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The aim of this study was to evaluate the preventive effect of sodium bicarbonate on systemic acidosis due to ruminal acidosis, which was induced by ingestion of concentrate after prolonged fasting. Fourteen sheep were divided into three experimental groups: control group (Cg), with four sheep, submitted to fasting without development of ruminal acidosis; no-treated group (NTg), with five sheep with rumen acidosis without preventive treatment; and treated group (Tg), with five sheep with rumen acidosis and preventively treated with sodium bicarbonate. Assessments of ruminal pH and arterial hemogasometry were performed for 48 hours after ingestion of the concentrate. There was a reduction in the ruminal pH in all groups, whereas the Cg showed a reduction only after 24 hours. A reduction in the arterial pH, bicarbonate and base excess in all groups was also noted, indicating systemic metabolic acidosis, but the NTg presented the greatest alteration. It is concluded that sodium bicarbonate prevents systemic metabolic acidosis, reducing its severity in sheep subjected to ruminal acidosis.

Copyright of Brazilian Journal of Biology is the property of Instituto Internacional de Ecologia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a skin condition characterized by repeated occurrence of itchy weals and/or angio‐oedema for > 6 weeks. Aim: To provide data demonstrating the real‐life burden of CU in the UK. Methods: This UK subset of the worldwide, prospective, noninterventional AWARE study included patients aged 18–75 years diagnosed with H1‐antihistamine (H1‐AH)‐refractory chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) for > 2 months. Baseline characteristics, disease activity, treatments, comorbidities and healthcare resource use were documented. Quality of life (QoL), work productivity and activity impairment were assessed. Results: Baseline analysis included 252 UK patients. Mean age and body mass index were 45.0 years and 29.0 kg/m2, respectively. Most patients were female (77.8%) and had moderate/severe disease activity (mean Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days was 18.4) and a 'spontaneous' component to their CU (73.4% CSU; 24.6% CSU and chronic inducible urticaria). Common comorbidities included depression/anxiety (24.6%), asthma (23.8%) and allergic rhinitis (12.7%). A previous treatment was recorded for 57.9% of patients. Mean Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 9.5, and patients reported impairments in work productivity and activity. Healthcare resource use was high. Severity of CSU was associated with female sex, obesity, anxiety and diagnosis. Only 28.5% of patients completed all nine study visits, limiting analysis of long‐term treatment patterns and disease impact. Conclusions: Adult H1‐AH‐refractory patients with CU in the UK reported high rates of healthcare resource use and impairment in QoL, work productivity and activity at baseline. The differing structures of UK healthcare may explain the high study discontinuation rates versus other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: The Royal College of Anaesthetists 6th National Audit Project examined Grade 3‐5 perioperative anaphylaxis for 1 year in the UK. Objective: To describe the causes and investigation of anaphylaxis in the NAP6 cohort, in relation to published guidance and previous baseline survey results. Methods: We used a secure registry to gather details of Grade 3‐5 perioperative anaphylaxis. Anonymous reports were aggregated for analysis and reviewed in detail. Panel consensus diagnosis, reaction grade, review of investigations and clinic assessment are reported and compared to the prior NAP6 baseline clinic survey. Results: A total of 266 cases met inclusion criteria between November 2015 and 2016, detailing reactions and investigations. One hundred and ninety‐two of 266 (72%) had anaphylaxis with a trigger identified, of which 140/192 (75%) met NAP6 criteria for IgE‐mediated allergic anaphylaxis, 13% lacking evidence of positive IgE tests were labelled “non‐allergic anaphylaxis”. 3% were non‐IgE‐mediated anaphylaxis. Adherence to guidance was similar to the baseline survey for waiting time for clinic assessment. However, lack of testing for chlorhexidine and latex, non‐harmonized testing practices and poor coverage of all possible culprits was confirmed. Challenge testing may be underused and many have unacceptably delayed assessments, even in urgent cases. Communication or information provision for patients was insufficient, especially for avoidance advice and communication of test results. Insufficient detail regarding skin test methods was available to draw conclusions regarding techniques. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Current clinical assessment in the UK is effective but harmonization of approach to testing, access to services and MHRA reporting is needed. Expert anaesthetist involvement should increase to optimize diagnostic yield and advice for future anaesthesia. Dynamic tryptase evaluation improves detection of tryptase release where peak tryptase is <14 μg/L and should be adopted. Standardized clinic reports containing appropriate details of tests, conclusions, avoidance, cross‐reactivity and suitable alternatives are required to ensure effective, safe future management options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluates the preventive effect of sodium bicarbonate on systemic acidosis due to concentre-ingestion-induced ruminal acidosis. Topics covered include the characteristics of systemic metabolic acidosis and ruminal lactic acidosis, the animals and methods used in the study, and details relating to the ruminal pH and hemogasometry results of the animal subjects. It discusses other case studies relating to the treatment of systemic and ruminal acidosis.

