Ozone and peroxone disinfection of Toxocara canis eggs in water.

Water pollution in developing countries continues to be a major health problem due to various anthropological activities that contribute to the spread of many parasitic diseases, including those caused by helminths. The aim of this study is to explore the ability of ozone and peroxone to disinfect drinking water contaminated samples with Toxocara canis eggs. The oxidants used were ozone and ozone-hydrogen peroxide combination. The treatment of Toxocara canis eggs was carried out in a 50 ml reactor with an operating volume of 10 ml. The pH conditions (5, 7 and 10) were varied for each treatment. The treatment effect was calculated by counting eggs and examining the condition of the larvae larval condition (whole, broken and hatched larvae) using an optical microscope. The experiment was carried out by exposing the eggs for 60 and 120 minutes to ozone and peroxone. The best results were obtained for helminths treated with the ozone/hydrogen peroxide combination at pH 10, with an inactivation of 79.2%. The synergistic effect of ozone combined with hydrogen peroxide allows higher helminth egg inactivation rates, demonstrating that advanced oxidation processes are a real alternative to apply in the inactivation of Toxocara canis eggs. The results obtained in this study show that the ozone and peroxone treatment could be a useful disinfection process to destroy or inactivate Toxocara canis eggs in processes commonly applied in water treatment.

FLAIR hyperintensity in the subarachnoid space: Main differentials.

The fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequence forms part of the vast majority of current diagnostic protocols for brain MRI. This sequence enables the suppression of the signal from cerebrospinal fluid, facilitating the detection of disease involving the subarachnoid space. The causes of hyperintensity in the arachnoid space in this sequence can be divided into two main categories: hyperintensity due to disease and hyperintensity due to artifacts. Hyperintensity due to tumors, inflammation, vascular disease, or hypercellularity of the cerebrospinal fluid or hematic contents is well known. However, numerous other non-pathological conditions, mainly due to artifacts, that are also associated with this finding are a potential source of diagnostic errors.

[Regulación de la expresión de IL-33 e IL-17 por la modulación farmacológica de HIF-1 en un modelo murino de inflamación alérgica pulmonar].

Objective: To evaluate the effect of pharmacological modulation of HIF-1 on the expression of IL-33 and IL-17 in a murine model of allergic pulmonary inflam- mation (API) with different degrees of severity. Methods: 5 mice/group received ovalbumin (OVA) 1(mild), 2(moderate) or 3(severe) challenges via i.t. prior to allergen sensitization, in addition to the HIF-1 induction or inhibition groups, received EDHB (OVA+EDHB) i.p. or 2ME (OVA+2ME) i.t. respectively. Control groups received saline solution (SS) in the same way. HE (inflammatory infiltrate), PAS (mucus production) and immunohistochemical staining for HIF-1a, IL-33, IL-17 were performed, quantitatively analyzing by digital pathology. Results: We obtained different degrees of severity with a greater number of challenges, increasing the expression of HIF-1, correlating with the expression of IL-33/IL-17. Increasing or decreasing, respectively by pharmacological modulation. Conclusions: The above suggests that the high expression of HIF-1 favors the production of IL-33 and IL-17 contributing to the damage in lung tissue and the severity of the disease and these can be regulated through the modulation of HIF- 1.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la modulación farmacológica de HIF-1 en la expresión de IL-33 e IL-17 en un modelo murino de inflamación alérgica pulmonar (IAP) con diferentes grados de severidad. Métodos: 5 ratones/grupo recibieron ovoalbúmina (OVA) 1(leve), 2(moderada) o 3(severa) retos vía i.t. previa sensibilización como alergeno, además los grupos de inducción o inhibición de HIF-1a, recibieron EDHB (OVA+EDHB) i.p. o 2ME (OVA+2ME) i.t. respectivamente. Los grupos controles recibieron solución salina (SS) de igual forma. Se realizaron tinciones de HE (infiltrado inflamatorio), PAS (producción de moco) e inmunohistoquímicas de HIF-1a, IL-33, IL-17, analizando cuantitativamente por patología digital. Resultados: Obtuvimos diferentes grados de severidad a mayor número de retos, incrementando la expresión de HIF-1, correlacionando con la expresión de IL- 33/IL-17. Aumentando o disminuyendo, respectivamente por la modulación farmacológica. Conclusiones: Lo anterior sugiere que la alta expresión de HIF-1 favorece la producción de IL-33 e IL-17 contribuyendo al daño en el tejido pulmonar y la severi- dad de la enfermedad y estas pueden ser reguladas a través de la modulación de HIF-1.

