A comprehensive approach to evaluate nutritional status in Crohn's patients in the era of biologic therapy: a case-control study

Objectives - Evaluate the nutritional status of patients with inactive or mildly active Crohn's disease (CD), and identify possible causes for potential deficiencies. Methods - A total of 78 CD patients and 80 healthy controls were evaluated in respect of nutritional status, dietary intake, and life styles factors. Results - These 73/78 CD patients were on immunomodulating therapies. Mean body mass index (BMI) was lower in patients as compared to controls (P= 0.006) but 32% of CD patients and 33.8% of controls had a BMI > 25, whereas 8% and 23.8% in each group, respectively, were obese (BMI > 30Kg/m(2)). Fat free mass was significantly decreased in both genders (P < 0.05) whereas fat mass was decreased only in males (P= 0.01). Energy intake was significantly lower in CD patients (P < 0.0001) and we observed significantly lower adjusted mean daily intakes of carbohydrates, monounsaturated fat, fiber, calcium, and vitamins C, D, E, and K (P < 0.05). 29% of patients had excluded grains from their usual diet, 28% milk, 18% vegetables, and 11% fruits. Milk exclusion resulted in a significantly lower consumption of calcium and vitamin K (P < 0.001) and the exclusion of vegetables was associated to a lower consumption of vitamins C and E (P < 0.05). Physical activity was significantly lower in CD patients (P= 0.01) and this lack of physical activity was inversely correlated with increased fat mass percentage (r=-0.315, P= 0.001). Conclusions - Results showed that the most prevalent form of malnutrition in CD patients was an excess of body weight, which was concomitant with an inadequate dietary intake, namely micronutrients, clearly related to dietary exclusion of certain foods.

Validação da versão portuguesa do método 'Internacional Chemical Control Toolkit'

Em Portugal, como em outros países, podem ser encontrados milhares de trabalhadores com doenças e outros problemas resultantes da exposição aos compostos orgânicos voláteis (COV’s). No entanto são poucos os estudos aplicados à actividade industrial. Neste trabalho validou-se/estimou-se a exposição ocupacional a COV´s dos trabalhadores que executam a tarefa de ‘aplicação de revestimento do mobiliário’, mais conhecida por ‘acabamento de móveis’ na secção de acabamentos do sector de mobiliário de madeira, que se situa nos concelhos de Paços de Ferreira e Paredes, concelhos do Norte de Portugal. A amostra foi constituída por 17 empresas e foram avaliados 34 tarefas que corresponde ao mesmo número de trabalhadores, uma vez que eles executam essa tarefa durante as oito horas diárias de trabalho. Para avaliar a exposição dos trabalhadores foram utilizadas duas abordagens da higiene do trabalho: a pragmática, através da aplicação do método Toolkit e a tradicional com recurso a amostragens de ar e análises laboratoriais. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o Toolkit é uma boa ferramenta para ser utilizada pelas Pequenas e Médias Empresas (PME’s), que trabalhem com substâncias em pó ou líquidas. É um método expedito e que não acarreta grandes esforços financeiros. Verificou-se ainda que a maioria dos trabalhadores estão em risco de exposição a COV’s. Sendo necessário tomar medidas de controlo.

Dominio cultural del autocuidado en diabeticos tipo 2 con y sin control glucémico en México

OBJETIVO: Analisar los principales elementos relacionados con el dominio cultural del autocuidado de la salud, entre pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 con y sin controle glucémico. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo en 57 diabéticos controlados y 76 sin control glucémico, con promedio de 60 años de edad en una clínica del Seguro Social en México en 2003. Se aplicaron técnicas de antropología cognitiva de listas libres y cuestionario estructurado para obtener modelo semántico y promedio de conocimiento cultural a seis preguntas sobre su padecimiento por análisis de consenso. RESULTADOS: Los datos sociodemográficos de ambos grupos no mostraron diferencias significativas. Todos los modelos de respuesta comparados presentaron estructuras semánticas similares, con excepción a: "Qué se entiende como ejercicio" (p<0.05). El promedio de conocimiento cultural sobre los aspectos analizados fue similar en ambos grupos, solamente el nivel de conocimiento relacionado a "Cómo debe ayudar la familia a un adulto para estar sano" fue estadísticamente significativamente mayor en pacientes controlados. CONCLUSIONES: Los hallazgos muestran a diferente estructura semántica sobre la concepción del ejercicio entre los grupos de pacientes y la diferencia en el promedio de conocimiento cultural sobre el apoyo familiar para la salud de paciente. Estas informaciones deben ser tomadas en cuenta al elaborar programas educativos, de auto atención y atención médica adaptados a la cultura del paciente con diabetes tipo 2.

