Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Pelotas published in 2008"

Heavy-ion collisions at the LHC-Last call for predictions

Abstract: This writeup is a compilation of the predictions for the forthcoming Heavy Ion Program at the Large Hadron Collider, as presented at the CERN Theory Institute 'Heavy Ion Collisions at the LHC - Last Call for Predictions', held from 14th May to 10th June 2007.

Cohort Profile: The 1993 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study

Abstract: In 1982 a birth cohort study was initiated in Pelotas a Southern Brazilian city with a current population of 323 000 inhabitants. It started as a perinatal survey and later became one of the largest and longest running birth cohorts in the developing world. With the success of this initial study our group decided to propose a second birth cohort to be launched 10 years later. Due to delayed funding the new cohort could only start in 1993. Funding for the new cohort was obtained from the European Economic Commission in a collaboration that included the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the Escuela Andaluza de Salud Publica from Granada. In the late 80s and early 90s the hypothesis that intrauterine infant and child growth could affect long-term health outcomes gained widespread attention. The beneficial effects of breastfeeding were also becoming more evident. To better describe growth and feeding patterns we opted to examine infants on several occasions at the ages of 1 3 6 and 12 months differently from our 1982 cohort when the first home visit took place at the age of 9-15 months. (excerpt)

SSR Locator: Tool for Simple Sequence Repeat Discovery Integrated with Primer Design and PCR Simulation.

Abstract: Microsatellites or SSRs (simple sequence repeats) are ubiquitous short tandem duplications occurring in eukaryotic organisms. These sequences are among the best marker technologies applied in plant genetics and breeding. The abundant genomic, BAC, and EST sequences available in databases allow the survey regarding presence and location of SSR loci. Additional information concerning primer sequences is also the target of plant geneticists and breeders. In this paper, we describe a utility that integrates SSR searches, frequency of occurrence of motifs and arrangements, primer design, and PCR simulation against other databases. This simulation allows the performance of global alignments and identity and homology searches between different amplified sequences, that is, amplicons. In order to validate the tool functions, SSR discovery searches were performed in a database containing 28 469 nonredundant rice cDNA sequences.

Multiple ADH genes are associated with upper aerodigestive cancers

Abstract: Alcohol is an important risk factor for upper aerodigestive cancers and is principally metabolized by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes. We have investigated six ADH genetic variants in over 3,800 aerodigestive cancer cases and 5,200 controls from three individual studies. Gene variants rs1229984 (ADH1B) and rs1573496 (ADH7) were significantly protective against aerodigestive cancer in each individual study and overall (P = 10−10 and 10−9, respectively). These effects became more apparent with increasing alcohol consumption (P for trend = 0.0002 and 0.065, respectively). Both gene effects were independent of each other, implying that multiple ADH genes may be involved in upper aerodigestive cancer etiology.

Atividade física em adultos e idosos residentes em áreas de abrangência de unidades básicas de saúde de municípios das regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: Shifts in Brazil's demographic structure have expanded the country's elderly population and consequently increased the rates of chronic diseases. This paper describes the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle and associated factors in a cross-sectional study, including 4,060 non-elderly and 4,003 elderly adults in 41 cities in seven States of the country. Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was 31.8% (95%CI: 30.4-33.2) in non-elderly adults and 58.0% (95%CI: 56.4-59.5) in the elderly; sedentary lifestyle was more frequent in the Northeast and among males. Low family income was associated with higher prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in both non-elderly and elderly adults, while low schooling was only observed among the elderly. There was an inverse association between self-reported health status and sedentary lifestyle. Mean prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was higher in areas covered by pre-PROESF units in comparison to other health system models. We conclude that sedentary lifestyle is highly prevalent and that disadvantaged socioeconomic groups are more likely to be sedentary.

Sleep patterns and television viewing in relation to obesity and blood pressure: evidence from an adolescent Brazilian birth cohort

Abstract: Sleep patterns and television viewing in relation to obesity and blood pressure: evidence from an adolescent Brazilian birth cohort

Prevalence of insufficient physical activity and associated factors in Brazilian adolescents.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe levels of physical activity (PA) in adolescents living in southern Brazil and to explore associations between PA levels and demographic, socioeconomic, health-related, and parental variables. A further aim was to test the validity and reliability of the questionnaire used. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study including 857 adolescents selected randomly. Insufficient PA was defined as Language: en

