Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Pelotas published in 2003"
TL;DR: Cox or Poisson regression with robust variance and log-binomial regression provide correct estimates and are a better alternative for the analysis of cross-sectional studies with binary outcomes than logistic regression, since the prevalence ratio is more interpretable and easier to communicate to non-specialists than the odds ratio.
Abstract: Cross-sectional studies with binary outcomes analyzed by logistic regression are frequent in the epidemiological literature. However, the odds ratio can importantly overestimate the prevalence ratio, the measure of choice in these studies. Also, controlling for confounding is not equivalent for the two measures. In this paper we explore alternatives for modeling data of such studies with techniques that directly estimate the prevalence ratio. We compared Cox regression with constant time at risk, Poisson regression and log-binomial regression against the standard Mantel-Haenszel estimators. Models with robust variance estimators in Cox and Poisson regressions and variance corrected by the scale parameter in Poisson regression were also evaluated. Three outcomes, from a cross-sectional study carried out in Pelotas, Brazil, with different levels of prevalence were explored: weight-for-age deficit (4%), asthma (31%) and mother in a paid job (52%). Unadjusted Cox/Poisson regression and Poisson regression with scale parameter adjusted by deviance performed worst in terms of interval estimates. Poisson regression with scale parameter adjusted by χ2 showed variable performance depending on the outcome prevalence. Cox/Poisson regression with robust variance, and log-binomial regression performed equally well when the model was correctly specified. Cox or Poisson regression with robust variance and log-binomial regression provide correct estimates and are a better alternative for the analysis of cross-sectional studies with binary outcomes than logistic regression, since the prevalence ratio is more interpretable and easier to communicate to non-specialists than the odds ratio. However, precautions are needed to avoid estimation problems in specific situations.
3,455 citations
TL;DR: Equity must be a priority in the design of child survival interventions and delivery strategies, and mechanisms to ensure accountability at national and international levels must be developed.
818 citations
TL;DR: The prevalence of physical inactivity in this Brazilian adult population is high, even though lower than reported in studies of leisure-time activity alone in other populations, and studies in developing countries may be seriously biased if activities during labor, transportation, and housework are not assessed.
Abstract: HALLAL, P C, C G VICTORA, J C K WELLS, and R C LIMA Physical Inactivity: Prevalence and Associated Variables in Brazilian Adults Med Sci Sports Exerc, Vol 35, No 11, pp 1894–1900, 2003PurposeTo measure the prevalence of physical inactivity, and variables associated with it,
584 citations
TL;DR: Care-seeking behaviour is worse in poorer than in relatively rich families, even within a rural society that might easily be assumed to be uniformly poor.
511 citations
Pasteur Institute1, New York State Department of Health2, Public Health Research Institute3, Leeds General Infirmary4, St George's Hospital5, International Trademark Association6, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention7, University of Surrey8, Universidade Federal de Pelotas9, Robert Koch Institute10, University of Palermo11, University of Florence12, University of Gothenburg13, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul14, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation15, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research16
TL;DR: To facilitate the analysis of hundreds of spoligotypes each made up of a binary succession of 43 bits of information, a number of major and minor visual rules were also defined to define 36 major clades (or families) of M. tuberculosis.
Abstract: The present update on the global distribution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex spoligotypes provides both the octal and binary descriptions of the spoligotypes for M. tuberculosis complex, including Mycobacterium bovis, from >90 countries (13,008 patterns grouped into 813 shared types containing 11,708 isolates and 1,300 orphan patterns). A number of potential indices were developed to summarize the information on the biogeographical specificity of a given shared type, as well as its geographical spreading (matching code and spreading index, respectively). To facilitate the analysis of hundreds of spoligotypes each made up of a binary succession of 43 bits of information, a number of major and minor visual rules were also defined. A total of six major rules (A to F) with the precise description of the extra missing spacers (minor rules) were used to define 36 major clades (or families) of M. tuberculosis. Some major clades identified were the East African-Indian (EAI) clade, the Beijing clade, the Haarlem clade, the Latin American and Mediterranean (LAM) clade, the Central Asian (CAS) clade, a European clade of IS6110 low banders (X; highly prevalent in the United States and United Kingdom), and a widespread yet poorly defined clade (T). When the visual rules defined above were used for an automated labeling of the 813 shared types to define nine superfamilies of strains (Mycobacterium africanum, Beijing, M. bovis, EAI, CAS, T, Haarlem, X, and LAM), 96.9% of the shared types received a label, showing the potential for automated labeling of M. tuberculosis families in well-defined phylogeographical families. Intercontinental matches of shared types among eight continents and subcontinents (Africa, North America, Central America, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia, and the Far East) are analyzed and discussed.
