Programme expérimental «Bouger à l’heure juste» pour améliorer le statut pondéral d’adultes en surpoids.

Alors que la prévalence de l’obésité est un problème d’ampleur mondiale, les avenues permettant de mieux utiliser l’exercice (Ex) s’avèrent d’un grand intérêt. L’Ex peut réduire l'appétit et l'apport énergétique, soit l’effet anorexigène de l'Ex. Des études récentes de notre laboratoire ont montré l’importance du moment de la pratique d’Ex, pour diminuer l’apport énergétique. Cependant, aucune ne certifie que le positionnement dans le temps de l'Ex maximise la réduction de masse corporelle en contexte naturel. Le devis croisé de l’étude visait donc à déterminer s’il existe un positionnement idéal de l’Ex, afin de potentialiser la perte de poids corporel et d'adiposité, en comparant l'effet de deux programmes sur l’anthropométrie d’adultes en surpoids. Huit adultes montréalais volontaires (18-45 ans) en surpoids ou obèses ont complété l’étude. Aléatoirement, ils ont effectué deux programmes d'Ex (2 x 15 min. d’Ex par intervalles quotidiennement) de quatre semaines : 1) Ex avant les repas (ExMeal) vs 2) Ex à tout moment, sauf dans l'heure précédent les repas (MealEx). Les consultations hebdomadaires à l'Université de Montréal comprenaient : les mesures anthropométriques, les questionnaires standardisés sur la pratique d’activités physiques et l’alimentation, ainsi que le suivi des entrainements faits en milieu naturel. Les analyses Mann- Whitney U ont révélé des résultats similaires concernant le profil anthropométrique, la pratique d’Ex à l’intérieur et hors du programme et l’ingestion calorique (contenu calorique et % de l’énergie des glucides, protéines et lipides), entre les programmes ExMeal et MealEx (p > 0.05). Cependant, le programme ExMeal a été associé à une ingestion calorique sous forme de protéines de 2,8% plus importante (p= 0.05). D’autres analyses exploratoires, ont fait ressortir que c’est surtout la séquence mensuelle des évènements qui était liée à une réduction du pourcentage de gras et à une assiduité plus importante aux Ex structurés lors du premier mois. Par ailleurs, même si plusieurs études ont vérifié et confirmé l’effet anorexigène de l’Ex aigu dans certaines conditions, il semble que l’effet à plus long terme sur le profil anthropométrique ne soit pas démontré avec cette étude pilote. Enfin, des facteurs comme le statut d’adiposité, la structure du programme, la durée des séances d’Ex et la pratique en milieu naturel peuvent avoir rendu plus difficile l’amélioration du profil anthropométrique. Mots-clés : Exercice, positionnement, ingestion calorique, perte de poids, adultes, obésité.

SIDUR: development of an information system, using controlled vocabulary designed to the characterization and sample of population with and without disability, attended by Rehabilitation programs, University of Rosario

Introduction: the statistical record used in the Field Academic Programs (PAC for it’s initials in Spanish) of Rehabilitation denotes generalities in the data conceptualization, which complicates the reliable guidance in making decisions and provides a low support for research in rehabilitation and disability. In response, the Research Group in Rehabilitation and Social Integration of Persons with Disabilities has worked on the creation of a registry to characterize the population seen by Rehabilitation PAC. This registry includes the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the WHO. Methodology: the proposed methodology includes two phases: the first one is a descriptive study and the second one involves performing methodology Methontology, which integrates the identification and development of ontology knowledge. This article contextualizes the progress made in the second phase. Results: the development of the registry in 2008, as an information system, included documentary review and the analysis of possible use scenarios to help guide the design and development of the SIDUR system. The system uses the ICF given that it is a terminology standardization that allows the reduction of ambiguity and that makes easier the transformation of health facts into data translatable to information systems. The record raises three categories and a total of 129 variables Conclusions: SIDUR facilitates accessibility to accurate and updated information, useful for decision making and research.

General relationships between pressure, weight, and mass of a hydrostatic fluid

In curved geometries the hydrostatic pressure in a fluid does not equal the weight per unit area of the fluid above it. General weight–pressure and mass–pressure relationships for hydrostatic fluids in any geometry are derived. As an example of the mass–pressure relationship, we find a geometric reduction in surface pressure as large as 5 mbar on Earth and 39 mbar on Titan. We also present a thermodynamic interpretation of the geometric correction which, as a corollary, provides an independent proof of the hydrostatic relationship for general geometries.

