Looking for a definition of aortic dilatation in overweight and obese individuals: body surface area-indexed values versus height-indexed diameters / En búsqueda de la definición de dilatación aórtica en individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad: rol de la indexación por altura. Análisis del Registro MATEAR

Abstract Introduction: Patient's body size is a significant determinant of aortic dimensions. Overweight and obesity underestimate aortic dilatation when indexing diameters by body surface area (BSA). We compared the indexation of aortic dimensions by height and BSA in subjects with and without overweight to determine the upper normal limit (UNL). Methods: The MATEAR study was a prospective, observational, and multicenter study (53 echocardiography laboratories in Argentina). We included 879 healthy adult individuals (mean age: 39.7 ± 11.4 years, 399 men) without hypertension, bicuspid aortic valve, aortic aneurysm, or genetic aortopathies. Echocardiograms were acquired and proximal aorta measured at the sinus of Valsalva (SV), sinotubular junction (STJ), and ascending aorta (AA) levels (EACVI/ASE guidelines). We compared absolute and indexed aortic diameters by height and BSA between groups (men with body mass index [BMI] < 25 and BMI ≥ 25, women with BMI < 25 and BMI ≥ 25). Results: Indexing of aortic diameters by BSA showed significantly lower values in overweight and obese subjects compared to normal weight in their respective gender (for women: SV 1.75 cm/m2 in BMI < 25 vs. 1.52 cm/m2 in BMI between 25 and 29.9 vs. 1.41 cm/m2 in BMI ≥ 30; at the STJ: 1.53 cm/m2 vs. 1.37 cm/m2 vs. 1.25 cm/m2; and at the AA: 1.63 cm/m2 vs. 1.50 cm/m2 vs. 1.37 cm/m2; all p < 0.0001 and for men, all p < 0.0001). These differences disappeared when indexing by height in both gender groups (all p = NS). Conclusion: While indexing aortic diameters by BSA in obese and overweight subjects underestimate aortic dilation, the use of aortic height index (AHI) yields a similar UNL for individuals with normal weight, overweight, and obesity. Therefore, AHI could be used regardless of their weight.

Resumen Introducción: El tamaño corporal es un determinante significativo de las dimensiones aórticas. El sobrepeso lleva a subestimar la dilatación aórtica. La altura (A) permanece estable durante la adultez, por lo que sería útil para indexar diámetros aórticos en pacientes obesos, aunque desconocemos los valores normales. Comparamos la indexación de diámetros aórticos por (IA) y superficie corporal (SC) en sujetos con y sin sobrepeso para determinar el límite superior normal (LSN, P97.5). Método: Se realizó un registro nacional, prospectivo, en 53 centros de Argentina. Se realizaron ecocardiogramas a 528 sujetos con índice de masa corporal (IMC) > 25 y 351 sujetos con IMC ≤ 25 seleccionados al azar. La población se subdividió en cuatro grupos según sexo e IMC y se compararon diámetros aórticos absolutos e indexados. Resultados: Se incluyeron 879 individuos (39.7 ± 11.4 años, 399 hombres). La indexación de los diámetros aórticos por SC mostró valores significativamente más bajos en sujetos con sobrepeso y obesidad en comparación con los de peso normal en cada sexo. Estas diferencias desaparecieron al indexar por altura en ambos géneros (todos p = NS). El LSN de los diámetros IA fue de 2.20 cm/m para senos, 1.99 cm/m para unión sino-tubular (UST) y 2.09 cm/m para aorta ascendente. Conclusiones: La indexación de los diámetros aórticos por SC en individuos con sobrepeso y obesidad subestima la dilatación aórtica. El IA permite establecer un LSN sin tener en cuenta el aumento espurio de la SC determinado por la grasa corporal. Podría ser utilizado en ambos sexos y de manera independiente del peso.

Valores normais de impedância-pHmetria de 24 horas em uma coorte de voluntários saudáveis na Argentina / Normal values of esophageal 24-hour impedance-ph ambulatory in an argentine cohort of healthy volunteers

ABSTRACT Background There are no data of reference values on 24-hour multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (pH-MII) monitoring in Argentinian populations. Objective Our aim was to obtain the normal values of pH-MII variables among healthy asymptomatic volunteers in a metropolitan Health Care Center of Argentina, and to compare them with data already published from other regions around the world. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken in a tertiary referral center in Buenos Aires. We enrolled healthy subjects and asked them to undergo esophageal pH-MII 24hours monitoring. pH-MII variables were recorded and described. Results Median reflux events was 20.5 (25-75%, 95%) interquartile range: (14-46, 50) and proximal reflux episodes was 2.5 (0-10, 11). Sixty percent were acid reflux episodes: 12 (5-29, 38), representing a relatively low value when compared to those reported in European, American and Chinese populations. Conclusion Our study shows the first reference of normal values of gastroesophageal reflux in an Argentinian population. We found a total number of reflux events and a total number of proximal reflux events lower than what was reported until this date by other authors.

