Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Pelotas published in 2009"

Interaction between tobacco and alcohol use and the risk of head and neck cancer: pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium.

Abstract: Background: The magnitude of risk conferred by the interaction between tobacco and alcohol use on the risk of head and neck cancers is not clear because studies have used various methods to quantify the excess head and neck cancer burden. Methods: We analyzed individual-level pooled data from 17 European and American case-control studies (11,221 cases and 16,168 controls) participating in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology consortium. We estimated the multiplicative interaction parameter ( ψ ) and population attributable risks (PAR). Results: A greater than multiplicative joint effect between ever tobacco and alcohol use was observed for head and neck cancer risk ( ψ = 2.15; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-3.04). The PAR for tobacco or alcohol was 72% (95% confidence interval, 61-79%) for head and neck cancer, of which 4% was due to alcohol alone, 33% was due to tobacco alone, and 35% was due to tobacco and alcohol combined. The total PAR differed by subsite (64% for oral cavity cancer, 72% for pharyngeal cancer, 89% for laryngeal cancer), by sex (74% for men, 57% for women), by age (33% for cases 60 years), and by region (84% in Europe, 51% in North America, 83% in Latin America). Conclusions: Our results confirm that the joint effect between tobacco and alcohol use is greater than multiplicative on head and neck cancer risk. However, a substantial proportion of head and neck cancers cannot be attributed to tobacco or alcohol use, particularly for oral cavity cancer and for head and neck cancer among women and among young-onset cases. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(2):541–50)

Temporal Trends in Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In spite of all accumulated scientific knowledge on the benefits of physical activity (PA) for health, high rates of sedentary lifestyle are still observed worldwide. The aim of this study was to systematically review articles on temporal trends of PA and fitness, with emphasis on differences between children/ adolescents and adults. METHODS: An electronic search at the Medline/PubMed database was carried out using the following combination of keywords: temporal trends or trends or surveillance or monitoring and PA or exercise or physical fitness or motor activity or sedentary or fitness. RESULTS: By using this strategy, 23,088 manuscripts were detected. After examination, 41 articles fulfilled all inclusion criteria, and were, therefore, included. The data currently available in the literature for adults shows that leisure-time activity levels tend to be increasing over time, while occupational-related PA is decreasing over time. Youth PA seems to be decreasing over time, including a lower level of activity in physical education classes. As a consequence, fitness levels are also declining. CONCLUSION: PA surveillance must be strongly encouraged in all settings and age groups. Special attention must be paid to low and middle-income countries, where PA surveillance is virtually inexistent. Language: en

Ions at the air-water interface: an end to a hundred-year-old mystery?

Abstract: Availability of highly reactive halogen ions at the surface of aerosols has tremendous implications for the atmospheric chemistry. Yet neither simulations, experiments, nor existing theories are able to provide a fully consistent description of the electrolyte-air interface. In this Letter a new theory is proposed which allows us to explicitly calculate the ionic density profiles, the surface tension, and the electrostatic potential difference across the solution-air interface. Predictions of the theory are compared to experiments and are found to be in excellent agreement. The theory also sheds new light on one of the oldest puzzles of physical chemistry---the Hofmeister effect.

Synthesis of Vinyl Selenides

Abstract: The versatility and utility of vinyl chalcogenides in organic synthesis is well documented through the publication of a number of review articles1 and books.2 The development of new methods for the preparation and applicability of vinyl sulfides,3a-c sulfones,3d and tellurides4 was recently revised. * Corresponding author. Phone/fax: +55 53 3275 7533. E-mail: gelson_perin@ufpel.edu.br. Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 1277–1301 1277

Inappropriate use of emergency services: a systematic review of prevalence and associated factors

Abstract: This systematic review aimed to measure the prevalence of inappropriate emergency department (ED) use by adults and associated factors. The review included 31 articles published in the last 12 years. Prevalence of inappropriate ED use varied from 20 to 40% and was associated with age and income. Female patients, those without co-morbidities, without a regular physician, without a regular source of care, and those not referred to the ED by a physician also showed more inappropriate ED use, with the relative risk varying from 1.12 to 2.42. Difficulties in accessing primary health care (difficulties in setting appointments, longer waiting periods, and short business hours at the primary health care service) were also associated with inappropriate ED use. Thus, primary care requires fully qualified patient reception and efficient triage to promptly attend cases that cannot wait. It is also necessary to orient the population on situations in which they should go to the ED and on the disadvantages of consulting the ED when the case is not really urgent.

