RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To describe potential regional variations in therapies for severe asthma exacerbations in Chilean children and estimate the associated health expenditures. METHODS: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals over a one-year period. Children five years of age or older were eligible for inclusion. Days with oxygen supply and pharmacological treatments received were recorded from the clinical chart. A basic asthma hospitalization basket was defined in order to estimate the average hospitalization cost for a single patient. Six months after discharge, new visits to the Emergency Room (ER), use of systemic corticosteroids and adherence to the controller treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: 396 patients were enrolled. Patients from the public health system and from the north zone received significantly more days of oxygen, systemic corticosteroids and antibiotics. Great heterogeneity in antibiotic use among the participating hospitals was found, from 0 to 92.3% (ICC 0.34, 95% CI 0.16-0.52). The use of aminophylline, magnesium sulfate and ketamine varied from 0 to 36.4% between the different Pediatric Intensive Care Units (ICC 0.353, 95% CI 0.010-0.608). The average cost per inpatient was of $1910 USD. 290 patients (73.2%) completed the follow-up six months after discharge. 76 patients (26.2%) were not receiving any controller treatment and nearly a fourth had new ER visits and use of systemic corticosteroids due to new asthma exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable practice variation in asthma exacerbations treatment was found among the participating hospitals, highlighting the poor outcome of many patients after hospital discharge, with an important health cost.
Assuntos
Corticosteroides/uso terapêutico , Asma/epidemiologia , Efeitos Psicossociais da Doença , Asma/tratamento farmacológico , Asma/economia , Criança , Chile/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Progressão da Doença , Serviços Médicos de Emergência , Feminino , Seguimentos , Hospitalização , Humanos , Masculino , Estudos Prospectivos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children have increased in the last 14 years, but little is known about the factors associated with this. OBJECTIVE: Describe clinical characteristics of children hospitalized for asthma exacerbation. METHODS: Observational prospective cohort study in 14 hospitals. Over a one-year period, children five years of age or older hospitalized with asthma exacerbation were eligible for inclusion. Parents completed an online questionnaire with questions on demographic information, about asthma, indoor environmental contaminant exposure, comorbidities and beliefs about disease and treatment. Disease control was assessed by the Asthma Control Test. Inhalation technique was observed using a checklist. RESULTS: 396 patients were enrolled. 168 children did not have an established diagnosis of asthma. Only 188 used at least one controller treatment at the time of hospitalization. 208 parents said they believed their child had asthma only when they had an exacerbation and 97 correctly identified inhaled corticosteroids as anti-inflammatory treatment. 342 patients used the wrong spacer and 73 correctly performed all steps of the checklist. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the patients were not diagnosed with asthma at the time of hospitalization despite having a medical history suggestive of the disease. In the remaining patients with an established diagnosis of asthma potentially modifiable factors like bad adherence to treatment and poor inhalation technique were found. Implementing a nationwide asthma program including continued medical education for the correct diagnosis and follow up of these patients and asthma education for patients and caregivers is needed to reduce asthma hospitalization rates in Chilean children.
