The impact of late diagnosis on the survival of patients following their first AIDS-related hospitalization in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

The purpose of this study is to estimate the survival probability of patients following their first admission for the treatment of AIDS to an infectious disease reference hospital in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, during 2005. Study subjects were monitored during a 12-month period to identify factors associated with survival probability. Late diagnosis was recorded among many of the 250 study subjects: almost half (44.8%) were diagnosed less than 30 days prior to or during their hospitalization. A high mortality rate was also detected: 39.6% of the subjects died during the 12 months of monitoring. The cumulative survival probability of the cohort group was estimated at 68.0% after 3 months and at 61.2% after 12 months. However, certain patient subgroups analyzed had even lower cumulative survival probabilities after 12 months of monitoring: if diagnosed during hospitalization, it was estimated at only 48.0% and those with no record of antiretroviral treatment had a 48.5% cumulative survival probability. Patients with severe anemia had the lowest survival probability, similar among the two lymphocyte count groups (<1000 mm(3) and >= 1000 mm(3)), the former with a 45.5% survival probability and the latter with a 46.7% one. The proportional death risk was 2.5-fold higher for men residing in other area than the capital city of the State of Minas Gerais and greater metropolitan region when compared with women residing there. The findings of this study highlight the importance of early diagnosis for predicting patient survival and reinforce the necessity off acilitating HIV diagnosis.

The impact of the medical speciality in primary health-care problem solving in Belo Horizonte, Brazil: homeopaths versus family doctors: a preliminary quantitative study

Introduction: This research project examined influence of the doctors' speciality on primary health care (PHC) problem solving in Belo Horizonte (BH) Brazil, comparing homeopathic with family health doctors (FH), from the management's and the patients' viewpoint. In BH, both FH and homeopathic doctors work in PHC. The index of resolvability (IR) is used to compare resolution of problems by doctors. Methods: The present research compared IR, using official data from the Secretariat of Health and test requests made by the doctors and 482 structured interviews with patients. A total of 217,963 consultations by 14 homeopaths and 67 FH doctors between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2007 were analysed. Results: The results show significant differences greater problem resolution by homeopaths compared to FH doctors. Conclusion: In BH, the medical speciality, homeopathy or FH, has an impact on problem solving, both from the managers' and the patients' point of view. Homeopaths request fewer tests and have better IR compared with FH doctors. Specialisation in homeopathy is an independent positive factor in problem solving at PHC level in BH, Brazil. Homeopathy (2012) 101, 44-50.

Scientific research output evaluation of professors of Sao Paulo State University, Marilia/SP

In this work, an analysis of scientific bibliographic productivity was made using the Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciencias, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FFC-UNESP) as example. It is composed by nine departments which offer altogether nine undergraduate courses: 1) Archival, 2) Library, 3) Speech Therapy, 4) Pedagogy, 5) International Relations, 6) Physiotherapy, 7) Occupational Therapy, 8) Philosophy, 9) Social Sciences and six graduate programs leading to M. S. and Ph.D. degrees. Moreover, when analyzing the different courses of FFC-UNESP, they represent typical academic organization in Brazil and Latin America and could be taken as a model for analyzing other Brazilian research institutions. Using data retrieved from the Lattes Plataform database (Curriculum Lattes) we have quantitatively the scientific productivity percentage of professors at UNESP. We observed that bibliometric evaluations using the Curriculum Lattes (CL) showed that the professors published papers in journal are not indexed by ISI and SCOPUS. This analysis was made using: 1) the total number of papers (indexed in Curriculum Lattes database), 2) the number of papers indexed by Thomson ISI Web of Science database and SCOPUS database, and 3) the Hirsch (h-index) by ISI and SCOPUS. Bibliometric evaluations of departments showed a better performance of Political Science and Economics Department when compared to others departments, in relation total number of papers (indexed in Curriculum Lattes database). We also analyzed the academic advisory (Master's Thesis and Ph. D. Thesis) by nine departments of FFC/UNESP. The Administration and School Supervision Department presented a higher academic advisory (concluded and current) when compared to the others departments.