Color stability of a nanofill composite: effect of different immersion media

Abstract: www.fob.usp.br/jaos or www.scielo.br/jaos J Appl Oral Sci. 2009;17(5):388-91 COLOR STABILITY OF A NANOFILL COMPOSITE: EFFECTOF DIFFERENT IMMERSION MEDIA Silvia Terra FONTES 1 , Maria Raquel FERNANDEZ 1 , Claudia Modena de MOURA 2 , Sonia Saeger MEIRELES 3 1- DDS, MS, PhD student, Department of Operative Dentistry, Dental School, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.2- DDS, Private Practice, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.3- DDS, MS, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry, Federal University of Paraiba, Joao Pessoa, PB, Brazil . Corresponding address: Sonia Saeger Meireles - Avenida Umbuzeiro, 755 apt 901, Bairro: Manaira - 58038-180, Joao Pessoa - PB - Brazil - Phone:+55 83 32167250 - e-mail: soniasaeger@hotmail.com Received: August 13, 2008 - Modification: May 18, 2009 - Accepted: November 09, 2008 bjective: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the color stability of a nanofill composite resin (Filtek Z350) in differentimmersion media. Materials and methods: Twelve resin-based composite specimens were prepared using a silicon cylindrical moldmeasuring ≅1mm of thickness and ≅ 10mm of diameter. Specimens were light-cured for 40 s from both sides using a LED Radii at1400 mW/cm

Incapacidade funcional para atividades básicas e instrumentais da vida diária em idosos

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of disability and associated factors in elderly, by focusing on basic and instrumental activities of daily living. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 598 subjects aged 60 years or over who were selected through two-stage cluster sampling in Pelotas, Southern Brazil, between 2007 and 2008. Basic and instrumental activities were evaluated using the Katz Index and the Lawton Scale, respectively. Disability relating to each domain was defined as the need for partial or total assistance to perform at least one activity of daily living. Poisson regression with robust variance was used in the crude and adjusted analyses, taking the cluster sampling into account. RESULTS: The prevalence of disability relating to basic activities was 26.8% (95% CI: 23.0; 30.8). The lowest proportion of independence was in relation to controlling the urination and/or evacuation functions. In relation to instrumental activities, the prevalence of disability was 28.8% (95% CI: 24.5; 33.1), particularly in relation to moving around using means of transportation. A high proportion of the elderly subjects (21.7%) presented more than one instrumental activity with disability. In relation to basic activities, the greatest proportion presented dependence for only one activity (16.6%). In the adjusted analysis, disability relating to basic activities was associated with non-white skin color (p=0.01) and increasing age (p<0.001). Disability relating to instrumental activities was only associated with increasing age (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The association between disability relating to basic and instrumental activities and increasing age is an indicator of importance for enabling the health services to plan actions that aim to prevent or delay the occurrence of disability, thereby ensuring independence and better quality of life among the elderly.

