Seasonality of mortality under a changing climate: a time-series analysis of mortality in Japan between 1972 and 2015

BACKGROUND@#Ambient temperature may contribute to seasonality of mortality; in particular, a warming climate is likely to influence the seasonality of mortality. However, few studies have investigated seasonality of mortality under a warming climate.@*METHODS@#Daily mean temperature, daily counts for all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory mortality, and annual data on prefecture-specific characteristics were collected for 47 prefectures in Japan between 1972 and 2015. A quasi-Poisson regression model was used to assess the seasonal variation of mortality with a focus on its amplitude, which was quantified as the ratio of mortality estimates between the peak and trough days (peak-to-trough ratio (PTR)). We quantified the contribution of temperature to seasonality by comparing PTR before and after temperature adjustment. Associations between annual mean temperature and annual estimates of the temperature-unadjusted PTR were examined using multilevel multivariate meta-regression models controlling for prefecture-specific characteristics.@*RESULTS@#The temperature-unadjusted PTRs for all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory mortality were 1.28 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-1.30), 1.53 (95% CI: 1.50-1.55), and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.44-1.48), respectively; adjusting for temperature reduced these PTRs to 1.08 (95% CI: 1.08-1.10), 1.10 (95% CI: 1.08-1.11), and 1.35 (95% CI: 1.32-1.39), respectively. During the period of rising temperature (1.3 °C on average), decreases in the temperature-unadjusted PTRs were observed for all mortality causes except circulatory mortality. For each 1 °C increase in annual mean temperature, the temperature-unadjusted PTR for all-cause, circulatory, and respiratory mortality decreased by 0.98% (95% CI: 0.54-1.42), 1.39% (95% CI: 0.82-1.97), and 0.13% (95% CI: - 1.24 to 1.48), respectively.@*CONCLUSION@#Seasonality of mortality is driven partly by temperature, and its amplitude may be decreasing under a warming climate.

Burden of Outpatient Visits Attributable to Ambient Temperature in Qingdao, China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Climate change has been referred to as one of the greatest threats to human health, with reports citing likely increases in extreme meteorological events. In this study, we estimated the relationships between temperature and outpatients at a major hospital in Qingdao, China, during 2015-2017, and assessed the morbidity burden. The results showed that both low and high temperatures were associated with an increased risk of outpatient visits. High temperatures were responsible for more morbidity than low temperatures, with an attributed fraction (AF) of 16.86%. Most temperature-related burdens were attributed to moderate cold and hot temperatures, with AFs of 5.99% and 14.44%, respectively, with the young (0-17) and male showing greater susceptibility. The results suggest that governments should implement intervention measures to reduce the adverse effects of non-optimal temperatures on public health-especially in vulnerable groups.

Electrocardiogram abnormalities in residents in cold homes: a cross-sectional analysis of the nationwide Smart Wellness Housing survey in Japan

BACKGROUND@#Excess winter mortality caused by cardiovascular disease is particularly profound in cold houses. Consistent with this, accumulating evidence indicates that low indoor temperatures at home increase blood pressure. However, it remains unclear whether low indoor temperatures affect other cardiovascular biomarkers. In its latest list of priority medical devices for management of cardiovascular diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) included electrocardiography systems as capital medical devices. We therefore examined the association between indoor temperature and electrocardiogram findings.@*METHODS@#We collected electrocardiogram data from 1480 participants during health checkups. We also measured the indoor temperature in the living room and bedroom for 2 weeks in winter, and divided participants into those living in warm houses (average exposure temperature ≥ 18 °C), slightly cold houses (12-18 °C), and cold houses (< 12 °C) in accordance with guidelines issued by the WHO and United Kingdom. The association between indoor temperature (warm vs. slightly cold vs. cold houses) and electrocardiogram findings was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, with adjustment for confounders such as demographics (e.g., age, sex, body mass index, household income), lifestyle (e.g., eating habit, exercise, smoking, alcohol drinking), and region.@*RESULTS@#The average temperature at home was 14.7 °C, and 238, 924, and 318 participants lived in warm, slightly cold, and cold houses, respectively. Electrocardiogram abnormalities were observed in 17.6%, 25.4%, and 30.2% of participants living in warm, slightly cold, and cold houses, respectively (p = 0.003, chi-squared test). Compared to participants living in warm houses, the odds ratio of having electrocardiogram abnormalities was 1.79 (95% confidence interval: 1.14-2.81, p = 0.011) for those living in slightly cold houses and 2.18 (95% confidence interval: 1.27-3.75, p = 0.005) for those living in cold houses.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In addition to blood pressure, living in cold houses may have adverse effects on electrocardiogram. Conversely, keeping the indoor thermal environment within an appropriate range through a combination of living in highly thermal insulated houses and appropriate use of heating devices may contribute to good cardiovascular health.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#The trial was retrospectively registered on 27 Dec 2017 to the University hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR, https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/ , registration identifier number UMIN000030601 ).

