Clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes of non-obstructive azoospermia: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Knowledge of clinical and laboratory differences between chromosomal and undefined causes aids etiological research on non-obstructive azoospermia. OBJECTIVE: Compare clinical and laboratory differences between men with non-obstructive azoospermia due to chromosomal anomalies versus undefined causes DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional retrospective study conducted at a public university hospital in Campinas (Brazil) METHODS: All men aged 20-40 years with non-obstructive azoospermia were included in the analysis. RESULTS: The 107 cases included 14 with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (13%), 1 with mosaic KS, 4 with sex development disorders (2 testicular XX, 1 NR5A1 gene mutation, and 1 mild androgen insensitivity syndrome) (4%), 9 with other non-obstructive azoospermia etiologies (8%), and 79 with undefined causes. The 22 chromosomal anomaly cases (14 KS, 1 mosaic KS, 2 testicular XX, 4 sex chromosome anomalies, and 1 autosomal anomaly) were compared with the 79 undefined cause cases. The KS group had lower average testicular volume, shorter penile length, and lower total testosterone levels but greater height, arm span, serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, and gynecomastia frequency (absent in the undefined group and affecting more than half of the KS group). Patients with testicular XX DSD had LH, FSH, and penile length data intermediate between the KS and undefined cause groups, testicular volume similar to the KS group, and other data similar to the undefined group. CONCLUSION: Clinical and laboratory data differentiate men with non-obstructive azoospermia and chromosomal anomalies, particularly KS and testicular XX, from those with undefined causes or other chromosomal anomalies.

White matter hyperintensities on magnetic resonance imaging among elderly depressed patients and its association with the severity of depression and cognition

Introduction: Depression in the elderly can have a different pathophysiology and clinical profile, and studies have shown pathological changes in the brain on radio imaging. The present study aimed to find out the association of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with the severity of illness and cognition in elderly depressed patients. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 68 elderly (>60 years of age) depressed patients who had undergone MRI at a tertiary care center, and based on the severity of WMH, they were divided into two groups: no or slight WMH group and moderate or severe WMH group. The severity of depression was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) scale, and neuropsychological assessments were made for testing attention, concentration and executive function. Results: HAM?D scores were found significantly higher in patients with moderate?to?severe WMH groups (22.6 ± 5.2) compared to those with no or slight WMH (16.3 ± 4.2). The cognitive performance evaluated by backward digit span test, Trail making Test A and B, and Color Stroop test was significantly poor in the moderate?to?severe WMH group. Conclusion: Elderly depressed patients having a greater WMH had more severe depression and poor cognitive performance, especially psychomotor and executive functioning. WMH could be a potential marker for the severity of illness and cognition in depression in elderly persons.

Effects of drug circulation supervision on online drug retailing within different time spans / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study th e effects of drug circulation supervision on online drug retailing within different time span，and to provide reference for network drug circulation supervision. METHODS Based on the research hypothesis ，a scale was designed to verify the relationship between variables. Questionnaire was used for data collection. Structure equation modeling （SEM）was applied in verifying relationships between variables after exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis ， which aimed to test reliability and validity. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS Result of SEM indicated that drug circulation supervision had a positive significant impact upon online drug retailing within different time spans ，but its intensity varied. Specifically，the influence intensity of drug circulation supervision on retail mode and online prescription decreased with the longer time span ；the influence intensity on the types of online drugs were relatively balanced within different time spans ；the intensity of the impact on the retail cost of online pharmacies increased with the longer time span. Results of further analysis suggested that there were also differences in the weights of observed variables in drug circulation supervision and the weight of information regulation was the lowest. Accordingly，it is suggested to strengthen industry linkage ，standardize retail methods ，coordinate digital supervision system ，strengthen online prescription management ，refine supervision methods ，implement classified supervision ， buffer adverse effects and reduce enterprise costs.

