High intake of fruits and vegetables predicts weight loss in Brazilian overweight adults

To determine whether changes in dietary intakes predict weight loss, we studied 80 overweight adults who attended a nutritional counseling program during 6 months of follow-up at a primary health care center in Brazil. Habitual diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire at baseline and after 6 months. The mean age (+/-SD) of the participants was 46.5 +/- 9.5 years, and their mean body mass index was 29 +/- 3 kg/m(2) at baseline. After 6 months, the differences in body weight and fruit/vegetable intake were -1.4 +/- 3 kg and 109 +/- 320 g daily, respectively. Using multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, changes in walking time, and total energy intake, the increased intake of dietary fiber from fruits/vegetables was associated with a greater weight loss (beta 1 [95% confidence interval (CI)] = -0.180 [-0.269, -0.0911) after 6 months of follow-up. Similar results were observed for increased intake of vegetables (beta 1 [95% CI] = -0.00497 [-0.008, -0.0021) and fruits (beta 1 [95% CI] = -0.00290 [-0.005, -0.001]) as predictors of weight loss. The increase of 100 g/d of vegetables and fruits represented a body weight loss of 500 and 300 g after 6 months, respectively (P <.05). Our findings support the relevance of increased intakes of fruits and vegetables that may help avoid weight gain in overweight adults. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Explaining sleep duration in adolescents: The impact of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and working status

Previous studies found students who both work and attend school undergo a partial sleep deprivation that accumulates across the week. The aim of the present study was to obtain information using a questionnaire on a number of variables (e.g., socio-demographics, lifestyle, work timing, and sleep-wake habits) considered to impact on sleep duration of working (n = 51) and non-working (n = 41) high-school students aged 14-21 yrs old attending evening classes (19:00-22:30h) at a public school in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected for working days and days off. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the factors associated with sleep duration on weekdays and weekends. Work, sex, age, smoking, consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and physical activity were considered control variables. Significant predictors of sleep duration were: work (p < 0.01), daily work duration (8-10h/day; p < 0.01), sex (p = 0.04), age 18-21 yrs (0.01), smoking (p = 0.02) and drinking habits (p = 0.03), irregular physical exercise (p < 0.01), ease of falling asleep (p = 0.04), and the sleep-wake cycle variables of napping (p < 0.01), nocturnal awakenings (p < 0.01), and mid-sleep regularity (p < 0.01). The results confirm the hypotheses that young students who work and attend school showed a reduction in night-time sleep duration. Sleep deprivation across the week, particularly in students working 8-10h/day, is manifested through a sleep rebound (i.e., extended sleep duration) on Saturdays. However, the different roles played by socio-demographic and lifestyle variables have proven to be factors that intervene with nocturnal sleep duration. The variables related to the sleep-wake cyclenaps and night awakeningsproved to be associated with a slight reduction in night-time sleep, while regularity in sleep and wake-up schedules was shown to be associated with more extended sleep duration, with a distinct expression along the week and the weekend. Having to attend school and work, coupled with other socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, creates an unfavorable scenario for satisfactory sleep duration.

Downward longwave radiation estimates for clear and all-sky conditions in the Sertozinho region of So Paulo, Brazil

The accurate estimate of the surface longwave fluxes contribution is important for the calculation of the surface radiation budget, which in turn controls all the components of the surface energy budget, such as evaporation and the sensible heat fluxes. This study evaluates the performance of the various downward longwave radiation parameterizations for clear and all-sky days applied to the Sertozinho region in So Paulo, Brazil. Equations have been adjusted to the observations of longwave radiation. The adjusted equations were evaluated for every hour throughout the day and the results showed good fits for most of the day, except near dawn and sunset, followed by nighttime. The seasonal variation was studied by comparing the dry period against the rainy period in the dataset. The least square linear regressions resulted in coefficients equal to the coefficients found for the complete period, both in the dry period and in the rainy period. It is expected that the best fit equation to the observed data for this site be used to produce estimates in other regions of the State of So Paulo, where such information is not available.

Approximating a class of combinatorial problems with rational objective function

In the late seventies, Megiddo proposed a way to use an algorithm for the problem of minimizing a linear function a(0) + a(1)x(1) + ... + a(n)x(n) subject to certain constraints to solve the problem of minimizing a rational function of the form (a(0) + a(1)x(1) + ... + a(n)x(n))/(b(0) + b(1)x(1) + ... + b(n)x(n)) subject to the same set of constraints, assuming that the denominator is always positive. Using a rather strong assumption, Hashizume et al. extended Megiddo`s result to include approximation algorithms. Their assumption essentially asks for the existence of good approximation algorithms for optimization problems with possibly negative coefficients in the (linear) objective function, which is rather unusual for most combinatorial problems. In this paper, we present an alternative extension of Megiddo`s result for approximations that avoids this issue and applies to a large class of optimization problems. Specifically, we show that, if there is an alpha-approximation for the problem of minimizing a nonnegative linear function subject to constraints satisfying a certain increasing property then there is an alpha-approximation (1 1/alpha-approximation) for the problem of minimizing (maximizing) a nonnegative rational function subject to the same constraints. Our framework applies to covering problems and network design problems, among others.