Low molecular weight heparin significantly reduces embolisation after carotid endarterectomy - a randomised controller trial

Objectives The administration of unfractionated heparin (UFH) prior to carotid clamping during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) transiently increases the platelet aggregation response to arachidonic acid (AA) despite the use of aspirin. We hypothesized that this phenomenon might be reduced by using low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) resulting in fewer emboli in the early post-operative period. Methods 183 aspirinated patients undergoing CEA were randomised to 5000 IU UFH (n = 91) or 2500 IU LMWH (dalteparin, n = 92) prior to carotid clamping. End-points were: transcranial Doppler (TCD) measurement of embolisation, effect on bleeding and platelet aggregation to AA and adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP). Results Patients randomised to UFH had twice the odds of experiencing a higher number of emboli in the first 3 h after CEA, than those randomised to LMWH (p = 0.04). This was not associated with increased bleeding (mean time from flow restoration to operation end: 23 min (UFH) vs. 24 min (LMWH), p = 0.18). Platelet aggregation to AA increased significantly following heparinisation, but was unaffected by heparin type (p = 0.90). The platelets of patients randomised to LMWH exhibited significantly lower aggregation to ADP compared to UFH (p < 0.0001). Conclusions Intravenous LMWH is associated with a significant reduction in post-operative embolisation without increased bleeding. The higher rate of embolisation seen with UFH may be mediated by increased platelet aggregation to ADP, rather than to AA.

Cholesterol reduction using manufactured foods high in monounsaturated fatty acids: a randomized crossover study

In two separate studies, the cholesterol-lowering efficacy of a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) was evaluated by means of a randomized crossover trial. In both studies subjects were randomized to receive either a high-MUFA diet or the control diet first, which they followed for a period of 8 weeks; following a washout period of 4–6 weeks they were transferred onto the opposing diet for a further period of 8 weeks. In one study subjects were healthy middle-aged men (n 30), and in the other they were young men (n 23) with a family history of CHD recruited from two centres (Guildford and Dublin). The two studies were conducted over the same time period using identical foods and study designs. Subjects consumed 38% energy as fat, with 18% energy as MUFA and 10% as saturated fatty acids (MUFA diet), or 13% energy as MUFA and 16% as saturated fatty acids (control diet). The polyunsaturated fatty acid content of each diet was 7%. The diets were achieved by providing subjects with manufactured foods such as spreads, ‘ready meals’, biscuits, puddings and breads, which, apart from their fatty acid compositions, were identical for both diets. Subjects were blind to which of the diets they were following on both arms of the study. Weight changes on the diets were less than 1 kg. In the groups combined (n 53) mean total and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower at the end of the MUFA diet than the control diet by 0×29 (SD 0×61) mmol/l (P,0×001) and 0×38 (SD 0×64) mmol/l (P, 0×0001) respectively. In middle-aged men these differences were due to a mean reduction in LDL-cholesterol of ¹11 (SD 12) % on the MUFA diet with no change on the control diet (¹1×1 (SD 10) %). In young men the differences were due to an increase in LDL-cholesterol concentration on the control diet of þ6×2 (SD 13) % and a decrease on the MUFA diet of ¹7×8 (SD 20) %. Differences in the responses of middle-aged and young men to the two diets did not appear to be due to differences in their habitual baseline diets which were generally similar, but appeared to reflect the lower baseline cholesterol concentrations in the younger men. There was a moderately strong and statistically significant inverse correlation between the change in LDLcholesterol concentration on each diet and the baseline fasting LDL-cholesterol concentration (r¹0×49; P,0×0005). In conclusion, diets in which saturated fat is partially replaced by MUFA can achieve significant reductions in total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, even when total fat and energy intakes are maintained. The dietary approach used to alter fatty acid intakes would be appropriate for achieving reductions in saturated fat intakes in whole populations.

The effect of the molecular weight on the electro-optic properties of methacrylate-based side-chain liquid crystal polymers

A series of methacrylate-based side-chain liquid crystal polymers has been prepared with a range of molecular weights. For the high molecular weight polymers a smectic phase is observed with a very narrow nematic range; however, for low molecular weight polymers only the nematic phase is observed. A marked reduction in the glass transition temperature, TSN and TNI is observed with a reduction in the molecular weight. The orientational order parameters for these polymers in the liquid crystal phase have been determined using infra-red dichroism. It is found that the higher the molecular weight of the polymer, the greater is the threshold voltage of the electro-optic response and the lower the order parameter. The increase in the threshold voltage with increasing molecular weight may be related to the intrinsic curvature elasticity and hence to the coupling between the mesogenic units and the polymer backbone.

