To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of health-related quality-of-life questionnaires of children with food allergy and their parents.
The translation and cultural ...adaptation processes were previously performed, according to the method proposed by the World Health Organization. After this stage, the questionnaires were applied to 201 parents of children under 6 years of age with food allergy. The assessment of the psychometric properties included: evaluation of the internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha coefficient; of the reproducibility by the intraclass correlation coefficient between test and retest; and of the construct, using Spearman's correlation coefficient, comparing the obtained scores with those of generic questionnaires that evaluate health-related quality of life.
The means of the obtained scores were 2.44 and 3.35, for the children and their parents, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.85 and 0.91, respectively, which showed good internal consistency of the tools. The intraclass correlation coefficients between test and retest were 0.87 and 0.84 for children and their parents, respectively, showing good reproducibility for both questionnaires. The correlation between the specific and the generic questionnaires was significant (−0.27 for the children, −0.64 for their parents, p<0.05).
The specific questionnaires to evaluate the health-related quality of life of children with food allergy and of their parents were satisfactorily validated to be used in Brazil.
Avaliar as propriedades psicométricas da versão brasileira dos questionários de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de crianças com alergia alimentar e de seus pais.
Os processos de tradução e adaptação cultural foram feitos previamente, de acordo com o método proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. Após essa etapa, os questionários foram aplicados a 201 pais de crianças menores de 6 anos com alergia alimentar. A avaliação das propriedades psicométricas incluiu: avaliação da consistência interna, pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach; da reprodutibilidade, pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse entre teste e reteste; e do constructo, empregou-se o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman, comparando os escores obtidos com os de questionários genéricos que avaliam a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde.
As médias dos escores obtidos foram 2,44 e 3,35, para as crianças e seus pais, respectivamente. Os coeficientes alfa de Cronbach foram 0,85 e 0,91, respectivamente, o que demonstrou boa consistência interna dos instrumentos. Os coeficientes de correlação intraclasse entre os testes e os retestes foram 0,87 e 0,84, para crianças e seus pais, respectivamente, demonstraram boa reprodutibilidade para ambos os questionários. A correlação entre os questionários específicos e genéricos foi significante (−0,27 para as crianças; −0,64 para os pais; p<0,05).
Os questionários específicos para avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de crianças com alergia alimentar e de seus pais foram satisfatoriamente validados para uso no Brasil.
The NTRK1 gene encodes Tropomyosin-related kinase A (TRKA), the high-affinity Nerve Growth Factor Receptor. NTRK1 was originally isolated from a colorectal carcinoma (CRC) sample as component of a ...somatic rearrangement (TPM3-NTRK1) resulting in expression of the oncogenic chimeric protein TPM3-TRKA, but there has been no subsequent report regarding the relevance of this oncogene in CRC. The KM12 human CRC cell line expresses the chimeric TPM3-TRKA protein and is hypersensitive to TRKA kinase inhibition. We report the detailed characterization of the TPM3-NTRK1 genomic rearrangement in KM12 cells and through a cellular screening approach, the identification of NMS-P626, a novel highly potent and selective TRKA inhibitor. NMS-P626 suppressed TPM3-TRKA phosphorylation and downstream signaling in KM12 cells and showed remarkable antitumor activity in mice bearing KM12 tumors.
Finally, using quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) we identified the TPM3-NTRK1 rearrangement in a CRC clinical sample, therefore suggesting that this chromosomal translocation is indeed a low frequency recurring event in CRC and that such patients might benefit from therapy with TRKA kinase inhibitors.
•We report that the TPM3-NTRK1 rearrangement is a low-frequency recurring event in CRC.•A validated IHC method for the identification of TRKA-positive patients is provided.•Pharmacological inhibition of TRKA is proposed as a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC.
Our objective was to describe the serum vitamin D concentrations of children and adolescents with food allergy (FA) and to verify the association between the number of food allergens involved, length ...of sun exposure, and nutritional status. Through a cross-sectional study, 79 patients with FA, from ages 2 to 15 years, were assessed and followed up in a reference out-patient clinic, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Clinical and biochemical data were collected for analysis of 25(OH)D, calcium, phosphorus, phosphatase, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The cut-off point used for vitamin D deficiency was 25(OH)D ≤ 20 ng/mL. Vitamin D deficiency was detected in 45.6% of patients with a median age of 6.9 years (Interquartile range IQR 4.7; 10.2). The median serum 25(OH)D concentration was 21.1 ng/ mL (IQR 17.8; 26.0). Multivariate linear regression was performed considering serum vitamin D level as a dependent variable. Allergy to multiple foods (inverse) and length of sun exposure (direct), but not nutritional status, were independently associated with serum 25(OH)D levels (P = 0.034 and P = 0.014, respectively). Patients with cow’s milk allergy also showed lower vitamin D concentrations in comparison with other FA (19.1 ng/mL IQR 16.6; 24.4 vs 22.2 ng/mL IQR 18.1; 27.1 P = 0.056). Vitamin D deficiency affected about half of individuals with FA. Multiple food allergy was associated with lower vitamin D concentrations, reinforcing the importance of monitoring vitamin D status in patients with FA.
