Network Meta-analysis to Synthesize Evidence for Decision Making in Cardiovascular Research

Abstract Clinical decision-making requires synthesis of evidence from literature reviews focused on a specific theme. Evidence synthesis is performed with qualitative assessments and systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials, typically covering statistical pooling with pairwise meta-analyses. These methods include adjusted indirect comparison meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, and mixed-treatment comparison. These tools allow synthesis of evidence and comparison of effectiveness in cardiovascular research.

Hypertensives' Knowledge About High-Sodium Foods and Their Behavior

Abstract Background: In Brazil, the prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is approximately 30% of the total population. In 2010, SAH was the cause of death of about 9.4 million people worldwide. A healthy dietary pattern is important to maintain proper blood pressure levels and, consequently, disease control. Objectives: To describe the knowledge and practices of hypertensive patients cared for at a public hypertension outpatient clinic, and its relationship with high-sodium food. Methods: We applied a questionnaire to patients with questions related to sociodemographics, dietary pattern, frequency of ingestion of certain foods, and knowledge about their own disease. Results: We studied 221 patients, 56.1% of whom were women, and 53.8% had only elementary education. Their mean age was 57.7 ±13.5 years, and 75.6% of them reported having high blood pressure, and 11.3%, diabetes mellitus. Regarding dietary pattern, 62% used ready-to-use seasonings, but 94.1% reported not adding extra salt to their ready meals. Regarding patients' knowledge about high-sodium foods and SAH, only 8 patients had 100% of right answers, 37 patients had 73.8%, and 42 patients, 57% of right answers. Conclusion: Knowledge about SAH prevention and high-sodium foods was insufficient. Based on this study's findings, more effective educational strategies targeted at this population can be developed.

Galictis cuja (Mammalia): an update of current knowledge and geographic distribution

The lesser grison (Galictis cuja) is one of the least-known mustelids in the Neotropics, despite its broad range across South America. This study aimed to explore current knowledge of the distribution of the species to identify gaps in knowledge and anticipate its full geographic distribution. Eighty-nine articles have mentioned G. cuja since 1969, but only 13 focused on the species. We generated a detailed model of the species' potential distribution that validated previous maps, but with improved detail, supporting previous southernmost records, and providing a means of identifying priority sites for conservation and management of the species.

A contribution to the knowledge of the Brazilian Strepsiptera: (Insecta)

Neste trabalho procuramos atualizar e acrescentar observações novas ao conhecimento dos Strepsiptera do Brasil. Descrevemos 4 espécies novas da família Myrmecolacidae, representados apenas por machos e uma espécie nova da família Halictophagidae, representada por macho, fêmea e hospedador. Registramos a ocorrência, no Brasil, de uma espécie da família Stylopidae, conhecida anteriormente da Argentina e fornecemos dados adicionais sôbre uma espécie da família Mengeidae, Triozocera paulistana Kogan, 1958. Baseados em HOFENEDER & FULMEK (1942-43) damos a lista dos hospedadores encontrados estilopizados no Brasil.

Fifth contribution to the knowledge of the genus Archytas Jaennicke, 1867 (Diptera, Tachinidae)

No presente trabalho são redescritas as seguintes espécies do gênero Archytas Jaennicke, 1867: Archytas lateralis Macquart, 1842, Archytas metallicus Desvoidy, 1830; Archytas aterrimus Desvoidy, 1830 e Archytas willistoni Curran, 1925. São ainda descritas duas espécies novas, provenientes do Estado do Pará, Brasil: Archytas pearsoni e A. araujoi. O material estudado pertence à coleção do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro.

Contribution to the knowledge of Philometra lateolabracis Yamaguti, 1935 (Nematoda, Filarioidea)

In this paper the authors refere Philometra lateolabracis Yamaguti, 1935 for the first time from the Atlantic Ocean also as a new host record. They report the rpesence of one male of diminished dimensions, found in close relationship with the females of Ph. lateolabracis; as the male of this species is unknown, they admit the possibility of this small nematode be the male of this species.

Second contribution to the knowledge of the larvae of the Raviniini (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) based on observations using scanning electron microscope

First and second instar larvae of some Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of the tribe Raviniini are described on observations with a scanning electron microscope.

Third contribution to the knowledge of the Raviniini (Diptera, Sarcophagidae), based on observations of the larvae, using scanning electron microscope

L1, L2 and L3 of Oxysarcodexia paulistanensis (Mattos), L3 of O. confusa Lopes, L2 of Ravinia belforti (Prado & Fonseca) and L2 of Oxyvinia excisa (Lopes) were described and figured using scanning electron microscope.

Anopheline Species Complexes in Brazil. Current Knowledge of Those Related to Malaria Transmission

A summary of the problems related to the systematics of primary and secondary Brazilian anophelines vectors of malaria is presented.

Evolution of the clinical and epidemiological knowledge about Chagas disease 90 years after its discovery

Three different periods may be considered in the evolution of knowledge about the clinical and epidemiological aspects of Chagas disease since its discovery: (a) early period concerning the studies carried out by Carlos Chagas in Lassance with the collaboration of other investigators of the Manguinhos School. At that time the disease was described and the parasite, transmitters and reservoirs were studied. The coexistence of endemic goiter in the same region generated some confusion about the clinical forms of the disease; (b) second period involving uncertainty and the description of isolated cases, which lasted until the 1940 decade. Many acute cases were described during this period and the disease was recognized in many Latin American countries. Particularly important were the studies of the Argentine Mission of Regional Pathology Studies, which culminated with the description of the Romaña sign in the 1930 decade, facilitating the diagnosis of the early phase of the disease. However, the chronic phase, which was the most important, continued to be difficult to recognize; (c) period of consolidation of knowledge and recognition of the importance of Chagas disease. Studies conducted by Laranja, Dias and Nóbrega in Bambuí updated the description of Chagas heart disease made by Carlos Chagas and Eurico Villela. From then on, the disease was more easily recognized, especially with the emphasis on the use of a serologic diagnosis; (d) period of enlargement of knowledges on the disease. The studies on denervation conducted in Ribeirão Preto by Fritz Köberle starting in the 1950 decade led to a better understanding of the relations between Chagas disease and megaesophagus and other visceral megas detected in endemic areas.