Showing papers by "Rio de Janeiro State University published in 2002"

Amino acid composition, protein content and calculation of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors for 19 tropical seaweeds

Abstract: SUMMARY The use of nitrogen-to-protein conversion factors (N-Prot factors) is the most practical way of determining protein content. The accuracy of protein determination by this method depends on the establishment of N-Prot factors specific to individual species. Experimental data are needed to allow the use of this methodology with seaweeds. The present study was designed to characterize the amino acid composition and to establish specific N-Prot factors for six green, four brown and nine red marine algae. Mean values for individual amino acids tended to be similar among the three groups, but some differences were found. Green algae tended to show lower percentages of both aspartic acid and glutamic acid than the other two groups of algae. The percentages of both lysine and arginine were higher in red algae, while brown algae tended to show more methionine than green and red algae. The actual protein content of the species, based on the sum of amino acid residues, varied from 10.8% (Chnoospora minima, brown algae) to 23.1% (Aglaothamnion uruguayense, red algae) of the dry weight. Nitrogen-toprotein conversion factors were established for the species studied, based on the ratio of amino acid residues to total nitrogen, with values ranging from 3.75 (Cryptonemia seminervis, red algae) to 5.72 (Padina gymnospora, brown algae). The relative importance of non-protein nitrogen is greater in red algae, and consequently lower N-Prot factors were calculated for these species (average value 4.59). Conversely, protein nitrogen content in both green and brown algae tends to be higher, and average N-Prot factors were 5.13 and 5.38, respectively. An overall average N-Prot factor for all species studied of 4.92 ± 0.59 (n = 57) was established. This study confirms that the use of the traditional factor 6.25 is unsuitable for seaweeds, and the use of the N-Prot factors proposed here is recommended.

Dietary Patterns and Their Associations with Obesity in the Brazilian City of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the dietary patterns of adults living in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and their associations with body mass index (BMI). Research Methods and Procedures: A survey was conducted in 1996 in a probabilistic sample of 2040 households. Weight and height were measured and food intake was based on an 80-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary patterns were identified through factor analysis. Results: More than one-third of the adult population (20 to 60 years old) was overweight (BMI = 25 to 29.9 kg/m2), and 12% were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2). Three major dietary patterns were identified: mixed pattern when all food groups and items had about the same factor loading, except for rice and beans; one pattern that relies mainly on rice and beans, which was called a traditional diet; and a third pattern, termed a Western diet, where fat (butter and margarine) and added sugar (sodas) showed the highest positive loading and rice and beans were strong negative components. Among men, the Western diet also included deep-fried snacks and milk products with high positive values. The traditional diet was associated with lower risk of overweight/obesity in logistic models adjusted for dieting, age, leisure physical activity, and occupation (13% reduction in men and 14% reduction in women comparing the traditional and Western diets). Discussion: Factors contributing to the effects of the Brazilian traditional diet may include low-energy density, high-dietary fiber content, incorporation of low glycemic index foods such as beans, or a relatively low food variety.

Avaliação integrada do impacto do uso de agrotóxicos sobre a saúde humana em uma comunidade agrícola de Nova Friburgo, RJ

Abstract: O impacto do uso de agrotoxicos sobre a saude humana e um problema que tem merecido atencao da comunidade cientifica em todo o mundo, sobretudo nos paises em desenvolvimento O consumo de agrotoxicos na regiao sudeste do Brasil esta estimado em 12kg de agrotoxico/trabalhador/ano Em algumas areas agricolas do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, como na regiao da Microbacia do Corrego de Sao Lourenco, Nova Friburgo, o consumo de agrotoxico foi estimado em 56kg de agrotoxico/trabalhador/ano Elevados niveis de contaminacao humana e ambiental foram encontrados nesta regiao, como decorrencia do uso extensivo destes agentes quimicos A avaliacao do impacto sobre a saude humana implica o conhecimento e a visualizacao da importância/magnitude relativa de cada uma das vias de contaminacao Inumeros fatores, que, em geral, encontram-se inter-relacionados, contribuem para a situacao encontrada na Microbacia do Corrego de Sao Lourenco e a forma mais adequada de se avaliar toda a dimensao deste problema e o uso de uma abordagem integrada

Nutricao e exercicio na prevencao e controle das doencas cardiovasculares

Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases represent the major worldwide cause of death, and their significant growth in developing countries alerts against their impact on underprivileged classes. Cardiovascular diseases are subject to a set of risk factors, some of which can be altered through changes in lifestyle, such as balanced diet and regular exercising. The purpose of this review is to approach these factors in order to prevent and control cardiovascular diseases. The consumption of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, soybeans, olive oil, and fish must be increased, although limiting the amount of fat. Saturated and trans fatty acids must be avoided, as well as excessive use of salt and alcoholic beverages. Besides aerobics, resistance training activities are increasing their importance in cardiac rehabilitation. Such lifestyle changes should be prioritized by Public Health authorities in order to hold back cardiovascular disease occurrence in our country.