Cannabis light preparations are products derived or containing dried female inflorescences of Cannabis sativa belonging to Chemotype III (THC/CBD ratio <<1); the total THC (THC+THCA) content in the ...crop must not exceed 0.2 % in accordance with the EU regulation.
In Italy the most recent law for industrial hemp (242/2016) states that only for farmers this limit is extended to 0.6 %. On the other hand, the Ministry of the Interior published a note stating that the sale or the presence in the markets of products (inflorescences, concentrates, essences and resins) or plants with concentrations higher than 0.5 % constitutes a crime. In this confusing legislation framework, it is very important to assess the legality of hemp, determining the total amount of THC. To this end a reliable LC-UV analytical method was developed and validated taking into account parameters such as precision, accuracy, linearity, repeatability of peak area and retention time, limit of detection (LOD= 0.002 % for all cannabinoids) and limit of quantification (LOQ= 0.005 % for all cannabinoids). Accuracy was expressed as the relative error (Er%), while precision was measured as the coefficient of variation (CV%). A CV% below 3 % and Er% between ± 6 % were obtained. The linearity was proven in the concentration range 0.005–1 % for THC, THCA and CBN and 0.005 %–50 % for CBD and CBDA.
The analytical method was applied to more than nine hundred cannabis light samples.
Based on the law 242/2016, only 18 % of the crops are to be considered legal for the market (total THC<0.2 %). If the circular of the Ministry of the Interior should be converted as a proper law, a substantial amount of cannabis light preparations (24 %) would be considered illegal (total THC>0.5 %). On the other hand, the most of the inflorescences (58 %) have a total THC content comprised between 0.2 % and 0.5 %, and it is not clear whether these products could be sold or not. Moreover, Cannabis light products are not authorized for human consumption, even if everybody knows that this is their primary use. In conclusion, the cannabis light panorama in Italy is quite confused and more specific and clear legislation should be proposed.
The cultivation of spinach (
L.) has been increasing during the last years in controlled environment agriculture, where light represents a key factor for controlling plant growth and development and ...the highest energetic costs. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the plant's response to two light intensities, corresponding to an optimal and a reduced level, in terms of the photosynthetic process, photoassimilates partitioning, and the biosynthesis of sucrose and starch. Plants of spinach cv. 'Gigante d'Inverno' were grown in a phytotron under controlled conditions, comparing two values of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD), 800 μmol m
s
(800 PPFD) and 200 μmol m
s
(200 PPFD), at a 10 h light/14 h dark regime. Compared to 800 PPFD, under 200 PPFD, plants showed a reduction in biomass accumulation and a redirection of photoassimilates to leaves, determining a leaf expansion to optimize the light interception, without changes in the photosynthetic process. A shift in carbon partitioning favouring the synthesis of starch, causing an increase in the starch/sucrose ratio at the end of light period, occurred in low-light leaves. The activity of enzymes cFBAse, SPS, and AGPase, involved in the synthesis of sucrose and starch in leaves, decreased under lower light intensity, explaining the rate of accumulation of photoassimilates.
Elimination diet in food allergy: friend or foe? Kotchetkoff, Elaine Cristina de Almeida; de Oliveira, Lucila Camargo Lopes; Sarni, Roseli Oselka Saccardo
Jornal de pediatria,
03/2024, Letnik:
100, Številka:
Suppl 1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
To review and discuss the role of an elimination diet in food-allergic children, emphasizing nutritional aspects for a better practical approach.
Non-systematic review of the literature.
Under an ...elimination diet, food-allergic patients may suffer from growth impairment or obesity and compromised quality of life. Disease phenotype, age, type, number of foods excluded, comorbidities, eating difficulties, economic status, and food availability must be considered for an appropriate diet prescription. Diet quality encompasses diversity and degree of food processing, which may alter immune regulation.
A friendly food elimination diet prescription depends on a multidisciplinary approach beyond macro and micronutrients.
Individuals undergoing bariatric surgery often have inadequate protein intake, which can cause loss of lean body mass, low level of physical activity and sarcopenia. The whey protein supplement is ...the most suitable in this situation, however there is a low adherence to long-term use due to the palatability and monotony of the recipes. The aim this study was to analyze the acceptability of recipes containing whey-based protein supplements in individuals undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery.