Effect of diurnal temperature range on emergency room visits for acute upper respiratory tract infections

BACKGROUND@#An acute upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is the most common disease worldwide, irrespective of age or sex. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effect of diurnal temperature range (DTR) on emergency room (ER) visits for URI in Seoul, Korea, between 2009 and 2013.@*METHODS@#Daily ER visits for URI were selected from the National Emergency Department Information System, which is a nationwide daily reporting system for ER visits in Korea. URI cases were defined according to International Classification of Diseases, 10@*RESULTS@#There were 529,527 ER visits for URI during the study period, with a daily mean of 290 visits (range, 74-1942 visits). The mean daily DTR was 8.05 °C (range, 1.1-17.6 °C). The cumulative day (lag 02) effect of DTR above 6.57 °C per 1 °C increment was associated with a 1.42% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-2.82) increase in total URI. Children (≤ 5 years of age) were affected by DTR above 6.57 °C per 1 °C, with 1.45% (95% CI 0.32-2.60) at lag 02, adults (19-64 years) with 2.77% (95% CI 0.39-5.20) at lag 07. When the DTR (lag02) was 6.57 °C to 11.03 °C, the relative risk was significant at 6.01% (95% CI 2.45-9.69) for every 1 °C increase in youth subjects aged for 6 to 18 years.@*CONCLUSIONS@#DTR was associated with a higher risk for ER visits for URI. In addition, the results suggested that the lag effects and relative risks of DTR on URI were quite different according to age.

Avaliação da temperatura de produtos lácteos expostos em unidades produtoras de frio de hipermercado / Temperature evaluation of milk products exposed in hypermarket cold producing units

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo, avaliar a temperatura de produtos lácteos expostos nas unidades produtoras de frio e a temperatura de três expositores refrigerados que acondicionavam os produtos, em um hipermercado do noroeste do Estado de São Paulo. Foram mensuradas temperaturas durante 25 dias, de quatro produtos, manteiga, requeijão, creme de leite e leite pasteurizado, acondicionados em expositores resfriados e foi avaliada ainda a temperatura registrada no termostato dos expositores dos respectivos produtos. Foi possível observar que os resultados dos produtos lácteos analisados se apresentavam dentro dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação vigente e respeitando a temperatura de conservação especificada no rótulo dos produtos e todas as verificações realizadas apresentaram temperaturas negativas. É possível concluir que o frio produzido pela câmara fria avaliada foi satisfatório para manutenção de produtos de origem animal perecíveis e que os expositores avaliados demonstraram no visor externo temperaturas também eficientes para manutenção da qualidade sensorial, físicas, químicas e microbiológicas dos produtos expostos.

The objective of the present research was to evaluate the temperature of milk products exposed in the cold production units and the temperature of three refrigerated display units that packaged the products in a hypermarket from the northwest of São Paulo State. Temperatures were measured during 25 days of four products, butter, curd, cream and pasteurized milk, conditioned in refrigerated display units and the temperature registered in the thermostat of the exhibitors of the respective products was also evaluated. It was possible to observe that the results of the dairy products analyzed were within the standards established by the current legislation and respecting the storage temperature specified on the product label and all the checks performed presented negative temperatures. It is possible to conclude that the cold produced by the cold chamber was satisfactory for the maintenance of perishable products of animal origin and that the evaluated exhibitors showed in the external display temperatures also efficient for maintaining the sensorial, physical, chemical and microbiological quality of the exposed products.

