The Effect of an Active Plant-Based System on Perceived Air Pollution.

Active plant-based systems are emerging technologies that aim to improve indoor air quality (IAQ). A person's olfactory system is able to recognize the perceived odor intensity of various materials relatively well, and in many cases, the nose seems to be a better perceiver of pollutants than some equipment is. The aim of this study was to assess the odor coming out of two different test chambers in the SenseLab, where the participants were asked to evaluate blindly the level of acceptability, intensity, odor recognition, and preference at individual level with their noses. Two chambers were furnished with the same amount of new flooring material, and one of the chambers, Chamber A, also included an active plant-based system. The results showed that in general, the level of odor intensity was lower in Chamber B than in Chamber A, the level of acceptability was lower in Chamber A than in Chamber B, and the participants identified similar sources in both chambers. Finally, the preference was slightly higher for Chamber B over Chamber A. When people do not see the interior details of a room and have to rely on olfactory perception, they prefer a room without plants.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a practical comprehensive literature review.

INTRODUCTION: The exponential growth of SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission during the first months of 2020 has placed substantial pressure on most health systems around the world. The complications derived from the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vary due to comorbidities, sex and age, with more than 50% of the patients requiring some level of intensive care developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The authors carried out an extensive and comprehensive literature review on SARS-CoV-2 infection, the clinical, pathological, and radiological presentation as well as the current treatment strategies. AREAS COVERED: Various complications caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection have been identified, the most lethal being the acute respiratory distress syndrome, caused most likely by the presence of severe immune cell response and the concomitant alveolus inflammation. The new treatment strategies are updated, and the analysis of the physiopathology is included in this review. EXPERT OPINION: ARDS is one of the most frequent complications in patients with COVID-19. Information regarding the etiology and physiopathology are still unfolding and for the prevention and amelioration, good clinical management, adequate ventilatory support and the use of systemic corticoids seem to be the most efficient way to reduce mortality and to reduce hospital lengths.

The use of a manual-driven group cognitive behavior therapy in a Brazilian sample of obese individuals with binge-eating disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a manual-based cognitive behavior therapy adapted to a group format in a sample of Brazilian obese subjects with binge-eating disorder. METHOD: In an open trial, 21 obese subjects with binge-eating disorder received a group cognitive-behavioral therapy program. Changes in binge-eating frequency, weight, body shape concerns, and depressive symptoms were compared between baseline and the end of the study. RESULTS: The mean frequency of binge-eating episodes significantly decreased from baseline to post-treatment (p < 0.001), with a binge eating remission rate of 76.1% at the end of the trial. Depressive symptoms and body shape concern also improved (p < 0.001). In addition, weight loss was statistically and clinically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of this adapted manual-based cognitive behavior therapy in this sample resulted in a marked improvement in binge-eating, weight, body shape concern, and depressive symptoms related to binge-eating disorder.

The use of a manual-driven group cognitive behavior therapy in a Brazilian sample of obese individuals with binge-eating disorder

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a manual-based cognitive behavior therapy adapted to a group format in a sample of Brazilian obese subjects with binge-eating disorder. METHOD: In an open trial, 21 obese subjects with binge-eating disorder received a group cognitive-behavioral therapy program. Changes in binge-eating frequency, weight, body shape concerns, and depressive symptoms were compared between baseline and the end of the study. RESULTS: The mean frequency of binge-eating episodes significantly decreased from baseline to post-treatment (p < 0.001), with a binge eating remission rate of 76.1 percent at the end of the trial. Depressive symptoms and body shape concern also improved (p < 0.001). In addition, weight loss was statistically and clinically significant. CONCLUSION: The use of this adapted manual-based cognitive behavior therapy in this sample resulted in a marked improvement in binge-eating, weight, body shape concern, and depressive symptoms related to binge-eating disorder.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a efetividade da terapia cognitivo-comportamental baseada em um manual adaptado para o formato de grupo em uma amostra brasileira de obesos com transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica. MÉTODO: Em um estudo aberto, 21 pacientes obesos com transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica participaram de um programa da terapia cognitivo-comportamental em grupo. A freqüência da compulsão alimentar, o peso corporal, o grau de satisfação com a forma corporal e os sintomas depressivos foram avaliados no início do tratamento e no final do estudo. RESULTADOS: Houve uma redução estatisticamente significativa da freqüência média de episódios de compulsão alimentar entre a linha de base e o final do tratamento (p < 0,001), com uma taxa de remissão de episódios no final do estudo de 76,1 por cento. Foi observada, também, uma redução significativa dos sintomas depressivos e da insatisfação com a forma corporal (p < 0,001). Adicionalmente, a perda de peso foi clínica e estatisticamente significativa. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização de terapia cognitivo-comportamental baseada em um manual adaptado para o transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica resultou em melhora significativa da compulsão alimentar, do peso corporal, da preocupação com a forma corporal e dos sintomas depressivos associados ao transtorno da compulsão alimentar periódica nessa amostra.