283 citations
TL;DR: Birth size, attained size in childhood and particularly growth velocity in early life were associated with increased prevalence of obesity and overweight in Brazilian adolescents, and the vast majority of overweight or obese adolescents were not overweight children.
Abstract: DESIGN: Cross-sectional visit to a subsample of a population-based birth cohort. SAMPLE: A total of 1076 adolescents aged 14–16 y; 51% males. MEASUREMENTS: Weight, height, subscapular and triceps skinfolds were used for assessing overweight and obesity in adolescence, using WHO-recommended criteria. Anthropometric status in early life was measured through birthweight and through weight and length/height at average ages of 20 and 43 months. RESULTS: All analyses were adjusted for socioeconomic and maternal confounding factors. Birthweight and attained size (Z-scores of weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height) at 20 and 43 months were associated linearly and positively with overweight and obesity in adolescence. Four in each five obese adolescents were not overweight in childhood. Rapid weight gain, both between birth and 20 months, and between 20 and 43 months, was also associated with adolescent overweight and with obesity. Rapid height gain between 20 and 43 months was associated with overweight only. Most associations were stronger for boys. CONCLUSIONS: Birth size, attained size in childhood and particularly growth velocity in early life were associated with increased prevalence of obesity and overweight in Brazilian adolescents. On the other hand, the vast majority of overweight or obese adolescents were not overweight children. Early interventions are undoubtedly important, but population-based strategies aimed at improving diets and physical activity appear to have greater long-term potential than measures targeted at overweight children.
212 citations
TL;DR: The findings indicate that, in this population, breast feeding has no marked protective effect against adolescent adiposity, and the association between duration of breast feeding and measures of adiposity in adolescence is assessed.
Abstract: Objective To assess the association between duration of breast feeding and measures of adiposity in adolescence.
Design Population based birth cohort study.
Setting Pelotas, a city of 320 000 inhabitants in a relatively developed area in southern Brazil.
Participants All newborn infants in the city's hospitals were enrolled in 1982; 78.8% (2250) of all male participants were located at age 18 years when enrolling in the national army.
Main outcome measures Weight, height, sitting height, subscapular and triceps skinfolds, and body composition (body fat, lean mass).
Results Neither the duration of total breast feeding nor that of predominant breast feeding (breast milk plus non-nutritive fluids) showed consistent associations with anthropometric or body composition indices. After adjustment for confounding factors, the only significant associations were a greater than 50% reduction in obesity among participants breast fed for three to five months compared with all other breastfeeding categories (P = 0.007) and a linear decreasing trend in obesity with increasing duration of predominant breast feeding (P = 0.03). Similar significant effects were not observed for other measures of adiposity. Borderline direct associations also occurred between total duration of breast feeding and adult height (P = 0.06).
Conclusions The significant reduction in obesity among children breast fed for three to five months is difficult to interpret, as no a priori hypothesis existed regarding a protective effect of intermediate duration of breast feeding. The findings indicate that, in this population, breast feeding has no marked protective effect against adolescent adiposity.
172 citations
TL;DR: There are some alterations in tissue electrical properties with malnutrition that can be detected by BIA, and new cutoff points may be needed for application of BIA as a complementary method in the nutrition assessment of surgical patients.
165 citations
Harvard University1, University of Massachusetts Lowell2, University of Bristol3, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene4, University of Massachusetts Amherst5, The New School6, University of California, San Francisco7, University of Rochester8, University of Michigan9, United Nations10, Australian National University11, World Health Organization12, Columbia University13, University of the Witwatersrand14, University of Liverpool15, Universidade Federal de Pelotas16, Statistics Canada17
TL;DR: It is argued that while HIA has the potential to enhance recognition of societal determinants of health and of intersectoral responsibility for health, its pitfalls warrant critical attention and greater clarity is required regarding criteria for initiating, conducting, and completing HIA.
Abstract: Health impact assessment (HIA) seeks to expand evaluation of policy and programmes in all sectors, both private and public, to include their impact on population health. While the idea that the public’s health is affected by a broad array of social and economic policies is not new and dates back well over two centuries, what is new is the notion—increasingly adopted by major health institutions, such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Kingdom National Health Services (NHS)—that health should be an explicit consideration when evaluating all public policies. In this article, it is argued that while HIA has the potential to enhance recognition of societal determinants of health and of intersectoral responsibility for health, its pitfalls warrant critical attention. Greater clarity is required regarding criteria for initiating, conducting, and completing HIA, including rules pertaining to decision making, enforcement, compliance, plus paying for their conduct. Critical debate over the promise, process, and pitfalls of HIA needs to be informed by multiple disciplines and perspectives from diverse people and regions of the world.
