Insect feeding preferences on Piperaceae species observed in S��o Paulo city, Brazil

Piperaceae species have been placed among the basal angiosperm and are adapted to a variety of habitats including moist forests, secondary vegetation and dry high lands. The major anatomical/morphology features are of small trees, vines, and shrubs for Piper species, while the epiphytic and succulent characteristics are predominant forms among Peperomia species. Their secondary chemistry can be mostly represented by amides, phenylpropanoids/lignoids, and chromenes in addition to a phletoria of biosynthetically mixed-origin secondary compounds. Although several amides and lignans are known as insecticides, several phytophagous insects, among which some considered pests of economic importance, have been observed feeding vigorously on Piperaceae species. Herein we describe the feeding preferences of fourteen phytophagous species of Coleoptera, Lepidoptera and Hemiptera over approximately fifty Piperaceae species observed in S��o Paulo, SP, Brazil, in a long-term basis.

Study of mural paintings by Fulvio Pennacchi in S��o Paulo City by mineralogical techniques

The present research deals with two mural paintings made in 1947 with the fresco technique by Fulvio Pennacchi in the Catholic Chapel of the Hospital das Cl��nicas (S��o Paulo City, Brazil), namely the Virgin Annunciation and the Supper at Emmaus. This study regards the materials and painting techniques used by the artist, based on historical research,on in situ observations and laboratory analytical techniques (stereomicroscopy,scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive spectrometer, X-ray diffractometry, electron microprobe, images obtained with UV-light), aiming to improve the methods of characterization of objects of our cultural heritage, and to enhance its preservation accordingly. The results lead to the identification of the plaster components and of distinct layers in the frescoes, besides further information on grain size, impurities and textures, composition of pigments, and features of deterioration, such as efflorescences. The degree of degradation of the murals painting was assessed by this way. Our data suggest that a single layer of plaster was used by Pennacchi, as a common mortar with fine- and medium-grained aggregates. Differences in texture were obtained by adding gypsum to the plaster.

Seasonality of suicide in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, 1979-2003

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate suicide seasonality in the city of S��o Paulo within an urban area and tropical zone. METHOD: Suicides were evaluated using the chi-square test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) by comparing monthly, quarterly and half-yearly variations, differentiating by gender. Analyses of time series were carried out using the autocorrelation function and periodogram, while the significance level for seasonality was confirmed with the Fisher's test. RESULTS: The suicides of the period between 1979 and 2003 numbered 11,434 cases. Differences were observed in suicides occurring in Spring and Autumn for the total sample (ANOVA: p-value = 0.01), and in the male sample (ANOVA: p-value = 0.02). For the analysis of time series, seasonality was significant only for the period of 7 months in the male sample (p-value = 0.04). DISCUSSION: In this study, no significant seasonal differences were observed in the occurrences of suicides, with the exception of the male sample. The differences observed did not correspond with the pattern described in studies carried out in temperate zones. Some of the climatic particularities of the tropical zone might explain the atypical pattern of seasonality of suicides found in large populations within an urban area and tropical zone.

Estimating HIV-1 incidence using the serologic testing algorithm for recent HIV infections at HIV counseling and testing centers in the city of S��o Paulo, Brazil

The network of HIV counseling and testing centers in S��o Paulo, Brazil is a major source of data used to build epidemiological profiles of the client population. We examined HIV-1 incidence from November 2000 to April 2001, comparing epidemiological and socio-behavioral data of recently-infected individuals with those with long-standing infection. A less sensitive ELISA was employed to identify recent infection. The overall incidence of HIV-1 infection was 0.53/100/year (95% CI: 0.31-0.85/100/year): 0.77/100/year for males (95% CI: 0.42-1.27/100/year) and 0.22/100/ year (95% CI: 0.05-0.59/100/year) for females. Overall HIV-1 prevalence was 3.2% (95% CI: 2.8-3.7%), being 4.0% among males (95% CI: 3.3-4.7%) and 2.1% among females (95% CI: 1.6-2.8%). Recent infections accounted for 15% of the total (95% CI: 10.2-20.8%). Recent infection correlated with being younger and male (p = 0.019). Therefore, recent infection was more common among younger males and older females.

