Hepatitis B and C in a Brazilian deaf community

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION:Although deaf people are exposed to hepatitis B and C risk factors, epidemiological studies regarding these diseases in deaf people are lacking.METHODS:After watching an explanatory digital versatile disc (DVD) in Brazilian Sign Language, 88 deaf people were interviewed and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV).RESULTS:The prevalence of hepatitis B markers was 8%; they were associated with incarceration and being born outside the State of S��o Paulo. No cases of hepatitis C were identified.CONCLUSIONS:Participants showed a substantial lack of knowledge regarding viral hepatitis, indicating a need for public policies that consider linguistic and cultural profiles.

Incidence of hepatitis C in Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C is a public health problem of global dimensions, affecting approximately 200 million people worldwide. The main objective of this study was to estimate the incidence rate of hepatitis C in Brazil during the period between 2001 and 2012. METHODS: An epidemiological, temporal, and descriptive study was performed using data from the Information System for Reportable Diseases. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2012, a total of 151,056 hepatitis C cases were recorded, accounting for 30.3% of all hepatitis notifications in Brazil. The average gross coefficient for the analysis period was 6.7 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The regions with the highest rates were the Southeast region (8.7 new cases/100,000 inhabitants) and the South (13.9 new cases/100,000 inhabitants). There was a predominance of men with respect to the incidence rate (8.0 new cases/100,000 inhabitants) compared to women (5.5 new cases/100,000 inhabitants). Injection drug use was the most common source of infection, and members of the white race, residents of urban areas, and those aged 60 to 64 years had the highest incidences. CONCLUSIONS: Over the last 10 years, the incidence of hepatitis C in Brazil has increased, mainly in the South and Southeast. The adoption of fast, accurate diagnostic methods, together with epidemiological awareness, can facilitate early intervention measures for adequate control of the disease.

Epidemiological study of hepatitis B and C in a municipality with rural characteristics: C��ssia dos Coqueiros, State of S��o Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B and C viral infections remain an important cause of global morbidity and mortality. Studies have been conducted in population groups of large cities, leaving gaps in the knowledge regarding the situation in small municipalities. We aimed to measure the prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers and presence of infection-associated factors. METHODS: All inhabitants of C��ssia dos Coqueiros aged ≥18 years who agreed to participate in the research were included. We collected blood as well as information via a questionnaire between March 2011 and December 2013. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Among the 1,001 participants, 41 (4.1%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis B viral exposure, and only one (0.1%) participant was considered a virus carrier. The frequency of isolated antibody to hepatitis B virus surface antigen (anti-HBs) markers was 17.8% for the overall population. In the multivariate analysis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was associated with age, birth outside the State of S��o Paulo, history of hepatitis, ≥2 sexual partners in the last 6 months, and tattoos. Four (0.4%) participants had a serological profile of hepatitis C viral exposure. However, after confirmation using viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) evaluation, only one (0.1%) individual remained positive. CONCLUSIONS: The positivity rates for hepatitis B and C were low, despite greater sexual freedom and the recent emergence of illicit drugs, as observed by the health personnel working in C��ssia dos Coqueiros.

Electro-Optical/Infrared sensor turret integration on an aircraft - structural im-pact on LOCKHEED MARTIN C-130H and design methodology

The growing need to patrol and survey large maritime and terrestrial areas increased the need to integrate external sensors on aircraft in order to accomplish those patrols at increasingly higher altitudes, longer range and not depending upon vehicle type. The main focus of this work is to elaborate a practical, simple, effective and efficient methodology for the aircraft modification procedure resulting from the integration of an Elec-tro-Optical/Infra-Red (EO/IR) turret through a support structure. The importance of the devel-opment of a good methodology relies on the correct management of project variables as time, available resources and project complexity. The key is to deliver a proper tool for a project de-sign team that will be used to create a solution that fulfils all technical, non-technical and certi-fication requirements present in this field of transportation. The created methodology is inde-pendent of two main inputs: sensor model and aircraft model definition, and therefore it is in-tended to deliver the results for different projects besides the one that was presented in this work as a case study. This particular case study presents the development of a structure support for FLIR STAR SAPHIRE III turret integration on the front lower fuselage bulkhead (radome) of the LOCKHEED MARTIN C-130 H. Development of the case study focuses on the study of local structural analysis through the use of Finite Element Method (FEM). Development of this Dissertation resulted in a cooperation between Faculty of Science and Technology - Universidade Nova de Lisboa and the company OGMA - Ind��stria Aeron��utica de Portugal

Estudo de implementa����o da NP EN ISO 22000:2005 na Cooperativa de Olivicultores de F��tima, C. R.L.

