Association between breast-feeding practices and sucking habits: A cross-sectional study of children in their first year of life

In addition to providing nutrition and immunological protection, breast-feeding has positive effects on the development of the infant's oral cavity. The aim of the present study is to assess breast-feeding patterns and to analyze the influence of breast-feeding practices and maternal sociodemographic variables on the prevalence of non-nutritive sucking habits in a sample of Brazilian infants. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Southern Brazil. A random sample of 100 mothers of infants up to 12 months of age was interviewed during the National Vaccination Campaign Day. The prevalence and median duration of breast-feeding were assessed. Breast-feeding practice, the exposure factor, was categorized as exclusive breast-feeding, predominant breast-feeding, complementary breast-feeding, or weaning. Maternal sociodemographic variables included age, race, marital status, educational level, profession, and family income. The outcome investigated was the prevalence of sucking habits (pacifier use and thumb sucking). We used two-sample tests, the chi-square test and Fisher exact test0 for statistical analyses of the data. The study revealed that 75% of infants were being breast-fed. Pacifier use and thumb sucking were common in 55%. Bottle-feeding was prevalent in 74% of infants. Breast-feeding was negatively correlated with pacifier use and thumb sucking (OR = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.4). Bottle-feeding was strongly associated with weaning (p = 0.0003). Among the sociodemographic variables, only marital status showed a statistical association with sucking habits (p = 0.04). These findings suggest that breast-feeding can prevent the occurrence of sucking habits. Although we could not evaluate causality assessment, malocclusion prevention seems to be yet one more reason for promoting breast-feeding practices.

Poverty dynamics in Costa Rica with panel data from cross-sections

Includes bibliography

Facial pain associated with fibromyalgia can be marked by abnormal neuromuscular control: A cross-sectional study

Background. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) development in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is not yet fully understood, but altered neuromuscular control in FMS may play a role in triggering TMD. Objective. The purpose of this study was to verify the association between neuromuscular control and chronic facial pain in groups of patients with FMS and TMD. Design. A cross-sectional study was conducted. Methods. This study involved an analysis of facial pain and electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles in patients with FMS (n=27) and TMD (n=28). All participants were evaluated according to Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and surface electromyography (SEMG). Myoelectric signal calculations were performed using the root mean square and median frequency of signals. Results. The data revealed premature interruption of masticatory muscle contraction in both patient groups, but a significant correlation also was found between higher median frequency values and increased facial pain. This correlation probably was related to FMS because it was not found in patients with TMD only. Facial pain and increased SEMG activity during mandibular rest also were positively correlated. Limitations. Temporal conclusions cannot be drawn from the study. Also, the study lacked a comparison group of patients with FMS without TMD as well as a control group of individuals who were healthy. Conclusions. Altered neuromuscular control in masticatory muscles may be correlated with perceived facial pain in patients with FMS. © 2013 American Physical Therapy Association.

Prevalence of risk factors for stuttering among boys: analytical cross-sectional study

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO:Há poucos estudos sobre os fatores de risco para os subgrupos de gagueira. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os fatores de risco para a gagueira desenvolvimental familial em meninos que gaguejam e que não gaguejam como tipologia das disfluências, fatores qualitativos e comunicativos associados, estresse físico e emocional, atitude familiar e reação pessoal.TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL:Estudo transversal analítico com um grupo controle, realizado no Laboratório de Estudo da Fluência, que faz parte do Departamento de Fonoaudiologia de uma universidade pública.MÉTODOS:Pais de 40 meninos com e sem gagueira pareados por idade fizeram parte do estudo. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos: crianças com gagueira e crianças sem gagueira, com idades entre 6 anos 0 meses e 11 anos 11 meses Inicialmente todos os participantes foram submetidos a uma avaliação de fluência e depois os dados foram coletados por meio do Protocolo de Risco para a Gagueira do Desenvolvimento.RESULTADOS:Não foi observada diferença nos fatores de estresse físicos e reações pessoais entre os grupos. As atitudes inadequadas familiares foram apresentadas por 95% das crianças com gagueira e 30% das crianças sem gagueira. Quatro fatores de risco analisados não ocorreram nas crianças sem gagueira, a saber, disfluências gagas, fatores qualitativos, estresse físico e emocional.CONCLUSÕES:Os achados sugerem que a presença de disfluências gagas, fatores qualitativos e comunicativos associados, estresse emocional e atitude familiar inadequada são fatores de risco importantes para a gagueira desenvolvimental familial em meninos.

