Habitudes alimentaires et apports nutritionnels chez les personnes présentant une dystrophie myotonique de type 1

L’objectif de cette étude était de décrire les habitudes alimentaires et les apports nutritionnels des patients atteints de dystrophie myotonique de type 1 (DM1). Au total, 32 femmes et 20 hommes souffrant de DM1 et suivis à la Clinique des maladies neuromusculaires de Jonquière, ont complété un journal alimentaire de 3 jours non consécutifs (2 jours de semaine et 1 jour de fin de semaine). Parmi ces patients, 13,5 % étaient en sous-poids alors que 51,9 % présentaient de l’embonpoint ou de l’obésité. Les apports moyens en lipides et en glucides ne respectaient pas l’étendue des valeurs acceptables pour ces macronutriments. Les apports moyens étaient également insuffisants pour la majorité des micronutriments. Finalement, la consommation d’aliments des quatre groupes du Guide alimentaire canadien était inférieure aux recommandations. Les résultats démontrent qu’une proportion importante des patients avec DM1 présente une alimentation inadéquate.

2005 Seat Belt Usage Survey, June 12, 2006

During the spring and summer of 2005, two surveys were taken of motor vehicle drivers’ and passengers’ seat belt usage. These surveys are before and after parts of the “Click it or Ticket” education and enforcement campaign. The whole project starts with a pre-campaign survey followed by the four-week public information, education and enforcement campaign. Finally, the postcampaign survey is taken to test the effectiveness of the education and enforcement campaign. In the pre-campaign survey of seat belt usage, the usage/non-usage of 15,444 front seat occupants of cars, vans, SUVs and pickups were observed at 100 locations. In the post-campaign survey of seat belt usage, 15,731 observations were made of front seat occupants of cars, vans, SUVs and pickups. The day of the week and time of day the observations took place were selected for each site using a random number generation computer program.

The efficiency of four transtibial suspension systems: a malformation case study

This work was developed in the form of a case study to measure the efficiency of gait and conclude if the tested suspension systems differ in the efficiency in a various tested transtibial prostheses,based on the data provided by radiologic images, indirect calorimetry and perception of the patient. Introduction - The suspension system and the stump adjustment to the socket plays an important role in the functionality of the prosthesis, the mobility of the amputee and overall satisfaction with the device. The comfort and functional effectiveness of the prosthesis are closely related. The harmony between the residual limb and prosthesis is crucial to that this meets its function and enable effective March and allow the amputated the continuity of their Daily day activities, keeping the stump functional. Comfort and functional effectiveness of the prosthesis are closely related, suspension systems should prevent excessive longitudinal and rotational transverse displacement of the stump within the socket, these systems should help stabilize and enhance the connection of the prosthesis to the residual limb, reducing the pistonning, increased proprioception and providing a more natural gait.

'Day number': a promoter routine of flexibility and conceptual understanding

This paper is part of the Project “Adaptive thinking and flexible computation: Critical issues”. In this paper we discuss different perspectives of flexibility and adaptive thinking in literature. We also discuss the idea of proceptual thinking and how this idea is important in our perspective of adaptive thinking. The paper analyses a situation developed with a first grade classroom and its teacher named the day number. It is a daily activity at the beginning of the school day. It consists on to look for the date number and to think about different ways of writing it using the four arithmetic operations. The analyzed activity was developed on March 19, so the challenge was to write 19 in several ways. The data show the pupils’ enthusiasm and their efforts to find different ways of writing the number. Some used large numbers and division, which they were just starting to learn. The pupils presented symbolic expressions of 19, decomposing and recomposing it in a flexible manner.

Toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the developing male Wistar(Han) rat I: no decrease in epididymal sperm count after a single acute dose

