Assessment of the vestibuloocular reflex in fighter pilots with the video head impulse test.

CONCLUSION: There were no changes in the function of the six semicircular canals in active fighter pilots, through the use of the video head impulse test (vHIT). These results suggest that the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) works well at the high frequencies related to the natural head movements in this population. OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The vestibular function in pilots has been reported as being different from that of other normal subjects. These differences are attributed to adaptation of the vestibuloocular reflex (VOR) or by habituation. These studies were conducted with caloric and/or rotatory tests and were limited to the lateral semicircular canals. The aim of the present study was to verify the occurrence of high frequency changes in the function of the six semicircular canals in active fighter pilots, through the use of the video head impulse test (vHIT). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. METHODS: The subjects participating in this study were divided in three groups, according to their flight experience. The control group (Group 1) consisted of 20 soldiers with no experience of in-flight training. For the test subjects 14 fighter pilots were selected and divided into two groups. Group 2 included the pilots with 1000-2000 hours of flight experience and Group 3 included pilots with 2001-3000 hours of flight experience. They were all submitted to a video head impulse test and the gains of the six semicircular canals were analysed. RESULTS: There were significantly low gain values (p < 0,013) only in the left posterior semicircular canal in the control group as compared with the subject groups. However, there were no significant differences in gain values between the two groups of the active pilots.

Caracterização do desenvolvimento da alimentação de crianças nascidas pré-termo entre três e 12 meses / Characterization of the feeding development of preterm infants between three and twelve months

Objetivo caracterizar o desenvolvimento da alimentação de um grupo de prematuros, entre três e 12 meses, nascidos em Canoas/RS, verificando o tipo de aleitamento, época de introdução da alimentação complementar, hábitos orais deletérios, orientações recebidas, dificuldades alimentares e perfil sociodemográfico. Métodos essa pesquisa foi avaliada e aprovada pelo comitê de ética da da ULBRA sob Nº. 2011-480H CEP-ULBRA. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e transversal. Foi realizada entrevista com os responsáveis e avaliação de 32 crianças nascidas pré-termo que compareceram às consultas de seguimento em um hospital em Canoas. Resultados constatou-se que o aleitamento materno exclusivo foi realizado por apenas 37,5% (N=12) crianças e a média de duração foi de 31 dias. O oferecimento de líquidos apresentou introdução precoce; a introdução de pastosos foi realizada na época adequada e a introdução de sólidos foi realizada precocemente, considerando a idade cronológica das crianças. Os pais relataram que 53,1% (N=17) dos bebês possuíam dificuldades alimentares. Foi encontrada associação (p=0,004) entre recusa alimentar, prematuridade extrema e extremo baixo peso. Ainda foi observada associação (p=0,047) entre flacidez de lábios, língua e bochechas e prematuridade extrema. Conclusão: o aleitamento materno exclusivo foi pouco praticado e a amamentação complementada apresentou baixa prevalência e baixos índices de duração. Pouco mais da metade da população apresentou queixa de dificuldade alimentar e houve associação entre prematuridade extrema, extremo baixo peso e recusa alimentar. Ainda foi encontrada associação entre flacidez de lábios, ...

Purpose characterizing the feeding development of preterm infants between three and 12 months, those were born in Canoas/RS, checking the breastfeeding type, the timing of introduction of complementary feeding, the deleterious oral habits, the guidance received, the feeding difficulties and the sociodemographic profile.  Methods this study was evaluated and approved by the ethics committee of ULBRA under no. CEP-2011-480h ULBRA. This is a descriptive, quantitative and transversal study. Interviews with those responsible and evaluation of 32 children born preterm who attended follow-up appointments at a hospital in Canoas took place.  Results we found that only 37,5% (N=12) of the children received exclusive breastfeeding and the duration period was 31 days. Liquids were offered early; pasty food introduction was adequate time and the offer of solid food was performed early, considering the chronological age of the children. Parents reported that in 53,1% (N=17) of the babies had feeding difficulties. It was a significant association (p=0,004) between food refusal, extreme prematurity and very low birth weight. Furthermore, we observed significant association (p=0,047) between lips’, tongue’ and cheeks’ sagging and extreme prematurity.   Conclusion exclusive breastfeeding was uncommonly practiced while complementary breastfeeding also showed low prevalence and low rates of duration. Just over half of the population complained of feeding difficulty and a significant association between extreme prematurity, extreme low birth weight and food refusal was found. Furthermore, an association was found between lips’, tongue’ and cheeks’ sagging and extreme prematurity. It is evident the need of further extensive research in this area. .