Information-dependent processes in incubated and graduated technology-based companies: a comparative case study

Nowadays, competitiveness introduces new behaviors and leads companies to a discomforting situation and often to non adaptation to environmental requirements. A growing number of challenges associated with control of information in organizations with engineering activities can be seen, particularly, the growing amount of information subject to continuous changes. The innovative performance of an organization is directly proportional to its ability to manage information. Thus, the importance of information management is recognized by the search for more competent ways to face current demands. The purpose of this article was to analyze informationdependent processes in technology-based companies, through the four major stages of information management. The comparative method of cases and qualitative research were used. The research was conducted in nine technology-based companies which were incubated or recently went through the incubating process at the Technological Park of Sao Carlos, in the state of Sao Paulo. Among the main results, it was found that in graduated companies information management and its procedures were identified as more conscious and structured in contrast to those of the incubated companies.

Metronidazole Immediate Release Formulations: A Fasting Randomized Open-Label Crossover Bioequivalence Study in Healthy Volunteers

Metronidazole is a BCS (Biopharmaceutics Classification System) class 1 drug, traditionally considered the choice drug in the infections treatment caused by protozoa and anaerobic microorganisms. This study aimed to evaluate bioequivalence between 2 different marketed 250 mg metronidazole immediate release tablets. A randomized, open-label, 2 x 2 crossover study was performed in healthy Brazilian volunteers under fasting conditions with a 7-day washout period. The formulations were administered as single oral dose and blood was sampled over 48 h. Metronidazole plasma concentrations were determined by a liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. The plasma concentration vs. time profile was generated for each volunteer and the pharmacokinetic parameters C-max, T-max, AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), k(e), and t(1/2) were calculated using a noncompartmental model. Bioequivalence between pharmaceutical formulations was determined by calculating 90% CIs (Confidence Intervall) for the ratios of C-max, AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-infinity) values for test and reference using log-transformed data. 22 healthy volunteers (11 men, 11 women; mean (SD) age, 28 (6.5) years [range, 21-45 years]; mean (SD) weight, 66 (9.3) kg [range, 51-81 kg]; mean (SD) height, 169 (6.5) cm [range, 156-186 cm]) were enrolled in and completed the study. The 90% CIs for C-max (0.92-1.06), AUC(0-t) (0.97-1.02), and AUC(0-infinity) (0.97-1.03) values for the test and reference products fitted in the interval of 0.80-1.25 proposed by most regulatory agencies, including the Brazilian agency ANVISA. No clinically significant adverse effects were reported. After pharmacokinetics analysis, it concluded that test 250 mg metronidazole formulation is bioequivalent to the reference product according to the Brazilian agency requirements.

Novo espaço para a cartografia histórica

A Biblioteca Digital de Cartografia Histórica da Universidade de São Paulo disponibiliza uma série de versões em alta resolução de mapas impressos entre os séculos XV e XIX, acompanhados de referências biográficas, cartobibliográficas, editoriais e históricas. Concebida para rastrear dados de outros sites similares, ela se constitui também em uma útil ferramenta de pesquisa

A idéia de jogo em obras de John Cage e no ambiente da livre improvisação

Este texto examina as principais diferenças de enfoque relacionadas ao papel dos intérpretes na realização de duas diferentes propostas de jogo. Para tanto, são comparadas algumas obras de John Cage e as práticas de grupos que se dedicam à livre improvisação musical, principalmente do grupo Akronon.1 Procura-se demonstrar que as propostas de Cage, que estão situadas num plano conceitual, e as propostas da livre improvisação, que partem de uma prática experimental interativa baseada numa manipulação empírica dos sons, resultam em concepções bastante distintas a respeito do papel do intérprete. A partir desta perspectiva, afirma-se o caráter potente da livre improvisação que pode ser pensada enquanto prática de um jogo ideal conforme conceituação proposta pelo filósofo francês Gilles Deleuze

