilibrium was detected between polymorphisms at the APOA1, APOC3 and APOA4 loci in this admixed population sample. Overall the genotype effects seen in adults were weaker or absent in children. The APOC3/-455 and APOA4 T347S variants showed significant effects on HDL cholesterol in girls (P = 0.033 and P = 0.016, respectively). Significantly higher plasma total (P = 0.003) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.004) levels were observed in boys who were carriers of the 3238G allele at the APOC3/3238 C>G site. These results disclosed an overall absence of associations between these polymorphisms and lipids in children. This finding is not unexpected because expression of the effect of these polymorphisms might depend on the interaction with environmental variables both internal and external to the individual.

Clinical utility of standard base excess in the diagnosis and interpretation of metabolic acidosis in critically ill patients

The aims of this study were to determine whether standard base excess (SBE) is a useful diagnostic tool for metabolic acidosis, whether metabolic acidosis is clinically relevant in daily evaluation of critically ill patients, and to identify the most robust acid-base determinants of SBE. Thirty-one critically ill patients were enrolled. Arterial blood samples were drawn at admission and 24 h later. SBE, as calculated by Van Slyke's (SBE VS) or Wooten's (SBE W) equations, accurately diagnosed metabolic acidosis (AUC = 0.867, 95%CI = 0.690-1.043 and AUC = 0.817, 95%CI = 0.634-0.999, respectively). SBE VS was weakly correlated with total SOFA (r = -0.454, P < 0.001) and was similar to SBE W (r = -0.482, P < 0.001). All acid-base variables were categorized as SBE VS <-2 mEq/L or SBE VS <-5 mEq/L. SBE VS <-2 mEq/L was better able to identify strong ion gap acidosis than SBE VS <-5 mEq/L; there were no significant differences regarding other variables. To demonstrate unmeasured anions, anion gap (AG) corrected for albumin (AG A) was superior to AG corrected for albumin and phosphate (AG A+P) when strong ion gap was used as the standard method. Mathematical modeling showed that albumin level, apparent strong ion difference, AG A, and lactate concentration explained SBE VS variations with an R² = 0.954. SBE VS with a cut-off value of <-2 mEq/L was the best tool to diagnose clinically relevant metabolic acidosis. To analyze the components of SBE VS shifts at the bedside, AG A, apparent strong ion difference, albumin level, and lactate concentration are easily measurable variables that best represent the partitioning of acid-base derangements.

Liver oxidative stress of the grey mullet Mugil cephalus presents seasonal variations in Ennore estuary

The objective of this study was to determine the liver oxidative stress status of grey mullets living in heavy-metal-rich polluted Ennore estuary compared with unpolluted Kovalam estuary. Fish were collected from both estuaries during the monsoon and summer seasons from October 2004 to September 2006. Fish liver homogenate (N = 20 per group) was prepared for evaluating oxidative stress parameters. Fish living in the polluted estuary had significantly higher lipid oxidation products, conjugated dienes (0.346 ± 0.017 vs 0.141 ± 0.012 DA233/mg protein), lipid hydroperoxides (0.752 ± 0.032 vs 0.443 ± 0.03 nmol/mg protein), and lipid peroxides (3.447 ± 0.14vs 1.456 ± 0.096 nmol MDA/mg protein) than those of the unpolluted estuary during the summer. In contrast, significantly lower levels of superoxide dismutase (20.39 ± 1.14 vs 53.63 ± 1.48 units/mg protein) and catalase (116 ± 6.87vs 153 ± 8.92 units/mg protein) were detected in the liver of fish from the polluted estuary (Ennore) compared to fish from the unpolluted estuary (Kovalam) during the summer. Variations in most of the oxidative stress parameters were observed between the summer and monsoon seasons, indicating the importance of seasonal variation for estuaries and their inhabitants.