Olive leaf phenolics and cardiovascular risk reduction: Physiological effects and mechanisms of action

Olive oil, an important component of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in polyphenols and is known to possess positive health effects relative to other dietary fats. In addition, the leaves of the olive plant (Olea europaea) contain similar phenolics (oleuropein, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, verbascoside and hydroxytyrosol) to those of olives and olive oil, although at higher concentrations. For example, the most abundant is the secoiridoid, oleuropein, representing 1–14% of olive leaf weight vs. 0.005–0.12% in olive oil. Although currently considered a waste product of the olive oil industry, recent research has suggested beneficial effects of phenolic-rich olive leaf extracts (OLE) in modifying cardiovascular risk biomarkers such as blood pressure, hyperglycaemia, oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as improving vascular function and lipid profiles. Despite this, data regarding the biological actions of OLE has mostly derived from animal, in vitro and ex vivo studies, with limited evidence deriving from human trials. Although the absorption and metabolism of olive oil phenolics has been investigated, less is known about the bioavailability of phenolics from OLE, limiting the interpretation of existing in vitro and ex vivo data. The current review will begin by describing the phenolic composition of olive leaves in comparison with that of the better studied olive oil. It will then review the effects of OLE on cardiovascular risk factors, covering both animal and human studies and will end by considering potential mechanisms of action

Therapeutic benefit of low-dose clopidogrel in patients undergoing carotid surgery is linked to variability in the platelet adenosine diphosphate response and patients' weight

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We have previously shown that a single 75-mg tablet of clopidogrel, taken before carotid endarterectomy, significantly reduces postoperative embolization, a marker of thromboembolic stroke. This study explores the antiplatelet effect of this submaximal dose. METHODS: Fifty-six patients on long-term aspirin (150 mg) were randomized to 75 mg clopidogrel or placebo before carotid endarterectomy. Blood samples were taken pre- and postdrug administration and at the end of surgery to measure platelet activation and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) response by flow cytometry and aggregometry. RESULTS: Surgery produced a significant rise in platelet activation in vivo as evidenced by a rise in the percentage of monocyte-platelet aggregates in patients given placebo, but this was not seen in patients receiving clopidogrel. Before surgery, clopidogrel produced a significant reduction in the platelet response to ADP; for example, with 10(-6)M ADP, 77.32+/-2.3% bound fibrinogen in placebo group compared with 67.16+/-3.1% after clopidogrel (P=0.01). This was accentuated after surgery when the percentage of platelets binding fibrinogen in response to ADP was 76.53+/-2.2% in patients given placebo and 62.84+/-3.3% in the clopidogrel group (P=0.002). Similar differences were seen over a range of ADP concentrations and by aggregometry. Platelet responsiveness before treatment was highly variable and was positively correlated with the inhibitory effect of clopidogrel; patients with the highest baseline response to ADP showed the greatest response to clopidogrel. A negative correlation was seen between the effect of clopidogrel and patients' weight (r=0.57; P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: These results explain how a single 75-mg dose of clopidogrel produces a significant clinical impact on embolization.

Effects of high hydrostatic pressure and chemical reduction on the emulsification properties of gum arabic

Gum arabic is widely used in the food industry as an additive, both as a thickener and an emulsifier. This study has compared the emulsification properties of two types of gums, KLTA (Acacia senegal) and GCA (Acacia seyal), both in their native/untreated forms and after exposure to high pressure (800 MPa). Further studies were undertaken to chemically modify the disulphide linkages present and to investigate the effects of their reduction on the diffusion of the carbohydrate materials. The emulsification properties of the gum samples were examined by determining the droplet size distribution in a ‘‘model’’ oil-in-water system. Results showed that high pressure treatment and chemical reduction of gums changed the emulsification properties of both gums. The high molecular weight component in arabinogalactanproteins (AGP/GP), and more ‘‘branched’’ carbohydrates present in gum arabic, may be responsible for the emulsification properties of GCA gum, indicating that the emulsification mechanisms for KLTA and GCA were different.

Programs to compute magnetization to density ratio and the magnetization inclination from 3-D gravity and magnetic anomalies

Vector field formulation based on the Poisson theorem allows an automatic determination of rock physical properties (magnetization to density ratio-MDR-and the magnetization inclination-MI) from combined processing of gravity and magnetic geophysical data. The basic assumptions (i.e., Poisson conditions) are: that gravity and magnetic fields share common sources, and that these sources have a uniform magnetization direction and MDR. In addition, the previously existing formulation was restricted to profile data, and assumed sufficiently elongated (2-D) sources. For sources that violate Poisson conditions or have a 3-D geometry, the apparent values of MDR and MI that are generated in this way have an unclear relationship to the actual properties in the subsurface. We present Fortran programs that estimate MDR and MI values for 3-D sources through processing of gridded gravity and magnetic data. Tests with simple geophysical models indicate that magnetization polarity can be successfully recovered by MDR-MI processing, even in cases where juxtaposed bodies cannot be clearly distinguished on the basis of anomaly data. These results may be useful in crustal studies, especially in mapping magnetization polarity from marine-based gravity and magnetic data. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Education and Earnings for Poverty Reduction : Short-Term Evidence of Pro-Poor Growth from the Mexican Oportunidades Program

