Showing papers by "Universidade Federal de Pelotas published in 2010"

Genome sequencing and analysis of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon

Abstract: Three subfamilies of grasses, the Ehrhartoideae, Panicoideae and Pooideae, provide the bulk of human nutrition and are poised to become major sources of renewable energy. Here we describe the genome sequence of the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), which is, to our knowledge, the first member of the Pooideae subfamily to be sequenced. Comparison of the Brachypodium, rice and sorghum genomes shows a precise history of genome evolution across a broad diversity of the grasses, and establishes a template for analysis of the large genomes of economically important pooid grasses such as wheat. The high-quality genome sequence, coupled with ease of cultivation and transformation, small size and rapid life cycle, will help Brachypodium reach its potential as an important model system for developing new energy and food crops.

Worldwide Timing of Growth Faltering: Revisiting Implications for Interventions

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to describe worldwide growth-faltering patterns by using the new World Health Organization (WHO) standards. METHODS: We analyzed information available from the WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, comprising data from national anthropometric surveys from 54 countries. Anthropometric data comprise weight-for-age, length/height-for-age, and weight-for-length/height z scores. The WHO regions were used to aggregate countries: Europe and Central Asia; Latin America and the Caribbean; North Africa and Middle East; South Asia; and sub-Saharan Africa. RESULTS: Sample sizes ranged from 1000 to 47 000 children. Weight for length/height starts slightly above the standard in children aged 1 to 2 months and falters slightly until 9 months of age, picking up after that age and remaining close to the standard thereafter. Weight for age starts close to the standard and falters moderately until reaching approximately −1 z at 24 months and remaining reasonably stable after that. Length/height for age also starts close to the standard and falters dramatically until 24 months, showing noticeable bumps just after 24, 36, and 48 months but otherwise increasing slightly after 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Comparison of child growth patterns in 54 countries with WHO standards shows that growth faltering in early childhood is even more pronounced than suggested by previous analyses based on the National Center for Health Statistics reference. These findings confirm the need to scale up interventions during the window of opportunity defined by pregnancy and the first 2 years of life, including prevention of low birth weight and appropriate infant feeding practices.

Microalgae as feedstock for biodiesel production: Carbon dioxide sequestration, lipid production and biofuel quality

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The novelty of this work is the estimation of the fuel properties of biodiesel, a comparison study with conventional sources of biodiesel commonly used as feedstock, and an investigation for meeting the requirements of the standard specifications for this fuel produced by six strains of microalgae (three cyanobacteria, two green algae and one diatom), cultivated photosynthetically in a bubble column photobioreactor. Lipid productivity and biofuel quality were the criteria for species selection. RESULTS: Chlorella vulgaris was found to be the best strain for use as a feedstock for biodiesel production and for this specie, a carbon dioxide sequestration rate of 17.8 mg L −1 min −1 , a biomass productivity of 20.1 mg L −1 h −1 , a lipid content of 27.0% and a lipid productivity of 5.3 mg L −1 h −1 were obtained. Qualitative analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters demonstrates the predominance of saturated (43.5%) and monounsaturated (41.9%) fatty acids. The quality properties of the biodiesel were an ester content of 99.8%, a cetane number of 56.7; an iodine value of 65.0 g I2 100 g −1 ; a degree of unsaturation of 74.1% and a cold filter plugging point of 4.5 ◦ C. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that among the fuel properties tested, the microalgal biodiesel complies with the US Standard (ASTM 6751), European Standard (EN 14214), Brazilian National Petroleum Agency (ANP 255) and Australian Standard for biodiesel. c � 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Sexual behaviours and the risk of head and neck cancers: a pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium

Abstract: Author(s): Heck, Julia E; Berthiller, Julien; Vaccarella, Salvatore; Winn, Deborah M; Smith, Elaine M; Shan'gina, Oxana; Schwartz, Stephen M; Purdue, Mark P; Pilarska, Agnieszka; Eluf-Neto, Jose; Menezes, Ana; McClean, Michael D; Matos, Elena; Koifman, Sergio; Kelsey, Karl T; Herrero, Rolando; Hayes, Richard B; Franceschi, Silvia; Wunsch-Filho, Victor; Fernandez, Leticia; Daudt, Alexander W; Curado, Maria Paula; Chen, Chu; Castellsague, Xavier; Ferro, Gilles; Brennan, Paul; Boffetta, Paolo; Hashibe, Mia | Abstract: BackgroundSexual contact may be the means by which head and neck cancer patients are exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV).MethodsWe undertook a pooled analysis of four population-based and four hospital-based case-control studies from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) consortium, with participants from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Cuba, India, Italy, Spain, Poland, Puerto Rico, Russia and the USA. The study included 5642 head and neck cancer cases and 6069 controls. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) of associations between cancer and specific sexual behaviours, including practice of oral sex, number of lifetime sexual partners and oral sex partners, age at sexual debut, a history of same-sex contact and a history of oral-anal contact. Findings were stratified by sex and disease subsite.ResultsCancer of the oropharynx was associated with having a history of six or more lifetime sexual partners [OR = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01, 1.54] and four or more lifetime oral sex partners (OR = 2.25, 95% CI 1.42, 3.58). Cancer of the tonsil was associated with four or more lifetime oral sex partners (OR = 3.36, 95 % CI 1.32, 8.53), and, among men, with ever having oral sex (OR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.09, 2.33) and with an earlier age at sexual debut (OR = 2.36, 95% CI 1.37, 5.05). Cancer of the base of the tongue was associated with ever having oral sex among women (OR = 4.32, 95% CI 1.06, 17.6), having two sexual partners in comparison with only one (OR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.19, 3.46) and, among men, with a history of same-sex sexual contact (OR = 8.89, 95% CI 2.14, 36.8).ConclusionsSexual behaviours are associated with cancer risk at the head and neck cancer subsites that have previously been associated with HPV infection.

Lessons Learned After 10 Years of IPAQ Use in Brazil and Colombia

Abstract: Background: To describe the lessons learned after 10 years of use of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) in Brazil and Colombia, with special emphasis on recommendations for future research in Latin America using this instrument. Methods: We present an analytical commentary, based on data from a review of the Latin American literature, as well as expert consultation and the authors' experience in administering IPAQ to over 43,000 individuals in Brazil and Colombia between 1998 and 2008. Results: Validation studies in Latin America suggest that the IPAQ has high reliability and moderate criteria validity in comparison with accelerometers. Cognitive interviews suggested that the occupational and housework sections of the long IPAQ lead to confusion among respondents, and there is evidence that these sections generate overestimated scores of physical activity. Because the short IPAQ considers the 4 physical activity domains altogether, people tend to provide inaccurate answers to it as w...

Weight Gain in the First Two Years of Life Is an Important Predictor of Schooling Outcomes in Pooled Analyses from Five Birth Cohorts from Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Abstract: Schooling predicts better reproductive outcomes, better long-term health, and increased lifetime earnings. We used data from 5 cohorts (Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines, and South Africa) to explore the relative importance of birthweight and postnatal weight gain for schooling in pooled analyses (n = 7945) that used appropriate statistical methods [conditional weight (CW) gain measures that are uncorrelated with prior weights] and controlled for confounding. One SD increase in birthweight, approximately 0.5 kg, was associated with 0.21 y more schooling and 8% decreased risk of grade failure. One SD increase in CW gain between 0 and 2 y, approximately 0.7 kg, was associated with higher estimates, 0.43 y more schooling, and 12% decreased risk of failure. One SD increase of CW gain between 2 and 4 y, approximately 0.9 kg, was associated with only 0.07 y more schooling but not with failure. Also, in children born in the lowest tertile of birthweight, 1 SD increase of CW between 0 and 2 y was associated with 0.52 y more schooling compared with 0.30 y in those in the upper tertile. Relationships with age at school entry were inconsistent. In conclusion, weight gain during the first 2 y of life had the strongest associations with schooling followed by birthweight; weight gain between 2 and 4 y had little relationship to schooling. Catch-up growth in smaller babies benefited schooling. Nutrition interventions aimed at women and children under 2 y are among the key strategies for achieving the millennium development goal of universal primary education by 2015.