Assuntos
Asma/epidemiologia , Hospitalização/estatística & dados numéricos , Educação de Pacientes como Assunto , Corticosteroides/uso terapêutico , Asma/terapia , Cuidadores , Criança , Chile/epidemiologia , Estudos de Coortes , Progressão da Doença , Educação Médica Continuada , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Cooperação do Paciente , Estudos ProspectivosRESUMO
Covariance components and genetic parameters were estimated for birth weight (BiW); adjusted weights at 4, 7, 12, and 18 mo; and ADG between 0 and 4 mo, between 4 and 7 mo, between 7 and 12 mo, and between 12 and 18 mo. Additionally, reproductive traits, calving interval, and age at first calving were analyzed, together with traits measured by ultrasound: loin eye area, deep fat mean, back fat, and rump fat. Analyses were performed using an animal model, considering the fixed effects of the farm ( = 37), year and month of birth, sex, calving number (1 to 7), season (dry and rainy seasons), region (North Coast, Andean Region, and Oriental Savannas), and conception (natural mating or AI), whereas the age of the cows at calving was considered a polynomial covariate with linear and quadratic effects. Three different models were used to find the one with the best fit for each trait: a single-trait model with an additive direct genetic effect, a single-trait model with additive direct and maternal genetic effects, and finally, a multitrait model with an additive direct genetic effect. For the growth traits, the heritability was between 0.24 and 0.47, with the lowest value for weight at 7 mo and the greatest value for BiW, and the maternal heritability was found to be between 0.15 and 0.21 but did not decrease later on. The correlation between direct and maternal effects was high and negative (-0.59 to -0.76). With ultrasound traits, a model with only direct effects was used. The heritability was between 0.13 and 0.28 for back fat and loin eye area, respectively. The heritabilities for deep fat mean and rump fat were similar, being 0.19 and 0.21, respectively. The reproductive traits showed high residual variance. In particular, the heritability of calving interval was low (0.06). The results showed that the growth traits have an important genetic component, which is a favorable indicator for obtaining improvement progress in the zebu Brahman breed for beef production in tropical regions of Colombia. The maternal effects influenced the weight performance from 4 to 18 mo and should be taken into account in genetic analyses. In general, the direct heritability of medium magnitude estimated for growth and traits measured by ultrasound suggests that individual selection for these traits will be effective.
Assuntos
Peso ao Nascer/fisiologia , Composição Corporal/fisiologia , Bovinos/fisiologia , Reprodução/fisiologia , Ultrassonografia/veterinária , Animais , Peso ao Nascer/genética , Bovinos/genética , Colômbia , Feminino , Masculino , Reprodução/genéticaRESUMO
Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity involves a state of acute oxidative stress, which is a crucial event during neuronal degeneration and is part of the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases. In this work, we evaluated the ability of sulforaphane (SULF), a natural dietary isothiocyanate, to induce the activation of transcription factor Nrf2 (a master regulator of redox state in the cell) in a model of striatal degeneration in rats infused with quinolinic acid (QUIN). Male Wistar rats received SULF (5mg/kg, i.p.) 24h and 5min before the intrastriatal infusion of QUIN. SULF increased the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels 4h after QUIN infusion, which was associated with its ability to increase the activity of glutathione reductase (GR), an antioxidant enzyme capable to regenerate GSH levels at 24h. Moreover, SULF treatment increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, while no changes were observed in γ-glutamyl cysteine ligase (GCL) activity. SULF treatment also prevented QUIN-induced oxidative stress (measured by oxidized proteins levels), the histological damage and the circling behavior. These results suggest that the protective effect of SULF could be related to its ability to preserve GSH levels and increase GPx and GR activities.
Assuntos
Anticarcinógenos/farmacologia , Glutationa/metabolismo , Isotiocianatos/farmacologia , Ácido Quinolínico/metabolismo , Animais , Glutationa Redutase/metabolismo , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Doenças Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Ratos Wistar , SulfóxidosRESUMO
We analyzed the genetic diversity of populations of two sympatric species of Lymania (Bromeliaceae), both endemic to the Atlantic rainforest of southern Bahia (Brazil). Lymania azurea has a restricted occurrence, while Lymania smithii has a wider distribution. Our aim was to provide genetic data to contribute to the design of more efficient conservation strategies for these bromeliads, possibly justifying inclusion in the official Brazilian list of Endangered Species. Up to now, L. azurea has been classified by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment as "data deficient". We sampled four populations of L. azurea throughout its distribution area in southern Bahia and two populations of L. smithii in the same region. Genotyping was performed with 48 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Based on the Jaccard genetic similarity index, L. smithii has greater diversity than L. azurea. An analysis of molecular variation showed greater genetic variance within than between populations for both species. L. azurea was found to have 20% inbreeding, probably due to population fragmentation, with L. smithii showing only 10%. When we analyzed pairs of populations of L. azurea within a conservation unit, we found low population structure (ФST = 0.098), apparently due to a large degree of gene flow between them. In disturbed areas, we found a higher ФST (0.372). We found low genetic variability for L. azurea, probably as a consequence of habitat fragmentation, supporting the need for its inclusion in the Brazilian list of endangered flora.
