Rationale use of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertension at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Pregnancy induced hypertension known as preeclampsia is considered to be the second cause of death next to anaemia. There are significant sources of maternal and foetal mortality and morbidity. Antihypertensive medication reduces the progression of the course of hypertensive disorders. However, its effect on the outcomes of pregnancy may include development of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, foetal /neonatal demise, IUGR, low birth weight. Whether such associations are casual or confounded is unknown. Hence, we intended to study the rationale use of drugs in pregnancy induced hypertensive patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy were recruited. Pregnant women in the age group of 18-45 years who consented to participate were included. Non pregnant women and women with PCOD, depression and on any medications were excluded. Details on drug treatment, type of drugs, combination, dose, dosage and duration were noted. Results: 105 patients were enrolled. 51% belonged to 18-25 years. 98% mothers received monotherapy and 2% received dual therapy. Labetalol was the most commonly prescribed drug. 50% of the patients received a combination of Nifedipine and Methyldopa while another 50% received Nifedipine with Labetalol. The outcome of new born babies born in mothers receiving antihypertensive drugs had complications of low birth weight and malformations. The dose of the medications prescribed was well within the range. Conclusions: Proper counselling to the patients regarding life style management, regular follow ups and monitoring of blood pressure is important to understand, resolve the burden and complication.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification / Toxicidade e atividade larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti de óleo essencial de citronella submetido à esterificação enzimática

The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-¹ were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-¹ for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-¹ for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-¹ for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-¹ para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-¹ para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-¹ para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-¹ para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification / Toxicidade e atividade larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti de óleo essencial de citronella submetido à esterificação enzimática

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 μg mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 μg mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 μg mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 μg mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 μg mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

Toxicity and larvicidal activity on Aedes aegypti of citronella essential oil submitted to enzymatic esterification

Abstract The essential oil of citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) has several biological activities, among them the insect repellent action. Some studies showed that cinnamic acid esters can be applied as natural pesticides, insecticides and fungicides. In this context, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the production of esters from citronella essential oil with cinnamic acid via enzymatic esterification. Besides, the essential oil toxicity before and after esterification against Artemia salina and larvicidal action on Aedes aegypti was investigated. Esters were produced using cinnamic acid as the acylating agent and citronella essential oil (3:1) in heptane and 15 wt% NS 88011 enzyme as biocatalysts, at 70 °C and 150 rpm. Conversion rates of citronellyl and geranyl cinnamates were 58.7 and 69.0% for NS 88011, respectively. For the toxicity to Artemia salina LC50 results of 5.29 g mL-1 were obtained for the essential oil and 4.36 g mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with NS 88011. In the insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae, was obtained LC50 of 111.84 g mL-1 for the essential oil of citronella and 86.30 g mL-1 for the esterified oils obtained with the enzyme NS 88011, indicating high toxicity of the esters. The results demonstrated that the evaluated samples present potential of application as bioinsecticide.

Resumo O óleo essencial de citronela (Cymbopogon winterianus) possui diversas atividades biológicas, entre elas a ação repelente a insetos. Alguns estudos mostraram que os ésteres do ácido cinâmico podem ser aplicados como pesticidas naturais, inseticidas e fungicidas. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de ésteres a partir do óleo essencial de citronela com ácido cinâmico via esterificação enzimática. Além disso, foi investigada a toxicidade do óleo essencial antes e após a esterificação contra Artemia salina e a ação larvicida sobre Aedes aegypti. Os ésteres foram produzidos utilizando ácido cinâmico como agente acilante e óleo essencial de citronela (3: 1) em heptano e 15% em peso da enzima NS 88011 como biocatalisadores, a 70 ° C e 150 rpm. As taxas de conversão de cinamatos de citronelil e geranil foram 58,7 e 69,0% para NS 88011, respectivamente. Para a toxicidade sobre Artemia salina foram obtidos CL50 de 5,29 g mL-1 para o óleo essencial e 4,36 g mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com NS 88011. Na atividade inseticida contra larvas de Aedes aegypti, obteve-se CL50 de 111,84 g mL-1 para o óleo essencial de citronela e 86,30 g mL-1 para os óleos esterificados com a enzima NS 88011, indicando alta toxicidade dos ésteres. Os resultados demonstraram que as amostras avaliadas apresentam potencial de aplicação como bioinseticida.