Modulação genética e influência de diferentes atividades físicas na dor lombar crônica: estudo de gêmeos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Porphyromonas endodontalis in chronic periodontitis: a clinical and microbiological cross-sectional study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Oral impacts on the daily performance of Brazilians assessed using a sociodental approach: analyses of national data

The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between oral diseases and their impact on the daily performance of adult and elderly Brazilians, verify the association of oral diseases with socioeconomic and demographic features, and compare the standard estimate of need with the sociodental assessment of these same needs. The authors evaluated data from 17,398 Brazilians aged between 35-44 years and 65-74 years, taken from the cross-sectional Brazilian Oral Health Survey (Saúde Bucal Brasil - SBBrasil). Regression models were applied to assess associations among impacts on daily performance and income, schooling, gender, region, use of dental services, health perception and dental disease status. McNemar’s test was applied to compare standard versus impact-related estimates of need. The prevalence ratio of these impacts was associated with the sociodemographic versus health perceptions (p < 0.001) of adults and the elderly. Adults also had impacts associated with loss of periodontal attachment (p < 0.001). The prevalence of normative needs was 95.39% for adults and 99.76% for the elderly, whereas the impact-related estimate of need was 50.92% and 43.71%, respectively. The impacted-related approach had a statistically significant association with the normative estimate of need (p < 0.001). This study showed a relationship between oral impact on daily performance of adults and educational level. Sociodemographic features were also related to the impacts on both adults and the elderly, and to health perception. The impacts among the adults were related to the loss of periodontal attachment. In addition, the authors found a sizable difference between the standard versus the sociodental approach, in that the sociodental assessment needs were lower than the needs identified by the standard estimate of need.

Obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions in a population-based, cross-sectional sample of school-aged children

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant-supported fixed partial denture: a cross-sectional survey of patients from Aracatuba city, Brazil

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life and satisfaction of patients wearing implant-supported fixed partial dentures.Materials &methodsA total of 106 patients were selected and submitted to clinical examination and collection of the demographic data for evaluation of the implant-supported fixed dentures conditions. All participants agreed to answer to the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-EDENT) questionnaire and another questionnaire about satisfaction with the implant-supported prostheses. The patients were classified into the following three groups for statistical analysis: patients wearing splinted implant-supported prosthesis (E), patients wearing single implant-supported prosthesis (U), and patients wearing single implant-supported prosthesis associated with splinted prosthesis (E+U). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the answers between the groups, and a logistic regression model was measured to verify the relation between variables of the patients and the questionaries'items.ResultsThere were significant differences among groups (P=0.006) for discomfort during surgery itself of the satisfaction questionnaire. The marital status, groups, and hygiene condition were significant mainly for physical pain item.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the patients presented high level of satisfaction and quality of life for the most of the items evaluated as well as the groups showed similar results.

Prevalence of iodine intake inadequacy in elderly Brazilian women. A cross-sectional study

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Prevalence and Predictors of Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Brazilian Primary Public Health System