Irisin, a hormone secreted by myocytes induced in exercise, acts as a muscle-derived energy-expenditure signal that binds to undetermined receptors on the white adipose tissue surface, stimulating its browning and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an intradialytic resistance exercise training program (RETP) on plasma irisin levels of hemodialysis (HD) patients and compare the baseline plasma irisin levels of HD patients to healthy subjects. This longitudinal study enrolled 26 patients undergoing HD (50 % men, 44.8 ± 14.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 23.5 ± 3.9 kg/m²). The healthy subjects group consisted of 11 women and 7 men with mean age of 50.9 ± 6.6 years and BMI, 24.2 ± 2.7 kg/m². Anthropometric and biochemistry parameters (Irisin by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) were measured at the baseline and after 6 months of RETP (in both lower limbs). There was no difference regarding gender, age, and BMI between HD patients and healthy subjects. Plasma irisin levels in HD patients were lower than in healthy subjects (71.0 ± 41.6 vs. 101.3 ± 12.5 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Although the muscle mass increased in consequence of exercise [evaluated by arm muscle area from 27.9 (24.1) to 33.1 (19.0) cm²], plasma irisin did not differ significantly after exercises (71.0 ± 41.6 vs. 73.3 ± 36.0 ng/ml). HD patients seem to have lower plasma irisin when compared to healthy subjects. Moreover, a resistance exercise training program was unable to augment plasma irisin despite increasing muscle mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal is the property of World Health Organization and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The pressure to accelerate the transfer of information between tasks in order to reduce the duration of projects may lead to rework due to the uncertainty of data assertiveness. This paper assesses the impact of rework with regard to both a project's costs and its duration. We have introduced a model that estimates the project development time by taking into account the premises of the task overlapping, the moment of information transfer, the risks of rework, and the consequences of the premature transfer of information. The model was used in the planning of a project for the construction of a fuel distribution terminal in a large Brazilian oil company. In this case, it was possible to demonstrate that the uncertainty derived from the premature transfer of information may increase a project's duration and should be analyzed in the light of cost variations due to rework. The model determines the best moment in which to transmit information and assesses the impact of premature information transfer. More importantly, it demonstrates that the alternative to the early transfer of information does not necessarily result in a shorter project duration or in larger costs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article examines how moral disengagement, empathy, belief in a just world, and peer group normative beliefs regarding the roles of bully and defender of the victim are associated with attitudes regarding the roles of the bully and the defender of the victim. Two hundred ninety-two students from grades 6-9 participated. Results showed that more positive attitudes regarding role of bully were predicted by higher levels of moral disengagement, whereas more positive attitudes regarding the role of defender of the victim were predicted by lower levels of moral disengagement. The perception of the normative beliefs of the peer group also predicted the attitudes of participants regarding the respective role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Biomecânica is the property of Editora Estacao Liberdade and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the teratogenic effects of the interaction between acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and ethanol on the epithelium of the lingual mucosa in rat fetuses. On the 10th pregnancy day, a single intraperitoneal ethanol dose (2.96 g/kg body weight) (Group I), ASA (200 mg/kg body weight) (Group II) and ASA plus ethanol, in the same doses (Group III), or saline (Group IV – control), were administrated. The epithelial alterations were