Raynaud's phenomenon in the occupational context

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To review articles that evaluated the prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon of occupational origin. METHODS The search for articles was carried out in the Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), and Latin America and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (Lilacs) databases. RESULTS 64 articles were obtained from the electronic search; 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. All studies discussed the exposure to vibrations in the upper limbs. In 6 of them, the thermal issue was directly or indirectly addressed. No studies have addressed exposure to vinyl chloride. CONCLUSIO In general, a higher prevalence of Raynaud's phenomenon was found among vibratory tool operators compared to non-exposed workers, with an increase in the number of cases the higher the level of vibration and the time of exposure. Cold is a triggering and aggravating factor of the Raynaud phenomenon and seems to play an important role in the emergence of vascular manifestations of the hand-arm vibration syndrome.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Realizar um estudo de revisão dos artigos que avaliaram a prevalência do fenômeno de Raynaud de origem ocupacional. MÉTODOS A busca pelos artigos foi realizada nas bases de dados Medline (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science, Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SciELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs). RESULTADOS Sessenta e quatro artigos foram obtidos a partir da busca eletrônica, dos quais 18 cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade. Todos os estudos discutiram sobre a exposição a vibrações localizadas em membros superiores. Em seis deles, a questão térmica foi direta ou indiretamente abordada. Nenhum estudo abordou a exposição ao cloreto de vinila. CONCLUSÃO De maneira geral, constatou-se maior prevalência do fenômeno de Raynaud entre operadores de ferramentas vibratórias em comparação aos não expostos, com aumento do número de casos quanto maior o nível de vibração e tempo de exposição. O frio é fator desencadeante e agravante do fenômeno de Raynaud e parece exercer papel importante para o surgimento das manifestações vasculares da síndrome de vibração de mãos e braços.

Estudio sobre condiciones de dolor, incomodidad y enfermedad debido a la exposición al frío artificial y controlado en frigoríficos en el Brasil / Study of pain conditions, discomfort and disease due to cold exposure to artificial cold and controlled in slaughterhouses in Brazil

FUNDAMENTOS: El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar las que jas de dolores y la temperatura superficial de la piel en tres sitios corporales localizados en las muñecas y manos (bilateralmente) de trabajadores expuestos a los ambientes artificialmente climatizados para verificar la relación de las quejas de dolor con la temperatura. MÉTODOS: Para la realización del estudio fueron recolectados datos cualitativos con el uso del cuestionario y datos cuantitativos con equipos de monitoreo ambiental y una cámara de detección de radia ción infrarroja. El estudio fue realizado con diecinueve trabajadores de un sector de un matadero de pollos. RESULTADOS: Los resultados apuntan que fueron identificadas meno res temperaturas superficiales de la piel, alcanzando un valor de 16,67 °C y fueron evidentes en los dedos de la mano que aseguran el producto, estando de acuerdo con el modelo adaptado de la ISO 11079 tratándose de una condición causadora de dolor. CONCLUSIONES: Podemos concluir que este modelo de negocio, en las circunstancias que se presentan, exponen a los trabajadores a condiciones que pueden causar malestar, dolor, accidentes y enfermedades profesionales relacionadas con la exposición al frío. Este resultado es preocupante debido a su potencial impacto en una mayor cobertura de la salud del trabajador, teniendo en cuenta que las estadísticas oficiales se refieren al crecimiento de este tipo de actividad debido al crecimiento del sector.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this research was to analyse the com plaints about pains and the surface temperature of the skin in three body sites located in the wrists and hands (bilaterally) of workers exposed to artificially conditioned environment to verify the relation ship of pain complaints with the temperature. METHODS: To conduct the study qualitative data were collected using a questionnaire and quantitative data using environmental monitoring equipment and an infrared radiation detecting camera. The study was carried out with nineteen workers in a chicken slaughterhouse sector. RESULTS: The results indicate that the lower surface temperatures of the skin reached 16,67 °C, were highlighted on the fingers that hold the product, considered according to the adapted model of ISO 11079 as a condition causing pain. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it can be concluded that this business model, under the presented circumstances, expose workers to conditions that may cause discomfort, pain, accidents and occupational diseases related to exposure to cold. This result is worrying due to its potential impact on the worker's health and greater coverage, considering that that official statistics refer to the growth of this type of activity due to the sector's expansion.

Urticaria inducible: serie de casos y revisión de la literatura

Las urticarias inducibles constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos cutáneos caracterizados por la aparición de habones, prurito o angioedema, que en ocasiones se acompañan de síntomas sistémicos causados por estímulos inocuos para la mayoría de la población, como el frío, el calor, la presión, etc., y que comprometen la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La mayor parte de la literatura médica pertinente proviene de reportes y series de casos, ya que su epidemiología se ha estudiado poco. El objetivo de esta revisión es ofrecer una visión actualizada de la información disponible sobre varios tipos de urticaria inducida, mediante la presentación de un caso clínico ilustrativo y la descripción de los mecanismos fisiopatológicos, las manifestaciones clínicas y el tratamiento de cada condición.