164 citations
TL;DR: The asymptomatic nature of most episodes of anaemia highlights the need for preventive strategies and the EPI has good coverage of the target population and it may be an appropriate channel for delivering tools for controlling anaemia and malaria.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To document the prevalence, age-distribution, and risk factors for anaemia in Tanzanian children less than 5 years old, thereby assisting in the development of effective strategies for controlling anaemia. METHODS: Cluster sampling was used to identify 2417 households at random from four contiguous districts in south-eastern United Republic of Tanzania in mid-1999. Data on various social and medical parameters were collected and analysed. FINDINGS: Blood haemoglobin concentrations (Hb) were available for 1979 of the 2131 (93%) children identified and ranged from 1.7 to 18.6 g/dl. Overall, 87% (1722) of children had an Hb <11 g/dl, 39% (775) had an Hb <8 g/dl and 3% (65) had an Hb <5 g/dl. The highest prevalence of anaemia of all three levels was in children aged 6-11 months, of whom 10% (22/226) had an Hb <5 g/dl. However, the prevalence of anaemia was already high in children aged 1-5 months (85% had an Hb <11 g/dl, 42% had an Hb <8 g/dl, and 6% had an Hb <5 g/dl). Anaemia was usually asymptomatic and when symptoms arose they were nonspecific and rarely identified as a serious illness by the care provider. A recent history of treatment with antimalarials and iron was rare. Compliance with vaccinations delivered through the Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) was 82% and was not associated with risk of anaemia. CONCLUSION: Anaemia is extremely common in south-eastern United Republic of Tanzania, even in very young infants. Further implementation of the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness algorithm should improve the case management of anaemia. However, the asymptomatic nature of most episodes of anaemia highlights the need for preventive strategies. The EPI has good coverage of the target population and it may be an appropriate channel for delivering tools for controlling anaemia and malaria.
142 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an amostra representativa of 1.187 adolescentes of 10 a 19 anos, da zona urbana de Pelotas, sul do Brazil, was used to investigate the prevalence of tabagismo in adolescents.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: O tabagismo e uma das principais causas de enfermidades evitaveis e incapacidades prematuras. Nesse sentido, realizou-se estudo com o objetivo de medir a prevalencia e estudar fatores de risco associados ao tabagismo nos adolescentes. METODOS: A partir de um delineamento transversal de base populacional, estudou-se uma amostra representativa de 1.187 adolescentes de 10 a 19 anos, da zona urbana de Pelotas, sul do Brasil. Todos os adolescentes da amostra, de cada domicilio, foram entrevistados por meio de questionario pre-codificado, individual e confidencial. Utilizou-se o teste de Kaplan-Meier para analise da curva de sobrevida. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia de tabagismo na amostra foi de 12,1% (IC95% 10,3%-14%). As prevalencias foram similares para os sexos femininos e masculinos. Os fatores de risco para tabagismo na analise multivariada, por regressao logistica, foram: maior idade, odds ratio (OR) de 28,7 (11,5-71,4), irmaos mais velhos fumantes, OR de 2,4 (1,5-3,8), tres ou mais amigos fumantes, OR de 17,5 (8,8-34,8) e baixa escolaridade OR de 3,5 (1,5-8,0). CONCLUSOES: A prevalencia de tabagismo na adolescencia mostrou-se alta, na cidade de Pelotas. Campanhas antitabagicas devem ser direcionadas a comunidade e a familia tendo o adolescente como alvo. Medidas legais adotadas pelo governo sao importantes para impedir o acesso dos adolescentes ao cigarro.
TL;DR: O habito de fumar entre irmaos e amigos foi o principal fator de risco para tabagismo na adolescencia, y o baixo rendimento escolar, a idade mais avancada, o sexo masculino, o trabalho remunerado e a separacao dos pais tambem foram identificados como fatores of risco.
Abstract: OBJETIVO: Descrever a prevalencia do tabagismo em adolescentes e os fatores associados ao tabagismo nesse grupo etario na America do Sul. METODOS: Foram pesquisadas as bases de dados MEDLINE (1966-2002) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciencias da Saude ("Lilacs") (1982-2002), alem de documentos governamentais e nao-governamentais e sites na Internet. Foram identificados 315 artigos, dos quais 45 foram considerados relevantes para o presente trabalho. RESULTADOS: Em todos paises estudados, foi grande a variacao nos niveis de prevalencia; tal variacao dependeu, em parte, do grupo etario enfocado e da definicao de fumante utilizada no estudo. O habito de fumar entre irmaos e amigos foi o principal fator de risco para tabagismo na adolescencia. O baixo rendimento escolar, a idade mais avancada, o sexo masculino, o trabalho remunerado e a separacao dos pais tambem foram identificados como fatores de risco. CONCLUSAO: Sao necessarios mais estudos de base populacional representativos dessa faixa etaria e criterios uniformes para definir os fumantes.
