Stroke in systemic lupus erythematosus and antiphospholipid syndrome: risk factors, clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, and treatment.

Neurologic disorders are among the most common and important clinical manifestations associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), mainly those that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Risk of cerebrovascular events in both conditions is increased, and stroke represents one of the most severe complications, with an incidence rate between 3% and 20%, especially in the first five years of diagnosis. This article updates the data regarding the risk factors, clinical manifestations, neuroimaging, and treatment of stroke in SLE and APS.

Outcomes and Mortality in Renal Transplant Recipients Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit.

INTRODUCTION: In the intensive care unit (ICU), mortality is considered higher among renal transplant recipients than among nontransplantation patients. However, data regarding severe complications after kidney transplantation are scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we evaluated all consecutive renal transplant recipients admitted to our ICU between July 2012 and July 2013 (n = 70), comparing their outcomes with those of a control group of nontransplantation patients admitted during the same period (n = 153). Among the transplant recipients, we compared survivors and nonsurvivors to identify predictors of ICU mortality. RESULTS: The mean age of the transplant recipients was 52 ± 13 years. Of the 70 transplant recipients, 18 (25%) required mechanical ventilation, 28 (40%) required inotropic support, and 27 (39%) required hemodialysis, all of which are factors that worsen the prognosis significantly. Twenty-two (31%) of the transplant recipients died in the ICU and 17 (24%) died within 30 days after ICU discharge, rates similar to those observed for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We observed similar mortality between recipient and control groups, albeit the mortality was higher in the clinical group. In the multivariate model, the need for mechanical ventilation and the need for hemodialysis were independently associated with mortality.

Peanut skin extract reduces lipid oxidation in cooked chicken patties.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of peanut skin extract and its effect on the color and lipid oxidation of cooked chicken patties over 15 d of refrigerated storage. The extract was obtained using 80% ethanol and evaluated in terms of total phenolic content, reducing power based on the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) reagent, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The patties were made with ground thigh fillets, chicken skin, and 2% salt. They were homogenized and divided into the following two groups: a control treatment without antioxidants and a peanut skin treatment with 70 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/kg per patty. Analyses of the fatty acid profiles, instrumental colors (L*, a*, and b*) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were performed on d 1, 8, and 15 of storage at 1±1ºC. The peanut skin extract resulted in a phenolic content of 32.6±0.7 mg GAE/g dry skin, an antioxidant activity (FRAP) of 26.5±0.8 6 µmol Trolox equivalent/g dry skin, and an efficient concentration (EC50) of 46.5 µg/mL. The total unsaturated fatty acid was approximately 73%, and 39% of this fatty acid content was monounsaturated. The peanut skin extract slowed the decrease in the a* values (P<0.05) but reduced the L* and b* values compared to the control samples during storage (P<0.05). Lipid oxidation was minimized by the peanut skin extract (P<0.05), which resulted in a maximum value of 0.97 malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg compared to values that were close 19 mg MDA/kg patties in the control sample at the end of storage period. Thus, it can be concluded that although peanut skin extract causes little color change, it can be applied as a natural antioxidant to cooked chicken patties because it efficiently inhibits lipid oxidation in this product during refrigerated storage.

Storage of refrigerated raw goat milk affecting the quality of whole milk powder.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the growth of lipolytic bacteria in raw goat milk stored under refrigeration for different periods on quality parameters of goat milk powder during its shelf life. Fresh goat milk (100L) was collected after milking, divided into 3 identical fractions, and stored at 4°C for 1, 3, and 5d. On d 1, 3, and 5, one sample (1L) was collected and used for microbiological and chemical analysis, and the remaining fraction (almost 30L) was spray dried and stored at 25°C. Milk powder was submitted to microbiological, chemical, and sensory analysis immediately after production, and on d 60, 120, and 180. Lipolytic psychrotrophic counts and total free fatty acid content did not increase in raw milk during storage. However, peroxide value, caprylic and capric acid concentrations, and total free fatty acid content of milk powder increased during 180d of storage, with higher levels found in milk powder manufactured with raw milk stored for 5d. Capric odor and rancid flavors increased in milk powder during storage, regardless the of storage of raw milk for 1, 3, or 5d. Heat treatments used during powder processing destroyed lipolytic psychrotrophic bacteria, but did not prevent lipolysis in milk powder. Results of this trial indicate that the storage of raw goat milk at 4°C should not exceed 3d to preserve the quality of goat milk powder during its shelf life of 180d.