O conceito de ���Seguran��a Alimentar��� faz sentido no momento em que o ser humano tem consci��ncia de que o que ingere deve ser in��cuo para a sua sa��de e bem-estar. Para dar resposta a esta preocupa����o global, a ind��stria alimentar teve necessidade de adotar diretrizes orientadoras para a produ����o de alimentos seguros. Em consequ��ncia disso, surgiram as normas para os Sistemas de Gest��o da Seguran��a Alimentar (SGSA) e a sua implementa����o �� hoje em dia um elemento fundamental para a competitividade da empresa e dos produtos que comercializa. O trabalho desenvolvido na presente disserta����o visa o estudo da implementa����o de um Sistema de Gest��o da Seguran��a Alimentar com base no referencial de certifica����o NP EN ISO 22000:2005, na Cooperativa de Olivicultores de F��tima C. R. L.. A implementa����o de um sistema de gest��o e a sua posterior certifica����o, �� uma mais-valia para uma empresa. Ao obter a certifica����o, obt��m-se reconhecimento e satisfa����o dos clientes e outras partes interessadas, melhoria da imagem e prestigio, acesso a novos mercados, redu����o de custos de funcionamento atrav��s da melhoria do desempenho operacional e uma nova cultura com a sensibiliza����o e motiva����o dos colaboradores, orientada para a melhoria continua e para a satisfa����o dos clientes e outras partes interessadas. Tendo por base os C��digos de Boas-pr��ticas e HACCP existentes, fez-se a revis��o e atualiza����o de todo o sistema. Reapreciou-se o processo de fabrico e reavaliaram-se os pontos cr��ticos. Reviram-se os Programas Pr��-requisitos e melhorou-se o sistema HACCP. Os SGSA t��m uma elevada relev��ncia nas organiza����es associadas ao sector alimentar tamb��m nas ind��strias produtoras de azeite, uma vez que estas devem implementar metodologias capazes de assegurar que os perigos para a sa��de dos consumidores s��o eliminados ou reduzidos a n��veis aceit��veis. Os principais perigos na ind��stria do azeite numa fase inicial s��o a presen��a de microrganismos patog��nicos e parasitas da azeitona (Ex.: Bactrocera oleae) que se podem desenvolver devido ao excessivo tempo de espera at�� �� opera����o ou por temperaturas inadequadas, podendo este perigo ser resolvido atrav��s do controlo na rece����o, de fornecedores, e do tempo de opera����o; boas pr��ticas de fabrico e forma����o do pessoal. A presen��a de folhas, terra, pedras e metais diversos �� outro dos perigos mais frequentes que s��o contornados atrav��s do controlo na rece����o; inspe����o visual; avalia����o dos fornecedores, limpeza e lavagem das azeitonas. Ao longo da produ����o e embalamento os principais perigos s��o os res��duos de produtos de higieniza����o, incorpora����o de part��culas estranhas ou restos de sujidade e a contamina����o qu��mica por res��duos de massas e ��leos de lubrifica����o, perigos estes que s��o colmatados atrav��s de boas pr��ticas de fabrico; plano de higiene e de manuten����o dos equipamentos e do uso de lubrificantes homologados para a ind��stria alimentar.

C cells in the thyroid of pinealectomized rats

PURPOSE: To study quantitatively C cells in the thyroids of non-isogenic rats to determine the possible effects of pinealectomy on the number of these cells, and consequently on the synthesis and secretion of calcitonin. METHODS: Twenty male rats of an outbred strain (200-300 g) were used in the present study. One group of 10 animals was pinealectomized 50 days prior to sacrifice. Thyroid tissue was stained for calcitonin (Dako Corporation) at a 1:1500 dilution. The number of C cells observed was expressed as number of cells/cm��. Data were analyzed statistically by Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The number of C cells in pinealectomized and normal animals ranged from 489 to 2084 per cm�� and 227 to 1584 per cm��, respectively, a difference that was statistically significant (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed consistent differences in the number of C cells after pinealectomy when compared to controls. We believe that pinealectomy increases the number of C cells in the rat thyroid.

"O banquete nupcial��� num mosaico hispano-romano do s��c. II d. C.

Funda����o para a Ci��ncia e a Tecnologia (FCT), Funda����o Calouste Gulbenkian, Funda����o Millennium bcp, Direc����o Geral do Livro e das Bibliotecas/MC

Critical analysis of old and new vaccines against N. meningitidis serogroup C, considering the meningococcal disease epidemiology in Brazil