assessed by means of histological and morphometric methods, on posterior dorsal, anterior dorsal and ventral regions of the tongue. ASA reduced, in rat fetuses, the ethanol deleterious effects on nuclear size in the epithelial prickle cell of the lingual mucosa. On the other hand, ASA did not influence the effects of ethanol in both epithelial layers of the lingual mucosa, when the nuclear shape, cell volume or epithelial layers thickness were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJETIVO: Tem sido sugerido que os indicadores da obesidade centralizada, representados pela relação entre as medidas das circunferências da cintura e do quadril e pela medida da circunferência da cintura, expressam distúrbios metabólicos diferentes. Assim, realizou-se estudo para verificar o potencial diagnóstico da relação circunferência cintura/circunferência do quadril com fatores sociais, comportamentais e biológicos, determinantes da obesidade centralizada. MÉTODOS: Em uma amostra da população do Município de São Paulo, SP, composta por 1.042 pessoas, foram utilizados dois modelos de análise hierárquica de regressão múltipla para se avaliar as relações entre os indicadores e os fatores determinantes da obesidade centralizada. Foram realizados três inquéritos (clínico, bioquímico e laboratorial e comportamental), utilizando questionário padronizado. Para avaliação, foram utilizados os instrumentos: pressão arterial, medidas antropométricas, medida de cintura e medida do quadril. RESULTADOS: A medida de circunferência da cintura e do quadril (RCQ) mostrou associação significativa com a baixa estatura e foi fortemente relacionada ao nível socioeconômico, não ocorrendo o mesmo com a CC. A RCQ e a medida de circunferência da cintura (CC) foram fortemente associadas à idade, sexo e sedentarismo. As mulheres têm maior risco de apresentaram obesidade centralizada: OR=5,04 e 7,27, para a RCQ e CC, respectivamente. No que se refere aos distúrbios metabólicos, a RCQ associou-se significativamente com as alterações indicativas da síndrome metabólica: hipertensão e baixos níveis de HDL-colesterol. A CC associou-se significativamente com a hipertensão isolada. Ambos os indicadores associaram-se intensamente com a presença concomitante de duas ou mais alterações ligadas à síndrome metabólica. A CC associou-se à hipercolesterolemia, o que não ocorreu com a RCQ. CONCLUSÕES: A RCQ relacionou-se melhor com os fatores socioeconômicos, risco de desnutrição pregressa e com as alterações indicativas da síndrome metabólica do que a CC, mais associada aos fatores de risco para doenças cardiovasculares ateroscleróticas.

OBJETIVO: Verificar alguns fatores de risco para a baixa estatura em adolescentes escolares e trabalhadores. MÉTODOS: A amostra foi estratificada, constituída por 50% dos escolares da quinta série ao terceiro colegial das duas maiores escolas dos municípios de Monteiro Lobato e de Santo Antonio do Pinhal, em 1999, uma de zona urbana e outra de zona rural, com um total de 756 indivíduos. A desnutrição foi definida pelo indicador altura/idade, segundo o padrão do National Center for Health Statistics (1977). Foram feitas a distribuição da altura/idade na população amostrada e uma análise multivariada, utilizando o método "stepwise", em que a baixa estatura foi a variável dependente. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se que 12,7% (96) dos adolescentes estavam abaixo do P5 do padrão, 24,4% (184) entre os centis 5 e 15 e 47,1% ( 356) entre 15 e 50. A chance de baixa estatura foi associada à idade: tomando-se como base a faixa etária entre 10 e 13 anos, para os indivíduos entre 14 e 17 anos, encontrou-se mais do que o dobro de chance de baixa altura (ORaj=2,49) e, para aqueles de 17 a 19, o triplo (ORaj=3,37). Estar desempregado aumenta o risco de baixa estatura (ORaj=2,86) em relação aos que trabalham. Também são maiores as chances de baixa estatura entre os que trabalham em tempo parcial (ORaj=1,81). CONCLUSÕES: Constataram-se determinantes econômicos no risco de desnutrição crônica entre os adolescentes, na medida em que o trabalho é parte imprescindível da estratégia de sobrevivência desse grupo. Ressalta-se que a aplicação da legislação referente ao trabalho do menor deve ser acompanhada de políticas públicas compensatórias.