A reduction of CETP activity, not an increase, is associated with modestly impaired postprandial lipemia and increased HDL-Cholesterol in adult asymptomatic women

Background: The relationship between CETP and postprandial hyperlipemia is still unclear. We verified the effects of varying activities of plasma CETP on postprandial lipemia and precocious atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adult women. Methods: Twenty-eight women, selected from a healthy population sample (n = 148) were classified according to three CETP levels, all statistically different: CETP deficiency (CETPd <= 4.5%, n = 8), high activity (CETPi >= 23.8, n = 6) and controls (CTL, CETP >= 4.6% and <= 23.7%, n = 14). After a 12 h fast they underwent an oral fat tolerance test (40 g of fat/m(2) of body surface area) for 8 hours. TG, TG-rich-lipoproteins (TRL), cholesterol and TRL-TG measurements (AUC, AUIC, AR, RR and late peaks) and comparisons were performed on all time points. Lipases and phospholipids transfer protein (PLTP) were determined. Correlation between carotid atherosclerosis (c-IMT) and postprandial parameters was determined. CETP TaqIB and I405V and ApoE-epsilon 3/epsilon 2/epsilon 4 polymorphisms were examined. To elucidate the regulation of increased lipemia in CETPd a multiple linear regression analysis was performed. Results: In the CETPi and CTL groups, CETP activity was respectively 9 and 5.3 higher compared to the CETPd group. Concentrations of all HDL fractions and ApoA-I were higher in the CETPd group and clearance was delayed, as demonstrated by modified lipemia parameters (AUC, AUIC, RR, AR and late peaks and meal response patterns). LPL or HL deficiencies were not observed. No genetic determinants of CETP deficiency or of postprandial lipemia were found. Correlations with c-IMT in the CETPd group indicated postprandial pro-atherogenic associations. In CETPd the regression multivariate analysis (model A) showed that CETP was largely and negatively predicted by VLDL-C lipemia (R(2) = 92%) and much less by TG, LDL-C, ApoAI, phospholipids and non-HDL-C. CETP (model B) influenced mainly the increment in ApoB-100 containing lipoproteins (R(2) = 85% negatively) and phospholipids (R(2) = 13%), at the 6(th)h point. Conclusion: The moderate CETP deficiency phenotype included a paradoxically high HDL-C and its sub fractions (as earlier described), positive associations with c-IMT, a postprandial VLDL-C increment predicting negatively CETP activity and CETP activity regulating inversely the increment in ApoB100-containing lipoproteins. We hypothesize that the enrichment of TG content in triglyceride-rich ApoB-containing lipoproteins and in TG rich remnants increases lipoproteins` competition to active lipolysis sites, reducing their catabolism and resulting on postprandial lipemia with atherogenic consequences.

A Influência da estrutura de valores na expressão da autenticidade do líder

Diversos estudos evidenciam as vantagens da presença de líderes autênticos nas organizações. O presente estudo visa identificar as prioridades, em termos de valores, que impactam na autenticidade de um líder, ou seja, investigar quais as prioridades, em termos de valores, de uma pessoa, que podem influenciar no seu desempenho como líder autêntico. Mais propriamente, quais os Valores – considerando a estrutura de valores propostas por Schwartz (2005) – estão relacionados à expressão das dimensões que compõem as características descritas, na literatura, como sendo o perfil do líder autêntico. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa quantitativa, com questionário aplicado a 295 indivíduos de organizações com natureza e atuação diversas. Os dados foram analisados a partir de técnicas estatíticas multivariadas, utilizando análise fatorial e regressões lineares múltiplas e hierárquicas. Os resultados apontam que, de todos os valores propostos por Schwartz, apenas a Auto Transcendência relaciona-se positiva e significantemente com a Liderança Autêntica. Não foram identificados quaisquer efeitos de moderação ou interação, na expressão de Liderança, em relação aos pares de variáveis que representam os quadrantes da estrutura de valores. Assim, o estudo aponta para a Auto transcendência, traduzidos nos tipos motivacionais da benevolência e do universalismo, como principal fator preditor da autenticidade de um líder, esta sendo potencializada na medida em que o mesmo amplia suas experiências de coordenação e avança em idade ou tempo de vida.

Multiple structural change models:a simulation analysis

In a reccnt paper. Bai and Perron (1998) considcrccl theoretical issues relatec\ lo lhe limiting distriblltion of estimators and test. statist.ics in the linear model \\'ith multiplc struct ural changes. \Ve assess. via simulations, the adequacy of the \'arious I1Iethods suggested. These CO\'er the size and power of tests for structural changes. the cO\'erage rates of the confidence Íntervals for the break dates and the relat.Í\'e merits of methods to select the I1umber of breaks. The \'arious data generating processes considered alIo,,' for general conditions OIl the data and the errors including differellces across segmcll(s. Yarious practical recommendations are made.