Worldwide, the impact of meningococcal disease is substantial, and the potential for the introduction and spread of more virulent strains of N. meningitidis or strains with increased resistance to current antibiotics causes concern, making prevention essential. OBJECTIVES: Review the indications for meningococcal disease vaccines, considering the epidemiological status in Brazil. METHODS: A critical literature review on this issue using the Medline and Lilacs databases. RESULTS: In Brazil, MenB and MenC were the most important serogroups identified in the 1990s. Polysaccharide vaccines available against those serogroups can offer only limited protection for infants, the group at highest risk for meningococcal disease. Additionally, polysaccharide vaccines may induce a hypo-responsive state to MenC. New meningococcal C conjugate vaccines could partially solve these problems, but it is unlikely that in the next few years a vaccine against MenB that can promote good protection against multiple strains of MenB responsible for endemic and epidemic diseases will become available. CONCLUSIONS: In order to make the best decision about recommendations on immunization practices, better quality surveillance data are required. In Brazil, MenC was responsible for about 2,000 cases per year during the last 10 years. New conjugate vaccines against MenC are very effective and immunogenic, and they should be recommended, especially for children less than 5 years old. Polysaccharide vaccines should be indicated only in epidemic situations and for high-risk groups. Until new vaccines against MenC and MenB are available for routine immunization programs, the most important measure for controlling meningococcal disease is early diagnosis of these infections in order to treat patients and to offer chemoprophylaxis to contacts.

C-cells in colloid goiter

PURPOSE: The aim of this investigation was to quantitatively evaluate C-cells in colloid goiters, analyzing 36 thyroids that were obtained through thyroidectomy from 24 patients with goiter and 12 normal glands from adult patients without thyroid disease, which were used as the control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: On average, 6 different thyroid areas were sampled and labeled by immunohistochemistry with a monoclonal anticalcitonin antibody, utilizing the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex. C-cells were counted in fields measuring 1 square centimeter, and the mean number of cells per field was then calculated. Data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: In the colloid goiter group, the number of C-cells ranged from 0 to 23 per field, while in normal controls they ranged from 20 to 148 per field. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a significant decrease of C-cell number in the colloid goiter group compared with control group, indicating that the hyperplastic process is restricted to follicular cells, to the detriment of C-cells, which probably cease to receive trophic stimuli.

Recens��o: C. Cosmen Alonso; M. V. Herr��ez Ortega; M. P. G��mez-Calcerrada, (coord.), El intercambio art��stico entre los reinos hispanos y las cortes europeas en la baja edad media

Recens��o de: C. Cosmen Alonso; M. V. Herr��ez Ortega; M. P. G��mez-Calcerrada, (coord.). 2009. El intercambio art��stico entre los reinos hispanos y las cortes europeas en la baja edad media. Le��n: Universidad de Le��n

Observations on flower visitors to Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K. and Couratari tenuicarpa A.C. Sm. (Lecythidaceae)

Bees visiting flowers of Bertholletia excelsa. (Brazil Nut tree) and Couratari tenuicarpa were collected, their behavior described and the pollen found clinging to their dorsal thorax and stored on their legs was identified. Female bees of Xylocopa frontalis(Olivier) and males of Eulaema mocsaryi (Friese) are apparently effective pollinators of Couratari in igap�� near Manaus. Female bees of Euplusia seabrai Moure in litt., Epicharis umbraculata (Fabricius), Epicharis rustica (Olivier) and Eulaema nigrita(Lepeletier), as well as male bees of Eulaema cingulata(Fabricius) and Eulaema nigrita are apparently effective pollinators of adult Brazil Nut trees in the Aleixo plantation near Manaus. Only large bees capable of uncurling the floral androecium can effectively pollinate Couratari or Bertholletia.Pollen analysis indicated that all bees captured carried pollen of the host tree in question and had been foraging on flowers of plant species common in secondary growth. Secondary growth near the Aleixo plantation supports a bee guild which appeared to effectively pollinate almost every flower on the Brazil Nut tree studied. Proximity to primary forest (and to those Euglossine bee species which occur only in primary forest) therefore does not appear to be necessary for pollination of Brazil Nut trees.In the Aleixo plantation chronic low fruit set is probably due to some factor other than pollination. Since natural occurrences of Brazil Nut trees to the north and south of Manaus are associated with a higher soil fertility, low production at the Aleixo plantation may be due to deficiencies of the soil.

Preval��ncia da C.trachomatis entre homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) que frequentam um centro cl��nico comunit��rio alternativo em Barcelona