Assuntos
Bromeliaceae/genética , Polimorfismo Genético , Análise do Polimorfismo de Comprimento de Fragmentos Amplificados , Brasil , Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , Genes de Plantas , Marcadores Genéticos , Genética Populacional , Técnicas de Genotipagem , Filogenia , ÁrvoresRESUMO
The yellow-breasted capuchin monkey, Cebus xanthosternos, is one of the most endangered species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. In situ conservation for this species is problematic due to habitat destruction; therefore, captive conservation has been considered as an alternative strategy. A Studbook for C. xanthosternos has been kept for more than 20 years; however, no genetic data has been collected. Our aim was to provide a preliminary assessment of the genetic variability of C. xanthosternos in captivity in Brazil and compare it with data from the wild. Microsatellite and mtDNA sequencing were carried out in 40 samples from five Brazilian institutions registered in the international Studbook and compared with 8 samples collected in a wild population from REBIO-Una/BA. DNA for analysis was extracted from hair, feces and blood. Our results showed that two of the five captive groups assessed had a genetic variability comparable to wild animals. However, the other three groups apparently require urgent management to improve its genetic variability. Considering that inbreeding effects are more pronounced in captivity due to lack of gene flow, our data indicate a need to increase population size by introducing newly rescued individuals into these captive groups. Our results are the first attempt to provide genetic information for captive C. xanthosternos in Brazil.
Assuntos
Cebus/genética , Variação Genética/genética , Animais , Animais Selvagens/classificação , Animais Selvagens/genética , Brasil , Cebus/classificação , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , ÁrvoresRESUMO
The bristle-spined porcupine, Chaetomys subspinosus, an endemic rodent from Atlantic Forest, was considered to be abundant in the recent past, but population reductions due to habitat loss and expansion of human activities caused this species to be included in the "vulnerable" category of the World Conservation Union Red List. We performed the first genetic assessment in natural populations of this focal species along its geographical distribution. Thirty-five non-invasive samples (hair) were collected from three natural populations in the Brazilian States of Sergipe, Bahia and Espírito Santo. Genetic similarity obtained by Jaccard's index, based on dominant RAPD and ISSR markers, varied between 25 and 100%. Four clusters, mainly coincident with the geographical distribution of the populations, were observed. Analysis of molecular variance based on 47 polymorphic loci showed that there was 15.99% genetic variability among populations and 84.01% within populations. The estimated genetic structure among populations (Φ(ST)) was 0.16. The populations may have formed a continuum along the past distribution of the Atlantic rainforest but historical events of human occupation resulted in recent divergence among sampled populations.
Assuntos
Extinção Biológica , Porcos-Espinhos/genética , Animais , Brasil , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , DNA/genética , Marcadores Genéticos , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA PolimórficoRESUMO
The genetic structure of 4 Colombian Creole cattle breeds, namely, Costeño con Cuernos, Blanco Orejinegro (BON), Romosinuano (ROMO), and Sanmartinero (SM), was studied with an analysis of the available pedigree data. The comparison between the effective number of founders (f(e)) and the effective number of ancestors (f(a)) revealed a decrease in the genetic variation that was rather important for the ROMO and San Martinero breeds, which had the lowest f(a)/f(e) ratios (0.34 and 0.53, respectively). All breeds showed similar values for the number of equivalent generations traced, ranging from 3.1 in BON to 4.8 in ROMO. These 2 populations also had the lowest and the highest population sizes, respectively. The lowest average inbreeding coefficient considering the whole pedigree was obtained by BON (0.18%), whereas the highest was attained by ROMO (1.22%). Finally, the percentage of individuals with an inbreeding level greater than 6.25% in the reference population was high, indicating that the existing conservation management strategies could be improved to successfully maintain the genetic variability of these populations.