TL;DR: Green chemistry is defined as the design, development, and application of chemical processes and products to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of substances hazardous to human health and the environment as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Green chemistry ¾ defined as the design, development, and application of chemical processes and products to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of substances hazardous to human health and the environment. This article summarizes the 12 principles of green chemistry, describing how they have been applied to the academic, industrial and research activities around the world.
TL;DR: Results suggest the existence of health inequity in the poorest group that could be overcome with education, and specific measures reinforcing the importance of having a regular doctor may also improve access in the underserved group.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To identify factors that lead people to visit a doctor in Brazil and assess differences between socioeconomic groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study comprising 1,260 subjects aged 15 or more was carried out in southern Brazil. Demographic, socioeconomic, health needs and regular source of care data were analyzed concerning visits to a doctor within two months from the interview. Adjusted prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using Poisson regression. RESULTS: Adjusted PR showed that women having stressful life events, health insurance, and a regular doctor increased the outcome. A dose-related response was found with self-reported health, and the probability of visiting a doctor increased with health needs. Analysis in the chronic disease group revealed that uneducated lower income subjects had a 62% reduction in the chance of visiting a doctor compared to uneducated higher income ones. However, as it was seen a significant interaction between income and education, years of schooling increased utilization in this group. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest the existence of health inequity in the poorest group that could be overcome with education. Specific measures reinforcing the importance of having a regular doctor may also improve access in the underserved group.
TL;DR: Assessing the importance of nutritional variables and parameters from BIA as predictors of post-operative complications in a multivariable regression model found phase angle remains as an important prognostic factor for postoperative complications, even after adjusting for other individual predictors and confounders.
TL;DR: It is concluded that pedestrians and motorcyclists are priority groups for interventions aimed at reducing injury and death from traffic accidents.
Abstract: In order to describe traffic accidents in a medium-sized Brazilian city and compare the risks of injury and death among different types of vehicles and pedestrians, all traffic accidents identified through police and hospital emergency records were registered for two years Deaths by such accidents were identified and confirmed through the coroner's office. The number of registered vehicles in the municipality was obtained through the State traffic authority. Morbidity and mortality rates were calculated and tests of association between selected variables performed. There was a relevant underreporting of accidents by the police (up to 53%), which varied according to the type of accident and time of occurrence. The highest case fatality rate was observed among bicyclists and pedestrians (around 5%), followed by motorcyclists (3%). Pedestrians formed the highest contingent of deaths. Motorcyclists had an eightfold risk of dying, a fourfold risk of injury, and a twofold risk of running over pedestrians as compared to automobile drivers. We conclude that pedestrians and motorcyclists are priority groups for interventions aimed at reducing injury and death from traffic accidents.
TL;DR: The methods used in the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study, one of the largest and longest studies of this type in developing countries, are described and suggestions on lessons learned for other cohort studies are proposed.
Abstract: Given the growing recognition of the importance of the life course approach for the determination of chronic diseases, birth cohort studies are becoming increasingly important. This paper describes the methods used in the 1982 Pelotas (Brazil) birth cohort study, one of the largest and longest studies of this type in developing countries. All 5,914 hospital births occurring in Pelotas in 1982 (over 99% of all deliveries) were studied prospectively. The main stages of the study took place in 1983, 1984, 1986, 1995, 1997, 2000, and 2001. More than two thousand variables are available for each subject who participated in all stages of the study. Recent phases of the study included the examination of 2,250 males when presenting for the army recruitment exam in 2000, the study of a 27% sample of men and women in 2001 through household visits, and the study of over 400 children born to the cohort women. Follow-up rates in the recent stages of the cohort were 78.9% for the army examination and 69.0% for the household visits. Ethnographic and oral health studies were conducted in sub-samples. Some recent results on blood pressure, adolescent pregnancy, and asthma are presented as examples of utilization of the data. Suggestions on lessons learned for other cohort studies are proposed.
TL;DR: The findings suggest that catch up growth, irrespective of age, is associated with increased blood pressure in adolescence, whereas only late catch up is related with diastolic blood pressure.