Aumento da prematuridade no Brasil: revisão de estudos de base populacional

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The greatest cause of infant mortality in Brazil is perinatal conditions, mostly associated with preterm delivery. The objective of the study was to evaluate the evolution of preterm delivery rates in Brazil. METHODS: A review was conducted using the Medline and Lilacs databases, including published studies in periodicals, thesis and dissertations since 1950. Exclusion criteria were: studies related to clinical trials and those with complications at gestation and preterm delivery and care. Inclusion criteria were: population-based studies on prevalence of preterm delivery in Brazil, with representative sample of the studied population, and using primary data. Out of 71 studies found, analysis was carried out on 12. RESULTS: The prevalence of preterm delivery found ranged from 3.4% to 15.0% in the Southern and Southeastern regions between 1978 and 2004, with a rising trend from the 1990s onwards. Studies in the Northeastern region between 1984 and 1998 found prevalences of preterm delivery ranging from 3.8% to 10.2%, also with a rising trend. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the national live birth information system do not corroborate these trends. Rather, they show differences between the preterm rates given by this system and the rates measured in the studies included in this review. Because of the important role of preterm birth in relation to infant mortality in Brazil, it is important to identify the cause of these increases and to plan interventions that can diminish their occurrence.

Learning benefits of self-controlled knowledge of results in 10-year-old children.

Abstract: (2008). Learning Benefits of Self-Controlled Knowledge of Results in 10-Year-Old Children. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport: Vol. 79, No. 3, pp. 405-410.

Acesso a medicamentos de uso contínuo em adultos e idosos nas regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a prevalencia de acesso a medicamentos de uso continuo para tratar hipertensao arterial sistemica, diabetes mellitus e/ou problemas de saude mental e fatores associados. Foi desenvolvido estudo transversal no âmbito do Projeto de Expansao e Consolidacao Saude da Familia (PROESF) em 41 municipios do Sul e Nordeste do Brasil. A amostra incluiu 4.060 adultos e 4.003 idosos residentes na area das unidades basicas de saude (UBS). A prevalencia de acesso a medicamentos de uso continuo em adultos foi de 81% e em idosos, 87%. O maior acesso entre os adultos da Regiao Sul esteve associado com maior idade, melhor nivel economico, tipo de morbidade cronica e participacao em grupos na UBS; entre os adultos do Nordeste, com hipertensao arterial sistemica exclusiva ou combinada com diabetes mellitus; entre os idosos do Sul, com maior escolaridade; entre os idosos do Nordeste, com maior idade, maior escolaridade, nao fumantes, vinculo com a UBS e modelo de atencao Programa Saude da Familia (PSF). Os resultados revelam importante iniquidade em saude, reforcando a necessidade de politicas para ampliar o acesso principalmente para populacoes de menor poder aquisitivo.

Efficacy and safety of 10% and 16% carbamide peroxide tooth-whitening gels: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: Clinical Relevance This clinical trial suggests that two carbamide peroxide concentrations, when used once a day for three weeks, were well tolerated by patients and were effective in tooth whitening. Although some tooth sensitivity occurred during treatment, this side effect was mostly mild and transient.

Involuntary smoking and head and neck cancer risk: Pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium

Abstract: Although active tobacco smoking has been identified as a major risk factor for head and neck cancer, involuntary smoking has not been adequately evaluated because of the relatively low statistical power in previous studies. We took advantage of data pooled in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium to evaluate the role of involuntary smoking in head and neck carcinogenesis. Involuntary smoking exposure data were pooled across six case-control studies in Central Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were estimated for 542 cases and 2,197 controls who reported never using tobacco, and the heterogeneity among the study-specific ORs was assessed. In addition, stratified analyses were done by subsite. No effect of ever involuntary smoking exposure either at home or at work was observed for head and neck cancer overall. However, long duration of involuntary smoking exposure at home and at work was associated with an increased risk (OR for >15 years at home, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.12-2.28; P(trend) 15 years at work, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.04-2.30; P(trend) = 0.13). The effect of duration of involuntary smoking exposure at home was stronger for pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers than for other subsites. An association between involuntary smoking exposure and the risk of head and neck cancer, particularly pharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, was observed for long duration of exposure. These results are consistent with those for active smoking and suggest that elimination of involuntary smoking exposure might reduce head and neck cancer risk among never smokers.