Equação de regressão linear múltipla para estimativa do erro experimental

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estimar equações de regressão linear múltipla tendo, como variáveis explicativas, as demais características avaliadas em experimento de milho e, como variáveis principais, a diferença mínima significativa em percentagem da média (DMS%) e quadrado médio do erro (QMe), para peso de grãos. Com 610 experimentos conduzidos na Rede de Ensaios Nacionais de Competição de Cultivares de Milho, realizados entre 1986 e 1996 (522 experimentos) e em 1997 (88 experimentos), estimaram-se duas equações de regressão, com os 522 experimentos, validando estas pela análise de regressão simples entre os valores reais e os estimados pelas equações, com os 88 restantes, observando que, para a DMS% a equação não estimava o mesmo valor que a fórmula original e, para o QMe, a equação poderia ser utilizada na estimação. Com o teste de Lilliefors, verificou-se que os valores do QMe aderiam à distribuição normal padrão e foi construída uma tabela de classificação dos valores do QMe, baseada nos valores observados na análise da variância dos experimentos e nos estimados pela equação de regressão.

Genetic parameters for first lactation test-day milk flow in Holstein cows

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Seasonality of macroalgal communities in a subtropical drainage basin in Paraná state, southern Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Prediction of Hevea progeny performance in the presence of genotype-environment interaction

Twenty two open-pollinated Hevea progenies from different parental clones of the Asian origin were tested at five sites in the Northwestern São Paulo State Brazil to investigate the progeny girth growth, rubber yield, bark thickness and plant height. Except for the rubber yield, the analysis of variance indicated highly significant (p<0.01) genotype x environment interaction and heterogeneity of regressions among the progenies. However, the regression stability analysis identified only a few interacting progenies which had regression coefficients significantly different from the expected value of one. The linear regressions of the progeny mean performance at each test on an environmental index (mean of all the progenies in each test) showed the general stability and adaptability of most selected Hevea progenies over the test environments. The few progenies which were responsive and high yielding on different test sites could be used to maximize the rubber cultivars productivity and to obtain the best use of the genetically improved stock under different environmental conditions.

Predictors of health status do not change over three-year periods and exacerbation makes difference in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

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

Social support and infant malnutrition: a case-control study in an urban area of Southeastern Brazil

The relationship between malnutrition and social support was first suggested in the mid-1990s. Despite its plausibility, no empirical studies aimed at obtaining evidence of this association could be located. The goal of the present study was to investigate such evidence. A case-control study was carried out including 101 malnourished children (weight-for-age National Center for Health Statistics/WHO 5th percentile) aged 12-23 months, who were compared with 200 well-nourished children with regard to exposure to a series of factors related to their social support system. Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were carried out, odds ratios being adjusted for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The presence of an interaction between income and social support variables was also tested. Absence of a partner living with the mother increased risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 2.4 (95 % CI 1.19, 4.89)), even after adjustment for per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children. The lack of economic support during adverse situations accounted for a very high risk of malnutrition (odds ratio 10.1 (95 % CI 3.48, 29.13)) among low-income children, but had no effect on children of higher-income families. Results indicate that receiving economic support is an efficient risk modulator for malnutrition among low-income children. In addition, it was shown that the absence of a partner living with the mother is an important risk factor for malnutrition, with an effect independent from per capita family income, mother's schooling, and number of children.

Effects of recombinant LH supplementation to recombinant FSH during induced ovarian stimulation in the GnRH-agonist protocol: a matched case-control study

Background: Some studies have suggested that the suppression of endogenous LH secretion does not seem to affect the majority of patients who are undergoing assisted reproduction and stimulation with recombinant FSH (r-FSH). Other studies have indicated that a group of normogonadotrophic women down-regulated and stimulated with pure FSH preparations may experience low LH concentrations that compromise the IVF parameters. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of recombinant LH (r-LH) supplementation for controlled ovarian stimulation in r-FSH and GnRH-agonist (GnRH-a) protocol in ICSI cycles.Methods: A total of 244 patients without ovulatory dysfunction, aged < 40 years and at the first ICSI cycle were divided into two groups matched by age according to an ovarian stimulation scheme: Group I (n = 122): Down-regulation with GnRH-a + r-FSH and Group II (n = 122): Downregulation with GnRH-a + r-FSH and r-LH (beginning simultaneously).Result(s): The number of oocytes collected, the number of oocytes in metaphase II and fertilization rate were significantly lower in the Group I than in Group II (P = 0.036, P = 0.0014 and P = 0.017, respectively). In addition, the mean number of embryos produced per cycle and the mean number of frozen embryos per cycle were statistically lower (P = 0.0092 and P = 0.0008, respectively) in Group I than in Group II. Finally the cumulative implantation rate (fresh+thaw ed embryos) was significantly lower (P = 0.04) in Group I than in Group II. The other clinical and laboratory results analyzed did not show difference between groups.Conclusion: These data support r-LH supplementation in ovarian stimulation protocols with r-FSH and GnRH-a for assisted reproduction treatment.

Common factors method to predict the carcass composition tissue in kid goats

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