Abstract: Objective: To assess the effect of growth during infancy and childhood on blood pressure in adolescence. Design: Birth cohort study. Setting: Pelotas, southern Brazil. Participants: 749 adolescents with complete information on birth weight and gestational age, as well as on anthropometric data at all three follow up visits (mean age 20 months, 42 months, and 15 years). Main outcome measurements: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure at adolescence. Results: After controlling for possible confounding variables, birth weight was negatively associated with systolic blood pressure, one unit increase in standard deviation score of birth weight for gestational age was associated with a decrease of 1.23 mm Hg (95% confidence intervals −2.03 to −0.43) in systolic blood pressure. Weight for age z score at the age of 15 years showed a strong positive association with systolic blood pressure, one unit increase in standard deviation score of birth weight for gestational age was associated with an increase of 4.4 mm Hg (95% confidence intervals 3.50 to 5.3). Diastolic blood pressure was not associated with birth weight. For adequate for gestational age infants, the positive association between weight in adolescence and blood pressure became stronger when previous weights were added to the model. Conclusion: This study showed that early—as well as—late catch up growth is associated with increased systolic blood pressure in adolescence, whereas only late catch up is related with diastolic blood pressure. These findings suggest that catch up growth, irrespective of age, is associated with increased blood pressure in adolescence.
TL;DR: The AUDIT detected a high prevalence of potential alcohol use disorders in the population sampled, and those identified are potential targets for preventive measures implemented through health policies.
Abstract: Aims To assess the prevalence of potential alcohol use disorders and associated factors using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
Design Cross-sectional study.
Setting A town in southern Brazil.
Participants A representative sample of 1260 people aged 15 and over.
Measurements Demographic, socioeconomic, smoking habit and mental health data were collected. Logistic regression was used in the multivariate analysis, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
Findings Overall prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 7.9%, with 14.5% prevalence among men and 2.4% among women. The risk of alcohol misuse increased across social class (P linear trend = 0.03) and compared with the highest classes (A and B), groups C through E had ORs of 1.48, 1.51 and 2.36, respectively. Males had an OR of 6.89 (CI 3.61–13.16) compared with women. A linear trend was found (P = 0.001) between smoking categories, and smokers (OR 3.27; CI 1.91–5.58) and ex-smokers (OR 1.30; CI 0.56–2.98) were at higher risk than non-smokers. Those with minor psychiatric disorders had a 2.48 OR (CI 1.35–4.56) of presenting a positive test.
Conclusions The AUDIT detected a high prevalence of potential alcohol use disorders in the population sampled. Those identified are potential targets for preventive measures implemented through health policies.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that latent BHV-5 DNA is present in several areas of the brain during latent infection and that virus reactivation may result in the establishment of latent infection in additional sites of thebrain.
Abstract: Bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5) is an alphaherpesvirus associated with meningoencephalitis, a disease highly prevalent in South America. In this study, we investigated the distribution of BHV-5 DNA in the brains of latently, experimentally infected calves by using a PCR for the glycoprotein B gene. Twelve calves inoculated intranasally with a Brazilian BHV-5 isolate were divided into two groups: group A calves (n = 4) were euthanized 55 days postinoculation (p.i.) for tissue collection; group B calves (n = 8) were submitted to dexamethasone administration at day 60 p.i. for reactivation of latent infection and were euthanized 50 days later. Latent infection was reactivated in all group B calves, as demonstrated by virus isolation from nasal secretions and/or seroconversion. Three calves developed neurological disease and died or were euthanized in extremis. For group A calves, viral DNA was consistently detected in the trigeminal ganglia (4/4), midbrain (4/4), thalamus (4/4), and olfactory cortex (4/4) and less frequently in the pons (3/4), cerebellum (3/4), anterior cerebral cortex (2/4), and olfactory bulb (2/4). For calves previously submitted to reactivation (group B), viral DNA was detected with roughly the same frequency in the same areas as for the group A calves. In addition, viral DNA was detected in the posterior (5/5) and dorso-lateral cortex (3/5). All DNA-positive tissues were negative for infectivity and viral antigens. These results demonstrated that latent BHV-5 DNA is present in several areas of the brain during latent infection and that virus reactivation may result in the establishment of latent infection in additional sites of the brain.
TL;DR: There was no evidence that breast milk was replaced by water, tea or juice in PBF compared to EBF infants, and the energy intake in BF+CM/FM infants tended to be 20% above the latest recommendations (1996) for breast-fed and 9% above those for formula-fed infants.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the extent to which breast milk is replaced by intake of other liquids or foods, and to estimate energy intake of infants defined as exclusively (EBF), predominantly (PBF) and partially breast-fed (PartBF). Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Community-based study in urban Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Subjects: A total of 70 infants aged 4 months recruited at birth. Main outcome measures: Breast milk intake measured using a ‘dose-to-the-mother’ deuterium-oxide turnover method; feeding pattern and macronutrient intake assessed using a frequency questionnaire. Results: Adjusted mean breast milk intakes were not different between EBF and PBF (EBF, 806 g/day vs PBF, 778 g/day, P=0.59). The difference between EBF and PartBF was significant (PartBF, 603 g/day, P=0.004). Mean intakes of water from supplements were 10 g/day (EBF), 134 g/day (PBF) and 395 g/day (PartBF). Compared to EBF these differences were significant (EBF vs PBF, P=0.005; EBF vs PartBF, P<0.001). The energy intake of infants receiving cow or formula milk (BF+CM/FM) in addition to breast milk tended to be 20% higher than the energy intake of EBF infants (EBF, 347 kJ/kg/day vs BF+CM/FM, 418 kJ/kg/day, P=0.11). Conclusions: There was no evidence that breast milk was replaced by water, tea or juice in PBF compared to EBF infants. The energy intake in BF+CM/FM infants tended to be 20% above the latest recommendations (1996) for breast-fed and 9% above those for formula-fed infants. If high intakes are maintained, this may result in obesity later in life. Sponsorship: International Atomic Energy Agency through RC 10981/R1.