Purpose. To report the treatment outcome of photodynamic therapy with verteporfin (PDT) for exudative retinal detachment (RD) associated with diffuse choroidal hemangioma in Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS). Methods. An interventional case report of a 10-year-old girl with SWS who developed an exudative RD (visual acuity hand motions) that was treated with PDT. She was treated with a first session of multispot PDT. Posteriorly, a choroidotomy for drainage of subretinal fluid was created, combined with an intravitreal injection of gas (SF6) and cryoapplication. Finally, a second session of PDT was applied. Results. Subretinal fluid resolved over a period of one year and visual acuity increased to 20/125. Conclusions. PDT is an effective therapeutic option for exudative RD associated with diffuse choroidal hemangioma.

Abstract Background Studies in children have shown that concentration of specific serum IgE (sIgE) and size of skin tests to inhalant allergens better predict wheezing and reduced lung function than the information on presence or absence of atopy. However, very few studies in adults have investigated the relationship of quantitative atopy with lung function and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Objective To determine the association between lung function and AHR and quantitative atopy in a large sample of adults from the UK. Methods FEV1 and FVC (% predicted) were measured using spirometry and airway responsiveness by methacholine challenge (5-breath dosimeter protocol) in 983 subjects (random sample of 800 parents of children enrolled in a population-based birth cohort enriched with 183 patients with physician-diagnosed asthma). Atopic status was assessed by skin prick tests (SPT) and measurement of sIgE (common inhalant allergens). We also measured indoor allergen exposure in subjects' homes. Results Spirometry was completed by 792 subjects and 626 underwent methacholine challenge, with 100 (16.0%) having AHR (dose-response slope>25). Using sIgE as a continuous variable in a multiple linear regression analysis, we found that increasing levels of sIgE to mite, cat and dog were significantly associated with lower FEV1 (mite p = 0.001, cat p = 0.0001, dog p = 2.95 × 10-8). Similar findings were observed when using the size of wheal on skin testing as a continuous variable, with significantly poorer lung function with increasing skin test size (mite p = 8.23 × 10-8, cat p = 3.93 × 10-10, dog p = 3.03 × 10-15, grass p = 2.95 × 10-9). The association between quantitative atopy with lung function and AHR remained unchanged when we repeated the analyses amongst subjects defined as sensitised using standard definitions (sIgE>0.35 kUa/l, SPT-3 mm>negative control). Conclusions In the studied population, lung function decreased and AHR increased with increasing sIgE levels or SPT wheal diameter to inhalant allergens, suggesting that atopy may not be a dichotomous outcome influencing lung function and AHR.

Abstract Background Studies on salivary variables and pregnancy in Latin America are scarce. This study aimed to compare salivary flow rate, pH, and concentrations of calcium, phosphate, and sIgA of unstimulated whole saliva in pregnant and non-pregnant Brazilians. Methods Cross-sectional study. Sample was composed by 22 pregnant and 22 non-pregnant women attending the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics, São Lucas Hospital, in Porto Alegre city, South region of Brazil. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to determine salivary flow rate, pH, and biochemical composition. Data were analyzed by Student t test and ANCOVA (two-tailed α = 0.05). Results No difference was found for salivary flow rates and concentrations of total calcium and phosphate between pregnant and non-pregnant women (p > 0.05). Pregnant women had lower pH (6.7) than non-pregnant women (7.5) (p < 0.001), but higher sIgA level (118.9 mg/L) than the latter (90.1 mg/L) (p = 0.026). Conclusion Some of the tested variables of unstimulated whole saliva were different between pregnant and non-pregnant Brazilians in this sample. Overall, the values of the tested salivary parameters were within the range of international references of normality.