Sleep, ageing and night work

Studies have shown that the frequency or worsening of sleep disorders tends to increase with age and that the ability to perform circadian adjustments tends to decrease in individuals who work the night shift. This condition can cause consequences such as excessive sleepiness, which are often a factor in accidents that occur at work. The present study investigated the effects of age on the daytime and nighttime sleep patterns using polysomnography (PSG) of long-haul bus drivers working fixed night or day shifts. A total of 124 drivers, free of sleep disorders and grouped according to age (<45 years, N = 85, and ≥45 years, N = 39) and PSG timing (daytime (D) PSG, N = 60; nighttime (N) PSG, N = 64) participated in the study. We observed a significant effect of bedtime (D vs N) and found that the length of daytime sleep was shorter [D: <45 years (336.10 ± 73.75 min) vs N: <45 years (398 ± 78.79 min) and D: ≥45 years (346.57 ± 43.17 min) vs N: ≥45 years (386.44 ± 52.92 min); P ≤ 0.05]. Daytime sleep was less efficient compared to nighttime sleep [D: <45 years (78.86 ± 13.30%) vs N: <45 years (86.45 ± 9.77%) and D: ≥45 years (79.89 ± 9.45%) and N: ≥45 years (83.13 ± 9.13%); P ≤ 0.05]. An effect of age was observed for rapid eye movement sleep [D: <45 years (18.05 ± 6.12%) vs D: ≥45 years (15.48 ± 7.11%) and N: <45 years (23.88 ± 6.75%) vs N: ≥45 years (20.77 ± 5.64%); P ≤ 0.05], which was greater in younger drivers. These findings are inconsistent with the notion that older night workers are more adversely affected than younger night workers by the challenge of attempting to rest during the day.

Long-term efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cluster randomized controlled trial in China's rural areas

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a rural community-based integrated intervention for early prevention and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. This 18-year cluster-randomized controlled trial encompassing 15 villages included 1008 patients (454 men and 40 women in the intervention group [mean age, 54 ± 10 years]; 482 men and 32 women in the control group [mean age, 53 ± 10 years]) with confirmed COPD or at risk for COPD. Villages were randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group, and study participants residing within the villages received treatment accordingly. Intervention group patients took part in a program that included systematic health education, smoking cessation counseling, and education on management of COPD. Control group patients received usual care. The groups were compared after 18 years regarding the incidence of COPD, decline in lung function, and mortality of COPD. COPD incidence was lower in the intervention group than in the control group (10% vs 16%, <0.05). A decline in lung function was also significantly delayed in the intervention group compared to the control group of COPD and high-risk patients. The intervention group showed significant improvement in smoking cessation compared with the control group, and smokers in the intervention group had lower smoking indices than in the control group (350 vs 450, <0.05). The intervention group also had a significantly lower cumulative COPD-related death rate than the control group (37% vs 47%, <0.05). A rural community-based integrated intervention is effective in reducing the incidence of COPD among those at risk, delaying a decline in lung function in COPD patients and those at risk, and reducing mortality of COPD.

Natural radiation levels in powdered milk samples

The control and monitoring of radioactive elements in foodstuffs is fundamental for human health maintenance. This work presents procedures to measure radioactivity levels in powdered milk samples and also a brief discussion of radionuclide transference from the environment to mankind. The measurements were performed utilizing a high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer using an HPGe detector. The results allowed the quantification of 40K, 137Cs and 208Tl radionuclides. For 40K the average activity was 482 ± 37 Bq/kg and for 137Cs and 208Tl the lower level of detection was, respectively, 3.7 ± 1.1 and 0.5 ± 0.2 (Bq/kg). The results obtained for the milk samples were compared to data found in the literature and to the limits established by the Brazilian National Commission of Nuclear Energy (CNEN) to assure its safety to human consuption.