TL;DR: Solubility increased with higher ZnSO(4) content, but remained below the ISO 7489 limit, and Vitremer performed better than Ketac-Fil, and Flexural strength was not affected by Znso(4).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the effect of sewage sludge on chemical properties of a Red-Yellow Pozolic soil (Ultisol), and on nutrient accumulation and dry matter yield of maize plants.
Abstract: The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of sewage sludge on chemical properties of a Red-Yellow Pozolic soil (Ultisol), and on nutrient accumulation and dry matter yield of maize plants. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in a completely randomized design and treatments were arranged in a 6x2x2 factorial. Soil (3 kg) inside pots were treated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Mg ha-1 (dry-basis) of sludge. Thirty days after incubation, soil samples were taken for analysis, complementation with P (0 and 100 Mg ha-1) and K (0 and 100 Mg ha-1) was done and a five maize plants were grown in each pot for 50 days. The application of sewage sludge increased the organic matter, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al and H+Al and reduced the pH. The accumulation of nutrients and dry matter yield were higher with sewage sludge application and increased with the application of K, but not with the application of phosphorus.
TL;DR: Investigation of expression of the proteins involved in the retinoblastoma (pRb) and p53 pathways, which control cell cycle progression at the G1/S checkpoint, and also the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein in SDCs found a correlation between the expression of these proteins and patient outcome.
Abstract: Background: Salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) is considered to be a distinct malignancy of the major salivary glands, because of its highly aggressive behaviour, and the high rate of recurrence, metastasis, and disease related death. Aims: To investigate expression of the proteins involved in the retinoblastoma (pRb) and p53 pathways, which control cell cycle progression at the G1/S checkpoint, and also expression of the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein in SDCs. Methods: Using a streptavidin–biotin method, five cases of SDC were evaluated immunohistochemically for the presence of cyclin D1, CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4), p16 (CDK2A), pRb (retinoblastoma protein), E2F-1, p53, mdm2 (murine double minute 2), bcl-2, and the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein to determine whether there was a correlation between the expression of these proteins and patient outcome. Results: All of the cases showed deregulation of the pRb and p53 pathways. Of the five patients analysed, only the patient with longterm survival (10 years) was not positive for c-erbB-2 expression. Conclusions: c-erbB-2 overexpression was associated with a poor prognosis. Aggressive behaviour, recurrence, and metastatic potential do not appear to be related to cell cycle deregulation, but seem to be associated with the c-erbB-2 oncoprotein, which is involved in matrix degradation and proteolitic activity, in addition to increases in vessel permeability, endothelial cell growth, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. There was a correlation between c-erbB-2 oncoprotein expression and aggressive behaviour in SDCs.
TL;DR: This survey showed a similar use of laxatives, less self-induced vomiting and a greater use of diet pills (probably because they are less strictly controlled in Brazil).
Abstract: Objective: The aim of this epidemiological investigation was to study the prevalence of abnormal eating behaviours in a community sample of young women from Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Methods: The research team visited 1524 randomly selected households in Porto Alegre and invited all of the women aged 12–29 years to participate in the study: 513 women subsequently completed a socio-economic and demographic questionnaire, the Bulimic Investigatory Test (BITE) and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Results: Clinically significant disturbed eating behaviour was revealed in the 16.5% of women who had EAT scores above the cut-off point of 21; 2.9% also had BITE symptom scores of ≧20. The participants were categorised into three groups on the basis of a new variable combining both instruments: those with abnormal eating behaviours (10.9%), those with unusual eating patterns (23.8%), and those with normal eating behaviours (60.2%). Abnormal eating behaviours were significantly more prevalent in the 16-19 year age range (p= 0.007) and were also more prevalent among overweight/obese women (p= 0.009). Laxative use was reported by 8.5% of the women, followed by fasting (3.1%), use of diuretics (2.8%) and vomiting (1.4%). Conclusions: Abnormal eating behaviours are fairly common among young women in Brazil. In comparison with other population studies, this survey showed a similar use of laxatives, less self-induced vomiting and a greater use of diet pills (probably because they are less strictly controlled in Brazil). Educational programmes aimed at preventing abnormal eating behaviours and developing healthy weight control practices among children and young adolescents should become public health priorities.