Study on the Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala Ethanol Extract on Life Span of Caenorhabditis elegans and Its Mechanism / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE： To study the effects of Atractylodes macrocephala ethanol extract （AM） on life span of Caenorhabditis elegans（called N 2 nematode for short ），and to investigate its mechanism based on transcription factor SKN- 1/ nuclear factor E 2 related factor 2（Nrf2）. METHODS ：N2 nematode were divided into blank control group ，positive control group （100 μ mol/L curcumin，similarly hereinafter ），AM low-dose ，medium-dose and high-dose groups （100，200，300 μ g/mL， similarly hereinafter ）. The effects of AM on the life span （by average survival time ）of N 2 nematode under normal condition and oxidant stress condition （40 mmol/L H 2O2）as well as its effects on reproductive capability （by the number of filial generation ）of N2 nematode under normal condition were investigated . 700 μmol/L H2O2 was used to establish neuroblastoma cells N 2a oxidant stress model. Effects of positive control ，low-dose，medium-dose and high-dose of AM on the survival rate of model cells were detected by MTT method. After human embryonic renalepithelial cells 293T were transfected with Nrf 2-ARE plasmid ， the effects of positive control and AM on luciferase activity of Nrf2-ARE were detected by luciferase reporter gene method at low，medium and high dose for 24 h and at medium dose for 12，18 and 24 h. RT-PCR was used to detect the effects ofpositive control ，low-dose，medium-dose and high-dose of AM on the mRNA expression of downstream genes NQO- 1 and HO- 1 of Nrf 2 in N 2a cells as well as mRN A expression of en@hactcm.edu.cn downstream genes GCS- 1，GST-7，GST-10，HSP-60，HSP- 16.2 and SOD- 3 of SKN- 1 in N 2 nematode. RESULTS ：Compared with blank control group ，average survival time of N 2 nematode under normal and oxidant stress condition was significantly prolonged in positive control group and AM groups ；the number of filial generation on the first day （except for AM high-dose group ），the number of filial generation on the second day （except for AM low-dose group ） and the total number of filial generation （except for AM low-dose group ） were increased significantly（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The survival rate of N 2a cells in positive control group ，AM medium-dose and high-dose groups were significantly higher than that of model group （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared with blank control group ，Nrf2-ARE luciferase relative activity of 293T cells in positive control group and AM groups as well as Nrf 2-ARE luciferase relative activity of 293T cells in AM medium-dose group after different time of treatment were increased significantly （P＜0.01），in dose-dependent and time-dependent trend. Compared with blank control group ，mRNA relative expression of HO- 1 and NQO- 1（except for positive control group ），GCS-1（except for AM low-dose group ），GST-7（except for positive control group and AM low-dose group ）， GST-10 and HSP- 60（except for AM low-dose group ），HSP-16.2（except for positive control group and AM low-dose group ）and SOD-3 （except for positive control group and AM low-dose group ） were increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. CONCLUSIONS：AM can prolong the life span of N 2 nematode under normal and oxidant stress condition and improve the its reproductive capacity ，the mechanism of which may be associated with the activation of SKN- 1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Working memory span training improves working memory capacity / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective:To explore whether working memory span training can expand working memory capacity.Methods:A randomized controlled trial design was adopted and a total of 60 healthy college students were recruited and randomly divided into training group ( n=30, receiving adaptive training of spatial breadth task) and control group ( n=30, receiving non-adaptive training of low difficulty spatial breadth task). The cognitive behavior and event-related potential (ERP) data of all subjects when completing the change awareness task were collected before and after training.The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used for data analysis. The differences between the training group and the control group before and after training were compared by repeated measurement analysis of variance. Results:Repeated measurement ANOVA showed that there were significant time and group interactions at the levels of cognitive behavior(K score, F=5.352, P=0.025) and ERP (CDA, F=4.644, P=0.037) levels. Further post test found that compared with pre-training (pre-test), the K-score ((0.51±0.93), (1.61±1.07), F=26.81, P<0.001) and CDA ((-1.49±1.07)μV, (-2.03±0.94)μV, F=4.731, P=0.041) of the training group increased significantly after training (post-test), and there was no significant difference in K-score and CDA of the control group before and after training (boh P>0.05). Conclusion:Working memory span task can be used as an effective training paradigm to improve working memory capacity.