Purpose. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of clinically important potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in elderly patients attending the public primary health care system in Brazil. The secondary objective was to investigate possible predictors of potential DDIs. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 5 Brazilian cities located in the Ourinhos Micro-region, Sao Paulo State, between November 2010 and April 2011. The selected sample was divided according to the presence (exposed) or absence (unexposed) of one or more potential DDIs (defined as the presence of a minimum 5-day overlap in supply of an interacting drug pair). Data were collected from medical prescriptions and patients' medical records. Potential DDIs (rated major or moderate) were identified using 4 DDI-checker programs. Logistic regression analysis was used to study potential DDI predictors. Results. The prevalence of clinically important potential DDIs found during the study period was 47.4%. Female sex (OR = 2.49 [95% CI 2.29-2.75]), diagnosis of = 3 diseases (OR = 6.43 [95% CI 3.25-12.44]), and diagnosis of hypertension (OR = 1.68 [95% CI 1.23-2.41]) were associated with potential DDIs. The adjusted OR increased from 0.90 [95% CI 0.82-1.03] in patients aged 60 - 64 years to 4.03 [95% CI 3.79 - 4.28] in those aged 75 years or older. Drug therapy regimens involving = 2 prescribers (OR = 1.39 [95% CI 1.17-1.67]), = 3 drugs (OR = 3.21 [95% CI 2.78-3.59]), = 2 ATC codes (OR = 1.19 [95% CI 1.12-1.29]), = 2 drugs acting on cytochrome P450 (OR = 2.24 [95% CI 2.07-2.46]), and ATC codes B (OR = 1.89 [95% CI 1.05-2.08]) and C (OR = 4.01 [95% CI 3.55-4.57]) were associated with potential DDIs. Conclusion. Special care should be taken with the prescription and therapeutic follow-up of patients who present characteristics identified as predictors. Knowledge of potential DDI predictors could aid in developing preventive practices and policies that allow public health services to better manage this situation.

Longitudinal reference ranges for fetal ultrasound biometry in twin pregnancies

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish longitudinal reference ranges for fetal ultrasound biometry measurements and growth parameters in twin pregnancies. METHOD: A total of 200 uncomplicated twin pregnancies before 21 weeks of gestation were recruited for this prospective, longitudinal study. Women who abandoned follow-up, pregnancies with unknown outcomes or pregnancies with complications were excluded. Ultrasound scans were performed every three weeks, and biparietal and occipitofrontal diameters, head and abdominal circumferences, and femur diaphysis length measurements were obtained for each fetus at each visit. Estimated fetal weight, biparietal/occipitofrontal diameter, head circumference/abdominal circumference, and femur diaphysis length/abdominal circumference ratios were also calculated. Multilevel regression analysis was performed on normalized data. RESULTS: A total of 807 ultrasound examinations were performed in 125 twin pregnancies between 14 and 38 weeks of gestation (6.5 +/- 1.4 scans/pregnancy). Regression analysis demonstrated significant correlations for all variables with gestational age, namely log of the biparietal diameter (r = 0.98), log of the occipitofrontal diameter (r = 0.98), log of the head circumference (r = 0.99), log of the abdominal circumference (r = 0.98), square root of the femur length (r = 0.99), log of the estimated fetal weight (r = 0.99), biparietal/occipitofrontal ratio (r = -0.11), head/abdomen circumference ratio (r = -0.56), and log of the femur length/abdominal circumference ratio (r = 0.61). Values corresponding to the 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles for estimated fetal weight at 28, 32, and 36 weeks, respectively, were as follows: 937, 1,096, 1,284 g; 1,462, 1,720, 2,025 g; and 2,020, 2,399, 2,849 g. CONCLUSION: In twin pregnancies, fetal ultrasound biometry measurements and growth parameters show a significant correlation with gestational age.

Risk factors for birth-related perineal trauma: a cross-sectional study in a birth centre

Aim and objectives. To identify maternal, newborn and obstetric factors associated with birth-related perineal trauma in one independent birth centre. Background. Risk factors for birth-related perineal trauma include episiotomy, maternal age, ethnicity, parity and interventions during labour including use of oxytocin, maternal position at time of birth and infant birth weight. Understanding more about these factors could support the management of vaginal birth to prevent spontaneous perineal trauma, in line with initiatives to reduce routine use of episiotomy. Design. Cross-sectional study. Methods. Data were retrospectively collected from one independent birth centre in Brazil, during 20062009. The dependent variable (perineal trauma) was classified as: (1) intact perineum or first-degree laceration, (2) second-degree laceration and (3) episiotomy (right mediolateral or median). Results. There were 1079 births during the study period. Parity, use of oxytocin during labour, position at time of giving birth and infant birth weight were associated with second-degree lacerations and episiotomies. After adjusting for parity, oxytocin, maternal position at the expulsive stage of labour and infant birth weight influenced perineal outcomes among primiparae only. Conclusions. Although the overall rate of episiotomies in this study was low compared with national data, it was observed that younger women were most vulnerable to this intervention. In this age group in particular, the use of oxytocin as well as semi-upright positions at the time of birth was associated with second-degree lacerations and episiotomies. Relevance to clinical practice. The use of upright alternative positions for birth and avoidance of use of oxytocin could reduce the risk of perineal trauma from lacerations and need to perform episiotomy.