TL;DR: There is no current evidence supporting the clinical use of antidepressants in the treatment of cocaine dependence, and clinicians may consider adding psychotherapeutic supportive measures aiming to keep patients in treatment.
Abstract: Background Cocaine dependence is a common and serious condition, which has become nowadays a substantial public health problem. The past decade has witnessed a sustained search for an effective pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cocaine dependence. While administration of cocaine acutely increases intercellular dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels by blocking their presynaptic reuptake, chronic cocaine abuse leads to down-regulation of monoamine systems. Post-cocaine use depression and cocaine craving may be linked to this down-regulation. Antidepressant pharmacotherapy, by augmenting monoamine levels, may alleviate cocaine abstinence symptomatology, as well as relieving dysphoria and associated craving by general antidepressant action. Objectives To conduct a systematic review of all RCTs on the use of antidepressants for treating cocaine dependence. Search strategy We searched the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library, issue 4, 2000), MEDLINE (from 1966 - 2000), EMBASE (from 1980 - 2000), LILACS (from 1982 - 2000), PsycLIT (from 1974 - 2000), Biological Abstracts (1982 to 2000). Other searches:reference searching; personal communication; conference abstracts; unpublished trials from pharmaceutical industry; book chapters on treatment of cocaine dependence. Selection criteria The inclusion criteria for all randomised controlled trials were that they should focus on the use of antidepressants on the treatment of cocaine dependence. Trials including patients with additional diagnosis such as opiate dependence were also eligible. Data collection and analysis The reviewers extracted the data independently and Relative Risks, weighted mean difference and number needed to treat were estimated. The reviewers assumed that people who died or dropped out had no improvement and tested the sensitivity of the final results to this assumption. Main results 18 studies were included in the review, with 1177 people randomised. Positive urine sample for cocaine metabolites was the main efficacy outcome, with no significant results obtained regardless the type of antidepressant. Compared to other drugs, desipramine performed better but showing just a non significant trend with heterogeneity present as revealed by the chi-square test (8.6, df=3; p=0.04). One single trial showed imipramine performed better than placebo in terms of clinical response according to patient's self-report. A similar rate of patients remaining in treatment was found for both patients taking desipramine or placebo. Results from one single trial suggest fluoxetine patients on SSRIs are less likely to dropout. Similar results were obtained for trials where patients had additional diagnosis of opioid dependence and/or were in methadone maintenance treatment. Reviewer's conclusions There is no current evidence supporting the clinical use of antidepressants in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Given the high rate of dropouts in this population, clinicians may consider adding psychotherapeutic supportive measures aiming to keep patients in treatment.
TL;DR: According to the study, older white married men with higher family incomes were more likely to have the highest mean abdominal circumferences, and women at greatest risk for abdominal fat were older married mothers with a history of 4 or more pregnancies and less schooling.
Abstract: This article describes the anthropometric distribution of abdominal fat in the urban adult population in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and the influence of independent variables on this distribution. In a cross-sectional population-based study, 3,464 adults from 20 to 69 years of age were selected in a multistage systematic sampling. They were interviewed and had their largest abdominal circumference measured. Means were compared using one-way ANOVA, while multiple linear regression models were employed to adjust for confounding. According to the study, older white married men with higher family incomes were more likely to have the highest mean abdominal circumferences (p < 0.001). Women at greatest risk for abdominal fat were older married mothers with a history of 4 or more pregnancies and less schooling (p < 0.001). Former smokers had the highest mean abdominal circumferences in both males and females, while other lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and physical activity showed no association with the outcome after adjusting for confounding.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the physical properties and organic carbon of a Typic Hapludalf in Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, under different soil management systems on a farm.
Abstract: The objective of this research was to evaluate the physical properties and organic carbon of a Typic Hapludalf in Pelotas, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, under different soil management systems on a farm. The assessed physical attributes were: soil bulk density, total porosity, macro and microporosity, particle size distribution, water dispersed clay, mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates, and soil water infiltration, as well as organic carbon, in a factorial scheme in a completely randomized design with six replications. The management systems were studied for three years: no-tillage system with oats + vetch in winter and corn in summer; conventional tillage system with oat winter covering and corn in summer; conventional tillage (once plowing and once disking) with oats + vetch in winter and corn in summer; and native grassland. It was observed that soil under conventional tillage systems presented a higher total porosity and macroporosity in the 0.0-0.10 m, but higher microporosity in the 0.10-0.20 m layer; the no-tillage system presented the greatest values of soil bulk density in the 0.0-0.10 m layer. There was an increase in the soil organic carbon content for the no-tillage system, which was not reflected in an increase in the mean weight diameter of the water-stable aggregates.
