Diet and between-tissue isotope comparisons reveal different foraging strategies for age and sex of a Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola Linnaeus, 1766) population.

Measuring stable isotopes in different tissues offers the opportunity to provide insight into the foraging ecology of a species. This study aimed to assess how diet varies between yellow females, yellow males, and dull individuals of a Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) population. We measured δ13C and δ15N in blood over a year, and in different feathers, to estimate seasonal consistency of resource use for each category. We conducted this study in a private farm in the Central Brazilian savannas. We sampled 195 individuals in seven field samplings between January 2017 and March 2018. The mean blood δ13C values were similar among yellow females, yellow males and dull individuals, indicating that this population of Saffron Finch predominantly accesses similar resources throughout the year, with a predominant C4 signal. Although Saffron Finch is considered a granivorous species, the mean δ15N values found indicate that both adults and juveniles also incorporate in their tissues some invertebrate. The slight isotope-tissue difference between feathers and blood is similar to the reported in previous studies and may reflect tissue-to-tissue discrimination. The isotopic space of yellow males was greater than that of yellow females and dull individuals, indicating greater dietary diversity due to greater inter-individual variation in diet. In Saffron Finch, which delays plumage maturation, competition-driven partitioning of food resources seems essential in driving carotenoid-based plumage coloration between age classes and sexes.

[Level of control and treatment adherence of anticoagulation with acenocoumarol in Primary Care]. / Grado de control y cumplimiento terapéutico de la anticoagulación con acenocumarol en Atención Primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the level of control in treatment compliance in a sample of patients who were treated with acenocoumarol attended in Primary Care settings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with acenocoumarol were included. The sample size was calculated based on previous studies. Data of patients who possessed International Normalized Ratio (INR) values in last 6 months in medical consult were collected. It was considered that the INR control was inadequate when the percentage of INR values within the therapeutic range was less than 60% in the last 6 months. Assessment of compliance by telephone interview was conducted by the Morisky-Green Test. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-one patients, 110 women (57.6%) with an average age of 76.5±9.4 years were included. Seventy-six patients (39.8%) were in therapeutic range (INR: 2-3) and 115 patients (60.2%) were out of range (below 2 the 20.9% and above 3 the 39.3%). Poor control of INR increased to the age of 85 years (<75 years: 57.8%; 75-85 years: 67.6%;>85 years: 61.5%). Ninety patients responded to the compliance questionnaire (78.3%), being compliant 74 (82.2%) and non-compliant 16 (17.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Six of 10 patients undergoing treatment with acenocoumarol are out of range and nearly 2 of each 10 patients out of range does not accomplish the treatment. We call attention to the need to make a systematically review of adherence in anticoagulated patients attended in Primary Care settings.

Managing enlarged prostate in primary care.

Assessment and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or enlarged prostate, has evolved considerably in recent years; clear evidence has accumulated for the progression of disease over time, the association between disease progression and negative outcomes, and the potential for medical management of this condition. Commensurate with the long-term preventive role of primary care, efforts can and should be made to treat the underlying condition of enlarged prostate as well as to manage the symptoms short-term. This review outlines evaluation of men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms, examines the challenges for medical treatment and suggests how treatment choice can address these challenges.

Entrapment ability and release profile of corticosteroids from starch-based microparticles.

We previously described the synthesis of starch-based microparticles that were shown to be bioactive (when combined with Bioactive Glass 45S5) and noncytotoxic. To further assess their potential for biomedical applications such as controlled release, three corticosteroids with a similar basic structure-dexamethasone (DEX), 16alpha-methylprednisonole (MP), and 16alpha-methylprednisolone acetate (MPA)-were used as models for the entrapment and release of bioactive agents. DEX, MP, and MPA were entrapped into starch-based microparticles at 10% wt/wt of the starch-based polymer and the loading efficiencies, as well as the release profiles, were evaluated. Differences were found for the loading efficiencies of the three corticosteroids, with DEX and MPA being the most successfully loaded (82 and 84%, respectively), followed by MP (51%). These differences might be explained based on the differential distribution of the molecules within the matrix of the microparticles. Furthermore, a differential burst release was observed in the first 24 h for all corticosteroids with DEX and MP being more pronounced (around 25%), whereas only 12% of MPA was released during the same time period. Whereas the water uptake profile can account for this first stage burst release, the subsequent slower release stage was mainly attributed to degradation of the microparticle network. Differences in the release profiles can be explained based on the structure of the molecule, because MPA, a more bulky and hydrophobic molecule, is released at a slower rate compared with DEX and MP. In this work, it is shown that these carriers were able to sustain a controlled release of the entrapped corticosteroids over 30 days, which confirms the potential of these systems to be used as carriers for the delivery of bioactive agents.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel bioactive composite starch/bioactive glass microparticles.