Quality assurance and quality control in mammography: a review of available guidance worldwide

Objectives - Review available guidance for quality assurance (QA) in mammography and discuss its contribution to harmonise practices worldwide. Methods - Literature search was performed on different sources to identify guidance documents for QA in mammography available worldwide in international bodies, healthcare providers, professional/scientific associations. The guidance documents identified were reviewed and a selection was compared for type of guidance (clinical/technical), technology and proposed QA methodologies focusing on dose and image quality (IQ) performance assessment. Results - Fourteen protocols (targeted at conventional and digital mammography) were reviewed. All included recommendations for testing acquisition, processing and display systems associated with mammographic equipment. All guidance reviewed highlighted the importance of dose assessment and testing the Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) system. Recommended tests for assessment of IQ showed variations in the proposed methodologies. Recommended testing focused on assessment of low-contrast detection, spatial resolution and noise. QC of image display is recommended following the American Association of Physicists in Medicine guidelines. Conclusions - The existing QA guidance for mammography is derived from key documents (American College of Radiology and European Union guidelines) and proposes similar tests despite the variations in detail and methodologies. Studies reported on QA data should provide detail on experimental technique to allow robust data comparison. Countries aiming to implement a mammography/QA program may select/prioritise the tests depending on available technology and resources.

Presumed unconstrained dispersal of Aedes aegypti in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate dispersal of Aedes aegypti females in an area with no container manipulation and no geographic barriers to constrain mosquito flight. METHODS: A mark-release-recapture experiment was conducted in December 2006, in the dengue endemic urban district of Olaria in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil, where there is no evident obstacle to the dispersal of Ae. aegypti females. Mosquito traps were installed in 192 houses (96 Adultraps and 96 MosquiTRAPs). RESULTS: A total of 725 dust-marked gravid females were released and recapture rate was 6.3%. Ae. aegypti females traveled a mean distance of 288.12 m and their maximum displacement was 690 m; 50% and 90% of females flew up to 350 m and 500.2 m, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Dispersal of Ae. aegypti females in Olaria was higher than in areas with physical and geographical barriers. There was no evidence of a preferred direction during mosquito flight, which was considered random or uniform from the release point.

10 kVp rule – An anthropomorphic pelvis phantom imaging study using a CR system: impact on image quality and effective dose using AEC and manual mode

Purpose - This study aims to investigate the influence of tube potential (kVp) variation in relation to perceptual image quality and effective dose (E) for pelvis using automatic exposure control (AEC) and non-AEC in a Computed Radiography (CR) system. Methods and materials - To determine the effects of using AEC and non-AEC by applying the 10 kVp rule in two experiments using an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom. Images were acquired using 10 kVp increments (60–120 kVp) for both experiments. The first experiment, based on seven AEC combinations, produced 49 images. The mean mAs from each kVp increment were used as a baseline for the second experiment producing 35 images. A total of 84 images were produced and a panel of 5 experienced observers participated for the image scoring using the two alternative forced choice (2AFC) visual grading software. PCXMC software was used to estimate E. Results - A decrease in perceptual image quality as the kVp increases was observed both in non-AEC and AEC experiments, however no significant statistical differences (p > 0.05) were found. Image quality scores from all observers at 10 kVp increments for all mAs values using non-AEC mode demonstrates a better score up to 90 kVp. E results show a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.000) on the 75th quartile from 0.37 mSv at 60 kVp to 0.13 mSv at 120 kVp when applying the 10 kVp rule in non-AEC mode. Conclusion - Using the 10 kVp rule, no significant reduction in perceptual image quality is observed when increasing kVp whilst a marked and significant E reduction is observed.

Locus of control and contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice among university students

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between locus of control and knowledge, attitude and practice regarding pill and condom use among university students. METHODS: The inquiry was developed in Campinas, a city in Southeastern Brazil, in 2006. A total of 295 adolescent newcomers to a public university answered a structured questionnaire and Levenson's multidimensional locus of control scale. The scores of the dimensions of locus of control were calculated and Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess their correlation with knowledge and practice concerning pill and condom use. In order to assess the relationship between the dimensions of locus of control and sociodemographic variables and variables related to the individuals' sex life, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used. RESULTS: Male adolescents had higher scores of powerful others externality when compared to female adolescents (p=0.01). Students living alone had lower internality (p=0.01). When locus of control was compared to condom use in the first intercourse, considering only the 102 students who informed the age of the beginning of sexual activity, greater internality was found among male adolescents who did not use condoms (p<0.05). When the locus of control scores were correlated with contraceptive knowledge and practice, it was found that the higher the powerful others externality locus, the lower the adequate use of contraceptive methods (r = -0.22, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The powerful others externality locus influences the practice of contraceptive use in this group of adolescents.

