Validation of a Spanish version of the EuroPrevall Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire-Parental Form.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy can have a major impact on quality of life of children and their parents. Questionnaires have been developed to measure the impact of this disorder. We aimed to validate the EuroPrevall questionnaire on Food Allergy-Quality of Life Questionnaire, Parent Form (FAQLQ-PF) and the Food Allergy Independent Measure (FAIM), translated into Spanish. METHODS: The internal consistency of the FAQLQ-PF and the FAIM, translated into Spanish (Spain) and completed by the parents of 74 children with IgE-mediated food allergy, were evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. To test construct validity of the FAQLQ-PF, its correlation with the FAIM was also calculated. To assess their discriminant validity, we compared the values of both depending on the number of offending foods and for children with and without anaphylaxis. RESULTS: The values of Cronbach's alpha for the three domains in the FAQLQ-PF were over 0.9. The value of alpha for FAIM questions was below 0.6, which was attributed to the wording of one question. When this question was removed, alpha increased to over 0.70. There was a significant correlation between the FAQLQ-PF score and the FAIM. There were significantly poorer FAQLQ-PF scores in children with more food allergies and worse FAIM in those who had had anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish version of the FAQLQ-PF had a good internal consistency, good construct validity and validity to discriminate patients with more food allergies and anaphylaxis. It can be used as a tool to evaluate and monitor the quality of life in families with food allergic children.

Resultados del cotilo con doble movilidad de última generación en España (135 PTC seguidas durante una media de 32 meses) / Results of the latest generation dual-mobility cup in spain (135 THAs followed-up for a mean of 32 months)

Introducción: En este estudio multicéntrico (Hospital de Cabueñes y Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía) se evalúan los resultados de una serie retrospectiva y continua de 135 PTC realizadas implantando un cotilo doble movilidad de nueva generación. Material y métodos: Se estudiaron 135 PTC intervenidas entre 2005 y 2008. El seguimiento medio fue de 32 meses. Las causas de la cirugía fueron 31.8% coxartrosis y 68.1% fracturas de cadera. La edad media era de 82.1 años. Todos los pacientes eran revisados periódicamente haciendo una valoración clínica y radiográfica. Resultados: El seguimiento pudo ser realizado durante más de 24 meses en 121 PTC (14 pacientes fallecidos). En la última revisión, mayo 2011: 119 cótilos no presentaban aflojamiento. Las complicaciones fueron: 2 luxaciones postquirúrgicas; 4 TVP; 3 infecciones PTH; 5 fracturas peri PTC; 2 aflojamientos cetilo y 1 hundimiento vástago. HHS preoperatorio medio: 45, 83 y postoperatorio medio: 80, 03. De los 135 cotilos revisados sólo dos presentaban modificaciones radiográficas sin signos clínicos. La supervivencia aislada del cótilo a los 12 meses fue 97.03% (87.3-99.2) con un intervalo de confianza del 95% y a los 5 años, un 96.7% (85.4-98.8). Discusión: En nuestro estudio el nuevo cótilo doble movilidad ha mostrado buenos resultados en las siguientes indicaciones: coxartrosis primaria y fracturas de cuello de fémur. Conclusión: Las complicaciones obtenidas en esta serie aparecen en el mismo porcentaje que en otras series de la literatura excepto para la luxación. En ésta, el porcentaje (1.48%) era mucho más pequeño que el de las series clásicas, especialmente en los pacientes con problemas neuromusculares o cognitivos (un tercio de los pacientes).

Introduction: This multi-center study (Cabueñes Hospital and Santa Lucía University Hospital) assessed the results of a retrospective and ongoing series of 135 total hip arthroplasties (THA) in which a latest generation dual-mobility cup was implanted. Material and methods: A total of 135 THAs performed between 2005 and 2008 were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 32 months. The causes of surgery were: coxarthrosis in 31.8% and hip fracture in 68.1%. Mean age was 82.1 years. All patients were seen at regular follow-up visits for clinical and radiological assessments. Results: The follow-up lasted over 24 months in 121 THAs (14 patients died). In the most recent follow-up, in May 2011, 119 cups did not show any loosening. Complications were as follows: 2 postoperative dislocations; 4 DVTs; 3 infections; 5 periprosthetic fractures; 2 loosened cups, and one subsided stem. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 45, 83; the mean postoperative HHS was 80, 03. Only two of the 135 cups analyzed had radiographic modifications without clinical signs. Isolated cup survival at 12 months was 97.03% (87.3-99.2) with a 95% confidence interval; survival at 5 years was 96.7% (85.4-98.8). Discussion: In our study, the new dual-mobility cup showed good results for the following indications: primary coxarthrosis and femur neck fractures. Conclusion: The complication rate in our series was similar to the one reported in other series in the literature, except for dislocation. The latter was considerably less frequent (1.48%) in our series compared to the rates reported by the classical series, especially in patients with neuromuscular or cognitive problems (one third of patients).