Spanish Society of Medical Radiology Journal Club: History, analysis and perspectives after ten years of experience.

We define a journal club as a group of people who meet to critically read and discuss scientific articles. In medicine, journal clubs are a very important part of training during residency programs. In 2013, the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology's (SERAM) journal club was established with the aim of promoting the acquisition of non-interpretative skills and training in scientific journalism during residency. After nearly 10 years, more than 137 reviewers at 54 hospitals have formed part of the SERAM's journal club. In this time period, the number of reviewers, publications, and visits to our website have increased progressively. The SERAM's journal club currently employs a structured workflow that is organized into quarterly groups and supported by a peer-review system. In the future, the SERAM's journal club aims to internationalize its content beyond the Spanish-speaking community, increase its presence in social networks, and incorporate audiovisual content.

Clinical profile of patients with lupus psychosis in a Colombian cohort.

The objective of this study is to describe the frequency and the clinical, paraclinical, and treatment profile of patients with lupus psychosis in a Colombian cohort of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This retrospective cohort study evaluated epidemiological and clinical characteristics, results of neuroimaging, analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid, treatment, and disease evolution in patients with lupus psychosis. Among 2,479 patients with SLE, six female patients aged between 20 and 50 years with a diagnosis of lupus psychosis were identified. In two patients, psychosis was present at disease onset and in the other four, SLE was already present, although the majority of them were diagnosed less than two years prior to the onset of psychosis. The entire cohort had high disease activity as measured by SLEDAI-2K. We found concomitant cutaneous, joint, and hematological alterations. Cerebrospinal fluid data were obtained in half of the patients and were normal. We performed brain tomography on most of our patients, which was almost always described as normal. In 5 out of 6 patients, the induction therapy to treat psychosis was based on steroids, and in the majority of them, a resolution of psychiatric symptoms was observed after initiating treatment. Lupus psychosis is a rare event that usually occurs early in the course of the disease and is associated with other manifestations of SLE. This investigation mainly found concomitant cutaneous, joint, and hematological manifestations, with a favorable outcome after treatment, as described in the literature.

Health outcomes after the implementation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for the care of hip fractures.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines in the process of caring for patients with hip fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This work is a pre- and post-intervention prospective study in the Orthogeriatrics Unit of a second-level hospital after implementing multidisciplinary clinical guidelines for hip fracture care. We analyzed patients' baseline characteristics and the variations observed in care provided and in outcome variables in the two periods studied (June 2015-May 2016 and June 2016-May 2017). RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the population were similar in the pre-intervention period (n = 455) compared to the post-intervention period (n = 456). Patients' mean age was 84.8 ± 6.8 years and 70.8% were women. The implementation of the multidisciplinary clinical guidelines led to a reduction in the mean length of hospital stay (16.9 days vs. 15.6 days, p= .014); improved osteoporosis treatment prescribing (51.6% vs. 88%, p< .001); and reduced episodes of delirium (44% vs. 31.2%, p < .001), bronchospasm (18.3% vs. 12%, p = .019), heart failure (20% vs. 11.5%, p < .001), and COPD exacerbation (7.9% vs. 3.8%, P = .017). We observed an increase in pressure ulcers at discharge (2.9 vs. 9%, P < .001). There were no differences in the percentage of operations in less than 48 h (56% vs. 61.2% p = .64), hospital readmissions (6.9% vs. 5.9%, p = .51), or mortality (5.0% vs. 7.2%, p = .17). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of multidisciplinary clinical guidelines improved aspects of the care process for patients with hip fracture.