It has been reported that fetal exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) causes defects in the male reproductive system of the rat. We set out to replicate and extend these effects using a robust experimental design. Groups of 75 (control vehicle) or 55 (50, 200 or 1000 ng of TCDD kg-1 bodyweight) female Wistar(Han) rats were exposed to TCDD on Gestational Day (GD) 15, then allowed to litter. The high dose group dams showed no sustained weight loss compared to control, but four animals had total litter loss. Pups in the high dose group showed reduced body weight up till day 21, and pups in the medium dose group showed reduced body weight in the first week post partum. Balano-preputial separation (BPS) was significantly delayed in the high dose group male offspring. There were no significant effects of treatment when the offspring were subjected to a functional observational battery, or mated with females to assess reproductive capability. 25 males per group were killed on post natal day (PND) 70, and ~60 animals per group (~30 for the high dose group) on PND120 to assess seminology and other endpoints. At PND120, the two highest dose groups showed a statistically significant elevation of sperm counts, compared to control; however, this effect was small (~30%), within the normal range of sperm counts for this strain of rat, was not reflected in testicular spermatid counts nor PND70 data, and is therefore postulated to have no biological significance. Although there was an increase in the proportion of abnormal sperm at PND70, seminology parameters were otherwise unremarkable. Testis weights in the high dose group were slightly decreased at PND 70 and 120, and at PND120, brain weights were decreased in the high dose group, liver to body weight ratios were increased for all three dose groups, with an increase in inflammatory cell foci in the epididymis in the high dose group. These data show that TCDD is a potent developmental toxin after exposure of the developing fetus, but that acute developmental exposure to TCDD on GD15 caused no decrease in sperm counts.

Understanding Retail Productivity by Simulating Management Practices

Intelligent agents offer a new and exciting way of understanding the world of work. In this paper we apply agent-based modeling and simulation to investigate a set of problems in a retail context. Specifically, we are working to understand the relationship between human resource management practices and retail productivity. Despite the fact we are working within a relatively novel and complex domain, it is clear that intelligent agents could offer potential for fostering sustainable organizational capabilities in the future. Our research so far has led us to conduct case study work with a top ten UK retailer, collecting data in four departments in two stores. Based on our case study data we have built and tested a first version of a department store simulator. In this paper we will report on the current development of our simulator which includes new features concerning more realistic data on the pattern of footfall during the day and the week, a more differentiated view of customers, and the evolution of customers over time. This allows us to investigate more complex scenarios and to analyze the impact of various management practices.

A influência do exercício físico de moderada intensidade e da suplementação com ácido lipóico sobre a função cardíaca, a bioquímica sanguínea e a angiogênese em miocárdio de Rattus norvegicus

Atualmente o exercício físico vem sendo utilizado com intuito de redução de massa corporal, em especial de massa gorda. Entretanto cresce o número de indivíduos que, associado ao exercício físico, utiliza substâncias com característica lipolítica, como é o caso do ácido lipóico. Tanto o exercício físico, quanto a utilização de suplementação com ácido lipóico são responsáveis por remodelagem vascular (devido à interferência no processo de angiogênese) e modificação de fatores de risco cardiovascular (como hipertensão e lipídeos sanguíneos elevados). Desta forma, o presente estudo buscou analisar a influência do exercício físico de moderada intensidade e da suplementação com ácido lipóico sobre a frequência cardíaca, pressão arterial, bioquímica sanguínea e angiogênese no músculo cardíaco e no músculo esquelético de ratos Wistar. Foram utilizados 80 ratos Wistar, divididos em quatro grupos: controle, ácido lipóico (LA), exercício (E) e associação (ELA). Os animais foram submetidos a um programa de adaptação e treinamento de natação (9 e 17 semanas) com um aumento progressivo no tempo natação (até 1h/dia) e intensidade de carga (até 5% do peso corporal). Os animais receberam ácido lipóico 5 vezes por semana (da 10ª à 17ª semana), 60 mg / Kg / dia. O exercício crônico de intensidade moderada promoveu bradicardia, mas sua associação com a suplementação de ácido lipóico interrompeu este benefício. A suplementação com LA mostrou-se eficaz em melhorar o perfil lipídico, mas associado ao exercício não apresentou redução. A angiogênese foi aumentada no coração e gastrocnêmio dos animais exercitados, a largura da fibra de E, LA e ELA foi reduzida no coração, enquanto no gastrocnêmio apresentaram um aumento na largura das fibras apenas por LA e ELA. A espessura do ventrículo esquerdo diminuiu no grupo E, enquanto que a área da câmara do ventrículo esquerdo, e os níveis de VEGF circulantes, não mostraram nenhuma diferença significativa. Foi observada uma interação negativa entre o exercício físico e a suplementação com ácido lipóico (supressão da bradicardia do exercício de um lado, e a perda da adaptação do perfil lipídico induzido por suplementação de AL por outro lado). Este estudo mostra pela primeira vez, a interação entre o exercício crônico de intensidade moderada e a suplementação com ácido lipóico sobre a remodelação cardíaca e angiogênese, confirmando os benefícios da prática física em melhorar o fornecimento de sangue do músculo, que não foi afetado pelo consumo de ácido lipóico. O ácido lipóico em animais não treinados não foi capaz de estimular a 9 angiogênese cardíaca e ao contrário mostram uma tendência para a redução dos novos vasos.