[Results of the latest generation dual-mobility cup in Spain (135 THAs followed-up for a mean of 32 months)]. / Resultados del cotilo con doble movilidad de última generación en España (135 PTC seguidas durante una media de 32 meses).

INTRODUCTION: This multi-center study (Cabuenes Hospital and Santa Lucia University Hospital) assessed the results of a retrospective and ongoing series of 135 total hip arthroplasties (THA) in which a latest generation dual-mobility cup was implanted. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 135 THAs performed between 2005 and 2008 were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 32 months. The causes of surgery were: coxarthrosis in 31.8% and hip fracture in 68.1%. Mean age was 82.1 years. All patients were seen at regular follow-up visits for clinical and radiological assessments. RESULTS: The follow-up lasted over 24 months in 121 THAs (14 patients died). In the most recent follow-up, in May 2011, 119 cups did not show any loosening. Complications were as follows: 2 postoperative dislocations; 4 DVTs; 3 infections; 5 periprosthetic fractures; 2 loosened cups, and one subsided stem. The mean preoperative Harris Hip Score (HHS) was 45, 83; the mean postoperative HHS was 80.03. Only two of the 135 cups analyzed had radiographic modifications without clinical signs. Isolated cup survival at 12 months was 97.03% (87.3-99.2) with a 95% confidence interval; survival at 5 years was 96.7% (85.4-98.8). DISCUSSION: In our study, the new dual-mobility cup showed good results for the following indications: primary coxarthrosis and femur neck fractures. CONCLUSION: The complication rate in our series was similar to the one reported in other series in the literature, except for dislocation. The latter was considerably less frequent (1.48%) in our series compared to the rates reported by the classical series, especially in patients with neuromuscular or cognitive problems (one third of patients).

A short-term in vitro gill culture system to study the effects of toxic (copper) and non-toxic (cortisol) stressors on the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum).

A short-term (24 h) method of gill filament culture system was developed to predict the effects of environmental contamination and stress in fish. Gill culture system containing two or three rainbow trout gill filaments in sterile glutamine supplemented Leibovitz 15 (L-15) media was submitted for 24 h to six different treatments: (i) CONT (control, medium only); (ii) CORT (cortisol, 0.28 microM cortisol); (iii) BLOCK (glucocorticoid receptor blocker, 14 microM RU 486); (iv) CORT+BLOCK (cortisol and blocker, 0.28 microM cortisol+14 microM RU 486); (v) CORT+CU (cortisol and copper, 100 microM CuSO4+0.28 microM cortisol); (vi) CU (copper, 100 microM CuSO4). After 24 h, the overall gill structure and cellular components resembled those of salmonids in vivo. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the culture media increased in the CORT+CU and CU groups but was significantly lower in the CORT+CU compared to CU group. Apoptotic cells increased in the CORT and CORT+BLOCK. The numbers of glucocorticoid (GR) receptor-positive cells were lower in the CU group. This short-term culture system seems to be suitable for studying the effects of both external and internal stress effectors (toxicants and hormones respectively), as it contains all cell types found in the gills and the cells give similar biological response as in vivo.

Physiological responses to sulfide toxicity by the air-breathing catfish, Hoplosternum littorale (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae).

Hemolytic anemia accompanied by changes in the immunology system is one of the sulfide intoxication harmful effects on Hoplosternum littorale. Hematological parameters are considered as effective indicators of stress caused by this hydrogen sulfide. During sulfide exposure, H. littorale neither alters the methemoglobin concentration nor forms sulfhemoglobin in the presence of high levels of dissolved sulfide in the water. Cytochrome c oxidase shows little activity in the gills and blood of H. littorale when exposed to sulfide. Alternative metabolic routes are suggested through which the accumulation of pyruvate leads to the formation of an end product other than lactate.

Hematological and physiological changes induced by short-term exposure to copper in the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa

Hematological and physiological changes in the blood of juveniles of the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa were determined after acute exposure to 20, 25, and 29 mugCu L-1 in water (pH 7.5; hardness 24.5 mg L-1 as CaCO3) for 96 h. Copper exposure to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 caused significant increase in the hematocrit and red blood cell values. The increase in red blood cells was associated with increase in whole blood hemoglobin only in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Leukocytes increased following copper exposure and were significantly higher in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Differential leukocyte percentage displayed significant reduction in lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1. The percentage of monocytes remained unchanged after copper exposure. The thrombocytes did not change. There was a significant decrease in plasma [Na+] and [Cl-] and a significant drop in blood pH in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 while [K+] showed significant increase in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Copper exposure led to ionoregulatory impairment, although chloride cell hypertrophy was induced. The changes in red blood cells suggest a compensatory response to respiratory surface reduction of gills (tissue damage and cell proliferation) in order to maintain oxygen transference from water to the tissues, allowing the fish to survive during the so-called shock phase of LC50 exposure, at least while at rest

Blood parameters and metabolites in the teleost fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to sulfide or hypoxia.