Physical activity during pregnancy and fetal outcomes: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical activity during the second trimester pregnancy and low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction. METHODS: Case-control study including 273 low birth weight newborns and 546 controls carried out in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. Low birth weight cases were grouped into two subsamples: preterm birth (n=117) and intrauterine growth restriction (n=134), with their related controls. Information was collected by means of interviews with mothers shortly after birth and transcription of medical records. Data were analyzed using conditional multiple and hierarchical logistic regression. RESULTS: Light physical activity for over 7 hours per day was shown to be protective against low birth weight (adjusted OR=0.61; 95% CI 0.39-0.94) with a dose-response relationship (p-value for trend=0.026). A similar trend was found for intrauterine growth restriction (adjusted OR=0.51; 95% CI 0.26-0.97). Homemaking activities were associated as a protective factor for both low birth weight and preterm birth (p-value for trend=0.013 and 0.035, respectively). Leisure-time walking was found to be protective against preterm birth. CONCLUSIONS: Mild physical activity during the second trimester of pregnancy such as walking has an independent protective effect on low birth weight, preterm birth, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Modelação do transporte e dispersão de um marcador corado no Rio Febros

O rio Febros é um pequeno curso de água, situado no concelho de Vila Nova de Gaia, com cerca de 15 km de extensão, cuja bacia hidrográfica ocupa uma área de aproximadamente 35,4 km2. Nasce em Seixezelo e desagua na margem esquerda do Rio Douro no Cais do Esteiro, em Avintes. Em Maio de 2008, um acidente de viação teve como consequência o derrame de cerca de quatro toneladas de ácido clorídrico que rapidamente convergiu às águas do rio. Apenas um dia depois, o pH desceu para três e muitos foram os peixes que morreram. A solução adoptada para evitar o desaire foi introduzir milhares de litros de água de modo a diluir o ácido presente, ao longo de todo o curso de água. Tal facto não evitou a destruição de parte de um ecossistema, que ainda nos dias de hoje se encontra em recuperação. De forma a avaliar-se o impacto destas possíveis perturbações sejam estas de origem antropogénica ou natural é necessário possuir conhecimentos dos processos químicos tais como a advecção, a mistura devida à dispersão e a transferência de massa ar/água. Estes processos irão determinar o movimento e destino das substâncias que poderão ser descarregadas no rio. Para tal, recorrer-se-á ao estudo hidrogeométrico do curso de água assim como ao estudo do comportamento de um marcador, simulando uma possível descarga. A rodamina WT será o marcador a ser utilizado devido à panóplia de características ambientalmente favoráveis. Os estudos de campo com este corante, realizados em sequência de descarga previamente estudada, fornecem uma das melhores fontes de informação para verificação e validação de modelos hidráulicos utilizados em estudos de qualidade de águas e protecção ambiental. Escolheram-se dois pontos de descarga no Febros, um em Casal Drijo e outro no Parque Biológico de Gaia, possuindo cada um deles, a jusante, duas estações de monitorização. Pelo modelo ADE os valores obtidos para o coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal para as estações Pontão d’ Alheira, Pinheiral, Menesas e Giestas foram, respectivamente, 0,3622; 0,5468; 1,6832 e 1,7504 m2/s. Para a mesma sequência de estações, os valores da velocidade de escoamento obtidos neste trabalho experimental foram de 0,0633; 0,0684; 0,1548 e 0,1645 m/s. Quanto ao modelo TS, os valores obtidos para o coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal para as estações Pontão d’ Alheira, Pinheiral, Menesas e Giestas foram, respectivamente, 0,2339; 0,1618; 0,5057e 1,1320 m2/s. Para a mesma sequência de estações, os valores da velocidade de escoamento obtidos neste trabalho experimental foram de 0,0652; 0,0775; 0,1891 e 0,1676 m/s. Os resultados foram ajustados por um método directo, o método dos momentos, e por dois métodos indirectos, os modelos ADE e TS. O melhor ajuste corresponde ao modelo TS onde os valores do coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal e da velocidade de escoamento são aqueles que melhor se aproximam da realidade. Quanto ao método dos momentos, o valor estimado para a velocidade é de 0,162 m/s e para o coeficiente de dispersão longitudinal de 9,769 m2/s. Não obstante, a compreensão da hidrodinâmica do rio e das suas características, bem como a adequação de modelos matemáticos no tratamento de resultados formam uma estratégia de protecção ambiental inerente a futuros impactos que possam suceder.