PREDICTION OF OUTCOMES IN ACUTE EXACERBATION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD) WITH DECAF SCORE AND BAP 65 SCORE

Background: Prognostic research in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring hospitalization has been limited and there appears to be little common ground between predictors of mortality in stable disease and during COPD. Furthermore, none of the prognostic tools developed in stable disease have been tested on hospitalised patients so this study was planned. To test dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidaemia, and at Objectives: rial fibrillation (DECAF) and biological assessment profile (BAP) 65 scores on patients in a tertiary care set up and validate the same. Hospital based prospective observational Methods: study was carried out in 80 patients with COPD who were admitted in Government Hospital for Chest and Communicable Diseases. DECAF and BAP-65 Scores were calculated. Data was analysed using SPSS 22 version software. In our study both DECAF score and BAP-65 score Results: performed equally well for prediction of need for Mechanical Ventilation. The AUC for need for Mechanical Ventilation was 0.75 (95% CI=0.67–0.84) for DECAF score and 0.77 (95% CI=0.67–0.85) for BAP-65 score. The AUC for prediction of mortality for DECAF score was 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.71–0.88) and for BAP-65 score was 0.79 (95% CI=0.67–0.89). Conclusions: DECAF and BAP-65 are good and also equal in predicting mortality as well as need for mechanical ventilation.

Produção e conforto térmico de bovinos da raça Nelore terminados em sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária / Production and thermal comfort of Nellore beef cattle finished in integrated crop-livestock systems

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a pastagem, o desempenho, o conforto térmico e os parâmetros hematológicos de bovinos Nelore na fase de terminação em sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária com duas densidades de árvores (ILPF-1L= 196 árvores ha-1 e ILPF-3L=448 árvores ha-1) e em pleno sol (ILP). Foram avaliados a massa e a composição morfológica da forragem, o ganho médio diário, o ganho de peso por área e a taxa de lotação no verão e no outono, bem como as variáveis climáticas dos sistemas em três horários e parâmetros hematológicos dos animais (n=60). A massa de forragem foi superior no tratamento ILP e no verão (P<0,05). Porém, a redução da massa de forragem nos sistemas ILPFs não interferiu no desempenho dos animais (P>0,05). A temperatura ambiente, a temperatura do globo e o índice de temperatura e umidade foram melhores nos tratamentos com sombreamento e no período da manhã, proporcionando maior conforto aos animais, sendo ainda confirmado pelo menor volume globular dos bovinos em ILP (P<0,05). Conclui-se que os sistemas com componente arbóreo diminuem a massa de forragem, mas essa redução não altera o desempenho dos animais na fase de terminação. Além disso, os sistemas ILPFs melhoram o conforto térmico, entretanto essa melhora não foi suficiente para favorecer o desempenho.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate pasture, performace, thermal comfort, and haematological parameters of Nellore cattle in the finishing phase in integrated crop-livestock systems with two tree densities (ICLF-1L= 196 ha -1 trees and ICLF-3L= 448 ha -1 trees) and in full sun (ICL). The forage mass morphological composition of the pasture average daily gain, weight gain per area, stocking rate of the animals were evaluated in summer and autumn, and the climatic variables of systems we evaluated at three different times, and haematological parameters of the animals (n= 60). The forage mass was higher in the ICL treatment and summer (P<0.05). However, the reduction of the forage mass in the ILPFs systems did not interfere with the performance of the animals (P>0.05). Ambient temperature, globe temperature and temperature and humidity index were better in shade treatments and in the morning, providing greater comfort to the animals, and was also confirmed by the lower globular volume of the bovines in ICL (P<0.05). It is concluded that the systems with trees reduce the forage mass but this reduction does not alter the animals' performance in the finishing phase. In addition, ICLFs improve the thermal comfort of the animals, however, this improvement was not enough to favor their performance.(AU)