RESUMO - Enquadramento: A infe����o por Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) �� considerada um grave problema de Sa��de P��blica. �� causa de infe����es sintom��ticas tanto no homem como na mulher, bem como, de infe����es assintom��ticas que podem ter consequ��ncias muito graves a longo prazo. A presen��a de CT sem tratamento aumenta o risco de transmiss��o do v��rus da imunodefici��ncia humana. Existem v��rios estudos publicados de preval��ncia da CT por todo o mundo, no entanto, estudos de preval��ncia da CT em popula����es assintom��ticas, envolvendo homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) s��o raros na Europa. Assim, o presente estudo, ao estimar a preval��ncia e ao descrever as carater��sticas epidemiol��gicas e de conduta dos HSH, pretende contribuir para o plano de a����o contra as IST��s e VIH na Catalunha, atrav��s de estrat��gias concretas para dete����o e preven����o da CT. M��todos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal de preval��ncia da CT em HSH utentes de um servi��o comunit��rio em Barcelona, com recurso a t��cnicas de diagn��stico de biologia molecular e a um question��rio. Durante Mar��o e Junho de 2015, foram recrutados 200 volunt��rios de um servi��o comunit��rio em Barcelona que foram testados para CT e NG em tr��s locais anat��micos atrav��s de uma PCR em tempo real utilizando o ensaio Anyplex��� CT/NG Real-time Detection. Resultados: O presente estudo permitiu uma carateriza����o da situa����o atual quanto �� preval��ncia e aos fatores de risco associados �� infe����o por CT em HSH. A preval��ncia nesta popula����o espec��fica foi de 12,6% e os fatores risco associados foram o facto de serem VIH e praticarem sexo anal insertivo/recetivo com parceiro est��vel. Conclus��es: Os resultados obtidos refor��am a necessidade do desenvolvimento de estrat��gias adequadas de controlo e preven����o da CT nesta popula����o de risco, tais como: rastreios frequentes e tratamento dos casos positivos para quebrar a cadeia de transmiss��o, promo����o da sa��de, educa����o e notifica����o dos parceiros sexuais. Tamb��m demonstram a import��ncia destes rastreios nos tr��s locais anat��micos: uretra, reto e faringe.

CARACTERIZA����O F��SICA E QU��MICA DOS FRUTOS DE ARA����-PERA (Psidium acutangulumD.C.)

Frutos de ara����-pera (Psidium acutanguium D.C.) em est��dio de amadurecimento comercial foram avaliados quanto ��s caracter��sticas f��sicas, fisico-qu��micas e qu��micas. Houve grande varia����o no peso dos frutos (47,89 a 138,34 g) e no rendimento em polpa (55,01 a 75,98%). O ara����-pera �� um fruto suculento (85,85% de umidade), com baixa rela����o Brix/ acidez (5,88), baixo pH (3,0) e acidez elevada (1,87% de ��cido citrico). Destaca-se como excelente fonte de vitamina C total (389,34 mg l00g-1 de polpa integral). O baixo grau de do��ura �� fator limitante para o consumo "in natura". Apresenta potencial para industrializa����o, e para esta finalidade, seus atributos de qualidade s��o a uniformidade de formato,(levemente arredondado), alto rendimento em polpa, baixo pH e elevadas concentra����es de acidez e vitamina C total.

DISTINGUISHING Campa guianensis Aubl. FROM Campa procera D.C. (MELIACEAE) BY MORPHOLOGY OF YOUNG SEEDLINGS

Seedling morphology was studied in Campa guianensisAubl. and Carapa proceraD. C. from germination to 90 days age. In both species germination is hypogeal and cryptocotylar. Both have rare albino seedlings. Though both species have compound leaves when adult, C, proceraputs out an average total of six simple leaves at germination, while leaves of C. guianensisare compound at all stages. This is the best diagnostic character for separation of the two species at the young seedling stage. Not diagnostic, but none the less useful, is the fact, that polyembryonic seeds are often found in C. procera,but not observed in C guianensis.

M��TODOS SIMPLES DE ARMAZENAMENTO DAS SEMENTES DE ANDIROBA (Carapa guianensisAubl. e Carapa proceraD.C. -Meliaceae).

O estudo objetivou testar procedimentos simples e de ampla aplica����o que permitem o armazenamento de sementes recalcitrantes de ess��ncias florestais cuja produ����o de mudas �� limitada pela oferta de sementes. Carapa procerae C. guianensiss��o esp��cies de interesse econ��mico cujas sementes perdem sua capacidade germinativa poucos dias ap��s a coleta. Em C. proceratal perda j�� foi correlacionada com a desidrata����o das sementes. Foram testados m��todos de armazenamento em sacos pl��sticos, durante 7 meses, em diferentes condi����es ambientais e em ��gua corrente. Observou-se os teores de umidade no inicio e ap��s os tratamentos. O armazenamento na sombra n��o teve sucesso, provavelmente devido a destrui����o da embalagem por insetos, o que causou a perda da viabilidade das sementes por dessecamento. O armazenamento das sementes enterradas no solo tamb��m n��o foi poss��vel, devido a destrui����o dos sacos pela fauna do solo, o que favoreceu a embebi����o e consequentemente a germina����o das sementes. Sementes de andiroba n��o suportaram o armazenamento em ��gua corrente e nem em condi����es de temperaturas baixas (6 ��C +/- 4 ��C). O armazenamento mostrou manter a viabilidade das sementes em sacos pl��sticos selados, quando realizado em ambientes com ar-condicionado (25 ��C +/- 4 ��C e 45 - 60 % de umidade relativa) durante 7 meses.