Assuntos
Bovinos/genética , Conservação dos Recursos Naturais , Variação Genética , Genética Populacional , Animais , Colômbia , Feminino , Pool Gênico , Endogamia , Masculino , Modelos Genéticos , Linhagem , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
DNA extraction protocols are as varied as DNA sources. When it comes to endangered species, it is especially important to pay attention to all details that ensure the completion of the study goals and effectiveness in attaining useful data for conservation. Chaetomys subspinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) is a secretive arboreal porcupine endemic to certain ecosystems of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. A multidisciplinary study (including genetic data) was performed to create a management plan for the conservation of this species. Individuals from natural populations of the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo and Sergipe were sampled. To obtain a reliable and abundant amount of starting material, non-destructive methods were tested, extracting DNA from the bristles and quills that comprise most of this animal's hide. This method has also been innovative in adapting a DNA extraction protocol traditionally used for plants. Digestion using proteinase K was followed by protein precipitation with CTAB, a chloroform-isoamyl alcohol cleaning and DNA precipitation with isopropyl alcohol. This protocol supplies good-quality DNA for genetic analysis with molecular markers based on PCR.
Assuntos
Estruturas Animais/metabolismo , DNA/isolamento & purificação , Porcos-Espinhos/genética , Animais , Brasil , DNA/análise , DNA Mitocondrial/isolamento & purificação , Técnicas Genéticas , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA PolimórficoRESUMO
DNA extraction protocols are as varied as DNA sources. When it comes to endangered species, it is especially important to pay attention to all details that ensure the completion of the study goals and effectiveness in attaining useful data for conservation. Chaetomys subspinosus (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) is a secretive arboreal porcupine endemic to certain ecosystems of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. A multidisciplinary study (including genetic data) was performed to create a management plan for the conservation of this species. Individuals from natural populations of the states of Bahia, Espírito Santo and Sergipe were sampled. To obtain a reliable and abundant amount of starting material, non-destructive methods were tested, extracting DNA from the bristles and quills that comprise most of this animals hide. This method has also been innovative in adapting a DNA extraction protocol traditionally used for plants. Digestion using proteinase K was followed by protein precipitation with CTAB, a chloroform-isoamyl alcohol cleaning and DNA precipitation with isopropyl alcohol. This protocol supplies good-quality DNA for genetic analysis with molecular markers based on PCR.
Assuntos
Animais , DNA , DNA Mitocondrial/isolamento & purificação , Porcos-Espinhos/genética , Brasil , DNA , Estruturas Animais/metabolismo , Técnicas Genéticas , Técnica de Amplificação ao Acaso de DNA PolimórficoRESUMO
El potencial rédox (Eh) es una propiedad fisicoquímica que presentan los solutos capaces de intercambiar electrones con un electrodo inerte. El potencial rédox influye en el crecimiento bacteriano en forma independiente del oxígeno disuelto. Es escasa la información disponible en relación a cultivos in vitro de protozoarios, en particular de Trypanosoma cruzi. Para determinar el efecto del Eh sobre los parámetros de cultivos, se empleó la cepa Tulahuén 0, desarrollada en medio CIEN líquido en agitación y se ensayaron valores de Eh entre 310 mV (testigo) y 110 mV en 11 réplicas diferentes y duplicadas. Se determinaron pH, velocidad específica de desarrollo (µ), Eh, rH, velocidad de consumo de glucosa y rendimiento. Los resultados muestran que µ varía en forma directa con el Eh. Se establece una alta correlación (r = 0,93; P < 0,01) entre rH [rH = (Eh(V)+ 0,06 pH)/0,03] y µ, manteniendo constante la concentración de oxígeno disuelto. Los otros parámetros del medio no mostraron variaciones significativas. Se concluye que variaciones en el Eh del medio de cultivo afectan en forma significativa la µ del T. cruzi y que es una variable a tener en cuenta cuando se ensayan sustancias con probable efectos tripanocidas.