Toxicity of clove essential oil and its ester eugenyl acetate against Artemia salina / Toxicidade do óleo essencial de cravo e seu éster acetato de eugenila contra Artemia salina

Abstract The production of compounds via enzymatic esterification has great scientific and technological interest due to the several inconveniences related to acid catalysis, mainly by these systems do not fit to the concept of “green chemistry”. Besides, natural products as clove oil present compounds with excellent biological potential. Bioactives compounds are often toxic at high doses. The evaluation of lethality in a less complex animal organism can be used to a monitoring simple and rapid, helping the identification of compounds with potential insecticide activity against larvae of insect vector of diseases. In this sense, the toxicity against Artemia salina of clove essential oil and its derivative eugenyl acetate obtained by enzymatic esterification using Novozym 435 as biocatalyst was evaluated. The conversion of eugenyl acetate synthesis was 95.6%. The results about the evaluation of toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina demonstrated that both oil (LC50= 0.5993 µg.mL–1) and ester (LC50= 0.1178 µg.mL–1) presented high toxic potential, being the eugenyl acetate almost 5 times more toxic than clove essential oil. The results reported here shows the potential of employing clove oil and eugenyl acetate in insecticide formulations.

Resumo A produção de compostos via esterificação enzimática possui grande interesse científico e tecnológico devido às inúmeras inconveniências relacionadas com a catálise ácida, principalmente por estes sitemas não se adequarem ao atual termo “tecnologias limpas”. Além disso, produtos naturais como o óleo de cravo, apresentam compostos com excelentes potenciais biológicos. Compostos bioativos são quase sempre tóxicos em altas doses. A avaliação da letalidade em um organismo animal menos complexo pode ser usada para um monitoramento simples e rápido, servindo também para a identificação de compostos com potencial atividade inseticida contra larvas de insetos vetores de doenças. Neste sentido, foi determinada a toxicidade frente a Artemia salina do óleo essencial de cravo e do seu derivado acetato de eugenila obtido por esterificação enzimática com lipase Novozym 435. A conversão da reação de síntese de acetato de eugenila foi de 95,6%. Os resultados referentes à avaliação da toxicidade frente ao microcrustáceo Artemia salina demonstraram que tanto o óleo (LC50= 0,5993 µg.mL–1) quanto o éster (LC50= 0,1178 µg.mL–1) apresentam elevado potencial toxicológico, sendo que o éster apresenta aproximadamente 5 vezes mais toxicidade em relação ao óleo. Estes resultados demonstram o potencial emprego do óleo de cravo e de acetato de eugenila em formulações de inseticidas.

Germinação de sementes e emergência de plântulas de jutaí (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) / Seed germination and emergence of jutai (Hymenaea parvifolia Huber. ) seedlings

RESUMO O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a influencia do tamanho e da temperatura na germinação das sementes, assim como, da posição de escarificação do tegumento e a profundidade de semeadura na emergência de plântulas de jutaí. As sementes foram separadas em três grupos: sementes pequenas, médias e grandes. A germinação das sementes foram realizadas nas temperaturas de 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 e 45 °C e com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. As sementes escarificadas foram colocadas para germinar em 0, 2, 4 e 6 cm de profundidade de semeadura. As sementes médias e grandes apresentaram maiores porcentagens e índices de velocidade de germinação. A faixa de temperatura ótima de germinação está entre 25 e 35°C. A escarificação no hilo da semente ou não é adequada para quebra de dormência de sementes de jutaí. Profundidades de semeadura iguais ou superiores a 4 cm são inadequadas para a emergência de plântulas de jutaí.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of seed size and temperature on seed germination, as well as the scarification position of the tegument and sowing depth on the emergence of jutai seedlings. The seeds were separated into three groups: large, medium and small. The temperatures to which the seeds were subjected for germination were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45°C under a photoperiod of 12 hours. The scarified seeds were placed to germinate at depths of 0, 2, 4, and 6 cm. Seed germination was affected by seed size (large and medium seeds). The optimum temperature range was found to be between 25 and 35°C. The scarification in the hilum or the tegument was enough to break the dormancy of the jutai seeds. Sowing depths equal to or deeper than 4 cm were found to be inadequate for the emergence of jutai seedlings.