Global report on preterm birth and stillbirth (3 of 7): evidence for effectiveness of interventions

Abstract: Interventions directed toward mothers before and during pregnancy and childbirth may help reduce preterm births and stillbirths. Survival of preterm newborns may also be improved with interventions given during these times or soon after birth. This comprehensive review assesses existing interventions for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Approximately 2,000 intervention studies were systematically evaluated through December 31, 2008. They addressed preterm birth or low birth weight; stillbirth or perinatal mortality; and management of preterm newborns. Out of 82 identified interventions, 49 were relevant to LMICs and had reasonable amounts of evidence, and therefore selected for in-depth reviews. Each was classified and assessed by the quality of available evidence and its potential to treat or prevent preterm birth and stillbirth. Impacts on other maternal, fetal, newborn or child health outcomes were also considered. Assessments were based on an adaptation of the Grades of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria. Most interventions require additional research to improve the quality of evidence. Others had little evidence of benefit and should be discontinued. The following are supported by moderate- to high-quality evidence and strongly recommended for LMICs: • Two interventions prevent preterm births—smoking cessation and progesterone • Eight interventions prevent stillbirths—balanced protein energy supplementation, screening and treatment of syphilis, intermittant presumptive treatment for malaria during pregnancy, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, birth preparedness, emergency obstetric care, cesarean section for breech presentation, and elective induction for post-term delivery • Eleven interventions improve survival of preterm newborns—prophylactic steroids in preterm labor, antibiotics for PROM, vitamin K supplementation at delivery, case management of neonatal sepsis and pneumonia, delayed cord clamping, room air (vs. 100% oxygen) for resuscitation, hospital-based kangaroo mother care, early breastfeeding, thermal care, and surfactant therapy and application of continued distending pressure to the lungs for respiratory distress syndrome The research paradigm for discovery science and intervention development must be balanced to address prevention as well as improve morbidity and mortality in all settings. This review also reveals significant gaps in current knowledge of interventions spanning the continuum of maternal and fetal outcomes, and the critical need to generate further high-quality evidence for promising interventions.

Dentin-derived BMP-2 and Odontoblast Differentiation

Abstract: It is known that stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) can be induced to differentiate into odontoblasts. However, the nature of dentin-derived morphogenic signals required for dental pulp stem cell differentiation remains unclear. The hypothesis underlying this work is that dentin-derived Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) are necessary for the differentiation of SHED into odontoblasts. We observed that SHED express markers of odontoblastic differentiation (DSPP, DMP-1, MEPE) when seeded in human tooth slice/scaffolds and cultured in vitro, or implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. In contrast, SHED cultured in deproteinized tooth slice/scaffolds, or scaffolds without a tooth slice, do not express these markers. SHED express the BMP receptors BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II. Notably, blockade of BMP-2 signaling inhibited the expression of markers of odontoblastic differentiation by SHED cultured in tooth slice/scaffolds. Collectively, this work demonstrates that dentin-derived BMP-2 is required to induce the differentiation of SHED into odontoblasts.

Cessation of alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and the reversal of head and neck cancer risk

Abstract: Background Quitting tobacco or alcohol use has been reported to reduce the head and neck cancer risk in previous studies. However, it is unclear how many years must pass following cessation of these habits before the risk is reduced, and whether the risk ultimately declines to the level of never smokers or never drinkers. Methods We pooled individual-level data from case–control studies in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium. Data were available from 13 studies on drinking cessation (9167 cases and 12 593 controls), and from 17 studies on smoking cessation (12 040 cases and 16 884 controls). We estimated the effect of quitting smoking and drinking on the risk of head and neck cancer and its subsites, by calculating odds ratios (ORs) using logistic regression models. Results Quitting tobacco smoking for 1–4 years resulted in a head and neck cancer risk reduction [OR 0.70, confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.81 compared with current smoking], with the risk reduction due to smoking cessation after ≥20 years (OR 0.23, CI 0.18–0.31), reaching the level of never smokers. For alcohol use, a beneficial effect on the risk of head and neck cancer was only observed after ≥20 years of quitting (OR 0.60, CI 0.40–0.89 compared with current drinking), reaching the level of never drinkers. Conclusions Our results support that cessation of tobacco smoking and cessation of alcohol drinking protect against the development of head and neck cancer.