Over-the-counter whitening agents: a concise review

Abstract: Tooth discoloration is commonly found in the dental clinic and tooth bleaching has been considered the preferred esthetic alternative, being more conservative, safe and with predictable results. Supervised home-use of 10% Carbamide Peroxide (CP) bleaching with custom-trays is the most common bleaching procedure dispensed by dentists to their patients. The good results obtained with this technique stimulated the flourishing of new products and techniques. Over-the-counter (OTC) bleaching products appeared as a low-cost alternative to bleach discolored teeth without dentist supervision. Different OTC products are available in supermarkets, drug stores or on the Internet, including rinses, paint-on brushes, toothpastes, chewing guns, dental floss, and whitening strips. There is lack of clinical evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of these products, being most of the studies supported by the manufacturers'. Basically, toothpastes, chewing gums, and dental floss are removal agents of superficial stains. Rinses and paint-on brushes with low levels of hydrogen peroxide have some whitening effect, but without clinical relevance. Strips present similar esthetic results and side-effects, compared to bleaching with 10% CP using trays; however, the studies have financial support from the manufacturers and were based on short term evaluations. Legislation varies widely in different countries regarding OTC dental bleaching. Concerns have appeared due to the potential abusive use of these self-medication agents, especially in young patients, with potential harmful results. Dentists should be acquainted with this kind of products to be able to inform their patients. In conclusion, there is a need for independent clinical trials to provide sufficient evidence regarding the use of OTC bleaching products.

Family history of cancer: pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium.

Abstract: Alcohol and tobacco consumption are well-recognized risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC). Evidence suggests that genetic predisposition may also play a role. Only a few epidemiologic studies, however, have considered the relation between HNC risk and family history of HNC and other cancers. We pooled individual-level data across 12 case-control studies including 8,967 HNC cases and 13,627 controls. We obtained pooled odds ratios (OR) using fixed and random effect models and adjusting for potential confounding factors. All statistical tests were two-sided. A family history of HNC in first-degree relatives increased the risk of HNC (OR=1.7, 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.2-2.3). The risk was higher when the affected relative was a sibling (OR=2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.1) rather than a parent (OR=1.5, 95% CI 1.1-1.8) and for more distal HNC anatomic sites (hypopharynx and larynx). The risk was also higher, or limited to, in subjects exposed to tobacco. The OR rose to 7.2 (95% CI 5.5-9.5) among subjects with family history, who were alcohol and tobacco users. A weak but significant association (OR=1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2) emerged for family history of other tobacco-related neoplasms, particularly with laryngeal cancer (OR=1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.5). No association was observed for family history of nontobacco-related neoplasms and the risk of HNC (OR=1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1). Familial factors play a role in the etiology of HNC. In both subjects with and without family history of HNC, avoidance of tobacco and alcohol exposure may be the best way to avoid HNC.

Effect of psychological stress on blood pressure increase: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Abstract: Studies have suggested that chronic exposure to stress may have an influence on increased blood pressure. A systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was conducted aiming to assess the effect of psychological stress on blood pressure increase. Research was mainly conducted in Ingenta, Psycinfo, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria were: published in any language; from January 1970 to December 2006; prospective cohort design; adults; main exposure psychological/emotional stress; outcome arterial hypertension or blood pressure increase > 3.5mmHg. A total of 2,043 studies were found, of which 110 were cohort studies. Of these, six were eligible and yielded 23 comparison groups and 34,556 subjects. Median follow-up time and loss to follow-up were 11.5 years and 21%. Results showed individuals who had stronger responses to stressor tasks were 21% more likely to develop blood pressure increase when compared to those with less strong responses (OR: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.14-1.28; p < 0.001). Although the magnitude of effect was relatively small, results suggest the relevance of the control of psychological stress to the non-therapeutic management of high blood pressure.

Genome-Wide Transposon Mutagenesis in Pathogenic Leptospira Species

Abstract: Leptospira interrogans is the most common cause of leptospirosis in humans and animals Genetic analysis of L interrogans has been severely hindered by a lack of tools for genetic manipulation Recently we developed the mariner-based transposon Himar1 to generate the first defined mutants in L interrogans In this study, a total of 929 independent transposon mutants were obtained and the location of insertion determined Of these mutants, 721 were located in the protein coding regions of 551 different genes While sequence analysis of transposon insertion sites indicated that transposition occurred in an essentially random fashion in the genome, 25 unique transposon mutants were found to exhibit insertions into genes encoding 16S or 23S rRNAs, suggesting these genes are insertional hot spots in the L interrogans genome In contrast, loci containing notionally essential genes involved in lipopolysaccharide and heme biosynthesis showed few transposon insertions The effect of gene disruption on the virulence of a selected set of defined mutants was investigated using the hamster model of leptospirosis Two attenuated mutants with disruptions in hypothetical genes were identified, thus validating the use of transposon mutagenesis for the identification of novel virulence factors in L interrogans This library provides a valuable resource for the study of gene function in L interrogans Combined with the genome sequences of L interrogans, this provides an opportunity to investigate genes that contribute to pathogenesis and will provide a better understanding of the biology of L interrogans