Education, as an indispensable component of human capital, has been acknowledged to play a critical role in economic growth, which is theoretically elaborated by human capital theory and empirically confirmed by evidence from different parts of the world. The educational impact on growth is especially valuable and meaningful when it is for the sake of poverty reduction and pro-poorness of growth. The paper re-explores the precious link between human capital development and poverty reduction by investigating the causal effect of education accumulation on earnings enhancement for anti-poverty and pro-poor growth. The analysis takes the evidence from a well-known conditional cash transfer (CCT) program — Oportunidades in Mexico. Aiming at alleviating poverty and promoting a better future by investing in human capital for children and youth in poverty, this CCT program has been recognized producing significant outcomes. The study investigates a short-term impact of education on earnings of the economically disadvantaged youth, taking the data of both the program’s treated and untreated youth from urban areas in Mexico from 2002 to 2004. Two econometric techniques, i.e. difference-in-differences and difference-in-differences propensity score matching approach are applied for estimation. The empirical analysis first identifies that youth who under the program’s schooling intervention possess an advantage in educational attainment over their non-intervention peers; with this identification of education discrepancy as a prerequisite, further results then present that earnings of the education advantaged youth increase at a higher rate about 20 percent than earnings of their education disadvantaged peers over the two years. This result indicates a confirmation that education accumulation for the economically disadvantaged young has a positive impact on their earnings enhancement and thus inferring a contribution to poverty reduction and pro-poorness of growth.

Evidence of eligibility manipulation for conditional cash transfer programs

This paper assesses whether eligibility for conditional cash transfer programs have been manipulated, as well as the impact of this phenomenon on time allocation within households. To perform this analysis, we use data from the 2006 PNAD (Brazilian national household survey) and investigate the eligibility manipulation for the Bolsa Família (Family Stipend) program during this time period. The program assists families with a monthly per capita income of around R$120.00 (US$60.00). By applying the tests developed by McCrary (2008), we find suggestive evidence that individuals manipulate their income by voluntarily reducing their labor supply in order to become eligible to the program. Moreover, the reduction in labor supply is greater among women, especially single or divorced mothers. This evidence raises some concern about the unintended consequences related to the eligibility criteria utilized by Bolsa Família, as well as the program’s impact on individuals living in extreme poverty.

A Learning Function for Parameter Reduction in Spiking Neural Networks with Radial Basis Function

Spiking neural networks - networks that encode information in the timing of spikes - are arising as a new approach in the artificial neural networks paradigm, emergent from cognitive science. One of these new models is the pulsed neural network with radial basis function, a network able to store information in the axonal propagation delay of neurons. Learning algorithms have been proposed to this model looking for mapping input pulses into output pulses. Recently, a new method was proposed to encode constant data into a temporal sequence of spikes, stimulating deeper studies in order to establish abilities and frontiers of this new approach. However, a well known problem of this kind of network is the high number of free parameters - more that 15 - to be properly configured or tuned in order to allow network convergence. This work presents for the first time a new learning function for this network training that allow the automatic configuration of one of the key network parameters: the synaptic weight decreasing factor.

A weight loss protocol and owners participation in the treatment of canine obesity

O sucesso de um programa de perda de peso para animais de estimação depende da colaboração do proprietário. A adesão deste é fundamental para a correta instituição do manejo alimentar do paciente. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar a efetividade de um programa de perda de peso em dois grupos de cães, um mantido sob condições experimentais e outro com seus proprietários. Empregou-se a mesma ração hipocalórica para todos os animais. A quantidade fornecida foi restrita a 60% da necessidade energética de manutenção estimada para o peso corporal meta, definido como o peso autal reduzido em 15%. Os animais foram acompanhados durante 90 dias. Por meio de um questionário padronizado, estudou-se a percepção dos proprietários quanto à obesidade e seu tratamento. Verificou-se que o protocolo e a dieta empregados foram eficazes. Os animais controle apresentaram uma perda de peso média de 1,39% por semana. Os cães de proprietário perderam, em média, 0,75% do peso vivo por semana, resultado estatisticamente menor (P<0,05), o que sugere uma indisponibilidade dos mesmos em cumprir rigorosamente o tratamento. Mesmo com esta perda de peso modesta, foi perceptível a satisfação dos proprietários com os resultados obtidos. O uso de questionários demonstrou ser uma ferramenta importante na investigação das causas e no acompanhamento do tratamento da obesidade canina.

Protein Intake during Weight Loss Influences the Energy Required for Weight Loss and Maintenance in Cats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)