The evaluation of Serum Copper Level in Hemodialysis Patients with and without anemia Compared with Healthy Controls.

ntroduction: Anemia is a common complication of ESRD with different etiologies. The most common cause of anemia in such patients is insufficient production of erythropoietin by kidneys. Another possible reason is copper deficiency, thus, this study is aimed to evaluate the serum copper level among hemodialysis patients with and without anemia and to compare them to healthy controls. Material and Methods: A total number of 56 patients who underwent regular hemodialysis due to their ESRD were enrolled and divided into two groups of 28 according to their Hgb results including patients with anemia (Hgb<11 gr/dl) and patients without anemia (Hgb>11 gr/dl). Also, 28 healthy individuals participated as the control group. Venous blood samples were collected from patients prior to hemodialysis. Spectrophotometry employed for copper measurements. Data were analyzed using t-test and Pearson regression analysis. Results: Mean age of patients was 44.36±15.80 years. No significant difference was present among the three groups with regarding to age and gender. Mean and SD of serum copper in patients with anemia, without anemia, and controls were 180.11±54.48, 139.66±35.57 and 155.82±42.06 μg/dl respectively. Serum copper level was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients with anemia compared with those without anemia (p<0.03). Also a significant inverse regression between serum copper and Hgb was present in all hemodialysis patients (p=0.02, r=-0.37). Conclusion: Higher levels of serum copper in anemic patients could be a result of restraining role of high serum copper on iron absorption that has a negative effect on the production of Hgb. However, complementary studies are required.

Diversidade e controle de insetos-praga no arquivo judicial da Câmara Municipal de Pitangui, MG / Diversity and control of pest insects in the judicial archive of the city council of Pitangui, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

A destruição de livros e documentos por organismos-praga é um problema antigo, enfrentado principalmente por bibliotecários e arquivistas. O trabalho teve como objetivo descrever suscintamente as principais ações e resultados do Manejo Integrado de Pragas (MIP) implementadas no Arquivo Judicial da Câmara Municipal de Pitangui, MG, durante os meses de janeiro de 2004 a agosto de 2005. Dentre estas ações, realizou-se um levantamento dos organismos-praga presentes tanto na área física do acervo, quanto no material bibliográfico. Todo o material bibliográfico foi tratado através do método do congelamento controlado, que consiste em acondicionar o material bibliográfico em um congelador (freezer) a temperaturas negativas, por um tempo pré-determinado. No caso desse método, foi avaliada a efetividade do controle, através da verificação da presença de indivíduos mortos e vivos, logo após o tratamento, três e seis meses depois. O levantamento dos organismos-praga na área física do acervo evidenciou a presença do cupim de madeira seca Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) e das formigas Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) e Camponotus sp. No material bibliográfico, além do cupim C. brevis, foram identificados besouros da espécie Tricorynus herbarius (Gorjam), traças Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus e piolhos-do-livro do gênero Liposcelis sp. As medidas de controle evidenciaram a efetividade dos métodos adotados, não ocorrendo reincidência das pragas durante o período de estudo.

Destruction of books and documents by pest organisms is an age-old problem, faced mainly by both librarians and archivists. The present study provides a brief report on the main actions and the results of the Integrated Management of Pests (IMP) implemented in the Judicial Archive of the City Council of Pitangui, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the months of January 2004 to August 2005. These actions included a survey of the pest organisms present both in the physical area of the archive and in the bibliographical material. All the material was treated through the controlled freezing method, which consistsin putting the bibliographical material into a freezer at negative temperatures for a predetermined time period. In the case of this method, the effectiveness of the control was evaluated through the verification of the presence of dead and living individuals, soon after the treatment and at three and six months later. The survey of the pest organisms in the physical area of the archive revealed the presence of the termite Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) and the ants Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) and Camponotus sp. In the bibliographical material, in addition to the termite C. brevis there were identified beetles of the species Tricorynus herbarius (Gorham), silverfish Lepisma saccharina Linnaeus, and book lice of the genus Liposcelis sp. The control measures evidenced the effectiveness of the methods used, with no reoccurrence of the pest during the study period.