Narrowing socioeconomic inequality in child stunting: the Brazilian experience, 1974-2007

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess trends in the prevalence and social distribution of child stunting in Brazil to evaluate the effect of income and basic service redistribution policies implemented in that country in the recent past. METHODS: The prevalence of stunting (height-for-age z score below −2 using the Child Growth Standards of the World Health Organization) among children aged less than 5 years was estimated from data collected during national household surveys carried out in Brazil in 1974-75 (n = 34 409), 1989 (n = 7374), 1996 (n = 4149) and 2006-07 (n = 4414). Absolute and relative socioeconomic inequality in stunting was measured by means of the slope index and the concentration index of inequality, respectively. FINDINGS: Over a 33-year period, we documented a steady decline in the national prevalence of stunting from 37.1% to 7.1%. Prevalence dropped from 59.0% to 11.2% in the poorest quintile and from 12.1% to 3.3% among the wealthiest quintile. The decline was particularly steep in the last 10 years of the period (1996 to 2007), when the gaps between poor and wealthy families with children under 5 were also reduced in terms of purchasing power; access to education, health care and water and sanitation services; and reproductive health indicators. CONCLUSION: In Brazil, socioeconomic development coupled with equity-oriented public policies have been accompanied by marked improvements in living conditions and a substantial decline in child undernutrition, as well as a reduction of the gap in nutritional status between children in the highest and lowest socioeconomic quintiles. Future studies will show whether these gains will be maintained under the current global economic crisis.

Growth patterns in early childhood and final attained stature: data from five birth cohorts from low- and middle-income countries.

Abstract: Growth failure is cumulative, and short stature is associated with multiple indices of reduced human capital. Few studies have been able to address in a single analysis both consideration of the timing of growth failure and comparison across populations. We analyzed data from birth cohorts in Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines, and South Africa (n = 4,659). We used data on length at birth (available for three of the five cohorts), 12 mo, 24 mo, and mid-childhood to construct cohort- and sex- specific conditional length measures. We modeled adult height as a function of conditional length in childhood. The five cohorts experienced varying degrees of growth failure. As adults, the Brazil sample was 0.35 ± 0.89 standard deviations (SD) below the World Health Organization reference, while adult Guatemalans were 1.91 ± 0.87 SD below the reference. All five cohorts experienced a nadir in height for age Z-score at 24 mo. Birth length (in the three cohorts with this variable), and conditional length at 12 mo (in all five cohorts) were the most strongly associated with adult height. Growth in the periods 12–24 mo and 24 mo to mid-childhood showed inconsistent patterns across tertiles of adult height. Despite variation in the magnitude of cumulative growth failure across cohorts, the five cohorts show highly consistent age-specific associations with adult stature. Growth failure prior to age 12 mo was most strongly associated with adult stature. These consistencies speak to the importance of interventions to address intrauterine growth failure and growth failure in the first 12 mo of life. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Surface Tensions, Surface Potentials, and the Hofmeister Series of Electrolyte Solutions

Abstract: A theory is presented which allows us to accurately calculate the surface tensions and the surface potentials of electrolyte solutions. Both the ionic hydration and the polarizability are taken into account. We find a good correlation between the Jones-Dole viscosity B coefficient and the ionic hydration near the air-water interface. The kosmotropic anions such as fluoride, iodate, sulfate, and carbonate are found to be strongly hydrated and are repelled from the interface. The chaotropic anions such as perchlorate, iodide, chlorate, and bromide are found to be significantly adsorbed to the interface. Chloride and bromate anions become weakly hydrated in the interfacial region. The sequence of surface tensions and surface potentials is found to follow the Hofmeister ordering. The theory quantitatively accounts for the surface tensions of 10 sodium salts for which there is experimental data.