Actividad física y género: un estudio comparativo entre los jóvenes de Monterrey, México y Zaragoza, España

El propósito del estudio es comparar el gasto energético medio y los  niveles de actividad física entre los jóvenes de Monterrey, México y Zaragoza, España; considerando variables como género, tipo de escuela y momento de la semana (jornada escolar o fin de semana). Métodología: estudiantes adolescentes de 12 a 17 años, pertenecientes a las escuelas públicas y privadas de la ciudad de Monterrey (N= 396) y Zaragoza (N= 394). Se utilizó el cuestionario Four by one-day physical activity questionnaire con una fiabilidad de .89, realizado con un test-retest por su adaptación de formato. Resultados: existe tanto en Zaragoza como en Monterrey un número importante de escolares con bajos niveles de actividad física. Casi la mitad de los escolares se han tipificado como inactivos y muy inactivos. El gasto energético fue muy similar 37.52 kcal/kg/día ± 2.12 y 37.66 kcal/kg/día ± 2.95, en las dos ciudades señaladas. Conclusiones: en cuanto al género los hombres presentan mayores niveles de actividad física que las mujeres dato que coincide con la mayoría de los estudios. Los escolares realizan mayor nivel de actividad física durante la jornada escolar que en los fines de semana.

Rotinas de vida diária de crianças portadoras de deficiência : estudos de caso

Dissertação apresentada à Escola Superior de Educação do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Atividade Física, especialização em Desporto Adaptado.

Exploring the relationship between patterns of physical activity, sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic health in middle-aged Irish adults

Background and Study Rationale Being physically active is a major contributor to both physical and mental health. More specifically, being physically active lowers risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, metabolic syndrome (MetS), diabetes, certain cancers and depression, and increases cognitive function and wellbeing. The physiological mechanisms that occur in response to physical activity and the impact of total physical activity and sedentary behaviour on cardiometabolic health have been extensively studied. In contrast, limited data evaluating the specific effects of daily and weekly patterns of physical behaviour on cardiometabolic health exist. Additionally, no other study has examined interrelated patterns and minute-by-minute accumulation of physical behaviour throughout the day across week days in middle-aged adults. Study Aims The overarching aims of this thesis are firstly to describe patterns of behaviour throughout the day and week, and secondly to explore associations between these patterns and cardiometabolic health in a middle-aged population. The specific objectives are to: 1 Compare agreement between the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and GENEActiv accelerometer-derived moderate-to-vigorous (MVPA) activity and secondly to compare their associations with a range of cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers in middle-aged adults. 2 Determine a suitable monitoring frame needed to reliably capture weekly, accelerometer-measured, activity in our population. 3 Identify groups of participants who have similar weekly patterns of physical behaviour, and determine if underlying patterns of cardiometabolic profiles exist among these groups. 4 Explore the variation of physical behaviour throughout the day to identify whether daily patterns of physical behaviour vary by cardiometabolic health. Methods All results in this thesis are based on data from a subsample of the Mitchelstown Cohort; 475 (46.1% males; mean aged 59.7±5.5 years) middle-aged Irish adults. Subjective physical activity levels were assessed using the IPAQ-SF. Participants wore the wrist GENEActiv accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data was collected at 100Hz and summarised into a signal magnitude vector using 60s epochs. Each time interval was categorised based on validated cut-offs. Data on cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers was collected according to standard protocol. Cardiometabolic outcomes (obesity, diabetes, hypertension and MetS) were defined according to internationally recognised definitions by World Health Organisation (WHO) and Irish Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results The results of the first chapter suggest that the IPAQ-SF lacks the sensitivity to assess patterning of activity and guideline adherence and assessing the relationship with cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, GENEActiv accelerometer-derived MVPA appears to be better at detecting relationships with cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers. The second chapter examined variations in day-to-day physical behaviour levels between- and within-subjects. The main findings were that Sunday differed from all other days in the week for sedentary behaviour and light activity and that a large within-subject variation across days of the week for vigorous activity exists. Our data indicate that six days of monitoring, four weekdays plus Saturday and Sunday, are required to reliably estimate weekly habitual activity in all activity intensities. In the next chapter, latent profile analysis of weekly, interrelated patterns of physical behaviour identified four distinct physical behaviour patterns; Sedentary Group (15.9%), Sedentary; Lower Activity Group (28%), Sedentary; Higher Activity Group (44.2%) and a Physically Active Group (11.9%). Overall the Sedentary Group had poorer outcomes, characterised by unfavourable cardiometabolic and inflammatory profiles. The remaining classes were characterised by healthier cardiometabolic profiles with lower sedentary behaviour levels. The final chapter, which aimed to compare daily cumulative patterns of minute-by-minute physical behaviour intensities across those with and without MetS, revealed significant differences in weekday and weekend day MVPA. In particular, those with MetS start accumulating MVPA later in the day and for a shorted day period. Conclusion In conclusion, the results of this thesis add to the evidence base regards an optimal monitoring period for physical behaviour measurement to accurately capture weekly physical behaviour patterns. In addition, the results highlight whether weekly and daily distribution of activity is associated with cardiometabolic health and inflammatory profiles. The key findings of this thesis demonstrate the importance of daily and weekly physical behaviour patterning of activity intensity in the context of cardiometabolic health risk. In addition, these findings highlight the importance of using physical behaviour patterns of free-living adults observed in a population-based study to inform and aid health promotion activity programmes and primary care prevention and treatment strategies and development of future tailored physical activity based interventions.