Análise do padrão eletromiográfico durante os agachamentos padrão e declinado / Analysis of electromyographic patterns during standard and declined squats

OBJETIVO: Identificar e comparar o padrão eletromiográfico (EMG) dos principais músculos do membro inferior com apoio bilateral durante o agachamento padrão e declinado. MÉTODOS: Foram recrutados oito sujeitos (três homens e cinco mulheres), todos destros, atletas de final de semana e saudáveis (médias: 20,57 anos; 69,5±15kg; 1,73±0,15m). Foram registrados os sinais eletromiográficos dos músculos vasto medial oblíquo (VMO), vasto lateral (VL), bíceps femoral (BF), sóleo (SO), tibial anterior (TA) e eretor espinhal (EE) durante a fase ascendente (70º-0º) e descendente (0º-70º) dos agachamentos padrão (plano horizontal) e declinado (a 25º). A integral da atividade EMG de cada músculo foi calculada no intervalo de 300 milisegundos (ms) antes do início e do final do movimento. A média de cada músculo para cada sujeito foi analisada pelo teste de análise de variância para medidas repetidas (ANOVA) para verificar o efeito da tarefa de agachar. RESULTADOS:A análise qualitativa revelou que o padrão de atividade muscular durante os agachamentos padrão e declinado foram similares, e a análise quantitativa não revelou diferenças na atividade EMG. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados demonstram que a atividade EMG dos músculos estudados foi similar entre as tarefas propostas.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare the electromyographic (EMG) pattern of the main muscles of the lower limbs with bilateral support during standard and declined squats. METHODS:Eight healthy subjects were recruited (three men and five women), all right-handed and weekend athletes (means: 20.57 years; 69.5±15kg; 1.73±0.15m). Electromyographic (EMG) signals from the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), biceps femoris (BF), soleus (SO), tibialis anterior (TA) and erector spinae (ES) muscles were recorded during the ascending (70º-0º) and descending (0º-70º) phases of the standard squat (horizontal plane) and declined squat (at 25º). The integral of the EMG activity for each muscle was calculated over an interval between 300 ms before the start of the movement and its end. The mean for each muscle for each subject was analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measurements (ANOVA) to investigate the effect of the squatting task. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis revealed that the muscle activity patterns during standard and declined squats were similar, and quantitative analysis did not reveal any differences in EMG activity. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that the EMG activity of the muscles studied was similar in these tasks.

Manipulation of the fatty acids composition of poultry meat and giblets by dietary inclusion of two oil sources and conjugated linoleic acid / Mudança na composição de ácidos graxos das vísceras e da carne de aves tratadas com uma dieta contendo ácido linoléico conjugado e duas fontes de óleo

The effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in association with two vegetable oil sources on the fatty acids of meat and giblets of broiler chickens was evaluated. Two hundred 21-day-old broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized factorial design 2 x 5 (two oil sources, soybean or canola oil; and five levels of CLA, 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, and 10.0g/kg). The addition of CLA to the diet resulted in an increase (P<0.05) in CLA deposition in the analyzed tissues. CLA supplementation also reduced (P<0.05) the rate of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids in thigh, breast, heart, and gizzard. There was interaction of CLA x oil source (P<0.05). The intake of soybean oil, associated with increasing CLA, resulted in an increase in lipid deposition in edible portions as observed by an increase in the overall content of fatty acids, including CLA, while the use of canola oil, associated with increasing CLA in the diet, resulted in a decrease in lipid content in edible portions, specifically regarding that of saturated fat (P<0.05) in breast meat and liver and in the content of monounsaturated fatty acids (P<0.05) in thigh, breast, liver, and gizzard.

Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação de ácido linoléico conjugado (CLA) associado com duas fontes de óleo na dieta de frangos de corte sobre a composição de ácidos graxos das vísceras e da carne de aves. Duzentos frangos de corte, machos, com 21 dias de idade, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 5 (duas fontes de óleo, soja e canola e cinco níveis de CLA, 0,0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0g/kg). A adição de CLA na dieta resultou em aumento (P<0,05) de sua deposição na carne e nas vísceras de aves. Foi observado decréscimo (P<0,05) na taxa de poliinsaturados:saturados nas carnes da coxa e do peito, no coração e na moela com a suplementação de CLA. Houve interação (P<0,05) CLA x fonte de óleo. O uso de teores crescentes de CLA na dieta contendo óleo de soja na dieta resultou em aumento (P<0,05) no conteúdo lipídico. O contrário foi verificado com a utilização de óleo de canola, especificamente no conteúdo de ácidos graxos saturados (P<0,05) na carne do peito e no fígado e de monoinsaturados (P<0,05) nas carnes do peito e da coxa, fígado e moela.

Use of rK39 for diagnosis of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis in Nepal.

A recently developed nitrocellulose-based dipstick test, rK39, has been widely used for the diagnosis of kala-azar. In this study, we evaluated its use for the diagnosis of post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). We also investigated the time taken by patients to develop PKDL after apparent cure of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis, VL) and the time taken by patients to come to the hospital after the appearance of symptoms of PKDL. A majority of patients developed the disease within three years after the apparent cure of kala-azar (KA). A majority of patients sought treatment within five years after the onset of PKDL. The amastigotes of Leishmania donovani bodies (LDBs) were demonstrated in 70, 20, and 20% of slit-skin smears (SSS) prepared, respectively, from nodular, papular, and macular forms. The presence of highest density (6+) LDBs in the SSS of 20% of nodular PKDL patients indicated that they may have acted as reservoir in the community. Other reservoirs are not known in Nepal. Only 8% cases were detected by aldehyde test. Although this test is obsolete it is still used in rural parts of Nepal. The dipstick (rK39) was 96% sensitive and 100% specific to diagnose PKDL. Its positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic efficacy were 100, 91, and 97% respectively. Due to the advantage of cost compared with the direct agglutination test (DAT), and being easy to use and store in field conditions, rK39 is a good tool to diagnose PKDL in rural situations. All the PKDL patients were cured of the disease after treatment by SAG.

A novel trigger for acute coronary syndromes: the effect of lunar cycles on the incidence and in-hospital prognosis of acute coronary syndromes--a 3-year retrospective study.

Circadian variations in the incidence of hypertension and coronary events are well known with early morning surges. Effect of lunar cycles on various medical illnesses like seizures and psychiatric disturbances are documented. However, the effect of lunar cycles on coronary events has been sparsely documented. The authors studied the incidence of acute coronary events and admission patterns in the departments of emergency medicine and cardiology. Inclusion criteria included unstable angina, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and ST elevation MI. Exclusion criteria included chest pain syndromes which were subsequently deemed non-cardiac by invasive or non-invasive investigations. Data from 1999 to 2001 were analysed. Admissions on full moon days were compared with those on new moon days. There were 30 full moon days and 30 new moon days and 223 admissions on full moon days and 266 on new moon days. This difference was statistically significant [p = .005]. Sixty-seven per cent were males and the rest were females. Subgroup analysis of mortality, postinfarction angina, effect on diabetics and hypertensives were done which showed an increased trend in new moon days. It is concluded that there is increased incidence of acute coronary events associated with new moon days.

Human fascioliasis in a rural area, Alexndria. Part II: review of the primary health care services provided for its prevention and control

The aim of the present study was to assess the quality of services provided for prevention and control of human fascioliasis as Abis 7 and 8 primary health care [PHC] facilities. It was revealed that the laboratory technician's workload at Abis 8 rural health center was about double that of Abis 7 health unit. Both PHC facilities used praziquantel for treatment of clinical cases, but with different doses; an ununified referring system was recognized; no health education sessions were organized at both health facilities; no snail control activities were performed at Abis 8 center and no community participation was found in this aspect in both villages; as well as absence of coordination between the health facilities and veterinary unit. The laboratory records showed an increase in disease trend from 1991 to 1994, and a prevalence rate of only 0.5% at 1994. About 60% of the PHC staff achieved a good knowledge score about fascioliasis and none a poor score. Their knowledge was satisfactory concerning the host, mode of transmission, the clinical manifestations and investigations needed for diagnosis of fascioliasis. As regards methods of disease prevention, about 89% of PHC personnel reported proper washing of leafy vegetables, while only 3.7% mentioned avoidance of using animal excreta as manure and none of them remembered to mention snail control

