Validation of Anthropometric Measures Self-Reported in a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Web-Based Platform for Weight Loss.

INTRODUCTION: A great number of weight loss interventions have been delivered through digital solutions. Analysis of the effectiveness in terms of weight loss is fundamental to understand the real potential of digital technologies as tools for delivery of weight loss interventions. For this, we need accurate and reliable anthropometric data. For reasons of convenience, self-reported weight and height often replace actual measurements in these interventions. This might lead to misclassification of BMI status during selection of participants and to bias in the assessment of the outcomes. Therefore, it is fundamental to have validation studies of self-reported web-based data. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to validate online self-reported height, weight and BMI in a POEmaS trial subsample. METHODS: We included 12.5% of the POEmaS' population (n=159). Anthropometric data reported on the web-platform were compared to measured data by paired T-tests. Agreement was assessed by Bland-Altman plots. Multinomial regression was used to investigate factors associated with self-reported weight validity. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between reported and measured weight (0.4 kg, SD 1.7; p=0.13) and BMI (0.03 kg/m2, SD 0.87; p=0.06). Reported height was on average 0.4 cm (SD 1.2) higher than the measured ones (p<0.001). For all anthropometric data, >=95% of the cases were within the limits of agreement. Higher measured BMI was the only factor associated with low accuracy of weight report. Each unit increase in BMI increased the odds that the reported weight was lower than the one measured (OR 1.13; 95%CI 1.01-1.26). DISCUSSION: Self-reported weight and BMI change showed good agreement with measured ones. Since these are the primary outcomes of the POEmaS trial, the findings of the validation study suggest that the outcomes' accuracy is high and that it does not vary across gender, age, study group. These findings are relevant to digital health researchers and assessors and suggest that digital health interventions for weight loss might rely on self-reported assessment of outcomes. This might be particularly useful when other modes of assessment, such as anthropometry and e-scales, are not feasible or not available. However, we acknowledge that these results might not be applicable to low educated populations.

El uso de broncodilatadores en la bronquiolitis / The use of bronchodilators in bronchiolitis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La bronquiolitis es una patología frecuente en la práctica clínica pediátrica. Constituye una de las principales entidades clínicas dentro de las infecciones respiratorias agudas bajas (IRAB). Se define como el primer episodio de sibilancias con manifestaciones clínicas de infección viral en un niño menor de dos años y afecta principalmente a lactantes menores de 6 meses. El tratamiento es fundamentalmente de soporte con oxigenoterapia e hidratación, quedando el resto de las terapéuticas bajo una profunda controversia acerca de su real efectividad. METODOLOGÍA: Desde la exposición de un escenario clínico se planteó una pregunta estructurada para luego realizar una búsqueda bibliográfica con el fin de dar respuesta a la pregunta sobre la efectividad en el tratamiento del bronquiolitis con broncodilatadores. Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed utilizando los Mesh (Medical Subject Headings) "bronchodilators AND bronchiolitis", se aplicaron distintos filtros, tras lo cual se llegó al número final de 23 artículos. Tras una lectura de los títulos y resúmenes de los artículos, se escogió el artículo "Bronchodilators for bronchiolitis". ANÁLISIS DEL ARTÍCULO: Nos hemos centrado las siguientes variables con el fin de responder a la pregunta clínica: la mejoría en el score clínico, la reducción de la tasa de internación y la saturometría de oxígeno. Realizamos luego un análisis secundario de los datos de las distintas variables con el fin de definir los valores de riesgo relativo (RR), reducción de riesgo absoluto (RRA), reducción del riesgo relativo (RRR) y el número necesario a tratar (NNT) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95% (IC 95%). También se llevó a cabo un análisis estadístico para evaluar la variable de saturación de oxígeno. RECOMENDACIÓN FINAL: No está recomendado el uso de broncodilatadores en el manejo del bronquiolitis, ya que no mejoran ninguna de las variables analizadas. Los broncodilatadores no sólo no tienen eficacia, sino que suponen un gasto y presentan efectos adversos indeseables. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Bronchiolitis is a frequent pathology in pediatric clinical practice. It constitutes one of the main clinical entities within acute lower respiratory infections. It is defined as the first episode of wheezing with clinical manifestations of viral infection in a child younger than two years and mainly affects infants under 6 months. The treatment is fundamentally support with oxygen therapy and hydration, leaving the rest of the therapeutic under a deep controversy about its real effectiveness. METHODOLOGY: From the exposition of a clinical scenario, a structured question was presented for a bibliographic search in order to answer the question about the effectiveness in the treatment of bronchiolitis with bronchodilators. A PubMed search was performed using the Mesh (Medical Subject Headings) "Bronchodilators AND Bronchiolitis", different filters were applied, and we reached the final number of 23 articles. After a reading of the titles and summaries of the articles, the article "Bronchodilators for Bronchiolitis" was chosen. ANALYSIS OF THE ARTICLE: We have focused the following variables in order to answer the clinical question: the improvement in the clinical score, the reduction of the hospitalization rate and oxygen saturation. Then, we performed a secondary analysis of the data of the different variables in order to define the values of relative risk, absolute risk reduction, relative risk reduction, and the number needed to treat, with their respective 95% Confidence Intervals. We also carried out the statistical analysis needed to evaluate the oxygen saturation. Recommendation: The use of bronchodilators in the management of bronchiolitis is not recommended because none of the analyzed variables improve. Bronchodilators not only do not have efficacy, but they suppose an expense and present undesirable adverse effects. (AU)