An on-demand sampling was performed, through a prospective, experimental study, with individuals undergoing bariatric surgery, treated by a multidisciplinary team, in a clinic located in São Paulo, Brazil. The study excluded: individuals with possible changes in taste during the sensory testing period. The study was divided into selection of recipes containing whey proteins, recruitment of tasters, sensory and chemical analysis of the recipes.
The sample consisted of 40 tasters, adults, and elderly, who underwent bariatric and metabolic surgery, with a median of eight years of surgery, who had previously consumed a supplement. These individuals were subjected to sensory analysis of six recipes with fresh and minimally processed foods, plus protein supplement. All recipes had food acceptance above 78% and the chemical analysis of the recipes showed an average of 13 g of protein per serving.
There was favorable acceptance of recipes with whey proteins, which places them as good dietary alternatives for the prevention of sarcopenia and weight relapse in individuals undergoing bariatric and metabolic surgery.
Abstract Objective To evaluate homocysteine and total cysteine levels in prepubertal children and to determine the association between these levels and obesity, increased waist circumference, glucose ...levels, and lipid profile alterations. Methods Using a cross-sectional study, 677 prepubertal students 6 to 11 y old were assessed. The weight, height, and waist circumference of the students were measured. Laboratory analyses included triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and its fractions, glucose, vitamin B12, folate, homocysteine, and cysteine. Chi-square tests and logistic regression (forward–stepwise) were used for statistical analysis; the significance level was set at 5%. Results The median age of the students was 8.9 y (6.5–11.5), and the prevalences of overweight and obesity were 90 in 677 (13.3%) and 81 in 677 (12.0%), respectively. An increase in waist circumference was observed in 180 of 677 children (26.6%). Inadequate levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were found in 95 (14.0%), 129 (19.1%), and 179 (26.4%) of the 677 students, respectively. The median homocysteine and total cysteine plasma levels were 5.6 μmol/L (0.1–11.7) and 365.7 μmol/L (191.5–589.2), respectively. A multivariate analysis showed that children with a waist circumference above the 90th percentile (7.3 μmol/L) were 2.4 times (95% confidence interval 1.4–4.0) more likely to have increased homocysteine levels and that children with increased waist circumferences and those with high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 2.7 (95% confidence interval 1.6–4.6) and 2.1 (95% confidence interval 1.1–4.0) times more likely, respectively, to have total cysteine levels above the 90th percentile (445.0 μmol/L). Conclusion The association of abdominal obesity in prepuberty with levels of homocysteine and cysteine found in this study of a prepubertal population could be an early and independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cationic proportions (K/Ca/Mg) in the nutrient solution on fruit quality (quality attributes and antioxidant content) using a high-pigment, ...‘Lunarossa', tomato cultivar and a standard tomato cultivar (‘Corfù') grown in soilless culture. Treatments were defined by a factorial combination of three nutrient solutions having different cationic proportions and two indeterminately growing round tomato cultivars. A high proportion of K in the nutrient solution increased the quality attributes (fruit dry matter, total soluble solids content) and the lycopene content of tomato fruit, whereas a high proportion of Ca improved tomato fruit yield and reduced the incidence of blossom-end rot (BER). The highest total antioxidant activity was observed in the treatment with a high proportion of Mg in the Lunarossa cultivar. The high-pigment hybrid has provided a higher antioxidant content (lycopene and α-tocopherol content) than the commercial hybrid, but it was more susceptible to BER and consequently less productive. Keywords: Tomato; antioxidant activity; carotenoids; tocopherols; minerals; nutrients
Deception and reciprocity Alempaki, Despoina; Doğan, Gönül; Saccardo, Silvia
Experimental economics : a journal of the Economic Science Association,
12/2019, Letnik:
22, Številka:
4
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
We experimentally investigate the relationship between (un)kind actions and subsequent deception in a two-player, two-stage game. The first stage involves a dictator game. In the second-stage, the ...recipient in the dictator game has the opportunity to lie to her counterpart. We study how the fairness of dictator-game outcomes affects subsequent lying decisions where lying hurts one’s counterpart. In doing so, we examine whether the moral cost of lying varies when retaliating against unkind actions is financially beneficial for the self (selfish lies), as opposed to being costly (spiteful lies). We find evidence that individuals engage in deception to reciprocate unkind behavior: The smaller the payoff received in the first stage, the higher the lying rate. Intention-based reciprocity largely drives behavior, as individuals use deception to punish unkind behavior and truth-telling to reward kind behavior. For selfish lies, individuals have a moral cost of lying. However, for spiteful lies, we find no evidence for such costs. Taken together, our data show a moral cost of lying that is not fixed but instead context-dependent.
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