Socioeconomic inequities in the health and nutrition of children in low/middle income countries

Abstract: OBJETIVO: Descrever o efeito das iniquidades sociais sobre a nutricao e saude de criancas de paises de renda baixa e media. METODOS: Foram revisadas informacoes disponiveis sobre disparidades socioeconomicas intra-paises, relativas a uso de servicos de saude, estado nutricional, morbidade e mortalidade. Adotou-se um modelo conceitual com cinco categorias hierarquicas na producao de iniquidades: contexto e posicao socioeconomica, diferencas na exposicao, na vulnerabilidade, nos desfechos de saude e nas consequencias. Em pesquisa realizada na base PubMed, no periodo de 1990-2007 foram encontrados 244 artigos relacionados ao tema. Foram tambem analisados os resultados de cerca de 100 inqueritos de âmbito nacional recentes, incluindo Pesquisas Nacionais de Demografia e Saude e Inqueritos por Conglomerados de Multiplos Indicadores, do Fundo das Nacoes Unidas para a Infância. RESULTADOS: Criancas de familias pobres, em comparacao com aquelas de familias mais ricas, sao mais suscetiveis a exposicao a agentes patogenicos; uma vez expostas, tem um risco aumentado de adoecer, devido a sua menor resistencia e menor cobertura de medidas preventivas. Uma vez que se tornam doentes, tem menor acesso a servicos de saude, a qualidade dos servicos que logram utilizar tende a ser inferior, com menor acesso a tratamentos medicos que garantam sua sobrevivencia. Como consequencia, criancas de familias mais pobres apresentam maiores taxas de mortalidade e maior risco de serem subnutridas. CONCLUSOES: Exceto obesidade infantil e praticas inadequadas de aleitamento materno, todas as outras condicoes adversas analisadas tiveram maior prevalencia entre as criancas de familias menos favorecidas. A documentacao cuidadosa dos multiplos niveis de determinantes das iniquidades socioeconomicas em saude infantil e essencial para o entendimento da natureza do problema, e para o estabelecimento de intervencoes que possam reduzir estas diferencas.

Association between a 15q25 gene variant, smoking quantity and tobacco-related cancers among 17 000 individuals

Abstract: Background Genetic variants in 15q25 have been identified as potential risk markers for lung cancer (LC), but controversy exists as to whether this is a direct association, or whether the 15q variant is simply a proxy for increased exposure to tobacco carcinogens. Methods We performed a detailed analysis of one 15q single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs16969968) with smoking behaviour and cancer risk in a total of 17 300 subjects from five LC studies and four upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer studies. Results Subjects with one minor allele smoked on average 0.3 cigarettes per day (CPD) more, whereas subjects with the homozygous minor AA genotype smoked on average 1.2 CPD more than subjects with a GG genotype (P 20 CPD) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96–1.34, P = 0.13 for heterozygotes and 1.81, 95% CI 1.39–2.35 for homozygotes, P < 0.0001]. The strong association between the variant and LC risk (OR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.23–1.38, P = 1 × 10–18), was virtually unchanged after adjusting for this smoking association (smoking adjusted OR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.19–1.35, P = 5 × 10–13). Furthermore, we found an association between the variant allele and an earlier age of LC onset (P = 0.02). The association was also noted in UADT cancers (OR = 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15, P = 0.02). Genome wide association (GWA) analysis of over 300 000 SNPs on 11 219 subjects did not identify any additional variants related to smoking behaviour. Conclusions This study confirms the strong association between 15q gene variants and LC and shows an independent association with smoking quantity, as well as an association with UADT cancers.

Recent trends in maternal, newborn, and child health in Brazil: progress toward Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.

Abstract: We analyzed Brazil's efforts in reducing child mortality, improving maternal and child health, and reducing socioeconomic and regional inequalities from 1990 through 2007. We compiled and reanalyzed data from several sources, including vital statistics and population-based surveys. We also explored the roles of broad socioeconomic and demographic changes and the introduction of health sector and other reform measures in explaining the improvements observed. Our findings provide compelling evidence that proactive measures to reduce health disparities accompanied by socioeconomic progress can result in measurable improvements in the health of children and mothers in a relatively short interval. Our analysis of Brazil's successes and remaining challenges to reach and surpass Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5 can provide important lessons for other low- and middle-income countries.