RESUMO Contexto Não há dados de valores de referência sobre o monitoramento de impedância intraluminal multicanal 24 horas e monitoramento de pH (pH-MII) em populações argentinas. Objetivo O objetivo foi obter os valores normais das variáveis pH-MII entre voluntários assintomáticos saudáveis em um centro metropolitano de saúde da Argentina, e compará-los com dados já publicados de outras regiões do mundo. Métodos Estudo transversal foi realizado em um centro de referência terciário em Buenos Aires. Foram recrutados indivíduos saudáveis para se submeterem ao monitoramento esofágico pH-MII 24 horas. As variáveis pH-MII foram registradas e descritas. Resultados A média de eventos de refluxo foi de 20,5 (25-75%, 95%) entre os episódios interquartis: (14-46, 50) e os episódios de refluxo proximal foram de 2,5 (0-10, 11). Sessenta por cento foram episódios de refluxo ácido: 12 (5-29, 38), representando um valor relativamente baixo quando comparado com os relatados em populações europeias, americanas e chinesas. Conclusão Nosso estudo mostra a primeira referência de valores normais de refluxo gastroesofágico em uma população argentina. Encontramos um número total de eventos de refluxo e um número total de eventos de refluxo proximal menor do que o relatado até esta data por outros autores.

The normal values of water-perfused high resolution esophageal manometry: a multicenter study / 中华消化杂志

Objective:To establish the normal values of water-perfused high resolution esophageal manometry (HREM)(GAP-36A) at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing in Chinese population.Methods:From September 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, 91 healthy volunteers receiving water-perfused HREM (GAP-36A) at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing were selected from 9 hospitals (Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; the First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University; the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University; the Second Affiliated Hospital, Naval Medical University; the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University; the First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China; Aviation General Hospital of China Medical University; the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University and the First People′s Hospital of Yichang). Parameters included the position of the upper and lower edges of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) and lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the length of the LES and UES, the position of the pressure inversion point (PIP), the resting pressure of UES and LES and swallow-related parameters such as the distal contraction integral (DCI), 4 s integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), distal latency (DL) and UES residual pressure. One-way analysis of variance, post-hoc test and sum rank test were used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 87 healthy volunteers were enrolled, including 40 males and 47 females, aged (38.5±14.2) years old (ranged from 19 to 65 years old). The position of the upper and lower edges of the LES was (42.7±2.8) and (45.6±2.8) cm, respectively, the length of the LES was (2.9±0.4) cm, and the position of PIP was (43.3±2.8) cm. The position of the upper and lower edges of the UES was (18.1±3.0) and (22.6±2.0) cm, respectively, and the length of the UES was (4.8±1.0) cm. The resting pressure of LES and UES was (17.4±10.7) and (84.1±61.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), respectively. The DCI value at solid swallowing was higher than those at water swallowing and semisolid swallowing ((2 512.4±1 448.0) mmHg·s·cm vs. (2 183.2±1 441.2) and (2 150.8±1 244.8) mmHg·s·cm), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-4.30 and -3.74, both P<0.001). The values of 4 s IRP at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing were lower than that at water swallowing ((4.6±4.1) and (4.9±3.9) mmHg vs. (5.4±3.9) mmHg), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.38 and 2.09, P=0.001 and 0.037). The DL at water swallowing was shorter than those at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing ((8.5±1.8) s vs. (9.8±2.2) and (10.6±2.8) s), and the DL at semisolid swallowing was shorter than that at solid swallowing, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=-10.21, -13.91 and -4.68, all P<0.001). The UES residual pressure at water swallowing was higher than those at semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing (9.5 mmHg, 6.5 to 12.3 mmHg vs. 8.0 mmHg, 4.5 to 11.7 mmHg and 5.5 mmHg, 2.0 to 9.3 mmHg), and the UES residual pressure at semisolid swallowing was higher than that at solid swallowing, and the differences were statistically significant ( t=3.48, 10.30 and 6.35, all P<0.001). Conclusions:The normal values of water-perfused HREM (GAP-36A) in Chinese population at resting period, water swallowing, semisolid swallowing and solid swallowing can provide a reference basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients receiving water-perfused HREM examination.

Elite Croatian junior taekwondo competitors: morphological characteristics and body composition reference values / Competidores croatas de taekwondo junior de élite: características morfológicas y valores de referencia de composición corporal

SUMMARY: The main purpose of this study was to determine the body composition and anthropometric reference values of male and female junior Croatian taekwondo competitors according to official weight category. Additional aim of the study was to identify possible differences in variables between the weight categories. The sample comprised 247 junior participants of the national taekwondo championships divided into male (N=121) and female (N=126). The variable sample was defined by a set of 8 measurements: Body height (cm), Body mass (kg), Body mass index, Body fat (%), Body fat (kg), Muscle mass (kg), Lean body mass (kg) and Total body water (%). Results confirm previous studies proving that younger taekwondo practitioners have higher levels of body fat than their more experienced peers (seniors). Significant differences were only found between lean and heavy categories. Male junior taekwondo athletes show total body water percentages from 57.4 to 74.8 %, with significantly lower percentages in higher weight categories, while female athletes in heigher categories demonstrate a worrying level of hydration status, therefore endangering their performance and overall health. As the first paper that investigates the reference values of junior taekwondo athletes but based on official weight categories it is especially important as each weight category warrant different body composition requirements, as seen from significant differences across different variables. Future studies should include motor abilities inspection throughout the weight categories and possible use of calculation of metabolic age.