Foram analisadas as interrelações entre as chuvas, a qualidade da água do açude Gavião (município de Pacatuba/CE) e o tratamento da água realizado na estação situada a sua jusante. Acompanharamse as variáveis cor aparante, turbidez e pH da água bruta e as dosagens dos produtos químicos utilizados na estação. O pH no primeiro semestre (chuvoso) teve média de pH 7,53 + 0,3 e no segundo semestre (estiagem) 7,69 + 0,1. A turbidez no primeiro semestre teve média 8,85 + 2,6 uT e no segundo semestre 9,91 + 2,2 uT. Já a média da variável cor no primeiro semestre foi 40,9 + 2,8 uH e no período de estiagem 38,9 + 2,8 uH. Quanto às dosagens dos produtos químicos observou-se que as do Cloro Gasoso foram maiores no período de chuvas (10,28 + 0,6 mg/L) do que na estiagem (9,63 + 0,2 mg/L). Já as dosagens de PAC pouco variaram (período de chuvas: 7,06 + 0,5 mg/L, estiagem: 6,18 + 0,6 mg/L). As dosagens de Polímero Catiônico acompanharam as alterações na qualidade da água (primeiro semestre: 2,21 + 0,3 mg/L, segundo semestre: 1,55 + 0,3 mg/L). Conclui-se que as chuvas influenciaram no comportamento do pH e da turbidez, reduzindo-os. Já a cor aumentou no período de chuvas. Quanto aos produtos químicos, apenas o PAC não sofreu grandes alterações. Todos os outros tiveram suas dosagens aumentadas quando do momento das chuvas.

The interrelationships among the rainfalls, the water quality of the Gavião Reservoir (in the municipality of Pacatuba/CE), and the water treatment carried out in its downstream station have been analyzed. Variables such as apparent color, turbidity, and raw water pH as well as the dosages of chemical products used in the station have been followed. The pH in the first semester (rainy season) had a pH average of 7.53 + 0.3 and 7.69 + 0.1 in the second semester (dry season). Turbidity had an average of 8.85 + 2.6 uT in the first semester, and 9.91 + 2.2 uT in the second semester. Yet, the color variable average in the first semester was 40.9 + 2.8 uH, and 38.9 + 2.8 uH in the dry season. Concerning the dosages of chemical products, it has been found out that Chlorine Gas was higher in the rainy season (10.28 + 0.6 mg/L) than in the dry season (9.63 + 0.2 mg/L). Yet, the ACP dosages have varied a little (rainy season: 7.06 + 0.5 mg / L, dry season: 6.18 + 0.6 mg / L). The doses of Cationic Polymer have followed the changes in water quality (first semester: 2.21 + 0.3 mg/L, second semester: 1.55 + 0.3 mg/L). It is understood that rainfalls have influenced the pH and turbidity behavior by reducing them. Yet, the color has increased during the rainy season. Regarding the chemical products, only the ACP has not changed much. All the others have had their dosages increased in the rainy season.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the topical administration of propolis and dexamethasone on oral surgical wounds. Method: Surgical wounds were made on the dorsum of the tongues of 90 hamsters, which were then divided into three experimental groups. The wounds were submitted to topical applications of a 30% ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) (Group 1), 0.1% dexamethasone in orabase gel (Group 2), and orabase gel alone (Group 3). Six animals from each subgroup were sacriiced on days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 post surgery. Statistical analysis, involving nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests and a chi-square test, were used to compare categorical variables. Results: The macroscopic exam of the surgical sites revealed statistically significant differences in the wound area between the propolis group and the remaining groups on day 7 postoperatively (p-value = 0.002). In the microscopic exam, the effects of EEP and dexamethasone were compared with regard to the presence of necrotic tissue, intensity of inflammation, formation of granulation tissue and epithelialisation. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that EEP demonstrated a greater anti-inflammatory effect and shorter healing time in oral surgical wounds in hamsters, in comparison to dexamethasone in orabase gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]