The aim of the development of composite materials is to combine the most desired properties of two or more materials. In this work, the biodegradable character, good controlled-release properties, and natural origin of starch-based biomaterials are combined with the bioactive and bone-bonding properties of bioactive glass (BG). Novel, bioactive composite starch-BG microparticles were synthesized starting from a blend of starch and polylactic acid (50%/50% wt) with BG 45S5 powder using a simple emulsion method. Morphological and chemical characterization showed that these particles exhibited a spherical morphology with sizes up to 350 microm and that BG 45S5 was incorporated successfully into the composite particles. Upon immersion in a solution simulating body fluids, for periods up to 3 weeks, their bioactive nature was confirmed, as a calcium-phosphate layer resembling biological apatite was formed onto their surface. The short-term cytotoxicity of these materials was also tested by placing 24-h leachables of the materials extracted in culture medium in contact with a fibroblastic cell line (L929) up to 72 h. At this time period, two biochemical tests--MTT and total protein quantification--were performed. The results showed that these materials are not cytotoxic. These results constitute the basis of future encapsulation studies using bone-acting therapeutic agents such as bone morphogenetic proteins or other bone-relevant factors. The particles developed here may be very useful for applications in which controlled release, degradability, and bone-bonding ability are the main requirements.

[Non-contraceptive benefits of contraception]. / Beneficios nao contraceptivos da contracepcao.

PIP: The general benefits of the use of methods of contraception are the documented decrease of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, the diminution of the rate of prematurity and low birth weight, the decrease in induced abortion and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and certain gynecological cancer types. Natural methods of contraception pose the benefit of lacking effects on the organs and not introducing any external factors into the body. Barrier methods provide protection against STDs (a 50% reduction) and against cervical cancer (human papilloma virus), especially for adolescents and those with multiple sex partners. The chemical methods provide local antiseptic and antibiotic action that can be beneficial for vaginal and cervical infections. Hormonal methods, namely the oral contraceptive (OC) pill, also possess noncontraceptive benefits: regulation of the menstrual cycle, including diminution of dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain, menstrual flow, and anemia; reduced risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometrial and ovarian cancer, benign breast pathology, acne, and hirsutism; in addition to the therapy of polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothalamic amenorrhea, and dysfunctional hemorrhage. Further benefits include the decrease of the risk of osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis by 60% in families at risk, ectopic pregnancy, atherosclerosis, uterine myomas by up to 31%, and ovarian cysts. Contraceptives that contain progestational hormones (oral, injectable, implant, or IUD forms) are also beneficial for endometrial hyperplasia and uterine polyps. IUDs (except for progestational IUDs) have local effect without the potential side effects of hormones. Terminal methods of contraception (tubal ligation and ligation of the vas deferens) are reliable without causing alterations in the physiology of the organs.^ieng

Lomefloxacin prophylaxis in visual laser ablation of the prostate.

OBJECTIVES: Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) is a relatively new option for relief of urinary outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. There is currently no consensus regarding the optimum use of antibiotic prophylaxis in VLAP. This study was designed to evaluate two dosage regimens of a new difluoroquinolone, lomefloxacin, for prevention of postoperative bacteriuria following VLAP. METHODS: Sixty men with benign prostatic hyperplasia who were scheduled for VLAP were enrolled in an open-label, randomized trial comparing groups receiving no antimicrobial prophylaxis (n = 20), a single preoperative oral dose of 400 mg lomefloxacin (n = 20), or a single preoperative oral dose of 400 mg lomefloxacin followed by 400 mg daily for 3 days (n = 20). The VLAP procedures were performed using 60 watts of energy from a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser delivered via a Bard Urolase fiber or Laser Sonic fiber. RESULTS: Ten of 20 patients (50%) in the no prophylaxis group developed bacteriuria (defined as growth of 10(4) or more colony-forming units/mL) during the 14 days following surgery, whereas 2 of 20 patients (10%) in the single-dose group and 1 of 20 in the multiple-dose group (5%) developed bacteriuria during the follow-up period. Both dosage regimens were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Lomefloxacin was successful in preventing postoperative bacteriuria in 90% (single dose) to 95% (multiple doses) of patients undergoing VLAP. There was no clinically significant difference between the two dosage regimens.

Racial differences in the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus infection in Natal/KwaZulu, South Africa.