Níveis séricos de proteína catiônica eosinofílica e contagem de eosinófilos em crianças enteroparasitadas,residentes em área de baixo nível sócio-econômico na cidade de Natal, RN, Brasil / Serum eosinophil cationic protein levels end eosinophil counting in children enteroparasited

A Proteína Catiônica Eosinofílica (ECP) foi purificada de células humanas, pela primeira vez, em 1971 e, após cinco anos, foi identificada como sendo uma proteína granular eosinofílica que possui uma potente toxicidade para uma variedade de helmintos, bactérias e outros microrganismos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi diagnosticar as infecções por enteroparasitas correlacionando com níveis séricos de proteína catiônica eosinofílica e eosinofilia. Foram estudadas 150 crianças de ambos os sexos, com idade variando entre 3 e 6 anos, residentes no mesmo bairro e frequentadoras de creche. A Infecção Parasitária foi investigada por Exames de fezes pelosMétodos de Hoffmann, Pons & Janer e o de Baermann-Morais. Os níveis séricos de proteína catiônica eosinofílica foram determinadospor Fluoroenzimaimunoensaio, utilizando o Kit Unicap (Pharmacia & Upjonh) e a contagem de eosinófilos realizada em esfregaço sanguíneo corado pelo Leishman. Das crianças estudadas 140 (93,3%) apresentaram infecção por enteroparasitas e 10 (6,7%) apresentaram ausência de ovos e larvasde helmintos e cistos de protozoários. Cento e quarenta e oito amostras de soro foram analisadas para determinar os níveis de proteína catiônica eosinofílica e os resultados obtidos mostraram que foi 45,45μg/L a mediana das concentrações observadas e que com relação aos níveis de ECP em crianças parasitadas e não parasitadas por helmintos observou-se que as crianças parasitadas apresentaramconcentrações (MD=52,20μg/L) significantemente mais elevadas do que as não parasitadas (MD=29,70μg/L) e que houve uma correlação positiva entre níveis séricos de ECP e eosinófilos ( p< 0,0001 e r= 0,57).

The eosinophil cationic protein was purified from human cells, for the fist time in 1971, after five years, it was identified as being a eosinophil granular protein that is potencially toxic for helminthics, bacteria and other microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to diagnose the enteroparasitics infections co-related to the serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophilia. One hundred and fifty children form both sexes, ages varying from 3 to 6 years old who live in the same neighbourhood and go to the same nursery were observed. The parasitic infection was investigated by faecal examinations using the Hoffmann, Pons & Janer and Baermann-morais methods. The serum cationic protein levels were determined by fluorimmunassay using the unicap kit (Pharmacia & Upjohn) and the counting of eosinophis was made by Leishman- stained smears. From the studied children 140 (93,3%) were infected by enteroparasitics and 10 (6,7%) showed no signs of eggs, helminthics, larva,and protozoarios cysts. One hundred and light samples of serum were analysed to determine the levels of eosinophil cationis protein and the obtaind results have showed that 45,45 ìg/L was the overage of the studied concentrations and that the relationship between the levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in parasited and non-parasited children was that the parasited children showed significantly hight concentrations (MD=52,20ìg/L) than the non-parasited children (MD=29,70 ìg/L). The results also have showed that there was a positive correlation between the serum levels of ECP and eosinophis ( p<0,0001 and r = 0,57).

Analysis of knee movements on leg extension machine: an electromyography study of the rectus femoris muscle.

The Rectus Femoris muscle was analyzed by electromyography in 10 female subjects between 19 and 22 years old. Surface electrodes were utilized by placing them at the middle of the muscle. The course of the flexing/extending movements of the knee were analyzed on a Leg Extension Machine. The results showed that the MIC value was greater in the series with loads than in the series without loads. For the Maximum Isometric Contraction (MIC) the value was 144.00. In the movement executed without load the value was 73.96. In the first series with the initial 15 Kg load the value was 163.7 and in the last series of the initial load the value was 194.9. With the 19 Kg load in the first series the value was 182.5 and in the last series the value was 205.1. In the first series with the 21 Kg load the value was 165.1 and in the last series with the 21 Kg load the value was 23.09. The values reflecting the need to recruit more muscle fibers to continue executing the movement. The value 23.09 shows the difficulty in proceeding with the movements and can be considered the beginning of a muscular fatigue process in the Rectus Femoris muscle.