RESUMEN: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue determinar la composición corporal y los valores de referencia antropométricos de los competidores croatas masculinos y femeninos de taekwondo junior según la categoría oficial de peso. Además, se analizó identificar las posibles diferencias en las variables entre las categorías de peso. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 247 participantes junior de los campeonatos nacionales de taekwondo divididos en hombres (N = 121) y mujeres (N = 126). La muestra variable se definió mediante un conjunto de 8 medidas: altura corporal (cm), masa corporal (kg), índice de masa corporal, grasa corporal (%), grasa corporal (kg), masa muscular (kg), masa corporal magra (kg) y agua corporal total (%). Los resultados confirmaron estudios previos que demuestran que los practicantes de taekwondo más jóvenes tienen niveles más altos de grasa corporal que sus pares más experimentados (personas mayores). Solo se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las categorías magra y pesada. Los atletas masculinos de taekwondo junior muestran porcentajes de agua corporal total del 57,4 al 74,8 %, con porcentajes significativamente más bajos en las categorías de peso más alto, mientras que las atletas femeninas en las categorías más altas, demuestran un nivel preocupante de estado de hidratación, poniendo en peligro su rendimiento y salud en general. Como el primer artículo que investiga los valores de referencia de los atletas de taekwondo junior, pero basado en categorías de peso oficiales, es especialmente importante ya que cada categoría de peso garantiza diferentes requisitos de composición corporal, como se puede observar en las diferencias significativas entre las diversas variables. Los estudios futuros deberían incluir un análisis de las habilidades motoras en todas las categorías de peso y el posible uso del cálculo de la edad metabólica.

Normal Values and Associated Factors in Highresolution Anorectal Manometry in Healthy Vietnamese Adults / Valores normais e fatores associados na manometria anorretal de alta resolução em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis

Abstract Introduction The present study aims to identify normal high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) values and related factors in healthy Vietnamese adults. Methods The present cross-sectional study was conducted at the Viet Duc hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam, during April and May 2019. Healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in the study. Anorectal measurement values from the digestive tract, including pressure, were recorded. Results A total of 76 healthy volunteers were recruited. The mean functional anal canal length was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm, while the mean anal high-pressure zone length was 3.4 ± 0.5 cm. Themean defecation index was 1.4 ± 0.8, with values ranging from 0.3 to 5.0. The mean threshold volume to elicit the rectoanal inhibitory reflex (RAIR) was 18.1 mL. The mean rectal sensation values were 32.4mL, 81.6mL, and 159 mL for first sensation, desire to defecate, and urge to defecate, respectively. Dyssynergic patterns occurred in ~ 50% of the study participants and included mainly types I (27.6%) and III (14.6%). There were significant differences between male and female patients in terms of maximum anal squeeze pressure, maximum anal cough pressure, maximum anal strain pressure, maximum rectal cough pressure, and maximum rectal strain pressure (all p<0.01). Conclusions The present study establishes normal HRAM values in healthy Vietnamese adults, particularly regarding normal values of anorectal pressure and rectal sensation. Further studies that include larger sample sizes should be conducted to further confirm the constants and their relationships.

Resumo Introdução O presente estudo tem como objetivo identificar valores normais de manometria anorretal de alta resolução e fatores relacionados em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis. Métodos O presente estudo transversal foi conduzido no hospital Viet Duc, Hanói, Vietnã, durante abril e maio de 2019. Voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados para participar do estudo. Valores de medição anorretal, incluindo pressão do trato digestivo, foram registrados. Resultados Um total de 76 voluntários saudáveis foram recrutados. O comprimento funcional médio do canal anal foi de 4,2 ± 0,5 cm, enquanto o comprimento médio da zona anal de alta pressão foi de 3,4 ± 0,5 cm. O índice médio de defecação foi de 1,4 ± 0,8, com valores variando de 0,3 a 5,0. O volume limite médio para eliciar o reflexo inibitório retoanal (RAIR, sigla em inglês) foi de 18,1 mL. Os valores médios da sensação retal foram 32,4mL, 81,6mL e 159 mL para a primeira sensação, o desejo de defecar e a urgência de defecar, respectivamente. Os padrões dissinérgicos ocorreram em aproximadamente 50% dos participantes do estudo e incluíram principalmente os tipos I (27,6%) e III (14,6%). Houve diferenças significativas entre homens e mulheres na pressão de compressão anal máxima, pressão de tosse anal máxima, pressão de distensão anal máxima, pressão de tosse retal máxima e pressão de distensão retal máxima (todos p<0,01). Conclusões O presente estudo estabelece valores normais de HRAM em adultos vietnamitas saudáveis, particularmente no que diz respeito aos valores normais de pressão anorretal e sensação retal. Mais estudos que incluam tamanhos de amostra maiores devemser realizados a fim de confirmar melhor as constantes e suas relações.

How Approprıate are the Lengths of Syringe Needles Used for Subcutaneous Injections to the Children at School Age?

ABSTRACT Objectives: To define the normal ranges of the thicknesses of the skin and subcutaneous tissues via ultrasonography, and determine whether the current syringe needle-lengths used for the subcutaneous injections were appropriate. Methods: The thicknesses of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of 2244 students were measured at the left arm using ultrasonography. The patients were divided into three groups based on their age: 6-8, 9-12 and 13-17 years. Results: The thicknesses of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and skin-subcutaneous tissue were found to be positively correlated with their age, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area. All these were observed to be gender related. There was the possibility to make intramuscular injections for 50%, 25% and 25% of boys within the age groups of 6-8, 9-12 and 13-17 years, respectively. For girls, the risk of intramuscular injection was 25% for all the age groups. Conclusion: The study showed that the skin and skin-subcutaneous tissue thicknesses varied as a function of the patients' age, gender, BMIs and body surface areas.