Trans fatty acid intake among the population of the city of S��o Paulo, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated trans fatty acid intake among the general population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in S��o Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2003, on a representative sample of 2,298 male and female subjects, including 803 adolescents (12 to 19 years), 713 adults (20 to 59 years) and 782 elderly people (60 years or over). Food intake was measured using 24-hour recall. Mean trans fatty acid intake was described according to gender and age group. RESULTS: The mean trans fatty acid intake was 5.0 g/day (SE = 0.1), accounting for 2.4% (SE = 0.1) of total energy and 6.8% (SE = 0.1) of total lipids. The adolescents had the highest mean intake levels (7.4 g/day; 2.9% of energy) while the adults and the elderly had similar intake (2.2% of energy for both; 6.4% of lipids and 6.5% of lipids, respectively). The mean trans fatty acid intake among adult and elderly women (approximately 2.5% of energy and 7.0% of lipids) was higher than among men in the same age group. The food item with the highest contribution towards trans fatty acids was margarine, accounting for more than 30% of total intake, followed by filled cookies among adolescents and meat among adults and the elderly. CONCLUSIONS: The trans fatty acid intake is above the level recommended by the World Health Organization. Replacement of the trans fatty acids in manufactured food items may be an effective measure for reducing trans fatty acid intake in Brazil.

Qualidade nutricional das refei����es servidas em uma unidade de alimenta����o e nutri����o de uma ind��stria da regi��o metropolitana de S��o Paulo

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade nutricional das refei����es servidas em uma Unidade de Alimenta����o e Nutri����o de uma f��brica da regi��o metropolitana da cidade de S��o Paulo. M��TODOS: Dentre os card��pios praticados no per��odo de um ano (242 dias) na unidade mencionada, foram selecionados 30% por sorteio sistem��tico, e avaliados utilizando-se o ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o, com base nas recomenda����es da Organiza����o Mundial da Sa��de e do Minist��rio da Sa��de brasileiro. Esse ��ndice comp��e-se de cinco itens que variam entre zero e 20 pontos cada um: adequa����o na oferta de hortali��as e frutas; oferta de carboidratos; oferta de gordura total; oferta de gordura saturada e variabilidade do card��pio. No per��odo analisado, foram servidas 367 prepara����es, agrupadas em 30 categorias, segundo composi����o e forma de preparo. A correla����o de Spearman foi utilizada para investigar a correla����o do ��ndice com os nutrientes da refei����o. As an��lises foram realizadas no pacote estat��stico STATA, considerando-se o n��vel de signific��ncia de 5%. RESULTADOS: O valor m��dio do ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o foi de 64,60 (DP=21,18) pontos, sendo 44% das refei����es classificadas como "refei����o que necessita de melhora" e apenas 25% como "adequadas". Al��m do arroz e do feij��o, servidos diariamente, as prepara����es mais frequentes foram: legumes e frutas (30%), massas e cremes (12%), frituras (9%) e sobremesas com creme (8%). Encontrou-se correla����o positiva entre o ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o e a vitamina C (r=0,32). CONCLUS��O: Apesar da presen��a constante de frutas, legumes e verduras, h�� a necessidade de adequar a oferta das prepara����es ��s recomenda����es para uma alimenta����o saud��vel, que efetivamente colaborem na promo����o da sa��de.