Inducible urticaria is a heterogeneous group of skin disorders characterized by the appearance of wheals, pruritus and/or angioedema, sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms caused by innocuous stimuli (cold, heat, pressure, etc.). This group of disorders compromises people´s quality of life and most of the literature in this regard comes from case reports and case series since its epidemiology has been poorly studied and some cases are very rare. The aim of this review is to show an up-to-date overview of the available literature for various types of inducible urticarias, always beginning with an illustrative case and then describing their pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and treatment.

Termorregulação de pintos de um dia submetidos a ambiente térmico simulado de transporte / Thermoregulation of day-old chickens submitted to simulated transport thermal environment

Objetivou-se, por meio deste trabalho, avaliar a termorregulação de pintos de um dia, mantidos em caixas de transporte, sob condição térmica simulada de transporte. Dois experimentos replicados executados em dias diferentes foram conduzidos em câmara climática. Para cada um dos experimentos, foram utilizados 360 pintos de um dia. Esses animais foram submetidos às condições de frio, conforto e calor, durante uma hora em cada tratamento. Os animais foram mantidos em caixas de transporte de pintos de um dia com quatro compartimentos, sendo cada um deles com 10 animais, totalizando 40 animais por caixa. Foram utilizadas três caixas empilhadas, simulando o que ocorre no caminhão de transporte. Para avaliação fisiológica, foram realizadas as seguintes medidas: frequência respiratória, peso, temperaturas superficial e cloacal. No geral, o posicionamento das caixas não alterou profundamente o conforto térmico dos pintos de um dia. Com relação às faixas térmicas, a condição de frio foi a que mais afetou as respostas fisiológicas, com destaque para as temperaturas superficial média e cloacal. No entanto, com o aumento do tempo de exposição, possivelmente o tratamento térmico por calor possa ter mais efeito sobre a termorregulação desses animais.

An experiment was conducted to assess the thermoregulation of day-old chickens, placed in transport boxes, under simulated transport thermal condition. Two replicated trials were done in two different days in a windowless environmentally controlled chamber. For each one, a total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were used. These animals were submitted to three thermal conditions (cold, thermoneutral and heat), for 1 h each. The birds were placed in boxes for day-old chick transport, divided in 40 chicks per box, with three boxes stacked vertically, for each treatment (120 chicks per treatment). Body weight, respiratory frequency, mean surface and cloacal temperature were monitored in a sample of 20 animals per box, with measurements were made before and after the treatments. The box placement had a negligible effect on the thermal comfort of birds. The mean surface and cloacal temperature responses were markedly affected by the cold treatment. However, with an increasing exposure time, the heat treatment might possibly have a clear evidence on the thermoregulation of day-old chickens.

Cold weather is a predisposing factor for testicular torsion in a tropical country. A retrospective study / Clima frio é um fator predisponente para torção testicular num país tropical. Um estudo retrospectivo