FY 2014-15 & 2015-16 Evaluation of State-Funded Full-Day 4K, part I

This report documents the expansion of 4K and expenditure of funds in Fiscal Years 2014-15 and 2015-16; provides 2015-16 projections for the number of at-risk four-year-olds in each school district and the number of at-risk four-year-olds served in a publicly funded program using available information; details the results of the CIRCLE assessment, which was administered to children in publicly-funded four-year-old (4K) and five-year-old (5K) kindergarten during the 2014-15 school year; describes the four language and literacy assessments that measure 4K and 5K students’ abilities during the 2015-16 school year; and discusses how 4K quality can be defined and the important role of teacher-child instructional interactions in assessing quality of publicly-funded 4K.

A low fermentable oligo-di-mono saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet reduced pain and improved daily life in fibromyalgia patients

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic, rheumatic disease characterized by widespread myofascial pain, of unknown aetiology, having a major impact on quality of life (QOL). Available pharmacotherapy for FM is marginally effective. FM is associated with co-morbidities of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is growing evidence that diets low in FODMAPs, “fermentable oligo-, di- or mono-saccharides and polyols” [Low FODMAP Diet (LFD)], are effective in treating IBS. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the effects of LFDs on symptoms of FM, especially with regard to pain, QOL and GI disorders. Methods A longitudinal study using LFD intervention was performed on 38, 51 ± 10 year-old, female patients diagnosed with FM for an average of 10 years, based on ACR (American College of Rheumatology) 2010 criteria. The study was conducted from January through May, 2015, using a four-week, repeated-assessment model, as follows: Moment 0 – introduction of the protocol to participants; Moment 1 – first assessment and delivery of individual LFD dietary plans; Moment 2 – second assessment and reintroduction of FODMAPs; Moment 3 – last assessment and final nutritional counselling. Assessment tools used were the following: RFIQ (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), FSQ (Fibromyalgia Survey Questionnaire), IBS-SSS (Severity Score System), EQ-5D (Euro-QOL quality of life instrument), and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). Daily consumption of FODMAPs was quantified based on published food content analyses. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, non-parametric Friedman, t-student and Chi-square tests, using SPSS 22 software. Results The mean scores of the 38 participants at the beginning of the study were: FSQ (severity of FM, 0–31) – 22 ± 4.4; RFIQ (0–100) – 65 ± 17; IBS-SSS (0–500) – 275 ± 101; and EQ-5D (0–100) – 48 ± 19. Mean adherence to dietary regimens was 86%, confirmed by significant difference in FODMAP intakes (25 g/day vs. 2.5 g/day; p < 0.01). Comparisons between the three moments of assessment showed significant (p < 0.01) declines in scores in VAS, FSQ, and RFIQ scores, in all domains measured. An important improvement was observed with a reduction in the severity of GI symptoms, with 50% reduction in IBS scores to 138 ± 117, following LFD therapy. A significant correlation (r = 0.36; p < 0.05) was found between improvements in FM impact (declined scores) and gastrointestinal scores. There was also a significant correlation (r = 0.65; p < 0.01) between “satisfaction with improvement” after introduction of LFDs and “diet adherence”, with satisfaction of the diet achieving 77% among participants. A significant difference was observed between patients who improved as compared to those that did not improve (Chi-square χ2 = 6.16; p < .05), showing that the probability of improvement, depends on the severity of the RFIQ score. Conclusions Implementation of diet therapy involving FODMAP restrictions, in this cohort of FM patients, resulted in a significant reduction in GI disorders and FM symptoms, including pain scores. These results need to be extended in future larger studies on dietary therapy for treatment of FM. Implications According to current scientific knowledge, these are the first relevant results found in an intervention with LFD therapy in FM and must be reproduced looking for a future dietetic approach in FM.

