Effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children – observational study

BackgroundSecond-hand smoking or environmental tobacco smoke is a critical health risk. Children are the most vulnerable to second-hand smoking because of their small bronchial ducts, less developed immunity, and low-physical activity.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the effects of second-hand smoking on lung functions in athlete and non-athlete school-aged children.MethodsThis observational study included forty-six school-aged children, their age was 8–15 years, assigned to three groups; 2 study groups and 1 control group (n=15). The study groups comprised of 16 football players, and of 15 cyclists. Lung functions were evaluated recording forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow using digital spirometer.ResultsAll measures were recorded in definite values and the children were also classified into second-hand smoking (SH), or non-exposed to tobacco smoking (NE). The findings presented a significant increase (p<0.05) of the study groups in forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 sec and peak expiratory flow solely for the non-exposed children. However, there were non-significant differences between the cyclists and football players or between the passive smoking children and non-exposed children in any of the two study groups (p>0.05).ConclusionThe outcomes of this study suggest beneficial influences of the sports activity on the lung functions, without different influences of the cyclists and football players on the lung functions.     

Comparison of immune electron microscopy and genome electropherotyping techniques for detection of turkey rotaviruses and rotaviruslike viruses in intestinal contents.

Seventy-nine intestinal contents specimens from 65 turkey flocks were examined for rotavirus and rotaviruslike virus (RVLV) by immune electron microscopy (IEM) and genome electropherotyping. The IEM procedure was slightly more sensitive in detecting these viruses; 7 of 48 specimens (14.6%) positive for virus by IEM were negative by the genome electropherotyping technique. The genome electropherotyping technique more readily differentiated the rotaviruses and RVLVs than did the IEM procedure; 15 of 48 specimens (31%) positive for virus by IEM could not be differentiated into rotavirus of RVLV, whereas only 4 of the 41 specimens (9.7%) positive by genome electropherotyping produced incomplete genome electropherotypes and could not be differentiated. Thirty-one specimens negative by IEM were also negative by genome electropherotyping. Specimens determined to contain only rotavirus by IEM produced only rotavirus genome electropherotypes. Likewise, specimens determined to contain RVLV alone by IEM produced only RVLV genome electropherotypes. Three specimens contained viruses morphologically resembling rotaviruses that were not aggregated by either the anti-turkey rotavirus serum or the anti-turkey RVLV serum and possessed genome electropherotypes distinct from those of the turkey rotavirus and RVLV. These rotaviruses may represent a third, previously unrecognized serogroup of turkey rotaviruses.     

Regionalization of ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes care: putting a national policy in proper perspective.

A uniform policy for regionalization of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) care raises several concerns. Transferring all STEMI patients to obtain primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be less effective than transferring only high-risk STEMI patients. Delays in time to treatment >60 min associated with transferring patients for primary PCI may result in increased mortality for the average patient as compared with providing immediate fibrinolytic therapy at their initial hospital; yet more than 95% of patients transferred for primary PCI in the U.S. exceed this 60-min benchmark. Superior outcomes associated with treatment at higher-volume regional STEMI centers are inconsistent among centers, and there is no direct evidence that patients will benefit by a transfer to a high-volume hospital from a low-volume hospital. Published data suggest as many as 800 PCI patients would need to be transferred to a high-volume PCI hospital to avoid a single death at a low-volume PCI hospital. Although European randomized trial data suggest transferring patients with STEMI for primary PCI may be superior to immediate fibrinolytic therapy, these findings are unlikely to generalize to the U.S. health care system given size, geography, and organization. ST segment elevation myocardial infarction care regionalization would require a massive redistribution of health care resources, depriving several hospitals of advanced cardiac care facilities, expertise, and associated revenue. Clearer evidence of the benefits and discussion of potential harms are needed before adopting a national STEMI regionalization policy.     

Schistosomiasis and sarcoma of the urinary bladder

A young male patient with schistosomiasis and sarcoma of the urinary bladder is presented. Total cystectomy followed by radiotherapy was performed. The gross appearance, microscopic findings of the tumor and an outline of the disease are discussed.     

Development of cDNA probes for typing group A bovine rotaviruses on the basis of VP4 specificity.

Dot and Northern (RNA) blot hybridization assays were developed for the P typing of group A bovine rotaviruses (BRV) by using cDNA probes prepared from gene segment 4. The probes were prepared by polymerase chain reaction amplification of hyperdivergent regions (nucleotides 211 to 686) of BRV strain UK, IND, NCDV, and Cr VP4 cDNA by using specific oligonucleotide primers. The probes were P type specific (VP4) and exhibited little or no cross-reactivity with double-stranded RNA from heterologous rotavirus P types. Our studies indicate that at least three P types, as defined by polymerase chain reaction-derived VP4 gene probes from the UK, NCDV, and Cr strains, exist among the seven BRV isolates tested.     

The epidemiology of hypertension in family practice in Cape Town

A prevalence study of hypertension in 8 family practices in low socio-economic areas of Cape Town examined 1,046 patients over the age of 15 years. The crude prevalence rate of hypertension was 20.26%. There was no significant sex difference. Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and hypertensive status increased with age and body mass index (BMI). There were complex relationships with regard to sex in that the female sex was predictive of hypertensive status after the age of 45 years unexplained by differences in BMI. After adjusting for age, BMI and sex differences, widowhood, poor education, obesity, a family history of hypertension or stroke and a past history of hypertension were significant predictors of hypertensive status. Smoking status, occupational social class or property ownership were not predictive. Fifty-one per cent of hypertensive subjects were treated. Of those receiving treatment, 30% were controlled resulting in a control prevalence of only 18%. Younger male subjects were better controlled by treatment. A strong need for improved diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in family practice exists in this region.     

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after caesarean section

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), also known as Ogilvie’s syndrome, is a rare condition associated with massive dilatation of the colon in the absence of any mechanical obstruction. Between 4 and 35% of all reported cases of ACPO have occurred in association with pregnancy or puerperium, with most of these occurring after caesarean sections. We present a case report of the successful management of a patient with ACPO.