Características sociodemográficas da mortalidade por câncer de boca em Bauru, SP, no período de 1991 a 2001: uso de geoprocessamento

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as taxas de mortalidade por câncer de boca no período de 1991-2001, no município de Bauru-SP. A fonte de informação utilizada para o reconhecimento e seleção da população-alvo foram Certidões de Óbito dos Cartórios do município de Bauru com dados relativos ao período 1991-2001. Foram coletadas informações referentes a sexo, idade, localização da lesão e endereço. A coleta dos endereços visou à identificação no mapa do município de Bauru da localização geográfica do domicílio. Utilizando ferramentas do geoprocessamento, foi feita a inserção no mapa dos casos identificados. Foram registrados 67 casos de morte por câncer de boca na cidade de Bauru entre 1991 e 2001, com maiores taxas no sexo masculino e sexta década de vida. A análise da distribuição espacial mostra que a maioria dos casos encontra-se próxima à linha férrea que corta o município e foi responsável, em grande parte, pela ocupação territorial pela população, sendo esta também uma área que abrange os bairros mais antigos do município. O câncer de boca constitui importante causa de óbito no município, requerendo um planejamento de ações georreferenciadas pelo sistema local de saúde.

Metronidazole-containing gel for the treatment of periodontitis: an in vivo evaluation

The aim of this investigation was to monitor metronidazole concentrations in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) collected from periodontal pockets of dogs after treatment with an experimental 15% metronidazole gel. Five dogs had periodontitis induced by cotton ligatures placed subgingivally and maintained for a 30-day period. After the induction period, only pockets with 4 mm or deeper received the gel. Each pocket was filled up to the gingival margin by means of a syringe with a blunt-end needle. GCF was collected in paper strips and quantified in an electronic device before and after 15 minutes, 1 h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h of gel administration. The GCF samples were assayed for metronidazole content by means of a high performance liquid chromatography method. Concentrations of metronidazole in the GCF of the 5 dogs (mean ± SD, in µg/mL) were 0 ± 0 before gel application and 47,185.75 ± 24,874.35 after 15 minutes, 26,457.34 ± 25,516.91 after 1 h, 24.18 ± 23.11 after 6 h, 3.78 ± 3.45 after 24 h and 3.34 ± 5.54 after 48 h. A single administration of the 15% metronidazole gel released the drug in the GCF of dogs in levels several-fold higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration for some periodontopathogens grown in subgingival biofilms for up to one hour, but metronidazole could be detected in the GCF at least 48 hours after the gel application.

Acupuncture for the prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in minimizing the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. A total of 24 consecutive patients receiving > 5000 cGy radiotherapy (RT) involving the major salivary glands bilaterally were assigned to either the preventive acupuncture group (PA, n = 12), treated with acupuncture before and during RT, or the control group (CT, n = 12), treated with RT and not receiving acupuncture. After RT completion, clinical response was assessed in all patients by syalometry, measuring the resting (RSFR) and stimulated (SSFR) salivary flow rates, and by the visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding dry mouth-related symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed with repeated-measures using a mixed-effect modeling procedure and analysis of variance. An alpha level of 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Although all patients exhibited some degree of impairment in salivary gland functioning after RT, significant differences were found between the groups. Patients in the PA group showed improved salivary flow rates (RSFR, SSFR; p < 0.001) and decreased xerostomia-related symptoms (VAS, p < 0.05) compared with patients in the CT group. Although PA treatment did not prevent the oral sequelae of RT completely, it significantly minimized the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia. The results suggest that acupuncture focused in a preventive approach can be a useful therapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing RT.

Metabolismo mineral em bubalinos com ingestões de diferentes níveis de fósforo

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da ingestão diária de quatro níveis de fósforo (8, 12, 15 e 18 g) sobre o metabolismo de macrominerais (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K e S), incluindo a ingestão, a concentração no rúmen, a taxa de passagem do líquido ruminal, a excreção nas fezes e a disponibilidade aparente. Utilizaram-se quatro bubalinos adultos com fístulas ruminais em delineamento quadrado latino (4 × 4) com dieta total constituída de cana-de-açúcar como volumoso (85%) e concentrado formulado com um dos níveis de fósforo. Os níveis de fósforo não ocasionaram diferença significativa na concentração mineral no rúmen de nenhum mineral estudado. A concentração média de fósforo no conteúdo ruminal foi de 0,98% na matéria seca, enquanto o teor de fósforo nas rações variou de 0,12 a 0,34%, comprovando alta reciclagem de fósforo pela saliva. Níveis crescentes de fósforo na dieta, variando de 8 a 18 g/animal/dia, não influenciam as disponibilidades de cálcio e magnésio. Com o nível de fósforo de 15 g/dia, houve melhor utilização do fósforo da dieta. A ingestão de níveis crescentes de fósforo em g/kg0,75 (X) promoveu aumento linear na excreção fecal desse mineral em g/kg0,75 (Y) e baixos valores de disponibilidade do fósforo, que pode ser estimado pela equação Y = 0,03 + 0,610X, o que indica deficiência desse elemento mineral na dieta para o metabolismo animal.