Simulação da dinâmica operacional de uma linha industrial de abate de suínos

Este trabalho teve como objetivo implementar um modelo computacional para simular a dinâmica operacional de uma linha industrial de abate de suínos. O sistema real modelado pertence à empresa Frigorífico Frimesa, sediada no município de Medianeira (PR). O modelo implementado é tipo dinâmico, discreto e estocástico. Este simula 34 operações unitárias e foi estruturado com o uso da linguagem de simulação EXTEND TM. Para validação do modelo foram coletados dados relativos a cinco dias de operação, em que foram abatidos 1.346, 1.630, 1.360, 1.585 e 1.550 suínos, respectivamente. Como parâmetros de comparação entre os dados obtidos a partir do sistema e gerados pelo modelo foram selecionadas as seguintes variáveis: (i) tempo de duração da operação; (ii) tempo de deslocamento da insensibilização até a depiladeira; (iii) tempo deslocamento da insensibilização até a câmara fria; (iv) número de carcaças re-inspecionadas; e (v) número final de carcaças. Na validação do modelo, foi constatado que, para a variável tempo de duração da operação por meio do teste Tukey a 1% de significância, não foram detectadas diferenças estatísticas entre os valores obtidos do sistema real e os gerados pelo modelo. Considerando-se esta e outras análises, foi concluído que o modelo aplica-se à finalidade para a qual foi implementado. Sendo assim, foram realizadas duas análises de sensibilidade. Na primeira, ao alterar o número de suínos a abater de 1 mil para 2 mil, foi determinado que os tempos de duração da operação variariam de 6,20 a 10,10 h, respectivamente. Para a segunda, ao abater 1.340 suínos e alterar a velocidade das nórias de 300 para 600 animais por hora, o tempo de duração da operação passou de 8,10 para 7,40 h, respectivamente.

Isolation of a yeast strain able to produce a polygalacturonase with maceration activity of cassava roots

The objective of the present study was the isolation of a yeast strain, from citrus fruit peels, able to produce a polygalacturonase by submerged fermentation with maceration activity of raw cassava roots. Among 160 yeast strains isolated from citrus peels, one strain exhibited the strongest pectinolytic activity. This yeast was identified as Wickerhamomyces anomalus by 5.8S-ITS RFLP analysis and confirmed by amplification of the nucleotide sequence. The yeast produced a polygalacturonase (PG) in Erlenmeyer shake flasks containing YNB, glucose, and citrus pectin. PG synthesis occurred during exponential growth phase, reaching 51 UE.mL-1 after 8 hours of fermentation. A growth yield (Yx/s) of 0.43 gram of cell dry weight per gram of glucose consumed was obtained, and a maximal specific growth rate (µm) of 0.346 h-1 was calculated. The microorganism was unable to assimilate sucrose, galacturonic acid, polygalacturonic acid, or citrus pectin, but it required glucose as carbon and energy source and polygalacturonic acid or citrus pectin as inducers of enzyme synthesis. The crude enzymatic extract of Wickerhamomyces anomalus showed macerating activity of raw cassava. This property is very important in the production of dehydrated mashed cassava, a product of regional interest in the province of Misiones, Argentina.

Cálculo de Kt/V em hemodiálise: comparação entre fórmulas

INTRODUÇÃO: A qualidade da diálise oferecida aos pacientes em diálise pode ser mensurada pelo Kt/V, o qual pode ser calculado de diversas maneiras. OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados de Kt/V obtidos por meio das fórmulas de Lowrie (L) e de Daugirdas (D) com os resultados mensurados pelo monitor de clearence on-line - Online Clearence Monitor (OCM). MÉTODO: Estudo observacional transversal com 59 pacientes em hemodiálise (HD). Os dados foram coletados na mesma sessão de diálise: (ureia pré-diálise e pós-diálise) e o resultado de Kt/V foi obtido pelo OCM da máquina Fresenius 4008S (Fresenius Medical Care AG, Bad Homburg, Alemanha). RESULTADO: Foram analisadas 95 sessões, em que prevaleceu o sexo masculino, 56% (33), com idade média de 57 + 14 anos. A hipertensão arterial com 42% (25), diabetes com 12% (7) e glomerulonefrite com 8% (5) foram as causas mais frequentes da doença renal crônica (DRC). O Kt/V médio obtido pela fórmula de L, de D e pelo OCM foi de 1,31; 1,41 e 1,32, respectivamente. A comparação entre as fórmulas de L e D mostra que há diferença estatística p = 0,008 com a correlação de Pearson de 0,950. Entre D e OCM a diferença também é significativa: p = 0,011 e r = 0,346, provavelmente devido a perda convectiva, avaliada pela equação de D e não observadas por OCM e L. A comparação entre L e OCM não foi significativa p = 0,999 e r = 0,577. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados sugerem que o OCM pode ser utilizado como um norteador para ajuste da dose de diálise em tempo real.