The redox potential (Eh) is a physico-chemical property presented by solutes able to interchange electrons with an inert electrode. The redox potential influences bacterial growth in an independent way from dissolved oxygen. The available information about protozoaries in vitro grown is scarce, being Trypanosoma cruzi main example. T. cruzi Tulahuén 0 strain, developed in CIEN liquid stirred media, was used to determine the Eh effect on growth parameters. Eh values between 310 mV (reference) and 110 mV were measured in 11 different samples and by duplicate. pH, m, Eh, rH, consume glucose rate and efficiency were determined. Results show that specific rate of development (µ) varies in a direct way with Eh. A high correlation (r = 0.93; P < 0.01) between rH (rH = Eh(V)+ 0.06 pH) and µ was established, even when dissolved oxygen concentration remained constant. Other parameters in the growing medium showed no significant variations. It is concluded that changes on Eh in the medium significantly affect of T. cruzi's growth being a variable to take into account when potential trypanocide substances are analyzed.
Assuntos
Animais , Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologia , Meios de Cultura/farmacologia , Parasitologia/métodos , Trypanosoma cruzi/efeitos dos fármacos , Meios de Cultura/química , Glucose/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Oxirredução , Oxigênio/metabolismo , Trypanosoma cruzi/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Trypanosoma cruzi/metabolismoRESUMO
The redox potential (Eh) is a physico-chemical property presented by solutes able to interchange electrons with an inert electrode. The redox potential influences bacterial growth in an independent way from dissolved oxygen. The available information about protozoans in vitro grown is scarce, being Trypanosoma cruzi main example. T. cruzi Tulahuén 0 strain, developed in CIEN liquid stirred media, was used to determine the Eh effect on growth parameters. Eh values between 310 mV (reference) and 110 mV were measured in 11 different samples and by duplicate. pH, m, Eh, rH, consume glucose rate and efficiency were determined. Results show that specific rate of development (mu) varies in a direct way with Eh. A high correlation (r = 0.93; P < 0.01) between rH (rH = Eh(V) + 0.06 pH) and mu was established, even when dissolved oxygen concentration remained constant. Other parameters in the growing medium showed no significant variations. It is concluded that changes on Eh in the medium significantly affect of T. cruzis growth being a variable to take into account when potential trypanocide substances are analyzed.
Assuntos
Ácido Ascórbico/farmacologia , Meios de Cultura/farmacologia , Parasitologia/métodos , Trypanosoma cruzi/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Meios de Cultura/química , Glucose/metabolismo , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Oxirredução , Oxigênio/metabolismo , Trypanosoma cruzi/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Trypanosoma cruzi/metabolismoRESUMO
The redox potential (Eh) is a physico-chemical property presented by solutes able to interchange electrons with an inert electrode. The redox potential influences bacterial growth in an independent way from dissolved oxygen. The available information about protozoans in vitro grown is scarce, being Trypanosoma cruzi main example. T. cruzi Tulahuén 0 strain, developed in CIEN liquid stirred media, was used to determine the Eh effect on growth parameters. Eh values between 310 mV (reference) and 110 mV were measured in 11 different samples and by duplicate. pH, m, Eh, rH, consume glucose rate and efficiency were determined. Results show that specific rate of development (mu) varies in a direct way with Eh. A high correlation (r = 0.93; P < 0.01) between rH (rH = Eh(V) + 0.06 pH) and mu was established, even when dissolved oxygen concentration remained constant. Other parameters in the growing medium showed no significant variations. It is concluded that changes on Eh in the medium significantly affect of T. cruzis growth being a variable to take into account when potential trypanocide substances are analyzed.