Diferenciais socioecon��micos e comportamentais no consumo de hortali��as e frutas em mulheres residentes em munic��pio da regi��o metropolitana de S��o Paulo

OBJETIVO: Analisar o consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes em mulheres, segundo fatores s��cio-demogr��ficos, econ��micos e comportamentais. M��TODOS: A amostra foi constitu��da de 311 mulheres de tr��s ��reas de estudo, do munic��pio de Cotia, na ��rea metropolitana de S��o Paulo, selecionadas por amostragem por conglomerado em dois est��gios. O consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes foi avaliado por question��rio de freq����ncia alimentar. Os diferenciais de consumo foram estudados por an��lise multivariada de regress��o log��stica. RESULTADOS: A chance de baixo consumo de frutas foi maior nas mulheres do bairro pobre, com baixa escolaridade, donas de casa e desempregadas, com baixa renda familiar e tabagistas. Os diferenciais de consumo de verduras foram associados mais �� cultura alimentar do que �� pobreza: as mais jovens apresentaram chances sensivelmente maiores de baixo consumo de verduras. O tabagismo e o sedentarismo associaram-se ao baixo consumo. Os legumes foram associados tanto ao n��vel socioecon��mico, quanto �� cultura alimentar. Foram pouco consumidos pelas mulheres mais jovens e, de um modo geral, por aquelas de pouca escolaridade e baixa renda familiar. Tamb��m, o etilismo e o sedentarismo aumentaram as chances de baixo consumo desses alimentos. CONCLUS��O: O consumo de frutas, verduras e legumes apresentou diferenciais relacionados ao n��vel socioecon��mico, �� cultura alimentar e aos h��bitos comportamentais.

Porcionamento dos principais alimentos e prepara����es consumidos por adultos e idosos residentes no munic��pio de S��o Paulo

OBJETIVO: Identificar o tamanho das por����es dos alimentos e das prepara����es mais consumidas ou que mais contribuem com o valor energ��tico total da dieta de adultos e idosos. M��TODOS: Realizou-se inqu��rito domiciliar de base populacional em 2003, com amostra representativa de 1 477 indiv��duos acima de 20 anos residentes no munic��pio de S��o Paulo. O consumo alimentar foi verificado pelo recordat��rio de 24 horas, digitado no programa Nutrition Data System. Os alimentos e as prepara����es selecionados para averigua����o da por����o foram os consumidos por, no m��nimo, 10% da popula����o de estudo ou que contribu��ram com at�� 80% do valor energ��tico total. As por����es m��dias, obtidas pelo percentil 50, foram comparadas segundo sexo e estado nutricional, por meio do teste de Kruskal Wallis. RESULTADOS: Arroz e feij��o foram os alimentos mais consumidos e que mais contribu��ram para o valor energ��tico da dieta. Os homens consumiram maior por����o destes alimentos, quando s��o comparados ��s mulheres. Observou-se que a por����o de leite est�� abaixo do estipulado pelo Guia Alimentar Brasileiro, por��m a maior diferen��a encontrada foi em rela����o �� alface e ao tomate. Verificou-se que indiv��duos com excesso de peso consomem maiores por����es de peito de frango. CONCLUS��O: O tamanho das por����es de alguns alimentos �� maior entre homens, por��m, na pr��tica, n��o h�� como diferenciar, em medidas caseiras, valores t��o pr��ximos como os encontrados na maioria dos alimentos. As por����es dos principais alimentos dos grupos de verduras e legumes e leite e derivados s��o menores que o proposto pelo Guia Alimentar.

Preval��ncia de sobrepeso e obesidade em nipo-brasileiros: compara����o entre sexos e gera����o