Cranial measurement analysis of 3 406 infants aged 0 to 6 months in Chongqing / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective@#The incidence and distribution of positional deformities(PD)were studied by measuring cranial types of infants aged 0-6 months of 3 hospitals in Chongqing, and the recommended values of local PD were discussed.@*Methods@#Data of 3 406 infants with 0-6 months head size measurements were collected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University, Yongchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and Wanzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, cranial vault asymmetry(CVA)and cranial index(CI)were calculated.According to different age groups, observe the distribution of cranial types, and use the current international common diagnostic criteria to understand the incidence of cranial abnormalities, and analyze the distribution of percentile values of CVA and CI in infants in Chongqing.@*Results@#According to the current international standard diagnosis of PD, the incidence of simple brachycephaly was the highest(39.9%)in the overall cranial abnormalities of infants, followed by brachycephaly with plagiocephaly was the second(36.1%), simple plagiocephaly was the lowest(6.9%), and normal cranial type only accounted for 17.1%.The detection rates of plagiocephaly(36.9%)and brachycephaly(67.0%)were the lowest in the 0-2 months group, and the highest in the 3-4 months group(47.3%/83.3%), and then decreased in the 5-6 months group(46.6%/80.2%).@*Conclusion@#The basic values of cranial type measurement of full-term infants in chongqing were significantly different from international reports, mainly due to the large CI value.The general international diagnosis standard for positional deformities do not conform to Chinese infants.We suggest that the reference value for positional deformities in this region is as follows: CVA≥0.4 cm is abnormal, of which 0.4 cm≤CVA<0.6 cm for mild plagiocephaly, 0.6 cm≤CVA<1.0 cm for moderate plagiocephaly, CVA≥1.0 cm for severe plagiocephaly; 82%≤CI≤91% is abnormal, of which 91%≤CI<94% for mild brachycephaly; 94% ≤CI<99% for moderate brachycephaly; CI≥ 99% for severe brachycephaly.CI≤82% is scaphocephaly.

Cranial measurement analysis of 3406 infants aged 0 to 6 months in Chongqing / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective The incidence and distribution of positional deformities ( PD) were studied by measuring cranial types of infants aged 0-6 months of 3 hospitals in Chongqing, and the recommended values of local PD were discussed. Methods Data of 3406 infants with 0-6 months head size measurements were col-lected from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Military Medical University, Yongchuan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital and Wanzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2018, cranial vault asymmetry ( CVA) and cranial index ( CI) were calculated. According to different age groups, observe the distribution of cranial types, and use the current international common diagnostic crite-ria to understand the incidence of cranial abnormalities, and analyze the distribution of percentile values of CVA and CI in infants in Chongqing. Results According to the current international standard diagnosis of PD, the incidence of simple brachycephaly was the highest ( 39. 9％) in the overall cranial abnormalities of infants, followed by brachycephaly with plagiocephaly was the second (36. 1％), simple plagiocephaly was the lowest (6. 9％), and normal cranial type only accounted for 17. 1％. The detection rates of plagiocephaly (36. 9％)and brachycephaly ( 67. 0％) were the lowest in the 0-2 months group, and the highest in the 3-4 months group (47. 3％/83. 3％), and then decreased in the 5-6 months group (46. 6％/80. 2％). Conclusion The basic values of cranial type measurement of full-term infants in chongqing were significantly different from inter-national reports, mainly due to the large CI value. The general international diagnosis standard for positional deformities do not conform to Chinese infants. We suggest that the reference value for positional deformities in this region is as follows: CVA≥0. 4 cm is abnormal, of which 0. 4 cm≤CVA<0. 6 cm for mild plagiocepha-ly, 0. 6 cm≤CVA<1. 0 cm for moderate plagiocephaly, CVA≥1. 0 cm for severe plagiocephaly; 82％≤CI≤91％ is abnormal, of which 91％≤CI <94％ for mild brachycephaly; 94％ ≤CI <99％ for moderate brachycephaly; CI≥99％ for severe brachycephaly. CI≤82％ is scaphocephaly.

Normal values for solid state high resolution anorectal manometry in healthy adult volunteers / 中华内科杂志

Objective To explore the normal values for two-dimension solid state high resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) in healthy adult volunteers.Methods The healthy adult volunteers were recruited by advertisement and underwent solid state HRAM in the left lateral position.Anorectal pressures and rectal sensation were recorded and analyzed.Results (1) A total of 126 Chinese healthy adult volunteers (male:50 cases (39.7％);age:(37.5 ± 14.2) years old) were recruited in this study.(2)Mean anal resting pressure (MERP) was (71.8 ± 17.3) mmHg (1 mmHg =0.133 kPa).Maximum anal resting pressure (MARP) was (79.3 ± 17.8) mmHg,Maximum anal squeeze pressure (MSP) was (178.7 ± 52.8) mmHg.Anal high pressure zone (HPZ) length was (3.4 ± 0.6) cm.During simulated evacuation,residual anal pressure (RAP) was (63.8 ±20.5) mmHg,and anal relaxation rate (ARR) was (37.0 ± 11.5) ％.Rectal threshold volume for first sensation (FST),desire to defecate (DDT),urgency to defecate (UDT) and maximum discomfort (MDT) was (47.4 ±10.0) ml,(84.5 ±18.2) ml,(125.8 ± 28.5) ml,and (175.5 ±36.1) ml,respectively.(3) Compared with female subjects,male subjects had higher MSP [(211.0 ± 50.7) mmHg vs (157.5 ± 42.5) mmHg],RAP [(71.6 ± 18.1) mmHg vs (58.8 ± 20.5) mmHg]and rectal MDT[(187.0 ±36.4) mmHg vs (168.0 ±34.1)mmHg],but lower ARR [(32.1 ±8.0)％ vs (40.2 ±12.3)％],all P＜0.01.(4) MERP,MARP,MSP and rectal MDT were higher in young group (≤ 40 years old),all P ＜ 0.05.Conclusions These observations provide normal values for two-dimension solid state HRAM,which have significant difference between genders and different age groups.