RESUMO
Objetivo: establecer el grado de asociación existente entre la clínica gastrointestinal de los pacientes con dengue y la severidad de la enfermedad. Diseño: observacional analítico de corte transversal. Población y métodos: pacientes hospitalizados con diagnóstico de dengue clásico (DC) y dengue hemorrágico (DH), en las instituciones de salud del departamento de Santander durante 1994 - 1998. Inicialmente se consideraron casos los pacientes con DH y controles aquellos con DC; luego, se definieron como casos los pacientes con DH más hipotensión, edemas o derrames serosos (Dengue Hemorrágico Severo) y controles a aquellos con DH sin los anteriores signos evaluados fueron: vómito, dolor abdominal, hemátemesis, hepatomegalia mediante una análisis estadístico univariado, bivariado y de regresión logística múltiple. Resultados: en total se incluyeron 1.132 pacientes, 487 con DC y 645 con DH. Todos los signos gastrointestinales evaluados se encontraron asociados con DH: vómito (OR=1.52; IC95 por ciento=1.11-2.07) dolor abdominal (OR=1-77; IC95 por ciento=1.19-2.63) hepatomegalia (OR=2.35; IC95 por ciento=1.55-3.59), y hematemesis (OR=3.93; IC95 por ciento=2.41-6.39); (p < 0.05). En el análisis multivariado para DH Severo, sólo hubo asociación con dolor abdominal. Los demás síntomas no se asociaron con una forma más grave de la enfermedad. conclusión: en el presente estudio se demuestra que síntomas y signos gastrointestinales se asocian con la severidad del dengue y que su presencia debe alertar al clínico acerca de un eventual deterioro de las condiciones clínicas del paciente
Assuntos
Dengue , Dengue/complicações , Dengue Grave , Índice de Gravidade de DoençaRESUMO
The Vertigo Symptom Scale (VSS) was designed to assess and differentiate symptoms of: (a) balance disorder; and (b) somatic anxiety and autonomic arousal in patients complaining of dizziness and vertigo. Although it has been translated for use in countries other than the UK, where it was originally developed, its validity in different languages and cultures has not previously been evaluated. This study examined the structure, reliability, and discriminative power of a Spanish translation of the VSS administered to a Mexican sample of 172 dizzy patients and 40 healthy controls. Scores on the two subscales of the VSS not only discriminated between patients and controls, but were also sensitive to differences between patient groups classified on the basis of diagnosis, test results, and occupational disability. The pattern of intercorrelations between symptoms, anxiety, depression, and handicap in the Mexican sample was almost identical to that observed in the original UK sample.
Assuntos
Ansiedade/diagnóstico , Testes Psicológicos , Vertigem/epidemiologia , Vertigem/psicologia , Adulto , Ansiedade/psicologia , Nível de Alerta/fisiologia , Comparação Transcultural , Cultura , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiologia , Reprodutibilidade dos Testes , Inquéritos e Questionários , Traduções , Vertigem/diagnósticoRESUMO
In this randomized, open-label, 8-week comparative study, the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine and fluoxetine were assessed in outpatients with major depression. One hundred forty-five patients were assigned to receive venlafaxine 37.5 mg twice daily or fluoxetine 20 mg once daily. On day 15, if clinically indicated to improve patient response, the dosage could be increased at the investigator's discretion to venlafaxine 75 mg twice daily or fluoxetine 40 mg once daily. One hundred forty-five patients were evaluated for safety and 110, for efficacy. The mean age was 37 years, and 70% of the patients were female. In both treatment groups, mean scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale decreased significantly between baseline (27.8, venlafaxine; 29.2, fluoxetine) and the end of the study (8.7, venlafaxine; 8.2, fluoxetine). Similarly, mean scores on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale decreased significantly between baseline (31.4, venlafaxine; 31.6, fluoxetine) and the end of the study (8.3, venlafaxine; 7.6, fluoxetine). In venlafaxine patients, the most common adverse events were nausea (44.3%), headache (40.0%), insomnia (31.4%), dizziness (30.0%), and dry mouth (22.9%); in fluoxetine patients, they were headache (32.0%), nausea (28.0%), insomnia (24.0%), anxiety (21.3%), sleepiness (20.0%), and generalized tremor (20.0%). The results of this study indicate that venlafaxine is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of major depression at doses of 37.5 or 75 mg twice daily and not significantly different from fluoxetine 20 or 40 mg once daily.