Pest potencial of Sitophilus zeamais on Brazil nut under storage conditions: Sitophilus zeamais on Brazil nut / Potencial de Sitophilus zeamais como praga da castanha-do-Brasil em condições de armazenamento

The Brazil nut, fruit of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., a native plant of the Amazon region and may be considered one of the main extractivist products of countries like Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. In Brazil this plant can be found in the states of Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins. Species of the Coleoptera and Lepidoptera, have been classified as pest potentials of Brazil nut under storage conditions. Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main insect pests attacking grain stores worldwide. This specie may be observed attacking grains in the field and in storage facilities (cross-infestation), presenting a wide variety of hosts. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of adults of this species feed on Brazil nuts, and also to identify the type of injury as well as the life span of this coleopteran exposed to the meat of the Brazil nut. No feeding injury was observed on the surface of Brazil nuts and the life span of the insects was similar in treatments both with and without this food source in all populations evaluated. Due to the fact that S. zeamais adults do not injure, or feed on the Brazil nut, this beetle is not able to colonize this product and therefore may be considered a non-pest insect for stored Bertholletia excelsa almonds stored.

A castanha-do-brasil, fruto da Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K., que é uma planta nativa da região Amazônica e esse fruto pode ser considerado um dos principais produtos extrativistas de países como Bolívia, Colômbia, Guiana, Venezuela, Peru e Brasil. No Brasil, essa planta pode ser encontrada nos estados do Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Mato Grosso, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima e Tocantins. Espécies de Coleoptera e Lepidoptera foram classificadas como potenciais pragas da castanha-do-brasil em condições de armazenamento. Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) é uma das principais pragas de insetos que atacam os armazéns de grãos em todo o mundo. Esta espécie pode ser observada atacando grãos no campo e em unidades armazenadoras (infestação cruzada), apresentando uma grande variedade de hospedeiros. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial de adultos dessa espécie em se alimentarem de castanha-do-brasil, e também, identificar o tipo de lesão e o tempo de vida deste coleóptero exposto castanha-do-brasil. Não foi observada lesão na superfície da castanha-do-brasil e o tempo de vida dos insetos foram semelhantes nos tratamentos com e sem alimento em todas as populações avaliadas. Devido ao fato de que adultos de S. zeamaisnão lesionaram ou se alimentaram da castanha-do-brasil, este besouro não é capaz de colonizar este produto e, portanto, pode ser considerado um inseto não-praga para as amêndoas de Bertholletia excelsa armazenadas.

Ameliorative effect of Argyreia boseana Sant. & Pat. on stress in C. elegans

Background: Pathyashadangam kwath, a classical ayurvedic polyherbal formulation is used for thetreatment of cluster head ache, migraine, upper respiratory diseases, ear ache and night blindness. Review of literature suggested that characterization parameters of Pathyashadangam kwath are notreported.Objective: To report characteristic parameters of Pathyashadangam kwath to confirm quality and purity.Materials and methods: The fruit pericarps of Haritaki, Bibhitaki and Amalaki, aerial parts of Bhunimba,rhizome of Haridra, stem bark of Nimba and stem of Guduchi were the ingredients of Pathyashadangamkwath. Three batches of the kwath were prepared as per standard procedures. The kwath was evaluatedfor organoleptic, physical, phytochemical and chromatographic parameters as per standard methods.Results: HPTLC analysis revealed that Toluene: Ethyl Acetate: Formic acid (2.5: 2.0: 0.5) was a suitablemobile phase for characterization of the kwath. HPLC analysis revealed that andrographolide was asuitable marker for standardization of the kwath.Conclusion: The characterization parameters presented in this paper may serve as standard reference forquality control analysis of Pathyashadangam kwath.

Arm span and hand length: Reliable indices of stature estimation

Introduction: Human height is a sexually dimorphic trait that can be estimated using various anthropometric indicators.Materials and Method: The study cohort which comprises of 500 (250 men and 250 women) healthy subjects who fall within theage range of 20 and 49 years, were selected randomly. Their standing stature, weight, hand length and arm span were measured.Results: Findings reveals that Height of male subjects was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to that of females, the meanarm span values of male subjects were significantly (p<0.05) higher compared to that of females. Mean arm span values wasobserved to exceed stature. A strong positive correlation value of r=0.431 for males, r=0.747 for females was obtained in thisstudy between the height and arm span parameters. The mean hand length of males was significantly (p<0.05) higher compared tothat of the females. A strong positive correlation value between the height and hand length parameter r=0.093 for males, r=0.442for females was also obtained. A regression formula of height for males was Height=52.78 + (0.64) Arm span and for females,Height=61.2 + (0.59) Arm span was deduced. Conclusion: Arm span and Hand length are useful racial markers and will be ofclinical and forensic anthropological significance when dealing with the study population. This study shows that though both armspan and hand length can be used in estimation of the height of males and females, arm-span remains the most reliable. Theregression equations can be used in amputees or dead accident victims and can be applied in medicolegal issues with accurateresults.