Ofertas de trabalho na Web para os profissionais brasileiros da informação-documentação: análise das competências e habilidades exigidas pelas empresas e instituições

Analisam-se as características de ofertas de emprego do setor da Informação-Documentação. A mostra foi obtida de anúncios na Internet, feitos por empresas e instituições privadas brasileiras, durante o ano de 2010. A atividade foi realizada no âmbito de pesquisa maior, que tem como objetivo geral construir uma taxonomia que classifique e hierarquize as competências e conhecimentos exigidos pelas empresas, bem como as características dos postos oferecidos. Extraiu-se a informação de 200 ofertas de emprego obtidas nos portais Catho e Portal do bibliotecário. Cada entrada foi mantida em seu contexto de incidência e com a expressão original. Os termos obtidos passaram por um processo de normalização. A análise busca classificar e valorar as atividades, conhecimentos e tarefas mais solicitados, bem como as aptidões, competências e habilidades, além das incidências das unidades e dos profissionais de informação.

Functional Polymorphism Located in MMP-9 Gene Promoter Is Strongly Associated with Obesity

The adipose tissue expansion is accompanied by remodeling of extracellular matrix performed by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Higher plasma and tissue MMP-9 levels are found in obese; therefore, we evaluated if the functional C-1562T polymorphism (rs3918242) located in promoter region of the MMP-9 gene is associated with obesity in women. We studied 112 lean and 114 obese women. Plasma MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP)-1 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found different genotype frequencies between lean and obese women (p = 0.008), prevailing T-allele in obese (2.3-fold). However, although obese women present higher levels of plasma MMP-9, lack of modulation by the polymorphism was found (all p > 0.05). Our findings suggest that C-1562T polymorphism may contribute to pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the development of obesity in women.

Vasovagal reactions in whole blood donors at three REDS-II blood centers in Brazil

BACKGROUND: In Brazil little is known about adverse reactions during donation and the donor characteristics that may be associated with such events. Donors are offered snacks and fluids before donating and are required to consume a light meal after donation. For these reasons the frequency of reactions may be different than those observed in other countries. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted of eligible whole blood donors at three large blood centers located in Brazil between July 2007 and December 2009. Vasovagal reactions (VVRs) along with donor demographic and biometric data were collected. Reactions were defined as any presyncopal or syncopal event during the donation process. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of VVRs. RESULTS: Of 724,861 donor presentations, 16,129 (2.2%) VVRs were recorded. Rates varied substantially between the three centers: 53, 290, and 381 per 10,000 donations in Recife, Sao Paulo, and Belo Horizonte, respectively. Although the reaction rates varied, the donor characteristics associated with VVRs were similar (younger age [18-29 years], replacement donors, first-time donors, low estimated blood volume [EBV]). In multivariable analysis controlling for differences between the donor populations in each city younger age, first-time donor status, and lower EBV were the factors most associated with reactions. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with VVRs in other locations are also evident in Brazil. The difference in VVR rates between the three centers might be due to different procedures for identifying and reporting the reactions. Potential interventions to reduce the risk of reactions in Brazil should be considered.

Genetic correlations and heritability estimates of reproductive traits of Nellore bulls

Estimates of phenotypic, genetics and residual variances for reproductive traits in 5903 Nellore bulls were obtained. The experimental model used was multiple trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood. The values obtained for heritability were 0.24 +/- 0.05 for scrotal circumference at 450 days of age and 0.37 +/- 0.05 at 21 months for age at the time of the breeding soundness evaluation; 0.24 +/- 0.05 and 0.26 +/- 0.05 for left and right testicle length; 0.29 +/- 0.05 and 0.31 +/- 0.05 for left and right testicle width; 0.12 +/- 0.04 for testicle format; 0.33 +/- 0.06 for testicle volume; 0.11 +/- 0.03 for gross motility; 0.08 +/- 0.03 for individual motility and 0.05 +/- 0.02 for spermatic vigor; 0.20 +/- 0.04, 0.03 +/- 0.02 and 0.19 +/- 0.04 for larger defects, smaller defects and total defects, respectively. The values for heritability for testicular biometric characteristics were moderate to high while the seminal characteristics, presented low values. Genetic correlations between scrotal circumference with all the reproductive traits were favorable, suggesting the scrotal circumference as a feature of choice in the selection of bulls.