Physical activity as a predictor of adolescent body fatness: a systematic review.

Abstract: Adolescent obesity has increased dramatically in several countries in recent decades; however, the contribution of physical activity level to adolescent adiposity requires clarification. This article investigates the effect of physical activity on subsequent levels of adiposity in adolescence. The methodological aspects of the studies included in this article, particularly in terms of measurement accuracy for both exposure (physical activity) and outcome (adiposity) variables, are also evaluated. Systematic searches of the literature were undertaken using online databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, examination of citations and contacting of authors. The online databases were searched from their earliest records until 2007. Only longitudinal studies with 50 or more adolescents were included. Two independent reviewers assessed the quality of the studies using the Downs and Black checklist. Thirteen observational, five experimental and six quasi-experimental studies (without a control group) were identified. Almost all studies were carried out in high-income settings and showed protective effects of physical activity for both prevention and treatment of adolescent obesity. However, experimental studies undertaken with obese adolescents at baseline usually combined physical activity with dietary changes, making it difficult to assess the effect of physical activity itself on the treatment of obesity. Physical activity estimated from questionnaires and body mass index (BMI) were the most frequently used measures. Despite the feasibility of using these approaches in epidemiological studies, significant limitations are evident. Questionnaires are subjective and adolescents may not report physical activity level accurately. Furthermore, BMI is not an accurate measure of fatness for adolescents, as it is also associated with lean mass, hence bias may arise from its longitudinal association with physical activity level. Despite the majority of studies reviewed showing protective effects of physical activity on adiposity, particularly in individuals who are obese at baseline, the current literature on this issue is sparse and several methodological drawbacks are evident. The main limitations relate to a lack of validity in the measurements of both physical activity and body composition. Further studies are needed in order to generate evidence-based recommendations for the quantity and quality of adolescent physical activity required to prevent or treat adolescent obesity.

Practice of physical activities and associated factors in adults, Brazil, 2006

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalencia da pratica de atividades fisicas por adultos e sua associacao com fatores sociodemograficos e ambientais. METODOS: Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Protecao para Doencas Cronicas por Inquerito Telefonico coletados em 2006. Os 54.369 adultos entrevistados residiam em domicilios com linha telefonica fixa nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal. A pratica de atividades fisicas foi considerada nos dominios do lazer, trabalho, atividade domestica e deslocamento. As variaveis estudadas incluiram caracteristicas sociodemograficas dos individuos e ambientais das cidades; a associacao com as atividades fisicas foi analisada segundo sexo. RESULTADOS: As proporcoes de individuos ativos foram de 14,8% no lazer, 38,2% no trabalho, 11,7% no deslocamento e 48,5% nas atividades domesticas. Indices superiores a 60% de inativos no lazer foram observados em dez capitais. Os homens foram mais ativos que as mulheres em todos os dominios, exceto nas atividades domesticas. A proporcao de individuos ativos decresceu com o aumento da idade. A escolaridade associou-se diretamente com a atividade fisica no lazer. Os homens ativos no deslocamento tiveram maior chance de ser ativos no lazer, enquanto que as pessoas inativas no trabalho tiveram maior chance de serem ativas no lazer. A existencia de local para praticar atividades fisicas proximo a residencia associou-se a atividade fisica no lazer. CONCLUSOES: Os resultados obtidos sao importantes para o monitoramento dos niveis de atividades fisicas no Brasil. Para a promocao das atividades fisicas, deve-se considerar as diferencas entre homens e mulheres, as diferencas nas faixas etarias e nos niveis de escolaridade. Deve-se investir principalmente na promocao das atividades fisicas no lazer e como forma de deslocamento e em locais adequados para a pratica proximos as residencias.