Nationwide stature estimation from armspan measurements in Albanian youngsters / Estimación de estatura a nivel nacional a partir de mediciones de envergadura en jóvenes albaneses

The purpose of this research is to examine stature in both Albanian sexes as well as its association with arm span, as an alternative to estimating stature. A total of 445 individuals (266 boys and 179 girls) participated in this research. The anthropometric measurements were taken according to the protocol of ISAK. The relationships between stature and arm span were determined using simple correlation coefficients at a 95 % confidence interval. Then a linear regression analysis was carried out to examine extent to which arm span can reliably predict stature. Results displayed that Albanian boys are 176.57±7.36 cm tall and have an arm span of 179.98±9.41 cm, while Albanian girls are 166.84±9.28 cm tall and have an arm span of 167.53±10.34 cm. The results have shown that both sexes made Albanians a tall nation but not even close to their male compatriots from Kosovo that are almost 3 centimeters taller, while the results in female population are opposite. Moreover, the arm span reliably predicts stature in both sexes, which confirms a high R-square (%) for the boys (73.4) as well as for the girls (78.8).

El objetivo de esta investigación fue examinar la estatura en individuos de ambos sexos albaneses, además de su asociación con la extensión del brazo, como una alternativa a la estimación de la estatura. Un total de 445 individuos (266 niños y 179 niñas) participaron en esta investigación. Las medidas antropométricas se tomaron de acuerdo con el protocolo de ISAK. Las relaciones entre la estatura y el brazo se determinaron utilizando coeficientes de correlación simples en un intervalo de confianza del 95 %. Luego se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal para examinar en qué medida el brazo puede predecir de manera confiable la estatura. Los resultados muestran que los niños albaneses miden 176,57 ± 7,36 cm de alto y tienen una medida del brazo de 179,98 ± 9,41 cm, mientras que las niñas albanesas miden 166,84 ± 9,28 cm de alto y tienen una medida del brazo de 167,53 ± 10,34 cm. Los resultados han demostrado una altura importante en ambos sexos de la población albanesa. Sin embargo, se observó que respecto de la altura los varones de Kosovo miden casi 3 centímetros más, mientras que en la población femenina se observó lo contrario. Además, la extensión del brazo predice de manera confiable la estatura en ambos sexos, lo que confirma un alto Rcuadrado (%) para los varones (73,4) y para las mujeres (78,8).

Assessment of Stress Parameters and Cognitive Functions in Different IQ-EQ Groups

There is individual variation in response to same type of stress depending on the IQ-EQ level. Stress effectsvarious parameters of higher mental functions such as attention, concentration, decision making, learning andmemory. Even the cognitive functions vary depending upon the variation in general and emotional level of aperson. This study was conducted on thirty-five healthy male volunteer students chosen randomly and aftertaking consent. The subjects were divided into four groups depending upon their IQ-EQ level. Parameters ofstress and cognitive functions were assessed between groups. Significant differences in four groups werefound for handgrip, ASS and serum cortisol. Low IQ high EQ and low IQ low EQ groups were most stressedout.

Development of amphotericin b Based organogels against mucocutaneous fungal infections

Amphotericin B is a broad spectrum antifungal agent used to treat fungal infections. Organogel is a semisolid preparation in which the apolar phase gets immobilized within spaces of the three-dimensional structure. The current study aimed at the formulation and comparative evaluation of sorbitan monostearate organogels and pluronic lecithin organogels (PLO). Different compositions of span 60 based organogels were prepared by varying the concentrations of the span 60 and PLO gels were prepared by varying the concentration of Pluronic F 127. The developed organogels were subjected to various characteristics such as pH, viscosity, spreadability, extrudability, and drug release studies. The optimized formulations were evaluated against Candida albicans and carried out ex vivo release study. The optimized formulation was selected from span 60 based organogels, and pluronic lecithin organogels were S1 and P1, respectively. The optimized formulation (S1) showed effective inhibition against Candida albicans. The skin irritation test was carried out on albino mice for optimized formulations and results showed that no irritation to the skin. Based on the results, organogels prepared by sorbitan monostearate showed better antifungal activity, and also all the formulations were found to be stable and safe throughout the study period.