Remoção de metais pesados de efluentes industriais por aluminossilicatos

Abstract: This review had as aim the bibliography research for the use of aluminosilicates to remove heavy metals from wastewaters. Advanced studies based on parameters that have influence for removal of heavy metals as pH, metal concentration, effect of ligants and removal capacity of zeolites and clays, were reported. These studies demonstrate that aluminosilicates can be successfully used for the removal of heavy metals under the optimized conditions.

Portuguese-language cross-cultural adaptation of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2), an instrument used to identify violence in couples

Abstract: This article concerns the evaluation of cross-cultural equivalence between the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) originally developed in English and used to identify violence in couples and a Portuguese-language version for use in Brazil. Besides a broad literature review, evaluation of conceptual and item equivalences involved expert discussion groups focusing on the existence and pertinence of the underlying theoretical concepts and corresponding component items in the Brazilian context. Semantic equivalence involved the following steps: two translations and respective back-translations; an evaluation regarding referential and general (connotative) equivalence between the original instrument and each version; further discussions with experts in order to define the final version; and pre-testing the latter on 774 women. It was possible to establish high-quality conceptual, item, and semantic equivalence between the Portuguese-language version and the original CTS2. Acceptability of the version was excellent. Although the results were encouraging, they should be reevaluated in the light of forthcoming psychometric analysis (measurement equivalence).

Occurrence of Staphylococcus and enteropathogens in soft cheese commercialized in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract: Aims: To investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Aeromonas spp. and Yersinia spp. in soft cheese commercialized in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods and Results: A total of 45 samples of cheese from three different brands marketed in Rio de Janeiro city were analysed for faecal coliform levels using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. The samples were also analysed using conventional methodology for the investigation of food-borne pathogens. High levels of faecal contamination were detected in 95·5% of cheese samples. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 20% of samples, of which 17·7% were above the limits allowed by Brazilian legislation. Aeromonas hydrophila and Aer. caviae were detected in 17·7% of the samples. Yersinia spp. were not found in this study. EPEC was isolated from 21·1% of the samples and the most frequently found serogroups were O127, followed by O55 and O26. Conclusions: Our results showed that 95·5% of cheese samples had high levels of faecal coliforms. The isolation of Staph. aureus, serogroups of EPEC and Aeromonas spp. suggested that the soft cheese commercialized in the city of Rio de Janeiro may represent a health risk for the consumers. Significance and Impact of the Study: These results suggest that soft cheese may act as an important vehicle of transmission for well-established pathogens.

Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor–α and Interleukin-10 Promoter Gene Polymorphisms in Leprosy

Abstract: Single-nucleotide polymorphismswithin thegenescodingfortumornecrosisfactor(TNF)‐a and interleukin (IL)‐10 have been associated with several infectious diseases. To determine whether such polymorphisms are associated with leprosy, genotyping was performed at the 308 and 238 positions of the promoter of the TNF-a gene in 210 and 191 patients with multibacillary (MB) leprosy, respectively; 90 and 79 patients with paucibacillary (PB) leprosy; and 92 control subjects. For the 592 and 819 positions within the promoter of the IL-10 gene, 143 patients with MB leprosy, 79 patients with PB leprosy, and 62 control subjects were included in the analysis. TNF2 allele frequency was significantly higheramong controlsubjects than among all patients with leprosy or in the MB group ( and ). For the ILP ! .05 P ! .01 10 gene, the frequency of the homozygous 819TT genotype was significantly higher among patients than among control subjects. These data indicate that a relationship exists between TNF-a and IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and the development of PB leprosy. The more benign paucibacillary (PB) forms of leprosy— borderline tuberculoid (BT) and tuberculoid tuberculoid (TT) leprosy—are characterized by the predominance of a Th1-type immune response, the presence of well-formed granulomas at the site of the lesion, and control of mycobacterial replication. In contrast, in the multibacillary (MB) forms—borderline borderline (BB) and borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy and lepromatous leprosy (LL)—no granuloma is seen, and high bacterial load and antibody levels are detected. Cytokines evidently play a critical role in triggering host-pathogen interactions. On one hand, greater tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–a production,

Frequencies of GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms in a Brazilian population.