TL;DR: Current evidence does not support the clinical use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of cocaine dependence, and clinicians may consider adding psychotherapeutic supportive measures aiming to keep patients in treatment.
Abstract: Background Cocaine is a major drug of abuse. Cocaine dependence is a common and serious condition, which has become nowadays a substantial public health problem. There is a wide and well documented range of consequences associated to chronic use of this drug, such as medical, psychological and social problems, including the spread of infectious diseases (e.g. AIDS, hepatitis and tuberculosis), crime, violence and neonatal drug exposure. Therapeutic management of the cocaine addicts includes an initial period of abstinence from the drug. During this phase the subjects may experience, besides the intense craving for cocaine, symptoms such as depression, fatigue, irritability, anorexia, and sleep disturbances. It was demonstrated that the acute use of cocaine may enhance dopamine transmission and chronically it decreases dopamine concentrations in the brain. Pharmacological treatment that affects dopamine could theoretically reduce these symptoms and contribute to a more successful therapeutic approach. Objectives To evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of dopamine agonists for treating cocaine dependence. Search strategy We searched: The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (Cochrane Library, issue 4, 2000), MEDLINE (from 1966 - 2000), EMBASE (from 1980 - 2000), LILACS (from 1982 - 2000), PsycLIT (from 1974 - 2000), Biological Abstracts (1982 to 2000). Reference searching; personal communication; conference abstracts; unpublished trials from pharmaceutical industry; book chapters on treatment of cocaine dependence. Selection criteria The inclusion criteria for all randomised controlled trials were that they should focus on the use of dopamine agonists on the treatment of cocaine dependence. Trials including patients with additional diagnosis such as opiate dependence were also eligible. Data collection and analysis The reviewers extracted the data independently and Relative Risks, weighted mean difference and number needed to treat were estimated. The reviewers assumed that people who died or dropped out had no improvement and tested the sensitivity of the final results to this assumption. Main results Twelve studies were included, with 587 participants randomised. Amantadine and Bromocriptine were compared to placebo in most of trials. In two studies amantadine was directly compared to bromocriptine, while amantadine was compared to desipramine, an antidepressant in three. The main efficacy outcome presented was positive urine sample for cocaine metabolites, with no significant differences between interventions. When retention in treatment was assessed as an acceptability measure, it was found a similar rate of patients remaining in treatment in both placebo and active drugs. There were no significant differences in trials where participants had primary cocaine dependence or had additional diagnosis of opioid dependence and/or were in methadone maintenance treatment. Reviewer's conclusions Current evidence does not support the clinical use of dopamine agonists in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Given the high rate of dropouts in this population, clinicians may consider adding psychotherapeutic supportive measures aiming to keep patients in treatment.
TL;DR: The results suggest that the hygiene practices of many food street-vending places are not adequate, resulting in a high proportion of read-to-eat RTE) foods with microbiological quality unsatisfactory for consumption.
Abstract: O comercio de alimentos prontos para o consumo por vendedores ambulantes pode constituir um alto risco para a saude dos consumidores, visto que as pessoas envolvidas nesta atividade geralmente nao tem preparo para a manipulacao correta de alimentos. Neste trabalho foram investigadas as condicoes de preparo e a qualidade higienico-sanitaria de lanches comercializados por vendedores ambulantes em Pelotas. Foram colhidas de 60 estabelecimentos, uma amostra de agua, uma da superficie de manuseio e um lanche (cachorro-quente). Nos cachorros-quentes foram realizadas contagens de bacterias aerobias mesofilas (BAM), Staphylococcus coagulase positiva (STA), coliformes totais (CT), coliformes a 45oC (CF), e investigada a presenca de Salmonella sp. Na agua e superficie foram realizadas contagens de BAM, CT e CF. Entre as 60 amostras de cachorros-quentes analisadas, 53%, 48%, 37% e 25% estavam fora do padrao para CT, BAM, STA e CF, respectivamente. Em nenhuma amostra foi detectada a presenca de Salmonella. As amostras de agua apresentaram apenas 3 (5%) amostras fora do padrao para BAM, e 27% e 23% fora do padrao para CT e CF, respectivamente. Em relacao as superficies, 70% foram consideradas insatisfatorias para contagem de BAM e 68% e 67% para CT e CF. Os resultados sugerem que as condicoes higienicas existentes em muitos estabelecimentos nao sao adequadas, o que se reflete em uma proporcao relativamente alta de lanches com qualidade microbiologica insatisfatoria para o consumo.