Oleogels Of Olive Oil And Soybean Oil For Topical Drug Delivery: A Comparative Analysis

Objective: The objective of the present investigation was to develop olive and soybean oil-based oleogels with Span 40 and/or Tween 80 (as gelator and/or surfactant) and determine the critical gelator concentration (CGC), characterise and compare the rheological, thermal properties and drug release profile of the gels formed for topical delivery. Methods: Olive and soybean oil-based Span 40 and Span 40/Tween 80 oleogel formulations were prepared by solid fiber mechanism and subjected to organoleptic evaluation, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, rheological study, kinetic modeling of gelation and drug release. Results: The critical gelator (Span 40) concentration was found to be lower for olive oil (12% w/v) and depend on the type of oil. Tween 80 reduced CGC of soybean oleogels only. Soybean oil-based oleogel containing 18% w/v Span 40 was found to form more flexible, less viscous and thermally less stable formulation with better release of paracetamol as evident from lower melt flow index, Tg value, lower β and higher α value compared to olive oil-based oleogel with 12% w/v Span 40 (CGC). Surfactant addition can be assumed to modify the microarchitecture of the oleogels to a great extent to produce more flexible and thermally stable gels with even better drug release profile. Span-Tween based soybean oleogel formed a gel-matrix whereas matrix in olive oil-based oleogels containing Span only became slightly flexible to release the drug in zero-order fashion on the addition of surfactant cogelator. Conclusion: Nature of oil exerts profound influence on the rheological, thermal and release profile of oleogels containing Span 40 as gelator and/or Tween 80 as surfactant cogelator.

Fecundity Studies Of Andrographis Paniculata On Drosophila Melanogaster

Objective: Andrographis paniculata is widely used in Asia for various medicinal purposes. The plant has a major bioactive chemical constituent Andrographolide, which exhibits various essential pharmacological properties. Recently, to enhance immunity against viral fevers especially dengue viral fever during monsoon season, Tamil Nadu state government has advised rural health centres to provide a tea or kashayam made from a mixture containing this plant leaf along with selected plant roots and leaves. However, there is concern among the general public population that this plant extract may have a negative impact on potency. This study is being done to investigate the toxic effects of Andrographis paniculata on fecundity and physiological properties of Drosophila melanogaster. Methods: The flies were treated and mated in pure and mixed form of Andrographis paniculata separately. Results: The results were obtained in the form of egg count, which was compared to control and the conclusion was obtained that Andrographis paniculata might affect the fecundity and at the same time, it was observed that the developmental span from an egg to an adult fly increased upon treatment in successive generations. More importantly, the effect of pure form plant on the fecundity was found to be significant, while that of the mixed form was not. On mating a treated male with an untreated female and an untreated male with a treated female when the treatment is being discontinued, it can be very well seen that there is no effect on the fecundity of the flies. Conclusion: Since the continuity of the treatment played a major role on the effect of fecundity, highlighting the importance of the period of treatment and the exposure time of the compound on the fly system, therefore this research suggests that the conception of tea or kashayam extracted from mixed plant content could not have the same effect as the similar concentration of pure Andrographis paniculata and it does not have any acute effect on the fecundity when being consumed over a short period of time in Drosophila melanogaster model.

Association of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) level with working memory on type-2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetic patients

Background: Deleterious effects of diabetic glucose levels on brain structure, have been reported in many studies. Moreover, prediabetic and type-2 diabetes mellitus are associated with lower cognitive function. Author aimed to discover the association of blood glucose and working memory on type 2 diabetic and prediabetic patients.Methods: In this cross-sectional study there are two groups (diabetic and prediabetic) consist of 30 patients each (men 31, women 29). Mean age 40.233±7.862. Blood glucose was measured with HbA1c. All patients were tested with MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination), forward digit span, and backward digit span.Results: There was no difference between diabetic and prediabetic group in MMSE (p 1.000). In diabetic group, mean LDSF (Longest Digit Span Forward) was 5.700±0.877 and there was relation between HbA1c and LDSF (r -0.604). In prediabetic group, mean LDSF was 6.233±0.858 and there was relation between HbA1c and LDSF (r -0.565). There was significant difference between those groups in LDSF (p 0.041). In diabetic group mean LDSB (Longest Digit Span Backward) was 3.767±0.817 and there was relation between HbA1c and LDSB (r -0.545). In prediabetic group, mean LDSB was 4.300±0.750 and there was relation between HbA1c and LDSB (r -0.575). There was significant difference between those groups in LDSB (p 0.024).Conclusions: Results indicated that there was significant difference between diabetic and prediabetic patient in working memory test although there was no difference in general cognitive function.