A survey of oral and maxillofacial biopsies in children: a single-center retrospective study of 20 years in Pelotas-Brazil

Abstract: Despite the large number of published cases about oral and maxillofacial pediatric lesions, the literature is scarce on epidemiological studies regarding the prevalence of these entities. This study retrieved oral and maxillofacial pediatric lesions from the Center of Diagnosis of Oral Diseases (CDDB) at the Dental School of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPEL), comprising a 20-year period (1983-2002). From the total of 9,465 biopsies received in this period, 625 (6.6%) were from children aged 0 to 14 years. Regardless of the histopathological diagnosis, patient data referring to lesion location, sex and age were collected. Diagnoses were grouped in 13 categories. As much as 89% of the cases occurred in patients aged 7 to 14 years (53% in females and 47% in males). Mucocele (17.2%) was the most common type of lesion, followed by dentigerous cyst (8.6%). In the category of odontogenic tumors, odontoma was the most frequent lesion (64.2%). Malignant lesions were observed in a small section of the sample (1.2%). Generally, the results of the present study are in line with those reported in the literature concerning the most prevalent lesions in the pediatric population. Most lesions were benign, and malignant lesions were diagnosed in a very small part of the sample.

Entendendo o trabalho colaborativo em educação e revelando seus benefícios

Abstract: Este trabalho tem como objetivo discutir e afirmar a importância do desenvolvimento de atividades colaborativas nas escolas. O texto esta baseado em ampla revisao de literatura voltada para: a teorizacao acerca dos processos psicologicos envolvidos nesse tipo de atividades, com base, principalmente, na psicologia socio-historica; e a analise dos resultados de diferentes investigacoes que enfocaram as atividades colaborativas entre professores e estudantes, de maneira a retirar delas algumas conclusoes uteis para o trabalho em Educacao. A revisao foi realizada com base em pesquisas publicadas em livros, artigos de periodicos, teses, dissertacoes e anais de eventos tradicionais da area, no Brasil e em outros paises. Ela inclui, tambem, pesquisas desenvolvidas no âmbito do projeto “Trabalho colaborativo em Educacao: desenvolvimento e beneficios”, coordenado pela autora deste texto, que vem se dedicando, nos ultimos cinco anos, a estudar a tematica. O texto nao tem a pretensao de constituir-se em um “estado da arte” sobre o trabalho colaborativo, sendo possivel, inclusive, que nao inclua resultados de investigacoes consideradas fundamentais por outros pesquisadores. Devido a extensao da producao relacionada ao assunto, sua revisao exaustiva seria tarefa infindavel. Assim, apresenta dados de estudos considerados metodologicamente solidos e teoricamente relevantes que foram reunidos com o objetivo de resumir e divulgar, pelo menos em parte, o conhecimento ja produzido sobre a importância do trabalho colaborativo na Educacao.

Flexural and diametral tensile strength of composite resins.

Abstract: This study evaluated the flexural strength (sf) and the diametral tensile strength (st) of light-cured composite resins, testing the hypothesis that there is a positive relation between these properties. Twenty specimens were fabricated for each material (Filtek Z250- 3M-Espe; AM- Amelogen, Ultradent; VE- Vit-l-escence, Ultradent; EX- Esthet-X, Dentsply/Caulk), following ISO 4049 and ANSI/ADA 27 specifications and the manufacturers instructions. For the st test, cylindrical shaped (4 mm x 6 mm) specimens (n = 10) were placed with their long axes perpendicular to the applied compressive load at a crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/min. The sf was measured using the 3-point bending test, in which bar shaped specimens (n = 10) were tested at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Both tests were performed in a universal testing machine (EMIC 2000) recording the fracture load (N). Strength values (MPa) were calculated and statistically analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey (a = 0.05). The mean and standard deviation values (MPa) were Z250-45.06 +/- 5.7; AM-35.61 +/- 5.4; VE-34.45 +/- 7.8; and EX-42.87 +/- 6.6 for st; and Z250-126.52 +/- 3.3; AM-87.75 +/- 3.8; VE-104.66 +/- 4.4; and EX-119.48 +/- 2.1 for sf. EX and Z250 showed higher st and sf values than the other materials evaluated (p < 0.05), which followed a decreasing trend of mean values. The results confirmed the study hypothesis, showing a positive relation between the material properties examined.

A sobrecarga da família que convive com a realidade do transtorno mental

Abstract: Objective: To be acquainted with the stress over families living with psychic disorder. Methods: This is a qualitative research, with a hermeneutic-dialectic approach. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with ten family members of mentally ill persons in a Psychosocial Attention center and on their homes. Gathered data was grouped in themes for later analysis. Results: We identified the presence of three overload types: financial overload, related to medicine and consultation spending; attention overload, because it’s the responsibility of a single individual; physical and emotional overload, represented by tension and anxiety. Conclusion: The need for attention of the family of the mentally ill is evidenced. Once the the coping strategies are grasped, it can become a therapeutical and resocializing space.

