Prospective epidemiologic considerations on asthma morbidity in patients admitted to the St. Maria Emergency Hospital Clinic for Children, Iaşi

Authors present the results of a clinical epidemiological assessment of a retroprospective study carried out on a sample of 6717 records of children assisted for asthma in the "Sf. Maria" Emergency Clinic Hospital for Children Iasi, between 1990-2004. The epidemiological and statistical mathematics methods, both classical and computerized, highlighted an increase in the incidence and prevalence values in 2000, as a consequence of National Program for Asthma. For the entire period of study, the morbidity values increased in the cold and transit season, due to the acute respiratory infections, and in the warm season, by the atmospheric pollen. The anatomic-physiological peculiarities of the respiratory tubes explained the higher prevalence of asthma in males aged until 10 years old. Asthma had an increased incidence in the age groups of 4-6 years old (28.21%) and 7-9 (30.42%), as a result of the entrance in collectivities where there is a high risk for acute respiratory infections. A lower prevalence of asthma in young-age groups was explained by a difficult diagnosis. The results above-mentioned can offer orientations for the clinical epidemiological surveillance programs of asthma.     

Evaluation of viral replication in children with chronic hepatitis B with and without interferon treatment

BACKGROUND: In chronic infection with hepatitis virus B the fact that HBeAg becomes negative does not always mean suppression of viral replication. METHOD: HBV replication was assessed in 74 patients with chronic hepatitis or viral B cirrhosis, in whom diagnosis was made according to clinical, biological, and histological criteria. The patients were divided into two groups: group I (36 patients with interferon- therapy, 3 million U/m 2/ dose, 3 doses/week over a period of 4-6 months) and group II (control group of 38 patients who did not undergo interferon therapy). After a follow up period of 6 years in which patients underwent clinical, biochemical and serologic monitorization, HBV DNA was detected by the hybridization method on solid medium. RESULTS: During evolution the levels of transaminases became normal in both groups. The HBe Ag/Ab seroconversion rate at the end of the interferon therapy was 52.8% and the spontaneous HBe Ag/Ab seroconversion rate was 72.7% in group II after an average evolution of 6 years. HBs Ag/Ab seroconversion was not detected in any patient. Assessment of viral replication by HBV DNA testing at the end of the follow up period showed higher levels as compared to the HBeAg testing (69.4% vs. 25% in group I, 55.2% vs. 7.9% in group II). The absence of viral replication (HBV DNA negative) had similar rates in both groups (30.6% in group I vs. 44.8% in group II, p>0.9) and HBV DNA titers in the two groups were not significantly different at the end of the follow up period. In both groups, HBV DNA titers were significantly higher in patients with positive HBeAg. The concordance between the two viral markers was 100%. CONCLUSION: Because of the fluctuating evolution, long-term follow up and monitorization (including HBV DNA testing) of patients with chronic hepatitis B and of inactive HBsAg carriers are necessary.     

Educational techniques in diabetes treatment

This study focused on an educational program for type 2 diabetics and monitoring of the following variables: blood glucose, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and self-care of feet since the initial diagnosis over a 5-year period. This was an exploratory study from 1996 to 2000. The study was carried out with 189 patients diagnosed as type 2 diabetics, divided into two groups: compliant patients (n = 101) and non-compliant (n = 88), the latter having participated for less than 2 years. The methodology consisted of an educational intervention aimed at health and self-care. The variables used were: blood glucose, weight, BMI, and systolic and diastolic arterial pressure. The differences between baseline and final values showed a decrease for all variables in the compliant group and for blood glucose and arterial pressure (AP) for the non-compliant group. Regarding diet control, medication, physical exercise, and prevention of diabetic foot, there was a general improvement, demonstrating the importance of preventive measures for health.     

The antidepressant-like effect of Hypericum caprifoliatum Cham & Schlecht (Guttiferae) on forced swimming test results from an inhibition of neuronal monoamine uptake

A crude (ECH) and a purified cyclohexane extract (HCP) of Hypericum caprifoliatum and their main phloroglucinol derivative (HC1) were evaluated regarding their action on monoaminergic systems, more precisely on dopamine. In rats and mice forced swimming test, ECH and HCP dose-dependently reduced the immobility time. The effect of the highest dose was prevented by a prior administration of either sulpiride or SCH 23390 (D₂ and D₁ dopamine receptor antagonist, respectively). HCP (360 mg/kg) decreased the locomotor activity of mice. ECH (90 mg/kg) caused hypothermia and potentiated apomorphine-induced (16 mg/kg) hypothermia in mice. HCP and HC1 inhibited, in a concentration-dependent and monophasic manner, the [³H]-DA, [³H]-NA and [³H]-5HT synaptosomal uptakes, but did not prevent the binding of specific ligands to the monoamine transporters. Moreover, when tested at the concentrations corresponding to its IC₅₀ on [³H]-DA uptake, HC1 did not induce a significant [³H]-DA release, while at a higher concentration (200 ng/ml) it enhanced significantly (by 12%) the synaptosomal DA release. These data suggest that the antidepressant-like effect of H. caprifoliatum on the forced swimming test is due to an increase in monoaminergic transmission, resulting from monoamine uptake inhibition, more potently of dopamine, which may be related to their phloroglucinol contents.     

The impact of women's groups on gender vulnerability

This study evaluated the impact of workshops on health and gender conducted through extension programs under Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) in the city of S o Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The method was based on participatory research and action-based research. Women's groups were organized in two locations in the city. The first group was attended by 14 women, with a total of 6 meetings. The second received 18 women and held a total of 11 meetings. The themes discussed and experienced were: relations between parents and children, gender stereotypes and roles, conjugality, limits to abusive behaviors, body and sexuality, and empowerment to deal with violence. Thirteen women who attended the second group changed their behavior patterns, looking for jobs, going back to school, improving their body image, and reassessing situations involving violence. The group of researchers approached the S o Leopoldo Women's Forum and helped strengthen a support network, as well as increasing the visibility of specific policies and the planning and implementation of public policies for women.     

Congenital retinal macro-vessel

This is to show the case of a 40 year old patient, where a congenital retinal macro-vessel was found, the peculiarities of which are increased calibre, intersection of the macular area, arteriovenous shunts and lack of functional disturbances. The disease is rare and its lesional and functional stability is remarkable.     

Long-term biological fate of polyurethane aortic prostheses

A study was carried out to investigate the biological fate of spongy polyurethane aortic prostheses after a period of implantation of 7 to 10 years in dogs. The present findings indicate that this material is in a sense accepted by the organism (not only tolerated) because almost complete reorganization of the arterial elastic structures inside the prostheses and the formation of arterial branches from the prostheses were observed.