Indian older adults and the digit span: a preliminary report / Idosos indianos e extensão de dígitos: um relatório preliminar

ABSTRACT: The digit span test is widely used to assess attention and working memory. It is a portable, relatively culture-free and frequently used test. However, the cultural validity of this test, particularly in the Indian older population, is not well established. Objective: This study explores the usefulness of the digit span test for Indian older adults with different levels of education. Methods: Two hundred and fifty-eight community-dwelling healthy normal older adults formed the sample of this study. All study participants were screened using a semi-structured interview schedule, the modified MINI Screen, the Indian version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, a measure of activities of daily living and the digit span test administered verbally. Results: The results indicated that participants with higher educational level performed significantly better than low-educated participants on the digit span test. Participants with low education often struggled with the digit span test and resorted to guessing the digits. Conclusion: Our study clearly demonstrates that the digit span test can be useful for educated participants. However, its usefulness and ecological validity is questionable for those with low education and low literacy, warranting future research.

RESUMO: O teste de span de dígitos é amplamente utilizado para avaliar a atenção e a memória de trabalho. É um teste portátil, relativamente livre de cultura e frequentemente usado. No entanto, a validade cultural deste teste, particularmente na população idosa indiana, não está bem estabelecida. Objetivo: Este estudo explora a utilidade do teste de amplitude de dígitos para idosos indianos com diferentes níveis de educação. Métodos: Duzentos e cinquenta e oito idosos saudáveis ​​normais residentes na comunidade formaram a amostra deste estudo. Todos os participantes da pesquisa foram selecionados usando uma entrevista semiestruturado, MINI Screen modificado, versão indiana do Mini Mental State Examination, uma medida de atividade da vida diária e teste do span de dígitos administrados verbalmente. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que os participantes com alto nível de escolaridade tiveram desempenho significativamente melhor do que os participantes com baixo nível de escolaridade no teste de amplitude de dígitos. Participantes com baixa escolaridade muitas vezes enfrentaram difficuldades com o teste de amplitude de dígitos e recorreram a adivinhar os dígitos. Conclusão: Nosso estudo demonstra claramente que o teste de amplitude de dígitos pode ser útil para participantes instruídos. No entanto, sua utilidade e validade ecológica são questionáveis ​​para aqueles com baixa escolaridade e letramento, requerendo pesquisas futuras.

Correct understanding of the influence of hemoglobin variants on the glycated hemoglobin value / 中华检验医学杂志

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is the golden biomarker for clinical evaluation of long-term glycemic control, and also an important basis to guide adjustments to therapy. In recent years, the World Health Organization (WHO) and many national diabetes societies have recommended HbA1c as the preferred indicator for the diagnosis of diabetes. Hemoglobin variants are one of the factors affecting HbA1c values. On the one hand, they affect the results of HbA1c by interfering with some HbA1c detection methods, on the other hand, they affect the correct interpretation of HbA1c results by changing the life span of red blood cells and (or)the hemoglobin glycation rate.

Memoria de Trabajo e Inteligencia General Fluida en un Grupo de Escolares del Nivel Primario / Working Memory and Fluid General Intelligence in a Children Scholar Group

Resumen El presente estudio tiene dos objetivos: a) Construir un Test de Capacidad de Lectura -TCL, para medir el nivel de memoria de trabajo (MT) y b) analizar la relación entre MT y la inteligencia general fluida -Gf (medido a través de Test de Matrices Progresivas de Raven, para niños), en un grupo de 124 niños lectores escolarizados del nivel primario. Dado el carácter primordial de este segundo objetivo, se procedió a emplear el método correlacional, que sugiere la medición y descripción de las variables MT y Gf, cuyo índice correlacional establece el nivel de dicha relación. En cuanto a la justificación de la presente tesis, se sustenta en la constatación empírica de la presencia previa de la MT, como un factor explicativo de la varianza que sufre la Gf. La validez de contenido del nuevo TCL se estableció mediante el criterio de juicio de expertos; mientras que, la confiabilidad del mismo instrumento está dentro del nivel de confianza y seguridad. Finalmente, se puede afirmar que la relación entre MT y Gf es sustancial, en la medida que sugiere que la MT es un factor importante que explica la varianza de los puntajes Gf.