Synchronous 12-lead electrocardiogram analysis of normal Japanese white rabbits / 中国比较医学杂志

Objective To observe the 12-lead ECG ( electrocardiogram ) characteristics of Japanese rabbits , and provide basic ECG data for cardiovascular disease research .Methods The 12-lead ECG and X-rays of 55 male Japanese rabbits were recorded in supine position after intraperitoneal injection of 20% urethane.Results ECG:① The 12-lead ECG characteristics of male Japanese rabbits were similar to humans .The rabbit heart rate was 265.5 ±36.8 beats/min, faster than that of humans .No arrhythmia was found in all the 55 rabbits.② The supine position average ECG axis was between 19 °to 250 °, varying a lot .③P wave:The shape of P wave was blunt round or a little bit sharp .P waves were all in accordance with the sinus P wave rules , which were more obvious in lead II , aVF and all chest leads .④ The PR interval was 0.063 ±0.007 s.⑤The QRS duration was 0.040 ±0.005 s.The main waves were mostly upward in leadsⅡ,Ⅲ, and aVF .The same as humans , the R/S ratios were increased by degrees in chest leads .⑥The ST segment was short, and was located in the equipotential line .⑦ The shapes of T wave were mostly round , partly had twin peaks .T waves were more obvious in leads Ⅱ,Ⅲ, aVR, and AVF and chest leads .⑧The QT interval was 0.142 ±0.015 s, and QTc was 0.306 ±0.034 s.In the X-rays, most heart shadows were in the center and right chest .Conclusions The normal values of 12-lead ECG characteristics of Japanese rabbits are obtained in this study , which are of certain application value in experimental studies of cardiovascular diseases .

Interpupillary Distance and its Limits in South Western Nigeria.

Aim: To determine the normal and extremes of values for interpupillary distance [IPD] amongst adults in Ogun State, South Western Nigeria. Methodology: A population based cross-sectional study. Multi-staged stratified random sampling was used to select respondents from seven Local government areas in Ogun State. Results: One thousand two hundred and seventy four respondents were examined and each had Interpupillary distance measurements done using an automated refractor. The mean age of the study population was 41.18±20.12 years with 57.4% females. The mean IPD was 67.50±4.06 mm with a minimum value of 50mm and maximum of 84 mm. Most [75.51%] of the respondents had IPD measurements within the range of 65 mm to 74 mm. The mean IPD for males was 68.76±3.89 mm while females were 66.58±3.94 mm. Conclusion: The mean IPD and its upper limit obtained in this study were higher than previously documented by other studies. Inter pupillary distance increased with age and was higher in males.

Liquid-containing Refluxes and Acid Refluxes May Be Less Frequent in the Japanese Population Than in Other Populations: Normal Values of 24-hour Esophageal Impedance and pH Monitoring

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Twenty-four-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring allows detection of all types of reflux episodes and is considered the best technique for identifying gastroesophageal refluxes. However, normative data for the Japanese population are lacking. This multicenter study aimed to establish the normal range of 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH data both in the distal and the proximal esophagus in Japanese subjects. METHODS: Forty-two healthy volunteers (25 men and 17 women) with a mean ± standard deviation age of 33.3 ± 12.4 years (range: 22–72 years) underwent a combined 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring. According to the physical and pH properties, distal or proximal esophageal reflux events were categorized. RESULTS: Median 45 reflux events occurred in 24 hours, and the 95th percentile was 85 events. Unlike previous reports, liquid-containing reflux events are median 25/24 hours with the 95th percentile of 62/24 hours. Acidic reflux events were median 11/24 hours with the 95th percentile of 39/24 hours. Non-acidic gas reflux events were median 15/24 hours with the 95th percentile of 39/24 hours. Proximal reflux events accounted for 80% of the total reflux events and were mainly non-acidic gas refluxes. About 19% of liquid and mixed refluxes reached the proximal esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike previous studies, liquid-containing and acidic reflux events may be less frequent in the Japanese population. Non-acidic gas reflux events may be frequent and a cause of frequent proximal reflux events. This study provides important normative data for 24-hour impedance and pH monitoring in both the distal and the proximal esophagus in the Japanese population.

Auditory brainstem responses: stimulus variations

Auditory brainstem response is a response to external stimulation that represents the neural electrophysiological activity of the auditory system at the brainstem level. Variations due to the change in the presentation of stimuli help in the diagnosis of clinical conditions that affect the auditory nervous system OBJECTIVE: To characterize and compare the different polarity variations stimuli and presentation rates in adults with normal hearing METHODS: We investigated 20 students from a Center for Diagnosis and Rehabilitation, with no hearing impairment, all female aged 15-30 years old, who were screened for brainstem auditory evoked potential, which presented stimuli in different polarities ranges, including condensation and rarefaction in different presentation rates of 21.7, 27.7 and 47.7 stimuli per second RESULTS: We observed lower values of latencies of wave I in the three rates of stimulus presentation and wave V at the rate of 21.7/sec. rarefact when used, and also on the right ear and the same polarity , the gap interpeak I - III also had lower values for rates of introduction, as in the IR range the rate of 21.7/s. In overall comparison of groups in different polarities of stimulation, there was a significant difference only in rarefact CONCLUSION: The understanding of the behavior of the electrophysiological response to variations of the stimulus is important and may serve as a reference for normal use of these measures in clinical practice...