Juvenile tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, were exposed to sulfide and hypoxia for 12, 24, 48 and 96 h. Hemoglobin concentrations, red blood cell counts, and mean cell hemoglobin, were higher at 12 h in fish exposed to hypoxia. However, control fish and those exposed to sulfide and hypoxia had lower red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit at 96 h. Methemoglobin was higher than in the controls, probably due to the hypoxemia induced by these stressors. Sulfhemoglobin was not detected in significant amounts in the blood of fish exposed to sulfide (in vivo), yet hemoglobin converted into sulfhemoglobin at 1-15 mM sulfide in vitro. Anaerobic metabolism seemed to be an important mechanism for adapting to sulfide exposure and blood pH returned to control values after 24 h of sulfide, preventing acidosis. The high sulfide tolerance in tambaqui is associated with its high tolerance to hypoxia.

Gill cellular changes induced by copper exposure in the South American tropical freshwater fish Prochilodus scrofa.

The cellular changes in gill tissue induced by exposure to copper were studied in the tropical freshwater fish Prochilodus scrofa, with emphasis on chloride and pavement cells. Damage to gills included epithelial changes such as lifting, rupture, peeling of lamellar epithelium, lamellar fusion, hyperplasia, and cellular hypertrophy. Cell degeneration by necrosis and apoptosis was intense in fish exposed to 25 and 29 microg Cu L-1. Pavement cells showed microridge reduction on their surface. Chloride cells proliferated in the lamellar epithelia close to the onset of the lamellae. However, no changes in total chloride cell density in contact with the water were observed. The chloride cell apical area of fish exposed to copper increased, but only fish exposed to 25 microg Cu L-1 showed significant increase in the chloride cell fractional area. At this water copper concentration, almost 60% of the chloride cells were apoptotic. Necrotic chloride cells increased with copper in water, reaching 70% in fish exposed to 29 microg Cu L-1 (=LC50 calculated for this species). Pavement and chloride cell proliferation and hypertrophy on lamellar epithelia increased the thickness of the water-blood barrier. Our findings suggest severe impairment of ion regulation and gas transfer of fish exposed to copper.

Hematological and physiological changes induced by short-term exposure to copper in the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa.

Hematological and physiological changes in the blood of juveniles of the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa were determined after acute exposure to 20, 25, and 29 microgramsCu L-1 in water (pH 7.5; hardness 24.5 mg L-1 as CaCO3) for 96 h. Copper exposure to 25 and 29 microgramsCu L-1 caused significant increase in the hematocrit and red blood cell values. The increase in red blood cells was associated with increase in whole blood hemoglobin only in fish exposed to 29 microgramsCu L-1. Leukocytes increased following copper exposure and were significantly higher in fish exposed to 29 microgramsCu L-1. Differential leukocyte percentage displayed significant reduction in lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils in fish exposed to 25 and 29 microgramsCu L-1. The percentage of monocytes remained unchanged after copper exposure. The thrombocytes did not change. There was a significant decrease in plasma [Na+] and [Cl-] and a significant drop in blood pH in fish exposed to 25 and 29 microgramsCu L-1 while [K+] showed significant increase in fish exposed to 29 microgramsCu L-1. Copper exposure led to ionoregulatory impairment, although chloride cell hypertrophy was induced. The changes in red blood cells suggest a compensatory response to respiratory surface reduction of gills (tissue damage and cell proliferation) in order to maintain oxygen transference from water to the tissues, allowing the fish to survive during the so-called shock phase of LC50 exposure, at least while at rest.

Hematological and physiological changes induced by short-term exposure to copper in the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa

Hematological and physiological changes in the blood of juveniles of the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa were determined after acute exposure to 20, 25, and 29 mugCu L-1 in water (pH 7.5; hardness 24.5 mg L-1 as CaCO3) for 96 h. Copper exposure to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 caused significant increase in the hematocrit and red blood cell values. The increase in red blood cells was associated with increase in whole blood hemoglobin only in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Leukocytes increased following copper exposure and were significantly higher in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Differential leukocyte percentage displayed significant reduction in lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1. The percentage of monocytes remained unchanged after copper exposure. The thrombocytes did not change. There was a significant decrease in plasma [Na+] and [Cl-] and a significant drop in blood pH in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 while [K+] showed significant increase in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Copper exposure led to ionoregulatory impairment, although chloride cell hypertrophy was induced. The changes in red blood cells suggest a compensatory response to respiratory surface reduction of gills (tissue damage and cell proliferation) in order to maintain oxygen transference from water to the tissues, allowing the fish to survive during the so-called shock phase of LC50 exposure, at least while at rest.