Physical activity practice among brazilian adolescents

Abstract: O objetivo deste estudo e descrever a pratica de atividade fisica em adolescentes, utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saude do Escolar (PeNSE), coletados em todas as capitais do Brasil e no Distrito Federal em 2009. A amostra incluiu escolares do 9o ano do ensino fundamental (n=60.973). Foram investigadas a pratica de atividade fisica nos ultimos sete dias, incluindo modo de deslocamento para a escola, pratica de atividade fisica dentro e fora da escola e participacao nas aulas de educacao fisica. Consideraram-se ativos os jovens que acumularam > 300 min/sem de atividade fisica. A proporcao de ativos foi de 43,1%, sendo maior nos meninos (56,2%) em comparacao as meninas (31,3%). Metade dos adolescentes (49,2%) relatou ter tido duas ou mais aulas de educacao fisica na semana anterior a entrevista; 79,2% relataram assistir a duas horas diarias de televisao ou mais. Os dados do PeNSE indicam baixa prevalencia de jovens ativos e com duas ou mais aulas de educacao fisica por semana, alem de elevada prevalencia de comportamento sedentario. Tais dados podem ser utilizados como linha de base para o monitoramento de atividade fisica em escolares brasileiros, mas desde ja sugerem a necessidade de intervencoes para a promocao de atividade fisica em adolescentes brasileiros.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators contribute to endothelial dysfunction in high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of high-fat diet-induced obesity on vascular proinflammatory factors and oxidative stress on endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta. METHODS Female Swiss mice were submitted to a high-fat diet for 16 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, we evaluated blood pressure, relaxation in response to acetylcholine in aortic rings in the absence and the presence of the superoxide anion scavenger, superoxide dismutase (SOD, 150 U/ml), and the nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor, sodium salicylate (5 mmol/l). Aortic protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Cu/Zn-SOD, NF-κB, IκB-α, and proinflammatory cytokines were also evaluated. RESULTS Obese mice presented higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure than control mice (P < 0.05). The relaxation of aortas to acetylcholine, but not to sodium nitroprusside, was significantly decreased in obese mice and was corrected by both SOD and sodium salicylate (P < 0.05). The protein expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and Cu/Zn-SOD was significantly decreased in aorta from obese mice (P < 0.05). Total p65 NF-κB subunit protein expression was not affected by obesity, but the protein expression of NF-κB inhibitor IκB-α was lower in aorta from obese mice (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 protein expression between groups. In contrast, the expression of TNF-α was significantly increased in aortas from obese mice. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the reduced antioxidant defense and the local NF-κB pathway play an important role in the impairment of endothelium-dependent relaxation in aorta from obese mice.

Maternal Smoking and Child Psychological Problems: Disentangling Causal and Noncausal Effects

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To explore associations of maternal prenatal smoking and child psychological problems and determine the role of causal intrauterine mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Maternal smoking and child psychological problems were explored in 2 birth cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil ( n = 509, random subsample), and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) in Britain ( n = 6735). Four approaches for exploring causal mechanisms were applied: (1) cross-population comparisons between a high-income and a middle-income country; (2) multiple adjustment for socioeconomic and parental psychological factors; (3) maternal-paternal comparisons as a test of putative intrauterine effects; and (4) searching for specific effects on different behavioral subscales. RESULTS: Socioeconomic patterning of maternal prenatal smoking was stronger in the ALSPAC compared with the Pelotas cohort. Despite this difference in a key confounder, consistency in observed associations was found between these cohorts. In both cohorts, unadjusted maternal smoking was associated with greater offspring hyperactivity, conduct/externalizing problems, and peer problems but not with emotional/internalizing problems. After adjusting for confounders and paternal prenatal smoking, only the association with conduct/externalizing problems persisted in both cohorts (conduct problems in the ALSPAC cohort, odds ratio [OR]: 1.24 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.46], P = .005; externalizing problems in the Pelotas cohort, OR: 1.82 [95% CI: 1.19–2.78], P = .005; ORs reflect ordinal odds ratios of maternal smokers having offspring with higher scores). Maternal smoking associations were stronger than paternal smoking associations, although statistical evidence that these associations differed was weak in 1 cohort. CONCLUSION: Evidence from 4 approaches suggests a possible intrauterine effect of maternal smoking on offspring conduct/externalizing problems.

Overweight/Obesity and Physical Fitness Among Children and Adolescents

Abstract: Background:Physical fitness is strongly associated with several positive health indicators among adolescents. However, its association with body mass index status is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to explore the association between overweight/obesity and physical fitness among children and adolescents. Methods:The design consisted of a cross-sectional study comprising 519 Brazilian students age 7 to 15 years. BMI status was assessed according to sex- and age-specific growth charts. Physical fitness was assessed using 8 tests: sit-and-reach, stationary long jump, 1-minute curl-up, modified pull-up, medicine-ball throw, 9-minute run, 20-m run, and 4-m shuttle-run. Results:Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 24% and 12%, respectively. Boys performed better than girls in all tests, except flexibility. Normal weight students performed better than overweight and obese students in all tests, except the sit-and-reach and the medicine-ball throw. Cardiorespiratory fitness had the strongest associatio...