Antioxidant capacity, reproductive response and glucose concentration and insulin of ewes supplemented prior to insemination with orange residue / [Capacidade antioxidante, resposta reprodutiva e concentração de glicose e insulina de ovelhas suplementadas antes da inseminação com resíduo de laranja]

The objective was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin concentration and reproductive performance of ewes supplemented with orange residue prior to insemination. Fifty-five multiparous ewes were divided into two corrals, and 15 unbred ewes were kept individually to measure feed consumption. Two integral diets were administered; T0: control treatment and T1: with 20% of dry matter of orange residue. Ten days after the start of supplementation, the ewes were synchronized. Supplementation was finalized prior to artificial insemination, then, a blood sample was taken to measure the antioxidant capacity and glucose and insulin concentration. An analysis of variance was made to evaluate the effect of treatment on the antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin; and to analyze the response to estrus, percentage of gestation and prolificity a ji squared test was performed. Of 9 antioxidant compounds found in the orange residue, hesperidin (7.44%), chlorogenic acid (0.50%) and protocatechuic acid had the highest concentration. Feed intake, estrus response, percentage of gestation, antioxidant capacity, and glucose and insulin concentration were not affected by the treatment. It is concluded that inclusion of 20% of orange residue in the diet prior to insemination in ewes is possible.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade antioxidante, a concentração de glicose e insulina e o comportamento reprodutivo de ovelhas suplementadas com resíduo de laranja antes da inseminação. Cinquenta e cinco ovelhas multíparas foram divididas em dois currais e 15 ovelhas sem raça foram mantidas individualmente para se medir o consumo de ração. Duas dietas integrais foram administradas; T0: tratamento controle e T1: dieta com 20% de resíduo de laranja seco. Dias após o início da suplementação, as ovelhas foram sincronizadas. A suplementação foi finalizada antes da inseminação artificial e, em seguida, foi coletada uma amostra de sangue para medir a capacidade antioxidante e a concentração de glicose e insulina. Uma análise de variância foi feita para avaliar o efeito do tratamento sobre a capacidade antioxidante, a glicose e a insulina, e um teste do ji quadrado foi realizado para analisar a resposta ao estro, a porcentagem de gestação e de prolificidade. Dos nove compostos antioxidantes encontrados no resíduo laranja, a hesperidina (7,44%), o ácido clorogênico (0,50%) e o ácido protocatecuico foram os de maior concentração. O consumo alimentar, a resposta ao estro, a porcentagem de gestação, a capacidade antioxidante, a concentração de glicose e a insulina não foram afetados pelo tratamento. Conclui-se que é possível a inclusão de 20% de resíduos de laranja na dieta antes da inseminação em ovelhas.(AU)

Impact of Vertical Inhomogeneity on the Charge Extraction in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Study by Depth-Dependent Photoluminescence.

In perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the vertical inhomogeneities which include uneven grains, voids, and grain boundaries are closely linked to the underlying charge transport layer which controls the nucleation and grain growth in the perovskite film. Herein, the vertical inhomogeneity of perovskite films in the device structure is analyzed by depth-dependent photoluminescence (PL) achieved with different excitation wavelengths. An analytical representation between vertical inhomogeneity and depth-dependent PL, parametrized with a factor, b, is introduced to understand the relation between inhomogeneity and charge recombination. Lower values of b correlate to lower vertical inhomogeneity and hence reduced recombination. The analytical representation is validated in two sets of devices that show remarkable differences in perovskite film morphology, device based on mesoporous TiO2 and planar SnO2. By exploring the morphological properties and the PL emission from different depths across the device structures, we show that the lower vertical inhomogeneity leads to more efficient charge carrier extraction in planar SnO2-based devices. Moreover, the SnO2-based devices exhibit lower Urbach energy, which concurs with the slow transient photovoltage decay, suggesting less defects and recombination losses. This work provides a broader understanding of the impact of vertical inhomogeneity on the charge extraction efficiency and presents a methodology to study quantitatively the inhomogeneity of perovskite films in device structures.