The remarkable solar twin HIP 56948: a prime target in the quest for other Earths

Context. The Sun shows abundance anomalies relative to most solar twins. If the abundance peculiarities are due to the formation of inner rocky planets, that would mean that only a small fraction of solar type stars may host terrestrial planets. Aims. In this work we study HIP 56948, the best solar twin known to date, to determine with an unparalleled precision how similar it is to the Sun in its physical properties, chemical composition and planet architecture. We explore whether the abundances anomalies may be due to pollution from stellar ejecta or to terrestrial planet formation. Methods. We perform a differential abundance analysis (both in LTE and NLTE) using high resolution (R similar to 100 000) high S/N (600-650) Keck HIRES spectra of the Sun (as reflected from the asteroid Ceres) and HIP 56948. We use precise radial velocity data from the McDonald and Keck observatories to search for planets around this star. Results. We achieve a precision of sigma less than or similar to 0.003 dex for several elements. Including errors in stellar parameters the total uncertainty is as low as sigma similar or equal to 0.005 dex (1%), which is unprecedented in elemental abundance studies. The similarities between HIP 56948 and the Sun are astonishing. HIP 56948 is only 17 +/- 7 K hotter than the Sun, and log g, [Fe/H] and microturbulence velocity are only +0.02 +/- 0.02 dex, +0.02 +/- 0.01 dex and +0.01 +/- 0.01 km s(-1) higher than solar, respectively. Our precise stellar parameters and a differential isochrone analysis shows that HIP 56948 has a mass of 1.02 +/- 0.02 M-circle dot and that it is similar to 1 Gyr younger than the Sun, as constrained by isochrones, chromospheric activity, Li and rotation. Both stars show a chemical abundance pattern that differs from most solar twins, but the refractory elements (those with condensation temperature T-cond greater than or similar to 1000 K) are slightly (similar to 0.01 dex) more depleted in the Sun than in HIP 56948. The trend with T-cond in differential abundances (twins -HIP 56948) can be reproduced very well by adding similar to 3 M-circle plus of a mix of Earth and meteoritic material, to the convection zone of HIP 56948. The element-to-element scatter of the Earth/meteoritic mix for the case of hypothetical rocky planets around HIP 56948 is only 0.0047 dex. From our radial velocity monitoring we find no indications of giant planets interior to or within the habitable zone of HIP 56948. Conclusions. We conclude that HIP 56948 is an excellent candidate to host a planetary system like our own, including the possible presence of inner terrestrial planets. Its striking similarity to the Sun and its mature age makes HIP 56948 a prime target in the quest for other Earths and SETI endeavors.

Frailty criteria and cognitive performance are related: data from the fibra study in Ermelino Matarazzo, São Paulo, Brazil

Objectives: To assess the relationship between the CHS frailty criteria (Fried et al., 2001) and cognitive performance. Design: Cross sectional and population-based. Setting: Ermelino Matarazzo, a poor sub district of the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants: 384 community dwelling older adults, 65 and older. Measurements: Assessment of the CHS frailty criteria, the Brief Cognitive Screening Battery (memorization of 10 black and white pictures, verbal fluency animal category, and the Clock Drawing Test) and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Results: Frail older adults performed significantly lower than non-frail and pre frail elderly in most cognitive variables. Grip strength and age were associated to MMSE performance, age was associated to delayed memory recall, gait speed was associated to verbal fluency and CDT performance, and education was associated to CDT performance. Conclusion: Being frail may be associated with cognitive decline, thus, gerontological assessments and interventions should consider that these forms of vulnerability may occur simultaneously.