Body mass index and risk of head and neck cancer in a pooled analysis of case–control studies in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE) Consortium

Abstract: Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) risk is elevated among lean people and reduced among overweight or obese people in some studies; however, it is unknown whether these associations differ for certain subgroups or are influenced by residual confounding from the effects of alcohol and tobacco use or by other sources of biases. Methods We pooled data from 17 case–control studies including 12 716 cases and the 17 438 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for associations between body mass index (BMI) at different ages and HNC risk, adjusted for age, sex, centre, race, education, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Results Adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were elevated for people with BMI at reference (date of diagnosis for cases and date of selection for controls) ≤18.5 kg/m2 (2.13, 1.75–2.58) and reduced for BMI >25.0–30.0 kg/m2 (0.52, 0.44–0.60) and BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (0.43, 0.33–0.57), compared with BMI >18.5–25.0 kg/m2. These associations did not differ by age, sex, tumour site or control source. Although the increased risk among people with BMI ≤18.5 kg/m2 was not modified by tobacco smoking or alcohol drinking, the inverse association for people with BMI > 25 kg/m2 was present only in smokers and drinkers. Conclusions In our large pooled analysis, leanness was associated with increased HNC risk regardless of smoking and drinking status, although reverse causality cannot be excluded. The reduced risk among overweight or obese people may indicate body size is a modifier of the risk associated with smoking and drinking. Further clarification may be provided by analyses of prospective cohort and mechanistic studies.

Self‐rated oral health and associated factors in Brazilian elders

Abstract: Pattussi MP, Peres KG, Boing AF, Peres MA, da Costa JSD. Self-rated oral health and associated factors in Brazilian elders. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 348–359. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S Abstract – Objective: Self-rating provides a simple direct way of capturing perceptions of health. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of poor self-rated oral health among elders. Methods: National data from a cross-sectional population-based study with a multistage random sample of 4786 Brazilian older adults (aged 65–74) in 250 towns were analysed. Data collection included oral examinations (WHO 1997) and struct-ured interviews at elderly households. The outcome was measured by a single five-point-response-scale question dichotomized into ‘poor’ (fair/poor/very poor) and ‘good’ (good/very good) self-rated oral health. Data analyses used Poisson regression models stratified by sex. Results: The prevalence of poor self-rated oral health was 46.6% (95% CI: 45.2–48%) in the whole sample, 50.3% (48–52.5) in men and 44.2% (42.4–46) in women. Higher prevalence ratios (PR) were found in elders reporting unfavourable dental appearance (PR = 2.31; 95% CI: 2.02–2.65), poor chewing ability (PR = 1.64; CI: 1.48–1.8) and dental pain (PR = 1.44; CI: 1.04–1.23) in adjusted analysis. Poor self-perception was also associated with being men, black, unfavourable socioeconomic circumstances, unfavourable clinical oral health and with not using or needing a dental prosthesis. Conclusion: Assessment and understanding of self-rated oral health should take into account social factors, subjective and clinical oral symptoms.

Promoting Physical Activity Through Community-Wide Policies and Planning: Findings From Curitiba, Brazil

Abstract: Background: Community programs have been suggested to be an important and promising strategy for physical activity (PA) promotion. Limited evidence is available regarding knowledge of and participation in these programs in Latin America. Objective: To describe participation in and knowledge of community PA programs and to explore associations with leisure-time PA in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: A cross sectional telephone survey was conducted among adults in Curitiba, Brazil (n = 2097). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to determine levels of PA, and specific questions were used to evaluate the extent to which respondents knew about or participated in the programs conducted by the municipality. Logistic regression was used to assess the meeting of PA recommendations in leisure time based on program knowledge and participation. Results: Knowledge of PA programs was high (91.6%) and 5.6% of population participated in the programs. After adjusting for individual characteris...