Sustained drug use changes following hepatitis C screening and counseling among recently infected persons who inject drugs: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Notification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive status is known to have short-term impacts on subsequent alcohol, drug use and injection behaviors among persons who inject drugs (PWID). It remains to be established whether post-screening behavioral changes extend over time for PWID and whether screening test notification has behavioral impacts among HCV-negative PWID. This study sought to longitudinally assess substance use and injection behaviors after HCV status notification among HCV seroconverters and HCV-negative PWID. METHODS: Initially HCV-seronegative PWID (n = 208) were followed prospectively between 2004 and 2011 in Montreal, Canada. Semi-annual screening visits included blood sampling and an interview-administered questionnaire assessing substance use and injection behaviors. Multivariable generalized estimating equation analyses were conducted to assess substance use and behavior changes over time and compare changes between HCV seroconverters and HCV-seronegative participants while adjusting for baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 208 participants (83% male; mean age, 34.7 years, mean follow-up time, 39 months), 69 (33.2%) seroconverted to HCV. A linear decrease in syringe sharing behavior was observed over time after HCV and status notification, whereas a 10% decrease for each additional 3 months of follow-up was observed for injection cocaine and heroin use among HCV seroconverters but not among HCV-seronegative PWID (P < .05). No significant changes were observed in alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that notification of HCV-positive status is associated with reduced injection drug use among seroconverters. Among PWID deemed seronegative after screening, there is no sustained trend for change in risk behavior.

Avaliação psicológica de pessoas com HIV

Pós-graduação em Psicologia - FCLAS

Multiple Health Behavior Changes and Co-variation in a Telephone Counseling Trial

Background Delivering effective multiple health behavior interventions to large numbers of adults with chronic conditions via primary care settings is a public health priority. Purpose Within a 12-month, telephone-delivered diet and physical activity intervention with multiple behavioral outcomes, we examined the extent and co-variation of multiple health behavior change. Methods A cluster-randomized trial with 434 patients with type 2 diabetes or hypertension were recruited from 10 general practices, which were randomized to receive telephone counseling or usual care. Results Those receiving telephone counseling were significantly more likely than those in usual care to make greater reductions in multiple behaviors after adjusting for baseline risk behaviors (OR 2.42; 95%CI 1.43, 4.11). Controlling for baseline risk and group allocation, making changes to either physical activity, fat, vegetable, or fiber intake was associated with making significantly more improvements in other behaviors. Conclusions For patients with chronic conditions, telephone counseling can significantly improve multiple health behaviors, with behavioral changes tending to co-vary.

Detour behavior changes associated with prenatal morphine exposure in 11-day-old chicks

The central nervous system exhibits remarkable plasticity in early life. Prenatal morphine exposure may induce adverse behavioral effects on the neonate and the developing offspring. In the present study, we investigated the effect of prenatal morphine exposure (daily from embryonic days 12-16, 20 mg/kg) on 11-day-old chicks using two forms of spatial paradigms: one trial detour behavior task in which animals must bypass an obstacle to reach the desired goal without any training and detour learning task which required several trials of training to reach the detour criterion. The results showed that, on the condition that chicks could successfully detour in the first trial, morphine exposed chicks exhibited longer detour latency to finish the task, coupled by a preference for turning right versus turning left. In contrast, no significant difference in learning and memory was found in detour learning task between morphine exposed chicks and saline chicks. These findings suggest specific behavioral changes associated with prenatal exposure to opioids during mid to late gestation, also raise attention to the possible health hazard from pregnancy drug use in everyday life. (C) 2010 ISDN. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Detection of avian influenza virus subtype H5 using a biosensor based on imaging ellipsometry

A novel method is reported for the detection of avian influenza virus subtype H5 using a biosensor based on high spatial resolution imaging ellipsometry (IE). Monoclonal antibodies specific to H5 hemagglutinin protein were immobilized on silicon wafers and used to capture virus particles. Resultant changes on the surface of the wafers were visualized directly in gray-scale on an imaging ellipsometry image. This preliminary study has shown that the assay is rapid and specific for the identification of avian influenza virus subtype H5. Compared with lateral-flow immunoassays, this biosensor not only has better sensitivity, but can also simultaneously perform multiplexed tests. These results suggest that this biosensor might be a valuable diagnostic toot for avian influenza virus detection. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Knowledge and perceptions among overweight and obese employees about lifestyle-related health benefit changes.