Potencial evocado auditivo é uma resposta a um estímulo externo que representa a atividade eletrofisiológica do sistema auditivo em nível do tronco cerebral. Variações devido à alteração na apresentação de estímulos ajudam no diagnóstico de condições clínicas que afetam o sistema nervoso auditivo. : Caracterizar e comparar as diferentes variações de polaridade de estímulos e as taxas de apresentação em adultos com audição normal MÉTODO: foram investigados 20 estudantes de um centro de diagnóstico e de reabilitação, sem deficiência auditiva, todos do sexo feminino com idade de 15-30 anos de idade, que foram selecionados para potencial evocado auditivo de tronco cerebral, que apresentou estímulos em diferentes polaridades varia, incluindo a condensação e rarefação em diferentes taxas de apresentação de 21,7, 27,7 e 47,7 estímulos por segundo RESULTADOS: foram observados menores valores de latências da onda I nas três taxas de apresentação do estímulo e da onda V a uma taxa de 21,7 / seg. Em polaridade rarefeita, quando utilizado, e também sobre a orelha direita e a mesma polaridade, o fosso intérpico I - III tinha também apresentou valores mais baixos para as taxas, como na gama de IV a taxa de 21,7/s. Na comparação geral dos grupos em diferentes polaridades de estimulação houve diferença significativa apenas na polaridade rarefeita CONCLUSÃO: a compreensão do comportamento de resposta a variações eletrofisiológicas de estímulo é importante e pode servir como uma referência para o uso destas medidas na prática clínica...

Filipino normative data for thyroid ultrasonography: Correlates with weight, height and gender but not urinary iodine levels

OBJECTIVE: To establish a normal range of values for thyroid volume among adult Filipinos and to correlate thyroid dimensions with age, sex, weight, height, and urinary iodine.METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. Out of 212 health personnel screened, 169 were included based on the following exclusion criteria: goiter stage Ib to III as defined by WHO, hyperthyroid or hypothyroid, hospitalization within the past month, chronic renal disease, chronic alcohol intake, more than 4 pack years of smoking, and abnormal laboratory profile. Laboratory parameters included FT3, FT4, TSH, creatinine, anti-thyroglobulin, anti-thyroid peroxidase, 24-hr urinary iodine , and thyroid ultrasonography. There were 55 males and 114 females with a mean age of 38.98 +/- 11.21 years old, mean weight of 59.84 +/- 11.91 kg.RESULTS: The size of the right lobe ranged from 3.58-5.09 x 1.15-1.89 x 1.01-1.90 cm (LxWxD) while the left lobe ranged from 3.62-5.01 x 1.15-1.93 x 1.03-1.84, comparable with established values in literature. Using Hotelling's T-squared, male sex was associated with a larger thyroid dimension, (p-value CONCLUSIONS: The normative thyroid dimensions established among Filipino adults were comparable with the accepted reference values. Thyroid dimensions were significantly correlated with weight, height, and sex but not with urinary iodide levels.

Waist Circumference and Waist for Height Percentiles in Urban South Indian Children Aged 3-16 Years.

Objectives: To develop age and gender specific waist circumference references for urban Indian children aged 3 -16 years. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Urban preschools and schools of Bangalore. Participants: 9060 children (5172 boys and 3888 girls) in the age group of 3-16 years. Methods: Weight, height, and waist circumference were measured using standard anthropometric methodology. Percentiles for waist circumference and Waist/height ratio (W/Ht) for each age and gender were constructed and smoothed using the LMS method. Results: Mean waist circumference increased with age for both girls and boys. The upper end of curve in boys continued to increase, whereas in the girls it tended to plateau at 14 years. The waist circumference of the Indian children from the present study was higher than age and sex matched European children. The proportion of children with W/Ht ratio greater than 0.5 decreased as their age increased. Conclusions: These curves represent the first waist and waist height ratio percentiles for Indian children and could be used as reference values for urban Indian children. We suggest that for a start, the 75th percentile of waist circumference from this study be used as an “action point” for Indian children to identify obesity (as a tautological argument), while retaining the cut-off of 0.5 for the W/Ht ratio; however this underlines the need to derive biologically rational cut-offs that would relate to different levels of risk for adult cardiovascular disease.

Left ventricular mass in normal children and its correlation with weight, height and body surface area / Masa ventricular izquierda en niños normales y su correlación con el peso, altura y área de superficie corporal

Echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular mass (LVM) is being used for the diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in children with various cardiovascular diseases. The purposes of this study was to establish normal values of LVM according to weight, height and body surface area (BSA) in children and to determine the sex differences. We evaluated 208 children (143 males and 65 females), aged 1 day to 14 years who had no cardiovascular disease. The end-diastolic left ventricular internal dimension (LVIDd), end-diastolic left ventricular posterior wall thickness (LVPWd) and end-diastolic interventricular septum (IVSd) values were determined by M-mode echocardiographic examination. By using these values, left ventricular mass was calculated. The difference between LVIDd, LVPWd and LVM values of boys and girls were not statistically significant . We observed statistically significant differences between the sexes relative to IVSd and LVM/BSA values. The left ventricular mass and its components presented a good correlation with age, weight, height and BSA. The study let us know the lower and upper limits of cardiac dimensions and LVM obtained by echocardiography in normal Turkish children according to BSA. Also, as the LVM/BSA values show gender difference in children, sex should be taken in consideration while evaluating the left ventricular hypertrophy.