Regimes de precipitação na América do Sul: uma revisão bibliográfica

Como a América do Sul se estende por diferentes latitudes e possui formas de relevo variadas, proporciona a atuação e o desenvolvimento de diferentes sistemas atmosféricos, os quais contribuem para a não homogeneidade climática da região. Portanto o objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma revisão dos sistemas atmosféricos que atuam nos diferentes setores do continente sul-americano e que contribuem para a precipitação.

Antinociceptive activity of Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb., Convolvulaceae

Ipomoea imperati (Vahl) Griseb., Convolvulaceae, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation, swelling and wounds, as well as to treat pains after childbirth and for stomach problems. Administration of ethanol extract, lipid and aqueous fraction of I. imperati(300, 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the abdominal constriction in mice induced by acetic acid; increased the sleeping time evoked by pentobarbital sodium and showed a significant activity by inhibiting formalin-induced paw edema in mice. The same dose of I. imperatialso raised the pain of mice in the hot-plate test and increased the latency at all observation times. The pre-treatment of the animals with naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.) suggested the participation of the opioid system in the antinociceptive effect of Ipomoea imperati.

Alcohol dehydrogenase activities and ethanol tolerance in Anastrepha (Diptera, Tephritidae) fruit-fly species and their hybrids

The ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase) system is one of the earliest known models of molecular evolution, and is still the most studied in Drosophila. Herein, we studied this model in the genus Anastrepha (Diptera, Tephritidae). Due to the remarkable advantages it presents, it is possible to cross species with different Adh genotypes and with different phenotype traits related to ethanol tolerance. The two species studied here each have a different number of Adh gene copies, whereby crosses generate polymorphisms in gene number and in composition of the genetic background. We measured certain traits related to ethanol metabolism and tolerance. ADH specific enzyme activity presented gene by environment interactions, and the larval protein content showed an additive pattern of inheritance, whilst ADH enzyme activity per larva presented a complex behavior that may be explained by epistatic effects. Regression models suggest that there are heritable factors acting on ethanol tolerance, which may be related to enzymatic activity of the ADHs and to larval mass, although a pronounced environmental effect on ethanol tolerance was also observed. By using these data, we speculated on the mechanisms of ethanol tolerance and its inheritance as well as of associated traits.

Glycosaminoglycan distribution in the rat uterine cervix during the estrous cycle

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the amount of glycosaminoglycans in the uterine cervix during each phase of the rat estrous cycle. DESIGN: Based on vaginal smears, forty female, regularly cycling rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group): GI - proestrous, GII - estrous, GIII - metaestrous and GIV - diestrous. Animals were sacrificed at each phase of the cycle, and the cervix was immediately removed and submitted to biochemical extraction and determination of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: The uterine cervix had the highest amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans and dermatan sulfate during the estrous phase (8.90 ± 0.55 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001; and 8.86 ± 0.57 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001). In addition, there was more heparan sulfate at the cervix during the proestrous phase (0.185 ± 0.03 mg/g of cetonic extract) than during any other phase (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the uterine cervix during the estrous cycle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations related to the estrous cycle, with dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate being the glycosaminoglycans most sensitive to hormonal change.

Nutritional aspects of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a global health problem characterized by low bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. Nutrition plays a critical role in reducing the risk of osteoporosis through its effect on all of these fragility factors, especially on the development and maintenance of bone mass. An adequate calcium, vitamin D and protein intake resulted in reduced bone remodeling, better calcium retention, reduced age-related bone loss, and reduced fracture risk. Recent evidence indicates that a healthy dietary pattern including dairy products (mainly fat free), fruit and vegetables and adequate amounts of meat, fish and poultry is positively related to bone health. Furthermore, mineral and vitamin supplementation should be closely monitored by health professionals since it could have adverse effects and be insufficient to ensure optimal protection of bone health.

Pesquisas em gestão ambiental: análise de sua evolução na Universidade de São Paulo

Aumento da produção de pesquisas em gestão ambiental ocorreu após conferências internacionais sobre ambiente e desenvolvimento, embora os primeiros grupos de pesquisa da USP tenham se formado na década de 1980. Elas são majoritariamente ligadas às Ciências Sociais Aplicadas e aos temas produção, planejamento e economia. A USP é reativa à inserção da temática em seus programas, mas gestão ambiental ainda é periférica.