Regenerative plasticity of intact human skin axons.

The evaluation of human epidermal innervation and its impact by disease has largely focused on rigorous immunohistochemical counts of PGP 9.5 labelled axons. In this brief and preliminary report, we expand the repertoire of epidermal axon markers to include those with an influence on their regenerative plasticity. We studied human lower limb punch skin samples with tandem analyses of their mRNA content using qRT-PCR. Normal human subjects (n = 11) and two patients with newly diagnosed CIDP were sampled with the latter undergoing serial tandem biopsies before and after 3 months of immunotherapy. Controls expressed regeneration proteins within dermal and epidermal axons: GAP43 (growth associated protein 43), Shh (sonic hedgehog) and SCG (superior cervical ganglion-10; stathmin 2). Moreover, this expression accompanied intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENF) within normal established values. CIDP patients had lower IENF but also expressed GAP43, Shh, and SCG. Tandem qRT-PCR identified confirmed the presence not only of these plasticity markers but of additional regeneration related mRNAs. CIDP patients had marked elevation of several mRNAs, with improvement following treatment. The findings support the concept of dynamic skin axon plasticity in humans is relevant toward consideration of newer therapeutic approaches.

Handgrip and knee extension strength as predictors of cancer mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The specific role of different strength measures on mortality risk needs to be clarified to gain a better understanding of the clinical importance of different muscle groups, as well as to inform intervention protocols in relation to reducing early mortality. The aim of the systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the relationship between muscular strength and risk of cancer mortality. Eligible cohort studies were those that examined the association between muscular strength, as assessed using validated tests, and cancer mortality in healthy youth and adults. The hazard ratio (HR) estimates obtained were pooled using random effects meta-analysis models. The outcome was cancer mortality assessed using the HR (Cox proportional hazards model). Eleven prospective studies with 1 309 413 participants were included, and 9787 cancer-specific deaths were reported. Overall, greater handgrip (HR = 0.97, 95% CI, 0.92-1.02; P = .055; I2  = 18.9%) and knee extension strength (HR = 0.98, 95% CI, 0.95-1.00; P = .051; I2  = 60.6%) were barely significant associated with reduced risk of cancer mortality. Our study suggests that higher level of muscular strength is not statistically associated with lower risk of cancer mortality.

Treating cat allergy with monoclonal IgG antibodies that bind allergen and prevent IgE engagement.

Acute allergic symptoms are caused by allergen-induced crosslinking of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to Fc-epsilon receptors on effector cells. Desensitization with allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used for over a century, but the dominant protective mechanism remains unclear. One consistent observation is increased allergen-specific IgG, thought to competitively block allergen binding to IgE. Here we show that the blocking potency of the IgG response to Cat-SIT is heterogeneous. Next, using two potent, pre-selected allergen-blocking monoclonal IgG antibodies against the immunodominant cat allergen Fel d 1, we demonstrate that increasing the IgG/IgE ratio reduces the allergic response in mice and in cat-allergic patients: a single dose of blocking IgG reduces clinical symptoms in response to nasal provocation (ANCOVA, p = 0.0003), with a magnitude observed at day 8 similar to that reported with years of conventional SIT. This study suggests that simply augmenting the blocking IgG/IgE ratio may reverse allergy.

