Supplementation with west indian cherry and its effects on the blood levels of vitamin C and hemoglobin in preschool children

O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a prevalência da deficiência de vitamina C em 104 crianças de 2 a 6 anos de idade de creches municipais de João Pessoa, PB, bem como analisar a eficácia da suplementação com acerola. Foram realizadas dosagens de vitamina C sérica e de hemoglobina antes e depois da intervenção. Os resultados iniciais mostraram prevalência de 69,2% de carência de vitamina C (< 0,80 mg/dL) e 35,7% de crianças com níveis de hemoglobina indicativos de anemia (Hb < 11,0 mg/dL); encontrou-se associação entre os níveis de vitamina C e de hemoglobina (p<0,01). Para as 72 crianças com níveis baixos de vitamina C foi oferecido durante 35 dias, 150 mL de suco de acerola (teor médio 565 mg de ácido ascórbico/100 mL). A comparação de níveis séricos médios de vitamina C antes e após a suplementação (0,52 + 0,20 mg/dL e 1,43 + 0,43 mg/dL, respectivamente) mostrou diferença significativa (p<0,001). Também ocorreu aumento significativo na concentração média de hemoglobina, que de 11,17+ 1,46 g/dL passou a 12,22 + 1,52 g/dL (p<0,001). Considerando-se os resultados obtidos, a disponibilidade e o baixo custo deste fruto regionalmente, justifica-se a proposta de inclusão do mesmo em programas de alimentação para populações de alto risco para a anemia. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin C deficiency among 104 preschool children, aged 2 to 6 years, enrolled at municipal day-care centers in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, and to test the efficacy of supplementing their diet with West Indian Cherry. Determinations of serum vitamin C and blood hemoglobin were carried out before and after supplementation. First results showed 69.2% of prevalence of vitamin C deficiency (<0.80 mg/dL) and 35.7% of children with hemoglobin levels indicative of anemia (Hb <11.0 mg/dL); these two indicators were found to be associated (p < 0.01). Seventy-two children with low levels of vitamin C were offered, during 35 days, 150 mL of West Indian Cherry juice (mean content 565 mg of ascorbic acid/100 mL). Comparison of vitamin C levels before and after supplementation (0.52 + 0.20 mg/dL and 1.43 + 0.43 mg/dL respectively ) showed a significant difference (p<0.001). There was also a significant increase on the mean of hemoglobin concentration, which from 11.17+ 1.46 g/dL rose to 12.22 + 1.52 g/dL after the intervention (p<0.001). Considering the results presented here and the availability of the cherries at low cost in the region, this fruit juice should be included in all feeding programs for populations at risk of anemia

Impact of a dietary supplement on the nutritional status of preschool children enrolled in day care centers

Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da suplementação da dieta com multimistura sobre o estado nutricional de crianças em fase pré-escolar em risco nutricional. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo tipo duplo cego com duração de dois meses e acompanhamento longitudinal de 135 crianças na faixa etária de um a seis anos. As crianças foram divididas em três grupos: intervenção 1 (GI1 n=48), intervenção 2 (GI2 n=45) e controle (GC n=42), recebendo 5g e 10g de multimistura e placebo, respectivamente. O estado nutricional das crianças em estudo foi avaliado antes e após a suplementação. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa nos indicadores peso/idade, altura/idade e peso/altura entre os grupos estudados na linha base (p=0,251 p=0,248 e p=0,399, respectivamente). Após a intervenção a diferença na prevalência de déficit antropométrico entre os grupos também não foi significante (p=0,100 p=0,435 ep=0,210, respectivamente). A comparação das médias antes e depois da intervenção, igualmente, não demonstrou diferenças (p>0,05 utilizando os métodos estatísticos de Kruskall - Wallis e Análise de Variância). Conclusão: Frente ao impacto das pequenas quantidades consumidas de suplemento, no caso a mistura de farelo de cereais, não se justifica esperar alterações significativas sobre a recuperação de crianças em risco nutricional, já que esses suplementos contêm somente pequenas quantidades de calorias e de macromicronutrientes.Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a diet supplemented with a bran-based cereal mixture on the nutritional status of preschool children presenting nutritional risk. Methods: This was a two-month double-blinded study with a longitudinal follow up using 135 children with ages ranging from one to six years old and divided into three groups: intervention 1 (GI1=48), intervention 2 (GI2 n=45) and control (CG n=42), receiving 5g and 10g of the multi-mixture and placebo, respectively. The nutritional situation of the children in the study was evaluated before and after supplementation. Results: No significant differences were observed in the weight/age, height/age and weight/height indicators at the base line (p=0.251 p=0.248 and p=0.399 respectively) between the groups studied. After intervention, the difference between the groups in the prevalence of anthropometrical deficit was also not significant (p=0.100 p=0.435 and p=0.210 respectively) and a comparison of the averages before and after intervention revealed no differences (p>0.05 using the Kruskall - Wallis and Analysis of Variance statistical methods). Conclusion: In the specific case of the bran-based mixture, the impact of the small amounts of supplement ingested did not warrant expecting alterations in the recovery of children presenting nutritional risk, since these supplements contain only small amounts of calories and macro and micronutrients

Hand hygiene: a review of understanding and attitudes of healthcare professionals