Assessment of nutritional knowledge and practices of physicians and nurses working in MCH clinies at different primary health care facililties in Alexandria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the nutritional knowledge and practices of physicians and nurses working in MCH clinics in different PHC facilities in Alexandria. Six MCH clinics were selected randomly, one clinic from each district. A total sample of 188 [137 physicians and 51 nurses] were included in the study. A special designed questionnaire was constructed and included data about nutritional knowledge in general, nutritional knowledge during pregnancy, lactation and breast feeding practices. The results indicated that there was a significant relation between degree of qualification and level of knowledge. Physicians showed higher nutritional knowledge than nurses. Only 11.7% of the studied sample achieved a very good level [>/= 75%]. About 83% of interviewed physicians and nurses reported incorrect answer as regards the cut-off level of haemoglobin in pregnant women. Inspite of the fact that recommendations towards successful breast feeding is distributed in maternity services, about 20% of the sample reported that they advise a lactating woman to feed her baby on schedule and not to feed him / her during night hours. Exclusive breast feeding is recommended during first four months of delivery, however over 70% of interviewed sample reported that they advise a lactating woman to give her baby fluids in form of water, juices and herbs besides breast milk in the first four months after delivery. Based on the results of the present work, it is a necessity to carry on an extensive nutritional education training programme for physicians and nurses working in MCH clinics

study of some health problems and pattern of health services utilization at Maawa El Sayadeen Squatter in Alexandria

The present study aimed to explore some health problems, pattern of utilization of health services and community needs of Maawa El Sayadeen squatter. A pre-designed questionnaire was completed through interview of families. Stool analysis was done for preschool children. The results of morbidities during the last three months showed that for children under two years, diarrhoea ranked first [23.4%] followed by respiratory tract infections [17.6%], while for the age group 2-5 years, respiratory diseases came first [19.7%] followed by diarrhoea [14.1%]. The results of stool analysis revealed that 65.7% of males and 69.9% of females were infected with one or more parasites. Among children, locomotor handicapping conditions constituted 48.7% of cases and partial and total blindness constituted 13.5%. The main cause of deaths of infants below one year was gastroenteritis [21.6%] followed by respiratory tract infections and tetanus neonatorum [9.8% for each]. El-Kabary General Hospital was mostly used for health care of children under 6 years, while the health centre was least used by families. Among pregnant mothers 51.2% never attended any antenatal care. Vaccination schedule was complete among only 58.7% of children. The majority of handicaps did not receive any care [59.5%]. Environmental problems were expressed by the highest percent of the families [87.3%] followed by health services problems [30.5%] and the great majority of the families suggested the improvement of environmental sanitation, followed by the availability of health services

Mortality in the social welfare institutes during the period from 2/8/1990 to 1/8/1991

This study shows that 152 residents being cared for in Kuwait's complex of Welfare Institutes died during the period from 2/8/1990 to 1/8/1991, with the maximal mortality rate occurring in November of 1990 when it reached 798 deaths per 1000 residents per year. Most of these deaths were due to starvation, with a severe lack of food having prevailed over the entire period of the occupation which persisted after liberation during the month of March, 1991. Those deaths which occurred were direct consequences of starvation, thirst and dehydration or they resulted from chest infections and septicaemia facilitated by malnutrition. No deaths occurred due to epidemics or to lack of medicines or treatment. Under the very worst conditions every resident who was sick was examined medically and given the appropriate medicines by those few remaining staff who were assisted by volunteers serving as paramedical helpers. The lethal deficiency lay in the inadequate number of persons able to get food to the residents