Functional Outcomes 18 Months After Total and Midarm Transplantation: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The function reported after arm transplantation is deemed beneficial relative to the marked disability that upper arm amputation causes. OBJECTIVE: We report a 51-year-old man with a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 75.83 who underwent bilateral arm transplantation in October 2015. PROCEDURE: The right arm was transplanted at the glenohumeral joint level, including transplantation of the humeral head, joint capsule, and rotator cuff ligaments and tendons. Additionally, neurorrhaphies were performed at the origin of the terminal branches of the brachial plexus, including the axillary and musculocutaneous nerves. Therefore, this was considered a total arm transplantation. The left arm was transplanted at the transhumeral level, with complete transplantation of the biceps and triceps brachii, and terminolateral neurorrhaphy of the donor musculocutaneous nerve to the receptor radial nerve. A maintenance triple immunosuppression scheme was administered, with tacrolimus levels kept at 10 ng/mL. RESULTS: At 18 months post-transplantation, the intrinsic musculature in the left hand showed electrical registry, DASH score was 67.5, Carroll test score was 28 in both extremities, Hand Transplant Score System was 67.5 in the right extremity and 77.5 in the left extremity, and Short Form-36 score was 96.1. The patient was healthy, with restored body integrity. He could lift medium-sized weightless objects, eat and go to the bathroom by himself, drink liquids with bimanual grasp, swim, dress almost independently, and drive. CONCLUSION: The functional evolution of the patient was similar to previously reported transplanted arms, even though the right arm transplant involved the glenohumeral joint and axillary and musculocutaneous nerve repair.

Invasive fungal infections in Colombian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease with multi-organ involvement. Complications, such as invasive fungal infections usually occur in patients with a greater severity of the disease. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk variables associated with invasive fungal infections in a Colombian systemic lupus erythematosus population. Materials and methods A cross-sectional, retrospective study that evaluated patients with systemic lupus erythematosus for six years. The primary outcome was invasive fungal infection. Descriptive, group comparison and bivariate analysis was performed using Stata 12.0 software. Results Two hundred patients were included in this study; 84.5% of the patients were women and the median age was 36 years; 68% of the subjects had haematological complications; 53.3% had nephropathy; 45% had pneumopathy and 28% had pericardial impairment; 7.5% of patients had invasive fungal infections and the most frequently isolated fungus was Candida albicans. Pericardial disease, cyclophosphamide use, high disease activity, elevated ESR, C3 hypocomplementemia, anaemia and lymphopenia had a significant association with invasive fungal infection ( P < 0.05). Conclusions We describe for the first time the prevalence of invasive fungal infection in a Colombian population with systemic lupus erythematosus, which was higher than that reported in other latitudes. In this population the increase in disease activity, the presence of pericardial impairment and laboratory alterations (anaemia, lymphopenia, increased ESR and C3 hypocomplementemia) are associated with a greater possibility of invasive fungal infections. Regarding the use of drugs, unlike other studies, in the Colombian population an association was found only with the previous administration of cyclophosphamide. In addition, patients with invasive fungal infections and systemic lupus erythematosus had a higher prevalence of mortality and hospital readmission compared with patients with systemic lupus erythematosus without invasive fungal infection.

Failure modes and effects analysis of total skin electron irradiation technique.

PURPOSE: Total skin electron irradiation (TSEI) is a radiotherapy technique which consists of an homogeneous body surface irradiation by electrons. This treatment requires very strict technical and dosimetric conditions, requiring the implementation of multiple controls. Recently, the Task Group 100 report of the AAPM has recommended adapting the quality assurance program of the facility to the risks of their processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multidisciplinary team evaluated the potential failure modes (FMs) of every process step, regardless of the management tools applied in the installation. For every FM, occurrence (O), severity (S) and detectability (D) by consensus was evaluated, which resulted in the risk priority number (RPN), which permitted the ranking of the FMs. Subsequently, all the management tools used, related to the TSEI process, were examined and the FMs were reevaluated, to analyze the effectiveness of these tools and to propose new management tools to cover the greater risk FMs. RESULTS: 361 FMs were identified, 103 of which had RPN ≥80, initially, and 41 had S ≥ 8. Taking this into account the quality management tools FMs were reevaluated and only 30 FMs had RPN ≥80. The study of these 30 FMs emphasized that the FMs that involved greater risk were related to the diffuser screen placement and the patient's position during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The quality assurance program of the facility has been adapted to the risk of this treatment process, following the guidelines proposed by the TG-100. However, clinical experience continually reveals new FMs, so the need for periodic risk analysis is required.