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Testicular torsion is a medical and urological emergency because it can lead to loss of the organ. The theory of seasonal testicular torsion occurrence is based on studies from institutions located in cold and temperate regions. The objective here was to determine whether cold weather is associated with higher incidence of testicular torsion in a tropical country, such as Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study, conducted in a tertiary and teaching hospital. METHODS: Patients with acute testicular torsion confirmed by surgery between April 2006 and March 2011 were studied. Information on weather conditions at the time of symptom onset was collected. RESULTS: A total of 64 testicular torsion cases were identified. The months with the highest incidences of testicular torsion were June (16%), July (19%) and August (11%), which had the lowest mean temperatures, of 17.6 °C, 16.4 °C and 18.2 °C, respectively. Eleven percent of cases occurred during spring (October to December), 16% occurred in summer (January to March), 34% occurred in fall (April to June) and 39% occurred in winter (July to September). There was a significant association between the incidence of testicular torsion and the season (fall and winter), P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Testicular torsion follows a seasonal association even in a tropical country, and is more frequent in the colder months of the year, namely fall and winter, when almost three-quarters of the cases occurred. These observations add further evidence that cold weather has an etiologic role in testicular torsion occurrence. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: A torção testicular é uma emergência médica e urológica, pois pode levar à perda do órgão. A teoria da ocorrência sazonal da torção testicular é baseada em estudos de instituições localizadas em regiões frias e temperadas. O objetivo foi determinar se o clima frio está associado a uma maior incidência de torção testicular em um país tropical, como o Brasil. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo retrospectivo, realizado em um hospital terciário e de ensino. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados pacientes com torção testicular aguda confirmada na cirurgia, durante o período de abril de 2006 a março de 2011. Informações sobre as condições climáticas no início dos sinto-mas foram coletadas. RESULTADOS: Um total de 64 casos de torção testicular foi identificado. Os meses com maiores incidên-cias foram junho (16%), julho (19%) e agosto (11%), que assinalaram as menores temperaturas médias, de 17,6 °C, 16,4 °C e 18,2 °C, respectivamente. Onze por cento dos casos ocorreram durante a primavera (outubro a dezembro), 16% no verão (janeiro a março), 34% no outono (abril a junho) e 39% no inverno (julho, agosto, setembro). Houve associação significante entre a incidência de torção testicular e a estação (outono e inverno), P < 0,001. CONCLUSÃO: Torção testicular obedece a uma predileção sazonal mesmo num país tropical, sendo mais fre-quente nos meses mais frios do ano, particularmente no outono e inverno, quando ocorrem quase três quartos dos casos. Estes achados acrescentam evidência a um papel etiológico do clima frio na torção testicular. .

Influence of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on the threshold and pain intensity in young subjects / As influências de diferentes frequências da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea no limiar e intensidade de dor em indivíduos jovens

Objective To investigate the effects of different transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation frequencies in nociception front of a pressure pain threshold and cold in healthy individuals. Methods Twenty healthy subjects were divided into four groups, all of which have gone through all forms of electrical stimulation at different weeks. Assessments were pre and post-therapy, 20 and 60 minutes after stimulation. To evaluate the pressure pain threshold, an algometer was used with one tapered tip, pressing the hypothenar region until voluntary report the word “pain”. Cold pain intensity was assessed by immersion in water at 5°C for 30 seconds; at the end, the subject was asked to quantify the pain intensity on a Visual Analog Scale for Pain. For electrical stimulation, two electrodes were used near the elbow, for 20 minutes, with an intensity strong, but not painful. The frequency was in accordance with the group: 0Hz (placebo); 7Hz; 100Hz; and 255Hz. Results Both for the assessment of pressure pain threshold as the cold pain intensity, there was no significant difference (p>0.05). Conclusion We conclude that the use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on dermatomes C6 to C8 produced no significant change in pressure pain threshold or cold discomfort. .

Objetivo Investigar os efeitos de diferentes frequências da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea na nocicepção, frente a um estímulo doloroso pressórico e ao frio, em indivíduos saudáveis. Métodos Participaram 20 indivíduos saudáveis, divididos em 4 grupos, sendo que todos passaram por todas as formas de eletroestimulação, em semanas diferentes. As avaliações ocorreram nos seguintes períodos: pré-aplicação, pós-aplicação, 20 e 60 minutos após a eletroestimulação. Para avaliar o limiar de dor à pressão, foi utilizado um algômetro com ponta afilada, pressionando na região hipotenar, até o voluntário relatar a palavra “dor”. A intensidade de dor ao frio foi avaliada por meio de imersão em água a 5°C, durante 30 segundos; ao final, pediu-se para que o indivíduo quantificasse a intensidade álgica em uma Escala Visual Analógica de Dor. Para a eletroestimulação, foram utilizados dois eletrodos próximos ao cotovelo, durante 20 minutos, com intensidade referida como forte, porém não dolorosa. A frequência esteve de acordo com o grupo: 0Hz (placebo); 7Hz; 100Hz; e 255Hz. Resultados Tanto para a avaliação do limiar de dor à pressão quanto da intensidade ao frio, não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05). Conclusão O uso da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea, sobre os dermátomos de C6 a C8, não produziu alteração significativa no limiar de dor à pressão e nem no desconforto ao frio. .

Effect of Climatological Variables on the Frequency of Incident Stroke Hospitalization During Winter.

Introduction: Stroke data were obtained as SMR01 (157,639 incident stroke hospitalization in Scotland between 1986-2005). Method: To observe variation in weather parameter, with first stroke incidences per day, during winter, daily mean temperature/ total rainfall/average daily atmospheric pressure was compared with frequency of incident strokes per day using ANOVA (Analysis of Variance). Result: The analysis reveals an inverse statistically signifi cant relationship for average daily temperature whereas total daily rainfall and average daily atmosphere pressure exhibit borderline significance. Conclusion: Correlations of low temperature with stroke might be due to concurrent infection of respiratory system.