As alterações hematológicas e fisiológicas em Prochilodus scrofa juvenis foram determinadas após exposição aguda a 20, 25 e 29 migCu L-1 no meio aquático (pH 7,5; dureza 24,5 mg L-1 como CaCO3) durante 96 h. A exposição a 25 e 29 migCu L-1 causou aumento significativo nos valores de hematócrito e número de eritrócitos. O aumento no número de eritrócitos foi associado a um aumento na porcentagem de hemoglobina somente nos peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. O aumento nos leucócitos após exposição ao cobre foi significativamente maior nos peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. A porcentagem diferencial de leucócitos apresentou redução significativa nos linfócitos e aumento nos neutrófilos nos peixes expostos a 25 e 29 migCu L-1, entretanto nenhuma modificação ocorreu na porcentagem de monócitos e trombócitos após a exposição ao cobre. Houve decréscimo significativo na [Na+] e [Cl-] plasmática e redução significativa no pH sangüíneo em peixes expostos a 25 e 29 migCu L-1, enquanto a [K+] mostrou aumento significativo em peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. A exposição ao cobre provocou distúrbios na regulação iônica, embora a hipertrofia das células-cloreto tenha sido induzida, e as mudanças nos parâmetros hematológicos sugerem resposta compensatória à redução da superfície respiratória das brânquias (lesões no tecido branquial e proliferação celular) de forma a manter a transferência do oxigênio da água para o sangue, permitindo a sobrevivência dos peixes durante a fase de choque da exposição a CL50, pelo menos, sob condições de repouso.

Hematological and physiological changes induced by short-term exposure to copper in the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa

Hematological and physiological changes in the blood of juveniles of the freshwater fish, Prochilodus scrofa were determined after acute exposure to 20, 25, and 29 mugCu L-1 in water (pH 7.5; hardness 24.5 mg L-1 as CaCO3) for 96 h. Copper exposure to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 caused significant increase in the hematocrit and red blood cell values. The increase in red blood cells was associated with increase in whole blood hemoglobin only in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Leukocytes increased following copper exposure and were significantly higher in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Differential leukocyte percentage displayed significant reduction in lymphocytes and an increase in neutrophils in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1. The percentage of monocytes remained unchanged after copper exposure. The thrombocytes did not change. There was a significant decrease in plasma [Na+] and [Cl-] and a significant drop in blood pH in fish exposed to 25 and 29 mugCu L-1 while [K+] showed significant increase in fish exposed to 29 mugCu L-1. Copper exposure led to ionoregulatory impairment, although chloride cell hypertrophy was induced. The changes in red blood cells suggest a compensatory response to respiratory surface reduction of gills (tissue damage and cell proliferation) in order to maintain oxygen transference from water to the tissues, allowing the fish to survive during the so-called shock phase of LC50 exposure, at least while at rest.

As alterações hematológicas e fisiológicas em Prochilodus scrofa juvenis foram determinadas após exposição aguda a 20, 25 e 29 migCu L-1 no meio aquático (pH 7,5; dureza 24,5 mg L-1 como CaCO3) durante 96 h. A exposição a 25 e 29 migCu L-1 causou aumento significativo nos valores de hematócrito e número de eritrócitos. O aumento no número de eritrócitos foi associado a um aumento na porcentagem de hemoglobina somente nos peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. O aumento nos leucócitos após exposição ao cobre foi significativamente maior nos peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. A porcentagem diferencial de leucócitos apresentou redução significativa nos linfócitos e aumento nos neutrófilos nos peixes expostos a 25 e 29 migCu L-1, entretanto nenhuma modificação ocorreu na porcentagem de monócitos e trombócitos após a exposição ao cobre. Houve decréscimo significativo na [Na+] e [Cl-] plasmática e redução significativa no pH sangüíneo em peixes expostos a 25 e 29 migCu L-1, enquanto a [K+] mostrou aumento significativo em peixes expostos a 29 migCu L-1. A exposição ao cobre provocou distúrbios na regulação iônica, embora a hipertrofia das células-cloreto tenha sido induzida, e as mudanças nos parâmetros hematológicos sugerem resposta compensatória à redução da superfície respiratória das brânquias (lesões no tecido branquial e proliferação celular) de forma a manter a transferência do oxigênio da água para o sangue, permitindo a sobrevivência dos peixes durante a fase de choque da exposição a CL50, pelo menos, sob condições de repouso.