Objective: Evaluate hand hygiene performed by health professionals in a public hospital and identify non-adherence factors for the correct technique. Methods: The professionals were submitted to a questionnaire, testing their knowledge of hand hygiene compliance for health professionals and were observed while hand washing. Results: 62,5% received training either during undergraduation course, or by the hospital, while 37,5% did not know how to do the technique. Regarding the reason for the noncompliance of proper hygiene techniques, 61,1% of professionals said that excessive professional activity, and insufficient time are the main causes. 44,4% mentioned the lack of priority of the institution as to the procedure and 16,6% lack the time to perform the technique. Conclusion: It appears that most of the professionals interviewed did not obey the rules recommended hand hygiene and the main reason is no time due to excessive workload

Hand hygiene: a review of understanding and attitudes of healthcare professionals

Objective: Evaluate hand hygiene performed by health professionals in a public hospital and identify non-adherence factors for the correct technique. Methods: The professionals were submitted to a questionnaire, testing their knowledge of Hand Hygiene Compliance for Health Professionals and were observed while hand washing. Results: 62.5% received training either during undergraduation course, or by the hospital, while 37.5% did not know how to do the technique. Regarding the reason for the noncompliance of proper hygiene techniques, 61.1% of professionals said that excessive professional activity, and insufficient time are the main causes. 44.4% mentioned the lack of priority of the institution as to the procedure and 16.6% lack the time to perform the technique. Conclusion: It appears that most of the professionals interviewed did not obey the rules recommended hand hygiene and the main reason is no time due to excessive workload. Descriptors: Infection, Hand hygiene, health professionals

Physiological characterization of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides isolates from Mangifera indica

A antracnose tem sido relatada como a principal doença pré e pós-colheita da manga, atacando folhas e frutos. Este trabalho objetivou realizar a caracterização fisiológica e patogênica de cinco isolados de Colletotrichum gloeosporioides da mangueira cv. Amrapali. Para a caracterização fisiológica, os isolados foram cultivados sob diferentes regimes de luz (0h, 12h e 24h) a 25°C, em que medições diárias até o 6 DAI (Dias após inoculação) foram feitas para obtenção de medias de crescimento micelial, e aos 6 DAI quantificação de esporos. Em seguida foi avaliado o potencial patogênico dos isolados através de medições de lesões na face adaxial das folhas aos 2, 4, 6, 8 e 10 DAI. Ambas as avaliações foram conduzidas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Isolados de C. gloeosporioides cultivados sob o regime de 12 horas luz e sob a temperatura de 25°C obtiveram melhor desenvolvimento fisiológico e o maior desenvolvimento patogênico no regime de 0 horas de luz.Anthracnose comprises in the main pre- and post-harvest disease of mango, causing damage on the leaves and fruits. This work aimed to carry out a physiological and pathogenic characterization of five isolates of Colletotrichum gloeopsorioides from mango trees cv. Amrapali. For the physiological characterization, the isolates were cultivated under different light regimes (0h, 12h and 24h) at 25°C, wherein daily measurements were taken up to 6 DAI (Days after inoculation) to obtain mycelial growth averages, and at 6 DAI spore quantification. Then, the pathogenic potential of the isolates was evaluated, through measurements of lesions on the top surface of the leaves at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 DAI. Both evaluations were carried out in a completely randomized design. Isolates of C. gloeosporioides cultivated under 12 hours light at temperature of 25°C obtained the best physiological development and the highest pathogenic development was observed in the regime of 0 hours light

Associação de citocinas, incapacidade neurológica e duração da doença em pacientes com mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I/paraparesia espástica tropical (MAH/PET)

OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and immunological markers associated with HTLV-I associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). METHOD: 237 HTLV-I infected individuals were clinically assessed. They were classified according to the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and Osame s Motor Disability Score (OMDS). Cytokine levels were determined in HTLV-I seropositive individuals. RESULTS: 37 patients had HAM/TSP. There was a correlation between the degrees of disability assessed by both scales. There was also a correlation between the duration of HAM/TSP and the severity of disability assessed by either EDSS or OMDS. Higher levels of IFN-g were detected in unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from HAM/TSP patients as compared with HTLV-I carriers. CONCLUSION: This study shows the validity of the neurological scales to classify the degree of neurological disability in HTLV-I carriers and suggests a progressive behavior of HAM/TSP. This study also shows that IFN-g in PBMC supernatants are markers of HAM/TSP. ________________________________________________________________________________________ RESUMO: OBEJETIVO: Identificar marcadores clínicos e imunológicos associados com a mielopatia associada ao HTLV-I/paraparesia espástica tropical (MAH/PET). MÉTODO: 237 indivíduos infectados pelo HTLV-I foram clinicamente avaliados. Eles foram classificados de acordo com a escala expandida do estado de incapacidade de Kurtzke (EDSS) e escala de incapacidade motora de Osame (OMDS). Níveis de citocinas foram determinados nos indivíduos. RESULTADOS: 37 pacientes tinham MAH/PET. Houve correlação entre os graus de incapacidade pelas escalas. Houve também correlação entre a duração da MAH/PET e o grau da incapacidade pelas escalas. Níveis elevados de IFN-g foram detectados em células mononucleares de sangue periférico (CMSP) não estimuladas de pacientes com MAH/PET quando comparados com indivíduos HTLV-I positivos assintomáticos. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados demonstram a validade das escalas neurológicas para classificar o grau de incapacidade neurológica em portadores do HTLV-I e sugerem o comportamento progressivo da MAH/PET. Este estudo também demonstra que os níveis de IFN-g em sobrenadante de CMSP são marcadores da MAH/PET