Sentimentos despertados nas mulheres frente ao diagnóstico decâncer de mama / Feelings awakened in women against the diagnosis of breast cancer

Objetivo: identificar os sentimentos despertados nas mulheres frente ao diagnóstico de câncer de mama. Método: trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado no ambulatório de oncologia de um hospital universitário, com 11 mulheres diagnosticadas com câncer de mama e idade entre 43 e 58 anos. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, de maio a julho de 2015. Os dados foram analisados e interpretados conforme a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: após a análise emergiram três categorias: o impacto do diagnóstico; a vivência prévia da doença, o autoconhecimento e sua aceitação; esperança embasada na fé em Deus. Considerações Finais: a maioria das mulheres demonstraram-se extremamente sensibilizadas com o diagnóstico de câncer de mama e aflitas diante da incerteza da morte; outras, por já terem vivenciado a doença em um ente próximo, sentiram-se mais fortes e reagiram melhor ao diagnóstico.

Objective: to identify the feelings aroused by women in the diagnosis of breast cancer. Method: thisis a qualitative study, performed at the oncology outpatient clinic of a university hospital, with 11women diagnosed with breast cancer and aged between 43 and 58 years. Data collection wasperformed through a semi-structured interview, from May to July 2015. Data were analyzed andinterpreted according to content analysis. Results: three categories emerged after the analysis: theimpact of the diagnosis; the previous experience of the disease, self-knowledge and its acceptance; hope grounded in faith. Final Considerations: most women were extremely sensitive to the diagnosisof breast cancer and afflicted by the uncertainty of death, others because they had experienced thedisease in a nearby entity felt stronger and reacted better to the diagnosis.

Estimation of genetic parameters and selection of high-yielding, upright common bean lines with slow seed-coat darkening.

Slow seed coat darkening is desirable in common bean cultivars and genetic parameters are important to define breeding strategies. The aims of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for plant architecture, grain yield, grain size, and seed-coat darkening in common bean; identify any genetic association among these traits; and select lines that associate desirable phenotypes for these traits. Three experiments were set up in the winter 2012 growing season, in Santo Antônio de Goiás and Brasília, Brazil, including 220 lines obtained from four segregating populations and five parents. A triple lattice 15 x 15 experimental design was used. The traits evaluated were plant architecture, grain yield, grain size, and seed-coat darkening. Analyses of variance were carried out and genetic parameters such as heritability, gain expected from selection, and correlations, were estimated. For selection of superior lines, a "weight-free and parameter-free" index was used. The estimates of genetic variance, heritability, and gain expected from selection were high, indicating good possibility for success in selection of the four traits. The genotype x environment interaction was proportionally more important for yield than for the other traits. There was no strong genetic correlation observed among the four traits, which indicates the possibility of selection of superior lines with many traits. Considering simultaneous selection, it was not possible to join high genetic gains for the four traits. Forty-four lines that combined high yield, more upright plant architecture, slow darkening grains, and commercial grade size were selected.

Clinical aspects of advanced stage lipo-lymphedema: case report.

The aim of the current study was to alert about dermatological alterations in the clinical evolution of lipo-lymphedema. The case of a 48-year-old patient is reported with clinical diagnosis of stage II lipo-lymphedema treated in the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Service of FAMERP. On physical examination the edema was hard, not reversible during rest, with nodules in the lower one-third of the limbs and a positive Stemmer's sign. The sizes of the nodules were different between legs. This report stresses the clinical findings and the differences in each disease. Additionally a review of publications is presented. The dermatological changes occurring in the evolution of lipedema may be associated with the evolution of lipo-lymphedema.