A remote virtual experiment in mechanical engineering

Conferência: 2nd Experiment at International Conference (Exp at)- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal - Sep 18-20, 2013

Square-wave adsorptive-stripping voltammetric detection in the quality control of fluoxetine

Electroanalytical methods based on square-wave adsorptive-stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) and flow-injection analysis with square-wave adsorptive-stripping voltammetric detection (FIA-SWAdSV) were developed for the determination of fluoxetine (FXT). The methods were based on the reduction of FXT at a mercury drop electrode at -1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl, in a phosphate buffer of pH 12.0, and on the possibility of accumulating the compound at the electrode surface. The SWAdSV method was successfully applied in the quantification of FXT in pharmaceutical products, human serum samples, and in drug dissolution studies. Because the presence of dissolved oxygen did not interfere significantly with the analysis, it was possible to quantify FXT in several pharmaceutical products using FIA-SWAdSV. This method enables analysis of up to 120 samples per hour at reduced costs.

Análisis político del Programa de Control del dengue en Morelos, México

OBJETIVO: Analizar medidas municipales implementadas para el control de la epidemia del dengue, sobretodo las de coordinación sectorial, gobernanza y participación de grupos sociales. MÉTODOS: Estudio de observación, realizado en Morelos, México, 2007. Los datos colectados en entrevistas y observaciones directas fueron sometidos a análisis de contenido y mapeo político. El software Policy Marker fue utilizado para evaluar los pesos atribuidos a los datos de desempeño (e.g. criterios alto, medio y bajo) y el papel de actores (acciones realizadas sean ellas de vigilancia, control o administrativas). Se realizó análisis estratégico de las oportunidades y desafíos en el cumplimiento de las políticas públicas y control del dengue. RESULTADOS: Las bases jurídicas indican que la respuesta a la epidemia es una tarea multisectorial. Sin embargo, la respuesta está centrada en actividades de los servicios de la salud, que están forzados a dar mayor apoyo financiero y derivar los recursos humanos necesarios, en contraste con la contribución de otros sectores (e.g. agua y saneamiento básico), que desconocen sus responsabilidades. El sector de la salud presenta alto nivel de factibilidad para la vinculación intra?institucional, en términos de optimización de recursos y cumplimiento de objetivos, particularmente entre autoridades de salud en los niveles estatal, jurisdiccional, municipal y local. CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje multidisciplinario y el fortalecimiento de las responsabilidades políticas permitirán la respuesta eficaz ante la epidemia del dengue, sustentada en la coordinación sectorial e involucramiento activo de la población afectada.

Celiac disease diagnosis and gluten-free food analytical control

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune enteropathy, characterized by an inappropriate T-cell-mediated immune response to the ingestion of certain dietary cereal proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. This disorder presents environmental, genetic, and immunological components. CD presents a prevalence of up to 1% in populations of European ancestry, yet a high percentage of cases remain underdiagnosed. The diagnosis and treatment should be made early since untreated disease causes growth retardation and atypical symptoms, like infertility or neurological disorders. The diagnostic criteria for CD, which requires endoscopy with small bowel biopsy, have been changing over the last few decades, especially due to the advent of serological tests with higher sensitivity and specificity. The use of serological markers can be very useful to rule out clinical suspicious cases and also to help monitor the patients, after adherence to a gluten-free diet. Since the current treatment consists of a life-long glutenfree diet, which leads to significant clinical and histological improvement, the standardization of an assay to assess in an unequivocal way gluten in gluten-free foodstuff is of major importance.

Control and comparison of the antioxidant capacity of beers

The purpose of the present work is to determine the antioxidant capacity (AC) of 27 commercial beers. The AC indicates the degree of protection of a certain organism against oxidative damage provoked by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Assays were carried out by the following methods: (i) total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP); (ii) trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC); (iii) trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (DPPH); (iv) ferric-ion reducing antioxidant parameter (FRAP); (v) cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC); (vi) oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Ascorbic acid (AA), gallic acid (GA) and trolox (TR) were used as standards. All beers showed antioxidant power, but a wide range of ACs was observed. The effect of several factors upon these differences was studied. Statistical differences were found between ACs of beers of different colours. ORAC method provided always higher experimental ACs, of significant statistical differences to other assays.

Electrochemical methods in pesticides control

The state of the art of voltammetric and amperometric methods used in the study and determination of pesticides in crops, food, phytopharmaceutical products, and environmental samples is reviewed. The main structural groups of pesticides, i.e., triazines, organophosphates, organochlorides, nitrocompounds, carbamates, thiocarbamates, sulfonylureas, and bipyridinium compounds are considered with some degradation products. The advantages, drawbacks, and trends in the development of voltammetric and amperometric methods for study and determination of pesticides in these samples are discussed.