Effects of an Educational Intervention on Breast Self-Examination, Breast Cancer Prevention-Related Knowledge, and Healthy Lifestyles in Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an educational intervention on breast self-examination, cancer prevention-related knowledge, practices, and behavior change in scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Uncontrolled trial was conducted in 155 scholars. Two educational sessions, 90 min each, were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire at pre- and post-intervention, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Breast self-examination was practiced by 78.1% of the scholars, and the overall knowledge of breast cancer risk factors was poor. The educational intervention resulted in significant improvements on breast self-examination practice, the knowledge of the technique, and the knowledge of the main risk factors for breast cancer as well as the practice of physical activity and vegetable intake at 6 months follow-up. An educational intervention according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control improved the practice of breast self-examination, cancer prevention-related knowledge, as well as the practice of physical activity and vegetable consumption in scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted.

Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles in Female Scholars from a Low-Income Area in Bogota, Colombia: Evaluation of a National Framework.

This study aims to determine the effects of an educational intervention, based on the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control, for raising lung cancer prevention-related awareness, and improving healthy lifestyles in female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Uncontrolled trial conducted in 243 female scholars (mean age 14 years ± 1.5 SD). Two 90 min educational sessions were carried out in March 2015 according to the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control. Posters and other educational materials were created by scholars after the intervention. All participants completed a self-reported questionnaire-The Cancer Awareness Measure-at pre and post-intervention, as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Smoking prevalence (8.2% at baseline) was reduced by 3.7% at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). The scholars exhibited low to moderate awareness of both warning signs and risk factors for lung cancer at baseline. These variables showed statistically significant improvements at 6 months follow-up (p < 0.005). Similar improvements were also found for physical activity, high-fat diet, and fruits and vegetable intake. This evaluation of the Colombian guidelines for educational communication in the framework of cancer control raised awareness towards lung cancer prevention, reduced smoking, and improved other healthy-lifestyle-related factors in a group of female scholars from a low-income area in Bogota, Colombia. Further randomized controlled studies are needed.

Muscular fitness, adherence to the Southern European Atlantic Diet and cardiometabolic risk factors in adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Muscular fitness and an adherence to the Southern European Atlantic Diet (SEADiet) have been inversely associated with cardiometabolic risk. Our aim was to assess the independent and combined associations of muscular fitness and adherence to the SEADiet on cardiometabolic risk in adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 467 Portuguese adolescents (275 girls) participated in this cross-sectional study. Sum of the Z-Scores of Curl-Up and Push-Up tests was used to create a muscular fitness score. Adherence to SEADiet was obtained using a food frequency questionnaire. A cardiometabolic risk score was computed from sum of Z-score of triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol/HDL ratio, HOMA-IR and waist circumference. Adolescents with low muscular fitness and low adherence to the SEADiet had the poorest cardiovascular profile F(5, 452) = 5.074 (p < 0.001) and the highest odds of having a high cardiometabolic risk score (OR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.1-14) when compared to those with High muscular fitness/High adherence to the SEADiet after adjustments for age, sex, pubertal stage, socioeconomic status, total energy intake, low-energy reporter and cardiorespiratory fitness. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings seem suggest that improving muscular fitness as well as an adherence to the SEADiet could be an important strategy to reduce clustered cardiometabolic risk in youth.