Number of recent sexual partners among blood donors in Brazil: associations with donor demographics, donation characteristics, and infectious disease markers

BACKGROUND: Brazilian blood centers ask candidate blood donors about the number of sexual partners in the past 12 months. Candidates who report a number over the limit are deferred. We studied the implications of this practice on blood safety. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed demographic characteristics, number of heterosexual partners, and disease marker rates among 689,868 donations from three Brazilian centers between July 2007 and December 2009. Donors were grouped based on maximum number of partners allowed in the past 12 months for each center. Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine associations between demographic characteristics, number of sex partners, and individual and overall positive markers rates for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human T-lymphotropic virus Types 1 and 2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and syphilis. RESULTS: First-time, younger, and more educated donors were associated with a higher number of recent sexual partners, as was male sex in Sao Paulo and Recife (p < 0.001). Serologic markers for HIV and syphilis and overall were associated with multiple partners in Sao Paulo and Recife (p < 0.001), but not in Belo Horizonte (p = 0.05, p = 0.94, and p = 0.75, respectively). In logistic regression analysis, number of recent sexual partners was associated with positive serologic markers (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.2-1.5), especially HIV (AOR, 1.9-4.4). CONCLUSIONS: Number of recent heterosexual partners was associated with HIV positivity and overall rates of serologic markers of sexually transmitted infections. The association was not consistent across centers, making it difficult to define the best cutoff value. These findings suggest the use of recent heterosexual contacts as a potentially important deferral criterion to improve blood safety in Brazil.

Anatomical and ultrastructural analyses of in vitro organogenesis from root explants of commercial passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims)

This study aimed to characterize the anatomical events and ultrastructural aspects of direct and indirect in vitro organogenesis in Passiflora edulis. Root explants were cultured on induction medium, supplemented with 4.44 mu M 6-benzyladenine. Roots at different stages of development were collected and processed for observation by light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Patterns of direct and indirect regeneration were observed in the explants. During direct organogenesis, the organogenic buds and nodules, formed from meristemoids, originated from the pericycle regions distant from the cut surface. Completely differentiated buds were observed after 20 days of culture. During indirect organogenesis, bud formation occurred via meristemoids at the periphery of the calli, which differentiated from the cortical region of the initial explant. Regardless of the regeneration pattern, the meristemoids had similar ultrastructural characteristics; however, differences were reported in the nuclear shape of the cells of the meristemoids formed directly and indirectly. This study provides important information for enhancing the understanding and characterization of the organogenic process in non-meristematic explants and provides information on the use of roots as explants in genetic transformation protocols for this important tropical species.

Germline mutation analysis of Tpit in Poodle dogs with ACTH-dependent hyperadrenocorticism

There is a high incidence of pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) in Poodle dogs, with family members being affected by the disease, suggesting a genetic involvement. Tpit is an obligate transcription factor for the expression of pro-opiomelanocortingene and for corticotroph terminal differentiation. The aim of the present study was to screen the Tpit gene for germline mutations in Poodles with PDH. Fifty Poodle dogs (33 female, 8.71 +/- 2.8 years) with PDH and 50 healthy Poodle dogs (32 females, 9.4241 2.8 years) were studied. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, amplified by PCR and submitted to automatic sequence. No mutation in the coding region of Tpit was found, whereas the new single nucleotide polymorphism p.S343G, in heterozygous state, was found in the same frequency in both PDH and control groups. We concluded that Tpit gain-of-function mutations are not involved in the etiology of PDH in Poodle dogs.