Association between apolipoprotein E genotype, serum lipids, and colorectal cancer in Brazilian individuals

We evaluated genetic variants of apolipoprotein E (APOE HhaI) and their association with serum lipids in colorectal cancer (CRC), together with eating habits and personal history. Eight-seven adults with CRC and 73 controls were studied. APOE*2 (rs7412) and APOE*4 (rs429358) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. APOE gene polymorphisms were similar in both groups, but the å4/å4 genotype (6 percent) was present only in controls. The patients had reduced levels (mean ± SD) of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction (180.4 ± 49.5 and 116.1 ± 43.1 mg/dL, respectively) compared to controls (204.2 ± 55.6, P = 0.135 and 134.7 ± 50.8 mg/dL; P = 0.330, respectively) indicating that they were not statistically significant after the Bonferroni correction. The APOE*4 allele was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction and increased levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction and triglycerides only among patients (P = 0.014). There was a positive correlation between the altered lipid profile and increased body mass indexes in both groups (P < 0.010). Moreover, a higher rate of hypertension and overweight was observed in controls (P < 0.002). In conclusion, the presence of the å4/å4 genotype only in controls may be due to a protective effect against CRC. Lower lipid profile values among patients, even those on lipid-rich diets associated with the APOE*4 allele, suggest alterations in the lipid synthesis and metabolism pathways in CRC.

Association between apolipoprotein E genotype, serum lipids, and colorectal cancer in Brazilian individuals.

We evaluated genetic variants of apolipoprotein E (APOE HhaI) and their association with serum lipids in colorectal cancer (CRC), together with eating habits and personal history. Eight-seven adults with CRC and 73 controls were studied. APOE*2 (rs7412) and APOE*4 (rs429358) were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. APOE gene polymorphisms were similar in both groups, but the epsilon4/epsilon4 genotype (6%) was present only in controls. The patients had reduced levels (mean +/- SD) of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction (180.4 +/- 49.5 and 116.1 +/- 43.1 mg/dL, respectively) compared to controls (204.2 +/- 55.6, P = 0.135 and 134.7 +/- 50.8 mg/dL; P = 0.330, respectively) indicating that they were not statistically significant after the Bonferroni correction. The APOE*4 allele was associated with lower levels of total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction and increased levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol fraction and triglycerides only among patients (P = 0.014). There was a positive correlation between the altered lipid profile and increased body mass indexes in both groups (P < 0.010). Moreover, a higher rate of hypertension and overweight was observed in controls (P < 0.002). In conclusion, the presence of the epsilon4/epsilon4 genotype only in controls may be due to a protective effect against CRC. Lower lipid profile values among patients, even those on lipid-rich diets associated with the APOE*4 allele, suggest alterations in the lipid synthesis and metabolism pathways in CRC.

Exogenous nitric oxide protects kidney from ischemia/reperfusion.

Blockade of NO production is followed by an increase in leukocyte rolling and adhesion resulting in some deleterious effects of ischemia. Preischemic administration of NO protects vascular integrity after reperfusion. Exogenous NO causes a direct reduction in leukocyte adhesion. This work was performed to test the hypothesis that exogenous NO administered during the preischemic period to the kidney alone, without coming into contact with the leukocytes, could also reduce leukocyte-endothelium adhesion. Adult rats were subjected to in situ isolation of the left kidney. Solutions were infused through the renal artery and drained through an incision in the renal vein, thus avoiding the systemic circulation. Group IC rats served as an ischemic control, and received 0.9% saline. Group NP received Na nitroprusside. Group S was a nonischemic control. Groups IC and NP were subjected to 75 min of renal ischemia. After this period, vascular structures were repaired and reperfusion allowed. A right nephrectomy was performed. Serum urea and creatinine, myeloperoxidase activity, and histopathological studies were carried out at different intervals after reperfusion. Survival at 15 days was 46%, 80%, and 100% in groups IC, NP, and S, respectively. Differences between groups for serum urea and creatinine were significant only during the first seven days. Myeloperoxidase values were significantly higher in group IC. All rats from group IC and only 20% from group NP showed histological evidence of necrosis. Thus, exogenous NO is protective and acts selectively upon the kidney, modulating its interactions with polymorphonuclear cells after ischemia/reperfusion.

Muscle dynamics in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Previous reports have demonstrated that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) have prolonged isovolumic relaxation period (IRP) reflecting reduced rate of fall of left ventricular pressure. Eighty four patients with proven hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 31 normal subjects were studied by simultaneous recordings of echocardiogram, apexcardiogram, phonocardiogram and ECG. In normal subjects the IRP value was 61 +/- 11 ms (mean +/- s.d.). In the 84 patients there was enormous variability of the IRP value from 0 to 160 ms reflecting abnormal and incoordinate (but not necessarily impaired) relaxation and it was possible to identify three subgroups among the patients: 60 patients in sinus rhythm who had prolonged IRP and significantly above the normal values, 9 patients in atrial fibrillation in whom the IRP was within the normal range and 15 patients with IRP values between 0-45 ms, with the mean (26 ms) below the normal range (mean +/- 2 s.d.). This group of patients with short IRP also had signs of outflow tract systolic pressure gradient, with partial mid-systolic closure of the aortic valve, systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral valve leaflet and paradoxical splitting of the second heart sound. It is suggested that the short IRP is due to extremely delayed aortic valve closure and careful scrutiny of this subset with haemodynamic evaluation has shown that this non-invasive interval (A2-Mo) may not always be a valid measure of left ventricular relaxation.