La medición ecocardiográfica de la masa ventricular izquierda (LVM) se utiliza para el diagnóstico de la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda en los niños con diversas enfermedades cardiovasculares. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron establecer los valores normales de MVI en función del peso, altura y área de superficie corporal (BSA) en niños y determinar las diferencias entre sexos. Se evaluaron 208 niños (143 varones y 65 mujeres), con edades entre 1 día a 14 años de edad que presentaban enfermedades cardiovasculares. Se determinaron los valores interno al final del diástole ventricular izquierdo (LVIDd), el espesor de la pared posterior (LVPWd) y el tabique interventricular (IVSd) mediante el examen ecocardiográfico en modo M. Utilizando estos valores, fue calculada la masa ventricular izquierda. Las diferencias de los valores LVIDd, LVPWd LVM entre niños y niñas no fueron estadísticamente significativas. Observamos diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los sexos en relación con los valores IVSd y LVM/BSA. La masa ventricular izquierda y sus componentes presentaron una buena correlación con la edad, peso, altura y BSA. Este estudio nos permitió conocer los límites superior e inferior de las dimensiones cardíacas, junto a la LVM obtenidas mediante ecocardiografía en niños turcos normales de acuerdo con el BSA. Además, como los valores LVM/BSA muestran diferencias entre sexos en los niños, el sexo se debería tomar en consideración al evaluar la hipertrofia ventricular izquierda.

Craniofacial characteristics of Caucasian and Afro-Caucasian Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the skeletal, dental and soft tissue characteristics of Caucasian and Afro-Caucasian Brazilian subjects with normal occlusion and to evaluate sexual dimorphism within the groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample comprised lateral cephalograms of untreated normal occlusion subjects, divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 40 Caucasian subjects (20 of each sex), with a mean age of 13.02 years; group 2 included 40 Afro-Caucasian subjects (20 of each sex), with a mean age of 13.02 years. Groups 1 and 2 and males and females within each group were compared with t tests. RESULTS: Afro-Caucasian subjects presented greater maxillary protrusion, smaller upper anterior face height and lower posterior face height, larger upper posterior face height, greater maxillary and mandibular dentoalveolar protrusion as well as soft tissue protrusion than Caucasian subjects. The Afro-Caucasian female subjects had less mandibular protrusion and smaller total posterior facial height and upper posterior facial height than males. CONCLUSIONS: Brazilian Afro-Caucasian subjects have greater dentoalveolar and soft tissue protrusion than Brazilian Caucasian subjects, with slight sexual dimorphism in some variables.

Comparación de dos test psicofísicos de sensibilidad al contraste en un entorno clínico / Comparison of two contrast sensitivity tests in a clinical setup / Comparaison de deux tests psychophysiques de sensibilité au contraste en clinique / Comparação de dois testes psicofísicos de sensibilidade ao contraste em um ambiente clínico

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el desempeño de dos test psicofísicos de sensibilidad al contraste, uno basado en un sistema informatizado - FVC 100 - y otro en láminas impresas - VCTS 6500, ambos empleando la discriminación de redes sinusoidales en condiciones de adaptación fotópica. Fueron medidos 45 ojos de 23 personas con edades entre 28 y 70 años. Los sujetos fueron reclutados en un Servicio de Oftalmología al cual concurrieron tanto por consulta como por control. A partir de tomar el criterio clínico como referencia, los resultados muestran que, de los 23 sujetos, en 16 casos ambos sistemas detectaron correctamente su estado visual, en cinco casos (10 ojos) sólo el FVC 100 consiguió hacerlo, mientras que en dos casos este sistema no detectó el problema visual y sí lo hizo el VCTS 6500. Considerando los datos obtenidos se aprecia un mejor desempeño del test informatizado, destacándose la necesidad de continuar trabajando para conseguir un atlas con información de la función de sensibilidad al contraste que considere las diferentes patologías visuales.

The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of two psychophysical contrast sensitivity tests, one based on a computerized system - FVC 100 - and the other based on printed charts - VCTS 6500, both using the discrimination of sinusoidal grating orientation under photopic adaptation. Altogether, 45 eyes of 23 people with ages ranging from 28 to 70 years were tested in this study. Subjects were recruited in an Ophthalmological Service to which they went looking for medical supervision or consult. Taking the clinical criterion as a reference, the results show that of the 23 subjects, both systems correctly identify 16 cases, in five cases (10 eyes) only the FVC 100 performed well, whereas in two cases this system did not detect the visual problem and the VCTS 6500 did. Considering the obtained data, a better performance of the computerized system can be observed, pointing out the need to keep working in order to obtain a contrast sensitivity atlas which takes into account the different visual pathologies.