What is the best clothing to prevent heat and cold stress? Experiences with thermal manikin / ¿Cuál es la mejor ropa para evitar el calor y el estrés del frío? Experiencias con maniquíes térmicos

The present study summarizes the current knowledge of the heat and cold stress which might significantly affect military activities and might also occur among travellers who are not well adapted to weather variations during their journey. The selection of the best clothing is a very important factor in preserving thermal comfort. Our experiences with thermal manikin are also represented in this paper.

El presente trabajo resume los conocimientos actuales sobre el calor y el estrés por frío, que puede afectar significativamente la preparación militar, y pueden también ocurrir entre viajeros no bien adaptados a los cambios de tiempo y temperatura durante su viaje. La selección de la ropa mejor y más adecuada es también un factor muy importante para evitar el calor y el estrés por frío, y mantener el confort térmico. Nuestras experiencias con maniquíes térmicos también aparecen en este documento.

Armazenamento a baixas temperaturas de diferentes cultivares de bananas: efeito nos atributos de qualidade / Storage at low temperatures of different banana cultivars: effect on quality attributes

A banana é altamente susceptível a injúrias causadas pelo frio, mas o efeito da refrigeração nos atributos que caracterizam a qualidade do fruto maduro é ainda pouco explorado. Neste trabalho, alguns desses atributos foram analisados em duas cultivares de banana escolhidas por sua diferença em relação à susceptibilidade ao frio: Nanicão e Prata. As duas cultivares foram armazenadas a baixas temperaturas (cv. Nanicão a 13 ºC e cv. Prata a 13 ºC e 10 ºC) por 15 dias e o efeito do frio sobre os compostos voláteis responsáveis pelo aroma e sabor, índices de cor da casca, níveis de carotenoides, açúcares e amido foram analisados comparativamente durante a maturação dos frutos e o perfil de proteínas diferentemente abundantes foi analisado na cultivar Nanicão. Com o auxílio das ferramentas da estatística multivariada, verificou-se que a produção dos compostos voláteis é altamente sensível as baixas temperaturas. A cv. Prata apresentou uma maior resistência ao efeito negativo do armazenamento, mesmo armazenada a 10 ºC. Na cv. Nanicão, as amostras maduras do grupo frio (13 ºC) foram caracterizadas pela presença dos carotenoides majoritários devido ao fato de que as vias metabólicas que utilizam carotenoides terem sido afetadas pelo armazenamento em baixas temperaturas. Para a cv. Prata teve um efeito negativo com o armazenamento, com redução dos níveis de carotenoides tanto a 13 ºC quanto a 10 ºC. Em relação à cor da casca dos frutos não foi observado um efeito evidente nas amostras submetidas a baixas temperaturas. Pela análise proteômica, foi possível entender como o frio causou um impacto negativo na síntese de sacarose, uma vez que as proteínas mais afetadas foram associadas ao metabolismo de energia e de carboidratos

Bananas are fruits highly susceptible to injuries caused by cold temperatures, but the effect of refrigeration on the attributes that characterize the quality of ripe fruit is still underexplored. In this work, some of these attributes were analyzed in two banana cultivars chosen for their difference in susceptibility to cold temperatures: Nanicão and Prata. Both cultivars were stored at low temperatures (cv. Nanicão at 13 ºC and cv. Prata at 13 °C and 10 °C) for 15 days and the effect of the cold on the volatile compounds responsible for aroma, skin color index, levels of carotenoids, sugars, and starch were comparatively analyzed during fruit maturation and different abundant protein profiles of the Nanicão cultivar were analyzed. By using multivariate statistic tools, it was found that the production of volatile compounds is highly susceptible to low temperatures. However, cv. Prata showed greater resistance to the negative effects of storage even when stored at 10 °C. For cv. Nanicão, ripe samples from the cold group kept at 13 ºC were characterized by the presence of majority carotenoids due to the fact that the metabolic pathways that use carotenoids were affected by the storage at such a low temperature. Conversely, cv. Prata experienced a negative effect with the storage, with reduced levels of carotenoids in both cold groups kept at 13 ºC and 10 ºC. In relation the skin color of the fruit, no effect on the samples held at low temperatures was observed. For proteomics analysis, it was possible to understand how the cold storage caused a negative impact on the synthesis of sucrose, since most of the affected proteins were associated with energy and carbohydrate metabolism