We investigated perceptions among overweight and obese state employees about changes to health insurance that were designed to reduce the scope of health benefits for employees who are obese or who smoke. Before implementation of health benefit plan changes, 658 state employees who were overweight (ie, those with a body mass index [BMI] of 25-29.9) or obese (ie, those with a BMI of > or = 30) enrolled in a weight-loss intervention study were asked about their attitudes and beliefs concerning the new benefit plan changes. Thirty-one percent of employees with a measured BMI of 40 or greater self-reported a BMI of less than 40, suggesting they were unaware that their current BMI would place them in a higher-risk benefit plan. More than half of all respondents reported that the new benefit changes would motivate them to make behavioral changes, but fewer than half felt confident in their ability to make changes. Respondents with a BMI of 40 or greater were more likely than respondents in lower BMI categories to oppose the new changes focused on obesity (P < .001). Current smokers were more likely than former smokers and nonsmokers to oppose the new benefit changes focused on tobacco use (P < .01). Participants represented a sample of employees enrolled in a weight-loss study, limiting generalizability to the larger population of state employees. Benefit plan changes that require employees who are obese and smoke to pay more for health care may motivate some, but not all, individuals to change their behaviors. Since confidence to lose weight was lowest among individuals in the highest BMI categories, more-intense intervention options may be needed to achieve desired health behavior changes.

Neuromodulation by oxytocin and vasopressin in the central nervous system as a basis for their rapid behavioral effects.

The last several years have seen an increasing number of studies that describe effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the behavior of animals or humans. Studies in humans have reported behavioral changes and, through fMRI, effects on brain function. These studies are paralleled by a large number of reports, mostly in rodents, that have also demonstrated neuromodulatory effects by oxytocin and vasopressin at the circuit level in specific brain regions. It is the scope of this review to give a summary of the most recent neuromodulatory findings in rodents with the aim of providing a potential neurophysiological basis for their behavioral effects. At the same time, these findings may point to promising areas for further translational research towards human applications.

Specificity of cognitive and behavioral complaints in post-traumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury.

Characterization of cognitive and behavioral complaints is explored in Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) samples according to the severity of PTSD, depression and general anxiety conditions. Self-reported questionnaires on cognitive and behavioral changes are administered to PTSD, MTBI, MTBI/PTSD and control groups. Confounding variables are controlled. All groups report more complaints since the traumatic event. PTSD and MTBI/PTSD groups report more anxiety symptoms, depression and complaints compared to the MTBI group. Relatives of the PTSD group confirm most of the behavioral changes reported. Results suggest the utility of self-reported questionnaires to personalize cognitive and behavioral interventions in PTSD and MTBI to cope with the impacts of the traumatic event.

A trilogia do sucesso: a educação inclusiva, a investigação-acção e a intervenção no grupo, atendendo à sua diversidade