Seroprevalence of dengue virus antibodies in asymptomatic Costa Rican children, 2002-2003: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Since 1993 dengue has become more frequent in Costa Rica. Adults have been the most affected population, while children have remained virtually unharmed. So far no studies have investigated how many asymptomatic children have been affected by this virus. This pilot study documents the seroprevalence, measured as the presence of IgG antibodies, of dengue virus in asymptomatic children from two different geographical areas. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective epidemiologic study compared the presence of antibodies in children who live in a coastal region of a tropical country where dengue is endemic, and an inland area where dengue is not endemic. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the serum for dengue virus IgG antibodies. None of the children had a prior history of dengue, fever, immunosuppressive therapy or underlying disease. RESULTS: During the period from July 2002 to July 2003, 103 children were recruited from each area. In the costal region we found a seroprevalence of 36.9%. In the inland area seroprevalence was 2.9%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a substantial number of asymptomatic infections in Costa Rican children. This greatly increases the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome in these children, in whom previous dengue infection had gone undetected. Preventive efforts should be targeted at the costal region due to the higher prevalence in this area.

Seroprevalence of dengue virus antibodies in asymptomatic Costa Rican children, 2002-2003: a pilot study / La seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra el virus del dengue en niños costarricenses asintomáticos, 2002-2003: estudio piloto

OBJECTIVES: Since 1993 dengue has become more frequent in Costa Rica. Adults have been the most affected population, while children have remained virtually unharmed. So far no studies have investigated how many asymptomatic children have been affected by this virus. This pilot study documents the seroprevalence, measured as the presence of IgG antibodies, of dengue virus in asymptomatic children from two different geographical areas. METHODS: This descriptive, prospective epidemiologic study compared the presence of antibodies in children who live in a coastal region of a tropical country where dengue is endemic, and an inland area where dengue is not endemic. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test the serum for dengue virus IgG antibodies. None of the children had a prior history of dengue, fever, immunosuppressive therapy or underlying disease. RESULTS: During the period from July 2002 to July 2003, 103 children were recruited from each area. In the costal region we found a seroprevalence of 36.9 percent. In the inland area seroprevalence was 2.9 percent CONCLUSIONS: We found a substantial number of asymptomatic infections in Costa Rican children. This greatly increases the risk of dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome in these children, in whom previous dengue infection had gone undetected. Preventive efforts should be targeted at the costal region due to the higher prevalence in this area.

OBJETIVOS: Desde 1993, la frecuencia de dengue en Costa Rica ha venido aumentando. La población de adultos ha sido la más afectada, mientras que en los niños apenas se han presentado casos. Hasta el momento no se han realizado estudios para determinar cuántos niños asintomáticos se han visto afectados por el virus de la enfermedad. Este estudio piloto documenta la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos de tipo IgG contra el virus del dengue en niños asintomáticos procedentes de dos zonas geográficas distintas. MÉTODOS: En este estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y prospectivo se comparó la presencia de anticuerpos en niños que vivían en la zona costera de un país tropical donde el dengue es endémico, y en una zona del interior donde no lo es. Se usó inmunoadsorción enzimática para detectar IgG en el suero. Ninguno de los niños tenía antecedentes de dengue, enfermedad febril, tratamiento inmunosupresor o enfermedad subyacente. RESULTADOS: Durante el período transcurrido desde julio de 2003 hasta julio de 2003, se reunió a 103 niños de cada área. En la zona costera encontramos una seroprevalencia de IgG de 36,9 por ciento; en el interior, de 2,9 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: Encontramos muchos casos de infección asintomática por el virus del dengue en niños costarricenses. Esto conlleva un riesgo elevado de fiebre hemorrágica del dengue o de síndrome de choque por dengue en estos niños en quienes la infección había pasado inadvertida. Es necesario tomar medidas preventivas en la región del litoral debido a la mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad en ella.

Brief report: young people at risk for eating disorders in Southeast Brazil.

A representative sample of 7-14-year-old young people in southeast Brazil (N=1251) was assessed using standardized parent and youth interviews, thereby identifying an 'at-risk' group of young people who met one or more DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa. These young people were compared with an age and gender matched comparison group for body mass index (BMI) and socio-economic status (SES). The prevalence of young people at risk for eating disorders was 1.4% (higher in females and rising with age). 'At-risk' individuals did not differ from controls in BMI but were of higher SES. In Brazil, the link between symptoms of eating disorders and higher SES is not just a referral artefact but is evident in a representative community sample. This might reflect a stronger preference for thinness among more westernized social groups.