Effects of Dăoyĭn Qìgōng in postpolio syndrome patients with cold intolerance / Efeitos do Dăoyĭn Qìgōng em pacientes com síndrome pós-pólio com queixa de intolerância ao frio

Postpolio syndrome (PPS) is characterized by progressive muscle weakness due to former infection with poliomyelitis and can be associated with other symptoms such as cold intolerance (CI). Dăoyĭn Qìgōng (DQ) is a technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine that impacts the circulation of energy and blood. OBJECTIVE: It was to verify the effects of DQ in PPS patients complaining of cold intolerance. METHODS: Ten PPS patients were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) adapted for CI before and after intervention with DQ; patients practiced it in a sitting position for 40 minutes, 3 times per week over 3 consecutive months. Patients were reassessed three months after ceasing DQ. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in local and systemic VAS-Cold both at the end of DQ training and three months past the end of this. CONCLUSION: The DQ technique ameliorated CI complaints in patients with PPS.

A síndrome pós-poliomielite (SPP) é caracterizada por instalação de nova fraqueza muscular às manifestações residuais da poliomielite, associada a outros sintomas, como intolerância ao frio (IF). O Dăoyĭn Qìgōng (DQ) é uma técnica da medicina tradicional chinesa que interfere na circulação da energia e do sangue. OBJETIVO: Foi verificar os efeitos do DQ em pacientes com SPP com queixa de intolerância ao frio. MÉTODO: Dez pacientes com SPP foram avaliados com a escala visual analógica (EVA) adaptada para IF antes e após intervenção com DQ, adaptados para a posição sentada, com duração de 40 minutos, 3 vezes por semana, durante 3 meses. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se diferença estatisticamente significante, na EVA-frio local e sistêmica, após o término do treinamento. CONCLUSÃO: O DQ é uma técnica que interferiu positivamente na queixa de IF em pacientes com SPP.

Testicular torsion and weather conditions: analysis of 21,289 cases in Brazil

PURPOSE: The hypothesis of association between testicular torsion and hyperactive cremasteric reflex, worsened by cold weather, has not been proved. Thirteen studies in the literature evaluated this issue, with inconclusive results. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the seasonality of testicular torsion in a large subset of patients surgically treated in Brazil, and additionally to estimate the incidence of testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Brazilian Public Health System Database was assessed from 1992-2010 to evaluate hospital admissions associated with treatment of testicular torsion. Average monthly temperature between 1992-2010 was calculated for each region. RESULTS: We identified 21,289 hospital admissions for treatment of testicular torsion. There was a higher number of testicular torsions during colder months (p = 0.002). To estimate the incidence of testicular torsion, we have related our findings to data from the last Brazilian census (2010). In 2010, testicular torsion occurred in 1.4:100,000 men in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS:Testicular torsion occurred at an annual incidence of approximately 1.4:100,000 men in Brazil in 2010. Seasonal variations do occur, with a significant increase of events during winter. Our findings support the theory of etiological role of cold weather to the occurrence of testicular torsion. Strategies to prevent these events can be based on these findings.

Mortalidade de bovinos zebuínos por hipotermia em Mato Grosso do Sul / Mortality of zebu cattle by hypothermia in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo descrever a ocorrência periódica de mortalidade de bovinos por hipotermia após inversão térmica no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. São relatados 16 surtos encaminhados ao Laboratório de Patologia Animal da FAMEZ/UFMS, ocorridos de agosto de 2000 a julho de 2010, em 13 municípios do Estado. O diagnóstico de hipotermia baseou-se na ocorrência de mortes após queda brusca de temperatura acompanhada de chuvas e ventos, simultaneamente em diversas propriedades, nos sinais clínicos observados e na ausência de lesões macro e microscópicas significativas. Em todos os surtos houve uma queda brusca de temperatura, de até 29ºC, em intervalos de um a quatro dias associada a chuva e vento. Na maioria das vezes a morte dos bovinos ocorreu em locais onde havia escassez de pasto e ausência de abrigos naturais ou artificiais. Os bovinos afetados estavam magros, com baixo escore corporal, e, em grande parte dos casos, eram encontrados mortos nos cantos das invernadas e próximos a cercas no dia seguinte à queda brusca da temperatura. Foram afetados bovinos de diferentes idades. Os sinais clínicos se caracterizavam por cegueira, incoordenação, dismetria, fraqueza, decúbito esternal, movimentos de pedalagem, opistótono, tremores musculares, e dificuldade respiratória e morte. Em 30 bovinos necropsiados os principais achados macroscópicos foram edema subcutâneo, cavitário e pulmonar, e, em alguns casos, histologicamente havia eosinofilia neuronal. A hipotermia é uma importante causa de mortalidade quando bovinos com pobre estado nutricional, pouca disponibilidade e qualidade dos pastos e ausência de abrigos naturais, são submetidos a uma condição de mudança climática com queda brusca de temperatura combinada com ventos fortes e chuvas.