Abstract: The glutathione S-transferase (GST) family of enzymes has a vital role in phase II of biotransformation of environmental carcinogens, pollutants, drugs and other xenobiotics. GSTs are polymorphic, with the type and frequency of polymorphism being ethnic dependent. Polymorphisms in GST genes have been shown to be associated with susceptibility to disease and disease outcome. We determined the frequencies of GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 polymorphisms in 591 volunteers who had been residents of Rio de Janeiro for at least six months. Blood was collected and DNA extracted by proteinase K/SDS digestion. Information about social habits and health problems was also recorded. GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analyzed by a PCR-Multiplex procedure, whereas GSTP1 polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP. We found that 42.1% (48.9% of whites and 34.2% of non-whites) of the individuals had the GSTM1 null genotype, whereas 25.4% (25.1% of whites and 25.7% of non-whites) had the GSTT1 null genotype. The genotypic distribution of GSTP1 was 49.7% I/I, 38.1% I/V, and 12.2% V/V, whereas the allelic frequencies were 0.69 for the Ile allele, and 0.31 for the Val allele. The frequencies of GST polymorphisms in this Brazilian population were found to be different from those observed in other populations, particularly of other South American countries.

What is a Woman

Abstract: A primeira parte, principal interesse desta resenha – e que constitui, sem duvida, um livro per se (assim o considera a propria autora) –, compoese de dois ensaios: “What is a Woman? Sex, Gender, and the Body in Feminist Theory” e “‘I am a Woman’: The Personal and the Philosophical”. Aqui Moi discute as tendencias dominantes no pensamento feminista contemporâneo, optando pelo que chama “feminismo de liberdade”, que tem como base o trabalho filosofico e feminista de Simone de Beauvoir, em The Second Sex, dado que, segundo enfatiza a ensaista, a liberdade e a concepcao fundamental do feminismo de sua referencia francesa.

Thick de Sitter 3-branes, dynamic black holes, and localization of gravity

Abstract: The embedding of a thick de Sitter 3-brane into a five-dimensional bulk is studied, assuming a scalar field with a potential is present in the bulk. A class of solutions is found in closed form that can represent a thick de Sitter 3-brane interpolating either between two dynamical black holes with an $R\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}_{4}$ topology or between two Rindler-like spacetimes with an ${R}_{2}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{S}_{3}$ topology. The gravitational field is localized in a small region near the center of the 3-brane. The analysis of graviton fluctuations shows that a zero mode exists and separates itself from a set of continuous modes by a mass gap. The existence of such a mass gap is shown to be universal. The scalar perturbations are also studied and shown to be stable.

Pseudospin symmetry as a relativistic dynamical symmetry in the nucleus

Abstract: Pseudospin symmetry in nuclei is investigated by solving the Dirac equation with Woods-Saxon scalar and vector radial potentials, and studying the correlation of the energy splittings of pseudospin partners with the nuclear potential parameters. The pseudospin interaction is related to a pseudospin-orbit term that arises in a Schroedinger-like equation for the lower component of the Dirac spinor. We show that the contribution from this term to the energy splittings of pseudospin partners is large. The near pseudospin degeneracy results from a significant cancellation among the different terms in that equation, manifesting the dynamical character of this symmetry in the nucleus. We analyze the isospin dependence of the pseudospin symmetry and find that its dynamical character is behind the different pseudospin splittings observed in neutron and proton spectra of nuclei.

Medication as a risk factor for falls resulting in severe fractures in the elderly

Abstract: Falls leading to fractures among the elderly are a major public problem. A case-control study was conducted on the use of certain drugs as a risk factor for hospitalization due to fractures after falls among individuals aged 60 years or over in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One hundred sixty-nine cases and 315 in-patient controls were matched by age, sex, and hospital. Odds ratios (OR) adjusted for potential confounders were calculated using conditional logistic regression. Increased risk of such accidents was found for calcium channel antagonists (OR = 1.96, 1.16-3.30) and benzodiazepines (OR = 2.09, 1.08-4.05), and decreased risk was associated with diuretics (OR = 0.40, 0.20-0.80). Antacids, digitalis, and laxatives were associated with reduced risk of fractures after falls that reached borderline statistical significance (0.05 < p < 0.10). The findings highlight the need to weigh risks and benefits of medication in the elderly. It is also important to advise such individuals and their families on how to avoid falls when such medication proves necessary.