Phonoechocardiography and intracardiac phonocardiography in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

The salient phonoechocardiographic features of patients having hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with or without left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradients are reviewed. Intracardiac sound and pressure recordings from high fidelity catheter-tipped micromanometers have documented that the precordial murmur is the summation of both the systolic ejection murmur (SEM) arising from the LVOT, as well as the mitral regurgitant murmur recorded from the left atrium. The intensity of the precordial murmur varies directly with the LVOT gradient, which in turn is determined primarily by the contractility and loading conditions of the left ventricle. Reversed splitting of the second heart sound (S2) with paradoxical respiratory movement is a common finding in HCM, and when present, almost always denotes a significant LVOT gradient. It is due to marked lengthening of the left ventricular ejection time secondary to prolongation of the contraction and relaxation phases of left ventricular systole. The presence of a fourth heart sound (S4) is the rule in HCM when normal sinus rhythm is present, and is a reflection of a forceful left atrial contraction into a hypertrophied noncompliant left ventricle. A third heart sound (S3) is also common in HCM, and often the initial vibrations occur before the 0 point of the apexcardiogram (ACG) and continue giving the auscultatory impression of a diastolic rumble. When associated with a loud S1, which is frequently present, the clinical presentation may mimic mitral stenosis. This is particularly true when the patient has chronic atrial fibrillation. Careful attention to evidence of marked left ventricular hypertrophy as well as the typical echocardiographic findings of HCM preclude this diagnosis. In conclusion, phonoechocardiography is a simple non-invasive technique which almost always makes the definitive diagnosis of HCM.

Isovolumic relaxation period in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Previous reports have demonstrated that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have a prolonged isovolumic relaxation period as a result of a delay in mitral valve opening, reflecting a reduced rate of fall of left ventricular pressure. This period as measured from the aortic closure sound (A2 on phonocardiogram) to the opening of the mitral valve (on echocardiogram) was determined in 84 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and compared with findings in 31 normal volunteers. The duration of the isovolumic relaxation period in the 84 patients had a wide range from 0 to 160 ms (mean 71 +/- 32) that was not significantly different from that in normal subjects (63 +/- 11 ms). However, it was possible to identify a group of 15 patients with an extremely short isovolumic relaxation period, 2 standard deviations below the normal range. This shortening was due to a marked delay in aortic closure sound (A2) due to late left ventricular-aortic pressure crossover, as well as early opening of the mitral valve secondary to elevated left atrial pressure, which was confirmed by hemodynamic correlations and digitized echocardiographic data. In this subset of patients, A2 is a poor marker of the onset of rapid left ventricular pressure decline and, thus, the interval from A2 to mitral valve opening is not a valid reflection of left ventricular relaxation. It is concluded that in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, both the timing and sequence of relaxation are abnormal, as is the rate of relaxation. Furthermore, the isovolumic relaxation period is multifactorially determined and depends not only on the rate of left ventricular pressure decline, but also on the magnitude of the pressure drop from A2 to mitral valve opening. All of these determinants must be kept in mind when the isovolumic relaxation period is used as a measure of left ventricular relaxation.

Non-invasive assessment of diastolic function in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy on and off beta adrenergic blocking drugs.

Beta adrenergic blocking drugs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy provide symptomatic relief but their effect on long-term prognosis is uncertain. Thirty patients were studied non-invasively by simultaneous recordings of echocardiogram, apex-cardiogram, phonocardiogram, and electrocardiogram in order to assess diastolic abnormalities on and off oral beta adrenergic blocking drugs. While on treatment these patients had a mean dose of propranolol 200 mg/day. The treatment was stopped for one week and then non-invasive assessment was repeated. The following diastolic time intervals were studied: isovolumic relaxation period (A2-mitral valve opening); rapid relaxation period (A2-O point of the apexcardiogram), and the period from mitral valve opening to the O point of the apexcardiogram (Mo-O) when most of the filling of the left ventricle occurs. The prolongation of the rapid relaxation period reflects a reduced rate of fall of the left ventricular pressure when the pressure differential does not change between A2 and the O point of the apexcardiogram, and in this study this period was prolonged in 19, shortened in eight, and remained the same in three patients after beta blockade. The Mo-O point was prolonged in 22, shortened in seven, and was unchanged in one patient after beta adrenergic blocking drugs. All these results were independent of heart rate. In conclusion the response of diastolic time intervals to beta blocking drugs in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was variable but there was a significant number of patients in whom the time available for filling of the left ventricle was prolonged, suggesting better filling possibly because of improved distensibility of the left ventricle after beta adrenergic blocking drugs.