Validação da sessão de transtornos alimentares do DAWBA (Levantamento sobre o Desenvolvimento e Bem-Estar de Crianças e Adolescentes) / Validation of the eating disorders section of the DAWBA (Development and Well-Being Assessment)

Esta tese teve por objetivo validar e pesquisar a confiabilidade da Sessão de Transtornos Alimentares do DAWBA (Development and Well-Being Assessment), um pacote de entrevistas e técnicas de avaliação aplicável por entrevistadores sem experiência clínica prévia, para rastrear e diagnosticar transtornos alimentares em crianças e adolescentes do sexo feminino, de 7 a 17 anos, em estudos epidemiológicos. Participaram deste estudo 174 meninas de 8 a 17 anos, de três grupos: (1) 48 com transtornos alimentares; (2) 55 controles clínicos - em tratamento para depressão unipolar, para transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo ou para doença gastrointestinal – e (3) 71 controles comunitários. A Sessão de Transtornos Alimentares do DAWBA apresentou boa validade e confiabilidade...

This thesis concerns the validation and investigation of the reliability of The Eating Disorders Section of The Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA), a package of interviews and assessment techniques designed to be administered by trained interviewers without previous experience in eating disorders, for screening and diagnosis in epidemiological studies of eating disorders in female children and adolescents, from 7 to 17 years old. This study was carried out with the participation of 174 girls, from 8 to 17 years old, from three groups: (1) 48 with eating disorders; (2) 55 clinical controls – in treatment for unipolar depression, for obsessive compulsive disorder or for gastrointestinal disease – and (3) 71 community controls. The Eating Disorders Section of the DAWBA presented good validity and reliability...

The Eating Disorders Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA): development and validation.

OBJECTIVE: Development and validation of the Eating Disorders Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). It is a package of questionnaires, interviews and evaluation techniques, designed to generate DSM-IV and ICD-10 based diagnoses of anorexia, bulimia nervosa and the respective partial syndromes in epidemiological studies, in subjects who are 7 to 17 years old. The parents are interviewed in all cases, as are young people aged 11 or more. METHODS: 174 girls, divided into three groups, were assessed with the Eating Disorders Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment: 48 with eating disorders, 55 clinical controls (with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or gastrointestinal disease) and 71 community controls. The sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of the assessment were investigated by comparing the Development and Well-Being Assessment diagnoses with independent psychiatric diagnoses. The test-retest reliability was investigated by reapplying the measure on 55 subjects after 2 or 3 weeks. RESULTS: For the detection of any DSM-IV and ICD-10 eating disorder, the final Development and Well-Being Assessment diagnosis had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 94%, positive predictive value of 88%, and a negative predictive value of 100%; there was 95% agreement between the initial and repeat diagnoses (a kappa of 0.81). CONCLUSION: The Eating Disorders Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment has suitable psychometric properties for use in clinical and epidemiological studies.

The Eating Disorders Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA): development and validation

OBJETIVOS: Desenvolvimento e validação da Sessão de Transtornos Alimentares do Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). Essa sessão é um pacote de questionários, entrevistas e técnicas de avaliação, desenvolvido para gerar diagnósticos baseados no DSM-IV e CID-10 de anorexia, bulimia nervosa e as respectivas síndromes parciais em estudos epidemiológicos, em jovens de 7 a 17 anos. Os pais são entrevistados em todos os casos, assim como as jovens de 11 anos ou mais. MÉTODOS: 174 meninas, divididas em três grupos, foram avaliadas com a Sessão de Transtornos Alimentares do Development and Well-Being Assessment: 48 jovens com transtornos alimentares, 55 controles clínicos (com depressão, transtorno obsessivo-compulsivo ou doença gastrintestinal) e 71 controles da comunidade. Sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos do instrumento foram pesquisados pela comparação dos diagnósticos pelo Development and Well-Being Assessment com diagnósticos psiquiátricos independentes. A confiabilidade teste-reteste foi investigada reaplicando-se o instrumento em 55 sujeitos após duas ou três semanas. RESULTADOS: Para a detecção de qualquer transtorno alimentar segundo o DSM-IV e o CID-10, o diagnóstico final pelo Development and Well-Being Assessment apresentou sensibilidade de 100%, especificidade de 94%, valor preditivo positivo de 88%, valor preditivo negativo de 100% e 95% de concordância entre testes e retestes (Kappa de 0,81). CONCLUSAO: A Sessão de Transtornos Alimentares do Development and Well-Being Assessment tem boas propriedades psicométricas para o uso em estudos clínicos e epidemiológicos.