Canine infection by rickettsiae and ehrlichiae in southern Brazil

Abstract: This study evaluated the infection caused by Rickettsia and Ehrlichia agents among dogs in southern Brazil. A total of 389 dogs were tested by the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for Rickettsia rickettsii, Rickettsia parkeri, Rickettsia amblyommii, Rickettsia rhipicephali, Rickettsia bellii, and Ehrlichia canis. Overall, 42.4% (165/389) of the dogs were seroreactive to at least one Rickettsia species, but only 11 canine sera reacted with another Rickettsia species without reacting with R. parkeri. A total of 100 (25.7%) canine sera showed titers to R. parkeri at least 4-fold higher than those to any of the other rickettsial antigens, allowing us to consider that these dogs were infected by R. parkeri. Dogs that had direct contact with pasture or forest areas were > 2 times more likely to be seroreactive to Rickettsia than dogs with no such direct contact. Only 19 (4.8%) of the 389 dogs were seroreactive to E. canis.

Validation and Reliability of Visual Assessment with a Shade Guide for Tooth-Color Classification

Abstract: Clinical Relevance The results of this study showed that the visual assessment of tooth color using the Vitapan Classical shade guide is a valid method for distinguishing between light and dark too...

Associated factors and consequences of late preterm births: results from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort

Abstract: Although neonatal and infant mortality rates have fallen in recent decades in Brazil, the prevalence of preterm deliveries has increased in certain regions, especially in the number of late preterm births. This study was planned to investigate: (1) maternal antenatal characteristics associated with late preterm births and (2) the consequences of late preterm birth on infant health in the neonatal period and until age 3 months. A population-based birth cohort was enrolled in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, in 2004. Mothers were interviewed and the gestational age of newborns was estimated through last menstrual period, ultrasound and Dubowitz's method. Preterm births between 34 and 36 completed weeks of gestational age were classified as late preterm births. Only singleton live births from mothers living in the urban area of Pelotas were investigated. Three months after birth, mothers were interviewed at home regarding breast feeding, morbidity and hospital admissions. All deaths occurring in the first year of life were recorded. A total of 447 newborns (10.8%) were late preterms. Associations were observed with maternal age <20 years (prevalence ratio [PR] 1.3 [95% CI 1.1, 1.6]), absence of antenatal care (PR 2.4 [1.4, 4.2]) or less than seven prenatal care visits, arterial hypertension (PR 1.3 [1.0, 1.5]), and preterm labour (PR 1.6 [1.3, 1.9]). Compared with term births, late preterm births showed increased risk of depression at birth (Relative risk [RR] 1.7 [1.3, 2.2]), perinatal morbidity (RR 2.8 [2.3, 3.5]), and absence of breast feeding in the first hours after birth (PR 0.9 [0.8, 0.9]). RRs for neonatal and infant mortality were, respectively, 5.1 [1.7, 14.9] and 2.1 [1.0, 4.6] times higher than that observed among term newborns. In conclusion, in our setting, the prevention of all preterm births must be a priority, regardless of whether early or late.

Preterm births, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction in three birth cohorts in Southern Brazil: 1982, 1993 and 2004

Abstract: Three birth cohort studies from 1982, 1993 and 2004, in Pelotas, Southern Brazil provided the data for this study of trends in preterm births, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction. We found a slight increase in the period in the low birth weight prevalence from 9% to 10%. Intrauterine growth restriction decreased from 14.8% in 1982 to 9.4% in 1993, and subsequently increased to 12% in 2004, whereas preterm births increased markedly, from 6.3% in 1982 to 14.7% in 2004. This striking increment could not be explained by changes in maternal characteristics, as mothers in 2004 were heavier, smoked less during pregnancy and attended antenatal clinics more often and earlier than those of previous cohorts. However, pregnancy interruptions due either to caesarean sections or to inductions significantly increased. Caesareans increased from 28% in 1982 to 45% in 2004, and inductions were 2.5% in 1982 but 11.1% in 2004. The increase in preterms could be partially explained by the growing number of pregnancy interruptions, but there must be other causes since this increase was also observed among babies born by non-induced vaginal deliveries.