Abstract The present study have two objectives: a) Elaborate a Reading Span Test -RST, that measure the level of working memory (WM), and b) analyze the relation between WM and fluid general intelligence -Gf (measured with Raven´s Progressive Matrices Test, for children), in a group of 124 children of the primary school level. The first objective was reached according to the theoretical and techniques suggestions offered by Daneman & Carpenter (1980) in order to construct a new version of RST, sustained by WM model, originally proposed by Baddeley & Hitch (1974). WM is a cognitive system of limited capacity, in which acts simultaneously, storage and processing information mechanisms. This cognitive system is involved in diverse complex cognitive activities, such as, reading comprehension, learning, and reasoning. The content validity of the new RST was done through expert judgment; while the reliability of same instrument was got accord Kuder/ Richardson-20 coefficient r 11 = 0.87, that guarantee the reliability of the instrument. Respect to the second objective, it was found a coefficient of correlation Eta2 = 0.525, which means that relation is substantial, therefore confirms that WM is an important factor by which cause the variance of scores of the Gf is 27.6%.

Desarrollo y cambios con la edad en el tubo digestivo, hígado y páncreas / Digestive tract, liver and pancreas: development and changes with age

An adequate functioning of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas is fundamental to providing the organism with the necessary conditions for its development and maintaining its digestive and systemic homeostasis. Life expectancy has increased, it is estimated that adults over 65 years old by 2050, will represent 25% of the local population. The morphological and functional changes associated with aging in the digestive system, liver and pancreas are modest except for those that occur in the microbiota. Recently it has been possible to establish the contribution of the microbiota to life expectancy and establish a link between gastrointestinal microbiota, inflammation associated with aging (inflammaging) and survival. This represents a shift in the paradigm of our understanding physiology, chronic diseases, neoplasms and for the development of new therapies.

Un adecuado funcionamiento del tubo digestivo, hígado y páncreas es fundamental para poder brindar al organismo las condiciones necesarias para su desarrollo y mantener su homeostasis digestiva y sistémica. La expectativa de vida se ha incrementado, estimándose a nivel nacional que para el año 2050 los adultos mayores de 65 años representarán el 25% de la población. Los cambios morfológicos y funcionales asociados al envejecimiento en el aparato digestivo, hígado y páncreas son modestos a excepción, de los que se producen en la microbiota. Recientemente se ha podido establecer la contribución de la microbiota a la esperanza de vida y establecer un nexo entre microbiota gastrointestinal, inflamación asociada al envejecimiento y sobrevida. Esto representa un cambio en el paradigma sobre cómo comprendemos la fisiología, las patologías crónicas, neoplásicas y en el desarrollo de nuevas terapias.

Stature Estimation Of The Individual Using Arm Span Measurement In Jalgaon Region Of North Maharashtra

Height is one of the important parameter for identification of the individual. The study was undertaken toestimate height of individual from arm span by regression equation and to compare it with measured height. Thestudy was carried out on 50 adult males and 50 adult females from Jalgaon, Maharashtra over a period of threemonths from February to April 2018. The population was randomly selected for this study. In present study,correlation coefficient between height and arm span in males is 0.73 while in females it is 0.69.The Regressionequation derived from arm span in male is Height = 47.26 + (0.72 X arm span) and in females Height =57.32 +(0.64X arm span). The derived equations were tested and difference between measured and estimated height wasfound non-significant.

Relationship between height and arm span of elderly persons in an urban colony of New Delhi

Anthropometric changes take place with increasing age. Progressive loss of height makes it difficult to use height for calculation of body mass index in nutritional screening of elderly persons. There is a need to find other alternative methods which could be used as proxy measurements of height in them. To assess the relationship of height and arm span and among elderly persons. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly persons in urban colony of Delhi. Height and arm span of persons aged 60 years and above (n = 711) were measured according to standard methods. Correlation between arm span and height was calculated. The mean arm span was seen to be more than the mean height in all age-groups and both sexes. There was a linear relationship between height and arm-span in all age-groups. There was a strong correlation between arm span and height in all age groups. Arm span could be used instead of height as an alternative in the conventional body mass index in elderly persons.