Culicidae (Diptera) em área de barragem em Santa Catarina e no Rio Grande do Sul

A composição de Culicidae do lago de Barra Grande, situado entre os municípios de Esmeralda (Rio Grande do Sul) e Anita Garibaldi (Santa Catarina), foi realizada com coletas mensais. Vinte e quatro espécies foram identificadas dentre um total de 1.185 espécimes (74,7% adultos e 25,3% imaturos), sendo Aedes fluviatilis Lutz a espécie mais frequente. Algumas espécies constituem novos registros e são interesse em saúde pública. O fato sugere que mudanças ambientais na área podem alterar a relação entre humanos e mosquitos vetores

Evaluation of thermal simulation of households in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract This paper aims at assessing the performance of a program of thermal simulation (Arquitrop) in different households in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The households were selected for the Wheezing Project which followed up children under 2 years old to monitor the occurrence of respiratory diseases. The results show that in all three study households there is a good approximation between the observed and the simulated indoor temperatures. It was also observed a fairly consistent and realistic behavior between the simulated indoor and the outdoor temperatures, describing the Arquitrop model as an efficient estimator and good representative of the thermal behavior of households in the city of Sao Paulo. The worst simulation is linked to the poorest type of construction. This may be explained by the bad quality of the construction, which the Architrop could not simulate adequately

Nutrional aspects of the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis

A osteoporose é um problema de saúde global, caracterizada por baixa massa óssea e deterioração da microarquitetura do tecido ósseo, com consequente aumento da fragilidade óssea e suscetibilidade a fraturas. A nutrição desempenha um papel fundamental na redução do risco de osteoporose por seu efeito sobre todos os fatores relacionados à fragilidade óssea, principalmente no desenvolvimento e na manutenção da massa óssea. Uma adequada ingestão de cálcio, vitamina D e proteína leva à redução da remodelação óssea, à maior retenção de cálcio, à redução da perda óssea relacionada à idade e à redução do risco de fraturas. Evidências recentes indicam que uma alimentação saudável, incluindo a ingestão de produtos lácteos (principalmente os desnatados), frutas e verduras, e uma quantidade adequada de carnes, peixes e aves, está relacionada positivamente com a saúde óssea. Além disso, a suplementação de vitaminas e minerais deve ser monitorada de perto, por profissionais de saúde, uma vez que pode ter efeitos adversos e ser insuficiente para assegurar uma eficaz proteção à saúde óssea

Trapezoidal cross-sectional influence on FinFET threshold voltage and corner effects

Fin field effect transistors (FinFETS) are silicon-on-insulator (SOI) transistors with three-dimensional structures. As a result of some fabrication-process limitations (as nonideal anisotropic overetch) some FinFETs have inclined surfaces, which results in trapezoidal cross sections instead of rectangular sections, as expected. This geometric alteration results in some device issues, like carrier profile, threshold voltage, and corner effects. This work analyzes these consequences based on three-dimensional numeric simulation of several dual-gate and triple-gate FinFETs. The simulation results show that the threshold voltage depends on the sidewall inclination angle and that this dependence varies according to the body doping level. The corner effects also depend on the inclination angle and doping level. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.

Electrochemical Reduction Using Glassy Carbon Electrode in Aqueous Medium of a Potential Anti-Chagas Drug: NFOH

Nitrofurazone (NF) presents activity against Chagas' disease, yet it has a high toxicity. Its analog, hydroxymethylnitrofurazone (NFOH), is more potent against Trypanosoma cruzi and much less toxic than the parent drug, NF. The electrochemical reduction of NFOH in an aqueous medium using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) is presented. By cyclic voltammetry in anacidic medium, one irreversible reduction peak related to hydroxylamine derivative formation was registered, being linearly pH dependent. However, from pH > 7, a reversible reduction peak at a more positive potential appears and corresponds to the formation of a nitro radical anion. The radical-anion kinetic stability was evaluated by Ip(a)/Ip(c) the current ratio of the R-NO(2)/R-NO(2)-redox couple. The nitro radical anion decays with a second-order rate constant (k(2)) of 6.07, 2.06, and 1.44(X 10(3)) L mol(-1) s(-1) corresponding to pH 8.29, 9.29, and 10.2, respectively, with a corresponding half-time life (t(1/2)) of 0.33, 0.97, and 1.4 s for each pH value. By polishing the GCE surface with diamond powder and comparing with the GCE surface polished with alumina, it is shown that the presence of alumina affects the lifetime of the nitro radical anion. (C) 2009 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3130082] All rights reserved.