Type of Alcoholic Beverage and Risk of Head and Neck Cancer—A Pooled Analysis Within the INHANCE Consortium

Abstract: The authors pooled data from 15 case-control studies of head and neck cancer (9,107 cases, 14,219 controls) to investigate the independent associations with consumption of beer, wine, and liquor. In particular, they calculated associations with different measures of beverage consumption separately for subjects who drank beer only (858 cases, 986 controls), for liquor-only drinkers (499 cases, 527 controls), and for wine-only drinkers (1,021 cases, 2,460 controls), with alcohol never drinkers (1,124 cases, 3,487 controls) used as a common reference group. The authors observed similar associations with ethanol-standardized consumption frequency for beer-only drinkers (odds ratios (ORs) = 1.6, 1.9, 2.2, and 5.4 for 30 drinks per week, respectively; P(trend) < 0.0001) and liquor-only drinkers (ORs = 1.6, 1.5, 2.3, and 3.6; P < 0.0001). Among wine-only drinkers, the odds ratios for moderate levels of consumption frequency approached the null, whereas those for higher consumption levels were comparable to those of drinkers of other beverage types (ORs = 1.1, 1.2, 1.9, and 6.3; P < 0.0001). Study findings suggest that the relative risks of head and neck cancer for beer and liquor are comparable. The authors observed weaker associations with moderate wine consumption, although they cannot rule out confounding from diet and other lifestyle factors as an explanation for this finding. Given the presence of heterogeneity in study-specific results, their findings should be interpreted with caution.

Regular use of dental care services by adults: patterns of utilization and types of services

Abstract: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso regular de servicos odontologicos entre adultos, identificando grupos nos quais esse comportamento e mais frequente. O estudo foi realizado em Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, com desenho transversal de base populacional, envolvendo 2.961 individuos, que responderam um questionario estruturado. A prevalencia de uso regular encontrada foi de 32,8%. Estiveram positivamente associadas ao uso de forma regular as seguintes caracteristicas: ser do sexo feminino, ter idade < 60 anos, nao ter companheiro, ter alta escolaridade, ter maior nivel economico, usar servicos privados, ter autopercepcao de saude bucal boa/otima, nao ter autopercepcao de necessidade de tratamento, ter recebido orientacao sobre prevencao e ter manifestado opiniao favoravel ao profissional. O uso regular foi pouco frequente, especialmente entre os menos favorecidos (15%). Restringindo a analise apenas para usuarios do servico publico, observou-se maior utilizacao regular entre os mais escolarizados. Os servicos de saude, em especial o publico, devem trabalhar a fim de incrementar o uso regular e preventivo.

Social and dental status along the life course and oral health impacts in adolescents: a population-based birth cohort

Abstract: Background Harmful social conditions in early life might predispose individuals to dental status which in turn may impact on adolescents' quality of life.

Late preterm birth is a risk factor for growth faltering in early childhood: a cohort study

Abstract: Background Rates of preterm birth are increasing worldwide and this increase is mostly due to infants born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestational age, the so-called "late preterm" births. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of late preterm birth over growth outcomes, assessed when children were 12 and 24 months old.

Gender and incidence of functional disability in the elderly: a systematic review

Abstract: This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of gender on the incidence of functional disability in the elderly. The search for publications in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ProQuest electronic databases from January 1990 to March 2008 identified 879 publications, from which 21 cohort studies were selected that evaluated gender as an independent variable and incidence of functional disability in elderly as the outcome. Review of the studies found that after adjusting for socioeconomic, health, and social relations indicators, incidence of functional disability was similar between genders. The main risk factors for functional disability in the elderly, regardless of gender, were: lack of schooling, living in rental housing, chronic diseases, arthritis, diabetes, visual impairment, body mass index above 25, poor self-perceived health, cognitive impairment, depression, slow gait, sedentary lifestyle, tiredness while performing daily activities, and limited diversity in social relations.