Adiposity as a full mediator of the influence of cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation in schoolchildren: The FUPRECOL Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies in the paediatric population have shown inconsistent associations between cardiorespiratory fitness and inflammation independently of adiposity. The purpose of this study was (i) to analyse the combined association of cardiorespiratory fitness and adiposity with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and (ii) to determine whether adiposity acts as a mediator on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP in children and adolescents. METHODS AND RESULTS: This cross-sectional study included 935 (54.7% girls) healthy children and adolescents from Bogotá, Colombia. The 20 m shuttle run test was used to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness. We assessed the following adiposity parameters: body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass index and the sum of subscapular and triceps skinfold thickness. High sensitivity assays were used to obtain hs-CRP. Linear regression models were fitted for mediation analyses examined whether the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP was mediated by each of adiposity parameters according to Baron and Kenny procedures. Lower levels of hs-CRP were associated with the best schoolchildren profiles (high cardiorespiratory fitness + low adiposity) (p for trend <0.001 in the four adiposity parameters), compared with unfit and overweight (low cardiorespiratory fitness + high adiposity) counterparts. Linear regression models suggest a full mediation of adiposity on the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hs-CRP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings seem to emphasize the importance of obesity prevention in childhood, suggesting that having high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness may not counteract the negative consequences ascribed to adiposity on hs-CRP.

Productive response of hair ewes crossed with Damara and Dorper and growth of their lambs / Resposta produtiva de ovelhas de cabelo cruzado com Damara e Dorper e crescimento de seus cordeiros

Profitability of sheep production depends on the reproductive response of ewes and growth of their lambs, which can be improved through the ram genotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive response of Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katahdin (Kat) and Dorper (Dor) ewes crossed with Damara (Dam) and Dor rams and the growth of their offspring. To measure percentage of single and multiple lambings (MLP), 234 Bb, Pb, Kat and Dor ewes were used. To measure lamb growth, the offspring of 86 Bb x Pb (BbPb) ewes and 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR) ewes were used. Four Dor x BbPb, six Dam x BbPb and six Dam x KatDor lambs were slaughtered for carcass assessment. MLP was analyzed with the CATMOD procedure considering the factors age and breed. Lamb growth data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure, and those of carcass characteristics with the GLM procedure of SAS, using weight at slaughter as covariable. MLP was higher (P0.05) by effect of ram breed. It is concluded that Bb ewes are more prolific than Dor ewes; male lambs of Dam rams had post-weaning growth response and carcass yield similar to those of Dor rams, although the female lambs of Dor rams were heavier than those of Dam rams.

Rentabilidade da produção de ovinos depende da resposta reprodutiva de ovelhas e do crescimento de seus cordeiros, o que pode ser melhorado por meio do genótipo masculino. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovinos Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katadin (Kat) e Dorper (Dor) e o crescimento de cordeiros com carneiros Damara (Dam) e Dor. Para medir a porcentagem de partos simples e múltiplas (MLP), foram utilizados 234 ovelhas Bb, PB, Kat e Dor. Para medir o crescimento dos cordeiros, foram utilizadas 86 ovelhas Bb x Pb (BbPb) e 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR). Quatro cordeiros Dor x BbPb, seis Dam x BbPb e seis Dam x KatDor foram sacrificados para avaliação de carcaça. MLP foi analisada com o procedimento CATMOD, considerando-se fatores como idade e raça. Dados de crescimento do cordeiro foram analisados com o procedimento MIXED, e as de características de carcaça com o procedimento GLM do SAS, utilizando-se peso ao sacrifício como covariável. MLP foi maior (P<0.05) em Bb do que em Dor. Os cordeiros Dor x BbPb foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no nascimento do que Dam x BbPb. Em partos simples e múltiplos, os cordeiros de ovelhas KatDor foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no momento do nascimento de cordeiros BbPb. As cordeiras de carneiros Dor apresentaram maior (P<0.05) ganho de peso após o desmame do que as de carneiros Dam. O rendimento de carcaça, a espessura da gordura subcutânea e o rendimento de corte primal não foram diferentes por efeito da raça de carneiro. Conclui-se que as ovelhas Bb são mais prolíficas do que as ovelhas Dor; cordeiros de carneiros Damara tiveram resposta de crescimento pós-desmame e rendimento de carcaça semelhantes aos dos carneiros Dor, embora Dorper cordeiras fossem mais pesadas do que as de Damara.