L'objectif de cette étude était de comparer les performances de deux tests psychophysiques de la sensibilité au contraste, l'un basé sur l'ordinateur - FVC 100 - et un autre imprimé feuilles - VCTS 6500. Avec les deux systèmes est évaluée discrimination des réseaux sinusoïdaux dans des conditions d'adaptation photopique. Ont été mesurées 45 yeux de 23 personnes âgées entre 28 et 70. Les sujets ont été recrutés dans un service d'ophtalmologie. Ce service a été suivi par la consultation et de contrôle. Après avoir fait référence au critère clinique, les résultats montrent que, parmi les 23 sujets, dans 16 cas, les deux systèmes correctement identifié état visuel. Dans cinq cas (10 yeux) FVC100 seulement réussi à le faire, tandis que dans deux cas, ce système n'a pas détecté les problèmes visuels. Toutefois, s'il est détecté VCTS6500 le problème dans ces deux derniers cas. Considérant les résultats obtenus avec les deux systèmes, vous pouvez voir une meilleure performance du test informatisé par rapport à celui basé sur des feuilles imprimées. Il souligne la nécessité de continuer à travailler vers un atlas des informations sur la fonction de sensibilité au contraste qui tient compte des différentes pathologies visuelles.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o desempenho de dois testes psicofísicos de sensibilidade ao contraste, um baseado num sistema informatizado - FVC 100 - e um outro em lâminas impressas -VCTS 6500, ambos empregando a discriminação de grades sinusoidais em condições fotópicas de adaptação. Foram avaliados 45 olhos de 23 pessoas com idades entre 28 e 70 anos. Os sujeitos foram recrutados num Serviço de Oftalmologia onde compareceram tanto para consulta como para controle. Tomando o critério clínico como referência, os resultados mostram que, dos 23 sujeitos, em 16 casos ambos sistemas detectaram corretamente seu estado visual, em cinco casos (10 olhos) só o FVC 100 conseguiu fazê-lo, contudo em um dos casos este sistema não detectou o problema visual e sim o VCTS. Considerando os dados obtidos, aprecia-se um melhor desempenho do teste informatizado, evidenciando-se a necessidade de continuar trabalhando para conseguir um atlas com informação da função de sensibilidade ao contraste que considere as diferentes patologias visuais.

Spirometric Standards for Healthy Children and Adolescents of Korean Chinese in Northeast China

In China there are 1,923,842 Korean Chinese, who live mostly (92.27%) in the country's three northeast provinces. In spite of this sizeable number, no spirometric data are available at present on them. The present study investigated normal spirometric reference values for the Korean Chinese children and adolescents. Spirometry was performed in 443 healthy Korean Chinese children and adolescents aged 8-18 yr with measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF). Reference equations for FEV1, FVC, PEF and MMEF were derived by using multiple regression analysis. All of the measured spirometric parameters correlated positively with height and age significantly (P < 0.001). The predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were higher than values obtained by using Caucasian and other Asian equations (P < 0.001). A set of spirometric reference equations has been derived using a relatively large, healthy, non-smoking young Korean Chinese population with a wide range of ages and heights, the results of which differ from those gained from several other reference equations. These reference equations should be used for evaluation of lung function in this population.

Tránsito colónico en individuos sanos / Colonic transit in healthy individuals

El tránsito colónico es la medición objetiva del tiempo en el que trascurre el contenido intestinal a través del colon y representa un adelanto muy importante en la evaluación de pacientes con trastornos en el hábito intestinal. Valores normales de tránsito colónico (TC). Determinar valores normales de TC en voluntarios sanos en la ciudad de Caracas. En el Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). Estudio descriptivo, transversal; se empleó anillos metálicos de 8Fr (2.7mm), como marcadores radioopacos, introducidos en capsulas de gelatina tamaño 00 largo (24 anillos/cápsula), se tomaron al azar 30 voluntarios sanos, personal médico y de enfermería del HUC, con edades entre 18 y 50 años, agrupados por género: 15 masculino y 15 femenino. Se realizó radiografías de abdomen simple en posición decúbito dorsal a las 72, 96 y 120 horas posteriores a la ingesta de la cápsula, cuantificando la cantidad de marcadores eliminados. Para el análisis de los resultados se aplicó la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney; con un nivel de significación del 95%. No se realizó modificaciones en la dieta durante el estudio. 21 voluntarios (70%) evacuaron más del 80% de los marcadores radiopacos a las 96 horas. 20% (6 voluntarios) registraron la eliminación total de los marcadores antes de las 96 horas. 70% presentó la eliminación de más del 80% de los marcadores de TC a las 96 horas. No se evidenció diferencias estadísticas significativas entre los grupos etarios ni género. Los valores obtenidos son inferiores a los aceptados como normales, reportados en la literatura mundial (eliminación del 80% de los marcadores antes de las 120 horas), y superiores en comparación con un estudio mexicano semejante (eliminación del 80% de los marcadores a las 48 horas)...

The colonic transit is the objective measurement of the time lag in the intestinal contents through the colon and represents an important advancement in the evaluation of patients with intestinal disorders of habit. Normal colonic transit (CT). To determine normal values of CT in healthy volunteers in the city of Caracas. Hospital Universitario de Caracas (HUC). A descriptive cross-functional study; 8Fr (2.7mm) metal rings were used as radiopaque markers, placed into gelatin capsules of 00 long (24 rings / capsule), 30 healthy volunteers, medical and nursing staff of HCU, aged between 18 and 50 years, matched by gender were randomly taken: 15 male and 15 female. A simple abdominal radiography was performed on dorsal decubitus position at 72, 96 and 120 hours after ingesting the capsule, quantifying the amount of markers removed. For the analysis of the results we used the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance level of 95%. No changes were made in the diet during the study. 21 volunteers (70%) evacuated more than 80% of the radiopaque markers at 96 hours. 20% (6 volunteers) reported the total elimination of the markers prior to 96 hours. 70% eliminated over 80% of the markers of the CT at 96 hours. No statistically significant differences were found between age groups or gender. The values obtained are below the ones accepted as normal, reported in the literature (80% elimination of the markers before the 120 hours) and higher compared to a similar Mexican study (80% elimination of the markers at 48 hours)...