Prevalência de excesso de peso e obesidade e fatores associados, Brasil, 2006

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalencia de excesso de peso e obesidade e fatores associados. METODOS: Foram analisados dados referentes a individuos com idade >18 anos entrevistados pelo sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Protecao para Doencas Cronicas por Inquerito Telefonico (VIGITEL), realizado nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal em 2006. Para 49.395 individuos, o indice de massa corporal (IMC) foi utilizado para identificar excesso de peso (IMC 25-30 kg/m²) e obesidade (IMC >30 kg/m²). Prevalencia e razoes de prevalencia foram apresentadas segundo variaveis sociodemograficas, escolaridade e condicao de saude/comorbidades e auto-avaliacao da saude, estratificadas por sexo. Utilizou-se regressao de Poisson para analises brutas e ajustadas por idade. RESULTADOS: A prevalencia de excesso de peso foi de 47% para os homens e 39% para as mulheres, e de obesidade, 11% para ambos os sexos. Observou-se associacao direta entre excesso de peso e escolaridade entre homens, e associacao inversa entre mulheres. Obesidade foi mais frequente entre os homens que viviam com companheira e nao esteve associada com escolaridade ou cor da pele. As prevalencias de excesso de peso e obesidade foram mais altas entre mulheres negras e que viviam com companheiro. A presenca de diabetes, hipertensao arterial sistemica e dislipidemias, bem como considerar sua saude como regular ou ruim, tambem foram referidas pelos entrevistados com excesso de peso ou obesidade. CONCLUSOES: Enquanto cerca de um de cada dois entrevistados foram classificados com excesso de peso, obesidade foi referida por um de cada dez entrevistados. Variaveis socioeconomicas e demograficas, bem como morbidades referidas, foram associadas com excesso de peso e obesidade. Esses resultados foram similares aqueles encontrados em outros estudos brasileiros.

Prática de atividades físicas e fatores associados em adultos, Brasil, 2006

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalencia da pratica de atividades fisicas por adultos e sua associacao com fatores sociodemograficos e ambientais. METODOS: Foram utilizados dados do Sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Protecao para Doencas Cronicas por Inquerito Telefonico coletados em 2006. Os 54.369 adultos entrevistados residiam em domicilios com linha telefonica fixa nas capitais brasileiras e Distrito Federal. A pratica de atividades fisicas foi considerada nos dominios do lazer, trabalho, atividade domestica e deslocamento. As variaveis estudadas incluiram caracteristicas sociodemograficas dos individuos e ambientais das cidades; a associacao com as atividades fisicas foi analisada segundo sexo. RESULTADOS: As proporcoes de individuos ativos foram de 14,8% no lazer, 38,2% no trabalho, 11,7% no deslocamento e 48,5% nas atividades domesticas. Indices superiores a 60% de inativos no lazer foram observados em dez capitais. Os homens foram mais ativos que as mulheres em todos os dominios, exceto nas atividades domesticas. A proporcao de individuos ativos decresceu com o aumento da idade. A escolaridade associou-se diretamente com a atividade fisica no lazer. Os homens ativos no deslocamento tiveram maior chance de ser ativos no lazer, enquanto que as pessoas inativas no trabalho tiveram maior chance de serem ativas no lazer. A existencia de local para praticar atividades fisicas proximo a residencia associou-se a atividade fisica no lazer. CONCLUSOES: Os resultados obtidos sao importantes para o monitoramento dos niveis de atividades fisicas no Brasil. Para a promocao das atividades fisicas, deve-se considerar as diferencas entre homens e mulheres, as diferencas nas faixas etarias e nos niveis de escolaridade. Deve-se investir principalmente na promocao das atividades fisicas no lazer e como forma de deslocamento e em locais adequados para a pratica proximos as residencias.