Productive performance and parasitological control of kids supplemented with umbu fruits (Spondias tuberosa Arruda).

Native fruits from Caatinga vegetation can be an important alternative to improve the productive performance of kids in the semi-arid region of Brazil. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with Umbuzeiro fruits in natura over the weight gain and anthelmintic control of kids kept in Buffel grass pasture in the semi-arid zone of Pernambuco, Brazil. Twenty-four castrated, crossbreed kids were allocated into three treatments: 1) Control (n = 8) fed exclusively with Buffel grass; 2) Umbu 1x (n = 8) fed with fruits once a week and 3) Umbu 3x (n = 8) fed with fruits for three times a week. The following parameters were evaluated: variation of body weight, faecal egg counts (FEC) and coproculture. Overall, the average consumption of Umbu fruits in natura was 1.48 kg/animal/day, which corresponded to 133.5 g daily dry matter intake (DMI/animal/day). There were no significant difference (P>0.05) for any parameters evaluated. During the experimental period, the overall daily weight gain was variable between 108.75 to 116.70 g/animal/day and the average FEC was 436 eggs. In the present study, the goat kids supplemented with fresh umbu fruits showed a good productive performance, however the supplementation with umbu did not control the infestation of gastrointestinal nematodes in kids.

The Effects of Superovulation Prior to Mating and Zinc Supplementation on Milk Yields in Etawah-Grade Does

Thirty six Etawah-grade does (BW ranged from 20.4 to 44.2 kg and age ranged from 2.5 to 7 years) were used to study the effects of superovulation prior to mating and zinc supplementation on milk yields. The experimental does were assigned into a randomized block design with a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. The first factor was PMSG (pregnant mare serum gonadotrophin) injection with 2 levels (0 IU/kg BW [nonsuperovulation–NSO] and 15 IU/kg BW [Superovulation–SO]). The second factor was zinc concentration in the diet with 3 levels (40 mg/kg DM [Z-40], 60 mg/kg DM [Z-60], and 80 mg/kg DM [Z-80]). Intravaginal sponge (60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate) was applied for 14 days to synchronize estrus cycle. Twenty four  hours prior to sponge removal, PMSG was injected  to  stimulate superovulation. After  sponge removal,  5 experimental does  were mixed with 1 buck for natural mating. During  pregnancy  the experimental does were fed and  raised in   individual stables. Udder volume  was measured every other week from weeks 12 to 21 of  pregnancy.  During lactation  (one week to  5 months post partum) kids were separated from the does, and   milk was harvested by hand milking. Milk samples were taken every other week for determination of milk quality. The results  indicated that  superovulation increased udder differential growth  by 80% (822.85 vs 1481.25 cm3/head), milk yield by  32% (567.14 vs 746.52 g/head/day).  Zinc concentration  increased udder differential growth and milk yield. Milk productions for does receiving 40, 60 and 80 mg/kg DM were 565.68, 737.88 and 666.92 g/day, respectively.It was concluded that  superovulation and zinc supplementation  increased milk  yield in Etawah Grade does. (Animal Production 6(2): 86-94 (2004) Key Words:  Superovulation, Zinc, Milk  Yield, Etawah-Grade