This study describes the periodic mortality of cattle due to hypothermia after thermal inversion in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Sixteen outbreaks, reported to the Laboratory of Animal Pathology FAMEZ/UFMS, occurred from August 2000 to July 2010 in 13 municipalities of the state. The diagnosis of hypothermia was based on the occurrence of deaths after a sudden decrease in temperature accompanied by rain and wind in several farms simultaneously, on clinical signs and on the absence of significant macroscopic and microscopic lesions. In all outbreaks was a sudden fall of temperature up to29°C at intervals of one to four days together with rain and wind. Most deaths occurred in places with scarce pasture and lack of natural or artificial shelters. The affected cattle were lean, with low body score, and in most cases on the morning following sudden fall in temperature, they were found dead in the corners of wintering and near the fences. Cattle of different ages were affected. Clinical signs were characterized by apparent blindness, incoordination, dysmetria, weakness, sternal recumbency, paddling, opisthotonus, muscle tremors, difficulty in breathing and death. In 30 necropsied animals the main macroscopic findings were subcutaneous, cavity and pulmonary edema. Histologically in some cases neuronal eosinophilia was observed. Hypothermia is an important cause of mortality when cattle, not acclimated, with poor nutritional status, low availability and quality of pasture, and lack of natural shelter, are subjected to climate change with sudden fall in temperature combined with high winds and rain.

Surtos de infecção por Piscinoodinium pillulare e Henneguya spp. em pacus (Piaractus mesopotamicus) criados intensivamente no Sudoeste de Goiás / Outbreaks of Piscinoodinium pillulare and Henneguya spp. infection in intensively raised Piaractus mesopotamicus in Southwestern Goiás, Brazil

Três surtos de infecção por Piscinoodinium pillulare e Henneguya spp. em Piaractus mesopotamicus criados intensivamente no Sudoeste de Goiás são descritos. Dois surtos ocorreram no inverno e um no verão. As taxas de morbidade (58,57%-90%) e mortalidade (100%) foram determinadas. Episódios de estresse ocorreram previamente em todos os casos. Sinais clínicos incluíam mudanças comportamentais e movimentos erráticos com perda de equilíbrio. Os principais achados macroscópicos foram tumefação das brânquias com exsudato mucoso esbranquiçado. Microscopicamente, as brânquias apresentaram inflamação linfoplasmocítica e necrosante, multifocal, leve a moderada, com hipertrofia e fusão de lamelas secundárias. Adicionalmente, numerosos trofontes intralesionais de P. pillulare e cistos de Henneguya spp. foram notados. Para o conhecimento dos autores, essa parece ser a primeira descrição de infecção por P. pillulare e Henneguya spp. em peixes criados no Sudoeste de Goiás.

Three outbreaks of infection by Piscinoodinium pillulare and Henneguya spp. in Piarac tus mesopotamicus intensively raised in Southwestern Goiás, Brazil, are described. Two outbreaks occurred in the winter and another one in summer. Morbidity (58.57%-90%) and mortality (100%) rates were determined. Stress episodes occurred previously in all cases. Clinical signs included behavior changes and erratic movements with loss of equilibrium. Main gross findings were swelling of the gills with white mucus exudate. Microscopically, gills had mild to moderate multifocal necrotizing and lympho-plasmocytic inflammation with hypertrophy and fusion of secondary lamellae. In addition, numerous intralesional trophonts of P. pillulare and cysts of Henneguya spp. were noted. According to our knowledge, this seems to be the first description of Piscinoodinium pillulare e Henneguya spp. infection in fishes reared in Southwestern Goiás, Brazil.

A Case of Combined Cholinergic and Cold Urticaria

No abstract available.