Cross-cultural measurement equivalence of the Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) Portuguese version used to identify violence within couples

Abstract: Following a previous evaluation of concept, item and semantic equivalences, this paper assesses the measurement equivalence between a Portuguese version of Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) and the original instrument conceived in English. The CTS2 has been widely used to tap violence between couples. An intra-observer reliability evaluation involved 165 replications carried out within a 24-48 hour period. Kappa point-estimates were above 0.75 for all scales except sexual coercion. The analysis of internal consistency concerned 768 subjects with complete sets of items. Kuder-Richardson-20 estimates ranged from 0.65 to 0.86. Results were similar to those found in the original instrument in English for the negotiation, psychological aggression and physical violence scales, yet not so for the sexual coercion and injury scales. Factor analysis identified factors with a recognizable correspondence to the underlying dimensions, although a few inconsistencies were detected. For the assessment of construct validity (n = 528) associations between the instrument's scales were evaluated, as well as the relationships between violence and putative underlying dimensions. Overall, the findings suggest that the version can be used in the Brazilian context, although further investigation should be carried out to unveil some important remaining issues.

Leptin serum concentration, food intake and body weight in rats whose mothers were exposed to malnutrition during lactation

Abstract: We had shown that adult animals, whose mothers were submitted to protein or energy restriction during lactation, differ from controls in their body weight and thyroid function. The aim of this study was to evaluate, from birth through six months of age, leptin serum concentration, body weight and food intake in animals whose mothers received protein or energy restricted-diet during lactation as follows: control (C)-23% protein; protein-restricted (PR)-8% protein; energy-restricted (ER)-23% protein, in restricted quantity, according to the mean ingestion of the PR group. After weaning (day 21) all pups had free access the control diet. Body weight of pups from PR mothers were always lower than those from controls (p < 0.05), while body weight of pups from ER mothers surpassed that of the C group significantly at 140 days of age. The food intake was lower in both offspring from PR and ER mothers, normalizing on the 32th day in pups from ER mothers and on the 52th day in pups from PR mothers. Leptin serum concentration in both offspring from PR and ER mothers were significantly decreased on the 12th day (p < 0.05) and increased on the 21st day (p < 0.05) compared to control. After weaning there was no differences among the groups. It is possible that changes in leptin concentration during lactation in the offspring of malnourished groups could permanently modify the setpoint for body weight control.

Measuring the Lyapunov exponent using quantum mechanics.

Abstract: We study the time evolution of two wave packets prepared at the same initial state, but evolving under slightly different Hamiltonians. For chaotic systems, we determine the circumstances that lead to an exponential decay with time of the wave packet overlap function. We show that for sufficiently weak perturbations, the exponential decay follows a Fermi golden rule, while by making the difference between the two Hamiltonians larger, the characteristic exponential decay time becomes the Lyapunov exponent of the classical system. We illustrate our theoretical findings by investigating numerically the overlap decay function of a two-dimensional dynamical system.

Evaluation of waist circumference to predict general obesity and arterial hypertension in women in Greater Metropolitan Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Abstract: This study examined the capacity of waist circumference (WC) to identify subjectswith overweight (BMI ≥ 25) and obesity (BMI 30), in agreement with internationally recom-mended levels of action. Data were obtained from 791 women, 15-59 years old. After identifyingoverweight and obesity according to WC values, sensitivity and specificity were calculated to ver-ify whether WC could be a good risk predictor for hypertension. Associations were tested by lin-ear regression and logistic regression, controlling for confounding.WC cut-off points of 80cmand 88cm correctly identified 89.8% and 88.5% of women with overweight and obesity, respec-tively. Abdominal obesity (WC ≥ 88cm) was statistically associated with hypertension in the mul-tivariate analysis (OR = 2.88; 95% CI: 1.77-4.67). Hypertension was identified with a sensitivityof 63.8% and 42.8%, and with a specificity of 68.0% and 83.3%, for WC ≥ 80 and 88, respective-ly. The proposed cut-off points for abdominal obesity can potentially distinguish individuals atrisk for future obesity, but has only moderate power to predict individuals with high blood pres-sure.

Leptin treatment during the neonatal period is associated with higher food intake and adult body weight in rats.

Abstract: For this study, we have determined the effects of neonatal leptin treatment on the evolution of body weight. Experiment 1: pups were divided into two groups: LepF - injected with leptin (8 micro g/100 g of body weight) for the first 10 days of lactation and control (C) - receiving saline. Experiment 2: pups were divided into two groups: LepL - injected with the same leptin concentration of experiment one for the last 10 days of lactation, and C, which received saline. Body weight and food intake were monitored until age 150 days, after which leptin concentrations were measured by ELISA. The LepF group had a significant increase in body weight (p < 0.05) from day 98 onward, in food intake (p < 0.05) from day 74 onward, and higher serum leptin concentration compared to the control (108 %, p < 0.05). The LepL group had a significant increase in body weight (p < 0.05) from day 113 onward, in food intake from day 121 onward (p < 0.001), and higher serum leptin concentration compared to controls (6.9 %, p < 0.05). These results suggest that both periods of lactation constituted a critical window for body weight and food intake programming, but the effects are more marked when the leptin is injected within the first ten days.