RESUMO: O presente trabalho de projecto teve como principal objectivo compreender de que modo se pode promover o sucesso de todos, através do sucesso de cada um, num grupo heterogéneo de crianças do 2º e 3º ano do 1º Ciclo, com diferentes níveis de aprendizagem e problemáticas diversificadas. Com o principal objectivo de provocar mudanças positivas na dinâmica e intervenientes deste contexto, adoptou-se a metodologia de investigação-acção e recorreu-se a técnicas de pesquisa documental, à entrevista semi-directiva, à observação naturalista e à sociometria. O processo interventivo seguiu um plano de acção, inicialmente delimitado face às problemáticas diagnosticadas. Realizou-se de Fevereiro a Junho de 2010 seguindo uma estrutura cíclica e em espiral, composto por etapas de planificação, acção, avaliação e reflexão, para nova acção, que se tornou progressivamente mais informada. Esta metodologia permitiu alcançar resultados muito positivos e mudanças importantes no contexto intervencionado. Especificamente, numa fase inicial, a turma apresentava baixos desempenhos sociais, relacionais, comportamentais e académicos. Conjugados com estas problemáticas, todos os alunos apresentavam uma baixa autonomia, auto-estima e motivação para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Para além destes factores, apesar da heterogeneidade do grupo, de onde se destacavam os alunos 5, 9, 11, 12 e 13, considerados com necessidades educativas especiais, a dinâmica da prática pedagógica desenvolvida assentava num modelo de ensino tradicional, centrado no professor e nos desempenhos do aluno médio, reveladora de uma baixa eficiência de resultados. A heterogeneidade da turma era encarada como um obstáculo à aprendizagem. A intervenção desenvolvida, de forma fundamentada, permitiu um ensino inclusivo na turma, suportado na diferenciação pedagógica inclusiva, alcançada através da aprendizagem cooperativa, da tutoria entre pares e de uma estrutura coesa de parceria pedagógica entre a professora titular da turma e a investigadora. Para além destes, a intervenção realizada permitiu resultados positivos ao nível do perfil do grupo-turma, nomeadamente pelo registo de uma melhoria muito significativa nos desempenhos cognitivos, sócio-afectivos e comportamentais dos alunos. ABSTRACT: The present project work had as main objective to understand the way one can promote the success of all through the success of each one in a heterogeneous group of children of the 2nd and 3rd years of the 1st Cycle with different levels of learning and several problematic. With the main purpose of causing positive changes in the dynamics and actors of this context, the action-research methodology was adopted as well as the techniques of documentary research, and the half-directive interview, the naturalistic observation and the sociometry. The intervention process followed an action plan, initially delimited face to the problematic ones diagnosed. It took place from February to June 2010 following a cyclical and spiral structure made of stages of planning, action, evaluation and reflection, to a new action that became gradually more informed. This methodology allowed to reach very positive results and important changes in the interventional context. Specifically, in an initial phase, the group presented low social, relational, behavioral and academics performances. Together with these problematic issues, all the pupils presented a low autonomy, low self-esteem and low motivation for the teach-learning process. In addition to these factors there was the heterogeneity of the group (a group of pupils 5, 9, 11, 12 and 13 considered with special needs), and the teaching process was based on a traditional model centered in the teacher and the performances of the average pupil, revealing a low efficiency of results. The heterogeneity of the group was faced as an obstacle to the learning process. The developed intervention allowed an inclusive educational model in the group based in the inclusive pedagogical differentiation, reached through the cooperative learning, peer tutoring and a cohesive structure of pedagogical partnership between the titular teacher of the group and the researcher. Beyond these aspects, the research allowed positive results in the class, mainly a significant improvement in the cognitive, socio-emotional and behavioral performances of the pupils.

Behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of the exposure to chronic restraint or variable stress in early adolescent rats