Using weights in abdominal exercises: electromyography response of the Rectus Abdominis and Rectus Femoris muscles.

Among persons who do regular exercises, many include abdominal exercises in their customary routine. For this, there are a growing variety of movements being created for strengthening the abdominal muscles. This work aims to know, through electromyography analysis, the action potencies of the supra and infra umbilical of the Rectus Abdominis and Rectus Femoris muscles during the execution of abdominal exercises with and without the addition of weights. Lying on the backside, seven flexing movements of the trunk--one without weight, three with 2 Kg on the neck, elbow and chest and three with 4 Kg on the same points--were executed. Nine female university students between 18 and 23 years old participated in the study. Surface electrodes were fixed to the supra and infra umbilical areas of the Rectus Abdominis and Rectus Femoris muscles. The results showed that the utilization of weights in the abdominal exercises did not appear to be effective for the Rectus Abdominis muscle since greater action potencies were only verified in the Rectus Femoris muscle. We concluded that the differences observed in the RMS were not relevant to the point of indicating the utilization of weights to improve abdominal exercises because greater action potencies were only observed in the Rectus Femoris muscle.

Análise eletromiográfica do músculo reto femoral durante a execução de movimentos do joelho na mesa extensora / Electromyographic analysis of the rectus femoris muscle during the execution of movements of the knee in leg extension machine

O músculo reto femoral foi analisado por meio da eletromiografia, utilizando eletrodos de superfície, durante os movimentos de flexão e extensão do joelho. Participaram do estudo dez sujeitos do sexo feminino, na faixa etária entre 19 e 22 anos. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma máxima contração isométrica (MCI). Posteriormente, realizou-se uma série de 12 repetições sem carga (SC); 12 séries de 12 repetições com diferentes cargas (15, 17, 19 e 21 kg). Para este trabalho selecionamos os dados referentes à MCI, movimentos sem cargas, movimento com 15 Kg, com 19 Kg e 21Kg. Os valores médios, expressos em RMS, demonstraram que na MCI o RMS foi de 139,55; no movimento realizado sem carga foi de 51,54; na carga de 15 kg foi de 134,65; na carga de 19 Kg foi de 136,54 e com 21Kg o RMS foi de 10,09. Os valores de RMS obtidos no movimento SC e com 21 kg foram inferiores aos encontrados nas condições MCI, 15 kg e 19 kg. O valor de 10,09 referente à carga de 21 Kg reflete a dificuldade em prosseguir a execução dos movimentos, podendo ser considerado o início do processo de fadiga muscular do músculo reto femoral.

The rectus femoral muscle was analyzed by electromyography, in 10 female subjects between 19 and 22 years old, during the flexing/extending movements of the knee. Surface electrodes were utilized. Initially a maximum isometric contraction (MIC) was performed. Afterwards, a series of 12 repetitions without load, and then 12 series of 12 repetitions with different loads (15, 17, 19, and 21kg) were performed. For this study, we chose data referring to the MCI, the movements without load, and those with 15kg, 19kg, and 21kg loads. The average values, expressed in RMS, were: for the Maximum Isometric Contraction (MIC), 136.55; for the movements executed without load, 51. 54; for the first series with the initial 15kg load, 134.65; for that with the 19kg load, 136.54; and for the last series with the 21kg load, 10.09. RMS values obtained from the movements without load and those with the 21kg load, reflects the difficulty in proceeding with the execution of movements and can be considered the beginning of the muscular fatigue process of the rectus femoral muscle.

[Daily circadian variations of deaths in a general hospital]. / Variações circadianas diárias nos óbitos de um hospital geral.

UNLABELLED: This work aims at determining the incidence of circadian daily variations of natural death at a general hospital. METHODS: We have analyzed time of death in 502 individuals with natural death. Statistical analyses have been applied to determine the difference significance between proportions and averages. As a result, we have found out that the occurrence of natural death was similar in different periods of the day. However, values indicate an excess of lethality at 6 a.m. and from noon to 6 p.m. We have concluded that the observed results suggested that the natural death does not have a circadian pattern, despite the vespertine peak.