The age- and race-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection was determined by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in 786 subjects between the ages of 6 months to 60 years. More than 50% of African children were seropositive by the age of 5 years. In blood donors (17-60 years), 50% (93/187) of Whites, 67% (110/163) of Indians, 85% (117/137) of Coloureds, and 91% (115/127) of Africans were seropositive. There was a significant difference in the seroprevalence of HAV infection between White blood donors and blood donors from the other three racial groups [Coloureds (P < 0.0001), Africans (P < 0.0001), and Indians (P < 0.001)] and between Indians and Coloureds (P < 0.0001) and Indians and Africans (P < 0.0001). There was no significance difference in HAV infection between Coloureds and Africans (P < 0.200). Eighty-seven per cent (32/37) of rural Africans had previous infection. In the African population HAV infection is acquired in childhood. There are significant racial differences in the seroprevalence of HAV infection. The surveillance of HAV infection may be used as a valuable yardstick to monitor the changing standards of hygiene and socioeconomic conditions of a community in transition in South Africa and to make rational public health decisions regarding a hepatitis A vaccination policy.

No-scalpel vasectomy (NSV) procedure and nursing care.

PIP: The no-scalpel vasectomy technique, introduced by a Chinese surgeon in 1974, is increasingly becoming the method of choice for permanent male sterilization. Conventional vasectomy is being challenged by the new procedure, which results in less pain, fewer infections, and a smaller wound. The use of 2 specially designed instruments lessens tissue damage from the procedure and reduces time required for the operation. In the United States, Dr. Mark Goldstein of Cornell Medical Center, New York City, has instructed surgeons in the no-scalpel technique. The Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception has also promoted no-scalpel vasectomy, which is gaining popularity among urologists worldwide. The procedure was developed in China by Dr. Li Shunquiang of the Chongquing Family Planning Scientific Research Institute and has been performed on over 8 million men. Statistics reveal that this method produces a smaller singular incision and also reduces postoperative infection and hematoma. In China, the rate of hematoma in 179,741 men was 0.09% and the rate for infections was 0.91%. In a New York study, 238 men had no evidence of infection or hematoma following no-scalpel vasectomy. Since the technique was introduced in 1974, urologic surgeons have responded to the need to offer alternatives for male contraception. Under the direction of Dr. Shunquiang, surgeons received the necessary training to bring the no-scalpel vasectomy to their respective countries. Dr. Marc Goldstein was the first United States urologic surgeon to be trained in this method. By December 1990, data reported by the Association for Voluntary Surgical Contraception revealed that more than 125 United States physicians were trained in no-scalpel vasectomy. This new option is becoming an increasingly popular method for both patients and urologic surgeons.^ieng

Iron and folate status of pregnant black women in Gazankulu.

A limited nutritional survey was carried out in 229 first attenders at an antenatal clinic in Gazankulu during the winter of 1984. Haemoglobin concentrations equal to or less than 11 g/dl were found in 33% of these women, the prime reason being folate deficiency. Serum folate concentrations were less than a 3.5 ng/ml in 60% of subjects and less than 3.0 ng/ml in 48%. A mean corpuscular volume of 100 fl or more, which reflects a defect in red cell DNA synthesis, was present in 35%. Iron related measurements indicated that only 17% were also iron deficient but the figure is certainly an underestimate, since the presence of folate deficiency tends to mask concomitant iron deficiency. The findings underline the need for folate and iron supplementation in pregnancy; the very high prevalence of significant folate deficiency also indicates that serious consideration should be given to the fortification of maize meal with folic acid.

Ferritin in breast milk of black urban and rural mothers.

Ferritin levels in serum and milk were investigated in series of 15 urban and 18 rural black mothers. No mother was anaemic. Mean serum ferritin levels in the urban and rural groups were 57 +/- 55 ug/l and 25 +/- 28 ug/l (mean +/- SD). Corresponding milk ferritin concentrations were 21 +/- 22 ug/l and 29 +/- 30 ug/l respectively. The significance of ferritin in human milk is discussed.

Transition from a hunter-gatherer to a settled lifestyle in the !Kung San: effect on iron, folate, and vitamin B12 nutrition.

In 1969 a group of hunter-gatherer San were studied (Am J Clin Nutr 1971;24:229-42). Their state of hematological nutrition was excellent with a negligible incidence of iron, folate, or vitamin B12 deficiency. A genetically and linguistically similar San community who have been settled for the past 15 yr were the subjects of the present study. Anemia, due in the main to iron and/or folate deficiency, has become more common. Alcoholism has become rife in both sexes and all age groups. Our findings show that a settled lifestyle has resulted in a significant deterioration in the San's hematological nutrition.

Increased erythrocytic diphosphoglycerate in megaloblastic anaemia. A compensatory mechanism?

The levels of erythrocytic 2,3-diphosphoglyceric acid (2,3-DPG) in a group of patients with megaloblastic anaemia were compared with levels in an iron-deficient subject. The megaloblastic cells appeared to have 2 mumol more 2,3-DPG per g Hb than the iron-deficient cells, at the average haemoglobin level found in the megaloblastic group. The anticipated adaptive decrease in the oxygen affinity of the blood was not apparent when the relationship of P50 (7,4) to haemoglobin level was examined. This was shown to be due to a decreased mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), which counteracted the effect of the increased 2,3-DPG.