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

Developmental and behavioral effects of postnatal amitraz exposure in rats

The effects of postnatal amitraz exposure on physical and behavioral parameters were studied in Wistar rats, whose lactating dams received the pesticide (10 mg/Kg) orally on days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16 and 19 of lactation; control dams received distilled water (1 ml/kg) on the same days. A total of 18 different litters (9 of them control and 9 experimental) born after a 21- day gestation were used. The results showed that the median effective time (ET50) for fur development, eye opening, testis descent and onset of the startle response were increased in rats postnatally exposed to amitraz (2.7, 15.1, 21.6 and 15.3 days, respectively) compared to those of the control pups (1.8, 14.0, 19.9 and 12.9 days, respectively). The ages of incisor eruption, total unfolding of the external ears, vaginal and ear opening and the time taken to perform the grasping hindlimb reflex were not affected by amitraz exposure. Pups from dams treated with amitraz during lactation took more time (in seconds) to perform the surface righting reflex on postnatal days (PND) 3 (25.0 ±2.0), 4 (12.3 ± 1.2) and 5 (8.7 ± 0.9) in relation to controls (10.6 ± 1.2; 4.5 ± 0.6 and 3.4 ± 0.4, respectively); the climbing response was not changed by amitraz. Postnatal amitraz exposure increased spontaneous motor activity of male and female pups in the open-field on PND 16 (140± 11)and 17(124± 12), and 16 (104±9), 17 (137 ± 9) and 18 (106 ± 8), respectively. Data on spontaneous motor activity of the control male and female pups were 59 ± 11 and 69 ± 10 for days 16 and 17 and 49 ± 9, 48 ± 7 and 56 ± 7 for days 16, 17 and 18, respectively. Some qualitative differences were also observed in spontaneous motor behavior; thus, raising the head, shoulder and pelvis matured one or two days later in the amitraz- treated offspring. Postnatal amitraz exposure did not change locomotion and rearing frequencies or immobility time in the open-field on PND 30, 60 and 90. The present findings indicate that postnatal exposure to amitraz caused transient developmental and behavioral changes in the exposed offspring and suggest that further investigation of the potential health risk of amitraz exposure to developing human and animal offsprings may be warranted.

Changes in the industrial development of Latin America

Includes bibliography

Functional extinction of birds drives rapid evolutionary changes in seed size

Local extinctions have cascading effects on ecosystem functions, yet little is known about the potential for the rapid evolutionary change of species in human-modified scenarios. We show that the functional extinction of large-gape seed dispersers in the Brazilian Atlantic forest is associated with the consistent reduction of the seed size of a keystone palm species. Among 22 palm populations, areas deprived of large avian frugivores for several decades present smaller seeds than nondefaunated forests, with negative consequences for palm regeneration. Coalescence and phenotypic selection models indicate that seed size reduction most likely occurred within the past 100 years, associated with human-driven fragmentation. The fast-paced defaunation of large vertebrates is most likely causing unprecedented changes in the evolutionary trajectories and community composition of tropical forests.

Comissão de Meio Ambiente e Qualidade de vida na Escola (COM-VIDA): análise de uma política pública de educação ambiental e sua implementação em duas escolas de Teresina - Piauí

Pós-graduação em Educação - IBRC

Análises morfológica e histoquímicas do ventrículo e do cérebro de operárias recém emergidas de Apis Mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) tratadas com Thiamethoxam

Apis mellifera honeybees are social insects of economic importance, by providing honeybee products, and by the pollination of natural areas of vegetation or agricultural areas. The constant use of pesticides, including the thiamethoxam, which is an insecticide belonging to the class of neonicotinoids with neurotoxic action, is subjecting pollinators to situations of severe stress, which has been evidenced by the decrease in the density of honeybees in many parts of the world. By these considerations, the present study aimed to assess the acute toxicity of thiamethoxam for newly emerged workers of A. mellifera, and to investigate the effect of sublethal doses of this insecticide on the survival time and its cytotoxicity to the brain and midgut to the honeybees. It was established the value of the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) equal to 4.28 ng thiamethoxam/μL of food and from it, the sublethal concentrations of 0.428 ng thiamethoxam/μL (CL50/10) and 0.0428 ng thiamethoxam/μL (CL50/100), which were used in bioassays of intoxication of the honeybees. After the bioassays the bees were dissected and the brain and midguts were collected to analyze possible morphological (staining with Hematoxylin-Eosin) and histochemical alterations (Xylidine Ponceau technique, and Feulgen and PAS reactions) caused by exposure to thiamethoxam, and to calculate the lethal time (LT50) for the workers. The duration of the bioassays was 8 days after beginning of feeding. The results obtained showed that the thiamethoxam is toxic to newly-emerged workers of A. mellifera, causing changes in survival time of individuals. This study also shown that the thiamethoxam causes morphological and histochemical alterations on the midgut and brain of workers. These alterations may be reflected in physiological and behavioral changes that can modify the operation of the colony