Productive response of hair ewes crossed with Damara and Dorper and growth of their lambs / Resposta produtiva de ovelhas de cabelo cruzado com Damara e Dorper e crescimento de seus cordeiros

Profitability of sheep production depends on the reproductive response of ewes and growth of their lambs, which can be improved through the ram genotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive response of Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katahdin (Kat) and Dorper (Dor) ewes crossed with Damara (Dam) and Dor rams and the growth of their offspring. To measure percentage of single and multiple lambings (MLP), 234 Bb, Pb, Kat and Dor ewes were used. To measure lamb growth, the offspring of 86 Bb x Pb (BbPb) ewes and 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR) ewes were used. Four Dor x BbPb, six Dam x BbPb and six Dam x KatDor lambs were slaughtered for carcass assessment. MLP was analyzed with the CATMOD procedure considering the factors age and breed. Lamb growth data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure, and those of carcass characteristics with the GLM procedure of SAS, using weight at slaughter as covariable. MLP was higher (P<0.05) in Bb than in Dor. The Dor x BbPb lambs were heavier (P<0.05) at birth than Dam x BbPb. Of the lambs from single and multiple births, the KatDor lambs were heavier (P<0.05) at birth than BbPb lambs. The female lambs of Dor rams had higher (P<0.05) weight gain after weaning than those of Dam rams. Carcass dressing, subcutaneous fat, and primal cut yield were not different (P>0.05) by effect of ram breed. It is concluded that Bb ewes are more prolific than Dor ewes; male lambs of Dam rams had post-weaning growth response and carcass yield similar to those of Dor rams, although the female lambs of Dor rams were heavier than those of Dam rams.(AU)

Rentabilidade da produção de ovinos depende da resposta reprodutiva de ovelhas e do crescimento de seus cordeiros, o que pode ser melhorado por meio do genótipo masculino. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovinos Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katadin (Kat) e Dorper (Dor) e o crescimento de cordeiros com carneiros Damara (Dam) e Dor. Para medir a porcentagem de partos simples e múltiplas (MLP), foram utilizados 234 ovelhas Bb, PB, Kat e Dor. Para medir o crescimento dos cordeiros, foram utilizadas 86 ovelhas Bb x Pb (BbPb) e 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR). Quatro cordeiros Dor x BbPb, seis Dam x BbPb e seis Dam x KatDor foram sacrificados para avaliação de carcaça. MLP foi analisada com o procedimento CATMOD, considerando-se fatores como idade e raça. Dados de crescimento do cordeiro foram analisados com o procedimento MIXED, e as de características de carcaça com o procedimento GLM do SAS, utilizando-se peso ao sacrifício como covariável. MLP foi maior (P<0.05) em Bb do que em Dor. Os cordeiros Dor x BbPb foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no nascimento do que Dam x BbPb. Em partos simples e múltiplos, os cordeiros de ovelhas KatDor foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no momento do nascimento de cordeiros BbPb. As cordeiras de carneiros Dor apresentaram maior (P<0.05) ganho de peso após o desmame do que as de carneiros Dam. O rendimento de carcaça, a espessura da gordura subcutânea e o rendimento de corte primal não foram diferentes por efeito da raça de carneiro. Conclui-se que as ovelhas Bb são mais prolíficas do que as ovelhas Dor; cordeiros de carneiros Damara tiveram resposta de crescimento pós-desmame e rendimento de carcaça semelhantes aos dos carneiros Dor, embora Dorper cordeiras fossem mais pesadas do que as de Damara.(AU)