OBJETIVO: Descrever a preval��ncia de sobrepeso, obesidade e obesidade abdominal em nipo-brasileiros residentes na cidade de Bauru (SP), Brasil. M��TODOS: Os dados foram obtidos a partir de um estudo transversal com 1 330 nipo-brasileiros de 1�� e 2�� gera����o, de ambos os sexos, com idade >30 anos. Os crit��rios para sobrepeso e obesidade foram ��ndice de massa corporal entre 25-29,9kg/m�� e >30kg/m��, respectivamente. A obesidade abdominal foi classificada com valores de circunfer��ncia da cintura >90cm, para homens, e >80cm para mulheres. Foram calculadas as preval��ncias de sobrepeso, obesidade e obesidade abdominal por ponto e por intervalo, com 95% de confian��a. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que a preval��ncia de sobrepeso em nipo-brasileiros foi de 26,1% e 27,9% na primeira gera����o e de 44,8% e 32,5% na segunda gera����o, respectivamente, para homens e mulheres. Em rela����o �� obesidade, a preval��ncia entre homens foi de 3,7% e 12%, e nas mulheres de 6,6% e 9,9% respectivamente na primeira e na segunda gera����o. Observou-se aumento na preval��ncia de sobrepeso e obesidade nos homens entre as gera����es, apesar de as diferen��as n��o serem estatisticamente significantes. A obesidade abdominal nos homens de primeira e segunda gera����o foi de 32,1% e 45,3%, e nas mulheres estes valores foram de 49,2% e 48,5%, respectivamente. No per��odo de estudo n��o foram observados aumentos nas preval��ncias de sobrepeso e obesidade estatisticamente significantes (p<0,05). CONCLUS��O: O aumento percentual na preval��ncia de sobrepeso e obesidade abdominal em nipo-brasileiros pode ser, em parte, explicado pelo processo da ocidentaliza����o, refor��ando a necessidade de medidas preventivas, visando a minimizar as conseq����ncias metab��licas da obesidade nos nipo-brasileiros.

Motiva����o de gestantes para o aleitamento materno

OBJETIVO: Conhecer os motivos de gestantes para o aleitamento materno. M��TODOS: �� um estudo qualitativo realizado com 164 gestantes assistidas no pr��-natal em dois Centros de Sa��de na regi��o central da cidade de S��o Paulo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas sobre motiva����o para amamentar. As narrativas foram organizadas em planilha eletr��nica em busca de categorias. RESULTADOS: As principais categorias identificadas estavam relacionadas �� sa��de da crian��a, da mulher e aos benef��cios da pr��tica de amamentar e do leite materno. A maioria das mulheres (98,8%) foi favor��vel �� amamenta����o. Benef��cios �� sa��de da crian��a foi o motivo mais freq��ente (73,8%). CONCLUS��O: A motiva����o ao aleitamento materno foi centrada nos benef��cios �� sa��de da crian��a. A amamenta����o �� valorizada independentemente da vontade materna.

A qualidade das refei����es de empresas cadastradas no Programa de Alimenta����o do Trabalhador na cidade de S��o Paulo

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a qualidade global das refei����es oferecidas por Unidades de Alimenta����o e Nutri����o de empresas benefici��rias do Programa de Alimenta����o do Trabalhador, na cidade de S��o Paulo. M��TODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 72 empresas cadastradas no programa. Foram coletadas informa����es de tr��s dias consecutivos das refei����es oferecidas no almo��o, no jantar e na ceia. A qualidade das refei����es oferecidas foi avalia pelo ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o, e sua an��lise foi feita de forma estratificada segundo o perfil da empresa obtido pela an��lise de cluster. RESULTADOS: A m��dia do ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o para as grandes refei����es foi de 66,25. Foram obtidos dois grupos de empresas na an��lise de cluster. As empresas do primeiro, composto em sua maioria por empresas do setor de com��rcio de micro e pequeno porte, cadastradas na modalidade de autogest��o e sem supervis��o de nutricionista, obtiveram pior qualidade da refei����o (��ndice=56,23). As empresas do segundo cluster, constitu��do principalmente por empresas de m��dio e grande porte do setor industrial, com gest��o terceirizada e supervis��o de nutricionista, obtiveram pontua����o m��dia do ��ndice de 82,95. CONCLUS��O: As refei����es oferecidas pelas empresas participantes do Programa de Alimenta����o do Trabalhador n��o estavam adequadas, segundo o ��ndice de Qualidade da Refei����o. As empresas de menor porte e estrutura tiveram refei����es de pior qualidade quando comparadas com as demais, demonstrando que empresas deste perfil s��o priorit��rias para interven����es dentro do Programa de Alimenta����o do Trabalhador.

Seroprevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in rural dogs from the city of Monte Negro, State of Rond��nia, Brazil

The present study assessed the prevalence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in dogs from the city of Monte Negro, State of Rond��nia, Brazil. ELISA (NE > 3) and IFAT (>1:40) were used to evaluate 161 serum samples collected from rural dogs from Monte Negro. Forty-five (27.9%) dogs were positive by ELISA tests and five (3.1%) were positive by IFAT. The present study showed for the first time the frequency of exposure to Leishmania spp. in dogs in the State of Rond��nia, Amazon Region.

Study of infection by Rickettsiae of the spotted fever group in humans and ticks in an urban park located in the City of Londrina, State of Paran��, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: Spotted fevers are emerging zoonoses caused by Rickettsia species in the spotted fever group (SFG). Rickettsia rickettsii is the main etiologic agent of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) and it is transmitted by Amblyomma spp. ticks. METHODS: The study aimed to investigate SFG rickettsiae in the Arthur Thomas Municipal Park in Londrina, PR, by collecting free-living ticks and ticks from capybaras and blood samples from personnel working in these areas. Samples from A. dubitatum and A. cajennense were submitted for PCR in pools to analyze the Rickettsia spp. gltA (citrate synthase gene). RESULTS: All the pools analyzed were negative. Human sera were tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay with R. rickettsii and R. parkeri as antigens. Among the 34 sera analyzed, seven (20.6%) were reactive for R. rickettsii: four of these had endpoint titers equal to 64, 2 titers were 128 and 1 titer was 256. None of the samples were reactive for R. parkeri. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to the park staff, but no statistically significant associations were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The serological studies suggest the presence of Rickettsiae related to SFG that could be infecting the human population studied; however, analysis of the ticks collected was unable to determine which species may be involved in transmission to humans.

Genetic Diversity on the Integrase Region of the pol Gene among HIV Type 1-Infected Patients Naive for Integrase Inhibitors in Sao Paulo City, Brazil

The presence of mutations associated with integrase inhibitor (INI) resistance among INI-naive patients may play an important clinical role in the use of those drugs Samples from 76 HIV-1-infected subjects naive to INIs were submitted to direct sequencing. No differences were found between naive (25%) subjects and subjects on HAART (75%). No primary mutation associated with raltegravir or elvitegravir resistance was found. However, 78% of sequences showed at least one accessory mutation associated with resistance. The analysis of the 76 IN sequences showed a high polymorphic level on this region among Brazilian HIV-1-infected subjects, including a high prevalence of aa substitutions related to INI resistance. The impact of these findings remains unclear and further studies are necessary to address these questions.

Serologic Survey for Rickettsiosis in Bats from Sao Paulo City, Brazil

Blood serum samples were collected from 451 bats captured within the Sao Paulo city from April 2007 to November 2008, and individually tested by indirect immunofluorescence assay against antigens derived from five Rickettsia species reported to occur in Brazil: the spotted fever group (SFG) species R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommii, R. rhipicephali, and the ancestral group species R. bellii. For this purpose, an anti-bat immunoglobulin G was produced and used in the present study. Overall, 8.6% (39/451), 9.5% (34/358), 7.8% (28/358), 1.1% (4/358), and 0% (0/358) serum samples were reactive to R. rickettsii, R. parkeri, R. amblyommii, R. rhipicephali, and R. bellii, respectively. Endpoint titers of reactive sera ranged from 64 to 256. From 20 bat species of 3 different families (Molossidae, Vespertilionidae, and Phyllostomidae), 46 animals were shown to be reactive to at least one rickettsial antigen. Seropositivity per bat species ranged from 0% to 33.3%. Most of the serologically positive sera reacted with two or more rickettsial antigens. Seropositivity for SFG rickettsial antigens in the absence of reactivity against R. bellii (ancestral group species) suggests that bats from Sao Paulo city can be infected by SFG rickettsiae. The possible role of soft ticks in serving as vectors of SFG rickettsiae to bats within the Sao Paulo city, associated to its public health risks, is discussed.